Against the Storm

Against the Storm was a groundbreaking American radio daytime drama that captivated audiences with its thought-provoking storylines and literary flair. This unique soap opera aired intermittently over a 13-year period, with its initial run on the NBC Red Network from October 16, 1939, to December 25, 1942. The series was later revived on Mutual from April 25 to October 21, 1949, and had a final run on ABC from October 1, 1951, to June 27, 1952. Created and written by Sandra Michael, Against the Storm stood out among its contemporaries for its intellectual approach and social commentary.

At the heart of the series was Professor Jason McKinley Allen, portrayed by Roger DeKoven throughout all three runs of the show. Allen, a resident of Hawthorne, Connecticut, lived at Deep Pool Farm and taught at the fictional Harper University. This setting provided a rich backdrop for exploring complex themes and incorporating literary elements into the narrative. As an outspoken pacifist, Allen’s character allowed the show to delve into pressing issues of the time, including war resistance and the dangers of fascism.

What set Against the Storm apart from other radio serials of its era was its commitment to intellectual discourse and cultural enrichment. Sandra Michael’s scripts often included poetry readings and literary discussions, elevating the content beyond typical soap opera fare. This unique approach earned the show critical acclaim and a devoted following among listeners seeking more substantial daytime programming.

The series’ title, drawn from Shakespeare’s King Lear, hinted at the show’s literary aspirations and the themes of struggle and resilience that permeated its storylines. With its blend of drama, social commentary, and cultural enrichment, Against the Storm left an indelible mark on the landscape of American radio entertainment.

The Stars

Roger DeKoven anchored the cast as Professor Jason McKinley Allen, bringing consistency and depth to the character across all three runs of the series. His portrayal of the pacifist professor formed the backbone of the show’s narrative and thematic explorations. While the series focused primarily on Professor Allen, his family, and the academic community around him, several other notable actors lent their talents to Against the Storm. Gertrude Warner, Arnold Moss, and Joan Alexander were among the performers who brought the world of Hawthorne and Harper University to life for listeners.

The show’s commitment to blending fiction with real-world cultural figures was exemplified in a memorable episode featuring Poet Laureate John Masefield. In a unique crossover between reality and the show’s fictional universe, Masefield appeared via a simulated shortwave broadcast from England, speaking directly to the students in Professor Allen’s classroom. This innovative approach to storytelling further distinguished Against the Storm from its radio drama contemporaries.

Key Dates

• October 16, 1939: Against the Storm debuts on the NBC Red Network, marking the beginning of its initial run.
• 1941: The series receives the Peabody Award for “Outstanding Entertainment in Drama,” becoming the only daytime radio serial to ever win this prestigious accolade.
• December 25, 1942: The first run of the series concludes on NBC Red Network.
• April 25, 1949: Against the Storm is revived on the Mutual Broadcasting System.
• October 21, 1949: The Mutual Broadcasting System run of the series comes to an end.
• October 1, 1951: The show begins its final run on ABC.
• June 27, 1952: Against the Storm airs its last episode on ABC, concluding its 13-year journey across three networks.

Other Information

Peabody Award: In 1941, Against the Storm achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first and only daytime radio serial to win a Peabody Award. The show was recognized for “Outstanding Entertainment in Drama,” a testament to its exceptional quality and impact on the medium. Critical Acclaim: The series garnered praise from critics and industry publications. Variety, a leading entertainment trade magazine, lauded a 1941 episode about a refugee girl’s first glimpse of Manhattan’s skyscrapers as “one of the most distinguished and stirring broadcasts in the history of commercial daytime radio.” This high praise underscored the show’s ability to tackle poignant and timely subjects with sensitivity and artistic merit. Literary Connections: The title Against the Storm was inspired by William Shakespeare’s King Lear, reflecting the show’s literary aspirations. This connection to classic literature was more than superficial, as the series often incorporated poetry readings and literary discussions into its storylines, providing listeners with cultural enrichment alongside dramatic entertainment. Musical Theme: The show’s theme music was composed by Alfred Newman, a renowned film composer. Newman’s score for the film The Song of Bernadette was adapted for use in Against the Storm, lending the radio drama a cinematic quality and emotional depth through its musical backdrop. Production Team: Behind the scenes, Against the Storm benefited from the talents of creator and writer Sandra Michael, whose scripts were brought to life under the direction of Axel Gruenberg. This creative partnership was instrumental in shaping the show’s unique voice and approach to storytelling. Broadcast History: The series’ journey across three major networks (NBC Red, Mutual, and ABC) over its 13-year lifespan was unusual for radio dramas of the time. This migration between networks speaks to both the show’s enduring appeal and the changing landscape of radio broadcasting in the 1940s and early 1950s. Sponsorship: Like many radio programs of its era, Against the Storm relied on corporate sponsorship. The show was sponsored by Ivory soap and Philip Morris cigarettes, reflecting the common practice of product-specific sponsorship in early radio broadcasting. Legacy: Today, Against the Storm is remembered as a pioneering force in daytime radio drama. Its success in blending intellectual content with compelling storytelling paved the way for more sophisticated programming in both radio and television. The series demonstrated that daytime audiences were receptive to thought-provoking content that went beyond the typical soap opera formula. In the annals of radio history, Against the Storm stands as a shining example of the medium’s potential to educate, entertain, and inspire. Its legacy continues to resonate with old-time radio enthusiasts and scholars, serving as a reminder of the golden age of radio drama and its lasting impact on American popular culture.