VOYAGE OF THE SCARLET QUEEN
Voyage of the Scarlet Queen was a radio adventure on the high seas, airing on Mutual from 3 July 1947 to 14 February 1948. James Burton produced the scripts by Gil Doud and Robert Tallman. Elliott Lewis starred as Philip Carney, master of the 78-foot ketch Scarlet Queen, with Ed Max as first mate Red Gallagher.
Sailing Through Airwaves: The Voyage of the Scarlet Queen
Each episode opens with an entry from the ship’s log: “Log entry, the ketch Scarlet Queen, Philip Carney, master. Position — three degrees, seven minutes north, 104 degrees, two minutes east. Wind, fresh to moderate; sky, fair…” with a similar closing: “Ship secured for the night. Signed, Philip Carney, master.” Arriving at an exotic port of call, the captain and first mate would go ashore and immediately run into trouble with local authorities, agents of rival merchants, or desperate women in need of rescue. After some investigation and at least one good fight they would solve the problem, get back on the ship and sail away, Carney and Gallagher sharing a laugh and a drink at the wheel before the captain’s closing log entry.
Technically the show was among the better radio productions of the time, employing realistic sound effects and sailing terminology, well paced stories and colorfully detailed settings. Most places visited by the Queen are real. Even the map coordinates given by the captain are mostly accurate, following a zigzag course around the South Pacific.
After the show was cancelled, an attempt was made to revive it under a different name. Only the audition show was produced which was not picked up. The new show’s title was to be The Log Of The Black Parrot. The cast included Ed Max, Ted Osborne, Lillian Buyeff, Harold Hughes, Jack Kruschen, and Ben Wright. Music was directed by Walter Schumann and composed by Nathan Scott. The audition was produced by the star of Scarlet Queen, Elliot Lewis and directed by Gil Doud. The announcer was Bob Stevenson. It was recorded on May 6, 1950.
In the golden era of radio, adventure was just a dial away, and few shows encapsulated this spirit as vividly as “Voyage of the Scarlet Queen.” This high-seas adventure aired on the Mutual Broadcasting System from July 3, 1947, to February 14, 1948. The show was an enthralling blend of suspense, action, and maritime lore that captivated listeners across the country.
An Adventure on the High Seas
“Voyage of the Scarlet Queen” was a thrilling journey into the world of Philip Carney, the master of the 78-foot ketch named Scarlet Queen, and his first mate, Red Gallagher. Elliott Lewis lent his voice to Carney, while Ed Max brought Gallagher to life. Together, the duo navigated not just the unpredictable waters but also the myriad challenges that came their way.
The show was produced by James Burton, with scripts penned by Gil Doud and Robert Tallman. Each episode was a self-contained story, with Carney and Gallagher encountering new adventures and adversaries in every port they visited. From battling pirates and smugglers to navigating treacherous weather, the crew of the Scarlet Queen kept listeners on the edge of their seats.
Impact and Legacy
Despite its relatively short run, “Voyage of the Scarlet Queen” left a lasting impression on its audience. The show’s unique blend of maritime adventure and suspenseful storytelling struck a chord with listeners, making it one of the most memorable radio shows of its time.
Elliott Lewis’s portrayal of the rugged yet resourceful Carney and Ed Max’s performance as the loyal and fearless Gallagher added depth to the characters, making them beloved figures in radio history. The vivid descriptions of the seafaring life and the exotic locales visited by the Scarlet Queen transported listeners to far-off places, further enhancing the show’s appeal.
In retrospect, “Voyage of the Scarlet Queen” was more than just a radio adventure; it was a testament to the power of storytelling. It demonstrated that with compelling characters, engaging narratives, and a touch of imagination, radio could offer an immersive experience that rivalled any visual medium.
Conclusion
As we look back on “Voyage of the Scarlet Queen,” we are reminded of the magic of radio drama. It was a show that transported listeners to the high seas and exotic ports, all from the comfort of their homes. Its legacy continues to inspire today’s storytellers, proving that when it comes to capturing the audience’s imagination, the voyage is just as important as the destination.