Theater of the Mind
Backstage Wife
249 episodes · 1939–1951 · NBC · Soap Operas
Play Backstage Wife on Radio Days
"The story of Mary Noble, a little Iowa girl who married one of America's most handsome actors, Larry Noble, matinee idol of a million other women." The long-running Hummert daytime serial follows Mary through Larry's jealousies, scheming rivals and one disaster after another. This run covers the late 1940s and the 1950-51 story of Claudia Vincent, the murder of Oliver Wilson, Larry's trial and Mary's long recovery.
Sources: RadioGOLDINdex
Episodes
Tap a year to see its episodes, then a title to play it on Radio Days.
19391 episode
- Backstage Wife, January 20, 1939
Jerry Haendiges' Vintage Radio Logs lists a broadcast on this date but gives no title.
19441 episode
- Tom Makes Plans to Speak with Philip Farnsworth
Mary and Maude Marlowe arrive for rehearsal, Tom is mysteriously out of town, and no one has told Mary about the opening-night reception.
19452 episodes
- A Twenty-Year-Old Portrait
Mary and Larry see a cherished twenty-year-old portrait. Heard during NBC's "false V-J Day" coverage, after a war bulletin. - Mary Returns to Greystone to See Mr. Dunbar
At 2:30 in the morning, Mary learns at Dunbar's house that his sister is on her way, and a worried Larry phones to find her.
19474 episodes
- Clint Gets His Contract
Clint plays both ends against the middle, collecting $5,000 from Larry and getting the contract signed. - Mary and Larry Have Agreed to Separate
Eric Johnson has broken up the marriage, Larry moves out of the house at Rosehaven, and there's a heartbreaking scene with Larry Jr. - Larry and Regina
Eric Jackson finishes his play for Mary, while Larry, moved out of Rosehaven, is seen with a beautiful woman named Regina. - Outside Regina's Apartment
Mary and Larry talk outside Regina Rawlings's apartment; Larry, sued by Holly Bromwell, wants out of the play.
19486 episodes
- Regina Rawlings Plans to Break Up the Nobles' Marriage
Regina Rawlings is angry that she failed to part Mary from Larry, and Larry begins to think someone is in love with Mary. - Tom and Mary Follow Captain Jennings to Regina's House
Tom plans to spend the evening with Mary while Larry is in the city, Larry takes everything Tom says the wrong way, and someone is headed to Regina's house. - Larry and Mary Meet Captain Duncan
Maude wants to know which mysterious man visited Regina Rawlings: it was Captain Duncan. Larry acts strangely about Tom. - Regina and her Cousing Conspire who is He really?
- Talk of Poison
Captain Duncan frightens Mary in the woods with his talk of poison. - Larry and Mary Are Caught During a Gambling Raid
Mary and Larry are caught in a gambling raid and must tell it to the judge, and a gossip columnist gets a picture.
19491 episode
- Difficult Decisions for Jen Baker
Larry comes home to Rose Haven by taxi late at night, accused by Edward Taggart of being too interested in his wife Madeline.
1950160 episodes
- Maude Hopes for Broadway
Maude Marlowe hopes to get back on Broadway, and Mary wants house guest Claudia Vincent gone, but Larry insists she stay. - Julia and Oliver in Bermuda
Julia Dixon and Oliver romance on a Bermuda beach, and Claudia and Mary clash. - Claudia Flirts with Larry
Claudia Vincent wraps Larry around her finger. Is she after a part in "Private Lives"? - Victor Is Back
Is Claudia, who shot at Rupert Barlow twice, now blackmailing him? - Claudia's Actions
Claudia plants the idea in Larry's mind that Mary is interested in Rupert Barlow. - Mary Visits Rupert Barlow
Mary calls on Rupert Barlow alone, and he warns her that Claudia is a dangerous woman. - Larry Is Restless
Claudia works on the restless Larry, and the neighbor catches them in an embrace. - Larry Defends Mary's Honor
Claudia stirs Larry's jealousy over Rupert Barlow and Mary. - Claudia Wants the Lead
Claudia visits Larry backstage between acts of his Broadway show. - Julia Must Leave Bermuda
Julia tells Oliver she must leave Bermuda, Oliver begs to come along, and Rupert thinks about keeping Larry's valuable papers. - Larry Plans a Picnic
Larry plans a picnic, and Claudia will do anything to land him. - Rupert Feels Deserted
Rupert is upset that Julia has "deserted" him, and Larry seems completely taken in by Claudia. - An Urgent Call in Bermuda
Julia refuses an urgent call from Rupert, and Larry defends Claudia again. - Julia Is Coming Back
Julia is returning, with her young boyfriend, and Claudia tells Larry about Mary's visit to Rupert. - Dinner with Tom Bryson
Mary dines with her old friend Tom Bryson, while Claudia tells Larry that Rupert is in love with Mary. - Mary and Larry Argue over Rupert
Larry and Mary argue in the garden. - Mary Confides in Maude
Mary tells Maude about Claudia, and Rupert and Victor go to the pier to meet Julia. - Julia Won't Come Back Alone
Julia refuses to return to Oyster Bay with Rupert unless Oliver comes too. - Sheila Wants Out
Sheila asks Larry to help her leave the play so she can marry, and Rupert can't stand his house guest Oliver Wilson. - A Late-Night Confrontation
Mary and Claudia have a catty late-night run-in. Is Larry thinking of Claudia to replace Sheila? - Claudia Confronts Mary
Larry tries to interest the producer in Claudia, and Mary breaks down when he finally comes home. - Larry Tries to Get Claudia the Lead
Larry gets ready to give Claudia good news, and Rupert's jealousy grows. - Rupert Upset over Oliver
Rupert and Victor plot to get rid of Oliver, and Larry tells Claudia she may get Sheila's part. - Victor Wants Oliver Out
Larry Jr. sees his daddy kissing Claudia and tells, and Victor has disappointing news. - Larry and Claudia
Mary tells Maude about the kiss and decides to call Rupert Barlow. - Mary Upset About Claudia Kissing Larry
Mary invites Rupert to visit while Larry is away. - Mary and Larry Argue About the Kiss
Rupert arrives at Mary's, Oliver learns the truth about Julia, and Larry has a surprise for Sheila. - Julia Is Making Rupert Jealous
Rupert is very attentive to Mary, and Sheila questions Larry's motives. - Mary Wants Her Securities
Sheila balks at Claudia taking her role, and Mary decides to make her own arrangements with Rupert. - At Mary's House
Larry plans to get Claudia the part, and he and Mary exchange harsh words. - Sheila Interviews Claudia for the Lead
Julia threatens to leave Rupert if he's rude to Oliver, and Sheila tells a columnist that Larry and Claudia are serious. - Oliver and the Upstairs Maid
Oliver Wilson gets an education from the upstairs maid. - Julia Threatens to Leave Rupert
Rupert and Julia have it out, and so do Larry and Mary. - Oliver Gets Information
Oliver gets valuable information out of Hilda. - Claudia's Chance
Larry gets Claudia a shot at Sheila's part, but Rupert is the play's main backer, bad news for Claudia. - Backstage Wife - - 32-22 - 9m 44s
- Backstage Wife - - 32-22 - 9m 41s
- Larry Fights for Claudia to Read
Larry feels Rupert has wronged Claudia, and Rupert finally holds Mary in his arms. - At the Producer's Apartment
Larry and Claudia sit in producer Harold Ramsey's living room. - Waiting Up for Larry
Mary and Maude wait up for Larry, and Claudia. - Larry's Secret Plans
Larry's plans for Claudia are still secret, and Mary feels his interest is more than professional. - The Gossip Column
Claudia leaves in hysterics after reading Marty Rufus's column, and Mary reads it and leaves home in a hurry. - Backstage Wife - - 32-22 (July 22, 1950)
- Backstage Wife - - 32-22 (July 23, 1950)
- Rumors in Print
Marty Rufus twists the rumors about Larry and Claudia in his column. - An Unexpected Visit
Tom Bryson pays Mary an unexpected visit. - The Producer Is Upset
Producer Harold Ramsey is upset over the gossip column. - Mary Won't Listen
Larry can't get Mary to listen, and Rupert learns Julia and Oliver have been out driving. - A Fortune Hunter
Rupert thinks Oliver is a fortune hunter and resents Larry pushing Claudia for his play. What is Julia up to? - Is Oliver in Love?
Is Oliver Wilson really in love with Julia? - Rupert and Oliver
Rupert doesn't think much of Oliver Wilson. - Backstage Wife, July 31, 1950
- Backstage Wife, August 1, 1950
- The Safe Deposit Key
Mary tries to talk Larry out of asking for the key to their safe deposit box. - Off to the Bank
After breakfast with Claudia, Larry heads for the bank and the safe deposit box. - Larry Is About to Open the Safe Deposit Box
Larry is about to open the box, and Victor gives Rupert unwelcome advice. - Larry and Mary Have a Stormy Confrontation About the Papers
Larry and Mary argue over the papers, and in walks Rupert. - Rupert, Claudia, Mary and Larry Have a Confrontation
A four-way showdown; Claudia says she's leaving the Nobles' house, and Victor and Oliver clash. - Larry and Claudia Are Rehearsing
While Larry and Claudia rehearse, Maude urges Mary to get rid of Claudia and has a plan. - Larry Urges Mary to Ask Julia to Stay
Larry wants Mary to ask Julia to stay, and Oliver can't find his shaving brush. - Mary Asks Claudia to Stay
Mary asks Claudia not to leave, and Oliver's lighter is missing. Is Victor behind it? - Preparations for Rupert Barlow's Garden Party
Rupert's garden party is in the works, and something else of Oliver's has gone missing. - Oliver Plans to Take Steps Against Victor
Oliver plans to move against Victor, and he and Claudia hit it off. - Catty at the Garden Party
Claudia and Maude trade barbs at the garden party, and Maude hints that Oliver is an aristocrat. - Larry and Claudia Have Words While Driving to New York
Larry and Claudia quarrel on the drive to New York, and Rupert keeps pursuing Mary. - Maude Marlowe Hints to Oliver Wilson That Claudia Dixon Is Wealthy
Maude hints to Oliver that Claudia is rich and influential. - Interrupted
Rupert is about to kiss Mary when Maude and Oliver walk in. - A Thief to Catch a Thief
Rupert and Victor are unhappy with Oliver, Larry and Maude with Claudia, and Oliver and Claudia are drawn together. - Julia Has Decided to Run Away with Oliver
Julia decides to run away with Oliver, and Oliver asks her for money. - Trouble with the Director
Claudia clashes with the director, and Oliver wants her to quit the play and leave the country with him. - Claudia Tells Rupert Barlow That She May Soon Be Leaving
Claudia tells Rupert she may leave soon, and Mary confides in Tom Bryson. - Where Is Claudia?
Claudia has left the theater, and she and Oliver finalize their plans. - Claudia and Oliver Are Eloping
Claudia and Oliver elope. - A Theater Party
Mary invites Julia, Oliver and Rupert to a theater party for Claudia's opening. - Mary Continues Preparations for the Theatre Party
Mary plans the theater party, and Rupert wonders where Oliver is. - Claudia and Oliver Have Been Married
Claudia and Oliver are married; she thinks he's nobility, he thinks she's rich. - Claudia Soothes an Angry Larry Noble
Claudia calms an angry Larry, and Oliver lies to Julia about his marriage. - Claudia Is Penniless
Oliver keeps deceiving Julia, but Julia tells him Claudia hasn't a dime. - Claudia's Debut
Claudia is about to make her debut in Larry's hit, married that morning to Oliver, each thinking the other rich. - Dinner Before the Debut
Larry takes Claudia to dinner before her debut, and Oliver demands to see her alone. - Rupert Confronts Larry
Rupert, in New York, confronts Larry. - Opening Night Dinner
Claudia's Broadway opening, but first an elaborate dinner. - Claudia Is Late
Claudia hasn't reached the theater; she's having it out with Oliver. - Claudia and Larry Disappear
Harold Ramsey reveals that both Claudia and Larry have vanished. - First Intermission
At the first-act intermission, Oliver tells Julia he's desperate. - Second Intermission
Maude tells Oliver that Julia is with Tom Bryson. - Before the Last Act
Mary meets Larry backstage, and the show is coming apart at the seams. - Final Curtain
The curtain falls on opening night. How bad was it? - Oliver's Fault
The audience has gone, and it was all Oliver's fault. - The Elopement Revealed
Claudia reveals she eloped with Oliver, a fortune hunter, and Julia faints. - Victor Confronts Oliver
Rupert's man Victor confronts Oliver. - Death in the Theater
Mary finds Oliver Wilson's body hanging in the deserted theater. - Who Could Have Done It?
Rupert calls the police while Larry comforts Mary. - Backstage Wife, September 27, 1950
- The Police Arrive
The police question everyone present. - Who Had a Motive?
Sergeant Riley keeps questioning everyone. - Back at Rose Haven
Mary and Maude try to make sense of what happened. - Everyone Is a Suspect
Sergeant Riley questions Rupert, and everyone is under suspicion. - Mary Is Questioned
Sergeant Riley questions Mary. - In Larry's Dressing Room
Before the next performance, Claudia meets Larry in his dressing room. - Larry Under Suspicion
Marty Rufus's column hints that Larry is the murderer. - Everybody but Larry
Sergeant Riley has questioned everyone except Larry. - Don't Leave the House
A policeman tells Larry not to leave the house, and he leaves anyway. - Claudia Wants an Alibi
With police watching everyone, Claudia asks Larry for an alibi. - Maude Comforts Mary
Maude, "an incurable busybody," comforts Mary, and Harold Ramsey fears he'll be indicted. - Larry Won't Lie
Larry refuses to give Claudia an alibi, and Victor wants Rupert to get the police off his back. - The Inquest
The inquest begins, and Rupert hints that Larry did it. - After the Inquest
Larry and Tom wonder who the killer is, and Victor forces his way into Claudia's hotel room. - Julia Plans to Leave
Julia means to leave Rupert, who expects Larry to be arrested soon. - Larry Jr.'s Fight
Larry Jr. comes home from a fight; kids at school say his daddy will be arrested for murder. - Claudia Tries Again
Claudia again asks Larry to lie, and again he refuses; the police plan to question her tonight. - Claudia at Headquarters
The police take Claudia downtown. - Victor Points the Finger
Under pressure, Victor lists everyone's motives and finally names Larry. - Gloria and Julia Questioned
Sergeant Riley grills Gloria Wilson, then Julia Dixon. - Into the Night
The questioning goes on until the sergeant at last decides who the murderer is. - Before the Police Arrive
Claudia asks Larry for help before the police come, calling Mary jealous and demanding. - Backstage Wife, October 30, 1950
- Backstage Wife, October 31, 1950
- Backstage Wife, November 1, 1950
- Backstage Wife, November 2, 1950
- E pisode 4037
- Backstage Wife, November 6, 1950
- Backstage Wife, November 7, 1950
- Backstage Wife, November 8, 1950
- Backstage Wife, November 9, 1950
- Backstage Wife, November 10, 1950
- Larry in Jail
Larry is jailed for murder; Rupert tries to keep Mary from visiting him. Is Claudia thinking of blackmail? - Claudia's Price
Claudia will testify against Larry unless she's paid, the lawyer won't pay, and Larry is bitter when Mary visits. - The Lawyer's Visit
Clarence Brewster lays out the case against Larry, who questions his fee and motives. - Rupert's Confession
Rupert confesses his passion for Mary to the lawyer, and Harold Ramsey forgot to mail Larry's important letter. - Julia Is Angry
Rupert talks with Victor, and Julia is white with anger at Rupert's desire for Mary. - Help with the Fees
Lester Jordan visits Larry, who needs help with the lawyer's fees, while Rupert's servants discuss their boss. - Suspects
Larry and Mary weigh suspects, and Larry will borrow from friends rather than take Rupert's money. - Larry's Friends Will Pay
Lester tells the lawyer Larry's friends will pay, but the lawyer won't accept without Rupert's say-so. - Claudia Is Broke
Rupert is angry Mary is leaving his apartment, and Claudia sits broke and desperate in a drugstore. - Claudia Meets Lester
Claudia hears Mary is staying at Rupert's, though she's moved to a hotel, and runs into Lester by chance. - Rupert Wants Larry Convicted
Claudia tells Lester that Rupert wants Larry convicted because he loves Mary. - Can Claudia Help?
Mary asks Maude if Larry secretly loves Claudia, and Lester asks Larry if Claudia can prove him innocent. - Backstage Wife, November 29, 1950
- Backstage Wife, November 30, 1950
- On the Subway
With the trial near, Mary thinks it all over riding the New York subway. - A Photograph
Rupert meets Mary on the subway and has a photographer take their picture. - Episode 4059
- Julia Sees the Pictures
Rupert gloats over the subway photos, and Julia sees them. - Victor Sells the Pictures
Mary promises not to see Rupert again, and Victor tries to sell the photos. - Tomorrow's Paper
Larry is in for a shock when the photos appear in tomorrow's newspaper. - Backstage Wife, December 11, 1950
- Backstage Wife, December 12, 1950
- The Photos Appear
Mary finds the photos in the paper, and Maude is critical. Wait until Larry sees them. - How to Tell Larry
Mary wonders how to tell Larry, and Rupert congratulates himself. - A Letter from Rupert
Heartbroken, Mary visits Maude, Larry is depressed, and a letter from Rupert waits at her hotel. - Claudia Survives
Mary and Rupert meet again, and Claudia isn't dead after all, only badly hurt. - Claudia Flees
Rupert has a new idea Victor won't like, and Claudia wakes, says her life is in danger, and runs. - No Retraction
Rupert asks Marty Rufus for a retraction, but Rufus sees through him. - Firing Victor
Rupert plans to fire Victor publicly to clear himself with Mary, and Claudia knows who attacked her. - Victor Tells Julia
Larry won't promise to keep seeing Mary, and Victor tells Julia about Rupert's plot. - Testimony for Sale
Claudia tries to sell her testimony to the highest bidder. - Backstage Wife, December 27, 1950
- The Emeralds
A strange package waits for Mary, and Julia shows Larry the emeralds. - Returning the Gems
Mary returns the gems meant for Julia and tells Rupert she and Larry have reconciled.
195174 episodes
- Backstage Wife, January 2, 1951
- The Mixed-Up Jewels
Julia is no longer fooled by Rupert, and Larry demands Claudia be called as a defense witness. - Larry Avoids Mary
Mary asks the lawyer to get Larry to stop avoiding her. - Claudia's Promise
Claudia says she's in danger and promises not to testify for the prosecution. - Victor's Blackmail Plan
Victor tells Claudia his plan to blackmail Rupert. - Divorce
Mary is devastated by Larry's plan to divorce her. - It's No Use
Maude says it's no use, and Marty Rufus visits Larry in jail. - Victor Calls Mary
Rufus's column is flattering, and Victor phones Mary to arrange a meeting. - Penn Station
Victor waits at Penn Station for Mary, who finally decides to meet him. - A Missed Meeting
Mary and Victor miss each other at Penn Station, and they set up another meeting. - Maude Pleads for Mary
Maude tries to convince Larry that Mary still loves him. - Victor Saw the Murder
Victor says he saw the murder and that Claudia did it. - The Day Before the Trial
Claudia visits Larry, who tells her he's planning a divorce. - Claudia's Gloves
Mary takes Claudia's gloves to the police to be checked for clues. - Mary Goes to the Police
Mary tells Claudia the gloves tie her to the murder, and Claudia goes berserk and is arrested. - Mary in the Hospital
Mary is in the hospital, and Maude and Rupert visit. - Badly Burned
Claudia threw acid in Mary's face, and she lies unconscious and bandaged. - Larry Rushes to Mary
The police rush Larry to the hospital for a tender reunion. - At Dawn
At dawn, Larry and Mary share a tender moment. - A Blind, Stubborn Fool
Larry admits he's been a blind, stubborn fool. - Larry's Worries
Larry worries about a job and about Mary's scars. - At the Green Room Club
Larry asks Lester Jordan what he can possibly do for Mary. - Julia Suspects
Julia notices Rupert hasn't been in touch with Mary and tells him why she's suspicious. - Reopening the Play
Harold Ramsey wants Rupert to back a reopening of the play. - Dr. Allen
Dr. Allen says permanent scars are still likely. - A Letter from Tom
Tom writes from Hollywood: he's had an accident, but a job looks promising. - Larry's Guilt
Larry tells Maude how guilty he feels, and Rupert and Victor plan new evil. - A Job for Larry
A telegram from Tom: there's a job for Larry in Hollywood. - The Hollywood Offer
Larry tells Mary about the offer and says he won't take it. - Leaving for California
Larry plans to leave for California at once. - A Last Visit
Larry visits Mary before flying to Hollywood. - Larry Flies West
Larry flies to Hollywood, and Maude asks Mary why he left so suddenly. - Mary Wants to Be Alone
Larry leaves, and Mary is depressed. - In a Hollywood Room
Larry waits for Tom's call, and Rupert visits Mary. - $1,500 a Week
Tom has a movie job for Larry at $1,500 a week. - Mr. Marco
Larry's meeting with producer Marco is contentious, but he agrees to read the script. - Backstage Wife - - 32-22 (February 21, 1951)
- Mary Can Read Again
Mary's eyes are all right, and Larry signs the movie contract. - Will Mary Be Scarred?
Larry and Tom discuss his future, and Maude visits Mary. - Backstage Wife - - 32-22 (February 26, 1951)
- Dora Dean
Larry meets young actress Dora Dean, and Mary wonders why he doesn't write. - Larry's Future
Tom and Larry talk about Larry's future in Hollywood. - A Call from Hollywood
Mary's thrilled by a call from Hollywood, but it's Tom, not Larry. - Backstage Wife - - 32-22 - 9m 49s
- A Private Detective
Rupert plans to hire a private detective. - Mr. Moss
Rupert hires Mr. Moss to follow Larry in Hollywood. - The Super-Car
Larry drives Marco's "super-car," and Mary reads Larry's letter. - Apartment Hunting
Dora offers to help Larry find an apartment, and the detective's first report reaches Rupert. - Being Followed
Larry spots someone following him and Dora. - Mary's New Face
Mary sees her new face, and the detective keeps after Larry and Dora. - Rupert and the Doctor
Rupert demands to see Mary's doctor, and Larry and Dora look at an apartment. - The Detective's Report
Rupert learns about Larry and Dora, and Larry calls Mary. - Larry Will Stay
Tom is shocked that Larry plans to stay in Hollywood, and Rupert invites Mary on a trip. - Keep Watching Larry
Rupert has the detective keep watching, and Dora has a strange message. - A Caribbean Cruise
Mary will soon leave the hospital, and Rupert gets her doctor to recommend a Caribbean cruise. - Hollywood or the Yacht
Rupert pushes the cruise instead of a trip to Hollywood. - The Nurse
Rupert enlists Mary's nurse, and a stranger tries to get into the studio to see Larry. - The Man Following Larry
Larry and Dora talk about the man tailing Larry, and Maude grows suspicious of Rupert. - The Stolen Reports
Rupert's servant steals the detective's reports for his own ends. - A Bitter Message
Larry sends Mary a bitter message by Tom. - Thinking of Staying
Larry tells Dora he's thinking of staying in Hollywood. - Tom Returns
Tom is back in New York, and Marko offers Larry another picture. - Reservations for Hollywood
Mary books a flight to Hollywood, to Rupert's dismay. - Victor's News
Victor's news terrifies Julia, and Rupert gloats over the gossip column. - A Disturbing Telegram
A telegram from Larry upsets Mary, and Rupert is right there to comfort her. - Larry Confronts the Detective
Larry tells the detective to stop following him, and Mary tells Tom about Larry's telegram. - Ten Years of Promises
Julia is bitter that Rupert, who has promised to marry her for ten years, will cruise with Mary. - Go to Larry
Maude urges Mary to go to Larry, and Tom phones Larry. - Dinner with Rupert
Mary and Rupert set the cruise for the day after tomorrow, and Marty Rufus comes over. - Mary Will Go Cruising
Heartbroken, Mary decides to go on the cruise, and Larry gets word of a long-distance call. - Tom Tries Again
Tom tries to talk Mary out of the cruise, and Larry gets a call from New York. - Should Larry Call Mary?
Larry's work suffers as Tom keeps trying to stop the cruise. - Dora's Advice
Dora urges Larry to call Mary and ask her to come. - Not a Men-Only Cruise
Julia learns Mary is going on the cruise too, and Larry can't bring himself to send his telegram.