Lux Radio Theater (sponsored by Lux soap) was a live radio show that first began in
October 1934 on the NBC Blue Network (which ironically would become the Disney-
owned ABC). The series (which first aired on Sunday afternoons before switching to
Monday evenings) was based on popular Broadway shows and films of the day. As
original cast members were often used to re-create their roles, many of Hollywood's
biggest names appeared on the weekly hour-long program.
Over the years Lux Radio Theater presented 5 adaptations of Disney
movies (usually all around Christmas time). They included Snow White and the Seven
The December 1938 Snow White broadcast was presented live from the Music
Box Theatre in Hollywood, California. Walt Disney himself even appeared during the show
(the only Lux Radio broadcast he would take part in). He was
interviewed by host and film legend Cecil B. DeMille. Many of the voices were supplied by
the same actors who took part in the animated feature - such as Roy Atwell (Doc), Billy
Gilbert (Sneezy), Moroni Olsen (Mirror), and Stuart Buchanan (Huntsman).
Pinocchio was presented on Christmas Day 1939 with the animated film's cast reviving
their roles. Disney's film had actually not been released yet, as Pinocchio wouldn't debut
until about 2 months later.
Although not an animated film, Treasure Island was presented in January 1951 (about
a year after the film's release). Bobby Driscoll revived his role of Jim Hawkins. Special
guest stars included James Mason (who in 3 years would star in Disney's 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) playing the role of Long John Silver.
Alice in Wonderland, broadcast on Christmas Eve 1951, featured the original film voices of
Kathryn Beaumont (as Alice), Jerry Colona and Ed Wynn.
Peter Pan, the final Disney adaptation for Lux Radio, was broadcast in December 1953.
Bobby Driscoll revived his role of Peter Pan.
By 1956 television surpassed radio in popularity and so ended programs like
Lux Radio Theater.
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LUX RADIO THEATER
DISNEY &
LUX RADIO
THEATER
THIS SITE MADE IN THE USA
