The Hallmark Hall of Fame specials are among the high points of each television season. The dramas, usually movie-length, bring to the viewers fine actors in quality adaptations of recent Broadway shows or older classic plays, as well as screenplays based on popular books. The presentations are shown during holiday seasons, which are peak card-giving periods, and times that the sponsor, Hallmark Cards, wants to get its name before the public. While the programs are praised for their quality, by industry standards they are not always big hits in terms of ratings. Yet, Hallmark has been steadfast in their support because the quality of the programs enhances the corporate reputation for quality.

The first special was presented on December 24, 1951 as a "thank you" to the consumers who had sent Hallmark Cards over the holidays. The host, Sarah Churchill, briefly thanked the viewers...