Curtain Time

Curtain Time was a popular American radio anthology program that captivated audiences during the golden age of radio broadcasting. This dramatic series invited listeners to experience the thrill of attending a live theatrical performance from the comfort of their own homes. The show primarily focused on presenting original romantic dramas, comedies, and occasional mysteries, offering a diverse range of entertainment for its devoted audience.

Debuting on July 22, 1938, Curtain Time quickly became a staple of radio programming, running for over a decade until its final broadcast on March 29, 1950. The series was notable for its theatrical presentation style, which simulated the atmosphere of attending an evening performance at a theater. This unique approach helped to distinguish Curtain Time from other anthology programs of the era and contributed to its enduring popularity.

Throughout its run, Curtain Time was broadcast on various major networks, including ABC, CBS, Mutual, and NBC, reaching a wide audience across the United States. The show’s appeal even extended beyond American borders, with broadcasts on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) network, further cementing its status as a beloved radio program of its time.

The Stars

Curtain Time featured a rotating cast of talented actors, with several performers becoming closely associated with the show over its long run. In the early years of the program, Olan Soule, who would later star in the similar show The First Nighter Program, frequently took on the male lead roles. The female leads during this period varied but included notable actresses such as Betty Lou Gerson and Louise Fitch.

As the show evolved, Harry Elders became the regular male lead, bringing consistency and familiarity to the program. The female lead duties were shared between Beverly Younger and Nannette Sergeant, providing a dynamic range of performances for the listeners.

Other frequent cast members who lent their talents to Curtain Time included Betty Winkler, George Cisar, Beryl Vaughn, Sunda Love, Sidney Ellstrom, Maurice Copeland, and Michael Romano. This ensemble of skilled actors ensured that each episode of Curtain Time was brought to life with compelling performances, keeping audiences eagerly tuning in week after week.

Key Dates

• July 22, 1938: Curtain Time makes its debut, marking the beginning of its successful run on radio.
• October 14, 1938: The show expands its reach, being carried on the Don Lee network in addition to WGN in Chicago. This expansion coincides with General Mills beginning a 52-week sponsorship of the program to promote their Korn Kix cereal.
• July 4, 1945: Curtain Time begins airing on the ABC network, broadening its audience.
• June 27, 1946: The show concludes its run on ABC.
• July 13, 1946: Curtain Time moves to NBC, where it would remain for the rest of its run.
• March 29, 1950: The final episode of Curtain Time is broadcast, bringing an end to nearly 12 years of captivating radio drama.

Other Information

Curtain Time underwent several iterations throughout its run, each with its own unique characteristics and production teams. In its early years, the show was directed by Blair Walliser, with Don Gordon serving as the announcer. Henry Weber provided musical direction during this period, adding depth and atmosphere to the dramatic presentations.

As the show evolved, so did its production team. Norman Felton and Harry Holcomb took on directorial duties in later years, bringing fresh perspectives to the program. The renowned Mike Wallace, billed as Myron Wallace, served as the announcer during this period, lending his distinctive voice to the show’s presentations.

The musical aspect of Curtain Time remained an important element throughout its run, with Porter Heaps and Burt Farber taking on roles as music directors in later seasons. Their contributions helped to maintain the show’s theatrical atmosphere and enhance the emotional impact of each story.

Curtain Time was notable for its sponsorship by major companies. In addition to the early sponsorship by General Mills for Korn Kix cereal, the show was later sponsored by Mars, Incorporated, demonstrating its appeal to major advertisers of the era.

The program’s popularity extended beyond the United States, with significant listenership in Canada. During the 1946-1947 season, Canadian coverage of Curtain Time expanded from 28 CBS Trans-Canada stations to 44 Dominion Network stations, illustrating the show’s growing international appeal.

Curtain Time shared similarities with other popular radio anthology programs of its era, such as The First Nighter Program. Both shows aimed to recreate the experience of attending a theatrical performance, offering listeners a sense of event and occasion with each broadcast. This format proved to be enduringly popular with radio audiences, contributing to the longevity of Curtain Time and its peers in the golden age of radio drama.

The legacy of Curtain Time lives on as a prime example of the creativity and storytelling prowess that defined the golden age of radio. Its blend of original dramatic content, talented performers, and immersive presentation style continues to captivate old-time radio enthusiasts and serves as a window into the entertainment landscape of mid-20th century America.