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The Marriage was a short-lived but critically acclaimed radio series that aired on NBC from October 1953 to March 1954. The series starred the real-life husband and wife duo of Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, who had previously found success on Broadway with their play The Fourposter. The show was a domestic comedy-drama that followed the lives of a sophisticated New York couple, Ben and Liz Marriott, as they navigated the ups and downs of marriage and family life.

The scripts, mostly written by Ernest Kinoy, were praised for their intelligent and nuanced portrayal of the Marriotts’ relationship, touching on topics such as art, literature, and philosophy.

The series had an unusual narrative structure, with each episode alternating between Ben and Liz’s perspectives as they narrated the events. This allowed the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations and inner thoughts.

Despite its critical acclaim and the star power of its leads, The Marriage struggled to find a large audience and was canceled after just one season. However, the series is remembered as a groundbreaking and sophisticated entry in the golden age of American radio drama.

The Stars

Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy were the undisputed stars of The Marriage. Cronyn portrayed Ben Marriott, a successful New York attorney, while Tandy played his wife, Liz, a former department store fashion buyer who struggled to adjust to domestic life. The real-life couple’s palpable chemistry and nuanced performances were widely praised, with critics noting their ability to bring depth and complexity to their characters.

The series also featured supporting roles for Denise Alexander as the Marriotts’ awkward teenage daughter, Emily.

Key Dates

• The Marriage debuted on NBC on October 4, 1953, airing Sunday evenings at 7:30 pm Eastern Time. The series ran for a total of 26 episodes
• The final episode broadcast on March 28, 1954.

Other Information

The closing theme for The Marriage radio series was “A Star Is Born,” composed by Robert Farnon. The show’s unusual narrative structure, with its alternating perspectives between Ben and Liz, was considered a unique and innovative approach for the time.

The show was originally slated to transition from radio to television, with Cronyn set to produce and star in the TV adaptation. However, Tandy’s unexpected miscarriage led to a delay in the television debut, which ultimately premiered in July 1954. The TV series, also titled The Marriage, ran for just eight episodes before being abruptly canceled.

While The Marriage failed to find a large audience during its initial run, the series has since gained a cult following among old-time radio enthusiasts. The show’s intelligent writing, strong performances, and exploration of complex marital dynamics have led to its recognition as a standout example of the golden age of American radio drama.