As we get ready to kick 2020 to the curb, a reminder that streaming audio of four vintage Christmas radio shows featuring Orson Welles can be found on Wellesnet.

First up are two versions of Charles Dicken’s classic A Christmas Carol as heard on the Campbell Playhouse in 1938 and 1939. The first features Welles as Ebenezer Scrooge, while the second has him narrating the story and Lionel Barrymore in the lead role.

(For those who want to read along, Wellesnet has a transcript of the 1939 broadcast available at wellesnet.com/a-christmas-carol-with-orson-welles-and-lionel-barrymore-radio-transcript-audio/

Lady Esther’s Orson Welles Show from December 22, 1941 has a holiday theme. Recorded during the making of The Magnificent Ambersons, it features it includes Ray Collins, Agnes Moorehead, Joseph Cotten, Edgar Barrier, Erskine Sanford and Tim Holt.

The program includes a reading from the Gospel of Luke and The Happy Prince.

And Norman Corwin’s The Plot to Overthrow Christmas from 1944 starring Welles and Collins is our fourth holiday radio show offering.

Listen to all four radio broadcasts at  wellesnet.com/audio-orson-welles-the-radio-years  (Please scroll to the bottom of that page for the holiday offerings.)

Joyous holidays to all and best wishes for a happy 2021!

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