Famous Weekly Old-Time Radio Shows
Perhaps one of the most recognized and most often parodied introductions was that of The Shadow. The Shadow was on the air from 1930 through 1954. Initially, it was on CBS, but it transferred to NBC in 1932, and then to the Mutual Radio Network in 1937. Throughout most of its tenure, it was sponsored by Blue Coal. Let me now introduce you to the "mysterious character who aids the forces of law and order" with these short, soundbytes to demonstrate the evolution of the announcers and introduction.

Orson Welles was The Shadow during the 1937-1938 season. This may be Mr Welles (or Frank Readick, Jr.) speaking the famous "The Weed of Crime" ending (32 sec)

The next three 15-second soundbytes are of various players and their interpretation of the beginning of the program ... "Who knows what evil lurks ..."

Also see the Radio History of The Shadow page.


Return to Famous Weekly Shows.