Many U.S. theatrical, movie, television and radio personalities made the long flight to Australia, simply to appear on the Australian version of Lux Radio Theatre. On Sunday evening 3 September 1939 and as part of Lux Radio Theatre, the Major network was broadcasting a performance of Leah Kleschna, which was suddenly interrupted by the voice of the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robert Menzies, announcing that Australia was now at war with Germany. In 2018 and as recently as 2020 and 2021 (despite COVID-19 restrictions) a group of entrepreneurs has recreated the Lux Radio Theatre as a theatrical event which toured Australian cities and towns. As in the original radio programs, the cast are all dressed formally, and those purchasing audience tickets were also encouraged to wear their best clothes. Many famous plays, particularly some Agatha Christie mysteries are being performed. South Africa A South African version of Lux Radio Theatre ran on Springbok Radio between 1950 and 1985. While having the same name and sponsor, it departed from the American show in that, additionally, British and Australian works were adapted into the hour-long radio formats. Many of the early episodes were direct rebroadcasts of the Australian programs. Lux Radio Theatre was the most enduring show on Springbok Radio, running from the first night of the network's broadcasting life until six months before it went off the air. Television On October 2, 1950, Lux Video Theatre began as a live 30-minute Monday evening CBS Television series, switching to Thursday nights during August 1951. In September 1953, the show relocated from New York to Hollywood. In August 1954, the show moved to NBC Television as an hour-long show on Thursday nights, telecast until September 12, 1957. James Mason was the host in the 1954–55 season. See also Academy Award Theater Author's Playhouse The Campbell Playhouse Cavalcade of America CBS Radio Workshop The Cresta Blanca Hollywood Players Curtain Time Ford Theatre General Electric Theater Hollywood Hotel Lux (soap) The Mercury Theatre on the Air The MGM Theater of the Air The Screen Guild Theater Screen Director's Playhouse Stars over Hollywood Suspense Theater Guild on the Air References External links Lux Radio Theatre collection, Margaret Herrick Library, AMPAS. Lux Radio Theater (Australian version) at the National Film and Sound Archive OTR Network Library: Lux Radio Theater (276 1936–55 episodes) http://zootradio.com/uploads/Lux_Radio_Theater/Lux_Radio_Theater.txt Lux Radio Theatre Log at Audio Classics Archive Lux Radio Theatre 1934–1955 RSS