Curtain Time was much like The First Nighter Program[2] in that it simulated a theatrical environment "where listeners were invited to attend the evening's performance."[1]
Versions
Pre-network
In 1935, Curtain Time was carried on WMAQ in Chicago, Illinois.[3] By October 1937, it had moved to WGN, also in Chicago.[4] An item in the trade publication Broadcasting in 1938 noted, "[I]t is understood that the show may be extended nationally in late summer."[5]
1938–1939
Beginning October 14, 1938, Curtain Time was carried on the Don Lee network as well as on WGN. An item in Broadcasting reported that General Mills had begun a 52-week sponsorship of Curtain Time for its Korn Kix cereal.[6]
Olan Soule, who later starred in a similar show, The First Nighter Program, usually had the male lead in this season's episodes. The female leads varied, but they included Betty Lou Gerson and Louise Fitch.[7] Other cast members included Alice Hill.[8] Don Gordon was the announcer, and Blair Walliser was the director. Henry Weber directed the music.[7]
1945–1950
Harry Elders was the regular male lead,[7] with Beverly Younger[9] and Nannette Sergeant splitting durites as female leads in this iteration of Curtain Time, which was sponsored by Mars, Incorporated. It was carried on ABC July 4, 1945 – June 27, 1946, and on NBC July 13, 1946 – March 29, 1950.[7] The program was also heard in Canada via 29 CBC Trans-Canada stations.[10] During the 1946–1947 season, Canadian coverage moved "from 28 CBS Trans-Canada stations to 44 Dominion stations."[11]
Others often heard in the cast were Betty Winkler, George Cisar, Beryl Vaughn, Sunda Love, Sidney Ellstrom, Maurice Copeland, and Michael Romano. Hosts included Patrick Allen,[7] Vincent Pelletier,[12] and Lew Valentine.[13]Mike Wallace (billed as Myron Wallace) was the announcer.[7]Norman Felton[9] and Harry Holcomb were directors.[7] Porter Heaps and Burt Farber were music directors.[14]
