The Green Hills of Earth - Old Time Radio Sci-Fi

This week on The Shiver Show, co-hosts Mary Labrie and Greg Flynn head out into space with a science-fiction classic, “The Green Hills of Earth,” from the legendary radio series Dimension X.

Written by Robert A. Heinlein, one of the founding giants of modern science fiction, this story showcases a softer, more lyrical side of his work. Heinlein is best known for shaping the genre with novels such as Stranger in a Strange Land, The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, and Starship Troopers, but “The Green Hills of Earth” reminds us that he could also write with deep humanity, wit, and aching nostalgia. 

The Dimension X adaptation brings Heinlein’s tale to life with a strong ensemble cast. Set in a future where humanity routinely travels the solar system, the story centres on Rhysling, a blind, space bard, who longs to return to Earth.

At its heart, this is a story about exile, belonging, and the quiet grief of loving a world you may never see again. Heinlein’s famous poem, beginning with the line “We pray for one last landing on the globe that gave us birth,” resonates powerfully.

Mary and Greg explore how “The Green Hills of Earth” stands apart from harder, gadget-driven sci-fi, offering instead a meditation on home, sacrifice, and growing old. You may not like the folksy music, but you might find that this is a moving tale. Tune in and brings some tissues. 

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