Her Honor, Nancy James Explained

Show Name:Her Honor, Nancy James
Format:Soap opera
Runtime:15 minutes
Country:United States
Language:English
Syndicates:CBS
Starring:Barbara Weeks
Announcer:Frank Gallop
Director:Basil Loughrane
Narrated:Mel Allen
First Aired:October 3, 1938
Last Aired:July 28, 1939
Sponsor:Kleenex

Her Honor, Nancy James is an American radio soap opera.[1] It was broadcast Mondays to Fridays[2] on CBS from October 3, 1938 to July 28, 1939.[3]

Format

Her Honor, Nancy James related "the dramatic events in the restoration of a big city which has been overrun by corrupt politicians who have intimidated law-abiding citizens and undermined legitimate business with their rackets."[4] The program featured "dramatic incidents in the life of Nancy James, a judge in the Court of Common Relations in Metropolis City."[5] It was described as being one of "two sympathetic portrayals of judges" during the golden age of radio[6] and as an example of how "The popular culture at the time ... glamorized single working women and affirmed their active role in public life."[7]

After having been a social worker, the title character was appointed to be the judge of a "special Court of Common Problems."[8]

Personnel

The title role was played by Barbara Weeks. Others in the cast and their roles are shown in the table below.

Character Actor or actress
Mayor Richard Wharton Joseph Curtin
Evelyn Wharton Kay Strozzi
Anthony Hale
Carrie Dean Alice Reinheart
Madge Keller Janice Gilbert
Stan Adamic Chester Stratton
Ellen Clark Joan Banks
George Novack Maurice Franklin
Laura Claire Niesen
Dr. Baxter Michael Fitzmaurice
Bob Doering Carl Frank[9]
Closing voice Basil Loughrane[10]
Source: On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio,[3] except as indicated.

Mel Allen was the program's narrator;[11] Frank Gallop was the announcer. Basil Loughrane was the director.[3] The program's writers were Dave Victor and Herbert Little, Jr.[12]

Notes and References

  1. Sies, Luther F. (2014). Encyclopedia of American Radio, 1920-1960, 2nd Edition, Volume 1. McFarland & Company, Inc. . P. 04.
  2. News: Networks Continue Procession Of New Fall Program Premieres; Number Of "Revivals" Increases. The Nebraska State Journal. October 2, 1938. Nebraska, Lincoln. 40. Newspapers.com. December 17, 2015.
  3. Book: Dunning, John . On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio . John Dunning (detective fiction author) . 1998 . Oxford University Press . New York, NY . 978-0-19-507678-3 . 317-318 . Revised . 2019-09-05.
  4. News: The Radio Playbill: This Week--"Her Honor, Nancy James". 19 December 2015. Radio Guide. December 3, 1938. 6–7.
  5. Terrace, Vincent (1999). Radio Programs, 1924-1984: A Catalog of More Than 1800 Shows. McFarland & Company, Inc. . P. 149.
  6. Book: Erickson. Hal. Encyclopedia of Television Law Shows: Factual and Fictional Series About Judges, Lawyers and the Courtroom, 1948-2008. 2009. McFarland & Company, Incorporated. 9780786438280. 7.
  7. Book: Cott. Nancy F.. No Small Courage: A History of Women in the United States. 2004. Oxford University Press, USA. 9780195173239. 475. 18 December 2015.
  8. News: Ranson. Jo. Radio Dial Log. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. October 1, 1938. New York, Brooklyn. 18. Newspapers.com. December 17, 2015.
  9. News: Lamade. Paul. Radio Around the Dial. Altoona Tribune. March 16, 1939. Pennsylvania, Altoona. 10. Newspapers.com. December 18, 2015.
  10. Buxton, Frank and Owen, Bill (1972). The Big Broadcast: 1920-1950. The Viking Press. SBN 670-16240-x. P. 110.
  11. Book: Borelli. Stephen. How About That!: The Life of Mel Allen. 2005. Sports Publishing LLC. 9781582617336. 47. 18 December 2015.
  12. News: Lewis. Martin. Airialto Lowdown. 19 December 2015. Radio Guide. October 29, 1938. 10.