Arch Oboler

Best known for his radio script work, Arch Oboler was a Chicago native who enjoyed many facets of his career. He was a radio script writer, producer, director, and even novelist. He worked in all aspects of media from radio to film to television.

Oboler was born in 1909 in Chicago, Illinois. He began his writing career very early selling radio scripts while he was still a high school student. But the first time he was widely noticed was when he wrote a script that had Don Ameche and Mae West portraying Adam and Eve with a somewhat suggestive twist.

Perhaps because the show aired on a Sunday or perhaps because of its light treatment of the Bible, many listeners were outraged. The show caused quite a stir in radio. In fact, it caused Mae West to be banned from radio for many years. Though the sketch would be considered very mild by today’s standards, it was very controversial for its time.

When the fury died down, Oboler was offered the show Lights Out, a series that featured scary stories for the brave listener. In 1939 he was given the show Arch Oboler’s Plays where he continued to share horror stories across the air waves. 

 In addition to his radio work, Oboler appeared in many productions of the theater and in film. He starred in films such as Escape, On Our Merry Way, and Gangway for Tomorrow. He directed film endeavors as well such as Bwana Devil and Twonky. 

During the 1940s, Oboler was an outspoken political activist. He wrote and performed many anti-nazi works. This work was so well-received that major Hollywood stars offered to act in his plays for union scale pay. 

Oboler also wrote the Broadway play Night of the Auk and the novel House on Fire. He had a penchant for science fiction and horror and he delivered all of his performances and writings with flair and finesse. His work was often described as gruesome, but that didn’t stop him from having millions of fans.

The work of Arch Oboler stood out in his time. It was somewhat controversial and always creatively delivered. His work was popular in the early 1930s and continued to remain popular throughout his career.

Oboler’s famous radio show Lights Out can still be heard in syndication on some radio stations. Though he died on March 19, 1987, his work has continued long after his passing. He is a giant in old time radio and fans continue to love the terrifying tales he spun.

Happy listening my friends,