Cavalcade of America
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2025) |
 Musical director Donald Voorhees (1935–41 and 1949–53) | |
| Genre | Anthology drama |
|---|---|
| Running time | 25 minutes |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Language | English |
| Home station | CBS Radio NBC Red Network NBC Blue network NBC Radio Network |
| Starring | Numerous Broadway and Hollywood stars |
| Announcer | Frank Singiser Gabriel Heatter Basil Ruysedael Bud Collyer Gayne Whitman Ted Pearson Bill Hamilton Ross Martin |
| Created by | Roy S. Durstine |
| Written by | Arthur Miller Norman Rosten Robert Tallman Peter Lyon Robert Richards Stuart Hawkins Arthur Arent Edith Sommer Halsted Welles Henry Denker Priscilla Kent Virginia Radcliffe Frank Gabrielson Margaret Lewerth Morton Wishengrad George Faulkner Irve Tunick |
| Directed by | Kenneth Webb Homer Fickett Bill Sweet Homer Fickett Jack Zoller |
| Produced by | Arthur Pryor, Jr. Louis Mason Larry Harding Homer Fickett Jack Zoller Roger Pryor H.L. Blackburn |
| Executive producer | Roy S. Durstine |
| Narrated by | Walter Huston |
| Original release | October 9, 1935 – March 31, 1953 |
| No. of series | 18 |
| No. of episodes | 781 |
| Audio format | Monaural sound |
| Opening theme | Glory of America (by Alexander László) |
| Ending theme | March Theme (by Alexander László) |
| Sponsored by | DuPont Company |
Cavalcade of America is an anthology drama series that was sponsored by the DuPont Company, although it occasionally presented musicals, such as an adaptation of Show Boat,[1] and condensed biographies of popular composers. It was initially broadcast on radio from 1935 to 1953, and on television from 1952 to 1957.[2] Originally on CBS Radio, the series pioneered the use of anthology drama for company audio advertising.[3][4] The series moved to the NBC Red Network, NBC Blue network, and NBC Radio Network.[5]
Radio
[edit]Background
[edit]DuPont's motto, "Maker of better things for better living through chemistry," was read at the beginning of each program, and the dramas emphasized humanitarian progress, particularly improvements in the lives of women, often through technological innovation.[6][7][8]
Cavalcade of America started as part of a successful campaign to reinvigorate DuPont.[9][10] In the early 1930s, the Nye Committee investigations concluded that DuPont had made a fortune profiteering in World War I.[11][12][13][14] The company stood accused of encouraging an arms race between World War I enemies, after being heavily subsidized by the Allies to increase black powder production. The negative effects of the investigation left the company demoralized, directionless and with a tarnished corporate image in the middle of the Great Depression. DuPont was not the only company being investigated, those were H Hercules Powder Company, General Motors Corporation, Anaconda Copper Company, United States Steel Corporation, and Bethlehem Steel Company.[15]
DuPont's products were primarily not for public consumption, so there was no purpose in promoting them through advertising. As a solution to DuPont's troubles, Roy S. Durstine, then creative director of Batten, Barton, Durstine & Osborn, proposed the creation of Cavalcade of America using the company motto. This was to be an important element in the successful rebranding of DuPont as an American legacy engaged in making products for the well-being of Americans and humanity in general.[citation needed] Durstine hired Arthur Pryor, Jr. in 1927 to head the BBDO radio department. Pryor either directed or oversaw the development of General Motors Family Party and The Parade of the States, Standard Oil of New York's Soconyland Sketches, and DuPont's Cavalcade of America.[16] BBDO presented DuPont with two programs: a Channing Pollock monologue and Cavalcade of America.[17] Lammot du Pont II and DuPont's executive committee inspected in detail the show until Bruce Barton got involved.[18] Durstine and Columbia Broadcasting System came to terms with network affiliates and its willingness to broadcast a program from an advertising firm.[19] Edgar Kobak, vice president of sales at NBC Radio Network, was not happy that NBC had lost out to CBS.[20]
Content
[edit]DuPont's image problems led the company to promote some pacifist and socialist ideals. DuPont stipulated several topics would be taboo on the show, such as gunfire of any kind, which attracted writers such as Norman Rosten and Arthur Miller, who had signed the Oxford Pledge while at University of Michigan. For scripts, the program was also able to attract such prominent writers as Maxwell Anderson, Stephen Vincent Benét, Carl Sandburg and Robert Sherwood. Although Yale University historian Frank Monaghan signed on as an advisor to ensure historically accuracy of the scripts,[21] listeners were quick to point out anachronisms; trains did not use air brakes in 1860 instead used brakemen,[22] and Washington's troops could not have sung O Tannenbaum while crossing the Delaware since it was written forty-eight years after that event[23] making the program not have continuity.[5]
Cavalcade of America offered something different than the escapist entertainment, the sensationalized cries of soap operas, or the hard-boiled dialogue of crime thrillers. It offered a look back at American History.[10] Producers made careful decisions on scripts deliberately trying to avoid offending the affluent audience and not including people of color.[5] The show gained a wider audience giving producers confidence to do different story material. This produced stories from Hollywood screenwriters, film adaptions, and original works. Singer Woody Guthrie performed on an episode titled Wild Bill Hickok: The Last Of Two Gun Justice in 1940.[24] In June 1944, producers thought about changing the program to a folksy serial and sought out stars and stories for its upcoming season.[25][26]
Episodes
[edit]| Season | Start date[27] | End date[27] | Num. of ep[27] | Station[27] | Audience rating (in millions)[27] | Day[27] | Time (Eastern Time Zone)[27] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 9, 1935 | September 30, 1936 | 51 | CBS Radio | 6.3 | Wednesday | 8:00 P.M. |
| 2 | October 7, 1936 | June 29, 1937 | 51 | 5.9 | |||
| 3 | October 6, 1937 | June 29, 1938 | 39 | 7.4 | |||
| 4 | December 5, 1938 | May 29, 1939 | 26 | 6.0 | Monday | ||
| 5 | January 2, 1940 | June 25, 1940 | 26 | 6.5 | Tuesday | 7:30 P.M. | |
| 6 | October 2, 1940 | September 29, 1941 | 53 | 7.9 |
|
| |
| 7 | October 6, 1941 | September 28, 1942 | 52 | 11.9 | Monday | 7:30 P.M. | |
| 8 | October 5, 1942 | September 27, 1943 | 52 | 13.0 | 8:00 P.M. | ||
| 9 | October 4, 1943 | September 11, 1944 | 50 | 11.5 | |||
| 10 | September 18, 1944 | June 25, 1945 | 40 | 11.6 | |||
| 11 | August 27, 1945 | June 24, 1946 | 44 | NBC Radio Network | 10.4 | ||
| 12 | August 26, 1946 | June 16, 1947 | 43 | 10.7 | |||
| 13 | August 18, 1947 | July 12, 1948 | 48 | 10.4 | |||
| 14 | September 13, 1948 | June 27, 1949 | 44 | 8.1 | |||
| 15 | August 30, 1949 | June 27, 1950 | 48 | 10.2 | Tuesday | ||
| 16 | August 29, 1950 | July 3, 1951 | 45 | 6.8 | |||
| 17 | September 4, 1951 | June 24, 1952 | 43 | 8.5 | |||
| 18 | August 26, 1952 | March 31, 1953 | 31 | 4.5 |
The premiere episode of Cavalcade of America titled No Turning Back starred Walter Hampden as Edward Winslow in part one and a farmer, a descendent of Winslow, in South Dakota in part two on October 9, 1935.[28]
In the summer of 1936 Cavalcade of America deviated from its normal storytelling to air music starting with The Development Of Band Music In America, Part 1: The Small Bands: Sousa, Gilmore And Pryor and ending with Music Of The Movies.[7] The September 1, 1936, episode opened with Gypsy Love Song from Victor Herbert's The Fortune Teller and featured from the Broadway plays On Your Toes and Florodora.[29]
The May 20, 1937, episode, the life of Thomas Edison, "Wizard of Menlo Park" aired. The Don Voorhees orchestra played.[30]
The January 2, 1940, episode starred Burgess Meredith in the title role based on the life of Italian explorer, navigator and popular author Amerigo Vespucci with Marquis James, Carl Carmer, and Frank Monaghan. Don Voorhees directed.[31] The February 13, episode featured Raymond Massey starring in which Robert E. Sherwood wrote an adaptation (radio transcript) of Carl Sandburg's Abraham Lincoln: The War Years, part of the six volume set of Lincoln's biography.[32] The April 30, episode titled Thomas Paine starred Frank Readick.[33]
The January 22, 1941, episode titled Life Of Emily Dickinson was broadcast on radio featuring Anne Sterrett.[34] The March 31, episode has actor Paul Muni in the title role of the life of Edwin Booth.[35] The April 7, episode Maxwell Anderson's Ode To A Nightingale was played.[36] The August 4, episode that was broadcast on radio was Dr. Sara Josephine Baker.[37] The October 13, episode titled Waters Of The Wilderness, starred Kay Francis which was based on Shirley Seifert's novel of the same name.[38][39] The October 27, 1941, episode featured Claude Rains as Captain Paul from Edward Ellsberg's book Captain Paul.[40][41] In November 1941, Drums Along The Mohawk was presented featuring Henry Fonda and They Died With Their Boots On featuring Errol Flynn.[42] A week following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, The Great Man Vote featuring Orson Welles premiered.[42] The December 22, episode was a repeat of its annual Christmas version of Marc Connelly's The Green Pastures featuring the Hall Johnson Choir and Juano Hernandez.[43][44]
The February 2, 1942, episode titled Captains Of The Clouds debuted featuring James Cagney before the film was released on February 12, 1942.[42][45]
The February 7, 1944, episode Prologue to Glory aired in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.[46] Massey starred where it emanated at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Massey once again starred in Abraham Lincoln: The War Years and Abraham Lincoln.[46][47] The March 2, episode titled The First Commando starred Alfred Drake and Everett Sloane.[48] The March 13, episode had opera singer Patrice Munsel.[49] The September 4, episode What Makes A Hero, was the story of corporal Jim Slaton.[50] The November 6, episode titled Jane Adams Of Hull House[a] was preempted for President Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech.[27][51]
The February 5, 1945, episode starred Bing Crosby in a musical revue supported by the USO.[52]
The September 29, 1947, episode Big Boy starred Brian Donlevy about Babe Ruth.[53]
The October 4, 1948, episode Action At Santiag, starring John Dall and Robert Trout.[54]
The February 28, 1950, episode Young Man In A Hurry told the story of Heinz Joseph Gerber's immigration to the United States, his determination to go to high school and graduate, go to college, and inventing the rubber ruler.[55][56] The April 15 episode titled The Firefly Lamp starred William Holden and how Norfolk and Western Railway was built.[57] The December 17, episode titled Spindletop with stars Robert Cummings and Teresa Wright.[58]
Notable cast
[edit]This is the cast listing according to The Concise Encyclopedia of American Radio.[59] Actor, announcer, and Game show host Bud Collyer remembered his time on the show.[60] Other announcers were on the show.[61] Hans Conried was in eight radio performances.[62]
- Bud Collyer
- Bill Hamilton
- Gabriel Heatter
- Ross Martin
- Ted Pearson
- Basil Ruysedael
- Frank Singiser
- Gayne Whitman
- Walter Brennan
- Ray Collins
- Hans Conried
- Ted de Corsia
- Kenny Delmar
- Ross Elliott
- Cary Grant
- Gary Gray
- Ted Jewett
- Raymond Edward Johnson
- Bill Johnstone
- John McIntire
- Agnes Moorehead
- Dennis Morgan
- Jeanette Nolan
- Tyrone Power
- Frank Readick
- Ronald Reagan
- Stafford Repp
- Mickey Rooney
- Luis van Rooten
- Everett Sloane
- Jack Smart
- Paul Stewart
- Karl Swenson
- Orson Welles
Advertising
[edit]DuPont, a chemical corporation that did not sell public goods, sponsored Cavalcade of America and integrated their company slogan and agenda into the inspirational and pro-American achievement themes of each episode.[63]
A world-class PR firm helped DuPont shake the “merchant of death” label, and it remained a sponsor for a top radio program.[64]
Cavalcade of America was an early exercise in corporate image-building. DuPont promoted itself as a hero for America. This type of propaganda was shrewd but effective; it put a corporate image behind the real-life heroes that lived a century before. One way DuPont was able to emphasize its own products in episodes of Cavalcade of America was by having health-related episodes that promoted the use of chemical-compound products manufactured by DuPont. This was not necessarily advertising, since individuals could not go to the store and purchase these chemical items.[63]
According to DuPont public relations executives, the goal was not to directly sell their products, but rather to explain the company's goals and foster the confidence, respect and goodwill of the public. By recreating little-known events in the lives of historically respected Americans through dramatizations, Cavalcade of America caused listeners to associate DuPont's products with patriotism and self-reliance. The series also gave history and chemistry more prestige than it would have otherwise had. By making the show thrilling, but not over-sensationalized, DuPont was able to better its own branding and get away from being perceived as a military-only company.[65]
Nylon show
[edit]At the World's Fair in New York City in 1939, DuPont introduced nylon women's hosiery.[66] On May 15, 1940, DuPont made nylon women's hosiery available to the public and began an advertising blitz. The day was designated "N-day" by DuPont's marketers, and an entire episode of Cavalcade of America was markedly different: DuPont selected a "typical" housewife to interview G.P. Hoff, Director of Research of DuPont's Nylon Division. In the rigged interview, Hoff expounded at length on the virtues of nylon. Eager to purchase nylon hose, thousands of women waited in lines for department stores to open the following morning. 750,000 nylons had been manufactured for N-Day, but all were sold on the first day they went on sale.[67][68]
Awards
[edit]In August 1952, Cavalcade of America was nominated for the American Legion Auxiliary award for the third consecutive year.[69] In February 1954, DuPont won the Freedoms Foundation award with the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company.[70]
Television
[edit]| Cavalcade of America | |
|---|---|
 Francis L. Sullivan and Richard Avonde in "Margin for Victory", 1954 | |
| Genre | Anthology drama |
| Based on | Cavalcade of America by Roy S. Durstine's radio series |
| Directed by | Robert Stevenson László Benedek Peter Godfrey John Brahm William A. Seiter Harry Horner |
| Starring | Numerous Broadway and Hollywood stars |
| Theme music composer | Josef Zimanich |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 5 |
| No. of episodes | 131 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers | |
| Producers | |
| Running time | 25 minutes |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | NBC |
| Release | October 1, 1952 – June 24, 1953 |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | September 29, 1953 – March 30, 1957 |
In the 1950s, DuPont switched its advertising strategy from radio to television, and Cavalcade of America became a television series mainly produced by Jack Chertok. One hundred and thirty-one episodes were aired over five seasons between 1952 and 1957. During a six-month period, the television and radio series overlapped. The show was telecast on both NBC (1952–53) and ABC (1953–57). It was renamed DuPont Cavalcade Theater in August 1955, and it was known as DuPont Theater during its last year. In the 1957 fall season, it was replaced by DuPont Show of the Month, a 90-minute live dramatization of popular novels and short stories or abridged versions of films and plays. That series ran until 1961.[71]
Many kinescopes of Cavalcade of America survive at the UCLA Film and Television Archive.[citation needed]
The first episode of Cavalcade of America was Poor Richard which debuted on October 1, 1952.[72] In season 3, episode 23 Sunrise On A Dirty Face the American juvenile justice system was established in 1899 in Cook County, Illinois.[73] In Season 3, episode 25, The Palmetto Conspiracy, Detective Allan Pinkerton allegedly sets out to stop an assiassination attempt on President-elect Abraham Lincoln.[74][75][76] Season 4,episode 25, The Major of St. Lo deals with the events of the Battle of Saint-Lô where Major Thomas D. Howie lost his life.[77][78]
Cast members with 4 or more appearances
[edit]Episodes
[edit]| Season | Episodes | Originally released | Day | Time | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First released | Last released | Network | |||||
| 1 | 20 | October 1, 1952 | June 24, 1953 | NBC | Wednesdays | 8:30–9 P. M. | |
| 2 | 33 | September 29, 1953 | June 22, 1954 | ABC | Tuesdays | 7:30–8 P. M. | |
| 3 | 26 | October 12, 1954 | June 21, 1955 | Tuesdays | 9:30–10 P. M. | ||
| 4 | 25 | September 13, 1955 | June 5, 1956 | Tuesdays | 9:30–10 P. M. | ||
| 5 | 27 | September 18, 1956 | March 30, 1957 | Tuesdays | 9:30–10 P. M. | ||
Season 1 (1952–53)
[edit]Season 2 (1953–54)
[edit]Season 3 (1954–55)
[edit]Season 4 (1955–56)
[edit]Season 5 (1956–57)
[edit]| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105 | 1 | "Monument to a Young Man" | Tom Gries | Story by : William Koenig & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : A.I. Bezzerides | September 18, 1956 | |
|
A LAPD detective, school principal, and high school student help a younger student. Guest stars : Miguel Landa, Perry Lopez, John Beradino, Louise Lorimer, Michael Fox, Wayne Taylor, Joyce Stoner, Gil Frye, Valentin De Vargas, Frances Dominguez, Belle Mitchell, and Joan Lora | ||||||
| 106 | 2 | "A Bed of Roses" | John Meredyth Lucas | Story by : Ben Canfield, William Koenig, & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : Ben Canfield | September 25, 1956 | |
|
An engaged girl's parents disagree with her on wedding plans. Guest stars : Susan Kohner, Dick Foran, Greta Granstedt, James Lilburn, Kathryn Card, Arlen Stuart, Ottola Nesmith, Sam Flint, and Franklyn Farnum | ||||||
| 107 | 3 | "The People and General Glancy" | Alvin Ganzer | Frederick Brady | October 9, 1956 | |
|
Gwinnett County, Georgia has its first hospital built. Guest stars : Minor Watson, Ruth Lee, Ruby Goodwin, Ralph Moody, Nancy Hale, Michael Garrett, Lillian Bronson, and Tim Graham | ||||||
| 108 | 4 | "Wild April" | Jack Denove | Story by : Walter Havighurst Teleplay by : Arthur Ripley | October 16, 1956 | |
|
The later stages of Johnny Appleseed's (McIntire) life is explored. Guest stars : John McIntire, Jesse White, Robert Wilke, Carolyn Kearney, Willis Bouchey, Paul E. Burns, Ellen Corby, Jim Hayward, Percy Helton, Louis Jean Heydt, and Paul Newlan | ||||||
| 109 | 5 | "The Hobo Kid" | George Archainbaud | Story by : Billie Davis, William Koenig, & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : A.I. Bezzerides | October 23, 1956 | |
|
Billie's parents do not accept schooling for her. Guest stars : Reba Waters, Caroline Craig, Robert Foulk, Adrienne Marden, Penny Carpenter, Melinda Casey, Sarah Selby, Richard Cutting, Louise Lorimer, Harlan Warde, Arthur Space, and Franklyn Farnum | ||||||
| 110 | 6 | "Date with a Stranger" | Anton Leader | Story by : Harry T. Madden, William Koenig, Richard Bluel Teleplay by : Frederic Brady | October 30, 1956 | |
|
A lady and a gentleman meet in Philadelphia. The lady is surprised when he does noes not show up on the next date. Guest stars : Arthur Franz, Judith Braun, Madge Blake, Jess Kirkpatrick, Frank Scannell, Will J. White, Edna Holland, Russell Thorson, Jacqueline Holt, and James Knight | ||||||
| 111 | 7 | "Innocent Bystander" | László Benedek | Story by : László Görög, William Koenig, & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : László Görög & Jack Laird | November 13, 1956 | |
|
A journalist wonders why he was hit in the head with a rock. Guest stars : Don Taylor, Reba Tassell, Herb Vigran, Robert Foulk, Virginia Christine, Fred Sherman, Robert Nichols, Nesdon Booth, Raymond Bailey, Larry J. Blake, Johnny Crawford, Lee Erickson, Patricia Hardy, Dennis Moore, and Skip Torgerson | ||||||
| 112 | 8 | "Woman's Work" | William A. Seiter | John D. Weaver | November 20, 1956 | |
|
An old man believes that women should cater to men. Guest stars : Walter Brennan, Mary Murphy, James Best, Jane Darwell, Tom Fadden, Clem Bevans, and Irving Bacon | ||||||
| 113 | 9 | "Return of a Bombardier" | Alvin Ganzer | Story by : Jacob DeShazer (book) Teleplay by : Jo Pagano | November 27, 1956 | |
|
An American U.S. Army Air Force pilot vows to return to Japan if and when he leaves a Japanese POW camp as a missionary. Guest stars : Clifford Arashi, Sue Carlton, Dominique De Leon, James Dobson, Herb Ellis, Chick Furuye, Skip Homeier, Clifford Kawada, Don Kennedy, Bob Kino, Bob Okazaki, Joseph V. Perry, Wally Richards, and John Sheppod | ||||||
| 114 | 10 | "Pursuit of a Princess" | William A. Seiter | Story by : George Loveridge, William Koenig, & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : László Görög | December 4, 1956 | |
|
An older lady does not realize the valuable wood carvings she has in her possession. Guest stars : Brian Aherne, Fred Clark, Ida Moore, Mary Lawrence, Dick Elliott, Paul Burns, Florenz Ames, Oliver Blake, and Edward Schryver | ||||||
| 115 | 11 | "Once a Hero" | Lee Sholem | Story by : Jack Schaefer Teleplay by : John Dunkel | December 11, 1956 | |
|
A former rodeo star yearns to be one again. Guest stars : Ward Bond, Richard Eyer, Ben Johnson, Sarah Selby, Chris Olsen, Mike Winkelman, Robert Eyer, David McMahon, Ralph Peters, Dan White, Bob Burrows, Frank Ellis, Bob Folkerson, Herman Hack, and Pamela Jayson | ||||||
| 116 | 12 | "The Blessed Midnight" | László Benedek | William Jerome Fay | December 18, 1956 | |
|
Two boys on Christmas Eve, one steals for his aunt, the other tries to make things right. Guest stars : Maureen O'Sullivan, Danny Richards Jr., David Saber, Virginia Gregg, Frances Bavier, Ray Teal, Victor Sutherland, Stephen Wootton, Carole Wells, Joseph Mell, Harry Arnie, Steve Stevens, David Leonard, Clark Howat, James Bates, Ronnie Paul, and St. Paul's Little Singers | ||||||
| 117 | 13 | "Three Young Kings" | Richard Kinon | Story by : George Sumner Albee Teleplay by : László Görög | December 25, 1956 | |
|
Three young boys dressed as the Three Wise Men on their way to the mission church give the gifts to the poor children instead. Guest stars : Thomas Mitchell, Frank Puglia, Robert Hernandes, Tony Terry, Carlos Vera, Nestor Paiva, Alma Beltram, Edward Colmans, Joe Dominguez, Michelle Ducasse, Nacho Galindo, Michael Lewis, Tina Menard, Joseph Sanchez, and Felipe Turich | ||||||
| 118 | 14 | "The Two Worlds of Nicolo" | Alvin Ganzer | Story by : Anne Howard Bailey, William Koenig, & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : Jo Pagano | January 1, 1957 | |
|
A teenager comes to America as a foreign exchange student and is happy until he finds out there are problems at home. Guest stars : Peter Raynolds, James Seay, Sheila Bromley, Susan Odin, Joseph V. Perry, Gary Gray, Michael Winkelman, Tom Brandt, Lorey Allen, and Melody O'Connell | ||||||
| 119 | 15 | "The House of Empty Rooms" | Anton Leader | Story by : Doris Hume, William Koenig, & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : Gabrielle Upton | January 8, 1957 | |
|
The son and daughter-in-law of an aging lady moves out of the house. Guest stars : Ann Harding, Helen Westcott, Ross Ford, Carol Veazie, Judith Ames, Robert Crosson, Beverly Long, Ray Walker, Sydney Mason, Mack Williams, Sven-Hugo Borg, and Jimmy Carter | ||||||
| 120 | 16 | "Leap to Heaven" | Alvin Ganzer | Story by : William Koenig & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : Frederic Brady | January 15, 1957 | |
|
Bob Richards's life is explored from athlete to minister to politician. Guest stars : Bob Richards, James McCallion, Hal Stalmaster, Richard Tyler, Louise Arthur, Gloria Castillo, Marjorie Owens, Donna Corcoran, Alan Dinehart III, and Alan Reynolds | ||||||
| 121 | 17 | "Dowry for Ilona" | László Benedek | Story by : Al Martin & László Görög Teleplay by : Al Martin | January 22, 1957 | |
|
A family argues over the dowry to give the groom. Guest stars : Oscar Homolka, Steven Geray, Dan Barton, Carolyn Craig, Lisa Golm, Everett Glass, Oliver McGowan, and Amalia Liggett | ||||||
| 122 | 18 | "The Man from St. Paul" | Wilhelm Thiele | Story by : John Driscoll Teleplay by : Merwin Gerard | January 27, 1957 | |
|
A school principal (Picerni) goes out of his way for a student accused of robbery even when the school's lunch line register has money come up missing. Guest stars : Bud Alberts, Claire Carleton, Bonnie Franklin, James Goodwin, Raymond Greenleaf, Mary Jackson, Stacy Keach, Michael Landon, Norman Ollestad, Paul Picerni, Aline Towne, and Harry Townes | ||||||
| 123 | 19 | "Are Trees People?" | William A. Seiter | Story by : Paul Hackett, William Koenig, & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : Paul Hackett | February 5, 1957 | |
|
A widow living with her daughter yearns to live where she once did. Guest stars : Ruth Donnelly, Ricky Vera, Clancy Cooper, Jean Howell, Ed Brophy, Marjorie Bennett, Percy Helton, Thomas Bonilla, and Marty Carrizosa | ||||||
| 124 | 20 | "Decision for a Hero" | László Benedek | Story by : William E. Barrett, William Koenig, & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : Gabrielle Upton | February 12, 1957 | |
|
When a bony college student forces himself too much and ends up dead, his mother tells the star athlete they were friends when in reality they were not. Guest stars : John Ericson, Joan Evans, Lurene Tuttle, William Swan, Donald Freed, Wade Cagle, Patrick Clement, Hooper Dunbar, Guy Williams, Larry Bracken, and Ron Foster | ||||||
| 125 | 21 | "The Frightened Witness" | Anton Leader | Story by : Mildred Cram Teleplay by : Malvin Wald & Jack Jacobs | February 19, 1957 | |
|
When a butcher witnesses a hit, The butcher and his family are threatened by the mob. Guest stars : Dan Duryea, Harold Stone, Barbara Billingsley, Herbert Rudley, Christian Pasques, Wendy Winkelman, Eleanor Audley, Lewis Charles, Edward Jerome, Jim Nolan, Philip Van Zandt, and Dan Riss | ||||||
| 126 | 22 | "The Man Who Asked No Favors" | László Benedek | Jo Pagano & Rosalie Bodrero | March 5, 1957 | |
|
When a preacher decides not to pray for rain, the town rejects him. Guest stars : Lew Ayres, Sandy Descher, Whitney Blake, Rhodes Reason, Morris Ankrum, Malcolm Atterbury, Howard Wright, and Kathleen Mulqueen | ||||||
| 127 | 23 | "Don Marshall's Brat" | Reginald Le Borg | Michael Fessier | March 19, 1957 | |
|
When a young girl (McCormack) saves an elderly Mexican (McDonald), he tries to help her end a feud between her paternal grandfather and her parents. Guest stars : Patty McCormack, Paul Fix, Francis J. McDonald, Barbara Eiler, Russell Johnson, Charles Smith, Kenneth MacDonald, Betty Farrington, William Challee, and Tex Palmer | ||||||
| 128 | 24 | "The Widow Is Willing" | Harry Horner | Story by : Merle Constiner, William Koenig, & Richard Bluel Teleplay by : Dane Lussier | March 26, 1957 | |
|
Having made a firm decision, a widow decides to remarry. Guest stars : Anne Jeffreys, Robert Sterling, Jean Inness, Paul Keast, Claire Carleton, Pat O'Hara, Anthony Jochim, Emmett Vogan, and Dee Carroll | ||||||
| 129 | 25 | "The Last Signer" | George Archainbaud | Frederic Brady | April 2, 1957 | |
|
Someone writes on the Declaration of Independence. Guest stars : Kevin McCarthy, Vladimir Sokoloff, Lisa Montell, Otto Waldis, Howard McNear, Brad Morrow, Barbara Wooddell, Lewis Martin, Robert Osterloh, Edit Angold, Joe Quinn, and Dick Rich | ||||||
| 130 | 26 | "The Shark on the Mountain" | Louis King | Bob Mitchell | April 23, 1957 | |
|
A young man (Eyer) has been telling lies until he witnesses a murder, and he is not believed. Guest stars : Ross Elliott, Richard Eyer, James Gleason, Jean Howell, Henry Kulky, William F. Leicester, and Ted Stanhope | ||||||
| 131 | 27 | "Chicago 2–1–2" | Norman Foster | Story by : Jo B. Regan & Phil Regan Teleplay by : William P. Rousseau | March 30, 1957 | |
|
Before an arsonist can murder someone in abandoned buildings, a fire investigator (Lovejoy) looks to stop it. Guest stars : Frank Lovejoy, Roy Thinnes, Curley Bradley, Tomi Thurston, Franklyn MacCormack, Clifford Soubier, and Fern Persons | ||||||
Books
[edit]
During the late 1930s, Dixon Ryan Fox, Arthur Meier Schlesinger, and William Sanderson edited a series of books based on the series published by Milton Bradley Company.[79] In 1956, the series was adapted into a book, Cavalcade of America: The Deeds and Achievements of the Men and Women Who Made Our Country Great. Chapters covered such historical figures as Abraham Lincoln, telegraph organizer Hiram Sibley, engineer James Eads, John Quincy Adams fighting the gag rule and Clara Barton's career that led her to head the American Red Cross.[80] Martin Grams, Jr.'s The History of the Cavalcade of America features episode guides for both the radio and TV series.[81]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ Acctual spelling of her name is Jane Addams
- ^ Fictional as Barton captured Prescott on Prescott Farm.
- ^ In Peale's time, a mastodon was called a mammoth.
- ^ The American juvenile justice system was established in 1899 in Cook County, Illinois.
- ^ Known as the Baltimore Plot.
- ^ Noreen Corcoran as Merki at age 9.
- ^ As Jenson at age 13.
- ^ As Jensen at age 16.
- ^ Actual events at the Battle of Saint-Lô.
References
[edit]- ^ "Cavalcade of America Part 4 of". Archived from the original on July 26, 2011. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
- ^ O'Dell & Sterling 2010, p. 133.
- ^ Bird 1999, p. 4.
- ^ Bird 1999, p. 7.
- ^ a b c Cox 2009, p. 149.
- ^ Alatzas, Trif (April 29, 1999). "DuPont touts 'miracles'". The News Journal. Gannett.
We need to get away from the word 'things,' " DuPont Chairman and Chief Executive Charles O. Holliday said. "Because we're also about providing knowledge.
- ^ a b "In Sixteenth Year DuPont Ragio Show Still Plugs U.S." The Sunday Star. May 13, 1951. p. 19. OCLC 16074800. Retrieved September 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Bird 1999, p. 11.
- ^ Bird 1999, p. 8.
- ^ a b "History, Sponsored by DuPont: The Story of Cavalcade of America". Hometown Herald. Louisville, Kentucky. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Frederick-Rothwell 1923, p. 156.
- ^ King 2008, pp. 732–734.
- ^ Bogart 2009, pp. 301–330.
- ^ Koistinen 1980, pp. 93–104.
- ^ "NYE ENUMERATES WAR PROFIT RISES; Senator, on Radio, Gives His Figures for Major Manufacturers of Munitions. COMING INQUIRY OUTLINED Questioning of Industrialists Will Also Seek Link With Ordnance Makers Abroad". The New York Times. September 2, 1934. ISSN 0362-4331. OCLC 1645522. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ Bird 1999, p. 6.
- ^ Bird 1999, pp. 11–12.
- ^ Bird 1999, p. 10.
- ^ Bird 1999, p. 9.
- ^ Bird 1999, p. 16.
- ^ Wall 2008, pp. 201–240.
- ^ Michigan Central Railroad 2023, pp. 114–116.
- ^ Kim, Wook (December 17, 2012). "Yule Laugh, Yule Cry: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Beloved Holiday Songs (With holiday cheer in the air, TIME takes a closer look at some of the weird stories behind our favorite seasonal tunes)". Time. Time USA, LLC. p. 5. ISSN 0040-781X. OCLC 1311479. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ O'Dell & Sterling 2010, p. 134.
- ^ "Lockharts lined up in 'Cavalcade' shift" (PDF). Variety. Vol. 54, no. 13. Penske Media Corporation. June 7, 1944. p. 29. ISSN 0042-2738. OCLC 60626328. Retrieved October 7, 2025 – via Library of Congress.
- ^ "Fall 'Cavalcade' to weld stars, stories" (PDF). Variety. Vol. 54, no. 13. Penske Media Corporation. June 7, 1944. p. 113. ISSN 0042-2738. OCLC 60626328. Retrieved October 7, 2025 – via Library of Congress.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Cavalcade of America Log". Audio Classics. Audio Classics, LLC. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ Bird 1999, p. 13.
- ^ "Dramas Of Silver Screen And Air Programs Promise Variety". The Spokesman-Review. Cowles Company. September 1, 1936. p. 26. ISSN 2993-1274. OCLC 11102529. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Famous Writer Will Broadcast". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Cowles Company. May 20, 1937. ISSN 2992-9873. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
- ^ "New Cavalcade of America Returns to WSPD Tonight". The Blade. Block Communications. January 2, 1940. p. 22. OCLC 12962717. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "'Cavalcade of America' to Feature Raymond Massey". Schenectady Gazette. Schenectady Printing Association (now: The Daily Gazette Co). February 11, 1940. p. 7. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Kaye 2024, p. 411.
- ^ "Life Of Emily Dickinson On Cavalcade Of America; Kay Kyser's 'Collefe of Musical Knowledge' Originates in Detroit; Rudy Vallee to visit Eddie Cantor". The Blade. Block Communications. January 22, 1941. p. 30. OCLC 12962717. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Johnson, Vincent (March 31, 1941). "Paul Muni Stars in Drama as 'Calvacade of America' Moves to New Spot". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Block Communications. p. 30. ISSN 1068-624X. OCLC 1057964643. Retrieved September 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Features Today". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Block Communications. April 7, 1941. p. 24. ISSN 1068-624X. OCLC 1057964643. Retrieved September 28, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Highlights of Today's Radio Programs". The Newburgh News. The Newburgh News, LLC. August 4, 1941. p. 4. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Seifert, Shirley (1941). Waters Of The Wilderness (Hardcover). Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co. OCLC 1812498.
- ^ "Drama, Comedy, Concerts, Variety Programs Listed". The Blade. Block Communications. October 13, 1941. p. 28. OCLC 12962717. Retrieved September 30, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Ellsberg, Edward (2017) [1941]. Captain Paul (Hardcover). New York City: Literary Guild of America. ISBN 978-1299062801.
- ^ "Radio Observes Navy Day In Major Talks And Drama". The Blade. Block Communications. October 27, 1941. p. 40. OCLC 12962717. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c O'Dell & Sterling 2010, p. 135.
- ^ Hatch & Hamalian 1996, pp. 227–229.
- ^ "Translate Greetings To World". The Pittsburgh Press. Block Communications. December 22, 1941. p. 17. OCLC 2266185. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Cavalcade Of America". The Old Time Radio Researchers. Internet Archive. December 30, 2010. Retrieved October 7, 2025.
- ^ a b "Here and There". The Star and Sentinel. Sample News Group. February 5, 1944. p. 3. OCLC 12443209. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Sherwood, Robert E. (2020) [1940]. Original radio script of Abraham Lincoln from the Cavalcade of America. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. OCLC 290077.
- ^ "Cavalcade of America stars Afred Drake in 'The First Commando'". The Vindicator. Ogden Newspapers. March 2, 1944. p. 11. ISSN 0890-9857. OCLC 12961328. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "'Top of the Evening' makes debut on WMFJ". The Vindicator. Ogden Newspapers. March 13, 1944. p. 9. ISSN 0890-9857. OCLC 12961328. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "'Calvacade of America' Salutes a True Life G. I. Fighter in What Makes A Hero". The Belgrade Journal. Belgrade, Montana. August 31, 1944. p. 1. Retrieved September 29, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Recorded Speeches and Utterances of Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1920-1945". Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. National Archives and Records Administration. November 6, 1944. p. 31. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ "Bing Crosby Plans To Give Story Of USO Trip". Prescott Evening Courier. Western News & Info. February 3, 1945. p. 4. OCLC 34038415. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Hammerston, Clause (September 29, 1947). "Ruth's Career Dramatized". Ottawa Citizen. Postmedia Network. The Evening Citizen. p. 22. ISSN 0839-3222. Retrieved September 27, 2025 – via Newspaper.com.
- ^ "Picked from Airlanes". The Daily Times. Lee Enterprises. October 2, 1948. p. 8. Retrieved September 18, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Joe Gerber Success Horatio Alger Tale". Sunday Herald. Vol. LXIV, no. 10. Bridgeport, Connecticut. March 5, 1950. p. 56. Retrieved September 27, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Wingfield, Valerie. "Guide to Cavalcade of America scripts" (PDF). New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. The New York Public Library. p. 26. Retrieved September 27, 2025.
- ^ "N. & W. on Cavalcade of America". Railway Age. Vol. 128, no. 16. United States: Simmons-Boardman Publishing. 1950. p. 84. ISSN 0033-8826. OCLC 6973348. Archived from the original on May 25, 2022.
- ^ "Cavalcade Of America Air Show to Broadcast Texas Oil Tale". The Sunday Star. December 17, 1950. p. 14. OCLC 16074800. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ O'Dell & Sterling 2009, p. 135.
- ^ Collyer, Bud; Lowry, Cynthia (July 2, 1966). "Bud Collyer Has Long Acting Career". Kentucky New Era. Paxton Media Group. Associated Press. p. 7. Retrieved September 24, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Dunning 1998, p. 141.
- ^ Gargiulo 2002, pp. 185–186.
- ^ a b Cavalcade of America. Newspaper Heroes on the Air.
- ^ The Cavalcade of America: Examining the Myth and Reality of Hero Worship in American Radio.
- ^ Marchand, R. (2001). Creating the Corporate Soul: The Rise of Public Relations and Corporate Imagery in Big Business. pp. 220–223.
- ^ "The National Geographic Magazine". National Geographic. Vol. LXXVI, no. 5. Washington, D.C.: NG Media. November 1939. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
- ^ Cutlip, Kimbra (May 11, 2015). "How Nylon Stockings Changed the World". Smithsonian. Smithsonian Institution. ISSN 0037-7333. OCLC 1359769. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
- ^ Handley, Susannah (2000). Nylon: The Story of a Fashion Revolution (Hardcover). Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 978-0801863257.
- ^ "DuPont Given Third Award For-Air Show". The Sunday Star. August 31, 1952. p. 22. OCLC 16074800. Retrieved September 22, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Win awards in Freedom's annual contest". Greensburg Daily Tribune. Tribune-Review Publishing Company. February 22, 1954. p. 28. Retrieved September 26, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "The DuPont Show of the Month". Hagley Museum and Library. Wilmington, Delaware. Retrieved October 31, 2025.
- ^ Newcomb 2014, p. 481.
- ^ Coupet 2000, p. 1312.
- ^ "This Day in History: 1861 Abraham Lincoln arrives in Washington, D.C." History.com. February 20, 2020. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- ^ Holtzer, Harold (April 27, 2018). "Incognito in Baltimore". HistoryNet. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- ^ Holtzer, Harold (February 22, 2011). "Like a Thief in the Night". New York Times. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- ^ Mebane, Bob (April 1, 2012). "Remembering a Forgotten Legend" (PDF). The Citadel Memorial Europe. The Citadel Memorial Foundation. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 5, 2024. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
- ^ "Thomas Dry Howie: A Hero Who Exemplifies Excellence". The Citadel. Charleston, South Carolina. February 10, 2003. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved September 19, 2025.
- ^ Dixon Ryan Fox; Arthur Meier Schlesinger; William Sanderson, eds. (1937). The Cavalcade of America. Springfield, Massachusetts: Milton Bradley Company. Archived from the original (Hardcover) on February 23, 2024.
- ^ Carl Carmer, ed. (1956). Cavalcade of America: The Deeds and Achievements of the Men and Women Who Made Our Country Great (Hardcover) (1st ed.). New York City: Crown Publishing Group.
- ^ Grams, Jr., Martin (1998). The History of the Cavalcade of America. Kearney, Nebraska: Morris Publishing. ISBN 978-0739201381. Archived from the original (Paperback) on July 29, 2010.
Sources
[edit]- Coupet, Sascha (2000). "What to do with a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing". University of Pennsylvania Law Review. 148 (4). University of Pennsylvania Law School: 1312.
- Blue, Howard (2002). Words at War: World War II Era Radio and the Postwar Broadcasting Industry Blacklist (Hardcover) (1st ed.). Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. ISBN 978-0810844131.
- Godfrey, Donald G.; Leigh, Frederic A. (1998). Historical Dictionary of American Radio (Hardcover). Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0313296367.
- Grams, Jr., Martin (1998). The History of the Cavalcade of America. Kearney, Nebraska: Morris Publishing. ISBN 978-0739201381. Archived from the original (Paperback) on July 29, 2010.
- Gregory, James R.; Wiechmann, Jack G. (1999). Marketing Corporate Image: The Company as Your Number One Product. Lincolnwood, Illinois: NTC/Contemporary Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0844232829. Archived from the original on September 22, 2011.
- Horten, Gerd (2003). Radio Goes to War: The Cultural Politics of Propaganda During World War II (eBook) (1st ed.). Berkeley, California: University of California Press. ISBN 978-0520240612.
- "Radio Broadcast Log: Cavalcade Of America". Audio Classics Archive. Retrieved March 10, 2007.
- Hatch, James Vernon; Hamalian, Leo (1996). Lost Plays of the Harlem Renaissance, 1920–1940. Detroit: Wayne State University Press. pp. 227–229. ISBN 978-0814325803. Archived from the original on March 23, 2014.
Francis Hall Johnson
- Frederick-Rothwell, Ian (1923). Advocate of Peace Through Justice. Vol. 85. New York City: American Peace Society. p. 156. Archived from the original on March 28, 2007.
- King, William C. (2008) [1922]. "America Bears Largest Cost Of War : Her Net Outlay Nearly One Fourth of the Entire War Expense, ...". King's Complete History of the World War ...: 1914–1918. Whitefish, Montana: Kessinger Publishing. pp. 732–734. ISBN 978-0598443120. Archived from the original (Paperback) on April 27, 2007.
- Bogart, Ernest Ludlow (2009) [1920]. Direct and Indirect Costs of the Great World War. Charleston, South Carolina: BiblioBazaar. pp. 301–330. ISBN 978-1110986118. Archived from the original (Paperback) on January 31, 2008.
- Koistinen, Paul A. C. (1980). "Chapter 6: Development of the "Merchants of Death Theory"". The Military-industrial Complex: A Historical Perspective (Hardcover) (1st ed.). Santa Barbara, California: Praeger Publishing. pp. 93–104. ISBN 978-0275905064.
- Bird, William L. (1999). "Better Living": Advertising, Media and the New Vocabulary of Business Leadership, 1935-1955 (Hardcover). Evanston, Illinois: Northwestern University Press. pp. 4, 6–13, 16. ISBN 978-0810115859.
- Kaye, Harvey J. (2024). Thomas Paine and the Promise of America: A History & Biography (eBook). New York City: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. p. 411. ISBN 978-0374707064.
- O'Dell, Cary; Sterling, Christopher H., eds. (2010). "Cavalcade of America". The Concise Encyclopedia of American Radio. Milton Park: Taylor & Francis. p. 133-135. ISBN 978-1135176846. Archived from the original (eBook) on November 15, 2021.
- Michigan Central Railroad (2023) [1906]. "Freight Brakemen". Rules for the Government of the Conducting Transportation Department (Hardcover). Hungerford: Legare Street Press. pp. 114–116. ISBN 978-1020609640.
- Wall, Wendy L. (2008). "Chapter 7: The Freedom Train". Inventing the "American Way": The Politics of Consensus from the New Deal to the Civil Rights Movement (Hardcover). Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 201–240. ISBN 978-0195329100.
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- Cox, Jim (2009). American Radio Networks: A History (eBook). Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company. p. 149. ISBN 978-0786454242.
- Dunning, John (1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio (Hardcover). Oxford: Oxford University Press. p. 141. ISBN 978-0195076783.
External links
[edit]- Cavalcade of America – Jerry Haendiges Vintage Radio Logs
- Cavalcade of America at CVTA
- Cavalcade of America clips at the Hagley Library
- Cavalcade of America at IMDb
- Cavalcade of America at epguides.com
- Cavalcade of America Archived 2010-12-04 at the Wayback Machine at Museum of Broadcast Communications
- Company Voice Advertising Archived 2010-12-04 at the Wayback Machine at Museum of Broadcast Communications
- Cavalcade of America in American Studies at the University of Virginia
- Cavalcade of America scripts Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library
Listen to
[edit]- Cavalcade of America in the Internet Archive's Old-Time Radio Collection
- Cavalcade of America at OTR.Network Library