Beginning January 13, 1955, "Pond's Theatre" replaced "Kraft Television Theatre" with one-hour live productions, ranging from comedy to drama, including originals written for television as well as adaptations of well-known literary works. The news series was sponsored (and re-named accordingly) by "Pond's" Extract Co. (Cosmetics and Face-Cream).
The 28 year old Rod Serling made his screen writing debut for this television series on the 8th April 1953 in an episode titled 'Next of Kin'. He also wrote 'A Long Time Till Dawn' on November 11th 1953 which starred James Dean before he was immortalized on the big screen.
