The Comedian

"The Comedian" is a 1957 live television drama written by Rod Serling from a novella by Ernest Lehman, directed by John Frankenheimer, and starring Mickey Rooney, Edmond O'Brien, Kim Hunter, Mel Tormé and Constance Ford. Rooney's portrayal of a lecherous, vicious comedian who tears down everyone around him was widely praised. The 90-minute drama was part of the anthology series Playhouse 90 on February 14, 1957. The show was captured on kinescope and is available on DVD. Opening narration and introduction by Claudette Colbert "Live — from Television City in Hollywood — Playhouse 90 — Tonight starring Mickey Rooney, Edmond O'Brien, Kim Hunter, Mel Tormé, Constance Ford. On Playhouse 90, to introduce tonight's show, Miss Claudette Colbert." [Claudette Colbert stars in the February 21 episode, "One Coat of White". Many installments of Playhouse 90 were introduced by stars of episodes scheduled for the following week.]