NORMAN CORWIN

In the 1940's, Norman Corwin was the premiere writer and producer of radio theater, creating some of the most important programs of the time. In addition to programs such as The Columbia Workshop, and 26 By Corwin, Corwin was the obvious person to write and create programs commemorating important events during World War II. These programs featured many of the biggest stars of the time.

Now in his 90's Corwin continues teaching, writing, traveling and creating brand-new programs. His new productions are exposing new generations of listeners to his incredible writing and production, and many of today's top stars have jumped at the chance to appear in Corwin new shows.

We are honored by Corwin's choice of Lodestone as his audio publisher, and immensely privileged to know and work with one of the nicest, most thoroughly decent human beings on the planet. This year you'll find more of his work on CD. There's no finer experience in audio theatre than exploring your imagination with Norman Corwin as your guide!

Norman Corwin and Radio: The Golden Years
This authorized biography is the authoritative tome on the life and career of the grand master of American radio drama. R. LeRoy Bannerman (Professor Emeritus, Indiana University) deftly covers not only Corwin's heyday at CBS, but also Corwin's youth, and his later career in books, film, and television. Contains an exhaustive broadcast chronology

We Hold These Truths (1941) was a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Bill of Rights. But, with a broadcast date of Dec 15, 1941, just days after the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor, it became a timely reminder of exactly what the country was fighting to protect. This star-studded performance features an epilogue by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

On a Note of Triumph was broadcast on VE Day, May 8, 1945. It is possibly the finest work ever written for radio. This powerful broadcast, not only celebrated the allied victory in Europe, but started the nation thinking forward to the hard road of rebuilding, and the eternal struggle to prevent future atrocities.

The Curse of 589
William Shatner plays a scientist confronted by a leprechaun (Samantha Eggar) who wants to place a curse on Science. A wonderful musing on the debate between Science and Magic. Also stars Carl Reiner.

The Secretariat
A marvelous rumination on the nature of prayer. Hume Cronyn, William Shatner, and Tandy Cronyn and a host of other voices voices, including Firesign's Phil Proctor.

No Love Lost (1996) stars Lloyd Bridges, Jack Lemmon, Martin Landau and William Shatner as Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr. Carefully researched by Corwin, this production is a lively debate between these historical figures about the issues facing the fledgling United States.

The Writer With The Lame Left Hand (1997) brings to life the writer Miguel de Cervantes, and his creation of his beloved work, Don Quixote. Stars Ed Asner, Norman Lloyd, William Shatner, Samantha Eggar and more.

Norman Corwin's Holidays
Corwin examines the origins and the meaning of New Year's, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. Brilliantly evocative in his thinking, writing, and use of audio, Corwin's genius will fascinate and inspire you. Master audio producer Connie Goldman gathered wonderful casts including Ron MacLeish and NPR's Bob Edwards and Susan Stamberg, and Corwin's matchless writing and direction make each of these gleaming gems a small masterpiece.

Scripts

• On A Note Of Triumph
• 50 Years after 14 August
• Memos To A New Millenium
• No Love Lost
• Our Lady of the Freedoms and Some of Her Friends
• The Curse of 589
• The Writer with the Lame Left Hand
• The Secretariat

14 August and 50 Years After
For the first time, Norman Corwin's 14 August, along with his 50-Year sequel 50 Years After 14 August -- two programs celebrating the end of World War II. 14 August (subtitled God and Uranium) stars Orson Welles and Olivia DeHaviland in a special expanded re-broadcast of 14 August from August 19th, 1945 -- the version favored by Corwin himself. 50 Years After 14 August stars Charles Kuralt and Pat Caroll, looking back from a half-century perspective as only Corwin can.

13 By Corwin is a collection of 13 of Corwin's greatest broadcasts. They serve as a tremendous document of their time. From 1938's They Fly Through The Air, which is Corwin's reaction to events of the Spanish Civil War, to 1944's Untitled, a portrait of a young soldier killed in WWII, to 1949's Could Be, about the possibilities for peace and cooperation through the newly formed United Nations.

Norman Corwin's Letters
This Hardcover book compiled by A.J. Langguth gives unique insight into Norman Corwin through the letters he has written throughout his life. From his days as a young reporter, through his time at CBS, and through his later career. Includes letters to Bette Davis, Groucho Marx, Orson Welles, and many, many more.

13 For Corwin
This tribute to the master of radio contains essays from Ray Bradbury, Studs Turkel, Charles Kuralt, Norman Lear, and many others. This volume demonstrates the remarkable influence of Corwin on many of today's most influential writers.

The Poet Laureate of Radio:
  An Interview With Norman Corwin
An engaging new DVD interview with Norman Corwin has been released. Filmmaker Michael James Kacey filmed Corwin in 2004 for a documentary on OTR. Norman was so impressed with the interview that he asked that it be released on its own.

Documentary: Norman Corwin -- A Note of Triumph
Narrated by Charles Kuralt, this documentary covers Corwin's career from his early "They Fly Through The Air" to his triumphant VE Day program "On A Note Of Triumph" -- with special emphasis on the latter program. Includes interviews with Corwin himself, as well as admirers and associates: Norman Lear, Ray Braodbury, Altman, and Studs Turkel.

Corwin (DVD)
This documentary, produced by filmmaker Les Guthman, not only tells the history of this remarkable man, but communicates the power of some of his best-loved productions, as well as the affection and admiration that many present-day broadcasting-industry giants have for Mr. Corwin.

Conversations With Corwin (2 CD set)
Corwin answers the question of a convention of audio dramatists at the 1997 and 1998 Midwest Radio Theater Workshops. Incisive questions and revealing answers. A must for any fan of Corwin, or of the art of audio theater.