Nov. 17, 1964 - “Mr. Broadway,” a television series in which Craig Stevens portrays a public relations man, will be canceled by CBS after the presentation of Dec. 26. Its replacement on Saturdays from 9 to 10 p.m. has not been announced. The leading contender was reported to be “For the People,” on which William Shatner plays an assistant district attorney.
Doubts about the future of “Mr. Broadway” arose soon after its debut on Sept. 26, when it received unfavorable notices. After 13 episodes had been filmed CBS halted production.
Yesterday a CBS source said the network had wanted to make at least two more episodes, while it continued to weigh a decision, but that Mr. Stevens asked for a commitment of 13 more films or none at all. The actor could not be reached for comment.
“Mr. Broadway” is produced by David Susskind and Daniel Melnick of Talent Associates Paramount, Ltd. Last summer, CBS announced that the series was conceived by Garson Kanin, who received screen credit as the author of the first show. On another show he was identified as the director, but in recent weeks Mr. Kanin's name has not been listed in the screen credits.
Industry sources say that James T. Aubrey Jr., president of the CBS television network, maintained a close check on the story ingredients of the melodramatic adventures of the New York public relations man played by Mr. Stevens.
There was a report, unconfirmed by CBS, that “For the People” would make its debut Jan. 30. During the preceding four weeks, CBS would fill the Saturday evening hour with special shows. Herbert Brodkin is executive producer of “For the People,” which will begin filming here Dec. 1.
ABC announced yesterday that it would revise its early evening television network news program and introduce a new anchorman to replace “Ron Cochran and the News,” which is presented in New York at 6:45 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. It also said it would discontinue network news now presented from 11 to 11:10 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, after Jan. 1.
Mr. Cochran, who joined A.B.C. in 1962 after many years with CBS, expressed surprise at the development.
“As of Jan. 31 I’m through at ABC,” he said. “My contract has a short time to run after that and they have to pay me. I may be the only guy who ever increased the rating 68% and wound up being bounced.”
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