The Lux Radio Theatre was one of the longest running—and most extravagant—shows from radio’s golden age. The show featured the greatest stars in Hollywood appearing in hour-long radio adaptations of their biggest motion pictures. Cecil B. DeMille was the host for the lavish production of what was to become a veritable checklist of many of Hollywood’s best films from the mid-1930s through the mid-1950s. The stars of the movie usually appeared in their audio counterparts, although sometimes contracts or schedules meant that another actor took the part. The productions were live, with a full orchestra, and many Hollywood legends were not used to performing in public without the benefit of retakes. The greatest film legends appeared on The Lux Radio Theatre, including Humphrey Bogart, Barbara Stanwyck, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, James Stewart, and Loretta Young, to name a few. Sponsored by Lever Brothers, the makers of Lux Soap, The Lux Radio Theatre came to radio in 1934 and lasted until 1955 for a total of 926 hour-long broadcasts. It transitioned to television in thirty-minute weekly installments in 1950, with James Mason as host.
Episodes include
- “The Virginian,” starring Gary Cooper and Charles Bickford
- “A Farewell to Arms,” starring Clark Gable and Adolphe Menjou
- “The 39 Steps,” starring Robert Montgomery and Ida Lupino
- “Young Tom Edison,” starring Mickey Rooney and Beulah Bondi
- “O.S.S.,” starring Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake
- “Sampson and Delilah,” starring Victor Mature and Hedy Lamarr
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