The Comedian (1957)

A popular TV comic (Mickey Rooney) is a nasty piece of goods. A megalomaniac who enjoys humiliating those who work with and for him. In particular, his weak willed younger brother (Mel Torme) who is the butt of his TV jokes. Based on the novella by Ernest Lehman (SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS) and adapted by Rod Serling and directed by John Frankenheimer (THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE). Originally shown live on the omnibus TV series PLAYHOUSE 90, this is still a potent piece of drama from the aptly named "Golden Age" of television. One waits for this pint sized bully to get his comeuppance and when he doesn't, it's a kick in the gut. Rooney is sensational here, dripping with malice and spite and no concession toward likability. As the soft brother, Mel Torme gets our pity. We keep hoping he'll get a backbone but he's a born doormat. He'll attempt to fight back but he knows he'll never escape the position life has given him. With Kim Hunter, Edmond O'Brien, Constance Ford, King Donovan and Whit Bissell.