LEGENDS OF RADIO Tough Guys

This compilation of American Old-Time Radio, representing broadcasts from 1939 to 1955, presents macho stars emoting for the microphone, including rare sonic performances by John Wayne, Burt Lancaster, and Robert Mitchum. Half of the selections are movie adaptations, such as Bogart's and Bacall's reprise of To Have And Have Not. We also get an example of the rarely anthologized Philip Marlowe series, plus vintage "Gunsmoke" and "Dragnet" episodes. These latter two, starring William Conrad and Jack Webb, respectively, tower over the others for the sheer quality of the acting and production. Yet all, even the silliest (Lloyd Nolan hamming up an unredeemable shocker, "Murder for Myra") are entertaining and atmospheric. Y.R. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 06]