The Count of Monte Cristo (radio program)

The Count of Monte Cristo is an American old-time radio adventure program. It was broadcast on the Don Lee Network on the West Coast in the 1944-1945 season and on the Mutual Broadcasting System December 19, 1946 - January 1, 1952.[1]

The Count of Monte Cristo
GenreAdventure
Country of originUnited States
Language(s)English
TV adaptationsThe Count of Monte Cristo (1956)
The Count of Monte Cristo (1964, British)
StarringCarleton Young
AnnouncerRod O'Connor
Charles Arlington
Dick Wynn
Written byAnthony Ellis
Directed byThomas Freebairn-Smith
Jaime del Valle
Original release1944 –
January 1, 1952
Opening themeThe Sylvia Ballet
Sponsored byPeralto Wines (Don Lee Network)

Format

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Derived from the novel The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, the program focused on the adventures of Edmond Dantes, who was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted on a false accusation of treason. Dantes escaped from prison and fought corruption in 18th-century France.[2]

The episodes on the Don Lee Network were sponsored by Peralto Wines.[3]

Personnel

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Carleton Young had the title role. Rene Michon (the count's "faithful manservant")[4] was portrayed first by Ferdinand Munier and later by Parley Baer. Actors who frequently had supporting roles included William Conrad, John Dehner, Virginia Gregg, Joseph Kearns, Barbara Lee, Paul Marion, Howard McNear, Jay Novello, Jack Petruzzi, and Vic Rodman. Announcers were Rod O'Connor, Charles Arlington, and Dick Wynn.[5]

Thomas Freebairn-Smith directed the episodes on the Don Lee Network, and Jaime del Valle directed those on Mutual. Anthony Ellis was the writer. The orchestra was led by Dean Fossler.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Dunning, John (1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio (Revised ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. p. 181. ISBN 978-0-19-507678-3.
  2. ^ Terrace, Vincent (1999). Radio Programs, 1924-1984: A Catalog of More Than 1800 Shows. McFarland & Company, Inc. p. 83. ISBN 978-0-7864-4513-4.
  3. ^ "'Mont Cristo' and 'Think Hard' Newest Don Lee Programs" (PDF). Billboard. July 15, 1944. p. 9. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  4. ^ Reinehr, Robert C.; Swartz, Jon D. (2010). The A to Z of Old Time Radio. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 69. ISBN 9780810876163. Retrieved 6 April 2017.
  5. ^ a b Cox, Jim (2002). Radio Crime Fighters: Over 300 Programs from the Golden Age. McFarland. p. 83. ISBN 978-0-7864-4324-6.
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Logs

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Streaming

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