Monthly Archives: February 2011

Rescuing the Tabloid Competition in Big Town

Not only were newspaper reporters and editors cast as heroic characters in old-time radio dramas, they sometimes made heroic attempts to help the competition, no matter how bitter the rivalry. Perhaps that’s because they recognized newspaper journalism as a higher … Continue reading

Posted in competition, crime, ethics, j-heroes, movies, newspapers, reporters, sensationalism | 1 Comment

Clark Kent vs. Horace Greeley: Heroic deeds on radio

As mentioned in a separate episode or two, the 1940 radio introduction of Lois Lane had her greeting Clark Kent with a sarcastic remark comparing him to Horace Greeley (1811-1872), one of the previous century’s journalistic superheroes. That got me … Continue reading

Posted in 19th century, cavalcade, Clark Kent, historical figures, Horace Greeley, newspapers, publishers, reporters | Leave a comment

‘Hildy Johnson used to be a man’ – Cecil B. DeMille

After their success as Hollywood movies, both “His Girl Friday” and the hit Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur play that inspired it, “The Front Page,” were adapted for radio — and more than once. A few of the productions are … Continue reading

Posted in Hildy Johnson, j-heroes, movies, newspapers, reporters, women | Leave a comment