The End of an Era
Fifty seven years ago, on 30th September 1962, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar ended a thirteen year run on CBS. Incredibly, it was also the last day for Suspense, one of the most well-loved and iconic radio series ever, which had run for twenty years.
And that was that. The wonderful golden age of radio had ended.
The two series were the last from an era which had spanned forty years - in which drama, comedy and variety shows had filled the airwaves, and millions of people across America tuned in to listen to their favorite shows or entertainers.
Everyone was hooked on this new form of entertainment, and the broadcasting networks soon cottoned on that transmitting advertisements to these listeners, paid for by local businesses eager to sell their wares to the radio audiences, would return them lavish profits!
The bigger broadcasting giants reinvested much of their profit into the creation of high-quality programs, featuring the biggest Hollywood stars, excellent acting and first-rate scripts, and the radio shows were rich, diverse and wonderfully entertaining.
Sadly, the television was to doom our favorite world of escapism, and by 1954, half of all US homes had a TV set.
It's kind of ironic how us old time radio listeners have done a whole 360 degrees on this - because although we have a TV set these days, I only ever really watch the sport, and Joy only ever really watches the odd cookery program.
However, back then, the combination of sound and image was irresistible to both audience and advertiser, and the big money shifted to TV. All the best writers and actors moved to television production, and the number of radio dramas and comedy shows began to decline. One by one, the legendary radio shows faded from the air, with Suspense and Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar being the last to fall.
Over the past twenty years, since I first created RUSC, there has definitely been a shift back towards the popularity of audio dramas and comedy though. Maybe folks are beginning to realize that over the years, we have lost our capacity to truly imagine, and now they want that power back. I hand-on-heart hope so. Everyone needs a little bit of old time radio in their lives!
In my experience, one of the most favored genres of old time radio is the thriller. It seems that we all like a good scary story now and then to keep us on the edge of our seats - especially now that the dark nights are drawing in.
Which is your favorite thriller? I remember listening to a particularly chilling series many years ago called Inner Sanctum Mysteries. Have you ever tried shutting off the lights, laying down and closing your eyes whilst listening to the rather eerie storyteller begin the tale? It's an exhilarating experience!
I'd love to hear if you have quirky habits for listening to particular series! You can share your crazy quirks in the comments below.
Happy listening my friends,
