The Old Time Radio Flier 32 "THE ARCH OBOLER PLAYS"
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The Golden Age of Radio
The intention of this lens and others I propose is to bring awareness to the almost forgotten media of American theatrical radio. To bring something old and new, in this technological age, to those who pass by and take the opportunity to listen to a media that has seen better days in the United States. The Old Time Radio Flier intends to show the quality, quantity and variety of programmes produced during the very short period known as "The Golden Age Of Radio". To give an understanding of the history of what is known today as "Old Time Radio".
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...be sure to visit all my lenses to download the OLD TIME RADIO programs of your choice for your listening pleasure....
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OLD TIME RADIO SHOWS AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOADING
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Old Time Radio show from the Golden Age of Radio. Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Macabre, Science Fiction, et al. Feel free to browse.
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ARCH OBOLER 1909-1987
Most people either liked Arch Oboler, or disliked him. His contribution to radio is either regarded as "GENIUS" or "SHOW-OFF."
In 1939 TIME called Oboler a "30 year old horn-rimmed half-pint scrivener" and dwelled on his eccentricities. In 1943 NEWSWEEK, noted that while some critics regarded Oboler as radio's literary genius, "to others he is an objectionable little round-faced Sammy Glick with a flair for flashy writing and a knack for getting his name in papers." On the other hand Oboler was compared favourably with Norman Corman the notable genius at CBS, since both men did what was regarded as "radio literature." Both crusaded against Hitler and both wrote intimately with flair and style that radio had not heard before.
Arch Oboler was born in 1909, endowed with a natural curiosity and imagination. In the 1930s, while still in school, he began submitting plays to NBC in Chicago. It is believed that he wrote at least 50 plays before the "FUTURISTICS, was produced. The play caught the attention of the production chief at NBC Chicago, and the play was used to commemorate the opening of NBC at Radio City, New York, in 1934. Oboler earned $50.00 for the play and played one of the characters to earn a few more bucks.
He continued in radio, writing for "GRAND HOTEL," "The RUBY VALLEE SHOW," then earned a one year contract on "THE CHASE AND SANBORN HOUR." Yes, he was the one that wrote the scandalous "Adam and Eve" skit for Mae West, which caused on of the biggest uproars in radio history. Then he was given the job of writing "LIGHTS OUT" when its creator, Wyllis Cooper, left for Hollywood. With "LIGHTS OUT" Oboler established his reputation. However Oboler saw the challenge of producing a HORROR show as temporary. In Hitler, Oboler saw a real monster, more evil than anything he could imagine.
He wanted to do his own playhouse, free reign for his imagination. He wrote "THE UGLIEST MAN IN THE WORLD," and decided to produce and direct it himself. NBC listened to the recording and bought the concept. "ARCH OBOLER'S PLAYS." were born.
On The Air
The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio
by John Dunning
In 1939 TIME called Oboler a "30 year old horn-rimmed half-pint scrivener" and dwelled on his eccentricities. In 1943 NEWSWEEK, noted that while some critics regarded Oboler as radio's literary genius, "to others he is an objectionable little round-faced Sammy Glick with a flair for flashy writing and a knack for getting his name in papers." On the other hand Oboler was compared favourably with Norman Corman the notable genius at CBS, since both men did what was regarded as "radio literature." Both crusaded against Hitler and both wrote intimately with flair and style that radio had not heard before.
Arch Oboler was born in 1909, endowed with a natural curiosity and imagination. In the 1930s, while still in school, he began submitting plays to NBC in Chicago. It is believed that he wrote at least 50 plays before the "FUTURISTICS, was produced. The play caught the attention of the production chief at NBC Chicago, and the play was used to commemorate the opening of NBC at Radio City, New York, in 1934. Oboler earned $50.00 for the play and played one of the characters to earn a few more bucks.
He continued in radio, writing for "GRAND HOTEL," "The RUBY VALLEE SHOW," then earned a one year contract on "THE CHASE AND SANBORN HOUR." Yes, he was the one that wrote the scandalous "Adam and Eve" skit for Mae West, which caused on of the biggest uproars in radio history. Then he was given the job of writing "LIGHTS OUT" when its creator, Wyllis Cooper, left for Hollywood. With "LIGHTS OUT" Oboler established his reputation. However Oboler saw the challenge of producing a HORROR show as temporary. In Hitler, Oboler saw a real monster, more evil than anything he could imagine.
He wanted to do his own playhouse, free reign for his imagination. He wrote "THE UGLIEST MAN IN THE WORLD," and decided to produce and direct it himself. NBC listened to the recording and bought the concept. "ARCH OBOLER'S PLAYS." were born.
On The Air
The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio
by John Dunning
GIVE YOUR OPINION ON ARCH OBOLER.
Opinions are divided on Arch Oboler some people loved his work and others didn't quite get it and though he was an attention getter. What do you think?
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Arch Oboler and Joan Crawford, Star of "400302 50 Baby."
THE FIRST SERIES OF ARCH OBOLER'S PLAYS
Introduction
The first series of "ARCH OBOLER'S PLAYS," ran for one calender year and was sustained (no sponsor.) According to the NBC sales staff the problem was that Oboler's plays had more significance in Europe than in the United States. Which was officially determine to stay out of the war. Oboler was fervently anti-Nazi one week and bizarre the next. His play "THE WORD" could be seen as straight fantasy, but the anti-fascist sentiment was there for anyone who wanted to look. In "THE IVORY TOWER," which explored the tragic consequences of ignoring aggression, the anit-Nazism was blatant.
At first Oboler used tired and true radio performers. Oboler had observed movie stars before the microphone and knew it was a fierce taskmaster. On live radio, there was no retakes. However, the stars heard his show and began to hear about Oboler, and asked for parts in his plays. Alla Nazimova worked for union scale in the anti-Nazi play "THE IVORY TOWER." Joan Crawford, who might earn $5000.00 for a single broadcast appeared in "Baby." To calm her down he let her perform in her bare feet.
According to RADIO LIFE the core of Oboler's technique was the ability to get deep into the human mind, "to assay the spiritual and psychological truth behind a smile, a scientist making marks in the sand during a seashore night, mysteries of birth and death, a shutter hanging in the wind, the implications behind a sigh." When PLAYS ended in March, 1940 Oboler moved on. He worked on "EVERYMAN'S THEATER," "PLAYS FOR AMERICANS," "THE TREASURE STAR PARADE," AND "EVERYTHING FOR THE BOYS." His war years were full, turning out plays and sketches, for the war effort, often without compensation.
On The Air
The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio
by John Dunning
At first Oboler used tired and true radio performers. Oboler had observed movie stars before the microphone and knew it was a fierce taskmaster. On live radio, there was no retakes. However, the stars heard his show and began to hear about Oboler, and asked for parts in his plays. Alla Nazimova worked for union scale in the anti-Nazi play "THE IVORY TOWER." Joan Crawford, who might earn $5000.00 for a single broadcast appeared in "Baby." To calm her down he let her perform in her bare feet.
James Cagney appeared in "JOHNNY GOT HIS GUN" which most critics consider the last word in anti-war stories. This story was of a First World War veteran who comes home without legs, without arms, without eyes, who had no face, who could not speak, who had been reduced to a "block of flesh." the result startled millions. Today I have to gear myself up to listen to it.
According to RADIO LIFE the core of Oboler's technique was the ability to get deep into the human mind, "to assay the spiritual and psychological truth behind a smile, a scientist making marks in the sand during a seashore night, mysteries of birth and death, a shutter hanging in the wind, the implications behind a sigh." When PLAYS ended in March, 1940 Oboler moved on. He worked on "EVERYMAN'S THEATER," "PLAYS FOR AMERICANS," "THE TREASURE STAR PARADE," AND "EVERYTHING FOR THE BOYS." His war years were full, turning out plays and sketches, for the war effort, often without compensation.
On The Air
The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio
by John Dunning
ARCH OBOLER'S PLAYS 1939-1940 (First Series) AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOADING
390401 2 Mirage Raymond Edward Johnson
A good story about an old man who writes in the sand at night the dates people are going to die.
390415 4 The Ways of Men. Past, Present and Future Raymond Edward Johnson
Raymond Edward Johnson
390429 6 The Cliff Frank Lovejoy
Frank Lovejoy
390506 7 Engulfed Cathedral Raymond Edward Johnson
Raymond Edward Johnson
390513 8 Baby Irene Wicker
Irene Wicker
390520 9 Crazy Town Edmond O'Brien
Edmond O'Brien
Two (presumably) Italian aviators crash after a bombing mission. They find themselves imprisoned in a "crazy town." 'In a community were all men are mad, no one is mad." A strong anti-fascist, anti-war drama.
390603 11 Dark World - Steel - Humbug(Includes only Steel) Unknown
390610 12 Nero's Wife Unknown
390729 19 Another World(The Voice Within Me) Arnold Moss
Arnold Moss
An eerie story about a woman's battle with the voice inside her...trying to take over her body!
391125 36 Mirage-Miss American(2nd half (Miss American only) Katharine Hepburn, Burgess Meredith
Katharine Hepburn
400127 45 Three Stories - With Tongue-In-Cheek Unknown
400309 51 Johnny Got His Gun James Cagney,Verna Felton
James Cagney
The superb, shocking best-seller about the legless, armless, blind, deaf and dumb war veteran. An eloquent anti-war statement, Cagney never better. Grueling to listen to, but worth it.
All three Oboler series were in quite a mess, literally mucked up. Even now I don't know if I have the correct episode with the correct title in the correct series. That includes episodes of "Lights Out" that have been taken, in error, to belong to one of the Oboler plays.
A good story about an old man who writes in the sand at night the dates people are going to die.
390415 4 The Ways of Men. Past, Present and Future Raymond Edward Johnson
Raymond Edward Johnson
390429 6 The Cliff Frank Lovejoy
Frank Lovejoy
390506 7 Engulfed Cathedral Raymond Edward Johnson
Raymond Edward Johnson
390513 8 Baby Irene Wicker
Irene Wicker
390520 9 Crazy Town Edmond O'Brien
Edmond O'Brien
Two (presumably) Italian aviators crash after a bombing mission. They find themselves imprisoned in a "crazy town." 'In a community were all men are mad, no one is mad." A strong anti-fascist, anti-war drama.
390603 11 Dark World - Steel - Humbug(Includes only Steel) Unknown
390610 12 Nero's Wife Unknown
390729 19 Another World(The Voice Within Me) Arnold Moss
Arnold Moss
An eerie story about a woman's battle with the voice inside her...trying to take over her body!
391125 36 Mirage-Miss American(2nd half (Miss American only) Katharine Hepburn, Burgess Meredith
Katharine Hepburn
400127 45 Three Stories - With Tongue-In-Cheek Unknown
400309 51 Johnny Got His Gun James Cagney,Verna Felton
James Cagney
The superb, shocking best-seller about the legless, armless, blind, deaf and dumb war veteran. An eloquent anti-war statement, Cagney never better. Grueling to listen to, but worth it.
All three Oboler series were in quite a mess, literally mucked up. Even now I don't know if I have the correct episode with the correct title in the correct series. That includes episodes of "Lights Out" that have been taken, in error, to belong to one of the Oboler plays.
Arch Oboler's Plays 1945 (Second Series)
Introduction
Mutual presents "Arch Oboler Plays" a twenty-six week series of plays. Sustaind. Produced, written and directed by Arch Oboler.
Arch Oboler and Tommy Cook
Arch Oboler's Plays 1945 (Second Series) Available For Downloading
450405 1 Strange Morning Ingrid Bergman
Ingrid Bergman
An excellent drama about a nurse who tells a ward filled with wounded soldiers that Germany has surrendered.
450503 4 Love, Love, Love Lurene Tuttle, Carleton Young, Cathy Lewis
Lurene Tuttle
An episodic look at the institution of Love.
450510 5 Holiday 194X Bea Benaderet, Norman Field, Lou Merrill
Bea Benaderet
An American family boards the first boat for Europe after the war ends, for a specific purpose.
450517 6 Mr Ten Percent Mary Jane Croft, Bob Bailey, Earle Ross
Mary Jane Croft
A good story about a Hollywood agent who finally finds a movie star to manage...and how he contributed $1 million dollars to the war effort!
450524 7 An Exercise in Horror(A Peculiar Comedy)Peter Lorre, Bruce Elliott
Peter Lorre
450531 8 Double Feature Wally Meyer,Mary Jane Croft, Bruce Elliot
Wally Meyer
450607 9 Night Gloria Blondell, Elliott Lewis
Elliott Lewis
An excellent, beautiful radio montage in the central theme of "night."
450614 10 Mr Pyle Burgess Meredith, Frank Martin, Bruce Elliott
[URL]http://www.mediafire.com/?jyuiinxf4u9[/URL]
Burgess Meredith
A sound portrait of Ernie Pyle, chronologist of the dog-face.
450621 11 The Naked Mountain Franchot Tone, Lurene Tuttle, Tommy Cook
Franchot Tone
A melodrama about two Spanish war orphans who sabotage the jeep being driven by an American officer. "Good" propaganda for Spanish War Relief.
450628 12 The Truth Edmund Gwenn, Rose Ann Murray, Antony Ellis
Edmund Gwenn
A thoughtful story about a scientist who puzzles after the ultimate source of cosmic rays and eventually discovers "The Truth."
450705 13 Dr Bluff Morris Carnovsky, Mary Jane Croft
Mary Jane Croft
450712 14 A Gallery of Big Shots - Feminine Lurene Tuttle, Mary Jane Croft
Lurene Tuttle
Six portraits of the female of the species.
450726 16 My Chicago Tommy Cook, Cathy Lewis, Bea Benaderet
Tommy Cook
A well written, amusing look over a young Chicago boy's shoulder, as he writes a description of his city to a Chinese pen-pal.
450802 17 Parade Van Heflin, Dawn Bender, Jane Morgan
Van Heflin
A great radio drama about a little girl at a victory parade...of sorts. The program is introduced by Arch Oboler and is dedicated to the 38th Army Air Forces.
450809 18 History of a Mug Bea Benaderet, Elliott Lewis, John Alden
Bea Benaderet
An old italian immigrant woman tells the story of her son's life...standing by his grave. Very well written and superbly performed by Bea Benaderet.
450816 19 Lust for Life Lloyd Bridges, Helen Beverly
Lloyd Bridges
The program is performed by members of the "Actor's Laboratory of Hollywood," which includes Lloyd Bridges. It contains excellent original music. A lyric biography of Vincent Van Gogh, fine radio, almost as impressionistic as the artist's canvasses.
450906 21 Mirage Raymond Edward Johnson, Joan Blaine
Raymond Edward Johnson
A good story about an old man who writes in the sand at night the dates people are going to die
450913 22 A Gallery of Big Shots - Masculine Cathy Lewis, Elliott Lewis
Cathy Lewis
A half dozen portraits of pomposity, human nature in the raw.>
450927 24 The Family Nagachi Barbara Eiler, Bill Shaw,Elliott Lewis
Barbara Eiler
A well written story about a Japanese family in California just after the end of World War II.
451011 26 This Living Book (I Declare War) Paul Muni, Elliott Lewis
Paul Muni
An anti-war plea.
Arch Oboler
ARCH OBOLER'S PLAYS 1964 (Third Series) AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOADING
641017 3 Special to Hollywood William Shatner, Gloria Blondel, Alan Reed
William Shatner
A dissolute Hollywood starlet and her press agents are flying in a chartered plane when the engines stop, but the plane remains suspended in mid-air.
641024 4 The Day Sinatra Got Fat Jack Kruchen, Valarie Barton
Jack Kruschen
Mysterious green stuff from outer space makes the entire human race grow fat as pigs...literally.
641031 5 Come to the Bank Virginia Gregg, Jay Novello
Jay Novello
641114 7 Big Ben Virginia Gregg, Ben Wright
Virginia Gregg
A cranky mantel clock is the god a native chief prays to while waiting to kill a baby.
641128 9 African Story Lurene Tuttle, Ben Wright.
Ben Wright
An English Lord returns to Africa to commit murder.
641205 10 Revolt of the Worms Unknown
641212 11 Bathysphere Ty Dee, Tommy Cook,Harold Peary
Tommy Cook
Oboler introduces a story about a figurehead and a fool stranded at the bottom of the sea.
641219 12 Mirage Virginia Gregg, Jack Kruschen
Jack Kruschen
A good story about an old man who writes in the sand at night the date people are going to die.
641226 13 Him or Me Unknown
A battle to the death between a man and a rat.
Synopsis taken from "The Radio Gold Index."
Don't forget your comments on "ARCH OBOLER'S PLAYS"
Anything, anything at all
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sousababy
Aug 8, 2011 @ 5:26 pm | delete
- Not everybody will 'get' his deeper messages. I found his work extremely thought provoking.
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Tipi
May 11, 2011 @ 11:34 pm | delete
- Obviously Arch Oboler was a very talented and gifted man who left quite a heritage behind.
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SereneSea
Mar 18, 2011 @ 1:30 pm | delete
- Personally, I feel Arch Oboler was a great artist, though he took some time to come out with flying colours. Usually, there is always a section of people who you cannot satisfy, so it is but natural that he left a section of society dissatisfied.
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