The Long March (Playhouse 90)

"The Long March" was a live television drama presented on the CBS anthology series Playhouse 90 on November 8, 1956. It was a fictionalized account of a U.S. Army engineering unit struggling to complete a vital bridge in the face of numerous obstacles during the Korean War.

The teleplay was written by Alvin Sapinsley and directed by Robert Mulligan. The cast featured Jack Lord, James Daly, and Marian Seldes. It was known for its realistic portrayal of the hardships faced by soldiers in a combat zone and the psychological toll it took on them. The drama focused on the tension between the officers and the enlisted men, the frustrations of dealing with bureaucracy, and the constant threat of enemy attacks.

"The Long March" received critical acclaim for its strong performances and realistic depiction of wartime conditions. Playhouse 90 was a prestigious showcase for original drama during the Golden Age of Television, and "The Long March" is often cited as one of the series' more memorable episodes. Its focus on the human cost of war and the challenges of leadership resonated with audiences at the time. Although kinescope recordings exist, the original broadcast was a live performance and thus had limitations in terms of visual quality compared to later filmed television productions.