January 24, 1942

On this day in 1942, “Abie’s Irish Rose” was first heard on NBC radio. The radio series was inspired by the Broadway play written by Anne Nichols. A popular comedy and Nichols’ most famous production, it was also later adapted into a movie. The story focuses on a well-to-do New York Jewish family consisting of a widower father and his only son. Conflict arises when the son begins courting an Irish Catholic girl. The two secretly marry, and comedy and drama ensue as they attempt to reconcile their worlds.