Mourning Becomes Electra

Mourning Becomes Electra (13:15)

The Chase and Sanborn Hour served as the launching pad for Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy’s fame, was an hour-long extravaganza that debuted over NBC on May 9, 1937 and featured quite a few stars in addition to the soon-to-be-famous ventriloquist and his dummy. Diverse performers like W.C. Fields, Dorothy Lamour, Nelson Eddy, The Canovas (Judy, Zeke and Annie), and the Stroud Twins (Clarence and Claude) all were regulars at one time from 1937-40. One of the most important featured players was Don Ameche, who served as an emcee/singer/straight man for the Chase & Sanborn proceedings.

[August 14, 1937 Circleville (OH) Herald]

ALICE BRADY IN PLAY

Alice Brady brings one of her greatest roles to the air Sunday when she plays a scene from Eugene O'Neill's "Mourning Becomes Electra." This will be the dramatic feature of the big full hour variety show with Nelson Eddy, W. C. Fields, Edgar Bergen and Charlie (Dummy) McCarthy, Dorothy Lamour, and as master of ceremonies Don Ameche.

"Mourning Becomes Electra" was the high point of Alice Brady's stage career before she went to Hollywood. The role is tragic in high contrast to the comedy parts she has since played on the screen.

Nelson Eddy, making his second appearance since his return to the air on the hour, sings light opera grand opera and a traditional Irish ballad. His program includes "Will You Remember?" from "Maytime," his great screen success; "Vision Fugitive" from Massenet's opera "Herodiade;" and "The Cork Leg," a gay Irish ballad.