Tag: William Conrad

Hallmark Playhouse: Ben-Hur (AWR0245)

Amazing World of Radio

An adaptation of Lew Wallace’s classic novel of Judah Ben-Hur, a 1st Century Jewish man unjustly imprisoned by the decree of his ambitious best friend.

Original Radio Broadcast: April 10, 1952

Originating in Hollywood

Starring: Jeff Chandler as Ben-Hur; William Conrad; Virginia Gregg; Lurene Tuttle; Herb Butterfield; Richard Beals

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Dragnet: The Big Man, Part One (EP4334)

Today’s Mystery:

Friday goes undercover in a narcotics gang to get to the get a drug kingpin.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 12, 1950

Originating from Hollywood

Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Sidney Miller; Herb Butterfield; William Conrad; Peggy Webber

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Join us again on Monday for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

EP1661: Philip Marlowe: The Anniversary Gift

William Conrad

Marlowe is sent by widower in search of his late wife’s watch and finds it’s tied up in a murder case and his client may be as well.

Original Air Date: April 11, 1950

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Radio’s Most Essential People Countdown #7: William Conrad

8,9, 1012-1114-1316-1518-1720-19,22-2124-2326-2528-2730-2933-3136-34,

39-37,42-4045-4348-4651-4954-5257-5560-5865-6170-66,  71-7576-80,

81-8586-9091-9596-100

7. William Conrad-

William ConradConrad’s great overarching claim to radio fame is a significant one. He played the role of Marshall Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke for its entire 9 year run. Gunsmoke began its run after radio in 1952 after television had eclipsed radio as a profit making enterprise  Nevertheless, Gunsmoke began its long run and also spawned a slew of new adult Westerns in the latter 1950s and Conrad played a large part in that. He also became a symbol of television’ shallowness when he was denied the ability to continue in the Dillon role on television due to his weight.

However, Conrad was more than just the star of this classic Western. He was also a great character actor often playing heavies or policemen in programs such as Tales of the Texas Rangers, Pat Novak for Hire, The Lux Radio Theater, I Was a Communist for the FBI, and Yours Truly Johnny Dollar among others.  His deep distinct voice also served to make him a good announcer, most notably on Escape and Mr. President.

He was a consummate team player who in radio and every other medium he appeared in, was  a true professional willing to step into any role, no matter how large or small and play it with great talent.  This made Conrad a great career in all mediums, and made his nearly two decades on radio truly phenomenal.

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