Old Time Radio
Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2012 9:09 pm
I have a passion for audio drama.
The BBC still produce some of the best audio drama in the world, but there was a time when quality radio shows were also produced in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. The so-called 'Golden Age of Radio', or 'Old Time Radio' as it is known in the States, ranged from the 1940's to the 1960's and produced some high-quality drama (and some rather cheesy drama, as well).
I mention this because I manage a non-commercial website devoted to audio drama - primarily Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror/Thriller, and Action/Adventure. Now, some might consider this as a spam post, as I'm partially promoting my own website, but I believe there is a tie-in with rowing, and I hope I'll be forgiven.
Sometimes when I row, I listen to music (especially if I need a fast beat); sometimes, I just stare at the monitor (if I'm going for a PB or want a steady, even pace). But if I'm going for a long recovery row or a UT2 row for base fitness, I put on some radio drama and float far, far away.
But where to start? (There are hundreds of thousands of old radio programs floating around.) Well Jeff Dickson created the website to help answer that question and when he 'retired' I stepped in and took his place.
The purpose of the site is to provide information about different radio series, short plot summaries for specific episodes, and reviews from other listeners. I also offer a modest Listening Booth where I showcase a few episodes each week.
I do not sell or trade the actual episodes which I list (although I can help you find what you're looking for). I accept no payments or donations. My website is a labour of love. It is about passion; It is about helping to preserve a dying art form; It is about closing your eyes and using your imagination to create pictures is your mind; It is about an older way of life. (And it's about learning to write in Canadian!).
I have summaries for over 150 series.
I have plot summaries for over 1,500 episodes.
I have a page devoted to famous authors on radio (currently being overhauled).
I have a page with cd cover art.
I have some old pulp magazine covers.
I have a page with links to where you can download episodes and series (some are fee-based, but most are free).
I have a page with recommendations from other listeners.
If you are interested please visit my website. There are no advertisements. There are no cookies. There is no javascript, active content, or flash. Just words on a page...
Homepage
Overview
Plot Archives
What's New
Listening Booth
This week in the Listening Booth:
1. "Quest" written by Lee Harding; aired on the South African series, SF 68.
2. "Nature Study" written by Arch Oboler; aired on the US series, The Devil and Mr O.
3. "Claybourne" written by Jim McLarty and William Davis; aired as a stand-alone New Zealand production. (I'm half-way through posting this 96-part (9-1/2 hour) serial - I post 1 hour each week.)
And if anyone objects to this post, please let me know and I'll delete it.
Cheers,
zoot
The BBC still produce some of the best audio drama in the world, but there was a time when quality radio shows were also produced in the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand. The so-called 'Golden Age of Radio', or 'Old Time Radio' as it is known in the States, ranged from the 1940's to the 1960's and produced some high-quality drama (and some rather cheesy drama, as well).
I mention this because I manage a non-commercial website devoted to audio drama - primarily Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror/Thriller, and Action/Adventure. Now, some might consider this as a spam post, as I'm partially promoting my own website, but I believe there is a tie-in with rowing, and I hope I'll be forgiven.
Sometimes when I row, I listen to music (especially if I need a fast beat); sometimes, I just stare at the monitor (if I'm going for a PB or want a steady, even pace). But if I'm going for a long recovery row or a UT2 row for base fitness, I put on some radio drama and float far, far away.
But where to start? (There are hundreds of thousands of old radio programs floating around.) Well Jeff Dickson created the website to help answer that question and when he 'retired' I stepped in and took his place.
The purpose of the site is to provide information about different radio series, short plot summaries for specific episodes, and reviews from other listeners. I also offer a modest Listening Booth where I showcase a few episodes each week.
I do not sell or trade the actual episodes which I list (although I can help you find what you're looking for). I accept no payments or donations. My website is a labour of love. It is about passion; It is about helping to preserve a dying art form; It is about closing your eyes and using your imagination to create pictures is your mind; It is about an older way of life. (And it's about learning to write in Canadian!).
I have summaries for over 150 series.
I have plot summaries for over 1,500 episodes.
I have a page devoted to famous authors on radio (currently being overhauled).
I have a page with cd cover art.
I have some old pulp magazine covers.
I have a page with links to where you can download episodes and series (some are fee-based, but most are free).
I have a page with recommendations from other listeners.
If you are interested please visit my website. There are no advertisements. There are no cookies. There is no javascript, active content, or flash. Just words on a page...
Homepage
Overview
Plot Archives
What's New
Listening Booth
This week in the Listening Booth:
1. "Quest" written by Lee Harding; aired on the South African series, SF 68.
2. "Nature Study" written by Arch Oboler; aired on the US series, The Devil and Mr O.
3. "Claybourne" written by Jim McLarty and William Davis; aired as a stand-alone New Zealand production. (I'm half-way through posting this 96-part (9-1/2 hour) serial - I post 1 hour each week.)
And if anyone objects to this post, please let me know and I'll delete it.
Cheers,
zoot