O. Henry relates this story of redemption to his New York barber. A good-hearted Texan crosses paths with no-good drifter Cricket McGuire, who has attitude and health problems that are killing him. He brings him back to his ranch to recuperate. Can any compassion bring bitter Cricket back to the world of the living? Is every human soul worth saving?

"The O. Henry Playhouse" is a 1957 single season, 39-episode TV series. O. Henry (William Sydney Porter) is considered one of America's greatest writers of short stories. His writings are laced with humor and irony and often end with a sly twist ending. Veteran character actor Thomas Mitchell stars in each episode as writer O. Henry himself as he relates his stories to his publisher, his housekeeper, a barber, a bartender, or the cop on the beat. In some episodes, O. Henry meets his characters as he discovers firsthand the story he will later write. This unique storytelling method gives great insight into the famous author's creative process.

You can read the original literary version of "Hygeia at the Solito" HERE and compare it with the many changes in the film adaptation. "Hygeia at the Solito" is one of 13 episodes in Vol. Two of "The O.
Henry Playhouse." The films have been beautifully restored on DVD by the home video label ClassicFlix!