Lux Redux: Hollywood's Timeless Theater

Arrowsmith: Science, Sacrifice, and the Cost of Truth

In Lux Radio Theater's gripping adaptation of Sinclair Lewis's Pulitzer-winning novel, "Arrowsmith: Science, Sacrifice, and the Cost of Truth", Spencer Tracy stars as Dr. Martin Arrowsmith, a gifted young physician torn between his passion for medical research and the emotional toll of real-life consequences. Alongside Faye Wray as Leora, his loyal and loving wife, Martin's journey takes him from rural America to the plague-ridden Caribbean, where he must decide between scientific advancement and human compassion. As he faces moral dilemmas, institutional politics, and personal tragedy, Arrowsmith must answer the ultimate question: can one man truly serve both science and the soul? With stellar performances and a thoughtful portrayal of ambition, love, and ethical conflict, this episode remains a standout moment in radio drama. Cast Members: Spencer Tracy, Fay Wray, Helen Wood, Frank Riker, John Qualen, Terry Hunt, John R. Kissinger (guest), Louis Silvers, Cecil B. DeMille.

Up Pops the Devil: Typewriters, Tempers, and True Love

In this witty and heartfelt episode of Lux Radio Theater, "Up Pops the Devil: Typewriters, Tempers, and True Love", Fred MacMurray and Madge Evans star as Steve and Anne Merrick, a young couple navigating the chaotic crossroads of career, marriage, and ambition. Steve wants to be a writer, but reality—and the bills—keep getting in the way. Anne, determined to support his dream, takes a job in the chorus while Steve tries his hand at domestic life and writing full-time. But when egos clash, misunderstandings mount, and a bat-wielding neighbor named Luella keeps dropping in, the couple is pushed to the brink. From household mishaps to a deeply moving twist of fate, this clever romantic comedy blends fast-paced dialogue with a heartfelt look at what it really means to support the ones you love. Cast Members:Fred MacMurray, Madge Evans, Janet MacLeay, John Marston, Frank Nelson, Marion Dennis, Ross Forrester, Cy Kendall, Lou Merrill, Cecil B. DeMille, Louis SilversGuests: Jimmy Starr (screen columnist), Howard Greer (Hollywood dress designer)

Stella Dallas: A Mother’s Greatest Gift

In Lux Radio Theater's heart-wrenching production of "Stella Dallas: A Mother’s Greatest Gift", Barbara Stanwyck delivers a tour-de-force performance as Stella Martin, a working-class woman who marries above her station and devotes her life to her beloved daughter, Laurel. John Boles stars as Stephen Dallas, the refined husband she cannot keep, and Anne Shirley shines as Laurel, whose future depends on a mother’s heartbreaking decision. Adapted from Olive Higgins Prouty’s celebrated novel and Samuel Goldwyn’s classic film, this emotional story of love, sacrifice, and maternal devotion will leave you breathless. In a world that prizes appearances and social standing, Stella's fierce love for her daughter forces her to make the ultimate sacrifice—one that may cost her everything, yet give her daughter the world. Cast Members: Barbara Stanwyck, John Boles, Anne Shirley, Barbara O'Neill, Frank Nelson, Louis Silvers, Cecil B. DeMille, T. Keith Glennon (guest), Helen Wills Moody (guest), John LeRoy Johnston (guest)

Dodsworth: A Journey Through Love, Loss, and Letting Go

In Lux Radio Theater's powerful return to the drama of domestic life and emotional transformation, "Dodsworth: A Journey Through Love, Loss, and Letting Go" stars Walter Huston in one of his most iconic roles, reprising his acclaimed performance as Samuel Dodsworth. Nan Sunderland, Huston's real-life wife, co-stars as Fran Dodsworth, a woman yearning for youth, freedom, and new adventures beyond the confines of small-town America. Based on Sinclair Lewis’s celebrated novel, Dodsworth follows a retired American businessman and his restless wife on a soul-searching journey through Europe. As Fran seeks excitement and self-reinvention, Sam is left to reckon with the meaning of marriage, identity, and what truly makes life worth living. With poignant performances by Barbara O'Neill, Pedro de Cordova, and Barbara Kent, this adaptation explores the price of personal growth—and the courage to start again. Cast Members: Walter Huston, Nan Sunderland, Barbara O'Neill, Pedro de Cordova, Barbara Kent, Harlan Briggs, Martha Wentworth, Hugh Huntley, Frank Nelson, Gretchen Thomas, Lou Merrill, Margaret Brayton, James Eagles, Cecil B. DeMille, Louis Silvers, Arthur M. Levy (guest)

The Outsider: Faith, Healing, and a Daughter’s Hope

In Lux Radio Theater's emotionally charged "The Outsider: Faith, Healing, and a Daughter's Hope", Frederic March stars as Anton Ragazzi, a passionate outsider fighting to prove his controversial methods can cure the incurable. Florence Eldridge co-stars as Lally Sturdy, a gifted musician and the daughter of a renowned doctor, who has lived her life as a cripple—until Ragazzi offers a new chance at hope. Douglas Montgomery, Donald Crisp, and Marcel Corday round out the powerful cast in this stirring drama about belief, resistance, and transformation. As faith and science clash, one man’s determination challenges the medical establishment—and one woman discovers her own will to walk, to love, and to live freely at last. Cast Members: Frederic March, Florence Eldridge, Douglas Montgomery, Donald Crisp, Marcel Corday, Anne Barkins (guest), Milton H. Berry (guest), Louis Silvers, Cecil B. DeMille.

A Star Is Born: Fame, Love, and the Price of Dreams

In this moving Lux Radio Theater production of "A Star Is Born: Fame, Love, and the Price of Dreams", Janet Gaynor stars as Esther Blodgett, a small-town girl with big ambitions, and Robert Montgomery portrays Norman Maine, the fading matinee idol who helps launch her into stardom. As Esther rises under the name Vicki Lester, Norman’s own star dims—leading to a heartrending collision of love, fame, and personal sacrifice. Adapted from the acclaimed Selznick International film, this powerful broadcast explores the glamour and heartbreak of Hollywood's golden age. Featuring Lionel Stander, Mae Robson, and real-life Hollywood legends like Sid Grauman and Cecil B. DeMille, this episode marks a triumphant return to the airwaves after Lux’s summer hiatus—and stands as one of radio’s most unforgettable dramas. Cast Members: Janet Gaynor, Robert Montgomery, Lionel Stander, Mae Robson, Lou Merrill, Frank Nelson, Margaret Brayton, Ross Forrester, John Gibson, Forrest Taylor, Lucille Meredith, Grace Kern, Myra Marsh, Sidney Newman, James Eagles, Edwin Max, Chester Clute, Gil Patrick, Cecil B. DeMille, Louis Silvers, Sid Grauman (guest), John LeRoy Johnston (guest)

Beau Brummel: The Dandy Who Defied a King

In Lux Radio Theater’s "Beau Brummel: The Dandy Who Defied a King", Robert Montgomery stars as George “Beau” Brummell, the ultimate Regency-era fashion icon whose wit, charm, and daring defiance of royalty made him both a legend and a tragic figure. Joined by Madge Evans as the spirited Marianna Vincent, this adaptation brings to life the rise and fall of the man who once dictated fashion in England and dared to challenge the very prince who empowered him. As Brummel dances between love, social ambition, and ruin, his story unfolds with elegance and heartbreak—culminating in a poignant portrait of pride, romance, and loss. With an all-star supporting cast, period-perfect dialogue, and the lush backdrop of 1820s London, this episode is a dazzling showcase of character, costume, and consequence. Cast Members: Robert Montgomery, Madge Evans, Leo G. Carroll, Bramwell Fletcher, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Edwin Maxwell, Mrs. Wallace Reid (guest), Cecil B. DeMille, Louis Silvers

The Front Page: Deadline, Drama, and the Scoop of a Lifetime

In Lux Radio Theater’s fast-paced and razor-sharp adaptation of "The Front Page: Deadline, Drama, and the Scoop of a Lifetime", legendary columnist Walter Winchell stars as Hildy Johnson, the crack reporter trying to leave journalism behind for love—and a peaceful life. But when a prison break sends the press room into chaos, Hildy is drawn back into the world of politics, crime, and one last big scoop. Co-starring Josephine Hutchinson as Peggy and James Gleason as the fiery editor Walter Burns, this witty and biting satire exposes the frenzy and ethics (or lack thereof) of the newspaper business in classic 1930s style. Based on the acclaimed play by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, The Front Page captures the energy of the newsroom and the irresistible pull of a great story—even if it means blowing up your life for it. Cast Members: Walter Winchell, Josephine Hutchinson, James Gleason, John Butler, Frank Sheridan, Georgia Kane, Edward Marr, Victor Rodman, Lou Merrill, Matt Moore, Eddie Waller, Ralph Sedan, Sidney Newman, Bud McTaggart, Ross Forrester, Frank Nelson, Kathleen Howard (guest), John McSood (guest), Cecil B. DeMille, Louis Silvers

Monsieur Beaucaire: The Barber Who Was a Prince

Step into a world of intrigue, romance, and mistaken identity with Lux Radio Theater’s "Monsieur Beaucaire: The Barber Who Was a Prince", starring the suave Leslie Howard as the enigmatic Monsieur Beaucaire and Alyssa Landi as the elegant Lady Mary. Based on Booth Tarkington’s classic novel, this swashbuckling tale follows a mysterious Frenchman posing as a hairdresser in England—who may be far more than he appears. With wit, charm, and duels of both words and swords, this royal masquerade blossoms into a tale of honor, love, and the courage to be true to one’s heart. A glittering cast brings this captivating 18th-century drama to life, with political intrigue, lavish ballrooms, and a dashing duel at dawn. Will love prevail when the truth is revealed? Cast Members: Leslie Howard, Alyssa Landi, Pedro de Cordoba, Dennis Green, Louis Silvers, Cecil B. DeMille, Ray Jones (guest), Evelyn Keyes (guest)

Madame X: A Mother’s Silent Sacrifice

In this deeply emotional episode of Lux Radio Theater, "Madame X: A Mother’s Silent Sacrifice", Anne Harding stars as Jacqueline, a woman who has lost everything—her husband, her child, her name—only to find a path to redemption through the most selfless act of love imaginable. James Stewart co-stars as Raymond, a young lawyer appointed to defend a mysterious woman accused of murder, unaware she is the mother he never knew. Based on the classic play by Alexandre Bisson, this moving courtroom drama weaves themes of identity, justice, and maternal love into a timeless tale of heartbreak and hope. With powerful performances and a story that resonates across generations, Madame X remains one of the most unforgettable broadcasts in radio history. Cast Members: Anne Harding, James Stewart, Conway Terrell, Louis Silvers, Cecil B. DeMille, Helen Wills Moody (guest), Madame X and Raymond Mear (real-life guests)