Defense Attorney

Defense Attorney  -- List of Episodes at end of this article

Defense Attorney was a hard hitting radio drama that had a unique twist -- the title character was a woman (not common in 1950!)  Attorney Martha Ellis Bryant, portrayed by the very talented Mercedes McCambridge, begins each episode repeating the oath that she will "defend the defenseless."

In most episodes her clients, usually innocent, find themselves in extremely difficult legal situations -- even on death row. Once Bryant is convinced of their innocence and sincerity, she goes to work to overturn every stone in order to right the wrongs and free her innocent clients.

This 1950-51 program is filled with the atmosphere and concerns of the era. There are contemporary stories about teenagers in hot rods, the ever present communist threat, and even stories involving racial tensions.

Mercedes MacCambridge, "the world's greatest living radio actress" (according to Orson Welles) shines as the title attorney with real heart. Her boyfriend, reporter Jud Barnes, often helps her with investigative work. Barnes, potrayed by Howard Culver, is her biggest booster and loyal ally.

Defense Attorney enjoyed wonderful acting, outstanding production values, and scripts that were both enlightening and thought provoking.  And sometimes a lot of fun!