Captains Of Industry

Captains Of Industry was a long-running old-time radio series that aired from 1933 to 1952, chronicling the lives and achievements of some of America’s most influential industrialists and business leaders. Produced by the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), the series was part of the network’s efforts to educate and inform listeners about the nation’s economic and industrial development.

The Stars

Captains Of Industry featured a talented ensemble cast that brought these larger-than-life characters to life.

These included the likes of Everett Sloane, Ray Collins, and Kenny Delmar, all of whom were well-known for their work in radio drama and film. Their performances helped to humanize the captains of industry, giving depth and nuance to these powerful figures.

Key Dates

• Captains Of Industry debuted on CBS in 1933, at the height of the Great Depression. The series was conceived as a way to educate the public about the role of business leaders in shaping the nation’s economic landscape. Over the next two decades, the show would continue to air, adapting to the changing times and exploring the lives of new generations of industrialists.

• The final episode of Captains Of Industry was broadcast in 1952, marking the end of the series’ nearly 20-year run. By this time, the focus on individual business leaders had begun to wane, as the public’s attention shifted towards broader economic and social issues. The series’ departure from the airwaves reflected the changing priorities and interests of the listening audience.

Other Information

Captains Of Industry was sponsored throughout its run by a number of major corporations, including U.S. Steel, General Electric, and Westinghouse. These sponsorships not only provided financial support for the series but also allowed the show to maintain a level of authenticity and access to the business world.

The dramatized biographies of the captains of industry were often praised for their accuracy and attention to detail, making the show a valuable resource for listeners interested in the nation’s economic past.

Captains Of Industry’s legacy lives on in its ability to bring the stories of these influential figures to life, and in its contribution to the public’s understanding of the forces that shaped the American economy.

We have all known extant - 52 episodes available at RUSC.