Brewster's Millions
I didn't realise there was such a day as the International Day of Happiness, but according to www.google.com - today, 20th March 2015, is the day!
Whilst reading more about this special day, I came across the poster (just over to the right there) - and I thought how much it resonates with Joy and myself, and with you - our old time radio listening friends!
"Find time to lose yourself in what you love!"
So, I figured we would move on to a literary classic that is a little more light-hearted today, in celebration of the International Day of Happiness - and who better to be cast in a light-hearted show, than our old favorite Mr Jack Benny!
This is probably not considered to be one of the literary classics, however, anything that was written over one hundred years ago, which can still make folks laugh today, is a classic in my eyes - and I hope yours too!
The story is called Brewster's Millions, written by George Barr McCutcheon (originally published under the pseudonym, Robert Greaves) and it was broadcast in 1939 by Lux Radio Theater.
The story deviates somewhat from the original, but the plot's the same. Here's how it begins...
Jack B Brewster has just inherited a cool million from his uncle Ned and recovers from the shock to discover that his late grandfather has also left him six million dollars!
However there are certain terms and conditions to the will devised to spite his uncle Ned whom his Grandfather despised.
Brewster has to spend the entire million by the end of the year, have no worldly possessions whatsoever, no cash in his pocket and no more than one suit of clothes. No one must know why he is spending his uncle’s money, he must not spend it recklessly and he must remain single. To break any of the conditions will be to invalidate his Grandfathers will.
There is another version available on RUSC, broadcast by the Old Gold Comedy Theater, which is equally as fun. I do hope that you'll enjoy listening to either adaptation of Brewster's Millions and that we've spread a little happiness today.
If you want to create more happiness in the world around you, why not share a show with a friend or family member - or give a loved one a gift subscription to RUSC! Lots of people love old time radio shows once they've discovered them, so don't keep RUSC a secret. Tell everyone you know :-)
Happy listening my friends,
P.S. Don't forget to check out the RUSC Literary Challenge page if you missed any of the classics we've showcased so far!