VARIETY OF SHOWS

Originally broadcast WDCB
Saturday, July 9th, 2005 

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.