Captain Midnight - Episode 1 September 30, 1939

The premiere episode of Captain Midnight, a radio adventure serial broadcast by WGN Chicago and sponsored by Skelly Oil, introduces Captain Midnight, a heroic aviator and World War I veteran whose real name is Captain James "Red" Albright. In this episode, Midnight likely faces an immediate threat, possibly involving spies, saboteurs, or a criminal plot, setting the stage for his ongoing battle against evil. The story introduces his young sidekick, Chuck Ramsey, and possibly Joyce Edwards, a key ally. The action-packed narrative, designed for young listeners, features thrilling aerial maneuvers, secret codes, and Midnight’s leadership of the Secret Squadron. The episode establishes the serial’s tone of patriotism and adventure, with cliffhangers to hook the audience. (No recording survives, so the summary is based on the series’ typical format and historical descriptions.)
Actors and Roles
Specific casting for the first episode is not fully documented, as radio serials of the era often lacked detailed credits. However, based on Captain Midnight’s early WGN run, likely performers include:
Ed Prentiss as Captain Midnight (James "Red" Albright). Prentiss was the primary voice of the heroic aviator in the early years, delivering a commanding, reassuring performance.

Bill Bouchey or Boris Aplon as Chuck Ramsey (possible). One of these actors likely voiced Midnight’s loyal teenage sidekick, though exact casting for 1939 is unclear.

Supporting Roles (e.g., Joyce Edwards, villains, or Secret Squadron members) were likely played by WGN stock actors, such as Angeline Orr (possibly Joyce) or uncredited performers. Villains like Ivan Shark may not appear in the first episode but were voiced later by actors like Boris Aplon.

The series used a small ensemble, with actors often playing multiple roles across episodes.

National News in the USA: Week of September 30, 1939
World War II Begins: Germany’s invasion of Poland (September 1, 1939) sparked World War II, and by late September, the fall of Warsaw dominated headlines. The U.S. remained neutral, but news covered President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s calls for peace and debates over revising the Neutrality Act to aid Allies.

Economic Recovery: The Great Depression lingered, with unemployment around 17%. New Deal programs continued, and news reported on industrial production and labor disputes, including strikes in the auto industry.

Soviet Aggression: The Soviet Union’s invasion of eastern Poland (per the Nazi-Soviet Pact) shocked the world. U.S. papers discussed the implications for European stability and fears of communist expansion.

Cultural Notes: Baseball season was wrapping up, with the New York Yankees poised to win the World Series. Radio serials like Captain Midnight were gaining popularity as affordable entertainment.