Words At War WWII Radio Show Podcast By World War Two History Radio cover art

Words At War WWII Radio Show

Words At War WWII Radio Show

By: World War Two History Radio
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Words at War was a 30 minute dramatic anthology series dealing with stories condensed from books written about World War II. The series started in the middle of the war and at the most crucial time of the war for the allies, somewhat heightening its debut. Not only that, it was supported by Johnson's Wax in the Fibber McGee and Molly time slot as Jim and Marian Jordan went on vacation. And if that wasn't enough, the music for the series was done by NBC's own Frank Black, a master at orchestration and the shows were often directed by Anton M. Leder of Suspense fame. Adding to all of that is the fact that most - if not all - of the series is available today for our listening pleasure and the sound is above average.

Done in a docu-drama style with Black's music as the background gave often stark, sobering realism to these stories penned by different authors. While not all of the shows are winners, many are far above average and many remind me of the writing of Arch Oboloer. Not that these plays are anti-war (just the opposite) but most of these stories pack a powerful, though-provoking wallop, especially when dealing with subjects that are hard to comprehend, like the taking of innocent civilian lives. As Billboard Magazine wrote in 1943, "Muddled, cloying ideas of war romantics were washed away in a clean sweep." No truer words can be spoken about some of these dramas.

With anthologies you often have some good and some bad because each author has his own strengths and weaknesses. However, all seem to have a quality worthy of this fine radio series.Copyright World War Two History Radio Politics & Government Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Words at War 1943-06-24 (1) Combined Operations_ The Official Story of the British Commandos

    Words at War 1943-06-24 (1) Combined Operations_ The Official Story of the British Commandos
    Oct 30 2025
    30 mins
  • Words at War 1943-07-17 (4) The Last Days of Sevastopol

    Words at War 1943-07-17 (4) The Last Days of Sevastopol
    Oct 30 2025
    31 mins
  • Words at War 1943-07-31 (6) From the Land Of the Silent People

    Words at War 1943-07-31 (6) From the Land Of the Silent People
    Oct 30 2025
    29 mins
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