Product ID: OMFSO
Control Number: 7534626
One Mans Family 381 Episodes
One Man’s Family was one of the most beloved and longest-running dramatic series in the history of American radio, capturing the lives, loves, and trials of an ordinary yet deeply relatable American family. Debuting in 1932, the show chronicled the everyday experiences of the Barbour family of San Francisco, focusing on themes of morality, duty, and family unity across multiple generations. Created and written by Carlton E. Morse, the series became a cultural institution, offering audiences an intimate portrait of family life over more than two decades.
Told through a mixture of dialogue and narration, One Man’s Family portrayed the triumphs and heartaches of Henry Barbour — a stern but loving patriarch — his devoted wife Fanny, and their five children. Listeners followed the Barbours as they faced the joys and sorrows of marriage, parenthood, personal ambition, and loss, all set against the changing backdrop of American life from the Great Depression through World War II and beyond. Its realistic storytelling and consistent moral compass made it a touchstone for American families seeking comfort and identification during turbulent times.
The Stars
The show featured J. Anthony Smythe as Henry Barbour, the wise and dignified head of the family, whose thoughtful monologues often served as the emotional core of each episode. Minetta Ellen portrayed Fanny Barbour, the nurturing mother whose warmth balanced Henry’s stern nature. Over the years, a talented ensemble of radio actors portrayed the Barbour children and extended family members, each aging and evolving as the series progressed — an unusually ambitious approach for its time.
Creator Carlton E. Morse, who also produced I Love a Mystery, personally wrote nearly every episode of the program’s 27-year run, ensuring its continuity and depth of character. His unique writing style gave the series its distinctive mix of realism, sentimentality, and moral reflection.
Key Dates
Aired: 1932 1959
Network: NBC Radio
Creator/Writer: Carlton E. Morse
Main Cast: J. Anthony Smythe as Henry Barbour; Minetta Ellen as Fanny Barbour
Format: Serialized family drama, typically 15- or 30-minute episodes
Setting: Sea Cliff, San Francisco, California
Other Information
One Man’s Family holds a unique place in broadcasting history as one of radio’s first and most enduring family sagas. Its structure — divided into “books” and “chapters” like a novel — gave the show a literary feel rarely found in early radio drama. Over the years, it was adapted into a short-lived television version and continued to be syndicated long after its network run ended.
The program’s enduring popularity stemmed from its sincerity and moral clarity. Rather than sensationalism or melodrama, One Man’s Family emphasized love, forgiveness, and perseverance. It provided a comforting reflection of family life for millions of listeners across three decades. Today, it is remembered as a landmark in serialized storytelling — a gentle, profoundly human portrait of the American family that defined an era of radio drama.
This collection comes preloaded on a USB stick, allowing you to easily transfer all episodes to the device of your choice. Enjoy seamless playback a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern convenience.
Suggested Retail Price: $29.99
Mice Price: $23.29
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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