Sunday Night Playhouse - Leave Her to Heaven - Gene Tierney

Vintage Classic Radio presents the Sunday Night Playhouse, where we bring to life timeless classics from the golden age of radio between the 1930s and the 1960s. Episode Description:"Leave Her to Heaven" is a Lux radio play adapted from the novel of the same name by Ben Ames Williams. The play was broadcast on March 17, 1947, and starred Gene Tierney as the lead character, Ellen Berent. The story follows the beautiful and possessive Ellen, who marries a successful writer named Richard Harland (played by Cornell Wilde) after a brief courtship. However, Ellen's obsession with Richard soon turns dark, as she becomes jealous of anyone who gets close to him, including his disabled younger brother (Darryl Hickman) and Ellen's own cousin (Vincent Price). Eventually, Ellen's desire for control leads her to commit a shocking act of violence. The Lux radio play adaptation of "Leave Her to Heaven" was notable for its star-studded cast, which also included Jeanne Crain as Richard's new love interest, Mary Phillips as Ellen's mother, and Ray Collins as the district attorney. The play was directed by William Keighley and adapted for radio by Milton Geiger. "Leave Her to Heaven" was originally released as a film in 1945, with Tierney reprising her role as Ellen Berent. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Tierney's performance was particularly praised. The Lux radio play adaptation aimed to capitalize on the popularity of the film and Tierney's star power. Interestingly, "Leave Her to Heaven" was one of several Lux radio plays that Tierney starred in during the late 1940s. The Lux Radio Theatre was a popular radio show that adapted Hollywood films for radio, and Tierney was a frequent guest. Broadcast date: March 17th, 1947 Home station: CBS Cast: Gene Tierney as Ellen Berent Harland Cornell Wilde as Richard Harland Jeanne Crain as Ruth Berent Vincent Price as Russell Quinton Mary Philips as Mrs. Berent Darryl Hickman as Danny Harland Ray Collins as District Attorney Wally Maher as Detective All actors were known for their work in film, theater, and radio during the 1940s. Gene Tierney, in particular, was a popular leading lady in Hollywood at the time, known for her beauty and talent. Cornell Wilde was a rising star who would later become a successful director, while Vincent Price became famous for his work in horror films. The Lux Radio Theatre was known for its high production values and ability to attract top Hollywood talent, making it a popular destination for actors and audiences alike.