Family Theater

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A Final Word FAMILY THEATER It was Father Peyton’s desire to re- awaken the spirit of prayer in America, and to institute it in the families of the Program Guide by William Nadel nation on a daily basis. As he put it, “The family that prays together, stays Actress Ruth Hussey was determined. She would do all she could to get Family together.” As we, as a country, turn to Theater on the air. When NBC decided to pass on the program, Hussey enlisted more spiritual pursuits, a version of the aid of her husband, Bob Longenecker. As an executive at the Mutual Father Peyton’s dream seems to be Broadcasting System, Longenecker was able to arrange for a meeting with his coming true. May our nation truly boss. The program, Mutual insisted, must be totally non-sectarian and be an honor Father Peyton by putting aside anthology of dramas that would appeal to listeners of every ethnic and religious our differences and working together persuasion. as a family to fashion a more positive future. There were some union problems, but these were overcome, for many of Hollywood’s movies and radio stars were willing to give freely of their services to be on such a prestigious program. Often, Father Patrick Peyton their performances on Family Theater ranked among their very best.

The individual episodes presented everything from versions of great literary classics and tales of great heroism to good old- fashioned tear-jerkers. Each episode cost between $1,000 - $2,000 www.RadioSpirits.com to put on the air – and, PO Box 1315, Little Falls, NJ 07424 this was mainly for the technical personnel of Audio programs © Family Theater Productions the show. These costs were borne by Father Program Guide © 2010 William Nadel and RSPT LLC. All Rights Reserved. Patrick Peyton, and usually came out of his own funds, as the show 44802 Ruth Hussey had been his idea. The family_theater.qxd:8 pg. Booklet 9/16/10 3:34 PM Page 2

chief announcer during the series’ long run (which began in February of 1947) CD 9B: “The Bid was Four Hearts” adapted by Timothy J. Mulvey – 08/08/51 was Tony La Frano. La Frano’s career in radio included tenures as the vice- The true story of the Army transport ship Dorchester and the four immortal president and head of programming for the Don Lee Network (the West Coast chaplains of different faiths who stood together to help soldiers on the sinking affiliate of Mutual) and, eventually, head of operations for RKO-General in Los ship. Angeles. Unfortunately, he did not outlast Family Theater itself, for he died in 1961 while the show was still being heard in re-runs on many stations around One of the most touching, yet uplifting stories to come out of World War II is the country. the story of the Four Chaplains. These courageous and brave men remain shining lights in a world beset by religious strife. They were true heroes, and Radio Spirits is proud to present the following eighteen classics have set the standard for interfaith cooperation and dialog. In the short time from Family Theater for your enjoyment! they knew each other on board the ship, they became friends and buddies. Featuring one of the largest casts ever assembled for Family Theater , “The Bid CD 1A: “Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye” by Leonard L. Levinson – 06/05/47 was Four Hearts” stars Howard Culver as Clark Poling, John Stevenson as John A radio disk jockey doing his farewell show spins his favorite records and Washington, Stan Waxman as Alexander Goode, and Charles Seel as George remembers the happy and unhappy moments of his life and his marriage. Fox: the Four Chaplains. Supporting them are Herb Vigran as Jimmy, Tudor Owen as the skipper, Sarah Selby as Mrs. Washington, Jim Nusser as Dad Hosted by Regis Toomey, this story is set to the music of the 1940’s. Ozzie and Poling, and Fran Lindsey as Theresa Goode. Stephen McNally narrates this Harriet Hilliard Nelson star as Russ and Terry, with Coleen Collins as Helen. great legend, with Larry Chatterton announcing and Joan Leslie hosting.

CD 1B: “Advice to the Lovelorn” by Phil Leslie – 10/30/47 Although the Four Chaplains were lost at sea, there are many memorials Fibber McGee and Molly help Doc Gamble’s secretary, who has just broken up throughout the country honoring these heroes, and a postage stamp depicting with her boyfriend. them was issued in 1948. A recent book, No Greater Glory by Dan Kurzman, recounts the full story of the chaplains and the ill-fated Dorchester. This author, Jim and Marion Jordan reprise their who was acquainted with the family of one of the chaplains, hopes that the famous roles as the McGees with memory of the Four Chaplains will serve to inspire continuing interfaith Arthur Q. Bryan as Doc Gamble, Jess activities in the years to come. Kirkpatrick as Joey, and Tyler McVey as Dave Nolan in a tale spun by the “McGee” scriptwriter. The incomparable Betty White stars as Jane Ryan. White is one of the few performers who have been able to enjoy a seven decades long acting career…that is still going strong as of the writing of these notes. Don DeFore hosts this unique episode.

CD 2A: “Once on a Golden Afternoon” by John Sloat and Emil Frank – 06/10/48 The tender and immortal episode of Alice and Edith’s picnic with a famed college professor, that resulted in the classic Alice in Wonderland . Betty White The Four Chaplains Stamp

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CD 8A: “UFO” by John T. Kelly – Natalie Wood stars as Alice, Ann 10/13/54 Whitefield is Edith, and Tom Conway A team of representatives goes to meet is the professor. Virginia Gregg a delegation of outer space visitors on a doubles as the Duchess and the mouse, Pacific island. Will they be able to and Howard McNear is the White “welcome” the aliens in peace? Rabbit. Maureen O’Sullivan hosts this charming episode. Natalie Wood’s Once again, Gale Storm hosts Family recitation of “Father William” is the Theater. John Howard is Bill, with highlight of the show. Larry Dobkin as the narrator and Rubicoff, Vic Perrin as an officer, Lou CD 2B: “The Short Career of Dexter Krugman as the doctor, and Richard Coles” by Frederick Liff – 02/08/50 Peel as Rogers. A one-time “crusader” in need of money goes against everything he CD 8B: “After the Ball” by Robert believes in to support and assure the Hugh O’Sullivan – 04/27/55 election of a corrupt political boss. Natalie Wood The small town of Globe, Arizona has made it through a nuclear war. Is this Jack Webb excels as Dexter Coles in this cautionary tale, with William Conrad the future that awaits us? as Merrick, Virginia Gregg as Anna, Marlene Ames as Victoria, and Larry Dobkin as David and the officer. Famed singer John Charles Thomas is the Stephen McNally stars as Will in this host, and Gene Baker is the announcer. prophetic drama. Supporting him are Joyce McCluskey as Annie, John CD 3A: “The Golden Touch” by Robert Hugh O’Sullivan – 01/17/51 Dehner as Clyde Hope and CJFX, Leo A modern retelling of the legend of King Midas with radio’s famous tightwad Curley as Frank, Jeanne Bates as in the leading role. Helen, and Howard Culver as Ted Gale Storm Bouchey. Jean Hagen is the hostess. Jack Benny is perfectly typecast as the King, Frank Nelson is the Genie, Verna Felton is Molly in this strange parody of a classic tale. Also featured are Alan Now, two very special episodes: Reed as Tony and Matthew, Eleanor Audley as the Queen, Barbara Eiler as Imogene, Ted de Corsia as the Iceman, Howard McNear as the Magician, and CD 9A: “Summer Replacement” by John T. Kelly – 12/01/54 Howard Culver as Harvey. Hosting the shenanigans is Lucille Ball. A popular long-running radio show is about to make the move to television…without its leading actress. CD 3B: “Grandpa’s Marvelous X-Ray” by Roderick Peterson – 11/28/41 An old man and his great grandson find a stray dog that has the uncanny ability Una Merkel is Alice, a performer who is “too old” to play the character that she to see through walls. Will the boy’s parents allow him to keep this unusual created. Supporting her are Jeanne Bates as Ellen, John Dehner as Moody, canine? Larry Dobkin as Bob, Marvin Miller as J.B., Howard Culver as Harry, and Jeffrey Silver as Pete. George Crowell announces. Desi Arnaz hosts this all-too- Alexis Smith hosts Ralph Moody as Grandpa Gresham, Jeanne Bates as true saga of what happens when a favorite show with older, non-photogenic Florence, Howard Culver as Big Joe, and Jim Nusser as the dog catcher in this actors shows up on television. Ironically, the very bald Larry Dobkin made the heartwarming fable. transition to movies and television with very little effort, and usually without a toupee. CD 4A: “The Red Head” by Robert H. O’Sullivan – 02/20/52 A beautiful, dedicated, caring nurse struggles to help her doctor brother pursue an honorable path in his life. 6 3 family_theater.qxd:8 pg. Booklet 9/16/10 3:35 PM Page 4

James and Jeanne Cagney are siblings meet another space traveler who Andy and Marie Johnson, Howard “talks” about “the mad planet” where Culver is Doug, and Jeanne Bates is the beings were given a test and chose Mrs. Halter in this touching drama hate rather than love. narrated by John Stevenson. Bob Hope hosts with a pre-recorded CD 4B: “Curtain Call for Genesius” by message, while Raymond Burr stars as Fred Niblo, Jr. – 01/30/52 Schwartz, Bob Bailey as Friend, Vivi A comic playwright in ancient Rome Janiss as Caroline, and Howard Culver tackles the dilemma of the early as the head of Mission Control. Christians with most startling results. CD 6B: “Last Run” by John T. Kelly – Billie Burke hosts Tyrone Power in one 06/17/53 of his most moving performances as A veteran railroad conductor, making Genesius – the actor in Rome who his final trip to Chicago before became the patron saint of performers. retiring, remembers the highlights of Francis X. Bushman is Diocletian, his life while training “Slim” as his Betty Lynn is Flavia, and Mae Clarke replacement. Just what is the is Marcella. connection between the old man and the young trainee? CD 5A: “The Big One” by Robert Hugh O’Sullivan – 03-12-52 Gale storm hosts Charlie Ruggles as A leprechaun “watches over” a young Joe, Scotty Beckett as Slim, Howard Irish couple on their way to America Culver as Bill, and Howard McNear as Tyrone Power and their attempts to find success and Calvin Coolidge in this sentimental Bob Hope happiness in the “New World.” saga about railroading and aging.

Fresh from his success in Finian’s Rainbow , David Wayne again plays one of CD 7A: “The Martians and the Coys” by William Lutz – 11/11/53 the “little people.” Pat O’Brien is Daniel, Jean Ruth is Martha, and Dan The Coy family meets Malko, a space traveler from Mars, in this science fiction O’Herlihy is Patrick in this endearing story. situation comedy.

CD 5B: “Burden on the Family” – 03/19/52 Jack, Lil, and Lee Kirkwood are the eccentric Coys in this farce about flying Taken from the pages of The Saturday Evening Post , this exploit tenderly saucers. Jay Novello is Zim, Howard Culver is Luke and the radio announcer, foreshadows the problem of the elderly living in public nursing homes or young Beverly Washburn is the girl, and Paul Frees is the announcer in this hospices. hilarious hillbilly adventure.

Lovingly adapted by Jack Mitchell from the Pat Frank original, Gene and CD 7B: “A Different Drummer” by John T. Kelly – 02/17/54 Kathleen Lockhart star as Captain Abel and Judy, with Jeanne Bates as Mrs. A POW in the Korean War decides to defect and join the North to get better Lipscomb, Mae Clarke as Miss Suggs, Ralph Moody as Mr. Keys, and Howard treatment in this allegory about losing faith. Culver as Dr. Vermilion. Jeannette MacDonald hosts Robert Stack as Mike, Jeanne Bates as the CD 6A: “Journey of the Pegasus” by Robert Hugh O’Sullivan – 09/30/52 commissar, Larry Dobkin as Bill and the ambassador, Ben Wright as the Major, The spaceship Pegasus lands on the moon carrying two astronauts. There they Tom Howlan as Boots, and Jack Kruschen as Jim in this timely parable about war…and, deception. 4 5 family_theater.qxd:8 pg. Booklet 9/16/10 3:35 PM Page 4

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