Big Town: The Crusading Editor's Radio Reign

Enjoys some shows

Occupied Paris (Big Town) - 4th September 1942

The Shiny Gun (Big Town) - 14th March 1949

The Deadly Summons (Big Town) - 21st March 1949

In the golden age of radio, few series captured the public's imagination quite like "Big Town." This long-running drama series, which aired from 1937 to 1952, brought the gritty world of newspaper journalism to life, captivating audiences with tales of corruption, crime, and crusading reporters. With its blend of hard-hitting storylines and star power, "Big Town" left an indelible mark on American broadcasting and popular culture.

The Birth of a Radio Powerhouse

"Big Town" premiered on October 19, 1937, introducing listeners to the world of Steve Wilson, the crusading editor of the Illustrated Press. The series was the brainchild of producers William N. Robson and Crane Wilbur, with scripts penned by Jerry McGill. From its inception, "Big Town" aimed to capture the essence of big-city journalism, complete with all its drama, danger, and moral dilemmas.

The show's creators struck gold by casting Edward G. Robinson in the lead role of Steve Wilson. This marked Robinson's first foray into radio acting, and he brought with him the gravitas and intensity that had made him a Hollywood star. Robinson's portrayal of Wilson echoed his earlier film role in Five Star Final, where he played a conscience-stricken tabloid editor. This connection lent authenticity to the character and helped establish "Big Town" as a serious drama from the outset.

Alongside Robinson, Claire Trevor initially took on the role of Lorelei Kilbourne, Wilson's intrepid reporter sidekick. The dynamic between Wilson and Kilbourne would become a cornerstone of the series, evolving over time as different actresses stepped into the role. This partnership not only provided narrative tension but also allowed the show to explore the changing role of women in journalism during this era.

The Evolution of "Big Town"

As "Big Town" progressed, it underwent significant changes that kept the series fresh and relevant. In 1939, Ona Munson took over the role of Lorelei, bringing a new energy to the character. The show's writers developed Lorelei from a society editor writing under a pseudonym to a star crime reporter in her own right, reflecting the changing expectations for women in the workplace.

A major shift occurred in 1943 when Edward G. Robinson departed the series. Edward J. Pawley stepped into the role of Steve Wilson, portraying the character until 1952. Under Pawley's tenure, the character of Wilson became more of a hands-on crime-fighter, often getting directly involved in the cases he covered. This change in direction coincided with Fran Carlon taking on the role of Lorelei, creating a new dynamic for the central pair.

The Pawley-Carlon years saw "Big Town" reach new heights of popularity. The series was rated No. 1 among all reporter-type drama series on radio and consistently ranked in the top 12 of all radio programs broadcast. With a listening audience estimated between 10 and 20 million people, "Big Town" had become a true radio powerhouse.

Beyond the Airwaves: Film, Television, and Comics

The success of "Big Town" on radio led to its expansion into other media, broadening its impact on popular culture. In 1947 and 1948, Paramount Pictures released a series of four "Big Town" films through its Pine-Thomas Productions studio. These movies, starring Phillip Reed as Steve Wilson and Hillary Brooke as Lorelei Kilbourne, brought the characters to life on the big screen, further cementing their place in the public imagination.

Television was the next frontier for "Big Town." The show made its small-screen debut in 1950, initially broadcast live before switching to filmed episodes in 1952 when production moved from New York to Hollywood. The TV series ran on CBS from 1950 to 1954, before moving to NBC for its final two years. Multiple actors took on the lead roles during this period, with Patrick McVey and later Mark Stevens portraying Steve Wilson.

Perhaps one of the most intriguing expansions of the "Big Town" franchise was its adaptation into a comic book series by DC Comics. Running for 50 issues from January 1951 to March-April 1958, the comic brought Steve Wilson's adventures to a new medium and a potentially younger audience. The comic series featured work by notable artists such as Carmine Infantino, Gil Kane, and Alex Toth, with many of the later scripts written by John Broome. This adaptation demonstrated the versatility of the "Big Town" concept and its appeal across different storytelling formats.

Legacy and Impact on Broadcasting

"Big Town" left an indelible mark on the landscape of American broadcasting. Its long run on radio and successful transitions to film, television, and comics speak to the enduring appeal of its central concept: a crusading editor fighting corruption in a big city. The series helped establish many of the tropes that would become standard in later newspaper dramas and crime procedurals.

The show's evolution over time reflected changing societal norms and expectations. The development of Lorelei Kilbourne's character from a society editor to a hard-hitting crime reporter mirrored the real-world progress of women in journalism. Similarly, the shift in Steve Wilson's character from a purely editorial role to a more active investigator echoed the changing nature of investigative journalism in the mid-20th century.

"Big Town" also served as a launching pad for talent both in front of and behind the microphone. It provided Edward G. Robinson with his first radio role, paving the way for other film stars to transition to the medium. Behind the scenes, writers and producers honed their craft on "Big Town," developing skills that would influence the broader entertainment industry.

The series' ability to maintain popularity across multiple decades and media formats demonstrated its resonance with audiences. It tapped into the public's fascination with journalism, crime, and urban life, offering a window into a world that many listeners found both exciting and relatable. In doing so, "Big Town" not only entertained but also helped shape the public's perception of the press and its role in society.

As we look back on "Big Town," we see more than just a long-running radio series. We see a cultural touchstone that reflected and influenced American society for over two decades. From the airwaves to the silver screen, from television sets to comic book pages, Steve Wilson and the world of "Big Town" captivated audiences, leaving a lasting legacy in the annals of broadcasting history.

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