In the golden age of radio he was at the top of his profession. Who was Norman Brokenshire?Tony Bolton (10/17/02 12:07 pm)
He was a M.C. for some early quiz shows and Miss America contests.Edwin J Ether (10/17/02 2:06 pm)
Mellow-voiced Norman Brokenshire was among the top network announcers in the first decade of network radio. The anecdote most associated with him concerns the time the script ran short and Brokenshire, in his best manner, ad-libbed and ad-libbed. Finally running out of things to say, he held the microphone out the studio window and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the sounds of New York." Brokenshire's career was halted when drink took over his life. But he fought back, recovered, and was given a new start on one of radio's most prestigious programs. Can you name it?Edwin J Ether (10/19/02 12:55 pm)
Here's a hint about the network program that played a part in announcer Norman Brokenshire's return. It was an hour-long drama anthology that featured theatrical successes.Tom Mason (10/22/02 4:42 am)
Since nobody is guessing at this one, I will try......... Didnt Brokenshire return to radio in the fifties as the announcer of a radio show that did radio dramas with current movie stars......it wasn't Lux Radio Theater, but something like Hollywood Star Playhouse?Edwin J Ether (10/22/02 11:34 am)
You are very much on the track, Tom. Just think late middle to late 40s, and Broadway instead of Hollywood. You are right about the big stars, though they did not always come from the movies.EJE (10/23/02 9:06 am)
Well, Tom, have you been able to steel yourself to provide the answer? We await yor answer regarding a theatre of the mind. (You need not be a member of the guild.)Tom Mason (10/23/02 11:47 am)
As Jack Benny once said....... I am thinking.....Tom Mason (10/24/02 5:33 am)
With all the hints that you are throwning out there, putting them all together you could come up with Theater Guild On The Air..........but that is a wild guess.Edwin J Ether (10/24/02 8:15 am) Reply Bravo
Not a wild guess at all, Tom. The Theatre Guild on the Air was also known as the United States Steel Hour. (Did you pick up that hint too?)
This prestige drama series started on CBS in 1943, moved to ABC (1945-49), and finished its run on NBC in 1953.
Occasionally the whole unit was taken on the road, appearing in a large audtorium with all the accouterments of a Broadway play, full orchestra and printed programs included. Major stars dotted the casts.
In addition to announcer Brokenshire, there were regular hosts, from Lawrence Langner of the Theatre Guild to Roger Pryor and Elliott Reid. Spokesman for USS was George Hicks, who sprang to fame from his D-Day coverage aboard ship.