Arch Obolers Plays

0

"Arch Oboler's Plays" was a highly influential radio anthology series created, written, produced, and directed by the renowned American radio dramatist Arch Oboler. It was a groundbreaking show that showcased Oboler's unique and innovative approach to radio drama, often exploring themes of fantasy, science fiction, horror, and social commentary.

History and Runs:

The series had several distinct runs:



  • NBC (1939-1940): The initial run aired on NBC from March 25, 1939, to March 23, 1940. This was a significant achievement for Oboler, as it was an experimental series given to a single playwright, an almost unheard-of honor at the time. It ran without a sponsor, giving Oboler considerable creative control.


  • Mutual (1945): "Arch Oboler's Plays" was revived for a summer run on the Mutual Broadcasting System from April 5, 1945, to October 11, 1945.


  • Later Syndication (1964): Some twenty years after the Mutual series, Oboler attempted to bring some of his acclaimed works back to the airwaves, negotiating with NANA Radio to record thirteen new episodes of "Arch Oboler's Plays" in late 1963, which aired in 1964.

Content and Style:

Oboler was known for his "weird fiction," blending elements of fantasy, science fiction, and horror. His plays often featured:



  • Psychological Depth: He frequently explored the "terrors and monsters within each of us," using stream-of-consciousness techniques to powerful effect.


  • Innovative Sound Effects: Oboler was a pioneer in the use of sound effects to enhance the atmosphere and impact of his dramas.


  • Social and Political Commentary: Especially during the lead-up to and during World War II, Oboler subtly wove anti-fascist messages and calls for patriotism into his plays, even when networks maintained a stance of neutrality. He aimed to "stimulate the American people to the importance of the war effort by indirection rather than by direct appeal."


  • Diverse Genres: While famous for horror, "Arch Oboler's Plays" also encompassed drama, comedy, satire, and tragedy.

Notable Episodes and Performers:

The show attracted an impressive roster of talented actors, many of whom worked for minimum union fees due to the show's prestige. Some notable episodes and stars include:



  • "Johnny Got His Gun" (1940): A harrowing adaptation of Dalton Trumbo's novel, starring James Cagney.


  • "The Bathysphere" (1939): This episode, focusing on a dictator and a scientist in a submersible with dwindling oxygen, was inducted into the National Recording Registry in 2020 for its cultural significance.


  • "Alter Ego" (1938): Starring Bette Davis, this play about a woman with split personalities was chosen as the best original air drama of the year and later inspired the film "Bewitched."

  • Other stars who appeared included Ronald Colman, Alla Nazimova, Greer Garson, Edmund Gwenn, Eddie Cantor, and many established radio actors like Bea Benadaret and Raymond Edward Johnson.

Impact and Legacy:

"Arch Oboler's Plays" left a significant mark on radio drama:



  • Elevating Radio as an Art Form: Oboler was instrumental in demonstrating the artistic potential of radio, moving beyond simple entertainment to explore complex ideas and challenging themes.


  • Pioneering Techniques: His use of stream-of-consciousness narration and inventive sound design became absorbed into standard radio practice.


  • Influence on Later Works: Oboler's socially conscious "weird tales" and his dramatic style influenced later creators, notably Rod Serling of "The Twilight Zone."


  • Critical Acclaim: Oboler received a Peabody Award for radio drama for his work.


Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio

Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon


Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

Recent Episodes
  • Arch Obolers Plays_641226_(13)_Him Or Me
    Aug 19, 2020 – 27:36
  • Arch Obolers Plays_641212_(11)_Bathysphere
    Aug 19, 2020 – 21:13
  • Arch Obolers Plays_641205_(10)_Revolt Of The Worms
    Aug 19, 2020 – 23:39
  • Arch Obolers Plays_641128_(09)_African Story
    Aug 19, 2020 – 22:55
  • Arch Obolers Plays_641114_(07)_Big Ben
    Aug 19, 2020 – 25:41
  • Arch Obolers Plays_641031_(05)_Come To The Bank
    Aug 19, 2020 – 20:53
  • Arch Obolers Plays_641017_(03)_Special To Hollywood
    Aug 19, 2020 – 20:45
  • Arch Obolers Plays_451011_(26)_This Living Book (I Declare War)
    Aug 19, 2020 – 29:26
  • Arch Obolers Plays_451004_(25)_Mr Miller
    Aug 19, 2020 – 29:48
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450927_(24)_The Family Nagachi
    Aug 19, 2020 – 27:41
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450920_(23)_Rocket From Manhattan
    Aug 19, 2020 – 28:20
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450906_(21)_Mirage
    Aug 19, 2020 – 29:01
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450809_(18)_History Of A Mug
    Aug 19, 2020 – 29:25
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450802_(17)_Parade
    Aug 19, 2020 – 29:17
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450726_(16)_My Chicago
    Aug 19, 2020 – 11:45
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450705_(13)_Dr Bluff
    Aug 19, 2020 – 28:09
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450628_(12)_The Truth
    Aug 19, 2020 – 28:30
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450621_(11)_The Naked Mountain
    Aug 19, 2020 – 29:11
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450614_(10)_Mr Pyle
    Aug 19, 2020 – 28:48
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450607_(09)_Night
    Aug 19, 2020 – 29:00
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450531_(08)_Double Feature
    Aug 19, 2020 – 30:02
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450524_(07)_An Exercise In Horror (A Peculiar Comedy)
    Aug 19, 2020 – 27:00
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450517_(06)_Mr Ten Percent
    Aug 19, 2020 – 30:08
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450510_(05)_Holiday 194X
    Aug 19, 2020 – 30:11
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450503_(04)_Love Love Love
    Aug 19, 2020 – 29:37
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450426_(03)_The House I Live In
    Aug 19, 2020 – 29:27
  • Arch Obolers Plays_450405_(01)_Strange Morning
    Aug 19, 2020 – 24:36
  • Arch Obolers Plays_400224_(49)_The Women Stayed At Home
    Aug 19, 2020 – 24:47
  • Arch Obolers Plays_400127_(45)_Three Stories With TongueInCheek
    Aug 19, 2020 – 11:55
  • Arch Obolers Plays_400309_(51)_Johnny Got His Gun
    May 9, 2020 – 29:53
  • Arch Obolers Plays_391230_(41)_This Precious Freedom
    May 9, 2020 – 27:20
  • Arch Obolers Plays_391118_(35)_Bathysphere
    May 9, 2020 – 29:24
  • Arch Obolers Plays_390916_(26)_Suffer Little Children Finale I Do
    May 9, 2020 – 13:16
  • Arch Obolers Plays_390729_(19)_Another World
    May 9, 2020 – 28:38
  • Arch Obolers Plays_390708_(16)_The Ivory Tower
    May 9, 2020 – 28:37
  • Arch Obolers Plays_390610_(12)_Neros Wife
    May 9, 2020 – 29:17
  • Arch Obolers Plays_390603_(11)_Dark World Steel Humbug
    May 9, 2020 – 09:01
  • Arch Obolers Plays_390520_(09)_Crazy Town
    May 9, 2020 – 27:27
  • Arch Obolers Plays_390506_(07)_Engulfed Cathedral
    May 9, 2020 – 30:43
  • Arch Obolers Plays_390429_(06)_The Cliff
    May 9, 2020 – 29:16
  • Arch Obolers Plays_390415_(04)_The Ways Of Men
    May 9, 2020 – 30:06
  • Arch Obolers Plays_390401_(02)_Mirage
    May 9, 2020 – 29:44
Recent Reviews
Similar Podcasts
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.