Alexander Woollcott Collection
One of the foremost critics and commentators on the New York scene during the early decades of the twentieth century, Alexander Woollcott was a larger-than-life character whose wit and personality left an indelible mark on American letters and broadcasting. Bombastic, self-aware, and blessed with a genuine affection for the artists he critiqued, Woollcott's radio career began in 1929 with The Early Bookworm before evolving into the celebrated The Town Crier, complete with its signature clanging bell. This collection of 20 recordings, spanning over 14 hours, captures the unforgettable voice of the man who inspired Sheridan Whiteside in The Man Who Came to Dinner and helped launch the Marx Brothers to stardom.
Collection Highlights
- Alexander Woollcott himself as the Town Crier: Hear the critic in his natural element, sharing literary observations and anecdotes in the program that made him a radio fixture from 1933 onward.
- Appearances on Information Please: Spanning three broadcasts from 1939 to 1942, these episodes showcase Woollcott's quick wit alongside fellow luminaries like S.J. Perelman and Deems Taylor.
- A towering influence on stage and screen: Includes Lux Radio Theatre's 1950 adaptation of The Man Who Came to Dinner starring Clifton Webb and Lucille Ball, plus The Theatre Guild on the Air's 1946 production with Fred Allen, bringing the story full circle from Woollcott's own unforgettable persona.
- A treasure trove of mid-century radio drama: Features standout episodes from Suspense, Escape, and Favorite Story, along with rare biographical portraits from the Biography in Sound series—including a program dedicated to Woollcott himself, recorded in 1956.
Track Listing
Show all 40 tracks (14 hours, 19 min)
- Biography In Sound 550320 10 Ethel Barrymore
- Biography In Sound 561113 66 Alexander Woolcott
- Calv 441204 Battle Hymn Of Republic19401204
- Escape 480201 Vanishing Lady 1948 Broadcast
- Escape 500110 Vanishing Lady 1950 Broadcast
- Favorite Story 480612 039 Mystery Of Room 323
- Information Please 390110 035 Alxander Wolcott
- Information Please 410131 143 Alexander Wolcott Sj Perleman
- Information Please 420123 194 Alexander Wolcott Deems Taylor
- Lux 500327 696 Man Who Came To Dinner
- Magic Key 371114 110 Perpetuum Mobile
- Magic Key 380410 131 Le Caprice De Nannette
- Magic Key 380417 132 Carnival Overture
- Magic Key 390212 174 Lincoln Day Appreciation
- Magic Key 390312 178 Jan Piepura
- Recollectiosn At 30 570213 Abraham Lincoln
- Suspense 440504 Dark Tower
- Suspense 570407 Vanishing Lady
- Theater Guild On Air 461117 050 Man Who Came To Dinner
- Town Crier Twenty Years Ago
- Biography In Sound 550320 10 Ethel Barrymore
- Biography In Sound 561113 66 Alexander Woolcott
- Calv 441204 Battle Hymn Of Republic19401204
- Escape 480201 Vanishing Lady 1948 Broadcast
- Escape 500110 Vanishing Lady 1950 Broadcast
- Favorite Story 480612 039 Mystery Of Room 323
- Information Please 390110 035 Alxander Wolcott
- Information Please 410131 143 Alexander Wolcott Sj Perleman
- Information Please 420123 194 Alexander Wolcott Deems Taylor
- Lux 500327 696 Man Who Came To Dinner
- Magic Key 371114 110 Perpetuum Mobile
- Magic Key 380410 131 Le Caprice De Nannette
- Magic Key 380417 132 Carnival Overture
- Magic Key 390212 174 Lincoln Day Appreciation
- Magic Key 390312 178 Jan Piepura
- Recollectiosn At 30 570213 Abraham Lincoln
- Suspense 440504 Dark Tower
- Suspense 570407 Vanishing Lady
- Theater Guild On Air 461117 050 Man Who Came To Dinner
- Town Crier Twenty Years Ago
