HALLMARK HALL OF FAME - PAGE 9

For more than 60 years, the Hallmark Hall of Fame presents original films that entertain, enlighten and inspire.

The first Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation (December 24, 1951) was the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti's opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors. The first original opera ever commissioned for television, Amahl enjoyed several encore presentations over the years. It made further television network history in 1953 when it became the first sponsored program ever presented in color.

Many Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations since have been groundbreaking. Hamlet (1953) was the first play by William Shakespeare ever presented on television. More people watched that broadcast than had seen the classic play on stage during the 350 years since it was written. The series also earns the acclaim of consumers and critics for its award-winning commercials. In an age of increasing clutter, Hallmark Hall of Fame broadcasts are distinguished by fewer commercial minutes and fewer commercial breaks than other network programming.

Hallmark Cards Chairman Donald J. Hall says the Hallmark Hall of Fame remains an integral and vibrant part of the company's culture. "We are in the business of helping people communicate," says Hall, "a key part of that mandate has been the Hallmark Hall of Fame."

"Thanks to the enormous contributions of hundreds of superbly talented writers, actors, directors and other creative artists, we've been able to develop and present material that both informs and entertains. We've stayed the course for 60 years, and I think our artistic record speaks for itself. I'm proud of the Hallmark Hall of Fame's history and feel confident about its future."