Though MPTF might be dedicated to the workers of film and television, we have a strong association with radio, too. From 1939 to 1952, Hollywood’s biggest actors participated in The Screen Guild Theater created by Jean Hersholt, with Gulf Oil as its first commercial sponsor. One of the most popular shows on CBS Radio during its 14-season run, the program showcased all the major stars (including Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, Shirley Temple, Clark Gable, and Judy Garland) in a variety of entertaining performances. In the end, The Screen Guild Theater funded the acquisition of the John Show Ranch in Woodland Hills, home today of the Motion Picture Country Home.
That radio tradition continues today as MPTF residents, rallied by resident Bob Mirisch, congregated over Zoom with MPTF Studios to re-do All About Eve, performed from the 1954 Lux Radio Theater script. The Bob Mirisch-produced show featured a cast of MPTF radio players, The Joel Rogosin Repertory Cast Group, bringing to life Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s classic Oscar-winning story of fandom and backstabbing between Eve Harrington and Margo Channing among Broadway’s cutthroat elite. Get a sneak peek below:
