March of Dimes Man Against the Crippler

English · Radio, Medical, History

“Man Against the Crippler” is associated with the March of Dimes’ campaign against polio. The title frames the disease as an adversary and places the focus on the effort to protect people from its effects.

The March of Dimes grew out of a national campaign to fight polio, supporting research and public education as well as care for those affected. This program offers a glimpse of that public-service mission through radio, where spoken appeals and dramatic presentation could bring the campaign’s message into listeners’ homes.

Its subject gives the broadcast a serious, purposeful tone. Listeners interested in the history of public health and radio’s role in civic campaigns will find a direct account of the struggle against polio and the hope invested in prevention and research.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.