RUSC MAILING

Written by Ned Norris

“Just as the Globe Theater meant the best in entertainment since the days of Shakespeare, today it means the best in radio drama.”

Those splendid words opened Globe Theater, a drama anthology presented by the Armed Forces Radio Service, better known to many old-time radio listeners as AFRS.

The series began in 1944 and continued through 1945, bringing first-rate radio drama to servicemen and women stationed around the world during the closing years of the Second World War. At a time when radio was a vital companion for those far from home, AFRS programs like this helped carry the finest voices and stories from American radio, stage, and Hollywood to Allied forces overseas.

Globe Theater was hosted by the distinguished British actor Herbert Marshall, whose polished voice will be familiar to many of you from The Man Called X. So it seems especially fitting that the first episode I’ve added to RUSC is a version of The Man Called X, introduced by and starring Marshall himself.

One of the joys of Globe Theater is its variety. From week to week, listeners might hear comedy, romance, mystery, adventure, or serious drama. Surviving broadcasts include titles such as The Ghost Goes West, Porgy and Bess, The Show-Off, A Christmas Carol, The Lady Eve, and Phantom Lady.

Globe Theater is new to RUSC, and I’m delighted to say that I’ll be adding episodes throughout the week, so keep checking back as this fine wartime series takes its place among the many treasures of Old Time Radio on the site.

If you enjoy polished performances, intelligent drama, and golden age storytelling at its best, Globe Theater is certainly one to listen out for.

Warm regards,

RUSC Old Time Radiowww.rusc.com

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