Been watching this O. Henry Playhouse series from 1957 on Fawesome which amounts to 39 episodes over three seasons. The lead role is played by none other than character actor Thomas Mitchell (Uncle Billy) for those who are familiar w "It's a Wonderful Life." A young Alan Hale (as mentioned) is in one story. DeForest Kelley, Charles Bronson, John Carradine, Ernest Borgnine, Maureen Stapleton, Otto Krueger are seen in other half hour episodes. Nothing riveting just adequate sleep prep for old men.
* So in 1952 a movie titled O. Henry's Full House came out that was divided into five segments and the Christmas story line from Ben being in jail in Mayberry would have found its inspiration from the O. Henry short story "The Cop and the Anthem," which is one of the segments.
The movie is loaded with stars within each segment including the likes of Anne Baxter, Jeanne Crain, Farley Granger, Marilyn Monroe, Richard Widmark, Warner Baxter et al.
It's also narrated by John Steinbeck.
I'm certain some of these people were commies before I was even born and I must confess I have not checked their papers nor do I have knowledge of their political affiliation to pass judgement.