Backstage Wife
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Backstage Wife is an American soap opera radio program that details the travails of Mary Noble, a girl from a small town in Iowa who came to New York seeking her future.
Vivien Fridell had the title role from 1935 until the early 1940s. It was then taken over by Claire Niesen, who continued as Mary Noble until the end of the series. Mary's husband, Larry Noble, was portrayed by Ken Griffin, then James Meighan and finally, Guy Sorel. The music was supplied by organist Chet Kingsbury.
Each episode begins with the announcer (Pierre Andre, Roger Krupp, others) explaining:
- Now, we present once again, Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, a little Iowa girl who married one of America's most handsome actors, Larry Noble, matinée idol of a million other women — the story of what it means to be the wife of a famous star.
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[edit] Production
The show was created by Frank and Anne Hummert, the most prolific producers during the radio soap era. The series debuted August 5, 1935 on the Mutual Broadcasting System, continued on NBC and concluded January 2, 1959 on CBS. The sponsors included Dr. Lyons Tooth Powder and Procter & Gamble.
[edit] Broadcast history
- August 5, 1935–March 27, 1936, MBS, 9:45 a.m. ET
- March 30–June 26, 1936, NBC Blue, 4:15 p.m.
- 1936–1938, NBC Blue, 11:15 a.m.
- 1938–July 1, 1955, NBC, 4 p.m.
- July 4, 1955–January 2, 1959, CBS, 12:15 p.m.
[edit] In popular culture
The program was parodied by Bob and Ray as their continuing satirical soap opera, Mary Backstayge, Noble Wife, serialized for such a long period of time that it became better known to many listeners than the show it lampooned.
