The Star Wars Radio Dramas: Brian Daley and the Serialization That Saved NPR

by Maria Jose Tenuto, John Tenuto

By 1977 National Public Radio (NPR) was in trouble, plagued by too little funding and small audiences. The phenomenal success of its adaptation of Star Wars as a radio drama in 1981 gave NPR the needed ratings, publicity, and boost in donations that kept it afloat at exactly the time it was threatened the most. Most importantly, Star Wars brought a new audience to NPR. As it did in theaters, where George Lucas's films redefined movie making, so too did NPR's Star Wars forever change the artistic world of radio drama.

That a radio network, dependent exclusively on audio, would find a lifeline in one of the most visually dynamic movies ever released is the stuff of irony. Utilizing new interviews with creatives such as Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Ann Sachs (Princess Leia), Perry King (Han Solo), and director John Madden, and archival research, this book details how an unlikely alliance of academics, radio executives, Lucasfilm employees, actors, and behind-the-scenes artists banded together, despite the obstacles, to create a unique and consequential work. It is also the story of how writer Brian Daley was the fulcrum who made it all possible.

Genres: Star Wars

213 pages, Paperback

Published July 18, 2024

Reviews

[kesseljunkie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recognize my own biases in reviewing this book. I am heavily inclined to like the material, and I have a deep respect for the Tenutos - they are known to many in my circle for their deeply researched and insightful commentary about the making of the things that we love, which have had a huge cultural impact.

But.

This book suffers from a dryness that leads to a breaking of narrative. There is such concern with presenting the research and the conclusions that the concern of compelling narrative falls apart in the long run. The book needs to be restructured and re-edited in a substantial way.

The lack of photographs and other usual materials essentially reduce this from the book it could have been into the pamphlet-esque piece that it is. It's apparent that it would have benefitted from Disney/LFL being more open with materials to support them. I'm not saying that they were turned down - I have no evidence they even asked - but I am saying that the lack of anything but words hampers this completely and makes me suspect that Disney/LFL were unwilling to recognize how importantly this work could have impacted those interested in the bygone era of radio, as well as the Star Wars of the past.

It wounds me not to give this a higher rating, because their tribute to Brian Daley alone deserves so much praise. The man was deeply responsible for what Star Wars fans even understood as their "expanded universe" and cemented even perceptions of characters beyond the original films.

If you're a die hard fan, jump in. You'll find some value. If you are not, I can't recommend it.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My brother and I used to listen to the Star Wars radio shows all the time so to hear the story behind them was something special. They hold such a special place in my heart and I never really considered any of the back story. I'm really glad this book was written. While the story is nothing flashy, to hear about the creative powerhouse of Brian Daley made it great. I had always thought the additional scenes were on Lucas's cutting room floor. I definitely need to revisit the radio shows again, they are a big part of my love for Star Wars.
Thanks to the Tenuto's for doing this. Thanks to Blast Points podcast for telling me about this book.

[Will Plunkett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I buy almost every SW book I read, and somehow some of my own personal issues meant I missed this book's release so I checked it out from the library to read. This has so many gems of lore in it that I need to get a copy for myself. It is about the process of creating and presenting these three films through the Theater of the Mind as it is about the person and creator Brian Daley. Need to listen to the episodes again (or for the first time?), too. p.s. NPR needs saving again, decades later!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and informative account of how the NPR Star Wars Radio Dramas came to be and how it helped NPR. The title of the book says it all.