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Spring 2025 Program Highlights
SATURDAY, MARCH 15
THE SHADOW (1-9-38) “The League of Terror” starring Orson Welles as Lamont Cranston, with Agnes Moorehead as the lovely Margot Lane. The Shadow investigates after a shopkeeper is threatened into dropping his testimony against a gang of counterfeiters. Cast includes Kenny Delmar, Ray Collins. Blue Coal, MBS. (29 min)
PHILCO RADIO TIME (3-31-48) Bing Crosby stars, with announcer Ken Carpenter, The Rhythmaires, Gloria Woods, John Scott Trotter and the Orchestra and guest Dick Powell, who tells Bing he misses singing now that he’s playing detectives. Philco, ABC. (30 min)
EASY ACES #4 (1945) Everyone has an idea for how to get Johnny a job — including Johnny. Syndicated. (11 min)
X MINUS ONE (8-8-57) “The Scapegoat” is a radio adaptation of a story by Richard Maples. An ambitious reporter comes to the aid of a man who claims to be an alien. Cast: Karl Weber, Wendell Holmes, Jane Aymar, Bobby Alford, Guy Repp, Roger De Koven. Participating sponsors, NBC. (22 min)
GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (9-3-44) Harold Peary stars as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, with Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Walter Tetley as Leroy, Louise Erickson as Marjorie, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Shirley Mitchell as Leila Ransom. Gildy has been living the life of a bachelor while he waits for the family to come home. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
EASY ACES #5 (1945) Alice visits the Aces and shares her concerns about Johnny’s new job. Syndicated. (11 min)
THIS IS YOUR FBI (5-21-48) “The Curious Prospectors” starring Stacy Harris as Special Agent Jim Taylor. The FBI goes into the mountains to track down two escaped convicts searching for the loot from a payroll robbery. Cast includes Carleton Young, Jack Webb, Wally Maher. Narrator is William Woodson. Equitable Life Assurance Society, ABC. (29 min)
SATURDAY, MARCH 22
COMMAND PERFORMANCE #119 (recorded 5-13-44) Jerry Colonna is master of ceremonies, with Helen Forrest, Dinah Shore, Frances Langford, Lena Horne, announcer Ken Carpenter. The cast presents a spoof of radio commercials; Helen sings “Besame Mucho”; Lena sings “Mad About the Boy”; Frances sings “I”m in the Mood For Love.” AFRS. (30 min)
MYSTERY IN THE AIR (8-28-47) “Beyond Good and Evil” starring Peter Lorre in a story by Ben Hecht, about an escaped convict who masquerades as a reverend. With Peggy Webber, John Brown, Howard Culver, Russell Thorson, Jack Edwards Jr., announcer Henry Morgan. Camel Cigarettes, NBC. (28 min)
EASY ACES #6 (1945) Johnny meets with a detective about a plot to steal furs from the store. Syndicated. (11 min)
ALDRICH FAMILY (1941) Ezra Stone stars as Henry, with Jackie Kelk as Homer, House Jamison and Kathryn Raht as Mr. and Mrs. Aldrich. Confusion results when Henry writes a letter intended to make his friend Nancy jealous. Harry von Zell announces. Postum, NBC. (30 min)
EASY ACES #7 (1945) Alice visits Jane to tell her what she knows about Johnny’s activities. Syndicated. (11 min)
BOSTON BLACKIE (4-8-47) Dick Kollmar stars as Blackie, with Maurice Tarplin as Inspector Faraday. Blackie and Faraday try to investigate a house owned by two sisters, but must make it through a series of booby traps to do so. Syndicated. (27 min)
HENRY MORGAN SHOW (4-25-50) It’s “Radio’s Bad Boy,” with Arnold Stang, Minerva Pious, Art Carney, announcer Ed Herlihy, the Billy Williams Quartet. Morgan discusses table manners and interviews champion cyclist “Speed” Carney. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
OUR MISS BROOKS (1-9-49) Eve Arden stars as Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon as Principal Conklin, Jeff Chandler as Mr. Boynton, Dick Crenna as Walter Denton, Gloria McMillan as Harriet Conklin. Miss Brooks returns from winter vacation and tries to convince Mr. Conklin to heat the building and order new school supplies. Colgate-Palmolive, CBS. (29 min)
MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER (4-20-48) “Murder in Jazz Time” with Maurice Tarplin as the Mysterious Traveler. Cast: Frank Behrens, Joan Alexander, John Gibson, with songs performed by Hazel Scott. A man goes to New Orleans with his wife and fears he is losing her to a celebrated jazz musician. Sustaining, MBS. (29 min)
EASY ACES #8 (1945) Jane and Alice head to the warehouse to save Johnny, unaware of his plan for capturing the fur thieves. Syndicated. (11 min)
JIMMY DURANTE SHOW (3-24-48) With Peggy Lee, Candy Candido, Dave Perry, the Crew Chiefs, Roy Bargy and the Orchestra, Alan Reed, announcer Howard Petrie and guest Victor Moore, who tells Jimmy about his vacation. Jimmy discusses his campaign for president and announces his cabinet. Rexall, NBC. (30 min)
ROY ROGERS SHOW (7-22-54) It’s “The King of the Cowboys” with Dale Evans (“The Queen of the West”), Pat Brady, The Mello-Men, Jane Webb, Tony Barrett, Parley Baer, David Duval, Peter Botrian, announcer Lou Crosby. In “The River of No Return,” Roy, Dale and Pat head out on a fishing trip, where Roy receives a challenge from the town’s “top gun.” Dodge, NBC. (29 min)
EASY ACES #9 (1945) After breaking up the fur thieves’ ring, Johnny comes to Ace with a real estate deal. Syndicated. (11 min)
SPOTLIGHT REVUE (12-3-48) A musical and comedy show starring Spike Jones and his City Slickers, with Dorothy Shay, Doodles Weaver as Prof. Feedlebaum and guest Frank Sinatra, who sings “Amy” and joins the Slickers for a sketch based on “Prisoner of Love.” Coca-Cola, CBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
SPOTLIGHT ON WILLIAM CONRAD
GUNSMOKE (10-16-55) “Trouble in Kansas” starring William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, with Parley Baer as Chester, Georgia Ellis as Kitty, Howard McNear as Doc. Matt and Chester encounter a trail boss whose cattle drive has been beset by a gang of jayhawkers. Cast: Lawrence Dobkin, Barney Phillips, Harry Bartell. L & M Cigarettes, CBS. (22 min) Read the article about William Conrad in the Spring 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
FAVORITE STORY (10-15-46) “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” starring William Conrad in a radio adaptation of the story by Robert Louis Stevenson, about a scientist who invents a formula that transforms him into a monster. Ronald Colman hosts. Syndicated. (27 min)
ADVENTURES OF PHILIP MARLOWE (4-11-50) “The Anniversary Gift” starring William Conrad as Marlowe, substituting for star Gerald Mohr. A man hires Marlowe to find the watch he had given to his wife as an anniversary present. With Harry Bartell, Edgar Barrier, announcer Roy Rowan. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min)
ESCAPE (1-14-48) “Leiningen vs. the Ants” starring William Conrad in the story of a plantation owner in the Amazon jungle, who gets word that a ravenous army of ants are planning to attack. Cast: Lou Merrill, Don Diamond, Lou Krugman. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min)
CRIME CLASSICS (8-31-53) “Your Loving Son, Nero” featuring William Conrad as the Roman Emperor who made plans to kill his mother. With Lou Merrill as host Thomas Hyland, Betty Lou Gerson, Edgar Barrier, Hy Averback, Martha Wentworth, Sammie Hill. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
SUSPENSE (11-9-58) “Two for the Road” starring William Conrad and Charles McGraw as two television actors whose cross-country trip is interrupted when they are accused of robbery and murder. Cast: Paula Winslowe, June Foray, Howard McNear, Evan Thompson, Barney Phillips, Sam Pierce, Jack Kruschen. Participating sponsors, CBS. (28 min)
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
SPRING IS HERE!
DATE WITH JUDY (5-4-48) Louise Erickson stars as Judy Foster, with Dix Davis as Randolph, Richard Crenna as Oogie Pringle, John Brown and Myra Marsh as Mr. and Mrs. Foster. Spring is in the air and everyone decides to take the day off. Ken Niles announces. Tums, NBC. (30 min)
SCREEN DIRECTORS’ PLAYHOUSE (4-14-50) “It Happens Every Spring” starring Ray Milland in a radio version of his 1949 film, directed by Lloyd Bacon. A college professor becomes a star baseball pitcher after developing a formula that allows the ball to repel wood. Cast includes Ted DeCorsia, Parley Baer, Frank Nelson, Anne Diamond, Eddie Fields, Dan Riss. Jimmy Wallington announces. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
CALLING ALL DETECTIVES (3-8-49) Paul Barnes stars as Detective Jerry Browning and all of the other voices. Jerry investigates when a man is murdered at the spring flower show. Syndicated. (8 min)
FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY (3-21-39) Jim Jordan stars as Fibber McGee, with Bill Thompson, Harold Peary, Isabel Randolph, John Gibson, Mel Blanc, guest ZaSu Pitts, announcer Harlow Wilcox, Donald Novis, The Four Notes, Billy Mills and the Orchestra. Fibber goes to the barber shop for his Spring haircut and fears he is losing his hair. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (29 min)
FATHER KNOWS BEST (4-30-53) Robert Young stars as Jim Anderson, with Ted Donaldson, Dorothy Lovett, Rhoda Williams, Helen Strohm, Marylee Robb. It’s a beautiful Spring day and daughter Betty is preparing for the Prom. Post Cereals, NBC. (29 min)
ROMANCE (4-30-55) “After All, It’s Spring” starring Vic Perrin as a college professor who finds a mysterious love letter written by one of his students. Cast: Kay Stewart, Helen Kleeb, John Dehner, Sam Edwards, Sammie Hill, William Wyler, Dolores Penard. Sustaining, CBS. (25 min)
RAILROAD HOUR (5-12-52) “Spring Is Here” starring Gordon MacRae and guest Annamary Dickey in a radio adaptation of the 1929 musical by Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart and Owen Davis. A woman is torn between a man she loves and a man who loves her. Songs include “With a Song in My Heart,” “Yours Sincerely” and others. Cast includes Barbara Whiting, John Shay. Marvin Miller announces. Association of American Railroads, NBC. (29 min)
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
BABY SNOOKS SHOW (3-20-51) Fanny Brice stars as Snooks, with Hanley Stafford as Daddy and Arlene Harris as Mummy. Daddy decides to ask for a loan so that he can buy the family new clothes for Easter. With Frank Nelson, Elvia Allman, Ken Christy, Fred Shields. Tums, NBC. (28 min)
RICHARD DIAMOND, PRIVATE DETECTIVE (3-29-50) Dick Powell stars as Diamond, with Virginia Gregg as Helen Asher, Ed Begley as Lt. Levinson and Wilms Herbert as Sgt. Otis. A dying man brings a package to Diamond, a statue wrapped in newspaper. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
SONGS BY SINATRA (2-27-46) With the Pied PIpers, Axel Stordahl and the Orchestra, announcer Marvin Miller and guest Jimmy Durante, who gives Frank a singing lesson and sings “The Lost Chord.” Old Gold Cigarettes, CBS. (27 min)
QUIET PLEASE (11-21-48) “One for the Book” starring Ernest Chappell in a story written and directed by Wyllis Cooper. A captain in the Air Corps makes an astonishing discovery when he sees the pilot of a rocket crash. Cast: Dan Sutter, Melville Ruick, Charles Eggleston, Floyd Buckley. Sustaining, ABC. (30 min)
EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (1-10-45) With announcer Harry von Zell, Bert Gordon as the Mad Russian, Billy Gray, Nora Martin, Leonard Suess and the Orchestra and guests the Andrews Sisters, who sing “Sonny Boy.” Eddie recalls his boyhood in New York’s East Side. Bristol-Myers, NBC. (29 min)
CBS RADIO WORKSHOP (4-21-57) “The Son of Man: A Passion Play” tells the story of the Passion, as read by Herbert Marshall, Robert Young, Victor Jory and Vincent Price. Introduced by Raymond Burr, with text arranged by Archibald MacLeish. Sustaining, CBS. (24 min)
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
OUR 55th ANNIVERSARY SHOW—“Thanks for Listening”
As Those Were the Days prepares to celebrate 55 years on the air, we’ll do so by sharing highlights from a special live event, a benefit for our radio home of WDCB that’s taking place on Sunday, April 6 at the McAninch Arts Center on the campus of College of DuPage.
For this special event, we’ll welcome back TWTD founder and long-time host Chuck Schaden. There’ll be music from guitarist Joel Paterson and pianist Reginald Robinson — and we’ll re-create some favorite moments from the Golden Age of Radio with a special edition of the Those Were the Days Radio Players, featuring Trace Beaulieu, Will Clinger, Dag Juhlin, Rich Koz, Bill Leff and many others. Tickets for this live event are available online at wdcb.org/twtd55. Please join us if you can!
SATURDAY, MAY 3
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NORMAN CORWIN!
WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS (12-15-41) An all-star celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Bill of Rights, written and directed by Norman Corwin, with Cpl. James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, Edward Arnold, Walter Huston, Marjorie Main, Walter Brennan, Edward G. Robinson, Bob Burns, Orson Welles, Rudy Vallee and President Franklin Roosevelt, with music composed by Bernard Herrmann. ALL NETWORKS. (31 min and 29 min)
COLUMBIA WORKSHOP (8-3-41) “Descent of the Gods” starring Henry Morgan in a story written and directed by Norman Corwin, a “speculative fantasy” in which Venus, Mars and Apollo come to Earth. Cast includes Eileen Burns, Winfield Honey, House Jamison. Sustaining, CBS. (29 min)
AN AMERICAN IN ENGLAND (9-7-42) “The Anglo-American Angle,” is the last in a series of six program, written and directed by Norman Corwin and broadcast “from somewhere in the British Isles.” An American examines how the British view America — and in turn, observes how life in Britain is affected by the War. Narrated by Joseph Julian, with music composed by Benjamin Britten. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
COLUMBIA PRESENTS CORWIN (7-3-45) “Unity Fair” is “a carnival in your living room, written and directed by Norman Corwin, starring Alfred Drake, Groucho Marx and Keenan Wynn, with songs written by Burton Lane, Earl Robinson and E.Y. Harburg. Sustaining, CBS. (28 min)
ONE WORLD AWARD (3-31-46) A special broadcast from The Florentine Room of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Los Angeles, as Norman Corwin receives the first Wendell Willkie “One World” award. Speakers include Robert Young and Paul Robeson. CBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, MAY 10
PHIL HARRIS-ALICE FAYE SHOW (5-8-49) With Elliott Lewis as Frankie Remley, Walter Tetley as Julius Abbruzio, Jeanine Roose and Anne Whitfield as the Harris daughters. It’s Mother’s Day and Phil decides to get Alice a mink coat. Cast includes Shirley Mitchell, Dick Lane, Ken Christy. Rexall, NBC. (30 min)
SHERLOCK HOLMES (11-12-45) “The Speckled Band” starring Basil Rathbone as Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. Holmes is visited by a woman who announces that she’s waiting to be murdered. Harry Bartell announces. Petri Wines, MBS. (30 min)
DUFFY’S TAVERN (11-24-44) With Ed Gardner as Archie, the manager; Eddie Green, Sandra Gould, Charlie Cantor, Bob Graham, Bert Reeves and the Orchestra and guest Harold Peary, radio’s Great Gildersleeve. Archie wants to start a floor show around Bob Graham and wants Gildersleeve to bankroll it. AFRS rebroadcast. (30 min)
GREEN HORNET (5-28-46) “Polarized Glasses” starring Bob Hall as Britt Reid, with Rollon Parker as Kato, Lee Allman as Lenore Case, Gilbert Shea as Mike Axford, who finds a pair of special glasses belonging to a society woman, unaware that she belongs to a spy ring. Sustaining, ABC. (26 min)
KRAFT MUSIC HALL (3-11-48) Al Jolson stars, with Oscar Levant, Lou Bring and the Orchestra, announcer Ken Carpenter and guest Edward Everett Horton, who wants to help Al decorate his home. Al sings “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover,” “Liza” and others. Kraft, NBC. (30 min)
FIRST NIGHTER (3-10-49) “No Greater Need” starring Barbara Luddy and Olan Soule. After the war, an American doctor returns to Salerno, Italy to see that a shipment of streptomycin has arrived safely. Cast: Norma Jean Nilsson, Alan Reed Sr. and Alan Reed Jr. Larry Keating announces. Campana Products, CBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, MAY 17
GINGER ROGERS ON THE AIR
GI JOURNAL #77 (1-12-45) Frank Sinatra and Jim and Marian Jordan (Fibber McGee and Molly) are this week’s “editors,” with Ginger Rogers, Connie Haines, Mel Blanc, Arthur Q. Bryan, the Les Paul Trio. Ginger brings in an article about dancing; the Trio play “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” AFRS. (30 min) Read the article about Ginger Rogers in the Spring 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
SPEAKING OF RADIO (12-9-71) Chuck Schaden’s conversation with actress Ginger Rogers, who looks back on her career in theater and movies. Recorded at the Ambassador East Hotel in Chicago. (32 min)
LUX RADIO THEATRE (2-20-39) “Stage Door” starring Ginger Rogers, Rosalind Russell, Adolph Menjou and Eve Arden in a radio adaptation of the 1937 film, about a group of aspiring actresses who share their triumphs and disappointments while living together in a theatrical boarding house. Cecil B. DeMille hosts; announcer is Melville Ruick. Lux Soap, CBS. (18 min & 13 min & 30 min)
SCREEN GUILD PLAYERS (10-1-39) “Imperfect Lady” starring Clark Gable, Ginger Rogers, Spencer Chartaris, Margaret Lindsay. A comedy about a producer, director, writers and actress who produce a flop and try to put together another picture. Roger Prior hosts; announcer is John Conte. Gulf Oil, CBS. (30 min)
BOB HOPE SHOW (2-8-44) From Camp Pendleton in Ocean Side, CA, with Frances Langford, Jerry Colonna, Barbara Jo Allen as Vera Vague, Skinnay Ennis and the Orchestra, announcer Wendell Niles and guest Ginger Rogers, who talks about her new film, Lady in The Dark. Later, she plays a psychiatrist in a sketch and sings “Shoo Shoo Baby.” Pepsodent, NBC. (29 min)
SATURDAY, MAY 24
BIG BANDS OF THE LATE 1930s
ARTIE SHAW AND HIS ORCHESTRA (1-19-39) It’s the King of the Clarinet, “Making dance history” in the Blue Room of the Hotel Lincoln in New York City, with vocalists Helen Forrest and Tony Pastor. The Shaw band plays “Rose Room,” “Any Old Time,” “This Can’t Be Love,” and other selections. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
LADY ESTHER SERENADE (8-26-36) Hal Kemp and his Orchestra fill in for the vacationing Wayne King and his Group, in a broadcast from New York City. Selections include “Until The Real Thing Comes Along,” “Organ Grinder’s Swing,” “There’s A Small Hotel,” and “It’s Only A Paper Moon,” among others. Vocals by Bob Allen, Maxine Gray, and Skinnay Ennis. Nelson Case announces. Lady Esther Cosmetics, NBC. (29 min)
DUKE ELLINGTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA (3-18-37) A broadcast from the Cotton Club, located at Broadway and 48th Street, with a floor show “featuring 100 Sepia stars.” The band plays “Harlem Speaks,” “Caravan,” “Pennies From Heaven,” “Rockin’ In Rhythm,’ and other tunes. Vocalist is Ivie Anderson. Announcer is Roger Lyons. Sustaining, MBS. (30 min)
LOMBARDO ROAD (8-26-35) “The Highway to Happy Motoring” featuring Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, with vocals by Carmen Lombardo and the Trio. The band plays “I’m In The Mood For Love,” “Isn’t This A Lovely Day,” “Stars Fell On Alabama,” and “Fu Manchu, Won’t You Behave” and other selections. Esso Oil Company, CBS. (29 min)
BOB CROSBY AND HIS ORCHESTRA (4-18-37) A swing concert as broadcast from the Congress Hotel in Chicago, as a part of a benefit for Crosby pianist Joe Sullivan, who was ill with tuberculosis. The Crosby Crew plays “In A Minor Mood,” “Between The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea,” “Just Strollin,” “South Rampart Street Parade,” and others. Announcer is Norman Barry. Sustaining, NBC. (30 min)
OUR SPECIAL GUEST will be KARL PEARSON, big band historian and host of WDCB’s Juke Box Saturday Night, who will talk about the big band scene of the late 1930s.
SATURDAY, MAY 31
HALLMARK PLAYHOUSE (9-14-50) “The Big Build-Up” starring Dana Andrews, with Joan Banks. A reluctant Hollywood agent is assigned the job of publicizing a new actress. James Hilton hosts. Announcer is Frank Goss. Hallmark Cards, CBS. (29 min)
INNER SANCTUM (2-20-45) “No Coffin for the Dead” starring Les Tremayne. After a man is stabbed while a murder is committed, he vows to track down the killer. Cast includes Santos Ortega, Alice Frost, Luis Van Rooten. Lipton Tea and Soup, CBS. (29 min)
RED SKELTON SHOW (5-21-46) With Anita Ellis, Verna Felton, GeGe Pearson, David Forrester and the Orchestra, announcer Rod O’Connor. The Skelton Scrapbook of Satire examines “Tailors” with Red as Deadeye and Junior, the Mean Little Kid. Raleigh Cigarettes, NBC. (27 min)
I WAS A COMMUNIST FOR THE FBI (8-27-52) “Burnt Offering” starring Dana Andrews as Matt Cvetic, undercover agent for the FBI, who is sent to Chicago to assist a Communist agent smuggle a classified report from Los Alamos out of the country. Cast includes Peter Leeds. Syndicated. (28 min) Read the article about I Was a Communist for the FBI in the Spring 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
COUPLE NEXT DOOR (1-7-58) Starring Peg Lynch and Alan Bunce, with Nancy Sheridan, Jay Barney. A card game with the neighbors leads to an evening of home movies. Participating sponsors, CBS. (15 min)
WILD BILL HICKOK (7-29-51) Guy Madison stars as Wild Bill, with Andy Devine as Jingles Jones. Bill and Jingles are looking for money stolen by the Shadow Hill Gang and a schoolteacher appears to know something about it. Cast: Jeanne Bates, Joe Duval, Fred Howard, Jess Kirkpatrick, Clayton Post, Jack Moyles. Kellogg’s Corn Pops, MBS. (24 min)
MY FRIEND IRMA (4-5-48) Marie Wilson stars as Irma Peterson, with Cathy Lewis as Jane, John Brown as Al, Hans Conried as Professor Kropotkin, Gloria Gordon as Mrs. O’Reilly, Alan Reed. An article in the newspaper leads Irma to believe she’s going to inherit $50,000. Swan Soap, CBS. (29 min)
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
CHALLENGE OF THE YUKON (8-14-43) “A Footprint in Leather” starring Jay Michael as Sgt. Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police. Preston arrives in Cass City and finds a friend of his is suspected of murder. Cast includes Paul Hughes. Sustaining, WXYZ. (15 min)
GREAT GILDERSLEEVE (5-2-51) Willard Waterman is Throckmorton P. GIldersleeve, with Walter Tetley as Leroy, Lillian Randolph as Birdie, Marylee Robb as Marjorie, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Richard LeGrand as Mr. Peavey, Arthur Q. Bryan as Floyd Munson, Ken Christy as Chief Gates. Gildy suggests the Jolly Boys clean Judge Hooker’s house while he’s out of town. Kraft, NBC. (29 min)
ADVENTURES OF SAM SPADE (6-19-49) “The Apple of Eve Caper” starring Howard Duff as Sam, Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine. Sam is knocked out while trying to stop two women from fighting in his office. Cast includes Bea Benaderet, Jack Webb, Wally Maher. Wildroot Cream Oil, CBS. (29 min)
VIC AND SADE (11-20-45) Art Van Harvey and Bernardine Flynn star as Vic and Sade, with Bill Idelson as Rush. The Corkles come from twenty blocks away to borrow a cup of sugar. With Johnny Coons, Eleanor Engle. Rye Billsbury announces. Oxydol, CBS. (14 min)
STORY OF DR. KILDARE (3-15-50) Lew Ayres stars as Dr. Kildare, with Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie. A young girl whose parents are separated requires surgery for appendicitis. With Lurene Tuttle, Bea Benaderet. Syndicated. (27 min)
FRED ALLEN SHOW (1-30-49) With Portland Hoffa, Kenny Delmar, Parker Fennelley, Minerva Pious, Peter Donald, the Demarco Sisters, Al Goodman and his Orchestra and guest Rudy Vallee, who sings “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World.” Fred offers to get Rudy into television. Ford Motors, NBC. (29 min)
GANGBUSTERS (9-22-45) “The Red Evening Dress” tells the story of “a gun moll who wanted a red dress more than anything in the world.” A beautiful woman takes over her boyfriend’s gang when he gets out of prison. Cast includes Santos Ortega, Mandel Kramer. Waterman’s Pens, ABC. (29 min)
SATURDAY, JUNE 14
MOVIETOWN RADIO THEATRE (1940s) “Borrowed Father” starring Pat O’Brien as Nick, with Henry Blair, Betty Arnold, Herbert Rawlinson, Paul Conrad. A young boy asks a stranger to pose as his father so they can get into the rodeo on “Father and Son Day.” Les Mitchell hosts. Syndicated. (27 min)
MY FAVORITE HUSBAND (10-7-49) Lucille Ball and Richard Denning star as Liz and George Cooper, with Gale Gordon and Bea Benaderet as Rudolph and Iris Atterbury, Ruth Perrott as Katy. George tries to work up the courage to ask Mr. Atterbury for a raise. Cast includes Frank Nelson. Jell-O, CBS. (30 min)
DRAGNET (6-7-51) Jack Webb stars as Sgt. Joe Friday, with Barton Yarborough as Sgt. Ben Romero. The police investigate when a 10-year-old boy is reported missing from his home in a remote section of the city. Fatima Cigarettes, NBC. (26 min)
GOOD NEWS OF 1939 (4-20-39) Robert Young hosts this variety show, with Fanny Brice and Hanley Stafford as Baby Snooks and Daddy, Frank Morgan, singers Douglas MacPhail and Miliza Korjus, Meredith Willson and the Orchestra, announcer Warren Hull. Guests are Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone, Fay Holden, Ann Rutherford and Cecilia Parker, promoting their new film, The Hardys Ride High. Maxwell House Coffee, NBC. (26 min and 34 min)
X MINUS ONE (10-24-56) “Pictures Don’t Lie” starring Joe DeSantis, John Gibson, Sam Gray, Dick Hamilton. When a scientist intercepts a signal that turns out to be a television program from Sagittarius, he decides to send television shows from Earth in return. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
WINDY CITY VOICES
BREAKFAST CLUB (6-23-58) From the College Inn of the Hotel Sherman in Chicago, Don McNeill hosts the show’s 25th anniversary broadcast, with singer Dick Noel, Fran Allison as Aunt Fanny, Sam Cowling, Eddie Ballantine and the Orchestra. Don speaks with members of the audience and makes predictions about radio’s next 25 years. Participating sponsors, ABC. (29 min and 31 min) Read the article about The Breakfast Club in the Spring 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
ART HELLYER SHOW (8-1-57) An excerpt from the legendary Chicago personality’s morning show, with comedy bits, records, cut-ins, phone calls and pleas for strawberry shortcake! With Lenny Kaye. Participating sponsors, WAIT. (21 min)
WALLY PHILLIPS SHOW (3-23-61) The celebrated Chicago radio voice plays records and introduces his guest, disc jockey Bob Fredrickson of Foreman High School. Coca-Cola, WGN. (30 min)
CLIFF JOHNSON AND FAMILY (5-26-52) Broadcasting from the Johnson house in Oak Park, with Cliff and Luella Johnson and their daughters Linda, Pam and Sandra. The girls tell some jokes and talk about a slumber party and a paper route. Broadcast Corned Beef Hash, WBBM. (14 min)
ARBOGAST (1-11-51) Bob Arbogast hosts a program of records and sketches, with Pete Robinson. Arbogast takes a bath and later presents a “dramatic” narrative, “The CIty.” Participating sponsors, WMAQ. (30 min)
MEISTER BRAU SHOWCASE (7-31-64) An excerpt from Franklyn MacCormack’s all-night radio show, with poetry and music during the “Torch Hour.” Meister Brau, WGN. (28 min)
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
HAPPY ANNIVERSARIES!
COCOANUT GROVE ANNIVERSARY BROADCAST (5-9-38) A special broadcast honoring the 15th anniversary of broadcasts from the Cocoanut Grove, with master of ceremonies Bob Hope, Fred MacMurray, Harry Owens, Florence George, The Yacht Club Boys, Dorothy Lamour and Shirley Ross, who sings “Thanks for the Memory” with Bob. Fred sings “You Leave Me Breathless.” NBC. (29 min)
BILL STERN SPORTS NEWSREEL (10-20-50) The celebrated sportscaster celebrates his twelfth anniversary on the air, featuring excerpts from past shows, with guests Eddie Cantor, James Stewart, Eleanor Roosevelt, Al Jolson, Linda Darnell, Jane Froman, Joe DiMaggio, Sonia Henie, Danny Kaye, Joe Louis, Jack Benny, Herbert Hoover, Shirley Temple and Babe Ruth. Colgate, NBC. (15 min) Read the article about Bill Stern, Jane From an and other stars who overcame injury or illness in the Spring 2025 issue of Nostalgia Digest.
MAGNIFICENT MONTAGUE (1-5-51) Monte Woolley stars as Edwin Montague, with Anne Seymour as Lily, Pert Kelton as Agnes. Edwin is preparing to celebrate his Silver anniversary in the theater, but his father’s sudden appearance threatens to cloud the event. With Art Carney, John Gibson, John Griggs, Gavin Gordon, announcer Don Pardo. Sustaining, NBC. (29 min)
NATIONAL BARN DANCE (4-15-44) A celebration of the 20th anniversary of station WLS, featuring host Joe Kelly, Arkie the Arkansas Woodchopper, Pat Buttram, the Dinning Sisters, the Hoosier Hot Shots and guest Cindy Walker. Joe and the cast talk about Victory Gardens; the Dinning Sisters sing “When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob-Bobbing Along” and “San Fernando Valley”; the cast performs “Plant a Little Garden Right in Your Own Backyard.” AFRS rebroadcast. (32 min)
CLAUDIA (9-15-48) An isolated episode of the series, starring Kathryn Bard as Claudia and Paul Crabtree as David. Claudia and David return home from celebrating their first anniversary. Coca-Cola, Syndicated. (14 min)
ON STAGE (4-30-53) “Happy Anniversary” starring Cathy and Elliott Lewis, with music by guest Ray Noble. As the Lewises celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary, they present an original drama about a couple recalling their various anniversaries. Sustaining, CBS. (30 min)
BROOKLYN’S 300th ANNIVERSARY (6-11-46) Barry Gray hosts this special broadcast from the S.S. Thomas Moran in New York, with a fashion show featuring four Powers models. Guests includes Doodles Weaver, Jules Munshin, Harry Hirshfeld, Beatrice Kay, Betty Garrett, Joe Ranson. WOR. (25 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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