Show notes
Season 1 Episode 9 What Every Woman Knows is a play written by the celebrated Scottish playwright and novelist, Sir James Matthew Barrie. Barrie, born on May 9, 1860, is best known for creating the beloved character Peter Pan. However, he was also a prolific playwright, and "What Every Woman Knows" remains one of his notable works. The play centers around a remarkable young woman named Maggie Wylie. Despite lacking formal education and social standing, Maggie possesses an astute understanding of human nature and a remarkable talent for manipulating situations to her advantage. When John Shand, a rather dull and ambitious young man, proposes marriage to her, Maggie agrees, knowing that she can shape him into a successful politician with her guidance. As the play unfolds, Maggie's keen wit, intelligence, and ability to read people become evident. She discreetly orchestrates events and maneuvers behind the scenes to ensure her husband's rise to prominence. John's success in politics becomes a testament to Maggie's shrewdness and her unwavering support. However, the play also explores the sacrifices Maggie must make for her husband's success and the complexities of their unconventional relationship. The radio adaptation of "What Every Woman Knows" was presented through "The Campbell Playhouse," a radio drama series hosted by Orson Welles in the late 1930s. Welles, a legendary figure in the world of theater and radio, brought his exceptional talents to the show, captivating audiences with his mesmerizing voice and dramatic flair. The Campbell Playhouse was known for its high production values and masterful adaptations of literary works, making it a popular choice for radio listeners. The radio presentation of "What Every Woman Knows" on The Campbell Playhouse allowed audiences to appreciate Barrie's witty and insightful dialogue through the power of sound alone. The talented cast, led by Welles, brought the characters to life, allowing listeners to become immersed in the world of Maggie Wylie and her cunning strategies. The play's exploration of gender roles and the complexities of relationships resonated with audiences, and the radio adaptation showcased the enduring appeal and universal themes of Barrie's work. Books in Sound is a free podcast series that presents a collection of hundreds of the world’s greatest books through the magic of the performing arts. Different from audiobooks: Instead of having a single narrator read an audiobook, these performances have a full cast of actors, suitable background music, and special effects that help define the drama. Most presentations are from old time radio theater broadcasts that have been remastered to remove most of the hissing, clicking and volume fluctuations. Many of the presentations are from the 1930's and 1940's, so a significant amount of work went into the remastering process. Most presentations are about one hour, some are multiple hours, and some are abbreviated presentation that last about half an hour, making this series wonderful for bedtime stories, self-improvement by learning about literature, or simply as a very imaginative form of entertainment. The episodes are not sequential, but we do recommend listening to the complete collection starting with the first episode so that you can grow and benefit from the wide assortment of styles and content. For more information visit https://www.booksinsound.com