Adventures of Maisie

The Adventures of Maisie was a popular American radio comedy series that brought the charming and witty character of Maisie Ravier to life. Originally created by Wilson Collison, Maisie was first introduced to audiences in the 1939 film “Maisie” starring Ann Sothern. The success of the movie led to a series of films and eventually this radio adaptation, which aired from 1945 to 1953.

The show centered around Maisie Ravier, a brassy, quick-witted, and street-smart Brooklyn showgirl with a heart of gold. Despite her best efforts to find steady work and romance, Maisie often found herself in comical predicaments and misadventures. Her unique blend of sass, charm, and determination made her a beloved character among listeners.

The Adventures of Maisie was primarily a situation comedy, but it also incorporated elements of romance and light mystery. Each episode typically featured Maisie taking on a new job or getting involved in some sort of escapade, always with humorous results. The show’s witty dialogue, colorful characters, and Maisie’s memorable catchphrase “Likewise, I’m sure!” kept audiences tuning in week after week.

The Stars

The undisputed star of The Adventures of Maisie was Ann Sothern, who brought the character of Maisie Ravier to life with her distinctive voice and impeccable comic timing. Sothern had already portrayed Maisie in the film series, making her the perfect choice to continue the role on radio. Her performance was central to the show’s success, as she expertly captured Maisie’s blend of street smarts, vulnerability, and humor.

While the show primarily focused on Maisie, it also featured a talented supporting cast. Hy Averback was a regular on the show, often playing Maisie’s love interests or other characters she encountered in her adventures. Other notable supporting actors included Hans Conried, known for his versatility in voice acting, and Arthur Q. Bryan, famous for voicing Elmer Fudd in Warner Bros. cartoons.

The cast also included well-known radio personalities such as Bea Benaderet and Elvia Allman, who portrayed Mrs. Kennedy, as well as Lurene Tuttle, Peter Leeds, and Sandra Gould. This ensemble of talented actors helped create a rich, comedic world around Maisie, populating her adventures with memorable characters and plenty of laughs.

Key Dates

• July 5, 1945: The Adventures of Maisie debuted on CBS Radio, sponsored by Eversharp. 
• March 28, 1947: The first run of the series on CBS Radio concluded.
• 1949: The show was revived and began syndication, produced by MGM Radio Attractions. 
• January 11, 1952: The Adventures of Maisie began airing on the Mutual Broadcasting System. 
• December 26, 1952: The show’s run on Mutual Broadcasting System ended. 
• 1953: The final episodes of the syndicated version aired, marking the end of The Adventures of Maisie on radio. 

Other Information

The Adventures of Maisie was a spin-off from the successful Maisie film series, which consisted of ten movies released between 1939 and 1947. The transition from film to radio allowed the character of Maisie to reach an even wider audience and solidified Ann Sothern’s association with the role.

The show underwent several changes throughout its run. Initially broadcast on CBS Radio, it later moved to syndication and then to the Mutual Broadcasting System. These transitions allowed the show to adapt and remain fresh for listeners over its eight-year run. One of the most memorable aspects of the show was Maisie’s catchphrase, “Likewise, I’m sure!” This phrase became closely associated with the character and was often eagerly anticipated by listeners in each episode.

The show’s theme music changed over time, with Harry Zimmerman and Albert Sack providing musical direction at different points in the series. The music helped set the tone for Maisie’s adventures and became an integral part of the show’s identity.

The Adventures of Maisie was notable for its strong female lead character. In an era when many radio shows featured male protagonists, Maisie stood out as an independent, resourceful woman who could hold her own in any situation. This made her a role model for many female listeners and contributed to the show’s broad appeal.

The series was produced by John L. Greene and directed by Tony Sanford during its CBS run. When the show moved to syndication, Arthur Phillips took over as director.  The change in production teams likely contributed to the show’s ability to remain fresh and engaging throughout its long run.

Interestingly, The Adventures of Maisie was not the only radio show to feature the character. Ann Sothern also portrayed Maisie in several episodes of the Lux Radio Theatre, further cementing the character’s popularity in the medium of radio.

The enduring popularity of Maisie as a character is evident in the fact that even after the radio show ended, there were attempts to bring her to television. In 1960, a pilot for a Maisie TV series was produced, with Eve Arden taking on the role of Maisie. However, the pilot was not picked up for a full series.

The Adventures of Maisie remains a beloved example of golden age radio comedy. Its mix of humor, heart, and the irrepressible character of Maisie Ravier continues to entertain listeners today, serving as a delightful time capsule of 1940s and 1950s American entertainment. The show’s legacy lives on through its influence on subsequent comedy series and its place in the pantheon of classic radio programs.