ANN SOTHERN COLLECTION

OLD TIME RADIO - 2 CD - 98 mp3 Total Time: 49:48:37

Ann Sothern, born Harriette Arlene Lake on January 22, 1909, in Valley City, North Dakota, was a multi-talented actress who left an indelible mark on American entertainment, particularly in the realms of film, television, and radio. Over her long career, Sothern showcased her versatility and charm, becoming a beloved figure in Hollywood and a pioneer in the Golden Age of Radio.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Ann Sothern began her career in the late 1920s, starting as a chorus girl in various Broadway productions. Her early years in the entertainment industry were characterized by a series of small roles in films during the transition from silent films to "talkies." Despite these minor roles, Sothern's natural beauty, comedic timing, and distinctive voice quickly garnered attention. By the mid-1930s, she was signed by RKO Radio Pictures, where she appeared in a string of B-movies. However, it wasn’t until she signed with MGM in 1939 that her career truly began to flourish.

Breakthrough with "Maisie"

Ann Sothern’s breakthrough role came in the form of Maisie Ravier, a brassy, street-smart showgirl with a heart of gold. The character was first introduced in the film Maisie (1939), and it resonated with audiences so much that it spawned nine sequels and a popular radio series. Sothern’s portrayal of Maisie was a perfect blend of humor and humanity. She brought depth to the character, making Maisie more than just a comedic figure; she was a symbol of resilience and wit, someone who could face adversity with a smile and a sharp comeback.

Ann Sothern and Old Time Radio

The success of the Maisie films naturally led to Sothern reprising her role on the radio. The Adventures of Maisie debuted on CBS in 1945, allowing Sothern to reach an even wider audience. Radio was the dominant entertainment medium of the time, and Sothern’s transition from film to radio was seamless, thanks to her distinctive voice and excellent comedic timing.

The Adventures of Maisie was a light-hearted comedy that followed the misadventures of Maisie Ravier as she navigated life and love with her trademark wit. The show was a hit and showcased Sothern's ability to bring a character to life through voice alone, a skill that is often underappreciated. Her ability to convey Maisie’s charm, sass, and vulnerability purely through audio was a testament to her talent as an actress.

Sothern's work on radio extended beyond The Adventures of Maisie. She was a frequent guest star on other popular radio shows of the era, such as Suspense, Lux Radio Theatre, and The Jack Benny Program. Her appearances on these programs further solidified her status as one of the most versatile and beloved actresses of the time. She had a remarkable ability to adapt to various genres, whether it was drama, comedy, or mystery, showcasing her range and dedication to her craft.

Transition to Television

As television began to replace radio as the dominant form of entertainment in the 1950s, Ann Sothern made a successful transition to the small screen. Her first television series, Private Secretary, aired from 1953 to 1957 and earned her several Emmy nominations. The show highlighted Sothern’s comedic talents as she played Susie MacNamara, a capable and witty secretary navigating the professional and personal challenges of working for a talent agent.

After Private Secretary, Sothern starred in another successful series, The Ann Sothern Show (1958-1961), where she played the role of Katy O’Connor, the assistant manager of a New York City hotel. The show was well-received and further established her as a television star. What made Sothern stand out in these roles was her ability to infuse her characters with warmth, intelligence, and relatability, qualities that endeared her to audiences of all ages.

Later Career and Legacy

Ann Sothern’s career spanned over six decades, during which she evolved with the changing landscape of American entertainment. In the 1970s and 1980s, she continued to make guest appearances on television and film, including a memorable role in the 1974 horror-comedy The Killing Kind and a nomination-worthy performance in The Whales of August (1987), where she starred alongside Bette Davis and Lillian Gish.

Despite her success in film and television, Sothern’s contributions to Old Time Radio remain a significant part of her legacy. Her work on The Adventures of Maisie helped define the era of radio comedies, and her performances across various radio programs demonstrated her extraordinary range as an actress. She was one of the few stars who managed to maintain a successful career across multiple entertainment mediums, from stage to screen to radio and television.

Ann Sothern passed away on March 15, 2001, but her legacy lives on. She was a trailblazer who broke through the often rigid boundaries of Hollywood typecasting, proving that an actress could be funny, smart, and enduringly popular. Her work continues to be celebrated by fans of classic cinema and radio, and her influence can still be seen in the way female characters are portrayed in media today.

Ann Sothern’s artistic life was a testament to her talent, perseverance, and the unique charm she brought to every role she played. Whether as the lovable Maisie Ravier, the efficient Susie MacNamara, or the myriad of other characters she portrayed, Sothern remains an icon of American entertainment, a shining star from Hollywood's Golden Age who left an unforgettable mark on every medium she touched.

ANN SOTHERN COLLECTION

Disc 1

Command Performance - 48-12-25 - 1948 Christmas Special, Announcer - Ken Carpenter
Duffy's Tavern 490330 Durante and Sothern Act in Archies Play
Good News of 1940 400104 Guests Ann Sothern and William Gargan
Lux Radio Theater 41-11-24 Maisie Was a Lady
Lux Radio Theater 43-04-19 A Night to Remember
Lux Radio Theater 48-03-29 I Love You Again
Martin and Lewis Show 520328 Ann Sothern
Orson Welles 440517 Ann Sothern for President
Stars in the Afternoon 460922 - Preview of CBS 1946 Fal Line-up
Suspense 480812 Beware the Quiet Man
The Screen Guild Theater 39-09-24 Variety (Begin Gulf Screen Theater)
The Screen Guild Theater 40-02-04 Met Him in Paris
The Screen Guild Theater 40-10-06 Red Dust
The Screen Guild Theater 42-11-23 Bachelor Mother
This Is My Best 45-03-20 Miss Dilly Says No

Disc 2

Adventures of Maisie 49-11-24 The Department Store Clerk
Adventures of Maisie 49-12-01 The Poet -- Effie
Adventures of Maisie 49-12-08 The Truck Driver
Adventures of Maisie 49-12-15 Eddie, the Boyfriend
Adventures of Maisie 49-12-22 The Phony Doctor
Adventures of Maisie 49-12-29 Bobby Kent
Adventures of Maisie 50-01-05 Eddie Designs a Bridge
Adventures of Maisie 50-01-12 Sonja, the Smart Dog
Adventures of Maisie 50-01-19 Lord Deveridge and Lady Revere
Adventures of Maisie 50-01-26 Stranded in Bartonville
Adventures of Maisie 50-02-02 Owes Hotel Bill to the Night Clerk
Adventures of Maisie 50-02-09 Trouble with the Law
Adventures of Maisie 50-02-16 Clothes for the Poor
Adventures of Maisie 50-02-23 The Sales Contest
Adventures of Maisie 50-03-02 On the Farm
Adventures of Maisie 50-03-09 The Manicurist - Bookie in the Barbershop
Adventures of Maisie 50-03-16 Chester Drake, Actor, Is Maisie's Idol
Adventures of Maisie 50-03-23 Jasper, Love Sick Fan of Chorus Girl Maisie
Adventures of Maisie 50-03-30 The Missing Heir
Adventures of Maisie 50-04-06 Maisie Wrecks Old Car and Must Pay
Adventures of Maisie 50-04-13 The Costume Ball
Adventures of Maisie 50-04-20 Safe Cracking
Adventures of Maisie 50-04-27 Professor Elliot
Adventures of Maisie 50-05-04 Hazel
Adventures of Maisie 50-06-22 Bill Jones, Soldier on Leave
Adventures of Maisie 50-06-29 Stranded in India
Adventures of Maisie 50-07-06 Anniversary for Eddie and Maisie
Adventures of Maisie 50-07-13 In Hollywood to See Stars
Adventures of Maisie 50-07-27 Two Speakers With Same Speech
Adventures of Maisie 50-08-03 The Ex-Convict
Adventures of Maisie 50-08-10 Phony Screen Test
Adventures of Maisie 50-08-17 The Money Manager
Adventures of Maisie 50-08-24 The Orphanage
Adventures of Maisie 50-08-31 Birthday Gifts
Adventures of Maisie 50-09-07 Theatrical Agent
Adventures of Maisie 50-09-14 Eddie Sells Cemetery Plots
Adventures of Maisie 50-09-21 Helping A Working Girl
Adventures of Maisie 50-09-28 The Nightclub
Adventures of Maisie 50-10-05 Hollywood Waitress
Adventures of Maisie 50-10-12 Small Town Newspaper
Adventures of Maisie 50-10-19 New York Banquet
Adventures of Maisie 50-10-26 The Ex-Convict
Adventures of Maisie 50-11-02 The Phony Screen Test
Adventures of Maisie 50-11-09 The Money Manager
Adventures of Maisie 50-11-16 The Orphanage
Adventures of Maisie 50-11-23 The Birthday Gift
Adventures of Maisie 50-11-30 The Theatrical Agent
Adventures of Maisie 50-12-07 The Skin Restorer
Adventures of Maisie 50-12-14 Helping a Working Girl
Adventures of Maisie 50-12-21 Home Movies
Adventures of Maisie 50-12-28 The Stolen Bracelet
Adventures of Maisie 51-01-04 Eddie Changes Apartments
Adventures of Maisie 51-01-11 Yvonne of the Ballet
Adventures of Maisie 51-01-18 The Artist's Model
Adventures of Maisie 51-01-25 Insurance
Adventures of Maisie 51-02-01 Duke Johnson
Adventures of Maisie 51-02-08 Off to Rio
Adventures of Maisie 51-02-15 The Napoleon Letter
Adventures of Maisie 51-02-22 Muscles
Adventures of Maisie 51-03-01 The Wild West Dude Ranch
Adventures of Maisie 51-03-08 Merton's Dreams
Adventures of Maisie 51-03-15 The Hayfields vs the McCoys
Adventures of Maisie 51-03-22 The Fortune Teller
Adventures of Maisie 51-03-29 The Newspaper Columnist
Adventures of Maisie 51-04-05 Las Vegas
Adventures of Maisie 51-04-12 Millie Faraday of Hollywood
Adventures of Maisie 51-04-19 Eddie Jordan, Private Eye
Adventures of Maisie 51-04-26 Manganese Gold Mine
Adventures of Maisie 51-05-03 Hotel Social Director
Adventures of Maisie 51-05-10 The Universal Elixir
Adventures of Maisie 51-05-17 The Indian Guide
Adventures of Maisie 51-05-24 1001 Soaps for the Maharajah
Adventures of Maisie 51-10-04 Killer Diller
Adventures of Maisie 51-10-11 Aunt Hattie
Adventures of Maisie 51-10-18 The Spicy Novel
Adventures of Maisie 51-10-25 The African Guide
Adventures of Maisie 51-11-01 Stanley Trotter from Ampop
Adventures of Maisie 51-11-08 Beatrice Butterfield, Inc
Adventures of Maisie 51-11-15 Thursday Island Pink Pearl
Adventures of Maisie 51-11-22 The Efficiency Expert
Adventures of Maisie 51-11-29 Jimmy Harris for Mayor
Adventures of Maisie 51-12-06 The Magic Act
Adventures of Maisie 51-12-13 Tex's Oil Stock

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