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.
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Summer 2026 Program Highlights
SATURDAY, JUNE 13
GREEN HORNET (9-24-46) “Underwater Adventure,” starring Bob Hall as Britt Reid, the Green Hornet, with Rollon Parker as Kato. A gang masquerades as a salvage company in order to dig up a strongbox containing stolen money submerged in a harbor. Hal Neal announces. Sustaining, ABC. (29 min)
OUR MISS BROOKS (6-5-49) Eve Arden stars as Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon as Osgood Conklin, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton, Dick Crenna as Walter Denton, Jane Morgan as Mrs. Davis, Gloria McMillan as Harriet Conklin, Bob Jellison, Hal March, Frank Nelson. Mrs. Davis goes to visit her sister and inadvertently takes the keys for Madison High School with her. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (30 min)
WEIRD CIRCLE (10-29-44) “The Fatal Love Potion,” a radio adaptation of the story by Edward Lytton. The legal guardian of a wealthy young girl is framed for murder by those who want to get their hands on her money. Syndicated. (26 min)
KRAFT MUSIC HALL (5-6-48) Al Jolson stars, with Oscar Levant, Lou Bring and the Orchestra, announcer Ken Carpenter and guest Groucho Marx, who talks about his show You Bet Your Life and tries to sell Al an insurance policy. Al sings “Yacka-Hula-Hickey-Do” and others. Kraft, NBC. (30 min)
THE MAN CALLED X (11-25-50) Herbert Marshall stars as Ken Thurston, with Leon Belasco as Pagon Zeldschmidt. Ken travels to Virginia to find a cryptographer friend who has disappeared and been suspected of treason. Cast includes Parley Baer, Junius Matthews. Participating sponsors, NBC. (29 min)
FIRST NIGHTER (1-29-48) “A Writer in the Family” starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule in a romantic comedy “from the little theater off Times Square.” A writer of Western stories meets a highway surveyor. Cast includes Hugh Studebaker, Paul Frees, Arthur Q. Bryan, Mary Lansing. Announcer is Larry Keating. Campana Products, CBS. (30 min)
SATURDAY, JUNE 20
FATHER’S DAY
EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (3-7-45) With announcer Harry von Zell, Billy Gray, Bert Gordon as the Mad Russian, singer Nora Martin, Leonard Suess and the Orchestra. In the first of three consecutive programs, trouble arises when Harry enters his newborn son in a baby contest but sends a picture of Eddie by mistake. Bristol-Myers, NBC. (29 min) Read the article about Eddie Cantor in the Spring 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
CALLING ALL DETECTIVES (2-18-49) Paul Barnes plays detective Jerry Browning (and all of the other roles). An irate father hires Jerry to investigate what appears to have been a fraudulent beauty contest. Syndicated. (8 min)
COSMOPOLITAN PLAYHOUSE (8-27-45) “Father of the Bride” starring Barry Thomson and Joan Alexander. On the eve of his daughter’s wedding, a man recalls the events that led to his impending divorce. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min)
EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (3-14-45) With Harry von Zell, Nora Martin, Bert Gordon, Leonard Suess and the Orchestra. Eddie and Harry are in jail, awaiting trial for mail fraud. Eddie sings “Swanee.” Bristol-Myers, NBC. (29 min)
GUNSMOKE (7-20-58) “Marshal Proudfoot” starring William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, with Parley Baer as Chester Proudfoot, Howard McNear as Doc, Georgia Ellis as Kitty. Chester’s father comes to Dodge City, believing his son Is the marshal. AFRTS rebroadcast. (25 min)
QUIZ KIDS (6-16-46) For Father’s Day, the Quiz Kids are joined by their fathers, who answer questions during the second half of the show. Joe Kelly is quizmaster, with Quiz Kids Patrick Conlon, Harve Fishman, Ruth Duskin and Joel Kupperman. Bob Murphy announces. Alka-Seltzer, ABC. (30 min)
EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (3-21-45) With Harry von Zell, Nora Martin, Bert Gordon, Billy Gray, Elvia Allman, Leonard Suess and the Orchestra. After Eddie discusses his recent trip to San Francisco, Harry must prove to a woman from the adoption board that he’s a competent father. Bristol-Myers, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (6-26-49) With Elliott Lewis as Frankie Remley, Walter Tetley as Julius Abbruzio, Robert North as Willie, Gale Gordon as Mr. Scott, Jeanine Roose and Anne Whitfield as the Harris daughters. It’s the end of the season and time for Phil to sign a new contract. Rexall, NBC. (30 min)
VIC AND SADE (4-15-40) It’s “Radio’s Home Folks,” with Art Van Harvey as Vic, Bill Idelson as Rush, who approaches Vic about a chance to make money by collecting dirt. Crisco, NBC. (13 min)
YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (8-4-57) “The Wayward Widow Matter” starring Bob Bailey as the man with the action-packed expense account. Dollar is hired to accompany a widow and her statue on a trip to her lake house. Cast: Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Eric Snowden, Frank Gerstle. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
FRED ALLEN SHOW (3-20-40) With Portland Hoffa, announcer Harry von Zell, The Merry Macs, Wyn Murray, John Brown, Minerva Pious, Peter van Steeden and the Orchestra. Guest is Capt. Charles Knight, famous authority on eagles, who brings his bird Mr. Ramshaw to the studio, resulting in one of the most chaotic broadcasts of Fred’s career. Later, the Mighty Allen Art Players present a parody of the Pot o’ Gold radio show. Bristol-Myers, NBC. (35 min and 25 min)
BOB AND RAY (7-23-59) “Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding present the CBS Radio Network.” Wally Ballou reports from Idlewild Airport; a visit from aerial performer Flaming Bombadine. Columbia Phonographs, CBS. (14 min)
ARCH OBOLER’S PLAYS (4-26-45) “The House I Live In” starring Raymond Massey as the father of a soldier who is missing in action. Cast: Ann Shepherd, Alfred Ryder, Mercedes McCambridge, Hester Sondergaard, Hope Foy. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, JULY 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY
CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (1-1-36) “The Declaration of Independence” tells the story of how the writings of Thomas Paine inspired the Continental Congress to debate, draft and adopt a Declaration of Independence. Cast includes Ray Collins, William Johnstone. DuPont, CBS. (30 min)
INDEPENDENCE 200 (1976) An audio “scrapbook,” narrated by Edwin Newman, featuring an array of historical recordings and songs from America’s past to chronicle the country’s first 200 years. John Hancock Insurance Company, Commercial recording. (43 min and 44 min) Click here to see the contents of Independence 200.
LIFE WITH LUIGI (7-4-50) J. Carroll Naish stars as Luigi Basco, with Alan Reed as Pasquale, Hans Conried as Schultz, Jody Gilbert as Rosa, Ken Peters, Joe Forte, Mary Shipp. Luigi and his night school class are making plans to march in the city’s Independence Day parade. Cast includes Bill Johnstone; announcer is Bob Stephenson. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (29 min)
COLUMBIA WORKSHOP (7-6-41) “Between Americans,” written and directed by Norman Corwin, narrated by Ray Collins. An “informal program for informal people,” an exploration of what America means to its people. Cast includes Frank Lovejoy, Myron McCormick, Everett Sloane. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
SATURDAY, JULY 11
A DAY OF DISC-OVERIES
GUNSMOKE (4-26-52) The first show of the series, starring William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Parley Baer as Chester, Howard McNear as Doc. Dillon must stop a lynch mob from attacking a Dutch farmer who has been accused of murder. Cast: Georgia Ellis, Dick Beals, Harry Bartell, Don Diamond, Paul Dubov, Mary Lansing. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
EDDIE BRACKEN STORY (2-6-45) With William Demarest as Mr. Monahan, Doris Singleton as Connie, Janet Waldo as Barbara, Wally Maher, Jane Morgan, Griff Barnett, Joe Forte, Earl King, narrator Jim Bannon. Connie asks for Eddie’s help in finding a special pig as part of a scavenger hunt. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
I WAS THERE (10-28-38) The fifth program in the series, devoted to eyewitness accounts of important historic moments. Guests include a man who fought in the Boer War, a woman who was present for a meeting between two presidents and pilot, and dance director LeRoy Prinz. Thomas Freebairn Smith hosts. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
CHESTERFIELD MOONLIGHT SERENADE (2-13-40) A program of music starring Glenn Miller and the Orchestra (“America’s number one dance band”) and the Andrews Sisters (“America’s number one swing trio”), with additional vocals by Marion Hutton, Tex Beneke and Ray Eberle. The band plays “The Rhumba Jumps,” “Tuxedo Junction” and others. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (14 min)
THE WHISTLER (7-29-46) “The Sellout,” starring Elliott Lewis, Jack Moyles and Charles Seel, with Bill Forman as the Whistler. An artist is forced to steal a set of secret drawings to pay off a gambling debt. Signal Oil, CBS. (30 min)
JACK BENNY PROGRAM (4-3-49) With Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Mel Blanc, Sheldon Leonard, Artie Auerbach, Frank Nelson, The Sportsmen. Mary and Rochester are helping Jack pack for his plane trip to New York. Dennis sings “Far Away Places.” Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (27 min)
OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be KARL PEARSON, host of WDCB’s Juke Box Saturday Night, who will talk about the process of preserving and restoring the original transcription discs that provided the material for today’s program. Read Karl’s article about digitizing radio shows from transcription discs in the Summer 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
SATURDAY, JULY 18
COMEDY CARAVAN (4-21-44) Jimmy Durante and Garry Moore star, with Georgia Gibbs, Roy Bargy and the Orchestra, announcer Howard Petrie. Garry salutes the 1943 Academy Awards; Jimmy talks about running for president. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
SUSPENSE (2-7-56) “Variations on a Theme” starring Parley Baer in the story of “a man who thought the best way to commit murder was to plan it first.” Cast: Paula Winslowe, Helen Kleeb, Sam Edwards, Barbara Fuller, Peter Leeds. George Walsh announces. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
MY FRIEND IRMA (2-23-48) Marie Wilson stars as Irma Peterson, with Cathy Lewis as Jane, John Brown as Al, Hans Conried as Prof. Kropotkin, Bea Benaderet as Amber. Irma finds a letter that leads her to think that Al is cheating on her. Swan Soap, CBS. (29 min)
DR. CHRISTIAN (3-27-38) Jean Hersholt stars as Dr. Christian, with Rosemary DeCamp as nurse Judy Price. Dr. Christian tries to help a man whose penchant for tall tales has gotten him into trouble. Cast includes Earle Ross, Gale Gordon. Art Gilmore announces. Vaseline, CBS. (30 min)
RAILROAD HOUR (10-9-50) “Roberta” starring Gordon MacRae and guests Ginny Simms and Edna Best in a radio adaptation of the musical by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach. A football player inherits a Parisian fashion house and falls in love with the chief designer. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (29 min)
ACADEMY AWARD (7-3-46) “The Maltese Falcon,” starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor and Sydney Greenstreet in a radio version of their 1941 film. Detective Sam Spade is hired to find a jewel-encrusted statue. House of Squibb, CBS. (30 min) Read the article about The Maltese Falcon and other movies in the Summer 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
ALLEN AND FIELDS: AMAZING GRACIES
BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (2-28-40) With Ray Noble and the Orchestra, singer Frank Parker, announcer Truman Bradley, Mary Kelly, Elliott Lewis, Mel Blanc. Gracie announces plans to run for president and she’s already started handing out cabinet appointments. Hinds Cream, CBS. (30 min) Read the article about Gracie Allen's presidential campaign in the Summer 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
INFORMATION PLEASE (6-20-39) It’s “time to stump the experts” with moderator Clifton Fadiman, regulars John Kieran and Franklin P. Adams and guests John Gunther and Gracie Allen. Milton Cross announces. Canada Dry, NBC. (30 min)
GRACIE FIELDS SHOW (7-9-44) With Bill Goodwin, Lou Bring and the Orchestra, Eric Snowden, Doris Singleton and guest Jack Carson, who joins Gracie for a sketch about a British girl dating an American soldier. Gracie sings “Bless ‘Em All,” “I’ll Get By,” and others. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
SONGS BY SINATRA (5-14-47) With Jane Powell, The Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the Orchestra and guests George Burns and Gracie Allen. Gracie explains the different methods of swooning and offers advice to Jane about courting men. Frank sings “Time After Time” and “Begin the Beguine.” Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (28 min)
FRED ALLEN SHOW (1-12-47) With Portland Hoffa, Minerva Pious, Parker Fennelley, Kenny Delmar, Peter Donald, the DeMarco Sisters, Al Goodman and the Orchestra and guest Gracie Fields, who sings “The Whole World is Singing My Song” and joins Fred for a spoof of British radio. The Allen’s Alley question is “Do you think mystery stories are on their last legs?” Tender Leaf Tea, Shefford’s Cheese, NBC. (30 min)
BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (5-15-40) Broadcasting from Omaha, with Frank Parker, Ray Noble and the Orchestra, announcer Truman Bradley, Mary Kelly, Elliott Lewis and Omaha mayor Dan Butler. Gracie is in town where she expects to receive the presidential nomination from the Surprise Party. Hinds Cream, CBS. (30 min)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR (10-21-50) “The Jack Madigan Matter” starring Edmond O’Brien as the man with action-packed expense account. A bail bondsman hires Dollar to track down two missing witnesses before an upcoming trial. Cast: Sidney Miller, John Dehner, Clayton Post, Jeanette Nolan, John McIntire. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min) Read the article about Edmond O'Brien in the Summer 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
SPOTLIGHT REVUE (2-20-48) Broadcasting from New York, with Spike Jones and his City Slickers, Dorothy Shay, Doodles Weaver as Prof. Feedblebaum and guest Buddy Clark, who sings “I’ll Dance at Your Wedding” and “Little White Lies.” Professor Feedlebaum performs “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover.” Coca-Cola, CBS. (29 min)
LIFE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL (2-7-44) An isolated episode of the series, with Teri Keane as Chi Chi, announcer Hugh Conover. Chi Chi and Stephen talk about Maud’s death and his recent bad fortune. Ivory Soap, CBS. (15 min)
ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (5-28-54) Starring Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard and their real-life sons David and Ricky, with Joseph Kearns as Joe, announcer Vern Smith. A friend from Ozzie’s past sends a pipe to David. AFRS rebroadcast. (25 min)
MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (7-19-46) “Murder’s a Lonely Business” starring Helen Shields, Wendell Holmes, Carl Emory. A husband and wife decide to murder their uncle before he can rewrite his will to exclude them. Syndicated. (26 min)
MILTON BERLE SHOW (10-7-47) It’s “Uncle Milty” on radio, offering a “Salute to the Old West,” including an interview with a movie cowboy and a special “Western forum.” With Pert Kelton, Jack Albertson, Billy Sands, Johnny Gibson, Frank Milano, Arthur Vinton, singer Dick Farney, Ray Bloch and the Orchestra. Philip Morris Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min)
FAMILY THEATRE (7-27-49) “Robin Hood” starring Edmond O’Brien as Robin, who must outwit the Sherriff of Nottingham and save Maid Marian from being hanged. Cast: William Conrad, Edgar Barrier, Lillian Buyeff, Ed Begley, Jeff Corey, Junius Matthews. Announcer is Gene Baker. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
SEE YOU IN THE FUNNY PAPERS!
Read the article about comic strips on radio in the Summer 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest
DON WINSLOW OF THE NAVY (11-27-42) An isolated episode of the series, with Raymond Edward Johnson as Don, John Gibson as Lt. Red Pennington. Don and Red take a plane to attack one of the Nazi’s two-man submarines. Post Toasties, NBC BLUE. (12 min)
POPEYE (1936) An isolated episode of the series, with Detmar Poppen as Popeye, Olive Lamoy as Olive Oyl. Popeye must use his great strength to stop a runaway trolley car. Wheatena, CBS. (13 min)
BLONDIE (3-11-45) Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake star as Blondie and Dagwood, with Hanley Stafford as Mr. Dithers, John Brown as Herb Woodley. Dagwood fakes a case of amnesia to see if Blondie still cares for him. Announcer is Don Wilson. AFRS rebroadcast. (28 min)
LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE (12-7-33) An isolated episode of the series, with Shirley Bell as Annie and Allan Baruck as Joe. Annie and Joe visit the Rocking R Ranch to tell what they know about the ranch’s missing cattle. Pierre Andre announces. Ovaltine, MBS. (15 min)
TERRY AND THE PIRATES (1-14-47) An isolated episode of the series, with Bill Fein as Terry, Gerta Rozen as Eleta. While Pat Ryan is guarding Dr. Quill, Terry and Flip Corkin are in jail after a stranger starts a fight with them at a Hong Kong food shop. Quaker Puffed Wheat Sparkies, ABC. (14 min)
MARK TRAIL (10-11-50) “The Forty-Year Freeze,” with Matt Crowley as Matt, Ronald Liss as Scotty, Jackson Beck as Johnny. Mark and his friends are in Montana to record glacier movements when Johnny gets trapped in a fissure. Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, MBS. (29 min)
AMAZING INTERPLANETARY ADVENTURES OF FLASH GORDON (8-31-35) An isolated episode of the series, starring Gale Gordon as Flash, Maurice Franklin as Dr. Zarkov. As the invisible Flash escapes from Queen Azura’s quarters, Dr. Zarkov tries to free Dale Arden from the grip of an Ape Man. Hearst Newspapers, Syndicated. (15 min)
JUNGLE JIM (1-1-50) An isolated episode of the series, with Matt Crowley as Jim, Juano Hernandez as Kolu, Franc Hale as Lil. Jim, Kolu and Lil are enjoying a vacation when they spot a boat going down. Hearst Newspapers, Syndicated. (13 min)
ARCHIE ANDREWS (8-21-48) With Bob Hastings as Archie, Harlan Stone as Jughead, Rosemary Rice as Betty, Gloria Mann as Veronica, Arthur Kohl and Alice Yourman as Mr. and Mrs. Andrews. The Andrews make plans to go on a picnic. Swift Premium Franks, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-30-51) Willard Waterman as Throckmorton P. GIldersleeve, with Walter Tetley as Leroy, Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Marylee Robb as Marjorie, Dick Crenna, Earle Ross, Dick LeGrand. Gildy is trying to get everything organized so the family can leave on their summer vacation. Kraft, NBC. (30 min)
SIX SHOOTER (11-1-53) James Stewart stars as Texas plainsman Britt Ponset, who helps the sheriff of Clay City in capturing a thief and killer. Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Herb Vigran, James McCallion. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
BEAT THE BAND (3-1-44) Hildegarde hosts this musical quiz show, with Harry Sosnick and the Orchestra, announcer Marvin Miller. Hildegarde sings “We’re in the Money,” “My Shining Hour,” “The Last Time I Saw Paris” and others. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min) Read the article about Hildegarde in the Summer 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
BROADWAY IS MY BEAT (3-15-52) Larry Thor is Det. Danny Clover, with Charles Calvert as Sgt. Gino Tartaglia, Jack Kruschen as Det. Muggevin. The police investigate when a successful Broadway producer is found shot in the back. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
HILDEGARDE’S RADIO ROOM (10-16-45) “The incomparable Hildegarde” with Harry Sosnik and the Orchestra and guests Jackie Kelk, baseball player Hank Greenberg, comedian Ned Sparks, actors Les Tremayne and Claudia Morgan and Paul McGrath, host of radio’s Inner Sanctum. Hildegarde sings “And There You Are,” “How Deep Is the Ocean?” and others. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
GRAND CENTRAL STATION (9-19-48) “Too Young to Understand” starring Sarah Fussell as a young boy who goes to work to help the family buy a new suit for his older brother’s graduation. Cast: Charme Allen, Will Geer, Howard Smith, Bethel Leslie, Jackie Ayers, Kenneth Forbes. Pillsbury, CBS. (30 min)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (9-15-44) Tom Howard hosts this quiz show spoof, with Nat Novick and the Orchestra and regulars Harry MacNaughton, Lulu McConnell and George Shelton and guest Patsy Kelly. Questions include “What product does a candy salesman sell?” and “What do you put between two bookends?” AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
X MINUS ONE (2-22-56) “Junkyard” based on a story by Clifford D. Simak. Travelers to an alien planet suddenly begin losing their memories and reverting to childhood. With John Larkin, Bob Hastings. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
KRAFT MUSIC HALL (10-28-48) Al Jolson stars, with Oscar Levant, Lou Bring and the Orchestra, announcer Ken Carpenter and guest Dorothy Kirsten, who duets with Al on “Hello, My Baby.” Al sings “I’m Just Wild About Harry,” “Down Among the Sheltering Palms” and others. Kraft, NBC. (30 min)
SHERLOCK HOLMES (3-11-46) “The Living Doll” starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Watson. Holmes is disturbed when he discovers a “living doll” made in the likeness of a young girl. Cast includes Paula Winslowe. Announcer is Harry Bartell. Petri Wines, MBS. (30 min)
MEET CORLISS ARCHER (4-6-47) Janet Waldo stars as Corliss, with Sam Edwards as Dexter Franklin, Fred Shields and Irene Tedrow as Mr. and Mrs. Archer. Corliss wants Dexter to submit a photo of her for a department store beauty contest. Announcer is Del Sharbutt. Campbell Soups, CBS. (29 min)
ESCAPE (12-31-47) “Confession” starring William Conrad as a shell-shocked soldier who travels to London for an engagement and finds himself worried that he cannot distinguish between imagination and reality. Cast: Ramsey Hill, Peggy Webber, Eric Snowden, Eleanor Audley, Raymond Lawrence. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
ON YOUR MARX!
YOU BET YOUR LIFE (5-31-50) Groucho Marx hosts this comedy quiz show, with announcer George Fenneman. Couples answer questions about drinking songs, famous husbands and wives, and animals of fact and fiction. DeSoto Automobiles, NBC. (29 min) Read the article about The Marx Brothers in the Summer 2026 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
COMMAND PERFORMANCE #209 (recorded 1-31-46) Robert Young is master of ceremonies, with Lina Romay, Chico Marx, the Charioteers, Jack Benny, David Rose and the Orchestra, Mel Blanc, Sara Berner. Chico and the band play “Gypsy Love Song”; later, Jack takes part in a parody of the play “Sorry, Wrong Number.” AFRS. (30 min)
BLUE RIBBON TOWN (1-8-44) Groucho Marx stars, with Leo Gorcey, singers Bill Day and Faye McKenzie, announcer Ken Niles and guest Charles Laughton. Groucho seeks Laughton’s help after driving into a Beverly Hills lamp post. Pabst, CBS. (29 min)
BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (5-9-46) With Bill Goodwin, Mel Blanc, Meredith Willson and the Orchestra and guest Harpo Marx. Gracie takes on the role of a gossip columnist and hires Harpo as a reporter. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (29 min)
RUDY VALLEE SHOW (3-27-41) With John Barrymore, Lurene Tuttle, Bea Benaderet and guest Groucho Marx, who plays an efficiency expert in a sketch and joins Rudy and John in selling books door-to-door. Rudy sings “Made Up My Mind” and “In Love With a Memory.” Sealtest, NBC. (30 min)
FIVE-STAR THEATER (5-22-33) Groucho and Chico Marx star in the last program of the series, with Leonard Joy and the Orchestra. Groucho and Chico stow away on an ocean liner. Standard Oil, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
SWEET AND HOT: DANCE BANDS ON THE AIR, 1929-1935
CASCADE TUNNEL DEDICATION (1-12-29) Excerpts from a broadcast featuring George Olsen and his Music. The Olsen band plays “Makin’ Whoopee,” “Doin’ the Raccoon,” “A Precious Little Thing Called Love” and other selections. Philips Carlin announces. Sustaining, NBC. (16 min)
BRUNSWICK BREVITIES (Recorded 9-9-29) Ben Bernie (“The Old Maestro”) and his Orchestra are heard in a program of melodies including “Jericho,” “You Were Meant For Me,” “I’ve Got A Feeling I’m Falling” and “The Elephant Love Song.” Announcer is Norman Brokenshire. Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, Syndicated. Excerpts. (22 min)
GUS ARNHEIM AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1931) “The star of entertainers and entertainer of stars” and vocalists Loyce Whiteman, Jack Smith, Donald Novis and the Three Ambassadors, in a studio broadcast from Los Angeles. The orchestra plays “Just One More Chance,” “Diane” and a Chinese Medley. Syndicated. (13 min)
JOHNSON WAX ENTERTAINERS (July 1931) A promotional recording made for Johnson Wax dealers announcing the premiere of a new program featuring Ted Weems and his Orchestra, along with a special drawing for listeners. Singer Helen Rowland is heard as the “Johnson Wax Doll”; Harry Von Zell announces. Special recording. (8 min)
JOHNSON WAX ENTERTAINERS (8-23-31) The first program in a series featuring Ted Weems and his Orchestra from Chicago, along with Ilomay Bailey as “The Johnson Wax Doll.” Selections include “I Got Rhythm,” “The One-Man Band” and “Heartaches.” Charles Lyon announces. NBC. (30 min)
EDDIE SOUTH AND HIS INTERNATIONAL ORCHESTRA #1 (1933) “The Dark Angel of the Violin” and his band present a quarter hour program recorded in Hollywood. Tunes include “Ay! Mama Ines” and “What A Perfect Combination,” with vocals by Eddie South. Cheloni Skin Products. Syndicated. (15 min)
AMERICAN REVIEW (10-22-33) New York City broadcast featuring Ethel Waters, the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra featuring Joe Venuti, and emcee George Beatty. Ethel sings “To Be Or Not To Be,” “Dinah,” and her recent sensation “Stormy Weather.” The Dorseys play several numbers, including “Stay On The Right Side Of The Road” and “Swingy Little Thingy.” Harry Von Zell announces. American Oil Company. CBS. (30 min)
BEAL-TAYLOR ORCHESTRA #11 (1934) Bob Beal and Herb Taylor and their orchestra in a remote broadcast from the Venetian Room of the Hotel Fairmont in San Francisco, with vocals by Horace Perazzi, Marjorie Beattie and Clarence Hayes. Selections include “Tea For Two” and “Here Come The British.” NBC-Blue West Coast/Syndicated. (11 min)
LET’S DANCE (5-4-35) An excerpt featuring Benny Goodman and his Orchestra, along with vocalists Helen Ward and Ray Hendricks in a program from New York’s Radio City. The Goodman gang plays “The Dixieland Band,” “Star Dust” and “Walk, Jennie, Walk.” Announcer is George Hicks. National Biscuit Company, NBC. (13 min)
OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be KARL PEARSON, big band historian and host of WDCB’s Juke Box Saturday Night, who will talk about the big bands and bandleaders of the swing era.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
LET GEORGE DO IT (11-29-48) “Stand-In For Murder” starring Robert Bailey as George Valentine, with Frances Robinson as Claire Brooks, Wally Maher as Lt. Riley. George agrees to help a racketeer who is being blackmailed as he tries to go straight. Cast includes Gerald Mohr, Jeanne Bates, Bob Jellison, Eddie Marr. Standard Oil of California, MBS. (30 min)
LUM AND ABNER (10-17-48) Chester Lauck and Norris Goff star, with Clarence Hartzell as Ben Withers, announcer Wendell Niles, Felix Mills and the Orchestra. Lum pretends to have a broken leg to avoid seeing the widow Abernathy. Frigidaire, CBS. (29 min)
LUX RADIO THEATER (9-9-46) “The Barretts of Wimpole Street,” starring Loretta Young, Brian Aherne, Vanessa Brown and Lester Matthews in a radio version of the 1934 film, about the real-life romance between poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. AFRS rebroadcast. (18 min & 19 min & 14 min)
MARTIN AND LEWIS SHOW (12-14-51) With announcer Jimmy Wallington, Dick Stabile and the Orchestra and guest Jane Russell, who joins the boys for a spoof of her film The Outlaw. Dean sings “In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening,” “Give Me A Kiss to Build a Dream On” and others. Participating sponsors, NBC. (29 min)
HARRY WISMER’S SPORTING NEWS OF THE DAY (6-12-48) The sportscaster reports from Detroit about Citation winning the Triple Crown, the National Open golf championship and scores from the day’s baseball games. Guests are football coach Lou Zarza and boxer Chuck Davy. Sustaining, ABC. (15 min)
LUKE SLAUGHTER OF TOMBSTONE (6-1-58) Sam Buffington as Luke, with Junius Matthews as Wichita. Luke and Wichita face numerous obstacles as they lead a cattle drive on behalf of the U.S. Army. Cast: Peter Leeds, Don Diamond, Barney Phillips, Norm Alden. Sustaining, CBS. (25 min)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
WHAT TIME IS IT?
DRENE TIME (3-2-47) Starring Don Ameche, Frances Langford and Danny Thomas, with announcer Tobe Reed, Carmen Dragon and the Orchestra. Danny sings about his new invention; later, the cast perform a Bickersons sketch. Drene Shampoo, NBC. (30 min)
MARCH OF TIME (10-28-37) A program devoted to dramatizing news stories of the past week, narrated by Westbrook Van Voorhis, with Bill Johnstone, Everett Sloane, Karl Swenson, Agnes Moorehead. Stories include the New York mayoral election, political unrest in Hungary, Ireland’s new vice laws, and the new session of Parliament. Time, NBC. (30 min)
CURTAIN TIME (2-7-48) “Broadway Interlude” starring Harry Elders and Nannette Sergeant. A theatrical producer falls in love with a young actress appearing in his new show. Cast: George Cisar, Geraldine Kay, Margaret Brayton, Arthur Peterson. Mars Candy, NBC. (31 min)
PHILCO RADIO TIME (6-4-47) Bing Crosby stars in a broadcast from New York, with announcer Glenn Riggs, pianist Skitch Henderson, John Scott Trotter and the Orchestra and guests Fred Allen and Connee Boswell, who sings “Chi Baba Chi Baba.” BIng sings “I Do Like You,” “My Heart is a Home” and others. Philco, ABC. (30 min)
HOLLYWOOD STAR TIME (5-19-46) “The Lodger” starring Vincent Price and Cathy Lewis (substituting for Ida Lupino) in a radio adaptation of the 1944 movie. In 1888 London, a landlady suspects her new tenant may be Jack the Ripper. Frigidaire, CBS. (30 min)
ARTHUR GODFREY TIME (11-12-47) With Jeanette Davis, the Mariners, announcer Harry Marble, Archie Bleyer and his orchestra, guest Bob Farrell. Arthur sings “Mother Never Told Me” and talks about a group for expectant fathers and items he’s received from listeners. Chesterfield Cigarettes, CBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!
RED SKELTON SHOW (6-3-51) With Lurene Tuttle, Dick Ryan, announcer Rod O’Connor, David Rose and the Orchestra, trumpeter Rafael Mendez. The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire presents “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” as Red and Rod go to the baseball game and run into Willy Lump-Lump and Clem Kadiddlehopper. Tide, CBS. (30 min)
ON STAGE (4-16-53) “Casey at the Bat” starring Cathy and Elliott Lewis in a radio play inspired by the famous poem by Ernest Lawrence Thayer, the “real story” about a famous baseball game in 1888. With Hy Averback as Casey, Herb Butterfield as Wicks, Howard McNear, Byron Kane, Hal March, Sidney Miller, Peter Leeds. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (10-7-48) “Elmer the Great” starring Bob Hope in a radio adaptation of the play by Ring Lardner, about a country bumpkin who becomes a star baseball player. Cast includes Gerald Mohr, Jeff Chandler. James Hilton hosts; announcer is Frank Goss. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29 min)
BOSTON BLACKIE (4-27-46) Dick Kollmar is Blackie, with Jan Miner as Mary Wesley, Maurice Tarplin as Inspector Faraday. A gambler schemes to introduce a star baseball player to an alluring young woman. Cast includes Larry Haines, Bill Slater. Syndicated. (25 min)
OUR MISS BROOKS (3-26-50) Eve Arden stars as Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon as Principal Conklin, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton, Richard Crenna as Walter Denton, Jane Morgan, Gloria McMillan, Frank Nelson. It’s the start of baseball season at Madison High School, but the school can’t afford uniforms for the team. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (29 min)
CAVALCADE OF AMERICA (4-24-39) The show celebrates the centennial of baseball with the story of how Abner Doubleday arranged the first game of baseball and how the sport grew and evolved to create the National and American Leagues. Cast involves Karl Swenson, Kenny Delmar. DuPont, CBS. (30 min)
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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.
