One World Flight

One World Flight was a groundbreaking radio documentary series that aired on CBS in 1947. Produced and narrated by the acclaimed radio dramatist Norman Corwin, the series chronicled Corwin’s four-month, 42,000-mile journey around the world, during which he recorded interviews with a diverse array of people, from “prince and fellah, commissar and coolie, pundit and stevedore.” The goal of the series was to help heal the wounds of World War II and promote a greater understanding of the world beyond America’s borders.

The One World Flight series was born out of the Wendell Willkie One World Award, which Corwin had won the previous year. Willkie, a Republican presidential candidate in 1940, had become a devoted internationalist after the war, and the award was designed to send a prominent American on a round-the-world trip to promote the “one world” ideal. Corwin’s journey took him to 16 countries, where he conducted over 100 hours of recorded interviews, which were then edited down into 13 half-hour radio programs.

The One World Flight series covered a wide range of topics, from the political and economic conditions in post-war Europe and Asia, to the personal stories of ordinary people affected by the war. Corwin’s interviews provided a unique and intimate glimpse into the lives and perspectives of people around the world, and the series was praised for its ability to humanize the global issues of the day.

The Stars

While One World Flight did not have any regular stars, the series was entirely driven by the personality and perspective of its producer and narrator, Norman Corwin. Corwin was a pioneering figure in the golden age of radio, known for his innovative and poetic approach to radio drama. His distinctive voice and thoughtful commentary were central to the success of One World Flight, as he guided listeners through the sights, sounds, and stories he encountered on his global journey.

Key Dates

• One World Flight debuted on CBS on January 14, 1947 and ran for 13 episodes.
• The final installment airing on April 8, 1947.
• The series was recorded during Corwin’s four-month trip around the world, which took place in the summer of 1946.

Other Information

One World Flight was a significant undertaking for CBS and a personal passion project for Norman Corwin. The series was the result of Corwin’s Wendell Willkie One World Award, which provided him with the resources and opportunity to travel the globe and document his experiences.

The program was praised for its ability to humanize global issues and promote greater understanding between cultures, but its scheduling against the popular Bob Hope Show likely contributed to its limited audience.

Despite its relative obscurity, One World Flight remains an important and influential work in the history of radio documentary. Corwin’s innovative approach to the medium and his ability to capture the voices and perspectives of people around the world have continued to inspire subsequent generations of radio producers and documentarians. The series stands as a testament to the power of radio to bridge cultural divides and foster a greater sense of global community.

Of the 13 episodes created, 12 episodes are extant. The 4th broadcast from 1947/02/11 entitled - Moscow, is missing.