Grand Central Station: Dramatic Series (1937 - 1954)

Grand Central Station is a fine dramatic series that ranges from "coming to New York" stories to character studies of locals who have remade the big Apple in their own image. The show continued on one of the three radio networks through its long run, but is best remembered for the Saturday slot it held from 1944 through 1953. Adults and kids alike listened avidly to the stories, sometime heartwarming, sometimes tragic. Some shows offer twists or psychological tension, and seem to draw upon the writings of that honored New York short story writer, O.Henry.

Created and produced in New York City, it featured many of the many quality talents available: writers, actors and announcers. Alexander Scourby, one of the best radio voices ever, narrates on some. Mason and Hume Cronyn were also featured The show is well paced and solidly done, if a little pedestrian on occasion. It's a human drama show, not a thriller.

Grand Central Station has a wonderfully memorable opening sequence, which featured the rushing train entering Grand Central Station. Anyone who has been lucky enough to have heard the old time radio show, and then entered New York from the North rushing into the belly of New York from Harlem to enter the very monumental Grand Central Station underground knows what a thrilling evocation the show's opening is.

To hear other shows with fine dramatic action, please click on Academy Award Theater, Lux Radio Theater, and Orson Welles Collection. Damon Runyan Theater and Mr. And Mrs. North are radio shows that feature New York City's ambiance, as well as humor and crime. Many shows have detective or thriller themes, yet offer great dramatic delivery…among the best are Suspense and Escape, and the lesser known high adventure series, The Voyage of the Scarlet Queen.

For more fine drama evoking the American experience, please see Cavalcade of America, You Are There, Mr. President, The American Trail, Adventures in Research, Destination Freedom, and the WWII related shows, such as the WWII Collection and Words at War.

For more railroad theme old time radio shows, see also: Empire Builders, Railroad Hour, Railroad Collection, Green Valley Line, and Mysterious Traveler.

Please note that some of the rare recordings in this collection may be of inferior sound quality.