Originally this show was called Bill the Barber. It was touted as the story of "a man who might be your next door neighbor," assuming of course that your next door neighbor was the kind of man who could solve everybody's problems.

The Romance of Helen Trent 1933-60

Romance after age 35 for the woman alone. According to the critics, it was a program that gave virtue a bad name.

Ma Perkins 1933-60

Ma and her lumber yard. She even lost a "son" during World War II. As a result she became an effective government spokeswoman.

The Story of Mary Marlin 1935-45, revived 1951-2

What happens when Senator Joe Marlin becomes an amnesia victim? His wife Mary takes over his Senate seat and becomes an advisor to the President while "Never Fail" Hendricks combs the world in search of Joe.

Backstage Wife 1935-59

Mary Noble, wife of matinee idol Larry Noble, faced the problems that are inevitable when 98% of the female population of America is lusting after your husband.

The O'Neills 1935-43

The first daytime ethnic soap. Irish, of course.

The Goldbergs 1936-45

Jewish family in New York and the best known ethnic soap. It ran for six years in the evening, became a Broadway show, and even, briefly, a television series.

Pepper Young's Family 1936-59

Adolescence in soapland. Written by the prolific Elaine Carrington.

David Harum 1936-50

Adapted from a best-selling novel of 1898 and thus one of the more atmospheric soaps. However, it is often remembered more for its promotional stunts than its content. One of those stunts was a contest to rename David's horse. Over 400,000 entries, all of them written on the backs of Bab-0 labels, were received.

Big Sister 1936-52

Big Sister was the most popular show on the air for several years. One reason was the love triangle of Ruth Wayne, husband Dr. John Wayne, and Dr. Reed Bannister.

The Guiding Light 1937 (on TV since 1952

Irna Phillips' wonder was the first big hit of the bumper soap year in 1937. Need we say more?

Our Gal Sunday 1937-59

Sunday, adopted by two crusty old Colorado miners, grows up and marries Lord Henry Brinthrope.. Can she or can't she find happiness?

Lorenzo Jones 1937-55

A comical tale of the "lovable, impractical Lorenzo" and his wife, Belle.

The Road of Life 1937-59

One of the first and the longest running of the medical soaps. ("Dr. Brent, call sur-ger-ee.") It was brought to television in 1954, but didn't stay very long.

Hilltop House 1937-41

Though not a long-running show, it was notable for one reason: the leading actress was Bess Johnson who played a character named Bess Johnson who later had her own soap called The Story of Bess Johnson. Soap opera imitating life imitating soap opera.

Woman in White 1938-48

Nurses and doctors.

Joyce Jordan, Girl Intern (later, Joyce Jordan, M.D.) 1938-48, revived 1951-2

More nurses and doctors. However it should be noted that from early on, there were women professionals in soap opera.

Young Widder Brown 1938-56

A woman alone. She ran a tea room and had a thing for wartime medical officers.

Stella Dallas1938-55

A superwoman show,billed as "The world famous drama of mother love and sacrifice." (Stop that sheik! He's kidnapped my daughter again!)

Life Can be Beautiful 1938-54

With Papa David Solomon giving wise advice how could it be otherwise? Nicknamed "Elsie Beebee."

The Right to Happiness 1939-60

One of the daring soaps in its time. Carolyn had a life more typical of a 70s soap woman than a woman of the 40s. She had three husbands—one of whom she murdered and another of whom she divorced. Also she gave birth in prison. This show was a spin-off from The Guiding Light. Yet it lasted over 20 years on its own.

Young Dr. Malone 1939-60

Further doctors and nurses—especially doctors.

Portia Faces Life 1940-51

Lawyer Portia Blake defended, prosecuted, and fell in love—not necessarily in that order. Portia came to television in 1954. She left soon after.

The Second Mrs. Burton 1940-60

Mother versus daughters-in-law. This show was a standard soap for the first twelve years. But in 1952, Hector Chevigny took over the writing in the middle of a case of amnesia and turned the show into a light comedy.

Perry Mason 1943-55

Perry, Delia, Paul, Lieutenant Tragg, etc. A series of mysteries of course. Here was one idea that proved successful on television as well as radio. Not only was the series Perry Mason successful; The Edge of Night was originally conceived as a Perry Mason type story and it's still going strong.

Return to "Media"