The Backbone of America

The Backbone of America is a 1953 American TV movie written by Robert E. Sherwood and directed by Marc Daniels.

Plot
An account executive tries to find the perfect American family to use in a forthcoming advertising campaign.

Cast

 * Wendell Corey as Ben Bruce
 * Yvonne De Carlo as Victoria Johnson
 * Gene Lockhart as Uncle Cedric
 * Thomas Mitchell as Fred Tupple
 * Sammy Ogg as Wallie
 * Lee Patrick as Ethel
 * Gloria Talbott as Janet
 * Regis Toomey as Bill Carmody

Production
It was the first play Sherwood wrote for television. He did it under a contract with NBC to write nine original plays over three years.

The production was recorded in Hollywood. The cast had two weeks of rehearsals. De Carlo said she was "panicked" to do the show but it ended up well. Alec Guinness had a contract with Alex Korda to make one film a year and he agreed to star.

Reception
The New York Times said the play was "completely disappointing".