Casey, Crime Photographer
Auditions to Replace Lesley Woods
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On March 18, 1947, auditions were held to find a replacement for Lesley Woods as Ann Williams on Casey, Crime Photographer. Woods was leaving the cast to marry and honeymoon in Europe, and the successful candidate would join Staats Cotsworth, who played Casey.
The recording contains seven auditions, each featuring a scene between Casey and Ann during a stakeout. Their idle conversation gives way as unfolding events draw their attention. The scene is described as typical of the series, though it does not match any currently surviving episode.
Several auditioners sound alike, and the recording’s sound quality makes identification difficult. The first two have been identified as veteran radio actors Elspeth Eric and Joan Alexander; the third may be Elaine Rost. The remaining four are unidentified. Jan Miner, who ultimately took the role and continued as Ann through the series and its mid-1950s revival, is not heard in this recording.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.