On April 29 1947, 26-year-old Canadian director Fletcher Markle launched a 60-minute CBS radio drama series called Studio One, with an adaptation of Malcolm Lowry's Under the Volcano.
It was the first of many short stories, novels and plays to be adapted for radio, and the results really were outstanding!
The series showcased such adaptations as Carmen, Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, and Ah, Wilderness.
Looking at the cast lists, many of the shows were performed by Everett Sloane and Anne Burr, with Fletcher Markle himself often heard too. Interestingly, the actress Orson Welles said was "the world's greatest living radio actress" Mercedes McCambridge also played several parts. She and Fletcher Markle went on to marry in 1950.
CBS Radio received a Peabody Award for Studio One in 1947, citing Markle's choice of material and the authenticity of his adaptations "in a production, which at its best, is distinguished for its taste, restraint, and radio craftsmanship".
However, broadcast on Tuesdays, it was up against stiff competition, running opposite Fibber McGee and Molly, and The Bob Hope Show at 9:30pm.
Perhaps that's why it lasted for just one season, only continuing until July 27 1948 - although it did then make the leap to television in 1948, airing under several variant titles: Studio One in Hollywood, Studio One Summer Theatre, Westinghouse Studio One and Westinghouse Summer Theatre.
The audio quality is excellent, and the storylines really are enthralling.
Happy listening my friends,
