Good News of (1937 to 1940)

Good News of (1937 to 1940) was an American old-time radio program that aired on NBC from November 4, 1937, until July 25, 1940. The program was notable for being the first time that a national network joined hands with a major film studio to create a show for sale to a commercial sponsor.

The program featured adaptations of upcoming films from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), accompanied by interviews with film personalities. Unlike its predecessor, Lux Radio Theatre, Good News was tied to one film company, MGM, which controlled both the financial and programming elements of the show. Also unlike Lux, Good News presented adaptations of upcoming films rather than those that had already been seen in theaters.

The program’s first episode featured scenes from the 1937 film The Firefly, with Allan Jones and Jeanette MacDonald reprising their roles from the movie. Besides adaptations of films, the show offered a feature called “Backstage at the Movies,” in which listeners heard MGM executives discussing plans for future films. Good News was presented before a live audience in a 1,500-seat theater, with often more fans waiting outside, hoping to get in.

The Stars

The program’s initial host was James Stewart. He was succeeded by Robert Taylor in the first half of 1938, and then by Robert Young in the fall of 1938. Beginning in the fall of 1939, a variety of MGM people filled in as hosts, and Dick Powell was the show’s final host in 1940.

Frank Morgan appeared regularly in a comedy role, as did Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford in their roles of Baby Snooks and her father. An MGM chorus directed by Max Terr provided music along with soloists, including Betty Jaynes, Connee Boswell, and Judy Garland.

Key Dates

• Good News of 1937 debuted on November 4, 1937, and ran until July 25, 1940.
• As the years changed, so did the title, becoming Good News of 1939 and Good News of 1940.
• In its last few months on the air, it was known as Maxwell House Coffee Time.

Other Information

The program was sponsored by Maxwell House coffee, which paid $25,000 per week, while MGM took care of the rest. Some sources also refer to the program as Hollywood Good News.

The show was notable for marking “the first time that a national network joined hands with a major film studio to create a show for sale to a commercial sponsor.” A writer for the Detroit Free Press found flaws in Good News of 1938, citing noise from the audience and mistakes by the stars.