Chandu The Magician

Chandu The Magician is an American supernatural radio drama which originally aired from 1931 to 1936. A revival on a different network took place 12 years later, airing from 1948 to 1950. The series was created by Harry A. Earnshaw (1878–1953) and Raymond R. Morgan.

The two series portrayed the adventures of Frank Chandler, also known as Chandu, an American who had learned mystical arts, such as astral projection, which he used to fight criminals and villains, including the evil Baron Roxor. Chandu was Steve Ditko’s and Stan Lee’s inspiration for the more famous Marvel Comics character Doctor Strange.

The Stars

Gayne Whitman played the lead role of American-born Frank Chandler, who had learned occult secrets from a yogi in India. Known as Chandu, he possessed several supernatural skills, including astral projection, teleportation and the ability to create illusions.

Chandu’s goal was to “go forth with his youth and strength to conquer the evil that threatens mankind.” His sister, Dorothy Regent, was portrayed by Margaret MacDonald. Romantic interludes for Chandu were introduced with Egyptian Princess Nadji (Veola Vonn).

Key Dates

• The original series was launched in 1931 on KHJ in Los Angeles and was soon heard through the West Coast when broadcast on the Don Lee Network.
• It was then heard, starting in February 1932, over WOR in the East and nationally over the Mutual Network beginning on October 8, 1932. The series was sponsored by White King Soap in the West and by Beech Nut Gum in the East.
• The revival series was launched on the Mutual–Don Lee Network on June 28, 1948, as a 15-minute weekday program. It continued until January 28, 1949, when the serial continuity was dropped in favor of 30-minute episodes with self-contained storylines, continuing in that format until April 28, 1949.
• The series then moved to ABC, where it was heard Saturdays at 7:30 pm until June and then on Wednesdays at 9:30 pm, with the last broadcast on September 6, 1950.

Other Information

In 1932, columnist Walter Winchell noted that the series was “one of the smaller radio chains” and referred to it as “Hindu-Chinese for an opium preparation - in fewer words - dope.” The program was broadcast from the KHJ building on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, although the KHJ studios are no longer in use.

In 1932, the Chandu the Magician radio series was adapted into a film starring Edmund Lowe as the title character, with Bela Lugosi as Roxor and Irene Ware as Nadji. Strangely, in the later serial The Return of Chandu (1934), Lugosi took over the lead role.

The original radio series episodes covered a wide range of adventures, from Chandu’s battles with villains like Baron Roxor to his travels to far-flung locales, both real and mythical. The revival series continued Chandu’s exploits, with storylines involving missing persons, secret societies, and supernatural threats.

Overall, Chandu The Magician was a long-running and influential supernatural radio drama that captivated audiences with its blend of adventure, mystery, and the occult. The series’ impact can be seen in its influence on later comic book characters like Doctor Strange, cementing its place in the annals of old-time radio.