Schlitz Playhouse of Stars No Second Helping (1951–1959) Online

A delightful episode, it was written originally as the TV debut of William Powell who was to be reunited with his old Thin Man co-star Myrna Loy. Powell eventually bowed out pleading ill health and slipped into permanent retirement. Loy continued as the understanding middle aged wife of Tom Helmore who almost has a fling with the young and delightful Jill St. John. Loy was never as warm and wonderful as here. Miss Loy has written in her autobiography that she initially was displeased with the drop dead gorgeous St. John but eventually appreciated her qualities as a comedienne. Helmore was starring in TV episodes at this time while making movies in which he had small roles. In Vertiogo he excelled as Jimmy Stewart's college pal and in Advise And Consent he was the British ambassador.

Had things worked out as planned, this episode would have reunited Myrna Loy and William Powell. It was not meant to be, because the latter sustained health problems while making "Mr. Roberts" in 1954.

But it didn't matter here, because the episode works well. Though it may seem like an ever-so-slight outing, "No Second Helping" is actually an exploration of middle age and youth, of a fling that never takes place.

As a fan of Jill St. John, this episode is a cool chronicle of her time as a Universal starlet. She had already worked as a child actress, and then had a brief break before beginning her more-adult career in full force in 1957. Both she and Myrna Loy are incredibly lovely to look at (yes, 52-year-old Myrna Loy!), and all the performers do very well.

For those who like vintage TV, fun watching!