Brownstone Theater was an old-time radio dramatic anthology series that aired in the United States from February 21, 1945 to September 23, 1945 on the Mutual Broadcasting System. The series featured adaptations of popular stories and plays from the turn of the 20th century, with the listener being “led to his seat in the Brownstone Theater” and immersed in the atmosphere of “curtains and greasepaint.” The format was reminiscent of the famous First Nighter Program, with a narrator guiding the audience through each production.
The Stars
The host and narrator of Brownstone Theater was Clayton Hamilton, a respected drama critic who had been familiar with many of the dramas when they were popular on Broadway. The original leading man and lady were Jackson Beck and Gertrude Warner, respectively, with Les Tremayne replacing Beck in July 1945.
Other notable performers who appeared on the program included Inge Adams, Jan Miner, Elissa Landi, Jane Cowl, Edward Rose, Anthony Hope, Neil Hamilton, Walter Hampden, Michael Fitzmaurice, and Shep Menken. The music was provided by Sylvan Levin, and the director was Jock MacGregor.
Key Dates
Brownstone Theater debuted on February 21, 1945 and ran until its final broadcast on September 23, 1945. During its run, the program underwent one significant cast change, with Les Tremayne replacing Jackson Beck as the leading man in July 1945.
Other Information
In addition to its radio broadcasts, some episodes of Brownstone Theater were also televised on WABD, the DuMont Television Network’s station in New York City, in the mid-1940s. These television adaptations were filmed live via kinescope and broadcast a few weeks after the original radio airing, with only minor changes to accommodate the visual medium. At least four episodes were also televised on WRGB in Schenectady, New York.
Brownstone Theater was part of a larger tradition of dramatic anthology series on old-time radio, which included programs like The Cresta Blanca Hollywood Players, Curtain Time, The Dreft Star Playhouse, and The First Nighter Program. While it had a relatively short run, the series was praised for its faithful adaptations of classic plays and stories, transporting listeners back to the golden age of theater.
There may be 12 episodes of the Brownstone Theatre extant, but we have only six of these. If you have any other than the ones listed we would love you to share them with us.
