From 1943-1957, listeners could tune in to listen to Romance. This old time radio show had a change of format multiple times over. Love remained the central theme of the show throughout its run.
The likes of aging love stories with emotional classical music were prevalent in the early days of old-time radio such as this one. It was far from upbeat. Frank Gallop, a reputed comedian that hosted the show, even had an air of gloom in his voice. After just a year the show format was revised many times and soon enough became the Theater of Romance.
Every week from 1944 through 1946, listeners would get a fresh story of love offering a unique or different perspective on the subject. The many love stories that featured on the show were very popular that when it came to Tuesdays at 8:30, Hollywood stars would feature in these romantic love stories, and many would tune in to enjoy.
Stars of the old time radio shows included Humphrey Bogart, Henry Fonda, Errol Flynn, and Shirley Temple. And many of these stars portrayed stories that mirrored film stories or historical fiction.
By the time of 1946 the show was not aired as often. Future broadcasts were quite sparse and not really to a fixed schedule, so episodes were broadcast sometimes months apart. Despite this, the stories themselves never faulted and so listeners remained charmed. Until 1954, the show continued to air in this sporadic manner.
The final three years saw the show air on Saturday lunchtimes, with the most popular stories brought to the surface. Romantic sagas and stories were very popular with people, and so many would tune in every week to listen to the show.
Throughout its 14-year run, Romance changed schedule at least 20 times. Keeping hold of a typical audience was perhaps the show’s greatest weakness, in part due to the frequent changes to the show. Despite this, the show continued to be successful.
While the last show seemed nothing like the original show that aired in 1943, the theme of love and relationships tied the entire series together. The show’s popularity continued throughout its run, with the shocks and surprises of the couples’ romantic stories keeping listeners entertained.
The music was also consistent throughout the run of the show. While actors and hosts changed year by year, theme songs were maintained throughout.
Even though the stories of Theater of Romance are over half a century old, they’re still an enjoyable listen. The theme of love found and love lost is one that’s so universal it reaches past the boundaries of time.


