Whitehall 1212 - The Case Of The Eaton Brothers (09-07-52)

The Case Of The Eaton Brothers (Aired September 7, 1952)

This series was very similar to the Black Museum that was hosted by Orson Welles. Both the Black Museum and Whitehall 1212 drew their material from the files of Scotland Yard. The stories were true in every respect except that the names were changed to protect the innocent, as they say. The Whitehall 1212 series boasted that for the first time Scotland Yard opened its files and the producers promised to bring to the public authentic true stories of some of the most celebrated cases. Permission for these records came from Sir Harold Scott, Commissioner of the yard at that time. There is actually a Black Museum. This area is located on the lower ground floor of Scotland Yard and it does indeed contain articles that are closely associated with the solving of a crime. And "Whitehall 1212" was the actual emergency phone number for the yard at the time. The research for the shows was done by Percy Hoskins, chief crime reporter for the London Daily Express. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

September 7, 1952. "Case Of The Eaton Brothers" - NBC network. Sustaining. A letter, written on the stationery of a London newspaper, is an exhibit in the "Black Museum." A woman's body is found in a messy former wine shop. Marlene Corcoran's murderer confesses to a newspaper for five hundred pounds. The confession, however, is useless! Percy Hoskins (researcher), Wyllis Cooper (writer, director), Horace Braham, Harvey Hayes, Carl Harburg, Lester Fletcher, Maurice Delamore, Jared Burke, Lionel Ricou (announcer). 29:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Your's Truly Johnny Dollar - "The Missing Archeologist" (02-24-50)

INTRO: Hall & Oates (Sara Smile) 1996
Your's Truly Johnny Dollar - "The Missing Archeologist" (02-24-50

 

 

The Missing Archeologist (Aired February 24, 1950)

During this time, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar attracted some of the best writers in Hollywood, including Jack Johnstone, E. Jack Neuman (using the pen name John Dawson), Robert Ryf, and Les Crutchfield. Bob Bailey also wrote a script while he was playing Johnny Dollar. He used the pen name Robert Bainter (Bainter was his middle name) as the scriptwriter for "The Carmen Kringle Matter", which was aired on Saturday, December 21, 1957 on the West Coast, and on the following day for the rest of the country. Bob Bailey, generally thought of as the most popular of the Johnny Dollars, brought a new interpretation to the character – tough, but not hard-boiled; streetwise, but not overly cynical, Bailey's Dollar was smart and gritty when he had to be. But Bailey's Johnny Dollar was also human. His character would get emotionally involved in a number of his cases.

THIS EPISODE:

February 24, 1950. "The Missing Archeologist" - CBS network. Sustaining. Bruce Lambert, an archeologist ("Who never should have left his tomb") has disappeared in Egypt. Lambert's sister asks Johnny to dig him up. Edmond O'Brien, Virginia Gregg, Jay Novello, Ed Begley, John Dehner, Pat McGeehan, Paul Dudley (writer), Gil Doud (writer), Leith Stevens (music), Jaime del Valle (producer, director), Roy Rowan (announcer). 30:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Carmen (05-31-52)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Carmen (Aired May 31, 1952)

The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

 

THIS EPISODE:

 June 21, 1959. CBS network. "Carmen". Commercials deleted. After the army payroll has been robbed, an army Major threatens to declare martial law in Dodge. Connie Dell, a good girl keeping bad company, becomes the key to the crime. The script was used previously on the program on May 31, 1952 (see cat. #61440) and October 8, 1955 (see cat. #48982) and on the Gunsmoke television series on May 24, 1958. The program opening and closing have been deleted. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, John Meston (writer), Norman Macdonnell (director), Lynn Allen, Virginia Gregg, Barney Phillips, Jack Moyles, Lawrence Dobkin, George Walsh (announcer). 22:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Dimension X - "Destination Moon" (06-24-50)

Destination Moon (Aired June 24, 1950)

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.

 

THIS EPISODE:
 

June 24, 1950. NBC network. "Destination Moon". Sustaining. The story is adapted from the George Pal movie of the same name. The story of the first expedition to the moon. The program is interrupted after eighteen minutes for a news bulletin announcing that North Korea has declared war on and has invaded South Korea. The closing credits have been deleted. Robert Heinlein (author), Wendell Holmes, Ralph Bell, Santos Ortega, Van Woodward (producer), Norman Rose (host), Edward King (director), Bob Warren (announcer), Roger De Koven, Ralph Bell. 30:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Bold Venture - "The Paul Brewer Story" (12-24-51)

The Paul Brewer Story (Aired December 24, 1951)

One can only imagine the number of Ad agencies, networks, sponsors, and syndicators that lined up month after month to pitch a Radio project to Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. That's undoubtedly a story in itself. What the Bogarts finally settled on has become something of a cult favorite in the world of Golden Age Radio. And they settled on a gem--for both its day and for generations of Golden Age Radio fans to come. The concept of Bold Venture had to have piqued the Bogarts' interest from the first pitch. Having already bought their beloved Santana schooner from Dick Powell and June Allyson, they'd become one of America's leading seafaring families within just a couple of years. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

 

THIS EPISODE:

December 24, 1951. Program #40. ZIV Syndication. "The Paul Brewer Story". Commercials added locally. Shannon is asked to help return Paul Brewer, an escaped murderer, to jail. The story is also known as, "Escape From Guantanamo." David Rose (composer, conductor), Humphrey Bogart, Jester Hairston, Lauren Bacall, Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Nestor Paiva. 27:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Burns & Allen Show - "George's Movie Career" (09-25-47)

George's Movie Career (Aired September 25, 1947)

Burns and Allen were an American comedy duo consisting of George Burns and his wife, Gracie Allen.Burns wrote most of the material, and played the straight man. Allen played a silly, addleheaded woman. Both attributed their success to the other, to the ends of their lives. Early on, the team had played the opposite roles until they noticed that the audience was laughing at Gracie's straight lines, so they made the change. Burns and Allen developed their popular routine over more than three decades of stage, radio, film, and television. Historians of popular culture have often stated that Allen was a brilliant comedian, whose entire career consisted of engaging in dialogues of "illogical logic" that left her verbal opponents dazed and confused, and her audiences in stitches. During a typical 23-minute episode of the Burns and Allen show, the vast majority of the dialogue and speaking parts were written for Allen, who was credited with having the genius to deliver her lengthy diatribes in a fashion that made it look as though she was making her arguments up on the spot.

Lights Out - "They Met At Dorset" (02-23-43)

They Met At Dorset (Aired February 23, 1943)

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:
 

February 23, 1943. CBS network. "They Met At Dorset". Sponsored by: Ironized Yeast, Molle Shaving Cream. Two German soldiers parachute into England on a mission to rescue Rudolph Hess. Seeking shelter from the rain, they come upon a genuine haunted house. A good radio ghost story. Arch Oboler (writer, host), Frank Martin (commercial spokesman). 21:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Candy Matson - "The Eric Spalding Concert" (01-13-50)

"The Eric Spalding Concert" (Aired January 13, 1950)

Candy Matson, in its various guises, was one of the ground-breaking lady detective anthologies from The Golden Age of Radio. Locally produced out of the KNBC studios in San Francisco, the series was produced, written and directed by Monty Masters and starred his wife, Natalie Masters, the former Natalie Park. One of only a handful of successful female-led radio noir detective dramas of the era, Candy Matson  was the eighth attempt to launch a successful distaff gumshoe series over Radio. After the fine-tuning of the audition--and the green light from NBC--Candy Matson aired as 'Candy Matson, YUkon 2-8209', with expanded characterizations for both Rembrandt and Lt. Mallard and a somewhat 'friskier' Candy herself. The combination clicked. Monty Masters' snappy dialogue, regular references to Bay Area locations, sports teams, cultural attractions and historic landmarks made for a both entertaining and familiar local production. The Jack Webb influence was unmistakeable. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

Boston Blackie - "Polly Morrison's Gun Collection" (07-28-44)

Polly Morrison's Gun Collection (Aired July 28, 1944)

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.

 

THIS EPISODE:

 

July 28, 1944. "Polly Morrison's Gun Collection" - NBC network, WEAF, New York aircheck. Sponsored by: Rinso, Lifebuoy Soap, Bulova (local). Boston Blackie is accused of murdering the caretaker of the Devon estate. His blood-stained coat proves that he's guilty. Chester Morris, Richard Lane, Charles Cornell (organ), Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Tony Barrett, Jan Miner. 29:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

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

The Final Payment (Aired December 11, 1948)

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!" The second series began immediately in the 1943 season when the production moved from Hollywood to New York. Robinson left (Trevor left two years earlier as her career starting taking off) and McGill reorganized the series placing Edward Pawley in the role of Wilson opposite Fran Carlon as Lorelei. Pawley's Wilson was more mellifluous compared to the rather nasty Robinson. The series' success continued on radio until 1952 leaving only the television version (which began in 1950). (Thanks to Robert G. Corder, author of a new biography of Edward Pawley.)

 

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. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Diary Of Fate - "Craig Norton" (04-20-48)

Craig Norton (Aired April 20, 1948)

The production didn't stint on talent, as hinted above. No less than Ivan Ditmars provided the music direction and in addition to Herb Lytton as 'Fate', the varying casts included Lurene Tuttle, Larry Dobkin, Hal Sawyer, Gloria Blondell, Frank Albertson, Jerry Hausner, Howard McNear, Peter Leeds, Ken Peters, Daws Butler and William Johnstone. All in all a superb well of talent from which to draw each week. While a bit difficult to document, the production remains quite collectable and the perspective of the presentation is also unique for the era--or since for that matter. Diary of Fate is one of Radio's little, oft-overlooked gems that demand pulling out, polishing up for better enjoyment, then dutifully returning them to their preserve for another airing one day in the future.

THIS EPISODE:

April 20, 1948. Program #19. Finley syndication. "Craig Norton". Commercials added locally. Book 97, page 824. A reader for a literary agency is constantly reminded of his own miserable failure as an author. The date is subject to correction. No cast credits given. Larry Finley (producer). 28:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Barry Craig Confidential Investigator - 'Beware The Walking Dog" (05-03-53)

"Beware The Walking Dog" (Aired May 3, 1953)

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.  

The Amos & Andy Show - "The Comfy Collar Shirt Company" (06-09-44)

INTRO: Whitney Houston - "Didn't We Almost Have It All" (1987)
The Comfy Collar Shirt Company (Aired June 9, 1944)

Amos Jones and Andy Brown worked on a farm near Atlanta, Georgia, and during the episodes of the first week, they made plans to find a better life in Chicago, despite warnings from a friend. With four ham and cheese sandwiches and $24, they bought train tickets and headed for Chicago where they lived in a State Street rooming house and experienced some rough times before launching their own business, the Fresh Air Taxi Company. With the listening audience increasing in the spring and summer of 1928, the show's success prompted the Pepsodent Company to bring it to the NBC Blue Network on August 19, 1929.

 

THIS EPISODE:
 

June 9, 1944. NBC network. Commercials deleted. The start of the program is delayed for D-Day bulletins (Communique #8) and invasion news (four and a half minutes). The case of Andy and "The Comfy Collar Shirt Company". The system cue has been deleted. Freeman Gosden, Charles Correll, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Elinor Harriot. 26:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The General Electric Theater - "The Token" (01-18-53)

The Token (Aired January 18, 1953)
Re-Release

The first two seasons of General Electric Theater established the half-hour anthology format of adaptations of popular plays, short stories, novels, magazine fiction and motion pictures. "The Eye of the Beholder," for example, a Hitchcock-like telefilm thriller starring Richard Conte and Martha Vickers, dramatized an artist's relationship with his model from differing, sometimes disturbing psychological perspectives. The addition of Ronald Reagan as program host commencing the third season 26 September 1954 reflected GE's decision to pursue a campaign of continuous, consistent company voice advertising. The Reagan role of program host and occasional guest star brought needed continuity to disparate anthology offerings.

THIS EPISODE:

January 18, 1953. CBS network. "The Token". Sponsored by: General Electric. 8:30 P. M. (EST). After the story, Dana Andrews mentions that he recently flew from London to Bombay on "the only commercial jetliner in the world." It was the British built "Comet." He describes it as, "quite an experience." The program is announced as, "The General Electric Summer Theatre," despite the date above. It may have been recorded on the above date, but there are 13 other known shows in the series, and a 14 show series would be unusual. Dana Andrews, Joseph Hergeshimer (author), Ken Carpenter (announcer), John Meston (adaptor), Jeanne Bates, Georgia Ellis, Theodore Von Eltz, Harry Bartell, John Dehner, Wilbur Hatch (music), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director). 32:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Gangbusters - "The Case Of The Quincy Killers" (04-24-48)

"The Case Of The Quincy Killers" (Aired April 24, 1948)

Gang Busters 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 Gang Busters 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 Gang Busters."The series dramatized FBI cases, which producer-director Phillips H. Lord arranged in close association with Bureau director J. Edgar Hoover.

THIS EPISODE:

April 24, 1948. Program #526. ABC network origination, syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York rebroadcast. "The Case Of The Quincy Killers". Participating sponsors. A father and son team specialize in kidnapping, theft and murder. This program is noted for its use of a melodeon instead of the usual organ. WRVR rebroadcast date: July 9, 1973. Ted Corday (director), Stanley Niss (writer), William Zuckert, Bill Smith, Phillips H. Lord (producer), Don Gardiner (announcer), Ben Hunter (KEX Portland Oregon announcer). 23:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Inner Sanctum Mysteries - "Deathwatch In Boston" (11-15-48)

Deathwatch In Boston (Aired November 15, 1948)

Raymond's closing was an elongated "Pleasant dreeeammsss?!" 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 1946, he was replaced by Paul McGrath, who did not keep the "Raymond" name and was known only as "your host" or "Mr. Host."

THIS EPISODE:

November 15, 1948. Program #53. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Deathwatch In Boston". A midnight visit by a raven that says, "It is later than you think!" Dr. Dickens meets "Charon" and his interesting pet. Dickens has a head in a box, Charon can predict who will die next, and the raven quotes Edgar Allan Poe! An interesting story. The program has also been identified as AFRS #114. Mason Adams, Ted Osborne, Fred Maytho (writer), Paul McGrath (host), Santos Ortega, Lesley Woods. 26:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

I Was A Communist For FBI - "The Red Record" (08-20-52)

The Red Record (Aired August 20, 1952)

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:

 

August 20, 1952. Program #18. ZIV Syndication. "The Red Record". Commercials added locally. Cvetic travels to Chicago looking for a "black book," possibly hidden inside a radio! The date is subject to correction. Dana Andrews, Truman Bradley (announcer), Barton Yarborough, Paul Richards, Harry Lang, Herb Vigran, David Rose (music). 27:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

"Death & The Compass" (Aired October 26, 1984)

INTRO: Ruby & the Romantics "Our Day Will Come" (1963)
Vanishing Point - Death & The Compass (Aired October 26, 1984)

Death & The Compass (10-26-84)

 
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) began airing a fascinating range of classic, mystery, comedy, documentary, and supernatural drama throughout the 1970s to 1990s to a steadily expanding audience--both in Canada and throughout the northern portions of the U.S. The CBC's extensive Radio offerings were a fairly even mix of organic dramas and comedies showcasing Canada's own great actors, writers and production talent, as well as several popular transcribed, syndicated features from throughout the British Empire and the United States. Indeed many of America's most beloved, popular, versatile and award-winning character actors, musicians, and comedians were Canadian citizens who'd honed their craft in all manner of original Canadian Radio drama.

Richard Diamond Private Detective - "The Tom Cook Case" (08-20-49)

The Tom Cook Case (Aired August 20, 1949)

Dick Powell starred in the Richard Diamond, Private Detective radio series as a rather light-hearted detective who often ended the episodes singing to his girlfriend, Helen (Virginia Gregg). It began airing on NBC on April 24, 1949, picked up Rexall as a sponsor on April 5, 1950, and continued until December 6, 1950. The shows were written by Blake Edwards. Its theme, "Leave It to Love", was whistled by Powell at the beginning of each episode. With Camel cigarettes as a sponsor, it moved to ABC from January 5, 1951, to June 29, 1951, with Rexall returning for a run from October 5, 1951, until June 27, 1952. Substituting for Amos 'n' Andy, it aired Sunday evenings on CBS from May 31, 1953 until September 20, 1953.

 

THIS EPISODE:

August 20, 1949. "The Tom Cook Case" - NBC network. Sustaining. A young girl is run over in Central Park and young Tom Cook is accused of murdering her. A gangland rub-out takes place at the same time! Dick Powell sings, "There's Yes, Yes In Your Eyes." Blake Edwards (writer), David Ellis, Dick Powell, Ed Begley, Edward King (director), Eleanor Audley, Frank Lovejoy, Frank Worth (composer, conductor), Richard Sanville (director), Sam Edwards, Virginia Gregg, William Johnstone, Wilms Herbert. 29:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Frank Merriwell - "The Mystery Man" (06-04-49)

The Mystery Man (Aired June 4, 1949)

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:

June 4, 1949. NBC network. "The Mystery Man". Sustaining. Frank has to prove a man innocent of a 3-year-old crime to win a law scholarship and remain at Yale. Elaine Rost, Hal Studer, Harlow Wilcox, Lawson Zerbe, Paul Taubman (composer, conductor), Mel Brandt (announcer), Edward King (director), Hal Studer, Elaine Rost, Ruth Braun (writer), Gilbert Braun (writer), William Welch (writer), Burt L. Standish (creator). 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Cricket On The Hearth - "Dickens Other Christmas Story" (12-24-45)

"Dicken's Other Christmas Story" (Aired December 24, 1945)

In July 1845, Dickens contemplated forming a periodical focusing on the concerns of the home called The Cricket but the plan fell through, and he transformed his idea into a Christmas book in which he abandoned social criticism, current events, and topical themes in favour of simple fantasy and a domestic setting for his hero's redemption. The book was released on 20 December 1845 (the title page read "1846") and sold briskly into the New Year. Seventeen stage productions opened during the Christmas season 1845 with one production receiving Dickens's approval and opening on the same day as the book's release. Dickens read the tale four times in public performance. It has been dramatized in numerous languages and for years was more popular on stage than "A Christmas Carol." Vladimir Lenin publicly walked out of a performance of the "Cricket" play in the Soviet Union, calling it too sentimental, but it is less explicitly Christian than some of Dickens' other Christmas books. Best read as a fairy tale rather than realistic fiction, Cricket has been criticized for its sentimentality but contemporary readers were attracted to its depiction of the Victorian ideal of the happy home.

Dad's Army - Christmas Special Entitled "Present Arms" (12-25-68)

Christmas Special Entitled Present Arms (Aired December 25, 1968)

"Dad's Army" probably depicted more of an accurate version of the Home Guard than anyone could actually realise. Initially it was felt the series was maybe mocking England's finest hour and its first episodes were reviewed with great criticism. However, Jimmy Perry , David Croft and the cast felt that the show had many strengths and so did the steady flow of the British public which began following the Walmington-On-Sea platoon's exploits on Television each week. In 1969, "Dad's Army" embarked on its first Colour TV series, and with that success followed. A feature length film based on the series was made by Columbia Pictures in 1971, and a stage show based on the series toured the UK between 1975 - 76. The programme was also adapted for BBC Radio. Most of the cast are now no longer with us, but their memory lives on through regular repeats on BBC Television and UK Gold as well as many video and DVD releases.

THIS EPISODE:

December 25, 1968. "Present Arms" - It's Christmas Day 1940 and Mainwaring can't drop his sense of duty for even one day. He orders his men to parade and Wilson, being more relaxed about the whole affair, says they can wear civvies, but Mainwaring doesn't like the sergeant's sudden burst of decision making. The men arrive all dressed as Father Christmas, with various reasons why, Mainwaring views this as proof that you cannot be seen to let discipline drop for one moment. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Author's Playhouse - "Christmas By Injunction" (12-21-41)

INTRO: Bob Plays Michael Jackson "So This Is Christmas"
Author's Playhouse - Christmas By Injunction (12-21-41)

Christmas By Injunction (Aired December 21, 1941)

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:


 December 21, 1941. Red network. "Christmas By Injunction". Sustaining. The program originates from Chicago. A western town needs a young child at Christmas to receive the benefits from one of its citizens who has struck it rich. Carl Kroenke, Clarence Hartzell, Cliff Soubier, Curley Bradley, Dan Bowers, Eva Parnell, Fern Persons, Harriet Allen, Hilda Graham, Jack Mitchell (adaptor), Jerry Spellman, Michael Romano, O. Henry (author), Percy Hemus, Roy Shield (composer, conductor), Sidney Ellstrom. 32:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Bob Hope Show - "Christmas Presents" With Frank Sinatra (12-24-52)

The Bob Hope Show - "Christmas Presents"
With Frank Sinatra (Aired December 24, 1952)

Hope first appeared on television in 1932 during a test transmission from an experimental CBS studio in New York. His career in broadcasting spanned sixty-four years and included a long association with NBC. Hope made his network radio debut in 1937 on NBC. His first regular series for NBC Radio was the Woodbury Soap Hour. A year later The Pepsodent Radio Show Starring Bob Hope began, and would run through 1953. Hope did many specials for the NBC television network in the following decades and these were often sponsored by Chrysler and Hope served as a spokesman for the firm for many years. Hope's Christmas specials were popular favorites and often featured a performance of "Silver Bells" (from his 1951 film The Lemon Drop Kid) done as a duet with an often much younger female guest star (such as Olivia Newton-John or Brooke Shields). His final television special was in 1996 with Tony Danza helping Hope present a retrospective about presidents of the United States. He also made a guest appearance on the NBC show "The Golden Girls" in the late 1980s.

Father Knows Best TV Episode "A Christmas Story" (12-19-54) VIDEO

From Season 5, Episode 14
'The Christmas Story' (First Aired Dec 19, 1954)

Father Knows Best is an American sitcom starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray and Lauren Chapin. The series, which first began on radio in 1949, aired as a television show for six seasons with a total of 203 episodes. Created by Ed James, Father Knows Best follows the lives of the Andersons, a middle-class family living in the Midwestern town of Springfield. The state in which Springfield is located is never specified, but it is generally accepted to be located in the Midwestern United States. The show ran on CBS for only one season and was canceled the following year. It was picked up by NBC, where it remained for three seasons. After a second cancellation in 1958, the series was picked up yet again, by CBS, where it aired until May 1960.


THIS EPISODE:


December 19, 1954. "The Christmas Story" - The Andersons are preparing for the holidays. As they decorate the tree, they recall the story of how they managed to get that particular tree. As they are decorating their Christmas tree, the Andersons (Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray and Lauren Chapin) recall the time they got snowbound and spent the holidays in a cabin with 'Ole Nick' who?

The Caltex Theater (Australian ) - "Scrooge The Miser" (Christmas) 1953

INTRO: Nat King Cole Sings "The Christmas Song"
Written by Bob Wells and Mel Tormé In June 1946

Scrooge The Miser (Christmas) 1953 *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The Caltex Theater was an Australian Drama Anthology which aired from 1948 to 1960. It was a continuation of the Macquarie Radio Theatre (which began in 1941, with a name change in 1948). One-hour episodes aired weekly on Sunday evening at 8:00 PM. The cast included Richard Davies, Lyndall Barbour, Sheila Sewell, Alan White, Patricia Kennedy, and Keith Eden. Many of the productions were adaptations of popular movies, similar to Lux Radio Theatre in the U.S. At least 490 episodes were aired, but I know of only 6 that survive. Some of the plays include: ‘Crime and Punishment’, ‘Lass of Richmond Hill’, ‘Iris’, ‘Good-bye Mr Chips’, ‘The Petrified Forest’. Contributors: Caltex Oil (SPO), Hanson-Rubensohn Company, Sydney (SPO), Lawrence H. Cecil (PDR), E. Mason Wood (PDE), Walter Pym (PDR), Reginald Goldsworthy (PDR), Richard Lane (SCR), Kay Keavney (SCR), Fay Hardy (RES). Cast: Richard Davies, Lyndall Barbour, Sheila Sewell, Alan White, Patricia Kennedy, Keith Eden. Broadcast details: 1948-1960 ; Sundays on 2GB (and Macquarie Network) at 8.00pm. Notes: ‘Caltex Theatre’ was a continuation of ‘Macquarie Radio Theatre’ which began in 1941. One production per month came from 3AW Melbourne and was directed by Myles Wright, the other productions came from Sydney. Some Below Notes From The Old Time Radio Plot Spot.

The Halls Of Ivy - "Snowman" (12-19-51)

Snowman (Aired December 19, 1951)

The Halls of Ivy featured Colman as William Todhunter Hall, the president of small, Midwestern Ivy College, and his wife, Victoria, a former British musical comedy star who sometimes felt the tug of her former profession, and followed their interactions with students, friends and college trustees. Others in the cast included Herbert Butterfield as testy board chairman Clarence Wellman; Willard Waterman (then starring as Harold Peary's successor as The Great Gildersleeve) as board member John Merriweather; and, Elizabeth Patterson and Gloria Gordon as the Halls' maid. The series ran 110 half-hour radio episodes from January 6, 1950 to June 25, 1952, with Quinn, Jerome Lawrence, and Robert Lee writing most of the scripts and giving free if even more sophisticated play to Quinn's knack for language play, inverted cliches and swift puns (including the show's title and lead characters), a knack he'd shown for years. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

December 19, 1951. "Snowman" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Schlitz Beer. President Hall is disturbed because his students haven't built a Christmas snowman in front of his house. The program may be dated February 10, 1950. Alan Reed (?), Arthur Q. Bryan, Benita Hume, Don Quinn (creator, writer), Gloria Gordon, Henry Russell (composer, conductor), Ken Carpenter (announcer), Nat Wolff (director), Ronald Colman, Walter Newman (writer). 27:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Whistler - "Delayed Christmas Present" (12-23-51)

"Delayed Christmas Present" (Aired December 23, 1951)

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. Cast members included Hans Conried, Joseph Kearns, Cathy Lewis, Elliott Lewis, Gerald Mohr, Lurene Tuttle and Jack Webb. 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. Of the 692 episodes, over 200 no longer exist. In 1946, a local Chicago version of The Whistler with local actors aired Sundays on WBBM, sponsored by Meister Brau beer.

THIS EPISODE:
 

December 23, 1951. CBS Pacific network. "Delayed Christmas Present". Sponsored by: Signal Oil. The story of a nightclub singer's flight from a gangster, as told in a cheap Panamanian saloon. Betty Lou Gerson, Bill Bouchey, Bill Forman (announcer), Britt Wood (harmonica), Edward Bloodworth (writer), George W. Allen (producer), Marvin Miller, Wilbur Hatch (music), William Conrad. 31:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

NBC Short Story - "Scuttlebutt" (05-16-52)

"Scuttlebutt" by James Michener(Aired 05-16-52)

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 Screen Director's Playhouse - "The Big Clock" (Starring Ray Milland) 07-08-49

The Big Clock (Aired July 8, 1949)

The television version, produced and filmed at Hal Roach Studios, was broadcast for one season of 35 half-hour episodes on NBC, under the sponsorship of Eastman Kodak, airing from October 5, 1955 to September 12, 1956. Actors on the television series included John Wayne, Thomas Mitchell, Walter Brennan, Peter Lorre, Evelyn Ankers, Fay Wray, Errol Flynn, Edmond O'Brien, Buster Keaton, Buddy Ebsen, William Bendix, Robert Ryan, Brandon De Wilde, Laraine Day, George Sanders, Ward Bond, Rory Calhoun, Jack Carson, Neville Brand, Alan Young, Cloris Leachman, Edgar Buchanan, Peter Lawford, Marie Windsor, Charles Bickford, Zasu Pitts, Joe E. Brown, Jack Elam, Herb Shriner, Kim Hunter, Keenan Wynn, Jeanette MacDonald, Leo Durocher, Macdonald Carey, Ralph Bellamy, Basil Rathbone, Fred MacMurray, Jerry Mathers, Rod Steiger, Ray Milland, Alan Hale, Jr., Gower Champion, Marge Champion, Linda Darnell, Howard McNear, Dennis Hopper, and Leo Gordon. But there was one difference between the two versions of the program: while the radio program had presented only condensed versions of well-known plays and films, the television version presented mostly original dramas.

THIS EPISODE:

July 8, 1949. NBC network. "The Big Clock". Sponsored by: Pabst Beer. A good adaptation of the classic thriller about a crime reporter forced to track down a killer...himself! Ray Milland, Maureen O'Sullivan, William Conrad, Lawrence Dobkin, Tony Barrett, John Farlow (screen director). 29:12. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet - "The Christmas Gift" (12-19-48)

INTRO: Dean Martin Sings "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1949)
The Christmas Gift (Aired December 19, 1948)

The Nelsons' deal with ABC gave the network itself the right to move the show to television whenever it wanted to do it---they wanted, according to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, to have talent in the bullpen and ready to pitch, so to say, on their own network, rather than risk it defecting to CBS (where the Nelsons began) or NBC. Their sons, David and Ricky, did not join the cast until five years after the radio series began. The two boys felt frustrated at hearing themselves played by actors and continually requested they be allowed to portray themselves. Prior to April 1949, the role of David was played by Joel Davis (1944-45) and Tommy Bernard, and Henry Blair appeared as Ricky. Since Ricky was only nine years old when he began on the show, his enthusiasm outstripped his ability at script reading, and at least once he jumped a cue, prompting Harriet to say, "Not now, Ricky." Other cast members included John Brown as Syd "Thorny" Thornberry, Lurene Tuttle as Harriet's mother, Bea Benaderet as Gloria, Janet Waldo as Emmy Lou, and Dick Trout as Roger. Vocalists included Harriet Nelson, the King Sisters, and Ozzie Nelson.

THIS EPISODE:

December 19, 1948. "The Christmas Gift" - NBC network. Sponsored by: International Silver. Ozzie gets a new phonograph player. Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard, Verne Smith (announcer), Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair, Billy May (composer, conductor). 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Our Miss Brooks - "The Magic Christmas Tree" (12-24-50)

INTRO: Bobby Helms - "Jingle Bell Rock" (1957)
The Magic Christmas Tree (Aired December 24, 1950)

 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:

December 24, 1950. CBS network. "The Magic Christmas Tree". Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpaste, Lustre-Creme Shampoo. The script was previously used on December 19, 1948, December 25, 1949 and subsequently on December 23, 1951, December 21, 1952 and December 25, 1955. Eve Arden, Larry Berns (producer), Al Lewis (writer, director), Verne Smith (commercial spokesman), Bob Lemond (announcer), Wilbur Hatch (music), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Gale Gordon, Jeff Chandler, Gloria McMillan. 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Philo Vance - "The Chop Suey Murder Case" (12-20-49)

INTRO:  Frank Sinatra From The (MOVIE) "It Happened in Brooklyn" 1947
Jule Styne (Music) & Sammy Cahn (Lyrics)

"The Chop Suey Murder Case" (Aired December 30, 1949)

 

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. Philo Vance, the radio series, does pay homage to the original books in that both were, even in their own time, a bit out of date and stilted. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

December 30, 1949. Program #76. ZIV Syndication. "The Chop Suey Murder Case". Commercials added locally. After a robbery and murder in Chinatown, Vance gets a jive-talking you Chinese assistant (who sounds like Charlie Chan's "Number One" son). The killer asks for an order of Din Yip Har...at $15,000 a dish! Jackson Beck, George Petrie, Joan Alexander. 30:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - A Christmas Story (12-20-52)

INTRO: Bob Plays Kenny G.
Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke"

A Christmas Story (Aired December 20, 1952)

The series was created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston There were over 480 episodes broadcast in the 9 years it had spanned. The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.


THIS EPISODE:


December 20, 1952. CBS network. "Christmas Story". Sustaining. A good Christmas story, told by Marshal Dillon to a stranger on a strange horse out on the prairie. Christmas in Dodge City. An excellent script, great radio! William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, John Dehner, Howard McNear, Roy Rowan (announcer), Antony Ellis (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Rex Koury (music). 30:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Jack Carson Show - "Christmas Day" (12-25-46)

Christmas Day  (Aired December 25, 1946)

\During the 1930s, as vaudeville went into decline owing to increased competition from radio and the movies, Willock and Carson sought work in Hollywood, initially landing bit roles at RKO. The radio also proved to be a source of employment for the team following a 1938 appearance on the Kraft Music Hall during Bing Crosby's period as program host. This led to a number of other appearances which would culminate in Carson's own radio show in 1943. From 1950-51, Carson was one of four alternating hosts of NBC's "4 Star Revue." Other hosts that season were Jimmy Durante, Ed Wynn. and Danny Thomas. The show aired Wednesday evenings. Carson's second season was his last with the comedy-variety program when its title was changed to "All Star Revue.

THIS EPISODE:

December 25, 1946. CBS network. Sponsored by: Campbell's Soup. A visit to Jack's house on "Christmas Day". Jack sings, "The House I Live In." Jack Carson, Arthur Treacher, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra, Dave Willock, Del Sharbutt (announcer), Norma Jean Nilsson, Irene Ryan, Stuart Wade (vocal), The Martin Men. 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

X Minus One - "A Pail Of Air" (03-28-56)

A Pail Of Air (Aired March 28, 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.

THIS EPISODE:

March 28, 1956. NBC network. "A Pail Of Air". Sustaining. A story about the last family left on a frozen Earth. The script was used subsequently on May 6, 1974 on "Future Tense" and on "Audion Theatre" on September 1, 1990. Richard Hamilton, Rita Lloyd, Ronald Liss, George Lefferts (adaptor), William Welch (producer), Daniel Sutter (director), Eleanor Phelps, Fritz Leiber Jr. (author), Joe DeSantis, Pamela Fitzmaurice, Fred Collins (announcer). 29:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Let George Do It - "Santa Claus In Glass" (12-25-50)

Santa Claus In Glass"  (Aired December 25, 1950)

Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine. "The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff). Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

December 25, 1950. Mutual-Don Lee network. "Santa Claus in Glass". Standard Oil. A Christmas celebration features roasting duck and "another woman" with a surprising identity. Bob Bailey steps out of character to give Christmas greetings to listeners. Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, Irene Tedrow, Robert Griffin, Lawrence Dobkin, Bob Bruce, Barney Phillips, Bud Hiestand (announcer), David Victor (writer), Jackson Gillis (writer), Don Clark (director), Eddie Dunstedter (music). 29:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Crime Club - "Murder Rents A Room" (06-05-47)

 Murder Rents A Room (Aired June 5, 1947)

Crime Club literary selections were all the rage during the first half of the 20th century. Doubleday was the first to form a literary Crime Club in 1928. Doubleday's distinctive 'Crime man' (left sidebar) was strategically imprinted on their Doubleday Crime Club selections. The Collins Publishing House in England had their Collins Crime Club launched in 1930, issuing Agatha Christie's first novel, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, as one of their first selections. The Collins Crime Club imprint (left sidebar) announced its Crime Club selections as "The sign of a good detective novel." Eno Fruit Salts, and the Columbia Basic Network joined forces in 1931 to air the Eno Crime Club. The program ran for two years over the Columbia Basic Network and for three years over NBC's Blue Network. During April 1933, the program was renamed Eno Crime Clues. The program ultimately left the air at the end of June 1936. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

 

THIS EPISODE:

June 05, 1947. Mutual network. "Murder Rents A Room". Sustaining. A rich man "dies" but most of his money is missing. The man's ne'er-do-well nephew is suspect. Sarah Elizabeth Mason (writer); Bill Smith; Cameron Prud'Homme; Helen Shields; Shirling Oliver; Stedman Coles (adaptor); Elspeth Eric;. 30:33. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Adventures Of The Falcon - "The Case Of The Unwelcome Christmas Present" (12-24-50)

INTRO: The Classic IV - "Limbo Under The Christmas Tree"
The Falcon - The Case Of The Unwelcome Christmas Present (12-24-50)

 

This hard boiled spy 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.

Broadway Is My Beat - Nick Norman Santa Claus aka: Santa Takes A Powder (Aired December 24, 1949)

INTRO: The Beach Boys "Little Saint Nick" (1964)
Broadway Is My Beat - "Nick Norman Santa Claus" (12-24-49)

Broadway Is My Beat - Nick Norman Santa Claus
aka: Santa Takes A Powder ((Aired December 24, 1949)

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. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

 

THIS EPISODE:

December 24, 1949. "Nick Norman Santa Claus" - CBS network. Sustaining. A Christmas show. Nick Norman is just out of Sing Sing after fifteen years and is scheduled to play Santa Claus for the P. A. L. The day before the big day, Santa Takes A Powder, while a miserly landlord demands his rent! This is a network version. Howard McNear, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Gil Stratton, Shepard Menken, Peggy Webber, Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Alexander Courage (composer), Wilbur Hatch (conductor), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Hal March, Bert Holland, Estelle Dodge, Joe Walters (announcer). 32:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Murder At Midnight - "The Line Is Dead" (09-20-46)

The Line Is Dead (Aired September 20, 1946)

According to Billboard magazine, talent and production costs for Murder At Midnight averaged about $5000 per program, one of the higher costs of canned, syndicated programming of the era. But the investment shows. And indeed, well into its almost six years of syndication, the series continued to pull respectable audience shares. The talent included well known names such as Lawson Zerbe, Karl Swenson, Berry Kroeger, Lon Clark, Frank Readick, Elspeth Eric, Mandel Kramer, Michael Fitzmaurice, Alfred Shirley, and Raymond Edward Johnson--and his wife, among many other well-respected east coast actors of the era. Anton Leader, later famous for his Television work, directed the series. The writing staff was also top-notch, with names such as Max Erlich, Joe Ruscoll and Robert Newman, among others

 

THIS EPISODE:
 

September 20, 1946. Program #23. KFI, Los Angeles origination, Cowan syndication, World transcription. "The Line Is Dead". Commercials added locally. A man who was nearly buried alive has a telephone installed in his coffin, in case it happens again! Raymond Morgan (host), Rafe Blau (writer), Raymond Edward Johnson, Mrs. Raymond Edward Johnson, Anton M. Leader (director), Charles Paul (organist), Louis G. Cowan (producer). 27:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Life Of Riley - "Christmas Present" (12-17-44)

Christmas Present (Aired December 17, 1944)
INTRO - Dean Martin - "Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" (1959)

 

 

The Life of Riley, with William Bendix in the title role, was a popular radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film and continued as a long-running television series during the 1950s. The show began as a proposed Groucho Marx radio series, The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for the comedian. Then producer Irving Brecher saw Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in the movie The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). The Flotsam Family was reworked with Bendix cast as blundering Chester A. Riley, riveter at a California aircraft plant, and his frequent exclamation of indignation---"What a revoltin' development this is!"---became one of the most famous catch phrases of the 1940s. 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.

 

THIS EPISODE: 

December 17, 1944. Blue network, KECA, Los Angeles aircheck. Sponsored by: American Meat Institute. Riley has gotten a mysterious "Christmas Present". It's from Walla, Walla. Who is it from? William Bendix, John Brown, Ken Niles (announcer), Don Bernard (director), Lou Coslowe (music). 29:29.  Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Flamingos are a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Doo-Wop group from the United States

 The Flamingos (1959)

The Flamingos are a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Doo-Wop group from the United States, most popular in the mid to late 1950s and best known for their 1959 cover version of "I Only Have Eyes for You". Billboard magazine wrote: "Universally hailed as one of the finest and most influential vocal groups in pop music history, the Flamingos defined doo wop at its most elegant and sophisticated. 

Artists that have recorded the song include: Sunny Ozuna (1968), Robert Knight (1970), David Porter (1970), Carmen McCrae (1972), Jermaine Jackson (1972), The Escorts (1973) Erroll Garner(1974), Eddie Floyd (1977), The Main Ingredient (1981), Billy Paul (1985), Etta James (1999), George Benson (2000) and Boyz II Men (2017).

The Life Of Riley - "Playing Hooky" (03-23-46)

Playing Hooky (Aired March 23, 1946)

The Life of Riley, with William Bendix in the title role, was a popular radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film and continued as a long-running television series during the 1950s. The show began as a proposed Groucho Marx radio series, The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for the comedian. Then producer Irving Brecher saw Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in the movie The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). The Flotsam Family was reworked with Bendix cast as blundering Chester A. Riley, riveter at a California aircraft plant, and his frequent exclamation of indignation---"What a revoltin' development this is!"---became one of the most famous catch phrases of the 1940s. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker".

THIS EPISODE:

March 23, 1946. "Playing Hooky" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Teel, Dreft. Riley plays hooky from work, but when Junior plays hooky from school, Riley is incensed! Don Bernard (director), Irving Brecher (creator, producer), John Brown, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Lou Kosloff (music), Paula Winslowe, Scotty Beckett, William Bendix. 29:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Philip Marlowe - "The Eager Witness" (08-27-49)

The Eager Witness (Aired August 27, 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:

The Adventures Of Philip Marlowe. August 27, 1949. CBS network. "The Eager Witness". Sustaining. Marlowe tracks down the real killer after a witness at a trial seems to be too eager to testify. Raymond Chandler (creator), Gerald Mohr, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Gene Levitt (writer), Robert Mitchell (writer), Mel Dinelli (writer), John Dehner, Michael Ann Barrett, Junius Matthews, Ben Wright, Lou Krugman, Lawrence Dobkin, Bud Widom, Richard Aurandt (music), Roy Rowan (announcer), George Harry (Joy Terry?). 29:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.