An enduring series of half hour radio adaptations of Hollywood films titled Screen Guild Theatre (aka Hollywood Guild) first aired over the CBS network on January 8, 1938. It starred the top names from filmdom who gave of their time and talent, donating their performing fees to provide money for The Motion Picture Relief Fund.

The Gulf Oil Company bankrolled the show until 1942 when World War II oil shortages led to their cancellation of sponsorship. Later sponsors included: Lady Esther Cosmetics (1942-1947) and R.J. Reynolds' Camel Cigarettes (1947-1950).

The initial emcee was George Murphy, replaced by Roger Pryor on September 24, 1939. Bud Hiestand delivered the commercials for Gulf Oil during their tenure as sponsor, Basil Adlam, Oscar Bradley, and Wilbur Hatch conducted the orchestras, and Jonn Conte and Michael Roy were the announcers.

On October 7, 1948 Screen Guild Theatre switched to the NBC network for a two year stay; however, on September 7, 1950 the program found itself sponsorless. At that time they moved the series to the ABC network and expanded the production to a full hour. Screen Guild Theatre failed to gain support and left the air on May 31, 1951.