"Cradle Song" is a 1956 American TV film for the Hallmark Hall of Fame, directed by George Schaefer.
Plot An infant is reared by nuns in a convent.
Cast Maurice Evans, host Judith Anderson as The Prioress Siobhán McKenna as Sister Joanna of the Cross Evelyn Varden as The Vicaress Dierdre Owens as Teresa Barry Jones as The Doctor Anthony Franciosa as Antonio
Production Both Susan Strasberg–originally slotted to play "Teresa"—and Helen Hayes, cast as the Vicaress, were forced to bow out due to illness; Strasberg was going to star but had to pull out when her husband fell ill.Westheimer, David (May 6, 1956). "Gift From Spain". The Houston Post. p.. Retrieved April 24, 2026.
The episode was filmed at NBC Brooklyn in the Midwood section of that borough."Just Say 'Shi-vawn' Says Siobhan". Finger Lake Times. p. 10. Retrieved April 24, 2026. "Rochester-born scene designer Robert Wightman will veritably re-create an entire convent for the production. The huge area of NBC's Brooklyn Color Studio in New York resembles a 500-year-old typical Spanish convent of an enclosed order. A chapel, a number of cells, parlor. waiting room, solarium, cloister, the prioress' study, and 50 feet of corridor have been constructed." Music was performed by guitarist Julian Prol.Coppola, Jo (May 7, 1956). "Coward Batting .666". Newsday. p. 3C with costumes designed by Noel Taylor and settings by Robert Wightman.
Reception New York Times Critic Jack Gould called it "one of the most beautiful and deeply stirring programs television has ever offered.".Gould, Jack (New York Times Service). "'Cradle Song' Is Called Stirring; Maurice Evans Show Praised". The Courier-Journal. May 7, 1956. p. 1. Retrieved April 24, 2026. "To have missed "The Cradle Song" this afternoon was to have missed one of the most beautiful and deeply stirring programs television has ever offered. [...] 'The Cradle Song' was directed by George Schaefer, whose work was altogether superb. His groupings of the sisters and novitiates were achieved effortlessly and highlighted by little details that made the women seem individuals as well as nuns. The composition of many scenes was extraordinarily striking."
1960 production The play was filmed again in 1960 with the same director and many of the same cast.
1960 Cast Judith Anderson Siobhán McKenna Helen Hayes Kathy Willard Charles Bickford Geoffrey Horne
References
External links
1956 production at BFI