Angela Lansbury, Ronald Colman, Nigel Bruce, George McReady, how could McReady see pearls are perfectly matched and at least 60,000 pounds? "Ronald Colman TV"?!? "Sommerset Maugham TV Theatre"
This is a very confusing show to rate because determining exactly WHICH show it was wasn't easy. The file I downloaded from archive.org says it is an episode of "Ronald Colman TV"--but IMDb doesn't list this show. It also was listed as an episode of "Sommerset Maugham TV Theater" on the description from the website. However, after a bit of digging I realized that it is an episode of "Four Star Playhouse"--and Ronald Colman introduces and ends the show--otherwise he's not in the cast.
When the show begins, Colman and his date are at a restaurant. He sees a young lady (Angela Lansbury) there and relates to his date the unusual story of the young lady and her string of cheap beads.
Joan Robinson has been invited to a party among folks who are of a much higher social standing than her. She is a simple but likable governess. However, the Count (George Macready) sees her and declares to everyone that her necklace is extremely valuable. She denies this and says she bought it for a small amount. However, soon tongues start to wag and the people at the party start to think that this governess is actually a minor member of the royalty who has either fallen on hard times or who is choosing to remain incognito. And, because of that, all these society swells start treating her a heck of a lot better. She never lies and pretends to be anything other than a governess but these folks won't hear of it and begin inviting her to the best parties. What's going to happen next? See the show.
The plot for "A String of Beads" is awfully good. And, the acting is also quite wonderful. Excellent all around and an interesting and original tale.