Hallmark Hall of Fame

Hallmark Hall of Fame is the most-honored program in the history of American television.

Related Topics:
American - Television

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The series debuted on December 24, 1951 with Amahl and the Night Visitors, an original opera by Gian Carlo Menotti. It was the first time a major corporation developed a television project specifically as a means of promoting its products to the viewing public.

Related Topics:
December 24 - 1951 - Amahl and the Night Visitors - Gian Carlo Menotti

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Early productions were highly classical in nature, and included Shakespeare's Hamlet, Richard II, Macbeth, and The Tempest. Biographical subjects were very eclectic, ranging from Florence Nightingale to Father Flanagan to Joan of Arc. Popular Broadway plays such as Harvey, Dial M for Murder, and Kiss Me, Kate were made available to a mass audience.

Related Topics:
Shakespeare - Hamlet - Richard II - Macbeth - The Tempest - Florence Nightingale - Father Flanagan - Joan of Arc - Broadway - Harvey - Dial M for Murder - Kiss Me, Kate

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After a few decades the series began to offer original material, such as Aunt Mary (1979) and Thursday's Child (1983).

Related Topics:
1979 - 1983

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American novelist Anne Tyler's works have been a popular source of material for the series. Three of her books - Breathing Lessons, Saint Maybe, and Back When We Were Grownups - have been adapted for the small screen.

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In total, the series has received seventy-eight Emmy Awards, twenty-four Christopher Awards, eleven Peabody Awards, nine Golden Globes, and four Humanitas Prizes.

Related Topics:
Emmy Award - Christopher Award - Peabody Award - Golden Globe - Humanitas Prize

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Not surprisingly, Hall of Fame frequently airs prior to major holidays in order to spur greeting card and related product sales. It also traditionally airs during sweeps, a period in which ratings are used to determine advertising rates.

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