For the television series of the same name, seeThe Silver Theatre.
Silver Theater (sometimes written as Silver Theatre) was a radiodramaticanthology series in the United States. Originating in Hollywood, California,[1] it was carried on CBS[2] and on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.[1] First broadcast October 3, 1937, its last broadcast was August 17, 1947.[2]
. . . Silver Theater (radio program) . . .
Originally, Silver Theater featured movie stars, primarily in original dramas and less often in adaptations of movies. Comedies were presented occasionally.[2] In a reversal of the customary trend, some original dramas from Silver Theater were purchased for use in movies.[3] In 1947, when the program was broadcast as a summer replacement series, radio stars—rather than those from movies—were used as leads.[4]
In 1941, the Summer Silver Theater was a variety program, with Ed Sullivan as host and Will Bradley as bandleader. A guest star featured each week.[5]
By its nature, Hollywood Star Playhouse had no regular cast. Different movie stars of the era were featured, as indicated in the sampling of episodes and stars listed below. One continuing presence was that of the host, who was referred to as the “director” on the air. Conrad Nagel was the initial host. John Loder replaced him in the early 1940s. Announcers over the program’s lifetime were John Conte, Dick Joy, Henry Charles, Roger Krupp, Jack Bailey, and Harry Bartell. Felix Mills directed the orchestra.[2]
. . . Silver Theater (radio program) . . .