Best Plays

Best Plays was an acclaimed old-time radio series that brought the most celebrated stage plays to the airwaves. Airing from June 8, 1952 to September 27, 1953, the series presented hour-long adaptations of Broadway’s greatest dramatic hits, selected and introduced by John Chapman, the drama critic of the New York Daily News and editor of the theatrical yearbook Best Plays.

The series showcased a wide range of theatrical genres, from classic comedies like Arsenic and Old Lace starring Boris Karloff, to gripping dramas such as Of Mice and Men. Each episode was a fully realized production, featuring talented casts and high production values that transported listeners to the world of the stage. Best Plays offered radio audiences a chance to experience the thrill of live theater, bringing the most acclaimed plays of the era into the comfort of their own homes.

The series was produced by NBC and aired on the network’s stations nationwide, delighting old-time radio enthusiasts and theater fans alike. With its insightful introductions by the esteemed John Chapman and its commitment to preserving the dramatic integrity of the source material, Best Plays stands as a shining example of the power of radio to bring great literature to life.

The Stars

While Best Plays did not feature a regular cast of actors, each episode brought together an ensemble of talented performers to bring the plays to life. The series showcased the skills of many acclaimed stage and screen actors, including Boris Karloff’s chilling turn in Arsenic and Old Lace and the powerful performances in Of Mice and Men.

The series also provided a platform for up-and-coming actors, allowing them to demonstrate their versatility and range across a diverse array of dramatic roles. Best Plays offered listeners the chance to discover new talents alongside established stars, creating a rich tapestry of theatrical artistry on the radio.

Key Dates

• Best Plays debuted on June 8, 1952 and ran for over a year.
• It concluded its run on September 27, 1953.
• During its 52-episode lifespan, the series presented adaptations of some of the most celebrated plays of the era, including:
• -Arsenic and Old Lace (July 6, 1952)
• -Blithe Spirit (August 31, 1952)
• -Of Mice and Men (May 8, 1953)

Other Information

In addition to its critical acclaim, Best Plays also garnered significant attention from sponsors and the media. The series was underwritten by the American Tobacco Company, which used the program as a platform to promote its Lucky Strike cigarette brand.

The series also attracted the interest of the theatrical community, with many playwrights and producers eager to have their works adapted for the radio. Best Plays provided a valuable opportunity for these artists to reach a wider audience and introduce their creations to a new medium.

While the series is no longer in production, its legacy lives on through the preservation of its episodes. Many of the Best Plays broadcasts have been digitized and made available through various old-time radio archives, allowing modern listeners to experience the magic of these classic stage adaptations.