Lux Redux: Hollywood's Timeless Theater

Cardinal Richelieu

Originally Aired: January 23, 1939 Lux Radio Theater #203, "Cardinal Richelieu," presents the gripping political drama of 17th century France, where the powerful Cardinal Richelieu struggles to maintain King Louis XIII's authority against scheming nobles and ambitious conspirators. The cunning Count Baradar, secretly allied with Spain, plots with the Queen Mother Marie de' Medici and the weak-willed Gaston, Duke of Orleans, to overthrow Louis and place Gaston on the throne. As feudal lords resist Richelieu's attempts to unite France, the Cardinal must navigate treacherous court intrigue, including the influence of Queen Anne, who harbors no love for him. When Baradar conspires to keep crucial military forces in Paris to ensure Spanish victory, Richelieu faces his greatest challenge. The tension escalates as the conspirators put their signatures to paper in a plot of regicide. Richelieu races to intercept royal carriages fleeing toward the Spanish border while managing both the personal whims of his monarch and the deadly ambitions of those who would destroy everything he has built for France. The Cardinal must use all his cunning and influence to save the kingdom from foreign conquest and civil war.

Front Page Woman

Originally Aired: January 16, 1939 Lux Radio Theater #202, "Front Page Woman," stars Fred McMurray and Paulette Goddard in a fast-moving romantic comedy about two rival reporters and a battle of the sexes in the newsroom. Kurt Devlin of the Daily Express believes journalism is strictly a man's profession, while ambitious Ellen Garfield of the Star is determined to prove him wrong. When Ellen draws the assignment to cover a woman's execution at North Prison, Kurt condescendingly tries to protect her from the grim spectacle, offering to write her story for her. Ellen refuses his help, insisting she can handle the assignment herself, but the ordeal proves more difficult than she anticipated. The tension escalates when Ellen discovers that Kurt has betrayed her trust in an unexpected way, leading to a confrontation that threatens both their professional rivalry and their budding romance. As Kurt proposes marriage and suggests Ellen give up her newspaper career, she must decide between love and her determination to succeed as a front page woman in a man's world. The story explores whether these two competitive reporters can find common ground, or if Ellen's ambition will keep her from saying yes until she proves herself Kurt's equal.

Mayerling

Originally Aired: January 9, 1939 Lux Radio Theater #201, "Mayerling," presents the tragic romance of Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria and the beautiful Marie Vetzera. Set in 1881 Vienna during a time of political unrest and student riots against the monarchy, the story follows the tormented heir to the Austrian throne who struggles against the suffocating constraints of royal duty. Rudolph, married to Princess Stephanie in a loveless political union, finds himself under constant surveillance by the Emperor. His every move is watched, his friends scrutinized, and his life controlled. When he meets the enchanting young Marie Vetzera, their passionate connection ignites a forbidden love that threatens to shake the foundations of the Habsburg dynasty. As their romance deepens, Rudolph faces an impossible choice between duty to his country and the only genuine happiness he has ever known. The Emperor demands he end the relationship, while Marie's devotion remains unwavering despite the scandal and consequences. With the royal family and Countess Lariche closing in around them, the star-crossed lovers retreat to the hunting lodge at Mayerling, where they will share their final twenty-four hours together in a drama that will echo through history.

Perfect Specimen

Originally Aired: January 2, 1939 Lux Radio Theater #200, "Perfect Specimen," stars Errol Flynn as Gerald Ferrisford Wicks, a sheltered young heir kept virtually imprisoned on his grandmother's estate by the domineering Mrs. Wicks. Protected behind fences and guards, Gerald has been raised in isolation as the perfect gentleman, groomed to take over the family's Wix Utilities empire and marry the suitable Alicia. His regimented life consists of supervised outdoor activities and improving literature, all controlled by his overbearing grandmother. Everything changes when Gerald accidentally crashes through the estate fence and meets Mona, a spirited young woman played by Joan Blondell, who introduces him to the real world beyond his gilded cage. As Gerald tastes freedom for the first time, attending dances and experiencing life outside the estate walls, he falls for the independent Mona. When grandmother discovers Gerald's escapades and his relationship with this unsuitable girl, tensions explode. Gerald must choose between his duty to his grandmother's plans, including marriage to Alicia, and his newfound love and independence. The conflict culminates as the domineering Mrs. Wicks faces off against both Gerald and Mona, leading to a confrontation that will determine whether Gerald remains a perfect specimen in his grandmother's control or breaks free to live his own life.

Snow White

Originally Aired: December 26, 1938 Lux Radio Theater #199, "Snow White," brings Walt Disney's beloved animated masterpiece to radio, with Disney himself as guest of honor. The story follows the beautiful young Princess Snow White, who becomes the target of her vain stepmother, the Queen. When the Queen's magic mirror reveals that Snow White has surpassed her as the fairest in the land, jealous rage takes hold. The Queen orders her huntsman to take Snow White deep into the forest and kill her, demanding the princess's heart as proof. However, the huntsman cannot bring himself to murder the innocent girl and begs her to flee and hide, warning her that the Queen will stop at nothing. Terrified and alone, Snow White runs deeper into the dark forest, where frightening shadows and mysterious eyes watch her every move. After a harrowing night, she discovers the creatures are merely friendly woodland animals who lead her to a charming cottage. Finding it empty but occupied by seven mysteriously untidy residents, Snow White and her animal friends set about cleaning the house, hoping the owners will let her stay when they return from their day's work.