The Beulah Show
Robert Farrell
African American "Beulah Brown" premiered in 1939, when white american actor Marlin Hurt portrayed her on radio program "Hometown Incorporated." In 1943 "she" moved on to star in "That's Life" and in late 1944, walked over to play on the "Johnson's Wax Program with Fibber McGee & Molly." In 1945, Marlin Hurt and Beulah spun off into "The Marlin Hurt and Beulah Show." Hurt suffered a fatal heart attack during the 1946 season, at which time white actor, Bob Corley, took on the role. Bob starred as Beulah until November 24 1947 when Hattie McDaniel became the first african american female to have star billing in a radio program, with her portrayal of "Beulah." In 1952, due to illness, Hattie was replaced by Lillian Randolph and during the 1953-1954 season, Amanda Randolph portrayed Beulah, after taking over for Lillian, her sister.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.