I’ve been spending quite a bit of time with Van Johnson‘s voice this week in honor of his 100th birthday on August 25, 2016. As is the practice ’round these parts I’m sharing a few of the radio shows I enjoyed most in celebration. The ever likable Mr. Johnson, whose work on radio is quite enjoyable, will be honored by TCM with a 24-hour movie tribute on the anniversary of his birth as part of the network’s Summer Under the Stars festival.
Happy birthday, Van Johnson!
“I am the luckiest guy in the world. All my dreams came true. I was in a wonderful business, and I met great people all over the world.”
Van in images…
Van on the radio…
From December 7, 1942 the Lux Radio Theatre production of “War Against Mrs. Hadley” starring Edward Arnold, Fay Bainter and Van Johnson.
Also from Lux Radio Theatre an entry from January 7, 1946, “You Came Along” starring Van Johnson, Lizabeth Scott and Don DeFore.
Following are three episodes of Suspense:
First from 1949 a terrific “The Defense Rests” –
From 1950, “Salvage” –
From 1953, direct from the grand ballroom of New York’s Waldorf Astoria, “Around the World” –
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“I never turned down anybody for an autograph. I think it’s up to the fans; it’s up to the public. No amount of photoplay magazines or layouts puts you over the public unless the public buys you.”
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Related: TCM’s Summer Under the Stars – Picks and Pics
Once upon a screen... 
Thanks for all these great radio links. Look forward to listening to the Suspense episodes.
Loved Van! Thank you for this 🙂 My favorite of his movies was “Miracle in the Rain”. Amazing movie.
Love Van Johnson. I think he is truly underrated in this day and age.
The practice ’round these parts keeps me hanging around.
I fell in love with Van Johnson as Jeff in “Brigadoon”. I was about 12 and couldn’t see Gene Kelly for lookin’.