Radio Shows Lost and Found
In this section here we will explore some of the radio programs that have been lost, destroyed, dumped, and discarded over the years by radio production companies and radio stations.
During the 1930’s until the 1970’s much of our commercial radio serials and drama programs were recorded onto disc record format, either as 16 inch 33 1/3 rpm standard groove format, 10 and 12 inch microgroove format, as well as 10 and 12 inch 78 rpm format.
Later much of it was also recorded onto tape format, but in many cases this was only temporary, as tapes were easily erased to be re-used again.
In a commercial world, as time moved on and the use and broadcast of these ageing shows were no longer viable, they were simply dumped and destroyed. Some have been saved and reside in several of our State and National Archive Library institutions, as well as in collectors hands such as myself.
I have been in the situation where I’ve discovered either whole, or examples of our early radio program recordings, and in some cases programs that were known to have been lost completely, or where only a handful exist.
Here I can share some examples of lost programs that have recently been found, through period advertising, articles, and pictures. I'll endeavor to also make this an interactive page by including a short audio sample (where I can) for each of the programs I am writing about.
Craig Nugent
Cavalcade of Empire
Through the 1930’s, Australia’s production of locally recorded radio programs was still small and limited in the face of huge quantities of cheap imported radio transcribed programs from the USA, which the local production companies could never hope to compete with. That was all to change at the outbreak of the Second World War when heavy restrictions and bans were put on all imported radio program discs from overseas. From then on local Australian production boomed, never to look back.
It was therefore quite an ambitious and costly task in 1938 to produce and record a dramatic radio series about people and events, from explorers, inventors, and important historical achievements from within the British Empire called “Cavalcade of Empire”.
Produced by veteran stage and radio actor Harvey Adams for Broadcast Advertising Pty Ltd (BAP) where no less than 3 top line radio scriptwriters were engaged to research and write each of the 26 half hour episodes produced for this series.
Anthony Scott Veitch, George Farwell, and James H. Martin being the 3 writers for the series. George Farwell went on to be a successful novelist, and wrote many great books about Australia, particularly about the remote outback areas through the 1940’s and ‘50’s.
As for Harvey Adams, he was employed by BAP as a producer and actor, and it was he who produced BAP’s first successful serial, “Mutiny on the Bounty” also in 1938.
Harvey Adams was astute enough to recognize the talents young actor Ron Randell, who not only had acting parts in this series, but was also the narrator for the opening and closing titles on each story.
The series dramatised stories from Sir Walter Raleigh to Shakespeare, Horatio Nelson and the battle of Trafalgar, to George Stephenson, father of the railways. We have the discovery of Australia, as well as Scott of the Antarctic, and Baden-Powell the chief scout. The birth of the ANZAC tradition in the First World War is covered, as well as the achievements of aviator Charles Kingsford-Smith and his aeroplane, the Southern Cross, plus many others.
By all accounts a magnificent program where the high production values and attention to detail are apparent throughout this series of recordings from start to finish.
‘Cavalcade of Empire’ enjoyed a national audience being broadcast in all States of Australia. Radio station 2SM Sydney broadcast it in 1939, and it was broadcast by 3DB in Melbourne in 1938. 5DN Adelaide had it in 1939.
I’m pleased to say this series now exists in its entirety, which is a miracle in itself, as many of our 1930’s recorded radio programs have gone forever.
Pictures in this article include a page from the BAP program brochure (which lists all episodes), an advert from the Herald newspaper from 1938, and a picture of a 16 inch disc label.
Please click on the play button below to hear an audio sample from the Anzac Episode.
It was therefore quite an ambitious and costly task in 1938 to produce and record a dramatic radio series about people and events, from explorers, inventors, and important historical achievements from within the British Empire called “Cavalcade of Empire”.
Produced by veteran stage and radio actor Harvey Adams for Broadcast Advertising Pty Ltd (BAP) where no less than 3 top line radio scriptwriters were engaged to research and write each of the 26 half hour episodes produced for this series.
Anthony Scott Veitch, George Farwell, and James H. Martin being the 3 writers for the series. George Farwell went on to be a successful novelist, and wrote many great books about Australia, particularly about the remote outback areas through the 1940’s and ‘50’s.
As for Harvey Adams, he was employed by BAP as a producer and actor, and it was he who produced BAP’s first successful serial, “Mutiny on the Bounty” also in 1938.
Harvey Adams was astute enough to recognize the talents young actor Ron Randell, who not only had acting parts in this series, but was also the narrator for the opening and closing titles on each story.
The series dramatised stories from Sir Walter Raleigh to Shakespeare, Horatio Nelson and the battle of Trafalgar, to George Stephenson, father of the railways. We have the discovery of Australia, as well as Scott of the Antarctic, and Baden-Powell the chief scout. The birth of the ANZAC tradition in the First World War is covered, as well as the achievements of aviator Charles Kingsford-Smith and his aeroplane, the Southern Cross, plus many others.
By all accounts a magnificent program where the high production values and attention to detail are apparent throughout this series of recordings from start to finish.
‘Cavalcade of Empire’ enjoyed a national audience being broadcast in all States of Australia. Radio station 2SM Sydney broadcast it in 1939, and it was broadcast by 3DB in Melbourne in 1938. 5DN Adelaide had it in 1939.
I’m pleased to say this series now exists in its entirety, which is a miracle in itself, as many of our 1930’s recorded radio programs have gone forever.
Pictures in this article include a page from the BAP program brochure (which lists all episodes), an advert from the Herald newspaper from 1938, and a picture of a 16 inch disc label.
Please click on the play button below to hear an audio sample from the Anzac Episode.
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Wings Above the Diamantina
The radio serial “Wings Above the Diamantina” was produced in 1939 by Broadcast Advertising Pty Ltd (BAP) and starred Australian actor Ron Randell as the half-caste Aboriginal detective Napoleon Bonaparte, better known as ‘Boney’.
The production company (BAP) soon changed its name to British Australian Programmes.
The serial is based upon the book of the same name first published in 1936 by famous author Arthur W. Upfield, who went onto write a series of fictional detective mystery stories featuring his detective ‘Boney’.
Upfield, although born in England, moved out here to Australia in 1911 then aged 21.
"A pilotless plane with an unconscious/paralysed girl in the front cockpit lands in a homestead paddock in North West Queensland, and the men whose duty it is to preserve law and order in the backblocks, are embarked upon the unraveling of one of the cleverest and most thrilling plots imaginable."
The series is 26 quarter hour episodes long, and was first broadcast in Sydney by 2SM in September 1939.
The production company (BAP) soon changed its name to British Australian Programmes.
The serial is based upon the book of the same name first published in 1936 by famous author Arthur W. Upfield, who went onto write a series of fictional detective mystery stories featuring his detective ‘Boney’.
Upfield, although born in England, moved out here to Australia in 1911 then aged 21.
"A pilotless plane with an unconscious/paralysed girl in the front cockpit lands in a homestead paddock in North West Queensland, and the men whose duty it is to preserve law and order in the backblocks, are embarked upon the unraveling of one of the cleverest and most thrilling plots imaginable."
The series is 26 quarter hour episodes long, and was first broadcast in Sydney by 2SM in September 1939.
As with much of the recorded Australian made radio programs of the 1930’s, most have been lost and discarded over the years, even in the 1950’s when newer and better produced programs replaced the old.
‘Wings’ among many others of this era was considered lost. However I’m pleased to say this radio serial story is now complete, taking me more than 10 years to locate a few discs here and there in multiple States of Australia to bring it all back together again as a complete program.
Please click on the play button below to hear an audio sample of the program.
‘Wings’ among many others of this era was considered lost. However I’m pleased to say this radio serial story is now complete, taking me more than 10 years to locate a few discs here and there in multiple States of Australia to bring it all back together again as a complete program.
Please click on the play button below to hear an audio sample of the program.
Australian actor Ron Randell who played the part of 'Boney' in this serial was now making a name for himself in radio and theatre, and would later go on to a successful film career. He is notable for playing the role of aviator Charles Kingsford-Smith in the 1946 film ‘Smithy’.
Ron is eventually offered a contract by Columbia Pictures and moves to Hollywood USA to further his career. Featured in this article is a picture of a 1936 book by Arthur Upfield, a page from the 1939 BAP program brochure, an article from Wireless Weekly September 1939, and a 16 inch disc label for the series. |
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2GB Library of the Air - Jamaica Inn & The Golden Salamander
May 1950. 2GB Macquarie Makes History.
This is the first occasion on which an Australian Commercial radio organization has gone to London to make radio features for Australian sponsorship.
“Jamaica Inn” based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier is recorded in the BBC studios London, and is adapted for radio and produced by Macquarie program manager/writer Maxwell Dunn. The series stars British/European actors Dirk Bogarde, Valerie Hobson, and Dennis Price. Other parts are played by resident Australian actors in London at this time.
Australian Reginald Goldsworthy does the opening and closing narration.
The book adaptation by Maxwell Dunn forms part of the “Library of the Air” series broadcast here by 2GB. This was soon followed up by another book adaptation by Maxwell, “The Golden Salamander” also recorded in London featuring the stars of the recently released J. Arthur Rank film of the same name, with the French actress Anouk, and Trevor Howard.
As with much of the 2GB Macquarie/Artransa transcription disc library, the bulk of it was destroyed and dumped in the early 1970’s, and the few discs I have of Jamaica Inn and The Golden Salamander are but a representative surviving example of the series.
The master recorded discs were sent out to Australia where the Australian Record Company (ARC) processed and pressed discs here for local distribution.
Whether by design or by chance, the 16 inch transcription discs were pressed in bright red vinyl instead of the usual black colour. Pictured below is an example of a bright red 16 inch transcription disc of Jamaica Inn.
Please click on the play button below to hear an audio example of Jamaica Inn.
This is the first occasion on which an Australian Commercial radio organization has gone to London to make radio features for Australian sponsorship.
“Jamaica Inn” based on the novel by Daphne du Maurier is recorded in the BBC studios London, and is adapted for radio and produced by Macquarie program manager/writer Maxwell Dunn. The series stars British/European actors Dirk Bogarde, Valerie Hobson, and Dennis Price. Other parts are played by resident Australian actors in London at this time.
Australian Reginald Goldsworthy does the opening and closing narration.
The book adaptation by Maxwell Dunn forms part of the “Library of the Air” series broadcast here by 2GB. This was soon followed up by another book adaptation by Maxwell, “The Golden Salamander” also recorded in London featuring the stars of the recently released J. Arthur Rank film of the same name, with the French actress Anouk, and Trevor Howard.
As with much of the 2GB Macquarie/Artransa transcription disc library, the bulk of it was destroyed and dumped in the early 1970’s, and the few discs I have of Jamaica Inn and The Golden Salamander are but a representative surviving example of the series.
The master recorded discs were sent out to Australia where the Australian Record Company (ARC) processed and pressed discs here for local distribution.
Whether by design or by chance, the 16 inch transcription discs were pressed in bright red vinyl instead of the usual black colour. Pictured below is an example of a bright red 16 inch transcription disc of Jamaica Inn.
Please click on the play button below to hear an audio example of Jamaica Inn.
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The Storyman 3AW series
In 1941 3AW produced a quarter hour children’s series that gained a national audience through the Macquarie Network of stations.
“The Storyman” – a radio fantasy for young people, and those still young enough in spirit to enjoy the lesser-known fairy-tales, told in the manner made familiar on the screen by Walt Disney.
Produced by Kenrick Hudson, adapted and written by Donovan Joyce, the series was acclaimed for the effective and clever use of sound effects used throughout the telling of the stories.
Kenrick Hudson – a fine actor, who worked freelance after the war, producing and acting in many radio serials for all the Melbourne radio serial and drama production houses of the day.
No doubt some are familiar with him here. He appeared in many of the Crawford’s television series in the 1960’s and ‘70’s. He is also well known for his fine voice over work, and was the voice in so many radio commercials produced at BEA for many decades.
Donovan Joyce formed his own radio production company in 1945, turning out some of the finest radio series of the day during the late 1940’s and 1950’s. His attention to detail made his productions of a very high quality, winning him some prestigious awards, as well as selling many of his radio programs to the fickle overseas markets.
One notable series he wrote and produced was a self contained half hour series called “T-Men”. It was a story about Tax evaders, but the storylines were so convincing that Joyce was raided by the Australian Federal Police who thought that he was getting inside information. He was eventually cleared, but not without some fast talking from Joyce.
Advert and article from a March 1941 issue of Wireless Weekly, and a 3AW transcription disc label for episode 47 of “The Storyman”. There are probably less than half a dozen discs surviving today from this series.
Please click on the play button below to hear an audio sample of the program.
“The Storyman” – a radio fantasy for young people, and those still young enough in spirit to enjoy the lesser-known fairy-tales, told in the manner made familiar on the screen by Walt Disney.
Produced by Kenrick Hudson, adapted and written by Donovan Joyce, the series was acclaimed for the effective and clever use of sound effects used throughout the telling of the stories.
Kenrick Hudson – a fine actor, who worked freelance after the war, producing and acting in many radio serials for all the Melbourne radio serial and drama production houses of the day.
No doubt some are familiar with him here. He appeared in many of the Crawford’s television series in the 1960’s and ‘70’s. He is also well known for his fine voice over work, and was the voice in so many radio commercials produced at BEA for many decades.
Donovan Joyce formed his own radio production company in 1945, turning out some of the finest radio series of the day during the late 1940’s and 1950’s. His attention to detail made his productions of a very high quality, winning him some prestigious awards, as well as selling many of his radio programs to the fickle overseas markets.
One notable series he wrote and produced was a self contained half hour series called “T-Men”. It was a story about Tax evaders, but the storylines were so convincing that Joyce was raided by the Australian Federal Police who thought that he was getting inside information. He was eventually cleared, but not without some fast talking from Joyce.
Advert and article from a March 1941 issue of Wireless Weekly, and a 3AW transcription disc label for episode 47 of “The Storyman”. There are probably less than half a dozen discs surviving today from this series.
Please click on the play button below to hear an audio sample of the program.
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Bluey & Curley
One of the most popular Australian comic strips of the 1940’s was “Bluey and Curley” created by Alex Gurney.
In 1946/47 Sydney radio station 2SM produced a quarter hour self contained radio series based on Alex Gurney’s two comic strip characters Bluey and Curley. The series was recorded and processed by Kinelab Australia.
Scripted and produced by Rex ‘Wacka’ Dawe (of ‘Yes What’ fame), he also played the part of Bluey. George Wallace Jnr. played the part of Curley.
Bluey and Curley epitomised what was seen as the typical Australian soldier. They liked a drink, a gamble and a chat (in colourful Aussie slang of course), and they always had some scheme afoot. They had a healthy disregard for officers and regulations and were quick to bring down any mates who were getting too big for their boots. Despite their larrikin streak, they were fearless, resilient and skilled in battle.
The series was a success, and was broadcast in all States throughout Australia. The series also enjoyed repeat broadcasts again in the later 1940’s, and 1950’s.
Sadly only a handful of episodes have survived today. Pictured in this article is an advert from Melbourne's radio newspaper Listener-In, a review from Sydney’s Daily Mirror newspaper, a front cover from a comic book, and a transcription disc label of the series.
In 1946/47 Sydney radio station 2SM produced a quarter hour self contained radio series based on Alex Gurney’s two comic strip characters Bluey and Curley. The series was recorded and processed by Kinelab Australia.
Scripted and produced by Rex ‘Wacka’ Dawe (of ‘Yes What’ fame), he also played the part of Bluey. George Wallace Jnr. played the part of Curley.
Bluey and Curley epitomised what was seen as the typical Australian soldier. They liked a drink, a gamble and a chat (in colourful Aussie slang of course), and they always had some scheme afoot. They had a healthy disregard for officers and regulations and were quick to bring down any mates who were getting too big for their boots. Despite their larrikin streak, they were fearless, resilient and skilled in battle.
The series was a success, and was broadcast in all States throughout Australia. The series also enjoyed repeat broadcasts again in the later 1940’s, and 1950’s.
Sadly only a handful of episodes have survived today. Pictured in this article is an advert from Melbourne's radio newspaper Listener-In, a review from Sydney’s Daily Mirror newspaper, a front cover from a comic book, and a transcription disc label of the series.
Please click on the play button below to hear an audio sample of the radio program.
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Dorothy 'Dilly' Foster Comedy Sketches 1937
From the mid to late 1930’s, one of the biggest Australian radio variety shows ever put to air was the “Shell Show”, sponsored by the Shell Motor Spirit and Oil Company.
This was an ambitious undertaking where no expense was spared in putting on a show with a large dance band, well known singing artists, comedy and vaudeville acts, all presented in front of a live audience, and broadcast on a national level.
Certainly the biggest variety radio show attempted thus far since radio began in the 1920’s. By all media reports of the day, they were a huge success.
Overall production for the Shell Company was overseen by producer Frank Cave, who was also the compere for all programs put to air over its 5 year run. The program ran for approx 6 months during each year, broadcast once a week. The Shell Show run concluded in 1938, with one big ‘Super Shell Show’ in 1939 to finish the series.
The Shell Show would later return in 2 new series in 1947 and 1948, but that’s another story.
This was an ambitious undertaking where no expense was spared in putting on a show with a large dance band, well known singing artists, comedy and vaudeville acts, all presented in front of a live audience, and broadcast on a national level.
Certainly the biggest variety radio show attempted thus far since radio began in the 1920’s. By all media reports of the day, they were a huge success.
Overall production for the Shell Company was overseen by producer Frank Cave, who was also the compere for all programs put to air over its 5 year run. The program ran for approx 6 months during each year, broadcast once a week. The Shell Show run concluded in 1938, with one big ‘Super Shell Show’ in 1939 to finish the series.
The Shell Show would later return in 2 new series in 1947 and 1948, but that’s another story.
The year 1937 was the biggest year for the Shell Show, where it was broadcast from the Comedy Theatre Melbourne, again in front of a live audience. One of the regular comedy acts for that year was Dorothy ‘Dilly’ Foster, who up until this point worked at radio station 3UZ in comedy and dramatic plays. She also wrote the scripts for many of those shows. In 1937 she went freelance to appear in the Shell Shows. When the shows concluded their annual run in September 1937, it was decided to do a follow-up series of comedy sketches for radio written and performed by Dorothy Foster as her ‘Dilly’ character known as ‘Public Nut No. 1’.
20 x 10 minute programs were recorded from the stage of the Comedy Theatre down the line to the Featuradio studios in Market Street Melbourne. Performing alongside Dorothy in each of these comedy sketches was Frank Cave (producer of the Shell Shows), and up and coming performer John McMahon who plays the part of Oscar.
These shows reached a national audience, as well as being broadcast on both Melbourne 3AW and 3UZ at the same time from October to December 1937.
20 x 10 minute programs were recorded from the stage of the Comedy Theatre down the line to the Featuradio studios in Market Street Melbourne. Performing alongside Dorothy in each of these comedy sketches was Frank Cave (producer of the Shell Shows), and up and coming performer John McMahon who plays the part of Oscar.
These shows reached a national audience, as well as being broadcast on both Melbourne 3AW and 3UZ at the same time from October to December 1937.
These programs were considered lost until recent years when I was able to find 16 out of the 20 programs recorded on disc. The comedy routines are of the time, but are still quite funny today, especially boosted by the great performances of the 3 participants in each program. Sponsored of course by Shell, and the Shell commercials in each program are integral with the comedy story-lines for every show.
Post Shell Shows.
Dorothy Foster moves to Sydney in 1939 where she teams up with Rita Pauncefort and creates the famous radio “Ada and Elsie” act that were a big part of the Colgate/Palmolive variety shows of the 1940’s and ‘50’s.
Frank Cave gains full time employment at Shell as the manager of their publicity department until his retirement in 1952.
John McMahon, as a direct result of his performances in these shows gains full employment at radio station 3UZ in 1938 until his retirement in the mid 1980’s.
Please click on the play button below for an audio sample.
Post Shell Shows.
Dorothy Foster moves to Sydney in 1939 where she teams up with Rita Pauncefort and creates the famous radio “Ada and Elsie” act that were a big part of the Colgate/Palmolive variety shows of the 1940’s and ‘50’s.
Frank Cave gains full time employment at Shell as the manager of their publicity department until his retirement in 1952.
John McMahon, as a direct result of his performances in these shows gains full employment at radio station 3UZ in 1938 until his retirement in the mid 1980’s.
Please click on the play button below for an audio sample.
The Rainbow Show
“The Rainbow Show” is a half hour variety radio program produced by 2GB Macquarie which first went to air on 18th February 1949.
It was broadcast once a week on Friday nights at 7.15. The series concluded its run on 9th September 1949.
The program was sponsored by Taylor’s Paints, and produced first by George Foster, then Eric Bush for Macquarie.
The program was made up of comedy sketches and musical numbers, the musical numbers being from artists such as The Four Guardsmen, Shirley Abicair, and Ross Higgins. (Yes, this is the same Ross Higgins who became well known for his voice-over work in radio and television commercials, as well as the radio and TV program ‘The Naked Vicar Show’, and of course as Ted Bullpitt in ‘Kingswood Country’ on TV in the late 1970’s, early ‘80’s).
Comedy was provided mainly by Bill Fennell, Keith Walshe, and Noel Judd. Program compere Clark McKay also participated in the sketches, particularly with Willie (‘ow are yer mate’) Fennell.
This program particularly was a direct broadcast from the 2GB Sydney Macquarie Auditorium in front of a live audience. Macquarie stations in other states took the program directly from landline, excepting Western Australia because of the time difference.
Although the program was recorded, it was not pressed onto discs as is the norm for network distribution. Some discs were dubbed from original acetate/lacquer discs to be sent especially to WA for broadcast at a later time and day (WA time), as well as some regional stations that were not on landline.
None of these recorded lacquer discs were known to have survived until several years ago when I chanced upon several of them in a garage sale. The condition of the discs were poor to reasonable, and with some reconstruction work and effort, I have saved the few complete episodes that only exist of this show.
Click on the play button below to hear an audio sample of this program.
It was broadcast once a week on Friday nights at 7.15. The series concluded its run on 9th September 1949.
The program was sponsored by Taylor’s Paints, and produced first by George Foster, then Eric Bush for Macquarie.
The program was made up of comedy sketches and musical numbers, the musical numbers being from artists such as The Four Guardsmen, Shirley Abicair, and Ross Higgins. (Yes, this is the same Ross Higgins who became well known for his voice-over work in radio and television commercials, as well as the radio and TV program ‘The Naked Vicar Show’, and of course as Ted Bullpitt in ‘Kingswood Country’ on TV in the late 1970’s, early ‘80’s).
Comedy was provided mainly by Bill Fennell, Keith Walshe, and Noel Judd. Program compere Clark McKay also participated in the sketches, particularly with Willie (‘ow are yer mate’) Fennell.
This program particularly was a direct broadcast from the 2GB Sydney Macquarie Auditorium in front of a live audience. Macquarie stations in other states took the program directly from landline, excepting Western Australia because of the time difference.
Although the program was recorded, it was not pressed onto discs as is the norm for network distribution. Some discs were dubbed from original acetate/lacquer discs to be sent especially to WA for broadcast at a later time and day (WA time), as well as some regional stations that were not on landline.
None of these recorded lacquer discs were known to have survived until several years ago when I chanced upon several of them in a garage sale. The condition of the discs were poor to reasonable, and with some reconstruction work and effort, I have saved the few complete episodes that only exist of this show.
Click on the play button below to hear an audio sample of this program.
The Air Adventures of Biggles - the 1945 5AD Series
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Many here are no doubt familiar, or have heard of the popular radio serial “The Air Adventures of Biggles” which was broadcast in the 1950’s and enjoyed repeated airings well into the 1970’s on Australian radio.
What is not so well known is the earlier Biggles radio series recorded by radio station 5AD Adelaide in 1945. The War was still going when this series was produced by 5AD using local actors and production staff. The series was based on the Captain W.E. Johns books of the same name which were becoming popular during the War years. Keith MacDonald played the part of Biggles as well as producer for the series (he later became General Manager of 5AD). A total of 208 episodes were produced, which were broadcast nationally.
The stories from the Biggles books were adapted for radio by scriptwriter Maurice Chapman.
In 1949 AWA decided to reprise the series, and record a new set of Biggles adventures in Sydney with new actors and production staff, which is the series that is well known today. 964 episodes were produced of the AWA series concluding in 1953. This series remains largely intact residing in the NFSA in Canberra.
Of the early 1945 series, it has all but disappeared and can be considered lost, with only about 6 episodes that survive to my knowledge. Here are some newspaper adverts of the day from the 1945 series as well some pages from the 5AD promotion brochure, and a scan of an existing 5AD transcription label.
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I've uploaded a short audio sample of one of these early episodes.
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Out of the Night
The radio series “Out of the Night” commenced broadcast on 2UW in January 1947. It was soon picked up by many city and regional stations around Australia for broadcast usually in the evening time slot.
Until recently there were no known surviving episodes from this series, until a chance encounter by me coming in contact with an elderly record collector downsizing and disposing of his collection. The probability of these discs being thrown out was high, until I intervened and was able to save them from their fate.
Out of the 52 episodes produced, I have now recovered more than half of the series.
A new and charming narrator to be known as the "Whispering Voice of the Night Wind" brings radio listeners one of the most intriguing sessions ever presented on the air.
This is "Out of the Night," the new Pepsodent sponsored programme of weekly dramas. Each performance is complete within itself and the astounding feature of this program is that every story to be dramatised on the air is actually a true story.
Until recently there were no known surviving episodes from this series, until a chance encounter by me coming in contact with an elderly record collector downsizing and disposing of his collection. The probability of these discs being thrown out was high, until I intervened and was able to save them from their fate.
Out of the 52 episodes produced, I have now recovered more than half of the series.
A new and charming narrator to be known as the "Whispering Voice of the Night Wind" brings radio listeners one of the most intriguing sessions ever presented on the air.
This is "Out of the Night," the new Pepsodent sponsored programme of weekly dramas. Each performance is complete within itself and the astounding feature of this program is that every story to be dramatised on the air is actually a true story.
The "Whispering Voice" narrator is Lloyd Berrell, clever young radio personality, who will introduce each story and link various acts in the dramas during which in some cases a period of years will have elapsed.
It is produced by Reg Johnstone and stars such outstanding Australian actors and actresses as Nigel Lovell, Kevin Brennan, Muriel Steinbeck, Neva Carr-Glynn, Bettie Dixon, John O'Malley and dozens of others well known to radio listeners.
The true stories dramatised in "Out of the Night" are specially chosen for their unbelievable character. Many of them have the hint of the supernatural and although touched with the finger of fantasy, all are true happenings for which an authority is given in very case.
Listeners are in for a series of surprises, and tests for their nerves as well as their credulity, because most of us would hesitate to believe that such happenings can have really occurred.
It is produced by Reg Johnstone and stars such outstanding Australian actors and actresses as Nigel Lovell, Kevin Brennan, Muriel Steinbeck, Neva Carr-Glynn, Bettie Dixon, John O'Malley and dozens of others well known to radio listeners.
The true stories dramatised in "Out of the Night" are specially chosen for their unbelievable character. Many of them have the hint of the supernatural and although touched with the finger of fantasy, all are true happenings for which an authority is given in very case.
Listeners are in for a series of surprises, and tests for their nerves as well as their credulity, because most of us would hesitate to believe that such happenings can have really occurred.
The series "Out of the Night" was produced by Grace Gibson Radio Productions and were written by William Isherwood who also wrote the documentaries, the "Drama of Medicine," "Story of Flight," and the "Australian Story."
Pictured here are two examples of program disc labels. One on the Grace Gibson Production label, and another on the Australian Record Company label.
Here also is an audio example of an episode shortened to about 3 minutes duration.
Here also is an audio example of an episode shortened to about 3 minutes duration.
Justice Rides the Range
There were no known surviving audio examples of this program until several years ago when I found one disc which contain the final 2 episodes of the series.
June 1946 saw the introduction of a new exciting Western/Cowboy radio serial by 2UE titled “Justice Rides the Range”, starring Howard Craven in the dual role of “Homer J. Henry”, and as “Justice”.
The plots are typical of the lawless American West, and follow the adventures of singing cowboy Homer J. Henry - by day a simple smiling man in a white hat going about his work on a cattle ranch, then by night as ‘Justice’ a serious looking man in a black hat, seeing that right prevailed.
However, it is the impressive vocal abilities of Howard Craven in the dual roles that separate the two characters of Homer and Justice. As Homer he speaks in a slow simple American drawl, and as Justice he talks in a stronger deeper more confident and authoritative voice.
June 1946 saw the introduction of a new exciting Western/Cowboy radio serial by 2UE titled “Justice Rides the Range”, starring Howard Craven in the dual role of “Homer J. Henry”, and as “Justice”.
The plots are typical of the lawless American West, and follow the adventures of singing cowboy Homer J. Henry - by day a simple smiling man in a white hat going about his work on a cattle ranch, then by night as ‘Justice’ a serious looking man in a black hat, seeing that right prevailed.
However, it is the impressive vocal abilities of Howard Craven in the dual roles that separate the two characters of Homer and Justice. As Homer he speaks in a slow simple American drawl, and as Justice he talks in a stronger deeper more confident and authoritative voice.
The series ran to 208 quarter hour episodes, was written by Bill Moloney and produced by 2UE.
The serial ran for 12 months from June 1946 four nights a week on 2UE.
Here are a couple of promo adverts of the day, and a transcription disc label of the series.
It is interesting to note that 2UW introduced a similar western series in the mid 1950’s titled “Brand of Justice” which then starred Ray Barrett in a dual role.
Below is an audio example of the final episode of Justice Rides the Range which I've cut down to about 2 minutes duration.
The serial ran for 12 months from June 1946 four nights a week on 2UE.
Here are a couple of promo adverts of the day, and a transcription disc label of the series.
It is interesting to note that 2UW introduced a similar western series in the mid 1950’s titled “Brand of Justice” which then starred Ray Barrett in a dual role.
Below is an audio example of the final episode of Justice Rides the Range which I've cut down to about 2 minutes duration.
