A great many wonderful words come to mind when one thinks of the name Ronald Colman. "Gentleman" is one that pops up first, then perhaps "handsome", then either "dashing", "debonaire" (try to think of a single man in 2016 that fits that one), "suave", "talented", "cool", "sophisticated", or "charming".
Usually all of the above.
Then, of course, one thinks about the films. THE PRISONER OF ZENDA comes to mind pretty quickly, then LOST HORIZON, then maybe A TALE OF TWO CITIES, or his amazing turns as RAFFLES and BULLDOG DRUMMOND, or even something as relatively obscure as IF I WERE KING (which is a cinematic delectation, to be sure). But do we associate Ronald Colman with radio?
If not, we certainly should.
Over his career Ronald Colman appeared on a legion of programmes, either as host, as guest, or as the central lead in many a wonderful drama. He acted parts on legendary shows like LUX RADIO THEATER, COMMAND PERFORMANCE, THEATER GUILD ON THE AIR, ROMANCE, REQUEST PERFORMANCE, HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE, and even had the dual role as host and lead actor in the wartime show, EVERYTHING FOR THE BOYS. I should probably include his entries on the iconic horror show SUSPENSE while I'm at it, as he was on some of the best episodes of it's brilliant run, including a rare radio dramatisation of the pulp horror master H. P. LOVECRAFT, in the chilling 1945 production of THE DUNWICH HORROR. In contrast, to prove that he's not all smoldering gazes and a butter-smoother voice, Colman tore up the comedic veldt with his side-busting turns on the Jack Benny show, dueling with Jack on several handfuls of episodes, countering Benny's manic quips with rakish hilarity.
I seem to recall an episode of FIBBER MCGEE AND MOLLY out there somewhere, as well.
It's entirely worth the effort to collect Ronald Colman's radio stuff. I've been at it for a while, and even in it's incomplete state, the "Colman Radio" folder is pretty packed. Whether it's LUX RADIO THEATER with TALK OF THE TOWN, or the HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE rendition of GOODBYE MR. CHIPS, Colman gives us every bit of the high level of acting and charisma that we've come to expect of him from his films.
A class act on the big screen and our radio dial.
Download and enjoy the Ronald Colman SUSPENSE episode THE DUNWICH HORROR (HERE)
Usually all of the above.
Then, of course, one thinks about the films. THE PRISONER OF ZENDA comes to mind pretty quickly, then LOST HORIZON, then maybe A TALE OF TWO CITIES, or his amazing turns as RAFFLES and BULLDOG DRUMMOND, or even something as relatively obscure as IF I WERE KING (which is a cinematic delectation, to be sure). But do we associate Ronald Colman with radio?
If not, we certainly should.
Over his career Ronald Colman appeared on a legion of programmes, either as host, as guest, or as the central lead in many a wonderful drama. He acted parts on legendary shows like LUX RADIO THEATER, COMMAND PERFORMANCE, THEATER GUILD ON THE AIR, ROMANCE, REQUEST PERFORMANCE, HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE, and even had the dual role as host and lead actor in the wartime show, EVERYTHING FOR THE BOYS. I should probably include his entries on the iconic horror show SUSPENSE while I'm at it, as he was on some of the best episodes of it's brilliant run, including a rare radio dramatisation of the pulp horror master H. P. LOVECRAFT, in the chilling 1945 production of THE DUNWICH HORROR. In contrast, to prove that he's not all smoldering gazes and a butter-smoother voice, Colman tore up the comedic veldt with his side-busting turns on the Jack Benny show, dueling with Jack on several handfuls of episodes, countering Benny's manic quips with rakish hilarity.
I seem to recall an episode of FIBBER MCGEE AND MOLLY out there somewhere, as well.
It's entirely worth the effort to collect Ronald Colman's radio stuff. I've been at it for a while, and even in it's incomplete state, the "Colman Radio" folder is pretty packed. Whether it's LUX RADIO THEATER with TALK OF THE TOWN, or the HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE rendition of GOODBYE MR. CHIPS, Colman gives us every bit of the high level of acting and charisma that we've come to expect of him from his films.
A class act on the big screen and our radio dial.
Download and enjoy the Ronald Colman SUSPENSE episode THE DUNWICH HORROR (HERE)
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