Best Plays – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Best Plays

Best Plays

Entertainment Radio

Fiction
Fiction

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 46

Podhome
Best Plays was a prestigious radio anthology series that aired on NBC Radio from June 9, 1952, to August 30, 1953, showcasing adaptations of some of the most celebrated theatrical works of the 20th century. Hosted and directed by John Chapman, the drama critic for the New York Daily News, the program aimed to bring the finest Broadway and off-Broadway plays to a national radio audience during a time when radio drama was beginning to wane in the face of television’s rise. The series ran for 52 episodes, each an hour long, and was broadcast on Monday nights at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. The show’s mission was to present “the best plays of the modern American theater,” and it delivered by adapting works from renowned playwrights like Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Eugene O’Neill, and Lillian Hellman. Episodes included classics such as Williams’ The Glass Menagerie (starring Helen Hayes), Miller’s Death of a Salesman (with Thomas Mitchell as Willy Loman), O’Neill’s The Emperor Jones, and Hellman’s The Little Foxes. The series also featured Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, Maxwell Anderson’s Winterset, and Sidney Kingsley’s Detective Story, among others. Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio  https://www.myclassicradio.net/Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
Site
RSS
Apple

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

  • 🇩🇪 Germany - drama

    23/04/2026
    #99
  • 🇩🇪 Germany - drama

    22/04/2026
    #82
  • 🇩🇪 Germany - drama

    21/04/2026
    #72
  • 🇩🇪 Germany - drama

    20/04/2026
    #50
  • 🇬🇧 Great Britain - drama

    22/07/2025
    #98

Spotify

    No recent rankings available



RSS feed quality and score

Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.

See all
RSS feed quality
To improve

Score global : 59%


Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

Episodes published by month in

Latest published episodes

Recent episodes with titles, durations, and descriptions.

See all

Kiss the Boys Goodbye

Episode 50

dimanche 6 avril 2025Duration 58:31

In this episode of Best Plays, host John Chapman introduces the witty comedy "Kiss the Boys Goodbye" by Clare Boothe Luce, featuring Helen Clare. The play, originally a satire on Hollywood's search for a new actress, is also described by the author as a political allegory about fascism in America. The story unfolds on a train heading north from the South, where the characters discuss the potential casting of a new actress, Cindy Lou, for a major film role. The narrative explores themes of Southern pride, Hollywood politics, and the comedic chaos that ensues when ambition meets opportunity.

As the plot thickens, Cindy Lou finds herself amidst a whirlwind of Hollywood intrigue, romance, and rivalry. The characters navigate through a series of comedic and dramatic events, including a shooting incident and a surprise engagement. The episode captures the essence of Clare Boothe Luce's sharp wit and satirical edge, offering listeners a delightful blend of humor and social commentary. The performance is brought to life by a talented cast, making this episode a memorable addition to the Best Plays series.

 Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio 

Ethan Frome

Episode 51

dimanche 6 avril 2025Duration 59:35

In this episode of Best Plays, we delve into the dramatic adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel, "Ethan Frome," brought to life by the talented Geraldine Page, Evelyn Varden, and Carl Weber. The play, adapted by Owen and Donald Davis, explores the harsh winter life of New England farmers, focusing on the tragic story of Ethan Frome, his wife Zenobia, and her cousin Mattie. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the emotional and physical struggles of the characters, set against the backdrop of a cold, unforgiving Massachusetts winter. The tension between duty and desire, love and obligation, is poignantly portrayed, leading to a dramatic and heart-wrenching climax.

Host John Chapman introduces the play, highlighting the impressive Broadway legacy of playwright Owen Davis and the distinguished performances of the original cast. The episode captures the essence of the New England setting and the complex relationships within the Frome household. As the story progresses, listeners are drawn into the intimate and tumultuous world of Ethan Frome, culminating in a tragic decision that changes the lives of the characters forever. Join us for this compelling adaptation that brings Wharton's timeless tale to the radio stage.

 Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio 

Best Plays 53-06-21 (40) Another Language

vendredi 14 juin 2024Duration 59:39

Going on-air from 1952 to 1953, the Best Plays was an NBC Radio program that featured some of the most excellent theatric plays ever created. Some of the best ones featured were dramatic or comedic plays. John Chapman, New York Daily News' drama critic, served as the program's host.

Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio

Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

Best Plays 53-06-05 (39) Autumn Crocus

vendredi 14 juin 2024Duration 59:36

Going on-air from 1952 to 1953, the Best Plays was an NBC Radio program that featured some of the most excellent theatric plays ever created. Some of the best ones featured were dramatic or comedic plays. John Chapman, New York Daily News' drama critic, served as the program's host.

Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio

Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

Best Plays 53-05-29 (38) The Amazing Dr Clitterhouse

vendredi 14 juin 2024Duration 59:57

Going on-air from 1952 to 1953, the Best Plays was an NBC Radio program that featured some of the most excellent theatric plays ever created. Some of the best ones featured were dramatic or comedic plays. John Chapman, New York Daily News' drama critic, served as the program's host.

Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio

Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

Best Plays 53-05-22 (37) Summer and Smoke

vendredi 14 juin 2024Duration 58:05

Going on-air from 1952 to 1953, the Best Plays was an NBC Radio program that featured some of the most excellent theatric plays ever created. Some of the best ones featured were dramatic or comedic plays. John Chapman, New York Daily News' drama critic, served as the program's host.

Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio

Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

Best Plays 53-05-15 (36) St Helena

vendredi 14 juin 2024Duration 59:30

Going on-air from 1952 to 1953, the Best Plays was an NBC Radio program that featured some of the most excellent theatric plays ever created. Some of the best ones featured were dramatic or comedic plays. John Chapman, New York Daily News' drama critic, served as the program's host.

Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio

Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

Best Plays 53-05-08 (35) Of Mice and Men

vendredi 14 juin 2024Duration 55:42

Going on-air from 1952 to 1953, the Best Plays was an NBC Radio program that featured some of the most excellent theatric plays ever created. Some of the best ones featured were dramatic or comedic plays. John Chapman, New York Daily News' drama critic, served as the program's host.

Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio

Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

Best Plays 53-05-01 (34) Susan and God

vendredi 14 juin 2024Duration 54:14

Going on-air from 1952 to 1953, the Best Plays was an NBC Radio program that featured some of the most excellent theatric plays ever created. Some of the best ones featured were dramatic or comedic plays. John Chapman, New York Daily News' drama critic, served as the program's host.

Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio

Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

Best Plays 53-04-17 (33) Mr Roberts

vendredi 14 juin 2024Duration 57:54

Going on-air from 1952 to 1953, the Best Plays was an NBC Radio program that featured some of the most excellent theatric plays ever created. Some of the best ones featured were dramatic or comedic plays. John Chapman, New York Daily News' drama critic, served as the program's host.

Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio

Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon

Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio


Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Discover shows related to Best Plays, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
CBS Radio Mystery Theater
Sherlock Holmes -Rathbone & Bruce
Gunsmoke
Dangerously Yours
Quiet, Please!
50 Greatest Old Time Radio Shows
Frontier Gentleman
X Minus One
Danger, Doctor Danfield
Whitehall 1212
© My Podcast Data