In the premiere episode, author O. Henry relates to his housekeeper a western story he wrote about experiences while living in Texas. Quicksand sheriff Buck (Ernest Borgnine) insists on law, order, and no guns in town. Former notorious badman Calliope (Dick Foran) returns to town to free his reckless young brother from jail. The merchants pressure Buck to go easy since a little notoriety is good for business, but has Cal really gone straight? Has he really mellowed toward violence?

"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 "The Reformation of Calliope" HERE and compare it with the many changes in the film adaptation. "The Reformation of Calliope" is one of 13 episodes in volume one
of "The O. Henry Playhouse." The films have been beautifully restored on DVD by the home video label ClassicFlix!