Modern Romances
Modern Romances is an American anthology television series that was broadcast on NBC weekdays October 4, 1954 - September 19, 1958. In the spring of 1955 it was the network's highest-rated daytime program.
Background
A Modern Romances radio program was broadcast 1936-1937 and 1949-1955, featuring adaptations of stories from Modern Romances magazine. Gertrude Wagner portrayed Helen Gregory, as she hosted the show and narrated the stories.Overview
was the initial narrator and host for the program. She pointed out, "Modern Romances isn't soap opera stuff", adding that the stories "are well produced and acted." She said, "We're trying to bring nighttime quality to the daytime audience." In the fall of 1956, Kathi Norris replaced Scott "for at least three weeks" while Scott was on vacation. Scott left to take a role on Broadway and was succeeded by Mel Brandt, who had been the show's announcer, on November 29, 1957. Beginning with Gene Nelson on March 31, 1958, guest celebrities hosted and narrated. Other guests in those roles included Jayne Meadows, Kathryn Murray, Bob Smith, and Margaret Truman.Each week's 15-minute episodes combined to create a five-part story. Although most stories came from Modern Romances magazine, some were original. Scott worked with writers two weeks ahead of the airing of episode, making suggestions. Actors on the series changed from week to week with each story. Many of them took roles to fill time between engagements in plays or in films. Those who appeared in episodes or as guest hosts included Ann Flood, Don Hastings, Georgann Johnson, Robert Mandan, and Mercedes McCambridge
Stories
Production
Modern Romances initially was broadcast weekdays from 4:45 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Beginning January 2, 1956, it was moved to 4:15-4:30 p.m. E. T. Beginning July 2, 1956, it was returned to its original time, and it stayed there until it went off the air. The show was packaged by Wilbur Stark and Jerry Layton. Sponsors included 7 Up, the Culver Company, Colgate and Sterling Drug.Scott usually appeared live on the show, but when she was making the film The [Desperate Hours |The Desperate Hours], her appearances were filmed for 12 weeks "largely at her own expense".