Manulis, Martin Ellyot

▪ 2008

      American television and film producer

born May 30, 1915, New York, N.Y.

died Sept. 28, 2007, Los Angeles, Calif.

was the creator and sole producer (1956–58) of more than 60 segments of Playhouse 90 (1956–61), a 90-minute dramatic live anthology series that won six Emmy Awards in its first season, five of them for writer Rod Serling's “Requiem for a Heavyweight,” starring Jack Palance. Manulis was credited with attracting superb writers, directors, and actors even with a limited budget. Under Manulis's leadership, Playhouse 90 claimed five Emmys in its second season; the show was named outstanding drama four times, twice during Manulis's tenure. Some of his standout episodes included “The Miracle Worker” and “The Comedian.” He was also involved in the production of TV's The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis and of the acclaimed film Days of Wine and Roses (1962).

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