Lux Radio Theatre

22
Drama #152

"Lux Radio Theatre" was an iconic American radio show that ran from 1934 to 1955, primarily on CBS Radio. It was renowned for its weekly, hour-long adaptations of popular films and Broadway plays, often featuring Hollywood's biggest stars reprising their original roles.

Here's a closer look at its significance:



  • Format: The show would adapt current or upcoming movie attractions and Broadway plays for radio, allowing listeners to experience condensed versions of popular stories.


  • Star Power: What made "Lux Radio Theatre" truly special was its ability to attract A-list Hollywood talent. Stars like Cary Grant, Claudette Colbert, Bing Crosby, Katherine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Judy Garland, and many more, appeared on the show, often earning significant fees (up to $5,000 per appearance).


  • Hosts: Initially, the show adapted Broadway plays from New York. In 1936, it moved to Hollywood to leverage movie talent and popular films, and renowned director Cecil B. DeMille took over as host, a role he held until 1945. Subsequent hosts included William Keighley and Irving Cummings.


  • Cultural Impact: "Lux Radio Theatre" was a massive success, becoming one of the most popular dramatic programs on radio for over two decades. It played a significant role in the Golden Age of American radio, bringing the magic of Hollywood directly into people's homes.


  • Notable Episodes: The show adapted a vast array of films and plays. Some famous adaptations include:


  • The Thin Man (with William Powell and Myrna Loy)


  • It Happened One Night (with Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert)


  • Casablanca (with Alan Ladd, Hedy Lamarr, and John Lodar)


  • The Wizard of Oz (with Judy Garland)


  • Rebecca (with Laurence Olivier and Vivian Leigh)


  • Miracle on 34th Street (with Maureen O'Hara and Edmund Gwynn)

  • The Day the Earth Stood Still

  • Wuthering Heights


  • Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (with Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur)

  • Suspicion

  • The Maltese Falcon

  • It's a Wonderful Life

"Lux Radio Theatre" was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1989, a testament to its enduring legacy in broadcasting history. Its success even led to a television counterpart, "Lux Video Theatre," which aired from 1950 to 1957.

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Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio


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    Up until this week this fantastic podcast has been a godsend to me. I listen to it at bedtime and when I wake up in the middle of the night. It cured my insomnia! But this week they added ads. I don’t actually mind that there are ads - I accept that they need to pay for the podcast - but the ads are screamingly loud and wake me up. It totally defeats the purpose. Please turn the volume down on the ads so I can sleep at night.
  • Mikey Likes Podcasts
    Ok but not 5 star
    I would normally give 5 stars to any broadcast I listen to but besides posting episodes and asking for donations there is no added value. No dates. No insights. No context in history. Nothing that a 5 star podcast production would provide. But they all can’t be 5 stars can they? And so thanks for this 3 star production and I can add all the value myself If I care to in one place. The internet.
  • Zeegha
    The Steel Trap
    Thanks for posting this vintage broadcast. One in particular, The Steel Trap, is excellent; very suspenseful.
  • JOHNNY:DOLLAR
    Amazing
    This is fantastic
  • KRIT76
    I Love Lux Radio
    Thanks to my Mom I know many of these old movies adapted to radio. I think TV is over rated nowadays and prefer radio shows now. I especially love the Disney classics on here with the original actors voicing their characters like Jimney Cricket,Peter Pan and Wendy,Alice, Snow White and Pinocchio. Perfect for longer drives and as bigger kid bedtime stories.
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