Terror on the Air!: Horror Radio in America, 1931-1952 - Softcover

Hand, Richard J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786469196 ISBN 13: 9780786469192

Publisher: McFarland, 2012

Synopsis

The macabre world of monsters, killers on the loose and revenge from beyond the grave existed not only in the movies, but also on the radio before television's dominance in American homes. One of many distinct genres born of early broadcasting, horror radio thrilled millions. Creeping out of the speaker night after night came stories that chilled the listening public--everything from creature features to sophisticated noir suspense. So eager were Americans to be scared that nearly 80 horror programs aired every week in the late 1940s. This first full-length study of golden age horror radio focuses on six representative programs, starting with The Witch's Tale in 1931 and ending with The Mysterious Traveler in 1952. Each chapter provides the reader with a critically and historically informed study of one series. The book ends with a look at the demise of horror radio and its influence. Photographs are a delightful revelation, revealing the previously unseen (but much heard) work of stars like Agnes Moorehead and Orson Welles as they broadcast famous tales of terror.

About this title

About the Author

Richard J. Hand works in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Glamorgan in Wales.

Review

"covers the genre well" --Big Reel

"long awaited and thoroughly researched...the illustrations are splendid...recommended" --OTR Digest

"excellent" --Gothic Studies

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0786469196
• ISBN 13: 9780786469192
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 192