Exploring the Golden Age of Old-Time Radio: Classic Shows and Their Impact

Elliott Lewis, a prolific and influential figure in the world of radio during its golden age, was known for his versatile talents as an actor, writer, producer, and director. His career spanned several decades, during which he contributed to numerous popular radio shows, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Lewis began his journey in radio in the late 1930s, quickly becoming a sought-after character actor. His rich voice and ability to adapt to various roles made him a favorite among listeners.

As radio evolved, so did Lewis's contributions, as he seamlessly transitioned into producing and directing some of the era's most beloved programs. His dedication to reviving radio as a form of serious entertainment continued well into the 1970s and 1980s, showcasing his enduring passion for the medium.

Career Highlights

1937: Mr Presto the Magician in the wonderful thanksgiving-to-Christmas story Cinnamon Bear.
1937 - 1938: Speed Gibson of the International Secret Police.
1939 - 1942: Knickerbocker Playhouse a dramatic anthology.
1941: This Is Judy James, a drama situation comedy in which Lewis took the part of Mr Peterson, the next-door neighbor in love with Judy’s mother.
1942: Plays For Americans topical wartime dramas in which Lewis was a supporting actor
1942: Burns and Allen.
1942 - 1955: The Whistler crime melodrama. Appeared in many support roles along with his wife Cathy Lewis.
1939 - 1952: Character roles in I Love A Mystery the other famous Carleton E Morse creation.
1940 - 1944: Various character roles in The Hermit’s Cave.
1942: Father of a typical radio teenager called Judy Graves played by Shirley Temple in the situation comedy Junior Miss.
1946: Played the lead part of Hawk Durango in the western adventureHawk Larabee.
1946 - 1948: The Fitch Bandwagon. He played the part of Frankie Remley the wisecracking guitar player in Phil Harris’s orchestra.
1946 - 1954: Phil Harris Alice Faye Show He continued the part of Frankie Remley. Near the end of the show he began using his real name, Frank mysteriously became Elliott.
1947 - 1954: Various support roles in Escape.
1944: Adventures By Morse as lead player, Captain Friday.
1945: Arch Oboler’s Plays – support actor.
1946: The Amazing Nero Wolfe, role of Archie Goodwin Wolfe’s secretary.
1946 - 1951: Lewis was a regular in The Adventures of Sam Spade.
1947 - 1948: The Voyage Of The Scarlet Queen, adventure drama. Played the lead role of Master of the Scarlet Queen, Philip Carney.
1948: (March) Case Book Of Gregory Hood.
1948: The Clock
1949 - 1954: Producer-director of Broadway Is My Beat.
1949 - 1952: Director of Pursuit a suspense-detective drama.
1950: Producer Director of The Lineup a police drama which took you behind the scenes of police HQ.
1950 - 1954: From August 31 1950 producer-director of Suspense
1951: Director of Mr. Aladdin detective melodrama starring Paul Frees
1953: CBS Radio Workshop – Director
1953 - 1954: On Stage – Producer-director and also main character along with his first wife Cathy Lewis. (Coming to RUSC soon)
1953: Creator-producer director of Crime Classics a series of true crime stories taken from the records and newspapers of every land from every time a historical crime drama with underlying comedy.
1973: Director of The Zero Hour – Adventure Drama series produced in an attempt to revive the dying form of radio entertainment since the end of the Golden Age of Radio in 1962.
1979 - 1981: Producer-director of Sears Radio Theater dramatic anthology in a further attempt to revive radio as a serious entertainment medium.

Elliott Lewis divorced his first wife Cathy Lewis in 1958 and married Mary Jane Croft in 1960. They were married for 30 years until his death on May 20th, 1990 at the age of 73, from a heart attack.

Elliott Lewis: The Renaissance Man of Radio's Golden Era (1937-1981)