RUSC MAILING

Written by Ned Norris

Every now and again, a comment from a RUSC member sums up a series so nicely that there is very little one can add.

Paul C wrote of Heartbeat Theater:

“These shows are excellently played out with excellent morals to the story. I just wish there was more of them.”

Well, I’m very pleased to say that there are!

I’ve recently discovered that I do indeed have more episodes of Heartbeat Theater to add to RUSC, and I thought that was splendid news for anyone who enjoys radio drama with a strong story, fine performances, and a worthwhile message at its heart.

Heartbeat Theater was presented by The Salvation Army, but if that makes you think of something stiff or sermon-like, don’t be put off. At its best, this series is simply good human drama. The moral lessons are woven into the story, rather than laid on with a heavy hand.

These are not grand adventures like Escape, nor hard-boiled mysteries like The Adventures of Sam Spade. They are stories about ordinary people facing very real choices — pride, forgiveness, kindness, temptation, grief, generosity, and redemption. In other words, stories with a human pulse, which makes the title Heartbeat Theater especially fitting.

It’s also a reminder of how powerful radio could be in telling a simple, thoughtful story. A program like this did not need to shout for attention. It quietly earned it.

So I’m delighted to be adding more Heartbeat Theater to RUSC. If you already know the series, I think you’ll be pleased to hear more of these warm and thoughtful dramas. And if you haven’t tried it yet, I’d encourage you to give it a listen.

Sometimes the finest treasures in old time radio are not the loudest or most famous shows, but the ones with a good story, a kind heart, and a moral worth remembering.

Happy listening,

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