That occasionally tedious oldster, Jehovah of the Old Testament, appears nowhere to greater advantage than in the Book of Job. Eloquent, thunderous, awesome, He speaks to Job from a whirlwind, reproves the moody, theatrical Jew in some of the most majestic questions ever posed. Out of many a U. S. radio two Sundays ago issued sounds of a wind machine and the voice of an actor impersonating God: Shall he who contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? . . . Wilt thou disannul my judgment, Job? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? . . . Hast thou an arm like God, Job? Canst thou thunder with a voice like his?
The voice of God was that of George Gaul, onetime featured actor on Broadway (Strange Interlude, Seventh Heaven), at 51 exclusively a radio performer. He thundered properly, showing little evidence of what critics once called the "hookworm" manner of his Southern birth. The performance was the first of a series of "Living Dramas of the Bible" put on by Columbia Broadcasting System.* Conceived by Assistant Director of Broadcasts Douglas Coulter, produced by Max Wylie, the first Living Drama was a thoughtful, serene projection of the familiar troubles of Job. Among its actors were two MARCH OF TIME voices and Stefan, son of famed Pianist Artur Schnabel. The Job act was followed last Sunday by a less leisurely one detailing the career of Joseph, whose repulse of Potiphars Wife was done by a series of understatements culminating in her "I say you are to stay with me" and his "No."
Other Biblical characters soon to go on the air are Solomon, Ruth, Esther, David and Saul. According to Director Wylie, Columbia aims to "freshen and reanimate" the stories, employing ablest writers to do so. Margaret Sangster did Job, Lewis Beach (The Goose Hangs High) Joseph. Thyra Samter Winslow and Ernest Howard Culbertson are among those selected to write future scripts. A Manhattan rabbi, priest and minister review the acts, copies of which Columbia will send in any quantity to churches throughout the U. S.
-Sundays, 2:30-3:00 p.m., E. D. S. T.