The Campbell Playhouse: Orson Welles' Acclaimed Radio Anthology
Enjoys some shows
Peter Ibbetson (The Campbell Playhouse) - 9th September 1939
Count Of Monte Cristo (The Campbell Playhouse) - 30th September 1939
June Moon (The Campbell Playhouse) - 23rd March 1940
The Campbell Playhouse was a landmark CBS radio drama series that aired from 1938 to 1940, directed by and starring the iconic Orson Welles. It was a sponsored continuation of Welles' previous anthology program, The Mercury Theatre on the Air, which had gained national attention with its infamous "War of the Worlds" broadcast in 1938.
After the success of that controversial Halloween special, Campbell's Soup signed on as the sponsor for Welles' new series, which would offer hour-long adaptations of classic plays, novels, and popular motion pictures. Welles and his producing partner John Houseman were given free rein to bring their unique creative vision to the radio medium.
The series made its debut on December 9, 1938, with Welles' adaptation of Daphne du Maurier's novel Rebecca, featuring guest stars Margaret Sullavan and Mildred Natwick. This was the first-ever radio adaptation of the work, and the author herself was interviewed live from London at the conclusion of the broadcast.
Notable Episodes and Storylines
Over the course of its two-season run, The Campbell Playhouse presented a diverse array of classic stories, from literary adaptations like Mutiny on the Bounty and Arrowsmith, to stage plays such as Private Lives and Our Town. Welles often took on the lead roles, showcasing his remarkable versatility as a performer.
One particularly acclaimed episode was the December 1938 production of Algiers, which employed a "carefully crafted tapestry of sound" to create the atmospheric world of the Casbah. When challenged on the volume of the background sounds, Welles famously retorted, "Who told you it was the background?"
The series also featured several original radio dramas, including Welles' "American Cavalcade" piece "The Things We Have" and the Herman J. Mankiewicz-scripted "Huckleberry Finn." These original works allowed the creative team to push the boundaries of the radio format.
Cast and Crew
The Campbell Playhouse boasted an impressive ensemble of actors, many of whom were part of Welles' celebrated Mercury Theatre company. Regulars included Joseph Cotten, Agnes Moorehead, Ray Collins, Everett Sloane, and Welles' then-wife Virginia.
In addition to Welles and Houseman as producers, the series' writing staff included Howard Koch, Howard Teichmann, and the renowned screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, who contributed several scripts in the final season.
Composer Bernard Herrmann also played a key role, crafting a complete original score for the debut "Rebecca" episode that was later used as the basis for his work on the 1943 film adaptation of Jane Eyre.
Impact and Reception
The Campbell Playhouse was widely acclaimed for its high production values, innovative sound design, and Welles' captivating performances. The series attracted a large and loyal audience, cementing Welles' reputation as a radio virtuoso.
However, the show's success also created tensions within the creative team. Welles' growing fame and clashes with Houseman over creative control led to the latter's departure in late 1939. This shift in dynamics was reflected in the series' format change to a 30-minute weekly program for its final season.
Despite these behind-the-scenes challenges, The Campbell Playhouse remained a critical success, with Welles' adaptations of classic works like The Magnificent Ambersons and Jane Eyre earning particular praise. The series' influence can be seen in the subsequent rise of the radio anthology format in the 1940s.
Legacy and Influence
The Campbell Playhouse stands as a landmark in the golden age of American radio, showcasing Orson Welles' unparalleled talent as a director, actor, and innovator of the medium. The series' ambitious adaptations, innovative sound design, and Welles' magnetic presence captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the history of broadcasting.
Beyond its immediate success, The Campbell Playhouse also paved the way for the proliferation of radio anthology dramas in the 1940s, which built upon the format's ability to bring classic stories to life through the power of the spoken word. Welles' work on the series would continue to influence generations of radio and television creators, cementing his status as one of the most iconic figures in the history of American media.
In the decades since its original run, The Campbell Playhouse has remained a beloved and influential part of old-time radio history, with many of its episodes preserved and made available to modern audiences. The series' enduring legacy serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of Orson Welles' unparalleled artistry and the golden age of radio drama.
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