NBC University Theater

NBC University Theater was a dramatic anthology radio series that aired on the NBC radio network from 1948 to 1951. The series presented adaptations of classic novels, short stories, and plays, often described as “Anglo-American literature.” The show was born as The World’s Great Novels on WMAQ in Chicago and NBC from 1944 to 1948, before being retooled and renamed NBC University Theater when it relocated to Hollywood in July 1948.

The NBC University Theater series was part of NBC’s “University of the Air” programming, which included other educational and cultural offerings. While not actually affiliated with a university, the series collaborated with several colleges and universities, either contributing to the content or including the programs in their curriculum. The series was known for its high production values and distinguished literary adaptations, winning a Peabody Award in 1948.

The Stars

The NBC University Theater series featured a rotating cast of Chicago-based actors, including Larry Alexander, Ernie Andrews, Everett Clarke, Johnny Coons, Maurice Copeland, Harry Elders, Sidney Ellstrom, Charles Flynn, Donald Gallagher, Hilda Graham, Ken Griffin, Jonathan Hole, Geraldine Kay, Eloise Kummer, Jack Lester, Ken Nordine, and Hope Summers.

Some episodes were narrated by Ken Nordine, and the announcers included Charles Chan, John Conrad, and Dave Garroway.

The series was produced by Margaret Cuthbert and directed by Homer Heck.

Key Dates

• The World’s Great Novels series, which was the precursor to NBC University Theater, debuted on October 28, 1944, with an adaptation of Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones. Over the next four years, the series presented adaptations of classic novels such as Kidnapped, The Last of the Mohicans, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Moby-Dick, A Tale of Two Cities, and War and Peace.
• In July 1948, the series was retooled and renamed NBC University Theater, relocating from Chicago to Hollywood. The new series, which ran until February 14, 1951, included adaptations of not only novels but also short stories and plays, and occasionally featured commentary on the original works by distinguished writers and critics.

Other Information

The NBC University Theater series was part of NBC’s “University of the Air” programming, which also included other educational and cultural offerings such as The American Story, Pursuit of Learning, We Came This Way, The Story of Music, The Land of The Free, and Featuring Our Families. The series also had a summer replacement series called American Novels that aired in 1947 and 1948 when The World’s Great Novels was on hiatus.

The series was considered one of the most distinguished radio programs of its day, and all the episodes from the 1948-1951 period still survive.

The series was sponsored by various companies over its run, including Kraft Foods and Schlitz Brewing Company.

While the series was primarily focused on adaptations of classic literature, it also occasionally featured commentary on the original works by distinguished writers and critics, such as Amy Loveman of The Saturday Review of Literature and novelist Ida Alexa Ross Wylie.