Newly enhanced recordings of many of Family Theater Productions' 550 classic radio family dramas are now being offered to Catholic radio stations for broadcast and to the general public for sale.

The programs featured hundreds of Hollywood stars and aired weekly on the Mutual Broadcasting radio network from 1947 to 1969. The first program, "Flight from Home," which aired on Feb. 13, 1947, starred Loretta Young and Don Ameche, and was hosted by Jimmy Stewart.

Modern digital technology was used to clean up sound distortions from the original recordings on old large acetate discs and magnetic audiotape and to remaster them on CDs for digital clarity.

"These radio programs now exist in better condition than the original broadcasts," said Holy Cross Father Wilfred Raymond, national director of Family Theater Productions.

He called the programs "timeless dramas that treat with ecumenical sensitivity and respect the major issues facing families today: family unity, love, faith, prayer, God, alcoholism, life after death, runaway children, infidelity, role of husband and wife, father and mother, friendship, seeking a spouse, etc."

Radio stations in Alaska, Oregon, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, California, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania have already committed to carrying the broadcasts. For additional information, contact Family Theater Productions, 7201 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90046.

---CNS