A8. The Dark Side of Old Time Radio

In the dark days of World War II, Americans pulled down their blackout curtains, turned out the lights, and gathered around the radio. Some laughed with Bob Hope of Fibber McGee and Molly, but others turned to the dark side with Lights Out, Inner Sanctum, or Suspense. This course covers mystery, crime, and horror programs on network radio in the wartime and postwar eras. Besides entertainment aspects, we will discuss some of the psychological themes common to these programs. As one program states: “Lights Out brings you stories of the supernatural and supernormal, dramatizing the fantasies and the mysteries of the unknown.”

INSTRUCTOR: David Nevard grew up in suburban Boston and has always been fascinated by history – especially World War II and the postwar era. He attended UMass-Amherst and worked as an IT professional for over 30 years. Since retirement, David has been an instructor at WISE and other area lifelong learning programs. David and his wife have been listening to Old Time Radio for years.

NO REQUIRED BOOKS Links will be sent to the class registrants for specific episodes to view on YouTube or LibriVox .