Christmas Films On Radio
Watching a favorite Christmas film is for many a festive tradition and lucky for us some of the best Christmas films of the 1940's & 50's were made in to radio versions.
Joy loves this time of year making preparations for Christmas, decorating the tree, writing cards, wrapping presents, because that means she can listen to all her favorite festive radio films at the same time.
By now you'll know that being a James Stewart fan, It's A Wonderful Life is Joy's favorite Christmas film and lucky for her there are two productions of this live on RUSC. Lux Radio Theater recreated the film for radio in 1947 with both James Stewart and Donna Reed in their original roles. The film was also recreated in 1949 for radio by Screen Guild Theater, again with Stewart as George Bailey and in this version we are also treated to film director Frank Capra as host of the show.
James Stewart is also the star of another film favorite the delightful 1940 comedy Shop Around The Corner. It was subsequently produced for LUX Radio Theater and although broadcast in June 1941 was set around the holiday season.
I have compiled a little survey opposite for you to share your favorite radio Christmas film, and have listed them here with links. No need to switch the TV on when we have all these wonderful shows!
The Shop Around The Corner - LUX
Miracle on 34th Street - LUX
A Christmas Carol - Stars Over Hollywood
Holiday Affair - LUX
The Lemon Drop Kid - LUX
Holiday Inn -Screen Guild Theater
It's A Wonderful Life - LUX
It's A Wonderful Life - Screen Director's Playhouse
The Bishop's Wife - LUX
Finally, may we echo the words of Screen Director William Keighley at the end of the Lux Radio Christmas story Holiday Affair when he says...
"Tonight is the beginning of Christmas week, A joyful time for renewing old friendships, strengthening family ties and the American freedom to worship in your church. Our wish is not only for our America but for the world that soon the age old promise will be fulfilled, peace on earth, goodwill toward men. May I wish all of you a joyous Christmas."
Happy listening my friends,
P.S. If you're still puzzling over gift ideas, a RUSC gift subscription is always well received. It's the gift of effortless and endless entertainment for a loved one - and since there's nothing to mail out, you don't even need to worry about whether it will get there in time - since we take care of everything! Find out more here...
Instead of sending a Christmas card why not share a favorite show on RUSC. Simply click on the "Share this show with a friend" option, fill out the simple form and we'll do the rest. You can send them a message too, so good wishes and something nice to listen to, so much more than a card!