Magnificent Montague

Magnificent Montague was a popular American radio comedy series that aired from 1950 to 1951. The show centered around the misadventures of Edwin Montague, a Shakespearean actor who had fallen on hard times and was forced to take a job as a radio announcer. Starring the renowned character actor Monty Woolley, Magnificent Montague offered a delightful blend of high-brow humor and slapstick comedy, as the pompous and eccentric Montague navigated the trials and tribulations of the radio industry.

The Stars

Monty Woolley was the undisputed star of Magnificent Montague, bringing his trademark gruff persona and impeccable comic timing to the role of the titular character. Woolley, who was best known for his roles in films such as The Man Who Came to Dinner and The Bishop’s Wife, perfectly captured the essence of Montague - a once-celebrated stage actor who was now struggling to maintain his dignity in the fast-paced world of radio.

Alongside Woolley, the show featured a talented supporting cast, including Anne Seymour as Montague’s long-suffering wife, Lily, and Pert Kelton as the family’s maid, Agnes.

Key Dates

• Magnificent Montague debuted on the NBC radio network on November 10, 1950 and ran for a single season,.
• It concluded on November 10th, 1951.

Other Information

In addition to its radio success, Magnificent Montague also had a brief life on the silver screen. In 1937, a film adaptation titled Montague the Magnificent was released, starring Bert Lahr in the lead role. While the film version failed to capture the same level of popularity as the radio series, it nonetheless served as an early precursor to the beloved character of Edwin Montague.

The catchphrase “Burn, baby, burn!” associated with Magnificent Montague also had a lasting impact on popular culture. The phrase, which Montague would often use to express his exasperation, was later adopted as a rallying cry during the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965. Additionally, the phrase was referenced in the software code that guided the Apollo 11 mission to the Moon in 1969, further cementing its place in the cultural zeitgeist.

Despite its relatively short run, Magnificent Montague remains a beloved and influential entry in the annals of old-time radio. Monty Woolley’s unforgettable performance as the pompous yet endearing Montague, coupled with the show’s sharp writing and ensemble cast, have ensured that the series continues to be celebrated by fans of classic comedy to this day.

The entire comedy series is light, fun, and heart warming, and I'd recommend that you listen to a few of the shows if you haven't already.