The Jack Carson Show - Kid's Record AKA: Christmas Shopping (12-18-46)

 Kid's Record AKA: Christmas Shopping (Aired December 18, 1946)

Jack Carson, because of his size — 6 ft 2 in (1.9 m) and 220 lb (100 kg), had his first stage appearance as Hercules in a college production. During a performance, he tripped and took half the set with him. A college friend, Dave Willock, thought it was so funny he persuaded Carson to team with him in a vaudeville act—Willock and Carson—and a new career began. This piece of unplanned business would be typical of the sorts of things that tended to happen to Carson during some of his film roles.

THIS EPISODE:

December 18, 1946. CBS network. "Kid's Record" Sponsored by: Campbell's Soup. Jack and Tugwell go Christmas Shopping for a record called, "Willie and Hannibal In Mouseland." Don't miss Del Sharbutt as Santa Claus and Frank Nelson as the record clerk. Jack Carson, Arthur Treacher, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra, Dave Willock, Del Sharbutt (announcer), Norma Jean Nilsson, Irene Ryan, Clyde Rogers (vocal), Alan Reed, Frank Nelson. 29:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of The Abbotts - The Pink Elephant (04-10-55)

 The Pink Elephant (04-10-55) Aired April 10, 1955)

Abbott Mysteries was a comedy-mystery radio program adapted from the novels of Frances Crane (1896-1981). Initially a summer replacement for Quick As a Flash, the series was heard on Mutual and NBC between the years 1945 and 1955. The Mutual series, sponsored by Helbros Watches, debuted June 10, 1945, airing Sundays at 6pm. Scripts were by Howard Merrill and Ed Adamson in the lighthearted tradition of Mr. and Mrs. North. Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries. In the supporting cast were Jean Ellyn, Sydney Slon and Luis Van Rooten. Moving to 5:30pm in 1946, Les Tremayne and Alice Reinheart took over the roles until the end of the series on August 31, 1947. Seven years later, the characters returned October 3, 1954, on NBC in The Adventures of the Abbotts, broadcast on NBC Sunday evenings at 8:30pm. The Abbotts were portrayed by Claudia Morgan and Les Damon. The NBC series ran until June 12, 1955.
 

THIS EPISODE:

April 10, 1955. Program #10. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Pink Elephant". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Harry Frazee (composer, conductor), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Mandel Kramer, Jack Arthur (credited as "Jack Abbott" in error), Sherry Britton. 30:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index

The Adventures Of Sam Spade - The Sugar Kane Caper (10-03-48)

The Sugar Kane Caper (Aired October 3, 1948)

Sam Spade was a tough private investigator. Each case was unfolded as a report dictated to his secretary, Effie, who was always flustered and secretly in love with him. He always quoted his license number and referred to each investigation as a “caper”. Each report was dated with the actual airdate. CAST: Howard Duff, Steve Dunne, Lurene Tuttle, John McIntire, William Conrad, Cathy and Elliot Lewis, June Havoc, Joseph Kearns, Jerry Hausner, Elliott Reid, Mary Jane Croft, Jeanette Nolan, Betty Lou Gerson.

THIS EPISODE:

October 3, 1948. CBS network. "The Sugar Kane Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. The beautiful Sugar Kane is about to marry into the wealthy Cavanaugh family. Howard Duff cracks ups Lurene Tuttle, even before the story begins. Howard Duff, Dashiell Hammett (creator), William Spier (producer, director, editor), Lurene Tuttle, Dick Joy (announcer), Robert Tallman (writer), Gil Doud (writer), Rene Garriguenc (composer), Lud Gluskin (conductor). 30:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of The Falcon - "Neighbors Nightmare" (02-04-51)

The Case Of The Silent Butler (Aired August 21, 1952)

INTRO: Bob Plays Bobby Vinton "Christmas Chopsticks" (1964)

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.

THIS EPISODE:
 
August 21, 1952. NBC network. "The Case Of The Silent Butler". Sustaining. Michael Waring is flown to Lisbon by Army Intelligence. A woman is "playing fast and loose with Uncle Sammy's secrets." The system cue is added live. Les Damon, Drexel Drake (creator), Fred Collins (announcer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer, transcriber), Eugene Wang (writer), Richard Lewis (director), Bryna Raeburn. 29:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Duffy's Tavern - Christmas Show With Monty Woolley aka: Christmas Carol (12-21-43)

Duffy's Tavern - Christmas Show With Monty Woolley aka: Christmas Carol (12-21-43)

INTRO: Bob Plays Kenny Williams "Old Fashion Christmas" (1973)

Early in the show's life, however, its name was changed — first to Duffy's and, for four episodes, Duffy's Variety. A staffer for Bristol-Myers -- whose Ipana toothpaste was the show's early sponsor—persuaded the company's publicity director to demand the name change because the original title promoted "the hobby of drinking" too much for certain sensibilities. Bristol-Myers eventually admitted the staffer had little to go on other than a handful of protesting letters, and to the delight of fans who never stopped using the original name, anyway — the original title was restored permanently. The name change was often subverted by the Armed Forces Radio Network. Radio's Duffy's Tavern didn't translate well to film or television. Burrows and Matt Brooks collaborated on the screenplay for the 1945 film, Ed Gardner's Duffy's Tavern, in which Archie (with regulars Eddie and Finnegan) was surrounded by a throng of Paramount Pictures stars playing themselves, including Robert Benchley, William Bendix, Eddie Bracken, Bing Crosby, Cass Daley, Brian Donlevy, Paulette Goddard, Betty Hutton, Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake and Dorothy Lamour.

THIS EPISODE:

December 21, 1943. Blue network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. Archie tries to talk "Guest Monty Woolley" into playing the role of Santa Claus. The script was used on on the "Duffy's Tavern" program of December 22, 1950. Ed Gardner, Eddie Green, Monty Woolley, Bert Reeves and His Orchestra, Charlie Cantor, Bob Graham (vocal), Dick Van Patten (as Finnegan's kid brother), John Roche (producer, director), Jack Bailey (announcer), Sandra Gould (as "Miss Duffy"). 29:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Dragnet "The Big Customer" Aired June 22, 1954

Dragnet The Big Customer Aired June 22, 1954

INTRO: Bob Plays The Chaperones " Cruise To The Moon"  (03-01-62)

Dragnet was an American radio series, enacting the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show took its name from the police term "dragnet", meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet is perhaps the most famous and influential police procedural drama in media history. The series gave audience members a feel for the boredom and drudgery, as well as the danger and heroism, of police work. Dragnet earned praise for improving the public opinion of police officers. Dragnet premiered on NBC on June 3, 1949, and ended on February 26, 1957. A set of 314 original episodes aired between June 1949 and September 1955 with ".22 Rifle For Christmas" and "The Big Little Jesus" usually re-run during Christmas time.
June 22, 1954. Program #253. NBC net origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Big Customer". A special officer has been shot and the owner of a liquor store knifed to death during a robbery. One of the robbers has filthy finger nails!. Jack Webb, Ben Alexander, George Fenneman (announcer). 25:35. Cat# Is 47341 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index'

Dangerous Assignment - "File 307" (08-20-49)

 File 307 (Aired August 20, 1949)

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 INTRO: Bob plays Daryl Hall & John Oates "You Are Everything"  by The Stylistics (1988 & 2004)

Dangerous Assignment returned to the NBC airwaves on February 6, 1950, Mondays, in the 10:30 p.m. timeslot formerly occupied by The Dave Garroway Show, a variety show at the time. The Garroway show moved to 11:30 p.m, on Monday nights. NBC characterized Dangerous Assignment's return to the line-up as a ''second-half revival'' of the Summer 1949 run--an admittedly obtuse rational for the continuation of the series. During the hiatus between August 1949 and February 1950, NBC tightened up the format, streamlined the introduction, and rightly emphasized Bruce Ashley's driving, highly effective Dangerous Assignment Theme. The basic core cast remains the same as the Summer 1949 run, with Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as The Commissioner and retained Ruthie, the Commissioner's private secretary. Again produced in Hollywood, as was the Summer 1949 run, the casts are filled with the finest West Coast Radio talent available for the era. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

August 20, 1949. Program #7. NBC network. Sustaining. Steve Mitchell is sent to Zurich to recover "File 307." Who is the mysterious "Bruner?" Brian Donlevy, Robert Ryf (writer), Bruce Ashley (music), Bill Cairn (director). 29:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Escape - "The Dark Wall" (07-01-54)

The Dark Wall (Aired July 1, 1954)

Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with this introduction, as intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!”

THIS EPISODE:
 
July 1, 1954. CBS network. "The Dark Wall". Sustaining. A good story about the unusual hospitality to be found in the small country of Andorra. John Dehner, Joyce McCluskey, Kathleen Hite (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), George Walsh (announcer), Leith Stevens (composer, conductor), Nestor Paiva, Ben Wright, Fritz Feld, Edgar Barrier. 29:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Dad's Army - "Big Guns" (05-05-75)

"Big Guns" (Aired May 5, 1975)

Dad's Army ran in 1968 and 1977, and there were a total of eighty episodes spread over nine series, as well as three Christmas specials. Most episodes were also adapted for radio. The show was set in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea, on the south coast of England, making the Home Guard the front line of defence against an invasion by the enemy forces across the English Channel, which formed a backdrop to the series. The first episode, The Man and the Hour, began with a scene set in the "present day" of 1968, in which Mainwaring addressed his old platoon as part of the contemporary "I'm Backing Britain" campaign. It was a flash-back to the founding of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon by Mainwaring after he had heard Anthony Eden's 1940 radio broadcast. The final episode, Never Too Old, focused on the wedding of Corporal Jones and Mrs. Fox, which was interrupted as the platoon were put on full invasion alert. The first two series were in black and white. There are three lost episodes from series two.

Bulldog Drummond - Help Wanted (08-13-45)

Help Wanted (Aired August 13, 1945)

INTRO: Bob Plays Aretha Franklin "I Say A Little Prayer For You" (1967)

The Bulldog Drummond stories followed Captain Hugh "Bulldog" Drummond, D.S.O., M.C., a wealthy former WWI officer of the fictional Loamshire Regiment, who, after the war, spends his new-found leisure time as a private detective. Drummond is a proto-James Bond figure and a version of the imperial adventurers depicted by the likes of John Buchan. In terms of the detective genre, the first Bulldog Drummond novel was published after the Sherlock Holmes stories, the Nayland Smith/Fu Manchu novels and Richard Hannay's first three adventures including The Thirty-Nine Steps. The character first appeared in the novel Bulldog Drummond (1920), and this was followed by a lengthy series of books and adaptations for films, radio and television.

THIS EPISODE:

August 13, 1945. Mutual network. "Help Wanted". Music fill for local commercial insert. Captain Drummond is away doing war work, so his valet Denny hires his own valet and solves a murder by himself. 28:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Aldrich Family - Henry Wants A School Ring (12-11-47)

Henry Wants A School Ring (Aired December 11, 1947)

INTRO: Bob Plays The Spinners "Heaven On Earth" (1977)

The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time. The Aldriches ran in that slot from October 10, 1939 until May 28, 1940, moving to Thursdays, from July 4, 1940 until July 20, 1944. After a brief hiatus, the show moved to CBS, running on Fridays from September 1, 1944 until August 30, 1946 with sponsors Grape Nuts and Jell-O,.before moving back to NBC from September 05, 1946 to June 28, 1951 on Thursdays and, then, its final run of September 21, 1952 to April 19, 1953 on Sundays.

THIS EPISODE:

December 11, 1947. "Henry Wants A School Ring" - NBC network origination, Nostalgia Broadcasting Corporation syndication. Commercials added locally. Henry wants a new class ring, which leads to a marriage for Mary, a new house for Mrs. Aldrich, and Henry running away from home! Ezra Stone, Jackie Kelk, Dan Seymour (announcer), Clifford Goldsmith (writer). 27:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Box 13 - Double Mothers (10-10-48)

Double Mothers (Aired October 10, 1948)

INTRO: Bob Plays Frank Sinatra "White Christmas" (1948)

Alan Ladd's early portrayals of Dan Holiday did tend to be a bit pat, somewhat sparse in depth, and even wooden in the beginning. Ladd hired some excellent voice talent for his project, and these superb, veteran Radio professionals set a pretty high bar for Ladd, himself. Box 13 is highly expositional, as are most programs of the genre, and Ladd's grovelly, gritty voice lends itself well to the production. But by Episode #6 it seems apparent that Alan Ladd was beginning to hit his stride in the role. What seems to get in the way for many reviewers of this program is its somewhat implausible premise. Dan Holiday was purportedly a successful fiction writer for the Star-Times news magazine who becomes disenchanted with the utter, mind-numbing routine of it. Dan Holiday opts out. He posts an ad reading "Go anywhere, Do anything, Write Box 13". Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

October 10, 1948. Program #8. Mutual net origination, Mayfair syndication. "Double Mothers". Commercials added locally. Dan Holiday finds himself in possession of a little girl...with two mothers! A man with a gun and his henchman have some other ideas. Ted Hediger (writer, director), Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Alan Ladd, Sylvia Picker, Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 27:02.  Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Chase - Blackout (11-23-52)

Blackout (Aired November 23, 1952)

NBC first envisioned The Chase as a new Television feature. This was not uncommon during the later 1940s and early 1950s. Several Radio features straddled both media, with varying success. Developed as a psychological drama, the premise was that many life situations place their subjects in a 'chase' of one type or another. A chase for fame. A chase from peril. A chase to beat the clock. A chase to escape death. The added twist was the question of who is the hunter or the hunted in these situations. The scripts were faced paced, starred quality east coast talent and were well written. The series' plots and themes focused primarily on predominantly fear inducing pursuits of one form or another. Thus most of the scripts were fraught with tension of one type or another. Whether mental tension, physical peril or a mix of both, the abiding theme throughout the series was the the contrasts between the 'hunter' and the 'hunted' in such Life situations. NBC's Television version of The Chase was in production during May 1953.

THIS EPISODE:
 
November 23, 1952. NBC network. "Blackout". Sustaining. The title may be incorrect. Am amnesiac trying to discover his past life finds out he was some louse. Don MacLaughlin, Fred Collins (announcer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), Joan Tompkins, Lawrence Klee (creator, writer), Linda Watkins, Ned Wever, William Keene. 29:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Damon Runyon Theater - "Joe Terrace" (07-10-49)

The Damon Runyon Theater - "Joe Terrace" (07-10-49)Joe Terrace (Aired July 10, 1949)

Damon Runyon Theatre - Broadcast from January to December 1949, "The Damon Runyon Theatre" dramatized 52 of Runyon's short stories for radio. Damon Runyon (October 4, 1884 – December 10, 1946) was a newspaperman and writer. He was best known for his short stories celebrating the world of Broadway in New York City that grew out of the Prohibition era. He spun tales of gamblers, petty thieves, actors and gangsters; few of whom go by "square" names, preferring instead to be known as "Nathan Detroit", "Big Jule", "Harry the Horse", "Good Time Charlie", "Dave the Dude", and so on. These stories were written in a very distinctive vernacular style: a mixture of formal speech and colorful slang, almost always in present tense, and always devoid of contractions.

THIS EPISODE:
 
July 10, 1949. Program #41. Mayfair syndication. "Joe Terrace". Commercials added locally. A typesetter who never makes a mistake, makes a bad one. John Brown, Damon Runyon (author), Russell Hughes (adaptor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor), Richard Sanville (director). 29:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Sealed Book "Death Laughs Last" Aired September 2, 1945

The Sealed Book "Death Laughs Last" Aired September 2, 1945

Each episode opened with the sound of the great gong, followed by Philip Clarke's observation that the Keeper of The Book had once again opened the door to the secret vault, within which was contained the 'great sealed book' recording 'all the secrets and mysteries of mankind through the ages.' At the end of all but the last episode, Clarke would tell listeners to tune in the following week when "the sound of the great gong heralds another strange and exciting tale from... the sealed book." Keep in mind that even though the 26 scripts of The Sealed Book were derived from The Mysterious Traveler, it's instructive to note that each production used a different cast than that of it's associated production from The Mysterious Traveler. And indeed, some of the production values were a cut above in The Sealed Book, as contrasted with their similar productions from The Mysterious Traveler. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group. 

EPISODE NOTES:

 Each episode opened with the sound of the great gong, followed by Philip Clarke's observation that the Keeper of The Book had once again opened the door to the secret vault, within which was contained the 'great sealed book' recording 'all the secrets and mysteries of mankind through the ages.' At the end of all but the last episode, Clarke would tell listeners to tune in the following week when "the sound of the great gong heralds another strange and exciting tale from... the sealed book." Keep in mind that even though the 26 scripts of The Sealed Book were derived from The Mysterious Traveler, it's instructive to note that each production used a different cast than that of it's associated production from The Mysterious Traveler. And indeed, some of the production values were a cut above in The Sealed Book, as contrasted with their similar productions from The Mysterious Traveler. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

The Hall Of Fantasy - "The Mark Of Shame" (05-01-47)

The Mark Of Shame (Aired May 4, 1947) 

 

INTRO: Bob Plays The Temptations "Just My Imagination" (1971)

When it comes to The Hall of Fantasy, there are some mysteries that persist to this day. Maybe that's appropriate, because it claimed to be "the series of radio dramas dedicated to the supernatural, the unusual, and the unknown." One mystery that remains unknown is who the announcer actually was. His lines were so over-the-top, maybe he wished to remain anonymous. But it's this same dead serious approach to monsters, horror, and the supernatural that makes this series so much fun to listen to in a modern context. Despite this campy dimension to the program, do not assume that the series wasn't scary. Many episodes were rather frightening. If the dark, desolate atmospheres didn't get at your nerves, the down-beat endings usually did.

THIS EPISODE:

May 4, 1947. CBS network, KALL, Salt Lake City origination. "The Mark Of Shame" Commercials deleted. A dying man's curse comes back to haunt a soldier after a fateful duel. The story is based on, "Evaline's Visitant" by Miss Braden. Miss Braden (author), Robert Olsen (adaptor), Richard Thorne (performer, producer, director), Beth Caulder, Archie Hugely, Ken Jensen, Mike Larogo, Earl Donaldson (music), Nefi Sorenson (engineer). 26:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Diary Of Fate - "The Entry Of Rollie Andrews" (08-03-48)

The Entry Of Rollie Andrews (Aired August 3, 1948)

INTRO: Bob Plays The Puppini Sisters "Ole Cape Cod" (1957)

The program jumps right to the 'source' of Man's ultimate destiny--Fate itself--in the form of the Guardian of the Diary of Fate. It is within the Diary of Fate, that every soul's fate is painstakingly chronicled by book and page number--or so we're very persuasively given to understand. Fate itself--in this instance, at least--is the great character actor Herbert Lytton, providing the forboding vocal gravitas we might expect from such an all-powerful cosmic force. Produced from Hollywood, the entire production was voiced by primarily west coast actors. Famous Radio and Television promoter Larry Finley produced and syndicated the program to at least some 94 affiliate stations throughout the U.S., Canada and Jamaica.

THIS EPISODE:

August 3, 1948. Program #34. ABC network, KECA, Los Angeles origination, Finley syndication. "Rollie Andrews". Commercials added locally. Book 74, page 659. An archeologist choses riches and evil with "fabulous jewels." The date is subject to correction. Herb Lytton (as "Fate" and co-producer), Tom Brown, Cynthia Corley, William Johnstone, Lou Krugman, Gene Twombley (sound effects), Ray Ehrlenborn (sound effects), Hal Sawyer, Larry Finley (producer). 27:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Rogue's Gallery - "Little Drops Of Rain" (11-08-45)

INTRO: Bob Plays Paul Anka "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" (1959)

Little Drops Of Rain (Aired November 8, 1945)

The gimmick in s was the presence of an alter ego, "Eugor," who arrived in the middle of the show to give Rogue enough information for his final deduction. Eugor was a state of mind, achieved when Rogue was knocked unconcious. Eugor would appear cackling like the host of Hermit's Cave and imparted some vital information the hero had overlooked. Rogue would then awaken with a vague idea of what to do next. Rogue's Gallery also starred different actors as Rogue, in later incarnations of the series, but Richard Powell was the most popular. This series preceded Richard Powell's most famous series, Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Rogue trailed lovely blondes and protected witnesses in the new tough guy persona of Dick Powell. This was the transition series for Powell in his quest to be recognized as an actor rather than a singer.

THIS EPISODE:
 
November 8, 1945. Mutual network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Little Drops Of Rain". Richard Rogue solves an attempted double murder, tire tracks in the rain supplying the clue. AFRS program name: "Mystery Playhouse." Dick Powell, Peter Leeds, Dee Englebach (producer, director), Leith Stevens (composer, conductor), Ray Buffum (writer). 29:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Confession - "The George S. Andress Case" (09-06-53)

The George S. Andress Case (Aired September 6, 1953)

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

THIS EPISODE:

September 6, 1953. NBC network. "The George S. Andress Case". Sustaining. 9:30 P. M. "Transcribed statements of actual crimes." The program opening and system cue are slightly upcut. A fifteen-year old confesses to stealing jewelry and money. The telephone-type recording beep heard throughout the show is very unnecessary. Paul Frees, Joel Davis, Les Tremayne, Alice Reinheart, George Pirrone, Charlotte Lawrence, Vivi Janis, Lou Rusoff (writer), Michael Samoge (music), Warren Lewis (script supervisor), Homer Canfield (director), John Wald (announcer). 29:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Rocky Fortune (Starring Frank Sinatra) - Psychological Murder (03-16-54)

INTRO: Bob Plays The Classic IV "Early Christmas" Algonquin EMI Records

Psychological Murder (Aired March 16, 1954)

Frank Sinatra seemed very comfortable in the role of Rocco Fortunato--'Rocky Fortune'--and the scripts that George Lefferts and Ernest Kinoy wrote for Sinatra made for some fascinating adventures. The role was clearly written specifically for him, and more importantly for the more 'adult' persona his agents and publicity reps were trying to portray of him at this point in his career. He'd already done the teen and 20-something idol gig, and he had been expressing more of an interest in dramatic work. Perhaps Sinatra's managers were simply hedging their bets. Sinatra's greatest initial dramatic role in From Here To Eternity was released October 19, 1953, just weeks after Rocky Fortune began its 26-week run on NBC. As we all know now, From Here to Eternity was a box-office smash, propelling Sinatra into a whole new career in Film. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

March 16, 1954. "Psychological Murder" - NBC network. Sustaining. Rocky witnesses the execution of the will of a wealthy woman who thinks that she's going insane. In a plot shamelessly stolen from the film, "Gaslight," the wife believes that she's going to kill her husband. This is a network version. Frank Sinatra, Andrew C. Love (director), Maurice Hart, Frank Gerstle, Betty Lou Gerson, Marvin Miller, Norm Sickle (writer). 23:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Screen Guild Players - "The Amazing Doctor Clitterhouse" (Starring Edward G. Robinson) 11-02-41

The Amazing Doctor Clitterhouse (Starring Edward G. Robinson) Aired November 2, 1941

INTRO:  Bob Plays Promo "Your Tuned In To Boxcars711"

The Screen Guild Theater was a popular radio anthology series during the Golden Age of Radio broadcast from 1939 until 1952 with leading Hollywood actors performing in adaptations of popular motion pictures such as Going My Way and The Postman Always Rings Twice. The show had a long run, lasting for 14 seasons and 527 episodes. It initially was heard on CBS from January 8, 1939 until June 28, 1948, continuing on NBC from October 7, 1948 until June 29, 1950.

THIS EPISODE:

The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse is a 1938 Warner Bros. crime film starring Edward G. Robinson, Claire Trevor and Humphrey Bogart. It was directed by Anatole Litvak and written by John Wexley and John Huston based on the first play written by short-story writer Barré Lyndon, which ran for three months on Broadway with Cedric Hardwicke after playing in London. Dr. Clitterhouse is a wealthy society doctor in New York City who decides to research the medical aspects of criminal behavior directly by becoming one. He begins a series of daring jewel robberies, measuring his own blood pressure, temperature and pulse before, during and afterwards, but yearns for a larger sample for his study. From one of his patients, Police Inspector Lewis Lane (Donald Crisp), he learns the name of the biggest fence in the city, Joe Keller. He goes to meet Keller to sell what he has stolen, only to find out that "Joe" is actually "Jo" (Claire Trevor). The doctor impresses Jo and a gang of thieves headed by 'Rocks' Valentine (Humphrey Bogart) with his exploits, so Jo invites him to join them, and he accepts. 28:00. Show Notes From Boxcars711

The Mel Blanc Show - "The Thanksgiving Show" (11-26-46)

The Thanksgiving Show (Aired November 26, 1946)

INTRO: Bob's Thanksgiving Greeting

The first cartoon Blanc worked on was Picador Porky as the voice of a drunken bull. He took over as Porky Pig's voice in Porky's Duck Hunt, which marked the debut of Daffy Duck, also voiced by Blanc. Blanc soon became noted for voicing a wide variety of cartoon characters from Looney Tunes, adding Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Pepé Le Pew and many others. His natural voice was that of Sylvester the Cat, but without the lispy spray. (Blanc's voice can be heard in an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies that also featured frequent Blanc vocal foil Bea Benaderet; in his small appearance, Blanc plays a vexed cab-driver.)

THIS EPISODE:

November 26, 1946. "The Thanksgiving Show" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpowder, Halo Shampoo. Thanksgiving isn't Thanksgiving with a turkey. Mr. Colbt is disappointed with Mel's meager party fixings. Mel Blanc, Mary Jane Croft, Joseph Kearns, Hans Conried, The Sportsmen, Victor Miller and His Orchestra, Earle Ross, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Jerry Hausner, Mac Benoff (writer). 22:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index

The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes - "The Cadaver In The Roman Toga" (11-09-47)

The Cadaver In The Roman Toga (Aired November 9, 1947)

INTRO: Bob Remembers & Spotlights Lionel Richie Super Star

Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who first appeared in publication in 1887. He is the creation of Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A brilliant London-based detective, Holmes is famous for his intellectual prowess, and is renowned for his skillful use of deductive reasoning (somewhat mistakenly so called — see inductive reasoning) and astute observation to solve difficult cases. He is arguably the most famous fictional detective ever created, and is one of the best known and most universally recognisable literary characters in any genre. Conan Doyle wrote four novels and fifty-six short stories that featured Holmes. All but four stories are narrated by Holmes' friend and biographer, Dr. John H. Watson; two are narrated by Holmes himself, and two others are written in the third person.

THIS EPISODE:
 
November 9, 1947. Mutual network. "The Cadaver In The Roman Toga". Sponsored by: Clipper Craft Clothes. A corpse in an ancient Roman bath, discovered in England, leads Holmes to a plot by Dr. Moriarty to manufacture counterfeit coins. John Stanley, Alfred Shirley, Edith Meiser (writer), Basil Loughrane (producer, director), Hal Reid (sound effects), Don Williamson (engineer), Albert Buhrman (music), Cy Harrice (nnouncer), Michael Fitzmaurice (local announcer), Arthur Conan Doyle (creator). 38:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Tom Corbett Space Cadet - Atmosphere Of Death (Part 2 of 2) 03-18-52

 Atmosphere Of Death (Part 2 of 2) Aired March 18, 1952

Tom Corbett is the main character in a series of Tom Corbett — Space Cadet stories that were depicted in television, radio, books, comic books, comic strips, coloring books, punch-out books and View-Master reels in the 1950s. The stories followed the adventures of Tom Corbett, Astro, and Roger Manning, cadets at the Space Academy as they train to become members of the elite Solar Guard. The action takes place at the Academy in classrooms and bunkroom, aboard their training ship the rocket cruiser Polaris, and on alien worlds, both within our solar system and in orbit around nearby stars.

THIS EPISODE:

March 18, 1952. ABC network, WJZ, New York aircheck. "The Atmosphere Of Death Part 1 of 2". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Pep, Kellogg's Raisin Bran. Murder and mayhem take place aboard a space liner. Al Markim, Drex Hines (director), Edward Bryce, Frank Thomas Jr., Jackson Beck (announcer), Jan Merlin, Jon Gart (organist). 24:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Tom Corbett Space Cadet - "Atmosphere Of Death (Part 1 of 2)" 03-18-52

Atmosphere Of Death (Part 1 of 2) Aired March 18, 1952

Tom Corbett is the main character in a series of Tom Corbett — Space Cadet stories that were depicted in television, radio, books, comic books, comic strips, coloring books, punch-out books and View-Master reels in the 1950s. The stories followed the adventures of Tom Corbett, Astro, and Roger Manning, cadets at the Space Academy as they train to become members of the elite Solar Guard. The action takes place at the Academy in classrooms and bunkroom, aboard their training ship the rocket cruiser Polaris, and on alien worlds, both within our solar system and in orbit around nearby stars.

THIS EPISODE:

March 18, 1952. ABC network, WJZ, New York aircheck. "The Atmosphere Of Death Part 1 of 2". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Pep, Kellogg's Raisin Bran. Murder and mayhem take place aboard a space liner. Al Markim, Drex Hines (director), Edward Bryce, Frank Thomas Jr., Jackson Beck (announcer), Jan Merlin, Jon Gart (organist). 24:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Clock - "Return Of The Vanished Wife" (01-19-47)

Return Of The Vanished Wife (Aired January 19, 1947)

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

The Hall Of Fantasy - "The Mark Of Shame" (05-01-47)

The Mark Of Shame (Aired May 4, 1947)

INTRO: Bob Plays The Temptations "Just My Imagination" (1971)

When it comes to The Hall of Fantasy, there are some mysteries that persist to this day. Maybe that's appropriate, because it claimed to be "the series of radio dramas dedicated to the supernatural, the unusual, and the unknown." One mystery that remains unknown is who the announcer actually was. His lines were so over-the-top, maybe he wished to remain anonymous. But it's this same dead serious approach to monsters, horror, and the supernatural that makes this series so much fun to listen to in a modern context. Despite this campy dimension to the program, do not assume that the series wasn't scary. Many episodes were rather frightening. If the dark, desolate atmospheres didn't get at your nerves, the down-beat endings usually did.

THIS EPISODE:

May 4, 1947. CBS network, KALL, Salt Lake City origination. "The Mark Of Shame" Commercials deleted. A dying man's curse comes back to haunt a soldier after a fateful duel. The story is based on, "Evaline's Visitant" by Miss Braden. Miss Braden (author), Robert Olsen (adaptor), Richard Thorne (performer, producer, director), Beth Caulder, Archie Hugely, Ken Jensen, Mike Larogo, Earl Donaldson (music), Nefi Sorenson (engineer). 26:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Molle Mystery Theater - "Solo Performance" (05-21-48)

Solo Performance (Aired May 21, 1948)

INTRO: Bob Plays Ambrosia "The Biggest Part Of Me" (1980)

Although Molle Mystery Theater was initially sponsored by Molle Shaving Cream, other sponsors (such as Bayer Aspirin, Ironized Yeast, Phillips Milk of Magnesia) also sponsored the program. Sometimes, when it was not sponsored by Molle, the program was called "Mystery Theater". The show was first heard on NBC, on 9/7/43. Time slot was originally Sunday nights at 9:00 PM, but was later moved to Tuesday at 9:00 PM, and Friday at 10:00 PM. In 1948, the show moved to CBS (Tues, 8:00 PM), and in 1951, it moved to ABC, where it was called "Mark Sabre", and heard on Wednesdays at either 8:00 PM or 9:30 PM. The shows were tight and tension filled, with a fine orchestra score and solid production values. Classic tales from well-known authors, as well as modern unknowns were presented, and the endings were often twists or shockers.

THIS EPISODE:

May 21, 1948. NBC network. "Solo Performance". Sponsored by: Molle, Double Danderine. A good story about an actor who kills a producer and then imitates his voice all day to give himself an alibi. Everett Sloane, Elizabeth Morgan, Bernard Lenrow (host, as "Geoffrey Barnes"), Dan Seymour (announcer). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Frank Race - "The Adventure Of The Brooklyn Accent" (10-30-49)

The Adventure Of The Brooklyn Accent (Aired October 25, 1949)

 

 

INTRO: Bob Plays Johnny Mathis "Misty" (1959)

Each episode opened with a one-minute organ theme and then the following from announcer Art Gilmore: "Many things were changed during the war; the face of the earth was altered and the people of the Earth changed. Before the war, Frank Race was an attorney, but he traded his law books for the cloak-and-dagger of the OSS. When it was over, his former life was over, too... adventure had become his business! " Frank Race mainly investigated international insurance scams around the globe in various exotic locations, making him something of a cross between James Bond and Johnny Dollar. After Tom Collins played the title role for the first 22 episodes, Paul Dubov took over the lead role. Tony Barnett portrayed Race's sidekick, Mark Donovan.

THIS EPISODE:

October 25, 1949. Program #26. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Brooklyn Accent" Commercials added locally. Race is in the South, trying to find William Beading to give him $20,000. A gambling ship and burnt pies lead to murder. The date and program number are subject to correction. Paul Dubov, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer), Frank Lovejoy, Wilms Herbert, Lillian Buyeff, William Johnstone, Michael Ann Barrett. 26:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Man Called X - "Half Penny Stamp" (02-19-52)

Half Penny Stamp (Aired February 19, 1952)

INTRO: Bob Remembers Jerry Butler "Only The Strong Survive" (1968)
Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff

The Man Called X was a old-time radio espionage drama series that aired on and off from 1944 through 1951 and sponsored by Frigidaire and later General Motors. Herbert Marshall stars as Ken Thurston, a globe hopping government agent. The show opens with the familiar line "Wherever there is mystery, intrigue, romance, in all the strange and dangerous places of the world, there you will find The Man Called X". Thurston works diligently every week to make the world a safer place by thwarting Cold War enemies and cooling off hotspots of unrest wherever they may be. The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra supplied the exotic background music.

THIS EPISODE:
 
February 19, 1952. NBC network. Sustaining. Ken Thurston travels to Egypt in search of a rare "Half Penny Stamp" on the back of which is inscribed valuable information. But first, there's a corpse to be found aboard a train! Beware of, "The Man With The Third Green Eye!" The script was previously used on "I Love Adventure" on June 13, 1948. Herbert Marshall, Leon Belasco, John Stevenson, Lou Krugman, Ed Begley, John Dehner, J. Richard Kennedy (producer), Sidney Marshall (writer), Jack Johnstone (director), Hal Gibney (announcer), Lucille Meredith, Milton Charles (organist). 24:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Life With Luigi - "Stock Investments" (09-27-49)

Stock Investments (Aired September 27, 1949)

Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma. The show was often seen as the Italian counterpart to the radio show The Goldbergs, which chronicled the experience of Jewish immigrants in New York.

THIS EPISODE:

September 27, 1949. "Stock Investments" - CBS network. Sustaining. The program has moved to 9:30 P. M. on a new day (Tuesdays). Luigi invests in the stock market. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer), Mac Benoff (writer, director), Lou Derman (writer), Mary Shipp, Hans Conried, Ken Peters, Joe Forte, Jody Gilbert, Lud Gluskin (music director), Bob Lemond (announcer). 29:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Nick Carter Master Detective - "The Case Of The Midway Murders" (08-01-48)

The Case Of The Midway Murders (Aired August 1, 1948)

INTRO: Bob Plays The Rivieras "Count Every Star" (1958)

Nick Carter is the name of a popular fictional detective who first appeared in in a dime novel entitled "The Old Detective's Pupil" on September 18, 1886. In 1915, Nick Carter Weekly became Street & Smith's Detective Story Magazine. Novels featuring Carter continued to appear through the 1950s, by which time there was also a popular radio show, Nick Carter, Master Detective, which aired on Mutual from 1943 to 1955. Nick Carter first came to radio as The Return of Nick Carter. Then Nick Carter, Master Detective, with Lon Clark in the title role, began April 11, 1943, on Mutual, continuing in many different timeslots for well over a decade. Jock MacGregor was the producer-director of scripts by Alfred Bester, Milton J. Kramer, David Kogan and others. Background music was supplied by organists Hank Sylvern, Lew White and George Wright. Patsy Bowen, Nick's assistant, was portrayed by Helen Choate until mid-1946 and then Charlotte Manson stepped into the role. Nick and Patsy's friend was reporter Scubby Wilson (John Kane). Nick's contact at the police department was Sgt. Mathison (Ed Latimer). Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

August 1, 1948. Mutual network. "The Case Of The Midway Murders". Sponsored by: Old Dutch Cleanser, Del Rich Margarine. An escaped convict, a roller coaster corpse, and an enraged ape (Gorilla My Dreams?). Lon Clark. 25:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

21st Precinct - The Summons (08-06-55)

The Summons (Aired August 6, 1955)

INTRO: Bob Plays Nat King Cole "When I Fall In Love" (1956)

The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.The official title of the series according to the series scripts and the CBS series promotional materials was 21ST Precinct and not Twenty-First-Precinct or which appears in many Old-Time Radio books. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operations of a single police precinct. Actual cases would be used as the basis for stories. It was mentioned in each episode's closing by the announcer that, "Twenty-firstPrecinct is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York.

The Adventures Of The Falcon - "The Case Of The Carved Ham" (04-08-51)

The Case Of The Carved Ham (Aired April 8, 1951)

INTRO: Bob Plays The O'Jays "The Backstabbers" (1972)

Like Boston Blackie, a long, lucrative and convuluted career in film, radio and television soon followed, as The Falcon's occupation and even his name were changed from medium to medium.  Regardless of the date of his first literary appearance, The Falcon was first brought to the screen in a 1941 RKO film, as a replacement for its popular series of B's featuring Leslie Charteris' The Saint. Except for the name change, at first at least it was pretty hard to tell the difference. The Falcon was also a good-looking suave, sophisticated type, a sort of freelance gentleman adventurer. The first film, 1941's The Gay Falcon, proved successful enough to warrant a long string of sequels, three with George Sanders (who had previously played The Saint) in the lead, although he was now called Gay Lawrence (as far as I know, none of the films or television or radio episodes ever explains why he's known as The Falcon).

THIS EPISODE:

April 8, 1951. NBC network. "The Case Of The Carved Hand". Sponsored by: Kraft Velveeta, Kraft Caramels. The Falcon suspects that Joe Santos is behind the killing of Brian King and the mutilation of Stuart Van Dyke. Les Damon, Ed Herlihy (announcer), Jackson Beck, Mason Adams, Eugene Wang (writer), Ken Lynch, Glenda Isby (Vassar dramatic student), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Drexel Drake (creator), Arlo (music), Richard Lewis (director). 24:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Mr. & Mrs. North - "Death Comes In Cans" (11-10-53)

Death Comes In Cans (Aired November 10, 1953)

Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Albert Hackett and Peggy Conklin had the title roles in the Broadway production Mr. and Mrs. North, which ran 163 performances at the Belasco Theatre from January 12, 1941, to May 31, 1941. Alfred De Liagre, Jr. produced and directed the play written by Owen Davis. In this version, the North's apartment was located on Greenwich Place, realized in a scenic design by Jo Mielziner. The Owen Davis play became a 1942 MGM movie starring Gracie Allen and William Post, Jr. with Millard Mitchell repeating his role of Detective Mullins from the Broadway production. Others in the cast were Paul Kelly, Rose Hobart and Keye Luke. In 1946, producer-director Fred Coe brought the Owen Davis play to television (on New York City's WNBT) with John McQuade and Maxine Stewart in the leads and Don Haggerty, Joan Marlowe and Millard Mitchell repeating their Broadway roles.

THIS EPISODE:

November 10, 1953. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Death Comes In Cans". Barbara Britton, Richard Denning, Frances Lockridge (creator), Richard Lockridge (creator). 24:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Weird Circle - "The Bell Tower" (09-24-44)

The Bell Tower (Aired September 24, 1944)

INTRO: Bob Plays Jay & The Americans "Only In America" (1964)

The stories offered by "The Weird Circle" were generally adapted from popular fiction - popular fiction of the 19th century, that is. And since the focus was on horror and suspense, the macabre, atmospheric, and often ironic tales of such writers as Edgar Allan Poe and Honore de Balzac were a staple of its success. Also included were such familiar chestnuts as "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens' "The Queer Client", Charlotte Bronte’s novel "Jane Eyre" (also a particular favorite of Orson Welles and his Mercury Theater company), and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson. Stories of this vintage, rooted in the Victorian attitudes and morality of the 1800s, generally made for good radio drama; they were, after all, classics, familiar to anyone with a public school education. The primarily first-person narrative of most of the stories chosen made them relatively easy to convert into script form: introduce a narrator, establish the scene, and then carry on with the plot. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:
 
September 24, 1944. Program #43. NBC syndication. "The Bell Tower". Commercials added locally. The story of the Italian genius who built the world's most beautiful tower. The date is approximate. Herman Melville (author). 25:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Whisperer - "What Ye Sow" (08-05-51)

What Ye Sow (Aired August 5, 1951)

The Whisperer was created by the writing team of Irene Humphrey and her husband, Dr. Stetson Humphrey, a voice coach to the stars and music director. Their protagonist, The Whisperer, is Philip 'Phil' Galt, a Central City attorney who lost most of his voice in an accident that crushed his vocal chords. The accident forced him to express himself in an eery, foreboding whisper. Phil Galt 'skirts the thin edges of danger, living his dual role' as attorney and his alias, The Whisperer, relentless crime-fighter against organized crime, or 'The Syndicate.' Galt used his legal contacts and knowledge of the Law to burrow deep into 'The Syndicate' in order to influence their actions and wreck havoc with their various new--and tried and true--criminal schemes.

THIS EPISODE:
 
August 5, 1951. "What Ye Sow" - NBC network. Sustaining. "The Syndicate" tries to kill the daughter of Anthony Powers, a member of the Liquor Control Board, when he refuses to resign. Betty Lou Gerson, Betty Moran, Bill Cairn (director), Byron Kane, Carleton Young, Don Rickles (announcer), Jerry Hausner, John Duffy (original music), Julius Crowlbein, Stetson Humphrey (creator). 28:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Suspense - "The Operation" (01-27-55)

The Operation (Aired January 27, 1955)

Suspense attracted Hollywood's best actors because they were allowed to play roles different from their usual stereotypes. Comedians could play killers, or heroes could play victims. Jack Benny played a Martian. Ronald Reagan played a man on the run framed for a crime he didn't commit. Lucille Ball played a cold-blooded murderer. Frank Sinatra played a psychopath. All the while, audiences were kept wondering and waiting to see what the surprise ending would be. They expected the unexpected, and they usually got it. Some of the same stories would later be adapted to TV and performed on Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Hitchcock was, after all, billed as "the Master of Suspense." And there was a certain amount of poetic justice in him borrowing from the radio series, since he was so instrumental in creating it.

THIS EPISODE:
 
January 27, 1955. CBS network. "The Operation". Sustaining. A robber holding up a doctor's office is forced to join a nurse when the two of them are forced to perform an operation at gunpoint. Mention is made during a promotional announcement that "Gunsmoke" will be heard tonight on CBS radio twice. Sam Edwards, John Trell, Herb Ellis, Bill Justine, John Stevenson, Hy Averback, Mary Jane Croft, Larry Thor (announcer), Antony Ellis (producer, director), Lucien Moraweck (composer), Wilbur Hatch (conductor). 24:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Our Miss Brooks - "Thanksgiving Dinner" (11-19-50)

Thanksgiving Dinner (Aired November 19, 1950)

 

 

 INTRO: Bob Celebrates Thanksgiving With Bing Crosby "Iv'e Got Plenty to Be Thankful For" (1942)

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:

November 19, 1950. "Thanksgiving Dinner" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpaste, Lustre Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Soap. It's Thanksgiving time and there's only $5 for a turkey. Mr. Boynton suggests buying a live turkey to save money. Eve Arden, Al Lewis (writer, director), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Jeff Chandler, Gale Gordon, Verne Smith (announcer), Gloria McMillan, Bob Lemond (announcer), Larry Berns (producer), Wilbur Hatch (music). 30:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.