Premier Collections: 
Dr. Christian
Liner notes written by Elizabeth McLeod and Harlan Zinck

Click to listen to an audio sample

An underrated and long-running family series, "Dr. Christian" comes across today more as a quiet anthology of small-town life than as a straight medical drama -- bringing the people of the small town of River's End to life thru the eyes of the kindly Dr. Paul Christian. As portrayed by actor Jean Hersholt, Dr. Christian can perhaps best be described as a male Molly Goldberg with a medical degree; a gentle and well-meaning meddler who always manages to lead you in the right direction...whether you want to be led there or not.

The series is loosely based on the life of a real man -- or, rather, on the media-manufactured image of the life of a real man. Dr. Allen Roy Dafoe was a small-town Canadian obstetrician who gained worldwide fame when he attended the birth of Elzire and Olivia Dionne's identical quintuplet daughters -- and was quick to capitalize on his fame. In 1936, Dafoe's story became "The Country Doctor," a successful film for 20th Century Fox, and Jean Hersholt - a Danish character actor of moderate success - was cast in the title role. The following year, Hersholt brought the same characterization to radio as "Dr. Christian."

The series involved Christian and his nurse Judy Price in a wide range of situations in the lives of Rivers' End residents -- family crises, ill-starred romances, social or ethical dilemmas. The programs were given a polished production by the CBS Hollywood team and became closely associated with its longtime sponsor: the Cheseborough Manufacturing Company, makers of Vaseline.

While the ethics of the real Dr. Dafoe in exploiting his connection to the quintuplets have been seriously challenged, Jean Hersholt himself went on to earn a lifelong reputation for kindness and generosity -- capped by his founding of the Motion Picture Relief Fund, which to this day provides a wide variety of medical and insurance services for the elderly of the entertainment industry. In his honor, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presents the annual Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

Here's your chance to experience "Dr. Christian" from its beginning in this collection of the series' first 12 episodes, broadcast in the fall and winter of 1937 -- all in crystal-clear fully restored audio quality:

Operation in a Shack (#1)
In the first show of the series, we meet Dr. Paul Christian of River's End. He's a kindly man who is far more interested in the welfare of his patients than in their ability to pay their bills. Judy Price, his assistant, wants to make sure that Dr. Christian is able to get away for a fishing trip -- but, when he does, he soon discovers the son of his fishing buddy is suffering from a burst appendix and is in desperate need of treatment.
Sunday, November 7, 1937 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

Steve and Charlotte Dixon (#2)
Charlotte Dixon is a local poet whose compositions have often appeared in the town newspaper. But when one of her poems is scheduled to run in a national magazine, she decides that she wants to leave River's End, establish a career as a writer - and divorce her husband, too!
Sunday, November 14, 1937 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

The Tanzy Family (#3)
Mary Tanzy is a loving mother who has scrimped, saved, and worked hard for years to take care of her family. When she is diagnosed with a heart problem, her family soon learns just how much she did for them -- and how often they failed to appreciate it.
Sunday, November 21, 1937 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

Susan and the Opera Singer (#4)
Famous opera star Sigrid Holmquist and theatrical impresario Otto Kaufman come to town for a brief rest before commencing a concert tour. Local girl Susan Miller sees this as an opportunity to jump start her singing career and tries to solicit Dr. Christian's aid in getting her an audition. The program features soprano Rosemary Broncato of the Chicago Opera Company, who sings two musical selections.
Sunday, November 28, 1937 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

The Blind Boy (#5)
Dr. Christian saved the life of a young man who has attempted suicide in a local hotel. Though registered under an assumed name, 'Doc' tries to find out his story -- and hopefully prevent him from trying to take his life again.
Sunday, December 5, 1937 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

The Mother-In-Law (#6)
Howard is a devoted son to his mother, but he also loves and wants to marry Wilma. However, three times now, their wedding plans have been delayed due to his mother's sudden illnesses. Wilma has just about given up marrying Howard, but Dr. Christian thinks he can help the young couple to finally take their vows.
Sunday, December 12, 1937 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

Danny Barnes (#7)
Danny was a hard-luck kid when he was living in River's End, but after two years in New York, he returns to town a fast-talking, smooth-dressing success. His former girlfriend Eloise throws a party in his honor, but the festivities are disrupted when the police arrive to accuse Danny of car theft! 
Sunday, December 19, 1937 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

Doris Fleming (#8)
Harriet Niles is the owner of a small dress shop in River's End who is raising her six-year-old daughter Toby on her own. When a prominent local businessman discovers her controversial past, both her business and the custody of her daughter are threatened.
Sunday, December 26, 1937 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

The Kidnapped Husband (#9)
Henry Harris is a henpecked husband suffering from a recurrent nightmare -- but his nightmare becomes a reality when he is kidnapped and held for ransom.
Sunday, January 2, 1938 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

Hit and Run (#10)
On a snowy New Year's Eve, Dave Fenton is injured by a hit and run driver. As Fenton hovers between life and death, wealthy and spoiled Marion Brooks becomes a suspect in the crime.
Sunday, January 9, 1938 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

The Flood (#11)
Dr. Christian's receptionist Judy returns from a vacation in Hollywood, complete with a new suitor and a career opportunity for 'Doc' -- but will he be able to leave the people of River's End who need his care and attention?
Sunday, January 16, 1938 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

The Brent Family (#12)
A boy and his beloved dog teach a valuable lesson to a married couple on the verge of divorce.
Sunday, January 23, 1938 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Vaseline

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