Recent Programs by Norman Corwin

Norman Corwin's return to radio in the 1990s started with a new generation of radio producers. An idea floated at the 1988 Midwest Radio Theatre Workshop resulted in a project to re-create Corwin's 1941 celebration of the Bill of Rights on the fiftieth anniversary of that broadcast -- the 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights.

Corwin insisted on rewriting and updating "We Hold These Truths," and produced an expanded script covering all the constitutional amendments. The broadcast, produced by Otherworld Media and directed by The Firesign
Theatre's David Ossman, was recorded in Hollywood with an incredible all-star cast. On December 15, 1991, it was carried by every radio network in the United States, both public and commercial, and was immediately acclaimed throughout the country. The program won six major awards, including a special Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association.

Corwin's greatest masterpiece in the 1940s was undoubtedly his program for V-E Day, "On A Note Of Triumph." Fifty years later, on May 8, 1995, a recording of the original broadcast was aired over National Public Radio. An overwhelming public response led NPR to ask for permission to broadcast the equivalent program Corwin had presented on V-J Day, just three months later.

Corwin said no. The V-J Day program had been hurriedly prepared, because the end of World War II in the Pacific had come as a surprise. Instead, he agreed to produce a remake, not only better but longer, and NPR provided resources. "Fifty Years After 14 August" starred Charles Kuralt and Pat Carroll, and repeated the success of the earlier program.

National Public Radio then negotiated a deal to rebroadcast 13 of his original programs, selected by Corwin as his favorites -- and to write and direct six new hour-long programs, to be broadcast as special events on public radio. As in the old days, Corwin was given a free hand, and an adequate budget. Once again, top stars jumped at the chance to appear in a Corwin production.

History, fantasy, satire, biography and spiritual values are some of the topics that leaped through Corwin's wide-ranging mind as he created the new scripts. To proven techniques, he added modern technology, from wordprocessors to sampling keyboards, showing that his mastery of the radio medium was as brilliant as ever.

Five of Norman Corwin's new plays are available on CD. Distribution rights for audio recordings of the sixth play, "Memos To A New Millennium," have not so far been available. The scripts of all six, however, may be purchased.

And there is no indication that Norman Corwin's career in radio is finished.

We Hold These Truths 1991 -- an update of his 1941 program for the 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. Includes the ammendments since 1941, and featuring an all-star cast.

50 Years After 14 August -- An update of the original 14 August and a look back on the nuclear age, starring Charles Kuralt and Pat Carroll.
The Writer with the Lame Left Hand -- A look at the life of Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, starring Charles Durning, Ed Asner, Norman Lloyd, William Shatner, and Samantha Eggar.
The Secretariat -- A contemplation on prayer, starring William Shatner.
The Curse of 589 -- Magic meets science in this wonderful fantasy, starring William Shatner, Samantha Eggar, and Carl Reiner.
No Love Lost -- A fictional debate between Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Aaron Burr, starring, Jack Lemmon, Lloyd Bridges, William Shatner, and Martin Landau.
Our Lady of The Freedoms, and Some of Her Friends -- A Tribute to the Statue of Liberty, starring Charles Kuralt.
Memos To A New Millennium -- Notes broadcast on the eve of the new millenium, starring Walter Cronkite.

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