Lux Radio Theatre: What a Woman! Classic Radio Drama with Rosalind Russell & Robert Cummings

Introducing "What a Woman!"

• 💡 The Lux Radio Theatre presents "What a Woman!" starring Rosalind Russell as Carol Angley and Robert Cummings as Henry Pepper.
• 🎭 The production is described as a play of love, laughter, and a light heart, aiming to provide good humor and help listeners forget daily problems.
• 🌟 It's an adaptation of Columbia Pictures' sparkling comedy, with Russell reprising her film role.

The Search for "The Whirlwind"

• 🎯 Agent Carol Angley is tasked with finding an actor for the film adaptation of the bestselling novel "The Whirlwind" by the mysterious Anthony Street.
• 🔍 She discovers the author, Anthony Street, is actually Professor Michael Cobb, an Elizabethan literature scholar from Buckton College, who secretly writes romance novels.
• ⚠️ Despite his academic background and initial reluctance, Carol convinces Professor Cobb that he is the only man who can portray the character of "The Whirlwind" on screen.

Professor Cobb's Transformation

• 🧠 Michael initially struggles with acting, finding the screen test "ghastly" and wanting to return to Buckton.
• 💋 Carol uses an unconventional method to teach him to "pretend to be in love," leading to a passionate kiss that profoundly affects Michael.
• 🚀 Inspired by Carol and a newfound determination, Michael commits to his acting career, with his performance showing remarkable improvement.

A Reporter's Perspective

• 🕵️‍♂️ Reporter Henry Pepper follows Carol to write an article about her for Nicerbacher magazine, observing her professional and personal life.
• 💬 Pepper analyzes Carol's drive, suggesting she's always had to prove something and has overlooked "doing a job on herself."
• 💡 He predicts Michael's feelings for Carol, noting that a man who has never been in love will be deeply affected by her.

Love, Career, and Tough Choices

• 💖 Michael, now deeply in love, proposes to Carol and announces their engagement to the press without her full consent.
• 💔 Carol, after a candid conversation with Pepper, realizes she cannot marry Michael, as it would be for professional gain rather than genuine love.
• ✅ She breaks off the engagement, urging Michael to pursue his career for the "80 million people" who love his book, or return to his academic life.

The Unexpected Partnership

• 🎬 Michael decides to go to Hollywood, prioritizing his public's expectations over his personal feelings for Carol.
• 🤝 Carol and Henry Pepper then strike a "50/50" deal, suggesting a new, equal partnership, possibly romantic or professional, after the dramatic events.
• 🏆 The episode concludes with acknowledgments for the cast and crew, and an announcement of the Lux Radio Theatre winning the 1949 Radio Mirror Award.