Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod

David Harding Counterspy - The Statue Of Death (08-16-49)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:25:25 GMT

The Statue Of Death (Aired August 16, 1949)
The show was at the top of the list among programs that had developed the technique of sound effects to a fine art. Each program was written with the sound in mind, not so much sound for sound's sake, but to advance the plot, add color or create atmosphere. Two sound effects men spent a reported ten hours in rehearsal for each broadcast, in addition to the time spent by the actors. East coast actors House Jameson, Don MacLaughlin, Phil Sterling and Lawson Zerbe [MBS] (Zerbe appeared as both David Harding and Harry Peters) were the only four actors to ever assume the role of David Harding--Jameson for the first two episodes only, replaced by Don MacLaughlin for the remainder of its twelve year run. Both Connecticut residents, House Jameson premiered in the role while Lord was still auditioning talent for the lead. By the third episode, Phillips H. Lord selected Don MacLaughlin for the role. MacLaughlin was by no means new to Radio, having already appeared in some 300 Radio productions since his debut over Radio in 1935. MacLaughlin's versatility, predominantly in action and straight dramatic roles, made him an ideal candidate among the twenty or so actors who auditioned for the part. Show Notes From The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE: August 16, 1949. ABC network. "The Statue Of Death". Sponsored by: Pepsi Cola. An electric eye is outsmarted. A gift of appreciation causes the death of an innocent woman. Molecules of murder! The system cue has been deleted. Don MacLaughlin, Mandel Kramer, Phillips H. Lord (producer), Jesse Crawford (organ). 25:57.

The New Adventures Of Nero Wolf - The Case Of The Care Worn Cuff (10-27-50)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:25:39 GMT

The Case Of The Care Worn Cuff (Aired October 27, 1950)
Nero Wolf is a fictional detective created by American author Rex Stout in the 1930s and featured in dozens of novels and novellas.In the stories, Wolfe is one of the most famous private detectives in the United States. He weighs about 285 pounds and is 5'11" tall. He raises orchids in a rooftop greenhouse in his New York City brownstone on West 35th Street, helped by his live-in gardener Theodore Horstmann. Wolfe drinks beer throughout the day and is a gourmÃ¢??und. He employs a live-in chef, Fritz Brenner. He is multilingual and brilliant, though apparently self-educated, and reading is his third passion after food and orchids. He works in an office in his house and almost never leaves home, even to pursue the detective work that finances his expensive lifestyle. Instead, his leg work is done by another live-in employee, Archie Goodwin. While both Wolfe and Goodwin are licensed detectives, Goodwin is more of the classic fictional gumshoe, tough, wise-cracking, and skirt-chasing. He tells the stories in a breezy first-person narrative that is semi-hard-boiled in style. THIS EPISODE: October 27, 1950. NBC network. "The Case Of The Care Worn Cuff". Sustaining. A man with one shirt cuff more worn than the other pays Wolfe $1000 to drop Dorothy Spencer as a client, even though Wolfe never heard of her. "Mr. Porter" is promptly found murdered. Sydney Greenstreet, Rex Stout (creator), Peter Leeds, J. Donald Wilson (producer, director), Don Stanley (announcer), Lamont Johnson, William Johnstone, Wilms Herbert, Jane Webb. 29:06.

A Date With Judy - Going To A Frank Sinatra Movie (03-20-45)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:11:54 GMT

Going To A Frank Sinatra Movie (Aired March 20, 1945)
A Date with Judy was an American radio program during the 1940s. It was a teenage comedy that began as a summer replacement for Bob Hope's show, sponsored by Pepsodent and airing on NBC from June 24 to September 16, 1941, with 14-year-old Ann Gillis in the title role. Dellie Ellis portrayed Judy when the series returned the next summer (June 23-September 15, 1942). Louise Erickson took over the role the following summer (June 30 - September 22, 1943) when the series, sponsored by Bristol Myers, replaced The Eddie Cantor Show. Louise Erickson continued as Judy for the next seven years, as the series, sponsored by Tums, aired from January 18, 1944 to January 4, 1949. As the popularity of the radio series peaked, Jane Powell starred as Judy in the MGM movie, A Date with Judy (1948). Co-starring with Powell were Elizabeth Taylor, Wallace Beery, Robert Stack, and Carmen Miranda. Ford Motors and Revere Cameras were the sponsors for the final season of the radio series on ABC from October 13, 1949 to May 25, 1950. A Date with Judy was also a comic book (based on the radio program) published by National Periodical Publications from October-November 1947 to October-November 1960. THIS EPISODE: March 20, 1945. "Going To A Frank Sinatra Movie" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Tums. Guest Frank Sinatra sings, "Night and Day" and "I Don't Know Why I Love You Like I Do." Judy and Oogie go to a Sinatra movie. Afterwards, Judy dreams about Frankie. Richard Crenna sings, "Got A Date With Judy." The system cue has been deleted. Richard Crenna, Dix Davis, Frank Sinatra, Louise Erickson, John Brown, Aleen Leslie (creator, writer). 29:22.

Results Inc. - The Mummy aka: Sitting With Queen Sheshack (12-30-44)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:12:29 GMT

The Mummy aka: Sitting With Queen Sheshack (Aired December 30, 1944)
This radio show featured the escapades of JOHNNY STRANGE and TERRY TRAVERS, two private eyes who offer "to do anything, solve any problem or remedy any difficulty." They were played by Lloyd Nolan and Claire Trevor. Evidently they couldn't remedy the difficulty of maintaining an audience for the show. It only lasted a year, despite the fact it starred Nolan, fresh off a string of successful films where he played MIKE SHAYNE.

Gangbusters - The St. Louis Jewel Robbery (10-03-53)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 15 May 2012 22:05:55 GMT

The St. Louis Jewel Robbery (Aired October 3, 1953)
Gangbusters was an American dramatic radio program heralded as "the only national program that brings you authentic police case histories." It premiered as G-Men, sponsored by Chevrolet, on July 20, 1935. After the title was changed to Gangbusters January 15, 1936, the show had a 21-year run through November 20, 1957. Beginning with a barrage of loud sound effects — guns firing and tires squealing — this intrusive introduction led to the popular catch phrase "came on like Gangbusters."The series dramatized FBI cases, which producer-director Phillips H. Lord arranged in close association with Bureau director J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover insisted that only closed cases would be used. The initial series was on NBC Radio from July 20 - October 12, 1935. It then aired on CBS from January 15, 1936 to June 15, 1940, sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and Cue magazine. From October 11, 1940 to December 25, 1948, it was heard on the Blue Network, with various sponsors that included Sloan's Liniment, Waterman pens and Tide. Returning to CBS on January 8, 1949, it ran until June 25, 1955, sponsored by Grape-Nuts and Wrigley's chewing gum. The final series was on the Mutual Broadcasting System from October 5, 1955 to November 27, 1957. It was once narrated by Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr., former head of the New Jersey State Police. THIS EPISODE: October 3, 1953. "The St. Louis Jewel Robbery" - CBS network. Sustaining. Wally and his two friends are planning a jewelry robbery in St. Louis. Wally's last name and the name of his two pals are not mentioned, but one of them has red hair. Wally hangs out in a candy store whose owner sounds more Brooklyn than St. Louis. Stanley Niss (writer), Mason Adams, Gaylord Avery (announcer), Leonard L. Bass (director), Amzie Strickland, Eric Dressler, John Ives (supervisor). 28:38.

The New Adventures Of Michael Shayne - The Case Of The Model Murder (09-11-48)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 15 May 2012 17:41:16 GMT

The Case Of The Model Murder (Aired September 11, 1948)
Michael Shayne was a fictional sleuth created by Brett Halliday (a pen name for author Davis Dresser) who was first initiated into the fraternity for detectives in the 1939 novel "Dividend of Death". Dresser based the character on a “tall and rangy” brawler who once saved his life during a braw in a Mexican cantina. The Shayne character would go on to appear in 69 novels, plus a long-running mystery magazine—and in 1941, was brought to the silver screen in Paramount’s Michael Shayne, Private Detective, an adaptation of Dividend of Death that starred Lloyd Nolan, and paved the way for six additional B-mysteries to follow. The New Adventures of Michael Shayne—premiered on July 15, 1948 starring Jeff Chandler. THIS EPISODE: September 11, 1948. Program #7. Broadcaster's Guild syndication. "The Case Of The Model Murder". Commercials added locally. A story about an $8 million-dollar inheritance and a strange glutton. This is a syndicated version. These syndicated programs were recorcded 1948 to 1950. Jeff Chandler, William P. Rousseau (host, director), Jack Webb, Brett Halliday (creator), Don W. Sharpe (producer), John Duffy (composer, conductor). 26:04.

Fibber Mcgee & Molly - Major McGee Military Advisor (01-31-39)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:04:44 GMT

Major McGee Military Advisor (Aired January 31, 1939)
Fibber McGee and Molly premiered in 1935. The program struggled in the ratings until 1940, when it became a national sensation. Within three years, it was the top-rated program in America. Few radio shows were more beloved than Fibber McGee and Molly. The program’s lovable characters included Mayor LaTrivia, Doc Gamble, Mrs. Uppington, Wallace Wimple, Alice Darling, Gildersleeve, Beulah, Myrt, and the Old Timer. 79 Wistful Vista was one of America’s most famous addresses and Molly’s warning to Fibber not to open the hall closet door (and his subsequent decision to do it) created one of radio’s best remembered running gags that audiences expected each week. Jim Jordan (Fibber) was born on a farm on November 16, 1896, near Peoria, Illinois. Marian Driscoll (Molly), a coal miner’s daughter, was born in Peoria on November 15, 1898. After years of hardship and touring in obscurity on the small-time show biz circuit, they arrived in Chicago in 1924, where they eventually performed on thousands of shows and developed 145 different voices and characters. Broadcast to the nation from WMAQ/Chicago, the show entertained America until March 1956, and continued on NBC’s Monitor until 1959. Jim Jordan died on April 1, 1988. Marian Jordan died on April 7, 1961. Fibber McGee and Molly was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1989. THIS EPISODE: January 31, 1939. "Major McGee Military Advisor" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Johnson's Wax. Molly does not appear. "Major" McGee helps out the Army on maneuvers, with disastrous results. The first program in the series to originate from Hollywood on a regular basis. Harold Peary, The Four Notes, Jim Jordan, Bill Thompson, Isabel Randolph, Harlow Wilcox, Billy Mills and His Orchestra, Donald Novis, Don Quinn (writer), The Four Notes. 31:26.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Red Ryder" - Trouble In Frying Pan Valley (1942)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:58:53 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Red Ryder" - Trouble In Frying Pan Valley (1942) *The Exact Date Is Unknown
Red Ryder was a newspaper comic western hero, and was a natural for the radio kids. Known on the air as "America's famous fighting cowboy," he was still an upstanding cowboy action hero. The hero was first seen in a series of short stories by writer-cartoonist Fred Harman, who adapted it as a comic strip for the Los Angeles Times in 1938 before it finally became a radio show. For almost a decade, Red Ryder starred in half-hour cowboy adventures featuring a great cast of characters including his pal Buckskin and his little indian boy ward, "Little Beaver". The ranch homestead was cared for by the "The Duchess," actually Red's aunt. Red Ryder was always ready for adventure with his pals, Buckskin Blodgett and Rawhide Rolinson. Little Beaver was beloved by the kids who thought it would be great to be like Little Beaver and be in on all the western action! At one point, Red Ryder was pitted against The Lone Ranger in the radio "badlands," and did really well against the more famous and well established masked man. In the later years, the show played on the West Coast via Don Lee productions, as sponsored by regional bread maker Langendorf Bread. It remained a mainstay of West Coast juvenile radio for all the little pre-TV buckaroos. After the radio show went off the air, Red Ryder and "little Beaver" continued to please 50's kids who avidly read his latest adventures in the popular "Red Ryder" comic books.

I Was A Communist For The FBI - Tight Wire (05-25-52)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:39:37 GMT

Tight Wire (Aired May 25, 1952)
Throughout most of the 1940's, Matt Cvetic worked as a volunteer undercover agent for the FBI, infiltrating the Communist Party in Pittsburgh. In 1949, his testimony helped to convict several top Party members of conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. government. Cvetic sold his account to "The Saturday Evening Post" and it was serialized under the title "I Posed as a Communist for the FBI". It later became a best-selling book. In 1951, Warner Brothers released a film based on these accounts entitled "I Was A Communist For The FBI", starring with Frank Lovejoy as Cvetic. In 1952, in the midst of the Red scare of the 1950's, the Frederick W. Ziv Company produced the syndicated radio series with the same title as the movie. It was produced without assistance from the FBI, which refused to cooperate. I Was a Communist for the FBI consisted of 78 episodes syndicated by the Frederick W. Ziv Company to more than 600 stations, including KNX in Los Angeles, California, with original episodes running from April 23, 1952 to October 14, 1953. Each episode ended with Dana Andrew's well-remembered words, ""I was a Communist for the FBI. I walk alone". The show had a budget of $12,000 a week, a very high cost to produce a radio show at the time. THIS EPISODE: May 25, 1952. Program #9. ZIV Syndication. "Tight Wire". Commercials added locally. The FBI assigns Cvetic the job of bugging a Communist Party meeting hall. Dana Andrews, Truman Bradley (announcer), Henry Hayward (director), David Rose (music). 25:50.

Fire Fighters - 2 Episodes From 1950

Bob Camardella — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:33:13 GMT

2 Episodes "Man Caught Selling Bad Electric Cords" (02-01-50) and "Problems With Drivers Going To Fires" (02-02-50)
Fire Fighters is an old time radio series for children. We get to see our firefighters in action every week in various fire fighting situations. In addition to being very entertaining, it is also very informative, not only for children, but for all members of the family. The shows cover a variety of topics in the real life scenarios of fire fighters. With shows on different types of fires, what causes a fire, how to put out the different kinds of fire, appropriate behavior during fire drills, fire related items (e.g. sprinkler systems) and more in other episodes. It is an excellent children's show as it not only addresses the dangers our fire fighters encounter, but we can also get to feel the excitement too in our fire fighters lives. This series is a must hear for those boys and girls who want to become “Fire Fighters” when they grow up. Plus the episodes are geared to a child’s attention span. Most episodes run 12 to 15 minutes. Episodes start with the refrain: “Five Bells stand by all stations Attention all districts, a five alarm fire, Five bells, move in immediately. That's it, Let's roll, Let's go, FIREFIGHTERS! Presenting Fire Fighters, the true to life story of our unsung heroes who stand by ready to ride by day or night against our most murderous enemy, the demon of FIRE!". So sit down with your “fire fighter” and listen together how fire fighters resolve the episodes’ fire related mystery. Show Notes From The Past Is A Blast. TODAY'S SHOW: February 1, 1950. Program #57. "Man Caught Selling Bad Electric Cords". William F. Holland Productions syndication. Commercials added locally. The salesman of the unsafe electrical cords is caught. Lyle Sudrow, Cameron Prud'Homme, Frank Jones (writer). 12:05. February 2, 1950. Program #58. "Problems With Drivers Going To Fires". William F. Holland Productions syndication. Commercials added locally. Sightseers at fires are causing trouble. Lyle Sudrow, Cameron Prud'Homme, Frank Jones (writer). 11:49.

Pete Kelly's Blues - Gus Trudeau (08-22-51)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:05:06 GMT

Gus Trudeau (Aired August 22, 1951)
Pete Kelly's Blues was an American radio drama which aired over NBC as an unsponsored summer replacement series on Wednesday nights at 8pm(et) from July 4 through September 19, 1951. The series starred Jack Webb as Pete Kelly and was created by writer Richard L. Breen, who had previously worked with Webb on Pat Novak for Hire; James Moser and Jo Eisinger wrote most of the other scripts. Set in Kansas City in the 1920s, the series was a crime drama with a strong musical atmosphere (Webb was a noted Dixieland jazz enthusiast). Pete Kelly was a musician, a cornet player who headed his own jazz combo, "Pete Kelly's Big Seven." They worked at 417 Cherry Street, a speakeasy run by George Lupo, often mentioned but never heard. Kelly, narrating the series, described Lupo as a "fat, friendly little guy." The plots typically centered around Kelly's reluctant involvement with gangsters, gun molls, FBI agents, and people trying to save their own skins. The endings were often downbeat. The series inspired a 1955 film version of Pete Kelly's Blues, in which Jack Webb produced, directed and starred. It used many of the same musicians, including Cathcart, and Ella Fitzgerald was cast as Maggie Jackson. A lesser-known television version, still produced and directed by Webb but with William Reynolds in the lead, aired in 1959, using scripts originally written for the radio version. THIS EPISODE: August 22, 1951. Program #7. "Gus Trudeau" - NBC network. Sustaining. Dutch Courtney has been murdered. Gus Trudeau goes on the lam from Courtney's men and the cops. The first tune is, "Sensation Rag." Another recording of this program has a different cast and begins with, "Jazz Me Blues." Dick Cathcart (cornet), Jack Webb, James Moser (writer), Matty Matlock, Richard Breen (creator), Matty Matlock (scoring), Richard Green (creator). 29:00.

Father Knows Best - An Unusual Bet (01-14-54)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:46:32 GMT

An Unusual Bet (Aired January 14, 1954)
Father Knows Best, a family comedy of the 1950s, is perhaps more important for what it has come to represent than for what it actually was. In essence, the series was one of a slew of middle-class family sitcoms in which moms were moms, kids were kids, and fathers knew best. Today, many critics view it, at best, as high camp fun, and, at worst, as part of what critic David Marc once labeled the "Aryan melodramas" of the 1950s and 1960s. The brainchild of series star Robert Young, who played insurance salesman Jim Anderson, and producer Eugene B. Rodney, Father Knows Best first debuted as a radio sitcom in 1949.The series began August 25, 1949, on NBC Radio. Set in the Midwest, it starred Robert Young as General Insurance agent Jim Anderson. His wife Margaret was first portrayed by June Whitley and later by Jean Vander Pyl. The Anderson children were Betty (Rhoda Williams), Bud (Ted Donaldson) and Kathy (Norma Jean Nillson). Others in the cast were Eleanor Audley, Herb Vigran and Sam Edwards. Sponsored through most of its run by General Foods, the series was heard Thursday evenings on NBC until March 25, 1954. THIS EPISODE: January 14, 1954. "An Unusual Bet" - NBC network. Sustaining. Mr. Anderson bets his daughter the price of a new dress that she can't avoid mentioning or talking to boys for twenty-four hours. Robert Young, Ted Donaldson, Jean Vander Pyl, Rhoda Williams, Helen Strohm, Marylee Robb, Ed James (creator), Paul West (writer), Roz Rogers (writer), Arthur Jacobson (director), Bill Forman (announcer). 32:45.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Sugarfoot" - Brannigan's Boots (09-17-57)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:59:04 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Sugarfoot" - Brannigan's Boots (Aired September 17, 1957)
Sugarfoot is the title of a TV western that aired from 1957 to 1961. The series featured Will Hutchins as fledgling frontier lawyer Tom Brewster and Jack Elam as sidekick Toothy Thompson. Brewster was a correspondence-school graduate whose apparent lack of cowboy skills earned him the peculiar nickname "Sugarfoot". The show had no relation to the 1951 Randolph Scott Western movie Sugarfoot aside from the studio owning the title, but its pilot episode was a remake of an offbeat 1954 Western called The Boy from Oklahoma, starring Will Rogers, Jr. as Tom Brewster. The pilot, titled "Brannigan's Boots," was so similar to the earlier film that Sheb Wooley and Slim Pickens reprised their roles from the movie. As played by Rogers in the movie, Brewster never used firearms, preferring to vanquish villains with his roping skills (à la Will Rogers, Sr.) if friendly persuasion failed. Perhaps for practical reasons, the pilot altered the character slightly, making Brewster reluctant to use firearms, but able and willing to do so as a last resort. That was the way he remained throughout the series, and the title song even mentioned that he carried a rifle as well as law book. THIS EPISODE: September 17, 1957. "Brannigan's Boots, adapted for radio, from the classic show Sugarfoot starring Will Hutchins as Tom Brannigan. Crooked politicians in Bluerock appoint Tom sheriff after noting his poor shooting aim. Tom, however, takes the job seriously, and in the sheriffs office he dons a pair of boots standing against the wall. A pretty girl who is watching him says he's not man enough to fill her father's boots and, to prove her wrong, Tom sets out to find her father's killer. 39:58.

The Lassie Show - 2 Episodes (11-26-49) and (12-17-49)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 14 May 2012 03:38:09 GMT

2 Episodes: "The Chaplains Dog" (Aired November 26, 1949) and "Mule Train" (Aired December 17, 1949)
Lassie is a fictional collie dog character and a stage name for several dog actors. The fictional character was created by Eric Knight in a short story expanded to novel length called Lassie Come-Home. Published in 1940, the novel was filmed by MGM in 1943 as Lassie Come Home with a talented dog named Pal playing Lassie. Pal then appeared with the stage name "Lassie" in six other MGM feature films through 1951. Pal's owner and trainer Rudd Weatherwax then acquired the Lassie name and trademark from MGM and appeared with Pal (as "Lassie") at rodeos, fairs, and similar events across America in the early 1950s. In 1954, the long running, Emmy winning television series Lassie debuted, and, over the next 19 years, a succession of Pal's descendants appeared on the series. The "Lassie" character has appeared in radio, telelvision, film, toys, comic books, animated series, juvenile novels, and other media. Pal's descendants continue to play Lassie today.

Beat The Band - The First Show (01-28-40)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 13 May 2012 22:14:45 GMT

The First Show (Aired January 28, 1940)
1940---Beat the Band---with Garry Moore hosting, Ted Weems (featuring a vocalist named Perry Como) leading the band, Marvel Maxwell also singing, longtime Easy Aces announcer Ford Bond in the same slot here, and General Mills sponsoring the show for its new corn cereal Kix---premieres on NBC, based in Chicago. A precedent to the later, somewhat landscape-changing hit Stop the Music, Beat the Band listeners will receive ten dollars if their question is used on the air, and the answer is always the title of a song. If they can beat the band they land twenty dollars and a case of Kix, with the musicians who miss the answer having to “feed the kitty”---tossing half dollars onto the bass drum, with the musician scoring the most points answering the listeners’ questions getting to take the money home. Folks, listen for the boom of the ol’ bass drum---that means the question beat the band.---Country Washburn, bassist with the Weems orchestra. Beat the Band's first incarnation will expire in 1941, but the show will be reborn in 1943, out of New York, with "The Incomparable Hildegarde" (Walter Winchell hung that tag upon the famed cabaret/supper club singer) as hostess, Harry Sosnik joining Ted Weems in handling the music, Marilyn Thorne joining Marvel Maxwell in the singing, and a slight change in the rules, tied to the new sponsor, Raleigh cigarettes. Listeners sent in musical questions and it was up to the band to identify songs from a few clues. Prizes of twenty-five dollars and a carton of the sponsor’s cigarettes . . . went to contestants whose questions did not beat the band. If the question did beat the band, the contestant received fifty dollars and two cartons of cigarettes, and the boys in the band had to throw a pack of cigarettes "on the old bass drum for the men in service overseas."

Theater Five - The Last Land Rush (10-06-64)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:03:15 GMT

The Last Land Rush (Aired October 6, 1964)
Theater Five was ABC's attempt to revive radio drama during the early 1960s. The series name was derived from its time slot, 5:00 PM. Running Monday through Friday, it was an anthology of short stories, each about 20 minutes long. News programs and commercials filled out the full 30 minutes. There was a good bit of science fiction and some of the plots seem to have been taken from the daily newspaper. Fred Foy, of The Lone Ranger fame, was an ABC staff announcer in the early 60s, who, among other duties, did Theater Five. THIS EPISODE: October 6, 1964. ABC network. "The Last Land Rush". Commercials deleted. An imaginative story in the day, in the not-too-distant future, when overpopulation is a more serious problem. The government allows citizens to claim land on highway medians...if they can kill to keep it! George Bamber (writer), Ted Bell (director), Neal Pultz (audio engineer), Jack C. Wilson (script editor), Alexander Vlas-Daczenco (composer), Glenn Osser (conductor), Fred Foy (announcer), Dwight Weist, Wayne Tippett, Rosemary Rice, Sam Raskin, Fran Carlon, Cecil Roy, Terry Ross (sound technician). 20:03.

Our Miss Brooks - The Tape Recorder (04-23-50)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 13 May 2012 14:13:39 GMT

The Tape Recorder (Aired April 23, 1950)
Our Miss Brooks was a hit on radio from the outset; within eight months of its launch as a regular series, the show landed several honors, including four for Eve Arden, who won polls in four individual publications of the time. Arden had actually been the third choice to play the title role. Harry Ackerman, at the time CBS's West Coast director of programming, wanted Shirley Booth for the part, but as he told historian Gerald Nachman many years later, he realized Booth was too focused on the underpaid downside of public school teaching at the time to have fun with the role. Lucille Ball was believed to be the next choice, but she was already committed to My Favorite Husband and didn't audition. Then CBS chairman Bill Paley, who was friendly with Arden, persuaded her to audition for the part. With a slightly rewritten audition script---Osgood Conklin, for example, was originally written as a school board president but was now written as the incoming new Madison principal---Arden agreed to give the newly-revamped show a try. THIS EPISODE: April 23, 1950. "The Tape Recorder" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpaste, Lustre Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Soap. While Mr. Conklin is trying to economize, he finds himself buying a tape recorder, without even knowing it! Eve Arden, Al Lewis (writer, director), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Gale Gordon, Gloria McMillan, Verne Smith (commercial spokesman), Jeff Chandler, Frank Nelson, Bob Lemond (announcer), Larry Berns (producer), Lester White (writer), Joe Quillan (writer), Wilbur Hatch (composer), Maurice Carlton (conductor). 34:43.

Frontier Town - Return Of The Bad Men (12-12-52)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 13 May 2012 04:40:21 GMT

Return Of The Bad Men (Aired December 12, 1952)
Frontier Town will forever reside in that twilight of the Western genre of Golden Age Radio--between the highly self-conscious adult Westerns of the mid- to late-1950s and the rock'em, sock'em, shoot-em-up juvenile adventure Westerns of the 1930s and 1940s. It's obvious from this series that Radio westerns were beginning to lean in an adult direction--but not without some kicking and screaming in the process. Radio's Gunsmoke was already in development and Television was making impressive inroads into Radio's commercial audience. With hundreds of Hopalong Cassidy and other western hero film reruns airing night and day over Television, the race was on to find a more rivetting format for the great American western. Jeff Chandler opens the series billed as 'Tex' Chandler, in the role of Chad Remington. He acquires a sidekick in Episode #1: a garrulous quasi-scoundrel by the name of Cherokee O'Bannon, a man of obvious mixed breeding--and morals. Cherokee O'Bannon is portrayed by Wade Crosby in a somewhat over the top rendition of W.C. Fields. The superb mood music is provided by no less than Ivan Ditmars and Bob Mitchell, of Mitchell Boy Choir fame. The sound effects clearly approach the level of what audiences would hear for much of the remainder of the 1950s--hyper-realistic and meticulously timed. Paul Franklin's scripts are clever and well developed. Principally a comedy writer, it's clear that he's well suited to provide Cherokee O'Bannon's dialogue with great imagination, but he's equally adept at providing interesting story lines throughout the run.

The FBI In Peace & War - The Eighty Grand Exit (10-27-54)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 13 May 2012 02:07:08 GMT

The Eighty Grand Exit (Aired October 27, 1954)
The FBI in Peace and War was a radio crime drama inspired by Frederick Lewis Collins' book, The FBI in Peace and War. The idea for the show came from Louis Pelletier who wrote many of the scripts. Among the show's other writers were Jack Finke, Ed Adamson and Collins. It aired on CBS from November 25, 1944 to September 28, 1958, it had a variety of sponsors (including Lava Soap, Wildroot Cream-Oil, Lucky Strike, Nescafe and Wrigley's) over the years. In 1955 it was the eighth most popular show on radio, as noted in Time: The Nielsen ratings of the top ten radio shows seemed to indicate that not much has changed in radio: 1) Jack Benny Show (CBA), 2) Amos 'n' Andy (CBS), 3) People Are Funny (NBC), 4) Our Miss Brooks (CBS) 5) Lux Radio Theater (NBC), 6) My Little Margie (CBS), 7) Dragnet (NBC), 8) FBI in Peace and War (CBS), 9) Bergen and McCarthy (CBS), 10) Groucho Marx (NBC). Martin Blaine and Donald Briggs headed the cast. The theme was the March from Prokofiev's The Love for Three Oranges. THIS EPISODE: October 27, 1954. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Eighty-Grand Exit". A large embezzlement that's foolproof...except for the double-cross. Martin Blaine, Don Briggs, Frederick L. Collins (creator), Betty Mandeville (producer, director). 25:00.

Top Secret - Midnight For Danger (07-23-50)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 12 May 2012 21:52:47 GMT

Midnight For Danger (Aired July 23, 1950)
The role played by Ilona Massey, a Hungarian-born actress, was created in her likeness, which included her sultry voice and her heavy accent. As a government agent, Massey witnesses train murders, orders poisoned glasses of brandy, and examines the tattoos on a rebellious pigeon. She travels to Tangiers, London, and discovers Nazi spy rings in Berlin. Pack your suitcase, slip into your designer incognito clothiers, and cut your tongue out because Ilona Massey is ready to take you on the top secret mission of a lifetime!6-12-50 to 10-26-50 NBC, various 30 minute timeslots. STAR: Ilona Massey as a Mata Hari-style operative in World War II. ORCHESTRAL: Roy Shield. WRITER-DIRECTOR: Harry W. Junkin. Top secret was highly effective, said Radio Life: the role played by the Hungarian actress was “tailor-made for her sultry voice and heavy accent”. The series was a summer replacement for, "The American Album Of Familiar Music." THIS EPISODE: July 23, 1950. Program #7. NBC network. "Midnight For Danger". Sustaining. Cloaks and daggers in neutral Switzerland. An arthritic clockmaker holds the key to, "Operation Das." Allan Sloane (writer), Andrew Duggan, Earl Hammond, Fred Collins (announcer), Harry W. Junkin (writer), Ilona Massey, Peter Capell, Ronald Long, Roy Shield (composer, conductor), Ruth Yorke, Theo Goetz. 30:02.

Inner Sanctum Mysteries - The Deadly Dummy (01-24-49)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 12 May 2012 17:33:31 GMT

The Deadly Dummy (Aired January 24, 1949)
Inner Sanctum Mysteries was a popular old-time radio program that aired from January 7, 1941 to October 5, 1952. Created by Himan Brown, the anthology series featured stories of mystery, terror and suspense. The tongue-in-cheek introductions were in sharp contrast to shows like Suspense and The Whistler. A total of 526 episodes are known to have been produced. The early 1940s programs opened with Raymond Edward Johnson introducing himself as, "Your host, Raymond," in a mocking sardonic voice. A spooky melodramatic organ score punctuated Raymond's many morbid jokes and playful puns. Raymond's closing was an elongated "Pleasant dreaaaaammmmssss!" His tongue-in-cheek style and ghoulish relish of his own tales became the standard for many such horror narrators to follow, from fellow radio hosts like Ernest Chappell (on Cooper's later series, Quiet, Please) and Maurice Tarplin (on The Mysterious Traveler) to EC Comics' Crypt-Keeper in various incarnations of Tales from the Crypt. In interviews, EC publisher Bill Gaines stated that he based EC's three horror hosts not on Raymond but on Old Nancy, host of radio's earlier The Witch's Tale (1931-38). When Johnson left the series in 1945, he was replaced by Paul McGrath, who did not keep the "Raymond" name and was known only as "your host" or "Mr. Host." Beginning in 1945, Lipton Tea sponsored the series, pairing first Raymond and then McGrath with its cheery commercial spokeswoman, Mary Bennett, whose pitches for Lipton contrasted sharply with the subject matter of the stories, and who would primly chide the host for his dark humor and creepy manner. THIS EPISODE: January 24, 1949. CBS networek origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Deadly Dummy". The ventriloquist's wife and her lover kill the man but not the mannequin. Edward Adamson (writer), Elspeth Eric, Mason Adams, Paul McGrath (host), Robert Sloane (writer), Ted Osborne, Santos Ortega. 25:08.

The Red Skelton Show - To Park Or Not To Park (01-23-52)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 12 May 2012 13:46:34 GMT

To Park Or Not To Park (Aired January 23, 1952)
In 1951, NBC beckoned Skelton to bring his radio show to television. His characters worked even better on screen than on radio. TV also led to one of his best-remembered characters, "Freddie the Freeloader," a traditional tramp whose appearance suggested the elder brother of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus clown Emmett Kelly. Announcer and voice actor Art Gilmore, who voiced numerous movie trailers in Hollywood in the 1940s and 1950s, became the announcer on the show, with David Rose and his orchestra providing the music. A hit instrumental for Rose, called "Holiday for Strings", was used as Skelton's TV theme song. During the 1951–52 season, Skelton broadcast live from a converted NBC radio studio. When he complained about the pressures of doing a live show, NBC agreed to film his shows in the 1952–53 season at Eagle Lion Studios, next to the Sam Goldwyn Studio, on Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood. Later the show was moved to the new NBC television studios in Burbank. THIS EPISODE: January 23, 1952. CBS network. The Skelton Scrapbook Of Satire: Willie Lump-Lump is a parking lot attendant, "Parking and Sparking." "To Park or Not To Park," with "Junior, The Mean Liddle Kid." Also heard are: Deadeye, Cauliflower McPugg and San Fernando Red. Red Skelton, David Rose and His Orchestra, Lurene Tuttle, Rod O'Connor, Curt Massey, Martha Tilton, Pat McGeehan, Elizabeth Root, Jean Tudor. 29:58.

Overnight Western "All Star Western Theater" - Billy The Kid WithTex Ritter (10-06-46)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:52:12 GMT

Overnight Western "All Star Western Theater" - Billy The Kid WithTex Ritter (Aired October 6, 1946)
All Star Western Theater is an enjoyable series filled with the humor of guest stars such as Johnny Mack Brown and Smiley Burnett and in the tried and true format of The Roy Rogers Show. The words honest, sincere and un-assuming come to mind. Done live, All Star Western Theater gives the studio audience a good show, and the result is still a happy ride down memory lane. Riding out of the sunny back lots of Hollywood, All Star Western Theatre delivered Republic Western-style entertainment with chuck wagon sized doses of fine music, broad humor and guest appearances by the best of the West. The music was provided by the Riders of the Purple Sage, fronted by Foy Willing, with the help of Kenny Driver, Al Sloey and Johnny Paul. The group appeared on various shows on radio, including the Andrews Sisters' Eight-to-the-Bar Ranch in '44-'45, and the Roy Rogers Show during the 1946 - 48 period. Western swing was big in those days, and this show has some really fine renditions in that great American music style. Guest stars such as Johnny Mack Brown and Smiley Burnett come on, and do action sketches and real knee-slapping humor skits. When these cowboys rustle up humor, they play it about as broad as the western skies themselves. Laughs this simple are not heard much anymore, unless you have an eight-year old with an old jokebook. But that doesn't mean All Star Western Theater isn't enjoyable. It really is, in the same way that the old western movies are enjoyable. Honest, sincere and un-assuming come to mind. THIS EPISODE: October 6, 1946. CBS Pacific network, KNX, Los Angeles aircheck. "Billy The Kid". Sponsored by: Weber's Bread. Mary Ford (billed as Colleen Summers), Monty Montana (host), Tex Ritter, Dennis Moore, Foy Willing and The Riders Of The Purple Sage, Cottonseed Clark (announcer). 31:01.

The Fat Man - Murder Through A Crystal (10-28-54)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 12 May 2012 02:51:09 GMT

Murder Through A Crystal (Aired October 28, 1954)
"There he goes across the street into the drugstore, steps on the scale, height: 6 feet, weight: 290 pounds, fortune: Danger. Who isit? THE FAT MAN." Brad Runyon was the Fat Man, played by Jack Scott Smart. The series was created by Dashall Hammott and was first heard on the ABC network Jan. 21, 1946. J. Scott Smart fit the part of the Fat Man perfectly, weighing in at 270 pounds himself. When he spoke, there was no doubt that this was the voice of a big guy. Smart gave a witty, tongue-in-cheek performance and helped make THE FAT MAN one of the most popular detective programs on the air. Smart also appeared in The March Of Time (early 1930s), the Theater Guild On The Air, Blondie, The Fred Allen Show, and The Jack Benny Program. There was also an version made in Australia, syndicated on the Artansa lable, about 1954. There are at least 36 shows available from vendors. The Australian Fat Man was played possibly by Lloyd Berrell. Although not featuring J. Scott Smart, who really fit the part, the series is quite good. THIS EPISODE: October 28, 1954. Program #11. Grace Gibson syndication (Australia). "Murder Through A Crystal". Commercials added locally. Lloyd Berrill, Grace Gibson (producer), Dashiell Hammett (creator). 28:06.

The Weird Circle - The Ghost's Touch (09-17-44)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 11 May 2012 23:33:12 GMT

The Ghost's Touch (Aired September 17, 1944)
The Weird Circle was produced in New York City by the National Broadcasting Company, under the auspices of its Radio-Recording Division. Though best known for live programs over its Red and Blue Networks, NBC produced and recorded a great many shows for syndication to local stations, including such diverse dramatic programs as "Playhouse of Favorites", "Five Minute Mysteries", "Destiny Trails", and "Betty and Bob" (a five-a-week daily "soap opera" featuring Arlene Francis), as well as quarter-hour musical programs starring performers ranging from Carson Robison and his Buckaroos to Ferde Grofe and his Orchestra. The quality of these syndicated shows was, for the most part, consistent with NBC's regular prime-time fare and, a result, were often aired by local stations as either special features or programmed between other shows on the network at the time. THIS EPISODE: September 17, 1944. Program #42. NBC syndication. "The Ghost's Touch". Commercials added locally. A mad scientist has invented a process to kill all pain and is determined to try it out. The date is approximate. Wilkie Collins (author). 25:41.

Mr. & Mrs. North - The Comic (07-07-53)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:58:22 GMT

The Comic (Aired July 7, 1953)
Mr. and Mrs. North was a radio mystery series that aired on CBS from 1942 to 1954. Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin had the title roles when the series began in 1942. Publisher Jerry North and his wife Pam lived in Greenwich Village at 24 St. Anne's Flat. They were not professional detectives but simply an ordinary couple who stumbled across a murder or two every week for 12 years. The radio program eventually reached nearly 20 million listeners. The characters originated in 1930s vignettes written by Richard Lockridge for the New York Sun, and he brought them back for short stories in The New Yorker. These stories were collected in Mr. and Mrs. North (1936). Lockridge increased the readership after he teamed with his wife Frances on a novel, The Norths Meet Murder (1940), launching a series of 40 novels, including Death takes a Bow, Death on the Aisle and The Dishonest Murderer. Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Barbara Britton and Richard Denning starred in the TV adaptation seen on CBS from 1952 to 1953 and on NBC in 1954. Guest appearances on this series included Raymond Burr, Hans Conried, Mara Corday, Carolyn Jones, Katy Jurado, Jimmy Lydon, Julia Meade, William Schallert and Gloria Talbott. THIS EPISODE: July 7, 1953. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Comic". Barbara Britton, Richard Denning, Frances Lockridge (creator), Richard Lockridge (creator). 24:08.

The Abbott & Costello Show - Sam Shovel & Custer's Last Hamburger Stand (01-27-49)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 11 May 2012 14:19:13 GMT

Sam Shovel & Custer's Last Hamburger Stand (Aired January 27, 1949)
The Abbott and Costello Show mixed comedy with musical interludes (usually, by singers such as Connie Haines, Marilyn Maxwell, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Skinnay Ennis, and the Les Baxter Singers). Regulars and semi-regulars on the show included Artie Auerbrook, Elvia Allman, Iris Adrian, Mel Blanc, Wally Brown, Sharon Douglas, Verna Felton, Sidney Fields, Frank Nelson, Martha Wentworth, and Benay Venuta. Ken Niles was the show's longtime announcer, doubling as an exasperated foil to Abbott & Costello's mishaps (and often fuming in character as Costello insulted his on-air wife routinely); he was succeeded by Michael Roy, with annoncing chores also handled over the years by Frank Bingman and Jim Doyle. The show went through several orchestras during its radio life, including those of Ennis, Charles Hoff, Matty Matlock, Jack Meaking, Will Osborne, Freddie Rich, Leith Stevens, and Peter van Steeden. The show's writers included Howard Harris, Hal Fimberg, Parke Levy, Don Prindle, Ed Cherokee, Len Stern, Martin Ragaway, Paul Conlan, and Ed Forman, as well as producer Martin Gosch. Sound effects were handled mostly by Floyd Caton. Abbott and Costello moved the show to ABC (the former NBC Blue Network) five years after they premiered on NBC. During their ABC period they also hosted a 30-minute children's radio program(The Abbott and Costello Children's Show), which aired Saturday mornings with vocalist Anna Mae Slaughter and announcer Johnny McGovern. THIS EPISODE: January 27, 1949. ABC network. Music fill for local commercial insert. "Sam Shovel" solves "The Case Of The General Who Opened Up A Drive-In and Was Caught Selling Horse Meat," or "Custer's Last Hamburger Stand". Hal Winters sings, "June In January." The system cue is added live. Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Matty Malneck and His Orchestra, Veola Vonn, Hal Winters, Ed Forman (writer), Paul Conlan (writer), Pat Costello (writer), Martin Ragaway (writer), Leonard Stern (writer), Charles Vanda (producer), George Fenneman (announcer). 30:072.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Tales Of The Texas Rangers" - Open And Shut (09-23-50)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 11 May 2012 04:59:30 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Tales Of The Texas Rangers" - Open And Shut (Aired September 23, 1950)
During the opening and closing credits of the TV show, the actors would march toward the camera and sing the theme song, "These Are Tales of Texas Rangers", to the tune of "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You", which is also the tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad". The radio series used contemporary cases and modern detective methods to solve crimes; it was a procedural drama, in many ways Dragnet with a Western flavor. The TV show was aimed at kids (and aired on Saturday mornings) and was more of a traditional Western (with chases and shoot-outs). The TV series did both modern cases and cases set in the "Old West." With new cases using a car with horse float to get the rangers to their destinations it always made sure that the use of horses was only a step away. With older themes they would always ride into town on the horses to mete out their justice, they wore differing ranger attire for new and old scenes, also their weaponry was totally different. THIS EPISODE: September 23, 1950. NBC network. "Open and Shut". Sustaining. Quality upgrade, network version. A young Mexican is obviously the killer of a young accountant in Lover's Lane. The date is subject to correction. Joan Banks, Joel McCrea, Parley Baer, Francis X. Bushman, Hal Gibney (announcer), Stacy Keach (producer, director), Tony Barrett, Vivi Janis. 30:11.

The Chicago Theater Of The Air - Bittersweet (04-29-50)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 11 May 2012 03:14:34 GMT

Bittersweet (Aired April 29, 1950
The Chicago Theater Of The Air was a rather unique program that was created in 1940, during a time when operas and dramas were popular. The show attempted to add a degree of high culture to American entertainment. The operas were translated into English. A few examples of high end creations were Madame Butterfly, The Vagabond King and The Merry Widow. THIS EPISODE: April 29, 1950. Mutual network. "Bittersweet". Sustaining. Noel Coward's first major effort as a composer. Romance and music in the Vienna of the 1880's...mit schlag! Colonel McCormick's talk is titled "The Battle Of Lexington." It's delivered on the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of the battle. Marion Claire (performer, producer), John Barclay, Muriel Bremner, Everett Clark, Maurice Copeland, Nancy Carr, David Polari, Bruce Foote, Henry Weber (conductor), Jack LaFrandre (writer, director), Robert Trendler (choral director), Noel Coward (composer), Lee Bennett (announcer), Robert McCormick. 1:03:18.

Escape - Action (07-21-49)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:48:48 GMT

Action (Aired July 21, 1949)
Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with the introduction, intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday routine? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!” Of the more than 230 Escape episodes, most have survived in good condition. Many story premises, both originals and adaptations, involved a protagonist in dire life-or-death straits, and the series featured more science fiction and supernatural tales than Suspense. THIS EPISODE: July 21, 1949. CBS network. "Action". Sustaining. A man caught in an impossible situation while climbing a glacier waits to die...when he hears a call for help. The script was previously used on "Escape" on April 4, 1948 and subsequently on "Suspense" on October 5, 1953. The system cue has been deleted. Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Joseph Kearns, Maria Palmer, Charles Montague (author), Les Crutchfield (adaptor), Wilbur Hatch (special music arranger, conductor), Jeff Corey, Tip Corning (announcer), Wilms Herbert, Ben Wright, Tudor Owen, William Johnstone. 28:48.

Casey Crime Photographer - Ex-convict (01-22-48)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 10 May 2012 17:51:00 GMT

Ex-convict (Aired January 22, 1948)
Casey's beat was Manhattan instead of Boston in Crime Photographer's television incarnation. Jack Casey [Richard Carlyle] continues his fondness for jazz, and The Blue Note Café continues as the anchor for the Television Casey. The Television scripts were exposited in flashback format, with Casey narrating his latest exploit to Ethelbert the bartender. The 'Morning Express' also makes the transition from Boston to Manhattan, with reporter Ann Williams augmented by cub reporter Jack Lipman. Two months into the Television run, CBS re-cast Casey and Ethelbert, substituting young Darren McGavin as Jack Casey. The most distinguishing element of the short-lived Television Casey was its direction, with the famed future Film Director Sidney Lumet helming the series. CBS and Coxe took another run at Crime Photographer over Radio in 1954, reprising Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson and Jan Miner in their previous Radio roles. The 1954 run extended to the Spring of 1955, at which point the Crime Photographer franchise had pretty much run its course. THIS EPISODE: January 22, 1948. CBS network. "Ex-Convict". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. Casey pretends to be an ex-con to discover who is behind the series of crimes being blamed on ex-convicts who are being helped by the kindly Mr. Maddox. Alonzo Deen Cole (writer), Archie Bleyer (music), Herman Chittison (piano), Jan Miner, John Dietz (director), John Gibson, Staats Cotsworth, Tony Marvin (announcer), George Harmon Coxe (creator). 30:38.

The Amos & Andy Show - Andy's New Job In Brazil (04-22-47)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:04:06 GMT

Andy's New Job In Brazil (Aired April 22, 1947)
As a result of its extraordinary popularity, Amos 'n' Andy profoundly influenced the development of dramatic radio. Working alone in a small studio, Correll and Gosden created an intimate, understated acting style that differed sharply from the broad manner of stage actors -- a technique requiring careful modulation of the voice, especially in the portrayal of multiple characters. The performers pioneered the technique of varying both the distance and the angle of their approach to the microphone to create the illusion of a group of characters. Listeners could easily imagine that that they were actually in the taxicab office, listening in on the conversation of close friends. The result was a uniquely absorbing experience for listeners who in radio's short history had never heard anything quite like Amos 'n' Andy. While minstrel-style wordplay humor was common in the formative years of the program, it was used less often as the series developed, giving way to a more sophisticated approach to characterization. Correll and Gosden were fascinated by human nature, and their approach to both comedy and drama drew from their observations of the traits and motivations that drive the actions of all people. THIS EPISODE: April 22, 1947. Program #63. "Andy's New Job In Brazil" - NBC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. Andy has been offered a job at his uncle's rubber plantation in Brazil. The Kingfish books his passage on a cattle boat! The script was subsequently used on October 14, 1951. Freeman Gosden, Charles Correll, Lud Gluskin and His Orchestra, The Delta Rhythm Boys, Ernestine Wade, Eddie Green, Carlton KaDell (announcer). 28:07.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Adventures Of Kit Carson" - The Murango Story (09-08-51)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 10 May 2012 04:41:21 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Adventures Of Kit Carson" - The Murango Story (Aired September 8, 1951)
The Adventures of Kit Carson, proved a popular Western in the early 1950s, geared for the children's market, although there was very little historical fact in this series about the real Kit Carson, famous Indian Scout and explorer of the Western Frontier. Kit Carson and El Toro, his Mexican sidekick, roamed the Wild West, traveling from Wyoming to Texas during the 1880s, chasing desperadoes, tracking wild game, drinking coffee by their campfire, and delighting youthful audiences. This, of course, was historically inaccurate, since the real Kit Carson died in 1868 at age fifty-nine. At the time he was an Indian agent at Fort Lyon, Colorado. Bill Williams as Kit Carson, Don Diamond as El Toro and Hank Patterson as Sierra Jack (Host).

The Philco Radio Hall Of Fame - Special Guest Is Kate Smith (12-02-45)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 10 May 2012 02:29:44 GMT

Special Guest Is Kate Smith (Aired December 2, 1945)
The Philco Radio Hall of Fame (aka: Radio Hall Of Fame) ran from 1943 to 1946 and was a variety show that starred the greatest performers of the 1940's and hosted by Paul Whitman. The finest of hollywood appeared. Ronald Colman, The Merry Macs, Henry Youngman, Kate Smith, Groucho Marx, Martha Raye, Dale Evans, just to name a few. Paul Samuel Whiteman (March 28, 1890 – December 29, 1967) was an American bandleader and orchestral director. Leader of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920s, Whiteman produced recordings that were immensely successful, and press notices often referred to him as the "King of Jazz". Using a large ensemble and exploring many styles of music, Whiteman is perhaps best known for his blending of symphonic music and jazz, as typified by his 1924 commissioning and debut of George Gershwin's jazz-influenced "Rhapsody In Blue". Whiteman recorded many jazz and pop standards during his career, including "Wang Wang Blues", "Mississippi Mud", "Rhapsody in Blue", "Wonderful One", "Hot Lips", "Mississippi Suite", and "Grand Canyon Suite". His popularity faded in the swing music era of the 1930s, and by the 1940s Whiteman was semi-retired from music. THIS EPISODE: December 2, 1945. "Special Guest Is Kate Smith" - ABC network. Sponsored by: Philco. The first tune is, "It's Been A Long, Long Time." Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra, Glenn Riggs (announcer), Kate Smith (guest), Martha Tilton. 28:47.

Barry Craig Confidential Investigator - Murder By Error (07-13-54)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 09 May 2012 22:50:10 GMT

Murder By Error (Aired July 13, 1954)
Originally aired October 31, 1951 Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer. William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye BARRY CRAIG while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man. As the promos went, he was "your man when you can't go to the cops. THIS EPISODE: July 13, 1954. NBC network. "Murder By Error". Sustaining. The husband of a beautiful woman is being blackmailed for $10,000 by a strange looking midget. The case soon leads to diamond smuggling and murder! The system cue has been deleted. Arthur Jacobson (director), Edward King (announcer), Herb Vigran, William Gargan, John Roeburt (writer), Jeanne Bates, Herb Ellis, Hal Gerard, Julie Bennett. 29:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Whistler - The Cheat (02-06-49)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:34:37 GMT

The Cheat (Aired February 6, 1949)
The Whistler was one of radio's most popular mystery dramas, with a 13-year run from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955. If it now seems to have been influenced explicitly by The Shadow, The Whistler was no less popular or credible with its listeners, the writing was first class for its genre, and it added a slightly macabre element of humor that sometimes went missing in The Shadow's longer-lived crime stories. Writer-producer J. Donald Wilson established the tone of the show during its first two years, and he was followed in 1944 by producer-director George Allen. Other directors included Sterling Tracy and Sherman Marks with final scripts by Joel Malone and Harold Swanton. A total of 692 episodes were produced, yet despite the series' fame, over 200 episodes are lost today. In 1946, a local Chicago version of The Whistler with local actors aired Sundays on WBBM, sponsored by Meister Brau beer. THIS EPISODE: February 6, 1949. CBS Pacific network. "The Cheat". Sponsored by: Signal Oil. A man needs $35,000 to achieve independence. How to get the money from his wealthy, scatter-brained wife. Well, there's always George Turner! Marvin Miller (announcer), George W. Allen (producer, director), Wilbur Hatch (music), John Hoyt, Sarah Selby, Bernard Gerard (writer). 25:55.

The Martin & Lewis Show - Special Guest Is Billie Burke (08-23-49)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:04:42 GMT

Special Guest Is Billie Burke (Aired August 23, 1949)
On July 25, 1946, Jerry began a show business partnership with Dean Martin, an association that would soon skyrocket both to fame. It started when Jerry was performing at the 500 Club in Atlantic City and one of the other entertainers quit suddenly. Lewis, who had worked with Martin at the Glass Hat in New York City, suggested Dean as a replacement. At first they worked separately, but then ad-libbed together, improvising insults and jokes, squirting seltzer water, hurling bunches of celery and exuding general zaniness. In less than eighteen weeks their salaries soared from $250.00 a week to $5,000.00. For ten years Martin and Lewis sandwiched sixteen money making films between nightclub engagements, personal appearances, recording sessions, radio shows, and television bookings. Their last film together was "Hollywood or Bust" (1956). On July 25th of that year the two made their last nightclub appearance together at the Copacabana, exactly ten years to the day since they became a team. THIS EPISODE: August 23, 1949. "Special Guest Is Billie Burke" - NBC network. Sustaining. Dean's first tune is "Let's Take An Old Fashioned Walk." The boys buy a nightclub, but not the land underneath it...that belongs to guest Billie Burke. Dick Stabile and His Orchestra, Flo McMichaels, Ben Alexander (announcer), Robert L. Redd (producer, director), Dick McKnight (writer), Ray Allen (writer), Mort Lachman (writer), Sy Rose (writer), Billie Burke, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Sheldon Leonard. 30:10.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Cisco Kid" - Murder At The Triple S (09-14-54)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:05:41 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Cisco Kid" - Murder At The Triple S (Aired September 14, 1954)
The Cisco Kid came to radio October 2, 1942, with Jackson Beck in the title role and Louis Sorin as Pancho. With Vicki Vola and Bryna Raeburn in supporting roles and Michael Rye announcing, this series continued on Mutual until 1945. It was followed by another Mutual series in 1946, starring Jack Mather and Harry Lang, who continued to head the cast in the syndicated radio series of more than 600 episodes from 1947 to 1956. The radio episodes ended with one or the other of them making a corny joke about the adventure they had just completed. They would laugh, saying, "'oh, Pancho!" "'oh, Cisco!", before galloping off, while laughing. THIS EPISODE: September 14, 1954. Program #225. Mutual-Don Lee network, KHJ, Los Angeles origination, Ziv syndication. "Murder At The Triple-S". Commercials added locally. Rufe Dunbar and his henchmen plan to take over a ranch. They start the process with a double-murder! Jack Mather, Harry Lang. 28:12.

Space Patrol - City Of The Sun (11-08-52)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:59:23 GMT

City Of The Sun (Aired November 8, 1952)
The success of the TV show spawned a radio version, which ran for 129 episodes from October 1952 to March 1955. The same cast of actors performed on both shows. The writers, scripts, adventures and director were quite different in radio versus TV incarnations. Naturally, the series lacked the adult sophistication of such shows as X Minus One, which focused on adapting short fiction by notable genre names as Robert A. Heinlein and Ray Bradbury. But as a throwback to the sort of Golden Age space opera popularized in the 1930s, the days of science fiction's infancy, by pioneering magazine editor Hugo Gernsback, Space Patrol is prized by OTR collectors today as one of radio's most enjoyable adventures. THIS EPISODE: November 8, 1952. ABC network. "The City Of The Sun". Sponsored by: Ralston Cereals (Space-O-Phone premium). Commander Corry and Cadet Happy are attacked with a monstrous six wheeled atomic drilling machine on the planet Mercury. Bela Kovacs, Dick Tufeld (announcer), Ed Kemmer, Larry Robertson (producer, director), Lyn Osborn, Mike Mosser (creator), Norman Jolley. 28:13.

MOVIE - All In The Family - Edith's Winning Ticket (12-09-72) MOVIE

Bob Camardella — Tue, 08 May 2012 21:45:57 GMT

Edith's Winning Ticket (Aired December 9, 1972) MOVIE
All in the Family is an American situation comedy that was originally broadcast on the CBS television network from January 12, 1971 to April 8, 1979. In September 1979, the show was revamped, and given a new title, Archie Bunker's Place. This version of the sitcom lasted another four years, ending its run in 1983. Produced by Norman Lear, it was based on the British television comedy series Till Death Us Do Part. The show broke ground in its depiction of issues previously considered unsuitable for U.S. network television comedy, such as racism, homosexuality, women's liberation, rape, miscarriage, abortion, breast cancer, the Vietnam War, menopause and impotence. The show ranked #1 in the yearly Nielsen ratings from 1971 to 1976. As of 2010 it has, along with The Cosby Show and American Idol, been one of only three shows to top the ratings for at least five consecutive seasons. THIS EPISODE: December 9, 1972. "Edith's Winning Ticket" - Edith finds a winning lottery ticket in her purse. Thinking they're in the money, Archie tells Edith to collect. But Archie is once again foiled by his wife's honesty – the ticket, along with the prize, is really Louise Jefferson's. Archie, determined to collect the prize he thinks is rightfully the Bunkers', nearly brings an end to the friendship between Edith and Louise.

Broadway Is My Beat - The Hope Anderson Murder Case (03-31-50)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:49:43 GMT

The Hope Anderson Murder Case (Aired March 31, 1950)
Broadway Is My Beat, a radio crime drama, ran on CBS from February 27, 1949 to August 1, 1954. With Anthony Ross portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover, the show originated from New York during its first three months on the air. The series featured music by Robert Stringer, and scripts by Peter Lyon. John Dietz directed for producer Lester Gottlieb (eventually succeeding him as producer). Bern Bennett was the original announcer. Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton S. Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer, as was Joe Walters. THIS EPISODE: March 31, 1950. "The Hope Anderson Murder Case" - CBS network. Sustaining. Hope Anderson has been found shot in a fountain, her boyfriend has been found shot in Montauk...and so is Danny Clover. This is a network version. Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Herb Butterfield, Frances Chaney, Jody Gilbert, Don Orrick, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Alexander Courage (composer, conductor), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Joe Walters (announcer), Eda Reiss Merin. 29:30.

The Aldrich Family - Legal Trouble (03-11-43)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:08:17 GMT

Legal Trouble (Aired March 11, 1943)
The Aldrich Family, a popular radio teenage situation comedy (1939-1953), is remembered first and foremost for its unforgettable introduction: awkward teen Henry's mother calling, "Hen-reeeeeeeeeeeee! Hen-ree Al-drich!" A top-ten ratings hit within two years of its birth (in 1941, the showm carried a 33.4 Crossley rating, landing it solidly alongside Jack Benny and Bob Hope), the show is considered a prototype for teen-oriented situation comedies to follow on radio and television and is a favourite if dated find for old-time radio collectors today. The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time. The Aldriches ran in that slot from October 10, 1939 until May 28, 1940, moving to Thursdays, from July 4, 1940 until July 20, 1944. After a brief hiatus, the show moved to CBS, running on Fridays from September 1, 1944 until August 30, 1946 with sponsors Grape Nuts and Jell-O,.before moving back to NBC from September 05, 1946 to June 28, 1951 on Thursdays and, then, its final run of September 21, 1952 to April 19, 1953 on Sundays. THIS EPISODE: March 11, 1943. "Legal Trouble" - NBC network. Sponsored by Postum. Why are Henry and Homer late for school each morning? What have they done that's against the law? It appears as if they've stolen two bicycles. Ezra Stone, Jackie Kelk, Dan Seymour (announcer), Clifford Goldsmith (creator, writer). 29:36.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - The New Hotel (02-19-56)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 08 May 2012 03:59:37 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - The New Hotel (Aired February 19, 1956)
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961, and John Dunning writes that among radio drama enthusiasts "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television version ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and still remains the United States' longest-running prime time, live-action drama with 635 episodes ("Law and Order" ended in 2010 with 476 episodes). The half-hour animated comedy "The Simpsons", is slated for a 21st season in Fall 2010. In the late 1940s, CBS chairman William S. Paley, a fan of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe radio serial, asked his programming chief, Hubell Robinson, to develop a hardboiled Western series, a show about a "Philip Marlowe of the Old West." Robinson instructed his West Coast CBS Vice-President, Harry Ackerman, who had developed the Philip Marlowe series, to take on the task. Ackerman and his scriptwriters, Mort Fine and David Friedkin, created an audition script called "Mark Dillon Goes to Gouge Eye". Two auditions were created in 1949. THIS EPISODE: February 19, 1956. CBS network. "New Hotel". Sponsored by: Chesterfield. A new hotel is being built by Enoch Mills, which doesn't please Jim Dobie, the owner of "The Dodge House." William Conrad, Lawrence Dobkin, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Harry Bartell, Vic Perrin (doubles), Joseph Du Val, John Dehner, Bob Haggart (featured in one of the Chesterfield commercials), John Meston (writer), Rex Koury (music), Howard McNear, Lawrence Dobkin, George Walsh (announcer). 25:16.

You Bet Your Life - Secret Word Is Paper (01-14-55)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:54:01 GMT

Secret Word Is Paper (Aired January 14, 1955)
Contestant teams usually consisted of one male and one female, most selected from the studio audience. Occasionally famous or otherwise interesting figures were invited to play (i.e., a Korean-American contestant who was a veteran and had been a prisoner of war during the Korean War). After his signature introduction of "Here he is: the one, the ONLY..." by Fenneman and finished by a thunderous "GROUCHO!" from the audience, Marx would be introduced to the music of "Hooray for Captain Spaulding", his signature song. Some show tension revolved around whether a contestant would say the "secret word", a common word revealed to the audience at the show's outset. If a contestant said the word, a toy duck resembling Groucho with a mustache and eyeglasses, and with a cigar in its bill, descended from the ceiling to bring a $100 bill. A cartoon of a duck with a cigar was also used in opening title sequence. THIS EPISODE: January 14, 1955. Syndicated, WNEW-TV, New York audio aircheck. The Secret Word Is Paper. Participating sponsors. The first contestant is Frank Farber. Syndicated rebroadcast date: April 7, 1975. Groucho Marx, George Fenneman (announcer), Jack Meakin (music), Frank Farber. 29:48.

Barrel Of Fun - Winning A Prize Drawing (12-18-41)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 07 May 2012 23:07:30 GMT

Winning A Prize Drawing (Aired December 18, 1941)
Barrel of Fun was a comedy musical that ran from 1941 to 1942 and stars Charlie Ruggles who is a comedian and quick wit who loves to make endless quips. Ruggles was so versatile, he could play infants to old men and he also had one of theose famous rubbery faces. Charlie Ruggles was a comic American actor. In a career spanning six decades, Ruggles appeared in close to 100 feature films. He was also the brother of director, producer, and silent actor Wesley Ruggles (1889–1972). From 1929, Ruggles appeared in talking pictures. His first was Gentleman of the Press in which he played a comic, alcoholic newspaper reporter. Throughout the 1930s he was teamed with comic actress Mary Boland in a string of domestic farces, notably Six of a Kind, Ruggles of Red Gap, and People Will Talk; Boland was the domineering wife and Ruggles the mild-mannered husband. Ruggles is best remembered today as the big-game hunter in Bringing Up Baby. In other films he often played the "comic relief" character in otherwise straight films. In all, he appeared in about 100 movies. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard. THIS EPISODE: December 18, 1941. Program #20. "Winning A Prize Drawing" - Mutual network origination, syndicated. Sustaining. The first tune is, "You're Grand." Charlie needs money badly and wins a $500 prize at bank night in a theatre. David Rose and His Orchestra, Benny Rubin, Verna Felton, Jerry Hausner, Sara Berner, Hanley Stafford, Charlie Lung, Harry Lang, Linda Ware, The Sportsmen, Charles Ruggles, Art Gilmore (announcer). 28:56.

Jeff Regan Private Investigator - The Prodigal Daughter (07-17-48)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 07 May 2012 18:31:40 GMT

The Prodigal Daughter (Aired July 17, 1948)
Jeff Regan, Investigator was one of the three detective shows Jack Webb did before Dragnet (see also Pat Novak For Hire and Johnny Modero: Pier 23). It debuted on CBS in July 1948. Webb played JEFF REGAN, a tough private eye working in a Los Angeles investigation firm run by Anthony J. Lyon. Regan introduced himself on each show "I get ten a day and expenses...they call me the Lyon's Eye." The show was fairly well-plotted, Webb's voice was great, and the supporting cast were skillful. Regan handled rough assignments from Lion, with whom he was not always on good terms. He was tough, tenacious, and had a dry sense of humor. The voice of his boss, Anthony Lion, was Wilms Herbert. The show ended in December 1948 but was resurrected in October 1949 with a new cast; Frank Graham played Regan (later Paul Dubrov was the lead) and Frank Nelson portrayed Lion. This version ran on CBS, sometimes as a West Coast regional, until August 1950. Both versions were 30 minutes, but the day and time slot changed several times. A total of 29 episodes from this series are in trading currency. THIS EPISODE: July 17, 1948. CBS network. "The Prodigal Daughter". Sustaining. Regan travels to New Orleans to find a wealthy man's daughter. He succeeds, but finds her laid out for burial...or does he? Betty Lou Gerson, Del Castillo (organ), E. Jack Neuman (writer), Eve McVeagh, Gordon T. Hughes (producer, director), Harry Lang, Jack Webb, Laurette Fillbrandt, Lou Krugman, Theodore Von Eltz, Wilms Herbert, Bob Stevenson (announcer). 29:20.

The Maxwell House Burns & Allen Show - Frank Sinatra Must LeaveTown (11-07-46)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:23:50 GMT

Frank Sinatra Must Leave Town (Aired November 7, 1946)
Burns and Allen are one of the most beloved couple in old time radio. They got started, like many of the greats of old time radio, in vaudeville, which is really just the touring popular entertainment in America prior to movies. Gracie was the sparkplug of the act, always the center of attention. George played the foil, the guy vainly trying to make sense of the ditzy world of Gracie. By the early 30s, Gracie was probably the best known woman on radio. Gracie often sang in a voice that showed she was also an excellent comedienne songstress. The shows had names after the sponsors, such as Maxwell House Coffee Time, or The Ammident Show - it was the Burns and Allen show to the public. Other fine radio actors were a part of the fun. Mel Blanc did the happy postman, and was also famous for his zany characters on The Jack Benny Show, and his own Mel Blanc Show. Elliott Lewis, a veteran of many radio dramas, played many of the bit parts on the Burns and Allen shows of the 40s. Burns & Allen were touring England in 1929 when they made their first radio appearance on the BBC. Gracie Allen died on August 27, 1964. George Burns died on March 9, 1996. First Broadcast date february 15th 1932. Last Broadcast date may 17th 1950. THIS EPISODE: November 7, 1946. "Frank Sinatra Must Leave Town" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Maxwell House Coffee, Birdseye Foods. Gracie tries to get guest Frank Sinatra to leave town. At the opening, Bill messes up the line, "Starring George Burns and Gracie Allen." George Burns, Gracie Allen, Bill Goodwin, Meredith Willson and His Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, Tobe Reed (commercial spokesman), Mel Blanc (as "The Postman"). 24:07.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Buffalo Bill Jr." - Runaway Renegade (03-01-55)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:46:15 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Buffalo Bill Jr." - Runaway Renegade (Aired March 1, 1955)
Buffalo Bill, Jr. is an American Western television series starring Dickie Jones that aired in syndication from March 1, 1955, until September 21, 1956. Jones portrayed Buffalo Bill, Jr., an orphan adopted by Judge Ben Wiley (played by Harry Cheshire). Bill and his younger sister, Calamity (played by Nancy Gilbert), live with Judge Wiley in fictitious Wileyville, Texas, a town founded by the judge. The sign on Judge Wiley's shop reads, "Wileyville General Store / Groceries - Hardware - Dry Goods / Judge Ben 'Fair 'n' Square' Wiley, Prop. / Justice of the Peace / Town Marshal / Physician & Surgeon / Blacksmith / Haircuts - Legal Advice / By Appointment Only" Dick Jones, who starred as Buffalo Bill Jr., also played "Dick West" the sidekick to _"The Range Rider"(1951)_, another Western series that was still seen regularly at the time of this series. In the script, young Bill is the marshal of Wileyville. Bob Woodward appeared in twenty episodes as a stagecoach driver. The program, which lasted for a season and a half, was produced by Gene Autry's Flying A Productions. Guest stars who appeared on Buffalo Bill Jr., include: Chris Alcaide, Lane Bradford, X Brands, William Fawcett (five episodes as Banker Taggert), James Griffith, Stacy Harris, Myron Healey (seven times as Butch Cassidy), Ed Hinton, Harry Lauter, Dennis Moore, Slim Pickens, Denver Pyle, Glenn Strange, and Lee Van Cleef. In 1964, the series appeared on ABC's Saturday morning schedule for one year. THIS EPISODE: March 1, 1955. Bill helps a man falsely accused of murdering the sheriff. Bill: Dick Jones. Calamity: Nancy Gilbert. Judge: Harry Cheshire.

Candy Matson - The Egyptian Amulet (10-23-50)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:40:32 GMT

The Egyptian Amulet (Aired October 23, 1950)
Candy Matson was the private eye star of Candy Matson, YUkon 2-8208, an NBC West Coast show which first aired in March 1949 and was created by Monty Masters. He cast his wife, Natalie Parks, in the title role of this sassy, sexy PI. Her understated love interest, Lt. Ray Mallard, was played by Henry Leff while her assistant and best pal, aptly named Rembrandt Watson, was the voice of Jack Thomas. Every show opened with a ringing telephone and our lady PI answering it with "Candy Matson, YU 2-8209" and then the organ swung into the theme song, "Candy". Each job took Candy from her apartment on Telegraph Hill into some actual location in San Francisco. The writers, overseen by Monty, worked plenty of real Bay Area locations into every plot. Candy was bright, tough, and fearless. She used her pistol infrequently, but was unintimidated by bad guys, regardless of circumstances. Threats, assaults, and even bullets would usually produce a caustic, but clever, response for this blonde sleuth. She and Mallard were frequently working the same case, but she usually solved it first. OTR experts generally agree that this show was the finest of all the female PIs. THIS EPISODE: October 23, 1950. NBC network, San Francisco origination. Sustaining. Candy solves a murder case involving a strange Egyptian Amulet. John Grover, Henry Leff, Jack Thomas, Monte Masters (writer, director), Bill Brownell (sound effects), Eloise Rowan (organ), Dudley Manlove (announcer), Natalie Masters, Frank Baron (engineer), Lou Tobin. 32:03.

Author's Playhouse - Two Of A Kind (07-28-44)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 06 May 2012 23:25:16 GMT

Two Of A Kind (Aired July 28, 1944)
Author's Playhouse was an anthology radio drama series, created by Wynn Wright, that aired on the NBC Blue Network from March 5, 1941 until October 1941. It then moved to the NBC Red Network where it was heard until June 4, 1945. Philip Morris was the sponsor in 1942-43. Premiering with "Elementals" by Stephen Vincent Benét, the series featured adaptations of stories by famous authors, such as “Mr. Mergenthwirker’s Lobbies” by Nelson Bond, "The Snow Goose" by Paul Gallico, "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, "The Piano" by William Saroyan and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber. Cast members included Curley Bradley, John Hodiak, Marvin Miller, Nelson Olmsted, Fern Persons, Olan Soule and Les Tremayne. Orchestra conductors for the program were Joseph Gallicchio, Rex Maupin and Roy Shield. Directors included Norman Felton, Homer Heck and Fred Weihe. The series was a precursor to several NBC radio programs of the late 1940s and early 1950s: The World's Great Novels, NBC Presents: Short Story and The NBC University Theater. THIS EPISODE: July 28, 1944. NBC network. "Two Of A Kind". Sustaining. Two divers descend beneath the sea to rescue men and papers from a sunken sub. H. Vernon Dickson (writer). 28:06.

The CBS Radio Mystery Theater - The International Dateline (04-25-78

Bob Camardella — Sun, 06 May 2012 18:23:42 GMT

The International Dateline (Aired April 25, 1978)
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater (or CBSRMT) was an ambitious and sustained attempt to revive the great drama of old-time radio in the 1970s. Created by Himan Brown (who had by then become a radio legend due to his work on Inner Sanctum Mysteries and other shows dating back to the 1930s), and aired on affiliate stations across the CBS Radio network, the series began its long run on January 6, 1974. The final episode ran on December 31, 1982. The show was broadcast nightly and ran for one hour, including commercials. Typically, a week consisted of three to four new episodes, with the remainder of the week filled out with reruns. There were a total of 1399 original episodes broadcast. The total number of broadcasts, including reruns, was 2969. The late E.G. Marshall hosted the program every year but the final one, when actress Tammy Grimes took over. Each episode began with the ominous sound of a creaking door, slowly opening to invite listeners in for the evening's adventure. At the end of each show, the door would swing shut, with Marshall signing off, "Until next time, pleasant...dreams?"

The Jack Benny Grape Nuts Flakes Show - Guest Is Groucho Marx (02-20-44)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 06 May 2012 13:50:55 GMT

Guest Is Groucho Marx (Aired February 20, 1944)
Benny was remarkable in many ways, but in none more than this: he built a character of every sour ingredient in life, but somehow his real personality trickled through and made it wonderful. Would a real miser act that way before 30 million people each week? The Benny of the air was a fraud, a myth, a creation. It should have surprised no one to learn — after years of toupee jokes that played so well into the vanity theme — that Benny never wore one. He overtipped in restaurants, gave away his time in countless benefit performances, and was lavish in his praise of almost everyone else. The Jack Benny Program is a classic comedy that is truly one of the best-loved programs from the Golden Age of Radio. It started life as The Canada Dry Program in 1932 on the Blue Network and finished off as The Lucky Strike Program on CBS in 1955. In between, it kept the audience in stitches and established Benny as one of America's all-time great comedians. THIS EPISODE: February 20, 1944. "Guest Groucho Marx" - Red network. Sponsored by: Grape-Nuts, Grape-Nuts Flakes, Grape-Nuts Wheat Meal. Guest Groucho Marx's ad libs have Jack cracking up within two minutes of Groucho's appearance. The cast does, "The Gilroy Murder Case." Rochester helps Don deliver one of the commercials. "L.S.M.F.T." is mentioned. Jack Benny, Don Wilson, Groucho Marx, Eddie Anderson, Mary Livingstone, Butterfly McQueen, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, John Brown, Ed Beloin (writer, performer), Mahlon Merrick (conductor). 30:42.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wagon Train" - The Malachi Hobart Story (01-24-62)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 06 May 2012 04:03:07 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wagon Train" - The Malachi Hobart Story (Aired January 24, 1962)
Wagon Train was a popular western series that ran on both NBC and ABC from September 18th, 1957 through May 2nd, 1965, for a total of 284 episodes. The show chronicled the trials and tribulations of pioneering families as they set out from the East to carve out a new life in the West in a wagon train making it's way from Missouri to California. It was set just a few years after The Civil War. For some of the travellers it was a happy ending, but not for all, which only heightened the drama along the way. Many times the train would have to "circle the wagons" to defend itself against Indian attacks. THIS EPISODE: January 24, 1962. Season 5. Episode 17. "The Malachi Hobart Story - Duke comes across Malachi Hobart, a preacher who has dedicated his life to his fellow man, and comes away impressed with the man's charitable works. However, he soon begins to believe that the preacher is in fact a con artist who is using religion to swindle people out of their money. Director: David Butler, Writer: Ken Kolb. Stars: John McIntire, Robert Horton and Denny Miller. 47:39.

Lights Out - Mirage (09-21-43)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 06 May 2012 03:15:26 GMT

Mirage (Aired September 21, 1943)
Lights Out was created in Chicago by writer Wyllis Cooper in 1934, and the first series of shows (each 15 minutes long) ran on a local NBC station, WENR. By April 1934, the series was expanded to a half hour in length and moved to midnight Wednesdays. In January 1935, the show was discontinued in order to ease Cooper's workload (he was then writing scripts for the network's prestigious Immortal Dramas program), but was brought back by huge popular demand a few weeks later. After a successful tryout in New York City, the series was picked up by NBC in April 1935 and broadcast nationally, usually late at night and always on Wednesdays. Cooper stayed on the program until June 1936, when another Chicago writer, Arch Oboler, took over. By the time Cooper left, the series had inspired about 600 fan clubs. Cooper's run was characterized by grisly stories spiked with dark, tongue-in-cheek humor, a sort of radio Grand Guignol. THIS EPISODE: September 21, 1943. CBS network. "Mirage". Sponsored by: Ironized Yeast, Energene. A good story about an old man who writes in the sand at night the date people are ging to die. Kate Smith makes an appeal for the Third War Loan (she's been on the air all day). Arch Oboler announces that next week's show will be the last of the series and that he plans to kill himself off! The script was used previously on "Arch Oboler Presents" on April 13, 1939, November 25, 1939. Arch Oboler (writer, host), Frank Martin (commercial spokesman), Lou Merrill, Anne Stone, Kate Smith, Katherine Thompson. 27:30.

Box 13 - The Better Man (01-02-49)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 05 May 2012 23:01:07 GMT

The Better Man (Aired January 2, 1949)
Box 13 was a syndicated radio series about the escapades of newspaperman-turned-mystery novelist Dan Holliday, played by film star Alan Ladd. Created by Ladd's company, Mayfair Productions, Box 13 premiered in 1947. In New York City, it first aired December 31, 1947, on Mutual's New York flagship, WOR. To seek out new ideas for his fiction, Holliday ran a classified ad in the Star-Times newspaper where he formerly worked: "Adventure wanted, will go anywhere, do anything -- write Box 13, Star-Times." The stories followed Holliday's adventures when he responded to the letters sent to him by such people as a psycho killer and various victims. Sylvia Picker appeared as Holliday's scatterbrained secretary, Suzy, while Edmund MacDonald played police Lt. Kling. Supporting cast members included Betty Lou Gerson, Frank Lovejoy, Lurene Tuttle, Alan Reed, Luis Van Rooten and John Beal. Vern Carstensen, who directed Box 13 for producer Richard Sanville, was also the show's announcer. THIS EPISODE: January 2, 1949. Program #20. Mutual network origination, Mayfair syndication. "The Better Man". Commercials added locally. Millionaire Charles Winthrop craves excitement. He hides $100,000 in cash to get it. Alan Ladd, Richard Sanville (director), Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Russell Hughes (writer), Sylvia Picker, Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 27:12.

The New Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes - Submarine Caves (03-04-46)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 05 May 2012 19:29:46 GMT

Submarine Caves (Aired March 4, 1946)
Holmes states that he first developed his deduction methods while an undergraduate. The author Dorothy L. Sayers suggested that, given details in two of the Adventures, Holmes must have been at Cambridge rather than Oxford and that "of all the Cambridge colleges, Sidney Sussex [College] perhaps offered the greatest number of advantages to a man in Holmes’ position and, in default of more exact information, we may tentatively place him there". His earliest cases, which he pursued as an amateur, came from fellow university students. According to Holmes, it was an encounter with the father of one of his classmates that led him to take up detection as a profession and he spent the six years following university working as a consulting detective, before financial difficulties led him to take Watson as a roommate, at which point the narrative of the stories begins. From 1881, Holmes is described as having lodgings at 221B Baker Street, London, from where he runs his private detective agency. 221B is an apartment up seventeen steps, stated in an early manuscript to be at the "upper end" of the road. Until the arrival of Dr. Watson, Holmes works alone, only occasionally employing agents from the city's underclass, including a host of informants and a group of street children he calls the Baker Street Irregulars. The Irregulars appear in three stories, "The Sign of the Four", "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Adventure of the Crooked Man". THIS EPISODE: March 4, 1946. "Submarine Caves" - Mutual network. Sponsored by: Petri Wines. An untitled adventure set on the channel island of Garth. Trying to secure the underwater caves on the island for the Crown, Holmes comes upon a murderess who dares him to do something about her crimes. The story is based on, "The Bruce Partington Plans" by Arthur Conan Doyle. Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Harry Bartell (announcer), Anthony Boucher (writer), Denis Green (writer), Dean Fosler (music), Arthur Conan Doyle (author), Edna Best (producer). 29:15.

The Old Gold Comedy Theater - Nothing But The Truth (01-14-45)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 05 May 2012 13:50:41 GMT

Nothing But The Truth (Aired January 14, 1945)
The Old Gold Comedy Theater was an NBC series that aired for the single 1944-1945 season, Sundays 10:30 - 11:00 pm. It was hosted by comedy star Harold Lloyd, of silent film fame, and featuring some of the biggest names from film and radio. In October 1944, Lloyd emerged as the director and host of The Old Gold Comedy Theater, an NBC radio anthology series, The show presented half-hour radio adaptations of recently successful film comedies, beginning with Palm Beach Story with Claudette Colbert and Robert Young. Some saw The Old Gold Comedy Theater as being a lighter version of Lux Radio Theater, and it featured some of the best-known film and radio personalities of the day, including Fred Allen, June Allyson, Lucille Ball, Ralph Bellamy, Linda Darnell, Susan Hayward, Herbert Marshall, Dick Powell, Edward G. Robinson, Jane Wyman, and Alan Young, among others. But the show's half-hour format — which meant the material might have been truncated too severely — and Lloyd's sounding somewhat ill at ease on the air for much of the season (though he spent weeks training himself to speak on radio prior to the show's premiere, and seemed more relaxed toward the end of the series run) may have worked against it.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Bonanza" - Half A Rogue (01-27-63)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 05 May 2012 05:44:06 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Bonanza" - Half A Rogue (Aired January 27, 1963)
Bonanza chronicled the weekly adventures of the Cartwright family, headed by wise widowed patriarch Ben Cartwright (played by Lorne Greene). He had three biological sons, each by a different wife: the oldest was the intelligent and moody Adam Cartwright (Pernell Roberts); the second was the fun and lovable Eric, better known to viewers by his middle name: "Hoss" (Dan Blocker); and the youngest was the hotheaded and impetuous Joseph or "Little Joe" (Michael Landon). The family's cook was the Chinese immigrant Hop Sing (Victor Sen Yung). The family lived on a thousand-square-mile ranch called "The Ponderosa", on the shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada; the name refers to the Ponderosa Pine, common in the West. THIS EPISODE: January 27, 1963. "Half A Rogue". Adapted for radio, co-starring Slim Pickens as mountain man Big Jim Leyton. 38:16.

Father Brown - The Sins Of Prince Saradin (02-14-86)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 05 May 2012 03:10:52 GMT

The Sins Of Prince Saradin (Aired February 14, 1986)
Father Brown is a fictional character created by English novelist G. K. Chesterton, who stars in 52 short stories, later compiled in five books. Chesterton based the character on Father John O'Connor (1870 - 1952), a parish priest in Bradford who was involved in Chesterton's conversion to Catholicism in 1922. The relationship was recorded by O'Connor in his 1937 book Father Brown on Chesterton. Father Brown is a short, stumpy Catholic priest, "formerly of Cobhole in Essex, and now working in London," with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, and uncanny insight into human evil. He makes his first appearance in the famous story "The Blue Cross" and continues through the five volumes of short stories, often assisted by the reformed criminal Flambeau. Father Brown also appears in a story "The Donnington Affair" that has a rather curious history. In the October 1914 issue of the obscure magazine The Premier, Sir Max Pemberton published the first part of the story, inviting a number of detective story writers, including Chesterton, to use their talents to solve the mystery of the murder described. Chesterton and Father Brown's solution followed in the November issue. The story was first reprinted in the Chesterton Review (Winter 1981, pp. 1-35) and in the book Thirteen Detectives. BBC Radio 4 produced a series of Father Brown stories from 1984 to 1986, starring Andrew Sachs as Father Brown. The first Father Brown story was published in 1910 in the Saturday Evening Post, years before Chesterton had even converted to Roman Catholicism. Forty-eight Father Brown stories were published before Chesterton’s death, and for many, the unassuming Catholic priest, who solved mysteries through close observation and intuition, remains the model clerical detective, unmatched by any subsequent efforts by other authors.

Boston Blackie - Mary At Sea (07-30-45)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 04 May 2012 23:15:15 GMT

Mary At Sea (Aired July 30, 1945)
The Boston Blackie radio series, also starring Morris, began June 23, 1944, on NBC as a summer replacement for The Amos 'n' Andy Show. Sponsored by Rinso, the series continued until September 15 of that year. Unlike the concurrent films, Blackie had a steady romantic interest in the radio show: Lesley Woods appeared as Blackie's girlfriend Mary Wesley. Harlow Wilcox was the show's announcer. On April 11, 1945, Richard Kollmar took over the title role in a radio series syndicated by Frederic W. Ziv to Mutual and other network outlets. Over 200 episodes of this series were produced between 1944 and October 25, 1950. Other sponsors included Lifebuoy Soap, Champagne Velvet beer, and R&H beer. While investigating mysteries, Blackie invaribly encountered harebrained Police Inspector Farraday (Maurice Tarplin) and always solved the mystery to Farraday's amazement. Initially, friction surfaced in the relationship between Blackie and Farraday, but as the series continued, Farraday recognized Blackie's talents and requested assistance. Blackie dated Mary Wesley (Jan Miner), and for the first half of the series, his best pal Shorty was always on hand. The humorless Farraday was on the receiving end of Blackie's bad puns and word play. Kent Taylor starred in the half-hour TV series, The Adventures of Boston Blackie. Syndicated in 1951, it ran for 58 episodes, continuing in repeats over the following decade.

Bold Venture - Deadly Merchandise (03-26-51)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:02:40 GMT

Deadly Merchandise (Aired March 26, 1951)
Bold Venture is a 1951-1952 syndicated radio series starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Morton Fine and David Friedkin scripted the taped series for Bogart's Santana Productions. Salty seadog Slate Shannon (Bogart) owns a Cuban hotel sheltering an assortment of treasure hunters, revolutionaries and other shady characters. With his sidekick and ward, the sultry Sailor Duval (Bacall), tagging along, he encounters modern-day pirates and other tough situations while navigating the waters around Havana. Aboard his boat, the Bold Venture, Slate and Sailor experience "adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean." Calypso singer King Moses (Jester Hairston) provided musical bridges by threading plot situations into the lyrics of his songs. Music by David Rose. Beginning March 26, 1951, the Frederic W. Ziv Company syndicated 78 episodes. Heard on 423 stations, the 30-minute series earned $4000 weekly for Bogart and Bacall. THIS EPISODE: March 26, 1951. Program #1. ZIV Syndication. "Deadly Merchandise". Commercials added locally. Bogart plays Slate Shannon who owns a hotel in Havana and gets involved in intrigue with his beautiful sidekick "Sailor." Shannon and Sailor get involved with a shipment of arms for a planned revolution. But Shannon never picked up the "merchandise" in Key West, and two murders follow because he doesn't have the guns. The date above is noted as the first known broadcast of the first episode, but that is subject to correction. The title of the story is also subject to correction. David Rose (composer, conductor), Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Henry Hayward (director), Jay Novello (doubles), Tony Barrett, Eve McVeagh, Betty Lou Gerson, Peter Leeds. 26:44.

Rogue's Gallery - Blood On The Sand (12-13-45)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 04 May 2012 13:36:39 GMT

Blood On The Sand (Aired December 13, 1945)
Rogue's Gallery came to the Mutual network on September 27, 1945 with Dick Powell portraying Richard Rogue, a private detective who invariably ended up getting knocked out each week and spending his dream time in acerbic conversation with his subconscious self, Eugor. Rogue's Gallery was, in a sense, Dick Powell's rehearsal for Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Powell played private detective Richard Rogue, who trailed luscious blondes, protected witness, and did whatever else detectives do to make a living. It was a good series, though not destined to make much of a mark. Under the capable direction of Dee Englebach and accompanied by the music of Leith Stevens, Powell floated through his lines with the help of such competents as Lou Merrill, Gerald Mohr, Gloria Blondell, Tony Barrett, and Lurene Tuttle. Peter Leeds played Rogue's friend Eugor, an obscure play on names with Eugor spelling Rogue backwards. The gimmick in Rogue's Gallery was the presence of an alter ego, "Eugor," who arrived in the middle of the show to give Rogue enough information for his final deduction. THIS EPISODE: December 13, 1945. Mutual network. "Blood On The Sand". Sponsored by: Fitch's Shampoo, Fitch's Shaving Cream. Richard Rogue is at the L7 Dude Ranch, trying to take a vacation, but finding himself in the middle of a murder case. Dee Englebach (producer, director), Dick Powell, Gerald Mohr, Jim Doyle (announcer), Leith Stevens (composer, conductor), Ray Buffum (writer), Peter Leeds. 30:49.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Real McCoys" - The Bigger They Are (12-12-57)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:26:33 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Real McCoys" - The Bigger They Are (Aired December 12, 1957)
A happy-go-lucking West Virginia mountain family picks up stakes and moves to a ranch in California's San Fernando Valley. Center of the action, and undisputed star of the show, was Grandpa, a porch-rockin', gol- darnin', consarnin' old geezer with a wheezy voice who liked to meddle in practically everybody's affairs, neighbors and kin alike. His kin were grandson Luke and his new bride, Kate; Luke's teenage sister, Hassie; and Luke's 11-year-old brother, Little Luke (their parents were deceased). Completing the regular cast were Pepino, their loyal farm hand; George MacMichael, their crusty neighbor and Amos' best friend; and Flora, George's spinster sister who had eyes for Amos. Grandpappy Amos was an incorrigible codger who was against anything anyone else was for. He had the regulation Heart of Gold stuck away somewhere, but he was cantankerous as all get out. With his shoulders and arms jumping, Amos walked like a chicken with a limp. He bullied, he blustered, he cajoled, he did everything he could to get his own way. His not being able to read or write got him into many predicaments, for he would never admit to being illiterate to anyone outside the family. In 1962 the series moved to CBS. Luke became a widower and many of the plots began to revolve around Grandpa's attempts to match him up with a new wife. The family consisted of Grandpa Amos McCoy, the head of the family played by Walter Brennan, his grandson Luke played by Richard Crenna, Luke's new bride Kate played by Kathleen Nolan, teenage sister Hassie played be Lydia Reed, and 11-year-old brother Little Luke played by Michael Winkelman. The Real McCoys paved the way for such rural hits as The Beverly Hillbillies and The Andy Griffith Show.

The Clock - The Jekyll & Hyde Gangster (10-02-47)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:46:56 GMT

The Jekyll & Hyde Gangster (Aired Octobber 2, 1947)
The Clock, is an Australian radio show, a dramatic thirty-minute suspense and mystery series. It was written by Lawrence Klee and narrated by "The Clock." First Broadcast in the United States was in November, 1946. It was syndicated by Grace Gibson syndication. At the time of production, the Australian accent, we now know and love, originating from the Irish and Cockney accents, was rather frowned upon by non other than Australians. The shows tried to sound neutral, then there was hope that the show could be sold to Great Britain and the United States. The show was bought by the ABC network in the States, although the ABC on the CD label (below) stands for the Australian Broadcast Company. The settings were usually generic and the actors tried to speak without a perceptible accent and for that reason the program sounded sort of "American". They occasionally slipped up on a few words, using 'boot' instead of 'trunk' when referring to a car. At the end of the fifteen month series run it continued for another 13 weeks but now with an All-American cast with new scripts and the entire crew including the cast, directors, musicians, etc., Americans. The series aired beyond this 13 week time period because some time after May 1948 there are at least three circulating "The Clock" programs from late 1948. There is some confusion as to whether the American version originated from New York and then moved to Los Angeles, or just broadcast from Los Angeles for the complete American run.

Dimension X - The Vital Factor (08-16-51)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 03 May 2012 23:07:37 GMT

The Vital Factor (Aired August 16, 1951)
Dimension X was first heard on NBC April 8, 1950, and ran until September 29, 1951. Strange that so little good science fiction came out of radio; they seem ideally compatible, both relying heavily on imagination. Some fine isolated science fiction stories were developed on the great anthology shows, Suspense and Escape. But until the premiere of Dimension X -- a full two decades after network radio was established -- there were no major science fiction series of broad appeal to adults. This show dramatized the work of such young writers as Ray Bradbury, Robert (Psycho) Bloch, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Kurt Vonnegut. In-house script writer was Ernest Kinoy, who adapted the master works and contributed occasional storied of his own. Dimension X was a very effective demonstration of what could be done with science fiction on the air. It came so late that nobody cared, but some of the stories stand as classics of the medium. Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven" is as gripping today as when first heard. His "Martian Chronicles" was one of the series' most impressive offerings. THIS EPISODE: August 16, 1951. NBC network. "The Vital Factor". Sustaining. A ruthless millionaire is determined to be the first man to conquer space...no matter what the cost. The script was used subsequently on "X Minus One" on November 30, 1955. Albert Buhrman (music), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), Howard Rodman (adaptor), John McGovern, Luis Van Rooten, Nelson Bond (author), Norman Rose (host), Raymond Edward Johnson, William Welch (producer), Fred Collins (announcer), Guy Repp, Dan Ocko, Martin Wolfson, Arthur Gary (announcer). 29:30.

This Is Your FBI - The Fugitive Traveler (06-06-47)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 03 May 2012 18:27:54 GMT

The Fugitive Traveler (Aired June 6, 1947)
This Is Your FBI was a radio crime drama which aired in the United States on ABC from April 6, 1945 to January 30, 1953. FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover gave it his endorsement, calling it "the finest dramatic program on the air." Producer-director Jerry Devine was given access to FBI files by Hoover, and the resulting dramatizations of FBI cases were narrated by Frank Lovejoy (1945), Dean Carleton (1946-47) and William Woodson (1948-53). Stacy Harris had the lead role of Special Agent Jim Taylor. Others in the cast were William Conrad, Bea Benaderet and Jay C. Flippen. This Is Your FBI was sponsored during its entire run by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (now AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company). This is Your FBI had counterparts on the other networks. The FBI in Peace and War also told stories of the FBI, although some were not authentic. Earlier on, Gangbusters, and the previously mentioned Mr. District Attorney gave the authentic crime treatment to their stories. And Dragnet, and Tales of the Texas Rangers, took the idea on as well. Crime, especially true crime, was a genre in the magazines early on, with the Police Gazette and its predecessors in England printing lurid true crime stories prior to radio. This is Your FBI took the idea, and made it realistic, exciting and even informational.

The Damon Runyon Theater - Social Error (05-28-49)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:36:33 GMT

Social Error (Aired May 29, 1949)
The Damon Runyon Theater was a series that was syndicated across the USA beginning in early 1949. Damon Runyon was a gifted sports writer in New York City as well as being a great journalist and great short story writer. His stories were humorous ones, written in the "dem" and "dose" vernacular of the city's loveable and not so loveable characters of Broadway, the prize ring and the underworld. His most famous collection of short stories, Guys and Dolls, was on Broadway and later made into a movie. Many of his stories were filmed including Sorrowful Jones, A Pocketful of Miracles, Lady for a Day, Blue Plate Special, The Lemon Drop Kid (twice) and Little Miss Marker (four times). In addition to this The Damon Runyon Theater was syndicated for television in the mid 1950s. THIS EPISODE: May 29, 1949. Program #35. Mayfair syndication. "Social Error". Commercials added locally. One does not plug other folk at parties in the best of circles. Damon Runyon (author), Jeff Chandler, John Brown, Richard Sanville (director), Russell Hughes (adaptor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor), Frank Gallop (announcer). 28:42.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Dr. Six Gun" - The Immigrant Settler (10-21-54)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:47:42 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Dr. Six Gun" - The Immigrant Settler (Aired October 21, 1954)
Doctor Six-Gun. NBC net origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. The stories revolve around physician Dr. Gray Matson who tends the sick and occasionally causes a pain or two with his quick-on-the-draw pistol. The stories are told by Pablo, the gypsy peddler and his pet raven "Midnight," sidekicks of the good doctor. Karl Weber and William Gruffis star as the doctor and the gypsy. The shows were written by Ernest Kinoy and George Lefferts, directed by Fred Weihe, Gene Hamilton usually announcing. Supporting players on the various shows below: William Redfield, Virginia Payne, Wendell Holmes, William Keene, Ralph Bell, Peter Capel, Kermit Murdock, Craig McDonald, Cameron Prud'homme, Joe De Santis, Roger De Koven, Edgar Stehli, Bob Haig, Jim Stevens, Santos Ortega, Lon Clark, Bill Adams, Les Damon, Kenny Delmar, Luis Van Rooten, Vicki Vola, Daniel Ocko, John Gibson, William Johnstone, Jim Boles, Bob Hastings, Ed Peck, Teri Keane, Bill Lipton, Ethel Everett, Ralph Camargo, Elaine Ross, Donald Buka, Nelson Olmstead, Robert Dryden, Jock MacGregor, Edwin Bruce, Leon Janney, Don Douglas, Humphrey Davis,, John Sylvester. This show: Doc and his gypsy sidekick Pablo come upon Mack Jarrett, a horse-breaker, who goes beserk when he can't get the better of a stallion. Ernest Kinoy (writer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), George Lefferts (writer), Karl Weber, William Griffis. THIS EPISODE: October 21, 1954. Program #8. "The Immigrant Settler" - NBC network. Sustaining. A gang of "night riders" tries to rid the valley of new immigrant settlers. They even kill Pablo before Dr. Six-Gun steps in! Well-written! The system cue has been deleted. Ernest Kinoy (writer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), George Lefferts (writer), Karl Weber, William Griffis. 30:17.

ABC Mystery Time - My Adventure In Norfork (1957)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 03 May 2012 03:13:44 GMT

My Adventure In Norfork (1957 *The Exact Date Is Unknown)
ABC Mystery Time was hosted by Don Dowd and starred Sir Laurence Olivier. Great special effects will grab your attention, accented by creepy organ rips. Stories are offered such as death gathered round a card table at a local chapter of The Suicide Club, or a man who desperately tries to hire a 24 hour bodyguard all the while trying to make himself the victim of a murder, and other baffling peculiar tales of yore. Also known as Mystery Time and Mystery Time Classics, this one is sure to excite and mystify. Unfortunately this is an old time radio show with few surviving episodes in existence. THIS EPISODE: 1957. ABC network. "My Adventure In Norfolk". The program is also known as, "Mystery Time," "Mystery Time Classics" and "Masters Of Mystery." The date is approximate. Ralph Richardson, A. J. Allen (writer), Don Dowd (host). 24:58.

The Adventures Of Leonidas Witherall - The Four Killers (09-07-44)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:43:11 GMT

The Four Killers (Aired September 7, 1944)
Adventures of Leonidas Witherall was a radio mystery series broadcast on Mutual in the mid-1940s. Based on the novels of Phoebe Atwood Taylor (writing as Alice Tilton), the 30-minute dramas were produced by Roger Bower and starred Walter Hampden as Leonidas Witherall, a New England boys' school instructor in Dalton, Massachusetts, a fictional Boston suburb. Witherall, who resembled William Shakespeare, is an amateur detective and the accomplished author of the "popular Lieutenant Hazeltine stories." His housekeeper Mrs. Mollett was played by Ethel Remey (1895-1979) and Jack MacBryde appeared as Police Sgt. McCloud. The announcer was Carl Caruso. Milton Kane supplied the music. The series began June 4, 1944 and continued until May 6, 1945. THIS EPISODE: September 7, 1944. "The Four Killers - Mutual network. Sustaining. During a football re-union, a man hated by all present is murdered. Walter Hampden, Agnes Moorehead. Howard Merrill (writer), Roger Bower (producer). 28:12.

The Amazing Mr. Malone - Handsome Is As Handsome Does (06-29-51)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:14:26 GMT

Handsome Is As Handsome Does (Aired June 29, 1951)
Malone always seems less interested in going to trial than in playing P.I. Still, although he's a drunk and a blowhard, he seems to inspire extreme loyalty in his pals and acquaintances. Malone has a secretary, the long-suffering, lovestruck, albeit frequently unpaid Maggie Cassidy, and is often assisted by his pals Jake Justis and Helene Brand (later Justus), an affable young couple. He can also count on the aid of Captain Daniel von Flannagan of the Homicide Squad. Later, Rice teamed up with Stuart Palmer and the two of them cowrote a mess of short stories featuring Malone and Hildegarde Withers, Palmer's equally comic spinster sleuth. The stories were later collected in 1963's People Vs. Withers and Malone. Zany plots, wacky characters, and enough weird bounces keep the reader going. A pleasant combination of hardboiled humour... In films, Malone tended to be played as a heavyweight tough guy. In radio, Malone was rather cynical and humourless, but by the time he made it to the tube, he was a svelter, more happy-go-lucky type with girls stashed everywhere, a rather lightweight version of Craig Rice's original character. Show Notes From thrillingdetective.com THIS EPISODE: June 29, 1951. NBC network. "Handsome Is As Handsome Does". Sustaining. 9:00 P. M. Eve Fenton has been murdered...and with good reason! Arlene Hamilton confesses to the crime, but another murder is caused by the real killer. George Petrie, Larry Haines, Craig Rice (creator), Arthur Gary (announcer), Fred Collins (announcer), Eugene Wang (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Richard Lewis (director). 28:32.

Baby Snooks - 2 Episodes "Gozinta" (10-01-42) and "Charlie" (10-08-42)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:08:10 GMT

2 Episodes "Gozinta" (10-01-42) and "Charlie" (10-08-42)
The Baby Snooks Show was an American radio program starring comedienne and Ziegfeld Follies alumna Fanny Brice as a mischievous young girl who was 40 years younger than the actress who played her when she first went on the air. The series began on CBS September 17, 1944, airing on Sunday evenings at 6:30pm as Toasties Time. The title soon changed to The Baby Snooks Show, and the series was sometimes called Baby Snooks and Daddy. In 1944, the character was given her own show, and during the 1940s, it became one of the nation's favorite radio situation comedies, with products from a variety of sponsors (Post Cereals, Sanka, Spic-n-Span, Jell-O) being touted by a half-dozen announcers -- John Conte (early 1940s), Tobe Reed (1944-45), Harlow Willcox (mid-1940s), Dick Joy, Don Wilson and Ken Wilson. Hanley Stafford was best known for his portrayal of Snooks' long-suffering, often-cranky father, Lancelot “Daddy” Higgins, a role played earlier by Alan Reed on the 1936 Follies broadcasts. Lalive Brownell was “Mommy” Higgins, also portrayed by Lois Corbet (mid-1940s) and Arlene Harris (after 1945). Beginning in 1945, child impersonator Leone Ledoux was first heard as Snook’s younger brother Robespierre, and Snooks returned full circle to the comics when comic book illustrator Graham Ingels and his wife Gertrude named their child Robby (born 1946) after listening to Ledoux's Robespierre baby voices.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Adventures Of Rin Tin Tin" - The White Buffalo (11-27-55)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 02 May 2012 05:07:45 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Adventures Of Rin Tin Tin" - The White Buffalo (Aired November 27, 1955)
The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin is a children's television program which ran on ABC from October 1954 until August 1959. It starred Lee Aaker as young Rusty, a boy orphaned in an Indian raid, who was being raised by the soldiers at a cavalry post. He and his German shepherd dog Rin Tin Tin helped the soldiers to establish order in the Old West. The program was produced by Screen Gems. The character of Rin Tin Tin had appeared in several movies and radio serials since 1922. One of the dogs used in the TV series was the fourth in the bloodline of the original Rin Tin Tin. Reruns of the show ran on daytime television and on Saturdays on CBS from October 1959 until September 1964. A new set of reruns was shown in 1976, and continued well into the mid-1980s. THIS EPISODE: November 27, 1955. Mutual network. "The White Buffalo". Sponsored by: Nabisco Shredded Wheat, Milk Bone Dog Biscuits. Bad white men plan to steal the buffaloes of the peaceful Indians. They start by killing an Indian chief. Rusty sees "The White Buffalo!" Don Morrow (announcer). 29:43.

Best Plays - Outward Bound (08-03-52)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:32:13 GMT

Outward Bound (Aired August 3, 1952)
Best Plays presents theatrical paramounts of excellence. It's hosted by the drama critic of New York’s Daily News, John Chapman. Dramatic and comedic performances outshine other theater radio shows, greatly performed by such greats as Boris Karloff and Alfred Drake. In This Episode, On Borrowed Time a 1939 film about the role death plays in life, and how we cannot live without it. It is adapted from Paul Osborn's 1938 Broadway play, which was a smash hit. The play, based on a novel by Lawrence Edward Watkin, has been revived twice on Broadway since its original run. Set in a more innocent time in small-town America, the film stars Lionel Barrymore, Beulah Bondi and Cedric Hardwicke. Lionel Barrymore plays Julian Northrup, a wheelchair-bound man (Barrymore had broken his hip twice previously and was now using a wheelchair, though he continued to act), who with his wife Nellie, played by Beulah Bondi, are raising their orphaned grandson, Pud. Another central character is Gramps's beloved old apple tree - by making a wish, Gramps has made the tree able to hold anyone who climbs. THIS EPISODE: August 3, 1952. NBC network. "Outward Bound". Sustaining. John Chapman (host), Sutton Vane (author), Jean Adair, Alexander Scourby, John Stanley, Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Chester Stratton, Susan Douglas, Leona Powers, Norman Rose, Wendell Holmes, William Podmore, William Welch (supervisor), Edward King (director), Fred Collins (announcer). 59:18.

Nightfall (CBC) - After Sunset (04-29-83)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:10:21 GMT

After Sunset (Aired April 29, 1983)
NIGHTFALL was a horror series heard over the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation first from July 4, 1980 to May 22, 1981 and then from November 20, 1981 to June 24, 1983. Thirty shows were selected from the first season to be rebroadcast on NPR from October 2, 1981 to June 25, 1982. Since it is a fairly modern series, most shows are available in stereo. Because it's a modern series, it's not widely available (copyright issues). This show may be the most horrifying series ever done. It was so terrifying, that many stations refused to play it or had to cancel the broadcasts due to listener complaints. This is a well done series and well worth searching for sources. THIS EPISODE: April 29, 1983. Program #98. CBC network, Edmonton origination. "After Sunset". "Every morning they find another body. A few frightened townsfolk know what's out there and how to kill it...but someone must sacrifice themself. Would you?" Stu Carson, Nicole Evans, Graham McPherson, Gordon Marriott, Araby Lockheart, Frank C. Turner, Walter Kaasa, Blair Haynes, Lawrie Seligman (performer, production assistant), Ruth Fraser (script editor), Don Kowalchuk (executive producer), Al Lamden (sound engineer), Brian Taylor (writer), Bill Reiter (host), Dean Purves (sound effects), Barbara Gault (production assistant). 27:01.

Screen Director's Assignment - The Ghost Breakers (04-03-49)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 01 May 2012 17:55:12 GMT

The Ghost Breakers (Aired April 3, 1949)
From 01/09/49 to 09/28/51 this series was greatly enjoyed by the radio listening audience. It opened as NBC Theater and was also known as The Screen Director’s Guild and The Screen Director’s Assignment. But most people remember it simply as Screen Director’s Playhouse. Many of the Hollywood elite were heard recreating their screen roles over the radio. John Wayne in his rare radio appearances, Cary Grant, Edward G. Robinson, Lucille Ball, Claire Trevor, Tallulah Bankhead and many others were on the air week after week during these broadcasts. Many of Hollywood’s directors were also heard in the recreation of their movies. The President of the Screen Director’s Guild appeared on 02/13/49, and Violinist Isaac Stern supplied the music for the 04/19/51 broadcast. THIS EPISODE: April 3, 1949. NBC network. "The Ghost Breakers". Sustaining. Bob Hope, George Marshall (screen director), Shirley Mitchell, Sheldon Leonard, Betty Moran, Dan Riss, Jack Edwards, June Foray, Ken Christy, Frank Barton (announcer), Donald Morrison. 29:58.

The Great Gildersleeve - Acting Police Commissioner (03-30-49)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:47:56 GMT

Acting Police Commissioner (Aired March 30, 1949)
The Great Gildersleeve (1941-1957), initially written by Leonard Lewis Levinson, was one of broadcast history's earliest spin-off programs. Built around a character who had been a staple on the classic radio situation comedy Fibber McGee and Molly, The Great Gildersleeve enjoyed its greatest success in the 1940s. Actor Harold Peary played the character during its transition from the parent show into the spin-off and later in a quartet of feature films released at the height of the show's popularity. On Fibber McGee and Molly, Peary's Gildersleeve was a pompous windbag who became a consistent McGee nemesis. "You're a haa-aa-aa-aard man, McGee!" became a Gildersleeve catch phrase. The character was given several conflicting first names on Fibber McGee and Molly, and on one episode his middle name was revealed as Philharmonic. Gildy admits as much at the end of "Gildersleeve's Diary" on the Fibber McGee and Molly series (10/22/40). He soon became so popular that Kraft Foods — looking primarily to promote its Parkay margarine spread — sponsored a new series with Peary's Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve as the central, slightly softened, and slightly befuddled focus of a lively new family. THIS EPISODE: March 30, 1949. "Acting Police Commissioner" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Kraft Mustards. Gildersleeve is appointed acting Police Commissioner, and is determined to catch the "Whistling Bandit!" Andy White (writer), Earle Ross, Gloria Holiday, Harold Peary, Jack Meakin (music), John Elliotte (writer), John Wald (announcer), Ken Christy, Lillian Randolph, Marylee Robb, Richard LeGrand, Walter Tetley. 31:26.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Wild West (07-18-53)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 01 May 2012 04:22:30 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Wild West (Aired July 18, 1953)
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961, and John Dunning writes that among radio drama enthusiasts "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television version ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and still remains the United States' longest-running prime time, live-action drama with 635 episodes ("Law and Order" ended in 2010 with 476 episodes). The half-hour animated comedy "The Simpsons", is slated for a 21st season in Fall 2010. THIS EPISODE: July 18, 1953. CBS network. "Wild West". Sustaining. Young Yorky Kelly tells Marshal Dillon that his father has been kidnapped. The old man is found out on the prairie, almost starved to death. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on February 15, 1958. William Conrad, John Meston (writer), Michael Ann Barrett, John McGovern, John Dehner, Joseph Kearns, Nestor Paiva, Parley Baer, Norman Macdonnell (director), Rex Koury (composer, conductor). 29:11.

The Stan Freberg Show - Great Moments In History (08-04-57)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 01 May 2012 03:14:14 GMT

Great Moments In History (Aired August 4, 1957)
Stanley Victor Freberg (born August 7, 1926 in Los Angeles) is an American author, recording artist, animation voice actor, comedian, puppeteer and advertising creative director. The son of a Baptist minister, Stan Freberg grew up in Pasadena, California. His traditional upbringing is reflected both in the gentle sensitivity which underpins his work (despite his liberal use of biting satire and parody), and in his refusal to accept alcohol and tobacco manufacturers as sponsors (an impediment to his radio career when he took over for Jack Benny on CBS radio), as Freberg explained to Rusty Pipes: After I replaced Jack Benny in 1957 they were unable to sell me with spot announcements in the show. That would mean that every three minutes I'd have to drop a commercial in. So I said, "Forget it, I want to be sponsored by one person like Benny was, by American Tobacco or State Farm Insurance," except that I wouldn't let them sell me to American Tobacco. I refused to let them sell me to any cigarette company. Freberg has two children, Donna Jr. (Donna Jean Ebsen, named after her mother, Donna) and Donavan Freberg, who was given his name on his fifth birthday. Before that he was simply known as "Baby Boy." Donavan Freberg explained, "As for how they decided on Donavan, my sister is named Donna, as was my mother. My dad had writer's block, so he just elongated Donna. Until then, they called me baby boy, a name I shared with the family dog, a freakishly small but very cute Yorkshire terrier." Stan Freberg's first wife, Donna, died in 2000, and he married Betty Hunter in 2002. THIS EPISODE: August 4, 1957. Program #4. "Great Moments In History" - CBS network. Sustaining. The story behind the ride of Paul Revere, Dr. Herman Horn lectures on Hi Fi, The Lox Audio Theatre presents "Rock Around My Nose," "The Yellow Rose Of Texas." Stan Freberg (performer, writer), Billy May and His Orchestra, Jud Conlon's Rhythmaires, Peter Leeds, Peggy Taylor, Daws Butler, June Foray, Pete Barnum (producer). 28:26.

The Devil & Mr. O - Speed (01-05-43)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:19:53 GMT

Speed (Aired January 5, 1943)
Wyllis Cooper left the show in 1936 and Oboler was given the job. Oboler lost no time establishing himself as the new master of the macabre. Between May 1936 and July 1938, he wrote and directed more than 100 Lights Out plays. To follow Cooper was a challenge: he was "the unsung pioneer of radio dramatic techniques," but Oboler had passed the test with his first play. His own name soon became synonymous with murder and gore, though horror as a genre had always left him cold. Oboler aspired to more serious writing. Oboler's shows are well represented -- this series of Lights Out was syndicated in The Devil and Mr. O offerings of 1970 to 1973. A transcribed syndication of original broadcasts from 1942 to 1943 with Arch Oboler as the host. THIS EPISODE: January 5, 1943. CBS network. "Speed". Sponsored by: Ironized Yeast, Molle Shaving Cream. A story about two men with a mighty power, the ability to move very, very rapidly. Excellent radio writing. The story is also known as, "The Fast One." This is a network, sponsored version. Arch Oboler (writer, host), Frank Martin (commercial spokesman). 28:23.

Big Town - The Final Payment (12-11-40)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:18:44 GMT

The Final Payment (Aired December 11, 1948)
John Dunning called Big Town "perhaps the most famous series of reporter dramas." Premiering over CBS Radio, the early series (there were two) starred the Hollywood actor Edward G. Robinson as Steve Wilson along with Clair Trevor as his sidekick and Society editor, Lorelei Kilbourne. The show was initially created around these two actors, though Trevor was then a young budding actress appearing in movies as well as radio. Producer-Director-Writer Jerry McGill had been a newspaperman and wrote the series about a crusading managing editor of the Illustrated Press. McGill took his show to heart writing stories about juvenile delinquency, drunk driving and racism, though the show was at worst melodramatic at best poignant. Hard-nosed editor, Wilson, as played by Robinson would get the story no matter what it takes. Though sometimes over the top, Robinson was excellent in his role. The stories were well written and directed by William N. Robson as well as McGill. The skill of this group shows in making the series very good radio. The show was a big promoter of the free press and the first amendment with its opening sequence: "Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use it justly...hold it high...guard it well!" THIS EPISODE: December 11, 1948. NBC network. "The Final Payment". Sponsored by: Lifebuoy, Rinso. Steve Wilson and Lorelei bust an obituary sales racket. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon. 29:39.

The Adventures Of Sam Spade - The Vaphio Cup Caper (08-22-48)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:23:56 GMT

The Vaphio Cup Caper (Aired August 22, 1948)
THIS EPISODE: August 22, 1948. CBS network. "The Vaphio Cup Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. Gold from ancient Greece is the target, with Sam as the bulls-eye. See also "Same Time, Same Station". The program is also known as, "The Bafio Cup Caper." Hans Conried, Howard Duff, Lurene Tuttle, William Spier (producer, director, editor), Dashiell Hammett (creator). 29:49.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Horizons West" - Clark & The Horse Thieves (01-23-66)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:13:49 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Horizons West" - Clark & The Horse Thieves (Aired January 23, 1966)
Horizons West was a fascinating, thirteen-installment docudrama which traced the movements of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition from 1803 to 1806. President Thomas Jefferson's charter to Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark was to trace the origination point of the Missouri River, from St. Louis, Missouri to the Great Falls of Montana--and eventually beyond. Captain Meriwether Lewis' appointment as President Jefferson's personal secretary inaugurates the arc of thirteen chapters of the Horizons West series. Given the competition for the vast natural resources of the Northwest Territories of the United States, President Jefferson undertook to devise a secret expedition to survey the new territory leading to the Pacific Ocean by first tracing the route and tributary origins of the Mississippi, Missouri , and Columbia rivers, followed by a further exploration leading to a direct route from the origin of the Missouri headwaters, west to the Pacific Ocean. Show Notes From The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE: January 23, 1966. Chapter #11. "Clark And The Horse Thieves" traces the progress--and travails--of William Clark's contingent of the Corps as they attempt to explore the The Yellowstone River and its lake and tributaries. In the process, an unseen band of indians make off with some of their horses. Captain Lewis' contingent, in the meantime is making for The Great Falls of the Missouri to await Clark's contingent and reunite the Corps once again for the final push back to to St. Louis. Harry Bartell, John Anderson, Don Randolph, Bill Irwin, Cliff Holland, Stanley Farrar, Ben Wright. Writers: Arl A. Tundberg, William Tundber. Announcer: Rye Billsbury [billed as Michael Rye]. 30:58.

The General Electric Theater - State Fair (09-10-53)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 02:22:44 GMT

State Fair (Aired September 10, 1953)
General Electric Theater featured a mix of romance, comedy, adventure, tragedy, fantasy and variety music. Occupying the Sunday evening spot on CBS following the Toast of the Town/Ed Sullivan Show from 1 February 1953 to 27 May 1962, the General Electric Theater presented top Hollywood and Broadway stars in dramatic roles calculated to deliver company voice advertising to the largest possible audience. Despite a long technical and practical experience with television production, GE's previous attempts to establish a Sunday evening company program had fared poorly. In the fall of 1948 GE entered commercial television for the first time with the Dennis James Carnival, a variety show dropped after one performance. A quiz program entitled Riddle Me This substituted for twelve weeks and was also dropped. In April 1949 GE returned to Sunday evenings with the musical-variety Fred Waring Show Produced by the Young & Rubicam advertising agency under the sponsorship of GE's Appliance, Electronics and Lamp Divisions, the program occasionally included company voice messages. In November 1951 GE transferred television production to the Batten, Barton, Durstine and Osborn (BBDO) advertising agency, under whose direction the General Electric Theater debuted 1 February 1953 as an "all-company project" sponsored by GE's Department of Public Relations Services. THIS EPISODE: September 10, 1953. CBS network. "State Fair". Sponsored by: General Electric ("Ring The Bell" contest). Ann Blyth, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Wilbur Hatch (music), Jaime del Valle (transcriber), Philip Strong (author), Verna Felton, Tom Tully, Sam Edwards, Joseph Kearns, Dick Ryan, Lamont Johnson, Kathleen Hite (adaptor), Hett Manheim (editorial supervisor). 30:00.

The Big Show - Variety Special #15 (02-11-51)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 22:04:05 GMT

Variety Special #15 (Aired February 11, 1951)
The Big Show, an American radio variety program featuring 90 minutes of top-name comic, stage, screen and music talent, was aimed at keeping American radio in its classic era alive and well against the rapidly-growing television tide. For a good portion of its two-year run (1950-51), the show's quality made its ambition seem plausible. Hosted by legendary stage actress and personality Tallulah Bankhead, The Big Show began November 5, 1950 on NBC with a stellar line-up of guests: Fred Allen, Mindy Carson, Jimmy Durante, José Ferrer, Portland Hoffa, Frankie Laine, Russell Knight, Paul Lukas, Ethel Merman, Danny Thomas and Meredith Willson. To make sure no one missed the launch, NBC ran in Sunday newspapers across the country an illustrated advertisement displaying headshots of Allen, Bankhead, Carson, Durante and Merman. THIS EPISODE: February 11, 1951. "Variety Special #15" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Anacin, RCA, Chesterfield. The program originates from Hollywood. Groucho Marx advertises "Plebo," his unique product. The Andrews Sisters celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of their singing as a trio by doing a medley of their hits. Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis do a comedy routine, Dean also sings. Judy Garland sings "Get Happy" after being introduced by Tallulah as "Judy Holiday" (she must have loved that!). Tallulah recites "A Telephone Call," by Dorothy Parker. Afterwards, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and Joan Davis do their version of the same recitation. Meredith Willson and his Orchestra play a medley of love songs. Tallulah reads Lincoln's famous letter to Mrs. Bixby. Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Dee Englebach (producer, director), Dean Martin, Dorothy Parker (author), Frank Wilson (narrator), George Foster (writer), Goodman Ace (writer), Gordon MacRae, Groucho Marx, Jerry Lewis, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), Joan Davis, Judy Garland, Meredith Willson and His Orchestra, Morton Green (writer), Selma Diamond (writer), Tallulah Bankhead, The Andrews Sisters. 1:28:37.

The Jack Paar Show - This Is America? (09-21-47)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 17:09:29 GMT

This Is America? (Aired September 21, 1947
Television and radio pioneer Jack Par has been called the most imitated personality in broadcasting. He virtually created the late-night talk show format as the host of The Tonight Show , one of television's longest continuously running programs. The Washington Post said, "Jack Paar was genuine, and the footprints he left on the loony moonscape of television are enormous; they will be there forever." As the stars of stage and screen were rising around him, Paar was becoming an icon himself, on television sets in the homes of millions of Americans across the country. During the Golden Age of television, Paar was its golden boy, charming guests and viewers alike. From 1957 to 1962, Paar was the king of late-night television as host of The Tonight Show, which NBC eventually renamed The Jack Paar Show. He turned it from a typical variety format into something very different. With a rare combination of intelligence, irreverence and intuition, he invented a new genre of programming that would become ubiquitous to television. Paar helped launch the careers of such performers as Carol Burnett, Woody Allen and Liza Minnelli, but his guests weren't limited to the glitterati. He discussed religion with Billy Graham, visited Albert Schweitzer in Africa, and talked politics with Richard Nixon, all before the transfixed eyes of the American television audience. THIS EPISODE: September 21, 1947. NBC network. Sponsored by: Lucky Strike. Jack looks at the news of the week. Why not send England twenty-five percent of American movies? An interview with a Miss America Contest loser. "This Is America?": a look at American farms and farming. Jack Paar, F. E. Boone (auctioneer), L. A. Speed Riggs (auctioneer), Hy Averback, The Page Cavanaugh Trio, Trudy Erwin, Hans Conried, Florence Halop. 29:33.

Alan Young Show - The Businesswomen's Club (01-17-47)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:20:06 GMT

The Businesswomen's Club (Aired January 17, 1947)
The Alan Young Show was a radio and television series presented in diverse formats over a nine-year period and starring Canadian-English actor Alan Young. It began on NBC radio as a summer replacement situation comedy in 1944, featuring vocalist Bea Wain. It moved to ABC with Jean Gillespie portraying Young's girlfriend Betty. The program was next broadcast by NBC for a 1946-47 run and was off in 1948. When it returned to NBC in 1949, Louise Erickson played Betty and Jim Backus was heard as snobbish playboy Hubert Updike III. In 1950 The Alan Young Show moved to television as a variety, sketch comedy show, taking an 11-month hiatus in 1952. When it returned for its final season in 1953, the tone and format of the show changed into the more conventional sitcom, with Young playing a bank teller with Dawn Addams cast as his girlfriend and Melville Faber portraying his son. The show alternated weeks with Ken Murray's The Ken Murray Show under the title Time to Smile. In the last two weeks of the season, the format returned to its earlier style, but it was cancelled at the end of the season. The Alan Young Show received two Emmy Awards during its run. THIS EPISODE: January 17, 1947. NBC network. Sponsored by: Ipana, Minit-Rub, Vitalis. Alan is invited to deliver a lecture at "The Businesswomen's Club," while wearing a suit once worn by Walter Pidgeon. However, the suit turns out to have been worn by Edward G. Robinson! Al Schwartz (writer), Alan Young, Elvia Allman, George Wyle and His Orchestra, Hans Conried, Jean Vander Pyl, Jim Backus, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), Peter Leeds, Sherwood Schwartz (writer), Veola Vonn (commercial). 29:57.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Death Valley Days" - Shoo Fly (06-16-39)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 05:28:18 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Death Valley Days" - Shoo Fly (Aired June 16, 1939)
Death Valley Days is an American radio and television anthology series featuring true stories of the old American West, particularly the Death Valley area. Created in 1930 by Ruth Woodman, the program was broadcast on radio until 1945. It continued from 1952 to 1975 as a syndicated television series. The series was sponsored by the Pacific Coast Borax Company (20 Mule Team Borax, Boraxo). The 558 television episodes were introduced by a host. The longest-running was "The Old Ranger" from 1952 to 1965, played by Stanley Andrews when the series was produced by McGowan Productions, producer of the Sky King television series. Filmaster Productions Inc., who produced the first several seasons of Gunsmoke for CBS Television, took over production of the series in the mid-1960s. Following the departure of Andrews, Ronald Reagan became the host. When Reagan entered politics, the role went to Robert Taylor. Taylor became gravely ill in 1969 and was replaced by Dale Robertson. Production of new episodes ceased in 1970. Merle Haggard provided narration for some previously made episodes in 1975. Reagan and Taylor also frequently appeared in the program as actors. While original episodes were still being made, older episodes were in syndication under a different series title with other hosts; the series could still be in competition with itself in syndication, and this also made it easier for viewers to distinguish the new episodes from the older ones. The hosting segment at the beginning and the end was easily reshot with another performer having no effect on the story. Alternate hosts and titles included Frontier Adventure (Dale Robertson), The Pioneers (Will Rogers, Jr.), Trails West (Ray Milland), Western Star Theatre (Rory Calhoun) and Call of the West (John Payne). The last title was also often applied to the series' memorable, haunting theme music. THIS EPISODE: June 16, 1939. NBC network. "Shoo Fly". Sponsored by: Twenty Mule Team Borax (some commercials deleted). A tough old lady runs her own claim in the Panamint mountains...with a harsh word and a shotgun. John McBride (as "The Old Ranger"), Irene Hubbard, Milton Herman, Frank Butler, Jeffrey Bryant, George Hicks (announcer). 26:34.

The Bob Hope Pepsodent Show - Special Guest Is Judy Garland (03-07-39)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 04:49:43 GMT

Special Guest Is Judy Garland (Aired March 7, 1939)
From the age of twelve, Bob Hope worked at a wide variety of odd jobs at a local board walk. When not doing this he would busk, doing dance and comedy patter to make extra money. He entered many dancing and amateur talent contests, and won prizes for his impersonation of Charlie Chaplin. He also boxed briefly and unsuccessfully under the name Packy East, making it once as far as the semi-finals of the Ohio novice championship. Fallen silent film comedian Fatty Arbuckle saw one of his performances and in 1925 got him steady work with Hurley's Jolly Follies. A year later Hope had formed an act called the Dancemedians with George Burns (who would also live to see his own 100th birthday) and the Hilton Sisters, conjoined twins who had a tap dancing routine. Hope and his partner George Byrne had an act as a pair of Siamese twins as well, and both danced and sang while wearing blackface before friends advised Hope that he was funnier as himself.. After five years on the Vaudeville circuit, by his own account Hope was surprised and humbled when he and his partner Grace Louise Troxell failed a 1930 screen test for Pathé at Culver City, California. (Hope had been on the screen in small parts, 1927's The Sidewalks of New York and 1928's Smiles. Hope returned to New York City and subsequently appeared in several Broadway musicals including Roberta, Say When, the 1936 Ziegfeld Follies, and Red, Hot and Blue with Ethel Merman. THIS EPISODE: March 7, 1939. "Special Guest Is Judy Garland" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Pepsodent, Pepsodent Antiseptic. Bob's opening monologue is about the Santa Anita racetrack. The first tune is, "Could Be." Guest Judy Garland sings, "It Had To Be You" and "Franklin D. Roosevelt Jones." The cast does a spy skit in search of "Ratface." Bob Hope, Bill Goodwin, Skinnay Ennis and His Orchestra, Jerry Colonna, Patsy Kelly, Elvia Allman, Wilkie Mahoney (writer), Melvin Frank (writer), Norman Panama (writer), Al Schwartz (writer), Norman Sullivan (writer), Milt Josefsberg (writer), Mel Shavelson (writer), Six Hits and A Miss, Judy Garland. 28:10.

The Twilight Zone - The Passersby (10-06-61)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 01:05:46 GMT

The Passersby (Aired October 6, 1961)
The Twilight Zone is a television anthology series created (and often written) by its narrator and host Rod Serling. Each episode (156 in the original series) is a self-contained fantasy, science fiction, or horror/terror story, often concluding with an eerie or unexpected twist. Although advertised as science fiction, the show rarely offered scientific explanations for its fantastic happenings and often, if not always, had a moral lesson that pertained to everyday life. The program followed in the tradition of earlier well written radio programs such as The Weird Circle and X Minus One. A popular and critical success, it introduced many Americans to serious science fiction ideas through television and also through a wide variety of Twilight Zone literature. The success of this original series led to the creation of two revival series (a cult hit series that ran for several seasons on CBS and in syndication in the '80s, and a short-lived UPN series that ran early in the new millennium), a feature film, a radio series, a comic book, a magazine and various other spinoffs that would span five decades. Writers for The Twilight Zone included leading genre authorities such as Charles Beaumont, Richard Matheson, Jerry Sohl, George Clayton Johnson, Earl Hamner Jr., Reginald Rose and Ray Bradbury. Many episodes also featured adaptations of classic stories by such writers as Ambrose Bierce, Lewis Padgett, Jerome Bixby and Damon Knight. THIS EPISODE: October 6, 1961. "The Passersby" - As the Civil War limps to a close, Confederate widow Lavinia Godwin sits grimly on the porch of her ruined mansion, watching a seemingly endless parade of wounded soldiers drag themselves down the road in front of her property. One of the soldiers, a Southern sergeant with a wooden leg, stops to rest, engaging the embittered Lavinia in conversation. As they talk, a sudden horrific realization hits them both -- a realization confirmed by the climactic appearance of "the last casualty of the Civil War."..36:42.

My Friend Irma - The Big Secret (03-29-48)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:06:14 GMT

The Big Secret (Aired March 29. 1948)
My Friend Irma, created by writer-director-producer Cy Howard, was a top-rated, long-run radio situation comedy, so popular in the late 1940s that its success escalated to films and television, while Howard scored with another radio comedy hit, Life with Luigi. Dependable and level-headed Jane Stacy (Cathy Lewis) narrated the misadventures of her innocent and bewildered roommate, Irma Peterson (Marie Wilson), a dim-bulb stenographer. Wilson portrayed the character on radio, in two films and a TV series. The successful radio series with Marie Wilson ran on CBS Radio from April 11, 1947 to August 23, 1954. The TV version, seen on CBS from January 8, 1952 until June 25, 1954, was the first series telecast from the CBS Television City facility in Hollywood. The movie My Friend Irma (1949) starred Marie Wilson and Diana Lynn but is mainly remembered today for introducing Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis to moviegoers, resulting in even more screen time for Martin and Lewis in the sequel, My Friend Irma Goes West (1950).

The Man Called - Destination Manila (07-24-47) (REPOSTED)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:46:37 GMT

Destination Manila (Aired July 24, 1947)
The Man Called X started over Radio with the 1944 CBS Summer replacement run for Lux Radio Theatre, comprising a total of eight episodes. The only circulating exemplar from the first run is contained within the AFRS Globe Theatre canon of transcriptions. So, yet again, we are indebted to the incredible output of AFRS and AFRTS transcriptions over the years in preserving some of Radio's rarest exemplars from The Golden Age of Radio. But if one compares that circulating episode to the spot ad for the summer run in the sidebar, one sees the program promoted as a comedy-mystery. The 1944 CBS Summer season finale, Murder, Music and A Blonde Madonna, gives some credence to the way CBS promoted this first run. Starring Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, a private operative, with Han Conried as Egon Zellschmidt in this first incarnation of Ken Thurston's nemesis, and Mary Jane Croft appearing in the role of Ken's love interest, Nancy Bessington, a reporter and Thurston's erstwhile fiance. Show Notes From The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE: July 24, 1947. "Destination Manila" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Frigidaire. Ken Thurston and Pegan Zellschmidt are assigned to guard a shipment of radium on a cross-country flight. The program paints an interesting portrait of commercial aviation of the time. "The Man Called X" orates about patriotism at the conlusion of the program. The final commercial has been deleted. The program opening is very slightly upcut. Herbert Marshall, Leon Belasco, Alan Reed, Jack Johnstone (director), Johnny Green (composer, conductor), Wendell Niles (announcer), Les Crutchfield (writer). 28:57. Episode Notes From Radio Gold Index.

The Zero Hour - The Extortionist (05-02-74)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 16:57:15 GMT

The Extortionist (Aired May 2, 1974)
The Zero Hour (aka Hollywood Radio Theater) was a 1973-74 radio drama anthology series hosted by Rod Serling.With tales of mystery, adventure and suspense, the program aired in stereo for two seasons. Some of the scripts were written by Serling. Originally placed into syndication on Septermber 3, 1973, the series was picked up by the Mutual Broadcasting System in December of that year. The original format featured five-part dramas broadcast Monday through Friday with the story coming to a conclusion on Friday. Including commercials, each part was approximately 30 minutes long. Mutual affiliates could broadcast the series in any time slot that they wished. In 1974, still airing five days a week, the program changed to a full story in a single 30-minute installment with the same actor starring throughout the week in all five programs. That format was employed from late April 1974 to the end of the series on July 26, 1974. Producer J.M. Kholos was a Los Angeles advertising man who acquired the rights to suspense novels, including Tony Hillerman's The Blessing Way, for radio adaptations. In some cases, the titles were changed. For example, the five-part "Desperate Witness" was an adaptation of The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing. To create a strong package, Kholos followed through by lining up top actors, including John Astin, Edgar Bergen, Joseph Campanella, Richard Crenna, John Dehner, Howard Duff, Patty Duke, Nina Foch, George Maharis, Susan Oliver, Brock Peters and Lurene Tuttle. The opening theme music was by Ferrante & Teicher and Don Hill produced the series.

Lux Radio Theater - Alfred Hitchcock's The Paradine Case (05-09-49)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:10:47 GMT

Alfred Hitchcock's The Paradine Case (Aired May 9, 1949)
Lux Radio Theater employed several hosts over the following year, eventually choosing William Keighley as the new permanent host, a post he held from late 1945 through 1952. After that, producer-director Irving Cummings hosted the program until it ended in 1955. For its airings on the Armed Forces Radio Service (for which it was retitled Hollywood Radio Theater), the program was hosted by Don Wilson in the early '50s. During its years on CBS in Hollywood, Lux Radio Theater was broadcast from the Lux Radio Playhouse located at 1615 North Vine Street in Hollywood, one block south of the intersection of Hollywood and Vine. The theater was later renamed the Huntington Hartford Theater, the Doolittle Theater and is now the Ricardo Montalban Theater. The Lux Video Theatre began as a live 30-minute Monday evening CBS series October 2, 1950, switching to Thursday nights during August 1951. In September 1953, the show relocated from New York to Hollywood. In August 1954, it jumped to NBC as an hour-long show on Thursday nights, telecast until September 12, 1957. James Mason was the host in the 1954-55 season. THIS EPISODE: May 9, 1949. CBS network. "The Paradine Case". Sponsored by: Lux. Louis Jourdan, Betty Lou Gerson, Alan Reed, Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli (billed as "Valli"), Frances Heflin, Donald Randolph, William Conrad, William Johnstone, Norman Field, Edward Marr, Joyce MacKenzie (intermission guest), David Selznick (screenwriter), Robert Hichens (author), William Keighley (host), John Milton Kennedy (announcer). 1:01:10.

21st Precinct - The Book (06-09-54)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 04:31:07 GMT

The Book (Posted June 9, 1954)
21st Precinct was one of the realistic police drama series of the early- to mid-1950's that were aired in the wake of DRAGNET. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operation of a single police precinct. Actual cases were used as the basis for stories. "21st Precinct.., It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the nine-tenths of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the East River wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes, and their property is the job of the men of the 21st." The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.The official title of the series according to the series scripts and the CBS series promotional materials was 21ST PRECINCT and not TWENTY-FIRST PRECINCT or TWENTY FIRST PRECINCT which appears in many Old-Time Radio books. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operations of a single police precinct. THIS EPISODE: June 9, 1954. "The Book" - CBS network. Sustaining. A rookie cop, on his first tour of duty, refuses to allow an FBI man to interview his prisoner. The program closing has been deleted after the cast credits. Everett Sloane, Mason Adams, Ken Lynch, Elaine Rost, Santos Ortega, Art Hannes (announcer), Harold Stone, William Redfield, Bill Sterling, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director). 28:15.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Zane Grey Western Theater" - The Feud (09-30-47)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 03:59:23 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Zane Grey Western Theater" - The Feud (Aired September 30, 1947)
Pearl Zane Grey (January 31, 1872 – October 23, 1939) was an American author best known for his popular adventure novels and stories that presented an idealized image of the Old West. Riders of the Purple Sage (1912) was his best-selling book. In addition to the success of his printed works, they later had second lives and continuing influence when adapted as films and TV productions. As of 2007, 110 films, one TV episode, and a series, Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theater, had been made that were based loosely on his novels and short stories. The Zane Grey Show (Western Theater), ran on the Mutual Broadcasting System for five months in the late 1940s and starred Tex Storm.

The Witch's Tale - Share And Share Alike (10-24-32)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 01:51:05 GMT

Share And Share Alike (Aired October 24, 1932)
A seminal series which established the standard of a host-based anthology series, and the first horror series produced for radio. WOR, New York origination, Air Features Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. 9:30 P. M. lonzo Deen Cole (writer, producer, performer), Marie O'Flynn, Adelaide Fitz-Allen (as "Old Nancy"). John Dunning in his "On the Air, The Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio," relates the odd tale of getting the replacement for the original Nancy, Adelaide Fitz-Allen, who died at 79 in 1935. A radio veteran, only a mere 13 years old, Miriam Wolfe by name, was then on the fine children's program, Let's Pretend. Of course, she wasn't considered for the part. She stayed in the studio during a late-night broadcast by Witch's Tale writer/director, Alonzo Deen Cole, and began her "Nancy" without warning. Cole was so chilled by her mimicry of an ancient crone that she got the part on the spot. Later in the show's run, the role was taken by Martha Wentworth.

The Adventures Of Frank Merriwell - The Mystery Of The Iron Door (05-22-48)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 22:16:01 GMT

The Mystery Of The Iron Door (Aired May 22, 1948)
Frank Merriwell is a fictional character appearing in a series of novels and short stories by Gilbert Patten, who wrote under the pseudonym Burt L. Standish. The character also appears in numerous radio serials and comic books based on the stories. The model for all later American juvenile sports fiction, Merriwell excelled at football, baseball, basketball, crew and track at Yale while solving mysteries and righting wrongs. He played with great strength and received traumatic blows without injury. A biographical entry on Patten noted dryly that Frank Merriwell "had little in common with his creator or his readers." Patten offered some background on his character: "The name was symbolic of the chief characteristics I desired my hero to have. Frank for frankness, merry for a happy disposition, well for health and abounding vitality." Merriwell's classmates observed, "He never drinks. That's how he keeps himself in such fine condition all the time. He will not smoke, either, and he takes his exercise regularly. He is really a remarkable freshie." Merriwell originally appeared in a series of magazine stories starting April 18, 1896 ("Frank Merriwell: or, First Days at Fardale") in Tip Top Weekly, continuing through 1912, and later in dime novels and comic books. Patten would confine himself to a hotel room for a week to write an entire story. The Frank Merriwell comic strip began in 1928, continuing until 1936. THIS EPISODE: May 22, 1948. NBC network. "The Mystery Of The Iron Door". Sustaining. The boys come upon an iron door in a large cave. On the other side lies the answer to the theft of a secret bauxite formula. Lawson Zerbe, Hal Studer, Elaine Rost, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Burt L. Standish. 29:14.

CurtainTime - The Night Hangs Heavy (08-16-47)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 18:15:53 GMT

The Night Hangs Heavy (Aired August 16, 1947)
Curtain Time had two separate runs on radio. The fist run was sponsored by General Mills from 1937 to 1939 and the second aired from 1945 to 1950, sponsored by the Mars Candy Co. Interesting is that this romantic drama had a theater setting and announcements with the announcer shouting "tickets please". Many of the episodes were romantic stories where a boy meets his dream girl and what happens afterwards. Announcer for the series was Harry Halcomb who was later known best for his appearances on the 60 minutes television show. Curtain Time is truly an Old Time Radio Classic. Mutual Network, local KNX show sustained, heard Fridays 7:30 - 8:00 pm. THIS EPISODE: August 16, 1947. NBC network, Chicago origination. "The Night Hangs Heavy". Sponsored by: Snickers. Nannette Sargent, Maurice Copeland, Patrick Allen (host), John Weigle (announcer), Forrest Lewis, George Cisar, Arthur Peterson, Arthur Neal (writer), Bert Farber (arranger, conductor), Harry Holcomb (director). 31:31.

Danger With Grainger - A Marriage Minded Girl (1956)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:38:34 GMT

A Marriage Minded Girl (1956)
Danger With Granger arrived too late in the Golden Age of Radio to have any real impact on the listening public. Mutual aired this show, starting in 1956, on Monday nights at 8:30 pm. It was a half hour show that featured a private eye in New York City, STEVE GRANGER. His two primary companions were Cal Hendrix, a reporter who served as an all-purpose source of criminal info, and Jake Rankin, a police detective with whom he had a grudging rivalry. The writing on the show seemed to incorporate most of the standard cliche's of the P.I. world. Granger, who was both the star and the first-person narrator of the show (not an uncommon practice with radio gumshoes), never saw a woman, instead "he gave the doll the once-over." He didn't kick with his foot, he "lifted a size 10." Instead of paying cash, he "forked over numbered lettuce." In his investigations Steve Granger cooperates with the police and the FBI and other authorities. The mysteries he solved were fairly reasonable, and while he was a tough guy who roughed up lesser mortals, he seemed to get knocked unconscious at least once in every program.

The Judy Canova Show - Judy On The Wishing Well Program (02-22-47)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:13:40 GMT

Judy On The Wishing Well Program (Aired February 22, 1947)
In 1943, she began her own radio program, The Judy Canova Show, that ran for 12 years—first on CBS and then on NBC. Playing herself as a love-starved Ozark bumpkin dividing her time between home and Southern California, Canova was accompanied by a cast that included voicemaster Mel Blanc as Pedro (using the accented voice he later gave the cartoons' Speedy Gonzales) and Sylvester (using the voice that later became associated with the Looney Tunes character), Ruth Perrott as Aunt Aggie, Ruby Dandridge as Geranium, Joseph Kearns as Benchley Botsford and Sharon Douglas as Brenda—with Gale Gordon, Sheldon Leonard and Hans Conried also making periodic appearances.[citation needed] The Sportsmen Quartet joined the show in 1943 and backed Judy on most of her songs, and the Charles Dant Orchestra provided the rest, usually supporting Canova's country warble. Western singer and actor Eddie Dean also appeared with Canova on numerous occasions during the 1930s. During World War II, she closed her show with the song "Goodnight, Soldier" ("Wherever you may be... my heart's lonely... without you") and used her free time to sell U.S. War Bonds. After the war, she introduced a new closing theme that she once said she remembered her own mother singing to her when she was a small child.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel" - The Statue Of San Sabastian (05-10-59)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:55:17 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel" - The Statue Of San Sabastian (Aired May 10, 1959)
The radio series debuted November 23, 1958. Have Gun — Will Travel was created by Sam Rolfe and Herb Meadow and produced by Frank Pierson, Don Ingalls, Robert Sparks, and Julian Claman. There were 225 episodes of the TV series (several were written by Gene Roddenberry), of which 101 were directed by Andrew McLaglen and 19 were directed by the series star Richard Boone. The title was a catch phrase used in personal advertisements in newspapers like The Times, indicating that the advertiser was ready-for-anything. It was used in this way from the early 1900s. A form common in theatrical advertising was "Have tux, will travel" and this was the inspiration for the writer Herb Meadow. The TV show popularized the phrase in the sixties and many variations of it were used as titles for other works such as Have Space Suit—Will Travel by Robert Heinlein. THIS EPISODE: May 10, 1959. CBS network. "The Statue Of San Sebastian". Sponsored by: Longines Watches, Pepsi-Cola. The mission of San Sebastian wants the return of its statue, the owner of the statue wants the capture of an outlaw. This is a network, sponsored version. The script was used on the "Have Gun, Will Travel" television show on June 14, 1958. Albert Aley (writer), Ben Wright, Dick Beals, Don Diamond, Frank Knight (announcer: Longines Watches), Frank Michael (adaptor), Hugh Douglas (announcer), James Nusser, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Perry Cook, Virginia Gregg, Sam Rolfe (creator), Herb Meadow (creator), Bill James (sound effects), Tom Hanley (sound effects). 24:53.

The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes - The Adventure Of The Illustrious Client (05-09-48)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 02:19:25 GMT

he Adventure Of The Illustrious Client (Aired May 9, 1948)
Holmes states that he first developed his deduction methods while an undergraduate. The author Dorothy L. Sayers suggested that, given details in two of the Adventures, Holmes must have been at Cambridge rather than Oxford and that "of all the Cambridge colleges, Sidney Sussex [College] perhaps offered the greatest number of advantages to a man in Holmes’ position and, in default of more exact information, we may tentatively place him there". His earliest cases, which he pursued as an amateur, came from fellow university students. According to Holmes, it was an encounter with the father of one of his classmates that led him to take up detection as a profession and he spent the six years following university working as a consulting detective, before financial difficulties led him to take Watson as a roommate, at which point the narrative of the stories begins. THIS EPISODE: May 9, 1948. Mutual network, WOR, New York aircheck. "The Adventure Of The Illustrious Client". Sponsored by: Clipper Craft Clothes. The evil Baron Gruener plans to earn his title of "an aristocrat of crime." He plans to marry the daughter of General De Murville and she refuses to listen to warnings. The script was previously used on the program on February 23, 1931, March 8, 1933 and October 5, 1941. Islay Benson (doubles), Barry Thompson, Charles Penman (doubles), Guy Spaull (doubles), Frances Rowe (doubles), Arthur Conan Doyle (creator, Author), Edith Meiser (adaptor), Basil Loughrane (producer, director), Hal Reid (sound effects), John Stanley, Alfred Shirley, Don Williamson (engineer), Albert Buhrman (music), Cy Harrice (announcer), Michael Fitzmaurice (New York commercial spokesman). 29:23.

Voyage Of The Scarlet Queen - The Fang Rubies and The Black Siamese (01-14-48)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:02:54 GMT

The Fang Rubies and The Black Siamese (Aired January 14, 1948)
Voyage of the Scarlet Queen was a radio adventure on the high seas, airing on Mutual from 3 July 1947 to 14 February 1948. James Burton produced the scripts by Gil Doud and Robert Tallman. Elliott Lewis starred as Philip Carney, master of the 78-foot ketch Scarlet Queen, with Ed Max as first mate Red Gallagher. The show seems to foreshadow Star Trek in a number of ways. Each episode opens with an entry from the ship's log: "Log entry, the ketch Scarlet Queen, Philip Carney, master. Position -- three degrees, seven minutes north, 104 degrees, two minutes east. Wind, fresh to moderate; sky, fair..." with a similar closing: "Ship secured for the night. Signed, Philip Carney, master." Arriving at an exotic port of call, the captain and first mate would go ashore and immediately run into trouble with local authorities, agents of rival merchants, or desperate women in need of rescue. After some investigation and at least one good fight they would solve the problem, get back on the ship and sail away, Carney and Gallagher sharing a laugh and a drink at the wheel before the captain's closing log entry. THIS EPISODE: January 14, 1948. Mutual network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Fang Rubies and The Black Siamese". A cat and a beautiful woman lead Captain Carney to the solution of a murder aboard the Scarlet Queen. The program ending and system cue have been deleted. Elliott Lewis, Gil Doud (writer), Robert Tallman (writer), Edwin Max, Ben Wright, Charles Arlington (announcer), Richard Aurandt (music). 27:18.

Cloak & Dagger - The Trojan Horse (05-28-50)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:28:05 GMT

The Trojan Horse (Aired May 28, 1950)
Based on the book, Cloak and Dagger: The Secret Story of the O.S.S. by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain, the Radio rendition of these fascinating stories promised to keep any listener perched on the edge of their seat. Apart from describing the book upon which the new adventure series was based, the above is just about all the fanfare that was associated with the roll-out of NBC's only espionage program of the year. It was also one of the few solo productions that Wyllis Cooper undertook for NBC. It was also Cooper's first collaboration with British crime journalist Percy Hoskins, who would work with Cooper yet again on NBC's WHItehall-1212 a year hence. The combination of Hoskin's unfailingly accurate research and Cooper's lively, fast-paced writing and direction proved to be an excellent underpinning for an espionage adventure drama based on factual events. The Office of Strategic Services--the progenitor of our Central Intelligence Agency--was one of American History's most colorful and compelling World War II intelligence gathering efforts. It was also, quite understandably, one of our most secret undertakings. Given that backdrop it's very instructive that during the run up to the Cold War years, NBC would attempt to air a fact-based espionage anthology. THIS EPISODE: May 28, 1950. NBC network. "The Trojan Horse". Sustaining. 4:00 P. M. Gabrielle Monet, a Parisian nightclub singer, is brought to Casablanca to give her former lover the wrong information about the planned Allied invasion of North Africa. Jane White, Raymond Edward Johnson, Berry Kroeger, Leon Janney, Joseph Julian, Karl Weber, Guy Sorel, Bernie Gould, Jon Gart (music director), Louis G. Cowan (producer), Corey Ford (originator), Alfred Hollander (producer), Sherman Marks (director, supervisor), Winifred Wolfe (writer), Alistair MacBain (originator). 30:49.

The Henry Morgan Show - Morgan's Summer Resort Hotel (06-11-47)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:49:43 GMT

Morgan's Summer Resort Hotel (Aired June 11, 1947
One early sponsor had been Adler Shoe Stores, which came close to canceling its account after Morgan started making references to "Old Man Adler" on the air; the chain changed its mind after it was learned business spiked upward, with many new patrons asking to meet Old Man Adler. Morgan had to read an Adler commercial heralding the new fall line of colors; Morgan thought the colors were dreadful, and said he wouldn't wear them to a dogfight, but perhaps the listeners would like them. Old Man Adler demanded a retraction on the air. Morgan obliged: "I would wear them to a dogfight." Morgan later recalled with bemusement, "It made him happy." Later, he moved to ABC (formerly the NBC Blue Network) in a half-hour weekly format that allowed Morgan more room to develop and expand his topical, often ad-libbed satires, hitting popular magazines, soap operas, schools, the BBC, baseball, summer resorts, government snooping, and landlords. His usual signoff was, "Morgan'll be here on the same corner in front of the cigar store next week." But he continued to target sponsors whose advertising copy rankled him, and those barbs didn't always sit well with his new sponsors, either. When Eversharp sponsored his show to promote both Eversharp pens and Schick shaving razors and blades, Morgan threw this in during a show satirizing American schools: "They're educational. Try one. That'll teach you." Perhaps most notoriously, Life Savers candy dropped Morgan after he accused them of fraud for what amounted to hiding the holes in the famous life saver ring-shaped sweets. "I claimed that if the manufacturer would give me all those centers," Morgan remembered later, "I would market them as Morgan's Mint Middles and say no more about it." The irony is that Life Savers in the 1990s actually tried marketing Life Saver holes. He is also alleged to have said of his sponsor's Oh Henry! candy bar (after exhorting listeners to try one), "Eat two and your teeth will fall out."

The Couple Next Door - 2 Episodes (09-30-60) (10-03-60)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:20:06 GMT

2 Episodes - "Selling The Freezer" (Aired September 30, 1960) and "Wired For Stereo" (Aired October 3, 1960)
The Couple Next Door was a Peg Lynch series which began in 1953-57 on Chicago's WGN, moving to the Mutual Broadcasting System in the summer of 1957. The married couple was played by Olan Soule and Elinor Harriot. It was revived on CBS Radio (December 30, 1957-November 25, 1960) with Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce as the unnamed married couple---essentially, it reprised Ethel and Albert but the new name was necessitated because Lynch had long since lost the rights to the original title. That still wasn't the end of the show---Lynch and Bunce brought the show to NBC's legendary weekend programming block Monitor in 1963, performing three- to four-minute vignettes not unlike the original fifteen-minute shows. Their presence continued a kind-of Monitor tradition of offering new material from classic radio favourites (including James and Marian Jordan of Fibber McGee and Molly fame, until Marian Jordan's death). Even more, it returned yet again in the 1970s, as a syndicated radio feature known as The Little Things in Life.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Hopalong Cassidy" - The Devil's Drum (03-15-50)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:06:59 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Hopalong Cassidy" - The Devil's Drum (Aired March 15, 1950)
The Mutual Broadcasting System began broadcasting a radio version of Hopalong Cassidy, with Andy Clyde (later George McMichael on Walter Brennan's ABC sitcom The Real McCoys) as the sidekick, in January 1950; at the end of September, the show moved to CBS Radio, where it ran into 1952. Hopalong Cassidy also appeared on the cover of national magazines, such as Look, Life, and Time. Boyd earned millions as Hopalong ($800,000 in 1950 alone), mostly from merchandise licensing and endorsement deals. In 1950, Hopalong Cassidy was featured on the first lunch box to bear an image, causing sales for Aladdin Industries to jump from 50,000 units to 600,000 units in just one year. In stores, more than 100 companies in 1950 manufactured $70 million of Hopalong Cassidy products, including children's dinnerware, pillows, roller skates, soap, wristwatches, and jackknives. There was also a new demand for Hopalong Cassidy features in movie theaters, and Boyd licensed reissue distributor Film Classics to make new film prints and advertising accessories. THIS EPISODE: March 15, 1950. Program #64. Commodore syndication. "The Devil's Drum". Commercials added locally. A twelve thousand peso reward for a Mexican senorita. There's murder, a frame-up, and that Devil's Drum! William Boyd, Andy Clyde, Walter White Jr. (producer, transcriber), Alan Rader (writer). 27:27.

The Adventures Of The Abbotts - The Rickshaw Red Lipstick (01-30-55)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:52:51 GMT

The Rickshaw Red Lipstick (Aired January 30, 1955)
Abbott Mysteries was a comedy-mystery radio program adapted from the novels of Frances Crane (1896-1981). Initially a summer replacement for Quick As a Flash, the series was heard on Mutual and NBC between the years 1945 and 1955. The Mutual series, sponsored by Helbros Watches, debuted June 10, 1945, airing Sundays at 6pm. Scripts were by Howard Merrill and Ed Adamson in the lighthearted tradition of Mr. and Mrs. North. Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries. In the supporting cast were Jean Ellyn, Sydney Slon and Luis Van Rooten. Moving to 5:30pm in 1946, Les Tremayne and Alice Reinheart took over the roles until the end of the series on August 31, 1947. Seven years later, the characters returned October 3, 1954, on NBC in The Adventures of the Abbotts, broadcast on NBC Sunday evenings at 8:30pm. The Abbotts were portrayed by Claudia Morgan and Les Damon. The NBC series ran until June 12, 1955. THIS EPISODE: January 30, 1955. Program #2. NBC net origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Rickshaw-Red Lipstick". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Lotte Stavisky, Frances Crane (creator), Everett Sloane, Bob Hastings, Howard Merrill (writer), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Wayne Howell (announcer). 30:19.

T-Men - The Jack That House Built (08-12-50)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 23:07:04 GMT

The Jack That House Built (Aired August 12, 1950)
Post World War II crime dramas flourished through the mid-1950s. Most of them were reasonably inexpensive to produce and featured comparatively few major name stars, relying primarily on the fine Radio actors on either coast for their leads. With the advent of the growth of Television during post-War prosperity, America turned to the small screen for crime dramas as much or even more than over Radio. Many of the more popular crime dramas managed to straddle both media. The majority of the crime dramas that aired between 1945 and 1955 were a combination of summer replacements and short-lived attempts to match the success of programs such as Line Up and Dragnet. The more popular and enduring crime dramas broke down into metropolitan crime dramas and dramatizations of federal crime dramas. CBS needed a viable placeholder for its Line Up crime drama during the Summer of 1950. Dennis O'Keefe had appeared in the 1947 B feature film, T-Men, and it was making the rounds in reissue to movie theatres in 1950 in an effort to capitalize on the resurgence of interest in federal crime and film noir pot-boilers of the era. Dennis O'Keefe got the green light for an audition in April of 1950. In the audition, O'Keefe portrays Treasury Agent Dan O'Brien. The audtion was successful and CBS rolled out T-Man as a summer replacement for Line Up on July 1, 1950. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

Richard Diamond Private Detective - The Tom Waxman Bombing Case (06-26-49)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:24:55 GMT

The Tom Waxman Bombing Case (Aired June 26, 1949)
In 1945, Dick Powell portrayed Phillip Marlowe in the movie "Murder My Sweet" based on Raymond Chandler's novel "Farewell My Lovely". This was a radical departure in character for Mr. Powell from a Hollywood song and dance man to a hard-boiled detective. On June 11,1945, the Lux Radio Theater brought "Murder My Sweet" to radio, again with Dick Powell in the lead. These two performances prompted his selection for the part of Richard Rogue, in Rogue’s Gallery after his role for Lux Radio Theater and Richard Diamond came four years later. Richard Diamond, Private Detective came to NBC in 1949. Diamond was a slick, sophisticated detective, with a sharp tongue for folks who needed it. Diamond enjoyed the detective life, but not as much as entertaining his girl, Helen Asher. After each show, he would croon a number to his Park Avenue sweetheart. Mr. Powell, a former song and dance man, was perfect for the role. He added an extra dimension to the 40's hokey private eye drama. Diamond was a rough gumshoe that would often get knocked on the head with a revolver butt or other items. His counterpart on the police force was Lt. Levinson who often accepted Diamond's help reluctantly. Levinson would claim to get stomach trouble whenever Diamond would call him and would take bicarbonate to settle his aching stomach. Show Notes From The OTRR Group. June 26, 1949. "The Tom Waxman Bombing Case " - NBC network. Sustaining. A mail bomb has been sent to the Waxman family, killing Tom Waxman. His brother Phil is accused of the crime, but Diamond suspects that the Labor Assistance League is behind it. After the case, Dick Powell sings in Yiddish! An announcement is made that the program is switching to Saturdays. Dick Powell, Edward King (announcer), Virginia Gregg, Wilms Herbert, Ed Begley. 29:09.

The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet - 2 Episodes (09-09-45) (10-07-45)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:50:00 GMT

2 Episodes "David Fights"(Aired September 8, 1945) and "The Prince's Gift"(Aired October 7, 1945
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet premiered on ABC on October 10, 1952, staying until September 3, 1966. The show strove for realism and featured exterior shots of the Nelsons' actual southern California home at 1822 Camino Palmero Street in Los Angeles as the fictional Nelsons' home. Interior shots were filmed on a sound stage recreated to look like the real interior of the Nelsons' home. Like its radio predecessor, the series focused mainly on the Nelson family at home, dealing with run-of-the-mill problems. As the series progressed and the boys grew up, storylines involving various characters were introduced. Many of the series storylines were taken from the Nelsons' real life. When the real David and Rick got married, to June Blair and Kristin Harmon respectively, their wives joined the cast of Ozzie and Harriet, and the marriages were written into the series. (What was seldom written into the series was Ozzie's profession; mention of his lengthy and successful band-leading career was infrequent.) By the mid 1960s, America's social climate was changing, and the Nelsons' all American nuclear family epitomized the 1950s values and ideals that were quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Fort Laramie" - Winter Soldier (06-17-56)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:37:41 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Fort Laramie" - Winter Soldier (Aired June 17, 1956)
While Macdonnell planned to use the same writers, soundmen, and supporting actors in Fort Laramie that he relied upon in Gunsmoke, he naturally picked different leads. Heading up the cast was a 39 year old, Canadian-born actor with a long history in broadcasting and the movies, Raymond Burr. He had begun his career in 1939, alternating between the stage and radio. He turned to Hollywood, and from 1946 until he got the part of Captain Lee Quince in Fort Laramie in 1956, he had appeared in thirty-seven films. A few were excellent (Rear Window, The Blue Gardenia) some were average (Walk a Crooked Mile, A Place in the Sun) but many were plain awful (Bride of Vengeance, Red Light, and Abandoned). With Burr in the lead, Macdonnell selected two supporting players: Vic Perrin as "Sgt. Goerss" and Jack Moyles as "Major Daggett", the commanding officer of the post. (The original Fort Laramie usually had a Lieutenant Colonel as the C.O. but Macdonnell probably preferred a shorter military title.) Perrin, a 40 year old veteran radio actor had been in countless productions, but had achieved name recognition only on The Zane Grey Show where he played the lead. THIS EPISODE: June 17, 1956. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Winter Soldier". A soldier becomes a "snowbird" and deserts the army in the springtime. The program was recorded May 24, 1956. Raymond Burr, Les Crutchfield (writer), Joseph Cranston, Paul Dubov, James Nusser, Howard Culver. 30:29.

Confession - The Martin Everett Case (07-12-53)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:49:56 GMT

The Martin Everett Case (Aired July 12, 1953)
NBC 30 minutes Sunday at 9:30PM.Cast Paul Frees, James Edwards, Jester Hairston, Jay Loughlin, Jonathan Hole, Mady Norman, Don Brinkley (writer), Michael Samoge (? music), Warren Lewis (script supervisor), Homer Canfield (director), John Wald (announcer). Had a texture and sound not unlike Dragnet, indeed the influence was realized throughout the show. These were true stories of Crime and Punishment, the obvious difference that Dragnet began with the crime while Confession unfolded in reverse order, from the end. Confession was less noisy, it's theme was played on a single piano, but there was still the deadpan dialogue, the thief or killer giving his confession with an air of resignation and defeat. The criminal thus became a stream-of-consciousness narrator, with the action frequently cutting away into drama. "Names were changed to protect the legal rights of the subject."

The Adventures Of Philip Marlowe - The Busy Body (06-18-49)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:18:42 GMT

The Busy Body (Aired June 18, 1949)
The first portrayal of Phillip Marlowe on the radio was by Dick Powell, when he played Raymond Chandler's detective on the Lux Radio Theater on June 11, 1945. This was a radio adaptation of the 1944 movie, from RKO, in which Mr. Powell played the lead. Two years later, Van Heflin starred as Marlowe in a summer replacement series for the Bob Hope Show on NBC. This series ran for 13 shows. On September 26, 1948, Gerald Mohr became the third radio Marlowe, this time on CBS. It remained a CBS show through its last show in 1951. THIS EPISODE: June 18, 1949. Program #38. CBS network. "The Busy Body". Sustaining. A corpse that keeps moving around and a nosey neighbor helps to solve a murder case. Gene Levitt (writer), Gerald Mohr, John Stevenson, Laurette Fillbrandt, Lois Corbett, Lynn Allen, Mel Dinelli (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Peter Leeds, Raymond Chandler (creator), Richard Aurandt (music), Robert Mitchell (writer), Roy Rowan (announcer). 29:43.

Arch Oboler's Plays - Special To Hollywood (10-17-64)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 18:20:50 GMT

Special To Hollywood (Aired October 17, 1964)
Arch Oboler's Plays was a radio drama series written, produced and directed by Arch Oboler. Minus a sponsor, it ran for one year, airing Saturday evenings on NBC from March 25, 1939 to March 23, 1940 and revived five years later on Mutual for a sustaining summer run from April 5, 1945 to October 11, 1945. Leading film actors were heard on this series, including Gloria Blondell, Eddie Cantor, James Cagney, Ronald Colman, Joan Crawford, Greer Garson, Edmund Gwenn, Van Heflin, Katharine Hepburn, Elsa Lanchester, Peter Lorre, Frank Lovejoy, Raymond Massey, Burgess Meredith, Paul Muni, Alla Nazimova, Edmond O'Brien, Geraldine Page, Gale Sondergaard, Franchot Tone and George Zucco. Oboler sold his first radio scripts while still in high school during the 1920s and rose to fame when he began scripting the NBC horror anthology Lights Out in 1936. THIS EPISODE: October 17, 1964. Syndicated, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Special To Hollywood". A dissolute Hollywood starlet and her press agents are flying in a chartered plane when the engines stop, but the plane remains suspended in mid-air. The script was used previously on "Arch Oboler's Plays" on July 19, 1945 and February 7, 1941 on "Lights Out". Arch Oboler (writer, host, producer, director), Gloria Blondell, Alan Reed, Chester Stratton. 20:43.

The Life Of Riley - Gambling Doesn't Pay (04-27-46)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:55:18 GMT

Gambling Doesn't Pay (Aired April 27, 1946)
The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker."Beginning October 4, 1949, the show was adapted for television for the DuMont Television Network, but Bendix's film contracts prevented him from appearing in the role. Instead, Jackie Gleason starred along with Rosemary DeCamp as wife Peg, Gloria Winters as daughter Barbara (Babs), Lanny Rees as son Chester Jr. (Junior), and Sid Tomack as Gillis, Riley's manipulative best buddy and next-door neighbor. John Brown returned as the morbid counseling undertaker Digby (Digger) O'Dell ("Well, I guess I'll be... shoveling off"; "Business is a little dead tonight"). Television's first Life of Riley won television's first Emmy (for "Best Film Made For and Shown on Television"). However, it came to an end on March 28, 1950 because of low ratings and because Gleason left the show, thinking he could find a better showcase for his unique abilities. Groucho Marx received a credit for "story." THIS EPISODE: April 27, 1946. "Gambling Doesn't Pay" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Teel, Dreft. Riley tries to teach Junior about the evils of gambling, which is not as easy as it sounds! William Bendix, Paula Winslowe, Scotty Beckett, John Brown, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Irving Brecher (producer), Don Bernard (director), Lou Coslowe (music). 29:30. Episode Notes From Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Lone Ranger" - Faked Bank Robbery (03-28-38)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:41:12 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Lone Ranger" - Faked Bank Robbery (Aired March 28, 1938)
On radio, the Lone Ranger was played by several actors, including John L. Barrett who played the role on the test broadcasts on WEBR during early January, 1933; George Seaton (under the name George Stenius) from January 31 to May 9 of 1933; series director James Jewell and an actor known only by the pseudonym "Jack Deeds" (for one episode each), and then by Earle Graser from May 16, 1933, until April 7, 1941. On April 8, Graser died in a car accident, and for five episodes, as the result of being critically wounded, the Lone Ranger was unable to speak beyond a whisper, with Tonto carrying the action. Finally, on the broadcast of April 18, 1941, deep-voiced performer Brace Beemer, who had been the show's announcer for several years, took over the role and played the part until the end. Fred Foy, also an announcer on the show, took over the role on one broadcast on March 29, 1954, when Brace Beemer had a brief case of laryngitis. Tonto was played throughout the run by actor John Todd. THIS EPISODE: March 28, 1938. Program #806/31. Syndicated. "Faked Bank Robbery" aka:"Jed Kramer". Music fill for local commercial insert. The town money-lender is robbed of $10,000 cash. The thief is poor Abe Tanner, who was cheated by Kramer, and whose family is starving. Kramer is behind the whole scheme! Tonto's horse is called "White Feller," not "Scout." Earle Graser, John Todd, Fran Striker (writer), George W. Trendle (producer). 29:54.

The Green Hornet - Put It On Ice (07-04-39)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:12:01 GMT

Put It On Ice (Aired July 4, 1939)
The Green Hornet program began in January of 1936 and played to December 5, 1952. The shows typically ran thirty minutes and ran twice a week in the beginning years. They later reverted to being broadcast once a week. The last season of the show in 1952 the show reverted back to a twice a week schedule. Al Hodge played the role of Britt Reid for seven years. Fran Striker, a co-creator of the Lone Ranger, wrote all of the scripts for the Green Hornet until April 1944. After that, several other writers were brought in to script the show. The writing output of Fran Striker was incredible. While he was scripting the Green Hornet he was also writing the scripts for the Lone Ranger program. Following Al Hodge, three other radio actors played Britt Reid. Donovan Faust took the role for the 1943 season. Robert Hall played the part for three years, from 1943 to 1946. Jack McCarthy finished the last years of the series from 1946 through 1952. Thus ended a tremendous 16-year radio program full of action, high-speed chases, and the overcoming of evil by the Green Hornet. THIS EPISODE: July 4, 1939. Mutual network. "Put It On Ice". Music fill for local commercial insert. A meat packing plant is being sabotaged. The Hornet takes a bite out of a plot to control the company. Al Hodge, Fran Striker (writer), George W. Trendle (creator, producer), Charles D. Livingstone (director), Lee Allman, Raymond Toyo, Gilbert Shea, Fielden Farrington (announcer). 26:11.

Duffy's Tavern - Guest Is Mickey Rooney (03-02-49)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:17:43 GMT

Guest Is Mickey Rooney (Aired March 2, 1949)
When the AFRN rebroadcast those episodes for U.S. servicemen during World War II, the announcer referred to Duffy's Tavern. Radio's Duffy's Tavern didn't translate well to film or television. Burrows and Matt Brooks collaborated on the screenplay for the 1945 film, Ed Gardner's Duffy's Tavern, in which Archie (with regulars Eddie and Finnegan) was surrounded by a throng of Paramount Pictures stars playing themselves, including Robert Benchley, William Bendix, Eddie Bracken, Bing Crosby, Cass Daley, Brian Donlevy, Paulette Goddard, Betty Hutton, Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake and Dorothy Lamour. The film's plot involves a war-displaced record manufacturer whose staff — those not sent off to war — drown their sorrows at Duffy's on credit, while the company owner tries to find ways around the price controls and war attrition that threaten to put him out of business. The movie was a box-office disappointment. THIS EPISODE: March 2, 1949. "Guest Is Mickey Rooney" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Trushay, Vitalis. Archie is writing a television script for guest Mickey Rooney. "Cecil B. DeArchie" presents, "The Voodoo Playhouse." Don't miss Dr. Finnegan in the operating room. Ed Gardner, Eddie Green, Charlie Cantor, Mickey Rooney, Matty Malneck and His Orchestra. 28:34.

The Mysterious Traveler - Dark Dark Destiny (04-13-47)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:52:52 GMT

Dark Dark Destiny (Aired April 13, 1947)
The Mysterious Traveler eventually found itself up against an even more daunting body than the National Association of Broadcasters and their programming guidelines. Both Robert Arthur, Jr. and David Kogan were activist members of the Radio Writers' Guild, a popular writer's union that was deemed subversive by the infamous House Un-American Activities Committees (HUAC) between 1945 and 1954. This was by no means unusual for the era. The HUAC systematically attacked every significant collective bargaining organization of the era for their union activities, which the predominantly right-wing Republicans in control of Congress at the time, deemed a threat to Big Business in any form. The larger, older unions managed to weather the scrutiny of the HUAC. It was only the smaller artists' trade unions that the HUAC seemed most successful at bullying throughout the era. Arthur and Kogan's very visible lobbying, organizing and picketing efforts on behalf of the Radio Writers' Guild during the late 1940s and early 1950s ultimately brought the HUAC down on Radio station WOR and the Mutual Broadcasting System. Both WOR and MBS predictably caved under the innuendoes and allegations of the HUAC and terminated The Mysterious Traveler at the arc of its national success. Show Notes From The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE: April 13, 1947. Mutual network. "Dark, Dark Destiny". Sustaining. A man needs $1500 for a surgeon to save his wife, but the money is not that easy to get! The story has a fine ironic ending. The script was used on the program three years earlier (with some changes)and on "The Sealed Book" on September 9, 1945. Elaine Kemp, Palmer Ward, Ken Lynch, Bill Smith, Maurice Tarplin (as "The Traveler"), Joseph Julian, Charles Paul (organist), Robert A. Arthur (writer, producer, director), David Kogan (writer, producer, director), Carl Caruso (announcer). 29:24.

Let George Do It - Death In Fancy Dress (12-27-48)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:24:51 GMT

Death In Fancy Dress (Aired December 27, 1948)
As Valentine made his rounds in search of the bad guys, he usually encountered Brooksie's kid brother, Sonny (Eddie Firestone), Lieutenant Riley (Wally Maher) and elevator man Caleb (Joseph Kearns). For the first few shows, Sonny was George's assistant, but he was soon relegated to an occasional character. Sponsored by Standard Oil, the program was broadcast on the West Coast Mutual Broadcasting System from October 18, 1946 to September 27, 1954, first on Friday evenings and then on Mondays. In its last season, transcriptions were aired in New York, Wednesdays at 9:30pm, from January 20, 1954 to January 12, 1955. John Hiestand was the program's announcer. Don Clark directed the scripts by David Victor and Jackson Gillis. The background music was supplied by Eddie Dunstedter, initially with a full orchestra. When television supplanted radio as the country's primary home entertainment, radio budgets got skimpier and skimpier and Dunstedter's orchestra was replaced by an organ. THIS EPISODE: December 27, 1948. Mutual-Don Lee network. "Death In Fancy Dress". Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. A blackmailer is possibly responsible for murder too. Bob Bailey, Frances Robinson, Wally Maher, Jay Novello, Gloria Blondell, Ken Christy, Luis Van Rooten, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Don Clark (director), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor), David Victor (writer), Herbert Little Jr. (writer). 29:54.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Luke Slaughter Of Tombstone" - The Henry Fell Story (04-20-58)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 04:01:58 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Luke Slaughter Of Tombstone" - The Henry Fell Story (Aired April 20, 1958)
CBS started the year 1958 off with the introduction on January 1, 1958 of Frontier Gentleman. That series lasted 41 broadcasts. Near the end of the year, the network launched Have Gun, Will Travel on November 11, 1958, which continued for 106 programs. In between, a very short series was offered and discontinued after only 16 broadcasts, Luke Slaughter Of Tombstone. Sam Buffington starred as Luke Slaughter, a Civil War cavalryman who turned to cattle ranching in post war Arizona territory near Fort Huachuca. William N. Robson, known from his work with such series as Escape, Suspense and The CBS Radio Workshop, directed. Sam Buffington enacted the title role on Luke Slaughter of Tombstone, another of CBS's prestigious adult Westerns. The series was produced and directed by William N. Robson, one of radio's greatest dramatic directors and Robert Stanley producer was aired from February 23 through June 15, 1958. Buffington portrayed the hard-boiled cattleman with scripts overseen by Gunsmoke sound effects artist (and sometimes scriptwriter) Tom Hanley. THIS EPISODE: April 20, 1958. "The Henry Fell Story" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. Henry Fell, a dude from back East has come to Luke's ranch to paint portraits of the Apaches. AFRTS program name: "Sagebrush Theater." Sam Buffington, Junius Matthews, Don Diamond, Karl Swenson, Jack Kruschen, William N. Robson (director), Fran Van Hartesfeldt (writer), Tom Hanley (editorial supervisor), Ben Wright, Amerigo Moreno (composer, conductor). 25:25. Episode Notes From Radio Gold Index.

The CBS Radio Workshop - The Billion Dollar Failure Of Figure Fallop (08-24-56)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 03:27:24 GMT

The Billion Dollar Failure Of Figure Fallop (Aired August 24, 1956)
Beginning with CBS' Columbia Workshop from 1936 to 1947, CBS set out to experiment with Radio--to push that invisible envelope of the speed of sound, the speed of light, and to capitalize on the human listeners' comparitively narrow band of audible sound. Not so much experiment in terms of hardware technology, as in Radio's earliest efforts in 'broad casting' radio transmissions, but in concept, engineering, scoring and production technique. The most well-known and widely acclaimed proponent of these techniques was Norman Corwin. Corwin was so critically and popularly successful in experimental broadcasts that CBS gave him virtual carte blanche to produce whatever projects he deemed of possible interest--at least until the HUAC years anyway. Corwin's well-deserved acclaim aside, the various other CBS experimental programming efforts over the years very much set the bar for other networks. THIS EPISODE: August 24, 1956. CBS network. "The Billion Dollar Failure Of Figure Fallop". Sustaining. A very well-done tale about the day the devil hired a pollster to find out how many folks would be entrusted to his care in the next twenty years. Joseph Julian, Robert Dryden, Elaine Rost, Bob Hite (announcer). 29:30.

Macabre - Weekend (11-20-61)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 23:18:56 GMT

Weekend (Aired November 20, 1961)
The series arose out of an improptu competition between The Far East Network and The Armed Forces Network-Germany. Both networks sent 15 ips audition tapes to the AFRTS Headquarters in Los Angeles and FEN Tokyo won the 'competition'. The AFRTS transcribed and distributed the Macabre series on October 4, 1961-- a month before FEN Tokyo recorded a ninth episode of Macabre for Christmas Day, titled Of Frankincense and Myrrh. FEN Launches Macabre on the lucky 13th of November 1961. Launched, appropriately enough on the 13th of November, 1961, the series ran for nine weeks, including a special Christmas Day broadcast, "Of Frankincense and Myrrh," and ending on January 8, 1962 with "Edge of Evil." Note that in the article in the 'Provenances' sidebar below mentions a run of eight weeks. That's apparently the tenuous provenance upon which most of the misinformation about the true run of Macabre has been based for the past forty years. But in fact, in the interim, FEN Tokyo scripted a ninth program, Of Frankincense and Myrrh, to air on Christmas Day, 1961. That's the episode that has been inaccurately cited as being preempted by virtually every 'otr expert' in the world. As can now be fully demonstrated, there was, indeed, a full run of nine episodes, all of which aired from FEN Tokyo during the holiday season of 1961. THIS EPISODE: November 20, 1961. Program #2. AFRTS-FEN origination. "Weekend". A weekend on a mysterious island with a mad doctor who is experimenting with a deadly drug. John Buey, Walt Sheldon, Bob Eddy, Hiroshi Ono (technical supervisor), Shirley Ashey, William Verdier, Milton Radmilovich, Al Lepage (announcer). 27:14.

Agatha Christie Presents Miss Marple - A Pocket Full Of Rye (Pt. 2 of 2) 11-09-53

Bob Camardella — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:18:20 GMT

A Pocket Full Of Rye (Pt. 2 of 2) Aired November 9, 1953
In" They Do It with Mirrors" (1952), it is revealed that, in her distant youth, Miss Marple spent time in Europe at a finishing school. She is not herself from the aristocracy or landed gentry, but is quite at home amongst them; Miss Marple would probably have been happy to describe herself as a gentlewoman. Miss Marple may thus be considered a female version of that staple of British detective fiction, the gentleman detective. This education, history, and background are hinted at in the Margaret Rutherford films (see below), in which Miss Marple mentions her awards at marksmanship, fencing and equestrianism (although these hints are played for comedic value).

2000 Plus - The Men From Mars (03-29-50)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:14:01 GMT

The Men From Mars (Aired March 29, 1950)
2000 Plus, for its part, clearly had all the makings of a truly exceptional science fiction canon. The sound engineering, in particular, was every bit the equal of anything heard previously on ABC, CBS or NBC. The music scoring for 2000 Plus was also quite effective and forward-looking for the era. An east coast production from beginning to end, the series tapped some of New York's finest dramatic talent for its productions. Indeed, the pace, direction, plot arcs and all-around finish of its productions were every bit the equal of any of MBS's finest popular productions from the early 1940s. In spite of John Crosby's ascerbic observations of science dramas in general, America was clearly ready, willing and able to embrace mainstream science fiction of a more provocative, adult nature. Though 2000 Plus was never quite the equal of the competing sci-fi dramas that succeeded it, it acquitted itself overall. Many of its stories had no equal in either Dimension X or X Minus One five years later. Show Notes From The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE: March 29, 1950. Mutual network. "The Men From Mars". Sustaining. Two teenagers buy a second-hand space ship for $87 and take off for Mars! Peter Berry, Sherman H. Dryer (creator, producer), Robert Weenolsen (producer), Ronald Liss, Ronnie Jacoby, Solette McMann, Ed Latimer, John Griggs, Sandy Fickert, Emerson Buckley and His Orchestra, Elliot Jacoby (composer), Walt Shaver (sound effects), Adrian Penner (sound effects), Bob Emerick (announcer). 29:26.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Cow Doctor (05-28-55)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 03:37:24 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Cow Doctor (Aired May 28, 1955)
Two auditions were created in 1949. The first was very much like a hardboiled detective series and starred Rye Billsbury as Dillon; the second starred Straight Arrow actor Howard Culver in a more Western, lighter version of the same script. CBS liked the Culver version better, and Ackerman was told to proceed. But there was a complication. Culver's contract as the star of Straight Arrow would not allow him to do another Western series. The project was shelved for three years, when MacDonnell and Meston discovered it creating an adult Western series of their own. MacDonnell and Meston wanted to create a radio Western for adults, in contrast to the prevailing juvenile fare such as The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas during the thriving cattle days of the 1870s. Dunning notes, "The show drew critical acclaim for unprecedented realism." THIS EPISODE: May 28, 1955. CBS network. "Cow Doctor". Sponsored by: L & M, Chesterfield. Ben Pitcher, a man who hates doctors, sends for Doc Adams to tend his sick cow. Tragedy follows. The program closing has been deleted. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on September 8, 1956. Bill James (sound patterns), George Fenneman (commercial spokesman), Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, John Dehner, John Meston (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Parley Baer, Rex Koury (composer, performer), Sam Edwards, Tom Hanley (sound patterns), Vivi Janis, William Conrad, George Walsh (announcer). 29:41.

The Shadow - 2 Episodes (01-16-38) and (01-30-38) A RECAST From 04-29-06

Bob Camardella — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 01:49:05 GMT

2 Episodes (Sabotage 01-16-38) (The Poison Death 01-30-38) A RECAST From 04-29-06
"The Shadow" - One of the most popular radio shows in history. The show went on the air in August of 1930. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" The opening lines of the "Detective Story" program captivated listeners and are instantly recognizable even today. Originally the narrator of the series of macabre tales, the eerie voice known as The Shadow became so popular to listeners that "Detective Story" was soon renamed "The Shadow," and the narrator became the star of the old-time mystery radio series, which ran until 1954. A figure never seen, only heard, the Shadow was an invincible crime fighter. He possessed many gifts which enabled him to overcome any enemy. Besides his tremendous strength, he could defy gravity, speak any language, unravel any code, and become invisible with his famous ability to "cloud men's minds." Along with his team of operatives, the Shadow battled adversaries with chilling names like The Black Master, Kings of Crime, The Five Chameleons, and, of course, The Red Menace. The Shadow's exploits were also avidly followed by readers in The Shadow magazine, which began in 1931 following the huge success of the old-time mystery radio program. TODAY'S SHOW: January 16, 1938. Mutual network. "Sabotage". Sponsored by: Blue Coal. A small tube of nitroglycerine helps the Shadow to break up a spy ring run by the strange Dr. Arnheim. Orson Welles, Agnes Moorehead. 1/2 hour. January 30, 1938. Mutual network. "The Poison Death". Sponsored by: Blue Coal. A madman threatens to poison the entire city...and signs his threat..."The Shadow!" Orson Welles, Agnes Moorehead, Ken Roberts (announcer). 1/2 hour.

The Black Museum - The Service Card (1952)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 23:52:44 GMT

The Service Card (1952) *The Exact Date Is Unknown
Opening in 1875, the Crime Museum at Scotland Yard is the oldest museum in the world purely for recording crime. The name Black Museum was coined in 1877 by a reporter from The Observer, a London newspaper, although the museum is still referred to as the Crime Museum. The idea of a crime museum was conceived by Inspector Neame who had already collected together a number of items, with the intention of giving police officers practical instruction on how to detect and prevent burglary. It is this museum that inspired the Black Musuem radio series. The museum is not open to members of the public but is now used as a lecture theatre for the curator to lecture police and like bodies in subjects such as Forensic Science, Pathology, Law and Investigative Techniques. A number of famous people have visited the musuem including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Harry Houdini, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Orsen Welles hosted and narrated the shows. Following the opening, Mr. Welles would introduce the museum's item of evidence that was central to the case, leading into the dramatization. He also provided narration during the show and ended each show with his characteristic closing from the days of his Mercury Theater on the Air, 'remaining obediently yours'. THIS EPISODE: 1952. Syndicated, WCRB, Boston aircheck. "The Service Card". A murderer is trapped by the odometer reading on his victim's car. The date is approximate. This series was heard on the Mutual net during 1952, but was produced in England and broadcast earlier on British radio. The series was syndicated by Harry Alan Towers after the network run for many years. Orson Welles (narrator), Harry Alan Towers (producer), Ira Marion (writer), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor). 25:36.

Agatha Christie Presents Miss Marple - A Pocket Full Of Rye (Pt. 1 of 2) 11-09-53

Bob Camardella — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:23:00 GMT

A Pocket Full Of Rye (Pt. 1 of 2) Aired November 9, 1953
Miss Marple is able to solve difficult crimes not only because of her shrewd intelligence, but because St. Mary Mead, over her lifetime, has given her seemingly infinite examples of the negative side of human nature. No crime can arise without reminding Miss Marple of some parallel incident in the history of her time. Miss Marple's acquaintances are sometimes bored by her frequent analogies to people and events from St. Mary Mead, but these analogies often lead Miss Marple to a deeper realization about the true nature of a crime. Although she looks like a sweet, frail old woman, Miss Marple is not afraid of dead bodies and is not easily intimidated. She also has a remarkable ability to latch onto a casual comment and connect it to the case at hand. Miss Marple has never worked for her living and is of independent means, although she benefits in her old age from the financial support of Raymond West, her nephew (A Caribbean Mystery,1964). She demonstrates a remarkably thorough education, including some art courses that involved study of human anatomy through the study of human cadavers. THIS EPISODE: November 9, 1953. "A Pocket Full Of Rye" - When a upper middle class Rex Fortescue dies while having black tea, the police are shocked. Mr. Fortescue died during his morning tea in his office and the diagnosis was that a poison, taxine - a poison found as a mixture of cardiotoxic diterpenes in the leaves, but not the berries (arils), of the European yew tree - had killed him.

The Milton Berle Show - Income Taxes (03-09-48)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 15:46:51 GMT

Income Taxes (Aired March 9, 1948)
In 1934-36, Berle was heard regularly on The Rudy Vallee Hour, and he got much publicity as a regular on The Gillette Original Community Sing, a Sunday night comedy-variety program broadcast on CBS from September 6, 1936 to August 29, 1937. In 1939, he was the host of Stop Me If You've Heard This One with panelists spontaneously finishing jokes sent in by listeners. Three Ring Time, a comedy-variety show sponsored by Ballantine Ale was followed by a 1943 program sponsored by Campbell's Soups. The audience participation show Let Yourself Go (1944-45) could best be described as slapstick radio with studio audience members acting out long suppressed urges (often directed at host Berle). Kiss and Make Up, on CBS in 1946, featured the problems of contestants decided by a jury from the studio audience with Berle as the Judge. He also made guest appearances on many comedy-variety radio programs during the 1930s and 1940s. Scripted by Hal Block and Martin Ragaway, The Milton Berle Show brought Berle together with Arnold Stang, later a familiar face as Berle's TV sidekick. Others in the cast were Pert Kelton, Mary Schipp, Jack Albertson, Arthur Q. Bryan, Ed Begley, vocalist Dick Forney and announcer Frank Gallop. The Ray Bloch Orchestra provided the music for the series. THIS EPISODE: March 9, 1948. NBC network. Sponsored by: Philip Morris. A Salute To Income Taxes. Miltie figures out his income tax. Frank Gallop (announcer), Milton Berle, Ray Bloch and His Orchestra. 28:59.

Christopher London - The Adventure Of The Emerald Ring (02-05-50)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:28:11 GMT

The Adventure Of The Emerald Ring (Aired February 5, 1950)
No Radio novice, Glenn Ford had not yet appeared in his own recurring dramatic Radio showcase. Christopher London gave millions of Glenn Ford fans an opportunity to hear him in a top-notch adventure anthology as Christopher London, a private investigator with an adventurous wanderlust reminiscent of Alan Ladd's Box Thirteen, Herbert Marshall's The Man Called X and Brian Donlevy's Dangerous Assignment--with a few elements of The Shadow and The Green Lama thrown in. THIS EPISODE: February 5, 1950. NBC network. "The Emerald Ring" AKA The Missing Heiress. Sustaining. The search for Helen Falconer, a missing heiress, along the San Francisco waterfront. Erle Stanley Gardner (creator), William N. Robson (producer, director), Glenn Ford, Mindred Lord (writer), Lyn Murray (composer, conductor), Joan Banks, Ben Wright, Charlie Lung, Florence Halop, Ted de Corsia, Peter Leeds, Stacy Harris, Will Wright. 29:13.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Hollywood Radio Theater" - The Cowboy & The Lady (01-20-41)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 02:56:56 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Hollywood Radio Theater" - The Cowboy & The Lady (Aired January 20, 1941)
Hollywood Radio Theater (Lux), one of the genuine classic radio anthology series (NBC Blue Network, 1934-1935; CBS 1935-1955), adapted first Broadway stage and then (and especially) films to hour-long live radio presentations and became the standard by which future radio and early television anthologies would be judged. Cecil B. DeMille was the host of the series each Monday evening from June 1, 1936 until January 22, 1945. THIS EPISODE: January 20, 1941. CBS network. "The Cowboy and The Lady". Sponsored by: Lux. Cecil B. DeMille (host), Merle Oberon, Gene Autry, Eddie Waller, Melville Ruick (announcer), Louis Silvers (music director), Lou Merrill, Gloria Blondell, Fred MacKaye, Verna Felton, Arthur Q. Bryan, Janet Waldo (doubles), Rolfe Sedan (doubles), Julie Bannon, Charles Seel (doubles), Joseph Du Val, Stanley Farrar, Dick Reinhart (whistling, accompanying Gene Autry), Margaret McKay (commercial spokeswoman), Lois Collier (commercial spokeswoman), Kathleen Fitz (commercial spokeswoman), S. N. Behrman (screenwriter), Sonya Levien (screenwriter), Leo McCarey (author), Frank Adams (author), Sanford Barnett (director), George Wells (adaptor), Charlie Forsyth (sound effects). 56:23.

The Screen Guild Theater - Torrid Zone (01-25-42)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:19:50 GMT

Torrid Zone (Aired January 25, 1942)
The Screen Guild Theater was a popular radio anthology series during the Golden Age of Radio broadcast from 1939 until 1952 with leading Hollywood actors performing in adaptations of popular motion pictures such as Going My Way and The Postman Always Rings Twice. The show had a long run, lasting for 14 seasons and 527 episodes. It initially was heard on CBS from January 8, 1939 until June 28, 1948, continuing on NBC from October 7, 1948 until June 29, 1950. It was broadcast on ABC from September 7, 1950 to May 31, 1951 and returned to CBS on March 13, 1952. It aired under several different titles: The Gulf Screen Guild Show, The Gulf Screen Guild Theater, The Lady Esther Screen Guild Theater and The Camel Screen Guild Theater. Actors on the series included Ethel Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart, Eddie Cantor, Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante, Nelson Eddy, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Johnny Mercer, Agnes Moorehead, Gregory Peck, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore. Fees these actors would typically charge were donated to the Motion Picture Relief Fund, in order to support the creation and maintenance of the Motion Picture Country Home for retired actors. The series came to an end on CBS June 29, 1952. THIS EPISODE: January 25, 1942. "Torrid Zone" - Plagued by revolutionaries that harass his plantation in a banana republic, fruit company exec Steve Case rehires former nemesis Nick Butler to restore order and profits. Paulette Goddard, George Raft. 30:05.

Your's Truly Johnny Dollar - The Price Of Fame (02-02-58)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:50:34 GMT

The Price Of Fame (Aired February 2, 1958)
The guest stars and supporting casts were always first rate, attracting the best radio actors in both Los Angeles and New York. Pat McCracken was played by several actors – most frequently, by Larry Dobkin. Particularly noteworthy was the work of Virginia Gregg, who played many roles, including Johnny's girlfriend Betty Lewis. Harry Bartell was also a frequent guest, who did many of the Spanish dialect roles when Johnny went to a Latin American country. Other frequent guest performers were Parley Baer, Tony Barrett, John Dehner, Don Diamond, Sam Edwards, Herb Ellis, Frank Gerstle, Stacy Harris, Jack Kruschen, Forrest Lewis, Howard McNear, Marvin Miller, Jeanette Nolan, Vic Perrin, Barney Phillips, Jean Tatum, Russell Thomson, Ben Wright, and Will Wright. Vincent Price co-starred as himself in "The Price of Fame Matter" and went to Europe with Johnny on the case. In December 1960, the show moved to New York. Robert Readick started the New York run as Dollar, but only lasted a short while. Jack Johnstone continued to write for the show and submitted scripts from California. Johnstone wrote about 350 Johnny Dollar scripts under his own name and his pen names Sam Dawson and Jonathan Bundy. Johnstone wrote the last episodes of both Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar and Suspense. THIS EPISODE: February 2, 1958. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Price Of Fame Matter". Vincent Price, who plays himself, has been the victim of a $100,000 theft. The trail leads to Paris, a seedy cafe (with the theme from "The Third Man" playing in the background) and a Peter Lorre clone named "The Gray Cat." Bob Bailey, Vincent Price, Virginia Gregg, Howard McNear, Junius Matthews, Dan Cubberly (announcer), Forrest Lewis, Jack Johnstone (writer, producer, director), Tony Barrett. 25:20.

Lum & Abner - The Oil Tycoons - 4 Episodes (01-04-35 to 01-08-35)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:41:54 GMT

The Oil Tycoons - 4 Episodes (Aired January 4, 1935 thru January 8, 1935)
The Adventures of two small town shop keepers in the Town of Pine Ridge Arkansas Lum and Abner were Broadcast from 1931 until 1954. Lauck and Goff had known each other since childhood and attended the University of Arkansas together (joining the Sigma Chi Fraternity together while there). They performed locally and established a blackface act which led to an audition at radio station KTHS in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Prior to the audition, the two men decided to change their act and portray two hillbillies, since there were already an overabundance of blackface acts at the time. After only a few shows in Hot Springs, they were picked up nationally by NBC, and Lum and Abner, sponsored by Quaker Oats, ran until 1932. Lauck and Goff performed several different characters, modeling many of them after real-life residents of Waters, Arkansas. After the Quaker contract expired, Lauck and Goff continued to broadcast over two Texas stations, WBAP (Fort Worth) and WFAA (Dallas). In 1933, Ford Motor Company became their sponsor for approximately a year. Horlick's Malted Milk, the 1934-37 sponsor, offered a number of promotional premium items, including almanacs and fictional Pine Ridge newspapers. TODAY'S SHOW: January 4, 1935 thru January 8, 1935. "The Oil Tycoons" - Mutual network. Sponsored by: Horlick's Malted Milk. Lum and Abner are going to be made rich by their oil wells. Chester Lauck, Norris Goff, Carlton Brickert (nouncer). 55:37.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Lightning Jim" - Lightning Jim Races Against Death (1944)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:26:21 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Lightning Jim" - Lightning Jim Races Against Death (1944) *The Exact Date Is Unknown
Only about 41 broadcasts have been located. Marshall Lightning Jim Whipple on his horse Thunder and his deputy, Whitey Larson explore the history of the west through adventure. The program originated in 1938 and was called The Adventures of Lightning Jim. At this time it was a West coast program. The program returned to the air in the 1950s and a total of 98 radio programs were produced. J. David Goldin's The Golden Age of Radio published by Radio Yesteryear in 1998 indicates that 41 Lightning Jim broadcasts have been located. The program was originally called The Adventures of Lightning Jim. The program returned to the air in the 1950s. THIS EPISODE: 1944. Program #5. ZIV Syndication. "Lightning Jim Races Against Death". Commercials added locally. Jim tries to prove the innocence of the man about to be hanged for murder. Francis X. Bushman, Henry Hoople. 29:02.

Calling All Cars - Fingerprints Don't Lie (07-11-34)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:40:35 GMT

Fingerprints Don't Lie (Aired July 11, 1934)
Calling All Cars was one of the earliest police shows on the air. It ran from November 29, 1933 through September 8, 1939. It’s sponsor was the Rio Grande Oil Company, which is why the show only ran in areas where Rio Grande "cracked" gasoline was sold. The sponsor promoted its "close ties" with police departments in Arizona and Southern California, urging listeners to buy its product for "police car performance". As shows of this nature do, it dealt with tracking killers and robbers, and with a recap of the justice which was enforced. The writer and director was William N. Robson. Calling All Cars episodes were dramatized true crime stories that were not only introduced by officers of the Los Angeles Police Department but were true life crime stories of the LAPD. THIS EPISODE: July 11, 1934. Program #33. CBS Pacific network (Don Lee network). "Fingerprints Don't Lie". Sponsored by: Rio Grande Oil. Officer #734 has been held up, shot and robbed by two men who escaped in a Hudson. The Department of Records and Identification uses fingerprints to apprehend the criminals. William N. Robson (writer, producer), Charles Frederick Lindsley (narrator). 31:09.

The Chase - The Murder (12-14-52)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 00:16:29 GMT

The Murder (Aired December 14, 1952)
NBC first envisioned The Chase as a new Television feature. This was not uncommon during the later 1940s and early 1950s. Several Radio features straddled both media, with varying success. Developed as a psychological drama, the premise was that many life situations place their subjects in a 'chase' of one type or another. A chase for fame. A chase from peril. A chase to beat the clock. A chase to escape death. The added twist was the question of who is the hunter or the hunted in these situations. The scripts were faced paced, starred quality east coast talent and were well written. The series' plots and themes focused primarily on predominantly fear inducing pursuits of one form or another. Thus most of the scripts were fraught with tension of one type or another. Whether mental tension, physical peril or a mix of both, the abiding theme throughout the series was the the contrasts between the 'hunter' and the 'hunted' in such Life situations. NBC's Television version of The Chase was in production during May 1953. It was to star Doug Fowley as both narrator and performer. Apparently the powers to be eventually decided to abandon the production. It would also appear that the TV production was abandoned at about the same time the Radio version was pulled, to be replaced by NBC's prestigious NBC Summer Symphony series. THIS EPISODE: December 14, 1952. NBC network. "The Murder". Sustaining. After an Englishman's wife leaves him, he becomes determined to kill the wealthy man who has ruined his life. Fred Collins (announcer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), Ivor Francis, John Stanley, June Peel, Cathleen Cordell, Lawrence Klee (creator, writer), Staats Cotsworth. 28:39.

Murder At Midnight - Murder Out Of Mind (10-04-46)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:38:02 GMT

Murder Out Of Mind (Aired October 4, 1946)
Dubbed Murder At Midnight, the intent, from the outset, was to create a compelling crime fiction drama anthology targeted specifically for late night listening. Murder At Midnight, while ostensibly a crime fiction drama was as much thriller as crime drama. The series debuted over the newly coined American Broacasting Company on September 16, 1946 and within two years was airing over Mutual and several other independent affiliates throughout the U.S.. As much a crossover supernatural thriller as crime drama, the forboding introduction by host, Raymond Morgan, was very reminiscent of the competing Strange Dr. Weird (1944), Quiet! Please (1947), Cabin B-13 (1948), and The Whisperer (1951). Other long-running, highly popular, predominately supernatural vehicles had also been running for years, such as Inner Sanctum and Lights Out!. The comparisons are appropriate given the intentionally eerie, forboding and suspenseful scripts for most of Murder At Midnight. THIS EPISODE: October 4, 1946. Program #25. KFI, Los Angeles origination, Cowan syndication, World transcription. "Murder Out Of Mind". Commercials added locally. A man is trying to drive his wife crazy...and seems to be succeeding! Raymond Morgan (host), Sigmund Miller (writer), Anton M. Leader (director), Charlotte Holland, Alan Hewitt, Charles Paul (organist), Louis G. Cowan (producer). 27:13.

The Fred Allen Townhall Show - Once An Amateur (10-02-35)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:37:17 GMT

Once An Amateur (Aired October 2, 1935)
Fred Allen, who comically feuded with Jack Benny on the air for years, invented an entirely new form of radio comedy which consisted of lampooning current events, making fun of his sponsors, and presenting skits that featured a cast of memorable recurring characters. Allen was born John Florence Sullivan on May 31st, 1894 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the son of a bookbinder and storyteller. He became interested in comedy after finding a book on its history in his father's shop, and he taught himself to juggle by reading a book on the subject by the age of eighteen he was appearing in vaudeville as a juggler and comedian. A successful engagement at the Palace in 1919 led to many Broadway shows, including The Passing Show of 1922, where he met his future wife and radio co-star, Portland Hoffa. THIS EPISODE: Town Hall Tonight. "Once An Amateur" - October 2, 1935. The Red network. Sponsored by: Ipana, Sal Hepatica. The first tune is, "I've Got A Pocket Full Of Sunshine." Town Hall news: an anti-noise campaign and other news of the week. The first show of the season. Fred mentions that he's just returned to the show from Hollywood. The Mighty Allen Art Players perform, "Once An Amateur, Always An Amateur, But Never A Bride." A Fred Allen All-Star amateur contest: James Smith "The Musical Chef," plays "Marching Through Georgia" on cooking bowls. Marie Phillips sings opera, Arthur Young sings and plays the guitar, a Yugoslavian Tamborine Orchestra plays, Kenneth Yarrow (bass-baritone) sings, "Old Man River." "The Friendly Four," a quartet from Pine Grove Pennsylvania, sing "The Street Urchin's Medley." Charlie Bennet (accordionist) plays, "The Twelfth Street Rag." Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Peter Van Steeden and His Orchestra, Tiny Ruffner (announcer), Minerva Pious, James Smith, Marie Phillips, Arthur Young, Kenneth Yarrow, The Friendly Four, Charlie Bennett, The Ipana Troubadours. 59:32.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock" - The Jaws Of The Law (10-29-52)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:25:41 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock" - The Jaws Of The Law (Aired October 29, 1952)
Wild Bill Hickock was a real life Civil War soldier, sharpshooter, gunfighter and lawman of the Old West. He was an adventurer who had many brushes with death, but they were greatly exaggerated by the stories told about him in various media. His fame lives on, not so much for his real life tales, but because he was the first dime novel hero, he appears in various movies, television shows, and this old time radio program. His tale comes to a sad, yet iconoclastic end. He was killed while playing a round of poker. His hand was aces and eights. For those who know poker, that’s known as the ‘Dead Man’s Hand.’ Wild Bill started on the radio in 1951 as a kids western show. It emphasized the tracking down the bad guys and fighting for the law rather than the shootin, poker playin, rough and tumble Civil War vet, who lies about his life to get good publicity aspects of Wild Bill’s life. The show is in the tradition of the Lone Ranger and the Cisco Kid. Guy Madison starred as Bill with Andy Devine as his sidekick, Jingles. (Now there’s a name you want to go through Hollywood with.) This Wild Bill Hickock was quick with his fists and a quip, but Jingles (dear god that nickname) got all his glory by using his immense girth to fight the bad guys. Jingles if you couldn’t tell was the comedic element in the series. THIS EPISODE: October 29, 1952. Program #100. Mutual network. "The Jaws Of The Law". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops. Jubilee Jenks refuses to sell his land to the railroad, and is quick on the trigger finger too! The system cue is added live. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Charles Lyon (announcer), Paul Pierce (director), David Hire (producer), Richard Aurandt (music), Larry Hayes (writer), Gail Bonney, Jack Kruschen, Joe Forte, Ken Peters, Jack Moyles. 24:59.

Academy Award Theater - If I Were King (05-11-46)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:17:30 GMT

If I Were King (Aired May 11, 1946)
The list of films and actors on Academy Award Theater is very impressive. Bette Davis begins the series in Jezebel, with Ginger Rogers following in Kitty Foyle, and then Paul Muni in The Life of Louis Pasteur. The Informer had to have Victor Mclaglen, and the Maltese Falcon, Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Greenstreet (this movie was his first major motion picutre role) plus Mary Astor for the hat trick. Suspicion starred Cary Grant with Ann Todd doing the Joan Fontaine role, Ronald Coleman in Lost Horizon, and Joan Fontaine and John Lund were in Portrait of Jenny. How Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio were done is something to hear! Some films are less well known, such as Guest in the House, with Kirk Douglas and Anita Louise, It Happened Tomorrow, with Eddie Bracken and Ann Blythe playing Dick Powell and Linda Darnell's roles, and Cheers for Miss Bishop with Olivia de Havilland. Each adaptation is finely produced and directed by Dee Engelbach, with music composed and conducted by Leith Stevens. Frank Wilson wrote the movie adaptations. THIS EPISODE: May 11, 1946. CBS network. "If I Were King". Sponsored by: Squibb. The story of the poet-General of France: his flashing sword and his way with the ladies. Ronald Colman. 31:33.

The Adventures Of Maisie - Manganese Gold Mine (04-26-51)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:05:22 GMT

Manganese Gold Mine (Aired April 26, 1951)
Maisie, the first in 1939, was from the book "Dark Dame" by the writer Wilson Collison,who did decades of scripting for the silver screen along with Broadway plays and magazine fiction. From the first, MGM wanted Ann Sothern to play Maisie. She began in Hollywood as an extra in 1927. "Maisie and I were just together - I just understood her," Sothern, born Harriette Arlene Lake, said after several of the films made her a star. Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Ann Sothern and Lucille Ball, like many performers in Hollywood, had not one but two careers - one in motion pictures and one on radio. MGM Studios had created the series of ten motion pictures based on a brash blonde with a heart "of spun gold." Sothern, due in great part to the Maisie films type-casting, would ultimately admit she was "a Hollywood princess, not a Hollywood queen." But in its time, the Maisie series in film and on radio made her known and loved the world over. And for many of us, Ann Sothern was a beautiful and intelligent actress whose warmth and charm were singularly beguiling. She continued to do TV (Private Secretary, The Ann Sothern Show) and movie work (A Letter to Three Wives, '49), and was nominated for an Academy Award in 1987 for The Whales of August.She died March 15, 2001. THIS EPISODE: April 26, 1951. Program #63. "Manganese Gold Mine" - MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. Maisie helps a countess and a prince of the country of San Marcos. The date above is the date of first broadcast on WMGM, New York City. Ann Sothern, Arthur Q. Bryan, Gerald Mohr, Hans Conried, Harry Zimmerman (composer, conductor), Hy Averback (announcer), Jack McCoy (announcer), Joan Banks, John L. Green (writer), Sidney Miller. 28:06.

The General Mills Radio Adventure Theater - With Malice Toward None (02-12-77)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:18:40 GMT

With Malice Toward None (Aired February 12, 1977)
The General Mills Radio Adventure Theater was a 1977 anthology radio drama series with Tom Bosley as host. Himan Brown, already producing the CBS Radio Mystery Theater for the network, added this twice-weekly (Saturdays and Sundays) anthology radio drama series to his workload in 1977. It usually aired on weekends, beginning in February 1977 and continuing through the end of January 1978, on stations which cleared it. General Mills's advertising agency was looking for a means of reaching children that would be less expensive than television advertising. Brown and CBS were willing to experiment with a series aimed at younger listeners, reaching that audience through ads in comic books. Apart from Christian or other religious broadcasting, this may have been the only nationwide attempt in the U.S. in the 1970s to air such a series. General Mills did not continue as sponsor after the 52 episodes had first aired over the first 26 weekends (February 1977 through July 1977), and the series (52 shows) was then repeated over the next 26 weekends (August 1977 through the end of January 1978), as The CBS Radio Adventure Theater, with a variety of sponsors for the commercials. THIS EPISODE: February 12, 1977. Program #3. CBS network. "With Malice Toward None". Sponsored by: General Mills. The program was repeated on August 14, 1977 as, "The CBS Radio Adventure Theater." Tom Bosley (host), Skip Hinnant, Merry Flershem, Ian Martin (writer,performer), Himan Brown (producer, director), William Griffis. 41:23.

Blondie - Dagwood Forgets Himself (09-17-44)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:04:15 GMT

Dagwood Forgets Himself (Aired September 17, 1944)
Not many cartoon strips from the 30's are still popular, but Blondie is one of the few. Still widely read today, Blondie was also made into movies and of course, radio. Her beau, soon to be husband, Dagwood and her were an unlikely match. Dagwood actually came from money and his parents were displeased with his choice of girlfriend, but boldly defying them, he accepted being disowned and married Blondie anyway. In the beginning, Blondie was a flapper and portrayed as a bit of an airhead, but marriage seemed to mature her and she was actually the more levelheaded of the two, often getting Dagwood out of the messes he got himself into when he would cry out "BLONDIEEEEEEEE!!" Almost everyone could see a bit of themselves in the everyday lives of the Bumsteads and judging from the continued enjoyment of the characters, almost everyone still can. Truly a delightful show. THIS EPISODE: September 17, 1944. Program #22. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Dagwood Forgets Himself". Dagwood has a football accident and loses his memory. Arthur Lake, Don Wilson, Lenny Conn and His Orchestra (music fill), Penny Singleton, Hanley Stafford, Chic Young (creator). 36:55.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel" - Finn Alley (08-09-59)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 04:00:47 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel" - Finn Alley (Aired August 9, 1959)
The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter (played by Richard Boone on television, and by John Dehner on radio), who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when forced to fight, excelled. Paladin lived in the Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, where he dressed in semi-formal wear, ate gourmet food, and attended opera. In fact, many who initially met him mistook him for a dandy from the East. When working, he dressed in black, used calling cards and wore a holster which carried characteristic chess knight emblems, and carried a derringer under his belt. The knight symbol is in reference to his name — possibly a nickname or working name — and his occupation as a champion-for-hire (see paladin). The theme song of the series refers to him as "a knight without armor." In addition, Paladin drew a parallel between his methods and the chess piece's movement: "It's a chess piece, the most versatile on the board. It can move in eight different directions, over obstacles, and it's always unexpected." Paladin was a former Army officer and a graduate of West Point. He was a polyglot, capable of speaking any foreign tongue required by the plot. He also had a thorough knowledge of ancient history and classical literature, and he exhibited a strong passion for legal principles and the rule of law. THIS EPISODE: August 9, 1959. CBS network. "Finn Alley". Sponsored by: Columbia Phonographs, Winston, Casite. Miss Wong has been kidnapped. Paladin gets shanghaied when he visits the Barbary Coast! Quality upgrade, network, sponsored version. Ben Wright, Frank Paris (writer, producer, director), Hugh Douglas (announcer), John Dehner, Joseph Kearns, Patti Gallagher, Virginia Gregg, Waldo Epperson, Bill James (sound effects), Tom Hanley (sound effects), Sam Rolfe (creator), Herb Meadow (creator). 25:05.

Pat Novak For Hire - Sam Tolliver (04-23-49)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 02:56:38 GMT

Sam Tolliver (Aired April 23, 1949)
Pat Novak for Hire was an old-time radio detective show which aired from 1946-1947 as a West Coast regional program and in 1949 as a nationwide program for ABC. The regional version originally starred Jack Webb in the title role, with scripts by his roommate Richard L. Breen. When Webb and Breen moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles to work on an extremely similar nationwide series, Johnny Modero, for the Mutual network, Webb was replaced by Ben Morris and Breen by other writers. In the later network version, Jack Webb resumed the Novak role, and Breen his duties as scriptwriter. The series is popular among fans for its fast-paced, hard-boiled dialogue and action and witty one-liners. Pat Novak for Hire is set on the San Francisco, California waterfront and depicts the city as a dark, rough place where the main goal is survival. Pat Novak is not a detective by trade. He owns a boat shop on Pier 19 where he rents out boats and does odd jobs to make money. Each episode of the program, particularly the Jack Webb episodes, follows the same basic formula; a foghorn sounds and Novak's footsteps are heard walking down the pier. He then pauses and begins with the line "Sure, I'm Pat Novak . . . for hire". The foghorn repeats and leads to the intro theme, during which Pat gives a monologue about the waterfront and his job renting boats. Jack Webb narrates the story as well as acts in it, as the titular character.

X Minus One - Hello Tomorrow (02-29-56)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 23:18:07 GMT

Hello Tomorrow (Aired February 29, 1956)
X Minus One was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, Dimension X, which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X Minus One shows used scripts from Dimension X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. A total of 125 programs were broadcast, some repeats or remakes, until the last show of Jan. 9, 1958. There was a one-program revival attempt in 1973, shown at the end of the log. THIS EPISODE: February 29, 1956. NBC network. "Hello Tomorrow". Sponsored by: Street and Smith. A return to the surface: a story of genetic imperfection. The script was used previously on "Dimension X" on September 15, 1950 and subsequently on "X Minus One" on November 3, 1955. George Lefferts (writer), John Larkin, Jan Miner, William Welch (producer, Daniel Sutter (director), Fred Collins (announcer). 24:15.

Radio City Playhouse - Blackout (08-15-49)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:12:44 GMT

Blackout (Aired August 15, 1949)
The Radio City Playhouse was a half-hour of drama, sometimes comedy, often very exciting and suspenseful. The cast were made up of New York veterans of radio and stage, including Jan Minor and John Larkin as featured performers. The director, Harry W. Junkin, also served as the show's host and narrator. Each week the show introduced a new story, often written by well-known writers of fantasy and suspense such as Ray Bradbury, Cornell Woolrich, Agatha Christie and Paul Gallico. They were dramatized with a full orchestral soundtrack and excellent sound effects. THIS EPISODE: August 15, 1949. Program #51. NBC network. "Blackout". Sustaining. An alcoholic suspects he killed a "drinking" buddy. Will he do the right thing? The program is also known as, "NBC Short Story." Arnold Moss, Eugene Francis, Fred Collins (announcer), Harry W. Junkin (writer, director, host), Jan Miner, Larry Blyden, Luis Van Rooten, Roy Shield (composer, conductor). 34:10.

Dragnet - The Big Sophomore (07-19-51)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:15:54 GMT

The Big Sophomore (Aired July 19, 1951)
Dragnet was a long-running radio and television police procedural drama about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show takes its name from an actual police term, a "dragnet", meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet debuted inauspiciously. The first several months were bumpy, as Webb and company worked out the program’s format and eventually became comfortable with their characters (Friday was originally portrayed as more brash and forceful than his later usually relaxed demeanor). Gradually, Friday’s deadpan, fast-talking persona emerged, described by John Dunning as "a cop's cop, tough but not hard, conservative but caring." (Dunning, 210) Friday’s first partner was Sgt. Ben Romero, portrayed by Barton Yarborough, a longtime radio actor. When Dragnet hit its stride, it became one of radio’s top-rated shows. While most radio shows used one or two sound effects experts, Dragnet needed five; a script clocking in at just under 30 minutes could require up to 300 separate effects. Accuracy was underlined. THIS EPISODE: July 19, 1951. Program #110. NBC network. "The Big Sophomore". Sponsored by: Fatima. A young boy named Harry Dunbar admits a series of petty thefts, but is reluctant to explains his reasons. Jack Webb, Barton Yarborough. 29:42.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Six Shooter" - Anna Norquest (05-06-54)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:37:42 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Six Shooter" - Anna Norquest (Aired May 6, 1954)
The Six Shooter brought James Stewart to the NBC microphone on September 20, 1953, in a fine series of folksy Western adventures. Stewart was never better on the air than in this drama of Britt Ponset, frontier drifter created by Frank Burt. The epigraph set it up nicely: "The man in the saddle is angular and long-legged: his skin is sun dyed brown. The gun in his holster is gray steel and rainbow mother-of-pearl. People call them both The Six Shooter." Ponset was a wanderer, an easy-going gentleman and -- when he had to be -- a gunfighter. Stewart was right in character as the slow-talking maverick who usually blundered into other people's troubles and sometimes shot his way out. His experiences were broad, but The Six Shooter leaned more to comedy than other shows of its kind. Ponset took time out to play Hamlet with a crude road company. He ran for mayor and sheriff of the same town at the same time. He became involved in a delighful Western version of Cinderella, complete with grouchy stepmother, ugly sisters, and a shoe that didn't fit. And at Christmas he told a young runaway the story of A Christmas Carol, Substituting the original Dickens characters with Western heavies. Britt even had time to fall in love, but it was the age-old story of people from different worlds, and the romance was foredoomed despite their valiant efforts to save it. So we got a cowboy-into-the-sunset ending for this series, truly one of the bright spots of radio. Unfortunately, it came too late, and lasted only one season. It was a transcribed show, sustained by NBC and directed by Jack Johnstone. Basil Adlam provided the music and Frank Burt wrote the scripts. Hal Gibney announced. THIS EPISODE: May 6, 1954. "Anna Norquest" - NBC network. Sustaining. A good story about a mail-order bride from Sweden who arrives to find her pen-pal groom about to be hanged for murder. Harry Bartell is billed as Harry "Killer" Bartell. Jimmy Stewart, Harry Bartell, Hal Gibney (announcer), Basil Adlam (music), Lillian Buyeff, Lou Merrill, William Johnstone, Frank Burt (writer), Jack Johnstone (director). 30:11.

Philo Vance - The Butler Murder Case (10-28-48)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 03:12:53 GMT

The Butler Murder Case (Aired October 28, 1948)
Philo Vance was the detective creation of S. S. Van Dine first published in the mid 1920s. Vance, in the original books, is an intellectual so highly refined he seems he might be ghostwritten by P. G. Wodehouse. Take this quote from The Benson Murder Case, 1924, as Vance pontificates in his inimitable way: "That's your fundamental error, don't y' know. Every crime is witnessed by outsiders, just as is every work of art. The fact that no one sees the criminal, or the artist, actu'lly at work, is wholly incons'quential." Thankfully, the radio series uses only the name, and makes Philo a pretty normal, though very intelligent and extremely courteous gumshoe. Jose Ferrer played him in 1945. From 1948-1950, the fine radio actor Jackson Beck makes Vance as good as he gets. George Petrie plays Vance's constantly impressed public servant, District Attorney Markham. Joan Alexander is Ellen Deering, Vance's secretary and right-hand woman. The organist for the show is really working those ivories, and fans of old time radio organ will especially enjoy this series. Perhaps one reason the organist "pulls out all the stops" is because there seems to be little, if any, sound effects on the show. THIS EPISODE: October 28, 1948. Program #32. ZIV Syndication. "The Butler Murder Case". Commercials added locally. An extortionist who calls himself "Professor Powell," tries to get $100,000 from Dr. Michael Butler, a dentist who is killed when he's unable to fill the cavity in his wallet. The program has a surprise ending and is a better than average entry in this series. Jackson Beck, Joan Alexander, S. S. Van Dine (creator), Jeanne K. Harrison (director), Frederick W. Ziv (producer), Henry Sylvern (organist). 26:42.

Suspense - In Fear And Trembling (02-16-43)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:20:55 GMT

In Fear And Trembling (Aired February 16, 1943)
Suspense is a radio drama series broadcast on CBS Radio from 1942 through 1962. One of the premier drama programs of the Golden Age of Radio, was subtitled "radio's outstanding theater of thrills" and focused on suspense thriller-type scripts, usually featuring leading Hollywood actors of the era. Approximately 945 episodes were broadcast during its long run, and more than 900 are extant. Suspense went through several major phases, characterized by different hosts, sponsors, and director/producers. Formula plot devices were followed for all but a handful of episodes: the protagonist was usually a normal person suddenly dropped into a threatening or bizarre situation; solutions were "withheld until the last possible second"; and evildoers were usually punished in the end. In its early years, the program made only occasional forays into science fiction and fantasy. THIS EPISODE: February 16, 1943. CBS network. "In Fear and Trembling". Sustaining. A hypochondriacal woman is sure that her husband and his lover want to kill her, so she decides to act first. Mary Astor, Verna Felton, Joseph Kearns ("The Man In Black"), William Spier (director), Ted Bliss (director), J. Donald Wilson (writer), Lucien Moraweck (composer), Lud Gluskin (conductor). 27:27.

The Saint - Contract On The Saint (07-09-50)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:38:12 GMT

Contract On The Saint (Aired July 8, 1950)
The Saint must be taken at face value. Perhaps not widely perceived as the rock'em sock'em type of actor, Price could certainly portray the most sinister of characters to the glee of any Vincent Price fan of the era. Indeed, it was Price's wide appeal that brought him to the role in the first place. Leslie Charteris himself clearly approved of the choice of Price and it's clear that as the Price canon progressed, the scripts were tailored as much to Price's off-screen persona and interests as to his on-screen and on-Radio performances. The plots involved stolen art works, society murders, actresses and actors, corrupt politicians at the highest levels, and the creme de la creme of the era's culture--all fitting manifestations of Price's unique characterization of Simon Templar. On the production side of the Vincent Price run, the series was directed by Thomas McAvity and Helen Mack, for the most part. McAvity married Helen Mack in 1940 and the couple enjoyed a highly successful career producing, writing and directing for Radio. As such, McAvity directed most of the earlier Vincent Price episodes and Helen Mack most of the later scripts. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

The Chase & Sanborn Charlie McCarthy Show - Guest Is Humphrey Bogart (09-12-43)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:46:56 GMT

Guest Is Humphrey Bogart (Aired September 12, 1943)
His first performances were in vaudeville, at which point he legally changed his last name to the easier-to-pronounce "Bergen". He worked in one-reel movie shorts, but his real success was on the radio. He and Charlie were seen at a New York party by Elsa Maxwell for Noël Coward, who recommended them for an engagement at the famous Rainbow Room. It was there that two producers saw Bergen and Charlie perform. They then recommended them for a guest appearance on Rudy Vallée's program. Their initial appearance (December 17, 1936) was so successful that the following year they were given their own show, as part of The Chase and Sanborn Hour. Under various sponsors (and two different networks), they were on the air from May 9, 1937 to July 1, 1956. The popularity of a ventriloquist on radio, when one could see neither the dummies nor his skill, surprised and puzzled many critics, then and now. Even knowing that Bergen provided the voice, listeners perceived Charlie as a genuine person, but only through artwork rather than photos could the character be seen as truly lifelike. Thus, in 1947, Sam Berman caricatured Bergen and McCarthy for the network's glossy promotional book, NBC Parade of Stars: As Heard Over Your Favorite NBC Station. THIS EPISODE: September 12, 1943. "Guest Is Humphrey Bogart" - NBC network. Dale Evans sings, "They're Either Too Young Or Too Old." Guest Humphrey Bogart helps Charlie run his new jail...as a potential prisoner. Edgar Bergen, Dale Evans, Humphrey Bogart, Bill Goodwin (announcer). 24:16.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Tacetta (05-02-53)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:17:35 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Tacetta (Aired May 2, 1953)
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961, and John Dunning writes that among radio drama enthusiasts "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television version ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and still remains the United States' longest-running prime time, live-action drama with 635 episodes ("Law and Order" ended in 2010 with 476 episodes). The half-hour animated comedy "The Simpsons", is slated for a 21st season in Fall 2010. In the late 1940s, CBS chairman William S. Paley, a fan of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe radio serial, asked his programming chief, Hubell Robinson, to develop a hardboiled Western series, a show about a "Philip Marlowe of the Old West." Robinson instructed his West Coast CBS Vice-President, Harry Ackerman, who had developed the Philip Marlowe series, to take on the task. Ackerman and his scriptwriters, Mort Fine and David Friedkin, created an audition script called "Mark Dillon Goes to Gouge Eye". THIS EPISODE: May 2, 1953. CBS network. "Tacetta". Sustaining. A beautiful girl in Dodge named "Tacetta" causes a hanging in the jail, a gunfight with Chester, and another gunfight with Marshal Dillon. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Tom Tully, Lawrence Dobkin, Lillian Buyeff, Paul Dubov, John Meston (writer). 31:08.

The Hall Of Fantasy - The Automaton (07-27-53)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 03:58:33 GMT

The Automaton (Aired July 27, 1953)
Originally a local series out of Utah that found its way on to the airwaves sporadically from 1947 to 1952, this anthology was picked up for national syndication by the Mutual network and broadcast from mid-52 through mid-53. Written and directed by Richard Thorne, a prolific and talented writer and producer, this series is often overlooked, even by fans of OTR. It is unfortunate, since it provides some very unique and dramatic material; the acting in particular was superb. Early on, the series concentrated on murder mysteries, but later shows were devoted to horror and some sci-fi. Sadly, not all episodes have survived. THIS EPISODE: July 27, 1953. Mutual network, WGN, Chicago origination (possibly syndicated). "The Automaton". Commercials deleted. A good story of robotics. The first mechanical man has the idea that he's the master, and that mankind is meant to be killed. Note the prophetic last line of dialogue! Richard Thorne (writer). 25:56.

The New Adventures Of Michael Shayne - The Pursuit Of Death (09-18-48)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:54:31 GMT

The Pursuit Of Death (Aired September 18, 1948)
Michael Shayne was a fictional sleuth created by Brett Halliday (a pen name for author Davis Dresser) who was first initiated into the fraternity for detectives in the 1939 novel "Dividend of Death". Dresser based the character on a “tall and rangy” brawler who once saved his life during a braw in a Mexican cantina. The Shayne character would go on to appear in 69 novels, plus a long-running mystery magazine—and in 1941, was brought to the silver screen in Paramount’s Michael Shayne, Private Detective, an adaptation of Dividend of Death that starred Lloyd Nolan, and paved the way for six additional B-mysteries to follow. The New Adventures of Michael Shayne—premiered on July 15, 1948 starring Jeff Chandler. THIS EPISODE: September 18, 1948. Broadcaster's Guild syndication, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Pursuit Of Death". A woman being pursued sees only her conscience behind her...Shayne sees something more substantial. These syndicated programs were recorded 1948 to 1950. Jeff Chandler, William P. Rousseau (host, director), Brett Halliday (creator), John Duffy (composer, conductor), Don W. Sharpe (producer). 27:05.

Gangbusters - Case Of The Unknown Killer (06-09-44)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:15:01 GMT

Case Of The Unknown Killer (Aired June 9, 1944)
Gangbusters was an American dramatic radio program heralded as "the only national program that brings you authentic police case histories." It premiered as G-Men, sponsored by Chevrolet, on July 20, 1935. After the title was changed to Gangbusters January 15, 1936, the show had a 21-year run through November 20, 1957. Beginning with a barrage of loud sound effects — guns firing and tires squealing — this intrusive introduction led to the popular catch phrase "came on like Gangbusters."The series dramatized FBI cases, which producer-director Phillips H. Lord arranged in close association with Bureau director J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover insisted that only closed cases would be used. The initial series was on NBC Radio from July 20 - October 12, 1935. It then aired on CBS from January 15, 1936 to June 15, 1940, sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and Cue magazine. From October 11, 1940 to December 25, 1948, it was heard on the Blue Network, with various sponsors that included Sloan's Liniment, Waterman pens and Tide. Returning to CBS on January 8, 1949, it ran until June 25, 1955, sponsored by Grape-Nuts and Wrigley's chewing gum. THIS EPISODE: June 9, 1944. Program #369. Blue Network. "The Case Of The Unknown Killer". Sponsored by: Sloan's Liniment, Nonspi deodorant. The story of "The Broadway and Coney Island Murders." A cop is killed in Coney Island during a holdup. This leads to an exciting shoot-out in a hotel. "Gangbusters Nationwide Clues" follow the story. Fred William Poole: murderer, upper and lower front teeth missing, walks with head down, has two machine guns. Ralph Williams: escaped convict, scar left side forehead, "L.O.V.E." tattoed on four fingers, "1935 O'Donnell" tattoed on forearm. Narrated by "Colonel Schwarzkopf" (by proxy). Arnold Stang, playing a bellhop, does a Sloan's Liniment commercial integrated into the plot. Charles Stark (announcer), Arnold Stang, Phillips H. Lord (producer). 29:31.

The New Adventures Of Nero Wolf - Party For Death (02-16-51)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:05:17 GMT

Party For Death (Aired February 16, 1951)
The Adventures of Nero Wolfe were first heard over the New England Network of Westinghouse Radio stations throughout Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island Nero Wolfe languished in popular media for another seven years, until he was reprised over Radio by the old New England Network as The Adventures of Nero Wolfe. Sadly, precious little is known about this first series, other than the dates of its run and its principal actor, J.B. Williams in the role of Nero Wolfe. It was with the series' transition to its first national network that The Adventures of Nero Wolfe was first heard by a national audience. But again, many of the details of this second, Summer 1943 run of 13 episodes--other than its episode titles and its star, famous character actor Santos Ortega in the role of Nero Wolfe--remain a mystery to this day. Indeed, we have only one representative episode of the 1944 run of The Adventures of Nero Wolfe in circulation to date--and that lone episode is preserved only by its inclusion as a selection for the Armed Forces Radio Service's Mystery Playhouse series. THIS EPISODE: February 16, 1951. NBC network. "The Case Of The Party For Death". Sustaining. Archie attends a cocktail party at which Nero Wolfe expects the guest of honor to be murder! The final public service announcement and system cue have been deleted. Sydney Greenstreet, Rex Stout (creator), J. Donald Wilson (producer, director), William Johnstone, Don Stanley (announcer), Mandred Lloyd (writer), Edwin Fadiman (producer), Harry Bartell, Herb Butterfield, Evelynne Eaton, Peter Leeds. 30:51.

Fibber McGee & Molly - Molly's Birthday Party (02-08-49)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:30:07 GMT

Molly's Birthday Party (Aired February 8, 1949)
For most of the show's history, the usual order of the show is the introduction followed by a Johnson Wax plug by Harlow then his introduction to Section 1 of the script (usually 11 minutes). Billy Mills usually follows with an instrumental (or accompanied by Martha Tilton in 1941). That musical interlude then segues to Section 2 of the script, followed by a performance by the vocal group, The Kings Men (occasionally featuring a solo by leader Ken Darby). The final act then ensues, with the last line usually showing the lesson learned that day, a final commercial, and then Billy Mills' theme song to fade. At some point in the middle of the show, Harlow would meet up and visit with the McGees and work in a Johnson Wax commercial, sometimes assisted by Fibber and Molly. When McGee tells a bad joke, Molly usually answers with the line "T'ain't funny, McGee!" (That became a familiar catch phrase during the 1940s.) Molly's Uncle Dennis is one of the more common unseen regulars (though he has gotten in a rare line here and there); often referred to, and sometimes heard making noise. He lives with the McGees, and is apparently an enormous alcoholic, becoming a punch line for many Fibber jokes and even the main subject of some shows in which he "disappeared." McGee is never mentioned as having a job, a device later made equally famous by Ozzie Nelson. THIS EPISODE: February 8, 1949. "Molly's Birthday Party" - NBC network, WMAQ, Chicago aircheck. Sponsored by: Johnson's Wax. Fibber's planning a surprise birthday party for Molly. Jim Jordan, Marian Jordan, Billy Mills and His Orchestra, The King's Men, Harlow Wilcox, Don Quinn (writer), Phil Leslie (writer), Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan, Gale Gordon. 28:39.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Town" - The Poisoned Waterhole (02-04-49)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 04:35:16 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Town" - The Poisoned Waterhole (Aired April 2, 1949)
Frontier Town will forever reside in that twilight of the Western genre of Golden Age Radio--between the highly self-conscious adult Westerns of the mid- to late-1950s and the rock'em, sock'em, shoot-em-up juvenile adventure Westerns of the 1930s and 1940s. It's obvious from this series that Radio westerns were beginning to lean in an adult direction--but not without some kicking and screaming in the process. Radio's Gunsmoke was already in development and Television was making impressive inroads into Radio's commercial audience. With hundreds of Hopalong Cassidy and other western hero film reruns airing night and day over Television, the race was on to find a more rivetting format for the great American western. Jeff Chandler opens the series billed as 'Tex' Chandler, in the role of Chad Remington. He acquires a sidekick in Episode #1: a garrulous quasi-scoundrel by the name of Cherokee O'Bannon, a man of obvious mixed breeding--and morals. Cherokee O'Bannon is portrayed by Wade Crosby in a somewhat over the top rendition of W.C. Fields. The superb mood music is provided by no less than Ivan Ditmars and Bob Mitchell, of Mitchell Boy Choir fame. THIS EPISODE: April 2, 1949. Program #5. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. "Poisoned Waterhole". Music fill for local commercial insert. Lefty Slaughter is trying to take over the town by killing the storekeeper and calling all debts. Jeff Chandler, Wade Crosby, Bob Mitchell (organist), Ivan Ditmars (possible organist), Bill Forman (announcer), Paul Franklin (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer). 29:18.

David Harding Counterspy - Magic Murder (04-04-50)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 04:22:52 GMT

Magic Murder (Aired April 4, 1950)
The show was at the top of the list among programs that had developed the technique of sound effects to a fine art. Each program was written with the sound in mind, not so much sound for sound's sake, but to advance the plot, add color or create atmosphere. Two sound effects men spent a reported ten hours in rehearsal for each broadcast, in addition to the time spent by the actors. East coast actors House Jameson, Don MacLaughlin, Phil Sterling and Lawson Zerbe [MBS] (Zerbe appeared as both David Harding and Harry Peters) were the only four actors to ever assume the role of David Harding--Jameson for the first two episodes only, replaced by Don MacLaughlin for the remainder of its twelve year run. Both Connecticut residents, House Jameson premiered in the role while Lord was still auditioning talent for the lead. By the third episode, Phillips H. Lord selected Don MacLaughlin for the role. MacLaughlin was by no means new to Radio, having already appeared in some 300 Radio productions since his debut over Radio in 1935. MacLaughlin's versatility, predominantly in action and straight dramatic roles, made him an ideal candidate among the twenty or so actors who auditioned for the part. The selection proved a prudent one for both Lord and MacLaughlin. MacLaughlin portrayed David Harding, the ostensible head of the 'United States Counterspies' unit of the federal government. As the Chief Counterspy for the imaginary agency, all reports of suspicious espionage activity were funneled to him, providing the wealth of plots and intrigues which kept the series fresh for some 500+ scripts throughout its run. THIS EPISODE: April 4, 1950. "Magic Murder" - ABC network. Sponsored by: Pepsi Cola. A story about the shooting and near death of Agent Peters, and the heroic efforts of two surgeons to save his life and capture the perpetrator. Don MacLaughlin, Mandel Kramer, Jesse Crawford (organ). 28:58.

Nightwatch - Shock (08-21-54)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 00:44:16 GMT

Shock (Aired August 21, 1954)
Before the "Reality TV", there was "Reality Radio" and Night Watch was there. This show is a straight crime documentary with no music, sound effects, or actors. Police reporter Don Reid rode in a prowl car on the night shift with officers from the Culver City, California police department. While wearing a hidden microphone, he captures the sounds and voices of real life drama. From the worried child to the hardened criminal, their stories come through loud and clear. The names were changed to protect identities, but everything else in this gripping series is real. Show Notes From The Nostalgia League. THIS EPISODE: August 21, 1954. "Shock" - CBS network. Sustaining. The first call is about an escaped woman, referred to as a "mental case," who may become violent. Donn Reed (police recorder), W. N. Hildebrand (Chief of Police), Sterling Tracy (producer, director), Jim Headlock (producer), Ron Perkins (technical advisor). 27:12.

Studio One - Under The Volcano (04-29-47)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 18:49:06 GMT

Under The Volcano (Aired April 29, 1947)
Studio One is a long-running American dramatic radio-television anthology series, created in 1947 by the 26-year-old Canadian director Fletcher Markle, who came to CBS from the CBC. On April 29, 1947, Markle launched the 60-minute CBS radio series with an adaptation of Malcolm Lowry's Under the Volcano. Broadcast on Tuesdays, opposite Fibber McGee and Molly and The Bob Hope Show at 9:30pm(et), the radio series continued until July 27, 1948, showcasing such adaptations as Dodsworth, Pride and Prejudice, The Red Badge of Courage and Ah, Wilderness. Top performers were heard on this series, including John Garfield, Walter Huston, Mercedes McCambridge, Burgess Meredith and Robert Mitchum. Show Notes From My Old Radio. THIS EPISODE: April 29, 1947. CBS network. "Under The Volcano". Sustaining. A rehearsal recording for the first show of the series. A tale of drunkeness and despair in Mexico. Anne Burr, Everett Sloane, Fletcher Markle (producer, director, host, adaptor, performer), Joe DeSantis, Malcolm Lowery (author), Alexander Semmler (composer, conductor), Hedley Rennie, Gerald Maxim (adaptor), Juano Hernandez, Robert Dryden, Dan Ocko, Paquita Anderson, Don Alberto, Leo Badilla, Ralph Camargo, Ivor Francis. 1:01:45.

American Adventure - Runaway Justice (01-12-56)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 16:44:36 GMT

Runaway Justice (Aired January 12, 1956)
NBC show. American Adventure (1955 - 1956) deals with the soul of America as a living organism. The best understanding of America begins with the realization that this nation is young yet. That she is still new and unfinished. That even now America is man’s greatest adventure in time and space. A study of man in the new world. The shows were produced by the communications center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a lot of the tales are performed by the faculty, students, and townspeople from the University of North Carolina who do an outstanding job of acting. The scripts are written by John Eely, who also performs in the stories, and directed by John Clayton. The stories range from tales on a Southern Plantation in the early 1800's to building a house during The Great Depression in the 1930's. One tale is by author Sarah Randolph, grand-daughter of Jefferson. These are stories you surely will enjoy. THIS EPISODE: January 12, 1956. Program #23. NBC network, WPTF, Raleigh, North Carolina origination. "Runaway Justice". Sustaining. A story of escaped slaves and a determined wealthy landowner. John Eely (writer, performer), John Clayton (director), John Bonnets, Charles Kuralt, Joe Young, Eulitz Lancaster. 26:57.

Father Knows Best - Taking Pictures (01-07-54)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:58:50 GMT

Taking Pictures (Aired January 7, 1954)
Father Knows Best, a family comedy of the 1950s, is perhaps more important for what it has come to represent than for what it actually was. In essence, the series was one of a slew of middle-class family sitcoms in which moms were moms, kids were kids, and fathers knew best. Today, many critics view it, at best, as high camp fun, and, at worst, as part of what critic David Marc once labeled the "Aryan melodramas" of the 1950s and 1960s. The brainchild of series star Robert Young, who played insurance salesman Jim Anderson, and producer Eugene B. Rodney, Father Knows Best first debuted as a radio sitcom in 1949.The series began August 25, 1949, on NBC Radio. Set in the Midwest, it starred Robert Young as General Insurance agent Jim Anderson. His wife Margaret was first portrayed by June Whitley and later by Jean Vander Pyl. The Anderson children were Betty (Rhoda Williams), Bud (Ted Donaldson) and Kathy (Norma Jean Nillson). Others in the cast were Eleanor Audley, Herb Vigran and Sam Edwards. Sponsored through most of its run by General Foods, the series was heard Thursday evenings on NBC until March 25, 1954. THIS EPISODE: January 7, 1954. "Taking Pictures" - NBC network. Sustaining. Taking the last two photographs on a roll of film can lead to unexpected complications. Jean Vander Pyl, Ted Donaldson, Helen Strohm, Robert Young, Rhoda Williams, Barney Phillips, Ed James (creator), Paul West (writer), Roz Rogers (writer), Arthur Jacobson (director), Bill Forman (announcer). 29:11.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Zorro" - The Flag Of Truce (11-27-58)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 02:32:32 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Zorro" - The Flag Of Truce (Aired November 27, 1958)
Zorro is a fictional character created in 1919 by New York-based pulp writer Johnston McCulley. The character has been featured in numerous books, films, television series, and other media. Zorro (Spanish for "Fox") is the secret identity of Don Diego de la Vega, originally Don Diego Vega), a nobleman and master living in the Spanish colonial era of California. The character has undergone changes through the years, but the typical image of him is a dashing black-clad masked outlaw who defends the people of the land against tyrannical officials and other villains. Not only is he much too cunning and foxlike for the bumbling authorities to catch, but he delights in publicly humiliating those same foes. Zorro (often called Señor or El Zorro in early stories) debuted in McCulley's 1919 story "The Curse of Capistrano", serialized in five parts in the pulp magazine All-Story Weekly. At the denouement, Zorro's true identity is revealed to all. Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, on their honeymoon, selected the story as the inaugural picture for their new studio, United Artists, beginning the character's cinematic tradition. The story was adapted as The Mark of Zorro (1920), a film which was a success. McCulley's story was re-released by the publisher Grosset & Dunlap under the same title, to tie in with the film. Due to public demand fueled by the film, McCulley wrote more than 60 additional Zorro stories, beginning in 1922. The last, The Mask of Zorro (not to be confused with the 1998 film), was published posthumously in 1959. These stories ignore Zorro's public revelation of his identity. The black costume that modern audiences associate with the character stems from Fairbanks' silent film[dubious – discuss] rather than McCulley's original story. McCulley's subsequent Zorro adventures copied the costume of Fairbanks's Zorro, rather than the other way around. McCulley died in 1958, just as the Disney-produced Zorro television show was becoming popular.

NBC Short Story - Shadow Of Evil (03-28-51)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 01:53:41 GMT

Shadow Of Evil (Aired March 28, 1951)
NBC Presents: Short Story first aired on February 21, 1951 as a natural extension of NBC's critically and popularly successful NBC University Theater productions, later retitled NBC Theater. Beginning in 1942, NBC had formalized its concept of the NBC University of The Air and its companion NBC Inter-American University of The Air. Throughout the mid-1940s NBC produced some twenty-five productions specifically designed to both educate and entertain. NBC Presents Short Story continued in that vein, devoting the first two minutes of each production to a brief history of the author of the work to be presented that evening. NBC Theater (the former NBC University Theater) ran through February 14, 1951. With the emphasis on retaining quality while at the same time lowering expenses, NBC introduced an anthology of the world's finest short stories. The series was to feature the greatest short story authors throughout history. And indeed the series went to great lengths to tout the authors of this fine series of classic short stories. The authors were some of history's most celebrated, award-winning writers. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

The Adventures Of The Falcon - The Amorous Bookkeeper (05-14-50)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 21:43:28 GMT

The Amorous Bookkeeper (Aired May 14, 1950)
This hard boiled detective drama began as an RKO Radio Pictures theatrical serial in the 1940s, went on radio in 1945, and then came to TV ten years later in this Syndicated series produced for distribution by NBC Films; Charles McGraw had been in many motion pictures before and after including "The Killers", "Spartacus" and "Cimarron"; in this series he played the title role of a man whose real name was supposedly Mike Waring, an American agent whose code name was "Falcon"; Later Charles McGraw starred in a short lived TV version of "Casablanca" (1955 - 1956) in the character of Rick; He also had a role on the detective drama "Staccato" (1959) Actor McGraw (whose birth name was Charles Butters) met an unfortunate death in real life when he fell through a shower glass door in 1980 at his home in Studio City, CA. THIS EPISODE: May 14, 1950. NBC network. "The Case Of The Amorous Book-Keeper". Sustaining. A book-keeper is accused of embezzling his employer's funds, his boss is soon murdered. Les Damon, Ken Lynch, Peter Roberts (announcer), Harry Sosnik (conductor), Drexel Drake (creator), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Jerome Epstein (writer), Richard Lewis (director). 26:59.

Our Miss Brooks - Miss. Brooks Takes The Rap (09-25-49)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:36:46 GMT

Miss. Brooks Takes The Rap (Aired September 25, 1949)
Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere. THIS EPISODE: September 25, 1949. "Miss Brooks Takes The Rap" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Tooth Paste, Lustre Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Soap. Walter has an interesting idea; get Mr. Boynton in trouble and let Miss Brooks take the rap for him. This will make him grateful! Eve Arden, Al Lewis (writer, director), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Verne Smith (announcer), Bob Lemond (announcer), Gale Gordon, Jeff Chandler, Gloria McMillan, Larry Berns (producer), Wilbur Hatch (music). 28:41.

Theater Five - Hit And Run (08-03-64)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:16:05 GMT

Hit And Run (Aired August 3, 1964)
Theater Five was ABC's attempt to revive radio drama during the early 1960s. The series name was derived from its time slot, 5:00 PM. Running Monday through Friday, it was an anthology of short stories, each about 20 minutes long. News programs and commercials filled out the full 30 minutes. There was a good bit of science fiction and some of the plots seem to have been taken from the daily newspaper. Fred Foy, of The Lone Ranger fame, was an ABC staff announcer in the early 60s, who, among other duties, did Theater Five. THIS EPISODE: August 3, 1964. ABC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Hit and Run". The first show of the series. The series title indicates the ABC suggested afternoon air time. The punk kid brother of a gangster gets himself in deeper trouble than even he realizes. Fred Foy (announcer), Glenn Osser (conductor), Warren Somerville (director), Edward A. Byron (executive producer). 23:36.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Tales Of The Texas Rangers" - Death By Adoption (03-18-51)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:38:29 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Tales Of The Texas Rangers" - Death By Adoption (Aired March 18, 1951)
Tales of the Texas Rangers, a western adventure old-time radio drama, premiered on July 8, 1950, on the US NBC radio network and remained on the air through September 14, 1952. Movie star Joel McCrea starred as Texas Ranger Jayce Pearson, who used the latest scientific techniques to identify the criminals and his faithful horse, Charcoal (or "Charky," as Jayce would sometimes refer to him), to track them down. The shows were reenactments of actual Texas Ranger cases.The series was produced and directed by Stacy Keach, Sr., and was sponsored for part of its run by Wheaties. Captain Manuel T. "Lone Wolf" Gonzaullas, a Ranger for 30 years and who was said to have killed 31 men during his career, served as consultant for the series. The series was adapted for television from 1955 to 1957 and produced by Screen Gems. For the TV version, Willard Parker took over the role of Jace Pearson. On radio, Pearson often worked by request with a local sheriff's office or police department but on the TV show, he had a regular partner, Ranger Clay Morgan (who had been an occasional character on the radio show), played by Harry Lauter. THIS EPISODE: March 18, 1951. NBC network. "Death By Adoption". Sustaining. A used car salesman is killed by a man posing as the father of his adopted child. Joel McCrea, Tony Barrett, Barbara Luddy, Roy Glenn, Joseph Kearns, Tom McKee, Hal Gibney (announcer). 30:19.

The Beulah Show - 2 Episodes (02-05-45) (02-08-54)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:24:47 GMT

Writing About The Family (Aired February 5, 1945) and Rumpus Room Construction (Aired February 8, 1945)
The Beulah Show is an American situation-comedy series that ran in radio on CBS from 1945 to 1954, and in television on ABC from 1950 to 1953. It is notable for being the first sitcom to star an African American. Originally portrayed by Caucasian actor Marlin Hurt, Beulah Brown first appeared in 1939 when Hurt introduced and played the character on the Hometown Incorporated radio series and in 1940 on NBC radio's Show Boat series. In 1943, Beulah moved over to That's Life and then became a supporting character on the popular Fibber McGee and Molly radio series in late 1944. In 1945, Beulah was spun off into her own radio show, The Marlin Hurt and Beulah Show, with Hurt still in the role. Beulah was employed as a housekeeper and cook for the Henderson family: father Harry, mother Alice and son Donnie. After Hurt died of a heart attack in 1946, he was replaced by another white actor, Bob Corley, and the series was retitled The Beulah Show. When black actress Hattie McDaniel took over the role on November 24, 1947, she earned $1000 a week for the first season, doubled the ratings of the original series and pleased the NAACP which was elated to see a historic first: a black woman as the star of a network radio program. McDaniel continued in the role until she became ill in 1952 and was replaced by Lillian Randolph, who was in turn replaced for the 1953-54 radio season by her sister, Amanda Randolph. TODAY'S SHOW: Writing About The Family (Aired February 5, 1945) and Rumpus Room Construction (Aired February 8, 1945)

Inner Sanctum Mysteries - Corridor Of Doom (10-23-45)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 18:32:32 GMT

Corridor Of Doom (Aired October 23, 1945)
Taking its name from a popular series of mystery novels, Inner Sanctum Mysteries debuted over NBC’s Blue Network in January 1941. Inner Sanctum Mysteries featured one of the most memorable and atmospheric openings in radio history: an organist hit a dissonant chord, a doorknob turned and the famous “creaking door” slowly began to open. Every week, Inner Sanctum Mysteries told stories of ghosts, murderers and lunatics. Produced in New York, the cast usually consisted of veteran radio actors, with occasional guest appearances by such Hollywood stars Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Claude Rains. What made Inner Sanctum Mysteries unique among radio horror shows was its host, a slightly-sinister sounding man originally known as “Raymond.” The host had a droll sense of humor and an appetite for ghoulish puns, and his influence can be seen among horror hosts everywhere, from the Crypt-Keeper to Elvira. Raymond Edward Johnson was the show’s host until 1945; Paul McGrath took over the role until the show left the air in 1952. Producer Hiram Brown would utilize the creaking door again in the 1970s, when he produced and directed The CBS Radio Mystery Theater. Inner Sanctum Mysteries was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1988. THIS EPISODE: October 23, 1945. CBS network. "Corridor Of Doom". Commercials deleted. An excellent horror story about a sick man in a "hospital" who finds himself walking down an endless hallway...approaching the door with his name written on it! Boris Karloff, Paul McGrath (host), Richard Widmark. 25:42.

Raleigh Cigarette Program Starring Red Skelton - Looking For Trouble (01-29-46)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:43:23 GMT

Looking For Trouble (Aired January 29, 1946)
Red Skelton was drafted in March 1944, and the popular series was discontinued June 6, 1944. Shipped overseas to serve with an Army entertainment unit as a private, Red Skelton had a nervous breakdown in Italy, spent three months in a hospital and was discharged in September, 1945. He once joked about his military career, "I was the only celebrity who went in and came out a private." On December 4, 1945, The Raleigh Cigarette Program resumed where it left off with Red Skelton introducing some new characters, including Bolivar Shagnasty and J. Newton Numbskull. Lurene Tuttle and Verna Felton appeared as Junior's mother and grandmother. David Forrester and David Rose led the orchestra, featuring vocalist Anita Ellis. The announcers were Pat McGeehan and Rod O'Connor. THIS EPISODE: January 29, 1946. NBC network, Hollywood origination. Sponsored by: Raleigh Cigarettes, Sir Walter Raleigh Tobacco. The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire, Chapter 81: "Looking For Trouble." "The Man Who Stole My Gal," with Deadeye. Chapter 82: "I've Been Insulted," with Clem Kadiddlehopper. Chapter 83: "Time To Go To Bed, Kiddies," with "Junior, The Mean Widdle Kid." Red Skelton, Rod O'Connor (announcer), David Forrester and His Orchestra, Anita Ellis, Pat McGeehan, Verna Felton, Wonderful Smith. 29:42.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western - Saunders Of The Circle X - The Dam (11-30-41)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 03:34:50 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western - Saunders Of The Circle X - The Dam (Aired November 30, 1941)
1941-1942, produced in San Francisco for the Blue Network West Coast outlets beginning October 2, 1941. Cast: John Cuthbertson as Singapore Bill Saunders, forman of the 90,000 acre Circle X Ranch. Bert Horton as Hank Peffer, "the tireless storyteller." Lou Tobin as ranch owner Thomas Mott. Bobbie Hudson as Pinto, the happy cowboy. Jack Kirkwood as Joe Williams. Writer: Sam Dickson.

Spy Catcher - One Must Die (09-07-60)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 03:01:06 GMT

One Must Die (Aired September 7, 1960)
The record of Colonel Pinto and his team in trapping the spies who came to Britain is exceptional and is fully described in Colonel Pinto's two excellent books Spycatcher and Friend Or Foe? which tell in exciting detail both the methods and intentions of the spies and the patience and experience required to trap them. Every efficient spy, says Colonel Pinto, would have a plausible and well-supported story. Only the ability of the interrogator to probe beneath the surface could succeed in breaking the spy's story. Colonel Pinto lists the following qualifications "for a successful spycatcher": a phenomenal memory, patience and regard for detail, a gift for languages, courage, a detailed knowledge of the capitals and towns of the world, a thorough knowledge of international law, a gift for detection, and a long experience of the methods and tricks of spies.

Mr. & Mrs. North - Brother Danny (10-06-53)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 01:15:17 GMT

Brother Danny (Aired October 6, 1953)
Mr. and Mrs. North was a radio mystery series that aired on CBS from 1942 to 1954. Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin had the title roles when the series began in 1942. Publisher Jerry North and his wife Pam lived in Greenwich Village at 24 St. Anne's Flat. They were not professional detectives but simply an ordinary couple who stumbled across a murder or two every week for 12 years. The radio program eventually reached nearly 20 million listeners. The characters originated in 1930s vignettes written by Richard Lockridge for the New York Sun, and he brought them back for short stories in The New Yorker. These stories were collected in Mr. and Mrs. North (1936). Lockridge increased the readership after he teamed with his wife Frances on a novel, The Norths Meet Murder (1940), launching a series of 40 novels, including Death takes a Bow, Death on the Aisle and The Dishonest Murderer. Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Albert Hackett and Peggy Conklin had the title roles in the Broadway production Mr. and Mrs. North, which ran 163 performances at the Belasco Theatre from January 12, 1941, to May 31, 1941. Alfred De Liagre, Jr. produced and directed the play written by Owen Davis. In this version, the North's apartment was located on Greenwich Place, realized in a scenic design by Jo Mielziner. The Owen Davis play became a 1942 MGM movie starring Gracie Allen and William Post, Jr. with Millard Mitchell repeating his role of Detective Mullins from the Broadway production. Others in the cast were Paul Kelly, Rose Hobart and Keye Luke. In 1946, producer-director Fred Coe brought the Owen Davis play to television (on New York City's WNBT) with John McQuade and Maxine Stewart in the leads and Don Haggerty, Joan Marlowe and Millard Mitchell repeating their Broadway roles. Barbara Britton and Richard Denning starred in the TV adaptation seen on CBS from 1952 to 1953 and on NBC in 1954. Guest appearances on this series included Raymond Burr, Hans Conried, Mara Corday, Carolyn Jones, Katy Jurado, Jimmy Lydon, Julia Meade, William Schallert and Gloria Talbott.

Weird Circle - The Mark Of The Plague (10-08-44)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 20:01:42 GMT

The Mark Of The Plague (Aired October 8, 1944)
The Weird Circle is yet another backwater gem from The Golden Age of Radio that has been woefully mis-documented. The premise is noteworthy: an anthology of classic, supernatural mystery thrillers from the pens of the world's best known and respected supernatural fiction authors. The scripts--with rare few exceptions--acquit themselves well for the genre. The supernatural thriller genre was highly popular throughout the mid-1930s, right on through the mid-1950s over Radio. In the larger scheme of things, The Weird Circle fell in about the mid-range of the thrillers of the period. The Weird Circle was an RCA-syndicated feature from RCA Recorded Program Services, the independent programming production division of RCA Victor. Its sound quality, voice talent, and production values meet traditionally high RCA standards. As a consequence of those standards, the resulting recordings have stood the test of time--a huge bonus for Golden Age Radio transcriptionists, preservationists and collectors. The program was reportedly recorded out of RCA's New York Studios, and almost immediately licensed to both NBC-Red/RCA [WEAF] and the Mutual Broadcasting System [WOR and W-G-N], consisting of two, 39-script seasons of 25-minute productions, for local sponsors and networks alike. THIS EPISODE: October 8, 1944. Program #45. NBC syndication. "The Mark Of The Plague". Commercials added locally. A young girl and her lover find romance during the Black Plague in London. The story is also known as, "A Journal Of The Plague Year." The date is approximate. Daniel Defoe (author). 25:44.

MOVIE - Beverly Hillbillies - Jed The Banker (03-06-63) MOVIE

Bob Camardella — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:12:17 GMT

Jed The Banker (Aired March 6, 1963) MOVIE
The Beverly Hillbillies was chock full of lowbrow but hilarious situations. As sitcom humor would have it, Jed and his brood move next door to the greedy banker, Milburn Drysdale, who in an effort to make his financial institution the home of the Clampett millions, takes the fresh-off-the-farm family under his wing. Most of the early shows revolve around the impossible adjustments the poor mountain folk must make to city life, and Jed Clampett's backwoods brand of wisdom always wins out in the end. Despite their brand-new mansion with its cement pond and indoor plumbing, the Hillbillies stay true to their rustic roots. Many episodes center around Drysdale's attempts to keep the Clampetts in good spirits in their big-city setting (thus keeping their money in his bank). Enrolling Jethro in elementary school, buying Jed a movie studio, letting Granny open a medical practice and finding Elly May a beau are just a few of the silly but entertaining storylines. The Beverly Hillbillies premiered in September, 1962 and ran in prime time until September, 1971, when CBS cancelled all of its rural programming. Despite the popularity of The Beverly Hillbillies and its sister shows such as Green Acres and Mayberry R.F.D., the Madison Avenue bigwigs believed that the viewers of these programs weren't buying the sponsors' products. In spite of the network's bucolic ban, The Beverly Hillbillies went on to become one of the most popular syndicated programs in history and has aired in reruns continuously since its cancellation. THIS EPISODE: March 6, 1963. Season 1 - Episode 24. "Jed The Banker" - When a rival bank challenges his to a skeet shoot, Mr. Drysdale has no choice but to enlist the sharp shooting skills of Jed by making him a bank vice president. Bill Hacker, president of the competing bank, realizes what he's in for and complains to contest officials. The development is hilarious and the surprise ending is "side-splitting". Donna Douglas, Buddy Ebsen, Nancy Kulp, Max Baer Jr., Irene Ryan.

The Abbott & Costello Show - The Case Of The Curbstone Murder (12-02-48)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:17:40 GMT

The Case Of The Curbstone Murder (Aired December 2, 1948)
Abbott and Costello William (Bud) Abbott and Lou Costello (born Louis Francis Cristillo) were an American comedy duo whose work in radio, film and television made them one of the most popular teams in the history of comedy. Thanks to the endurance of their most popular and influential routine, "Who's on First?"---whose rapid-fire word play and comprehension confusion set the preponderant framework for most of their best-known routines---the team are also the only comedians known to have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bud Abbott was born in Asbury Park, NJ, October 2, 1897 and died April 24, 1974 in Woodland Hills, California. Lou Costello was born in Paterson, NJ, March 6, 1906 and died March 3, 1959 in East Los Angeles, California. After working as Allen's summer replacement, Abbott and Costello joined Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy on The Chase and Sanborn Hour in 1941, while two of their films (Buck Privates and Hold That Ghost) were adapted for Lux Radio Theater. They launched their own weekly show October 8, 1942, sponsored by Camel cigarettes. The Abbott and Costello Show mixed comedy with musical interludes (usually, by singers such as Connie Haines, Marilyn Maxwell, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Skinnay Ennis, and the Les Baxter Singers). THIS EPISODE: December 2, 1948. ABC network. Music fill for local commercial insert. Lou wants to be a boxer. The boys do a "Sam Shovel" skit titled, "The Case Of The Curbstone Murder," or "Gertie, Get Out Of The Gutter and Let The Water Go By." The system cue is added live. Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Matty Malneck and His Orchestra, Hal Winters (vocal), George Fenneman (announcer), Veola Vonn, Charles Vanda (producer), Ed Forman (writer), Paul Conlan (writer), Pat Costello (writer), Martin Ragaway (writer), Leonard Stern (writer), Norman Abbott, Veola Vonn, Sidney Fields. 28:43.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Cisco Kid" - A Shawl For The Senorita (08-12-52)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:37:22 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Cisco Kid" - A Shawl For The Senorita (Aired August 12, 1952)
The Cisco Kid refers to a character found in numerous film, radio, television and comic book series based on the fictional Western character created by O. Henry in his 1907 short story "The Caballero's Way", published in the collection Heart of the West. In movies and television, the Kid was depicted as a heroic Mexican caballero, even though he was originally a cruel outlaw. The Cisco Kid came to radio October 2, 1942, with Jackson Beck in the title role and Louis Sorin as Pancho. With Vicki Vola and Bryna Raeburn in supporting roles and Michael Rye announcing, this series continued on Mutual until 1945. It was followed by another Mutual series in 1946, starring Jack Mather and Harry Lang, who continued to head the cast in the syndicated radio series of more than 600 episodes from 1947 to 1956. The radio episodes ended with one or the other of them making a corny joke about the adventure they had just completed. They would laugh, saying, "'oh, Pancho!" "'oh, Cisco!", before galloping off, while laughing. Renaldo returned to the role for the popular 156-episode Ziv Television series The Cisco Kid (1950–1956), notable as the first TV series filmed in color. The Cisco Kid's sidekick Pancho was portrayed by Leo Carrillo for the 1950s TV series. After a long absence, the character galloped back onto TV screens in the 1994 made-for-TV movie The Cisco Kid, starring Jimmy Smits, with Cheech Marin as Pancho. The TV episodes and the 1994 movie ended with one or the other of them making a corny joke about the adventure they had just completed. They would laugh, saying, "'ey, Pancho!" "'ey, Cisco!", before galloping off, while laughing, into the sunset. Spanish-styled Western theme music was heard as the credits rolled.

The Fat Man - Murder And The Peacock (11-25-54)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 01:52:35 GMT

Murder And The Peacock (Aired November 25, 1954)
The Fat Man" premiered on ABC on Monday, January 21, 1946, at 8:30pm, as part of a block of four new programs which also included "I Deal in Crime," "Forever Tops," and "Jimmy Gleason's Diner." "The Fat Man" originated in the studios of WJZ in New York and began as a modestly priced sustainer [no sponsor but the station] vaguely based upon character ideas in Dashiell Hammett's writings and fleshed out by producer, E.J. ("Mannie") Rosenberg. The announcer was Charles Irving. The directors for the program were Clark Andrews, creator of "Big Town," and Charles Powers. The main writer for the series was Richard Ellington, but it was also scripted by Robert Sloane, Lawrence Klee and others. The veteran character actor Ed Begley was featured as Sgt. O'Hara. Regulars on the program included Petty Garde, Paul Stewart, Linda Watkins, Mary Patton as Lila North, and Vicki Vola, also the female lead in "Mr. District Attorney." Amzie Strickland played the ingenue, Cathy Evans, and Nell Harrison played Runyon's mother during the early episodes. The cast also included Dan Ocko, Roily Bester (wife of Alfred Pester, the science fiction writer), and Robert Dryden. An eleven-piece orchestra was on hand to provide live music, and was directed by Bernard Green, who also wrote that memorably stirring theme. The sound effects were by Ed Blaney, who actually did drop a coin in a change slot each week for the sound of the drug store scale." THIS EPISODE: November 25, 1954. Program #15. Grace Gibson syndication (Australia). "Murder and The Peacock". Commercials added locally. "Solomon's Rope" is a fabulous necklace that was stolen 15 years ago...and is still missing! Lloyd Berrill, Grace Gibson (producer), Dashiell Hammett (creator). 28:52.

Escape - Outer Limit (02-07-50)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:15:51 GMT

Outer Limit (Aired February 7, 1950)
Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with this introduction, as intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!” Following the opening theme, a second announcer (usually Roy Rowan) would add: "We offer you... Escape! Designed to free you from the four walls of today for a half-hour of high adventure!" Of the more than 230 Escape episodes, most have survived in good condition. THIS EPISODE: February 7, 1950. CBS network. "Outer Limit". Sustaining. A famous science fiction story about a test pilot who gets a warning from beyond. Graham Doar (author), Frank Lovejoy, William N. Robson (producer, director), Morton Fine (adaptor), David Friedkin (adaptor). 29:28.

Casey Crime Photographer - The Chivalrous Gunman (08-14-47)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:47:53 GMT

The Chivalrous Gunman (Aired August 14, 1947)
Casey, Crime Photographer, known by a variety of titles on radio (aka Crime Photographer, Flashgun Casey, Casey, Press Photographer) was a media franchise from the 1930s to the 1960s. The character was the creation of novelist George Harmon Coxe. Casey was featured in the pulp magazine, Black Mask, novels, comic books, radio, film, television and legitimate theatre. Jack "Flashgun" Casey, was a crime photographer for the newspaper The Morning Express. With the help of reporter Ann Williams (best remembered portrayed by Jan Miner, Palmolive's "Madge"), he solved crimes and recounted his stories to friends at the Blue Note, their favorite tavern and jazz club where the Archie Bleyer Orchestra and the Teddy Wilson Trio were featured. Begun as over 20 popular short stories in Black Mask, there were films and novels before the stories were brought to radio under various names. The series aired on CBS. The radio show was sustained by the network when a sponsor could not be found. Sponsors of the show include Anchor Hocking, Toni home permanents, Toni Shampoo and Philip Morris. THIS EPISODE: August 14, 1947. CBS network. "The Chivalrous Gunman". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. The witness to a robbery and murder refuses to identiy the killer. Robbery, double-cross and a double murder, with the bad guy brought to justice with the help of the green-eyed monster. Alonzo Deen Cole (writer), Archie Bleyer (music), Herman Chittison (piano), Jan Miner, John Dietz (director), John Gibson, Staats Cotsworth, Tony Marvin (announcer), Bernard Lenrow, Byron Winget (sound effects), Jerry McCarty (sound effects), William Pearson (engineer), George Harmon Coxe (creator). 29:29.

The Amos & Andy Show - Of Sound Mind And Body (04-21-44)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:55:30 GMT

Of Sound Mind And Body (Aired April 21, 1944)
Amos 'n' Andy is a situation comedy set in the African-American community. It was very popular in the United States from the 1920s through the 1950s on both radio and television. Amos and Andy began as one of the first radio comedy series, written and voiced by Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll and originating from station WMAQ in Chicago. After the program was first broadcast in 1928, it grew to become a huge influence on radio series that followed. The show ran as a nightly radio serial from 1928 until 1943, as a weekly situation comedy from 1943 until 1955, and as a nightly disc-jockey program from 1954 until 1960. A television adaptation ran on CBS-TV from 1951 until 1953, and continued in syndicated reruns from 1954 until 1966. Advertising pioneer Albert Lasker often took credit for having created the show as a promotional vehicle. After the associations with Pepsodent toothpaste (1929–37) and Campbell's Soup (1937–43), primary sponsors included Lever Brothers' Rinso detergent (1943–50), the Rexall drugstore chain (1950–54) and CBS' own Columbia brand of television sets (1954–55). President Calvin Coolidge was said to be among the devoted listeners. Huey P. Long took his nickname of "Kingfish" from the show. At the peak of the popularity, many movie theaters began the practice of stopping the films for the 15 minutes of the Amos 'n' Andy show and then playing the program through the theater's sound system or simply by placing a radio on the stage. Some theaters attempted to attract patrons by noting the fact that they offered the broadcast in their advertisements. NBC sought to stop the practice by charging the theaters who did so with copyright infringement, claiming that charging admission for a free broadcast was not legal. THIS EPISODE: April 21, 1944. "Of Sound Mind And Body" - NBC network. Commercials deleted. Andy hires a beautiful secretary named Henrietta Davis. He then takes a job in a foundry (loading ingots!) so he can pay her. The system cue has been deleted. Freeman Gosden, Charles Correll, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), James Basquette. 26:14.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Screen Director's Playhouse" - Yellow Sky (07-15-49)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:43:18 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Screen Director's Playhouse" - Yellow Sky (Aired July 15, 1949)
From 01/09/49 to 09/28/51 this series was greatly enjoyed by the radio listening audience. It opened as NBC Theater and was also known as The Screen Director’s Guild and The Screen Director’s Assignment. But most people remember it simply as Screen Director’s Playhouse. Many of the Hollywood elite were heard recreating their screen roles over the radio. John Wayne in his rare radio appearances, Cary Grant, Edward G. Robinson, Lucille Ball, Claire Trevor, Tallulah Bankhead and many others were on the air week after week during these broadcasts. Many of Hollywood’s directors were also heard in the recreation of their movies. The President of the Screen Director’s Guild appeared on 02/13/49, and Violinist Isaac Stern supplied the music for the 04/19/51 broadcast. THIS EPISODE: July 15, 1949. NBC network. "Yellow Sky". Sponsored by: Pabst Beer. A gang of outlaws confronts an old man and his beautiful daughter in a ghost town filled with gold. Gregory Peck, Gloria Blondell, Paul Frees, Sam Edwards, Wally Maher, William Wellman (screen director). 30:49.

Barry Craig Confidential Investigator - Visitor At Midnight (05-12-55)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:26:42 GMT

Visitor At Midnight (Aired May 12, 1955)
Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer.William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye BARRY CRAIG while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man. As the promos went, he was "your man when you can't go to the cops. Confidentiality a speciality."Like Sam Spade, Craig narrated his stories, in addition to being the leading character in this 30 minute show. Nearly sixty episodes are in trading circulation today. THIS EPISODE: May 12, 1955. NBC network. "Visitor At Midnight". Sustaining. "It never pays to be friendly with murderers. Give them an inch and they'll take a yard...usually a rope tied around your throat and tied to the nearest rafter." William Gargan, Louis Vittes (writer), Andrew C. Love (director), Ken Christy, Kay Stewart, Jack Carroll, Byron Kane, Jack Kruschen. 24:51.

The Whistler - The Man In The Trench Coat (06-17-51)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:02:36 GMT

The Man In The Trench Coat (Aired June 17, 1951)
The Whistler is one of American radio's most popular mystery dramas, with a 13-year run from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955.The Whistler was the most popular West Coast-originated program with its listeners for many years. It was sponsored by the Signal Oil Company: "That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil program, The Whistler." Each episode of The Whistler began with the sound of footsteps and a person whistling. (The Saint radio series with Vincent Price used a similar opening.) The haunting signature theme tune was composed by Wilbur Hatch and featured Dorothy Roberts performing the whistling with the orchestra. The stories followed an effective formula in which a person's criminal acts were typically undone either by an overlooked but important detail or by their own stupidity. On rare occasions a curious twist of fate caused the story to end happily for the episode's protagonist. Ironic twist endings were a key feature of each episode. The Whistler himself narrated, often commenting directly upon the action in the manner of a Greek chorus, taunting the criminal from an omniscient perspective. Bill Forman had the title role of host and narrator. Others who portrayed the Whistler at various times were Gale Gordon, Joseph Kearns, Marvin Miller (announcer for The Whistler and The Bickersons and later as Michael Anthony on TV's The Millionaire), Bill Johnstone (who had the title role on radio's The Shadow from 1938 to 1943) and Everett Clarke. THIS EPISODE: June 17, 1951. CBS Pacific network. "The Man In The Trenchcoat". Sponsored by: Signal Oil. A private eye stumbles onto a blackmail scheme, but then falls for the victim! Adrian Gendot (writer), Betty Lou Gerson, Bill Forman (announcer), GeGe Pearson, George W. Allen (producer), John Stevenson, Marvin Miller, Shepard Menken, Wally Maher, Wilbur Hatch (music). 27:16.

The Martin & Lewis Show - Guest Is Dale Evans (12-28-51)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:14:51 GMT

Guest Is Dale Evans (Aired December 28, 1951)
On July 25, 1946, Jerry began a show business partnership with Dean Martin, an association that would soon skyrocket both to fame. It started when Jerry was performing at the 500 Club in Atlantic City and one of the other entertainers quit suddenly. Lewis, who had worked with Martin at the Glass Hat in New York City, suggested Dean as a replacement. At first they worked separately, but then ad-libbed together, improvising insults and jokes, squirting seltzer water, hurling bunches of celery and exuding general zaniness. In less than eighteen weeks their salaries soared from $250.00 a week to $5,000.00. For ten years Martin and Lewis sandwiched sixteen money making films between nightclub engagements, personal appearances, recording sessions, radio shows, and television bookings. Their last film together was "Hollywood or Bust" (1956). On July 25th of that year the two made their last nightclub appearance together at the Copacabana, exactly ten years to the day since they became a team. THIS EPISODE: December 28, 1951. "Guest Is Dale Evans" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Chesterfield, Anacin, Dentyne. The first tune is, "The Sailor's Polka." Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Dick Stabile and His Orchestra, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), Ed Simmons (writer), Norman Lear (writer), Dick Mack (producer, director), Dale Evans (guest). 30:00.

Starlight Mystery Theater (Matt Slade) - Passage To Tangier (1949)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 02:55:12 GMT

Passage To Tangier (1949) *The Exact Date Is Unknown
Mathew Slade: Private Investigator was a featured, half-hour mystery presentation by The Pacifica Players of Pacifica Radio of Berkeley, California and the Pacifica Foundation of North Hollywood, California. It premiered as a Starlight Mystery Theater production on July 5, 1964 over Pacifica Radio affiliate stations. Initially announced for alternating Sundays, the program soon began airing in erratic installments from August through November of 1964. Starring William Wintersole as Mathew Slade, the program was billed as a radio mystery revival series from the outset, presented in recognition of the hundreds of popular detective mysteries that had aired throughout The Golden Age of Radio. At least twelve of the Mathew Slade: Private Investigator installments from Starlight Mystery Theater were selected by The Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) for transcription and rebroadcast to both the Armed Forces Network (AFN) in Europe in 1966 and The Far East Network (FEN) in 1968. Mathew Slade, or 'Mat' Slade, was a private investigator in the Philip Marlowe, Richard Diamond, Sam Spade, and Michael Shayne tradition--hard-boiled, hard-drinking, hard-loving, Radio Noir. Show Notes From The Digital Deli THIS EPISODE: AFRTS rebroadcast on Starlight Mystery Theater. "Passage to Tangiers". A Good story of a treasure hunt into the Moroccan desert. 21:05.

Night Beat - I Know Your Secret (04-10-50)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 23:13:17 GMT

I Know Your Secret (Aired April 10, 1950)
Broadcast on NBC, Nightbeat ran from 1949 to 1952 and starred Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone, a tough and streetwise reporter who worked the nightbeat for the Chicago Star looking for human interest stories. He met an assortment of people, most of them with a problem, many of them scared, and sometimes he was able to help them, sometimes he wasn’t. It is generally regarded as a ‘quality’ show and it stands up extremely well. Frank Lovejoy (1914-1962) isn’t remembered today, but he was a powerful and believable actor with a strong delivery, and his portrayal of Randy Stone as tough guy with humanity was perfect. The scripts were excellent, given that they had to pack in a lot in a short time, and there was a good supporting cast, orchestra, and sound effects. ‘The Slasher’, broadcast on 10 November 1950, the last show of season one, has a very loosely Ripper-derived plot in which Stone searches for an artist. Supporting actors included Parley Baer, William Conrad, Jeff Corey, Lawrence Dobkin, Paul Frees, Jack Kruschen, Peter Leeds, Howard McNear, Lurene Tuttle and Martha Wentworth. THIS EPISODE: April 10, 1950. "I Know Your Secret" - NBC network. Sustaining. Randy Stone fishes Wanda Rhodes out of the river. She had been receiving unsigned notes, all of which say, "I know your secret!" Frank Lovejoy, Joan Banks, Jeff Corey, Will Wright, Martha Wentworth, Betty Lou Gerson, Colleen Collins, Warren Lewis (director), Larry Marcus (editor), Frank Worth (music), Joel Hunt (writer). 34:24.

Space Patrol - Prison Planet (01-08-55)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 18:59:02 GMT

Prison Planet (Aired January 8, 1955)
The success of the TV show spawned a radio version, which ran for 129 episodes from October 1952 to March 1955. The same cast of actors performed on both shows. The writers, scripts, adventures and director were quite different in radio versus TV incarnations. Naturally, the series lacked the adult sophistication of such shows as X Minus One, which focused on adapting short fiction by notable genre names as Robert A. Heinlein and Ray Bradbury. But as a throwback to the sort of Golden Age space opera popularized in the 1930s, the days of science fiction's infancy, by pioneering magazine editor Hugo Gernsback, Space Patrol is prized by OTR collectors today as one of radio's most enjoyable adventures. THIS EPISODE: January 8, 1955. ABC network. "Prison Planet". Sponsored by: Nestle's chocolate. Meckor of the Draxock galaxy uses flaming guided meteors to wreck the Terra V and eliminate the Space Patrol. Bela Kovacs, Dick Tufeld (announcer), Ed Kemmer, Helen Mosser (executive producer), Ken Mayer, Larry Robertson (producer, director), Lou Houston (writer), Lyn Osborn, Mike Mosser (creator), Norman Jolley, Tony Sides. 28:39.

Broadway Is My Beat - Paul Holland Murder Case (11-04-53)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 14:19:15 GMT

Paul Holland Murder Case (Aired November 4, 1953)
Broadway Is My Beat, a radio crime drama, ran on CBS from February 27, 1949 to August 1, 1954. With music by Robert Stringer, the show originated from New York during its first three months on the air, with Anthony Ross portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover. John Dietz directed for producer Lester Gottlieb. Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer. The supporting cast included regulars Charles Calvert (as Sgt. Gino Tartaglia) and Jack Kruschen (as Sgt. Muggavan), with episodic roles filled by such radio actors as Irene Tedrow, Barney Phillips, Lamont Johnson, Herb Ellis, Hy Averback, Edgar Barrier, Betty Lou Gerson, Harry Bartell, Sheldon Leonard, Martha Wentworth, Lawrence Dobkin and Mary Jane Croft. Show Notes From the Old Time Radio Researchers Group. THIS EPISODE: November 4, 1953. "Paul Holland Murder Case" - CBS network. Sustaining. Ruth Holland was found in her apartment, overcome by gas . Did she try to commit suicide or was there an attempt on her life? She's not telling. Her husband is a suspect until he's found murdered. Larry Thor, Cathy Lewis, Charles Calvert, Jack Kruschen, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Edgar Barrier, Hy Averback, Bill Anders (announcer), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Alexander Courage (composer, conductor), Herb Butterfield, Shepard Menken. 29:20.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - The Round-Up (02-14-53)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 04:44:26 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - The Round-Up (Aired February 14, 1953)
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961, and John Dunning writes that among radio drama enthusiasts "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television version ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and still remains the United States' longest-running prime time, live-action drama with 635 episodes ("Law and Order" ended in 2010 with 476 episodes). The half-hour animated comedy "The Simpsons", is slated for a 21st season in Fall 2010. In the late 1940s, CBS chairman William S. Paley, a fan of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe radio serial, asked his programming chief, Hubell Robinson, to develop a hardboiled Western series, a show about a "Philip Marlowe of the Old West." Robinson instructed his West Coast CBS Vice-President, Harry Ackerman, who had developed the Philip Marlowe series, to take on the task. Ackerman and his scriptwriters, Mort Fine and David Friedkin, created an audition script called "Mark Dillon Goes to Gouge Eye". Two auditions were created in 1949. THIS EPISODE: February 14, 1953. CBS network. "The Round-Up". Sustaining. During the annual round-up in Dodge, Matt's old pal Zell Matlock offers to help out...and is shot by Dillon! The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series September 29, 1956. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, John Dehner, Lou Krugman, James Nusser, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, Roy Rowan (announcer), John Meston (writer). 30:04.

Jeff Regan Investigator - The Lady From Brazil (10-19-49)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 02:08:42 GMT

The Lady From Brazil (Aired October 19, 1949)
Jeff Regan, Investigator was one of the three detective shows Jack Webb did before Dragnet (see also Pat Novak For Hire and Johnny Modero: Pier 23). It debuted on CBS in July 1948. Webb played JEFF REGAN, a tough private eye working in a Los Angeles investigation firm run by Anthony J. Lyon. Regan introduced himself on each show "I get ten a day and expenses...they call me the Lyon's Eye." The show was fairly well-plotted, Webb's voice was great, and the supporting cast were skillful. Regan handled rough assignments from Lion, with whom he was not always on good terms. He was tough, tenacious, and had a dry sense of humor. The voice of his boss, Anthony Lion, was Wilms Herbert. The show ended in December 1948 but was resurrected in October 1949 with a new cast; Frank Graham played Regan (later Paul Dubrov was the lead) and Frank Nelson portrayed Lion. This version ran on CBS, sometimes as a West Coast regional, until August 1950. Both versions were 30 minutes, but the day and time slot changed several times.

The Philip Morris Playhouse - The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse (09-18-51)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 21:12:30 GMT

The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse (Aired September 18, 1951)
Philip Morris invested heavily in radio advertising throughout the 1930s and ‘40s, often having two weekly programs on competing networks. The first, a variety show that ran for twelve seasons (1934-47) and combined musical and dramatic elements, was called Johnny Presents, essentially giving Roventini "top billing" above all the big name guests that appeared on the broadcasts. The cigarette company also sponsored Philip Morris Playhouse, a dramatic anthology series that lasted 14 seasons (1939-53), finally switching to television. Throughout it all, Johnny was a walking public relations campaign, reminding people of the product wherever he appeared. In exchange for $20,000 a year, Johnny promised never to appear in public without a bodyguard, and never to ride the New York subway during rush hour. When his salary rose to $50,000, PM insured his voice for the same amount. "Johnny" ads were prominent on billboards and in magazines. Always in his red bellhop’s uniform, he was seen "stepping out on storefronts all over America" to remind folks to smoke Philip Morris. When I Love Lucy became part of the PM family, Lucy and Desi joined Johnny in many of the company’s magazine print ads -- and artist’s renderings of the threesome were included on Philip Morris cigarette cartons at Christmas time. THIS EPISODE: September 18, 1951. NBC network. "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse". Sponsored by: Philip Morris. A doctor writing a book about the nervous reactions of criminals, learns more about them than he wants to know. Charles Martin (producer, director), Jay Jackson, Ken Roberts (announcer), Lew Ayres, Ray Bloch (music), Vanessa Brown. 30:43.

Mystery Playhouse - The Eleventh Juror (04-03-45)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:59:30 GMT

The Eleventh Juror (Aired April 3, 1945)
Rick Kabrich was the host who replaced "The Count" on Mystery Playhouse in the summer of 1987. He was originally a listener who happened to call the station and the producer liked his voice. He was reluctant to audition because he was blind, but was convinced to try it and the results were positive. So positive, that his character and distinctive voice are two of the best remembered aspects of the series. With the new host came a new format. The show was reduced to one hour and the new host had a new persona. He was called "Dr. Morgan" and his character was serious but with a touch of morbid humor. Producer Kurt Kuerstiner recalls, "Morgan's had the eerie presence of Maurice Tarpin from The Mysterious Traveler, but he also had the humor of Raymond from Inner Sanctum Mysteries. His voice was completely unique. It was deep and very forboading. I actually thought it sounded creepier than Boris Karloff." Kabrich and Kuersteiner became good friends and co-wrote lines together for Dr. Morgan. The morbid one liners became known as "Morgan-isms." Dr. Morgan would introduce each show and make closing remarks. Eerie music would play in the background while the distant sound of wind and rain blew outside. Kabrich also played the villain in several of the original plays Mystery Playhouse produced which aired alongside the original Old Time Radio shows that made up the bulk of the series. Show Notes From The Radio Horror Hosts

The Maxwell House Burns & Allen Show - The Vanderlips On Holiday (06-16-49)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 12:58:17 GMT

The Vanderlips On Holiday (Aired June 16, 1949)
Burns & Allen were touring England in 1929 when they made their first radio appearance on the BBC. Gracie Allen died on August 27, 1964. George Burns died on March 9, 1996. First Broadcast date february 15th 1932. Last Broadcast date may 17th 1950. By the early 40s, Burns decided that their act needed a change. He decided that the audience knew Gracies and his reactions well enough that it would be possible to play off them, and create situations something like screwball comedy, but with the Burns and Allen touch. Jack Benny and Burns and Allen worked much the same way with their comedy. Vaudevilles snappy patter and give and take jokes, good even if the audience didnt know you, could be developed into running gags and put-downs based on character. Burns was always astute when it came to comedy - he lead the brainstorming sessions that wrote the shows, and carefully edited his writers with the final word on what was cut and what stayed. Elvia Allman played Gracies griend Tootsie Sagwell and Gale Gordon and Hans Conried made frequent appearances. So in 1942, George and Gracie became, in their characters, the perfectly normal husband and wife that is, if Gracie's non sequiturs and impulsive behavior could be considered perfectly normal. For Gracie, of course, it was perfectly normal, and the American public continued their love affair with her. THIS EPISODE: June 16, 1949. "The Vanderlips On Holiday" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Maxwell House Coffee. Gracie tries to break up a romance between Emily Vanderlip and guest Rudy Vallee. Bill Goodwin, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Harry Lubin and His Orchestra, Keith Fowler (writer), Marylee Robb, Paul Henning (writer), Richard Crenna, Rudy Vallee, Tobe Reed (announcer). 28:57.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Studio One" - Singing Guns (10-21-47)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 04:08:32 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Studio One" - Singing Guns (Aired October 21, 1947)
Studio One received Emmy nominations every year from 1950 to 1958. The series staged some notable and memorable teleplays among its 466 episodes. Some created such an impact they were adapted into theatrical films. Reginald Rose's drama Twelve Angry Men, about the conflicts of jurors deciding a murder case, originated on Studio One on 20 September 1954, and the 1957 motion picture remake with Henry Fonda was nominated for three Academy Awards. Sal Mineo had the title role in the 2 January 1956 episode of Reginald Rose's Dino , and he reprised the role for the movie Dino (1957). In 1954, "Crime at Blossoms", scripted by Jerome Ross, was given an Edgar Award for Best Episode in a TV Series. Nathaniel Hawthorne's granddaughter received a plaque in recognition of her grandfather's writing achievements, during the 3 April 1950 telecast of The Scarlet Letter. The Night America Trembled was Studio One's 9 September 1957 top-rated TV recreation of Orson Welles' The War of the Worlds radio broadcast (30 October 1938). Alexander Scourby is seen in the foreground. Warren Beatty, in one of his earliest roles, appeared in the bit part of a card-playing college student. The Night America Trembled was Studio One's 9 September 1957 top-rated television recreation of Orson Welles' radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds on 30 October 1938. THIS EPISODE: October 21, 1947. CBS network. "Singing Guns". Sustaining. A western adventurer about Rianon, a gangster who comes down from the mountain where he hides out, and becomes a successful farmer. Fletcher Markle (producer, director), Myron McCormick, Gary Merrill, Max Brand (author). 1:01:07.

Official Detective - Drunken Murder Suspect (11-01-56)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 01:48:13 GMT

Drunken Murder Suspect (Aired November 1, 1956)
A Police Melodrama that ran on air 1-19-47 thru 3-7-57 . Mutual network. Many weekly timeslots. Presented in cooperation with Official Detective Stories Magazine. CAST: Craig McDonnell as Detective Lt. Dan Britt. Tommy Evans as Sgt. Al Bowen. Directed by Wynn Wright. The show features a crime from the start to the end and then it gets solved by a detective. THIS EPISODE: November 1, 1956. "Drunken Murder Suspect" - Mutual network. Sponsored by: Commercials added at the time of broadcast. A drunken dinner guest brandishes a gun, a short time later, Mrs. Abel is shot. Possibly produced on tape with the commercials and system cue added at the time of broadcast. Blaine Cordner, Bryna Raeburn, Craig McDonnell, Jack Irish (announcer), John Griggs, Lawson Zerbe. 23:06.

The CBS Radio Mystery Theater - The Red Frisbee (01-17-76)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:03:48 GMT

The Red Frisbee (Aired January 17, 1976)
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater (or CBSRMT) was an ambitious and sustained attempt to revive the great drama of old-time radio in the 1970s. Created by Himan Brown (who had by then become a radio legend due to his work on Inner Sanctum Mysteries and other shows dating back to the 1930s), and aired on affiliate stations across the CBS Radio network, the series began its long run on January 6, 1974. The final episode ran on December 31, 1982. The show was broadcast nightly and ran for one hour, including commercials. Typically, a week consisted of three to four new episodes, with the remainder of the week filled out with reruns. There were a total of 1399 original episodes broadcast. The total number of broadcasts, including reruns, was 2969. The late E.G. Marshall hosted the program every year but the final one, when actress Tammy Grimes took over. Each episode began with the ominous sound of a creaking door, slowly opening to invite listeners in for the evening's adventure. At the end of each show, the door would swing shut, with Marshall signing off, "Until next time, pleasant...dreams?" Despite the show's title, Brown expanded its scope beyond mysteries to include horror, science fiction, historical drama, and even comedy. In addition to original stories, there were adaptations of classic tales by such writers as Edgar Allan Poe (no fewer than seven Poe stories were adapted in 1975 alone), O. Henry, Mark Twain, Ambrose Bierce, Charles Dickens and others. THIS EPISODE: January 17, 1976. Program #417. CBS network. "The Red Frisbie". Sponsored by: True Value Hardware, Luden's Cough Drops, Buick. Teri Keane, E. G. Marshall (host), Elspeth Eric (writer), Robert Dryden, Jada Rowland. 44:18.

The Hallmark Playhouse - Clay Shuttered Doors (01-13-49)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 18:05:51 GMT

Clay Shuttered Doors (Aired January 13, 1949)
A by-product of the number of 'Playhouse' productions of the era was that as newspaper listings began the inevitable trend toward emphasizing Television programming over Radio programming, the Radio listings of the era could often contain three to five productions every week listed simply as 'Playhouse.' Indeed the productions most often mistaken for or conflated with Hallmark Playhouse were the various Philip Morris Playhouse programs of the era. Compounding the problem, Hollywood Star Playhouse aired over NBC a half-hour earlier than Hallmark Playhouse in most major markets. Confusing enough in its day, Radio historians of today find the situation even more exasperating as they attempt to research the Hallmark Playhouse canon seventy years later. In the Fall of 1952, Hallmark Playhouse began airing on Sunday evenings until February of 1953, at which point it transitioned to the Hallmark Hall of Fame canon, again hosted by Lionel Barrymore. Hallmark's television productions of The Hallmark Hall of Fame had begun airing over NBC Television in October 1951. Debuting to overnight critical and popular acclaim, Hallmark's television production of The Hallmark Hall of Fame begged the obvious argument to capitalize on that acceptance by rebranding Hallmark Playhouse as The Hallmark Hall of Fame over Radio or "The Hallmark Radio Hall of Fame," so as to further differentiate them. And so it was that while NBC Television was airing The Hallmark Hall of Fame over the 'orthicon tube' across America, stalwart fans of The Hallmark Hall of Fame over Radio could continue to listen to it for another three seasons over CBS Radio. Show Notes From The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE: January 13, 1949. CBS network. "Clay Shuttered Door". Sponsored by: Hallmark Cards. The story of a woman hurt in a traffic accident and her domineering husband, with overtones of the supernatural. Jane Wyman, Helen Rose Hull (author), James Hilton (host), Frank Goss (announcer), Lyn Murray (composer, conductor), Joel Murcott (adapter).31:36.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Lux Radio Theater" - My Darling Clementine (04-28-47)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 05:06:51 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Lux Radio Theater" - My Darling Clementine (Aired April 28, 1947)
Broadcasting from New York, the series premiered at 2:30pm, October 14, 1934 on the NBC Blue Network with a production of Seventh Heaven starring Miriam Hopkins and John Boles in a full-hour adaptation of the 1922-24 Broadway production by Austin Strong. The host was the show's fictional producer, Douglass Garrick (portrayed by John Anthony). Doris Dagmar played another fictional character, Peggy Winthrop, who delivered the Lux commercials. Each show featured a scripted session with Garrick talking to the lead actors. Anthony appeared as Garrick from the premiere 1934 episode until June 30, 1935. Garrick was portrayed by Albert Hayes from July 29, 1935 to May 25, 1936, when the show moved to the West Coast. A famous urban legend claimed that actor Sonny Tufts was slated to appear as a guest alongside Joan Fontaine for a production of The Major and the Minor on Lux Radio Theater. When Joseph Cotten read the names of the next week's cast, he supposedly said, with a mixture of shock and astonishment, that listeners would hear "that new, talented personality... Sonny Tufts?!" However, this never happened. THIS EPISODE: April 28, 1947. CBS network. "My Darling Clementine". Sponsored by: Lux, Spry. A romance/adventure of Wyatt Earp, his brothers, Doc Holiday and the Clanton Gang in old Tombstone, Arizona. William Keighley (host), John Milton Kennedy (announcer), Louis Silvers (music director), Cathy Downs, Earle Ross, Carlton KaDell, Paula Winslowe, William Johnstone, Cliff Clark, Norman Field, Clarke Gordon, Tim Graham, Edward Marr, George Neise, Tyler McVey, Charles Seel, Edwin Max, Doris Singleton (commercial spokesman: as "Libby"), Henry Fonda, Colleen Townsend (intermission guest), Samuel Engel (screenwriter), Richard Conte, Sam Hellman (screen adaptor), Stuart Lake (author), Fred MacKaye (director), Sanford Barnett (adaptor), Charlie Forsyth (sound effects). 59:27.

The Hermit's Cave - The Search For Life (04-12-42)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:52:45 GMT

The Search For Life (Aired April 12, 1942)
The Hermit's cave Ghost stories ... weird stories ... of murder, too ... the Hermit knows them all. Horror stories with Mel Johnson and howling wolves (or dogs with indigestion?) in the background, obliterating some of the introduction. This syndicated show was one of the treats for the kiddies, cuddled up to their hollow-state radio sets to keep warm in Detroit, between 1940 and 1944. The show was also heard in Beverly Hills, CA in 1943-1944, a radio horror anthology series, syndicated by WJR Detroit in the mid-1930s, sponsored by Olga Coal after the first two years. As the wind howled, the ancient Hermit narrated his horror fantasies from his cave. The cackling character of the Hermit was played by John Kent, Charles Penman, Toby Grimmer, and Klock Ryder. William Conrad produced when the show moved to KMPC Los Angeles with Mel Johnson as the Hermit (1940-42), followed by John Dehner (1942-44). THIS EPISODE: April 12, 1942. World syndication. "The Search For Life". Sponsored by: Commercials deleted or added locally. A research scientist is trying to "recreate a dead person" and "control death." His assistant plans to kill his fiancee after she rejects him, and bring her back to life with no memory! There are dead bodies all over the place! . 25:17.

The Jack Benny Lucky Strike Program - The USC-UCLA Football Game (11-26-50)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:08:50 GMT

The USC-UCLA Football Game (Aired November 26, 1950)
Benny had been only a minor vaudeville performer, but he became a national figure with The Jack Benny Program, a weekly radio show which ran from 1932 to 1948 on NBC and from 1949 to 1955 on CBS. It was consistently among the most highly rated programs during most of that run. With Canada Dry Ginger Ale as a sponsor, Benny came to radio on The Canada Dry Program, beginning May 2, 1932, on the NBC Blue Network and continuing there for six months until October 26, moving the show to CBS on October 30. With Ted Weems leading the band, Benny stayed on CBS until January 26, 1933. Arriving at NBC on March 17, Benny did The Chevrolet Program until April 1, 1934. He continued with sponsor General Tire through the end of the season. In October, 1934, General Foods, the makers of Jell-O and Grape-Nuts, became the sponsor most identified with Jack, for the next ten years. American Tobacco's Lucky Strike was his longest-lasting radio sponsor, from October, 1944, through the end of his original radio series. The show returned to CBS on January 2, 1949, as part of CBS president William S. Paley's notorious "raid" of NBC talent in 1948–49. There it stayed for the remainder of its radio run, which ended on May 22, 1955. THIS EPISODE: November 26, 1950. CBS network. Sponsored by: Lucky Strike. Jack and his friends decide to go to The USC-UCLA Football Game. A funny show. The commercial is done as a football cheer...great! Frank Fontaine appears as John L. C. Sivoney. Don Wilson, Del Sharbutt (commercial spokesman), Mary Livingstone, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, The Sportsmen, Eddie Anderson, Artie Auerbach, Mel Blanc (as the Maxwell), Jack Benny, L. A. Speed Riggs (tobacco auctioneer), Frank Fontaine, Gwen Delano, Jerry Hausner, Frank Nelson, Stuffy Singer, Herb Vigran, Mahlon Merrick (music director), Hilliard Marks (producer), Milt Josefsberg (writer), Sam Perrin (writer), George Balzer (writer), John Tackaberry (writer). 30:03.

The Old Gold Comedy Theater - The Magnificent Dope (03-11-45)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 23:14:30 GMT

The Magnificent Dope (Aired March 11, 1945)
The Old Gold Comedy Theater was an NBC anthology series that aired for the single 1944-1945 season. It was hosted by comedy star Harold Lloyd, of silent film fame, and featuring some of the biggest names from film and radio. The series was intended as a lighter version of The Lux Radio Theater, featuring half hour shows that were cut-down versions of successful comedy films from the time period. Despite Mr. Lloyd's best efforts, the presence of big-name movie and radio stars and the selection of successful films for scripting, the series did not last, perhaps due to the too-truncated, half-hour format. However, in today's time period they are quiet entertaining and I feel the shows were underrated. Show Notes From Times Past OTR.

Lights Out - The Sea (09-16-36)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:52:24 GMT

The Sea (Aired September 16, 1936)
Lights Out was created in Chicago by writer Wyllis Cooper in 1934, and the first series of shows (each 15 minutes long) ran on a local NBC station, WENR. By April 1934, the series was expanded to a half hour in length and moved to midnight Wednesdays. In January 1935, the show was discontinued in order to ease Cooper's workload (he was then writing scripts for the network's prestigious Immortal Dramas program), but was brought back by huge popular demand a few weeks later. After a successful tryout in New York City, the series was picked up by NBC in April 1935 and broadcast nationally, usually late at night and always on Wednesdays. Cooper stayed on the program until June 1936, when another Chicago writer, Arch Oboler, took over. By the time Cooper left, the series had inspired about 600 fan clubs. Cooper's run was characterized by grisly stories spiked with dark, tongue-in-cheek humor, a sort of radio Grand Guignol. A character might be buried or eaten or skinned alive, vaporized in a ladle of white-hot steel, absorbed by a giant slurping amoeba, have his arm torn off by a robot, tortured or decapitated -- always with the appropriate blood-curdling acting and sound effects. THIS EPISODE: September 16, 1936. CBS network. "The Sea". Sponsored by: Ironized Yeast, Energene. A dying Irish woman makes her final confession. A tale of brotherly hate and a return from the dead. Arch Oboler (host, writer), Frank Martin (commercial spokesman). 22:11.

The New Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes - The Innocent Murderess (06-30-47)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:27:19 GMT

The Innocent Murderess (Aired June 30, 1947)
Holmes states that he first developed his deduction methods while an undergraduate. The author Dorothy L. Sayers suggested that, given details in two of the Adventures, Holmes must have been at Cambridge rather than Oxford and that "of all the Cambridge colleges, Sidney Sussex [College] perhaps offered the greatest number of advantages to a man in Holmes’ position and, in default of more exact information, we may tentatively place him there". His earliest cases, which he pursued as an amateur, came from fellow university students. According to Holmes, it was an encounter with the father of one of his classmates that led him to take up detection as a profession and he spent the six years following university working as a consulting detective, before financial difficulties led him to take Watson as a roommate, at which point the narrative of the stories begins. From 1881, Holmes is described as having lodgings at 221B Baker Street, London, from where he runs his private detective agency. 221B is an apartment up seventeen steps, stated in an early manuscript to be at the "upper end" of the road. Until the arrival of Dr. Watson, Holmes works alone, only occasionally employing agents from the city's underclass, including a host of informants and a group of street children he calls the Baker Street Irregulars. The Irregulars appear in three stories, "The Sign of the Four", "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Adventure of the Crooked Man". THIS EPISODE: June 30, 1947. ABC network. "The Adventure Of The Innocent Murderess". Sponsored by: Kreml Hair Tonic, Kreml Shampoo. The story was suggested by, "A Scandal In Bohemia." The day 221B Baker Street became a foreign embassy. Tom Conway, Nigel Bruce, Joseph Bell (announcer), Arthur Conan Doyle (author), Denis Green (writer), Anthony Boucher (writer), Tom McKnight (producer). 29:40.

It Pays To Be Ignorant - How Do You Keep Milk From Souring (07-14-44)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:01:57 GMT

How Do You Keep Milk From Souring (Aired July 14, 1944)
It Pays to Be Ignorant was a radio comedy show which maintained its popularity during a nine-year run on three networks for such sponsors as Philip Morris, Chrysler, and DeSoto. The series was a spoof on the authoritative, academic discourse evident on such authoritative panel series as Quiz Kids and Information Please, while the beginning of the program parodied the popular quiz show, Doctor I.Q. With announcers Ken Roberts and Dick Stark, the program was broadcast on Mutual from June 25, 1942 to February 28, 1944, on CBS from February 25, 1944 to September 27, 1950 and finally on NBC from July 4, 1951 to September 26, 1951. The satirical series featured "a board of experts who are dumber than you are and can prove it." Tom Howard was the quizmaster who asked questions of dim-bulb panelists Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnell and George Shelton. The Irish-born Howard (1885-1955) and Shelton (1885-1972) had previously worked together as a team in vaudeville and comedy film shorts, while McConnell (1882-1962) and British comic McNaughton (1896-1967) had both appeared in many Broadway musical comedies and revues between 1920 and the late 1930s. Each episode would start with some jokes ("Do married men live longer than single men?"... "No, it only seems longer.") and an introduction of the experts. After this, three or four questions would be discussed in detail: some posed by Howard, some picked at random by a guest from the audience. These questions often had the answer obvious in the query ("What town in Massachusetts had the Boston Tea Party?")

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Sears Radio Theater" - Punishment And Crime (10-25-80)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:41:33 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Sears Radio Theater" - Punishment And Crime (Aired October 25, 1980)
Clearly one of the last big attempts to produce radio programming, with many of Hollywood's best. The series premiered on Monday 02/05/79 and offered a different genre each weekday night. Each genre was hosted by a different celebrity. The program was produced on Paramount's Stage F in Hollywood. These first 130 programs were broadcast over a six month period and then rebroadcast over the following six months. From 02/14/80 to 12/19/81 this series was heard again, this time over Mutual, as The Mutual Radio Theater. This was clearly one of the last big attempts to produce radio programming, with many of radio’s best talents, the way radio was heard in its “golden days.” Despite budget and talent, it just wasn’t to be. THIS EPISODE: October 25, 1980 - Program #116. CBS network. "Punishment and Crime". Sponsored by: Sears Roebuck and Company. Fletcher Markle (producer, director, performer), Howard Culver, Jack Carroll, Joe Moross, Len Birman, Lorne Greene (host), Parley Baer, Peggy Webber, Percy Grainger (writer). 38:02.

Rogue's Gallery - The House Of Fear (11-15-45)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 21:45:51 GMT

The House Of Fear (Aired November 15, 1945)
Rogue's Gallery came to the Mutual network on September 27, 1945 with Dick Powell portraying Richard Rogue, a private detective who invariably ended up getting knocked out each week and spending his dream time in acerbic conversation with his subconscious self, Eugor. Rogue's Gallery was, in a sense, Dick Powell's rehearsal for Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Powell played private detective Richard Rogue, who trailed luscious blondes, protected witness, and did whatever else detectives do to make a living. It was a good series, though not destined to make much of a mark. Under the capable direction of Dee Englebach and accompanied by the music of Leith Stevens, Powell floated through his lines with the help of such competents as Lou Merrill, Gerald Mohr, Gloria Blondell, Tony Barrett, and Lurene Tuttle. Peter Leeds played Rogue's friend Eugor, an obscure play on names with Eugor spelling Rogue backwards. The gimmick in Rogue's Gallery was the presence of an alter ego, "Eugor," who arrived in the middle of the show to give Rogue enough information for his final deduction. Eugor was a state of mind, achieved when Rogue was knocked unconcious. Eugor would appear cackling like the host of Hermit's Cave and imparted some vital information the hero had overlooked. Rogue would then awaken with a vague idea of what to do next. Rogue's Gallery also starred different actors as Rogue, in later incarnations of the series, but Richard Powell was the most popular. This series preceded Richard Powell's most famous series, Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Rogue trailed lovely blondes and protected witnesses in the new tough guy persona of Dick Powell. This was the transition series for Powell in his quest to be recognized as an actor rather than a singer. It had some of the same cute elements that would make Richard Diamond a high spot four years later. During the summer of 1946, the show was billed as Bandwagon Mysteries, with a tip of the hat to the sponsor. In the summer of 1947, it was again revived on NBC Sundays for Fitch, with Barry Sullivan in the title role. In 1950 the character again turned up in a two-year sustainer on the ABC Wednesday-night schedule. Chester Morris played the lead. Chester Morris was the original Boston Blackie. Show Notes From The OTR Researcher's Group.

Bold Venture - Slate's Stolen Da Vinci (11-19-52)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:58:48 GMT

Slate's Stolen Da Vinci (Aired November 19, 1951)
Bold Venture is a 1951-1952 syndicated radio series starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Morton Fine and David Friedkin scripted the taped series for Bogart's Santana Productions. Salty seadog Slate Shannon (Bogart) owns a Cuban hotel sheltering an assortment of treasure hunters, revolutionaries and other shady characters. With his sidekick and ward, the sultry Sailor Duval (Bacall), tagging along, he encounters modern-day pirates and other tough situations while navigating the waters around Havana. Aboard his boat, the Bold Venture, Slate and Sailor experience "adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean." Calypso singer King Moses (Jester Hairston) provided musical bridges by threading plot situations into the lyrics of his songs. Music by David Rose. Beginning March 26, 1951, the Frederic W. Ziv Company syndicated 78 episodes. Some sources have claimed that the 78 episodes include reruns, and that there were only around 30 episodes but more than 50 shows have now come to light. Heard on 423 stations, the 30-minute series earned $4000 weekly for Bogart and Bacall. THIS EPISODE: November 19, 1951. "Slate's Stolen Da Vinci" - Slate is given a painting in appreciation for his "helping hand". Suddenly, people seem over interested in buying the "worthless" art. Kip Ross, Jester Hairston, Barbara Hill, Gordon McLean, Nestor Paiva. 27:27.

Boston Blackie - Baseball And Gambling (04-29-47)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:21:56 GMT

Baseball And Gambling (Aired April 29, 1947)
The Boston Blackie radio series, also starring Morris, began June 23, 1944, on NBC as a summer replacement for The Amos 'n' Andy Show. Sponsored by Rinso, the series continued until September 15 of that year. Unlike the concurrent films, Blackie had a steady romantic interest in the radio show: Lesley Woods appeared as Blackie's girlfriend Mary Wesley. Harlow Wilcox was the show's announcer. On April 11, 1945, Richard Kollmar took over the title role in a radio series syndicated by Frederic W. Ziv to Mutual and other network outlets. Over 200 episodes of this series were produced between 1944 and October 25, 1950. Other sponsors included Lifebuoy Soap, Champagne Velvet beer, and R&H beer. While investigating mysteries, Blackie invaribly encountered harebrained Police Inspector Farraday (Maurice Tarplin) and always solved the mystery to Farraday's amazement. Initially, friction surfaced in the relationship between Blackie and Farraday, but as the series continued, Farraday recognized Blackie's talents and requested assistance. Blackie dated Mary Wesley (Jan Miner), and for the first half of the series, his best pal Shorty was always on hand. The humorless Farraday was on the receiving end of Blackie's bad puns and word play. Kent Taylor starred in the half-hour TV series, The Adventures of Boston Blackie. Syndicated in 1951, it ran for 58 episodes, continuing in repeats over the following decade. THIS EPISODE: April 29, 1947. "Baseball & Gambling" - Program #107. ABC net origination, Ziv syndication. Commercials added locally. The brother of a famous ball-player is in debt to a gambler for $50,000. An introduction to a lady and a murder add up to another case for Blackie. Sportscaster Bill Slater is cast as...a sportscaster! Richard Kollmar, Bill Slater, Lesley Woods, Maurice Tarplin. 27:41.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Dr. Six Gun" - Captian Langdon's Honor (11-14-54)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 04:36:11 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Dr. Six Gun" - Captian Langdon's Honor (Aired November 14, 1954)
Doctor Six-Gun. NBC net origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. The stories revolve around physician Dr. Gray Matson who tends the sick and occasionally causes a pain or two with his quick-on-the-draw pistol. The stories are told by Pablo, the gypsy peddler and his pet raven "Midnight," sidekicks of the good doctor. Karl Weber and William Gruffis star as the doctor and the gypsy. The shows were written by Ernest Kinoy and George Lefferts, directed by Fred Weihe, Gene Hamilton usually announcing. Supporting players on the various shows below: William Redfield, Virginia Payne, Wendell Holmes, William Keene, Ralph Bell, Peter Capel, Kermit Murdock, Craig McDonald, Cameron Prud'homme, Joe De Santis, Roger De Koven, Edgar Stehli, Bob Haig, Jim Stevens, Santos Ortega, Lon Clark, Bill Adams, Les Damon, Kenny Delmar, Luis Van Rooten, Vicki Vola, Daniel Ocko, John Gibson, William Johnstone, Jim Boles, Bob Hastings, Ed Peck, Teri Keane, Bill Lipton, Ethel Everett, Ralph Camargo, Elaine Ross, Donald Buka, Nelson Olmstead, Robert Dryden, Jock MacGregor, Edwin Bruce, Leon Janney, Don Douglas, Humphrey Davis,, John Sylvester. This show: Doc and his gypsy sidekick Pablo come upon Mack Jarrett, a horse-breaker, who goes beserk when he can't get the better of a stallion. Ernest Kinoy (writer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), George Lefferts (writer), Karl Weber, William Griffis. THIS EPISODE: November 14, 1954. "Captian Langdon's Honor" - NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. Captain Langdon comes to town to kill a man named Carter...as a matter of honor. Ernest Kinoy (writer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), George Lefferts (writer), Karl Weber, William Griffis. 1/2 hour.

Dimension X - The Veldt (08-09-51)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:33:17 GMT

The Veldt (Aired August 9, 1951)
Dimension X was first heard on NBC April 8, 1950, and ran until September 29, 1951. Strange that so little good science fiction came out of radio; they seem ideally compatible, both relying heavily on imagination. Some fine isolated science fiction stories were developed on the great anthology shows, Suspense and Escape. But until the premiere of Dimension X -- a full two decades after network radio was established -- there were no major science fiction series of broad appeal to adults. This show dramatized the work of such young writers as Ray Bradbury, Robert (Psycho) Bloch, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Kurt Vonnegut. In-house script writer was Ernest Kinoy, who adapted the master works and contributed occasional storied of his own. Dimension X was a very effective demonstration of what could be done with science fiction on the air. It came so late that nobody cared, but some of the stories stand as classics of the medium. Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven" is as gripping today as when first heard. His "Martian Chronicles" was one of the series' most impressive offerings. Dimension X played heavily on an "adventures in time and space, told in future tense" theme. Actors who worked regularly on the show included Joe Di Santis, Wendell Holmes, Santos Ortega, Joseph Julian, Jan Miner, Roger De Koven, John Gibson, Ralph Bell, John Larkin, Les Damon, and Mason Adams. It was directed by Fred Weihe and Edward King. The deep-voiced narrator was Norman Rose. The series played heavily on the "X" factor in the title, as did X-Minus One a few years later. The signature was boomed out of and echo chamber as "DIMENSION X X X X X x x x x x . . . " THIS EPISODE: August 9, 1951. NBC network. "The Veldt". Sustaining. The kids' playroom is nothing to fool around about! The system cue and final promotional announcement have been deleted. The script was subsequently used on "X Minus One" on August 4, 1955. Albert Buhrman (music), William Quinn, David Anderson, Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), Joan Lazer, Lesley Woods, Norman Rose (host), Ray Bradbury (author), William Welch (producer), Fred Collins (announcer). 30:09.

Father Brown Mysteries - The Mistake Of The Machine (10-18-86)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:54:44 GMT

The Mistake Of The Machine (Aired October 18, 1986)
Father Brown is a fictional character created by English novelist G. K. Chesterton, who stars in 52 short stories, later compiled in five books. Chesterton based the character on Father John O'Connor (1870–1952), a parish priest in Bradford who was involved in Chesterton's conversion to Catholicism in 1922. The relationship was recorded by O'Connor in his 1937 book Father Brown on Chesterton. Father Brown is a short, stumpy Catholic priest, "formerly of Cobhole in Essex, and now working in London," with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, and uncanny insight into human evil. He makes his first appearance in the story "The Blue Cross" and continues through the five volumes of short stories, often assisted by the reformed criminal M.Hercule Flambeau. Father Brown also appears in a story "The Donnington Affair" that has a rather curious history. In the October 1914 issue of the obscure magazine The Premier, Sir Max Pemberton published the first part of the story, inviting a number of detective story writers, including Chesterton, to use their talents to solve the mystery of the murder described. Chesterton and Father Brown's solution followed in the November issue. The story was first reprinted in the Chesterton Review (Winter 1981, pp. 1–35) and in the book Thirteen Detectives. Unlike the more famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, Father Brown's methods tend to be intuitive rather than deductive.

The Clock - Bad Dreams (04-25-48)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:59:06 GMT

Bad Dreams (Aired April 25, 1948)
The Clock, is an Australian radio show, a dramatic thirty-minute suspense and mystery series. It was written by Lawrence Klee and narrated by "The Clock." First Broadcast in the United States was in November, 1946. It was syndicated by Grace Gibson syndication. At the time of production, the Australian accent, we now know and love, originating from the Irish and Cockney accents, was rather frowned upon by non other than Australians. The shows tried to sound neutral, then there was hope that the show could be sold to Great Britain and the United States. The show was bought by the ABC network in the States, although the ABC on the CD label (below) stands for the Australian Broadcast Company. The settings were usually generic and the actors tried to speak without a perceptible accent and for that reason the program sounded sort of "American". They occasionally slipped up on a few words, using 'boot' instead of 'trunk' when referring to a car. THIS EPISODE: April 25, 1948. ABC network. "Bad Dreams". Sustaining. A story about an Hungarian immigrant who loses his job in a delicatessen because of his strange and terrifying dreams. Jeanette Nolan, Elliott Lewis, William Spier (producer, director), Lucille Fletcher (writer), Basil Adlam (musical director), Bernard Green (theme composer). 27:57.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Inheritance" - The Peacemaker (01-30-55)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:43:50 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Inheritance" - The Peacemaker (Aired January 30, 1955)
Inheritance premiered on April 4th 1954. Airing for a total of fifty-seven installments, the production itself was extremely well-mounted--as might be expected of a year-long sustained network production. The huge, mostly West Coast casts comprised most of Radio's finest voice talent of the era. The music direction, while not particularly 'A'-List, was well-suited to the production. The productions were reasonably historically accurate--yet predictably jingoistic for the era. As with the Ladies Auxiliary to The Veterans of Foreign Wars-sponsored American Trail series of the previous year, functionaries of the respective supporting organizations would give a brief, topical message throughout the series. The opportunity to recite one's patriotic beliefs seems to have been a focal point of most of the 'post-script messages' of the series. As a 'message series' Inheritance may have slightly missed its mark--through no real fault of its own, but as a reasonably accurate anthology of patriotic historical vignettes the series holds up quite well. As one of the last 'vanity' productions of the era, the exceptional array of Golden Age Radio West Coast talent makes for a fascinating snapshot of the waning years of California's contribution to Radio's wealth of great actors. The writers that contributed to the series were also remarkable for their era. The writing staff included, among others, Ernest Kinoy, Karl Swenson, and George Lefferts. The appearance of two noteworthy science-fiction writers' contributions to an historical anthology series is interesting enough in itself, but the contribution of the 'Nancy Hanks' episode by Karl Swenson--as a writer--is just as interesting. Show Notes From The Digital Deli THIS EPISODE: January 30, 1955. Program #43. NBC network. "The Peacemaker". Sustaining. 4:30 P. M. The program is produced in co-operation with The American Legion. The after-drama speaker is George Etinger, Chairman of the Child Welfare Commission of the American Legion. Charles Etinger, Ruth Travis (writer), Bill Lipton, Staats Cotsworth, John Larkin, Rusty Lane, Joseph Bell, Richard Hamilton, Tom Charlesworth, Roger Bowman (announcer), William Welch (producer), Daniel Sutter (director). 30:30.

The Mel Blanc Show - Mel Imitates Actors (11-12-46)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:38:36 GMT

Mel Imitates Actors (Aired November 12, 1946)
Blanc began his radio career in 1927 as a voice actor on the KGW program The Hoot Owls, where his ability to provide voices for multiple characters first attracted attention. He moved to KEX in 1933 to produce and host his Cobweb And Nuts show, which debuted on June 15. The program played Monday through Saturday from 11:00 pm to midnight, and by the time the show ended two years later, it appeared from 10:30 pm to 11:00 pm. Blanc moved to Warner Bros.-owned KFWB in Hollywood, California, in 1935. He joined The Johnny Murray Show, but the following year switched to CBS Radio and The Joe Penner Show. Blanc was a regular on the NBC Red Network show The Jack Benny Program in various roles, including voicing Benny's Maxwell automobile (in desperate need of a tune-up), violin teacher Professor LeBlanc, Polly the Parrot, Benny's pet polar bear Carmichael, the tormented department store clerk, and the train announcer (see below). One of Blanc's most memorable characters from Benny's radio (and later TV) programs was "Sy, the Little Mexican", who spoke one word at a time. The famous "Sí...Sy...sew...Sue" routine was so effective that no matter how many times it was performed, the laughter was always there, thanks to the comedic timing of Blanc and Benny. At times, sharp-eyed audience members (and later, TV viewers) could see Benny struggling to keep a straight face; Blanc's absolute dead-pan delivery was a formidable challenge for him. Benny's daughter, Joan, recalls that Mel Blanc was one of her father's closest friends in real life, because "nobody else on the show could make him laugh the way Mel could." THIS EPISODE: November 12, 1946. "Mel Imitates Actors" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpowder, Halo Shampoo. A fraternal initiation takes place while Mel minds the baby. Earle Ross, Hans Conried, Joseph Kearns, Mary Jane Croft, Mel Blanc, The Sportsmen, Victor Miller and His Orchestra. 24:40.

The Baby Snooks Show - Easter Outfit (03-20-51)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:17:27 GMT

Easter Outfit (Aired March 20, 1951)
Baby Snooks became a character for Fanny Brice at some point in the early 30s, nobody seems to know exactly when. What is for sure is that by 1934 Fanny was appearing on-stage in her baby costume as part of the Follies show on Broadway. In 1936, at 45 years of age, she used this baby persona to great effect on the CBS show The Ziegfield Follies of the Air and a radio legend was born. After various format and slot changes Snooks eventually got her very own show in 1944. Lalive Brownell took on the role of “Mommy” Higgins alongside the now well entrenched part of Lancelot “Daddy” Higgins played by Hanley Stafford. The half-an-hour slot was initially aired at 6:30pm on Sundays, but later to moved to an 8pm slot on Friday and then in Nov 1949 to an 8:30pm slot on Tuesday evenings. The shows revolved around the Snooks character creating vignettes through which the comedic potential of the Snooks chartacter could be fully exploited. Snooks specialized in making minor mishaps into major catastrophes and small parental disagreements into all out war. In 1945 Fanny was forced to miss several episodes due to illness and her disappearance was covered up through a story-line involving a search for the missing Snooks involving leading stars of the time such as Robert Benchley, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre, and Kay Kyser. The same year saw the first appearance of Leone Ledoux as Snooks brother Robespierre, who until then had been an off-mike character. On May 24th, 1951, Fanny Brice suffered a cerebral haemorrhage and died five days later, at fifty-nine. The final broadcast was a memorial broadcast on May 29th, 1951. THEME: Rockabye Baby. THIS EPISODE: March 20, 1951. "Easter Outfit" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Tums, N-R Tablets. Daddy applies for a bank loan so the Higgins family can get new Easter outfits. The Higgins family has been called, "poor white trash." The date is subject to correction. Don Wilson (announcer), Arthur Stander (writer, producer), Frederick Shields, Elvia Allman, Ken Christy, Fanny Brice, Hanley Stafford, Bob Fisher (writer), Arlene Harris, Frank Nelson. 28:54.

Box 13 - Hunt And Peck (03-06-49)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:28:37 GMT

Hunt And Peck (Aired March 6, 1949)
Box 13 is still one of the most highly collected--but poorly documented--radio programs from that Golden Age. The sound quality in most exemplar recordings is superb, so it's apparent that someone loved Box 13 once upon a time. Frankly, we love it because the scripts, pace and situations are excellent. Add the 'noir' element of Alan Ladd's voice and you have all the radio noir aficionado needs to while away (yes, 'while away' not wile away--we're old school here) 26 hours. The production values throughout all 52 episodes were absolutely superb. The review at left refers to a somewhat 'inscrutable' quality to Alan Ladd's big and little screen performances. But in the world of radio noir, less is usually more. In the gritty, dark alleys and dives that the radio noir detectives habituated there was as much to be observed in the shadows as in the light. Perhaps we're just 'glass half full' types, but we've always enjoyed Box 13 immensely. Alan Ladd's early portrayals of Dan Holiday did tend to be a bit pat, somewhat sparse in depth, and even wooden in the beginning. Ladd hired some excellent voice talent for his project, and these superb, veteran Radio professionals set a pretty high bar for Ladd, himself. THIS EPISODE: March 6, 1949. Program #29. Mutual network origination, Mayfair syndication. "Hunt and Peck". Commercials added locally. Dan saves a man from the "chair" just a few hours before the end, but at the cost of an arm. Alan Ladd, Sylvia Picker, Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 27:33.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "All Star Western Theater" - Down Mexico Way With Jimmy Wakely (11-17-46)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 04:59:13 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "All Star Western Theater" - Down Mexico Way With Jimmy Wakely (Aired November 17, 1946)
All Star Western Theater is an enjoyable series filled with the humor of guest stars such as Johnny Mack Brown and Smiley Burnett and in the tried and true format of The Roy Rogers Show. The words honest, sincere and un-assuming come to mind. Done live, All Star Western Theater gives the studio audience a good show, and the result is still a happy ride down memory lane. Riding out of the sunny back lots of Hollywood, All Star Western Theatre delivered Republic Western-style entertainment with chuck wagon sized doses of fine music, broad humor and guest appearances by the best of the West. The music was provided by the Riders of the Purple Sage, fronted by Foy Willing, with the help of Kenny Driver, Al Sloey and Johnny Paul. The group appeared on various shows on radio, including the Andrews Sisters' Eight-to-the-Bar Ranch in '44-'45, and the Roy Rogers Show during the 1946 - 48 period. Western swing was big in those days, and this show has some really fine renditions in that great American music style. Guest stars such as Johnny Mack Brown and Smiley Burnett come on, and do action sketches and real knee-slapping humor skits. When these cowboys rustle up humor, they play it about as broad as the western skies themselves. Laughs this simple are not heard much anymore, unless you have an eight-year old with an old jokebook. But that doesn't mean All Star Western Theater isn't enjoyable. It really is, in the same way that the old western movies are enjoyable. Honest, sincere and un-assuming come to mind. THIS EPISODE: November 17, 1946. CBS Pacific network. "Down Mexico Way". Music fill for local commercial insert. While visiting a fiesta, "The Riders" plan to free lovely Lolita from marrying Wilbur, whom she doesn't love. Joe Forte, Harry Lang, Jimmy Wakely, Foy Willing and The Riders Of The Purple Sage, Cottonseed Clark (announcer). 29:58.

Hollywood Star Playhouse - Calculated Risk (02-05-51) Vincent Price

Bob Camardella — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:17:33 GMT

Calculated Risk (Aired February 5, 1951) Vincent Price
The Hollywood Star Playhouse , well written and performed, presented many original plays and popular Hollywood stars. Some of those who accepted roles in this great series included Jimmy Stewart, William Conrad, Deborah Kerr, Vincent Price, Harry Bartell and Betty Lou Gerson. Highlights included an episode entitled The Six Shooter and which later became it’s own series staring James Stewart. In 1952, Marilyn Monroe made her radio debut on The Hollywood Star Playhouse. This 30 minute anthology program was heard over three different networks during its three seasons. Many leading Hollywood stars appeared before the microphones for this programs original scripts. Marilyn Monroe made her radio debut on the 08/31/52 broadcast. Several programs were intended to become new series. On 04/13/52, the broadcast # 99 of The Six Shooter w/James Stewart did indeed become a new NBC series The Six Shooter in 1953, while the broadcast of 05/18/52 Safari w/Ray Milland failed to make it. There was a title change to this series. During the third network change to NBC the series picked up the sponsorship of the American Bakers and the series was called Baker’s Theater Of Stars. THIS EPISODE: February 5, 1951. CBS network. "Calculated Risk". Sponsored by: Bromo Seltzer. Not auditioned. Vincent Price, Herbert Rawlinson (host), Jeff Alexander (composer, conductor), Jack Johnstone (director), Maurice Zim (writer), Norman Brokenshire (commercial spokesman), Betty Lou Gerson, Theodore Von Eltz, Edwin Max, Byron Kane, Jerry Hausner, Wendell Corey (recorded preview of next week's program). 30:20.

The Great Gildersleeve - Eve's Mother Stays On (06-18-44)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 22:06:18 GMT

Eve's Mother Stays On (Aired June 18, 1944)
The Great Gildersleeve (1941–1957), initially written by Leonard Lewis Levinson,[2] was one of broadcast history's earliest spin-off programs. Built around Throckmorton Philharmonic Gildersleeve, a character who had been a staple on the classic radio situation comedy Fibber McGee and Molly, The Great Gildersleeve enjoyed its greatest success in the 1940s. Actor Harold Peary played the character during its transition from the parent show into the spin-off and later in a quartet of feature films released at the height of the show's popularity. On Fibber McGee and Molly, Peary's Gildersleeve was a pompous windbag who became a consistent McGee nemesis. "You're a haa-aa-aa-aard man, McGee!" became a Gildersleeve catch phrase. The character was given several conflicting first names on Fibber McGee and Molly, and on one episode his middle name was revealed as Philharmonic. Gildy admits as much at the end of "Gildersleeve's Diary" on the Fibber McGee and Molly series (10/22/40). He soon became so popular that Kraft Foods — looking primarily to promote its Parkay margarine spread — sponsored a new series with Peary's Gildersleeve as the central, slightly softened, and slightly befuddled focus of a lively new family. THIS EPISIODE: June 18, 1944. "Eve's Mother Stays On" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Kraft Parkay. Network, sponsored version. Throckmorton is running for Mayor and trying to get rid of his future mother-in-law at the same time. Arthur Q. Bryan, Bea Benaderet, Claude Sweeten (music), Earle Ross, Harold Peary, John Whedon (writer), Ken Carpenter (announcer), Lillian Randolph, Lurene Tuttle, Richard LeGrand, Sam Moore (writer), Shirley Mitchell, Walter Tetley. 29:46.

Nick Carter Master Detective - Monkey Sees Murder (01-07-45)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:38:27 GMT

Monkey Sees Murder (Aired January 7, 1945)
Nick Carter, Master Detective - Nick Carter is the name of a popular fictional detective who first appeared in in a dime novel entitled "The Old Detective's Pupil" on September 18, 1886. In 1915, Nick Carter Weekly became Street & Smith's Detective Story Magazine. Novels featuring Carter continued to appear through the 1950s, by which time there was also a popular radio show, Nick Carter, Master Detective, which aired on Mutual from 1943 to 1955. Nick Carter first came to radio as The Return of Nick Carter. Then Nick Carter, Master Detective, with Lon Clark in the title role, began April 11, 1943, on Mutual, continuing in many different timeslots for well over a decade. Jock MacGregor was the producer-director of scripts by Alfred Bester, Milton J. Kramer, David Kogan and others. Background music was supplied by organists Hank Sylvern, Lew White and George Wright. Patsy Bowen, Nick's assistant, was portrayed by Helen Choate until mid-1946 and then Charlotte Manson stepped into the role. Nick and Patsy's friend was reporter Scubby Wilson (John Kane). Nick's contact at the police department was Sgt. Mathison (Ed Latimer). The supporting cast included Raymond Edward Johnson, Bill Johnstone and Bryna Raeburn. Michael Fitzmaurice was the program's announcer. The series ended on September 25, 1955. Chick Carter, Boy Detective was a serial adventure that aired weekday afternoons on Mutual. Chick Carter, the adopted son of Nick Carter, was played by Bill Lipton (1943-44) and Leon Janney (1944-45). The series aired from July 5, 1943 to July 6, 1945. THIS EPISODE: January 7, 1945. Mutual network. "Monkey Sees Murder," or "The Mystery Of The Peruvian Red Mark". Sponsored by: Lin-X Home Brighteners. Lon Clark, Helen Choate, John Kane, Humphrey Davis, Jock MacGregor (producer, director, occasional writer), Lew White (musician). 29:22.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Chesters Murder (01-15-55)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 10:54:19 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Chesters Murder (Aired January 15, 1955)
Not long after the radio show began, there was talk of adapting it to television. Privately, MacDonnell had a guarded interest in taking the show to television, but publicly, he declared that "our show is perfect for radio," and he feared that, as Dunning writes, "Gunsmoke confined by a picture could not possibly be as authentic or attentive to detail." (Dunning, 305) "In the end," wrote Dunning, "CBS simply took it away from MacDonnell and began preparing for the television version." (Dunning, 305). Conrad and the others were given auditions, but they were little more than token efforts—especially in Conrad's case, due to his obesity. However, Meston was kept as the main writer. In the early years, a majority of the TV episodes were adapted from the radio scripts, often using identical scenes and dialogue. Dunning wrote, "That radio fans considered the TV show a sham and its players impostors should surprise no one. That the TV show was not a sham is due in no small part to the continued strength of Meston's scripts." (Dunning, 304). MacDonnell and Meston continued the radio version of Gunsmoke until 1961, making it one of the most enduring vintage radio dramas. Conrad directed two television episodes, in 1963 and 1971, while McNear appeared on six, playing characters other than Doc, including three times as storekeeper Howard Rudd. THIS EPISODE: January 15, 1955. CBS network. "Chester's Murder". Sponsored by: L & M, Chesterfield. Charlie Pickard has been shot and killed while Chester was taking him to jail. All the evidence points to Chester as the murderer! The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on March 30, 1957. William Conrad, Howard McNear, John Meston (writer), Vic Perrin, Lawrence Dobkin, James Nusser, Joyce McCluskey, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), George Fenneman (commercial spokesman), Tom Hanley (sound patterns), Ray Kemper (sound patterns), George Walsh (announcer). 30:16.

The Sealed Book - Accusing Corpse (04-29-45)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 23:55:39 GMT

Accusing Corpse (Aired April 29, 1945)
As with The Mysterious Traveler that preceded it, The Sealed Book was an anthology of supernatural drama, produced and directed by Jock MacGregor for the Mutual network, and written by the extraordinary team of Robert Arthur and David Kogan. Indeed this same entire team of network, director, and writers were responsible for the entire run of The Mysterious Traveler. Going even further, The Sealed Book reprised 26 of the Arthur/Kogan scripts written for The Mysterious Traveler. And in yet another similarity, Philip Clarke performed as an actor in five of the original Mysterious Traveler episodes. Where the series' differed was in the 'hook' or novelty intro to each week's new episode. With the Mysterious Traveler, the atmospheric element was the mournful whistle of the train, and Maurice Tarplin's equally exaggerated exposition at the beginning of each episode. With The Sealed Book, each epsisode opened with the sound of the great gong, followed by Philip Clarke's observation that the Keeper of The Book had once again opened the door to the secret vault, within which was contained the 'great sealed book' recording 'all the secrets and mysteries of mankind through the ages.
THIS EPISODE: April 29, 1945. Program #7. Mutual network. "The Accusing Corpse". Sustaining. A plot to a commit double murder is executed in a very strange way with very strange results. The script was also used on "The Mysterious Traveler" on April 16, 1944. The system cue has been deleted. This program has also been dated July 1, 1945 on WGN, Chicago. Robert A. Arthur (writer), David Kogan (writer), Phillip Clarke (host), Jock MacGregor (producer, director). 29:30.

The Adventures Of Frank Race - The Istanbul Adventure (05-19-49)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 19:33:19 GMT

The Istanbul Adventure (Aired May 19, 1949)
The Series was heard over all four networks over the following four years in initial syndication and rebroadcast. Given one's geographical location, a listener might well have been able to hear as many as three or four weekly airings of The Adventures of Frank Race. Seasoned writer Joel Murcott joined Broadcasters Program Syndicate for the express purpose of writing and supervising Bruce Eells' first two dramatic offerings, Frontier Town, starring Jeff Chandler under the tongue in cheek performing name 'Tex Chandler' and The Adventures of Frank Race initially starring durable and versatile character actor Tom Collins. Legendary composer Ivan Ditmars scored both the audition and production series. The audition for the series was recorded during February 1949. The audition featured Tom Collins as former attorney and O.S.S. officer, Frank Race. Race is aided by his associate, former cab driver, Marcus 'Marc' Donovan portrayed by Tony Barrett. Lurene Tuttle is also featured in the audition. The audition lays out the premise for the contemplated series. Frank Race has returned to civilian life after a wartime stint as an operative for the Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) the progenitor of the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.). Somewhat disenchanted with the prospect of returning to practice Law, Race forms his own investigations firm, specializing in industrial, State, and international crimes of fraud and espionage. THIS EPISODE: May 19, 1949. Program #3. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Instanbul Adventure". Commercials added locally. Murder, intrigue and a beautiful woman in the alley's of Instanbul. Black marketers are destroying needed medicines. Tom Collins, Gerald Mohr, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Art Gilmore (announcer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Paul Dubov. 24:51.

Dangerous Assignment - Stolen Relief Supplies (07-09-49)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 15:25:44 GMT

Stolen Relief Supplies (Aired July 9, 1949)
Dangerous Assignment stands as one of the most durable programs of its genre and era in the waning days of The Golden Age of Radio. Espionage or foreign intrigue dramas weren't particularly groundbreaking undertakings by the 1950s. Bulldog Drummond was the first of the more successful exemplars of Radio espionage and intrigue, running from 1941 to 1954, most often under the lead of the gifted character actor, George Coulouris. The Counterspy series had been well underway since 1942 and ran in one incarnation or another through 1954. The Man Called X had already aired--to great popular and critical acclaim--for almost five years prior to 1949. Indeed, within a year of airing Dangerous Assignment's Summer 1949 season, The Man Called X returned to the air for another two years. For one of those years, Dangerous Assignment and The Man Called X ran back to back in the NBC line-up. Of the two foreign intrigue anthologies, NBC seemed to continue to favor the Herbert Marshall drama, The Man Called X. Whether in deference to Marshall's seniority, its former high ratings between 1944 and 1948, or simply out of perceived popularity, Dangerous Assignment, while airing ahead of The Man Called X, never seemed to get the buildup that The Man Called X invariably received. It may well have been as simple as a lack of sponsorship. For much of 1950 and 1951, both Dangerous Assignment and The Man Called X remained either network sustained or shared the sponsorship of Ford, Anacin, Chesterfield, and RCA Victor. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE: July 9, 1949. NBC network. Sustaining. The first show of the series. Steve Mitchell's first assignment takes him to Sicily in search of Stolen Relief Supplies. Steve finds himself in the mountains, battling with the bandit "Lorenzo." Brian Donlevy, William Conrad, Bruce Ashley (music), Bill Cairn (director), Robert Ryf (writer). 29:44.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Gentleman" - The Gold Digger (09-28-58)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 05:01:06 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Gentleman" - The Gold Digger (Aired September 28, 1958)
1958's Frontier Gentleman wasn't a ground-breaking adult western. That ground had been pulverized both in Radio and Television six years earlier. But Frontier Gentleman's perspective on the rough and tumble Montana and Wyoming Territories of the 1870s was a fascinating twist on the--by then--formulaic adult western. The premise has J.B. Kendall, a cashiered British Cavalry officer who spent most of his military career in the Punjab area of India. He takes a position with the London Times, on assignment to cover the developing frontier of the Montana and Wyoming Territories of America during the 1870s. His portfolio is to transmit first-person accounts of the roaring American frontier, offering insights into that tumultous time of exploration, colonization, warring Indian tribes, and the rampant anarchy still prevalent in most of the frontier towns of the era. The premise would normally sell itself, but may have been too little, too late for its time. Any new Radio western--no matter how novel--was pretty much doomed at the outset during the late 1950s. Television was already in reruns of the twenty to thirty western adventures that proliferated on TV during the 1950s.
THIS EPISODE: September 28, 1958. CBS network. "The Gold Digger". Sponsored by: GMAC Trucks. Kendall meets two gold miners who have just struck it rich...and a saloon lady very determined to take it away from them. The system cue is added live. John Dehner, Harry Bartell, Jack Moyles, Jack Kruschen, Virginia Gregg, Joseph Kearns, Antony Ellis (writer, producer, director), Bud Sewell (announcer). 24:13.

Big Town - Dangerous Resolution (12-28-48)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:32:29 GMT

Dangerous Resolution (Aired December 28, 1948)
John Dunning called Big Town "perhaps the most famous series of reporter dramas." Premiering over CBS Radio, the early series (there were two) starred the Hollywood actor Edward G. Robinson as Steve Wilson along with Clair Trevor as his sidekick and Society editor, Lorelei Kilbourne. The show was initially created around these two actors, though Trevor was then a young budding actress appearing in movies as well as radio. Producer-Director-Writer Jerry McGill had been a newspaperman and wrote the series about a crusading managing editor of the Illustrated Press. McGill took his show to heart writing stories about juvenile delinquency, drunk driving and racism, though the show was at worst melodramatic at best poignant. Hard-nosed editor, Wilson, as played by Robinson would get the story no matter what it takes. Though sometimes over the top, Robinson was excellent in his role. The stories were well written and directed by William N. Robson as well as McGill. The skill of this group shows in making the series very good radio. THIS EPISODE: December 28, 1948. NBC network. "The Dangerous Resolution". Sponsored by: Rinso, Lifebuoy. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon, Jerry McGill (producer, writer), Hugh James (announcer). 29:36.

The Adventures Of Sam Spade - The Calcutta Trunk Caper (06-08-47)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:20:19 GMT

The Calcutta Trunk Caper (Aired June 8, 1947)
The Adventures of Sam Spade was a radio series based loosely on the private detective character Sam Spade, created by writer Dashiell Hammett for The Maltese Falcon. The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie. In 1947, scriptwriters Jason James and Bob Tallman received an Edgar Award for Best Radio Drama from the Mystery Writers of America. Before the series, Sam Spade had been played in radio adaptations of The Maltese Falcon by both Edward G. Robinson (in a 1943 Lux Radio Theater production) and by Bogart himself (in a 1946 Academy Award Theater production), both on CBS. THIS EPISODE: June 8, 1947. Program #329. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Calcutta Trunk Caper". Constance Pendleton is about to marry Andreyev Brodnick, a Bulgarian bluebeard. Spade finds himself enroute to India aboard the "S. S. Lurene" ("Hmm, that's pretty," says Effie!). AFRS program name: "Mystery Playhouse." Howard Duff, Lurene Tuttle, Dashiell Hammett (creator). 25:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Agatha Christie Presents Hercule Poirot - Death In The Clouds Part. 2 of 2 (01-12-92)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:11:36 GMT

Death In The Clouds Part. 2 of 2 (Aired January 12, 1992)
Poirot's first appearance was in The Mysterious Affair at Styles (published 1920) and his last in Curtain (published 1975, the year before Christie died). On publication of the latter, Poirot was the only fictional character to be given an obituary in the New York Times; 6 August 1975 "Hercule Poirot is Dead; Famed Belgian Detective". By 1930, Agatha Christie found Poirot "insufferable", and by 1960 she felt that he was a "detestable, bombastic, tiresome, ego-centric little creep". Yet the public loved him, and Christie refused to kill him off, claiming that it was her duty to produce what the public liked, and what the public liked was Poirot. Here is how Captain Arthur Hastings first describes Poirot: "He was hardly more than five feet four inches but carried himself with great dignity. His head was exactly the shape of an egg, and he always perched it a little on one side. His moustache was very stiff and military. Even if everything on his face was covered, the tips of moustache and the pink-tipped nose would be visible. The neatness of his attire was almost incredible; I believe a speck of dust would have caused him more pain than a bullet wound. Yet this quaint dandified little man who, I was sorry to see, now limped badly, had been in his time one of the most celebrated members of the Belgian police."

The Story Of Dr. Kildare - Eddie Lazetti Murderer (09-13-50)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:35:11 GMT

Eddie Lazetti Murderer (Aired September 13, 1950)
Dr. Kildare was produced for syndication in 1949 at WMGM, New York. It was based on the popular Dr. Kildare movies of the late 1930's and early 1940's, and brought to the microphone the stars of that series, Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore. Ayres played the young, idealistic Dr. James Kildare; Barrymore, ever in character, was the crusty, loveable diagnostician, Dr. Leonard Gillespie. The men worked at Blair General Hospital, "one of the great citadels of American medicine -- a clump of gray-white buildings planted deep in the heart of New York -- where life begins, where life ends, where life goes on." Kildare really believed that oath, and that's what this series was all about. His battle with hospital administration, stupid patients, and stupid parents made this the Marcus Welby of the 1940's. (Show Notes From the Old Time Radio Researcher's Group) THIS EPISODE: September 13, 1950. "Eddie Lazetti Murderer" - Program #47. MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. Eddie Lazetti, a murderer being held under guard in Blair Hospital, escapes and holds Dr. Kildare and Diana hostage. Interestingly, this program has been described with "Nick Mazetti" being the main character and included Barton Yarborough and Vic Perrin in the cast. This is not that broadcast (if such exists). Virginia Gregg, Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, William P. Rousseau (director), Walter Schumann (composer, conductor), Dick Joy (announcer), Les Crutchfield (writer), Virginia Gregg, Ted Osborne, Stacy Harris, Jay Novello, Jeffrey Silver, Lynn Aynley, Isabel Jewell, Max Brand (creator), Raymond Katz (producer). 27:04.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Rawhide" - Six Weeks to Bent Fork (09-28-65) AUDIO

Bob Camardella — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:02:14 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Rawhide" - Six Weeks to Bent Fork Starring Clint Eastwood (Aired September 28, 1965) AUDIO
Rawhide is an American Western series that aired for eight seasons on the CBS network on Friday nights, from January 9, 1959 to September 3, 1965, before moving to Tuesday nights from September 14, 1965 until January 4, 1966, with a total of 217 black-and-white episodes. Starring Eric Fleming and Clint Eastwood, the series was produced and sometimes directed by Charles Marquis Warren who also produced early episodes of Gunsmoke. Spanning seven and a half years, Rawhide was the fifth-longest-running American television Western, beaten only by eight years of Wagon Train, nine years of The Virginian, fourteen years of Bonanza, and twenty years of Gunsmoke. From the second season, episodes began to feature individual cast members, notably Clint Eastwood's Rowdy Yates (sole star in 'Incident on The Day of The Dead' which opens season two), later both Scout Pete Nolan (Sheb Wooley) and even cook G.W.Wishbone (Paul Brinegar) were featured as leads, while Eric Fleming's Gil Favor remained in overall charge. Sheb Wooley's figurehead character scout Pete Nolan departs as a regular cast member after 'The Deserter's Patrol' (season four, ep 18, trans 9 Feb 1962), however Nolan returns for a one off episode 'Reunion' (episode 26, 6 April 1962), and several years later for a further nine episodes in season seven from 'Texas Fever' (episode 18, 5 February 1965).

Best Plays - Night Must Fall (12-21-52)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 02:40:23 GMT

Night Must Fall (Aired December 21, 1952)
Best Plays presents theatrical paramounts of excellence. It's hosted by the drama critic of New York’s Daily News, John Chapman. Dramatic and comedic performances outshine other theater radio shows, greatly performed by such greats as Boris Karloff and Alfred Drake. Scripts were from great authors like William Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, Noel Coward and Arthur Miller. THIS EPISODE: December 21, 1952. NBC network. "Night Must Fall". Sustaining. The program has also been dated November 19, 1952. Classified as a thriller, this drama reaches a high point when police search for a killer. John Chapman (host), Mary Boland, Alfred Drake, Emlyn Williams (author), Carmen Matthews, Richard Newton, Mary Michael, George Lefferts (adaptor, transcriber), Horace Braham, Cathleen Cordell, William Welch (supervisor), Fred Weihe (director), Robert Denton (announcer). 1:00:57.

The Alan Young Show - Landscaping (09-20-46)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:01:02 GMT

Landscaping (Aired September 10, 1946)
Young was featured in the film Chicken Every Sunday in 1949, and the television version of The Alan Young Show began the following year. After its cancellation, Young appeared in films, including Androcles and the Lion (1952) and The Time Machine (1960). He appeared in the episode "Thin Ice" of the NBC espionage drama Five Fingers, starring David Hedison. He is best known, however, for Mister Ed, a CBS television show which ran from 1961 to 1966. He played the owner of a talking horse that would talk to no one but him. Young's television guest appearances include The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, St. Elsewhere, Coach, Party of Five, The Wayans Bros., Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (Episode: "Sweet Charity", playing Zelda's older love interest), USA High, Hang Time, ER and Maybe It's Me. In 1993, Young recreated his role as Filby for the mini-sequel to George Pal's The Time Machine, reuniting him with Rod Taylor, who played George, the Time Traveller. It was called Time Machine: The Journey Back, directed by Clyde Lucas. In 2002, he had a cameo as the flower store worker in Simon Wells' remake of The Time Machine. Finally, in 2010, he read H. G. Wells's original novel for 7th Voyage Productions, Inc. In 1994, Young co-starred in the Eddie Murphy film Beverly Hills Cop III. He played the role of Uncle Dave Thornton, the Walt Disney-esque founder of the fictional California theme park Wonderworld. THIS EPISODE: September 10, 1946. "Landscaping" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Ipana, Vitalis. Rehearsal recording. Alan tries to impress Betty's father by landscaping the back yard. Al Schwartz (writer), Alan Young, Charlie Cantor, Dave Schwartz (writer), Doris Singleton, Eddie Pola (director), George Wyle and His Orchestra, Jim Backus, Joe Young (writer), Ken Christy, Larry Keating (announcer), The Smart Set. 36:18.

Agatha Christie Presents Hercule Poirot - Death In The Clouds Part. 1 of 2 (01-12-92)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:23:45 GMT

Death In The Clouds Part. 1 of 2 (Aired January 12, 1992)
Poirot, the famous Belgian detective, is the prominent character among Christie's works. He's known for his famous moustaches and his brain's "little grey cells." Poirot , in his novels and short stories, has proved that anyone can solve a crime just by simply thinking about it. Hercule Poirot is a fictional detective created by Agatha Christie. Along with Miss Marple, Poirot is one of Christie's most famous and long-lived characters: he appeared in 39 novels and 50 short stories. Poirot has been portrayed on screen, for films and TV, by various actors including Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, Ian Holm, Tony Randall, Alfred Molina and, most recently, and famously, David Suchet. His character was based on two other fictional detectives of the time: Marie Belloc Lowndes' Hercule Popeau and Frank Howel Evans' Monsieur Poiret, a retired French police officer living in London. A more obvious influence on the early Poirot stories is that of Arthur Conan Doyle. In An Autobiography Christie admits that "I was still writing in the Sherlock Holmes tradition – eccentric detective, stooge assistant, with a Lestrade-type Scotland Yard detective, Inspector Japp."Poirot also bears a striking resemblance to A. E. W. Mason's fictional detective – Inspector Hanaud of the French surete-who, first appearing in the 1910 novel "At the Villa Rose," predates the writing of the first Poirot novel by six years. THIS EPISODE: January 12, 1992. "Death In The Clouds Part 1 of 2". A work of detective fiction by Agatha Christie and first published in the US by Dodd, Mead and Company on March 10 1935 under the title of Death in the Air. After spending a bit of a holiday in Paris, Poirot finds himself on a flight to London with an odd assortment of people, some of whom he had met during his stay. When one of the passengers, Madame Gisele, is murdered during the flight by a poisoned dart. David Suchet, Philip Jackson, Sarah Woodward, Jane Grey. Agatha Christie (Author). Stephen Whittaker (Director). 44:51.

The Harold Peary Show - Getting A Job For Raymond (11-15-50)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:38:08 GMT

Getting A Job For Raymond (Aired November 15, 1950)
The Harold Peary show made its CBS debut on September 9, 1950. An audition show was done on August 23, 1950. Harold Peary was the creator and main performer for the show. Previously starring on The Great Gildersleeve, Peary took many of Gildy's characteristics along with him to his new Honest Harold character... the "dirty" laugh, singing songs, and closing dialogue over credits were all there with Harold. And that voice. Who could forget that voice? In simple terms, Peary couldn't or wouldn't sound and act differently enough to make listeners forget Gildy, and that made it very tough for the new show to fly. Perhaps the plot was a little creaky for the beginning of the Rock 'n' Roll era, as well. The show was about an older, unmarried guy, Honest Harold Hemp, who lived with his mother and nephew and did a radio homemaker's program. The townsfolk think of him as somewhat of a celebrity, but his girlfriend, Gloria, who works at the station, knows better. THIS EPISODE: November 15, 1950. "Getting A Job For Raymond" - CBS network. Sustaining. Harold has a house guest; it's cousin Raymond, who doesn't work. Harold Peary sings, "If You Were The Only Girl In The World." Harold Peary (performer, creator), Jane Morgan, William Tracy, Parley Baer, Olan Soule, Maurey Alden, Gloria Holiday, Joseph Kearns, Bob Lemond (announcer), Norman Macdonnell (director), Jack Meakin (composer, conductor), Gene Stone (writer), Jack Robinson (writer). 30:27.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Hopalong Cassidy" - Sundown Kid (01-29-49)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 03:55:33 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Hopalong Cassidy" - Sundown Kid (Aired January 29, 1949)
Hopalong Cassidy is a cowboy hero, created in 1904 by Clarence E. Mulford, who wrote a series of popular stories and twenty-eight novels. (At the time Mulford invented the character, the name of the historical American outlaw Butch Cassidy had been before readers of newspapers in recent years.) In his early print appearances, the character appears as a rude, dangerous and rough-talking "galoot". Beginning in 1935, the character, played by William Boyd, was transformed into the clean-cut hero of a series of 66 immensely popular films, only a few of which relied on Mulford's works for more than the character. Mulford actually rewrote his earlier stories to fit the movie conception; these led in turn to a comic book series modeled after the films. THIS EPISODE: January 29, 1949. Program #27. Commodore syndication. "The Sundown Kid". Commercials added locally. Eddie Langtry is found in the desert, suffering from amnesia. Is he really the Sundown Kid? William Boyd, Joseph Du Val, Walter White Jr. (producer, transcriber), Harold Swanton (writer). 27:00.

It's A Crime Mr. Collins - The Brown Alligator Briefcase (1956)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 01:17:10 GMT

The Brown Alligator Briefcase (1956) *The Exact Date Is Unknown
It's a Crime, Mr. Collins was a half-hour mystery/adventure radio program broadcast weekly from August, 1956 to February, 1957 by Mutual Broadcasting System in the United States that was a "flagrant rip-off of The Adventures of the Abbotts in which only the names had been changed." San Francisco private detective Greg Collins was played by Mandel Kramer (who had previously been heard as Lieutenant Tragg in the radio version of Perry Mason) and his wife, Gail Collins, was played by namesake Gail Collins. Each week, Gail Collins, "the gumshoe's gorgeous spouse -- with green-eyed predilections emerging as curvaceous damsels in distress frequently petitioned her husband -- shared his investigative exploits with her Uncle Jack and thereby with the listeners at home. THIS EPISODE: 1956. Mutual network origination, syndicated. "The Brown Alligator Briefcase". Commercials added locally. "Any girl would want to be alone in the Mediterranean moonlight, with a very handsome man...unless he were a murderer!" The accent of the Italian police chief sounds Transylvanian. The date is approximate. Mandel Kramer, Gail Collins, Richard Denning. 25:23.

The Screen Director's Playhouse - Caged (08-02-51)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:08:48 GMT

Caged (Aired August 2, 1951)
From 01/09/49 to 09/28/51 this series was greatly enjoyed by the radio listening audience. It opened as NBC Theater and was also known as The Screen Director’s Guild and The Screen Director’s Assignment. But most people remember it simply as Screen Director’s Playhouse. Many of the Hollywood elite were heard recreating their screen roles over the radio. John Wayne in his rare radio appearances, Cary Grant, Edward G. Robinson, Lucille Ball, Claire Trevor, Tallulah Bankhead and many others were on the air week after week during these broadcasts. Many of Hollywood’s directors were also heard in the recreation of their movies. The President of the Screen Director’s Guild appeared on 02/13/49, and Violinist Isaac Stern supplied the music for the 04/19/51 broadcast. THIS EPISODE: August 2, 1951. "Caged. The story of a teenage newlywed, who is sent to prison for being an accessory to a robbery. Her experiences while incarcerated, along with the killing of her husband, change her from a very frightened young girl into a hardened convict. Eleanor Parker. Hope Emerson. 1:01:40.

The Adventures Of Frank Merriwell - The Yale Bulldog (10-09-48)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:28:53 GMT

The Yale Bulldog (Aired October 9, 1948)
Merriwell originally appeared in a series of magazine stories starting April 18, 1896 ("Frank Merriwell: or, First Days at Fardale") in Tip Top Weekly, continuing through 1912, and later in dime novels and comic books. Patten would confine himself to a hotel room for a week to write an entire story. The Frank Merriwell comic strip began in 1928, continuing until 1936. Daily strips from 1934 provided illustrations for the 1937 Big Little Book. The Adventures of Frank Merriwell first ran on NBC radio from March 26 to June 22, 1934 as a 15-minute serial airing three times a week at 5:30pm. Sponsored by Dr. West's Toothpaste, this program starred Donald Briggs in the title role. Harlow Wilcox was the announcer. After a 12-year gap, the series returned October 5, 1946 as a 30-minute Saturday morning show on NBC, continuing until June 4, 1949. Lawson Zerbe starred as Merriwell, Jean Gillespie and Elaine Rostas as Inza Burrage, Harold Studer as Bart Hodge and Patricia Hosley as Elsie Belwood. Announcers were Mel Brandt and Harlow Wilcox, and the Paul Taubman Orchestra supplied the background music. A film serial entitled The Adventures of Frank Merriwell was created by Universal Studios in 1936. THIS EPISODE: October 9, 1948. NBC network. "The Yale Bulldog". Sustaining. Frank and Bart find a "stray" English bulldog and make him the Yale mascot, but there's a dognapping before the big game! Gilbert Braun (writer), William Welsh (writer), Elaine Rost, Frank Milano, Burt L. Standish (creator), Hal Studer, Lawson Zerbe, Leon Janney, Mel Brandt (announcer), Paul Taubman (music), Roger De Koven, Tony Randall, Edward King, Richard Keith, Ruth Braun (writer). 29:22.

My Friend Irma - The Redhead (12-27-47)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:56:01 GMT

The Redhead (Aired December 27, 1947)
The show was sponsored by Swan Soap, and Irma would usually make a silly remark about it so the name could be advertised. Frank Bingman was the announcer for Swan Soap. The program was also sponsored by EMMD's which got rid of breath and body odors and each tiny capsule was said to contain 100g (nearly four ounces) of chlorophyll, which is a miracle in itself. Pepsodent was also a sponsor. Because of the popularity of the show, early in the series (shows 41-43), a contest was run for the services of Irma/Marie Wilson to act as a secretary for the highest bidder for one day, with her willing to travel anywhere in America. The money was to go to the March of Dimes charity to fight polio. Three business men bid $1,000, but the winner was the Coca Cola Bottling Company of Fort Worth, Texas which bid $5,000 to have Irma as their secretary for a day. THIS EPISODE: December 27, 1947. "The Redhead" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Ennds, Eye-Gene. Jane finds her boyfriend Richard is possibly cheating on her with his new secretary. She decides to quit her position. Irma tries to help. Carl Caruso (announcer), Cathy Lewis, Cy Howard (writer, producer, director), Hans Conried, Leif Erickson, Lud Gluskin, Marie Wilson, Parke Levy (writer), Pat Burton (associate producer), Sara Berner, Stanley Adams (writer). 29:06.

Crime Does Not Pay - Plug Ugly (03-28-51)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 01:31:17 GMT

Plug Ugly (Aired March 28, 1951)
Crime Does Not Pay was an anthology radio crime drama series based on MGM's short film series which began in 1935 with Crime Does Not Pay: Buried Loot. The shows were transcribed at MGM's New York station, WMGM. Written by Ira Marion and directed by Marx B. Loeb, the radio program aired in New York on WMGM for two years (October 10, 1949-October 10, 1951), including repeats. It moved to the Mutual Broadcasting System for its final run (January 7-December 22, 1952). For the most part, actors who appeared in B-films were featured, but occasionally one of MGM's major stars would make an appearance. Actors in the series included Bela Lugosi, Everett Sloane, Ed Begley, John Loder and Lionel Stander. After the play, the actors usually returned to speak with the audience. Composer-conductor John Gart furnished the music. THIS EPISODE: March 28, 1951. Program #76. MGM syndication. "Plug-Ugly". Commercials added locally. A tough mobster beats his way to the top and then becomes a killer for hire. The date above is the date of the first broadcast on WMGM, New York, from which this syndicated version may have been taken. Edmund Ryan, Jon Gart (composer, conductor), Marx B. Loeb (director), Ira Marion (writer), Burton B. Turkas (technical advisor), Bob Williams (announcer). 28:48.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Tail To The Wind (11-25-56)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 02:31:51 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Tail To The Wind (Aired November 25, 1956)
Conrad was one of the last actors who auditioned for the role of Marshal Dillon. With a powerful, distinctive voice, Conrad was already one of radio's busiest actors. Though Meston championed him, MacDonnell thought Conrad might be overexposed. During his audition, however, Conrad won over MacDonnell after reading only a few lines. Dillon as portrayed by Conrad was a lonely, isolated man, toughened by a hard life. MacDonnell later claimed, "Much of Matt Dillon's character grew out of Bill Conrad." Meston relished the upending of cherished Western fiction clichés and felt that few Westerns gave any inkling of how brutal the Old West was in reality. Dunning writes that Meston was especially disgusted by the archetypal Western hero and set out "to destroy [that type of] character he loathed." In Meston's view, "Dillon was almost as scarred as the homicidal psychopaths who drifted into Dodge from all directions." THIS EPISODE: November 25, 1956. CBS network. "Tail To The Wind". Sponsored by: L & M. Bert Reese and his son Spike, the town bullies, are picking on Hezzie Nuller, a meek man who refuses to defend himself. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on October 17, 1959. William Conrad, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Parley Baer, Ralph Moody, John Dehner, Helen Kleeb, Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Les Crutchfield (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), John Meston (editorial supervisor), Ray Kemper (sound patterns), Bill James (sound patterns), George Walsh (announcer). 23:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Archie Andrews - A Job At The Drugstore (12-04-48)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:32:41 GMT

A Job At The Drugstore (Aired December 4, 1948)
Archie Andrews, created in 1941 by Bob Montana, is a fictional character in an American comic book series published by Archie Comics, a long-run radio series, a syndicated comic strip and animation -- The Archie Show, a Saturday morning cartoon television series by Filmation, plus Archie's Weird Mysteries. Archie Andrews began on the Blue Network on May 31, 1943, switched to Mutual in 1944, and then continued on NBC from 1945 until September 5 1953. Archie was first played by Charles Mullen, Jack Grimes and Burt Boyar, with Bob Hastings as the title character during the NBC years.The sponsor was Swift Products. The Cast: Harlan Stone, Alice Yourman, Arthur Kohl, Gloria Mann, Rosemary Rice. THIS EPISODE: December 4, 1948. "A Job At The Drugstore" - NBC network. Sustaining. Archie gets a job in Fudd's Drugstore to earn some Christmas money. He manages to set the science of Pharmacy back to the days of the alchemists. Bob Hastings, Harlan Stone, Alice Yourman, Ian Martin, Gloria Mann, Rosemary Rice. 29:41.

Dad's Army - Under Fire (07-27-73)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:39:20 GMT

Under Fire (Aired July 27, 1973)
Dad's Army ran in 1968 and 1977, and there were a total of eighty episodes spread over nine series, as well as three Christmas specials. Most episodes were also adapted for radio. The show was set in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea, on the south coast of England, making the Home Guard the front line of defence against an invasion by the enemy forces across the English Channel, which formed a backdrop to the series. The first episode, The Man and the Hour, began with a scene set in the "present day" of 1968, in which Mainwaring addressed his old platoon as part of the contemporary "I'm Backing Britain" campaign. It was a flash-back to the founding of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon by Mainwaring after he had heard Anthony Eden's 1940 radio broadcast. The final episode, Never Too Old, focused on the wedding of Corporal Jones and Mrs. Fox, which was interrupted as the platoon were put on full invasion alert. The first two series were in black and white. There are three lost episodes from series two. Only film copies made of the episodes from these series survive; copies of series one were made for overseas sales, but there was little interest, so none were made of any series two episodes. The three episodes that exist do so because two were film recorded to show Columbia Pictures executives and another needed to be edited post-production.

Rocky Jordan - Varlachi (07-31-49)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:16:15 GMT

Varlachi (Aired July 31, 1949)
Rocky Jordan was a radio series about an American restaurateur in Cairo who each week became involved in some kind of mystery or adventure. The show was broadcast on CBS from October 31st 1948 to September 10th 1950. and then again from June 27th 1951 to August 22nd 1951. The character of Rocky Jordan had been introduced to listeners in a similar show called A Man Named Jordan that was broadcast in 1945 but set in Istanbul rather than Cairo. The two lead roles were those of Rocky Jordan and Captain Sam Sabaaya of the Cairo Police. For most of the show's history Jordan was played by veteran radio actor Jack Moyles, but he was replaced by a movie star, George Raft, for the brief 1951 run. Jay Novello played Sabaaya throughout the entire series. Other roles were played by members of Hollywood's Radio Row, and the announcer was Larry Thor. THIS EPISODE: July 31, 1949. CBS Pacific network. "Varlachi". Sustaining. Rocky befriends a Spanish speaking gypsy (in Cairo ?). Jack Moyles makes an announcement that next week, the show will be sponsored by Del Monte. Jack Moyles, Larry Thor (announcer), Cliff Howell (producer, director), Larry Roman (story editor), Gomer Cool (story editor), Richard Aurandt (composer, conductor), Margaret Barnum (writer). 29:43.

Granby's Green Acres - Granby Lays An Egg (07-31-50)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:46:04 GMT

Granby Lays An Egg (Aired July 31, 1950)
Broadcast History: July 3 - August 21, 1950, CBS. 30m, Mondays at 9:30. Cast: Gale Gordon and Bea Benaderet as John and Martha Granby, ex-bank teller and wife who moved to the country to become farmers. Louise Erickson as Janice, their daughter. Parley Baer as Eb, the hired hand. Announcer: Bob LeMond Music: Opie Cates Writer-Producer-Director: Jay Sommers. Granby's Green Acres grew out of characters played by Gale Gordon and Bea Benaderet on the Lucille Ball series My Favorite Husband. The names were changed, but the basic characters remained the same. THIS EPISODE: July 31, 1950. CBS network. "Granby Lays An Egg". Sustaining. The farm need chickens, so Granby buys two hundred of them, all roosters! Gale Gordon, Bea Benaderet, Parley Baer, Louise Erickson, Horace Murphy, Rye Billsbury, Jay Sommers (writer, director), Jack Harvey (writer), Dave Swift (writer), Opie Cates (composer, conductor), Johnny Jacobs (announcer). 29:13.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Fort Laramie" - Boredom (02-09-56)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 05:12:12 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Fort Laramie" - Boredom (Aired February 19, 1956)
The Golden Age of Radio ended, not with a whimper, but with a robust bang. Many of the best network and syndicated shows began in the 1950s, even though public interest and advertising dollars were switching to television, Fort Laramie was certainly one of the finest radio series, and were it not for Gunsmoke, it could be termed the best adult Western program ever aired. FORT LARAMIE is a close relative of Gunsmoke since it had the same producer-director, same writers, same sound effects men, and many of the same actors. Gunsmoke had been running for almost four years when Norman Macdonnell brought Fort Laramie to CBS. The latter had the same gritty realism, attention to detail, and integrity that audiences admired in GUNSMOKE. Both Dodge City, Kansas and Fort Laramie, Wyoming were real, and significant, locations in our history of the Western Expansion. The original Fort Laramie, located on the eastern Wyoming prairie (about 100 miles from where the city of Laramie is now located) was an important fur trading post from 1834 to 1849. For the next forty years, it was a U.S. Army post. THIS EPISODE: February 19, 1956. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Boredom". Private Soothey is bored with garrison duty. He has a plan for getting a little action out of the Indians. The Cheyenne oblige. The program was recorded February 16, 1956 and is also known as, "Unknown Disease At Fort." Vivi Janis, Raymond Burr, Joe Cranston, Les Crutchfield (writer), Parley Baer, Sam Edwards, Jack Kruschen, Howard Culver. 30:16.

Cloak & Dagger - The Trap (07-09-50)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:01:36 GMT

The Trap (Aired July 9, 1950)
Based on the book, Cloak and Dagger: The Secret Story of the O.S.S. by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain, the Radio rendition of these fascinating stories promised to keep any listener perched on the edge of their seat. Apart from describing the book upon which the new adventure series was based, the above is just about all the fanfare that was associated with the roll-out of NBC's only espionage program of the year. It was also one of the few solo productions that Wyllis Cooper undertook for NBC. It was also Cooper's first collaboration with British crime journalist Percy Hoskins, who would work with Cooper yet again on NBC's WHItehall-1212 a year hence. The combination of Hoskin's unfailingly accurate research and Cooper's lively, fast-paced writing and direction proved to be an excellent underpinning for an espionage adventure drama based on factual events. The Office of Strategic Services--the progenitor of our Central Intelligence Agency--was one of American History's most colorful and compelling World War II intelligence gathering efforts. THIS EPISODE: July 9, 1950. NBC network. "The Trap". Sustaining. 4:00 P. M. An O. S. S. operative is sent to a German-occupied town in France to find out if the Nazis really hid re-inforcements in the woods. The spy's abilities as a cartoonist is a definite plus, but his escape from the pursuing Nazis results in a wild flight. Virginia Payne, Raymond Edward Johnson, Karl Weber, Stefan Schnabel, Jerry Jarrett, Ralph Bell, Lotte Stavisky, Winifred Wolfe (writer), Jack Gordon, Jon Gart (music director), Corey Ford (originator), Alistair MacBain (originator), Louis G. Cowan (producer), Alfred Hollander (producer), Everett Sloane, Berry Kroeger, Sherman Marks (director, supervisor). 30:49.

MOVIE - Perry Mason TV - The Case Of The Vagabond Vixen (11-16-57)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:30:36 GMT

The Case Of The Vagabond Vixen (Aired November 16, 1957) MOVIE
Perry Mason is the longest running lawyer show in American television history. Its original run lasted nine years and its success in both syndication and made-for-television movies confirm its impressive stamina. Mason's fans include lawyers and judges who were influenced by this series to enter their profession. The Mason character was created by mystery writer Erle Stanley Gardner and delivered his first brief in the novel The Case of the Velvet Claws (1933). From 1934 to 1937 Warners produced six films featuring Mason. A radio series also based on Mason ran every weekday afternoon on CBS radio from 1944 to 1955 as a detective/soap opera. When the CBS television series was developed as an evening drama, the radio series was changed from Perry Mason to The Edge of Night and the cast renamed so as not to compete against the television series. THIS EPISODE: November 16, 1957. CBS Television Network. Season 1 Ep.09: "The Case of the Vagabond Vixen". Veronica Dale hitches a ride toward Los Angeles with Edgar Ferrell, who makes an unsuccessful pass at her. When she arrives in LA, she gets a job with movie producer John Addison’s company. To complicate matters, Addison is having an affair with Ferrell’s wife Lorraine. Ferrell is murdered, and Addison is charged with the crime. Perry Mason must untangle all the threads. Raymond Burr, Barbara Hale, William Hopper, William Talman. Director: Christian Nyby. Writer: Al C. Ward.

The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet - Unpredictable Ozzie (11-07-48)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 16:32:20 GMT

Unpredictable Ozzie (Aired November 7, 1948)
When Red Skelton was drafted in March 1944, Ozzie Nelson was prompted to create his own family situation comedy. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet launched on CBS on October 8, 1944, moving to NBC in October 1948, and making a late-season switch back to CBS in April 1949. The final years of the radio series were on ABC (the former NBC Blue Network) from October 14, 1949 to June 18, 1954. In total 402 radio episodes were produced. In an arrangement that amplified the growing pains of American broadcasting, as radio "grew up" into television, the Nelsons' deal with ABC gave the network the option to move their program to television. The struggling network needed proven talent that was not about to defect to the more established and wealthier networks like CBS or NBC. The Nelsons' sons, David and Ricky, did not join the cast until the radio show's fifth year. The two boys were played by professional actors prior to their joining because both were too young to perform. THIS EPISODE: November 7, 1948. "Unpredictable Ozzie" - NBC network. Sponsored by: International Silver. Ozzie is determined to break the daily routine and get out of his rut. Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard, Verne Smith (announcer), John Brown, Tommy Bernard, Janet Waldo, Henry Blair, Lurene Tuttle, Jack Kirkwood, Billy May (composer, conductor). 29:28.

Richard Diamond Private Detective - Charles Walsh Escapes (07-09-49)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 13:49:49 GMT

Charles Walsh Escapes (Aired July 9, 1949)
Richard Diamond, Private Detective was a radio show starring Dick Powell which aired from 1949 to 1953, first on NBC, then ABC and finally on CBS. The title character was a rather light-hearted detective who often ended the episodes singing to his girlfriend, Helen. The television series was produced by Powell's company, Four Star Television, and that series ran for 3 years from 1957 to 1960. On TV, David Janssen played the hard boiled private eye and his secretary renamed “Sam”, was only ever shown on camera from the waist down, most assurardidly to display her beautiful legs. It was later leared that the legs belonged to Mary Tyler Moore. Original music by Frank DeVol and pete rugolo and later by richard shores. Good scripts, a solid cast and Powell’s exceptional talent made a good time 30 minute program that was quite popular during that Golden Age of Radio. So Let’s sit back now, relax and enjoy this truly otr radio classic.,…, Dick powell as Richard Diamond.., Private Detective. THIS EPISODE: July 9, 1949. "Charles Walsh Escapes" - NBC network. Sustaining. Two convicts escape from Sing Sing with plans to kill Richard Diamond. They start by kidnapping Diamond's girlfriend Helen Asher. Diamond's alcoholic friend "Wilbur" is similar to the character "Jocko" heard on, "Pat Novak, For Hire." After the story, Dick Powell imitates Ezio Pinza and sings, "Some Enchanted Evening!" Dick Powell, Edward King (announcer), Virginia Gregg, Ed Begley, Blake Edwards (writer), Paul Frees, Wilms Herbert, Lawrence Dobkin, Frank Worth (music director), William P. Rousseau (director). 29:32.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Lone Ranger" - The Bart Colt Gang (05-04-38)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 05:04:40 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Lone Ranger" - The Bart Colt Gang (Aired May 4, 1938)
On radio, the Lone Ranger was played by several actors, including John L. Barrett who played the role on the test broadcasts on WEBR during early January, 1933; George Seaton (under the name George Stenius) from January 31 to May 9 of 1933; series director James Jewell and an actor known only by the pseudonym "Jack Deeds" (for one episode each), and then by Earle Graser from May 16, 1933, until April 7, 1941. On April 8, Graser died in a car accident, and for five episodes, as the result of being critically wounded, the Lone Ranger was unable to speak beyond a whisper, with Tonto carrying the action. Finally, on the broadcast of April 18, 1941, deep-voiced performer Brace Beemer, who had been the show's announcer for several years, took over the role and played the part until the end. Fred Foy, also an announcer on the show, took over the role on one broadcast on March 29, 1954, when Brace Beemer had a brief case of laryngitis. Tonto was played throughout the run by actor John Todd (although there were a few isolated occasions when he was replaced by Roland Parker, better known as Kato for much of the run of sister series The Green Hornet), and other supporting players were selected from Detroit area actors and studio staff. THIS EPISODE: May 4, 1938. Program #882/47. Syndicated. "The Bart Colt Gang". Music fill for local commercial insert. Bart and his gang plan to force the sheriff out of office. Earle Graser, John Todd, George W. Trendle (creator, producer), Fran Striker (writer). 30:01.

My Favorite Husband -Tall Tales (01-20-50)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 03:11:37 GMT

Tall Tales (Aired January 20, 1950)
My Favorite Husband is the name of an American radio program and network television series. The original radio show, co-starring Lucille Ball, was the initial basis for what evolved into the groundbreaking TV sitcom I Love Lucy. The series was based on the 1940 novel Mr. and Mrs. Cugat, written by Isabel Scott Rorick, which had previously been adapted into the 1942 Paramount feature film Are Husbands Necessary?, co-starring Ray Milland and Betty Field. My Favorite Husband began on CBS Radio with Lucille Ball and Richard Denning as Liz and George Cugat. After a few early episodes, confusion with bandleader Xavier Cugat prompted a name change to Liz and George Cooper. The cheerful couple lived at 321 Bundy Drive in the fictitious city of Sheridan Falls and were billed as "two people who live together and like it." The main sponsor was General Foods' Jell-O, and an average of three "plugs" for Jell-O were made in each episode, including Lucille Ball's usual sign-on, "Jell-O, everybody!" The program, which aired 124 episodes from July 23, 1948 through March 31, 1951, initially portrayed the couple as being a well-to-do banker and his socially prominent wife, but three new writers — Bob Carroll, Jr., Madelyn Pugh and Jess Oppenheimer — took over the writing, changed the couple's name to Cooper and remade them into a middle-class couple, which they thought average listeners would find more accessible.

Adventures By Morse - Land Of The Living Dead (Ep. 9 & 10 of 10) 12-04-44

Bob Camardella — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 00:11:19 GMT

Land Of The Living Dead (Episodes 9 & 10 of 10) Aired 12-04-44 and 11-25-44
Carlton Errol Morse (June 4, 1901 - May 24, 1993) was a Louisiana-born producer/journalist best known for his creation of the radio serial One Man's Family, which debuted in 1932 and ran until 1959 as one of the most popular as well as long-running radio soap operas of the time. He also was responsible for the radio serial I Love a Mystery. A radio legend, he experimented with television and published three novels. Morse is considered by many to be one of the best radio scriptwriters. In 1901, Carlton was born in Jennings, Louisiana, to George and Ora Morse. In 1906, his family relocated to a fruit ranch at Talent, Oregon, and when Morse was 16, they moved to Sacramento, California. After graduating from high school in Sacramento, Morse went to the University of California from 1919 to 1922 but did not graduate. Instead, he dropped out and returned to Sacramento, beginning a career as a journalist with the Sacramento Union. From 1922 to 1928, Morse was employed at the Sacramento Union, the San Francisco Illustrated Daily Herald, The Seattle Times, Vancouver Columbian, Portland Oregonian and The San Francisco Bulletin. When the Bulletin was absorbed into the San Francisco Call in 1929, Morse lost his job, soon after marrying his first wife, Patricia DeBall. Though The Seattle Times offered him another job, he declined. This was to mark the beginning of his career in radio.

Arch Obole's Plays - Crazy Town (05-20-39)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 18:31:06 GMT

Crazy Town (Aired May 20, 1939)
Arch Oboler's Plays was a radio drama series written, produced and directed by Arch Oboler. Minus a sponsor, it ran for one year, airing Saturday evenings on NBC from March 25, 1939 to March 23, 1940 and revived five years later on Mutual for a sustaining summer run from April 5, 1945 to October 11, 1945. Leading film actors were heard on this series, including Gloria Blondell, Eddie Cantor, James Cagney, Ronald Colman, Joan Crawford, Greer Garson, Edmund Gwenn, Van Heflin, Katharine Hepburn, Elsa Lanchester, Peter Lorre, Frank Lovejoy, Raymond Massey, Burgess Meredith, Paul Muni, Alla Nazimova, Edmond O'Brien, Geraldine Page, Gale Sondergaard, Franchot Tone and George Zucco. THIS EPISODE: May 20, 1939. Blue Network. "Crazy Town". Sustaining. Two (presumably) Italian aviators crash after a bombing mission. They find themselves imprisoned in a "crazy town." 'In a community were all men are mad, no one is mad." A strong anti-fascist, anti-war drama. Edmond O'Brien, Arch Oboler (writer), Charlotte Manson, John Brown, Paul Stewart, Betty Kane. 27:25.

MOVIE - Highway Patrol TV - Stripped Cars

Bob Camardella — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 17:57:07 GMT

Highway Patrol TV - Stripped Cars MOVIE
Highway Patrol became an overnight sensation nationwide. At the height of its popularity, from 1958-1959, prime time viewers simply couldn't get enough of their favorite program with just one episode a week. Therefore, starting in February 1958, Los Angeles television station KTTV ran the show twice a week during prime time hours on Monday and Friday evenings. And at one point in 1959, Highway Patrol was broadcast on three different New York City channels each week. The show appeared on at least 210 stations coast to coast, with estimated 30 million viewers tuning in each week. Highway Patrol also went overseas, having the distinction of being the first U.S. series to be broadcast on West Germany's commercial television channel. The show also became very popular in Italy and Spain. Accepted as the most professional traffic law enforcement organization in the world, the California Highway patrol had just recently celebrated its 25th anniversary when TV's Highway Patrol began airing in 1955. THIS EPISODE: 1957. Season 2, Episode 28. "Stripped Cars" - Phil and Red Hogan hijack and abandon a new-car carrier, store the three new cars in their barn, and prepare to sell them in order to obtain cash to purchase a better farm. A radio broadcast alerts them that the carrier has been found and that its driver has died from injuries sustained in the hijacking. They realize that capture may mean the death penalty and they try to hurriedly dispose of the cars in the remote countryside. Dan Mathews and Sergeant Moore use the carrier's odometer readings to deduce that it was driven only a short distance from where it was found and they are able to narrow the area of their search. When they go to check out the Hogans' farm, the brothers expose their involvement by fleeing in a panic. Written by Sam Spear. Broderick Crawford, Paul Harber, Gene Hardy, Terry Frost.

The Life Of Riley - Newspaper Subscription Contest (06-29-46)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:50:07 GMT

Newspaper Subscription Contest (Aired June 29, 1946)
The first Life of Riley radio show was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941 to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. The radio program starring William Bendix aired on the ABC Blue Network from January 16, 1944 to June 8, 1945. Then it moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945 to June 29, 1951. The supporting cast featured John Brown, who portrayed not only undertaker Digger O'Dell but also Riley's co-worker Gillis. Whereas Gillis gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but, thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him. The series was co-developed by the non-performing Marx Brother, Gummo. Procter and Gamble (Prell shampoo) and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer were the show's longtime sponsors. THIS EPISODE: June 29, 1946. "Newspaper Subscription Contest" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Teel, Dreft. Riley "helps" Junior sell newspaper subscriptions, which wins Junior two weeks...at a girl's camp! Alan Lipscott (writer), Dink Trout, Don Bernard (director), George Pirrone, Herb Vigran, Irving Brecher (producer), Jack Brecher (writer), John Brown, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Lou Coslowe (music), Mary Lansing, Paula Winslowe, Reuben Ship (writer), Scotty Beckett, William Bendix. 29:22.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Luke Slaughter Of Tombstone" - Outlaw Kid (05-25-58)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 03:49:13 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Luke Slaughter Of Tombstone" - Outlaw Kid (Aired May 25, 1958)
The series was produced and directed by William N. Robson, one of radio's greatest dramatic directors and Robert Stanley producer was aired from February 23 through June 15, 1958. Buffington portrayed the hard-boiled cattleman with scripts overseen by Gunsmoke sound effects artist (and sometimes scriptwriter) Tom Hanley. Each program had an authoritative opening statement: "Slaughter's my name, Luke Slaughter. Cattle's my business. It's a tough business, it's a big business. I got a big stake in it. And there's no man west of the Rio Grande big enough to take it away from me." Junius Matthews was heard as Slaughter's sidekick, Wichita. In his first adventure, tough-as-nails westerner Luke Slaughter guarantees he will bring a cattle herd to Tombstone despite the threats of rustlers and a spy among the ranks of his cowboys. Like the other CBS radio westerns, Have Gun, Will Travel or Frontier Gentleman, this one had plenty of action, the productions were well done and well acted. Luke Slaugher was cut short, like a lot of other radio shows, by the steady pressure from TV. THIS EPISODE: May 25, 1958. "Outlaw Kid" - CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. A young boy is suspected of stealing cattle. Luke offers his hand of friendship instead of turning him into the law. Sam Buffington, Lawrence Dobkin, Luis Van Rooten, William N. Robson (adaptor, director), Wilbur Hatch (music), Robert Stanley (writer), Tom Hanley (editorial supervisor), Junius Matthews, Don Diamond. 25:50.

The NBC University Theater - Justice (10-31-48)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 02:27:48 GMT

Justice (Aired October 31, 1948)
Beginning in 1942, NBC had reinaugurated its concept of the NBC University of The Air and its companion NBC Inter-American University of The Air. Throughout the mid-1940s NBC produced some twenty-five productions specifically designed to both educate and entertain. Indeed, many of those programs were incorporated into the curricula of high schools, colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. With the final episode of NBC University of The Air's production of The World's Great Novels in 1948, NBC reevaluated the NBC University of The Air concept and success over the past decade, determined to both continue the educational priorities of its NBC University concept, while at the same time developing further educational programming as equally entertaining as it was instructive. Indeed, NBC University Theater, after airing two 'semesters' and a 'Summer Schedule' of NBC University Theater, changed the title of NBC University Theater to simply, NBC Theater. As reported in Time Magazine, NBC executives felt that the presence of the word 'University' in the title of the program left the wrong impression with its listeners. Irrespective of the title change, NBC University Theater continued to maintain the same high standards and continued to expand the number of colleges offering college credit for listening to and studying the program's offerings from the initial three institutions to six educational institutions by the series' end. THIS EPISODE: October 31, 1948. NBC network. "Justice". Sustaining. A portrait of an 81-pound forgery, and the British system of justice at the turn of the century. Alma Lawton, Ben Wright, Crauford Kent, Dan O'Herlihy, Donald Morrison, Eric Snowden, George Lefferts (writer), Henry Russell (composer, conductor), Hugh Thomas, James Hilton (intermission commentator), John Galsworthy (author), John Hoyt, Nigel Bruce, Ramsay Hill, Raymond Lawrence, Tom McKee. 59:47.

Adventures By Morse - Land Of The Living Dead (Ep. 7 & 8 of 10) 11-18-44

Bob Camardella — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 22:26:59 GMT

Land Of The Living Dead (Episodes 7 & 8 of 10) Aired 11-18-44 and 11-25-44
The full fifty-two installment arc of eight adventures first aired over a fully newspaper-provenanced affiliate in 1946, over Salt Lake City's KALL. This was also one of the few markets of the era that could meet Morse's stringent proscriptions for airing Adventures By Morse. The basic framework of Adventures By Morse was a series of eight macro-adventures, broken down into three or ten episodes each. This was a syndicated, transcribed production, so we have no real idea of either the intended order or recorded order for any of the eight adventures. Versatile writer, director, producer and actor, Elliott Lewis, lends his voice to the lead character, Captain Bart Friday. Bart Friday was also portrayed by David Ellis and Russell Thorson over the 52-week run. Equally solid character actors Jack Edwards and an occasional Barton Yarborough take the role of Skip Turner at one time or another. Both actors were alumni of Morse's 27-year, 14.7 million spoken-word run of One Man's Family. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

Beyond Midnight - The Signalman (1967)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 20:30:44 GMT

The Signalman (1967) *The Exact Date Is Unknown
This series was written by Michael McCabe and was produced in South Africa. It was a replacement for another series McCabe produced, called SF68. That series adapted famous Sci-fi stories to radio, and it seems to have been the place where McCabe honed his craft. The subject matter to Beyond Midnight was more horror oriented, including madness, murder, and supernatural sleuths! What survives today doesn't involve a horror host per se, but a few include framing narration (by someone involved in the plot) while others just start up the story with no announcer or lead-in whatsoever. So it's possible the regular host or announcer was left off (edited out) of the recordings. The host-- if there was one-- may have only been heard by those who listened to this series when it first aired. It's another radio mystery we may never know for sure, but we're lucky to at least have some of the recordings! Show Notes From Radio Horror Hosts.

The Mysterious Traveler - They Who Sleep (01-06-45)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:27:05 GMT

They Who Sleep (Aired January 6, 1945)
The Mysterious Traveler eventually became one of the sixteen highest rated Radio programs of their era. WOR and MBS took great pride in putting together a program that could rival Radio giants CBS, ABC, and NBC throughout the era. During its heyday The Mysterious Traveler spawned several similar thriller genre programs such as The Strange Dr. Wierd (1945), The Sealed Book (1945), Dark Venture (1946), Murder By Experts (1949), and The Teller of Tales (1950). The thriller genre was not new to Radio in the 1940s. The Witch's Tale had aired from 1931 to 1938 over The Mutual Broadcasting System and WOR. CBS had tried--and failed at--their own The Witching Hour for three months in 1932. Oklahoma Radio station WKY had successfully aired their own Dark Fantasy (1941) anthology of thrillers, which was immediately picked up by NBC for a national run. But clearly, The Mutual system and WOR appear to have acquired the inside track for the thriller genre for almost two decades during The Golden Age of Radio. This is not to discount in any way the suspense thrillers from CBS and NBC during the same period. Inner Sanctum (1941-1952) aired very successfully over NBC Blue, ABC, and CBS during much the same period as The Mysterious Traveler. THIS EPISODE: January 6, 1945. Program #55. Mutual network. "They Who Sleep". Sustaining. How to transfer one man's soul into another man's body: your sister Rose is dead? Maurice Tarplin (as "The Traveler"), Henry Sylvern (organist), Phillip Clarke, Gertrude Warner, Jock MacGregor (director), Helen Claire, Robert A. Arthur (writer), David Kogan (writer). 27:08.

Let George Do It - The Crime That Was No More (07-26-48)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:41:24 GMT

The Crime That Was No More (Aired July 26, 1948)
As Valentine made his rounds in search of the bad guys, he usually encountered Brooksie's kid brother, Sonny (Eddie Firestone), Lieutenant Riley (Wally Maher) and elevator man Caleb (Joseph Kearns). For the first few shows, Sonny was George's assistant, but he was soon relegated to an occasional character. Sponsored by Standard Oil, the program was broadcast on the West Coast Mutual Broadcasting System from October 18, 1946 to September 27, 1954, first on Friday evenings and then on Mondays. In its last season, transcriptions were aired in New York, Wednesdays at 9:30pm, from January 20, 1954 to January 12, 1955. John Hiestand was the program's announcer. Don Clark directed the scripts by David Victor and Jackson Gillis. The background music was supplied by Eddie Dunstedter, initially with a full orchestra. When television supplanted radio as the country's primary home entertainment, radio budgets got skimpier and skimpier and Dunstedter's orchestra was replaced by an organ. THIS EPISODE: July 26, 1948. "The Crime That Was No More" - Mutual-Don Lee network. Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. Arnold Loomis invents a hold-up to cover his gambling losses, but then is identified by the man who confesses to the crime that never happened! Bob Bailey, Wally Maher, John Dehner, Georgia Ellis, William Conrad, Frances Robinson, Herb Butterfield, Bud Hiestand (announcer), David Victor (writer), Herbert Little Jr. (writer), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor), Jaime del Valle (director). 27:31.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Bonanza" - Death At Dawn (04-30-60)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:50:39 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Bonanza" - Death At Dawn (Aired April 30, 1960)
Bonanza chronicled the weekly adventures of the Cartwright family, headed by wise widowed patriarch Ben Cartwright (played by Lorne Greene). He had three biological sons, each by a different wife: the oldest was the intelligent and moody Adam Cartwright (Pernell Roberts); the second was the fun and lovable Eric, better known to viewers by his middle name: "Hoss" (Dan Blocker); and the youngest was the hotheaded and impetuous Joseph or "Little Joe" (Michael Landon). The family's cook was the Chinese immigrant Hop Sing (Victor Sen Yung). The family lived on a thousand-square-mile ranch called "The Ponderosa", on the shore of Lake Tahoe in Nevada; the name refers to the Ponderosa Pine, common in the West. THIS EPISODE: April 30, 1960. "Death at Dawn". NBC Broadcasting Co. Sam Bryant and his gang have the town living in terror. Farmer Perkins, one of Bryant's men, kills storekeeper Mr. Deale for refusing to pay "protection" money. The only witness is Deale's wife, Nancy. Will they get away with it? Michael Landon, Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, Gregory Walcott, Morgan Woodward. Director: Charles F. Haas, Writer: Laurence E. Mascott. 41:44.

Adventures By Morse - Land Of The Living Dead (Ep. 5 & 6 of 10) 11-04-44

Bob Camardella — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 01:50:52 GMT

Land Of The Living Dead (Episodes 5 & 6 of 10) Aired 11-04-44 and 11-11-44
Elliott Lewis (November 28, 1917 – May 23, 1990) was active during the Golden Age of Radio as an actor, producer and director, proficient in both comedy and drama. These talents earned him the nickname "Mr Radio". Elliott Lewis was born in New York City, New York, on November 28, 1917. He headed west to Los Angeles to take a pre-law course in his twenties but found himself drawn to acting. During WWII, Lewis was a master sergeant who supervised shows for the Armed Forces Radio Network. In 1943, while on leave from the Army, Lewis married Cathy Lewis, his first wife; they shared the common surname before their marriage. Cathy Lewis, who began in radio as a singer on Kay Kyser's radio program, was best known to audiences as Jane from My Friend Irma, both on radio and television. Together, the couple produced such old time radio classics as Voyage of the Scarlet Queen and Suspense. The couple divorced in 1958. In 1959, Lewis married actress Mary Jane Croft, and the couple remained together until Lewis' death from cardiac arrest in Gleneden Beach, Oregon, on May 23, 1990. His stepson, from Croft's first marriage, was killed in Vietnam.

The Casebook Of Gregory Hood - The Case Of The Three Silver Pecos (06-03-46)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 19:55:42 GMT

The Case Of The Three Silver Pecos (Aired June 3, 1946)
The Casebook of Gregory Hood, starring Gale Gordon in the title role, took over where Sherlock Holmes had left off. Sponsored by Petri wine, it used the same "weekly visit" format and the same team of Anthony Boucher and Dennis Green that had written The New Adventured of Sherlock Holmes. Gregory Hood was modelled after true-life San Francisco importer Richard Gump, and many of the stories revolve around a mystery surrounding some particular imported treasure. Hood's sidekick Sanderson "Sandy" Taylor was played by Bill Johnstone. The show aired from June, 1946 through August, 1950. There were an additional couple of shows aired in October 1951. Hood and Sanderson were played in later episodes by Elliott Lewis and Howard McNear, respectively. THIS EPISODE: June 3, 1946. Mutual network. "The Three Silver Pesos". Sponsored by: Petri Wine. The first show of the series, a nearly identical format to the Sherlock Holmes broadcasts on Mutual. This is the start of a summer replacement series for Sherlock Holmes. Gregory Hood continued on Mutual for the next three years when the Sherlock Holmes broadcasts switched to ABC. Harrison Tavers dies on the Golden Gate Bridge with a vial of cyanide in his pocket, a heart attack and a fatal stab wound! When Hood picks up a beautiful hitch-hiker, he loses his car and his corpse! The story features an interesting plot with lots of dead bodies...including one dead man who kills his killer! Gale Gordon, Dean Fosler (composer, conductor), William Johnstone, Denis Green (writer), Anthony Boucher (writer), Harry Bartell (announcer). 30:11.

The Adventures Of Sky King - 2 Episodes (06-30-47) (07-14-47)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 13:02:35 GMT

2 Episodes "Prince Aron Zibi" (06-30-47) and "Army Of Blue Men" (07-14-47)
The radio show, based on a radio story by Roy Winsor, was the brainchild of Robert Morris Burtt and Wilfred Gibbs Moore, who also created Captain Midnight, first aired in 1946. Several actors played the part of Sky, including Earl Nightingale and John Reed King. Like many radio shows of the day there were many "radio premiums" offered to listeners. On November 2, 1947 in the episode titled "Mountain Detour" the Sky King Secret Signalscope was used. Listeners were advised to get their own for only 15 cents and the inner seal from a jar of Peter Pan Peanut Butter (produced by sponsor Derby Foods). The Signalscope included a glow-in-the-dark signaling device, whistle, magnifying glass and Sky King's private code. With the Signalscope you could also see around corners and trees! The premiums were innovative, such as the Sky King Spy-Detecto Writer, which had a "decoder" (cipher disk), magnifying glass, measuring scale, and printing mechanism in a single package slightly over 2 inches long. Other notable premiums included the Magni-Glo Writing Ring, which had a luminous element, a secret compartment, a magnifier, and a ballpoint pen all in the crownpiece of a "fits any finger" ring. The radio show ran until 1954, being aired simultaneously with the television version.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Murder Warrant (04-24-54)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 04:05:38 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Murder Warrant (Aired April 24, 1954)
Scriptwriters, Mort Fine and David Friedkin, created an audition script called "Mark Dillon Goes to Gouge Eye". Two auditions were created in 1949. The first was very much like a hardboiled detective series and starred Rye Billsbury as Dillon; the second starred Straight Arrow actor Howard Culver in a more Western, lighter version of the same script. CBS liked the Culver version better, and Ackerman was told to proceed. But there was a complication. Culver's contract as the star of Straight Arrow would not allow him to do another Western series. The project was shelved for three years, when MacDonnell and Meston discovered it creating an adult Western series of their own. MacDonnell and Meston wanted to create a radio Western for adults, in contrast to the prevailing juvenile fare such as The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas during the thriving cattle days of the 1870s. Dunning notes, "The show drew critical acclaim for unprecedented realism." THIS EPISODE: April 24, 1954. CBS network. "Murder Warrant". Sustaining. Likeable Lee Prentiss has been shot from ambush. Jake Harbin is not so likeable, but he's a deputy sheriff with a warrant for Prentiss' arrest. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on April 18, 1959. George Walsh (announcer), Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, James Nusser, John Dehner, John Meston (writer), Joseph Du Val, Lawrence Dobkin, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Parley Baer, Rex Koury (composer, performer), Sam Edwards, William Conrad. 24:17.

Battle Stations - Battle Of The Atlantic (08-05-43)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 03:36:02 GMT

Battle Of The Atlantic (Aired August 5, 1943)
The entire four-installment arc of Battle Stations! stands as one of the finest two-hour documentaries on the history of The Navy produced during World War II. It's a tribute to both The Department of The Navy and NBC's Department of Special Events that they managed to mount such an enduring tribute to The Navy's Sea and Air Arms with such consistent production quality and fascinating content throughout. Supported by America's finest voice talent from both coasts, the New York-based production continues to be a stirring, inspirational account of The Navy's struggle to compete for resources with The Army, while diversifying itself enough to not only preserve its own rich history of contributions to America's defense, but create an even more important and enduring force for the protection of America and it's allies in the process. This brief series is a fascinating patriotic documentary that should be a must listen for everyone who's ever either served in the Navy, may be contemplating a career in The Navy, or who's had loved ones and family who've served in The Navy. Indeed, for anyone else curious about Naval traditions or history, this fascinating series is as compelling as anything else produced during the World War II era, with the possible exceptions of The Pacific Story and The Man Behind The Gun. Show Notes From The Digital Deli EPISODE: August 5, 1943. NBC network. "The Battle Of The Atlantic". Sustaining. The first program of a series of 4. 8:30 P.M. A well-written and well-performed drama/documentary about the first days of 1942 in "U-Boat Alley." "The City Of Memphis" and many other ships were sunk. Interestingly, the actors portraying German submariners speak German. Joseph Mansfield (director), Leo Kampinsky (composer), Charles Gusman writer), Raymond Edward Johnson (narrator), Jack Costello (announcer), Joseph Stopak (conductor). 29:27.

The Milton Berle Show - A Salute To Summer Sports (08-12-47)

Bob Camardella — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 02:12:42 GMT

A Salute To Summer Sports (Aired August 12, 1947)
Sponsored by Philip Morris, the show aired on NBC from March 11, 1947 until April 13, 1948. His last radio series was The Texaco Star Theater, which began September 22, 1948 on ABC and continued until June 15, 1949, with Berle heading the cast of Stang, Kelton and Gallop, along with Charles Irving, Kay Armen, and double-talk specialist Al Kelly. It employed top comedy writers (Nat Hiken, brothers Danny and Neil Simon, Leo Fuld, Aaron Ruben), and Berle later recalled this series as "the best radio show I ever did... a hell of a funny variety show". It served as a springboard for Berle's rise as television's first major star. In 1948, NBC decided to bring Texaco Star Theater from radio to television, with Berle as one of the show's four rotating hosts. For the fall season, NBC named Berle the permanent host. His highly visual, sometimes outrageous vaudeville style proved ideal for the burgeoning new medium. Berle and Texaco owned Tuesday nights for the next several years, reaching the number one slot in the Nielsen ratings and keeping it, with as much as an 80% share of the recorded viewing audience. Berle and the show each won Emmy Awards after the first season. Fewer movie tickets were sold on Tuesdays. Some theaters, restaurants and other businesses shut down for the hour or closed for the evening so their customers would not miss Berle's antics. THIS EPISODE August 12, 1947. NBC network. Sponsored by: Philip Morris. A Salute To Summer Sports. Milton at the racetrack. Frank Gallop (announcer), Milton Berle, Ray Bloch and His Orchestra. 29:19.

Adventures By Morse - Land Of The Living Dead (Ep. 3 & 4 of 10) 10-21-44

Bob Camardella — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:29:10 GMT

Land Of The Living Dead (Episodes 3 & 4 of 10) Aired 10-21-44 and 10-27-44
Adventures by Morse was a 52-episode syndicated adventure series produced, written and directed by Carlton E. Morse shortly after NBC canceled his I Love a Mystery series. Captain Bart Friday was a globe-trotting San Francisco-based private investigator, portrayed during the series by Elliott Lewis, David Ellis and Russell Thorson. Friday's sidekick from Texas, Skip Turner, was played mostly by Jack Edwards and occasionally by Barton Yarborough. The tales covered such areas as espionage, kidnapping and murder, along with secret Nazi bases, snake worshipers and voodoo. The 52 30-minute episodes (and two sales pitches) were produced in the mid-1940s. Dates of production and the earliest broadcasts are uncertain: several Internet sites mention that the entire series was broadcast in 1944, but in the final two chapters of It's Dismal to Die, it is clearly stated that the Second World War has ended. Advertisements have been found for broadcasts in 1946 and 1949. The series was presented in 13-episode blocks (each containing two stories), with each ten-chapter story ending with a teaser for the following three-chapter story. The City of the Dead and A Coffin for the Lady are mentioned in the promotional recordings as the first and second story respectively.

You Bet Your Life - The Secret Word Is Book (05-31-50)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:17:06 GMT

The Secret Word Is Book (Aired May 31, 1950)
You Bet Your Life is an American quiz show that aired on both radio and television. The most well-known version was hosted by Groucho Marx of the Marx Brothers, with announcer and assistant George Fenneman. The show debuted on ABC Radio in October 1947, then moved to CBS Radio in 1949 before making the transition to the NBC Radio and NBC-TV networks in October 1950. Because of its simple format, it was possible to broadcast the show simultaneously on the radio and on television. In 1960, the show was renamed The Groucho Show and ran a further year. Most episodes are in the public domain. The play of the game, however, was secondary to the interplay between Groucho, the contestants, and occasionally Fenneman. The program was rerun into the 1970s, and later in syndication as The Best of Groucho. As such, it was the first game show to have its reruns syndicated. The mid-1940s was a depressing lull in Groucho's career. His radio show Blue Ribbon Town, sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, which ran from March 1943 to August 1944, had failed to catch on and Groucho left the program in June 1944. After a radio appearance with Bob Hope, in which Marx ad-libbed most of his performance after being forced to stand by in a waiting room for 40 minutes before going on the air, John Guedel, the program's producer, formed an idea for a quiz show and approached Marx about the subject. After initial reluctance by Marx, Guedel was able to convince him to host the program after Marx realized the quiz would be only a backdrop for his contestant interviews, and the storm of ad-libbing that they would elicit. Guedel also convinced Marx to invest in 50% of the show, in part by saying that he was "untouchable" at ad-libbing, but not at following a script. Since Marx and the contestants were ad-libbing, Marx insisted that each show be recorded and edited before release.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Roy Rogers Show" - The Legend Of Pecos Bill (05-08-45)

Bob Camardella — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:40:10 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Roy Rogers Show" - The Legend Of Pecos Bill (Aired May 8, 1945)
With money from not only Rogers' films but his own public appearances going to Republic Pictures, Rogers brought a clause into a 1940 contract with the studio where he would have the right to his likeness, voice and name for merchandising. There were Roy Rogers action figures, cowboy adventure novels, a comic strip, playsets, a long-lived Dell Comics comic book series (Roy Rogers Comics) written by Gaylord Du Bois, and a variety of marketing successes. Roy Rogers was second only to Walt Disney in the amount of items featuring his name. The Sons of the Pioneers continued their popularity, and they've never stopped performing from the time Roy started the group, replacing members as they retired or passed away (all original members are deceased). Although Rogers was no longer an active member, they often appeared as Rogers' backup group in films, radio, and television, and Roy would occasionally appear with them in performances up until his death. THIS EPISODE: May 8, 1945. "The Legend Of Pecos Bill" - Mutual network. Sponsored by: Goodyear Rubber. The first tune is, "I've Got A Locket In Pocket." Roy tells the story of Pecos Bill. Roy Rogers, The Sons Of The Pioneers, Porter Hall (famous movie villain), Pat Friday, Perry Botkin and His Orchestra, The Farr Brothers, Bob Nolan. 29:09.

Adventures By Morse - Land Of The Living Dead (Ep. 1 & 2 of 10) 10-07-44

Bob Camardella — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:48:59 GMT

Land Of The Living Dead (Episodes 1 & 2 of 10) Aired 10-07-44 and 10-13-44
Stories from the pen of Carlton E. Morse graced the airwaves. The main ones remembered are One Man's Family, I Love Mystery and Adventures By Morse. Adventures By Morse related the escapades of Captain Bart Friday and Skip Turner, two San Francisco private investigators. Friday was a no-nonsense type, raised in the California. Turner was quite a bit the lady's man, complete with a laconic Southern accent. Their occasional work for U.S. Military Intelligence takes them around the globe. The series consisted of eight serials that ran from October 26, 1944 to October 18, 1945. The first serial, "City of the Dead", consisted of 10 episodes. The second serial was done in 3 episodes. The remainder of the series alternated between 10 and 3 30-minute episodes. The adventures cover the world as well as the world of adventure.

The Screen Guild Theater - The Morning Glory (03-24-40)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:00:32 GMT

The Morning Glory (Aired March 24, 1940)
The Screen Guild Theater was a popular radio anthology series during the Golden Age of Radio broadcast from 1939 until 1952 with leading Hollywood actors performing in adaptations of popular motion pictures such as Going My Way and The Postman Always Rings Twice. The show had a long run, lasting for 14 seasons and 527 episodes. It initially was heard on CBS from January 8, 1939 until June 28, 1948, continuing on NBC from October 7, 1948 until June 29, 1950. It was broadcast on ABC from September 7, 1950 to May 31, 1951 and returned to CBS on March 13, 1952. It aired under several different titles: The Gulf Screen Guild Show, The Gulf Screen Guild Theater, The Lady Esther Screen Guild Theater and The Camel Screen Guild Theater. Actors on the series included Ethel Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart, Eddie Cantor, Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante, Nelson Eddy, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Johnny Mercer, Agnes Moorehead, Gregory Peck, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore.The series came to an end on CBS June 29, 1952. THIS EPISODE: March 24, 1940. CBS network. "The Morning Glory". Sponsored by: Gulf. A beautiful but naive small town girl arrives on Broadway, fully expecting to quickly become a star. The first two minutes of the program has been deleted. Roger Pryor (host), Miriam Hopkins, Ray Milland, Adolphe Menjou. 27:45.

Your's Truly Johnny Dollar - The Wayward Widow Matter (08-04-57)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:04:50 GMT

The Wayward Widow Matter (Aired August 4, 1957)
Although based in Hartford, Connecticut, the insurance capital of the world, freelancer Johnny Dollar managed to get around quite a bit – his adventures taking him all over the world. There were some unusual devices used in the show that help set it apart from other shows. There was no partner, assistant, or secretary for Johnny. The character closest to a continuing role was that of Pat McCracken of the Universal Adjustment Bureau, who assigned Johnny many of his cases. Another atypical aspect gave the show additional credibility – frequently, characters on the show would mention that they had heard about Johnny’s cases on the radio. Johnny often used his time when filling out his expense accounts to give the audience background information or to express his thoughts about the current case.No fewer than eight actors played Johnny Dollar. Dick Powell, of Rogue’s Gallery fame, cut the original audition tape, but chose to do Richard Diamond, Private Detective instead. Gerald Mohr, of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe fame, auditioned in 1955, prior to Bob Bailey getting the title role. Through the first three actors to play Johnny Dollar (Charles Russell, Edmond O'Brien, and John Lund), there was little to distinguish the series from many other radio detective series. THIS EPISODE: August 4, 1957. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Wayward Widow Matter". A larcenous lady and her Pierce Arrow and 4 foot statuette. Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Eric Snowden, Frank Gerstle. 29:11.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Hawk Larabee" - The California Kid (10-18-47)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 05:41:04 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Hawk Larabee" - The California Kid (Aired October 18, 1947
Hawk Larabee was CBS' first attempt at an adult Western, predating Gunsmoke by six years but never achieving the heights of its illustrious successor. Elliott Lewis starred in its earliest incarnation (titled Hawk Durango) with Texas-native Barton Yarborough as his sidekick. Yarborough moved into the lead role for a season (supported by Barney Jones) but returned to his earlier sidekick status when Elliott Lewis reclaimed the role for the final season. Hawk Larabee aired from July 5, 1946 through February 7, 1948 with the Texas Rangers (and later the Plainsmen) providing unusual vocal bridges to set the scenes. THIS EPISODE: October 18, 1947. "The California Kid" - CBS network. Sustaining. Hank is arrested by a lawman and accused of stealing the money he received for selling his cattle. Is Hawk really, "The California Kid?" Elliott Lewis, Barton Yarborough, William N. Robson (producer, director), Andy Parker and The Plainsmen (original transitions), Gomer Cool (writer), E. Jack Neuman (writer). 28:56.

Dark Fantasy - Men Call Me Mad (12-19-41)

Bob Camardella — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:20:18 GMT

Men Call Me Mad (Aired December 19, 1941)
From the April 19, 1942 edition of The Capital Times: "Dark Fantasy," radio's weirdest thriller series, heard late in the evenings over Station WIBA, was bom in a Chinese tea room late on the stormy night of Nov. 3, 1941 while Scott Bishop, father of hundreds of mystery novels, stories, and radio scripts, sat drinking an iced, spiced tea concoction of his own invention, with Radio Production Man John I. Prosser in a haunt known as Yung Si Fu's. The darkly psychological conversation centered around mystery tales, with frequent references to Poe, DeQuincy, Blake, Coleridge and other masters of the craft. Bishop's mind kept turning on the subject after he went home, so he sat down and wrote a 30-minute script called "The Man Who Came Back." Next day Prosser and Bishop read the tale over in the cold light of morning, decided it was good, got a dramatic cast together, made a recording and submitted it, still hot off the infernal griddle, to the NBC-Red network program department. Eleven days later "Dark Fantasy" had its premiere. THIS EPISODE: December 19, 1941. Program #5. NBC network, WKY, Oklahoma City origination. "Men Call Me Mad". Sustaining. A scientist shrinks himself to the size of an atom and enters a different world...threatened by a plague! He then falls in love with a beautiful princess in the miniature world. Scott Bishop (writer), Ben Morris, Fred Wayne, Murillo Scofield, Muir Hite, Daryl McAllister, Eleanor Naylor Corin. 24:50.

The Chase - Cathy Sutter Meets James Carter (03-22-53)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:56:04 GMT

Cathy Sutter Meets James Carter (Aired March 22, 1953)
NBC first envisioned The Chase as a new Television feature. This was not uncommon during the later 1940s and early 1950s. Several Radio features straddled both media, with varying success. Developed as a psychological drama, the premise was that many life situations place their subjects in a 'chase' of one type or another. A chase for fame. A chase from peril. A chase to beat the clock. A chase to escape death. The added twist was the question of who is the hunter or the hunted in these situations. The scripts were faced paced, starred quality east coast talent and were well written. The series' plots and themes focused primarily on predominantly fear inducing pursuits of one form or another. Thus most of the scripts were fraught with tension of one type or another. Whether mental tension, physical peril or a mix of both, the abiding theme throughout the series was the the contrasts between the 'hunter' and the 'hunted' in such Life situations. NBC's Television version of The Chase was in production during May 1953. It was to star Doug Fowley as both narrator and performer. Apparently the powers to be eventually decided to abandon the production. It would also appear that the TV production was abandoned at about the same time the Radio version was pulled, to be replaced by NBC's prestigious NBC Summer Symphony series. THIS EPISODE: March 22, 1953. "Cathy Sutter Meets James Carter" - NBC network. Sustaining. The oldest chase of all. Cathy Sutter's rocky romance with wealthy James Carter Jr.. Lawrence Klee (creator, writer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), Fred Collins (announcer), Ann Thomas, Jane Webb, Irene Hubbard, Lawson Zerbe, Leon Janney. 29:55.

The Fred Allen - Satire On Surveys And Polls (10-11-39)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:27:56 GMT

Satire On Surveys And Polls (Aired October 11, 1939)
Allen first hosted The Linit Bath Club Revue on CBS, moving the show to NBC and becoming The Salad Bowl Revue (in a nod to new sponsor Hellmann's Mayonnaise, which was marketed by the parent company of Linit) later in the year. The show became The Sal Hepatica Revue (1933–34), The Hour of Smiles (1934–35), and finally Town Hall Tonight (1935–39) [in 1939–40, however, sponsor Bristol-Myers, which advertised Ipana toothpaste as well as Sal Hepatica during the program, altered the title to The Fred Allen Show, over his objections]. Allen's perfectionism (odd to some, considering his deft ad-libs) caused him to leap from sponsor to sponsor until Town Hall Tonight allowed him to set his chosen small-town milieu and establish himself as a bona fide radio star. The hour-long show featured segments that would influence radio and, much later, television; news satires such as Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In's "Laugh-In Looks at the News" and Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" were influenced by Town Hall Tonight's "The News Reel", later renamed "Town Hall News" (and in 1939–40, as a sop to his sponsor, "Ipana News"). The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson's "Mighty Carson Art Players" routines referenced Allen's Mighty Allen Art Players, in name and sometimes in routines. Allen and company also satirized popular musical comedies and films of the day, including and especially Oklahoma!. Allen also did semi-satirical interpretations of well-known lives – including his own. The show that became Town Hall Tonight was the longest-running hour-long comedy-based show in classic radio history. THIS EPISODE: October 11, 1939. NBC network. Sponsored by: Ipana, Sal Hepatica. Wynn Murray does a swinging arrangement of "Comes Love!" Fred quizzes members of the audience on advertising slogans and general information. Bert Lahr sings "Roses Of Picardy." The Mighty Allen Art Players do, "Dr. Scallop's Quandry," "A Satire On Surveys And Polls. Fred Allen, Bert Lahr, Peter Van Steeden and His Orchestra, The Merry Macs, Harry Von Zell (announcer), Wynn Murray, Portland Hoffa, Minerva Pious. 101:08.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock" - The Rocks Of Rawhide Canyon (06-17-53)

Bob Camardella — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 04:01:52 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock" - The Rocks Of Rawhide Canyon (Aired June 17, 1953)
Wild Bill Hickock was quick with his fists and a quip, but Jingles (dear god that nickname) got all his glory by using his immense girth to fight the bad guys. Jingles if you couldn’t tell was the comedic element in the series. And what is it with overweight sidekicks in westerns? See Cisco Kid’s partner, the jolly and rotund Pancho. Give the horses a break. The radio program lasted until 1954. The television show was started at the same time in 1951 and lasted until 1958. Also Wild Bill was portrayed by Gary Cooper in the 1936 movie, The Plainsman. Wild Bill has shown up in various other movies and television shows, most recently in the show Deadwood on HBO. THIS EPISODE: June 17, 1953. Program #164. Mutual network. "The Rocks Of Rawhide Canyon". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops, Kellogg's Variety Pack. Indian chief pictures premium. A strange miner and his strange mine has an even stranger secret. The system cue is added live. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Charles Lyon (announcer), Paul Pierce (writer, director), David Hire (producer), Richard Aurandt (music), Leo Curley, Hal Girard, Dusty Walker. 25:04.

Adventures In Research - 2 Episodes From 1943

Bob Camardella — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:07:10 GMT

2 Ep. "The King Of Ice" (02-16-43) and "Yesterday's Secret Weapon" 03-09-43)
down through the long corridors of time, man has strived unceasingly to solve the hidden mysteries of the universe...has sought to pierce the veil that shrouds the eternal riddle of life. Back from the dust of centuries past...reaching forward through the portals of tomorrow, comes a voice that will not be stilled...a voice that cries: Learn! Investigate! Instruct! Urging new generations to carry forward the work of progress for humanity...listen to the voice of science!" These syndicated program were produced at the studios of KDKA (Pittsburgh) and distributed by the station's parent company, Westinghouse Radio Stations Inc. The series began about 1942 and were distributed, probably as a public service educational feature, for weekly programming. The early shows were discussions with Paul Shannon asking the questions, Dr. Phillips Thomas (research physicist for Westinghouse, specializing in electronics) answering the questions. The later programs were written by Dr. Thomas, but were dramatizations instead of the Q and A fomat. The programs themselves present a fascinating look at the state of scientific knowledge during the war and the immediate post-war years. Many of the topics are hopelessly outdated, a surprising number are still up to date and reflect the state of knowledge about the subject many years later. The purpose of instilling an interest in science in the general public is still as valid now as it was then. Even more important, the program themselves are good radio and interesting. Those listeners with little or no interest in science will still be captivated. The post-war programs feature an organist whose efforts range from mediocre to absolutely great!

The Creaking Door - Auntie Mae (05-11-64)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 18:25:01 GMT

Auntie Mae (Aired May 11, 1964)
The Creaking Door was South African Radio's attempt to create a compelling program of highly suspenseful, dramatic thrillers with a supernatural bent for their sponsor, State Express Cigarettes. Some commentators insist it was conceived as a spin-off of the already successful Inner Sanctum episodes that had been syndicated for broadcast in Australia and South Africa during the 1950s. Given the format, one can see the inference, but in fact The Creaking Door stands on its own as a unique, well-produced, engaging supernatural thriller series on its own merit. The etymology of the name, The Creaking Door, bears some reflection. When legendary producer and director, Himan Brown first presented Inner Sanctum as one of three requested sponsorship candidates to Carter Products, he presented Inner Sanctum as The Creaking Door. Carter didn't care for the name, so on the spur of the moment Hi Brown suggested Inner Sanctum as an alternative, and voila, Radio history was made.

The Adventures Of Maisie - Clothes For The Poor (02-16-50)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 14:40:23 GMT

Clothes For The Poor (Aired February 16, 1950)
Ann Sothern took Maisie to radio in a half-hour weekly radio for CBS. Famed radio actor Elliott Lewis co-starred as boyfriend Bill, with other parts going to such seasoned radio players as John Brown and Lurene Tuttle. The series ran two seasons, and was revived in 1949 as a syndicated program, now called The Adventures of Maisie. Included in the repertory cast were Hans Conreid (later on Life with Liugi), Sheldon Leonard, Joan Banks, Elvia Allman, Bea Benadaret, and Sandra Gould. The radio show continued in the tried and true Maisie tradition of one part adventure of the emotional kind, one part romance, and one part laughs. To the end Maisie was the single girl, as this allowed her to get involved in continuing adventures of many kinds. These radio adventures of a liberated American "dame" from Brooklyn were tailored to post-WWII, and featured Maisie making her way (and having her way, most of the time) on both sides of the Atlantic. Maisie's favorite comment - "Likewise, I'm sure." Sothern, due in great part to the Maisie films type-casting, would ultimately admit she was "a Hollywood princess, not a Hollywood queen." But in its time, the Maisie series in film and on radio made her known and loved the world over. THIS EPISODE: February 16, 1950. "Clothes For The Poor" - Program #13. MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. A borrowed suit helps Maisie capture a bank robber...and his mom! The date above is the date of first broadcast on WMGM, New York City. Ann Sothern, Bea Benaderet, Frank Nelson, Sidney Miller, Joan Banks, Pat McGeehan, Peter Leeds, Harry Zimmerman (composer, conductor), Jack McCoy (announcer). 28:33.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel" - The Boss (01-31-60)

Bob Camardella — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 03:29:22 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel" - The Boss (Aired January 31, 1960)
The show followed the adventures of "Paladin" (no other name is ever given), a gentleman gunfighter (played by Richard Boone on television, and by John Dehner on radio), who preferred to settle problems without violence; yet, when forced to fight, excelled. Paladin lived in the Hotel Carlton in San Francisco, where he dressed in formal attire, ate gourmet food, and attended the opera. In fact, many who met him initially mistook him for a dandy from the East. But when working, he dressed in black, carried a derringer under his belt, used calling cards with a chess knight emblem, and wore a stereotypical western-style black gunbelt with the same chess knight symbol attached to the holster. The knight symbol is in reference to his name — possibly a nickname or working name — and his occupation as a champion-for-hire (see Paladin). THIS EPISODE: January 31, 1960. CBS network. "The Boss". Sponsored by: Dristan, Camels, Fitch's Shampoo, Pepsi-Cola. A visit to Alder Bend, Colorado, for a job with Ira Stokes, a horse and wife beater out to own the town! This is a network, sponsored version. This program may be dated October 18, 1959 and be titled "Brother Lost." John Dehner, Ben Wright, Hugh Douglas (announcer), Frank Paris (producer, director), Ann Doud (writer), Vic Perrin, Anne Morrison, Lawrence Dobkin, Tim Graham, Sam Rolfe (creator), Herb Meadow (creator), Herb Vigran, Bill James (sound effects), Gus Bayz (sound effects), Virginia Gregg. 24:10.

The Blue Beetle - Smashing The Drug Ring (2 Parts Complete) 05-15-40

Bob Camardella — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 03:16:15 GMT

Smashing The Drug Ring (2 Parts Complete) Aired May 15, 1940
The exploits of Dan Garrett, a rookie patrolman who, by wearing bullet-proof blue chain mail, transformed himself into the mysterious Blue Beetle, a daring crusader for justice. The Blue Beetle was created by Charles Nicholas. The character made his first appearance in August of 1939 in the comic book Mystery Men #1, published by Fox Features Syndicate. The Blue Beetle radio serial aired from 05-15-40 to 09-13-40 as a CBS 30 minutes, syndicated series. Actor Frank Lovejoy provided the voice of the Blue Beetle for the first thirteen episodes. Later episodes were uncredited. After his father was killed by a gangster's bullet, young Dan Garrett joined the New York Police Department, but soon tired of the slow pace and red tape of police work. With the help of his friend and mentor, pharmacist and drug-store proprietor Dr. Franz, Dan acquired a costume of bullet-proof chain-mail-like cellulose material, and began a second life, fighting crime as The Blue Beetle. His calling card was a small beetle-shaped marker that he left in conspicuous places to alert criminals to his presence, using their fear of his crime fighting reputation as a weapon against them. For this purpose he also used a "Beetle Signal" flashlight. The Blue Beetle's reputation was not his only weapon -- he carried a revolver in a blue holster on his belt, and was sometimes shown wearing a multi-pouched belt after the style set by Batman. Also in the Batman vein, the Blue Beetle had a "BeetleMobile" car and a "BeetleBird" airplane. In at least one radio adventure, he carries something called a "magic ray machine". The ray machine was a sort of super-scientific cutting device. Show Notes From The OTRR Group. TODAY'S SHOW: May 15, 1940. Program #1. Fox Features syndication. "Smashing Drug Ring". Commercials added locally. Trying to arrest a dope peddler selling marijuana cigarettes, Dan Garrett is machine-gunned and is near death. Dr. Franz slips him some secret 2X formula and he recovers instantly. He also gains abnormal strength and superhuman vitality. Frank Lovejoy, Paul Ford.

The Adventures Of Frank Race - The Count Trefanno Crest (01-15-50)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 23:32:08 GMT

The Count Trefanno Crest (Aired January 15, 1950)
The Series was heard over all four networks over the following four years in initial syndication and rebroadcast. Given one's geographical location, a listener might well have been able to hear as many as three or four weekly airings of The Adventures of Frank Race. Seasoned writer Joel Murcott joined Broadcasters Program Syndicate for the express purpose of writing and supervising Bruce Eells' first two dramatic offerings, Frontier Town, starring Jeff Chandler under the tongue in cheek performing name 'Tex Chandler' and The Adventures of Frank Race initially starring durable and versatile character actor Tom Collins. Legendary composer Ivan Ditmars scored both the audition and production series. The audition for the series was recorded during February 1949. The audition featured Tom Collins as former attorney and O.S.S. officer, Frank Race. Race is aided by his associate, former cab driver, Marcus 'Marc' Donovan portrayed by Tony Barrett. Lurene Tuttle is also featured in the audition. The audition lays out the premise for the contemplated series. Frank Race has returned to civilian life after a wartime stint as an operative for the Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) the progenitor of the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.). Somewhat disenchanted with the prospect of returning to practice Law, Race forms his own investigations firm, specializing in industrial, State, and international crimes of fraud and espionage. THIS EPISODE: January 15, 1950. Program #38. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Count Treffano Crest". Commercials added locally. A Filipino named Viventi asks Frank Race to help him find his missing boss. Frank finds Jonathan Templeton, dead in his closet. Paul Dubov, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer), Georgia Ellis, Gunnar Peterson, Jack Kruschen, Eve McVey, Parley Baer, Bert Holland. 26:41.

X Minus One - A Thousand Dollars A Plate (03-21-56)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 17:53:53 GMT

A Thousand Dollars A Plate (Aired March 21, 1956)
X MINUS ONE was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, Dimension X. which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X Minus One shows used scripts from Dimension X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. The series was cancelled after the 126th broadcast on January 9, 1958. However, the early 1970s brought a wave of nostalgia for old-time radio; a new experimental episode, "The Iron Chancellor" by Robert Silverberg, was created in 1973, but it failed to revive the series. NBC also tried broadcasting the old recordings, but their irregular once-monthly scheduling kept even devoted listeners from following the broadcasts. All episodes of the show survive. THIS EPISODE: March 21, 1956. NBC network. "A Thousand Dollars A Plate". Sustaining. A humorous story about a group of astronomers on Mars (human) who try to get a group of gambling casino owners to stop a series of firework displays. Bob Hastings, Karl Swenson, Mandel Kramer, Mercer McLeod, Alan Hewitt, Ralph Bell, Jack McKenty (author), Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), William Welch (producer), Daniel Sutter (director), Fred Collins (announcer). 28:49.

Dragnet - The Big Blast (05-17-51)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:05:27 GMT

The Big Blast (Aired May 17, 1951)
Dragnet, especially on the radio, handled controversial subjects, such as sex crimes and drug addiction, with unprecedented and even startling realism. The tone was usually serious, but there were moments of comic relief. Romero was something of a hypochondriac, and often seemed hen-pecked. Though Friday dated women, he usually dodged those who tried to set him up with marriage-minded dates. Due in part to Webb's fondness for radio drama, Dragnet persisted on radio until 1957, as one of the last old time radio shows to give way to television's increasing popularity. In fact, the TV show would prove to be effectively a visual version of the radio show, as the style was virtually the same. The TV show could be listened to, without watching it, with no loss of understanding of the storyline. THIS EPISODE: May 17, 1951. Program #101. NBC network. "The Big Blast"B>. Sponsored by: Fatima. The program begins "Fatima is proud to present its Academy Award winning radio show" (the motion picture "Academy" never gave awards for radio programs!). Josephine Stevens has been murdered with a shotgun, as her seven-year-old boy watched! A well written, good show! Jack Webb, Barton Yarborough. 28:56.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Paid Killer (01-17-53)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 05:09:18 GMT

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Paid Killer (Aired January 17, 1953)
While Dillon and Miss Kitty clearly had a close personal relationship, the two never married. In a July 2, 2002, Associated Press interview with Bob Thomas, Arness explained, "If they were man and wife, it would make a lot of difference. The people upstairs decided it was better to leave the show as it was, which I totally agreed with." In the episode "Waste", featuring Johnny Whitaker as a boy with a prostitute mother, her madam questions Dillon as to why the law overlooks Miss Kitty's enterprise. It appears that bordellos could exist "at the law's discretion" (meaning the marshal's). Miss Kitty was written out in 1974. The actress sought more free time and reportedly missed her late co-star, Glenn Strange, who played her Long Branch barkeep, Sam. When Blake decided not to return for the show's 20th (and final) season, the character was said to have returned to New Orleans. She was replaced by the hoarse-voiced, matronly actress Fran Ryan (known to many as the second Doris Ziffel on CBS' "Green Acres"). THIS EPISODE: January 17, 1953. CBS network. "Paid Killer". Sustaining. Lawson Hales hires a killer to gun down Marshal Dillon for $5000 in gold. The script was used again on November 22, 1959. Strangely enough, in 1959, the price offered to shoot the Marshal was only $1000! William Conrad, Parley Baer, Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Jack Kruschen, Ralph Moody, Roy Rowan (announcer), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Les Crutchfield (writer), Norman Macdonnell (director), Georgia Ellis. 30:35. Episode Notes From Radio Gold Index.

The Phil Harris & Alice Faye - The First Show For Rexall (10-03-48)

Bob Camardella — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 00:35:57 GMT

The First Show For Rexall (Aired October 3, 1948)
As both Phil and Alice were known singers, there were two musical numbers in each show, and they were always for real, except some of Phil's, which were for laughs. But Phil's band gave much more than music to the show. Frankie Remley was the band's left handed guitar player, with a sardonic sense of humor out of left field. The character was first done on The Jack Benny Show, and, of course, now on a show about the band itself, Frankie was even more obnoxious. Famed radio actor Elliott Lewis played him with relish. In fact, later in the run they actually started calling the character Elliott! (Elliott Lewis changes his name on the show from Frankie Remly to Elliott because Harris stopped leading Jack Benny's band--so he wasn't connected to Remly any more. A couple of actors well known on other shows were Gale Gordon and Walter Tetley. Gale Gordon (Principal Conklin on Our Miss Brooks) was Mr. Scott, the long-suffering Rexall representative, doing stealth commercials for Rexall, again like the The Jack Benny Show and Fibber McGee and Molly had done. Walter Tetley (Leroy on The Great Gildersleeve) played the delivery boy Julius Abbruzio. Nice guy? No. Other characters included Alice's deadbeat brother Willie, ably played by Robert North, and announcer Bill Forman. The show was produced and directed by Paul Phillips. THIS EPISODE: October 3, 1948. NBC network. Sponsored by: Rexall Drugs. "The First Show Of The Series Sponsored By Rexall. Phil and Alice go to sign their contract with Rexall. Phil sings, "You Can't Do Wrong Doing Right." Phil Harris, Alice Faye, Ray Singer (writer), Dick Chevillat (writer), Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Robert North, Jeanine Roos, Anne Whitfield, Walter Scharf and His Orchestra, Bill Forman (announcer), Paul Phillips (producer, director). 29:32.

The Henry Morgan Show - Peter & The Landlord (03-26-47)

Bob Camardella — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:05:09 GMT

Peter & The Landlord (Aired March 26, 1947)
In 1940, Henry Morgan was offered a daily 15-minute series on Mutual Broadcasting System's flagship station, WOR. This show was a 15-minute comedy, which he opened almost invariably with "Good evening, anybody; here's Morgan." In his memoir Here's Morgan (1994), he wrote that he devised that introduction as a dig at popular singer Kate Smith, who "...started her show with a condescending, 'Hello, everybody.' I, on the other hand, was happy if anybody listened in." He mixed literately barbed ad libs, satirizing daily life's foibles, with novelty records, including those of Spike Jones. Morgan stated that Jones sent him his newest records in advance of market dates because he played them so often. He also targeted his sponsors freely. One early sponsor had been Adler Shoe Stores, which came close to canceling its account after Morgan started making references to "Old Man Adler" on the air; the chain changed its mind after it was learned business spiked upward, with many new patrons asking to meet Old Man Adler. Morgan had to read an Adler commercial heralding the new fall line of colors; Morgan thought the colors were dreadful, and said he wouldn't wear them to a dogfight, but perhaps the listeners would like them. Old Man Adler demanded a retraction on the air. Morgan obliged: "I would wear them to a dogfight." Morgan later recalled with bemusement, "It made him happy." Later, he moved to ABC (formerly the NBC Blue Network) in a half-hour weekly format that allowed Morgan more room to develop and expand his topical, often ad-libbed satires, hitting popular magazines, soap operas, schools, the BBC, baseball, summer resorts, government snooping, and landlords. His usual signoff was, "Morgan'll be here on the same corner in front of the cigar store next week." THIS EPISODE: March 26, 1947. ABC network, WENR, Chicago aircheck. Sponsored by: Eversharp-Schick, Adams Gum (local). A look at the housing shortage, the question man, "Peter And The Landlord." Arnold Stang, Bernard Green and His Orchestra, Charles Irving, Henry Morgan, The Golden Gate Quartet. 28:53.