Grab that box of Kleenex and get ready to dab those tear ducts as Hollywood's greatest tear jerkers are on the air. Turn up the sound so your sniffling won't drown out these terrific Lux programs.
Polly of the Circus, starring Loretta Young in the title role. Here she plays a circus performer who causes a scandal when she recuperates from an accident at the home of a local minister. The minister is played by James Gleason (in a role originally played by Clark Gable). Interestingly, the original “Polly” was played by Marion Davies, long time mistress to William Randolph Hearst. Cavalcade is Noel Coward's epic story of a family, spanning 30 years. This somewhat abridged version of this best picture Oscar winner stars Herbert Marshall and Madeline Carroll. This is editing at its very best. Noel Coward himself appears as the guest during the story's intermission.
In Invitation to Happiness, Fred MacMurray is back in his original role of a selfish prizefighter who neglects his long suffering wife, played by the understanding Madeline Carroll. Supposedly MacMurray's character is based on real life pugilist, King Cole. The Old Maid stars Loretta Young in role originally played by Bette Davis, while Miriam Hopkins repeats her role a the scheming wealthy sister who raises Young's fatherless child. Sparks fly in this one as these two great actresses go head to head.
Only Yesterday, features Barbara Stanwyck as a woman who marries a soldier just before he returns to his regiment. She has his child, but when he returns he has no recollection of her and marries somebody else! George Brent plays the addled soldier in this fascinating tale. In Made for Each Other, Carole Lombard reprises her role as a woman who marries a man against the wishes of his domineering mother, and disapproving boss. The man in question is played by Fred MacMurray in the role originally played by James Stewart.
I'm sure you'll have the time of your life happily crying your heart out while listening to these wonderful shows. Meticulously restored by Radio Archives.
Nick Santa Maria, a published film historian and author, is the Project Producer for this series.
#109 Polly of the Circus
Starring Loretta Young and James Gleason
Monday, November 30, 1936 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
#113 Cavalcade
Starring Herbert Marshall and Madeline Carroll
Monday, December 28, 1936 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
#234 Invitation to Happiness
Starring Fred MacMurray and Madeline Carroll
Monday, October 23, 1939 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
#235 The Old Maid
Starring Loretta Young and Miriam Hopkins
Monday, October 30, 1939 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
#236 Only Yesterday
Starring Barbara Stanwyck and George Brent
Monday, November 6, 1939 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
#251 Made for Each Other
Starring Carole Lombard and Fred MacMurray
Monday, February 19, 1940 - 60:00 - CBS, sponsored by Lux Soap
