Product ID: DVDWE
Control Number: 7815205
Death Valley Days 8 Episodes
Death Valley Days was one of the longest running and most respected anthology series in broadcast history, serving as a powerful tribute to the legends and lore of the American Old West. Unlike many Westerns that relied on fictional "white hat" heroes, this series focused on dramatizing true stories or well established folklore centered around the harsh but beautiful landscape of Death Valley and the surrounding pioneers. Each episode took listeners back to the days of the 49ers, desert prospectors, and early settlers, blending historical education with gripping dramatic storytelling.
Authentic, educational, and ruggedly charming, Death Valley Days was known for its "Old Ranger" narrator and its deep connection to the history of the Western frontier.
The Stars
The show’s most iconic figure was its narrator, The Old Ranger, played for many years by Harry Humphrey and later by Jack MacBryde. The Old Ranger acted as the "voice of history," setting the scene from his fictional cabin and inviting listeners to gather 'round for a tale of the desert. His warm, weathered delivery gave the show an unmistakable sense of authenticity.
Because it was an anthology series, the cast featured a rotating "who's who" of top radio talent. These actors portrayed real-life figures and anonymous pioneers with equal gravitas. The show’s transition to television later featured famous hosts like Stanley Andrews, Ronald Reagan, and Robert Taylor, but the radio version remained defined by the voice of the Ranger and the high quality ensemble performances of the New York and Hollywood radio guilds.
Key Dates
Death Valley Days premiered on September 30, 1930, on the NBC Blue Network.
The radio version enjoyed a massive 14year run, concluding its original audio broadcast in 1944 before eventually evolving into a legendary television series.
Episodes were typically broadcast in a 30minute format, usually on a weekly schedule.
The show was created by Ruth Woodman, a meticulous researcher who traveled extensively through the West to gather the real stories and local color that made the scripts so historically grounded.
Other Information
A hallmark of the show was its enduring sponsorship by 20 Mule Team Borax. The brand became inseparable from the program, as the "20 Mule Team" was a real-world fixture of Death Valley’s mining history. Commercials often featured housekeeping tips using Borax, seamlessly connecting the rugged history of the desert with the modern American household.
The production was noted for its unflinching look at the elements. While it celebrated the spirit of the West, it did not shy away from the dangers of the desert dehydration, isolation, and the sheer unpredictability of nature were frequent "villains" in the stories. This focus on the struggle between man and the environment gave the show a more mature and thoughtful tone than the "shoot-'em-up" Westerns targeted at children.
Today, Death Valley Days is remembered as a cornerstone of Western media. It remains a favorite for historians and OTR fans alike, recognized for its pioneering efforts to preserve the true stories of the American frontier through the immersive power of radio.
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: $12.49
Mice Price: $9.69
Length: 12.5
Width: 18
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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