Norman Corwin
The Plot To Overthrow Christmas: A Norman Corwin Classic
If you have read much on my site, then you know I love audio drama. One of my favorite stories comes from Norman Corwin, a man often called the “Grand Master of American Audio Theatre.”
“The Plot To Overthrow Christmas” was originally written in 1938. The first time I heard it was as a teenager in a small town. The 1942 version of the play was aired on WSIU, the same station where I discovered Nightfall, A Canticle For Leibowitz, The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy, and The Fourth Tower Of Inverness.
I did a bit of remastering on this file to remove quite a bit of hum, hiss, clicks, pops, and surface noise. It is not perfect, but it sounds good enough to truly enjoy the show. Have a listen and see if it doesn’t become a Christmas Classic to you as well.
The Story
Written entirely in rhyme, this fantasy story tells the tale of a conspiracy in Hell to assassinate Santa Claus. Mephistopheles gathers historical villains, including Ivan the Terrible, Caligula, and Simon Legree, to discuss how the goodwill generated by Christmas is ruining their efforts to corrupt humanity.
After Lucrezia Borgia suggests assassination, the group draws lots, and the Roman Emperor Nero is chosen for the job. He ascends to the North Pole, armed with a gun, intending to kill Santa. However, Santa, aware of the plot, engages Nero in a battle of wits, appealing to the Emperor’s vanity and love for music.
About the Production
This recording is from the December 22, 1942 broadcast on the Columbia Workshop. It features a stellar cast of radio veterans:
- Mephistopheles: Played by Will Geer
- Santa Claus: Played by House Jameson
- Nero: Played by Eric Burroughs
- Narrator / Ivan the Terrible: Played by Henry Morgan
Norman Corwin was a pioneer who used radio entertainment to tackle serious social issues. His influence extended to legends like Ray Bradbury, Rod Serling, and Gene Roddenberry.
Read the Script
If you would like to follow along with the rhyming couplets, you can view the original script below.
#AudioDrama #OldTimeRadio #OTR #NormanCorwin #ChristmasSpecial #RadioHistory