FABULOUS FIFTIES, THE (CBS 1/31/60) Henry Fonda, Dick Van Dyke, Jackie Gleason, Rex Harrison, Julie Andrews, Shelley Berman, Mike Nichols, Elaine May

Television takes a look at the decade just ended, "The Fabulous Fifties.' Henry Fonda is host for the two-hour show.

Jackie Gleason's career is reviewed and he performs the "Sid, Old Kid" number from his Broadway musical Take Me Along."

Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews present "My Fair Lady" songs. Rex: "I'm an Ordinary Man."' Julie: "Just You Wait."

Shelley Berman, and Mike Nichols and Elaine May, comedians who were introduced in the Fifties, lampoon psychiatry.

Dick Van Dyke pantomimes dance crazes of the decade. His partner for this comedy sequence is Maria Karnilova.

Betty Comden and Adolph Green satirize cultural developments of the Fifties.

Suzy Parker represents the American woman in "The Creature," a film sequence created by Richard Avedon. Charles and Ray Eames also have contributed film features.

TV and movies are highlighted in clips from outstanding productions, including the memorable Mary Martin-Ethel Merman TV show produced by Leland Hayward, who also produced this show.

Excerpts from records illustrate music of the Fifties.

News events of the decade are recalled by eyewitnesses. The voices of these men are heard: Arthur Godfrey, sports stars Roy Campanella and Roger Bannister, sea captain Kurt Carlsen, submarine captain William Anderson, explorer Edmund Hillary.

Eric Sevareid provides commentary during the show, which consists of live, tape and film elements.

The program was written by Max Wilk and A.J.Russell. Alfredo Antonini is musical director, with Franz Allers conducting the "My Fair Lady" numbers. The choreography is by Dann Daniels.

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