Original Radio Broadcasts

Radio buffs all certainly agree that The Shadow was among the greatest radio shows of all-time. It is often stated that The Shadow began as a magazine, but that is not quite the case. The character of The Shadow originated as the announcer for Street & Smith's Detective Story, a radio show designed to help sale the magazine of the same name. When listeners began calling in requesting "The Shadow Detective Magazine," something had to be done.

This is one of the best collections around of The Shadow, and while by no means definitive, a ton of terrific shows are here to enjoy. Since the individual shows have already been listed, I will only touch on those shows I believe are the most enjoyable, from each of the three men here who portrayed the greatest single figure in the history of radio.

ORSON WELLES---Welles was only 22 when he starred in The Shadow. He managed to strike a deal with the sponsor, Blue Coal, which allowed him to do the show "cold" without rehearsal. It served to give his performance as The Shadow an edge. But it also prompted writers to begin writing episodes where the Shadow did not appear at the very beginning -- in case Welles turned up late to the set. Usually, Welles would show up a few moments before airtime, perform a few magic tricks for the cast, then bada-bing-bada boom, he would grab the script and run with it.

What Welles could not do, however, was the signature and sinister laugh of The Shadow. Frank Readick (the voice of The Shadow on Street & Smith's Detective Story) continued to both open and close the program during Welles's tim as the fabled crime fighter.

Favorite show featuring Orson Welles as The Shadow in this collection: SOCIETY OF THE LIVING DEAD

BILL JOHNSTONE began portraying The Shadow on September 25, 1938. He had trouble with the laugh also, but unlike Welles, finally managed to perfect it. He is perhaps my favorite Shadow.

Favorite show featuring Johnstone as The Shadow: THE CHESS CLUB MURDERS

BRET MORRISON became The Shadow in 1943, was briefly replaced by John Archer a year later, then returned as Lamont Cranston late in 1945.

My favorite show featuring Bret Morrison as The Shadow in this collection: A tie between PREVIEW OF TERROR and THE PHANTOM OF THE LIGHTHOUSE.

This great collection comes with a stunningly researched booklet by Anthony Tollin, who uses a number of sources to give a far-reaching look at the history of radio's greatest man of mystery, both in print, on radio, and in film. There are marvelous program notes on each episode included in the booklet, supplemented by photos of many of the key players. Worth tracking down if you're a fan. For those still in love with this theatre of the imagination, this Shadow collection is a must.… (meer)

The Six Shooter, starring Jimmy Stewart, came late to the Golden Age of radio, but is one of the best Western-themed shows ever aired. Created by Frank Burt, it aired in the early 1950s. James Stewart starred as Britt Ponset, an unassuming cowboy who never sought trouble, but left a trail of still-remembered legends as he wandered from Texas across the Western Plains.

So good was Britt at handling trouble, and a gun, he became known as the Six Shooter. Stewart was terrific as the regular fellow that townsfolk along the trail came to depend on when there was trouble. He had many friends, and his easygoing manner often put him in humorous situations.

Humor was one of the strengths of this show, separating it from others of its ilk. Stewart’s performances were pitch-perfect, as he brought the same charm and likability from films to the different medium of radio. There is plenty here for western fans to enjoy, because you get 20 half-hour episodes on 10 CDs.

Gray Steel is the second collection of The Six Shooter put out by Radio Spirits that I've purchased, the first one coming out in 2004, on cassette. This one is on CD and here are the shows in this collection, which runs from July of 1953 to the end of June in 1954:

Audition Show

Jenny

The Coward

The Stampede

Silver Annie

Red Lawson's Revenge

Escape From Smoke Falls

Gabriel Starbuck

Sheriff Billy

A Pressing Engagement

More Than Kin

Britt Ponset's Christmas Carol

Cora Plummer Quincy

A Friend In Need

Hiram's Goldstrike

The Silver Buckle

Revenge at Harness Creek

Anna Norquest

The Shooting of Wyatt King

Myra Parker

There is plenty of danger along the trail as Ponset becomes known for his honesty, and his gun. Those who enjoy old radio won't be disappointed by this one. It’s like listening to a bunch of old Western short stories on tape, but re-enacted like the BBC does for Paul Temple. Join the tall angular Britt Ponset for a ride through small towns along the dusty trail.… (meer)

This radio show from 1937 is a delightful and well done production. Written for children, it chronicles the adventures that Jim and Judy experience with the Cinnamon Bear. They attempt to rescue the star that goes on their Christmas tree and was taken by the Crazy Quilt Dragon. They meet a variety of unusual beings in their travels, and each of episodes ends on a cliff hanger. This series is a fine example of how excellent radio programs were in the early days. The music is well done, the sound effects are expressive, and the performances are exceptional. The stories are the perfect mix of humor and scariness that make for a wonderful experience for children.… (meer)