Tune in to our weekly program of vintage radio shows, with producer/host Steve Darnall, broadcast live every Saturday from 1 to 5 pm (Central time) on WDCB 90.9 FM in the Chicago area and world-wide on the Internet at www.wdcb.org.
Listen Now to Our Most Recent Broadcast
Click on The Dial To Listen
Each Saturday's program is available on demand for two weeks beginning the following Tuesday. See schedule below.
Listen to the Previous Week's Broadcast
Click on The Dial To Listen
Support for Those Were the Days is provided by our underwriters:
The Framemakers, 10 N. Cass Avenue, Westmont, IL; 630-795-1020
Damon Doucet, Attorney at Law, 10024 Skokie Boulevard, Suite 215, Skokie, IL; 847-334-5718
The Audio File Nostalgia Shop, P.O. Box 93, Glenview, IL; 847-759-9288
We thank our underwriters for their support and we urge you to give them your support!
If you have a product or service and would like information about underwriting Those Were the Days, click here.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PEGGY WEBBER!
THE WHISTLER (9-18-49) “Poor Henry” starring Peggy Webber, with Bill Forman as the Whistler. A woman conspires to steal a collection of paintings from her employer and then pin the blame on the employer’s chauffeur. Cast: Verna Felton, Ed Begley, John Hoyt. Signal Oil, CBS. (30 min)
SPEAKING OF RADIO (5-6-10) Part one of Steve Darnall’s conversation with actress Peggy Webber, recorded at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Los Angeles, as she recalls her career in radio, movies and television. (31 min) Peggy Webber was born on September 15, 1925.
BROADWAY IS MY BEAT (7-22-51) Larry Thor stars as Det. Danny Clover, with Charles Calvert as Sgt. Tartaglia, Jack Kruschen as Lt. Muggevin, Peggy Webber, Harry Bartell, Herb Butterfield. A man is killed from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but Clover suspects the man was murdered. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (29 min)
SPEAKING OF RADIO (5-6-10) Part two of Steve Darnall’s conversation with Peggy Webber. (26 min)
LIFE OF RILEY (5-3-47) William Bendix stars as Chester Riley, with Paula Winslowe as Peg, Barbara Eiler as Babs, John Brown as Jim Gillis and Digby O’Dell, Peggy Webber as Helene Bidwell, Dink Trout as Waldo Binney. Babs must prepare a dinner as part of her Home Economics course. Cast includes Joseph Kearns as Professor Cartwright. Dreft, NBC. (30 min)
HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (4-17-60) “Prunella’s Fella” starring John Dehner as Paladin, with Ben Wright as Hey Boy, Peggy Webber as Prunella. While escorting a banker to look for silver deposits, Paladin encounters a young girl who has gotten lost in a storm. Cast: Lawrence Dobkin, Vic Perrin, Virginia Gregg, Bill Idelson. Participating sponsors, CBS. (24 min)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
OLD GOLD COMEDY THEATER (5-20-45) “Boy Meets Girl” starring Ann Sothern, Chester Morris and Lee Tracy in a radio version of the 1938 film. Two screen writers must write a movie for the studio’s cowboy star. Harold Lloyd hosts. Old Gold Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min)
CRIME CLUB (6-12-47) “Death is a Knockout” is the story of a prizefighter who fears that he has poisoned a gambler. Cast includes Sidney Smith, Ted DeCorsia, Barbara Joyce, Bill Smith, Arthur Vinton. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min)
MAIL CALL #12 (11-11-42) Bob Burns is master of ceremonies, with Dinah Shore, Johnny Mercer, George Montgomery, Arthur Q. Bryan, Meredith Willson and the Orchestra, announcer Del Sharbutt. Dinah sings “Dearly Beloved” and duets with Mercer on “Blues in the Night”; Burns reads a letter from his grandmother. AFRS. (30 min)
SPACE PATROL (11-29-52) “The Electronic Burglar” starring Ed Kemmer as Cmdr. Buzz Corry, Lyn Osborn as Cadet Happy. Corry and Happy investigate when the design for a device that detects underground minerals is stolen. Cast: Ken Mayer, Bela Kovacs, Norman Jolley. Dick Tufeld announces. Ralston Wheat and Rice Chex, ABC. (30 min)
MY FRIEND IRMA (6-7-48) Marie Wilson stars as Irma Peterson, with Cathy Lewis as Jane, Hans Conried as Prof. Kropotkin, Gloria Gordon as Mrs. O’Reilly, John Brown as Al. Irma and Jane make plans to spend the day at Coney Island. Cast includes Harry Bartell. Swan Soap, CBS. (29 min)
THE SAINT (2-25-51) “The Big Swindle” starring Vincent Price as Simon Templar, who investigates when a man claiming amnesia shows up at his door with a bag of money. Cast includes Joan Banks, Sidney Miller, Ed Max, Tony Barrett, Sheldon Leonard, Jack Moyles, Lamont Johnson. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
RADIO TAKES A LOOK AT TELEVISION
MY FAVORITE HUSBAND (6-17-49) Lucille Ball and Richard Denning star as Liz and George Cooper, with Gale Gordon and Bea Benaderet as Rudolph and Iris Atterbury, Ruth Perrott as Katy. In an effort to convince George to buy a television set, Liz accepts a trial offer from a local store. Cast includes Peter Leeds. AFRS rebroadcast. (24 min)
CALLING ALL DETECTIVES (1940s) Paul Barnes plays Det. Jerry Browning (and all of the other roles). Jerry is watching a horse race on television when someone at the event is murdered. Syndicated. (8 min)
BING CROSBY SHOW (11-21-51) With announcer Ken Carpenter, Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, John Scott Trotter and the Orchestra and guests Alexis Smith and Bert Wheeler. Bing talks about his Thanksgiving turkey; later, he and his guests parody movies as seen on television. Bing sings “Open a Bottle of Wine” and “Because of You.” Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (30 min)
DRAGNET (8-9-51) Jack Webb stars as Sgt. Joe Friday, with Barton Yarborough as Sgt. Ben Romero. The police investigate in response to a number of complaints about crooked television repairmen. Cast includes Harry Bartell, Barney Phillips, Jack Kruschen. Fatima Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min)
ARCHIE ANDREWS (5-21-49) Bob Hastings is Archie, with Harlan Stone as Jughead, Rosemary Rice as Betty, Gloria Mann as Veronica, Arthur Kohl and Alice Youmans as Mr. and Mrs. Andrews. Mr. Andrews surprises the family by purchasing a television set. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
GREEN HORNET (6-27-52) “Face in the Television” starring Jack McCarthy as Britt Reid, with Lee Allman as Lenore Case, Gilbert Shea as Mike Axford. A television broadcast of a boxing match reveals a gang of racketeers in the crowd. The Hornet investigates. Orange Crush, MBS. (29 min)
PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (11-6-49) With Elliott Lewis as Remley, Walter Tetley as Julius, Gale Gordon as Mr. Scott, Jeannine Roose and Anne Whitfield as the Harris daughters. Mr. Scott recommends that Phil and Alice record an audition program for television. Rexall, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
BOLD VENTURE (6-18-51) “The Blue Moon” starring Humphrey Bogart as Slate Shannon and Lauren Bacall as Sailor Duval, with Jester Hairston as King Moses. A plantation owner asks Shannon to save his daughter from the owner of a gambling boat. Cast includes William Conrad. Syndicated. (26 min)
RED SKELTON SHOW (9-17-46) With announcer Rod O’Connor, Verna Felton, Wonderful Smith, GeGe Pearson, Pat McGeehan, singer Anita Ellis, David Forrester and the Orchestra. The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire examines “Barbers,” with Red as Clem Kadiddlehopper and Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min) Read the article about Red Skelton in the Autumn 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (9-9-48) “Cimmaron” starring Irene Dunne in a radio adaptation of the story by Edna Ferber. A woman recalls her experiences with her family as settlers in the Oklahoma territory. Cast includes Gerald Mohr. James Hilton hosts; announcer is Frank Goss. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (30 min)
VIC AND SADE (2-27-40) With Art van Harvey as Vic, Bernadine Flynn as Sade, Bill Idelson as Rush, who tells his parents about the latest excitement at high school, a “seething river of human emotion.” Ralph Edwards announces. Crisco, NBC. (14 min)
MOLLE MYSTERY THEATER (5-3-46) “Murder Without Crime” starring Berry Kroeger and John Sylvester. A man accidentally stabs his girlfriend and hides her body in an ottoman. With Bernard Lenrow as host Geoffrey Barnes, announcer Dan Seymour. Molle Shave Cream, NBC. (29 min)
ALDRICH FAMILY (11-7-40) Ezra Stone stars as Henry, with House Jamison and Katharine Raht as Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich. Henry and his pal Toby decide to make money by cleaning furnaces. Harry von Zell announces. Jell-O, NBC. (29 min)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
A SATURDAY AFTERNOON OF SATURDAY EVENING RADIO
CURTAIN TIME (5-31-47) “Twice Blessed,” starring Harry Elders and Nannette Sargeant. A young woman, lamenting her own lack of artistic talent, offers to help a struggling pianist achieve success. With Maurice Copeland, Patricia Dunlap, Sidney Ellstrom, George Cisar. Announcer is John Weigel. Mars Candy, NBC. (30 min)
GENE AUTRY’S MELODY RANCH (11-15-52) With Pat Buttram, Johnny Bond, the Cass County Boys, Carl Cotner and the Orchestra, announcer Charlie Lyon. Gene sings “For Me and My Gal,” “Take Me in Your Arms and Hold Me” and others. Later, he tells the story of John and Martha, two newlyweds who carved their names into a tree in 1915. Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum, CBS. (29 min)
LIFE OF RILEY (1-17-48) William Bendix stars as Chester Riley, with Paula Winslowe as Peg, John Brown as Digby O’Dell, announcer Ken Niles and guest Ralph Edwards. Riley is hoping to receive a call from Truth or Consequences so he can guess the identity of “The Walking Man.” Prell, NBC. (30 min)
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES (1-17-48) Ralph Edward is master of ceremonies, with announcer Harlow Wilcox and guest William Bendix, who takes part in a stunt in which an audience member claims to be Edwards. Later, Edwards calls listeners about “The Walking Man.” Duz, NBC. (29 min)
ADVENTURES OF PHILIP MARLOWE (9-24-49) “The Fatted Calf” starring Gerald Mohr as Marlowe. A popular cartoonist asks Marlowe to meet with his assistant’s wife. Cast includes Howard McNear, Vivi Janiss, Bill Johnstone. Announcer is Paul Masterson. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
YOUR HIT PARADE (7-14-45) Starring Joan Edwards, Lawrence Tibbett, the Hit Paraders, Mark Warnow and the Orchestra, announcer Kenny Delmar. Songs include “The More I See You,” “Out of This World,” “There! I’ve Said it Again,” and “The Army Air Corps Song,” performed by Tibbett. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
COUNTERSPY (8-23-49) “The Case of the Bouncing Bankrobber” starring Don McLaughlin as David Harding and Mandel Kramer as Peters. A bankrobber makes his escape by shooting his cohort and jumping through a plate glass window. Pepsi-Cola, ABC. (29 min)
BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (1-22-48) With announcer Bill Goodwin, Gale Gordon, Elliott Lewis, announcer Tobe Reed, Meredith Willson and the Orchestra and guest Walter O’Keefe. George looks forward to reminiscing about vaudeville days with Walter. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (30 min)
X MINUS ONE (10-10-56) “Colony” is a radio adaptation of a story by Philip K. Dick. The colony of a “blue planet” appears to be under attack from inanimate objects. Cast: Norman Rose, Fredericka Chandler, John Larkin, Alan Bergman, Bill Quinn, Larry Robinson. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
SONGS BY SINATRA (10-10-45) With announcer Marvin Miller, the Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the Orchestra and guests Ginny Simms and Frances Langford, who join Frank for a sketch, “Frankie and Ginny.” Frank sings “There’s No You” and “All the Things You Are”; Ginny sings “It’s Been a Long, Long Time.” Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (28 min)
GUNSMOKE (10-3-52) “Cain” starring William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Parley Baer as Chester, Howard McNear as Doc, Georgia Ellis as Kitty. A musician dying of consumption comes to Dodge City to kill a man. Cast: Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
OUR MISS BROOKS (10-31-48) Eve Arden stars as Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon as Osgood Conklin, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton, Richard Crenna as Walter Denton. Miss Brooks is planning to drive to Clay City with Mr. Boynton for the school football game. Cast includes Wally Maher, Frank Nelson. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
ANNUAL HALLOWE’EN SHOW
LIGHTS OUT (7-27-43) “Little People,” written and directed by Arch Oboler. A renowned explorer plans a deadly and unique revenge for his wife and her lover. Cast includes Lou Merrill. Ironized Yeast, CBS. (29 min) Read the article about Arch Oboler and Lights Out in the Autumn 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
THE SHADOW (9-7-47) “The Phantom of the Lighthouse,” starring Bret Morrison as Lamont Cranston and Grace Matthews as the lovely Margot Lane. A young man is killed at a Maine lighthouse by what appears to be the ghost of a dead pirate. The Shadow investigates. Cast includes Santos Ortega, Joe Julian; announcer is Andre Baruch. Blue Coal MBS. (30 min)
MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER (7-6-47) “The Locomotive Ghost” with Maurice Tarplin as the Mysterious Traveler. Two men who plan to wreck a railroad track are interrupted by an old hobo who tells them about hearing a train called “The Heavenly Express.” Cast: Joseph Julian, James McCallion, Cameron Andrews, Bryna Raeburn. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min)
NEW ADVENTURES OF MICHAEL SHAYNE (1940s) “The Case of the Bayou Monster” starring Jeff Chandler as Shayne, Jack Webb as Inspector LeFevre. A wealthy woman hires Shayne to find the mysterious monster that has been plaguing her family’s estate. Syndicated. (27 min)
JACK BENNY PROGRAM (10-31-48) With Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Verna Felton, Mel Blanc, Artie Auerbach, the Sportsmen. On Hallowe’en, Jack goes trick-or-treating with the Beverly Hills Beavers. Lucky Strike CIgarettes, NBC. (27 min)
INNER SANCTUM (1-29-46) “The Blood of Cain” starring Mercedes McCambridge and Karl Swenson. A young woman who has been acting strangely is told that she is the descendent of murderers. Paul McGrath is host, with Luis Van Rooten, Alan Devitt. Lipton Tea and Soup, CBS. (30 min)
Today’s show will be broadcast on our ghost-to-ghost network and over the internet in screaming audio. Don’t miss it!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
JAMES STEWART ON THE AIR
SILVER THEATER (1-22-39) Part one of “Misty Mountain” starring James Stewart as Rusty Lane and Mary Brian as Mary Lou. An airline pilot is torn between his girlfriend and the woman with whom he converses in his flights over Misty Mountain. Cast includes John Gibson, Paula Winslowe. Conrad Nagel hosts; announcer is John Conte. International Silver, CBS. (30 min) Read the article about James Stewart in the Autumn 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (12-3-45) “Vivacious Lady” starring James Stewart and Janet Blair in a radio version of the 1938 film. Stewart recreates his role as a university professor who marries a nightclub performer and tries to break the news to his family. Cast includes Frank Nelson, Ken Christy, Griff Barnett, Jane Morgan. Lady Esther Cosmetics. CBS. (30 min)
BING CROSBY SHOW (11-6-52) James Stewart substitutes for Bing as master of ceremonies, with announcer Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the Orchestra and guests Rosemary Clooney, Gordon MacRae and Joe Venuti. Rosemary sings “This Can’t Be Love,” “Half as Much” and “Who Kissed Me Last Night?” General Electric, CBS. (29 min)
SIX SHOOTER (11-22-53) James Stewart stars as Britt Ponset, who arrives in Dodge City just as the citizens are planning to tell their sherriff that he’s too old for the job. Cast: Bill Johnstone, Lamont Johnson, Herb Vigran, John Stephenson, Dal McKinnon. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
BOB HOPE SHOW (1-28-53) With Bill Goodwin, Margaret Whiting, Bill Johnstone, Les Brown and his Band of Renown and guest James Stewart. Bob enlists Stewart to co-star in his new picture, “The Road to Cactus Gulch.” Jell-O, NBC. (30 min)
SILVER THEATER (1-29-39) Part two of “Misty Mountain,” starring James Stewart and Mary Brian, with John Gibson, Paula Winslowe, Howard McNear. Rusty makes an emergency stop after receiving a distress call from Mary Lou. Conrad Nagel hosts, with announcer John Conte. International Silver, CBS. (30 min)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (5-28-56) Part one of “The Matter of Reasonable Doubt,” starring Bob Bailey as the man with the action-packed expense account. In this five-part story, Johnny travels to Nevada to investigate when an elderly woman announces plans to set up a insurance trust for her granddaughter. With Susan Whitney, Richard Crenna, Jeanette Nolan, Forrest Lewis, Inge Adams, Paul Richards, Jean Tatum, announcer Roy Rowan. Sustaining, CBS. (15 min)
ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (2-27-49) Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard star, with Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair, Janet Waldo, John Brown, Alan Reed Jr., Hans Conried, announcer Vern Smith. Ozzie decides to show Harriet that he should be in charge of the family finances. International Silver, NBC. (29 min)
YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (5-29-56) Part two of “The Matter of Reasonable Doubt.” Sustaining, CBS. (15 min)
SEALTEST VILLAGE STORE (5-27-48) Jack Carson stars, with Eve Arden, Dave Willock, Verna Felton, singer Ilene Woods, The Starlighters, Frank DeVol and the Orchestra, announcer Hy Averback. Jack is interested in buying an interest in a radio station. Ilene sings “Haunted Heart.” Sealtest, NBC. (29 min) Read the article about Ilene Woods and Walt Disney’s Cinderella in the Autumn 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (5-30-56) Part three of “The Matter of Reasonable Doubt.” Sustaining, CBS. (15 min)
LUM AND ABNER (2-6-35) An isolated episode of the series, starring Chester Lauck as Lum and Norris Goff as Abner. The boys debate which of them is most qualified to be president of their Jot ‘Em Down store. Horlick’s Malted Milk, MBS. (15 min)
YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (5-31-56) Part four of “The Matter of Reasonable Doubt.” Sustaining, CBS. (15 min)
MILTON BERLE SHOW (1-6-48) It’s “Uncle Milty” on radio, with announcer Frank Gallop, Pert Kelton, Jack Albertson, John Gibson, Al Kelly, Billy Sands, Mary Shipp, singer Dick Farney, Ray Bloch and the Orchestra. The show presents a “Salute to Winter Sports,” as Milton recalls his recent visit to Gallop’s lodge in Maine. Philip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min)
YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (6-1-56) Part five of “The Matter of Reasonable Doubt.” Sustaining, CBS. (15 min)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15
GRAND OLE OPRY—AND A HINT OF OPERA
GRAND OLE OPRY (10-14-39) It’s the show’s first network broadcast, with master of ceremonies George D. Hay (“The Solemn Old Judge”), Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys, Uncle Dave Macon, George Wilkinson and his Old-Time Band, harmonica player Deford Bailey, Rachel and Oswald, announcer David Stone. Prince Albert Tobacco, NBC. (29 min) The Grand Ole Opry debuted on WSM/Nashville on November 28, 1925.
ALAN YOUNG SHOW (12-12-44) With announcer Kenny Delmar, Diane Courtney, Lulu McConnell, Peter van Steeden and the Orchestra. Alan decides to write an opera. Bristol-Myers, BLUE. (30 min)
GRAND OLE OPRY (11-19-49) From Rhein-Main Air Base near Frankfort, Germany, with master of ceremonies Red Foley, Rod Brasfield, Minnie Pearl, Roy Acuff and the Smoky Mountain Boys, Little Jimmy Dickens, Judy Martin and Hank Williams, who sings “Lovesick Blues.” Foley sings “Tennessee Saturday Night” and leads a sing-along for “I Want a Girl.” Prince Albert Tobacco, NBC. (29 min) Read the article about Minnie Pearl, Little Jimmy Dickens and other Grand Ole Opry stars in the Autumn 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
LUX RADIO THEATER (9-13-43) “Phantom of the Opera” starring Nelson Eddy, Susanna Foster, Basil Rathbone and Edgar Barrier in a radio version of the 1943 film. A young soprano is kidnapped by a disfigured composer who lives in the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera House. Cast includes Bea Benaderet. Cecil B. DeMille hosts the first broadcast of the show’s tenth season on the air. Lux Soap, CBS. (23 min & 20 min & 15 min)
GRAND OLE OPRY (11-28-59) From the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, with master of ceremonies Ernest Tubb, Archie Campbell, The Jordanaires, Stringbean, Chet Atkins, Tommy Jackson, Ralph Sloane and the Tennessee Travelers and guest George Hamilton IV, who sings “A Rose and a Baby Ruth” and “Little Tom.” Prince Albert Tobacco, NBC. (28 min)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
FATHER KNOWS BEST (11-23-50) Robert Young stars as Jim Anderson, with June Whitley as Margaret, Rhoda Williams as Betty, Ted Donaldson as Bud, Norma Jean Nilsson as Cathy. When the children all receive Thanksgiving invitations, Jim and Margaret plan to have their dinner alone. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (30 min)
CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (11-27-35) On the day before Thanksgiving, the show presents two examples of “Community Self-Reliance”: the story of the 1620 Mayflower Covenant and the great Vermont flood of 1927. Cast includes Parker Fennelley, Karl Swenson, John McIntire.Dupont, CBS. (30 min)
CLAUDIA (11-27-47) Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star as Claudia and David in an isolated episode of the series. Claudia and David are preparing to have Thanksgiving dinner with David’s relatives. Joe King announces. Coca-Cola, Syndicated. (15 min)
LIBERACE PROGRAM (November 1954) With George Liberace and the Orchestra. For his Thanksgiving show, the celebrated pianist plays “Turkey in the Straw” and sings “Bless This House.” Syndicated. (27 min)
QUIZ KIDS (11-21-48) Chief quizzer Joe Kelly is master of ceremonies, with Lonne Lunde, Joel Kupperman, Richard Wexler, Ruth Duskin and Brant Ross. The Kids are asked to write a Thanksgiving program before the end of the show. Alka-Seltzer, NBC. (30 min)
SOLDIERS IN GREASEPAINT (11-25-43) A Thanksgiving Day show highlighting the many performers who entertained the troops during World War II. Hosted by Jack Benny and Bob Hope, with Al Jolson, Fredric March, Brig. Gen. Joseph Byron, Jascha Heifitz, Martha Raye, Carole Landis, Kay Francis, Mitzi Mayfair, Judith Anderson, Jackie Heller, Merle Oberon, Jerry Colonna, Rear Adm. Louis E. Danfied, Andy Devine, Jimmy Burke, Jinx Falkenberg, Faye MacKenzie, Anna Lee, John Garfield and Frances Langford, who sings “White Christmas.” NBC. (26 min and 19 min) Read the article about Kay Francis, Carole Landis, Mitzi Mayfair and Martha Raye in the Autumn 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29
RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
RAILROAD HOUR (12-15-52) “Holiday Inn” starring Gordon MacRae with Dorothy Warenskjold in a radio adaptation of the 1942 film, with songs by Irving Berlin. A singer opens a special venue for the holidays and falls in love with his co-star. Songs includes “White Christmas,” “Abraham,” “Be Careful, It’s My Heart” and others. Cast includes Olan Soule, Bill Johnstone. Marvin Miller announces. American Association of Railroads, NBC. (29 min)
ADVENTURES OF FRANK MERRIWELL (12-18-48) “Quarantine” starring Lawson Zerbe as Frank, with Hal Studer as Bart, Elaine Rost as Inza. It’s the day before Christmas break and Frank and Bart are confined to their room after a fellow student is diagnosed with measles. Cast: Pat Hosley, Bill Griffiths, Cameron Andrews, Joseph Boland, Leon Janney. Announcer is Mel Brandt. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
BOB AND RAY (12-21-59) “Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding present the CBS Radio Network.” A visit to a Christmas office party; wrapping presents on “One Fella’s Family.” Participating sponsors, CBS. (15 min)
BLONDIE (12-15-48) Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake star as Blondie and Dagwood, with Hanley Stafford as Mr. Dithers and Frank Nelson as Herb Woodley. Dagwood tries to figure out what the children want for Christmas. Announcer is Howard Petrie. Super Suds, NBC. (25 min)
GUEST STAR (12-16-51) “Stand-in For Santa” starring MacDonald Carey, with host John Conte, narrator Rod O’Connor, Harry Sosnick and the Orchestra. On Christmas Eve, a reporter is assigned to visit the tenement district. Cast includes Anne Whitfield, Ann Stone, Gerald Mohr. U.S. Treasury Department, Syndicated. (15 min)
KATE SMITH SHOW (12-24-44) It’s “the Songbird of the South,” with master of ceremonies Ted Collins, Jack Miller and the Orchestra and guests Jackie Gleason and Dickie Jones and Jackie Kelk. Gleason recalls his love affair with a jukebox; Jones and Kelk take part in an Aldrich Family sketch at Christmastime. Kate sings “Ave Maria.” AFRS rebroadcast. (29 min) Read the article about Jackie Gleason and The Honeymooners in the Autumn 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
MAN CALLED X (12-21-47) Herbert Marshall stars as Ken Thurston, with Leon Belasco as Pagon Zeldschmitt. After his plane crashes in the middle East, Ken is rescued by a child who plans to end her life. Announcer is Wendell Niles. Frigidaire, CBS. (23 min)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
RADIO TO PLAN YOUR LIST BY
JIMMY DURANTE-GARRY MOORE SHOW (12-22-44) It’s “The Nose and the Haircut,” with announcer Howard Petrie, Elvia Allman, Roy Bargy and the Orchestra. Jimmy talks about buying his girlfriend’s Christmas gift; Garry offers his version of “White Christmas.” Later, Jimmy and Garry play zookeepers who are asked to find a six-legged octopus. Camel Cigarettes, CBS. (29 min)
BROADWAY IS MY BEAT (12-24-49) Larry Thor stars as Det. Danny Clover, with Charles Calvert as Sgt. Gino Tartaglia. Complications ensue when an ex-con arrives to play Santa Claus at the Police Athletic League’s Christmas Eve party for neighborhood children. With Gil Stratton Jr., Howard McNear, Hal March, Shep Menken, Peggy Webber, Estello Dodge. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min)
GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (12-10-47) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. GIldersleeve, with Walter Tetley as Leroy, Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Louise Erickson as Marjorie, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Dick LeGrand as Peavey. Gildy decides to do his shopping “early” and heads to the department store. Kraft, NBC. (30 min)
THE ANGEL WITH THE COLD NOSE (1940s) Margaret O’Brien stars as a young girl who befriends a tramp at Christmas time and tries to put him up for the night, but the housekeeper turns him away. Cast includes Will Wright, Myron McCormick. Syndicated. (26 min)
BOB AND RAY (12-22-59) Correspondent Phil Fish reports on his recent overseas trip; Bob asks audience members what gift they’d like to get for Christmas. Participating sponsors, CBS. (14 min)
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF DENNIS DAY (12-25-46) With Sharon Douglas as Mildred Anderson, Dink Trout and Paula Winslowe as Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, Charles Dant and the Orchestra, announcer Verne Smith. At Christmas, Dennis tries to curry favor with Mildred’s mother. Later, he tells a young boy the story of “The Boy Who Sang For the King.” Colgate-Palmolive, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
RADIO TO ADDRESS CARDS BY
HOPALONG CASSIDY (1950) “The Santa Claus Rustlers” starring William Boyd, with Andy Clyde as California Carlson. Hoppy and California are heading home for the holidays when they stop at a ranch in Phoenix where cattle have been disappearing mysteriously. Syndicated. (28 min)
BIG SHOW (12-23-51) Mistress of ceremonies Tallulah Bankhead welcomes guests Milton Berle, Robert Merrill, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson, Margaret Truman, Alec Templeton, Meredith Willson and the Orchestra, who play “Jing-a-Ling.” Berle and Bankhead perform a dramatic sketch, “Christmas Present”; Margaret sings “O Leave Your Sheep.” AFRS rebroadcast. (31 min and 29 min)
BOB AND RAY (12-24-59) It’s a Christmas party, as Bob and Ray decorate the tree and sing carols with Wally Ballou, Mary McGoon and Webley Webster. CBS. (14 min)
SUSPENSE (12-13-55) “A Present for Benny” starring Jack Kruschen in “a story of Christmas shopping and a present that went astray.” A mobster’s girlfriend wants a mink coat for Christmas. Cast: Stacy Harris, Eve McVeagh, Benny Rubin, Junius Matthews, Joe Kearns. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-20-49) Jim and Marian Jordan star, with Gale Gordon as Mayor LaTrvia, Bill Thompson as the Old Timer, Dick LeGrand as Ole, Cliff Arquette as Bessie, Herb Vigran as Herbert, announcer Harlow Wilcox, the King’s Men, Billy Mills and the Orchestra. Fibber makes plans to decorate the house for the holidays. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29 min)
PLUS: We’ll salute the great Dick Van Dyke on the occasion of his 100th birthday, with samples of his radio and stage career. Don’t miss it!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20
RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-25-38) WIth Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Kenny Baker, Don Wilson, Harry Baldwin, Andy Devine and guest Joan Bennett. It’s Christmas Day and Jack is preparing to host an open house for his cast. Jell-O, NBC. (30 min)
RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (12-24-49) Dick Powell stars as Diamond, with Ed Begley as Lt. Walt Levinson, Wilms Herbert as Sgt. Otis, Virginia Gregg as Helen Asher. Diamond tells his favorite story, “A Christmas Carol,” featuring Walt as Ebeneezer Scrooge, Otis as Jacob Marley and Helen as Mrs. Crachit. Cast includes Sidney Miller. Sustaining, NBC. (27 min)
OLD-TIME RADIO CHRISTMAS CAROL (12-22-90) A special play written and performed by Ken Alexander, produced by Brian Johnson, about an old man who believes in Christmas... but not in old-time radio. (18 min)
BOB AND RAY (12-25-59) For their Christmas Day broadcast, Bob and Ray present a special episode of “One Fella’s Family,” with guest appearances by Wally Ballou, Capt. Wolf Larsen. Webley Webster, The McBeebee Twins and other members of the show’s cast. Sustaining, CBS. (15 min)
BING CROSBY SHOW (12-20-50) With announcer Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the Orchestra, Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires and Bing’s wife Dixie Lee and their sons, Gary, Phillip, Dennis and Lindsay. Bing sings “Adeste Fidelis” and prepares to play Santa Claus for the boys. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (28 min)
CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (12-25-44) “America For Christmas,” starring Walter Huston, with songs written by Woody Guthrie and Earl Robinson and performed by the Sportsmen Quartet. As a group of U.S. servicemen celebrate Christmas on a small island in the Pacific, a USO troupe joins them for a Christmas show about America. DuPont, NBC. (30 min)
PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-19-48) With Elliott Lewis as Remley, Walter Tetley as Julius, Robert North as Willie, Jeanine Roose and Anne Whitfield as the Harris daughters, announcer Bill Forman and special guest Jack Benny. Phil must find someone to play Santa Claus for his daughters on Christmas Eve. Rexall, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
SEASON’S GREETINGS!
PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-26-48) With Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Gale Gordon as Mr. Scott. It’s the day after Christmas and Phil is upset that he hasn’t received a gift from his sponsor. Rexall, NBC. (29 min)
THEATER GUILD ON THE AIR (12-24-50) “David Copperfield” starring Richard Burton, Boris Karloff, Flora Robson, Hugh Williams and Cyril Ritchard in a radio adaptation of the famous story by Charles Dickens, about a young man’s journey from boyhood to adulthood in 19th Century England. Roger Pryor hosts. U.S. Steel, NBC. (25 min and 35 min)
LIFE OF RILEY (12-27-47) William Bendix stars as Chester Riley, with Paula Winslowe as Peg, Tommy Cook as Junior, Barbara Eiler as Babs, John Brown as Jim Gillis and Digby O’Dell. In a flashback to the previous week, the family agrees to pool their money and buy a Christmas gift that all of them can use. Announcer is Ken Niles. Prell, NBC. (29 min)
WORDS AT WAR (12-26-44) “Scapegoats of History” is “a play in the Christmas spirit,” narrated by Bernard Lenrow. At a time of World War, this play explores examples of bigotry and persecution dating back to the birth of Jesus. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
LIFE WITH LUIGI (12-27-49) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco, with Alan Reed as Pasquale, Jody Gilbert as Rosa, Hans Conried as Schultz, Mary Shipp as Miss Spaulding, Joe Forte as Horowitz, Ken Peters as Olsen. Luigi wants to telephone his mother in Italy on New Year’s Eve but doesn’t have the money to pay for the call. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
SUBSCRIBE RIGHT NOW! CLICK HERE: Nostalgia Digest Magazine
RADIO'S GOLDEN AGE
Our Radio's Golden Age series can be heard every Sunday evening from 6-9 pm Central time on KXEL-AM. See the schedule for Radio's Golden Age in every issue of Nostalgia Digest.
