BW - EP153—005: Independence Day 1944—Norman Corwin In England With Edward R. Murrow

Breaking Walls: The Podcast on the History of American Network Radio Broadcasting

In early 1942 Norman Corwin began a unique show over all four major radio networks. It was a thirteen episode, non-commercial broadcast called This is War, bringing together the best talent and resources of the broadcast and entertainment industry, like actor Joe Julian. That summer, Corwin went to England to produce a series helping to improve relations between the English and Americans, which were, surprisingly, strained. People like aviation legend Charles Lindbergh were anticommunism, but pro-isolationism and pro-eugenics. All three views were supported by the Nazi party. President Roosevelt was deeply angry at Lindbergh's opposition to his administration's interventionist policies. He told Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau in 1941, "If I should die tomorrow, I want you to know this, I am absolutely convinced Lindbergh is a Nazi." Linbergh publicly denounced anti-semitism in 1941, but many people remained anti-anglo throughout the country, with some even citing the American Revolution and the War of 1812 as reasons. Called An American In England, it was a joint effort from BBC and U.S. broadcasters. Edward R. Murrow would produce. The entire available London Philharmonic Orchestra would be used. The series would be sent back to the states by short-wave. Because it was to be heard live at 10PM for Eastern War time, that meant it was broadcast overnight in England. The result was a limited-release series considered to be among the most important works Corwin ever produced.