X Minus One benefitted not only from the work of multiple authors well known in the genre of science fiction, such as Heinlein, Pohl, and others, but the quality of the program rested largely in the hands of two NBC staff writers. Ernest Kinoy and George Lefferts, while working with other writers at times, were largely responsible for both the original content and the adaptations that were featured on what many consider to be the best science fiction radio program ever aired.
George Lefferts was born most likely in the early 1920s. Growing up as a child in both that roaring era as well as a young man during the Great Depression, Lefferts was exposed to all sorts of literary revolutions, influences of which can be seen in his multiple works. He also served four years in the Armed Forces during World War II, encountering life and death in a way that he had never experienced, as well as learning more about the world beyond his own.
In both his original episodes for X Minus One as well as his adaptations, being involved in at least fifty of them for the show, Lefferts showed a desire for a brighter future balanced with the stark reality of concerns of the present. Following his tenure on X Minus One, the author would go on to win multiple awards with a body of work that could easily be termed progressive, with a specific focus on works and programs centered around women.
Lefferts was paired with Ernest Kinoy on X Minus One. Due to the rich experience of both men as well as a firm foundation as fans of science fiction, this program benefitted in multiple ways. As stewards of the stories being adapted, Lefferts and Kinoy insured that the issues currently facing their listeners blended well and effectively with the hope the future might hold each week.
Discover classic science fiction brought to startling life in X Minus One, Volume 5. Twelve episodes restored to sparkling audio quality by Radio Archives!
#49 Sea Legs
Tuesday, May 1, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#50 The Seventh Order
Tuesday, May 8, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#51 Hallucination Orbit
Tuesday, May 15, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#52 The Defenders
Tuesday, May 22, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#53 Lulungameena
Tuesday, May 29, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#54 Project Mastadon
Tuesday, June 5, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#55 If You Was a Moklin
Tuesday, June 12, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#56 Project Trojan
Tuesday, June 19, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#57 Wherever You May Be
Tuesday, June 26, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#58 Mr. Costello, Hero
Tuesday, July 3, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#59 Bad Medicine
Tuesday, July 10, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
#60 The Old Die Rich
Tuesday, July 17, 1956 - 30:00 - NBC
