REMEMBERING DANNY THOMAS

Originally broadcast on WNIB
Saturday, April 11, 1998

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).