Radio beams (and for that matter, TV beams) have to pierce a good deal of prejudice before they make their impression upon the home listener’s crowded mind. Nothing a favorite comedian does can possibly wipe off the smile on the listener's face, and the less favored comic fellow received for all his antics naught but a scowl. The classical music lover sits among bubbles of inspiration while listening to anything that has many strings and little brass, and some people listen to all sorts of stuff as long as it’s hillbilly. And so, before discussing episode one of Suspense's two-part production of "Othello" Monday night, my prejudices must be mentioned - (1) "Othello" is my favorite of all plays, whether written by Shakespeare, Shaw, Mae West or anybody, and (2) I like to hear it in one whole piece...

Kraft Television Theater, video’s longest running dramatic program, celebrates its sixth anniversary tomorrow night. The two producer-directors, Stanley Quinn and Maury Holland, have lined up selections from four favorite plays for the occasion. The choices, based on audience responses compiled by the sponsor since 1947, include "Wuthering Heights," "Of Famous Memory," "January Thaw" and "My Brother’s Keeper." This television theater is probably not only the longest on TV but the most consistent, too. Operating on low budget with few big name stars, the program has managed to offer adequate drama week after week. There have been few brilliant weeks, but there have been just as few that were dull. And a glance at some of the 309 titles will reveal an impressive array...

"Arms and the Man," representing George Bernard Shaw’s television debut, seemed a trifle worn when presented on yesterday’s Omnibus, the 26th and last of the season. Yet enough was shown to prove that when the Ford Foundation program returns next fall, it would do well to come back with as much Shavian drama as can be stuffed into 90 minutes sessions. The story of a Serbian soldier who, fleeing for his life, forces his way into a young lady's bedroom in Bulgaria and then effects the usual romantic entanglements seemed well tread by the time it got to the TV set, 60 years after premier performance. And the satire on military tradition lacked the necessary sharpness. But the presentation was arresting, and, since Shaw is never dull, yesterday’s Omnibus exhibited less dead weight than some of the other 25...