Each episode presented a new story, with no overriding theme to the series as a whole. While some episodes were light entertainment, and at least one variety show was aired, the dramatic episodes often offered powerful stories on painful or controversial subjects as opposed to classic drama. The series showcased writers such as
Ray Bradbury,
Howard Rodman,
Ernest Kinoy,
Donald S. Sanford,
Alfred Bester, and
Gene L. Coon, amongst others. The program also featured actors such as
James Stewart,
John Wayne,
Charlton Heston,
James Whitmore,
Maureen O'Sullivan,
Arthur Kennedy and
Ray Milland. Both Stewart and Wayne appeared in an episode directed by
John Ford, "Flashing Spikes". The premiere telecast, "People Need People" starred
Lee Marvin and
Arthur Kennedy.
Alex Segal was its director.) were developed from the pilot films shown on this anthology series. One first-season episode ("The Jail") had been produced with the intention of airing as an episode of
Alfred Hitchcock Presents, but was shown on
Alcoa Premiere instead. The episode was written by
Ray Bradbury and produced by the AHP crew, with Hitchcock credited as executive producer of the aired episode. ==Broadcast history==