Bela Lugosi On The Radio

In response to a biographical questionnaire he filled out to assist publicity for his 1935 film Murder by Television, Bela Lugosi said that he didn’t like radio programmes, and at one time it was thought that he had seldom been called upon to perform in the medium. According to one researcher, however, he may have actually made over 200 broadcasts, and it is likely that he made many undocumented appearances on local radio stations as he travelled around the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom in touring stage productions. Of his known radio appearances, precious few appear to have survived. On this page we will attempt to collect together all existing information on his appearances on the radio and all of his known surviving radio broadcasts.

Click on the links below for details of each broadcast.

1928: Abbreviated Version of Dracula (WJZ Radio)

1931: Dracula Film Promotional Appearance (KFI Radio)

1932: International Olympics Invitation (KHJ)

1933: The Fleischmann’s Yeast Hour (NBC)

1933: The Theatre Presents (WEAF)

1935: Movie Club (WHN)

1938: Baker’s Broadcast (KDKA)

1939: The Tuesday Program (CBS)

1939: Texaco Star Theater (CBS)

1940: Kay Kyser’s Kollege of Musical Knowledge (NBC)

1941: Play Broadcast (WGN)

1942: Three Ring Time (Blue Network)

1943: Texaco Star Theater (CBS)

1944: Quarter Hour with William S. Gallmor

1944: Kate Smith Hour (WABC)

1944: Mystery House – The Thirsty Death

1945: County Fair

1945: Unknown Show

1946: Command Performance (AFRS)

1947: The Adventures of Ellery Queen (CBS)

1947: Quick As A Flash (Helbros Mutual)

1948: The Abbott and Costello Show (ABC)

1948: Bela Lugosi Interviewed by Billie O’Day (WIOD)

1949: Tales of Fatima – The Man in the Shadow (CBS)

1949: House Party (ABC)

1949: Crime Does Not Pay – Gasoline Cocktail (WMGM)

1950: Guest Appearance WWSW

1951: Betty Crocker Magazine of the Air (NBC)

1951: In Town Tonight (BBC Radio)