"Faraway Hill" holds a unique place in American television history as the first soap opera ever broadcast on a national network. Airing on the DuMont Television Network from October 2 to December 18, 1946, this half-hour program marked a significant, albeit experimental, step in the nascent medium. It brought the popular radio genre of soap operas to television, introducing viewers to a new way of experiencing dramatic storytelling. The series was
a bold venture, broadcast live and operating on a modest budget, reflecting the early, exploratory phase of television programming.
The Genesis of a Genre on Television
Before "Faraway Hill," soap operas were a staple of radio programming throughout the 1930s and 1940s. The Caples advertising agency, which bought airtime on DuMont, saw an opportunity for "experimentation purposes" and ventured into territory where "other video programmers feared to tread." Their decision to adapt the genre for television was groundbreaking. The show's creator, David P. Lewis, who also served as its writer and director, based the plot on an unfinished novel he had started. This innovative spirit was evident from the very first episode, which originated from the basement of the Greenwich Village Wanamaker's department store, highlighting the rudimentary yet ambitious beginnings of network television.
Production Challenges and Innovative Storytelling
Producing "Faraway Hill" presented numerous challenges inherent to early live television. Each episode had a budget of approximately $300. While primarily broadcast live, the show incorporated filmed excerpts, such as a train sequence in the inaugural episode, to enhance the narrative. To help viewers keep up with the unfolding plot, later episodes included slides of scenes from previous shows. A narrator played a crucial role, bridging scenes by vocalizing the thoughts of the main character, Karen St. John. This "all-seeing voice" would often interrupt musical interludes, offering insights like, "Turn back, turn back, Karen St. John! Something inside you is sounding a warning – This is no place for you....How can you stay? You must leave in the morning…you cannot stay a summer."
An Experiment in Viewer Engagement
David P. Lewis himself described "Faraway Hill" as an experiment. It was not designed to be a commercial success, as it ran without commercials and generated no profit. Instead, Lewis's primary goal was to "test the mind of the viewer." This focus on understanding audience reception rather than immediate financial gain underscores the pioneering nature of the program. Despite its short run, ending with the death of its protagonist, Karen St. John, the series successfully transitioned the emotional intensity of radio soap operas to the visual medium. As Jim Von Schilling noted in his book, "The Magic Window: American Television, 1939-1953," "Faraway Hill simply brought the genre to television, where real arms were embraced, real tears shed, and where a card reading 'Continued Next Week' was held before the camera at each episode's climax."
Legacy and Cultural Footprint
Although no recorded episodes of "Faraway Hill" are known to exist due to its live broadcast nature, its historical significance is undeniable. The show's impact is recognized in popular culture, even decades later. For instance, it was featured as a clue on the television game show "Jeopardy!" in 2006, with the question identifying it as the first TV show in the daytime soap opera genre. The series also appeared in Sharon Travers' novel "Stranger in Our Midst," where a character reflects on how watching "Faraway Hill" felt more real than listening to radio dramas. This enduring recognition highlights its foundational role in shaping the landscape of American television, paving the way for countless dramatic series that followed.
