P.O.W.

"P.O.W." was an American television play that was broadcast by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on October 27, 1953. It was the first episode of the long-running series The United States Steel Hour. The production examined the physical and mental suffering of former prisoners of war returning from the Korean War. Produced and directed by Alex Segal, the production starred Richard Kiley, Gary Merrill, and Brian Keith. Plot Act I Produced three months after the end of the Korean War, the play is set at a military hospital where American soldiers are treated after being released from prisoner of war camp number 9. The soldiers were subjected to various physical and mental hardships, including brainwashing. Major E.E. Mead is a neuropsychiatrist who provides treatment and support to the soldiers. Sgt. Lucky Dover arrives at the hospital having lost 25 pounds and in delicate mental condition. He is a hero among most of the former prisoners for having stood up to their Chinese captors. Other characters also have emotional scars from their time as prisoners. Freddy Benton suffers from crippling guilt for having been broken by his captors into signing a false confession.