Adventures Maisie
Ann Sothern as Maisie
When Jean Harlow died unexpectedly in June 1937 it left MGM without a star for a comedy series they were developing with her in mind. The movie series, based on a literary character named Maisie Ravier, forced Louis B. Mayer to cast around for someone to replace Harlow.
Ann Sothern, who was praised for her snappy dialogue in the film Tradewinds, came to the notice of Mayer and he ultimately cast her in all ten of the Maisie films that were released between 1939 and 1947.
But it was Ann Sothern's appearance in the Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of the 1941 film Maisie Was A Lady that alerted CBS to Sothern's natural Radio talent.
After three years of contractual wrangling, CBS persuaded MGM to produce a syndicated radio version of Maisie's adventures, appropriately entitled, The Adventures of Maisie.
Some of her adventures included her love life -- after all, Maisie was a single girl in New York City. Many, however, revolved around the numerous temporary jobs she took in order to finance her dream of becoming a famous actress.
The radio program premiered on July 5, 1945 and The Adventures of Maisie immediately captured the imagination of millions of radio listeners. Particularly loved were Maisie's mixed-metaphor retorts, such as "Likewise I'm sure" -- which entered the American vernacular for decades to follow.
Come along for a listen and you will agree that Ann Sothern shines as the irrepressible Maisie!