"The Millionaire" was an extremely popular TV series in its day. Its premise was simple but effective. Each week, a very deserving man or woman would receive a check from a mysterious stranger for the total of one million dollars (a gigantic sum of money in the 1950's). The story would usually unfold with an enigmatic colossally rich fellow named John Beresford Tipton (Paul Frees) explaining to his associate Michael Anthony (Marvin Miller) who the next millionaire would be. Mr. Tipton was never seen, however, as the camera only shot him from the back of his huge chair and desk. After that, Mr. Anthony would seek out the recipient of Mr.Tipton's generosity and that person's story would be the main plot-line of the episode.
In "The Jerry Bell Story," Charles Bronson plays the title character, an ordinary fellow with little prospects for success except for his good-nature and his helpfulness to others. He befriends a young blind woman named Myra (Georgann Johnson) who also happens to be extremely attractive. Myra is searching for a cure to her blindness and Jerry does his best to encourage her and steer her in the right direction. It's apparent that Myra's blindness is only temporary and that the right doctor can perform the necessary surgery for her to regain her sight. When Myra finds that doctor (Harvey Stephens), Jerry realizes that he has a dilemma on his hands. Although he and Myra have fallen in love, she might not like what she sees when she finally gets a good look at him. As we all know, Charlie Bronson's face wasn't exactly suited for handsome leading man roles---even back in 1957. All's well that ends well, however. Myra loves Jerry for who he is "inside" and doesn't care if his face looks as if it was carved out of granite. Besides, Jerry got a cool million in the bank and he helped pay for her expensive operation. It's a match made in heaven. The scene where the two meet for the first time after Myra regains her sight is well done and provides a satisfying and realistic conclusion to the story.
Bronson does fine work here as Jerry Bell and displays a sensitive side that didn't show up very often in his later work. Georgann Johnson is perfect as Myra. Ms. Johnson was one of the more attractive early television actresses and had the acting talent to match her looks. She's still working today and has built up an impressive list of credits throughout the years.
In "The Jerry Bell Story," Charles Bronson plays the title character, an ordinary fellow with little prospects for success except for his good-nature and his helpfulness to others. He befriends a young blind woman named Myra (Georgann Johnson) who also happens to be extremely attractive. Myra is searching for a cure to her blindness and Jerry does his best to encourage her and steer her in the right direction. It's apparent that Myra's blindness is only temporary and that the right doctor can perform the necessary surgery for her to regain her sight. When Myra finds that doctor (Harvey Stephens), Jerry realizes that he has a dilemma on his hands. Although he and Myra have fallen in love, she might not like what she sees when she finally gets a good look at him. As we all know, Charlie Bronson's face wasn't exactly suited for handsome leading man roles---even back in 1957. All's well that ends well, however. Myra loves Jerry for who he is "inside" and doesn't care if his face looks as if it was carved out of granite. Besides, Jerry got a cool million in the bank and he helped pay for her expensive operation. It's a match made in heaven. The scene where the two meet for the first time after Myra regains her sight is well done and provides a satisfying and realistic conclusion to the story.
Bronson does fine work here as Jerry Bell and displays a sensitive side that didn't show up very often in his later work. Georgann Johnson is perfect as Myra. Ms. Johnson was one of the more attractive early television actresses and had the acting talent to match her looks. She's still working today and has built up an impressive list of credits throughout the years.
