A Trip to Paradise (Playhouse 90)
"A Trip to Paradise" was a television play broadcast on the anthology series Playhouse 90 on November 21, 1957. It starred Mickey Rooney and Carolyn Jones, and was directed by Delbert Mann.
The play tells the story of Arthur "Artie" MacLeod (Rooney), a struggling New York City taxi driver who unexpectedly inherits a fortune. He then embarks on a spending spree, attempting to live the high life and win the affections of Iris Vardu (Jones), a sophisticated woman far above his social class.
The teleplay was written by Stanley R. Greenberg. It explores themes of class disparity, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the search for happiness. The production was notable for its live broadcast format, typical of Playhouse 90, and its attempts at a comedic but ultimately poignant portrayal of a man's sudden change in fortune. Reviews at the time noted Rooney's strong performance and the play's commentary on American materialism.