Product ID: CTDR
Control Number: 7873812
Curtain Time 69 Episodes
Curtain Time was a delightful, highly popular dramatic anthology series that captured the romance, excitement, and polished charm of the live theater for millions of listeners across America. Originating from the bustling midwestern broadcasting hub of Chicago, the series stood out by completely rejecting the grim, hardboiled crime procedurals and terrifying horror stories of the era. Instead, it focused entirely on delivering breezy romantic comedies, lighthearted backstage dramas, and heartwarming human-interest stories. Every broadcast was designed to give the home audience the experience of a glamorous night out at a first-class theater, complete with the anticipation of the opening bell and the rustle of the playbill.
Charming, sophisticated, and thoroughly entertaining, Curtain Time was celebrated as a premier piece of escapist entertainment, offering a warm, uplifting alternative to the darker offerings on the evening airwaves.
The Stars
Because the program functioned as a light dramatic anthology, it relied on a brilliant, rotating ensemble of Chicago's finest, most versatile radio actors. The series was famous for launching and elevating the careers of major talent; early on, it featured the wonderful Harry Elders and Nanette Sargent as its primary romantic leads. As the show evolved, the exceptionally talented and charismatic duo of Raymond Edward Johnson (displaying a completely different, charming side compared to his famous horror hosting gig on Inner Sanctum Mysteries) and Betty Winkler frequently took center stage.
The performances were beautifully supported by a live studio orchestra led by prominent musical directors who provided lively, sophisticated musical bridges that perfectly mirrored the whimsical, romantic tone of the scripts.
Key Dates
The series originally made its network debut on October 15, 1938, broadcasting locally and regionally before climbing the ranks to national prominence.
It enjoyed a highly resilient, multiyear run across major networks including Mutual and ABC before landing at its definitive home on NBC Radio, where it kept families captivated through the late 1940s until its final bow on December 30, 1950.
Every episode was expertly tailored to a standard 30minute format, providing the perfect amount of time to introduce a playful misunderstanding, build a charming romance, and drop the final curtain on a happy ending.
Other Information
A hallmark of the show was its unique, theatergoing frame presentation. Every single broadcast opened with the evocative sound of a ringing chime and a distinguished narrator announcing: "The house lights dim... the overture is finished... it's Curtain Time!" This clever audio staging immediately transported the listener out of their living room and into a plush, front row balcony seat.
The production was widely recognized for its longstanding, high-profile commercial sponsorship by Mars Candy, and the cheerful, mid show advertisements for Milky Way bars became an inseparable part of the weekly listening tradition for millions of American families. The audio design was clean, elegant, and understated, focusing heavily on bright, witty dialogue tracking and the gentle, atmospheric rustle of a theatrical crowd. Today, Curtain Time is deeply cherished by old time radio collectors as a pristine time capsule of midcentury optimism, proving that the "theater of the mind" could masterfully deliver pure, lighthearted joy.
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: $14.99
Mice Price: $11.59
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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