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Autumn 2024 Program Highlights
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
RADIO RIDES THE RAILS
SUSPENSE (10-7-43) “Lost Special” starring Orson Welles in a radio version of a story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A condemned man announces his plans to uncover the mystery of a train that disappeared eighteen years earlier. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
LIFE WITH LUIGI (8-22-50) Starring J. Carroll Naish as Luigi Basco, with Alan Reed as Pasquale, Hans Conried as Schultz, Joe Forte as Horowitz, Ken Peters as Olsen, Mary Shipp as Miss Spaulding, Jody Gilbert as Rosa, Hal March, Ed Max, Earle Ross. Luigi takes his first train ride to meet an antique dealer in Buffalo. Wrigley’s Gum, CBS. (30 min)
ADVENTURES OF ELLERY QUEEN (3-27-43) “Adventure of the Circus Train” starring Hugh Marlowe as Ellery, with Marion Shockley as Nikki, Santos Ortega as Inspector Queen. The police investigate when the owner of a circus is killed. Ernest Chappell announces. Bromo Seltzer, NBC. (28 min)
JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-11-49) With Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Don Wilson, Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson, Artie Auerbach and guest Frank Leahy, football coach at Notre Dame University. Jack prepares to take a train to Houston for a benefit show. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (26 min)
ESCAPE (9-6-53) “Escape from Olbisfelde” starring William Conrad, with Alistair Duncan, Lawrence Dobkin, Fritz Feld, Byron Kane, Bert Holland, Jerry Gaylord, Gladys Holland. Plans to transport a nuclear scientist who is defecting from Russia are jeopardized when agents learn that a bomb is on the train. Sustaining, CBS. (28 min)
MEANING OF AMERICA (10-3-52) The second show in “a series of radio essays based on current books, dealing with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness in our United States.” This show celebrates “Railroads of America” with a program of stories, essays and songs, including the stories of Casey Jones and John Henry. Host is Martin Maloney, from the School of Speech at Northwestern University, with songs by Win Stracke. Announcer is Bill Griskey. WMAQ. (30 min)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
ALAN YOUNG SHOW (11-15-46) With Jim Backus as Hubert Updyke III, Veola Vonn as Yvette and guest Ed Gardner, “Archie” from Duffy’s Tavern. Alan wants to impress his girlfriend’s father with a fancy dinner and gets Archie to cater the meal. Bristol-Myers, NBC. (29 min)
MR. AND MRS. NORTH (9-22-43) “The Contagious Confession” starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin as Pam and Jerry North, with Frank Lovejoy as Lt. Bill Weigand, who seeks the Norths’ help when two men confess to the same murder. Woodbury Facial Cream, NBC. (29 min)
RAILROAD HOUR (3-24-52) “Kiss Me, Kate” starring Gordon MacRae, the Norman Luboff Choir, Carmen Dragon and the Orchestra and guest Patrice Munsel in a radio adaptation of the hit musical, with songs by Cole Porter. An actor and his ex-wife co-star in a musical version of the Taming of the Shrew. Songs includes “Another Opening, Another Show,” “Wunderbar,” “So in Love,” “We Open in Venice,” “I Hate Men” and others. Marvin Miller announces. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (30 min)
CHALLENGE OF THE YUKON (3-30-49) “Crumpled Handbill” starring Paul Sutton as Sgt. Preston, who gives a lift to a newly prosperous miner while on his way to track down two wanted criminals. Quaker Puffed Wheat and Rice, ABC. (29 min)
ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (2-20-49) Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard star, with John Brown as Thorny, Tommy Bernard and Henry Blair as David and Ricky. Ozzie reprimands David for making two dates on the same day, but later finds himself in the same situation. Verne Smith announces. International Silver, NBC. (30 min)
SEALED BOOK (8-5-45) “Murder Must Be Paid For” is the story of “a murderer who found that justice has an uncanny way of working itself out.” A young woman marries the man who was suspected of killing her father. Cast includes Maurice Tarplin. Syndicated. (29 min)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
LUX... PRESENTS HOLLYWOOD!
LUX RADIO THEATER (5-9-38) “My Man Godfrey” starring William Powell, Carole Lombard, Gail Patrick, Mischa Auer and David Niven in a radio version of the 1936 film, about a “forgotten man” who takes a job as a butler to an eccentric family. With Wallace Clark, Elvia Allman, Ynez Seabury, Frank Nelson, Lou Merrill, Ernie Adams. Cecil B. DeMille hosts; announcer is Melville Ruick. (24 min & 20 min & 16 min) Read the article about the Lux Radio Theater in the Summer 2024 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
LUX RADIO THEATER (12-2-46) “Meet Me in St. Louis” starring Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien and Tom Drake in a radio version of their 1944 movie. A family receives some startling news on the eve of the 1904 World’s Fair. Cast includes Gale Gordon, Verna Felton, Colleen Gray, Regina Wallace, Norman Field, Billy Roy, Noreen Gammill, Dick Ryan, Clarke Gordon, Charles Seel. William Keighley hosts; John Milton Kennedy announces. Lux Soap, CBS. (20 min & 18 min & 22 min)
LUX RADIO THEATER (2-22-55) “Shane” starring Alan Ladd, Van Heflin and Ruth Hussey in a radio version of the 1953 film. Ladd and Heflin re-create their original screen roles as a mysterious gunman and the homesteader who hires him. Irving Cummings hosts; announcer is Ken Carpenter. AFRTS rebroadcast. (18 min & 19 min & 19 min)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
THE SAINT (7-16-50) Vincent Price stars as Simon Templar, “The Robin Hood of Modern Crime.” Simon becomes involved in intrigue when a beautiful blonde shows up at his door. Cast includes Sammie Hill, Lou Merrill, Gil Stratton Jr., Ed Max, Ted von Eltz. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
OUR MISS BROOKS (3-6-49) Eve Arden stars as Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton, Richard Crenna as Walter Denton. Miss Brooks goes to the beauty shop in preparation for the high school’s spring dance. With Frank Nelson. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (30 min)
INNER SANCTUM (8-28-45) “Dead Man’s Deal” starring Larry Haines as a gambler who stakes his life on a single hand of poker. With Santos Ortega, Myron McCormick, Paul McGrath, Mary Bennett. Lipton Tea and Soup, CBS. (30 min)
JOHNNY MERCER’S MUSIC SHOP (6-27-44) With The Pied Pipers, Jo Stafford, Paul Weston and the Orchestra, announcer Wendell Niles and guest June DuPrez, who talks about her new film with Cary Grant and her new song. AFRS rebroadcast. (15 min)
GREEN HORNET (11-25-39) “The Smuggler Signs His Name” starring Al Hodge as Britt Reid, the Green Hornet, with Raymond Toyo as Kato, Gilbert Shea as Mike Axford, Lee Allman as Lenore Case. A reporter encounters a foreign diplomat who is suspected of smuggling. The Hornet investigates. Announcer is Fielding Farrington. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
BOB HOPE SHOW (2-9-43) Broadcasting from Camp Santa Anita Ordinance Training Center in California, with Frances Langford, Jerry Colonna, Skinnay Ennis and the Orchestra, Vera Vague, announcer Wendell Niles and guests Paulette Goddard, Veronica Lake and Dorothy Lamour, who talk about Bob backstage in their dressing room. Pepsodent, NBC. (29 min)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
AS SEEN IN NOSTALGIA DIGEST’S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
SEEMS RADIO IS HERE TO STAY (11-5-45) A restaging of a special written and directed by Norman Corwin in honor of radio’s 25th anniversary. Narrated by House Jamison, with Kermit Murdoch, Adelaide Klein, Edmond Lewis, Gladys Thornton, Shirley Grayson, John Griggs, Hester Sondergaard, Jane Lauren, Myrt Copeland, Elaine Kent, Sidney Barry. CBS. (29 min) Read the article by Norman Corwin in the Autumn 2024 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
JACK BENNY PROGRAM (3-4-45) With Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Don Wilson, Larry Stevens, Mel Blanc, Frank Nelson, Bea Benaderet. After coming home from a tour, Jack and Mary must go to the train station to claim a piece of Mary’s luggage. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min) Read the article about Jack Benny in the Autumn 2024 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX (3-20-61) Excerpt. From the White Sox baseball camp in Sarasota, Florida, Jack Brickhouse speaks with manager Al Lopez and players Nelson Fox and Early Wynn. WGN. (13 min) Read the article about Jack Brickhouse in the Autumn 2024 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
MAYTAG FROLICS (2-28-29) A studio broadcast starring Coon-Sanders’ original Nighthawk Orchestra, with vocals by Joe Sanders and Carleton Coon. Selections include “Harold Teen,” “Mississippi Here I Am,” two medleys of college songs and others. Maytag Cast Aluminum Washers, Syndicated. (27 min) Read the article about the Coon-Sanders Nighthawks in the Autumn 2024 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
SPEAKING OF RADIO (6-16-21) Steve Darnall’s conversation with actress Carol Burnett, speaking by telephone from her home in California, as she talks about her stage and television career and her time working with Garry Moore. (29 min) Read an excerpt from this conversation in the Autumn 2024 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
PHILO VANCE (2-1-49) “The Golden Murder Case” starring Jackson Beck as Vance, with George Petrie as District Attorney Markham. Vance investigates when the corrupt executor of a young woman’s estate is murdered. Syndicated. (27 min) Read the article about Jackson Beck in the Autumn 2024 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
MAIL CALL #66 (11-24-43) Lucille Ball is Mistress of Ceremonies, with Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, Edgar Kennedy, Patsy Moran, Kay Thompson and the Williams Brothers, Harry Richman, the Delta Rhythm Boys. Laurel and Hardy perform a “Wedding Night” sketch with Patsy Moran. AFRS. (30 min) Read the article about Laurel and Hardy in the Autumn 2024 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19
HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL (11-29-59) “Assignment in Stone’s Crossing” starring John Dehner as Paladin, with Ben Wright as Hey Boy and Virginia Gregg as Miss Wong. Paladin’s trip to Stone’s Crossing is interrupted when he is mistaken for a killer. Cast: Harry Bartell, Jack Moyles, Joseph Cranston, Bartlett Robinson, Vic Perrin. Participating sponsors, CBS. (23 min)
IT PAYS TO BE IGNORANT (1-5-45) Tom Howard is master of ceremonies for this quiz show parody, with Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnell, George Shelton, Nat Novick and the Orchestra. Questions include “For what animal do we buy a dog license?” and “In what ceremony do they use a wedding ring?” AFRS rebroadcast. (29 min)
DIMENSION X (10-29-50) “No Contact” is a story set in the year 1987, when a space expedition to the planet Volta encounters a “galactic reef” and tries to break through. Cast includes Luis Van Rooten, Donald Buka, Cameron Prudhomme. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
KRAFT MUSIC HALL (12-16-48) Al Jolson stars, with Oscar Levant, announcer Ken Carpenter, Lou Bring and the Orchestra, and guest Dinah Shore, who sings “I’ll Be Seeing You” and joins Al for “It’s Been a Long, Long Time.” Al sings “I’m Sittin’ on Top of the World,” “Dinah,” “When Day is Done” and others. Kraft Foods, NBC. (30 min)
RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (5-22-49) Dick Powell stars as Diamond, with Virginia Gregg as Helen Asher, Ed Begley as Lt. Levinson, Wilms Herbert as Sgt. Otis. A nightclub photographer seeks Diamond’s help after she accidentally takes a picture of two killers. Cast: Joan Banks, Paul Dubov, Herb Ellis, Sidney Miller. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
ADVENTURES OF MAISIE (1949) Ann Sothern stars as Maisie Revere, the character she played in the MGM movie series. Maisie comes to the aid of a teenager whose girlfriend has fallen in love with a singer. Cast includes Hans Conried, Gloria McMillan, Gil Stratton Jr., Jerry Hausner, Barney Phillips, Frank Gerstle. Syndicated. (28 min)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
ANNUAL HALLOWE’EN SHOW
QUIET PLEASE (10-27-47) “Don’t Tell Me About Hallowe’en” starring Ernest Chappell in a story written and directed by Wyllis Cooper. In New Salem, a man meets and marries a witch. With Jim Boles, Charita Bauer, Peggy Stanley. Sustaining, MBS. (24 min)
ALDRICH FAMILY (10-31-40) Ezra Stone stars as Henry, with Jackie Kelk as Homer Brown, House Jamison and Katharine Raht as Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich. It’s Hallowe’en and Henry and his friend Toby are eager to cause some mischief. Harry von Zell announces. Jell-O, NBC. (29 min)
NICK CARTER, MASTER DETECTIVE (12-30-45) “Shakespeare’s Ghost” starring Lon Clark as Nick, with Charlotte Manson as Patsy Bowen. Nick and Patsy investigate a missing volume of Shakespeare’s plays... and the strange legend that surrounds it. Lin-X, MBS. (30 min)
MURDER AT MIDNIGHT (7-25-47) “The Man With the Black Beard” starring Mercedes McCambridge as a woman who is haunted by dreams of a mysterious man who wants to kill her. Syndicated. (26 min)
PHILCO RADIO TIME (10-29-47) Bing Crosby stars, with announcer Ken Carpenter, Gail Robbins, John Scott Trotter and the Orchestra, Jud Conlon’s Rhythmaires, and guests Victor Moore and Boris Karloff. Bing is making preparations for a Hallowe’en party and sings a spooky song with Boris and Victor. Philco, ABC. (30 min)
SUSPENSE (6-23-49) “Ghost Hunt” starring Ralph Edwards as a disc jockey who agrees to stay overnight in a “haunted house” and record the happenings. With Herb Butterfield, Paul Frees, announcer Harlow Wilcox. Auto-Lite, CBS. (30 min)
Our Hallowe’en show will be heard on our ghost-to-ghost network and on the internet via screaming audio. Don’t miss it!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
HENRY MORGAN SHOW (10-8-47) It’s “Radio’s Bad Boy,” broadcasting from Hollywood with Arnold Stang, Ed Max, Ken Christy, the Jubilaires, Bernie Green and the Orchestra, announcer Jay Stewart. Morgan talks about buying a car and presents the soundtrack to a silent movie, “The Fearless Courage of Tom Mixmaster.” Eversharp, ABC. (29 min)
FAVORITE STORY (12-31-46) “Gulliver’s Travels,” a radio adaptation of the famous story by Jonathan Swift, about Lemuel Gulliver’s adventures in the land of Lilliput, where he towers over the country’s residents. Ronald Colman hosts, with Carl Harbord as Gulliver. Syndicated. (27 min)
BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (3-21-44) With Bill Goodwin, singer Jimmy Cash, Felix Mills and the Orchestra and guest Rita Hayworth. George and Gracie keep Rita company while her husband Orson Welles is away. Swan Soap, CBS. (28 min)
FORT LARAMIE (5-6-56) “Never the Twain” starring Raymond Burr as Capt. Lee Quince, with Vic Perrin as Sgt. Gorce, Harry Bartell as Lt. Seiberts, Jack Moyles as Maj. Daggett. A young Army lieutenant tends to an injured Native American woman and learns some valuable truths about prejudice. Cast: John Dehner, Lillian Buyeff, Ralph Moody, Don Diamond, John Stephenson. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min)
OLD GOLD COMEDY THEATER (12-17-44) “Lucky Partners” starring Herbert Marshall and Jane Wyman in a radio adaptation of the 1940 film. An artist and a bookseller go halves on a sweepstakes ticket. Harold Lloyd hosts, with Sheldon Leonard, Will Wright. Old Gold Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min)
FREEDOM TRAIN SPECIAL (1947) A special program produced in conjunction with the Freedom Train Exposition, hosted by George Hicks, with Bing Crosby, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Lovejoy, Jeff Chandler, Joan Banks, Gale Gordon, Griff Barnett. Crosby tells the story of “The Man Without a Country,” with Lovejoy as Philip Nolan. Syndicated. (29 min)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
THE CINNAMON BEAR AND OTHER RADIO ADVENTURES
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 1 of the celebrated holiday adventure. Judy and Jimmy Barton discover that the silver star for the top of the Christmas tree is missing. While searching for the ornament in their attic, they meet Paddy O’Cinnamon. (13 min)
JACK ARMSTRONG, THE ALL-AMERICAN BOY (4-21-42) An isolated episode of the “Land of the Sky” adventure, starring Charles Flynn as Jack, John Gannon as Billy, Sarajane Wells as Betty, Jim Goss as Uncle Jim. Jack, Billy, Betty and Uncle Jim are in the Andes Mountains to rescue an agent who has fallen into enemy hands. Wheaties, MBS. (15 min)
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN (3-28-47) An isolated episode of “The Man Without a Face” with Clayton Collyer as Clark Kent. Superman travels to France to save his friend Bucky from being drowned. Kellogg’s Pep, MBS. (15 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 2. Jimmy and Judy de-grow and take a glass airplane to Maybe Land in pursuit of the silver star. (13 min)
LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE (1936) An isolated episode of the series, starring Shirley Bell as Annie, Allan Baruck as Joe Corntassel. Annie, Joe, Mr. Silo and the sheriff lead a posse to the river in pursuit of the crooked Mr. Flint. Pierre Andre announces. Ovaltine, MBS. (15 min)
CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT (12-30-42) An isolated episode of the series, with Ed Prentiss as Captain Midnight. The Captain and Joyce launch a boat in the English channel with plans to destroy a Nazi submarine base. Announcer is Pierre Andre. Ovaltine, BLUE. (15 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 3. The airplane lands in the Looking Glass Valley. (13 min)
TOM MIX RALSTON STRAIGHTSHOOTERS (4-18-41) An isolated episode of the story of “The Hidden Mesa” with Russell Thorson as Tom. The Old Wrangler and Tom battle an enemy agent out to bomb a defense plant. With announcer Don Gordon, Percy Hemus as the Old Wrangler. Ralston Cereal, NBC. (15 min)
AMAZING INTERPLANETARY ADVENTURES OF FLASH GORDON (8-24-35) An isolated episode of the series, starring Gale Gordon as Flash, who reunites with Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkhov to receive the treatment that will make him invisible. Hearst Comic Weekly, Syndicated. (15 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 4. Captured by the Inkaboos. (13 min)
LET’S PRETEND (6-7-47) “The Six Swans,” a radio version of the story by the Brothers Grimm, about a wicked stepmother who turns her stepsons into wild swans. “Uncle” Bill Adams hosts, with Patricia Ryan, Bill Lipton, Jack Grimes, Kingsley Colton, Arthur Anderson, Gwen Davies, Sybil Trent, Albert Aley. Cream of Wheat, CBS. (24 min)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
MARTIN AND LEWIS SHOW (12-7-51) It’s Dean and Jerry on radio, with announcer Jimmy Wallington, Dick Stabile and the Orchestra, and guest Joan Davis, who joins the duo for an original operatic melodrama, “The Curse of an Aching Heartburn.” Dean sings “Who’s Sorry Now?” and others. Participating sponsors, NBC. (29 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 5. The Crazy Quilt Dragon to the rescue! (13 min)
MR. KEEN, TRACER OF LOST PERSONS (10-13-49) “The Yellow Talon Murder Case” starring Bennett Kilpack as Mr. Keen, with Jim Kelly as Mike Clancy. A woman is found dead of strangulation, with what appear to be talon marks around her throat. Anacin, Kolynos, CBS. (29 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 6. Our heroes meet Wesley the Wailing Whale and Samuel the Seal. (13 min)
GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-7-52) Willard Waterman stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, with Walter Tetley as Leroy, Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Mary Lee Robb as Marjorie, Dick LeGrand as Peavey, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker. Leroy has a new guitar and decides he wants to be a singing cowboy. Kraft, NBC. (29 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 7. Mr. Presto, the magician. (13 min)
MOLLE MYSTERY THEATER (5-17-46) “Killer Come Back to Me” starring Richard Widmark and Alice Rainhardt, with Bernard Lenrow as Geoffrey Barnes, in a story by Ray Bradbury. A gun moll remakes a young hoodlum in the image of her dead gangster boyfriend. Molle Shave Cream, NBC. (30 min)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SHOW
WE THE PEOPLE (11-23-48) Dale Carnegie hosts this Thanksgiving week broadcast, with guests Lili Palmer, author Betty MacDonald, singer Burl Ives, the St. Thomas Church Choir, Oscar Bradley and the Orchestra, announcers Dwight Weist and Dan Seymour. Gulf Oil, CBS. (28 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 8. Riding with Captain Taffy and the Candy Pirates. (13 min)
OUR MISS BROOKS (11-19-50) Eve Arden stars as Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon as Mr. Conklin, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton, Richard Crenna as Walter Denton, Jane Morgan, Gloria McMillan. Miss Brooks offers to buy a turkey for the Conklin family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (29 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 9. The Roly Poly Policeman. (13 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 10. Professor Whiz the Owl and Fraidy Cat the kitten. (13 min)
CASEY, CRIME PHOTOGRAPHER (11-27-47) “After Turkey, The Bill” stars Staats Cotsworth as Casey, with Jan Miner as Anne Williams, John Gibson as Ethelbert. On Thanksgiving, a young ex-con is accused of a gas station robbery. Tony Marvin announces. Anchor Hocking Glass, CBS. (30 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 11. Fee Fo, the Friendly Giant. (13 min)
THANKSGIVING SPECIAL (11-23-44) Lionel Barrymore hosts this special program for the Armed Forces, with performances by Dinah Shore, John Charles Thomas, Harry von Zell, Wally Brown, Frank Morgan, Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford as Baby Snooks and Daddy, Percy Faith and the Orchestra. Daddy dreams that he’s a turkey; Dinah sings “I’ve Got Plenty to Be Thankful For.” AFRS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
RADIO TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT BY
MAYOR OF THE TOWN (12-25-44) Lionel Barrymore stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge in the show’s annual production of Charles Dickens’ classic story “A Christmas Carol.” A miserly old gentleman learns the meaning of Christmas. Herbert Marshall hosts. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 12. Paddy O’Cinnamon meets the Rhyming Rabbit and gets stung by a bumblebee. (13 min)
FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-7-48) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees, with Bill Thompson, Gale Gordon, Arthur Q. Bryan. The McGees head to the Bon Ton Department Store to do their Christmas shopping early. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 13. Judy, Jimmy, Paddy O’Cinnamon and the Crazy Quilt Dragon go through the picture frame and encounter the Wintergreen Witch. (13 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 14. An audience with Queen Melissa of Maybe Land. (13 min)
CANDY MATSON (12-18-50) Natalie Masters stars as Candy, with Henry Leff as Lt. Mallard and Jack Thomas as Rembrandt Watson. Candy, Mallard and Watson take a holiday trip to San Juan Batista, but when they arrive at the mission, they find a murder waiting for them. With Hal Burdick, Lew Tobin, Jane Bennett. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 15. While trying to read a special message, our heroes encounter Snapper Snick, the Crocodile. (13 min)
JUBILEE (12-24-45) Ernie “Bubbles” Whitman is master of ceremonies for this special holiday edition, with Count Basie and his Orchestra, Bing Crosby, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Pfc. Eddie Green and Lena Horne, who sings “Silent Night.” In a sketch, Eddie gets Lena as a gift from Santa Claus. AFRS. (30 min)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
RADIO TO PLAN YOUR LIST BY
PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (12-11-49) With Elliott Lewis as Frankie, Walter Tetley as Julius, Robert North as Willie, Jeanine Roose, Anne Whitfield, Joe Kearns. At Christmas time, Phil and Frankie plan to buy a mink coat for Alice until they find a gift list. Alice sings “Be Goody, Good, Good to Me.” Rexall, NBC. (30 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 16. Meeting Oliver the Ostrich. (13 min)
SUSPENSE (12-17-61) “Yuletide Miracle” starring Larry Haines and Santos Ortega, with Rosemary Rice, Katharine Raht, Bill Lipton, Joe DeSantis. An ex-convict on parole is moved by the spirit of Christmas to fulfill a dying boy’s wish. Sustaining, CBS. (25 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 17. The mud-slinging Muddlers. (13 min)
SEALTEST VARIETY THEATER (12-23-48) Dorothy Lamour stars, with announcer Carlton Kadell, the Crew Chiefs, Henry Russell and the Orchesta, and guests Victor Moore and Pat O’Brien. Dorothy sings “Jingle Bells” and “White Christmas” and performs in a Christmas sketch with Victor. Sealtest, NBC. (29 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 18. Slim Pickens and the Cockleburr Cowboys. (13 min)
HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (12-16-48) “The Desert Shall Rejoice” starring John Hodiak as the cynical owner of a tourist camp where a young couple has arrived in need of lodging. James Hilton hosts; announcer is Frank Goss. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
RADIO TO ADDRESS CARDS BY
THE SHADOW (12-22-40) “Joey’s Christmas Story,” starring Bill Johnstone as Lamont Cranston, with Marjorie Anderson as the lovely Margot Lane. The Shadow pays a visit to “Santa Claus” to help a down-and-out family at Christmas time. Blue Coal, MBS. (27 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 19. Our heroes go to the Golden Grove and the Wintergreen Witch returns. (12 min)
SONGS BY SINATRA (12-18-46) With announcer Dan Seymour, Peggy Mann, The Pied Pipers, Axel Stordahl and the Orchestra. A program of seasonal music, as Frank sings “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” and others. Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (28 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 20. Queen Melissa’s Grand Wunky takes the Wintergreen Witch into exile in Looking Glass Valley. (13 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 21. In the Land of Ice and Snow. (13 min)
RADIO CITY PLAYHOUSE (12-25-49) “Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Paul Gallico. On Christmas Eve, two newspaper reporters are assigned to obtain two goats and a red wagon for their boss’ wife. With Lyle Sudrow, Bernard Grant, Ross Martin, Luis Van Rooten, Frank Milano. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 22. Meeting Jack Frost. (13 min)
JACK BENNY PROGRAM (12-17-50) With Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Dennis Day, Don Wilson, Mel Blanc, Artie Auerbach, Joseph Kearns, Sheldon Leonard, Frank Nelson, Elliott Lewis, Bea Benaderet, Veola Vonn. The gang goes Christmas shopping and Jack plans to buy Don Wilson a box of golf tees. Lucky Strike Cigarettes, CBS. (27 min)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
RADIO TO WRAP, BAKE AND DECORATE BY
CHARLIE McCARTHY SHOW (12-19-48) With Don Ameche, Marsha Hunt, Pat Patrick, Ray Noble and the Orchestra and guest Mario Lanza, who sings “The Lord’s Prayer.” Ameche and Hunt take part in a Bickersons sketch. Chase and Sanborn Coffee, NBC. (28 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 23. Paddy O’Cinnamon gets stuck in a pile of Christmas stickers. (13 min)
GUNSMOKE (12-23-56) “Beeker’s Barn,” starring William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, with Parley Baer as Chester, Howard McNear as Doc, Georgia Ellis as Kitty. It’s Christmas Eve in Dodge City and a young couple is staying — uninvited — in a ranch owner’s barn. L & M Cigarettes, CBS. (22 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 24. Judy, Jimmy and Paddy O’Cinnamon attend the Christmas Tree Parade. (13 min)
PHILCO RADIO TIME (12-24-47) Bing Crosby stars, with announcer Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter and the Orchestra, the Charioteers and Skitch Henderson. As part of his annual Christmas show, Bing sings “Adeste Fidelis,” “The Christmas Song,” “White Christmas” and others. Later, he tells the story of “The Small One.” Philco, ABC. (30 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 25. Captain Tin Top has returned the Silver Star, only for the Crazy Quilt dragon to steal it! (13 min)
THE WHISTLER (12-24-50) “Three Wise Guys,” starring John Brown in a Damon Runyon story. At Christmas time, three hoods travel to Pennsylvania to recover the hidden loot from a payroll robbery. With Bill Forman as The Whistler, Marvin Miller, Jack Moyles, Ken Christy, Lawrence Dobkin. Signal Oil, CBS. (30 min)
CINNAMON BEAR (1937) Chapter 26. The final chapter of the adventure. Will Judy and Jimmy finally get the Silver Star back for their Christmas tree? (13 min)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28
HAPPY NEW YEAR! br>
FATHER KNOWS BEST (12-29-49) Robert Young stars as Jim Anderson, with June Whitley, Rhoda Williams, Ted Donaldson, Norma Jean Nilsson. Jim has made a New Year’s resolution not to lose his temper. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (30 min)
ON STAGE (1-1-53) “The String Bow-Tie” is the first show of the series, starring Cathy and Elliott Lewis in plays “of their own and your choosing.” On New Year’s Eve, a man with a famous face and his wife go out to celebrate and have a strange adventure. Cast: Sheldon Leonard, Mary Jane Croft, Martha Wentworth, Vivi Janiss, Byron Kane. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
RED SKELTON SHOW (12-31-48) With announcer Rod O’Connor, Verna Felton, Lurene Tuttle, Pat McGeehan, the Four Knights, David Rose and the Orchestra. The “Skelton Television Players” present New Year’s sketches with Red as Willy Lump-Lump and Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Tide, NBC. (30 min)
FRANK YORK AND HIS ORCHESTRA (12-31-57) A New Year’s Eve broadcast from the Porterhouse Room of the Hotel Sherman in Chicago, with vocals by Jean Stanley. The band plays “Chicago,” “Fascination,” “Autumn Leaves” and others. WGN. (15 min)
DAVID LE WINTER AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1-1-58) Broadcasting from the Pump Room, with vocals by The Four Lads and Teddy King. The Lads sing “Down By the Riverside,” “Moments to Remember” and others. WGN. (14 min)
RESULTS, INCORPORATED (12-30-44) Starring Lloyd Nolan as Johnny Strange, Claire Trevor as Terry Travers. Johnny and Terry are hired to spend New Year’s Eve in a museum and watch over a wandering mummy. Cast includes Joseph Kearns. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min)
FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (12-30-52) Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees, with Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan, Dick LeGrand, Gil Stratton Jr., The King’s Men, Billy Mills and the Orchestra, announcer Harlow Wilcox. McGee finally wrangles an invitation to the New Year’s Eve dance at the country club. Reynolds Aluminum, NBC. (30 min)
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RADIO'S GOLDEN AGE
Our Radio's Golden Age series can be heard every Sunday evening from 6-9 pm Central time on KXEL-AM. See the schedule for Radio's Golden Age in every issue of Nostalgia Digest.
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