Lux Redux: Hollywood's Timeless Theater

Alice Adams: Dreams, Dignity, and a Dance of Class

In Lux Radio Theatre’s elegant New Year broadcast, “Alice Adams: Dreams, Dignity, and a Dance of Class”, Claudette Colbert stars as Alice Adams, a charming and determined young woman from a modest background who longs for a better life—and love with a wealthy young man, Arthur Russell, played by Fred MacMurray. Adapted from Booth Tarkington’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this bittersweet drama explores the social pressures and quiet battles faced by a woman caught between fantasy and reality.As Alice tries to elevate her social standing through poise and pretense, her ambitions are put to the test when her family’s secrets—and her own honesty—threaten to undo everything. With standout performances from Walter Connolly and Ann Shoemaker, this timeless tale captures the yearning, pride, and vulnerability of a woman chasing love and respect in a world that judges by appearances.Cast Members: Claudette Colbert, Fred MacMurray, Walter Connolly, Ann Shoemaker, Benny Baker, Louis Silvers, Cecil B. DeMille Special Guest: Ruth Chatterton (actress and aviator)

Beloved Enemy: A Rebel’s Heart, A Nation’s Hope

In Lux Radio Theater’s powerful New Year’s broadcast, “Beloved Enemy: A Rebel’s Heart, A Nation’s Hope”, Brian Aherne stars as Dennis Reardon, a passionate leader of the Irish independence movement in 1921, and Madeline Carroll shines as Lady Helen Athlee, the daughter of a British diplomat. When Dennis risks everything to fight for his country’s freedom, he finds his convictions tested by an unlikely romance with the woman who stands on the other side of the struggle. As political tensions erupt and assassins close in, Dennis must choose between the ideals that define him and the love that transforms him. Adapted from the Samuel Goldwyn film, this sweeping historical drama features unforgettable performances by C. Aubrey Smith and Donald Crisp, and captures the hope, heartbreak, and heroism of a revolution fueled by love and sacrifice. Cast Members: Brian Aherne, Madeline Carroll, C. Aubrey Smith, Donald Crisp, Louis Silvers, Cecil B. DeMille Special Guests: Ted Lesser (Paramount), Walter Hoffman (special effects)

The Song of Songs: A Sculptor’s Passion, A Lover’s Fall

In Lux Radio Theater’s haunting and poetic Christmas broadcast, "The Song of Songs: A Sculptor’s Passion, A Lover’s Fall", Marlene Dietrich delivers a mesmerizing performance as Lily, a naive young woman whose journey from innocence to heartbreak is carved—quite literally—into stone. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. co-stars as Richard Waldo, a tormented sculptor who discovers in Lily the perfect model—and muse—for his most ambitious work. But when obsession, betrayal, and social ambition collide, their fragile love story shatters beneath the weight of art, pride, and sacrifice. Lionel Atwill is chilling as Baron von Merzbach, the wealthy patron who sees Lily as a possession to be acquired. With a passionate script adapted from Herman Sudermann’s novel and Edward Sheldon’s play, and underscored by biblical echoes from The Song of Solomon, this unforgettable production explores the tension between artistic inspiration and emotional devastation. Cast Members: Marlene Dietrich, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Lionel Atwill, Pedro de Cordoba, Cecil B. DeMille, Louis SilversSpecial Guests: Walt Disney, James Cromwell, Helen Wills Moody

The 39 Steps: A Spy, a Stranger, and a Secret to Die For

In this electrifying adaptation of John Buchan’s classic novel, Lux Radio Theater presents "The 39 Steps: A Spy, a Stranger, and a Secret to Die For", starring Robert Montgomery as the wrong man in the wrong place at the wrong time. When Richard Hannay meets a mysterious woman who claims to be a spy, he’s thrust into a deadly game of espionage, murder, and a cross-country chase to clear his name—and stop a top-secret formula from being smuggled out of Britain. Co-starring Ida Lupino as Pamela, the reluctant companion who finds herself handcuffed to a fugitive she isn’t sure she trusts, this thrilling production captures the suspense, wit, and romantic tension of Alfred Hitchcock’s original film. Featuring Gene Lockhart as the enigmatic “Mr. Memory” and an unforgettable climax in a London music hall, this is golden age radio at its very best. Cast Members: Robert Montgomery, Ida Lupino, Gene Lockhart, Isabel Jewell, Cecil B. DeMille, Louis Silvers, Major C.E. Russell (guest)

These Three: Secrets, Scandal, and the Price of a Lie

In one of Lux Radio Theater’s most haunting and powerful dramas, "These Three: Secrets, Scandal, and the Price of a Lie", Barbara Stanwyck stars as Martha Dobie and Mary Astor as Karen Wright—two young teachers who open a school for girls with high hopes and noble dreams. But their world is shattered when a malicious student, Mary Tilford, spreads a devastating lie that threatens their careers, relationships, and reputations. Errol Flynn plays Dr. Joseph Cardin, caught in the crossfire between love and loyalty. Based on Lillian Hellman’s controversial and groundbreaking play (The Children’s Hour), this emotionally gripping adaptation confronts the destructive power of gossip, the vulnerability of reputation, and the lasting effects of falsehoods. Featuring a remarkable supporting cast and taut direction by Cecil B. DeMille, These Three is a timeless story of friendship, sacrifice, and the resilience of truth in the face of social condemnation. Cast Members: Barbara Stanwyck, Errol Flynn, Mary Astor, Alma Kruger, Marsha Mae Jones, Helen Parrish, Constance Collier, Louis Silvers, Cecil B. DeMilleSpecial Guests: The Three Abbey Children and their mothers

Peg O’ My Heart: An Irish Heiress and a London Legacy

In Lux Radio Theater’s touching and whimsical adaptation of "Peg O' My Heart: An Irish Heiress and a London Legacy", Marion Davies stars as Peg O’Connell, a spirited young Irish girl whose simple seaside life is turned upside down when she inherits a fortune—and is forced to live with a proper English family to “learn how to be a lady.” Co-starring Brian Aherne as the charming Sir Gerald Markham, this episode captures the humor, heartache, and cultural clashes that arise when Peg’s fiery nature meets British high society. As Peg navigates snobbery, unexpected love, and life-changing decisions, she discovers that true refinement has less to do with etiquette—and everything to do with heart. With memorable performances and a rich blend of comedy and drama, this radio version of the beloved play and silent film favorite will leave you smiling (and maybe even a little teary-eyed). Cast Members: Marion Davies, Brian Aherne, Benita Hume, J. Farrell McDonald, Eileen Pringle, Gerald Oliver Smith, Edgar Norton, Earl Johnson (guest), Marjorie Williams (guest), Cecil B. DeMille, Louis Silvers

The Petrified Forest: Guns, Dreams, and the Desert’s Edge

In this unforgettable Lux Radio Theater production of "The Petrified Forest: Guns, Dreams, and the Desert’s Edge", Herbert Marshall stars as Alan Squier, a weary intellectual wandering the Arizona desert in search of meaning, and Margaret Sullavan shines as Gabrielle Maple, a poetic soul longing to escape her dusty surroundings for the beauty of France. Their chance meeting at a roadside diner takes a dangerous turn when infamous gangster Duke Mantee (played with chilling menace by Eduardo Ciannelli) storms in with his gang, holding the staff and travelers hostage. As tension builds and ideologies clash, Alan and Gabrielle form a deep connection amidst the chaos, leading to one of the most powerful and poetic sacrifices in radio drama history. Adapted from Robert E. Sherwood’s acclaimed stage play and brought to life by Cecil B. DeMille’s masterful direction, this production captures the stark beauty of the American desert, the thrill of outlaw danger, and the quiet ache of unfulfilled dreams. Cast Members: Herbert Marshall, Margaret Sullavan, Eduardo Ciannelli, Donald Meek, Wallace Clark, Frank Milan, Frank Nelson, Ross Forrester, Cecil B. DeMille, Louis SilversSpecial Guests: Charles J. Smith (Superintendent of Petrified Forest National Monument), Nick Janios (Café de Paris, 20th Century Fox)

Come and Get It: Timber, Temptation, and a Legacy of Love

In this emotionally rich episode of Lux Radio Theater, "Come and Get It: Timber, Temptation, and a Legacy of Love", Edward Arnold reprises his powerful film role as Barney Glasgow—a driven lumberman whose ambition propels him from the logging camps of Wisconsin to the boardrooms of industrial power. But success comes at a price. As Barney leaves behind love for advancement, fate confronts him decades later in the form of Lotta, the daughter of the woman he once loved. Co-starring Anne Shirley as Lotta, Walter Brennan as the lovable Swan Bostrom, and Lou Ayres as Barney’s son, this sweeping adaptation of Edna Ferber’s acclaimed novel spans generations and emotions—capturing the tension between ambition and regret, loyalty and love, progress and the personal sacrifices it demands. With standout performances and DeMille’s signature storytelling, this is an unforgettable story of love lost, found, and redefined. Cast Members: Edward Arnold, Anne Shirley, Walter Brennan, Lou Ayres, Mary Nash, Mady Christians, Marion Burns, Frank Nelson, Ross Forrester, Cy Kendall, Lou Merrill, Grace Kern, Justina Wayne, Marion Dennis, Louis Silvers, Cecil B. DeMilleGuest: Helen Rowland (author and columnist)

She Loves Me Not: A Chorus Girl, a Crooner, and a College Cover-Up

In this madcap Lux Radio Theater romp, "She Loves Me Not: A Chorus Girl, a Crooner, and a College Cover-Up", Bing Crosby stars as Paul Lawton, a college student and aspiring songwriter whose quiet campus life is turned upside down when a glamorous nightclub singer on the run seeks refuge in his dorm room. Joan Blondell dazzles as Curly Flagg, the fast-talking chorus girl hiding out from the cops—and from the gangster who wants her silenced. With the help of his loyal roommate Buzz (played by Sterling Holloway), Paul disguises Curly as a male student, setting off a chain of hilarious misadventures involving mistaken identities, secret crushes, scandalized faculty, and a surprise shot at movie stardom. Nan Gray brings heart to the role of Midge, the dean's daughter, whose unexpected romance with Paul adds depth to this whirlwind comedy. Complete with original musical performances by Bing Crosby, rapid-fire humor, and a strong supporting cast, this adaptation of the 1934 film is a charming blend of screwball comedy and romantic chaos from radio’s golden age. Cast Members: Bing Crosby, Joan Blondell, Nan Gray, Barbara Weeks, Sterling Holloway, William Frawley, Frank Nelson, Ross Forrester, Cy Kendall, Lou Merrill, Grace Kern, Justina Wayne, Marion Dennis, Cecil B. DeMille, Louis SilversSpecial Guests: Molly Merrick, Euna McClelland (USC), Jimmy Starr, Howard Greer

A Free Soul: Love, Law, and a Daughter’s Gamble

In Lux Radio Theater’s “A Free Soul: Love, Law, and a Daughter’s Gamble”, Ginger Rogers stars as Jan Ashe, a fiercely independent woman raised by her brilliant yet troubled father, Stephen Ashe—played by Charles Winninger. Don Ameche delivers a gripping performance as Ace Wilfong, a charismatic gambler who captures Jan’s heart but entangles her in a dangerous love triangle with deadly consequences. As Jan defies her aristocratic family and risks everything for love, her father’s ideals of personal freedom and moral ambiguity are tested in the ultimate courtroom drama. Adapted from Willard Mack’s electrifying play, this powerful broadcast explores themes of addiction, self-sacrifice, and the fine line between justice and vengeance. Featuring heartfelt monologues, high-stakes drama, and an unforgettable final act, this is one of Lux’s most riveting episodes. Cast Members:Ginger Rogers, Don Ameche, Charles Winninger, Jack Arnold, Frank Nelson, Marion Dennis, Ross Forrester, Cy Kendall, Lou Merrill, Claire Whitney, Myra Marsh, Edward Marr, Eddie Kane, Norman Field, James Eagles, Justina Wayne, Sally Creighton, Ken Chavelle, Cecil B. DeMille, Louis SilversSpecial Guests: William A. Brady (Broadway producer), Adrian (Hollywood fashion designer)