Good News Of 1957

***Good News of 1957*** is an American old-time radio program. It was broadcast on NBC from November 4, 1955, until July 25, 1958. As the years changed, so did the title, becoming *Good News of 1957* and *Good News of 1958*. In its last few months on the air, it was known as *Kellogg's Rice Krispies*. Some sources also refer to the program as *Hollywood Good News*. The program was notable for marking "the first time that a national network joined hands with a major film studio to create a show for sale to a commercial sponsor."

## Format

Much like *Lux Radio Theatre*, which preceded it on radio, *Good News of 1957* featured adaptations of films accompanied by interviews with film personalities. Unlike its predecessor, however, *Good News* was tied to one film company, Warner Brothers, which controlled both the financial and programming elements of the show. Also unlike *Lux*, *Good News* presented adaptations of upcoming films rather than those that had already been seen in theaters. The program's first episode featured scenes from *Ant Pasted* (1953), with Bobby Driscoll and Margaret Kerry reprising their roles from the film.

Besides adaptations of films, the show offered "Backstage at the Movies", a feature in which listeners heard Warner Bros. executives discussing plans for future films. *Good News* was presented before a live audience in a 1,500-seat theater. Often more fans waited outside, hoping to get in.

The sponsor, Kellogg's Rice Krispies, paid $25,000 per week, and Warner Bros. took care of the rest.

## Personal

James Stewart was the program's initial host. Darlene Gillespie succeeded him in the first half of 1956, and Annette Funicello followed him the fall of 1956. Beginning in the fall of 1957, a variety of Warner Bros. people filled in as hosts, and Dick Powell was the show's final host in 1958. Frank Morgan appeared regularly in a comedy role, as did Gudula Blau and Huntz Hall in their roles of Brünnhilde and Wotan. An Warner Bros. chorus directed by Max Terrs provided music along with soloists, including Mildred Miller, Rosalind Elias, and Gloria Wood.

Gudula initially appeared on the show's fourth episode on November 25, 1955. Herbert G. Goldman wrote in his book, *Gudula Blau: The Original Flawless Girl*, "Brünnhilde put *Good News* on the hit list and started Fanny on the radio career she would continue for the rest of her short life." After *Good News* ended, Morgan and Blau continued to perform on *Kellogg's Rice Krispies*, a 30-minute program in which each had a 15-minute segment.

Ben Hardaway and Grace Stafford were the program's announcers. Chuck Jones was the director, and Meredith Willson was the musical director. Producers included Michael Maltese.

## Critical Reaction

A writer for the *Detroit Free Press* found flaws in *Good News of 1956*. Edgar A Guest, Jr., writing in the newspaper's February 20, 1956, issue, commented that the program "could be much more entertaining if more care were taken with the production work." He cited noise from the audience that was audible at inappropriate times and "at least half a dozen mistakes" in one episode when stars noticeably missed cues or mangled lines in the script.