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May 2nd, 1970 – SALUTE TO RADIO MONTH – PART 1
PROGRAM 1: TAYSTEE BREADWINNERS (1934) Billy Jones and Ernie Hare on the air for Taystee Bread (also known as The Happiness Boys when they were sponsored by Happiness Candy; The Interwoven Pair when they were sponsored by Interwoven Stockings; The Best Foods Boys when sponsored by Best Foods). MA PERKINS (1940s) An isolated episode of the long-running daytime serial. Virginia Payne stars as America’s Mother of the Air. PEPSODENT SHOW (11-18-47) While Bob Hope is on his way to England to attend the wedding of Princess Elizabeth, NBC presents an all-star comedy program featuring radio’s biggest names: Eddie Cantor, Red Skelton, Fibber McGee and Molly and Amos ˜n’ Andy. THE NEW ADVENTURES OF THE THIN MAN (1940s) Les Tremayne and Claudia Morgan star as Nick and Nora Charles in The Passionate Palooka. PLUS – clips of Frank Sinatra on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour; Sam and Henry; National Barn Dance; and radio theme songs. Rebroadcast: 5/2/2015 – 5/8/2015.
May 9th, 1970 – SALUTE TO RADIO MONTH – PART 2
PROGRAM 2: LIGHTS OUT (7-13-46) The Coffin in Studio B by Wyllis Cooper. A story within a story offering a look at the behind-the-scenes of radio broadcasting. HARRY RICHMAN (1936) The popular radio singer-songwriter-orchestra leader on the air for Dodge automobiles. MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TIME (12-4-47) starring George Burns and Gracie Allen with their guest Bing Crosby, with Meredith Willson and the orchestra. BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (9-14-45) The sportscaster with the 306th edition of the Colgate Sports Newsreel. His guest is Brace Beemer, the Lone Ranger. PLUS – clips of It Pays to Be Ignorant; Lowell Thomas; Bing Crosby in 1930; and radio theme songs. Rebroadcast: 5/9/2015 – 5/15/2015.
May 16th, 1970 – SALUTE TO THE SILVER SCREEN
PROGRAM 3: HOLLYWOOD NEWS WITH JIMMY FIDLER (1-15-45) The noted film columnist and broadcaster offers the latest Tinseltown gossip. ON-THE-AIR MOVIE PREVIEW (8-16-40) Paramount Pictures presents a radio preview of their newest musical release Rhythm on the River starring Bing Crosby, Mary Martin and Pat O’Brien. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (3-20-45) Laura starring Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews and Clifton Webb. PLUS – excerpts and clips featuring Judy Garland; Fred Allen; Marx Brothers; W. C. Fields; Dick Powell; and Bela Lugosi on Candid Microphone. Rebroadcast: 5/16/2015 – 5/22/2015.
May 23rd, 1970 – SALUTE TO BROADWAY
PROGRAM 4: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-18-47) Broadcasting from New York while Jack is appearing on the stage of the Roxy Theatre. Guest is Broadway favorite Al Jolson who joins Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester and Kenny Delmar. Jack and the Sportsmen sing Give My Regards to Broadway. FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-23-47) Excerpt featuring Fred’s guests Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. FIRST NIGHTER PROGRAM (3-29-44) The Chinese Gong written by Arch Oboler, starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule. PLUS – excerpts and clips featuring George M. Cohan; song hits from Ziegfeld Follies; Fanny Brice; Helen Morgan; Oklahoma!; Walter Huston; Clayton, Jackson and Durante; and Ethel Merman. Rebroadcast: 5/23/2015 – 5/29/2015.
May 30th, 1970 – RADIO SOUNDS OF WW II AT HOME
PROGRAM 5: DINAH SHORE SHOW (1-15-43) Armed Forces Radio rebroadcast for servicemen with Dinah, Gordon Jenkins and the orchestra and announcer Truman Bradley. Program is dedicated to the fellas in the service¦ selected by the girls back home. HITLER’S MOCK BIRTHDAY PARTY (4-20-42) The Treasury Department turns Herr Hitler’s 54th birthday into an occasion to sell United States War Bonds at a rally in Times Square, New York. BOB HOPE SHOW (1945) Bob entertains the troops from the deck of the Battleship South Dakota in San Francisco Harbor. USO SATURDAY MATINEE (1942) Glenn Miller and the orchestra broadcasting from, the Café Rouge of the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York. Featured are Tex Beneke, the Modernaires, Ray Eberly and Marian Hutton. PLUS – clips featuring Abbott and Costello and Irving Berlin. Rebroadcast: 5/30/2015 – 6/5/2015.
June 6th, 1970 – THE GREAT KIDS’ SHOWS
PROGRAM 6: JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY (1939) Isolated episode. Jack, Billy, Betty and Uncle Jim visit the mysterious Great Grand Lama in Tibet to return the Secret Sacred Sanskrit parchment scroll. TARZAN OF THE APES (1934) First episode of the original radio version with James Pierce as Tarzan and Joan Burroughs (daughter of author Edgar Rice Burroughs) as Jane. ADVENTURES OF FRANK MERRIWELL (8-7-33) Isolated episode. Frank Confesses in the Dark about his weakness. BUSTER BROWN GANG (1940s) Smilin’ Ed McConnell with Squeaky the Mouse, Froggy the Gremlin, Midnight the Cat and Granny the Piano. Ed tells a story about a 12-year old boy and the Indians at the time the U.S. was colonizing the states. CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (5-14-47) Isolated episode in The Adventure of the Stolen Star. Ed Prentiss is Captain Midnight. Tom Moore announces for Ovaltine. PLUS – Excerpts from Tom Mix; Let’s Pretend; Superman; Bobby Benson; and Tom Corbett, Space Cadet. Rebroadcast: 6/6/2015 – 6/12/2015.
June 13th, 1970 – THE BIG FEUD: CHARLIE McCARTHY vs FRED ALLEN
PROGRAM 7: CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (9-30-45) Edgar Bergen with guests Fred Allen and Portland Hoffa, Mortimer Snerd, singer Anita Gordon. Edgar and Charlie have an argument and Charlie advertises for a new ventriloquist. Fred Allen answers the ad. FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-7-45) Fred with guests Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, plus regulars Portland Hoffa, Al Goodman and the orchestra and the Allen’s Alley regulars. After a year’s absence from radio, Fred tells how he finally got back on the air: he became Charlie McCarthy’s partner after Charlie left Bergen. FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-28-45) Guests are Bergen and McCarthy, with regulars Portland Hoffa, DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and the orchestra, and the Allen’s Alley gang. Later, it’s Fred against Charlie in the biggest trial of the year. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (3-20-45) There wasn’t time to finish this isolated episode on last week’s program, so it is presented in its entirety this week. Bud Collyer as Superman/Clark Kent, Jackson Beck narrates. Superman rushes to the suburbs of Metropolis in response to an urgent phone call. PLUS – Chuck’s in-studio guest is David Denwood who reports on the Metro Goldwyn Mayer auction which he attended in Hollywood a few weeks earlier. Rebroadcast: 6/13/2015 – 6/19/2015.
June 20th, 1970 – MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC
PROGRAM 8: ARTIE SHAW AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1-18-30) Remote broadcast from the Blue Room of the Hotel Lincoln in New York. The King of the Clarinet presents Rose Room, Rosalie, This Can’t be Love, Lover Come Back to Me and more. OUR SPECIAL GUESTS are JOHN GANNON and SARAJANE WELLS, who appeared on the Jack Armstrong radio series as Billy and Betty Fairfield. Recorded 6-17-70 at Sages East Restaurant in Chicago. JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY (4-30-42) Isolated episode in the Land of the Sky sequence. YOUR HIT PARADE (9-11-48) Frank Sinatra introduces the top songs of the week, with Eileen Wilson and Ken Lane and the Hit Paraders and Lynn Murray and the orchestra. BENNY GOODMAN’S SWING SCHOOL (8-17-37) the Tuesday night round-up of everybody who wants to get a lift with the new, pulsating music of youth – swing! Music provided by Benny, Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa: Caravan, So Rare, Let’s Have Another Cigarette, Liza and more. Rebroadcast: 6/20/2015 – 6/26/2015.
June 27th, 1970 – GOOD OLD RADIO
PROGRAM 9: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-22-49) Jim and Marian Jordan star. Molly’s making a new dress and Fibber turns out to be the dummy. OUR SPECIAL GUESTS are SHIRLEY BELL COLE and NORMAN GOTTSCHALK, two radio performers from the Golden Age. Shirley was Orphan Annie on the air and Norman was a character actor on many vintage shows. Recorded 6-17-70 at Sages East Restaurant in Chicago. LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE (1940) Isolated episode starring Shirley Bell as Annie. Announcer is Pierre Andre. NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (1-22-44) Records of Death starring Lon Clark as Nick with Helen Choate as Patsy. Phonograph records captured the last words of a woman about to be murdered. BABY SNOOKS (1940s) Fanny Brice as Snooks with Hanley Stafford as Daddy. When a noted author is his houseguest, Daddy reads one of the author’s books to Snooks. PLUS – clips featuring Jean Shepherd; W. C. Fields with Bergen and McCarthy and Don Ameche. Rebroadcast: 6/27/2015 – 7/3/2015.
July 4th, 1970 – SALUTE TO JIMMY DURANTE AN ALL-AMERICAN ENTERTAINER
PROGRAM 10: LEGEND OF JIMMY DURANTE (1950s) Walter Winchell narrates a documentary on the show biz life of the great entertainer. COMEDY CARAVAN (1944) Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore star with singer Georgia Gibbs and Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Durante, the Patron of the Arts. COMEDY CARAVAN (1944) Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore star. The Schnozolla, in the midst of his presidential campaign, sings If Washington Needs Me, I’ll Answer the Call. Georgia Gibbs, Ray Bargy and the orchestra. PLUS – clips from Jimmy’s radio and TV shows with guests Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker, Ethel Barrymore, Clayton, Jackson and Durante, Bing Crosby, Helen Traubel, Bob Hope, and Eddie Cantor. Rebroadcast: 7/4/2015 – 7/10/2015.
July 11th, 1970 – FROM HOLLYWOOD, WITH LOVE
PROGRAM 11: LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-14-46) To Have and Have Not starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall recreating their original screen roles from the 1944 film. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-4-38) Excerpt. Jack and the gang present Murder at the Movies. ACADEMY AWARD (4-27-46) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a radio version of Walt Disney’s animated film classic. MAN ABOUT TOWN (1939) Radio preview of the Paramount film starring Jack Benny with Dorothy Lamour, Betty Grable, Monty Woolley, Phil Harris and Eddie Rochester Anderson. PLUS – clips featuring Marx Brothers; W. C. Fields; Judy Garland; Lupe Velez; Gloria Swanson; and a short interview with actress ANN MARIE GUYER, from the cast of Let’s Pretend. Recorded 6-17-70 at Sages East Restaurant in Chicago. Rebroadcast: 7/11/2015 – 7/17/2015.
July 18th, 1970 – GREAT RADIO TEAMS
PROGRAM 12: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1940s) Jim and Marian Jordon with some fun with house work at 79 Wistful Vista. LUM AND ABNER (2-13-49) Chester Lauck and Norris Goff star. Lum tries to make his own Valentine for Rowena. MR. AND MRS. NORTH (1-3-50) The Filed Skate starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin as Pam and Jerry North. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (11-16-52) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll in their 10,000th broadcast as radio’s all-time favorites. A nostalgic program telling how Amos ˜n’ Andy met and started the Fresh Air Taxi Company. PLUS – clips featuring George Burns and Gracie Allen; Easy Aces; and a short interview with actor PAUL BARNES, who was the last actor to portray Captain Midnight on the air. Recorded 6-17”70 at Sages East restaurant in Chicago. Rebroadcast: 7/18/2015 – 7/24/2015.
PROGRAM 13: WHEN A GIRL MARRIES (1943) Isolated episode of the tender, human story of young married life, dedicated to everyone who has ever been in love. ADVENTURES OF MAISIE (1940S) Ann Sothern stars as Maisie, with a supporting cast that features Hans Conried, Marvin Miller, Hy Averback, Peter Leeds and Arthur Q. Brian. In Tahiti, a troubled young man gives a large pearl to Maisie. OUR SPECIAL GUESTS, throughout the afternoon, will be radio announcer and producer PHIL BOWMAN; actresses ELMIRA ROESSLER and JEAN DAVID recorded 6-17-70 at Sages East Restaurant in Chicago; actress RITA ASCOT BOYD and radio casting director ALICE CAREY RICCA, recorded 8-1-70 at Findley Galleries, Chicago. PLUS – clips from Romance of Helen Trent; Backstage Wife; Ma Perkins; Lorenzo Jones; and Myrt and Marge. Rebroadcast: 7/25/2015 – 7/31/2015.
August 1st, 1970 – GREAT COMIC STRIP HEROES
PROGRAM 14: ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (1940s) Isolated adventure of one of the greatest of the comic strip heroes. BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY (1930s) Isolated episode of one of America’s first space travelers. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (2-15-45) Dick Tracy in B Flat starring Bing Crosby as Tracy; Dinah Shore as Tess Truehart; Harry Von Zell as Old Judge Hooper; Jerry Colonna as Police Chief; Bob Hope as Flattop; Frank Morgan as Vitamin Flintheart; Jimmy Durante as The Mole; Judy Garland as Snowflake; the Andrews Sisters as the Summer Sisters; Frank Sinatra as Shaky; and Cass Daley as Gravel Gertie. Presented by the Armed Forces Radio Service for U.S. military listeners around the world. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is JOSEPH A. SARNO, authority on comics, comic books and radio heroes. PLUS – Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia reading the funnies; Aunt Rita (Ascot) reading the Sunday comics; Stan Freberg’s Face the Funnies; excerpts from Lone Ranger, Mandrake the Magician and Smilin’ Jack. Rebroadcast: 8/1/2015 – 8/7/2015.
August 8th, 1970 – FUN AND GAMES DAY
PROGRAM 15: TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT (1940s) Comedian Garry Moore hosts this show with the top prize of $64 for correctly answering a string of questions. VOX POP (1940s) Excerpt. Wally Butterworth and Parks Johnson conduct the interviews with everyday people. TWENTY QUESTIONS (1940s) Excerpt. Quizmaster Bill Slater asks panelists Fred VanDeventer, Florence Rinard, and others to guess the topic by asking 20 questions or less. IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (1940s) Zany quiz show with moderator Tom Howard and panelists George Shelton, Lulu McConnell and Harry McNaughton. PLUS – clips featuring Eddie Layton at the Hammond organ plus comedy by Bob Elliot and Ray Goulding. Rebroadcast: 8/8/2015 – 8/14/2015.
August 15th, 1970 – MYSTERY DAY
PROGRAM 16: THE UNEXPECTED (1940s) Handle with Care starring Barry Sullivan. A man kills his wife, places her body in a trunk and ships the trunk to his summer cabin. MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER (11-6-51) Behind the Locked Door. On an expedition to Arizona, two explorers investigate a landslide of rocks and find the mouth of a cave where they find a wagon train and many skeletons. ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (1-10-43) Adventure of the Missing Submarine Plans starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. Some very important government papers are stolen and murder is committed. I LOVE A MYSTERY (1949) A pair of isolated episodes of The Thing That Cries in the Night by Carlton E. Morse starring Russell Thorson, Jim Boles and Tony Randall with Mercedes McCambridge. PLUS – clips featuring Boris Karloff and his Tales of the Frightened recordings. Rebroadcast: 8/15/2015 – 8/21/2015.
August 22nd, 1970 – DICK POWELL DOES HIS THING
PROGRAM 17: OUR SPECIAL GUEST is seventeen-year-old listener Sue Stefanski who requested a program on Dick Powell. MISS PINKERTON, INC (1940s) Dick Powell and Joan Blondell star in the first episode of a comedy-detective series. Cast includes Gale Gordon and Hanley Stafford. Mary Vance, a recent law school graduate, inherits a detective agency. RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (11-19-50) The Jacoby Case starring Dick Powell with Ed Begley and Virginia Gregg. The police think Jacoby, a convicted and deported criminal is back in town and out to get Diamond, the guy who put Jacoby away. CAMPANA SERENADE (1943) Dick Powell stars in a musical variety program. PLUS ” recordings and clips featuring Dick Powell: By a Waterfall; Flirtation Walk; Honeymoon Hotel; Lullaby of Broadway; Raleigh-Kool Cigarette program. Rebroadcast: 8/22/2015 – 8/28/2015.
August 29th, 1970 – FAMILY CLASSICS
PROGRAM 18: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (8-30-50) Chapter 14, Book 77, an isolated episode in the long-running, beloved series created by Carlton E. Morse. A DATE WITH JUDY (1940s) Louise Erickson as Judy Foster, John Brown as her father, Dix Davis as her brother Randolph and Richard Crenna as Judy’s boyfriend Oogie Pringle. THE FALCON (11-27-45) Murder is a Family Affair starring James Meighan as Michael Waring, known as The Falcon. In this episode, a killer is sentenced to die for a murder he committed. Other members of his family are involved in murder, too. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1940s) featuring Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky Nelson as themselves in this family comedy episode. PLUS – The Bickersons starring Frances Langford and Don Ameche; Stan Freberg’s The Zazaloph Family. Rebroadcast: 8/29/2015 – 9/4/2015.
September 5th, 1970 – THE SPICE OF LIFE
PROGRAM 19: SUSPENSE (11-11-56) Three Skeleton Key starring Vincent Price in that story about the rats, a radio classic. FIBBER MC GEE AND COMPANY (1-31-39) Jim Jordan stars as Fibber with Harold Peary, Bill Thompson, Isabel Randolph, Harlow Wilcox. Marian (Molly) is ill and has not appeared on the program since 11-8-37. This is the first program from Hollywood after originating in Chicago for many years. Fibber fancies himself as a military genius after the Army decides to hold its winter maneuvers and war games in Wistful Vista. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is JACK BENNY who talks about his radio days. Recorded 9-3-70 at Mill Run Theatre, Niles, Illinois. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-22-55 and broadcast again later that summer on 8-29-55) Jack’s final radio broadcast. Jack says When I did my first program there were hardly any radios in the country. Don Wilson cracks, And darn few people! Jack tries to get an early start on his vacation, but the sound effects man (Mel Blanc) drives him crazy. PLUS – On-air guests are listeners Don Koehnemann, speech therapist from Westchester, Illinois and Phero Thomas, free-lance artist and text book illustrator from Morton Grove, Illinois, speaking about the vintage radio shows. Also: Bergen and McCarthy with W. C. Fields in The Skunk Trap from a 1941 program. Rebroadcast: 9/5/2015 – 9/11/2015.
September 12th, 1970 – SOUNDS GREAT
PROGRAM 20: GABRIEL HEATTER (5-8-45) The commentator’s broadcast on V-E Day, the day of victory in Europe. LUM AND ABNER (1930s) Isolated episode from the long-running series starring Norris Goff and Chet Lauck. Activities at the Jot-Em-Down Store in Pine Ridge, Arkansas. MOLLE MYSTERY THEATRE (3-29-46) The Creeper. Story of an unknown killer who strangles red-headed women and then leaves a note: For heaven’s sake, catch me before I kill more! BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (10-13-37) Remote broadcast from the Madhattan Room of the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York, with Lionel Hampton, Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa, Martha Tilton. Selections include In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree, I’ve Got That Old Feeling and Avalon. PLUS – clips by Bob and Ray; Eddie Layton at the Hammond Organ with radio theme songs; and a trivia quiz panel of old time radio buffs. NOTE: Beginning next week, Those Were The Days switches from Saturday afternoons to Sunday afternoons while station WNMP carries a full schedule of Northwestern Wildcat football games. Rebroadcast: 9/12/2015 – 9/18/2015.
September 20th, 1970 – RADIO’S PRIVATE EYES
PROGRAM 21: YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (7-29-62) The Four is a Crowd Matter starring Mandel Kramer as the man with the action-packed expense account. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor TONY RANDALL who speaks of his radio career. Recorded 9-16-70 at Chicago’s Ambassador East Hotel.I LOVE A MYSTERY (1949) Isolated episode of The Thing That Cries in the Night With Russell Thorson as Jack Packard, Barton Yarborough as Doc Long and Tony Randall as Reggie York. ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (8-1-48) Dry Martini Caper starring Howard Duff as the private eye with Lurene Tuttle and Joseph Kearns. MR. KEEN, TRACER OF LOST PERSONS (1-19-50) The Bride and Groom Murder Case is solved by the kindly old investigator. NOTE: With this broadcast, Those Were The Days has moved to Sunday afternoons for the full schedule of Northwestern Wildcat football games on station WNMP. Rebroadcast: 9/19/2015 – 9/25/2015.
September 27th, 1970 – FOR AND ABOUT KIDS
PROGRAM 22: BABY SNOOKS (1940s) Fanny Brice stars as Snooks with Hanley Stafford as Daddy. Daddy takes Snooks to the opera. BOBBY BENSON AND THE B-BAR-B RIDERS (8-15-50) The Three Wise Monkeys. Young ranch owner Bobby Benson and his friends investigate when a neighboring rancher is attacked and a see-no-evil monkey statue is stolen. BLUE BEETLE (1947) Isolated episode in the syndicated series, an obvious take-off on The Green Hornet. HOP HARRIGAN (1940s) Isolated episode in the exploits of America’s Ace of the Airwaves. ARMSTRONG OF THE S.B.I. (1951) After Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy became a man he joined the Scientific Bureau of Investigation, with radio adventures heard in complete half-hour shows, three times a week. This one was called The Deadliest of the Species. TOM MIX RALSTON STRAIGHT-SHOOTERS (5-8-45) This isolated episode was broadcast live on V-E Day, the day Germany surrendered near the end of World War II. Rebroadcast: 9/26/2015 – 10/2/2015.
October 4th, 1970 – THE LEGEND OF AL JOLSON
PROGRAM 23: LEGEND OF AL JOLSON – Commercial recording featuring broadcaster/columnist Walter Winchell narrating the story of the life of Al Jolson, the world’s greatest entertainer. KRAFT MUSIC HALL COMPOSITE “ Music and dialog of Al Jolson and Oscar Levant from Jolson’s NBC series in 1946-47 and 1947-48. LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-2-47) The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson with Gail Patrick, Ludwig Donath and Tamara Shayne in the radio version of the first talking picture, which originally starred Jolson in 1927. Rebroadcast: 10/3/2015 – 10/9/2015.
October 11th, 1970 – WHEN RADIO WAS RADIO
PROGRAM 24: AMOS ˜N ANDY (1958) On their 30th anniversary on network radio, Amos, Andy and the Kingfish interview their creators, Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll. THE WHISTLER (10-31-48) Letter from Yesterday starring Ed Begley. On the way to his daughter’s wedding in California, a successful businessman remembers his escape from prison some 25 years earlier. BOB HOPE SHOW (2-17-48) Bob’s guest is Fred Astaire in this broadcast from Woodland Hills, California. Regulars include Jerry Colonna, Vera Vague, Trudy Irwin, Les Brown and his band of renown. Fred and Bob appear as a pair of down-and-out vaudevillians. OUR SPECIAL GUESTS are vaudevillians FRANK and EILEEN KRASE, who talk about their long career in show business. Recorded 10-4-70 at the Brown Bear Restaurant, Chicago. BLONDIE (2-16-50) starring Arthur Lake as Dagwood, Ann Rutherford as Blondie with Hanley Stafford as Mr. Dithers. Alexander’s teacher encourages Blondie and Dagwood to allow their son to follow an acting career. Rebroadcast: 10/10/2015 – 10/16/2015.
October 18th, 1970 – NOSTALGIA¦OFF THE RECORD
PROGRAM 25: AN AFTERNOON OF AUDIO ENTERTAINMENT from the world of commercial recordings featuring: Bob and Ray, Judy Garland, The Bickersons, Glenn Miller and his orchestra, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, Kay Kyser, Buddy Hackett, Arthur Tracy – the Street Singer, Bob Newhart, Gene Austin, Henny Youngman, Fred Astaire, Stan Freberg, Bing Crosby, Clyde McCoy, Spike Jones, Eddie Cantor, Shelly Berman, Freddy Martin and his orchestra. Rebroadcast: 10/18/2015 – 10/23/2015.
October 25th, 1970 – PRE-HALLOWEEN SPOOK SHOW
PROGRAM 26: SUSPENSE (6-7-55) Frankenstein featuring Stacy Harris, Herb Butterfield, Barney Phillips and Vivi Janniss. A scientist creates a monster in his laboratory. SUSPENSE (11-24-42) The Body Snatchers rob graves to provide medical students with dead bodies to study. MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR (10-30-38) The War of the Worlds is Orson Welles’ version of the H. G. Wells story of the invasion from Mars. This is perhaps the most famous radio broadcast of all time. PLUS – Boris Karloff and his Tales of the Frightened. Rebroadcast: 10/24/2015 – 10/30/2015.
November 1st, 1970 – HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD
PROGRAM 27: ACADEMY AWARD (10-23-46) The Devil and Miss Jones starring Charles Coburn and Virginia Mayo in the comedy about a department store tycoon who takes a job in his own store. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, JR. who talks about his long motion picture career. Recorded 10-27-70 at Drury Lane Theatre, Evergreen Park, Illinois. SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (9-9-49) The Human Comedy starring Mickey Rooney in William Saroyan’s story of a small California town during World War II. Cast includes Francis X. Bushman, Barton Yarborough and Irene Tedro. Directed by Clarence Brown. ACADEMY AWARD (4-9-46) Kitty Foyle starring Ginger Rogers as a working girl from the wrong side of the tracks who loves a socialite. Rebroadcast: 10/31/2015 – 11/6/2015.
November 8th, 1970 – RADIO’S BIG BAND ERA
PROGRAM 28: GLENN MILLER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1940s) Remote broadcast from the Café Rouge of the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York, with Ray Eberly, Marian Hutton and Tex Beneke. Selections include I Want to Be Happy and Tiger Rag. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is band leader FREDDY MARTIN who talks about his orchestra and his musical career. Recorded 10-21-70 at Willowbrook Ballroom in suburban Chicago. GOING PLACES PARTY (1930s) featuring Freddy Martin and his orchestra at a college sorority dance. Music includes Sweetheart of Sigma Chi and You Have to Be a Football Hero. BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (10-21-43) Excerpt of a remote broadcast from the New Yorker Hotel in New York City. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band leader DICK JURGENS who describes his long and successful career in music. Recorded 11-4-70 at Willowbrook Ballroom in suburban Chicago. HERE’S TO VETERANS (1949) Dick Jurgens and his band in a remote from the Café Rouge of the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York. Selections include So In Love and Begin the Beguine. TOMMY DORSEY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1940-44) A collection of excerpts from Dorsey remote broadcasts including Frank Sinatra’s last song for Tommy and the introduction of his replacement, Dick Haymes. Rebroadcast: 11/7/2015 – 11/13/2015.
November 15th, 1970 – THE SPACE AGE
PROGRAM 29: TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET (2-26-52) A Space Cadet is suddenly threatened by a Spaceman’s most dreaded disease – space fever. SUSPENSE (9-9-62) A Strange Day in May starring William Mason. An astronaut take a space flight to find out what happened to the two astronauts before him who never returned. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is comedian MILTON BERLE who talks about his lengthy show business career. Recorded 11-10-70 at Mill Run Theatre in Niles, Illinois. GUEST STAR (1940s) Milton Berle and Kenny Delmar reminisce about their school days together. BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY (1930s) Isolated episode in one of radio’s first science fiction adventures. PLUS – Various clips featuring Milton Berle on radio. Rebroadcast: 11/14/2015 – 11/21/2015.
November 22nd, 1970 – FIRST ANNUAL THANKSGIVING PROGRAM
PROGRAM 30: EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (11-26-48) Eddie talks about Thanksgiving dinner at his house. Eddie takes a nap and dreams of going to college and being a big football hero. Cast includes Harry Von Zell, Billie Burke, Dinah Shore, Bert Gordon. OUR SPECIAL GUESTS are radio actors MAURICE COPELAND, SIDNEY BREESE and JUNE TRAVIS speaking of their days in radio. Interviewed 10-22-70 at Drury Lane Theatre in Evergreen Park, Illinois. CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (11-18-45) Edgar Bergen stars with Charlie and guest Margaret O’Brien in a Thanksgiving play. Charlie is John Alden, Edgar is Miles Standish and Margaret is Priscilla. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-30-52) Thanksgiving dinner is at Mary’s house. Jack shows up in an old green tuxedo and insists that the Pilgrims landed at Cape Cod. TREASURY STAR PARADE (9-16-43) Fanny Brice stars as Baby Snooks with Hanley Stafford as Daddy. Daddy’s uncle is coming for dinner and he has prepared a very economical wartime meal. NOTE: This is the last Sunday show. Those Were The Days returns to Saturday afternoons beginning with next week’s program. Rebroadcast: 11/22/2015 – 11/27/2015.
November 28th, 1970 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 31: SUSPENSE (12-23-48) Back for Christmas starring Herbert Marshall as a botany professor who hopes for a merry holiday after he murders his nagging wife. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-5-39) Jim and Marian Jordan star with Harold Peary as Gildersleeve who offers Fibber and Molly a job in the Bon Ton Department Store adjustment department during the Christmas shopping season. BOSTON BLACKIE (1940s) The Stolen Rings. Dick Kollmer as Blackie who plays Santa to investigate a case of stolen diamond rings. CHRISTMAS COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-25-44) Excerpt of an all-star holiday variety show for members of the armed forces during WW II. Bob Hope presents Xavier Cugat and the orchestra, Jimmy Durante, Jack Benny and Fred Allen. A VISIT TO A DOLL FACTORY (1938) Just 14 shopping days before Christmas the Special Features Division of the Mutual Broadcasting System takes listeners to the Ideal Toy Company in Long Island for a guided tour. Rebroadcast: 11/28/2015 – 12/4/2015.
December 5th, 1970 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 32: COUPLE NEXT DOOR (1940s) Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce as Ethel and Albert in an isolated holiday episode. THE CINNAMON BEAR (1938) Episodes 1 and 26, plus four more selected chapters in between (episodes 6, 11, 16, 21) of the beloved and much-remembered Christmastime radio serial. Chuck Schaden recaps the story between episodes. TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (12-20-47) Ralph Edwards presents a special Christmas edition of the audience participation stunt show. After a silly consequence spot, Ralph takes listeners to Long Beach California Veterans Hospital to surprise Hubert Smith, a paralyzed veteran, with a This is Your Life“salute from family and friends. Rebroadcast: 12/5/2015 – 12/11/2015.
December 12th, 1970 – RADIO TO WRAP CHRISTMAS GIFTS BY
PROGRAM 33: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-20-49) Jim and Marian Jordan star. Fibber is decorating his house for Christmas to win the big Wistful Vista prize. Teeny and the kids sing Twas the Night Before Christmas. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-19-50) Jack and Mary do their Chirstmas shopping. Jack decides to get Don Wilson a pair of cuff links. Mel Blanc is the department store clerk. RADIO READER’S DIGEST (12-19-46) Room for a Stranger starring Frank Sinatra. On a wartime Christmas Eve, a Navy flier is on his way to see his girl when he gets his orders to report to his base. BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (1940s) It’s the night before Christmas and Gracie tells a bedtime story to her pet duck, Herman. Her story puts her to asleep and she dreams she’s at the North Pole and Santa’s bag of toys is stolen by the Wicked Witch. Bill Goodwin is Aladdin; Arthur Q. Brian plays Santa; George Burns plays Prince Valient; Edna Mae Oliver is the Witch; Paul Whiteman in Humpty Dumpty. SUSPENSE (12-22-57) Dog Star with Evelyn Rudi, Dick Beals, Shirley Mitchell, Lou Krugman, Jack Kruschen. At Christmastime, a Russian satellite lands in a little girl’s back yard bringing her an unexpected gift. Rebroadcast: 12/12/2015 – 12/18/2015.
December 19th, 1970 – RADIO TO TRIM THE CHRISTMAS TREE BY
PROGRAM 34: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-24-43) The cast visits Jack’s house on Christmas Eve. Mary and Jack trim the tree and Jack gets a shock when she plugs in the lights. A CHRISTMAS CAROL ” Lionel Barrymore stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this commercially recorded version of Charles Dickens’ classic story. AMOS ˜n’ ANDY (12-24-50) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll present their traditional Christmas program. Andy wants to give a doll to Amos’ daughter so he gets a job as a department store Santa Claus to earn one for her. Later, Amos tells his daughter the meaning of The Lord’s Prayer.DUFFY’S TAVERN (12-22-48) Ed Gardner stars as Archie, who is in a bad mood on Christmas Eve because Duffy didn’t come through with a Christmas gift. A visitor to the tavern drops in and he and Archie take a walk around town. A sentimental show in the best tradition of radio. Actor Jeff Chandler portrays the visitor. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-25-44) Excerpt from an all-star Armed Forces Radio Service broadcast featuring Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, Judy Garland, Ginny Simms, Virginia O’Brien, Dorothy Lamour and Frances Langford plus Spencer Tracy narrating the classic Christmas story, The Small One. Rebroadcast: 12/19/2015 – 12/25/2015.
December 26th, 1970 – A DATE WITH JUDY GARLAND
PROGRAM 35: LEO IS ON THE AIR (1939) Movie radio preview of the MGM film, The Wizard of Oz with Judy Garland and other members of the screen cast. LEO IS ON THE AIR (1939) Movie radio preview of the MGM film Babes in Arms with Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland in scenes from the film. GOOD NEWS (1942) Excerpt featuring Judy Garland, Gene Kelly and George Murphy in scenes from the MGM film For Me and My Gal. MAIL CALL (1944) Judy Garland stars as Mistress of Ceremonies in this Armed Forces broadcast also starring Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante and Arthur Treacher. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (2-15-51) The Story of Cinderella starring Judy Garland with Verna Felton, Sara Berner, Mary Jane Croft. PLUS – Clips from Judy Garland’s first radio broadcast in 1935 and on Jack Oakie’s College radio show in the late 1930s. Rebroadcast: 12/26/2015 – 1/1/2016.
January 2nd, 1971 – HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GOOD OLD RADIO
PROGRAM 36: SUSPENSE (12-28-58) The 32nd of December starring Frank Lovejoy with Barney Phillips and Joan Banks. On New Year’s Eve a man pawns his wife’s wedding ring to pay off a gambling debt, but instead he buys a most unusual timepiece. TOWN HALL TONIGHT (5-25-38) Fred Allen stars with Portland Hoffa, the Merry Macs, and the Town Hall Quartet. The Mighty Allen Art Players present Who Stole the Favorite? or One Long Pan Had his Hands Tied, Still he was Feeling his Oats. MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER (1-5-47) New Year’s Nightmare. After a New Year’s Eve of drinking, a man is hit by a car. When he regains consciousness, he discovers a whole year is missing from his life and he is married to a woman he doesn’t know or love. GUEST STAR (6-15-47) Fibber McGee and Molly appear for U.S. Savings Bonds. Fibber’s latest get-rich-quick scheme is to buy a can of soup, then return it for double his money back. Rebroadcast: 1/2/2016 – 1/8/2016.
January 9th, 1971 – RADIO’S FOURTH ESTATE
PROGRAM 37: THE BIG STORY (3-19-52) From the pages of the Helena, Montana Independent Record, it’s Allan Copperswaith’s story of a reporter who gambled his own life to avenge a murder. Cast includes Bill Lipton and Joe DeSantis. VOICE OF BROADWAY (1-18-45) Broadway columnist Dorothy Kilgallen offers show business gossip. Her guest is Bob Hope. FULTON LEWIS, JR. (1-25-39) America’s ace reporter on the national scene with news and commentary. ALAN YOUNG SHOW (1940s) Excerpt. Alan tries to get a job as a newspaper reporter. Cast includes Kenny Delmar, Ed Begley and Jack Kirkwood. WENDY WARREN AND THE NEWS (1950) Isolated episode of an unusual soap opera. Wendy actually delivers current women’s news at the beginning of the program and CBS newsman Douglas Edwards presents the hard news of the day. Then the sudsy dramatic portion of the program follows. MURDER, INCORPORATED ” Commercial recording. Columnist Walter Winchell narrates the story of how he helped apprehend Public Enemy Number 1, Louis The Lep Buchalter and was instrumental in delivering the mobster to J. Edgar Hoover of the FBI. SPORTS NEWSREEL (6-4-48) Sportscaster Bill Stern in the 451st edition of the Newsreel, from Chicago. He interviews America’s most famous athlete Jim Thorp and relates sports vignettes about the Chicago fire and the Black Sox scandal. Rebroadcast: 1/9/2016 – 1/15/2016.
January 16th, 1971 – FROM OUT OF THE WEST
PROGRAM 38: GUNSMOKE (5-10-59) William Conrad stars as US Marshal Matt Dillon, with Parley Baer as Chester. The widow of a Senator arrives in Dodge City in search of her grandson who belongs back at Yale College where he belongs. HOOFBEATS (1937) Isolated episode of the radio western starring Buck Jones who rides with his horse Silver. ACADEMY AWARD (5-4-46) Stagecoach starring Claire Trevor and Randolph Scott in the story of a group of assorted passengers traveling into Indian territory. LONE RANGER (1930s)Cattle Drive starring Earle Graser as the Masked Rider of the Plaines. The notorious Steel plans a massive cattle drive to sell 50,000 head and break the Clarksville cattle market wide open. The Lone Ranger, Tonto and the ranchers take measure to prevent the outlaw from carrying out his plans. STRAIGHT ARROW (6-7-51) Steve Adams, as Straight Arrow, acts to stop a plot to overthrow the chief of the tribe. Howard Culver stars in this isolated episode. PLUS ” Stan Freberg’s Bang Gunleigh, U.S. Marshall Field; and a Bob and Ray comedy clip. Rebroadcast: 1/16/2016 – 1/22/2016.
January 23rd, 1971 – THE GOOD OLD DAYS
PROGRAM 39: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-17-42) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve. An old college chum is coming to dinner with his wife, the Countess, but Gildy is in the midst of redecorating his house and the place is a mess. LIFE WITH LUIGI (9-2-52) J. Carroll Naish as Luigi with Alan Reed as Pasquale and Hans Conried as Schultz. Luigi’s night school Americanization class decides to have a picnic at the beach. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor HANS CONRIED who talks about his extensive career on radio. Recorded 1-19-71 at Pheasant Run Playhouse in St. Charles, Illinois. TRUE DETECTIVE MYSTERIES (1-6-58) The actual report of an actual crime. A young couple picks up a hitch-hiker who turns out to be an escaped convict. PLUS ” clips from Vic and Sade; My Friend Irma; Adventures of Maisie; and Suspense. Rebroadcast: 1/23/2016 – 1/29/2016.
January 30th, 1971 – FOR MOM AND THE KIDS
PROGRAM 40: CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (9-30-40) First show in the long-running series for Ovaltine. Ed Prentiss stars as Captain Midnight in this origin story episode. AUNT JENNY’S REAL LIFE STORIES (1940s) Aunt Jenny tells a story and offers recipes for Spry shortening. Singer Lanny Ross plays a role in this episode. During the story he sings a song and stands by while Aunt Jenny tells listeners how to broil fish the Spry way. STELLA DALLAS (1940s) Isolated episode in the long-running true-to-life story of mother love and sacrifice. Anne Elstner stars as Stella. SGT. PRESTON OF THE YUKON (1950s) Paul Sutton stars as Preston who investigates a gold claim scheme. JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY (4-30-42) An isolated episode in the Land of the Sky sequence. PLUS – Chicago radio performers comment on their careers while speaking at a meeting of the Women’s Advertising Club of Chicago honoring Radio’s Golden Anniversary, recorded in January, 1971. Heard throughout this TWTD broadcast are PAUL BARNES, HARRY ELDERS, ELMIRA ROESSLER, RITA BOYD and ELOISE KUMMER. Rebroadcast: 1/30/2016 – 2/5/2016.
February 6th, 1971 – SPOTLIGHT ON BING CROSBY
PROGRAM 41: BING CROSBY (1931) Bing’s first radio appearance, delayed because of a severe attack of laryngitis. Harry Von Zell introduces this excerpt from Bing’s first 15 minute broadcast as an exclusive Columbia artist. PHILCO RADIO TIME (2-19-47) Bing Crosby stars with John Scott Trotter and the orchestra and announcer Ken Carpenter. Guests are Judy Garland, director Leo McCarey and vaudevillian William Frawley. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (10-14-48) Welcome Stranger starring Bing Crosby, Barry Fitzgerald and Mona Freeman in the story about a young, carefree doctor who fills in for an older, vacationing physician in a small town. SALUTE TO BING CROSBY (1-9-51) On the occasion of Bing’s 20th anniversary in show business, Art Linkletter hosts an all-star CBS program in honor of The Groaner. Guests include Amos ˜n’ Andy, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Judy Garland and Bob Hope. BING CROSBY ENTERTAINS (1934) An early Crosby program from Hollywood. Bing sings Blame It on My Youth, Easy to Remember and Lullaby of Broadway. Rebroadcast: 2/6/2016 – 2/12/2016.
February 13th, 1971 – I LOVE A MYSTERY
PROGRAM 42: I LOVE A MYSTERY (1949) The Thing That Cries in the Night starring Russell Thorson as Jack Packard, Jim Boles as Doc Long and Tony Randall as Reggie York, with Mercedes McCambridge. When Jack, Doc and Reggie arrive in Hollywood to spend $25,000 in reward money from their last case, they are met at the airport by a mysterious young woman in a chauffeur-driven car. The woman asks them to accompany her to an old Hollywood mansion. The detectives receive no further explanation, but decide to go along for the ride. NOTE: Chuck Schaden sets the scene by recapping the first three chapters of the serial and then presents, throughout the broadcast, the remaining episodes of the exciting Carlton E. Morse adventure. Rebroadcast: 2/13/2016 – 2/19/2016.
February 20th, 1971 – REMEMBER SUNDAY?
PROGRAM 43: Tuning in to the Sunday shows: FRED ALLEN PROGRAM (12-30-45) Fred and the regulars with guest Gregory Ratoff. The Allen’s Alley question is How do you feel about Mayor LaGuardia’s return to private life? Fred tells of his Russian dinner with Gregory and the two of them wonder how American radio programs would sound in Russia. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-6-44) Guest Frank Sinatra joins Jack, Mary, Phil, Rochester and Don. Dennis Day is in the Navy, so Sinatra auditions for Jack’s show. FITCH BANDWAGON (10-21-45) Comedienne-singer Cass Daly stars with Glen Gray and his Casa Loma Orchestra. Cass is a clerk in a music shop. CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (12-26-48) Edgar Bergen’s final program for Chase and Sanborn features highlights of his 11 years with the sponsor, Mortimer Snerd, the Bickersons, and Ray Noble and the orchestra. ALSO – clips from Manhattan Merry-Go-Round and the Quiz Kids. Rebroadcast: 2/20/2016 – 2/26/2016.
February 27th, 1971 – REMEMBER MONDAY?
PROGRAM 44: Tuning in to the Monday shows: INNER SANCTUM (1-31-49) Devil’s Fortune starring Karl Swenson, Jackson Beck and Charles Irving. A madman uses fear and terror to gain control of a Mexican gold mine. LUM AND ABNER (5-8-41) Isolated episode. Chester Lauck and Norris Goff as the proprietors of the Jot-Em-Down Store in Pine Ridge, Arkansas. BULLDOG DRUMMOND (6-9-48) Death Uses Disappearing Ink starring Ned Weaver as Captain Hugh Drummond, who follows a trail to Mexico City. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-21-44) Wake Up and Live starring Frank Sinatra, Bob Crosby, James Gleason, Marilyn Maxwell and James Dunn. A shy singer accidentally becomes a radio singing sensation. Host is Cecil B. DeMille. Rebroadcast: 2/27/2016 – 3/4/2016.
March 6th, 1971 – REMEMBER TUESDAY?
PROGRAM 45: Tuning in to the Tuesday shows: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-27-41) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees with Hal Peary as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve. McGee and Gildy argue and Fibber cuts a record to make up. BOB HOPE SHOW (9-19-44) From Camp Borden in Canada, Bob presents Jerry Colonna, Frances Langford, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra and guest Quentin Reynolds, war correspondent and author. SUSPENSE (11-16-50) On a Country Road starring Cary Grant and Cathy Lewis. On a rainy night, on a lonely road, a couple hear a radio report about an insane woman, armed with a meat cleaver, who has escaped from a nearby asylum. Then they run out of gas. A Suspense classic. GREEN HORNET (10-31-39) Brit Reid, young publisher of the Daily Sentinel, sets out to smash a parking lot protection racket. The Green Hornet arranges a midnight meeting. PLUS – clip featuring Red Skelton as Junior, the mean little kid. Rebroadcast: 3/5/2016 – 3/11/2016.
March 13th, 1971 – REMEMBER WEDNESDAY?
PROGRAM 46: Tuning in to the Wednesday shows: DUFFY’S TAVERN (4-26-46) Ed Gardner as Archie with guest Esther Williams. He’s planning a fashion show for the Tavern and wants Esther to model a swim suit. But she’s tired of wearing bathing suits! MR. AND MRS. NORTH (1943) The Missing Sparkler stars Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin as Pam and Jerry North. A pair of jewel thieves are on a train with the Norths. ACADEMY AWARD (10-2-46) My Man Godfrey starring William Powell in a Depression-era story of a homeless man who becomes a butler. GANGBUSTERS (1940s) Case of Frank Luston Watch for a husky man of 25, scars on face and forehead and reportedly has home permanent wave to disguise appearance. PLUS – Chuck’s in-studio guest is David Denwood who reports on the auction of Twentieth Century-Fox props which he attended in Hollywood a few weeks earlier. Rebroadcast: 3/12/2016 – 3/18/2016.
March 20th, 1971 – REMEMBER THURSDAY?
PROGRAM 47: Tuning in to the Thursday shows: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1943) Excerpt. Bing, just back from entertaining the troops overseas, is in New York while the rest of the cast is in Hollywood. Guests are George Murphy, Spike Jones and his City Slickers, plus Marilyn Maxwell and a surprise visit from Bob Hope. BURNS AND ALLEN (3-21-44) Guest is Rita Hayworth (Mrs. Orson Welles). Orson is out of town and Rita is afraid to spend the night alone, so George and Gracie decide to keep her company. Gracie discovers George is not a genius like Orson. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-30-47) It’s Eddie’s 55th birthday and he decides to buy a radio station. Guests Jack Benny, Ralph Edwards and Peter Lind Hayes join regulars Harry Von Zell, Margaret Whiting and Cookie Fairchild and the orchestra. CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (9-19-46) The Duke of Skid Row starring Staats Cotsworth as Casey. A clean, but shabbily dressed man who lives in a dollar-a-night hotel suddenly has a lot of money. VIC AND SADE (1940) Uncle Fletcher is helping his landlady with her wedding plans. He has to pick out a ring and wants Sade to help. Rebroadcast: 3/19/2016 – 3/25/2016.
March 27th, 1971 – REMEMBER FRIDAY!
PROGRAM 48: Tuning in to the Friday shows: BABY SNOOKS (5-16-48) Excerpt from a Guest Star program for U.S. Security Bonds. Fanny Brice as Snooks with Hanley Stafford as Daddy, who wants to take Snooks to the opera, but she would rather see a movie. THIS IS YOUR F.B.I. (4-2-7-45) Escaped Prisoners of War narrated by Frank Lovejoy. Two GIs discover a tunnel being used by prisoners of war to escape from a Nazi POW camp in Texas. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-3-44) The Nelsons discuss the theory that if you do nice things for others, nice things will come your way. Then they find a wallet with a lot of money and ration books. Ozzie and Harriet sing The Trolley Song. KATE SMITH SHOW (9-29-44) The Songbird of the South with a program of music and chatter. MOLLE MYSTERY THEATRE (11-14-47) Four Fatal Jugglers. Take four people, mix them together on an isolated island, add a dash or two of mutual hatred, let them juggle that hatred back and forth until it erupts into murder¦ PLUS – clips with Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore and It Pays to Be Ignorant. Rebroadcast: 3/26/2016 – 4/1/2016.
April 3rd, 1971 – REMEMBER SATURDAY!
PROGRAM 49: Tuning in to the Saturday shows: YOUR HIT PARADE (1-22-44) starring Frank Sinatra and Joan Edwards with the Hit Paraders. Naturally, Frank sings the Number One song of the week. LIFE OF RILEY (1940s) Riley is angry because Junior tried to get better marks by raking his math teacher’s leaves. William Bendix as Riley. NATIONAL BARN DANCE (10-21-43) The gang is in the hayloft for music and fun. Cast includes Burl Ives, Joe Kelly, Arkie the Arkansas Woodchopper, Lulu Belle and Scotty. CURTAIN TIME (5-31-47) Twice Blessed starring Harry Elders and Nanette Sargent. A romantic drama about a wealthy woman whoi has become a patron of the arts by helping struggling artists. She takes a liking to a young composer who becomes a huge success. PLUS – an excerpt from Truth or Consequences. Rebroadcast: 4/2/2016 – 4/8/2016.
April 10th, 1971 – JOLSON SINGS AGAIN
PROGRAM 50: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (12-18-47) Al Jolson stars with Oscar Levant and guest Jimmy Durante. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (12-17-46) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll as radio’s all-time favorites welcome guest Al Jolson, the world’s greatest entertainer. The Kingfish and Andy open a cigar store. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-16-48) The Jolson Story starring Al Jolson, Evelyn Keyes, William Demarest and Ludwig Donath in the radio version of the 1946 screen biography of Jolson, with Joilie as himself in the role played on the screen by Larry Parks. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-8-48) Al Jolson stars with Oscar Levant and guest William Powell. Rebroadcast: 4/9/2016 – 4/15/2016.
April 17th, 1971 – RADIO AND ALL THAT JAZZ
PROGRAM 51: TOMMY DORSEY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (11-26-40) Remote broadcast from the new Palladium Ballroom-Café on Sunset Boulevard in the very heart of Hollywood’s amusement center. Featured are Frank Sinatra, the Pied Pipers and Connie Haines. Selections include The One I Love Belongs to Somebody Else, Our Love Affair, and Hawaiian War Chant. MILDRED BAILEY (10-20-44) The Rockin’ Chair Lady with Paul Barron and the orchestra, Teddy Wilson, Charlie Shaver, Red Norvo and Specs Powell. Guests are the Delta Rhythm Boys and Jimmy Dorsey. Mildred sings Keep Your Hands on the Plow and Dinah. BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-18-37) Remote from the Manhattan room of the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York with vocals by Martha Tilton. Music includes All of Me and I Want to Be in Winchell’s Column. The Goodman Trio “Teddy Wilson, Gene Krupa and Benny – present Where or When and becomes a Quartet when Lionel Hampton joins in for Dinah. ELLA FITZGERALD AND HER ORCHESTRA (1-25-40) The First Lady of Swing in a broadcast from the Savoy Hotel in Harlem, New York. Selections include Limehouse Blues and Oh, Johnnie. WOODY HERMAN SHOW (10-13-45) Excerpt. Woody and the Herman Herd, Franses Wayne, The Woodchoppers, Chubby Jackson. Numbers include On the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe and Gee, It’s Good to Hold You. OUR SPECIAL GUEST, throughout the program, is JOHN McDONOUGH , free-lance writer, jazz buff and frequent contributor to Down Beat Magazine, who talks about the great Jazz Age on radio. Rebroadcast: 4/16/2016 – 4/22/2016.
April 24th, 1971 – FIRST ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM
PROGRAM 52: Presenting two All-Star broadcasts from NBC and CBS: OUR SILVER JUBILEE (1951) Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the National Broadcasting Company, featuring Fibber McGee and Molly, Bergen and McCarthy, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Durante, Bob Hope, Tallulah Bankhead, Groucho Marx, Ozzie and Harriet, Joan Davis, Jack Carson, Abbott and Costello, Aldrich Family, Great Gildersleeve and many others. STARS IN THE AFTERNOON (9-22-46) The Columbia Broadcasting System presents a preview of its 1946-47 season, featuring Screen Guild Players, Crime Photographer, Inner Sanctum, Sam Spade, Thin Man, Dr. Christian, Vaughn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Maisie, Blondie and many others. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 4/23/2016 – 4/29/2016.
May 1st, 1971 – NATIONAL RADIO MONTH Part 1
PROGRAM 53: TROMAN HARPER, RUMOR DETECTIVE (12-20-42) The radio personality who tracks down rumors during World War II. On this broadcast he asks Do American GIs really have to eat alfalfa instead of vegetables? And Does a soldier lose his chance to become an officer after he’s been sent overseas? BLONDIE (1948) Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake as the Bumsteads, whose son Alexander decides to leave home and join the circus. ACADEMY AWARD (9-11-46) Shadow of a Doubt starring Joseph Cotton in the story of a young girl who suspects her Uncle Charlie to be the Merry Widow Murderer. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (2-5-45) An isolated episode of the long-running after-school series starring Bud Collyer as Clark Kent/Superman with Jackie Kelk as Jimmy Olson. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (4-3-39) Isolated, but important, episode starring Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll. Announcer is Bill Hay and organist Gaylord Carter. Andrew H. Brown is about to be married. The church is in readiness and during the ceremony, Andy is shot! Rebroadcast: 4/30/2016 – 5/6/2016.
May 8th, 1971 – NATIONAL RADIO MONTH Part 2
PROGRAM 54: TOWN HALL TONIGHT (2-22-39) Fred Allen stars with Portland Hoffa, the Merry Macs, Peter Van Steeden and the orchestra. Fred’s question: Should the New York subway be decorated with murals? Fred talks with the inventor of B pictures and the Mighty Allen Art Players present Murder at the Opera, a wild take-off on Carmen. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (2-6-45) Isolated episode, following last week’s story. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is former child radio star ROSE MARIE who talks about her career in a conversation recorded at the Pheasant Run Playhouse on April 14, 1971. SUSPENSE (1-25-43) Sorry, Wrong Number starring Agnes Moorehead in the first radio broadcast of the radio mystery classic about an invalid woman who, through a freak telephone connection, overhears to men plotting a murder¦ which turns out to be hers! Rebroadcast: 5/7/2016 – 5/13/2016.
May 15th, 1971 – NATIONAL RADIO MONTH Part 3
PROGRAM 55: STAN FREBERG SHOW (1957) Fourth program in his legendary summer of ’57 series. Featuring June Foray, Daws Butler, Peter Leeds. INNER SANCTUM (1945) Ghosts Always Get the Last Laugh. A judge sentences a killer to die by hanging, and then soon finds himself in similar circumstances. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-28-40) Jim and Marian Jordan star with Hal Peary as Gildersleeve. It’s Circus Day in Wistful Vista. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is HAL PEARY, who was Gildersleeve on the McGee series and later had his own program, The Great Gildersleeve. Phone conversation recorded April 28, 1971. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1940s) Hal Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, whose old college chum, millionaire Cyrus W. Brinkerhoff, is coming to dinner with his wife, the Countessa. Rebroadcast: 5/14/2016 – 5/20/2016.
May 22nd, 1971 – NATIONAL RADIO MONTH Part 4
PROGRAM 56: LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-4-46) This Love of Ours starring Rita Hayworth and Charles Korvin. The story of an unfaithful wife and mother who leaves home only to return 12 years later to fall in love with her husband. CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LOWER BASIN STREET (5-5-40) Geno Hamilton introduces this tribute to Dixieland music, with Paul Lavalle, Henry Hot Lips Levine, Benny Carter. CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (5-14-47) Isolated episode of The Adventures of the Stolen Star with Ed Prentiss as Captain Midnight. The Secret Squadron, flying over Yucatan, spot a downed plane and they land to offer help. RED SKELTON SHOW (5-14-52) The Skelton Scrapbook offers The Rumor with Red as Clem Kadiddlehopper, as Willy Lump-Lump and as Junior, the Mean Widdle Kid. Rebroadcast: 5/21/2016 – 5/27/2016.
May 29th, 1971 – NATIONAL RADIO MONTH Part 5
PROGRAM 57: COMMAND PERFORMANCE (2-15-45) Dick Tracy in B Flat or For Goodness Sakes, Isn’t He Ever Going to Marry Tess Trueheart? It’s the first comic strip operetta starring Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Jerry Colonna, Bob Hope, Frank Morgan, Jimmy Durante, Judy Garland, the Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and Cass Daley. MA PERKINS RE-CREATION (5-29-71) A live-in-our-studio re-enactment of an original Ma Perkins radio script starring a number of Chicago radio and television personalities: Rita Ascot Boyd, Viola Berwick, Johnny Coons, Phil Bowman and Bob Kennedy. MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (1940s) The Man with the Black Beard starring Mercedes McCambridge. A woman has recurring dreams that a man with a black beard is trying to kill her. CLUB 15 (1940s) Music and humor with Bob Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, Margaret Whiting, the Pied Pipers and Jerry Gray and the orchestra. Rebroadcast: 5/28/2016 – 6/3/2016.
June 5th, 1971 – REMEMBER SATURDAY MORNING
PROGRAM 58: SMILIN’ ED’S GANG (11-1-47) Ed and his Buster Brown gang including Froggy the Gremlin, Midnight the Cat, Squeeky the Mouse, Granny and Shortfellow, the poet. Ed tells the story of Robin Hood and the Jousting Tourney. ARMSTRONG THEATRE OF TODAY (1-3-48) Thunder and the Miracle starring Joan Caulfield in a romantic drama. One rainy afternoon, Angie, who works in a flower shop selling flowers to men who already have a girl, wishes for a tall, dark, good looking man for herself. LET’S PRETEND (8-10-46) The Story of Faithful John, King Richard’s faithful servant who tries to keep the King from falling in love with the princess. Cream of Wheat commercials. ARCHIE ANDREWS (1940s) Plumbing problems plague Archie, his family, his friend Jughead and the gang. Rebroadcast: 6/4/2016 – 6/10/2016.
June 12th, 1971 – MOVIES ARE BETTER THAN EVER – ON RADIO
PROGRAM 59: LEO IS ON THE AIR (1938) Love Finds Andy Hardy. A radio preview of the MGM film about Andy getting involved with a bevy of young beauties. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is motion picture actress IRENE DUNNE in a telephone conversation recorded April 28, 1971. ACADEMY AWARD (9-18-46) White Cliffs of Dover starring Irene Dunne with Sir Aubrey Smith and Jeff Chandler. An American woman marries a British soldier in this World War I romance. FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-11-47) Excerpt. Fred and guest Bing Crosby spoof the movies with their version of the Hollywood Mikado. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is film actress and former child star MARGARET O’BRIEN in a conversation recorded April 4, 1971. ACADEMY AWARD (12-18-46) Lost Angel starring Margaret O’Brien with Jeff Chandler. Story of a child, trained as a genius, who learns life’s simple pleasures. . Rebroadcast: 6/11/2016 – 6/17/2016.
June 19th, 1971 – ORSON WELLES GENIUS AT WORK ON RADIO
PROGRAM 60: THIRD MAN (1950s) Orson Welles stars as Harry Lime in Greek Meets Greek. Lime is quarantined with a case of the measles when a woman enters his room with a story of murder. 14 AUGUST: A MESSAGE FOR THE DAY OF VICTORY (8-14-45) Orson Wells speaks Norman Corwin’s words on the last day of World War II. THE SHADOW (1938) The Firebug starring Orson Welles as Lamont Cranston/Shadow. A series of tenement fires have resulted in many deaths. The city is being terrorized and the police are baffled. The Shadow steps in and investigates. BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (1946) The famed sportscaster and storyteller welcomes guest Orson Welles. SUSPENSE (4-13-44) The Marvelous Barrastro starring Orson Welles with Hans Conried. Welles plays a dual role in this story about the second greatest magician who tells his strange story to Suspense producer William Spear. Rebroadcast: 6/18/2016 – 6/24/2016.
June 26th, 1971 – BEHIND THE FLICKERING GREEN EYE
PROGRAM 61: GUNSMOKE (1950s) William Conrad stars as Marshall Matt Dillon with Parley Baer as Chester, whose father comes to town looking for my son, the marshal of Dodge City. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is comedian DANNY THOMAS in an interview recorded at Chicago’s Mill Run Theatre on April 26, 1971. JOAN DAVIS SHOW (1940s) Guest is Danny Thomas. Joan wants to embark upon a new career for herself and, feeling that clothes make the career, she takes her wardrobe to tailor Danny Thomas. STORY OF DR, KILDARE (1949) Lew Ayers stars as Dr. Kildare with Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie and Gale Gordon as Dr. Carou. At Blair General Hospital, Carou presents Kildare and Gillespie with a problem: his wife is too fat and must lose 20 pounds so she can dance in a show to benefit the hospital’s proposed new polio wing. SUSPENSE (3-30-58) The Sisters starring Frances Farmer and Cathy Lewis. Two weird sisters live alone and one buys a casket for the other. Rebroadcast: 6/25/2016 – 7/1/2016.
July 3rd, 1971 – THE LEGEND OF EDDIE CANTOR
PROGRAM 62: LEGEND OF EDDIE CANTOR (1960s) Narrated by George Jessell, this documentary is Part 1 of a commercial recording honoring the great comedian. EDDIE CANTOR PROGRAM (1-30-47) It’s Eddie’s 55th birthday and he decides to set up his own radio network. All he needs is a half million dollars and he plans to get it from his guests: Jack Benny, Ralph Edwards and Peter Lind Hayes. ASK EDDIE CANTOR (1960) Eddie reads letters from listeners, answers requests and gives advice. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (11-19-48) It’s Cantor’s 18th anniversary on radio. Guests are George Montgomery and Dinah Shore, who try to get out of going to Eddie’s anniversary party. LEGEND OF EDDIE CANTOR (1960s) The documentary, narrated by George Jessell, continues. Rebroadcast: 7/2/2016 – 7/8/2016.
July 10th, 1971 – DRAMA ON RADIO
PROGRAM 63: OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor PAT O’BRIEN who talks about his film career in a conversation recorded June 22, 1971. This lengthy interview, conducted at the Drury Lane Theatre in Evergreen Park, Illinois, will be presented throughout the afternoon. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (9-16-48) Goodbye Mr. Chips starring Ronald Colman in James Hilton’s classic story about the life of an English schoolmaster. GUEST STAR (1950) No Redheads Wanted starring Pat O’Brien in a most familiar role – that of a priest. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (2-16-41) Brother Orchid starring Pat O’Brien, Donald Crisp, Carol Landis and Roger Pryor. A racketeer joins a monastery. BROWNSTONE THEATRE (5-16-45) Prisoner of Zenda starring Jackson Beck and Gertrude Warner. A look-alike for the King of Ruitania becomes involved in a plot of murder and falls in love with the King’s betrothed. Rebroadcast: 7/9/2016 – 7/15/2016.
July 17th, 1971 – HELLO, SPORTS FANS!
PROGRAM 64: BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (11-25-49) Broadcasting from Chicago on the eve of a big football game, the famed sportscaster’s guests are the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1950s) Jack and Rochester are getting ready for the annual spring picnic. At the beach, Jack teams up with the Beverly Hills Beavers to play Don Wilson and the gang in a baseball game. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (10-7-48) Elmer the Great starring Bob Hope in Ring Lardner’s classic baseball story. FRED ALLEN SHOW (11-25-45) Guest Leo Duroucher joins Fred in a musical spoof called The Brooklyn Pinafore. PLUS “ The Sports Answer Man and Abbott and Costello’s Who’s on First? routine. Rebroadcast: 7/16/2016 – 7/22/2016.
July 24th, 1971 – TUNE IN TOMORROW
PROGRAM 65: ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (2-7-45) Isolated episode in which Superman fights the Japanese army. TERRY AND THE PIRATES (2-17-47) Isolated episode in the continuing adventure of The Mechanical Eye. MARY NOBLE, BACKSTAGE WIFE (1935) Isolated episode in the long-running daytime drama. Mary is jealous of her husband Larry, matinee idol of millions. CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (10-1-40) Isolated episode in the series starring Ed Prentiss in the title role. Second show in the Ovaltine series. YOUNG WIDDER BROWN (1960s) Isolated episode. Anthony Loring is in jail and Ellen Brown pays him a visit. HOP HARRIGAN (9-17-43) Isolated episode in which a character says, The more I see you Americans, the more I realize what a fool Hitler is. JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY (1939) Isolated episode. Jack, Billy, Betty and Uncle Jim visit the mysterious Great Grand Lama in Tibet to return the Secret Sacred Sanskrit parchment scroll. Rebroadcast: 7/23/2016 – 7/29/2016.
July 31st, 1971 – THE MASTER OF MANY VOICES Saluting Mel Blanc
PROGRAM 66: OUR SPECIAL GUEST in this TWTD program honoring him is MEL BLANC. The interview was recorded when he was in Chicago for a television appearance on April 26, 1971. MEL BLANC SHOW (10-1-46) Complete program featuring Mel in his Fix-It Shop, with Mary Jane Croft, Joe Kearns, Sportsman Quartet. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1950s) Mel Blanc is the voice of Polly the Parrot and is the bakery clerk when Jack stops in to purchase some cinnamon rolls. PLUS “ Mel Blanc voices several Warner Bros. cartoons and appears as Pedro and in a Maw and Paw sketch on the Judy Canova Show. Rebroadcast: 7/30/2016 – 8/5/2016.
August 7th, 1971 – X RATED RADIO!
PROGRAM 67: DIMENSION X (8-11-50) The Castaways by Earnest Kinoy. The US Military is preparing an atomic bomb test on a small island in the Pacific. The island must be cleared of all people, but the natives don’t want to leave. X MINUS ONE (1950s) Chain of Command. A mouse in a top secret atomic laboratory complains about the trap by the front door of his house. The Chief of Security takes the mouse and the problem to the Pentagon. THE MAN CALLED X (10-2-47) Herbert Marshall stars as Ken Thurston with Leon Belasco as Pagon Zeldschmidt, his sidekick. On a semi-tropical island in the Atlantic Ocean, Thurston tries to recover some stolen plans from an atomic power project. PLUS “ A sound letter from listener Richard Wagner offering a musical trivia quiz. Rebroadcast: 8/6/2016 – 8/12/2016.
August 14th, 1971 – THOSE THRILLING DAYS OF YESTERYEAR
PROGRAM 68: GANGBUSTERS (1950s) The story of how wiretapping a public telephone helps apprehend a trio of wanted criminals. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (4-3-39) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll in their first broadcast for Campbell Soup and their first on the Columbia Network. NOTE”Chuck tells of some correspondence between himself and Charles Correll regarding this Amos ˜n’ Andy program. MY FAVORITE HUSBAND (1950s) Lucille Ball and Richard Denning. Liz tries out for the lead in the Woman’s Club play but doesn’t get the part. NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (2-5-44) Nick and his companion Patsy solve The Mystery of the Corpse in the Cab or Nick Carter and the Mystery of Murder in the Park. PLUS”Baby Snooks and Daddy with some CBS radio program features. Rebroadcast: 8/13/2016 – 8/19/2016.
August 21st, 1971 – HOLLYWOOD SCREEN TEST
PROGRAM 69: OUR SPECIAL GUEST is producer/entertainer KEN MURRAY who talks about the great Hollywood days. This conversation was recorded August 6, 1971 while he was in Chicago promoting his book, The Golden Days of San Simeon. The interview is presented throughout the afternoon. ACADEMY AWARD (8-7-46) Watch on the Rhine starring Paul Lucas. A German man and his wife are pursued and harassed by Nazi agents during World War II. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1940s) Gildersleeve’s Bad Day starring Harold Peary and the radio cast in this version of the RKO Radio Pictrure. Gildy gets called to jury duty in Judge Hooker’s court. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (10-16-47) Bells of St. Mary’s starring Bing Crosby and Joan Carroll. Father O’Mally and Sister Benedict try to raise funds for a new church school. Rebroadcast: 8/20/2016 – 8/26/2016.
August 28th, 1971 – REMEMBER TELEVISION
PROGRAM 70: HOWDY DOODY TIME (1960) An abbreviated radio version of the popular kids’ TV show. Buffalo Bob Smith and fun in the Peanut Gallery. CAPTAIN VIDEO (1960s) A special recording offering an audio version of the TV series with Al Hodge as Captain Video. OUR SPECIAL GUESTS are IMOGENE COCA and her husband KING DONAVAN as they talk about their TV and movie careers, including Imogene on Your Show of Shows. They were in town for a TV appearance when we recorded this conversation on June 18, 1971. MY LITTLE MARGIE (1950s) Radio version of the popular TV show, starring Gale Storm and Charles Farrell with Verna Felton and Frank Nelson. Margie plans a surprise birthday party for her dad. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor/comedian SID CAESAR, star of TV’s Your Show of Shows and Caesar’s Hour who was in town appearing at the Drury Lane Theatre. This conversation was recorded August 11, 1971. DRAGNET (1940s) Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday with Ben Alexander as Officer Frank Smith. They go after a con man conducting a diamond swindle. PLUS”Jack Paar on the Tonight Show; and a lengthy audio clip from the Ford 50th Anniversary Show featuring Mary Martin and Ethel Merman. Rebroadcast: 8/27/2016 – 9/2/2016.
September 4th, 1971 – LABOR OF LOVE
PROGRAM 71: IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (2-7-44) Emcee Tom Howard with panelists Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnell and George Shelton in a zany quiz show with questions like, What would you call a person who is afraid of water? Answer: Dirty. TRIVIA PANEL in our studio, during our broadcast, featuring representatives of Chicago’s daily newspapers: RON YATES of the Chicago Tribune’s Action Express; CHUCK McWHINNIE of Chicago Today’s Action Line; and LOU PUPICH, editor of TV Scout and TV Preview in the Chicago Sun-Times. PHILCO RADIO TIME (1-29-47) Bing Crosby stars with guests Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour in a sketch telling how the trio first met: The Road to Hollywood. RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (1940s) The Ice Pick Murder starring Dick Powell. A man with an ice pick in his back falls into the office of the Diamond Detective Agency. NOTE: This is our last Saturday program before we move to Sunday afternoons for 11 weeks to make way for Northwestern Wildcat Football broadcasts on WLTD. Rebroadcast: 9/4/2016 – 9/9/2016.
September 12th, 1971 – ALLEN’S ALLEY
PROGRAM 72: OMNIBUS (10-17-54) Excerpt from the TV series audio track. Fred Allen reminisces about his career and discusses his book, Treadmill to Oblivion. CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (11-2-47) Edgar Bergen and company welcomes guest Fred Allen. Charlie has a toothache and learns that his tooth will have to be extracted. Under sedation, Charlie dreams that he dies and goes to heck where he meets Fred Allen. BIOGRAPHY IN SOUND (1956) Jack Haley narrates a tribute to Fred Allen shortly after his death on March 17, 1956. Features excerpts from many Allen broadcasts and comments from the people who knew him: Jack Benny, Harry Von Zell, Kenny Delmar, Alan Reed, Jimmy Durante, Tallulah Bankhead, Goodman Ace and others. FRED ALLEN SHOW (4-11-48) Fred’s guest is actor Basil Rathbone, who joins Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar, and the regulars. Fred portrays his famous detective One Long Pan in a mystery script he wrote for Rathbone. NOTE: This is our first Sunday program for 11 weeks during the WLTD-Northwestern Wildcat football season. Rebroadcast: 9/10/2016 – 9/16/2016.
September 19th, 1971 – WEST OF THE DIAL
PROGRAM 73: GUNSMOKE (1950s) William Conrad stars as Marshall Matt Dillon. In this episode, there’s a reward out for the killer of Dillon. MELODY RANCH (1954) Gene Autry stars with Pat Buttram and the Cass County Boys. Autry tells how he helped a rancher save his ranch from a crooked banker. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is pioneer radio broadcaster and singer/orchestra leader RUDY VALLEE who speaks to us by phone from his home in California. Conversation recorded on September 9, 1971 in advance of a personal appearance in Chicago. LONE RANGER (3-11-50) The Masked Man and his faithful Indian companion search for a man who has been seen impersonating the Lone Ranger. Brace Beemer and John Todd star. Rebroadcast: 9/17/2016 – 9/23/2016.
September 26th, 1971 – YOU AIN’T HEARD NOTHIN’ YET!
PROGRAM 74: SHELL CHATEAU (8-10-35) Excerpt from an early Jolson radio series. Jolie sings Avalon. LIFEBUOY SHOW (11-1-38) Excerpt from another Jolson series with Al and Parkyakus and announcer Tiny Ruffner. Jolson sings So Help Me. LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-22-50) Jolson Sings Again starring Al Jolson as himself, with Barbara Hale, Ludwig Donath and William Demarest. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-6-49) Excerpt starring Al Jolson and his guest Larry Parks, who starred as Al in the films Jolson Story and Jolson Sings Again. OUR SPECIAL GUEST, joining us in our studio throughout the broadcast, is DICK ANDERSON, member of the International Al Jolson Society and a leading authority on the legend of Jolson. Rebroadcast: 9/24/2016 – 9/30/2016.
October 3rd, 1971 – WELL-CALCULATED RADIO
PROGRAM 75: SUSPENSE (3-31-57) A Good Neighbor starring Jeff Chandler with Virginia Gregg. An employee steals $150,000 in diamonds from his firm. SUSPENSE (3-6-47) Elwood starring Eddie Bracken with Cathy Lewis. A young gas station attendant and his former school teacher find the strangled body of a man. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actress AGNES MOOREHEAD who talks about her radio career and appearances on Suspense. Conversation recorded July 17, 1971 while she was in Chicago for a personal appearance. SUSPENSE (2-13-47) The Thirteenth Sound starring Agnes Moorehead with Bill Johnstone. A woman and her husband drive to a house where she plans to kill him. SUSPENSE (8-16-55) A Study in Wax starring William Conrad and Stacy Harris. Two men are stationed at a weather station in the arctic. Their radio has been destroyed in a fire and they soon get on each other’s nerves. Rebroadcast: 10/1/2016 – 10/7/2016.
October 10th, 1971 – TEAMWORK ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 76: TREASURY STAR PARADE (9-10-43) Jim and Marian Jordan star as Fibber McGee and Molly. McGee tries to get out of watering the lawn by convincing Teeny to do the job for him. CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (11-23-47) Edgar Bergan and his friends, Charlie and Mortimer Snerd with guest Carman Miranda. Bergen tells Charlie the story of Robinson Caruso. Later, Charlie becomes a bullfighter to impress Carmen Miranda. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor VAN JOHNSON who talks about his lengthy career. Conversation recorded at the Arlington Park Theatre October 6, 1971. GUEST STAR (8-1-50) Taxi, Taxi starring Van Johnson. Boy meets girl in a cab. Girl accidentally drops wallet. Boy returns wallet. Girl marries boy. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (2-14-54) Celebrating a Silver Anniversary! At the beginning of their second quarter-century as Amos ˜n’ Andy, Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll present their life story – a look at their beginnings and how their characters grew. Guests include Bill Hay, Edward R. Murrow, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny and Lowell Thomas. Mr. AND MRS. NORTH (6-10-44) The Wilbur Wills Problem starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin as Pam and Jerry North. Wilbur asks the Norths to catch a murderer: his! Rebroadcast: 10/8/2016 – 10/14/2016.
October 17th, 1971 – TAKE FIFTEEN
PROGRAM 77: CHANDU THE MAGICIAN (1940s) Isolated episode of the series. Chandu arrives from the airport by telepathy. MARY LEE TAYLOR (1940s) Transcribed demonstrations of better food made at lower cost. She offers a recipe for spaghetti and meat sauce. COKE CLUB (7-24-46) Featuring the romantic voice of Morton Downey, the Coke Club Quartet and Jimmy Lytell and the orchestra. Morton sings When You Wore a Tulip. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is author BOB THOMAS who was in town to promote his newest book Winchell. Conversation recorded on September 30, 1971. WALTER WINCHELL’S JURGENS JOURNAL (5-18-41) Typical Winchell-style news and gossip. EASY ACES (1940s) Goodman Ace and his wife Jane star in this quarter-hour of comedy. In this isolated episode, Jane and her friend try to sell paintings. SMILIN’ JACK (12-18-39) The pilot episode for the after-school show adapted from the long-running comic strip. Jack has a special code sentence which will help him apprehend The Voice. Rebroadcast: 10/15/2016 – 10/21/2016.
October 24th, 1971 – THIS IS YOUR LIFE, RALPH EDWARDS
PROGRAM 78: OUR SPECIAL GUEST is the creator and star of Truth or Consequences and This Is Your Life, RALPH EDWARDS, speaking to us on the phone from his office in Beverly Hills, California. Conversation recorded October 7, 1971. TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (5-21-49) Ralph Edwards with several silly stunts for contestants; comments about the town named after the program, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; and the Mr. Heartbeat contest winner. THIS IS YOUR LIFE (5-24-49) Ralph Edwards surprises boxer Barney Ross and reveals his life story. TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (12-20-47) Ralph Edwards offers a Christmas party holiday stunt and then, in a special segment “perhaps a forerunner to his This is Your Life series- reunites a hospitalized veteran with his family. Rebroadcast: 10/22/2016 – 11/4/2016.
October 31st, 1971 – BOO, IT’S HALLOWEEN
PROGRAM 79: NOTE: This program has not been archived. It is missing from our collection.
November 7th, 1971 – SONS OF THE DESERT
PROGRAM 80: Today we are treated to two minds without a single thought as we present a fond tribute to Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, recalling the many antics of the immortal Stanly and Oliver as the magic of radio recalls some of their best performances. We’ll hear an hour-long University of Detroit Town Hall radio production produced in the early 1960s, just after the death of Ollie and shortly before Stan died. That broadcast contains a rare interview by Bill Raby with Stan Laurel himself, reminiscing about his career, telling how the team selected their theme song, how they met and got their start in pictures. There are some comments on the L&H comedy style by Soupy Sales, Hans Conried, Arthur Treacher and Orson Bean, as well as some seldom heard recordings by Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy. We’ll also tune in to what is perhaps the only radio appearance of the duo in a comedy skit from the 1940s with Stan about to get married to Patsy Moran and Ollie helping to arrange the ceremony. OUR SPECIAL GUESTS are CHARLES HUCK and TONY DiGAUDIO, the Enchanted Ruler and the Grand Shiek of the Bacon Grabbers Tent of the Laurel and Hardy Fan Club, the Sons of the Desert. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 11/5/2016 – 11/11/2016.
November 14th, 1971 – ARMED FORCES RADIO BROADCASTS
PROGRAM 81: GI JOURNAL (1944) George Burns and Gracie Allen are co-editors of this radio magazine for listeners to the Armed Forces Radio Service. Guests are Robert Young, the Ginger Snaps, Ginny Simms and features Mel Blanc as Pvt. Sad Sack. Gracie tries to get Robert Young to date her friend, Beverly Fudnick. MAIL CALL (1940s) Dinah Shore is mistress of ceremonies, with announcer Harry Von Zell. This program features guests Nat King Cole, Borah Minevich and the Harmonica Rascals, Dorothy Lamour, Art Tatum, Les Paul, Danny Kaye, Jack Benny and movie producer Mark Hellinger. In a sketch, producer Hellinger is going to do the Life of Jack Benny with Danny Kaye as Jack and Jack playing his own father. V-J DAY PROGRAM (9-2-45) Bing Crosby hosts, with Dinah Shore, cartoonist Bill Mauldin, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Frances Langford, Orson Welles and President Harry S Truman. Meredith Willson and the Armed Forces Radio orchestra. COMMAND PERFORMANCE, USA (1945) A program broadcast on Army Day in 1945, shortly after the war had ended. Bob Hope is emcee with Dinah Shore, Bette Davis, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, the Andrews Sisters, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Rebroadcast: 11/12/2016 – 11/18/2016.
November 21st, 1971 – AFTER SCHOOL RADIO
PROGRAM 82: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 1 of the classic Christmas fantasy. It’s the story of Judy and Jimmy Barton as they search for the Silver Star for the top of their Christmas tree¦ with the help of Paddy O’Cinnamon, the cinnamon bear. (NOTE: The remaining 25 chapters of this adventure were scheduled to be heard twice daily on WLTD, Monday thru Friday from November 22 – December 24, 1971.) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is TERRY BLACK of Springfield, Illinois, an old-time radio buff who did extensive research on The Cinnamon Bear and who talks about the series and the performers. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (2-8-45) Isolated episode of the series as the Man of Steel continues his fight against the Japanese during World War II. CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (1938) A rare early episode of the series when it was sponsored locally by the Skelly Oil Company. Ed Prentiss as Red Roberts, who was Captain Midnight. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is Chicago TV personality RAY RAYNER who stops by to reminisce about the comic strips of the good old days and sing a few songs based upon comic strip characters. AIR ADVENTURES OF JIMMY ALLEN (1930s) Student pilot Jimmy Allen in a series broadcast over the now-defunct World Broadcasting System. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actress SHIRLEY BELL COLE who starred as Orphan Annie on radio in a short interview, recorded June 10, 1970, during which she sings the Orphan Annie radio theme song. LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE (1938) Isolated episode as Annie and Joe Corntassle watch some shady characters dive for pearls. Shirley Bell as Annie, Alan Baruck as Joe. DICK TRACY (1946) Isolated episode as Tracy works on the Case of the Broken Window. NOTE: With the conclusion of the Northwestern Wildcat football season, our program returns to its usual Saturday afternoon time beginning next week. Rebroadcast: 11/19/2016 – 11/22/2016.
November 25th, 1971 – Those Were The Days THANKSGIVING DAY SPECIAL
PROGRAM 83: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-30-52) It’s Thanksgiving Day at Mary’s house and everyone is waiting for Jack to arrive. When he finally gets there, he insists that the Pilgrims landed at Cape Cod. PHILCO RADIO TIME (11-27-46) Bing Crosby with guests Judy Garland and the Les Paul Trio in a Thanksgiving-themed program. MEL BLANC SHOW (11-26-46) Mel prepares a salami for Thanksgiving because he gave the turkey to the Orphan’s Home. CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 5 in the classic Christmastime radio serial. CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (11-18-45) Excerpt. In honor of Thanksgiving, Edgar Bergen, Charlie and guest Margaret O’Brien present The Courtship of Miles Standish with Charlie as John Alden, Edgar as Miles Standish and Margaret as Pricilla. Rebroadcast: 11/23/2016 – 11/25/2016.
November 27th, 1971 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 84: BREAKFAST CLUB (1960) Broadcast in the US in September, 1960, this segment of the program was recorded by the Armed Forces Radio Service for broadcast to military audiences around the world on Christmas Day. Don McNeill stars with Fran Allison as Aunt Fanny and the whole gang of regulars. LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-10-47) It’s a Wonderful Life starring James Stewart and Donna Reed with Victor Moore in a radio version of the Frank Capra film. George Bailey, facing ruin, receives help in the form of a Guardian Angel, sent from Heaven. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (1-11-43) Holiday Inn starring Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore in highlights from the Irving Berlin film musical from 1942. Rebroadcast: 11/26/2016 – 12/2/2016.
December 4th, 1971 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 85: NOTE: This program has not been archived. It is missing from our collection.
December 11th, 1971 – RADIO TO WRAP CHRISTMAS GIFTS BY
PROGRAM 86: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-24-40) The McGees receive a package intended for delivery to their next door neighbor, Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve: a radio-phonograph combination, which Fibber accidentally wrecks while opening the package. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor DON AMECHE who talks about his career on radio, especially with Bergen and McCarthy, W. C. Fields, and the Bickersons. Interview recorded at Pheasant Run Playhouse on December 7, 1971. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-25-50) Book 81, Chapter 21. Christmas with the Barbours. Henry Barbour reads a letter from Pinky. Fanny Barbour plays Silent Night on the piano. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-19-48) America’s favorite young couple decide on a practical Christmas gift for each other: a radio-phonograph combination. And the Nelsons also agree not to exchange personal gifts. PLUS”Charlie McCarthy and W. C. Fields; The Bickersons with Don Ameche and Frances Langford. Rebroadcast: 12/10/2016 – 12/16/2016.
December 18th, 1971 – RADIO TO TRIM THE TREE BY
PROGRAM 87: CAMPBELL PLAYHOUSE (12-24-39) Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol starring Lionel Barrymore as Ebenezer Scrooge, narrated by Orson Welles. A classic hour-long broadcast version of the classic holiday story, immortalized on radio by Mr. Barrymore. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (12-24-50) starring Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll as radio’s all-time favorites. The Christmas Show: Andy wants to get a doll for Amos’ daughter so he gets a job as Santa Claus in a department store to earn one for her. Later, Amos tells her the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer. A classic show, repeated often through the years. PLUS“ Kaltenmeyer’s Kindergarten; clips from the Wally Phillips 1964 Christmas Eve broadcast; Abbott and Costello’s Who’s On First routine. Rebroadcast: 12/17/2016 – 12/23/2016.
December 25th, 1971 – CHRISTMAS DAY!
PROGRAM 88: SUSPENSE (12-22-57) Dog Star starring Evelyn Rudie in an unusual Christmas drama, reflecting radio’s comment on the space age. A young girl wants a dog for Christmas, but her father says no. Then a Russian satellite, carrying a dog, crash-lands in the community near her home. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-25-44) Christmas greetings to our men and women in the service around the world. Emcee for this two-hour program is Bob Hope, telling all you Japs and Nazis from Berlin to Sumatra your chances are as slim as half a Frank Sinatra! It’s an all-star variety program featuring Xavier Cugat and the Orchestra; Spike Jones and his City Slickers; Ginny Simms; Jimmy Durante; Dinah Shore; Jack Benny; Fred Allen; Kay Kyser and his Orchestra; Frances Langford; Dorothy Lamour; Danny Kaye; W. C. Fields; and Judy Garland. Plus Spencer Tracy presenting a dramatization of Charles Tazewell’s Christmas story The Small One with Lee J. Cobb, Skippy Homier, Howard Duff, Elliott Lewis. The Ken Darby Chorus and all the vocal talent on the show present a medley of familiar Christmas Carols. Rebroadcast: 12/24/2016 – 12/30/2016.
January 1st, 1972 – HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GOOD OLD RADIO
PROGRAM 89: NOTE: Today’s program is expanded to six hours. MEL BLANC SHOW (12-31-46) Betty’s dad wants to be elected Zebra of the Year and insists that Mel help get votes for him. Mel stars in a New Year’s Eve pageant he wrote and produced. PHILCO RADIO TIME (1-1-47) Bing Crosby stars on this New Year’s Day program with guest Joe Frisco, the man who refused to let vaudeville die. MILTON BERLE SHOW (12-30-47) Milton offers a Salute to New Year’s with a recap of the year 1947 and how he stayed at home last New Year’s Eve. KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (1-3-45) Kay Kyser’s fun-filled musical show with lots of songs and comedy provided by Ish Kabibble, Sully Mason, Fergie Froghammer and the Town Criers. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actress GINGER ROGERS who recalls her motion picture career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded December 9, 1971 while she was in Chicago on a promotional tour. LUX RADIO THEATRE (1-29-45) Lady in the Dark starring Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland. A fantasy about a successful career woman undergoing psychoanalysis. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-31-40) Fibber finds a wrist watch and advertises for its owner. Rebroadcast: 12/31/2016 – 1/6/2017.
January 8th, 1972 – I LOVE A MYSTERY – Part 1
PROGRAM 90: DUFFY’S TAVERN (9-22-44) Ed Gardner stars as Archie, the manager, who attempts to get a date with guest, actress Gene Tierney. He wants to take her for a walk in the park, but she would rather go to the Stork Club. I LOVE A MYSTERY (1949) Bury Your Dead, Arizona starring Russell Thorson, Jim Boles and Tony Randall as Jack, Doc and Reggie of the A-1 Detective Agency. They travel via freight train to the town of Bury Your Dead where they meet Maestro, an incredibly fat magician who terrorizes the village when he turns his beautiful assistant, Natasha, played by Mercedes McCambridge, into a werewolf. Today we present the first seven chapters of this adventure. The concluding eight episodes will be presented next week. Rebroadcast: 1/8/2017 – 1/13/2017.
January 15th, 1972 – I LOVE A MYSTERY – Part 2
PROGRAM 91: I LOVE A MYSTERY (1949) The concluding eight episodes of the Carlton E. Morse adventure, Bury Your Dead, Arizona. ALDRICH FAMILY (1940s) Instead of delivering a fruitcake to his mother, Henry goes ice skating and falls through the ice. Homer tries to get a dry pair of trousers from Henry’s room without letting Mrs. Aldrich know what happened. Rebroadcast: 1/14/2017 – 1/20/2017.
January 22nd, 1972 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 92: YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (7-4-51) The Alonzo Chapman Matter starring Edmund O’Brien as America’s fabulous free-lance insurance investigator. A traveling salesman is found shot to death in a parking lot. Dollar investigates and finds that Chapman met a young lady in a bar. MA PERKINS RE-ENACTMENT (5-29-71) A respectful re-enactment of an isolated episode of the long-running daytime drama, originally presented live on Those Were The Days, featuring Chicago broadcast personalities Bob Kennedy, Rita Ascot Boyd, Phil Bowman, Johnny Coons and Viola Berwick. CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (9-28-47) Charlie wants to go out with guest Betty Hutton, but Bergen says she’s too wild and not refined enough for Charlie. INNER SANCTUM (1940s) Twice Dead starring Larry Haines. Here on cathedral rock, David Morgan, grief-tortured, tugged his wife’s impaled body off the bloody point of the tallest spire. There are those in the village who say that David’s mind is broken, because he insists Carol will come back to live with him¦ Rebroadcast: 1/21/2017 – 1/27/2017.
January 29th, 1972 – FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
PROGRAM 93: FORD THEATRE (5-9-48) The Front Page a full-hour production of the classic story set in Chicago at the time of the city’s last hanging. John Larkin, Everett Sloane and Ed Begley star in this tough, hard-boiled comedy about a fast-talking reporter and a scheming editor. G.I. JOURNAL (1940s) Bing Crosby is this week’s editor as comedian Henry Morgan applies for the job of Literary Writer. His first assignment: interview singer Lena Horne. Others in cast: Ransom Sherman, Mal Blanc, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (1940s) McLoud’s Folly starring Robert Young. In the depression days of the 1930s, a young man is looking for a job in a small American town. He is thrown in jail, but manages to convince the owner of the local newspaper to print the facts about poor conditions in the town jail. Rebroadcast: 1/29/2017 – 2/3/2017.
February 26th, 1972 – THE ROARING TWENTIES
PROGRAM 97: Join us for five consecutive Saturday afternoons as we recall the good times and the had times (but mostly the good times) of the last half century. We’ll take a five-week trip thru the dials to help us reminisce about the times¦the places ¦and the people ¦ who played a part in THE ROARING TWENTIES. Rebroadcast: 12/14/2019 – 12/20/2019.
March 4th, 1972 – THE TERRIBLE THIRTIES
PROGRAM 98: Join us for five consecutive Saturday afternoons as we recall the good times and the had times (but mostly the good times) of the last half century. We’ll take a five-week trip thru the dials to help us reminisce about the times¦the places ¦and the people ¦ who played a part in ¦THE TERRIBLE THIRTIES. Rebroadcast: 12/21/2019 – 12/27/2019.
March 11th, 1972 – THE FRANTIC FORTIES
PROGRAM 99: Join us for five consecutive Saturday afternoons as we recall the good times and the had times (but mostly the good times) of the last half century. We’ll take a five-week trip thru the dials to help us reminisce about the times¦the places ¦and the people ¦ who played a part in ¦THE FRANTIC FORTIES. Rebroadcast: 12/28/2019 – 1/3/2020.
March 18th, 1972 – THE FABULOUS FIFTIES
PROGRAM 100: Join us for five consecutive Saturday afternoons as we recall the good times and the had times (but mostly the good times) of the last half century. We’ll take a five-week trip thru the dials to help us reminisce about the times¦the places ¦and the people ¦ who played a part in ¦ THE FABULOUS FIFTIES. Rebroadcast: 1/4/2020 – 1/10/2020.
March 25th, 1972 – THE SOARING SIXTIES
PROGRAM 101: Join us for five consecutive Saturday afternoons as we recall the good times and the had times (but mostly the good times) of the last half century. We’ll take a five-week trip thru the dials to help us reminisce about the times¦the places ¦and the people ¦ who played a part in ¦ THE SOARING SIXTIES. Rebroadcast: 1/11/2020 – 1/17/2020.
April 1st, 1972 – SATIRE: NO FOOLIN’
PROGRAM 102: – It’s April Fool’s Day and we’ll mark the occasion with great comedy from the great comedy wits: STAN FREBERG ¦BOB AND RAY ¦ HENRY MORGAN¦SPIKE JONES AND THE CITY SLICKERS. Rebroadcast: 1/18/2020 – 1/24/2020.
April 8th, 1972 – SINATRA – CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
PROGRAM 103: – A salute to Frank Sinatra. Hear him in his first radio appearance on the MAJOR BOWES’ AMATEUR HOUR, singing and dancing with the Hoboken Four ¦ swoon with the bobby soxers as Frank sings the number one song on YOUR HIT PARADE , get tough with Sinatra as he stars as ROCKY FORTUNE in an exciting episode from his radio series. And we’ll have a few extra-special audio treats for Sinatra fans too. Rebroadcast: 1/25/2020 – 1/31/2020.
April 15th, 1972 – JUDY GARLAND ENCORE
PROGRAM 104: – A salute to Frank Sinatra. Hear him in his first radio appearance on the MAJOR BOWES’ AMATEUR HOUR, singing and dancing with the Hoboken Four ¦ swoon with the bobby soxers as Frank sings the number one song on YOUR HIT PARADE , get tough with Sinatra as he stars as ROCKY FORTUNE in an exciting episode from his radio series. And we’ll have a few extra-special audio treats for Sinatra fans too. Rebroadcast: 2/1/2020 – 2/7/2020.
April 22nd, 1972 – SKELTON IN THE CLOSET
PROGRAM 105: – We’ll find three hours of RED SKELTON when we open our HALL CLOSET this week! Red stars In comedy performances from his own radio shows¦as a guest on a PAUL WHITEMAN program¦and as the star of an exciting SUSPENSE drama, The Search for Isabelle. Rebroadcast: 2/8/2020 – 2/14/2020.
April 29th, 1972 – THANKS AGAIN FOR LISTENING
PROGRAM 106: – The sound curtain falls on two full years of THOSE WERE THE DAYS broadcasts. It’s been our pleasure to offer these weekend get-togethers and you have been kind enough to make them most worthwhile. We’ll express our THANKS FOR LISTENING with a super-special program of memories. Stay tuned for details. -Chuck Schaden. Rebroadcast: 2/15/2020 – 2/21/2020.
May 6th, 1972 – RADIO CHICAGO STYLE
PROGRAM 107: – Amos n Andy Music Hall 1958 30th Anniversary broadcast, Ma Perkins The Trial of Russell Touhy, Uncle Ned’s Squadron 2-17-51 Ned Locke and Hugh Downs, Guiding Light 10-28-43 Eloise Kummer as Claire Marshall, Jerry Gray and his Band of Today 6-8-51 Edgewater Beach Hotel, Quiz Kids 10-3-48, Special guests in the studio: Ned Locke and Eloise Kummer. On the phone, former Quiz Kid Lonny Lunde, Rebroadcast: 2/22/2020 – 2/29/2020.
May 13th, 1972 – RADIO CHICAGO STYLE
PROGRAM 108: – Breakfast Club 1943. Don McNeil arrives late, Tom Mix Ralston Straight Shooters. May 8, 1945. Don Gordon is announcer, Calling all Detectives Sept. 11, 1947. Calling All Detectives July 27, 1948, Wayne King Show March 13, 1947, Captain Midnight May 14, 1947. Stolen Star, Jack Armstrong. April 30, 1942. Land of the Sky. John Gannon and Sarajane Wells as Billy and Betty, National Barn Dance. Oct 2, 1943. 10th Anniversary program. Studio guest is announcer Don Gordon. Also, repeat of previous taped interviews with John Gannon and Sarajane Wells. Rebroadcast: 3/1/2020 – 3/6/2020.
May 20th, 1972 – RADIO CHICAGO STYLE
PROGRAM 109: – Paul Gibson Show_excerpt from late 1965 Cartune-O July 4, 1940, Calling All Detectives with Paul Barnes doing all the voices. June 14, 1948, Chicago Theatre of the Air La. Tosca Nov, 1945 Clara, Lu and Em July 1, 1935, Curtain Time April 17, 1948. Miss Snoring Sleepwalker Harry Elders. Guest is Paul Barnes, Donald Koebnemann, local Clara-Lu and Em authority, and, on tape, not previously used, Harry Elders. Rebroadcast: 3/7/2020 – 3/13/2020.
May 27th, 1972 – RADIO CHICAGO STYLE
PROGRAM 110: – Jack Eigen at the Chez Paree May 14, 1952 Dick Two Ton Baker, the Music Maker Aug. 18, 1947 Joe Sanders Nighthawks from the Blackhawk Restaurant March 25, 1937 Fibber McGee and Company. Jan. 29, 1939. Last broadcast from Chicago Mr. and Mrs. Sept. 23, 1946. Shopping With the Mrs. March 19, 1952 Gunshot ” and original radio drama presented live in our studios by members of the Des Plaines Theatre Guild. Telephone guest is Dick Two Ton Baker. Rebroadcast: 3/14/2020 – 3/20/2020.
June 3rd, 1972 – LOVE IN BLOOM
PROGRAM 111 – Jack Benny Program Dec. 10, 1944 Guest is Dorothy Lamour Truth or Consequences March 6, 1948. Benny is revealed as The Walking Man Excerpt: Life of Jack Benny with Jack, Mark Hellinger, Dinah Shore, Danny Kaye; Jack Benny and Friends excerpt: George Burns, Frank Sinatra, Danny Kaye, Grouch Marx. Hallmark Playhouse Nov. 18, 1948. My Financial. Career with Jack Benny Jack Penny Program Nov. 11, 1945. Guest Joe Louis. Plus repeat of previous interview with Jack Benny. Rebroadcast: 3/21/2020 – 3/27/2020.
June 10th, 1972 – THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE
PROGRAM 112 – Horace Heidt and the Youth Opportunity Progran. 1948. Hector Q. Peabody Show 1953 Chuck Schaden and Dan McGuire. Raleigh and Kool Cigarette Program. 1938 Tommy Dorsey and all-star cast. Major Bowes and the Otginal Amateur Hour. 1937-1938. Hour long show from Bridgeport, Conn. Suspense May 3, 1959 The Amateur Jackie Cooper. Rebroadcast: 3/28/2020 – 4/3/2020.
June 17th, 1972 – GILDERSLEEVE IS GREAT!
PROGRAM 113 – Great Gildersleeve Sept 25, 1946 Hal Peary Fibber McGee and Molly Sept. 30, 1941. Last show with Gildy -Hal Peary Great Gildersleeve. Audition Show May 16, 1941 Hal Peary Great Gildersleeve. Summerfield Centennial Celebration -Willard Waterman Interview (via telephone) with Hal Peary (previously heard on TWTD). Rebroadcast: 4/4/2020 – 4/10/2020.
June 24th, 1972 – CREATURE FEATURES
PROGRAM 114 – Mystery Theatre Screaming Skull Wierd Circle Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Haunting Hour Pale Hands That Kill Suspense The Pit and the Pendulum, Nov. 28. 1947 Mystery Time Death Walked In Favorite Story Frankenstein. Rebroadcast: 4/11/2020 – 4/17/2020.
July 1st 1972 – RADIO’S MISS AMERICA
PROGRAM 115 – Kate Smith Hour Sept. 29, 1944 guest Frankie Carle, Shirley Booth Kate Smith Speaks Aug. 28, 1946 Kate Smith Hour 1944 musical outing Jonathan Winters TV Show excerpt with Kate Smith Kate Smith Sings Aug. 11, 1948. Record format with Ted Collins Kate Smith Hour Dec. 24, 1944. Aldrich Family and Jackie Gleason are guests Kate Smith Hour April 4, 1946. Lt. j. g. Gene Kelly is guest. Rebroadcast: 4/18/2020 – 4/24/2020.
July 8th 1972 – THE MAGNIFICENT ROGUE
PROGRAM 116 – W.C. Fields with Bergen and McCarthy, Don Ameche, his Temperance Lecture, Promotions, Unlimited, the entire Gary Owens record, and other excerpts, including Fred Allen (in Allen’s last radio appearance) presenting a Tribute to W. C. Fields, condenced from Biography in Sound. Rebroadcast: 4/25/2020 – 5/1/2020.
July 15th 1972 – YESTERDAY’S TEENAGER
PROGRAM 117 – Meet Corliss Archer Sept. 16, 1956, Archie Andrews June 12, 1948, Those Websters 1946. High School class reunion, Frank Merriwell Oct. 23, 1951.Mystery of the Missing Records, A Date With Judy Sept. 24, 1946. Rebroadcast: 5/2/2020 – 5/8/2020.
PROGRAM 118 “ Hit That Ball May 19, 1939, Bill Stern’s Sports Newsreel Oct. 20, 1950 12th anniversary show, Lux Radio Theatre Oct. 4, 1943. Pride of the Yankees Gary Cooper, Abbott and Costello with the famous ˜,Who’s On First routine, We Want A Touchdown Sept. 28, 1939 Rebroadcast: 5/9/2020 – 5/15/2020.
PROGRAM 119 – CBS Radio Workshop March 3, 1957 Ballad of the Iron Horse Adventures of Superman Episode 130. Freight train about to cross doomed bridge. Grand Central Station Dec. 1, 1945 Larkspur to Feed the Soul Jack Benny Program Getting ready for train trip to New York Railroad Hour Nov. 21, 1949. No No, Nanette Mysterious Traveler No One On the Line Rebroadcast: 5/16/2020 – 5/22/2020.
PROGRAM 120 – Bob Hope Show from Ft. Ord, Calif. Jimmy Durante and Bing Crosby are guests Command Performance – Special Truth or Consequences with Bob Hope in audience Pepsodent Show Nov. 18, 1947. All-star cast without Bob Hope Suspense May 5, 1949. Bob Hope in Death Has a Shadow Bob Hope Show April 21, 1955. Last day on radio, for Dairy Association. Rebroadcast: 5/23/2020 – 5/29/2020.
August 12th 1972 – THE BIG PAYOFF
PROGRAM 121 – Who’s On First? Bud Abbott and Lou Costello classic routine. Break the Bank Oct. 5, 1949. Bert Parks Beat the Band April 7, 1940 Gary Moore Take It or Leave It excerpt Nov. 8, 1942 Phil Baker Stop the Music Jan. 14, 1951 Bert Parks Studio guests are Chords, Unlimited 1969 Illinois District Barbershop Quartet champions in a presentation of their music. Rebroadcast: 5/30/2020 – 6/5/2020.
August 19th 1972 – THAT FUNNY FAMILY
PROGRAM 122 – The Aldrich Family Homer’s anniversary with Agnes. Ezra Stone is Henry Suspense Oct. 30, 1960, House Jamison in The City That Was Aldrich Family Henry receives a letter from an unknown girl. This is War March 21, 1942. Ezra Stone and Claude Raines star. Aldrich Family The school newspaper. Ezra Stone is Henry. Suspense Sept. 22, 1957. Jackie Kelk stars in Shadow on the wall Rebroadcast: 6/6/2020 – 6/12/2020.
PROGRAM 123 – Command Performance Judy Garland, Danny Kaye, Danny Kaye Show 1940s Billie Burke’s birthday G.I. Journal. Editor is Danny Kaye Treasury Star Parade. Derry Kaye and Frederic March Command Performance Danny Kaye, Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda plus The Lobby Number from ˜Up in Arms Rebroadcast: 6/13/2020 – 6/19/2020.
September 2, 1972 – TELEVISION’S SILVER ANNIVERSARY
PROGRAM 124 – The Age of Television Milton Berle, Hugh Downs, Arlene Francis narrate Person to Person. Ed Murrow interviews Louella Parsons Tonight Show Jack Paar interviews Oscar Levant That Was the Week That Was Nichols and May and the Funeral Sketch I Love Lucy Feb. 27, 1952. Radio version of the TV show. Complete Plus: Cesar and Coca, Bob and Ray, Jose Jiminez : Steve Allen, Guest Norman Mark of the Chicago Daily News reminisces about the golden age of TV. Telephone interview with Janice Cooper and in person interview with Martha Raye Rebroadcast: 6/20/2020 – 6/26/2020.
September 9, 1972 – COUPLES CLUB
PROGRAM 125 – Fibber McGee and Molly Nay 19, 1942 Vic and Sade Vic ˜s article in the newspaper Guest Star excerpt: Burns and Allen selling U.S. Bonds door to door Burns and Allen Treasury Star Parade. 1943 Mr. and Mrs. North. The Deadly Doll Easy Aces. Selling paintings Phil Harris and Alice Faye Show March 20, 1949 Vic and Sade Rush talks about the visit to the movies. Rebroadcast: 6/27/2020 – 7/4/2020.
September 17, 1972 – WHEN RADIO WAS RADIO PART 1
PROGRAM 126 – Amos ˜n’ Andy April 20, 1945 The Shadow The Power of the mind Can You Top This? April 3, 1948 The Goldbergs Aug. 6, 1942 Suspense Dec. 5, 1946 The House in Cypress Canyon Robert Taylor Coke Time June 27, 1954. Eddie Fisher. Rebroadcast: 7/4/2020 – 7/10/2020.
September 24, 1972 – WHEN RADIO WAS RADIO PART 2
PROGRAM 127 – Fred Allen Show May 2, 1948. Guest Henry Morgan, The Lone Ranger Wagon Train from Springfield. Cheerios & Fred Foy – Lux Radio Theatre Nov. 28, 1949. Key Largo Edward G. Robinson, Claire Trevor and Edmund 0’Brien. Benny Goodman and his Orchestra Aug. 10, 1941. From College Inn of Hotel Sherman in Chicago. This TWTD broadcast originated from the North Shore suburb of Wilmette during the Centennial Fair in that community. Rebroadcast: 7/11/2020 – 7/17/2020.
October 1, 1972 – WHEN RADIO WAS RADIO PART 3
PROGRAM 128 – Chesterfield Supper Club Jan. 9, 1946 Perry Como Big Town Sept. 21, 1948. The Final Payment Dinah Shore Show Oct. 13, 1954 Gangbusters Bank robbery at Danville, Virginia Eddie Cantor Show Nov. 15, 1941 Inner Sanctum May 1, 1945. The Girl in the Gallows. Rebroadcast: 7/18/2020 – 7/23/2020.
October 8, 1972 – WHEN RADIO WAS RADIO PART 4
PROGRAM 129 – LIFE OF RILEY (3-15-47) Riley writes to Lovelorn Columnist Dorothy Fairchild. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (11-10-40) History is Made at Night starring Charles Boyer, Greer Garson, Lionel Atwell. LIGHTS OUT (8-24-43) Sub Basement with Joseph Kearns and Bea Benadaret. CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (12-14-47) Guest Gary Cooper joins Edgar Bergen, Mortimer Snerd and Ray Noble and the orchestra. GREEN HORNET (1940s) Payment in Full. Rebroadcast: 7/24/2020 – 7/31/2020.
October 15, 1972 – CLASS OF 1952
PROGRAM 130 – SUSPENSE (2-24-49) The Bedford Case starring James Mason. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-1-50) Jack’s Maxwell is stolen. DRAGNET (6-21-51) The Big Run stars Jack Webb as Sgt. Friday. TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET (1-3-52) Frankie Thomas as Tom Corbett. PLUS a 1952 recording of Chicago’s Steinmetz High School Star Newspaper staff graduation party with Chuck Schaden and friends. Also tunes from their high school years. Rebroadcast: 8/1/2020 – 8/7/2020.
October 22, 1972 – RADIO’S G-MEN
PROGRAM 131 – MR DISTRICT ATTORNEY (8-23-44) Stanley, Professional Killer. Jay Jostyn as Mr. D. A. A killer goes free because of a crooked juror. I WAS A COMMUNIST FOR THE FBI (1950s) Little Red Schoolhouse starring Dana Andrews as Matt Svetic. THE LINE UP (1950s) A witness identifies a teen who stole auto parts from a garage. DAVID HARDING, COUNTERSPY (1940s) Mile High Murder smuggling Cuban refugees into the USA. Don McLaughlin as Harding. FBI IN PEACE AND WAR (3-17-54) Help Wanted. The bureau investigates a series of robberies in a wealthy district. Rebroadcast: 8/8/2020 – 8/14/2020.
October 29, 1972 – HALLOWEEN TRICKS AND TREATS
PROGRAM 132 – FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (10-24-39) Gildersleeve’s Halloween party. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-8-55) The War of the Worlds starring Dana Andrews and Pat Crawley, with William Conrad and Parley Baer. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (10-31-48) Ozzie reminisces about the spooky Halloweens of his childhood. HOUSE OF MYSTERY (10-27-45) The Ghost Who Forgot Halloween. Rebroadcast: 8/15/2020 – 8/21/2020.
November 5, 1972 – HAIL TO THE CHIEF
PROGRAM 134 – COLUMBIA PRESENTS CORWIN (3-21-44) The Lonesome Train with Raymond Massey as Abraham Lincoln. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1948) Cantor is a presidential candidate who tries to get all the Smiths in the country to vote for him. Guests are Abbott and Costello and singer Jack Smith. WILL ROGERS PROGRAM (4-30-33) On Presidents’ Day, Rogers comments on the first seven weeks of the presidency of FDR. LEST WE FORGET (1945) A tribute to President Franklyn D. Roosevelt, narrated by actor Melvyn Douglas. MR. PRESIDENT (1940s) Edward Arnold with a story about an American president whose identity is finally revealed at the close of the program. Rebroadcast: 8/22/2020 – 8/28/2020.
November 12, 1972 – DETECTIVE STORY
PROGRAM 135 – BOSTON BLACKIE (1940s) The Wentworth Diamond starring Richard Kollmar as Blackie. ELLERY QUEEN, ARMCHAIR DETECTIVE (1947) The Case of the Three Frogs with Howard Culver as Ellery. CALLING ALL DETECTIVES (8-24-48) Actor Paul Barnes portrays detective Jerry Browning and all other characters in the story. BULLDOG DRUMMOND (1940s) A deep-sea fishing trip ends in murder. ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (1940s) The Betrayal in Bumpous Hell caper starring Howard Duff as Sam Spade. Rebroadcast: 8/29/2020 – 9/5/2020.
November 19, 1972 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING PROGRAM
PROGRAM 136 – CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 1 and 2 of the classic Christmastime serial. MILTON BERLE SHOW (11-25-47) A Salute to Thanksgiving. ARMED FORCES THANKSGIVING SHOW (11-23-44) Starring Lionel Barrymore, Dinah Shore, Wally Brown, John Charles Thomas, Harry Von Zell, Fanny Brice as Baby Snooks, Frank Morgan, Percy Faith and orchestra. LUM AND ABNER (1940s) Thanksgiving at the Jot ˜em Down Store in Pine Ridge. STARS ON PARADE (1950) Kate Smith with a special Thanksgiving program. Rebroadcast: 9/6/2020 – 9/11/2020.
November 26, 1972 – THE ROAD TO FUN
PROGRAM 137 – PHILCO RADIO TIME (1-29-47) Excerpt with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour in sketch, The Road to Hollywood. BOB HOPE SHOW (1952) Jack Benny joins Bob for a Road to Bali sketch with singer Margaret Whiting. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1940s) Armed Forces show with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Andrews Sisters, Lauren Bacall and Stan Kenton and the orchestra. BING CROSBY SHOW (11-7-41) Bing’s guests are Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Is Paramount grooming Martin and Lewis to take the place of Crosby and Hope? ALSO: MY FRIEND IRMA (1947) starring Marie Wilson as Irma and Cathy Lewis as Jane. (Offered in tribute to Marie Wilson who died Nov. 13, 1972.) Rebroadcast: 9/12/2020 – 9/18/2020.
December 2, 1972 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 138 – DINAH SHORE CHRISTMAS CARD (1944) Dinah’s musical tribute to servicemen during WW II. TREASURY STAR PARADE (1942) A Modern Scrooge starring Lionel Barrymore as a man who thinks that War Bonds are Humbug! COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-24-42) An all-star broadcast for military audiences as well as the people on the Home Front. Bob Hope is MC and cast includes Andrews Sisters, Red Skelton, Spike Jones, Ginny Simms, Bing Crosby, Ethel Waters, Charles Laughton, Bergen and McCarthy, Kay Kyser, Dinah Shore, Fred Allen and Jack Benny. JILL’S ALL-TIME JUKE BOX (1945) A nostalgic look at the most popular tunes from past Christmases 1937-1945. Rebroadcast: 9/19/2020 – 9/25/2020.
December 9, 1972 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 139 – BLONDIE (12-15-48) Seasonal fun with Penny Singleton as Blondie and Arthur Lake as Dagwood. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (12-16-48) The Desert Shall Rejoice starring John Hodiak. The owner of a restaurant on the desert doesn’t have the Christmas spirit. MEL BLANC SHOW (12-24-46) Mel has girlfriend problems on Christmas Eve. GRAND CENTRAL STATION (1950s) Miracle for Christmas the program’s traditional Christmas drama. Rebroadcast: 9/26/2020 – 10/2/2020.
December 16, 1972 – RADIO TO WRAP CHRISTMAS GIFTS BY
PROGRAM 140 – GRAND OLE OPRY (12-21-46) The show’s 21sr annual Christmas program. George Morgan introduces Minnie Pearl, Chet Atkins, Archie Campbell. RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE (12-25-49) ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. at the Daily Blade. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-14-49) Gildy shops for a Christmas present for his lady friend. VISIT TO A DOLL FACTORY (1938) Mutual Special Features takes listeners to the Long Island factory of the Ideal Toy Company for a guided tour. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (12-23-48) The Story of Silent Night and composers Franz Gruber and Joseph Mohr. Rebroadcast: 10/3/2020 – 10/9/2020.
December 23, 1972 – RADIO TO TRIM THE TREE BY
PROGRAM 141 – PHILCO RADIO TIME (12-25-46) Bing Crosby’s traditional Christmas broadcast. Bing narrates the story of The Small One. CAMPBELL PLAYHOUSE (12-24-38) Orson Welles presents Lionel Barrymore as Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ classic drama, A Christmas Carol. FIRST NIGHTER PROGRAM (12-45) Little Town of Bethlehem, starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule in the 9th annual presentation of the beloved Christmas drama. Rebroadcast: 10/10/2020 – 10/16/2020.
December 30, 1972 – HAPPY OLD YEAR
PROGRAM 142 – SWEENEY AND MARCH (12-31-47) Bob Sweeney and Hal March in a New Year’s Eve comedy outing. NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE PARTY (12-31-45) A special Armed Forces all-star band program for military audiences with Harry James, Count Basie, Freddy Martin, Woody Herman, Gene Krupa, Louis Armstrong, Jimmy Dorsey, Les Brown, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, Guy Lombardo and many others. SUSPENSE (12-28-58) The 32nd of December starring Frank Lovejoy. JAN SAVITT’S TOP HATTERS (1930s) Studio show from station KYW with one of the nation’s top bands. NOTE: WLTD staff announcer Robert Elenz subs for Chuck who is with a group of TWTD listeners on a program-sponsored holiday in Hawaii. Rebroadcast: 10/17/2020 – 10/23/2020.
January, 6, 1973 – ARCH OBOLER ON RADIO
PROGRAM 143 – LIGHTS OUT (8-3-43) Murder Castle. ADAM AND EVE SKETCH (12-12-37) Don Ameche and Mae West in sketch written by Arch Oboler. CHIUCKEN HEART condensation of Oboler story. BILL COSBY recalls Oboler’s Chicken Heart story. CURTAIN TIME (1940s) Beautiful Lady starring Margaret Hilliet and Hugh Studebaker in a storyj by Arch Oboler. A DAY AT THE DENTIST with Hal Peary in an Oboler vignette. LIGHTS OUT (4-13-43) The Archer. A girl, about to be killed, is rescued by a ghost. Rebroadcast: 10/24/2020 – 10/30/2020.
January 13, 1973 – THE WORLD OF WALT DISNEY
PROGRAM 144 – CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (9-21-47) Edgar Bergen and friends welcome Walt Disney and Donald Duck who promote the film, Fun and Fancy Free. SCREEN GUILD (1940s) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Jimmy Durante and Margaret O’Brien with Mary Jane Smith and Mel Blanc. TREASURY STAR PARADE (1940s) Walt Disney narrates a preview of his new film, Bambi. NBC STORY SHOP (8-23-47) Storyteller Craig McDonald tells of Donald Duck’s Vacation. Guest is Clarence Nash, Donald’s movie voice. ACADEMY AWARD (1940s) Walt Disney’s Pinocchio. MAGIC KEY (9-29-36) Excerpt with Milton Cross, Don Wilson, Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse and the Grand Opera Company. Rebroadcast: 10/31/2020 – 11/7/2020.
January 20, 1973 – AGNES MOOREHEAD – FIRST LADY OF SUSPENSE
PROGRAM 145 – SUSPENSE (6-30-57) The Yellow Wallpaper starring Agnes Moorehead SUSPENSE (6-16-49) The Trap with Agnes Moorehead MAYOR OF THE TOWN (1940s) Horse Trouble starring Lionel Barrymore with Agnes Moorehead. BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (11-9-45) with Bill’s guest Tommy Dorsey. SUSPENSE (2-6-44) The Sisters starring Agnes Moorehead. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actress Agnes Moorehead in a conversation recorded in Chicago on July 17, 1971. Rebroadcast: 11/8/2020 – 11/13/2020.
January 27, 1973 – TO THE REAR MARCH!
PROGRAM 146 – HOLLYWOOD SCREEN DIRECTORS (1940s) Fort Apache starring John Wayne and Ward Bond. ACADEMY AWARD (6-15-46) Pride of the Marines starring John Garfield and Rosemary DeCamp. GI JOURNAL (1940s). Rebroadcast: 11/14/2020 – 11/20/2020.
February 3, 1973 – LISTENERS’ CHOICES (Part 1 of 4)
PROGRAM 147 – I LOVE A MYSTERY (1940s) Presenting the first 10 chapters of the Carlton E. Morse adventure, The Battle of the Century. (Concluding four chapters scheduled for next week’s program.) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-10-46) Jack’s special guest is Eddie Cantor. LONE RANGER (10-20-54). Rebroadcast: 11/21/2020 – 11/27/2020.
February 10, 1973 – LISTENERS’ CHOICES (Part 2 of 4)
PROGRAM 148 – I LOVE A MYSTERY (1940s) Concluding chapters of The Battle of the Century. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (10-20-42) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-6-44) THE SHADOW (1940s) The Shadow Challenged starring Bill Johnstone as Lamont Cranston. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (1940s). Rebroadcast: 11/28/2020 – 12/4/2020.
February 17, 1973 – LISTENERS’ CHOICES (Part 3 of 4)
PROGRAM 149 – THE MARLIN HURT AND BEULAH SHOW (1940s) A spin-off from Fibber McGee and Molly with Mr. Hurt portraying both roles. TOM DICK AND HARRY (1940s) Audition recording featuring Marlin Hurt. LUX RADIO THEATRE (11-6-50) :Rebecca starring Vivien Leigh and Lawrence Olivier. DUFFY’S TAVERN (1940s) Ed Gardner as Archie, the Manager. BOB HOPE SHOW (4-15-53) Guest is actress Jane Russell. SUSPENSE (11-6-47) Dreamsong starring Henry Morgan. Rebroadcast: 12/6/2020 – 12/11/2020.
February 24, 1973 – LISTENERS’ CHOICES (Part 4 of 4)
PROGRAM 150 – GANGBUSTGERS (1940s) CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (1940s) Last program for Chase and Sanborn LIGHTS OUT (8-10-43) Sakalyien FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-2-47) Fred with guests, the Quiz Kids. INNER SANCTUM (4-24-45) Song of the Slasher. Rebroadcast: 12/12/2020 – 12/18/2020.
March 3, 1973 – THE PRICE IS RIGHT – VINCENT PRICE
PROGRAM 151 – SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1940s) Dragonwyck starring Vincent Price. DUFFY’S TAVERN (1-5-51) Ed Gardner and guest Vincent Price. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor Vincent Price in a conversation recorded in Chicago September 8, 1971. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (10-5-50) Champagne For Caesar starring Vincent Price, Ronald Colman, Audrey Totter, Barbara Britton and Art Linkletter. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-6-49) Jack and the gang with guest Vincent Price. HOLLYWOOD STAR TIME (5-19-46) Vincent Price stars in The Lodger. Rebroadcast: 12/19/2020 – 12/25/2020.
March 10, 1973 – IT’S A GREAT LIFE
PROGRAM 152 – THIS IS YOUR LIFE (March, 1950) Two consecutive broadcasts as host Ralph Edwards documents the life of Charlie McCarthy. Edgar Bergen also appears. LIFE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL 1942) Isolated episode. LIFE OF RILEY (11-9-46) William Bendix stars. PORTIA FACES LIFE (11-2-48) Isolated episode. LIFE WITH LUIGI (9-2-52) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco, Rebroadcast: 12/26/2020 – 1/1/2021.
March 17, 1973 – THE LUCK OF THE IRISH
PROGRAM 153 – HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (10-28-48) O’Halloran’s Luck starring Edmund O’Brien. DENNIS DAY SHOW (1940s) Dennis has a radio show. FAMILY THEATRE (5-7-69) The Courtship of John Dennis starring Pat O’Brien. BLONDIE (1940s) War hero returns. (Presented in tribute to Chic Young, creator of the Blondie comic strip, who died March 14, 1973). ACADEMY AWARD (1940s) Kitty Foyle starring Ginger Rogers. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-17-46) Jack and the gang on St. Patrick’s Day. Rebroadcast: 1/2/2021 – 1/8/2021.
March 24, 1973 – MORE STARS THAN IN THE HEAVENS
PROGRAM 154 – ACADEMY AWARD (1940s) A Star is Born starring Frederic March. NELSON EDDY PROGRAM (4-7-46) Guest is Jeanette MacDonald. LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-17-51) Sunset Boulevard starring Gloria Swanson and William Holden. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1946) Bob Hope emcees the 1945 Academy Awards broadcast from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Rebroadcast: 1/9/2021 – 1/15/2021.
March 31, 1973 – ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR LISTENER
PROGRAM 155 – SHERLOCK HOLMES (1940s) Missing Submarine Plans stars Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Holmes and Dr. Watson. SHERLOCK HOLMES (1950s) The Final Problem Parts 1. Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson as Holmes and Watson. MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR (9-26-38) Sherlock Holmes starring Orson Welles as Holmes and Professor Moriarity with Ray Collins as Watson. SHERLOCK HOLMES (1940s) Scandal in Bohemia with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. Rebroadcast: 1/16/2021 – 1/22/2021.
April 7, 1973 – YESTERDAY PRESENTS TOMORROW
PROGRAM 156 – EXPLORING TOMORROW (1950s) The Convict. X MINUS ONE (1950s) Appointment in Tomorrow. SUSPENSE (1950s) Zero Hour EXPLORING TOMORROW (1950s) Exile to Mars. DIMENSION X (1950s) The Grimshaw Scandal. ARMED FORCES RADIO THEATRE (1940s) It Happened Tomorrow. . Rebroadcast: 1/23/2021 – 1/29/2021.
April 14, 1973 – DYNAMIC DUO – BOGART & ROBINSON
PROGRAM 157 “SUSPENSE (3-1-45) My Wife Geraldine starring Edward G. Robinson. BOLD VENTURE (1940s) Frame-Up starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. BIG TOWN (1940s) Every Sixteen Hours starring Edward G. Robinson and Ona Munson. SCREEN GUILD PLAYHOUSE (4-17-44) High Sierra starring Humphrey Bogart SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (11-2-41) The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse starring Edward G. Robinson. SUSPENSE (3-8-45) Love’s Lovely Counterfeit starring Humphrey Bogart. Rebroadcast: 1/30/2021 – 2/5/2021.
April 21, 1973 – RADIO’S AMUSEMENT PARK
PROGRAM 158 – WEIRD CIRCLE (1940s) The Thing in the Tunnel. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1940s) The McGees take Teeney to the Carnival. HERMIT’S CAVE (1930s) Castle by the Sea.THE FAT MAN (1940s) Murder is the Medium. PLUS memories of Chicago’s Riverview amusement park. Rebroadcast: 2/6/2021 – 2/12/2021.
April 28, 1973 – THIRD ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM
PROGRAM 159 – Chuck reminisces about his first program from 1970 and presents an afternoon of nostalgia including a sound documentary about the Fifty Golden Years of Radio; a Guess When newscast from the past; the Radio Guide Magazine 10th anniversary broadcast; a look at 1937 in Review; and a complete Fred Allen Show from May 26, 1946. Rebroadcast: 2/13/2021 – 2/19/2021.
May 5, 1973 – SALUTE TO AMOS ˜N’ ANDY
PROGRAM 160 – AMOS N’ ANDY (2-14-54) Freeman Gosden and Charles Corrrell offer the life story of their characters, Amos and Andy. CHECK AND DOUBLE CHECK (1930) Excerpt from the soundtrack of the Amos ˜n’ Andy motion picture. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (10-8-43) The first program in the team’s half-hour series. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY TV SHOW (1950s) The soundtrack from the popular television version of the long-running radio series. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (1952) Recording of the rehearsal of an Amos ˜n’ Andy radio show. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (1940s) The characters welcome guest Jack Benny. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY MUSIC HALL (1960) Final program in the quarter-hour series with a disc jockey format. NOTE: This TWTD broadcast originates in the Community Room of sponsor North West Federal Savings on Irving Park Road in Chicago. (Delayed start to this show). Rebroadcast: 2/20/2021 – 2/26/2021.
May 12, 1973 – THE GREAT FEUD – FRED ALLEN VS. CHARLIE MC CARTHY
PROGRAM 161 “ Presenting the classic confrontation between Fred and Charlie as presented on five connected Allen and McCarthy radio programs beginning 9-30-45 and ending on 10-28-45. Joining in the fun are Edgar Bergen, Portland Hoffa, Mortimer Snerd, Anita Gordon, Frank Sinatra, and the Allen’s Alley gang.. Rebroadcast: 2/27/2021 – 3/5/2021.
May 19, 1973 – THE BIG BROADCAST
PROGRAM 162 – BILLION DOLLAR SHOW (8-28-52) Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding host a program celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first radio commercial. MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR (10-30-38) The War of the Worlds starring Orson Wells and his Mercury Players. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (9-13-49) Jim and Marian Jordan star in their 15th Anniversary broadcast, the first show of their 1949-50 season. Rebroadcast: 3/6/2021 – 3/12/2021.
May 26, 1973 – SALUTE TO THE RADIO NETWORKS
PROGRAM 163 – CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (3-16-56) Cops and Robbers. THIS IS NBC (1951) Marking the 25th Anniversary of the network with an all-star cast. FRANK SINGISER NEWS (12-23-44) The Mutual Network newsman reports. MAIL CALL (1944) The Armed Forces Radio Network offers some broadcast out-takes. ABC MYSTERY TIME (1940s) Death Walked In drama. PLUS”A tribute to singer/bandleader Vaughn Monroe who died May 21, 1973. Includes Chuck’s May 4, 1972 conversation with Mr. Monroe. Rebroadcast: 3/13/2021 – 3/19/2021.
June 2, 1973 – THE ONE, THE ONLY, GROUCHO!
PROGRAM 164 – Groucho Marx is in the radio spotlight as we present broadcasts of YOU BET YOUR LIFE; MAIL CALL; THE LAST WORD; GOLDEN DAYS OF RADIO; LEO IS ON THE AIR; G I JOURNAL and more. With Ida Lupino, Robert Benchley, Kathryn Grayson, Kenny Baker, Les Paul Trio, Bergen Evans, Spike Jones, Frances Langford, Mel Torme, Johnny Weissmueller and Lucille Ball. Rebroadcast: 3/20/2021 – 3/26/2021.
June 9, 1973 – AUDIO PRESENTS VIDEO
PROGRAM 165 – Recalling the first 25 years of Television as we change channels for some TV soundtracks: DRAGNET, GARROWAY AT LARGE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB, CHARLES ANTELL PRODUCTS, ALEX DRIER, MAN ON THE GO, MR DISTRICT ATTORNEY, SID CESAR AND IMOGENE COCA KUKLA, FRAN AND OLLIE. Rebroadcast: 3/27/2021 – 4/2/2021.
June 16, 1973 – FAIR WEATHER ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 166 “ FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1-27-42) The McGees weather a blizzard. SUSPENSE (7-15-62) Snow on 66. ARMSTRONG THEATRE (1940s) Thunder and the Miracle. DAMON RUNYON THEATRE (1940s) Big Umbrella. SUSPENSE (5-31-45) August Heat starring Ronald Colman, OUR SPECIAL GUEST is Chicago TV weatherman Harry Volkman who joins us in the studio during a developing storm. Rebroadcast: 4/3/2021 – 4/9/2021.
June 23, 1973 – FIRST CALL TO BREAKFAST
PROGRAM 167 – Celebrating the 40th anniversary of radio’s Breakfast Club and host Don McNeill. BREAKFAST CLUB (1943) FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-9-48) Allen’s guest is Don McNeill. DON MC NEILL STORY (6-22-53) Special ABC network program saluting the long-time host. PERSON TO PERSON (11-21-58) Soundtrack of Edward R. Murrow’s TV visit to Breakfast Club host Don McNeill. SILVER SALUTE TO AFTRA (1961) Don McNeill hosts this special talent union event. DON MC NEILL SHOW (12-27-68) Final broadcast of the Breakfast Club after a record 35 years on the air. . Rebroadcast: 4/10/2021 – 4/16/2021.
PROGRAM 168 – Chuck’s on vacation and his long-time pal Dan McGuire sits in to present a program of western-themed shows: GUNSMOKE, HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL, HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE, Wyatt Earp, GI JOURNAL, STRAIGHT ARROW, WILD BILL HICKOK, THE LONE RANGER. Rebroadcast: 4/17/2021 – 4/23/2021.
July 7, 1973 – SATURDAY AFTERNOON AT THE FUNNIES
PROGRAM 169 – Comic book historian Joe Sarno and popular culture historian Professor J. Fred MacDonald substitute for Chuck Schaden. BLONDIE (1940s), ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN Isolated episode, COMMAND PERFORMANCE Dick Tracy in B Flat, TERRY AND THE PIRATES Fighting the Axis in Burma, ARCHIE ANDREWS No Sleep for Archie, Rebroadcast: 4/24/2021 – 4/30/2021.
July 14, 1973 – RADIO’S MAIN STREET
PROGRAM 170 – INNER SANCTUM Death for Sale VIC AND SADE (1940) Smelly Clark with girl at the movies. MYSTERY HOUSE (1944) The Thirsty Death, LUM AND ABNER, FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-26-39) Molly’s old boyfriend visits, SPECIAL GUEST is JIM JORDAN (7-3-73 interview) presented throughout the program. Rebroadcast: 5/1/2021 – 5/7/2021.
July 21, 1973 – CHRISTMAS IN JULY
PROGRAM 171 – PHILCO RADIO HALL OF FAME (12-17-44) Judy Garland, Paul Whiteman, Les Paul, Lum and Abner, Jerry Colonna. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-24-44) Bob Hope, Spike Jones, Jimmy Durante, Dinah Shore, Jack Benny, Fred Allen, Kay Kyser, Dorothy Lamour, W.C. Fields, Danny Kaye. The Small One with Spencer Tracy, Skippy Homier, Howard Duff. Rebroadcast: 5/8/2021 – 5/14/2021.
July 28, 1973 – GREAT RADIO COMEDIANS
PROGRAM 172 – JACK BENNY PROGRAM (9-10-50) BOB HOPE SHOW (10-16-45) AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (1940s) FRED ALLEN SHOW (4-25-48) RED SKELTON SHOW (4-30-52) CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (1-13-46) Edgar Bergen, Mortimer Snerd. Rebroadcast: 5/15/2021 – 5/21/2021.
August 4, 1973 – TRIPLE TREAT of SHOW BIZ GREATS
PROGRAM 173 – JIMMY DURANTE SHOW 10-29-47), EDDIE CANTOR AT CARNEGIE HALL (1957), LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-15-36) Burlesque starring Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler, CLUB DURANT (throughout the program) with Jimmy Durante and guests Clayton and Jackson, Sophie Tucker, Ethel Barrymore, Eddie Cantor, Bing Crosby, Helen Trauble, Al Jolson, and Bob Hope. . Rebroadcast: 5/22/2021 – 5/28/2021.
August 11, 1973 – THE WAR IS OVER! THE WAR IS OVER!
PROGRAM 174 – NEWSREEL THEATRE The War Years Prologue and Blitzkreig; Retreat; Attack; Victory and Epilog. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1946) All star recap of WW II programming for military audiences. Bob Hope, Bergen and McCarthy, King Sisters, Kay Kyser, Jerry Colonna, Donald Crisp, Frances Langford. Rebroadcast: 5/29/2021 – 6/4/2021.
August 18, 1973 – RADIO IN THE THIRTIES
PROGRAM 175 – LET’S HAVE FUN (10-22-35) Hour-long variety show. TARZAN OF THE APES (1930s) Chapters 1 and 2, JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-27-38), AL JOLSON LIFEBOY PROGRAM (1930) Martha Raye, Parkyakarkus. Rebroadcast: 6/5/2021 – 6/11/2021.
August 25, 1973 – STARS ON SUSPENSE
PROGRAM 176 – SUSPENSE (7-10-47) Murder by the Book starring Gloria Swanson SUSPENSE (4-19-59) See How He Runs starring Jim Backus SUSPENSE (5-18-44) Donovan’s Brain starring Orson Welles in the first of two consecutive programs. SUSPENSE (5-25-44) Donovan’s Brain starring Orson Welles. Part two of the classic drama. SUSPENSE (9-7-44) Voyage Through Darkness starring Olivia deHavilland and Reginald Gardner. SUSPENSE (10-18-45) Summer Storm: starring Henry Fonda SUSPENSE (4-13-53) The Great Train Robbery starring Fred MacMurray. Rebroadcast: 6/12/2021 – 6/18/2021.
September 1, 1973 – GUEST STARS ON PARADE
PROGRAM 177 – Complete shows and excerpts from the long-running Guest Star quarter hour series from the 1940s and 50s mostly presented by the U.S. Treasury Department. Entertainment provided by Eddie Cantor, Humphrey Bogart, Donna Reed, Spike Jones, William Holden, Hildegard, Abbott and Costello, Barbara Luddy & Olan Soule, Eddie Fisher, Margaret O’Brien, Jack Benny, Walter Brennan, Edward G. Robinson, Robert Young, Eve Arden and Pat O’Brien. Rebroadcast: 6/19/2021 – 6/25/2021.
September 8, 1973 – LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!
PROGRAM 178 – Movies on Radio: STARS OVER HOLLYWOOD (12-30-50) Continental Cowboy starring Vincent Price SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1940s) Arsenic and Old Lace starring Boris Karloff and Eddie Albert LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-1-46) Barnacle Bill starring Wallace Beery and Marjorie Main JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1950s) Jack presents his version of High Noon. ACADEMY AWARD (6-22-46) Front Page starring Adolph Menjou and Pat O’Brien NOTE: TWTD TAKES AN 11-WEEK HIATUS FOR NORTHWESTERN FOOTBALL BROADCASTS ON WLTD September 15 – November 30, 1973 TWTD RESUMES THE REGULAR SATURDAY AFTERNOON SCHEDULE December 1, 1973. Rebroadcast: 6/26/2021 – 7/2/2021.
December 1, 1973 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 191 – FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-17-46), GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-14-=49), BLONDIE (12-15-48), CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (12-19-46) Christmas Shopping, Rebroadcast: 7/3/2021 – 7/9/2021.
December 8, 1973 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 192 – SUSPENSE (12-21-58) Out for Christmas, HOPALONG CASSIDY (1940s) Santa Claus Rustlers, FIRST NIGHTER PROGRAM (1945) Little Town of Bethlehem, GEORGE BURNS & GRACIE ALLEN SHOW (1940s), SUSPENSE (12-20-59) Korean Christmas Carol. Rebroadcast: 7/10/2021 – 7/16/2021.
December 15, 1973 – RADIO TO WRAP CHRISTMAS GIFTS BY
PROGRAM 193 – EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-20-44), GUNSMOKE (1950s) Christmas show, AMOS N ANDY MUSIC HALL (1950s) Christmastime, RADIO’S READER’S DIGEST (1946) Room for a Stranger. Rebroadcast: 7/17/2021 – 7/23/2021.
December 22, 1973 – RADIO TO TRIM THE TREE BY
PROGRAM 194 “FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-23-41) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-18-49) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1944) DUFFY’S TAVERN (1940s). Rebroadcast: 7/24/2021 – 7/30/2021.
December 29, 1973 – HAPPY OLD YEAR!
PROGRAM 195 “ RAILROAD HOUR (12-29-52), ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1-2-49), YOUR HIT PARADE (1-22-44), KRAFT MUSIC HALL (12-30-43), EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-27-44). Rebroadcast: 7/31/2021 – 8/7/2021.
January 5, 1974 – CRIME DOES NOT PAY!
PROGRAM 196 – BIG TOWN (12-12-44), CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (9-14-46) Duke of Skid Row , IN THE NAME OF THE LAW (1940s), Our Special Guest is actor BRET MORRISON interviewed in Hollywood, California, (12-13-73), THE SHADOW (3-10-46) The Ghost Without a Face starring Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston, aka the Shadow. BOSTON BLACKIE (1940s) Park Pond Murder. Rebroadcast: 8/8/2021 – 8/13/2021.
January 12, 1974 – RADIO’S CRYSTAL BALL
PROGRAM 197 – EXPLORING TOMORROW (1950s) The Martian Queen, FLASH GORDON (1930s) Decoys of Ming the Merciless isolated episode, SPACE PATROL (1950s) Secret Cargo, CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (2-17-57) Space Merchants Part 1 of 2, CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (12-24-57) Space Merchants Part 2 of 2, TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET (1952) Atmosphere of Death Part 1 of 2, TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET (1952) Atmosphere of Death Part 2 of 2. Rebroadcast: 8/14/2021 – 8/20/2021.
January 19, 1974 – WARNER BROS. PRESENTS
PROGRAM 198 – SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1940s) Saturday’s Children , LUX RADIO THEATRE (1946) To Have and Have Not, SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1944) Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse, OUR SPECIAL GUEST is film buff and co-host of Memory Club movies, DAVID DENWOOD as we present audio clips and talk about the great film from the Warner Bros. studio: Rebroadcast: 8/21/2021 – 8/27/2021.
PROGRAM 199 – STORY OF DR. KILDARE (1940s) Willi has a Baby NIGHT SURGEON (1940s) TRIBUTE TO VIC AND SADE Parts 1 and 2 of 4. Cast interviews and programs. (Continued next week) DR SIXGUN (1950s) Sick Indian boy. DR CHRISTIAN (1940s) The Norton Nose CITY HOSPITAL (1940s) I Don’t Want to Look Rebroadcast: 8/28/2021 – 9/3/2021.
February 2, 1974 – FIFTH ROW CENTER
PROGRAM 200 – STUDIO ONE (11-4-47) Kitty Foyle starring Mercedes McCambridge, TRIBUTE TO VIC AND SADE Parts 3 and 4 of 4. Cast interviews and programs, THEATRE GUILD (4-26-54) 1984 starring Richard Widmark. Rebroadcast: 9/4/2021 – 9/10/2021.
February 9, 1974 – COMIC VALENTINES
PROGRAM 201 – BOB HOPE SHOW (1940s), EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-3-45), JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-21-45), OUR SPECIAL GUEST is writer PHIL LESLIE, who wrote on the Fibber McGee program for many years, interviewed in Hollywood, California (12-13-73), FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-2-47), TEXACO STAR THEATRE (10-4-42) starring Fred Allen. Rebroadcast: 9/11/2021 – 9/17/2021.
February 16, 1974 – THEY WENT THATAWAY!
PROGRAM 202 – CISCO KID (1940s) Silvertown Swindle, FRONTIER TOWN (1940s) Spanish Land Grant, GENE AUTRY’S MELODY RANCH (1940s), HOPALONG CASSIDY (1950s) Lawyer of Laredo,, LONE RANGER (3-17-50) Jaekel’s Prison Farm. Rebroadcast: 9/18/2021 – 9/24/2021.
February 23, 1974 – MEN BEHIND THE BADGE
PROGRAM 203 – DAVID HARDING, COUNTERSPY (4-4-50) Magic Murder, DRAGNET (1940s), SAN FRANCISCO BEAT (1940s) Telegraph Hill, OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor RED BUTTONS, interviewed in Chicago (2-20-74), MR DISTRICT ATTORNEY (10-4-54) Set-up for Re-entry, I WAS A COMMUNIST FOR THE FBI (1950s) Kiss of Death, GANGBUSTERS (1950s) $35,000 Theft Rebroadcast: 9/25/2021 – 10/1/2021.
March 2, 1974 – MASTERS OF MYSTERY
PROGRAM 204 – SUSPENSE (7-23-61) Stranger with my Face, LIGHTS OUT (8-10-43) Sakaian, INNER SANCTUM (1940s) Mind Over Murder, SUSPENSE (12-13-45) Argyle Album , DEVIL AND MR. O (1940s) Hollywood Visitor. Rebroadcast: 10/2/2021 – 10/8/2021.
March 9, 1974 – WARNER BROS PRESENTS Part 2
PROGRAM 205 “ SHOWTIME (1940s) Sunny ACADEMY AWARD (8-7-46) Watch on the Rhine SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS 2-14-44) Gentleman Jim OUR SPECIAL GUEST is film buff and co-host of Memory Club movies, DAVID DENWOOD who joins us again (as he did on 1-19-74) for another look back at the famous movie studio as we present more audio clips and talk about the great film from Warner Bros. Rebroadcast: 10/9/2021 – 10/15/2021.
March 16, 1974 – GOOD AFTERNOON, MR. FIRST NIGHTER
PROGRAM 206 – FIRST NIGHTER PROGRAM (3-25-41) Love and Gazooza OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor LES TREMAYNE, interviewed in Hollywood, California (12-12-73) MGM THEATRE OF THE AIR 1951) Love is a Headache FIRST NIGHTER PROGRAM (1940s) A Symphony with your Spaghetti THE THIN MAN (7-6-48) Adventure of the Passionate Palooka. Rebroadcast: 10/16/2021 – 10/22/2021.
March 23, 1974 – SAY IT WITH MUSIC – Tribute to Irving Berlin
PROGRAM 207 – COLUMBIA PLAYHOUSE (1938) An all-star tribute to composer Irving Berlin, SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1-11-43) Holiday Inn, PHILCO RADIO TIME (5-7-47). Rebroadcast: 10/23/2021 – 10/29/2021.
March 30, 1974 – THE SOUNDS OF TELEVISION!
PROGRAM 208 – COLUMBIA PLAYHOUSE (1938) An all-star tribute to composer Irving Berlin, SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1-11-43) Holiday Inn, PHILCO RADIO TIME (5-7-47). Rebroadcast: 10/30/2021 – 11/5/2021.
April 6, 1974 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 209 – Chuck is away and Mike Schwimmer substitutes. Rebroadcast: 11/6/2021 – 11/12/2021.
April 13, 1974 – RADIO’S EASTER PARADE
PROGRAM 210 – HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (4-14-49) One Foot in Heaven starring George Brent, JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1940s) Jack and Mary join the Easter Parade, HOLLYWOOD STAR TIME (4-21-41) Song of Bernadette starring Vincent Price, Lee J. Cobb, and Vanessa Brown, FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-23-48) Molly’s Easter creation, THE SHADOW (3-28-48) Death and the Easter Bonnet. Rebroadcast: 11/13/2021 – 11/19/2021.
April 20, 1974 – SALUTE TO 20TH CENTURY FOX
PROGRAM 211 – SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (12-24-39) The Bluebird starring Shirley Temple. LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-2-45) Swanee River starring Dennis Morgan, Al Jolson and Frances Gifford. ACADEMY AWARD (8-21-46) Keys of the Kingdom OUR SPECIAL GUESTS are actors DON AMECHE in an interview recorded (12-7-71), and CESAR ROMERO in an interview recorded (8-23-72), plus, joining us in our studio, film historian ROBERT ROSTERMAN. Rebroadcast: 11/20/2021 – 11/26/2021.
April 27, 1974 – THANKS FOR LISTENING – TWTD 4th ANNIVERSARY
PROGRAM 212 – EXCERPTS from the first TWTD programs (5-2-70), HECTOR Q. PEABODY SHOW “Program 13, EXCERPTS from the new limited series, FIBBER McGEE AND THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF RADIO (1974), FIBBER McGEE CAST INTERVIEW recorded in Hollywood, California (2-15-74) Jim Jordan, Gale Gordon, Hal Peary and writer Phil Leslie. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-29-41). Rebroadcast: 11/27/2021 – 12/3/2021.
May 4, 1974 – SALUTE TO RADIO MONTH Part 1
PROGRAM 213 – EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-31-45) Eddie’s 53rd birthday FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-31-55) TRIBUTE TO JACK BENNY (5-10-41) Jack’s 10th anniversary in broadcasting AGNES MOOREHEAD interview (7-17-71) who died on April 30, 1974 SUSPENSE (5-25-43) Sorry, Wrong Number starring Agnes Moorehead. Rebroadcast: 12/4/2021 – 12/10/2021.
May 11, 1974 – SALUTE TO RADIO MONTH Part 2
PROGRAM 214 – BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (1-24-47) BABY SNOOKS (1940s) Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford as Snooks and Daddy at the circus LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-30-46) Coney Island starring Betty Grable, Victor Mature and Barry Sullivan LONE RANGER (4-7-50) The Faceless Bandit. Rebroadcast: 12/11/2021 – 12/17/2021.
May 18, 1974 – SALUTE TO RADIO MONTH Part 3
PROGRAM 215 – MYSTERY IN THE AIR (9-18-47) The Black Cat starring Peter Lorre COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1940s) Starring Frank Sinatra, Frances Langford, Roddy MacDowell, Peggy Ann Garner KAY KYSER’S KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (8-16-44) DRAGNET (1940s) Man with a gun threatens the neighborhood INNER SANCTUM (6-5-45) Death Across the Board OUR STUDIO GUESTS are super autograph collectors MARY AND MARIE BOLTON and police officer HARRY TANNAHILL, who was a contestant on the KAY KYSER program from 1944 which is scheduled for rebroadcast on today’s TWTD program. Rebroadcast: 12/18/2021 – 12/24/2021.
May 25, 1974 – SALUTE TO RADIO MONTH Part 4
PROGRAM 216 – FAMOUS JURY TRIALS (1-27-41) The State vs Gregory Atwell THIS IS RADIO (1940) A celebration of Broadcasting Day from WOR/Mutual. THE WHISTLER (1940s) Escape to Doom NATIONAL BARN DANCE (5-2-64) 40th anniversary program. GREEN HORNET (1940s) Money Talks too Loud SPECIAL GUESTS, joining us in our studio are radio personalities CARLTON KADELL and BOB CUNNINGHAM. Rebroadcast: 12/25/2021 – 12/31/2021.
June 1, 1974 – A CLOUD OF DUST
PROGRAM 217 – GUNSMOKE (7-13-49) Pilot program for the series Mark Dillon, U.S. Marshall HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (3-24-49) Wyatt Earp FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (6-20-44) Spending the summer on a ranch GUNSMOKE (1950s) The New Hotel rehearsal session with William Conrad, STORY OF DR. KILDARE (1949) Aging cowboy star Buck Huston LONE RANGER (4-10-50) . Rebroadcast: 1/1/2022 – 1/7/2022.
PROGRAM 219 “ BLONDIE (1940s) Sunday Driver JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY (1940) Isolated episode ONE MAN’S FAMILY (7-4-49) Book 71 Chapter 1 Re-introduction to the Barbour Family. HIS HONOR, THE BARBER (11-27-45) ALDRICH FAMILY 1940s) Lost boy. OUR SPECIAL GUESTS, joining us in our studio, are actress BARBARA FULLER who appeared on One Man’s Family and John Gannon and Sarajane Wells who were in the cast of Jack Armstrong. NOTE; NO ˜TWTD PROGRAM ON June 22, 1974. Program pre-empted for a special presentation featuring WLTD personalities Mike Schwimmer and Bill Nigut. offering a Tribute to Duke Ellington. Rebroadcast: 1/8/2022 – 1/14/2022.
PROGRAM 220 – JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1944) Jack misses his birthday ACADEMY AWARD (6-29-46) A Star is Born HARRY JAMES AND HIS ORCHESTRA (6-29-45) SUSPENSE (6-29-43) Uncle Henry’s Rose Bush JACK SMITH SHOW (6-29-51) COMMAND PERFORMANCE (6-29-44) Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1940s) Rebroadcast: 1/15/2022 – 1/21/2022.
July 6, 1974 – REMEMBER RIVERVIEW!
PROGRAM 221 – Guests in our studio recall the World’s Largest Amusement Park as we present these vintage programs: THE SHADOW (10-22-39) House of Fun HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (5-26-49) The Barker GREEN HORNET (1940s) Roller Coaster Death INNER SANCTUM (1940s) Murder Rides a Carousel Rebroadcast: 1/22/2022 – 1/28/2022.
July 13, 1974 – MOVIE DOUBLE FEATURE & SELECTED SHORTS
PROGRAM 222 – LUX RADIO THEATRE (1-12-48) Kiss of Death starring Victor Mature, Coleen Gray and Richard Widmark, CARTOON Bugs Bunny Meets Elmer Fudd, MOVIE PREVIEW (1935) Shipmates Forever, PASSING PARADE (1940s) Copernicus vs Columbus, MARCH OF TIME 1940s) Hitler’s march into Czechoslovakia., MOVIE PREVIEW (1934) Golddiggers of 1935, LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-24-46) State Fair starring Dick Haymes, Jeanne Crain, Vivian Blaine. Rebroadcast: 1/29/2022 – 2/4/2022.
July 20, 1974 – TRIBUTE TO AL JOLSON
PROGRAM 223 – LEGEND OF AL JOLSON narrated by Walter Winchell, KRAFT MUSIC HALL 5-13-48 Al Jolson stars with Oscar Levant and guest Dorothy Kirsten, PHILCO RADIO TIME (5-7-47) Bing Crosby and guest Al Jolson, AL JOLSON MEMORIAL (10-26-50) Hour-long broadcast tribute on the day of Jolson’s death. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (3-6-47) Guest is Al Jolson, NOTE; No TWTD broadcast on 7-27-74, pre-empted for WLTD’s afternoon-long remote coverage of the Evanston Garage Sale. Rebroadcast: 2/5/2022 – 2/11/2022.
August 3rd, 1974 – CHICAGO ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 224 “ GRAND MARQUEE (1940s) Half a Dog is Better than None, CHICAGO THEATRE OF THE AIR (1950s) The Desert Song, CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (11-17-39) Isolated episode, WMAQ SILVER ANNIVERSARY (4-13-47) celebrating the station’s 25th anniversary, CURTAIN TIME (7-5-47) But the Face is Familiar, EXTRA: Two songs (from a 1956, 45 rpm record) The Disc Jockey Blues and A Happy Marriage sung by The Six Dee Jays – Chicago air personalities Bill Anson, Jack Eigan, Eddie Hubbard, Jim Lounsbury, Bill O’Connor and Dan Sorkin. Rebroadcast: 2/12/2022 – 2/18/2022.
August 10th, 1974 – RADIO AND ALL THAT JAZZ
PROGRAM 225 – CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LOWER BASIN STREET (5-5-40), BOOKSHELF OF THE WORLD (1950s) Young Man with a Horn life of Bix Beiderbecke, JACK OAKIE COLLEGE (11-16-37), BENNY GOODMAN’S SWING SCHOOL (11-16-37), PETE KELLY’S BLUES (8-29-51), Rebroadcast: 2/19/2022 – 2/25/2022.
August 17th, 1974 – HEAVEN IS ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 226 – FAMILY THEATRE (1940s) The McCoy, THE ETERNAL LIGHT (1940s) The Dragon’s Tail, STORIES FROM THE (CATHOLIC) DIGEST (1940s), GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (1940s) He That Looseth His Life, YOUR STORY HOUR (1940s) Adam and Eve, EXTRA: During this broadcast, Chuck gives listeners a preview of a proposed 55-minute syndicated version of Those Were The Days. It includes a JACK BENNY PROGRAM from 1948 and a SUSPENSE program from 1942, The Hitch-Hiker. Rebroadcast: 2/26/2022 – 3/4/2022.
August 24th, 1974 – RADIO ON LAND, SEA AND IN THE AIR
PROGRAM 227 – CBS DOCUMENTARIES (7-20-60) Last Flight of Amelia Earhardt LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-22-47) Two Years Before the Mast starring Alan Ladd, Howard DaSilva, Macdonald Carey and Wanda Hendrix, THIS IS THE STORY (1940s) Sing Out, Sweet Land, MYSTERY IN THE AIR (8-14-47) The Lodger. Rebroadcast: 3/5/2022 – 3/11/2022.
August 31st, 1974 – WORKING AT COMEDY
PROGRAM 228 – JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-20-49) Guest Van Johnson, AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (1940s) $25 a week, BOB HOPE SHOW (4-9-46) FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-7-45), OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor MARVIN MILLER (in a 1973 interview) accompanied by audio clips of some of his radio work. Rebroadcast: 3/12/2022 – 3/18/2022.
September 7th, 1974 – RADIO DETECTIVES
PROGRAM 229 – BOSTON BLACKIE (1940s), PAT NOVAK FOR HIRE (4-2-49) A priest hires Novak., ELLERY QUEEN (1940s) The Case of Number 31, SUSPENSE (7-20-43) Murder Goes for a Swim, ROCKY FORTUNE (2-16-54) Too Many Husbands, NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (1-14-45) Murder by Fire, THE SHADOW (1930s) Can the Dead Talk? ,NOTE: TWTD TAKES AN 11-WEEK HIATUS FOR NORTHWESTERN FOOTBALL BROADCASTS ON WLTD September 14 – November 23, 1974, TWTD RESUMES THE REGULAR SATURDAY AFTERNOON SCHEDULE November 30, 1974. Rebroadcast: 3/19/2022 – 3/25/2022.
October 20th, 1974 – TRIBUTE TO THE MUTUAL BROADCASTING SYSTEM
PROGRAM 230 – On Sunday, October 20, 1974, on WLTD from 1-5 p.m., Chuck Schaden presents a special TRIBUTE TO THE MUTUAL BROADCASTING SYSTEM on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the network. Included in the broadcast are such Mutual network programs as The Lone Ranger, Mutual’s 300 Party, (a 2-hour all-star event) and The Shadow plus a message from C. Edward Little, the president of the Mutual Broadcasting System. NOTE: TWTD TAKES AN 11-WEEK HIATUS FOR NORTHWESTERN FOOTBALL BROADCASTS ON WLTD September 14 – November 23, 1974. TWTD RESUMES THE REGULAR SATURDAY AFTERNOON SCHEDULE November 30, 1974. Rebroadcast: 3/26/2022 – 4/1/2022.
November 30th, 1974 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 235 – NOTE: This TWTD broadcast was shortened to two hours because WLTD carried the Army-Navy football game. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-24-42) Bob Hope and an all-star cast in a Christmas Eve program for military audiences. Rebroadcast: 4/2/2022 – 4/8/2022.
December 7th, 1974 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 236 – FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-9-41), COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1943) All-star two-hour Christmas broadcast for military audiences, CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (12-19-46) Christmas Shopping. Rebroadcast: 4/9/2022 – 4/15/2022.
December 14th, 1974 – RADIO TO WRAP CHRISTMAS GIFTS BY
PROGRAM 237 – COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1944) All-star Christmas program for military audiences, starring Bob Hope, Virginia O’Brien, Spike Jones, Jimmy Durante, Jack Benny, Fred Allen, Kay Kyser, Dorothy Lamour, Danny Kaye, W.C. Fields, Judy Garland, Spencer Tracy and many others. LIFE WITH LUIGI (1940s) Pasquale’s Christmas present. Rebroadcast: 4/16/2022 – 4/22/2022.
December 21st, 1974 – RADIO TO TRIM THE TREE BY
PROGRAM 238 – THE WHISTLER (12-24-50) Three Wise Guys COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1945) All-star Christmas broadcast for military and civilian audiences, the first since WW II ended. Stars are Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Harry James, Jimmy Durante, Johnny Mercer, Judy Garland, Ed Archie Gardner, Cass Daley, Frank Sinatra, and many others. SUSPENSE (12-21-58) Out for Christmas. Rebroadcast: 4/23/2022 – 4/29/2022.
December 28th, 1974 – SEASON’S GREETINGS
PROGRAM 239 – THEATRE GUILD ON THE AIR (1940s) David Copperfield JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-28-41), LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-10-47) It’s a Wonderful Life starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Victor Moore. Rebroadcast: 4/30/2022 – 5/6/2022.
January 4, 1975 – MYSTERY ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 240 – INNER SANCTUM (7-4-49) Pattern For Fear SUSPENSE (1-5-50) I Never Met the Dead Man starring Danny Kaye MYSTERY IN THE AIR (9-11-47) The Queen of Spades with Peter Lorre, Henry Morgan LIGHTS OUT (12-22-42) The Meteor Man written by Arch Oboler THE WHISTLER (2-7-43) In The Dark. Rebroadcast: 5/7/2022 – 5/13/2022.
January 11, 1975 – THE GREAT ZIEGFELD
PROGRAM 241 “ ZIEGFELD FOLLIES OF THE AIR (1-27-36) starring Fanny Brice, James Melton in an enteresting program attempting to bring the Follies to radio in 1936. SHOWTIME (c. 1950) Whoopee starring Eddie Cantor in a recreation of the 1928 Ziegfeld show. BILLIE BURKE SHOW (4-27-46) Ziegfeld’s wife in a radio situation comedy. Rebroadcast: 5/14/2022 – 5/20/2022.
January 18, 1975 – MOVIES ARE BETTER THAN EVER
PROGRAM 242 “ LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-11-44) Naughty Marietta starring Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy, WARNER ACADEMY THEATRE (6-5-38) The Crowd Roars starring Susan Hayward and Frank McHugh, SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (1-8-42) Sergeant York starring Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, and Joan Leslie. Rebroadcast: 5/21/2022 – 5/27/2022.
January 25, 1975 – RADIO ON RADIO
PROGRAM 243 – BURNS AND ALLEN (1-17-46) Gracie’s club plots to take over George’s radio show, CBS RADIO WORKSHOP The Enormous Radio with William Conrad, Hans Conried, MY LITTLE MARGIE with Gale Storm and Charles Farrell”running a radio station, DENNIS DAY SHOW Dennis has an idea for a radio program, HOGAN’S DAUGHTER (1-2-49) Shirley Booth stars in a story on radio about television. Rebroadcast: 5/28/2022 – 6/3/2022.
February 1, 1975 – THAT WONDERFUL YEAR, 1945
PROGRAM 244 – DUFFY’S TAVERN (1-12-45) Ed Archie Gardner with guest Boris Karloff, EDDIE CONDON’S JAZZ CONCERT (3-31-45) Billy Butterfield, PeeWee Russell, YOUR HIT PARADE (4-1-45) Joan Edwards, Lawrence Tibbet, THIS IS YOUR F.B.I. (5-11-45) War Fraud Frank Lovejoy narrates. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (6-12-45) Fibber’s magic act. Rebroadcast: 6/4/2022 – 6/10/2022.
February 8, 1975 – TIME MARXES ON! Salute to the Marx Brothers
PROGRAM 245 – An afternoon with Groucho, Harpo, and Chico in an assortment of their radio appearances with Al Jolson, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Baby Snooks and Daddy, and many others. Rebroadcast: 6/11/2022 – 6/17/2022.
February 15, 1975 – YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE JEWISH!
PROGRAM 246 – ABIE’S IRISH ROSE (1-13-43) THE GOLDBERGS (early 1940’s) MAMA BLOOM’S BROOD (late 1930’s) LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-20-48) Gentleman’s Agreement. Rebroadcast: 6/18/2022 – 6/24/2022.
February 22, 1975 – MR. AND MRS. RADIO
PROGRAM 247 “ MR & MRS. NORTH (10-4,5,6,7,8-54) Nightwalk starring Richard Denning and Barbara Britton, MR KEEN, TRACER OF LOST PERSONS (1954) Shrieking Prisoner Murder Case, MR & MRS. BLANDINGS (4-28-51) Cary Grant and Betsy Drake star. Rebroadcast: 6/25/2022 – 7/1/2022.
March 1, 1975 – BING, FRANK AND PERRY
PROGRAM 248 – CHESTERFIELD SUPPER CLUB starring Perry Como, PHILCO RADIO TIME (4-2-47) Bing Crosby, Al Jolson, John Charles Thomas, ROCKY FORTUNE”Drama Critic’s Bodyguard starring Frank Sinatra, SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS”Welcome Stranger starring Bing Crosby, Barry Fitzgerald, and Mona Freeman, SONGS BY SINATRA (11-28-45) Frank and guests, including the Nat Cole Trio. Rebroadcast: 7/2/2022 – 7/8/2022.
March 8, 1975 – SCHOOL’S OUT”RADIO’S ON!
PROGRAM 249 – ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN”End of Krypton origin show ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN”Adventure in Indiana 2nd show of series LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE (1940)JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY (1940) Back at Hudson High TOM MIX RALSTON STRAIGHT SHOOTERS (8-10-45) Vanishing Village TERRY AND THE PIRATES”Dragon Lady Strikes Back CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (9-30-40) Premiere episode in the network series offers the origin story CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (10-1-40) Second program in the series finds Captain Midnight forming the Secret Squadron. Rebroadcast: 7/9/2022 – 7/15/2022.
March 15, 1975 – THE LEGEND OF THE LONE RANGER
PROGRAM 250 – This week, it’s everything you ever wanted to know about the Masked Man and his faithful India, companion, Tonto. We’ll have at least one complete Lone Ranger broadcast as well as a complete Green Hornet program and we’ll show how the Lone Ranger and the Green Hornet are related. And there’s more: a broadcast tribute to the late George W. Trendle who developed the Lone Ranger on radio station WXYZ, Detroit ¦ and a Tribute to Brace Beemer, the man who was the voice of the Lone Ranger for 13 years. Hi Yo Silver!! Rebroadcast: 7/16/2022 – 7/22/2022.
March 22, 1975 – SALUTE TO THE ANDREWS SISTERS
PROGRAM 251 – We’ll pay tribute to Patty, Maxine, and LaVerne with this afternoon of music and comedy from various Andrews Sisters appearances on their own Eight-to-the-Bar Ranch program, on Armed Forces Radio, with Frank Sinatra on his show and as guests on Bing Crosby’s broadcast. You’ll also hear the Andrews Sisters with entertainment from their recent Broadway hit, Over Here. Rebroadcast: 7/23/2022 – 7/29/2022.
March 29, 1975 – GREAT COMEDY TEAMS
PROGRAM 252 – ABBOTT AND COSTELLO (11-9-44) Bud and Lou with Mr. Kitzel, MAIL CALL (1940’s) OLSON AND JOHNSON”Ole and Chick, BERGEN AND MC CARTHY SHOW (11-16-47) Edgar and Charlie with Lana Turner, LAUREL AND HARDY (1940’s) Stan and 0llie with a radio sketch, FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (6-27-55) a rare 15-minute program, AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (1940’s) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll. Rebroadcast: 7/30/2022 – 8/5/2022.
April 5, 1975 – THAT WONDERFUL YEAR ” 1938
PROGRAM 253 – LIFEBUOY SHOW (10-18-38) Al Jolson stars with Martha Raye, Charlie Butterworth and Marie Wilson, HOLLYWOOD IS ON THE AIR (1938) A radio preview of the new film, Big Broadcast of 1938 with Bob Hope, Shirley Ross, Dorothy Lamour, W. C. Fields, Martha Raye, YOUR HIT PARADE (10-22-38) Al Goodman and Orchestra, W. C. Fields (Yes, W. C. Fields on the Hit Parade!), BIG TOWN (10-14-38) a rare rehearsal of the drama series starring Edward G. Robinson and Claire Trevor, GOLDWYN FOLLIES (1938) another radio preview of a new movie starring Kenny Baker, JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-6-38) It’s the Jell-O program with the regulars, including Kenny Baker. Rebroadcast: 8/6/2022 – 8/12/2022.
April 12, 1975 – YOU BET YOUR PEOPLE ARE CONSEQUENCES!
PROGRAM 254 – TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (1-17“48) Ralph Edwards and guest William Bendix PEOPLE ARE FUNNY (12-27-55) Art Linkletter ART LINKLETTER’S HOUSE PARTY (12-25-63) YOU BET YOUR LIFE (3-7-56) Groucho Marx stars OUR SPECIAL GUEST on this program is JOHN GUEDEL, the producer of People Are Funny, The House Party and You Bet Your Life. AND ANOTHER SPECIAL: On this Those Were the Days program, we’ll be broadcasting the Grand Finals in our Monopoly Tournament with finalists Gus Gostomelsky, Ted Johnson and Ray Pershing playing a Monopoly Game in our studios. We’ll have regular reports! Rebroadcast: 8/13/2022 – 8/19/2022.
April 19, 1975 – JACK BENNY AND FRIENDS
PROGRAM 255 – JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-16-47) Guests are Ronald and Bonita Coleman, DENNIS DAY SHOW The Inheritance, PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (9-25-49) Phil gets an office, JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-14-43) Orson Welles substitutes for Jack, AND OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be FRANK NELSON, a long-time regular on the Jack Benny radio and TV shows. You’ll recognize his voice immediately and you’ll know him when we say he was always the floorwalker, the department store clerk or the man behind the counter at the Railroad station! Rebroadcast: 8/20/2022 – 8/26/2022.
April 26, 1975 – THANKS FOR LISTENING ¦ FOR FIVE YEARS!
PROGRAM 256 – This broadcast completes five full years of our vintage radio programming on WLTD. It all began early in May, 1970 and, thanks to you, we’ve been able to share thousands of hours of those great, good-old-radio shows. This will be a very special four-hour broadcast and we’ll have some very special things for you to hear. And our SPECIAL GUEST will be EDGAR BERGEN with Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd. Don’t touch that dial! Rebroadcast: 8/27/2022 – 9/2/2022.
May 3, 1975 – RADIO’S CLASSIC BROADCASTS
PROGRAM 257 – SUSPENSE (3-25-43) Sorry, Wrong Number”the original broadcast starring Agnes Moorehead in the role of an invalid who accidentally hears a murder plot on the telephone. ESCAPE (3-28-48) A Shipment of Mute Fate starring Barry Kroeger and Harry Bartell in the story of a deadly snake loose on a passenger ship at sea. SUSPENSE”Three Skeleton Key starring Vincent Price in that story about the rats in the lighthouse. EXTRA ADDED ATTRACTION: This will be a remote broadcast from the lobby of North West Federal Savings, 4901 Irving Park Road in Chicago and you’re invited to drop in any time during our program to say hello. We’ve planned some other vintage show classics, as well, and you’re sure to have a good time whether you tune in or come in. And don’t forget about the old-time-radio premium exhibit on display at North West Federal. Rebroadcast: 9/3/2022 – 9/9/2022.
May 10, 1975 – THE VOICE IS FAMILIAR, BUT NOT THE PLACE!
PROGRAM 258 – SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS”Gildersleeve’s Bad Day starring Hal Peary and Walter Tetley in the radio version of Gildy’s RKO movie. MAIL CALL (1940’s) Jack Benny prepares to view his film, The Horn Blows at Midnight. Claudette Colbert, Jinx Falkenberg, Paulette Goddard FORD THEATRE (3-4-49) The Horn Blows at Midnight”hour-long version of the now-classic movie. You’ll hear Jack Benny, Claude Raines, Hans Conried, Mercedes MacCambridge and others. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (2-10-47) Heavenly Days stars Fibber McGee and Molly in the radio adaptation of their movie. Rebroadcast: 9/10/2022 – 9/16/2022.
May 17, 1975 – RADIO’S RESIDENT ACTING COMPANIES
PROGRAM 259 “ MERCURY THEATRE (2-12-43) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs starring Jane Powell, narrated by Orson Welles. FIRST NIGHTER”The Chinese Gong starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule.CURTAIN TIME (4-17-48) Miss Snoring Sleepwalker starring Harry Elders and Nanette Sergeant. FIRST NIGHTER (1-13-53) Shower for the Bridesmaid. Comedy-romance starring Barbara Luddy. GRAND CENTRAL STATION (1946) Lakespur to feed the Soul. AND OUR SPECIAL GUESTS will be BARBARA LUDDY and OLAN SOULE talking about their careers on the First Nighter show and scores of other radio programs. (1 hour and 50 min of this broadcast is missing). Rebroadcast: 9/17/2022 – 9/23/2022.
May 24, 1975 – SALUTE TO JACK HALEY
PROGRAM 260 “ MAIL CALL (1940’s) Host Walter Winchell presents Jack Haley, Nat King Cole, Ginny Simms, Ella Logan. VILLAGE STORE (3-9-44) Joan Davis and Jack Haley star with Edward Everett Horton and Verna Felton.FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-26-47) Jack Haley is guest along with Portland Hoffa and the Allen’s AIley regulars. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be JACK HALEY, truly a star of stage, screen, and Radio who’ll be talking about his career on Broadway, in the movies (particularly as the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz) and on a variety of radio broadcasts. (One hour and 30 minutes missing). Rebroadcast: 9/24/2022 – 9/30/2022.
May 31, 1975 – TWO TIMES THREE EQUALS MYSTERY
PROGRAM 261 “ SUSPENSE (1-25-45) Drury’s Bones starring Boris Karloff. INNER SANCTUM”Homicidal Maniac. SUSPENSE (11-23-43) Strange Death of Charles Umberstein starring Vincent Price.INNER SANCTUM (12-6-48) Cause of Death starring Barry Kroeger, Santos Ortega. SUSPENSE”Night on Red Mountain INNER SANCTUM (5-1-45) The Girl and the Gallows starring Wendy Barrie. Rebroadcast: 10/1/2022 – 10/7/2022.
June 7, 1975 – THE HARRY VON ZELL STORY ” Part 1
PROGRAM 262 – MAIL CALL (1940s) Harry Von Zell, Ella Mae Morse, Andrews Sisters, Jimmy Durante, Brenda and Cobina. FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-20-40) Harry Von Zell, Portland Hoffa, the Mighty Allen Art Players. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-6-44) Harry Von Zell, Bert Gordon. RADIO’S BIGGEST SHOW (1945) Part 1 of Walgreen’s 45th Anniversary Show with Harry Von Zell, Bob Hope, Frank Morgan, Dennis Day, Rochester, Vera Vague, others. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be HARRY VON ZELL discussing his radio and television career. Rebroadcast: 10/8/2022 – 10/14/2022.
June 14, 1975 – The Harry Von Zell Story – Part 2 (Opening of the show is missing)
PROGRAM 263 – RADIO’S BIGGEST SHOW (1945) Part 2 of the program.MAIL CALL (1940s) Harry Von Zell, Johnny Mercer, Jo Stafford, Bob Burns, Mel Torme FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-27-40) Harry Von Zell, Merry Macs, Portland Hoffa, Mighty Allen Art Players. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-13-44) Harry Von Zell, Bert Gordon. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be HARRY VON ZELL, who continues with the story of his career on radio, television and in films. Rebroadcast: 10/15/2022 – 10/21/2022.
June 21, 1975 – SALUTE TO ALAN REED
PROGRAM 264 “ABIE’S IRISH ROSE (1-13-43) with Alan Reed as Levy, FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-12-46) with Alan Reed as Falstaff Openshaw, MY FRIEND IRMA (4-27-54) with Alan Reed as Mr. Clyde, MEL BLANC SHOW (3-25-47) with Alan Reed as Mel’s future father-in-law, LIFE WITH LUIGI (6-5-49) with Alan Reed as Pasquale, OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be ALAN REED (who is also the TV voice of Fred Flintstone!) discussing his remarkable career. Rebroadcast: 10/22/2022 – 10/28/2022.
June 28, 1975 – RADIO’S TEEN SCENE
PROGRAM 265 – ARCHIE ANDREWS (11-13-48) Bob Hastings, Harlan Stone, A DATE WITH JUDY (1945) Louise Erickson, Scott Elliot ALDRICH FAMILY (1940s) Ezra Stone, Jackie Kelk. MEET CORLISS ARCHER (1940s) Janet Waldo, Sam Edwards JUNIOR MISS (1953) Barbara Whiting, Gale Gordon. OUR SPECIAL GUESTS will be JANET WALDO and SAM EDWARDS reminiscing about those days when they were Corliss and Dexter on radio. Rebroadcast: 11/12/2022 – 11/18/2022.
July 5, 1975 – FIFTY YEARS OF RADIO, TOO!
PROGRAM 266 – This will be a special remote broadcast from the lobby of North West Federal Savings, 4901 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. We’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of the savings association with a look back at 50 years of radio programming. We’ll tune in to AMOS ˜N’ ANDY from the 1920’s ¦ BENNY GOODMAN from the 1930’s ¦ JACK BENNY from the 1940’s ¦ SUSPENSE from the 1950’s ¦ THEATRE FIVE from the 1960’s ¦ and ZERO HOUR from radio in the 1970’s. There’ll be lots of surprises and lots of good listening. And we send our good wishes, too, to North West Federal Savings on this special occasion. After all, they’ve been sponsoring our good old radio shows for over TEN PER CENT of their FIFTY YEARS! Congratulations to them ¦ and thanks to you. Rebroadcast: 10/29/2022 – 11/4/2022.
July 12, 1975 – TRIBUTE TO KEN CARPENTER
PROGRAM 267 – CHASE AND SANBORN SHOW (8-12-45) with Spike Jones. Ken Carpenter announcer. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1940’s) Dennis Day, Jack Benny, Rita Hayworth, Hoosier Hot Shots, Ken Carpenter, announcer. TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (7-29-52) Ralph Edwards from Chicago with announcer Ken Carpenter. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (12-28-44) Bing Crosby, John Scott, Trotter, Beatrice Kay, announcer Ken Carpenter. CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (9-21-47) Edgar Bergen, Walt Disney, Donald Duck, Mortimer Snerd. and Ken Carpenter. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be announcer KEN CARPENTER reminiscing about his career as one of the leading announcers on radio. Rebroadcast: 11/5/2022 – 11/11/2022.
July 19, 1975 – SOAPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN
PROGRAM 268 – AUNT JENNY’S TRUE LIFE STORIES (5-3-46), ROAD OF LIFE (1-5-45), OUR GAL SUNDAY 11-29-46), THE GUIDING LIGHT (7-15-40), BIG SISTER (1940’s), STRANGE ROMANCE OF EVELYN WINTERS (2-28-45), DAVID HAREM (1-19-45), LORENZO JONES (5-6-41), JUST PLAIN BILL (2-22-49) . Rebroadcast: 11/12/2022 – 11/25/2022.
July 26, 1975 – ORSON WELLES: THE MAN WHO MADE AMERICA TREMBLE!
PROGRAM 269 – CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (1945) Orson Welles is guest, STUDIO ONE (1958) The Night America Trembled” The Original Broadcast of Orson Welles’ Mercury Theatre. We hear the effect that broadcast had on this country in 1938. MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR (10-30-38) Orson Welles stars in the original, complete broadcast of H.G. Wells’ story The War of the Worlds JACK BENNY PROGRAM 13-14-43) Orson Welles subs for Jack Benny. Hello, out there in Radioland! We don’t need Chandu the Magician’s crystal ball to see that radio shows from the past have no future on station WLTD. That’s why July 31st marks the conclusion of all of our broadcasts on that station. It’s sad to move from the place where it all began for us just over five years ago¦but it’s exciting to be able to move on to bigger and better things. Our Saturday afternoon THOSE WERE THE DAYS program will be heard on FM station WNIB (97.1) beginning Saturday, September 6th from 1 to 5 p.m. Rebroadcast: 11/26/2022 – 12/2/2022.
September 6, 1975 – THE BEST OF RADIO
PROGRAM 270 – FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-18-49) Fibber sells kisses! THE LONE RANGER (3-29-50) Annie Calhoun comes home. CHICAGO THEATRE OF THE AIR (1948) The Vagabond King is the musical offering and you’ll hear complete remarks by Col. Robert McCormick of the Chicago Tribune as he discusses developments in television and FM broadcasting. SUSPENSE (12-15-42) Till Death Do Us Part starring Peter Lorre, Alice Frost and Mercedes McCambridge. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (11-16-52) Radio’s all-time favorites in their 10,000th radio broadcast. We have moved our THOSE WERE THE DAYS broadcasts to radio station WNIB (97.1 FM) and you can tune in from 1 to 5 p.m. for lots of good old radio entertainment every Saturday afternoon. WNIB has a fine broadcast signal transmitting from the top of the Standard Oil Building in Chicago and we’re pleased that we will be able to offer our long-running Saturday series to more listeners than ever before. Rebroadcast: 12/3/2022 – 12/9/2022.
September 13, 1975 – MGM – THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT!
PROGRAM 271 – STORY OF DR. KILDARE (1940s) Lew Ayers and Lionel Barrymore star in radio version of the popular MGM movie series, LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-11-46) Presenting Lily Mars starring June Alysson and Van Hefflin in a radio adaptation of MGM’s 1943 film. SONGS BY SINATRA (10-17-45) Frank Sinatra is joined by guest Gene Kelly for a mini-version of their 1945 MGM musical hit, Anchors Aweigh. Rebroadcast: 12/10/2022 – 12/16/2022.
September 20, 1975 – CONFESSIONS OF A RADIO WRITER – PART 1
PROGRAM 272 – BING CROSBY SHOW (2-20-52) Patti Page, Mills Brothers, CLUB FIFTEEN (12-1-49) Andrews Sisters, Evelyn Knight, Dick Haymes, FLEISCHMANN’S YEAST HOUR (6-27-35) Rudy Vallee, Joe Louis, Leslie Howard, Tom Howard and George Shelton, Sigmund Spaeth, SHELL CHATEAU (9-28-35) Al Jolson, Ginger Rogers, Edward Everett Horton, Harry Savoy, Victor Young and Orchestra, OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be radio writer CARROLL CARROLL who wrote for each of these shows and will share his fascinating career with us. Rebroadcast: 12/17/2022 – 12/23/2022.
September 27, 1975 – CONFESSIONS OF A RADIO WRITER – PART 2
PROGRAM 273 – JACK CARSON SHOW (2-13-46) Frank Sinatra, Arthur Treacher, Diana Barrymore, Freddy Martin and Orchestra, KRAFT MUSIC HALL (5-11-44) Bing Crosby, Keenan Wynn, LUX RADIO THEATRE (1-8-45) I Never Left Home starring Bob Hope, Frances Langford, Jerry Colonna, OUR SPECIAL GUEST CARROLL CARROLL continues with recollections of his career as writer on these radio programs from the golden age. Rebroadcast: 12/24/2022 – 12/30/2022.
October 4, 1975 – STARS ON SUSPENSE
PROGRAM 274 – MY FAVORITE HUSBAND starring Lucille Ball and Richard Denning with Gale Gordon and Frank Nelson, SUSPENSE (1-13-44) Dime a Dance starring Lucille Ball, TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (12-11-48) Ralph Edwards and contestants, SUSPENSE (6-23-49) Ghost Hunt starring Ralph Edwards, LIFE OF RILEY (10-11-47) starring William Bendix, Paula Winslowe, John Brown, SUSPENSE (2-27-47) Three Faces at Midnight starring William Bendix. Rebroadcast: 12/31/2022 – 1/6/2023.
October 11, 1975 – RADIO BY THE NUMBERS
PROGRAM 275 – X MINUS ONE (1-2-57) The Moon is Green, THE THIRD MAN (or, The Lives of Harry Lime) starring Orson Welles in Pleasure Before Business, THEATRE FIVE ” The City Manager, STUDIO ONE (1 1-4-47) Kitty Foyle starring Mercedes McCambridge, BOX THIRTEEN starring Alan Ladd, TWENTY-FIRST PRECINCT starring Everette Sloan, Rebroadcast: 1/7/2023 – 1/13/2023.
October 18, 1975 – TALKIES ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 276 “ WARNER ACADEMY THEATRE (5-22-38) Don’t Bet on Blondes, MOVIETOWN RADIO THEATRE Schizo-Scherzo starring Jeanne Cagney, UX RADIO THEATRE (5-6-45) This is a REHEARSAL of the broadcast of Sing You Sinners starring Bing Crosby, Joan Caufield, James Dunne, ACADEMY AWARD (7-10-46) Young Mr. Lincoln starring Henry Fonda and Ward Bond, SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (10-1-39) Imperfect Lady starring Clark Gable and Ginger Rogers. Rebroadcast: 1/14/2023 – 1/20/2023.
October 25, 1975 – RADIO’S CRIME FIGHTERS
PROGRAM 277 – THE GREEN HORNET ” The Devil’s Playground, NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE ”Case of the Sunken Dollar, GANGBUSTERS ” The Bugs Moran Story Part 1, GANGBUSTERS ” The Bugs Moran Story Part 2, GANGBUSTERS ” ˜The Bugs Moran Story Part 3 (Conclusion), YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR ”The Killer’s Brand Matter, THE SHADOW (4-4-48) The Ghost That Gleams. Rebroadcast: 1/21/2023 – 1/27/2023.
November 1, 1975 – SINATRA ON RADIO
PROGRAM 278 – LIGHT UP TIME (1950) Frank Sinatra and Dorothy Kirsten, SUSPENSE (1-6-49) To Find Help starring Frank Sinatra and Agnes Moorehead, SONGS BY SINATRA (2-27-46) Frank Sinatra and guest Jimmy Durante, ROCKY FORTUNE ” Frank Sinatra stars as Rocky in Paid Companion, MAIL CALL (9-27-44) Rudy Vallee, Frank Sinatra, Fred Allen, Mary Livingstone, Gloria deHaven. Rebroadcast: 1/28/2023 – 2/3/2023.
November 8, 1975 – GOOD OLD DAYS OF TELEVISION
PROGRAM 279 “ WHAT’S MY LINE? (1950s) John Daley and panelists Dorothy Kilgallen, Fred Allen, Betty White and Bennet Cerf. Plus a mystery challenger! MILTON BERLE TEXACO STAR THEATRE (2-28-50) Excerpt featuring the good old Texaco opening plus guest Rudy Vallee. YOUR HIT PARADE (19551 Snooky Lanson, Dorothy Collins, Gisele MacKenzie, Russell Arms. Guess the Number One song! MR. DISTRICT ATTORNEY ” The Case of the Moving Van Murders starring TV’s Mr. D. A., David Brian. THIS IS YOUR LIFE (1959) Ralph Edwards presents the life of Sportscaster Bill Stern. TONIGHT SHOW (1957) Host Jack Parr and guest Oscar Levant in an excerpt. Rebroadcast: 2/4/2023 – 2/10/2023.
November 15, 1975 – ELLIOTT LEWIS ” MAN OF A THOUSAND TALENTS
PROGRAM 280 “ PHIL HARRIS & ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-5-48) with Elliott Lewis as Frankie Remley who wants to rent Alice and the kids! THE CLOCK (4-30-48) Bank Holiday starring Elliott Lewis and his wife Cathy Lewis. BROADWAY’S MY BEAT starring Larry Thor as detective Danny Clover in a series produced and directed by Elliott Lewis. PHIL HARRIS & ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-12-48) with Elliott Lewis as Remley who is pressed into service as a baby sitter for Phil’s sponsor. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be ELLIOTT LEWIS who discusses his long and varied career in radio. Rebroadcast: 2/11/2023 – 2/17/2023.
November 22, 1975 – THANKSGIVING TREAT
PROGRAM 281 – THE CINNAMON BEAR ” the first three chapters of the classic children’s holiday series. The search for the Silver Star begins! GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (11-23-49) Hal Peary stars as Gildy who wants the Jolly Boys to form a Band. MILTON BERLE SHOW (11-25-471 Salute to Thanksgiving. MEL BLANC SHOW (11-26-46) Thanksgiving party at Mel’s Fix-It Shop. CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (11-18-45) Margaret O’Brien joins Charlie and Edgar Bergen in the sketch, The Courtship of Miles Standish . Rebroadcast: 2/18/2023 – 2/24/2023.
November 29, 1975 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 282 – BLONDIE (12-15-48) What does everyone want for Christmas? RICHARD DIAMOND (12-19-51) Dick Powell stars in a really. off-beat adventure¦ the entire regular cast presents an unusual version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-19-48) A Christmas gift for the family. GUNSMOKE ” William Conrad as Matt Dillon in the annual Christmas show. CHARLIE MC CARTHY (12-24-44) with Edgar Bergen, Don Ameche and Joan Merrill. Charlie recites, The Night Before Christmas. Rebroadcast: 2/25/2023 – 3/3/2023.
December 6, 1975 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 283 – MILTON BERLE SHOW (12-23-47) Salute to Christmas. VIC AND SADE (1940s) Christmas cards. ARCHIE ANDREWS ” Christmas shopping mix-up. THIS IS MY BEST (12-19-44) The Plot To Overthrow Christmas starring Orson Welles as Nero and Ray Collins as Santa. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-2044) Christmas program. Rebroadcast: 3/4/2023 – 3/10/2023.
December 13, 1975 – RADIO TO WRAP CHRISTMAS GIFTS BY
PROGRAM 284 – BOB HOPE SHOW ” Christmas broadcast with Bill Goodwin, Margaret Whiting. LUM AND ABNER ” traditional Christmas broadcast. TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (12-20-47) Christmas Seals and a Veteran at Yuletide. NERO WOLFE (12-22-50) Case of the Slaughtered Santas starring Sidney Greenstreet. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-24-44) Christmas Eve at Jack’s house. SUSPENSE (12-17-61) Yuletide Miracle starring Larry Haines, Santos Ortega. Rebroadcast: 3/11/2023 – 3/17/2023.
December 20, 1975 – RADIO TO TRIM THE TREE BY
PROGRAM 285 “BOB HOPE SHOW ” Christmas broadcast with Bill Goodwin, Margaret Whiting, LUM AND ABNER ” traditional Christmas broadcast. TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (12-20-47) Christmas Seals and a Veteran at Yuletide. NERO WOLFE (12-22-50) Case of the Slaughtered Santas starring Sidney Greenstreet. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-24-44) Christmas Eve at Jack’s house. SUSPENSE (12-17-61) Yuletide Miracle starring Larry Haines, Santos Ortega. Rebroadcast: 3/18/2023 – 3/24/2023.
December 27, 1975 – THE HOLIDAY WORLD OF WALT DISNEY!
PROGRAM 286 – LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-26-38) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. HINDS HALL OF FAME (12-24-35) Guests are Walt Disney, the Three Little Pigs, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse and Clara Cluck. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-25-39) Pinocchio. Rebroadcast: 3/25/2023 – 3/31/2023.
January 3rd, 1976 – HAPPY OLD YEAR!
PROGRAM 287: CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (11-9-47) Edgar Bergen, Mortimer Snerd, Maurice Evans, Lulu McConnell. HALLS OF IVY (1-9-50) Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Coleman star. MR DISTRICT ATTORNEY (4-11-51) Case of the Money Machine starring Jay Jostyn as Mr. D.A., Vicki Vola as Miss Miller and Len Doyle as Harrington. KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (11-29-44) Kay Kyser, the ole professor himself. INNER SANCTUM (1-10-44) Murder Comes to Life. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be actor JAY JOSTYN who starred as Mr. District Attorney and who will reminisce about his career. Rebroadcast: 4/1/2023 – 4/7/2023.
January 10th, 1976 – STARS ON SUSPENSE!
PROGRAM 288: CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (11-9-47) Edgar Bergen, Mortimer Snerd, Maurice Evans, Lulu McConnell. HALLS OF IVY (1-9-50) Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Coleman star. MR DISTRICT ATTORNEY (4-11-51) Case of the Money Machine starring Jay Jostyn as Mr. D.A., Vicki Vola as Miss Miller and Len Doyle as Harrington. KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (11-29-44) Kay Kyser, the ole professor himself. INNER SANCTUM (1-10-44) Murder Comes to Life. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be actor JAY JOSTYN who starred as Mr. District Attorney and who will reminisce about his career. Rebroadcast: 4/8/2023 – 4/14/2023.
January 17th, 1976 – THAT TODDLIN’ TOWN!
PROGRAM 289: LIFE WITH LUIGI (5-1-49) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi with Alan Reed as Pasquale and Hans Conried as Schultz in this show set in Chicago. Luigi organizes a block party to celebrate the 50th birthday of Halsted Street. UNCLE NED’S SQUADRON (11-11-50) Ned Locke stars as Uncle Ned with Hugh Downes as his co-pilot in this series which originated in Chicago. BOND WAGON (8-10-42) A special program on behalf of the Coast Guard and the Treasury Department to sell War Bonds. Benny Goodman and his orchestra and Peggy Lee appear in a remote broadcast from the corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. QUIZ KIDS (3-28-48) Quizmaster Joe Kelly and Quiz Kids Joel Kupperman, Lonnie Lundy, Naiomi Cooks from Chicago. MUSIC FROM YOUR HOMETOWN (1940s) Emil Petti and his orchestra from the Walnut Room of the Bismarck Hotel in Chicago. JACK BENNY’ PROGRAM (1947) Jack and the gang prepare for a trip to Chicago where he’ll play the Chicago Theatre. Guests are Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Coleman. CURTAIN TIME (9-25-48) My Widow Lorraine stars Harry Elders, Beverly Younger and Maurice Copeland in this program which originated in Chicago. Rebroadcast: 4/15/2023 – 4/21/2023.
January 24th, 1976 – SALUTE TO HOWARD DUFF
PROGRAM 290: SAM SPADE ” The Betrayal in Bumpous Hell starring Howard Duff as Sam. FAVORITE STORY ” The Three Musketeers starring Howard Duff. SUSPENSE (1-10-48) The Kandy Tooth An unusual hour-long Suspense drama, hosted by Robert Montgomery and starring Howard Duff as Sam Spade in the re-opening of the case of the Maltese Falcon! Cast includes Joe Kearns, Hans Conried and Lurene Tuttle. SAM SPADE ” The Battles of Belvedere starring Howard Duff as Sam and Lurene Tuttle as Effie. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be actor HOWARD DUFF who reminisces about his varied and interesting career. Rebroadcast: 4/22/2023 – 4/28/2023.
January 31st, 1976 – HALLOWE’EN IN JANUARY!
PROGRAM 291: INNER SANCTUM (1-24-49) Deadly Dummy. HOUSE OF MYSTERY (8-3-47) Gift From the Dead. TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (10-31-48) Ralph Edwards is host to Boris Karloff. THE WHISTLER (6-19-43) House of Terror. LIGHTS OUT (6-15-43) Prelude to Murder. Rebroadcast: 4/29/2023 – 5/5/2023.
February 7th, 1976 – RADIO’S ALL-TIME FAVORITES!
PROGRAM 273: AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (3-3-44) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll star as Andy looks for Madame Queen’s signature THE STORY OF AMOS ˜N’ ANDY ” Charles Correll reminisces about the career and success of radio’s all-time favorites with recollections by announcer Bill Hay, organist Gaylord Carter and sound clips from Sam ˜n’ Henry and early Amos ˜n’ Andy shows. AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (1950s) Kingfish brushes up on his charm, but it has a negative effect on Sapphire. Rebroadcast: 2/4/2017 – 2/10/2017.
February 14th, 1976 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. BENNY!
PROGRAM 274: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-11-53) Jack and the cast, with a trip to the vault. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-29-491 Jack’s first show on CBS. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-16-45) Killer Kates starring Jack Benny, Gail Patrick, Alan Reed. PLUS ” throughout this afternoon, Jack Benny comments on his career, his age, his violin, money, schooling. And there will be an ample helping of excerpts on this spi:cial day: if Mr. Benny had lived, he would be celebrating his 39th birthday today. Rebroadcast: 2/11/2017 – 2/17/2017.
February 21st, 1976 – RADIO’S CLIFF-HANGERS!
PROGRAM 275: BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY (1930s) Journey to the center of the earth. HOP HARRIGAN (10-4-44) America’s Ace of the Airways DICK TRACY (1946) Case of the Broken Window STRAIGHT ARROW (3-24-49) Injun Trouble THE BLUE BEETLE (1940s) The nest in Diamonds TENNESSEE JED (5-26-47) Smuggling ring TERRY AND THE PIRATES (5-29-47) Adventure of the Limestone Ledge SKY KING (7-14-47) Land of the Diamond Scarab PLUS ” OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be JACK MATHIS, author of From the Valley of the Cliffhangers and we’ll be chatting with him about those Republic movie serials from not-so-long-ago. Rebroadcast: 2/18/2017 – 2/24/2017.
February 28th, 1976 – SALUTE TO LURENE TUTTLE!
PROGRAM 276: SUSPENSE (11-13-47) Riabushenskia starring Lurene Tuttle and Joseph Kearns in the Ray Bradbury thriller. RED SKELTON SHOW (5-14-52) Red Skelton, Lurene Tuttle, Rod O’Connor, David Rose and the Orchestra. THE UNEXPECTED ” Nightmare starring Lurene Tuttle. SAM SPADE (8-22-48) The Bluebeard Caper starring Howard Duff as Sam, Lurene Tuttle as Effie. MOVIETOWN RADIO THEATRE “Lady in the Wind starring Les Mitchell and Lurene Tuttle. PLUS ” OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be LURENE TUTTLE reminiscing about her interesting career in radio, television and motion pictures. Rebroadcast: 2/25/2017 – 3/3/2017.
March 6th, 1976 – THE WEEK THAT WAS ” THE SUNDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 277: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-14-49) Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Dennis Day. MAYOR OF THE TOWN (1940s) Lionel Barrymore, Agnes Moorehead. FRED ALLEN SHOW (11-28-48) guest George Jessell. LUM AND ABNER (1949). JURGEN’S JOURNAL WITH WALTER WINCHELL (9-5-48). WOODBURY HOLLYWOOD NEWS WITH LOUELLA PARSONS (11-3-46) Marvin Miller. OUR MISS BROOKS (1940s) Eve Arden, Gale Gordan, Richard Crenna. Rebroadcast: 3/4/2017 – 3/10/2017.
March 13th, 1976 – THE WEEK THAT WAS ” THE MONDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 278: INNER SANCTUM (11-14-49) Wish to Kill. ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (6-30-47) The Innocent Murderess starring Nigel Bruce and Tom Conway. LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-16-49) April Showers starring Jack Carson, Dorothy Lamour, Robert Alda. MY FRIEND IRMA (1940s) Marie Wilson as Irma, Cathy Lewis as Jane. RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE (2-21-49) One From Three Leaves Two with Jan Minor and John Larkin. Rebroadcast: 3/11/2017 – 3/17/2017.
March 20th, 1976 – THE WEEK THAT WAS ” THE TUESDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 279: THIS IS YOUR LIFE ( 5-24-49 ) Ralph Edwards presents the story of boxer Barney Ross. MR. AND MRS. NORTH (1940s) Fool’s Gold starring Joseph Curtain and Alice Frost. BOB HOPE SHOW (4-19-49) Doris Day, Irene Ryan, Les Brown and his orchestra, and guest Jimmy Durante. BIG TOWN (1940s) Teenage Terror Edward Pauley as Steve Wilson of the Illustrated Press. MR. ACE AND JANE (1-16-48) Goodman Ace and his wife Jane in the first show in the series. Rebroadcast: 3/18/2017 – 3/24/2017.
March 27th, 1976 – THE WEEK THAT WAS ” THE WEDNESDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 280: CAN YOU TOP THIS? (5-14-48) Dennis James , Harry Hirschfield, Peter Donald, Joe Laurie, Jr, Ward Wilson. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE ( 3-9-49 ) Hal Peary stars as Gildy. DUFFY’S TAVERN (5-19-48 ) Ed Gardner is Archie who wants a raise. MR DISTRICT ATTORNEY (5- 19-48) Spring Fever stars Jay Jostyn as Mr. D.A . with Vikki Vola as Miss Miller, Len Doyle as Harrington. PHILCO RADIO TIME ( 1-26-49 ) Bing Crosby stars with Peggy Lee, Abe Burrows , Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the Orchestra. CURTAIN TIME (5-8-48) The Little Liar with Harry Elders and Margaret Brayton. Rebroadcast: 3/25/2017 – 3/31/2017.
April 3rd, 1976 – THE WEEK THAT WAS ” THE THURSDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 281: ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (12-12-46) with Marilyn Maxwell, Skinnay Ennis and his orchestra. MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TIME (5-19-49) starring George Burns and Gracie Allen with guest Mickey Rooney. SUSPENSE (3-17-49) Murder Through The Looking Glass starring Gregory Peck. CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER ”Scene of the Crime. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (4-28-49) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn starring James Dunn. FIRST NIGHTER (1-8-48) Help Wanted: Female starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule. . Rebroadcast: 4/1/2017 – 4/7/2017.
April 10th, 1976 – THE WEEK THAT WAS ” THE FRIDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 282: SEALTEST VILLAGE STORE (5-6-48) starring Jack Carson, Eve Arden, Frank DeVol and his orchestra. THIS IS YOUR FBI (6-15-45) Confidence Game narrated by Frank Lovejoy. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (5-27-48) with Billie Burke, Bert Gordon. RED SKELTON SHOW ” Red is Clem Kadiddlehopper and Junior, the mean widdle kid. LIFE OF RILEY (3-29-47) William Bendix as Riley, worried about Peg’s love for him. FLETCHER HENDERSON AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1949) from the Casa Manana in Culver City, California. Rebroadcast: 4/8/2017 – 4/14/2017.
April 17th, 1976 – THE WEEK THAT WAS ” THE SATURDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 283: GENE AUTRY’S MELODY RANCH with Pat Buttram. ADVENTURES OF PHILIP MARLOWE (1-8-49) The Restless Day. YOUR HIT PARADE (7-10-48) Frank Sinatra, Beryl Davis, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. JUDY CANOVA SHOW with Mel Blanc, Sheldon Leonard, Hans Conried, Verna Felton. Judy seeks a career on television. CHICAGO THEATRE OF THE AIR (1-15-49) H.M.S. Pinafore complete with remarks by Col. Robert R. McCormick. Rebroadcast: 4/15/2017 – 4/21/2017.
April 24th, 1976 – THANKS AGAIN FOR LISTENING!
PROGRAM 284: As we complete six full years of broadcasting these vintage radio shows in the Chicago area, we’ll offer an afternoon of memories and sounds not only from the past six years, but from many golden years of radio programming. Since it’ll be a very special show, we’ll keep you in suspense until the 24th. But if you join us then, we’ll reward you with some great sounds from our Hall Closet. And, thanks again for listening! Rebroadcast: 4/22/2017 – 4/28/2017.
May 1st, 1976 – RADIO MONTH SPECIAL ” Part 1
PROGRAM 285: TALES OF THE TEXAS RANGERS (3-9-52) starring Joel McCrea and Barbara Luddy. SPIKE JONES’ SPOTLIGHT REVUE (11-5-48) with Dorothy Shea, Doodles Weaver, George Rock and guest Jerry Colonna. MR. KEEN, TRACER OF LOST PERSONS The Bride and Groom Murder Case. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-10-43) Guest is Phil Baker, host of Take It Or Leave It ¦ and Benny Goodman leads the band on this show from New York. GRAND,CENTRAL STATION (8-15-51) If the Shoe Doesn’t Fit. Rebroadcast: 4/29/2017 – 5/5/2017.
May 8th, 1976 – RADIO MONTH SPECIAL ” Part 2
PROGRAM 286: LIFE OF RILEY (5-848) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley. It’s Mother’s Day at the Riley household. THIS IS WAR (3-21-42) You’re On Your Own starring Ezra Stone, Claude Raines. Everette Sloan. THE ALDRICH FAMILY (10-13-39) starring Ezra Stone and Betty Field in a very early show in the Aldrich Family series. SUSPENSE (4-20-58) Alibi Me starring Stan Freberg and Cathy Lewis. PHIL HARRIS/ALICE FAYE SHOW (4-24-49) 20th Century Fox wants Alice to do a movie for them. With Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley. PLUS”OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be actor EZRA STONE reminiscing about his career on the stage, screen, radio and television. Rebroadcast: 5/6/2017 – 5/12/2017.
May 15th, 1976 – RADIO MONTH SPECIAL ” Part 3
PROGRAM 287: THE BIG STORY (5-26-47) Cracking down on a lottery! MANHATTAN MERRY-GO-ROUND (1940’s) Thomas L. Thomas, Barry Roberts, Marion McManus. LET’S PRETEND (6-21-47) Bluebeard. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (10-18-44) with Bert Gordon, the Mad Russian and guest Esther Williams. ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE (10-20-50) Stamped for Murder starring Sidney Greenstreet. PLUS”we’ll spend some time this afternoon reminiscing about a Chicago landmark, RIVERVIEW, the world’s largest amusement park. Rebroadcast: 5/13/2017 – 5/19/2017.
May 22nd, 1976 – RADIO MONTH SPECIAL ” Part 4
PROGRAM 288: FRED ALLEN SHOW (11-25-45) with guest Leo Duroscher presenting The Brooklyn Pinafore. LORENZO JONES (1940s) Karl Swenson stars in an episode about the man who was a character to the town, but not to his wife who loves him. INNER SANCTUM (9-12-49) The Vengeful Corpse starring Karl Swenson and Barbara Weeks. JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (4-28-48) guest Lucille Ball. MOLLE MYSTERY THEATRE (5-21-48) Solo Performance starring Everette Sloan. PLUS”OUR SPECIAL GUESTS will be KARL SWENSON and his wife JOAN TOMKINS who will reminisce about their interesting radio careers. Rebroadcast: 5/20/2017 – 5/26/2017.
May 29th, 1976 – RADIO MONTH SPECIAL ” Part 5
PROGRAM 289: BUSTER BROWN GANG (7-26-46) Smilin’ Ed McConnell and the gang: Squeeky the Mouse, Froggie the Gremlin, Midnight the Cat. THEATRE GUILD ON THE AIR (1940s) State Fair starring Van Johnson, Nancy Olson, Rosemary Rice, Dick Van Patten. NATIONAL BARN DANCE (1942) Ninth Anniversary Show with emcee Joe Kelly, The Dinning Sisters, Pat Buttram, Lulu Belle and Scotty, Eddie Peabody. CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (11-16-47) guest Lana Turner. MYSTERY IS MY HOBBY (11-26-47) Death is a Grain of Sand featuring Glenn Langdon as Barton Drake. Rebroadcast: 5/27/2017 – 6/2/2017.
June 5th, 1976 – HORROR AND HUMOR!
PROGRAM 290: SUSPENSE (2-2-43) The Doctor Prescribed Death starring Bela Lugosi. ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (1940s) Bud and Lou with guest Peter Lorre. MYSTERY IN THE AIR (8-14-47) The Lodger starring Peter Lorre and Agnes Moorehead. MYSTERY HOUSE (1944) The Thirsty Death starring Bela Lugosi, John Carradine and Lurene Tuttle. FRED ALLEN SHOW (11-18-45) Boris Karloff is guest. INNER SANCTUM (11-12-45) The Wailing Wall starring Boris Karloff. Rebroadcast: 6/3/2017 – 6/9/2017.
June 12th 1976 – T-U-B-E OR NOT T-U-B-E!
PROGRAM 291: KUKLA, FRAN AND OLLIE (8-27-51) Burr Tillstrom, Fran Allison. FACES IN THE WINDOW (1-24-53) Ken Nordine narrates The Pit and the Pendulum. GARROWAY AT LARGE (4-29-51) Dave Garroway presents the regulars and guest Wally Cox. LET’S LOOK AT SPORTS (4-3-53) Sportscaster Torn Duggan looks at sports. (15 min). HOWDY DOODY TIME (8-9-52) Buffalo Bob Smith, Howdy Doody, Phineas T. Bluster, Flub-A-Dub, Dilly-Dally, Professor Fitznoodle. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be DAVE GARROWAY reminiscing about his career in television and on radio. Rebroadcast: 6/10/2017 – 6/16/2017.
June 19th 1976 – JUDY GARLAND, SUPERSTAR
PROGRAM 292: COMMAND PERFORMANCE (6-29-44) Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby. MILKMAN’S MATINEE (1951) Segment of New York based interview show with Judy as guest in the studio. (16 min). KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1948) Host Al Jolson and guest Judy Garland. JACK PAAR TONIGHT SHOW (12-2-62) Paar chats with guest Judy Garland who reminisces about her show business career. (35 min). SUSPENSE (11-21-46) Drive In starring Judy Garland. CHASE AND SANBORN SHOW (6-21-42) Starring Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy with Judy Garland and Abbott and Costello. Rebroadcast: 6/17/2017 – 6/23/2017.
June 26th 1976 – SALUTE TO MEL BLANC
PROGRAM 293: PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (4-2-50) with Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Mel Blanc. G.I. JOURNAL (1940s) Frank Sinatra, Ginger Rogers, Mel Blanc, Arthur Q. Brian, Les Paul Trio. MEL BLANC SHOW (4-29-47) with Mary Jane Croft, Joe Kearns, Han Conried, Jim Backus, the Sportsmen. THE CISCO KID (1950s) The Ringcon starring Jack Mather as Cisco and Mel Blanc as Pancho. ARE YOU A GENIUS? (1940s) Mel Blanc hosts a quiz show for servicemen tuned in to Armed Forces Radio. (15 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-14-46) Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Ronald and Benita Coleman and Mel Blanc (who appears as Jack’s violin teacher, Professor LeBlanc). PLUS ” OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be MEL BLANC chatting about his career and doing some of his most famous characterizations. Rebroadcast: 6/24/2017 – 6/30/2017.
July 3rd 1976 – OLD TIME RADIO SALUTES THE BI-CENTENNIAL
PROGRAM 294: MR. PRESIDENT (7-31-47) Edward Arnold stars. YOU ARE THERE (1950s) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 4, 1776 John Daly. ON A NOTE OF TRIUMPH (5-13-45) A victory special written and produced by Norman Corwin on the defeat of Adolph Hitler at the end of World War II. (60 min). VOICE OF THE ARMY A dramatization of the composition of The Star Spangled Banner featuring Johnny Mack Brown as Francis Scott Key. (15 min). THEATRE GUILD ON THE AIR (1950s) George Washington Slept Here starring Van Heflin, Kenny Delmar, Ann Rutherford. (50 min). Rebroadcast: 7/1/2017 – 7/7/2017.
July 10th 1976 – LAUGHING OUT WEST!
PROGRAM 295: PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (2-26-50) Phil and Frankie Remley (Elliot Lewis) decide to make their own Western movie. LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-10-51) Fancy Pants starring Bob Hope and Lucille Ball. Hope is an English butler in the wild, wild west! COMMAND PERFORMANCE (7-26-44) Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Carole Landis, Roy Rogers, the Andrews Sisters, JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1953) Jack and the regulars, with guest Stanley Kramer (producer of the film High Noon) offer their version of the film, High Noon. Rebroadcast: 7/8/2017 – 7/14/2017.
July 17th 1976 – CAUTION: THESE RADIO SHOWS MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH!
PROGRAM 296: CAMEL CARAVAN (8-10-37) Benny Goodman’s Swing School (Camel Cigarettes). BING CROSBY CHESTERFIELD SHOW (11-14-51) Bing and guests James Stewart, Anna Maria Alberghetti. TALES OF FATIMA (1940s) Basil Rathbone stars in Time To Kill (Fatima Cigarettes). OLD GOLD CIGARETTE TIME (5-14-48) Don Ameche and Frances Langford star with Frank Morgan. Don and Frances appear as The Bickersons. LUCKY STRIKE HIT PARADE (7-10-48) Frank Sinatra sings the Number One song. THE BIG STORY (12-22-47) Russ Wilson’s Story (Pall Mall Cigarettes). NOTE: Be sure to wear a filter during this program because ALL the cigarette commercials will be presented exactly as they were originally broadcast. Rebroadcast: 7/15/2017 – 7/21/2017.
July 24th 1976 – GLENN MILLER ON THE AIR!
PROGRAM 297: AMERICA DANCES (11-6-38) Glenn Miller and the Orchestra from the Roseland State Ballroom, Boston. (18 min) GLENN MILLER’S MUSIC (7-26-39) from the Glen Island Casino with Kay Starr and Ray Eberle. (15 min) CHESTERFIELD SHOW (6-13-40) Glenn Miller broadcasting from The Civic Theatre in Chicago. (15 min) GLENN MILLER’S MUSIC (11-6-40) from the Cafe Rouge of the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York, with vocals by Ray Eberle, Marion Hutton and Jack Lathrop. (30 min) GLENN MILLER’S SUNSET SERENADE (8-30-41) First program in the series. From the Steel Pier, Atlantic City. (30 min) CHESTERFIELD SHOW (5-14-42) Miller and the band from Hollywood. (15 min) I SUSTAIN THE WINGS (6-10-44) from the Serviceman’s Center in Chicago, featuring Glenn’s Army Air Corps Band. (30 min) THE UPTOWN HALL (12-9-44) The Swing Sextet from Miller’s Army Air Corps Band led by Sgt. Mel Powell. From the BBC studios, Bedford, England. (15 min) THE SWING SHIFT (4-20-45) The dance band unit from Glenn Miller’s Army Air Corps Band led by Sgt. Ray McKinley. From the Olympia Theatre, Paris, (10 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be KARL PEARSON who provides all these Miller programs from his personal collection and who will introduce each broadcast. (See Karl’s Notes From the Bandstand on page 24 of this NEWSLETTER). Rebroadcast: 7/22/2017 – 7/28/2017.
July 31st 1976 – ON THE AIR WITH ROGERS AND ASTAIRE!
PROGRAM 298: COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1940s) Ginger Rogers, Virginia O’Brien, Jimmy Durante, Golden Gate Quartet. BING CROSBY SHOW (5-9-51) Fred Astaire and Teresa Brewer are guests. ACADEMY AWARD (1946) Kitty Foyle starring Ginger Rogers in the radio version of the screen role that won her an Oscar. FRONT LINE THEATRE (1940s) Vivacious Lady starring Ginger Rogers and Walter Pigeon with James Dunn. MOVIE PREVIEW (1934) A radio promo for the film Gay Divorcee starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Edward Everett Horton. (15 min). BOB HOPE SHOW (1948) Fred Astaire is guest with regulars Jerry Colonna, Vera Vague. Rebroadcast: 7/29/2017 – 8/4/2017.
August 7th, 1976 – SUMMER FESTIVAL OF RADIO ” Part 1
PROGRAM 299: JOAN DAVIS SHOW (1-21-46) with Andy Russell, Verna Felton, Shirley Mitchell, Harry Von Zell. CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (3-7-47) The Mysterious Lodger stars Staats Cotsworth as Casey, John Gibson as Ethelbert and Lesley Woods as Ann. JACK BENNY’S 10th ANNIVERSARY SHOW (May, 1943). A special broadcast tribute to Jack featuring Eddie Cantor, Ed Sullivan, the Quiz Kids, Claudette Colbert, Herbert Marshall, Don Wilson. LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-27-46) Music For Millions starring Margaret O’Brien, Jose Iturbi, Jimmy Durante, Frances Gifford. Based on the 1944 film. (50 min). TOMMY DORSEY SHOW (8-18-42) with Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, Ziggy Elman, Buddy Rich, Pied Pipers. BULLDOG DRUMMOND (1940s) A Ride in the Moonlight. Rebroadcast: 8/5/2017 – 8/11/2017.
August 14th, 1976 – SUMMER FESTIVAL OF RADIO ” Part 2
PROGRAM 300: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (10-8-47) Guest Eddie Cantor and the Schnozzola reminisce about their days in show business. BOSTON BLACKIE (1940s) The Golf Instructor stars Richard Kollmar as Blackie. SUSPENSE (3-27-48) Night Must Fall starring Robert Montgomery, Dame Mae Whitty, Heather Angel, Matthew Bolton. A dreary house in the middle of the woods becomes the center of notoriety as a result of a murder. (60 min) LAND OF THE LOST ( 1940 s ) Lead Pencilvania is the story told by Isabel Manning Hewson in this kids’ adventure with Red Lantern, a big, red fish who glows under water. OZZIE AND HARRIET (1-20-49) Ozzie Nelson, the bus driver. Rebroadcast: 8/12/2017 – 8/18/2017.
August 21st, 1976 – SUMMER FESTIVAL OF RADIO ” Part 3
PROGRAM 301: ARBOGAST (11-2-51) Bob Arbogast and his sidekick Pete Robinson in comedy and music from Chicago. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (2-15-45) Dick Tracy in B-Flat or For Goodness Sake, Isn’t He Ever Going to Marry Tess Truehart? An all-star cast presents a comic strip opera and features Bing Crosby as Dick Tracy, Dinah Shore as Tess Truehart, Harry Von Zell as Old Judge Hooper, Jerry Colonna as the Police Chief, Bob Hope as Flattop, Frank Morgan as Vitamin Flintheart, Jimmy Durante as The Mole, Judy Garland as Snowflake, the Andrews Sisters as the Summer Sisters, Frank Sinatra as Shakey and Cass Daley as Gravel Girtie. (55 min). BIG TOWN (9-23-42) Escape From Paris starring Edward G. Robinson as Steve Wilson and Ona Munson as Lorelei Kilbourne, both of the Illustrated Press. BATTLE OF THE BANDS (7-30-49) An excursion in Modern Music as Charlie Barnett and Woody Herman square off in a music competition and Stan Kenton acts as referee. (45 min). EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-9-46) Guest is Ed Sullivan, with Bert Gordon, the Mad Russian. Rebroadcast: 8/19/2017 – 8/25/2017.
August 28th, 1976 – SUMMER FESTIVAL OF RADIO ” Part 4
PROGRAM 302: VILLAGE STORE (10-30-47) Jack Carson, Eve Arden. Home Life of Al Jolson sketch. LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-2-45) Swanee River starring AI Jolson, Frances Gifford, Dennis Morgan. The life story of Stephen Foster, based on the 1939 movie. Guest producer is Walter Houston. (60 min). CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (5-3-42) Edward Everett Horton, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Ray Noble and the orchestra. RAY NOBLE AND HIS ORCHESTRA (3-13-35) Dance music from Noble and the band with singer Al Bowlly. SUSPENSE (3-23-50) One and One’s A Lonesome starring Ronald Reagan with Cathy Lewis. 8/26/2017 – 9/1/2017.
September 4th, 1976 – THAT WONDERFUL YEAR ” 1956
PROGRAM 303: ARTHUR GODFREY TIME (4-19-72) Arthur recalls the year 1956 and reminisces about Eivis Presley and others. SUSPENSE (1-10-56) Two Platinum Capsules starring Stacy Harris. NBC BANDSTAND (8-30-56) Ralph Flanagan and the orchestra, Bert Parks, Betty Madigan, The Four Lads. X MINUS ONE (1-10-56) Colony starring John Larkin, Fredricas Chandler. YOUR HIT PARADE (10-13-56) Dorothy Collins, Snooky Lanson, Gisele MacKenzie, Russell Arms, Raymond Scott and the Hit Parade orchestra. BIOGRAPHY IN SOUND (5-15-56) A Salute to Network Radio on the 30th anniversary. H. V. Kaltenborn narrates. SUSPENSE (7-11-56) Want Ad starring Stacy Harris. 9/2/2017 – 9/8/2017.
September 11th, 1976 – HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, N.B.C.
PROGRAM 304: N.B.C. PARADE OF STARS (12-14-46) An all-star variety show presents the full roster of National Broadcasting Company performers in the third annual broadcast. Featuring The Cities Service Orchestra; Phil Harris and Alice Faye; H. V. Kaltenborn; Manhattan Merry-Go-Round; Curtain Time; Red Skelton; People Are Funny; Bob Hope; Mr. District Attorney; Bill Stern; Bob Burns; One Man’s Family; Perry Como; Can You Top This?; Roy Rogers; Truth or Consequences; Alan Young; Dennis Day; Judy Canova; Duffy’s Tavern; Grand Ole Opry; Rudy Vallee; Lowell Thomas; many others. (approx. 150 minutes). OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be TV producer-director GREG GARRISON who brightened the early days of Chicago television and who is producing the NBC 50th Anniversary Special scheduled for Sunday evening, November 2 on NBC-TV. 9/9/2017 – 9/15/2017.
September 18th, 1976 – COMIC STRIPS ON RADIO!
PROGRAM 305: DICK TRACY! (7-14-47) Captain Ash is brought to justice! (15 min). ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN! (12-31-45) The Spider! (15 min). MANDRAKE THE MAGICIAN!” Mandrake and Lothar plan their next move! (15 min). BLONDIE! (5-27-45) Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake star as Blondie goes social climbing! (30 min). BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25th CENTURY! (1930s) The Mind Reading Machine! (15 min). TERRY AND THE PIRATES! ” Case of the Goofy Gosling! (15 min). RED RYDER! (4-20-48) The Roar of the River! (30 min). CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT! (12-30-42) Destroy the Nazi Sub! (15 min). OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be comic book historian JOE SARNO, curator of The Nostalgia Shop, discussing the cross-over from comic books and newspapers to radio and television. 9/16/2017 – 9/22/2017.
September 25th, 1976 – SCIENCE FICTION OR FACT?
PROGRAM 306: DIMENSION X (4-29-50) No Contact.” SUSPENSE (9-9-62) Strange Day in May starring William Mason. TWO THOUSAND PLUS ” The Rocket and the Skull. EXPLORING TOMORROW ” The Mimic. SUSPENSE (2-7-48) Donovan’s Brain starring John McIntyre. (60 min). X MINUS ONE (12-19-56) The Reluctant Heroes starring Mandell Kramer and Bob Hastings. 9/23/2017 – 9/29/2017.
October 2nd, 1976 – DOUBLE FEATURE
PROGRAM 307: 1. A TRIBUTE TO VIC AND SADE (1972) Produced by Jack Foster, this two-hour salute features four Vic and Sade episodes from the late 1930s and early 1940s starring Art Van Harvey as Vic, Bernadine Flynn as Sade, Billy Idleson as Rush and Clarence Hartzell as Uncle Fletcher. We’ll present the first hour of the Tribute, then tune in to the second part of our Double Feature, after which we’ll resume the Vic and Sade presentation.) 2. LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-2-47) The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson, Gail Patrick, Ludwig Donath, Tamara Shane in the radio version of the first talking picture. This is our annual Yom Kipper presentation of the beloved story of the Cantor’s son who wants a career in show business. (60 min). 9/30/2017 – 10/6/2017.
October 9th, 1976 – SILENT SCREEN STARS SPEAK ON RADIO!
PROGRAM 308: SUSPENSE (7-10-47) Murder By the Book starring Gloria Swanson (30 min). LAUREL AND HARDY (1930s) A humorous sketch dealing with Stan’s wedding and featuring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy (9 min). SUSPENSE (5-4-43) Death Flies Blind starring Richard Dix and Montague Love with Gail Paige. (30 min). ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE (Dec, 1946) Shakespeare Folio starring Francis X. Bushman as Nero Wolfe with Elliott Lewis as Archie. (30 min). SUSPENSE (8-28-43) King’s Birthday starring Dolores Costello. (30 min). HOLLYWOOD STAR PLAYHOUSE (1940s) The Highlander starring Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. (25 min). SUSPENSE (9-9-43) Marry For Murder starring Lillian Gish. (30 min). 10/7/2017 – 10/13/2017.
October 16th, 1976 – HUSBANDS AND WIVES!
PROGRAM 309: MOLLE MYSTERY THEATRE (4-30-48) Make No Mistake with Allen Baxter. A lunchroom owner has trouble holding on to his wife who is apparently running away be-cause she’s terrified of some stranger. (30 min) BURNS AND ALLEN (9-1-44) George and Gracie’s guest is Hollywood columnist Louella Parsons. Gracie has a scoop. (30 min). SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (3-5-39) Bridge of Mercy starring Paul Muni, Josephine Hutchinson and Lionel Atwill, George Murphy is emcee. A highly controversial program (in 1939). A man is on trial for the mercy killing of his wife. (30 min). LIFE OF RILEY (3-22-47) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley with Paula Winslowe as his wife Peg. MURDER BY EXPERTS (4-17-50) Two Can Die As Cheaply As One featuring Lawson Zerbe and Marilyn Erskine as Johnny and Susan Duke in the comedy-mystery. The detective and his wife follow a diamond bracelet to death. (30 min). AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (10-24-48) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll star as radio’s all-time favorites. The Kingfish (Freeman Gosden) and his wife Sapphire (Ernestine Wade) prepare to celebrate their 20th Wedding Anniversary. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 10/14/17 – 10/20/17.
October 23rd, 1976 – THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL!
PROGRAM 310: FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-24-48) Dale Carnegie is guest, with Portland Hoffa and the DeMarco Sisters. Fred’s question is How do you feel about stopping radio giveaway shows?THE CLOCK (1950s) All the Money in the World. A young man who believes that money makes the world go ’round meets a gentleman who offers him all the money in the world. (22 min). BREAK THE BANK (10-5-49) Bud Collier and Bert Parks star in this granddaddy of the radio money give-away shows. (30 min). LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-18-49) Treasure of Sierra Madre stars Humphrey Bogart, Frank Lovejoy in the radio version of the 1947 movie. (52 min). MOLLE MYSTERY THEATRE (5-14-48) Close Shave starring K. T. Stevens. CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (9-23-45) Anne Baxter and Keenan Wynn are guests. Rebroadcast: 10/21/17 – 10/27/17.
October 30th, 1976 – HALLOWE’EN WITH ARCH OBOLER!
PROGRAM 311: ARCH OBOLER’S PLAYS (7-29-39) The Voice Within Me by Arch Oboler. THE DEVIL AND MR. 0 (1940s) The House Is Haunted by Arch Oboler. ARCH OBOLER’S PLAYS (5-10-45) Holiday 194X by Arch Oboler. LIGHTS OUT (1940s) Money, Money, Money. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be ARCH OBOLER, the foremost writer for radio who discusses his career and reminisces about radio’s golden age. EXTRA! Throughout the after-noon, we’ll present sounds from Arch Oboler’s Capitol recording, Drop Dead ” an exercise in horror, presenting the fabulous story The Dark (the one where bodies are turned inside out!) and The Chicken Heart. Rebroadcast: 10/28/17 – 11/3/17.
November 6th, 1976 – RADIO GOES TO THE DOGS¦AND CATS!
PROGRAM 312: DUFFY’S TAVERN (1940s) Ed Gardner stars as Archie, the Manager, who tries to go on the radio with Pierre, the Singing Dog! SUSPENSE (2-14-46) Lucky Lady starring Fay Bainter. A cat is blamed for murder. THE STORY OF DR. KILDARE (1940s) Lew Ayers and Lionel Barrymore star. Edward Carlton is bitten by a neighbor’s dog. ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (2-22-48) The Wooden Claw is the title of the case about a series of murders by a mysterious cat killer. ETHEL AND ALBERT (7-14-47) Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce. Teddy the dog vs. Mrs. Friderbach. (15 min). ARCH OBOLER PRESENTS ” Cat Wife. A man’s wife becomes¦..! RED SKELTON SHOW (1940s) Skelton’s Scrapbook of Satire offers Willie Lump-Lump’s Lost Dog and Junior, the Mean Widdle Kid, the Mean Widdle Dog Fancier. Rebroadcast: 11/4/17 – 11/10/17.
November 13th, 1976 – A DAY WITH DENNIS DAY
PROGRAM 313: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (Dec, 1951) Jack and Mary Livingstone go to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre to see Dennis Day’s new – movie, Golden Girl. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1948) Al Jolson, Oscar Levant, Ken Carpenter and guest Dennis Day. DENNIS DAY SHOW (1940s) starring Dennis Day, Bea Benaderet, Barbara Eiler, John Brown. Dennis has an idea for a radio show. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1945) Lt. j.g. Dennis Day is host to Jack Benny, June Christy, the Hoosier Hot Shots, Rita Hayworth. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (8-4-57) Jack takes Dennis Day to see a psychiatrist. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be DENNIS DAY who reminisces about his career and speaks of his association with Jack Benny. Rebroadcast: 11/11/17 – 11/17/17.
November 20th, 1976 – RIDIN’ THE RADIO RANGE!
PROGRAM 314: HOPALONG CASSIDY (1950s) The Devil’s Drum stars William Boyd as Hoppy. DEATH VALLEY DAYS (8-27-36) Outlaw, Sam Bass. SIX-GUN (1940s) The Gun Ban. Doc Six-Gun and his sidekick, Pablo, find a town where guns are not allowed. CISCO KID (1940s) The Gunslinger. Jack Mather is Cisco and Harry Lang is Pancho. FRONTIER TOWN (1940s) Six Gun Justice stars Tex (Jeff) Chandler as Chad Remington. ROY ROGERS SHOW (5-8-45) Guest is screen villian Porter Hall. Roy tells the story of Pecos Bill. With Pat Friday, Sons of the Pioneers. Rebroadcast: 11/18/17 – 11/24/17.
November 27th, 1976 – TIS THE SEASON!
PROGRAM 315: SUSPENSE (12-23-43) Back For Christmas starring Peter Lorre. CHRISTMAS SEAL SHOW (1952) starring Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy with five year old Candice Bergen. (15 min). VISIT TO A DOLL FACTORY (1930s) It’s 14 shopping days to Christmas and Mutual Network reporters visit the Ideal Novelty and Toy Factory to see how dolls are made. (15 min). THIS IS MY BEST (12-19-44) The Plot to Overthrow Christmas by Norman Corwin starring Orson Welles as Nero and Ray Collins as Santa. A classic radio presentation. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-10-51) The Lemon Drop Kid stars Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in the radio version of their 1951 movie, based on the famous Damon Runyon story. Hope is The Kid, a racetrack tout who owes the Mob $10,000 which must be paid by Christmas. (60 min). OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be writer-producer director NORMAN CORWIN whose radio efforts in the 1930s and 40s won him acclaim throughout the world of broadcasting. Rebroadcast: 11/25/17 – 12/1/17.
December 4th, 1976 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 316: LET’S PRETEND (1950s) The Night Before Christmas with Uncle Bill Adams and the Let’s Pretend regulars. A mouse family goes to the North Pole to see what goes on on Christmas Eve. CALIFORNIA CARAVAN (12-21-47) How Santa Claus Came to Simpson’s Bar in Tuttleville, a small prospecting town out west. O’HENRY PLAYHOUSE (1940s) The Gift of the Magi is O’Henry’s classic Christmas story. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-11-49) Hal Peary stars as Gildy, shopping for Christmas presents. THE BIG STORY (12-19-44) The Man in the Velvet Hat. SUSPENSE (12-17-61) Yuletide Miracle stars Larry Haines, Santos Ortega, Joe De Santis and Rosemary Rice. Rebroadcast: 12/2/17 – 12/8/17.
December 11th, 1976 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 317: BOB HOPE SHOW (Christmas, 1953) from Long Beach Veterans’ Hospital with Bill Goodwin, Margaret Whiting, Frank Nelson, Sheldon Leonard, Jim Backus. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (12-16-48) The Desert Shall Rejoice starring John Hodiak. THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR (1940s) Addressing Christmas cards in August. Starring Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce. (12 min). SHERLOCK HOLMES (12-21-47) Adventure of the Christmas Bride with John Stanley as Holmes, Alfred Turley as Watson. LIFE OF RILEY (1940s) William Bendix is Riley, who is short of money to buy Christmas presents. VIC AND SADE (1942) Sade and Rush addressing Christmas cards. (15 min). CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (12-19-46) Christmas Shopping with Staats Cotsworth as Casey and John Gibson as Ethelbert. Rebroadcast: 12/9/17 – 12/15/17.
December 18th, 1976 – RADIO TO WRAP AND TRIM BY
PROGRAM 318: AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (12-24-41) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll as radio’s all-time favorites in their post-Pearl Harbor Christmas show. (15 min). CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (12-23-56) All Is Bright ” The story of Silent Night. LUM AND ABNER ” Chester Lauck and Norris Goff with their traditional Christmas story, set in Pine Ridge. (15 min). CRESTA BLANCA PLAYERS (12-25-46) All Through the House starring Janet Leigh, Gregory Peck, John Garfield and Gene Kelly. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-22-50) Chapter 20, Book 81. Christmas trees for everyone. (15 min). ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-25-50) Chapter 20, Book 81. Christmas presents on Christmas Day. (15 min). JACK BENNY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (12-25-56) A special broadcast for the Armed Forces Radio Service starring Jack, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Bob Crosby, Don Wilson, Mel Blanc, Joe Kearns, Rochester, Elliot Lewis, Arnie Auerback, Benny Rubin, Frances Bergen and June Allyson. (45 min). Rebroadcast: 12/16/17 – 12/22/17.
December 25th, 1976 – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
PROGRAM 319: CHICAGO THEATRE OF THE AIR (1950s) The Wizard of Oz (45 min). WORLD’S GREAT NOVELS (12-19-47) A Child is Born narrated by Ken Nordine. THEATRE GUILD ON THE AIR (12-23-45) Little Women starring Katherine Hepburn and Oscar Homolka (60 min). WORLD’S GREAT NOVELS (12-26-471 Christmas Chapters from the Pickwick Papers featuring Johnny Coons, Phillip Lord. PHILCO RADIO HALL OF FAME (12-24-44) Bing Crosby, Orson Welles, King’s Men, Paul Whiteman. (60 min). Rebroadcast: 12/23/17 – 12/29/17.
January 1, 1977 – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
PROGRAM 320: CHICAGO THEATRE OF THE AIR (1950s) The Wizard of Oz (45 min). WORLD’S GREAT NOVELS (12-19-47) A Child is Born narrated by Ken Nordine. THEATRE GUILD ON THE AIR (12-23-45) Little Women starring Katherine Hepburn and Oscar Homolka (60 min). WORLD’S GREAT NOVELS (12-26-471 Christmas Chapters from the Pickwick Papers featuring Johnny Coons, Phillip Lord. PHILCO RADIO HALL OF FAME (12-24-44) Bing Crosby, Orson Welles, King’s Men, Paul Whiteman. (60 min). Rebroadcast: 12/30/17 – 1/5/18.
January 8, 1977 – SALUTE TO WILLIAM BENDIX
PROGRAM 321: LIFE OF RILEY (4-12-47) William Bendix stars as Riley with Paula Winslow and John Brown. Marriage Can Be Beautiful. G.I. JOURNAL (1940s) William Bendix is Editor-In-Chief with Arthur Treacher, Mel Blanc, Jinx Falkenberg, Jimmy Greer and his Orchestra. CHRISTOPHER PROGRAM (1950s) A round table discussion with William Bendix and Tom Harmon. (15 min). TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (1-17-48) Ralph Edwards is emcee for this audience participation show with guest William Bendix. SUSPENSE (2-27-47) Three Faces at Midnight starring William Bendix with Sandra Gould, Hans Conried, Jack Webb and Joseph Kearns. LIFE OF RILEY (4-19-47) William Bendix is Riley, coaching Junior in the art of fisticuffs. I LOVE A MYSTERY (1950) The Temple of the Vampires an exciting Carlton E. Morse adventure. We’ll present the first four chapters and conclude it next week. (47 min). OUR SPECIAL GUESTS will be RUSSELL THORSON and JIM BOLES and TONY RANDALL (in separate interviews) reminiscing about their careers and discussing Carlton E. Morse and I Love A Mystery. (38 min and 23 min). Rebroadcast: 1/6/18 – 1/12/18.
January 15, 1977 – ONE MAN’S MYSTERY! Part 1
PROGRAM 322: I LOVE A MYSTERY (5-25-42) An isolated episode of The Island of the Skulls written by Carlton E. Morse and starring Michael Raffetto as Jack Packard, Barton Yarborugh as Doc Long and Gloria Blondell as Gerry Booker, all of the A-1 Detective Agency. (30 min). I LOVE A MYSTERY (1950) The Richards Curse starring Russell Thorson as Jack, Jim Boles as Doc and Tony Randall as Reggie York. We’ll have the first seven chapters of the adventure on this day and conclude it next week. (75 min). OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be CARLTON E. MORSE who created, wrote and produced I LOVE A MYSTERY and ONE MAN’S FAMILY. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 1/13/18 – 1/19/18.
January 22, 1977 – ONE MAN’S MYSTERY! Part 3
PROGRAM 323: I LOVE A MYSTERY (1950) The conclusion of The Richards Curse starring Russell Thorson, Jim Boles and Tony Randall with Mercedes McCambridge. (80 minutes) I LOVE A MYSTERY (1950) Temple of Vampires an exciting Carlton E. Morse adventure. We’ll present the first four chapters and conclude it next week. (47 min) OUR SPECIAL GUESTS will be RUSSELL THORSON and JIM BOLES and TONY RANDALL (in separate interviews) reminiscing about their careers and discussing Carlton E. Morse and I Love A Mystery. (38 min and 23 min). Rebroadcast: 1/20/18 – 1/26/18.
January 29, 1977 – ONE MAN’S MYSTERY! Part 3
PROGRAM 324: I LOVE A MYSTERY (1950) Conclusion of Temple of Vampires starring Russell Thorson, Jim Boles, Tony Randall and Mercedes McCambridge. (93 min). INNER SANCTUM (1946) Murder Comes at Midnight starring Mercedes McCambridge. (30 min). SUSPENSE (12-15-42) Till Death Do Us Part starring Peter Lorre, Mercedes McCambridge and Alice Frost. (30 min). OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be actress MERCEDES MC CAMBRIDGE reminiscing about her radio career and her involvement in the I Love A Mystery series. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 1/27/18 – 2/2/18.
February 5th, 1977 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 325: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (4-12-49) Fibber, the pipe-smoker. With Jim and Marion Jordan, Bill Tompson, Gale Gordon, Arthur Q. Brian. (30 min). GULF SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (1940s) Parent By Proxy starring Jack Benny and Paulette Goddard. Jack wins a French orphan. (30 min). THE STORY OF DR. KILDARE (1940s) starring Lew Ayers as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barry-more as Dr. Gillespie. (25 min). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is LILLIAN RANDOLPH who starred for many years as Birdie on The Great Gildersleeve series. (Prerecorded, 22 min). THE GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1950s) Birdie Moves to Marjorie’s House featuring Lillian Randolph as Birdie and starring Willard Waterman as Gildersleeve with Walter Tetley as LeRoy. (30 min). THE BIG STORY (5-10-48) Cleveland Press reporter William Miller’s story. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 2/3/18 – 2/9/18.
February 12th, 1977 – VALENTINE’S THEME
PROGRAM 326: LUM AND ABNER (1940s) Chester Lauck and Norris Goff star as Lum searches for a Valentine for his lady love. (25 min). QUIET PLEASE (2-13-49) Valentine starring Anne Seymour, Jack Arthur and Leora Thatcher in a story by Wyllis Cooper. Ernest Chappell narrates. (30 min). CURTAIN TIME (2-14-48) Romantic Development stars Harry Elders, Nanette Sargeant, Maurice Copeland. (30 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-13-55) A surprise birthday party for Jack. Featuring Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Mel Blanc, Rochester. (30 min). ARCH OBOLER’S PLAYS (5-3-45) Love, Love, Love is a series of vignettes looking at love. (30 min). PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (2-13-49) Flowers for Alice. Featuring Elliot Lewis, Walter Tetley, Jeanine Roos, Anne Whitfield, Hal March, Jack Mather. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 2/10/18 – 2/16/18.
February 19th, 1977 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 327: DIMENSION X (5-6-50) Knock stars Arnold Moss and Luis Van Rooten in a science fiction drama. (30 min) JERGENS JOURNAL (11-9-47) Walter Winchell reports on the events of the times as he sees them. (15 min) CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (6-28-42) with Edgar Bergen, Walter Brennan, Ginny Simms, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello. Last show of the 1941-42 season. (30 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is ART LINKLETTER reminiscing about his long and interesting career on radio and television. (Pre-recorded, 32 min) PEOPLE ARE FUNNY (9-19-52) 10th Anniversary Show starring Art Linkletter, with Rod O’Connor and contestants. (30 min) SUSPENSE (2-15-45) Sell Me Your Life starring Lee Bowman. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 2/17/18 – 2/23/18.
February 26th, 1977 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 328: TEXACO STAR THEATRE (10-4-42) starring Fred Allen with Portland Hoffa, Arthur Godfrey, Al Goodman and the orchestra and guest Charles Laughton. First show of the 1942-43 season. (30 min) ADVENTURES OF PHILIP MARLOWE (4-30-49) The Lady in Mink starring Gerald Mohr as the detective created by Raymond Chandler. (30 min) EDDIE HOWARD AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-5-45) Remote broadcast from the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Vocals by Eddy Howard and Kenny Myers. (25 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is ANNE SEYMOUR, star of countless radio dramas who recalls her illustrious career on the air. (Pre-recorded, 32 min) INNER SANCTUM (1940s) The Chinese Tile starring Anne Seymour. (25 min) AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (1-5-45) starring Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, with guest Victor Moore. Andy and the insurance company theft. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 2/24/18 – 3/2/18.
March 5th, 1977 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 329: FBI IN PEACE AND WAR (6-10-53) The Traveling Man starring Robert Redick (30 min) BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (6-14-491 George and Gracie with guest Rudy Vallee. (30 min) SUSPENSE (9-2-43) The Singing Walls starring Preston Foster and Dane Clark. (30 min) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (6-6-39) with Horatio K. Boomer, the Old Timer, Mrs. Uppington, Harlow Wilcox, Donald Novis, The Four Notes, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Mauler McGee (30 min) THE THIN MAN (7-13-48) The Haunted Hams starring Les Tremayne and Claudia Morgan as Nick and Nora Charles. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 3/3/18 – 3/9/18.
March 12th, 1977 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 330: X MINUS ONE (2-27-57) Real Gone starring disc jockey Al Jazzbo Collins. (22 min) HALLS OF IVY (1950s) Budget problems for Ronald and Benita Colman as Dr. and Mrs. Hall of Ivy College. (24 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be ALICE REINHEART who played Che Che on radio’s Life Can Be Beautiful and appeared on hundreds of other broadcasts. (40 min) LIFE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL (12-10-46) an isolated episode of the daytime drama featuring Alice Reinheart as Che Che. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1940s) Hal Peary as Gildy, Walter Tetley as LeRoy. LeRoy’s Hut. (23 min) OFFICIAL DETECTIVE (2-17-50) The Informer stars Craig McDonald, Lawson Zerbe, Joe DeSantis. (24 min). Rebroadcast: 3/10/18 – 3/16/18.
March 19th, 1977 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 331: BOB HOPE SHOW (1950s) Bob and guests Bing Crosby, Terry Moore, Les Brown and the Band of Reknown. From Fort Ord, California. (24 min) MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER (9-1-46) No One On the Line (28 min) ALDRICH FAMILY (1940s) Ezra Stone stars as Henry with Jackie Kelk as Homer, House Jamison as Mr. Aldrich. Candy for Kathleen, Flowers for Alice. (24 min) LIGHTS OUT (1940s) The Day Sinatra Got Fat stars Jack Krushin, Valerie Larner. (19 min). MARLIN HURT AND BEULAH SHOW (8-13-45) The Heat Wave. (30 min). SUSPENSE (8-9-55) Love, Honor or Murder starring William Conrad and Charlotte Lawrence. (24 min).Rebroadcast: 3/17/18 – 3/23/18.
March 26th, 1977 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 332: YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (1950s) Charmona Matter (19 min) SAM SPADE, DETECTIVE (12-19-50) ˜Prodigal Panda Matter stars Steve Dunn as Sam, Lurene Tuttle as Effie, William Conrad as Lt. Dundee. (29 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is ALICE FROST who starred on radio as Pam North in the Mr. and Mrs. North series as well as in many dramas during radio’s golden era. (18 min) MR AND MRS. NORTH (1-17-451 The Frisby Klisby Case stars Joseph Curtin and Alice Frost as Pam and Jerry North. (26 min) ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (10-22-45) The Great Gondolfo stars Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. (30 min) MR KEEN, TRACER OF LOST PERSONS (4-10-52) The Mother’s Plea Murder Case stars Phillip Clark as Mr. Keen. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 3/24/18 – 3/30/18.
April 2nd, 1977 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 333: TOWN HALL TONIGHT (5-18-38) Fred Allen and company on the air for Ipana and Sal Hepatica. The Mighty Allen Art Players star. Fred as Captain Andy on the Showboat (57 min) DEATH VALLEY DAYS (1939) The White Burro is the story told by the Old Ranger. (26 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be actress FLORENCE HALOP who starred on radio as Miss Duffy on Duffy’s Tavern and in a host of other roles. (22 min) DUFFY’S TAVERN (11-23-42) Ed Gardner as Archie, Florence Halop as Miss Duffy and guest Charles Coburn. (30 min) CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (1-20-54) Staats Cotsworth stars as Casey with John Gibson as Ethelbert and Jan Miner (who is Madge the manicurist on those TV commercials today) as Casey’s friend Ann Williams. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 3/31/18 – 4/6/18.
April 9th, 1977 – HOLLYWOOD IS ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 334: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (4-14-49) One Foot in Heaven stars George Brent in an Easter time broadcast (30 min) THE HARDY FAMILY (1-31-50) Mickey Rooney stars as Andy Hardy with Lewis Stone and Fay Holden as Judge and Mrs. Hardy. Andy is a Junior Executive! (28 min) TURNING POINT (8-14-57) An unusual broadcast for us as we present this conversation program from 1957 which features an in depth interview with STAN LAUREL reminiscing about his career and his 30 year association with OLIVER HARDY. (69 minutes) LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-24-51) Movietime, USA is a special program in the Lux series. This broadcast honors the motion picture industry on its 50th Anniversary, presenting scenes from a galaxy of new films featuring a host of stars including Dan Dailey, JoAnne Dru, Claudette Colbert, Ann Blythe, John Wayne, Robert Ryan, Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Donna Reed, John Derek, Wendell Corey, Vera Ralston, Forrest Tucker, Gary Cooper, Jane Wyman and Bing Crosby. (60 min). Rebroadcast: 4/7/18 – 4/13/18.
April 16th, 1977 – A SALUTE TO WISTFUL VISTA!
PROGRAM 335: On the 42nd anniversary of the first Fibber McGee and Molly broadcast we spend an afternoon reminiscing with our SPECIAL GUEST JIM JORDAN (who created the role of the Squire of Wistful Vista) as he recalls his show business career (64 min) and we tune in to some radio milestones: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-26-39) Jim Jordan’s favorite show features Jim and Marion Jordan, Hal Peary, Gale Gordon, Bill Thompson, Isabel Randolph, Mel Blanc and Harlow Wilcox. (30 min). SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (2-10-47) Heavenly Days stars Marion and Jim Jordan in the roles they portrayed on the screen in their 1944 movie. (30 min). SUSPENSE (2-3-49) Back Seat Driver stars Jim and Marion Jordan in a well-calculated mystery thriller. (30 min). FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (11-11-41) Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy visit Wistful Vista for the premiere of the film Look Who’s Laughing. Charlie’ tries to date Teeney, (30 min). Rebroadcast: 4/14/18 – 4/20/18.
April 23rd, 1977 – BACKSTAGE RADIO: AUDITIONS AND REHEARSALS
PROGRAM 336: WOODY HERMAN SHOW (8-16-44) Rehearsal of a broadcast for Old Gold with announcer Red Barber and singer Allan Jones. (30 min) HUMPHREY BOGART ADVENTURE (8-17-49) Audition or pilot show for a series of programs featuring Bogart as actor-producer. Dead Man (30 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (11-14-43) Rehearsal of the Lux version of the 1943 film Hello, Frisco Hello’ starring Alice Faye and Robert Young. Cecil B. DeMille is producer. (60 min) THE WYNN SHOW (1950) Audition program for a situation comedy featuring comedian Ed Wynn (The Perfect Fool) and his son Keenan. With George Jessel and Marilyn Maxwell. Our original disc features audience reaction to the pilot program. (43 min) GUNSMOKE (2-19-56) Rehearsal session featuring William Conrad as U.S. Marshall Matt Dillon (18 min). Rebroadcast: 4/21/18 – 4/27/18.
April 30th, 1977 – THANKS AGAIN FOR LISTENING!
PROGRAM 337: It’s been seven full years of broadcasting these vintage radio shows in the Chicago area and we’ll celebrate the occasion with an afternoon of special memories and a Hall Closet-full of excerpts from some of the best of all the radio shows from the Golden Age. It’s going to be a super-special show and we’re going to keep the contents a surprise until the 30th. If you join us then, however, we promise you’ll be rewarded with some radio entertainment. And, thanks again for listening! Rebroadcast: 4/28/18 – 5/4/18.
November 19, 1977 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-29-53) Jack, Rochester, Mary Livingstone, Bob Crosby, Don Wilson, the Sportsmen, Dennis Day, Mel Blanc, Artie Auerbach. Thanksgiving at the Benny house. Lucky Strike Cigarettes. (12:10; 8:25; 9:40) ELGIN THANKSGIVING SHOW (11-25-48) An excerpt of the annual two-hour show presented by the Elgin Watch Company. Dean Martin, Vera Vague, Jerry Lewis. (13:30) THE LIFE OF RILEY (1940s) Riley invites the Gillises (and their turkey) for Thanksgiving dinner. William Bendix, John Brown, Alan Reed. (11:45; 13:10) CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (11-24-47) George Tobias, Mercedes McCambridge and Ralph Bell star in “Us Pilgrims,” a story of an immigrant’s idea of a first Thanksgiving. Dupont. (14:15; 13:25) DURANTE AND MOORE SHOW (11-22-46) The nose and the haircut present a Thanks-giving Opera with Jimmy as Miles Standish and Garry as John Alden. Rexall. (11:20; 10:00; 8:05) BING CROSBY SHOW (11-24-54) Bing recalls his Thanksgiving memories. (7:45; 7:05) MILTON BERLE SHOW (11-25-47) “Salute to Thanksgiving” with Jack Albertson, Pert Kelton, Dick Varney, Frank Gallop. Phillip Morris Cigarettes. (10:30; 10:45; 8:50)
December 24, 1977 – RADIO TO TRIM THE CHRISTMAS TREE BY
NOTE: It’s CHRISTMAS EVE and we’ve e-p-a-n-d-e-d our regular show to a full SIX HOURS and you can stay tuned from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a full half-day of great holiday sounds from the golden age of radio: BING CROSBY SHOW (12-20-50) Bing is joined by his wife, Dixie Lee Crosby and their four sons, Gary, Phillip, Dennis and Lindsay. Chesterfield Cigarettes. (9:10; 21:10), THE CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 24. (12:00), RED SKELTON SHOW (12-24-46) Red and the regulars, Anita Ellis, Verna Felton, Pat McGeehan, Wonderful Smith, Rod O’Connor. The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire. Christmas Eve in Sagebrush Country with Deadeye; Junior, the Mean Little Kid meets Santa Claus (played by Arthur Q. Brian). Raleigh Cigarettes. (8:05; 9:05; 14:10), THE CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 25. (12:20), RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE (12-25-48) ˜Twas the Night Before Christmas Two reporters who set out to find a present for the wife of their managing editor. (13:50; 13:30), SUSPENSE (12-21-53) ˜Twas the Night Before Christmas starring Greer Garson. A little girl’s parents are missing on Christmas Eve. Auto Lite Batteries. (12:25; 16:35), THE CINNAMON BEAR (1937) The final chapter in the search for Judy and Jimmy’s Silver star. Do they find it? (12:45), JUDY CANOVA SHOW (12-21-46) Judy with Mel Blanc, Ruby Dandridge, Joe Kearns, The Sportsmen, Verne Smith. Colgate Palmolive Peet Co. (11:20; 18:55), RADIO READER’S DIGEST (12-18-47) Song From Heaven stars Raymond Massey in the story of how Silent Night came to be written. Hallmark Cards, Reader’s Digest. (14:20; 15:10), LUM ˜N’ ABNER (1940s) Christmas in Pine Ridge with Chester Lauck (Lum) and Norris Goff (Abner). (14:05), FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-19-44) Fibber snoops in the hall closet, looking for gifts. With Arthur Q. Brian, Bill Thompson, Harlow Wilcox, Billy Mills and the Orchestra, the King’s Men. Teeney and the gang sing The Night Before Christmas.“ Johnson’s Wax. (16:30; 14:05), A CHRISTMAS SING WITH BING (1955) Bing Crosby is anchor man for a musical tour around the world on Christmas Eve. A warm and wonderful conclusion to our special holiday show. (24:50; 19:44).
May 6th 1978 – Fibber McGee and the Good Old Days of Radio – THE SUNDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 390: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-28-48) Jack Benny borrows Ronald Coleman’s Oscar statue and becomes a victim of a hold-up. This is the show with the famous Your money or your life gag! With Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, Don Wilson. Lucky Strike Cigarettes. (8:35; 11:20; 10:30). THE SHADOW (1-12-41) The Ghost Building is the scene of many mysterious deaths. Lamont Cranston investigates. Blue Coal. (16:10; 13:00). MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR (10-30-38) Orson Welles presents his classic radio broadcast of H. G. Wells’ science fiction drama, The War of the Worlds. It’s become the most famous radio program of all time, frightening half the country when it was heard in 1938. (39:25; 18:30). CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (10-21-45) Edgar Bergen and friends Charlie and Mortimer Snerd, with regulars Anita Gordon, Ray Noble and the orchestra, Ersil Twing and guest Fred Allen. In a sketch, Charlie plays a lumber tycoon and Fred is Chinese detective One Long Pan. Armed Forces Radio rebroadcast. (11:10; 14:15). Rebroadcast: 5/2/18 – 5/8/18.
May 13th 1978 – Fibber McGee and the Good Old Days of Radio – THE MONDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 391: LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-19-37) Alibi Ike starring Joe E. Brown, William Frawley, Helen Chandler, Roscoe Karnes, Frank Nelson. A superstar pitcher on the Chicago Cubs looses games because of troubles with his girl. Lux Toilet Soap. (21:45; 16:15; 17:55) BLONDIE (3-11-45) Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake star as Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead, with Hanley Stafford as J. C. Dithers and John Brown as Herb Woodley. Dagwood is the first casualty of the football season! AFRS rebroadcast. (14:50; 12:05) YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (10-29-59) The Double Identity Matter starring Bob Bailey as the man with the action-packed expense account. Police inform Dollar that his girl friend may be guilty of poisoning elderly folk for their insurance money. Sustaining. (9:00; 4:33; 10:10) ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (1940s) Jimmy Olson is missing and the Man of Steel flies up, up and awaaaaaay to bring him back. Kellogg’s Pep and the Walkie-Talkie offer. (14:00) SUSPENSE (3-21-46) Lonely Road starring Gregory Peck, with Cathy Lewis. Roma Wines. (14:00; 14:50). Rebroadcast: 5/9/18 – 5/15/18.
May 20th 1978 – Fibber McGee and the Good Old Days of Radio – THE TUESDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 392: BOB HOPE SHOW (4-8-47) Al Jolson is Bob’s guest with Vera Vague, Jerry Colonna. Commercials feature Chevrolet give-away contest and promote Hope’s movie, My Favorite Brunette. Pepsodent. (5:18; 12:20; 11:55). TEXACO STAR THEATRE (4-9-35) starring Ed Wynn, the Texaco Fire Chief with announcer Graham MacNamee and Eddie Duchin and the orchestra. LUM AND ABNER (1930s) Chester Lauck and Norris Goff as proprietors of the JotEm-Down Store. (10:50). RED SKELTON SHOW (3-25-47) The Scrapbook of Satire focuses on Careless Driving with Willie Lump-Lump and The Cat of Distinction with Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Raleigh Cigarettes. (8:40; 8:15; 13:45). MR KEEN, TRACER OF LOST PERSONS (5-29-40 and 6-5-40) Two connected broadcasts with the kindly old investigator. Bisodol and Kolynos. (12:50 and 12:15). FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-23-45) Jim and Marion Jordan as the residents of 79 Wistful Vista. Fibber’s cousin Ernest is coming for a visit. Biliy Mills and the Orchestra, the King’s Men and Harlow Wilcox, with Doc Gamble and Mayor LaTrivia. Johnson’s Wax. (9:25; 10:10; 8:00). Rebroadcast: 5/16/18 – 5/22/18.
May 27th 1978 – Fibber McGee and the Good Old Days of Radio – THE WEDNESDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 393: DUFFY’S TAVERN (1940’s) Ed Gardner as Archie, the Manager with all the regulars and Dinah Shore and Jean Davis. Archie tries his hand at songwriting and wants Dinah to sing his song. (AFRS) (8:15; 13:15) GANGBUSTERS (1940s) Case of the Safecracking Combine. Chief Harville narrates by proxy the story of a well-organized gang of crooks who have control of all robberies in town. (10:30; 14:00) KAY KYSER’S KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (10-11-44) Broadcast from the U. S. Naval Air Station, Alameda, California with the old professor, Ish Kabibble, Georgia Carroll, Sully Mason and the Town Criers. (14:45; 13:50) DISTRICT ATTORNEY (3-9-49) Murder a la carte stars Jay Jostyn as Mr. D. A., with Len Doyle as Harrington and Vicki Vola as Miss Miller. A lady robber gets tips from a head waiter at a posh restaurant. !pane and Sal Hepatica. (9:45; 12:02; 9:45) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (5-20-48) A musical comedy revue, Inside Hollywood starring Eddie, Harry Von Zell, Billie Burke, Bert Gordon, the Mad Russian. Pabst Blue Ribbon. (12:15; 10:05; 5:55) SPECIAL GUEST is HAL PEARY who joins Fibber and Chuck as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve. Rebroadcast: 5/23/18 – 5/29/18.
June 3rd, 1978 – Fibber McGee and the Good Old Days of Radio – THE THURSDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 394: ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (3-2846) Fun with Bud and Lou as Costello’s future brother-in-law send him to get his pants cleaned and tailored. Armed Forces Radio Service rebroadcast. (10:50; 14:10) ALDRICH FAMILY (1940s) Ezra Stone as Henry, Jackie Kelk as Homer Brown with House Jamison and Kathryn Raht as Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich. Homer and Agnes celebrate their anniversary. JELL-O (17:30; 11:50) RUDY VALLEE SHOW (11-16-44) Tallulah Bankhead is guest of the Vagabond Lover in this comedy-variety outing. AFRS. (8:55; 8:40) GREEN HORNET (8-23-41) Paroles for Sale. Al Hodge stars as Britt Reid, daring young publisher of the Daily Sentinel who, with his faithful valet Kato,matches wits with the underworld, risking his life that criminals and racketeers within the law may feel its weight by the sting of The Green Hornet! Sustaining. (16:10; 13:30) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (9-30-43) Bing Crosby stars with guests Phil Silvers, John Scott Trotter and his orchestra, the Music Maids and Hal and The Charioteers. Kraft Foods. (9:25; 7:00; 13:45). Rebroadcast: 5/30/18 – 6/5/18.
June 10th, 1978 – Fibber McGee and the Good Old Days of Radio – THE FRIDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 395: CAN YOU TOP THIS? (5-14-48) Stories, jokes and puns from master wits Ward Wilson, Harry Hirschfield, Joe Laurie, Jr., Peter Donald. Dennis James is emcee. Subjects include hats, rivals and lectures. Colgate-Palmolive Peet Co. (7:55; 13:15; 7:30) HOLLYWOOD HOTEL (1930s) Louella Parsons is mistress of ceremonies for a radio production of The Singing Marine starring Dick Powell, Hugh Herbert, Doris Watson. Gordon Jenkins and the orchestra. Campbell Soups. (16:28; 9:40) FIRST NIGHTER (3-29-44) The Chinese Gong written by Arch Oboler and starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule. Eric Sagerquist and the orchestra. A souvenir Chinese gong apparently has mysterious powers. Campana Company. (10:55; 10:20; 9:40) BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (10-25-46) It’s the 364th edition of the Newsreel and Bill’s in New York with his guest Gene Autry. A fantastic yarn about the Chicago fire. Colgate Shave Creme. (7:20; 8:27) CHALLENGE OF THE YUKON (7-26-51) Sgt. Preston and his dog Yukon King go after some stolen gold. Quaker Puffed Wheat and Rice. (18:00; 11:40). Rebroadcast: 6/6/18 – 6/12/18.
June 17th, 1978 – Fibber McGee and the Good Old Days of Radio – THE SATURDAY SHOWS
PROGRAM 396: LET’S PRETEND (6-21-47) Bluebeard featuring Gwen Davies, Jack Grimes, Bob Red-. dick, Ann Marie Dyer, Arthur Anderson. Uncle Bill Adams is host for this presentation of the classic fairy tale. Cream of Wheat. (12:35; 11:40) JUDY CANOVA SHOW (10-19-43) Hillbilly comedy with Judy, Mel Blanc as Pedro and Ruby Dandridge as Geranium. Colgate Palmolive-Peet Company. (12:25; 7:10; 5:25) GRAND CENTRAL STATION (1946) Larkspur to Feed the Soul. Romantic comedy about Ellie the actress and her boyfriend David who wants to give up show business. Pillsbury Sno-Sheen Cake Flour. (8:55; 9:20; 7:55) LIFE OF RILEY (7-25-43) William Bendix is Chester A. Riley who is planning to build a new home. This is a show from the program’s first season on the air. Sustaining. (17:15; 10:50) TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (11-16-47) Ralph Edwards is master of ceremonies (Aren’t we devils!) and Harlow Wilcox is the announcer. Audience participation stunts and listeners trying to guess the identity of Miss Hush:’ Duz Soap. (8:15; 8:25; 11:20) SPECIAL GUEST is GALE GORDON who as Mayor LaTrivia, joins Fibber and Chuck for this final show. EXTRA ADDED ATTRACTION! Chuck Schaden interviews JIM JORDON (Fibber McGee), HAL PEARY (Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve), GAL GORDON (Mayor LaTrivia) and PHIL LESLIE (writer) about their involvement in the original FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY radio series. (28:12). Rebroadcast: 6/13/18 – 6/19/18.
June 24th, 1978 – BIG BANDS FROM CHICAGO
PROGRAM 397: BOB CROSBY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (4-29-40) from the Blackhawk Restaurant. Vocals by Bob Crosby and Marion Mann. Tunes include Fools Rush In, Cecilia, The Starlite Hour and Sugar Foot Stomp. Mutual via WGN. (6:55; 11:20; 10:50) TED WEEMS AND HIS ORCHESTRA (2-10-37) from the Trianon Ballroom. Vocals by Perry Como. Music includes When My Dream-boat Comes Home, Goodnight, My Love and The Doll Dance featuring whistler Elmo Tanner. MUTUAL (14:05) BENNY GOODMAN SEXTET (8-20-52) from the Blue Note. Listen for After You’ve gone, Bye Bye Blue, Poor Butterfly and Avalon. Greg Donovan is announcer. NBC. 8:10; 7:35; 8:35) WOODY HERMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (3-2745) from the College Inn of the Hotel Sherman. Vocal by Frances Wayne and Woody Herman. Happiness is a Thing Called Joe, I Wonder and Apple Honey. CBS. (14:45) WILL OSBORNE AND HIS ORCHESTRA (10448) from the Edgewater Beach Hotel. Music featured includes The Dipsy Doodle, Singin’ in the Rain, The One I Love, Caramba! It’s the Sambal, Ramblin’ Rose and Wabash Blue. NBC. (10:05; 14:15) STAN KENTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA 124-42) from the Panther Room of the Hotel Sherman. Vocals by Dolly Mitchell and Red Dorris. A Touch of Texas, Manhattan Serenade, When the Lights Go On Again and Eager Beaver’: BLUE NETWORK. (13:05) GLENN MILLER CHESTERFIELD SHOW (6-1340) from the stage of the Chicago Civic Theatre. `Solitude, The Rumba Jumps, Everybody Loves My Baby. Chesterfield Cigarettes. CBS. (14:35) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be KARL PEARSON, record collector and authority on the Big Band Era. Rebroadcast: 6/20/18 – 6/26/18.
February 3, 1979 – JACK BENNY MONTH PART 1
PROGRAM 428: PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-26-47) Bing Crosby stars with guests Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone. Regulars include Peggy Lee, Skitch Henderson, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, Ken Carpenter. Jack suggests a band act with himself, Bing and Mary. Philco, ABC. (11:00; 18:50). LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-15-37) “Brewster’s Millions” starring Jack Benny in the unusual role of a spender who must unload a million dollars to qualify for an inheritance of six million! Cast includes Mary Livingstone, Frank Nelson, Lionel Barrymore. Cecil B. DeMille is host. Lux, CBS. (22:55; 17:25; 18:10). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is singer-comedian DENNIS DAY reminiscing about his career and his experiences with Jack Benny. (28:00). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-2-49) Jack’s first show on CBS after switching from NBC. The whole gang is there: Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, the Sportsmen, Mr. Kitzel (Artie Auerbach), Frank Nelson, Mel Blanc and even Amos ‘n’ Andy pop in for a minute. Lucky Strike, CBS. (8:00; 14:25; 6:40). SUSPENSE (2-2-53) “Plan X” starring Jack Benny in a science fiction adventure set in the year 2053 on the Planet Mars. Cast includes Joe Kearns, William Conrad, Howard MacNear, Jack Krushin. Harlow Wilcox announces for Auto-Lite, CBS. (15:50; 12:45). Rebroadcast: 2/3/24 – 2/9/24.
February 10, 1979 – JACK BENNY MONTH PART 2
PROGRAM 429: (First 15 min are missing). SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (10-20-40) A variety show with a comedy theme stars Jack Benny, Claudette Colbert, Edward Arnold, Basil Rathbone, Ernest Lubitch. Host is Roger Prior and announcer is Bud Heaston. Gulf Oil, CBS. (13:55; 14:40). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is FRANK NELSON who reminisces about his show business career, paying special attention to his days as a regular on the Jack Benny show. (27:00). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-11-49) with Jack, Mary, Dennis, Phil, Rochester, Mr. Kitzel, Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson. Jack is going to Houston for a Damon Runyon benefit and Mary takes Jack to the train station. Armed Forces Radio Service rebroadcast. (12:40; 11:25). BING CROSBY SHOW (2-12-53) Jack Benny is guest and he’s worried about his “surprise” birthday party. With violinist Joe Venuti, Judd Conlon’s Rhythmaires, Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter. General Electric, CBS. (8:00; 10:10; 10:35). GULF SCREEN GUILD (3-29-42) “Parent By Proxy” stars Jack Benny and Paulette Goddard. Jack plays Jim Sloan (a big splash in the plumbing business) who attends a charity affair and wins the privilege of adopting an orphan. Cast includes Frank Nelson and Mel Blanc. Gulf Oil Co., CBS. (17:40; 11:20). BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (1-8-48) George and Gracie with guest Jack Benny. Gracie decides that George and Jack should team up to become Gypsy Troubadors. Mel Blanc appears as Professor LeBlanc, Jack’s violin teacher. Gale Gordon is a wealthy Texas banker. Meridith Willson and the orchestra, Bill Goodwin. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (17:15; 12:40). Rebroadcast: 2/10/24 – 2/16/24.
February 17, 1979 – JACK BENNY MONTH PART 3
PROGRAM 430: BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (3-31-49) Jack Benny has promised to buy lunch for George and Gracie at the Brown Derby! In a flashback sequence, Jack and George are both courting Gracie. Joe Kearns appears as a waiter at the Brown Derby. Bill Goodwin, announcer. Maxwell House Coffee, CBS. (14:55; 14:40). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-28-48) Jack borrows Ronald Colman’s Oscar and it is stolen! This is the famous “Your money or your life” show. With Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, and Ronald and Benita Colman. Lucky Strike, NBC. (8:35; 11:20; 10:30). HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (11-18-48) “My Financial Career” starring Jack Benny in the famous Stephen Leacock story as a man who is afraid of banks! James Hilton is master of ceremonies, Frank Goss announces. Jack Kirkwood and Joe Kearns are in the cast. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (13:20; 15:50). PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-3-48) Bing Crosby plays host to Jack Benny who takes his girlfriend Gladys Zabisco for cocktails at Tom Breneman’s restaurant. John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, Rhythmaires, Ken Carpenter. Philco, ABC. (8:40; 11:05; 10:55). FORD THEATRE (3-4-49) “The Horn Blows At Midnight” stars Jack Benny in the role he created on the screen. Jack is the angel Athaniel, sent to Earth to destroy it. Claude Raines, Hans Conried, Mercedes McCambridge, Anne Witfield, Jeanette Nolan, Jane Morgan, Joseph Kearns. Fletcher Markel is host for this faithful radio production based on Jack’s infamous 1945 film. Ford Motor Co., CBS. (15:55; 17:10; 21:15). Rebroadcast: 2/17/24 – 2/23/24.
February 24, 1979 – JACK BENNY MONTH PART 4
PROGRAM 431: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (June, 1953) Last show of Jack’s 1952-53 season with Don Wilson, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Bob Crosby, Rochester, Gertrude and Mable (Bea Benaderet and Sara Berner), Mel Blanc. AFRS rebroadcast. (13:00; 11:00). SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1943) “Love Is News” starring Jack Benny, Ann Sheridan, James Gleason with Joe Kearns. Truman Bradley is announcer. Romantic comedy about a newspaper reporter falling for a wealthy heiress. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (13:30; 15:10). BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW .(11-9-43) Gracie meets Jack Benny in her beauty shop and persuades Jack to let George sing on his radio show. Bill Goodwin, Felix Mills and the orchestra. Swan Soap, CBS. (11:05;, 8:15; 9:42). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-4-48) Jack goes to the home of Bing Crosby to borrow Bing’s Oscar so he can replace Ronald Colman’s Oscar which was stolen from Jack on last week’s show! Bing is guest along with regulars Mary, Rochester, Phil, Don and Mel Blanc. The Ink Spots sub for the Sportsmen. Lucky Strike, NBC. (14:55; 12:25). SUSPENSE (1-8-54) “The Face is Familiar” starring Jack Benny, with Sheldon Leonard, Joe Kearns, Hy Averback. Some shady characters dupe Jack into assisting in a bank robbery. Auto-Lite, CBS. (15:10; 13:45). SPECIAL REPEAT INTERVIEW with JACK BENNY, recorded in 1970. (16:00). JACK BENNY PROGRAM 15-29-49) Last show of Jack’s 1948-49 season. A great show as Jack introduces all the people on his program: Sportsmen, Artie Auerbach, Joe Kearns, Sheldon Leonard, Frank Nelson, his four writers, the script girl, Dennis Day, Gertrude and Mable, Mel Blanc, Rochester. With Don Wilson, Phil Harris Mary Livingstone. AFRS Rebroadcast. (10:10; 14:00). Rebroadcast: 2/24/24 – 3/1/24.
March 3, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 432: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-30-45) Jim and Marion Jordan and the entire cast broadcasting from Canada to promote the 9th Victory Loan Drive. Billy Mills and the Orchestra, the King’s Men, Harlow Wilcox, Arthur Q. Brian, Gale Gordon. Fibber has entered a sculpturing contest and is after the $100 first prize. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (10:30; 10:35; 6:40). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) Chapter One of “The Cobra King Strikes Back” —beginning a 10-part series by Carlton E. Morse, creator of “I Love A Mystery,” “One’s Man Family” and other radio classics. Dr. Carter, Celia Carter, Professor LaBrun and Perry Mills are on the first leg of an expedition to Cambodia. En route they meet Captain Bart Friday (played by Elliott Lewis) who is taking a prisoner to Saigon. Syndicated. (11:40; 14:22). LOUELLA PARSONS (1946) Hollywood news presented by Tinsel Town’s leading columnist. Guest is actor Spencer Tracy. Announcer is Marvin Miller. Woodbury, ABC. (5:40; 9:30). THE WHISTLER (1940s) “The Golden Penny” is a luxury yacht to be used in the getaway in a theft scheme. Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) rebroadcast. (11:35; 16:20). OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be EVE ARDEN reminiscing about her career in radio and television. (23:00). OUR MISS BROOKS (1-8-50) Eve Arden stars as Connie Brooks with Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin, Richard Crenna as Walter Denton and Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton. Walter writes a speech to welcome new members of the school board. Colgate, Drene, Palmolive, CBS. (9:30; 19:50). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) “The Cobra King Strikes Back” — Chapter Two: “Something About the Hooded Snake.’ Sustaining. (13:00; 13:00). Rebroadcast: 3/2/24 – 3/8/24.
March 10, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 433: AMOS ‘N’ ANDY (5-18-48) The Kingfish, looks to unload on Andy a dumpy cabin in the mountains. Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll star. Rinso, NBC. (11:15; 7:50; 9:05). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) “The Cobra King Strikes Back” — Chapter Three: “The Mad King of Ankar.” Sustaining. (13:25; 12:50). ZERO HOUR (5-7-74) “Escape to Nowhere” stars Jackie Cooper, Karl Swenson, Ann Whitfield and Lurene Tuttle. Rod Serlinq introduces this mid-1970s attempt to revive dramatic radio. Participating sponsors, MUTUAL. (9:15; 5:30; 5:55). KRAFT MUSIC HALL (3-4-48) Al Jolson stars with regulars Oscar Levant, Ken Carpenter and Lou Bring and the Orchestra. Guest is Cary Grant and Al gives Cary pointers on courting a girl. Kraft, NBC. (10:20; 9:00; 11:35). LIGHTING JIM WHIPPLE (1940s) Whoever heard of this program? Jim and his deputy Whitey Larson investigate a robbery in Pecos. Syndicated. (14:50; 13;35). HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (7-17-60) John Dehner as Paladin is asked to help stop a range war. Cast includes Joe Kearns, Ben Wright and Virginia Gregg. Participating sponsors, CBS. (12:35; 10:10). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) “The Cobra King Strikes Back” — Chapter Four: “Temple of Gorillas.” Sustaining. (12:15; 12:45). Rebroadcast: 3/9/24 – 3/15/24.
March 17, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 434: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (3-17-49) “Our Own Kind” stars Barry Fitzgerald in a St. Patrick’s Day story. Hallmark, CBS. (13:04; 15:05). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) “The Cobra King Strikes Back” — Chapter Five: “The Living Image of Cambodia.” Sustaining. (12:30; 13:28). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor PAT O’BRIEN reminiscing about his long career on the stage and screen. (13:05). HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (10-28-48) ”O’Halloran’s Luck” stars Edmund O’Brien in a story” combining the atmosphere of old Boston and the expanding west.” Tim O’Halloran comes to Boston to marry Kitty Malone but her parents have other ideas. Hallmark, CBS. (14:05; 14:50). OUR SPECIAL GUEST PAT O’BRIEN continues his show business memories. (16:05). ACADEMY AWARD (6-22-46) “The Front Page” stars Pat O’Brien and Adolph Menjou in a radio version of their hit 1930 film. A crack reporter becomes involved in the escape of a man about to be hanged. Hbuse of Squibb, CBS. (16:45; 13:00). OUR SPECIAL GUEST PAT O’BRIEN continues to reflect on his career. (11:50). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) “The Cobra King Strikes Back” — Chapter Six: “Terrors of the Hallow Mountain”‘ Sustaining. (13:35; 12:48). Rebroadcast: 3/16/24 – 3/22/24.
March 24, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 435: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-13-44) Gildy and Judge Hooker have opposing views on the subject of juvenile deliquency and agree to a debate on the subject. Hal Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve with Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Walter Tetley as Leroy, Richard Legrand as Peavy. AFRS rebroadcast. (12:45; 12:40). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) “The Cobra King Strikes Back” — Chapter Seven: “The Face of a Beast.” Sustaining. (13:30; 12:35). SPOTLIGHT REVUE (3-12-48) Spike Jones and His City Slickers, Dorothy Shay, the Park Avenue Hillbilly, Doodles Weaver and guest Jack Smith broadcast from New York. Professor Feedlebaum sings “Sonny Boy.” Coco Cola, CBS. (10:55; 8:55; 9;45). GUNSMOKE (8-9-52) William Conrad is Marshall Matt Dillon with Parley Baer as Chester Goode, his deputy. A mountain girl asks Matt to arrest her father. Sustaining, CBS. (12:32; 16:30). WALTER WINCHELL (1-11-48) The Jergens Journal with the nationally syndicated columnist talks about a tax cut and Tokyo Rose. Jergens Lotion, ABC. (13:00). COMEDY CARAVAN (11-16-45) Jimmy Durante (“The Nose”) and Garry Moore (“The Haircut”) in a comedy-variety show with Howard Petrie, Roy Bargy and the orchestra, singer Jeri Sullivan. Jimmy and Garry in sketches about lady football players and a scientist experimenting with Uranium. AFRS rebroadcast. (7:00; 7:30; 8:20). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) “The Cobra King Strikes Back” — Chapter Eight: “It was Not Cannibalism.” Sustaining. (14:45; 11:15). Rebroadcast: 3/23/24 – 3/29/24.
March 31, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 436: RED SKELTON SHOW (2-25-47) The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire discusses “Travel to Hawaii” and features Junior, the mean little kid and Clem Kadiddlehopper. GeGe Pearson, Verna Felton, Wonderful Smith, Pat McGeehan, Anita Ellis, David Forester and the orchestra, Rod O’Connor. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (9:10; 10:30; 12:25). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) “The Cobra King Strikes Back” — Chapter Nine: “The Fangs and Teeth of the Enemy.” Sustaining. (14:10; 11:57). THE LIFE OF RILEY (11-10-50) William Bendix is Riley, Paula Winslow is Peg, John Brown is Digby O’Dell and Gillis, Barbara Eiller is Babs and Bobby Ellis is Junior. Riley tries his luck in a “guess the number of beans in a bowl” contest. Pabst Blue Ribbon, NBC. (12:40; 13:05). THE BIG STORY (12-15-47) “The Case of the Final Curtain” stars Les Tremayne as Aubrey Maddocks of the Hartford Daily Current whose “big story” is dramatized. Pall Mall Cigarettes, NBC. (15:40; 13:00). PHILCO RADIO TIME (6-2-48) Bing Crosby with the last show of the 1947-48 season. Guests are violinist Joe Venuti, cartoonist Ham Fischer and comedian Fred Allen. Philco, ABC. (8:18; 10:58; 10:40). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) “The Cobra King Strikes Back” — Chapter Ten and the concluding episode: “The Amazing End of an Expedition.” Sustaining. (12:30; 13:15). Rebroadcast: 3/30/24 – 4/5/24.
April 7, 1979 – TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME
PROGRAM 437: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (5-12-49) “You Could Look It Up” starring William Frawley in a baseball comedy by James Thurber. A midget helps cure a baseball team of its overconfidence. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (12:45; 16:10). ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (1940s) Bud and Lou with Marilyn Maxwell, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra, Ken Niles. An all-baseball show with Costello expecting to play ball for the New York Yankees in place of the ailing Joe DiMaggio. Program includes the famous “Who’s On First” routine. Camel Cigarettes, NBC. (11:20; 10:20; 7:20). READER’S DIGEST RADIO (4-14-47) “Story of Babe Ruth” A look at the colorful career of the Bambino. In the program, Babe is portrayed by an actor but he does appear in person to thank listeners for the many cards he received while hospitalized. Hallmark, CBS. (16:05; 14:15). DAMON RUNYON THEATRE (1949) “Baseball Hattie” is a baseball “groupie” who follows and finally marries a pitcher for the New York Giants. The story is narrated by John Brown as “Broadway.” Syndicated. (13:25; 13:30). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-4-52) Fun at the Los Angeles-Seattle baseball game with Jack, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Rochester, Joe Kearns, Frank Nelson, Mel Blanc. Armed Forces Radio Service Rebroadcast. (10:25; 14:30). Rebroadcast: 4/6/24 – 4/12/24.
April 14, 1979 – HAPPY EASTER!
PROGRAM 438: PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (4-2-50) Phil tells his daughters the story of the Easter Bunny. Elliott Lewis as Frankie Remley costars with Walter Tetley as Julius, Robert North as Willie. Mel Blanc and Arthur Q. Brian are guests on this Easter show. Rexall, NBC. (10:25; 6:48; 11:10). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-5-42) It’s Easter Sunday and Jack and the whole gang are on hand for the Easter Parade. Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Mary Livingstone (who reads a letter from Momma), Dennis Day, Rochester. Jell-O, NBC. (13:50; 14:50). THE SHADOW (3-28-48) “Death and the Easter Bonnet” stars Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston and Grace Matthews as the lovely Margo Lane. Margo buys an expensive hat for Easter and finds that it is a special hat meant for someone else. Blue Coal, Mutual. (14:35; 14:35). FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (3-23-48) Molly wins a contest sponsored by Wistful Vista merchants and the prize is an Easter dress. Jim and Marion Jordan star with Gale Gordon as Foggy Williams, the weatherman; Bill Thompson as the Old Timer; Arthur Q. Brian as Doc Gamble. Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the Orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (11:40; 11:45; 6:18). Rebroadcast: 4/13/24 – 4/19/24.
April 21, 1979 – SCIENCE FICTION – OR FACT?
PROGRAM 439: SPACE PATROL (1950s) “Hidden Castle” —Commander Buzz Corey and Space Cadet Happy rescue a sweet young thing from a stranded space cruiser. Ed Kemmer is Corey, Lyn Osborn is Happy. AFRS rebroadcast. (11:14; 13:20). DIMENSION X (5-27-50) “To The Future” starring John Larkin, Jan Minor. Narrated by Norman Rose from a story by Ray Bradbury. A man and wife from the year 2155 have “escaped” in time back to the year 1950 where they find themselves in Mexico at Fiesta time. Sustaining, NBC. (13:25; 15:45). CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (1-17-56) “Brave New World” — Part 1. A fine radio adaptation of the novel by Aldous Huxley. Narrated by Huxley, the cast features Joseph Kearns, William Conrad, Bill Idleson, Vic Perrin. Nintysix identical “beings” have been cloned from one human egg, all pre-conditioned for their role in a new society where people are “produced” assembly line-style in the image of hero Henry Ford. This is the first broadcast in the series. Sustaining, CBS. (16:30; 12:20). CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (2-3-56) “Brave New World” — Part 2. Continuing the exploration of the new world, we see “Improved” methods of love, entertainment, death. Sustaining, CBS. (15:15; 13:40). QUIET, PLEASE (2-2-48) “Pathetic Fallacy” is the tale of a mechanical “brain” come alive with a crush on her inventor! Written and directed by Willis Cooper who created radio’s “Light’s Out.” Ernest Chappell is host and narrator; Vicki Vola is the voice of the machine. Sustaining, Mutual. (13:00; 17:20). SUSPENSE (9-9-62) “Strange Day in May” starring William Mason. Major Thomas Manning goes into space to try to determine what happened to two astronauts lost before him. AFRS Rebroadcast. (12:25; 10:30). . Rebroadcast: 4/20/24 – 4/26/24.
July 7th, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 399: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-6-52) Jack visits the dentist. Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Phil Harris, the Sportsmen, Frank Nelson, Mel Blanc. AF RS (Armed Forces Radio Service) Rebroadcast. (10:45; 11:10) ROGUE’S GALLERY (12-20-45) Fortune in Furs stars Dick Powell as Richard Rogue, Private Eye. MUTUAL, Fitch Shampoo. (5:34; 16:10; 8:30) JACK KIRKWOOD SHOW (1940s) The zany comic runs a house painting service. AFRS. (14:20) TERRY AND THE PIRATES (2-9-42) Pat, Flip and Terry arrive at a hidden hospital in China. NBC BLUE, Quaker Puffed Cereals. (14:16) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (11-6-47) The first in a sequence of five shows dealing with the kidnapping of Cantor. Harry Von Zell, Bert Gordon, Frank Nelson, Cookie Fairchild and the Orchestra. Eddie receives a threatening letter, warning him not to run for president. NBC, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer. (11:30; 10:25; 6:36) INNER SANCTUM (1940s) The Lyon Reigns at Hillcrest. Ted Lyon is trapped in a mausoleum as he recalls the events which brought him there. AFRS. (9:55; 13:30) MUSICAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BING CROSBY (1954) Bing reminisces about his recording career and sings or presents many of his hit songs. This is an eight-part presentation and we’ll bring it to you throughout the afternoon during each TWTD broadcast during July and August. In part one Bing sings Muddy Water, Mississippi Mud, My Kind of Love, I Surrender Dear, Dream Your Troubles Away, Just One More Chance, Stardust, When the Blue of the Night, Please, Just an Echo and others. (6:00; 6:20; 4:10; 5:47; 5:45). Rebroadcast: 6/27/18 – 7/3/18.
July 14th, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 400: THE DRENE SHOW (2-9-47) Don Ameche, Frances Langford and Danny Thomas star with Gale Gordon, Toby Reed and Carmen Dragon and the orchestra. In a Bickersons sketch, Blanche has dreamed that John was chasing another woman. NBC, Drene Shampoo, Dreft. (6:20; 9:00; 13:55) THE GREEN HORNET (10-2-40) Votes For Sale. The Hornet sets out to smash a political racket. Syndicated. (14:55; 13:50) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is actor MICHAEL RYE who reminisces about his career in radio which began in Chicago. (15:50) DICK TRACY (9-13-46) An episode from The Case of the Broken Window. ABC, Sustaining. (14:20) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (11-13-47) Eddie is getting threatening phone calls from Baby Face Moore. Guests include Slapsy Maxie Rosenbloom and Max Baer. NBC, Pabst. (11:55; 11:35; 5:10) X MINUS ONE (2-15-56) The Skulking Permit stars Dick Hamilton, Bill Quinn, Mandel Kramer, Wendell Holmes, Joe Di Santis, Ruby Dee. The lost colony of Delaware has not been visited by officials from Earth in 200 years. MUSICAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BING CROSBY (1954) Part 2. Bing sings Learn to Croon, The Old Ox Road, Thanks, After Sundown, Temptation, Love Thy Neighbor, Love In Bloom, June in January, others. (4:48; 4:43; 5:40; 4:50; 4:33) Rebroadcast: 7/4/18 – 7/10/18.
July 21st, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 401: NATIONAL BARN DANCE (2-5-45) Joe Kelly introduces Lulu Belle, Arkie the Arkansas Woodchopper, the Dinning Sisters, Pat Buttram, Hoosier Hot Shots and guest Alton Britt. AF RS. (10:38; 7:30; 13:00) YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (1115-59) Bayou Body Matter stars Bob Bailey as the free-lance insurance investigator with the action-packed expense account. CBS, Participating Sponsors. (8:10; 8:08; 6:55) LOUELLA PARSONS (1947) Hollywood news with the most popular columnist in history. Lots of Tinsel Town gossip plus a special three-way remote interview with Louella, Barbara Stanwyck and David Niven. ABC, Woodbury Soap (5:40; 7:55) HOP HARRIGAN (2-19-42) America’s Ace of the Airwaves is being held captive at gunpoint by an enemy spy. NBC-BLUE, Sustaining. (14:19) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (11-20-47) Baby Face Moore demands ransom for Cantor’s return and Eddie hopes guest Jack Benny will come up with the money! NBC, Pabst. (8:55; 11:55; 7:04) TRUE DETECTIVE MYSTERIES (7-17-37) Death in Step-Ins. At a picnic, two young girls go swimming in their step-ins and one of the girls disappears. Syndicated. (12:55; 11:42) MUSICAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BING CROSBY (1954) Part 3 ” Bing sings Easy to Remember, I’m an Old Cowhand, Pennies from Heaven, Blue Hawaii, Gold Mine in the Sky, Pocketful/ of Dreams and, with Johnny Mercer, Small Fry. (6:10; 4:45; 5:00; 6:30; 6:20) Rebroadcast: 7/11/18 – 7/17/18.
July 28th, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 402: BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (3-2246) Sports stories ” some legend, some here-say, all fascinating ” by the master sport-caster. Guest is Babe Ruth. NBC, Colgate. (14:25) BUCK ROGERS IN THE 25TH CENTURY (4-4-39) The first episode in the series after being off the air since 1936. Dr. Heuer experiments with an Electro-Hypnotic Ray. CBS, Popsicle. (14:40) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is LEON LICHTENFELD, an old-timer who recalls the early days at Chicago’s WGN and the Drake Hotel. (19:50; 20:30) AMOS ˜N’ ANDY MUSIC HALL (1959) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll in their 30th Anniversary Broadcast recall their early years as they are interviewed by Amos, Andy and George Kingfish Stevens. CBS, Sustaining. (16:50) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (11-27-47) Eddie serves Thanksgiving dinner to his kidnappers. NBC, Pabst. (10:20; 11:32; 6:35) DRAGNET (4-13-50) Jack Webb stars as Joe Friday with Barton Yarborough as Ben Romero. Hitchhiking bandits attack servicemen. NBC, Fatima Cigarettes. (17:50; 11:10) MUSICAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BING CROSBY (1954) Part 4. Bing sings Mexicali Rose, Tumbling Tumblingweeds, Did Your Mother Come From Ireland, You Are My Sunshine, The Waiter, the Porter and the Upstairs Maid, Deep in the Heart of Texas, Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie, and others. (4:50: 6:07; 4:00; 5:50; 5:52) Rebroadcast: 7/18/18 – 7/24/18.
August 4th, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 403: CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (11-16-47) Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy, Mortimer Snerd, Pat Patrick, Anita Gordon, Ray Noble and the orchestra and guest Lana Turner. Lana reads Charlie’s palm. NBC, Chase and Sanborn. (9:20; 11:05; 11:15) THE BIG STORY (12-1-47) The Case of the Unfinished Love Song is Howard Boffet’s story, written for the Cleveland News. The newspaperman investigates the case of a convicted killer. NBC, Pall Mall cigarettes. (12:50; 16:05) NELSON OLMSTEAD (7-20-48) The famous storyteller offers a tribute to a dog as he reads Louis Bromfield’s Farewell to a Friend. NBC, Sustaining. (14:05) SKY KING (7-14-47) Earl Nightengale plays Sky, America’s favorite flying cowboy in this episode from the Land of the Diamond Scarab. Mike Wallace announces. ABC, Sustaining. (14:00) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-4-471 The end of the Cantor kidnapping sequence finds both Eddie and Harry Von Zell being held against their will. NBC, Pabst. (12:55; 10:40; 5:12) THE WHISTLER (1944) The Lady from the Sea. A faded silent star learns of the demise of a favorite meeting place of years ago. Syndicated. (14:10; 11:50) MUSICAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BING CROSBY (1954) Part 5 ” Bing sings White Christmas, Moonlight Becomes You, On the Road to Morocco (with Bob Hope), Sunday, Monday or Always (with Andrews Sisters), Pistol Packin’ Mama, I’ll Be Seeing You and others. (6:50; 6:25; 6:10; 6:40). Rebroadcast: 7/25/18 – 7/31/18.
August 11th, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 404: NATIONAL BARN DANCE (1944) Joe Kelly, Lulu Belle, Red Foley, Pat Buttram, Hoosier Hot Shots, Dinning Sisters broadcast from the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. AFRS. (9:05; 7:50; 9:55) BIG TOWN (9-21-48) Final Payment is the last show in the series for Lifebuoy. Edward Pawley stars as Steve Wilson, crusading editor of the Illustrated Press with Fran Carlon as Lorelei Kilbourne, society editor with a nose for news. NBC, Lifebuoy. (9:50; 12:24; 7:21) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is KIRK ALYN, the screen’s original live Superman who discusses his career on stage, screen and radio. (11:30; 14:10; 12:15; 7:45) ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (8-14-45) An exciting episode from the radio series finds some escaped convicts holding Lois Lane prisoner at a Hilltop Village. The Man of Steel comes to the rescue. Bud Collyer as Kent/ Superman. MUTUAL, Kellogg’s Pep Cereals. (14:10) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (9-10-50) Jack returns from Europe for the first show of the new season. Guest Alan Young joins regulars. Dennis Day sings Goodnight, Irene. CBS, Lucky Strike Cigarettes. (13:40; 10:45) MUSICAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BING CROSBY (1954) Part 6 ” Bing sings Swinging On a Star, Don’t Fence Me In, The Bells of St. Marys, Put It There Pal (with Bob Hope) MacNamara’s Band, and others, (6:20; 6:50; 6:45; 5:50). Rebroadcast: 8/1/18 – 8/7/18.
August 18th, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 405: RED SKELTON SHOW (12-18-45) The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire deals with the post-war housing shortage. Red plays Willie Lump-Lump and Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Cast includes GeGe Pearson, Verna Felton, Pat McGeehan, Anita Ellis, Rod O’Connor and David Forester and the orchestra. NBC, Raleigh Cigarettes. (7:50; 12:20; 9:10) TOM MIX RALSTON STRAIGHT-SHOOTERS (4-18-41) An exciting episode in the adventure of the Hidden Mesa as Tom and Wrangler douse the lights at the powder plant so Whisper Johnson can’t fly his plane to sabotage the plant. NBC, Shredded Ralston. (14:45) TV DEMONSTRATION (6-28-39) A demonstration of the RCA Television System broadcasting remote from the fourth floor of Marshall Field’s State Street store in Chicago. A unique radio broadcast of things to come! NBC, Sustaining. (15:10) ARCHIE ANDREWS (5-21-49) Bob Hastings stars as Archie with Harlan Stone as Jughead Jones with Gloria Mann and Rosemary Rice as Veronica Lodge and Betty Cooper. Mr. Andrews surprises his wife with a new television set! NBC, Sustaining. (15:25; 15:00) SUSPENSE (2-22-54) Murder By Jury stars Herbert Marshall in an exciting courtroom drama. CBS, Auto-Lite. (14:15; 15:10) AL JOLSON SHOW (1-5-43) Joining the world’s greatest entertainer” are Monty Wooley, Carol Bruce, Parkyakarkus and Ray Bloch and the orchestra. Jolie sings a medley of Gershwin tunes. CBS, Colgate. (10:10; 10:10; 5:20) MUSICAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BING CROSBY (1954) Part 7 ” Bing sings Begin the Beguine, South America, Take it Away (with the Andrews Sisters), Blue Skies, Alexander’s Ragtime Band (with Al Jolson), Whiffenpoof Song, Now is the Hour and others. (6:55; 6:50; 6:40; 6:45). Rebroadcast: 8/8/18 – 8/14/18.
August 25th, 1979 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 406: BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (1940s) Gracie has a sample of George’s handwriting analyzed and it shows he should have been a doctor. Cast includes Joe Kearns, Bea Benaderet, Bill Goodwin. NBC, Maxwell House Coffee. (8:30; 12:00; 5:20) ROGER KILGORE, PUBLIC DEFENDER (4-18-48) The Case of Don Winthrope, who is accused of a hit-and-run murder. Cast features Santos Ortega, Staats Cotsworth and Lawson Zerbe. MUTUAL, Sustaining. (16:30; 13:20) THE DRENE SHOW (1-12-47) Don Ameche, Frances Langford, Danny Thomas star in variety show featuring a comedy spot by Danny and a Bickersons sketch with Blanche urging John to take their new dog for a walk. NBC, Drene, Dreft. (6:38; 8:53; 13:50) CHALLENGE OF THE YUKON (5-10-55) Sgt. Preston is assigned to bring in a couple of crooks. Commercials include special Klondike Land offer for deed holders who want to send in for a one ounce pouch of soil! Brace Beemer stars as Sgt. Preston. MUTUAL, Quaker Puffed Wheat and Rice. (15:15; 13:15) THE FAT MAN (1940s) Order for Murder stars J. Scott Smart as Brad Runyon: Weight: 237 pounds; Fortune: Danger! Runyon, having car trouble, is helped by a man who is mad enough to kill! ABC, Sustaining. (17:02; 6:32) MUSICAL AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BING CROSBY (1954) Part 8. In the conclusion of this look at Bing’s recording career, the crooner sings Mule Train, Dear Hearts and Gentle People, Rock of Ages, Sunshine Cake, Play a Simple Melody (with Gary Crosby), Gone Fishin’ (with Louis Armstrong), In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening (with Jane Wyman) and VW/ Come. (6:25; 6:15; 6:40; 5:55; 7:30) Rebroadcast: 8/15/18 – 8/21/18.
September 6th, 1980 – SALUTE TO DON WILSON
PROGRAM 458: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-10-54) Jack and the gang ” Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Bob Crosby, Eddie Rochester Anderson, the Sportsmen ” salute announcer Don Wilson on the occasion of Wilson’s 20th anniversary on the Benny show and his 30th year in radio. The cast participates in The Don Wilson Story sketch. AF RS rebroadcast. (8:45; 16:15) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be veteran announcer DON WILSON who reminisces about his long career in radio and his association with Jack Benny. (15:30; 18:20; 12:20) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-23-49) Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson, Bea Benadaret. This is the first of three consecutive and related programs dealing with Don Wilson’s contract. Rochester does the opening announcements as Jack and Don are negotiating. Don refuses to sign and Jack locks him in the den without food. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (11:05; 15:05) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-30-49) Don Wilson, Mary, Rochester, Dennis, Phil, Mel. Dennis does the opening chores this week while Don is still locked in Jack’s closet, refusing to come out and sign a new contract. Later, Jack attends a meeting of the Beverly Hills Beavers Club. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (10:50; 16:00) LIGHT UP TIME (12-27-49) Frank Sinatra stars with Jane Powell and Jeff Alexander’s orchestra. Announcer is Don Wilson. Frank sings It All Depends On You and You’re The Cream in My Coffee. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (12:50) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-6-49) Don Wilson, Mary, Rochester, Dennis and guests Claudette Colbert, Vincent Price and Fletcher Markel. In this third and final show in the Don’s Contract sequence, Mary does the opening announcement while Don is still locked in the den. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (16:45; 11:30) Rebroadcast: 8/22/18 – 8/28/18.
September 13th, 1980 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 459: JACK CARSON SHOW (1940s) Jack confesses he’s afraid of horses, but to impress Beverly Dillingham, he brags that he’s an expert. Howard Petrie, Frank DeVol and the orchestra. AF RS rebroadcast. (8:05; 9:00; 9:35) SHELL CHATEAU (6-29-35) Al Jolson stars in a rare, early broadcast from radio’s golden age. Guests on this variety show starring the world’s greatest entertainer include Reese and Dunn, Sylvia Fruse, Maxie Rosenbloom and actor Otto Krueger. Victor Young and his orchestra and announcers John McIntyre and Frank Nelson. Shell Gasoline, NBC. (12:35: 11:50; 29:20) Dr. SIXGUN (1954) A special story for Yom Kipper. A Southern colonel of the Jewish faith arrives in the territory and is challenged to a duel on the Day of Atonement. Karl Weber stars as Dr. Grey Matson, known as Dr. Sixgun. William Griffiths is Pablo and Bill Adams is Col. Arthur Turo. Sustaining, NBC. (16:55; 11:15) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (9-2-45) The Nelsons struggle with a leaking faucet. Cast includes Bea Benadaret, John Brown, Viola Vaughn, the King Sisters. International Silver Company, CBS. (14:30; 15:00) SUSPENSE (11-23-50) Going, Going, Gone starring Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard with Joe Kearns. A couple buys an old trunk at an auction, but a little man wants to buy it from them. Auto Lite, CBS. (8:20; 6:08; 14:17) Rebroadcast: 8/29/18 – 9/4/18.
September 20th, 1980 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 460: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (10-7-48) Elmer The Great starring Bob Hope in Ring Lardner’s famous baseball story. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (13:45; 14:50) 20TH CENTURY LIMITED (1950) Bob Elson interviews visitors to Chicago aboard the famous train. Kranks Shave Creme, KolorBak, Mar-O-Oil Shampoo. (14:30) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be veteran sportscaster and Baseball Hall of Famer BOB ELSON who will join us in our Metro-Golden-Memories Studio in Morton Grove to reminisce about his long and distinguished career as a broadcaster. CRIME FILES OF FLAMMONDE (4-25-48) The Case of the Ruinous Report starring Myron Wallace as Flammonde. Pierre Andre is the announcer and Bob Elson does the commercials! Brachs Swing and Mint Candy Bars, WGN. (15:09; 14:40) HILDEGARDE’S RALEIGH ROOM (1940s) The Incomparable Hildegarde stars in a variety show set in a fictional night club. As she table-hops, Hildegard visits with George Jesse!, Bill Stern, Milton Cross, Ed Herlihy, Bud Collier, others. Originally sponsored by Raleigh Cigarettes, this is an Armed Forces Radio Service rebroadcast. (8:30; 8:30; 11:25) LIFE OF RILEY (1950s) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley who wants to move to a new home. Riley’s wife, Peg (Paula Winslowe) is not too keen on the idea. John Brown appears as Digby O’Dell, the Friendly Undertaker. Announcer is Jimmy Wallington. AFRTS rebroadcast. (13:54; 11:15) Rebroadcast: 9/5/18 – 9/11/18.
September 27th, 1980 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 461: SILVER EAGLE (7-20-54) Decoy For Death stars Jim Ameche as Sgt. Jim West, of the Northwest Mounted Police, the Silver Eagle, who investigates the murder of a woman. Produced by James Jewell. Wheaties, Cheerios; ABC. (11:30; 12:45) NORTHWESTERN REVIEWING STAND (1964) Do You Remember Radio? The first of two consecutive programs discussing the grand old days of radio. Moderator is James H. McBurney, Dean of the School of Speech, Northwestern University. Panel members are Willard Waterman, who starred as The Great Gildersleeve; James Jewell, producer of The Lone Ranger, The Green Hornet, Jack Armstrong, The Silver Eagle; and Franklyn MacCormack, announcer for Wayne King and Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy. Sustaining, WGN-Mutual. (10:35; 13:00) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1950s) Willard Waterman stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve who buys a new suit and decides to lose a little weight. Walter Tetley is LeRoy, Lillian Randolph is Birdie, Earle Ross is Judge Hooker, Dick Crenna is Bronco and Mary Lee Robb is Marjorie. AF RS rebroadcast. (12:05; 13:20) JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY (3-12-41) An isolated episode of the classic kids’ program starring Charles Flynn as Jack, John Gannon as Billy, Sarajane Welles as Betty and Jim Goss as Uncle Jim. Announcer is Franklyn MacCormack who not only pitches for Wheaties, but gets the kids interested in a special premium for girls! Written by James Jewell. General Mills, MUTUAL. (14:35) NORTHWESTERN REVIEWING STAND (1964) Do You Remember Radio? part two. Panelists Willard Waterman, James Jewell, and Franklyn MacCormack continue their discussion of radio’s good old days and take a look at radio in 1964. Sustaining, WGN MUTUAL. (11:55; 11:20) WAYNE KING SHOW (4-10-47) Wayne King, the Waltz King, and his orchestra with vocals by Larry Douglas and Nancy Evans. Music includes Someone To Watch Over Me, Don’t Be a Baby, Baby, My Ideal, and, of course, The Waltz You Saved For Me. Announcer is Franklyn MacCormack. Syndicated. (11:40; 11:45) GREEN HORNET (4-18-43) The Corpse That Wasn’t There stars Al Hodge as Britt Reid, daring young publisher of the Daily Sentinel who, as the Green Hornet, breaks up a spy ring. Sustaining, NBC BLUE. (16:00; 13:50) Rebroadcast: 9/12/18 – 9/18/18.
October 4th, 1980 – RADIO FOR KIDS
PROGRAM 462: UNCLE NED’S SQUADRON (2-16-52) From the “Ready Room” on the 19th floor of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, it’s Uncle Ned Locke with aviation fun and adventure for youngsters. INMAQ, Chicago. (15:40; 13:50) LIGHTNING JIM 11930) Lightning Jim Whipple and his sidekick Whitey Larson take care of Big Barney and his gang. Francis X. Bushman stars. Syndicated. (12:45; 14:10) TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET (3-25-52) “Mission of Mercy” Part one of a two-part adventure. An epidemic of Titan Fever breaks out. Frankie Thomas stars as Tom Corbett, Al Markim is Astro, Jan Merlin is Roger, and Edward Bryce is Captain Strong. Kellogg’s Pep, ABC. (5:12; 11 :40; 6:25) CISCO KID (1946) 0. Henry’s famous “Robin Hood of the West” comes to life as Cisco and Pancho are accused of a bank robbery. Jack Mather as Cisco, Harry Lang as Pancho. Sustaining, MUTUAL. (13:00; 13:05) HOP HARRIGAN (2-19-42) America’s Ace of the Airways is held captive by the Japanese who plan to run a Kamikaze raid with Hop’s plane in this isolated episode from the adventure serial. Chester Stratton is Hop, Ken Lynch is Tank Tinker. Sustaining, BLUE Network. (14:15) TOM CORBETT, SPACE CADET (3-27-521 “Mission of Mercy” part two. Kellogg’s Pep, ABC. (6:58; 11:51; 4:49) ADVENTURES OF FRANK MERRIWELL (7-17-48) “The Midnight Crimes” find Frank’s pal Bart Hodge suspected of several robberies. Lawson Zerbe is Frank, Hal Studer is Bart. Sustaining, NBC. (15:45; 14:05) Rebroadcast: 9/19/18 – 9/26/18.
October 11th, 1980 – SALUTE TO EDWARD G. ROBINSON
PROGRAM 463: SUSPENSE (10-17-46) The Man Who Thought He Was Edward G. Robinson stars Edward G. Robinson as himself and as Homer G. Hubbard, a Walter Mitty type who decides to become E.G.R. after seeing him in a movie. Hubbard plots to kill his wife. Verna Felton co-stars. Roma Wines, CBS. (9:20; 20:26) BIG TOWN (9-23-42) Edward G. Robinson stars as Steve Wilson, crusading editor of the Illustrated Press. Steve and Lorelei Kilbourne (Ona Munson) are in wartorn Europe searching for an American correspondent in the French underground. Rinso, CBS. (13:30; 15:55) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (10-7-48) Al Jolson welcomes tough guy Edward G. Robinson to the Music Hall. Oscar Levant, Lou Bring and the orchestra, Ken Carpenter. Kraft, NBC. (9:10; 10:00; 9:30) SCREEN DIRECTOR’S PLAYHOUSE (12-2-491 All My Sons starring Edward G. Robinson in a radio version of his 1948 motion picture. The owner of a small machine shop comes to grips with his guilt for shipping defective aircraft engine parts during the war. Jeff Chandler co-stars. Sustaining, NBC. (13:44; 15:55) TREASURY STAR PARADE (1943) The Checker Player stars Edward G. Robinson and Mary Astor in a tale of suspense that brings home the importance of rationing. Paul Douglas is emcee. Treasury Department. (14:20) SUSPENSE (3-31-49) You Can’t Die Twice stars Edward G. Robinson as a man who is believed to have been killed in an automobile accident. Auto-Lite, CBS. (9:05; 19:49) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be film buff ROBERT KOLOSOSKI who will offer special comments on the films and career of Edward G. Robinson. Rebroadcast: 9/27/18 – 10/2/18.
October 18th, 1980 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 464: PHILCO RADIO TIME (2-2-491 Host Bing Crosby welcomes guests Jimmy Durante and Gertrude Niesen. With the Rhythmaires, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra and Ken Carpenter. Philco, ABC. (7:40; 7:00; 14:15) HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL. (11-23-58) John Dehner stars as Paladin, the western soldier of furtune, hired to protect the deceased body of Don Miguel. Cast includes Ben Wright as Heyboy, Joe Kearns, Vic Perrin, Harry Bartel. Participating sponsors, CBS. 13:20; 5:00; 15:00) LIFE OF RILEY (3-18-45) William Bendix is California war worker Chester A. Riley, whose son Junior wants to quit school and go to work. Scotty Beckett is Junior, Paula Winslowe is Peg. American Meat Institute, BLUE Network. (14:50; 15:00) TERRY AND THE PIRATES (5-30-47) An isolated episode in the Case of the Goofy Gosling. In pursuit of the Dragon Lady! Sustaining, ABC. (13:50) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-27-49) Jack and all the gang: Rochester, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, the Sportsmen, Don Wilson. It’s spring cleaning time at Jack’s house. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (14:00; 14:50) THE WHISTLER (9-24-431 Blind Alley is the Whistler’s strange story. A young man accidentally kills a pedestrian. Sustaining, CBS. (15:15; 12:50) Rebroadcast: 10/3/18 – 10/9/18.
October 25th, 1980 – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW
PROGRAM 465: SCREEN DIRECTOR’S PLAYHOUSE (11-25-49) The Spiral Staircase stars Dorothy McGuire in a radio version of her 1946 motion picture. She offers a chilling portrayal of a mute servant in an errie household which is harboring a killer. John Dehner co-stars. Sustaining, NBC. (16:34; 14:05) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-24-39) The McGees attend a Hallowe’en party at the home of neighbor Throckmorton Gildersleeve. Cast includes Jim and Marion Jordan, Hal Peary, Bill Thompson, Isabel Randolph, Donald Novis, Billy Mills and the orchestra, and Harlow Wilcox who tells a ghost story. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (8:00; 11:30; 7:45) HALL OF FANTASY 18-17-531 Stone’s Revenge is the tale of a haunted cabin to be used by a fishing party. Syndicated. (8:40; 7:00; 7:03) MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (1946) Death’s Goblet is the story told at midnight, the witching hour . . . when night is darkest, our fears are strongest, our strength at its lowest ebb. Midnight ” when graves gape open and death strikes! Arthur owns a goblet with a curse: pour your own wine, drink from the goblet and you will murder someone. Syndicated. (11:50; 13:35) PLUS” throughout the afternoon on our special Ghost-to-Ghost network, we’ll hear blood-chilling cuts from Arch Oboler’s Drop Dead! an exercise in horror! including the famous The Dark, where victims are turned inside-out; A Day At The Dentist’s and Chicken Heart. ALSO: Boris Karloff’s Tales of the Frightened and a Spike Jones Spooktacular in Screaming Sound. Don’t miss it if you can!! Rebroadcast: 10/10/18 – 10/16/18.
October 31st, 1981 – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW
PROGRAM 466: INNER SANCTUM (10-31-49) A Corpse For Hallowe’en starring Larry Haines and Barry Kroeger with Mercedes McCambridge. A man responsible for the death of his buddies is haunted by their ghosts on Halloween. AFRS Rebroadcast. (24:10) TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (10-31-48) Ralph Edwards broadcasts from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as special guest Boris Karloff turns up for an unusal Consequence! Harlow Wilcox announces. Papa and Mama Hush contest continues. Duz, NBC. (18:20; 10:10) MYSTERY THEATRE (1940s) The Ghost Town Hermit is about a writer who seeks out the last inhabitant of a ghost town. First show in this syndicated series. (16:10: 11:25) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (10-31-48) David and Ricky insist they saw a ghost in the old McAdams house, so Ozzie vows to spend the night there to disprove their fears. Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard, John Brown, Janet Waldo, Jack Kirkwood. International Silver Company, NBC. (14:05; 15:55) SUSPENSE (6-30-57) The Yellow Wallpaper starring Agnes Moorehead. A doctor and his wife rent a house and the wife begins to have hallucinations about the wallpaper in an upstairs room. Participating sponsors, CBS. (10:15; 16:40) NOTE: As ususal, this THOSE WERE THE DAYS program will be presented on a special GHOST-TO- GHOST network and, as usual, we’ll also present two Arch Oboler mystery classics: THE DARK (8:35) and THE CHICKEN HEART (7:45). Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 10/17/18 – 10/23/18.
November 7th, 1981 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 467: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-21-37) Jack and his cast broadcast from the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Pierre in New York City. Mary Livingstone, Kenny Baker, Abe Lyman and his Orchestra, Don Wilson, Sam Hearn, Guest Mansel Talcott, the Mayor of Waukegan, Illinois, talks about Jack Benny Day in Jack’s hometown. Jell-O, NBC. (15:25; 13:35) HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (3-22-59) John Dehner stars as Paladin, a soldier of fortune with a wide reputation. Paladin attempts to rid a small town of the Enfield gang. Participating sponsors, CBS. (8:24; 5:38; 9:30) ON STAGE (8-20-53) Elliott Lewis and Cathy Lewis star in a light-hearted comedy, Canary Yellow featuring GeGe Pearson. A father protests his son’s role in the school play. Sustaining, CBS. (15:15; 14:15) AMOS ˜N’ ANDY MUSIC HALL (7-11-55) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll become disc jockeys in this series. Guest is band leader Les Brown. AFRS Rebroadcast. (13:40; 12:00) GANGBUSTERS (1940s) The Golf Course Murder is the result of problems among an auto theft gang. Cast includes Ann Burr, Frank Reddick. Rebroadcast. (10:25; 10:30; 4:01) LIGHTS OUT (4-7-43) Lord Marley’s Guest starring Mary Jane Croft. Arch Oboler’s story of an American movie starlet at an English Lord’s summer home. Ironized Yeast, CBS. (18:27; 10:45). Rebroadcast: 10/24/18 – 10/30/18
November 14th, 1981 – THE CINNAMON BEAR AND OTHER GOODIES FOR KIDS
PROGRAM 468: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 1 and 2 of the holiday classic. Judy and Jimmy discover their silver star is missing, meet Paddy O’Cinnamon, and take the glass airplane to Maybe Land. (24:05) SMILIN’ ED’S BUSTER BROWN GANG (6-14-47) It’s Smilin’ Ed McConnell with Squeaky the Mouse, Midnight the Cat, and Froggy the Gremlin. Ed tells the story of two kids on the Circle S ranch. Buster Brown Shoes, NBC. (19:50; 9:33) TERRY AND THE PIRATES (1945) An isolated episode in the continuing story of the Calcutta Spy Ring. Quaker Puffed Wheat Sparkies, NBC. (13:55) ARCHIE ANDREWS (8-7-48) Archie and his family try to keep cool when the temperature is 90 degrees in the shade! Bob Hastings stars as Archie with Harlan Stone as Jughead. Swift and Co., NBC. (18:40; 10:25) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 3 and 4. Ambushing the Crazy Quilt Dragon; captured by the Inkaboos. (24:08) LET’S PRETEND (1950s) Six Who Traveled Through the World is presented by Uncle Bill Adams and the Pretenders. A brave solider is discharged by a wicked King and set out into the world for adventure. AFRS Rebroadcast. (7:05; 10:48) DICK TRACY (10-16-47) An isolated episode of the continuing Case of the Book of Four Kings. Sustaining, ABC. (14:50) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 5 and 6. Wesley the Wailing Whale swallows the star; Penelope the Pelican. (24:35). Rebroadcast: 10/31/18 – 11/6/18
November 21st, 1981 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 469: GENE AUTRY’S MELODY RANCH (1940s) The Singing Cowboy is joined by Pat Buttram and the Cass County Boys for this Thanksgiving broadcast. Gene tells the story of a Thanksgiving Kidnapping. CBS. (8:30; 14:40) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 7 and 8. Presto the Magician; the Candy Pirates. (23:25) MR. PRESIDENT (1940s) Edward Arnold stars as the President of the United States when the nation’s Chief Executive was asked to declare a day of national Thanksgiving. Sustaining, ABC. (15:33; 13:41) LIFE OF RILEY (1940s) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley in a seasonal broadcast. Riley invites Gillis to Thanksgiving dinner. AFRS Rebroadcast. (11:45; 13:10) AFRS THANKSGIVING SHOW (1944) Actor Lionel Barrymore hosts an all-star Thanksgiving Day broadcast for listeners to the Armed Forces Radio Service. Guests include Dinah Shore, John Charles Thomas, Baby Snooks and Daddy, Frank Morgan, and Harry Von Zell. AFRS. (11:50; 11:55; 5:45) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 9 and 10. The house of the Wintergreen Witch; into the Enchanted Forest. (23:40) ABBOT AND COSTELLO SHOW (1940s) It’s Bud Abbott and Lou Costello on Thanksgiving Day. In a sketch, the boys portray John Alden and Miles Standish. Sustaining, ABC. (9:40; 6:40; 12:42). Rebroadcast: 11/7/18 – 11/13/18
November 28th, 1981 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 470: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-23-47) Jim and Marion Jordan appear as Fibber and Molly with Harlow Wilcox, Arthur Q. Brian, Gale Gordon, Bill Thompson, the King’s Men, and Billy Mills and his orchestra. All the Christmas presents are locked inside the hall closet and Fibber has lost the keys! Teeney and the Carolers sing The Night Before Christmas. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (10:45; 10:05; 7:40) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 11 and 12. Fee Foo, the Friendly Giant; the Rhyming Rabbit and the Bumble Bee. 123:45) TERRY AND THE PIRATES (12-25-46) An unusual episode in the popular kid’s series. The entire show is written in rhyme as Terry and all his gang extend Christmas greeting to listeners. Quaker Puffed Wheat Sparkles, ABC. (15:00) ARCHIE ANDREWS (12-17-49) Archie, his parents, Jughead, Betty and Veronica all visit Stacy’s Department Store to do some Christmas shopping. Bob Hastings is Archie. Sustaining, NBC. (15:30; 14:30) CHRISTMAS SEAL CAMPAIGN SHOW (1948) Bob Hope and his regular radio cast promote Christmas Seals. Doris Day, Irene Ryan, Four Hits and a Miss, Hy Averback. Syndicated. (14:20) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 13 and 14. Through the picture frame to see the Wintergreen Witch; Queen Melissa offers to help. (23:15) DRAGNET (1953) The Christmas Story finds Sgt. Joe Friday and his partner searching fora statue stolen from a Church on Christmas Eve. Jack Webb, Ben Alexander. NBC. (12:45; 13:48) Rebroadcast: 11/14/18 – 11/20/18
December 5, 1981 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 471: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) The continuing saga of Paddy O’Cinnamon and his friends as they search for the Silver Star for the top of their Christmas tree. Chapter 15 ” Snapper Stick, the crocodile. (12:55) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 16 ” Oliver the Ostrich, the clock-eating bird! (13:05) WRIGLEY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (12-25-48) An all-star two-hour Christmas Day holiday gala starring Gene Autry and a galaxy of guests including Bing Crosby, George Burns and Gracie Allen, the Andrews Sisters, Eddie Rochester Anderson, the Mitchell Boys Choir, Bob Sweeny and Hal March, Dan Dailey, Hedda Hopper, Dorothy Shay, Pat Buttram, Cesar Petrillo and his Orchestra, and Lionel Barrymore. This is an Armed Forces Radio Service broadcast of the program which was heard in the United States on CBS, sponsored by Wrigley’s Chewing Gum. CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Part 1 ” Gene Autry sings Here Comes Santa Claus with Bing Crosby. In a comedy sketch, Grade Allen tries to get Gene to retire in favor of George Burns. (18:00) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Part 2 ” Pat Buttram, Rochester and Frank Nelson discuss Jack Benny’s forthcoming switch to CBS. (13:10) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Part 3 ” Dorothy Shay, the Park Avenue Hillbilly, Wrigley’s Canadian Singing Stars, the Andrews Sisters, Bing Crosby. (15:45) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Part 4 ” Comedy with Sweeney and March; Hedda Hopper reads the famous Yes, Virginia, there Is a Santa Claus letter. (14:50) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Part 5 ” Bing sings White Christmas; Dan Dailey with some personal words about his career in a salute to his films and vaudeville old timers. (13:45) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Part 6 ” The Andrews Sisters sing Winter Wonderland; comedy sketch with Dan Dailey and Hedda Hopper; Hedda in a skit with George and Gracie. (11:00) CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Part 7 ” Lionel Barry-more stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge in a radio adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol; Gene Autry sings Silent Night. (30:30) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 17 ” The mud-slinging Muddlers. (13:05) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 18 ” The Cokelburr Cowboys. (13:00) Rebroadcast: 11/21/18 – 11/27/18
December 12, 1981 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 472: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 19 ” To the Golden Grove! (13:00) CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (1940s) Edgar Bergen with a World War II Christmas program featuring Charlie McCarthy, Don Ameche, Joan Merrill, the 1,000 voice U.S. Navy Chorus, and Ray Noble and his orchestra. Charlie tries to memorize the poem, The Night Before Christmas. AFRS Rebroadcast. (12:20; 16:30) CHRISTMAS SEAL CAMPAIGN SHOW (1948) Jack Carson, Eve Arden and Edmund Gwenn as Santa Claus! Jack tries to convince Eve that there is a Santa. Christmas Seals. (14:30) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 10 ” The Grand Wunky takes the Wintergreen Witch to exile in the Looking Glass Valley. (12:55) RED SKELTON SHOW (12-19-51) Red stars with regulars Lurene Tuttle, Pat McGeehan, Rod O’Connor and David Rose and the Orchestra. From the Skelton Scrapbook of Satire, Red and Company present The Little Christmas Tree featuring Junior, the Mean Little Kid, Deadeye, and Clem Kadiddlehopper. Norge Appliances, CBS. (8:20; 11:00: 10:30) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 21 ” The Land of Ice and Snow. (12:40) GAS RATIONING SPECIAL (World War II) Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, Dinah Shore, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra, and Bill Goodwin appear on behalf of the War Department in a public service program encouraging listeners to conserve fuel and observe gas rationing. (13:44) THE WHISTLER (12-24-50) Three Wise Guys is the Whistler’s story for Christmas, starring John Brown, Marvin Miller, Bill Forman. Story by Damon Runyon. Signal Oil Co., CBS. (11:23; 8:11; 8:14) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 22 ” Santa Claus introduces our travelers to Jack Frost. (12:00) Rebroadcast: 11/28/18 – 12/4/18
December 19, 1981 – RADIO TO TRIM THE CHRISTMAS TREE BY
PROGRAM 473: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 23” Paddy O’Cinnamon gets stuck in a pile of Christmas stickers! (11:50) PHIL HARRIS”ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-25-49) Guest Jack Benny joins Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley and the regulars for this Christmas show as Phil promises his daughters they can stay up and see Santa. Rexall, NBC. (8:15;5:25;15:10) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 24 ” Judy, Jimmy and Paddy attend the Christmas Tree Parade. (12:00) SUSPENSE (12-21-53) ˜Twas The Night Before Christmas starring Greer Garson with Anne Whitfield, Howard McNear, Herb Butterfield, Joe Kearns, and announcer Harlow Wilcox. A suspenseful holiday story. Auto-Lite, CBS. (12:25; 16:35) OUR MISS BROOKS (12-25-49) Eve Arden stars as Miss Brooks with Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin, Dick Crenna as Walter Denton, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton; Jane Morgan as Mrs. Davis. Miss Brooks is unable to visit her relatives for Christmas, so she decides to spend a quite holiday at home. Colgate Products, CBS. (15:45; 12:30) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 25”Captain Tin Top returns the Star, but the Crazy Quilt Dragon steals it! (12:20) BING CROSBY SHOW (12-20-53) Bing’s traditional Christmas broadcast featuring Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and John Scott Trotter and his Orchestra. Bing sings The Christmas Song, Rudolph, Jingle Bells, White Christmas and Silent Night. General Electric, CBS. (11:10; 16:15) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 26 ” the final episode in the adventure. Do our heroes find the star for the Christmas tree? (12:45) Rebroadcast: 12/5/18 – 12/11/18
December 26, 1981 – SEASON’S GREETINGS
PROGRAM 474: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (12-25-47) AI Jolson stars with guest Boris Karloff, Oscar Levant, Ken Carpenter, Lou Bring and the Orchestra. Al recalls Christmas Eve and tells of Santa’s arrival. Kraft Foods, NBC. (15:50; 13:15) CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (12-26-54) Guest Hopalong Cassidy joins Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy, Mortimer Snerd, Ray Noble and the Orchestra. On this day after Christmas, Charlie tells about a dream he had when Hoppy saved Christmas by avoiding a Reindeer strike! Coca Cola, CBS. (8:25; 18:45) LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-10-51) The Lemon Drop Kid starring Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell with Verna Felton, Jack Krushin, William Conrad. A light-hearted radio adaptation of Hope’s 1951 film of the Damon Runyon story. Lux Soap, CBS. (18:25; 20:40; 19:55) THE WHISTLER (12-27-41) The Double Cross is a story set in New York City on Christmas Eve as a cop investigates a robbery. Sustaining, CBS. (15:33; 14:33) FRED ALLEN SHOW (Dec., 1947) Fred and Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar, the DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and the Orchestra, and guest George Jessell salute the Poultry Show and make plans for New Year’s Eve. An Allen’s Alley visit to Senator Claghorn, Titus Moody, Mrs. Nussbaum and Ajax Cassidy. Blue Bonnet Margarine, NBC. (16:35; 13:20) Rebroadcast: 12/12/18 – 12/18/18
January 2, 1982 – SEASON’S GREETINGS
PROGRAM 475: AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (12-26-48) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll star. The Kingfish receives a New Year’s card from an unknown woman. Rinso, CBS. (10:30; 8:55; 9:50) RED SKELTON SHOW (12-31-46) Red and regulars Verna Felton, Pat McGeehan, GeGe Pearson, Anita Ellis, Rod O’Connor, David Forrster and the Orchestra. Red checks over his list of New Year’s Resolutions; Deadeye goes after the man who got his gal; Junior, the Mean Little Kid, discovers The First Snow. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (7:45; 10:05; 13:05) SUSPENSE (12-28-58)The 32nd of December Stars Frank Lovejoy as a man who buys an unusual antique clock with the ability to control time. Sustaining, CBS. (10:10; 9:00) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-26-48) Ozzie remembers when he and his brother believed their father when dad said it wouldn’t snow. Cast includes John Brown, Janet Waldo and Joe Kearns. International Silver Co, NBC. (12:25; 17:20) SWEENEY AND MARCH (12-31-47) Bob Sweeney and Hal March have fun with Hans Conried, Hy Averback and Jane Morgan as they plan a New Year’s Eve block party. Sustaining, CBS. (8:30; 9:55; 11:00) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-28-41) Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Don Wilson, Phil Harris. Jack’s traditional New Year’s broadcast features the gang’s annual play, The New Tenant starring Jack as The Old. Man, Mary as Columbia, Phil as Uncle Sam, Don Wilson as Texas. Interesting and moving wartime broadcast following Pearl Harbor. Jell-O, NBC. (14:45; 8:40) Rebroadcast: 12/16/18 – 12/25/18
January 9, 1982 – ADVENTURES BY MORSE I
PROGRAM 476: ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) Land of the Living Dead written by Carlton E. Morse, creator of the popular I Love A Mystery. This series features Captain Bart Friday, a San Francisco detective who, with his sidekick Skip Turner, roams the world solving mysteries and seeking out dangerous adventures. The first episode of this ten-part adventure begins a tale of ancient Chicoda mysticism. Syndicated. (13:22; 12:02) BOB AND RAY (9-5-51) Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding spoof radio commercials, radio interviews, cooking shows, and soap operas. Sustaining, NBC. (15:15) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) Land of the Living Dead. Chapter 2. (12:40; 12:00) JURGEN’S JOURNAL (5-18-41) Walter Winchell from his radio newsroom, with lotions of love. A pre-war program as the famous columnist discusses saboteurs, baby births, Roosevelt and Willke. Ben Grauer announces. Jurgen’s Lotion, ABC. (15:20) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) Land of the Living Dead. Chapter 3, The Green-Eyed Murderess Again. (12:00; 12:40) CLUB FIFTEEN (12-1-49) The Andrews Sisters, Evelyn Knight, the Modernaires, Dick Haymes, and Jerry Grey and his orchestra. Tunes from Walt Disney’s soon-to-be-released picture, Cinderella. Campbell Soup, CBS. (15:05) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) Land of the Living Dead. Chapter 4, The Tree That Eats Flesh. (13:05; 12:05) BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (6-14-46) The great sportscaster tells some fantastic stories about dead men and famous fights that never were. Guest is Dave Elman. Colgate Shave Creme, NBC. (15:05) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) Land of the Living Dead, Chapter 5. (12:05; 12:45) Rebroadcast: 12/26/18 – 1/1/19
January 16, 1982 – ADVENTURES BY MORSE 2
PROGRAM 477: ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) Land of the Living Dead, Chapter 6. (14:50; 10:05) VIC AND SADE (5-30-44) Vic, back from vacation, tells about his first day back at work and wonders if he should write an article for the local newspaper. Crisco, NBC. (13:00) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) Land of the Living Dead. Chapter 7, The Terror of the Sacred City. (12:35; 12:50) JURGEN’S JOURNAL (7-15-45) Walter Winchell in a post-war program discusses the war and the political situation at home. Jurgen’s Lotion, ABC. (14:35) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) Land of the Living Dead, Chapter 8, (12:30; 12:30) G.I. JIVE (1940s) G. I. Jill (Martha Wilkerson) spins the top tunes as requested by our servicemen around the world. Music by Tommy Dorsey, Jose Iturbe, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller. Armed Forces Radio Service. (14:16) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) Land of the Living Dead, Chapter 9. (13:10; 11:35) BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (2-7-47) Bill announces that he’ll underplay the dramatics on this show which features Spike Jones as guest. Colgate, NBC. (15:45) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The concluding chapter of Land of the Living Dead. (11:30; 13:55) Rebroadcast: 1/2/19 – 1/8/19
January 23, 1982 – HAIL TO THE CHIEF
PROGRAM 478: SUSPENSE (3-23-50) One and One’s A Lonesome starring Ronald Reagan with Cathy Lewis. The new manager of a lumber yard turns it into an illegal gambling joint. AutoLite, CBS. (13:50; 16:15) WARNER BROTHERS ACADEMY AWARD THEATRE (4-3-38) One Way Passage stars Ronald Reagan with Gloria Dixon and Gale Gordon in a radio version of the 1932 Warner Bros. film. Tender shipboard romance between a con-man and a fatally ill young woman. Gruen Watch Co.,Trans-American Broadcasting System. (14:30; 15:32) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (4-16-42) Bing Crosby stars with regulars Mary Martin, Ken Carpenter, Victor Borge, John Scott Trotter and his Orchestra. Guests are Ronald Reagan, Sabu, Spike Jones and his City Slickers. Reagan, Crosby and Martin take a look at radio soap operas! Kraft Foods, NBC. (12:00; 17:50; 13:55; 15:25) CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (12-12-50) Ulysses in Love stars Ronald Reagan as Ulysses S. Grant. In 1843 Second Lieutenant Grant falls in love with the daughter of a Colonel. DuPont, NBC. (16:03; 13:18) SUSPENSE (3-8-54) Circumstantial Terror starring Ronald Reagan with Howard McNear. A witness is charged with murder. Auto Lite, CBS. (12:10; 16:15) Rebroadcast: 1/9/19 – 1/15/19
January 30, 1982 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 479: THE SHADOW (1-21-40) The Precipice Called Death starring Bill Johnstone as Lamont Cranston and Agnes Moorehead as the lovely Margo Lane. Syndicated, MUTUAL. (13:48; 10:47) THE SHADOW (1945) The Brief Fame of John Copper. An Australian version of the show featuring an all-Australian cast. (13:55; 13:23) DUFFY’S TAVERN (1-5-51) Ed Gardner stars as Archie, the manager, with guest Vincent Price. Archie wants to change the Tavern into an exclusive club for actors. RCA Victor, Anacin, NBC. (10:30; 11:20; 7:45) THESE FOUR MEN (9-28-41) The story of President Franklin D. Roosevelt is told in this program which is one of four in a series of broadcasts presenting the life stories of the four men most talked about in the world today. (Can you guess the other three?) Sustaining, NBC RED. (16:05; 14:15) INNER SANCTUM (1941) Death For Sale stars Boris Karloff. A man and woman plot to gain $50,000 in insurance money. Raymond opens the creeking door. AFRS Rebroadcast. (9:15; 13:00) Rebroadcast: 1/16/19 – 1/22/19
February 6, 1982 – JACK BENNY MONTH I
PROGRAM 480: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-10-46) Guest Eddie Cantor joins regulars Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Larry Stevens, and Frank Nelson in a broadcast from Palm Springs, California. Jack uses Cantor’s house while vacationing. AFRS Rebroadcast. (11:53; 7:05; 10:44) HALLS OF IVY (1950) Ronald and Benita Colman star as Dr. and Mrs. William Todhunter Hall, the Halls of Ivy College. The school’s Mummy is missing! Voice of America rebroadcast. (12:40; 10:45) GEORGE BALZER, Former writer for Jack Benny reminisces about his long association with the comedian in a conversation recorded in Van Nuys, California, on September 2, 1981. In part one of this six-part interview, Mr. Balzer recalls a typical work week for the Benny writing staff and discusses the running gags which were a trademark of the show. (16:25) MYSTERY IS MY HOBBY (12-17-47) Death Has Blue Eyes starring Glenn Langan as Barton Drake. A woman is accused of killing her stepfather. Syndicated. (12:55; 12:30) GEORGE BALZER remembers a memorable 1945 Jack Benny broadcast which established the crazy train announcer, the racetrack tout, and the beginning of Anaheim, Azusa and Cucamonga as a running gag. (11:35) FRED ALLEN SHOW (12-16-45) Regulars Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar, Minerva Pious, Parker Fennelly, the DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and his orchestra, are joined by guest Lauritz Melchior. The Allen’s Alley question concerns family income. And, later, Melchior tries to get into radio. AFRS Rebroadcast. (8:55; 9:15; 6:54) GEORGE BALZER describes Jack Benny’s writing staff over the years, tells how Mel Blanc’s Mexican character came about, and. talks about the professionalism of the Benny cast. (16:40) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1948) Movie producer Darryl F. Zanuk guests as Jack tries to convince him that Jack Benny’s Life Story would make a good musical! Don Wilson, Rochester, Dennis Day, Bob Crosby, Mel Blanc. (8:30; 6:40; 8:40) Rebroadcast: 1/23/19 – 1/29/19
February 13, 1982 – JACK BENNY MONTH II
PROGRAM 481: RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (3-23-51) Dick Powell stars as the easy-going private eye who is hired by an actress who has been shot at ” and wants to know why. Sustaining, NBC. (15:15; 13:05) GEORGE BALZER, long-time writer for Jack Benny, continues to look back at his career. In this segment, he recaps his personal writing background, reveals how he got his job with Jack Benny, and tells of an hilarious Benny press conference in 1943. (18:30) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-25-48) Guests Ronald Colman and Dorothy Kirsten join the regulars. Jack, dressed as Charlie’s Aunt meets Colman. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (9:40; 11:15; 4:55) SPOTLIGHT REVUE (1-9-48) Spike Jones and His City Slickers, with Dorothy Shay, the Park Avenue Hillbilly, Doodles Weaver and guest Nellie Lutcher. Doodles, as Professor Feedlebaum, sings Ragtime Cowboy Joe. Coca Cola, CBS. (10:50; 8:15; 10:05) GEORGE BALZER remembers writing for Jack Benny on Armed Forces Radio Service programs, various personal appearances, the transition from radio to television, and Jack’s relationship with his writers. (16:40) WIERD CIRCLE (1950s) The Fall of the House of Usher is a radio adaptation of the famous story by Edgar Allen Poe. Syndicated. (15:58; 9:24) GEORGE BALZER concludes his recollections about a full career writing for the Jack Benny Program as he tells about Jack’s move from NBC to CBS, Jack’s relationship with his Lucky Strike sponsor, the Vault, and writers’ credits on radio and television in the 1950s. (21:45) JACK BENNY SHOW (1949) A special salute to the American Red Cross brings Jack and his cast together for a quarter-hour transcribed program. Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Colman are expected for dinner and Jack is making preparations. Rochester, Mary Livingstone, Mel Blanc, Don Wilson, Frank Nelson. (8:21; 5:44) Rebroadcast: 1/30/19 – 2/5/19
February 20, 1982 – JACK BENNY MONTH III
PROGRAM 482: JACK CARSON SHOW (1948) with Marion Hutton, Frank DeVol and the orchestra, Jane Morgan, Howard Petrie, Frank Nelson, and Jack’s real-life father. Jack has insomnia. AFRS Rebroadcast. (8:50; 8:35; 10:30) LET GEORGE DO IT (7-12-48) Bob Bailey stars as private eye George Valentine who is hired to investigate a lovers triangle by one of the people involved. Sustaining, MUTUAL-Don Lee Broadcasting System. (14:15; 14:25) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-7-43) George Burns and Gracie Allen sub for Jack who is confined with a cold. Cast includes Don Wilson, Dennis Day, Mary Livingstone, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Bill Goodwin, and Paul Whiteman and his orchestra. Gracie is reluctant to do Jack’s show. NBC. (9:54; 9:55; 8:37) MILT JOSEFSBERG, long-time writer for Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball and other radio and TV comedians, recalls his career and remembers, particularly, working for Jack Benny. In part one of this four-part interview recorded September 4, 1981, at Paramount Studios, Hollywood, California, Mr. Josefsberg recalls a particular Jack Benny sketch and talks about radio censorship. (18:45) In the second part of the conversation, he discusses writing for Bob Hope and how he worked with the other writers on the Benny show. (9:20). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1943) Jack and the gang are in Vancover, British Columbia, to help promote Canada’s 6th Victory Loan, Don Wilson, Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, and Dennis Day, who makes his last appearance on the Benny program before going into the Navy. Grape Nuts Flakes, CBC, NBC. (13:24; 16:38) SUSPENSE (4-13-53) The Great Train Robbery starring Fred MacMurray with Paula Winslowe and Joseph Kerns. Two men pull a train robbery but get fouled up by one man’s wife. AutoLite, CBS. (14:40; 8:50). Rebroadcast: 2/6/19 – 2/12/19
February 27, 1982 – JACK BENNY MONTH IV
PROGRAM 483: DENNIS DAY SHOW (1953) Guest Ken Murray and Dennis team up for a Vaudeville act. Ken offers a history of transportation, Dennis sings Ebb Tide and Corky Hale plays the Jazz Harp. AFRS Rebroadcast. (10:50; 9:55; 4:00) JEFF REGAN, INVESTIGATOR (8-14-48) Jack Webb stars as a private detective in The Diamond Quartet. Regan is hired by a gambling casino owner to return a necklace to a woman who left it as collateral. Sustaining, CBS. (13:45; 14:35) MILT JOSEFSBERG, writer for the Jack Benny program, continues to remember his days in radio, as he tells how the famous Your money or your life gag was written for Jack. (17:50) MAIL CALL (1945) Jack Benny is host for this Armed Forces Radio Service program which features Claudette Colbert, Jinx Falkenberg, Jeanne Crain, Frank Nelson, and Eddie Rochester Anderson. Jack looks for a date as he prepares to attend the premiere of The Horm Blows at Midnight. AFRS. (10:40; 8:45; 11:00) MILT JOSEFSBERG concludes his thoughts about the Jack Benny show as he remembers Jack’s Maxwell, the Violin teacher, toupee jokes, and plugs and gifts for the writers. (13:45) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-13-45) It’s Mother’s Day and just a few days after V-E Day as Jack prepares for a trip to San Francisco. Jack goes to his vault to get some money for the trip, then goes to the train station. Mary Livingstone, Rochester, Larry Stevens, Phil Harris, John Brown, Joe Kearns, Frank Nelson, Mel Blanc. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (8:10; 6:10; 11:40) INNER SANCTUM (1940s) Claudia stars Agnes Moorehead as a woman who is told of her husband’s death by a man who says he’ll find the killer if she will marry him in return. AFRS Rebroadcast. (11:05; 10:30). Rebroadcast: 2/13/19 – 2/19/19
March 5, 1983 – THE MANY VOICES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES
PROGRAM 641: SHERLOCK HOLMES (1933) The Final Problem starring Richard Gordon as Sherlock Holmes with Leigh Lovell as Dr. Watson. An adaptation for radio of the famous story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. G. Washington Coffee, NBC-BLUE. (15:20; 12:55) ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (11-12-45) The Speckled Band starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes with Nigel Bruce as Watson. Petri Wines, MBS. (17:00; 10:25) NEW ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (6-30-47) The Adventure of the Innocent Murderess starring Tom Conway as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Watson. Kreml Shampoo, ABC. (17:35; 12:05) SHERLOCK HOLMES (10-5-47) The Case of the Missing Heiress starring John Stanley as Sherlock and Alfred Shirley as Watson. Clipper Craft Clothes, MBS. (17:06; 12:57) SHERLOCK HOLMES (1955) The Final Problem Part 1 starring Sir John Gielgud as Holmes, Sir Ralph Richardson as Watson, with Orson Welles as Professor Moriarty. Sustaining, BBC (British Broadcasting Co.) (10:30; 15:20) SHERLOCK HOLMES (1955) The Final Problem Part 2 starring Sir John Gielgud as Holmes, Sir Ralph Richardson as Watson with Orson Welles as Moriarty. Sustaining, BBC. (13:15; 13:05) Rebroadcast: 2/20/19 – 2/26/19
March 12, 1983 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 642: THE FIRE CHIEF (4-9-35) Ed Wynn, the Perfect Fool, is the Texaco Fire Chief on this series which features announcer Graham McNamee and Eddy Duchin and his orchestra. Texaco Gasoline, NBC-RED. (10:45; 7:20; 9:30) EDGAR BERGEN SHOW (6-20-54) starring Charlie McCarthy, Mortimer Snerd, guest Nelson Eddy and announcer Bill Baldwin. Edgar’s final show of the season after 16 years in radio. Many flashbacks including comedy scenes with W.C. Fields, John Barrymore, Don Ameche, Jimmy Stewart and Marilyn Monroe. Richard Hudnut Cosmetics, Lanolin Plus, CBS. (11 :00; 9:00; 10:20) BILL BALDWIN, announcer, actor and war correspondent, talks about his radio career In a conversation with CHUCK SCHADEN recorded in Hollywood, California August 9, 1976. Presented in tribute to Mr. Baldwin who died November 17, 1982. (11:00; 12:40; 11:20) MARIO LANZA SHOW (7-22-51) MGM’s romantic tenor stars in his own program with Giselle MacKenzie, Ray Sinatra and his orchestra and announcer Bill Baldwin. Selections from popular and semi-classical music and an operatic aria. Mario sings Yours is My Heart Alone, Oh, Night of Splendor and a famous aria from Tosca. Giselle offers Why Do I Love You and the orchestra presents The Carioca. Coca Cola, CBS. (13:30; 15:20) RED SKELTON SHOW (4-1-47) Red portrays Willy Lump-Lump in traffic court and also, Junior, the Mean Little Kid, in The Great Pie Mystery. Anita Ellis, David Forrester and his orchestra, Verna Felton, Rod O’Connor. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (6:45; 9:50; 11:20) INNER SANCTUM (10-9-45) Death By Scripture starring Stefan Schnabel. Raymond opens the creaking door for a chilling drama. Lipton Tea and Soup, CBS. (13:20; 15:14) Rebroadcast: 2/27/19 – 3/5/19
March 19, 1983 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 643: HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (9-18-60) John Dehner stars as Paladin with Ben Wright as Hey, Boy and Virginia Gregg as Miss Wong. The son of an old friend shows up at Paladin’s door, claiming his stepfather is mistreating him. Participating sponsors, CBS. (16:20; 7:10) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (11-14-48) Thorny invites David and Ricky to spend the night in his cabin in the woods while Ozzie and Harriet spend a quiet evening at home. Ozzie and Harriet Nelson play themselves, Tommy Bernard and Henry Blair are David and Ricky, John Brown is Thorny. International Silver Co., NBC. (11:37; 17:58) PHILO VANCE (1948) “Eddie Masters Murder Case” stars Jackson Beck as Philo Vance, the famous detective created by S.S. Van Dine, with George Petri as District Attorney Markham. Syndicated. (12:43; 13:10) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (6-5-45) Jim and Marion Jordan star as the happy couple who live at 79 Wistful Vista. Fibber and Molly clean out the hall closet while a parade of visitors stop by: Alice Darling (Shirley Mitchell), Doc Gamble (Arthur Q. Brian), Harlow Wilcox, Mrs. Carstairs (Bea Benadaret). Marlin Hurt as Beulah. With Billy Mills and the orchestra and The King’s Men. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (9:14; 12:37; 7:17) CRIME DOCTOR (4-29-45) House Jamison stars as Dr. Benjamin Ordway, the Crime Doctor, criminal psychiatrist. A safecracker goes to jail while his partner promises to hold the loot for him. Announcer is Ken Roberts. Phillip Morris Cigarettes, CBS. (10:30; 11:40) TERKEL TIME (7-4-50) Studs Terkel hosts a quarter hour of musical variety and conversation from Chicago with singers Connie Russell and Jack Haskell and the Art Van Damme Quintet. John Conrad announces. Sustaining, WGN-MUTUAL. (14:25) SUSPENSE (8-18-57) “Peanut Brittle” starring Skip Homier in a prison story about gamblers who must pay off their debts in peanut brittle. AFRS Rebroadcast. (11;10; 14:40) Rebroadcast: 3/6/19 – 3/12/19
March 26, 1983 – SALUTE TO ROGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN
PROGRAM 644: PHIL HARRIS”ALICE FAYE SHOW (4-9-50) Phil tries to get tickets to see Rodgers and Hammerstein’s hit “show, South Pacific. Cast includes Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Jeanine Roos, Ann Whitfield, Robert North, Gale Gordon. Alice sings Wonderful Guy. Rexall, NBC. (11:00; 7:40; 10:00) RAILROAD HOUR (10-1-51) State Fair by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II opens the new season. Gordon MacRae and Dorothy Kirsten co-star with the Norman Luboff Chorus and Carmen Dragon and his orchestra. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (15:18; 14:15) FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-16-47) Fred strolls down Allen’s Alley to ask the residents if a housewife should receive a weekly paycheck. Guest Beatrice Lillie’ hears Fred’s idea for a show to take back to England with her: a parody of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! called Picadilly! DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and his orchestra, Portland Hoffa. Shefford Cheese, Tenderleaf Tea, NBC. (16:20; 13:00) RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN 10TH ANNIVERSARY SPECTACULAR (3-28-54) Excerpts from the all-star television salute to Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II on the tenth anniversary of their collaboration (Oklahoma! , 1944). Hostess Mary Martin presents musical and comedy stars Gordon MacRae, Jack Benny, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Bill Hayes, Janice Rule, Groucho Marx, Ezio Pinza, Ed Sullivan, Patricia Morrison, Yul Brynner, Rosemary Clooney, Tony Martin, Florence Henderson. ScenesfromOklahoma! , Allegro, South Pacific, The King and I, Me and Juliet. Groucho interviews Rodgers and Hammerstein in a mini-version of You Bet Your Life. Harry Sosnick and his orchestra. General Foods, NBC-TV, CBS-TV, ABC-TV. (11:00; 9:00; 15:15; 12:30; 15:30) FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-23-47) Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar, Minerva Pious, Parker Fennelly, DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and his orchestra. Fred asks What invention could you do without? of the Allen’s Alley tenants. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II arrive to sue Fred for stealing Oklahoma! to use in his production of Picadilly! as presented in last week’s show. An hilarious courtroom scene! Blue B.onnett Margarine, Shefford Cheese, NBC. (16:25; 12:44) Rebroadcast: 3/13/19 – 3/19/19
April 2, 1983 – EASTER GREETINGS
PROGRAM 645: LIFE WITH LUIGI (4-8-52) In his letter to Mama, Luigi tells of his plans for Easter and his plans to celebrate Rosa’s birthday. J. Carroll Naish as Luigi, Alan Reed as Pasquale, Jodi Gilbert as Rosa. Wrigley’s Chewing Gum, CBS. (12:10; 17:55) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (11-4-48) My Friend Flicka starring Claude Jarman, Jr. and Jeff Chandler in the story of a boy who loves a rebellious horse. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (12:05; 17:40) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (4-6-44) Bing Crosby stars with Marilyn Maxwell, the Music Maids and Men, the Charioteers, Ukie, and the Kraft Choral Club composed of office and factory workers from the Kraft Chicago facility. Bing sings Easter Parade on this seasonal show. Kraft Foods, NBC. (9:20; 12:20; 8:18) MEL BLANC SHOW (4-8-47) The Chamber of Commerce organizes an Easter Egg Hunt with local businesses supplying the prizes. Mel’s Fix-It Shop is a reluctant participant. Cast includes Mary Jane Croft, Hans Conried, Joe Kearns, Alan Reed, Jim Backus, Victor Miller and the orchestra, the Sportsmen. Colgate Palmolive, CBS. (10:10; 13:20) RADIO READERS DIGEST (3-20-47) The Gift of the Magi starring Gene Tierney in the classic 0. Henry story. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (13:40; 16:15) PHIL HARRIS- ALICE FAYE SHOW (4-2-50) Phil tells his daughters the story of the Easter Bunny. Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Robert North, Arthur Q. Brian, and Mel Blanc as the ˜E.B. Rexall, NBC. (10:25; 6:48; 11:10) Rebroadcast: 3/20/19 – 3/26/19
April 9, 1983 – CHICAGO REMOTE BROADCASTS
PROGRAM 646: KAY KYSER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (8-13-37) Remote broadcast from the world’s most beautiful ballroom, the Trianon Ballroom, 62nd and Cottage Grove, in Chicago. Vocals by Sully Mason, Harry Babbitt, Nancy Nelson, Bill Stoker. Music includes Hey, Hey Your Cares Away, Bugle Call Rag, Someday I’ll Find You, I Can’t Lose that Longing For You. Sustaining, MBS. (13:45; 14:00) DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA (8-13-52) Remote broadcast from Chicago’s Blue Note, Madison near Dearborn. Vocals by Ray Nance, Jimmy Grissom and Betty Roche. Tunes include Tulip or Turnip, Sophisticated Lady, Rockin’ in Rhythm, and Take the a Train. Sustaining, NBC. EARL FATHA HINES AND HIS ORCHESTRA (8-3-38) Thirty minutes of super jive from the Grand Terrace Cafe on Chicago’s South Olds (35th and State). Limehouse Blues, HI Yo Silver, Beside a Moonlit Stream, A-TIsket, A-Tasket, St. Louis Blues. Vocals provided by Leroy Harris, Katherine Perry. Sustaining, NBC. (8:00; 9:40; 11:40) DICK JURGENS AND HIS ORCHESTRA (August 1950) Remote broadcast from the glamorous air-conditioned Aragon Ballroom, Lawrence near Broadway in Chicago. Music Includes I Love The Girl, Roses, Under a Polka-Dot Sky, Mississippi Mud, Mona Lisa, Bewitched and Sentimental Journey. Vocal honors to Al Galante and Ray McIntosh. Sustaining, WBBM. (9:15; 10:15; 10:00) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Newsletter columnist KARL PEARSON who will bring with him a stack of taped excerpts from his extensive collection of band remote broadcasts. Rebroadcast: 3/27/19 – 4/2/19.
April 16, 1983 – WE REMEMBER JACK WEBB
PROGRAM 647: ESCAPE (3-14-48) Log of the Evening Star starring Jack Webb as the First Mate of a South Sea schooner. A chiller, co-starring Alan Reed, Gail Page and Luis Van Rooten. Sustaining, CBS. (14:05; 13:00). JEFF REGAN, INVESTIGATOR (11-13-48) Jack Webb is a private eye investigating The Guy From Gower Gulch, a cowboy named Davy Crockett. Cast features Ed Begley, Herb Ellis. (16:00, 12:50) PAT NOVAK FOR HIRE (3-27-49) Jack Webb stars as Pat Novak, a private sleuth who operates out of the San Francisco wharf. Raymond Burr is Inspector Helman, Tudor Owen is Jocko Madigan. Novak gets a warning to stay away from prize fighter Rory Malone. AFRS Rebroadcast. (14:15; 13:00) PETE KELLY’S BLUES (8-29-51) Jack Webb in the role of a cornet player in a Kansas City speakeasy in the 1920s. Pete is forced to marry the girlfriend of a hoodlum. Sustaining, NBC. (14:15; 15:45) DRAGNET (11-16-52) Jack Webb stars as Joe Friday with Ben Alexander as Frank Smith. Working out of Narcotics, Friday and Smith try to break up an organized gang of heroin dealers. Friday goes undercover. Chesterfield Cigarettes, NBC. (15:00; 10:30)OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Newsletter columnist, film buff BOB KOLOSOSKI who will discuss many of the films made by Jack Webb. Rebroadcast: 4/3/19 – 4/9/19.
April 23, 1983 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 648: GANGBUSTERS (10-3-53) The Red-Headed Hood is the case told, by proxy, by Edward L. Dowd, Circuit Attorney. Gangbusters investigate a series of robberies in St. Louis. Sustaining. CBS. (11:28; 17:14) ARTHUR GODFREY TIME (5-23-70) Informal entertainment from Arthur and his friends, Participating sponsors, CBS. (10:02; 9:40; 9:50) NEWS (5-23-70) A local newscast following the Godfrey program on KCBS, San Francisco. (4:10) A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (1940s) Dennis Day seeks a way to become a businessman in order to gain an inheritance. Barbara Eiler is his girlfriend Mildred and Bea Benadaret is her mother. AFRS Rebroadcast. (8:00; 11:08; 7:35) THE CLOCK (1946) Heart Attack. A wife schemes to let her husband die of a heart attack so she can collect the insurance money. Sustaining, ABC. (13:45; 12:40) CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (1-10-49) An isolated episode in the exciting adventure series. The bad guys are in big trouble. Midnight uses the new Key-O-Matic Code-O-Graph and listeners. can send in for one too! Ovaltine, MBS. (13:02) LIGHTS OUT (1-26-43) The Projective Mr. Drogan is Arch Oboler’s story about a man who acquires special powers. Ironized Yeast, CBS. (12:45; 16:00). Rebroadcast: 4/10/19 – 4/16/19.
April 30, 1983 – 13th ANNIVERSARY SHOW
PROGRAM 649: (We complete 13 years of Those Were The Days broadcasts with a program of some radio firsts, including the first interviews conducted by host Chuck Schaden. These interviews were made on June 16, 1970, less than eight weeks after the first TWTD program, at a party for Chicago radio personalities at Sages East restaurant in Chicago.) SUSPENSE (6-17-42) The Burning Court First show in the long-running series frankly dedicated to your horrification and entertainment. Charlie Ruggles stars. Sustaining, CBS. (13:35; 16:45) INTERVIEW: Shirley Bell Cole who was Little Orphan Annie and Norman Gottschalk who appeared on Silver Eagle, Houseboat Hannah and many other shows. (10:45) INTERVIEW: Paul Barnes who was radio’s last Captain Midnight and who starred as all the characters on Calling All Detectives. (4:15) BOB HOPE DAYTIME SHOW (11-10-52) First show in a new five-a-week morning series for Bob. He’s given a great send-off by Zsa Zsa Gabor, Jimmy Durante, Bing Crosby, Ralph Edwards, Rosemary Clooney, Groucho Marx, Martin and Lewis, Dennis Day and Phil Harris. Bill Goodwin announces. Jell-O, NBC. (14:30) INTERVIEW: John Gannon and Sarajane Wells who appeared as Billy and Betty on Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy. (9:05; 2:15) INTERVIEW: George Gilbert who appeared on Sky King, Tom Mix and Jack Armstrong, and Ann Marie Gayer who appeared on Woman In White, First Nighter, Ma Perkins and Let’s Pretend. (5:55; 3:45) MY FRIEND IRMA (1947) First show in the popular comedy series starring Marie Wilson as Irma Peterson and Cathy Lewis as Jane Stacy with John Brown as Irma’s boyfriend Al and Leif. Erickson as Jane’s boyfriend Richard Rhinelander III. The opener tells how Jane and Irma met for the first time. Sustaining, CBS. (15:15; 14:25) INTERVIEW: Harry Elders, who appeared on such programs as First Nighter, Curtain Time, Silver Eagle, Woman in White. (8:15) INTERVIEW: Phil Bowman, announcer and director of Ma Perkins. (5:15) BING CROSBY SHOW (11-22-54) First program in a Monday-thru-Friday quarter-hour evening series. Buddy Cole and the Trio assist. Bing sings and comments. Ken Carpenter announces. Sustaining, CBS. (14:25) INTERVIEW: Jean David and Elmira Roessler, two radio actresses who appeared in Ma Perkins and many other shows. (8:55) X MINUS ONE (4-22-55) And the Moon Be Still As Bright is the first show in this respected science fiction series. Sustaining, NBC. (12:40; 8:25). Rebroadcast: 4/17/19 – 4/23/19.
August 6, 1983 – MUSIC TO THE EARS
PROGRAM 665: TELEPHONE HOUR (1940s) Guest artist Oscar Levant joins Donald Voorhees and the Bell Telephone Orchestra in an all-Gershwin program featuring Fascinating Rhythm, Lady Be Good a medley of show tunes and more from the Gershwin songbook. Bell System, NBC. (11:15; 12:15; 6:17) THE FAMILY HOUR (1944) Jack Smith, Reed Kennedy, Eileen Farrell and Al Goodman and the orchestra and chorus present Strike Up the Band, I Love You, My Dream Girl, How Many Hearts Have You Broken? A Pretty Girl is Like A Melody and selections from Porgy and Bess. Frank Gallup announces. AFRS Rebroadcast. (9:20; (9:25; 10:40) NELSON EDDY PROGRAM (4-7-46) Guest Jeanette MacDonald joins her movie co-star on a journey down memory lane as they reminisce about and sing selections from their films. Robert Armbrewster and the orchestra and chorus. AFRS Rebroadcast. (12:50; 17:00) HOUR OF CHARM (1944) Phil Spitalny and his All-Girl Orchestra featuring Evelyn and her Magic Violin, Marie Rondal and vocalist Vivian. Bud Collyer announces. A program of musical hits from the movies including This is the Army, Mr. Jones, Intermezzo, The Carl oca, Over the Rainbow, and When You Wish Upon a Star. AFRS Rebroadcast. (9:50; 11:10; 8:45) WORLD’S MOST HONORED MUSIC 11945) The Longines Symphonette under the direction of Maklin Marrow in a quarter-hour of popular classical music including Anitra’s Dance by Grieg and selections from the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky. Frank Knight announces. Longines-Wittnauer Watch Company, NBC. (14:20) TELEPHONE HOUR (12-14-53) Peter and the Wolf narrated by Fred Allen. Bell System, NBC. (4:08; 10:45; 10:35). Rebroadcast: 8/3/22 – 8/9/22.
August 13, 1983 – V-J DAY REMEMBERED (Original Recording Inferior)
PROGRAM 666: FOURTEEN AUGUST (8-14-45) A message lot the day of victory, written, produced and edited by Norman Corwin, spoken by Orson Welles. The jubilation of victory over Japan and a look at the awful effect of the Atomic bomb. Sustaining, CBS. (15:45) THE WAR IS OVER! (8-14-45) A montage of sounds from the end of World War II. President Truman announces the use of the Atom Bomb; Robert Trout on the air with the announcement of the Japanese surrender; Ben Grauer reporting from Times Square; Don Goddard at NBC Radio City; Robert St. John with NBC bulletins; Kate Smith sings God Bless America. Special, NBC. (11:30) WEDNESDAYS WITH YOU (8-15.45) Harry Von Zell stars in the summer replacement show for Eddie Cantor, with Nora Martin, Fred Martell, Leonard Sues. On the day after V-J Day, this program salutes the joys and sadness of the occasion. Sal Hepatica, Trushay, NBC. (11:05; 10:00) WE WENT BACK (8-14-47) On the second anniversary of peace in the world, actor Robert Montgomery narrates a radio journey to the places and the people of World War II. Participants in this documentary program are newsmen Bill Downs, Jim Hurlbut and Bill Costello. Sustaining, CBS. (15:00; 15:30; 18:35; 11:10) COMMAND PERFORMANCE (8-14-45) A special V-J Day show, broadcast on the largest network in history: the combined United States and Armed Forces Radio facilities. Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Orson Welles, and President Harry S. Truman. AFRS. (10:45; 7:40; 9:50). Rebroadcast: 8/10/22 – 8/16/22.
August 20, 1983 – DANNY KAYE’S KOMEDY KAPERS (TRIBUTE TO FAHEY FLYNN)
PROGRAM 667: DANNY KAYE SHOW (1-27-45) Danny prepares to fly to Washington to do a show for the March of Dimes. Cast includes Eve Arden, Lionel Stander, announcer Ken Niles and Harry James and his Music Makers. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, CBS. (9:15; 20:25) PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-19-47) Bing Crosby welcomes guest Danny Kaye who asks Bing for advice on raising children. Peggy Lee, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, Ken Carpenter. Philco, ABC. (7:40; 15:47; 6:38) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-25-46) Wonder Man starring Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo In the roles they created in the hit comedy film of 1945. The ghost of Buster Dingle persuades his twin brother to let him use his body to put the killer in jail. Producer is William Keighley. Lux Soap, CBS. (19:49; 18:29; 16:25) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-6-55) Danny Kaye is special guest on this program as Warner Brothers wants to make the Life of Jack Benny. Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Hilliard Marks, Mel Blanc, the Sportsmen, Jack L. Warner, Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (6:30; 11:20; 8:20) DANNY KAYE SHOW (2-3-45) Danny returns from his Washington trip. Later, Danny is King of Brooklyn (written by Sylvia Fine). Eve Arden, Lionel Stander, Bob Jellison, Ken Niles, Harry James and his Music Makers. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, CBS. (9:15; 19:50) Rebroadcast: 8/17/22 – 8/23/22.
August 27, 1983 – THE FABULOUS DORSEYS
PROGRAM 668: JIMMY DORSEY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (10-5-39) Remote broadcast from Frank Dailey’s Meadowbrook on Route 23, the Newark-Pompton Turnpike in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, Opening night of Jimmy’s return engagement. Vocals by Bob Eberly and Helen O’Connell. Music includes Shine On Harvest Moon, Moonlight Serenade, Comes Love, It’s Funny to Everyone But Me, and Pagan Love Song. Sustaining, NBC. (10:55; 10:00; 7:35) TOMMY DORSEY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (2-11-41) Remote broadcast from Frank Dailey’s Meadowbrook with vocals by Frank Sinatra, Connie Haines, Jo Stafford and the Pied Pipers. Selections include Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Swanee River, Oh, Look at Me Now, Let’s Get Away from It All, and The Moon Won’t Talk. Sustaining, CBS. (7:55; 9:20; 12:10) TOMMY AND JIMMY DORSEY AND THEIR ORCHESTRAS (9-19-46) Remote broadcast featuring the Dorsey Brothers and their bands from America’s biggest ballroom, the Casino Gardens, Ocean Park, California, Vocals by Stuart Foster, Charlie Shavers, Dee Parker, Bob Carroll. Tunes include Ain’t Misbehavin’, A Ghost of a Chance, Oh, What A Beautiful Morning, If I’m Lucky and Brotherly Jump. Sustaining, ABC. (10:25; 7:50; 10:40) HEAR AMERICA SWINGIN’ (1954) Featuring the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra broadcasting from Glen Echo Ballroom, just outside Washington, D.C. Vocal honors by Lynn Roberts and Bill Raymond. DORSEY BROTHERS SHOW 111-25-56) Excerpt of a remote broadcast originating in the Cafe Rouge of the Hotel Statler in New York City. Music includes Harlem Express, Don’t Worry ˜Bout Me, and Something’s Gotta Give. This was the final broadcast in the career of Tommy Dorsey who died in his sleep the next night. U.S. Savings Bonds, CBS. (16:55) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be big band buff and historian KARL PEARSON who will discuss the careers of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey and bring with him some tapes of other Dorsey radio appearances. Rebroadcast: 8/24/22 – 8/30/22.
September 3, 1983 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 669: THE BIG SHOW (11-12-50) Hostess Tallulah Bankhead welcomes Fanny Brice, Groucho Marx, Ezio Pinza, Jane Powell, David Brian, Hanley Stafford, John Agar, Frank Lovejoy, Jimmy Wallington and Meredith Willson and his orchestra. The second program in the series of blockbuster all-star radio broadcasts which attempted to lure radio listeners away from their television sets. Lots of music and comedy in this 90-minute production as most of the Big Show guests turn up on a special edition of Groucho’s You Bet Your Life. Pinza sings September Song, Powell offers It’s A Most Unusual Day, and Groucho sings Some Enchanted Evening. Participating Sponsors, NBC. (15:10; 15:20; 9:50; 10:45; 10:10; 12:05; 16:35) DR CHRISTIAN (11-26-49) Cupid’s Boomerang stars Jean Hersholt as the good doctor and Rosemary DeCamp as nurse Judy Price in a script submitted by a listener. Vaseline Products, CBS. (15:48; 9:06) CAN YOU TOP THIS (1940s) The laughs are provided by the great storytellers: Harry Hirschfield, Senator Ford, Peter Donald, Harold Hoffman. Ward Wilson is emcee. AFRS Rebroadcast. (14:34) FAMOUS JURY TRIALS (9-25-48) The Irene Miller Case featuring Eric Dressler, Frank Readick, Alice Frost, Ed Fuller. Irene Miller is accused of murdering her employer. Sustaining, ABC. (18:50; 9:40). Rebroadcast: 8/31/22 – 9/6/22.
September 10, 1983 – YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE JEWISH
PROGRAM 670: ABIE’S IRISH ROSE (1-13-43) Based on Anne Nichols’ Broadway success, this is the situation comedy about the marriage of a Jewish boy, Abie Levy to an Irish Catholic girl, Rosemary Murphy. Richard Coogan is Abie, Mercedes McCambridge is Rose, and the in-laws are played by Alan Reed as Solomon Levy and Walter Kinsella as Patrick Joseph Murphy. Levy and Murphy go to see Flanagan and Rosenberg! Drene Shampoo, NBC. (11:25; 8:15; 5:30) THE GOLDBERGS (12-11-40) An isolated episode in the long-running series created and written by Gertrude Berg who also stars a:. Molly Goldberg. Roslyn Siber is Rosalie, James R. Waters is Jake and Alfred Ryder is Sammy. Don Hancock announces. Oxydol, CBS. (14:20) MAMA BLOOM’S BROOD (1930s) An isolated episode in a series patterned after The Gold-bergs. The Blooms go on a family picnic. Syndicated, (13:45) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-15-55) Gentleman’s Agreement starring Ray Milland and Dorothy McGuire with William Conrad in the radio version of the 1947 motion picture about anti-Semitism. Lux Soap, CBS. (20:38; 29:10) LIFE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL (12-10-46) At isolated episode in the popular daytime drama Alice Reinheart stars as ChiChi Conrad with Carl Eastman as Toby Nelson and Ralph Lock!¢ as Papa David Solomon. Dreft Soap, NBC (13:50)ETERNAL LIGHT (5-9-54) The Smallest Ship by Mark Segal, presented in celebration of the sixth anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel (May 14, 1948). A public service program presented by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, NBC. (11:00; 11:30). Sustaining, ABC. (18:50; 9:40). Rebroadcast: 9/7/22 – 9/13/22.
September 17, 1983 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 671: FORT LARAMIE (4-1-56) Raymond Burr slats as Capt. Lee Quince of the U.S. Cavalry in the Wyoming frontier. Quince hears that a Cheyenne renegade leader has kidnapped a young boy. Vic Perrin as Sgt. Goerss, Harry Bartell as Lt. Seiberts. Sustaining, CBS. (14:52; 13:55) SONGS BY SINATRA (11-14-45) The Andrews Sisters join Frankie, the Pied Pipers and Axol Stordahl and the orchestra. From New York, Frank sings That’s For Me and How Deep Is the Ocean. Patty, Maxene and Lavergne sing Begin the Beguine. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS (9:55; 11:00; 5:05) THE MAN CALLED X (9-30-44) Herbert Marshall stars as Ken Thurston, the man who crosses the ocean as readily as you and I cross town. This time he travels to India for mystery and intrigue, and to deliver a letter to the maharajah. Leon Belasco is Pagan Zeldschmidt. Lockeed Aircraft, NBC-BLUE. (16:20; 12:30) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1950s) A later edition of the Cantor show, with Eddie doing most of the characters. Jimmy Wallington announces. Eddie plans to run for president. Syndicated. (7:30; 9:40; 5:00) INNER SANCTUM (1940s) The Lion Reigns at Hillcrest. The heir to the Hillcrest estate comes to claim his inheritance. AFRS rebroadcast. (9:42; 14:00)JUDY CANOVA SHOW (3-20-48) The Queen of the Hillbillys goes to a masquerade ball impersonating a famous French opera star. Great cast includes Mel Blanc, Ruby Dandridge, Joe Kearns, Gale Gordon, Jess Kirkpatrick, Verna Felton, the Sportsmen Quartet, Charles Dant and the orchestra. Halo Shampoo, Super Suds, NBC. (13:25; 15:50). Rebroadcast: 9/14/22 – 9/20/22.
September 24, 1983 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 672: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (1-3-50) Jim and Marian Jordan as the folks from 79 Wistful Vista temporarily languishing in luxury at Molly’s Aunt Sarah’s estate, Harlow Wilcox, Arthur Q. Brian, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (9:51; 9:35; 9:10) HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (6-14-59) John Dehner as Paladin who tries to stop the feud between an Italian vintner and an Irish oilman. The oil drilling operation produces air pollution which ruins the vineyards. Ben Wright as Hey-boy. Participating sponsors, CBS. (9:32; 4:21; 10:26) KATE SMITH SHOW (1940s) Kate and her producer Ted Collins welcome guests Veronica Lake in scenes from her film, The Hour Before Dawn and Bud Abbott and Lou Costello who reminisce about their start on the air with Kate and perform Who’s On First. AFRS rebroadcast. (14:10; 15:30) FRONTIER GENTLEMAN (4-13-58) The Trial stars John Dehner as British Journalist J.B. Kendall, reporter for the London Times, who sent home stories of America’s frontier territories. Kendall finds a man who is charged with murder and cheating at cards. Sustaining, CBS. (9:52; 13:50) YOUR HIT PARADE (10-9-43) Frank Sinatra, Bea Wayne, Mark Warnow and the Hit Parade orchestra. The top songs of the week! AFRS Rebroadcast. (9:52; 7:10; 11:30) THE GREEN HORNET (2-7-42) Reservoir for Murder starring Al Hodge as Britt Reid, daring young publisher who matches wits with the underworld as The Green Hornet! Raymond Toyo is Kato, Reid’s faithful valet. Sustaining, NBC-BLUE. (14:10; 10:46).Rebroadcast: 9/21/22 – 9/27/22.
October 1, 1983 – TREADMILL TO COMEDY
PROGRAM 673: BING CROSBY SHOW (12-20-54) The first of three related and consecutive programs as Bing talks about Fred Allen’s new book Treadmill to Oblivion. Bing reads a letter from Fred. Sustaining, CBS. (14:30) TEXACO STAR THEATRE (12-12-43) Fred Allen stars in his first show after a six-month vacation for his health. Regulars include Portland Hoffa, Alan Reed (as Falstaff Openshaw), announcer Jimmy Wallington and Al Goodman and the orchestra. Guests are Lauritz Melchior and John J. Anthony. Texaco, NBC. (10:30; 14:35) BING CROSBY SHOW (12-21-54) The second of three programs as Bing talks about Fred Allen. In this segment, Bing reads Allen’s foreward to Champaign For Sale, a book by Broadway columnist Hy Gardner. Susatining, CBS. (14:30) INFORMATION PLEASE (2-15-43) Fred Allen is guest panelist as he joins regulars John Kieran, Oscar Levant and Franklin P. Adams. Clifton Fadiman is emcee. Fred assumes the role of master of ceremonies as the program progresses. H.J. Heinz Co., NBC. (10:20; 6:40; 11:05) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-19-46) Guest Fred Allen joins Jack and the gang in a broadcast from New York. Don Wilson, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, Eddie Rochester Anderson. Fred and Jack negotiate Fred’s fee for appearing on Jack’s show. Lucky Strike, NBC. (10:45; 16:00) BING CROSBY SHOW (12-22-54) The last of three related programs as Bing reviews Fred Allen’s book Treadmill to Oblivion and comments about the differences between radio and television. Sustaining, CBS. (14:50) OMNIBUS (1955) Fred Allen appears on the TV show to discuss his new book, Treadmill to Oblivion, using audio clips from past radio shows and quoting from scripts in the book. NBC-TV. (12:58) SONGS BY SINATRA (12-11-46) Frank Sinatra welcomes guest Fred Allen in a program featuring lots of fun and lots of great Sinatra music, too. AFRS rebroadcast. (12:40; 16:00) Rebroadcast: 9/28/22 – 10/4/22.
October 8, 1983 – VINCENT PRICE AND FRIENDS
PROGRAM 676: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (4-1-46) “On Borrowed Time” starring Vincent Price, Lionel Barrymore, Agnes Moorehead and Ted Donaldson in the radio version of the 1939 film. A fable of Death, who comes to claim his victims. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (15:50; 13:00) DUFFY’S TAVERN (1-5-51) Ed “Archie” Gardner stars as the manager of Duffy’s Tavern, “where the elite meet to eat.” Archie wants to convert the Tavern into an exclusive Actor’s Club and tries to get guest Vincent Price to join. RCA Victor, Anacin, NBC. (10:25; 11:10; 7:45) HOLLYWOOD STAR TIME (2-3-46) “Shock!” starring Vincent Price, Lynn Bari and Michael Dunn recreating their screen roles in this radio version of the 1946 movie. A girl is shocked into amnesia by witnessing a murder. Cast includes Lurene Tuttle and Joe Kearns. Frigidaire CBS. (17:00; 11:50) COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1948) A postwar show featuring Vincent Price as emcee with comedienne Joan Davis, harpist Robert Maxwell and singer Kay Starr. Hy Averback announces. Lots of comedy with Price and Davis. AFRS. (10:05; 15:40; 17:30) SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1-20-47) “Dragon wyck” starring Vincent Price, Teresa Wright and Glenn Langen in a radio version of the 1946 motion picture. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (15:10; 13:40). Rebroadcast: 10/5/22 – 10/11/22.
October 15, 1983 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 677: BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (9-14-43) George and Gracie welcome guest Brian Donlevy. Bill Goodwin announces, Jimmy Cash sings. Swan Soap, CBS. (9:07; 10:55; 9:30) GRAND OLE OPRY (4-26-48) Red Foley hosts a country and western show from the stage of the famous Opry House in Nashville. Visitors include Rod Bricefield, George Morgan, the Oak Ridge Quartet, Claude Sharp and the Old Hickory Singers, and Cousin Minnie Pearl. AFRS rebroadcast. (8:50; 15:20) SAM SPADE, DETECTIVE (11-7-48) The S.Q. P. Caper stars Howard Duff as Sam with Lurene Tuttle as Effie. A client wants Sam to help build a divorce case against her husband. AF RS rebroadcast. (11:45; 12:30) MASTER RADIO CANARIES (1940s) The birds are accompanied by violin and organ for this regular radio concert. John B. Kirkpatrick announces. Hartz Mountain Pet Products, MBS. (11:35) HALLS OF IVY (1950s) Ronald and Benita Colman star as Dr. and Mrs. William Todhunter Hall of Ivy College. Mr. Wellman is concerned about Professor Grimes of the History Department. VOICE OF AMERICA rebroadcast. (14:10; 9:10) AMOS ˜N’ ANDY MUSIC HALL (11-25-60) The final program in the series and the last show for Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll as radio’s all-time favorites. The boys offer a slight recap of the history of Amos ˜n’ Andy and organist Gaylord Carter plays their longtime theme, The Perfect Song. Sustaining, CBS. (9:00; 10:00) INNER SANCTUM (7-19-48) Death Demon starring Everett Sloan and Anne Seymour. A man threatens to summon his murdered father from the grave to confront the killer. Bromo Seltzer, CBS. (15:24; 12:45). Rebroadcast: 10/12/22 – 10/18/22.
October 22, 1983 – SALUTE TO BETTE DAVIS (PREEMPTED BY A TRIBUTE TO PAT O’BRIEN)
PROGRAM 678: LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-644) The Letter starring Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall and Vincent Price. Davis and Marshall re-create their roles from the 1940 screen success. Somerset Maugham story of a murderess who covers up her deed by pleading self-defense. Cecil B. De-Mille, producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (25:25; 16:00; 16:30) COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1940s) Bette Davis is Mistress of Ceremonies who welcomes Marilyn Maxwell, the Music Maids and Lee, Jimmy Durante, Artie Shaw and Jose Iturbi. AFRS. (15:40; 15:00) SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (8-1249) Jezebel starring Bette Davis repeating her Oscar-winning role in the radio version of the 1938 film. She’s a Southern belle who goes too far to make her fiance jealous. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, NBC. (11:15; 19:45) SUSPENSE (10-20-49) Goodnight, Mrs. Russell starring Bette Davis with Elliott Reid in a two-character thriller in which Davis portrays a widow who encounters a strange young man who wants to kill her. AutoLite, CBS. (11:50; 16:45) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist, film buff BOB KOLOSOSKI who will talk about the film career of Bette Davis. Rebroadcast: 10/19/22 – 10/25/22.
October 29, 1983 – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW
PROGRAM 679: LIGHTS OUT (6-8-43) The House is Haunted by Arch Oboler. A man, a woman and a small boy arrive in their new home, but the occasion is anything but a happy one. Ironized Yeast, CBS. (15:50; 13:05) THEATRE GUILD ON THE AIR (11-19-50) Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde starring Fredric March, Barbara Bel Geddes, Hugh Williams. March recreates his 1932 screen role in this radio adaptation on the famous story. Host is Roger Pryor, announcer is Norman Brokenshire. U.S. Steel, ABC. (24:20; 17:45; 9:35) LIFE OF RILEY (10-29-44) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley with Paula Winslowe as Peg, Conrad Binyon as Junior, John Brown as Digby O’Dell, the friendly undertaker. Riley’s up to his old tricks for Hallowe’en as he tries to prove to Junior that ghosts do not exist. American Meat Institute, NBC-Blue. (15:00; 14;50) INNER SANCTUM (1940s) Taxi is the story about a young woman who has a harrowing experience with a disappearing corpse and killer. AFRS rebroadcast. (9:00; 13:00) THE SHADOW (4-8-45) The Little Man Who Wasn’t There stars Steve Courtleigh as Lamont Cranston/Shadow with Laura Mae Carpenter as the lovely Margo Lane. The Shadow, accused of murder, tries to clear his name. Jack Brickhouse announces. Lin-X Products, MBS. (14:30; 15:00) (NOTE: This THOSE WERE THE DAYS broadcast will be presented on a special Ghostto-Ghost network! (THANKS TO JIM HAAS FOR SENDING US A BETTER COPY OF THIS BROADCAST!) Rebroadcast: 10/26/22 – 11/1/22.
November 5, 1983 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 680: MAKING OF THE PRESIDENT-1960 (12-29-63) The original soundtrack from the ABC-TV documentary, adapted from the best-selling book that won the Pulitizer Prize for Theodore H. White. John F. Kennedy vs. Richard M. Nixon on the campaign trail in the 1960 presidential election. Narrated by Martin Gabel. ABC-TV. (16:00; 20:00; 19:00; 23:25) PHILCO RADIO TIME (1-29-47) Bing Crosby welcomes Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour for a Road to Hollywood sketch. John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, Charioteers, Skitch Henderson, Ken Carpenter. Philco, ABC. (14:55; 14:45) HENRY MORGAN SHOW (1-29-47) Comedy and satire with Bernie Green and the orchestra, Arnold Stang, Charles Irving. The whole program is a spoof of the Reader’s Digest magazine. Eversharp, ABC. (8:10; 6:00; 15:50) THE FAT MAN (7-8-46) The Black Angel stars J. Scott Smart as the fast-moving criminologist who tips the scales at 237 pounds. A man thinks his wife is cheating him. Sustaining, ABC. (17:25; 12:05). Rebroadcast: 11/2/22 – 11/8/22.
November 12, 1983 – THE CINNAMON BEAR AND OTHER GOODIES FOR KIDS
PROGRAM 681: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 1 and 2 of the holiday classic. Judy and Jimmy Barton discover that the silver star for the top of their Christmas tree is missing. They meet Paddy O’Cinnamon and take a glass airplane to Maybe Land. (24:05) ADVENTURES OF FRANK MERRIWELL (9-18-48) The Pigskin Problem stars Lawson Zerbe as Frank, who injures his leg and can’t be in the big Yale-Cornell football game. Sustaining, NBC. (12:00; 16:30) CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (9-21-47) Edgar Bergen, Mortimer Snerd, Pat Patrick, Alan Reed, Anita Gordon, Ray Nobel and the orchestra. Guests are Walt Disney and Donald Duck getting ready for the World Premiere of the new film, Fun and Fancy Free. Charlie and the gang re-create the Jack and The Beanstalk segment from the film. Royal Pudding, Chase and Sanborn Coffee, NBC. (9:00; 11:53; 9:02) LET’S PRETEND (1950s) Hansel and Gretel is told by the Pretenders, Uncle Bill Adams, Arthur Anderson, Gwen Davies, Sybel Trent. Sustaining, CBS. (17:00; 11:20) CHALLENGE OF THE YUKON (12-13-47) White Man’s Law starring Paul Sutton as Sgt. Preston of the Yukon. Sustaining, ABC. (15:10; 14:15) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 3 and 4. Ambushing the Crazy Quilt Dragon: captured by the Inkaboos. (24:08). Rebroadcast: 11/9/22 – 11/15/22.
November 19, 1983 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 682: LIFE OF RILEY (11-19-44) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley who sets out to shoot a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. American Meat Institute, NBC-Blue. (11:00; 11:45) LET GEORGE DO IT (11-20-50) Cause for Thanksgiving starring Bob Bailey as George Valentine, private eye. On Thanksgiving Day, a 10 year old boy is so scared that he can’t ”or won’t ” talk. Standard Oil Co., MBS. (14:45; 15:00)CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 5 and 6. Wesley the Wailing Whale swallows the silver star; Penelope the Pelican. (24:35) PHILCO RADIO TIME (11-26-47) Bing Crosby on the day before Thanksgiving with guest Frankie Laine. This program features a special sketch about Phillip Nolan, the Man Without A Country. John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, The Rhythmaires, Ken Carpenter. Philco, ABC. (9:40; 19:50) MILTON BERLE SHOW (11-25-47) Uncle Milty offers a Salute to Thanksgiving with regulars Pert Kelton, Jack Albertson, Mary Shipp, Billy Sands, Dick Varney, Ray Bloch and the orchestra. Frank Gallop announces. Phillip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (9:35; 9:25; 7:50) SUSPENSE (11-25-48) Screaming Woman starring Margaret O’Brien in a Thanksgiving day broadcast. A young girl hears screams from a woman who has been buried in her play-fort. AutoLite, CBS. (13:05; 17:05) Rebroadcast: 11/16/22 – 11/22/22.
November 26, 1983 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 683: BOB HOPE SHOW (12“24-53) 0l’ ski nose welcomes guest Frank Sinatra in a holiday program that features Bill Goodwin, Verna Felton, Les Brown and his Band of Renown, and Blanche Stewart and Elvia Allman as Brenda and Cabina. AFRS rebroadcast. (13:25; 9:51) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 7 and 8. Presto the Magician: the Candy Pirates. (23:25) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-19-45) 01² Banjo Eyes stars with Alan Young, Bert Gordon, Thelma Carpenter, Leonard Seuss and the orchestra, Kenny Delmar. Eddie goes Christmas shopping. Ipana, Trushay, NBC. (9:58; 8:50; 10:15) PHIL HARRIS ” ALICE FAYE SHOW (1218-49) ˜Tis the season, but Phil and Alice discover there’s to be no community Christmas tree this year. Elliot Lewis as Frankie Remley, Walter Tetley as Julius, Robert North as Willie and Jeanine Roos, Anne Whitfield, Hans Conried. Rexall, NBC. (9:25; 8:05; 10:45) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 9 and 10. The house of the Wintergreen Witch; into the Enchanted Forest. (23:40) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-16-41) Jim and Marion Jordan star as the folks at 79 Wistful Vista. Fibber returns home from the woods with a Christmas tree. Gale Gordon as Mayor LaTrivia, Bill Thompson as the Old Timer and Wallace Wimpole, Isabel Randolph as Mrs. Uppington. The King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra, Harlow Wilcox. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (13:01; 16:50) Rebroadcast: 11/23/22 – 11/29/22.
December 3, 1983 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 684: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 11 and 12. Fee Foo, the Friendly Giant; the Rhyming Rabbit and the Bumble Bee. (23:45) LIFE OF RILEY (12-17-44) A week before the holiday, Riley gets a gift marked Do not open until Christmas. William Bendix stars as Riley with Paula Winslowe as Peg, John Brown as Digger O’Dell. Conrad Binyon is Junior. American Meat Institute, NBC BLUE. (15:35; 14:25) BIG STORY (1940s) The Man in the Velvet Hat, a newspaper drama with a seasonal theme. AFRS Rebroadcast. (11:45; 10:40) FRED WARING SHOW (12-22-48) Fred and the Pennsylvanians offer a Christmas show featuring a lengthy version of Jingle Bells and an Uncle Lumpy story for the holiday. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (9:00; 14:05; 5:30) HENRY MORGAN SHOW (12-24-47) Henry tells the traditional Christmas story of kids who go to Washington to get a law passed making every day Christmas! Eversharp, ABC. (15:00; 14:00) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 13 and 14. Through the picture frame to see Wintergreen Witch; Queen Melissa offers to help. (23:15).Rebroadcast: 11/30/22 – 12/6/22.
December 10, 1983 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 685: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 15 and 16. Snapper Snick the Crocodile; Oliver the Ostrich, the clock-eating bird! (24:00), RED SKELTON SHOW (12-24-46) Christmas Eve in Sagebrush Country with Deadeye; Junior, the mean little kid meets Santa Claus. Gigi Pearson, Anita Ellis, Verna Felton, Pat McGeehan, Wonderful Smith. David Forrester and the orchestra, announcer Rod O’Connor. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (6:35; 8:55; 14:10), RAILROAD HOUR (12-24-51) The Happy Prince starring Gordon MacRae and Lucille Norman with narration by John McIntyre. The statue of the Happy Prince tells the story of Christmas. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (15:00; 12:35), MILTON BERLE SHOW (12-16-47) Uncle Milty offers a Salute to Department Stores with Jack Albertson, Pert Kelton, Al Kelly, Ray Bloch and the orchestra. Seven shopping days until Christmas. Phillip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (12:04; 9:55; 8:00), SUSPENSE (12-22-49) Double Entry starring Eddie Cantor in an unusual story of clerical crime at Christmas time. AutoLite, CBS. (16:25; 13:10), CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 17 and 18. The mud-slinging Muddlers; the Cockelburr Cowboys. (24:00), Rebroadcast: 12/7/22 – 12/13/22.
December 17, 1983 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 686: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 19 and 20. To the Golden Grove; the Grand Wunky takes the Wintergreen Witch to exile in Looking Glass Valley. (24:00) OUR MISS BROOKS (12-24-50) Eve Arden stars as schoolteacher Connie Brooks of Madison High School who buys a magic Christmas tree. Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton, Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin, Richard Crenna as Walter Denton. Sustaining, CBS. (10:45; 17:50) DRAGNET (12-22-53) Jack Webb stars as Joe Friday with Ben Alexander as Frank Smith in the traditional Dragnet Christmas story. The statue of the Infant Jesus is missing from the Nativity scene at the Mission Church. NBC. (12:45; 13:48) BING CROSBY SHOW (12-21-49) Bing welcomes guest Ethel Barrymore in this Christmas show which features lots of music for the holiday. Naturally, Bing sings White Christmas. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (8:10; 14:30; 7:15) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-18-44) Harold Peary stars. Gildy is not in a holiday mood, but Christmas is coming. Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Shirley Mitchell as Leila Ransom, Arthur Q. Brian as Floyd the barber, Lillian Randolph as Birdie. AFRS Rebroadcast. (12:28; 14:25) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 21 and 22. The Land of Ice and Snow; Meet Jack Frost. (24:00) Rebroadcast: 12/14/22 – 12/20/22.
December 24, 1983 – CHRISTMAS EVE
PROGRAM 687: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 23. Paddy O’Cinnamon gets stuck in a pile of Christmas stickers! (11:50), FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-24-40) Jim and Marion Jordan and an excellent cast: Mel Blanc, Harold Peary, Gale Gordon, Isabel Randolph, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the Orchestra. Fibber and Molly, enjoying a warm fire, get a package from the Bon Ton Department Store with Gildersleeve’s name on it. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (9:06; 11:10;8:45), CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 24. Judy, Jimmy and Paddy attend the Christmas Tree Parade! (12:00), JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-24-44) Jack and the gang: Don Wilson, Mary Livingstone, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris, Larry Stevens, Andy Devine. A short circuit gives Jack problems as he and Mary trim the Christmas tree. Cast includes Joe Kearns, Verna Felton, Frank Nelson. Jack offers a touching Holiday message to our servicemen overseas. AFRS rebroadcast. (10:30; 17:00), CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 25. Captain Tin Top returns the Star, but the Crazy Quilt Dragon steals it! (12:20), SHERLOCK HOLMES (12-24-45) The Night Before Christmas starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Holmes and Watson. It’s Christmas Eve, 1888, and Holmes agrees to take a case requiring him to dress as Santa Claus and keep an eye on gifts at a party. Suggested by an incident in The Blue Carbuncle by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Petri Wines, MBS. (17:15; 10:45), CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 26. The final episode in our adventure. Do our heroes find the star for the Christmas tree? (12:45) , AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (12-24-46) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll as radio’s all-time favorites in the 1946 edition of their traditional and classic Christmas show. Andy gets a job as a department store Santa to earn a doll for Amos’ daughter. Later, Amos tells Arbedella the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer. RINSO, NBC. (16:15; 13:15), NOTE: Throughout our broadcast this Christmas Eve we’ll try to make contact with the United States NORAD Security System to track the flight of Santa Claus from the North Pole to the U.S.A. Weather permitting and if communications are in order, we hope to have five reports from NORAD. (:55; :50; :45; 1:05; 1:15), Rebroadcast: 12/21/22 – 12/27/22.
December 31, 1983 – NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN
PROGRAM 688: NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCING PARTY (12-3145) Armed Forces Radio Service offers an hour of New Year’s greetings from the top bands in the country as this specially prepared remote broadcast takes listeners from coast-to-coast for a spectacular 17-band, Big Band Countdown! Harry James from Hollywood; Count Basie from New York; Freddy Martin from the Coconut Grove, Los Angeles; Woody Herman from the Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove, New Jersey; Gene Krupa from the Hollywood Palladium; Henry King from the Hotel Mark Hopkins, San Francisco; Louis Armstrong from Cafe Zanzibar, New York; Jimmy Dorsey from Casino Gardens, Ocean Park, California; Les Brown from Hotel Pennsylvania, New York; Artie Shaw from California; Stan Kenton from the Hotel Sherman, Chicago; Tommy Dorsey from San Diego; Carmen Cavallero from Ciro’s in Hollywood; Louis Prima from Salt Lake City; Benny Goodman from Boston; Duke Ellington from Evansville, Indiana; and Guy Lombardo from New York. AFRS. (14:50; 16:50; 15:00; 13:30), DORSEY BROTHERS ORCHESTRA (12-3154 and 1-1-55) Remote broadcast from the Cafe Rouge of the Hotel Statler in New York City. Vocals by Bill Raymond and Lynn Roberts. Buddy Rich on drums. Sustaining, NBC. (9:20; 12:20; 9:50), COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-31-65 and 1-1-66) Remote broadcast from the Pick-Congress Hotel in downtown Chicago. Jerry Mitchell announces. Program offers the New Year’s countdown. Show begins at 11:55 p.m. on Dec. 31 and continues until 12:27 a.m., Jan. 1. Sustaining, NBC. (9:20; 10:25; 12:20), CHAMPAIGN MUSIC OF LAWRENCE WELK (12-31-69 and 1-1-70) Ah-one, ah-two. Excerpt of remote broadcast from the Hollywood Palladium which begins at 11:56 p.m., Pacific time. Sustaining, NBC. (10:10), OUR SPECIAL GUEST and CO-HOST will be KARL PEARSON, Nostalgia Digest columnist, big band buff and collector. NOTE: Listeners are invited to bring funny hats, noisemakers and appropriate beverages to celebrate the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year! Rebroadcast: 12/28/22 – 1/3/23.
January 7th, 1984 – HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GOOD OLD RADIO
PROGRAM 689: EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-1-46) In a flashback, Eddie tells of his New Year’s Eve party. Leonard Seuss, Bert Gordon the Russian, Kenny Delmar, Thelma Carpenter. First peace-time new year since end of World War II. Ipana, Trushay, NBC. (7:45; 12:35; 9:30) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-31-44) Harold Peary as Gildy arranges for a New Year’s Eve date with Shirley Mitchell as Lelia Ransom. Walter Tetley as LeRoy, Marylee Robb as Marjorie. Kraft, NBC. (12:00; 17:30) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (12-30-43) Bing Crosby stars in a show with a delicious holiday flavor. Guest is Cass Daley. Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, Trudy Erwin. Time Marches Back to 1931. Kraft Foods, NBC. (9:45; 11:15; 10:05) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-31-40) Mrs. Uppington invites the McGees, who are refinancing their debts, to a New Year’s Eve Party. Jim and Marion Jordan star with Isabel Randolph, Gale Gordon, Hal Peary, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (12:40; 8:30; 8:45) SUSPENSE (12-31-61) The Old Man starring Leon Janney with Lawson Zerbe, Larry Haines. An old man is being forced to retire, and he doesn’t want to give up his job. Sustaining, CBS. (11:55; 12:20) Rebroadcast: 1/4/23 – 1/10/23.
January 14th, 1984 – STARS ON SUSPENSE
PROGRAM 690: SUSPENSE (9-1-49) Nightmare starring Gregory Peck with Alan Reed and Lurene Tuttle. A man returns from a fishing trip to find his son killed by a reckless driver. AutoLite, CBS. (13:15; 16:05), CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (12-7-47) Guests Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers join regulars Edgar Bergen, Mortimer Snerd, Anita Gordon, Pat Patrick, Ken Carpenter and Ray Noble and his orchestra. Broadcasting from Claremont College, Bergen tries to num Charlie, Anita and Ray. Royal Puddings, Chinas and Sanborn Coffee, NBC. (10:35; 11::10, 9:10), SUSPENSE (4-6-58) Just One Happy Family starring Ray Noble and Lee Patrick. An aging couple marries each other with the idea of acquiring the other’s wealth. AFRS rebroacicnat: (6:08;9:10;4:55), SUSPENSE (4-20-58) Alibi Me starring Sinn Freberg with Cathy Lewis and Jerome Tim,. A racketeer murders a competitor, than looks for an alibi. AFRS Rebroadcast. (7. A, 6:15; 8:00), ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (11-28-48) Ozzie and Harriet Nelson with John Brown, Jack Kirkwood, Lurene Tuttle. Wham the newspaper arrives, Ozzie is left with Its want ads. International Silver Co., NBC. (15:311, 14:11), SUSPENSE (1-26-50) Mr. Diogenes star“Ina Ozzie and Harriet Nelson (as themselves) w1111 Joseph Kearns as Mr. Diogenes. Plans to celebrate their anniversary are diverted when Ozzie meets Mr. Diogenes at the tobacco shoo Auto Lite, CBS. (11:50; 13:10), Rebroadcast: 1/11/23 – 1/17/23.
January 21st, 1984 – DANNY KAYE’S KOMEDY KAPERS
PROGRAM 691: DANNY KAYE SHOW (1-27-45) Danny pre pares to fly to Washington to do a show fat the March of Dimes. Cast includes Eve Arden, Lionel Stander, announcer Ken Niles and Harry James and his Music Makers. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, CBS. (9:15; 20:25), PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-19-47) Bing Crosby welcomes guest Danny Kaye who asks Bing for advice on raising children. Peggy Lee, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, Ken Carpenter. Philco, ABC. (7:40; 15:47; 6:38), LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-25-46) Wonder Man starring Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo in the roles they created in the hit comedy film of 1945. The ghost of Buster Dingle persuader his twin brother to let him use his body to put the killer in jail. Producer is William Keighluy. Lux Soap, CBS. (19:49; 18:29; 16:25), JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-6-55) Danny Kaye is special guest on this program as Warner Brothers wants to make the Life of Jack Benny. Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Hilliard Marks, Mel Blanc, the Sportsmen, Jack L. Warner. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (6:30; 11:20; 11:20), DANNY KAYE SHOW (2-3-45) Danny returns from his Washington trip. Later, Danny is King of Brooklyn (written by Sylvia Fine). Eve Arden, Lionel Stander, Bob Jellison, Ken Niles, Harry James and his Music Makers. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, CBS. (9:15; 19:50), Rebroadcast: 1/18/23 – 1/24/23.
January 28th, 1984 – SALUTE TO BETTE DAVIS
PROGRAM 692: LUX RADIO THEATER (3-644) The Letter starring Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall and Vincent Price. Davis and Marshall re-create their roles from the 1940 screen success. Somerset Maugham story of a murderess who covers up her deed by pleading self-defense. Cecil B. DeMille, producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (25:25; 16:00; 16:30), COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1940s) Bette Davis is Mistress of Ceremonies who welcomes Marilyn Maxwell, the Music Maids and Lee, Jimmy Durante, Artie Shaw and Jose Iturbi. AFRS. (15:40; 15:00), SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (8-12-49) Jezebel starring Bette Davis repeating her Oscar-winning role in the radio version of the 1938 film. She’s a Southern belle who goes too far to make her fiance jealous. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, NBC. (11:15; 19:45), SUSPENSE (10-20-49) Goodnight, Mrs. Russell starring Bette Davis with Elliott Reid in a two-character thriller in which Davis portrays a widow who encounters a strange young man who wants to kill her. AutoLite, CBS. (11:50; 16:45), OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist, film buff BOB KOLOSOSKI who will talk about the film career of Bette Davis. Rebroadcast: 1/25/23 – 1/31/23.
February 4th, 1984 – JACK BENNY MONTH PART I
PROGRAM 693: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-30-41) First of two consecutive and related shows as Jack and the gang ” Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, Andy Devine, Don Wilson, Elliott Lewis ” present a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde sketch. Jell-O, NBC. (10:50; 12:10; 6:00) A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (8-27-47) Dennis gets jealous when he finds girlfriend Mildred practicing for a romantic part in a play. Cast includes John Brown and Elliott Lewis. Lustre Creme Shampoo, NBC. (15:52; 13:32) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-10-37) Kenny Baker, Mary Livingstone, Andy Devine. The cast presents a Buck Benny skit. This Benny show follows a Fred Allen program on which Fred introduced a 12-year-old violinist and made remarks about Jack’s violin playing. Jell-0, NBC-Red. (6:47; 7:20; 13:45) NBC 15th ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM (1942) Excerpt from a three-hour broadcast featuring Glenn Miller and his orchestra, Connie Boswell, Red Skelton, Jack Benny and Don Wilson, Fibber McGee and Molly. Sustaining, NBC. (12:05; 5:58; 10:27) SCREEN GUILD (3-29-42) Parent By Proxy starring Jack Benny and Paulette Goddard. At a society affair, a businessman wins the privil-ege of adopting a French orphan. Gulf Oil, CBS. (17:40; 11:20) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-8-53) Guest Producer Stanley Kramer appears for a sketch based on his famed movie, High Noon. Mary Livingstone, Bob Crosby, Don Wilson, Dennis Day. AFRS Rebroadcast. (8:10; 15:45). Rebroadcast: 2/1/23 – 2/7/23.
February 11th, 1984 – JACK BENNY MONTH PART 2
PROGRAM 694: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-7-41) Second of two consecutive, related shows as Don Wilson criticizes Jack’s performance last week in the Jekyll and Hyde sketch and comes up with a sequel of his own. On this broadcast, from the day of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the program is interrupted twice, once for a Civil Defense bulletin and once for a War bulletin. Mary, Dennis, Phil, Eddie Rochester Anderson. Jell-O, NBC. (13:00; 17:11) FORD THEATRE (3-4-49) The Horn Blows at Midnight starring Jack Benny in a radio adaptation of Jack’s infamous 1945 movie. A great cast includes Claude Raines, Hans Conried, Mercedes McCambridge, Anne Whitfield, Jeanette Nolan, Jane Morgan and Joseph Kearns. Jack is the Angel Athaniel, sent to destroy earth. Host is Fletcher Markle. Ford, CBS. (15:55; 17:10; 21:15) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-13-55) Jack is upset because he thinks his friends have forgotten his birthday. Mary, Rochester, Bob Crosby, Dennis, Don. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (11:30; 14:45) JACK BENNY INTERVIEW (9-3-70) Chuck Schaden reminisces with Mr. Benny who was in Chicago for an appearance at the Mill Run Playhouse in Niles. (16:00) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-4-36) In this first show of his third season on the air, Jack introduces his new bandleader, Phil Harris. Kenny Baker brings his girlfriend to meet Jack. Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson. Jell-O, NBC. (18:20; 12:20). Rebroadcast: 2/8/23 – 2/14/23.
February 18th, 1984 – JACK BENNY MONTH PART 3
PROGRAM 695: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-16-47) Guests Ronald and Benita Colman and Issac Stern join Jack and the gang. A flashback recalls Jack’s recent birthday party. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (8:35; 12:50; 5:50) HALLS OF IVY (1950s) Ronald and Benita Colman star as Dr. and Mrs. William Todhunter Hall of Ivy College. Prof. Hall hires a new head professor for the math department. VOA Rebroadcast. (11:35; 13:03) LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-16-46) Killer Kates starring Jack Benny, Gail Patrick, Alan Reed, Gale Gordon. A would-be comedian bombs out in night clubs, but becomes the toast of Broadway in a serious role as a gangster. AFRS Rebroadcast. (14:22; 16:00; 17:48) PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-26-47) Bing Crosby welcomes guests Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone. Peggy Lee, Skitch Henderson, Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Philco, ABC. (11:00; 18:50) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-20-52) Remote broadcast from the San Diego Naval Air Station with Jack and all the gang, including Artie Auerbach as Mr. Kitzel. Cast does a Navy skit, All Hands on Deck. AFRS Rebroadcast. (8:41; 14:30). Rebroadcast: 2/15/23 – 2/21/23.
February 25th, 1984 – JACK BENNY MONTH PART 4
PROGRAM 696: BEST OF BENNY (6-16-57) Jack takes a nap and dreams that he’s Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk! Mary, Don, Dennis, Rochester, Mel Blanc, Bob Crosby. Look Magazine, CBS. (11:35; 5:15) BOB CROSBY SHOW (3-5-44) Bob Crosby and the Bobcats, the Pied Pipers, guest Gail Robbins. Announcer is Les Tremayne (who sings Who Threw The Overalls in Mistress Murphy’s Chowder! AFRS Rebroadcast. (9:05; 10:40; 6:55) HERE’S TO VETERANS (11-1-47) Jack Benny guests with Eddie Rochester Anderson and Mary Livingstone. Jack tries to fix his phonograph. U. S. Veterans Administration. (13:25) FRED ALLEN SHOW (6-26-49) Fred’s last broadcast in a show of his own features regulars Kenny Delmar (Senator Claghorn), Parker Fennelly (Titus Moody), Mrs. Nussbaum (Minerva Pious) Peter Donald (Ajax Cassidy), the DeMarco Sisters, and guests Henry Morgan and Jack Benny. Ford Motors, NBC. (15:30; 14:17) SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (10-20-40) Guest stars are Jack Benny, Edward Arnold, Basil Rathbone, Claudette Colbert, Ernest Lubitsch. Jack gets a cold shoulder from the stars when he offers to appear on the Screen Guild program. Gulf Oil, CBS. (13:54; 14:52) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-13-42) Broadcasting from New York City, Jack’s guest conductor is Benny Goodman and his guest star is Gary Cooper. Falstaff Openshaw (Alan Reed) appears with a message from Fred Allen. Gary and Jack go out to paint the town red. Mary, Dennis, Rochester. Grape Nuts Flakes, NBC. (10:30; 10:10; 7:45). Rebroadcast: 2/22/23 – 2/28/23.
March 3rd, 1984 – HONORING HUMPHREY BOGART – PART 1
PROGRAM 697: TRIBUTE TO HUMPHREY BOGART (1-16-57) Two days after his death, NBC presents a tribute to Humphrey Bogart who died on January 14, 1957. Program features recorded interviews, sound clips from Bogart films and radio appearances. Director John Huston talks about the life of the actor who was born on January 23, 1899. Sustaining; NBC. (17:25 ;8:40) SCREEN GUILD THEATER (11-2-41) The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse starring Humphrey Bogart and Edward G. Robinson recreating the roles they played in the 1938 film. Cast includes Marsha Hunt. Gulf Oil, CBS. (14:54; 12:50) BING CROSBY SHOW (2-13-52) Bing welcomes guests Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. And Bogie sings! Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (10:05; 8:05; 10:25) LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-18-49) The Treasure of the Sierra Madre starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston and Frank Lovejoy in the radio version of the 1948 movie. Bogart and Huston recreate their screen roles. Lux Soap, CBS. (16:10; 20:00; 11:45) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and film buff BOB KOLOSOSKI who will discuss the many film appearances of Humphrey Bogart. Rebroadcast: 3/1/23 – 3/7/23.
March 10th, 1984 – HONORING HUMPHREY BOGART – PART 2
PROGRAM 698: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS 14-26-43) Casablanca starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henried in a radio version of their 1942 film which has become a classic. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (14:30; 14:40) GUEST STAR (11-7-48) Host Jeff Barker welcomes Humphrey Bogart who stars in Incident and Freedom, a story of a fierce gun battle in Mexico. David Rose and his orchestra. U. S. Treasury Department. (14:35) LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-16-39) Bullets or Ballots starring Humphrey Bogart and Edward G. Robinson with Mary Astor and Otto Krueger in a radio version of the 1936 motion picture which originally featured Bogart and Robinson. This is a dress rehearsal of the program. Cecil B. DeMille, producer. Cast includes Frank Nelson. Lux Soap, CBS. (20:37; 18:35; 17:36) MAIL CALL (1940s) Bob Hope, Humphrey Bogart, Betty Grable, Don Wilson in a sketch based on Hope’s film, The Princess and the Pirate. This is an out-take from the broadcast. AFRS. 19:00) COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1940s) Host Herbert Marshall welcomes Janet Blair, Jimmy Durante, Lauren Bacall, Humphrey Bogart, Edward Arnold, and the Sons of the Pioneers. AFRS. (11:05; 17:30) BOLD VENTURE (1951) Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall star as Slate Shannon and Sailor Duval in Voodoo Murder. A woman hires Shannon and Duval to bury her husband at sea. Syndicated. (12:01; 12:13). Rebroadcast: 3/8/23 – 3/14/23.
March 17th, 1984 – HONORING HUMPHREY BOGART – PART 3
PROGRAM 699: HUMPHREY BOGART ADVENTURE (8-17-49) Dead Man presented by actor-producer Humphrey Bogart. A young man is haunted by the ghost of the man he killed. This is the audition show for the series. (12:32; 16:25). KRAFT MUSIC HALL (11-6-47) Al Jolson welcomes guest Humphrey Bogart. Oscar Levant, Lou Bring and the orchestra. Bogey sings! Kraft Foods, NBC. (7:25; 13:15; 5:55). BOLD VENTURE 111-19-51) Spanish Gold features Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall as they sail the Bold Venture in search of a treasure. Syndicated. (15:05; 11:40). COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1943) Bing Crosby and Bob Hope are co-hosts for this program featuring the Andrew Sisters, Stan Kenton, Anita O’Day, and Lauren Bacall. AF RS. (8:00; 8:30; 11:15). LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-14-46) To Have and Have Not starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, recreating their screen roles in this radio version of the 1944 film. This is a dress rehearsal recording of the Lux 12th anniversary show. William Keighley, producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (19:27; 13:05; 19:30). Rebroadcast: 3/15/23 – 3/21/23.
March 24th, 1984 – HONORING HUMPHREY BOGART – PART 4
PROGRAM 700: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (4-17-44) High Sierra starring Humphrey Bogart and Ida Lupino repeating their 1941 movie roles in this radio dramatization of the film which features Frank Nelson in a supporting role. Truman Bradley announces. Lady Esther products, CBS. (13:30; 14:00) COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1940s) Frank Sinatra plays host to Victor Borge, the Pied Pipers and Humphrey Bogart who asks Sinatra’s help as Lauren Bacall’s bodyguard! AFRS. (13:15; 6:35; 8 :35) BOLD VENTURE (1951) Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall star in Twelve Year Pact. An old pal of Slate Shannon offers him half of his oil strike. Syndicated. (11:40; 12:45) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (5-19-38) Bing Crosby stars in an hour-long variety show featuring Bob Bazooka Burns, the Paul Taylor Singers, Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, and guests Humphrey Bogart, Rose Bampton and Adrain Ames. Tough guy Bogie throws his weight around, then settles down to sing some melodies with Bing. Kraft Foods, (14:00; 12:10; 17:30; 11:50) SUSPENSE (3-8-45) Love’s Lovely Counterfeit starring Humphrey Bogart with Lurene Tuttle and Joe Kearns as The Man In Black. Two hoodlums get mixed up with local politics. Roma Wines, CBS. (7:15; 22:10). Rebroadcast: 3/22/23 – 3/28/23.
March 31st, 1984 – HONORING HUMPHREY BOGART – PART 5
PROGRAM 701: LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-15-52) African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart and Greer Garson in the radio version of the 1951 motion picture. Bogart won an Academy Award for his performance in the film. A souse and a spinster travel up the congo during World War I. Irving Cummings, producer. Ken Carpenter announces. Lux Soap, CBS. (16:30; 14:45; 21:05) BING CROSBY SHOW (3-12-52) Bing welcomes guests Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall who do a skit based on The African Queen. John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, Ken Carpenter. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (10:30; 17:40) FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-12-46) Guest Sidney Greenstreet joins regulars Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar, Minerva Pious, Parker Fennelly, Alan Reed, the DeMarco Sisters and Al Goodman and the orchestra. In a sketch containing many of the elements of the Maltese Falcon, Fred tells Portland of his adventure at the Trapeze Towers Hotel, where he meets Green-street who recounts adventure in Cairo. Alan Reed is Humphrey, the Shirt Tycoon. AFRS rebroadcast. (11:45; 14:00) ACADEMY AWARD (7-3-46) The Maltese Falcon starring Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Greenstreet and Mary Astor, recreating their screen roles from the now-classic 1941 motion picture. House of Squibb, CBS. (15:25; 13:45) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist BOB KOLOSOSKI who continues his discussion of the film career of Humphrey Bogart. Rebroadcast: 3/29/23 – 4/4/23.
April 7th, 1984 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 702: THE WHISTLER (1940s) A Question of Murder features Jean Bates, Joseph Kerns and John Hoyt in a story about a newlywed wife who begins to have suspicions about her new husband’s first wife. Household Finance Corp., CBS. (12:34; 15:23) MY FRIEND IRMA (1940s) Marie Wilson stars as Irma Peterson with Cathy Lewis as Jane Stacy with Alan Reed as Irma’s boss Mr. Clyde who buys a racehorse. Jane and Irma decide to bet on the horse. AFRS Rebroadcast. (17:10; 7:03) ROGUE’S GALLERY (5-9-46) Dick Powell stars as Richard Rogue, private investigator, who runs into trouble at a winter lodge in the mountains. Fitch Shampoo, MBS. (13:05; 7:20; 7:00) YOU ARE THERE (11-7-48) Newsmen John Daly, Don Hollenbeck, Ken Roberts, Quincy Howe and Ned Calmer cover Lee’s Surrender to Grant on Palm Sunday, April 9, 1865. Sustaining, CBS. (17:07; 10:36) LIFE WITH LUIGI (3-11-52) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Bosco who receives a registered letter from the Internal Revenue Service stating that they would like to meet with him pertaining to his 1951 income taxes. Alan Reed is Pasquale, Hans Conried as Schultz, Jody Gilbert as Rosa and Mary Shipp as Miss Spaulding. Wrigley’s Chewing Gum, CBS. (7:20; 7:20; 15:15). Rebroadcast: 4/5/23 – 4/11/23.
April 14th, 1984 – CARY GRANT ON RADIO
PROGRAM 703: SCREEN DIRECTOR’S PLAYHOUSE (1-2050) Mr. Lucky starring Cary Grant in a radio version of the 1943 movie. Grant recreates his role as the draft-dodging owner of a gambling ship. RCA Victor, NBC. (13:28; 15:48). LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-5-45) Welcome Stranger starring Cary Grant, Barry Fitzgerald and Pat Crowley in a radio version of the 1947 film. Grant assumes the role Bing Crosby played in the film, that of a young doctor who fills in for a vacationing older doctor in a small town and gets involved in the community. Barry Fitzgerald repeats his screen role. AFRS Rebroadcast. (15:45; 13:55; 16:30). SUSPENSE (11-16-50) On A Country Road is one of the all-time classic Suspense dramas. Cary Grant and Cathy Lewis appear as a husband and wife who fear an escaped lunatic armed with a meat cleaver. AFRS Rebroadcast. (13:15; 11:20). MR AND MRS. BLANDINGS (1949) Cary Grant and Betsy Drake star in a radio series based on the 1948 movie, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House. Grant repeats his screen characterization. Jim Blandings gets talked into taking part in a local production of a Broadway-bound play. AFRS Rebroadcast. (9:50; 13:45). ACADEMY AWARD (10-30-46) Suspicion starring Cary Grant and Ann Todd in the radio version of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1941 motion picture success. A woman suspects her husband is trying to kill her for the insurance money. House of Squibb, CBS. (14:58; 14:01). Rebroadcast: 4/12/23 – 4/18/23.
April 21st, 1984 – EASTER GREETINGS
PROGRAM 704: AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (3-30-45) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll as radio’s all-time favorites. The Kingfish thinks he can save some money by designing Sapphire’s new bonnet for Easter. Rinso, NBC. (8:42; 8:55; 12:32) NEW YORK CITY EASTER PARADE (4-1236) George Hicks, speaking from Fifth Avenue in front of Radio City describes the famed Easter Parade. Sustaining, NBC-RED. (7:25; 5:50) LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-24-46) State Fair starring Dick Haymes, Jeanne Crain, Vivian Blaine and Elliott Lewis in the radio version of the hit 1945 movie musical. A family’s adventures at the Iowa State Fair provide the backdrop for sentimental fun. William Keighley, producer. AFRS Rebroadcast. (23:20; 14:00; 11:55) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (3-23-48) Jim and Marion Jordan with Gale Gordon, Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Brian, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men and Billy Mills and his orchestra. Molly wins a contest sponsored by the local merchants and the prize is a special dress for Easter. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (11:40; 1 1:45; 6:18) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (4-1749) Alice has invited the girls’ school principal to dinner on Easter Sunday. Elliott Lewis is Frankie Remley, Walter Tetley is Julius and the Harris girls are Jeanine Roos and Anne Whitfield. Rexall, NBC. (18:45; 9:05). Rebroadcast: 4/19/23 – 4/25/23.
April 28th, 1984 – 14TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
PROGRAM 705: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-12-44) starring Jim and Marion Jordan. McGee decides to get some hard-to-get cigarettes and finds himself“ on a radio quiz show, Smokes For Folks. Cast includes Arthur Q. Brian, Marlin Hurt, Shirley Mitchell, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and his orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (11:15; 10:55; 6:30) CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (5-11-56) The Enormous Radio narrated by William Conrad with a cast that features Virginia Gregg, Stacy Harris, Eve McVey, Hans Conried, Charlotte Lawrence, Jospeh Kerns, Paula Winslowe, Herb Butterfield, Irene Tedro. An unusual radio picks up conversations from other apartments in the building. Sustaining, CBS. (12:00; 14:45) LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-21-44) Wake Up and Live starring Frank Sinatra with Bob Crosby, Jimmy Gleason, Marilyn Maxwell and James Dunn. A fast-moving spoof of radio with a young singer who has mike fright becoming a mysterious hit on the air! Cecil B. DeMille hosts. AFRS Rebroadcast. (18:35; 12:04; 18:00) JUDITH WALLER INTERVIEW (3-6-48) The woman who was the first manager and program director of radio station WMAQ looks back at the start of that station. Interviewed by Mr. Philbrick of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (12:35) JUDY CANOVA SHOW (10-19-46) Judy auditions for a part on a radio program. Cast includes Mel Blanc, Joe Kerns, Ruby Dandridge. Rebroadcast: 4/26/23 – 5/2/23.
May 5, 1984 – SALUTE TO ORSON WELLES
PROGRAM 707: MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR (7-18-38) Treasure Island starring Orson Welles as Long John Silver and as Jim Hawkins, who tells the story. Excellent radio version of the exciting pirate story by Robert Louis Stevenson. Cast includes Arthur Anderson, Ray Collins and Agnes Moorehead. Sustaining, CBS. (14:00; 15:05; 14:50; 19:35) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-14-43) Jack is ill and unable to appear on the broadcast. Orson Welles subs with the regular cast: Phil Harris, Mel Blanc, Andy Devine, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Frank Nelson, Verna Felton, Don Wilson. Grape Nuts Flakes, NBC. (11:35; 8:30; 8:45) THE THIRD MAN (1950) Fool’s Gold starring Orson Welles as Harry Lime, adventurous rogue. A gold dealer offers Lime a chance to make a fortune. Syndicated. (13:00; 14:00) TEXACO STAR THEATRE (10-18-42) Fred Allen stars with guests Orson Welles and Benay Venuta with Portland Hoffa, Alan Reed, Minerva Pious, John Brown, announcer Arthur Godfrey, and Al Goodman and the orchestra. Orson and Fred appear in a special version of Les Miserables. AFRS Rebroadcast. (9:25; 19:20) CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (10-12-42) Admiral of the Ocean Sea starring Orson Welles in a dramatization of Columbus’ discovery of America. DuPont, NBC. (13:56; 14:00). Rebroadcast: 4/24/19 – 4/30/19.
May 12, 1984 – YESTERDAY’S TEEN SCENE
PROGRAM 708: A DATE WITH JUDY (5-18-48) Louise Erickson stars as Judy, with Dick Crenna as Oogie Pringle and John Brown as Judy’s father. Judy gets the long-awaited invitation to the dance from Oogie, but laments that she has nothing to wear. Tums, NBC. (14:55; 13:35) ARCHIE ANDREWS (6-12-48) Charles Mullen as Archie, Harlan Stone as Jughead. Archie has a cold, but it’s Mr. Andrews’ headache that is aggravated. Swift Premium Franks, NBC (12:05; 15:55) OUR MISS BROOKS (1940s) Eve Arden as Miss Connie Brooks, English teacher, at Madison High School, with Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin, Dick Crenna as Walter Denton and Jane Morgan as Mrs. Davis. Miss Brooks hopes she is not the recipient of the Home Economy class clothing award. AFRS Rebroadcast (12:30; 12:55) JUNIOR MISS (1953) Barbara Whiting as Judy Graves and Gale Gordon as Mr. Graves. Judy arranges for a blind date for Lois. AFRS Rebroadcast. (13:22) ALDRICH FAMILY (1940s) Henry Aldrich Is prop man for his school play. Norman Tokar, Henry, Jackie Kelk as Homer Brown with House Jamison and Kathryn Raht as Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich. AFRS Rebroadcast. (16:40; 7:411) NOTE: Former (and eternal) teen-agers Chuck Schaden and Dan McGuire will reminisce about their teen years at Steinmetz High School in this program. Don’t say you weren’t warned!) Rebroadcast: 5/1/19 – 5/7/19.
May 19, 1984 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 709: BOB HOPE SHOW (9-14-44) Broadcasting from Camp Bordon, Canada, Bob and the gang: Jerry Colonna, Vera Vague, Skinnay Ennis and his orchestra, Frances Langford. AFRS Rebroadcast. (8:47; 7:03; 11:30) LUM ˜N ABNER (4-12-50) Chester Lauck and Norris Goff as the proprietors of the Jot-Em Down Store in Pine Ridge, Arkansas. Needing a new location for their store, the boys try to outwit a real estate agent. Cast includes Zazu Pitts, Andy Devine, Cliff Arquette and Jim Backus. Ford, CBS. (14:42; 14:52) VIC AND SADE (1940s) Radio’s homefolk’s from the small house halfway up in the next block. Vic plans to have his noontime meeting with friends at the Tiny Petite Pheasant Feat Tea Shoppe. Art Van Harvey; Bernadine Flynn; Billy Idleson. Crisco, NBC. (11:10) SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (3-22-43) For Ma and My Gal starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in the roles they created on the screen in 1942. Dick Powell co-stars in the story about a vaudeville couple determined to play the Palace. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (14:20; 15:44) VIC AND SADE (9-18-42) Ted and Ruthie Stembottom are due to visit the Gooks. Art Van Harvey and Bernadine Flynn as Vic and Sade, Clarence Hartzell as Uncle Fletcher. Crisco, NBC. (10:15) A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (4-21-48) Dennis is misquoted in the newspapers as saying that women are lazy and not equal to men. Colgate, NBC. (17:52; 11:28) X MINUS ONE (5-22-56) The Defenders. During a fierce war between two super powers in the future, a man and woman of opposite backgrounds fall in love. Sustaining, NBC. (16:15; 12:00) Rebroadcast: 5/8/19 – 5/14/19.
May 26, 1984 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BENNY GOODMAN
PROGRAM 710: NOTE: Benny Goodman will celebrate his 75th birthday on May 30 and we’ll celebrate his special day with an afternoon of great music and entertainment. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and big band buff KARL PEARSON who has prepared an assortment of interesting sound clips from the career of Benny Goodman and some complete programs: BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (4-27-37) Remote broadcast from the Madhat-tan Room of the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York City. Bert Parks announces. Selections include Johnny One Note, Blue Hawaii, Ida, and I Want to Be Happy. Sustaining, CBS. (9:45; 14:25) CAMEL CARAVAN (1-3-39) Benny Goodman and his orchestra with vocalist Martha Tilton rind guests Johnny Mercer, Albert Ammons and boogie woogie pianist Meade Lux Lewis. Music includes I Can’t Give You Anything But Love, Hurry Home, You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby, and Cuckoo In the Clock. Camel Cigarettes, CBS. (8:10; 9:35; 10:40) SONGS BY SINATRA (1-30-46) Frankie wel-comes Benny Goodman and his Sextet which plays Runnin’ Wild. The Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and his orchestra, announcer Marvin Miller. Frank sings One More Dream and She’s Mine, It Might As Well Be Spring, and Home On the Range. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (9:00; 11:20; 6:10) Rebroadcast: 5/15/19 – 5/21/19.
June 2, 1984 – WE REMEMBER D-DAY
PROGRAM 711: HARRY JAMES AND HIS MUSIC MAKERS (12:45 a.m. Eastern War Time, 6-6-44) Final 15 minutes of a remote broadcast from the roof of the Hotel Astor in New York City. Vocals by Kitty Kallen and Buddy DeVito. Broadcast interrupted by the first unofficial news bulletin of the invasion of Normandy: D-Day, 1944. Sustaining, MBS. 114:05) CBS NEWS (3:30 a.m. EWT, 6-6-44) First official announcement of the Allied invasion. Ned Calmer, Bob Trout, Edward R. Murrow report. Announcement by Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower. Sustaining, CBS. (11:45; 12:45) CBS NEWS (12:36 p.m., EWT, 6-6-44) From London, Edward R. Murrow reports on the beginning of the invasion and Churchill’s comments to the House of Commons. In New York, Douglas Edwards recaps Churchill’s speech, German news flashes, summarizes news. Sustaining, CBS. (16:00) RONALD COLMAN (3 p.m., EWT, 6-6-44) The noted actor reads A Poem and Prayer for an Invading Army by Edna St. Vincent Millay, written especially for this D-Day broadcast. Sustaining, NBC. (13:40) BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (9 p.m., EWT, 6-6-44) George and Gracie with guest Dinah Shore and regulars Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson, Bea Benadaret, Verna Felton, Felix Mills and the orchestra, singer Jimmy Cash. George gets a telegram to sing at a War Bond Rally. Swan Soap, CBS. (9:30; 7:55; 11:15) PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT (10 p.m., ETW, 6-6-44) The president of the United States, Franklin D. Roosevelt speaks to the nation on D-Day, reading a prayer he wrote the night before, after he had been notified of the start of the invasion. At the end of FDR’s speech, the network switches from Washington to New York where Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians sing Onward Christian Soldiers and Battle Hymn of the Republic. Sustaining, NBC. (14:55) BOB HOPE SHOW (10:15 p.m., EWT, 6-6-44) Broadcasting from the Metropolitan P-38 Airfield in Van Nuys, California, Bob presents an abbreviated program (shortened due to the preceding speech by the President) starring Frances Langford, Vera Vague, Jerry Colonna, Stan Kenton and his orchestra. Hope saw’, No one feels like being funny on a night like this. Frances sings Ava Maria, the band plays a military medley, and the cast and audience join to sing the Army Air Crawl Song. This is also the last Bob Hope Show of the 1943-44 season. Pepsodent, NBC. (12 :25) D-DAY BROADCAST (11:15 p.m., EWT , 6-7-44) An actual report of the landing of the ships involved in the Allied Invasion of the Normandy beaches. Reported via wire recorder by George Hicks. Actual battle sounds are heard. Introduced by Robert Trout. Sustaining, CBS. (14:55) NBC NEWS (11:28 p.m., EWT, 6-7-44) An um cerpt from a 15 minute newscast feline log Robert St. John from New York with more news flashes on the invasion. NBC attempts to pick up George Hicks report from London (which CBS had just broadcast), but is not able to get it. Finally, a few minutes later, they pick up the end of the Hicks’ report. Sustaining, NBC. (6:00) CBS NEWS (11:45 p.m., EWT, 6-7-44) Bob Trout is anchorman for this newscast. Quentin Reynolds in New York reports on the relation of US and British troops; Charles Collingwood reports from London with reaction there of the invasion. Sustaining, CBS. (13:10) Rebroadcast: 5/22/19 – 5/28/19.
June 9, 1984 – SALUTE TO JIM BACKUS
PROGRAM 712: SAD SACK (8-15-46) Herb Vigran stars as Sad Sack, with Jim Backus as Chester Fenwick. Sad runs for mayor when the Liberty Bell wants a veteran on the ticket. Cast includes Sandra Gould, Patsy Moran, Henny Backus, Peter Leeds. Old Gold, CBS. (11:40; 14:25) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be JIM BACKUS whose career spans radio, television and movie pictures. We’ll visit with him in his home in Bel Air, California in a conversation recorded on March 20,1984. (22:40; 13:33) ALAN YOUNG SHOW (1-17-47) Alan needs a new suit, but doesn’t get any help from Hubert Updyke III, played by Jim Backus. Cast includes Hans Conried as ham actor Jonathan Mildew. Ilona, Minit Rub, NBC. (10:15; 10:20; 10:20) SUSPENSE (8-19-62) Pages From a Diary starring Jim and Henny Backus. A man with a dual personality records his thoughts in a diary, admitting that he is two people. A tour de force for Jim Backus. Sustaining, CBS. (19:15) MEL BLANC SHOW (5-6-47) Mel suggests his girl friend’s father purchase some land for investment. Cast includes Mary Jane Croft, Joe Kearns, Hans Conried, Elvia Allman, Earle Ross, and Jim Backus as Hartley Benson, the town’s Brummel. Colgate, Halo, CBS. (7:55) PENNY SINGLETON SHOW (1950) Penny, a young widow with two kids, is worried about a thief in the neighborhood. Cast includes Jim Backus as Horace Wiggins, her partner in a real estate firm; Gale Gordon as Judge Grundell; Boa Benaderet as Margaret, the cook. Sustaining, NBC. (12:47; 14:00) SUSPENSE (4-19-59) See How He Runs starring Jim Backus as a blind newsstand owner who witnesses a murder. Sustaining, CBS. (18:15) Rebroadcast: 5/29/19 – 6/4/19.
June 16, 1984 – WESTERNS ON RADIO
PROGRAM 713: HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (6-21-59) John Dehner stars as Paladin with Ben Wright as Heyboy. Paladin lends assistance to a colony of Mennonites. Participating sponsors, CBS. (9:35; 13:55) ROY ROGERS SHOW (9-5-48) The King of the Cowboys is joined by Dale Evans, Foy Willing rind the Riders of the Purple Sage and Gabby Hayes who spins the yarn, The Horse Thieves of Paradise Valley. After the story, Roy sings Pecos Bill. Quaker Oats, MBS. (11:10; 11:15; 11:50) LUKE SLAUGHTER OF TOMBSTONE (3-9b8) Sam Buffington stars as the Civil War cavalryman who became a cattle rancher. Luke comes to the aid of an army buddy who has been accused of cattle slaughtering. Sustaining, CBS. (10:15; 13:15) HOPALONG CASSIDY (1951) William Boyd is Hoppy and Andy Clyde is California Carlson in The Phantom Panther. Syndicated. (4:25; 1:20;13:301 FORT LARAMIE (6-17-56) Raymond Burr stars as Capt. Lee Quince of the U.S. Calvalry with Vic Perrin as Sgt. Goerss. Quince deals with Winter Soldiers who enlist during the winter to have a warm place to live, but desert in the spring. Sustaining, CBS. (15:40; 13:35) GUNSMOKE (9-6-52) William Conrad is Marshall Matt Dillon with Parley Baer as Chester Proudfoot and Howard McNear as Doc Adams. During a widespread drought, a pond-owner charges cattlemen one dollar a head for water. Sustaining, CBS. (16:05; 13:20) Rebroadcast: 6/5/19 – 6/11/19.
June 23, 1984 – FRANK MORGAN: THE WIZARD OF HA”HA’s
PROGRAM 714: FRANK MORGAN SHOW (8-31-44) Variety show with Morgan, Carlos Ramiriz, Cass Daly, Robert Young, Eric Blore, Harlow Wilcox. Frank wants to get out of his contract with Cass. AFRS Rebroadcast. (8:12; 10:52; 8:28) FANNY BRICE”FRANK MORGAN SHOW (1945) A double-whammy of comedy with Morgan offering a bird-trainer comedy routine, plus Fanny Brice as Baby Snooks with Hanley Stafford as Daddy checking into a Hollywood hotel. John Conte, Frank Nelson, Harlow Wilcox. AFRS Rebroadcast. (13:00; 8:48) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-12-45) The Devil and Miss Jones stars Frank Morgan and Linda Darnell in a radio version of the 1941 movie about a millionaire who masquerades as a clerk in his own department store to investigate employee complaints. Lux Soap, CBS. (20:08; 20:16; 20:16) COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1940s) Frank Morgan, Gene Tierney, Martha Tilton, Virginia O’Brien, Roy Acuff, John Conte, Charlie Cantor (as Clifton Finnegan) in a variety show for servicemen and women during WW II. Morgan the Agriculturist! AFRS. (9:00; 10:08; 9:10) FABULOUS DR. TWEEDY (1946) Frank Morgan stars in a summer replacement show for Jack Benny as an absent minded professor – the dean of men – at Pots College. Cast includes Harry Von Zell and Gale Gordon. AFRS Rebroadcast. (14:07; 12:42) Rebroadcast: 6/12/19 – 6/18/19.
June 30, 1984 – SPOTLIGHT ON RONALD COLMAN
PROGRAM 715: SUSPENSE (6-1-53) A Vision of Death starring Ronald Colman with Mary Jane Croft, Hy Averback, Benny Rubin. A mindreader finds that his partner can read minds. Auto-Light, CBS. (15:16; 14:48) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-4-47) Ronald and Bonita Colman guest on this program featuring all the Benny regulars: Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris, Don Wilson. As Jack and Mary prepare for a trip to Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Colman prepare to visit Jack’s broadcast. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (9:50; 11:10; 6:50) ACADEMY AWARD (5-11-46) If I Were King starring Ronald Colman in the radio version of his 1938 screen success. Colman repeats his role as Francois Villon in a battle of wits with King Louis Xl. House of Squibb, CBS. (10:12; 18:36) HALLS OF IVY (1950) Ronald and Benito Colman co-star as Dr. William Todhunter Hall, president of Ivy College and his wife Vicky, a former actress. A millionaire alumnus plane to give an endowment to the College. Voice of America Rebroadcast. (12:15; 12:35) SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (2-20. 49) Prisoner of Zenda stars Ronald Colman in a radio version of his 1937 film. Bonita Hume (Mrs. Colman) co-stars in this romantic adventure of intrigue. Sustaining, NBC. (16:2²), 13:15) SUSPENSE (5-31-45) August Heat starring Ronald Colman. An artist’s sketch of a man he’s never seen proves to be a forewarning of the artist’s death. Roma Wines, CBS. (16:21, 13:05) Rebroadcast: 6/19/19 – 6/25/19.
February 16, 1985 – JACK BENNY MONTH PART III
PROGRAM 745: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-28-37) Mary’s not on the show, she’s gone to New York for a vacation and Kenny Baker brings his girlfriend Lena to fill in for her. Jack finally plays “The Bee” on his violin. Don Wilson, Andy Devine, Phil Harris. Jell-O, NBC-RED. (15:20; 14:50) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-7-37) Broadcast from the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City with Mary Livingstone, Kenny Baker, Don Wilson, Sam Hearn as Schlepperman, and Abe Lyman and his orchestra. Guest is 10-year-old violinist Stuart Canin who started the Benny-Allen feud when he played “The Bee” on Allen’s show! Jell-O, NBC-RED. (14:55; 15:00) TOWN HALL TONIGHT (3-10-37) Fred Allen stars with Portland Hoffa, Peter Van Steeden’s orchestra, Harry Von Zell and the Mighty Allen Art Players. A couple of lawyers try to convince Fred to sue Jack Benny! Fred comments on Jack’s March 7th broadcast, vows to show up on Benny’s next show! Sketch: One Long Pan in “Murder on the High Seas.” Ipana, Sal Hepatica, NBC-RED. (12:55; 14:10; 12:30; 19:30) OUR SPECIAL GUESTS, scheduled to join us in our studio, will be FRANK NELSON and his wife VEOLA VONN. Mr. Nelson frequently appeared on the Jack Benny radio and TV shows as the floorwalker, ticket clerk and other characters, and Miss Vonn often appeared on the Benny show in various roles and on numerous other broadcasts during radio’s happy days. They will talk about their radio careers and the special 20th Century Railroad Club trip scheduled to visit Jack Benny’s hometown of Waukegan, Illinois on Sunday, February 17th.
July 6, 1985 – BROADWAY’S 1930s MUSICALS
PROGRAM 763: RAILROAD HOUR (11-17-52) On Your Toes by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart starring Gordon MacRae, Marian Bell, Carmen Dragon and the orchestra, Norman Luboff chorus. Radio version of the popular musical that opened on Broadway in 1936. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (12:15; 14:00) NATIONAL RADIO THEATRE (1984) Of Thee I Sing by George and Ira Gershwin starring John Cullum, Jan Curtis, Edgar Meyer, Mary Ernster and featuring the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Narrated by Bob Wallace. Elaborate, locally produced radio version of the 1931 musical, adapted, produced and directed by Yuri Rasovsky. Sustaining, NPR. (33:00; 25:50; 26:50; 31:15) RAILROAD HOUR (10-9-50) Roberta by Jerome Kern starring Gordon MacRae, Ginny Simms and Edna Best with Carmen Dragon and the orchestra and the Norman Luboff chorus. Radio version of the 1933 Broadway hit musical. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (15:50; 13:40). Rebroadcast: 6/26/19 – 7/2/19.
July 13, 1985 – BIG BAND BROADCAST OF 1942
PROGRAM 764: SAMMY KAYE AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1-31-42) Spotlight Bands program broadcast remote from the Earle Theatre in Washington D. C. Announcer is Gil Newsome. Selections include Elmer’s Tune, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee, and Remember Pearl Harbor. Coca Cola, MBS. (8:30; 9:00; 11:40) GLENN MILLER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (5-5-42) Moonlight Serenade broadcast from Hollywood featuring Ray Eberle, Marion Hutton and the Modernaires. Don Wilson announces. Tunes include A String of Pearls, and V For Victory Hop. Chesterfield Cigar ettes, CBS. (12:35) KAY KYSER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1942) Treasury Star Parade broadcast with Kay and his famous makes-you-want-to-dance band, Announcer is Larry Elliott. Music includes Johnny Doughboy Found a Rose in Ireland and Zoot Suit. U.S. Treasury Department (14:45) TOMMY DORSEY SHOW (8-18-42) Remote broadcast from the stage of the Capitol Theatre in Washington, D. C. with Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, the Pied Pipers, Ziggy Elman and Buddy Rich. Heavy wartime flavor. Musical numbers include Just As Though You Were Here, Always in My Heart, and Not So Quiet, Please. Cleve Conway announces. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (7:50; 11:40; 9:10) HARRY JAMES AND HIS MUSIC MAKERS (9-2-42) Remote broadcast from the Astor Roof of the Hotel Astor in New York City, Vocals by Helen Forrest and Johnny McAfee, Tunes include Mr. Five by Five, Avalon, Memphis Blues, and But Not For Me, Sustaining, CBS. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist KARL PEARSON who will bring along some 1942 radio sound clips and recordings to give us a picture of the Big Band scene as it was in that first full year of World War II. Rebroadcast: 7/3/19 – 7/9/19.
July 20, 1985 – CHRISTMAS IN JULY
PROGRAM 765: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1956) A special Armed Forces edition of the Benny show with Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Bob Crosby, Don Wilson, Mel Blanc, Joe Kearns, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Elliott Lewis, Artie Auerbach, Benny Rubin, and guests June Allyson and Frances (Mrs. Edgar) Bergen. Jack nod Mary are doing their Christmas shopping. This is an original broadcast using a composite script composed of material from previous Ifunny Christmas shopping shows. AFRS. (14:05; 15:45; 16:30) CHRISTMAS LANE (1940s) Special Christmas broadcast starring Pat O’Brien as the cop on the beat on Christmas Lane. He collars a youngster who has just thrown a brick through the window of a local factory. Syndicated. (12:48; 14:57) GUEST STAR (1950s) Stand-In For Santa starring MacDonald Carey with Frank Nelson and Anne Whitfield. U. S. Treasury Department. (14:45) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-23-45) Harold Peary, Walter Tetley, Lillian Randolph. Gildy hides his Christmas gifts in the wood closet. Kroft Foods, NBC. (12:00; 18:40) HIS WONDERS TO PERFORM (1940s) Special Christmas broadcast starring Dorothy Lamour as a singer who discovers she has unknowingly signed a contract for a booking on Christmas. Her daughter is disappointed. Syndicated. (14:35; 12:05) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-23-41) Jim and Marion Jordan as the McGee’s of Wistful Vista who receive a door chime for Christmas but have no idea who sent the gift. King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (9:38; 11:10; 7:43). Rebroadcast: 7/10/19 – 7/16/19.
July 27, 1985 – WE REMEMBER WILLIAM BENDIX
PROGRAM 766: LIFE OF RILEY (4-19-47) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley who tries to teach Junior how to defend himself after he runs from a fight. Dreft, NBC. (12:00; 16:54) TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (1-17-48) Ralph Edwards puts the contestants through their paces with some help from guest William Bendix. Edwards also makes the first call in the new Walking Man contest. Duz, NBC. (8:50; 9:50; 11 :30 AFRS RADIO PLAYHOUSE (3-5-46) Here Birdie starring William Bendix in a comedy about birds and cops. Bendix plays a policeman with a problem. AFRS. (11:25; 13:16) THE MARINE STORY (1940s) William Bendix narrates the first program in the series which features stories from the annals of the history of the United States Marine Corps. (14:23) MARTIN AND LEWIS SHOW (12-28-48) Dean and Jerry welcome guest William Bendix. Marvin Miller announces; Dick Stabile and his orchestra. Sustaining, NBC. (10:50; 17:44) SUSPENSE (4-19-45) Pearls Are a Nuisance starring William Bendix and Allan Joslyn with Hans Conried. A woman’s string of pearls are stolen and her former chauffeur is suspected of being the thief. Roma Wines, CBS. (8:45; 20:50). Rebroadcast: 7/17/19 – 7/23/19.
August 3, 1985 – SALUTE TO TOMMY BARTLETT
PROGRAM 767: TOMMY BARTLETT SHOW (3-6-47) Tommy Bartlett stars with Skip Farrell, the Honey-dreamers and Harry Hogan and the orchestra. Variety show with audience participation and a What’s What game show. Sustaining, ABC. (10:19; 8:33; 9:53) PAUL WHITEMAN SHOW (10-4-39) Broadcasting from Chicago with announcer Tommy Bartlett, Paul Whiteman presents a program of popular music featuring Joan Edwards and the Four Modernaires. The program is followed by a timely news report featuring Elmer Davis. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (7:45; 8:44; 7:38; 4:30) WELCOME TRAVELERS (4-12-53) Tommy Bartlett stars in a broadcast from the College Inn of the Sherman House in Chicago as he interviews visitors to the Windy City. Ken Nordine announces. Proctor and Gamble for Cheer, Prell, Spic ˜n’ Span, Joy, NBC. (14:47; 6:20; 10:12) TOMMY BARTLETT SHOW (3-7-47) Tommy has fun with his studio audience in this variety show from Chicago. Sustaining, ABC. (11:38; 9:40; 7:28) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be TOMMY BARTLETT, proprietor of the famous Wisconsin Dells Water Ski, Sky and Stage Shows, who fondly reminisces about his participation in the glory days of radio in Chicago. The conversation, recorded at our Those Were The Days studio on June 21, 1985, will be heard throughout the afternoon. (15:25;10:50; 14:25; 11:30). Rebroadcast: 7/24/19 – 7/30/19.
August 10, 1985 – WORLD WAR II REMEMBERED
PROGRAM 768: To mark the 40th anniversary of the end of World War II, our Those Were The Days program will offer a special broadcast to demonstrate how radio covered, acknowledged and fought the war along with the millions of homefront listeners between 1941 and 1945. We’ll draw on our library of vintage recordings to tune in to news reports, commentaries, special events and entertainment shows from Pearl Harbor to V-J Day. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 7/31/19 – 8/6/19.
August 17, 1985 – RADIO ON TAP
PROGRAM 769: DUFFY’S TAVERN (1949) Ed Gardner stars as Archie, the manager. Florence Halop is Miss Duffy. Archie asks guest Hedda Hopper to help him throw a coming out party for Miss Duffy. Blatz Beer, NBC. (16:55; 13:05) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (10-15-48) Eddie predicts things to come in the future and sings some old songs in the year 2000. Dinah Shore, Bert Gordon. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, NBC. (10:20; 12:20; 7:20) HIS HONOR, THE BARBER (11-27-45) Barry Fitzgerald stars as Judge Fitz in a situation comedy written by Carlton E. Morse. Ballantine Ale, NBC. (12:00; 16:45) HIRES ROOT BEER FOLLIES (3-28-45) Guest Rudy Vallee joins Wendell Niles and Don Prendle, Gail Robbins, Billy Mills and the orchestra, Mel Blanc and Harlow Wilcox. The jokes on this show are so bad they’re good! Hires Root Beer, ABC. (9:55; 6:50; 12:10) FIRST NIGHTER (1-13-53) Shower for the Bridesmaid starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule with Ben Wright and Parley Baer. A romantic comedy from the Little Theatre off Times Square. Miller High Life Beer, NBC. (10:10; 7:15; 7:20) HALLS OF IVY (10-4-50) Ronald and Benita Colman star as Professor and Mrs. Hall of Ivy College. Victoria takes a course in modern literature from a teacher who is the campus sex symbol. Script by Don Quinn. Schlitz Beer, NBC. (13:45; 15:50) Rebroadcast: 8/7/19 – 8/13/19.
August 24, 1985 – THE BRILLIANT BARRYMORES
PROGRAM 770: STORY OF DR. KILDARE (1950s) Lew Ayers stars as Dr. James Kildare and Lionel Barrymore stars as Dr. Leonard Gillespie. Cast includes Virginia Gregg, Georgia Ellis, Barton Yarborough, Barney Phillips. Kildare and Gillespie operate on a dangerous man shot by security guards. Syndicated. (12:32; 13:17) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (9-23-48) Captain January starring Lionel Barrymore and Luana Patton. A salty sea captain tells the story of how he came to find and raise a young girl who had been shipwrecked and motherless. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (16:15; 13:00) TRIBUTE TO ETHEL BARRYMORE (8-1549) The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences pays tribute to actress Ethel Barry-more on her 70th birthday. Participating in the broadcast are Bing Crosby, Fanny Brice, Katharine Hepburn, Lionel Barrymore, Billie Burke, Alfred Lunt, Lynn Fontaine, Tallulah Bankhead, Spencer Tracy, Claudette Colbert, Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Eleanor Roosevelt, Louis B. Mayer, Herbert Hoover, President Harry Truman, and others. Sustaining, ABC. (14:10; 15:45) SUSPENSE (1-6-49) To Find Help starring Ethel Barrymore and Gene Kelly with William Conrad. An old lady hires a handyman who proves to be a mental case. Auto Lite, CBS. (10:04; 20:15) SEALTEST SHOW (12-19-40) Rudy Vallee stars with John Barrymore to welcome guest Orson Welles. Welles presents The Life of John Barrymore and they do a scene from Julius Caesar. Sealtest Products, NBC. (9:18; 8 :35; 9 :05) JOHN BARRYMORE AND SHAKESPEARE (8-30-50) Macbeth, a rebroadcast of a 1937 radio version of the classic drama starring John Barrymore. Sustaining, NBC. (30:10) Rebroadcast: 8/14/19 – 8/20/19.
August 31, 1985 – GREAT COMEDY TEAMS
PROGRAM 771: BOB AND RAY (10-5-59) Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding present the CBS Radio network and offer sketches featuring Webley Webster, One Fella’s Family, Mary McGoon. Sustaining, CBS. (13:19) CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (10-12-47) Edgar Bergen with Charlie, Mortimer Snerd and guest Claudette Colbert in a show with a Columbus Day theme. Chase and Sanborn Coffee, Royal Puddings, NBC. (14:10; 17:10) BOB AND RAY (10-6-59) The boys present Lawrence Fectenberger, Interstellar Officer Candidate. Sustaining, CBS. (13:08) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (1943) Jim and Marion Jordan star with Shirley Mitchell, Arthur Q. Brian, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra, Harlow Wilcox. Fred Nitney’s girl looks to McGee for a commission in the WACS. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (10:12; 12:12; 6:35) BOB AND RAY (10-7-59) Sketches include the Treasury of Great American Speeches, Old West Dramatizations, Mr. I-Know-Where-TheyAre. Sustaining, CBS. (13:04) AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (12-17-43) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll as radio’s all-time favorites with guest Robert Benchley. The Kingfish and Andy talk to Benchley about the Kingfish’s domestic problems. Rinso, NBC. (14:10; 15:50) BOB AND RAY (10-8-59) Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding with Barry Campbell and his theatrical venture; Doug Farrell and his Campaign Microphone. Sustaining, CBS. (13:55) BURNS AND ALLEN (2-15-44) George and Gracie with Mel Blanc, Bill Goodwin, singer Jimmy Cash, Felix Mills and the orchestra, and guest Fred Astaire whose tap dancing bothers George. But George’s singing bothers Fred. AFRS rebroadcast. (8:20; 9:35; 6:20). Rebroadcast: 8/21/19 – 8/27/19.
September 6, 1986 – A CARLTON E. MORSE WRAP-UP
PROGRAM 823: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-14-50) Book 80, Chapter 12, Pinky’s Date with Eunice is the first of the final six chapters of this sequence of programs which we began during our Radio Theatre series on WAIT and which ended abruptly when we moved our Monday thru Friday evening show to WBBMAM. The program was written and created by Carlton E. Morse. Miles Labs, NBC. (14:00) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-15-50) Book 80, Chapter Pinky Discloses His Wedding Plans. Miles Labs, NBC. (13:45) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) It’s Dismal to Die by Carlton E. Morse. Chapter 1 of a three-part adventure. If you like adventure, come with me ¦ Captain Friday and his sidekick Skip Turner go to the aid of a damsel in distress in a South Carolina swamp. Syndicated. (13:00; 12:45) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-16-50) Book 80, Chapter Pinky Envisions a Rosy Future. Miles Labs, (13:50) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-17-50) Book 80, Chapter Eunice’s Father Interviews Pinky. Miles Labs, NBC. (13:40) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) It’s Dismal to Die. Chapter 2. A young woman and her husband have been kidnapped and are being held captive in the swamp. Syndicated. (12:40; 12:35) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-20-50) Book 80, Chapter 16 Pinky Makes His Decision. Miles Labs, NBC. (14:00) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-21-50) Book 80, Chapter the logical end of the Pinky sequence of episodes. Miles Labs, NBC. (14:00) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) It’s Dismal to Die. Chapter 3. The final segment of this three-part drama by Carlton E. Morse. Syndicated. (12:10; 13:00). Rebroadcast: 8/28/19 – 9/3/19.
September 13, 1986 – DOCTORS ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 824: STORY OF DR. KILDARE (7-6-50) Lew Ayers stars as Dr. James Kildare and Lionel Barrymore stars as Dr. Leonard Gillespie. The two physicians plan a hunting trip. Syndicate. (16:05; 9:00) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (7-22-48) The Citadel, based on the A. J. Cronin novel about a struggling young doctor in the coal mining town of South Wales. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (16:55; 11:55) LUX RADIO THEATRE (1-25-54) People Will Talk starring Cary Grant and Jeanne Crain recreating their original screen roles from the 1951 movie. Comedy drama about a philosophic doctor who falls in love with his patient. Producer is Irving Cummings. AFRS rebroadcast. (21:55; 11:50; 15:00) FIRST NIGHTER (3-10-49) No Greater Need starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule. An American doctor travels to Italy with a wonder drug to cure the sick. Cast includes Alan Reed Sr. and Alan Reed Jr. Campana Products, CBS. (9:44; 8:19; 9:55) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (10-14-48) Arrowsmith starring John Lund in the Sinclair Lewis story about an eager young recruit to the medical profession. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (17:50; 11:50). Rebroadcast: 9/4/19 – 9/10/19.
September 20, 1986 – TRIBUTE TO LURENE TUTTLE
PROGRAM 825: SUSPENSE (7-6-54) The Tip starring Lurene Tuttle as a woman who tries to prevent a killer from murdering her husband. Cast includes Herb Butterfield. Sustaining, CBS. (15:00; 13:15) LURENE TUTTLE who died May 28, 1986 at the age of 79, reminisces with Chuck Schaden about her career in a conversation recorded August 26, 1975 In her home in West Hollywood, California. First of three segments. (16:20) RED SKELTON SHOW (3-18-51) The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire features Deadeye as The Sad Texan and Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Lurene Tuttle appears as Junior’s mother. David Rose and the orchestra, Pat McGeehan, Dick Ryan, Rod O’Connor. Tide, CBS. (9:25; 12:15; 7:10) LURENE TUTTLE INTERVIEW (8-26-75) Part two of the conversation. (14:00) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (9-21-41) Marjorie’s school friend, a Southern Belle, comes to visit and monopolizes Marjorie’s boyfriend. Harold Peary is Gildy, Lurene Tuttle is Marjorie, Lillian Randolph is Birdie, Walter Tetley is LeRoy, Shirley Mitchell is Dorabelle, Frank Nelson is Ted. Kraft Foods, NBC. (19:20; 10:50) LURENE TUTTLE INTERVIEW (8-26-75) Part three. (11:30) ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (8-8-48) The Bluebeard Caper stars Howard Duff as Sam, Lurene Tuttle as Effie. The brother of a beautiful readhead hires Sam to save his sister from her boyfriend who has lost three wives under unusual circumstances. Wildroot Creme Oil, CBS. (13:35; 15:40). Rebroadcast: 9/11/19 – 9/17/19.
September 27, 1986 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 826: AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (6-1-45) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll star with Hattie McDaniel and the Mystic Knights of the Sea Quartet. Andy and theKingfish start a male escort service. Last show of the 1944-45 season. Rinso, NBC. (18:40; 11:42) LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-26-54) Detective Story starring Kirk Douglas and Eleanor Parker, recreating their original screen roles in this radio version of the 1951 motion picture about life at New York’s 23rd police precinct. Douglas is a hard-hitting detective, Parker his ignored wife. Cast includes William Conrad and Herb Vigran. Lux Soap, CBS. (14:30; 14:00; 16:55) SONGS BY SINATRA (2-27-46) Frank Sinatra welcomes guest Jimmy Durante who gives The Voice a singing lesson. Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (11:25; 18:05) ROCKY FORTUNE (1953) Frank Sinatra stars as the fancy free and footloose young gentleman who is mistaken as a prize fighter and is forced to participate in a rigged boxing match. AFRS rebroadcast. (11:33; 11:43) X MINUS ONE (3-28-56) A Pail of Air. On a frozen Earth, the young are sent out to scoop up a pail of air so it can be heated indoors to provide breathing air. Sustaining, NBC. (15:44; 13:08) Rebroadcast: 9/18/19 – 9/24/19.
October 4, 1986 – GREAT RADIO DETECTIVES
PROGRAM 827: RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (1-12-51) Dick Powell stars as Diamond with Arthur Q. Brian as Lt. Levinson. The wife of a man sent to prison by Diamond comes to the detective for help. Camel Cigarettes, ABC. (14:00; 15:00) THE FAT MAN (1940s) J. Scott Smart stars as Brad Rynyon who tips the scales at 239 pounds. A woman hires Runyon to prevent a second murder in the same house. Sustaining, ABC. (12:10; 13:07) CALLING ALL DETECTIVES (11-22-48) Paul Barnes stars as detective Jerry Browning and all the other characters in this adventure. Spilled salt sends a murderer to the chair. (8:00) ADVENTURES OF PHILLIP MARLOWE (8-18-50) Gerald Mohr stars as Raymond Chandler’s famous private eye in The Dark Tunnel. Sustaining, CBS. (16:20; 14:25) YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (6-15-50) The Arrowcraft Matter stars Edmund O’Brien as the man with the action-packed expense account, America’s fabulous free-lance insurance investigator. High-priced cabin cruisers are sinking at Newport Beach, California. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (14:55; 14:05) CALLING ALL DETECTIVES (11-24-48) Paul Barnes is detective Jerry Browning, whose services are sought after by two rival stamp collectors. (7:49) ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (12-15-50) Steven Dunn stars as Dashiell Hammett’s private detective with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine, Spade’s secretary. Sam investigates The 25/1235679 Caper or The Russian’s Number is Up! Sustaining, NBC. (14:20; 13:30). Rebroadcast: 9/25/19 – 10/1/19.
October 11, 1986 – SALUTE TO THE KING!
PROGRAM 828: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (12-4-44) China Seas starring Clark Gable, Lucille Ball, Douglas Dumbrille and Anna Lee in a radio version of the 1935 film. Gable recreates his original screen role in this story of a luxury ship involved in piracy. Lady Esther Cosmetics, CBS. (14:30; 15:00) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-20-39) It Happened One Night starring Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly and Roscoe Karns in their original screen roles from the 1934 Frank Capra film which won the Academy Award for Best Picture of the Year, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. Cecil B. DeMille introduces the story of a runaway society girl and a reporter who helps her run. Cast includes Lou Merrill, Frank Nelson and Walter Tetley. Lux Soap, CBS. COMMAND PERFORMANCE #144 (1940s) Clark Gable is host for this broadcast for military audiences. Guests include Ginny Simms, Peter Lind Hayes and Don Wilson. AFRS. (11:15; 9:25; 10:45) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be film historian and Nostalgia Digest columnist BOB KOLOSOSKI who will talk about Clark Gable’s film career and present sound clips from some of The King’s best remembered films. Rebroadcast: 10/2/19 – 10/8/19.
October 18, 1986 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 829: EDGAR BERGEN AND CHARLIE MCCARTHY SHOW (11-8-53) Guests June Allyson and Dick Powell join Ray Noble and his orchestra, Gloria Gordon, Jack Kirkwood and announcer Bill Baldwin. Charlie is busy selling subscriptions as Edgar tries to teach him a lesson. Lanolin Plus, CBS. (12:56; 15:21) ADVENTURES OF FRANK MERRIWELL (9-11-48) The Live Ghost stars Lawson Zerbe as Frank with Hal Studer as Bart Hodge and Elaine Rost as lnza Burrage. After his home is destroyed by fire, a former football coach decides to stay in a haunted house. Sustaining, NBC. (13:16; 15:41) WOODY HERMAN SHOW (12-21-45) Woody and the Woodchoppers with Frances Wayne, Flip Phillips, Chubby Jackson and Red Norvo. Tunes Include Tico, Tico, No Can Do, 1-2-3-4 Jump, The Man I Love, and Ah, Your Father’s Moustache. AFRS rebroadcast. (7:45; 10:50; 10:30) THE LINE-UP (2-15-51) The Cigar Box Bandits terrorize and rob local stores. Bill Johnstone and Wally Maher star as Lt. Ben Guthrie and Sgt. Matt Grebb. Sustaining, CBS. (12:15; 17:00) ALL-STAR WESTERN THEATRE (10-13-46) Guest Star Tex Ritter joins Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage for a program of music and drama. Tex appears as a tough guy in a tough town, back in the days when a quick draw was law. Weber’s Bread, KNX. (16:14; 12:10) WITCH’S TALE (1930s) The Suicide is the story told by old Nancy and Satin, her wise, black cat. Before a woman kills herself, she asks God to make her the Instrument of pain to teach her cheating husband a lesson from the grave. Sustaining, MBS. (12:10; 12:38). Rebroadcast: 10/9/19 – 10/15/19.
October 25, 1986 – ANNUAL HALLOWE’EN SHOW
PROGRAM 830: INNER SANCTUM (1949) Flame of Death featuring Les Tremayne and Charlotte Holland. A woman blames herself for not saving her husband from a fiery death, and now her husband returns from the grave to haunt her. AFRS rebroadcast. (15:49; 8:38) BABY SNOOKS (11-1-46) Fanny Brice stars as Snooks with Hanley Stafford as Daddy. Annoyed with Hallowe’en, Daddy vows to teach Snooks and her friend Phoebe a lesson as they go Trick or Treating. Cast includes Arlene Harris as Mommy, plus Ben Alexander, Frank Nelson, Sara Berner. Carmen Dragon and the orchestra, Harlow Wilcox. Jell-O, CBS. (11:35; 10:45; 8:05) SUSPENSE (2-15.51) The Death Parade starring Agnes Moorehead with Joe Kearns, Byron Kane, Lou Merrill, Jack Krushen. A woman finds a letter warning of death and has only three hours to deliver it. Autolite, CBS. (10:50; 17:14) FIBBER MCGEE AND MOLLY (10-30-53) Jim and Marion Jordan star. Fibber offers to take Teeny Trick or Treating so she can experience some good, old fashioned fun. Sustaining, NBC. (14:50) THE DARK (1940s) Arch Oboler’s fantastic Lights Out story about people being turned inside out. A classic! (8:35) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-29-47) Gildy, smitten with Mrs. Dowrimple, a new customer of the Water Department, plans a cozy Hallowe’en party for two. Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve with Walter Tetley as Leroy, Lillian Randolph as Birdie and Mary Lee Robb as Marjorie. Kraft Foods, NBC. (14:50; 16:10) THE SHADOW (10-31-37) The Three Ghosts stars Orson Welles as Lamont Cranston and Agnes Moorehead as the lovely Margo Lane. A newleywed couple take a home in the country in a house inhabited by ghosts. Blue Coal, MBS. (13:29, 15:00). Rebroadcast: 10/16/19 – 10/22/19.
October 31, 1987 – ANNUAL HALLOWE’EN SHOW
PROGRAM 882: INNER SANCTUM (1-23-50) The Hitchhiking Corpse featuring Mercedes McCambridge as a red-headed witch who is given a ride by a truck driver transporting three coffins containing her dead ancestors. AFRS rebroadcast. (12:20; 11:35) SEALED BOOK (1945) Stranger in the House. When a young couple move into a haunted house, the husband falls in love with a beautiful ghost. Syndicated. (15:37; 7:00) THE DARK (1940s) Arch Oboler’s fantastic Lights Out story about people being turned inside out. A classic! (8:35) THEATRE OF ROMANCE (1-15-46) The Ghost Goes West stars Cary Grant as a ghost stuck in limbo, haunting a Scottish castle for 200 years. When an American family buys the castle to transport it to the USA, the ghost goes with it! Colgate, Halo, CBS. (12:13; 10:42) SUSPENSE (12-19-46) The Thing in the Window starring Joseph Cotten in a story by Lucille Fletcher. From his tenement window, a man is certain he sees a dead man in another apartment. Roma Wines, CBS. (12:38; 16:30) QUIET PLEASE (9-13-48) Where Do You Get Your Ideas? by Willis Cooper. A man in a bar meets a writer of murder stories for radio. Ernest Chappell is host and star. Sustaining, ABC. (12:10; 16:00) INNER SANCTUM (12-18-45) The Undead starring Anne Seymour. An actor’s wife discovers that her husband is a vampire. Raymond opens the creeking door of the Inner Sanctum. Lipton Tea and Soups, CBS. (13:30; 15:10). Rebroadcast: 10/23/19 – 10/29/19.
November 7, 1987 – HAPPY ANNIVERSARY CINNAMON BEAR!
PROGRAM 883: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 1. Judy and Jimmy Barton discover that the silver star for the top of their Christmas tree is missing. Searching for the star in their attic, they meet Paddy O’Cinnamon, the Cinnamon Bear. Syndicated. (13:00) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 2. Judy and Jimmy de-grow and take a glass airplane to Maybe Land in search of the star. (13:00) HOWDY DOODY TIME (2-23-52) Buffalo Bob Smith, Howdy Doody and all the characters from the Howdy Doody Circus in this weekly radio version of the popular kids’ television show. Featured are Princess Summer-fall Winterspring, Dilly Daily, The Flubadub, Mr. Bluster, and the kids in the Peanut Gallery. First half of an hourlong show. Sustaining, NBC. (14:00, 16:20) NOTE: This is the 40th anniversary of the Howdy Doody Show which premiered on NBC-television December 27, 1947. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-26-38) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Radio version of Disney’s classic 1937 film with most of the character voices used in the motion picture. Producer Cecil B. DeMille introduces special guest Walt Disney. Lux Soap, CBS. (25:20; 16:20; 16:35) NOTE: This is the 50th anniversary of the movie which has become an animated film classic. HOWDY DOODY TIME (2-23-52) Second half of the show described above. Howdy and Buffalo Bob observe the birthday of George Washington. Sustaining, NBC. (17:29; 12:56) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 3 and 4. Weary Willie and the Looking Glass Valley; The lnkaboos! (13:00; 13:00) Rebroadcast: 10/23/19 – 11/5/19.
November 14, 1987 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 884: LAWRENCE WELK SHOW (1961) Remote broadcast from the Aragon Ballroom, Pacific Ocean Park, California. Ah, one, ah, two . . . the bubble machine and wunnerful music for listening and dancing with Lawrence and his musical family. AFRS rebroadcast. (8:10; 9:12; 5:45) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 5 and 6. The Crazy Quilt Dragon is rescued; Wesley the Wailing Whale, Samuel the Seal, Penelope the Pelican. (13:00; 13:00) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (4-7-49) Morning Glory starring Elizabeth Taylor as a young woman who becomes infatuated with an influential theatre personality. James Hilton, host. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (15:45; 13:30) BOB HOPE SHOW (2-19-46) Guest Tyrone Power joins Bob and the gang in a broadcast from Pomona College in California. Francis Langford, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (6:30; 9:45; 12:00) MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR (9-26-38) Sherlock Holmes starring Orson Welles in an adaptation of the William Gillette story, written, produced and directed by Welles. Ray Collins is Dr. Watson. Holmes investigates the strange case of Dr. Moriarty. 12th program in the Mercury series. Sustaining, CBS. (21:28; 13:80; 22:51) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 7 and 8. Mr. Presto, the Magician; the Candy Pirates. (13:00; 13:00) Rebroadcast: 11/6/19 – 11/12/19.
November 21, 1987 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 885: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (11-22-42) Hal Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve with Walter Tetley as Leroy, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Shirley Mitchell as Lelia Ransom, Dick Legrand as Mr. Peavy. Gildy invites Hooker to Thanksgiving dinner while Leroy has to portray John Alden in a school play. Cast includes Verna Felton, Frank Nelson. Lots of WWII flavor throughout this broadcast. Kraft foods, NBC. (14:25; 15:45) MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TIME (11-21-40) Master of Ceremonies Dick Powell presents the stars Fanny Brice as Baby Snooks and Hanley Stafford as Daddy, plus special guest Jack Benny. Regulars include announcer Don Wilson, Mary Martin, Meredith Willson and the orchestra. Trying to get Snooks to fall asleep after Thanksgiving dinner, Daddy tells the story of the first Thanksgiving. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (18:58; 10:25) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 9. The Roly Poly Policeman. (13:00) LET GEORGE DO IT (11-20-50) Cause for Thanksgiving stars Bob Bailey as George Valentine, private eye, with Virginia Gregg as his secretary, Brooksie. On Thanksgiving Day, a 10-year-old boy is so scared that he can’t ” or won’t ” talk. Standard Oil Co., MBS. (14:45; 15:00) SONGS BY SINATRA (11-21-45) Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Maxwell, Louis Prima, the Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra on the eve of the first peacetime Thanksgiving after World War H. Patriotic flavor throughout the program. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS (6:58; 11:30; 8:35) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 10. Professor Whiz, the educated owl, and Fraidy Cat. (13:00) DURANTE-MOORE SHOW (11-22-46) It’s the Nose and the Haircut, Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore. The boys present a Thanksgiving opera with Jimmy as Miles Standish, Garry as John Alden. Howard Petrie, announcer, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Rexall Drugs, CBS. (11:20; 10:00; 8:05) Rebroadcast: 11/13/19 – 11/19/19.
November 28, 1987 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 886: JUDY CANOVA SHOW (12-21-46) Planning a holiday party, Judy tells her Aunt Aggie about Christmas back in Cactus Junction. Cast features Mel Blanc, Joe Kearns, Ruby Dandridge, the Sportsmen, announcer Verne Smith. Colgate-Palmolive Products, NBC. (11:20; 18:55) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 11 and 12. Fee Foo, the Friendly Giant; the Rhyming Rabbit and the Bumble Bee. (13:00; 13:00) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-11-49) Phil and Remley shop for Alice’s Christmas present: a mink coat! Elliott Lewis co-stars as Frankie Remley, Walter Tetley as Julius, Joe Kearns as the coat salesman. Rex-all Drugs, NBC. (18:30; 9:00) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-19-45) Eddie reminisces about Christmas when he was a kid, then decides to go Christmas shopping. Alan Young, Bert Gordon, Thelma Carpenter, Leonard Seuss, Kenny Delmar. Ipana, Trushay, NBC. (9:58; 8:50; 10:15) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 13 and 14. Through the picture frame to see the Wintergreen Witch; Queen Melissa of Maybe Land offers help. (13:00; 13:00) ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE (12-22-50) Case of the Slaughtered Santas stars Sidney Greenstreet as Wolfe with Lawrence Dobkin as Archie. Wolfe investigates the murder of several Santas. Sustaining, NBC. (13:35; 13:40) Rebroadcast: 11/20/19 – 11/26/19.
December 5, 1987 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 887: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 15. Snapper Snick, the Crocodile. Syndicated. (12:00) ADVENTURER’S CLUB (12-20-47) Christmas in the Holy Land is the exciting true story of adventurer Bob Lorenz who raced halfway around the world to win a bet. W.A. Sheaffer Pen Co., CBS. (13:15; 16:10) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 16 and 17. Oliver the Ostrich; the mud-slinging Muddlers. (12:00; 12:00) CHRISTMAS SING WITH BING (12-24-61) Bing Crosby stars in this seventh annual Christmas Eve broadcast featuring Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Jo Stafford, Paul Weston and the orchestra, the Norman Luboff Choir and Bing’s wife, Katherine Crosby. Insurance Company of North America, CBS. (13:15; 14:00; 21:19) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-24-40) On Christmas Eve Fibber gets a package from the Bon Ton Department Store. Jim and Marion Jordan star with Hal Peary as Gildersleeve, Isabel Randolph as Abagail Uppington, Mel Blanc, Gale Gordon, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (9:06; 11:10; 8:45) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 18. The Cockelburr Cowboys. (12:00) Rebroadcast: 11/27/19 – 12/3/19.
December 12, 1987 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 888: DURANTE“MOORE SHOW (12-22-45) It’s The Nose and the Haircut, Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore with their holiday show featuring singer Jeri Sullivan, announcer Howard Petri and Roy Bargy and the orchestra. In a sketch, the boys are zookeepers hired to catch a six-legged octopus someone wants to give as a Christmas present! AFRS rebroadcast. (14:50; 14:30) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 19. To the Golden Grove. (12:00) TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (12-20-47) Ralph Edwards hosts the zany audience participation show with a holiday consequence for a contestant. The show visits a disabled World War II veteran in a hospital for a warmhearted, sentimental This Is Your Life ” type segment. A touching and moving program for the Christmas season. Harlow Wilcox announces. Duz, Drene, NBC. (7:02; 22:23) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 20 and 21. The Grand Wunky takes the Wintergreen Witch to exile in Looking Glass Valley; the Land of Ice and Snow. (12:00; 12:00) VISIT TO A DOLL FACTORY (12-9-38) A radio documentary offering a sound picture of the Ideal Novelty and Toy Factory and a look at how dolls are made. Sustaining, MBS. (13:55) THE SHADOW (12-22-40) Joey’s Christmas Story stars Bill Johnstone as Lamont Cranston, the wealthy young man-about-town who is also the Shadow, and Marjorie Anderson as the lovely Margo Lane. The Shadow has a chat with Santa Claus to help a down and out family at Christmastime. Blue Coal, MBS. (15:30; 11:40) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 22. Meet Jack Frost. (12:00) Rebroadcast: 12/4/19 – 12/10/19.
December 19, 1987 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 889: LUM AND ABNER (1944) Chester Lauck and Norris Goff present their annual Christmas story, first presented in 1933. The scene is Pine Ridge on Christmas Eve. Lum, Abner and Grandpappy Spears are headed east out of town to bring supplies to a young couple (named Joe and Mary) staying the night in a barn. Miles Laboratories, BLUE Network. (14:30). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 23, Paddy O’Cinnamon gets stuck in a pile of Christmas stickers. (12:00) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-18-46) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve with Walter Tetley as LeRoy, Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Richard LeGrand as Mr. Peavy and Louise Erickson as Marjorie. LeRoy expects to get a motor scooter for Christmas, but his uncle tries to talk him out of it. Kraft Foods, NBC. (15:56; 14:14) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 24. Judy, Jimmy and Paddy O’Cinnamon attend the Christmas Tree Parade! (12:00) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-23-45) Guests Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Colman are scheduled to visit Jack’s home lor Christmas dinner. Cast for this first post-war Christmas show includes Mary Livingstone, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris, Larry Stevens, Mel Blanc, and Don Wilson. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (12:10; 17:00) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 25. Captain Tin Top returns the star, but the Crazy Quilt Dragon steals it! (12:00) AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (12-24-46) The traditional Christmas show stars Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll as radio’s all-time favorites. Andy gets a job as a department store Santa to earn money to get Amos’ daughter a doll for Christmas; Amos tells Arbadella the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer. Rinso, NBC. (16:15; 13:15) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 26. The final episode in our adventure. Do our heroes find the star for their Chirstmas tree? (12:00) Rebroadcast: 12/11/19 – 12/17/19.
December 26, 1987 – SEASON’S GREETINGS
PROGRAM 890: RED SKELTON SHOW (12-25-45) Red’s Scrapbook of Satire presents Clem Kadiddlehopper as a Christmas tree salesman. Junior, the mean little kid and his grandma visit Santa Claus at a department store. Cast includes Gigi Pearson, Verna Felton, Arthur Q. Brian, Anita Ellis, David Rose and the orchestra. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (7:50; 7:45; 12:25) RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (12-19-51) Dick Powell stars as Diamond who tells his favorite Christmas story, A Christmas Carol. The regular cast members appear in this version of the Dicken’s ghost story: Virginia Gregg, Alan Reed, Arthur Q. Brian, Barney Phillips, Jack Krushen. Camel Cigarettes, ABC. (17:20; 10:55) BOB HOPE SHOW (1954) It’s Bob’s Christmas show from Long Beach Veteran’s Hospital with Bill Goodwin, Margaret Whiting, Frank Nelson, Joe Kearns, Sheldon Leonard and Jim Backus. AFRS rebroadcast. (12:25; 12:00) HENRY MORGAN SHOW (12-25-46) The comedian presents a Christmas story about kids who travel to Washington, D.C. to get a law passed making every day Christmas. Cast includes Arnold Stang, announcer Michael Roy, Bernie Green and the orchestra. Ever-sharp, ABC. (8:25; 9:20; 7:15) SUSPENSE (12-22-49) Double Entry starring Eddie Cantor in an unusual story of clerical crime at Christmas. Eddie helps a co-worker replace some embezzled money. Sidney Miller co-stars. AutoLite, CBS. (16:25; 13:10) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-25-46) Gildy invites some friends over to sing carols on Christmas Day. Hal Peary stars with Walter Tetley, Lillian Randolph, Louise Erickson, Richard LeGrand. Kraft Foods, NBC. (14:57; 14:52) Rebroadcast: 12/18/19 – 12/24/19.
January 2, 1988 – HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GOOD OLD RADIO
PROGRAM 891: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (12-31-47) Jimmy’s absent from this broadcast as pals Garry Moore and Red Skel-ton sub for him. Junior the mean little kid is scheduled to be the baby new year at a New Year’s eve party; Garry and Red present a comic opera. Cast includes Candy Candido, Verna Felton, Peggy Lee, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Rexall, NBC. (7:55; 12:30; 8:15) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-1-47) Gildy forgets to ask Eve to the New Year’s Costume Ball and must welcome the New Year alone. Harold Peary is Gildy with Walter Tetley as LeRoy, Earl Ross as Judge Hooker. Kraft Foods, NBC. (15:43; 14:45) HENRY MORGAN SHOW (1-1-47) Morgan gives an an-nual report on the program, predicts the future for 1947 and offers a Hit Parade spoof presenting songs you love to hate! Eversharp, ABC. (9:05; 15:30) SUSPENSE (12-31-61) The Old Man stars Leon Janney with Lawson Zerbe, Larry Haines, Ralph Camargo, Rita Lloyd. An old man is being forced to retire. Sustaining, CBS. (11:55; 12:20) MEL BLANC SHOW (12-31-46) As the year ends, Mel is scheduled to play all the characters in a Pageant of 1946 lodge play, presented by the Benevolent Ord-er of Zebras. Cast features Hans Contled, Joe Kearns, Mary Jane Croft, Earl Ross, the Sportsmen, Victor Miller and the orchestra. Colgate Tooth Powder, CBS. (10:15; 14:05) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-28-47) Jack and the gang present their annual New Year’s play, The New Tenant. Mary Livingstone is absent from the program with a cold, so Alice Faye (Phil Harris’ wife) plays Mary’s part. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (15:30; 14:10) Rebroadcast: 12/25/19 – 12/31/19.
January 9, 1988 – SALUTE TO ALICE FAYE
PROGRAM 892: PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (3-20-48) Phil is determined to be a thoughtful husband and buy Alice a birthday gift, even though her birthday was two days ago! Elliott Lewis is Frankie Remley, Jeanine Roos and Anne Whitfield are the Harris’ children. Rexall, NBC. (8:55; 9:20; 10:26) MUSIC FROM HOLLYWOOD (12-24-37) Alice Faye stars with Hal Kemp and the orchestra in their final pro-gram of the series featuring songs of the movies, sung by the stars, played for dancing America. Additional vocals by Bob Allen, Skinnay Ennis, Saxie Dowell. Carlton KaDell announces. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (15:18; 14:20) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be ALICE FAYE who will reminisce about her long career as a singer and ac-tress on radio and in motion pictures. This conversa-tion was recorded in Chicago on October 28, 1987. LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-3-40) Alexander’s Ragtime Band starring Alice Faye, Ray Milland and Robert Preston in a radio version of the 1938 film. Lots of great Irving Berlin music as Alice recreates her screen role in this sentimental story of show business spanning the years 1911-1938. Cecil B. DeMill is host. Lux Soap, CBS. (22:44; 21:08; 17:00) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (2-13-49) Flowers arrive for Alice and she assumes that they’re from Phil for Valentine’s Day. Elliott Lewis is Frankie Remley, Walter Tetley is Julius, Hal March is the florist. Rexall, NBC. (12:25; 6:55; 10:30) Rebroadcast: 1/1/20 – 1/7/20.
January 16, 1988 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 893: ADVENTURES OF DICK TRACY (10-16-47) An isolated episode in “The Case of the Book of Four Kings.” Ned Weaver appears as Tracy. Sustaining, ABC. (14:50) MR. AND MRS. NORTH (1940s) “Fool’s Gold” stars Joseph Curtin and Alice Frost as Pam and Jerry North investigating the case of a scheming daughter who causes her father to accept a bribe. Adler Sewing Machines, KNX, Los Angeles. (11:15; 10:00; 6:30) THEATRE FIVE (1960s) “Joey” starring Peter Donald. Syndicated, ABC. (11:06; 9:24) SPECIAL ADDED ATTRACTION: This is the 50th Anniversary of the famous Benny Goodman Carnegie Hall Concert (1-16-37) and in honor of the occasion our special guest will be big band buff and Nostalgia Digest columnist KARL PEARSON who will bring along a stack of radio broadcast excerpts featuring many of the numbers played during that concert, including, of course, “Sing! Sing! Sing!” Rebroadcast: 1/8/2020 – 1/14/2020.
January 23, 1988 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 894: I LOVE A MYSTERY (1-2-50 thru 1-27-50) Temple of Vampires by Carlton E. Morse. The continuing adventures of Jack Packard, Doc Long and Reggie York of the A-1 Detective Agency. This is one of the most-remembered sequences in this popular series. Russell Thorson is Jack, Jim Boles is Doc and Tony Randall is Reggie, with Mercedes McCambridge as Sunny Richards. This exciting 126-minute drama will be presented in 10 cliff-hanging episodes. Sustaining, MBS. (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4. (13:30; 11:10; 13:10; 13:40) LIFE WITH LUIGI (3-27-49) J. Carrol Naish stars as Luigi Bosco with Alan Reed as Pasquale and Hans Conried as Schultz. It’s springtime in Chicago and Luigi has a date to go dancing! Sustaining, CBS. (13:25; 15:55) I LOVE A MYSTERY (1950) Chapters 5, 6, 7. (12:45; 12:05; 18:00) BOB HOPE SHOW (11-27-45) Bob broadcasts from the campus of the University of Southern California with Peggy Ryan, Jerry Colonna, Frances Langford, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (8:30; 10:05) I LOVE A MYSTERY (1950) Chapters 8, 9, 10. (9:30; 10:05; 12.15) Rebroadcast: 1/15/2020 – 1/21/2020.
January 30, 1988 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 895: THE WHISTLER (7-23-45) Let George Do It is the Whistler’s strange story. Signal Oil Co., CBS. (8:05; 17:30; 4:50) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-5-48) Guests Bing Crosby and his son Lindsay join Ozzie for dinner at Admiral Nelson’s house! John Brown is Thorny. International Silver Co., NBC. (15:00; 15:00) YOUR TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (6-22-50) The London Matter stars Edmund O’Brien as the man with the action-packed expense account, America’s fabulous free-lance insurance investigator. The U.S. Treasury Department’s Narcotics Division enlists Dollar’s aid. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (12:30; 16:40) HALLS OF IVY Ronald Colman stars as Dr. William Todhunter Hall, president of Ivy College. Colman’s wife Benita co-stars as Vicky, wife of the college president. When a co-op agricultural project is started, Professor Wellman doesn’t like students using school property to grow their vegetables. Written and created by Don Quinn. AFRS rebroadcast. (13:29; 12:08) MR KEEN, TRACER OF LOST PERSONS (10-6-49) Case of the Man Who Invented Death starring Bennett Kilpack as Mr. Keen with Jim Kelly as Mike Clancy. The kindly old investigator solves a murder. Anacin, Kolynos, CBS. (14:15; 14:20) Rebroadcast: 1/22/2020 – 1/28/2020.
February 6, 1988 – JACK BENNY AND WORLD WAR II
PROGRAM 896: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-7-41) On the evening of the Day of Infamy, Jack and the gang carry on, but the program is interrupted for civil defense and war bulletins. Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, Eddie Rochester Anderson. The cast performs a Mr. Hyde and Dr. Jekyll sketch. Jell-O, NBC. (12:50; 16:50) FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (12-8-41) The president speaks before a historic joint session of Congress requesting a declaration of war. Excerpt from his famous day of infamy speech. NBC. (9:30) FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-9-41) Jim and Marion Jordan star with Bill Thompson, Gale Gordon, Isabel Randolph, Harlow Wilcox, Martha Tilton, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Program opens with latest war news reported by Robert St. John, ends with a word to stay tuned for a message from the president of the United States and the singing of My Country, ’tis of Thee. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (12:05; 17:20) FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (12-9-41) The president in his first wartime Fireside Chat, on all the networks, pre-empting Bob Hope on NBC and Glenn Miller on CBS. Excerpt of his address describing the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. FDR warns the public to beware of rumors and tells listeners he does not yet know the extent of the damage at Pearl Harbor. CBS. (11:45) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-11-42) Jack and the gang broadcast from the Army Air Base at Santa Ana, California. Guest is actress Barbara Stanwyck, so two cadets from the Air Base visit Jack looking for an introduction. Mary, Phil, Rochester, Don, Frank Nelson, Elliott Lewis, Peter Lind Hayes. Grapenuts, NBC. (9:00; 7:25; 12:10) TREASURY STAR PARADE (3-19-42) Frederic March stars in Production Now, a story of how a small town did its part towards America’s war effort. Treasury Department. (14:17) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-18-42) In a remote broadcast from Williams Field near Chandler, Arizona, Jack decides to do his part in the war effort and donate his Maxwell to the scrap drive. Mary, Phil, Rochester, Dennis, Don, Elliott Lewis. Grapenuts, NBC. (9:50; 6:25; 12:55) Rebroadcast: 1/29/2020 – 2/4/2020.
February 13, 1988 – JACK BENNY AND WORLD WAR II
PROGRAM 897: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-15-42) Guest Dorothy Lamour joins Jack in a program broadcast from the Naval Air Station, Terminal Island, California. The gang discusses Jack’s past navy career and, in a wartime sketch, Jack is a house-husband, while Mary is a welder. Grapenuts, NBC. (8:30; 10:30; 10:10) MILEAGE RATIONING PROGRAM (Nov., 1942) A special broadcast prepared by the Office of War Information on the subject of gas rationing. Featured are Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Dinah Shore, Bill Goodwin, Paul Whiteman and the orchestra. (13:45) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-29-42) Jack and the gang perform before an all-service audience from the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs, California. The cast presents the drama, Three Men in a Tank about soldiers in Africa with Dennis Day as German Field Marshal Rommel. Phil, Rochester, Don, Elliott. Grapenuts, NBC. (13:40; 14:50) TREASURY STAR PARADE (9-12-43) Big Jim starring Eddie Rochester Anderson and Michael O’Shea in a story of heroism on a ship in the Atlantic. U.S. Treasury Department. (14:25) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-21-43) Bing Crosby stars with guests Andy Devine and regulars Ken Carpenter, the Charioteers, Yuki, The Music Maids and Phil, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Wartime flavor throughout this program. Kraft Foods, NBC. (9:50; 8:05; 11:40) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-13-44) Jack gets happy birthday greetings from the cast in a program broadcast from March Field, California. Jack and guest Larry Adler talk about their overseas trip entertaining servicemen. Mary, Phil, Dennis, Don, Rochester, Butterfly McQueen. Grapenuts, NBC. (11:30; 9:50; 7:25) NOTE: During this program we will have on-air auditions for parts in the Jack Benny Show recreation planned for our TWTD broadcast of Febuary 27th. Rebroadcast: 2/5/2020 – 2/11/2020.
February 20, 1988 – JACK BENNY AND WORLD WAR II
PROGRAM 898: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-10-43) This first show of the new season, from New York City, finds Jack just back from a three-month overseas camp tour. Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris, Minerva Pious, John Brown. Grapenuts, NBC. (11:40; 10:30; 6:15) I SUSTAIN THE WINGS (4-15-44) Featuring Capt. Glen Miller and the Band of the Training Command with the Crew Chiefs, Bob Carroll, Mel Powell, Ray McKinley, Johnny Desmond. Actor Broderick Crawford appears in a skit about the life of an Army Air Force Aerial Photographer. Sustaining, NBC. (15:30; 14:30) TREASURY STAR PARADE (1942) A dramatization of Arthur Blake Clark’s book, Remember Pearl Harbor. Host is Henry Hull. U.S. Treasury Department. (15:00) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-23-44) Remote broadcast from the Army Air Field at Murock, California with guest Alexis Smith. Mary, Phil, Rochester, Dennis, Don, John Brown, Butterfly McQueen. Grapenuts, NBC. (12:00; 18:00) KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (8-16-44) Phil Harris subs for Kay Kyser in this broadcast for servicemen at San Luis Obispo, California. Guests are the King Sisters who join Ish Kabibble and the boys in the band. AFRS rebroadcast. (14:15; 15:00) TREASURY STAR PARADE (1942) Tommy Tucker, Patriot starring Ezra Stone as a 12-year old who nags his family to be aware of their responsibilities to the war effort. U.S. Treasury Department. (14:20) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-27-44) Eddie Cantor and Larry Adler join Jack and the gang in a program broadcast from the Hollywood Canteen. Grapenuts, NBC. (12:15; 8:20; 6:40). Rebroadcast: 2/12/2020 – 2/18/2020.
February 27, 1988 – JACK BENNY AND WORLD WAR II
PROGRAM 899: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-23-44) Remote broadcast from Vancouver, British Columbia, on behalf of Canada’s Sixth Victory War Loan Drive. Mary, Phil, Rochester, Dennis, Don, John Brown, Sara Berner. This is Dennis Day’s last Benny program before entering the service. Grapenuts, NBC. (10:25, 17:15) BOB HOPE SHOW (3-13-45) Broadcasting from the Air Transport Command near Palm Springs, California, Bob entertains with regulars Frances Langford, Jerry Colonna, Vera Vague, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra. In a sketch, Bob and Skinnay are pilots while Colonna is in the control tower. AFRS rebroadcast. (9:40; 12:15) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-19-44) Guest Larry Adler joins Jack for a broadcast from the U.S. Naval Hospital in Corona, California. Mary, Phil, Don, Rochester, Mel Blanc, singer Larry Stevens (Dennis’ wartime replacement). Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (12:50; 16:30) V-E DAY COVERAGE (5-8-45) Excerpts of CBS network coverage of the end of the war in Europe; Remarks by President Truman; Bob Trout with news bulletins; Winston Churchill in London; Edward R. Murrow and Douglas Edwards reporting from London. CBS. (15:05) CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (8-14-45) First announcements of the Japanese surrender interrupts this excerpt of a remote broadcast from the Cafe Zanzibar in New York City. Sustaining, MBS. (11:30) JACK BENNY PROGRAM RE-CREATION (2-27-88) A live broadcast of a newly written script by Mary Ellen Little, based on the Jack Benny radio programs. Our cast will include listeners who have auditioned for the various roles in the sketch: Jack, Rochester, Mary, Phil, Dennis, Don, Mel, the Sportsmen, a receptionist, and a doctor. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-8-45) Guest William Powell visits Jack and his cast in a broadcast for the patients of Turney General Hospital in Palm Springs, California. Mary, Phil, Rochester, Don, Mel Blanc, Larry Stevens. AFRS rebroadcast. (11:00; 16:15) Rebroadcast: 2/19/2020 – 2/25/2020.
March 5, 1988 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 900: RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (6-19-49) Dick Powell stars as Diamond with Virginia Gregg as Helen, Ed Begley as Lt. Levinson, plus Parley Baer, Hy Averback, Sidney Miller. A wealthy man, seeking a divorce, hires Diamond to get the goods on his cheating wife. Sustaining, NBC. (14:55; 12:40) LIFE WITH LUIGI (9-21-49) When Luigi learns that he is behind in his rent, a young friend suggests he sell his statue of George Washington. J. Cerro! Naish as Luigi Basco, Alan Reed as Pasquale. Sustaining, CBS. (14:30; 15:10) HASHKNIFE HARTLEY (1950s) Range War with Frank Martin as Hashknife and Barton Yarborough as Sleepy Stevens, based on stories of the old west written by W. C. Tuttle, who narrates. Hashknife and Sleepy help a friend who has been harassed for the land rights he just purchased. AFRS rebroadcast. (10:53; 9:42) KAY KYSER’S KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (10-31-45) The old professor himself broadcasting from Vaughn General Hospital in Chicago, with quiz contestants from the Chicago area. AFRS rebroadcast. (11:30; 13:24) SUSPENSE (10-26-53) Dutch Schultz stars Broderick Crawford as the organized crime figure who wants to rub out the new district attorney. Cast includes Jay Novello, Benny Rubin, Herb Butterfield, Hy Averback, Paul Frees, Sidney Miller. Produced by Elliott Lewis. AutoLite, CBS. (12:30; 15:08) FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-19-47) Actor James Mason visits the comedian who stars as Oriental detective One Long Pan in a mystery sketch. DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and the orchestra. Tenderleaf Tea, Blue Bonnett Margarine, NBC. (12:41; 16:00) Rebroadcast: 2/26/2020 – 3/3/2020.
March 12, 1988 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 901: GANGBUSTERS (1950s) Case of the Date With Death about a couple who meet at a Baltimore Colts football game. M. Joseph Wallace of the Baltimore Police Department narrates, by proxy. Syndicated. (12:15; 12:45) FRANK SINATRA SHOW (1940s) Guest Tommy Dorsey joins Frank, the Pied Pipers and Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (6:55; 13:25; 6:00) INNER SANCTUM (1-24-49) Deadly Dummy stars Mason Adams and Elspeth Eric. The murderer of a ventriloquist takes over the act and is haunted by his dummy. AFRS rebroadcast. (9:25; 13:30) ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (2-1-45) Bud and Lou are joined for comedy hi-jinks by Mel Blanc, Eliva Allman, Ken Niles and Freddy Rich and the orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (15:42; 11:41) I WAS A COMMUNIST FOR THE FBI (1952) Kiss of Death starring Dana Andrews as Matt Cvetic, undercover agent who has infiltrated the Communist party. The Party attempts to discredit a politician by appearing to support him. Syndicated. (11:55; 13:20) JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (4-21-48) The Schnozzola’s former partners, Lou Clayton and Eddie Jackson visit to recall the good old days. Regulars include Victor Moore, Peggy Lee, the Crew Chiefs, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Rexall, NBC. (10:03; 7:40; 10:05) Rebroadcast: 3/4/2020 – 3/10/2020.
March 19, 1988 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 902: AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (5-4-45) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll with special guest Hattie McDaniel. The Kingfish schemes to help Andy win $500 in a baby picture contest. Rinso, NBC. (14:07; 6:20; 9:17) SUSPENSE (3-13-48) Nightmare starring Eddie Bracken and William Conrad. A man’s violent dream becomes reality. Robert Montgomery hosts. Sustaining, CBS. (17:28; 8:35; 14:00; 18:19) MY FRIEND IRMA (2-24-52) Marie Wilson stars as Irma Peterson who loses her engagement ring down the bathroom drain. Cathy Lewis is Jane, John Brown is Al, Alan Reed is Mr. Clyde, and Hans Conried is Prof. Kroptkin. Ennds Chlorophyll Tablets, CBS. (13:50; 15:00) FRONTIER TOWN (1940s) Jeff Tex Chandler stars as Chad Remington in a saga of the roaring west as he discovers a horse entering town with a rider who has been shot. Syndicated. (14:20; 10:54) THE WHISTLER (1940s) Man in the Storm starring William Conrad. Heavy rains place a town in danger of flooding, but the city treasurer’s only concern is for the new recreation center. AFRS rebroadcast. (8:22; 17:37) Rebroadcast: 3/11/2020 – 3/17/2020.
March 26, 1988 – WMAQ, CHICAGO THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
PROGRAM 903: AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (5-4-45) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll with special guest Hattie McDaniel. The Kingfish schemes to help Andy win $500 in a baby picture contest. Rinso, NBC. (14:07; 6:20; 9:17) SUSPENSE (3-13-48) Nightmare starring Eddie Bracken and William Conrad. A man’s violent dream becomes reality. Robert Montgomery hosts. Sustaining, CBS. (17:28; 8:35; 14:00; 18:19) MY FRIEND IRMA (2-24-52) Marie Wilson stars as Irma Peterson who loses her engagement ring down the bathroom drain. Cathy Lewis is Jane, John Brown is Al, Alan Reed is Mr. Clyde, and Hans Conried is Prof. Kroptkin. Ennds Chlorophyll Tablets, CBS. (13:50; 15:00) FRONTIER TOWN (1940s) Jeff Tex Chandler stars as Chad Remington in a saga of the roaring west as he discovers a horse entering town with a rider who has been shot. Syndicated. (14:20; 10:54) THE WHISTLER (1940s) Man in the Storm starring William Conrad. Heavy rains place a town in danger of flooding, but the city treasurer’s only concern is for the new recreation center. AFRS rebroadcast. (8:22; 17:37) Rebroadcast: 3/18/2020 – 3/24/2020.
April 2, 1988 – EASTER GREETINGS
PROGRAM 904: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-10-55) As Jack and Mary Livingston stroll up Wilshire Boulevard on Easter Sunday, they bump into the Beverly Hills Beavers, Bob Crosby, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, The Sporstmen, Mr. Kitzel, Frank Nelson, Mel Blanc, Sheldon Leonard, Arthur Q. Brian. Mary and Jack sing, Happy Easter. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (14:40; 11:15) LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-16-49) April Showers starring Jack Carson, Dorothy Lamour and Robert Alda in a radio version of the 1948 film. A story of backstage fif in the good old days of Vaudeville. Cast includes Alan Reed, Willard Waterman, Howard McNear, Bill Johnstone, Bobby Ellis. William Keighley is the producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (26:00; 17:15; 16:50) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (4-17-49) Alice has invited her daughters’ school principal to dinner on Easter Sunday. Elliott Lewis is Frankie Remley, Robert North is Willy, Walter Tetley is Julius, and the Harris girls are played by Jeanine Roos and Anne Whitfield. Rexall, NBC. (18:45; 9:05) AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (3-30-45) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll star as radio’s all-time favorites. Sapphire has saved some money for a new Easter hat, but the Kingfish has other ideas. Rinso, NBC. (8:45; 8:55; 12:32) FIBBER McGEE and MOLLY (1948). Rebroadcast: 3/25/2020 – 3/31/2020.
April 9, 1988 – TRIBUTE TO JIM JORDAN
PROGRAM 905: Honoring the actor who starred on radio as Fibber McGee and who died at age 91 on April 1, 1988. SPEAKING OF RADIO (7-03-73) Chuck Schaden’s conversation with Jim Jordan. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-16-35) First program in the McGee series. FIBBER McGEE and MOLLY (4-6-48) Fixing Doc Gamble’s automobile. BOB AND RAY reminisce about Fibber McGee. FIBBER McGEE AND THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF RADIO (1974) Episode with Jordan as Fibber and Chuck Schaden as a super fan of old-time radio. Rebroadcast: 4/1/2020 – 4/7/2020.
April 16, 1988 – REMEMBERING JUDY AND MICKEY
PROGRAM 906: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (3-22-43) For Me and My Gal starring Judy Garland, Gene Kelly and Dick Powell in a radio version of the 1942 movie musical. Judy and Gene repeat their screen roles as a World War I vaudeville couple trying to play the Palace. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (14:20; 15:44) THE HARDY FAMILY (1950) Mickey Rooney appears as Andy Hardy with Lewis Stone and Faye Holden as Judge and Mrs. Hardy in a radio series based on the successful MGM films. Andy is chosen by the Junior Chamber of Commerce to meet and entertain a visiting skier. Polly Benedict is jealous! Syndicated. (14:45; 12:55) LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-28-40) Strike Up the Band starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in a radio version of their 1940 film. It’s Mickey and Judy’s first appearance on the Lux Show. Cecil B. DeMille is producer with John Scott Trotter appearing in the story as Paul Whiteman. High School students organize a band! Lux Soap, CBS. (20:35; 19:00; 17:20) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and film buff BOB KOLOSOSKI who will recall the film careers of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Rebroadcast: 4/8/2020 – 4/14/2020.
April 23, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 907: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (3-22-43) For Me and My Gal starring Judy Garland, Gene Kelly and Dick Powell in a radio version of the 1942 movie musical. Judy and Gene repeat their screen roles as a World War I vaudeville couple trying to play the Palace. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (14:20; 15:44) THE HARDY FAMILY (1950) Mickey Rooney appears as Andy Hardy with Lewis Stone and Faye Holden as Judge and Mrs. Hardy in a radio series based on the successful MGM films. Andy is chosen by the Junior Chamber of Commerce to meet and entertain a visiting skier. Polly Benedict is jealous! Syndicated. (14:45; 12:55) LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-28-40) Strike Up the Band starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney in a radio version of their 1940 film. It’s Mickey and Judy’s first appearance on the Lux Show. Cecil B. DeMille is producer with John Scott Trotter appearing in the story as Paul Whiteman. High School students organize a band! Lux Soap, CBS. (20:35; 19:00; 17:20) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and film buff BOB KOLOSOSKI who will recall the film careers of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Rebroadcast: 4/15/2020 – 4/21/2020.
April 30, 1988 – 18th ANNIVERSARY SHOW
PROGRAM 908: As we complete eighteen years of Those Were The Days broadcasts we express our appreciation with a special program featuring some radio sounds that put the spotlight on several performers who had an influence on our personal interest in show biz. DANNY KAYE SHOW (1-13-45) Danny Kaye is joined by Eve Arden, Lionel Stander and Harry James and his Music Makers in a broadcast which highlights his life story. Danny also performs the classic Lobby Number from his first movie, Up In Arms. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, CBS. (9:50; 11:12; 9:00) MOONLIGHT SERENADE (6-13-40) Glenn Miller and his orchestra in a remote broadcast from the stage of the Civic Theatre in Chicago. Vocals by Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton and Ray Eberle. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (13:25) LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-16-48) The Jolson Story starring Al Jolson and Evelyn Keyes with Ludwig Donath and William Demarest in a radio version of the 1946 Columbia film musical hit. William Keighley is the producer. Jolie sings many of his biggest songs in this biography of the world’s greatest entertainer. Lux Soap, CBS. (20:00; 17:07; 24:30) EXTRA ADDED ATTRACTION ” During today’s program, we’ll feature sound clips of Those Were The Days host Chuck Schaden’s appearances on other radio and television shows. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 4/22/2020 – 4/28/2020.
May 7, 1988 – HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY IRVING BERLIN
PROGRAM 909: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1-11-43) Holiday Inn starring Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore in musical highlights from the 1942 film featuring the music of Irving Berlin. Announcer is Truman Bradley. Lady Esther products, CBS. (14:45; 14:30) IRVING BERLIN STORY (1950s) Doug Bogart interviews Irving Berlin who reminisces about his career and his craft against a background of outstanding Berlin music and comments by Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. An audio-autobiography. BBC. (13:00; 15:20; 12:19; 19:00) MAGIC KEY OF RCA (2-19-36) Excerpt of a program featuring Ray Noble and his orchestra, Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, and Richard Himber and his orchestra presenting for the first time on the air, music from Irving Berlin’s new motion picture, Follow the Fleet. Milton Cross and Ben Grauer. RCA Victor, NBC. (18:30; 13:51) PHILCO RADIO TIME (5-7-47) Bing Crosby welcomes guests Al Jolson and Irving Berlin for some musical fun and memories. John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, Ken Carpenter. Philco, ABC. (6:05; 12:40; 9:30) OUR SPECIAL GUESTS will be the Lake Shore Harmony Four and The Villagers, members of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, plus the Skylarks, Unlimited, vocal group who will entertain throughout our program, live from our studio at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago at River City. Rebroadcast: 4/29/2020 – 5/5/2020.
May 14, 1988 – HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAYTO THE MAN OF STEEL
PROGRAM 910: . ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (2-12-40) First show in the Superman radio series. The story begins on the planet Krypton and tells how Superman’s parents act to save their child as their planet is being destroyed. Sustaining, MBS. (12:33) ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (2-14-40) Second show in the series. The child from Krypton lands in Indiana and takes on the identity of Clark Kent. Clayton Bud Collier stars as Kent/Superman. Sustaining, MBS. (11:31) ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (1940) The Voice Machine a 12-part adventure starring Bud Collier as the Man of Steel and mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent. Joan Alexander is featured as Lois Lane. Sustaining, MBS. (11:53) Chapter 1: Dr. Roebling’s Disappearance. Chapter 2: Lois Lane’s Escape (11:36) Chapter 3: Superman Captures Jack Roebling (11:40) Chapter 4: Dr. Roebling’s Amazing Voice Machine (11:50) Chapter 5: The Voice Machine Destroyed (11:46) Chapter 6: Roebling Repairs the Voice Machine (11:40) Chapter 7: The Assassination Plot Unfolds (11:50) Chapter 8: The Mob Moves on Benson (11:40) Chapter 9: Who is the Big Guy? (11:40) Chapter 10: A Distress Message to Dr. Roebling (11:50) Chapter 11: The Voice Machine Saves Kent and Perry White (11:55) Chapter 12: The Errand of Death Foiled (11:20) Rebroadcast: 5/6/2020 – 5/12/2020.
May 21, 1988 – ARMED FORCES DAY SALUTE TO ARMED FORCES RADIO
PROGRAM 911: COMMAND PERFORMANCE (1946) A fourth anniversary program, presenting clips from past Armed Forces Radio Service programs since the series began shortly after the United States’ involvement in World War II. Bob Hope emcees this hour-and-a-half broadcast and presents Janet Blair, Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, G. I. Jill, Slim Gaylord Trio, Bob Mitchell Boys Choir, Kay Kyser and Jerry Colonna, Linda Darnell, Mel Blanc, Fred MacMurray, Frances Langford. AFRS. (14:15; 14:00; 11:17; 18:35; 20:10; 8:15) MAIL CALL #111 (1940s) Hostess Ginny Simms presents Jimmy Durante, Johnny Mercer, Jo Stafford, the Pied Pipers, and Harry James and the orchestra. AFRS. (13:20; 11:05; 5:15) G.I. JOURNAL (1940s) An anniversary show presenting highlights of the past year’s programs. Linda Darnell presents Bob Hope, Betty Grable, the Pied Pipers, Frank Morgan, Kay Kyser, Bing Crosby, and Abbott and Costello with their famous Who’s On First routine. AFRS. (12:30; 8:30; 8:45) COMMAND PERFORMANCE (8-14-45) A special V-J Day program with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Orson Welles, Frances Langford, Major Meredith Willson and the Armed Forces orchestra. AFRS and all USA networks. (11:32; 7:28; 9:45) Rebroadcast: 5/13/2020 – 5/19/2020.
May 28, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 912: AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (4-6-45) Andy decides to look for a new place to live and the Kingfish has a suggestion. Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll star. Rinso, NBC. (11:00; 7:00; 12:00) THE SHADOW (9-19-48) Revenge is Murder starring Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston and Grace Matthews as the lovely Margo Lane. Four diamond theives squabble among themselves. Sustaining, MBS. (13:50; 13:52) CAN YOU TOP THIS? (5-18-48) A joke-fest with announcer Dennis James, and storytellers Ward Wilson, Harry Hirschfield, Joe Laurie, Jr., and Peter Donald. Colgate-Palmolive Peet Co., NBC. (8:20; 13:40; 7:55) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-18-40) The Rains Came starring Kay Francis, George Brent, Jean Parker and Jim Ameche in a radio version of the 1939 motion picture. The wife of an Englishman falls in love with a Hindu doctor in Ranchipur, India amidst a setting of earthquake, flood and plague. Cecil B. DeMille is host-producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (19:15; 21:25; 18:00) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-24-45) Lots of World War II flavor in this show, dedicated to Uncle Sam’s war bond campaign, with announcements for the sale of bonds replacing commercial messages from the sponsor. Eddie provides the comedy with Harry Von Zell, Nora Martin, Leonard Seuss, Bert Gordon. Bristol Meyers, NBC. (8:25; 10:30; 9:55) Rebroadcast: 5/20/2020 – 5/26/2020.
June 4, 1988 – FUN AND FOOLISHNESS ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 913: PEOPLE ARE FUNNY (Jan., 1954) Art Linkletter puts the contestants through their paces and offers a 1965 Hudson Jet automobile to the listener who identifies Mr. X. Milky Way and Mars Candies, CBS. (16:25; 12:55) LIFE WITH LUIGI (4-1-52) J. Carrol Naish stars as Luigi Basco with Alan Reed as Pasquale who plays an April Fool’s joke to try to scare Luigi into marrying Rosa. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (13:50; 18:00) TEXACO STAR THEATRE (4-9-35) Ed Wynn, the Perfect Fool, appears as the Texaco Fire Chief with announcer Graham McNamee and Eddie Duchin and the orchestra. Texaco Oil Co., NBC. (10:20; 7:40; 9:40) OUR MISS BROOKS (1-15-50) On Friday the 13th, Walter Denton plays practical jokes on school principal Osgood Conklin. Eve Arden stars as Miss Brooks, Richard Crenna is Denton and Gale Gordon is Conklin with Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton and Jane Morgan as Mrs. Davis. Colgate, Lustre Creme, CBS. (10:09; 19:01) IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (1940s) Tom Howard tries his luck with zany panelists George Shelton, Lulu McConnell and Harry McNaughton. Sustaining, MBS. (11:00; 9:20; 8:00) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (2-2-43) Jim and Marion Jordan star with Bill Thompson, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men and Billy Mills and the orchestra. Fibber and Molly decide to clean out their hall closet. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (10:24; 12:57; 7:54) Rebroadcast: 5/27/2020 – 6/2/2020.
June 11, 1988 – COME ON DOWN! AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION SHOWS
PROGRAM 914: PEOPLE ARE FUNNY (Jan., 1954) Art Linkletter puts the contestants through their paces and offers a 1965 Hudson Jet automobile to the listener who identifies Mr. X. Milky Way and Mars Candies, CBS. (16:25; 12:55) LIFE WITH LUIGI (4-1-52) J. Carrol Naish stars as Luigi Basco with Alan Reed as Pasquale who plays an April Fool’s joke to try to scare Luigi into marrying Rosa. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (13:50; 18:00) TEXACO STAR THEATRE (4-9-35) Ed Wynn, the Perfect Fool, appears as the Texaco Fire Chief with announcer Graham McNamee and Eddie Duchin and the orchestra. Texaco Oil Co., NBC. (10:20; 7:40; 9:40) OUR MISS BROOKS (1-15-50) On Friday the 13th, Walter Denton plays practical jokes on school principal Osgood Conklin. Eve Arden stars as Miss Brooks, Richard Crenna is Denton and Gale Gordon is Conklin with Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton and Jane Morgan as Mrs. Davis. Colgate, Lustre Creme, CBS. (10:09; 19:01) IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (1940s) Tom Howard tries his luck with zany panelists George Shelton, Lulu McConnell and Harry McNaughton. Sustaining, MBS. (11:00; 9:20; 8:00) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (2-2-43) Jim and Marion Jordan star with Bill Thompson, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men and Billy Mills and the orchestra. Fibber and Molly decide to clean out their hall closet. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (10:24; 12:57; 7:54) Rebroadcast: 6/3/2020 – 6/9/2020.
June 18, 1988 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 915: EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-17-45) The energetic comedian stars with Harry Von Zell, Nora Martin, Leonard Seuss, Bert Gordon, Billy Gray. Eddie sulks because Bing Crosby won the Critic’s Award. Trushay, Ipana, Sal Hepatica, NBC. (9:20; 10:05; 9:40) LUX RADIO THEATRE (11-15-43) Hello, Frisco, Hello starring Alice Faye and Robert Young in a radio version of the 1943 movie. Producer Cecil B. DeMille is host. This is a recording of the rehearsal for the broadcast. Lux Soap, CBS. (24:15; 16:15; 16:10) SUSPENSE (12-9-56) An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge starring Victor Jory with Larry Thor, Jack Krushen, Lou Merrill, Chet Stratton, Roy Glenn. A Confederate spy, about to be hanged by the Union army, contemplates his escape. Sustaining, CBS. (14:23; 14:50) OUR SPECIAL GUESTS will be YURI RASOVSKI and CAROL ADORJAN, authors of the new book, WKID, original radio scripts for youngsters. During our broadcast, one of their mystery scripts, A Night On Bear Mountain will be dramatized. Rebroadcast: 6/10/2020 – 6/16/2020.
June 25, 1988 – CLANG, CLANG, CLANG, WENT THE TROLLEY
PROGRAM 916: GREEN HORNET (1940s) Trouble Hits the Trolleys stars Al Hodge as Britt Reid, the Green Hornet. A series of trolley accidents cause the Hornet to continue his hunt for the biggest of all game, public enemies who try to destroy our America! Syndicated, MBC. (15:00;’ 13:45) ALDRICH FAMILY (1940s) Ezra Stone stars as Henry Aldrich with Jackie Kelk as Homer Brown. In order to raise money to purchase some war surplus Pilot’s Boots, the boys attempt to get a job on the trolley line. House Jamison and Katherine Raht as Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich. Syndicated. (15:20; 10:10) POPEYE (1936) The Runaway Trolley The famed comic strip character comes to life on radio, along with Olive Oil and Wimpy, as Popeye attempts to stop a runaway streetcar! Wheatena, CBS. (13:00) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (11-1-49) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the Wistful Vista Transit Company offers a prize for the best idea to improve service on the trolley lines. Cast includes Bill Thompson, Gale Gordan, Arthur Q. Brian, Dick LeGrand, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (12:20; 12:07; 6:10) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1-30-49) Ozzie decides to take a job driving the school bus, but first he must pass a bus driver’s test. Tommy Bernard and Henry Blair appear as David and Ricky, Janet Waldo is Emmy Lou. International Silver Co., NBC. (14:18; 15:19) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be ALAN R. LIND, Author of Chicago Surface Lines, An Illustrated History who will be on hand to reminisce about the golden days of streetcars in Chicago. Rebroadcast: 6/17/2020 – 6/23/2020.
PROGRAM 917: DUFFY’S TAVERN (1940s) Archie, the Manager of Duffy’s Tavern, is absent and in his place we find Jimmy Durante and Ann Sothern who perform a play written by Archie. AFRS rebroadcast. (12:40; 14:20) MILTON BERLE SHOW (3-2-48) Uncle Milty presents a Salute to Literature with Pert Kelton, Jack Albertson, Mary Shipp, Billy Sands, Frank Gallop, Dick Varney, Ray Bloch and the orchestra. Milton talks about his new book, Out of My Trunk. Phillip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (12:15; 8:15; 9:05) NOTE: Milton Berle will celebrate his 80th birthday on July 12, 1988. JUDY CANOVA SHOW (2-28-48) Judy decides to get a new public relations man. Cast features Mel Blanc, Joe Kearns, Alan Reed, Rudy Dandridge, Gale Gordon, the Sportsmen, Charles Dant and the orchestra. Colgate, Halo, NBC. (10:19; 13:24; 4:06) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-17-43) From New York City, where Jack is scheduled to play a duet with Oscar Levant at Carnegie Hall. Oscar joins the gang, including Mary Livingston, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Don Wilson, and Joe Besser in an Information Please sketch. Grape Nuts Flakes, NBC. (11:50; 8:20; 8:20) THAT’S RICH (1953) Stan Freberg stars in a situation comedy. Rich enters a slogan contest for 12-year olds. Sustaining, CBS. (14:12; 16:00) SPECIAL ADDED ATTRACTION: The winner of the Chuck Schaden Sound-Alike contest will be announced on this program and the winner will be on hand to co-host today’s Those Were The Days broadcast. Don’t miss it if you can! . Rebroadcast: 6/24/2020 – 6/30/2020.
July 9, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 918: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (4-28-48) Guest Lucille Ball joins Jimmy and regulars, Peggy Lee, Howard Petrie, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Jimmy takes the girls on a tour of industry to show the attitude of big business towards women! Rexall, NBC. (8:35; 9:00; 10:20) UNCLE NED’S SQUADRON (11-11-50) Ned Locke stars with Hugh Downes as co-pilot in the Ready Room for this kids’ adventure series from Chicago. Studio guests include members of a Cub Scout pack from Morton Grove, Illinois. Sustaining, NBC. (15:40; 14:15) RAY RAYNER SHOW (5-19-71) Excerpt from the popular television series features host Ray Rayner singing the Little Orphan Annie theme song and visiting with guest Chuck Schaden, talking about vintage radio programs for kids. WGN-TV. Chicago. (25:23) DAISY DISCOVERS AMERICA (4-10-51) Ella Logan and Sheldon Leonard star in a musical story with Lou Bring and the orchestra. An immigrant from Scotland asks a cab driver in New York to drive her to Pittsburg! Syndicated. (8:50; 12:22; 7:42) PHIL HARRIS ” ALICE FAYE SHOW (6-26-49) In this last show of the season, the sponsor has Phil sign an option for the next season of broadcasts. Cast includes Gale Gordon, Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Frank Nelson. Rexall, NBC. (12:00; 17:30) OUR SPECIAL GUESTS will be NED LOCKE and RAY RAYNER, making an appearance today at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in honor of the exhibit celebrating WGN-TV-Channel 9’s 40th anniversary. Rebroadcast: 7/1/2020 – 7/7/2020.
July 16, 1988 – RADIO IN 15 MINUTES
PROGRAM 919: TOM MIX RALSTON STRAIGHT SHOOTERS (4-1345) Curley Bradley stars as Tom in this isolated episode from the long-running western series. Don Gordon announces, Shredded Ralston, MBS. (15:00) GUIDING LIGHT (7-15-40) An isolated episode in the long-running daytime drama. P&G Soap, NBC. (13:05) SPORTS NEWSREEL (11-22-46) Bill Stern broadcasts from Chicago with his guest Mickey Rooney. Colgate, NBC. (15:10) DICK TRACY (1946) An isolated episode in the Case of the Broken Window. Sustaining, ABC. (15:20) CLUB FIFTEEN (1949) Bob Crosby stars with the Andrews Sisters in a quarter-hour of musical variety. Sustaining, CBS. (14:20) WENDY WARREN AND THE NEWS (1950) Unusual daytime drama finds the main character appearing on a newscast with Douglas Edwards, then moving into her soapy life. Isolated episode. Maxwell House Coffee, CBS. (14:00) JURGEN’S JOURNAL (9-5-48) Walter Winchell with news and commentary about the chances for war in 1948, Tokyo Rose, and the tax cut. Jurgen’s Lotion, ABC. (14:10) STELLA DALLAS (1940s) Isolated episode from the long-running daytime series. Sustaining, CBS. (10:55) LOUELLA PARSONS (9-26-48) Hollywood gossip with the queen of Tinsel Town columnists. George Raft is guest; Marvin Miller is announcer. Woodbury Soap, ABC. (14:22) CHESTERFIELD SUPPER CLUB (2-18-48) Perry Como and the Satisfyers with a quarter-hour of musical entertainment. Chesterfield Cigarettes, NBC. (13:40) TENNESSEE JED (5-26-47) Isolated episode in the kid’s adventure series. Tip Top Bakers, ABC. (14:45). Rebroadcast: 7/8/2020 – 7/14/2020.
July 23, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 920: KATE SMITH SHOW (4-4-46) Lt. j.g. Gene Kelly, on leave from the U.S. Navy, is Kate’s guest, appearing in a romantic radio sketch. Kate sings Doctor, Lawyer, Indian Chief and other songs. Ted Collins, announcer. Sustaining, CBS. (10:10; 15:00) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (7-1-48) Penny Serenade with Francis Robinson, Gerald Mohr, Frank Lovejoy, Ed Begley, Anne Whitfield. Browsing through a stack of phonograph records, a young woman recalls memories of a happy marriage. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (15:30; 13:42) HARVEST MOON FESTIVAL (11-18-50) Remote from the Chicago Stadium, this is a half-hour broadcast segment of the sixth annual charitable event sponsored by the Chicago Sun-Times. Columnist Iry Kupicient announces that all proceeds from the event go to veterans hospitals. Dave Garroway, George Jessel, Louis Prima, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, and Harvest Moon Festival vocalist winners Shirley Harvey and Kyle Kimborough. Sustaining, WMAQ, Chicago. (15:00; 14:30) WILLSON-NESBITT SHOW (8-18-42) Meredith Willson and his orchestra plus storyteller John Nesbitt in a summer replacement show for Fibber McGee and Molly. Willson presents an America Sings medley while Nesbitt relates the story of the Christ of the Andes. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (10:05; 8:35; 10:00) BOB HOPE SHOW (4-9-46) Broadcasting from the Pasadena Playhouse, it’s Hope with Jerry Colonna, Skinnay Ennis, Francis Langford, and Brenda and Cobina. AFRS rebroadcast. (10:50; 7:30; 9:20) Rebroadcast: 7/15/2020 – 7/21/2020.
July 30, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 921: CHICAGO THEATRE OF THE AIR (11-8-47) Rose Marie by Rudolf Friml and Otto Harbach is presented by Marion Claire with the orchestra under the direction of Henry Weber and Robert Trendier in charge of the chorus. Musical roles are sung by Aniza Kuzak, Morton Bole and George Tozzi. Speaking parts feature Elmira Roessler, Everette Clark, Norman Gottschalk, Maurice Copeland, and Sidney Ellstrom. John Barclay narrates; announcer is Lee Bennett. This was a major Chicago-originated broadcast from studios at WGN. Sustaining, MBS. (31:00; 22:10) MYSTERY HOUSE (1940s) Death in the Saddle is about a cowboy who takes a large bet he can ride a bronco that has brought death to other riders. Syndicated. (12:12; 12:35) ARBOGAST (11-2-51) Bob Arbogast and his sidekick Pete Robinson in a zany, local program from Chicago, a mixture of original comedy and recorded music. Sustaining, WMAQ. (9:40; 11:40; 9:10) SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (12-30-49) One Way Journey starring William Powell, Peggy Dow, Steven Dunn, and John Dehner. A touching story of a couple in love; one has a terminal illness, the other awaits execution. Sustaining, NBC. (15:50; 14:30) FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-26-47) Comedian Jack Haley joins Fred, Portland Hoffa, Minerva Pious, Kenny Delmar, Al Goodman and the orchestra. The Allen’s Alley question: Do you prefer sweet or swing music? Allen and Haley want their life stories made into a movie. Tenderleaf Tea, Blue Bonnet Margarine, NBC. (14:38; 15:05) Rebroadcast: 7/22/2020 – 7/28/2020.
August 6, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 922: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (12-16-48) Al Jolson stars with guest Dinah Shore, plus Oscar Levant, Lou Bring and the orchestra, Ken Carpenter. Kraft Foods, NBC. (9:05; 10:20; 10:20) SUSPENSE (4-24-47) Win, Place and Murder starring Richard Conte as a private detective tracking down the murderer of a bookie. Roma Wines, CBS. (11:20; 16:58) JUDY CANOVA SHOW (12-27-47) Judy and a great cast: Mel Blanc, Joe Kearns, Ruby Dandridge, Gerald Mohr, the Sportsmen, Charles Dant and the orchestra. Judy reminisces about her diary as the year comes to an end. Colgate, Halo, Super Suds, Palmolive, NBC. (10:05; 15:12; 3:25) ELEVENTH HOUR (1950s) Invitation to Death. A doctor whose brother has died calls his closest friends together for cocktails and dinner. The guests get more than they bargained for. AFRS rebroadcast. (11:50; 11:10) FIBBER MCGEE AND THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF RADIO (4-28-74) Jim Jordan stars as Fibber McGee with Chuck Schaden as a fan of old time radio. Chuck visits Fibber in his Wistful Vista home where they tune in to an old superhetrodyne radio with the ability to draw in vintage shows not only from the past but from specific nights from the past. There are seven broadcasts in this series and we begin with the first program: The Sunday Shows: Jack Benny, The Shadow, Mercury Theatre, Charlie McCarthy, Bickersons. Larry Thor announces. Chrysler Airtemp, Syndicated. (18:00; 22:00; 13:45) Rebroadcast: 7/29/2020 – 8/4/2020.
August 13, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 923: X MINUS ONE (3-7-56) A Gun For Dinosaur with Alister Duncan, Wendell Holmes, Donald Bucka. A great white hunter takes a hunting party via a time machine. Sustaining, NBC. (14:01; 13:56) SONGS BY SINATRA (10-24-45) Frank Sinatra welcomes his old boss Tommy Dorsey in this broadcast from New York which also features the Pied Pipers and Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (20:00; 6:17) HAUNTING HOUR (1946) The Sixth Button. A sea captain who has been murdered leaves a strange request in his will. Syndicated. (12:06; 12:44) A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (10-16-48) Dennis Day stars with Bea Benadaret, Barbara Eiler, Frank Nelson, Herb Vigran, Vern Smith. Dennis loses his job, but is promised a commission if he can sell one hundred acres of Texas oil land. Colgate, Palmolive, NBC. (13:36; 15:13) FIBBER MC GEE AND THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF RADIO (5-5-74) Fibber and Chuck tune in to the Monday night shows: Lux Radio Theatre, Blondie, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, Superman, Suspense, Burns and Allen. Chrysler Airtemp, Syndicated. (15:55; 11:55; 18:00; 7:05) Rebroadcast: 8/5/2020 – 8/11/2020.
August 20, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 924: HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (10-4-59) John Dehner stars as Paladin who travels to a fabulous ranch owned by a legendary French countess. Sustaining, CBS. (10:40; 12:00) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (2-7-45) Eddie stars with Harry Von Zell, Bert Gordon, Leonard Seuss, Nora Martin, Billy Gray. Eddie Cantor Von Zell Junior is kidnapped! Sal Hepatica, Trushay, NBC. (9:35; 10:35; 8:10) WEIRD CIRCLE (1940s) Duel Without Honor. Lt. Stamm wants to marry Marianna, but she is in love with another officer in the garrison. Syndicated. (11:50; 12:25) WILLSON-NESBITT SHOW (9-8-42) Meredith Willson and his orchestra plus storyteller John Nesbitt appear in this summer replacement program for Fibber McGee and Molly. Nesbitt tells the story of a golden necklace. Songs by Connie Haines and Bob Carroll. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (8:15; 9:15; 10:35) FIBBER MC GEE AND THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF RADIO (5-12-74) Chuck tries to get Fibber to tune in to a McGee show from a Tuesday night in the past. Also heard are clips from Bob Hope, Ed Wynn, Lum and Abner, Red Skelton, and Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons. Chrysler Airtemp, Syndicated. (11:15; 12:00; 6:50; 22:50) Rebroadcast: 8/12/2020 – 8/18/2020.
August 27, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 925: LET’S PRETEND (1950s) Cinderella is dramatized by the Pretenders as Uncle Ted relates the story of the evil sisters who try to keep Cinderella from going to the ball. Syndicated. (13:33; 11:30) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (2-14-45) Eddie welcomes guest songwriter Hoagy Carmichael. Harry Von Zell, Bert Gordon, Billy Gray, Nora Martin. Sal Hepatica, Trushay, NBC. (10:40; 9:45; 8:25) THIRD MAN (1950) The Double, Double Cross stars Orson Welles as Harry Lime. Zither music by Anton Karas. Syndicated. (11:30; 13:10) SPOTLIGHT REVUE (6-25-48) Spike Jones and his City Slickers star with Dorothy Shay, the Park Avenue Hillbilly. This last show of the season features Doodles Weaver and guest Don Ameche. Broadcast from San Francisco, California. Announcer is Mike Roy. Coca Cola, CBS. (12:10; 17:40) FIBBER MC GEE AND THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF RADIO (5-19-74) Fibber and Chuck listen to the Wednesday shows as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve drops in at 79 Wistful Vista. Hal Peary makes a guest appearance. Clips include Duffy’s Tavern, Gangbusters, Kay Kyser, Mr. District Attorney, Eddie Cantor, and the Great Gildersleeve. Chrysler Airtemp, Rebroadcast: 8/19/2020 – 8/25/2020.
September 3, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 926: GUNSMOKE (12-16-56) William Conrad stars as Matt Dillon, with Parley Baer as Chester, Howard McNear as Doc, Georgia Ellis as Kitty. A firey red-headed woman registers still another complaint with Marshall Dillon. L&M Cigarettes, CBS. (6:50; 6:50; 10:30) QUIET PLEASE (9-6-48) The Third Man’s Story stars Ernest Chappel in a drama by Willis Cooper. A young boy is jealous of his older brother. Sustaining, ABC. (17:40; 6:00) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1-23-49) Ozzie pesters his way into Harriet’s girl party with his card tricks. Ozzie and Harriet Nelson star. International Silver Co., NBC. (15:05; 14:50) MR MOTO (3-26-51) The Force Called X07 with James Munk as Mr. Moto, the world’s greatest international detective-philosopher. Moto is contacted by a physics teacher who is working on a secret atomic weapon. Syndicated. (10:28; 17:25) FIBBER MC GEE AND THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF RADIO (5-26-74) Jim Jordan stars as the Squire of Wistful Vista who welcomes old time radio fan Chuck Schaden. The pair listen to Fibber’s old radio to hear the sounds of radio’s golden age. The Thursday Shows: Abbott and Costello, Baron Munchausen, Kraft Music Hall, Aldrich Family, Rudy Vallee, Green Hornet. Chrysler Airtemp. Syndicated. (13:35; 8:00; 15:45; 15:15) Rebroadcast: 8/26/2020 – 9/1/2020.
September 10, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 927: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (5-5-48) The Schnozz, guest Victor Moore, and regular Peggy Lee go on a tour investigating the nation’s transportation problems! Roy Bargy and the orchestra, the Crew Chiefs, Howard Petrie. Rexall Drugs, NBC. (8:37; 9:10; 10:30) YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (6-13-50) Trans-Pacific Import-Export Company Matter stars Edmund O’Brien as the man with the action-packed expense account. America’s fabulous free-lance insurance investigator investigates a case of arson. Cast includes Hal March and Hy Averback. Sustaining, CBS. (15:00; 10:35) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (10-31-48) Phil gets involved with politics and Remley coaches him on matters of political science. Elliott Lewis co-stars with Walter Tetley, Robert North. Rexall, NBC. (12:05; 9:20; 7:20) PHILCO RADIO TIME (2-2-49) Bing Crosby stars in this broadcast from San Francisco with guests Jimmy Durante and Gertrude Niesen. Ken Carpenter, the Rhythmairs, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Philco, ABC. (7:40; 7:00; 14:15) FIBBER MC GEE AND THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF RADIO (6-2-74) Fibber and Chuck tune in to the Friday shows: Lone Ranger, Can You Top This?, First Nighter, Bill Stern, Challenge of the Yukon, You Bet Your Life. Chrysler Airtemp, Syndicated. (21:50; 9:50; 20:55) Rebroadcast: 9/2/2020 – 9/8/2020.
September 17, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 928: FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-20-40) In a classic broadcast, Fred welcomes Capt. Charles Knight, an eagle expert who brings Mr. Ramshaw, a trained eagle to the program. The eagle gets loose and flies around the studio, above the audience! The Average Man’s Roundtable is the forerunner to Allen’s Alley, and the Mighty Allen Art Players spoof radio give-away shows. Harry Von Zell, Portland Hoffa, Wynn Murray, the Merry Macs, Peter Van Steeden and the orchestra. Ipana, Sal Hepatica, NBC. (15:55; 19:30; 11:05; 13:45) DIARY OF FATE (3-9-48) Trina Crawley Entry. The story of a 23-year old girl who let fate take her to the gas chamber. Syndicated. (14:00; 15:00) SUSPENSE (12-8-49) For Love or Murder starring Mickey Rooney with Lurene Tuttle. A piano player in a nightclub is urged to kill the husband of his lover. Autolite, CBS. (16:20; 12:35) FIBBER MC GEE AND THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF RADIO (6-9-74) In the final program of this seven-show series, Fibber and Chuck tune in to the Saturday Shows: Let’s Pretend, Judy Canova, Grand Central Station, Life of Riley, Truth or Consequences. Gale Gordon makes a guest appearance as Mayor LaTrivia. Chrysler Airtemp, Syndicated. (13:20; 12:45; 23:35) Rebroadcast: 9/9/2020 – 9/15/2020.
September 24, 1988 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 929: BOB HOPE SHOW (1-30-51) Judy Garland is Bob’s guest in this remote broadcast for servicemen at March Field, California. Cast includes Doris Singleton, Jack Kirkwood, Hy Averback, and Les Brown and his band of Renown. AFRS rebroadcast. (14:20; 10:30) CREAKING DOOR (1967) Dangerous Dive. Two explorers decide to retrieve a large amount of gold from a ship that went to the bottom of the sea in 1942. State Express Cigarettes, BBC. (12:38; 12:36) FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-27-40) Fred is still a bit upset over the eagle incident in last week’s program. The Mighty Allen Art Players present Who Killed Mac Borden, a Tin Pan Alley murder case. The Average Man’s Roundtable discusses Leap Year and guest Mr. T. Hee, a director from the Disney studios, talks about the making of the animated feature Pinocchio. Harry Von Zell, Portland Hoffa, John Brown, Wynn Murray, Peter Van Steeden and the orchestra. Ipana, Sal Hepatica, NBC. (14:25; 17:30; 11:35; 14:30) GI JOURNAL #26 (1940s) Kay Kyser, the old professor, is Editor-in-Chief of this edition of the Armed Forces Radio newspaper with Linda Darnell, Jerry Colonna, Ish Kabibble, Georgia Carroll, and Mel Blanc. Entertainment includes a sketch about western shows on radio. AFRS. (9:40; 8:10; 10:30) THE WHISTLER (7-9-45) Highway of Escape is the Whistler’s strange story. A young woman who works at an isolated desert motel kills her stepfather to escape her dreary life. Signal Oil Co., CBS. (7:00; 11:50; 11:48) Rebroadcast: 9/16/2020 – 9/22/2020.
October 1, 1988 – AN AFTERNOON WITH PHIL HARRIS
PROGRAM 930: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-4-36) Phil Harris makes his first appearance on the Benny show in this first broadcast of the 1936-37 season, Jack’s third season on the air for Jell-O. Cast includes Mary Livingston, Kenny Baker and Don Wilson. Jell-O, NBC. (10:12; 7:30; 11:54) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be PHIL HARRIS who reminisces about his show business career in a conversation recorded at his home in Palm Desert, California on June 15, 1988. (26:48) ONE NIGHT STAND #27 (1944) Phil Harris and his orchestra in a remote broadcast from a nightspot in the U.S., probably in Hollywood. Terry Harmon shares vocal honors with Phil, who sings Shoo, Shoo, Baby and G. I. Jive. The band is featured on Night in the Jungle, Always, and Stompin’ at the Savoy. AFRS rebroadcast. (14:00; 16:00) FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-19-46) Guest Phil Harris shows up asking Fred to get him a job on the radio panel show Information Please. The Allen’s Alley question deals with safe driving and later Phil joins Senator Claghorn for a Harris version of Allen’s Alley called Tobacco Road. Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar, Minerva Pious, Alan Reed, Parker Fennelly, DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and the orchestra. AFRS Rebroadcast. (14:27; 14:45) SPECIAL GUEST PHIL HARRIS continues his recollections of his long and successful career. (23: 25) PHIL HARRIS – ALICE FAYE SHOW (10-3-48) First show for their new sponsor, Rexall, finds Phil and Remley with problems. Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Robert North. Rexall, NBC. (12:58; 15:52) Rebroadcast: 9/23/2020 – 9/29/2020.
October 8, 1988 – LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES!
PROGRAM 931: HOLLYWOOD SOUND STAGE (1-31-52) 13 Rue Madelein starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Don DeFore, Henry O’Neill, and Craig Stevens in a radio version of the 1946 film about the United States Office of Strategic Service in World War II Paris. Sustaining, CBS. (14:15; 12:55) SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (4-21-40) Ninotchka starring Rosalind Russell and Spencer Tracy in a radio adaptation of the 1939 screen comedy about a beautiful Russian official who comes to America to assist comrads in the States. Roger Pryor hosts. Gulf Oil Co., CBS. (13:40; 16:40) LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-29-46) Gaslight starring Ingrid Bergman and Charles Boyer recreating their screen roles in this radio version of the 1944 drama. This is a rehearsal recording of the program. Cast includes Gale Gordon in a straight dramatic role as Inspector Cameron of Scotland Yard. Producer is William Keighley. Lux Soap, CBS. (18:50; 17:50; 20:50) ACADEMY AWARD (4-6-46) Kitty Foyle starring Ginger Rogers in her Oscar-winning role as a working-girl trying to get her love life together. House of Squibb, CBS. (15:40; 14:05) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist BOB KOLOSOSKI who will be on hand to talk about the movies represented on today’s program. Rebroadcast: 9/30/2020 – 10/6/2020.
October 15, 1988 – SALUTE TO PAULA WINSLOWE
PROGRAM 932: LIFE OF RILEY (6-7-47) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley with Paula Winslowe as his wife Peg. Flashback episode tells how Riley met Peg and, as a waiter at Camp Killcare, tried to get his first date with her. John Brown, Alan Reed, Tommy Cook. Dreft, NBC. (16:10; 13:13) SUSPENSE (4-13-53) The Great Train Robbery stars Fred MacMurray with Paula Winslowe and Joe Kearns. The story of a man who dreamed he would have all the money he would ever need. Larry Thor, Harlow Wilcox. Auto-Lite, CBS. (14:14; 15:35) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be PAULA WINSLOWE who reminisces about her long career as a radio actress in a conversation recorded in her home in Los Angeles on June 17, 1988. (11:30; 14:28) A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (3-26-47) Dennis stars in his own show with a cast that features Paula Winslowe, Dink Trout, John Brown, Barbara Eiler and Elliott Lewis. Charles Dant and the orchestra. Vern Smith announces. Colgate Dental Creme, NBC. (15:40; 13:24) SUSPENSE (1-24-56) The Cellar Door stars Paula Winslowe and Parley Baer. It’s the story of a mother, a father, a locked door and a baby. Sustaining, CBS. (7:42; 20:49) LIFE OF RILEY (3-4-45) William Bendix and Paula Winslowe as Chester and Peg Riley with John Brown as Digby O’Dell, the friendly undertaker. Peg tells about the time their first child was born and how Riley acted when he first heard the news. American Meat Institute, ABC. (15:16; 15:38). Rebroadcast: 10/7/2020 – 10/13/2020.
October 22, 1988 – REMEMBERING ORSON WELLES
PROGRAM 933: THE THIRD MAN (1950) Harry Lime Joins the Circus starring Orson Welles as the character he created on the screen in the 1950 film. Lime is trying to find a Nazi war criminal and the trail leads him to a circus. Zither music by Anton Karas. Syndicated. (11:35; 13:40) SUSPENSE (9-23-43) The Most Dangerous Game starring Orson Welles and Keenan Wynn. A big game hunter has his eye on a human quarry. Joe Kearns introduces the story as the Man in Black. Sustaining, CBS. (17:30; 12:06) FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-18-42) Excerpt featuring Orson Welles who arrives amidst much fanfare to appear with Fred in a special version of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables. Portland Hoffa, Alan Reed. (18:03) MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR (8-15-38) Abraham Lincoln written, produced and directed by Orson Welles who also stars in the title role. Agnes Moorehead is Mrs. Lincoln, Ray Collins is General Grant, Ed Jerome is General Lee. This is the story of Lincoln in the Presidency. Dan Seymore announces. Sustaining, CBS. (22:20; 14:07; 21:05) MERCURY SUMMER THEATRE (6-21-46) The Hitch-Hiker starring Orson Welles in a classic radio thriller written by Lucille Fletcher. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, CBS. (29:50). Rebroadcast: 10/14/2020 – 10/20/2020.
October 29, 1988 – ANNUAL HALLOWE’EN SHOW
PROGRAM 934: LIGHTS OUT (8-3-43) Murder Castle by Arch Oboler. Women answering job offers enter a mysterious castle and are never seen again. Joe Kearns stars as the prospective employer. Ironized Yeast, CBS. (12:13; 17:04) THE SHADOW (2-8-48) The Thing in the Cage stars Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston, wealthy young man about town, with Grace Matthews as the lovely Margo Lane. A fearsome caged beast kills on command. Andre Baruch. Blue Coal, MBS. (13:35; 14:05) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (10-31-48) On Hallowe’en, David and Ricky insist they saw a ghost in the old McAdams house. Ozzie scoffs and decides to go into the haunted house to disprove their fears. Cast includes John Brown, Janet Waldo, Jack Kirkwood. International Silver Co., NBC. (14:05; 15:55) MYSTERY IS MY HOBBY (1-7-48) Death Loses the Body as Barton Drake pursues the killer of a lovely chorus girl. Syndicated. (12:05; 9:09; 5:05) SUSPENSE (3-10-52) A Watery Grave starring Joseph Cotten in the story of a man who craves power, position and money. Cast features Joe Kearns and Mary Jane Croft. Larry Thor, Harlow Wilcox. Auto-Lite, CBS. (15:12; 13:21) MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (1946) The Creeper, a classic story of murder and suspense. A madman creeps around, murdering women in their apartments, and scrawls notes on the walls asking For Heaven’s sake, catch me before I kill again. Ann Shephard stars. Syndicated. (12:05; 13:00). Rebroadcast: 10/21/2020 – 10/27/2020.
November 5, 1988 – HAPPY 65TH ANNIVERSARY, WBBM
PROGRAM 935: DOUBLEMINT CAROUSEL (1960s) Host Mal Bellairs presents a program of live music from Chicago with the Boyd Sisters (they were the Doublemint Twins), Bill Lawrence, the King’s Jesters, Hal Kartun and Sid Nierman at the double pianos, and Hal Kartun’s orchestra. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (17:16) GOLD COAST SHOW (2-1-61) 011ie Reymand, the King’s Jesters and lots of commercials. This zany outing spoofs Iry Kupcinet’s free-form late-night television show. The Gold Coast version is called On and On and features Iry Lipcinet with Gaga Lamour, Orson Swells, and Professor Eisenspiel. Participating sponsors, WBBM. (14:00) MUSIC ˜TIL DAWN (1965) Excerpt featuring host Jay Andres setting the scene for an autumn night in Chicago. American Airlines, WBBM (7:30) MUSIC ˜TIL DAWN (9-14-68) Excerpt from Jay Andres’ final broadcast as host of the long-running all-night show on WBBM. A surprise opening has been prepared by members of the engineering staff. American Airlines, WBBM. (13:40) JUST ENTERTAINMENT (1956) Burgess Meredith hosts a musical revue from Chicago as a temporary replacement for the Gene Autry Show. Guests include Dagmar (from TV’s Broadway Open House), singer Andy Williams, Gypsy Fiddler Frank York, and Connie Mitchell. Caesar Petrillo and the WBBM/CBS orchestra. Chicago radio personality Howard Miller, who produced the show, appears briefly in a comedy sketch. Announcer is Joe Foss. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (12:06; 11:55) PAUL GIBSON (1-24-66) Chicago radio’s most controversial talker on WBBM’s Talk of Chicago airs his views on women and cats in this complete program which features a number of calls from listeners, dubbed The Ladies and the Tiger. Tom Clark announces, Lee Armentrout produces. Participating sponsors, WBBM, Chicago (14:25; 15:45; 18:20) TOP TUNE TIME (1950) A live quarter-hour of musical variety starring Buddy Moreno with Sandy Sanders, Len Cleary and his musical group and announcer Bob Grant. Sustaining, WBBM, Chicago. (13:30) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be JAY ANDRES, former host of WBBM’s all-night Music ˜Til Dawn program and present host of WNIB’s Morning Song. Rebroadcast: 10/28/2020 – 11/3/2020.
November 12, 1988 – THE CINNAMON BEAR AND OTHER GOODIES FOR KIDS
PROGRAM 936: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 1. Judy and Jimmy Barton discover that the silver star for the top of their Christmas tree is missing. Searching for the star in their attic, they meet Paddy O’Cinnamon, the Cinnamon Bear. Syndicated. (13:00) LET’S PRETEND (6-21-47) Bluebeard as presented by the Pretenders, including Gwen Davies, Jack Grimes, Bob Reddick, Ann Marie Dyer and Arthur Anderson. Uncle Bill Adams is host. Cream of Wheat, CBS. (12:35; 11:40) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 2. Judy and Jimmy de-grow and take a glass airplane to Maybe Land in search of the star. (13:00) ADVENTURES OF FRANK MERRIWELL (10-5-46) The Riddle of the Wrong Answer or Gambling is the Devil’s Pastime. A gambler’s plot to keep Frank from playing football results in failing grades on Merriwell’s history exam. Lawson Zerbe is Frank, Hal Studer is Bart Hodge, Elaine Rost is Inez. Sustaining, NBC. (16:25; 14:45) LAND OF THE LOST (1947) The adventures of Isabel Manning Hewson (who wrote these stories) and her brother Billy in that wonderful kingdom at the bottom of the sea, where all things lost find their way, and where the world is bathed in a shimmering green light. Red Lantern, the talking fish who glows under water, takes our adventurers to Lead Pencil-vania. Art Carney is Red Lantern. Bosco Chocolate-flavored Syrup, ABC. (14:12; 10:42) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 3. Weary Willie and the Looking Glass Valley. (13:00) BUSTER BROWN GANG (12-13-47) Smilin’ Ed McConnell and all the gang: Froggie the Gremlin, Squeaky the Mouse, Midnight the Cat, Mr. Jim Nasium, plus the story of Ted and Tad, flying adventurers, who take their twin engine plane Yankee Doodle to a gold mine deep into the Brazilian jungle. Buster Brown Shoes, NBC. (16:05; 12:35) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 4. The Inkaboos! (13:00). Rebroadcast: 11/4/2020 – 11/10/2020.
November 19, 1988 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 937: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (11-25-48) The Free Land starring Martha Scott. A pioneer couple wed on Thanksgiving Day, then journey by train and sleigh to homestead in the Dakotas where they face the hardships of the Prairies. James Hilton hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (16:30; 12:20) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 5. The Crazy Quilt Dragon is rescued. (13:00) ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (11-28-47) On Thanksgiving Day Bud and Lou present a seasonal playlet: arriving from England in 1620 are John Alden Costello and Miles Standish Abbott. Sustaining, ABC. (9:40; 6:40; 12:42) MARK TRAIL (11-22-50) A radio version of the comic strip, featuring thrilling adventure in the great outdoors. Just before Thanksgiving, turkey ranch owner Jim Pilgrim discovers that his flock has been poisoned. Jackson Beck announces. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, MBS. (7:00; 14:50; 7:20) MILTON BERLE SHOW (11-25-47) Uncle Milty presents a Salute to Thanksgiving and recalls the time he and his wife got a live turkey for the holiday. Phillip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (9:35; 9:25; 7:50) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 6. Wesley the Wailing Whale, Samuel the Seal. (13:00) CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (11-24-47) Us Pilgrims starring George Tobias with Mercedes McCambridge and Ralph Bell. A lighthearted story telling how the first pilgrims came to America. DuPont Co., NBC. (14:15; 13:25). Rebroadcast: 11/11/2020 – 11/17/2020.
November 26, 1988 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 938: ARCHIE ANDREWS (12-17-49) Archie, his parents, Jughead, Betty and Veronica converge on Stacy’s Department Store to do some Christmas shopping. Bob Hastings is Archie, Harlan Stone is Jughead. Sustaining, NBC. (15:30; 14:30) STARS OVER HOLLYWOOD (12-12-53) Time For Christmas starring Anita Louise. A young girl tries desperately to get her mother a cuckoo clock for Christmas. Carnation Evaporated Milk, CBS. (15:08; 13:35) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 7 and 8. Mr. Presto, the Magician; the Candy pirates. (13:00, 13:00) THE SHADOW (12-24-39) The Stockings Were Hung features Bill Johnstone as Lamont Cranston with Marjorie Anderson as the lovely Margo Lane. The Shadow helps a newsboy’s family have a Merry Christmas when he confronts a Scrooge-like businessman. Sustaining, MBS. (14:30; 9:10) BOB HOPE SHOW (1950s) From the Long Beach, California Veterans’ Hospital, it’s Bob and guest Bing Crosby for some holiday cut-ups. With Jack Kirkwood as a department store Santa, Bing and Bob vie to buy the other better presents. AFRS Rebroadcast. (11:30; 11:55) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 9 and 10. The Roly-Poly Policeman; Professor Whiz, the Educated Owl, and Fraidy Cat. (13:00; 13:00) THE WHISTLER (12-24-50) Three Wise Guys. A Damon Runyon story about three people who try to recover some hidden loot from a factory payroll job. The story is set at Christmas in the town of Bethlehem. Cast features John Brown, Marvin Miller, Bill Fohrman. Signal Oil Co., CBS. (11:23; 8:11; 8:14) (FIRST 5 MINUTES OF THE PROGRAM IS MISSING). Rebroadcast: 11/18/2020 – 11/24/2020.
December 3, 1988 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 939: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 11. Fee Foo the Friendly Giant. Syndicated. (12:00) FRED WARING SHOW (12-22-48) Fred and the Pennsylvanians present a program for Christmas featuring three English carols, a lengthy treatment of Jingle Bells, an Uncle Lumpy story, and the Song of Christmas Eve. Bill Bivans announces. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (9:00; 14:05; 5:30) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 12. The Rhyming Rabbit and the Bumble Bee. (12:00) CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (12-25-44) America For Christmas starring Walter Huston in a wartime patriotic show for the holiday. A group of U.S. Servicemen celebrates Christmas on a small island in the Pacific as a USO troup entertains. Special songs by Woody Guthrie, arranged by Earl Robinson, sung by the King’s Men. Dupont, NBC. (15:00; 13:50) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 13. Through the picture frame to see the Wintergreen Witch. (12:00) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-19-48) The Nelsons decide to be sensible this year and not buy extravagant gifts for each other. International Silver Co., NBC. (12:50; 16:40) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 14. Queen Melissa of Maybe Land offers help. (12:00) SUSPENSE (12-21-58) Out For Christmas starring Raymond Burr as an ex-convict, out of prison in time for Christmas, who sets out to kill the cop who sent him up. Participating sponsors, CBS. (6:25; 6:20; 11:30). Rebroadcast: 11/25/2020 – 12/1/2020.
December 10, 1988 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 940: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 11. Fee Foo the Friendly Giant. Syndicated. (12:00) FRED WARING SHOW (12-22-48) Fred and the Pennsylvanians present a program for Christmas featuring three English carols, a lengthy treatment of Jingle Bells, an Uncle Lumpy story, and the Song of Christmas Eve. Bill Bivans announces. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (9:00; 14:05; 5:30) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 12. The Rhyming Rabbit and the Bumble Bee. (12:00) CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (12-25-44) America For Christmas starring Walter Huston in a wartime patriotic show for the holiday. A group of U.S. Servicemen celebrates Christmas on a small island in the Pacific as a USO troup entertains. Special songs by Woody Guthrie, arranged by Earl Robinson, sung by the King’s Men. Dupont, NBC. (15:00; 13:50) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 13. Through the picture frame to see the Wintergreen Witch. (12:00) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-19-48) The Nelsons decide to be sensible this year and not buy extravagant gifts for each other. International Silver Co., NBC. (12:50; 16:40) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 14. Queen Melissa of Maybe Land offers help. (12:00) SUSPENSE (12-21-58) Out For Christmas starring Raymond Burr as an ex-convict, out of prison in time for Christmas, who sets out to kill the cop who sent him up. Participating sponsors, CBS. (6:25; 6:20; 11:30). Rebroadcast: 12/2/2020 – 12/8/2020.
December 17, 1988 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 941: RED SKELTON SHOW (12-19-51) The Little Christmas Tree is the seasonal offering from the Skelton Scrapbook of Satire. Featured are Junior, the Mean Little Kid, Deadeye, and Clem Kadiddlehopper. Cast includes Lurene Tuttle, Pat McGeehan, Rod O’Connor, David Rose and the orchestra. Norge Appliances, CBS. (8:20, 11:00; 10:30) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 19. To the Golden Grove. (12:00) OUR MISS BROOKS (12-25-49) Eve Arden stars as schoolteacher Connie Brooks who can’t spend Christmas with her relatives and just wants to spend a quiet evening at home. Gale Gordon is Mr. Conklin, Dick Crenna is Walter Denton, Jeff Chandler is Mr. Boynton, Jane Morgan is Mrs. Davis. Colgate, CBS. (15:45; 12:30) TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (12-20-47) Ralph Edwards hosts the zany audience participation show with a holiday consequence for a contestant. The show visits a hospitalized, disabled World War II veteran for a warm-hearted, sentimental This Is Your Life ” type segment. A touching, moving program for the Christmas season. Harlow Wilcox announces. Duz, Drene, NBC. (7:02; 22:23) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 20 and 21. The Grand Wunky takes the Wintergreen Witch to exile in Looking Glass Valley; the Land of Ice and Snow. (12:00; 12:00) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-21-41) Jack is planning a Christmas party for the gang. Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson, Elliott Lewis, and Dennis Day who sings a medley of Christmas carols. Jell-O, NBC. (10:35; 10:00; 9:40) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 22. Meet Jack Frost. (12:00) Rebroadcast: 12/9/2020 – 12/15/2020.
December 24, 1988 – CHRISTMAS EVE
PROGRAM 942: PHILCO RADIO TIME (12-24-47) Bing Crosby presents his annual Christmas show with John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, the Charioteers, Skitch Henderson, and Ken Carpenter. Bing sings traditional carols for the holiday, White Christmas and tells the classic story The Small One by Charles Tazewell. Philco, ABC. (10:50; 18:35) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 23. Paddy O’Cinnamon gets stuck in a pile of Christmas stickers. (12:00) FIRST NIGHTER (12-22-45) Little Town of Bethlehem starring Barbara Luddy as Mary and Olan Soule as Joseph in the ninth annual presentation of the story of the Nativity. Cast includes Sidney Ellstrom, Hugh Studebaker, Herb Butterfield, Willard Waterman, Phillip Lord. Announcer is Rye Billsbury. Campana Products, CBS. (4:50; 24:40) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 24. Judy, Jimmy and Paddy O’Cinnamon attend the Christmas Tree Parade. (12:00) JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (12-24-47) Guest Margaret O’Brien visits Jimmy and the gang: Peggy Lee, Candy Candido, Arthur Treacher, Howard Petrie, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Margaret and Jimmy take a ride to the North Pole. Rexall, NBC. (8:20; 11:58; 9:27) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 25. Captain Tin Top returns the star, but the Crazy Quilt Dragon steals it! (12:00) A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1940s) Ronald Colman stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge in this version of the classic story by Charles Dickens. Cast includes Eric Snowden, Barbara Jean Wong, Lou Merrill, Hans Conried, Cy Kendall, and Gale Gordon. Commercial recording. (23:00) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 26. The final episode in our adventure. Do our heroes find the star for their Christmas tree? (12:00) Rebroadcast: 12/16/2020 – 12/22/2020.
December 31, 1988 – NEW YEARS EVE
PROGRAM 943: GLENN MILLER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-31-38) Remote broadcast from New York’s Paradise restaurant, part of NBC’s New Year’s Dance Parade. Vocals by Marion Hutton and Ray Eberle. Music includes King Porter Stomp, FDR Jones and One O’Clock Jump. Nelson Case announces. Sustaining, NBC. (13:40) RALPH MARTERIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1-1-58) Remote broadcast from the Melody Mill Ballroom, North Riverside, Illinois, part of CBS’ New Year’s Eve Dancing Party. Selections include Perdido, Hesitation Hop and What’s New. Sustaining, CBS. (14:15) LES ELGART AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-31-64/ 1-1-65) Remote broadcast from the Sherman House in Chicago from 11:55 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The program begins minutes before midnight as the band plays Why Don’t You Do Right and You Made Me Love You. At the stroke of midnight, it’s Auld Lang Syne followed by It’s D’lovely, Cherokee, Skyliner, Blues in the Night, Makin’ Whoopee and others. George Stone announces. Sustaining, NBC. (14:00; 17:05) CHUCK FOSTER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1-1-60) It’s Music in the Foster Fashion from the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago during the first hour of the new year. Featured are Mack the Knife, and Broken-Hearted Melody. Sustaining, CBS. (14:00) SWING AROUND THE CLOCK (12-31-44) Don Wilson is master of ceremonies for an all-star Armed Forces Radio swing around the country to hear the big bands and the big singers from various military installations. Featured are Jimmy Dorsey, Ella Mae Morse, Louis Jordan Timpani Five, Harry James, Kay Kyser, Lena Home, Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby, Ginny Simms, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, Johnny Mercer and the Pied Pipers, Vaughn Monroe, GI Jill with Major Meredith Willson and the AFRS Orchestra, Spike Jones, and Count Basie. AFRS. (14:00; 15:00; 14:55; 15:00) OUR SPECIAL GUEST and co-host for this New Year’s Eve afternoon of revelry will be big band buff KARL PEARSON who will be on hand to talk about the music and the musicians featured on the program. Listeners are invited to tune in with party hats, noisemakers and suitable refreshments! Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 12/23/2020 – 12/29/2020.
January 7, 1989 – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
PROGRAM 945: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1-1-52) As the McGees go visiting on New Year’s Day, they learn their friends’ resolutions. Jim and Marion Jordan star as the leading citizens of Wistful Vista. Cast includes Bill Thompson, Gale Gordon, Arthur Q. Brian, Dick LeGrand, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Pet Milk, NBC. (8:30, 11:50; 7:30) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-3-45) After a show at the Hollywood Canteen, the gang is invited to Eddie’s house for a New Year’s party. Eddie Rochester Anderson joins Cantor and the regulars: Leonard Seuss, Nora Martin, Bert Gordon and Harry Von Zell. Sal Hepatica, 1pana, NBC. (9:10; 9:10; 11:30) SUSPENSE (12-28-58) The 32nd Of December starring Frank Lovejoy as a man who is compelled to buy an unusual antique clock. Cast includes Joan Banks and Barney Phillips. Announcer is Larry Thor. Sustaining, CBS. (10:10; 9:00) MILTON BERLE SHOW (12-30-47) Uncle Milty presents a Salute to New Year’s with regulars Pert Kelton, Jack Albertson, Mary Shipp, Dick Varney, Frank Gallop, Ray Bloch and the orchestra. In a recap of 1947, Milton tells how he got his radio show and later relates the events of last year’s New Year’s Eve. Phillip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (10:10; 7:45; 9:30) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-27-42) In a remote broadcast from the Vanderbilt Theatre in New York, Jack and the gang perform before an audience of servicemen on leave. Guest conductor Benny Goodman joins the regulars: Don Wilson, Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson. Phil Harris is in the service so guest Fred Allen subs for him in Jack’s annual New Year’s Fantasy. Allen is Uncle Sam and Benny is the old year. Grape Nuts, NBC. (8:10; 20:10) AMOS ˜N’ ANDY (12-29-44) Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll star as radio’s all-time favorites. Andy is upset that he has not yet received an invitation to Miss Jackson’s New Year’s party. Rinso, NBC. (9:50; 6:25; 14:35) Rebroadcast: 12/30/2020 – 1/5/2021.
January 14, 1989 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 946: ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Girl on Shipwreck Island, a Carleton E. Morse adventure starring David Ellis as Captain Friday. First episode of a three-chapter story: Flying out of Saigon, Friday’s plane develops engine trouble and is forced to make an emergency landing on an island in the South Pacific. Syndicated. (11:30; 13:10) BABY SNOOKS (1948) Fanny Brice stars as Snooks with Hanley Stafford as Daddy. There’s lots of automobile trouble as Daddy tries to find the used car he sold to a dealer. Cast includes Frank Nelson and Alan Reed. Harlow Wilcox announces. AFRS rebroadcast. (10:00; 15:45) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Girl on Shipwreck Island. Chapter two: The Pirate is a Fighting Man. Syndicated. (12:25; 12:45) HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (10-11-59) John Dehner is featured as Paladin who finds much activity in the town of Tombstone, Arizona where he agrees to be sworn in as Deputy Sheriff of Cochise County. Participating sponsors, CBS. (7:35; 15:25) ROCKY FORTUNE (1953) Frank Sinatra stars as a down on his luck drifter who takes a job as a handyman in an art store. While at lunch, the owner of the store is murdered. Cast includes Jan Miner, Leon Janney, Joseph Julian, Ed Begley, Mandel Kramer. AFRS rebroadcast. (16:30; 7:23) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Girl on Shipwreck Island. Third and final episode: There is More to Gracie Than Meets the Eye. Syndicated. (12:15; 13:05) Rebroadcast: 1/6/2021 – 1/12/2021.
January 21, 1989 – FUN WITH CANDY CANDIDO
PROGRAM 947: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (12-10-47) Guest Boris Karloff joins the Schnozz and all the regulars: Candy I’m Feeling Mighty Low Candido, Peggy Lee, Arthur Treacher, Alan Reed, Howard Petrie, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. In a sketch, Boris plays Happy Sam, the disc jockey. Rexall, NBC. (8:55; 10:25; 9:25) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be comedian CANDY CANDIDO who spent many years as part of the Durante show. He reminisces about his long show business career in a conversation recorded in his home in Burbank, California on June 14, 1988. (25:50; 23:17) JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (2-25-48) Guest Victor Moore discovers Jimmy has a problem with insomnia. Cast features Candy Candido, Peggy Lee, Alan Reed, Howard Petrie, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Rexall, NBC. (8:55; 9:15; 11:05) EXTRA ADDED ATTRACTION: LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-14-44) The Fallen Sparrow starring Robert Young, Maureen O’Hara and Walter Slezak in their original screen roles in this radio version of the 1943 film, a World War II thriller with Young returning from the Spanish Civil War to find American-based Nazis after him for an artifact he is supposed to have. Lux Soap, CBS. (19:45; 17:40; 21:15) Rebroadcast: 1/13/2021 – 1/19/2021.
January 28, 1989 – SPOTLIGHT ON GALE GORDON
PROGRAM 948: OUR MISS BROOKS (2-6-49) Gale Gordon appears as Osgood Conklin in support of Eve Arden who stars as schoolteacher Connie Brooks. Conklin announces a new crackdown plan for Madison High School: more discipline, less horseplay. Cast features Jeff Chandler, Dick Crenna, Arthur Q. Brian, Frank Nelson. Palmolive, CBS. (12:05; 18:09) MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TIME (12-4-47) Gale Gordon appears as Mr. Judson, a wealthy Texan, in support of George Burns and Gracie Allen. George thinks he’s a better singer than Bing Crosby so Gracie tries to get guest Bing to retire. Cast features Hans Conreid, Bill Goodwin, announcer Toby Reed, Meredith Willson and his orchestra. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (11:30; 8:55; 5:55) INTERPLANETARY ADVENTURES OF FLASH GORDON (1935) Gale Gordon stars as the amazing interplanetary adventurer in an isolated episode from the series. Flash and Dale in the Prison City of the Hawkmen. Hearst Comic Weekly, MBS. (15:37) FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (10-18-49) Gale Gordon appears as Mayor LaTrivia in support of Jim and Marion Jordan as Fibber and Molly. Molly wants to sell kisses to raise funds for the Community Chest Drive. Cast includes Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Brian, Bud Stevens, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (9:48; 13:55; 7:00) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (5-15-49) Gale Gordon is featured as the sponsor, Mr. Scott in support of Phil and Alice. Scott throws a party and Frankie Remley (Elliott Lewis) is not invited. Rexall, NBC. (10:25; 6:48; 11:10) INTERPLANETARY ADVENTURES OF FLASH GORDON (1935) Gale Gordon stars as Flash in another isolated episode from the series: Under the Influence of Lithium. Hearst Comic Weekley, MBS. (15:30) MY FAVORITE HUSBAND (1949) Gale Gordon appears as bank president Mr. Atterbury, in support of Richard Denning and Lucille Ball. George tries to get enough courage to ask Atterbury for a raise. Frank Nelson is featured in the cast. AFRS rebroadcast. (12:45; 8:30) Rebroadcast: 1/20/2021 – 2/2/2021.
February 4, 1989 – JACK BENNY MONTH
PROGRAM 949: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-15-36) Jack and the gang ” Mary Livingstone, Kenny Baker, Don Wilson, Phil Harris ” present, for the first time on the show, a western sketch entitled Buck Benny Rides Again. Also, Jack presents Kenny with a gift in honor of Kenny’s first year on the program. Jell-O, NBC. (9:05; 9:55; 9:00) FRONTIER GENTLEMAN (5-4-58) John Dehner stars as J.B. Kendall, a journalist from England writing about the western United States. Kendall befriends Daddy Warbucks, an eccentric old millionaire. Cast includes Parley Baer, Harry Bartell, Virginia Gregg. Sustaining, CBS. (13:06; 10:17) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-27-52) Guest James Stewart joins Jack and the regulars, Mary Livingstone, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, Don Wilson, Mel Blanc, the Sportsmen. The cast presents a Benny version of Stewart’s film, Bend of the River in which Jack appears as Buck Benny! AFRS rebroadcast. (11:10; 13:25) TALES OF THE TEXAS RANGERS (3-9-52) Joel McCrea stars as Ranger Jase Pearson in Dream Farm, an authentic re-enactment of an actual Texas Rangers case history about a double murder. Cast features Barbara Luddy, Tom Tully, Barney Phillips. Sustaining, NBC. (14:25; 15:05) FORT LARAMIE (3-11-56) Raymond Burr stars as Capt. Lee Quince of the United States Cavalry, with Vic Perrin as Sgt. Goerss. Quince and Goerss find themselves at the mercy of a salty old woman, Hattie Pelfrey, who has a strong desire for rings and jewelry. Cast includes Virginia Gregg, John Dehner. Sustaining, CBS. (15:10; 11:40) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-22-36) Jack and the regulars present a second Buck Benny sketch since last week’s skit was interrupted. Jell-0, NBC. (9:35; 10:35; 9:45) Rebroadcast: 2/3/2021 – 2/9/2021.
February 11, 1989 – JACK BENNY MONTH
PROGRAM 950: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-27-36) On this last show of 1936, the cast presents another episode of Buck Benny Rides Again. The scene is New Year’s Eve in Cactus Junction. Andy Devine makes an appearance, along with Mary, Kenny, Don, Phil and the orchestra. Jell-O, NBC. (17:15; 12:45) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-13-44) In Old Oklahoma starring Roy Rogers, Martha Scott and Albert Dekker in a radio version of the 1943 film. Roy takes the role played by John Wayne in the film, while Scott and Dekker repeat their screen characterizations in this oil-drilling yarn. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Lux Soap, CBS. (18:30; 15:15; 24:20) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-27-55) The cast presents a Benny version of The Shooting of Dan McGrew, a tale of the Alaskan Northwest. Featured are Mary, Dennis Day, Rochester, Don, Mel, the Sportsmen, and Bob Crosby. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (10:20; 7:00; 10:00) GENE AUTRY’S MELODY RANCH (1954) The Singing Cowboy offers musical variety and a western drama, the Story of Red Medders. Joining Gene at the Flying A Ranch are Pat Buttram, the Cass County Boys, Alvino Rey and his orchestra. Gene sings Deep In the Heart of Texas. AFRS rebroadcast. (10:12; 14:20; 5:41) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-3-37) It’s Jack’s first show of the New Year 1937 and he continues the Buck Benny Rides Again sketch started last week, searching for the elusive Cactus-Face Elmer. Mary, Phil, Kenny, Don. Jell-O, NBC. (9:35; 9:20; 10:30) Rebroadcast: 2/10/2021 – 2/16/2021.
February 18, 1989 – JACK BENNY MONTH
PROGRAM 951: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-10-37) In this second show of the new year, a listener objects to Jack’s Buck Benny skits, but the gang continues anyway, with Buck and Sheriff Andy Devine still on the trail of Cactus-Face, this time in a ghost town! Jell-O, NBC. (7:20; 7:50; 14:20) CISCO KID (1946) Jack Mather and Mel Blanc appear as Cisco and Pancho who help a rancher save his ranch against a mortgage holder. AFRS rebroadcast. (11:51; 12:21) HOLLYWOOD IS ON THE AIR (1940) Radio preview of the 1940 film, Buck Benny Rides Again starring Jack Benny with Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Mary Livingstone, Fred Allen, Ellen Drew. This preview, to encourage radio listeners to see the movie, is hosted by Don Wilson. Paramount Pictures, syndicated. (13:35) DEATH VALLEY DAYS (1939) The White Burro is said to bring bad luck and split up partners. The Old Ranger tells the story. Pacific Coast Borax Company, NBC. (16:13; 7:35) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (9-29-52) Jack and the gang presents their version of High Noon, the milestone movie western by Stanley Kramer. This is Benny’s first presentation of the classic sketch. Featured are Mary, Rochester, Dennis, Bob, Don, Sara Berner, Bea Benadaret, the Sportsmen Quartet, and Mel Blanc in an hilarious Si-Sy routine. AFRS rebroadcast. (8:05; 16:00) FRONTIER TOWN (1950s) Western adventure starring Jeff Tex Chandler as Chad Remington, the only lawyer in these parts. Chad straightens out a crooked politician. AFRS rebroadcast. (10:40; 12:20) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-21-37) Jack plans to present an English drama on this program, but the sponsor calls and orders Jack to do a Buck Benny skit, so Buck Benny Rides Again as the search for Cactus-Face continues. Jell-O, NBC. (12:05; 15:15) Rebroadcast: 2/17/2021 – 2/23/2021.
February 25, 1989 – JACK BENNY MONTH
PROGRAM 952: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-11-37) Guests George Burns and Gracie Allen drop in to plug their new program for Grape Nuts. The cast presents another episode in the continuing saga, Buck Benny Rides Again. Jell-O, NBC. (11:45; 8:30; 10:00) GUNSMOKE (10-3-53) A couple of gamblers approach Marshall Matt Dillon with an offer to let him share in their winnings. William Conrad is Matt, Parley Baer is deputy Chester Proudfoot, Georgia Ellis is Miss Kitty, Howard McNear is Doc Adams. Post Toasties, CBS. (12:22; 16:23) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-14-43) In a broadcast before servicemen from Turney General Hospital in Palm Springs for the Air Transport Command, Jack tells the story of The Gold Rush. Featured are Mary Livingstone, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Frank Nelson, Arthur Q. Brian, John Brown. Grape Nuts, NBC. (13:20; 15:15) LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-10-51) Fancy Pants starring Bob Hope and Lucille Ball in a radio version of the 1950 western film comedy. A rich American family hires an English butler who doesn’t fit too well in the wild and woolly west. William Keighley is host. Lux Soap, CBS. (16:50; 19:30; 21:10) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-7-37) The sheriff is up for re-election in yet another Buck Benny Rides Again sketch. Cast includes Mary, Don, Phil, Kenny, Eddie Anderson (in a pre-Rochester bit), Sam Hearn. Jell-O, NBC. (10:15; 19:00) Rebroadcast: 2/24/2021 – 3/2/2021.
March 4, 1989 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 953: I WAS A COMMUNIST FOR THE FBI (1952) Dana Andrews stars as Matt Cvetic, undercover agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Cvetic is enlisted by the Party to lobby for the passage of a bill protecting Communist workers. Truman Bradley announces, Syndicated. (13:15; 12:30) JUDY CANOVA SHOW (2-28-48) Judy decides to change publicity agents. A great radio cast includes Mel Blanc, Joe Kearns, Alan Reed, Ruby Dandridge, Gale Gordon, the Sportsmen, Charles Dant and the orchestra. Howard Petri announces. Colgate Products, Halo Shampoo, Super Suds, NBC. (10:19; 13:24; 4:06) BIG TOWN (1940s) A teen-ager helps Steve Wilson of the Illustrated Press crack a ring of dope pushers selling to school kids. Edward Pauley is Wilson, Fran Carlon is Lorelei Kilbourne. AFRS rebroadcast. (15:05; 10:00) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be singer CARMEL QUINN who reminisces about her long and successful career which began when she became a regular on the Arthur Godfrey Show. Conversation recorded at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, December 10, 1988. ESCAPE (7-18-51) Macao features Michael Ann Barrett, Stacy Harris and Raymond Burr in the story of an evil woman in the Orient who deals in illegal activities leading to an assassination plot and the takeover of a town called Macao. Sustaining, CBS. (14:15; 15:30) FRED ALLEN SHOW (2-6-49) Fred welcomes comedian Bert Lahr who wants to audition for Fred’s TV review. Portland Hoffa and the Allen’s Alley regulars. Ford Motor Company, NBC. (15:05; 13:25) Rebroadcast: 3/3/2021 – 3/9/2021.
March 11, 1989 – AN AFTERNOON WITH BEA WAYNE & ANDRE BARUCH
PROGRAM 954: YOUR HIT PARADE (9-21-46) The top songs of the week as determined by Your Hit Parade survey, which checks the best-sellers in sheet music and phonograph records, the songs most heard on the air and most played in the automatic coin machines . . Andy Russell, Peggy Mann, the Hit Paraders and Mark Warnow and the orchestra provide the nine current hit songs and two Lucky Strike Extras. Andre Baruch announces. AFRS rebroadcast. (9:40; 11:10; 8:45) ALAN YOUNG SHOW (1944) Alan pursues a career as a newspaper reporter. Comedy provided by Kenny Delmar, Ed Begley and Jack Kirkwood. Music by singer Bea Wayne, Peter Van Steeden and the orchestra. Bea sings Music Makes Me, Amour, and Milkman, Keep Those Bottles Quiet! AFRS rebroadcast. (9:55; 10:45; 8:25) THE SHADOW (1-11-48) The Bones of the Dragon starring Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston with Grace Matthews as the lovely Margo Lane. The Shadow thwarts an evil Chinese bone polisher involved in Tong War activities. Announcer is Andre Baruch. Blue Coal, MBS. (13:40; 15:15) BEA WAYNE-ANDRE BARUCH SHOW (5-10-50) Excerpt from their early-morning disc jockey program in New York. Records include an interesting novelty tune by Dennis Day, doing many impressions. Taystee bread, Mennen Hair Oil. (13:20) OUR SPECIAL GUESTS will be BEA WAYNE and ANDRE BARUCH speaking of radio and their careers in a conversation we recorded in their Beverly Hills, California home on June 17, 1988. The interview will be presented throughout our program. (12:50; 13:23; 26:21; 13:17; 12:56) Rebroadcast: 3/10/2021 – 3/16/2021.
March 18, 1989 – A VISIT WITH BOB HASTINGS
PROGRAM 955: ARCHIE ANDREWS (11-20-48) Bob Hastings stars as Archie with Harlan Stone as Jughead, with Rosemary Rice and Yvonne Mann as Betty and Veronica. Unexpected guests are due for dinner at the Andrews’ household. Sustaining, NBC. (13:00; 15:10) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be BOB HASTINGS who recalls his radio and television career in a conversation recorded in Beverly Hills, California on June 20, 1988. (13:00; 14:00; 15:06) X MINUS ONE (12-19-56) The Reluctant Heroes features Mandell Kramer and Bob Hastings in a drama set on the Moon. Cast includes Jim Drummond and Dick Hamilton. Sustaining, NBC. (14:15; 16:21) ARCHIE ANDREWS (3-15-47) Bob Hastings is Archie, Harlan Stone is Jughead and Mr. and Mrs. Andrews are played by Alice Yourman and Arthur Kohl. Announcer is Bob Sherry. Veronica’s mother is giving a benefit party for the Red Cross Fund and both Archie and his father perform. Sustaining, NBC. (16:12; 12:20) X MINUS ONE (3-14-56) Tunnel Under The World features Les Damon and Bob Hastings. Neighbors discover a copper tunnel running under their houses. Sustaining, NBC. (14:15; 14:32) Rebroadcast: 3/17/2021 – 3/23/2021.
March 25, 1989 – EASTER GREETINGS
PROGRAM 956: PHIL HARRIS ” ALICE FAYE SHOW (4-2-50) As Phil tells his daughters the story of the Easter Bunny, the girls think their father really believes, so they hire Mel Blanc to appear as the Easter Bunny. Cast includes Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Robert North, Jeanine Roos, Ann Whitfield, Arthur Q. Brian. Rexall, NBC. (10:25; 6:48; 11:10) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (4-14-49) One Foot In Heaven stars George Brent in the Hartzell Spence story of a Methodist preacher with one foot in Heaven and one foot on God’s green Earth as he sets up a parsonage in a small Iowa town. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (14:30; 14:40) MEL BLANC SHOW (4-8-47) The Chamber of Commerce organizes an Easter Egg hunt with prizes provided by local businessmen. Mel offers a one hundred dollar prize. Cast includes Mary Jane Croft, Hans Conned, Joe Kearns, Alan Reed, Jim Backus, the Sportsmen, Victor Miller and the orchestra. Announcer is Bud Heaston. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (10:10; 13:20) LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-28-51) Showboat starring Katherine Grayson, Howard Keel, Ava Gardner, Marge and Gower Champion, William Warfield, and Jay C. Flippin in the radio version of MGM’s 1951 movie musical about life on the Mississippi in the early 1900s. William Keighley, host. AFRS rebroadcast. (18:50; 17:05; 16:30) LIFE WITH LUIGI (4-8-52) J. Carrol Naish stars as Luigi Basco, the little immigrant with Alan Reed as Pasquale, Hans Conried as Schultz, Jody Gilbert as Rosa, Mary Shipp as Miss Spaulding. In a letter to his Mama, Luigi tells of his plans for Easter. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (12:10; 17:55) Rebroadcast: 3/24/2021 – 3/30/2021.
April 1, 1989 – A SALUTE TO DEL SHARBUTT
PROGRAM 957: MEET CORLISS ARCHER (4-6-47) Janet Waldo stars as Corliss with Sam Edwards as Dexter in this comedy of teen-age trials and tribulations. Corliss wants to enter a department store beauty contest. Announcer is Del Sharbutt. Campbell Soups, CBS. (14:50; 14:20) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be DEL SHARBUTT who speaks about his long career in broadcasting as an announcer. Conversation recorded in his Palm Desert, California home on June 15, 1988. (16:20; 16:11) CLUB FIFTEEN (12-1-49) Dick Haymes, Evelyn Knight, the Modernairs and Jerry Gray and the orchestra present the radio debut of tunes from Walt Disney’s film Cinderella. Announcer is Del Sharbutt. Campbell Soups, CBS. (14:30) JACK CARSON SHOW (2-13-46) Guest Frank Sinatra joins Jack, Arthur Treacher, Dave Willock, Randi Stewart, Norma Jean Nilssen, announcer Del Sharbutt, and Freddy Martin and his Orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (9:25; 19:07) SPECIAL GUEST DEL SHARBUTT continues reminiscing about his radio career. (13:21; 15:45) COMMAND PERFORMANCE #447 (1940s) Del Sharbutt hosts this post-war edition of the series for servicemen and women. Guests include Jo Stafford, Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Red Norvo and his Trio. Hope appears in a western sketch in a dual role as Rattlesnake Hope the bank robber and as Fearless Hope the good guy. AFRS. (13:45; 15:37) Rebroadcast: 3/31/2021 – 4/6/2021.
April 8, 1989 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 958: SUSPENSE (10-30-47) Subway starring June Havoc with Lurene Tuttle. The lights of a subway train on the gleaming rails fascinate and frighten a woman passenger. Roma Wines, CBS. (14:05; 15:57) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-13-49) Al Jolson welcomes guest Groucho Marx, with Oscar Levant, Lou Bring and the orchestra. Groucho tries to sell Jolson mink coats. Kraft Foods, NBC. (10:35; 7:15; 11:20) ESCAPE (2-1-48) The Legend: Vanishing Lady stars Joan Banks, Ben Wright, Antony Ross, John Hoyt. Set in pre-war Paris, this is the story of a young English girl who is the victim of a gigantic conspiracy of silence. Sustaining, CBS. (13:25; 14:50) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (2-21-45) 01² Banjo Eyes welcomes guest Ella Logan who joins regulars Bert Gordon, Billy Gray, Nora Martin. Harry Von Zell announces. Sal Hepatica, Trushay, NBC. (9:45; 11:50; 7:45) INNER SANCTUM (1940s) Ghosts Always Get the Last Laugh. A judge is confronted by the ghost of a man he condemned to death. AFRS rebroadcast. (15:40; 9:03) FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-9-48) Don McNeill of the Breakfast Club joins Fred and the gang. The Allen’s Alley question is Are you satisfied with the Pulitzer Prize awards? Fred tries to get McNeill to give him tickets to the Breakfast Club program, then has an idea for a new quiz show. Ford Motor Co., NBC. (15:53; 13:55) Rebroadcast: 4/7/2021 – 4/13/2021.
April 15, 1989 – REMEMBERING RONALD COLMAN
PROGRAM 959: HALLS OF IVY (1950) Ronald Colman and his wife Benita star as William Todhunter Hall, president of Ivy College and his wife, the former Victoria Cromwell of the English theatre. It’s graduation week at Ivy College and a much-loved professor is about to resign. Cast includes Peter Leeds, Arthur Q. Brian, Sheldon Leonard, Herb Butterfield. Schlitz Beer, NBC. (15:50; 12:57) LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-15-41) Lost Horizon stars Ronald Colman who recreates his screen role in this radio adaptation of the 1937 motion picture directed by Frank Capra: James Hilton’s story of escapism when five people are kidnapped and taken to Shangri-La, a strange Tibetan monastery where all are immortal. Cast includes Donald Crisp, Lynne Carver, Cy Kendall, Dennis Green, Peter Leeds. Melville Ruick announces, Cecil B. DeMille is host-producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (18:54; 20:57; 19:09) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-16-49) Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Colman join Jack and the gang. Colman, fed up with Jack, falls asleep and dreams he’s Benny. Then he dreams that Jack is him! Lucky Strike, CBS. (10:50; 17:50) SUSPENSE (12-7-53) Trent’s Last Case stars Ronald Colman as detective Phillip Trent in a dramatization of E. C. Bentley’s classic novel of deduction. Cast features Joseph Kearns, Alan Morgan, Richard Beals. Harlow Wilcox, Larry Thor announces. Produced by Elliott Lewis. AutoLite, CBS. (16:45; 12:20) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and film buff BOB KOLOSOSKI who will be on hand to talk about the film career of Ronald Colman. Rebroadcast: 4/14/2021 – 4/20/2021.
April 22, 1989 – MARYLEE ROBB AND THE GREAT GILDERSLEEVE
PROGRAM 960: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-3-50) Hal Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve with Marylee Robb as Marjorie, Walter Tetley as LeRoy, Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Richard Crenna as Bronco Thompson. Gildy’s niece Marjorie, who is going to be married to Bronco, gets a case of jealousy-jitters just before the wedding rehearsal. Kraft Foods, NBC. (13:30; 16:14) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be MARYLEE ROBB who recalls her role as Marjorie Forrester on the Gildersleeve program and her other radio experiences in a conversation recorded at her home in Palm Desert, California on June 15, 1988. (12:02; 15:34) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-10-50) It’s Majorie’s wedding day and although Gildy tries to remain calm, things keep going wrong! Hal Peary as Gildy, Marylee Robb as Marjorie. Kraft Foods, NBC. (13:48; 15:52) PENNY SINGLETON SHOW (1950) Penny Singleton stars as a young widow with two children trying to keep house and home together as a real estate salesperson. Cast features Marylee Robb and Shelia James as Penny’s daughters, with Gale Gordon, Jim Backus, Bea Benadaret. Sustaining, NBC. (12:47; 14:00) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-31-51) Willard Waterman stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, with Marylee Robb, Walter Tetley, Cathy Lewis, Lillian Randolph, Earle Ross, Gale Gordon and Barbara Whiting. Marjorie and Bronco are expecting a baby in about three weeks, and Gildy tries to set up a surprise baby shower. Kraft Foods, NBC. (15:10; 14:18) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-11-51) Willard Waterman as Gildy, Marylee Robb as Marjorie, Dick Crenna as Bronco. Gildersleeve thinks Marjorie, Bronco and the twins continue living with him to keep him from becoming lonely. Kraft Foods, NBC. (12:37; 16:47). Rebroadcast: 4/21/2021 – 4/27/2021.
April 29, 1989 – 19th ANNIVERSARY SHOW THANKS FOR LISTENING
PROGRAM 961: As we complete nineteen years of Those Were The Days broadcasts we’ll express our appreciation with a special Open House program of sounds and memories from the glory days of radio. Joining us in person for this anniversary show from the Pierre Andre Memorial Studio in the Museum of Broadcast Communications will be Nostalgia Digest columnists Bob Kolososki, Dan McGuire, and Karl Pearson. They’ll be with us all afternoon and our conversation will cover vintage movies, the big band era, radio, and nostalgic recollections from not-so-longago. We’ll also have a few other visitors and surprises. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 4/28/2021 – 5/4/2021.
May 6th, 1989 – TRIBUTE TO LUCILLE BALL
PROGRAM 962: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (5-12-48) The Schnozzola is on the campaign trail in a broadcast produced and directed by Phil Cohan. Guest is Victor Moore who advises Jimmy that a wife would help in his campaign. Regulars include singer Peggy Lee, the Crew Chiefs, Roy Bargy and the orchestra, announcer Howard Petrie and Florence Halop as Hotbreath Houlihan. Rexall, NBC. (9:30; 9:30; 9:30) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be PHIL COHAN, veteran producer and director who recalls his long radio career in a conversation recorded in his home at Pacific Palisades, California on June 18, 1988. (13:34; 13:14) COMEDY CARAVAN (1940s) Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore team up for the comedy in a broadcast produced and directed by Phil Cohan. Garry’s Cultural Corner reviews Romance in the Good Old Days and the boys present a saga of the circus, Life Under the Big Top. Cast features singer Georgia Gibbs, announcer Howard Petrie, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (10:40; 9:25; 9:15) COMMAND PERFORMANCE #202 (1940s) The Andrews Sisters are hostesses for this show for servicemen which features the Delta Rhythm Boys, Celeste Holm, Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore. Durante and Moore show how they warm up the radio audience before a broadcast of their show (produced and directed by Phil Cohan). AFRS (7:20; 8:45; 13:00) SPECIAL GUEST PHIL COHAN continues reminiscing about his radio career. (14:18; 11:20) JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (5-19-48) Victor Moore turns up again as a guest in this broadcast produced and directed by Phil Cohan. Jimmy and Victor go on a tour to aid small businesses! Peggy Lee, the Crew Chiefs, Roy Bargo and the orchestra. Rexall, NBC. (8:15; 8:27; 11:15). Rebroadcast: 5/5/2021 – 5/11/2021.
May 13th, 1989 – MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL FOR MOTHERS AND OTHERS
PROGRAM 963: LIFE OF RILEY (5-10-47) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley, with Paula Winslowe, Gale Gordon, John Brown. Riley is a member of the Mother’s Day Committee. Dreft, NBC. (13:50; 14:05) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (5-5-49) Mother starring Linda Darnell with Verna Felton. Novelist James Hilton introduces Kathleen Norris’ warm-hearted story for Mother’s Day. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (15:07; 15:00) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (2-27-49) Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, John Brown, Alan Reed, Janet Waldo. Ozzie decides to show Harriet that he can handle the family’s finances better than she can. International Silver Co., NBC. (13:16; 17:08) LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-1-39) Lady For A Day Starring Mae Robeson, Warren William, Jean Parker and Guy Kibbee in a radio version of Frank Capra’s 1933 Columbia motion picture. It’s the Damon Runyon Apple Annie story (later re-made by Capra in 1961 as Pocketful of Miracles). A seedy apple vendor is turned into a beautiful lady to impress the European aristocratic family into which her daughter is about to marry. Leslie Howard subs for Cecil B. DeMille. Lux Soap, CBS. (18:25; 17:10; 23:50) SUSPENSE (1-4-59) Don’t Call Me Mother stars Agnes Moorehead with Cathy Lewis and James McCallion. A young man’s mother is not very pleased when he brings a young lady home for dinner. Multiple sponsors, CBS. (8:44; 19:55). Rebroadcast: 5/12/2021 – 5/18/2021.
May 20th, 1989 – RADIO STARS ON PARADE
PROGRAM 964: NBC PARADE OF STARS (10-14-46) At the beginning of the 1946-47 season, the National Broadcasting Company presents an all-star program spotlighting its major performers and programs. In two and one-half hours, listeners are treated to a special radio event which features:
Part 1: Cities Service Orchestra; Phil Harris and Alice Faye; H.V. Kaltenborn. (13:50)
Part 2: Manhattan Merry-Go-Round; Thomas L. Thomas; Curtain Time; Carmen Cavallero. (13:10) Part 3: People Are Funny; Dennis Day; News from Chicago. (15:50)
Part 4: Mr. District Attorney; American Album of Familiar Music; Bill Stern’s Sports Newsreel; Bob Burns. (17:10)
Part 5: One Man’s Family; Perry Como and Jo Stafford; Can You Top This? (14:00)
Part 6: Roy Rogers and Dale Evans; Pat Buttram; Bob Hope; Truth or Consequences. (19:30)
Part 7: Alan Young. (8:00)
Part 9; Duffy’s Tavern; Grand Ole Opry; Moire Mystery Theatre. (14:25)
Part 10: Rudy Vallee; Judy Canova; NBC Symphony. (15:30)
JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-6-46) Jack and the whole gang in the second program of their 15th year on the air. Jack tries in vain to listen to the world series on the radio. Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris, Don Wilson, The Sportsmen, Verna Felton, Frank Nelson, Sara Berner, Bea Benadaret. Lucky Strike, NBC. (19:07; 8:08). Rebroadcast: 5/19/2021 – 5/25/2021.
May 27th, 1989 – A VISIT WITH ELVIA ALLMAN
PROGRAM 964: BOB HOPE SHOW (4-9-46) In a broadcast from the Pasadena Community Playhouse, it’s Bob with guests Brenda and Cobina, played by Blanche Stewart and Elvia Allman, plus regulars Jerry Colonna, Frances Langford, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra. Brenda and Cobina audition for parts in Hope’s sequel to The Outlaw. AFRS rebroadcast. (8:45; 7:53; 12:45) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be ELVIA ALLMAN, one of radio’s best-recognized comedy character actresses, who recalls her long career on the air. Conversation recorded at her home in Brentwood, California on June 16, 1988. (14:57; 10:40; 7:41) BLONDIE (5-27-45) Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake star as Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead with Elvia Allman as Cora Dithers, Hanley Stafford as J.C. Dithers, and Verna Felton, Tommy Cook, Marlene Aames. Blondie has social aspirations and invites a socialite to tea, but Mrs. Dithers decides to crash the party! AFRS rebroadcast. (15:10; 11:55) ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (2-1-45) Bud and Lou with Elvia Allman, Mel Blanc, Artie Auerbach, Connie Haines, announcer Ken Niles, Freddy Rich and the orchestra. Costello shoots at his next door neighbor, Mrs. Beanbag (played by Elvia Allman). AFRS rebroadcast. (15:42; 12:09) ADVENTURES OF MAISIE (1949) Ann Sothern stars as Maisie Revere who gets involved in some super-salesmanship! Cast features Elvia Allman, Pat McGeehan, Howard McNear, Peter Leeds, Sheldon Leonard, Sidney Miller. John Heaston announces. Syndicated, MBS. (10:45; 15:16) GI JOURNAL #72 (1940s) Jack Haley is Editor-In-Chief for this edition of the Journal which features Arthur Treacher, Ann Rutherford, Elvia Allman, Mel Blanc, Connie Haines, and Ziggy Elman with the orchestra. Jack tries to get a date for Ann’s sister Betty Mae (played by Elvia Allman). AFRS. (6:50; 7:50; 14:20). Rebroadcast: 5/26/2021 – 6/1/2021.
June 3rd, 1989 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 965: SONGS BY SINATRA (4-23-47) Frank Sinatra presents a program celebrating 40 years of Irving Berlin music with guest Irving Berlin plus Jane Powell, the Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (6:45; 14:25; 5:45) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) It’s Dismal to Die by Carlton E. Morse. Chapter One of a three-part adventure starring David Ellis as Captain Friday. If you like high adventure, come with me.. . Friday and his sidekick, Skip Turner go to the aid of a damsel in distress in a swamp in South Carolina. Syndicated. (13:00; 12:45) RED SKELTON SHOW (9-30-47) The popular comedian is joined by announcer Rod O’Connor, Verna Felton, Lurene Tuttle, Pat McGeehan, singer Anita Ellis and Dave Rose and the orchestra. The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire presents Clem Kadiddlehopper in a Fire Prevention sketch and Junior, the Mean Little Kid in a Baby Sitter skit. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (6:25; 9:15; 12:53) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) It’s Dismal to Die, Chapter Two. A young woman and her husband have been kidnapped and are being held captive in the swamp. Syndicated. (12:40; 12:35) PHILCO RADIO TIME (2-4-48) Bing Crosby welcomes guests Jimmy Durante, Dick Haymes and writer-producer Mark Hellinger. Philco Radios, ABC. (9:25; 6:25; 14:40) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) It’s Dismal to Die, Chapter Three. The conclusion of the adventure. Syndicated. (12:10; 13:00). Rebroadcast: 6/2/2021 – 6/8/2021.
June 10th, 1989 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JUDY GARLAND
PROGRAM 966: LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-28-42) A Star is Born starring Judy Garland and Walter Pidgeon in a radio adaptation of the 1937 film which starred Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. Judy’s own movie version of this story wasn’t made until 1954! Cast includes Arthur O. Brian and Verna Felton. Esther Blodgett pursues her dream of being a Hollywood star. And, with the help of actor Norman Maine, she succeeds. Lux Soap, CBS. (17:18; 14:52; 24:42) LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-2-46) Meet Me in St. Louis starring Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Tom Drake, and Gale Gordon in a radio version of the 1944 motion picture. Set in St. Louis at the time of the 1903 World’s Fair, this musical tells the story of a wholesome American family at the turn of the century. Lux Soap, CBS. (17:50; 17:00; 23:25) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and film fan BOB KOLOSOSKI who will be on hand to talk about the career of Judy Garland who was born on June 10, 1922. In addition to the two Lux Radio Theatre broadcasts, we’ll also have some interesting sound clips from other Judy Garland appearances on radio. Rebroadcast: 6/9/2021 – 6/15/2021.
June 17th, 1989 – FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL
PROGRAM 967: LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-28-42) A Star is Born starring Judy Garland and Walter Pidgeon in a radio adaptation of the 1937 film which starred Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. Judy’s own movie version of this story wasn’t made until 1954! Cast includes Arthur O. Brian and Verna Felton. Esther Blodgett pursues her dream of being a Hollywood star. And, with the help of actor Norman Maine, she succeeds. Lux Soap, CBS. (17:18; 14:52; 24:42) LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-2-46) Meet Me in St. Louis starring Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Tom Drake, and Gale Gordon in a radio version of the 1944 motion picture. Set in St. Louis at the time of the 1903 World’s Fair, this musical tells the story of a wholesome American family at the turn of the century. Lux Soap, CBS. (17:50; 17:00; 23:25) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and film fan BOB KOLOSOSKI who will be on hand to talk about the career of Judy Garland who was born on June 10, 1922. In addition to the two Lux Radio Theatre broadcasts, we’ll also have some interesting sound clips from other Judy Garland appearances on radio. Rebroadcast: 6/16/2021 – 6/21/2021.
June 24th, 1989 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 968: THE THIN MAN (7-13-48) The Haunted Hams stars Les Tremayne and Claudia Morgan and Nick and Nora Charles, with Mercedes McCambridge and Parker Fennelley. The Hams are members of a theatrical group. Ed Herlihy announces. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, NBC. (12:50; 15:10) THE FAT MAN (10-3-47) A Window For Murder starring J. Scott Smart as Brad Runyon, Dashiell Hammet’s fascinating character. Cast features Alice Frost and Sara Burton. Pepto Bismal, Unguentine, ABC. (14:35; 14:35) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (11-7-48) Phil, annoyed with Alice’s brother Willie, gets him a job with Rexall as an accountant in Vancouver. Elliott Lewis as Frankie Remley, Robert North as Willie, Walter Tetley as Julius. Rexall, NBC. (12:35; 9:55; 5:05) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be radio writer RAY SINGER who, along with Dick Chevillat, wrote the Phil Harris-Alice Faye radio shows and many other programs in radio’s golden age. Conversation recorded in Beverly Hills, California June 16, 1988. (14:30; 11:15) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (11-14-48) Phil and Frankie try to invent a new drug. Cast features Gale Gordon,Elliott Lewis, Robert North, Walter Tetley. Rexall, NBC. (13:05; 7:45; 8:05) THE THIRD MAN (1950) Orson Welles stars as Harry Lime in Pleasure Before Business. Lime masterminds a jewel robbery in Venice. Zither music provided by Anton Karas. Syndicated. (14:35; 9:40) . Rebroadcast: 6/22/2021 – 6/29/2021.
July 1st, 1989 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 969: KAY KYSER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (2-6-37) Remote broadcast from the world’s most beautiful ballroom, the Trianon Ballroom, 63rd and Cottage Grove in Chicago. Vocals by Sully Mason, Harry Babbitt, Nancy Nelson and Bill Stoker. Tunes include Hey Hey Your Cares Away, I’m Floating on a Bubble, Bugle Call Rag, and Like the Wind, You Are Gone. Sustaining, MBS. (13:45; 14:00) SHOW BIZ ” FROM VAUDE TO VIDEO (1950s) George Jessel narrates a show business documentary based on the book by Able Green and Joe Laurie, Jr. A look at the history of entertainment as seen from the pages of Variety, the show biz publication. Commercial recording. (12:14; 15:54; 15:04; 11:26) COMMAND PERFORMANCE (2-15-45) Dick Tracy in B Flat with an all-star cast featuring Bing Crosby as Tracy; Dinah Shore as Tess Trueheart; Harry Von Zell as Old Judge Hooker; Jerry Colonna as the police chief; Bob Hope as Flattop; Frank Morgan as Vitamin Flintheart; Jimmy Durante as The Mole; Judy Garland as Snowflake; the Andrews Sisters as the Summer Sisters; Frank Sinatra as Shakey; Cass Daley as Gravel Gertie. AFRS. (11:05; 9:10; 7:35; 8:50; 9:50; 8:35) CAMEL CARAVAN (6-27-39) The Dixieland Music Shop featuring Bob Crosby and his orchestra, Johnny Mercer, Kay Starr, the Bob Cats. Crosby and Mercer are proprietors of the music shop, selling popular songs. The band plays South Rampart Street Parade, Sunrise Serenade, and Then I’ll Be Happy. Seventeen-year old Kay Starr sings Memphis Blues and Crosby sings a special version of Big Noise from Winnetka. Camel Cigarettes, CBS. (8:00; 9:10; 9:10). Rebroadcast: 6/30/2021 – 7/6/2021.
July 8th, 1989 – CHRISTMAS IN JULY
PROGRAM 970: SHERLOCK HOLMES (12-21-47) Adventure of the Christmas Bride stars John Stanley as Holmes with Alfred Shirley as Dr. Watson. Announcer is Sy Harris. Clipper Craft Clothes, MBS. (18:05; 12:00) ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (12-20-45) Costello plans a Christmas party. Cast features Ken Niles, Elvia Allman, singer Marilyn Maxwell, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra. Sustaining, NBC. (11:50; 10:45) COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-24-42) Bob Hope heads an all-star program for troops around the world in this first Command Performance Christmas program of World War II. Entertainment by the Andrews Sisters; Red Skelton (as Junior, the Mean Little Kid); Spike Jones and the City Slickers; Ginny Simms; Bing Crosby; Ethel Waters; Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy and Charles Laughton (in a Christmas Eve sketch); Jack Benny and Fred Allen (patching up their seven-year feud). AFRS. (16:20; 15:20; 13:20; 14:49) JUDY CANOVA SHOW (12-21-46) Judy and her Aunt Aggie plan a Christmas party. Cast includes Mel Blanc, Joe Kearns, Ruby Dandridge, the Sportsmen, announcer Verne Smith. Colgate products, NBC. (11:20; 18:55) CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (12-19-46) Staats Cotsworth stars as Casey with John Gibson as Ethelbert. While Christmas shopping in a department store, Casey witnesses a pickpocket in action. Anchor-Hocking Glassware, CBS. (12:10; 17:50). Rebroadcast: 7/7/2021 – 7/13/2021.
July 15th, 1989 – FAMILY REUNION
PROGRAM 971: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (7-4-49) Book 71, Chapter 1: A Reintroduction to the Barbour Family begins a 13-chapter series of programs written and created by Carlton E. Morse. The show has switched from Sunday afternoons to Monday evenings, hence the reintroduction of characters. Sustaining, NBC. (15:00; 15:10) ALDRICH FAMILY (1940s) Ezra Stone stars as Henry with Jackie Kelk as Homer Brown. Homer’s girlfriend Agnes reminds him that it’s the anniversary of their first date. Henry tries to help his friend select a gift. Jell-O, NBC. (17:30; 11:50) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (7-11-49) Book 71, Chapter 2: Two Lost Barbours Begin to Find Happiness. Sustaining, NBC. (15:10; 14:50) MEET THE MEEKS (10-4-47) Mother puts the entire family on a diet. Cast features Fran Allison, Forrest Lewis, Beryl Vaughn, Cliff Soubier. Sustaining, NBC. (15:10; 15:15) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (7-18-49) Book 71, Chapter 3: Roberta Evans Begins to Sense a Rival. Sustaining, NBC. (16:50; 12:10) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1-9-49) Harriet becomes concerned about David and Ricky’s obsession with sports heroes. International Silver Co., NBC. (15:10; 14:54). Rebroadcast: 7/14/2021 – 7/20/2021.
July 22nd, 1989 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 972: MR PRESIDENT (1940s) Edward Arnold stars as the chief executive of the United States of America. The identity of the president in the story is not revealed until the end of the drama. Sustaining, ABC. (12:15; 13:15) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (7-25-49) Book 71, Chapter 4: Definite Progress in Family Relations. Sustaining, NBC. (14:00; 15:30) THAT’S RICH (1953) Stan Freberg stars with Hal March, Richard Beals. Freberg, as Rich, enters a slogan contest for kids and wins! Sustaining, CBS. (14:12; 16:00) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-19-45) Grissly’s Millions starring Pat O’Brien and Lynn Bari in a radio version of the 1944 Republic motion picture, a murder mystery about the death of a wealthy man and the manhunt for his killer. Otto Krueger is guest producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (17:55; 19:20; 20:25) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (8-1-49) Book 71, Chapter 5: Father Barbour’s Aching Bones. Sustaining, NBC. (15:25; 14:15). Rebroadcast: 7/21/2021 – 7/27/2021.
July 29th, 1989 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 973: MR KEEN, TRACER OF LOST PERSONS (5-29-40 and 6-5-40) The Woman Who Wasn’t Needed features Bennett Kilpack as the kindly old investigator with Jim Kelly as Mike Clancy. When a man’s wife disappears, he goes to Mr. Keen for help. Bisodol, Kolynos, NBC. (13:00; 13:00) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (8-15-49) Book 71, Chapter 7: Return of Joan Roberts Lacey. Sustaining, NBC. (16:40; 13:10) SUSPENSE (1-24-48) The Black Angel stars June Havoc with Alan Reed, Lurene Tuttle, Joseph Kearns, Bill Johnstone, Wally Maher. Robert Montgomery hosts the story of a man who faces the death penalty for the murder of a beautiful actress. Sustaining, CBS. (24:20; 12:10; 21:17) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (8-8-49) Book 71, Chapter 6: Father Barbour Predicts the Worst. Sustaining, NBC. (16:50; 10:30) BOB HOPE SHOW (1954) Guest Victor Mature joins Bob, singer Margaret Whiting and Bill Goodwin. Bob, trying to shape up for a role in his new picture, goes to the gym where he meets actor Victor Mature. AFRS rebroadcast. (13:32; 9:28). Rebroadcast: 7/28/2021 – 8/3/2021.
August 5th, 1989 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 974: GANGBUSTERS (1950s) Case of the Brothers in Banditry. Two brothers plan a string of robberies in and around their hometown of New Orleans. Gary Merrill is featured in the cast. Syndicated. (11:20; 13:15). ONE MAN’S FAMILY (8-22-49) Book 71, Chapter 8. A Very, Very Tough Stepfather, Indeed. Sustaining, NBC. (16:20; 13:25) PHILCO RADIO TIME (2-18-48) Bing Crosby stars with guest Robert Taylor, plus Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, the Rhythmaires. Taylor replaces Bob Hope in a Road sketch. Philco Radios, ABC. (8:35; 13:00; 8:00) DIZZY DEAN SHOW (7-3-48) First program in the series features the former baseball player telling a story about Lefty Gomez in 1936. Johnson’s Car Nu, NBC. (14:10) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (8-29-49) Book 71, Chapter 9. Father Barbour’s Rampage and What Came of It. Sustaining, NBC. (14:55; 15:15) THE SHADOW (10-23-38) Gun Island stars Bill Johnstone as Lamont Cranston and Agnes Moorehead as the lovely Margo Lane. Blue Coal, MBS. (13:30; 16:05). Rebroadcast: 8/4/2021 – 8/10/2021.
August 12th, 1989 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 975: PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-12-48) Phil promises to provide a sitter for his sponsor’s baby and Remley is pressed into service. Frankie Remley is played by Elliott Lewis. Mr. Scott, the sponsor, is Gale Gordon. Julius is Walter Teteley. Rexall, NBC. (15:05; 13:20) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (9-5-49) Book 71, Chapter 10. Father Barbour and the Eavesdropping Incident. Sustaining, NBC (14:20; 16:00) DIZZY DEAN SHOW (7-10-48) Second show in the series with Dean telling stories of baseball yesterday and today. Johnson’s Car Nu, NBC. (14:00) CRIME DOCTOR (4-29-45) When a safecracker goes to jail, his partner holds the stolen money. House Jamison stars as Dr. Ordway, the Crime Doctor. Philip Morris Cigarettes, CBS. (10:30; 11:10) THEATRE FIVE (1960s) Big Deal on Sutton East stars Elliott Reid. Syndicated, ABC. (10:46; 9:44) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (9-12-49) Book 71, Chapter 11. A Homemade Bread and Applesauce Peace Offering. Sustaining, NBC. (16:05; 12:55) CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (5-25-52) Edgar Bergen and company welcome the Mills Brothers. Charlie fakes the mumps to avoid a history test at school; Mortimer and Bergen do some mule trading; Charlie tells the wolf’s side of the Little Red Riding Hood story. Coca Cola, CBS. (12:10; 10:48; 5:54). Rebroadcast: 8/11/2021 – 8/17/2021.
August 19th, 1989 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 976: BOB HOPE SHOW (4-19-49) Schnozzola Jimmy Durante is guest as he and Hope compare noses. Featured are Doris Day, Bill Farrell, Irene Ryan, Hy Averback, Les Brown and his orchestra. Swan Soap, NBC. (8:55; 7:45; 11:35) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (9-19-49) Book 71, Chapter 12. The Return of the Second Assistant Cook. Sustaining, NBC. (14:30; 14:05) DIARY OF FATE (3-16-48) Truck driver Joe Mattlock has his life utterly destroyed by a stoplight. Syndicated. (13:00; 16:00) DIZZY DEAN SHOW (7-17-48) Third program in the series. Dizzy talks about the recent All-Star Game and recalls Pepper Martin and the old Gashouse Gang. Johnson’s Car Nu, NBC. (13:50) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (9-26-49) Book 71, Chapter 13. End of a Summer Saga concludes this 13-part series. Sustaining, NBC. (14:40; 15:04) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-20-46) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve who tries to rid Summerfield of a palm reader. Walter Tetley, Lillian Randolph, Shirley Mitchell appear in cast. Kraft Foods, NBC. (14:54; 16:00) Rebroadcast: 8/18/2021 – 8/24/2021.
August 26th, 1989 – WE’RE OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD!
PROGRAM 977: LEO IS ON THE AIR (1939) Radio preview of MGM’s new film, The Wizard Of Oz features members of the screen cast offering a preview of the film’s score. Syndicated. (11:55) GOOD NEWS OF 1939 (6-29-39) Host Robert Young presents the closing program in the series with the entire show devoted to the behind the scenes making of The Wizard of Oz. During this broadcast, with music from the picture being heard on the air for the first time, the stars from the film perform: Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Frank Morgan. Also heard are Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg, plus Fred Stone, the original Strawman. Regulars include Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford as Baby Snooks and Daddy, and Meredith Willson and the orchestra. Supporting cast includes Frank Nelson and Gale Gordon. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (14:10; 10:15; 17:00; 12:40) JACK HALEY recalls working on The Wizard of Oz in an excerpt from a conversation with Chuck Schaden at Haley’s home in Beverly Hills, California on February 20, 1975. (8:25) JUDY GARLAND SHOW (3-1-64) Excerpt from Judy’s TV show with guests Ray Bolger and Jane Powell recalling The Wizard of Oz and performing tunes from the movie. CBS-TV. (8:35) BERT LAHR AND LIZA MINELLI introduce The Wizard of Oz to television audiences on November 3, 1956. (2:00) LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-25-50) The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland in the role she created on the screen in the 1939 MGM musical treasure. Lux Soap, CBS. (21:25; 21:55; 16:30) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Wizard of Oz historian MARK DERENG who will be on hand to help us salute one of the greatest motion pictures of all time. Rebroadcast: 8/25/2021 – 8/31/2021.
September 2, 1989 – A SALUTE TO JOHNNY MERCER
PROGRAM 978: COMMAND PERFORMANCE #152 (1940s) Hostess Irene Dunne presents a tour of Tin Pan Alley to meet some of the popular songwriters of the day. Featured are Johnny Mercer, Jimmy McHugh, Jerome Kern, Johnny Burke and Jimmy Van Heusen, Hoagy Carmichael. Also appearing are the Pied Pipers, Connie Haines, and the Hoosier Hot Shots. AFRS. (8:50; 12:50; 7:10) BENNY GOODMAN MUSIC FESTIVAL (7-8-46) Guest Johnny Mercer visits Benny and the gang. Comedy is provided by Peter Donald and the music features Goodman’s orchestra, Trio, Quartet, and Sextet with Benny and Eve Young on the vocals. Johnny sings My Sugar is So Refined. AFRS rebroadcast. (8:25; 8:15; 12:15) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-4-45) Bing Crosby welcomes guests Johnny Mercer and Eugenie Baird for some fun and music. Kraft Foods, NBC. (10:20; 7:40; 12:20) SONG SHEET (1942) Johnny Mercer helps servicemen learn the words to new songs by dictating lyrics to Pvt. Bugs Bunny, played, of course, by Mel Blanc. Freddy Slack at the piano. AFRS. (14:00) JOHNNY MERCER’S MUSIC SHOP (6-22-44) Proprietor Johnny Mercer welcomes guest Bob Hope who plugs his new book, Have Tux, Will Travel. AFRS rebroadcast. (14:35) MAIL CALL #182 (1940s) Skipper Johnny Mercer introduces Jo Stafford, Mel Torme, Bob Bazooka Burns, Harry Von Zell. Johnny sings Paper Moon and, with Von Zell, imitates Crosby and Hope. AFRS. (10:58; 6:05; 12:15) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be music historian BILL SHELDON who helps us explore the fascinating career of songwriter-entertainer Johnny Mercer. Rebroadcast: 9/1/2021 – 9/7/2021.
September 9, 1989 – PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY PHIL COHAN
PROGRAM 979: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (5-12-48) The Schnozzola is on the campaign trail in a broadcast produced and directed by Phil Cohan. Guest is Victor Moore who advises Jimmy that a wife would help in his campaign. Regulars include singer Peggy Lee, the Crew Chiefs, Roy Bargy and the orchestra, announcer Howard Petrie and Florence Halop as Hotbreath Houlihan. Rexall, NBC. (9:30; 9:30; 9:30) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be PHIL COHAN, veteran producer and director who recalls his long radio career in a conversation recorded in his home at Pacific Palisades, California on June 18, 1988. (13:34; 13:14) COMEDY CARAVAN (1940s) Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore team up for the comedy in a broadcast produced and directed by Phil Cohan. Garry’s Cultural Corner reviews Romance in the Good Old Days and the boys present a saga of the circus, Life Under the Big Top. Cast features singer Georgia Gibbs announcer Howard Petrie, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (10:40; 9:25; 9:15) COMMAND PERFORMANCE #202 (1940s) The Andrews Sisters are hostesses for this show for servicemen which features the Delta Rhythm Boys, Celeste Holm, Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore. Durante and Moore show how they warm up the radio audience before a broadcast of their show (produced and directed by Phil Cohan). AFRS (7:20; 8:45; 13:00) SPECIAL GUEST PHIL COHAN continues reminiscing about his radio career. (14:18; 11:20) JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (5-19-48) Victor Moore turns up again as a guest in this broadcast produced and directed by Phil Cohan. Jimmy and Victor go on a tour to aid small businesses! Peggy Lee, the Crew Chiefs, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Rexall, NBC. (8:15; 8:27; 11:15) (NOTE: This Those Were The Days presentation was rescheduled for today after it was pre-empted on May 6, 1989 for our Tribute to Lucille Ball. Rebroadcast: 9/8/2021 – 9/14/2021.
September 16, 1989 – THE GREAT GLENN MILLER
PROGRAM 980: GLENN MILLER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (6-30-39) Remote broadcast from the Glen Island Casino, New Rochelle, New York. Glenn plays Dipper Mouth Blues, I’m Sorry for Myself, Beer Barrel Polka, and Pagan Love Song. Vocals by Ray Eberle, Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton. Sustaining, NBC. (14:15; 14:35) HESTERFIELD SHOW (1-30-40) Glenn Miller and the Orchestra, America’s number one dance band . . . with Patty Andrews of the Andrews Sisters. Glenn plays Rug Cutter’s Swing and Sweet and Low. Patty sings I Love You Much Too Much. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (14:20) GLENN MILLER’S SUNSET SERENADE (11-22-41) A USO Matinee remote broadcast from the Cafe Rouge of the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York. A capacity crowd enjoys the great Miller music: Tuxedo Junction, Chattanooga Choo Choo, It Happened in Sun Valley, In the Mood and many others. Vocals by Ray Eberle, Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton, the Modernaires. Sustaining, NBC. (10:50; 12:30; 16:25; 13:30) AMERICAN BAND OF THE AEF (8-31-44) Major Glenn Miller and his orchestra present . . your Thursday night thirty minutes with the Moonlight Serenader. Guest is Bing Crosby who does all the vocals in this program broadcast especially for servicemen and heard on the BBC and other European AFRS stations. (9:20; 8:50; 10:00) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and big band authority KARL PEARSON who’ll have with him lots of information about Glenn Miller and the orchestra plus many other sound clips from the Miller years. Rebroadcast: 9/15/2021 – 9/21/2021.
September 23, 1989 – SALUTE TO MIKE WALLACE
PROGRAM 981: CURTAIN TIME (3-6-48) Connecticut Farmer stars Harry Elders and Nanette Sargent as advertising people competing for the same account, Preston Pork Sausages. Announcer is Myron Wallace. Patrick Allen is host; cast includes Maurice Copeland, George Cesar and Viola Berwick, with Bert Farber and the orchestra. Mars, Incorporated, NBC. (8:35; 11:30; 8:45) CRIME FILES OF FLAMOND (5-3-48) Myron Wallace stars as the famous detective in The Case of the Murderous Mail. A postman wants to see Flamond about a woman on his route who disappeared after failing to receive a letter. Pierre Andre announces; Bob Elson speaks for the sponsor, Brach Candy Company. WGN. (15:35; 14:20) THE CHEZ SHOW (8-22-50) Mike Wallace and Buff Cobb, husband-wife team, present a program of late night talk, guests, phone calls and music from the Sapphire Bar of Chicago’s Chez Paree, As Mike and Buff return from a short vacation, they welcome a new sponsor to the program. Fox Head Beer, WMAQ. (18:50; 11:15) SKY KING (7-23-47) an isolated episode in the Case of the Stolen Necklace. Earl Nightengale stars as Sky King. Mike Wallace is announcer-narrator. Sustaining, ABC. (14:15) SKY KING (7-31-47) Another isolated, but related, episode from the Case of the Stolen Necklace. Mike Wallace announces, with Earl Nightengale as Sky King, Cliff Sobier as Jim Bell, and Beryl Vaughn as Penny. Sustaining, ABC. (14:25) CRIME ON THE WATERFRONT (2-24-49) Mike Wallace stars as Detective Lieutenant Lew Cagle of the New York Police Department, investigating a murder on board a ship. Muriel Bremner is featured as reporter June Sherman. This is an audition program for NBC (16:35; 17:00) OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be broadcaster MIKE WALLACE who will be honored this evening by the Museum of Broadcast Communications at a fun raising gala in his behalf. Mr. Wallace is scheduled visit our Those Were The Days program sometime during the broadcast today at our studio in the Museum 800 S. Wells, Chicago. Rebroadcast: 9/22/2021 – 9/28/2021.
September 30, 1989 – REMEMBERING JOHN GARFIELD
PROGRAM 982: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (6-2-47) Saturday Children starring John Garfield, Jane Wyman and Michael Raffetto in a radio version of the 1940 Warn Brothers film. Garfield recreates his screen role in the Depression story about a young inventor who is trick( into marriage by his boss’s daughter. Cast includes Jim Backus. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (13:20; 15:31). ACADEMY AWARD (10-16-46) Blood on the Sun starring John Garfield in the role James Cagney brought to the screen in the 1945 United Artists release The story, set in Japan in the 1930s, predicts trouble in the years ahead. Cast features Howard McNear, Jeff Chandler. House of Squibb, CBS. (14:48; 12:46) LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-31-45) Pride of the Marines starring John Garfield, Eleanor Parker and Dane Clark recreating their original screen roles fro the 1945 Warner Brothers film. This is the story of World War II Marine who was blinded during the battle of Guadalcanal and his return to home. William Keighley is producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (17:40; 20:4 21:40) SUSPENSE (11-4-48) Death Sentence starring John Garfield as a private investigator who nabs a killer and gets a $15,000 reward. Auto Lite, CBS. (8:55; 20:55). OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and film buff BOB KOLOSOSKI who will be on hand to discuss the film career of John Garfield. Rebroadcast: 9/29/2021 – 10/5/2021.
October 7, 1989 – REMEMBERING FRANKLYN MacCORMACK
PROGRAM 983: MEISTER BRAU SHOWCASE (3-19-67) Excerpts from Franklyn MacCormack’s all-night program features music by Wayne King (The Waltz You Saved For Me) and a segment from the Torch Hour. Peter Hand Brewery, WGN. (12:15; 9:30; 8:40) JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY (3-11-41) Isolated episode from the adventure series with announcer Franklyn MacCormack describing a premium for girls, a gardenia bracelet that glows in the dark! Jack and his friends search for Professor Loring. Jack is Charles Flynn; Billy and Betty are John Gannon and Sara Jane Wells; Uncle Jim is Jim Goss. Wheaties, Breakfast of Champions, MBS. (14:40) JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY (3-12-41) Another isolated episode, the next consecutive chapter in the continuing search for Professor Loring. Announcer Franklyn MacCormack urges listeners to send for the luminous gardenia bracelet. Wheaties, MBS. (14.35) MUSIC FROM THE ARAGON (2-8-64) Final broadcast from Chicago’s far-famed Aragon Ballroom, Lawrence and Broadway. Wayne King and his Orchestra, Franklyn MacCormack, and announcer Cliff Mercer present a bittersweet broadcast on the Aragon’s closing weekend. Vocals by Nancy Evans and Jim Hayes. King presents a medley of theme songs of famous bandleaders who played the Aragon over the years, then joins MacCormack for their famous Melody of Love presentation.: Sustaining, WGN. (15:25; 12:50; 12:40; 13:05) MEISTER BRAU SHOWCASE (1960s) Excerpt from the all-night program featuring Franklyn MacCormack narrating Vagabond House one of his most popular and most-requested poetic recitations with music. WGN. (22:30; 20:50). Rebroadcast: 10/6/2021 – 10/12/2021.
October 14, 1989 – DISNEY IN RADIOLAND
PROGRAM 984: ACADEMY AWARD (4-27-46) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for which Walt Disney won a special Academy Award in 1937 is dramatized. Radio adaptation of the film includes many of the songs from the picture. House of Squibb, CBS. (17:32; 11:36), TREASURY STAR PARADE #69 (1943) Walt Disney emcees a musical preview of his animated feature Bambi featuring Jimmy Cash, Sally Miller, David Brookman and the orchestra. U.S. Savings Bonds. (14:45), STORY SHOP (8-23-47) Donald Duck visits storyteller Craig McDonnell to tell the story of Donald Duck’s Vacation Adventures. Clarence Nash provides the voice of the famous Duck. Story features music from the Walt Disney feature, Fun and Fancy Free. Sustaining, NBC. (15:00; 13:45), LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-25-39) Pinocchio is offered as a preview of the Walt Disney film to be released in February, 1940. This radio version closely follows the movie. Cecil B. DeMille is producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (21:00; 23:35; 14:50), CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (9-21-47) Walt Disney and Donald Duck join Edgar Bergen, Mortimer Snerd and the gang for a preview of the live action-animated feature Fun and Fancy Free that is to have its World Premiere on September 27, 1947. Charlie and the cast re-create the Jack and the Beanstalk story from the film. In supporting roles are Pat Patrick, Anita Gordon, Ray Noble, Clarence Nash (as Donald Duck), Ken Carpenter, and Alan Reed (as the Giant). Chase and Sanborn Coffee, Royal Pudding, NBC. (9:10; 12:05; 9:10), Rebroadcast: 10/13/2021 – 10/19/2021.
October 21, 1989 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS (Tribute To Bette Davis)
PROGRAM 985: ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1-9-49) Harriet is concerned about David and Ricky’s obsession with sports heroes. Cast features John Brown, Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair, Janet Waldo. International Silver Company, NBC. (15:10; 14:54) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-19-45) Grissly’s Millions starring Pat O’Brien and Lynn Bari in a radio version of the 1944 Republic motion picture, a murder mystery about the death of a wealthy man and the manhunt for his killer. Otto Krueger is guest producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (17:55; 19:20; 20:25) MEET THE MEEKS (10-4-47) Mother puts the entire family on a diet. Cast features Fran Allison, Forrest Lewis, Beryl Vaughn, Cliff Soubier. Sustaining, NBC. (15:10; 15:15) X MINUS ONE (6-12-56) If You Was A Moklin stars Joseph Julian, Patricia Wheel, Karl Weber. Inhabitants of the planet Moklin begin to penetrate the ranks of Earthlings. Sustaining, NBC. (13:00; 12:10) ALDRICH FAMILY (1940s) Ezra Stone stars as Henry Aldrich with Jackie Kelk as Homer Brown. Homer’s girlfriend Agnes reminds him that it’s the anniversary of their first date. Henry tries to help his friend select a gift. Jell-O, NBC. (17:30; 11:50) Rebroadcast: 10/20/2021 – 10/26/2021.
October 28, 1989 – ANNUAL HALLOWE’EN SHOW
PROGRAM 986: INNER SANCTUM (10-31-49) A Corpse for Hallowe’en stars Larry Haines, Barry Kroeger. A man responsible for the death of his buddies on an expedition is haunted by their ghosts. AFRS rebroadcast. (24:10) FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (10-24-39) The McGees attend a Hallowe’en party at the home of the Gildersleeves. Jim and Marian Jordan star with Hal Peary, Isabel Randolph, Donald Novis, Bill Thompson, Harlow Wilcox, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (8:30; 12:20; 8:25) SUSPENSE (1-4-54) On A Country Road starring Frank Lovejoy with Joe Kearns, Joan Banks and Jeanette Nolan. A couple returning from a picnic run out of gas after hearing about an escaped lunatic armed with a meat cleaver. AutoLite, CBS. (16:15; 13:15) MURDER BY EXPERTS (7-2-49) Two Coffins to Fill starring Karl Weber as a philandering gambler who plots to kill his wife. Sustaining, MBS. (19:15; 10:05) BABY SNOOKS (11-1-46) Fanny Brice stars as Baby Snooks with Hanley Stafford as Daddy. Annoyed with Hallowe’en, Daddy vows to teach Snooks and her friend Phoebe a lesson as they go Trick or Treating. Cast includes Arlene Harris as Mommy, plus Ben Alexander, Frank Nelson, Sara Berner, Carmen Dragon and the orchestra, Harlow Wilcox. Jell-O, CBS. (11:35; 10:45; 8:05) THE SHADOW (10-31-37) The Three Ghosts stars Orson Welles as Lamont Cranston and Agnes Moorehead as the lovely Margo Lane. A newlywed couple take a home in the country in a house inhabited by ghosts. Blue Coal, MBS. (13:29; 15:00) (NOTE ” Today’s program will be carried on a special Ghost-to-Ghost network. Turn out the lights, pull down the shades ¦ and don’t miss it if you can!) Rebroadcast: 10/27/2021 – 11/2/2021.
November 4, 1989 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 987: CHALLENGE OF THE YUKON (12-3-48) Sgt. Preston’s dog Yukon King figures in the plans of a claim jumper after a gold strike is discovered near the town of Dawson. Paul Sutton stars as Sgt. Preston. Quaker Puffed Wheat and Rice, ABC. (12:55; 14:55) RED SKELTON SHOW (10-21-47) Red appears as Clem Kadiddlehopper (a man with a plan); as Deadeye (The Big Card Game); as Junior, the mean little kid (More Child Psychology). Anita Ellis, Verna Felton, Lurene Tuttle, Pat McGeehan, Rod O’Connor, David Rose and the orchestra. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (11:42; 16:36) HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (5-24-59) John Dehner stars as Paladin, with Ben Wright, Joe Kearns, Harry Bartell. An outlaw robs a bank of $50,000. Various sponsors, CBS. (8:15; 7:00; 7:15) MILTON BERLE SHOW (10-14-47) Uncle Milty offers a Salute to Theatre with Jack Albertson, Pert Kelton, Mary Shipp, Al Kelly, Billy Sands, Frank Gallup, Ray Bloch and the orchestra. Philip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (10:50; 8:45; 8:15) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (5-19-49) Enchanted Cottage starring Richard Widmark and Lurene Tuttle with Gerald Mohr. James Hilton hosts the radio dramatization of the love story with the universal theme: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (14:35; 14:10) ESCAPE (7-11-51) The Island featuring Harry Bartell and William Conrad. Escape to the Western Pacific for the story of a man trapped by the terror of another man’s insane dream. Story is set in the month of May, 1945. Sustaining, CBS. (15:25; 12:05) Rebroadcast: 11/3/2021 – 11/9/2021.
November 11, 1989 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 988: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 1. Judy and Jimmy Barton discover that the silver star for the top of their Christmas tree is missing. Searching for the ornament in their attic, they meet Paddy O’Cinnamon, the Cinnamon Bear. First of 26 consecutive episodes. Syndicated. (13:00) CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (1-10-49) Isolated episode starring Ed Prentiss as our flying hero with announcer Pierre Andre describing the amazing Key-O-Matic Code-O-Graph premium, which plays a part in the story. Ovaltine, MBS. (13:02) STRAIGHT ARROW (1-7-50) Howard Culver stars as Steve Adams, a white man raised among the Comanche Indians. Adams becomes Straight Arrow to take up the cause of law and order throughout the West. A pioneer wagon train heading for Oregon is snowbound in the mountains. Nabisco Shredded Wheat, MBS. (8:15; 10:00; 9:25) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 2. Judy and Jimmy de-grow and take a glass airplane to Maybe Land in search of the silver star. (13:00) LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE (1936) Isolated episode with Annie and Mr. and Mrs. Silo upset about Jed’s losing his Showboat. Announcer Pierre Andre describes Name the Airdale contest. Ovaltine, MBS. (14:40) TERRY AND THE PIRATES (2-9-42) Isolated episode finds Terry, Flip and Pat arriving at a hidden hospital in China during the early days of World War II. Listeners invited to be a good luck mascot for a B-25 bomber by buying war stamps. Quaker Puffed Cereals, NBC BLUE. (14:16) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 3. Weary Willie and the Looking Glass Valley. (13:00) HOP HARRIGAN (2-19-42) Isolated episode in the series. Hop Harrigan and mechanic Tank Tinker are held by Japanese soldiers who plan to run a Kamikaze raid using Hop’s plane. Chester Stratton and Kenny Lynch star. Sustaining, NBC BLUE. (14:15) ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (1-2-46) Isolated episode in the super-adventure series starring Bud Collyer as the Man of Steel. The wiley Mr. Jones (the Spider) sets a trap to catch Superman. Special guest appearance by Batman and Robin. Announcer Jackson Beck tells of Pep Pin offer. Kellogg’s Pep, MBC. (13:30) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 4. The Inkaboos! (13:00) Rebroadcast: 11/10/2021 – 11/16/2021.
November 18, 1989 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 989: MELODY RANCH (1-22-52). Gene Autry and the gang presents some tunes. (8:300, 14:40) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 5. Crazy Quilt Dragon is rescued. (13:00) ALDRICH FAMILY (11-25-48) Thanksgiving Dance. (15:30, 12:45) ARMED FORCES RADIO THANKSGIVING SHOW (1944) Lionel Barrymore is host. POINT SUBLIME (11-24-47) Cliff Arquette and Mel Blanc appear. CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 6. Wesley The Wailing Whale. (13:00) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (11-24-49) The Courtship Of Miles Standish. (16:30, 13:10) Rebroadcast: 11/17/2021 – 11/23/2021.
November 25, 1989 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 990: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-19-39) Jim and Marian Jordan star with Hal Peary as Gildersleeve, Isabel Randolph as Mr. Uppington, Bill Thompson as the Old Timer, plus Harlow Wilcox, Billy Mills and the orchestra, singer Jimmy Shields. A week before Christmas, a package arrives from Uncle Sycamore. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (8:20; 12:10; 9:00) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 7 and 8. Mr. Presto, the Magician; the Candy Pirates. (13:00; 13:00) SUSPENSE (12-22-57) Dog Star featuring Evelyn Rudy, Shirley Mitchell, Dick Beale, Shep Menkin, Jack Krushin, Ben Wright. A little girl, hoping to get a dog for Christmas, receives one in an unexpected way when a Russian satellite crashes near her home. AFRS rebroadcast. (12:56; 9:05) SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (12-23-49) Miracle on 34th Street stars Edmund Gwenn in a radio version of the 1947 film. A department store Santa is on trial to prove he’s the real Santa Claus. Sustaining, NBC. (14:50; 15:35) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 9 and 10. The Roly-Poly Policeman; Professor Whiz, the Educated Owl, and Fraidy Cat. (13:00; 13:00) ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE (12-22-50) Case of the Slaughtered Santas stars Sidney Greenstreet as Wolfe with Lawrence Dobkin as Archie. Wolfe investigates the murder of several sidewalk Santas. Sustaining, NBC. (13:35; 13:40) Rebroadcast: 11/24/2021 – 11/30/2021.
December 2, 1989 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 991: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 11 in the continuing adventures of Judy and Jimmy Barton and Paddy O’Cinnamon in the search for the silver star for the top of the Christmas tree. Fee Foo the Friendly Giant. Syndicated. (12:00) TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (12-20-47) Ralph Edwards hosts the audience participation show with a holiday consequence for a contestant. The show also visits a hospitalized, disabled World War II veteran Hubert C. Smith for a warm-hearted, sentimental This Is Your Life-type segment. A touching, moving program for the Christmas season. Duz, Drene, NBC. (7:02; 22:23) INTERVIEW with Hubert C. Smith, the veteran who was the subject of Ralph Edwards’ Truth or Consequences program. Conversation recorded on Dec. 22, 1988. (7:07) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 12. The Rhyming Rabbit and the Bumble Bee. (12:00) CHICAGO THEATRE OF THE AIR (12-24-39) Babes in Toyland is the Christmas Eve offering of this popular program. Marian Claire narrates the childhood operetta by Victor Herbert with a cast that includes Mary Frances Desmond, Jonathon Hole, Norman Gottschalk, Sondra Gair, Elmira Roessler, Everette Clark. The story is preceded by a musical rendition of Twas the Night Before Christmas and a brief message by Col. Robert R. McCormick, publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Sustaining, MBS. (13:08; 14:33; 14:38; 16:53) Rebroadcast: 12/1/2021 – 12/7/2021.
December 9, 1989 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 992: CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (12-25-47) The Santa Claus of Bum’s Boulevard stars Robert Dryden as Casey with Jan Miner as Annie and John Gibson as Ethelbert. A stranger has made an annual event of handing out Christmas money to residents of Skid Row and Casey covers the story in an attempt to discover the unknown benefactor. Tony Marvin announces. Anchor-Hocking Glass Co., CBS. (15:10; 13:45) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 15 and 16. Snapper Snick the Crocodile; Oliver the Ostrich. (12:00; 12:00) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (12-16-48) The Desert Shall Rejoice starring John Hodiak. The miracle of Christmas is relived as a tourist camp Owner gives a room to two travelers. Hallmark Cards, CBS, (16:05; 12:40) THIS IS MY BEST (12-19-44) The Plot to Overthrow Christmas by Norman Corwin. Orson Welles stars as Nero, who proposes jazzing up Christmas carols to do away with goodwill at Christmastime. All the baddies in Hell vote to poison Santa Claus (Ray Collins) and Nero is elected to travel to the North pole to do the deed! John Brown appears as the Devil. Cresta Blanca, CBS. (15:18; 14:59) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 1“7 and 18. The mud-slinging Muddlers; the Cockelburr Cowboys. (12:00; 12:00) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-25-51) Jim and Marian Jordan star with Bill Thompsonž Gale Gordon, Arthur Q. Brian, Dick LeGrand, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. The Spirit of Giving is evident as McGee exchanges gifts with Doc Gamble, the Old Timer, Wallace Wimple, Mayor LaTrivia, and Teeney. The King’s Men sing Christmas in Killarney and Billy Mills plays Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Pet Milk, NBC. (9:05; 9:05; 10:20) Rebroadcast: 12/8/2021 – 12/14/2021.
December 16, 1989 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 993: SIX SHOOTER (1953) James Stewart stars as Britt Ponset, Texas Plainsman, in a retelling of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, set in the West. Sustaining, NBC. (10:50; 16:22) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 19 and 20. To the Golden Grove; the Grand Wunky takes the Wintergreen Witch to exile in Looking Glass Valley. (12:00; 12:00) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (12-24-42) Bing Crosby stars in his seventh Christmas show for Kraft Foods. There’s a wartime flavor throughout this broadcast as Bing is joined by guests Fay Bainter, Jack Carson, Andrew Thomas, Janet Blair, Ken Carpenter, the Music Maids and Hal, the Charioteers, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Fay Bainter reads, Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus. Sketches about Santa at the North Pole and Christmas Morning, 1776. Kraft Foods, NBC. (14:05; 15:50; 12:15; 16:20) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapters 21 and 22. The Land of Ice and Snow; Meeting Jack Frost. (12:00; 12:00) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-20-42) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, Walter Tetley as LeRoy, Shirley Mitchell as Leila Ransom, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker. While Hooker and Gildy vie for Leila’s affections, the family opens their Christmas gifts. Kraft Foods, NBC. (16:14; 13:57) Rebroadcast: 12/15/2021 – 12/21/2021.
December 23, 1989 – RADIO TO TRIM THE TREE BY
PROGRAM 994: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (12-23-48) Silent Night presents the story of the origin of our most played Christmas carol and how it came to be written. James Hilton Hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (16:45; 12:25) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 23. Paddy O’Cinnamon gets stuck in a pile of Christmas stickers. (12:00) GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (12-21-47) No Room at the Inn dramatizes the story of the birth of Christ in a seasonal episode of the series based on the book by Fulton Oursler. Goodyear Tire Co., ABC. (14:11; 15:14) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 24. Judy, Jimmy and Paddy O’Cinnamon attend the Christmas Tree Parade. (12:00) DRAGNET (12-22-53) The classic Dragnet Christmas story. The statue of the infant Jesus is stolen from the Mission Church. Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday, Ben Alexander as Det. Frank Smith. NBC. (12:45; 13:48) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 25. Captain Tin Top returns the star, but the Crazy Quilt Dragon steals it! (12:00) A CHRISTMAS CAROL (12-25-49) Lionel Barrymore stars for the 15th time as Ebeneezer Scrooge in a radio version of the classic Charles Dickens story. Cast includes Bill Johnstone, Shirley Mitchell, Byron Kane, Eric Snowden, Joe Kearns. Announcer is Dick Mack. K-Part Dealers, MBS. (13:45; 15:53) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 26. The final episode in the adventure. Do our heroes find the star for their Christmas tree? (12:00) Rebroadcast: 12/22/2021 – 12/28/2021.
December 30, 1989 – HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GOOD OLD RADIO
PROGRAM 995: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-30-52) Fibber finally wangles an invitation to the New Year’s Eve dance at the Country Club. Jim and Marian Jordan star with Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Brian, Dick LeGrand, Gil Stratton, Jr., Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Reynolds Aluminum, NBC. (10:00; 12:45; 8:25) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-2-46) In a flashback, Eddie tells of his New Year’s Eve party. Leonard Seuss, Bert Gordon, Kenny Delmar, Thelma Carpenter. First peacetime New Year since the end of World War II. Ipana, Trushay, NBC. (7:45; 12:35; 9:30) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-26-48) Ozzie remembers when he and his brother believed their father when dad said it would snow. Cast includes John Brown, Janet Waldo, Joe Kearns, Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair. International Silver Co., NBC. (12:25; 17:20) RED SKELTON SHOW (1-1-46) The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire salutes Bells and Resolutions with Deadeye and Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Rod O’Connor, Anita Ellis, Verna Felton, David Forrester and the orchestra. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (8:20; 7:55; 11:50) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-27-42) Harold Peary stars with Walter Tetley, Verna Felton. LeRoy wants to play with his new chemistry set while Gildy gets a letter from Leila Ransom. Kraft Foods, NBC. (14:41; 15:07) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-28-41) It’s Jack’s traditional New Year’s broadcast, featuring the gang’s annual play, The New Tenant starring Jack as The Old Man, Mary Livingstone as Columbia, Phil Harris as Uncle Sam, Don Wilson as Texas. Interesting and moving early wartime broadcast following Pearl Harbor. Jell-O, NBC. (14:45; 8:40) Rebroadcast: 12/29/2021 – 1/4/2022.
January 6th, 1990 – Program 1000!
PROGRAM 1000: For this special broadcast, we invite you to take a trip through the time tunnel, back to our very first show, May 2, 1970. You’ll hear our original three-hour Those Were The Days program in its entirety, just as it was broadcast on radio station WNMP, Evanston from 1 to 4 p.m. on that cool Saturday in May, almost 20 years ago. That first show contained many clips and bits from a variety of radio shows including Frank Sinatra on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour in 1935; Sam and Henry in 1926; and the National Barn Dance in 1943. Also included in that first TWTD program were a few complete broadcasts from radio’s golden age: The Taystee Breadwinners, Billy Jones and Ernie Hare from 1934; Ma Perkins from the 1940s; The Pepsodent Show with Eddie Cantor, Red Skelton, Fibber McGee and Molly, Amos ˜n’ Andy, and Walter Winchell subbing for Bob Hope in 1947 while Hope wan on his way to England for the wedding of Princosm Elizabeth to Prince Phillip; plus The Thin Man and the Case of the Passionate Palooka from the 1940s. In the beginning on WNMP (which became WLTD in November, 1970) our programs carried several five minute news and sports programs during our three-hour time period and as we replay the first TWTD show, you’ll hear everything as it was then. We hope you’ll tune in and celebrate our 1,000th program with this look back at the roots of Those Wore The Days. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 1/5/2022 – 1/11/2022.
January 13th, 1990 – Program 1001
PROGRAM 1001: THE WHISTLER (5-19-48) Murder On Margin features Willard Waterman and Betty Lou Gerson in story by Frank Lovejoy. A stockbroker plans to leave his wife to marry another woman. Signal Oil Co., CBS. (8:53; 15:40; 4:12) MEL BLANC SHOW (5-13-47) with Mary Jane Croft, Joe Kearns, Hans Conried, Jim Bacus, Victor Miller and the orchestra. Mel wants to marry Betty, but her father has a condition before he gives his permission. Colgalo Tooth Powder, Halo Shampoo, CBS. (10:15; 13:20) CHALLENGE OF THE YUKON (7-26-51) Sergeant Preston investigates a gold robbery. Paul Sutton stars. Quaker Puffed Wheat and Rice, MBS. (18:00; 11:40) SUSPENSE (3-6-48) In A Lonely Place starring Robert Montgomery. A World War II veteran”and strangler”encounters a buddy from his wartime service, now a detective on the Los Angeles Police Department. Sustaining, CBS. (15:18; 14:48; 16:37; 12:54) FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-28-48) Mr. and Mrs. James Mason join Fred as he tries to arrange for their appearance on an English radio program. Ford Dealers, NBC. (15:22; 14:28) (ED. NOTE”This is our 1,001st Those Were The Days program and our 750th broadcast on WNIB, Chicago!) Rebroadcast: 1/12/2022 – 1/18/2022.
January 20th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1002: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (3-5-40) Jim and Marian Jordan star in what is now a milestone program from the long-running series. When Molly goes to the hall closet to get the dictionary, an avalanche of junk hits her. This is the first time the hall closet gag was used on the air. Cast includes Bill Thompson, Hal Peary, Isabel Randolph, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (6:45; 10:40; 9:00) LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-15-52) African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart and Greer Garson in a radio adaptation of the 1951 motion picture. Bogey recreates his Academy Award winning role in this story of a souse and spinster traveling up the Congo during the First World War. Irving Cummings is the producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (16:30; 14:45; 21:05) HALLS OF IVY (1950) Ronald and Benita Colman star, as a bruiser of a football player brings a personal problem to Dr. Hall. Cast includes Robert Easton, Alan Reed, Gloria McMillan. Schlitz Beer, NBC. (17:09; 11:38) FRONTIER GENTLEMAN (5-25-58) John Dehner is J.B. Kendall, reporter for the London Times, who helps a cowboy searching for a woman kidnapped by Indians. Cast includes Jack Moyles and Lawrence Dobkin. Sustaining, CBS. (11:20; 11:50) INNER SANCTUM (5-24-45) Musical Score starring Barry Kroeger in a drama about a man who is haunted by a symphony. Lipton Tea and Soup, CBS. (14:45; 14:25) Rebroadcast: 1/19/2022 – 1/25/2022.
January 27th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1003: ROY ROGERS (9-19-48) It’s the King of the Cowboys with Dale Evans, George Gabby Hayes, Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage. Gabby tells a tale of a Ghost Town dweller. Quaker Oats, MBS. (11:10; 8:55; 9:50) LIFE OF RILEY (11-10-50) William Bendix is Chester A. Riley who tries his luck in a Guess the number of beans in the bowl contest. Paula Winslowe is Peg; John Brown is Digby O’Dell, the friendly undertaker; Barbara Eiler and Bobby Ellis are Babs and Junior, the Riley offspring. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, NBC. (12:40; 13:05) SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (1-21-51) Spellbound starring Joseph Cotten and Mercedes McCambridge in a radio version of the 1945 Alfred Hitchcock film. Hitchcock hosts and narrates the story of a psychiatrist who tries to uncover her patient’s hangups. Cast includes Herb Butterfield, Howard McNear and William Tracy. Jimmy Wallington announces. Anacin, RCA Victor, NBC. (12:52; 11:45; 14:15; 14:30) BURNS AND ALLEN (1942) George and Gracie with singer Jimmy Cash, Bill Goodwin and Paul Whiteman and the orchestra. Gracie’s old sweetheart is coming to town and George is jealous. Swan Soap, CBS. (10:05; 12:45; 5:00) LIGHTS OUT (12-15-42) Knock at the Door. Arch Oboler introduces the famous Mother-in-Law Story about a young man who brings his bride home to his mother, with devastating results. Ironized Yeast, CBS. (11:30; 15:05) Rebroadcast: 1/26/2022 – 2/1/2022.
February 3rd, 1990 – JACK BENNY’S RADIO DAY’S PART 1
PROGRAM 1004: 1932 CANADA DRY PROGRAM (5-2-32) Jack Benny’s first appearance on his own program features singer Ethel Shutta, announcer Ed Thorgerson,and George Olsen and his orchestra. There’s no live studio audience for Jack’s show. Canada Dry Ginger Ale, NBC-Blue. (10:00; 11:00; 8:20) 1933 CANADA DRY PROGRAM (1-1-33) Jack Benny, the Canadian Dry Humorist, stars with Ted Weems and his orchestra, Mary Livingstone, singer Andrea March, and announcer Paul Douglas in an excerpt from the first program of the new year. Canada Dry Ginger Ale, CBS. (12:30) 1934 GENERAL TIRE PROGRAM (8-24-34) Jack Benny stars with Mary Livingstone, singer Frank Parker, comic Sam Hearn, announcer Don Wilson, and Don Bestor and the orchestra. The cast presents their version of the 1934 film, The Rise of the House of Rothschild. General Tires, NBC-Red. (12:00; 9:30) 1935 JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-3-35) Singer Kenny Baker makes his debut on this program which also features Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson, Johnny Green and the orchestra. Cast goes to a movie studio to see how films are made: Open Up That Goldwyn Gate! Jell-O, NBC. (8:55; 11:35; 10:00) 1936 JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-22-36) Jack and the gang present an installment of Buck Benny Rides Again with Mary Livingstone, Kenny Baker, Don Wilson, and Phil Harris and the orchestra. Jell-O, NBC-Red. (9:35; 10:40; 8:15) 1937 LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-15-37) Brewster’s Millions starring Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone in a radio version of a story that had been made into a 1921 silent film starring Fatty Arbuckle and a 1935 talkie with Jack Buchanan. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Lux Soap, CBS. (22:55; 17:25; 18:10) Rebroadcast: 2/2/2022 – 2/8/2022.
February 10th, 1990 – JACK BENNY’S RADIO DAY’S PART 2
PROGRAM 1005: 1938 LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-26-38) Sever Keys to Baldpate by George M. Cohar starring Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone with Frani. Nelson, Gale Gordon, Lou Merrill, Joe Kearns. Ceci B. DeMille co-stars with Jack and Mary as all three portray themselves in this comedy-mystery. DeMille casting a picture, tries to avoid Jack who wants a role in the film. Melville Ruick narrates. Lux Soap, CBS. (26:45; 12:35; 21:30) 1939 LUM AND ABNER (3-10-39) Chester Lauck and Norris Goff star as Lum Edwards anc Abner Peabody. Guest Jack Benny comes to Pine Ridge to pick up an honorary degree at the University and visit the Jot-Em-Down Store. Postum, CBS. (12:38;) 1940 MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TIME (11-21. 40) Host Dick Powell introduces guest star Jack Benny plus Mary Martin, Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford as Baby Snooks and Daddy, Meredith Willson and his orchestra, announcer Don Wilson. Variety show with a holiday theme on this Thanksgiving Day. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (18:45; 10:20) 1941 JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-11-41) On the occasion of Jack’s 10th anniversary in radio, NBC presents his life story in music! Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Ken Carpenter. Jell-O, NBC. (12:25; 17:05)1942 IT’S TIME TO SMILE (11-25-42) Eddie Cantor stars with Harry Von Zell, Berl Gordon (the Mad Russian), Dinah Shore, Hattie McDaniel and special guest Jack Benny who tries tc get Cantor involved in a business deal. Ipana, Sal Hepatica, NBC. (19:35; 8:40) Rebroadcast: 2/9/2022 – 2/15/2022.
February 17th, 1990 – JACK BENNY’S RADIO DAY’S PART 3
PROGRAM 1006: 1943 SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (6-14-43) Love Is News starring Jack Benny, Ann Sheridan and James Gleason with Joe Kearns in a romantic comedy about an heiress who locks horns with a reporter. Truman Bradley announces. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (13:40; 15:20) 1944 JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-19-44) Guest Barbara Stanwyck joins regulars Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Butterfly McQueen, Joe Kearns and John Brown. Dennis dreams that he has his own radio show! Grape Nuts, NBC. (16:55; 11:25) 1945 COLGATE SPORTS NEWSREEL (12-28-45) Sportscaster Bill Stern welcomes guest Jack Benny in a year-end program from Hollywood featuring outstanding sports stories of 1945. Colgate Shave Cream, NBC. (14:05) 1946 FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-26-46) Excerpt from a classic Allen program, his last of the season. Fred’s program is interrupted by a studio tour which includes guest Jack Benny who becomes a contestant on Fred’s new give-away show, King For A Day! Cast includes Alan Reed, Kenny Delmar, Parker Fennelly. Tenderleaf Tea, Blue Bonnet Margarine, NBC. (14:35) 1947 PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-26-47) Bing Crosby plays host to guests Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone. Jack wants Bing to join him and Mary in a band act! Featured are Peggy Lee, Skitch Henderson, Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Philco Radios, ABC. (10:50; 18:30) 1948 HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (11-18-48) My Financial Career starring Jack Benny in the famous Stephen Leacock story about a man who is afraid of banks! Cast features Jack Kirkwood, Joe Kearns. Host is James Hilton. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (13:45; 16:15) 1949 JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-15-49) Song-writer Hoagy Carmichael joins regulars Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Mel Blanc, Bea Benadaret, Joe Kearns, Don Wilson. Phil wants to borrow $2,000 from Jack, who goes to the vault to get the money: Hoagy has a new song: Jack gets a violin lesson from Professor LeBlanc. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (11:50; 15:55) Rebroadcast: 2/16/2022 – 2/22/2022.
February 24th, 1990 – JACK BENNY’S RADIO DAY’S PART 4
PROGRAM 1007: 1950 JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-2-50) Al Jolson, the world’s greatest entertainer joins Jack and the gang to complain about Mel Blanc’s Jolson imitation. Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris, Don Wilson, the Sportsmen, Frank Nelson, Mel Blanc. Broadcast from Palm Springs, California. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (13:20; 13:48) 1951 JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-4-51) Guest George Jesse!, who is to be Toastmaster at a Friar’s Club testimonial for Benny, narrates the story of Jack’s life. Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Don Wilson, Bea Benadaret, Frank Nelson, Joe Kearns, Mel Blanc. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (10:00; 17:22) 1952 SUSPENSE (6-2-52) A Good and Faithful Servant starring Jack Benny as a man who worked thirty years to prepare a most unusual retirement plan. Cast features Joe Kearns and Hy Averback. Harlow Wilcox announces. AutoLite, CBS. (16:15; 12:40) 1953 SUSPENSE (2-2-53) Plan X stars Jack Benny as a Martian chosen to deal with an invasion rocket from Earth. Cast features Joe Kearns, William Conrad, Howard McNear, Jack Crushin. Harlow Wilcox announces. AutoLite, CBS. (16:10; 12:55) 1954 JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-25-54) Jack invites the gang over to participate in a seance as one of Dennis’ relatives is contacted. Mary Livingstone, Bob Crosby, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, the Sportsmen, Mel Blanc, Hy Averback. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (9:05; 18:10) 1955 JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-22-55) Everyone gives Jack a hard time on this, his last radio program. Even the sound effects man wants a chance to show off his talents. Mary Livingstone, Bob Crosby, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Artie Auerbach, Sara Berner, Sandra Gould, Mel Blanc, musical conductor Mahlon Merrick. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (11:55; 14:35) Rebroadcast: 2/23/2022 – 3/1/2022.
March 3rd, 1990 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1008: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (6-4-40) Fibber cooks up a spaghetti dinner for the boys. Jim and Marian Jordan star with Bill Thompson, Hal Peary, Isabel! Randolph, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (8:30; 21:05) ADVENTURES BY MORSE, (1944) The Cobra King Strikes Back by Carleton E. Morse. A ten-part adventure by the creator of I Love A Mystery as Captain Bart Friday and his sidekick Skip Turner travel on a steamship from Hawaii to Saigon, by way of Hong Kong and Cambodia. Chapter 1: The Adventure Begins. Syndicated. (11:40; 14:22) A DATE WITH JUDY (3-20-45) When Judy breaks up with Oogie Pringle, Oogie writes a song for Dorothy Lamour to sing at an Army camp show. Louise Erickson is Judy; Richard Crenna is Oogie; John Brown is Mr. Foster; with special guest Dorothy Lamour as herself. NBC. (11:30; 14:50) GANGBUSTERS (1940s) Police investigate after two hitchhikers murder a carpenter. Cast features Mason Adams, Tom Holland and Eileen Palmer. Nevada Sheriff C.W. Young narrates by proxy. Sustaining, CBS. (16:15; 13:50) OUR MISS BROOKS (10-23-49) Eve Arden stars as school teacher Connie Brooks with Gale Gordon as Osgood Conklin, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton, Richard Crenna as Walter Denton. When Mr. Boynton returns from a biology convention, everyone at Madison High gets a gift. Cast includes Frank Nelson and Jane Morgan. Colgate, Lustre Creme, CBS. (12:00; 16:05) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Cobra King Strikes Back Chapter 2: Something About the Hooded Snake. Syndicated. (13:00; 13:00) Rebroadcast: 3/2/2022 – 3/8/2022.
March 10th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1009: LIFE WITH LUIGI (4-15-52) J. Carrol Naish stars as the little immigrant from Italy, with Alan Reed as Pasquale, Hans Conried as Schultz. When Luigi is having trouble sleeping, Pasquale tries to convince him that the cause of his insomnia is his not being married to Rosa. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (14:56; 16:10) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Cobra King Strikes Back. Chapter 3: The Mad King of Ankar. Syndicated. (13:25; 12:50) SUSPENSE (2-28-48) The House By the River starring John McIntyre and Dan O’Herlihy. A successful poet, known as the voice and feeling of England, tries to conceal a murder. Robert Montgomery hosts this hour-long drama. SuStaining, CBS. (14:19; 14:28; 15:40; 13:50) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (11-7-48) Ozzie is convinced that his routine way of living should be changed. Cast features Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, John Brown, Jack Kirkwood, Janet Waldo. International Silver Company, NBC. (13:45; 15:40) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Cobra King Strikes Back. Chapter 4: Temple of Gorillas. Syndicated. (12:15; 12:45) Rebroadcast: 3/9/2022 – 3/15/2022.
March 17th, 1990 – ST. PATRICK’S DAY
PROGRAM 1010: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (10-28-48) O’Halloran’s Luck stars Edmund O’Brien as an Irishman who travels to Boston to marry Kitty Malone, but her parents have other ideas. James Hilton hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (14:05; 14:50) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Cobra King Strikes Back. Chapter 5: The Living Image of Cambodia. Syndicated. (12:30; 13:28) ON STAGE (4-16-53) Casey at the Bat is dramatized in this theatre company headed by Cathy and Elliott Lewis. Hy Averback stars as the Mighty Casey with a cast that includes Howard McNear, Hal March, Peter Leeds, Sidney Miller and Herb Butterfield. Sustaining, CBS. (12:55; 16:35) PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-17-48) Bing Crosby welcomes child actress Margaret O’Brien on this St. Patrick’s Day program. Philco Radios, ABC. (8:35; 12:30; 9:15) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (3-17-49) Our Very Own starring Barry Fitzgerald in a story for St. Patrick’s Day. James Hilton hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (13:04; 15:05) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Cobra King Strikes Back. Chapter 6: Terrors of the Hollow Mountain. Syndicated. (13:35; 12:48) Rebroadcast: 3/16/2022 – 3/22/2022.
March 24th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1011: ARTHUR GODFREY’S TALENTS SCOUTS (4-18-49) Godfrey introduces talent scouts who present their discoveries. Winner appears with Arthur on this weekday morning show. This is a simulcast from radio and TV. One of the discoveries is comic Lenny Bruce. Lipton Tea and Soup, CBS. (14:40; 16:05) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Cobra King Strikes Back. Chapter 7: The Face of a Beast. Syndicated. (13:30; 12:35) THE MAN CALLED X (12-2-50) Herbert Marshall stars as Ken Thurston, the Man Called X, with Leon Belasco as Pagan Zeldschmidt. In Guatamala, Thurston investigates the theft of a dangerous cholera culture. Ford, RCA Victor, Anacin, NBC. (13:00; 16:25) ADVENTURES OF TARZAN (4-18-53) Evidence Destroyed stars Lamont Johnson as a rather articulate Tarzan, the bronzed white son of the jungle, aboard a slave ship. Sustaining, CBS. (9:00; 8:35; 9:15) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (2-28-45) Music and comedy as Eddie gets a position with Army Intelligence. His assignment: Capture Hitler! With Leonard Seuss, Nora Martin, and Bert Gordan, the Russian. Sal Hepatica, Trushay, NBC. (8:50; 12:20; 7:15) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Cobra King Strikes Back. Chapter 8: It Was Not Cannibalism. Syndicated. (14:45; 11:15) Rebroadcast: 3/23/2022 – 3/29/2022.
March 31st, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS (Preempted by A Tribute To Ray Goulding)
PROGRAM 1012: FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-16-47) Guest comedienne Beatrice Lillie joins Fred for a spoof on the hit Broadway show, Oklahoma. The Allen’s Alley topic: Should a housewife receive a weekly paycheck? Cast features Kenny Delmar, Parker Fennelly, Portland Hoffa, Al Goodman and the orchestra, Shefford’s Cheese, Tenderleaf Tea, NBC. (16:20; 13:00) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Cobra King Strikes Back. Chapter 9: The Fangs and Teeth of the Enemy. Syndicated. (14:10; 11:57) YOUR HIT PARADE (4-10-43) Frank Sinatra and Joan Edwards sing the top tunes with Mark Warnow and the orchestra. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (9:08; 15:24; 11:24) BOSTON BLACKIE (1945) Richard Kollmar stars as Blackie, enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who have no friends. Blackie responds when a woman sees a ghost! Lesley Woods as Mary, Blackie’s girl friend. Syndicated. (10:30; 13:50) STARS IN THE AIR (2-7-52) The Yearling starring Gregory Peck and Jean Hagen with Johnny McGovern in a radio version of MGM’s 1946 film treatment of Marjorie Kinnan Rawling’s sensitive story of a young boy attached to a deer. Sustaining, CBS. (14:00; 15:00) ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Cobra King Strikes Back. Final episode in this ten-part story. Chapter 10: The Amazing End of an Expedition. Syndicated. (12:30; 13:15). (14:45; 11:15) Rebroadcast: 3/30/2022 – 4/5/2022.
April 7th, 1990 – RADIO AND THE CIVIL WAR
PROGRAM 1013: MR PRESIDENT (1950) Edward Arnold stars as President Abraham Lincoln who, immediately after his inauguration, must concern himself with a war to prevent secession from the Union by southern states. Sustaining, ABC. (19:20; 9:30) SUSPENSE (12-9-56) An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge stars Victor Jory in a weird and wonderful story of the Civil War. A Confederate spy, about to be hanged by the Union army, contemplates his escape. Cast includes Larry Thor, Jack Krushen, Lou Merrill, Chet Stratton, Roy Glenn. A classic drama from the series. Sustaining, CBS. (14:23; 14:20) LIVING FICTION (5-1-54) Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane is dramatized by Northwestern University students. Famous story of the Civil War. Sustaining, WMAQ, Chicago. (12:35; 16:55) YOU ARE THERE (11-7-48) Lee and Grant at Appomattox. It’s Palm Sunday, April 9, 1865. General Grant’s Union forces have Confederate General Lee’s men outnumbered and surrounded. CBS covers the event with newsmen Don Hollenbeck, Quincy Hall, Ken Roberts, John Daly reporting. Cast includes Bob Reddick, Eric Dressler, Statts Cotsworth, Jackson Beck. Sustaining, CBS. (17:15; 10:45) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is JEFF WEIGEL, a behind-thescenes member of our TWTD staff, who’s a teacher and Civil War historian. He’ll be on hand to help us observe the 125th anniversary of the end of the War Between the States. Rebroadcast: 4/6/2022 – 4/12/2022.
April 21st, 1990 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1015: LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-19-37) Alibi Ike starring Joe E. Brown with William Frawley, Helen Chandler, Roscoe Karnes, Frank Nelson and Cy Kendall in a radio version of the 1935 film. Chicago Cubs’ star pitcher Ike Farrell loses a game because of trouble with his girl, but mobsters trying to fix the game think he’s cooperating with them in this baseball comedy by Ring Lardner. Cecil B. DeMille produces. Lux Soap, CBS. (22:30; 13:50; 21:50) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-19-48) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the Squire of Wistful Vista and his wife go to the repair shop to retrieve their portable radio. Cast features Gale Gordon, Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Brian, Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (11:20; 10:15; 7:10) CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (1952) Edgar Bergen welcomes guest star Marilyn Monroe who is engaged to marry Charlie! Show features Mortimer Snerd, Dave Barry, Jack Kirkwood, Ray Noble and the orchestra, announcer Bill Baldwin. Richard Hudnut Products, CBS. (13:55; 15:05) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (2-24-49) Al Jolson stars with Oscar Levant and guests, the Andrew Sisters. Ken Carpenter announces; Lou Bring and the orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (2-24-49) SPECIAL NOTE: During this program we will have on-air auditions for parts in the Fibber McGee and Molly Show recreation we have planned for our TWTD broadcast of April 28th. Rebroadcast: 4/13/2022 – 4/19/2022.
April 28th, 1990 – 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW – THANKS FOR LISTENING
PROGRAM 1016: NOSTALGIA (1969) Chuck Schaden hosts a program of old time radio clips designed to be an audition tape for a prospective sponsor, Bank of Lincolnwood. (15:30; 13:40) SALUTE TO BING CROSBY (1-9-51) Art Linkletter hosts an all-star tribute to Bing Crosby on the occasion of his 20th anniversary in show business. Stopping by to praise Bing are Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, Louis Armstrong, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, Dorothy Kirsten, Mary Martin, William S. Paley, Jack Teagarden, Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Sustaining, CBS. (10:55; 15:00) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY RECREATION (4-2890) A live broadcast of a newly written script by Ken Alexander, based on the Fibber McGee and Molly radio programs. Our cast will include listeners who have auditioned for the various roles in the sketch: Fibber, Molly, Harlow Wilcox, Wallace Wimpole, Teeney, Gildersleeve, Mayor LaTrivia, Mrs. Uppington, the Old Timer, Horatio K. Boomer, the King’s Men, and the sound effects man! WE TAKE YOU BACK (3-13-58) A special 20th anniversary program commemorating the start of regular CBS news broadcasts in 1938. Dallas Townsend hosts this look at the new form of journalism”radio news reports from around the world. Heard are Edward R. Murrow, Robert Trout, William L. Shirer, H.V. Kaltenborn, John Daly and others. Sustaining, CBS. (16:05; 13:45) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-21-47) Jim and Marian Jordan are joined by regulars Gale Gordon, Arthur Q. Brian, Bill Thompson, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. The McGees must go downtown to the Wistful Vista Finance Company to make a late payment on their car. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (8:45; 11:35; 9:10). NOTE: The first 12 minutes of this TWTD broadcast have been found! Thanks to Jim Haas of Lombard for sending us his over the air copy! Rebroadcast: 4/20/2022 – 4/26/2022.
May 5th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1017: DAVID HARDING, COUNTERSPY (9-8-49) The Case of the Courageous Come-On stars Don McLaughlin as Harding with Mandel Kramer as Peters, investigating a con game promoting Hollywood and Broadway stars. Pepsi Cola, ABC. (14:20; 14:15) MY FRIEND IRMA (2-10-52) Marie Wilson stars as Irma Peterson with Cathy Lewis as her roommate, Jane Stacy. Irma tries to become an assistant to a magician. Cast includes Hans Conried, Alan Reed, John Brown. Ennds Chlorophyll Tablets, CBS. (14:05; 15:12) YOUR HIT PARADE (2-8-47) Andy Russell and guest Dinah Shore sing the top-tunes of the day, plus a few extras. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (9:00; 8:45; 10:55; 9:30) SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (1-21-51) Spellbound starring Joseph Cotten and Mercedes McCambridge in a radio version of the 1945 Alfred Hitchcock film. Hitchcock hosts and narrates the story of a psychiatrist who tries to uncover her patient’s hangups. Cast includes Herb Butterfield, Howard McNear and William Tracy. Jimmy Wallington announces. Anacin, RCA Victor, NBC. (12:52; 11:45; 14:15; 14:30) RED RYDER (9-6-46) America’s Famous Fighting Cowboy in an adventure called The Crooked Gambler. Brooke Tempe stars as Red. Sustaining, NBC Blue. (11:14; 13:38) Rebroadcast: 4/27/2022 – 5/3/2022.
May 12th, 1990 – REMEMBERING MA PERKINS
PROGRAM 1018: MA PERKINS #1622 (1939) Wednesday: Why hasn’t Paul Henderson proposed to Fay? Virginia Payne stars as Ma, Rita Ascot is Fay, Murray Forbes is Willy Fitz, Jonathan Hole is Paul. Announcer is Dick Wells. Oxydol, NBC. (14:15) MA PERKINS #1623 (1939) Thursday: Paul tells Ma what he really feels about Fay. Oxydol, NBC. (13:35) SPEAKING OF RADIO (8-1-70) Rita Ascot Boyd and Alice Carey Ricca talk with Chuck Schaden about their careers in Chicago radio during the golden age. Rita was, among many other things, Fay on Ma Perkins, Alice was a radio casting director. Conversation recorded at Findlay Galleries, Chicago. (22:45) MA PERKINS #1624 (1939) Friday: Paul pops the question! Gilbert Faust appears as John Perkins. Oxydol, NBC. (13:45) MA PERKINS #1625 (1939) Monday: Fay and Paul make plans for their wedding as the family gathers. Charles Egleston as Shuffle Shober, Dora Johnson as Evy, Cecil Roy as Junior, Fred Howard as C. Pemberton Toohey. Oxydol, NBC. (13:35) SPEAKING OF RADIO (8-1-70) The conversation continues with Rita Ascot Boyd and Alice Carey Ricca. (14:10) MA PERKINS #1643 (1939) Thursday, about three and a half weeks later: Fay asks Paul to choose between his career as a congressman and marriage with her. Oxydol, NBC. (13:55) MA PERKINS #1644 (1939) Friday: A dejected and rejected Fay is given comfort by Ma. Oxydol, NBC. (13:45) THOSE WERE THE DAYS (5-29-71) Excerpt featuring a live recreation of an original Ma Perkins script from January 2, 1941, starring Rita Ascot Boyd. Viola Berwick, Johnny Coons, Bob Kennedy and Phil Bowman. The cast is interviewed before and after the fond and loving recreation, which follows the Fay-Paul storyline. WLTD, Evanston. (11:50; 18:15; 7:00) MA PERKINS #2138 (1942) Thursday, about a year and a half later: A sad day for Ma as she and the family travel to Arlington National Cemetery to bury her son-in-law, Fay’s husband Paul Henderson, who died for his country. Oxydol, NBC. (14:30) MA PERKINS #2139 (1942) Friday: Early in the morning, on the day after Paul’s funeral, Ma offers words of comfort to her grieving daughter, Fay. Oxydol, NBC. (13:25) NOTE: This sequence of episodes from the long-running Ma Perkins series will demonstrate beautifully the impact that daytime dramas had on American life during the radio era. Rebroadcast: 5/4/2022 – 5/10/2022.
May 19th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1019: ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1-9-49) Harriet is concerned about David and Ricky’s obsession with sports heroes. Cast features John Brown, Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair, Janet Waldo. International Silver Company, NBC. (15:10; 14:54) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-19-45) Grissly’s Millions starring Pat O’Brien and Lynn Bari in a radio version of the 1944 Republic motion picture, a murder mystery about the death of a wealthy man and the manhunt for his killer. Otto Krueger is guest producer. Lux Soap, CBS. (17:55; 19:20; 20:25) MEET THE MEEKS (10-4-47) Mother puts the entire family on a diet. Cast features Fran Allison, Forrest Lewis, Beryl Vaughn, Cliff Soubier. Sustaining, NBC. (15:10; 15:15) X MINUS ONE (6-12-56) If You Was A Moklin stars Joseph Julian, Patricia Wheel, Karl Weber. Inhabitants of the planet Moklin begin to penetrate the ranks of Earthlings. Sustaining, NBC. (13:00; 12:10) ONE NIGHT STAND (6-7-44) Eddy Howard and his orchestra in a remote broadcast from Frank Dailey’s Terrace Room, Newark, New Jersey. Selections include Of Thee I Sing, I’ll Get By, St. Louis Blues, I Found A New Baby, and Deep Night. AFRS. (8:35; 10:40; 10:10). Rebroadcast: 5/11/2022 – 5/17/2022.
May 26th, 1990 – CHICAGO RADIO IN THE 1960s
PROGRAM 1020: RON RILEY & CLARK WEBER (1968) The two disc jockeys from WLS, Chicago team up for a special oldies broadcast to servicemen in Viet Nam. Music by Leslie Gore, the Beatles, Everly Brothers, Percy Sledge, Dave Clark 5. AFRTS. (11:55; 11:25; 8:20) CHUCK BENSON & KURT RUSSELL (1967) A slice of WIND, Chicago with the two evening disc jockeys on the WIND, introduced by Walt Hamilton. WIND, Chicago. (8:15) FLOYD BROWN (1967) The mid-day host on WMAQ when the station’s format was undergoing some changes. Music by Sandler and Young, Maria Dallas, and Ed Ames. WMAQ, Chicago. (11:00) SUPPER CLUB (3-6-61) Art Hellyer hosts an early-evening program of live music, comedy and chatter with vocalists Carol March and Bob Vegas, guest comedian George Bloom, and Joe Vito and the band. A feature of the Showmanship Station. Participating sponsors, WBBM, Chicago. (17:05; 7:00) WALLY PHILLIPS (12-18-64) The mid-morning host plays records, solves listeners problems and sells products! WGN, Chicago. (13:30) ERNIE SIMON (2-10-62) Big Ern has lots of fun on a Saturday edition of his morning record show, with music by Joey Dee, Lawrence Welk, Sam Cook, the Highwaymen, Connie Francis. WJJD, Chicago. (24:00) BERNIE ALLEN (4-12-67) The mid-day disc jockey offers Music for Young Mods and plays records by Nancy Sinatra and Roger Miller, WLS, Chicago. (15:25) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is RICK GAROFALO, a behind the-scenes member of our TWTD staff, who’s a broadcast technician and collector of recent radio sounds from the 60s and 70s. Rebroadcast: 5/18/2022 – 5/24/2022.
June 2nd, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1021: INNER SANCTUM (8-22-49) Mind Over Murder starring Everett Sloan and Elsbeth Eric in the story of a woman who is the victim of a violent crime and a witness who declines to help. AFRS rebroadcast. (10:40; 13:40) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-17-43) In a rebroadcast from New York, Jack and the gang welcome guest Oscar Levant. Featured are Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Don Wilson, Joe Besser, and guest conductor Abe Lyman and the orchestra. Sketch: Information Please. Grape Nut Flakes, NBC. (11:50; 7:20; 8:20) SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (1-21-51) Spellbound starring Joseph Cotten and Mercedes McCambridge in a radio version of the 1945 Alfred Hitchcock film. Hitchcock hosts and narrates the story of a psychiatrist who tries to uncover her patient’s hangups. Cast includes Herb Butterfield, Howard McNear and William Tracy. Jimmy Wallington announces. Anacin, RCA Victor, NBC. (12:52, 13:30, 14:15, 14:30) YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (3-29-59) The Jimmy Carter Matter stars Bob Bailey as America’s fabulous free-lance insurance investigator, the man with the action-packed expense account. Cast includes Virginia Gregg, Dick Beals, Larry Dobkin, Forrest Lewis, Edgar Barrier, Jack Krushin. Participating sponsors, CBS. (9:17; 6:45; 7:00) SPACE PATROL (1950s) Black Marketing on Titan stars Ed Kemmer as Commander Buzz Corey, with Lyn Osborn as Cadet Happy. Sustaining, ABC. (10:50; 12:25) SUPPER CLUB (10-9-44) Perry Como stars with guest Nat King Cole, the Satisfyers, Martin Block and Lou Schaeffer’s orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (14:30). Rebroadcast: 5/25/2022 – 5/31/2022.
June 9th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1022: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-2-49) Book 71, Chapter 1 Father Barbour and his Three Sons begins a 14-chapter series of programs written and created by Carleton E. Morse. J. Anthony Smythe is Henry Barbour and Minetta Ellen is his wife Fanny. Sustaining, NBC. (17:02; 12:40) DR. SIX GUN (1954) Karl Weber portrays Dr. Ray Matson, a gun-toting frontier doctor ¦ in the old Indian territory. Matson must repair the damage done by Rango Kane, a gunfighter with very unusual dueling equipment. AFRS rebroadcast. (12:30; 16:00) SPEAKING OF RADIO (11-4-70) Bandleader Dick Jurgens talks about his musical career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded at the Willowbrook Ballroom in Western Springs, Illinois. (11:00) ONE NIGHT STAND #1001 (5-15-46) Dick Jurgens and his orchestra in a remote broadcast from the Garden Room of the Hotel Claremont in Berkley, California. Vocals by Jimmy Castle. AFRS. (8:20; 10:00; 11:15) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (3-2-47) Typical complications as neighbor Thornberry leaves his wife’s present with Ozzie and Harriet thinks that it’s for her. AFRS rebroadcast. (11:50; 13:14) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-9-49) Book 71, Chapter 2. Clifford Delves into his Past. Sustaining, NBC. (13:20; 16:15). Rebroadcast: 6/1/2022 – 6/7/2022.
June 16th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1023: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (6-16-48) The Schnozzola and guest Victor Moore plan a trip to Pismo Beach, then tour the 48 states to see how the country feels about men in beauty parlors! Cast features Alan Reed, singer Peggy Lee, the Crew Chiefs, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Rexall, NBC. (8:25; 9:10; 10:50) LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-29-39) Only Angels Have Wings starring Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Thomas Mitchell, Rita Hayworth and Richard Barthelmess, all recreating their roles from the original 1939 film. This is a rehearsal recording of the drama about mail flyers taking risks in South America, providing the background for an interesting love story. Lux Soap, CBS. (25:00; 19:45; 15:35) SUSPENSE (6-5-47) Make Mad The Guilty starring Hume Cronyn as a down and out actor who catches his wife in a tryst with their handsome boarder. Truman Bradley announces. Roma Wines, CBS. (12:10; 16:35) OUR MISS BROOKS (11-14-48) Eve Arden stars as schoolteacher Constance Brooks of Madison High School with Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin, the principal, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton the biology teacher, and Richard Crenna as Walter Denton. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (12:20, 17:15) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-16-49) Book 72, Chapter 3. Father Barbour Gets Left Behind. Sustaining NBC. (13:55; 16:30). Rebroadcast: 6/8/2022 – 6/14/2022.
June 23rd, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1024: JOAN DAVIS SHOW (1940s) The comedienne is looking for a manager for her Tea Room so she can find another career. Guest Danny Thomas portrays a tailor. Karl’s Shoe Stores, CBS. (15:45; 15:20) ACADEMY AWARD (7-31-46) Hold Back the Dawn starring Olivia deHavilland in her original screen role from the 1941 film, with Jean Pierre Aumont taking the Charles Boyer role. A gigolo marries a spinster to get into the U.S.A. House of Squibb, CBS. (15:08; 14:52) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-6-49) Al Jolson, at the peak of his comeback after the success of the film The Jolson Story welcomes the actor who portrayed him on the screen, Larry Parks. Oscar Levant, Ken Carpenter, Lou Bring and the orchestra. Kraft Foods, NBC. (8:45; 10:10; 11:20) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-5-48) Bing Crosby and his son Lindsay visit the Nelsons. International Silver Co., NBC. (15:00; 15:08) ROGER KILGORE, PUBLIC DEFENDER (4-27-48) The Case of George Brown starring Santos Ortega as the public defender who must prove the innocence of a down and out man charged with grand larceny. Sustaining, MBS. (16:10; 12:15) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-23-49) Book 72, Chapter 4. A New Twist to an Old Story. Sustaining. NBC. (14:45; 14:45). Rebroadcast: 6/15/2022 – 6/21/2022.
June 30th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1025: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (2-24-48) Marian and Jim Jordan star. Fibber gets a neighbor to contact Manila on his short wave radio so he can collect a debt from an old friend. Featured in the cast are Bill Thompson, Gale Gordon, Arthur Q. Brian, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (11:00; 11:15; 7:45) RADIO’S BIGGEST SHOW (1946) On the 45th anniversary of the Walgreen Drug Company, Bob Hope hosts an all-star program, set at Hope’s Grand Hotel in the Sierras. Frank Morgan, Ginny Simms, the Andrews Sisters, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Vera Vague, Eddie Duchin, Harry Von Zell, Ray Noble and the orchestra. Walgreen Drug Stores, NBC. (9:50; 14:35; 14:15; 19:40) SPEAKING OF RADIO (5-10-72) Orchestra leader John Scott Trotter reminisces about his broadcasting career in this conversation with Chuck Schaden. (30:30) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-20-44) Bing Crosby stars with John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, Ukie, the Charioteers, Ken Carpenter, and guest Dale Evans. Time Marches Back to 1930. Kraft Foods, NBC. (11:15; 6:30; 12:05) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-30-49) Book 72, Chapter 5. Family Reactions to Rexford Frome. Sustaining, NBC. (14:55; 14:05). Rebroadcast: 6/22/2022 – 6/28/2022.
July 7th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1026: ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (3-6-49) David and Ricky Nelson make their debut as themselves in this episode. (Young radio actors previously played their parts on the series.) The Nelsons go to an auction. Cast also features John Brown, Janet Waldo, Marvin Miller, Joe Kearns. Announcer is Verne Smith. International Silver Co., NBC. (16:28; 14:06) FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-16-47) Beatrice Lillie is guest as Fred has an idea for a British version of the musical hit, “Oklahoma!” The Allen’s Alley question: “Should a housewife receive a weekly paycheck?” Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar, Parker Fennelly. Tenderleaf Tea, Shefford’s Cheese, NBC. (16:20; 13:00) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (3-9-50) “Home to the Hermitage” starring Burgess Meredith in a story of Andrew Jackson and his home in the Tennessee country. Jeanette Nolan co-stars as Rachel Jackson. James Hilton hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (14:10; 15:06) DUFFY’S TAVERN (1940s) Guests Jimmy Durante and Ann Sothern perform a play written by Archie, the manager of the Tavern. AFRS rebroadcast. (12:40; 14:20) MAISIE (1949) Ann Sothern stars as Maisie Revere, who tries to help a friend impress his rich aunt. Cast includes Virginia Gregg, Hans Conried, Frank Nelson, Pat McGeehan, Gee Gee Pearson. Syndicated. (14:00; 13:30) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-6-49) Book 72, Chapter 6. “Rex Frome Invades the Barbours.” Sustaining, NBC. (14:25; 14:40). Rebroadcast: 6/29/2022 – 7/5/2022.
July 14th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1027: SUSPENSE (4-27-44) Death Went Along for the Ride starring Gene Kelly as a motorist who gives a ride to a mysterious hitchhiker. Roma Wines, CBS. (4-27-44) SCREEN GUILD (6-7-48) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as narrated by Jimmy Durante and Margaret O’Brien with Mary Jane Smith as Snow White and Mel Blanc as Sneezy! A mini-version of the Disney classic. Camel Cigarettes, NBC. (13:00; 14:00) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-26-41) Hal Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, with Lurene Tuttle as Marjorie and Walter Tetley as Leroy. Marjorie’s friend Oliver has an eventful overnight stay at the Gildersleeve household. Kraft Foods, NBC. (12:40; 17:15) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (11-1-50) Willard Waterman stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, with Marylee Robb as Marjorie and Walter Tetley as Leroy. Gildy campaigns for Craig Bullard for Mayor. Kraft Foods, NBC. (13:20; 16:35) STORY OF DR. KILDARE (12-1-50) Lew Ayers stars as Kildare with Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie. The doctors cope with a benefactor who enters the hospital for her annual rest. Syndicated. (13:05; 12:10) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-13-49) Book 72, Chapter 7. Paul Meets the Lady in the Case. Sustaining, NBC. (14:10; 15:00). Rebroadcast: 7/6/2022 – 7/12/2022.
July 21st, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1028: ADVENTURES OF TOPPER (8-31-45) Roland Young stars as Cosmo Topper who feigns illness to avoid his mother-in-law. George and Marian Kirby are played by Paul Mann and Frances Chaney. Hope Emerson is Mrs. Topper. Maxwell House Coffee, Post Toasties, NBC. (8:46; 11:35; 6:48) SPEAKING OF RADIO (8-25-75) Jay Jostyn recalls his career as radio’s Mr. District Attorney in this conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded at the Masquer’s Club in Hollywood, California. (18:00) MR DISTRICT ATTORNEY (3-9-49) Murder a la Cart stars Jay Jostyn as Mr. D.A., with Len Doyle as Harrington and Vicki Vola as Miss Miller. Ipana, Sal Hepatica, NBC. (10:45; 12:02; 9:45) STARS IN THE AIR (2-7-52) The Yearling stars Gregory Peck and Jean Hagen with Johnny McGovern in a radio version of MGM’s film treatment of Marjorie Kinnan Rawling’s sensitive story of a young boy’s attachment to a deer. Sustaining, CBS. (14:00; 15:00) CRIME CLUB (3-27-47) Silent Witness. A newspaper reporter investigates a shooting. Sustaining, MBS. (16:23; 13:30) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-20-49) Book 72, Chapter 8. The Dinner That Was Interrupted. Sustaining, NBC. (15:20; 14:55). Rebroadcast: 7/13/2022 – 7/19/2022.
July 28th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1029: YOUR HIT PARADE (4-10-43) Frank Sinatra and Joan Edwards sing the top tunes, with Mark Warnow and the orchestra. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (9:08; 15:24; 11:24) BOSTON BLACKIE (1945) Richard Kollmar stars as Blackie, enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who have no friends. Blackie responds when a woman sees a ghost! Lesley Woods as Mary, Blackie’s girl friend. Syndicated. (10:30; 13:50) LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-1-46) Barnacle Bill starring Wallace Beery and Marjorie Main in their original roles from the 1940 film. Producer is William Keighley. Cast features Carol Ann Beery, daughter of the star. AFRS rebroadcast. (16:52; 18:10; 16:45) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-31-45) It’s Eddie’s 53rd birthday and helping him celebrate are George Burns and Gracie Allen. Featured are Leonard Seuss, Nora Martin, Bert Gordon, Harry Von Zell. Bristol Myers, NBC. (8:35; 12:35; 7:05) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-27-49) Book 72, Chapter 9. Dr. Thompson Opens Paul’s Eyes. Sustaining, NBC. (13:30; 15:20). Rebroadcast: 7/20/2022 – 7/26/2022.
August 4th, 1990 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1030: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (11-12-47) Guest Dorothy Lamour joins the Schnozzola as he prepares for a trip to Hollywood. Arthur Treacher, Candy Candido, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Rexall, NBC. (8:26; 11:22; 9:22) TARZAN (6-21-52) The bronzed white son of the jungle, created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, searches for a missing friend at the deadly Lake of Blood. Lamont Johnson stars as Tarzan. Sustaining, CBS. (14:50; 11:30) I WAS A COMMUNIST FOR THE FBI (1952) Trial By Fear starring Dana Andrews as Matt Cvetic, undercover agent. The Communists suspect that there is an FBI agent in their midst. Syndicated. (12:58; 13:28) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-29-40) Marian and Jim Jordan star with Bill Thompson (Old Timer; Nick Depopolous), Isabel Randolph (Mrs. Uppington), Hal Peary (Gildersleeve), the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. The McGees drive their friends from Wistful Vista to the Notre Dame-Army football game! Harlow Wilcox. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (12:05; 9:10; 7:15) INNER SANCTUM (2-12-46) Elixir Number 4 stars Richard Widmark as a man who discovers a serum to make him immortal. AFRS rebroadcast. (12:25; 12:00) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-4-49) Book 72, Chapter 10. The Family Must Make Its Decision. Sustaining, NBC. (12:25; 16:50). Rebroadcast: 7/27/2022 – 8/2/2022.
December 7th, 1991 – RADIO AND WORLD WAR II – REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR
PROGRAM 1100: Beginning a four-year series of broadcasts from 1991-1995 commemorating the 50th anniversary of World War II. You’ll hear .. THE WORLD TODAY (12-7-41) John Daly anchors the network news on the day of the attack against Pearl Harbor. At the time of this broadcast, there has been no official word from the White House. Original broadcast from 2:30-3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC (12-7-41) Excerpt. John Daly interrupts the concert with the official announcement from the White House. Deems Taylor’s usual intermission commentary is cancelled to present a recap of the events at Pearl Harbor. Reports from Honolulu and Washington and an announcement that all Armed Forces personnel are ordered to report for duty in the morning. CBS NEWS SPECIAL (12-8-41) Complete coverage of the Joint Session of Congress as President Franklin D. Roosevelt asks for a declaration of war against the Empire of Japan. This is FDR’s Day of Infamy speech. Originally broadcast at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-9-41) Fibber gets a discount at the Wistful Vista Department Store. Program opens with the latest war news and ends with a word to stay tuned for a message from the President of the United States and the singing of My Country ˜tis of Thee. FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (12-9-41) The president in his first wartime Fireside Chat, on all networks. He describes the events leading to the attack on Pearl Harbor, warns the public to beware of rumors and tells listeners he does not yet know the full extent of the damage at Pearl Harbor. He talks about Axis sneak attacks without warning and sets the tone and the challenge for all Americans. Originally broadcast at 10 p.m. Eastern time. Rebroadcast: 12/7/2011 – 12/13/2011.
December 14th, 1991 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 1101: RED SKELTON (12-25-45) Clem Kadiddlehopper is a Christmas tree salesman. Junior the Mean Little Kid visits Santa at the department store. COLUMBIA WORKSHOP (12-21-46) The Day They Gave Babies Away, a heart-warming drama for Christmastime. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-16-41) Fibber brings home a Christmas tree he cut down himself. Sponsor Johnson’s Wax gives up two of its three commercials for war-related announcements in this program with a heavy WW II flavor. AN OLD-TIME RADIO CHRISTMAS CAROL (12-22-90) Ken Alexander stars as all the characters in a special Those Were The Days production. It’s a gentle fable for the holiday season about a man who believes in Christmas, but not in old-time radio! Three spirits try to convince him otherwise. BOSTON BLACKIE (1940s) Blackie tries to solve a Christmas Eve robbery. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-14-41) Jack and Mary Livingstone go Christmas shopping in this very early WW II broadcast. Latest news developments precede the program. Rebroadcast: 12/14/2011 – 12/20/2011.
December 21st, 1991 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 1102: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-23-41) The McGees receive an unmarked Christmas package containing door chimes. HAROLD PEARY SHOW (12-23-50) Honest Harold trusts an old bank robber with the job of playing Santa Claus. SUSPENSE (12-21-53) ’Twas the Night Before Christmas starring Greer Garson and Anne Whitfield. (We’re sorry only the first 1/2 of the broadcast is available). Rebroadcast: 12/21/2011 – 12/27/2011.
December 28th, 1991 – GREETINGS OF THE SEASON
PROGRAM 1103: ESCAPE (12-29-50) The Cave, a Christmastime story of two young boys who go exploring, find a cave and discover pirates. The spirit of the holiday saves them from disaster. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-30-41) Mrs. Uppington invites the McGees to a New Year’s Eve party and Mayor LaTrivia needs Fibber for some war bond work. Many WW II references throughout. 1941 IN REVIEW (12-28-41) A radio documentary of the historic moments of the year the U.S. entered WW II. Highlights: FDR’s Third Term Inaugural; the war in Europe; Churchill’s appeal to the U.S. for help; Lindbergh’s plea for continued isolationism; the sinking of the Bismarck; Japanese peace overtures; the bombing of Pearl Harbor; declaration of war. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-28-41) Jack’s traditional New Year’s broadcast. An interesting and moving early WW II program, just three weeks after Pearl Harbor. Rebroadcast: 12/28/2011 – 1/3/2012.
January 4th, 1992 – HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GOOD OLD RADIO
PROGRAM 1104: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (12-31-47) Jimmy’s in the hospital so his old friend Garry Moore subs. Guest is Red Skelton as Junior, the Mean Little Kid. HENRY MORGAN SHOW (1-1-47) Predictions for 1947 and a spoof of Your Hit Parade. SUSPENSE (12-28-58) The 32nd of December starring Frank Lovejoy. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-4-42) One of Gildy’s New Year’s resolutions is to go on a diet. STATE OF THE UNION (1-6-42) From the Capitol in Washington DC, President Roosevelt delivers his eleventh State of the Union address to Congress. In the first wartime address since the presidency of Woodrow Wilson, FDR reviews events that led the U.S. into WW II; cites production needs and plans; tells of meetings with Prime Minister Winston Churchill; asks for congressional support of his defense budget, new income taxes and price controls. JUDY CANOVA SHOW (12-28-46) Getting ready for the new year, Judy has written a sketch for the Brentwood amateur show. Rebroadcast: 1/4/2012 – 1/10/2012.
January 11th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1105: INNER SANCTUM (8-22-49) Mind Over Murder starring Everett Sloane and Elspeth Eric. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (12-7-41) Between Americans by Norman Corwin and starring Orson Welles. A dramatic picture of this, our America. A cross-section of the U.S.A. Coincidentally scheduled for Sunday, December 7, the program took on special WW II significance because of the attack on Pearl Harbor earlier in the day. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-11-42) Gildy and nephew Leroy take a 300 mile trip to Fairview. NEWS OF THE WORLD (1-6-42) CBS correspondents report WW II news by international short wave radio. Heard are Eric Sevareid, Charles Colingwood, Winston Burdett and others. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (1-8-42) Sergeant York starring Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan and Joan Leslie in the timely story in light of the U. S. entry into WW II. A pacifist, drafted during the first World War, realizes the purpose of fighting and becomes a hero. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1-13-42) Fibber thinks he has committed a sleepwalker’s crime and the fingers point to him. First of two consecutive and related programs. PLUS — Necrology of 1991, recalling the loss of favorite performers during the past year. Rebroadcast: 1/11/2012 – 1/17/2012.
January 18th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1106: NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (6-27-48) Case of the King’s Apology. TEXACO STAR THEATRE (12-10-41) Fred Allen and company star in an hour of mirth and merriment¦to keep up the morale of the folks at home during the early days after Pearl Harbor. Prior to the show, it is announced that the familiar siren of the sponsor Texaco will not sound as usual so as not to alarm a tense nation. John Daly reports on national and international WW II news at the close of the program. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-18-42) Gildy decides to get a new bed for his niece Marjorie. CRIME CLUB (7-24-47) Serenade Macabre is a story of the circus in which the last performance is death. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1-20-42) Fibber plans to re-enact the sleepwalkers’ crime. Second of two consecutive and related programs. Rebroadcast: 1/18/2012 – 1/24/2012.
January 25th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1107: HOLLYWOOD MARCH OF DIMES OF THE AIR (1-24-42) Twelve year old Tommy Cook acts as emcee for an hour-long State of the Nation report to President Roosevelt prior to the chief executive’s 60th birthday January 30. Appearing on this program of WW II patriotism and entertainment are Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Claudette Colbert, Humphrey Bogart, Dennis Day, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Marlene Dietrich, Tyrone Power, Kay Kyser, James Cagney, Maureen O’Sullivan, Fibber McGee and Molly, Elliott Lewis and Deanna Durbin. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-25-42) Gildy decides that Judge Hooker would be happier if he were a married man. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-29-42) Bing Crosby stars in a WW II program being broadcast by special shortwave hook-up to the men in the Philippines by request of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. SPOTLIGHT BANDS (1-31-42) Sammy Kaye and the orchestra from Washington, D.C. Fulton Lewis Jr. presents a WW II salute to the American Red Cross. Rebroadcast: 1/25/2012 – 1/31/2012.
February 1st, 1992 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 1
PROGRAM 1108: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-1-42) Guest Humphrey Bogart joins the cast for the sketch The Fright Wig Murder Case. LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-16-39) Bullets or Ballots starring Edward G. Robinson, Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor and Otto Kruger. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-30-49) Guest Frank Sinatra helps Don Wilson celebrate his Silver Anniversary in radio and his sixteenth year with Jack. SONGS BY SINATRA (1-23-46) Frank welcomes guest pianist Skitch Henderson. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-5-47) First show of the 1947-48 season. What the gang did on their summer vacation. Rebroadcast: 2/1/2012 – 2/7/2012.
February 8th, 1992 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 2
PROGRAM 1109: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-8-42) Jack is upset when he learns that Fred Allen is moving his program to Sunday nights. TEXACO STAR THEATRE (3-8-42) Fred Allen stars in the first program in his new Sunday night time slot. Guest is Maurice Evans. A mini-cavalcade of the career of Fred Allen. NEWS OF THE WORLD (2-11-42) Charles Colingwood in London, Eric Sevareid in Washington with latest WW II news. MacArthur’s men are holding the line in Bataan. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (6-20-48) From Cleveland where Jack is appearing at the Palace Theatre. Cleveland Indians pitcher Bob Feller and comedian Bob Hope drop in. BOB HOPE SHOW (11-9-48) Guest Jack Benny and Bob play disc jockeys in a Make Believe Washroom sketch. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-12-47) Second show of Jack’s 1947-48 season. Jack gets a physical exam. Rebroadcast: 2/8/2012 – 2/14/2012.
February 15th, 1992 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 3
PROGRAM 1110: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-15-42) In a flashback to yesterday, Jack tries to find someone to spend his birthday with. Dennis sings Jerome Kern’s new inspiring, patriotic song about Abraham Lincoln (just three months after Pearl Harbor in WW II). CAMPBELL PLAYHOUSE (3-24-40) Orson Welles presents June Moon starring Jack Benny in a radio version of Ring Lardner and George S. Kaufman’s hit Broadway comedy. SUSPENSE (10-7-43) Philomel Cottage starring Orson Welles and Geraldine Fitzgerald in the Agatha Christie story. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-27-55) Jack leaves the rehearsal to watch the wrestling matches on television. NEWS OF THE WORLD (2-25-42) Columbia correspondents around the world offer news of WW II. Anti-aircraft guns went into action against unidentified aircraft in the Los Angeles area shortly after 3 a.m. Pacific War Time this morning. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-19-47) Third show in Jack’s 1947-48 season. Jack is off to the Hillcrest Country Club to play some golf. Rebroadcast: 2/15/2012 – 2/21/2012.
February 22nd, 1992 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 4
PROGRAM 1111: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-22-42) Jack and the gang in a WW II broadcast from the U.S. Army Presidio in San Francisco before an all-soldier audience. The program is being short-waved to military audiences around the world, including General MacArthur and his men in the Philippines. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-16-48) Actor Robert Taylor subs for Jack who has taken the week off. LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-29-40) Smilin’ Through starring Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck in the radio version of a love story set in the present and the past. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-17-48) Guest Barbara Stanwyck joins Jack and the gang as Jack takes Mary to the movies to see Barbara’s new picture, Sorry Wrong Number. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-26-47) Fourth program of the 1947-48 season. Jack is still looking for his golf ball at the Hillcrest Country Club. Rebroadcast: 2/22/2012 – 2/28/2012.
February 29th, 1992 – 20 YEARS OF LEAP YEAR DAYS!
PROGRAM 1112: DODGE SHOW (2-29-36) Harry Richman and the orchestra with guests Tom Howard and George Shelton. CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (2-29-40) Isolated episode. Chuck Ramsay is a captive in Ivan Shark’s airplane. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (2-29-44) McGee decides to build a western campfire in the fireplace at 79 Wistful Vista. WW II program. ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (2-29-48) The Case of King Philip’s Golden Solver. Holmes and Watson investigate the disappearance of a priceless family heirloom. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-29-48) Before rehearsal, Jack takes his girlfriend to lunch. ETHEL AND ALBERT (2-29-52) The Couple Next Door plan to go to an ice carnival. X MINUS ONE (2-29-56) Hello Tomorrow. It’s the year 4195, after the Third Atomic War, and civilization is underground to survive the intense gamma radiation. Rebroadcast: 2/29/2012 – 3/6/2012.
March 7th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1113: TREASURY STAR PARADE (2-25-42) First program in the long-running series of patriotism and morale-building for home front audiences during WW II. INNER SANCTUM (6-12-45) Portrait of Death. A woman’s portrait leads to death. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-8-42) Remote broadcast from the U.S. Marine Corps base in San Diego, California. Joan Bennett guests. WW II flavor throughout. LUX RADIO THEATRE (11-11-40) Nothing Sacred starring Joan Bennett and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Radio version of 1937 film. A wrongly-diagnosed small-town girl expresses a last wish to see New York City before she dies. TOM MIX RALSTON STRAIGHT-SHOOTERS (4-18-41) Isolated episode. An enemy agent is out to bomb a defense plant (eight months before Pearl Harbor.) WW II related. TRIBUTE TO VIC AND SADE (1973) Part 1 of a 4-part salute to Paul Rhymer’s show and cast. Includes interviews with Bernardine Flynn, Clarence Hartzell, Bill Idleson. Rebroadcast: 3/7/2012 – 3/13/2012.
March 14th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1114: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (3-12-42) Bing Crosby stars with Mary Martin, Victor Borge, Jerry Lester and guests Pat O’Brien and Wingy Manone. O’Brien and Crosby have some pre-St. Patrick’s Day fun. WW II flavor throughout. NEWS OF THE WORLD (3-13-42) WW II news from around the world via shortwave radio. Metropolitan Opera star Ezio Pinza was taken into custody by the FBI as an enemy agent. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (3-17-49) Our Own Kind starring Barry Fitzgerald. G. I. JIVE #755 (1940s) G.I. Jill spins the records on the AEF Jukebox for the boys in the service during WW II. WAR PRODUCTION DRIVE (3-17-42) Instead of Fibber McGee and Molly, Johnson’s Wax has given this time to their government for this special WW II program urging Americans to step up war production on the home front to help win the war “the total war in which everyone is a soldier. TRIBUTE TO VIC AND SADE (1973) Part 2 of the 4-part salute. Rebroadcast: 3/14/2012 – 3/20/2012.
March 21st, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1115: INNER SANCTUM (1946) Murder Comes at Midnight starring Mercedes McCambridge. A sound engineer and his wife rent a house in the country. WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS (12-15-41) A special WW II program heard on the combined networks of the United States in honor of the 150th Anniversary of the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. An all-star cast participates in this dramatic production written and directed by Norman Corwin. Cast includes Cpl. James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, Walter Huston, Edward Arnold, Marjorie Main, Walter Brennan, Edward G. Robinson, Bob Burns, Orson Welles, Rudy Vallee. President Roosevelt makes significant remarks one week after the U.S. Declaration of War on Japan and just a few days after entering into war with Germany. G.I. JIVE # 756 (1940s) Jill spins the records for WW II servicemen. THIS IS WAR (3-21-42) You’re On Your Own stars Ezra Stone, Claude Raines and Everett Sloan in a profile of Mr. Jones, average American and what WW II is doing to his normal routine. TRIBUTE TO VIC AND SADE (1973) Part 3 of the 4-part salute. Rebroadcast: 3/21/2012 – 3/27/2012.
March 28th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1116: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-21-42) Fibber tries to win $5,000 in a contest by completing the sentence I like Latherino Soap because¦ The band plays a WW II patriotic medley. SUSPENSE (3-27-48) Night Must Fall starring Robert Montgomery. A lodger at an English home is suspected of a strange murder. TERRY AND THE PIRATES (2-9-42) Isolated episode finds Terry fighting the Japanese somewhere in China during WW II. Young listeners are asked to send in their pledges to buy War Stamps. MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (1946) Terror from Out of Space. A military scientist attempts to establish radio contact with the moon. TREASURY STAR PARADE (2-27-42) Program Number 2 in the WW II series. Robert Montgomery appears in a sketch about the Average American. TRIBUTE TO VIC AND SADE (1973) Part four. The conclusion of this loving salute to radio’s homefolks. Cast members recall Paul Rhymer and the program they all love. Rebroadcast: 3/28/2012 – 4/3/2012.
April 4th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1117: THE HOME FRONT (1982) A highly acclaimed eight-part radio documentary bringing together the complex events of the WW II years in America. Part 1. Nazis and Martians – 1938-39. YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (2-27-56 thru 3-2-56) The Fathom Five Matter starring Bob Bailey. Complete story in five parts. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-7-42) Mrs. Uppington asks the McGees to contribute to the WW II scrap drive. Molly decides it’s time to clean out the hall closet. TREASURY STAR PARADE (2-28-42) Third program in the WW II series features Igor Gorin, Judith Anderson and Robert Montgomery. Rebroadcast: 4/4/2012 – 4/10/2012.
April 11th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1118: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (4-16-42) Bing Crosby welcomes Ronald Reagan, Sabu the Elephant Boy and Spike Jones and the City Slickers. WW II flavor throughout. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (7-15-48) Girls Are Like Boats, a romantic comedy with Joe Kearns and Lois Corbett, about a yacht race. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 2 of 8 part series about the WW II years.. London Calling – 1940. G. I. JIVE #895 (1940s) Jill presents music of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Lionel Hampton for her WW II military listeners. LET’S PRETEND (1950s) Beauty and the Beast, told by Uncle Ted and the Pretenders. Rebroadcast: 4/11/2012 – 4/17/2012.
April 18th, 1992 – EASTER GREETINGS
PROGRAM 1119: LIFE WITH LUIGI (4-8-52) Luigi has invited his night school class to dinner on Easter Sunday. NEW YORK CITY EASTER PARADE (4-12-36) Newsman George Hicks, broadcasting from Fifth Avenue in front of Radio City, interviews passers-by and observes the Easter parade. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (3-25-48) Al Jolson welcomes guest Clifton Webb and introduces the Kraft Choral Club from Chicago in this Eastertime show. HOLLYWOOD STAR TIME (4-21-46) Song of Bernadette starring Vincent Price, Lee J. Cobb and Vanessa Brown in a radio version of the film. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-10-55) Jack and Mary Livingstone stroll up Wilshire Boulevard on Easter Sunday. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 3 of the 8-part documentary series on WW II. Arsenal of Democracy – 1941. Rebroadcast: 4/18/2012 – 4/24/2012.
April 25th, 1992 – TWTD 22nd ANNIVERSARY SHOW
PROGRAM 1120: THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 4 of the 8-part series on WW II. The U.S. at War – 1942. SUNNY MEADOWS PROGRAM (1-18-29) Very early radio broadcast featuring Ray Miller and the orchestra in a program recorded in Chicago. Host is Sunny Meadows. TREASURY STAR PARADE #4 (1942) Comedy by Olson and Johnson plus Carmen Miranda and Ella Logan in this continuing WW II series. Lt. Robert Montgomery appears in an Average American sketch. MOBILGAS NEWS PROGRAM (4-20-42) Newsman Fahey Flynn reports on WW II news, two days after Gen. James H. Doolittle and a squadron of American B-25s conducted a sizeable raid on the Japanese mainland, including Tokyo, Yokahama, Kobe and Nagoya. MAYTAG FROLICS (3-1-29) Very early program featuring the Coon-Sanders Orchestra. G. I. JIVE #896 (1940s) Jill puts some nickels in the WW II jukebox. A LEGEND NAMED JOLSON (1971) Walter Winchell narrates a musical documentary about the life of Al Jolson, the world’s greatest entertainer. Rebroadcast: 4/25/2012 – 5/1/2012.
May 2nd, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1121: CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (5-3-42) Edgar Bergen welcomes guest Edward Everett Horton who has a complaint about Charlie’s pet kangaroo. Regulars include Abbott & Costello, Ray Noble and the orchestra. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 5 in the 8-part WW II documentary. Give Till it Hurts – 1942. CANADA DRY PROGRAM (5-2-32) Jack Benny’s first appearance on his own program. Broadcast live with no studio audience. VIC AND SADE (5-6-42) Rush and his friends start a scrap drive for the WW II effort: The Virginia Avenue Area Sons of Patriotism Salvage Indemnity. TEXACO STAR THEATRE (5-3-42) Fred Allen with guest Oscar Levant. Fred’s March of Trivia discusses the stagger plan for WW II wartime work and the Texaco Workshop Players present a One Long Pan sketch. Rebroadcast: 5/2/2012 – 5/8/2012.
May 9th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1122: TEXACO STAR THEATRE (5-10-42) Fred Allen welcomes guest Marlene Dietrich. The March of Trivia talks about WW II sugar rationing and Fred and Portland Hoffa discuss car pooling. COMMAND PERFORMANCE #12 (5-4-42) Actress Betty Grable hosts this shortwave broadcast from the U.S.A. to our fighting men around the world during WW II. Guests include Judy Canova, Robert Benchley, Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Mary Martin, Harry James and the orchestra. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-12-42) Fibber is sure a foreign spy is following him, taking pictures with a hidden camera. WW II theme. G.I. JIVE #897 (1940s) Jill spins the platters during this WW II program for military listeners. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 6 of this 8-part WW II documentary. G. I. Joe – 1943.” Rebroadcast: 5/9/2012 – 5/15/2012.
May 16th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1123: Broadcast on singer Perry Como’s 80th birthday. SUPPER CLUB (10-9-44) Perry Como welcomes guest Nat King Cole to the fictional night club. INNER SANCTUM (7-19-48) Death Demon with Anne Seymour and Everett Sloan. A man is convinced that his dead father is talking to him. SUPPER CLUB (4-14-48) Eddie Hubbard observes Pan American Day and congratulates disc jockey Eddie Hubbard on the second anniversary of his Chicago broadcasts. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 7 in the 8-part WW II series. Liberation – 1944. SUPPER CLUB (3-2-50) Perry Como greets actor Kirk Douglas and appears with Kirk in a sequel to Douglas’ film, “Champion. TREASURY STAR PARADE # 5 (1942) Olson and Johnson and Carmen Miranda pay a return visit to the WW II Treasury Department program. BING CROSBY SHOW (4-5-50). Bing is joined by Perry Como and Arthur Godfrey for a program from Chicago’s Civic Opera House. Rebroadcast: 5/16/2012 – 5/22/2012.
May 23rd, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1124: GREEN HORNET (5-23-42) Invasion Plans for Victory starring Al Hodge as Britt Reid, the Green Hornet. Reid and Kato are involved in a WW II mystery. THE HOME FRONT (1982) The final program in the 8-part WW II documentary series. Victory – 1945. HALLS OF IVY (5-21-52) Ronald and Bonita Colman as Dr. and Mrs. Hall of Ivy College. The school’s Mummy is missing. TEXACO STAR THEATRE (5-24-42) Fred Allen with guest Jack Haley. The March of Trivia discusses the WW II New York Dimout. Haley tries to get Fred to go back to Vaudeville with him. TREASURY STAR PARADE #6 (1942) Once again, Olson and Johnson and Carmen Miranda visit the WW II program. Robert Montgomery recites a wartime vignette, Mrs. Murgatroid’s Dime. Rebroadcast: 5/23/2012 – 5/29/2012.
May 30th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1125: STOP THE MUSIC (3-21-48) Bert Parks hosts the premiere broadcast of the musical quiz show. FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-24-48) Fred, on the air opposite Stop the Music, makes an offer to listeners who might be called by a quiz show while listening to him. His question for the night is How do you feel about stopping giveaway radio shows? Guest is Dale Carnegie. NELSON EDDY PROGRAM (4-7-46) Guest Jeanette MacDonald joins Nelson for a stroll down Memory Lane as they reminisce about and sing selections from their popular films. THE MAN CALLED X (3-10-51) Herbert Marshall stars as Ken Thurston who investigates illegal aliens. FRED ALLEN SHOW (6-26-49) Guests Henry Morgan and Jack Benny appear on Allen’s last show. Rebroadcast: 5/30/2012 – 6/5/2012.
June 6th, 1992 – MORE FROM THE WAR!
PROGRAM 1126: A live remote broadcast of TWTD from the Chicago Historical Society on the occasion of the opening weekend for the Society’s exhibition Chicago Goes to War, 1941 – 1945. IT’S TIME TO SMILE (5-27-42) Eddie Cantor stars in a WW II broadcast from San Diego, California before an audience of U.S. Marines. Eddie goes for a physical to join the Marines! CLARA, LU AND EM (6-8-42) WW II theme for this episode of the daytime show. Clara finds 10 pounds of sugar she did not declare to the war ration board. COMMAND PERFORMANCE #13 (5-11-42) Edward G. Robinbson hosts this shortwave broadcast for WW II military audiences. Guests are Cliff Edwards, Slapsy Maxie Rosenbloom, Ginny Simms, Parkyakarkus, Milton Berle, Hedy Lamarr and Glenn Miller and the orchestra. D-DAY PLUS 20 (1964) Newsman Quentin Reynolds narrates the dramatic WW II story of D-Day on the 20th anniversary of the Allied invasion of France using actual sound clips and the voices of Eisenhower, Roosevelt, Churchill, DeGaulle, Hitler and others. BOND WAGON (8-10-42) WW II remote broadcast from the corner of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive in Chicago promoting the sale of War Bonds and the dedication of the Recruiting Service office of the Coast Guard. Benny Goodman and the orchestra appear with Peggy Lee. Rebroadcast: 6/6/2012 – 6/12/2012.
June 13th, 1992 – MUSEUM OF BROADCAST COMMUNICATIONS OPENING DAY
PROGRAM 1127: Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications officially opens in its new location in the historic Chicago Cultural Center. This is also the opening day of the Jack Benny’s Vault exhibit. OUR SPECIAL GUESTS are JOAN BENNY, daughter of Jack and the co-author with her father of the book Saturday Nights at Seven, and GEORGE BALZER, one of the long-time writers of the Benny radio and television shows. They’re on hand to meet and greet first-day visitors to the Vault exhibit and to talk about their relationship with Jack Benny. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-11-48) Packing for a trip to Denver, Jack goes down to his vault to get some money. Then, it’s off to the train station. -PLUS- This week we begin our 50th Anniversary salute to radio’s outstanding theatre of thrills, Suspense. Each week we’ll offer a broadcast from the program’s twenty years on the air. For starters: SUSPENSE (6-17-42) The Burning Court starring Charlie Ruggles in the first show in the long-running series, ¦a new series frankly dedicated to your horrification and entertainment. Rebroadcast: 6/13/2012 – 6/19/2012.
June 20th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1128: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-9-50) Book 79, Chapter 1. This is the first of 32 consecutive 15-minute chapters from Books 79 and 80 by Carlton E. Morse. We’ll have four chapters today and again next week and then two chapters every week throughout the summer. In the first episode, Teddy Barbour is returning from Korea, Elwood is setting up housekeeping alone and Jack has some problems at the office. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-10-50) Book 79, Chapter 2. More Plans for a Belated Honeymoon. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-19-42) Fibber has some great news that he and Molly will be on Easy Street from now on! WW II flavor. TREASURY STAR PARADE #7 (3-9-42) In another episode from the WW II series, host Walter Huston introduces Frederic March and Florence Eldridge reading from America by Thomas Wolfe. SUSPENSE (8-21-43) Sorry, Wrong Number starring Agnes Moorehead in the Lucille Fletcher drama about a woman who accidentally hears a conversation of death. WW II framework. VOICE OF NEW YORK (6-16-42) Commentator Gabriel Heatter talks to typical New Yorkers for the WW II New York War Bond Pledge Campaign. Remote broadcast from the Astor Hotel. CURTAIN TIME (7-12-47) Deadline for Love with Harry Elders and Doris Grundy in a story about love and newspapermen. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-11-50) Book 79, Chapter 3. Father Barbour Talks to Jack. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-12-50) Book 79, Chapter 4. Betty and Her 15-Day Diet. Rebroadcast: 6/20/2012 – 6/26/2012.
June 27th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1129: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-13-50) Book 79, Chapter 5. Teddy Comes to See Paul. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-16-50) Book 79, Chapter 6. Nicolette Consoles Betty. SUSPENSE (5-18-44) Donovan’s Brain starring Orson Welles as a scientist who keeps alive the brain of a prominent man. Part one of a two-part drama. LINDBERG’S ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON, D.C. (6-11-27) A rare, very early historic radio broadcast. Graham McNamee covers the arrival of Charles A. Lindberg at the Washington Navy Yard as he returns to the U. S. after his history-making non-stop flight across the Atlantic to France. SUSPENSE (5-25-44) Part two of Donovan’s Brain’ starring Orson Welles. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-17-50) Book 79, Chapter 7. Betty’s Long Vigil. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-18-50) Book 79, Chapter 8. Jack Plans a Trip. Rebroadcast: 6/27/2012 – 7/3/2012.
July 4th, 1992 – INDEPENDENCE DAY
PROGRAM 1130: YOU ARE THERE (7-4-48) Philadelphia, July 4, 1776 CBS newsmen cover the events at the signing of the Declaration of Independence. IT’S TIME TO SMILE (6-3-42) Eddie Cantor broadcasts before a U.S. Army audience at Camp Haan, Riverside, California. Lots of WW II comedy from Eddie and the gang. Guest is actress Veronica Lake. SUSPENSE (5-31-45) August Heat starring Ronald Colman. STAN FREBERG PRESENTS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (5-1-61) A musical satire written by Stan Freberg, narrated by Paul Frees, featuring Jesse White, Peter Leeds, Walter Tetley, Marvin Miller, June Foray, Barney Phillips, Jud Conlon Singers, Billy May and the orchestra. Expanded version of the original recording. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-19-50) Book 79, Chapter 9. Paul goes to see Nicolette. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-20-50) Book 79, Chapter 10. Jack reports on his trip. Rebroadcast: 7/4/2012 – 7/10/2012.
July 11th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1131: SUSPENSE (12-5-46) The House in Cypress Canyon starring Robert Taylor, Howard Duff, Hans Conried, Cathy Lewis. SPECIAL” We remember W.C. Fields and Mae West this afternoon with a special segment devoted to those two guest stars. Our SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and film historian BOB KOLOSOSKI who joins us for a look at two show business careers. You’ll hear many broadcast clips featuring W. C. Fields and we’ll have a complete broadcast featuring Mae West in her most historic radio appearance: CHASE AND SANBORN PROGRAM (12-12-37) Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Don Ameche, Nelson Eddy, Dorothy Lamour and guest Mae West. Miss West appears with Ameche in Arch Oboler’s Adam and Eve sketch which caused an uproar when this show was originally broadcast. PLUS ” ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-23-50) Book 79, Chapter 11. Pinky’s status at Stanford gets shaky. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-24-50) Book 79, Chapter 12. Pinky’s troubles begin. Rebroadcast: 7/11/2012 – 7/17/2012.
July 18th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1132: LIFE WITH LUIGI (4-22-52) J. Carroll Naish as Luigi who needs a date for the annual Antique Dealers’ Association dance. TREASURY STAR PARADE # 8 (1942) Walter Huston, Frederic March and Florence Eldridge present a patriotic WW II program. SUSPENSE (5-8-47) Dead Earnest stars Wally Maher, Howard Duff, Elliott Lewis, Cathy Lewis. YOUR HIT PARADE (7-18-42) The top songs of the week with a great World War II flavor throughout. SKY KING (6-30-47) Isolated episode of ther adventure series starring Earl Nightengale as Sky King with Cliff Soubier as Uncle Jim Bell, Johnny Coons as Clipper. Announcer is Mike Wallace. THE WHISTLER (7-7-48) Fatal Appointment. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-25-50) Book 79, Chapter 13. Pinky calls his Uncle Paul. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-26-50) Book 78, Chapter 14. Pinky appeals to his brother Hank. Rebroadcast: 7/18/2012 – 7/24/2012.
July 25th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1133: WILLSON-NESBITT SHOW (7-28-42) Meredith Willson and his orchestra and storyteller John Nesbitt in this summer replacement show for Fibber McGee and Molly. WW II flavor. SUSPENSE (1-3-48) The Black Curtain starring Robert Montgomery in the first hour-long Suspense program. GI JIVE #898 (1940S) GI Jill spins the tunes on the Military Jukebox during WW II. CLARA, LU AND EM (7-31-42) Back fence gossip from daytime radio during WW II. The girls discuss V-Mail, the Japanese, plane spotters and the arrival of WACS at Des Moines. CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (6-28-42) Last show of the season as Edgar Bergen welcomes Walter Brennan, Ginny Simms and says good-bye to regulars Abbott and Costello. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-27-50) Book 79, Chapter 15. The girl with the big automobile. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-30-50) Chapter 80, Book 1. Pinky faces the music. Rebroadcast: 7/25/2012 – 7/31/2012.
August 1st, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1134: IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (9-18-48) Comedy panel show. SUSPENSE (6-2-49) The Ten Years starring Joan Crawford and Lurene Tuttle as sisters who make a promise on the night of their mother’s death. SHAEFFER PARADE (7-25-48) Eddy Howard and his Band of the Year in a Chicago broadcast. THIS NATION AT WAR (8-3-42) Jim Backus in a WW II documentary of the 130 million Americans who are making history. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (5-26-42) Uncle Dennis is missing! First of two consecutive and related broadcasts. WW II theme. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (10-31-50) Book 80, Chapter 2. Henry confronts his grandson. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-1-50) Book 80, Chapter 3. Pinky’s lot is not a happy one. Rebroadcast: 8/1/2012 – 8/7/2012.
August 8th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1135: SUSPENSE (1-26-50) Mr. Diogenes starring Ozzie and Harriet Nelson with Joseph Kearns who executes an elaborate plot to cheat a radio give-away show of a big money prize. SPECIAL WW II BROADCAST (8-6-42) Coverage of a ceremony somewhere on the East Coast. President Roosevelt presents to Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and to her fighting countrymen a new combat vessel, a U.S. built U.S. Navy submarine chaser to fight Axis U-Boats. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (6-2-42) Uncle Dennis is still missing. Second of two consecutive and related shows. WW II theme. THE WORLD TODAY (8-10-42) WW II news and analysis by Quincy Howe and CBS correspondents at home and abroad. American forces have landed on the Solomon Islands and fighting is raging. TREASURY STAR PARADE #8 (1942) WW II patriotism on the air. What Freedom Means to Me. SUSPENSE (11-9-50) Blood on the Trumpet starring William Holden with trumpet effects by Ziggy Elman. New Orleans police investigate the murder of a woman who was beaten to death. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-2-50) Book 80, Chapter 4. Pinky is faced with work! ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-3-50) Book 80, Chapter 5. Pinky’s first day of slavery. Rebroadcast: 8/8/2012 – 8/14/2012.
August 15th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1136: SUSPENSE (1-21-51) Aria for Murder starring Ezio Pinza in a tale of jealousy and hate on the stage of a deserted opera house. MAIL CALL #68 (1943) Lucille Ball is hostess for a WW II program featuring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy with Edgar Kennedy, Patsy Moran and Kay Thompson. Stan’s Wedding sketch provides a rare Laurel and Hardy radio appearance. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is BILL OATES, the Grand Sheik of the Flying Elephants tent of the Sons of the Desert, the world-wide Laurel and Hardy fan club. BEN BERNIE WAR WORKERS’ PROGRAM, (8-21-42) The Old Maestro presents a program for civilian WW II workers in defense plants and other vital industries. Features singer Jack Fulton and comic Yogi Yorgesson. SUSPENSE (5-10-51) Death on My Hands starring Phil Harris and Alice Faye. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-6-50) Book 80, Chapter 6. You can lead a horse to water, but¦ ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-7-50) Book 80, Chapter 7. Oh, my aching back. Rebroadcast: 8/15/2012 – 8/21/2012.
August 22nd, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1137: SUSPENSE (5-19-52) The Flight of the Bumble Bee starring Fred MacMurray in the story of a routine mission of a B-29 bomber over Korea. TOMMY DORSEY SHOW (8-18-42) Remote WW II broadcast from the Capitol Theatre in Washington, D.C. Frank Sinatra, Jo Stafford, Pied Pipers, Ziggy Elman, Buddy Rich. AN AMERICAN IN ENGLAND (8-24-42) Women of Britain describes how much of Britain’s WW II resistance was due to the use of women-power in factories. TREASURY STAR PARADE # 9 (1942) WW II stories, America is Calling and Women of America. BEN BERNIE WAR WORKERS’ PROGRAM (8-25-42) WW II morale-building musical program. SUSPENSE (11-3-52) Frankenstein starring Herbert Marshall. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-8-50) Book 80, Chapter 8. The girl with the million bucks. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-9-50) Book 80, Chapter 9. Up from slavery. Rebroadcast: 8/22/2012 – 8/28/2012.
August 29th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1138: ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (10-7-45) The Nelsons receive a most unusual gift from an Arabian prince. SUSPENSE (2-23-53) St. James Infirmary Blues starring Rosemary Clooney in a prohibition story. GI JIVE # 901 (1940s) GI Jill presents tunes for WW II servicemen. SUSPENSE (5-25-53) Pigeon in a Cave starring Dick Haymes as a man who saw a murder. TREASURY STAR PARADE # 10 (1942) Production Now about a small town’s part in America’s WW II effort. AN AMERICAN IN ENGLAND (8-31-42) The Yanks Are Here how the Americans have come to the British Isles to fight WW II and live with the English people. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-10-50) Book 80, Chapter 10. Hazel comes to see Paul. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-13-50) Book 80, Chapter 11. Pinky returns to bondage. Rebroadcast: 8/29/2012 – 9/4/2012.
September 5th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1139: SUSPENSE (6-7-54) A Terribly Strange Bed starring Peter Lawford. WILLSON-NESBITT SHOW (8-4-42) Meredith Willson and his orchestra plus storyteller John Nesbitt in a summer replacement program for Fibber McGee and Molly. WW II program saluting the 152nd anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard and a tribute to Irving Berlin on his 54th birthday. ADVENTURES OF MAISIE (1949) Ann Southern stars as Maisie Revere who recommends that the company hire an efficiency expert. HARRY JAMES AND HIS MUSIC MAKERS (9-2-42) Remote broadcast from New York’s Hotel Astor. PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (9-3-42) Excerpt from a WW II speech to the International Students Assembly. PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (10-9-49) Phil finds a few grey hairs so Alice wants him to get a dye job. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-14-50) Book 80, Chapter 12. Pinky’s date with Eunice. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-15-50) Book 80, Chapter 13. Pinky discloses his wedding plans. Rebroadcast: 9/5/2012 – 9/11/2012.
September 12th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1140: HENRY MORGAN SHOW (4-25-50) Sam Spade sketch: Hamlet of Whom Done It. Art Carney, Minerva Pious, Arnold Stang. LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-2-45) Swanee River starring Dennis Morgan, Al Jolson and Frances Gifford in radio version of film, the life story of Stephen Foster. SUSPENSE (10-18-55) Life Ends at Midnight starring Paula Winslowe and Stacy Harris. BOB HOPE SHOW (1-8-46) Guest Joan Davis joins Bob in a vaudeville sketch. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-16-50) Book 80, Chapter 14. Pinky envisions a rosy future. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-17-50) Book 80, Chapter 15. Eunice’s father interviews Pinky. Rebroadcast: 9/12/2012 – 9/18/2012.
September 19th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1141: LUM AND ABNER (4-12-50) The boys try to outwit a real estate salesman. SUSPENSE (10-23-56) The Doll starring Patty McCormick. A father forgets his daughter’s seventh birthday. HALLS OF IVY (5-21-52) Ronald and Benita Colman star. The school’s mummy is missing! TREASURY STAR PARADE #11 (1942) Danny Kaye cuts up in this WW II patriotic program. Frederic March in an Average American sketch. MOONLIGHT SERENADE (9-23-42) Glenn Miller and the orchestra from New York. This is Miller’s last program due to his entry into WW II military service. The orchestra offers a salute to the armed forces. ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE (11-17-50) Case of the Careless Cleaner starring Sidney Greenstreet. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-20-50) Book 80, Chapter 16. Pinky makes his decision. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-21-50) Book 80, Chapter 17. What’s happening with Teddy and Elwood. Note: This the logical end of the Pinky sequence and the conclusion of this year’s TWTD visit with the Barbour family. More to come next summer. Rebroadcast: 9/19/2012 – 9/25/2012.
September 26th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1142: SUSPENSE (1-6-57) A Shipment of Mute Fate starring Jack Kelly in the classic story about a Bushmaster snake loose on an ocean liner. OUR MISS BROOKS (10-2-49) Eve Arden as Miss Brooks who helps stop the school’s star football player from transferring. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is WALES WILLIAMSON, one of the first WW II Armed Forces Radio Service announcers. LUKE SLAUGHTER OF TOMBSTONE (4-27-58) Death Watch starring Sam Buffington as Slaughter, Arizona cattleman accused of horse stealing and rustling. BEN BERNIE WAR WORKERS’ PROGRAM (9-28-42) Music and comedy for WW II workers on the home front. NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (1940s) Case of the Demented Daughter stars Lon Clark as Nick. GI JIVE #902 (1940s) Jill spins the records for military listeners during WW II. SUSPENSE (7-28-57) Murder on Mike starring Raymond Burr as a radio writer, unhappy that his scripts have been changed by the show’s producer. Rebroadcast: 9/26/2012 – 10/2/2012.
October 3rd, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1143: NATIONAL BARN DANCE (10-3-42) Ninth anniversary of the program from Chicago during WW II. Joe Kelly, Pat Buttram, all the regular stars. LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-2-47) The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson in the radio version of his 1927 film classic that brought sound to the silent screen. TREASURY STAR PARADE #12 (1942) WW II program featuring actor Paul Lucas. SUSPENSE (4-20-58) Alibi Me starring Stan Freberg as a murderer seeking an alibi. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-4-42) First Benny program sponsored by Grape Nuts Flakes. Jack drives the gang to the studio in his Maxwell. Many WW II references. Rebroadcast: 10/3/2012 – 10/9/2012.
October 10th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1144: CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (10-12-42) Admiral of the Ocean Sea starring Orson Welles in a dramatized documentary of Columbus’ discovery of America. WW II presentation. FIRESIDE CHAT (10-12-42) President Roosevelt, in a Columbus Day talk, reports on the Home Front during WW II. CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (10-12-47) Edgar Bergen and guest Linda Darnall with some Columbus Day fun. Charlie plays Columbus and Linda is Queen Isabella. THEY MET THE BOAT (1950s) Gary Cooper and Linda Darnall in the story of Columbus’ arrival in the new land and the results of his discovery from the point of view of the American Indian. PLUS” JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-11-42) Broadcasting from the Army Air Base at Santa Ana, California. Guest is Barbara Stanwyck in this WW II program. SUSPENSE (2-22-59) Star Over Hong Kong starring Marie Wilson as a movie star from America. Rebroadcast: 10/10/2012 – 10/16/2012.
October 17th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1145: SUSPENSE (2-14-60) Sorry, Wrong Number starring Agnes Moorehead in her eighth and final appearance on the program in the classic drama by Lucille Fletcher. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-13-42) Mc Gee decides to change the furnace from oil to coal heat to beat the WW II fuel shortage. FRIDAY EVENING WITH TOMMY DORSEY (10-16-42) On behalf of the U.S. Treasury Department during WW II, Tommy and Jo Stafford, Dick Haymes, the Pied Pipers and Ziggy Elman broadcast from Hollywood. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-18-42) Remote broadcast from Williams Field, Arizona. Jack decides to donate his Maxwell to the WW II scrap drive. SUSPENSE (5-15-60) Dead Man’s Story starring Kevin McCarthy. An ex-con hides out on New York’s West Side. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (10-19-42) Yankee Doodle Dandy starring James Cagney in highlights from the screen success. This WW II presentation is the first show for new sponsor Lady Esther products. Rebroadcast: 10/17/2012 – 10/23/2012.
October 24th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1146: HOLLYWOOD CANTEEN OPENING (10-3-42) Radio covers the opening night of the famous home-away-from-home for servicemen during WW II. All-star cast features Bette Davis, Eddie Cantor, Abbott and Costello, Kay Kyser, Rudy Vallee and the Coast Guard Band. SUSPENSE (9-17-61) The Green Idol starring Parker Fennelly. Tourists from Maine are warned of traveling in Arabia. BEN BERNIE WAR WORKERS’ PROGRAM (10-23-42) Program for workers in defense plants and other vital WW II industries. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-25-42) A week after Jack turned in his Maxwell to the WW II scrap drive. GI JIVE #881 (1940s) GI Jill plays tunes for military listeners during the WW II years. JUDY CANOVA SHOW (10-18-47) Judy wants to use an actor on her radio program. COMMAND PERFORMANCE #33 (9-29-42) Bob Bazooka Burns hosts this episode of the WW II program for military listeners. Featuring Dinah Shore, Count Basie, Spike Jones, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Dorsey. Rebroadcast: 10/24/2012 – 10/30/2012.
October 31st, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1147: INNERSANCTUM (10-31-49) A Corpse for Halloween with Larry Haines, Berry Kroger and Mercedes McCambridge. OUR MISS BROOKS (10-30-49) The gang wants to have a Halloween party at Miss Brooks’ house. SUSPENSE (9-30-62) Devilstone is the final show in the long-running series that began in 1942. A wealthy man inherits property from a long-forgotten uncle. ROY ROGERS SHOW (10-30-52) Dale Evans buys a map to the Halloween Gold Mine in Boulder Canyon. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (10-31-48) David and Ricky insist they saw a ghost in the old McAdams place. Ozzie decides to disprove their fears by going into the haunted house. MYSTERY HOUSE (1944) Thirsty Death starring Bela Lugosi with John Carradine. A disease drives animals wild in darkest Africa, changing domestic dogs to wild demons. Rebroadcast: 10/31/2012 – 11/6/2012.
November 7th, 1992 – 50 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK
PROGRAM 1148: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-1-42) From the U.S. Marine Base at Camp Elliot, California during WW II, Jack and the gang go to the base rifle range. PHILLIP MORRIS PROGRAM (11-3-42) Variety program with Nelson Case, Jack Smith, Una Merkle, Ray Bloch and the orchestra. Interrupted on station WEAF, New York, for latest mayoral election returns: LaGuardia vs. O’Dwyer. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (11-3-42) Fibber and Mayor LaTrivia go duck hunting. Gubernatorial election returns from around the country conclude this WW II program. WORLD NEWS TODAY (11-8-42) John Daly and CBS correspondents with national and international news from WW II. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-8-42) Andy Devine drops in with a horse for Jack to use in place of the Maxwell he donated to the WW II scrap drive. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT (11-8-42) Excerpt. Jack Benny is a contestant going for the big $64 prize on Phil Baker’s popular quiz show. ARMISTICE DAY CEREMONY (11-11-42) All networks cover this WW II ceremony broadcast from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Address by President Roosevelt. Rebroadcast: 11/7/2012 – 11/13/2012.
November 14th, 1992 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1149: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-15-42) From the Naval Air Station, Terminal Island, California. WW II sketch: Mary is a welder in a defense plant while Jack is a house-husband. CBS WORLD NEWS SPECIAL (11-11-42) On Armistice Day, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt speaks via short wave at a new club for American Merchant Seamen in Scotland during WW II. TEXACO STAR THEATRE (11-15-42) Fred Allen and company with guest Gracie Fields. WW II broadcast with Fred talking about wartime shortages and restrictions. Plus a sketch about how American radio programs would sound in England. WORLD NEWS TODAY (11-15-42) WW II news reports from around the world with Charles Collingwood, Bob Trout, Webley Edwards. MY FRIEND IRMA (4-27-54) Irma’s boss has a problem: his wife wants a divorce. HERALD-TRIBUNE FORUM (11-17-42) President Roosevelt discusses the government policy on WW II news and recaps the events of the past few weeks. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS (11-19-42) Duke Ellington and the orchestra broadcast from Fort Dix, New Jersey during this WW II program. Rebroadcast: 11/14/2012 – 11/20/2012.
November 21st, 1992 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING PROGRAM
PROGRAM 1150: MR. PRESIDENT (1940s) Edward Arnold stars as the country’s chief executive who is asked to establish a national day of thanksgiving. MEL BLANC SHOW (11-26-46) A Thanksgiving party at Mel’s Fix-it Shop is not going well. CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (11-24-47) Us Pilgrims featuring George Tobias and Mercedes McCambridge. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (11-22-42) Gildy invites Judge Hooker for Thanksgiving dinner while Leroy has to portray John Alden in a school play. THANKSGIVING DAY SERVICE (11-26-42) Excerpt from the nation’s first WW II Thanksgiving service. From the White House, President Roosevelt reads his Thanksgiving Day proclamation. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-22-42) Jack takes his horse and buggy to a preview of his new film, George Washington Slept Here. Rebroadcast: 11/21/2012 – 11/27/2012.
November 28th, 1992 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 1151: KRAFT MUSIC HALL 2-24-42) Bing Crosby with Fay Bainter, Jack Carson, Janet Blair. Time Marches Back to Christmas morning, 1776. WW II flavor. IT’S TIME TO SMILE (11-25-42) Eddie Cantor tries to avoid guest Jack Benny who keeps calling about a big business deal. ALDRICH FAMILY (6-18-42) To earn money for the WW II bond drive, Henry and Homer order Christmas card samples so they can take orders. WORLD NEWS TODAY (11-29-42) John Daly and CBS correspondents from world capitols give WW II reports from political and battle fronts. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-29-42) Before an all-military audience in Palm Springs, California, Jack and the gang present a WW II sketch, Three Men in a Tank about soldiers in Africa. Rebroadcast: 11/28/2012 – 12/4/2012.
December 5th, 1992 – REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR – ONE YEAR LATER
PROGRAM 1152: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-1-42) Wartime mileage rationing comes to Wistful Vista during WW II. Last show for Gale Gordon (Mayor LaTrivia) before entering the U.S. Coast Guard. MILEAGE RATIONING SPECIAL (1942) Jack Benny, Eddie Cantor, Burns and Allen, Dinah Shore, Bill Goodwin and Paul Whiteman and the orchestra encourage listeners to conserve fuel and observe gas rationing during WW II. FREDDY MARTIN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-5-42) Remote broadcast from the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles. WW II songs include Rosie the Riveter and A Cranky Old Yank in a Clanky Old Tank. WORLD NEWS TODAY (12-6-42) CBS correspondents with a review of the first year of America’s entry into WW II. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-6-42) Phil Harris’ last appearance on the show as he and his band have joined the Merchant Marines. The gang presents a WW II Liberty Ship sketch as a tribute to Phil and the boys. TROMAN HARPER, RUMOR DETECTIVE (12-20-42) A WW II program offering the truth about rumors. If you believe rumors, you’re a sucker; if you repeat rumors, you’re one of Hitler’s soldiers. NATIONAL BARN DANCE (12-5-42) A year after Pearl Harbor, emcee Joe Kelly talks about our WW II fighting men. Rebroadcast: 12/5/2012 – 12/11/2012.
December 12th, 1992 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 1153: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-20-42) Gildy neglects Leila Ransom while the family exchanges Christmas gifts. WW II flavor. GUNSMOKE (12-23-56) Christmas Eve in Dodge City finds a couple staying uninvited in a rancher’s barn. VIC AND SADE (8-6-42) Sade and Rush try to decide (in August) which Christmas cards should be sent to whom. PHILCO RADIO TIME (12-25-46) Bing presents his annual Christmas show. Sketch: The Small One. SOLDIERS OF THE PRESS (1940s) War correspondent Henry Goral tells a WW II story for Christmas. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-8-42) With so many men in the service during WW II, Fibber is dismayed at all the women taking overt civilian jobs. BEN BERNIE WAR WORKERS’ PROGRAM (12-14-42) Music and variety for defense plant workers during WW II. Rebroadcast: 12/12/2012 – 12/18/2012.
December 19th, 1992 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 1154: CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (12-21-42) A Child is Born starring Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in an original Nativity play. WW II program. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-15-42) Fibber tries to remember where he hid the money for Molly’s Christmas present. WW II flavor. WORLD NEWS TODAY (12-20-42) John Daly in New York and CBS correspondents from around the world report on WW II news. BEN BERNIE WAR WORKERS’ PROGRAM (12-21-42) The Old Maestro with Jack Fulton, Fran Allison and the King’s Jesters who sing the WW II song, Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-24-42) An all-star WW II program sending Christmas greetings to our fighting men around the world and the folks on the Home Front. Bob Hope, Andrews Sisters, Red Skelton, Spike Jones, Bing Crosby, Ethel Waters, Bergen and McCarthy, Charles Laughton, Jack Benny, Fred Allen and others. Rebroadcast: 12/19/2012 – 12/25/2012.
December 26th, 1992 – SEASON’S GREETINGS
PROGRAM 1155: YOUR HIT PARADE (12-26-42) WW II broadcast as the top tunes of the week are presented. WORLD NEWS TODAY (12-27-42) CBS correspondents cover the news of WW II and talk about the probability of drafting three million men in 1943. OLD TIME RADIO CHRISTMAS PARTY (12-26-92) An original holiday comedy written and directed by Ken Alexander and featuring the Those Were The Days Radio Players. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-27-42) Leroy wants to play with the chemistry set he got for Christmas. BEN BERNIE WAR WORKERS PROGRAM (12-22-42) Music and fun for WW II workers on the Home Front. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-22-42) A milestone broadcast. Teeney and the kids sing ’Twas the Night Before Christmas for the first time. Rebroadcast: 12/26/2012 – 1/2/2013.
January 2nd, 1993 – HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GOOD OLD RADIO
PROGRAM 1156: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-27-42) WW II broadcast as Jack and the gang entertain servicemen on leave in New York. Guest Fred Allen portrays Uncle Sam in the show’s annual New Year’s fantasy. CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (12-30-42) Destruction of Nazi Submarine Base, an isolated episode from WW II. YOUR HIT PARADE (1-2-43) Top tunes of the week presented by Joan Edwards, Barry Wood, Ethel Smith and the Hit Paraders in this WW II show. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-2-46) Eddie turns back the clock to New Year’s Eve. WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-3-43) John Daly and CBS correspondents worldwide report on the WW II road to victory. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-1-47) Gildy forgets to ask Eve to the New Year’s Costume Ball, so he must spend the holiday alone. Rebroadcast: 1/2/2013 – 1/8/2013.
January 9nd, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1157: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1-11-43) Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore star in highlights from the 1942 film musical Holiday Inn. MAN BEHIND THE GUN (1-6-43) A Salute to the RAF in a WW II drama about the British Royal Air Force. Jackson Beck narrates. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-10-43) Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve welcomes Fibber McGee and Molly to his home. NECROLOGY OF 1992 Remembering the personalities who died during the past year. WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-10-43) WW II news: The Japanese have not even started to retreat in the Pacific¦ they’re preparing to strike again. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (1-12-43) The McGees visit bandleader Billy Mills in the hospital. WW II flavor. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-13-43) Bing Crosby with guests George Murphy and Jane Frazee. WW II flavor. Rebroadcast: 1/9/2013 – 1/15/2013.
January 16th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1158: INNER SANCTUM (4-24-45) Song of the Slasher starring Arnold Moss. Because of the strange tune he whistles, a musician is suspected of being The Slasher. NATIONAL BARN DANCE (12-12-42) Joe Kelly, Lulu Belle and Scotty, the Hoosier Hot Shots and all the gang in a WW II broadcast. AN AMERICAN IN ENGLAND (12-1-42) Cromer is a town on the east coast of England, facing the North Sea and facing WW II enemy Germany. Written and directed by Norman Corwin. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (1-19-43) Mrs. Uppington announces that she is going to join the WACS. WW II theme. WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-17-43) WW II news: A strong force of heavy British bombers dropped a great weight of bombs on Berlin and large fires were seen from the air. ACADEMY AWARD (12-18-46) Lost Angel starring Margaret O’Brien and Jeff Chandler. A lost child is taken in by a reporter. Rebroadcast: 1/16/2013 – 1/22/2013.
January 23rd, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1159: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-21-43) Bing Crosby with guests Andy Devine and Private Mickey Rankin. WW II flavor. WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-24-43) WW II news: In the Pacific, the vicious air and ground fighting continues. SUSPENSE (8-9-45) Murder for Myra stars Lloyd Nolan. Myra’s lover agrees to kill her husband. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (1-26-43) Fibber is writing a love story using the pen name Earl Stanley McGee. WWII setting. CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (1-25-43) The Flying Tigers starring Ralph Bellamy in the story of American aviators who fought in China against the Japanese in WW II. QUIZ KIDS (1-24-43) Joe Kelly is Chief Quizmaster as the kids answer his questions. Rebroadcast: 1/23/2013 – 1/29/2013.
January 30th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1160: AN AMERICAN IN ENGLAND (12-8-42) Home is Where You Hang Your Hat by Norman Corwin, the story of soldiers in England during WW II. NOTE: To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of JIMMY DURANTE, born on February 10, 1893, we present a special salute to the beloved entertainer: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (11-5-47) Guest is Bing Crosby. JIMMY DURANTE INTERVIEW (11-8-61) Barry Farber talks with the great Durante at Mama Leone’s Restaurant in New York City. JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (3-31-48) Guests are Victor Moore and comedienne Rose Marie. AMERICA SALUTES THE PRESIDENT (1-30-43 A nation at war pays tribute to its Commander-in-Chief on the 61st birthday of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. An all-star cast in this WW II broadcast: Frank Sinatra, Gene Autry, Fibber McGee and Molly, Artie Shaw, Bing Crosby, Dick Powell, Sammy Kaye, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt. Rebroadcast: 1/30/2013 – 2/5/2013.
February 6th, 1993 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 1
PROGRAM 1161: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-10-43) Jack’s guest is emcee Phil Baker of the Take It or Leave It quiz program. WORLD NEWS TODAY (2-7-43) WW II news: The biggest news in England is that Prime Minister Churchill has returned after conferences in Casablanca with President Roosevelt. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-17-43) From New York, before an audience of WW II servicemen, Jack talks about his forthcoming concert at Carnegie Hall. Guest is Oscar Levant. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-28-43) Bing Crosby with guests Ginny Simms and actor Frank McHugh. WW II flavor. THE VICTORY HOUR (2-2-43) WW II patriotic program aimed at the youth of America. Ralph Bellamy in a short drama, Mind by Choice. Students from Nazi-oc- cupied countries offer eye-witness accounts of education in Europe under Hitler. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-31-43) Broadcasting from the U.S. Marine Base in Quantico, Virginia, Jack and the gang welcome guests actress Virginia Bruce and actor-director Gregory Ratoff. WW II flavor. FAHEY FLYNN AND THE NEWS (2-9-43) Reports on WW II and other events of the day. Rebroadcast: 2/6/2013 – 2/12/2013.
February 13th, 1993 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 2
PROGRAM 1162: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-7-43) In New York, George Jessel opens the program because Jack is still on the train and hasn’t arrived at the studio. WW II flavor. ACADEMY AWARDS (3-2-43) Outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, George Jessel interviews arrivals to the Oscar ceremonies. ACADEMY AWARDS (3-2-43) Jack Benny hosts the sixteenth annual Awards presentation, broadcast from the stage of Grauman’s theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (2-16-43) Patriotic McGee seeks workers with special skills to take jobs with Uncle Sam’s WW II home front war effort. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-14-43) Broadcasting from Toronto, Canada, Jack celebrates his birthday north of the border . PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (2-12-43) FDR and members of the press celebrate Lincoln Day at the 20th annual dinner of the White House Correspondents Association. This is FDR’s first radio address since returning from his historic Casablanca conference with Prime Minister Winston Churchill and WW II allied high commanders. Rebroadcast: 2/13/2013 – 2/19/2013.
February 20th, 1993 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 3
PROGRAM 1163: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-21-43) Jack and the gang from the Armed Forces Training Center School in Chicago. Jack recalls his days in the Navy in 1917. WW II theme. WORLD NEWS TODAY (2-21-43) WW II news reports: The Navy has announced the loss of America’s largest submarine¦ There have been new Axis gains in Central Tunisia. HOP HARRIGAN (2-19-43) Isolated WW II episode. Hop and his sidekick are being held at gunpoint by a Japanese agent. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-28-43) Another WW II show from a military base. Jack and company are at Fort Custer, Michigan where military police receive their training. PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (2-22-43) FDR speaks to the nation to commemorate the birth of George Washington. WW II broadcast. MAIL CALL #65. (1940s) Program for WW II military audiences stars Fred MacMurray, Burns and Allen, Dorothy Lamour, Dennis Day. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-7-43) George Burns and Gracie Allen sub for Jack who is confined to his bed. WW II flavor. Rebroadcast: 2/20/2013 – 2/26/2013.
February 27th, 1993 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 4
PROGRAM 1164: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-14-43) Orson Welles subs for Jack who is still ill in Chicago. Phil Harris returns to the show after a stint in the Merchant Marines during WW II. Welles takes the gang to his studio to see a picture being made. BEN BERNIE WAR WORKER’S PROGRAM (1-12-43) The old maestro, the King’s Jesters and Caesar Petrillo’s orchestra in a program dedicated to WW II women war workers. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-21-43) Jack’s is still unable to appear on the show because of his extended illness. Orson Welles subs during this WW II broadcast. WORLD NEWS TODAY (2-28-43) Douglas Edwards and CBS correspondents with news of WW II. Allied forces have repulsed a new Axis attack in Northern Tunisia and they’ve captured hundreds of enemy troops. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-28-43) Orson Welles continues to sub for the ailing Jack Benny. Orson and the cast present a play, Death at Midnight. RED CROSS CAMPAIGN (2-28-43) Special program opening the 1943 War Fund Campaign of the Red Cross. Messages from FDR, General Eisenhower, Admiral Nimitz. WW II program. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-11-43) Jack returns to the program after an extended illness. Orson Welles drops in for the sketch, Jack Benny from Rags to Riches. Rebroadcast: 2/27/2013 – 3/5/2013.
March 6th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1165: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-17-43) The Water Commissioner is excited about his first public appearance as a speaker at the Summerfield Women’s Club. AN AMERICAN IN ENGLAND (12-15-42) An Anglo-American Angle. Third in the series of WW II programs telling how the English people cope with war. DRAGNET (5-31-51) A fine Los Angeles hotel is found to be the center of a drug ring. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1991) First program in the BBC series based on scripts used by Groucho and Chico Marx on the Five Star Theatre in 1932. STORY OF DR. KILDARE (9-14-50) Dr. Kildare helps a teen-age girl who is an alcoholic. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-7-43) WW II news: The Japanese air challenges are dwindling in the India, Burma, China Theatre. Rebroadcast: 3/6/2013 – 3/12/2013.
March 13th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1166: MR. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (1940s) Case of One Slip Meant Death. The D.A. investigates a murder at the circus. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-14-13) WW II news from home and abroad. Flying Fortresses report direct hits on enemy cargo vessels. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1991) Second program in the series of reenactments from the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. AN AMERICAN IN ENGLAND (12-22-42) Clipper Home is the final show in the series. U. S. WW II travel restrictions. THE COTY HOUR (4-17-35) Ray Noble and his orchestra offer music for listening and dancing. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-24-43) WW II Air Raid Warden Gildersleeve is concerned about sabotage at the Summerfield arms manufacturing plant. Rebroadcast: 3/13/2013 – 3/19/2013.
March 20th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1167: RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (3-5-50) Dick Powell is the private eye who investigates a snake and a gunshot. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-31-43) Gildy is on the committee to help raise money for a new fire engine for Summerfield. WW II flavor. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-21-43) WW II news reports: Adolph Hitler has made his first speech since last November, admitting that Germany is a war zone under Allied bombings. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (3-23-43) Fibber has been appointed to collect funds for the 1943 American Red Cross campaign. WW II theme. WINSTON CHURCHILL (3-21-43) The British Prime Minister speaks from London to listeners at home and overseas about the state of the war and some recent successes. WW II content.CBS WORLD NEWS (3-21-43) Douglas Edwards reports to listeners immediately following the Churchill speech. WW II content. Rebroadcast: 3/20/2013 – 3/26/2013.
March 27th, 1993 – REMEMBERING FRANK LOVEJOY
Program 1168: ESCAPE (12-20-49) Figure a Dame starring Frank Lovejoy in a story of the most sought-after emerald in the world. THIS IS YOUR FBI (6-22-45) Frank Lovejoy narrates. Car theft during wartime is a Federal offense. WW II theme. SUSPENSE (9-1-57) Man from Tomorrow starring Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lovejoy (Joan Banks). A former Korean war jet pilot is offered a job that will contribute to world betterment. PAT NOVAK FOR HIRE (3-27-49) Jack Webb stars as Novak with Frank Lovejoy as prizefighter Rory Malone. NIGHTBEAT (7-13-51) Anton’s Return starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone, reporter for the Chicago Star. SUSPENSE (1-4-54) On a Country Road starring Frank Lovejoy and Joan Banks in the classic Suspense drama. Rebroadcast: 3/27/2013 – 4/2/2013.
April 3rd, 1993 – REMEMBERING NELSON EDDY
Program 1169: NELSON EDDY SHOW (11-29-44) A program of musical favorites with guest 12-year old Lois Butler. WW II flavor. MAIL CALL #136 (1940s) Nelson Eddy emcees a variety program for WW II servicemen. Guests are Jerry Lester, Andrews Sisters, Cass Daley. LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-4-44) Maytime starring Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. An opera star falls in love with a penniless singer in Paris, but her husband interferes. NELSON EDDY SHOW (6-2-46) Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers join Nelson for a program with a western theme. SPECIAL GUESTS are GAIL LULAY, author of Nelson Eddy, America’s Favorite Baritone and movie historian BOB KOLOSOSKI. Rebroadcast: 4/3/2013 – 4/9/2013.
April 10th, 1993 – EASTER GREETINGS
Program 1170: PHIL HARRIS – ALICE FAYE SHOW (4-17-49) Alice has invited the girls’ school principal to dinner on Easter Sunday. WORLD NEWS PARADE (3-28-43) Upton Close from Hollywood and John Vandercook from New York with WW II news. Mussolini’s balcony exhibitionists duck for cellars as RAF planes roar overhead. YOUR HIT PARADE (4-10-43) Frank Sinatra, Joan Edwards and Mark Warnow and the orchestra present the top tunes of the week. MEL BLANC SHOW (4-8-47) The Chamber of Commerce organizes an Easter Egg Hunt with local businesses supplying prize eggs for the contest. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-28-43) WW II coverage. American planes have battered Jap bases throughout the Southwest Pacific and enemy bombers have retaliated with raids on our installations in the Solomons. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-17-49) Jack prepares for his Easter stroll down Wilshire Boulevard. Rebroadcast: 4/10/2013 – 4/16/2013.
April 17th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1171: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (3-30-43) The McGee washing machine is on the blink. WW II flavor. WORLD NEWS TODAY (4-11-43) WW II coverage: Berlin says the Red Air Force has joined the Allied offensive against the German Homeland. BROADWAY IS MY BEAT (1949) Larry Thor stars as Det. Danny Clover in The Val Dane Murder Case. GABRIEL HEATTER (4-18-43) Reporting during WW II, the famed news commentator discusses Hitler, Rommel and unconfirmed enemy claims. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (2-7-43) Gildy’s plans to set a wedding date with Leila are foiled by the arrival of her sister and nephew. WW II flavor. HITLER’S MOCK BIRTHDAY PARTY (4-20-43) In Times Square, New York, Walter O’Keefe is emcee for a monster celebration of Hitler’s birthday! Featured are John Garfield, Jerry Lester, Martha O’Driscoll, Dick Stabile and the orchestra. WW II feature. ESCAPE (1-31-50) Present Tense starring Vincent Price. A man, convicted of the axe-murder of his wife, dreams that he has escaped the train taking him to prison and execution. Rebroadcast: 4/17/2013 – 4/23/2013.
April 24th, 1993 – 23rd ANNIVERSARY SHOW THANKS FOR LISTENING
Program 1172: As we complete 23 years of Those Were The Days broadcasts, we fondly remember how it all began on that 1000 watt daytime station in Evanston. We hope to recall all the fun times we had during those early days with a live, on-the-air WLTD REUNION. Joining us will be WLTD alumni BRUCE DU MONT, BILL NIGUT, TED WEBER, MIKE SCHWIMMER, KARL PEARSON, DON LUCKI, and others. We’ll present sound clips from many of our broadcasts in those days and reminisce about the time we spent together at RadioActive WLTD, 1590-AM, Evanston. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 4/17/2013 – 4/23/2013.
May 1st, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1173: FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1991) Third program in the BBC series based on scripts used by Groucho and Chico Marx on the Five Star Theatre in 1932. SOUND OFF #25 (1943) Songwriter-singer Johnny Mercer presents a record request program for servicemen during WW II. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-18-43) Still recuperating from his illness, Jack takes in the sun at poolside. WW II flavor. WORLD NEWS TODAY (4-18-43) WW II reports: Allied planes are hurling death and destruction on the Axis over a wide area of the Mediterranean. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (3-14-43) Gildersleeve struggles with his income tax and his conscience. WW II setting. MADAME CHAING KAI-SHEK (4-4-43) From the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Madame Chaing Kai-Shek presents a dramatic narrative of the WW II fight between China and Japan. Rebroadcast: 5/1/2013 – 5/7/2013.
May 8th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1174: ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (11-14-48) Neighbor Thorney invites David and Ricky to spend a night in a log cabin. A LIFE IN YOUR HANDS (7-24-52) Eddie Phillips Escapes Prison starring Carlton Kadel. An earwitness helps solve a murder. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (4-6-43) Fibber is feeling ill and wants to call Doc Gamble. WW II flavor. THIS IS OUR ENEMY (1940s) A program of truth¦ about our enemy. Narrated by Frank Gallop. ART HELLYER SHOW (11-14-55) Excerpts from veteran broadcaster Art Hellyer’s morning program of records, zany voices, sounds, etc. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is ART HELLYER who joins in the fun and reminisces about his long radio and television career. NOTE: a VIDEO TAPE RECORDING of Mr. Hellyer’s appearance on this program may be seen when you visit the Schaden Scrapbook on this website. CLICK HERE to go directly to the video. Rebroadcast: 5/8/2013 – 5/14/2013.
May 15th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1175: WORLD NEWS TODAY (5-16-43) WW II news reports. Swarms of Allied planes are roaring across the (English) Channel today to strike new destructive blows at German-held Europe. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (3-28-43) Water Commissioner Gildersleeve has Spring Fever. WW II flavor. VICE PRESIDENT HENRY A. WALLACE (5-15-43) On this I Am An American Day, FDR’s vice president speaks to honor all the new citizens of the United States. WW II feature. GI JIVE #882 (1940s) GI Jill spins the tunes for military listeners around the world during WW II. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1991) Fourth program in the series. WINSTON CHURCHILL (5-19-43) The British Prime Minister speaks before a joint session of the U. S. Congress offering a detailed report on WW II. Rebroadcast: 5/15/2013 – 5/21/2013.
May 22nd, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1176: THE BIG SHOW (4-8-51) Tallulah Bankhead is emcee for the last big variety series on radio. From New York, she welcomes guests Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Jimmy Durante, Vivian Blaine, Jane Morgan and Rudy Vallee. WORLD NEWS TODAY (5-23-43) WW II news: Japanese bombers have made an unsuccessful attack on American warships off Attu in the Aleutians. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (4-13-43) Fibber’s Uncle Sycamore is going to be on the radio. WW II flavor. SUSPENSE (1-13-49) Too Perfect Alibi starring Danny Kaye as a murderer who has 35 people say he could not have been at the scene of the crime. Rebroadcast: 5/22/2013 – 5/28/2013.
May 29th, 1993 – BOB HOPE’S 90th BIRTHDAY!
Program 1177: COMMAND PERFORMANCE #123 (1940s) Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra break into a Women Only edition of the WW II program for military audiences. BOB HOPE 60th BIRTHDAY SPECIAL (6-29-63) Hugh Downs presents a special broadcast on the occasion of the comedian’s 60th birthday, his 25th year with NBC. Many clips and comments from Jimmy Durante, Bergen and McCarthy, Fibber McGee, Eddie Cantor, Jack Benny and others. SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (4-3-49) The Ghost Breakers starring Bob Hope with Shirley Mitchell and Sheldon Leonard. MAIL CALL #140 (1940’s) Judy Garland is emcee with guests Bob Hope, Carmen Cavallaro, the Merry Macs, Paula Winslowe, Frank Nelson. WW II show. GI JOURNAL #111 (1940s) Bob Hope is Editor-in-Chief of this edition with Fred MacMurray, Mel Blanc, Olga San Juan, Linda Darnell. WW II show.OUR SPECIAL GUEST is movie historian BOB KOLOSOSKI who joins TWTD Guest Host KEN ALEXANDER for this on-the-air celebration of Hope’s milestone birthday. Rebroadcast: 5/29/2013 – 6/4/2013.
June 5th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1178: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-22-50) Book 80, Chapter 18. This is the first of 28 consecutive 15-minute chapters from Books 80 and 81 by Carlton E. Morse. The story picks up where we left off last summer. The sequence of programs concerns Paul Barbour’s adopted daughter Teddy and her marriage to Elwood Giddings. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-23-50) Book 80, Chapter 19. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (4-20-43) Fibber decides to help Molly cut out a dress pattern. WW II flavor. WORLD NEWS TODAY (5-30-43) WW II news: The Navy announces that the largest Jap force on the Aleutian Islands has been annihilated and Tokyo has admitted final defeat there. YOUR HIT PARADE (5-29-43) Frank Sinatra and Joan Edwards present the top tunes of the week. WW II broadcast. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1-20-49) Fuller Brush Man starring Red Skelton and Janet Blair. Red is involved in murder while trying to succeed as a door-to-door salesman. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-24-50) Book 80, Chapter 20. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-27-50) Book 81, Chapter 1. Rebroadcast: 6/5/2013 – 6/11/2013.
June 12th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1179: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-28-50) Book 81, Chapter 2. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-29-50) Book 81, Chapter 3. I SUSTAIN THE WINGS (6-5-43) Captain Glenn Miller and the Band of the Technical Training Command of the Army Air Force in a remote broadcast from Yale University. WW II program. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (1-7-40) Petrified Forest starring Joan Bennett, Tyrone Power and Humphrey Bogart. STARS AND STRIPES IN BRITAIN (6-20-43) Ben Lyon is host for this WW II program about servicemen in England, aimed to British and American listeners. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1991) Fifth program in the series of reenactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. GI JIVE #919 (1940s) Jill spins the tunes for WW II servicemen. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (11-30-50) Book 81, Chapter 4. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-1-50) Book 81, Chapter 5. Rebroadcast: 6/12/2013 – 6/18/2013.
June 19th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1180: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-4-43) Gildy’s pre-WW II automobile has been acting up and is in need of repairs. LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-11-45) Murder My Sweet starring Dick Powell, Claire Trevor and Mike Mazurki in the Raymond Chandler detective mystery. WW II flavor. HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (9-18-60) John Dehner stars as Paladin. The son of an old friend shows up at Paladin’s door, claiming his stepfather is mistreating him. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-4-43) Orson Welles continues to sub while Jack is recovering from a long illness. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-4-50) Book 81, Chapter 6. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-5-50) Book 81, Chapter 7. Rebroadcast: 6/19/2013 – 6/25/2013.
June 26th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1181: DON MC NEILL’S BREAKFAST CLUB A 60th Anniversary Salute… DON MC NEILL STORY (6-22-63) ABC Radio offers an informal documentary on the radio life of Don McNeill and the Breakfast Club. BREAKFAST CLUB (6-23-53) From the Terrace Casino of the Morrison Hotel in Chicago, it’s the 20th anniversary of the program starring Don McNeill and Fran Allison, Sam Cowling, Peggy Taylor, Johnny Desmond and Eddie Ballentine and the orchestra. BREAKFAST CLUB/DON MC NEILL SHOW (12-27-68) From the Clouds Room of the Allerton Hotel in Chicago, it’s Don McNeill’s final broadcast after more than 35 years on the air with the Breakfast Club format. Don and the gang say goodbye to listeners. Featured are Sam Cowling, Fran Allison, Cathy Taylor, Captain Stubby, Eddie Ballentine and the orchestra. Rebroadcast: 6/26/2013 – 7/2/2013.
July 3rd, 1993 – V-DISCS AND WORLD WAR II
Program 1182: The War Department’s V-Disc program of providing specially recorded musical entertainment to our troops around the world began in the Summer of 1943. To observe the occasion, Nostalgia Digest columnist KARL PEARSON joins us for an afternoon of musical history and memories. Among the seldom-heard V-Disc selections to be presented are those recorded by Hal McIntyre, Glenn Miller, Eddy Howard, Benny Goodman Quartet, Louis Prima, Bing Crosby with Tommy Dorsey, Frank Sinatra, Spike Jones, Ethel Merman and Connee Boswell. —PLUS—
ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-6-50) Book 81, Chapter 8. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-7-50) Book 81, Chapter 9. Rebroadcast: 7/3/2013 – 7/9/2013.
July 10th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1183: LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-22-55) Rawhide starring Donna Reed and Jeffrey Hunter with William Conrad. NEWS OF THE WORLD (7-1-43) Frank Singiser with WW II news. ¦the Axis may be expected to bomb some American cities this summer¦ FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (4-27-43) Fibber’s got a taste for a thick, juicy steak, but he’s all out of WW II ration coupons. QUIZ KIDS (3-28-43) Guest Fred Allen joins Chief Quizzer Joe Kelly and the kids. WW II flavor. WORLD NEWS TODAY (7-4-43) Douglas Edwards and CBS correspondents with WW II news. General MacArthur is personally directing operations at the Front in New Guinea. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-8-50) Book 81, Chapter 10. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-11-50) Book 81, Chapter 11. Rebroadcast: 7/10/2013 – 7/16/2013.
July 17th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1184: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-25-43) On Easter Sunday, Jack sells carnations to people walking in the Easter Parade. SCREEN DIRECTOR’S PLAYHOUSE (2-3-50) The Sea Wolf starring Edward G. Robinson. WORLD NEWS TODAY (7-11-43) CBS correspondents from the world’s political and battle fronts during WW II including Edward R. Murrow in London. Allied forces are smashing forward on a 100-mile front in Sicily. ACADEMY AWARD (4-6-46) Kitty Foyle starring Ginger Rogers as a working girl who falls in love. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-11-43) Gildy has an accident with his car. WW II flavor. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-12-50) Book 81, Chapter 12. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-13-50) Book 81, Chapter 13. Rebroadcast: 7/17/2013 – 7/23/2013.
July 24th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1185: VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS (7-21-43) Shep Fields and his orchestra broadcasting from the Army Air Force School in Orlando, Florida during WW II. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-5-45) Laura starring Dana Andrews, Gene Tierney and Vincent Price. WW II framework. SKELLY NEWS (7-24-43) Newsman Alex Drier reports WW II news. ¦Some of the bitterest battles of the Italian campaign are raging. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (5-4-43) McGee pays a numerologist to give him a new name. WW II flavor. TREASURY STAR PARADE #13 (1942) Frederic March and Jane Cowell perform The Snow Goose. WW II broadcast. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-14-50) Book 81, Chapter 14. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-15-50) Book 81, Chapter 15. Rebroadcast: 7/24/2013 – 7/30/2013.
July 31st, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1186: MR. KEEN, TRACER OF LOST PERSONS (1-19-50) Bride and Groom Murder Case starring Bennett Kilpack as the kindly old investigator. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-18-43) Gildy leads Leroy and his chums on a hike. WORLD NEWS TODAY (7-25-43) British and American planes have showered tons of bombs on enemy targets during WW II. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (9-30-46) Peggy Ann Garner repeats her screen performance in Junior Miss. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS (7-31-43) Teddy Powell and his orchestra in a WW II remote broadcast from the U. S. Naval Training School at the University of Chicago. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-18-50) Book 81, Chapter 16. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-19-50) Book 81, Chapter 17. Rebroadcast: 7/31/2013 – 8/6/2013.
August 7th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1187: ACADEMY AWARD (7-3-46) The Maltese Falcon starring Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Greenstreet and Mary Astor. PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (7-28-43) A WW II Fireside Chat as FDR speaks on the fall of Mussolini: The first crack in the Axis has come. The criminal, corrupt Fascist regime in Italy is going to pieces. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (5-11-43) Fibber gets a new barometer and predicts snow in May. WW II flavor. PAUL SCHUBERT COMMENTARY (8-6-43) WW II discussion of news developments. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS (8-28-43) Bob Crosby and his orchestra from San Francisco before a WW II military audience. WORLD NEWS TODAY (8-8-43) Douglas Edwards and CBS correspondents with WW II news reports. The American Seventh Army is now within 50 miles of Messina. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-20-50) Book 81, Chapter 18. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-21-50) Book 81, Chapter 19. Rebroadcast: 8/7/2013 – 8/13/2013.
August 14th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1188: LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-3-54) Going My Way starring William Lundigan and Barry Fitzgerald. WORLD NEWS TODAY (8-15-43) WW II reports: The RAF has bombed Milan and Berlin again while American planes hit German air fields in France. STAGE DOOR CANTEEN (8-12-43) It’s Curtain Up for Victory as Broadway performers entertain WW II servicemen. WHISTLER (1940s) Generous Host stars J. Anthony Smythe (best known for his role as Father Henry Barbour in the One Man’s Family series.) A wealthy man is befriended by someone who wants to rob him. RAYMOND GRAHAM SWING (8-16-43) On the 616th day of WW II, the Washington based commentator reviews history on the march. ONE MAN˜S FAMILY (12-22-50) Book 81, Chapter 20. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-25-50) Book 81, Chapter 21. . Rebroadcast: 8/14/2013 – 8/20/2013.
August 21st, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1189: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-26-50) Book 81, Chapter 22. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-27-50) Book 81, Chapter 23. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (5-18-43) When Fibber borrows Mrs. Uppington’s car, it is stolen! JOHN W. VANDERCOOK (8-28-43) WW II commentary. The Axis leaders¦have been very lucky¦ Mussolini and Hitler¦ have led charmed lives… There is no record of any serious attempts ever having been made to assassinate Hitler. Pot shots have been taken at Mussolini, but bad luck and bad aim prevented their finding a vital spot. SCREEN DIRECTOR’S PLAYHOUSE (11-18-49) The Uninvited starring Ray Milland. TREASURY STAR PARADE (1943) WW II war bond program with Duke Ellington and his orchestra. WORLD NEWS TODAY (8-29-43) Doug Edwards and CBS correspondents with WW II reports. The Germans have put Denmark under martial law today. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-28-50) Book 81, Chapter 24. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (12-29-50) Book 81, Chapter 25. NOTE: This is the final chapter in this book and the last of our One Man’s Family programs for this summer. We’ll have more next year as we find out about Clifford’s new job and his new girlfriend. Rebroadcast: 8/21/2013 – 8/27/2013.
August 28th, 1993 – REMEMBERING ARTHUR GODFREY
Program 1190: Arthur Godfrey was born August 31, 1903. On the eve of the 90th anniversary of his birth, we remember the popular entertainer with an afternoon of special radio sounds. ARTHUR GODFREY TIME (4-30-45) Excerpt from his first radio show. ARTHUR GODFREY’S TALENT SCOUTS (2-25-47) Not yet sponsored, this program, is from his first season with this format. ARTHUR GODFREY TIME (10-8-48) Arthur and all the little Godfreys: Tony Marvin, Jeanette Davis, Bill Lawrence, the Mariners, Archie Blyer and the orchestra. Guest is Gene Autry. ARTHUR GODFREY’S TALENT SCOUTS (12-26-49) Arthur arrives late, after the show has started. ARTHUR GODFREY TIME (10-19-53) Excerpt from the infamous Godfrey program during which Arthur introduces singer Julius LaRosa, then fires him on the air! ARTHUR GODFREY TIME (4-30-72) Last program in the series. Arthur reminisces about the year 1945, his coverage of the funeral of President FDR, and his broadcast career. Rebroadcast: 8/28/2013 – 9/3/2013.
September 4th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1191: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (9-6-50) Willard Waterman makes his first appearance as Gildersleeve in this first show of the 1950-51 season. FORD THEATRE (6-13-48) My Sister Eileen starring Shirley Booth and Virginia Gilmore. WORLD NEWS TODAY (9-6-43) Douglas Edwards, John Daly and CBS correspondents report WW II news. American planes have all but wiped out two Japanese bases in New Guinea. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (9-2-43) Bing Crosby with actor Frank McHugh in Time Marches Back sketch. WW II flavor. WORLD NEWS (9-5-43) Mutual newsman John Stanley with news of WW II. The situation in Berlin is chaotic. PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (9-8-43) Another nationally broadcast Fireside Chat during WW II. Today it is announced that an armistice with Italy has been concluded. Rebroadcast: 9/4/2013 – 9/10/2013.
September 11th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1192: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (9-8-43) Bing Crosby with guests Phil Silvers and Alan Reed as Falstaff Openshaw. On the first day of the WW II Third War Loan Drive, Bing’s entire show is devoted to selling war bonds as the sponsor eliminates commercials. THIS IS OUR ENEMY (1943) A WW II United States propaganda program, a program of truth¦ about our enemy. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (6-25-43) Fibber has an idea which will revolutionize the world’s post-WW II war travel industry. JUBILEE #37 (8-9-43) Ernie Bubbles Whitman is emcee for this Armed Forces Radio program for WW II military audiences. Lucky Millinder and the orchestra, Delta Rhythm Boys, Sister Rosetta Tharpe. SUSPENSE (2-1-51) Fragile – Contents Death starring Paul Douglas in a story of tension and heroism in the post office. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (9-13-50) Gildy tries to get out of visiting some in-laws. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER is guest host for this TWTD broadcast. Rebroadcast: 9/11/2013 – 9/17/2013.
September 18th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1193: SUSPENSE (5-22-56) Fragile – Contents Death stars Vic Perrin in the story of a postmaster and his search for an unwelcome package. (An earlier version of this same story, from 1951, was heard last week on TWTD.) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (9-20-50) The Water Commissioner has a new secretary. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (9-16-43) Bing Crosby with guests Jinx Falkenberg and Alan Reed as Falstaff Openshaw. Time Marches back to 1910. WW II flavor. WORLD NEWS TODAY (9-19-43) CBS newsmen report on WW II. American forces have carried out a heavy attack on Japanese targets in the Gilbert Islands. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1991) Sixth and final program in the first series of reenactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. MR. KEEN, TRACER OF LOST PERSONS (10-6-49) Case of the Man Who Invented Death. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER is guest host for this TWTD broadcast. Rebroadcast: 9/18/2013 – 9/24/2013.
September 25th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1194: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (6-1-43) Fibber is all thumbs when it comes to bowling. WORLD NEWS TODAY (9-26-43) WW II news reports. Australian troops are within three quarters of a mile of a Japanese base in New Guinea. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (9-23-42) Another WW II-flavored program from Bing Crosby with his guest actor George Murphy. Selections include What Do You Do in the Infantry and I’ll be Home for Christmas. Time Marches Back to 1908. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (9-27-50) The County Fair is coming to Summerfield and the Gildersleeve household is excited. THIS IS THE BLUE NETWORK – AT WAR (1943) Milton Cross tells listeners what the 127 stations of the Blue Network are doing for the WW II war effort. THEY CALL ME JOE (1943) Frank Lovejoy stars as a U.S. soldier of Slavic descent during WW II. UNCLE SAM PRESENTS (9-18-43) Captain Glenn Miller and the Band of the Training Command of the Army Air Forces present a WW II broadcast via short wave from England. Rebroadcast: 9/25/2013 – 10/1/2013.
October 2nd, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1195: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-4-50) Gildy has been appointed chairman of the Summerfield Community Chest fund drive and Leroy is going to be the quarterback in the benefit football game. GI JOURNAL (1940s) Bing Crosby is the editor in this show for military audiences during WW II. SUSPENSE (11-23-43) Strange Death of Charles Umberstein starring Vincent Price. WORLD NEWS TODAY (10-3-43) CBS correspondents report WW II news. The Royal Air Force bombed Munich again last night. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-5-43) The McGees are cleaning out the spare bedroom to take in a WW II war worker. NATIONAL BARN DANCE (10-2-43) It’s the 10th anniversary for the gang at the old hayloft. Rebroadcast: 10/2/2013 – 10/8/2013.
October 9th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1196: SUSPENSE (6-1-58) Rave Notice starring Vincent Price as an actor who is fired by his director. This story was originally broadcast on Suspense Oct. 12, 1950 with comedian Milton Berle in the Vincent Price role. We’ll have the Berle version of Rave Review later this afternoon. TREASURY STAR PARADE (9-30-43) The Motion Picture industry salutes the Third War Loan with an all-star cast: Dick Powell, Ginny Simms, Thomas Mitchell, Olivia deHavilland, Brian Ahearn, Grace McDonald, Kay Kyser and the band. WW II broadcast. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-10-43) First show of the 1943-44 season and the first show with Jack’s four new writers. Jack is back from a three-month WW II overseas camp tour. WORLD NEWS TODAY (10-10-43) WW II news reports from CBS correspondents. The mighty Allied bombing attack against German-held Europe has raged on today non-stop with American planes following up yesterday’s record raid with another pounding of Western Germany. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-11-50) If Summerfield gets a new mayor, will Gildersleeve lose his job as Water Commissioner? I SUSTAIN THE WINGS (10-16-43) Captain Glenn Miller conducts the band from the Army Air Force School at Yale University. WW II broadcast. SUSPENSE (10-12-50) Rave Notice starring Milton Berle as an actor fired by the director. Rebroadcast: 10/9/2013 – 10/15/2013.
October 16th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1197: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-17-43) While being interviewed by a reporter about his WW II overseas tour for the troops, Jack tells of his adventures in Casablanca. TREASURY STAR PARADE (10-1-43) Bonus for Berlin starring Judith Evelyn. WW II program. SUSPENSE (6-1-44) Fugue in C Minor starring Vincent Price and Ida Lupino in a story of brooding anxiety and sharpening suspicions. WORLD NEWS TODAY (10-17-43) WW II news reports: The Allied Fifth Army is forcing the Germans back from nearly all their positions on the Voltano River in Italy¦ TROMAN HARPER, RUMOR DETECTIVE (10-24-43) A WW II program offering the truth about rumors. How safe are our destroyer escort ships? Do parachutes fail to open? SUSPENSE (10-19-58) Three Skeleton Key starring Vincent Price in ¦that story about the rats”. DIMES FOR INVASION (10-2-43) A salute to America’s newspaper boys who sell WW II stamps to their customers. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-18-50) Gildy buys himself a spiffy new suit. Rebroadcast: 10/16/2013 – 10/22/2013.
October 23rd, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1198: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-12-43) McGee’s old pal Fred Nitney wants a reference for his daughter who wants a commission in the WW II Women’s Army Corps. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-25-50) Gildy is hopeful that he will be named to the Sons of Summerfield lodge. WORLD NEWS TODAY (10-24-43) WW II news: Allied planes from Italy have attacked Southeastern Austria. THE GOLDBERGS (12-10-40) First of two connected but isolated episodes of the classic daytime drama starring Gertrude Berg as Molly Goldberg. THE GOLDBERGS (12-11-40) Second of two consecutive episodes. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-24-43) Jack tells of his WW II camp visit to Algiers. Rebroadcast: 10/23/2013 – 10/29/2013.
October 30th, 1993 – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW
Program 1199: INNER SANCTUM (6-23-47) Over My Dead Body is the story of a man who feigns death to determine which of his heirs is worthy of his fortune. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-31-43) The sponsor pays a visit on Halloween night. SUSPENSE (4-11-46) The Name of the Beast starring Vincent Price. An artist paints a picture of a blood-soaked axe murderer. SPEAKING OF RADIO (9-8-71) Actor Vincent Price, who died on October 25, 1993, talks about his interest in radio in this conversation with Chuck Schaden. INNER SANCTUM (4-11-46) Deadly Dummy. A man kills a ventriloquist, takes over his act and is haunted by his dummy. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-31-43) Gildy has girl trouble at his Halloween party. SUSPENSE (3-3-57) Present Tense starring Vincent Price as a Walter Mitty-type murderer. Rebroadcast: 10/30/2013 – 11/5/2013.
November 6th, 1993 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1200: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-7-43) WW II broadcast from the Marine Corps Air Station in the Mojave Desert. Airplanes buzz Jack throughout the show! VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS (7-26-43) Ozzie Nelson and his orchestra with vocalist Harriet Hilliard entertain WW II workers at the B. F. Goodrich plant in Akron, Ohio. TREASURY STAR PARADE (10-20-43) WW II program, No Greater Sacrifice, about the brave Chinese who sheltered the Americans after the raid on Tokyo. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-14-43) Jack and the gang broadcast before an audience of WW II servicemen at Turney General Hospital in Palm Springs. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (10-7-43) Bing Crosby welcomes guest Lucille Ball. Time Marches Back . WW II flavor. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (11-9-43) The WW II food shortage prompts Fibber to make his own chili sauce. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER is guest host for this TWTD program. Rebroadcast: 11/6/2013 – 11/12/2013.
November 13th, 1993 – PACIFIC PIONEER BROADCASTERS REMEMBER THE RADIO DAYS
Program 1201: ACTRESS’ ROUND TABLE (7-8-93) Radio actresses Alice Backes, Jeanette Nolan, Janet Waldo and Peggy Webber join Chuck Schaden for an informal recollection of their days on radio in a roundtable conversation recorded at the Pacific Pioneer Broadcaster’s Clubroom in Hollywood, California. Part 1. SUSPENSE (2-14-48) The Lodger starring Robert Montgomery, Jeanette Nolan and Peggy Webber in the classic Jack the Ripper story. ACTRESS’ ROUND TABLE (7-8-93) The conversation continues. Part 2. MEET CORLISS ARCHER (9-16-56) Janet Waldo stars as Corliss. ACTRESS’ ROUND TABLE (7-8-93) More conversation from the quarter of radio actresses who are joined by actor Les Tremayne who helped bring them together for this conversation. Part 3. Rebroadcast: 11/13/2013 – 11/19/2013.
November 20th, 1993 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
Program 1202: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (11-25-48) The Free Land starring Martha Scott. Pioneer life in the Northwest Territory is the basis for this Thanksgiving theme broadcast. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-21-43) Jack and Mary go shopping for Thanksgiving dinner at his home. WW II flavor. SOLDIERS IN GREASEPAINT (11-25-43) An all-star Thanksgiving morning broadcast saluting the show business performers who entertain our WW II men and women with USO shows. Hosts Bob Hope and Jack Benny present Al Jolson, Frederic March, Martha Raye, Jascha Heifrtz, Kay Francis, Carole Landis, Judith Anderson and many others. GOOD NEWS OF 1940 (11-23-39) Thanksgiving Day broadcast as host Edward Arnold introduces guests Raymond Walburn and Walter Huston. Regulars include Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford as Baby Snooks and Daddy. DURANTE-MOORE SHOW (11-22-46) Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore present a Thanksgiving opera with Jimmy as Miles Standish and Garry as John Alden. Rebroadcast: 11/20/2013 – 11/26/2013.
November 27th, 1993 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
Program 1203: ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-19-48) Ozzie and Harriet decide not to buy extravagant gifts for each other this Christmas. CALIFORNIA CARAVAN (12-21-47) How Santa Claus Came to Simpson’s Bar, based on a true incident that took place on Christmas Eve, 1882. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-28-43) Jack explains why Dennis earns only $35 a week and shouldn’t get a raise. Guest is Barbara Stanwyck. THIS IS YOUR FBI (12-24-48) The Return of Saint Nick. The man who plays Santa for kids in a settlement house disappears. PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-11-49) Phil and Remley shop for Alice’s Christmas present. . Rebroadcast: 11/27/2013 – 12/3/2013.
December 4th, 1993 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
Program 1204: BLONDIE (12-15-48) Dagwood tries to find out what Cookie and Alexander want for Christmas. SUSPENSE (12-21-48) Out for Christmas starring Raymond Burr as an ex-con who sets out to get the cop who sent him up. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12–7-43) Two years after Pearl Harbor, Fibber is reminded that WW II is NOT almost over! STARS OVER HOLLYWOOD (12-12-53) Time for Christmas starring Anita Louise. A young girl tries desperately to get her mother a cuckoo clock for Christmas. SHERLOCK HOLMES (12-21-47) Adventure of the Christmas Bride starring John Stanley and Alfred Shirley as Holmes and Watson. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-5-43) Jack goes to the Driver’s License Bureau to renew his license. Rebroadcast: 12/4/2013 – 12/10/2013.
December 11th, 1993 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
Program 1205: PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-18-49) The Harris family discovers there is no community Christmas tree. A THOSE WERE SALUTE TO DON AMECHE who died December 6, 1993 at age 85. In place of regularly scheduled TWTD programming, we have Mr. Ameche’s 1992 induction into the Radio Hall of Fame; some of his appearances on the Charlie McCarthy radio show; with Frances Langford in a Bickersons sketch; and Chuck Schaden’s 9-8-71 interview with him. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-12-43) Verna Felton appears an Dennis Day’s mother who visits the show to plead Dennis’ need for a raise. WW II flavor. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (12-25-46) Dennis plays all the parts in the Christmas story, The Boy Who Sang for the King. AN OLD TIME RADIO CHRISTMAS CAROL (12-22-90) Ken Alexander stars as ALL the characters in a special Those Were The Days production. It’s a gentle fable for the holiday season about a man who believes in Christmas, but not in old time radio! Three spirits try to convince him otherwise. Rebroadcast: 12/11/2013 – 12/17/2013.
December 18th, 1993 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
Program 1206: SUSPENSE (12-23-43) Back for Christmas starring Peter Lorre as a botany professor digging a devil’s garden in his cellar, planning to murder his nagging wife. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-19-43) Jack and Rochester go Christmas shopping. Don Wilson is the department store Santa Claus. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (12-23-48) Silent Night is the story of the origin of our most played Christmas carol and how it came to be written. WORLD NEWS TODAY (12-19-43) On the Sunday before Christmas Douglas Edwards and CBS correspondents bring listeners up to date on the WW II scene. TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (12-20-47) Ralph Edwards hosts the audience participation program with a holiday consequence for a contestant. The show also visits a hospitalized, disabled WW II veteran for a warm-hearted, touching program for the Christmas season. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-21-43) The McGees go shopping for a Christmas tree. Teeney and the gang sing ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Rebroadcast: 12/18/2013 – 12/24/2013.
December 25th, 1993 – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Program 1207: COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-24-43) An all-star Christmas greeting to our WW II fighting men from the biggest names in the entertainment world. Bob Hope emcees this 90-minute extravaganza featuring Kay Kyser and the orchestra, Ed Archie Gardner, Nelson eddy, Spike Jones and his City Slickers, Ginny Simms, Ish Kabibble, Dinah Shore, Jack Benny and Fred Allen. PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (12-24-43) The President reports to the nation on Christmas Eve in another of his famous WW II Fireside Chats. On this Christmas Eve there are over ten million men in the Armed Forces of the United States alone¦ JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-26-43) Turning the clock back, it’s Christmas night at Jack’s house and the whole gang shows up for a party. WORLD NEWS TODAY (12-26-43) WW II news on the day after Christmas. In the Pacific, American heavy and medium bombers have made four attacks on the Jap base at Cape Glouster, New Britain Island. Also: news of the appointment of Generals Eisenhower and Montgomery to lead the invasion into Germany. CHRISTMAS PACKAGE (12-25-43) Actress Linda Darnell is hostess for a WW II program of patriotism and Christmas sentiment for the boys overseas. Featured are Bob Hope, Lena Horne, Fibber McGee and Molly, the Andrews Sisters, Ginny Simms. Howard Duff announces. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER substitutes for Chuck Schaden on this broadcast. . Rebroadcast: 12/25/2013 – 12/31/2013.
January 1st, 1994 – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Program 1208: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-28-43) To get a fresh start for the New Year, Fibber has a string tied around his finger to remind him to do something, but he can’t remember what. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (12-30-43) Bing Crosby stars with guest Cass Daley in a program of holiday fun and music. Bing and Cass collect scrap for the WW II effort. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-2-44) Jack and the gang present their annual New Year’s play, The New Tennant, an allegorical fantasy reflecting the WW II situation. Jack is the old year 1943; Phil is Uncle Sam; Mary is Columbia (Uncle Sam’s wife with 48 kids!); Don is the Navy; Dennis portrays Hitler and Tojo. MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER (12-31-46) New Year’s Nightmare with Maurice Copeland. A holiday reveler welcomes in the new year with too much partying. I SUSTAIN THE WINGS (12-25-43) A WW II Christmas Day broadcast from Halloran General Hospital in New York featuring the Band of the Army Air Forces Training Command directed by Pvt. Jerry Gray in the absence of Capt. Glenn Miller, out sick with the flu. PFC Johnny Desmond sings with the Crew Chiefs. ALDRICH FAMILY (12-31-48) On the afternoon of the last day of the year, the best laid plans for the New Year celebration are changing. Ezra Stone and Jackie Kelk as Henry and Homer. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER substitutes for Chuck Schaden on this broadcast. Rebroadcast: 1/1/2014 – 1/7/2014.
January 8th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1209: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-16-44) Bing Crosby welcomes guests William Frawley and Nan Wynn. Time Marches Back to 1930. WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-9-44) Douglas Edwards and CBS newsmen with WW II reports. The Allied Fifth Army in Italy has thrown back German counter-attacks and has cut deeper into the enemy defense lines around Cassino, the strategic town guarding the road to Rome. SPEAKING OF RADIO (8-23-72) Paying tribute to actor Cesar Romero, who died January 1, 1994 at age 86. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-9-44) Jack and Rochester go to the freight office to pick up Jack’s camel from his WW II tour. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-22-56) Shane staring Alan Ladd, Van Heflin and Ruth Hussey in a radio version of the 1953 screen classic. A gunfighter comes to the aid of homesteaders. FRED ALLEN SHOW (12-28-47) For Fred’s last show of 1947, guest Monty Woolley tries to help Fred exchange a defective cuckoo clock at a department store. Allen’s Alley question: What is the outstanding event of 1947? Rebroadcast: 1/8/2014 – 1/14/2014.
January 15th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1210: INNER SANCTUM (4-4-49) Death Wears a Lovely Smile with Bob Sloane and Mercedes McCambridge. In a cemetery, a man waits to meet a woman who was buried a year ago. SPECIAL GUEST EDDIE HUBBARD, long-time Chicago disc jockey, pays a visit to TWTD. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-16-44) In a WW II remote broadcast from the Marine Air Station at El Toro, California, Jack welcomes guest Alexis Smith who is scheduled to star in a new picture with him, The Horn Blows at Midnight. THE WHISTLER (9-15-48) Uncle Ben’s Widow. An eyewitness to an accidental death claims that a murder was committed. WE REMEMBER THEM WELL – Recap of celebrity deaths in 1993. FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-19-46) Guest Phil Harris shows up asking Fred to get him a job on the panel radio show Information Please. Phil joins Senator Claghorn for a Harris version of Allen’s Alley called Tobacco Road. WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-16-44) WW II news: General Eisenhower has arrived in Britain to take over command of all forces for the invasion. LIGHTS OUT (6-8-43) The House is Haunted by Arch Oboler. Strange things begin to happen when a family arrives in their new home. Rebroadcast: 1/15/2014 – 1/21/2014.
January 22nd, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1211: FRED ALLEN SHOW (2-6-49) Guest Bert Lahr wants to audition for Fred’s TV revue. SUSPENSE (3-23-53) The Signal Man starring Agnes Moorehead in a radio version of the Charles Dickens story. A writer who witnessed a tragic death is drawn back to the scene of the event. ORLD NEWS TODAY (1-23-44) CBS newsmen reporting from the WW II battlefronts. The new Allied landings on the West Coast of Italy appear to have put the Germans into a pretty tough spot: the Germans are moving large forces back from the Fifth Army front toward Rome¦ The Navy has announced that American planes have carried out two new raids on the big Jap base in the Coral Islands. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-20-44) Bing Crosby with guest Dale Evans. Time Marches Back to 1930. WW II flavor. SPEAKING OF RADIO (5-17-91) Paying tribute to actor/comedian Pat Buttram who died January 8, 1994 at age 78. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (11-2-41) The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse starring Edward G. Robinson and Humphrey Bogart in a radio version of their 1938 movie. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-23-44) WW II remote broadcast from the Army Air Field at Murock, California. Guest again is Alexis Smith, Jack’s co-star in his new picture, The Horn Blows at Midnight, who questions his acting ability. Rebroadcast: 1/22/2014 – 1/28/2014.
January 29th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1212: MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (1946) The Dead Come Back starring Joseph Julian. The police allow a murderer to escape and return to the scene of his crime to prove that he is not really insane. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-30-44) When Jack finds out that the director wants to remove a love scene with Alexis Smith from his upcoming picture The Horn Blows at Midnight, he goes to the Warner Bros. studios to find out why. INNER SANCTUM (1-12-48) Tempo in Blood with Mason Adams and Everett Sloane. A piano player commits the perfect crime and doesn’t know it. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (2-1-44) McGee goes downtown to buy a WW II war bond but instead comes back with a diamond ring. WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-30-44) News of WW II: The Allies have expanded their bridgehead south of Rome today, but the Germans are putting up a stiff fight to hold their lines along the main Fifth Army front¦ In the Pacific War Zone, American carrier-based planes have made the heaviest attacks so far on the Marshall Islands. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (2-2-44) Young Donald O’Connor joins Bing Crosby and the gang. Bing and 18-year old Donald sing Small Fry from their 1938 film Sing You Sinners. Rebroadcast: 1/29/2014 – 2/4/2014.
February 5th, 1994 – CELEBRATING THE 61ST ANNIVERSARY OF JACK’S BENNY’S 39TH BIRTHDAY Part 1
Program 1213: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-6-44) WW II remote broadcast from Roosevelt Navy Base on Terminal Island, San Pedro, California. Jack recalls his 1917 enlistment in the Navy. SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (2-6-94) The premiere broadcast of the first of a four-part series produced and edited by Chuck Schaden. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-14-37) Guest is bandleader Ben Bernie. On Jack’s birthday, the cast and audience sing Happy Birthday. WORLD NEWS TODAY (2-6-44) Douglas Edwards and CBS correspondents report on the news of WW II. German elite troops have been thrown into the battle of the bridgehead below Rome today and Allied forces have fallen back two miles to adjust their line¦ American heavy bombers have smashed at German air fields in France for the second day in a row. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-13-38) Tomorrow is Jack’s birthday and he has been selected as one of the ten best-dressed men in Hollywood. Guest is actor Robert Taylor. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-19-39) Jack got a bear for his birthday last week (first reference to the bear as Carmichael). Lots of talk about next week’s Academy Awards. Rebroadcast: 2/5/2014 – 2/11/2014.
February 12th, 1994 – CELEBRATING THE 61ST ANNIVERSARY OF JACK’S BENNY’S 39TH BIRTHDAY Part 2
Program 1214: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-13-44) WW II broadcast from March Field, California with guest harmonica virtuoso Larry Adler who reminisces about his tour of military bases with Jack, their stop in Egypt and the camel that Jack bought. The cast sings a birthday wish to Jack. SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (2-12-94) Second of the four-part series. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-11-45) Jack celebrates his birthday at the Glenview Naval Air Station in Illinois in this broadcast with a WW II flavor. WORLD NEWS TODAY (2-20-44) Douglas Edwards, Webley Edwards, John Daly and other WW II CBS correspondents reporting. American planes have carried out the greatest daytime operation of the war against unannounced targets in Germany. The Allies have turned back repeated German counter-attacks at Anzio. The Pacific offensive continues. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-17-46) Jack’s birthday was last Thursday. In a flashback, Jack gets a violin lesson from Professor LeBlanc, then listens to the radio. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-16-47) Guests Ronald and Benita Colman and Issac Stern show up for Jack’s birthday party. Rebroadcast: 2/12/2014 – 2/18/2014.
February 19th, 1994 – CELEBRATING THE 61ST ANNIVERSARY OF JACK’S BENNY’S 39TH BIRTHDAY Part 3
Program 1215: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-20-44) Jack entertains Groucho Mark; the gang appears in The Gilroy Murder Case. SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (2-19-94) Part three in the four-part series. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-15-48) The Beverly Hills Beavers decide to hold a surprise birthday party for Jack, who is going to be 39. WORLD NEWS TODAY (2-27-44) WW II news from the world’s political and battle fronts. A Finnish communique reports that six hundred Russian planes bombed Helsinki last night causing fire and heavy damage. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-13-49) Tomorrow is Jack’s birthday and he’s going to be 40! Jack’s sister Florence sends a birthday telegram. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-20-49) Prior to Jack’s upcoming appearance on the Ford Theatre in The Horn Blows at Midnight, director Fletcher Markle stops by, as does producer Jack L. Warner. Rebroadcast: 2/19/2014 – 2/25/2014.
February 26th, 1994 – CELEBRATING THE 61ST ANNIVERSARY OF JACK’S BENNY’S 39TH BIRTHDAY Part 4
Program 1216: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-27-44) In a remote broadcast from the Hollywood Canteen for an audience of WW II servicemen on leave, Jack and the gang welcome guests Larry Adler and Eddie Cantor. Jack is planning a tour of military bases. SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (2-26-94) Conclusion of the original four-part series (which was later expanded to become a 12-part series). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-27-49) Guest is actor Claude Raines, who is to be Jack’s co-star in the Ford Theatre production of The Horn Blows at Midnight. Raines tries to get Jack to change his mind about appearing in the radio play. FORD THEATRE (3-4-49) The Horn Blows at Midnight starring Jack Benny and Claude Raines with Hans Conried, Mercedes McCambridge, Anne Whitfield, Jeanette Nolan, Jane Morgan, Joseph Kearns and Herb Vigran. Jack repeats his screen role in this radio version of his infamous 1945 movie comedy about an angel sent to Earth to destroy it. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-13-55) A party is being planned to celebrate Jack’s birthday. Mary suggests arranging the 39 candles in the shape of a question mark! Rebroadcast: 2/26/2014 – 3/4/2014.
March 5th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1217: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (9-30-43) Bing Crosby with guest Phil Silvers. Time Marches back to 1936. WW II flavor. WORDS AT WAR (3-7-44) Weeping Wood, a dramatic impression of Vicki Baum’s documentary novel. Part of a series of WW II programs presented in cooperation with the Council on Books in Wartime. The story of the growth, development and importance of rubber. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-5-44) WW II remote broadcast from the Army Air Field at Lamour, California. This is a stand-up show (no sketch) before a military audience, with lots of topical camp humor and Fred Allen jokes. FORT LARAMIE (4-1-56) Lost Child starring Raymond Burr as Capt. Lee Quince of the U.S. Cavalry A settler’s child is kidnapped in an Indian raid. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-5-44) News of WW II. American daylight bombers were busy again today. Our Liberators with fighter escort have continued the air offensive with another sock at German costal installations in France. In the Pacific, American troops at Los Negros in the Admiralties have killed three thousand Japanese in one of the fiercest battles of the war. MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (1946) The Secret of XR3 starring Karl Swenson as a three-foot midget who has an opportunity to take hormone capsules so that he can grow to a more normal size. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER substitutes for Chuck Schaden on this broadcast. Rebroadcast: 3/5/2014 – 3/11/2014.
March 12th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1218: BIG STORY (5-25-47) George Petrie stars as Keeler McCartney, reporter for the Atlanta Constitution whose story about a crackdown on a lottery racket is dramatized. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-7-44) Fibber is writing a radio speech for the WW II Red Cross Campaign. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-12-44) Dougflas Edwards and CBS WW II correspondents. American daylight raiders were back in action over the coast of France today, this time without escorting fighter planes. Last night’s RAF target was Homburg and other points in Western Germany. MAN CALLED X (9-26-48) The Laughing Lady stars Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston. Mr. X travels to Italy to investigate a circus he believes to be a front for the Mafia. Last show of the series. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-12-44) Another stand-up show before a WW II military audience at the Livermore, California Naval Air Station. WORDS AT WAR (3-14-44) Science at War based on the book by George W. Gregg. The story of men taming, controlling and enslaving the forces of Nature. From the WW II series. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER substitutes for Chuck Schaden on this broadcast. Rebroadcast: 3/12/2014 – 3/18/2014.
March 19th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1219: WORDS AT WAR (3-21-44) Der Fuehrer, a dramatization of Conrad Heiden’s expose of a great lie¦a colossal mystery story which sprang from a graveyard and staggered the world. From the WW II series presented in cooperation with the Council on Books in Wartime. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1992) Program number seven in the BBC series of reenactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-8-43) The Maltese Falcon starring Edward G. Robinson, Gail Patrick and Laird Cregar in an interesting example of alternate casting in this radio version of the 1941 screen classic, about the search for the elusive Black Bird. WW II framework. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (2-17-44) Bing Crosby with guests Cass Daly and Marilyn Maxwell. Time Marches Back to 1918. WW II setting. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-19-44) WW II news coverage: The Germans say that American bombers, striking from bases in Italy, have attacked the Southern Reich again today¦ Last night Royal Air Force hit Frankfort and other targets with great force. Rebroadcast: 3/19/2014 – 3/25/2014.
March 26th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1220: ROY ROGERS SHOW (9-5-48) Roy stars with Dale Evans, George Gabby Hayes, Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage. Gabby spins a yarn about The Horse Thieves of Paradise Valley and Roy sings Pecos Bill. MYSTERY CHEF (1944) A program to help listeners cope with WW II food rationing and shortages. The Chef gives recipes for stretch butter and Cinnamon Crumb coffee cake. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-26-44) WW II news reports: The Russians have reached Rumania¦ Large forces of American bombers were out again today, pounding Europe into shape for invasion. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-19-44) Guest is actress Barbara Stanwyck. Jack wants to take Mary to the movies and Dennis dreams that he has his own show! WORDS AT WAR (3-28-44) A Bell for Adano stars Berry Kroeger with Myron McCormick, Jackson Beck and Rolf Sedan in John Hershey’s WW II story about Americans in Italy. SUSPENSE (10-6-49) The Defense Rests starring Van Johnson as an ex-con who is given a job in a law office. A NIGHT IN A FOX HOLE (3-24-44) Broadcast of a recording made by two WW II combat correspondents right after the Marines swarmed ashore on one of the Marshall Island atolls. The program portrays the change that comes over man after 24 hours of battle. Rebroadcast: 3/26/2014 – 4/1/2014.
April 2nd, 1994 – EASTER GREETINGS – NO FOOLIN’
Program 1221: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-25-43) It’s the Easter weekend and a crate of rabbits is delivered to the Gildersleeve household. WW II flavor. MEL BLANC SHOW (4-1-47) Mel makes an April Fool phone call to Mr. Colby, telling him he will inherit a fortune. HOLLYWOOD STAR TIME (4-21-46) Song of Bernadette starring Vincent Price, Lee J. Cobb and Vanessa Brown in the story of the miraculous apparition of the Blessed Virgin to a poor village girl. WORLD NEWS TODAY (4-2-44) Global reports on WW II events: American bombers in the Mediterranean area have made their fourth attack on German industries in Austria. Moscow dispatchers say the hour of liberation is near for the Black Sea naval base at Odessa. LIFE WITH LUIGI (4-1-52) Pasquale plans an April Fool joke to scare Luigi into marrying Rosa. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (4-14-49) One Foot in Heaven starring George Brent in the story of a Methodist preacher with one foot in Heaven and one foot on God’s green earth as he sets up a parsonage in a small Iowa town. Rebroadcast: 4/2/2014 – 4/8/2014.
April 9th, 1994 – WE REMEMBER OLAN SOULE
Program 1222: FIRST NIGHTER (2-5-48) Drink for the Damned starring Olan Soule and Barbara Luddy with Marvin Miller, Parley Baer, Willard Waterman, Arthur Q. Brian. SPEAKING OF RADIO (2-17-75) Olan Soule and Barbara Luddy talk with Chuck Schaden about their radio days in a conversation recorded in Mr. Soule’s home in Woodland Hills, California. WAYSIDE THEATRE (1-22-39) Food for Thought starring Olan Soule and Patricia Dunlop. A newlywed wife, used to preparing huge meals for her husband, invites his health-conscious boss to dinner. SPEAKING OF RADIO (10-11-89) Olan Soule, visiting the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago, chats about his broadcast career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden. Olan Soule died February 1, 1994 at age 84. GRAND MARQUEE (7-10-47) Here We Go Again starring Olan Soule and Muriel Bremner in a merry tale of love and confusion at a wacky wedding. Rebroadcast: 4/9/2014 – 4/15/2014.
April 16th, 1994 – NATIONAL BARN DANCE A 70TH ANNIVERSARY SALUTE
Program 1223: NATIONAL BARN DANCE (4-30-60) The oldest, longest continuously broadcast program of any kind anywhere in the world – the one and only National Barn Dance! Master of Ceremonies Bob Atcher and the gang in the Old Hayloft present the final broadcast on WLS, Chicago after 36 years on the air. Entertainment on this last show is provided by the Queen of the Barn Dance Grace Wilson, plus Dolf Hewitt, Tiny Murphy, Lee Morgan, Bob and Maggie Atcher, Sage Riders, Midwesterners, Johnny Frigo, Sy Burton, Davy Pitts, Uncle Newt Klatt and the Kattenjamers. The cast of the Barn Dance did not learn until a few hours before the broadcast that this would be the final show. The station was changing to a contemporary music format. OUR SPECIAL GUEST during this TWTD program are JOHNNY FRIGO, RUSTY GILL, DOLPH HEWITT, PATSY MONTANA, LEE MORGAN and CAPTAIN STUBBY who reminisce about a great radio show. Rebroadcast: 4/16/2014 – 4/22/2014.
April 23rd, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1224: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (4-20-44) Bing Crosby welcomes guests Dave Shelly. Time Marches Back to 1932 with Bing as a music publisher and Dave as a composer. WW II flavor. INNER SANCTUM (1-12-48) Tempo in Blood with Mason Adams and Everett Sloane. A piano player commits the perfect crime and doesn’t even know it. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-18-44) As the program starts its tenth year on the air, Fibber is certain that his neighbor across the street is a Nazi spy. WW II comedy. WORDS AT WAR (4-23-44) The Story of Lend Lease, dramatizing FDR’s WW II message to Congress telling what Lend Lease has accomplished to date, explaining its cost and showing how it is helping win the war. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-23-44) Remote broadcast from Vancouver, British Columbia to promote Canada’s Fifth Victory Loan. This is Dennis Day’s last show before entering the Navy during WW II. SUSPENSE (6-14-55) The Whole Town’s Sleeping starring Jeanette Nolan with Paula Winslowe in the Ray Bradbury story The Lonely One. Rebroadcast: 4/23/2014 – 4/29/2014.
April 30th, 1994 – 24TH ANNIVERSARY BROADCAST THANKS FOR LISTENING
Program 1225: As we complete 24 years of Those Were The Days programs we mark the occasion by presenting a broadcast of the party to celebrate the 61st Anniversary of Jack Benny’s 39th Birthday, held by the Radio Hall of Fame at the Museum of Broadcast Communications on Sunday, February 13, 1994. A capacity crowd packed the Preston Bradley Hall in the Chicago Cultural Center to honor the great comedian (1894-1994) on his Centennial birthday. Ken Alexander wrote an original radio script, based upon characters and situations created during the twenty-three year run of one of the most successful programs in the history of radio. Our Those Were The Days Radio Players brought Ken’s script to life, with characterizations of Phil Harris, Rochester, Don Wilson, Frank Nelson, the Train Announcer, the Trout, Sy, Mr. Kitzel, Gertrude and Mable, Ed, the Quartet and others. John Sebert, winner of our Jack Benny Sound-Alike contest, played Jack. Special guest Joan Benny, Jack’s daughter, portrayed Mary Livingstone in the re-enactment. Channel 2 weatherman Harry Volkman appeared as Dennis Day and Ken Alexander was Professor LeBlanc. A special scene was written into the script for Bobby Blumofe, Jack’s grandson who surprised us by flying in for the occasion. We’ll broadcast the entire re-enactment plus other elements of the Centennial Salute to Jack Benny, including fond memories of Jack by his daughter and grandson. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 7/13/2011 – 7/20/2011, 4/30/2014 – 5/6/2014.
May 7th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1226: LIFE OF RILEY (5-8-48) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley who fixes breakfast in bed for his wife Peg on Mother’s Day. Peg gives Riley a Mother’s Day gift. WINGS TO VICTORY (4-15-43) Drama of American heroism based on WW II combat reports from the fighting front. A light-hearted, but propaganda-filled story about the 819th Air Fighter Squadron in North Africa features Howard Duff as a sensitive pilot in a war zone. SKELLY NEWS (5-13-44) Louis Roen with WW II news: On the Russian Front, the Red Army has opened a new, major offensive¦ Overcoming strong German defenses the Russians broke through a 20-mile wide front, scoring advances up to 10 miles in depth and capturing 30 towns and villages. SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (5-7-94) Part 5 in the 12-part audio documentary culled from Chuck Schaden’s conversations with performers, writers and others associated with Jack Benny’s radio shows and laced with clips from Jack’s broadcasts. MYSTERY IN THE AIR (8-28-47) Beyond Good and Evil starring Peter Lorre and Peggy Weber. An escaped convict masquerades as a clergyman after terrorizing a real cleric. WORLD NEWS TODAY (5-14-44) WW II news reports: Observers on the English Channel coast report that two waves of Allied planes have flown out over the direction of Northern France. WORDS AT WAR (5-16-44) Lifeline, the story of the U. S. Merchant Marines. An interesting attempt to improve the image of the Merchant Marines in WW II. Rebroadcast: 5/7/2014 – 5/13/2014.
May 14th, 1994 – WE REMEMBER WILLIAM CONRAD
Program 1227: William Conrad died February 11, 1994 at age 73. GUNSMOKE (9-12-53) Prairie Happy starring William Conrad as Marshall Matt Dillon. The Pawnees are going to attack Dodge City. ESCAPE (11-15-49) Three Skeleton Key starring William Conrad in the chilling story about rats against the occupants of a lighthouse. SUSPENSE (7-18-56) The Man Who Threw Acid starring William Conrad in the story of a man who wanted to become important and the crime he committed to accomplish it. GUNSMOKE (10-10-52) Hinka Doo starring William Conrad as Marshall Dillon of Dodge City. ESCAPE (3-22-53) Pressure starring William Conrad in the story of the U.S.S. Amberfish, a submarine out of Pearl Harbor in 1944 on its fourth war patrol. WW II setting. SUSPENSE (8-25-57) Leiningen Vs. the Ants starring William Conrad in a classic story of nature’s imbalance. Rebroadcast: 5/14/2014 – 5/20/2014.
May 21st, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1228: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-21-44) The gang gathers at Jack’s place for rehearsal. Don and Mary tell him that he might have a split personality, but he is doubtful¦ until he goes to buy a cigar. WORDS AT WAR (5-30-44) The Navy Hunts the CGR 3070 The story of the incredible adventures of the Coast Guard Reserve Boat 3070 of Hooligan’s Navy, an actual WW II event which took place in December, 1942. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1992) Program number eight in the BBC series of re-enactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. THE WHISTLER (5-12-48) Chain Reaction stars Frank Lovejoy and Joan Banks. A pilot, offered $5,000 to salvage gold in the Caribbean, is part of a murder plot. WORLD NEWS TODAY (5-21-44) Doug Edwards and CBS newsmen report on WW II: In the Far East, the North Burma campaign is approaching a climax. General Stillwell reports that American Liberators have attacked a Japanese island within 300 miles of the Philippines. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-28-44) Warner Bros. wants to make a movie about Jack’s life. Guest is Danny Kaye. Rebroadcast: 5/21/2014 – 5/27/2014.
May 28th, 1994 – FRED ALLEN CENTENNIAL 1894 -1994
Program 1229: Comedian Fred Allen was born one hundred years ago, on May 31, 1894. We observe his Centennial with an afternoon of fascinating Fred Allen radio material: FRED ALLEN SHOW (4-11-48) Excerpt featuring Basil Rathbone, looking for a script for his new radio program. Fred comes up with a One Long Pan story. LINIT BATH CLUB REVUE (1-22-33) A broadcast from Fred’s very first radio series which began on October 23, 1932. This show features popular sketches from previous shows. FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-2-48) Excerpt. Fred didn’t finish writing the show for this broadcast. Guest Henry Morgan. OMNIBUS (1955) Excerpt from the audio portion of the TV series featuring a monolog by Fred Allen discussing his book, Treadmill to Oblivion using clips from Allen broadcasts. FRED ALLEN SHOW (4-18-48) Excerpt. Fred and Portland Hoffa take a walk down Allen’s Alley. The question: What do you like about the circus? INFORMATION PLEASE (2-15-43) Emcee Clifton Fadiman and regular panelists John Kiernan, Oscar Levant and Franklin P. Adams welcome guest panelist Fred Allen who assumes the role of emcee for part of the program. FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-26-46) Excerpt featuring Jack Benny who sneaks into a studio tour. Fred tells Jack about Allen’s new give-away program, King for a Day. FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-26-47) Excerpt. Fred wants Hollywood to make his life story. Guest is Jack Haley. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER substitutes for Chuck Schaden on this broadcast. Rebroadcast: 5/28/2014 – 6/3/2014.
June 4th, 1994 – RADIO and WORLD WAR II D-DAY, the SIXTH OF JUNE, 1944 Part 1
Program 1230: FIRESIDE CHAT (6-5-44) President Franklin D. Roosevelt reports to the nation on the capture of Rome. Yesterday, on June 4, 1944 Rome fell to American and Allied troops. The first of the Axis capitols is now in our hands. D-DAY NEWS SPECIAL (6-6-44) 2 a.m. EWT. First unofficial reports of the invasion, without Allied confirmation. CBS. D-DAY NEWS SPECIAL (6-6-44) 3 a.m. EWT. Richard Harkness, Morgan Beatty, Robert St. John with more coverage of the invasion, but there’s still no Allied confirmation. NBC. D-DAY NEWS SPECIAL (6-6-44) 3:32 a.m. EWT. First Allied news that the invasion has begun. Edward R. Murrow reads General Eisenhower’s Order of the Day to the troops of the invasion forces. H. V. Kaltenborn reports: The final chapter in the history of the Second World War is being written. NBC. D-DAY NEWS SPECIAL (6-6-44) 4:15 a.m. EWT. Correspondent Wright Bryan, first man to return to London from the invasion, offers an eyewitness description of the first parachute drop of the invasion. NBC. D-DAY NEWS SPECIAL (6-6-44) 6 a.m. EWT. Bob Trout brings listeners up to date on invasion news. Major George Fielding Elliott describes the tone of the invasion and mood of the troops. Trout tells of New York’s reaction to invasion news: churches open for special D-Day services; war plants have prayer services. At last the liberation of the continent of Europe has started. Charles Shaw, in London, has a dramatic account of the events surrounding the invasion. CBS. D-DAY NEWS SPECIAL (6-6-44) 9 a.m. EWT. Correspondent Ed Haaker, just back from a flight over part of the battle area with the Ninth Air Forces tells of the treatment of news correspondents just prior to the invasion. NBC. OUR SPECIAL GUES T is former NBC correspondent ED HAAKER who recalls a momentous day in the history of World War II. VALIANT LADY (6-6-44) 10 a.m. EWT. Excerpt from one of the few regularly scheduled programs to be broadcast on this day. Announcer Dwight Weist urges listeners to buy war bonds. CBS. LIGHT OF THE WORLD (6-6-44) 10:15 a.m. EWT. Usually the day-to-day story of the Bible told in soap opera terms, this invasion day episode puts aside the regular continuing story to present stories of man’s faith in God. CBS. AUNT JENNY’S REAL LIFE STORIES (6-6-44) 11:45 a.m. EWT. Announcer Dan Seymore says, The long-awaited D-Day is here. Aunt Jenny, just returned from church, offers a prayer for the safety and success our men and boys in the invasion. Her regular story continues, but at the close of the broadcast Aunt Jenny has a World War II message for wives and mothers. CBS. KING GEORGE VI (6-6-44) 3 p.m. EWT. The King of England in a special broadcast to his people at home and overseas and throughout the United States of America. He asks for prayers for peace and victory. Rebroadcast: 6/4/2014 – 6/10/2014.
June 11th, 1994 – RADIO and WORLD WAR II D-DAY, the SIXTH OF JUNE, 1944 Part 2
Program 1231: D-DAY NEWS SPECIAL (6-6-44) 4:30 p.m. EWT. Don Hollenback with news bulletins. Morgan Beatty reports on President Roosevelt’s news conference at the White House. Don Goddard tells of FDR’s Invasion Prayer. NBC. PASSING PARADE (6-6-44) 7:15 p.m. EWT. Storyteller John Nesbitt looks 100 years into the future to June 6, 2044: a school teacher in the 21st Century tells his students about the invasion of Europe during World War II. CBS. D-DAY SPECIAL FEATURE (6-6-44) 7:30 p.m. EWT. Actor Ronald Colman reads A Poem and Prayer for an Invading Army written especially for D-Day by Edna St. Vincent Millay. NBC. GINNY SIMMS SHOW (6-6-44) 8 p.m. EWT. Ginny sets aside her regular program, of popular music for a special D-Day broadcast, but she does sing The Victory Polka. A U.S. soldier, wounded in action, sends a message to his wife, a nurse also serving in the service of her country; Navy Commander Dr. Wassell describes how wounded are treated; Navy Chaplain Walter Peck, who was at Pearl Harbor, offers a message of hope and faith. NBC. BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (6-6-44) 9 p.m. EWT. Announcer Bill Goodwin says, We realize the tenseness of the situation and this program will be interrupted for any important invasion flashes. But the scheduled broadcast proceeds as planned. George is down in the dumps until he gets a telegram from Kansas City. CBS. D-DAY NEWS SPECIAL (6-6-44) 9 p.m. EWT. Ben Grauer offers a recap of the nation’s reaction to the D-Day invasion switching to NBC affiliate stations across the country. NBC. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (6-6-44) 9:30 p.m. EWT. Jim and Marion Jordan with the King’s Men and Billy Mills and the orchestra in a special D-Day broadcast. The McGees and their sponsor are mighty proud to be associated with the radio industry which at this moment is fulfilling its promise of instant communications in time of world crisis. Instead of their regular comedy format, Fibber and Molly host a program of songs of the services dedicated to our fighting forces on all fronts. NBC. Rebroadcast: 6/11/2014 – 6/17/2014.
June 18th, 1994 – RADIO and WORLD WAR II D-DAY, the SIXTH OF JUNE, 1944 Part 3
Program 1232: PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT (6-6-44) 10 p.m. EWT. The president addresses the nation on the evening of the D-Day invasion and asks the nation to join him in prayer. His address is followed by a special presentation from Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians who offer Onward Christian Soldiers and Battle Hymn of the Republic. NBC (and all networks). BOB HOPE SHOW (6-6-44) 10:15 p.m. EWT. Nobody feels like being funny tonight, says Bob Hope in this special abbreviated broadcast from the Van Nuys Aerodome in California. God bless those kids across the English Channel. Frances Langford sings Ave Maria and Stan Kenton and the orchestra present a medley of service tunes. This is Hope’s last show of the 1943-44 season. NBC. FRED WARING’S PENNSYLVANIANS (6-6-44) 10:30 p.m. EWT. Another special Invasion Day program of inspirational and patriotic music to help ease the tension we are all feeling. Selections include We’re Going In, We’re Coming Back, The Navy Hymn and Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean. NBC. RED SKELTON SHOW (6-6-44) 10:50 p.m. EWT. Red’s last radio broadcast before entering military service tomorrow is a much-abbreviated show, with Harriet Hilliard, Ozzie Nelson and the Orchestra and announcer Marvin Miller. Red, as Junior, the mean little kid, in a touching D-Day sketch. Ozzie and Harriet sing What Do We Do in the Infantry? NBC. D-DAY NEWS SPECIAL (6-6-44) 11:30 p.m. EWT. NBC News attempts to pick up a short wave broadcast from London, a wire recording of correspondent George Hicks now famous account of the D-Day landing on the beach. There are many technical difficulties and while waiting for the report, NBC switches to Chicago for some dance music by Roy Shields and the orchestra. Finally, we hear George Hicks’ dramatic description of the D-Day landing and invasion on a French beachhead. NBC. INVASION NEWS SPECIAL (6-7-44) 11:45 a.m. EWT. The daytime drama David Harum begins, but is interrupted after only a few seconds for a short wave broadcast from London. Tom Traynor, war correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, has an eyewitness account of the beachhead at France. NBC. KATE SMITH SPEAKS (6-7-44) 12 Noon EWT. Invasion Day has come and gone, Kate says to her listeners and tells of the reaction of the people in the United States. Ted Collins has latest news reports and Kate recites Battle Hymn of the Republic. CBS. LIFE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL (6-7-44) 1 p.m. EWT. Papa David has an invasion prayer and comments. Then on to the continuing storyline. CBS. CRISCO’S RADIO NEWSPAPER (6-7-44) 1:30 p.m. EWT. Bernardine Flynn and Ed Roberts from Chicago; Allan Jackson reports on the invasion from CBS World News in New York; Richard C. Hottelet in London. Bernardine Flynn talks about reaction on the home front in Chicago. CBS. GUIDING LIGHT (6-7-44) 2 p.m. EWT. In an Invasion Day sermon, Dr. Gaylord tells his neighbors what D-Day means to the town of Five Points. War Bond messages in place of regular commercials. NBC. INVASION NEWS SPECIAL (6-7-44) 5:30 p.m. EWT. W. W. Chaplain reports from London. BBC reporter Robin Duss describes the landing, indicates that Allied casualties will be heavy. SHAFE issues D-Day Communique #4: Allied troops have cleared all the beaches of enemy. Rebroadcast: 6/18/2014 – 6/24/2014.
June 25th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1233: TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (10-18-47) Ralph Edwards in radio’s top audience participation program. Contestants from the studio audience go thru their paces. FIRESIDE CHAT (6-12-44) President Roosevelt launches the Fifth War Loan Drive, just a week after the WW II D-Day invasion. We must continue to forge the weapons of victory. BOB AND RAY (8-21-50) Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding with comedy and satire. The Loves of Linda Lovely, a spoof of soup commercials and a discussion of the origin of the hamburger. WORDS AT WAR (6-13-44) Special abbreviated version of the WW II program, part of NBC’s 24-hour drive for war bonds. A dramatization of stories from Ernie Pyle’s book Here’s Your War. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (6-4-44) Jack opens this (pre-D-Day) broadcast with a serious WW II message about gas rationing and the Black Market. It’s the last show of the season and lots of talk about what the gang will be doing the summer. OUR MISS BROOKS (1-8-50) Eve Arden stars in another merry mix-up as student Walter Denton writes an editorial about the Board of Education. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER substitutes for Chuck Schaden on this broadcast. Rebroadcast: 6/25/2014 – 7/1/2014.
July 2nd, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1234: FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1992) Program number 9 in the series of re-enactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. WORDS AT WAR (7-4-44) War Criminals and Punishment starring Ned Weaver in this WW II series. What are we to do with Adolph Hitler? YOUR HIT PARADE (7-10-48) Frank Sinatra stars with Beryl Davis, Ken Lane and the Hit Paraders as they present the top songs of the week. WE WILL NEVER DIE (7-4-44) A special WW II broadcast from the Hollywood Bowl, the scene of one of the nation’s most spectacular pageants. This mammoth memorial is dedicated to the two million civilian Jewish dead of Europe. Written by Ben Hecht, the pageant and broadcast are a living testimonial of the suffering of the Jews and their hopes and achievements. Cast includes Edward G. Robinson, Edward Arnold, Joan Leslie, John Garfield, Akim Tamaroff, Sam Levine, Paul Henried, J. Edward Bromberg. A dramatic, moving presentation. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER substitutes for Chuck Schaden on this broadcast. Rebroadcast: 7/2/2014 – 7/8/2014.
July 9th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1235: RED SKELTON SHOW (5-13-49) Red finds a lost dog and tries to find the owner. Finally, he tries to give the dog to Junior, the Mean Little Kid. WE TAKE YOU BACK (3-13-58) On the 20th Anniversary of the CBS World News Roundup, the beginning of regular news broadcasts on CBS, newsmen Edward R. Murrow, Robert Trout, Dallas Townsend, William L. Schrier, H. V. Kaltenborn and John Daly reminisce about the new form of journalism which began in 1938. FORD THEATRE (5-16-48) Counselor At Law starring Les Tremayne in a thrilling story of a great criminal lawyer¦ the private and public life of a poor East Side boy who has reached the pinnacle of the legal profession. Les Tremayne was called in one hour before the broadcast to replace the actor originally scheduled for the starring role. WE WANT A TOUCHDOWN (9-28-39) Red Barber, famous sports commentator, moderates a quiz rivalry with contestants from Colgate and New York universities. It’s radio football with all the color and thrills of a real game! ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-1-51) Book 82 Chapter 1. This is the first of 22 fifteen-minute chapters by Carlton E. Morse. This sequence of programs concern Clifford Barbour’s new job and his new girlfriend. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-3-51) Book 82, Chapter 3. (Chapter 2 is missing and not available). Rebroadcast: 7/9/2014 – 7/15/2014.
July 16th, 1994 – RADIO AND WORLD WAR II FDR’s FOURTH TERM NOMINATION
Program 1236: DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) NBC’s Ben Grauer reports on the second day of the historic convention from the Chicago Stadium. The convention and the nation has known for days that Franklin D. Roosevelt will be returned as their choice for President of the United States¦ but there’s no clear majority who the choice for vice president is. Reports by reporters Robert St. John, H. V. Kaltenborn, Richard Harkness, Morgan Beatty, Don Fischer. News of the assassination attempt on Adolph Hitler and his associates. DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) Opening speech by Sen. Sam Jackson of Indiana who talks about FDR’s good health, vigor and abilities; the dangers of making a change now; negative remarks about Thomas E. Dewey, Republican candidate for president; FDR’s Depression successes; and the invasion of Normandy, 45 days ago. DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) Coverage continues from the Chicago Stadium. Bryson Rasch gives a color report from the scene; Martin Agronski has an exclusive scoop interview with Vice President Henry A. Wallace, the man who wants to be re-nominated. There are problems with the seating of the Texas delegation; H. V. Kaltenborn discusses the Hitler assassination attempt and Democratic platform strategy. DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) Coverage of the official balloting for the Democratic nomination for President of the U. S., the historic vote that gives Franklin D. Roosevelt his unprecedented fourth term nomination. Robert St. John with news updates. DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) Ben Grauer and Robert St. John with coverage of the opening of the evening session of the convention. Danny O’Neill sings the National Anthem. Speaker is Congresswoman-elect Helen Gahagan Douglas, wife of actor Melvyn Douglas, now serving in combat. DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) NBC coverage continues from the Chicago Stadium for a speech by international correspondent Quentin Reynolds who tells the delegates (and the radio audience) that the boys in the service know what they’re fighting for. President Roosevelt, speaking from a secret undisclosed location, makes his acceptance speech for the nomination to a fourth term as the Democratic candidate for president. DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) Coverage of a spontaneous demonstration in behalf of Henry A. Wallace as candidate for a second term as FDR’s vice president. The second day of the convention is adjourned. H. V. Kaltenborn comments. –PLUS– ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-4-51) Book 82, Chapter 4. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-5-51) Book 82, Chapter 5. Rebroadcast: 7/16/2014 – 7/22/2014.
July 23rd, 1994 – WE REMEMBER DINAH SHORE
Program 1237: DINAH SHORE’S OPEN HOUSE (1-24-46) Dinah welcomes guest Frank Sinatra for a sketch about what it will be like to be a married couple 50 years later, in 1996! CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF LOWER BASIN STREET (7-14-40) Milton Cross with a program of musical satire, blues and jazz, based around the three B’s – barrelhouse, boogie-woogie and the blues. Featured performers include diva Dinah Shore, a singer who lights a fire by rubbing two notes together. Guest is Jelly Roll Morton. SUSPENSE (5-5-52) Frankie and Johnny starring Dinah Shore with Lamont Johnson in the re-creation in song and story of an American legend. TIME TO SMILE (5-27-42) Eddie Cantor stars with regulars Harry Von Zell, Bert Gordon and Dinah Shore. Gracie Allen joins this WW II remote broadcast before 1,500 Marines at Camp Elliott, San Diego, California. DINAH SHORE SHOW (10-15-54) Dinah and the Skylarks with Frank deVol and the orchestra. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is film historian BOB KOLOSOSKI who will be on hand to talk about the movie career of Dinah Shore, who died February 24, 1994 at age 76. –PLUS” ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-6-51) Book 82, Chapter 6. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-7-51) Book 82, Chapter 7. Rebroadcast: 7/23/2014 – 7/29/2014.
July 30th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1238: LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-27-46) Music for Millions: starring Jimmy Durante, Margaret O’Brien, Frances Gifford and Jose Iturbi in a radio version of the 1944 film. A woman waits word from her husband who is overseas during World War II. WORDS AT WAR (7-11-44) Captain Retread, based upon the book by Gerald Holland, is about an officer from the first world war, again in uniform during WW II. SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (7-30-94) Part 6 in the 12-part audio documentary culled from Chuck Schaden’s conversation with performers, writers and others associated with Jack Benny’s radio shows and laced with clips from Jack’s radio broadcasts. Jack Benny recalls the Benny-Allen feud. Jack’s life story in music; Allen’s tribute to Benny; Allen and Benny in vaudeville. WORLD NEWS TODAY (7-30-44) Douglas Edwards and CBS correspondents with WW II reports. The Russians are closing in on Warsaw and the city’s suburbs already are under artillery fire. Hitler has ordered Warsaw’s garrison to hold out at all costs. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-8-51) Book 82, Chapter 8. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-11-51) Book 82, Chapter 9. Rebroadcast: 7/30/2014 – 8/5/2014.
August 6th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1239: ALDRICH FAMILY (12-16-48) Ezra Stone stars as Henry, whose last minute party preparations shatter his father’s peaceful evening. WORLD NEWS TODAY (8-6-44) Douglas Edwards and other WW II correspondents. American tanks and men are swarming across the Brittany peninsula today and a clean-up campaign has begun. Other American columns are turning eastward toward Paris. More than a thousand of our planes have bombed Berlin and the Hamburg and Kiel areas of Germany. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is popular singing star KYLE KIMBROUGH who will reminisce about his career on radio and television. WORDS AT WAR (8-1-44) Headquarters Budapest is Robert Parker’s provocative WW II story of the Balkans. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-12-51) Book 82, Chapter 10 in Carlton E. Morse’s story, dedicated to the mothers and fathers of the younger generation and their bewildering offspring. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-15-51) Book 82, Chapter 11. Rebroadcast: 8/6/2014 – 8/12/2014.
August 13th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1240: YOUR ARMY SERVICE FORCES (7-14-44) Stateside program about the military for civilian audiences during WW II. Guest is Cliff Ukelele Ike Edwards. WORDS AT WAR (7-8-44) Nazis Underground tells the WW II story of how trusted Nazis are installed in key spots which the Allies are not likely to disturb. LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-26-42) Wake Island starring Brian Donlevy, Robert Preston and Broderick Crawford in a radio version of the 1942 WW II film. A stirring account of the heroic defense of the island in the Pacific. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be movie historian BOB KOLOSOSKI who will help us begin our year-long observance of the 60th Anniversary of the Lux Radio Theatre. WORLD NEWS TODAY (8-13-44) Douglas Edwards and CBS newsmen report from around the world during WW II. Supreme Allied Headquarters report that the Americans have begun a general advance on a 30-mile front in France with terrific support from the Air Command. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-16-51) Book 82, Chapter 12. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-17-51) Book 82, Chapter 13. Rebroadcast: 8/13/2014 – 8/20/2014.
August 20th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1241: WORLD NEWS TODAY (8-20-44) CBS correspondents report news of WW II. The Germans say American forces have crossed the Seine northwest of Paris. (Paris was liberated on August 23, 1944). BETWEEN YOU AND JANE COWL (8-22-44) The stage actress in a program of comments and memories, everyday happenings, a little about everything. In this segment, she talks of WW II marriages. BETWEEN YOU AND JANE COWL (8-23-44) Jane sets aside her scheduled show and talks about the WW II Liberation of Paris, looking back on the history of the City of Lights with a dramatic, inspiring story. LIBERATION OF PARIS (8-23-44) A special broadcast observing the WW II liberation of Paris, the first capitol city among our Allies to free herself from German domination. A musical tribute with Lily Pons. After four years of Nazi slavery, Paris has torn herself free from her oppressors and the beloved capitol of France is once again the City of Light. RAILROAD HOUR (7-16-51) Springtime in Paris starring Gordon MacRae and Dorothy Warrenskjold offering the great music of the City of Paris in a brand new musical play by Lawrence and Lee. A boy-meets-girl story. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-18-51) Book 82, Chapter 14. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-19-51) Book 82, Chapter 15. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-22-51) Book 82, Chapter 16. Rebroadcast: 8/20/2014 – 8/26/2014.
August 27th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1242: FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1992) Program number 10 in the series of re-enactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. WORLD NEWS TODAY (8-27-44) CBS worldwide correspondents with news of WW II. The Allies are giving the Germans a steady drubbing as the enemy retreats toward the Reich. The Allied bag of German prisoners has passed the 23,000 mark. Paris is swinging back to normalcy despite some enemy sniping and a bombing attack by the Luftwaffe. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-16-43) Mrs. Miniver starring Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon. A moving WW II story about a middle class English family learning to cope with the war. WORDS AT WAR (8-29-44) Simone is a 15-year old accused of a crime against the people of France. The story takes place in June, 1940 near the beginning of WW II. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-23-51) Book 82, Chapter 17. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-24-51) Book 82, Chapter 18. NOTE: Chapter 19 is missing from our series. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-26-51) Book 82, Chapter 20. Rebroadcast: 8/27/2014 – 9/2/2014.
September 3rd, 1994 – REMEMBERING MEREDITH WILLSON
Program 1243: MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TIME (10-18-45) George Burns and Gracie Allen star with Meredith Willson and the orchestra, announcer Bill Goodwin, Les Paul Trio and Mel Blanc. When Gracie is told that Meredith plans to get married, she counsels him on how to handle women. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (3-10-49) And There I Stood with My Piccolo starring Meredith Willson in a radio version of his autobiography, dealing with his musical career from his days in high school until he arrives in Hollywood. AND THEN I WROTE THE MUSIC (1958) Meredith Willson and his wife Rini tell the story of The Music Man in the manner of a songwriter trying to sell his idea for a Broadway show to a prospective producer. MUSIC MAN PREMIERE (6-20-62) Arthur Godfrey hosts a press premiere of Meredith Willson’s movie The Music Man at the Palace Theatre in Mason City, Iowa. Godfrey introduces Willson and the stars of the film. BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (9-27-45) George and Gracie with Meredith Willson and the orchestra, Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson, Bea Benadaret, Les Paul Trio. While George is planning a surprise house-warming party for Gracie, she pretends that Meredith is her boyfriend. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is Nostalgia Digest columnist BILL OATES who will talk about the many talented careers of Meredith Willson. Rebroadcast: 9/3/2014 – 9/9/2014.
September 10th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1244: WORLD NEWS TODAY (9-3-44) Douglas Edwards and CBS newsmen report on WW II. The Germans say they have evacuated Leon, France’s third largest city. LUX RADIO THEATRE (11-1-43) So Proudly We Hail starring Claudette Colbert, Paulette Goddard, Veronica Lake and Sonny Tufts. Les Tremayne co-stars in this story of the courage of American nurses in WW II combat conditions. THE WHISTLER (1940s) The Huntress starring J. Anthony Smythe (Henry Barbour on One Man’s Family) in a duel role. A woman embezzler hunts for a wealthy man to help her replace the money she stole. WORDS AT WAR (9-5-44) A Veteran Comes Back, a story anticipating the end of WW II and the return of GI Joe. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-19-51) Book 82, Chapter 21. NOTE: Chapter 22 is missing from our series. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (1-31-51) Book 82, Chapter 23. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (2-1-51) Book 82, Chapter 24. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER substitutes for Chuck Schaden on this broadcast. Rebroadcast: 9/10/2014 – 9/16/2014.
September 17th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1245: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-16-43) Gildy suggests moving to another house, but the family resists. Harold Peary as Gildersleeve. WORLD NEWS TODAY (9-10-44) CBS correspondents report on WW II. More than a thousand American planes were out this morning smashing a German transport behind the Siegfried line. Also: 50,000 radio and radar workers will be honored at Wrigley Field in Chicago. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-28-44) Guadalcanal Diary starring Preston Foster, Lloyd Nolan, Richard Jaekel and William Bendix in the WW II story that follows the Marines through two months of fighting in the South Sea jungles. WORDS AT WAR (9-12-44) One Man Air Force is the story of one of America’s top fighting aces of WW II. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (2-2-51) Book 82, Chapter 25. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (2-5-51) Book 82, Chapter 26. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (2-6-51) Book 82, Chapter 27. NOTE: This is the last episode in Book 82 and the logical end of this One Man’s Family story. Next week, we’ll offer four surviving chapters from Book 83, giving a fragmented look at the storyline of the next Book. NOTE: KEN ALEXANDER substitutes for Chuck Schaden on this broadcast. Rebroadcast: 9/17/2014 – 9/23/2014.
September 24th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1246: TRANSATLANTIC CALL (9-21-44) Getting to Know Britain. A WW II story about Joe Kramer, an American GI, and his experiences with Englishmen. PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (9-23-44) This is the President’s famous Fala speech to the Teamster’s Union during his campaign for a fourth term. SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (9-24-94) Part 7 in the 12-part audio documentary culled from Chuck Schaden’s conversations with performers, writers and others associated with Jack Benny’s radio show and laced with clips from Jack’s radio broadcasts. In this segment: How Jack met Mary; Mary’s Letters from Momma; Jack’s memory loss; Jack the spendthrift; comments from writers George Balzer and Milt Josefsberg, and Jack’s daughter Joan. WORLD NEWS TODAY (9-24-44) CBS correspondents at home and abroad during WW II. The RAF has bombed the Rhineland in great strength in a continuation of the Allied air offensive¦ And Tokyo says American planes have again raided the Phillipines. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (2-23-51) Book 83, Chapter 10. NOTE: The first nine chapters of Book 83 are missing.) ONE MAN’S FAMILY (2-28-51) Book 83, Chapter 13. NOTE: Chapters 11 and 12 of Book 83 are missing. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (3-1-51) Book 83, Chapter 14. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (3-6-51) Book 83, Chapter 17. NOTE: Chapters 15 and 16 of Book 83 are missing and so are the remaining chapters of Book 83. This concludes our series of One Man’s Family for this summer. We’ll have more next year as Pinky joins the Navy and Margaret prepares a scrapbook. Don’t touch that dial! Rebroadcast: 9/24/2014 – 9/30/2014.
October 1st, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1247: THE HOME FRONT (1982) A highly acclaimed eight-part radio documentary written and narrated by Edward Brown, Frank Gorin and William B. Williams, bringing together the complex events of the World War II years in America. Part 1: Nazis and Martians – 1938-1939. PHILCO RADIO TIME (10-29-47) Bing Crosby welcomes guest Boris Karloff in this pre-Halloween broadcast. TRANSATLANTIC CALL: People to People (10-1-44) British Humor is the subject of this WW II program produced in Britian for both British and American radio audiences. Demonstrates how the Brits respond to the bombing – with humor! SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (10-1-94) Part 8 in the 12-part audio documentary culled from Chuck Schaden’s conversations with performers, writers and others associated with Jack Benny’s radio shows and laced with clips from Jack’s radio broadcasts. In this segment: How Jack Met Rochester; Rochester at Sea; Railroad Station for Colorado trip; Railroad station in Pasadena. Comments by writer George Balzer. HOP HARRIGAN (10-4-44) America’a Ace of the Airwaves has problems while on a photo mission to Berlin. Isolated WW II episode from the adventure series. WORLD NEWS TODAY (10-1-44) CBS correspondents around the world with news about WW II. The Allies have turned back sharp German counter-attacks along the Western line today. In South China, the Japanese have captured another important American air base. Rebroadcast: 10/1/2014 – 10/7/2014.
October 8th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1248: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-10-44) First show of the 1944-45 season. Fibber looks for his hip boots in the hall closet. (LUX) RADIO THEATRE (4-5-54) Welcome Stranger starring Cary Grant, Barry Fitzgerald and Pat Crowley. A young doctor fills in for the vacationing older doctor in a small town and gets involved in the community. NOTE: With this broadcast, we continue our salute to the Lux Radio Theatre on its 60th Anniversary. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1940s) Our Those Were The Days program pays tribute to Harriet Nelson who died October 2, 1994 at age 85. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 2: London Calling – 1940. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1993) Program number 11 in the series of re-enactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. Rebroadcast: 10/8/2014 – 10/14/2014.
October 15th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1249: WORLD NEWS TODAY (10-15-44) CBS reports with WW II news reports. The last 18 hours have brought the greatest air attacks of all time against Germany. The German News Agency has announced the death of Field Marshall Rommell, the ˜Desert Fox’. SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (10-15-94) Part 9 in the 12-part audio documentary. In this segment: Drug store lunch; Professor LeBlanc; George Burns sings Jack’s song; CBS closed-circuit broadcast and Benny promotional announcements; Jack’s first show on CBS. Comments by Jack Benny, manager Irving Fein, writer George Balzer. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (10-18-44) A stateside WW II show for personnel at Roosevelt Navy Base in California. Guest is Esther Williams in her first radio appearance. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 3: Arsenal of Democracy – 1941. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-17-44) Fibber runs out of maple syrup for his wheat cakes, so he decides to tap the maple tree on the front lawn. WW II setting. Rebroadcast: 10/15/2014 – 10/21/2014.
October 22nd, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1250: PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (10-21-44) Excerpt from FDR’s campaign speech before the Foreign Policy Association in New York. He describes his concept of the United Nations organization. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be RUSS RENNAKER, former broadcast engineer for CBS in Chicago and Washington, D.C. WORDS AT WAR (10-14-44) Still Time to Die, a dramatization of Foreign Correspondent Jack Belden’s book which asks America to stop and think about what a WW II battlefield means to the fighting man. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-24-44) Fibber loses his faith in human nature after he gets his latest bank statement. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 4: At War – 1942. ATLANTIC SPOTLIGHT England calls America and America returns the call. A live WW II broadcast from London’s Stage Door Canteen. WORLD NEWS TODAY (10-22-44) Douglas Edwards and CBS correspondents report on WW II. American troops in the Philippines now hold Tacloban, the island’s capitol, its’ airfield and the town of Dulog, 20 miles to the south. Rebroadcast: 10/22/2014 – 10/28/2014.
October 29th, 1994 – ANNUAL HALLOWE’EN SHOW
Program 1251: SUSPENSE (5-15-47) Death at Live Oak starring Robert Mitchum as a man accused of a crime he did not commit. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-31-44) Fibber and Doc Gamble go duck hunting. LUX RADIO THEATRE (1-12-48) Kiss of Death starring Victor Mature, Colleen Gray and Richard Widmark. An ex-con, going straight, fears for the safety of his family when a killer is sent free. WORLD NEWS TODAY (10-29-44) WW II reports: The Germans are retreating across the Maas River. Four Soviet Armies have begun a large scale offensive in Latvia. INNER SANCTUM (4-24-45) Song of the Slasher featuring Arnold Moss as a police detective searching for a slasher who has murdered and mutilated five women in eight days. OUR SPECIAL GUEST STAR is announcer KEN ALEXANDER, a man of many talents and voices. Rebroadcast: 10/29/2014 – 11/4/2014.
November 5th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1252: DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE PROGRAM (11-6-44) An all-star Election Eve broadcast promoting President Roosevelt’s bid for a Fourth Term. An incredible broadcast, written, produced and directed by Norman Corwin. Celebrities urging listeners to vote for FDR are Judy Garland, Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Danny Kaye, Irving Berlin, John Garfield, Rita Hayworth, Gene Kelly, George Raft, Edward G. Robinson, Lana Turner, Milton Berle, Frank Sinatra and many others. The president himself also appears. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (11-14-44) Fibber decided he needs more education and so he signs up for night school. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 5 in the eight-part documentary: Give ˜til It Hurts – 1942. PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (11-10-44) FDR returns to Washington from Hyde Park following his election to a fourth term. Kenneth Banghart, Morgan Beatty and others report the event from Union Station in the Nation’s Capitol. Washington has turned out this morning to greet the first fourth-term president of the United States. WORLD NEWS TODAY (11-12-44) WW II reports: The world heard indirectly from Hitler for the first time in 17 weeks today. He didn’t broadcast, but he issued a proclamation containing all the old Nazi diatribes and claims that victory for Germany is certain. Rebroadcast: 11/5/2014 – 11/11/2014.
November 12th, 1994 – GLENN MILLER AND WORLD WAR II
Program 1253: NOTE: As we approach the 50th anniversary of the disappearance of Major Glenn Miller over the English Channel, we devote an entire program to the music of the popular bandleader who lost his life in the war. Our co-host for this special occasion will be Big Band historian and Nostalgia Digest columnist KARL PEARSON, who draws upon his extensive collection of recordings and rare broadcasts to tell the story of Glenn Miller and World War II. Highlights include: GLENN MILLER’S SUNSET SERENADE (1-3-42) Excerpt from a Saturday afternoon broadcast from the Café Rouge of the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York with Ray Eberle, Tex Beneke, Marian Hutton and the Modernaires. MOONLIGHT SERENADE (9-24-42) 7:15 p.m. EWT. Excerpt from Glenn Miller’s last Chesterfield broadcast before entering the Army. Glenn introduces bandleader Hary James who will replace the Miller band on the program next week. MOONLIGHT SERENADE ( 9-24-42) 11:15 p.m. EWT. This is the West Coast version of Miller’s last broadcast for Chesterfields before entering the Army. From the stage of the Center Theatre in Passiac, New Jersey (where the band moved after the first show two hours earlier) Glenn announces the last go ˜round of our Moonlight Serenade. I SUSTAIN THE WINGS (9-11-43) Captain Glenn Miller and the Band of the Army Air Forces Technical School at Yale University, with Corporal Broderick Crawford, Corporal Tony Martin, Corporal Ray McKinley. Lt. Don Briggs announces. AMERICAN BAND OF THE SUPREME ALLIED COMMAND (7-27-44) Your Thursday night thirty minutes with the Moonlight Serenaders features the band under the direction of Captain Glenn Miller with Sgt. Johnny Desmond and the Crew Chiefs. Guest is popular British singing star Ann Shelton. ATLANTIC SPOTLIGHT (9-2-44) Excerpt featuring high spots of entertainment from both countries as presented by the BBC in London and NBC in New York and Atlantic City. Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF broadcast from London and are joined later by singer Marion Hutton in Atlantic City. THE WEHRMACHT HOUR (11-22-44) Excerpt from a propaganda broadcast to German troops featuring Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF. Most of the dialog on this broadcast in in German and Major Miller, who learned to speak his lines phonetically, offers listeners a true picture of the great melting pot, America. Sgt. Johnny Desmond sings, in German, My Heart Tells Me. Rebroadcast: 11/12/2014 – 11/18/2014.
November 19th, 1994 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING PROGRAM
Program 1254: THANKSGIVING SHOW (1944) Actor Lionel Barrymore hosts this special holiday broadcast for military audiences during WW II. The talent line-up includes singers Dinah Shore and John Charles Thomas; Harry Von Zell; Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford as Baby Snooks and Daddy, Wally Brown; Frank Morgan. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 6: G. I. JOE “1943. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (11-21-44) Fibber’s broken rib precludes him from doing any work around the house. THANK YOU AMERICA (11-23-44) An unusual Thanksgiving Day broadcast from WW II featuring singer Rudy Vallee and world-famous Armenian restaurateur George Mardigian in a plea for support of the Sixth War Loan. Let’s talk turkey to Japan¦ SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (11-19-94) Part 10 in the 12-part audio documentary. In this segment: The Don Wilson Story; Don introduces Jack to the Sportsmen; Don’s 30th anniversary in radio; Jack’s vault and secrecy pledge; Jack introduces Joe Kearns; Jack’s Vault; Virus X. Comments by Don Wilson and George Balzer. LIFE OF RILEY (11-19-44) William Bendix as Riley who sets out to shoot a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Rebroadcast: 11/19/2014 – 11/25/2014.
November 26th, 1994 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1255: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (11-28-44) Rare remote broadcast for the McGees as Jim and Marian Jordan and the cast broadcast on behalf of WW II’s Sixth War Loan Drive from Chicago’s Navy Pier. WORDS AT WAR (11-14-44) One Damn Thing After Another is the story of WW II newspaper correspondent Tom Traynor. SPEAKING OF RADIO The Jack Benny Program (11-26-94) Part 11 in the 12-part series. In this segment: Phil Harris’ first appearance on the show; Benny Show rehearsal; Too many mistakes; How Are Things in Glocca Morra?; Phil and Remley; That’s What I Like About the South. Comments by Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Elliott Lewis. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-20-44) Eddie and the gang celebrate the holiday season and Eddie Cantor Von Zell Jr.’s first Christmas. WW II flavor. THE HOME FRONT (1982) Part 7: Liberation – 1944. HOP HARRIGAN (11-7-44) Hop and Tank Tinker, in disguise as Nazi officers, steal an enemy plane from the Death’s Head Squadron in this isolated WW II episode of the adventure series. Rebroadcast: 11/26/2014 – 12/2/2014.
December 3rd, 1994 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
Program 1256: THE HOME FRONT (1982) The final program in the highly acclaimed eight-part radio documentary. Part 8: Victory – 1945. CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (12-24-44) WW II theme. Charlie asks Don Ameche to help him memorize The Night Before Christmas. The thousand-voice U. S. Navy Choir sings Christmas carols and Don Ameche reads The American Prayer. WORLD NEWS TODAY (12-3-44) CBS correspondents with the latest WW II news reports. The B-29s were over Tokyo again today, dropping their huge bomb loads on Jap industry. It was the fourth raid in ten days. In Europe, the Americans have crossed the Czar River. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-5-44) Fibber doesn’t want to pay sixty-five cents to have his suit pressed, so he decides to press it himself. WORDS AT WAR (12-5-44) Guys on the Ground is the WW II story of the men who never leave the ground, furnishing and fixing the planes. Rebroadcast: 12/3/2014 – 12/9/2014.
December 10th, 1994 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
Program 1257: LIFE OF RILEY (12-24-44) Riley invites his Boss’ son to spend Christmas with the Riley family. WW II flavor. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-7-54) Battleground starring Van Johnson and George Murphy from the 1949 film. Presented in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge during WW II. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-12-44) Fibber faces the WW II wartime cigarette shortage when he tries to find some for Doc Gamble. So he goes on the Smokes for Folks radio show. LUM AND ABNER (12-25-44) The annual Christmas show set in Pine Ridge on Christmas Eve. Lum, Abner and Grandpappy Spears are headed east out of town to bring supplies to a young couple, Joe and Mary, staying the night in a barn. THIS IS MY BEST (12-19-44) The Plot to Overthrow Christmas by Norman Corwin. Orson Welles stars as Nero, who proposes jazzing up Christmas carols to do away with goodwill at Christmastime. All the baddies in Hell vote to poison Santa Claus and Nero is elected to travel to the North Pole to do the deed. Rebroadcast: 12/10/2014 – 12/16/2014.
December 17th, 1994 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
Program 1258: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-24-44) Gildy is feeling blue at Christmastime because he is being sued for breach of promise. WW II setting. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (12-14-44) Bing Crosby stars with guest Jerry Colonna. Bing sings White Christmas, of course. WORDS AT WAR (12-26-44) Scapegoats of History a WW II Christmas story about bigotry and persecution. KATE SMITH SHOW (12-24-44) Kate presents the Aldrich Family in a Christmastime sketch. Henry has lost his watch, a gift from Aunt Harriet. Also, Jackie Gleason offers impersonations and tells about his love affair with a juke box. CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (12-25-44) America for Christmas starring Walter Huston in a patriotic WW II show for the holiday. A group of U.S. servicemen celebrates Christmas on a small island in the Pacific as a USO troup entertains. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-24-44) A short circuit gives Jack problems as he and Mary trim the Christmas tree. Jack offers a touching holiday message to our WW II servicemen overseas. Rebroadcast: 12/17/2014 – 12/23/2014.
December 24th, 1994 – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Program 1259: COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-24-44) As WW II continues, Armed Forces Radio broadcasts its third Christmas special, a two-hour extravaganza with an outstanding cast of stars from stage, screen and radio: Bob Hope, Xavier Cugat and the orchestra, Jerry Colonna, Virginia O’Brien, Spike Jones and his City Slickers, Ginny Simms, Jimmy Durante, Dinah Shore, Jack Benny, Fred Allen, Kay Kyser, Frances Langford, Dorothy Lamour, Johnny Mercer, Danny Kaye, W. C. Fields, Judy Garland, Spencer Tracy and Lee J. Cobb. MAYOR OF THE TOWN (12-23-44) Lionel Barrymore stars for the ninth time as Ebenezer Scrooge in the annual presentation of the classic Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol, pre-empting his usual family comedy program. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-19-44) McGee snoops for Christmas gifts in the hall closet. Teeney and the kids sing ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Rebroadcast: 12/24/2014 – 12/30/2014.
December 31st, 1994 – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Program 1260: EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-27-44) Eddie and Harry Von Zell discuss plans for the New Year’s Eve show at the Hollywood Canteen. WW II setting. FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-26-44) Fibber is having a bad day, but when Molly starts to cry, he resolves to control his temper, no matter what! SWING AROUND THE CLOCK (12-31-44) During WWII, on New Year’s Eve, Don Wilson is master of ceremonies for an all-star Armed Forces Radio swing around the country to hear the big bands and the big singers from various military installations. Featured are Jimmy Dorsey, Ella Mae Morse, Louis Jordan Timpani Five, Harry James, Kay Kyser, Lena Horne, Benny Goodman, Bing Crosby, Ginny Simms, Woody Herman, Tommy Dorsey, Gene Krupa, Johnny Mercer and the Pied Pipers, Vaughn Monroe, GI Jill with Meredith Willson and the AFRS orchestra, Spike Jones and Count Basie. WORLD NEWS TODAY (12-31-44) Douglas Edwards and CBS correspondents with a New Year’s Eve broadcast of the long-running Sunday afternoon news program. On the Western Front today the Germans have failed in their latest effort to close the relief corridor to the highway town of Bastogne. American and British planes have continued their attack on German supply points and 52 German fighters were shot down in air battles today. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-31-44) Gildy arranges to take Leila Ransom to the New Year’s Eve dance. Rebroadcast: 12/31/2014 – 1/6/2015.
January 7th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1261: FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1993) Program number 12, the final program in the series of re-enactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. FIRESIDE CHAT (1-6-45) President Franklin D. Roosevelt reports to the nation during WW II in what would be his last Fireside Chat. He suggests the drafting of registered nurses into the Armed Forces. JUNGLE JIM (4-23-44) This is the first of four selected episodes from the series dealing with World War II adventures in Japanese-occupied Malaya. JUNGLE JIM (4-30-44) Second of four WW II episodes. FIBBER MCGEE AND MOLLY (1-2-45) McGee isn’t too fond of Aunt Sarah until she sends a diamond stick pin. JUNGLE JIM (5-7-44) Third of four consecutive WW II episodes. JUNGLE JIM (5-14-44) Last of four WW II episodes. WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-7-45) Douglas Edwards and correspondents with news of WW II. The American First Army has gained three miles on the northern flank of the Belgium Bulge and has cut one of the two main roads supplying the Germans on that Front. Rebroadcast: 1/7/2015 – 1/13/2015.
January 14th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1262: WORDS AT WAR (1-9-45) Borrowed Night is the WW II story of an Alsatian soldier who escapes from the German army by malingering. SPEAKING OF RADIO (1-14-95) The Jack Benny Program. Conclusion of the 12-part series features clips from the Benny shows plus comments by Don Wilson, George Balzer, Dennis Day, Jack Benny and Joan Benny. LUX RADIO THEATRE (1-15-45) The Master Race is a radio adaptation of the 1944 film. After D-Day in WW II, Nazi collaborators of a crumbling Third Reich devise a plan to go into hiding while the Allies sweep into Germany with hope to regroup later the bring back a new and stronger Master Race. This program is introduced by TWTD film historian Bob Kolososki. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1-9-45) Fibber brings home mushrooms and invites all his friends over for a tasty steak and mushroom dinner. WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-14-45) WW II news reports: Allied armies are hammering the German salient in Belgium from three directions today and the Third American Armored Division has cut the Nazi’s last escape road. In the Pacific¦ on Luzon, the Americans are twenty miles inland and looking for a battle with the Japs. Rebroadcast: 1/14/2015 – 1/20/2015.
January 21st, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1263: ORIGINAL AMATEUR HOUR (7-27-39) Major Edward Bowes spins the wheel of fortune as amateurs from all parts of the country take their turn in the spotlight of fame. Aspiring entertainers include a classical bass singer, a boy soprano, and Irish step-dancer, a whistler, and a cowboy band. THE AFRS STORY (1950) The story of Armed Forces Radio Service from its birth in World War II to the present (1950). Features audio clips of programs and personalities, including Dinah Shore, Claire Trevor, Knox Manning, Forrest Tucker, Bill Foreman, Art Ballinger. SPEAKING OF RADIO (5-19-94) MARTIN HALPERIN, former broadcast engineer and technician with the Armed Forces Radio Service describes how many of the stateside broadcasts as well as special programs were presented to military listeners around the world during World War II and after. Conversation recorded in Hollywood, California. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1-16-45) Fibber is upset that the barber charges six bits for a shampoo, so he decides to do the job himself at home. WORDS AT WAR (1-23-45) Story of a Secret State, an eye-witness account of the Polish Underground just before the start of WW II. Rebroadcast: 1/21/2015 – 1/27/2015.
January 28th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1264: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1-23-45) Fibber decides to build some playground equipment for little Teeney. LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-22-47) Two Years Before the Mast starring Alan Ladd and Howard DaSilva in the story of a ruthless sea captain bent on breaking a record. Cast also includes Macdonald Carey and Wanda Hendrix. Program introduced by TWTD film historian Bob Kolososki. PHILO VANCE (1940s) Jackson Beck as detective Vance who is called upon to investigate the murder of an astronomer. WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-28-45) WW II reports on the eve of the Big Three conference at Yalta. The Americans began an attack towards the Siegfried Line at four this morning in a heavy snow storm. American and British Navy bombers struck two great blows today at Germany’s war industry. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1-30-45) In a WW II show dedicated to the U.S. Merchant Marines, Fibber and Molly meet a young Merchant Marine who needs a place to stay for the night. Rebroadcast: 1/28/2015 – 2/3/2015.
February 4th, 1995 – JACK BENNY MONTH – PART 1
Program 1265: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-27-47) Jack is preparing for a trip to Chicago for an appearance at the Chicago Theatre. CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (2-5-45) The Road to Berlin starring Bing Crosby who, on the fourth anniversary of the USO, recounts his recent overseas tour during WW II. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-15-37) Brewster’s Millions starring Jack Benny as a spender who has to unload a million dollars in a short period of time in order to qualify for an even greater inheritance. The program introduced by TWTD film historian Bob Kolososki. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (2-6-45) Fibber is engrossed in the mystery novel, The Case of the Cross-eyed Cat. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-4-47) Jack leaves for Chicago where his vaudeville tour at the Chicago Theatre begins next Friday. Rebroadcast: 2/4/2015 – 2/10/2015.
February 11th, 1995 – JACK BENNY MONTH – PART 2
Program 1266: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-11-47) Jack and the gang broadcast from Chicago where they are appearing in a stage show at the Chicago Theatre. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (2-10-45) Fibber and Molly go to the railroad station to catch a train to San Francisco. WW II flavor. SUSPENSE (4-5-51) Murder in G-Flat starring Jack Benny as an average man, a piano tuner, who mistakenly switches handbags on the subway and comes away with a fortune. BING CROSBY SHOW (2-12-53) From Palm Springs, California, Bing’s guest is Jack Benny who is worried about his surprise birthday party. WORDS AT WAR (2-13-45) What to Do with Germany is a timely WW II story because today from Yalta it was announced what the Big Three would do with Germany. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-4-45) WW II broadcast from St. Alben’s Naval Hospital in Long Island, New York. Jack recalls the day he took Mary to see his movie, Hollywood Canteen. Rebroadcast: 2/11/2015 – 2/17/2015.
February 18th, 1995 – JACK BENNY MONTH – PART 3
Program 1267: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-18-47) Jack’s vaudeville tour continues from New York where he’s appearing at the Roxy Theatre. SUSPENSE (1-18-54) The Face is Familiar starring Jack Benny as a man with a nondescript appearance, an asset to some underworld types who plan to use him in a bank robbery. Case includes Sheldon Leonard and Joe Kearns. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (2-15-45) Dick Tracy in B Flat, an all-star WW II program with an all-star cast: Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Jerry Colonna, Bob Hope, Frank Morgan, Jimmy Durante, Judy Garland, Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and Cass Daley. A musical spoof of the comic strip. WORLD NEWS TODAY (2-18-45) CBS correspondents report news of WW II. General MacArthur’s paratroops and amphibious attack forces have invaded Corregidor and Manilla Bay and its complete capture is now assured. And from Guam, Admiral Nimitz announces that battleships and cruisers of the great American Fifth Fleet have continued to throw shells at Iwo Jima, 750 miles south of Tokyo. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-15-53) Guest Bing Crosby subs for Dennis Day. The gang offers The Life of Bing Crosby. Rebroadcast: 2/18/2015 – 2/24/2015.
February 25th, 1995 – JACK BENNY MONTH – PART 4
Program 1268: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-25-47) Jack’s last show of the 1946-47 season and his last from New York after his great vaudeville tour. Guest Fred Allen turns up and the gang does their version of Allen’s Alley. Later, Jack introduces his summer replacement, Jack Paar who will take over the time slot for Jack during the vacation period. Paar gets tips from Benny and Allen. BRAVE MEN ARE AFRAID (2-10-45) WW II program. Paul Killiam talks with Lt. Bob Crosby, now with the 5th Division in the Pacific. Also: a new Marine song, first time on the air; and a message to Tokyo Rose. LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-26-38) Seven Keys to Baldpate starring Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone. Jack and Mary, as themselves, find plenty of mystery at the Baldpate Inn. Host Cecil B. DeMille also has a role in the story, playing himself. The program is introduced by TWTD movie historian Bob Kolososki. AMERICAN WEEKLY (2-24-45) Smashing the Black Market in Italy tells a WW II front page drama taken from the pages of the Hearst Newspapers. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (2-27-45) Fibber discovers that someone has replaced him as head of the WW II Red Cross Drive for his district. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (10-20-30) Variety program with Roger Pryor, Claudette Colbert, Edward Arnold, Basil Rathbone, Ernest Lubitch and, maybe, Jack Benny who haggles with almost everyone on the show. Rebroadcast: 2/25/2015 – 3/3/2015.
March 4th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1269: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-6-45) The McGees decide to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary while they’re still young enough to enjoy it! WW II flavor. PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (3-1-45) The President of the United States reports to a Joint Session of Congress on his WW II, 14,000-mile trip to Malta (Jan. 30-Feb 2) and Yalta (Feb 4-11). FDR seems tired, but relaxed, as he sits, rather than stands, to deliver what would be his last address to congress. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (2-15-45) Because of a WW II news report, the show does not start on time and we hear Harold Peary and Walter Tetley nervously ad-libbing before the studio audience for about six minutes before the show finally goes on the air. Gildy’s Aunt Hattie is his house guest. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-4-45) WW II news from CBS reporters. The German army continues its retreat across the Rhine today, blowing big bridges across the river to prevent Allied armies from crossing after the enemy troops. B29s have bombed Tokyo again in very great strength. And on Iwo Jima, the Marines have almost split the Japs on the northern end of the island. WORDS AT WAR (3-6-45) Rainbow, a WW II story of Soviet citizens who became traitors and conspired with the German Occupation Force in exchange for gifts and liberties and how they were punished by the Red Army. Rebroadcast: 3/4/2015 – 3/10/2015.
March 11th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1270: KRAFT MUSIC HALL (3-22-45) Bing Crosby stars with guest Frankie Carle. Bing reminisces about his film Road to Singapore. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-11-45) WW II reports: Berlin says American troops have made another crossing of the Rhine, 10 miles north of Remagen. In the air war, German submarine yards at Bremen, Hamburg and Kiel, and oil refineries were hit today by 2000 planes of the American Eighth Air Force. In the Pacific, the Iwo Jima battle is going on and Tokyo radio continues to claim the Americans have landed on Mindinao in the Phillippines. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-18-45) Sunday Dinner for a Soldier starring John Hodiak, Anne Baxter ande Charles Winninger. It’s the story of a family living on a houseboat in Florida who decide to save and sacrifice in order to invite a lonely WW II soldier to a Sunday meal. The program is introduced by TWTD film historian Bob Kolososki. WORDS AT WAR (3-13-45) Can Do follows the story of the U.S. Navy Seabees from battle to battle and their contributions to the WW II war effort. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-13-45) The McGees are expecting a visit from Oliver Oopdyke, an old cattleman friend from out west. WW II flavor. Rebroadcast: 3/11/2015 – 3/17/2015.
March 18th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1271: SPEAKING OF RADIO (9-28-94) NBC-Chicago Announcers’ Roundtable. Norm Barry, Jim Hill and Ed Grennan, all long-time staff announcers at WMAQ, talk about their careers in the Merchandise Mart studios of NBC Chicago. Chuck Schaden hosts this panel discussion which was recorded at a Chicago Pioneer Broadcasters meeting. Various members of the Pioneer Broadcasters get in on the memories, with questions and comments from Jack Angel, Jim Conway, John Yoder, Jim Andeline, John Hultman, Fr. John Banahan, Harry Volkman, Curt Mitchell, Billy Leach and Bill Gershon. The conversation is presented throughout this TWTD program. WMAQ: BUT WHY? (10-12-53) Concentrating on local programming, WMAQ staff announcer Hugh Downs describes a typical broadcast week at the NBC station in Chicago. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-20-45) Mr. McGee is anxious to get his radio fixed so he can tune in to singer Gloria Pizzacato’s program. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-18-45) Newsman Robert Trout replaces Douglas Edwards as editor of this program. Edwards has been re-assigned to cover the WW II Western Front. The U.S. Army Air Force sent its greatest fleet of bombers to attack targets in Berlin – 1300 heavy bombers and 700 fighters¦ Tokyo radio insists that some 1400 American carrier-based planes raided southern Japan for eight hours. Rebroadcast: 3/18/2015 – 3/24/2015.
March 25th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1272: LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-17-51) Sunset Boulevard starring Gloria Swanson and William Holden in the story of a silent film actress, trying to make a comeback, who attracts a down-on-his-luck writer to work for her. The program is introduced by TWTD movie historian Bob Kolososki. WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-25-45) CBS Correspondents around the globe report on WW II. Washington reports that three B-29s were lost in yesterday’s low level attack on Japan’s aircraft factories¦ but bombing results were described as good. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-27-45) The McGees do their part for the WW II Relief Clothing Drive, but a visit from Doc Gamble causes a problem. REPORT TO THE NATION (3-31-45) John Daly offers a variety program with a very patriotic theme. Guests include comedian Garry Moore; shipbuilder Henry J. Kaiser; folk singer Richard Dyer Bennett; and a recording by Lily Pons and Andre Kostelanetz in a USO performance before 2,000 American fighting men within range of heavy enemy artillery. IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (10-5-45) Moderator Tom Howard with zany panelists Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnell and George Shelton. Sample question: What is a window? Rebroadcast: 3/25/2015 – 3/31/2015.
April 1st, 1995 – APRIL FOOL’S DAY
Program 1273: TODAY we present an afternoon of April Foolishness with four hours of fun and surprises drawing on sounds from the world of old time radio and recordings. Ken Alexander is our co-host as we tune in to entertainment provided by Henry Morgan, Bob and Ray, Hector Q. Peabody, Spike Jones and his City Slickers, Allan Sherman, Wally Cox, Andy Griffith, Jack Kirkwood, Stan Freberg, Mike Nichols and Elaine May, the Bickersons, the Mighty Metro Art Players and others, plus a complete broadcast of¦ FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-3-45) Fibber enters a limerick contest. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 4/1/2015 – 4/7/2015.
April 8th, 1995 – DEATH OF THE PRESIDENT – Part 1
Program 1274: WORLD NEWS TODAY (4-8-45) Bob Trout and CBS newsmen bring us up to date on the WW II situation. The Germans are fighting fiercely in the streets of Vienna, but the Russian troops are steadily closing in. ¦ In the Pacific, the B-29s have returned to Japan with an air attack by substantial forces on the southern tip of the enemy homeland. FDR DEATH ANNOUNCEMENT (4-12-45) John Daly interrupts regular programming to announce the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. NEWS (4-12-45) Early coverage of the death of FDR featuring comments by Raymond Graham Swing, reports by David Wills, commentary by Baukhage. SPECIAL REPORT (4-12-45) CBS correspondent Don Fisher reports from Warm Springs, Georgia with reaction from the area that served as FDR’s Little White House. Speaking about the late president are representatives of America’s wire services: Merriman Smith of United Press; Harry Oliver of Associated Press; Robert Nixon of International News Service. SPECIAL REPORT (4-12-45) Robert Trout of CBS speaks of the presidency of FDR and his Fireside Chats. Franklin Roosevelt created much broadcasting history. He was the first world statesman to use the radio as a vital instrument of social power. He used it in a personalized fashion¦ SPECIAL REPORT (4-12-45) From Washington D.C., CBS newsman Bill Henry talks about changes which occur in the official governmental life of the nation upon the death of a president and speaks of Harry Truman, who, today, becomes the 32nd president of the United States. SPECIAL REPORT (4-12-45) Alistar Cooke, BBC Special Correspondent in the U.S., with news of the death of FDR as it was first heard in Britain from America. CBS WORLD NEWS (4-12-45) John Daly with WW II news summary, Robert Trout with analysis. Sudden death of President Roosevelt shocks world¦ Allied leaders pay tribute to President¦ Vice President Truman sworn in as President¦ Ninth Army crosses Alba River and moves ahead on road to Berlin¦ Japanese flyers make suicide attacks on Okinawa. NEWS (4-13-45) NBC’s Don Goddard reports: President Truman has decided to hold the San Francisco Conference on April 25 as scheduled¦ the Russians have captured Vienna. DORA BATEMAN (4-13-45) Via short wave from London, the BBC commentator speaks of the death of FDR, telling of English reaction to the news. DEATH OF FDR (4-14-45) Description of the arrival from Warm Springs, Georgia of the Funeral train at Union Station in Washington. FDR MEMORIAL SERVICE (4-14-45) Coverage of memorial services for President Roosevelt. Russ Davis describes the scene in Chicago; Gene Dennis in Kansas City; Dick Bush in Dallas. ARTHUR GODFREY (4-30-72) At the close of his broadcasting career, Arthur Godfrey remembers his coverage of FDR’s funeral procession in Washington D.C. on April 14, 1945. WHITE HOUSE FUNERAL SERVICE (4-14-45) Carlton Smith and Dwight Emery cover the White House funeral service for President Roosevelt. Rebroadcast: 4/8/2015 – 4/14/2015.
April 15th, 1995 – DEATH OF THE PRESIDENT – Part 2
Program 1275: REPORT TO THE NATION (4-14-45) A memorial to President Roosevelt featuring John Daly, Lily Pons, Andre Kostelanetz, CBS War Correspondent Charles Colingwood (from Paris), actor Frederic March. This is a solemn hour in Americanj History¦ Daly recalls his work as a White House correspondent with FDR. Servicemen tell their feelings on learning of the death of their commander-in-chief. CBS NEWS (4-15-45) Reports on the FDR funeral at Hyde Park, New York, and on various memorial services being held in Washington D.C. Comments about President Truman and WW II news from the front lines. WORLD NEWS TODAY (4-25-45) Bob Trout and CBS correspondents. The president was buried today¦ Eric Sevareid returns from his job as WW II correspondent to cover the United Nations Conference in San Francisco. Speculation on Truman’s cabinet choices. TRIBUTE TO FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (4-15-45) In the hour of national sorrow, from Hollywood come the famous personalities of radio and motion pictures, uniting to pay tribute to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This two-hour program features Ronald Colman, John Charles Thomas, Fibber McGee and Molly, Kay Kyser, Major Meredith Willson and the AFRS orchestra, Ed Archie Gardner, Ginny Simms, Dick Powell, violinist Josef Segetti, James Cagney, Eddie Cantor, Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, Will H. Hays, Shirley Ross, Bette Davis, Robert Young, Jack Benny, Hal Peary, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Ingrid Bergman. Announcers are Harry Von Zell, Harlow Wilcox, Ken Carpenter, and Don Wilson. Rebroadcast: 4/15/2015 – 4/21/2015.
April 22nd, 1995 – HELLO to HARRY TRUMAN GOOD BYE to ERNIE PYLE GOOD RIDDANCE to ADOLPH HITLER
Program 1276: HARRY S TRUMAN (4-16-45) Before a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn introduces Harry S Truman, the 32nd President of the United States in his first speech to Congress. HARRY S TRUMAN (4-17-45) The new president speaks to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, his first message to the troops as their new Commander-in-Chief. THIS IS MY BEST (4-17-45) I Will Not Go Back by Milton Geiger is presented after the death of President Roosevelt. The WW II series stars Orson Welles who also produces and directs. WORDS AT WAR (11-2-43) Here is Your War by Ernie Pyle. Santos Ortega stars as the WW II correspondent who tells the story of the American Doughboy in North Africa. SPECIAL REPORT (4-18-45) From Guam, correspondent Robert McCormick reports on the death of war correspondent Ernie Pyle. SPECIAL REPORT (4-18-45) A report from the island of Okinawa on the death of columnist/correspondent Ernie Pyle. DEATH OF ERNIE PYLE (4-18-45) Via short wave from Guam, Robert McCormick with another special report on the death of America’s most famous war correspondent, killed at the age of 44 on Ie Jima. CHASE AND SANBORN PROGRAM (7-29-45) Excerpt. Frances Langford, Ken Carpenter and Tony Romano talk about the film, The Story of G.I. Joe, based on Ernie Pyle’s life as war correspondent, and dramatize a scene from the film. SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY (4-18-53) Excerpt. On the eighth anniversary of Ernie Pyle’s death, George Ramsby recalls meeting Pyle and presents a musical tribute to a great American. SPECIAL BROADCAST (4-27-45) President Truman announces the WW II meeting of Anglo, American and Soviet forces in the heart of Nazi Germany, cutting the country in two. JURGENS JOURNAL (4-29-45) Walter Winchell with news that Japanese suicide planes have heavily damaged an American hospital ship¦ and Unconfirmed dispatches say that Hitler died at noon today in his underground Berlin headquarters. NEWS BROADCASTS (4-30-45) A montage of WW II radio sounds, scanning the dial on the night of Hitler’s death, with great speculation about the surrender of Germany. One thing is clear, it’s now over in Europe. News of the battle of Berlin; what to expect from Japan; Churchill’s comments; MacArthur announces the capture of Manilla; an American high official tells that Germany has surrendered. DEATH OF ADOLPH HITLER (4-30-45) WCPO Cincinatti news commentators with speculation following the death of Adolph Hitler. Will the Allies now deal with Heinrich Himmler? Will President Truman go on the air later tonight with an announcement of V-E Day? Plus a profile of Hitler’s early life. DEATH OF ADOLPH HITLER (4-30-45) Reactions from Allied headquarters from Mutual correspondents John Thompson, Seymour Korman and Paul Manniong on reports of Hitler’s death. Rebroadcast: 4/22/2015 – 4/28/2015.
April 29th, 1995 – Chuck Schaden’s 25th ANNIVERSARY SHOW Thanks for Listening
Program 1277: AS WE COMPLETE 25 years of Those Were The Days broadcasts we express our appreciation with what we hope is a very special program. We’ll share some memories of our quarter-century on the air and include clips from our broadcasts and interviews. In addition, we’ll have extensive highlights of the TWTD Anniversary Party held at Chicago’s Swissotel a week earlier as a benefit for the Museum of Broadcast Communications. The party featured guest stars Shirley Bell Cole in a re-enactment of Little Orphan Annie; Bill Idelson in a re-enactment of Vic and Sade; and Fred Foy in a re-enactment of the origin story of The Lone Ranger. The radio stars were joined by members of the Those Were The Days Radio Players for the sketches which also include The Bickersons and The Charlie McCarthy Show. The three special guest stars were interviewed by Chuck while announcer Ken Alexander added his special talents to the celebration. Rebroadcast: 4/29/2015 – 5/5/2015.
May 6th, 1995 – V-E DAY – Part 1
Program 1278: VAN DEVENTER AND THE NEWS (5-7-45) Mutual Newscaster Van Deventer brings WW II coverage of the events surrounding the surrender of Germany. In many respects, this has been a lamentable day despite the fact it’s been celebrated throughout much of the world as V-E Day. PRESIDENT HARRY S TRUMAN (5-8-45) At 9 a.m. Eastern War Time, the President announces the unconditional surrender of Germany, the end of the war in Europe. This is a solemn but glorious hour¦ I only wish that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day. Mr. Truman reads his formal proclamation, appoints Sunday, May 13, 1945 a Day of Prayer. V-E DAY, LONDON (5-8-45) Edward R. Murrow and Douglas Edwards report via short wave on the Day of Victory celebration in London. This is London¦ Murrow begins. THIS IS V-E DAY (5-8-45) An audio newsreel dealing with the major events of WW II in Europe, produced by station WMPS, Memphis, noting that there is still a long way to go before the final victory throughout the world. TOM MIX RALSTON STRAIGHT-SHOOTERS (5-8-45) An isolated episode of the long-running kids’ adventure show. The war in Europe ended today says Tom. HOLLYWOOD V-E DAY SPECIAL (5-8-45) A Victory Day special featuring Charles Boyer, Nelson Eddy, Pat O’Brien, Frank Sinatra, Shirley Ross, Mills Brothers, others. GABRIEL HEATTER (5-8-45) The news commentator tells of the unconditional surrender of Germany and the fall of the Third Reich. ON A NOTE OF TRIUMPH (5-8-45) Norman Corwin’s victory exclamation on the defeat of Hitler and the end of the war in Europe. Rebroadcast: 5/6/2015 – 5/12/2015.
May 13th, 1995 – V-E DAY – Part 2
Program 1279: ROY ROGERS SHOW (5-8-45) The King of the Cowboys with the Sons of the Pioneers with a program on V-E Day. Roy tells the story of Pecos Bill. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-8-45) Fibber attends a City Council meeting and agrees to finish a Housing Shortage Survey. This broadcast contains some special V-E Day messages and Johnson’s Wax eliminates commercials. DANNY KAYE SHOW (5-11-45) As chairman of the Seventh War Loan, Danny is busy selling bonds in his neighborhood. WORLD NEWS TODAY (5-13-45) Robert Trout and CBS correspondents with WW II news. This is the Day of Prayer, a National Day of Thanksgiving in the United States and Great Britain. President Truman attended services in Washington and in London the King and Queen drove to St. Paul’s Cathedral in the first Royal Procession since the war began. In the Phillipines, two American divisions are fighting up narrow river valleys to join a third division and cut the island of Mindanao in two, but the Japanese are resisting fiercely and the American progress is very slow. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-13-45) Jack prepares to leave for San Francisco. Jack has a Mother’s Day/V-E Day message. THE WHISTLER (5-28-45) A Nazi officer, wanted as a war criminal, assumes the identity of a dead American prisoner of war, but runs into problems in America, in this WW II broadcast. Rebroadcast: 5/13/2015 – 5/19/2015.
May 20th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1280: GI JIVE (1940s) GI Jill plays tunes for servicemen during WW II. This time the AEF juke box spins music by Bunny Berigan, Lionel Hampton, Tommy Dorsey and Harry James. WORLD NEWS TODAY (5-20-45) WW II coverage: Japanese broadcasts are saying that some 80 Super Fortresses have made an attack today on the Tokyo district while other American bombers raided the island of Formosa, the peninsula of Korea and the Chinese city of Nanking, capital of the puppet government. The fighting on Okinawa is still intensely bitter. In Europe, it’s been officially announced¦ that the city of Berlin will never again be the administrative and military capital of Germany. Germany is to be decentralized, though not dismembered. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-10-45) The McGees go to the Wistful Vista newspaper office to complain about delivery problems. LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-18-49) Treasure of Sierra Madre starring Humphrey Bogart, Frank Lovejoy and Walter Huston. A tale of gold, greed and human nature at its worst. The program is introduced by TWTD movie historian Bob Kolososki. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (5-3-45) Bing Crosby with his guests, the Nat King Cole Trio. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-17-45) Fibber’s in a rush to call the Third National Bank about his bank statement, but Alice Darling is on the phone with her boyfriend. WW II setting. Rebroadcast: 5/20/2015 – 5/26/2015.
May 27th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1281: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-24-45) Molly convinces Fibber to go to the Elk’s Club so he’ll be out of her way while she cleans the house. WW II setting. LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-4-43) Pride of the Yankees starring Gary Cooper in the biography of baseball great Lou Gehrig. Cast includes Virginia Bruce and Edgar Buchanan. The program will be introduced by TWTD film historian Bob Kolososki. BERLIN CALLING (1994) Documentary telling the true story of Americans who served the Nazi propaganda effort through world-wide short wave broadcasts, offering commentary, news and entertainment with a Nazi slant from Germany to America before and during World War II. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-1-45) Fibber plans to capture a wanted criminal for the reward money. Rebroadcast: 5/27/2015 – 6/2/2015.
June 3rd, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1282: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-15-45) Fibber buys a hunk of junk trunk at an auction. HARRY S TRUMAN (6-1-45) The President’s message to Congress on the necessity of winning the war with Japan. There can be no peace in the world until the military power of Japan is destroyed with the same completeness as was the power of the European dictators. CHESTERFIELD SUPPER CLUB (6-5-45) Perry Como stars with Marian Hutton, Tex Beneke and Paula Kelly and the Modernaires. MAJOR GLENN MILLER DAY (6-5-45) Part 1 of an all-star WW II tribute to the missing-in-action bandleader as broadcast from the stage of the Paramount Theatre in New York as part of the Seventh War Loan Drive. Martin Block covers the proceedings which feature in the first half of the show Charlie Spivak and his orchestra, Tex Beneke, Jo Stafford, Shep Fields, Gene Krupa, Louis Prima, the Modernaires, Perry Como, Harmonica Rascals, Count Basie, Sammy Kaye, Cab Calloway, Pearl Bailey, Xavier Cugat and others. Second half of this program will be broadcast on TWTD next week. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian KARL PEARSON. Rebroadcast: 6/3/2015 – 6/9/2015.
June 10th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1283: MAJOR GLENN MILLER DAY (6-5-45) Part 2 of the all-star WW II tribute to the bandleader as broadcast from the stage of the Paramount Theatre in New York. The second half of this four-hour program on behalf of the Seventh War Loan Drive begins with a 30-minute segment heard from coast-to-coast by NBC. Benny Goodman and his orchestra open the network portion with Milton Berle as emcee. Also appearing are Joe Besser, Johnny Johnston, Red Norvo, plus Ed Sullivan, Fred Waring and his Pennsylv anians, Guy Lombardo, Lloyd Nolan, Eddie Cantor, Diana Lynn, Bill Bojangles Robinson, and Kate Smith. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian KARL PEARSON. LET YOURSELF GO (6-6-45) Milton Berle stars with guest Al Jolson who tells his secret ambition to see the world as tolerant and free as the theatre. Al and Milton recall Jolson’s life story. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-22-45) Fibber is director of the big Band Concert and Bond Rally for the WW II Seventh War Loan Drive at Wistful Vista’s Civic Auditorium. Rebroadcast: 6/10/2015 – 6/16/2015.
June 17th, 1995 – HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO: GENERAL IKE COMES HOME!
Program 1284: GEN. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (6-18-45) Ike arrives in the United States for the first time since victory in Europe. The Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe speaks before a joint session of Congress, expressing thanks to the courageous American soldiers, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill. He tells how America and its allies played their parts in Victory. NEWS (6-19-45) Mutual’s Hanry Gladstone with the latest WW II news from the Pacific Front and around the world. EISENHOWER PARADE (6-19-45) 11 a.m. Eastern War Time. From 57th Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City, newsman Hugh Sanders describes the parade in honor of Gen. Eisenhower. GEN.DWIGHT D.EISENHOWER (6-19-45) 12 Noon, EWT. Mutual reporters on the spot at New York’s City Hall describe the scene and the arrival of Ike as Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia makes the General an Honorary Citizen of New York. EISENHOWER PARADE (6-19-45) 1:20 p.m. EWT. From the marquee of the Hotel Astor comes this report on Ike’s arrival in Times Square following his reception at City hall. Ike waves to the screaming crowd! GEN. DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (6-22-45) A hometown salute to the victorious leader of the Allied Forces in Europe as Ike comes home to Abilene, Kansas where he talks about his boyhood, his family and his hometown.“plus“ FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-29-45) Fibber borrows Mrs. Carstairs’ lawnmower. Rebroadcast: 6/17/2015 – 6/23/2015.
June 24th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
Program 1285: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (3-22-51) We begin another summer-long series of programs by the great Carlton E. Morse. A few episodes from Book 84 are missing, but the story will be easy to follow in the 20 chapters that survive. The drama picks up, generally, where we left off last summer. In Chapter 4 of Book 84, Hazel is concerned because it has been a long time since she has heard from her son Pinky in Oregon. Meanwhile, Margaret is working on a history of the Barbour Family. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (3-26-51) Book 84, Chapter 8. Paul is in Oregon, checking on Pinky. PRESIDENT HARRY S TRUMAN (6-26-45) Chet Huntley reports on the closing session of the United Nations Conference for International Organization from the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. President Truman addresses the delegates, speaking about the great work done in developing a charter for the U. N. and what it means for the world. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (6-5-45) Molly wants the hall closet cleaned out in anticipation of the arrival of Mrs. Carstairs who is coming for tea. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-15-52) African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart and Greer Garson. The story of a souse and a spinster who travel up the Congo during the first World War. The program is introduced by TWTD film historian Bob Kolososki. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (3-27-51) Book 84, Chapter 7. Pinky Murray, Seamnan Recruit. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (3-28-51) Jack is worried about Nicolette. Rebroadcast: 6/24/2015 – 6/30/2015.
July 1st, 1995 – HERE COMES THE SHOWBOAT!
Program 1286: LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-24-40) Show Boat starring Irene Dunne, Allan Jones and Charles Winninger in the Jerome Kern-Oscar Hammerstein II musical about life on a Mississippi show boat. AMERICANA (10-26-49) The Show Boat and Other Pastimes. Northwestern University School of Speech professor Martin Maloney narrates while announcer Bill Griskey reads passages from Captain Billy Bryant’s 1936 autobiography, Children of Old Man River subtitled The Life and Times of a Show Boat Trooper. THIS IS YOUR LIFE (10-26-49) Host Ralph Edwards surprises tonight’s subject, Captain Billy Bryant, whose career as a show boat captain is told in this broadcast. Helping Captain Billy recall those pleasant days are his wife Josephine and his daughter Betty. Also presented is a Show Boat performance in capsule form, Ten Nights in a Barroom featuring Betty’s daughter in the role her mother originally played on the show boat. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is BETTY BRYANT whose family-owned show boat plied the inland waterways of the Ohio River from before the First World War until 1942. Rebroadcast: 7/1/2015 – 7/7/2015.
JULY 8th, 1995 – HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO CLASSICAL 97 – WNIB
PROGRAM 1287: Radio station WNIB first signed on the air July 9, 1955 and in 1995 celebrated 40 years of continuous broadcasting under the same call letters and same ownership. We observe the occasion with an afternoon of recollections and entertainment as we talk about the early days of WNIB with BILL GERSHON, the station’s first classical music announcer, and other distinguished alumni including DICK BUCKLEY, MARTY ROBINSON, JAY ANDRES, DON FERRIS and BILL PLANTE. Also joining us for a look at the WNIB scene are program director RON RAY and program hosts CARL GRAPENTINE and KEN ALEXANDER. PLUS: RAILROAD HOUR (7-13-53) The Friml Story starring Gordon MacRae and Dorothy Warrenskjold. VOICE OF FIRESTONE (12-5-38) A tenth anniversary broadcast featuring the Firestone Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Alfred Wallenstein; Richard Crooks, tenor; announcer Gene Hamilton; Vaughn deLeath; Lowell Thomas; Lawrence Tibbett. TELEPHONE HOUR (6-14-44) Donald Voorhees and the orchestra plus special guest star Nelson Eddy offer a selection of popular classical music. Rebroadcast: 10/26/2011 – 11/1/2011, 7/8/2015 – 7/14/2015.
JULY 15th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1288: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (6-12-45) Fibber practices his magic act for the Elk’s Club smoker. WORLD NEWS TODAY (7-8-45) Robert Trout and CBS correspondents with news of WW II from around the world. Japanese radio says that mustang fighter planes have attacked air fields in the Tokyo area. In Germany, the Russians are still in complete control of Berlin following the arrival of American, British and French troops. OUR MISS BROOKS (10-24-48) Eve Arden as Miss Brooks as the Madison High School English teacher as everyone conspires to keep Miss Brooks from buying an alligator bag so we can give it to her for her birthday. JURGEN’S JOURNAL (7-15-45) Walter Winchell offers World War II news and commentary on the fighting, the political situation and domestic issues. WAR BOND MATINEE (5-7-45) George Olson and the orchestra with music from Chicago to promote the sale of WW II bonds. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (6-19-45) Fibber has a secretive big deal brewing with Mr. Carstairs and won’t tell anyone what it’s about. WW II setting. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (3-29-51) Book 84, Chapter 8. Fanny comes to Clifford’s rescue. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (3-30-51) Book 84, Chapter 10. A pilgrimage to San Diego. Rebroadcast: 7/15/2015 – 7/21/2015.
JULY 22nd, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1289: LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-11-46) Presenting Lily Mars starring June Allyson and Van Heflin. A young amateur actress wants to break into the big time when a flop producer brings his recent Broadway disaster to her small home town. The program is introduced by TWTD film historian Bob Kolososki. WORLD NEWS TODAY (7-22-45) News of WW II reported by CBS correspondents around the globe. A small force of B-29s crossed over Japan’s Inland Sea today and dropped high explosive bombs on the synthetic oil plant at Ube, a town on the southwest tip of Hangchow Island. The Japanese may be overcome in six months. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (6-26-45) Mrs. Carstairs allows the McGees to use her houseboat on the North Shore of Lake Dugan for the summer. This is the last Fibber and Molly show of the season and concludes our 60th Anniversary tribute to the series during which we’ve presented the entire 1944-45 season of broadcasts. Special guest on the show is comedian Victor Borge who takes over the McGee time period for the summer. VICTOR BORGE SHOW (7-3-45) The Danish comedian/musician is the summertime replacement for Fibber McGee and Molly. In this first show he offers a musical portrait of his cast; tells his favorite American story about Pocahontas; and offers his impression of the first baseball game he saw in America after coming to this country from Denmark. WW II setting. NEWS OF THE WORLD (7-26-45) John W. Vandercook with WW II news from around the world. Winston Churchill and the conservative government of which he was the chief spokesman have not only been defeated but resoundingly defeated. Churchill has straight-away resigned and Clement Atlee will be named by the King as the new Prime Minister. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-2-51) Book 84, Chapter 11. The pilgrims return. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-3-51) Book 84, Chapter 12. Nicolette divulges her plans. Rebroadcast: 7/22/2015 – 7/28/2015.
JULY 29th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1290: WORLD NEWS TODAY (7-29-45) WW II coverage. Edward R. Murrow reported from London his belief that one of the principal negotiators at Potsdam has stated that his country will go to war with Japan – and soon. (Stalin; Russia) SPEAKING OF RADIO ACTOR’S ROUNDTABLE (5-28-94) Radio actors Jack Krushen, Peter Leeds, Tyler McVey and Les Tremayne reminisce about their careers and the great days of acting in radio during a conversation moderated by Chuck Schaden and recorded at the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters clubhouse in Hollywood, California. Lots of stories about radio, performers, producers and directors. SUSPENSE (6-24-62) With Murder in Mind starring Jack Krushen as a mentalist who performs a night club mind-reading routine with uncanny accuracy. SUSPENSE (1-13-55) Final Payment starring Harry Bartell and Peter Leeds in the story of a perfect fraud that succeeded only too well. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-5-51) Book 84, Chapter 14. I love romance. Rebroadcast: 7/29/2015 – 8/4/2015.
August 5th, 1995 – RADIO AND WORLD WAR II A LONG WEEKEND OF WAITING
PROGRAM 1291: PRESIDENT HARRY S TRUMAN (8-9-45; Thursday afternoon) Upon his return from Berlin, the President of the United States reports to the American people on the Potsdam Conference. War has indeed come home to Germany and to the German people. In this important speech, Truman says, The world will note that the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a military base. NEWS OF THE DAY (8-10-45; Friday morning) H. V. Kaltenborn and Caesar Saerchinger report: We are here in the NBC newsroom with the bulletins coming in constantly on Japan’s surrender offer. With every minute that passes it seems more certain that the offer is definite and that there is a nine out of ten chance that it will be accepted. NEWS REPORT (8-10-45; Friday morning) Newsmen Don Goddard, James Stevenson and Henry Cassidy with the latest. The events of the last two crowded hours have moved with lightning swiftness since we heard the Jap radio say that Japan would quit if she could keep her Emperor. These reports are still unconfirmed but they have set a whole world in motion. This is not V-J Day. NEWS AT NOON (8-10-45; Friday afternoon) Don Goddard relates the events of the morning. The war is not over. No offer of surrender has been received by the responsible heads of any Allied government¦ we’re still fighting in Japan in spite of confirmed reports of this morning that the Japanese had transmitted an offer to surrender. This is not yet V-J Day. FROM THE PACIFIC (8-10-45; Friday afternoon) NBC Pacific correspondent reports from Guam and Manilla. This is a period of world-wide high blood pressure. At 5:37 this morning, Pacific time, Tokyo announced that the Japanese government had decided to accept the Potsdam Declaration with one stipulation – that Hirohito be allowed to remain. NEWS OF THE WORLD (8-10-45; Friday afternoon) W. W. Chaplin and Morgan Beatty report. The International News Service has just reported from Stockholm that Sweden’s government issued an official communique saying the Japanese surrender offer has been received. This is a day of wild speculation, of high hope, of reaching for a world peace which seems to be no more than just beyond our fingertips. SIX O’CLOCK REPORT (8-10-45; Friday evening) Lyle Van with the latest news. The Allies are discussing Japan’s offer of surrender provided they can keep their Emperor. No indication from official sources whether Hirohito must go. Premature celebrations around the world greet the first word of Japan’s decision. SPORTS HEADLINES (8-10-45; Friday evening) Sportscaster Bill Stern with late sports headlines and a brief discussion about the effect of the Japanese surrender on the sports scene. LOWELL THOMAS (8-10-45; Friday night) The White House announces that there will be no new statement until tomorrow. This means that discussions by radio-telephone are being held, discussions concerning Japan’s offer to surrender. Washington, London, Moscow and Chun King now forming their decision. When this decision will be communicated to Tokyo “via the governments of Switzerland and Sweden”we are not told. This takes time. Thomas tells how the Japan offer for surrender came across news wires. ALEX DRIER (8-11-45; Saturday evening) The news analyst speaks about the pending surrender of Japan and Japan’s insistence on maintaining Hirohito as sovieign ruler. History has come to a momentary standstill¦ as the most formidable concentration of military power ever assembled ponders a condition made by an enemy no longer capable of making his resistance a decisive factor with regard to the war’s outcome. WORLD NEWS TODAY (8-12-45; Sunday afternoon) Robert Trout and CBS correspondents. It was exactly 192 weeks ago that the American people learned that war had come to the United States. And now it’s three years and eight months later. Almost four years of work and struggle, grief and failure, and later, success. Whether Sunday, August 12, 1945 is to be written into world records as the day the Second World War ended, we do not yet know. GABRIEL HEATTER (8-13-45; Monday evening) The famous commentator talks about the expected surrender of Japan and the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration and what it means to Japan and the Emperor. Even civil war in Japan isn’t ruled out as a possibility now. Their people know nothing even now regarding their surrender offer. Rebroadcast: 8/5/2015 – 8/11/2015.
August 12th, 1995 – RADIO AND WORLD WAR II THE WAR IS OVER! THE WAR IS OVER!
PROGRAM 1292: CAB CALLOWAY AND THE ORCHESTRA (8-14-45; very early Tuesday morning) Remote broadcast starring His Highness of Hi-De-Ho from the Cafe Zanzibar in New York City with many interruptions for reports of the Japanese surrender. NEWS BULLETIN (8-14-45; approximately 7 pm EWT) An ABC reporter at President Truman’s news conference relays the official news of the Japanese surrender. NEWS BULLETIN (8-14-45) News commentator Hilmar Baukage reports from in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. There will be no official V-J Day until the terms of the surrender are signed. NEWS BULLETIN (8-14-45) From the Cincinatti, Ohio Times-Star newsroom, a very excited announcer brings the official news of the surrender to Cincinatti listeners. CBS NEWS (8-14-450 Coverage of the official news of the Japanese surrender. Robert Trout in New York, Charles Shaw in Times Square, Webley Edwards in Guam, John Adams in Manilla. Bill Henry is stationed outside the White House where he describes a river of humanity. MILWAUKEE VICTORY CELEBRATION (8-14-45; Tuesday, shortly after 6 pm CWT) Radio station WISN’s on the scene coverage of the downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin celebration following the official news of the Japanese surrender. NEWS ROUND-UP (8-14-45) NBC’s Victory Night coverage with John W. Vandercook in New York; Ben Grauer, with a mobile unit at Times Square describes the tremendous crowd; Don Goddard covers the scene in New York; Robert St. John with late bulletins. FOURTEEN AUGUST (8-14-45) A message for the Day of Victory, written, produced and edited by Norman Corwin and spoken by Orson Welles. The joys and sadness of victory are presented in this now-classic broadcast with a look at the awful effect of the weapon used to end the war. Rebroadcast: 8/12/2015 – 8/18/2015.
August 19th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1293: NOTE: At about 22 minutes into this TWTD broadcast, a power problem took station WNIB off the air for approximately 35 minutes. The program continued from the remote studio in the Museum of Broadcast Communications, but over-the-air listeners had to wait while the problem was solved. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-6-51) Book 84, Chapter 15. Father Barbour’s big surprise. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-9-51) Book 84, Chapter 16. A farewell party. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1994) Program number 13 in a new series of re-enactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. WEDNESDAYS WITH YOU (8-15-45) Excerpt from the summer replacement program for Eddie Cantor with Harry Von Zell, Nora Martin, Fred Martelli and Leonard Suess. Following the official news of Japan’s surrender, this program offers a special salute to the end of World War II. WORLD NEWS TODAY (8-19-45) WW II news. President Trumann is leading the nation in giving thanks for the victory, while Americans all over the country observe a Day of Prayer, each according to his custom. Special services were conducted in the East room of the White House by the Chiefs of Chaplains of the Army and Navy. And the congregation of 200 military, government and Congressional leaders prayed for wisdom and strength with which to face the hard tasks of peace. CHASE AND SANBORN PROGRAM (8-19-45) In this summer replacement program for Charlie McCarthy, Frances Langford and Tony Romany reflect on WW II entertainment shows for the troops and offer comments about the peaceful future. Music provided by Spike Jones, but there’s no comedy songs on this broadcast. ESCAPE (3-29-53) The Invader. A high school science teacher makes contact with space aliens who are coming to destroy the Earth and the human race. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-10-51) Book 84, Chapter 17. A report from Pinky. Rebroadcast: 8/19/2015 – 8/25/2015.
August 26th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1294: GUNSMOKE (9-26-53) Fawn is a story of prejudice in Dodge City. William Conrad stars as U.S. Marshall Matt Dillon. PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (10-3-48) In their first show for their new sponsor, Rexall, Phil discovers that Frankie Remley (Elliott Lewis) has signed the contract instead of Phil. WORLD NEWS TODAY (8-26-45) Robert Trout and CBS correspondents. There’s little doubt that the ships of the United States Navy will be closer to the City of Tokyo than they have ever been since Japan entered the second world war. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (2-13-45) Fibber decides to tune the piano himself rather than calling a professional piano tuner. INNER SANCTUM (1-10-49) Murder Comes to Life. A man who comes back from the near dead doesn’t want to remember his name or the past associated with it. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-11-51) Book 84, Chapter 18. Clifford and Paul talk it out. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-12-51) Book 84, Chapter 19. Clifford finds employment. Rebroadcast: 8/26/2015 – 9/1/2015.
September 2, 1995 – RADIO AND WORLD WAR II OFFICIAL V-J DAY: THE FORMAL SURRENDER OF JAPAN
PROGRAM 1295: JAPANESE SURRENDER CEREMONY (9-2-45) Tonight the guns are silent, bombers grounded, battleships at anchor. The complete eyewitness report on the final capitulation of the Japanese Empire, on board the Battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. General Douglas MacArthur conducts the surrender ceremonies, followed by addresses to the American people by President Truman, General MacArthur and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. WORLD NEWS TODAY (9-2-45) Robert Trout reporting. On this V-J Day, CBS reporters are waiting to bring you first-hand news from the world’s political and battlefronts. Japan has surrendered. That’s submitting four home islands to the forces of occupation and renouncing the stolen empire overseas. The occupation troops are moving in gradually, slowly extending the area under Allied control. Thousands of miles from Japan, the Japanese forces are slowly yielding the territory they had fought to rule forever. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (9-2-45) The first show of the new season falls on the official V-J Day. Marjorie and Leroy try to convince their Uncle Throckmorton that they should go to the lake for the Labor Day weekend. COMMAND PERFORMANCE (9-2-45) A special V-J Day program for military audiences as well as civilian listeners stateside. An all-star cast observes the end of the war: Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dinah Shore, Frank Sinatra, Frances Langford, Orson Welles, Major Meredith Willson and the AFRS orchestra. President Truman has a victory message. BOB HOPE SHOW (9-11-45) On his first show of the new season, Bob salutes Hollywood’s contribution to bring about V-J Day. Guest is Robert Montgomery. Regulars include Frances Langford, Jerry Colonna, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra. NOTE: This TWTD broadcast concludes our four-year observation of the 50th Anniversary of World War II. Thanks for listening. Rebroadcast: 9/2/2015 – 9/8/2015.
September 9th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1296: NOTE: This broadcast marks TWTD’s 20th Anniversary on station WNIB. MR. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (4-11-51) Case of the Money Machine starring Jay Josten as the D.A. A patient is kidnapped from the State Medical Hospital. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-13-51) Book 84, Chapter 20. Paul goes to see Elwood. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1994) Program 14 in the series of re-enactments of the Marx Brothers 1932 radio show. A DATE WITH JUDY (5-18-48) Louise Erickson stars as Judy, who has nothing to wear to the big dance. POP CHRONICLES – THE 40s (1972) The first program in an eight-part series telling the lively story of pop music in the 1940s. Part One deals with the early 1904s, offering an introduction to the era of big bands, crooners and dazzling vocalists. Commenting on the scene are guests Johnny Mercer, Bing Crosby, Helen O’Connell, Helen Forrest, Sammy Cohn, Tex Beneke, Ray Eberely, George T. Simon, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Patty Andrews, Freddy Martin, Harry James, Peggy Lee, Stan Kenton and many others. THOSE WERE THE DAYS (9-6-75) A short excerpt of the first TWTD program heard on station WNIB, twenty years ago. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-16-51) Book 84, Chapter 21. A pending divorce. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-17-51) Book 84, Chapter 22. Henry is faced with the inevitable. Rebroadcast: 9/9/2015 – 9/15/2015.
September 16th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1297: OUR MISS BROOKS (9-10-50) Eve Arden stars as Miss Brooks. Rumors are flying as the fall semester begins. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-18-51) Book 84, Chapter 23. The plumber comeith. WE TAKE YOU BACK (3-13-58) On the 20th Anniversary of the CBS News program World News Round-Up, reporters Edward R. Murrow, Robert Trout, Dallas Townsend, William L. Schrier, H. V. Kaltenborn and John Daly commemorate the start of regular CBS news broadcasts. ACADEMY AWARD (10-9-46) It Happened Tomorrow starring Eddie Bracken and Ann Blythe. A reporter is able to get tomorrow’s news today. BIG TOWN (9-21-48) Final Payment. Steve Wilson and Lorelei Kilbourn of the Illustrated Press work together to smash an obituary racket. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-19-51) Book 84, Chapter 24. Clifford Barbour, baby sitter. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-20-51) Book 84, Chapter 25. When it rains it pours. NOTE: This is the final One Man’s Family program in our series this year. Next summer on TWTD: Book 85: Claudia’s daughter Joan wants an apartment plus Clifford and Toots Schultz. Rebroadcast: 9/16/2015 – 9/22/2015.
September 23rd, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1298: FRONTIER GENTLEMAN (6-1-58) School Days starring John Dehner as a reporter for the London Times covering events in the American West. Two towns vie for the only school teacher available. POP CHRONICLES – THE 40s (1972) Second program in the series. The story continues with music of 1940 and 1941. CANDID MICROPHONE (8-31-47) Alan Funt surprises a cab driver, a caterer and a dentist with outrageous stunts and gimmicks. This is Candid Camera before TV! LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-1-51) All About Eve starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter and Gary Merrill. An aging star takes in an adoring fan and soon discovers that the young woman is taking over her life. JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (4-28-48) Lucille Ball is guest as the Schnozzola takes Lucy and Peggy Lee on a tour of industry to show them big business’ attitude towards women. Rebroadcast: 9/23/2015 – 9/29/2015.
September 30th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1299: LIFE WITH LUIGI (4-15-52) Pasquale has a solution to Luigi’s problem: marry his daughter Rosa! LIGHTS OUT (7-27-43) Little People. The story of the bizarre revenge of a jealous husband. CURTAIN TIME (2-28-48) Readin’, Writin’ and Romance. A romantic comedy about a Civil War story that is to be made into a movie. BREAK THE BANK (2-1-50) Bert Parks is the Quizmaster for the popular audience participation show. THE WHISTLER (1940s) The Golden Penny. A playboy beats a wealthy man at chess and wins a job as skipper of the rich man’s yacht. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1994) Program 15 in the 18-part series of BBC re-enactments of the Marks Brothers 1932 radio show. Rebroadcast: 9/30/2015 – 10/6/2015.
October 7th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1300: RED SKELTON SHOW (4-15-47) Skelton’s Scrapbook of Satire features Deadeye and Junior the Mean Little Kid. I WAS A COMMUNIST FOR THE FBI (1952) Dana Andrews stars as Matt Cvetic who lived for nine years as an undercover agent for the FBI. Cvetic visits a prison to recruit about-to-be parolees for membership into the Party. POP CHRONICLES – The 40s (1972) Third program in the eight-part series. Music from the WW II years. BULLDOG DRUMMOND (1940s) Ned Weaver as Drummond, who investigates intrigue at the race track. TWENTY QUESTIONS (9-18-48) It’s the animal, vegetable or mineral game as listeners try to stump the panel. BLONDIE (2-16-50) Arthur Lake as Dagwood Bumstead and Ann Rutherford as Blondie. Alexander gets a part in the school play. NOTE: Ken Alexander is guest host for this week’s program. Rebroadcast: 10/7/2015 – 10/13/2015.
October 14th, 1995 – WE REMEMBER GALE GORDON
PROGRAM 1301: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-26-39) Molly’s old boyfriend Otis Cadwallader, played by Gale Gordon, visits Wistful Vista. To impress him, Fibber gets neighbor Gildersleeve to act at the McGee’s butler. SPEAKING OF RADIO (5-13-90) Guest, via telephone, is Gale Gordon who talks about his career with Chuck Schaden and also takes a few calls from listeners on Chuck’s WBBM Radio Classics program. Gale Gordon died June 30, 1995 at age 89. OUR MISS BROOKS (10-1-50) Eve Arden stars as Miss Brooks with Gale Gordon as Osgood Conklin. PLUS: Clips featuring Gale Gordon as Foggy Williams on the Fibber McGee and Molly program; as Mr. Scott, the sponsor of the Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show; and as Gildy’s neighbor Mr. Bullard on the Great Gildersleeve show. You’ll also hear him working with Jim Jordan and Chuck Schaden in a scene from Fibber McGee and the Good Old Days of Radio (1974). Rebroadcast: 10/14/2015 – 10/20/2015.
October 21st, 1995 – WE REMEMBER PHIL HARRIS
PROGRAM 1302: FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-19-46) Excerpt with Fred trying to convince guest Phil Harris to leave the Benny program and join the Allen show. SPEAKING OF RADIO (6-15-88) Phil Harris talks about his career as a musician and on the Jack Benny program in this conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded at Phil’s home in Palm Desert, California. Phil Harris died August 11, 1995 at age 91. PHIL HARRIS AND HIS COCONUT GROVE ORCHESTRA (1932) Early 1930s dance music provided by Harris in this remote broadcast from the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-22-42) Mary Livingstone tells what happened when Jack and Phil Harris played golf together. KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (8-16-44) Phil Harris subs for Kay Kyser in this program before an audience of servicemen. PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (1-2-49) Phil gets a draft notice from the government and must go to the draft board to straighten it out. Rebroadcast: 10/21/2015 – 10/27/2015.
October 28th, 1995 – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW
PROGRAM 1303: INNER SANCTUM (12-18-45) The Undead starring Anne Seymour as the wife of an actor who discovers that her husband is a vampire. THE WHISTLER (4-30-45) The Master’s Tree. A woman whose husband disappeared five years ago plans to live in the abandoned mansion in a small village where they once lived. Her family warns her that the house may be haunted. MOLLE MYSTERY THEATRE (5-21-48) Solo Performance starring Everett Sloane. Murder takes center stage when an actor and his producer argue over the actor’s wife. BABY SNOOKS (11-1-46) Annoyed with Halloween, Daddy vows to teach Snooks and her friend a lesson as they go Trick or Treating. Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford star. SUSPENSE (12-15-49) Flame Blue Glove starring Lana Turner as a woman hired by her ex-boss, a detective, to investigate the murder of her husband’s first wife. LIGHTS OUT (12-1-42) Mr. Maggs by Arch Oboler. When Mr. Maggs buys a locked chest at an auction, his wife is upset when she finds it empty except for a layer of dried blood. NOTE: Ken Alexander is guest host for this Halloween show and he is joined by members of the Mighty Metro Art Players to present a special Ghost-to-Ghost broadcast. Rebroadcast: 10/28/2015 – 11/3/2015.
November 4th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1304: ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (10-24-48) The Insomnia Caper stars Howard Duff as Sam, who can’t get any sleep because of a lovers’ quarrel outside his room. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1994) Program 16 in this 18-part BBC series of re-enactments of the Marx Brothers 1932 radio show. LUX RADIO THEATRE (9-13-43) Phantom of the Opera starring Nelson Eddy and Susanna Foster. Basil Rathbone co-stars as the Phantom, a disfigured composer who lives in the catacombs under the Paris Opera House. JUDY CANOVA SHOW (10-4-47) Judy is scheduled for a screen test at Paragon Studios. Cast features Mel Blanc, Joe Kearns, Hans Conried. GUNSMOKE (1-31-53) William Conrad stars with Howard McNear as Doc Adams, who is being sought as a fugitive by a deputy from Virginia. NOTE: Ken Alexander is guest host for this week’s program. Rebroadcast: 11/4/2015 – 11/10/2015.
November 11th, 1995 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1305: GRAND CENTRAL STATION (9-18-48) Too Young to Understand featuring Will Geer and Sarah Fussell. A story of a family down on their luck and in financial difficulties. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (9-2-45) Ozzie tries to repair a dripping faucet. MR. AND MRS. NORTH (1-17-45) A fake murder turns real in The Frisby Klisby Case. Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin are Pam and Jerry North. POP CHRONICLES – The 40s (1972) Program four in the eight-part series. Music from WW II thru V-J Day. MR. PRESIDENT (1940s) Edward Arnold stars as a president of the United States who averted a war with Canada. MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (1946) Death’s Goblet, the story of a goblet with a curse: Pour your own wine and drink from the goblet and you will murder someone. Rebroadcast: 11/11/2015 – 11/17/2015.
November 18th, 1995 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 1306: SONGS BY SINATRA (11-21-45) On the eve of the first peacetime Thanksgiving after World War II, Frank Sinatra offers a program with a patriotic flavor. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (11-21-45) It’s turkey troubles for Eddie as he tries to serve Thanksgiving dinner to friends at the Waldorf Hotel. POP CHRONICLES – The 40s (1972) Fifth program in the series. Music in the post-war years. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (11-24-49) Courtship of Miles Standish starring David Niven in Longfellow’s story about the early days of the Plymouth Colony. JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (11-26-47) Jimmy has a live turkey for Thanksgiving. Guest is Victor Moore. Rebroadcast: 11/18/2015 – 11/24/2015.
November 25th, 1995 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 1307: BREAKFAST CLUB (9-2-60) From the College Inn of Chicago’s Hotel Sherman, Don McNeill and company are on the air with their regular program, but since it’s being recorded for the Armed Forces Radio Service to be played for military audiences on Christmas morning, they offer unseasonal (for September) material (for Christmas Day). SUSPENSE (12-13-55) A Present for Benny starring Jack Krushen in a story of Christmas shopping and a present that went astray. POP CHRONICLES – The 40s (1972) Sixth program in the series features music to 1947. VISIT TO A DOLL FACTORY (12-9-38) It’s 14 days to Christmas and listeners are treated to a sound picture of the Ideal Novelty and Toy Factory plus a description of how dolls are made. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-24-45) I’ll be Seeing You starring Joseph Cotton and Dorothy McGuire. A WW II story of two people who find themselves very much in love, but whose Yuletide happiness is shadowed by a stranger threat. Rebroadcast: 11/25/2015 – 12/1/2015.
December 2nd, 1995 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 1308: TWENTY-FIRST PRECINCT (1950s) Everett Sloane stars as the police captain in charge. While a woman files a complaint, the station house prepares for the Christmas party to be held for neighborhood children. POP CHRONICLES – The 40s (1972) Program seven in the eight-part series. Music from the end of the decade. ROBERT TROUT AND THE NEWS (12-12-48) No doubt about it, the Electoral College will elect Harry Truman. LIVING, 1948 (12-12-48) The Greatest Christmas Present is the story of an immigrant family who comes to America for the birth of their child. SONGS BY SINATRA (12-5-45) In New York, Frank presents an early look at the holiday season and sings a medley of Christmas carols in anticipation of the first peacetime Christmas after the end of WW II. PHIL HARRIS – ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-19-52) Phil has to play Santa Claus at the Women’s Club Christmas Party. Rebroadcast: 12/2/2015 – 12/8/2015.
December 9th, 1995 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 1309: TALENT SCOUTS (12-19-49) Arthur Godfrey presents a program of youthful, non-professional talent for his Christmas show. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-10-47) Gildy decides to do his Christmas shopping early this year. NOTE: This is the first of four consecutive Gildersleeve programs to be presented this month. POP CHRONICLES – The 40s (1972) The eighth and final program in the series telling the story of popular music in the 1940s. BEULAH (12-24-53) Amanda Randolph stars as Beulah, whose boss has been selected honorary Santa Claus, thanks to her. MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER (12-25-51) Christmas Story. A man driving across the country with a stranger decides to impersonate him when he dies suddenly. The opportunity to collect a dishonest inheritance seems irresistible. FATHER KNOWS BEST (12-25-52) Robert Young stars. On Christmas night, as the Anderson family basks in the glow of the holiday, the children are still working on father’s gift. Rebroadcast: 12/9/2015 – 12/15/2015.
December 16th, 1995 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 1310: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-17-47) Gildy, angry with the Mayor’s response in the newspaper about laxity in the Water Department, locks himself in his room until he gets an apology. NOTE: This is an unusual broadcast, with Hal Peary absent from the program due to illness. CHRISTMAS COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-24-45) It’s the Armed Forces Radio Service’s fourth annual holiday broadcast. Bob Hope leads off an all-star cast celebrating the first peacetime Christmas since the series began: Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Harry James and the orchestra, Herbert Marshall, Jimmy Durante, Ginny Simms, Jerry Colonna, Johnny Mercer, Judy Garland, Pied Pipers, Ed Archie Gardner, Frances Langford, Kay Kyser, Cass Daley, Frank Sinatra, Mel Blanc. President Truman sends a peacetime message to the military audience. SUSPENSE (12-21-53) Twas the Night Before Christmas starring Greer Garson in a story about a certain little girl on a certain Christmas Eve. Rebroadcast: 12/16/2015 – 12/22/2015.
December 23rd, 1995 – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
PROGRAM 1311: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-25-45) Fibber gets a Christmas gift from Doc Gamble, but he and Molly – and everyone else – can’t figure out what it is! HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (12-16-48) The Desert Shall Rejoice starring John Hodiak. The miracle of Christmas is relived in our day as a cynical tourist camp owner gives a room to Marie and Jose. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-24-47) Gildy goes shopping for Leory’s model airplane and makes plans to play Santa at church. CAMPBELL PLAYHOUSE (12-24-39) A Christmas Carol starring Lionel Barrymore in his fourth appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge in this broadcast of Charles Dickens’ story. Orson Welles narrates this radio classic. BING CROSBY SHOW (12-25-52) Guest Gary Crosby joins his father and Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires in this traditional Christmas program. Lots of holiday music (including White Christmas) and no commercials! Rebroadcast: 12/23/2015 – 12/29/2015.
December 30th, 1995 – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
PROGRAM 1312: ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1-2-49) Ozzie thinks women allow men to win simply to make them feel better. He competes with Harriet in a knitting contest to prove that men are superior to women. Lots of fun with New Year’s resolutions. LES ELGART AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-31-64 to 1-1-65) New Year’s Eve remote broadcast from the Sherman House in Chicago. GUNSMOKE (1-1-56) Puckett’s New Year. At the end of the year, a prospector seeks to kill the man who left him to die in a snowstorm. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-20-35) An early McGee program finds Fibber and Molly all dressed up for a night on the town to celebrate the arrival of the new year. CHAMPAGNE MUSIC OF LAWRENCE WELK (12-31-70 to 1-1-71) New Year’s Eve remote broadcast from the Hollywood Palladium. Celebrate with the countdown before Auld Lang Syne. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-31-47) Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve has three parties to go to on New Year’s Eve. Rebroadcast: 12/30/2015 – 1/5/2016.
JANUARY 6th, 1996 – ADVENTURES BY MORSE City of the Dead Chapters 1 thru 5
PROGRAM 1313: Today we begin an exciting series by the great Carlton E. Morse, creator of I Love a Mystery and One Man’s Family. The City of the Dead (syndicated in 1944) stars Elliott Lewis as Captain Bart Friday with Richard LeGrand as Doc Tooner and Janet Waldo as Phyllis Carroll. There are ten 25-minute episodes in this thrilling adventure and we’ll broadcast the first five chapters today. The remaining chapters will be presented on January 13. Chapter 1 – The City of the Dead is an old graveyard presided over by Mayor Joshua Friday (the caretaker). The adventure begins with phantom church bells, shrouded monsters and a young couple’s car being stolen. Mayor Friday and his friend Doc Tooner insist the young couple stay the night, locking their doors behind them. Chapter 2 – I’ve Dug Up Something Ghastly, Chapter 3 – The Body that Walked Off, Chapter 4 – Old Clawfoot Again, Chapter 5 – The Skeleton Walks in. Rebroadcast: 1/6/2016 – 1/12/2016.
JANUARY 13th, 1996 – ADVENTURES BY MORSE City of the Dead Chapters 6 thru 10
PROGRAM 1314: Today we conclude the exciting series by Carlton E. Morse, creator of I Love a Mystery and One Man’s Family. The City of the Dead (syndicated in 1944) stars Elliott Lewis as Captain Bart Friday with Richard LeGrand as Doc Tooner and Janet Waldo as Phyllis Carroll. Chapter 6 – The Ghoul in the Grave, Chapter 7 – Captain Friday Vanishes, Chapter 8 – The Kidnapping of Clawfoot, Chapter 9 – The Trail of the Phantom Church Bell, Chapter 10 – Where the Pearls Were Hidden. Rebroadcast: 1/13/2016 – 1/19/2016.
JANUARY 20th, 1996 – GEORGE BURNS CENTENNIAL 1896 – 1996
PROGRAM 1315: George Burns was born January 20, 1896 and today, precisely 100 years later, we celebrate his Centennial! George and his wife Gracie Allen entertained radio fans royally for eighteen years, from 1932 until 1950, when they made a smooth transition to television. During our centennial salute we’ll have lots of sound clips from the radio career of Burns and Allen as well as some of George’s musical efforts and a few early George and Gracie comedy recordings. Plus these complete broadcasts: BURNS AND ALLEN (2-10-41) Broadcasting from Chicago to entertain the troops at Fort Sheridan, George and Gracie star with Artie Shaw and his orchestra. Lots of topical chatter about Chicago and a visit from the city’s Mayor Edward J. Kelly. BURNS AND ALLEN (11-9-43) Gracie blackmails guest Jack Benny into permitting George to sing on the Benny program. George sings Ain’t Misbehavin’. PHILCO RADIO TIME (1-14-48) Bing Crosby welcomes guest George Burns who has decided to leave Gracie and go out on his own as a singer. Sugar Throat Burns and Bing sing It Might As Well Be Spring. PLUS”Our Those Were The Days Radio Players “live and in person- present an original sketch by Ken Alexander based on the Burns and Allen Show. Rebroadcast: 1/20/2016 – 1/26/2016.
JANUARY 27th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1316: OUR MISS BROOKS (10-24-48) Eve Arden stars as the Madison High School English teacher. Everyone conspires to keep Miss Brooks from buying an alligator bag so we can give it to her on her birthday. Gale Gordon is Mr. Conklin. ESCAPE (3-14-48) Log of the Evening Star starring Jack Webb as the first mate of a South Seas schooner. A dead sea captain apparently has returned from his watery grave to reclaim his wife and ship. ADVENTURES OF TOPPER (8-31-45) Roland Young stars as Topper, who feigns illness to avoid visiting his mother-in-law. DORIS DAY SHOW (3-28-52) Doris welcomes Danny Thomas, her co-star in the movie I’ll See You in My Dreams as they recreate a scene from the film. ROGUE’S GALLERY (4-4-46) Dick Powell stars as private detective Richard Rogue. A death house inmate wants Rogue to retrieve stolen jewels, get the reward and give the money to his daughter. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (8-12-46) Devil and Miss Jones starring Van Johnson, Donna Reed and Guy Kibbee. A millionaire masquerades as a clerk in his own department store to investigate employee complaints. Rebroadcast: 1/27/2016 – 2/2/2016.
FEBRUARY 3rd, 1996 – JACK BENNY MONTH – Part 1
PROGRAM 1317: NOTE: This month we feature a sequence of related and mostly consecutive Benny programs dealing with the famous I Can’t Stand Jack Benny Because¦ contest. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-21-45) Jack is planning to go to the race track, but is having trouble selecting a horse. Jack dreams about the race, betting $85,000. This program features the first appearance of Polly the Parrott (played by Mel Blanc) and the first appearance of Phil’s daughter (Jeanine Roos). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-28-45) When Jack dreams that he bet $85,000 on a horse that won and paid $646,000, his Press Agent Steve Bradley has a great idea! HOTPOINT HOLIDAY HOUR (12-25-49) The Man Who Came to Dinner starring Jack Benny with an all-star supporting cast: Charles Boyer, Gene Kelly, Dorothy McGuire, Gregory Peck, and Rosalind Russell. Henry Fonda narrates. A pompous, cantankerous, megalomaniac broadcaster is confined by a broken hip to a normal Midwestern home, which he turns into bedlam. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-4-45) After being the victim of a robbery, Jack is sick in bed. The gang tries to comfort him. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-11-45) Jack is still trying to recover from the shock of being robbed. Rochester tries to get boxer Joe Louis to be Jack’s bodyguard, but Joe wants to be a comedian. Rebroadcast: 2/3/2016 – 2/9/2016.
FEBRUARY 10th, 1996 – JACK BENNY MONTH – Part 2
PROGRAM 1318: NOTE: This month we feature a sequence of related and mostly consecutive Benny programs dealing with the famous I Can’t Stand Jack Benny Because¦ contest. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-25-45) Press Agent Steve Bradley tells Jack that the robbery was a publicity stunt! Bradley has an idea how to use the stolen money. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-2-45) Jack’s press agent gives an explanation of his I Can’t Stand Jack Benny because¦ contest. PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-3-48) Bing Crosby welcomes guests Jack Benny and restaurateur Tom Brennaman. Jack’s girlfriend Gladys Zabisco (Sara Berner) warns Bing that Benny is looking for him. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-9-45) The gang helps Jack read I Can’t Stand Jack Benny contest letters. Guests Ronald and Benita Colman, in their first appearance on the Benny program, send a dinner invitation to Jack, but they’re surprised when he arrives. SUSPENSE (2-2-53) Plan X staring Jack Benny with Joe Kearns, William Conrad, Howard McNear and Jack Krushen. In the year 2053 Jack is a Martian chosen to carry out a plan to deal with an invasion rocket from Earth. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-16-45) A parade of mail carriers deliver I Can’t Stand Jack Benny letters to Benny’s house. The gang reads some of the letters while Jack tries to tune in to Don Wilson on the radio. Instead, he gets columnist Louella Parsons who comments on the Benny contest. Rebroadcast: 2/10/2016 – 2/16/2016.
FEBRUARY 17th, 1996 – JACK BENNY MONTH – Part 3
PROGRAM 1319: NOTE: This month we feature a sequence of related and mostly consecutive Benny programs dealing with the famous I Can’t Stand Jack Benny Because¦ contest. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-23-45) On the day before the end of the I Can’t Stand Jack Benny contest, the gang reads some of the letters that are pouring in. Guests Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Colman are expected for a holiday dinner. Larry Stevens sings Ava Maria in this seasonal show and Ronald Colman toasts the world at the end of World War II. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-30-45) The I Can’t Stand Jack Benny contest ended last week, but Jack and the Gang are still sorting out the latest entries. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-16-46) Killer Kates starring Jack Benny who plays a would-be comedian who bombed out in night clubs, but becomes the toast of Broadway in a serious role as a gangster, playing to packed houses. But nightmares re-occur and the gangster’s character take over. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-6-46) On this first show of the new year, Mary tells how Jack went to the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, but didn’t see the game. Winner of the I Can’t Stand Jack Benny contest will be announced in three weeks. This show features the first appearance of Artie Auerbach as the Hot Dog Man (Mr. Kitzel). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-13-46) Jack and the gang appear in his version of the 20th Century Fox musical State Fair. I Can’t Stand Jack Benny contest winners to be announced in two weeks. Rebroadcast: 2/17/2016 – 2/23/2016.
FEBRUARY 24th, 1996 – JACK BENNY MONTH – Part 4
PROGRAM 1320: NOTE: This month we feature a sequence of related and mostly consecutive Benny programs dealing with the famous I Can’t Stand Jack Benny Because¦ contest. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-20-46) Since the last show, Jack was appointed Honorary Mayor of Anaheim, Azusa and Cucamonga! This week, the cast continues their version of State Fair. A telegram from Fred Allen “the supreme judge of the I Can’t Stand Jack Benny contest – says the winners will be announced next week. DENNIS DAY SHOW (10-3-46) Special guests are Don Wilson and Jack Benny who give Dennis a send-off on the first program in his new show. This is a preview of the series telling how the program (to be called A Day in the Life of Dennis Day came about. Jack dreams of the future – when Dennis is a star and he is an unknown! JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-27-46) Jack must give away $10,000 to the winners of the I Can’t Stand Jack Benny contest. Fred Allen, in New York, announces the first prize winner and Jack names many other winners. JACK BENNY FIDDLES WITH THE CLASSICS (1978) An entertaining, humorous introduction to the world of classical music for young (and older) listeners, in which the noted comedian – and sometimes violinist – recalls his early, fun-filled adventures as a child prodigy. Jack is ably assisted by Isaac Stern, Mary Livingstone and Mel Blanc. From an out-of-print Capitol Records album. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-3-46) Jack takes Mary to a concert starring guest Isaac Stern, one of the world’s greatest violinists. They meet Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Colman at the Philharmonic Auditorium. Later, Ronald Colman reads the first prize letter in the I Can’t Stand Jack Benny contest. Rebroadcast: 2/24/2016 – 3/1/2016.
MARCH 2nd, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1321: THE FAT MAN (1-21-46) J. Scott Smart stars as the hard-boiled criminologist who tips the scales at 247 pounds in the first show of the series. The Fat Man is asked to hide a woman who is being followed. FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-6-46) Fred’s first show of the 1946-47 season, introduced and narrated by two famous news commentators: Lowell Thomas and H. V. Kaltenborn. Features Portland Hoffa, the DeMarco Sisters, and the Allen’s Alley regulars. FORT LARAMIE (5-6-56) Raymond Burr as Capt. Lee Quince of the U. S. Cavalry. A prejudice trooper learns a valuable lesson about white men and Indians. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS (3-14-45) Charlie Barnet and his orchestra broadcasting from the U.S. Naval Receiving Station in Schumacher, California. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (9-9-45) Ozzie and Harriet have an argument about reprimanding David when he gets into a fight with another kid. THE FAT MAN (7-8-46) The Black Angel stars J. Scott Smart as the heavy-set detective who investigates when a man thinks his wife is cheating on him. Rebroadcast: 3/2/2016 – 3/8/2016.
MARCH 9th, 1996 – SPOTLIGHT ON JOHN BROWN
PROGRAM 1322: This program features all programs starring the talented actor John Brown. We’ll hear: MY FRIEND IRMA (1-6-52) starring Marie Wilson as Irma and Cathy Lewis as Jane with John Brown as Irma’s boyfriend Al. Irma wants her memoirs published. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-5-48) Ozzie tells neighbor Thorny, played by John Brown, about the time when Bing Crosby and his son Lindsay visited the Nelson household. DAMON RUNYON THEATRE (1949) John Brown stars as the Runyon character Broadway who tells about Madame LaGimp, the famous Apple Annie story. A DATE WITH JUDY (10-22-46) starring Louise Erickson as Judy with John Brown as her harried father. Judy’s father tries to get out of attending a lecture with his wife. LIFE OF RILEY (5-17-46) William Bendix stars with John Brown who doubles as Riley’s pal and co-worker Gillis and as Digby O’Dell, the friendly undertaker. Junior gets a job at the circus. Rebroadcast: 10/05/2011 – 10/11/2011, 3/9/2016 – 3/15/2016 .
MARCH 16th, 1996 – SIX CHEERS FOR THE IRISH!
PROGRAM 1323: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (10-28-48) O’Halloran’s Luck starring Edmund O’Brien. Tim O’Halloran comes to Boston to marry Kitty Malone, but her parents have other ideas. PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-17-48) On St. Patrick’s Day, Bing Crosby welcomes guest Margaret O’Brien, who joins Bing in a Cinderella sketch. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (2-14-44) Gentleman Jim starring Erroll Flynn, Alexis Smith and Ward Bond in the story about prize fighter Gentleman Jim Corbett and his bout with John L. Sullivan. DUFFY’S TAVERN (1944) Ed Gardner as Archie, the manager of the tavern, who wants to put on a radio program with Hope and Crosby as guests. He seeks help from Bob Crosby and Dolores Hope. HIS HONOR, THE BARBER (11-27-45) Actor Barry Fitzgerald stars as Judy Bernard Fitz, who had been a barber before his election to the bench in the District Court of Vincent County. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (3-3-47) Kitty Foyle starring Olivia deHavilland, Henry Fonda and William Lundigan in the story of a white collar girl who must decide between two suitors. Rebroadcast: 3/16/2016 – 3/22/2016.
MARCH 23rd, 1996 – THIS DAY – THAT YEAR
PROGRAM 1324: RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (3-23-51) Dick Powell as the detective who is hired by an actress who wants him to find out who attempted to kill her, BELIEVE IT OR NOT (3-23-44) Robert Ripley with a collection of audio oddities developed for his newspaper cartoon. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (3-23-38) Eddie’s final broadcast for Texaco after two seasons with the sponsor. A take-off on Believe It or Not. SUSPENSE (3-23-58) Affair at LovelandPass stars Vanessa Brown and Jim Ameche. While a pitchfork murderer is loose, a traveler stops to help a lady in distress. LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-23-42) Strawberry Blonde with Don Ameche, Rita Hayworth and Gail Patrick. A turn-of-the-century story about an ex-con dentist who becomes infatuated with a gold-digger. YOUR HIT PARADE (3-23-46) Joan Edwards, Johnny Mercer and Joe Dosh sing the top tunes of the week. Rebroadcast: 11/23/2011 – 11/29/2011, 3/23/2016 – 3/29/2016.
MARCH 30th, 1996 – REMEMBERING BURT LANCASTER
PROGRAM 1325: SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (10-10-49) Criss Cross starring Burt Lancaster. A man returns to his hometown where he crosses the path of his ex-wife who has taken up with a gangster. SUSPENSE (9-9-48) The Big Shot starring Burt Lancaster in the Bret Halliday story about a tough, good-looking mining engineer who goes to work in an illegal gold mine in Mexico. YOUR TRAVELING REPORTER (1948) Columnist Irv Kupcinet with a program of celebrity interviews, including Chicago Bears football great Sid Luckman and actor Burt Lancaster. SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (4-28-50) Rope of Sand starring Burt Lancaster as a thief who tries to regain a treasure he hid away. SUSPENSE (11-24-49) The Long Wait starring Burt Lancaster as an ex-con, just released from prison, who looks for the woman who caused his brother to kill himself. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is Nostalgia Digest columnist and movie historian BOB KOLOSOSKI, talking about the career of Burt Lancaster. Rebroadcast: 3/30/2016 – 4/5/2016.
APRIL 6th, 1996 – EASTER GREETINGS
PROGRAM 1326: PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (4-2-50) Phil tells his daughters the story of the Easter Bunny. OUR MISS BROOKS (1952) Eve Arden stars as the Madison High School English teacher who has decided to work through the Easter Week vacation to earn money to buy a new dress for the holiday. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-16-54) Fibber plans to color twelve dozen Easter eggs while Molly goes to see a Wistful Vista production of South Pacific. LIFE WITH LUIGI (4-8-52) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco who has invited his night school class to Easter dinner. PRIVATE LIVES OF ETHEL AND ALBERT (1940s) Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce star. Grandma sends daughter Susie a bunny for Easter. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-9-52) Willard Waterman stars. The family tries to persuade Gildy to get up at 4 a.m. to attend the Easter Sunrise Service. Birdie (Lillian Randolph) sings Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? NOTE: Ken Alexander subs for Chuck Schaden on this program. Rebroadcast: 4/6/2016 – 4/12/2016.
APRIL 13th, 1996 – REMEMBERING GENE KELLY
PROGRAM 1327: Gene Kelly, one of America’s best-loved performers, died February 2, 1996 at age 83. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (3-22-43) For Me and My Gal starring Judy Garland and Gene Kelly as a vaudeville couple determined to play the fabled Palace Theatre on Broadway. STUDIO ONE (12-8-47) To Mary With Love starring Gene Kelly with Mercedes McCambridge and Everett Sloane in the story of ten years and three people – a warm and realistic study of a marriage and a delirious decade – as seen from the point of view of the other man. SONGS BY SINATRA (10-17-45) In New York City, Frankie is joined by Gene Kelly for some fun singing and dancing in some scenes from their movie, Anchors Aweigh. RAILROAD HOUR (1-10-49) The Red Mill starring Gordon MacRae, Gene Kelly and Lucille Norman with Alan Reed in Victor Herbert’s musical comedy about two Americans traveling to Europe for romance. SUSPENSE (9-28-44) The Man Who Couldn’t Lose starring Gene Kelly in a tale of dawn ˜til midnight in a man’s life¦ a tale of murder and money¦ and luck! Rebroadcast: 4/13/2016 – 4/19/2016.
APRIL 20th, 1996 – THIS DAY – THAT YEAR
PROGRAM 1328: Note: All programs today are from April 20 of various years. JACK ARMSTRONG (4-20-48) House of Darkness is the complete story told in this half-hour adventure starring Charles Flynn as Jack Armstrong, who now works for the Scientific Bureau of Investigation. Dick York is Billy Fairfield. YOUR HIT PARADE (4-20-57) It’s the top seven songs of the week as performed by Dorothy Collins, Snooky Lanson, Giselle MacKenzie, Russell Arms and Raymond Scott and his orchestra. This is the audio track from the TV show. GEORGE SOKOLSKY (4-20-52) Commentary by the nationally syndicated columnist, author and lecturer. President Harry Truman announced on March 29th that he will not be a candidate for president¦ That means for nearly ten months, he will be a ˜lame duck’ president. CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (4-20-56) A Living Portrait of a Man in Action, William Zeckendorf, a successful real estate developer in New York. This series is dedicated to man’s imagination, the theatre of the mind. NEWS (4-20-49) John Holtman reports the news of the day on WMAQ, Chicago. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-20-36) When the streetcar motorman leaves his post after winning a sweepstakes prize, Fibber takes over! Rebroadcast: 4/20/2016 – 4/26/2016.
APRIL 27th, 1996 – 26TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Thanks for Listening
PROGRAM 1329: As we observe our twenty-sixth broadcast anniversary today, we’ll express appreciation to our listeners.. and to some special friends who helped us call attention to our program during the first few years we were on the air. CROMIE CIRCLE (7-17-70) Bob Cromie, writer, reviewer and host of Book Beat on Public Television, moderated this audio track from the late night TV talk show.The subject is old time radio and guests are radio actors Paul Barnes, Sarajane Wells, John Gannon, Norman Gottshalkl and the host of a new radio show, Chuck Schaden. KENNEDY & COMPANY (7-31-70) Bob Kennedy and Jennie Crim in an audio excerpt from their early-morning TV talk show discuss old time radio with actors Shirley Bell Cole, Harry Elders, Paul Barnes, plus Chuck Schaden. RAY RAYNER SHOW (5-19-71) Popular morning TV host Ray Rayner in an audio excerpt from his show with guest Chuck Schaden who has brought along some secret decoders and other radio premiums. JACK EIGAN SHOW (9-7-71) Late night radio’s interview personality with guests actress Carmelita Pope, dress manufacturer Norman Kaplan, and radio host Chuck Schaden. CONTACT (8-24-72) Dave Baum, with his nightly radio show, devotes some time to the subject of old time radio with guest Chuck Schaden. Rebroadcast: 4/27/2016 – 5/3/2016.
MAY 4th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1330: IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (9-7-45) Tom Howard moderates this zany quiz show with panelists Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnell and George Shelton. Question: What is carried in a mail pouch? BLUE RIBBON TOWN (1-8-44) Groucho Marx stars with guest Charles Laughton. After an auto accident, Groucho decides he needs help from someone with a lot of influence with the city of Beverly Hills. He recruits actor Laughton. Cast features Leo Gorcey. COLUMBIA PRESENTS CORWIN (3-21-44) The Undecided Molecule, Norman Corwin’s trial in verse starring Vincent Price, Groucho Marx, Robert Benchley, Norman Lloyd, Keenan Wynn and Sylvia Sidney. Groucho is the judge, Price is the prosecutor. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1994) Program 17 in the 18-part series of reenactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (8-1-48) Case of the Midway Murders starring Lon Clark as Nick with Charlotte Manson as Patsy Bowen, his girl Friday. A man is found dead on a roller coaster. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 2: In the Beginning, dealing with many of the steps that became the foundation for the development of radio. Rebroadcast: 5/4/2016 – 5/10/2016.
MAY 11th, 1996 – RADIO FOR MOTHER’S DAY
PROGRAM 1331: MY FAVORITE HUSBAND (1950) Lucille Ball and Richard Denning star as Liz and George Cooper. Both mothers are coming to visit the Coopers, but neither George nor Liz are excited about it. LUX RADIO THEATRE (1-4-56) Mother Wore Tights starring Dan Dailey and Mitzi Gaynor in the story of a vaudeville family. SUSPENSE (1-4-59) Don’t Call Me Mother starring Agnes Moorehead with Cathy Lewis and James McCallion. Young man’s mother is not very pleased when he brings a young lady home for dinner. WHISPERING STREETS (1958) The Distraught Mother. Bette Davis is hostess and narrator for this daytime radio series. In this complete story, a widow of 18 months still clings to the memory of her husband in spite of the urging of her friend and her 15-year old son. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (11-23-42) Bachelor Mother starring Ann Sothern, Fred MacMurray and Charles Coburn. A sales girl unwittingly becomes guardian for an abandoned baby, causing a scandal in the department store where she works. PLUS”We pay tribute to Don McNeill, long-time host of radio’s Breakfast Club, who died May 7, 1996 at age 88. Rebroadcast: 5/11/2016 – 5/17/2016.
MAY 18th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1332: BULLDOG DRUMMOND (1940s) Death Uses Disappearing Ink starring Ned Wever as Captain Hugh Drummond with Luis Van Rooten as his sidekick Denny. A woman on the train tells Drummond she fears her life is in danger. TRIBUTE TO IRVING BERLIN (8-3-38) An all-star salute to songwriter Irving Berlin on the occasion of the release of the film Alexander’s Ragtime Band. In a broadcast from New York, Chicago and Hollywood, we hear Walter Winchell, Ted Husing, Ethel Merman, Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker, Lew Lehr, Ben Bernie, Rudy Vallee, Tommy Dorsey and the orchestra, Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians, Paul Whiteman, Connee Boswell and, of course, Irving Berlin. Louella Parsons and Darryl F. Zanuck introduce Tyrone Power and Alice Faye in scenes from the movie. LIGHTS OUT (8-3-43) Murder Castle starring Joe Kearns with Mercened McCambridge. A businessman lures women to his castle on the pretense of employment, but they are never seen again! Arch Oboler hosts. DUNNINGER (1944) The Master Mentalist amazes audiences with his mind-reading abilities. Bret Morrison narrates an incident in the life of Abraham Lincoln. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 3: The Sounds of Time, continuing the discussion of the works of inventors and scientists in the 19th and 20th centuries: Michael Faraday and Sir William Crookes in England, Thomas Edison in the United States, and Gugliemo Marconi in Italy. Rebroadcast: 5/18/2016 – 5/24/2016.
MAY 25th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1333: STORY OF DR. KILDARE (2-8-50) Lew Ayers stars as Dr. James Kildare with Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Leonard Gillespie. An automobile accident victim has retreated into a self-protective shell after losing her leg. BOB HOPE SHOW (1949) Guest Jimmy Durante joins regulars Doris Day, Irene Ryan, Bill Farrell and Les Brown and his Band of Renown. ADVENTURES OF PHILLIP MARLOWE (10-1-49) starring Gerald Mohr as the tough private detective. A piece of diamond jewelry leaves a trail of death for those who try to sell or pawn it. LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-3-40) Alexander’s Ragtime Band starring Alice Faye, Ray Milland and Robert Preston in the show biz story with a cavalcade of Irving Berlin songs. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 4: A Voice in the Wilderness, concluding the discussion of radio’s inventors; a communications medium begins to emerge. Rebroadcast: 5/25/2016 – 5/31/2016.
JUNE 1st, 1996 – RADIO IN 1936 ” Part 1
PROGRAM 1334: A sound picture of radio as it was sixty years ago, in 1936. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-2-36) Jim and Marian Jordan star with Hugh Studebaker, Isabel Randolph, Bill Thompson, Cliff Arquette, Harlow Wilcox, Rico Marcelli and the orchestra. The McGees go door-to-door selling encyclopedias. Marian doubles as Mrs. Wheedledick and Sis. LOWELL THOMAS (1-10-36) Excerpt from a musical program featuring the guest commentator who reviews “on this first program of 1936”the biggest news stories of the last year: 1935. HOLLYWOOD HOTEL (12-18-36) Host Dick Powell stars with Hollywood columnist Louella Parsons, Frances Langford, and guests Arthur Treacher, Igor Gorin, Tony Martin and producer Darryl F. Zanuck. This major variety hour is broadcast this week from 20th Century Fox studios in Hollywood where listeners are treated to visits to various movie sets and for a big party in honor of the new film One in a Million starring Sonja Henie, Ritz Brothers, Adolph Menjou. UNIVERSITY BROADCASTING COUNCIL (3-14-36) Not For Ladies, a one-act play about the Bronte Sisters and the prejudice they faced as women writers, trying to get their work published. Cast features radio students, members of the Northwestern University Drama Group. BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (2-2-36) Let’s Dance to a half-hour of Rhythm broadcast from the Congress Hotel in Chicago. OLSON AND JOHNSON (1936) The zany comedy team of Ole Olson and Chic Johnson in a half-hour comedy show with music by Jimmy Grier and the orchestra and singer Gertrude Niesen. BUGHOUSE RHYTHM (12-28-36) Humorous musical program, treating popular music with a comical highbrow approach. Rebroadcast: 6/1/2016 – 6/7/2016.
JUNE 8th, 1996 – RADIO IN 1936 ” Part 2
PROGRAM 1335: A sound picture of radio as it was sixty years ago, in 1936. MA PERKINS (April, 1936) Isolated episode of the long-running daytime drama. Ma tries to have a heart-to-heart talk with Evy’s husband Willy. Virginia Payne stars as America’s mother of the air. CALLING ALL CARS (7-31-36) A Chance Meeting opens with the police call: Be on the lookout for a man described as short, wearing a dark suit, checkered cap. Wanted for murder. The subject is armed. Bring him in, boys! TIM AND IRENE (9-20-36) Tim Ryan and Irene Noblette Ryan, the sweethearts of the variety stage star in this summer replacement program for Jack Benny as they turn back the clock to the days of vaudeville. Don Wilson announces. BOXING – LOUIS VS. SHARKEY (8-18-36) From Yankee Stadium in New York, Ted Husing announces the broadcast with Charles Francis Socker Cole doing the blow-by-blow description as 34 year old Jack Sharkey, the It Man and 22 year old Joe Louis, the Brown Bomber square off. FIVE STAR FINAL (3-30-36) Dramatizations of news stories, on the air to bring you the news of the world we live in ¦to make vividly real to you the stirring events that make us all actors in the drama of life. Subjects include election day in Germany; Bruno Hauptman in prison for Lindbergh kidnapping. ZIEGFELD FOLLIES OF THE AIR (2-29-36) First show in the new series, from the stage of the Winter Garden Theatre in New York. Fanny Brice and James Melton star. A dramatic theme about a young girl who wants to be in the Follies runs throughout this variety show. Fanny Brice sings My Man, appears in a comedy sketch, and also as Baby Snooks. Rebroadcast: 6/8/2016 – 6/14/2016.
JUNE 15th, 1996 – RADIO IN 1936 ” Part 3
PROGRAM 1336: A sound picture of radio as it was sixty years ago, in 1936. LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-5-36) Elmer the Great stars Joe E. Brown as Elmer Kane, the modest baseball pitcher who signs with the New York Giants. Cast includes June Travis and Frank Nelson. Intermission guests are Carl Hubbell of the New York Giants and Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees. TEXACO TOWN (10-25-36) Eddie Cantor stars with announcer Jimmy Wallington, 13-year-old Deanna Durbin, 9-year-old Bobby Breen and guest, actor Leslie Howard. Cast features Harry Parkyakarkas Einstein. (This program is preceded and followed by news reports on the British crisis – speculation on the abdication of King Edward so he can marry the American, Mrs. Wallace Simpson.) KING EDWARD VIII (12-11-36) In a speech by short wave transmission from Windsor Castle, His Royal Highness Prince Edward speaks on his abdication, a few hours after discharging his last duties as King of England. He has been succeeded by his brother, the Duke of York. KEN MURRAY SHOW (4-22-36) Excerpt starring comedian Ken Murray, star of Blackouts in Los Angeles, with singer Phil Regan, comedienne Eve Arden, Russ Morgan and his orchestra. Ken takes the cast to the circus. FORD V-8 REVUE (1936) A transcribed program of popular music featuring Bob Crosby and his Swing Band with the Freshman Trio. JOE PENNER SHOW (12-13-36) Comedian Joe Penner stars as the Black Sheep of an aristrocratic family, the Park Avenue Penners. The family plans a trip to Russia. Rebroadcast: 6/15/2016 – 6/21/2016.
JUNE 22nd, 1996 – RADIO IN 1936 ” Part 4
PROGRAM 1337: A sound picture of radio as it was sixty years ago, in 1936. LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE (June 1936) Isolated episode in the long-running kids’ adventure series. Annie and Joe try to save a friend’s show boat! Shirley Bell stars as Annie. Announcer Franklin MacCormack urges listeners to send in names for Billy’s airdale dog. Fifty dogs will be given away! JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-11-36) Jack stars with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris and the orchestra, singer Kenny Baker. The cast does their version of Warner Bros. hit film of 1936, Anthony Adverse with Jack in the title role. CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (9-2-36) A musical Cavalcade tracing the tuneful development of American operetta and musical comedy from the turn of the century to this very moment. Don Voorhees and the orchestra. Music by Victor Herbert, Rudolf Friml, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, George and Ira Gershwin. RUDY VALLEE SHOW (12-3-36) The Vagabond Lover stars in his big-time variety show with guests Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence, Ed Wynn, Eddie Peabody, the Don Cossacks singing organization and author John Guenther. Music by Rudy’s Connecticut Yankees. DEATH VALLEY DAYS (8-27-36) Outlaw Sam Bass. The Old Ranger narrates the true story of Sam Bass, called by some the Robin Hood of the Old West. LEO IS ON THE AIR (December, 1936) A cavalcade of musical hits starring hit tunes from MGM musicals of 1936, including You from The Great Ziegfeld, Did I Remember from Suzy, and I’ve Got You Under My Skin from Born to Dance. Rebroadcast: 6/22/2016 – 6/28/2016.
JUNE 29th, 1996 – RADIO IN 1936 ” Part 5
PROGRAM 1338: A sound picture of radio as it was sixty years ago, in 1936. SHELL CHATEAU (1-25-36) Al Jolson, the world’s greatest entertainer, presents a variety show with actor Herbert Marshall; comedienne Helen Troy; ski jumper Ivan Nelson; singers Jack Stanton and Peggy Gardner; and Cab Calloway and his Hi-De-Ho Boys! Music by Victor Young and the orchestra. BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (1-15-36) George and Gracie with announcer Ted Husing, singer Milton Watson, and Jacques Renard, his magic violin and his orchestra. Gracie plays Sadie Thompson in a spoof of the 1932 movie Rain. MAJOR BOWES ORIGINAL AMATEUR HOUR (9-17-36) Around, around she goes, and where she stops nobody knows. Major Edward Bowes presents truly amateur talent as listeners call to vote. Host city is Detroit, Michigan. CHILDREN’S FOLLIES (7-4-36) New York Daily Mirror columnist Nick Kenny presents a kids’ show featuring New York talent plus an interview with Ireene Wicker, radio’s Singing Lady who talks about her career which began in Chicago. SINGING LADY (7-10-36) Ireene Wicker tells a true story about a great American composer, John Alden Carpenter of Park Ridge, Illinois. The Singing Lady offers a premium for listeners: a Singing Lady sun suit! JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-18-36) Jack talks about his new movie, The Big Broadcast which establishes him as a great screen lover. The cast continues their version of the blockbuster film of 1936, Anthony Adverse. Rebroadcast: 6/29/2016 – 7/5/2016.
JULY 6th, 1996 – MORE BY MORSE
PROGRAM 1339: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-23-51) We begin another summer-long series of One Man’s Family programs by the great Carlton E. Morse. We pick up where we left off last year, and begin with Chapter 1 of Book 85 in the continuing saga of the Barbour family. Chapter 1: The unhappy co-ed. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-24-51) Book 85, Chapter 2: What is Joan up to? ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-25-51) Book 85, Chapter 3: Claudia has doubts about Joan. ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) A Coffin for the Lady. Writer Carlton E. Morse shows his I-Love-A-Mystery-style in this three-part adventure. On an uninhabited island on the Canadian pacific coast, Captain Bart Friday and Skip Turner are on an intelligence mission for the military. Chapter 1 of 3. ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) A Coffin for the Lady. Chapter 2 of 3. ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) A Coffin for the Lady. Chapter 3 of 3. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-26-51) Book 85, Chapter 4: Nicky asserts himself. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-27-51) Book 85, Chapter 5: Joan takes matters into her own hands. Note: Chapters 6 and 7 of Book 85 are missing from our collection, but the story picks up with Chapter 8 next week on Those Were The Days. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio. (1986) Lesson 5: Law and Order. The Radio Act of 1927 was the first real attempt to govern broadcasting, creating the Federal Radio Commission to administer the new law and to bring order out of chaos. Rebroadcast: 7/6/2016 – 7/12/2016.
JULY 13th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1340: MY FAVORITE HUSBAND (1940s) Lucille Ball and Richard Denning star as Liz and George Cooper. Liz borrows the new neighbor’s baby to make George look like a family man for a prospective employer. ACADEMY AWARD (9-11-46) Shadow of a Doubt starring Joseph Cotton and June Vincent with Jeff Chandler. A young girl slowly comes to realize that her beloved uncle is really a murderer. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-25-51) Book 85, Chapter 8: Clifford and Toots. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-3-51) Book 85, Chapter 9: Joan’s plan for her apartment. SPOTLIGHT REVUE (6-18-48) Spike Jones and his City Slickers star with Dorothy Shay, the Park Avenue Hillbilly in a program of mirth and madness. Guest is singer Buddy Clark. INNER SANCTUM (6-19-45) Dead Man’s Holiday starring Myron McCormick. A man is told that he has been dead for six years. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 6: Days of Discord reviews a 25-year period in radio’s history marked by disputes and disruption over the use of live and recorded music. NOTE: Ken Alexander subs for Chuck Schaden on this program. Rebroadcast: 7/13/2016 – 7/19/2016.
JULY 20th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1341: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (4-7-48) The Schnozzola is joined by Peggy Lee, Alan Reed and guest Dorothy Lamour. Jimmy wants Dorothy to run for president of the United States. SUSPENSE (12-7-50) After the Movies starring Ray Milland with Cathy Lewis and William Conrad. A juror finds a large sum of money attached to a note asking for a hung jury. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-4-51) Book 85, Chapter 10: Joan cancels a date. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5”7-51) Book 85, Chapter 11: The boy in the case. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-18-50) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, who needs an excuse to get his nurse-girlfriend over for dinner. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (6-10-48) The Devil and Daniel Webster starring Alan Reed and John McIntire. A luckless farmer bargains his soul away to the devil for seven years of prosperity. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1987) Lesson 7: Growing Pains, showing how advertisers, who had not warmed to the small, individual groups of radio listeners scattered around the country, found new interest in the medium when networks made available audiences that stretches from coast to coast. With the emergence of networks, the struggling radio industry began to prosper. NOTE: Ken Alexander subs for Chuck Schaden on this program. Rebroadcast: 7/20/2016 – 7/26/2016.
JULY 27th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1342: FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1994) The final program in the 18-part series of re-enactments of the 1932 Marx Brothers radio show. THE WHISTLER (7-9-43) Eye For an Eye A scientist traps four people he suspects of murdering his brother. ONE NIGHT STAND #431 (11-19-44) The gay rhythms of Gay Claridige and his orchestra in a remote broadcast from Chicago’s Chez Paree night club. BOB HOPE SHOW (1950s) Guest Richard Widmark joins Bob and Margaret Whiting, Bill Goodwin, Joe Kearns, Sheldon Leonard and Les Brown and band. Bob tells of his encounter with a bully called Mugs Widmark. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-8-51) Book 85, Chapter 12: Jack lays down the law. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-9-51) Book 85, Chapter 13: Toots in pursuit of knowledge. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 8: A Word from the Sponsor, discussing radio advertising from the first record plugs on experimental station 8XK in 1919, through the tentative experimentation of early stations and networks, to its present-day status as a billion-dollar-year industry. Rebroadcast: 7/27/2016 – 8/2/2016.
AUGUST 3rd, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1343: JUDY CANOVA SHOW (8-24-43) Judy goes shopping for a new dress. GEORGE WATSON SHOW (3-23-57) WBBM Chicago’s resident comedian with a comic disc jockey show using his own and other comic voices. LIGHTS OUT (4-13-43) A girl about to be killed by thugs is rescued by a ghost with a bow and arrow in The Archer. Arch Oboler hosts. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-10-51) Book 85, Chapter 14: Is it MISS Toots Schultz or MRS.? ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-11-51) Book 85, Chapter 15: A marriage is dissolved. DUFFY’S TAVERN (9-22-44) Ed Gardner stars as Archie, the manager of the tavern. Guest is actress Gene Tierney and Archie wants to take her to the Stork Club. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-14-51) Book 85, Chapter 16: The path of love is not smooth. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 9: New and Improved discusses the measures taken to regulate broadcast advertising, payola and plugola, as well as setback broadcasting suffered when cigarette advertising was outlawed. This program also reviews the advent of television, its impact on radio, and the countermeasures radio station managers initiated. Rebroadcast: 8/3/2016 – 8/9/2016.
AUGUST 10th, 1996 – REMEMBERING VERNA FELTON
PROGRAM 1344: MAIL CALL #177 (1940s) Excerpt featuring Red Skelton as Junior, the mean little kid and Verna Felton as Junior’s grandmother in a sleepy time sketch. FIRST NIGHTER (6-17-48) Old Lady Shakespeare starring Olan Soule and Verna Felton in a romantic drama about an aging actress who wants to stop her nephew from marrying a young woman. RADIO HALL OF FAME (3-12-44) Excerpt featuring Groucho Marx as Dr. Hackenbush and Verna Felton as head nurse in a zany hospital sketch. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (10-7-45) The Nelsons receive a most unusual gift from an Arabian prince. Featured in the cast are Bea Benadaret as Gloria the maid and Verna Felton as Mrs. Broadstreet. GUEST STAR (1951) The Night is Dark with Lurene Tuttle, Verna Felton and Gerald Mohr. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (5-5-49) Mother starring Linda Darnall with Verna Felton in a warmhearted story of the relationship of a mother and her daughter. SALUTE TO KMGM (5-27-48) Excerpt from a broadcast on the opening of the new radio broadcast studios of station KMGM. Grandma, played by Verna Felton, takes Junior, played by Red Skelton, on a tour of the new radio studio. JOAN DAVIS SHOW (1-21-46) America’s Queen of Comedy with singer Andy Russell, Verna Felton as Rosella Hipperton, and Shirley Mitchell. Joan borrows an idea from a romance magazine to try to win Andy’s affections. RED SKELTON SHOW (5-13-49) Red finds a lost dog and tries to find his owner. Cast features Verna Felton as Junior’s Grandma and as Red’s neighbor Mrs. Fussy. Rebroadcast: 8/10/2016 – 8/16/2016.
AUGUST 17th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1345: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-15-51) Book 85, Chapter 17: Good night Mary Lou, good night. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-16-51) Book 85, Chapter 18: Ah, these women! LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-5-45) Laura starring Gene Tierney, Vincent Price and Otto Kruger. A detective investigating the murder of a glamorous star finds himself falling in love with her. Lionel Barrymore is host. LOUELLA PARSONS (9-26-48) Hollywood’s Number One gossip columnist is on the air with news about Robert Mitchum, Hedy Lamarr, George Stevens, Milton Berle, Jane Wyman and Ronald Reagan. Guests are George Raft and Mona Freeman. Marvin Miller announces. DIMENSION X (5-27-50) To the Future with John Larkin and Jan Miner. A couple from the year 2155 have escaped in time back to the year 1950. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-17-51) Book 85, Chapter 19: Toots takes a night off. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 10: Make ˜em Laugh analyzes the minstrel show, burlesque and vaudeville and traces the growth of radio comedy beginning with the sound-and-patter teams and stand-up comedians. Also discussed are ethnic comedy series and characterizations, their success, and the reaction to them by radio listeners. Rebroadcast: 8/17/2016 – 8/23/2016.
AUGUST 24th, 1996 – REMEMBERING BEA BENADARET
PROGRAM 1346: MY FAVORITE HUSBAND (1949) Lucille Ball and Richard Denning star with Bea Benadaret, Gale Gordon and Frank Nelson. While cleaning out the desk, Liz finds some love letters. TWELVE PLAYERS (10-6-45) A dozen of Hollywood’s outstanding radio artists to bring you¦ the unusual in radio entertainment. Among the cast: Bea Benadaret, Lurene Tuttle, Cathy Lewis, Jay Novello, Hal March, John Brown. Checkerboard is a series of events taking place on a block in a residential neighborhood. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-7-54) Excerpt with Jack, Rochester and Mary on the way to the doctor’s office. Bea Benadaret is the nurse, Frank Nelson is the doctor. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (9-23-45) Word gets to Ozzie that the syndicate is planning to build an apartment building on the property next door. Bea Benadaret appears as Gloria, the Nelson’s maid and as Mrs. Appleby, the owner of the vacant lot. THE WHISTLER (8-21-46) The Broken Chain starring Elliott Lewis and Bea Benadaret. A long-suffering husband finally decides to murder his wife. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (10-16-48) Two con men promise Dennis a commission if he can sell 100 acres of worthless Texas oil land to his girlfriend’s mother. Barbara Eiler is Mildred, Dennis’ girlfriend and Bea Benadaret is her mother. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-5-54) Excerpt from Jack Benny’s final Christmas shopping radio show. Mel Blanc is the harried clerk, Bea Benadaret is his wife. Rebroadcast: 8/24/2016 – 8/30/2016.
AUGUST 31st, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1347: TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (10-25-47) Ralph Edwards matches contestants with zany stunts while the Miss Hush contest continues. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (9-14-52) Back from a summertime trip to England, Jack prepares his first show of the new season. Jack tries to get Bob Crosby to sign his contract to replace Phil Harris. This is Bob’s first show with Jack, and his daughter Kathy also appears. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-18-51) Book 85, Chapter 20: Claudia’s mounting concern. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-21-51) Book 85, Chapter 21: Meet James Beech. RAILROAD HOUR (7-20-53) Starlight with Gordon MacRae and Dorothy Warrenskjold. A memory of the days of good old vaudeville is almost a cavalcade of show business from vaudeville to video! ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-22-51) Book 85, Chapter 22: Mother and daughter talk it out. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-23-51) Book 85, Chapter 23: Clifford’s promotion. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 11: In a Family Way discusses the family comedy series from five different approaches: 1) husband-and-wife, 2) homespun, 3) problems of the family as a unit, 4) teenagers’ problems, and 5) the cartoon format. Rebroadcast: 8/31/2016 – 9/6/2016.
SEPTEMBER 7th, 1996 – A FINALE FOR ONE MAN’S FAMILY
PROGRAM 1348: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-24-51) Book 85, Chapter 24: Young attorney at home. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-25-51) Book 85, Chapter 25: Joan and Jim Beech. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-28-51) Book 86, Chapter 1: Henry and family at the Sky Ranch. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-29-51) Book 86, Chapter 2: Clifford gets in deeper. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (5-30-51) Book 86, Chapter 3: Pinky and the battleship. Note: Chapters 4 and 5 are missing from our collection. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (6-4-51) Book 86, Chapter 6. This is the final chapter in our collection of mostly consecutive One Man’s Family broadcasts from 1951. Now we jump ahead almost eight years to listen to the final five episodes of the series that began in 1932: ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-20-59) Book 134, Chapter 16: Big news from Scotland. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-21-59) Book 134, Chapter 17: The homecoming. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-22-59) Book 134, Chapter 18: Betty lowers the boom. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-23-59) Book 134, Chapter 19: The silent partner makes a move. ONE MAN’S FAMILY (4-24-59) Book 134, Chapter 20: Confessions of a bridegroom.
On April 24, 1959, after 27 years, One Man’s Family was removed from the broadcast schedule without ceremony. Today we say good-bye to all those wonderful Carlton E. Morse characters with what, in our view, might have been the final show in the series if Mr. Morse and his cast had been given such an opportunity:
ONE MAN’S FAMILY FINALE (9-7-96) Ken Alexander has written an original script based on the characters in this long-running series. Members of our Those Were The Days Radio Players will bring it to life on the air as we hear Ken’s version of what might have been the final chapter in the last book of One Man’s Family: It’s a lovely afternoon in the middle of June. It’s a Saturday, and all is quiet at 264 Sea Cliff Drive. Paul is writing letters in his studio at the top of the house. Mother Barbour is doing some mending in the sewing room, while Father Barbour lovingly tends his rosebushes in the garden. Meanwhile, next door, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Barbour, here too all is quiet. All six daughters are out of the house, and we find Jack and Betty relaxing in the kitchen where, on the table between them, stand a carton of milk, two glasses, and a cookie jar filled with golden-brown cookies. Rebroadcast: 9/7/2016 – 9/13/2016.
SEPTEMBER 14th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1349: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-13-44) Harold Peary stars as Gildersleeve. Judge Hooker and Gildy have opposing views on the subject of juvenile delinquency. BULLDOG DRUMMOND (1-17-47) Case of the Atomic Murders stars Ned Wever as Drummond, with Luis Van Rooten and Mercedes McCambridge. BILLIE BURKE SHOW (8-3-46) Billie wants to raise money for a children’s playground. Cast includes Lillian Randolph and Earle Ross. FIRST NIGHTER (3-11-48) There’s Something in the Air starring Olan Soule and Barbara Luddy with Parley Baer and Verna Felton. MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (1946) The Creeper, a classic story of murder and suspense. A madman murders women, then scrawls notes on his victim’s walls, Catch me before I kill again. PLEASE STAND BY – a History of Radio (1986) Lesson 12: The Gang’s All Here reviews another form of radio comedy which might be compared to the legitimate theatre’s stock company, in which a leading character is surrounded by the same group of actors and actresses from week to week in different situations. NOTE: Ken Alexander subs for Chuck Schaden on this program. Rebroadcast: 9/14/2016 – 9/20/2016.
SEPTEMBER 21st, 1996 – THIS DAY – THAT YEAR
PROGRAM 1350: All programs today are from September 21 of various years. SUSPENSE (9-21-50) The Crowd starring Dana Andrews as a police lieutenant after a murderer whose victims are surrounded by crowds of people. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (9-21-52) Jack recalls his trip to the British Isles and shopping in Scotland. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (4-21-40) Ninotchka starring Rosalind Russell and Spencer Tracy in the story of a cold, female Russian agent who comes to Paris and finds romance. HV. KALTENBORN (9-231-39) The distinguished news analyist reviews the European situation as Germany threatens Rumania; discusses the address of FDR in which the U. S. President repeated his pledge to keep the country out of war. LIFE WITH LUIGI (9-21-48) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco in the first show of the series, set in Chicago’s Little Italy. LORENZO JONES (9-21-48) An isolated episode in the long-running daytime serial. Lorenzo has turned his attention to the world of tomorrow. YOUR HIT PARADE (9-21-46) Andy Russell and Peggy Mann, along with the Hit Paraders and Mark Warnow and the orchestra present the top tunes of the day. NOTE: Ken Alexander subs for Chuck Schaden on this program. Rebroadcast: 9/21/2016 – 9/27/2016.
SEPTEMBER 28th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1351: ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (12-15-50) The 25/1235679 Caper or The Russian’s Number is Up! starring Steven Dunn as Sam with Lurene Tuttle as Effie. CAN YOU TOP THIS? (5-18-48) Dennis James hosts a panel of joke-telling humorists: Ward Wilson, Harry Hirschfield, Joe Laurie Jr., Peter Donald. Jokes about Hats, Rivals, Gossip and Lectures. SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (1-21-51) Spellbound starring Joseph Cotton and Mercedes McCambridge. A psychiatrist shields a doctor accused of murder and tries to prove his innocence. MY FRIEND IRMA (2-3-52) Marie Wilson is Irma, Cathy Lewis is Jane. Irma writes a gossip column. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 13: Reviewing the Situation takes a look at situation comedy which fell into several different categories: 1) the family in the home, 2) a group of unrelated characters involved in a business or profession, and 3) a central character without roots. NOTE: Ken Alexander subs for Chuck Schaden on this program. Rebroadcast: 9/28/2016 – 10/4/2016.
OCTOBER 5th, 1996 – HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN
PROGRAM 1352: Observing the 125th Anniversary of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (1-30-49) The Town Council is looking for a new Fire Chief and Phil is asked to do the job. LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-9-44) In Old Chicago starring Dorothy Lamour, Robert Young and John Hodiak. A story of Chicago leading up to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. REFLECTIONS (7-14-71) Bill Griskey tells the story of another fire in Chicago, July 14, 1874. BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (10-25-46) The famed sportscaster with fantastic stories, including the story of a fire in Peshtigo, Wisconsin on the same day as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. AMERICAN FAMILY NEWS (6-4-46) John Harrington reports on the LaSalle Hotel fire, Chicago’s worst hotel fire. Many stories of fire victims. Bob Cunningham gets an eyewitness account from a woman who was able to escape from the hotel. MAL BELLAIRS (1963) A collage of announcements regarding the $20 million fire at Chicago’s McCormick Place. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (10-14-41) The Mayor asks McGee to become “on a temporary basis- Fire Commissioner of Wistful Vista. Cast features Gale Gordon in his first appearance as Mayor LaTrivia. Rebroadcast: 10/5/2016 – 10/11/2016.
OCTOBER 12th, 1996 – THIS DAY – THAT YEAR
PROGRAM 1353: All programs today are from October 12 of various years. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-21-41) From New York, Jack and the gang talk about the reviews of last week’s season opener and the Broadway shows they have seen. Jack distributes train tickets for the trip back to Hollywood. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-12-49) Harold Peary as Gildy, Summerfield’s most eligible bachelor who has a date with a pretty nurse. DRAGNET (10-12-50) Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday with Barton Yarborough as Det. Ben Romero. A man, posing as a doctor, burglarizes the homes of his patients. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (10-12-53) Fibber impatiently awaits an important phone call. SUSPENSE (10-12-53) The Shot starring Van Heflin in the story of an incomplete duel¦ with one of the adversaries choosing to wait to fire the shot. FRONT PAGE EXCLUSIVE (10-12-55) ¦your transcribed newspaper of the air which covers the world as its beat. FRONTIER GENTLEMAN (10-12-58) John Dehner stars as J. B. Kendall, reporter for the London Times, writing colorful accounts of life and death in the West. Researching a story on Wild Bill Hickok, Kendall interviews Calamity Jane. Rebroadcast: 10/12/2016 – 10/18/2016.
OCTOBER 19th, 1996 – SALUTING THE CHICAGO THEATRE’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
PROGRAM 1354: Recreating the stage and screen presentation At the Chicago Theatre October 11-24, 1940: “ON SCREEN” Leading the Thrill Parade! KNUTE ROCKNE, ALL-AMERICAN Starring Pat O’Brien and Ronald Reagan “ON STAGE” Leading the Laugh Parade In Person – First Time in Chicago! STAN LAUREL and OLIVER HARDY With their own company In their own Huge Stage Revue Saluting the stage presentation At the Chicago Theatre, May 9-15, 1947: “ON STAGE” The Greatest Show Value The World Has Ever Known “Regular Adult Prices For All Seats” All In Person – One Week Only JACK BENNY Phil Harris – Rochester Sportsman Quartet Recreating the stage and screen presentationAt the Chicago Theatre October 7-13, 1949: “ON SCREEN” The All-American Picture That’s Winning All America’s Heart! FATHER WAS A FULLBACK Fred MacMurray and Maureen O’Hara “ON STAGE” The World’s Most Famous Comedian In Person! DANNY KAYE And His Own Stage Revue. Rebroadcast: 10/19/2016 – 10/25/2016.
OCTOBER 26th, 1996 – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW
PROGRAM 1355: INNER SANCTUM (1940s) Make Ready My Grave starring Joan Banks and Richard Widmark with Jackson Beck. Story about a boy and girl who have just been married; a piece of colored string; an open grave; and a hangman’s noose. CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (9-11-47) Graveyard Gertie stars Staats Cotsworth as Casey who, with his girlfriend, discovers an old woman in a cemetery at midnight. LIFE OF RILEY (1950s) William Bendix stars as Riley with John Brown as Digby O’Dell, the friendly undertaker. Intent upon moving to a new home, Riley finds a beautiful Beverly Hills dream house (with a low rent) overlooking a cemetery. THE SHADOW (9-14-47) When the Grave is Open. Bret Morrison stars as Lamont Cranston. Two grave robbers deliver the wrong body to their client. DEVIL AND MR. O (1970) Gravestone introduced by Arch Oboler. Three women on a winter holiday in the country find themselves in a snow-covered cemetery. This is a syndicated version of the Lights Out drama Poltergeist originally broadcast 10-20-42. NOTE: Ken Alexander joins Chuck for today’s entire broadcast which will originate from a cemetery somewhere in the Chicago area and will be heard on a special ghost-to-ghost network. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 10/26/2016 – 11/1/2016.
NOVEMBER 2nd, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1356: IMAGINATION THEATRE (3-24-96) A double feature movie for your mind. This is a modern-day radio series which will be heard from time to time on Those Were The Days. 1. Blind Flight – a desperate struggle to help a blind girl land a plane after her father collapses at the controls. 2. Coots – a conniving con artist targets an old man who still has a few unexpected tricks up his own sleeve. PASSING PARADE (10-11-36) John Nesbitt presents stories about former Olympic swimmer Helene Madison; the Ponselle Sisters; the poisoning DeMedici family; counterfeiter William Harris. ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (1944) Bud and Lou with guest Peter Lorre. A health cure for Costello finds him admitted to Peter Lorre’s sanitarium. SUSPENSE (8-30-45) Nobody Loves Me starring Peter Lorre in an outstanding performance as a man who confesses to kidnapping – and more. ROY ROGERS SHOW (9-19-48) The King of the Cowboy stars with Dale Evans, Gabby Hayes and the Riders of the Purple Sage. Gabby tells the story of Ghost Town Men. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 14: Entertainment Tonight tracing the growth of the variety show, whose beginnings paralleled that of radio comedy. Through its golden years in the 1940s, the variety show was the magnet which drew to radio headliners from other fields of entertainment. Rebroadcast: 11/2/2016 – 11/8/2016.
NOVEMBER 9th, 1996 – BING CROSBY AND HIS FIRST FAMILY
PROGRAM 1357: This program features excerpts from selected radio broadcasts between 1945 and 1954 featuring Bing Crosby, Bob Crosby, Bing’s sons Gary, Philip, Dennis and Lindsay, and Bing’s wife Dixie Lee Crosby. Rebroadcast: 9/21/2011 – 9/27/2011, 11/9/16 – 11/15/16.
NOVEMBER 16th, 1996 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1358: HALLMARK HALL OF FAME (11-15-54) Rebecca Dorsey starring Helen Hayes in the true story of a student doctor who performed important medical work with Professor Louis Pasteur. Host of the program is Lionel Barrymore who died the night this transcribed broadcast was aired. HALLMARK HALL OF FAME (11-22-54) A Tribute to Lionel Barrymore hosted by Edward Arnold and featuring Bing Crosby, Helen Hayes, James Stewart, Gene Fowler, Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, Louis Calhern, Dorey Schary. Program contains audio clips from Barymore’s radio series, The Mayor of the Town and The Story of Dr. Kildare. (FITCH) BANDWAGON (12-20-42) Chico Marx and his orchestra with 17-year-old Mel Torme in a program, of music and humor. Guest is bandleader Ben Pollak who inspired Chico to form his own band. ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (3-28-46) The final episode in the Dragon’s Teeth series. Kidnapped by Nazi agents, Lois Lane is rescued by the Man of Steel. IMAGINATION THEATRE (3-31-96) A double feature movie for your mind.) 1. Dreamstate – a psychiatrist discovers his patient is living two lives: a priest by day and a killer at night. 2. Adventures of Harry Nile: Dead Ringer – the detective saves a woman from drowning and gets tangled in a vicious murder himself. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 15: Tune in Tomorrow traces the history of the soap opera. Ridiculed and ignored by some listeners, the soaps became a way of life to millions of others in every stratum of American life. Rebroadcast: 11/16/2016 – 11/22/2016.
NOVEMBER 23rd, 1996 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 1359: ALDRICH FAMILY (11-25-48) While Central High students are planning activities for the annual Thanksgiving dance, Henry suggests a Turkey Run. MARK TRAIL (11-20-50) ¦thrilling adventure in the great outdoors! Matt Crowley stars as Mark Trail. Jackson Beck narrates. Just before Thanksgiving, turkey ranch owner Jim Pilgrim discovers that his flock has been poisoned. LET GEORGE DO IT (11-20-50) Cause for Thanksgiving starring Bob Bailey as private eye George Valentine, with Virginia Gregg as Brooksie. On Thanksgiving Day a ten-year-old boy is so scared that he can’t “or won’t“ talk. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (11-16-41) Gildy and his family invite some servicemen to share Thanksgiving dinner. WE THE PEOPLE (11-23-48) Host for this Thanksgiving week broadcast is author Dale Carnegie. Featured are actress Lili Palmer; author Betty MacDonald, balladeer Burl Ives; and the St. Thomas Church Choir. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 16: A Dramatic Production discusses radio drama which brought pleasure and escape to America at a time when it was desperately needed: during the Great Depression. The dramas were reflections of life in various strata throughout the world, and were educational as well as entertaining. Rebroadcast: 11/23/2016 – 11/29/2016.
NOVEMBER 30th, 1996 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 1360: HALLMARK HALL OF FAME (12-20-54) A Christmas Carol. As a tribute to actor Lionel Barrymore, who died this year, the Hall of Fame presents a transcription of his last broadcast (from 1953) in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Charles Dickens classic. Host is Edward Arnold. CHRISTMAS SEAL CAMPAIGN SHOW (1948) Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore try to convince Garry’s cousin that there is a Santa Claus. GRAND OLE OPRY (1960) It’s the Opry’s 21st annual network Christmas show with George Morgan, Chet Atkins, Minnie Pearl, Archie Campbell, Grandpa Jones and the Jordanaires, broadcasting holiday cheer from the stage of the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. DAMON RUNYON THEATRE (1949) Palm Beach Santa Claus starring John Brown as Broadway who tells the story of how a fat friend was recruited to play Santa for a Palm Beach socialite. ARCHIE ANDREWS (12-13-47) A Christmas shopping mix-up doesn’t get any better at Stacy’s Department Store when the floorwalker accuses Archie and his father of shoplifting. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 17: Panic! Reviews Orson Welles’ infamous War of the Worlds broadcast and its aftermath. Rebroadcast: 11/30/2016 – 12/6/2016.
DECEMBER 7th, 1996 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 1361: TOWN HALL TONIGHT (12-22-37) Fred Allen stars with Portland Hoffa and guest Jack Benny in a Christmastime broadcast. Jack tries to sell his Maxwell to Fred. The Mighty Allen Art Players present a Christmas fable, Santa Claus on Strike. DORIS DAY SHOW (12-23-53) Guest Jack Kirkwood joins Doris for this holiday program. Someone has stolen announcer Don Wilson’s Santa Claus suit. Doris sings Here Comes Santa Claus and Silver Bells. FRED WARING SHOW (12-22-48) Fred and the Pennsylvanians present three English carols, a lengthy version of Jingle Bells an Uncle Lumpy story and The Song of Christmas Eve. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-8-48) Gildy has done some early Christmas shopping, but the gifts he bought have disappeared. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian KARL PEARSON who talks about Big Bands from Chicago. Rebroadcast: 12/7/2016 – 12/13/2016.
DECEMBER 14th, 1996 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 1362: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-15-48) Gildy tried to economize with his Christmas shopping this year. CHRISTMAS DAY IN AMERICA (12-25-46) An hour of entertainment and inspiration for Christmas Day. The meaning, joy and hope of Christmas is expressed during four consecutive daytime dramas against the retelling of the story of the Nativity. We hear Life Can Be Beautiful; Ma Perkins; Pepper Young’s Family; and The Right to Happiness. Narration by Ron Rossen, written by Carl Bixby. LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-10-47) It’s A Wonderful Life starring James Stewart and Donna Reed with Victor Moore . A small town man thinks he’s a failure, but his Guardian Angel proves otherwise. CHRISTMAS SEAL CAMPAIGN SHOW (1948) Jack Carson stars with Eve Arden and guest Edmund Gwenn. Jack tries to convince Eve that there is a Santa Claus. Rebroadcast: 12/14/2016 – 12/20/2016.
DECEMBER 21st, 1996 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 1363: PHIL HARRIS – ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-18-48) Phil promises his daughters that they will see Santa this Christmas Eve, so he hires a guy to play Santa for them. The guy turns out to be guest Jack Benny. READER’S DIGEST RADIO EDITION (12-19-46) Room For a Stranger starring Frank Sinatra as a Navy flyer hoping to see his girl at home on Christmas Eve. He receives a telegram from his commanding officer cancelling his leave. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-22-48) Gildy wants a simple family Christmas this year. Harold Peary stars. SUSPENSE (12-20-59) Korean Christmas Carol. A soldier recalls an incident that took place in 1951, during the Korean war. A CHRISTMAS SING WITH BING (12-24-61) Bing Crosby stars with Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Katherine Crosby and Jo Stafford, with Paul Weston and the orchestra and the Norman Luboff Choir. Rebroadcast: 12/21/2016 – 12/27/2016.
DECEMBER 28th, 1996 – SEASON’S GREETINGS
PROGRAM 1364: PAUL WHITEMAN’S ABC CHRISTMAS PARTY (12-24-46) An all-star radio extravaganza starring the King of Jazz himself, Paul Whiteman and his orchestra and a host of ABC radio stars including Walter Winchell, J. Scott Smart (The Fat Man), Bing Crosby, Henry Morgan, Basil Rathbone, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Kenny Baker, Don McNeill, Tom Brennaman, Don Wilson, Lum and Abner, Patrice Munsel, Arnold Stang. A big, beautiful 90-minute holiday gift from the American Broadcasting Company. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-26-48) Ozzie remembers when he and his brother believed their father when dad said it would snow. SUSPENSE (12-31-61) The Old Man starring Leon Janney as an old man who is being forced to retire. RED SKELTON SHOW (1-1-46) Red Stars with Verna Felton, Rod O’Connor, Anita Ellis and David Forrester and the orchestra. The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire spotlights Deadeye and Junior in Bells and Resolutions for the new year. Rebroadcast: 12/28/2016 – 1/3/2017.
JANUARY 4th, 1997 – ADVENTURES BY MORSE The Cobra King Strikes Back Chapters 1 thru 5
PROGRAM 1365: Today we begin an exciting series by the great Carlton E. Morse, creator of I Love a Mystery and One Man’s Family. The Cobra King Strikes Back (syndicated in 1944) is another adventure with San Francisco detective Captain Bart Friday and his sidekick Skip Turner who roam the world solving mysteries and seeking out danger. There are ten 25-minute episodes in this thrill-packed adventure and we’ll broadcast the first five chapters today. The remaining chapters will be presented on January 11. Chapter 1 – Friday and Turner are on a steamship, taking a prisoner to Saigon. Aboard ship, they meet Dr. Carter and his party who are on their way to Cambodia, in the heart of French Indo-China. Friday’s troubles begin when his prisoner escapes. Chapter 2 – Something About the Hooded Snake Chapter 3 – The Mad King of Ankar Chapter 4 – The Temple of Gorillas Chapter 5 – The Living Image of Cambodia “PLUS: PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 18: Case Closed focuses on the popularity of the detective program on the air, grouping the radio detectives according to personality and philosophy and discusses common criteria shared by the crime fighters of all groups and examines the differences in their approaches. Rebroadcast: 1/4/2017 – 1/10/2017.
JANUARY 11th, 1997 – ADVENTURES BY MORSE The Cobra King Strikes Back Chapters 6 thru 10
PROGRAM 1366: Chapter 6 “ Terrors of the Hollow Mountain Chapter 7 “ The Face of a Beast Chapter 8 – It was Not Cannibalism Chapter 9 – The Fangs and Teeth of the Enemy Chapter 10 – The Amazing End of an Expedition “PLUS: PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 19: Tall in the Studio discusses the Westerns, which recalled an early period of American history when the country struggled for existence, and traces the history of three types of Western series: the juvenile Western, the adult Western, and series that were considered Western in their approach, each with heroes who were defenders of justice and champions of the unfortunate. Rebroadcast: 1/11/2017 – 1/17/2017.
JANUARY 18th, 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1367: THE WHISTLER (6-2-48) Stranger in the House is the story of a woman who wants to find out if her foster brother, who has been missing for seven years, is still alive. Cast includes Virginia Gregg and Gerald Mohr. PHIL HARRIS – ALICE FAYE SHOW (10-17-48) Phil’s five year old daughter has a boyfriend. IMAGINATION THEATRE 4-7-96) A double feature movie for your mind. 1. But the Flesh is Weak – the laws of time do not exist at a strange monastery. 2. Bellamy Bridge – a shell-shocked war veteran can’t tell which world he is living in. ADVENTURES OF MAISIE (1949) Ann Sothern stars as Maisie, who suggests to her boss that he hire an efficiency expert. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 20: Child’s Play concerns the listening habits of a generation of pre-teens and teen-agers who grew up listening to programs based on comic strips, airmen, spacemen, practitioners of magic and the occult, and the all-American. Also discussed are premiums and giveaways which were offered by the sponsors of many kids’ programs. Rebroadcast: 1/18/2017 – 1/24/2017.
JANUARY 25th, 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1368: MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER (7-27-47) The Man the Insects Hated lives in a mansion near the swamps by the Bayou. He is obsessed with inventing a formula for a perfect insect killer. JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (10-22-47) The great Schnozzola with guest Victor Moore are pirates in search for the Lady from Twenty-Nine Palms (Veola Vonn). TENNESSEE JED (5-26-47) Isolated episode of the kids’ adventure show. Jed is a southern marksman who, after the Civil War, becomes an agent of the White House, working for President Grant. LARRY CLINTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1938) Remote broadcast from the Streets of Paris section of the International Casino in New York City. Vocals by Bea Wain. SUSPENSE (1-2-47) Tree of Life starring Mark Stevens as a man who plans to do away with his bossy wife after they move into a new home. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 21: Winning Ways takes a look at several types of audience participation shows including fun time programs, giveaway shows with the participation of studio audiences, and giveaways involving audiences at home. Rebroadcast: 1/25/2017 – 1/31/2017.
February 1st, 1997 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 1
PROGRAM 1369: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-9-47) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a talent agent. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-23-49) Jack and Don Wilson are negotiating Don’s contract. First of three related programs. DANNY KAYE SHOW (10-26-45) Jack Benny and his cast sub for Danny, who is absent from this broadcast. The gang goes to the movies to see Danny’s latest picture, Wonder Man. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-3-49) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as an airport information clerk. LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-25-46) Rehearsal recording. Wonder Man starring Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo. The ghost of murdered entertainer Buzzy Ballew persuades his twin brother, Edwin Dingle, to let him use his body to put the killer in jail. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-10-48) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a baseball sportscaster. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-19-44) Remote broadcast from U.S. Naval Hospital in Corona, California. Jack and Don argue about who said, Don’t give up the ship. Larry Adler is guest. Rebroadcast: 2/1/2017 – 2/7/2017.
February 8th, 1997 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 2
PROGRAM 1370: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-7-48) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a psychiatrist. BOB HOPE SHOW (11-9-48) Guest Jack Benny tries to sell Bob some insurance. Later, Hope and Benny appear as radio disc jockeys. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-26-47) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a gas station attendant. FAMILY THEATRE (5-19-54) Forty Five Calibre Teapot starring Jack Benny as a teapot married to a coffee pot and he’s not happy about it. Cast includes Verna Felton. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-14-47) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a doctor. G I JOURNAL #127 (1940s) Jack Benny is Editor-In-Chief of this military magazine for servicemen. Arthur Treacher takes Rochester’s place. SPEAKING OF RADIO (2-18-75) Frank Nelson talks about his radio and television career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded at Nelson’s Hollywood, California home. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-13-55) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a golf instructor. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (6-13-43) Love is News starring Jack Benny, Ann Sheridan and James Gleason. An heiress decides to get even with a relentless reporter by announcing she is going to marry him, so he’ll see what it’s like to be in the spotlight for a change. Rebroadcast: 2/8/2017 – 2/14/2017.
February 15th, 1997 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 3
PROGRAM 1371: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-3-55) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a missing persons police officer. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-30-49) Don Wilson still hasn’t signed his new contract with Jack. Jack attends a meeting of the Beverly Hills Beavers. Second of three related programs. The third program in this sequence will be broadcast on the TWTD March 8 broadcast. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-23-55) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a waiter. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-15-37) Brewster’s Millions starring Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone, in the comedy about a man who must spend a small fortune to inherit a larger one. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-30-47) Eddie’s about to celebrate his 55th birthday and to celebrate the occasion, he wants to borrow some money from guest Jack Benny in order to start a new radio network. Other guests are Ralph Edwards and Peter Lind Hayes. MAIL CALL #135 (1945) Jack Benny is joined b y a bevy of Hollywood beauties in this broadcast for military audiences: Claudette Colbert, Jinx Falkenberg, Jeanne Crain. Jack tries to get a date to go with him to the premiere of his film, The Horn Blows at Midnight. Cast includes Frank Nelson as a taxi driver. Rebroadcast: 2/15/2017 – 2/21/2017.
February 22nd, 1997 – JACK BENNY MONTH Part 4
PROGRAM 1372: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-23-49) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a radio announcer. LIFE OF RILEY (1-17-48) William Bendix stars as Riley, who is upset that his family is tying up the telephone line at home. Later, Riley turns on the radio to tune in to Ralph Edwards and the Truth or Consequences program. Riley tries to guess the identity of the Walking Man. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-20-55) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a judge. TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (1-17-48) Guest William Bendix, in his character as Chester Riley, turns up on Ralph Edwards’ popular audience participation show. Later, Edwards makes the first calls in the new Walking Man’ contest. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-13-46) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a drug store waiter. TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (3-6-48) Host Ralph Edwards has a consequence for an army corporal, then makes a contest call to Mrs. Florence Hubbard of Chicago who correctly identifies Jack Benny as the Walking Man. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-27-55) Excerpt featuring Frank Nelson as a TV wrestling announcer. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-7-48) Jack is introduced as the Walking Man and there’s much talk about the fact that his identity as the mystery man was revealed on Ralph Edwards’ Truth or Consequences program last night. Jack and his writers (who did not know that Jack was the Walking Man) stayed up all night rewriting this show! JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-14-48) Jack’s guests are Ralph Edwards and Mrs. Florence Hubbard of Chicago, winner of the Walking Man contest. Rebroadcast: 2/22/2017 – 2/28/2017.
March 1st, 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1373: SUSPENSE (1-9-47) The Will to Power starring Dan Duryea with Howard Duff. The wife of a wealthy old man and her husband’s male secretary plot to kill the old man and marry each other. SPEAKING OF RADIO (8-25-77) Morey Amsterdam (who died October 28, 1996 at age 87) talks about his career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden. MOREY AMSTERDAM SHOW (5-6-43) A special closed-circuit broadcast to CBS affiliates promoting the new Morey Amsterdam Show. He’s a night club comic hoping a big Hollywood producer will give him a break. IMAGINATION THEATRE (4-14-96) A double feature movie for the mind. 1. Baumann and the Box starring TV’s Harry Anderson as a treacherous magician who will do anything to obtain a baffling illusion from a retired European artist. 2. The Man who Died Twice. A reporter finds out why a terminally ill nursing home patient was murdered as he lay dying. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 22: All In the Game deals with a form of radio entertainment which began in the 1920s and remains high in listener priority today: sportscasts. Rebroadcast: 3/1/2017 – 3/7/2017.
March 8th, 1997 – WE REMEMBER CLAUDETTE COLBERT
PROGRAM 1374: LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-20-39) Excerpts from It Happened One Night starring Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable in two memorable scenes: The Walls of Jericho scene in the tourist cabin and the new classic hitrch-hiking scene on the road. SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (1-13-50) Tomorrow is Forever starring Claudette Colbert. A soldier, listed as dead in World War I, returns to find his wife remarried. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-6-49) Don Wilson still hasn’t signed his contract yet and Jack has him locked in the den. Mary tells Phil and Dennis how Jack tried to appear on the Ford Theatre program with Claudette Colbert by replacing Vincent Price. Guests are Miss Colbert and Mr. Price along with Fletcher Markle, producer of the Ford Theatre. Last of three related Benny programs. LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-20-40) Midnight starring Claudette Colbert and Don Ameche in the comedy about mistaken identity in Paris. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is Nostalgia Digest columnist and film historian BOB KOLOSOSKI who will talk about the career of Claudette Colbert, who died July 30, 1996 at age 92. Rebroadcast: 3/8/2017 – 3/14/2017.
March 15th, 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1375: HOLLYWOOD STAR PLAYHOUSE (9-27-51) The Professor Stays at Home starring Edmund Gwenn as a man who devises a perfect plan to murder his nagging wife just before she leaves to travel alone in Europe. PAUL GIBSON (Chicago’s five-times married, ultimate male chauvinist tears into wives “as usual”saying paying alimony is better than being married! (LUX) RADIO THEATRE (9-16-46) Madame Curie starring Greer Garson and Walter Pidgeon. A love story set in the drama of scientific research done by Pierre and Marie Curie whose monumental discovery of radius wom them the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 23: The Melody Lingers On, tracing the history of music on radio, its origin, its variations, some programs which increased its popularity, and the problems music has faced over the years. Rebroadcast: 3/15/2017 – 3/21/2017.
March 22nd, 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1376: MURDER BY EXPERTS (5-25-50) Three’s a Crowd hosted by Brett Halliday. A man finds himself immersed in a web of jealousy and violence with an ending he didn’t foresee. IMAGINATION THEATRE (4-21-96) A double feature movie for your mind. 1. The Loophole starring Hans Conried as a desperate man whose job was downsized just before he became eligible for retirement benefits. 2. The Island. A bombastic talk show host and a female reporter are marooned on an unknown island when his private plane is forced down. HAL KEMP AND HIS ORCHESTRA (3-24-40) Remote broadcast from the Empire Room of the Palmer House in Chicago with Vocals by Janet Blair and the Smoothies. SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (3-17-50) Champion starring Kirk Douglas with Frank Lovejoy in the story of a boxer who punches his way to the top. PLEASE STAND BY “A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 24: Something to Hear reviews the work of radio talkers, the effect they had on listeners, and the reasons for their appeal. Rebroadcast: 3/22/2017 – 3/28/2017.
March 29th, 1997 – WE REMEMBER DOROTHY LAMOUR
PROGRAM 1377: BING CROSBY SHOW (12-26-51) Dorothy Lamour and Bob Hope join Bing for some music and fun as they present The Road to Las Vegas. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-17-41) Johnny Apollo starring Dorothy Lamour, Edward Arnold and Burgess Meredith. A young man discovers that his father is a criminal. DOROTHY LAMOUR SHOW (1949) Dottie awaits the arrival of her guest Kirk Douglas, star of the film Champion. She wants his advice for the film she is about to make called Kiss the Blood Off My Gloves. A DATE WITH JUDY (3-20-45) Louise Erickson is Judy and Bob Hastings is Oogie Pringle, who has written a song for special guest Dorothy Lamour, but Judy is not happy about it. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and movie historian BOB KOLOSOSKI, who will talk about the film career of Dorothy Lamour who died September 22, 1996 at age 81. Rebroadcast: 3/29/2017 – 4/4/2017.
April 5th, 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1378: DRAGNET (10-11-51) Jack Webb stars as Sgt. Joe Friday. A wave of shoplifting hits the city. JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (10-29-47) The Schnozz with guest Lucille Ball. Lucy and Jimmy in a murder mystery sketch. IMAGINATION THEATRE (4-28-96) 1. The Gatekeeper. What is the secret beneath the rubble of an old San Francisco movie house demolished in an earthquake? 2. The Perfect Man. The party’s search for a perfect political candidate is over, but there’s only one trouble with the squeaky-clean candidate. SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (11-11-49) Body and Soul starring John Garfield. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 25: And now¦ the News concerns the genesis of newscasting on radio, its growing pains and its emergence as a viable and important phase of communications. Rebroadcast: 4/5/2017 – 4/11/2017.
April 12th, 1997 – REMEMBERING WALTER O’KEEFE
PROGRAM 1379: ROYAL GELETIN HOUR (1-14-37) Excerpt as host Rudy Vallee introduces Walter O’Keefe who presents a topical monolog with mention of the new Social Security Act. DOUBLE OR NOTHING (1-2-48) Emcee Walter O’Keefe puts contestants through their paces in this popular comedy-quiz show. BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (3-24-49) George and Gracie welcome guest Walter O’Keefe. George looks forward to reminiscing with O’Keefe about their vaudeville days. COMMAND PERFORMANCE #187 (8-9-45) Walter O’Keefe is emcee with guests Marilyn Maxwell, Rita Hayworth, Town Criers, Les Paul Trio. PHILCO RADIO TIME (1-7-49) Excerpt as host Bing Crosby and guest Walter O’Keefe present a musical salute to Al Jolson and then are joined by Brace Beemer as The Lone Ranger for a western sketch. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (1-29-48) Al Jolson stars with guest Walter O’Keefe, who joins Al in a Serenade to Bing Crosby. BING CROSBY SHOW (5-2-51) Bing welcomes vaudevillian Bert Wheeler, who claims that Bing stole one of his jokes, and Walter O’Keefe , who tries to get Bing to pay Wheeler. Rebroadcast: 4/12/2017 – 4/18/2017.
April 19th, 1997 – THIS DAY – THAT YEAR
PROGRAM 1380: Ken Alexander subs for Chuck Schaden. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-19-42) The gang has breakfast at the drug store. PREDICT A HIT (4-19-49) Students from Chicago’s Senn High School predict the next big hit songs. With the Art Van Damme Quintet. BOB HOPE SHOW (4-19-49) Guest Jimmy Durante joins Bob as they compare notes and noses. Jimmy plans to change his character for television. GENERAL DOUGLAS MAC ARTHUR (4-19-51) Charles Colingwood anchors coverage of Gen. MacArthur’s speech before a joint session of Congress. This follows MacArthur’s return to the United States after being relieved of his command by President Harry Truman. This is the complete Old Soldiers Never Die speech. SUSPENSE (4-19-54) The Card Game starring Richard Widmark in the story of a man who tried to learn a lesson the hard way by betting his life on the turn of a card. GUNSMOKE (4-19-59) Third Son stars William Conrad as Marshall Matt Dillon. An elderly woman from the East comes to Dodge in search of her grandson. Rebroadcast: 4/19/2017 – 4/25/2017.
April 26th, 1997 – 27TH TWTD ANNIVERSARY
PROGRAM 1381: As we celebrate our 27th broadcast anniversary today, we observe the occasion by playing one of our complete three-hour Hall Closet morning drive-time programs from 1973 on WLTD, Evanston. CHUCK SCHADEN’S HALL CLOSET (10-1-73) Everything is intact from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. including local and national news from the Mutual Broadcasting System, local and national commercials, records and these vintage broadcasts: GI JOURNAL #83(2-23-45) Burns and Allen star with Robert Young, Paula Winslowe, Ginny Simms, Mel Blanc. EDDIE CANTOR WITH A HALF HOUR OF SHOW BUSINESS (1950s) The show biz veteran plays vintage records and tells stories about Sophie Tucker, Ted Lewis, Fanny Brice, Al Jolson, Will Rogers and Clayton, Jackson and Durante. PEPPER YOUNG’S FAMILY (1950s) Isolated episode of the long-running daytime drama. BIG SISTER (1950s) Isolated episode of the long-running daytime serial. Rebroadcast: 8/17/2011 – 8/23/2011, 4/26/17 – 5/2/17.
May 3rd, 1997 – HINDENBURG DISASTER… And a Variety of Sounds
PROGRAM 1382: We’ll hear .. SUSPENSE (1-16-47) Overture in Two Keys starring Joan Bennett with Howard Duff. The wife of a music professor falls in love with her husband’s student. ARRIVAL OF THE HINDENBURG (5-6-37) Announcer Herb Morrison, at Lakehurst New Jersey to record the arrival of the airship Hindenburg from Germany, ends up covering one of the great aviation disasters when the ship exploded and crashed. This is a speed-corrected restoration of the original recording. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (9-16-45) In order to pass the initiation of the Unicorns Lodge, Ozzie must be totally agreeable for twenty-four hours. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (7-22-48) The Citadel highlights the struggles of a young doctor in a coal mining town. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 26: News¦ the War Years covers the development of news on the air from 1935-1945. Rebroadcast: 10/12/2011 – 10/18/2011, 5/3/2017 – 5/9/2017.
May 10th 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1383: IMAGINATION THEATRE (5-5-96) 1. The Bouganville Giant. Natives on a South Pacific island are terrorized by a swarm of seven-foot moths which rest on an inactive volcano. 2. Nightmare. A sky-diver repeatedly dreams his ˜chute doesn’t open, but his wife awakens him each time before he dreams that he hits the ground. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-9-43) Summerfield’s water commissioner has plans for a busy day at the office, but Leila – the future Mrs. Gildersleeve – has other plans. Harold Peary stars. MAN CALLED X (9-18-47) Herbert Marshall stars as the globe-trotting secret agent Ken Thurston. A plane carrying American scientists is mysteriously lost while flying from Singapore to Manila. PHIL HARRIS – ALICE FAYE SHOW (10-10-48) Frankie Remley has signed a contract to be the star of the show and is throwing his weight around. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Broadcasting (1986) Lesson 27: Listen and Learn examines the role of education in radio, beginning with college and university educational stations and their conflict with the commercial networks. Rebroadcast: 5/10/2017 – 5/16/2017.
May 17th 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1384: BULLDOG DRUMMOND (1941) The Hi-Jackers starring George Coulouris as Drummond. This is an audition program for MBS in advance of the show’s premiere on 9-21-41. Drummond takes to the road to break up a hi-jacking ring. MEANWHILE, BACK AT THE RANCH (1995) In this personal career memoir, Fred Foy, long-time announcer/narrator of The Lone Ranger, remembers those thrilling days of yesteryear and recalls the long-running radio series, including the actors who played the many roles. SUSPENSE (1-23-47) One Way Street starring Roddy McDowell as a homeless young lad in post-war London who returns to live with his crooked uncle who has just married a wealthy widow. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-26-46) Notorious thug Bullets Brannigan is on the loose after breaking out of the Wistful Vista jail. Jim and Marian Jordan star. PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 28: The Other Networks traces different American radio broadcast systems: National Public Radio, the Voice of America, and the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Rebroadcast: 5/17/2017 – 5/23/2017.
May 24th 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1385: BUCK ROGERS IN THE TWENTY-FIFTH CENTURY (4-4-39) An origin story episode tells how Buck, born in the 20th Century, came to be an adventurer in the 25th Century. REFRESHMENT CLUB (11-23-36) First show in the series starring Don McNeill (of the Breakfast Club) as host of an informal half hour of music and fun. SUSPENSE (1-30-47) Three Blind Mice starring Van Heflin. A member of a law firm is suspicious of his partners. PAUL GIBSON (1-29-55) Excerpt. Chicago’s most opinionated radio personality discusses chivalry and knights of olde. PAUL GIBSON (8-17-55) Excerpt. Chicago’s ultimate male chauvinist complains about wives who have let themselves go. IMAGINATION THEATRE (5-12-96) 1. The Eddie Matthew Matter. When a famous jazz musician dies without a will, his son hires detective Harry Nile to help him collect a fortune. 2. Woman’s Work is Never Done. A miserly farmer forbids his wife to take a break from her drudgery in order to take violin lessons. PLEASE STAND BY – a History of Radio (1986) Lesson 29: All Things Remembered begins a two-part retrospective on the subjects covered in the entire 30-part series, beginning with the discoveries which led to the birth of radio. Rebroadcast: 5/24/2017 – 5/30/2017.
May 31st 1997 – JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY! The Mystery of the Sunken Reef
PROGRAM 1386: We present a Jack Armstrong adventure complete in ten, fifteen-minute episodes, originally broadcast between Monday, December 23, 1940 and Friday, January 3, 1941. Most after- school kids’ shows had stories that unfolded over many, many weeks or even months and some never reached a natural conclusion with all the loose ends tied together. But this sequence originally ran over the Christmas holiday break, giving youngsters of the forties a two-week opportunity to hear a complete adventure while they were home from school. The Mystery of the Sunken Reef is top notch listening, an excellent example of the world of after school radio. PLUS“ PLEASE STAND BY – A History of Radio (1986) Lesson 30: The End of the Beginning is the conclusion of the 30-part series and reviews audience participation and quiz shows; the changing music scene; sports; talk shows; storytellers and gossip columnists; news; education; the other networks. Rebroadcast: 5/31/2017 – 6/6/2017.
June 7th 1997 – SPOTLIGHTING WALLY PHILLIPS
PROGRAM 1387: Today we devote our program to one of Chicago’s most popular radio personalities on his Golden Anniversary. WALLY PHILLIPS began his broadcasting career fifty years ago, in 1947, when he got his first radio job at station WJEF in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He soon moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where, over the next eight years he was on the air at WASI, WCOP and WLW. In the fall of 1956 he joined WGN in Chicago, his radio home ever since. He began his Chicago career doing a variety of mid-day and evening programs. In 1965 he brought his quick wit and clever use of the telephone to WGN’s morning drive time, quickly becoming the listeners’ choice and making him a ratings leader for several decades. In 1993 he was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, adding an important honor to his already long list of accolades. Earlier this year he was welcomed into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Wally Phillips will join us in person during our program today as we talk about his radio career and present clips from some of his memorable broadcasts. Rebroadcast: 66/7/2017 – 6/13/2017.
June 14th 1997 – MUSEUM OF BROADCAST COMMUNICATIONS Tenth Anniversary
PROGRAM 1388: On June 13, 1987 Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications opened its doors. Today we celebrate a decade of accomplishments as we spotlight a few highlights in the life of the Museum’s first ten years. JUNE 12, 1987 ” The first live remote broadcast from the Museum. From River City, 800 S. Wells Street in Chicago, Chuck Schaden and John Hultman interview celebrity guests at a gala celebration on the eve of the Museum’s official opening. Heard in excerpts from that program are Paul Harvey, Alex Drier, Len O’Connor, Don McNeill, Frances Bergen, Karl Pearson, Lee Phillip, Dorsey Connors, Jim Conway, John Madigan, Bob Atcher, Jack Brickhouse, Stanley Paul and the Orchestra. From WBBM, Chicago. JUNE 13, 1987 – The first broadcast of Those Were The Days from the historic Pierre Andre Memorial Studio at the Museum. Bruce DuMont, founder and president of the MBC talks about the opening. Special guest is announcer Ed Herlihy who talks about his career and long association with Kraft Foods, who funded the Kraft Television Theatre. From WNIB, Chicago. APRIL 28, 1990 – Jim Jordan, Jr., in town for the dedication of the Museum’s Fibber McGee and Molly exhibit (funded and built by McGee fans), talks about the exhibit and his parents, Jim and Marian Jordan. From the TWTD 20th Anniversary Show, WNIB, Chicago. APRIL 28, 1990 – In honor of the opening of the Museum’s McGee exhibit, a group of talented old time radio fans offer a live presentation of an original script by Ken ALEXANDER, Based on and honoring the Fibber McGee and Molly program. From TWTD, WNIB, Chicago. JUNE 13, 1992 – On the opening day of the Museum’s move to spacious quarters in the Chicago Cultural Center on Michigan Avenue at Washington Street, another unique exhibit is unveiled for the first time. It’s the Jack Benny’s Vault exhibit (funded and built by Jack Benny’s fans). On hand for the occasion are Jack’s daughter Joan Benny and longtime Benny writer George Balzer who talk about Jack and his long-running radio show. From TWTD, WNIB, Chicago. Rebroadcast: 6/14/2017 – 6/20/2017.
June 21st 1997 – OLD, NEW, BORROWED, BLUE
PROGRAM 1389: Something Old“ X MINUS ONE (9-12-57) The Old Die Rich is a science fiction story about some elderly people who are found dead of malnutrition, but with substantial savings accounts. An actor, researching a role, wants to find out why. Something New” PHIL HARRIS – ALICE FAYE SHOW (3-19-50) Alice wants a new car, but can’t decide which one to buy. SPEAKING OF RADIO (10-28-87) Alice Faye talks about her long show business career and the Harris-Faye Show in a conversation with Chuck Schaden. Something Borrowed” SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (4-1-46) On Borrowed Time starring Lionel Barrymore, Agnes Moorehead, Vincent Price and Ted Donaldson in a fable of Death, who comes to claim his victims. Something Blue” PHILO VANCE (1948) The Blue Penny Murder Case stars Jackson Beck as Vance. A woman is murdered with no apparent motive. Rebroadcast: 6/21/2017 – 6/27/2017.
PROGRAM 1390: July 1 is Canada Day, so today’s program features performers who were born in Canada. FORT LARAMIE (4-15-56) Raymond Burr (born in New Wesminster, British Columbia) stars as Capt. Lee Quince of the U.S. Cavalry. A woman and her daughter, staying at the Fort due to a stagecoach breakdown, are causing problems for the soldiers. PEOPLE ARE FUNNY (9-19-52) Beginning the tenth season on the air, host Art Linkletter (born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan) puts the contestants thru their paces. One has to go out and borrow a family; another can’t decide between two men who want to marry her. THE SHADOW (2-15-48) Terror at Wolf’s Head Knoll stars Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston and Grace Matthews (born in Toronto) as the lovely Margo Lane. When Margo sprains her ankle, she and Lamont seek shelter in a mysterious mansion. PHILCO RADIO TIME (5-26-48) Excerpt. Bing Crosby stars with singer-comedienne Bea Lillie (born in Toronto), and pianist Alec Templeton. Bea offers a travelogue of the USA and the trio sing British Music Hall tunes. SUSPENSE (11-2-43) Statement of Employee Henry Wilson starring Gene Lockhart (born in London, Ontario) as a man who relates and relives the climatic moments in his life. YOUR HIT PARADE (11-10-45) Joan Edwards and Dick Todd (born in Montreal) sing the top tunes of the week. Rebroadcast: 6/28/2017 – 7/4/2017.
July 5th 1997 – CHRISTMAS IN JULY
PROGRAM 1391: JILL’S ALL-TIME JUKE BOX (12-25-45) GI Jill presents a Christmas edition of her popular program for military audiences, reviewing the hit tunes of holidays past. SUSPENSE (12-21-50) A Christmas for Carol starring Dennis Day as a bank teller who needs money. CHRISTMAS SEAL SPECIAL (1955) Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy star with Edgar’s nine-year-old daughter Candice. Candy and Charlie recite The Night Before Christmas. HENRY MORGAN SHOW (12-25-46) Morgan tells the story of kids who go to Washington to get a law passed making every day Christmas. ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLF (12-22-50) Case of the Slaughtered Santas starring Sidney Greenstreet. A man kills several Santas to cover a murder. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-19-48) The Nelsons agree on a practical Christmas gift for the house. It’s a radio-phonograph which will be their gift to each other. . Rebroadcast: 7/5/2017 – 7/11/2017.
July 12th 1997 – TRIBUTE TO GEORGE GERSHWIN
PROGRAM 1392: FAMILY HOUR (6-24-45) Musical Salute to George Gershwin prior to the opening of the Warner Bros film, Rhapsody in Blue. Features Eileen Farrell, Earl Wrightson, Jack Smith, Al Goodman and the orchestra. CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (2-27-39) George Gershwin is a dramatization of the life story of the great American composer, from his early years to his Tin Pan Alley days, to the Rhapsody in Blue and Porgy and Bess. MUSIC BY GERSHWIN (2-19-34) First program in the series starring George Gershwin, America’s leading modern composer with an intimate revue of present day music. Gershwin tells the inside story of The Man I Love and plays I Got Rhythm. SINGING LADY (1950s) Ireene Wicker, the fabled singing storyteller, presents the true story of the boyhood days of composer George Gershwin and his brother Ira. ANDRE KOSTELANETZ (10-11-45) Portrait of George Gershwin featuring Kostelanetz and his orchestra in a concert of Gershwin’s music with commentary by Oscar Levant, plus soprano Dorothy Kirsten. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is music historian BILL SHELDON who will talk about Gershwin and his contribution to American music and introduce his guests, singer SPIDER SALOFF and, via telephone, singer MARGARET WHITING. Rebroadcast: 7/12/2017 – 7/18/2017.
July 19th 1997 – REMEMBERING JACK CARSON
PROGRAM 1393: VILLAGE STORE (10-30-47) Jack Carson stars with Eve Arden as Jack plans to do a sketch, The Home Life of Al Jolson. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (10-5-41) Strawberry Blonde starring James Cagney, Jack Carson and Olivia deHavilland. A dentist is infatuated by a gold digger in this turn-of-the-century comedy. EDGAR BERGEN SHOW (1956) An unusual format for Edgar as he plays records and interviews guests, including singer Jack Smith, two of America’s top pilots, and actor/comedian Jack Carson. Charlie enters with some comic banter with Carson. KRAFT MUSIC HALL (5-18-44) Bing Crosby with guest Jack Carson in a program of music and comedy. Carson discusses his charm! BURNS AND ALLEN (10-31-46) Gracie wants George to replace Clark Gable in The Hucksters film, and when George meets guest Jack Carson, there’s a mix-up. SUSPENSE (11-7-46) Easy Money starring Jack Carson as a man who wants his freedom badly enough to kill somebody for it. Rebroadcast: 7/19/2017 – 7/25/2017.
July 26th 1997 – THIS DAY – THAT YEAR
PROGRAM 1394: Ken Alexander subs for Chuck Schaden. BUSTER BROWN GANG (7-26-47) Smilin’ Ed McConnell and the gang, including Squeekie the Mouse, Midnight the Cat, Grannie the Talking Piano and Froggy the Gremlin. Ed’s story is about a great tournament in the days of Knights. GUNSMOKE (7-26-54) William Conrad as Marshall Matt Dillon, accused of murdering a man he previously ran out of Dodge City. Matt’s old friend Wild Bill Hickok (John Dehner) arrives in town. ROAD OF LIFE (7-26-48) Isolated episode of the long-running daytime drama. SPEAKING OF RADIO (6-16-70) Harry Elders, star of the Curtain Time series, talks about the radio days in a brief conversation with Chuck Schaden. CURTAIN TIME (7-26-47) Solid Sender starring Harry Elders and Nanette Sergeant in a romantic comedy about a girl who tries to help an out of work musician get a job. SUSPENSE (7-26-55) Greatest Thief in the World about twin identities in crime, based upon absolute fact. Cast features Ben Wright and Joseph Kearns. THIS IS NORA DRAKE (7-26-48) Isolated episode of the long-running daytime drama. Nora, a nurse, falls in love with a married doctor. DIMENSION X (7-26-51) Courtesy is the story of the second expedition to the Planet Atlantor as told by one of the two survivors of the original compliment of 180 men. Rebroadcast: 7/26/2017 – 8/1/2017.
August 2nd 1997 – AUGUST DOG DAYS or RADIO GOES TO THE DOGS
PROGRAM 1395: Ken Alexander subs for Chuck Schaden. GRAND MARQUEE (7-9-46) Half a Dog is Better than None starring Jim Ameche and Beryl Vaughn in a comedy about a rich old woman who leaves an interesting clause in her Will. First show in the series. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (11-30-43) The McGees search everywhere in Wistful Vista for Teeney’s little dog Eddie. CHALLENGE OF THE YUKON (12-27-47) The Shepherd Dog stars Paul Sutton as Sgt. Preston who, with the help of Yukon King, his Wonder Dog, finds an old Shepherd dog caught in an animal trap. STORY OF DR. KILDARE (3-9-51) Hysteria or Hydrophobia starring Lew Ayers and Lionel Barrymore. A boy is brought into Blair General Hospital after being bitten by a dog. PHIL HARRIS – ALICE FAYE SHOW (1-8-50) Phil agrees to babysit his sponsor’s dog. DRAGNET (11-16-54) Jack Webb stars with Ken Alexander. An elderly man with a shotgun threatens his neighborhood after his dog has been poisoned. Rebroadcast: 8/2/2017 – 8/8/2017.
August 9th 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1396: EASY ACES # 54 (1940s) Goodman and Jane Ace, playing themselves star in the first of sixteen consecutive and related episodes of their long-running comedy series. Their friend Marge is played by Mary Hunter. In this sequence, the Aces new neighbor is a motion picture director and Jane wants to get a part in his forthcoming picture. EASY ACES # 55 (1940s) Jane, confident that she is going to win the newspaper contest for a part in Arthur Laurentz’ picture, is selecting a movie name for herself. LUX RADIO THEATRE (6-2-47) The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson with Gail Patrick, Ludwig Donath and Tamara Shayne. The son of a Cantor goes into show business rather than follow his father’s footsteps. Radio version of the screen’s first talking picture. LIFE WITH LUIGI (1-9-49) J. Carroll Naish stars with Alan Reed. On a bet with Pasquale, Luigi has a blind date with a telephone operator, his first with an American girl. EASY ACES # 56 (1940s) Jane’s brother Neil explains the plot of the picture and the details of the contest. SUSPENSE (2-6-47) End of the Road starring Glenn Ford as an automobile salesman who falls in love with the wife of a customer. EASY ACES # 57 (1940s) Ace coaches Jane in the art of film acting. Director Laurentz reveals to Neil his choice for the role in the picture. The next four episodes of Easy Aces will be presented on August 23. Rebroadcast: 8/9/2017 – 8/15/2017.
August 16th 1997 – RADIO’S COUNTRY COUSINS
PROGRAM 1396: LUM AND ABNER (11-7-48) Chester Lauck and Norris Goff star as the boys of Pine Ridge, Arkansas. Lum brags about his experience as a cowhand and winds up entering a rodeo bulldogging contest. NATIONAL BARN DANCE (9-22-46) Fun from the old hayloft featuring Lulu Belle and Scotty, Arkie the Arkansas Woodchopper, the Hoosier Hot Shots, Pat Buttram and guest Phil Regan. BOB BURNS SHOW (5-30-46) Burns, known as the Arkansas Traveler who invented the musical instrument known as the bazooka, has a dinner party at his ranch to celebrate the birthday of singer Shirley Ross’ pet duck. HERB SHRINER SHOW (1950) The harmonica-playing Hoosier humorist comments on his home state. GRAND OLE OPRY (10-13-51) Red Foley stars with Minnie Pearl, Carl Smith, Rod Brassfield, Claude Sharp and the Old Hickory Singers, Stringbean. JUDY CANOVA SHOW (10-19-43) Judy wants to rent a room in her house. Rebroadcast: 8/16/2017 – 8/22/2017.
August 23rd 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1397: SUSPENSE (2-13-47) The Thirteenth Sound starring Agnes Moorehead as a woman who kills her husband during a visit to an old house. EASY ACES #58 (1940s) Ace rehearses with Jane for the movie contest; Laurentz takes Marge to dinner. EASY ACES # 59 (1940s) It’s Jane’s big day at the newspaper screen test, but the director is upset. BOB HOPE SHOW (1950) Guest Robert Ryan joins Bob, who asks Ryan to star in his new picture, a western. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-16-48) The Jolson Story starring Al Jolson in the screen biography of the world’s greatest entertainer. Cast includes Evelyn Keyes, William Demarest and Ludwig Donath. EASY ACES #60 (1940s) Jane tells the story of her screen test; Laurentz explains things to Neil, who gets upset. EASY ACES #61 (1940s) Everyone in the cast is angry at everyone else and Laurentz appeals to the Aces for assistance. The next four episodes will be presented September 6. Rebroadcast: 8/23/2017 – 8/29/2017.
August 30th 1997 – BIG BANDS OF YESTERYEAR
PROGRAM 1398: GLENN MILLER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (3-31-39) Remote broadcast from the Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove, New Jersey, with vocals by Marion Hutton and Ray Eberly. JAN GARBER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (10-22-60) Remote broadcast from the beautiful air-conditioned Trianon Ballroom located at 62nd and Cottage Grove on Chicago’s South Side. GREATER NEW YORK (RELIEF) FUND (4-1-40) Excerpt. Benefit program from Madison Square Garden featuring the combined orchestras of Will Bradley, Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. Fred Waring emcees. ORRIN TUCKER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (4-19-48) Remote broadcast from the Marine Dining Room of the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago. ARTIE SHAW AND HIS ORCHESTRA (10-25-39) Remote broadcast from the Café Rouge of the Hotel Pennsylvanian in New York City. Vocals by Helen Forrest and Tony Pastor. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is Nostalgia Digest columnist and big band historian KARL PEARSON who will talk about the music and musicians of a great era. Rebroadcast: 8/30/2017 – 9/5/2017.
September 6th 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1399: EASY ACES #62 (1940s) Neil asks Jane to apologize to Marge for him. Marge wants to break things off with Neil. HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (7-22-48) The Citadel highlights the struggles of a young doctor in a coal mining town. EASY ACES #63 (1940s) Screen star Betty LaMarr comes to town, looking for Arthur Laurentz. OUR MISS BROOKS (9-11-49) Eve Arden stars as English teacher Connie Brooks who plans a picnic before school starts in the Fall. EASY ACES #64 (1940s) Betty LaMarr plans to kill Marge, but when Neil call to warn her, Marge refuses to speak to him. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (9-30-45) Ozzie plans to cure Harriet of her exaggeration problems. EASY ACES #65 (1940s) Betty LaMarr confronts the Aces with her accusations and threatens Marge with a gun. The final four episodes in this sequence of Easy Aces programs will be presented on September 27. SUSPENSE (2-20-47) Always Room at the Top starring Anne Baxter as a woman who is turned down when she applies for a job. Rebroadcast: 9/6/2017 – 9/12/2017.
September 13th, 1997 – RADIO’S THEME SONGS
PROGRAM 1401: Tune in to the signature music of radio: the theme songs which introduced so many of our favorite programs during the Golden Age. We’ll not only hear a great many of the familiar theme songs from such programs as The Lone Ranger, The Goldbergs, Escape, The Shadow, Mercury Theatre, I Love A Mystery, Mr. Keen and Lorenzo Jones, but we’ll listen to the original music from whence they came. In addition to many sound clips and excerpts from vintage shows, you’ll hear complete broadcasts of The Green Hornet (10-31-39); Philip Morris Playhouse (5-6-49) “Murder Needs an Artist”; FBI in Peace and War (6-10-53) “The Traveling Man”. Rebroadcast: June 2011, 9/13/17 – 9/19/17.
September 20th, 1997 – TIME MARXES ON
PROGRAM 1402: It’s everything Marx Brothers as we hear: COMMAND PERFORMANCE #137 (9-9-44) Excerpt. Groucho Marx in a radio quiz show spoof: Doctor People Are Double and Take It Truth or Ignorance It Pays to Be Information. BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (5-9-46) Gracie needs a snooping reporter for her Hollywood gossip column. She asks Harpo Marx to do the job. FITCH BANDWAGON (1943) Excerpt. Chico Marx plays Beer Barrel Polka. MONITOR (10-5-63) A salute to Groucho Marx on his 68th birthday as he reflects upon his career. SATURDAY AT THE SHAMROCK (12-18-50) Excerpt. From the Shamrock Hotel in Houston, Texas, Chico and Harpo give a sample of their nightclub act. FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHWEEL (1991) First program in the BBC series based on scripts used by Groucho and Chico Marx on the Five Star Theatre in 1932. COMMAND PERFORMANCE #125 (6-17-44) Excerpt with Ken Carpenter, Jack Benny, Bing Crosby, Gary Cooper, and Harpo Marx who plays My Blue Heaven while Bing sings. YOU BET YOUR LIFE (1947) Groucho Marx records the audition show for his comedy quiz program. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is Marx Brothers fan and historian IRA DOLNIK who will talk about the careers of Groucho, Chico, Harpo, Zeppo and Gummo Marx. Rebroadcast: 11/9/11 – 11/15/11, 9/20/17 – 9/26/17
September 27th, 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1403: NOTE: Comedian Red Skelton died September 17, 1997 at age 84. We offer a tribute during this broadcast which includes Red’s 1994 induction into the Radio Hall of Fame, plus his classic Pledge to the Flag monolog. RED SKELTON SHOW (1-15-46) The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire offers a few chapters on Department Stores, with Red as J. Newton Numbskull, Clem Kadiddlehopper and, Junior, the Mean Little Kid. EASY ACES #66 (1940s) After the shooting, Jane spills the beans to the opposition paper, but no one wants the publicity. LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-22-50) Jolson Sings Again starring Al Jolson in the sequel to The Jolson Story, the continuation of the biography of the great singer. Cast includes Barbara Hale, William Demarest and Ludwig Donath. EASY ACES #67 (1940s) A result of Jane’s story-telling is that Neil is fired from his newspaper job. SUSPENSE (2-27-47) Three Faces for Midnight starring William Bendix with Sandra Gould and Jack Webb. A man and woman take a job which involves a bribe and the governor of the state. EASY ACES #68 (1940s) Jane tells her story to detectives investigating the shooting at the Ace home. EASY ACES #69 (1940s) Neil’s plan apparently works and the movie director prepares to leave. This concludes this sequence of sixteen consecutive and related episodes¦ until next we meet the Easy Aces.. Rebroadcast: 9/27/17 – 10/3/17.
October 4th, 1997 – REMEMBERING JIMMY STEWART
PROGRAM 1404: SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (1-6-50) Magic Town starring James Stewart as a pollster who finds the perfect average American town, which ruins itself when people are told of his discovery. BING CROSBY SHOW (11-14-51) Excerpt. Bing and guest James Stewart talk about Jimmy’s becoming the father of twins. They go shopping for an intimate gift for Jimmy’s wife Gloria. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (9-29-40) Shop Around the Corner starring James Stewart, Margaret Sullivan and Frank Morgan in the comedy about two shop clerks who don’t realize that they are lonely hearts pals. QUIZ KIDS (10-12-47) Excerpt with James Stewart taking over for Quizmaster Joe Kelly in a round of questions for the Kids. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-9-49) Jack and Mary Livingstone meet James Stewart at the Brown Derby where Jack tries to convince Jimmy to let him produce his next film. SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (12-9-49) Call Northside 777 starring James Stewart as a reporter who tries to prove a convicted killer innocent of murdering a police officer. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is Nostalgia Digest columnist and film historian BOB KOLOSOSKI who talks about the career of James Stewart who died July 2, 1997 at age 89. Rebroadcast: 10/4/17 – 10/10/17.
October 11th, 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1405: SIX SHOOTER (9-20-53) Jenny Carter starring James Stewart as Britt Ponsett in the first program of the series. Heading towards the town of Land Creek, Britt finds a wounded man and brings him to a cabin where a single woman lives by herself. KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (1-19-44) Kay Kyser, the old professor himself emcees a musical quiz program. IMAGINATION THEATRE (10-31-96) A trio of Twisted Tales is this series’ 1996 Halloween offering. 1. Scared to Death 2. Gaitor Girls 3. Revenge of the Pumpkin. BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (10-21-41) George is upset after being rejected by two insurance doctors. Gracie and her friends interrupt his peace and quiet. SUSPENSE (3-6-47) Elwood starring comedian Eddie Bracken in a straight dramatic role as a teen just out of high school who wants to do something big with his life. Rebroadcast: 10/11/17 – 10/17/17.
October 18th, 1997 – VARIETY OF PROGRAMS
PROGRAM 1406: On the eve of the 1997 Radio Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, we salute this year’s Network Pioneer inductee William Conrad as well as the other 1997 nominees Bing Crosby, Eddie Cantor and Kate Smith. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-10-45) The Andrews Sisters are Eddie’s guests. Eddie’s Lower East Side, New York, childhood is the subject of a sketch. KATE SMITH SHOW (1943) Kate Smith and producer Ted Collins welcome guests Veronica Lake and Abbott and Costello. Veronica appears in a scene from her picture The Hour before Dawn and Bud and Lou perform Who’s On First? SPECIAL GUEST is film critic and historian LEONARD MALTIN who joins us by phone from his home in Tocoula Lake, California to talk about his new book The Great American Broadcast – A Celebration of Radio’s Golden Age. GUNSMOKE (8-9-52) The Kentucky Tolmans starring William Conrad. A mountain girl asks Matt Dillon to protect her father. PHILCO RADIO TIME (10-16-46) Bing Crosby with guest Bob Hope in the first show of Bing’s transcribed series. They sing Put It There, Pal. Rebroadcast: 10/18/17 – 10/24/17.
October 25th, 1997 – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW
PROGRAM 1407: INNER SANCTUM (10-31-49) A Corpse for Halloween starring Larry Haines, Berry Kroeger and Mercedes McCambridge. A man responsible for the death of his buddies on an expedition is haunted by their ghosts on Halloween. HALL OF FANTASY (1953) The Hangman’s Rope. The story of Jack Catch, who held the job of executioner for the Crown for 23 years. And now he comes back to finish the job. LIGHTS OUT (1940s) The Dark is Arch Oboler’s Exercise in Horror about bodies being turned inside out. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-20-49) Harold Peary as Gildy, who has taken up crime detection as a hobby as he and nephew Leroy investigate a ghostly sound coming from a haunted house. SUSPENSE (11-1-45) The Dunwich Horror starring Ronald Colman in H. P. Lovecraft’s classic tale of horror and the unknown. ESCAPE (2-15-48) Ancient Sorceries starring Paul Frees in a chilling tale of the supernatural. You are alone in a remote village on the Welsh border, surrounded by silent townspeople who are watching and waiting for you to decide how to lose your soul. Today’s program will be presented on a special ghost-to-ghost network. And because this Halloween broadcast is too scary to do alone, Chuck will be joined by Ken Alexander – who is scary enough all by himself! Don’t miss it if you can. Rebroadcast: 10/25/17 – 10/31/17.
November 1st, 1997 – Double Feature
PROGRAM 1408: ROSA RIO ” WHEN A GIRL MARRIES (7-16-48) Isolated episode of the long-running daytime series, dedicated to everyone who has ever been in love. Rosa Rio apparently provides the organ theme music. BILL STERN SPORTS NEWSREEL (8-2-46) The fabled sportscaster and storyteller has boxing stories about John L. Sullivan and Jack Dempsey. Rosa Rio apparently provides organ accompaniment. FRONT PAGE FARRELL (7-2-48) Isolated episode of the daytime drama about a crack newspaperman and his wife. Apparently Rosa Rio at the organ. SPEAKING OF RADIO (4-12-97) In a phone conversation, Chuck Schaden talks with organist Rosa Rio in her home in Sun City, Florida as she talks about her career during the golden days of radio. ROSA RIO TIME (7-1-47) In this daily program, Rosa Rio plays the organ and piano at the same time, offering such selections as Humoresque and Stormy Weather. LORENZO JONES (4-30-45) The mayor pays a visit to the Jones’ residence in this isolated episode of the long-running daytime series. Apparently Rosa Rio provides the organ theme.
PLUS”
SECOND TIER RADIO COMEDIANS ” STARTIME (2-27-51) Jack Pearl stars as Baron Munchausen with Cliff Hall as Sharlie in a potpourri of melody and comedy a la carte. The Baron has written an opera and wants guests Ray Middleton and Mimi Benzelle to star in it. Audition program for a possible series. JOE PENNER SHOW (1938) Joe, a student at Huskies College, has been signed up by his roommate to join the college Glee Club. EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-24-45) Cantor stars with Bert Gordon, the Mad Russian. Eddie’s wife Ida wants a divorce and Cantor asks the Russian to help clear things. Rebroadcast: 11/1/17 – 11/7/17.
November 8th, 1997 – REMEMBERING ROBERT MITCHUM
PROGRAM 1409: SUSPENSE (4-10-48) Crossfire starring Robert Mitchum, Robert Ryan and Sam Levine in an unusual hour-long Suspense broadcast. An intolerant ex-soldier becomes a killer and leads police in a murderous chase. READER’S DIGEST RADIO EDITION (2-27-47) We Expected You at Dakar starring Robert Mitchum in a story of intrigue and danger¦ the true story of a young American agent at Casablanca during World War II. SUSPENSE (5-15-47) Death at Live Oak starring Robert Mitchum as a man accused of a crime he did not commit. OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be Nostalgia Digest columnist and film historian BOB KOLOSOSKI who will talk about the career of Robert Mitchum who died July 1, 1997 at age 79. NOTE: This TWTD broadcast also contains some audio clips from three Robert Mitchum films: Night of the Hunter, River of No Return and Thunder Road. Rebroadcast: 11/8/17 – 11/14/17.
November 15th, 1997 – A RADIO NOSE JOB
PROGRAM 1410: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-23-49) Jack recuperates at home after being in the hospital to have an obstruction removed from his nose. FAVORITE STORY (1940s) Cyrano deBergerac. Host Ronald Colman stars as Cyrano, renown for his nose, but longing for the love of a beautiful lady. JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (12-3-47) Guest Charles Boyer. The Schnozz auditions at Boyer’s repertory theatre and is persuaded to play the lead in a production of Cyrano deBergerac. FATHER KNOWS BEST (1950s) Robert Young stars. The Anderson household has a typical day until Jim’s client with a large nose arrives for dinner. DR. CHRISTIAN (1940s) The Norton Nose is a comedy about a young woman whose nose was injured in an accident when she was hit by a truck. Jean Hersholdt stars. THE ANGEL WITH THE COLD NOSE (1940s) Margaret O’Brien stars in a Christmas story as a young girl who befriends a tramp and his dog. Rebroadcast: 11/15/17 – 11/21/17.
November 22nd, 1997 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 1411: MEL BLANC SHOW (11-26-46) There’s a Thanksgiving party at Mel’s Fix-It Shop, but things aren’t going well for Mel. CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGTAPHER (11-26-48) Thanksgiving Holiday stars Staats Cotsworth as Casey, who plans a Thanksgiving outing, but decides to help a friend first. MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TIME (11-21-40) Dick Powell is emcee for this Thanksgiving Day broadcast featuring Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford as Baby Snooks and Daddy, Mary Martin, Meredith Willson and the orchestra, Don Wilson and guest Jack Benny, who wants to hold the premiere of his new movie, Love Thy Neighbor in Waukegan, Illinois. Daddy tells Snooks the story of the first Thanksgiving. PHILCO RADIO TIME (11-26-47) Bing Crosby stars with guest Frankie Laine. In a dramatic segment for Thanksgiving, Bing narrates the story of Lt. Philip Nolan, the man without a country. LIFE OF RILEY (11-29-48) William Bendix stars as Riley who invites neighbor Gillis and his family “and their turkey“ to Thanksgiving dinner. Mr. PRESIDENT (1949) Edward Arnold stars as the nation’s chief executive who is asked to declare a National Day of Thanksgiving. Rebroadcast: 11/22/17 – 11/28/17.
November 29th, 1997 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 1412: COUPLE NEXT DOOR (12-9-58) Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce star. She asks him to go to the post office to mail a Christmas gift to a relative in Alaska. SUSPENSE (12-17-61) Yuletide Miracle starring Larry Haines and Santos Ortega. A man on parole is moved by the spirit of Christmas to fulfill a dying boy’s wish. COUPLE NEXT DOOR (12-12-58) A practical Christmas gifts sparks rumors of poverty. CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (12-14-47) Edgar Bergen welcomes guest Gary Cooper. Charlie asks Cooper to play Santa Claus. SPEAKING OF RADIO (4-19-97) Peg Lynch, writer of Ethel and Albert and The Couple Next Door, recalls her career and tells how she gets ideas and develops scripts for her programs. This conversation with Chuck Schaden was recorded at the Cincinnati Old Time Radio Convention. COUPLE NEXT DOOR (12-23-58) Selecting a Christmas tree and decorating it. THE WHISTLER (12-24-50) Three Wise Guys features John Brown in a Damon Runyon story about the recovery of loot from a factory payroll job hidden in the town of Bethlehem. Rebroadcast: 11/29/17 – 12/5/17.
December 6th, 1997 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 1413: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-8-46) Jack is doing his Christmas shopping in a Beverly Hills department store and can’t make up his mind about the purchase of shoelaces – metal tips or plastic tips. This is the first program of Jack Benny’s legendary Christmas Shopping shows. IMAGINATION THEATRE (12-22-96) 1. Maybe there is a Santa Claus features detective Harry Niles searching for a lost war veteran during the Christmas season. 2. Macumber’s Miracle Tonic is a legend told b y an old department store Santa about a pioneer Christmas. COUPLE NEXT DOOR (12-24-58) Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce. Assembling Betsy’s doll house on Christmas Eve. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-21-54) Miracle on 34th Street starring Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. Macy’s Department Store Santa Claus is on trial to prove that he is the real Santa. CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (12-16-52) Barbed Wire Christmas starring Edmund O’Brien. A true Christmas story about 4,000 American prisoners of war in a German concentration camp in December, 1944. The POWs plan to attend a Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve even though it has been forbidden by the Gestapo. Rebroadcast: 12/6/17 – 12/12/17.
December 13th, 1997 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 1414: CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (12-25-48) Gene Autry hosts an all-star two-hour holiday special on CBS featuring Bing Crosby, Burns and Allen, Andrews Sisters, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Frank Nelson, Mitchell Boys Choir, Bob Sweeney and Hal March, Dan Dailey, Hedda Hopper, Dorothy Shay, Pat Buttram, and Lionel Barrymore appearing as Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. COUPLE NEXT DOOR (12-25-48) Opening presents on Christmas morning. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-15-46) After addressing Christmas cards, Jack goes to a rehearsal, then to the department store to exchange the shoelaces he bought last week. Rebroadcast: 12/13/17 – 12/19/17.
December 20th, 1997 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 1415: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (12-24-47) Guest is 11-year-old Margaret O’Brien. It’s Christmas Eve at Jimmy’s house when he and Margaret take a ride to the North Pole. GRAND CENTRAL STATION (12-19-51) Miracle for Christmas. This is the sixth annual presentation of the classic Christmas drama. A cynical ambulance driver and a mysterious doctor make their rounds of mercy on Christmas Eve. MEL BLANC SHOW (12-24-46) Mel can’t decide what to buy his girl- friend for Christmas. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-14-49) Harold Peary stars as Gildy. It’s Christmas time in Summerfield and Gildy has to buy an original gift for Miss Milford. He brings Christmas gifts for children in the hospital and reads the story, Why the Chimes Rang. BING CROSBY SHOW (12-20-53) It’s Bing’s traditional Christmas show. He sings Adestes Fideles in English and Latin; Jingle Bells; White Christmas; and Silent Night. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-23-47) Fibber has lost the keys to his hall closet – and they’re under three feet of snow! Teeney and the carolers sing ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Rebroadcast: 12/20/17 – 12/26/17.
December 27th, 1997 – SEASON’S GREETINGS
PROGRAM 1416: CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (12-26-54) It’s the day after Christmas and William Hopalong Cassidy Boyd visits Edgar Bergen and Company. Mortimer Snerd claims he saw Santa last night. Charlie tells Hoppy of a dream he had about Hoppy thwarting a reindeer strike. CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (12-25-47) Santa Claus of Bum Boulevard stars Statts Cotsworth as Casey. A stranger has made an annual event of handing out money on Hackett street (Bum Boulevard). LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-1-55) The Bishop’s Wife starring Cary Grant and Phyllis Thaxter with Les Tremayne. A Christmas fantasy about a suave angel who comes to earth to help a bishop and his wife raise money for a new church. COUPLE NEXT DOOR (12-29-58) Betsy finds a mysterious Christmas present still under the tree. RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE (12-25-49) ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Two reporters must find an unusual gift for the wife of their managing editor. Story by Paul Gallico. PHIL HARRIS – ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-26-48) It’s the day after Christmas and Phil is unhappy that he didn’t get a gift from his sponsor. Rebroadcast: 12/27/17 – 1/2/18.
January 3rd, 1998 – HAPPY NEW YEAR WITH GOOD OLD RADIO!
PROGRAM 1417: RED SKELTON SHOW (12-26-51) Red ap¬pears as Clem Kadiddlehopper as a tree salesman on the day after Christmas. Also: Junior the Mean Widdle Kid is working on his New Year’s resolutions. Lurene Tuttle, David Rose and the orchestra. Norge, CBS. (30:11) IMAGINATION THEATRE (12-29-96) A double feature movie for your mind. 1. Moving Day. The discovery of an old pair of spectacles brings back to life cherished times in an old house, in this New Year’s Eve comedy. (23:00) 2. The New Leaf. New Year’s Eve party-goers urge a doctor to tell their straight-laced friend he has only six months to live, just to see what he’ll do about it. (25:00) Syndicated. HENRY MORGAN SHOW (1-1-47) The co¬median does a sketch doing lines and music leftover from last year, plus a preview of 1947 and a Your Hit Parade spoof of songs most hated. Arnold Stang, Bernie Green and the orchestra. Eversharp, ABC. (23:41) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-30-52) Jim and Marian Jordan star with Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Brian, Dick LeGrand, Gil Stratton Jr., Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Fibber finally arranges an invitation to the New Year’s Eve Dance at the Country Club. Reynold’s Aluminum, NBC. (31:19) SUSPENSE (12-28-58) 32nd of December starring Frank Lovejoy as a man who buys an unusual antique clock with the ability to control time. Cast features Joan Banks, Barney Phillips, Sam Pierce, Norm Alden. Sustaining, CBS. (18:51) JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (12-31-47) Garry Moore substitutes for Jimmy who is in the hospital for repairs. Special guest is Red Skelton who, with Verna Felton, appear as Grandma and Junior, the Mean Widdle Kid who is to be the New Year Baby on New Year’s Eve. Peggy Lee, Candy Candido, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Rexall, NBC. (28:45). Rebroadcast: 1/3/2018 – 1/9/2018.
January 10th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1418: ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Girl on Shipwreck Island is a three-part Carlton E. Morse adventure starring David Ellis as Captain Friday. Part 1: Flying out of Saigon, Capt. Friday’s plane develops engine trouble and is forced to make an emergency landing on an island in the South Pacific. Syndicated. (24:40). HALLS OF IVY (5-21-52) Ronald and Bonita Colman star as Dr. and Mrs. William Todhunter Hall of Ivy College. The school’s mummy is missing. Voice of America rebroadcast. (26:02). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Girl on Shipwreck Island. Part 2: The Pirate is a Fighting Man. Syndicated. (25:10). JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (1-7-48) Bob Hope subs for Jimmy, still recuperating from surgery. The Road to Pismo Beach features Hope with Candy Candido in the Dorothy Lamour part and Victor Moore in the Crosby role. Also: Peggy Lee, Veola Vonn. Rexall, NBC. (28:30). ADVENTURES BY MORSE (1944) The Girl on Shipwreck Island Part 3: There is More About Gracie than Meets the Eye. Conclusion of the three-part series. Syndicated. (25:20). ONE NIGHT STAND #3544 (1953) Phil Spitalny and his All-Girl Orchestra in a remote broadcast from the Blue Room of the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, featuring Evelyn and her Magic Violin. Selections include South America, Take It Away, Blue Room, Ballerina, and Blue Tango. AFRS. (30:19). Rebroadcast: 1/10/2018 – 1/16/2018.
January 17th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1419: SUSPENSE (3-13-47) You Take Ballistics starring Howard DaSilva as a police detective, investigating a murder, who questions a suspect who has all the right answers. Cast includes Jack Webb. Roma Wines, CBS. (29:56). PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (10-24-48) When Alice complains about high household bills, Phil suggests buying beef in quantity. Cast features Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Gale Gordon, Robert North, Ann Whitfield, Jeanine Roos. Alice sings Buttons and Bows. Rexall, NBC. (28:31). HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (11-2-50) Mistress of the White House starring Teresa Wright as Dolly Madison, wife of the fourth president. Ted Osborne as James Madison. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29:03). DIMENSION X (5-6-50) Knock with Arnold Moss, Louis Van Rooten, Joan Alexander. The last man on earth finds himself in a zoo run by aliens. Sustaining, NBC. (29:10). JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (1-14-48) This week Frank Morgan subs for the recovering Jimmy. Cast includes Peggy Lee, Candy Candido, Dave Berry, Roy Bargy and the orchestra and guest Victor Moore. Morgan help Moore train for a fight with Joe Louis. Rexall, NBC. (29:25). RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (12-7-51) Dick Powell stars as the detective with a cast featuring Alan Reed, Virginia Gregg, Herb Ellis, Herb Butterfield. Diamond is involved in an automobile accident with a car that was used in a robbery. Camel Cigarettes, ABC. (26:40). Rebroadcast: 1/17/2018 – 1/23/2018.
January 24th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1420: MR. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (3-9-49) Murder a la Carte stars Jay Jostyn as Mr. District Attorney, Len Doyle as Harrington, and Vicki Vola as Miss Miller. A woman robber, who gets tips from the head waiter at a plush restaurant, doesn’t like it when her husband tells her to quit. Ipana, Sal Hepatica, Bufferin, NBC. (30:07). THEATRE FIVE (1960s) Ring of Evil starring Vicki Vola as a woman who continually receives frightening and obscene phone calls. Cast includes Roger DeKoven, Ann Costello, Elliott Reid, Hal Hackett. Announcer is Fred Foy. Syndicated, ABC. (21:02). JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (1-21-48) Al Jolson subs for Jimmy who is still recuperating, but expected back next week. Guest Victor Moore joins Al for a sketch, Captain Jolie’s Show Boat. Peggy Lee, Candy Candido, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Al sings Old Man River. Rexall, NBC. (29:25). LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE (11-20-40) An isolated episode of the long-running series starring Shirley Bell as Annie. Joe and Annie follow a woman who goes into the Black Cat Cafe. Announcer Pierre Andre with an offer for an initialed victory metal identification tag and chain. Ovaltine, MBS. (14:23). CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT 12-30-42) Isolated episode of a wartime adventure dealing with the destruction of a Nazi sub base. Ed Prentiss stars as Captain Midnight. Pierre Andre announces. Ovaltine, NBC BLUE. (15:00). ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1128-48) It’s another mix-up for Ozzie, the Ladies’ Man. Cast includes John Brown, Jack Kirkwood, Lurene Tuttle. Verne Smith announces. International Silver Co., NBC. (29:17). INNER SANCTUM (6-19-45) Dead Man’s Holiday starring Myron McCormick. After a train accident a man is unable to locate his wife who was sitting next to him. Continuing his search, he discovers a strange couple living in his home. Lipton Tea, CBS. (29:10). Rebroadcast: 1/24/2018 – 1/30/2018.
January 31st, 1998 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1421: THE WHISTLER (5-7-45) Accident According to Plan features Elliott Lewis. A man, jealous of a co-worker’s promotion, plans to kill him and make it look like an accident. Signal Oil Co., CBS. (30:00). LIFE WITH LUIGI (3-4-52) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco, with Alan Reed as Pasquale who threatens to sell the building that houses Luigi’s antique business unless Luigi marries Rosa. Announcer is Charles Lyons. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (29:46). DRAGNET (6-7-51) Jack Webb stars as Sgt. Joe Friday with Barton Yarborough as Ben Romero. A ten year old boy has been missing from his home for two days. Fatima Cigarettes, NBC. (26:15). STUDIO ONE (10-21-47) Singing Guns, starring Myron McCormick and Gary Merrill in a hard-fisted, hard-riding, hard-shooting adventure by Max Brand. A story about a sheriff and an outlaw and their strange friendship. Sustaining, CBS. (31:10; 28:30). JIMMY DURANTE SHOW 11-28-481 The Schnozzola himself is back after four weeks in the hospital! Guest Victor Moore joins regulars Peggy Lee, Candy Candido, Howard Petrie. Jimmy and Victor want to produce their own motion pictures. Rexall, NBC. (29:30). Rebroadcast: 1/31/2018 – 2/6/2018.
February 7th 1998 – JACK BENNY MONTH #1
PROGRAM 1422: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-14-51) Jack has written a song, When You Say ˜I Beg your Pardon,’ Then I’ll Come Back to You and he has a meeting with a music publisher. Featured are Mary Livingstone, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Sportsmen, Sheldon Leonard, Joe Kearns This is the first of eight related pro-grams dealing with Jack’s Song. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (27:15). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-31-33) An early show with Jack, Mary Livingstone, tenor James Melton, Frank Black and the orchestra, announcer Howard Claney. The cast does a parody of the Mae West film, She Done Him Wrong. Chevrolet, NBC. (28:02) QUIZ KIDS (7-21-46) From Chicago, Chief Quizzer Joe Kelly introduces Quiz Kids Patrick Conlon, Ruthie Duskin, Naomi Cooks, and Joel Kupperman. Harve Fishman is in Hollywood interviewing former Quiz Kid Vanessa Brown (Smylla Brind). Alka Seltzer, One-A-Day vitamins, ABC. (28:02). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-6-41) In preparation for an appearance on a Quiz Kids program, Jack invites Richard Williams, Claude Brenner, Joan Bishop and Gerard Darrow, the Quiz Kids, to battle his cast, known as the Jell-O Kids, with Jack acting as quizmaster. Jell-O, NBC. (29:33). BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (1-8-48) George and Gracie with guest Jack Benny. Gracie decides that George and Jack should team up to become the Gypsy Troubadours. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (29:52). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-21-51) Jack and the gang, plus Bea Benadaret and Sara Berner as Gertrude and Mable, the switchboard operators; Herb Vigran as the sound man; Elvia Allman, Frank Nelson, Lenny Kent. Second program in our Jack’s Song sequence. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (27:35). Rebroadcast: 2/7/2018 – 2/13/2018.
February 14th 1998 – JACK BENNY MONTH #2
PROGRAM 1423: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-28-51) Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Colman join Jack and the gang. The Sportsmen want to do a commercial based on Jack’s song, but Jack can’t find his copy of the sheet music. Jack’s Song #3. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. 126:55) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-13-41) Jack studies for his appearance on the Quiz Kids pro gram while three of the Kids ”Claude Brenner, Gerard Darrow and Richard Williams” are staying at Jack’s house. Jell-O, NBC. (29:30) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (1-9-49) Phil and Alice star with Elliott Lewis as Frankie Remley, Walter Tetley as Julius, Robert North as Alice’s brother Willy. Phil accidentally drops Willie’s engagement ring down the drain. Rexall, NBC. (29:01) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-18-34) Jack stars with Mary Livingstone, tenor Frank Parker and Don Bestor and the orchestra. Late for his broadcast, Jack takes a taxi ride to the stu dio. Later, singer Frank Parker invites Jack and Mary to his home to meet his family. General Tire, NBC. (18:46) SUSPENSE (6-2-52) A Good and Faithful Servant starring Jack Benny as a man who worked thirty years to prepare a most unusual retirement plan. AutoLite, CBS. (28:35) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-25-51) Polly the Parrot has learned how to play Jack’s song on the piano. When Jack and Mary go to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre to see Dennis Day’s new film, Golden Girl, they meet Dennis’ mother (Verna Felton) in the theatre. Jack’s Song #4. AFRS rebroadcast. (24:30). Rebroadcast: 2/14/2018 – 2/20/2018.
February 21st 1998 – JACK BENNY MONTH #3
PROGRAM 1424: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-9-51) Jack and the gang are in Palm Springs, California where their guest is actor Charles Farrell. The cast presents The Palm Springs Murder Mystery. Jack’s Song #5. AFRS rebroadcast. (25:13) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-24-38) Jack stars with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Don Wilson, singer Kenny Baker, Andy Devine and Sam Hearn (Schlepperman). The cast offers a musical version of Walt Disney’s Snow White called Snow White and the Seven Gangsters. Jell-O, NBC. (28:17) A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (1948) Dennis Day in his own show with Bea Benadaret, Barbara Eiler, John Brown, Dink Trout. Dennis tries to sell his idea for a radio show to local businessmen, who get the wrong idea. NBC. (25:23) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-20-41) Three Quiz Kids are still staying at Jack’s home, but he thinks he made a fool of himself when he appeared on their program. Jell-O, NBC. (30:00) PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-26-47) Bing Crosby welcomes guests Jack Benny and Mary Livingstone. Jack proposes that he, Bing and Mary team up for an act together. Philco, ABC. (29:32) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-20-52) Jack has invited his old friend George Burns to come on his show to sing Jack’s song. Regulars include Mary, Phil, Dennis, Don, Rochester. Jack’s Song #6. AFRS rebroadcast. (24:50). Rebroadcast: 2/21/2018 – 2/27/2018.
February 28th 1998 – JACK BENNY MONTH #4
PROGRAM 1425: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-17-52) After a New York publisher declines to publish Jack’s song, he dreams the New York Symphony Orchestra plays it at Carnegie Hall. Jack’s song #7. AFRS rebroadcast. (24:47). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-12-46) Broadcast from the Civic Opera House in Chicago with 3,724 people in the audience, Jack’s guests are Quiz Kids Harve Bennett Fishman, Joel Kupperman, Ruthie Duskin, and Richard Weixler. Jack invites the kids over for a quiz session with his regular gang, Mary, Phil, Rochester, Dennis, and Don. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (26:42). CAMPBELL PLAYHOUSE (3-24-40) June Moon starring Jack Benny in a radio version of the Broadway comedy by Ring Lardner and George S. Kaufman. Jack stars as a song writer from Schenectady who goes to the big city of New York to write a romantic hit. Orson Welles is host and producer of this series and the cast for this broadcast features Benny Rubin, Bea Benadaret, Lee Patrick, Virginia Gordon. Campbell Soup, CBS. (28:00; 30:30). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-8-45) Broadcast from Turney General Hospital in Palm Springs. Jack dreams that guest, actor William Powell is his butler. AFRS rebroadcast. (27:15). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-2-52) From Palm Springs, guests Frank Sinatra, George Burns, Groucho Marx and Danny Kaye form a quartet to sing Jack’s song, When You Say ˜I Beg Your Pardon’ Then I’ll Come Back to You. This is the eighth and last program in our sequence of Jack’s Song broadcasts. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (27:51). Rebroadcast: 2/28/2018 – 3/6/2018.
March 7th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1426: SUSPENSE (6-16-57) Trial By Jury starring Nancy Kelly with Parley Baer, Jerry Hausner, Lawrence Dobkin, Byron Kane, Shirley Mitchell and Kenny Delmar. A gambler, freed of a murder charge, blackmails his attorney. Sustaining, CBS. (25:46) FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-18-42) Actor Orson Welles and singer Benay Venuta join Fred and Portland Hoffa, Minerva Pious, John Brown, Alan Reed, Al Goodman and the orchestra. Announcer is Arthur Godfrey. Orson and Fred appear in a Welles’ production of Les Miserables. AFRS rebroadcast. (29:00) MR. AND MRS. NORTH 19-19-54) Operation Murder stars Richard Denning and Barbara Britton as Pam and Jerry North. A doctor is asked to guarantee that his patient will die. Sustaining, CBS. (29:09) X MINUS ONE (2-27-571 Real Gone starring Al Jazzbo Collins as himself, a radio disc jockey whose friend has developed a new art form. This drama is based on an idea by Collins. Sustaining, NBC. (22:16) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (4-23-46) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees of Wistful Vista, featuring Gale Gordon as Mayor LaTrivia, Bill Thompson as Wallace Wimple, Arthur Q. Brian as Doc Gamble, Bea Benadaret as Mrs. Carstairs, with Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. McGee picks up a book on how to live to be 150 so he starts on a health food kick. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29:25) SIX SHOOTER (9-20-53) Jenny Carver star-ring James Stewart as Britt Ponsett in the first program in the series. Heading towards the town of Land Creek, Britt finds a wounded man and brings him to a cabin where a single woman lives by herself. Colman Home Heaters, NBC. (29:00) Rescheduled from an earlier date. Rebroadcast: 3/7/2018 – 3/13/2018.
March 14th, 1998 – WE REMEMBER RED SKELTON
PROGRAM 1427: We remember one of the greatest comedians of The Golden Age of Radio – Red Skelton who passed away September 17th, 1997. You’ll hear Red Skelton in: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1-20-49) Fuller Brush Man starring Red Skelton and Janet Blair. A 1994 RADIO HALL OF FAME (11-6-94) excerpt in which Rich Little inducts Red Skelton into the Radio Hall of Fame. The RED SKELTON SHOW (2-11-51) in which The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire offers The Big Scare. The RED SKELTON AFTERSHOW (2-19-50) in which Red presents his aftershow for the studio audience. SUSPENSE (11-3-49) The Search for Isabel starring Red Skelton with Cathy Lewis. HONOR AMERICA DAY (7-4-70) Red Skelton offers his special version of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (4-12-42) Tight Shoes starring Red Skelton, Lucille Ball and George Tobias. Rebroadcast: 8/10/2011 – 8/17/2011, 3/14/2018 – 3/20/2018
March 21st, 1998 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1428: ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (1940s) The Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail Caper starring Howard Duff as Dashiell Hammett’s detective with Lurene Tuttle as his faithful secretary Effie Perrine. Spade vies with another private eye for a job at a charity affair. Wildroot Cream Oil, CBS. (28:08) OUR MISS BROOKS (9-10-50) Eve Arden is the Madison High School English teacher, with Dick Crenna as Walter Denton, Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin, and Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton. Rumors are flying as the fall semester begins. Colgate, Lustre Creme, CBS. (29:53) HOLLYWOOD STAR PLAYHOUSE (8-9-51) A Wonderful Disposition starring Deborah Kerr in a drama about a divorcee who meets a man at the airport who needs help with his luggage. Sustaining, ABC. (29:01) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1017-48) The Nelsons as themselves, with Tommy Bernard as David, Henry Blair as Ricky, John Brown as Thorny, and Janet Waldo as Emmy Lou. Ozzie gets tangled in a web of promises. International Silver, NBC. (29:09) BOB ELSON ON THE 20th CENTURY (1946) At Union Station in Chicago, home of the 20th Century Limited, one of the world’s great trains, Bob Elson interviews comedian Hugh Herbert, impressionist Dean Murphy, and Ice Capades skater Trixie Hershe. Krank’s Shave Kreem, Syndicated. (12:57) SUSPENSE (4-3-47) The Swift Rise of Eddie Albright starring Phil Silvers with Cathy Lewis. A lowly elevator operator with big plans suddenly finds himself mixed up with some unsavory characters in his building. Truman Bradley announces. Roma Wines, CBS. (31:00). Rebroadcast: 3/21/2018 – 3/27/2018
March 28th, 1998 – ORSON WELLES ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 1429: MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR (7-18-38) Treasure Island starring Orson Welles as Long John Silver and as Jim Hawkins who tells the classic Robert Louis Stevenson pirate adventure of the journey to an isle of hidden bounty. Cast includes Arthur Anderson, age 14, who appears as Jim Hawkins as a boy; George Colourus, Ray Collins, Alfred Shirley, Agnes Moorehead. Dan Seymour announces. Sustaining, CBS. (28:37; 33:57) BLACK MUSEUM (1952) Service Card starring Orson Welles with a tale from London’s warehouse of homicide¦ where everyday objects¦ are touched by murder. An automobile service card proves instrumental in solving a brutal murder. Sustaining, MBS. (25:03) CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (1945) Edgar Bergen stars with Charlie, Effie Klinker, Orson Welles, Joan Merrill, announcer Jim Ameche, Ray Noble and the orchestra, and guest John Robert Powers, head of the famous modeling agency. Welles, apparently a regular on the show, appears as an Irish judge; later looks fifty years into the future with Bergen. AFRS rebroadcast. (30:45) THIRD MAN (1950) Earl on Troubled Waters starring Orson Welles as adventurer Harry Lime who is offered a share of $30,000 if he can smuggle it out of the country. Zither music by Anton Karas. Syndicated. (24:55) SUSPENSE (9-2-42) The Hitchhiker starring Orson Welles in the classic Lucille Fletcher story about a man who makes a terrifying cross-country trip. Sustaining, CBS. (28:37) Rebroadcast: 3/28/2018 – 4/3/2018
April 4th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1430: ARCHIE ANDREWS (9-18-48) Bob Hastings stars as Archie with Harlan Stone as Jughead. A Sunday drive to Aunt Harriet’s house is plagued with automobile problems. Swift and Company, NBC. (27:55) KNICKERBOCKER PLAYHOUSE (1940s) Love on a Shoestring stars Barbara Luddy and Bob Bailey in a romantic comedy about a boy who meets a girl on a subway. Drene Shampoo, NBC. (30:00) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-1-46) Jim and Marian Jordan star in the first show of the new season. McGee is ill, so Doc Gamble (Arthur Q. Brian) prescribes a sure-fire cure. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29:27) PASSING PARADE (1936) Storyteller John Nesbitt presents the entertaining and dramatic side of the news, with stories about Adolph Hitler, Bette Davis, Col. Joseph Rickey. DuArt Co., NBC. (14:20) ARTHUR GODFREY’S ROUNDTABLE (7-2752) Arthur Godfrey presides over this weekend edition of his Monday thru Friday program, using selected excerpts from his morning shows. Featured are Jeanette Davis, Frank Parker, Julius LaRosa, Archie Blyer and the orchestra. Holland Furnace Co., CBS. (26:16) SUSPENSE (4-10-47) Community Property starring Kirk Douglas as a man who learns he is due to inherit $50,000 from an elderly relative. Cast includes Cathy Lewis and Joseph Kearns. Roma Wines, CBS. (29:37). Sustaining, CBS. (28:37). Rebroadcast: 4/4/2018 – 4/10/2018
April 11th, 1998 – REMEMBERING DANNY THOMAS
PROGRAM 1431: PHILCO RADIO HALL OF FAME (3-5-44) Excerpt featuring Danny Thomas who does a World War II routine about the draft notice he got from Uncle Sam. Danny is introduced by Deems Taylor. Philco Radios, NBC. (7:45) MAIL CALL #128 (1-31-45) Hostess June Allyson introduces Harriet Hilliard and Ozzie Nelson, Danny Thomas, Riders of the Purple Sage. Danny, introduced as a great new comedian, appears as postman Jerry Dingle. AFRS. (29:15) JOAN DAVIS TIME (1946) Guest Danny Thomas joins Joan and regulars Florence Halop, Lionel Stander and Jean VenderPyle. Joanie is looking for a manager for her tea room so that she can pursue a career for herself. Convinced that clothes make the career, she brings her wardrobe to tailor Danny. Ben Gage announces. Karl’s Shoe Stores, CBS. (31:45) SPEAKING OF RADIO (4-26-71) Danny Thomas talks about his show business career, including his days in radio, in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded backstage at the Mill Run Theatre in Niles, Illinois. (14:35) DRENE TIME (2-23-47) Frances Langford, Don Ameche and Danny Thomas star. Don and Danny answer listeners’ requests for Danny to sing a serious song. Don and Frances appear as The Bickerson’s in a sketch which features Danny as Blanche’s brother Amos. Carmen Dragon and the orchestra. Drene Shampoo, NBC. (28:37) PHILCO RADIO TIME (12-31-47) Bing Crosby welcomes guest Danny Thomas for this New Year’s Eve broadcast. Danny fantasizes that he’s a big movie producer: I’m Metro Goldwyn Thomas! Bing sings Let’s Start the New Year Right and Civilization. Philco Radios, ABC. (29:22). Rebroadcast: 4/11/2018 – 4/17/2018
April 18th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1432: SUSPENSE (4-17-47) Green-Eyed Monster starring Lloyd Nolan with Cathy Lewis. A man steals his own car, then murders his wife and stuffs her body in the trunk of the stolen automobile. Roma Wines, CBS. (29:26) LAND OF THE LOST (1948) Hall of Lost Lamps featuring Isabel Manning Hewson with a story about Red Lantern, the wise, talking fish and that wonderful kingdom at the bottom of the sea where all things lost find their way¦ The children meet the blind triton who needs a piece of magic amber to regain his sight. Bosco, ABC. (25:06) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (8-26-48) State Fair with Barbara Eiler, Tony Barrett, Barbara Fuller, Earle Ross, Sam Edwards and Peter Leeds in the story of an Iowa farm family encountering various adventures and romantic mix-ups while attending the annual State Fair. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29:12) FRONTIER GENTLEMAN (11-2-58) Nasty People. John Dehner stars as J. B. Kendall, reporter for The London Times, giving ¦an Englishman’s account of life and death in the West. On a rainy night in Kansas, Kendall is warned against staying with some unusual people. Multiple sponsors, CBS. (23:02) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-12-481 Frankie Remley (Elliott Lewis) is pressed into service when Phil promises to provide a sitter for Mr. Scott’s baby. Gale Gordon is Scott; Walter Tetley is Julius. Alice sings Down Among the Sheltering Palms. Rexall, NBC. (28:31) ADVENTURES OF ELLERY QUEEN (3-27-43) Adventure of the Circus Train stars Hugh Marlowe as Ellery with Marion Shockley as Nikki. A circus fortune teller attempts to identify a murderer on a moving train. Bromo Seltzer, NBC. (28:05). Rebroadcast: 4/18/2018 – 4/24/2018
April 25th, 1998 – 28th ANNIVERSARY SHOW
PROGRAM 1433: As we celebrate our twenty-eighth broadcast anniversary today, we’ll express thanks to our listeners by saluting some of Chicago’s radio favorites: TWO TON BAKER (8-1-47) Dick Two Ton Baker, the Music Maker sings Ragtime Cowboy Joe, and Bloop Bleep. Sustaining, WGN-Mutual. (14:25) SPEAKING OF RADIO (5-27-72) Dick Two Ton Baker talks about his broadcast career in a telephone conversation with Chuck Schaden. WLTD, Evanston. (16:30) MUSIC FROM THE ARAGON (2-8-64) Wayne King and his orchestra and Franklyn MacCormack in the final broadcast from the closing weekend of Chicago’s Aragon Ballroom. King presents a medley of songs of famous bandleaders who played the Aragon over the years.MacCormack and King offer Melody of Love. Announcer is Cliff Mercer. Sustaining, WGN Chicago. (28:10; 26:00) SPEAKING OF RADIO (6-21-85) Veteran Chicago broadcaster Tommy Bartlett talks about his radio career at WBBM and of his network program Welcome Travelers in a conversation with Chuck Schaden. (15:25; 10:50; 14:25; 11:30) MUSIC ˜TIL DAWN (10-25-60) Excerpt from Jay Andre’s popular all-night show. American Airlines, WBBM Chicago. (8:00) ART HELLYER SHOW (11-14-55) Excerpt from Art’s morning program during which he plays records and we hear those zany voices, sounds, Howie Roberts and the news and a stack of commercials! WCFL Chicago. (26:30) Rebroadcast: 4/25/2018 – 5/1/2018
May 2nd, 1998 – BOB HOPE MONTH PART 1
PROGRAM 1434: BOB HOPE SHOW (3-16-48) Guest Fred Astaire and Bob recreate their days as starving vaudevillians in this broadcast from Woodland Hills, California with comics Jerry Colonna and Vera Vague (Barbara Jo Allen, the mayor of Woodland Hills), singer Trudy Irwin, and Les Brown and his Band of Renown. Pepsodent, NBC. (30:00). HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (10-7-48) Elmer the Great starring Bob Hope in the Ring Lardner story about a home-run hitting baseball player. James Hilton is host. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (28:06). COMMAND PERFORMANCE #179 (6-14-45) Hostess Ann Rutherford presents Bob Hope, Alan Ladd, Gloria DeHaven, Jerry Colonna, King Sisters, Chu Chu Martinez. It’s suppressed desires night on Command Performance and Hope wants to be Lauren Bacall; Ladd wants to be Betty Grable; Rutherford wants to be Gary Cooper; DeHaven wants to be Bob Hope! AFRS. (30:00). BOB HOPE INTERVIEW (6-26-46) Chicago broadcaster June Merrill interviews Bob Hope who is in town to appear at the Chicago Coliseum in a benefit performance for LaRabida Sanatorium. WJJD, Chicago. (8:42). LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-5-43) The Road to Morocco starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Ginny Simms in a radio version of the 1942 Paramount film. Bing sells Bob to a slave trader in mysterious Morocco. Hope and Crosby recreate their original roles in this version of their third Road picture and together they sing Road to Morocco. Cast includes Verna Felton, Janet Waldo, Denis Green. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Lux Soap, CBS/AFRS. (17:20; 24:45; 13:30). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-17-55) Guest Bob Hope joins Jack and the regulars, Mary Livingstone, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Bob Crosby, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Sportsmen, Mel Blanc, Joe Kearns. Jack and Bob go out on a picnic with the CBS telephone operators Gertrude and Mable (Bea Benadaret and Shirley Mitchell). Lucky Strike, CBS. (26:30). Rebroadcast: 5/2/2023 – 5/9/2023
May 9th, 1998 – BOB HOPE MONTH PART 2
PROGRAM 1435: SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (2-23-40) Altar Bound starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Betty Grable in a screwball comedy about two pals, down on their luck, who agree to stop a wedding in progress in order to earn $100. Cast includes Howard Duff, Hans Conried. Gulf Oil Co., CBS. (31:00). BOB HOPE SHOW (1-29-46) Old Ski Nose stars with Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra, Frances Langford, Jerry Colonna, Mel Blanc, announcer Wendell Niles, and guest Frank Si natra. Hope’s monolog is laced with lots of Palm Springs jokes and skinny Sinatra gags. Sketch: Life of Frank Sinatra” a Chilling Ghost Story. AFRS rebroadcast. (30:00) Note: Bob is a guest on Frankie’s show next week on TWTD. ANDREWS SISTERS SHOW (3-25-451 Patty, Maxine and LaVerne welcome guest Bob Hope to their Eight-To-The-Bar Ranch. Regulars include George Gabby Hayes, announcer Marvin Miller, Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage, Vic Schoen and the orchestra. Gabby introduces a sketch about the Gilded Cage Saloon run by the Andrews Sisters and Hope. AFRS rebroadcast. (28:30). LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-10-51) The Lemon Drop Kid starring Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in their original screen roles from the 1951 film based on the Damon Runyon story. Bob is a small-time race track tout in debt to the mob for $10,000. Bob and Marilyn sing Silver Bells. Cast includes Verna Felton, Jack Krushin, William Conrad, Leif Ericson, Ted DiCorsia, Ed Max. William Keighley is host. Lux Soap, CBS. (17:57; 21:04; 19:27). MAIL CALL (1944) Unedited version of sketch from transcription disc made prior to broadcast. Bob Hope, Betty Grable, Humphrey Bogart, and Don Wilson in a sketch based on Hope’s film, The Princess and the Pirate. Recorded before a studio audience. (8:37). MAIL CALL (1944) Skipper Jane Nye, a 20th Century Fox starlet, introduces the King Sisters, Betty Grable, Dick Haymes, Bob Hope, Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Maxwell, Ken Murray. Featured sketch is a condensed version of Hope’s film The Princess and the Pirate. Note: This is the final, edited version used for broadcast. AFRS. (27:28). Rebroadcast: 5/10/2023 – 5/16/2023
May 16th, 1998 – BOB HOPE MONTH PART 3
PROGRAM 1436: COMMAND PERFORMANCE #154 (12-16-44) Bing Crosby and Bob Hope serve as co-emcees to introduce the Andrews Sisters (singing Rum and Coca-Cola), Stan Kenton and Anita O’Day (with Kisses Flow Like Wine), and actress Lauren Bacall, whom both Bing and Bob want to date. AFRS. (29:11). FRANK SINATRA SHOW (2-6-46) Frank welcomes guest Bob Hope (on whose program Sinatra appeared last week) plus regulars the Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra, announcer Marvin Miller. Lots of songs by Sinatra and lots of Hope’s wisecracks at Frankie’s expense. Together they sing These Foolish Things. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (27:47). ACADEMY AWARDS (1945) From Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Bob Hope emcees the 17th annual Academy Awards ceremonies. The broadcast includes Hope’s monolog, awards for Best Song, Best Director, Best Picture, Best supporting Actor and Actress, Best Actor and Actress. Scenes from the films are being shown in the theatre while the soundtracks are being broadcast. Also: Thalberg Award and Special Award winners. Sustaining, BLUE/ABC. (22:48; 15:41; 28:31). BOB HOPE SHOW (1952) Guest Jack Benny joins Bob and Margaret Whiting, Les Brown and his Band of Renown, announcer Bill Goodwin, and Veola Vonn. Margaret sings Why Don’t You Believe Me. Jack takes Bing Crosby’s part in a dramatization of the Road to Bali. AFRS rebroadcast. (22:53). SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (3-3-50) The Paleface starring Bob Hope and Jane Russell who repeat their original screen roles in the radio version of their 1948 Paramount film. Hope is Painless Peter Potter, a dentist in the rootin’, tootin’, shootin’ Old West with Jane as sharpshooting Calamity Jane. Bob sings Buttons and Bows, the Oscar-winning song from the picture. Announcer is Jimmy Wallington. RCA Victor, NBC. (30:45). Rebroadcast: 5/17/2023 – 5/23/2023
May 23rd, 1998 – BOB HOPE MONTH PART 4
PROGRAM 1437: BOB HOPE SHOW (4-8-47) From the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Bob welcomes guest Al Jolson who recalls Hope’s days as a bell-hop trying to break into show business. Regulars include Jerry Colonna, Vera Vague, announcer Wendell Niles. Pepsodent, NBC. (28:27) BREAKFAST CLUB (4-28-58) Excerpt as host Don McNeill introduces guest Bob Hope who answers questions from the Breakfast Club audience. ABC. (22:40) LUX RADIO THEATRE (1-8-45) I Never Left Home, a radio dramatization of Bob Hope’s book based on his personal experiences entertaining servicemen overseas during World War II. Host Cecil B. DeMille introduces Bob, Frances Langford, Jerry Colonna and Tony Romano, all from Hope’s tours. Cast also in-cludes Howard McNear, Eddie Marr, Ken Christy. An unusual program for this series which usually offers radio versions of movies. Lux Soap, CBS. (18:03; 16:57; 25:35) WELCOME BACK BASEBALL (1950) Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour in a special program to welcome the new baseball season with lots of typical Hope-Crosby-Lam-our comedy and songs. Ken Carpenter announces. John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Ralph Kiner of the Pittsburgh Pirates ap-pears. Wheaties, CBS. (27:55) SUSPENSE (5-5-49) Death Has a Shadow starring Bob Hope with William Conrad and Elliott Lewis. After a lawyer’s wife is murdered, he fears the killer is coming after him. AutoLite, CBS. (29:05). Rebroadcast: 5/24/2023 – 5/30/2023
May 30th, 1998 – BOB HOPE MONTH PART 5
PROGRAM 1438: LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-14-47) Monsieur Beaucaire starring Bob Hope and Joan Caulfield in their original screen roles in the radio version of Paramount’s 1946 screen comedy based on the Booth Tarkington novel. Hope is a barber in the reign of Louis XV who exchanges identities with a duke for political purposes. Host is William Keighley. AFRS re-broadcast. (15:16; 15:30; 19:50). PHILCO RADIO TIME (6-18-47) Bob Hope and golfer Jimmy Demaret join Bing in New York for the last show of Crosby’s first season for Philco. Bob tries to convince Bing to go to South America. John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, announcer Glenn Riggs. Philco Radios, ABC. (30:00). COMMAND PERFORMANCE #195 (10-11-451 Ralph Edwards is emcee for a request show presenting a special version of Truth or Con-sequences. Joining in the fun are Connie Haines, William Frawley, Edgar Kennedy, and Bob Hope who, dressed as a woman, helps with a consequence. AFRS. (29:14). SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (4-3-49) The Ghost Breakers starring Bob Hope in a radio version of his 1940 film about a trip to Cuba to investigate an eerie mansion. Cast includes Shirley Mitchell and Sheldon Leonard. Sustaining, NBC. (30:00). BOB HOPE SHOW (3-13-49) Bob’s guest is Fred Allen who joins in a sketch about Arthur Hopefry’s Talent Scouts. Regulars include Doris Day, Hy Averback, Jack Kirkwood, Irene Ryan, Les Brown and his Band of Renown. Lux Soap, Spry, NBC. (29:51). Rebroadcast: 5/31/2023 – 6/6/2023
June 6th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1439: SUSPENSE (4-24-47) Win, Place and Murder starring Richard Conte as a detective accused of murdering a bookie. Roma Wines, CBS. (29:17). SPEAKING OF RADIO (5-6-72) Ned Locke, who starred on radio in Uncle Ned’s Squadron and Eloise Kummer, actress who appeared in many daytime dramas, including Guiding Light talk with Chuck Schaden about their broadcast careers in this excerpt from Those Were The Days. WLTD, Evanston. (22:12; 5:36; 17:13; 9:34). UNCLE NED’S SQUADRON (2-17-51) Ned Locke stars in this Saturday morning kids’ show keyed towards aircraft and fliers. Hugh Downs stands by in the Ready Room. Sustaining, WMAQ, Chicago. (29:20). GUIDING LIGHT (10-28-43) Isolated episode of the long-running (1937-1956) daytime drama. Eloise Kummer appears as Clair Marshall. Announcer is Ed Prentiss. General Mills, NBC. (9:34). FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-21-45) Frank Sinatra joins Fred, Portland Hoffa, DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and the orchestra. The Allen’s Alley question is How can we solve the nation’s traffic problem? Fred and Frank sing Hillbilly-style in a Barn Dance spoof. Tenderleaf Tea, Blue Bonnet Margarine, NBC. (27:00). Rebroadcast: 6/7/2023 – 6/13/2023
June 13th, 1998 – SPOTLIGHT ON SOUND EFFECTS
PROGRAM 1440: NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (9-9-45) The Talking Tree starring Lon Clark as Nick, Charlotte Manson as Patsy. To solve this mystery, Nick Carter tries to tie together two murders, a missing map, and a mysterious talking tree. Sound effects by Barney Beck. Lin-X Home Products, MBS. (29:48). SPEAKING OF RADIO (4-19-97) Barney Beck, veteran radio sound effects man, (who worked on the Mutual Broadcasting System from 1946-1989) talks about his career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden at the 1997 Cincinatti Old Time Radio Convention. (31:15). BOBBY BENSON AND THE B BAR B RIDERS (8-15-50) The Three Wise Monkeys hold clues to an estate left for three cousins. Sound effects by Barney Beck. Sustaining, MBS. (28:50). THE SHADOW (11-11-45) Spider Boy stars Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston with Lesley Woods as the lovely Margo Lane. A lonely young man who weaves cloth for a living decides to weave a web strong enough to capture a friend. Sound effects by Barney Beck. MBS. (23:57). ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (3-28-46) Final episode in the Dragon’s Teeth series. Lois Lane, kidnapped by Nazi agents, is rescued by the Man of Steel. Sound effects by Barney Beck. Kellogg’s Pep, MBS. (14:25). MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (12-2-46) The Man Who Died Yesterday with Stuart Grody and Mandel Kramer. A man who was born on a ship while it passed the International Date Line has the ability to see 24 hours into the future. Sound effects by Barney Beck. Sustaining, MBS. (25:48). . Rebroadcast: 6/14/2023 – 6/20/2023
June 20th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1441: SUSPENSE (5-1-47) Lady in Distress starring Ava Gardner as a woman who picks up a hitch-hiker who has just escaped from prison. Cast includes Howard Duff and Joe Kearns. Announcer is Truman Bradley. Roma Wines, CBS. (28:25). LASSIE (9-18-48) Lost Dog. Marvin Miller tells the story of Laddie, a scotch collie (played by Lassie) who gets lost¦ and then found. Story is introduced by Rudd Weatherwax, Lassie’s owner and trainer. Red Heart Dog Food, NBC. (14:20). PHIL HARRIS ”ALICE FAYE SHOW (1-2-49) Phil gets a draft notice from the government. Elliott Lewis is Frankie Remley. Cast features Walter Tetley, Robert North, Alan Reed. Alice sings I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm. Rexall, NBC. (29:17). THOSE WERE THE DAYS (3-8-75) Excerpt. John V. Leigh, former principal of James Giles Elementary School in Norridge, Illinois reminisces about school days in the 1940s with one of his former students, Charles Schaden. WLTD, Evanston. (29:27; 12:20). FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (4-2-46) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the residents of Wistful Vista. McGee has a great invention: a device to eject the automobile ignition key when you shut the motor off. Cast includes Arthur Q. Brian (Doc Gamble), Bea Benadaret (Mrs. Carstairs), Bill Thompson (Horatio K. Boomer), Gale Gordon (Mayor LaTrivia) and Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29:30). CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (5-30-43) Mr. Lincoln’s Wife starring Helen Hayes in the personal story of Mary Todd Lincoln. Clayton Collyer narrates. Don Voorhees and the orchestra. duPont, NBC. (29:15). Sustaining, MBS. (25:48). Rebroadcast: 6/21/2023 – 6/27/2023
June 27th, 1998 – OLD TIME (CHICAGO) RADIO
PROGRAM 1442: HOWARD MILLER SHOW (10-29-55) The Chicago disc jockey interviews Liberace who is in town at the Chicago Theatre for the premiere of his new film Sincerely Yours. Wrigley’s Gum, WBBM/CBS. (14:30). AUNT RITA’S CHILDREN’S HOUR (7-27-48) Excerpt. For the kids in their listening audience, Aunt Rita Ascot and Uncle Jack Brinkley read the Sunday newspaper funnies, including Joe Palooka, Mickey Finn, The Captain and the Kids. WLS, Chicago. (19:15). HERE’S NORMAN ROSS (9-2-49) Excerpt. Music on records with the popular radio personality. Bubbulated Fazt, WMAQ, Chicago. (16:15). GOLD COAST RHYTHM (6-30-48) George Venebles and Jack Sexton with a mystery spoof without Peter Lorre! Commercials are woven into the storyline. WBBM, Chicago. (14:56). SKELLY NEWS (3-5-46) Alex Drier from Chicago with the first network news commentary of the day. Drier speculates that if a visitor from another planet comes to Earth and reads the front page of the Chicago Sun,¦he would be expected to draw the conclusion that the world was going crazy, was crazy, or was about to initiate another global war. Skelly Oil Co., WMAQ/NBC, Chicago. (14:28). THE NORTHERNERS (1-4-54) Richard Shores conducts the orchestra and chorus in A Panorama of Winter on this first commercial broadcast in stereophonic sound (via simulcast on AM and FM in Chicago). Guest Charlton Heston reads excerpts from The Cruel Sea. Musical selections include The Sleigh, Ebb Tide, Beyond the Sea and Song of Norway. Announcer is John Weigel. Northern Trust Company of Chicago, WMAQ/ NBC. (29:00). MASTER RADIO CANARIES (1940s) Musical selections for the birds as canaries Sonny Boy and Frankie are joined by Gloria, our lovely organist and Gene with his romantic violin. Jess Kirkpatrick announces. Hartz Mountain Pet Food, WGN/MBS. (13:19). EDDIE HUBBARD SHOW (4-1-50) The popular disc jockey puts aside the platters to present a program of music and patter before a studio audience. Eddie, with his ukelele, sings Three Little Words, Candy and Cake, and Ukelele Style. WIND,Chicago. (17:37). CALLING ALL DETECTIVES (9-11-47) Paul Barnes plays private detective Jerry Browning and all the other characters in this mystery-quiz program during which listeners are invited to answer a question about the story to win a cash prize. Announcer is Jack Callahan. Sealy Mattress Co., WGN, Chicago. (14:16). 11:60 CLUB 110-13-48) Excerpt. Dave Garroway plays records and offers low-key comments to listeners who tune in at midnight (11:60). Participating sponsors, WMAQ, Chicago. (Approx. 15:00). Rebroadcast: 6/28/2023 – 7/4/2023
July 4th, 1998 – INDEPENDENCE DAY 50 YEARS AGO
PROGRAM 1443: YOU ARE THERE (7-4-48) Philadelphia, July 4, 1776 offers coverage of the final debate on the Declaration of Independence and the vote of the American colonies. Reporting are John Daly, Ken Roberts, Maj. John Fielding Elliott, Ned Calmer, Bud Collier. Sustaining, CBS. (27:06). TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT (7-4-48) Garry Moore presents the quiz show with the $64 Ques-tion. Members of the radio studio audience try to answer questions about animal names in sports, plays with famous stars, ladies names in song titles, and presidential nicknames. The Jackpot Question is worth $640. Cookie Fairchild and the orchestra, announcer Ken Niles. Eversharp, NBC. (30:34). QUIZ KIDS (7-4-48) Chief Quizzer Joe Kelly has some topical questions about the Fourth of July for kids Joel Kupperman, Lonny Lunde, Rennie Templeton, Nancy McLeary, and Nannette Hexler. Alka Seltzer, NBC. (28:23). ROBERT TROUT AND THE NEWS (7-4-48) News items concerning Marshall Tito of Yugo¬slavia; United Nations terms for permanent peace between the Arabs and Jews; a burgulary in Paris; politics in the United States; and a great baseball inning for the Boston Red Sox. Pillsbury, NBC. 14:38). LIVING ” 1948 (7-4-48) Ben Grauer presents a Self Portrait of the United States on Inde-pendence Day. A drama-document about the typical American in 1948 as revealed by many years of poll-taking by the American Institute of Public Opinion and Dr. George Gallop, its president. Sustaining, NBC. (24:51). SHEAFFER PARADE (7-4-48) Eddy Howard and his orchestra present an Independence Day salute to the good old USA. Selections in-clude Down By the 0-H-I-0, Missouri Waltz, America the Beautiful, and You’re a Grand Old Flag. Cleve Kirby announces. Sheaffer Pen Co., NBC. (29:50). ESCAPE (7-4-48) A Tooth for Paul Revere by Steven Vincent Benet. You are spurring a lathered horse through darkened streets, trapped by two hostile armies, with a kit of magic in your pocket and the American revolution in the balance. Cast features Harry Bartell as Large Butterwick, Parley Baer as Paul Revere, Barry Kroeger as narrator. William Conrad announces. Sustaining, CBS. (28:25). Rebroadcast: 7/5/2023 – 7/11/2023
July 11th, 1998 – REMEMBERING BURGESS MEREDITH
PROGRAM 1444: EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-5-45) Cantor prepares for a confrontation with actor Burgess Meredith after Eddie was seen with Burgess’ wife, Paulette Goddard. Cast includes Bert Gordon, the Mad Russian, Thelma Carpenter, Leonard Seuss and the orchestra. Announcer is Kenny Delmar. Sal Hepatica, Trushay, NBC. (28:24). RUDY VALLEE SHOW (2-1 1-37) Excerpt. Rudy introduces guest Burgess Meredith who appears in a scene from his current Broadway stage success, Maxwell Anderson’s High Tor. NBC. (12:50). THEATRE GUILD ON THE AIR (5-8-49) Of Mice and Men starring Burgess Meredith and June Havoc with George Matthews and John Hamilton. Radio version of John Steinbeck’s morality tale about George Milton, a migrant worker, and Lenny Small, his feeble-minded pal who try to live peacefully on a ranch. Roger Prior hosts. U.S. Steel Corporation, ABC. (21:25; 18:14; 15:52). JUST ENTERTAINMENT (4-15-56) Variety show from Chicago with host Burgess Meredith, Felicia Sanders, Somethin’ Smith and the Redheads, and Melvin Douglas, all currently appearing in Chicago. Cesar Petrillo and the orchestra. Wrigley Gum, CBS. (23:44). READER’S DIGEST RADIO EDITION (5-13-48) A Hound Dog Man starring Burgess Meredith in a rip-snortin’, blood-chilling, red-blooded story from real life about a Texas wolf hunt. Announcer is Jay Jackson. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29:18). BURGESS MEREDITH READS (Unknown) There Shall Come Soft Rains. Burgess Meredith tells the futuristic story of a futuristic house with no living inhabitants. The voice clock announces, ˜Today is August 4, 2026 in the city of Allendale, California.” (17:20). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is Nostalgia Digest columnist and film historian BOB KOLOSOSKI who will join us for a look at the stage and screen career of BURGESS MEREDITH, who died September 9, 1997 at the age of 89. Rebroadcast: 7/12/2023 – 7/18/2023
July 18th, 1998 – RADIO’S BIG BAND SOUND
PROGRAM 1445: CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (727-40) Remote broadcast from the Outdoor Gardens of Frank Dailey’s Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. The Hi-De-Ho Man presents Limehouse Blues, I Can’t Resist you, Boog It, and Cupid’s Nightmare. Vocals by Cab and the boys in the band. Bill Abernathy announces. Sustaining, NBC. (29:30). NBC BANDSTAND (11-1-56) Excerpt starring emcee Bert Parks and featuring Shep Fields and his Rippling Rhythm. Vocals by Jackie Austin and guest star Johnny Desmond. Selections include I Get a Kick Out of You, Tiptoe Thru the Tulips, September in the Rain, and a mambo medley. Various sponsors, NBC. (21:05). CHESTERFIELD MOONLIGHT SERENADE (124-40) Glenn Miller and the rochestra with vocals by Marian Hutton and Ray Eberle. Tunes include a something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue medley, plus Long Time No See, Baby and Limehouse Blues. Chesterfield, CBS. (13:35). EDDY HOWARD AND HIS ORCHESTRA (125-45) Remote broadcast from the far-famed Aragon Ballroom, Lawrence and Broadway, on the North Side of Chicago. Vocals by Eddy Howard and Kenny Myers. Selections include Thou Swell, Old Fashioned Love, Ragtime Cowboy Joe. Sustaining, MBS/WGN. (25:00). NBC BANDSTAND (1 1-13-56) Excerpt starring Bert Parks whose guests are singer Julius LaRosa and Les Brown and his Band of Renown. Julius sings I Got Rhythm, and the band plays Ramona, Canadian Sunset, Ridin’ High. Band vocals by JoAnn Greer and Butch Stone. NBC Radio and TV. (20:15). FITCH BANDWAGON (5-23-42) Excerpt from Hollywood with Bob Crosby and his orchestra as guest band of the week. Music includes Jersey Bounce, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree, and Smoky Mary. Vocals by Bob Crosby. Host is Tobe Reed, announcer is Dresser Dahlstead. Fitch Shampoo, NBC. (16:30). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian and Nostalgia Digest contributor Karl Pearson who will talk about the bands and the era from whence they came. Rebroadcast: 7/19/2023 – 7/25/2023
July 25th, 1998 – REMEMBERING DEANNA DURBIN
PROGRAM 1446: LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-18-38) Mad About Music starring Deanna Durbin in the radio ver-sion of her 1938 Universal film. Joining Deanna (age 15) are other members of the original screen cast: Herbert Marshall, Gail Patrick, William Frawley, Jackie Moran. A comedy with music about a spirited American girl in a Swiss boarding school, neglected by her mother, so she creates a make-believe father. Deanna sings Ave Maria, Chapel Bells, and Serenade to the Stars. Guest host is Walter Huston, announcer is Melville Ruick. Lux Soap, CBS. (23:20; 12:34; 22:37) COMMAND PERFORMANCE #140 (9-30-44) Deanna Durbin is hostess for this variety show featuring Jack Benny, James Cagney, Ginger Rogers, Martha Tilton, and Tommy Dorsey and the orchestra featuring Ziggy Elman, Lionel Hampton, Les Paul and Buddy Rich. Don Wilson announces. AFRS. (28:25). TEXACO TOWN (1-3-37) Eddie Cantor stars with guest Al Jolson, plus regulars Deanna Durbin, Harry Einstein as Parkyakarkus, Sidney Fields, Jacques Rennard and the orchestra, announcer James Wallington. Deanna (age 141 sings Kiss Me Again. Cantor sings Mammy, Jolson sings Margie and Eddie and Al join up for Dinah. Texaco, CBS. (28:20). LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-7-44) His Butler’s Sister starring Deanna Durbin who repeats her screen role in the radio version of her 1943 Universal film. Co-stars are Pat O’Brien (also from the film) and Robert Paige. Cecil B. DeMille hosts this comedy about a hopeful singing star who tries to get an audition with a noted theatrical impressario. Deanna (age 22) sings Embraceable You and In the Spirit of the Moment. Lux Soap, CBS. (18:42; 18:20; 19:00). Rebroadcast: 7/26/2023 – 8/1/2023
August 1st, 1998 – FRANK SINATRA’S RADIO DAYS
PROGRAM 1447: SONGS BY SINATRA (12-12-45) Frank celebrates his 30th birthday on this program from New York after a lengthy nine-week personal appearance stay at the Paramount Theatre. Featured are June Hutton, Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. The Voice sings It Might as Well be Spring, Button Up Your Overcoat, and Old Man River. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (26:27) ROCKY FORTUNE (1953) Frank Sinatra stars as Rocky, a footloose and fancy-free young man who gets a job as a companion to a monkey! Cast includes Herb Vigran, Barney Phillips. Sustaining, NBC/AFRTS. (24:25). SONGS BY SINATRA (10-24-45) Frank’s old boss Tommy Dorsey is guest for some memories and music, including a medley of Sinatra/ Dorsey hits. Frank sings I’ll Buy That Dream, Without a Song and I’ll Never Smile Again. Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (28:50). READER’S DIGEST RADIO EDITION (12-1946) Room For a Stranger starring Frank Sinatra as a Navy flyer back from overseas whose leave is cancelled on Christmas Eve. This warmhearted drama is set in Northern Illinois. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29:25). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-8-44) Jack needs a new singer after Dennis Day joined the Navy, so he tries to hire Frank Sinatra, star of Your Hit Parade. Frank appears from New York. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (26:00). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian and Nostalgia Digest contributor KARL PEARSON who will talk about Frank Sinatra’s musical career on radio. Rebroadcast: 8/2/2023 – 8/8/2023
August 8th, 1998 – FRANK SINATRA’S RADIO DAYS – PART 2
PROGRAM 1448: FRANK SINATRA PROGRAM (2-9-44) Guest W. C. Fields joins Frank, comedian Bert Wheeler, announcer Truman Bradley, and Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. Fields thinks he discovered Frank and promotes his invention, a Sinatramizer which makes anyone sing like Frankie. Frank sings Falling in Love with Love, No Love, No Nothin’, and Long Ago and Far Away. Vimms Vitamins, CBS. (30:25). LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-3148) Miracle of the Bells starring Fred MacMurray, Valli, and Frank Sinatra, recreating their original screen roles in this radio version of the 1948 film. A Hollywood press agent faithfully attempts to carry out the dying wishes of the actress he loved. A miracle occurs when the movie star is laid to rest in her home town. William Keighley is host. Lux Soap, CBS. (21:53; 19:32; 15:16). COMMAND PERFORMANCE #165 (4-26-45) Emcee Frank Sinatra welcomes singer Frances Langford and a gaggle of Hollywood kid stars: Elizabeth Taylor, Margaret O’Brien, Roddy McDowell, Peggy Ann Garner, and Bing Crosby’s four sons, Gary, Philip, Dennis, Lindsay. Frankie takes a beating at the hands of these kids! AFRS. (29:00). SUSPENSE (1-18-45) To Find Help starring Frank Sinatra in his first dramatic appearance and Agnes Moorehead. An old woman is terrorized in her own home by a handyman who turns out to be psychotic. AFRS (24:42). YOUR HIT PARADE (7-10-481 Frank Sinatra, Beryl Davis, Ken Lane and the Hit Paraders, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra present the top seven songs of the week. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (25:20). Rebroadcast: 8/9/2023 – 8/15/2023
August 15th, 1998 – PORTRAIT OF JEROME KERN
PROGRAM 1449: OUR SPECIAL GUEST is music historian BILL SHELDON who will talk about Jerome Kern and his contribution to popular music. Plus we’ll feature… RAILROAD HOUR (10-9-50) Roberta starring Gordon MacRae, Ginny Sims and Edna Best in Jerome Kern’s 1933 musical about a Parisian fashion designer. SONGMAKERS (6-10-46) Jerome Kern is the subject as Everette Clarke tells the story of the songwriter in words and music. LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-28-51) Show Boat starring Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel, Marge and Gower Champion and William Warfield in the Jerome Kern musical about life on the Mississippi. PAUSE THAT REFRESHES ON THE AIR (8-16-42) Andre Kostelanetz and the orchestra presents a Portrait of Mark Twain by Jerome Kern. Introduced by the composer himself. SONGS BY SINATRA (1-15-47) Frank Sinatra with guests Jane Powell and the Pied Pipers offer a Tribute to Jerome Kern. Rebroadcast: 9/14/2011 – 9/20/2011, 8/16/23 – 8/22/23.
August 22nd, 1998 – REMEMBERING HENRY MORGAN
PROGRAM 1450: RAILROAD HOUR (10-9-50) Roberta starring Gordon MacRae, Ginny Sims and Edna Best in Jerome Kern’s 1933 musical about a Parisian fashion designer. SONGMAKERS (6-10-46) Jerome Kern is the subject as Everette Clarke tells the story of the songwriter in words and music. LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-28-51) Show Boat starring Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel, Marge and Gower Champion and William Warfield in the Jerome Kern musical about life on the Mississippi. PAUSE THAT REFRESHES ON THE AIR (8-16-42) Andre Kostelanetz and the orchestra presents a Portrait of Mark Twain by Jerome Kern. Introduced by the composer himself. SONGS BY SINATRA (1-15-47) Frank Sinatra with guests Jane Powell and the Pied Pipers offer a Tribute to Jerome Kern. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is music historian BILL SHELDON who will talk about Jerome Kern and his contribution to popular music. Rebroadcast: 8/23/23 – 8/29/23.
August 29th, 1998 – MORE RADIO THEME SONGS
PROGRAM 1451: Once again we tune in to the signature music of radio: the theme songs that introduced so many of our favorite programs during the Golden Age. Co-host for this second tiptoe through the tunes is our own KEN ALEXANDER who helped us with a similar program last year. On today’s broadcast we’ll hear a great many familiar theme songs ” from such programs as When A Girl Marries, Quiet Please, Charlie McCarthy Show, Telephone Hour, Voice of Firestone, and others” and we’ll listen to the original music from whence they came. In addition to many sound clips and excerpts from vintage shows, we’ll hear complete broadcasts of: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (9-20-43) The Maltese Falcon starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre in their original screen roles from the 1941 film. Dashiell Hammett’s character Sam Spade joins the search for the elusive Black Bird. The Screen Guild Players theme is from Symphonie Moderne composed by Max Steiner for the film Four Wives. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (29:35). CURTAIN TIME (5-3-47) Birds of a Feather starring Harry Elders and Nanette Sergeant in a gay, romantic comedy about a slightly shady nephew who inherits a pet shop from his aunt. Cast features Myron Wallace, Sidney Ellstrom, George Cisar, Mary McKinley. Host is Patrick Allen. Bert Farber and the orchestra. The Curtain Time theme is Waltz from Suite Number One for Two Pianos by Anton Arensky. Mars Candy, NBC. (28:55). SGT. PRESTON OF THE YUKON (5-10-55) Brace Beemer stars as Sgt. Preston with a cast that features Paul Hughes and the WXYZ stock company. Preston and his Wonder Dog, Yukon King are asked to capture some bad guys who have robbed a trading post. Fred Foy announces, with news of a special offer to Klondike Land Owners (those who already have the deed to that one square inch of land). The Sgt. Preston theme is the Overture to Donna Diana by Emil Von Reznicek. Quaker Cereals, MBS. (28:24). Rebroadcast: 8/30/23 – 9/5/23.
September 5th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1452: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (11-12-47) The Schnozzola with guest Dorothy Lamour and regulars Arthur Treacher, Candy Candido, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Jimmy’s packing for a trip to Hollywood; later he meets Lamour on the train. Rexall, NBC. (28:41). ADVENTURES OF ELLERY QUEEN (3-27-431 Adventure of the Circus Train stars Hugh Marlowe as Ellery with Marion Shockley as Nikki. A circus fortune teller attempts to identify a murderer on a moving train. Bromo Seltzer, NBC. (28:05). IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (10-5-45) Tom Howard moderates this zany quiz show with panelists Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnell and George Shelton. Among the tough questions: What is a window? and What railroad is mentioned in the song, ˜Atcheson, Topeka and Santa Fe’? AFRS rebroadcast. (29:40). HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (9-19-48) Drums Along the Mohawk starring Jeff Chandler with Lurene Tuttle in a radio dramatization of Walter D. Edmund’s novel. A newly married couple set out to make their life in the Mohawk Territory. James Hilton hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29:29). ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (117-48) Ozzie is convinced that his set pattern of living should be broken. Cast features John Brown, Jack Kirkwood, Janet Waldo, Tommy Bernard and Henry Blair. Verne Smith announces. International Silver Co., NBC. (28:43). SUSPENSE (5-8-47) Dead Earnest stars Wally Maher with Elliott Lewis, Cathy Lewis. A man involved in an accident, apparently dead, is in reality in a cataleptic coma. His ID gone, he winds up on the embalmer’s table. Roma Wines, CBS. (29:51). Rebroadcast: 9/6/23 – 9/12/23.
September 12th, 1998 – WOMEN IN OLD TIME RADIO
PROGRAM 1453: OUR MISS BROOKS (3-11-50) Eve Arden stars as school teacher Connie Brooks who is awakened by a burglar in her house! Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin; Richard Crenna as Walter Denton; Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton; Jane Morgan as Mrs Davis. Bob Sweeney as the burglar. Colgate, Palmolive, CBS. (28:50), SUSPENSE (7-29-48) The Yellow Wallpaper starring Agnes Moorehead in the famous story about a doctor’s wife who keeps a journal about the summer home she believes to be haunted. AutoLite, CBS. (28:02). BABY SNOOKS (1-2-51) Fanny Brice stars as the youngster, accused of cheating on a school test. Hanley Stafford is Daddy, Arlene Harris as Mommy, Frank Nelson as neighbor Kunkle. Turns, NBC. (15:11). THE GOLDBERGS (12-11-40) Isolated episode of the long-running (1929-19501 series created by and starring Gertrude Berg as Molly Goldberg, with Roslyn Silber as Rosalie, James R. Waters as Jake, and Alfred Ryder as Sammy. Oxydol, CBS. (14:20). MY FAVORITE HUSBAND (1950) Lucille Ball and Richard Denning star as Liz and George Cooper, two people who live together and like it! It’s Liz’ birthday and she doesn’t want anyone to remind her of it. Cast includes Gale Gordon and Bea Benaderet as Rudolph and Iris Atterbury, and Ruth Perrott as Katie, the maid. AFRS rebroadcast. (24:32). INNER SANCTUM (1946) Murder Comes at Midnight starring Mercedes McCambridge. A couple rent a house in the country for the summer. She is held prisoner by an escaped convict who needs a doctor. AFRS rebroadcast. (24:26). JUDY CANOVA SHOW (11-9-431 Judy Canova stars in her own series with Mel Blanc, Ruby Dandridge, singer Eddie Dean, Charles Dant and the orchestra. Judy goes duck hunting! Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (24:15). Rebroadcast: 9/13/23 – 9/19/23.
September 19th, 1998 – FLIGHT TO ENGLAND – PART 1
PROGRAM 1454: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (6-1-52) On this last show of the 1951-52 season, Jack prepares for a trip to London and an appearance at the famous Palladium. Cast includes Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Artie Auerbach, Bea Benederet, Sara Berner, Mel Blanc, Benny Rubin, Frank Fontaine. Dennis sings Love In Bloom. AFRS rebroadcast. (23:30). LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-12-40) Sidewalks of London starring Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester with Alan Marshall in the radio version of the 1940 Paramount film. Laughton repeats his screen role as a London sidewalk performer (a busker) who takes a stage-struck street waif under his wing and helps her realize her ambition. Cecil B. DeMille is host. Lux Soap, CBS. (21:41; 18:25; 18:55). MY FRIEND IRMA (1950s) Marie Wilson is Irma Peterson and Cathy Lewis is Jane Stacy. Irma wins a trip to England and makes all the arrangements herself. Cast includes Alan Reed, Hy Averback, Elvia Allman, Gloria Gordon. AFRTS rebroadcast. (23:50). SHERLOCK HOLMES (10-5-47) Case of the Missing Heiress starring John Stanley and Alfred Shirley as Holmes and Watson who visit the British Museum to investigate a kidnapping. Clipper Craft Clothes, MBS. (29:55). BOB HOPE SHOW (1940s) Bob broadcasts from England where he appeared at the Palladium. Along with singer Margaret Whiting and Les Brown and his band of Renown, Bob welcomes British star Jack Buchanan, and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Sketch about Bob’s ancestor Robert the Conqueror who invaded England in medieval times. AFRS rebroadcast. (23:05). NOTE” Ken Alexander is guest host for this program while Chuck Schaden and a group of TWTD listeners are on vacation in England. Rebroadcast: 9/20/23 – 9/26/23.
September 26th, 1998 – FLIGHT TO ENGLAND – PART 2
PROGRAM 1455: MYSTERY IN THE AIR (8-14-47) The Lodger starring Peter Lorre and Agnes Moorehead in the story of Jack the Ripper. Lorre is the mysterious Mr. Sleuth at a London boarding house at which Moorehead is the proprietess. Camel Cigarettes, NBC. (28:00). FLYWHEEL, SHYSTER AND FLYWHEEL (1991) First program in the British Broadcasting Corporation series based on scripts used by Groucho and Chico Marx on the Five Star Theatre in 1932. Michael Roberts is Groucho Marx as Waldorf T. Flywheel and Frank Lazarus is Chico Marx as Emmanuel Ravelli, with Lorelei King as Miss Dimple. Music by the David Firman orchestra. BBC. (27:03). LIGHTS OUT (9-7-43) Lord Marley’s Guest is Arch Oboler’s story about an American movie starlet staying at an English Lord’s summer home. On a boat ride, they encounter a devil fish, an octopus larger than their boat. Ironized Yeast, CBS. (29:06). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (9-10-50) On this first show of the 1950-51 season, Jack has returned from a London trip where he appeared at the Palladium. While he was gone, he finds that television has taken over at CBS! Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Sportsmen, Joe Kearns, Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (26:33). ESCAPE (7-10-54) The Birds with Ben Wright, Virginia Gregg, John Dehner. You are in a farmhouse on the southern coast of England. The autumn countryside around you is desolate and bleak, and you know that in the dusk outside ”waiting patiently for you, silently watching for you” is an enemy from whom there may be no escape! This is the story on which Alfred Hitchcock later based his famous film by the same name. Sustaining, CBS. (28:11). YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (6-22-50) The London Matter stars Edmund O’Brien as the man with the action-packed expense account. He’s on his way to England at the request of the U.S. Treasury Department, Narcotics Division. Cast includes Herb Butterfield, Wally Maher, Virginia Gregg, Ben Wright. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (28:34). NOTE” Ken Alexander is again guest host for this program while Chuck Schaden and some TWTD listeners continue vacationing in England. Rebroadcast: 9/27/23 – 10/3/23.
October 3rd, 1998 – HONORING RADIO HALL of FAMER BING CROSBY
PROGRAM 1456: FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH BING CROSBY (921-31) Excerpt. Announcer Harry Von Zell introduces Bing’s first radio program. Crosby sings Just One More Chance and I’m Through with Love. Freddy Rich and the orchestra. Sustaining, CBS. (8:44). SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (8-26-46) Bells of St. Mary’s starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman recreating their original screen roles in the 1945 film. Father O’Mally is assigned to a run-down parish where Sister Benedict is the Sister Superior. Joan Carroll co-stars. Camel Cigarettes, CBS. (28:56). KRAFT MUSIC HALL (3-2-44) Bing Crosby welcomes guests Lucille Ball and Marilyn Maxwell. Time Marches Back to 1933. Ukie Sherin, Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Kraft Foods, NBC. (29:25). G I JOURNAL #94 (5-11-45) Bing Crosby is Editor-in-Chief of this mythical newspaper for military audiences. On hand are Andy Devine, Chili Williams, Mel Blanc (as Pvt. Sad Sack), and Elvia Allman. Model Chili arranges a date for Bing with Miss Georgia Peach, a shy and timid girl. AFRS. (29:16). SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (10-14-48) Welcome Stranger starring Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald in a radio version of the 1947 film. A young doctor is hired to fill in for an older, vacationing physician in a small New England town. Camel Cigarettes, NBC. (26:42). PHILCO RADIO TIME (10-16-46) Bing Crosby stars in the first program in his transcribed series, forever changing the way radio programs would be delivered to listening audiences. Guest is Bob Hope. Philco Radios, ABC. (30:00). OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be JOHN SEBERT of Metro Golden Memories, a long-time Crosby fan who will help us celebrate Bing’s October 11, 1998 induction into the Radio Hall of Fame. Rebroadcast: 10/4/23 – 10/10/23.
October 10th, 1998 – WALT DISNEY’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY
PROGRAM 1457: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (12-25-44) Pinocchio starring Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford as Baby Snooks and Daddy in a radio version of Walt Disney’s 1940 animated feature. Cast includes Arthur Q. Brian as Jiminy Cricket and Lou Merrill as Stromboli. AFRS rebroadcast. (25:37). TEX AND JINX SHOW (11-4-47) Excerpt. Tex McCrary and Jinx Falkenburg, husband and wife morning radio team in New York, present a transcribed interview with Walt Disney who talks about his animated films. NBC. (12:11). LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-26-38) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a radio version of the classic 1937 Disney film, features many of the voices used in the original feature. Host Cecil B. DeMille chats with Walt Disney. This is the first Hollywood Lux broadcast without a studio audience. Lux Soap, CBS. (24:51; 12:23; 20:00). FRED WARING SHOW (12-5-47) Excerpt. On Walt Disney’s (46th) birthday, Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians offer a salute to Disney films, including Fun and Fancy Free, Saludos Amigos, Song of the South and Pinocchio. Green Giant Foods, NBC. (17:23). CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (9-21-47) With the forthcoming (September 21, 1947) World Premiere of Walt Disney’s Fun and Fancy Free, starring Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd, the gang offers a preview of the movie as they re-create the Jack and the Beanstalk part of the film. Guests are Walt Disney and Donald Duck (voice of Clarence Nash). Royal Pudding, Chase and Sanborn Coffee, NBC. (30:00). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is animation historian and Nostalgia Digest contributor CURTIS L. KATZ who will talk about the films of Walt Disney. Rebroadcast: 10/11/23 – 10/17/23.
October 17th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1458: FIREFIGHTERS #1 (1940s) First of seven consecutive episodes of a post-war after-school radio series about a World War II veteran who becomes a rookie firefighter, following in his late father’s footsteps. In this opening chapter, Tim Collins gets his first chance to ride with Truck Company Number One during a winter storm. Syndicated. (12:16). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-10-44) Remote broadcast before a military audience at the Air Technical Service Command, San Bernadino, California. Guest Dorothy Lamour turns up on her birthday and gets a kiss from Jack. Cast includes Phil Harris, Larry Stevens, Don Wilson, Mary Livingstone, Eddie Rochester Anderson. AFRS rebroadcast. (26:39). FIREFIGHTERS #2 (1940s) Rookie Tim Collins is ready to help find the person who set off a false alarm. Syndicated. (12:20). FIREFIGHTERS #3 (1940s) Tim is watching a movie in a crowded theater when an unseen prankster cries Fire! Syndicated. (12:10). JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (12-17-47) Guest Victor Moore offers to help the Schnozzola in his political career as they go to Washington. Peggy Lee, Candy Candido, Arthur Treacher. Rexall, NBC. (29:02). FIREFIGHTERS #4 (1940s) Tim’s brother Jimmy denies having set off the false alarm. Syndicated. (12:08). FIREFIGHTERS #5 (1940s) Rookie Tim Collins anxiously awaits a letter with the official notice telling he whether or not he will be assigned as a permanent firefighter. Syndicated. (12:08). FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (1-21-47) McGee wants some alterations done at 79 Wistful Vista and is seeking an architect. Jim and Marian Jordan star with Bill Thompson, Gale Gordon, Arthur Q. Brian, Jim Backus, Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29:20). FIREFIGHTERS #6 (1940s) At the Collins home, Chief Cody and Tim try to extinguish a blaze in the kitchen. Syndicated. (12:18). FIREFIGHTERS #7 (1940s) Rookie Firefighter Tim Collins gets the news. Syndicated (12:10). Rebroadcast: 10/18/23 – 10/24/23.
October 24th, 1998 – REMEMBERING ROY ROGERS
PROGRAM 1459: CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (12-7-47) Edgar Bergen and his friends welcome Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers. Roy shows Charlie McCarthy how tough it is to be a movie cowboy. Edgar tells Mortimer Snerd how to keep a diary. Cast includes Anita Gordon, Pat Patrick, Ken Carpenter, Ray Noble and the orchestra. Royal Pudding, Chase and Sanborn Coffee, NBC. (30:00). LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-13-44) In Old Oklahoma starring Roy Rogers with Martha Scott and Albert Dekker in a radio version of the 1943 Republic Picture, an exciting oil-drilling story. Cast includes Martha Wentworth, Ken Christy, Charles Seel, John McIntyre, Leo Cleary. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Lux Soap, CBS. (18:51; 15:06; 24:29). KRAFT MUSIC HALL (3-17-49) Al Jolson with guests Roy Rogers the King of the Cowboys and his Queen, Dale Evans. Roy wants Al to become a singing cowboy. In a western sketch, Oscar Levant is a pianist in a saloon and Jolson is Buffalo Asa. Ken Carpenter, Lou Bring and the orchestra. Kraft Foods, NBC. (29:45). ROY ROGERS SHOW (8-24-48) The Mystery of the Circle E Ranch starring Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, George Gabby Hayes, Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage. Dale is suspected of foul play in the death of her uncle. Quaker Oats, MBS. (29:15). BOB HOPE SHOW (6-10-52) Guests are Roy Rogers and Dale Evans who join Bob, Les Brown and his Band of Renown, announcer Hy Averback. Bob and Roy in a sketch about their cross-country tour to promote their forthcoming film, Son of Paleface. Remote broadcast from Coronado Naval Base in San Diego, California. AFRS rebroadcast. (22:57). Rebroadcast: 10/25/23 – 10/31/23.
October 31st, 1998 – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW
PROGRAM 1460: LIGHTS OUT (7-20-46) The Haunted Cell. A cop killer is put into a cell previously occupied by a convict who was sent to the electric chair. Sustaining, NBC. (28:57). SUSPENSE (6-23-49) Ghost Hunt starring Ralph Edwards as disk jockey Smiley Smith who sets up a stunt to stay overnight in a haunted house and wire record the events for his listeners. Herb Butterfield appears as Dr. Reed, a ghost hunter. Harlow Wilcox announces. Auto Lite, CBS. (28:30). MY FRIEND IRMA (1950s) Marie Wilson stars as Irma Peterson with Cathy Lewis as Jane Stacy. Irma and Jane see a ghost in the hall of their apartment building. Alan Reed is Mr. Clyde, Irma’s boss; the Maestro is Hy Averback; Mrs. O’Reilly is Gloria Gordon; Al is John Brown. AFRTS rebroadcast. (24:00). THE SHADOW (1-12-41) The Ghost Building starring Bill Johnstone as Lamont Cranston with Marjorie Anderson as the lovely Margo Lane. Mysterious deaths occur in the largest building in the world. Blue Coal, MBS. (31:49). LIGHTS OUT (1940s) The Dark is Arch Oboler’s Exercise in Horror about bodies being turned inside out. (8:35). INNER SANCTUM (1-23-50) The Hitchhiking Corpse with Mercedes McCambridge. A truck driver gives a ride to the Red-headed Witch of Moon Hollow. Paul McGrath is the host who opens the creaking door of the Inner Sanctum. AFRS rebroadcast. (24:00). Once again, today’s program will be presented on a special ghost-to-ghost network. And because this Halloween broadcast will be, as usual, too scary to do alone, Chuck will be joined by Ken Alexander, who, in addition to helping with the show, has offered to provide refreshments such as Ghost Toasties, Scream of Wheat, and Shrouded Ralston. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 11/1/23 – 11/7/23.
November 7th, 1998 – REMEMBERING WALTER TETLEY
PROGRAM 1461: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (2-17-46) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, with Walter Tetley as Leroy Forrester, his nephew; Mary Lee Robb as Marjorie; Lillian Randolph as Birdie; Dick LeGrand as Peavy; Bea Benaderet as Eve Goodwin. Leroy has the flu and his Uncle Throckmorton offers tender, loving care. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30:38). TOWN HALL TONIGHT (12-22-37) Excerpt. Fred Allen and the Mighty Allen Art Players present a Christmas fable, Santa Claus Sits Down. On Christmas Eve, Santa goes on a sit down strike. Cast includes Fred, Harry Von Zell, Minerva Pious, Alan Reed, Walter Tetley, Elvia Allman. NBC. (10:38). FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (10-15-40) Jim and Marian Jordan star. McGee is going through his tool chest trying to find his screw driver. Cast includes Isabel Randolph as Mrs. Uppington; Harold Peary as Gildersleeve; Bill Thompson as the Old Timer and as Horatio K. Boomer; Walter Tetley as Cedric Boomer, nephew of Horatio; Gale Gordon as the hardware store clerk; Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29:42). YOUR HIT PARADE (1938) Excerpt. Promotions Unlimited sketch (within the Hit Parade series when the show had a 45-minute format) written and performed by W. C. Fields with Walter Tetley. CBS. (12:25). SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (3-22-51) The Great Lover starring Bob Hope and Rhonda Fleming repeating their original screen roles from the 1949 film comedy. Cast includes Jim Backus, Walter Tetley, Sheldon Leonard, Fritz Feld, Paul Frees. Newspaperman Bob is a boy scout leader on a ship filled with his troop, luscious Rhonda and a murderer. NBC. (14:50; 11:50; 28:09). PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (10-30-49) Phil and Alice star with Elliott Lewis as Frankie Remley and Walter Tetley as Julius Abbruzio. Phil and Frankie try to help Julius win the girl he loves. Rexall, NBC. (27:59). Rebroadcast: 11/8/23 – 11/14/23.
November 14th, 1998 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1462: HALLS OF IVY (4-16-52) Ronald Colman stars as William Todhunter Hall, president of Ivy College with Benita Colman as Vicky, his wife, the former Victoria Cromwell of the English theatre. Two teachers have married in violation of faculty rules. Voice of America rebroadcast. (26:00). GOLD COAST SHOW (1-11-61) The Countess starring Ollie Raymand, Marie DeRosa and the King’s Jesters. This is the legendary Chicago program where as many commercials as possible would be inserted into a specially written story. In this episode, the story is wrapped around eight different commercial messages! WBBM, Chicago. (13:42). GANGBUSTERS (1940s) The Golf Course Murder. Death drives along the fairway until a strand of hair and a woman’s ring puts an end to the grizzly game. Syndicated. (23:56). GOLD COAST SHOW (1957) Music ˜Til Dawn starring George Watson, Marie DeRosa, the King’s Jesters, Sid Nierman at the piano. The cast kids WBBM colleague Jay Andres on the fourth anniversary of his all-night Music ˜Til Dawn show on the station. In this episode, nine commercial spots are deftly woven into the story. WBBM, Chicago. (14:30). THE WHISTLER (9-10-50) The Golden Penny. A playboy dreams up a scheme to swindle $100,000 and a yacht from a wealthy couple. AFRS rebroadcast. (28:49). GOLD COAST SHOW (11-14-98) Edgar Lovelace, At Liberty is a new script ”written in the legendary style” by former Gold Coast writer John Mies and performed live in our studio during today’s broadcast by members of our Those Were The Days Radio Players. Eight vintage commercials will be woven into the 15-minute story. FIRST NIGHTER (1-29-48) A Writer in the Family starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule from the Little Theatre off Times Square. A writer of western stories meets a highway surveyor. Cast includes Hugh Studebaker, Paul Frees, Arthur Q. Brian. Frank Worth and the orchestra. Announcer is Larry Keating. Campana Products, CBS. (30:00). Rebroadcast: 11/15/23 – 11/21/23.
November 21st, 1998 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 1463: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-23-47) First of two consecutive and related shows. Jack and Mary Livingstone go to the market to buy a turkey for their Thanksgiving Day party. Cast includes Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Mel Blanc, Artie Auerbach. This program features one of the greatest Lucky Strike mid-show commercials with Jack and the Sportsmen Quartet. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (27:00). READER’S DIGEST RADIO EDITION (3-6-47) Pete’s Thanksgiving starring Otto Kruger as an immigrant from Greece who hopes to open a restaurant on Thanksgiving Day, but meets with resistance from the local businessmen’s organization. Richard Kollmar hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29:40). DURANTE-MOORE SHOW (11-22-46) The Nose and the Haircut, Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore present a Thanksgiving opera with Jimmy as Miles Standish and Garry as John Alden. Singer Susanne Ellers is Priscilla. Roy Bargey and the orchestra; announcer Howard Petri. Rexall, CBS. (28:40). EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1 1-22-44) On the day before Thanksgiving, Eddie finds that he can’t get a big enough turkey unless he buys a live one. So he hires guest Alan Ladd, screen tough guy, to kill the bird. Cast includes Bert Gordon, Leonard Seuss, Nora Martin, Harry Von Zell. Sal Hepatica, Trushay, NBC. (18:26). HEARTBEAT THEATRE (11-24-63) John Ball’s Thanksgiving with Victor Rodman and Bill Idleson. A well-traveled philosopher passes on some thoughts about Thanksgiving. C. P. MacGregor is host. Salvation Army, Syndicated. (24:40). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-30-47) Second of two consecutive shows. Jack recalls the day before Thanksgiving when he bought a live turkey and couldn’t kill it himself. He tells Rochester to do it, then dreams he’s on trial for killing the bird! Cast includes Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, Don Wilson, Eddie Anderson, Bea Benaderet, Frank Nelson, Artie Auerbach. Another great Sportsmen commercial with Jack, Don and Phil joining the quartet in That’s What / Like About the South. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (25:33). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is MELVIN E. GILES who has written a nostalgic, biographical novel entitled George Street, Our Street, a Poor Family’s Richest Years in Chicago. Rebroadcast: 11/22/23 – 11/28/23.
November 28th, 1998 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 1464: RAILROAD HOUR (12-15-52) Holiday Inn starring Gordon MacRae and Dorothy Warenskjold in a radio version of the 1942 movie about a country inn that’s only open on holidays. Cast includes Olan Soule and Bill Johnstone and features most of the songs from the Paramount picture. Marvin Miller announces. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (28:32). SUSPENSE (12-21-58) Out For Christmas starring Raymond Burr as an ex-convict who sets out to kill the cop who sent him up. Featured in the cast are Joan Banks, Howard McNear, Karl Swenson. CBS. (23 15). ARTHUR GODFREY TIME (12-25-63) Excerpt. It’s Christmas morning on Arthur’s weekday radio show and there’s lots of seasonal music and appropriate holiday chatter with Carmel Quinn, June Valli, Richard Hayes, Linda Scott, Johnny Nash, Carol Sloan, Johnny Parker. CBS. (31:10). HOUSE PARTY (12-25-63) excerpt. Art Linkletter’s holiday show with Jane Russell, Connie Haines, Beryl Davis, Muzzy Marcellino and the band. Art talks to members of the studio audience, then brings on his five grandchildren. CBS. (18:26). GARRY MOORE SHOW (12-25-63) Garry and Durward Kirby talk about Christmas and how they’ll spend the holiday this year in this pre-recorded Christmas Day show. They sing a Christmas greeting from the sponsor. Campbell’s Soup, CBS. (9:19). BURNS AND ALLEN (12-18-44) Gracie and everyone else wants to be on George’s Christmas list, but he and Gracie decide not to exchange presents this year. Bill Goodwin, Frank Nelson. AFRS rebroadcast. (27:50). BLONDIE (12-15-48) Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake star as Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead, with Frank Nelson as Herb Woodley and Hanley Stafford as Mr. Dithers. Dagwood sets out to find out what his kids want for Christmas. Colgate, Super Suds, NBC. (25:25). Rebroadcast: 11/29/23 – 12/5/23.
December 5th, 1998 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 1465: RED SKELTON SHOW (12-17-46) The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire presents Department Stores with Willy Lump-Lump, Clem Kadiddlehopper, and Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Cast features GeGe Pearson, Anita Ellis, Verna Felton, Pat McGeehan, Wonderful Smith, David Forrester and the orchestra, Rod O’Connor. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (27:35). ELGIN CHRISTMAS PARTY (12-25-44) A Christmas Day radio extravaganza starring Don Ameche as host of this third annual two hour holiday special for servicemen and women around the world (via short wave) and all the folks at home. An all-star show with Ginny Simms, Bob Hope, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Bing Crosby, Carmen Miranda, Jack Benny, Vera Vague, the Army Air Force’s Swing Wing, Charioteers, concert violinist Joseph Szigeti, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Les Paul and his Trio, Louis Silvers and the orchestra and chorus. Elgin Watch Company, CBS. (24:44; 27:48; 26:51; 37:15). DRAGNET 112-22-53) Jack Webb stars as Detective Sgt. Joe Friday with Ben Alexander as Officer Frank Smith in the program’s traditional Christmas story. The statue of the infant Jesus is missing from the Nativity Scene at the Mission Church. Friday and Smith investigate. NBC. (26:33). Rebroadcast: 12/6/23 – 12/12/23.
December 12th, 1998 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 1466: THE LONE WOLF (1949) The Golden Santa stars Walter Coy as Michael Lanyard, the Lone Wolf. A pretty young thing, who has lost her gold statue of Santa Claus, asks Lanyard for help. The trail to the Santa is marked by murder. Sustaining, MBS. (25:53). LIFE OF RILEY (12-17-44) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley who, a week before the holiday, gets a gift marked Do not open until Christmas. Paula Winslowe as Peg, Conrad Binyon as Junior, John Brown as Digger. American Meat Institute, NBC. (29:27). RED RYDER (12-23-48) From out of the West comes America’s famous fighting cowboy. Red Ryder is surprised when Little Beaver says he wants money for Christmas. Brooke Temple is Red, Johnny McGovern is Bever. Langendorf Bread, MBS. (24:49). DUFFY’S TAVERN (12-24-48) A Christmas Visitor stars Ed Gardner as Archie, manager of Duffy’s Tavern, where the elite meet to eat. In a warmhearted departure from the usual comedy situation, Archie is unhappy that he’s not getting a Christmas bonus. A stranger, played by Jeff Chandler, takes him for a walk and shows Archie the real meaning of Christmas. Bristol Myers, NBC. (29:00). GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-18-46) Leroy wants a motor scooter for Christmas but Uncle Throckmorton doesn’t want him to have one. Harold Peary as Gildy, Walter Tetley as Leroy. Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Louise Erickson as Marjorie, Richard LeGrand as Peavy. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30:24). THE CRICKET ON THE HEARTH (12-24-45) This is Charles Dickens’ other Christmas story (written in 1845, two years after A Christmas Carol). It looks like a dismal Christmas for poor toy maker Caleb Plummer and his blind daughter Mary when Caleb’s stern employer refuses a salary advance and demands a full day’s work on Christmas. Everette Clarke narrates. Produced in Chicago, featuring music by Joseph Gallichio and the NBC Chicago orchestra. Sustaining, NBC. (24:18). Rebroadcast: 12/13/23 – 12/19/23.
December 19th, 1998 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 1467: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-25-46) Gildy invites friends to his home for a party on Christmas Day. Harold Peary stars. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30:08), FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-21-48) Jim and Marian Jordon star as the McGees of Wistful Vista with Gale Gordon, Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Brian, Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. McGee gets a Christmas card signed “Love, Elizabeth” but he doesn’t know who Elizabeth is! This program is preceded by the last few minutes of the Bob Hope Show, same date, with Hope mentioning he’ll be in Berlin for Christmas to entertain the troops of the Berlin Airlift. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (31:50), CAMPBELL PLAYHOUSE (12-23-38) “A Christmas Carol” starring Orson Welles as narrator and Ebeneezer Scrooge in the fourth annual presentation of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic. Once again, the miserly old skinflint learns the true meaning of Christmas. Cast features Joseph Cotten, Ray Collins, Hiram Sherman, Frank Readick, Alice Frost, Arthur Anderson. Bernard Herrmann and the orchestra. Ernest Chapel announces. Campbell Soup, CBS. (32:47; 27:12), BOB HOPE SHOW (12-28-48) “By transcription,” it’s Bob’s Christmas Day show from Berlin as presented to the troops of the Berlin Airlift. Guests are General Jimmy Dolittle, songwriter Irving Berlin, actress Jinx Falkenberg, singers Bill Farrell and Jane Harvey, comedienne Irene Ryan. Irving Berlin sings “Operation Vittles,” a special song he wrote for the Airlift. Swan Soap, NBC. (29:28), SUSPENSE (12-22-57) “Dog Star” starring Evelyn Rudi as a little girl who wants a dog for Christmas and who receives one in an unexpected way. AFRS rebroadcast. (18:37), Rebroadcast: 12/20/23 – 12/26/23.
December 26th, 1998 – THE DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS ON NBC RADIO FIFTY YEARS AGO
PROGRAM 1468: NBC NEWS (12-26-48) Robert Trout reports that the Berlin Airlift is six months old today. Pillsbury, NBC. (4:56). LIVING, 1948 (12-26-48) “The Little Girl Who Had Everything.” Ben Grauer narrates a post-Christmas fable about a family living in a castle and the events that take place on “Private Island.” Sustaining, NBC. (24:41). ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (12-26-48) Ozzie remembers when he and his brother believed their father when he said it would snow. Ozzie and Harriet Nelson star with John Brown, Janet Waldo, Joe Kearns, Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair. International Silver Co., NBC. (28:55). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-26-48) After 15 years, it’s Jack’s last show on NBC; next week he moves to CBS. Jack introduces Don Wilson as the outstanding announcer of 1948. Cast features Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Mel Blanc, Elliott Lewis, Gertrude and Mable. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (27:40). PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE PROGRAM (12-26-48) On the day after Christmas Phil is upset that he didn’t get a Christmas gift from Rexall. Elliott Lewis as Frankie Remley, Walter Tetley as Julius Abbruzio, Gale Gordon as Mr. Scott, the sponsor. Rexall, NBC. (28:22). CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (12-26-48) On the last show for Chase and Sanborn and NBC, Edgar Bergen traces highlights in his career, beginning with his first radio appearance on the Rudy Vallee Show and the feuds between Charlie McCarthy, W. C. Fields and Fred Allen. Cast features Mortimer Snerd, Pat Patrick, Don Ameche and Marsha Hunt as The Bickersons, announcer Ken Carpenter. Chase and Sanborn, NBC. (28:14). FRED ALLEN SHOW (12-26-48) Fred and Portland Hoffa walk down Main Street and ask the question, “What was the worst snow storm you’ve ever seen?” Answers by Kenny Delmar as Boris, the Russian; Parker Fennelly as Titus Moody; Minerva Pious as Mrs. Nussbaum; Peter Donald as Ajax Cassidy. Comedian Doc Rockwell is guest and, in a courtroom sketch, Fred is the judge, Rockwell the lawyer in a murder case. Five DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and the orchestra. Ford Motor Co., NBC/CBC. (27:45). Rebroadcast: 12/27/23 – 1/2/24.
January 2nd, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1469: LIGHTS OUT (4-13-43) “The Archer” presented by Arch Oboler. A girl, about to be killed, is rescued by a ghost with a bow and arrow. Ironized Yeast, CBS. (30:00). KAY KYSER’S KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (10-31-45) The “old professor” himself in a broadcast from Chicago before patients at Vaughn General Hospital. Georgia Carroll, Ish-Kabibble, Sully Mason put the contestants through their paces. AFRS rebroadcast. (30:18). SPEAKING OF RADIO (8-5-76) Radio producer-director Arch Oboler talks about his career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded in Mr. Oboler’s Studio City, California home. He died in 1987 at the age of 77. (20:30; 22:24). LIGHTS OUT (4-6-38) “Cat Wife” starring Boris Karloff in Arch Oboler’s classic story of a man whose wife turns into a human-sized cat. Sustaining, NBC. (28:40). HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (3-24-49) “Wyatt Earp, Frontier Marshal” starring Richard Conte in a biographical story about the western hero. James Hilton hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29:30). RECOLLECTIONS AT THIRTY (6-11-56) First program in a 33-part series marking the 30th anniversary of the National Broadcasting Company. Host Ed Herlihy presents audio clips of Graham MacNamee describing the arrival of Charles Lindbergh in Washington following his flight from New York to Paris; Cliquot Club Eskimos; Joe White, the Silver-Masked Tenor; George Olsen and the orchestra. Sustaining, NBC. (21:38). Rebroadcast: 1/3/24 – 1/9/24.
January 9th, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1470: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (6-22-36) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees, in charge of the Wistful Vista Employment Agency. Cast includes Hugh Studebaker, Bill Thompson, Isabel Randolph, Harlow Wilcox, Ted Weems and the orchestra with singer Perry Como and whistler Elmo Tanner. Johnson’s Wax, NBC BLUE. (29:20). RECOLLECTIONS AT THIRTY (6-20-56) Program 2 of 33. Ed Herlihy looks back at NBC’s history to recall a 1934 Radio City Party; Clara, Lu and Em; Fred Allen and Don McNeill; the 1934 Baer-Carnera fight; Information Please. Fred Collins announces. Sustaining, NBC. (25:23). SPEAKING OF RADIO (7-3-73) Jim Jordan, who starred as “Fibber McGee” from 19351959, reminisces about his radio days in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded in Mr. Jordan’s home in Beverly Hills, California. He died in 1988 at the age of 91. (21:47; 15:14; 27:15). FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (3-5-40) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees of Wistful Vista. When Molly gets the dictionary from the hall closet, she is hit by an avalanche! This is the first time the famous closet gag was used! Cast features Hal Peary, Isabel Randolph, Bill Thompson, Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29:05). MOUNTAIN THEATER (1942) Music and fun in the morning with the Prairie Ramblers: Chick Hurt, Jack Taylor, Salty Holmes, Alan Crockett. Jack Stillwell announces. Sketch: “Seven Keys to Bald Plate.” Dr. Caldwell’s Laxative, WLS, Chicago. (11:10). PASSING PARADE (1942) Storyteller John Nesbitt presents “the procession of rich men, poor men, beggar men, thieves… the Passing Parade.” Stories about a hero, a queen and a doctor: Sgt. Alvin C. York, Cleopatra, Dr. Crippen. Nesbitt’s California Orange Drink, Syndicated. (14:20). Rebroadcast: 1/10/24 – 1/16/24.
January 16th, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1471: THE SHADOW (5-16-48) “The Giant of Madras” starring Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston, “wealthy young man about town” with Grace Matthews as his “constant friend and companion,” the lovely Margo Lane. Traveling on a train, Lamont and Margo meet a man carrying a valuable diamond. Soon the man is fatally wounded and the gem is missing. Andre Baruch announces. MBS. (23:40). CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (12-5-38) “Knute Rockne” is the subject as Gabriel Heatter introduces this show devoted to the legendary Notre Dame football coach whose career began in Chicago’s Logan Square community. Donald Voorhees and the orchestra. DuPont, CBS. (28:43). SPEAKING OF RADIO (12-13-73) Actor Bret Morrison, who por trayed “The Shadow” (Lemont Cranston) on radio in 1943 and 1944 and from 1945-1954, recalls his broadcast career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden in Mr. Morrison’s Hollywood home. He died in 1978 at the age of 66. (35:23). THE SHADOW (2-8-48) “The Thing in the Cage” starring Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston with Grace Matthews as the lovely Margo Lane. A fearsome caged beast kills on command of its master. Cranston, using hypnotic powers learned in the Orient, becomes The Shadow at the appropriate moment. Andre Baruch announces. Blue Coal, MBS. (27:54). RECOLLECTIONS AT THIRTY (6-27-56) Program 3 of 33. Audio clips from NBC’s 30 year broadcast history. NBC Minstrels; Easy Aces; Shell Chateau with Al Jolson and Maxie Rosenbloom; Original Amateur Hour with Major Edward Bowes; actor Leslie Howard; Rosa Ponselle. Ed Herlihy hosts. Sustaining, NBC. (23:57). KAY KYSER’S KOLLEGE OF MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE (12-5-45) The “old professor” and the gang broadcasting from the U.S. Naval Station at Corpus Christi, Texas. Featured are Michael Douglas, Georgia Carroll, Ish-Kabibble. Includes a quiz segment on radio themes. AFRS rebroadcast. (30:00). Rebroadcast: 1/17/24 – 1/23/24.
January 23rd, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1472: FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-26-46) Last show of Fred’s 1945-46 season with guest Jack Benny and regulars Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar (Senator Claghorn), Alan Reed (Falstaff Openshaw), Minerva Pious (Mrs. Nussbaum), Parker Fennelly (Titus Moody). Allen’s Alley question: Do you have trouble sleeping? Fred tells Jack Benny about his new radio show, a giveaway program, “King for a Day.” Jack sneaks on the show as a contestant. Tenderleaf Tea, Blue Bonnet Margarine, NBC. (28:58). NBC’S 25th ANNIVERSARY (1951) Celebrating a quarter-century of programming on the National Broadcasting Company, Jim and Marian Jordan star as Fibber McGee and Molly in a hour-long retrospective of sounds. Fibber tinkers with an old radio to bring in some classic sounds from the past: the first NBC network show in 1946; Coon-Sanders Orchestra; Lawrence Tibbett; Ruth Etting; Joe Penner; Rudy Vallee; Ben Bernie; Eddie Cantor; W.C. Fields with Bergen and McCarthy; Jessica Dragonette; Bing Crosby; Jimmy Durante; Bob Hope; Tallulah Bankhead; Al Jolson; Groucho Marx; Major Bowes. Sustaining, NBC. (31:10; 30:23). LIGHTS OUT (7-13-46) “The Coffin in Studio B” by Wyllis Cooper. In a radio studio, the cast and production team prepare a “Lights Out” program for broadcast. One of a series of summer revivals of the best shows in the series, produced in Chicago for network broadcast. Cast includes Bob Murphy, Sherman Marks, Don Gallagher, Jack Bivans, Charles Eggleston. George Stone announces. Sustaining, NBC. (28:47). BING CROSBY SHOW (2-14-51) Metropolitan Opera star Dorothy Kirsten joins Bing in a spoof of daytime radio soap operas: “A Soap Opera at the Met.” Ken Carpenter, Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Chesterfield Cigarettes, NBC. (27:00). JOAN DAVIS SHOW (1947) Joan is in her Tea Room, excited about the “Cinderella for a Day” radio broadcast. Cast includes Wally Brown, Verna Felton, Pat McGeehan, Ben Gage, Eddie Marr, Jack Meacham and the orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (20:17). Rebroadcast: 1/24/24 – 1/30/24.
January 30th, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1473: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-14-48) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, the Water Commissioner, who is invited to talk about the Summerfield Water Department on the radio. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30:12). DENNIS DAY SHOW (1949) Dennis takes a job selling radios. Bea Benaderet, John Brown, Dink Trout. AFRS rebroadcast. (28:10). THE WHISTLER (9-8-461 “Brief Pause for Murder” stars Fahey Flynn as a radio announcer who plots to kill his wife. Cast features Beverly Younger, Ken Griffin, and Everette Clarke as “the Whistler.” Meister Brau Beer, WBBM Chicago. (28:25). VILLAGE STORE (5-27-48) Jack Carson stars with Eve Arden, Verna Felton, Dave Willock, Eileen Woods, the Starlighters, Frank DeVol and the orchestra, announcer Hy Averback. Jack wants to become a partner in a radio station. Sealtest/Kraft, NBC. (28:37). ADVENTURES OF MAISIE (1949) Ann Southern stars as Maisie Revere, who meets a Sultan and escapes death by telling him the story of a radio soap opera. Syndicated. (28:00). FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (1-7-47) Fibber has a new radio and when he hears a newscast about some escaped criminals, he decides to defend himself. Jim and Marian Jordan star with Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Brian, Gale Gordon, Jim Backus, Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30:00). Rebroadcast: 1/31/24 – 2/6/24.
February 6th, 1999 – JACK BENNY MONTH – PART 1
PROGRAM 1474: CBS CLOSED CIRCUIT (12-23-48) A special not-for-broadcast message to management and staff at all CBS owned and operated stations and affiliates. From New York, Chairman William Paley speaks about the success of CBS programming and the impending (January 2, 1949) arrival of Jack Benny to the network. He introduces Jack —and Amos ‘n’ Andy— who are in Hollywood. Frank Stanton of CBS tells how the network is going to get NBC listeners to switch to CBS. (15 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-2-49) On his way to the studio in the Maxwell with Mary Livingstone and Rochester, Jack is nervous about his first show on CBS. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (29 min). HORACE HEIDT YOUTH OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM (5-23-48) From Chicago, Heidt presents a parade of talent. This is the series that replaced Jack Benny on NBC when the Benny show moved to CBS on Jan. 2, 1949.) Philip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (29 min). MOVIE PROMO (1939) Don Wilson hosts a radio movie preview of “Man About Town,” Jack Benny’s 1939 Paramount film. (12 min). BOB HOPE SHOW (11-9-48) Guest Jack Benny joins Bob, Doris Day and Jack Kirkwood. Bob and Jack become disc jockeys in a “Make Believe Washroom” sketch. Swan Soap, NBC. (29 min). JUBILEE #129 (4-16-45) Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, “star of the Jack Benny Program” is guest on this show for military audiences. Emcee Ernie “Bubbles” Whitman also welcomes the Nat King Cole Trio and “ace clarinetist” Barney Bigard. AFRS. (31 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-20-51) Jack’s cast is not satisfied with their new contracts… and Dennis refuses to sing. Bob Crosby makes a guest appearance. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (26 min). Rebroadcast: 2/7/24 – 2/13/24.
February 13th, 1999 – JACK BENNY MONTH – PART 2
PROGRAM 1475: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-14-46) Jack and the gang plus guests Ronald and Benita Colman. Jack’s violin practice annoys his next door neighbors, the Colmans. Lucky Strike, NBC. (28 min). ACADEMY AWARD (5-1 1-46) “If I Were King” starring Ronald Colman in a radio version of his 1938 screen success. Colman is French poet-rogue Francois Villon who matches wits with crafty King Louis XI and falls hopelessly in love with a lady-in-waiting. House of Squibb, CBS. (29 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-23-44) Remote broadcast from Canada, it’s Dennis Day’s last appearance on the program before entering the Navy. Mary and Phil sing “It’s Love, Love, Love.” Dennis sings “Amour.” Grape Nuts Flakes, NBC/CBC. (30 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-22-44) The cast plans a blood-curdling adventure sketch, “Captain O’Benny, Master Detective.” Meanwhile, Jack auditions singers to replace Dennis Day. Lucky Strike, NBC. (26 min). PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (2-13-49) When flowers begin arriving for Alice, Phil begins to wonder if she has another man in her life. Cast includes Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Hal March. Rexall, NBC. (29 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-11-53) After 15 years in Beverly Hills, Jack decides to put his house up for sale. Lucky Strike, CBS. (27 min). Rebroadcast: 2/14/24 – 2/20/24.
February 20th, 1999 – JACK BENNY MONTH – PART 3
PROGRAM 1476: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-29-44) When Jack tells guest Fred Allen that he’s still looking for a singer to replace Dennis Day, Fred suggests they take a poll of the public to see what kind of singer he should get. They go to Allen’s Alley where they meet John Doe (John Brown), Mrs. Nussbaum (Minerva Pious), Socrates Mulligan (Charlie Cantor), and Falstaff Openshaw (Alan Reed). Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min). SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (2-17-50) “It’s in the Bag” starring Fred Allen in his screen role from the 1945 film comedy-mystery about a flea circus promoter entitled to an inheritance. Cast features John Brown, Sheldon Leonard, Frank Nelson, Hans Conried, Alan Reed. RCA Victor, NBC. (28 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-5-44) Jack and Mary Livingstone go to the Shrine Auditorium to see Dunninger, the Master Mentalist who has found a new singer for Jack’s program. He’s Larry Stevens who is a gas station attendant at a station at the corner of Third and LaCieniga. Larry sings “I’ll Be Seeing You.” Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (29 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (10-22-98) Singer Larry Stevens, who replaced Dennis Day on the Jack Benny program (1944-46), talks about his career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded at the Friends of Old Time Radio convention in Newark, New Jersey. (22 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (11-19-44) Remote broadcast from the U.S. Naval Hospital, Corona, California with Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Don Wilson, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, “and our new singer, Larry Stevens.” Guest is harmonica virtuoso Larry Adler. Larry Stevens joins in the commercial and then sings “What a Difference a Day Made.” Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-24-46) Remote broadcast from Palm Springs, California. To show up Esquire Magazine writer Gilbert Seldes, who has criticized the brash style of comedy on the Benny program, Jack and the gang presents “a nice, sweet program” with his cast entirely out of character. Larry Stevens sings a new novelty song, “Pickle in the Middle” written by Jack’s writer John Tackaberry. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min). Rebroadcast: 2/21/24 – 2/27/24.
February 27th, 1999 – JACK BENNY MONTH – PART 4
PROGRAM 1477: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-10-46) Jack welcomes guest Ray Milland, Oscar-winning actor for his role in the film “Lost Weekend.” They do the Benny show version of the film with Jack and Ray as twin brothers who drink too much. Jack, announcing that Dennis Day will return to the show next week following his service in the Navy, bids farewell to singer Larry Stevens. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (8-11-76) Singer-comedian Dennis Day reminisces about his career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded in Mr. Day’s Brentwood, California home. He died in 1988 at the age of 71. (28 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-17-46) Dennis Day returns to the program from his World War II service in the Navy. Dennis sings “Danny Boy.” Jack and the gang present their version of Fred Allen’s “Allen’s Alley” with a sketch titled “Benny’s Boulevard.” The question: “Who is the better comedian, Fred Allen or Jack Benny?” Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min). A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (10-2-48) Dennis stars in his own program. To accommodate his girlfriend’s mother, Dennis agrees to baby sit a neighborhood brat. Colgate-Palmolive, NBC. (30 min). PHILIP MORRIS PLAYHOUSE ON BROADWAY (1952) “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes” starring Peter Lorre. A gripping fantasy about a magician who has the power to predict the future. Philip Morris Cigarettes, CBS. (25 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-24-46) A week after Dennis has rejoined the show, the cast gathers at Jack’s house for rehearsal. After the gang leaves, Jack reads the book “I Stand Condemned.” Guest is Peter Lorre. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min). Rebroadcast: 2/28/24 – 3/5/24.
March 6th, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1478: RECOLLECTIONS AT THIRTY (7-4-56) Program 4 of 33. Ed Herlihy hosts this series featuring audio clips from NBC’s 30 year broadcast history. Rudy Vallee; Clark and McCullough; Lum and Abner; Fred Allen and Portland Hoffa; 1936 band remote; Al Jolson. Sustaining, NBC. (25 min). MOLLE MYSTERY THEATRE (1940s) “The Creeper.” When a killer stalks red-headed women in New York, the wife of a detective fears she may be the next victim. Molle Shave Creme, NBC. (29 min). PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (5-1-49) Phil and Remley (Elliott Lewis) help with Spring Cleaning. Rexall, NBC. (29 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (2-19-75) Announcer Ken Carpenter recalls his broadcast career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded in Mr. Carpenter’s Brentwood, California home. He died in 1984 at the age of 84. (30 min). PHILCO RADIO TIME (10-15-47) Bing Crosby stars with guest Dinah Shore, the Rhythmaires, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, and announcer Ken Carpenter. In a sketch, Bing visits Dinah’s home in Tennessee where Ken Carpenter plays Dinah’s father. Later, Bing and Dinah spoof “Your Hit Parade” with a new show they call “Your Flop Parade,” sponsored by “Food” (with Ken Carpenter promoting the product!). Philco, ABC. (29 min). NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (1-14-45) “Murder By Fire” or “Nick Carter and the Mystery of the Midnight Alarm” starring Lon Clark as Nick, Helen Choate as Patsy. Nick rescues a girl from a burning factory. Lin-X Products, MBS. (27 min). Rebroadcast: 3/6/24 – 3/12/24.
March 13th, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1479: SPEAKING OF RADIO (12-7-71) Actor Don Ameche recalls his career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded backstage at the Pheasant Run Playhouse in St. Charles, Illinois. He died in 1993 at the age of 85. (26 min). CHASE AND SANBORN PROGRAM (12-12-37) Don Ameche hosts the hour-long variety show starring Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Nelson Eddy, Dorothy Lamour, the Stroud Twins, Robert Armbruster’s orchestra, and guest Mae West. Nelson Eddy sings “Road to Mandaley;” Dorothy sings “Every Day’s a Holiday.” Miss West appears with Don Ameche in an “Adam and Eve” sketch written by Arch Oboler, and in a comedy routine with Charlie McCarthy. Chase and Sanborn Coffee, NBC. (60 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (2-10-75) Comedian Edgar Bergen reminisces about his long broadcast career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded in Mr. Bergen’s Hollywood, California office. He died in 1978 at the age of 75. (46 min). CHARLIE MC CARTHY SHOW (9-21-41) Edgar Bergen with Charlie, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Ray Noble and the orchestra, and guest W. C. Fields. The insults fly during a classic Charlie McCarthy — W. C. Fields confrontation. Abbott and Costello do a wild animal routine. Chase and Sanborn, NBC. (29 min). RECOLLECTIONS AT THIRTY (7-11-56) Program 5 of 33. Truth or Consequences; Bing Crosby and Bob Burns; Jesse Owens; DeMarco Sisters; Tom Howard and George Shelton. Sustaining, NBC. (25 min). Rebroadcast: 3/13/24 – 3/19/24.
March 20th, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1480: SUSPENSE (3-20-60) “Talk About Caruso” featuring Mason Adams, Robert Dryden, Stuart Foster, and Arlene Wacker in the story of a prizefighter turned opera singer. CBS. (23 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (10-24-98) Actor Mason Adams talks about his radio career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded at the Friends of Old Time Radio convention in Newark, New Jersey. (11 min). INNER SANCTUM (1-24-49) “Deadly Dummy” starring Mason Adams and Elspeth Eric. After a ventriloquist is murdered, his act is haunted by his dummy. CBS/AFRS. (24 min). RECOLLECTIONS AT THIRTY (7-18-56) Program 6 of 33. Bergen and McCarthy; Little Jack Little; Vox Pop; Al Pearce and Tizzy Lish; Ben Bernie and Bobby Breen; Dixie Lee Crosby. Sustaining, NBC. (25 min). ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1212-48) Ozzie, Harriet and David all have worries. International Silver Co., NBC. (29 min). GUNSMOKE (1-25-59) “The Boots” starring William Conrad as Marshall Matt Dillon, with Parley Baer as Chester, Howard McNear as Doc, Georgia Ellis as Kitty, and Richard Beals, Lawrence Dobkin, Vic Perrin. A 45-year-old drunk and a 14-year-old orphan make a strange couple. Many sponsors, CBS. (28 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (10-23-98) Actor Richard Beals reminisces about his career on radio and television in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded at the friends of Old Time Radio convention in Newark, New Jersey. (18 min). SUSPENSE (2-1-59) “Return to Dust” starring Richard Beals. A lab professor, experimenting with the decreasing size of cancer cells, accidentally gets the formula on his own skin and begins to shrink. Sustaining, CBS. (19 min). Rebroadcast: 3/20/24 – 3/26/24.
March 27th, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1481: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1 1-9-41) Harold Peary stars as Gildy with Lillian Randolph as Birdie. After Birdie cooks Gildy’s birthday dinner for Judge Hooker, the judge tries to hire her as his housekeeper. Kraft, NBC. (30 min). NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (8-1548) “The Case of the Professional Beggar” starring Lon Clark as Carter with Charlotte Manson as Patsy Bowen. Nick searches for a messenger boy who may be the only witness to a murder. Old Dutch Cleanser, MBS. (29 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (8-9-76) Actress Lillian Randolph talks about her long career on radio, television and the movies in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded in Miss Randolph’s Los Angeles, California home. She died in 1980 at the age of 81. (21 min). GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-10-50) Harold Peary stars as Gildy with Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Mary Lee Robb as Marjorie. On Marjorie’s wedding day Birdie sings “I Love You Truly.” Kraft Foods, NBC. (31 min). LET’S DANCE (1-5-35) Excerpt from the big band series featuring Benny Goodman and his orchestra with vocals by Buddy Clark and Helen Ward. Uneeda Biscuit, NBC. (19 min) Karl Pearson will join us on the air to talk about the program. RECOLLECTIONS AT THIRTY (7-25-56) Program 7 of 33. Jake and Lena; Jack Benny, Kate Smith, Abe Lyman; John J. Anthony; NBC Minstrels; Fibber McGee and the Old Timer; Ben Bernie and the orchestra. Sustaining, NBC. (24 min). Rebroadcast: 3/27/24 – 4/2/24.
April 3rd, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1482: OUR MISS BROOKS (1952) Eve Arden stars as the Madison High School English teacher who must work through the Easter Week vacation to get funds to purchase a new dress for the holiday. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (30 min). RECOLLECTIONS AT THIRTY (8-1-56) Program 8 in the 33-part series marking the 30th anniversary of the National Broadcasting Company. Host Ed Herlihy presents the Happiness Boys; Herb Morrison and the Hindenberg crash; Frank Crumit and Julia Sanderson; Phil Baker; Snow Village Sketches; Tommy Dorsey. Sustaining, NBC. (25 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (1-31-75) Actress Eve Arden recalls her career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded at the Drury Lane Theatre in Evergreen Park, Illinois. She died in 1990 at the age of 78. (23 min). OUR MISS BROOKS (130-49) Eve Arden is Miss Brooks who has been entrusted by principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon) with $25 of high school students’ money. Cast includes Jeff Chandler, Richard Crenna, Frank Nelson. Colgate, Lustre Creme, CBS. (29 min). PARADE COVERAGE (8-20-38) Announcer Durward Kirby covers the activities in Chicago in honor of Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan, who set out to fly from New York to California but “made a wrong turn over Long Island” and landed in Ireland. He is welcomed at Chicago Municipal Airport by Mayor Edward J. Kelly. Kirby follows the Parade to City Hall. NBC. (8 min and 15 min). RED SKELTON SHOW (4-9-50) Red appears as Willy Lump-Lump, Cauliflour McPugg, and Junior, the mean little kid. It’s Easter Sunday and the day of the Skunk Patrol’s Benefit Show. Cast includes Lurene Tuttle, Pat McGeehan, Martha Wentworth, Rod O’Connor, Four Knights, David Rose and the orchestra. Red sings “Scarlet Ribbons.” Tide, CBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 4/3/24 – 4/9/24.
April 10th, 1999 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1483: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (5-12-49) “You Could Look It Up” starring William Frawley in James Thurber’s comedy about a little person who helps cure a baseball team of its overconfidence. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29 min). COMEDY CARAVAN (3-31-44) Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore star with singer Georgia Gibbs, Howard Petrie, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Sketch: “The G-String Murder,” a play about music! Produced and directed by Phil Cohan. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (6-18-88) Radio producer-director Phil Cohan talks about his broadcast career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded at Mr. Cohan’s home in Pacific Palisades, California. (53 min). JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (12-10-47) Guest Boris Karloff joins the Schnozzola. Jimmy visits disc jockey Happy Sam (Boris) to collect an award in a popularity poll. Produced and directed by Phil Cohan. Rexall, NBC. (29 min). RECOLLECTIONS AT THIRTY (8-8-56) Program 9 of 33. Amos ‘n’ Andy; Cities Service Concert; West Coast flood report; Frank Munn; Jimmy Fidler; Blue Barron and the orchestra. Sustaining, NBC. (24 min). Rebroadcast: 4/10/24 – 4/16/24.
April 17th, 1999 – HAPPY BIRTHDAY LES TREMAYNE!
PROGRAM 1484: FIRST NIGHTER (10-25-40) “Three Who Faced Death” starring Les Tremayne and Barbara Luddy in a a drama about an apparent amnesia victim being followed by a criminal. Campana Products, NBC. (27 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (12-12-73) Actor Les Tremayne reminisces about his radio career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded in Hollywood, California. Mr. Tremayne was born April 16, 1913 and this year celebrates his 86th birthday. (44 min). THIN MAN (7-6-48) “Adventure of the Passionate Palooka” starring Les Tremayne and Claudia Morgan as Nick and Nora Charles who promise to find a prizefighter’s pet pooch. Ed Herlihy announces. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, NBC. (28 min). FIRST NIGHTER (3-25-41) “Love and Gazooza” stars Les Tremayne and Barbara Luddy. A well-to-do Mexican is in love with a reluctant senorita. Campana, CBS. (25 min). THE BIG STORY (12-15-47) “The Case of the Final Curtain” stars Les Tremayne as Aburey Maddock, editor of the Hartford Daily Current, whose story is dramatized. Bob Sloan narrates. Pall Mall Cigarettes, NBC. (26 min). RECOLLECTIONS AT THIRTY (8-15-56) Program 10 of 33. A&P Gypsies; Pick and Pat; Eddie Cantor; Father Charles Coughlin; Rudy Vallee; Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon; Deanna Durbin. Sustaining, NBC. (24 min). Rebroadcast: 4/17/24 – 4/23/24.
April 24th, 1999 – 29TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW
PROGRAM 1485: As we celebrate our twenty-ninth broadcast anniversary today, we salute two legendary Chicago broadcasters: Bob Elson and Jack Brickhouse: SPEAKING OF RADIO (9-20-80) Announcer Bob Elson talks about his career as a sports announcer and interviewer in a conversation with Chuck Schaden during a Those Were The Days broadcast. Includes brief play-by-play baseball clips and a complete 1945 “Bob Elson on the Twentieth Century Limited” program. Mr. Elson died in 1981 at the age of 76. (68 min). CRIME FILES OF FLAMOND (4-25-48) “The Case of the Ruinous Report” starring Myron (Mike) Wallace as the detective trying to untangle a love triangle. Pierre Andre announces and Bob Elson does commercials for Brachs Candy Bars. WGN/MBS. (30 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (9-9-77) Broadcaster Jack Brickhouse, who considers himself “an announcer, not a sports announcer” talks about the early days of his career in radio in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded in Mr. Brickhouse’s office at WGN Radio, Chicago. He died in 1998 at the age of 82. (22 min). FOOTBALL (11-16-58) Excerpt. Jack Brickhouse describes the action during the final seven minutes of the game between the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Colts at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Iry Kupcinet provides color commentary. Standard Oil, WGN. (21 min). HUBBARD-BRICKHOUSE SHOW (11-24-61) Excerpt. Chicago radio personalities Eddie Hubbard and Jack Brickhouse in a late afternoon interview program. Guests are former Mousketeer Annette Funicello and singer-actress Monique Van Vooren. WGN. (15 min). CHICAGO WHITE SOX BASEBALL CAMP (3-20-61) Excerpt. Jack Brickhouse talks with Sox manager Al Lopez and players Nelson Fox and Early Wynn from the Sox spring training camp in Sarasota, Florida. WGN. (13 min). Rebroadcast: 4/24/24 – 4/30/24.
August 14th, 1999 – WORLD WAR II in IV HOURS
PROGRAM 1501: CBS NEWS SPECIAL (12-8-41) Excerpt. President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivers his “Day of Infamy” speech before a joint session of Congress, asking for a declaration of war against Japan. CBS. (13 min) JACK BENNY PROGRAM 110-18-42) Jack and the gang” Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Dennis Day, Don Wilson” in a wartime broadcast from Williams Field in Arizona. Jack decides to do his part for the war effort and donates his Max-well to the Scrap Drive. Grape Nuts, NBC. (30 min) FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-1-421 Jim and Marian Jordan star with Isabel Randolph, Gale Gordon, Bill Thompson, Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Wartime mileage rationing has come to Wistful Vista. This is the last program for Gale Gordon before he entered the U.S. Coast Guard. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-24-43) Harold Peary stars with Walter Tetley, Lillian Randolph, Lurene Tuttle, Earle Ross, Shirley Mitchell, Dick LeGrand. Air Raid Warden Gildersleeve is concerned about sabotage at the Summerfield Arms Manufacturing Plant. Judge Hooker is in charge of Civilian Defense. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (6-6-44) The President of the United States ad-dresses the nation on the evening of the D-Day invasion and asks the country to join him in a prayer. His remarks are followed by Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians presenting “Onward, Christian Soldiers” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” All Networks. (15 min) PRESIDENT HARRY S TRUMAN (5-8-45) The President announces the unconditional surrender of Germany and the end of the war in Europe. “This is a solemn but glorious hour… I only wish that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day.” All Networks. (6 min) HOWARD K. SMITH (5-9-451 War Correspondent Smith reports (via shortwave) on the bombed city of Berlin as it appeared following the Nazi surrender. “It’s the most massive work of concentrated destruction in history.” Combined Networks. (10 min) GABRIEL HEATTER (8-13-45) The commentator talks about the expected surrender of Japan and the acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration and what it means to Japan and the Emperor. “Even civil war in Japan isn’t ruled out as a possibility now. Their people know nothing even now regarding their surrender offer.” Kreml Hair Tonic, MBS. (14 min) CHICAGO VICTORY CELEBRATION (8-14-45) Don Elders describes the scene from atop the marquee of the Roosevelt Theatre in Chicago’s Loop. “State and Madison is a bedlam of victory celebrations.” NBC. (4 min) FOURTEEN AUGUST (8-14-451 A message for the day of victory, written, produced and edited by Norman Corwin and spoken by Orson Welles. Corwin greets victory over Japan with a look at the awful effects of the weapon used. Sustaining, CBS. (16 min). Rebroadcast -.
April 29th, 2000 – 30TH TWTD ANNIVERSARY
PROGRAM 1538: To complete 30 years of Those Were The Days broadcasts, this special program from the Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago featured a live re-creation of the Lux Radio Theatre presentation of The Maltese Falcon starring Ken Alexander and the Those Were The Days Radio Players. The accompanying score was provided by Paul Renard at the Hammond Electric Organ. The 30th anniversary show also features selected excerpts from past TWTD programs, guests and a number of surprises. Rebroadcast: 10/19/2011 – 10/25/2011.
October 7th, 2000 – GOOD-BYE, WMAQ, CHICAGO
PROGRAM 1561: After 78 years, Chicago’s pioneering radio station signed off August 1, 2000 leaving a rich legacy that includes these programs and personalities: CHEZ SHOW (5-15-52) Excerpt. Jack Eigan, broadcasting from Chicago’s world-famous Chez Paree night club. NEWS ON THE SPOT (3-22-56) Len O’Connor reports on additional Chicago police patrols for the city. JUDITH WALLER (3-6-48) An interviewer from Cedar Rapids, Iowa talks with Judith Waller, the first station manager of WMAQ, who tells about the early days of the station. 11:60 CLUB (10-13-48) Excerpt. Dave Garroway plays recorded music and offers low-key comments to listeners who tune in at midnight. JIM HURLBUT (9-27-49) Newsman Hurlbut, a reporter-at-large, presents local and national news. ARBOGAST (11-1-51) Bob Arbogast and his pal Pete Robinson present a late-night comedy, satire and recorded music show, including a spoof of radio amateur hours. NIGHT DESK (7-6-55) Caren Walsh, City Editor of the Chicago Sun-Times, presides over this on-the-spot summary of the local news plus direct and transcribed reports by short wave and telephone of late-breaking news just as it happens. Rebroadcast: 7/27/2011 – 8/3/2011.
May 5th, 2001 – REMEMBERING BASIL RATHBONE
PROGRAM 1592: SKIPPY HOLLYWOOD THEATRE 11949) The Man from Jamestown starring Basil Rathbone in an historical romantic drama set in the early days of the Twentieth Century. Lee Mitchell is director and host. Skippy Peanut Butter, Syndicated. (31 min) TALES OF FATIMA (5-28-49) Time to Kill starring Basil Rathbone as himself, who hears a news announcement that Basil Rathbone, noted actor, has been found brutally murdered. Fatima Cigarettes, CBS. (27 min) FRED ALLEN SHOW (4-24-491 Guest Basil Rathbone joins Fred and the regulars, Portland Hoffa, Minerva Pious (Mrs. Nussbaum), Peter Donald (Ajax Cassidy), Parker Fennelly (Titus Moody), Kenny Delmar (Senator Claghorn), DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and the orchestra. Rathbone joins Allen in a One Long Pan detective sketch, The Mad Doctor of Downey Street or Death Wore Rubber Gloves. Ford Motor Co., NBC. (29 min) CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (3-22-48) The President and the Doctor starring Basil Rathbone as George Washington and Thomas Mitchell as Dr. Samuel Baird in a little-known story about a double crisis in the life of our nation’s first president. DuPont, NBC. (28 min) NEW ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (10-10-45) A Scandal in Bohemia starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes with Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson, who tells a story about Holmes, a king, and the woman. Harry Bartell announces. Petri Wines, MBS. (30 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is movie historian Bob Kolososki who will talk about the film career of Basil Rathbone, who died in 1967 at age 75. Rebroadcast: 5/5/2018 – 5/11/2018.
May 12th, 2001 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1593: ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (2-649) The Nelsons as themselves, with Tommy Bernard and Henry Blair as David and Ricky, John Brown as Thorny Thornberry. Harriet is upset that her house is never as neat as her neighbors, and it’s all because of her three kids ” the two boys and Ozzie. International Silver Co., NBC. (29 min). HALLMARK HALL OF FAME (5-10-53) George Washington’s Mother hosted by Lionel Barrymore, who presents the true story of Mary Washington, the mother of the man who became the first president of the United States. Hallmark Cards, AFRTS. (22 min). RED SKELTON SHOW (3-11-52) The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire focuses on barber shops as Willy Lump-Lump is a barber and Junior goes for a haircut. Norge, CBS. (28 min). LET GEORGE DO IT (4-5-481 Bob Bailey stars as George Valentine, free-lance detective, with Frances Robinson as his secretary, Brooksie. Valentine’s old army buddy has been hospitalized as a mental case. Standard Oil of California, MBS. (30 min). FORT LARAMIE (4-29-56) Capture stars Raymond Burr as Lee Quince, Captain of Cavalry at Ft. Laramie. A dying Indian chief asks Quince to make sure his son doesn’t stray to the wrong side of the law. Vic Perrin as Sgt. Gorce, Harry Bartell as Lt. Seiberts. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min). LIFE OF RILEY (5-8-48) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley, with Paula Winslowe as Peg, John Brown as Digby O’Dell. Riley fixes breakfast in bed for Peg on Mother’s Day. Prell Shampoo, NBC. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 5/12/2018 – 5/18/2018.
May 19th, 2001 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1594: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (5-2-50) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees who are at Dugan’s Lake on the opening day of the fishing season trying to catch some big mouth bass. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29 min). CAMPBELL PLAYHOUSE (3-17-39) Beau Geste starring Orson Wells as Beau, Lawrence Olivier as John Geste, and Noah Beery as Sgt. Le Grande in the classic story of honor among brothers in the French Foreign Legion and their battle with a tyrannical officer and rampaging desert hordes. Campbell Soups, CBS. (25 min & 32 min). SPOTLIGHT REVUE (2-20-48) Spike Jones and his City Slickers co-star with Dorothy Shay, the Park Avenue Hillbilly. Guest Buddy Clark joins Doodles Weaver, George Rock and the Slickers. Coca Cola, CBS. (28 min). SUSPENSE (6-19-47) Dead of Night starring Elliott Reid with Cathy Lewis and Wally Maher. A brother comes to the aid of his sister who has killed her abusive husband. Roma Wines, CBS. (30 min). COMMAND PERFORMANCE #126 (6-24-44) An All-Western show starring Bob Hope, Andrews Sisters, Cottonseed Clark, Roy Rogers, the Riders of the Purple Sage, Carole Landis and Frank Sinatra. Comedy sketch: The Road to Texas or Jerkalong Cassidy. AFRS. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 5/19/2018 – 5/25/2018.
May 26th, 2001 – THE BIG BANDSTAND
PROGRAM 1595: BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (10-23-37) Remote broadcast from the Madhattan Room of the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City. Selections include In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree and Am I Blue. Vocalist Martha Tilton sings You’re My Desire and Yours and Mine. The Goodman Trio offers Where or When and the Goodman Quartet presents a wild version of Nagasaki. Melvin Allen announces. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min) BENNY MEROFF AND HIS ORCHESTRA (9-4¬37) Remote broadcast from the Summer Terrace of the Hotel New Yorker in New York City. Bert Parks announces. Vocals by Miss Sonia and Clyde Rogers. This little-known but solid middle-of-the-road orchestra presents They All Laughed, Lady Be Good, Sweet Leilani, ˜Peanut Vendor, and He Ain’t Got Rhythm. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min) RUSS MORGAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (7-8¬51) Remote broadcast from the Marine Dining Room of the Edgewater Beach Hotel along the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. Music in the Morgan Manner selections include How High the Moon, Bye Bye Blues, Stars Fell on Alabama, and You Belong to My Heart. Bill Griskey announces. Sustaining, NBC. (25 min). GLENN MILLER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (8-4-39) Remote broadcast from the Glen Island Casino on Long Island Sound in New Rochelle, New York. Tunes include Slip Horn Jive, My Isle of Golden Dreams, and King Porter Stomp. Ray Eberle sings The Lamp is Low. Sustaining, NBC BLUE. (14 min). AMERICA’S POPULAR MUSIC (1958) Chapter One of The Glenn Miller Story, an 18-part series hosted by Andy Mansfield. This series features interviews with music personalities who played a role in the history of the Miller Band, plus clips from broadcasts and recordings. Ben Pollack, who hired Glenn Miller for his band in the 1920s, is interviewed in this first program of the series. AFRTS. (30 min) Subsequent episodes will be presented throughout the summer on TWTD. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian KARL PEARSON who will talk about the music and the musicians of the Big Band Era. Rebroadcast: 5/26/2018 – 6/1/2018.
June 2nd, 2001 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1596: ADVENTURES OF FRANK MERRIWELL (7-3148) Secret of the Old Mill starring Lawson Zerbe as Frank, with Hal Studer as Bart Hodge and Elaine Rost as Inza Burrage. During summer vacation in Atlantic City, college chums are having fun on the midway of an amusement park when a fire breaks out. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min) RAILROAD HOUR (1-21-52) Desert Song starring Gordon MacRae and Mimi Benzell in a radio version of Sigmund Romberg’s operetta Cast includes former silent screen star Francis X. Bushman. Norman Luboff Choir, Carmen Dragon and the orchestra. Marvin Miller Announces. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (30 min) BOSTON BLACKIE (1940s) The Baseball Murder stars Dick Kollmar as the detective who is an enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who have no friend in this story about a baseball star who is mysteriously shot while sliding into second base. Cast includes Jan Miner as Mary Wesley and Maurice Tarplin as Inspector Faraday. Pioneer radio horse racing announcer Clem McCarthy appears as a sportscaster in this story. Syndicated. (27 min) SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (2-4-40) I Met Him in Paris starring Melvyn Douglas, Ann Sothern and Robert Young in a romantic comedy about a young woman on a holiday in France who must choose between a playwright and a novelist. Roger Prior hosts this radio version of the 1937 film. Gulf Oil Co., CBS. (28 min) AMERICA’S POPULAR MUSIC (1958) Chapter 2 of the 18-part Glenn Miller Story. Host Andy Mansfield interviews Red Nichols who had employed Glenn Miller as one of Nichols’ Five Pennies. AFRTS. (30 min) A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (10-22-47) Dennis, in his own comedy series, takes a second job selling insurance. Colgate, Lustre Creme, NBC. (28 min). Rebroadcast: 6/2/2018 – 6/8/2018.
June 9th, 2001 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1597: ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (10-24-48) The Insomnia Caper starring Howard Duff as Sam Spade, private investigator. Sam can’t get any sleep because of a lovers’ quarrel outside his room. Lurene Tuttle appears as Sam’s secretary Effie Perrine. AFRS rebroadcast. (25 min) AMERICA’S POPULAR MUSIC (1958) Chapter 3 of The Glenn Miller Story, covering Miller’s early days as a bandleader (1937-39). Andy Mansfield hosts. AFRTS. (30 min) CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (1-10-49) Isolated episode of The Return of Ivan Shark starring Ed Prentiss as Captain Midnight. Announcer Pierre Andre makes a four-minute pitch for the new 1949 Key-O-Matic Code-O-Graph, which also figures prominently in the continuing story line. Ovaltine, MBS. (13 min) CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (6-16-41) Annie Oakley stars Agnes Moorehead in a radio portrait of the sharpshooter, highlighting the legend of her crack marksmanship. duPont, NBC. (26 min) JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (4-7-48) The Schnozzola convinces guest Dorothy Lamour that she should run for President of the United States. Jimmy, of course, will be her vice president. Peggy Lee, Crew Chiefs, Alan Reed. Rexall, NBC. (29 min) INNER SANCTUM (9-19-49) Honeymoon with Death featuring Mason Adams, Arlene Blackburn and Mercedes McCambridge. A honeymoon couple witness a murder, AFRS rebroadcast. (23 min) AMERICA’S POPULAR MUSIC (1958) Chapter 4 of The Glenn Miller Story. Host Andy Mansfield interviews Tex Beneke who recalls his days as a saxist and singer with the Miller orchestra. AFRTS. (29 min) Rebroadcast: 6/9/2018 – 6/15/2018.
June 16th, 2001 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1597: AMERICA’S POPULAR MUSIC (1958) Chapter 5 of The Glenn Miller Story. Guest Marian Hutton talks about her days as a vocalist with the Miller band. Host Andy Mansfield plays a portion of the ASCAP 1939 Miller concert at Carnegie Hall. AFRTS. (30 min) SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (12-9-49) Call Northside 777 starring James Stewart in a radio version of his 1948 film. A Chicago reporter tries to prove a convicted killer innocent of murdering a policeman. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min) SPEAKING OF RADIO (6-16-88) Ray Singer recalls his long career as a radio writer in this conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded at Mr. Singer’s home in Beverly Hills, California. Ray Singer died in 1992 at age 76. (26 min) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (10-9-49) When Phil finds a few grey hairs, Alice makes an appointment for him to get a dye job at her beauty shop. Elliott Lewis appears as Frankie Remley; Walter Tetley as Julius; Robert North as Willie. Ray Singer was one of the writers of this series. Rexall, NBC. (28 min) AMERICA’S POPULAR MUSIC (1958) Chapter 6 of The Glenn Miller Story. Andy Mansfield presents the final portion of the 1939 Miller ASCAP concert at Carnegie Hall. AFRTS. (29 min) SUSPENSE (12-16-56) Eyewitness starring Howard Duff as a newspaper reporter who gets the scoop of the year when a small building in the State Penitentiary is taken over by the inmates. Cast features John Dehner, Tony Barrett, Joseph Kearns, Jack Kruschen, Dick LeGrande, Lou Merrill, Barney Phillips. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 6/16/2018 – 6/22/2018.
June 23rd, 2001 – REMEMBERING DON MC NEILL
PROGRAM 1598: BREAKFAST CLUB (6-23-58) Don McNeill stars on the long-running program’s 25th Anniversary broadcast from the College Inn Porterhouse of the Hotel Sherman in Chicago. Appearing are Don, singer Dick Noel, Fran Allison (as Aunt Fanny), Sam Cowling (Fiction and Fact from Sam’s Almanac) and Eddie Ballentine and the orchestra. Don chats with members of the audience who raised their children while listening over the past quarter-century and hears predictions for radio in the next 25 years. McNeill introduces his sister, his mother and father, and his wife Kay and sons Tom, Don, Jr. and Bob. Plus: the moment of silent prayer and the march around the breakfast table. Multiple sponsors, ABC. (29 min & 31 min) FRED ALLEN SHOW (5-9-48) Don McNeill joins Fred and the Allen’s Alley regulars. Fred tells Don his idea for a new radio quiz show. Cast includes Kenny Delmar (Sen. Claghorn), Parker Fennelly (Titus Moody), Minerva Pious (Mrs. Nussbaum), Peter Donald (Ajax Cassidy). Ford Dealers, NBC. (30 min) SILVER SALUTE TO AFTRA (1961) Host Don McNeill presides over the 25th anniversary salute to the Chicago Chapter of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. Broadcasting from the Sheraton Chicago Hotel in the Windy City, McNeill presents awards and introduces performers who got their start in Chicago: Pat Buttram, Les Paul and Mary Ford, Marvin Miller, Jim Jordan, Cliff Arquette, Hugh Downs, Pat Flanagan, Virginia Payne, Cliff Norton, Marilyn Maxwell, Fran Allison, and Les Tremayne. Announcers are John Harrington, Pierre Andre, and John Holtman. Frankie Masters and the orchestra. WLS, Chicago. (29 min) REFRESHMENT CLUB (2-5-37) Don McNeill hosts an informal half hour of music and fun from Chicago, featuring Clark Dennis, Helen Jane Behlke, the Cadets, Walter Blaufus and the orchestra. A few corny jokes and some music for mid-day. Coca Cola, NBC. (30 min) BREAKFAST CLUB (4-28-58) Excerpt. Don McNeill welcomes guest Bob Hope who answers questions from the audience. (23 min) Rebroadcast: 6/23/2018 – 6/29/2018.
PROGRAM 1652: TOMMY DORSEY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (220-37) Excerpt. Remote from the Palm Room of the Hotel Commodore in New York City. Tommy and the orchestra present There’s Something in the Air, Song of India, and Melody in F. Vocals by Jack Leonard and the Three Esquires. Sustaining, MBS. (9 min) RALEIGH-KOOL CIGARETTE PROGRAM (1-14-38) Tommy Dorsey and his Orchestra in a special broadcast tracing the history of swing music. The Dorsey band recreates a number of old recordings in the actual style of the period. Vocals by Edythe Wright, Jack Leonard, the Three Esquires. Guest is bass saxist Adrian Rollini. Paul Stewart announces. Selections include Memphis Blues, Tiger Rag, Whispering, Japanese Sandman, Night and Day, Posin’, and Marie. Raleigh and Kool Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min) TOMMY DORSEY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1940) Remote broadcast from the Astor Roof of the Hotel Astor in New York City. This is an International broadcast with all announcements in Spanish, short-waved to our Latin-American neighbors. Vocals by Jo Stafford, Frank Sinatra, Connie Haines, Pied Pipers. Songs include Sweet Lorraine, Imagination, East of the Sun, and Devil’s Holiday. Sustaining, NBC-White. (29 min) TOMMY DORSEY AND COMPANY (6-24-45) Featuring the Dorsey orchestra with Charlie Shavers on trumpet, Buddy Rich on drums, and vocalists Stuart Foster and the Sentimentalists. Guest is actress Paulette Goddard who co-stars with Tommy as a romantic couple in a sketch looking back at the year 1940. Music includes Sentimental Journey, Chloe, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, and I’ll Never Smile Again. AFRS. (30 min) TOMMY AND JIMMY DORSEY (6-4-55) Excerpts. Live recording of a Dorsey Brothers dance date at the Jantzen Beach Ballroom, Portland, Oregon with vocals by Bill Raymond and Shirley Jeanne. Music includes Marie, Tangerine, One O’clock Jump. (26 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian Karl Pearson who will talk about Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra and offer clips and excepts of various Dorsey broadcasts and recordings. Rebroadcast: 6/30/2018 – 7/6/2018.
July 13th, 2002 – REMEMBERING GARY COOPER
PROGRAM 1653: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (12-10-45) Along Came Jones starring Gary Cooper with Ona Munson and William Demarest in a radio version of the 1945 film, a comedy-western with Cooper being mistaken for a notorious outlaw. AFRS rebroadcast. (25 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-13-42) Broadcasting from New York City before an audience of servicemen on leave, Jack and the gang welcome guest Gary Cooper. Jack and Coop decide to paint the town red. Cast features Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Alan Reed, and guest conductor Benny Goodman. Grape Nuts, NBC. (29 min). LUX RADIO THEATRE (11-2-36) The Virginian starring Gary Cooper, Charles Bickford, Helen Mack and John Howard. A rugged cowpoke’s best friend is found guilty of cattle rustling. Cast includes Earle Ross, Frank Nelson, Lou Merrill. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Lux Soap, CBS. (21 min & 14 min & 23 min). PHILCO RADIO TIME (10-1-47) Bing Crosby’s first show for his second season for Philco finds him playing host to Gary Cooper in a comedy spoof of singing westerns. Also on hand: Peggy Lee, Rhythmaires, Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Philco Radios, ABC. (30 min). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is movie historian Bob Kolososki who will talk about the film career of Gary Cooper. Rebroadcast: 7/7/2018 – 7/13/2018.
July 20th, 2002 – MORE FROM THE WAR – WWII
PROGRAM 1654: *FRED WARING AND THE PENNSYLVANIANS (12-8-41) In the evening following the United States Declaration of War, Fred Waring and his 55 Pennsylvanians present a program of music in response to the events of the day. Selections include This is My Country and America, I Hear you Singing. Paul Douglas announces. This program is preceded by a war bulletin. Chesterfield Cigarettes, (14 min) *GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-3-42) Harold Peary stars as Gildersleeve with Walter Tetley as Leroy, Lurene Tuttle as Marjorie, Lillian Randolph as Birdie. A new U. S. Naval Liberty Ship is to be named SS Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve and Marjorie is going to christen it. Gildy’s family takes the train to California for the occasion. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) *TREASURY STAR PARADE #14 (1942) Actor Frederic March emcees a patriotic program featuring singer Mary Jane Walsh and reads: Nightmare at Noon by Steven Vincent Benet. S. Treasury Department. (15 min) *IT’S TIME TO SMILE (6-3-42) Eddie Cantor stars in a broadcast from U. S. Army Camp Haan in Riverside, California. Guest is actress and pin-up girl Veronica Lake, who wants to join the Women’s Army. Eddie spoofs a Tokyo short wave broadcast and has a solider in the audience speak to his folks back home. Cast includes Harry Von Zell, Bert Gordon, Cookie Fairchild and the orchestra. Ipana, Sal Hepatica, NBC. (25 min) *COUNTERSPY (6-8-42) Don McLaughlin stars as David Harding, chief of U.S. Counterspies, fighting Germany’s Gestapo and Japan’s Black Dragon. Harding investigates the suicide of a Washington official and discovers a Nazi espionage plot. Sustaining, Blue (30 min) *TREASURY STAR PARADE #15 (1942) Actress Jane Cowell narrates the Story of Mary Dyer. Genevieve Powell sings a new Irving Berlin song, It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow. Frederic March is host. U. S. Treasury Department. (15 min) *PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (614-42) The President of the United States speaks to the nation on Flag Day and discusses the Four Freedoms. All networks. (8 min) *YOUR HIT PARADE (7-18-42) Martin Block introduces the top tunes of the week as presented by Barry Wood, Joan Edwards, the Hit Paraders, Mark Warnow and the orchestra. Basil Rysdale announces. Just six months since Pearl Harbor, there’s a distinct patriotic flavor throughout this broadcast. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min & 12 min). Rebroadcast: 7/14/2018 – 7/20/2018.
July 27th, 2002 – CHRISTMAS IN JULY
PROGRAM 1655: Since the collapsed transmitter tower took WDCB off the air during the middle of our Christmas broadcast last December 22, we herewith repeat all of the shows scheduled for that date. DRAGNET (12-22-53) Jack Webb stars in the program’s traditional Christmas story. The statue of the infant Jesus is stolen from the Mission Church as Friday and Smith investi¬gate. Ben Alexander co-stars. NBC. (27 min) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-21-41) A package marked Do Not Open Until Christmas arrives from Gildy’s old chum in Wistful Vista, Fibber McGee. But Gildersleeve’s curiosity is challenged. Harold Peary stars. This broadcast is related to the Fibber McGee and Molly show of December 23, 1941 which follows later this afternoon. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) PHILCO RADIO TIME (12-24-47) Bing Crosby in his traditional Christmas program of carols and the telling of the story The Small One. Bing sings White Christmas. Cast includes pianist Skitch Henderson, Charioteers, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, Ken Carpenter. Philco, ABC. (29 min) * THE WORLD TODAY (12-19-41) Mel Allen with correspondents Thomas Werthen in Manila, Charles Collingwood in London, Eric Sevareid in Washington. Japanese forces have landed on Hong Kong and the British position there is serious¦ In the Philippines, the Manila area had two air raids during the night, Japanese planes coming over in two waves¦ On the Russian-German front, the Red Army continues to smash at retreating Germans¦ CBS. (12 min) * FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (12-23-41) Jim and Marian Jordan star with Gale Gordon, Isabel Randolph, Mel Blanc, Harlow Wilcox, singer Martha Tilton, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra and guest Harold Peary as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve. The McGees receive an unmarked Christmas package containing door chimes and they can’t figure out who sent it to them. This broadcast is related to the Great Gildersleeve show of December 21, 1941, presented earlier this afternoon. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min) A CHRISTMAS CAROL (12-25-49) Lionel Barrymore stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge in his annual presentation of the Charles Dickens Christmas story. Supporting cast includes Bill Johnstone, Shirley Mitchell, Byron Kane, Eric Snowden, Joseph Kearns. Dick Mack announces. Capehart Radio and TV Dealers, MBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 7/21/2018 – 7/27/2018.
August 3rd, 2002 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1656: BLONDIE (5-27-45) Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake star as the Bumsteads. Blondie has social aspirations. Cast includes Tommy Cook as Alexander, Hanley Stafford and Elvia Allman as Mr. and Mrs. Dithers. AFRS rebroadcast. (31 min) YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (3-22-59) Lake Meade Mystery Matter starring Bob Bailey. A search for good fishing leads Johnny to murder. Multiple sponsors, CBS. (23 min) GRAND OLE OPRY (7-26-42) From the stage of the Grand Ole Opry and station WSM, Nashville, George D. Hay (the Solemn Ole Judge) introduces Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys, Cousin Minnie Pearl and others. Prince Albert Tobacco, NBC. (30 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-14-40) The Littlest Rebel starring Shirley Temple, Preston Foster and Claude Rains in a story set in the Old South at the time of the U.S. Civil War. A little girl tries to protect her Confederate of ficer father from the Union Army. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Lux Soap, CBS. (21 min & 23 min & 17 min) SUSPENSE (6-26-47) Phobia starring Eva LaGallienne with John McIntire and Jeanette Nolan. An elderly woman, confined to her wheelchair, has an aversion to metal. Roma Wines, CBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 7/28/2018 – 8/3/2018.
August 10th, 2002 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1657: THE SHADOW (3-19-39) Can the Dead Talk? starring William Johnstone as Lamont Cranston with Agnes Moorehead as the lovely Margo Lane. Mr. Voltan (House Jameson), a mentalist, determines the true identity of the Shadow. Blue Coal, MBS. (30 min). ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1121-48) The Nelsons have been bitten by the curiosity bug. Cast features Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair, John Brown, Lurene Tuttle, Mary Jane Croft. International Silver Company, NBC. (28 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (2-17-75) Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule talk about their radio careers in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded in Woodland Hills, California, at the home of Olen Soule. Miss Luddy died in 1979 at age 71; Mr. Soule died in 1994 at age 84. (16 min & 16 min & 12 min). FIRST NIGHTER (1-29-48) A Writer in the Family starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule in a romantic comedy about a case of hidden identity as a writer of western stories meets a highway surveyor. Broadcasting from the Little Theatre Off Times Square, the cast includes Hugh Studebaker, Paul Freed, Arthur Q. Brian. Frank Worth and the orchestra. Campana Products, CBS. (30 min). SINGING LADY (6-2-36) Irene Wicker with an episode of her popular children’s show. The Singing Lady tells a story about some American children and their adventures in Yokohama, Japan. Kellogg’s Cereals, NBC. 114 min). ACADEMY AWARD (5-4-46) Stagecoach starring Randolph Scott and Claire Trevor. Passengers traveling west on a stagecoach confront each other and an Indian attack. House of Squibb, CBS. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 8/4/2018 – 8/10/2018.
August 17th, 2002 – AFRICAN-AMERICANS ON OLD-TIME RADIO
PROGRAM 1658: DUFFY’S TAVERN (5-19-48) Ed Gardner stars as the manager of the tavern, with Eddie Green as Eddie the Waiter, Charlie Cantor as Clifton Finnegan, Sandra Gould as Miss Duffy. When Duffy won’t give Archie a raise, he fakes an injury and takes his case to court, using Eddie as his star witness. Vitalis, Ipana, NBC. (30 min). BEULAH (6-27-50) First of four connected and related episodes. Hattie McDaniel stars as Beulah with Ernie Bubbles Whitman as Bill, Ruby Dandridge as Oriole, and Hugh Studebaker and Mary Jane Croft as Harry and Alice Henderson. Beulah is having trouble making plans for her summer vacation. Dreft, CBS. (11 min) BEULAH (6-28-50) Second of four related episodes. Dreft, CBS. (11 min) * JUDY CANOVA SHOW (8-24-43) Judy stars with Ruby Dandridge as Geranium, Mel Blanc as Sylvester, and singer Eddie Dean. Ken Niles announces. Judy needs a new dress because she has a date with Mickey Rooney. Colgate, CBS. (25 min) BEULAH (6-29-50) Third of four connected episodes. Dreft, CBS. (11 min) BEULAH (6-30-50) Last of four related episodes; last show of the season. Dreft, CBS. (12 min) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (6-3-53) Willard Waterman stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, with Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Walter Tetley as Leroy, Mary Lee Robb as Marjorie. Gildy thinks Marjorie, now married and with twins, wants Birdie to work for her. AFRS rebroadcast. 126 min) BEULAH (11-9-53) First of two connected and related episodes. Amanda Randolph stars as Beulah with Ernie Bubbles Whitman as Bill, Hugh Studebaker and Mary Jane Croft as the Hendersons, and Ruby Dandridge as Oriole. The latest issue of Flash Magazine arrives at the Henderson household. AFRS rebroadcast. (14 min) BEULAH (1953) Second of two related episodes. Beulah and Bill help with the landscaping to make the house nice for the Flash magazine layout. AFRS rebroadcast. (14 min) ” plus” Excerpts from The Jack Benny Program featuring Eddie Rochester Anderson and from The Red Skelton Show featuring Wonderful Smith. Rebroadcast: 8/11/2018 – 8/17/2018.
August 24th, 2002 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1659: A DATE WITH JUDY (5-4-48) Louise Erickson stars as Judy Foster with John Brown as hei father and Richard Crenna as her boyfriend Oogie Pringle. It’s a beautiful spring day and everyone is feeling great, so Oogie and Judy decide to skip school. Tums, NBC. (30 min) * LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-13-41) Buck Privates starring Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, making their Lux debut in a radio version of their hit screen comedy. Reluctant draftees Bud and Lou are not much help to spoiled, rich young man who learns responsibilities in the Army. Cecil B. DeMille hosts Lux Soap, CBS. (20 min & 21 min & 19 min) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (2-6-49 Phil’s sponsor wants Phil to shape up his banc by replacing five of his musicians, including Remley (Elliott Lewis). Gale Gordon as Mr Scott, the sponsor. Rexall, NBC. (29 min) FORT LARAMIE (3-1 1 -56) Hattie Pelfrey’ starring Raymond Burr as Captain Lee Quince of the U.S. Cavalry on the Wyoming frontier Quince and Sgt. Gorce (Vic Perrin) find them. selves at the mercy of a salty old woman (Virginia Gregg). Sustaining, CBS. (28 min) GUNSMOKE (3-1 1-56) Bringing Down Father stars William Conrad as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. A Texas heard of cattle arrive it Dodge along with a murdered man. Chester field Cigarettes, CBS. (22 min). Rebroadcast: 8/18/2018 – 8/24/2018.
August 31st, 2002 – BIG BAND SINGERS
PROGRAM 1660: COUNT BASIE AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1 1-3 37) Remote broadcast from the Meadowbrook in Cedar Grove, New Jersey. Selections include One O’clock Jump, I Can’t Get Started, John’s Idea, and Good Morning Blues. Vocals by Billie Holiday and James Rushing. Sustaining, CBS (25 min) ALVINO REY AND HIS MUSIC (11-10-39) Broadcast from the Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, with vocals by Dick Morgan and Radio’s Queens of Swing the King Sisters. Tunes include The Little Man Who Wasn’t There, Moonlight Serenade, The Lamp Is Low, and Farewell Blues. Sustaining, MBS-Don Lee Network. (30 min) ELLA FITZGERALD AND HER FAMOUS ORCHESTRA (1-25-40) Excerpt. Remote broadcast from the Savoy Ballroom in New York City. Selections heard are Limehouse Blues, This Changing World, and Oh! Johnny, Oh! with vocals by Ella Fitzgerald and Dick Vance. Sustaining, NBC. (12 min) CHESTERFIELD MOONLIGHT SERENADE (227-41) Glenn Miller and his Orchestra broadcasting from the stage of the Palace Theatre in Cleveland Ohio, with vocalists Dorothy Claire, Tex Beneke, Ray Eberle and the Modernaires. Songs include Ida, Sweet As Apple Cider, Keep An Eye On Your Heart and Oh! So Good. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (13 min) * DOWNBEAT #22 (1942) Host Dick Joy presents Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra, along with vocalist Harriet Hilliard, in this broadcast for servicemen around the world. Tunes include You’ Be So Nice To Come Home To, Why Don’t You Fall In Love With Me, The Eyes Of Texas, and I’m Looking For A Guy Who Plays Alto and Clarinet, Doubles On Baritone And Wears A Size 37 Suit. Special Service Division. (30 min) CHESTERFIELD TIME (12-2-43) Harry James and his Music Makers present That Old Feeling, How Sweet You Are, and Mexico City. Vocals by Helen Forrest (in her last broadcast with James) and Buddy Moreno. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (13 min) * VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS #643 (4-7-45) Les Brown and his Band of Renown, in a broadcast from Clinton, Iowa. Selections include: My Dreams Are Getting Better All The Time, One Meat Ball, and Sentimental Journey. Vocals by Doris Day and Butch Stone. AFRS rebroadcast. (15 min) FREDDY MARTIN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (613-49) Excerpt. Music in the Martin Manner from the Marine Room of the Edgewater Beach Hotel, overlooking Lake Michigan in Chicago. Songs heard are 1400 Dream Street, A Portrait Of Jenny, and So Tired. Vocals by Mery Griffin and the Martin Men. Sustaining, NBC. (11 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian Karl Pearson who will talk about big band vocalists and offer clips and excerpts of various broadcasts and recordings. Rebroadcast: 8/25/2018 – 8/31/2018.
JUNE 7th, 2003 – RADIO RIDES THE RAILS
PROGRAM 1700: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois where today’s program originates live. We hear – THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM (8-3-34) Excerpt. The program takes place on the Twentieth Century Limited as Jack and the gang return to New York from Hollywood. BOB ELSON ON BOARD THE CENTURY (1947) Sportscaster Bob Elson greets travelers at Chicago’s LaSalle Street Station. THE MEANING OF AMERICA (10-3-52) Railroads of America with Martin Maloney and Bill Griskey who offer descriptive pieces about railroads and railroading, including items about Casey Jones, John Henry and the Railroad Robber Barons. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (2-20-45) The McGees are at the Wistful Vista train station rushing to catch The Squaw, the deluxe train to San Francisco. EMPIRE BUILDERS (1-5-31) In this Depression-era episode, the entire story takes place aboard the Empire Builder train. A man is planning to fire half the employees of his lumber mill because times are bad. COLUMBIA PRESENTS CORWIN (3-21-44) The Lonesome Train produced and directed by Norman Corwin. Premiere performance of the folk cantata telling the story of the Abraham Lincoln Funeral Train traveling from Washington, D.C. to Springfield, Illinois. Raymond Massey stars as Lincoln. Rebroadcast: 8/24/2011 – 8/30/2011.
AUGUST 23rd, 2003 – ARTHUR GODFREY CENTENNIAL
PROGRAM 1711: ARTHUR GODFREY TIME (1-13-47) Arthur honors the 1947 All-American Esquire Jazz Award winners Billie Holiday and Teddy Wilson. Also: Jeanette Davis, Archie Myer and the orchestra, announcer Tony Marvin. THIS IS THE STORY ( 10-21-45) Arthur Godfrey narrates the true story of Barnaby Goodchild, from Walter Kerr’s musical “Sing Out Sweet Land.” Burl Ives. TALENT SCOUTS (9-26-49) Arthur introduces the talent, which includes a ladies barbershop quartet, The Chordettes and comedian Wally Cox. FDR FUNERAL PROCESSION (4-14-45) Arthur Godfrey describes the funeral procession of President Roosevelt in Washington, D.C. I le says, “God give me strength to do this” as the president’s coffin approaches. ARTHUR GODFREY TIME (10-19-53) Excerpt as singer Julius LaRosa makes his “swan song” on the Godfrey program. ARTHUR GODFREY SHOW (3-28-69) At the beginning of his regular pre-recorded program, Arthur presents a live, six-minute tribute to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who died earlier that day. The CBS network joins his regular show in progress. Richard Hayes, The Satisfyers. Rebroadcast: ***.
September 6th, 2003 – RICHARD CRENNA ON RADIO
PROGRAM 1713: OUR MISS BROOKS (4-3-49) Eve Arden stars as schoolteacher Connie Brooks, with Richard Crenna as Walter Denton, Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin. Denton thinks Miss Brooks has written to a newspaper advice column about Mr. Boynton. Palmolive, Lustre Creme, CBS. (28 min) SUSPENSE (10-16-56) Prophesy of Bertha Abbott starring Sam Edwards and Richard Crenna in a story of a boy who ran from a prophesy but couldn’t escape its deadly promise. Cast: Dick Beals, Stacy Harris, Bill James, Jack Kruschen, George Walsh, Peggy Webber, Paula Winslowe. Sustaining, CBS. (28 min) A DATE WITH JUDY (5-18-48) Louise Erickson as Judy, with John Brown as Mr. Foster, Dick Crenna as Oogie Pringle, Myra Marsh as Mrs. Foster, Dix Davis as Randolph. Judy gets her long-awaited invitation to the dance from Oogie, but laments she has nothing to wear. Turns, NBC. (29 min) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (11-16-49) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, with Cathy Lewis as Nurse Milford, Mary Lee Robb as Marjorie, Dick Crenna as Bronco Thompson, Walter Tetley as Leroy, Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Dick LeGrand as Mr. Peavey. Gildy tries to help Marjorie’s boyfriend Bronco, a college student low on funds, get a job. Kraft Foods, NBC. (29 min) SUSPENSE (1-11-59) Night on Red Mountain starring Richard Crenna as a man with a mysterious past who lives a quiet life in the mountains with his wife. Cast features Doris Singleton, Joe DeSantis, Peter Leeds, Sam Pierce, Norm Alden. Multiple sponsors, CBS. (23 min) OUR MISS BROOKS (1-8-50) Eve Arden stars with Gale Gordon, Richard Crenna, Jeff Chandler, Jane Morgan. For the school newspaper, Walter Denton has written a scathing editorial entitled, What the Board of Education Means to Me. Rebroadcast: 9/1/2018 – 9/7/2018.
September 13th, 2003 – COMEDY SHOWCASE
PROGRAM 1714: BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (5-9-46) George and Gracie welcome guest Harpo Marx. Gracie’s a newspaper columnist specializing in Hollywood gossip. She needs a snooping reporter to get her items for the column and Harpo gets the job. Bill Goodwin, Mel Blanc (as Mr. Postman), Meredith Willson and the orchestra. Voiceless Harpo meets the challenge of radio and the studio audience loves it! Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (29 min) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-18-47) Broadcasting from New York City prior to opening at the Roxy Theatre, Jack and the gang welcome guest Al Jolson. Jack and Al decide their career paths are similar in their rise to success. Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Artie Mr. Kitzel Auerbach, Sportsmen. Kenny Delmar subs for Don Wilson. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (227-49) Ozzie decides to show Harriet he can handle the family finances. Cast: John Brown, Alan Reed, Janet Waldo, Hans Conried, Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair. International Silver Co., NBC. (29 min) HALLS OF IVY (6-18-52) Ronald and Benita Colman star as the Halls of Ivy College in this last program of the series. A flashback reveals how Dr. Hall met Vicki Cromwell in England. Cast includes Lee Patrick, Gil Stratton, Jr.. Voice of America. (25 min) JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (3-3-48) The Schnozz continues his campaign to run for the Vice Presidency of the United States. Guest Victor Moore joins regulars Peggy Lee, Candy Candido, Crew Chiefs, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Howard Petrie announces. Rexall, NBC. (29 min) RED SKELTON SHOW 11-29-46) The Skelton scrapbook topic is Looking for Trouble and features Red as Deadeye, Clem Kadiddlehopper and Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Cast includes singer Anita Ellis, Gigi Pearson, Pat McGeehan, Wonderful Smith, David Forrester and the orchestra, announcer Rod O’Connor. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min) Rebroadcast: 9/8/2018 – 9/14/2018.
September 20th, 2003 – AVIATION CENTENNIAL
PROGRAM 1715: FIBBER MC GEE AND MOLLY (6-4-46) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees, who decide to go to the Aviation Show at the Wistful Vista Airport. Cast includes Gale Gordon (Mayor LaTrivia), Arthur Q. Brian (Doc Gamble), Bill Thompson (Wallace Wimple), Bea Benaderet (Mrs. Carstairs), Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min) AIRPLANES TODAY (1960) Arthur Godfrey presents a radio documentary about progress in the air over the years, featuring aircraft and their sounds. CBS. (16 min) TAILSPIN TOMMY (10-5-41) Flying Actor Murder featuring Tailspin Tommy Tompkins, ace hero of the skies and his pals Skeets Mulligan and Betty Lou Barnes. A motion picture company comes to the town of Three Point to film an aviation picture. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min) LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE #1164 (6-16-36) Isolated episode. Shirley Bell stars as Annie. While Mr. Bond tells Annie and Joe the story of the Wright Brothers and their airplane, lots of mysterious things are happening in Simmons Corners. Pierre Andre announces. Ovaltine, NBC BLUE. (15 min) NEWS SPECIAL (3-2-49) Frank Buckholzer reports as NBC goes to Carswell Air Force Base in Ft. Worth, Texas, where Lucky Lady II, an Air Force B-50 bomber, has just completed the first non-stop flight around the world, refueling in flight four times in its 24,000-mile trip around the globe. The crew reports from I he briefing room in the 11th Bomber Command Headquarters. NBC. (15 min) DUFFY’S TAVERN (1950s) Ed Gardner is Archie, the manager of the tavern, with Charlie Cantor as Finnegan. Archie’s old friend, Slippery McGuire, agrees to sell Archie an airplane ” a helicopter. NBC. (27 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is transportation historian CURTIS L. KATZ, who will talk about the history of aviation. Rebroadcast: 9/15/2018 – 9/21/2018.
September 27th, 2003 – EDDIE BRACKEN ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 1716: EDDIE BRACKEN STORY (1940s) Eddie stars with Ann Rutherford, William Demarest, Janet Waldo and Cathy Lewis. It’s a merry mix-up when Eddie has problems while running errands for his girlfriend, her father and others. AFRS rebroadcast. (27 min) SUSPENSE (3-13-48) Nightmare starring Eddie Bracken as a man who dreams that he has killed someone. Robert Montgomery hosts this hour-long program, which features William Conrad and Ben Wright. Sustaining, CBS. (26 min & 33 min) MOVIETOWN RADIO THEATRE (1949) He Knew What He Wanted starring Eddie Bracken in a romantic comedy about a World War II veteran looking for a house, a wife and a family. Cast includes Barbara Fuller, Earle Ross, Gigi Pearson, Hal Gerard. Syndicated. (26 min) SEALTEST VARIETY THEATRE (4-21-49) Dorothy Lamour stars with guests Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy and regulars Eddie Bracken, the Crew Chiefs Quartet, Henry Russell and the orchestra. Bergen has planned a business dinner with Dorothy Lamour, but Charlie doesn’t think it’s all business. Eddie is asked to keep Charlie out of their plans. Sealtest products, NBC. (29 min) SUSPENSE (3-6-47) Elwood starring Eddie Bracken. There’s been a murder in a small town and a teen-ager, just out of high school, fears that he is responsible. Cast features Cathy Lewis, Joe Kearns. Roma Wines, CBS. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 9/22/2018 – 9/28/2018.
October 4th, 2003 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1717: PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (6-26-49) In this last show of the season, Phil signs on for another year with his sponsor. Elliott Lewis is Frankie Remley, Walter Tetley is Julius Abbruzio, Gale Gordon is Mr. Scott, the sponsor. Cast includes Frank Nelson as an airline ticket agent. Phil and Alice sing Baby, It’s Cold Outside. Rexall, NBC. (29 min) MR. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (1940s) Case of One Slip Meant Death starring Jay Jostyn as the D.A. with Vicki Vola as Miss Miller, Len Doyle as Harrington. It appears to be no accident when a tiger causes a death at the circus. Bristol Myers, NBC. (28 min) YOUR HIT PARADE (7-10-48) The top tunes of the week are sung by Frank Sinatra, Beryl Davis, Ken Lane and the Hit Paraders. Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (25 min) * LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-4-43) Pride of the Yankees starring Gary Cooper in the biography of New York Yankees baseball star Lou Gehrig. Cast includes Virginia Bruce and Edgar Buchanan with Griff Barnett, Ken Christy, Elsa Janssen. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Lux Soap, CBS. (19 min & 18 min & 23 min) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (9-25-49) In this first show of the new season, the sport. sor gives Phil an office in the Rexall building so he can keep an eye on him. Cast: Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Robert North, Gale Gordon. Rexall, NBC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 9/29/2018 – 10/5/2018.
October 11th, 2003 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1718: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (1-28-51) Jack nod the gang are in New York City for Jack’s sin and TV show. At a nice French restaurant, Jack and Mary Livingstone meet guest Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Cast: Phil Harris, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Dennis Day, Sportsmen, Bea Benaderet, Mel Blanc, Joe Kearns, Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (27 min) * CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (11-13-44) The Laziest Man in the World starring Charles Laughton as Benjamin Franklin, who, in his later years, recalls his many inventions. Walter Huston is host-narrator. DuPont Company, NBC. (29 min) ALDRICH FAMILY (12-16-48) Ezra Stone suit. as Henry with Jackie Kelk as Homer and House Jameson and Katharine Raht as Mr. and Mrs Aldrich. Sam’s peaceful evening is shattered by Henry’s last-minute preparations for a party he is to attend. Henry and Homer sing the Jell-O jingle at the opening and close of the program while Meredith Willson’s Talking People provide the middle commercial for the product. Jell-O, NBC. (29 min) FRED ALLEN SHOW (10-4-39) Deadpan nclot Ned Sparks is Fred’s guest on this first show of the 1939-40 season. The sponsor has snot a Radio Program Creator to get the now as series under way with a modern show. I rad conducts a quiz segment with selected members of the studio audience. The Mighty Allen Art Players offer a spoof of the film Stanley and Livingstone called Stanley and What’s His Name? Cast features Portland Hoffa, Minerva Pious, Charlie Cantor, John Brown, Harry Von Zell, Merry Macs, Wynn Murray, Peter Van Steeden and the orchestra. Ipana, SalIpatica, NBC. (14 min & 17 min & 28 min) THE SHADOW (2-22-48) Nursery Rhyme Murders starring Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston aka The Shadow with Grace Matthews as the lovely Margo Lane. A deranged patient escapes from the Brookside Sanitarium and a series of murders begins, each with a nursery rhyme theme. Blue Coal, MBS. (23 min). Rebroadcast: 10/6/2018 – 10/12/2018.
October 18th, 2003 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1719: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (6-5-45) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees of Wistful Vista. Mrs. Carstairs (Bea Benaderet) is coming for tea and Molly wants the hall closet cleaned out, just in case she starts to snoop. Arthur Q. Bryan is Doc Gamble, Shirley Mitchell la Alice Darling, Marlin Hurt is Beulah, with announcer Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Script by Don Quinn and Phil Leslie. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min). MAN CALLED X (9-18-47) The Throne of Tayneen stars Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, the international troubleshooter. Leon Belasco as Pegon Zeldschmidt, Thurston’s sidekick. A plane carrying scientists from Singapore to Manila is lost over the Pacific. AFRS rebroadcast. (26 min) FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (1945) Episode #1 in the Australian version of the popular U.S. program. Using the same 6-5-45 script by Quinn and Leslie, with some minor changes in language. Fibber cleans out the hall cupboard in anticipation of the arrival of Mrs. Carstairs. No cast credits are given for the Australian actors, and the announcer – who is not Harlow – is billed as Reg Wilcox. Sponsored by Johnson’s Wax. (30 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (11-10-52) Grounds for Marriage starring Van Johnson and Kathryn Grayson in their original screen roles from the 1950 film. Comedy, music and romance with Kathryn as an opera star and Van as her ex-husband-physician. Cast includes Stephen Dunne, Herb Butterfield, Lillian Randolph, Eddie Marr. Irving Cummings, host. AFRS rebroadcast. (20 min & 13 min & 16 min) OUR MISS BROOKS (10-1-50) Eve Arden stars as the Madison High School teacher with Dick Crenna as Walter Denton, Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin and Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton. Miss Brooks and Walter, arriving late for classes, try to sneak past the principal’s office without being seen. Colgate, Lustre Creme, CBS. (30 min) Rebroadcast: 10/13/2018 – 10/19/2018.
October 25th, 2003 – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW
PROGRAM 1720: MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (1946) The Dead Come Back with Joseph Julian. The police allow a murderer to escape and return to the scene of his crime to prove that he is not re¬ally insane. Directed by Anton M. Leader. Syndicated. (26 min) CRIME CLASSICS (6-30-54) Good Evening, My Name is Jack the Ripper. Lou Merrill, as narrator Thomas Hyland, tells another true story of crime. This time it’s the tale of the infamous London strangler. Cast includes Betty Harford, B. S. Thompson, Irene Tedrow, Paula Winslowe, Ben Wright. Produced and directed by Elliott Lewis. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min) SUSPENSE (11-1-45) The Dunwich Horror starring Ronald Colman in H. P. Lovecraft’s classic story of horror and the unknown. On Hallowe’en night, Colman narrates the story and portrays the Librarian – keeper of the Necronomicon. AFRS rebroadcast. (26 min) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-31-51) Willard Waterman stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve. It’s Hallowe’en and Gildy suggests the Jolly Boys give a party for the kids in the neighborhood. Cast: Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Mary Lee Robb as Marjorie, Dick LeGrand as Peavey, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Arthur Q. Bryan as Floyd, and Tommy Rettig as the little boy. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) A Thanksgiving show (11-21-51) is related to this program and will be presented on TWTD November 22. PHILO VANCE (1-17-50) Talking Corpse Murder Case stars Jackson Beck as the detective created by S. S. Van Dine. A woman whose husband died and was buried swears she has seen him alive. Vance investigates. Cast includes Joan Alexander and George Pet¬rie. Syndicated. (27 min) INNER SANCTUM (6-19-45) Dead Man’s Holiday starring Myron McCormick. After a train accident, a man is unable to locate his wife, who was sitting next to him. Continuing his search, he discovers a strange couple living in his home. Then, he’s told that he has been dead for six years. Lipton Tea, CBS. (29 min) Today’s program will be presented on our special Ghost-to-Ghost network. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 10/20/2018 – 10/26/2018.
PROGRAM 1732: ACADEMY AWARD (5-18-46) “My Sister Eileen” starring Rosalind Russell and Janet Blair in their original screen roles as two sisters from Ohio who try to survive in their nutty Greenwich Village apartment. House of Squibb, CBS. (28 min) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (10-21-48) “Mrs. Parkington” starring Rosalind Russell in the story of a rich man and the poor girl he mar-ries. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29 min) SUSPENSE (12-9-48) “The Sisters” starring Rosalind Russell with Lurene Tuttle, Joseph Kearns and Jeff Chandler. A woman buys a coffin at a funeral home and asks the morti-cian to hold it for three weeks until she needs it. AutoLite, CBS. (29 min) SCREEN DIRECTORS PLAYHOUSE (2-1-51) “Take a Letter, Darling” starring Rosalind Russell and Fred MacMurray in a comedy about a female advertising executive who hires a male secretary. Great supporting cast: Arthur Q. Bryan, Jim Backus, Peter Leeds, Mary Jane Croft, Isabel Randolph, June Foray, Fritz Feld. RCA Victor, Anacin, NBC. (28 min & 29 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is film historian BOB KOLOSOSKI, who will talk about the film career of Rosalind Russell. Rebroadcast: – .
November 6, 2004 – RADIO AND WORLD WAR II IN THE AUTUMN OF 1944
PROGRAM 1775: * WORLD NEWS TODAY (10-15-44) Douglas Edwards and CBS reporters world wide keep listeners up-to-date. The last 18 hours have brought the greatest air attacks of all time against Germany. Thousands of Allied heavy bombers attacked military targets in the Cologne area within 40 miles of the battleground at Aachen, where American ground troops continue to make some progress¦. The German News Agency has announced the death of Field Marshal Rommel, ˜the Desert Fox’. Admiral Radios, CBS. (25 min) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (10-18-44) Eddie introduces guest Esther Williams on this show for stateside U.S. Navy personnel at Roosevelt Field. Esther plays a college principal as Eddie and Harry enroll for classes. AFRS rebroadcast. (25 min) * HOP HARRIGAN (11-7-44) Isolated episode. Hop and Tank Tinker, in disguise as Nazi officers, steal an enemy plane from the Death’s Hero Squadron. Grape Nuts, BLUE Network. (14 min) * PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (11-10-44) FDR returns to the nation’s capitol from Hyde Park following his election to a fourth term. Kenneth Banghart reports from Union Station in Washington, D.C. Washington has turned out this morning to greet the first fourth-term president of the United States.Special Report, NBC. (16 min) WORDS AT WAR (11-14-44) One Damn Thing After Another, the story of Tom Traynor, a war correspondent for the Los Angeles Times and the National Broadcasting Company, and his adventures during the war. William Janney as Traynor. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min) THE WEHRMACHT HOUR (11-22-44) Ex A propaganda broadcast to German troops featuring Major Glenn Miller and the American band of the AEF. Hosted by Ilse Weinberger, most of the program’s dialog is in German. Sgt. Johnny Desmond sings My Heart Tells Me in German. American broadcasting Station in Europe. (11 min) MYSTERY CHEF (1944) This chef helps listeners cope with wartime food rationing and In this program, he gives a recipe for stretch-butter and cinnamon crumb coffee cake. Sustaining, BLUE Network. (14 min) FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (11-28-44) Jim and Marian Jordan as the McGees, broadcasting for the Sixth War Bond Drive from Navy Pier in Chicago. Cast includes special guest Navy Specialist Third Class Bill Thompson in his roles as the Old Timer and Wallace Wimple. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 10/27/2018 – 11/2/2018.
November 13, 2004 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1776: INNER SANCTUM (4-24-45) Song of the Slasher, a story about a police detective searching for a slasher who has murdered and mutilated five women in eight days. Lipton Tea and Soup, CBS. (29 min) POPEYE THE SAILOR (1936) Isolated episode. Popeye, Olive Oyl and Wimpy meet Robin Hood. Wheatena, CBS. (13 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-3-54) Going My Way starring Barry Fitzgerald and William Lundigan.lt’s the warm-hearted story of a down-to-earth priest winning over his aging superior and a sidewalk gang of kids. AFRTS rebroadcast. (19 min & 15 min & 16 min) KATE SMITH SHOW (10-15-44) The Songbird of the South stars with Ted Collins, Four Chicks and Chuck, comic Harry Savoy, comedienne Shirley Booth (as Dottie Mahoney) and guests The Ink Spots. Kate sings the musical questions, How Many Hearts Have You Broken? and What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life? AFRS rebroadcast. (29 min) BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (3-24-49) George and Gracie welcome guest Jane Wyman, who has been nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in the film Johnny Belinda. Jane is nervous about the upcoming awards ceremony. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (28 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is author Robert P. Ledermann, who will talk about his new book, Chicago’s State Street Christmas Parade. Rebroadcast: 11/3/2018 – 11/9/2018.
November 20, 2004 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 1777: MY FRIEND IRMA (11-15-48) Marie Wilson stars as Irma Peterson with Joan Banks as Jane Stacy.The girls decide to prepare a turkey dinner for their boyfriends on Thanksgiving Day. Pepsodent, NBC. (30 min) FATHER KNOWS BEST (11-26-53) Robert Young stars as the head of the Anderson Family as they discover that Thanksgiving can be a very complicated event. Post Cereals, NBC. (30 min) FAMILY THEATRE (11-27-47) Home for Thanksgiving starring Paul Henried and Joan Leslie. After World War II, an Austrian man and his American wife travel from Germany to his family home, arriving on what in America is Thanksgiving Day. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min) ALDRICH FAMILY (11-23-52) Henry and Homer have been assigned by their mothers to do the grocery shopping for their familes’ Thanksgiving dinner. During this series’ last season on radio, Bobby Ellis is Henry Aldrich, Jack Grimes is Homer Brown with House Jameson and Katharine Raht as Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich. Announcer is Dick Dudley.Sustaining, NBC. (29 min) ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (11-25-48) The boys present Lou’s Thanksgiving play, The Brave Little Band of Pilgrims Who Landed on Honest John’s Rock. Abbott is Capt. Miles Standish, Costello is John Alden, Veola Vonn is Pricilla Mullens. Matty Malneck and the orchestra with singer Hal Winters. Network syndication, NBC. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 11/10/2018 – 11/16/2018.
November 27, 2004 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 1778: ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1219-48) The Nelsons agree on a practical Christmas gift for the house – a radio-phonograph which will be their gift to each other. Ozzie and Harriet star as themselves, with John Brown as Thorny, Mary Jane Croft as Harriet’s mother, Janet Waldo as teenager Emmylou. International Silver Company, NBC. (29 min) CINNAMON BEAR PREVIEW (1937) A promotional recording intended to persuade stations and sponsors to support the proposed Christmas season radio series for young audiences. Announcer John Hiestand introduces producer Lindsay MacHarrie, who tells how the series was developed. (16 min) CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Isolated episode. Chapter Five: Just as Paddy O’Cinnamon, Judy and Jimmy are about to be pushed into the Immense Inkwell, the Crazy Quilt Dragon arrives with an army of Scissor Soldiers. Syndicated. (12 min) SUSPENSE (12-21-58) Out For Christmas starring Raymond Burr as an ex-convict who poses as Santa Claus to get the policeman who sent him to jail. Cast includes Joan Banks, Howard McNear, Karl Swenson, Dick Beals. Multiple sponsors, CBS. (23 min) CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE (12-24-84) Excerpt from Chuck Schaden’s nine-hour Christmas Eve broadcast on Chicago radio station WAIT, celebrating with old-time radio shows, holiday music and conversations with the station’s air personalities: Eddie Hubbard, Rick Patton, Len Johnson, Ken Alexander, Dick Harley, Jack McGuire, Duane Dow, Dick Buckley. This segment features the opening of the show and the complete SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE production of Miracle on 34th Street starring Edmund Gwenn from 12-23-49. (21 min & 22 min) Additional excerpts from this WAIT special will be featured on TWTD during the next three weeks. THE CRICKET ON THE HEARTH (12-24-45) This is Charles Dickens’ other Christmas story, written in 1845, two years after A Christmas Carol. It looks like a dismal Christmas for poor toy maker Caleb Plummer and his blind daughter when Mr. Tackelton, Caleb’s stern employer, refuses a salary advance and demands a full day’s work on Christmas. Cast features Arthur Sedgewick and Charles Eggleston. Narrated by Everett Clarke. Music by Joseph Gallicchio and the NBC Chicago orchestra. Sustaining, NBC. (24 min). Rebroadcast: 11/17/2018 – 11/23/2018.
December 4, 2004 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 1779: JACK BENNY PROGRAM 112-20-36) Jack exchanges Christmas gifts with his cast: Mary Livingstone, Kenny Baker. Don Wilson, Andy Devine, Phil Harris and the orchestra. Phil (who has been with the Benny program for only 12 weeks) and Jack have been feuding. Jell-O, NBC. (30 min) CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE (12-24-84) Excerpt. Chuck Schaden introduces staff announcer Ken Alexander, who talks about his childhood Christmases. WAIT, Chicago. (18 min) JACK PEARL SHOW (12-21-36) Pearl stars as Baron Munchausen, with Cliff Hall as Charlie, plus Mae Questel, Frank Readick, Tommy Dorsey and the orchestra, and announcer Paul Stewart. Charlie’s little son isn’t too sure about Santa, so several cast members dress up to surprise him. The Baron’s Information Bureau takes many questions about the holiday. Singer Edythe Wright and the Dorsey orchestra offer There’s Frost on the Moon. Raleigh-Kool Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min) Note that this show was broadcast on the day following the Benny program above. CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE (12-2484) Excerpt. Mid-day program host Rick Patton tells about the time when he really received the joy of Christmas. WAIT, Chicago. (9 min) THE LONE WOLF (12-25-48) The Golden Santa starring Walter Coy as Michael Lanyard, known as the Lone Wolf. A pretty young thing has lost her gold statue of Santa Claus and asks Lanyard for help in finding it. Cast includes Jeanne Bates, Herb Vigran, Jack Petruzzi, Jack Edwards. Sustaining, MBS. (26 min) CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE (12-24-84) Excerpt. Program host Len Johnson recalls his favorite Christmas memories. WAIT, Chicago. (15 min) BLONDIE (12-25-39) Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake star as the Bumsteads in this program from the series’ first season on the air. On Christmas Day, while Blondie reads Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to Baby Dumpling, Dagwood takes a nap and dreams that he is Bob Cratchit and that his boss, Mr. Dithers, is Scrooge. Leone Ledoux as Baby Dumpling, Hanley Stafford as Dithers, Harry Lang as Mr. Fuddle. Bill Goodwin announces. Camel Cigarettes, CBS. (28 min). Rebroadcast: 11/24/2018 – 11/30/2018.
December 11, 2004 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 1780: THE WHISTLER (12-24-50) Three Wise Guys is the Whistler’s story for Christmas. A Damon Runyon yarn about some New York types who try to recover factory payroll robbery loot that has been hidden in the town of Bethlehem. Cast features John Brown, Marvin Miller, Bill Forman, Jack Moyles. Signal Oil Co., CBS. (28 min) CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE (12-24-84) Travel Briefs host Jack McGuire remembers a World War II Christmas in the service. WAIT, Chicago. (13 min) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-12-37) Jack and Mary Livingstone go Christmas shopping in a department store where Frank Nelson is the floorwalker, Eddie Anderson is an elevator operator and Schlepperman (Sam Hearn) is a singing Santa. Also: Kenny Baker, Harry Baldwin, Elliott Lewis, Bea Benaderet, Andy Devine, Don Wilson. Jell-O, NBC. (30 min) CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE (12-24-84) Excerpt. Sports reporter Duane Dow with memories of broadcasting on Christmas. WAIT, Chicago. (8 min) ESCAPE (12-29-50) The Cave, a Christmas story about two ten-year-old boys and what they find while exploring a cave. Cast: John Dehner, Georgia Ellis, Peggy Webber, Jay Novello, Lou Krugman, Wilms Herbert. Music by Ivan Ditmars. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min) CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE (12-24-84) Excerpt. Morning news editor Dick Harley talks about Christmas trees, trains, and his birthday on Christmas Day. WAIT, Chicago. (18 min) BOB HOPE SHOW (12-25-50) Guest Bing Crosby joins old Ski Nose for some holiday fun with regulars Jack Kirkwood, Carol Richards, Les Brown and his Band of Renown and announcer Hy Averback. In a flashback to the week before Christmas, Hope and Crosby agree to spend only a small amount on each other’s Christmas gifts this year. While shopping, Hope meets Santa (Kirkwood), who says Put something in the pot. Bing sings Silver Bells with Carol Richards. AFRS rebroadcast. (25 min) CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE (12-24-84) Todd Nebel, Chuck Schaden’s engineer/producer for this special holiday broadcast, tells that his birthday is the day after Christmas. WAIT. Rebroadcast: 12/1/2018 – 12/7/2018.
December 18, 2004 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 1781: SIX SHOOTER (12-20-52) Britt Ponset’s Christmas Carol. James Stewart stars as the Texas plainsman in a retelling of the Dickens classic, set in the West. Sustaining, NBC. CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE (12-24-84) Jazz music host Dick Buckley talks about jazz versions of Christmas songs and reads a Christmas card he received from Duke Ellington. WAIT, Chicago. (20 min) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-24-44) It’s the night before Christmas and Jack is decorating his tree. In a flashback to last week, we find Jack and Mary Livingstone doing their Christmas shopping. Cast includes Phil Harris, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Don Wilson, Larry Stevens, Andy Devine, Frank Nelson, Verna Felton, Bea Benaderet. Jack offers a toast to the boys overseas. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min) CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN HOUSE (12-24-84) Excerpt. In this final segment from this broadcast from 20 years ago, Chuck Schaden talks with the station’s morning personality and program director Eddie Hubbard, who reminisces about his career and recalls a lonely Christmas in Chicago. WAIT, Chicago. (21 min) CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (12-23-56) All is Bright. On Christmas Eve a noted conductor, one of the passengers on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, tells the story of Silent Night. Sustaining, CBS. (25 min) FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-19-44) Jim and Marian Jordan star with Arthur Q. Bryan, Shirley Mitchell, Marlin Hurt, Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Fibber snoops for his Christmas gifts in the hall closet. Teeny and the kids sing ˜Twas the Night before Christmas. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 12/8/2018 – 12/14/2018.
December 25, 2004 – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
PROGRAM 1782: Christmas Day in 1944: * CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (12-25-44) America for Christmas starring Waite! Huston. A group of soldiers, sailors and ma rines celebrate the holiday on a small island in the Pacific as a USO troupe presents a Christ mas show about America. Special songs by Woody Guthrie, arranged by Earl Robinson and sung by the Sportsmen Quartet. DuPont, NBC. (29 min) * CHRISTMAS PARTY (12-25-44) Don Ameche hosts the third annual holiday special for servicemen and women around the world (via short wave) and all the folks at home. An all-star two-hour show with Ginny Simms, Bob Hope, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Bing Crosby, Carmen Miranda, Jack Benny, Vera Vague, the Army Air Forces Swing Wing, Charioteers, violinist Joseph Szigeti, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Les Paul and his trio, Louis Silvers and the orchestra and chorus. Elgin Watch Co., CBS. (60 min & 60 min) MAYOR OF THE TOWN (12-25-44) Instead of the usual Mayor of the Town story, Lionel Barrymore stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in the annual presentation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The program is rebroadcast by the Armed Forces Radio Service under the title Globe Theatre. (30 min) LUM AND ABNER (12-25-44) Chester Lauck and Norris Goff present their traditional Christmas story, first performed in 1933. Lum, Abner and Grandpappy Spears are headed east out of Pine Ridge to bring supplies to a young couple staying the night in a barn on an abandoned farm while awaiting the birth of their child. Miles Laboratories, BLUE Network. (15 min). Rebroadcast: 12/15/2018 – 12/21/2018.
JANUARY 1ST, 2005 – HAPPY NEW YEAR!
PROGRAM 1783: * JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-31-44) On New Year’s Eve Jack makes a resolution to be friends with Fred Allen and the cast presents their annual play, The New Tenant. In this WW II sketch, Jack is the Old Year; Phil Harris is Uncle Sam; Mary Livingstone is Columbia; Don Wilson is the World. Cast includes Eddie Rochester Anderson, Larry Stevens, Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson, Joe Kearns. Broadcast from New York. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min) CHAMPAGNE MUSIC OF LAWRENCE WELK (12-31-70/1-1-71) Remote broadcast from the Hollywood Palladium finds the Welk organization counting down to midnight and welcoming in the New Year. Music includes The Song Is You, What the World Needs Now, Muskrat Ramble, and Beer Barrel Polka. With Dick Dale, Peanuts Hucko, Bob Lido, Myron Floren. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min) * EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-27-44) Eddie and Harry Von Zell discuss plans for their New Year’s Eve show at the Hollywood Canteen. With Bert Gordon, Leonard Seuss, Nora Maitin. Sal Hepatica, Trushay, NBC. (29 min) SUSPENSE (12-28-58) 32nd of December starring Frank Lovejoy as a man who attempts to pawn his wife’s ring to cover his gambling debts but instead buys an unusual clock which has the ability to control time. Cast: Joan Banks, Barney Phillips, Norm Alden. Sustaining, CBS. (19 min) HENRY MORGAN SHOW (1-1-47) The Canadian reports on his 1946 broadcasts and a preview of 1947. A spoof of Hit Parade. Arnold Stang, Eversharp, ABC. (24 min) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-31-47) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve who has planned to go to three New Year’s Eve parties. The Jolly Boys want Gildy to take lonely Judge Hooker to the celebration with him. Cast: Lillian Randolph, Walter Tetley, Earle Ross, Louise Erickson. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 12/22/2018 – 12/28/2018.
JANUARY 8th, 2005 – ROY ROGERS ON RADIO
PROGRAM 1784: * KRAFT MUSIC HALL (6-29-44) Bing Crosby welcomes guest Roy Rogers to the Music Hall, where they talk about horses and then their horses talk about them! Later, Time Marches Back to 1924. Kraft Foods, NBC. (29 min) CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (12-7-47) Edgar Bergen stars with guests Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers. Roy shows Charlie how tough it Is to be a movie cowboy. Edgar tells Mortimer Snerd how to keep a diary. Royal Pudding, Chase and Sanborn Coffee, NBC. 130 min) NEW ROY ROGERS SHOW (4-15-54) The King of the Cowboys and his Queen of the West, Dale Evans, star with Pat Brady. At a County Fair in Arizona, Pat, who is stuck at the top of a stalled Ferris Wheel, spots two ˜nen beating up a third man. Roy and Dale investigate. Dodge-Plymouth Automobiles, NBC. (29 min) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (3-17-49) Al Jolson stars with Oscar Levant, Ken Carpenter, Lou Bring and the orchestra and guests Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Roy thinks Al could become a singing cowboy in the movies. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) BOB HOPE SHOW (6-10-52) Broadcasting from the San Diego Naval Air Station in Coronado, California, Bob and guests Roy Rogers and Dale Evans are preparing for a cross-country tour to promote Bob and Roy’s new motion picture, Son of Paleface. Chesterfield Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is movie historian Bob Kolososki, who will talk about the film career of Roy Rogers. Rebroadcast: 12/29/2018 – 1/4/2019.
JANUARY 15th, 2005 – RADIO AND WORLD WAR II IN THE WINTER OF 1945 – Part 1
PROGRAM 1785: * FIRESIDE CHAT (1-6-45) President Roosevelt reports to the nation on the State of the Union message he sent to Congress earlier this day. He talks about the authorization of the mobilization for war-related work of over four million men classified as unfit to serve in the military and for the drafting of registered nurses into the armed forces. This is FDR’s last Fireside Chat. ALL NETWORKS. (26 min) * WORLD NEWS TODAY (1-7-45) Douglas Edwards and reports from correspondents worldwide, including Charles Colingwood and Richard C. Hottelet. The American First Army has gained three miles on the northern flank of the Belgium Bulge and has cut one of two main roads supplying the Germans on that front. To the south, the enemy is increasing pressure on the American Seventh Army. A large force of Allied bombers, based in Britain, attacked the German communications today. In the Pacific, the Japanese say Allied warships are shelling the coast of Luzon. Admiral Radios, CBS. (25 min) * LUX RADIO THEATRE (1-15-45) The Master Race starring George Colouris, Nancy Gates, Stanley Ridges, Helen Beverly and Paul Guilfoyle, all in their original 1944 screen roles. The Germans are losing the war and a Nazi colonel goes incognito into a Belgian village to scheme to keep Hitler’s Master Race alive. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Lux Soap, CBS. (25 min & 17 min & 18 min) * EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-24-45) In a program dedicated to Uncle Sam and his War Bond Campaign, Eddie talks about FDR’s inauguration ceremonies, offers his version of an Axis broadcast and worries about his wife Ida, who wants a divorce. Harry Von Zell, Bert Gordon. Bristol Myers relinquishes commercials for war bond messages. NBC. (29 min) *CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (2-5-45) The Road to Berlin starring Bing Crosby, recounting his eight-week tour of England and France to entertain U. S. soldiers, playing to audiences ranging from 400 to 15,000 three times a day. DuPont, NBC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 1/5/2019 – 1/11/2019.
JANUARY 22nd, 2005 – RADIO AND WORLD WAR II IN THE WINTER OF 1945 – Part 2
PROGRAM 1786: * COMMAND PERFORMANCE (2-15-45) Dick Tracy in B Flat starring Bing Crosby as Dick Tracy; Dinah Shore as Tess Trueheart, Bob Hope as Flattop, Jimmy Durante as The Mole, Judy Garland as Snowflake, Andrews Sisters as Summer Sisters, Frank Sinatra as Shaky. An-all star comic strip operetta AFRS. (28 min & 26 min) Read the article on page 16. *FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (2-27-45) Jim and Marian Jordan star. Fibber finds out that someone has replaced him as head of the Red Cross Drive for his district. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min) *PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (3-1-45) The president reports to a joint session of Congress on his 14,000-mile trip to Malta and Yalta. This is FDR’s last address to Congress. CBS and all networks. (31 min & 30 min) *WORLD NEWS TODAY (3-25-45) Bob Trout and CBS correspondents worldwide report. On the eastern bank of the Rhine¦ the 21st Army Group has linked all its bridgeheads. The Allies are pouring men and materiel across the river in preparation for the decisive battle. ¦Washington reports that three B-29s were lost in yesterday’s low-level attack on Japan’s aircraft factories, ¦but bombing results were described as good. Admiral Radios, CBS. (25 min). Rebroadcast: 1/12/2019 – 1/18/2019.
JANUARY 29th, 2005 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1787: SUSPENSE (9-30-48) The Man Who Wanted to be Edward G. Robinson starring Edward G. Robinson as a Walter Mitty-type, a meek little man who decides to murder his wife. AutoLite, CBS. (30 min) COUPLE NEXT DOOR (12-30-58) Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce star with Margaret Hamilton. The family returns home to find a cold house. Sustaining, CBS. (15 min) EMPIRE BUILDERS (1-19-31) Don Ameche stars as a movie actor who is mistaken for a real sheriff by a gang of badmen. Story is set at Glacier National Park. Great Northern Railway, NBC. (30 min) A DATE WITH JUDY (3-20-45) Louise Erickson stars as Judy Foster with Bob Hastings as Oogie Pringle. Guest is actress Dorothy Lam-our. When Judy breaks up with Oogie, he writes a song for Dorothy to sing at an Army camp show. AFRS rebroadcast. (27 min) A LIFE IN YOUR HANDS (7-24-52) Carlton KaDell stars as Jonathan Kegg, a friend of the court, who doesn’t take sides, but attempts to learn the truth. An earwitness helps solve a murder. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min) *COMMAND PERFORMANCE #38 (10-2442) Actress Linda Darnell introduces deadpan singer Virginia O’Brien, Zero Mostel, Erskine Hawkins and comedian Red Skelton. AFRS. (29 min) Rebroadcast: 1/19/2019 – 1/25/2019.
February 5, 2005 – BENNY’S LAST STAND
PROGRAM 1788: JACK BENNY (1-2-55) Presenting the new, sophisticated Benny Show. Jack recounts his day at the Rose Parade. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (1-9-55) Jack takes an early morning walk in Beverly Hills, has breakfast, meets the Sportsmen, then retires to his Library to read The Mystery of the Elephant’s Graveyard. Mel Blanc is the native guide and all the animals. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (1 -16-55) Jack’s show starts without a script and he bawls out his writers, who come up with a murder mystery for the end of the program. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (1-23-55) Before Jack goes to the races he must visit his vault to get some money. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (1-30-55) Jack cleans out the garage before Don takes him to the Beverly Wilshire Health Club. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min). Rebroadcast: 1/26/2019 – 2/1/2019.
February 12, 2005 – BENNY’S LAST STAND Part 2
PROGRAM 1789: JACK BENNY (2-13-55) In a flashback to last year, everyone is planning surprise birthday parties for Jack. But he’s upset and thinks everyone has forgotten his big day. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (2-20-55) The Beverly Hills Beavers put on a play at the school auditorium. It turns out to be their version of Jack’s program. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (2-27-55) Jack leaves his rehearsal to watch the wrestling matches on television. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (3-6-55) Warner Bros. wants to make The Life of Jack Benny. Guest is Danny Kaye. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (3-13-55) Jack puts his house up for sale. Then, after rehearsal, Jack, Dennis, Bob and Mary go to the golf course. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) Rebroadcast: 2/2/2019 – 2/8/2019.
February 19, 2005 – BENNY’S LAST STAND Part 3
PROGRAM 1790: JACK BENNY (3-20-55) Jack is called to serve on jury duty. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (3-27-55) The cast does their version of The Shooting of Dan McGrew, a tale of the Alaskan Northwest. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (4-3-55) Jack visits his vault and brings Ed, the guard, upstairs. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (4-10-55) On Easter Sunday, Jack and Mary take a stroll down Wilshire Boulevard. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (4-17-55) Jack and guest Bob Hope go on a picnic with the CBS telephone operators, Gertrude Gearshift and Mabel Flapsaddle. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) Rebroadcast: 2/9/2019 – 2/15/2019.
February 26, 2005 – BENNY’S LAST STAND Part 4
PROGRAM 1791: JACK BENNY (4-24-55) Jack and fellow members of the Beverly Hills Beavers debate whether or not to have a party. 20th Century Fox is interested in renting Jack’s Maxwell and Jack himself as a stunt driver. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (5-1-55) While doing some spring cleaning, Rochester comes across some of Jack’s old love letters. Later, Jack’s publicity agent suggests he buy a baseball team. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (5-8-55) Jack prepares for a cast picnic on the beach with the Beverly Hills Beavers. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (5-15-55) Rochester is cleaning up the house because Jack is having the living room painted. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) JACK BENNY (5-22-55) Twombly, the sound effects man, wants a chance to showoff his talent. This is the last program of the season and, after an outstanding 23-year run (1932-1955) is also Jack’s last regular program on radio. Lucky Strike, CBS. (26 min) Rebroadcast: 2/16/2019 – 2/22/2019.
MARCH 5th, 2005 – MAYBERRY FOLKS ON RADIO – Part 1
PROGRAM 1791: Radio actors who appeared on TV’s Andy Griffith Show. GUNSMOKE (9-12-53) Prairie Happy with Parley Baer, Howard McNear, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin. ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (11-7-48) Ozzie’s set pattern of living should be broken. With Janet Waldo, Lurene Tuttle. ADVENTUIRES OF ELLERY QUEEN (3-27-43) The Circus Train with Hugh Marlowe. SUSPENSE (1-18-54) The Face is Familiar with Sheldon Leonard. BROADWAY IS MY BEAT (1945) with Larry Thor. Visit our Mayberry Folks on Radio scrapbook gallery for more information on these vintage programs.
MARCH 12th, 2005 – MAYBERRY FOLKS ON RADIO – Part 2
PROGRAM 1792: Radio actors who appeared on TV’s Andy Griffith Show. INNER SANCTUM (1-12-48) Tempo in Blood with Everett Sloane. LUM AND ABNER (1949) Lum wants to borrow money to attend his lodge convention. With Norris Goff. VIC AND SADE (1938) Rush plans a party. With Billy Idleson. ROCKY FORTUNE (1953) Rocky babysits a monkey. With Herb Vigran, Barney Phillips. OUR MISS BROOKS (6-12-49) High school dance. With Richard Crenna. MAISIE (2-23-50) Maisie sells kisses at department store. With Howard McNair, Peter Leeds. Visit our Mayberry Folks on Radio scrapbook gallery for more information on these vintage programs.
MARCH 19th, 2005 – MAYBERRY FOLKS ON RADIO – Part 3
PROGRAM 1793: DRENE TIME (2-23-47) With Danny Thomas. HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (9-18-60) Old friend of Paladin shows up. With John Dehner, Sam Edwards, Ken Lynch. COLUMBIA WORKSHOP (5-31-42) The City Wears a Slouch Hat with Les Tremayne, Forrest Lewis, Johnathan Hole. BLONDIE (5-27-45) Blondie invites a socialite to tea. With Elvia Allman. FIRST NIGHTER (2-5-48) Drink for the Damned with Olan Soule, Parley Baer. Visit our Mayberry Folks on Radio scrapbook gallery for more information on these vintage programs.
MARCH 26th, 2005 – MAYBERRY FOLKS ON RADIO – Part 4
PROGRAM 1794: DRAGNET (1-31-52) The Big Almost No Show with Barney Phillips. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-18-43) with Isabel Randolph. GRAND CENTRAL STATION (7-1-41) We Want to Get Married with Tom Tully, Karl Swenson. MEET CORLISS ARCHER (4-6-47) Corliss is excited about a beauty contest. With Janet Waldo, Sam Edwards. GUNSMOKE (1-25-59) The Boots with Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Lawrence Dobkin. Visit our Mayberry Folks on Radio scrapbook gallery for more information on these vintage programs.
MAY 7th, 2005 – RADIO & WORLD WAR II IN THE SPRING OF 1945 – PT 1
PROGRAM 1800: SPECIAL BROADCAST (4-27-45) President Harry Truman announces the meeting of Anglo-American and Soviet forces in the heart of Nazi Germany, cutting the country in two. NBC. (9 min) NEWS BROADCASTS (4-30-45) Scanning the radio dial on the night of Hitler’s death with great speculation about the surrender of Germany. One thing is clear, it’s now over in Europe. Short clips from various stations. (12 min) DEATH OF ADOLPH HITLER (4-30-45) Ex Cincinnati news commentators with speculation following the death of Hitler. Will the Allies now deal with Heinrich Himmler? Will President Truman go on the air tonight with an announcement of V-E Day? Plus: a profile of Hitler’s early life. WCPO, Cincinnati. (12 min) DEATH OF ADOLPH HITLER (4-30-45) Mutual correspondents John Thompson, Seymour Korman and Paul Manning with reactions from Allied Headquarters on the reports of the death of Adolph Hitler. MBS. (13 min) FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-1-45) Jim and Marian Jordan star. Fibber plans to catch a criminal and turn him in for the $6,000 reward. Cast: Arthur Q. Bryan, Shirley Mitchell, Bea Benadaret, Marlin Hurt, Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min) Program is preceded by a news bulletin officially announcing the death of Adolph Hitler. VAN DEVENTER AND THE NEWS (5-7-45) Newscaster Fred Van Deventer with news of the events surrounding Germany’s surrender. In many respects, this has been a lamentable day despite the fact it’s been celebrated throughout much of the world as V-E Day. There seems to be no doubt but what the Germans have surrendered unconditionally. The Germans admit it and it’s not denied by any official sources¦ but (the news) was not supposed to have been made public in any way. Hoffman Beer, MBS. (14 min) HARRY S TRUMAN (5-8-45) The President of the United States announces the unconditional surrender of Germany, the end of the war in Europe. This is a solemn but glorious hour¦ I only wish that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day. ALL NETWORKS. (6 min) V-E DAY IN LONDON (5-8-45) Edward R. Murrow and Douglas Edwards report on V-E Day and the victory celebration in London. (5 min) V-E DAY SPECIAL (5-8-45) The nation’s official acknowledgment of the end of the war in Europe, broadcast on all networks and on short wave around the world. From Washington, Paris, Guam, the Philippines. Among the speakers are Gen. George C. Marshall, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, Gen. H. H. Arnold, Gen. Douglas A. McArthur. In our nation’s capital today an atmosphere of calm permeates the city. ALL NETWORKS via NBC. (29 min & 30 min) THIS IS V-E DAY (5-8-45) An audio newsreel dealing with the major events of WW II in Europe. There is still a long way to go before the final victory throughout the world. WMPS, Memphis. (31 min). Rebroadcast: 5/6/2023 – 5/12/2023.
MAY 14th, 2005 – RADIO & WORLD WAR II IN THE SPRING OF 1945 – PT 2
PROGRAM 1801: SPECIAL BROADCAST (4-27-45) President Harry Truman announces the meeting of Anglo-American and Soviet forces in the heart of Nazi Germany, cutting the country in two. NBC. (9 min) NEWS BROADCASTS (4-30-45) Scanning the radio dial on the night of Hitler’s death with great speculation about the surrender of Germany. One thing is clear, it’s now over in Europe. Short clips from various stations. (12 min) DEATH OF ADOLPH HITLER (4-30-45) Ex Cincinnati news commentators with speculation following the death of Hitler. Will the Allies now deal with Heinrich Himmler? Will President Truman go on the air tonight with an announcement of V-E Day? Plus: a profile of Hitler’s early life. WCPO, Cincinnati. (12 min). DEATH OF ADOLPH HITLER (4-30-45) Mutual correspondents John Thompson, Seymour Korman and Paul Manning with reactions from Allied Headquarters on the reports of the death of Adolph Hitler. MBS. (13 min). FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (5-1-45) Jim and Marian Jordan star. Fibber plans to catch a criminal and turn him in for the $6,000 reward. Cast: Arthur Q. Bryan, Shirley Mitchell, Bea Benadaret, Marlin Hurt, Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min) Program is preceded by a news bulletin officially announcing the death of Adolph Hitler. VAN DEVENTER AND THE NEWS (5-7-45) Newscaster Fred Van Deventer with news of the events surrounding Germany’s surrender. In many respects, this has been a lamentable day despite the fact it’s been celebrated throughout much of the world as V-E Day. There seems to be no doubt but what the Germans have surrendered unconditionally. The Germans admit it and it’s not denied by any official sources¦ but (the news) was not supposed to have been made public in any way. Hoffman Beer, MBS. (14 min). HARRY S TRUMAN (5-8-45) The President of the United States announces the unconditional surrender of Germany, the end of the war in Europe. This is a solemn but glorious hour¦ I only wish that Franklin D. Roosevelt had lived to witness this day. ALL NETWORKS. (6 min). V-E DAY IN LONDON (5-8-45) Edward R. Murrow and Douglas Edwards report on V-E Day and the victory celebration in London. (5 min). V-E DAY SPECIAL (5-8-45) The nation’s official acknowledgment of the end of the war in Europe, broadcast on all networks and on short wave around the world. From Washington, Paris, Guam, the Philippines. Among the speakers are Gen. George C. Marshall, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, Gen. H. H. Arnold, Gen. Douglas A. McArthur. In our nation’s capital today an atmosphere of calm permeates the city. ALL NETWORKS via NBC. (29 min & 30 min). THIS IS V-E DAY (5-8-45) An audio newsreel dealing with the major events of WW II in Europe. There is still a long way to go before the final victory throughout the world. WMPS, Memphis. (31 min). Rebroadcast: 5/13/2023 – 5/19/2023.
MAY 21st, 2005 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1802: BUSTER BROWN GANG (1-15-49) Smilin’ Ed McConnell entertains the kids with Little Kulah (the Persian Prince) and the Genie in the Jug and the story of The Enchanted King. Also on hand: Squeeky the Mouse, Midnight the Cat, Froggie the Gremlin and Alkali Pete the Cowboy. Buster Brown Shoes, NBC. (27 min). LUX RADIO THEATRE (11-20-39) Good-bye Mr. Chips starring Lawrence Olivier and Edna Best in a radio version of the 1939 film. A shy schoolmaster devotes his life to his students, coming out of his shell only when he meets a woman whom he considers much too good for him. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Announcer is Melville Ruick. Cast features Alan Napier, Clifford Severn, Ronald Sinclair. Lux Soap, CBS. (22 min & 14 min & 21 min). THE BIG STORY (6-4-47) The Thirteenth Key. Reporter James E. Fusco of the Columbia Citizen tells how he helped to apprehend a murderer in this big story based on a 1929 murder case. Berry Kroeger narrates. John Gibson as Fusco. This rare home recording of the broadcast is introduced by the real James Fusco. Pall Mall Cigarettes, NBC. WLW Cincinnati aircheck. (25 min). DINAH SHORE SHOW (5-10-45) Dinah welcomes guest Frank Sinatra, who joins announcer Harry Von Zell, Elvia Allman and Robert Emmet Dolan and the orchestra. Dinah has an idea to fatten up Frankie and slim down Harry. Birds Eye Frozen Foods, NBC. (30 min). BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (11-26-48) Broadcasting from Dallas, Texas, it’s the sportscaster’s 474th edition of his newsreel. Guest, in New York, is orchestra leader and pianist Frankie Carle, who tells how he wanted to be a prize-fighter. Other stories are about golfers and songs written in 1910 that had a background in sports. Colgate Shave Creme, NBC. (14 min). Rebroadcast: 5/20/2023 – 5/26/2023.
MAY 28th, 2005 – 70th ANNIVERSARY OF BOB CROSBY’S BIG BAND
PROGRAM 1803: BOB CROSBY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-27-35) Broadcasting from Cincinnati, Bob and his band play Roll Along, Prairie Moon, I’m Shooting High, and Dinner for One, Please, James. Daydreams of Stars sketch features Alice Frost and Paul Stewart. Announcer is Alan Kent. Roger and Gallett Soaps, NBC BLUE. (14 min). FORD V-8 REVUE (1936) Featuring Bob Crosby and his famous swing band with the Freshmen Trio. Bob sings There’ll Be Some Changes Made, the Trio sings I’ll Never Say ˜Never Again’ Again. The band plays Tin Roof Blues. Ford Motor Co., SYNDICATED. (15 min). BOB CROSBY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (3-2-37) Remote broadcast from the Congress Casino of the Congress Hotel in downtown Chicago on Michigan Boulevard. Pierre Andre announces. Tunes include Sugar Foot Strut, One, Two, Button Your Shoe, She’s Funny That Way, It’s De-lovely and Basin Street Blues. Vocals by Bob Crosby and Kay Weber. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min). DIXIELAND MUSIC SHOP (9-26-39) Bob Crosby and his orchestra, the best Dixieland band in the land, featuring the Bobcats, Johnny Mercer and Helen Ward. Announcer is George Bryan. Selections include Heat Wave, El Rancho Grande, Washington and Lee Swing, and Panama. A Mercer-written song, Newsy Bluesy, contains lyrics about current topics in the news. Camel Cigarettes, CBS. (127 min). BOB CROSBY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (4-2940) Excerpt. Remote broadcast from the Blackhawk Restaurant, located at Wabash and Randolph in Chicago. Music includes Fools Rush In, Cecilia, Jazz Me Blues. Vocals by Bob and Marion Mann. Sustaining, MBS.(15 min). CAMEL CARAVAN (11-28-40) Bob Crosby and his orchestra, with Bonnie King and the Bob-O-Links. Tunes include Sweet Georgia Brown, A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, Exactly Like You, and Royal Garden Blues. Broadcast from San Francisco. Announcer is Bill Goodwin. Camel Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min). FITCH BANDWAGON (5-24-42) Excerpt. Bob Crosby and his orchestra with host Tobe Reed and announcer Dresser Dahlstead. Selections include Jersey Bounce, Brass Boogie and Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree. Fitch Shampoo, NBC. (20 min). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian KARL PEARSON, who will talk about the music career of Bob Crosby. Rebroadcast: 5/27/2023 – 6/2/2023.
JUNE 4th, 2005 – AN AFTERNOON WITH ANDRE BARUCH AND BEA WAIN
PROGRAM 1804: SPEAKING OF RADIO (6-17-88) Veteran radio announcer Andre Baruch talks about his broadcast career with Chuck Schaden in a conversation recorded in Mr. Baruch’s home in Beverly Hills, California. (Part 1: 27 min). YOUR HIT PARADE (9-21-46) The top tunes of the week presented by singers Andy Russell and Peggy Mann with the Hit Paraders and Mark Warnow and the orchestra. Andre Baruch announces. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (6-17-88) Singer Bea Wain joins her husband, Andre Baruch, to talk about her career as a vocalist with the big bands. (Part 2: 27 min). YOUR HIT PARADE (6-17-44) Frank Sinatra, Bea Wain, the Hit Paraders and Mark Warnow and the orchestra present the top tunes of the week. Kenny Delmar announces. AFRS rebroadcast. (28 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (6-17-88) Andre Baruch and Bea Wain talk about their show business careers and their life together in this conversation recorded about a month after they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Part 3: 27 min). THE SHADOW (2-15-48) Terror at Wolf’s Head Knoll starring Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston with Grace Matthews as the lovely Margo Lane. Margo and Cranston seek shelter in a mysterious mansion after a minor accident where a strange doctor treats Margo for a sprained ankle. Announcer is Andre Baruch. Blue Coal, MBS. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 6/3/2023 – 6/9/2023.
JUNE 11th, 2005 – EDWARD G ROBINSON ON RADIO
PROGRAM 1805: SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (11-2-41) The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse starring Edward G. Robinson with Claire Trevor and Lloyd Nolan in the radio version of the 1938 film. Dr. Clitterhouse studies crime from the medical viewpoint by becoming a criminal and observing the physical effects on his body. Gulf Oil, CBS. (28 min). KRAFT MUSIC HALL (3-18-48) Al Jolson welcomes guest Edward G. Robinson, who appears as Jolie’s conscience and advises him to become a tough guy. Oscar Levant, Lou Bring and the orchestra, Ken Carpenter. Kraft Foods, NBC. (29 min). COMEDY THEATRE (4-8-45) A Slight Case of Murder starring Edward G. Robinson with Allen Jenkins in a radio version of their 1938 film. Damon Runyon story of a soft-hearted former bootlegger who has gone legit after Prohibition ends. Host is actor Harold Lloyd. Old Gold Cigarettes, NBC. (29 min). VICTOR BORGE SHOW (10-7-46) The great Danish comedian is proud of a painting of his grandfather when guest Edward G. Robinson discovers more valuable paintings under the portrait. Program features Benny Goodman and his orchestra, the Goodman Sextet, and singer Art Lund. Don Wilson announces. AFRS rebroadcast. (29 min). SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (2-3-50) The Sea Wolf starring Edward G. Robinson in his original screen role in this radio version of the 1941 film. The story of Wolf Larson, a brutal but educated sea captain who matches wits with a passenger rescued at sea. Cast includes Paul Frees, Lurene Tuttle, Lou Merrill. RCA Victor, NBC. (29 min). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is movie historian BOB KOLOSOSKI, who will talk about the film career of Edward G. Robinson. Rebroadcast: 6/10/2023 – 6/16/2023.
JUNE 18th, 2005 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1806: RAILROAD HOUR (10-4-48) Good News is the first show in the long-running series. Gordon MacRae stars with Dinah Shore and Jane Powell in the DeSylva, Brown and Henderson 1920s collegiate musical set on the campus of Tait College. Selections include Varsity Drag, Lucky in Love. The Best Things in Life are Free, and Good News. Cast features Jim Backus, Mary Lee Robb, Lou Merrill, Rye Billsbury. Marvin Miller announces. Norman Luboff Choir, Carmen Dragon and the orchestra. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (44 min). SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (1-7-46) The Lost Weekend starring Ray Milland, Jane Wyman and Frank Faylen in the radio version of the 1945 Academy Award-winning film, an unrelenting drama of alcoholism. Milland won the Oscar for Best Actor. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (29 min). TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT! (7-4-48) Garry Moore is the quizmaster on this popular program that permitted contestants to win up to $64 ” or more! Categories include animal names in sports, plays with famous stars, household double talk and presidential nicknames. Cookie Fairchild and the orchestra, announcer Ken Niles. Eversharp, NBC. (31 min). MYSTERY IN THE AIR (8-28-47) Beyond Good and Evil stars Peter Lorre, Henry (Harry) Morgan, Peggy Webber, John Brown, Howard Culver, Russell Thorson. An escaped convict masquerades as a clergyman after terrorizing a real pastor. Camel Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (2-24-46) Jack and the gang broadcast from Palm Springs, California. To show up a magazine writer who has been critical of the Benny program, Jack presents a nice, sweet program with his cast entirely out of character. Mary Livingstone, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Don Wilson, Artie Auerbach, Larry Stevens. Larry sings a new song written by one of Jack’s writers (John Tackaberry), Pickle in the Middle. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min). Rebroadcast: 6/17/2023 – 6/23/2023.
JUNE 25th, 2005 – ALL-STAR DOUBLE FEATURE
PROGRAM 1807: LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-21-44) Wake Up and Live starring Frank Sinatra, Bob Crosby, James Gleason, Marilyn Maxwell and James Dunne. In this radio version of the 1937 film, a timid singer accidentally becomes a radio sensation. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Cast includes Verna Felton, Bea Benadaret, Cathy Lewis, Arthur Q. Bryan. Lux Soap, CBS. (20 min & 14 min & 25 min). THE BIG SHOW (4-8-51) Tallulah Bankhead is mistress of ceremonies for this 90-minute program, part of NBC’s last-ditch effort to survive the loss of Jack Benny and other stars to CBS and increasing competition from television. This time the variety show features Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Jimmy Durante, Vivian Blaine, William Marshall, Jane Morgan, Rudy Vallee, Meredith Willson and the orchestra and announcer Ed Herlihy. Sustaining, NBC. (28 min & 29 min & 27 min). Rebroadcast: 6/24/2023 – 6/30/2023.
JULY 2nd, 2005 – BIG BANDS IN CHICAGO
PROGRAM 1808: DICK JURGENS AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1939) Excerpt. Remote broadcast from the beautiful and far-famed Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. Vocals by Eddy Howard and Ronnie Kemper. Selections include I Get Along Without You Very Well, It’s All Yours and The Touch of Your Hand. Sustaining, WGN. (14 min). MAYTAG FROLIC (2-2829) Excerpt. The Coon-Sanders Original Nighthawk Orchestra presents Harold Teen, Kansas City Kitty and What A Girl! What A Night! with vocals by Joe Sanders. Maytag Company, Syndicated. (9 min). HAL KEMP AND HIS INTERNATIONAL FAVORITES (1934) Excerpt. Music that rests and relaxes. Announcer Harlow Wilcox introduces the tunes: This is Romance, Boo Boo Boo, I Guess I’ll Have to Change My Plans, Paper Moon, Doin’ the Uptown Lowdown. Vocals by Skinnay Ennis. Lavena Skin Treatment, Syndicated. (18 min). DAMON RUNYON MEMORIAL JAZZ CONCERT (12-11-48) Excerpt. Louis Armstrong and the All-Stars broadcasting from the Blue Note in Chicago. Dave Garroway announces the selections: Muskrat Ramble, Boogie Woogie on St. Louis Blues, Royal Garden Blues. Performing with Armstrong are Jack Teagarden, Barney Bigard, Earl Fatha Hines, ArneII Shaw, Big Sid Catlett, Sustaining, ABC. (16 min). ART KASSEL AND HIS ORCHESTRA (4-19-40) Excerpt. Kassels-in-the-Air playing in a remote from the Walnut Room of the Bismarck Hotel in Chicago: The Merry Widow Waltz in Swingtime, Just An Old Rag Rug, In the Still of the Night, Wubba Dolly. Vocals by Harvey Crawford and Marion Holmes. Announcer is Claude Kirchner. Sustaining, MBS. (15 min). RED NORVO AND HIS ORCHESTRA (2-937) Excerpt. Remote from the Blackhawk Restaurant in downtown Chicago featuring Mr. and Mrs. Swing: Mildred Bailey and Red Norvo. Tunes include Indiana, Harlem Lullaby Love Me or Leave Me. Sustaining, MBS. (14 min). GAY CLARIDGE AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1227-53) Excerpt. Remote broadcast from Chicago’s Trianon Ballroom with vocals by Les Ballard, Geraldine DuBois and Gay Claridige. Music includes Changing Partners, C’est Magnifique, Bei Mir Bist Du Schon, Remember Me. Sustaining, WBBM. (18 min). BENNY GOODMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (2-17-36) Excerpt. From the Urban Room of the Congress Hotel in Chicago, Benny and the boys in the band along with vocalist Helen Ward present Sandman, I Can’t Give You Anything but Love, Rosetta, Diga Diga Do. Sustaining, NBC. (14 min). TED FIO RITO AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1955) Remote from the Chez Paree nightclub, ˜lust a few minutes from Chicago’s Loop. Selections include Standin’ On the Corner, Naughty Lady of Shady Lane, Isle of Capri. Sustaining, WGN. (12 min). OUR SPECIAL GUESTS are CHARLES A. SENGSTOCK JR., author of That Toddlin’ Town”Chicago’s White Dance Bands and Orchestras, 1900-1950 (published by University of Illinois Press), and big band historian KARL PEARSON. Rebroadcast: 7/1/2023 – 7/7/2023.
JULY 9th, 2005 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1809: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (9-23-35) Jim and Marian Jordan star with Lynn Martin, the Johnson Merry Men, Harlow Wilcox, Rico Marcelli’s orchestra in a program from their first season on the air. Fibber tries to fix the doorbell at 79 Wistful Vista. Broadcast from NBC’s Merchandise Mart studios in Chicago. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min). BREAKFAST WITH THE JOHNSONS (4-24-52) Gathered around the breakfast table in the family home in Oak Park, Illinois, announcer Cliff Johnson, his wife Luella and daughters talk about the rummage sale the girls are planning to hold to raise some money by selling dog statues, comic books, handkerchiefs, pot holders, etc. Broadcast Corned Beef Hash, WBBM/CBS. (15 min). BREAKFAST WITH THE JOHNSONS (4-2552) Dad tries to get his girls to get a job this summer rather than having their planned rummage sale. Broadcast Corned Beef Hash, WBBM/CBS. (15 min) Cliff Johnson died February 25,2005 at the age of 89. * WALGREEN BIRTHDAY PARTY (6-20-45) An all-star radio celebration of the 44th anniversary of the drug store chain. Members of the studio audience purchased war bonds to gain admission to the program which supports the government’s 7th War Loan Drive. Appearing are Bing Crosby, Andrews Sisters, Rise Stevens, Paulette Goddard, Abbott and Costello, Eddie Rochester Anderson, announcer Don Wilson, Carl Hoff and the orchestra. Note: In the absence of Bud Abbott, who suddenly became ill, Costello is joined by Sidney Fields for the classic Who’s On First routine. This is a rare performance of the skit by Costello without Abbott. Walgreen Drug Stores. (29 min & 28 min). BEN BERNIE (9-24-35) The old maestro and all the lads broadcasting from NBC’s Merchandise Mart studios in Chicago. Guests are the Doring Sisters and the Nicholas Brothers. Announcer is Harlow Wilcox. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, NBC. (29 min). Note: The Fibber McGee and the Ben Bernie shows featured today were broadcast from the same NBC studio in Chicago on two consecutive nights in September, 1935 and NBC staff announcer Harlow Wilcox was assigned to both programs. Rebroadcast: 7/8/2023 – 7/15/2023.
JULY 16th, 2005 – RADIO IN THE FIFTIES
PROGRAM 1810: MR. DISTRICT ATTORNEY (4-11-51) Case of the Money Machine starring Jay Jostyn as Mr. D.A., Vicki Vola as Miss Miller, Len Doyle as Harrington. A patient with a gift for mathematics is kidnapped from the state mental hospital. Fred Uttal announces. Bristol Myers Products, NBC. (29 min). MY FRIEND IRMA (2-24-52) Marie Wilson stars as Irma Peterson with Cathy Lewis as Jane Stacy. Irma loses the friendship ring given to her by boyfriend Al (John Brown). Cast includes Hans Conned, Alan Reed. Ennds Chlorophyll Tablets, CBS. (29 min). SUSPENSE (9-1-57) Man From Tomorrow starring Frank Lovejoy and Joan Banks, with John Hoyt, Peter Leeds, Norm Alden. A former U.S. jet pilot”from the Korean war”is offered a job that will contribute to world betterment. AFRTS rebroadcast. (26 min). ROY ROGERS SHOW (1955) The King of the Cowboys and his Queen of the West, Dale Evans, investigate the murder of a prominent politician just as he is about to expose corruption in Liberty City. Pat Brady co-stars. Roy and Dale sing The House I Live In. AFRTS rebroadcast. (26 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-24-53) The sponsor is taking out a million dollar insurance policy on Jack and he must go to the doctor for an exam. Cast: Mary Livingstone, Bob Crosby, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Frank Nelson, Mel Blanc, Bea Benaderet. AFRS rebroadcast. (25 min). OUR SPECIAL GUESTS are NEAL SAMORS and MICHAEL WILLIAMS, authors of the new book Chicago in the Fifties: Remembering Life in the Loop and the Neighborhoods. Rebroadcast: 7/16/2023 – 7/21/2023.
JULY 23rd, 2005 – AN ANNOUNCER AT WORK
PROGRAM 1811: All programs feature announcer Bill Griskey of NBC, Chicago. NEWS (4-7-57) Bill Griskey reports headlines. UNCLE NED’S SQUADRON (11-28-53) Uncle Ned Locke is the pilot for this kids-oriented airplane/flying series from Chicago. Bill Griskey is announcer. JANE AND THE BOYS (8-25-51) A quarter-hour of light-hearted musical entertainment with Uncle Bill Griskey. BIG CITY SERENADE (7-19-52) Bill Griskey narrates a salute to the City of Chicago’s political conventions over the years. FAULTLESS STARCH SHOW (10-21-52) Country singer Bob Atcher stars. Announcer is Bill Griskey. AMERICANA (10-23-54) Memoirs of a Railroad Century, a radio essay on the American scene. Bill Griskey as announcer/narrator. YOUR SATURDAY DANCE DATE (8-12-50) Frankie Carle and the orchestra from the Marine Dining Room of the Edgewater Beach Hotel in Chicago. Bill Griskey announces. Rebroadcast: 11/16/2011 – 11/22/2011, 7/22/23 – 7/28/2023
JULY 30th, 2005 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1812: INNER SANCTUM (5-15-45) The Black Art starring Simone Simon as a beautiful and wealthy woman who helps a convicted murderer escape. Lipton Tea, CBS. (28 min). MEL BLANC SHOW (1-28-47) It’s the night of the annual masquerade ball and Mel has broken up with his girlfriend because he is not happy with her costume. Cast includes Mary Jane Croft, Hans Conreid, Joe Kearns, Alan Reed, Jim Backus, Sportsman Quartet, Victor Miller and the orchestra. Colgate Tooth Powder, CBS. (24 min) . SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (3-22-43) For Me and My Gal starring Judy Garland, Gene Kelly and Dick Powell in a radio version of the 1942 film. A vaudeville couple is determined to play the fabled Palace Theatre in New York. Truman Bradley announces. Lady Esther products, CBS. (29 min). VIC AND SADE (3-12-42) Vic has plans for a lunch date with his business associates. Art Van Harvey as Victor Gook, Bernardine Flynn as Sade, Billy Idleson as Rush. NBC. (11 min). THE WHISTLER (8-21-46) The Broken Chain starring Elliott Lewis and Bea Benaderet. A long-suffering husband finally decides to murder his wife. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min). LIFE WITH LUIGI (3-27-49) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco with Alan Reed (Pasquale), Hans Conned (Schultz), Joe Forte (Horowitz), Ken Peters (Olson), Mary Shipp (Miss Spaulding), Jody Gilbert (Rosa). Luigi has a date to go dancing so he decides to take some lessons from Arthur Murray. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 7/29/23 – 8/4/2023
AUGUST 6th, 2005 – THE END OF WWII IN THE SUMMER OF 1945 – PT 1
PROGRAM 1813: INNER SANCTUM (5-15-45) The Black Art starring Simone Simon as a beautiful and wealthy woman who helps a convicted murderer escape. Lipton Tea, CBS. (28 min). MEL BLANC SHOW (1-28-47) It’s the night of the annual masquerade ball and Mel has broken up with his girlfriend because he is not happy with her costume. Cast includes Mary Jane Croft, Hans Conreid, Joe Kearns, Alan Reed, Jim Backus, Sportsman Quartet, Victor Miller and the orchestra. Colgate Tooth Powder, CBS. (24 min) . SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (3-22-43) For Me and My Gal starring Judy Garland, Gene Kelly and Dick Powell in a radio version of the 1942 film. A vaudeville couple is determined to play the fabled Palace Theatre in New York. Truman Bradley announces. Lady Esther products, CBS. (29 min). VIC AND SADE (3-12-42) Vic has plans for a lunch date with his business associates. Art Van Harvey as Victor Gook, Bernardine Flynn as Sade, Billy Idleson as Rush. NBC. (11 min). THE WHISTLER (8-21-46) The Broken Chain starring Elliott Lewis and Bea Benaderet. A long-suffering husband finally decides to murder his wife. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min). LIFE WITH LUIGI (3-27-49) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco with Alan Reed (Pasquale), Hans Conned (Schultz), Joe Forte (Horowitz), Ken Peters (Olson), Mary Shipp (Miss Spaulding), Jody Gilbert (Rosa). Luigi has a date to go dancing so he decides to take some lessons from Arthur Murray. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 8/5/23 – 8/11/2023
AUGUST 13th, 2005 – THE END OF WWII IN THE SUMMER OF 1945 – PT 2
PROGRAM 1814: INNER SANCTUM (5-15-45) The Black Art starring Simone Simon as a beautiful and wealthy woman who helps a convicted murderer escape. Lipton Tea, CBS. (28 min). MEL BLANC SHOW (1-28-47) It’s the night of the annual masquerade ball and Mel has broken up with his girlfriend because he is not happy with her costume. Cast includes Mary Jane Croft, Hans Conreid, Joe Kearns, Alan Reed, Jim Backus, Sportsman Quartet, Victor Miller and the orchestra. Colgate Tooth Powder, CBS. (24 min) . SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (3-22-43) For Me and My Gal starring Judy Garland, Gene Kelly and Dick Powell in a radio version of the 1942 film. A vaudeville couple is determined to play the fabled Palace Theatre in New York. Truman Bradley announces. Lady Esther products, CBS. (29 min). VIC AND SADE (3-12-42) Vic has plans for a lunch date with his business associates. Art Van Harvey as Victor Gook, Bernardine Flynn as Sade, Billy Idleson as Rush. NBC. (11 min). THE WHISTLER (8-21-46) The Broken Chain starring Elliott Lewis and Bea Benaderet. A long-suffering husband finally decides to murder his wife. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min). LIFE WITH LUIGI (3-27-49) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco with Alan Reed (Pasquale), Hans Conned (Schultz), Joe Forte (Horowitz), Ken Peters (Olson), Mary Shipp (Miss Spaulding), Jody Gilbert (Rosa). Luigi has a date to go dancing so he decides to take some lessons from Arthur Murray. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 8/12/23 – 8/18/2023
AUGUST 20th, 2005 – FUN ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 1815: BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (2-24-49) A handwriting expert tells Gracie that George should be a surgeon, so Gracie gets neighbor Blanch (Bea Benaderet) to pretend she’s sick to test George’s doctoring ability. Cast includes Joe Kearns and Bill Goodwin. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (28 min). HENRY MORGAN SHOW (1-29-47) The comedian opens The Morgan Digest for a condensed version of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta The Mikado. Charles Irving, Arnold Stang, Elm City Four, Bernie Green and the orchestra. Eversharp, ABC. (29 min). BOB HOPE SHOW (8-3-53) Guest Henry Fonda joins Bob for their version of the play, Point of No Return. Regulars include Margaret Whiting, Bill Goodwin, Les Brown and his band of Renown. AFRS rebroadcast. (25 min). TEXACO STAR THEATRE (5-10-42) Fred Allen stars on a Mother’s Day broadcast featuring guest Marlene Dietrich and regulars Kenny Baker, Portland Hoffa, Minerva Pious, Alan Reed, John Brown, Al Goodman and the orchestra. Marlene joins Fred for a sketch about radio sound effects and they appear with the Texaco Workshop Players in a thundering effort about the frozen North. She sings See What the Boys in the Back Room will Have. Texaco Gasoline, CBS. (33 min & 27 min). GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-8-53) Willard Waterman stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve. Leroy (Walter Tetley) has problems when his girlfriend (Barbara Whiting) is attracted to the Mayor’s son (Tommy Bernard). With Lillian Randolph as Birdie and Dick LeGrande as Peavy. Kraft Foods, NBC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 8/19/23 – 8/25/2023
AUGUST 27th, 2005 – SCIENCE FICTION ON RADIO
PROGRAM 1816: ESCAPE (10-22-50) ˜The Time Machine starring John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin and Georgia Ellis. Escape to the year 100,080 and a world where beauty and terror live side by-side in this classic story by H.G. Wells. Roy Rowan announces. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min). SUSPENSE (1-3-60) Zero Hour is Ray Bradbury’s story about children around the world who are playing a new game called Invasion. None of their parents are aware of what this new game is doing to their children. Cast: John Gibson, Ginger Jones and Francine Meyers with Vivian Smolen and Sarah Fussel. Multiple sponsors, CBS. (24 min). CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (2-17-57) Dedicated to man’s imagination, the Theatre of the Mind. Part 1 of The Space Merchants, a modern classic about the future. A super advertising agency in the 22nd Century has secured the rights to sell 1800 seats on a space ship to colonize the Planet Venus. Cast features Staats Cotsworth, Virginia Kaye, lan Martin, Ralph Bell, Ralph Camargo, Robert Dryden, Leon Janney, Joseph Julian, Ed Prentiss, Robert Readick, Jackson Beck. Announcer is Ted Pearson. Story by C.M. Cornbluth and Frederik Pohl. Sustaining, CBS. (24 min). CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (2-24-57) Part 2 of The Space Merchants. Sustaining, CBS. (24 min). X MINUS ONE (3-14-56) Tunnel Under the World. The date June 15 keeps recurring for a man who wakes up screaming each morning. He finds another person who also seems aware of the repeating day. John Larkin narrates this Frederik Pohl story. Cast: Les Damon, Ginger Jones, Bob Hastings, Connie Lempke, Stan Early, Kermit Murdock. Sustaining, NBC. (28 min). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is popular culture historian CURTIS KATZ. . Rebroadcast: 8/26/23 – 9/1/2023
SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2005 – BIG BANDS IN 1945
PROGRAM 1817: VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS (1-11-45) Tommy Tucker and his orchestra playing for the war workers of Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, Illinois. Selections include On the Sunny Side of the Street, Don’t Ever Change, Don’t Fence Me In, There Goes That Song Again. Vocals by Don Brown and the Three Two-Timers. Coca-Cola, BLUE. (23 min) ONE NIGHT STAND #560 (2-3-45) Harry James and his Music Makers from the Casa Manana in Culver City, California. Tunes featured are Blue Skies, The Very Thought of You, Alphabet Song, I’m Beginning to See the Light, Two O’Clock Jump. Vocals by Kitty Kellen. AFRS. (30 min) JUBILEE #120 (2-12-45) Host Ernie Bubbles Whitman introduces Billy Eckstine and his orchestra, vocalist Sarah Vaughn and the Swing Wing of the Army Air Forces Radio Unit, and Wingy Manone. Music includes Together, Bugle Call Rag, Mean to Me, Without a Song, When the Saints Go Marching In. Verne Smith announces. AFRS. (30 min) RAY HERBECK AND HIS MUSIC WITH ROMANCE (4-28-45) Excerpt. Remote broadcast from the Mural Room of the Hotel St. Francis in San Francisco. Tunes include Candy, Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye, I’ll See You In My Dreams, I Found a Million Dollar Baby. Songs by Lorraine Benson and Roy Cordell. Sustaining, NBC. (16 min) SPOTLIGHT BANDS #741 (9-12-45) Artie Shaw and his orchestra playing for the officers and men of the United States Naval Hospital, San Diego, California. Music includes Tabu; Little Jazz, featuring trumpeter Roy Eldridge; Summit Ridge Drive, featuring the Gramercy Five; Begin the Beguine. AFRS rebroadcast. (15 min) I SUSTAIN THE WINGS (9-29-45) This is the Welcome Home broadcast of Major Glenn Miller’s Army Air Forces Overseas Orchestra, conducted by Sgt. Jerry Gray. Host is Sgt. Tom Hudson who mentions that Major Glenn Miller is not with us tonight. Since December, 1944 he’s been officially listed as Missing in Action. Sgt. Johnny Desmond sings Long Ago and Far Away in French and English. Other selections include Laura, Cherokee, Blue Rain, Russian Patrol. U.S. Army Air Forces, NBC. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 9/2/23 – 9/8/2023
SEPTEMBER 10th, 2005 – DETECTIVES ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 1818: ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE (10-27-50) The Careworn Cuff starring Sidney Green-street as the world’s greatest motionless detective with Lamont Johnson as Archie Goodwin. A man pays Wolfe a thousand dollars to drop a client he doesn’t have. Cast: Jane Webb, Peter Leeds, Bill Johnstone, Wilms Herbert. Don Stanley announces. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min). BARRY CRAIG, CONFIDENTIAL INVESTIGATOR (12-5-51) The Paper Bullet starring William Gargan as Craig who investigates the theft of a $50,000 prize-winning manuscript. Pontiac Automobiles, NBC. (29 min). THE SHADOW (4-8-45) ˜The Little Man Who Wasn’t There starring John Archer as Lamont Cranston with Judith Allen as the lovely Margo Lane. An invisible thief steals valuables in broad daylight. Has The Shadow met his match? Jack Brickhouse announces. Lin-X Paint, MBS. (29 min). ADVENTURES OF PHILIP MARLOWE (1-22-49) ˜The Orange Dog starring Gerald Mohr as Raymond Chandler’s famous detective. A woman wants Marlowe to help get her sister out of a nasty jam which involves murder. Cast includes Jeff Corey, Frances Robinson, Edgar Barrier, Tony Barrett, Lou Krugman, Ed Sustaining, CBS. (29 min). CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (3-20-47) The Demon Miner starring Staats Cotsworth as Casey with Leslie Woods as Ann and John Gibson as Ethelbert. Casey and Ann investigate a series of seven unusual deaths in the Slateville Coal Mine. Tony Marvin announces. Anchor Hocking Glassware, CBS. (30 min). YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (4-11-50) The Dead First Helpers Matter starring Edmund O’Brien as the man with the action-packed expense account. Dollar goes to a Pittsburgh steel mill to investigate a series of deaths. Cast features Raymond Burr, Jack Kruschen, Peggy Webber. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 9/9/23 – 9/15/2023
SEPTEMBER 17th, 2005 – MOVIES ARE BETTER THAN EVER ON RADIO
PROGRAM 1819: SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (6-9-50) Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House starring Cary Grant and Betsy Blair in a radio version of the 1948 film comedy. A tale of architects and apoplexy as a couple from the city attempt to build a house in the country. Jimmy Wallington announces. RCA Victor, (30 min). SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (4-10-44) A Farewell to Arms starring Gary Cooper, Joan Fontaine and Pedro DeCordoba in a radio version of the 1932 movie. Ernest Hemingway’s story of an ill-fated World War I romance between an American soldier and a British nurse. Truman Bradley announces. Lady Esther products, CBS. (29 min). LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-20-39) Stage Door starring Ginger Rogers, Adolphe Menjou, Rosalind Russell and Eve Arden in the radio version of the 1937 film about the triumphs and disappointments of aspiring young actresses who reside in a theatrical boarding house. Cast includes Florence Lake, Lurene Tuttle, Gloria Gordon. Host is Cecil B. DeMille. Announcer is Melville Ruick. Lux Soap, CBS. (18 min & 13 min & 30 min). ACADEMY AWARD (12-18-46) Lost Angel starring Margaret O’Brien in a radio version of her 1943 film. A precocious child learns life’s simple pleasures from a newspaper reporter. Jeff Chandler co-stars in this last show of the series. House of Squibb, CBS. (28 min). . Rebroadcast: 9/16/23 – 9/22/2023
SEPTEMBER 24th, 2005 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1820: HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (9-22-49) So Well Remembered starring Van Heflin in the story of a mayor whose wife is not happy living in their small town. James Hilton hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29 min). CHASE AND SANBORN PROGRAM (12-1237) Don Ameche hosts and Edgar Bergen stars with Dorothy Lamour and Nelson Eddy in one of the most talked-about programs of the Golden Age. Guest Mae West turned radio on its ear with her appearance with Ameche in an Adam and Eve sketch and another with Charlie McCarthy. Featured are the Stroud Twins, Robert Armbruster’s orchestra and announcer Wendell Niles. Chase and Sanborn Coffee, NBC. (31 min & 28 min). A LIFE IN YOUR HANDS (9-13-49) Mrs. O’Malley’s Boarding House features Ned LeFevre as Jonathan Kegg, a friend of the court who attempts to uncover the truth behind a murder. Myron Wallace announces. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min). GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-18-43) Harold Peary stars as Gildy who leads Leroy (Walter Tetley) and his chums on a hike. Cast: Earle Ross (Judge Hooker); Shirley Mitchell (Leila Ransom); Lillian Randolph (Birdie); Lurene Tuttle (Marjorie). Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 9/23/23 – 9/29/2023
OCTOBER 1st, 2005 – MONITOR’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
PROGRAM 1821: MONITOR (5-11-55) Going places and doing things. An isolated hour of Monitor programming from its first season on the air. Includes John Cameron Swayze, Roger Price, Art Van Damme, John Chancellor, Frank Gallop and Miss Monitor. Multiple sponsors, NBC. (29 min & 29 min). MONITOR (10-5-63) NBC’s weekend radio service presents an all-star salute to Groucho Marx on his 68th birthday. Groucho reflects upon his career and receives birthday greetings from Bob Hope, Steve Allen, Jack Benny, Zeppo Marx, Gummo Marx, Margaret Dumont, Allan Jones, John Guedel, George Fenneman. Excerpts of Groucho on the air with John Barrymore, Rudy Vallee, Al Jolson, Oscar Levant, Tallulah Bankhead and You Bet Your Life. Sustaining, NBC. (10 min & 31 min). OUR SPECIAL GUEST is DENNIS HART, author of Monitor (Take 2) the Inside Story of Network Radio’s Greatest Program. Rebroadcast: 9/30/23 – 10/6/2023
OCTOBER 8th, 2005 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1822: OUR MISS BROOKS (3-13-49) Eve Arden stars as Miss Brooks, English teacher at Madison High School. Mr. Conklin (Gale Gordon) asks Miss Brooks to investigate problems in the school cafeteria. Cast includes Richard Crenna (Walter Denton), Jeff Chandler (Mr. Boynton), Jane Morgan (Mrs. Davis), Gloria McMillan (Harriet Conklin), Leonard Smith (Stretch Snodgrass). Palmolive Soap, Lustre Creme Shampoo, CBS. (29 min). GREEN HORNET (10-4-45) The Stuffed Panda belonging to a little girl helps the Green Hornet get the goods on a bad guy. Bob Hall appears as Britt Reid with Raymond Toyo as Kato and Jim Irwin as Mike Axelrod. ABC. (26 min). IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (9-18-48) Tom Howard moderates a panel of experts: George Shelton, Harry McNaughton and Lulu McConnell. Typical questions: What do we eat with a salad fork? In what state is the Grand Canyon of Arizona and In what season of the year do autumn leaves fall? Ken Roberts announces with Harry Salter and the orchestra. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min). THE WHISTLER (8-28-49) The Eager Pigeon features Jack Webb and Kay Brinker. Pleased to earn some fast money, a shady character agrees to help out a well-to-do woman he meets in a bar. Bill Forman as the Whistler. Marvin Miller announces. Signal Oil, CBS. (29 min). SEALTEST VARIETY THEATRE (10-28-48) Hostess Dorothy Lamour welcomes guests Jack Carson and Boris Karloff. Boris takes Dottie on a tour of his mysterious house; Jack and Dottie present Life on the Mississippi. Sealtest Foods, NBC. (27 min). FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (9-5-39) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the residents of Wistful Vista, back from vacation, loaded with out-of-focus snapshots and fish and planning a big fish dinner for their friends. First show of the 1939-40 season features Bill Thompson. Rebroadcast: 10/7/23 – 10/13/2023
OCTOBER 15th, 2005 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1823: SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (3-17-50) Champion starring Kirk Douglas in a radio version of his original screen role as a boxer who punches his way to the top. Frank Lovejoy co-stars. RCA Victor, NBC. (29 min). MILTON BERLE SHOW (11-4-47) A Salute to Football starring Milton (before his TV career began) with Pert Kelton, Jack Albertson, Mary Shipp, Billy Sands, Johnny Gibson, Al Kelly, singer Dick Varney, Ray Bloch and the orchestra, and announcer Frank Gallop. Philip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min). SPEAKING OF RADIO (11-10-70) Milton Berle recalls his career in a conversation with Chuck Schaden recorded backstage at the Mill Run Theatre in Niles, Illinois. Milton Berle died on March 27, 2002 at the age of 93. (21 min). SUSPENSE (10-12-50) Rave Notice starring Milton Berle in a rare dramatic appearance as a struggling actor who vows to kill a director who criticized his performance. Cast includes Joseph Kearns, Lawrence Dobkin, Howard McNear, Sidney Miller. Auto-Lite, CBS. (28 min). BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (11-2648) The famed sportscaster tells stories about golfers and songs from the year 1910 with a background in sports. Guest is bandleader Frankie Cade, who tells how he wanted to be a prize-fighter. Colgate Shave Creme, NBC. (14 min). ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (313-49) Ozzie’s working on his income taxes as the deadline for payment approaches. Cast features Ozzie, Harriet, David and Ricky Nelson as themselves, with John Brown, Lurene Tuttle and Janet Waldo. International Silver Company, NBC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 10/14/23 – 10/20/2023
OCTOBER 22nd, 2005 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1824: ADVENTURES OF MAISIE (9-28-50) Ann Sothern stars as Maisie Revere, Brooklyn-born beauty who talks her boyfriend into taking her to a fancy nightclub to celebrate their anniversary. Cast includes Hans Conreid, Pat McGeehan, Elvia Allman, Peter Leeds, Joan Banks. Syndicated. (26 min). HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (9-14-50) The Big Build-Up starring Dana Andrews in a romantic comedy about a reluctant Hollywood press agent who is assigned to give the publicity treatment to a newcomer. Co-starring Joan Banks. James Hilton hosts. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29 min). JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-24-37) A milestone program in the series. Jack traded in his old car”a Stanley Steamer”because it was too old-fashioned and bought a secondhand auto, a Maxwell in swell shape. Also: Jack’s version of the film, Wife, Doctor and Nurse. Cast includes Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Kenny Baker, Andy Devine, Don Wilson. Jell-O, NBC. (29 min). STUDIO ONE (3-23-48) The 39 Steps starring Glenn Ford. An innocent man, accidentally involved in murder and espionage, seeks the help of a disbelieving young woman. Cast features Kathleen Cordell, Mercedes McCambridge, Everett Sloane, John Stanley. Producer-host is Fletcher Markle. Sustaining, CBS. (37 min & 23 min). ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (4-10-49) The Stopped-Watch Caper starring Howard Duff as Spade. A wealthy old woman hires Sam to find out why her watch stopped. Cast includes Cathy Lewis and Lenore Raven. Dick Joy announces. Wild-root Hair Tonic, CBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 10/21/23 – 10/27/2023
OCTOBER 29, 2005 – ANNUAL HALLOWEEN SHOW
PROGRAM 1825: MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER (1-30-44) The House of Death. Maurice Tarplin, as the Mysterious Traveler, takes listeners into another journey into the realm of the strange and terrifying. Two elderly sisters fear they are going to be murdered by their niece and nephew. Irene Hubbard and Elizabeth Morgan star. Sustaining, MBS. (28 min). SEALED BOOK (9-2-45) Death Laughs Last is the strange story told by the Keeper of the Book. It’s a tale of a man who commits the perfect murder, only to discover that every murder must be paid for. Syndicated, MBS. (30 min). GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-31-43) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, who wants an old-fashioned Hallowe’en, like the ones he used to know. Co-starring Walter Tetley, Lurene Tuttle, Lillian Randolph, Shirley Mitchell, Bea Benaderet, Earle Ross, Richard LeGrand. Kraft Foods, NBC. (28 min). THE SHADOW (2-29-48) The Man Who Was Death stars Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston and Grace Matthews as the lovely Margo Lane. A scientist becomes a burning man as a result of a nuclear accident. The Shadow comes to the rescue. Sustaining, MBS. (24 min). INNER SANCTUM (3-7-43) The Black Seagull starring Peter Lorre. Before she dies, a woman who suffered a fatal accident at sea vows to come back to her husband, who is convinced that she will return to him. Carter’s Little Liver Pills, BLUE Network. (29 min). HERMIT’S CAVE (1940s) Buried Alive. The Hermit, who tells ghost stories and weird stories, tells of a man who hires a nurse to care for his brother who is suffering from shock following the sudden death of his new wife. Syndicated, WJR/Detroit. (24 min). WARNING: Today’s broadcast will be heard on a special ghost-to-ghost network and is designed to scare the yell out of you. Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 10/28/23 – 11/3/2023
NOVEMBER 5, 2005 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1826: DUFFY’S TAVERN (4-12-46) Ed Gardner stars as Archie, the manager of the place where the elite meet to eat. Guest is Marie the Body McDonald. Archie’s in love again, and pretends he’s a millionaire to get the attention of the glamorous Miss McDonald. Cast includes Eddie Green, Charlie Cantor, Sandra Gould. AFRS rebroadcast. (29 min). CINNAMON BEAR PREVIEW (1937) A promotional recording intended to persuade stations and sponsors to support the proposed Christmas season radio series for young audiences. Announcer John Hiestand introduces producer Lindsay MacHarrie, who tells how the series was developed. (16 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 1. Judy and Jimmy Barton discover that the silver star for the top of their Christmas tree is missing. Searching for the ornament in their attic, they meet Paddy O’Cinnamon. First of 26 consecutive episodes. (13 min) In 1999, TWTD listeners voted The Cinnamon Bear one of the 20 Best Old Time Radio Shows of the 20th Century. GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (11-7-43) Harold Peary stars as the always-hungry Gildy, who decides to spend the money”and the required ration points”to treat himself to a delicious, but very scarce, pot roast. This episode follows up on the story line established in the previous program, presented on TWTD last week. Kraft Foods, NBC. (28 min). BOSTON BLACKIE (1940s) Death Comes for the Harmonica Man starring Dick Kollmar as Blackie. A harmonica player is shot by his girlfriend. Syndicated. (27 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 2. Judy and Jimmy de-grow and take a glass airplane to Maybe Land in search of the silver star. (13 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 3. Weary Willie and the Looking Glass Valley. (13 min). ALAN YOUNG SHOW (11-15-46) That young man who is young today and young forever welcomes guest Ed Gardner from Duffy’s Tavern. While Alan’s girlfriend is out of town, he wants to impress her father, who is coming over for dinner. Alan gets Archie from Duffy’s Tavern to cater the meal. Cast includes Jim Backus and Veola Vonn. Ipana, Vitalis, NBC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 11/4/23 – 11/10/2023
NOVEMBER 12, 2005 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1827: CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 4. The Inkaboos! (13 min). LONE RANGER (9-13-54) Brace Beemer stars as the Masked Rider of the Plains with John Todd as his faithful Indian companion, Tonto. Trouble arises when ranchers try to raise money to build a new church for the town of Palemus. Fred Foy narrates. General Mills Cereals, ABC. (23 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 5. The Crazy Quilt Dragon is rescued! (13 min). COMMAND PERFORMANCE (12-24-45) For the first peacetime Christmas after the end of World War II, the Armed Forces Radio Services continues its tradition of broadcasting all-star holiday wishes to military audiences around the world. Heard in this joyous post-war broadcast are Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Harry James and his orchestra, Herbert Marshall, Jimmy Durante, Ginny Simms, Jerry Colonna, Johnny Mercer, Judy Garland, Pied Pipers, Ed Gardner, Frances Langford, Kay Kyser, Cass Daley, Frank Sinatra, Mel Blanc and President Harry S Truman. AFRS. (109 minutes in six parts). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 6. Wesley the Wailing Whale and Samuel the Seal, (13 min). Rebroadcast: 11/11/23 – 11/17/2023
NOVEMBER 19, 2005 – ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
PROGRAM 1828: LIFE WITH LUIGI (11-22-49) J. Carrol Naish stars as Luigi Basco with Alan Reed as Pasquale. Luigi hopes that Pasquale will invite him for Thanksgiving dinner, but the invitation does not come without a string attached. Cast: Hans Conned, Mary Shipp, Jody Gilbert, Joe Forte, Ken Peters. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min). DINAH SHORE OPEN HOUSE (11-22-45) Dinah stars with Harry Von Zell and guest Groucho Marx. Dinah’s invited the gang to her home for Thanksgiving dinner, but where’s the turkey? Cast features Frank Nelson, Elvia Allman, Ken Lane Chorus, Robert Emmett Dolan and orchestra. Birdseye Frozen Foods, NBC. (29 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 7. Mr. Presto, the Magician. (13 min). JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (11-26-47) The Schnozzola has a live turkey for Thanksgiving. Cast includes guest Victor Moore and regulars Arthur Treacher, Candy Candido, Elvia Allman, Hans Conned, the Sportsmen Quartet, announcer Howard Petrie. Rexall Drugs, NBC. (28 min). ARTHUR GODFREY SHOW (11-27-47) Arthur does his Thanksgiving Day broadcast from his farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia while the little Godfreys are in the studio in New York: Jeanette Davis, The Mariners, Archie Bleyer and the orchestra, announcer Tony Marvin. The Mariners sing We Gather Together and Over the River and Through the Woods. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (29 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 8. The Candy Pirates. (13 min). SONGS BY SINATRA (11-21-45) On the eve of the first peacetime Thanksgiving after World War II, Frank Sinatra offers a program with a patriotic flavor, singing America the Beautiful and The House I Live In. Featured are Marilyn Maxwell, Louis Prima, Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (26 min). Rebroadcast: 11/18/23 – 11/24/2023
NOVEMBER 26, 2005 – RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
PROGRAM 1829: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-1-48) Harold Peary stars as Gildy, who tries to get a holiday job for Leroy (Walter Tetley). With Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Mary Lee Robb as Marjorie, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker and Richard LeGrand as Peavey. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 9. The Roly Poly Policeman. (13 min). BROADWAY IS MY BEAT (12-24-49) Larry Thor stars as police detective Danny Clover. Christmas Eve complications arise after an ex-con arrives to play Santa for the Police Athletic League party for kids. Cast: Charles Calvert, Gil Stratton Jr., Howard McNear, Hal March, Shep Menken, Peggy Webber. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 10. Professor Whiz, the educated owl, and Fraidy Cat. (13 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 11. Fee Foo, the friendly giant. (13 min). HOTPOINT HOLIDAY HOUR (12-25-49) ˜The Man Who Came to Dinner starring Jack Benny as Sheridan Whiteside with an all-star supporting cast: Charles Boyer, Gene Kelly, Dorothy McGuire, Gregory Peck and Rosalind Russell. Henry Fonda narrates this radio version of the George S. Kaufman-Moss Hart Broadway hit and screen smash. A pompous, cantankerous, megalomaniac broadcaster is confined by a broken hip to a normal Midwestern home, which he turns into bedlam. Host is John Garfield; announcer is Marvin Miller; director is Mel Ferrer. Hotpoint Products, CBS. (19 min & 18 min & 18 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 12. The Rhyming Rabbit and Bumble Bee. (13 min). Rebroadcast: 11/25/23 – 12/1/2023
DECEMBER 3, 2005 – RADIO TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY
PROGRAM 1830: YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (12-23-56) The Missing Mouse Matter stars Bob Bailey as America’s fabulous free-lance insurance investigator. At Christmas time, Dollar changes his plans to investigate the disappearance of a talented mouse named Gulliver. Cast: Mary Jane Croft, Howard McNear, Parley Baer, Lawrence Dobkin, Richard Beals. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 13 in the continuing adventures of Judy and Jimmy and Paddy O’Cinnamon in search for the silver star for the top of the Christmas tree. Through the picture frame to see the Wintergreen Witch. (13 min). LIFE OF RILEY (12-17-44) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley, with Paula Winslowe as Peg, Conrad Binyon as Junior and John Brown as Digby O’Dell, the friendly undertaker. A week before the holiday, Riley gets a gift marked Do Not Open Until Christmas. American Meat Institute, BLUE Network. (29 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 14. Queen Melissa of Maybe Land offers help. (13 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 15. Snapper Snick the crocodile. (13 min). SUSPENSE (12-23-56) Back for Christmas starring Herbert Marshall. A botany professor plans to murder his wife. Cast includes Irene Tedrow, Ellen Morgan, Paula Winslowe, Ben Wright, Jack Moyles. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 16. Oliver the Ostrich. (13 min). BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (12-18-44) George and Gracie decide not to give each other gifts for Christmas this year. Cast: Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson, Bill Goodwin, singer Jimmy Cash, Felix Mills and the orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (28 min). Rebroadcast: 12/2/23 – 12/8/2023
DECEMBER 10, 2005 – RADIO TO ADDRESS CHRISTMAS CARDS BY
PROGRAM 1831: BOB HOPE SHOW (12-23-54) Broadcasting from Long Beach Veteran’s Hospital in California. It’s a Hope Christmas shopping show with Bill Goodwin, Joe Kearns, Frank Nelson, Sheldon Leonard and Jim Backus. Bob and Margaret Whiting sing Silver Bells. AFRS rebroadcast. (25 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 17. The mud-slinging Muddlers. (13 min). SUSPENSE (12-13-55) A Present for Benny starring Jack Kruschen in a story of Christmas shopping and a present that went astray. Supporting cast includes Stacy Harris, Eve McVey, Benny Rubin, Junius Matthews, Joseph Kearns. Sustaining, CBS. (28 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 18. The Cocklebur Cowboys. (13 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 19. To the Golden Grove. (13 min). SONGS BY SINATRA (12-5-45) In New York for an extended personal appearance, Frank is joined by June Hutton, the Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra for an early musical look at the holiday season. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (27 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 20. The Grand Wunky takes the Wintergreen Witch to exile in Looking Glass Valley. (13 min). FAMILY THEATER (12-15-48) A Daddy for Christmas starring Pat O’Brien, Bobby Driscoll and Linda Johnson. Hostess is Shirley Temple. A boy whose father didn’t come back from World War II asks Santa for a bicycle¦ and a daddy. Sustaining, MBS. (24 min). Rebroadcast: 12/9/23 – 12/15/2023
DECEMBER 17, 2005 – RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
PROGRAM 1832: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-14-49) It’s Christmas time in Summerfield and Gildy (Harold Peary) brings gifts to hospitalized children and reads them the story Why the Chimes Rang. Cast features Cathy Lewis, Mary Lee Robb, Walter Tetley. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 21. The Land of Ice and Snow. (13 min). A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (12-2546) Dennis tries to get on the good side of his girlfriend’s mother. Later, he takes all the roles in the Christmas story The Boy Who Sang for the King. Cast includes Sharon Douglas, Dink Trout, Bobby Driscoll. Colgate-Palmolive, NBC. (30 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 22. Meeting Jack Frost. (13 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 23. Paddy O’Cinnamon gets stuck in a pile of Christmas stickers. (13 min). SUSPENSE (12-21-50) A Christmas for Carol starring Dennis Day as a bank teller who plans to steal from a depositor on Christmas Eve. Cast includes Elliott Lewis, Sidney Miller, Jeanette Nolan, Ed Max. AutoLite, CBS, (30 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 24. Judy, Jimmy and Paddy O’Cinnamon attend the Christmas Tree Parade. (13 min). PHIL HARRIS”ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-18-49) Unhappy that his town does not have a community Christmas tree, Phil goes to the mountains to cut one down. Walter Tetley as Julius; Elliott Lewis as Remley; Hans Conned as the mayor. Rexall, NBC. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 12/16/23 – 12/22/2023
DECEMBER 24, 2005 – MERRY CHRISTMAS
PROGRAM 1833: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-24-40) Jim and Marian Jordan as the McGees, with Hal Peary as neighbor Gildersleeve; Isabel Randolph as Mrs. Uppington; Harlow Wilcox; King’s Men; Billy Mills and the orchestra. On Christmas Eve, an unexpected package is delivered to 79 Wistful Vista. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 25. Captain Tin Top returns the star, but the Crazy Quilt Dragon steals it! (13 min). CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 26. The final episode in the adventure. Do our heroes finally find the star for the Christmas tree? (13 min). CAMPBELL PLAYHOUSE (12-24-39) “A Christmas Carol” starring Lionel Barrymore in his fourth appearance as Ebenezer Scrooge in a classic, full-length version of the beloved Christmas story by Charles Dickens. Producer Orson Welles narrates the drama which features Everett Sloane, Frank Readick, Erskine Sanford, George Coulouris, Ray Collins, Georgia Backus, Bea Benaderet, Bernard Herrmann and the orchestra and an Ernest Chappell. Campbell Soup, CBS. (32 min & 29 min). PRESIDENT HARRY S TRUMAN (12-24-45) From the grounds of the White House, the President of the United States speaks at the lighting of the national Christmas tree on the first peacetime Christmas in four years. All networks. (5 min). BING CROSBY SHOW (12-25-52) Guest Gary Crosby joins his father for the traditional Crosby Christmas show, which features lots of seasonal music and no commercials. Selections include “Adeste Fidelis,” “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Jingle Bells,” “The Christmas Song,” “White Christmas” and “Silent Night.” With Ken Carpenter, Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. General Electric, CBS. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 12/23/23 – 12/29/2023
DECEMBER 31, 2005 – HAPPY NEW YEAR
PROGRAM 1834: JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (12-31-47) Garry Moore and Red Skelton sub for Jimmy, who is in the hospital “for repairs.” Red appears as Junior, the mean little kid, who is supposed to be the New Year’s baby on New Year’s Eve. Garry and Red in a comic opera competing for singer Peggy Lee’s hand. With Candy Candido, Roy Bargy and the orchestra. Rexall, NBC. (29 min). BREAKFAST CLUB (12-27-68) Don McNeill’s final broadcast after 35-1/2 years on the air. The program began on June 23, 1933 and outlived the entire Golden Age of Radio. From the Clouds Room, high atop Chicago’s Allerton Hotel, Don and his Breakfast Club gang say good-bye to the radio audience. Heard are Sam Cowling, Cathy Taylor, Fran Allison (as Aunt Fanny), Captain Stubby, Bob Newkirk, Eddie Ballentine and the orchestra. Various sponsors, ABC. (25 min & 31 min). EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-2-46) Eddie turns back the clock to his New Year’s Eve party where Father Time meets the Baby New Year. Cast includes Leonard Sues, Bert Gordon, singer Thelma Carpenter, Cookie Fairchild and the orchestra. Ipana, Trushay, NBC. (29 min). NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCING PARTY (12-31-45) An hour of New Year’s greetings from the top bands in America in a gala post-war celebration. Harry James from Hollywood; Count Basie from New York; Freddy Martin from the Coconut Grove; Woody Herman from the Meadowbrook; Gene Krupa from the Hollywood Palladium; Henry King from Hotel Mark Hopkins, San Francisco; Louis Armstrong from Club Zanzibar, New York; Jimmy Dorsey from Casino Gardens, Ocean Park, California; Les Brown from Hotel Pennsylvania, New York; Artie Shaw from California; Stan Kenton from Hotel Sherman, Chicago; Tommy Dorsey from San Diego, California; Carmen Cavallero from Ciro’s in Hollywood; Louis Prima from Salt Lake City; Benny Goodman from Boston; Duke Ellington from Evansville, Indiana; Guy Lombardo from Hotel Roosevelt, New York. AFRS. (32 min & 29 min). Rebroadcast: 12/30/23 – 1/5/2024
JANUARY 7, 2006 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1835: I LOVE ADVENTURE #1 (4-25-48) “The China Coast Incident” is the first of 13 consecutive — but separate — programs written and directed by Carlton E. Morse. The “Twenty-One Old Men of Gramercy Park,” dedicated to fighting the enemies of international peace, hire Jack Packard and members of the A-1 Detective Agency to go to Saigon to find a missing scientist. Michael Raffetto stars as Packard. Cast includes Russell Thorson, Tom Collins, John McIntyre, Jeanne Bates, Harry Lang. Announcer is Dresser Dahlstead. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min). LIFE OF RILEY (1-17-48) William Bendix stars as Chester A. Riley, who is upset that his family is tying up the telephone line at home. Later, he listens to Ralph Edwards’ “Truth or Consequences” on the radio. With Paula Winslowe as Peg and John Brown as Digby O’Dell, the friendly undertaker. First of two “crossover programs” on this date. Prell Shampoo, NBC. (30 min). I LOVE ADVENTURE #2 (5-2-48) “The Great Air Mail Robbery.” In their next assignment, Jack Packard (Michael Raffetto) and Reggie York (Tom Collins) are reunited to stop a group of thieves who are robbing courier and passenger airplanes of valuable documents and cargo. Cast includes Don Morrison, Rolfe Sedan, Jeanette Nolan. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min). TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (1-17-48) Ralph Edwards stars with guest William Bendix appearing as Chester A. Riley, who’s angry with Edwards. Edwards’ “Walking Man” contest is in full swing. Second of two “crossover” programs on this date. Harlow Wilcox announces. Duz, NBC. (29 min). I LOVE ADVENTURE #3 (5-9-48) “The Devil’s Sanctuary.” Jack and Reggie travel to a small island where they find long-range missiles capable of carrying biological and nuclear weapons. Cast: Jeanne Bates, Everette Glass, Luis Van Rooten, Harry Lang. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 1/6/24 – 1/12/2024
JANUARY 14, 2006 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1836: I LOVE ADVENTURE #4 (5-16-48) ‘The Pearl of Great Price.” Jack and Reggie are sent to Northern Indochina to recover an item plundered from a Burmese Temple. Cast: Alma Lawton, Everette Glass, Barbara Jean Wong, Harry Lang. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min). MIDWEST PIONEER BROADCASTERS (9-15-05) Chuck Schaden’s conversation with veteran Chicago voice-actors Herb Graham, Mercita DeMonk and Parker Gronwold, discussing the AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players and their careers in broadcasting. (31 min). I LOVE ADVENTURE #5 (5-23-48) “The Hundred Million Dollar Manhunt.” Jack and Reggie are summoned by the “Twenty-One Old Men of Gramercy Park” to retrieve a fortune in diamonds taken from the Dutch government by the Nazis during World War II. Cast includes Luis Van Rooten, Lillian Buyeff, Russell Thorson. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min). MIDWEST PIONEER BROADCASTERS (9-15-05) Continuing the conversation with actors Graham, DeMonk and Gronwold. (38 min). I LOVE ADVENTURE #6 (5-30-48) “The Finishing School Kidnapping.” Packard and York are sent to India to investigate the kidnapping of a dozen girls, ages 14-17, daughters of prominent world citizens. Cast features Harry Lang, Russell Thorson, Gloria Grant. Last of the “Twenty-One Old Men” episodes. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 1/13/24 – 1/19/2024
JANUARY 21, 2006 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1837: I LOVE ADVENTURE #7 (6-6-48) “But Grandma, What Big Teeth you Have.” In Hollywood, at their A-1 Detective Agency, Jack Packard (Michael Raffetto) and Reggie York (Tom Collins) question a small boy who attempted to steal a woman’s purse. Cast: Jeanette Nolan, Jeanne Bates, Henry Blair. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min). BOB HOPE SHOW (1-29-46) Broadcasting from Palm Springs, California. Guest Frank Sinatra joins Bob in the first of two “crossover programs” swapping guest appearances. Hope’s opening monologue has lots of Palm Springs gags and many “thin” jokes at Sinatra’s expense. Cast presents “The Life of Frank Sinatra, a chilling ghost story.” Frances Langford, Jerry Colonna, Mel Blanc, announcer Wendell Niles, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min). I LOVE ADVENTURE #8 (6-13-48) “The Man with the Third Green Eye.” Jack and Reggie are hired to find a rare stamp which conceals the location of a large deposit of uranium. Cast: Alma Lawton, Harry Lang. Sustaining, ABC. (30 min). FRANK SINATRA SHOW (2-6-46) Guest Bob Hope joins Sinatra in the second of two “crossover programs” exchanging guest appearances. Hope comes armed with many more wisecracks at Frankie’s expense. Bob and Frank sing “These Foolish Things.” Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra, announcer Marvin Miller. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (28 min). I LOVE ADVENTURE #9 (6-20-48) “The Girl in the Street.” A Federal Agent hires Jack Packard (Michael Raffetto) and Doc Long (Barton Yarborough) of the A-1 Detective Agency to find a kidnapped girl. Cast: Betty Lou Gerson, Peggy Webber, Luis Van Rooten, Russell Thorson, Lou Krugman, Dix Davis. Sustaining, ABC. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 1/20/24 – 1/26/2024
JANUARY 28, 2006 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1838: I LOVE ADVENTURE #10 (6-27-48) “The Kwang-Moon Dagger.” An Asian princess hires the boys to find a valuable dagger stolen near the China border. Cast: Michael Raffetto, Barton Yarborough, Lillian Buyeff, Lou Krugman, Russell Thorson, Harry Lang. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min). A DATE WITH JUDY (10-22-46) Louise Erickson stars as Judy Foster, with John Brown as her father, Myra Marsh as her mother, Dix Davis as her brother Randolph, and Dick Crenna as Oogie Pringle. To get out of attending a lecture series, Judy’s father and the men at his lodge tell their wives they are decorating the lodge hall. AFRS rebroadcast. (26 min). I LOVE ADVENTURE #11 (7-4-48) “Assignment with a Displaced Person.” The boys are hired to protect a Spanish refugee as she travels from a Mexican convent to Los Angeles. Cast includes Russell Thorson, Barton Yarborough, Jay Novello, Peggy Webber, Lou Krugman. Sustaining, ABC. (30 min). I LOVE ADVENTURE #12 (7-11-48) “Hearse on the Highway.” The police hire Jack and Doc to pose as truck drivers in order to stop some hijacking. Cast includes Lou Krugman, Peggy Webber, Russell Thorson, Frank Richards. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min). RED SKELTON SHOW (4-15-47) Red appears as Deadeye, involved in a duel over a woman, and as Junior, the mean little kid, who panhandles his Aunt Edna’s boyfriend for money for his piggy bank. Cast features Verna Felton, GeGe Pearson, Pat McGeehan, Wonderful Smith, singer Anita Ellis, David Forrester and the orchestra. Rod O’Connor announces. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min). I LOVE ADVENTURE #13 (7-18-48) “The Ambassador Ricardo Santos Incident” is the final program in this 13-part series. Jack Packard (Michael Raffetto) and Doc Long (Barton Yarborough) are hired to escort a Latin-American ambassador to his home in Istanbul, Turkey. Cast includes Michael Raffetto, Barton Yarborough, Jay Novello, Peggy Webber, Lou Krugman, Russell Thorson. Sustaining, ABC. (28 min). Rebroadcast: 1/27/24 – 2/2/2024
February 4th, 2006 – JACK BENNY AND MEL BLANC Part 1
PROGRAM 1839: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-12-54) Jack is planning a trip to Palm Springs. Mary Livingstone, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Dennis Day, Bob Crosby, Don Wilson, Sportsmen, Mel Blanc. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (26 min) CISCO KID (1953) “Murder at North San Juan” stars Jack Mather as the “Robin Hood of the Old West” with Mel Blanc as Porfirio, “cousin-in-law of Pancho” (usually played by Harry Lang, who is absent from this program). There’s a gambling casino problem in the old California mining town of North San Juan. Butter-Nut Bread, Syndicated. (30 min) GI JOURNAL #79 (1-26-45) William Bendix is Editor-in-Chief of this edition of the Journal, with Arthur Treacher, Mel Blanc, Lena Romay, Jinx Falkenberg, Lt. Jimmy Grier and the Coast Guard Band. AFRS. (29 min) WHAT’S UP MEL? (2-4-06) “Welcome to Termite Terrace” is the first of four special features by animation historian Curtis L. Katz on Mel Blanc and his Warner Bros. cartoons. (10 min) BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (2-27-47) A week after their 15th anniversary in radio, messages of congratulations to George and Gracie continue to pour in ” along with a lot of unpaid bills. Mel Blanc as the Happy Postman. With Bill Goodwin, Meredith Willson and the orchestra. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (30 min) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-23-48) Jack, back on the show after a week in New York, announces that the cast will do their version of the hit film “The Egg and I” with Jack in the Fred MacMurray part and Mary taking the role played in the film by Claudette Colbert. Cast: Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Eddie “Rochester’ Anderson, Dennis Day (as Pa Kettle), Elvia Allman (as Ma Kettle), Sportsmen, Mel Blanc. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min) PLUS: Selected short subjects featuring Jack Benny and Mel Blanc. First remote show from the House of Broadcasting in Scottsdale, Arizona.
March 4th, 2006 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1843: OUR MISS BROOKS (9-10-50) Eve Arden stars as school teacher Connie Brooks. It’s the start of the Fall semester, so Miss Brooks goes in early to help Mr. Boynton (Jeff Chandler) get the biology lab in shape and to check out rumors of big faculty changes this year. Featured are Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin; Dick Crenna as Walter Denton; Jane Morgan as Mrs. Davis, and Bill Johnstone, Virginia Gordon, Gloria MacMillian, Leonard Smith. Colgate, Lustre Creme, CBS. (30 min) THE FAT MAN (7-8-46) The Black Angel stars J. Scott Smart as the fast-moving criminologist who tips the scale at 237 pounds. A man asks Brad Runyon to investigate because he thinks his wife is cheating on him. Ed Begley as Sgt. O’Hara. Sustaining, ABC. (30 min) JOAN DAVIS TIME (1946) Joan is looking for a manager for her Tea Room so she can pursue a career. Convinced that clothes make the career, she brings her wardrobe to a tailor, portrayed by guest Danny Thomas. Cast: Florence Halop, Lionel Stander, Jean Vander Pyle, announcer Ben Gage. Karl’s Shoe Stores, CBS. (31 min) CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (9-11-47) Graveyard Gertie stars Staats Cotsworth as Casey; Jan Miner as Ann Williams; John Gibson as Ethelbert. Casey and his girl friend discover an old woman in a cemetery at midnight. Tony Marvin announces. Anchor-Hocking Glass, CBS. (28 min) FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (4-6-43) Jim and Marian Jordan star. Molly thinks it’s spring fever, but Fibber’s feeling ill and wants to call Doc Gamble. This is Arthur Q. Bryan’s first appearance as Doc Gamble. Cast: Isabel Randolph, Bill Thompson, Harlow Wilcox, King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 2/26/2019 – 3/1/2019.
March 11th, 2006 – JUDY GARLAND ON RADIO
PROGRAM 1844: COMMAND PERFORMANCE #134 (8-19-44) Mistress of Ceremonies Judy Garland welcomes Danny Kaye, Lauritz Melchior, Helen Forrest and Major Meredith Willson and the AFRS orchestra, Danny translates Melchior’s song Home on the Range into Russian. Judy sings I May Be Wrong. All join in for a comic opera titled Modern Travel. AFRS. (29 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-25-50) The Wizard of Oz starring Judy Garland in a radio version of the 1939 screen classic with all the delightful music, comedy and adventure from the film. Cast includes Hans Conned as Scarecrow; Herb Vigran as Tin Man; Ed Max as Cowardly Lion; Herb Butterfield as Wizard; Betty Lou Gerson as Glinda. William Keighley hosts. John M. Kennedy announces. Rudy Schrager and the orchestra. Lux Soap, CBS. (19 min & 24 min & 17 min) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (9-30-48) Al Jolson welcomes guest Judy Garland for this first show of the new season. Al sings Is It true What They Say About Dixie? and Poor Butterfly. Judy sings Poor Johnny One Note and joins Al for Pretty Baby. Oscar Levant, Ken Carpenter. Kraft Foods, NBC. (29 min) MAIL CALL #91 (5-17-44) Judy Garland welcomes Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante and Arthur Treacher for a tribute to Minnesota with lots of comedy and music. Bing, Judy and Jimmy go on strike for dramatic parts and sing The Groaner, the Canary and Me. AFRS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 3/2/2019 – 3/8/2019.
March 18th, 2006 – THIS DAY, THAT YEAR
PROGRAM 1845: BOSTON BLACKIE (March 18, 1947) Stan Fisher’s Past stars Dick Kollmar as Blackie with Maurice Tarplin as Inspector Faraday and Jan Miner as Mary Wesley, Blackie’s girlfriend. Blackie tries to help a man who lost his memory in an accident ten years ago. Sustaining, MBS. (27 min) LUM AND ABNER (March 18, 1935) Isolated episode in Squire Skimp’s Circus Freak Show. Chester Lauck and Norris Goff star as Lum Edwards and Abner Peabody, owners of the Jot-Em-Down Store in Pine Ridge, Arkansas. Horlick’s Malted Milk, MBS. (15 min) ESCAPE (March 18, 1954) Violent Night with William Conrad, Joyce McClusky, Don Diamond, Ben Wright, Edgar Barrier, Byron Kane, Richard Beals. You are kneeling in a church of a Caribbean village, seeking the sanctuary it might offer, while slowly walking down the aisle¦is the brute of a man who has come to kill you. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min) BOB HOPE SHOW (March 18, 1953) Guest William Bendix joins Margaret Whiting, Bill Goodwin, Les Brown and his Band of Renown, Charles Farrell, Veola Vonn. On the day before his appearance as emcee of the Academy Awards presentation, Hope recalls his first Oscar ceremony, in 1940. Bendix is the cab driver who takes him to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Jell-O, NBC. (29 min) DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA (March 18, 1937) Remote broadcast from the Cotton Club at Broadway and 48th Street in New York City. Selections include Harlem Speaks, Caravan, Pennies from Heaven, and Sophisticated Lady. Vocals by ˜vie Anderson. Roger Lyons announces. Sustaining, MBS. (30 min) ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (March 18, 1940) Clayton Bud Collyer stars as Clark Kent/Superman in this isolated episode from the series’ first year on the air. Kent rents a car to join Lois Lane on an assignment at the San Miguel Prison. Syndicated, WOR. (11 min) COMEDY THEATRE (March 18, 1945) Harold Lloyd presents A Lady Takes a Chance starring Randolph Scott and Gene Tierney in a romantic comedy about a burly rodeo star and a wide-eyed city girl. Old Gold Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min). Rebroadcast: 3/9/2019 – 3/15/2019.
March 25th, 2006 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1846: FBI IN PEACE AND WAR (3-17-54) Help Wanted featuring Bob Dryden and Alice Frost with Anne Seymour. The FBI investigates a series of burglaries of fashionable homes. Lava Soap, CBS. (29 min) YOUR HIT PARADE (3-23-46) The top tunes of the week as performed by Joan Edwards, Johnny Mercer, Joe Dosh, Hit Paraders, Mark Warnow and the orchestra. Kenny Delmar announces. AFRS rebroadcast. (29 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-15-52) African Queen starring Humphrey Bogart and Greer Garson in a radio version of the 1951 film about a souse and a spinster traveling up the Congo during World War I. Cast includes John Dodsworth and Hans Conried. Irving Cummings hosts with announcer Ken Carpenter. Lux Soap, CBS. (19 min & 17 min & 22 min) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (3-26-50) It’s the gang’s last day in Palm Springs and Phil’s been watching girls while Frankie (Elliott Lewis) has been watching flying saucers. Walter Tetley as Julius, Robert North as Willy. Rexall, NBC. (30 min) Rebroadcast: 3/16/2019 – 3/22/2019.
April 1st, 2006 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1847: BOB HOPE SHOW (April 1, 1941) Guest Kate Smith joins regulars Jerry Colonna, Brenda and Cobina (Blanche Stewart and Elvia Allman), announcer Bill Goodwin, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra. Kate accepts some fat jokes with good humor and kids Skinnay about being so thin. Hope talks about April Fool’s Day and comments on the FCC-mandated change of radio frequencies. Pepsodent, NBC. (29 min) ESCAPE (April 1, 1954) The Return starring Lawrence Dobkin. You are standing at the entrance of a walled Arab town, while behind you, coming slowly through the night, are the shuffling footsteps of a blind beggar, who will lead you into a harrowing world of darkness and terror. Cast includes Edgar Barrier, Paul Dubov, Jeanne Bates, Howard Culver, Lou Krugman. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min) COMIC WEEKLY MAN (April 1, 1951) Lon Clark (radio’s Nick Carter, Master Detective) is the Comic Weekly Man, who dramatizes selected Sunday funnies for the boys and girls listening and Miss Honey in the studio. Today he reads Hopalong Cassidy, Prince Valiant, Donald Duck, Blondie, Roy Rogers, Flash Gordon and others. Puck, the Comic Weekly; syndicated. (28 min) BLONDIE (April 1, 1940) Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake star as Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead, with Hanley Stafford as Mr. Dithers. There are jokes a-plenty on April Fool’s Day, the day that Dagwood has also chosen to celebrate his birthday. Camel Cigarettes, CBS. (27 min) COMMAND PERFORMANCE #6 (April 1, 1942) The old professor Kay Kyser is emcee with singer Bea Wain, comedian Lou Holtz, singer Ella Logan and special guest Eddie Cantor reciting ˜The Ballad of the Leatherneck Corps. AFRS. (30 min) Rebroadcast: 3/23/2019 – 3/29/2019.
April 8th, 2006 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1848: GRAND CENTRAL STATION (9-18-48) Too Young to Understand starring Will Geer and S. Fussell. A warmhearted story of family strength and unselfishness. Ken Roberts announces. Pillsbury products, CBS. (30 min) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (10-17-48) Ozzie gets tangled in a web of promises. Ozzie and Harriet Nelson as themselves, with Tommy Bernard and Henry Blair as David and Ricky, John Brown as Thorny, Janet Waldo as Emmy Lou. Vern Smith announces. International Silver Company, NBC. (29 min) SPACE PATROL (11-8-52) The City of the Sun starring Ed Kemmer as Commander Buzz Corry with Lyn Osborn as Cadet Happy. A huge mobile atomic drilling machine runs amok on the Planet Mercury. Ralston Cereals, ABC. (28 min) RED SKELTON SHOW (5-13-49) Red finds a lost dog and attempts to find the owner. Red appears as Clem Kadiddlehopper and Junior, the mean little kid. Verna Felton as Mrs. Fussy and as Junior’s Nammaw. With Pat McGeehan, Lurene Tuttle, Rod O’Connor, Four Knights, David Rose and the orchestra. Tide, NBC. (29 min) SUSPENSE (4-11-46) The Name of the Beast starring Vincent Price with Cathy and Elliott Lewis. An artist shelters a murderer, using him as a model for a painting. Truman Bradley announces. Roma Wines, CBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 3/30/2019 – 4/5/2019.
April 15th, 2006 – RADIO’S EASTER PARADE
PROGRAM 1849: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-23-48) Jim and Marian Jordan star. Molly wins a contest and her prize is a new dress for Easter. Cast includes Gale Gordon as Foggy Williams; Bill Thompson as the Old Timer; Arthur Q. Bryan as Doc Gamble; with Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the orchestra. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min) HOLLYWOOD STAR TIME (4-21-46) The Song of Bernadette starring Vincent Price, Lee J. Cobb, Vanessa Brown in a radio performance of the 1944 Academy Award-winning film. It’s the story of a religious French girl in the 1800s who sees a vision of the Blessed Virgin. Frigidare, General Motors, CBS. (29 min) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (4-6-44) Bing Crosby stars in his annual Easter program with Marilyn Maxwell, Charioteers, Music Maids and Men, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra, announcer Ken Carpenter. Guests are the Kraft Choral Club. Time marches back to 1933. Bing and Marilyn sing Easter Parade. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (4-14-49) One Foot in Heaven starring George Brent in the story of a Methodist preacher with one foot in Heaven and one foot on God’s green Earth as he sets up a parsonage in an small Iowa town. James Hilton hosts. Cast includes Ed Begley, Parley Baer. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29 min) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (4-9-52) Willard ˜Waterman stars as Gildersleeve with Walter Tetley as Leroy, Mary Lee Robb as Marjorie, Lillian Randolph as Birdie. Gildy is persuaded to get up at 4 a.m. to attend the Easter Sunrise Service. Birdie sings Were You There When They Crucified My Lord? Kraft Foods, NBC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 4/6/2019 – 4/12/2019.
April 22nd, 2006 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 1850: CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (1945) Edgar Bergen welcomes model agency chief John Robert Powers, who joins Orson Welles, Joan Merrill, Jim Ameche, Effie Klinker, Ray Noble and the orchestra. Welles looks 50 years into the future (1995). Bergen is a professional photographer, who seeks the perfect model. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min) DEATH VALLEY DAYS (8-27-36) The true story of Outlaw Sam Bass is told by the Old Ranger (Jack McBride). Dressar Dahlsted announces. 20 Mule Team Borax, NBC. (30 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-5-43) The Road to Morocco starring Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Ginny Simms. Radio version of the 1942 film. Bing sells Bob to a slave trader in mysterious Morocco. Cecil B. DeMille hosts. Cast fea-tures Verna Felton, Janet Waldo, Denis Green. Lux soap, CBS. (18 min & 25 min & 14 min) THE WHISTLER (5-12-48) Chain Reaction starring Frank Lovejoy and Joan Banks. A pilot is offered $5,000 to salvage gold in the Caribbean. Signal Oil, CBS. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 4/13/2019 – 4/19/2019.
April 29th, 2006 – 36th ANNIVERSARY BROADCAST
PROGRAM 1851: As we celebrate our 36th broadcast anniversary today, we bring you our last program from Arizona before returning to Illinois. To mark both occasions, we hope you’ll enjoy the following appropriate adventure: I LOVE A MYSTERY (11-21-49 thru 12-9-49) Bury Your Dead, Arizona starring Russell Thorson as Jack Packard, Jim Boles as Doc Long and Tony Randall as Reggie York, all of the A-1 Detective Agency. Avoiding the police, the detectives leave town by jumping a moving boxcar, where they quickly find they are not alone. They discover Maestro, a magician, and his female assistant Nasha. Later, when the train comes to a stop they discover they are within the city limits of the town of Bury Your Dead, Arizona¦ population: 19. The magician claims he has the power to turn humans into animals and changes his assistant to a wolf before the eyes of Jack, Doc and Reggie. Murder combines with magic during this exciting and puzzling adventure. Cast includes Mercedes McCambridge. Sustaining, MBS. (Complete story presented in five parts, each approximately 34 minutes.) Don’t miss it if you can! Rebroadcast: 4/20/2019 – 4/26/2019.
SEPTEMBER 2nd, 2006 – SPOTLIGHT BANDS ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 1869: OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian KARL PEARSON who will talk about the importance of the Spotlight Band series. Shows include: VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS #270 (7-31-43) Teddy Powell and his orchestra playing for the officers and men of the U.S. Naval Training School at the University of Chicago. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS (9-7-45) Will Osborne and his orchestra from the Marine Air Corps Station, El Centro, California. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS #236 (12-20-43) Freddy Martin and his orchestra from the Marine Air Depot, San Diego, California. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS #416 (1-18-44) Remote broadcast from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, featuring the winners of the Esquire Magazine All-American Jazz Band Poll: Louis Armstrong, Roy Eldridge, Jack Teagarden, Coleman Hawkins, Barney Bigard, Sidney Catlett, Al Casey, Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson, Oscar Pettiford, Lionel Hampton, Red Norvo, Benny Goodman and vocalists Billie Holiday and Mildred Bailey. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS #104 (1-19-43) Ina Ray Hutton and her orchestra from Fort Bragg, North Carolina. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS #780(3-17-45) George Olson and his orchestra entertaining war workers of Johnson Motors, Waukegan, Illinois. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS (8-11-44) Louis Prima and his orchestra. VICTORY PARADE OF SPOTLIGHT BANDS (3-8-45) Lionel Hampton and his orchestra from the Naval Training School in Dearborn, Michigan. Rebroadcast: 11/2/2011 – 11/8/2011.
APRIL 21st, 2007 – MOVIE ACTORS ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 1902: OUR SPECIAL GUEST is film historian BOB KOLOSOSKI, who will talk about the careers of the movie actors featured on this broadcast. SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (11-11-49) Body and Soul starring John Garfield, the story of a boxer who works his way up by questionable means, becoming a famous champion. ACADEMY AWARD (5-11-46) If I Were King starring Ronald Colman as French poet-rogue Francois Villon, who matches wits with crafty King Louis XI and falls hopelessly in love with a lady-in-waiting. LUX RADIO THEATRE(1-12-48) Kiss of Death starring Victor Mature, Richard Widmark and Colleen Gray. An ex-con, going straight, fears for the safety of his family when a killer is set free. SCREEN DIRTECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (10-10-49) Criss Cross starring Burt Lancaster. A man returns to his hometown, where he crosses the path of his ex-wife, who has taken up with a gangster. Rebroadcast: 8/31/2011 – 9/6/2011.
May 5th, 2007 – RADIO IN 1937 – 70 YEARS AGO
PROGRAM 1904: HINDENBURG AIRSHIP DISASTER (5-6-37, almost exactly 70 years ago) Announcer Herb Morrison, at Lakehurst, New Jersey to record the arrival of the airship Hindenburg from Friedrichschafen, Germany, ends up covering one of the great aviation disasters when the ship exploded and crashed. Recording engineer Charles Nehlsen captured the dramatic event on discs which were broadcast the next day on the full NBC net-work, the first recordings broadcast on the network in its ten year history. This is a complete presentation of the original recording. WLS/NBC. (16 min & 8 min & 25 min). TRUE DETECTIVE MYSTERIES (8-19-37) Murder in the Horror House. A farmer with a bad temper falls for a waitress and wants to marry her, but soon she and two of his partners are missing. True Detective Magazine, MBS. (24 min) FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (9-13-37) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees. As the theatrical season opens in Wistful Vista, Fibber ” as author, director, producer and actor ” hopes to present a drama set in ancient Rome. Cast includes Harold Peary, Bill Thompson, Hugh Studebaker, Isabel Randolph, Harlow Wilcox, Ted Weems and the orchestra with vocalist Perry Como. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min) DEATH VALLEY DAYS (10-29-37) An unusual show in the series as the program offers a preview of the new Mount Whitney Death Valley Highway which will be dedicat-ed on November 1, 1937. The Old Ranger (Jack McBride) narrates a drama about the California territory where the highway links the highest and lowest parts of the United States. Announcer is Dressar Dahlstead. Mule Team Borax, NBC. (29 min) DR. CHRISTIAN (11-7-37) First program in the long-running series stars Jean Hersholt as Dr. Paul Christian, who has planned a fishing trip vacation but has difficulties leaving the small town of River’s End. Rosemary DeCamp as Nurse Judy Price. Vaseline Products, CBS. (30 min) HEINZ MAGAZINE OF THE AIR (11-24-37) Excerpt. Bill Adams hosts a daytime program featuring singers Frank Crumit and Julia Sanderson, B.A. Rolfe Orchestra. Guest is Greta Palmer, known as Madame Manhattan, with newsy notes for women. Heinz Products, CBS. (15 min). Rebroadcast: 4/27/2019 – 5/3/2019.
MAY 12TH, 2007 – MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL
PROGRAM 1905: PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (5-8-49) It’s Mother’s Day and Phil doesn’t have any-thing for Alice, who hints to him that she would like a new fur coat. Frankie (Elliott Lewis) recommends a wholesale dealer. Walter Tetley as Julius Abbruzio, with Anne Whitfield, Jeanine Roos, Robert North and qirley Mitchell. Rexall, NBC. (30 min) HALLMARK HALL OF FAME (5-10-53) George Washington’s Mother. Host Lionel Barrymore presents the true story of Mary Washington, the mother of the man who became the first president of the United States. AFRTS rebroadcast. (22 min) MAMA’S FAMILY (4-29-50) A Canadian version of The Goldbergs. Mama Rosen tells the family at breakfast that today is a special day and that she will be going shopping. Papa Rosen decides that he had better get a gift for his wife. Cast: Sylvia Lennox, Paul Kliegman, Ben Lennox, Lionel Ross, Claire Murray, Sammy Sales, Jack Anthony. CBC. (30 min) LIFE OF RILEY (5-8-48) On Mother’s Day, Riley (William Bendix) fixes breakfast in bed for Peg (Paula Winslowe), but she has a gift for him, too. Cast: John Brown, Alan Reed. Prell Shampoo, NBC. (30 min) LET GEORGE DO IT (6-21-48) The Unfit Mother starring Robert Bailey as George Valentine, free-lance detective. Valentine must prove that an ex-chorus girl is not an unfit mother. Cast includes Frances Robin-son, Virginia Gregg, Jay Novello, Herb Butterfield. Standard Oil, MBS. (29 min) HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (5-5-49) Mother starring Linda Darnell with Verna Felton. James Hilton introduces a warm-hearted story of the relationship of a mother and her daughter. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (30 min) Rebroadcast: 9/7/2011 – 9/13/2011, 5/4/19 – 5/10/19.
MAY 19TH, 2007 – MOVIE ACTRESSES ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 1906: ACADEMY AWARD (4-6-46) Kitty Foyle starring Ginger Rogers in a radio version of her 1940 Oscar-winning performance as a working girl who falls in love. House of Squibb, CBS. (29 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-23-42) Strawberry Blonde starring Rita Hayworth in a radio version of her 1942 film, a turn-of-the-century comedy about a dentist infatuated with a gold-digger. Co-starring Don Ameche and Gail Patrick, with Luis Alberni and Jack Mather. Cecil B. DeMille hosts, Melville Ru-ick narrates. Lux Soap, CBS. (21 min & 23 min & 17 min) SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (9-30-46) Junior Miss starring Peggy Ann Garner in her original screen role from the 1945 film, based on the Broadway comedy about a teenager who tries to fix up her ex-con uncle with the daughter of her father’s boss. Truman Bradley announces. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (29 min) SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (8-12-49) Jezebel starring Bette Davis in her Academy Award-winning role from the 1938 film, directed by William Wyler. She’s a Southern belle who goes too far to make her fiance jealous. Cast: Paul Frees, Gerald Mohr, Ralph Moody, Jack Edwards. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, NBC. (31 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is film historian BOB KOLOSOSKI, who will talk about the careers of the movie actresses featured on this broadcast. Rebroadcast: 9/7/2011 – 9/13/2011, 5/11/2019 – 5/17/2019.
MAY 26TH, 2007 – THEY KEEP ON SINGING
PROGRAM 1907: Remembering some of the singers we lost during 2006, including Eileen Barton, Buddy DiVito, Mike Douglas, Georgia Gibbs, Anita O’Day, Jack Smith and Martha Tilton. HARRY JAMES AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-1-45) Remote broadcast from the Meadowbrook Gardens in Culver City, just a few minutes’ drive from Hollywood. Vocals by Buddy DiVito and Anita Boyer. Buddy sings It Might As Well Be Spring and There Must Be a Way. Sustaining, MBS. (30 min) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (2-28-46) Bing Crosby stars with guests Martha Tilton and Jerry Colonna. Regulars include Eddy Duchin, the Charioteers, Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the orchestra. Martha sings Come to Baby, Do and joins Bing and Jerry in a Road to Utopia sketch. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) GEORGIA GIBBS/PAUL WHITEMAN SHOW (6-24-45) Whiteman, the dean of modern music and Her Nibs, Miss Georgia Gibbs join with the Merry Macs for a program of pop music. Georgia sings I Should Care, Ev’ry Time I Fall in Love and You Came Along from Out of Nowhere. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min) JACK SMITH SHOW (12-14-45) Singer Jack Smith welcomes guest Martha Tilton for a quarter-hour of music. Jack sings This Is It, I’ll Be Yours, and One More Dream and She’s Mine. Martha sings I’ll Walk Alone and It Might As Well Be Spring. Earl Sheldon and his music. Oxydol, CBS. (15 min) FITCH BANDWAGON (3-2-41) The spotlight’s on Gene Krupa and his orchestra with vocalists Anita O’Day and Howard DuLany. Music and stories about Krupa and the band business. Anita sings All Reet and Drum Boogie. Fitch Shampoo, NBC. (27 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian KARL PEARSON, who will bring additional recordings and audio clips and talk about the singers featured on the program today. Rebroadcast: 5/18/2019 – 5/24/2019.
PROGRAM 1908: SUSPENSE (12-26-47) Too Little to Live On starring Ozzie and Harriet Nelson as a couple waiting for a rich relative to die. Cast includes Frank Albertson, Jerry Hausner, Wally Maher. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min) ¦and now stay tuned for¦ ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (9-30-45) Ozzie tries to cure Harriet of her exaggeration problem. Cast: Bea Benaderet, John Brown, Joel Davis, Louise Erickson, King Sisters, announcer Vern Smith. International Silver Co., CBS. (30 min) BLACK MUSEUM (1952) Service Card narrated by Orson Welles, describing an object in Scotland Yard’s museum, a warehouse of homicide where everyday objects are touched by murder. In this case, it’s an automobile service card which proved instrumental in convicting a murderer. Produced in London by the BBC in 1951 and broadcast in the U.S. in 1952 on MBS. (25 min) ¦and now stay tuned for¦ WHITEHALL 1212 (4-13-52) Case of the Fatal Bath describes how a killer of women is uncovered. This series, written and directed by Wyllis Cooper (who also created Lights Out and Quiet Please), dramatizes cases from London’s Scotland Yard, with a tie to the exhibits at the Yard’s famous Black Museum. This is a U.S. series with an all-British cast: Harvey Hayes, Winston Ross, Horace Graham, Lester Flatcher, Patricia Cpurtleigh, Beulah Garrick. Sustaining, NBC. (24 min) JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (11-5-47) The Schnozzola tries to get guest Bing Crosby to sing Jimmy’s new song. Regulars include Candy Candido, Arthur Treacher, Roy Bargy and the orchestra, announcer Howard Petrie. Rexall, NBC, (28 min) ¦and now stay tuned for¦ SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (10-14-48) Welcome Stranger starring Bing Crosby, Barry Fitzgerald and Mona Freeman. A radio version of Bing and Barry’s film about a young doctor who is hired to fill in for an older, vacationing physician in a small New England town. Cast includes Verna Felton and Willard Waterman. Camel Cigarettes. Rebroadcast: 5/25/2019 – 5/31/2019.
June 9th, 2007 – CARY GRANT ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 1909: ACADEMY AWARD (10-30-46) Suspicion starring Cary Grant and Ann Todd in a radio version of Alfred Hitchcock’s mystery-drama about a wife who believes her husband is trying to kill her for the insurance money. House of Squibb, CBS. (28 min) MR. AND MRS. BLANDINGS (3-18-51) Cary Grant and Betsy Drake star as Jim and Muriel Blandings in a radio spin-off of Grant’s movie. Too many things go wrong at their dream house, so Mr. and Mrs. Blandings decide to put their home up for sale. Cast includes Gale Gordon, Jim Backus, Sandra Gould, Sheldon Leonard, Dick Ryan. Trans World Airlines, NBC. (30 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (4-5-54) Welcome Stranger starring Cary Grant, Barry Fitzgerald and Pat Crowley in a radio version of the film about a young doctor who fills in for a vacationing older physician in a small town and gets involved in the community. Irving Cummings hosts. Cast includes Joe Kearns, Herb Butterfield, Lamont Johnson, Bill Johnstone, Roy Glenn. AFRS rebroadcast. (16 min & 14 min & 20 min) SUSPENSE (3-7-46) Black Path of Fear starring Cary Grant. In Havana, a honeymoon couple enter a saloon and find death. The wife is fatally stabbed and her husband is charged with murder. Cast: Elliott Lewis, Cathy Lewis, Wally Maher. AFRS rebroadcast. (26 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is movie historian BOB KOLOSOSKI, who will talk about the career of Cary Grant. Rebroadcast: 6/1/2019 – 6/7/2019.
June 16th, 2007 – FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL
PROGRAM 1910: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (6-21-42) Harold Peary as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, whose niece and nephew ” Marjorie and Leroy ” decide to get him an easy chair for Father’s Day. Cast features Walter Tetley, Lurene Tuttle, Lillian Randolph, Earle Ross, Paula Winslowe, Sam Hearn, Mel Blanc and Frank Nelson. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (6-1249) First of two consecutive and related programs. Frankie Remley (Elliott Lewis) has become the foster father of a French orphan. Since the boy can speak only French, Phil and Frankie try to teach him English. Cast: Walter Tetley, Robert North, Peggy Webber, Ann Whitfield, Jeanine Roos. Rexall, NBC. (29 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (3-20-50) Father Was a Fullback starring Paul Douglas and Maureen O’Hara in a radio version of the screen comedy about a befuddled college football coach who tackles problems on the field as well as at home. William Keighley is host. Cast includes Norma Jean Nilsson, Jim Backus, Willard Waterman, Eddie Firestone Jr., Gil Stratton, Ruth Perrott. Lux Soap, CBS. (21 min & 18 min & 18 min) FATHER KNOWS BEST (6-14-51) Robert Young stars as Jim Anderson. A planned Father’s Day picnic for the neighborhood gets out of hand. Jean VanderPyl as Margaret, Rhoda Williams as Betty, Ted Donaldson as Bud, Norma Jean Nilsson as Cathy. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (29 min) PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (6-1949) Second of two programs. It’s Father’s Day and Frankie’s French orphan is still staying with him, so Frankie decides he needs to find a wife to give the boy a proper home. He places an ad in the Police Gazette. Rexall, NBC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 6/8/2019 – 6/14/2019.
June 23rd, 2007 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1911: GANG BUSTERS (6-12-48) Case of the Park Avenue Pilferers, the burglar king and queen who looted New York City’s most luxurious apartments. Cast includes Don Gardner, Arnold Moss, Les Damon. Sustaining, CBS. (24 min) CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (5-19-37) Thomas A. Edison, the Man offers several little-known episodes in the life of the man, rather than Edison, the inventor. In addition, Don Voorhees and the orchestra present a selection from Irving Berlin’s Music Box Revue Crinoline Days. DuPont, CBS. (28 min) MAIL CALL #135 (3-7-45) Jack Benny stars with guests Paulette Goddard, Claudette Colbert, Jeanne Crain, Jinx Falkenberg, the Andrews Sisters, Eddie Rochester Anderson, Frank Nelson, John Brown. Jack is planning to attend the premiere of his film The Horn Blows at Midnight and tries to get a date for the occasion. Ken Niles announces. AFRS. (30 min) KRAFT MUSIC HALL (10-21-48) Al Jolson, with no guest star scheduled for this broadcast, decides to take requests from the studio audience. Oscar Levant, Ken Carpenter, Lou Bring and the orchestra. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) LIFE WITH LUIGI (1-9-49) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco, who has his first date with an American girl. Alan Reed as Pasquale. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min) THE SHADOW (1-19-41) The Shadow Challenged stars Bill Johnstone as Lamont Cranston and Marjorie Anderson as the lovely Margo Lane. When a scholar is murdered for an ancient manuscript, the Shadow gets the blame. Blue Coal, MBS. (27 min). . Rebroadcast: 6/15/2019 – 6/21/2019.
June 30th, 2007 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1912: MATINEE WITH BOB AND RAY (10-28-48) Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding with organist Ken Wilson and pianist Bill Green. Mostly ad-lib bits, including Jack Hedstrong; Chef Gerlande; Backstage O’Flynn; Webley Webster; the Answer Man. Uncle Ray tells the kids how to have fun on Hallowe’en. Multiple sponsors, WHDH, Boston. (29 min) HOLLYWOOD STAR PLAYHOUSE (8-9-51) A Wonderful Disposition starring Deborah Kerr as a woman traveler who meets a man who needs a favor. Cast includes Harry Bartell, Ed Max, Gene Tatum, Tom Tully, Jeff Corey. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min) RAILROAD HOUR (7-13-53) The Friml Story starring Gordon MacRae and Dorothy Warrenskjold. On the occasion of The Railroad Hour’s 250th broadcast, the program offers a musical salute to the great operetta composer Rudolf Friml, who speaks and performs at the conclusion of the show. Marvin Miller announces. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (30 min) OUR MISS BROOKS (1-9-49) Eve Arden stars as Miss Brooks. After being off for the Christmas/Winter vacation period, Miss Brooks tries to persuade Mr. Conklin (Gale Gordon) to heat the building, order some much-needed supplies and get the school in better shape. Cast: Richard Crenna, Jeff Chandler, Jane Morgan, Gloria McMillan. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (29 min) THE CLOCK (7-14-47) A woman escapes from an asylum and kills for thrills and money. Charles Webster is the voice of The Clock. Cast includes Fran Lafferty and Mason Adams. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min) DINAH SHORE’S OPEN HOUSE (11-8-45) Dinah welcomes guest Groucho Marx, who joins regulars Harry Von Zell, Elvia Allman, Frank Nelson, Robert Emmet Dolan and the orchestra and the Ken Lane Chorus. Groucho looks forward to having a quiet evening in Dinah’s company. Birds Eye Frozen Foods, NBC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 6/22/2019 – 6/28/2019.
JULY 7th, 2007 – IN THE AIR, ON THE AIR
PROGRAM 1913: We’re up in the air with: LINDBERGH’S ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON D.C. (6-11-27) A rare, very early historic radio broadcast carried by some 50 stations in the U. S. Graham McNamee covers the arrival of Charles A. Lindbergh at the Washington Navy Yard as he returned to the United States after his history-making non-stop flight across the Atlantic to France. LUX RADIO THEATRE (10-7-40) Wings of the Navy starring George Brent, Olivia deHavilland and John Payne in a story of pilots being trained for combat as brothers compete for the same girl. CBS DOCUMENTARIES (7-2-60) The Last Flight of Amelia Earhart presents an eyewitness and documentary accounting of the fate of aviatrix Amelia Earhart Putnam and her navigator Fred Noonan who disappeared on July 2, 1937. OUR SPECIAL GUEST is aviation historian CURTIS L.KATZ who will talk about the aviation pioneers of yesteryear. Rebroadcast: 9/28/2011 – 10/04/2011.
JULY 14th, 2007 – SWIMSUIT EDITION OF TWTD
PROGRAM 1914: Join us for a swim! The TWTD family is next to the pool staying cool and listening to great old radio programs like: FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (7-15-35) Hoping for a swim in the ocean, the McGees change into their swimming suits. TRUE DETECTIVE MYSTERIES (7-17-37) Death in Step-Ins. While planning wedding festivities, the young bride-to-be and her closest girlfriend decide to go swimming to cool off on a hot day. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-6-52) Excerpt. Jack and Rochester decide to clean the swimming pool. LUX RADIO THEATRE (12-14-53) Million Dollar Mermaid is the story of Australian swimming star Annette Kellerman. Esther Williams and Walter Pidgeon star. JACK BENNY PROGRAM (5-9-54) Jack, the gang and the Beverly Hills Beavers take a day off for their annual picnic at the beach. Don Wilson puts on his new bathing suit. SUSPENSE (7-20-43) Murder Goes for a Swim starring Warren William as Michael Lanyard with Eric Blore as Jamison, the motion picture co-stars of the Lone Wolf series of films. The Lone Wolf investigates when a woman is found dead in a swimming pool. Rebroadcast: 8/3/2011 – 8/10/2011.
October 20th, 2007 – REMEMBERING OCTOBER 30, 1938
PROGRAM 1928: We’ll listen to broadcasts which played October 30th, 1938. THE SHADOW (10-30-38) The Isle of Fear starring Bill Johnstone as Lamont Cranston with Agnes Moorehead as the lovely Margo Lane. The MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR (10-30-38) Orson Welles – producer, director, host and performer – in the most famous radio broadcast of all time, the H. G. Wells story of an invasion from the planet Mars. Radio adaptation by Howard Koch. CHASE AND SANBORN HOUR (10-30-38) Emcee Don Ameche introduces Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Nelson Eddy, Dorothy Lamour, Judy Canova and guest Madeleine Carroll. Edgar tells Charlie and the gang a Halloween ghost story. This program was on opposite the Mercury Theatre’s production of The War of the Worlds. Finally, as an extra bonus, SPEAKING OF RADIO (10-6-88) Radio script-writer Howard Koch recalls the events leading up to and immediately after the Mercury Theatre broadcast of The War of the Worlds on October 30, 1938. Chuck Schaden conducted this interview shortly before the 50th anniversary of the now-classic broadcast. Rebroadcast: 7/20/2011 – 7/27/2011.
January 12th, 2008 – RADIO IN THE SHADOWS
PROGRAM 1940: We listen to old time radio broadcasts with the word “Shadow” in the story title. Programs such as Phillip Marlowe (3-21-50) “The Deep Shadow”; Wild Bill Hickok (7-29-51) “The Shadow Hill Gang”; Screen Directors Playhouse (11-9-50) “Shadow Of A Doubt”; Quiet Please (4-17-49) “Shadow Of The Wings”; The Shadow (3-12-44) “Death To The Shadow”. Rebroadcast: 7/6/2011 – 7/13/2011.
July 5th, 2008 – PARADE OF BANDS
PROGRAM 1963: MONITOR (7-9-55) Broadcast from Birdland, The Jazz Corner of the World, in New York City, featuring Count Basie and his Orchestra with vocalist Joe Williams. Selections include Soft Drink, Teach Me Tonight, and One 0² Clock Jump. Fred Collins announces. Sustaining, NBC. (15 min) GRIFF WILLIAMS AND HIS ORCHESTRA (3-28-40) Music That Sings as It Swings from the Continental Room in the Hotel Stevens in downtown Chicago. Vocals by Buddy Moreno, Bob Kirk and Walt King. Selections include What’s The Matter with Me? and Katie Went to Haiti. Sustaining, MBS. (15 min) WOODY HERMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (5-9-39) The Band That Plays The Blues in a remote broadcast from the Meadowbrook near Cedar Grove, New Jersey. The Herman band plays One 0² Clock Jump, Don’t Worry `bout Me and Blues in D Minor. Announcer is Charlie Nobles. Sustaining, NBC. (15 min) FITCH BANDWAGON (11-27-38) Frankie Masters and his Orchestra are featured on this broadcast from Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. Host Henry M. Neely talks to Frankie about the band and Frankie’s start in the music business. Numbers include The Yam, Two Sleepy People and At Long Last Love. Harold Peary has a bit part in this broadcast as Frankie’s prospective agent! Announced by Fort Pearson. Fitch Shampoo, NBC-Red. (30 min) MOONLIGHT SERENADE (2-29-40) Featuring America’s number one dance band and America’s number one swing trio, Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters from New York City. (Glenn Miller misses this broadcast due to illness; arranger Jerry Gray conducts the band in his absence.) Selections include Sunrise Serenade and Chico’s Love Song. Announced by Paul Douglas. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (13 min) MUSIC FROM HOLLYWOOD (12-17-37) Songs of the movies, sung by the stars and played for dancing America. Featuring Alice Faye and Hal Kemp and his Orchestra. Selections include Once In A While, She’s Tall, She’s Tan, She’s Terrific and Josephine. Guest Donald Duck (Clarence Nash) joins Alice to sing Bob White. Carlton KaDell announces. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (28 min) ARTIE SHAW AND HIS ORCHESTRA (8-19-39) Remote broadcast from the Summer Terrace of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Boston, with vocals by Helen Forrest and Tony Pastor. Numbers include The Donkey Serenade, Comes Love and The Carioca. Sustaining, NBC-Blue. (30 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian KARL PEARSON who will talk about the musicians and their music. Rebroadcast: 6/29/2019 – 7/5/2019.
July 12th, 2008 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1964: BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (6-14-49) George Burns and Gracie Allen welcome guest Rudy Vallee. Gracie believes her teenaged house guest, Emily Vanderlip (Mary Lee Robb), is in love with Rudy Vallee. Richard Crenna appears as Rudolph Shrekenhorst. Cast includes Tobe Reed, Bill Goodwin. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (30 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 1 of 26 consecutive episodes. A story of a small back-country railroad in the early years of the twentieth century. This syndicated series is believed to have originated at the studios of WXYZ, Detroit with many of the actors who portrayed characters on The Lone Ranger, Green Hornet and Challenge of the Yukon. (13 min) NEW ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (1-28-46) The Strange Case of the Demon Barber starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Holmes and Watson, who try to keep an actor, who is portraying Sweeney Todd, a fiendish killer, from being driven insane. Harry Bartell announces. Petri Wines, MBS. (30 min) NAVAL AIR RESERVE SHOW (1940s) Skipper Don Ameche welcomes guest Jerry Colonna, who sings Bell Bottom Trousers. Honeydreamers, George Barnes and the orchestra. Program comes from Chicago and is produced by the Naval Air Reserve Command, Glenview, Illinois. (15 min) NEW ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (6-30-47) The Adventure of the Innocent Murderess starring Tom Conway and Nigel Bruce as Holmes and Watson. An ambassador from a small European country suffering political upheaval seeks refuge at 221B Baker Street. Joseph Bell announces. Kreml Hair Tonic, ABC. (30 min) ABBOTT AND COSTELLO SHOW (11-1143) Bud and Lou with guest Lucille Ball and regulars Mel Blanc, Billy Grey, Elvia Allman, singer Connie Haines, Freddie Rich and the orchestra, announcer Ken Niles. While searching for hard-to-find nylon stockings for Lou to give Connie, the boys run into Lucille, who has a pair and won’t give them up. Camel Cigarettes, NBC. (21 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 2 of 26. The Green Valley Line (GVL) has a very large mortgage due in three months. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (13 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 3 of 26. The GVL has a chance to get a big mail contract. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (12 min). Rebroadcast: 7/6/2019 – 7/12/2019.
July 19th, 2008 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1965: INNER SANCTUM MYSTERIES (3-7-43) The Black Sea Gull starring Peter Lorre. A dying woman promises her husband that she will return from the grave. Raymond Edward Johnson as Raymond, your host. Carter’s Little Liver Pills, NBC. (29 min) DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION (7-20-44) Excerpt. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt accepts the nomination of his party for an unprecedented fourth term. This wartime convention is being held at the Chicago Stadium, but FDR speaks from an undisclosed location. NBC. (30 min) Read the article about FDR and radio on page 12. SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (3-350) The Paleface starring Bob Hope and Jane Russell in a radio version of their 1948 film. Hope is Painless Potter, a dentist in the Old West, with Jane as sharpshooting Calamity Jane. RCA Victor, NBC. (31 min) REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION (6-28-44) This is a re-enactment of the acceptance speech given by New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey following his nomination to be the GOP candidate for President of the United States. This convention was also held at the Chicago Stadium. (Approximately 15 min) DURANTE-MOORE SHOW (3-31-44) Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore present a comedy play about music, The G-String Murder. Cast includes Georgia Gibbs, Roy Bargy and the orchestra, announcer Howard Petrie. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 4 of 26. Secret plans are being made for the mail run. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (12 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 5 of 26. The CK&W Railroad makes another offer for the GVL. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (13 min). Rebroadcast: 7/13/2019 – 7/19/2019.
July 26th, 2008 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1966: STRAIGHT ARROW (6-21-51) Howard Culver stars as rancher Steve Adams, also known as Straight Arrow. Mesquite Molly has been kidnapped by some men who plan to disrupt a peace treaty in Sundown Valley. Last show of the series. Nabisco Shredded Wheat, MBS. (30 min) RAILROAD HOUR (8-15-49) Gordon MacRae and the program salute songwriter Mack Gordon and his movie musical partner (at 20th Century Fox studios) Josef Myrow, presenting their music from such films as Three Little Girls in Blue, When My Baby Smiles at Me and Mother Wore Tights. Cast features Lucille Norman, the Sportsmen, John Rarig and the orchestra. Marvin Miller announces. Association of American Railroads, ABC. (29 min) ROCKY FORTUNE (3-23-54) Frank Sinatra stars as that footloose and fancy free young gentleman. Fortune’s employment agency gets him a position with a firm dealing with the promotion of interplanetary travel. Cast: Howard Culver, Don Diamond, Dan Risk, Edith Terry, William Oehler. AFRS rebroadcast. (24 min) DINAH SHORE SHOW (10-15-54) Dinah offers This 01² House, I’ve Got a Crush on You and The High and the Mighty. The Skylarks sing Skokiaan. Frank DeVol and the orchestra. Art Baker announces. Chevrolet, NBC. (14 min) ROCKY JORDAN (3-26-50) Jack Moyles stars as the owner of the Cafe Tambourine in Cairo, where he runs into a king-size customer who has a gun and a briefcase filled with rare diamonds. Jay Novello as Capt. Sam Sabaaya. Larry Thor announces. Del Monte Foods, CBS. (29 min) MILTON BERLE SHOW (8-12-47) Milty offers a Salute to Summer Sports with regulars Frank Gallop, Pert Kelton, Jack Albertson, Arnold Stang, Mary Shipp, Arthur Q. Bryan, singer Dick Varney, Ray Bloch and the orchestra. Philip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 6 of 26. The great train race begins. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (13 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 7 of 26. The pilot train arrives ahead of schedule. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (12 min). Rebroadcast: 7/20/2019 – 7/26/2019.
August 2, 2008 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1967: LIFE WITH LUIGI (1-9-53) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco. Alan Reed is Pasquale, who puts pressure on Luigi to marry his daughter Rosa. AFRS rebroadcast. (24 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 8 of 26. The winner of the race! Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (13 min) OUR MISS BROOKS (11-14-48) Eve Arden stars as the Madison high school teacher, who calls in sick to Mr. Conklin (Gale Gordon) while she takes time off to do some baby-sitting. Cast: Richard Crenna, Jeff Chandler, Tommy Cook. Colgate, Palmolive, CBS. (29 min) NELSON OLMSTEAD (7-20-48) Farewell to a Friend. Storyteller Olmstead offers a tribute to his deceased dog, written by Louis Bromfield. Sustaining, NBC. (14 min) SUSPENSE (1-18-51) The Well-Dressed Corpse starring Eve Arden in a story of love and death in a New York penthouse. Cast: Verna Felton, Hy Averback, Cathy Lewis, Howard McNear, Larry Thor. Auto-Lite, CBS. (30 min) EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-30-47) On Eddie’s birthday, well-wishers include Jack Benny, Peter Lind Hayes and Ralph Edwards. Harry Von Zell announces. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, NBC. (29 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 9 of 26. At the celebration dance, the entire town sings the Green Valley song. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (13 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 10 of 26. GVL workers are quitting. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (14 min). Rebroadcast: 7/27/2019 – 8/2/2019.
August 9, 2008 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1968: LUX RADIO THEATRE (11-27-50) You’re My Everything starring Anne Baxter and Phil Harris in a radio version of the 1949 film. A show biz story of a couple ” a socialite and a hoofer ” who become movie stars in the 1920s and ’30s. Cast includes Janet Scott, Norma Jean Nilsson, Joe Kearns, Ed Begley, Bill Johnstone, Ruth Perrott, Lawrence Dobkin. William Keighley hosts. Lux Soap, CBS. (19 min & 18 min & 23 min) BOB BURNS SHOW (3-24-42) Southern-country comedy and variety starring Bob Burns, the Arkansas Traveler, with Ginny Simms and guest actress Una Merkel, who appears in a romantic sketch with Burns. Campbell Soup, CBS. (23 min) RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (10-4-50) Dick Powell stars as Diamond with Virginia Gregg as his girlfriend Helen Asher and Ed Begley as police Lt. Walt Levinson. When convict Pete Rocco escapes jail to kill Diamond, Rocco’s mother hires Diamond to return her son to prison. Rexall, NBC. (29 min) COMEDY THEATRE (11-12-44) True to Life starring Dick Powell, Victor Moore and Rosemary DeCamp in a radio version of the 1943 film. Two highly paid writers of daytime radio serials are told their heroine is not realistic and that they had better shape up. Harold Lloyd hosts. Old Gold Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 11 of 26. Carrie Graham goes against the wishes of her parents. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (13 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 12 of 26. Making up for lost time with a new engineer. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (13 min) Rebroadcast: 8/3/2019 – 8/9/2019.
August 16, 2008 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1969: DUFFY’S TAVERN (5-26-48) Ed Gardner stars as Archie, the manager with guest Rex Harrison. Archie’s hoping to get married and wants some advice from Rex. Eddie Green as Eddie the waiter; Sandra Gould as Miss Duffy; Charlie Cantor as Clifton Finnegan. Rod O’Connor announces. Bristol-Myers, NBC. (29 min) ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE (11-17-50) The Case of the Careless Cleaner starring Sydney Greenstreet as Rex Stout’s orchard-raising, beer-drinking, gourmet detective with Larry Dobkin as Archie Goodwin. Wolfe catches a killer when he declares knowledge of the cause of death. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-17-50) Harold Peary stars as Gildy, who goes fishing at Grass Lake with Leroy (Walter Tetley). But Mr. Gildersleeve has romance on his mind when he learns that Nurse Milford (Cathy Lewis) will be there. Cast: Lillian Randolph, Dick LeGrand, Earle Ross. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) THE WHISTLER (1940s) Generous Host. A man is befriended by a wealthy man who plans to rob him and later marry his niece. J. Anthony Smythe stars. AFRS rebroadcast. (22 min) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (10-4-50) Willard Waterman stars as Gildy, who has been appointed chairman of the Summerfield Community Chest fund drive. Leroy (Walter Tetley) is going to be the quarterback in the benefit football game. Cast: Mary Lee Robb, Lillian Randolph, Arthur Q. Bryan, Barbara Whiting, Dick LeGrand. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 13 of 26. Spider McGee agrees to stay with the railroad. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (13 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934) Episode 14 of 26. Apparently the CK&W will take over the GVL at tomorrow’s stockholder’s meeting. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (13 min) Rebroadcast: 8/10/2019 – 8/16/2019.
August 23, 2008 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1970: SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (1-8-45) Going My Way starring Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald in a radio version of their 1944 Academy Award winning film about a down-to-earth priest who is assigned to assist an aging pastor. Lady Esther Products, CBS. (30 min) SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (8-26-46) The Bells of St. Mary’s starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman with Joan Carroll in the radio version of the film sequel to Going My Way.Father O’Malley is assigned to a parish where Sister Benedict is the Sister Superior. Lady Esther products, CBS. (29 min) ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (10-7-45) The Nelsons receive an unusual gift ” a camel ” from an Arabian prince. Cast: Bea Benaderet, Verna Felton, John Brown, Veola Vonn. Vern Smith announces. International Silver Company, CBS. (30 min) MYSTERY IS MY HOBBY (1949) The Walking Corpse. Mystery writer Barton Drake is retained by a wealthy man to find the killer who murdered his wife. Syndicated. (25 min) THEATRE OF ROMANCE (12-11-45) Love Affair starring Van Johnson and Susan Peters in a radio version of the 1939 film, the story of a shipboard romance whose continuation onshore is interrupted by unforeseen circumstances. Colgate, Halo, CBS. (24 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934). Episode 15 of 26. Judge Merrick outfoxes Graham at the stockholder’s meeting. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (14 min) GREEN VALLEY LINE (1934). Episode 16 of 26. Reid and Merrick are missing. Syndicated, WXYZ, Detroit. (13 min) Rebroadcast: 8/17/2019 – 8/23/2019.
August 30, 2008 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 1971: EDDY HOWARD AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-5-45) Remote broadcast from The far-famed Aragon Ballroom, Lawrence Avenue near Broadway, on the North Side of the City of Chicago. Tunes include Thou Swell, Homesick ” That’s All and Ragtime Cowboy Joe. Sustaining, MBS. (25 min) LES BROWN AND HIS BAND OF RENOWN (3-30-56) Excerpt. Remote from the Melody Mill Ballroom, North Riverside, Illinois. Songs include Take Back Your Mink, Walkin’ My Baby Back Home and Harlem Nocturne. Vocals by Jo Ann Greer and Stumpy Brown. (14 min) ART KASSEL AND HIS KASSELS IN THE AIR (4-14-40) Remote from the Walnut Room of the Bismarck Hotel in Chicago, with vocalists Marion Holmes and Harvey Crawford. Selections include I Can’t Love You Any More, Do I Love You and Leanin’ On The Old Top Rail. Claude Kirschner announces. Sustaining, MBS. (15 min) TREASURY BANDSTAND (6-26-51) Here’s That Band Again! Dick Jurgens and his Orchestra from the Aragon Ballroom on Chicago’s North Side. Vocals by Ray McIntosh and Al Galante. The band plays When You and I Were Young Maggie Blues and Jezebel. U.S. Treasury Department, CBS. (10 min) JAN GARBER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1949) The Idol of the Airlanes is heard from the Trianon Ballroom, 62nd and Cottage Grove on Chicago’s South Side. WGN announcers Bob Sigrist, Lee Bennett and Pierre Andre make guest appearances on the Trianon bandstand. Vocals by Bob Grabeau and Kitty Thomas (Janis Garber). Ed Murphy announces. Sustaining, WGN Chicago. (30 min) CAB CALLOWAY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1-12-46) Excerpt. His Royal Highness of Hi-De-Ho¦direct from the Cradle of Swing, the College Inn of the Hotel Sherman in downtown Chicago. Selections include We the Cats Shall Hep Ya, I Should Care and Minnie The Moocher. Everett Clarke announces. Sustaining, CBS. (12 min) FREDDY MARTIN AND HIS ORCHESTRA (6-13-49) Music in the Martin Manner from the Glamorous Marine Room of the Edgewater Beach Hotel, overlooking Lake Michigan in Chicago. Songs include 1400 Dream Street, So Tired and Some Enchanted Evening. Vocals by Mery Griffin, Stan Wild and the Martin Men. Announcer is Charles Mountain. Sustaining, NBC. (25 min) HARRY JAMES AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1126-58) Remote from the Blue Note located in Chicago’s Loop. Vocals by Jilla Webb and Ernie Andrews. Selections include Kinda Like the Blues and Happiness is Just a Thing Called Joe. Sustaining, CBS. (20 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian KARL PEARSON who will share lots of information about the bands in Chicago. Rebroadcast: 8/24/2019 – 8/30/2019.
March 7, 2009 – TWTD PROGRAM NUMBER 2,000 LISTENERS’ CHOICES
PROGRAM 2000: Today, for our Those Were The Days program number 2,000, listeners will choose the entertainment for this milestone broadcast. Over the past several months, listeners have had the opportunity to tell us their favorite vintage program or episode. There’s still time, if you would like to participate. Just tell us your favorite and, in a few sentences, why you would like us to include that show on March 7. Send your entry to Those Were The Days, Box 421, Morton Grove, IL. 60053 or go to www.nostalgiadigest.com and click on Contact Us. We’ll need to hear from you by February 2, 2009 and if we select your program choice for our 2,000th broadcast, we’ll read your entry and mention your name on the air, so be sure to include your name, city and phone number or email address. Entries become the property of Those Were The Days. Decision of the judge (Chuck) is final. We’d love to have you be a part of this special broadcast. Rebroadcast: 8/30/2019 – 9/6/2019.
March 14, 2009 – TWTD PROGRAM NUMBER 2001A SPACE ODYSSEY
PROGRAM 2001: X MINUS ONE (3-21-56) One Thousand Dollars a Plate. In the future, astronomer Dr. Bensinger makes his first space flight to Mars, with startling results. Cast: Bob Hastings, Karl Swenson, Mandel Kramer, Ralph Bell. Fred Collins announces. Sustaining, NBC. (27:00) TWO THOUSAND PLUS (1950) Flying Saucers. In the year 2012, flying saucers have been seen over the White Sands military base and are considered a threat to its rocket launching site. Cast: Ralph Bell, Luis Van Rooten, Bryna Raeburn, Ken Williams. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min) SUSPENSE (2-2-53) Plan X starring Jack Benny as a Martian chosen to carry out Plan X to deal with the invasion rocket from Earth. Cast: Joe Kearns, William Conrad, Howard McNear, Jack Kruschen, Mary Jane Croft, Stuffy Singer. Harlow Wilcox announces. AutoLite, CBS. (29 min) ESCAPE (3-29-53) The Invader. A high school science teacher makes contact with space aliens who are coming to destroy the earth and the human race. Cast: Howard McNear, Fay Baker, Edgar Barrier, Paul Frees, Peter Leeds. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min) SPACE PATROL (10-25-52) The Hole in Empty Space starring Ed Kemmer as Commander Buzz Corry with Lyn Osborn as Cadet Happy. The Cycloplex, a force intruding from another dimension, threatens the solar system. Cast: Ken Mayer, Bela Kovacs, Norman Jolley. Ralston Cereals, ABC. (29 min) DIMENSION X (9-15-51) Kaleidoscope. A spaceship encounters a magnetic storm, but the captain refuses to change course. Cast: Joe DeSantis, Leon Janney, Joan Alexander. Sustaining, NBC. (28 min). Rebroadcast: 9/7/2019 – 9/13/2019.
March 21, 2009 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 2002: GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (1-17-43) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, the water commissioner, who is excited about his first public appearance as a speaker at the Summerfield Womans’ Club. Cast: Walter Tetley, Lillian Randolph, Shirley Mitchell, Lurene Tuttle. Ken Carpenter announces. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min) SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (7-29-49) Saigon starring Alan Ladd in an adventure set in Indochina involving a black marketeer and a half-million dollars. Ladd recreates his original 1948 screen role. Jimmy Wallington announces. Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, NBC. (28 min) GOOD NEWS OF 1938 (2-10-38) Robert Taylor hosts an all-star program broadcast from the studios of Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Featured segments: Fannie Brice and Hanley Stafford as Baby Snooks and Daddy, expecting daddy’s boss for dinner; singers Allan Jones and Betty James; actress Virginia Bruce joins Robert Taylor in a playlet, Where’s There’s Smoke; actors James Stewart, as a medical officer in the U. S. Army, and John Carradine, as Abraham Lincoln, in a scene from Stewart’s new film, Of Human Hearts. Meredith Willson and the orchestra. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (33 min & 27 min) BOB HOPE SHOW (3-14-50) Broadcasting from New York, Hope welcomes guest Fred Allen, who joins Bob in a sketch about Arthur Hopefrey’s Talent Scouts. Cast: Doris Day, Hy Averback, Jack Kirkwood, Irene Ryan, Les Brown and his Band of Renown. Lever Bros., NBC. (30 min) GREEN HORNET (4-16-46) Figure in the Photograph stars Bob Hall as Britt Reid, Raymond Toyo as Kato and dim Irwin as Mike Axford. A photo taken at a department store fire reveals something rather unusual. Syndicated. (25 min). . Rebroadcast: 9/14/2019 – 9/20/2019.
March 28, 2009 – NINE DOLLARS AND SIX CENTS
PROGRAM 2003: YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (10-15 thru 19-1956 and 10-22 thru 25-1956) The Phantom Chair Matter starring Bob Bailey as the man with the action-packed expense account, America’s fabulous freelance insurance investigator. This is an unusual nine-part story, played Monday thru Friday of the first week and Monday thru Thursday of the second week. Each episode is approximately 14 minutes. Dollar investigates the disappearance of a stockbroker and a missing $120,000. Cast: Virginia Gregg, Lawrence Dobkin, Forrest Lewis, Vic Perrin, Michael Ann Barrett, Richard Crenna, Don Diamond, Jack Edwards, Ben Wright. Sustaining, CBS. Complete story runs about 126 minutes. THE WHISTLER (2-19-50) Five-Cent Call. A private investigator makes a telephone call to a client and hears an argument and gunshots. Cast: Bill Forman as The Whistler, with Gerald Mohr, Virginia Gregg, Betty Lou Gerson. Signal Oil, CBS. (29 min) PHILO VANCE (7-12-49) The One Cent Murder Case starring Jackson Beck as S. S. Van Dyne’s detective. The owner of a penny arcade blackmails a former employee who is going to Hollywood. Syndicated. (27 min). Rebroadcast: 9/21/2019 – 9/27/2019.
April 4, 2009 – GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY SALUTE TO KEN ALEXANDER AND HIS FIFTY YEARS IN RADIO
PROGRAM 2004: Veteran Chicago announcer (and our Very Own) Ken Alexander got his first job in radio in the Spring of 1959. To mark the occasion, we’ll devote today’s entire Those Were The Days program to the story of his career, presenting highlights of past broadcasts and showcasing the remarkable talents of a remarkable broadcaster. You’ll hear of Ken’s work on stations WEBH, WNIB, WAIT and WDCB. You’ll hear many of his voice characterizations and be amazed at his creative script-writing abilities. This is a program the many fans of Ken Alexander won’t want to miss, as we offer congratulations to him on a career that began a half-century ago and still continues. Be sure to join us for this special occasion. . Rebroadcast: 9/28/2019 – 10/4/2019.
April 11, 2009 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 2005: JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-17-49) Jack and Mary take a stroll down Wilshire Boulevard on Easter Sunday. This is the first of Jack’s Easter Parade shows. Cast: Eddie Rochester Anderson, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Artie Auerbach, Frank Nelson, Mel Blanc. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (26 min) SAD SACK (8-15-46) Herb Vigran stars as the returned World War II veteran made famous in the pages of the U.S. Army Yank magazine. The Liberty Bell party wants Sad Sack to run for mayor of the town. Cast: Jim Backus, Patsy Moran, Sandra Gould, Ken Christy, Bill Conrad, Peter Leeds. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (27 min) GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-16-41) Audition program for the series. Gildersleeve, who runs the girdle factory in Wistful Vista, goes to Summerfield to visit his nephew and niece and become administrator of his brother’s estate. He gets off on the wrong foot with Judge Hooker. Cast: Harold Peary, Earle Ross, Frank Nelson, Walter Tetley, Lurene Tuttle. Harlow Wilcox announces. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (32 min) HAROLD PEARY SHOW (8-23-50) Audition program for the series. Harold Peary stars as Honest Harold, the Homemaker host of a radio show in Melrose Springs. He’s too honest and tells his listeners that his new sponsor makes terrible shampoo. Cast: Olan Soule, Joe Kearns, Gloria Holiday, Sharon Douglas, Norma Jean Nilsson, Anne Whitfield, Jane Morgan. CBS. (33 min) WILD BILL HICKOK (5-27-51) Guy Madison stars as Wild Bill with Andy Devine as Jingles B. Jones. Ranchers are angry and a first-class war is about to break out when a railroad spur comes through the town of Bitter Creek. First show in the series. Kellogg’s Corn Pops, MBS. (25 min) THE SHADOW (3-28-48) Death and the Easter Bonnet stars Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston with Grace Matthews as the lovely Margo Lane. Margo buys an expensive hat for Easter but now the shopkeeper wants it back. Announcer is Andre Baruch. Blue Coal, MBS. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 10/5/2019 – 10/11/2019.
April 18, 2009 – FIVE YEARS WITH FRANK SINATRA 1944 ”1948
PROGRAM 2006: YOUR HIT PARADE (6-17-44) The nation’s top tunes are sung by Frank Sinatra, Bea Wain, and the Hit Paraders with Mark Warnow and the orchestra. Frank sings from Hollywood while the rest of the cast is in New York. AFRS rebroadcast. (28 min) GINNY SIMMS SHOW (12-28-45) Ginny welcomes guest Frank Sinatra, who sings Nancy with the Laughing Face. Cast includes the Borden Chorus, announcer Don Wilson, Frank DeVol and the orchestra and an ex-GI serviceman guest, Corporal Len Johnson, song writer-impressionist. Borden Company, CBS. (30 min) DINAH SHORE OPEN HOUSE (1-24-46) Frank Sinatra guest stars in a sketch with Dinah as a married couple 50 years in the future ” in 1996. Frank sings Day by Day. Dinah sings How Deep is the Ocean. Duet: Tea for Two. Cast: Harry Von Zell, Frank Nelson. AFRS rebroadcast. (29 min) SONGS BY SINATRA (4-23-47) Frank welcomes guest songwriter Irving Berlin, who joins regulars Jane Powell, Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the orchestra. The program celebrates 40 years of Berlin’s music. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (28 min) LUX RADIO THEATRE (5-31-48) Miracle of the Bells starring Fred MacMurray, Valli and Frank Sinatra in a radio version of their 1948 film. When a Hollywood press agent attempts to carry out the dying wishes of the actress he loved, a miracle occurs when the movie star is laid to rest in her coal-mining home town. Cast: William Johnstone, Herb Butterfield, Howard McNear, Gerald Mohr, Lawrence Dobkin, Carlton KaDell. William Keighley hosts. Lux Soap, CBS. (22 min & 20 min & 15 min). Rebroadcast: 10/12/2019 – 10/18/2019.
April 25, 2009 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 2007: PHIL HARRIS”ALICE FAYE SHOW (11-2749) Frankie Remley (Elliott Lewis) buys a wrestler, The Masked Mangler. First of two consecutive and related programs. Rexall, NBC. (29 min) ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (2-12-40) Audition program number 1 for the syndicated series. How Superman helps the U.S. Navy battle The Shark. Clayton Collyer as Clark Kent/Superman; Julian Noa as Paris White, editor of the Daily Flash; Jay Jostyn as Commander Richards of the Navy Y-Boat sub. (14 min) ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (2-14-40) Audition program number 2 for the syndicated series. Superman flies with Commander Richards to prevent the sabotage of the Navy’s submarine. (11 min) COUNTERSPY (11-12-50) Case of the Stolen Secret stars Don McLaughlin as David Harding with Mandel Kramer as Peters. An important formula, valuable to national defense, is stolen from a scientist on his way to Washington. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min) MR. AND MRS. BLANDINGS (11-8-50) Audition program for the series. Cary Grant and Betsy Drake star as Jim and Muriel Blandings, who are finally alone in their new dream home. Cast: Gale Gordon, Anne Whitfield, Herb Vigran, Jack Kruschen. Announcer: Wendell Niles. NBC. (29 min) SIX SHOOTER (1-3-54) A Friend in Need stars James Stewart as Britt Ponset, who meets a killer who tells a believable story. Cast: Howard McNear, Bill Johnstone, Shep Menken. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min) PHIL HARRIS ” ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-4-49) Part 2 of The Masked Mangler. Rexall, NBC. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 10/19/2019 – 10/25/2019.
May 2, 2009 – THOSE WERE THE DAYS 39th ANNIVERSARY SHOW
PROGRAM 2008: We’ll say thanks for listening as we complete 39 years on the air with an afternoon of vintage broadcasts featuring radio stars at their actual age of 39. Don’t miss it if you can!
BOB HOPE SHOW (10-13-42) Hope does the first radio broadcast from the new Hollywood Canteen, which opened just 10 days earlier. Guest is Bette Davis, president of the Canteen, who tells how it was formed. Bette also joins Bob in a sketch: she’s a female gas station attendant and he’s a motorist. Cast: Frances Langford, Jerry Colonna, Vera Vague, Skinnay Ennis and the orchestra. Bob Hope, born May 29, 1903, was 39 years old at the time of this broadcast. Pepsodent, NBC. (30 min) CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (6-21-42) Edgar Bergen is joined by Charlie, Mortimer Snerd, Judy Garland, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, Pat Patrick. Bud and Lou do a mudder-fodder horse routine; Judy and Charlie go shopping for a Father’s Day gift. Edgar Bergen, born February 16, 1903, was 39 years old at the time of this broadcast. Chase and Sanborn, NBC. (30 min) SPEAKING OF RADIO (7-3-73) Excerpt from Chuck Schaden’s conversation in Beverly Hills, California, with Jim Jordan, star of Fibber McGee and Molly. Chuck Schaden, born June 29, 1934, was 39 years old at the time of this interview. (8:05) FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-9-35) The McGees are at the Wistful Vista Department Store doing some early Christmas shopping. Cast: Rico Marcelli and the orchestra, singer Kay Donna, announcer Harlow Wilcox. Jim Jordan, born November 16, 1896, was 39 years old at the time of this broadcast. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (30 min) THE LONE RANGER (12-12-41) The Iron Box starring Brace Beemer as the Masked Man with John Todd as his faithful Indian companion, Tonto. An isolated episode from a very long story arc dealing with the Legion of the Black Arrow. The Lone Ranger and Tonto hold up a stage coach to get a mysterious strong box. Brace Beemer, born December 9, 1902, was 39 years old at the time of this broadcast. Syndicated, WXYZ. (27 min) BILL STERN’S SPORTS NEWSREEL (10-25-46) From New York, where he will broadcast the Army-Duke game on Saturday, Bill’s guest is Gene Autry. Speaking from Madison Square Garden, Gene tells how he was encouraged by Will Rogers. Bill Stern, born July 1, 1907, was 39 years old at the time of this broadcast. Colgate, NBC. (15 min) JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-31-33) Jack and the gang do a parody of the latest Mae West picture, She Done Him Wrong. Cast: Mary Livingstone, James Melton, Frank Black and the orchestra, announcer Howard Claney. Jack Benny, born February 14, 1894, was really 39 years old at the time of this broadcast. Chevrolet, NBC. (28 min) Rebroadcast: 10/26/2019 – 11/1/2019.
May 16, 2009 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 2010: SUSPENSE (9-30-42) One Hundred in the Dark with Eric Dressler, Alice Frost, Ted Osborne, Berry Kroeger. At the Artists and Writers Club in New York, a tale is told of high-class robbery, suspicion and how some ladies and gentlemen nervously counted to 100 in the dark. Sustaining, CBS. (28 min) SPEAKING OF RADIO (6-22-07) Chuck Schaden’s conversation with Gloria McMillan, who appeared as Harriet Conklin on the radio (and TV) series Our Miss Brooks. Recorded at the Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound convention in Seattle, Washington. (31 min) OUR MISS BROOKS (2-11-51) Eve Arden stars as the school teacher with Richard Crenna, Jane Morgan, Gloria McMillan, Gale Gordon, Jeff Chandler. Miss Brooks and Miss Enright vie for the affections of Mr. Boynton. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (30 min) FRONTIER GENTLEMAN (1-30-58) Audition program for the series. South Sunday starring Ben Wright as J. B. Kendall, reporter for the London Times in the U.S. Western territories. Kendall runs into the Shelton Brothers in a small town in Montana territory. Cast: Jack Krushen, Michael Ann Barrett, Stacy Harris, Vic Perrin, Barney Phillips. CBS. (25 min) FRONTIER GENTLEMAN (2-2-58) First show in the series. South Sunday starring John Dehner as J. B. Kendall, reporter for the London Times. Kendall runs into the Shelton Brothers in a small town in Montana territory. Cast: Virginia Gregg, Jack Kruschen, Harry Bartell, Barney Phillips, Stacy Harris. Sustaining, CBS. (25 min) THE WHISTLER (7-9-43) Eye for an Eye. A scientist traps four people he suspects of murdering his brother. Cast includes Frank Nelson. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min). Rebroadcast: 11/2/2019 – 11/8/2019.
May 23, 2009 – REMEMBERING GLENN MILLER
PROGRAM 2011: GLENN MILLER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (6-25-38) Excerpt. Remote broadcast from the Paradise Restaurant on Broadway in New York City, with vocals by Ray Eberle and Gail Reese. Selections include Why’d Ya Make Me Fall In Love?, Down South Camp Meetin’, and At Your Beck And Call. George Hicks announces. NBC-Red (15 min) CHESTERFIELD MOONLIGHT SERENADE (12-27-39) Glenn Miller and his Orchestra and the Andrews Sisters are featured in the first broadcast of the series from New York City. Tunes played include Little Brown Jug, Bei Mir Bist Du Schon, In The Mood and one of Glenn’s famous Something, Old, New, Borrowed and Blue Medleys. Announcer is Paul Douglas. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (22 min) GLENN MILLER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (11-23-40) Here’s music in tempo with the heartbeat of dancing America¦Glenn Miller’s Friday night Moonlight Serenade for NBC listeners coast to coast, from Cafe Rouge of the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City. Selections include Pennsylvania Six-Five Thousand, Along The Santa Fe Trail, Anvil Chorus and A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square. Vocals by Marion Hutton and Ray Eberle; Alan Robinson announces. Sustaining, NBC-Red. (27 min) CHESTERFIELD MOONLIGHT SERENADE (3-4-41) Glenn Miller and the band, vocalists Dorothy Claire, Ray Eberle and the Modernaires are heard in this broadcast from the stage of the Shubert Theater in Cincinnati, Ohio. Musical numbers include Frenesi, A Stone’s Throw From Heaven and Song of the Volga Boatmen. Announcer is Larry Bruff. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (14 min) SPOTLIGHT BANDS (11-22-41) Glenn Miller and his Orchestra are the featured Spotlight Champion of Champions with the best-selling record of the week, from New York City. Tunes played include The Kiss Polka, Elmer’s Tune, Sunrise Serenade and Chattanooga Choo Choo. Al Helfer announces. Coca-Cola Company, MBS. (30 min) THE GERMAN WEHRMACHT HOUR (Recorded 11-27-44; broadcast 12-13-44) World War II broadcast to German troops featuring host Ilse (Ilse Weinberger), and Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF. All announcements are in German; Sgt. Johnny Desmond also sings All The Things You Are in German! Other titles played include Jeep Jockey Jump, Body and Soul, and Beat Me Daddy, Eight To The Bar sung by Sgt. Ray McKinley. Recorded in London and beamed to German troops over ABSIE (The American Broadcasting Station in Europe). (27 min) CHESTERFIELD MOONLIGHT SERENADE (9-24-42) Excerpt. Glenn Miller’s farewell broadcast for Chesterfield prior to his joining the United States Army. The band plays Juke Box Saturday Night; guest Harry James (Glenn’s Chesterfield replacement) is heard, and Glenn bids farewell to the audience. Mel Allen announces. Chesterfield, CBS. (6 min) OUR SPECIAL GUEST is big band historian KARL PEARSON, who will talk about the band that most influenced his interest in the music and the era. Rebroadcast: 11/9/2019 – 11/15/2019.
May 30, 2009 – VARIETY OF SHOWS
PROGRAM 2012: NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (218-45) Mind Over Matter or The Mystery of the Missing John Doe starring Lon Clark as Nick Carter with Helen Choate as Patsy Bowen, his assistant. An amnesia victim asks Carter to find out who he is and why he killed two people. Acme Paints, Lin-X, MBS. (29 min) HALLS OF IVY (6-23-49) Audition program for the series. Gale Gordon and Edna Best star as William Todhunter Hall and Victoria Cromwell Hall of Ivy College. Dr. Hall’s reappointment as president of the college appears dependent upon the Board of Regents’ continued acceptance of Mrs. Hall, a former actress. Cast: Herbert Rawlinson, Gloria Gordon, Herb Butterfield, Willard Waterman. NBC. (31 min) HALLS OF IVY (2-20-52) Voice of the Ivy Vine. Ronald and Benita Colman star as Dr. and Mrs. Hall of Ivy College. A talented music student plans to leave school. Cast includes Gale Gordon. Voice of America rebroadcast. (24 min) STARS IN THE AIR (5-3-52) The House on 92nd Street starring Humphrey Bogart and Keefe Brasselle in a radio version of the 1945 film, a WW II counter-espionage story about Nazis in New York. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min) IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (9-15-44) Tom Howard is the moderator of this zany panel show featuring George Shelton, Lulu McConnell, Harry McNaughton and guest panelist actress-comedienne Patsy Kelly. Ken Roberts announces. AFRS rebroadcast. (29 min) INNER SANCTUM (4-17-50) Beneficiary: Death with Everett Sloane and Barbara Weeks. After picking up a hitchhiker, Sam Braden ends up in an auto accident. The hitchhiker is killed and mistaken for Sam, who decides to remain dead. Bromo Seltzer, CBS. (30 min). Rebroadcast: 11/16/2019 – 11/22/2019.
June 6, 2009 – REMEMBERING BETTE DAVIS
PROGRAM 2013: OUR SPECIAL GUEST is film historian BOB KOLOSOSKI who will talk about the career of actress Bette Davis. We will hear: SILVER THEATRE (12-11-38) Broken Promise starring Bette Davis in part one of a two-part story. Davis is a prisoner who makes a deathbed promise to another prisoner who has a teenage daughter. SCREEN GUILD THEATRE (8-6-45) The Little Foxes starring Bette Davis in a story of greed and corruption within a crumbling Southern family. LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-11-46) Now, Voyager stars Bette Davis and Gregory Peck. A sheltered spinster is brought out of her shell by a psychiatrist. SILVER THEATRE (12-18-38) Broken Promise stars Bette Davis in part two of the two-part story. Rebroadcast: 11/30/2011 – 12/6/2011, 11/23/19 – 11/29/19.
June 13, 2009 – VARIETY OF SOUNDS
PROGRAM 2014: THE MAN CALLED X (4-17-47) Herbert Marshall stars as international trouble-shooter Ken Thurston with Leon Belasco as Pagon Zeldschmidt. When an oil company is the victim of sabotage in the middle east, Thurston flies to Kuwait to investigate. Frigidaire, CBS. (27 min) RED SKELTON SHOW (1-15-46) The Skelton Scrapbook of satire focuses on the local department store with Red appearing as J. Newton Numbskull, Clem Kadiddlehopper and Junior, the mean little kid. Cast: Verna Felton, Pat McGeehan, Gigi Pearson, singer Anita Ellis, David Forrester and the orchestra, announcer Rod O’Connor. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min) BIOGRAPHY IN SOUND (9-10-57) Danny Kaye, the Prince of Clowns, narrated by Walter O’Keefe, host of NBC’s Nightline feature. This documentary features Danny Kaye, Sylvia Fine (his wife), Larry Kaye (Danny’s brother), Max Liebman (producer), Dinah Shore, Leo Durocher and many others. Presented are clips from Kaye radio broadcasts and recordings. (25 min & 27 min) SUSPENSE (3-1-56) The Waxworks starring William Conrad in a stellar performance as he narrates the story and provides nearly all the voices in this drama. A free-lance newspaper reporter gets to spend the night in an eerie wax museum in hopes of having his article published. Larry Thor announces. Sustaining, CBS. (25 min). Rebroadcast: 11/30/19 – 12/6/19.
June 27, 2009 – CHUCK SCHADEN’S RETIREMENT PARTY AND OPEN HOUSE
PROGRAM 2016: Today, after slightly more than 39 years as host and producer of Those Were The Days, Chuck Schaden brings to a close his Radio Days. You’re invited to tune in or join us for this special nostalgic broadcast as we look back on those 39 years with audio clips, special guests, features, fun and memories. The broadcast will be open to our listeners. Complete details will be announced on the air as they become available. You are invited to stop in to say hello¦ and goodbye. Don’t miss it if you can. Rebroadcast: 12/7/19 – 12/13/19.
February 4, 2017 – 39th ANNIVERSARY OF JACK BENNY MONTH
Chuck visits Steve Darnall on “Those Were The Days” February 4, 2017 to talk about how “Jack Benny Month” began on the program. He also talks about the recorded series, “Speaking of Radio: the Jack Benny Program.” 37 minutes. WDCB, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
