Mother Was a Freshman: Lux Radio Theatre (October 17, 1949)

Lux Radio Theatre, old-time radio on Stupid Potato

“Mother Was a Freshman” is an episode of Lux Radio Theatre, the old-time radio show, first broadcast October 17, 1949. Listen free on Stupid Potato: no sign-up, no app.

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What happens

Abigail Fortitude, a widowed mother, enrolls at Pointer College alongside her daughter Susan after their money runs out, using an endowed scholarship in her grandmother's name. Her new English professor, Richard Michaels, takes an interest in her studies, and Abigail finds herself drawn into his company. Dean Gillingham knows the truth about her identity and keeps the secret. This episode of the Lux Radio Theatre, aired October 17, 1949, stars Loretta Young and Van Johnson in a light romantic comedy adapted from the 20th Century Fox film.

New York City and Pointer College, a modern college campus

Characters: Abigail Fortitude, Susan Adams, Richard Michaels, John Heeslett, Dean Gillingham, Mrs. Gillingham, Beaumont Jackson, Rose Adams

Listen for: Abigail's efforts to pass as a freshman and the tension between her and Richard Michaels

Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.