Edward G. Robinson died on January 26, 1973 (B. December 12, 1893) and I post this in his honor as one of our most talented actors.
Edward G. had a career in film that spanned six decades during which he brought to life numerous memorable characters in over ninety films, all of which he made his own with that distinctive, commanding voice and unique delivery. He was made for the silver screen.
“Some people have youth, some have beauty – I have menace.”
Menace yes. It was one of the things that made him memorable. But there was also – always – a lot of class. I have to say I am more enamored of Robinson’s work each and every time I watch or re-watch his movies – just recently I was reminded of his sweet performance in Roy Rowland’s, Our Vines Have Tender Grapes when the film was shown on TCM and last month I had a chance to see his memorable depiction of Barton Keyes on the big screen in Billy Wilder’s, Double Indemnity. It seems that no matter the movie he appears in when it’s over I want more.
As is often the case, if I’m on the move and unable to access my favorite classic stars on a screen then I turn on the radio. It’s lucky that like so many of his contemporaries, Edward G. Robinson was a staple on that medium as well.
As he was one of America’s most beloved tough guys, many of the characters Robinson portrayed on radio and even later on television reflected that familiar persona. However, during his entire career on the airwaves he did it all – and with the same intensity as he delivered in all his work.
Following are a few enjoyable radio shows in which Robinson appeared. All are worth a listen. I’m somewhat disappointed, however, that I couldn’t find individual episodes of Big Town to include in this tribute. Big Town was an anthology drama series that aired from 1937 to 1952 in which Robinson starred until 1942. In the series, which centered on the newspaper business, Robinson played Steve Wilson editor of the “Illustrated Press.” Until 1940 Claire Trevor starred opposite Robinson with Ona Munson replacing her. Replacing Robinson in 1952 was Edward J. Pawley who continued on as Wilson for the remainder of the show’s run. In any case it’s been quite a while since I listen to episodes of Big Town, but the ones I have heard are entertaining and since he starred in them I figured it was worth a mention.
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And now let’s just listen to Edward G. Robinson with a “Greetings from Hollywood, Ladies And Gentleman……”
From January 18, 1937 the Lux Radio Theater presentation of “The Criminal Code” starring Edward G. Robinson and Beverly Roberts:
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From April 8, 1945 the Old Gold Comedy Theater presentation of “A Slight Case of Murder” starring Edward G. Robinson and Alan Jenkins.
I’ve posted previous episodes from The Old Gold Comedy Theater, which ran for just a single season (1944-1945), but in case you didn’t tune in what makes this anthology series special is that it was hosted by Harold Lloyd. Otherwise the series followed the formula used by most other series of the time.
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From November 24, 1946 an episode of The Jack Benny Program with special guest, Edward G. Robinson.
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“To last you need to be real.”
Once upon a screen... 
I just finished writing about Edward G. Robinson in Barbary Coast. I’m just getting to 1935, when Walter Brennan breaks out of bit roles and emerges as an important character actor.
Is that available for me to read?
I’m still drafting chapters of my Walter Brennan biography, so it is too early to show you anything. The book will be done by September.
OK. I look forward to it.
I will let you know when it’s ready to go.
Wonderful!
Reblogged this on the last drive in and commented:
I’m with Aurora – Edward G Robinson is one of the greats. I even named a cat after him… Thanks lady for doing this wonderful tribute to the man who contributed so much…
His final movie was Soylent Green…the death in scene in that futuristic flick was eerily repeated in ’99 on my late brother, Tim’s, deathbed…his wife brought in a boom box with Beethoven’s 6th (Pastoral) Symphony playing and a picture he took on his travels was set at the foot of the bed…I immediately thought of him in Soylent Green!!!
CB in FL
Yes, yes, yes Aurora! I always want more from him too! In fact, I could watch him all day long and not get bored. He’s so different than everyone else….but that’s what attracts me to him. He’s a true treasure.
You know I’m so grateful for these radio clips too! Thank you!
🙂
Aurora, I’m loving your radio series, and as a fan of Edward G. Robinson, I was glad to hear these programs with Eddie and Claire Trevor. I’d first heard the radio broadcast of THE MALTESE FALCON (which I’ve blogging about THE MALTESE FALCON at TALES OF THE EASILY DISTRACTED at present). Thanks for letting us bloggers get the chance to listen to these radio plays!
I’m addicted to these, Dorian! I’m so glad others enjoy them as well.
I think my favorite EGR roles were ones where he was playing “against character…” as in, not a gangster. Of course though, my first introduction to EGR (and Peter Lorre) came when I was a little kid… and wasn’t really EGR or Lorre. Looney Tunes – Rackateer Rabbit. http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/82300638/