Hollywood Star Time


Hollywood movie studios and radio broadcasters had a profitable relationship: the studios had stars and stories, and radio had broadcasts provided free to potential moviegoers. Sometimes it was even better: an advertising sponsor paid for it all. The most prominent collaboration was Lux Radio Theatre , for years at or near the top of the ratings for dramatic programs, and an effective marketing tool for movies… even the second-tier ones… to build interest in movie-going and performers careers. Hollywood Star Time was one of many such programs to leverage the movie-radio relationship . The series drew Hollywood’s top stars, had a strong production staff, but unfortunately lasted only 15 months. Where Lux had a full hour for its movie adaptations, Hollywood Star Time had only 30 minutes, about 23 or 24 once commercials were considered, limiting it to a few key scenes only or a significant simplification of the plotline. Other than the highly regarded Screen Guild Theater which had an extended successful run, few movie-related programs could match the longevity and reputation of Lux. Hollywood Star Time aired from January 1946 to March 1947. * * * These recordings are part of the Joe Hehn Memorial Collection. Mr. Hehn (1931-2020) was a pioneering collector of radio recordings when the hobby emerged in the 1960s. Digitizing his collection of reel tapes and discs is the effort of a wide range of North American volunteers, and includes assistance of some international collectors. The groups supporting this effort with their funds, time, technology and skills are the Old Time Radio Researchers and a small group of transcription disc preservationists who refer to themselves as the "The Knights of the Turning Table."

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.