Omar, The Wizard of Persia

Omar, The Wizard of Persia was an old-time radio adventure series that captivated audiences in the 1930s. Blending elements of mystery, the supernatural, and the exotic allure of the Middle East, the show followed the exploits of an American jewel dealer named Henry Mason as he became entangled in a centuries-old curse.

The series centered around a cursed emerald that Mason had acquired, unaware of its dark history. As the curse began to manifest, threatening Mason and his family, he found himself guided by the mysterious voice of Omar, a self-proclaimed “Wizard of Persia.” Omar, a disembodied presence that only Mason could hear, would communicate with him through the ringing of mystical bells, offering cryptic advice and warnings as the story unfolded.

The Stars

The role of Henry Mason, the American jewel dealer at the heart of the story, was portrayed by an actor whose identity remains uncertain. Similarly, the voice of the enigmatic Omar was provided by an unidentified performer, adding to the character’s aura of mystery. While the show did not feature any well-known stars, the talented cast brought the suspenseful and otherworldly narrative to life, captivating listeners with their performances.

Key Dates

• Omar, The Wizard of Persia first debuted in 1935, sponsored by Tastee Bread and airing on the Mutual Broadcasting System.
• The series ran for a total of 13 episodes, concluding in 1936.
• Though the exact dates of the individual episodes are not widely documented, the show’s relatively short run suggests it was intended as a self-contained serial, rather than an ongoing series.

Other Information

The origins of Omar, The Wizard of Persia are somewhat obscure, with conflicting reports about the show’s production and distribution. The discrepancy in these accounts highlights the challenges in accurately documenting the history of many old-time radio programs.

Despite the limited information available, Omar, The Wizard of Persia remains a captivating example of the old-time radio medium’s ability to transport listeners to exotic and mysterious realms, blending adventure, suspense, and the supernatural in a captivating narrative.