See these folks in the photo? They only have a tiny radio up on their mantle but they also have a big roaring fire going, drinks ... and possibly s'mores. These people know how to listen to the radio. On top of that, they are dressed nicely.
Radio is helped by ambience. You don't have to go the extremes that these people are to enjoy your radio show but it does help if you can listen to it at a time when you can give it your attention. Surroundings can do a lot to add to or take away from your enjoyment of your vintage radio shows. If nothing else, please try to dress nicely.
When was the "Golden Age of Radio"?
I could rattle off lots of facts, dates and bits of trivia about this or I can just show you this picture.
Note that this radio is twice the height (and width) of this portly dog.
This radio has a lamp, a vase of flowers, a clock and little ceramic figures on top of it.
If this isn't specific enough, then let's just say that the term "Golden Age of Radio" commonly refers to an era between the late 1920's and and the late 1950's. "Old Time Radio" and the "Golden Age of Radio" are both terms referring to this general time period. The close of this era is considered by most to have occurred with the final broadcasts of Suspense and Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar on September 30, 1962.
Lastly, if you are interested in the hefty radios of the past there is a very good site devoted to antique radios at www.antiqueradios.com. Be sure to ask their Mystic Radio a question!
Why should anyone take the time to listen to radio shows that are at least fifty years old?
Aside from the fun of them, there are lots of reasons! Writers, screenwriters and actors would do well to study these broadcasts for what worked and what didn't work. Anyone interested in the power of storytelling and how to keep the attention of an audience should pay attention to how these shows were set up and paced. History or English teachers may find audio material to use in their classes. Travel writers, tour guides and travel agents just might pick up some hints for making their stories more intriguing as well. Stuck in bed with a bad cold? Try listening to vintage radio broadcasts instead of watching television. They're better for you. On a long car trip? Bring your vintage radio broadcasts with you for entertainment on the road!
There are some drawbacks to Old Time Radio. Some episodes have become so dated over time that they don't bring much enjoyment to the modern listener. Aside from that, they are not racially balanced, feminist or gay friendly by modern standards. These shows are indicative of their own time. They addressed some of these issues but in their own ways.
It is important to note that both Suspense and Escape had female scriptwriters. Suspense was a showcase for actresses and provided them with parts that ran the gamut! Escape can be easily criticized for portraying stereotypes of foreign cultures without the sensitivity that we would expect today. Yet, at the same time, they openly addressed issues of racism and colonialism in episodes that are still true and compelling. These are some of the reasons why Suspense and Escape can still command a modern audience.
Now you know the benefits and the limitations of vintage radio.
"Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all?...We offer you....ESCAPE!"
No matter how many episodes of the radio series Escape that I listen to, its introduction still grabs me and pulls me in with the promise of a great story and high adventure. The radio series Suspense, introduced by the sounds of bells and "The Man in Black", really wasn't quite as catchy but it too made a promise. One that would keep you in....SUSPENSE!
This blog is dedicated to the pursuit of escape and suspense through vintage radio broadcasts. Aside from the two series mentioned in the title of this blog, this includes Quiet Please, Beyond Midnight and others.
Although I am not old enough to have personally experienced the "Golden Age of Radio", I often heard about these shows through my parents. When I was a kid my mother bought me a cassette tape of "golden moments" from the Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy shows that I listened to until it was worn out.
Many years later, I rediscovered old radio shows through my job. Looking for something to listen to in the afternoons, I subscribed to an Old Time Radio website. When I found Suspense, I was hooked. Fortunately, the ambience of my office lent itself to the eeriness of the broadcasts. Alone, in the back room of a law library, in an office that could be featured in a (corporate-style) remake of Hitchcock's Rear Window, these shows really came alive. (In fact, Mel Brooks' ode to Alfred Hitchcock, High Anxiety was filmed in the hotel across the street!)
I've kept notes on what I have listened to and this blog is the result of that. I've picked out the very best, the humorously awful and the most unusual episodes for comment. I don't consider myself an expert on every detail of the history and production of Old Time Radio. I am just a fan who has listened to way too many episodes of both Escape and Suspense.
This blog was created because I was interested in people's thoughts, opinions and memories of certain episodes. I also wanted to create a simple way to introduce these shows to people who are new to them.
The Internet has made it possible to enjoy these shows again in a group forum.
Enjoy!
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