Host Cecil B. DeMille brought us the most extravagant radio series ever to broadcast, The Lux Radio Theatre. It featured the biggest movie stars in radio adaptations of their classic films. Now, enjoy eight of the greatest hour-long episodes from this famed radio series.

The Lux Radio Theatre was one of the most prestigious and longest-running shows from radio’s Golden Age. It featured the greatest stars in Hollywood appearing in hour-long radio adaptations of their biggest motion pictures. Cecil B. DeMille was the host (from 1936-1945) for a lavish production of what was to become a veritable checklist of many of Hollywood’s best films from the mid-1930s through the mid-1950s. The stars of the movie usually appeared in their audio counterparts, although sometimes contracts or schedules meant that another actor took the part. The productions were broadcast live, with a full orchestra, in front of a large studio audience. Sponsored by Lever Brothers, the makers of Lux Soap, The Lux Radio Theatre came to radio in 1934 and lasted until 1955 for a total of 926 hour-long broadcasts. It transitioned to TV in 30-minute weekly installments in 1950 with James Mason as host.

11/21/38 - “Confession” with Miriam Hopkins and Claude Rains

1/16/39 - “Front Page Woman” with Paulette Goddard and Fred MacMurray

9/9/40 - “Manhattan Melodrama” with William Powell and Myrna Loy

12/9/40 - “My Favorite Wife” with Laurence Olivier and Rosalind Russell

1/6/41 - “Vivacious Lady” with Alice Faye and Don Ameche

4/28/41 - “Wife, Husband, and Friend” with George Brent, Priscilla Lane, and Gail Patrick

6/23/41 - “The Shop Around the Corner” with Claudette Colbert and Don Ameche

1/26/42 - “Here Comes Mr. Jordan” with Cary Grant and Claude Rains