THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD Drake, Holm, Hayes, Cook (DVD)

One of the most acclaimed musical productions in television history, this 1957 telecast of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Yeomen of the Guard features a starry cast led by Celeste Holm, Alfred Drake, Barbara Cook, Bill Hayes, and Henry Calvin. At the time of its airing, The New York Times praised the “opulent production... that was a joy to see and hear.” Alfred Drake was “ideal;” Celeste Holm’s performance was “rich in wit and wisdom;” Bill Hayes and Barbara Cook “were, respectively, handsome and beautiful to watch, and they, too, sang superbly.” Also contributing to the success of the telecast was the “masterful” direction by George Schaefer and Franz Allers’ “rich musical direction.” Special features include the commercials from the original live telecast.
B&W, 79 minutes, 4:3, All regions

THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD; or The Merryman and His Maid
Opera in Two Acts
Music by Arthur Sullivan
Libretto by W.S. Gilbert

Cast:
Jack Point: Alfred Drake
Phoebe Meryll: Celeste Holm
Colonel Fairfax: Bill Hayes
Elsie Maynard: Barbara Cook
Lieutenant Cholmondeley: Robert Wright
Wilfred Shadbolt: Henry Calvin
Sergeant Meryll: Norman Atkins
Dame Carruthers: Muriel O’Malley
Leonard Meryll: Norman Barrs
Kate: Marjorie Gordon

Musical Director: Franz Allers
Produced and Directed by George Schaefer
Live telecast, April 10, 1957