Words At War

Words At War was a highly acclaimed 99-episode literary series that aired during World War II. The program was designed as hard-hitting propaganda, broadcast to a country fighting a war on two fronts. Words At War had the endorsement of the U.S. Office of War Information and the publishing industry’s Council On Books In Wartime, dedicated to “…influence the thinking of the American people.”

The series adapted books that were considered worthy of Words At War’s mission, employing dozens of New York City’s best radio actors under the direction of talented producers and directors. The original music for the program was written by Dr. Frank Black, who also conducted the first orchestra made up of many members of the NBC Symphony.

The Words At War series covered a wide range of topics related to the war, from dramatizations of real-life events and personal accounts, to stories that explored the social and political issues of the time. The program tackled subjects such as the struggles of the Allied forces, the experiences of civilians caught in the crossfire, the fight against intolerance and prejudice, and the impact of the war on women. Through these dramatic adaptations, Words At War aimed to inform, educate, and inspire the American public, while also serving as a platform for progressive voices to address important domestic issues.

The Stars

Words At War featured an impressive ensemble of radio actors, many of whom were well-known performers of the era.

Some of the notable stars who appeared in the series include Les Damon, Jackson Beck, Stefan Schnabel, Irene Hubbard, Joan Alexander, and Santos Ortega.

These talented actors brought the dramatic stories to life, delivering powerful performances that captivated the audience.

Key Dates

• Words At War debuted on NBC on June 24, 1943, as the sustaining summer replacement for the popular Maxwell House Coffee Time program.
• The series ran for two years, ending its NBC run on June 5, 1945, less than a month after the end of World War II in Europe.
• During its run, Words At War faced some challenges, including budget cuts that led to the replacement of the full orchestra with an organist in 1944. However, the content of the program remained strong, and it continued to tackle important issues throughout its tenure.

Other Information

Words At War was not without controversy. The series often tackled progressive social and political themes, which led to complaints from some sponsors and affiliates. In one notable incident, the network responded to criticism of a broadcast that featured a one-sided message on government-controlled economics by airing an adaptation of Frederick Hayek’s classic work, The Road to Serfdom, to placate its clients.

Despite the occasional controversy, Words At War was widely acclaimed for its high-quality productions and its ability to bring important stories and perspectives to the American public during a time of great upheaval. The series was a testament to the power of radio drama as a medium for propaganda, education, and social commentary, and its legacy continues to be felt in the world of old-time radio.