Hollywood Players (aka Cresta Blanca Hollywood Players) was a dramatic anthology radio series that aired from September 3, 1946 to February 26, 1947. The show featured a rotating cast of major Hollywood stars performing adaptations of hit movies, stage successes, best-selling novels, and short stories. Each week, a different star would select a work in which they had appeared or wanted to appear, bringing their star power and acting talents to the radio drama. The series was sponsored by Cresta Blanca Wines and aimed to provide listeners with a “great star” and a “great story” each week.
The Stars
The rotating Hollywood Players featured an impressive lineup of big-name stars, including Claudette Colbert, Joseph Cotten, Bette Davis, Joan Fontaine, John Garfield, Paulette Goddard, Gene Kelly, and Gregory Peck.
Other supporting actors who appeared on the show included Alan Reed, Gerald Mohr, and Rosemary De Camp.
The series was promoted as showcasing “the greatest galaxy of star names as program regulars in radio history.”
The series was directed by Don Clark, with Frank Bingman as the announcer and Bernard Katz leading the orchestra.
Key Dates
- The (Cresta Blanca) Hollywood Players debuted on September 3, 1946 and ran for 26 episodes.
- The final broadcast aired on February 26, 1947.
- The series replaced Encore Theater and was well-funded, allowing it to attract top Hollywood talent.
Other Information
The format of The Cresta Blanca Hollywood Players was similar to other dramatic anthology programs of the era, such as Lux Radio Theater. However, the series stood out for its unique approach of having the stars themselves select the material to be adapted. This gave the actors a personal investment in the productions and allowed them to showcase their range and versatility.
Despite the star power and high production values, The Cresta Blanca Hollywood Players had a relatively short run, possibly due to the “glut of similar Hollywood shows” on the air at the time, as noted by radio historian John Dunning.
