July 23: Happy Birthday, Raymond Chandler

Raymond Chandler was born on this day in 1888. The names of his famous novels may not be as recognizable as that of his most famous protagonist, the detective Philip Marlowe. Marlowe, a sort of template for jaded detectives, was introduced in Chandler's novel The Big Sleep.

The memorable character got his own radio show, The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, in 1947. Gerald Mohr is the best-known of the voices of Marlowe.

Rayond Chandler himself was a self-taught writer, entering the craft after losing his job with the Dabney Oil Syndicate. He was a loyal and avid Los Angelino, making that city essentially a character in his prose. The hard-boiled detective story was a staple of old-time radio, and one of its best practitioners was Raymond Chandler.

June 11: Happy Birthday Gerald Mohr

On June 11, 1914, Gerald Mohr was born and appeared in radio, movies and television as one of the all-time favorite character actors. For 20 plus years, Mohr performed in radio as the tenacious gumshoe detective Philip Marlowe on radio in almost 120 radio plays.

Before this Gerald Mohr had been on a path towards becoming a doctor when he was stricken with an illness and taken to the hospital. During the stay he met a radio personality who invited him down to audition for an on-air position as a reporter. in the mid 1930’s he was invited by Orson Welles to join the Mercury Theatre.

By the late 30’s he had moved onto the screen as a villain in the Jungle Girl series. after his military time during WWII, Gerald Mohr began to perform in a number of hit westerns and other serial programs, which ran through the 1950’s. His screen presence made him a favorite to be cast as the tough guy or the murderous villain. His portfolio for hit shows grew until he was one of the most sought after actors to be in the weekly hits. He also made guest appearances on a few of the comedy hits as well, including the Jack Benny Show and George and Gracie. Mohr continued acting until 1969 when he was struck down by a heart attack while performing in Sweden.

November 8: Happy Birthday Norman Macdonnell!

November 8: Happy Birthday Norman Macdonnell!

Norman Macdonnell with William Conrad

Norman Macdonnell, born in Pasadena, California on November 8th, 1916, was a radio and television and producer best known for helping to create the hit TV and radio series Gunsmoke. Macdonnell served in the military during World War II and took part in the invasion of Normandy.

Macdonnell and writer John Meston helped to create Gunsmoke  the first major adult western program on radio and TV. The program was launched on CBS radio in 1952. The stories for the program took place in and around Dodge City, Kansas during the development of the American West. The program was starkly somber, a sharp contrast from the childish nature of many other western programs on the radio.  Macdonell went on to produce other popular radio dramas including Fort Laramie, Philip Marlowe and more!

Macdonnell died on November 28th, 1979.