James MacArthur Official Website: Studio One: Ticket to Tahiti

Studio One

Ticket to Tahiti (2 June 1958)

Appearing as Jim Gibson

Broadcast live 2 June 1958 on the CBS television network, this is the story of widower Bill Gibson (Franchot Tone). His job is dull, his romance with an attractive divorcee (Kim Hunter; xref The Young Stranger) has gone stale, and his son (James MacArthur) and daughter-in-law (Olive Sturgess) do not welcome him in their home. Gibson dreams of escaping from these problems by taking a trip to the South Seas. But when his spoiled, irresponsible son asks him for a large sum of money, Gibson decides to take a close look at the factors which have caused the deterioration of his relationship with the boy. Also featured Sheila Bromley as the travel agent and Lillian Bronson (xref Spencer's Mountain) as the elder Gibson's secretary.

“Tele Review”
Ticket to Tahiti (Studio One)
Review published in Variety (4 June 1958)

“Studio One in Hollywood” finally came up with a perceptive, intelligent script, and producer Norman Felton & Co. Went to town on it to turn out one of the more qualitative dramas of the season.

With some brilliant acting on the part of young James MacArthur and Franchot Tone, deft direction by David Greene and excellent supporting performances by Kim Hunter and Olive Sturgess, Richard Bassing’s script came alive as a believable and sympathetic work.

Bassing’s story concerned a middle-aged widower who’s lost his grip on life and wants to wander off somewhere to “think” for a year. He’s awakened to reality when he realizes his son is turning into an irresponsible and unlikable liar and cheat, and his decision to lay down a firm hand after giving the son his head all his life snaps him out of his trance.

It’s a simple enough story, but a penetrating characterization by MacArthur, as the glib and rebellious but uncertain youngster who’s never had the benefit of guidance, made the show a memorable one. Tone was entirely believable in a difficult role, and Miss Sturgess, as MacArthur’s immature, unsociable and shiftless teenage wife, turned in a solid job. Miss Hunter, as Tone’s on-again, off-again girlfriend delivered a smoothly competent performance and Sheila Bremley was good as an ever-enthusiastic travel agent. Greene’s direction, particularly of young MacArthur, was standout.

For more on Franchot Tone, visit Urbane Rebel: The Franchot Tone Story Website