Radio history of X Minus 1 (x-1) and Fred Collins

X Minus 1

1951 - 1953

X Minus One was the sequel to Dimension X, and based on stories from Galaxy magazine.

X Minus One was essentially a return of Dimension X. That was great news for Sci-fi buffs, because Dimension X was arguably the best science fiction anthology series radio ever produced! The opening sequence was revamped and the announcer/ host became Fred Collins, but it was otherwise the same high quality show. In fact, the first 15 shows were repeats of Dimension X (Dunning, 731). Two dozen stories from Astounding Science Fiction Magazine were adapted, and almost 90 more from Galaxy Magazine. Many of the same great authors who were featured in the earlier series had additional stories adapted on the new show. The list of new and old writers read like a science fiction list of Who's Who. Staff writers Ernest Kinoy and George Lefferts adapted the likes of A. Heinlein, Poul Anderson and Theodore Sturgeon, but Kinoy and Lefferts were also good writers of original stories as well. (Dunning, 732.) It was a potent mixture of talents that produced such a effective series. Fans and collectors are fortunate that the entire run is still available with good sound. Compared to many other Old Time Radio (OTR) shows, this one continues to sound very modern. So timeless was X Minus One that NBC actually replayed it in 1973. The rebroadcast series lasted an impressive two years, despite sporadic scheduling. If you wanted to experience how effective OTR drama can be (even by today's standards) X Minus One would be an excellent choice.

The Standard Intro:

(Hear it in Real Audio!)

"Count down for blast-off. X minus five... four... three... two... X minus one... Fire!

(Music pounds, building up like a rocket blast, while chorus raises its collective voice with "aaaaaaaaaahhhhh!")

"From the far horizons of the unknown come transcribed tales of new dimensions in time and space. These are stories of the future, adventures in which you'll live in a million could-be years on a thousand may-be worlds. The National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with Street & Smith, publishers of Astounding Science Fiction Magazine present:

"X-- X-- x-- x-- MINUS -- MINUS --Minus-- minus-- ONE-- ONE-- One- one"

An Opening Narration:

"If you wanted to take over our world with a minimum amount of resistance and trouble, how would you go about it? Tonight we'll tell you how with the strange and chilling story by George Leopards. 'The Parade!'"

An Ending Narration & Closing:

(Don Pardo) "Tonight, X Minus One brought you 'The Parade,' an original story by George Leopards. Featured in the cast were..."

(Credits.)

Hear An Actual Episode!

(Courtesy of The Monster Club)

Perigee's Wonderful Dolls - A little girl obtains a most unusual doll.

The Parade - Martians hire an ad agency to promote a parade on Earth. But why?

Mars is Heaven - When a spaceship from Earth lands on Mars, the crew discovers the planet is inhabited by their dead loved ones.

Hostess - A woman plays hostess to an alien psycologist who may or may not have a hidden agenda.

More Actual Episodes!

(Courtesy of Botar)

1000 Dollars a Plate - 03/21/1956