Lux Redux: Hollywood's Timeless Theater

The Vagabond King: Songs of Parisian Triumph

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Lux Radio Theater with “The Vagabond King: Songs of Parisian Triumph”, starring John Boles as François Villon and Evelyn Venable as Lady Catherine. This riveting tale brings 15th-century Paris to life, capturing the courage, wit, and romance of a poet-turned-revolutionary. Against the backdrop of royal intrigue and the threat of Burgundy’s invasion, François rises to lead an army of vagabonds to defend Paris, all while vying for the heart of the noble Lady Catherine. Featuring iconic songs and a stirring score by Rudolph Friml, this episode is a masterpiece of drama, music, and history. Cast: John Boles, Evelyn Venable, Frank Nelson, Margaret McKay, Vicki Vola, Bret Morrison, Cecil Elliott, Wyndham Standing, Geneva Sawyer, Robert Riskin, Louis Silvers, and Rudolph Friml.

Chained: A Tale of Love and Sacrifice

In this episode of Lux Radio Theater, journey into the drama of “Chained: A Tale of Love and Sacrifice”, starring Joan Crawford as Diane Lovering and Franchot Tone as Mike Bradley. Set against the backdrop of luxurious New York and the Argentine pampas, this gripping romance explores themes of devotion, duty, and the complex decisions that shape our lives. With a stellar cast, including Gilbert Emery and Margaret Seddon, and directed by the legendary Cecil B. DeMille, this timeless classic will captivate your heart and leave you reflecting on the power of love.Cast: Joan Crawford, Franchot Tone, Gilbert Emery, Margaret Seddon, Frank Nelson, Leora Thatcher, Walter Soderling, Louis Silvers, Cecil B. DeMille, Helen Burgess, Rosemary De Camp, Oliver Hinsdell, John Lee Mahin, Edgar Selwyn, Henry Hanna

The Barker: Secrets Beneath the Tent

Travel back to the golden age of Lux Radio Theater with “The Barker: Secrets Beneath the Tent” starring Claudette Colbert as the beguiling snake charmer Lou and Walter Houston as Nifty, a seasoned carnival barker. This gripping drama unfolds the complex dynamics of love, ambition, and betrayal in the lively yet gritty world of a traveling carnival. Featuring outstanding performances by Norman Foster, Margaret Brayton, and an ensemble of Hollywood legends, this episode explores the sacrifices and choices that shape the lives of those under the carnival’s big top. A must-listen for fans of timeless storytelling and vintage radio! Cast: Claudette Colbert, Walter Houston, Norman Foster, Margaret Brayton, Harlan Briggs, Frank Nelson, Vicki Vola, Isabel Withers, William Royal, Charles Emerson, Ross Forrester, Louis Silvers, Emyle Barrie, King Vidor, Cecil B. DeMille

The Brat: A Tale of Redemption and Resilience

Step into the captivating world of Lux Radio Theater as it presents “The Brat: A Tale of Redemption and Resilience”, a compelling story about a feisty young woman named Peggy McLaren, whose life takes a dramatic turn after an encounter with New York’s night court. Starring the enchanting Marion Davies as Peggy and Joel McCrea as Macmillan Forrester, this episode beautifully captures the themes of redemption, class divides, and human connection. Set against the backdrop of 1930s New York, the tale unfolds with wit and warmth, showcasing Peggy’s journey from the streets to an unexpected place in a wealthy household. A classic drama with unforgettable performances that you won’t want to miss! Cast: Marion Davies, Joel McCrea, Cecil B. DeMille, Angela Lansbury (as inspiration for Angela-like role), supporting cast members as indicated.

The Voice of Bugle Ann: A Tale of Loyalty and Tradition

In this heartfelt episode of Lux Radio Theatre, Lionel Barrymore stars as Spring Davis, a seasoned fox hunter who cherishes his loyal hound, Bugle Ann. Set in rural Missouri, the story delves into Davis’s fierce dedication to his beloved hunting dog, renowned for her melodious “bugle” voice, which has won the hearts of local hunters. Davis’s life takes a tragic turn when a new neighbor erects a barbed wire fence, a danger to Bugle Ann and other hounds. This ignites a bitter feud between the two men, leading to unexpected and dramatic consequences. As tensions escalate, the story captures the struggles of rural life, family bonds, and the unbreakable connection between man and his dog. Barrymore’s poignant performance, accompanied by Anne Shirley as Davis’s daughter, brings a classic, deeply American story of resilience and devotion. The tale, adapted from McKinley Cantor’s novel, also features Cecil B. DeMille, adding historical perspective and intermission commentary that highlights the timelessness of these bonds. Keywords: “The Voice of Bugle Ann Lux Radio Theatre,” “Lionel Barrymore radio drama,” “July 6, 1936 episode,” “classic radio dog story,” “rural Missouri tales,” “Cecil B. DeMille Lux Theatre,” “1930s radio drama,” “Anne Shirley radio performance” Tune in to this heartwarming episode to experience the unyielding loyalty and tradition that defines The Voice of Bugle Ann.

The Thin Man: A Detective’s Christmas Mystery

In this episode of Lux Radio Theatre, a witty and urbane New York detective named Nick Charles solves a missing persons case that soon turns into a murder mystery. The story, originally written by Dashiell Hammett, unfolds on Christmas Eve in a New York City café. Nick and his charming wife, Nora, find themselves pulled into a dangerous mystery when a young woman approaches them for help in finding her missing father.What starts as a simple missing persons case quickly spirals into secrets, lies, and murder.William Powell and Myrna Loy reprise their famous roles from the hit film adaptation of The Thin Man. This broadcast also features post-play interviews with Powell and Loy, and a special guest appearance by silent film star Theda Bara, who discusses her plans for a Hollywood comeback.Actors:William PowellMyrna LoyW.S. Van Dyke (guest host)Dashiell Hammett (author)Porter HallMinna GombellBret MorrisonBarbara LuddyThomas JacksonFrank NelsonRolfe SedanTheda BaraSEO Keywords: The Thin Man radio play, Nick and Nora Charles, Lux Radio Theatre June 8, 1936, William Powell Myrna Loy, Dashiell Hammett mystery, detective radio drama, Christmas mystery radio showTune in to this Lux Radio Theatre episode for a classic detective mystery filled with suspense, humor, and star-studded performances!

The Legionnaire and The Lady: A Hollywood Debut

The Lux Radio Theatre made its grand Hollywood debut on June 1, 1936, with Cecil B. DeMille at the helm. This premiere episode featured the romantic melodrama “The Legionnaire and The Lady,” starring Marlene Dietrich as Amy Jolie and Clark Gable as the charismatic Legionnaire Tom Brown. Adapted from the film Morocco, this story centers on a love affair between a tough French Legionnaire and a nightclub singer in Algiers. Their passionate relationship is tested by rival suitors, dangers of the desert, and their own fears of vulnerability. In this adaptation, listeners are transported to the sultry heat of Algiers, where Amy, a singer, navigates the complexities of a foreign land, hoping for a fresh start. When she meets Tom, a Legionnaire known for his devil-may-care attitude, sparks fly amidst the backdrop of military duty and societal expectations. Their story is one of longing and sacrifice, culminating in a dramatic decision that could alter their futures forever. This episode marked a new era for Lux Radio Theatre, as it moved from New York to Hollywood, with DeMille introducing a format that brought popular films to radio audiences. A special interview with industry pioneers, including Jesse Lasky and live performances by Dietrich, added to the star-studded atmosphere of the night.

Dulcy: The Hilarious Misadventures of a Well-Intentioned Meddler

In this charming episode of the "Lux Radio Theatre," we are treated to the comedic antics of Dulcinea "Dulcy" Smith, a well-meaning but scatterbrained socialite with a knack for causing trouble. Adapted from the play by George S. Kaufman and Marc Connelly, this radio drama aired on March 29, 1937, and starred the beloved duo George Burns and Gracie Allen.Dulcy, played by Gracie Allen, is determined to help her husband Gordon, a businessman on the verge of closing a big merger with the wealthy C. Roger Forbes. Dulcy’s heart is in the right place, but her impulsive meddling turns a simple weekend gathering into a chaotic and hilarious series of misunderstandings. From persuading a young couple to elope to inadvertently upsetting a major business deal, Dulcy’s well-meaning but misguided actions result in one laugh-out-loud situation after another.Featuring lively performances from George Burns as Gordon and a special guest appearance by the famous party-giver Elsa Maxwell, who provides some party-planning tips after the story, this episode captures the lighthearted spirit of 1930s screwball comedy. With clever dialogue, witty banter, and an ending that ties everything together in a delightful bow, "Dulcy" is a classic episode that showcases Gracie Allen’s comedic brilliance and the charm of old-time radio.SEO Keywords"Dulcy radio episode," "Lux Radio Theatre comedy," "George Burns and Gracie Allen," "1930s screwball comedy," "Gracie Allen as Dulcy," "Marc Connelly George Kaufman play," "Cecil B. DeMille Lux Radio," "Elsa Maxwell party tips," "March 29 1937 broadcast," "classic radio comedy episode."

Irene: A Tale of Love and Luck in New York

In this delightful episode of the Lux Radio Theatre, the charming Jeanette MacDonald stars as Irene O’Dare, a young shop girl from New York with dreams of a brighter future. Adapted from the Broadway hit, “Irene” follows the journey of a simple department store assistant whose life changes when she’s introduced to high society. Thanks to a chance encounter with a wealthy customer, Irene is swept into a whirlwind of glamour and opportunity, posing as a famous Irish singer to boost a budding dressmaker’s business. Throughout the story, Irene is torn between her humble beginnings and the dazzling world she’s thrust into. Will she remain true to herself or be swept away by the allure of fame and fortune? Jeanette MacDonald’s stunning vocal performances add an enchanting quality to the episode, and Regis Toomey provides a perfect counterpart as her love interest, Donald Marshall. The episode also features D.W. Griffith, the legendary film director, in an engaging interview, while the talented Cecil B. DeMille hosts this captivating production. Keywords: “Irene Lux Radio Theatre,” “Jeanette MacDonald radio performance,” “Regis Toomey Lux Radio,” “1936 radio broadcast,” “Cecil B. DeMille Lux Theatre,” “Jeanette MacDonald songs,” “Classic radio drama Irene,” “Romantic radio play,” “Irene Irish singer story,” “Hollywood Boulevard Lux Theatre.” Tune in to hear Jeanette MacDonald’s beautiful rendition of the songs from “Irene” and enjoy a story that reminds us that dreams can come true, no matter where we start.

The Dark Angel: Love Interrupted by War

In this melodramatic episode of "Lux Radio Theatre," titled "The Dark Angel," listeners are taken back to 1915, a time when Europe was engulfed in the turmoil of World War I. This heart-wrenching love story stars Merle Oberon as Kitty Vane and Herbert Marshall as Alan Trent, a soldier whose life is changed forever by the ravages of war.The plot unfolds as Kitty and Alan fall deeply in love, and they plan to marry during Alan's leave from the battlefield. However, their dreams are shattered when Alan receives orders to return to the front. When tragedy strikes, and Alan becomes blinded, their love is put to the ultimate test. Will they find a way to overcome the obstacles that fate has thrown in their path?Directed by Cecil B. DeMille, "The Dark Angel" features a powerful script that captures the essence of love, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of wartime adversity. The broadcast also offers a unique glimpse into Hollywood history, with a star-studded cast and fascinating intermission interviews that add to the richness of this classic radio drama.SEO Keywords: "The Dark Angel Lux Radio Theatre," "June 22, 1936 broadcast," "Merle Oberon and Herbert Marshall," "Cecil B. DeMille radio drama," "World War I melodrama," "Classic love story," "Lux Radio wartime drama."Tune in to experience this poignant tale of love interrupted by war, and let the compelling performances transport you back to a time when the world was on the brink of change.