Let's Pretend

Let’s Pretend was a beloved children’s radio program that captivated young audiences with its enchanting fairy tales and imaginative stories for over two decades. This long-running CBS series, created and directed by Nila Mack, brought classic fairy tales and original stories to life through the talents of a young cast, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following among children and parents alike.

The show’s format centered around adapting timeless tales such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, The Arabian Nights, Beauty and the Beast, and Rumpelstiltskin, presenting them in a way that engaged young listeners and sparked their imaginations. Each week, the program transported its audience to magical realms filled with princesses, witches, kings, and fantastical creatures, all brought to life through skilled voice acting and immersive sound effects.

Let’s Pretend stood out for its use of child actors to portray both young and adult characters, adding an authentic and relatable quality to the performances. This unique approach allowed young listeners to more easily imagine themselves as part of the stories, enhancing the show’s appeal and educational value.

The program’s success was not only due to its entertaining content but also its commitment to quality storytelling and production. Under Nila Mack’s guidance, Let’s Pretend maintained high standards that earned it numerous accolades, including two Peabody Awards, solidifying its place as one of the most respected children’s programs of the Golden Age of Radio.

The Stars

While Let’s Pretend did not feature adult celebrities in starring roles, it became known for its talented cast of child actors who brought the stories to life week after week. These young performers, many of whom grew up with the show, became radio stars in their own right, beloved by listeners across the country.

One notable cast member was Arthur Anderson, who joined the show at the age of 13 and remained a regular performer throughout most of its run, with a brief hiatus for military service. Anderson’s long association with Let’s Pretend gave him unique insight into the program’s history and impact, which he later shared in his book Let’s Pretend And The Golden Age Of Radio.

Other young actors who lent their voices to the show included Estelle Levy and Patricia Ryan, who had previously starred in The Adventures of Helen and Mary, a precursor to Let’s Pretend. Their experience and talent helped establish the high-quality performances that became a hallmark of the program.

The show’s success was also due to the behind-the-scenes talent. Nila Mack’s direction and creative vision were instrumental in shaping the program’s distinctive style and maintaining its popularity over the years. After Mack’s passing in 1953, Jean Hight took over as director, ensuring the show’s continued excellence in its final year.

Key Dates

• October 27, 1928: The show’s earliest incarnation, Aunt Jymmie and Her Tots in Tottyville, debuts on CBS radio.
• March 2, 1929: The program evolves into The Children’s Club Hour, focusing on fairy tales performed by a juvenile cast.
• June 29, 1929: The Adventures of Helen and Mary begins, featuring Estelle Levy and Patricia Ryan.
• March 24, 1934: Nila Mack takes over as director and renames the show Let’s Pretend, marking the beginning of its most famous and enduring format.
• 1943: Let’s Pretend receives its first Peabody Award for Outstanding Children’s Program.
• 1953: Nila Mack passes away, and Jean Hight becomes the program’s new director.
• October 23, 1954: The final episode of Let’s Pretend airs, concluding its remarkable 20-year run under the Let’s Pretend title.

Other Information

Sponsorship: For much of its run, Let’s Pretend was sponsored by Cream of Wheat cereal. The show’s opening often featured a distinctive tune associated with the sponsor, which became an integral part of the program’s identity.

Awards and Recognition: In addition to its two Peabody Awards, Let’s Pretend received numerous other accolades throughout its run. These included a Women’s National Radio Committee Award and five Radio Daily Awards, testifying to its consistent quality and positive impact on young audiences.

Educational Value: While primarily entertainment, Let’s Pretend also served an educational purpose. By introducing children to classic fairy tales and literature, the show encouraged literacy and a love of storytelling. The program’s imaginative approach to storytelling also fostered creativity in its young listeners.

Legacy and Recordings: The impact of Let’s Pretend extended beyond its original broadcast run. In 1970, fifty scripts from the radio show were re-recorded by Gotham Educational Records and released by Telegeneral, allowing new generations to experience these classic stories.

Historical Significance: Let’s Pretend is considered a significant part of the Golden Age of Radio, particularly in the realm of children’s programming. Its long run and critical acclaim demonstrate the power of radio to captivate young imaginations in the era before television became the dominant medium for family entertainment.

Cast Longevity: One of the unique aspects of Let’s Pretend was the longevity of its cast members. Many of the child actors who started with the show in their youth continued to perform well into their teens and even adulthood, growing up alongside the program. This continuity helped maintain the show’s quality and allowed listeners to form long-term connections with the voices they heard each week.

Adaptation Techniques: The show was renowned for its ability to adapt complex fairy tales and stories into formats suitable for radio and young audiences. This often involved creative sound effects, music, and narrative techniques to bring visual elements of stories to life in an audio medium, showcasing the unique storytelling capabilities of radio drama.

In conclusion, Let’s Pretend stands as a shining example of children’s radio programming from the Golden Age of Radio. Its blend of classic storytelling, youthful talent, and high production values created a program that entertained and educated generations of young listeners. The show’s legacy continues to be celebrated by old-time radio enthusiasts and serves as a testament to the enduring power of imaginative storytelling.