2000 Plus

2000 Plus was an American old-time radio series that ran on the Mutual Broadcasting System from March 15, 1950, to January 2, 1952. It was the first adult science fiction series on radio, debuting a month before the better-known Dimension X.

2000 Plus was an anthology program, using all-new material rather than adapting published stories. The series was the creation of Sherman H. Dryer (1913–1989) who scripted and produced the series with Robert Weenolsen (1900–1979). Dryer directed a talented cast that included Lon Clark, Joseph Julian, Henry Norell, Bill Keene, Bryna Raeburn, and Amzie Strickland. Emerson Buckley conducted the music composed by Elliott Jacoby, while Ken Marvin was the program's announcer and Adrian Penner provided the sound effects.

The nature of the series is evident in the titles of some 1950 episodes: "The Brooklyn Brain", "The Flying Saucers", "The Robot Killer", "Rocket and the Skull", "A Veteran Comes Home", "Men from Mars", "When the Machines Went Wild", "When the Worlds Met", "The Insect", "Silent Noise", "The Green Thing", "The Giant Walks", and "Worlds Apart". These stories reflected contemporary anxieties about the dangers of technology and the wonders and perils of space exploration, including alien invasion.

The Stars

Lon Clark was the lead actor in 2000 Plus, appearing in many of the episodes. Clark was a veteran radio actor, known for his roles in shows like Nick Carter, Master Detective and The Adventures of Superman. He brought a sense of authority and gravitas to the science fiction tales, helping to ground the fantastical stories in a sense of realism.

Other notable cast members included Joseph Julian, who had appeared in numerous radio dramas, and Amzie Strickland, a prolific character actress who would go on to have a successful career in television. The series also featured the talents of Henry Norell, Bill Keene, and Bryna Raeburn, all of whom were seasoned radio performers.

Key Dates

2000 Plus debuted on March 15, 1950 and ran for nearly two years, with the final episode airing on January 2, 1952. It was one of the first adult-oriented science fiction series on the radio, arriving a month before the launch of the better-known Dimension X on NBC.

During its run, 2000 Plus occupied various 30-minute time slots on the Mutual network. The series was a Dryer Weenolsen production, reflecting the collaborative efforts of its creators, Sherman H. Dryer and Robert Weenolsen.

Notable Facts

2000 Plus was groundbreaking in its approach to science fiction storytelling on the radio. Rather than adapting existing stories, the series featured all-original material, allowing the writers and producers to explore contemporary anxieties and speculate about the future in unique ways.

The series was also notable for its high production values, with Emerson Buckley's evocative musical score and Adrian Penner's imaginative sound effects helping to transport listeners to futuristic realms. The talented cast, led by the authoritative presence of Lon Clark, further enhanced the series' sense of authenticity and drama.

While only a fraction of the original episodes are known to have survived, the available recordings provide a fascinating glimpse into the early days of adult-oriented science fiction radio. 2000 Plus helped pave the way for later series like Dimension X and X Minus One, which would further develop the genre on the airwaves.

Conclusion

2000 Plus was a groundbreaking science fiction radio series that ran for nearly two years on the Mutual Broadcasting System. Featuring all-original stories and a talented cast led by Lon Clark, the series explored contemporary anxieties about technology and the wonders and perils of space exploration. While only a portion of the original episodes have survived, the available recordings offer a compelling look at the early days of adult-oriented science fiction radio. 2000 Plus played a significant role in the development of the genre, helping to pave the way for later series that would further captivate listeners with their imaginative tales of the future.