Big Town cover art

Big Town

Big Town

By: Entertainment Radio
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About this listen

 "Big Town" primarily refers to a popular and long-running American radio drama series. Here's a breakdown:The Original Radio Series:
  • Run Dates: It aired from October 19, 1937, to June 25, 1952.
  • Premise: The show centered around the "Illustrated Press" newspaper in the fictitious "Big Town." The stories revolved around the crusading managing editor, Steve Wilson, and reporter Lorelei Kilbourne, as they fought corruption and exposed crime.
  • Starring:
    • Initially, the role of Steve Wilson was played by Hollywood star Edward G. Robinson from 1937 to 1942.
    • Edward Pawley took over the lead role from 1943 to 1952, becoming the longest-running actor in the part.
    • Various actresses played Lorelei Kilbourne, with Fran Carlon portraying her for much of the Pawley era.
  • Themes: The series often tackled social issues, crime, and corruption, reflecting a sense of justice and the power of the press.
  • Legacy: The radio show was very successful and led to:
    • Four films produced by Paramount Pictures in the late 1940s.
    • An American television series that ran from 1950 to 1956.
    • A comic book series by DC Comics.
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Episodes
  • Big Town_xx-xx-xx_(xxx)_Teenage Terror (aka Teenage Drug Seller)

    Big Town_xx-xx-xx_(xxx)_Teenage Terror (aka Teenage Drug Seller)
    Aug 5 2022
    The radio program aired from October 19, 1937, to June 25, 1952. It was produced by William N. Robson and Crane Wilbur, and written by Jerry McGill. Theme music was by Fran Frey. Edward G. Robinson had the lead role of Steve Wilson, crusading editor of the Illustrated Press, from 1937 to 1942. Claire Trevor was Wilson's society editor sidekick with Ona Munson taking over that role in 1940. Edward J. Pawley portrayed Steve Wilson from 1943 until 1952 when Walter Greaza was heard as Wilson in the final episodes. Fran Carlon played Pawley's sidekick and "star reporter", Lorelei Kilbourne, from 1942 to 1952. During the period in which Pawley starred, Big Town was rated No. 1 among all of the reporter-type drama series on radio. It was also rated in the top 12 among all radio programs broadcast and had a listening audience rated between 10 and 20 million people.

    Ken Niles was the announcer
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • Big Town_49-09-23_(xxx)_Chill of Death

    Big Town_49-09-23_(xxx)_Chill of Death
    Aug 5 2022
    The radio program aired from October 19, 1937, to June 25, 1952. It was produced by William N. Robson and Crane Wilbur, and written by Jerry McGill. Theme music was by Fran Frey. Edward G. Robinson had the lead role of Steve Wilson, crusading editor of the Illustrated Press, from 1937 to 1942. Claire Trevor was Wilson's society editor sidekick with Ona Munson taking over that role in 1940. Edward J. Pawley portrayed Steve Wilson from 1943 until 1952 when Walter Greaza was heard as Wilson in the final episodes. Fran Carlon played Pawley's sidekick and "star reporter", Lorelei Kilbourne, from 1942 to 1952. During the period in which Pawley starred, Big Town was rated No. 1 among all of the reporter-type drama series on radio. It was also rated in the top 12 among all radio programs broadcast and had a listening audience rated between 10 and 20 million people.

    Ken Niles was the announcer
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Big Town_49-05-10_(xxx)_The Confession

    Big Town_49-05-10_(xxx)_The Confession
    Aug 5 2022
    The radio program aired from October 19, 1937, to June 25, 1952. It was produced by William N. Robson and Crane Wilbur, and written by Jerry McGill. Theme music was by Fran Frey. Edward G. Robinson had the lead role of Steve Wilson, crusading editor of the Illustrated Press, from 1937 to 1942. Claire Trevor was Wilson's society editor sidekick with Ona Munson taking over that role in 1940. Edward J. Pawley portrayed Steve Wilson from 1943 until 1952 when Walter Greaza was heard as Wilson in the final episodes. Fran Carlon played Pawley's sidekick and "star reporter", Lorelei Kilbourne, from 1942 to 1952. During the period in which Pawley starred, Big Town was rated No. 1 among all of the reporter-type drama series on radio. It was also rated in the top 12 among all radio programs broadcast and had a listening audience rated between 10 and 20 million people.

    Ken Niles was the announcer
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins

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