RAS #684 - The Jackpot

On Ron’s Amazing Stories last week, we delighted in two Western
tales featuring the legendary Jimmy Stewart. But today, we're
shifting gears to showcase a different side of this versatile
actor. While many remember Stewart for his iconic roles in
Westerns, his talents stretched far beyond, gracing dramas, spy
thrillers, suspense films, and even a unique role involving
conversations with an imaginary six-foot rabbit in "Harvey"—a
comedy with surprisingly profound themes. Comedy from the golden
age of radio isn't something we've often explored on this podcast.
Truth be told, humor from that era can feel a bit dated. However,
today's feature, "The Jackpot," defies that trend. This 1950 comedy
film, directed by Walter Lang and starring Jimmy Stewart alongside
Barbara Hale, was inspired by a real-life event where James P.
Caffrey of Rhode Island won $24,000 worth of merchandise on the CBS
radio quiz show, "Sing It Again." Imagine the chaos of winning a
ton of raw beef without owning a freezer! While the film has faded
from the limelight, preserved only in the 20th Century Fox Cinema
Archives since 2012, we're bringing its radio adaptation to your
ears today. Originally broadcast on NBC's Screen Directors
Playhouse, Stewart reprises his role with Margaret Truman making
her radio debut as his wife, Amy. Get ready for a delightful
comedic gem, ”The Jackpot," aired originally on April 26, 1951.
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