What a bunch of characters! Hollywood has always given us a plethora of memorable characters in the classic films made during the Golden Age, and here are some that will stir your imaginations as you listen to some true classics.
Leading the way is MGM star, Wallace Beery recreating his Academy Award winning performance in The Champ. In this story Beery plays a down and out boxer who finds redemption in the confidence supplied by his young son. Beery’s brother, Noah is in this one, as is one time Our Gang member Matthew “Stymie Beard”. Next up is the heartwarming, Goodbye, Mr. Chips. Robert Donat’s Oscar winning performance is in good hands with Laurence Olivier playing the shy and kind hearted teacher. Edna Best plays the woman who helps to bring him out of his shell. Next on the bill is A Man to Remember, Bob Burns. Burns goes dramatic in this touching story of a small town doctor who’s heart is bigger than his pocketbook. Burn’s adopted daughter is played here by Anita Louise. And get ready to “Win one for the Gipper” in the Lux radio adaptation of Knute Rockne, All American. Pat O’Brien and Ronald Reagan repeat their roles as the Swedish born football coach of Notre Dame, and his star player, George Gipp. Donald Crisp repeats his role as Father Callahan, and Fay Wray takes the female lead. Young Tom Edison follows as Mickey Rooney repeats his fine film performance (this was the prequel to Edison, the Man, starring Spencer Tracy). The great character actress, Beulah Bondi portrays Rooney’s mom in this one. And finally, it’s Charles Boyer as the notorious thief, Pepe Le Moko, along with love interest, Hedy Lamar repeating their roles in Algiers. Boyer and Lamarr make for a steamy pair as the two traverse the dark alleyways of intrigue and suspense.
If you love great characters from the silver screen then you will relish these fine adaptations for your ears only! Meticulously restored by Radio Archives.
Nick Santa Maria, a published film historian and author, is the Project Producer for this series.
#237 The Champ
Starring Wallace Beery and Noah Beery
Monday, November 13, 1939 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
#238 Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Starring Laurence Olivier and Edna Best
Monday, November 20, 1939 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
#240 A Man to Remember
Starring Bob Burns and Anita Louise
Monday, December 4, 1939 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
#284 Knute Rockne, All American
Starring Pat O'Brien and Ronald Reagan
Monday, December 2, 1940 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
#287 Young Tom Edison
Starring Mickey Rooney and Beulah Bondi
Monday, December 23, 1940 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
#315 Algiers
Starring Charles Boyer and Hedy Lamarr
Monday, July 7, 1941 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
