When Radio Ruled: Recent Episodes
Mike Gillett - the BeforeTV Project
In public, Eddie Cantor was known as a charming clown with a side of song.
In private, Eddie Cantor was a concerned citizen who dedicated much of his personal time and wealth to Jewish charities and causes. The more he saw the rising hatred directed at the Jewish people, the more he felt the need to ease their burden.
Radio Priest Father Charles Coughlin preached we should give the Germans benefit of the doubt. Communism was just as bad. And did you notice all those Commies are Jews?
Not subtle, but effective and a message that would meet with brave resistance from Eddie Cantor.
A real life Radio Feud with national political implications.
Also appearing:
The Mad Russian
Baby Snooks
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Click Here to Listen to Eddie Cantor vs Father Coughlin
Curated clips of live broadcasts from popular radio shows of the day.
History through the eyes of people as they lived it, reported by radio.
In today’s SoundScape:
Royalty are just regular folks!
Jack Benny with the Hollywood Gossip!
The Patent Office is Your Friend!
Frank Morgan talks Wizard of Oz and World Fairs!
A Big Dose of Great Swing Music!
And More
Featuring:
Cecil B Demille
Fibber McGee and Molly
Jack Benny
Mary Livingstone
Don Wilson
Kenny Baker
Orson Welles
Zasu Pitts
The Green Hornet
Barney Rapp and His New Englanders featuring Ruby Wright
Baby Snooks and Daddy
Frank Morgan
Connie Boswell
Doris Day
Phil Harris
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Andy Devine
And More!
Click Here for a Radio Journey Down Memory Lane!
Edgar Bergen was also Charlie McCarthy but Charlie McCarthy was one of a kind. The cutest little obnoxious guy on the radio. A big personality in a tiny package.
Charlie McCarthy took radio by storm and Edgar Bergen rode his coattails to fame and fortune. Actually Bergen rode his own coat tails, but it was so easy to forget they were the same person. Charlie seemed to have a life of his own.
Given his first big radio break by Rudy Vallee, Edgar Bergen himself doubted the wisdom of a ventriloquist act on Radio. But audiences couldn’t resist Charlie McCarthy and history was made.
This episode features some of the biggest stars in Hollywood cavorting with our wooden protagonist, Charlie McCarthy, thanks to Edgar Bergen and Chase and Sanborn!
FEATURING:
Joan Blondell
Constance Bennett
Fred MacMurray
Helen Broderick
Anita Louise
David Niven
Loretta Young
Charles Laughton
Clark Gable
John Garfield
Geraldine Fitzgerald
Laugh Out Loud Funny! – Click Here to Hear
1939 SoundScape part 10, Radio highlights originally broadcast live May 22 through June 4, 1939 Curated clips of live broadcasts from popular radio shows of the day.History through the eyes of people as they lived it, reported by radio.
In today’s SoundScape:
Youth committing crimes!
American Freedom!
The Death of John Brown!
Jack Benny: Ladies Man!
Interviews with Civil War Veterans!
Airmail to Europe!
And More
Featuring:
Cecil B Demille
Courtney Riley Cooper
Fibber McGee and Molly
Harlow Wilcox
Orson Welles
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Phil Harris
Mary Livingstone
Kenny Baker
The Green Hornet
Baby Snooks
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
And More!
Click Here To Hear with Your Ear 1939 SoundScape #10
17 year old Wynn Murray already had two Broadway hits on her resume when she joined The Fred Allen show as the resident Female Vocalist in 1939.
Fred Allen’s decision to bring a famous female vocalist onto his show in 1939 was a recognition that female singers were now in vogue.
Singers like Connie Boswell on the Good News Program, and Charlie McCarthy’s Dorothy LaMour were part of their show’s ratings success.
Those Shows broadcast from Hollywood so those singers came from the film industry.
Fred Allen broadcast from New York City so he had access to Broadway Talent, and Wynn Murray was one of New York Theater’s most promising young shining stars.
SONGS:
Sing For Your Supper
Great Day
Johnny One Note
Comes Love
I didn’t know what time it was
Blow Gabriel Blow
The Man with the Mandolin
What’s New
Stop it’s Wonderful
Stormy Weather
Click Here to Hear for Yourself: Wynn Murray 1939
SoundScape part 9, Radio highlights originally broadcast live May 4 through May 21, 1939
Curated clips of live broadcasts from popular radio shows of the day.
History through the eyes of people as they lived it, reported by radio.
In today’s SoundScape:
Mother’s Day 1939 with Jack Benny!
Where are the real high class professional crooks in America today?
As a Lover, rumor has it, Jack Benny is a regular Caveman!
Featuring:
Robert Young
Connie Boswell
Frank Morgan
Fannie Brice
Orson Welles
Jack Benny
Phil Harris
Mary Livingstone
Leslie Howard
Don Wilson
Cecil B DeMille
The Family Doctor
Fibber McGee and Molly
Ida Lupino
and
Kenny Baker
Click Here to Hear with Your Ear SoundScape 1939 part 9
Charlie McCarthy is really Edgar Bergen. Or the other way around. It was a ventriloquist act.
On the radio.
Go figure.
But you can’t argue with success and the Charlie McCarthy show was more than a success, it was a cultural phenomenon.
The Kids loved Charlie McCarthy, so did the parents and Grandparents.
The biggest Movie stars didn’t have time to do radio.
Except for the Charlie McCarthy show.
They all wanted to do the Charlie McCarthy show.
Starring:
Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
Maureen O’Sullivan
Jackie Cooper
Kay Francis
Andrea Leeds
Tony Galento
Ida Lupino
And
Vera Vague
Also Appearing are:
Alan Mowbray
Don Ameche
Dorothy Lamour
and
Donald Dixon
Click Here to Drop In on Charlie and His Guests!
Radio highlights originally broadcast live April 6 through April 30, 1939
Curated clips of live broadcasts from popular radio shows of the day.
History through the eyes of people as they lived it, reported by radio.
In today’s soundscape:
A Tribute to Man’s Best Friend, my Dog
Pearl Buck Talks China with Anna Mae Wong and Orson Welles
Jack Benny’s 7th Anniversary on Radio!
And more!!!
FEATURING:
Robert Young
Kitty Carlisle
Meredith Wilson
Lionel Barrymore
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Phil Harris
Mary Livingstone
Cecil B DeMille
General Hugh Samuel Johnson
Errol Flynn
Fibber McGee and Molly
Orson Welles
Anna Mae Wong
Kenny Baker
Eddie Rochester Anderson
Gertrude Lawrence
and
Eddie Cantor
Click Here For A Heaping Earful of 1939!
Close harmony groups were popular in the 1920’s, 30’s,40’s and 50’s. The Merry Macs were among the most successful and were certainly the longest lived of all the Old Time Radio harmony groups.
Close Harmony singing evolved from the Barbershop Quartets of the 1880s and 1890s, but with a jazz age sensibility. Closer harmonic chords and experimentation with tempo and rhythm are some differences between the two styles of harmony.
The Songs you’re going to hear are all recorded from live broadcasts in 1939:
Mister Zip Zip Zip
Stumbling All Around
She’s my Sweetheart
Do You Ever Think of Me
Moonlight Bay
Wizard of Oz Medley
Jingle Bells
Little Drink Do Harm?
Mister Daily Star
Oh Johnny
Click Here for the One and Only Merry Macs!
Radio highlights originally broadcast live March 22 through April 5, 1939
Curated clips of live broadcasts from popular radio shows of the day.
History through the eyes of people as they lived it, reported by radio.
In today’s soundscape:
Nothing about the war in this one, things were quiet there and we were more than happy to pretend the bombs and blood wasn’t real. We will soon find out different.
The violent wedding of Andy Brown!
Georgie Jessell kills it with the comedy on the Fed Allen show!
And more!!!
This episode features:
Cecil B DeMille
Loretta Young
Spencer Tracy
Father Flanagan
Fibber McGee
Robert Young
Leo Carillo
Orson Welles
Jack Benny
Don Wilson
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Phil Harris Orchestra
Mary Livingstone
Mr. Distrct Attorney
Amos ‘n Andy
Fred Allen
Portland Hoffa
Peter Van Steeden
Harry Von Zell
And
Georgie Jessell
Click Here to Time Travel with Your Ears to 1939 !!
Cecil B. DeMille was a legend, a trailblazer, and a person of ambition and talent.
In this episode, DeMille talks with others like him, movers and shakers who have risen to the top of their chosen fields.
Greatness, talking with greatness on the Lux Radio Theater.
DeMille’s guests include:
Father Flanagan
H.V. Kaltenborn
Grand Duchess Marie
The Daughter of William Jennings Bryant
General Hugh Samuel Johnson
Captain of the Largest American Steam Ship
Barbara Stanwyck and George Arliss
The Playwright Zoe Akins
The Author James Hilton
Floyd Gibbons International Reporter
And More!!
Click Here to Hear DeMille and Voices from 1939
History through the eyes of people as they lived it, reported by radio.
Curated clips of live broadcasts from popular radio shows of the day.
In today’s soundscape:
Mary’s Springtime Poem!
Ed Sullivan wants to know! Is Jack Benny the real Jack Benny?!
And more!!!
This episode features:
Orson Welles
Laurence Olivier
Noah Beery
Cecil B DeMille
Clark Gable
Claudette Colbert
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Jack Benny
Mary Livingstone
Phil Harris
Kenny Baker
Columbia Workshop
Fibber McGee
Zasu Pitts
Fred Allen
The Merry Macs
Don Wilson
Ed Sullivan
And More!!
Listen to SoundScape 1939 part 6
In 1939 Dorothy Lamour was the leading lady on a show that was neck and neck with Jack Benny for number 1 in the ratings.
Not bad for a lower class girl who dropped out of school at 14 to support her family.
Now, at only 25 years old, her ambition and talent had paid off handsomely.
Also Featuring Don Ameche and Rudy Vallee. Charlie and Edgar also make an appearance.
Popular songs and Novelty Tunes from America’s girl next door, 1939. Dottie Lamour singing:
Go Fly A Kite
One Cigarette for Two
All In Favor Say Aye
ChatterBox
Dream Beside Me in the Midnight Glow
An Awful Lot of Dreaming to Do
Begin the Beguinne
When you Came into my Heart
I Spell Love with You
A Boy Named Lem and a Girl Named Sue
Sing a Song of Sunbeams
What’s New?
Two Blind Loves
I’ll Remember
What’s New?
Two Blind Loves
I’ll Remember
Oh Johnny
Are You Having Any Fun?
Give a Listen to the Talented Dottie Lamour, Girl Next Door
History through the eyes of people as they lived it, reported by radio.
In today’s soundscape:
Baby Snooks and Daddy visit the 1939 New York’s World Fair!
An Irish Ghost Story entitled “Faith is Not always a Lady”!!
A Gentle Reminder to Always Remember to Lux your Stockings!!
This episode features:
The Family Doctor
Cecil B DeMille
Jimmy Cagney
Fibber McGee
The Merry Macs
Jimmy Stewart
Robert Young
The Phil Harris Orchestra
Columbia Workshop
Zasu Pitts
Lionel Barrymore
Orson Welles
Warden Laws of Sing-Sing
Jack Benny
Don Wilson
Kenny Baker
Barbara Stanwyck
Sara Roosevelt – the mother of the President
Frank Morgan
Fanny Brice
Hanley Stafford
Robert Montgomery
And
Connee Boswell
Click Here to Give 1939 part 5 a Listen!
These Interviews were a regular feature of The Lux Radio Theater, a show that presented radio versions of current Hollywood films.
At act break host Cecil B. Demille and an expert guest would comment on the radio play so far.
Sometimes the guest would be from the rich, famous and powerful classes, we’ll hear those in part 2.
This episode presents the common working men who did the jobs that week’s story was about. Some of these jobs no longer exist, but they were important in their time.
FEATURING, ALL THE WAY FROM 1939:
The Oldest Man in Hollywood
A Cross Country Bus Driver
An Associate Professor of Psychology
A Theatrical Stage Doorman
A Youth Crime Expert
A Doctor Detective
A Los Angeles County Sheriff
The Commissioner of the U.S. Patent Office
The Author of “Life Begins at 40”
A Genuine English Butler
Listen to Cecil B DeMille and his Informative Friends
History through the eyes of people as they live it, reported by radio.
Voices from the past alive again because you’re listening now.
In today’s soundscape, you can hear the dark cloud of war gather.
Earlier in the year, as evidenced by When Radio Ruled Soundscapes 1939 parts 1, 2, and 3, Old Time Radio was trying to ignore the European turmoil. In this episode they’ve stopped trying.
The Columbia Workshop in particular forshadows the horrors to come. You’ll see.
Thank God for Jack Benny. This episode has its dark moments. They make a good laugh more important than ever.
This episode features:
Bing Crosby
Jane Withers
The Columbia Workshop
Cecil B. DeMille
Fibber McGee
Orson Welles
Jack Benny
Don Wilson
Phil Harris
Mary Livingstone
The Family Doctor
Lionel Barrymore
Robert Young
Rosalind Russell
Meredith Wilson
Tony Martin
Fred Allen
Harry Von Zell
Portland Hoffa
Give a Listen to SoundScape 1939 part 4
I had thought Dorothy Lamour to be just another pretty face who had a technically good voice but was somewhat interchangeable with the other bright, young, pretty songstresses of old time variety radio in that Dorothy’s songs were good enough but stylistically the same you heard on other popular shows.
Then I discovered this musical treasure trove and was forced to completely re-think my opinion. There are things Dorothy does with these classic songs that make them personal and unique.
Songs:
Ain’t Misbehaving
It Had To Be You
Comes Love Nothing Can Be Done
If I Didn’t Care
I Got a Right To Sing the Blues
Somewhere Over The Rainbow
Melancholy Moon
Day In, Day Out
Melancholy Lullabye
Many Dreams Ago
Give a Listen to Dorothy at Her Best
1939 was a year where everything changed. An uneasy peace became all out war. Society and culture and government were questioned as never before. The evil inside the human race made itself known that year, as ferocious as in the past but applied with an improved efficiency.
Radio was there to witness it.
And I got to Live 1939 second hand through these radio voices from the past.
In my OTR collection I have hundreds of hours of 1939 broadcasts. I listened to them in Chronological order to research the documentaries, the year 1939 as seen through comedy, drama, music, and of course news broadcast at the moments the history happened.
Here are curated highlghts of that journey for you to experience. This Soundscape delivers January 24 – March 2 1939 as seen by Old Time Radio, presented by the following voices from the grave, alive again because you’re listening:
Fibber McGee
Harlow Wilcox
Orson Welles
George Kaufmann
Jack Benny
Don Wilson
Mary Livingston
The Phil Harris Orchestra
Andy Devine
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Nelson Eddy
Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
Don Ameche
Dorothy Lamour
Maureen O’Sullivan
The Family Doctor
The Billy Mills Orchestra
Helen Hayes
And more!
Give a Listen to SoundScape 1939 part 3!
Charlie McCarthy was created by Edgar Bergen based on a wise cracking newsboy named Charlie from the neighborhood.
High Schooler Edgar Bergen sketched the design for Charlie.
More than a little obsessed, Bergen decided to bring his Charlie to life.
Bergen built Charlie’s movable body but paid woodworker Theodore Mack $35 to carve Charlie’s head.
Edgar named his completed dummy Charlie McCarthy after newsboy and woodworker.
None of this carpentry could be seen by the radio audiences. Didn’t matter. On the Radio Charlie was just as real as any other voice.
The little boy con man Charlie sparring intellectually with his exasperated father-figure straight man Edgar was what they loved.
Didn’t matter that Edgar was them both. Charlie was the star.
Charlie had been with Edgar since the beginning. Mortimer didn’t appear on Radio until 1939
Mortimer Snerd was created by Edgar Bergen sometime during 1936 or 1937. He appeared in his first film, a short called “A Neckin’ Party” in 1937.
In my research I have yet to uncover what motivated Edgar to create Mortimer.
I can only conjecture that Edgar welcomed a creative change of pace, or might have wanted to get out from under Charlie’s shadow, at least for a little while.
Whatever the reason, Mortimer was created by comedy genius Edgar Bergen and became a great foil for Charlie McCarthy.
With Appearances By:
Don Ameche
Dorothy Lamour
Donald Dixon
Jean Arthur
and More!
Click Here for Bergen, McCarthy and Snerd 1939
1939 was the year the country woke up to the horrific scale of the death to come on land, sea, and in the Air
Seems obvious now, but at the time lots of people thought the first great war had been so terrible it could never happen again. I wish they had been right.
The Soundscapes for 1939 series is the story of optimism to pessimism, of hope to resignation, compromise to confrontation through a tapestry of OTR clips.
Here is part 2, Curated clips broadcast chronologically January 12 to January 23, 1939. The early, hopeful days in 1939.
Highlights include
Do we have a free press or don’t we?
Better food with less kitchen time!
Mutiny on the Bounty descendants on Pitcairn island.
How Jack Benny saved Fred Allen’s life!
Featured Performers include:
America’s Town Hall of the Air
Orson Welles
Kenny Baker
Jack Benny
Mary Livingston
Don Wilson
Phil Harris Orchestra
Cecil B Demille
Fred MacMurray
Paulette Goddard
Floyd Gibbons
The Family Doctor
Artie Shaw Orchestra featuring Helen Forrest
Eddie Cantor
Fanny Brice
George Arliss
And more!
Click Here to Live Through January 12 – 23 1939 as Told by Old Time Radio!
Connee Boswell was one of the first white artists to integrate the jazz and swing experimentations of black New Orleans musicians into popular music.
The tempo, rhythm and pitch changes she and her sisters introduced to close harmony arrangements fused together Classical, Jazz, Swing, and Blues as never before.
The work she did on the radio and on the screen as well as behind the scenes as writer and arranger changed the sound of popular music and influenced directly or indirectly every vocalist since.
SONG LIST:
Jumpin’ Jive
Scatterbrain
Any Umbrellas?
Shuffle Off to Buffalo (with the Boswell Sisters)
Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Stop, it’s Wonderful
I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
Don’t Worry About Me
Begin the Beguinne
Oh, Johnny!
Ain’t Ya Comin’ Out?
Rancho Grande
I Didn’t Know What Time It Was
Heaven Can Wait
My Little Skipper
My Last Good-Bye
Goody Good-Bye
Click Here to Listen to Connee Boswell 1939
For the Previous 2 episodes, The Year 1939 – Politics and the year 1939 – Culture and Technology, I listened to almost 1000 hours of OTR in chronological order. I got to hear 1939 unfold through broadcasts from the day and learn what the podcasts should be about.
As I go, I create a best of collection of clips I might possibly use in the podcast that isn’t written yet.
This results in a rather large number of clips, 36 hours for the year 1939, history from those living it.
1939 was the year the country woke up to the horrific scale of the war we all saw coming.
The Soundscapes for 1939 series will tell the story of optimism to pessimism, of hope to resignation, compromise to confrontation through a tapestry of OTR clips.
Here is part 1, Curated clips broadcast chronologically January 1 to January 12, 1939. The early, hopeful days in 1939.
Highlights include
Goodbye 1938 hello 1939
How to have happiness in marriage?
A Great Playlet “Rose by Any Other Name” starring Melvyn Douglas
Other Feature Performers include:
Don Wilson
Mary Livingston
Jack Benny
The Phil Harris Orchestra
Andy Devine
Cecil B DeMille
Errol Flynn
Joan Blondell
Mae Robeson
Robert Young
Meredith Wilson
Orson Welles
Kenny Baker
Henry Morgan
Fanny Brice
And more!
Click Here to Listen to SoundScape 1939 part 1
There was no happy ending for 1939. The whole decade was spent clawing our way out of financial disaster, now we got a humanitarian disaster beyond imagining as slaughter continues world wide.
But Life doesn’t hold still! This episode features the cultural, technological, and social changes that occurred over the noise of the war in 1939!
FEATURING
Dick Powell
The Teddy Powell Orchestra
Orson Welles
Fibber McGee and Molly
Cecil B. DeMille
Mrs. Sara Roosevelt
Jack Benny
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
Tony Galento
Mary Livingston
Lou Gehrig
Fred Allen
Harry Von Zell
Don Ameche
Connee Boswell
Bert Lahr
Judy Garland
Fran Morgan
Dorothy Lamour
Dinah Shore
Bing Crosby
Jane Withers
The Yacht Club Boys
And More!!
Click Here to Listen to 1939 part 2!!
Germany invades Poland! The Chaos Begins!1939 as told through the Radio Broadcasts of the day!!The dreaded war finally begins with the German invasion of Poland. Neville Chamberlain is forced to grow a spine. Winston Churchill returns to Government. Franklin Roosevelt Hates War. And some Really Hot Swing Licks by Artie Shaw.FEATURINGMary LivingstonJack BennyFibber McGee and MollyOrson WellesPearl BuckAnna Mae WongFranklin RooseveltDaddy and SnooksCecil B DemilleH.V. KalternbergWinston ChurchillNelson EddyThe Artie Shaw OrchestraAnd More!!Click Here to Hear with Your Ears When Radio Ruled 1939 part 1
We’ve got both reassuring fantasy and unsettling reality in this episode. On one hand we’ll hear old friends Donald Duck and the Seven Dwarfs in a fairy tale setting, and we’ll hear our soon to be enemy, Nazi Germany take over the real world Austria.
Starring:
Orson Welles
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Mary Livingstone
Phil Harris
Kenny Baker
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Mickey Mouse
Minnie Mouse
Goofy
Walt Disney
Snow White
The Wicked Queen
Donald Duck
The Seven Dwarfs
In this episode:
Orson Welles is Ebenezer Scrooge!
Jack Benny, Movie Star!
Jack is Building a new Beverly Hills Home!
God Bless You Mr. Chamberlain!
Donald Duck is Making Trouble!
Don’t Buy an Apple from the Wicked Queen!
The Disney Gang meets the Seven Dwarfs!
CBS News Reports on the European Crisis!
Why Doesn’t Britain do Something?!
And More!!
Click Here to Listen to SoundScape 1938 part 33
This Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live December 25 through December 29, 1938.
Starring:
Don Wilson
Mary Livingstone
Jack Benny
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Kenny Baker
Andy Devine
Phil Harris
Joan Bennett
Cecil B. DeMille
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Walt Disney
Robert Young
Bill Stern
Frank Morgan
Featured Songs Include:
Whistle While You Work –Snow White
The Digging Song – The Seven Dwarfs
In this episode:
Jack Benny throws a Christmas Party!
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs!
Walt Disney talks with Cecil B. DeMille!
Bill Stern talks about announcing Football Games!
And More!!
Click Here to Give episode #106 a Listen!
This Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live December 11 through December 22~~,~~ 1938.
Starring:
The Cast of Family Doctor
Fred Allen
Santa Claus
Robert Young
Lionel Barrymore
Reginald Owen
Jack Benny
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Don Wilson
Mary Livingstone
Phil Harris
Kenny Baker
Andy Devine
Hanley Stafford
Fanny Brice
In this episode:
Fred Allen interviews Santa Claus!
Lionel Barrymore Narrates “A Christmas Carol”!
Jack and the Gang take the Train Cross Country!
Baby Snooks goes to the department store!
It’s Christmas in 1938!
And More!!
Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of show biz from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Soundscape 1938, part 31, from When Radio Ruled, offered without further commentary for your entertainment and education. But mostly for your entertainment.
Click here to give Episode 105 a Listen!
My personal OTR collection contains thousands of hours of old time radio I use in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen to each episode I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits to create a best of reel as a reference for when writing the scripts. And that’s what you are about to hear, part of that best of reel, a one hour chunk of really great audio artifacts from 1938.
The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live November 25 through December 11, 1938.
Starring:
Orson Welles
Agnes Moorehead
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Phil Harris
Kenny Baker
Mary Livingstone
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Cast of Family Doctor
Featured Songs Include
They Say – Helen Forrest with the Artie Shaw Orchestra
My Reverie – Helen Forrest with the Artie Shaw Orchestra
Who Blew Out The Flame – Helen Forrest with the Artie Shaw Orchestra
Pocketful of Dreams – Phil Harris and His Orchestra
In this episode:
Some Smoking Jazz From Artie Shaw!
Jack Benny has a bad cold!
Flash Benny Football Hero!
The Benny Gang Visits New York!
Jack’s Annual Christmas Shopping Trip!
And More!!
Click Here to Hear SoundScape 1938 part 30
My personal OTR collection contains thousands of hours of old time radio I use in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen to each episode I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits to create a best of reel as a reference for when writing the scripts. And that’s what you are about to hear, part of that best of reel, a one hour chunk of really great audio artifacts from 1938.
The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live November 17 through November 24, 1938.
Starring:
Louis B. Mayer
Father Flanagan
Don Wilson
Mary Livingstone
Phil Harris
Jack Benny
Kenny Baker
Cast of The Family Doctor
Robert Young
Fanny Brice
Hanley Stafford
Mickey Rooney
Louis Stone
Faye Holden
Cecelia Parker
Ann Rutherford
In this episode:
Louis B Mayer talks about the Movie BoysTown!
Kenny Baker Plays a Cannibal!
Baby Snooks Gets a New Car and Daddy gets a ticket!
The Hardy family show us the true meaning of Thanksgiving!
And More!!
Click Here to Hear SoundScape 1938 part 29
My personal OTR collection contains thousands of hours of old time radio I use in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen to each episode I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits to create a best of reel as a reference for when writing the scripts. And that’s what you are about to hear, part of that best of reel, a one hour chunk of really great audio artifacts from 1938.
The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live November 10 through November 17, 1938.
Starring:
Cast of Columbia Workshop
Lionel Barrymore
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Mary Livingstone
Phil Harris
Kenny Baker
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Peter Van Steeden
Fred Allen
Portland Hoffa
Harry Von Zell
Rudy Vallee
Joe DiMaggio
In this episode:
Lionel Barrymore prays for peace!
Jack Benny Steals Phil Harris’ Girlfriend!
Fred Allen talks Taxes on False Teeth!
Song of the Vice Presidents!
Rudy Vallee interviews Joe DiMaggio
And More!!
Click for a Listen to When Radio Ruled #102!
The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live November 2 through November 6, 1938.
Starring:
Fred Allen
Harry Von Zell
Portland Hoffa
Orson Welles
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Phil Harris
Mary Livingstone
Kenny Baker
Bill Goodwin
Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
Ray Noble
Jean Arthur
And
The Merry Macs
In this episode:
Fred Allen’s Tribute to November!
Sound Poems from Columbia Workshop!
Jean Arthur Tells Charlie McCarthy about Goldilocks
And More!!
Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of show biz from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Click Here to Enjoy SoundScape 1938 part 27
The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live October 23 through October 31, 1938.
Starring:
Orson Welles
Lionel Barrymore
Clark Gable
Robert Young
Frank Morgan
Don Ameche
Judy Canova
Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
Dorothy Lamour
Madeleine Carroll
Don Wilson
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Jack Benny
Mary Livingstone
Kenny Baker
Phil Harris
Andy Devine
and
Seabiscuit
FEATURED SONGS INCLUDE
Two Sleepy People – Dorothy Lamour
Hounds on My Tracks – Judy, Annie, and Zeke
What Have You Got That Gets Me? – Phil Harris and the Jello Gang
In this episode:
The Martians Invade America!
Edgar Bergen tries to Tell a Ghost Story!
Jack Benny throws a Halloween Party!
Seabiscuit races War Admiral!
And More!!
Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of show biz from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Soundscape 1938, part 26, from When Radio Ruled, offered without further commentary for your entertainment and education. But mostly for your entertainment.
Click Here to Hear SoundScape 1938 part 26!
The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live October 16 through October 23, 1938.
Starring:
Adolf Hitler
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Mary Livingstone
Phil Harris
Kenny Baker
Andy Devine
Winston Churchill
Orson Welles
Robert Young
Judy Garland
Fanny Brice
Hanley Stafford
and
Joan Crawford
FEATURED SONGS INCLUDE
Zing Went the Strings of my Heart – Judy Garland
and
Bumpy Road to Love – Judy Garland and the Good News Company
In this episode:
Hitler is still getting away with pushing Europe around!
Jack Benny upgrades his old Broadcast studio for a brand new facilitie!
Joan Crawford and Robert Young in a Haunting Radio Play!
And More!!
Click Here to Hear SoundScape 1938 part 25
The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live September 15 through October 10, 1938.
Starring:
Cast of Blair of the Mounties
Cast of Columbia Workshop
Slapsy Maxie Rosenbloom
Frank Morgan
Fanny Brice
Cast of Family Doctor
Cecil B. DeMille
Ephraim Zimbalist
Neville Chamberlain
Phil Harris
Kenny Baker
Mary Livingstone
Don Wilson
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Jack Benny
Eleanor Powell
In this episode:
Jack Benny’s back on the Radio and Nazi Mind Games!
Neville Chamberlain says everything’s going to be alright!
Fanny Bruce and Slapsy Maxie Rosenbloom make with the funny!
And More!!
Click Here for Episode #98
The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live August 28 through September 13, 1938.
Starring:
Edward Arnold
Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
Robert Young
Meredith Wilson
Fanny Brice
Hanley Stafford
Alice Faye
Frank Morgan
Father Flanagan
Cast of Family Doctor
Orson Welles
Judy Garland
Cast of Family Doctor
Cast of Blair of the Mounties
Featured Songs Include
There’s Honey on the Moon Tonight – Dorothy Lamour
Alexander’s Ragtime Band – Alice Faye
In this episode:
Frank Morgan tells Stories of his great Military Glory!
Hitler is being a Big Jerk again!
Czechoslovakia prepares to defend against the German Army!
The Reviews are in! The Mercury Theater is a Great Success!
Orson Welles yells at his Crew to shut up!
And More!!
Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Soundscape 1938, part 23, from When Radio Ruled, offered without further commentary for your entertainment and education. But mostly for your entertainment.
Click Here to Hear SoundScape 1938 part 23
The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live August 1 through August 28, 1938.
Starring:
Cast of Blair of the Mounties
Orson Welles
Al Jolson
Irving Berlin
Cast of The Shadow
Seabiscuit
Charlie McCarthy
Nelson Eddy
Edward Arnold
Edgar Bergen
Ella Logan
Rudy Vallee
Featured Songs Include
Marie – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
My Bonnie – Ella Logan
Heatwave – Ethel Merman
My Lucky Star Medley – Rudy Vallee and his Orchestra
Automobile Theme Song Medley – Rudy Vallee and his Orchestra
In this episode:
Irving Berlin Sings!
Charlie McCarthy becomes a banker!
Big League Woman’s Softball!
Rudy Vallee Sings Jingles about 1938 Cars!
The Munich Crisis!
And More!!
Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Click Here For SoundScape 1938 part 22 (you won’t be sorry)!!
This episode starts out solemn with references to the marauding Japanese and unreasonable bully Nazis but ends with lots of laughs thanks to Charlie McCarthy and Friends.
It consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live July 3 through July 31, 1938.
Starring:
Orson Welles
Edward Arnold
Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
Spencer Tracy
And
Fay Bainter
In this episode:
Nazis and Japanese as Villains!
The War Goes On in the News!
Lots of Columbia Workshop!
Lots of the Shadow!
Spencer Tracy meets Charlie McCarthy!
And More!!
Click Here to Enjoy SoundScape 1938 part 21!!
Peace on Earth Good Will Towards Men
A Celebration of Christmas through Old Time Radio!
Featuring Two Great Radio Christmas Time Broadcasts
Casey Crime Photographer – Christmas Shopping from 12/19/46
The Lone Ranger – 3 Wise Men from 12/24/54
With Songs and Excerpts from War Time Radio Christmas Broadcasts!
Starring
Franklin Roosevelt
Fibber McGee
Lionel Barrymore
Bryce Beamer
Bob Hope
And More!
Songs Include
Little Town of Bethlehem – Dick Haymes
Merry American Christmas – Dinah Shore
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Bing Crosby
Oh Come All Ye Faithful – Bing Crosby
Merry Christmas, may you feel Peace, may you share Goodwill
Click Here to Enjoy the Holiday Sounds of Old Time Radio Christmas 2023
My personal OTR collection contains thousands of hours of old time radio I use to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen to each episode I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits and create a best of reel as a reference for when writing the script. And that’s what you are about to hear, part of that best of reel, a one hour chunk of really great audio artifacts from 1938.
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live June 22 through July 3, 1938.
Starring:
Joe Lewis
Max Schmeling
Fred Allen
Art Moger
Portland Hoffa
Harry Von Zell
Orson Welles
Jack Benny
Don Wilson
Phil Harris
Mary Livingstone
Andy Devine
The Cast of the Lone Ranger
L.A. “Speed” Riggs
Georgie Jessel
Norma Talmadge
The Cast and Musicians of The RCA Victor Campus Club
Featured Songs include:
Honey on the Moon – Town Hall Quartet
You Couldn’t be Sweeter – Phil Harris
That Was Love Sez My Heart – Mary Livingstone
Rings on her Fingers – The Merry Macs
In this episode:
Joe Lewis versus Max Schmeling!
Speed Riggs reveals Tobacco Auctioneer Secrets!
Mary Livingstone Sings!
Hot Swing from The Campus Club!
And More!!
Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Click Here to Ear Hear SoundScape 1938 part 20 – it is a good one!
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live June 4 through June 19, 1938.
Starring:
The Cast of Colombia Workshop
Fred Allen
Ray Smith
Portland Hoffa
Harry Von Zell
Peter Van Steeden
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Phil Harris
Don Wilson
Kenny Baker
Mary Livingston
Joan Bennett
Featured Songs include:
Cry Baby Cry – Town Hall Quartet
Serenade in the Night – Connie Boswell
Don’t Be That Way – Meredith Wilson Orchestra
Second Hand Rose – Fanny Brice
In this episode:
Jack Benny and Joan Bennett Shoot their Movie!
What’s a Mikado? Kenny Baker wants to Know!
Fanny Brice sings one of her greatest hits!
And More!!
Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Soundscape 1938, part 19, from When Radio Ruled, offered without further commentary for your entertainment and education. But mostly for your entertainment.
Click Here to Ear Hear SoundScape 1938 part 19
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live May 26 through June 1 1938.
Starring:
Robert Young
Fanny Brice
Hanley Stafford
The Cast of Columbia Workshop
Georgie Jessel
Mary Livingston
Don Wilson
Kenny Baker
Phil Harris
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Jack Benny
Andy Devine
Agnes Moorehead
Orson Welles
Fred Allen
The Mighty Allen Art Players
Featured Songs include:
I was a Flora Dora Baby – Fanny Brice
Love Please Don’t Tell on Me medley – The Merry Macs
In this episode:
Rochester plays Leading Lady as Jack Benny rehearses for his new film!
The Shadow Confronts The Creeper!
A Vox Pop parody from Fred Allen!
And More!!
Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Click Here to Hear 1938 SoundScape part 18!
Todays turkey filled audio feast is made up of two broadcasts from the World War Two years, the first from 1942 the second from 1944.
During the big war, Thanksgiving had an extra emotional impact. So many families had empty chairs where sons and daughters used to sit but now were stationed all over the globe doing thier duty to protect those who sat around the thanksgiving table.
Some of those chairs would be occupied by strangers, locally deployed servicemen who couldn’t get home to their families.
The prayers were extra solemn, and the thanks were sincerely given.
Turkeys weren’t rationed, but they were scarce and expensive. The military was determined that servicemen abroad should have a traditional thanksgiving, and so many turkeys were sent to the troops abroad that the birds were scarce and expensive back home.
Our first Thanksgiving episode plays on the turkey price increase, as our favorite housewife, Gracie Allen buys a live turkey planning to fatten it up for the big day’s dinner.
From November 17, 1942 The Burns and Allen show presents “Gracie Buys a Live Turkey”
Then we move onto a more serious look at wartime thanksgiving with the Command Performance thanksgiving special from 1944.
Command Performance was broadcast nationally, but was aimed at the soldiers overseas. The show took requests from servicemen for guests and songs and did their level best to deliver.
Performers were honored to be requested by the servicemen and volunteered their time to appear on the show and do their part for Armed Service morale.
Lionel Barrymore hosts, and Dinah Shore the southern songstress who was America’s Sweetheart in 1944.
Patriotism and entertainment, brought to you by grateful American radio stars.
Click Here to Hear an Old Time Radio Thanksgiving
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live May 18through May 25 1938~~.~~
Featuring:
The Cast of Cavalcade of America
Robert Young
Joan Crawford
Frank Morgan
The Cast Of The Columbia Workshop
Georgie Jessel
Mayor Jimmie Walker
Josephine Starr
Ned Wayburn
Norma Talmadge
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Mary Livingston
Phil Harris
Kenny Baker
The Cast of Blair of the Mounties
The Cast of the Green Hornet
In this episode:
A Chemistry Lesson From Dupont!
Joan Crawford in a Radio Play by Arch Obler! Bring your hankies, it’s a tear jerker!
Jack Benny is on a Diet!
Teddy Roosevelt tells us how to Raise Our Chldren!
The Germans want to Invade Czechoslovakia!
And More!!
Click Here to Listen to SoundScape 1938 part 17!
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live May 5through May 18 1938.
Featuring:
Judy Garland
Robert Young
Frank Morgan
Una Merkle
Clark Gable
The Cast of the Green Hornet
Jack Benny
Phil Harris
Mary Livingston
Don Wilson
The Cast of the Lone Ranger
Fred Allen
Featured Songs Include:
Judy Garland – You’re in God’s Country
Judy Garland – How Deep is the Ocean
Norma Talmadge – How’d You Like to Love Me
Town Hall Quartet – You Couldn’t be Finer
In this episode:
Fred Allen and Company Mock Jack Benny and his new home!
16 Year Old Judy Garland Sings Her Heart Out!
Frank Morgan discusses his career as a Gigilo!
And More!!
Click Here to Ear Hear SoundScape 1938 part 16!
When Radio Ruled #87 – Halloween 2023
Old Time Radio Ghost Stories from 1938.
The Devil and Daniel Webster
Dracula starring Orson Welles
With Guest Appearances from Fibber McGee and the Ghost of Harry Houdini
Click Here to Hear These Ghost Stories from 1938!
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live April 20through May 4 1938.
Featuring:
The Cast of the Lone Ranger
The Cast of Blair of the Mounties
Fred Allen
Harry Von Zell
Charles Atlas
Winston Churchill
The Cast of Columbia Workshop
Jack Benny
Phil Harris
Mary Livingston
Georgie Jessel
Norma Talmadge
Portland Hoffa
Featured Songs Include:
Stop and Reconsider – the Town Hall Quartet
Crazy People – The Merry Macs
In a Little Red Barn – The Merry Macs
The Jonah Song – Town Hall Quartet
You Couldn’t Be Cuter – Town Hall Quartet
Good Night Ladies – The Merry Macs
DixieLand Band – Town Hall Quartet
Shade of the New Apple Tree – The Merry Macs
In this episode:
Lots of Musical Numbers!
Fred Allen tears a phone book in half!
The Unique Musical Stylings of the Merry Macs!
Winston Churchill speaks about Art and Politics!
And More!!
Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Click Here to Ear Hear SoundScape 1938 part 15
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live April 3through April 18, 1938.
Featuring:
Jack Benny
Don Wilson
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Mary Livingston
Kenny Baker
Phil Harris
Fred Allen
Portland Hoffa
Harry Von Zell
Harry Morgan
Robert Taylor
Fanny Brice
Featured Songs Include:
Dear, Dear, What Can the Matter Be? – The Merry Macs
I’m Coming Home – The Town Hall Quartet
The Gypsy in my Soul – The Merry Macs
Why? Because! – Judy Garland & Baby Snooks
College Swing – Judy Garland
Cryin’ for the Caroline – Judy Garland
In this episode:
Jack Benny Goes to Oxford, if he can find it!
The Jack Benny/Fred Allen feud heats up!
Judy Garland sings and Swings!
Harry Morgan and Fanny Brice as Napoleon and Josephine!
And More!!
CLICK HERE TO HEAR SOUNDSCAPE 1938 part 14
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live March 24 through April 3, 1938.
Featuring:
Gabby Hartnet
Frank Morgan
The Cast of the Lone Ranger
Georgie Jessel
Jack Benny
Harry Von Zell
Abe Lyman
Bob Ripley
Fred Allen
Orson Welles
Robert Taylor
Connie Boswell
Louis B. Mayer
Adolf Hitler
The Cast of The Shadow
Weber and Fields
Don Wilson
Phil Harris
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Featured Songs Include:
Thanks for the Memories – Connie Boswell
Thanks for the Memories – Baby Snooks
Second to None – Georgie Jessel
This Time Its Real – Kate Smith
Gypsy in my Soul – Connie Boswell
In this episode:
Jack Benny Broadcasts from New York with Guest Fred Allen
Georgie Jessel Fills in for Jack Benny on his show!
Louis B Mayer congratulates England
And More!!
Click Here to Hear SoundScape 1938 part 13
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live March 14through March 23 1938.
Featuring:
The Cast of Blair of the Mounties
The Cast of The Lone Ranger
Eddie Cantor
Jimmy Wallington
Orson Welles
Agnes Moorehead
Georgie Jessel
Joe the Chimpanzee
Jack Benny
Phil Harris
Don Wilson
Mary Livingston
Eddie “Rochester” Anderson
Harry Von Zell
Fred Allen
and
Portland Hoffa
Featured Songs Include:
Medley of Hits – Eddie Cantor
Circus Day – Georgie Jessel and Cast
Let Them Keep It Over There – Eddie Cantor
In this episode:
Austria is absorbed into Nazi Germany!
Eddie Cantor Celebrates 25 years in Showbiz!
Fred Allen interviews an Ice Lady!
And More!!
Click Here to Hear SoundScape 1938 part 12
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live March 9 through March 13 1938. Featuring: Eddie Cantor Gloria Swanson The Mad Russian Deanna Durbin Bobby Breen Georgie Jessel Norma Talmadge Jack Benny Don Wilson Mary Livingston Andy Devine and Phil Harris Featured Songs Include: Broadway has Gone Hawaii … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #82 – SoundScape 1938 part 11
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live February 27 through March 9 1938. Featuring: Don Ameche Charlie McCarthy Edgar Bergen Dorothy Lamour Rosalind Russell Eddie Cantor Jimmy Wallington The Lone Ranger Norma Talmadge Josephine Starr Georgie Jessel Jack Benny Don Wilson Phil Harris Mary Livingston Leo Robin … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #81 -SoundScape 1938 part 10
The Soundscape series is a happy side effect of the research phase for the When Radio Ruled Historical Documentary Podcasts. I listen to hundreds of hours of old time radio shows in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen I extract the most interesting and entertaining … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #80 – SoundScape 1938 part 9
This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live February 17 through February 20, 1938. Featuring: Jack Benny Robert Taylor Maureen O’Sullivan Jack Conway Meredith Wilson Fanny Brice The Cast of Dick Tracy Don Wilson Phil Harris Mary Livingston Kenny Baker Eddie “Rochester” Anderson Orson Welles Norma Shearer Sigmund … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #79 – SoundScape 1938 part 8
The Soundscape series is a happy side effect of the research phase for the When Radio Ruled Historical Documentary Podcasts. I listen to hundreds of hours of radio shows in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits and … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #78 – SoundScape 1938 part 7
The Soundscape series is a happy side effect of the research phase for the When Radio Ruled Historical Documentary Podcasts. I listen to hundreds of hours of radio shows in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits and … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #77 – SoundScape 1938 part 6
I listen to hundreds of hours of radio shows in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits and create a best of reel as a reference when writing the script. And that’s what you are about to hear, … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #76 – Soundscape 1938 part 5
The Soundscape series is a happy side effect of the research phase for the When Radio Ruled Historical Documentary Podcasts.
This episode consists of a curated collection of Clips originally broadcast January 26 through January 30, 1938.
Featuring:
Eddie Cantor
Dorothy Wade
Jack Benny
Don Wilson
Mary Livingston
Don Ameche
Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
Nelson Eddy
Boris Karloff
The Stroud Twins
Dorothy LaMour
Norma Talmadge
and
Georgie Jessel
Featured Songs Include:
Rosalie Medley – Eddie Cantor
Ave Maria – Deanna Durbin
Bie Mir Bist Du Shoen – Dorothy Wade
The President’s Birthday Ball – Eddie Cantor
Someone for Everyone – Kenny Baker
You Took The Words Right Our of My Heart – Dorothy Lamour
In The Solemn Hour – John Carter and Nelson Eddy
and
You’re a Sweetheart – Georgie Jessel
This episode features both comic and dramatic scenes starring the legendary Boris Karloff in one of his earliest appearances on Radio.
First Karloff spins a tale of murder and suspense with the help of Don Ameche. Then Karloff shifts gears to bring the funny with Charlie McCarthy. This one is a good one folks.
So please take the time machine with me to the year 1938 and be entertained by these voices from the past, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Click Here to Hear SoundScape 1938 part 4
The Soundscape series is a happy side effect of the research phase for the When Radio Ruled Historical Documentary Podcasts.
This episode consists of a curated collection of Clips originally broadcast January 16 through January 3, 1938.
Featuring:
Georgie Jessel
Norma Talmadge
Josephine Starr
Eddie Cantor
Pinky Tomlin
Bert Kalmar
Harry Ruby
Lee Wiley
Don Ameche
Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
Nelson Eddy
Alice Brady
Dorothy Lamour
Featured Songs Include:
Bei Mir Bist Du Shoen – Georgie Jessel
When You Dream About Hawaii – Georgie Jessel
The Doll’s Song – Josephine Starr
Bei Mir Bist Du Shoen – Eddie Cantor
Mama, I wanna make rhythm – The Galley Sisters
Love Walked Right In – Kenny Baker
Broadway’s Gone Hawaii – Dorothy Lamour
So please take the time machine with me to the year 1938 and be entertained by these voices from the past, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
LISTEN TO SOUNDSCAPE 1938 part 3
This episode consists of a curated collection of Clips originally broadcast January 5 through January 16, 1938.
And it’s a good one, too! Lots of classic comedy and infectious songs coming your way!
Featuring:
Eddie Cantor
Pinky Tomlin
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Kenny Baker
Mary Livingston
Phil Harris
Ned Sparks
Charlie McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
The Mad Russian
Featured Songs Include:
Bei Mir Bist du Shoen – Pinky Tomlin & Eddie Cantor
I love the Girls Medley – Eddie Cantor
Bei Mir Bist Du Shoen – Phil Harris and his Orchestra
Rosemarie – Nelson Eddy
Down with Love – Loretta Lee
You Started Something – Don Ameche
Bob White What You Gonna Swing Tonight – Eddie Cantor
Rosalie – Kenny Baker
So please take the time machine with me to the year 1938 and be entertained by these voices from the past, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.
Click Here to Hear SoundScape 1938 part 2
The Soundscape series is a happy side effect from the research phase of the When Radio Ruled Historical Documentary Podcasts.
The creation of the historical documentaries begins with research. In my collection of Old Time Radio Shows I have hundreds of hours of recordings from 1938. I arranged all these radio shows by order of date broadcast and then listened to them one by one until I had listened to the entire year January 1 to December 31. As I go through the listening process I take the most interesting, entertaining, or informative clips and assemble them onto a “Best Of” clip reel from which I will select the Old Time Radio excerpts to include in the historical documentaries.
The script isn’t written at this point, so these clip reels contain much more material than can possibly be used in the finished documentary. The 1938 clip reel was almost 36 hours long. I used less than 3 hours in the final documentaries.
But these best of reels are so much fun to listen to! A whole year condensed into a day and a half! It seems a great waste to not share these selected clip with fellow Old Time Radio enthusiasts, thus the Soundscape series of When Radio Ruled was born.
So here is the first hour of the newest clip reel, excerpts from old time radio shows broadcast January 1 to January 5 1938 .
Featuring:
Georgie Jessel
Norma Talmadge
Man Mountain Dean
Josephine Starr
Don Wilson
Jack Benny
Phil Harris and His Orchestra
Kenny Baker
Mary Livingston
Andy Devine
Eddie Rochester Anderson
Don Ameche
Charley McCarthy
Edgar Bergen
Dorothy Lamour
Margot
Eddie Cantor
Deanna Durbin
Selected Songs Include:
Getting Some Fun Out of Life – Cast of the Georgie Jessel Show
I want a gay cabellaro – unidentified female vocalist
Rolling Plains – Kenny Baker
I want a new romance – Dorothy Lamour
In the still of the night – Deanna Durbin
Click Here to Hear When Radio Ruled Soundscape 1938 part 1
In the previous episode, 1938 part 1, we looked at the political situation across the world. The coming confrontation between countries trying to provoke war and countries wishing to avoid it. How Hitler, Mussolini, Tojo, Franco, and Stalin created fear and suffering. How the USA, Britain, France, and the smaller democracies tried to keep free and out of war through appeasement and diplomacy while building up their defenses just in case.
To tell the truth, last episode was dark. Not a lot happened to be optimistic or hopeful about. Kind of a Bummer.
Invasions and threats of war are the dark cloud over the whole year. This episode is about some of the distractions used to forget about the scary stuff going on in Europe and Asia. What a relief it must have been to forget the Hitlers of the world and talk about the Joe Louis fight or the Seabiscuit race. The first full length animated movie! Is baseball still baseball if it’s played at night under artificial light? Can a car really go that fast? Did you hear about the latest thing those scientist invented? What will those eggheads think of next?
Click Here to Listen to The Year 1938 part 2
The Year 1938 brought a world with one foot in a miserable recent past and the other foot in a murderous near future.
History as told from Old Time Radio originally broadcast in 1938
Featuring:
Eddie Cantor
The Cast of March of Time
Adolf Hitler
Orson Welles
Georgie Jessel
Neville Chamberlain
Jack Benny
Judy Garland
Winston Churchill
And More!
Click Here to Enjoy 1938 part 1!
The Jack Benny show made Phil a huge star. Even though Phil would go on to do more films and have his own radio shows, and tour the country with his band, and appear on television and build a real estate empire he would always be known first and foremost for his Jack Benny years.
What you are about to hear are a series of musical selections Phil and his orchestra played live on Jack Benny’s Jello program in 1938.
Some are instrumentals and some feature Phil’s distinctive vocals, but all of them bring a joy and a bounce that will carry you through your day. So much fun to listen to. Enjoy Phil Harris and his orchestra playing live from 1938.
CLICK HERE TO HEAR PHIL HARRIS AND HIS ORCHESTRA 1938
Born Edward Israel Iskowitz in 1892 to a poor family of recent immigrants, through sheer tenacity and talent street urchin Eddie Cantor became a show biz giant for half a century. Starting out in vaudeville in 1907, starring on Broadway, a movie star in both silents and talkies, and a radio and television pioneer.
For three Generations Every household in America knew the name Eddie Cantor as well as they knew their own names.
Eddie was many things, actor, songwriter, comedian, humanitarian, patriot, Union president, father, and all around thoughtful, decent, kind, and generous human being.
Songs Include:
Bob White Gonna Swing Tonight
What are you doing the rest of your life?
President’s Birthday Ball
Rosalie
Medley of Greatest Hits
Way Down Yonder in New Orleans
Ein Mir Bist Du Shoen
Let them Keep it Over There
Momma that Moon’s Here Again
Click Here to Listen to Eddie Cantor Sings 1938
Old Time Radio’s Jack Benny show was a sitcom disguised as a variety show.
The cast used their real names, or rather their real stage names, but they all played characters unlike themselves. Characters of diverse comic points of view, each character contrasted with the others. Each funny in their own way and all together a delightful mix of contrasting attitudes and motivations.
rJack Benny was the center of this comic universe. He portrayed a cheapskate, self centered scardy cat who imagined himself a rugged ladies man.
Jack’s real life wife, Mary Livingston, played Jack’s sassy gal pal, boy crazy but not easily impressed by the rich and famous.
Band leader Phil Harris was cast as a drunken, womanizing, musical man about town. More talent than brains and care free.
Tenor vocalist Dennis Day presented as a simple minded momma’s boy. Innocent and child like.
Announcer Don Wilson was the adult in the room, often the object of fat jokes, but treating all with affection and respect. Almost a big brother figure.
The formula for the show was to move back and fourth between the world of putting on a half hour musical/variety radio show and the interpersonal world between the characters.
As you might expect, these characters endeared themselves to their listeners. It was fun listening to the real Jack Benny playing the radio character Jack Benny who was portraying some character in a radio play. It was fun to hear radio Phil Harris pretend to not know anything about music. It was funny when radio Dennis Day believed everything he was told, or Radio Mary recounted the story of a disastrous date.
These moments were broken up with songs from Phil and Dennis, sometimes Mary, and comical Jello commercials from Don. Sometimes sketches with guest stars who in most cases also played themselves in encounters with radio Jack Benny, like the time Barbara Stanwyck rehearsed a radio play with Jack or the time Orson Welles came by to give Jack acting lessons.
In truth, the characters the cast portrayed became so well known and loved that they could stand alone, outside the variety show world.
In early 1940 Jack and his writers did just that. For an entire month, the Jack Benny radio characters were sent on a fictional ski vacation to Yosemite.
The Jack Benny Radio shows February 4, 11, 18, and 25 1940 presented the trip to and the adventures at Yosemite starring the Jack Benny Gang.
Although presented episodically because of Jack’s half hour time slot, these four shows are a single radio play running approximately 80 minutes. It is a radical break from the Jack Benny formula, and adds layers of nuance to the characters as these actors get to really act in the longer more sustained narrative involving these characters.
And that’s what you are about to hear, the entire radio play cut together with commercials etc. edited out in order to focus on the story and maintain pacing.
Believe me, this is good stuff. Jack Benny and the Gang go to Yosemite parts 1, 2, 3, & 4.
Click Here To Go With Jack to Yosemite!
Best known today as the third angle in the Bob Hope Bing Crosby road pictures romantic triangles, or perhaps as the sarong wearing eye candy in several other films, Dorothy Lamour started out as a big band singer.
Appearing weekly on the Charlie McCarthy show afforded Dorothy opportunities to remind audiences of her musical roots, and her lovely expressive voice.
And that’s what this episode is all about. For your enjoyment, Here is a delightful collection of tunes sung live by Dorothy Lamour on the radio in 1938.
I see your Face Before Me
Broadway’s gone Hawaiian
Romance in the Dark
You took the Words Right out of my heart
Love Light in the Starlight
Two Sleepy People
I want a new Romance
Click Here to Enjoy Dorothy Lamour Sings 1938
This is the second year in a row that Charlie McCarthy has proven himself the greatest lover in Hollywood, or anywhere else for that matter.
Among those that Charlie McCarthy charmed are the some of the most accomplished and beautiful women of his time. Some of them tried to resist, some didn’t bother, in the end they were all putty in Charlie’s hands. The previous year, 1937, Charlie McCarthy had earned quite a reputation as an irresistable bounder and cad. His list of conquests included Olympic Skater turned film star Sonya Henie as well as famous movie stars Carol Lombard, Glenda Farrell, and Bette Davis. Charlie’s torrid affair with Sex Siren Mae West and her guest appearance on his show caused a great scandal, resulting in Mae West being banned from network radio for many years. Charlie emerged a more infamous lover than ever. Such is society’s unfair double standard.
Featuring:
Rosaling Russell
Ella Logan
Barbara Sanwyck
Marlene Dietrich
Click Hear to Hear Charlie McCarthy Sexiest Man Alive 1938
The Fred Allen material you are about to hear is from his radio show, Town Hall Tonight, in 1938.
Fred Allen was unique in the radio world of corny set up/punchline type snappy patter his former vaudeville and current radio peers like Eddie Cantor, Ed Wynn, Georgie Jessel, the Marx Brothers, and others favored.
Oftentimes Fred’s comic voice is compared to that of Mark Twain. All American and homespun wisdom disguised as jokes.
Fred ‘s wit focused on social commentary, gently poking fun at the foibles and eccentricities of human nature. Fred was gruff but mostly cheerful with a small town attitude, advocating common sense but tolerant of the mistakes of others.
Two of Fred’s greatest strengths were his ability to relate to regular people, and his improvisational skill. Very comfortable going off script and usually much funnier off the cuff than what was on the script.
These two factors influenced the head writer of Fred Allen’s show, a fellow by the name of Fred Allen, to put himself in situations on the radio where he could interact with people from all walks of life. And that’s what you are about to hear, Fred interviewing regular, not in show business folks, in a segment of his show entitled “I know You Didn’t Expect to Meet…..”.
The unexpected folks interviewed live in 1938 for this Podcast are:
- A Detective that investigates crooked card games
- A dancing instructor
- An Ice Lady
- A mail order physical fitness instructor
- A tobacco auctioneer
- And a Macy’s Department store Santa Claus Click Here to Listen to People You Didn’t Expect to Meet
Fanny Brice was one of the greatest singer/comics on Broadway.
She had to reinvent herself as Baby Snooks in order to find radio stardom.
This is that Journey.
Songs Include:
My Man
Second Hand Rose
I was a Flora Dora Baby
Click Here to Give it a Listen
Judy Garland was born Frances Gumm in 1922, and soon revealed a talent for song and dance. Her first public performance was when she was just 2 and a half years old, singing jingle bells at a Christmas pageant.
Her father was a successful vaudevillian with Judy and her sisters following in his footsteps, touring a singing act “The Gumm Sisters” in the waning days of Vaudeville.
When sound came to movies, so did song and dance acts like the Gumm sisters. The act moved to the big screen in early Vitaphone musical revues with seven year old Judy sometimes billed as Baby Gumm.
Fast forward to 1938, now 16 years old and being groomed for film stardom recently starring with Mickey Rooney in the very popular “Love Finds Andy Hardy “.
Judy, as a rule, did not appear on radio. She was too busy and important for that.
Except for The Good News program, which was created by Judy’s film studio MGM to feature MGM stars, movies, songs, and to convince their listeners to see MGM films in the theater.
As one of MGM’s newest stars, Judy dutifully appeared on a handful of the Good News programs in 1938 as their musical guests.
This collection of songs is from those appearances, 16 year old Judy Garland and her magnificent voice performing live 1n 1938. You are in for a treat.
“College Swing”
“Crying for the Caroline”
“Could you Pass on Love” with the cast
“You’re in God’s Country”
“How Deep is the Ocean”
“Why! Because!” with Fanny Brice as Snooks
“Heal thy Heart to me”
“Zing went the Strings of my Heart”
“The Bumpy Road to Love” with the cast
Click Here to Listen to Judy Garland Sings 1938
Its time again to celebrate the holiday season and all it stands for with a Christmas stocking full old time radio yuletide magic.
This very special episode stars Phil Harris, Bing Crosby, Alice Faye, Jack Benny, Mary Livingston, Don Wilson, Kenny Baker, Joan Bennett, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Rudy Vallee, Andy Devine, and many other makers of Christmas magic
And magic it is. The magic of celebrating Christmas with old friends from 1938. The magic of our imagination. The magic of the golden age of radio. The magic of Santa Claus. The magic of the Jesus story. The magic of the subtle changes within ourselves, all of a sudden thinking and acting more like santa than scrooge. At least for a little while.
Click Here to Listen to Christmas 2022
Bie Mir Bist du Shön – The Andrew Sisters created a Craze for this Catchy Song This song shot up the charts, appearing in the top ten on January 8 1938, going to number one two weeks later and staying in the top spot from 5 to 10 weeks, depending on your source. And it … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #60 – Bie Mir Bist du Shön
Our Old Time Radio Thanksgiving menu is made up of: A first course of The Good News show from Thanksgiving eve , November 24, 1938. Featuring: Robert Young Fanny Brice as Baby Snooks And the cast of the very popular Andy Hardy movies, including star Mickey Rooney, in an original radio play. Followed by an … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Thanksgiving 2022
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast December 14 to December 30, 1937. Starring : Dr Arthur C. Christie, Dr Gilbert W Hague, Dr Kingsley Roberts, Rudy Vallee, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Jack Benny, Fred Allen, Cecil B DeMille, Slim Hoffman, Brian Ahern, Madge Evans, Fibber … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #58 – Soundscape 1937 part 24
Starring Fibber McGee, Eddie Cantor, Rudy Vallee, Mary Livingstone, Jack Benny, Don Ameche, Charlie McCarthy, Edgar Bergen, The Seven Dwarves, Snow White, Cecil B. DeMille, Walt Disney, Pinky Tomlin, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, and more. Featured songs include Eddie Cantor “Getting some fun out of life”, Rudy Vallee “Oh, Promise Me”, and Pinky Tomlin … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #57 – Soundscape 1937 part 23
Halloween approaches – the night when the boundaries between the living and the dead, reality and imagination dissolve. Evil witches mount flying brooms. Brain starved Zombies, restless spirits, supernatural spooks, savage monsters and all forms of malevolent miscreants shamble across the earth creating terror among the hapless and tasty human populace. Above all, Halloween is … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #56 – Spooky Halloween 2022
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast November 29 to December 12, 1937. Starring Cecil B Demille, Eddie Cantor, Jimmy Wallington, Rudy Vallee, Tommy Riggs and Betty Lou, Frank Case, Andy Devine, Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Kenny Baker, Don Wilson, Fibber McGee, Don Ameche, Charlie McCarthy, … Continue reading When Radio Ruled Episode 55 – Soundscape 1937 part 22
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast November 8 to November 28, 1938. Starring Bing Crosby, Jimmy Wallington, Eddie Cantor, Fibber McGee and Molly, Benny Goodman, Colonel Stoopnagle and Budd, Don Wilson, Jack Benny, Phil Harris, Mary Livingstone, Orson Welles, and more. Featured Songs include … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #54 – Soundscape 1937 part 21
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast October 18 to November 7, 1937. Starring Fibber McGee and Molly, Edward G. Robinson, Pinky Tomlin, Jimmy Wallington, Eddie Cantor, The Cast of the March of Time, Ben Davis Jr., Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Kenny Baker, Andy … Continue reading When Radio Ruled episode #53 – Soundscape 1937 part 20
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast October 11 to October 18, 1937. Starring Fibber McGee & Molly, President Franklin Roosevelt, Eddie Cantor, Pinky Tomlin, Benny Goodman, Don Ameche, Charlie McCarthy, Edgar Bergen, Clark Gable, Dorothy LaMour, Nelson Eddy, The Stroud Twins, Cecil B. DeMille, Jimmy … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #52 – Soundscape 1937 part 19
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast September 5 to October 10, 1937. Starring W.C. Fields, Charlie McCarthy, Don Ameche, Edgar Bergen, Fibber McGee and Molly, Al Jolson, George Jessell, Eddie Cantor, Bette Davis, Cecil B. DeMille, John LeRoy Johnston, Rudy Vallee, The Stroud Twins, Orson … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #51 – Soundscape 1937 part 18
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast August 29 to September 5, 1937. Starring Don Ameche, Charlie McCarthy, Edgar Bergen, Dorothy Lamour, W.C. Fields, Pinky Tomlin, Fibber McGee and Molly, Benny Goodman, Eddie Stanley, Ida Lupino, and more. Featured Songs include Don Ameche, Dorothy Lamour and … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #50 – Soundscape 1937 part 17
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast August 22 to August 27, 1937. Starring Harlow Wilcox, Fibber McGee & Molly, Benny Goodman and his Orchestra, Don Ameche, Charlie McCarthy, Glenda Farrell, Edgar Bergen, Dorothy LaMour, W.C. Fields, American Refugees from Japan’s invasion of Shang Hai,and more. … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #49 – Soundscape 1937 part 16
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast August 8 to August 15, 1937. Starring Pinky Tomlin, Don Ameche, Charlie McCarthy, Nelson Eddy, Edgar Bergen, W.C. Fields, Wendy Berrie, Benny Goodman, Eve Sully and Jesse Block, Robert Armbruster, Dorothy Lamour, Alice Brady, and more. Featured Songs include … Continue reading When Radio Ruled episode 48 – Soundscape 1937 part 15
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast July 11 to August 8, 1937. Starring Charlie McCarthy, Don Ameche, Gladys George, Edgar Bergen, W.C. Fields, Robert Armbruster, Dorothy Lamour, Pinky Tomlin, Fibber McGee and Molly, Harlow Wilcox, Bruna Castagna, Eddie Stanley, and more. Featured Songs include Dorothy … Continue reading When Radio Ruled Episode 47 – Soundscape 1937 part 14
Click Here to Listen to Soundscape 1937 #13 This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast June 21 to July 11, 1937. Starring Cecil B. DeMille, Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Jack Benny, Mary Livingston, Jimmy Wallington, Pinky Tomlin, Don Ameche, Charlie McCarthy, Edgar Bergen, Sonya Hennie, W.C. … Continue reading When Radio Ruled episode 46 – Soundscape 1937 part 13
Eddie was a multi-talented entertainer who was a huge star in vaudeville, and on broadway, and in silent film, and in radio, and in talking pictures, and in television. Eddie Cantor is a true show biz Legend with a vast body of work spanning decades. But this podcast is going to focus on Eddie Cantor … Continue reading When Radio Ruled episode #45 Eddie Cantor Sings 1937
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast June 13 to June 20, 1937. Starring Pinky Tomlin, Don Ameche, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Dorothy Lamour, W.C. Fields, Joan Blondell, Rogers & Hart, Jack Benny, Don Wilson, Kenny Baker, Phil Harris, Cecil B. DeMille, Helen Wills Moody, … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Soundscape 1937 part 12
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast May 31 to June 11, 1937. Starring Fibber McGee and Molly, the Cast of Texaco Town, Pinky Tomlin, Don Wilson, Jack Benny, Rochester, Kenny Baker, Mary Livingston, Phil Harris, Don Ameche, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Dorothy Lamour, W.C. … Continue reading When Radio Ruled Soundscape 1937 part 11
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast May 23 to May 30, 1937. Starring Don Ameche, Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy, Dorothy Lamour, Mary Boland, W. C. Fields, Fibber McGee and Molly, Cecil B. DeMille, Louis Vandenecker, Bing Crosy, Zasu Pitts, Bob Burns, Eddie Cantor, Jimmy Wallington, … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Soundscape 1937 part 10
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast May 9 to May 23, 1937. Starring Don Ameche, Warner Janssen, Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy, Dorothy Lamour, W.C. Fields, Eddie Cantor, Jimmy Wallington, Fibber McGee and Molly, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudy Vallee, J.B. Priestly, Kenny Baker, Jack Benny, Andy … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Soundscape 1937 part 9
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast April 30 to May 6, 1937. Starring Fred MacMurray, Gracie Fields, Louella Parsons, Don Wilson, Jack Benny, Phil Harris, Mary Livingston, Andy Devine, The Hindenburg Disaster, Herbert Morrison, The Lord Mayor of London, Rudy Vallee, and more. Featured Songs … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Soundscape 1937 part 8
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast April 11 to April 29, 1937. Starring Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Eddie Cantor, Ella Logan, Ted Weems and his Orchestra, Harlow Wilcox, Fibber McGee and Molly, Rudy Vallee, Pinky Tomlin, Judy Starr, Alice Marble, Johnny Burke and Russ … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Soundscape 1937 part 7
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast March 11 to March 28, 1937. Starring Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Eddie Cantor, Jimmy Wallington, Ben Bernie, Fibber McGee and Molly, Duke Ellington, Harlow Wilcox, Albert Sullivan, Rudy Vallee, and more. Featured Songs include Eddie Cantor “There is … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Soundscapes 1937 part 6
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast February 21 to March 8, 1937. Starring Father Coughlin, Douglas Fairbanks, Erroll Flynn, Rudy Vallee, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Eddie Cantor, Jimmy Wallington, Bobby Breen, and more. Featured Songs include Rudy Vallee “Let’s Go Slumming” and “Here in … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – SoundScape 1937 #5
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast February 1 to February 21, 1937. Starring Gary Cooper, The Cast of the Lux Radio Theater, Cecille B. Demille , Faye Gillis, Kay Kyser Orchestra, Eddie Cantor, Jimmy Wallington, Rufus Le Maire, Gene Raymond, Anna Sten, Father Coughlin, Leslie … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Soundscape 1937 part 4
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast January 17 to January 31, 1937. Starring Don Wilson, Jack Benny, Andy Devine, Mary Livinston, Buck Jones, The Cast of The March of Time, Cecile B DeMille, Rudy Vallee, Edgar Bergen, Charlie McCarthy, The Charioteers, Phil Harris, Eddie Cantor, … Continue reading When Radio Ruled # 34-1937 Soundscape #3
This one is a short subject, about 15 minutes long, starring Jim Jordan as Fibber McGee as in Fibber McGee and Molly. Classic Fibber and Molly episodes featured jokes, gags, and situations that often repeated from episode to episode and became running gags that listeners looked forward to each week. One of my favorite running … Continue reading When Radio Ruled Episode 33 – Fibber’s Resume 1937
1937 part 2 of The Soundscape Series, episode 31 of “When Radio Ruled. “ This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows performed live and broadcast January 10 to January 17, 1937. Starring Eddie Cantor, Jack Benny, Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Mary Livinston, Andy Devine, David Niven, Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Soundscape 1937 Part 2
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows broadcast January 1 to January 6, 1937. Starring Eddie Cantor, Cecil B. DeMille, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Jack Benny, Phil Harris, Mary Livinston, Kenny Baker, Don Wilson, Al Jolson, Harry Von Zell, Jimmy Wallington, Edith Head, opening day of the 75th Congress of … Continue reading Soundscape 1937 part 1
Our Annual Christmas Old Time Radio Special! Featuring: Charlie McCarthy Edgar Bergen Bob Hope Bing Crosby Jack Benny Dinah Shore Frances Langford And More! Listen to the Podcast Here!
A look at 1937 as told by Old Time Radio Guest Starring, all the way from 1937 Are: Janet Gaynor George Burns and Gracie Allen President Franklin Roosevelt Fibber McGee and Molly Eddie Cantor Jimmy Wallington Cecil B DeMille Fay Gillis Rudy Vallee Sully and Block Benny Goodman Irving Berlin Helen Wills Moody Ronald Coleman … Continue reading 1937 Part 2 – Popular Culture
Peace at all Costs Those Germans and Russians and Japanese and Italians and Spanish keep killing people. Featuring: Jack Benny and The Cast of “The Jack Benny Jello Show” The Phil Harris Orchestra The Cast of Lux Radio Theater Production of “The Gilded Lily” The Cast of the March of Time President Franklin Roosevelt Eddie … Continue reading 1937 Part 1: Politics and the Economy
It sure has been a strange year – we could all use a dose of Traditional Christmas. And here it is! Two Great Episodes from 1939! Jack Benny’s Christmas Open House A Christmas Carol (starring Lionel Barrymore) Featuring: Jack Benny, Rochester, Dennis Day, Mary Livingston, Phil Harris and his Orchestra, Orson Welles, Lionel Barrymore, Benny … Continue reading When Radio Ruled Christmas 2020
All about the very first play performed in Britain’s American Colonies, 1665. America was never the same afterwards.
When Radio Ruled PodCast Episode # 26 Casanova Charlie McCarthy makes dates and breaks hearts in 1937 Hollywood. Starring Charlie McCarthy GUEST STARRING Edgar Bergen Don Ameche Dorothy Lamour Clark Gable Alice Marble Carol Lombard Mary Boland May Robson Sonya Henie Zasu Pitts Bruna Castagna Glenda Farrell Bette Davis Mae West special cameo appearances … Continue reading When Radio Ruled #26- Charlie McCarthy: Sexiest Man Alive 1937
A Great Collection of Songs Originally Broadcast Live on Old Time Radio August 25, 1937 through December 31, 1937! SONG LIST: Cast of Chase and Sanborn Charlie McCarthy Show – Have you got any? Pinky Tomlin – The Love Bug Benny Goodman – Vibraphone Blues Pinky Tomlin – Stop You’re Breaking my Heart Al Jolson … Continue reading When Radio Ruled episode 25 – Radio Jukebox 1937 part 5
This episode is a collection of musical numbers broadcast live on the radio July 12, 1937 through August 24, 1937. This episode features mostly Pinky Tomlin and Benny Goodman, with a few others tossed in for good measure. But you won’t be disappointed. Pinky Tomlin is nothing short of delightful. Benny Goodman is one of … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Radio Jukebox 1937 part 4
Actor Don Ameche (1908-1993) and actress Dorothy Lamour (1914-1996) with an NBC microphone in a publicity image for the radio show, ‘The Chase and Sanborn Hour’, USA, 20 May 1937. (Photo by Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images) Tunes from Old-Time Radio! Voices from the past singing live on the national radio May 24, 1937 – July … Continue reading When Radio Ruled – Radio Jukebox 1937 part 3
This show features songs from Rudy Vallee, Eddie Cantor, Ella Logan, Pinky Tomlin, Gracie Fields, Kate Smith, Phil Harris and others. Originally Broadcast Live April 11 – May 23, 1937! Ella Logan – Scottish Medley Rudy Vallee Show – Swing your mother in law Rudy Vallee – Goodbye Boys Pinky Tomlin – The Love Bug Fibber and Molly Show – Slap That Bass Rudy Vallee – Got my love to keep me warm Gracie Fields – Never Cried So Much Charlie McCarthy Show – Instrumental “too good for words” Eddie Cantor – How you gonna keep them down on the farm Jack Benny Cast – Gonna write myself a letter Eddie Cantor – Margie Rudy Vallee – My Little Buckaroo Kate Smith – Can’t take that away from me Phil Harris – Nobody Eddie Cantor – Wake up and Live Listen to the Podcast here!!!
Songs broadcast live on National Radio January – March 1937 Dinah Shore Rudy Vallee Eddie Cantor Pinky Tomlin Phil Harris Duke Ellington and More!!! Listen to the Podcast Here!
The year that Edgar Bergen broke it big, and Charlie McCarthy became his own man.
Featuring W.C. Fields, Don Ameche, Bette Davis, Dorothy Lamour and more!
Check out the Podcast here
Christmas Old Time Radio from the 1950’s to light the lamp of Christmas Spirit deep in your Soul! Or maybe just entertain you. Or both. Could be both. Fibber McGee and Molly from 1952, in “Wimpole’s Christmas Present” and Dragnet from 1953, entitled “Big Little Jesus” Great Old Time Radio guaranteed to keep you off the naughty list. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE – AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM US TO YOU
This podcast is a montage of excerpts from old time radio shows broadcast November 29 to December 31, 1936. Starring Eddie Cantor, Parkyakarkus, Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Harry Von Zell, Rudy Vallee, John Gunther, Ed Wynn, Amos ‘n Andy, Kenny Baker, Jack Benny, Cecil B. DeMille, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Don Wilson, Gabriel Heatter, Walter Houston, Billie Holiday, and more. Check Out The Podcast Here!
Excerpts from Old Time Radio originally broadcast October 4 to November 11, 1936.
Lots of Eddie Cantor, if you like that sort of thing. Who doesn’t?
Also featuring James Wallington, Cecile B. Demille, Carl Hubbell, Lou Gerhig, Joe E. Brown, Fred Allen, Harry Ranzel, Jack Renard, George Burns, Gracie Allen, and more.
These Soundscapes are a result of the research phase of the When Radio Ruled Historical Documentary series.
Click Here To Listen to the Podcast – WHEN RADIO RULED – SoundScape #8 – 1936 part 5
A Montage of Old Time Radio Excerpts originally broadcast from August 24 to October 3, 1936.
Starring Cecil B. DeMille, The cast of the Major Bowes Amateur Hour, The cast of the Jello Summer Show, Eddie Cantor, Irene Ryan, Walt Disney, The 1936 New York Giants, Mickey Mouse, The 1936 New York Yankees, Donald Duck, the 1936 Chicago Cubs, Stoopnagle and Budd, the 1936 Chicago White Sox, President Roosevelt, and more.
Listen to Soundscape #7 – 1936 part 4