Actor

Rex Harrison

1908–1990 · Huyton, Lancashire, England

In the golden age of radio, many celebrated actors found themselves exploring the medium's dramatic potential, and Rex Harrison was no exception. His foray into radio detective storytelling, though brief, offers a fascinating glimpse into the versatility of one of cinema's most renowned performers.

The Genesis of Rex Saunders

In 1951, at a time when radio was still a dominant entertainment medium, NBC offered Rex Harrison his own radio series, The Private Files of Rex Saunders. This was a common practice for well-known stars of the era, providing them an opportunity to showcase their vocal talents and expand their audience reach. The series cast Harrison as Rex Saunders, a globe-trotting gentleman detective who, accompanied by his assistant, would help damsels in distress.

A Detective Series with Familiar Echoes

The show bore a striking resemblance to the earlier Bulldog Drummond series, even sharing a similar foghorn opening. Himan Brown, a prolific radio producer known for series like Inner Sanctum Mysteries and Adventures of the Thin Man, was behind the production. Interestingly, the first episode was actually a recycled script from a 1947 Bulldog Drummond episode, with character names strategically altered.

Behind the Microphone

Leon Janney played Alec, Rex Saunders' assistant, adding depth to the detective narrative. The series had a distinctive formula: each episode typically began with Saunders taking a walk when a mysterious woman would approach, seeking his help. Despite Harrison's reputation as a charming leading man, these women often met tragic ends or were revealed as villains.

A Fleeting Radio Moment

The series was short-lived, lasting only fourteen weeks. It concluded abruptly, with the final episode hinting at a fifteenth-week program that never materialized. The primary draw was undoubtedly Harrison's charisma and the show's occasional clever writing touches.

Legacy and Context

While The Private Files of Rex Saunders was a minor footnote in Harrison's illustrious career, it represents an intriguing moment in the transition of entertainment mediums. Harrison, who would later win an Oscar for My Fair Lady, demonstrated his versatility by lending his distinctive voice to this radio detective series.