The Greatest Story Ever Told - "Parable of the Prodigal Son" (February 9, 1947)

The third episode of The Greatest Story Ever Told, an ABC religious radio drama, brings to life the biblical Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32). Jesus recounts the tale of a young man who takes his inheritance, leaves home, and wastes it on lavish living. Destitute and humbled, he returns to his father, expecting rejection, but is warmly embraced and celebrated. The loyal elder son resents this mercy, highlighting tensions over forgiveness. The episode emphasizes God’s unconditional love and the power of repentance, using direct biblical dialogue for Jesus’ words, per the series’ approach. A full orchestra and 16-voice chorus create a solemn, uplifting tone, with no commercial breaks, as sponsored by Goodyear, maintaining the show’s reverent, non-denominational focus.
Actors and Roles
Specific casting for this episode is not well-documented, as The Greatest Story Ever Told typically used an uncredited ensemble to keep the focus on the narrative. Likely performers include:
Unknown Actor as Jesus Christ. The series employed a consistent, dignified voice for Jesus, possibly a veteran radio actor like John Lund, Les Tremayne, or Westbrook Van Voorhis, though no specific name is confirmed for this episode.

Supporting Roles (e.g., the prodigal son, the father, the elder son, or minor characters like servants) were likely played by NBC/ABC radio regulars, such as Joseph Granby, Eleanor Audley, Paul Frees, or Lurene Tuttle, known for their versatility in 1940s radio. Exact roles remain unconfirmed due to the series’ anonymity policy.

Narrator or Chorus (if used) may have been performed by a 16-voice choral group or a single announcer, potentially someone like Westbrook Van Voorhis, whose resonant voice was common in radio, though this is speculative.

National News in the USA: Week of February 9, 1947
Post-War Inflation: The U.S. grappled with high inflation (up significantly since 1946) after wartime price controls ended. News highlighted rising living costs and consumer struggles, with debates over government economic policies.

Labor Unrest: Strikes by the United Auto Workers, coal miners, and other unions dominated headlines. Workers demanded wage hikes to offset inflation, causing production halts in key industries like steel and automotive, with President Harry S. Truman pushing for settlements.

Cold War Tensions: Early Cold War friction with the Soviet Union was evident. News covered U.S. plans to aid Greece and Turkey against communist influence, a precursor to the Truman Doctrine (announced March 1947).

Severe Winter Weather: Harsh winter storms battered the Northeast and Midwest, causing fuel shortages, transportation delays, and emergency relief efforts, which were widely reported.