Retro Radio Show

Soon it will be Independence Day. The day when America declared its independence from Great Brittan.
So today we have a double feature from a radio program called, the story behind the song.

In particular, the stories of our national anthem, the star spangled banner.
Also our first national song. yankee Doodle.

The star spangled banner came about when an attempt at a prisoner exchange led to Frances Scot Key being witness to the Battle of Fort Mac Henry. His inspired poem was set to the tune of an English drinking song and steadily grew in popularity. By the end of the 1800's, the Navy had adopted it as the song to play where a national anthem is required. By 1933, the president had long before made the same claim, and congress voted to register the lyrics in as the official anthem. However, The tune remains undesignated to this day.

Nobody knows exactly the origins of the tune or lyrics of Yankee Doodle. There must have been other similar patriotic songs in those days, but this one is one that was used as a victory song and has endured through the decades. The radio program presents a drama of events, featuring such people as George Washington, Samuel Adams, and Patrick Henry.
but it doesn't tell much about the song itself.

However, listen to the show and the robots will give you more details on the story behind Yankee Doodle.

Racketeers are rampant in the shopping disctrict on Second Avenue. Guess who has just come from Second Avenue with a new fur coat? That's right, it's My Friend Irma. She spent her entire part of her vacation money that she and Jane had planned. The coat is so ugly and worthless that even Irma's disreputable boyfriend Al is surprised at her lack of judgement.

Jane and Al take Irma to the Better Business Bureau for action. Before Irma can take the coat back, she loses her coat. With the help of her friends, Irma gets bailed out once again. But not without
a lot of laughs first.

Red Skelton was one of the top comedians of his day. His radio career was briefly interupted when he served in the Army during World War2. The show today is from his first season back on the air.

It was the first New Year celebration after the war ended, Rationing was over. the housing shortage was in full swing as troops came home and were released from the service. Things were looking hopeful and Red Skelton is on the air with his characters like Deadeye, the cowboy, and Junior the Mean Little Kid.

Enjoy some classic comedy mixed with music of the day. The show was sponsored by Raleigh cigarettes, which the commercials are left in for nostalgic and entertainment purposes only. Neither Keith or the robots endorse smoking.

Some of the back story of Our Miss Brooks, everyones favorite Auburn haired English teacher.

Mrs. Davis is Connie Brooks somewhat scatter brained landlady. Mrs. Davis went to school with Osgood Conklin, who is just being promoted to principle at Madison High. First impressions are lasting ones, and he is about to be introduced to the cast of characters in a big way as misunderstandings abound.

Walter Denton is a 16 year old student who frequently drives Miss Brooks to school when her car breaks down. He also bounces from girl to girl and seeks her advice.

Connie's big desire, besides Mr. Boynton, is to be head of the English department. She just manages to stay enough on Mr. Conklin's bad side to always fall short of her goal.

In this audition show, the only actors to continue on the series are Eve Arden, as Miss Brooks. Jeff Chandler, as Mr Boynton. And Richard Crenna, as Walter Denton. Miss Davis and Osgood Conklin were played by different actors for the audition. There are a couple other characters in this episode that are dropped, and of course, others are added.

By the time the series started, just three months after this program, Miss Brooks has lived with Mrs Davis for a year and now has six years on the job. Mr Conklin has been principle for an undetermined span of time, and has 20 years experience as an educator. His daughter, Harriet, has been introduced, but it is unclear if she and Walter are girlfriend and boyfriend yet.

Mr. Conklin is still a pompous principle, Mr. Boynton is still clueless and shy. Misunderstandings and jumping to conclusions are rampant and make for some great comedy situations.

Father Knows Best was a show that tried to put a humorous spin on everyday family life. In this episode about an apparent stray dog. Father, Jim Anderson, is continuously frustrated over a dog that only his daughter could love. Despite the damage the dog does, he starts to grow on the family. Though the real owner is found, the reason for the dog's daily appearances aren't discovered until the end of the program.

The show in general has a reputation for being a cookie cutter, white bread kind of show. A little out of touch with reality. However, take a closer look at the characters and you'll see traits that are constant to parents and kids through the ages.

• A little girl who is something of a Tomboy and wants to grow up to be a lady wrestler, asks too many questions, is a bane to her older siblings, and rocks the boat of adult logic. She was portrayed in the first seasons by an adult actress, then later a child actress played the part.
  
• A teenage boy who seems to always be frumpy, interupting, complaining, he is caught between doing weird childish things and adult things.
  
• A teanage girl who lives life in emotional extremes, caught up in social life and fashion, and quickly becoming a woman that her father can't understand.
  
• A father who is a success at work, does his best to provide for his family, expects to have his home be a place of relaxation and enjoyment, and apply logic to solving any problem.
  
• A mother who is more practical and lets her husband have a try at his logical solutions, often bailing him out, but sometimes not.
  

Despite the squeaky clean language and expressions like, "holy cow, gee whiz, swell" and others, little sisters can still be annoying, teanagers can stil be frumpy and fly into extremes. Parents can still hold differing ideals and act before all the facts are in. That's why shows like Father Knows Best are still fun to listen to. Even after fifty years, they are still relevant on some level in our daily lives. Situations change, but people are still people.

During World War 2, Command Performance was produced especially with the troops in mind. It gave a few minutes of entertainment for those stationed overseas, and served as a reminder that back home, the people were still thinking of them. When the war ended, Command Performance continued for just a little while longer, but was also ended.

The announcer claims that this is the first comic strip operetta. It probably is. Regardless, it is a fun spoof of a popular comic strip. Filled with plenty of popular tunes, with the words changed to suit the story. It features many stars of radio, film and music. Command Performance usually had a format of being a variety show, but this use of a variety of performers to tell one story is a great way to go.

The show credits Judy Garland as being part of the cast. A couple songs that she made popular are used with rearranged lyrics, but I didn't catch her distinctive voice either in the songs or dialog of the show. Maybe my brain was sleeping or something. If one of you listeners can figure it out, email me and point her out for me.

The show is a little long and runs just under an hour. so put your imagination into gear and get ready for a fun, jitterbugging time with some of your favorite poplar entertainers of 60 years ago.

A small compilation program. Radio stars often were guests on other radio shows. Here are 2 shows that I combined and condensed together. On February 13, 1938, Robert Taylor did a guest spot on Jack Benny's show. He gave Jack some advice on his dramatic acting. That same week, on Thursday, February 17, Jack was able to return the favor and offered Robert Taylor some advice on changes to his show.

The Jack Benny show, of course, was all about comedy, music, and Jack's one act plays and spoofs. Jack always put on a front of being upset over not winning an academy award.

The Good News program had its first season in the Fall of 1937, so it was very new at this time. It ran for a full hour and contained not only music and comedy, but dramatic sketches. The regulars on the Good News program were Meredeth Willson, Fannie Brice, and Frank Morgan. Over time the host would change.

Because of it's length, I had to cut a few segments out. I kept in most of the Jack Benny segments, so the main parts that are missing are the Baby Snooks segment, a couple songs and the dramatic segment. The drama and Baby Snooks were good ones, maybe in the future I'll do a compilation of various shorts and play them.

Better yet,
email me
and I can post a link for the entire episode, or record it on a blank tape for you. If you send me a blank tape in a self addressed, stamped mailer, it won't cost you anything else than purchasing those materials. As long as I'm not swamped with requests, I could send you the tape for just the cost of postage.
Just email me so we can exchange mailing addresses and arrange payment if necessary.

After a small glitch, we present an episode from the Eddie Cantor series. It is his birthday and Eddie, his cast, and all his guests have lots of jokes and good wishes for him. I don't have the info on when Eddie was born. He was around the same age as Jack Benny. He got started in vaudeville at an early age. He was known for his comedy and singing, as well as his big bulgy eyes. Because of his appearance, he was sometimes called, 'Old Banjo Eyes.'

The show is sponsered by Texaco Firechief. I know Ed Winn was the host for Texaco just a few years before this episode aired. Today's show is from the first season with Eddie Cantor as Texaco's host. I'm not sure if someone else was host between Ed Winn and Eddie Cantor.

PS: Our special short program that got slapped in today's podcast is from a very short lived series that ran sometime around 1975. The independant producer made LP's with about thirty short tracks of less than 3 minutes per episode, distributed them to radio stations around the country and left it to the stations when to air them. It is obviously meant as a spoof of classic old time radio shows. Namely those of the super hero, cliff hanger and crime show varieties. So, what is the show? Listen to today's podcast and find out.

Here's one of those great, classic movies that was done as a radio play. This one features 3 hot singers, Dinah Shore, Phil Harris, and Bing Crosby.They all get the chance to sing some jazz and swing tunes from the early 1900's. Not to mention a great mix of comedy and acting in there as well.

So sit back and enjoy this 1 hour trip to those good oldays of radio.

PS: Just a reminder. Shows older than six months (that's last November) will be removed from the server. Probably on Monday. Hurry and gettem while they are there.

As the new guardian of Leroy and Marjorie, Gildersleeves goes over household expenses and tries to make improvements. Leroy decides to get a paper route to help buy the things he wants. Nobody is very thrilled with his new, early hour to get up in the morning. Even terrible weather can't dampen Leroy's spirits. Gildersleves helps, Leroy, but somehow manages to cause trouble and be left holding the bag.

For it's time, a show about a single parent was a new concept for the entertainment industry. To make things more realistic and acceptable, the back story went somethinglike this: Throckmorton P Gildersleeves sister and her husband died an untimely death and left their two children wwell cared for, but orphans. Gildersleeves responds by leaving his friends Fibber McGee and Molly, and moving to Summerfield. In the interim, Judge Hooker has acted as executor of the estate and family holdings in a local drug store.

Due to Gildersleeves impetuous character and some initial misunderstandings and bad first impressions, the Judge is doubtful of Gildersleeves. The Judge thinks he may be an opportunists and not care well for the children. Nothing can be further from the truth. Gildersleeves does try his best. He is just inexperienced at family and social life. The characters make the comedy. Leroy is a typical 12 year old with all the energy and mischeiviousnessof a young boy. Marjorie is a teenager who is mostly level headed, but not without relying on her womanly charms to confuse her Uncle Mort. Bertie, the colored housekeeper. She never seems to have much of a life outsides the household chores, but she does put her foot down when she needs to. Judge Hooker, the nemesis of Gildersleeves and rival for love interests and a variety of prank pulling.

Other towns folks include Leroy's best friend Piggy Banks, a couple of boyfriends for Marjorie over the course of the series, Peavey the storekeeper, and sevveral others as situations

The lone Ranger. Most definitely a radio classic. Here's a special stepping away from the usual comedy routine and I think it will be worth the change of pace. So put on your white hat, get your mask and ride along with Tonto and the Lone Ranger in this adventure of the old west.

It is a case of smuggling contraband whiskey and murder. Does the sheriff nab the right man? Will the smugglers have theri way? Good thing the Lone Ranger is on hand to straighten things out.

Here's an all time great, Groucho Marx. It's not about the game. It's not about the money or the prizes. It's all about the totally adlibbed conversation between Groucho and real live people. Who will have the shot at the grand prize? Will anybody say the secret word for the bonus prize?

The first contestants are a female announcer at the Los Angeles Airport and a Weatherman. Followed by two housewives. Finally an unmarried couple who would consider marriage for the right person.

Check it out and enjoy the laughs as Groucho meets the contestants.

The story thus far. Lum and Abner had been split over Abner's business practices. He started taking animals on trade for groceries. A circus came to town and Dick Huddleston and Lum both agreed that it would be a risk to extend them credit. However, Abner made his own deal and held title to the circus if they couldn't pay for their supplies. The circus defaulted and now Abner owns it. The situation convinces Lum to help out and now they are back together. To be able to feed the circus animals, Abner gets the idea to charge bales of hay and bushels of feed for admission.

How's it working out? Well, of course Squire Skimpe gets involved and brings his own ideas for the new venture. For all the fun and the misadventures of Lum and Abner, listen and find out. Here are three more episodes. As before, I took the liberty to snip some of the original commercials and theme music. These episodes are from 1935, March . 14, 15 and 18.

The Lum and Abner shows aired in 15 minute segments, 5 days per week and had both opening and closing theme music as well as opening and closing commercials for Horlick's Malted Milk products. A product invented in the early 1880's, and the company is still around today. Their products are no longer for sale directly to the public, but rather to other businesses who use them in producing their own food products. Mr. Horlick would pass away in 1936. The Lum and Abner show continued to be sponsered by them but was later picked up by Postum, another healthy food product and alternative to coffee, but without caffeine. Postum would sponser other great radio shows such as the Father Knows Best program in the 1950's. Postum can be found on grocery store shelves today. As with any old time radio commercial, the Retro Radio podcast as well as Keith himself does not necessarily endorse them. Ads are left in for entertainment and nostalgic purposes only.

PS. A few weeks ago I announced that a CD of the entire first year of podcasting would be made availible. I'm still working on that CD. I was becoming concerned that just one disk might not hold it all. Turns out that it will. I may have to cut the offer down in the future and only put six months at a time on disk. The price will be the same because it is designed to cover the cost of the disk and not so much for the content.

I have been trying to find an alternate way to keep the shows entirely free and available for download. Basically a better way to archive them so even the older episodes can stay online. If I can get those details worked out the CD's can still be availabe for those who want one. When the disks are ready, watch for either a PayPal button or a link to an ordering page.

Jane tries to set Irma straight on money handling matters. Irma gets put in charge of paying the rent, but somehow she is easily led astray by her boyfriend Al.

It is amazing how simple minded Irma can be at times. Though she is polite, perky and well intended, Irma takes things very literally. She can manage to take the facts and scramble them for the best comic affect. Her trusting nature often gets her in trouble when she trusts in the wrong person.

If it wasn't for the fact that everybody likes Irma, and tolerates her mistakes, it might take more than Jane and a healthy dose of luck to rescue her from some of her adventures. Can she manage to survive her latest adventure and keep her good reputation? Listen and find out.

This episode is from very early in the series. Episode #2. Most of the characters are just the same as they appear through out the show's run. Jane, the level headed friend. Irma, the not so smart friend. Al, the unemployed and seedy boyfriend of Irma. In later shows, Jane's millionaire boss and boyfriend Richard seems to be replaced with a different boyfriend. The land lady, Mrs. O'Riley in this show is married, but in later shows she is single and sometimes on the prowl for one of the tenants, a gent with a foreign accent. Irma's boss makes occasional appearances in episodes, voiced by Alan Reed. The foreign sounding tenant who appears in later shows seems to change as the show goes on, always bickering with Mrs O'Riley, but sometimes more friendly toward her than others. .

Happy Mother's Day! Here's a prime example of what can happen when no mothers are in the family. Let's visit the Great Gildersleeves. From the first month of the first season, Gildersleeves and Leroy come home after a baseball game and are tempted by a freshly baked cake. One that Marjorie baked special for a party. Can Gilder sleeves save the day? Listen and find out.

Don't forget, you can email me requests and comments to:
mteye@hotmail.com.

I know nothing about this radio show. This is the only episode I have. All I can say is that it has some great music as well as some good clean fun. If you enjoy your music with a dose of jazz, blues and boogie woogie, then you'll like this one.

Between the songs host, Orson Bean, delivers some funny and witty monologs. The show is heavily sponsored by the Army National Guard. Ralph Bellamy lends a hand to the fun. And don't forget, Dagmar! I don't know who Dagmar is. Whether it is a character just for this show, or whether she was a comic of the time.

Have some fun and enjoy some excellent tunes.

A rare episode from the early days of Jack Benny. Rare because it is nearly all intact. No music has been cut,

commercials are there. Just a little scratchiness at the beginning, It clears up, but does come back in various

places.

Another important thing about the show is that it is the first show for General Tires, after the end of the run with

Chevrolet. It is Don Wilson's first show with Jack. We get to meet the new bandleader, Don Bester as well. The

transition of the show seems to put a bind on certain folks.

A new tenor will soon be on the program. For now Jack and Mary leave mid way through the program under the guise of

helping Frank Black with his new enterprise. Running a music store. Mary gets some good lines. Some good natured

joking as the new cast get introduced to each other.

A show from late in the run of the Phil Harris Alice Fay show. Phil has trouble from the security guard when getting in to his own show. Phil is feeling great, but Alice gets on him for spending too much money. Elliot Lewis convinces Phil to invest in a race horse. The deal isn't as good as it seems, but where would the comedy come from if it were?

As usual, Phil sings. Today's song is, You Got To Do A Good Days Work. Also as usual, Phil and Elliot pick on Julius and try to get him to jockey the horse. In the end Phil gets the honors of being in the saddle.

Lux Radio Theater ran one hour shows. This one aired at the time when Amelia Earhart was overdue on her fateful flight over the Pacific. She was apparently supposed to make an appearance on this episode and was hoped to be home soon to be on the show next week.

This episode features Walter Winchel, a real life newspaper man of the day. He was well known and popular. Despite a short education, he was flamboyant and colorful in his literary style. He does a pretty fair job at acting in this light hearted drama about the workings of a big city newspaper.

In this story, Walter Winchel is to leave and get married. Unfortunately, a breaking story keeps him tied to his job. He manages to juggle both his future wife and mother in law while getting the story and staying out of trouble. But the plot still thickens.

You know a story is good when it spawns either sequels, or remakes of the film. Just a few short years later another production was put together called His Girl Friday, which starred Fred MacMurry. It had a slightly different angle but was essentially the same story. Maybe I'll post that one sometime as a comparison. For now click the link and listen to Front Page, starring Walter Winchel as Hildie Johnson.

Tell a friend about the show, share old time radio with others, and thanks for listening.

An apology to my listeners, more flaky connection and upload problems. I hope it has worked itself out. Time will tell, but I'll try to stay on time with shows.

For a run of shows in 1939 Molly was missing from the show. This is one of those shows. Without Molly though, Fibber can tend to have some unchecked destructive behavior. Not to mention some strange cooking methods. He hears of an antique dealer who is coming to town and decides to enhance his own furniture by... well just listen and feel sorry for the missing Molly.

Besides being the orchestra leader, Billy Mills acts as straightman to Fibber. Don Novus sings, 'This Night.' The Four Notes sing a swinging little number, 'The Cuckoo in the Clock.' Lots of those corny old jokes and puns with the help of the Old Timer, Harlow Wilcox, Mrs. Uppington, Mert the phone operator, Harold Perry, and others.

An episode without Mary. She had taken a couple weeks off. Jack relies on the guys, Frank Parker and Frank Black to cut up with and play roles in his play about being a department store floor walker. The audio quality is less than ideal, but actually fairly clear. Pretty much all the commercials and musical numbers are cut. Not by me. That's why this episode is so short.

I added in a couple musical numbers on my own. Through the technology of digital splicing, we also have a special guest to help get things started. I think you'll like the results. Unless I get negative feedback, I think I'll work on more shows like this for the future. Well, maybe with a show with better overall audio.

The ever changing Jack Benny has been easing in certain changes. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what and when since many shows from this period just don't exist. Mary, though absent in today's show certainly adds color to the mix. She is still playing the dumb girlfriend, but getting sassier all the time. The two Franks, Black and Parker are setting the stage for some of the rivalries that will solidify in the next couple years as Kenny Baker, Phil Harris and Dennis Day come on the scene. The announcer in these first two years manages his share of getting in on the comedy, with blending commercials into the other interaction. The jovialness that Don Wilson will bring is soon to come.

Doing one act plays has been a mainstay for Jack, and will continue to be. He has done some World Galloper News bits in recent shows, but by this time, he starts phasing that segment out. Though he will continue to mention, and poke fun at contemporary events. he never brings back his news segments. He isn't quite defined as a miser, but makes himself the butt of a few stray jokes about being a little tight with cash. He also has been letting his fellow cast members get some of the laughs, even at his own expense.

Running gags are not too prominent yet. Themes might be more the definition. Having a good bit in one show, then continuing the theme into the next week. For example, a play with added parts to continue the story line. Or as will happen over the next couple shows after this one, a conflict between Jack and Frank Black that will be resolved by duels and challenges. I won't spill the beans yet, since I might just play those shows soon.

Sponsored by Camels. Commercials, as usual are left in only for entertainment purposes. Keith and the Retro Radio show do not necessarily endorse or encourage the use of products advertised in original old time radio shows. Enough disclaimers, here's what happens in today's program.

Costello tells Abbott about some of his relatives who performed in the circus. Also some of his own circus experience. Old jokes abound. The cutting up and comments expand to Ken Niles and his on air wife, played by Verna Felton.

Buddy Rich Orchestra plays Swing Low. It's an instrumental and hasn't got much to do with chariots, but nice and swingy.

Abbott and Costello make it to the circus management office where Sally Eiler is in charge. More old jokes, but the comic timeing makes it all good. Lou gets suckered into helping with one of the ball toss games. He doesn't quite fall for it, but ends up as the circus wrestling act.

Connie Haines sings Salt Water Cowboy. A goofy song, but highly popular for it's time. Connie's voice makes any song sound great.

Bud assures Lou that he won't have any trouble wrestling, since he will be the one to jump into the ring when the call goes out for a wrestling partner. Bad news, Alan Hale, a popular and huge 400 pound film actor is waiting to have a go at Lou. Ever notice how poor, chubby Lou gets into the ring in many of their radio shows and films? He did do some boxing at a younger age as well as some stunt man work. For being the butterball that his reputation presented, he was a bit more athletic than he let on.

Well, that's what's in the show. Don't worry, there's a lot of clowning around that you will have to hear to enjoy. So, please do.

best regards,
Keith H

PS: Please support the podcast by making a donation through the PayPal button, or visit my store, or one of the affiliates there when you are looking for a gift or audio book or whatever fills your need. A great bargain for you and a little support for me.

Getting this posted a little late. Technical difficulties and flaky web connections. It has been a while since we made a visit to Pine Ridge. Keith has snipped out some commercials and crammed in 3 episodes of Lum and Abner for today's show. Here's a little background. The series was an ongoing story and had overlapping storylines. In weeks prior to the episodes we will hear today, Lum and Abner have had a falling out and split their merchandise at the Jotem Down Store. Abner decides to barter and accept livestock for payment on goods. His business ideas are hurting both lum as well as Dick Huddleston, the town's other store owner. Listen to the show and see how things are working out. As this part of Lum and Abner's ordeal is coming to a close, Abner manages to get involved with a circus that rolls into town, but that is a story that will have to be continued in future podcasts.

Time Machine ready.
Setting the dials.
year. 1935.
date. March 8, 11 and 12.
Lum and Abner. Three Episodes from March 1935.

As 1935 kicked off, Lum and Abner have found themselves being conned out of their store by their nemesis, Squire Skimpe. They manage to raise the money to restock their inventory for the Jotem Down Store, but there are some conflicts over how to run the place. They decide to split all their merchandise and operate two stores under the one roof.

With all that said, in the featured episodes, Abner has been trading livestock for his products and causing problems for both Lum and Dick Huddleston. Things are about to come to a head when a circus comes to town and Abner gets involved with it. Abner, of course has just about stretched as far as he can, and eventually he and Lum partner up again. But what about the circus? That will have to wait for future podcasts, but I'll post the ongoing story. It gets pretty interesting.

Lum and Abner was a pair of good old boys from Arkansas. They ran a general store and seemed to be successful at it more by luck than skill. and despite their frequent tendancies to start other businesses or get rich quick schemes. They hit the airwaves in 1932, just four years after Amos and Andy hit the scene. Just like Amos and Andy these two voice actors and writers, wanted to do a similar act where they put on black face and presented their characters as African Americans. The studio chiefs, wisely, didn't want a copy cat program. The show was pitched again with the white actors performing as white characters and a hit radio program was born.

The shows had an ongoing story line that spanned over several episodes. Stories overlapped and some lasted longer than others. Through the years, some stories would repeat, but the characters might take on a different part in the retelling of the incident. For example, just before the shows in today's podcast, Lum and Abner were involved in operating a match making bureau. After noticing a lack of photos sent in by men, Lum decides to make copies of Abner's picture and send them out. Imagine the trouble and confusion that could cause. In a later season they decide to run their matrimonial bureau again. This time Abner gets the idea to send out photos of Lum and some of the other male characters in town. See what I mean?

I did something I don't like to do normally. Snipped off commercials and some opening and closing music. With presenting three shows in one, I felt it would play better that way. In its early years, Lum and Abner was sponsered by Horlick's Malted Milk, both in powers and tablets. The miracle food of the century. If you were weak and sickly, it made you strong and husky. If you were overweight, it helped you shed pounds. It was a healthy snack for kids, a quick pick me up for kids and adults. When the owner and founder of Horlick's passed away in 1936, the sponser would change to Postum, another healthy food product. The Horlick's company is still around, but they are a supplier of food products to other businesses, and not directly to the general consumer.

In our visit to Duffy's Tavern, we learn of a recent bar fight. Since the usual cast characters weren't there to be

witnesses, Archie takes liberties in his role in the ordeal. Though he makes an imression, he manages to get himself

into some trouble when a bully forces him to back up his talk.

Before there was Cheers, Duffy's Tavern ruled the radio airwaves. The basic premise was the same, in that they both

took place in a bar. Both bars were owned by a party who was never really seen or heard. Archie the bartender would

usually open the show with a phone conversation to Duffy, but a one sided conversation is all we get as far as Duffy

is concerned. The show has its variety of characters who are regulars in the bar, and the situations for comedy are

endless.

--kh

PS:

If you need more Old Time Radio, click this link.
You can browse hundreds of radio show collections. Many are BBC shows, some are the originals and some are new

productions.

The following are ready to download immediately, but they aren't free. Prices vary but here's a sample of what

you can have for your very own:

• 
  
  Adventures of Superman
  
  Dirk Maggs | $18.99 | 2 hours 30 minutes
  Not the original radio series, but a modern rendition of superman, done in the style of the old programs.

  
  From Superman's very first deed of daring to his battle of wits with evil business tycoon Lex Luthor, 'The

  Adventures of Superman' tells the story of the
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• 
  
  The Twilight Zone.
  
  The Twilight Zone™ Radio Dramas will keep you glued to the edge of your seat, whether listening in your home or in

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  Journey Into Space: Operation Luna - Complete Episodes 1 - 13
  
  Charles Chilton
  
  Contains all thirteen episodes of Journey into Space: Operation Luna for the first time, remastered and restored to

  their most complete versions...
  
  $32.99
  

In our visit to Duffy's Tavern, we learn of a recent bar fight. Since the usual cast characters weren't there to be

witnesses, Archie takes liberties in his role in the ordeal. Though he makes an imression, he manages to get himself

into some trouble when a bully forces him to back up his talk.

Before there was Cheers, Duffy's Tavern ruled the radio airwaves. The basic premise was the same, in that they both

took place in a bar. Both bars were owned by a party who was never really seen or heard. Archie the bartender would

usually open the show with a phone conversation to Duffy, but a one sided conversation is all we get as far as Duffy

is concerned. The show has its variety of characters who are regulars in the bar, and the situations for comedy are

endless.

--kh

PS:

If you need more Old Time Radio, click this link.
You can browse hundreds of radio show collections. Many are BBC shows, some are the originals and some are new

productions.

The following are ready to download immediately, but they aren't free. Prices vary but here's a sample of what

you can have for your very own:

• 
  
  Adventures of Superman
  
  Dirk Maggs | $18.99 | 2 hours 30 minutes
  Not the original radio series, but a modern rendition of superman, done in the style of the old programs.

  
  From Superman's very first deed of daring to his battle of wits with evil business tycoon Lex Luthor, 'The

  Adventures of Superman' tells the story of the
  Man of Steel from the beginning.

• 
  
  The Twilight Zone.
  
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In today's episode, Riley gets held up by a gangster. Actually he stumbles on Burt Lancaster in full make up, doing
a picture about gangsters. Jumping to conclusions, he leaves his wallet and flees. The plot twists that follow can
only happen to Riley.

Riley was just an average Joe of the 1940's. During the war years he worked for a factory that produced military and
defense products. Even after the war he remained a blue collar worker, trying to provide for his family the best
that he could and raise his kids right. Basically, a person that most folks can relate to.

In many ways Riley reminds me of Homer Simpson, but much less disfunctional. Not the brightest person, often just a
little inept, but always loveable and well intended. He always comes out on top, inspite of himself.

Thanks for listening and stopping by the web page.
Keith H

By 1947, World War 2 was over. Soldiers returned home, got married to their sweethearts, and lived happily everafter. Or did they? The world of John and Blanche Bickerson was filled with marital reality. They were always fighting and bickering like... well... an old married couple. Danny Thomas added his own style of zany comedy as Amos, the brother of Blanche Bickerson. Of course, Blanche was played by Francis Lankford. John was played by Don Ameeche. Both were well known celebrities of film and radio.

The feature of these shows was the bickering interchange between John and Blanche, but there were often other antics onstage as well. The actors in their own personalities singing, or doing comedy bits. In this show, for example, Danny Thomas is supposed to be afraid of microphones and locks himself in a broom closet. He sings and is facilitated by Don and other of the shows crew. Francis Lankford also sings, before all the bickering fun begins.

The jokes are often old and cliche, but the fun is in the delivry of the performers. Each one getting in their punches as well as taking them. It's all good because the situations the Bickersons find themselves in is so crazy and outlandish, nobody really acts that way. Do they? You know that you and your spouse don't really sound like that. Right?

Hmm... I see your blank stare at me. Well, maybe a little bit.

Why do you keep giving me that look? Hey, get that tape recorder away from me.

Just listen to the show and enjoy.

Everybody starts somewhere. Jack Benny got his start in radio in 1932. Here are a few clips of his early humor,

mostly from early 1933. I wanted to give a quick over view of what he sounded like when he was still a newcomer.

Though he did use other writers, much of what he did back then was his own work.

These early episodes don't get much attention, not even on podcasts. Not that they aren't funny. They are definitely

topical and if you aren't familiar with what was happening in history at the time, the humor can go flying right

over your head. Also the audio quality makes them hard to hear. They tend to be very scratchy and the audio cuts out

or can get pretty mushy. I tried to pick a few clips that wer not so bad.

These early shows feature the Frank Black Orchestra and James Melton as Jack's tenor. They mostly stuck to

performing music, but Jack gave them lines occasionally. The shows announcer, also pretty much stuck to strictly

doing the comercials and giving Jack the barest of introductions. There wasn't a lot of poking fun at sponsors, as

would happen later. Jack wasn't big enough of a star to do that yet. Although he did go through about four sponsors

in his first four years or so. (Canada Dry, Chevrolet, General Tires and Jello).

In these early days, Jack wasn't yet known as a miser. There is a stray joke or two about him wearing a wig. In 1933

he really was 39. He tended to do the better jokes and give the others to his cast. He wasn't afraid to make himself

the butt of a joke though. In one early episode, he gave a large part of the show over to an impressionist who did a

bit where he impersonated a wide variety of celebrities of the era, while Jack gave only sparse comments. There

seemed to be more time given to the musical talent. Longer numbers for the band and the tenor was able to sing an

extra verse of his song. Mary, when she wasn't acting in a play or singing, was more dumb and less of a wisecracker.

From the beginning, Mary was wildly popular and though the show officially was known by the sponsor's name (the

Canada Dry Show or the Chevrolet Show) it often appeared in newspaper radio listings as the Jack Benny and Mary

Livingston Show.

The 1933 season lasted a little longer than later seasons would run. Usually the show would go off after the first

or second week of June. In 1933, the last show was on June 23. I may be mistaken, but this may be the only year it

stayed on so late. The significance of that date is that it is Mary's birthday. This is the only year she would have

a birthday show. In that episode, Jack claims that she is 21, but in reality she just turned 25.

In archive web sites, you will find several shows for the calendar year of 1933. However, a lot of them are repeats.

The show was broadcast from New york and was on at various times. Usually twice per week and at 10pm. That might

account for some of the repeat episodes. Some of them seem to be an identical recording to others on different

dates, with the same static, scratches, and weak areas in the audio. That might seem to imply that someone saved

their mp3 file with an incorrect title or date. Basically, these first few seasons surviving shows are rare, have

poor quality, but are interesting for their humor and historical significance.

I know my show today is a little different than I usually do. If you like the diversion, let me know. I may try a

few more in the future.

best regards from the Retro Radio podcaster and robot master,
Keith H.

PS: This is the weekend for house cleaning. All the shows from last September and older are being removed. Sorry,

but I gotta keep my storage allowance under control.
--kh

For a western hero, Matt Dillon was just an average guy. He was prone to make mistakes, as this episode points out a few of his character flaws. He fumbles, as he fails to notice what Miss Kitty is up to. He investigates a murder, but does he have the right guy? Life isn't always a cut and dry procedure, even in Dodge City.

The audition show for Gunsmoke was produced in June 1949. It never aired, but was used as a demo to gain support from studios, sponsers and in casting. It featured "Mark" Dillon and was well liked enough to get the green light. It took until the Fall of 1950 before the show went on the air.

The delay was partly due to the search for just the right leading man. William Conrad tells about it in a later interview. The show's producers gave auditions to just about every radio actor of the day. Nobody's voice seemed right for the part. He wasn't the first pick because he was doing so much work in so many areas of broadcasting. The studio heads likely considered him over exposed. He finally did give a reading of the part of Matt Dillon and everybody agreed it was for him.

Once again, let me remind podcast listeners that the original advertisements are left in for entertainment purposes, and do not reflect endorsement by myself or the Retro Radio Podcat.

Happy listening.
Keith H.

PS: Our normal comedy format will return soon. Also it will be house cleaning time soon. At the end of the month, shows older than 6 months will be removed. To get those older programs, a link will be available soon to order your own copy of the first season. Stay tuned and keep watching for it.

Groucho Marx was born in 1890 as Julius Henry Marx. Along with his brothers he became a big Vaudeville hit as a singing act. Chico on piano, Harpo on the harp and Groucho singing Soprano. Over time they added some comedy. The joking around got bigger results andthe brothers would tell jokes in ethnic accents.

The ethnic personas they developed stem from the small Jewish community where they grew up. Wedged inbetween a tough Italian neighborhood and a tough Irish neighborhood, Chico would talk with an Italian accent to blend in, and convince others that he wasn't really Jewish. Harpo would speak with an Irish accent and wear a red wig. At some point, Harpo became the silent comedian. When the brothers began making films in the 1920's, Harpo's wig was changed to blonde since it showed up better.

Groucho did his act with a German accent, but as World War 1 began heating up, anti German feelings were on the rise. He found himself being booed off the stage. He dropped the accent and became the slick wise cracking member of the bunch. In his early days, he glued on his bushy moustache. He never actually had a moustache until later in life. One story tells that he grew tired of ripping off the moustache night after night, so before one performance he just used grease paint. He looked at himself in the mirror, and seeing something missing, added the matching bushy eyebrows. A comic icon that lasts even until today was born.

By 1932 Leonard (Chico) Marx and Julius (Groucho) Marx tried a brief shot at radio. The program was Flywheel, Shyster, and Flywheel. I don't think any copies of it exist. It had big hopes to compete with the Texaco program that had EdWinn as its host. There were two major elements to its downfall. One was a lawyer with the same name as Groucho's character, (Schyster I think it was, but I may be wrong) and was going to sue the show. The name was changed and in an episode Groucho was asked about the sudden and mysterious name change, his response was that he just got divorced and now he went back to his maiden name. Divorce was a huge social no no at that time. I'm sure there were likely other complex matters that caused the show's demise as well.

Always pushing the edge on what was considered socially acceptable, Groucho made 26 films over his career and in 1947, You Bet Your Life was launched. It lasted several years on radio and went to television until 1962.

The show was less about the game as it was a chance for Groucho to adlib with common everyday people. Critics claimed it was all scripted. In reality the script extended to a handful of questions for Groucho to ask to get conversation going, and a few possible gags to toss in. Groucho never new what the contestants might answer back and his reactions were pure adlib.

With all that said, enjoy today's show, featuring Groucho and his contestants. Will anyone say the magic word? Listen and find out.

Here's a little mid week police adventure for you. Detectives Friday and Ramirez are on the trail of a burglar. Join in with the Dragnet as they collect the facts and figure out the clues to solve the case.

Jack Web, the lead character of Dragnet from it's conception, had been a radio detective in other programs. Although the snappy talking detectives on the radio made for interesting stories, he wanted to show a more realistic look at what really happens in criminal investigations.

Working with real police officers, in real police departments, he put together programs that represented a typical slice of life in a big city. The shows were not documentaries. Of course a certain amount of dramatization took place to be able to present the entire case in the 30 minute time slot. As much of the gritty realism was kept in so listeners could get an idea of the not so glamorous work that goes on in a police investigation.

The shows always ended up with an epilog telling what the punishment was for the criminal of the week. It was meant as much for closure, as it was for a warning to criminals of the real reward that waited for them.

The formula of dragnet worked. It lasted for a long running radio series and crossed over well for television. Attempts were made at films, but I think the nature of a single epic film just doesn't do justice to what the show was all about. The daily grind of unending crimes that goes on week after week. A film is better suited for showcasing a single dramatic crime, and to me at least, doesn't do as well in really depicting the drudgery of life in the trenches in the criminal justice system.

Enjoy the show, and don't forget to leave your comments. Tell me what you think of the shows, make requests, whatever is on your mind, I'd like to hear from you.

In 1939, for Jack's birthday he somehow recieved a pet polar bear. Now, just one month later, Carmichael is sick and Jack leaves the studio to go home to tend to his ailing pet.

Carmichael, as the polar bear was named was a mysterious birthday gift, thought to be a prank by Fred Allen, but it is never clear how or why he showed up. Rochester never did hit it off with the bear and though Jack came to dote on Carmichael, he was a constant thorn in Rochester's side. The bear was always pulling pranks such as beating up on Rochester and taking the Maxwell for a spin. In the show today, Rochester is reluctant to medicate Carmichael so Jack comes home to do it, and gets a first hand lesson on how cantankerous his pet can be. In the meantime, Jack, Mary and Kenny Baker have a little run in with the law while driving home. There are plenty more antics in the mix as well, so sit back, relax and enjoy.

regards,
Keith H.

The Shadow was one of the many super heroes that lived on the radio in the 1930's and 40's. In the show today a convict is released from prison and is bent on getting his revenge. No matter what the cost.

I never knew much about the Shadow for a long time. Occasionally, while growing up someone would make an ominous comment like, "only the Shadow knows..." or "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men..." I always figured these were some quotations from some classic piece of literature from centuries ago. In the 1980's a movie of the Shadow was made. I never saw it and still haven't. At some point I came to understand that the Shadow was an old time radio show.

It wasn't until within the past two years or so that I actually listened to the Shadow. Today's episode is one of the first I heard, in fact. Appointment With Death.

The episodes weren't meant to be realistic as much as adventurous. The Shadow was a superhero whose special power was invisibility. Actually his invisibility came from mystical arts that he learned while he was in the orient. He could perform a kind of mass hypnosis that convinced anybody around him that nobody was present. He also had a few other stray tricks that he learned in addition to his invisibility that would aid him in getting out of scrapes. The bad guy would only hear a disembodied voice. Like other superheros, he had a secret identity, Lamont Cranston. Only his sidekick and secretary knew his real identity.

A point or two in regards to being nonrealistic. The bad guy in today's story only spent five years in prison, probably for some infraction like theft, yet he has harbored such a grudge that he is willing to return to prison and face the death penalty if he is caught in his attempt to kill the Shadow. He does have a good idea in the plan he devised. Ruthless, but a good way to get the Shadow.

Once the bad guy is out, his first crime is against a gas station owner. The scene has the gas station man topping of a customer's tank with five gallons of gas. It only cost 95 cents. Wow, that's only 19 cents per gallon. My how times have changed since 1938.

Just a little trivia and tidbits. You may recognize the voice of the bad guy in today's episode, Alan Reed, aka Fred Flinstone. Through the run of the show, a few different people played the Shadow, including Orson Wells. Nobody else could reproduce that famous laugh the original actor put into those opening lines. The show's producers reused that sound bite for all the rest of the shows to come.

best regards and happy listening.
Keith H.

PS: At the end of April I should have
CD's ready for our first season. I'll post a link at that time for anyone who may be interested in ordering one. It will cost $10 and include shipping. Secure payments will be through PayPal. The plan is to burn off the shows as they appeared here on podomatic.com. Files will be in mp3 format. If it would be more preferable, I could include the shows without the robot hosts and music. Just let me know.
--kh

Police dramas took a big change in direction when Dragnet hit the airwaves in 1949. In 1950 the Tales of the Texas Rangers came on the scene to take advantage of this new popularity. It also based its stories on real cases, with names changed to protect the innocent. The lead character traveled with a horse trailer, just in case the pursuit of a bad guy took them to places where there were no roads.

One thing I appreciate about the gritty, realistic police dramas of the era of old time radio is that it shows that some things haven't changed much. The so called good old days were still filled with a disreputable criminal element. Murder, drugs, theft, not the glossed over mastermind criminals of such radio serials as Superman or the Green Hornet.

Not long ago I read a newspaper editorial where someone wrote in to complain about the sorry state of crime in the city. To include such things as gangs, drugs and the poor choices of clothing styles that our young people dress themselves in these days. You know, skimpy and revealing clothes, droopy drawers, under pants exposed, that kind of thing. Well, they may have a point with the clothes, but the crime scene wasn't really any better back then, as these old police dramas point out. If anything the law was more strict then, people routinely recieved the death penalty and the delivery of that justice was swift.

Enjoy today's show and our drift from our usual comedy routine,
Keith H.

Today's show is from the first season, of the Phil Harris and Alice Faye Show, while the show was still sponsered by Fitch Bandwagon. It is time to renew contracts and Phil is worried about being signed on again as Jack Benny's bandleader.

Alice Fay
Alice Jeanne Leppert was Born May 5, 1915. in New York City's, rough Hell's Kitchen. She Died May 9, 1998 of cancer, at age 83. She was to become one of Hollywood's biggest stars of the late 1930's and early 1940's. She started her career as a singer, and chorus girl, but later gravitated to film roles.

Alice Faye started her career as a singer and dancer. She appeared old for her age and in 1928, at the age of only 13 first auditioned as a chorus girl claiming to be 16 years old. She was fired after a year, and letting the truth about her age slip out. She was hired on with Rudy Vallee's band around 1930 and went with Vallee to Hollywood, when he was able to get a number for her in George White's Scandals in 1934 where she was only supposed to sing in the film. The lead actress quit and Alice took over as the star. She went on to star in Hollywood's popular and lucrative cookie-cutter musicals.

In 1937 Alice was married to Tony Martin. The marriage ended in divorce in 1940. Besides her acting, Alice introduced several songs that became pop standards, notably "You'll Never Know" in the film Hello Frisco, Hello in 1943. Her movie career ended in 1945 when Betty Grable replaced her as Hollywood's favorite musical-comedy actress. Alice felt she had given her best performance of her career, yet the producer hacked all her lines out of the 1945 film. Fallen Angels, she literally walked out of the studio and didn't return until her next film in 1962. Alice remained popular with the public and was in the ranks of pinup girls during the war years along with Betty Grable, Jean Harlow and the rest.

Though other actresses have become more well known as singers, such as Doris Day and Judy Garland, Alice introduced 23 hit songs in her films. Nearly twice as many as other singing actresses. Alice remained close to her replacement in films and never harbored any grudges against Betty Grable.

After stepping out of the limelight at the pinnacle of her career, she focused on family life. She had gotten married to singer/bandleader Phil Harris in 1941 and by the end of her movie career had 2 daughters. Her marriage would last until 1995 at the death of her husband. Alice had always said that her family always came before her professional life.

Of course she starred with Phil Harris in their radio show. Part of the Fitch Bandwagon from 1946 through 1948. After that time, it was picked up by Rexall and remained a hit until 1954. From the late 1950's through the 1980's Alice made television appearances as guest star on a wide variety of programs.

Faye was and still is one of the brightest musical stars to come out of Hollywood and even Irving Berlin felt that if he really wanted a song to take off, he would have Alice Faye plug it for him. The wit, the beauty, and the voice of Alice Faye will never be forgotten because she owned herself so completely and so honestly. There will never be another Alice Faye.

Happy listening,
Keith H.

My robots are at it again. They temporarily hijacked my computer long enough to put this show together. They worked hard at it. They think I don't know.

Just humor them.

It looks like we are in the old west today with Matt Dillon, Chester and the rest. The show gets clipped in the closing credits, but the episode is all there.

Westerns have been around since the days when cowboys and indians romed the plains and deserts. It took until 1949 though before a program was developed for adults rather than kids. Instead of centering on gunfights, horse chases and general swashbuckling,

Gunsmoke had its focus on relationships. The characters were meant to have flaws and be more realistic. Chester was just an average citezen, Kitty, as a saloonkeeper, was definitely not in nice society circles. Matt Dillon was a ranch hand who got tired of sitting in a saddle and took to upholding the law. Not what he would have picked as a career choice, but he normally had a solid sense of what was fair.

The human interaction might easily be rewritten for any time period, not just the old west. That is what makes Gunsmoke such an appealing show for adults. People face the same kind of relationship issues all through the ages, and those relationships will always be relevant. The writers and show producers did all they could to show a version of reality, even if the characters sometimes make bad decisions or display flaws.

Thanks for listening,
Keith H

PS: It's that time of month again. Shows from last August have cleaned out of the server to make space. If anyone is interested, a CD will soon be available containing all the shows from my first year in podcasting. Let me know whether you would prefer to have the shows exactly as I posted them. With robot hosts and all. Or just the Old Radio shows. With No extra comments. The cost of the CD will be $10 and include shipping in the continental United States.

When the CD is ready, I'll put a button, or at least a link to a page with a button to order it.
--kh

The most famous bit that Bud and Lou are known for is the Who's on First routine. Probably the next most famous is the one we'll hear today, U-Drive. Just like U-Haul, the moving company that lets you rent a truck to transport your goods, there once was a rental car company called U-Drive. Abbott and Costello get us started with this fun bit of confusion before getting on with their attempt at having Veronica Lake star in their upcoming film. They meet and have some fun as they practice some lines.

William (Bud) Abbott and Lou Costello (born Louis Francis Cristillo) were an American comedy duo whose work in radio, film and television made them one of the most popular teams in the history of comedy. Thanks to those same media venues and over exposure, it was also their downfall.

Bud was born in 1895 and Lou in 1906. They were both in Burlesque, Bud as a straightman for various acts including his wife. Lou first tried getting into movies, was a stuntman and did some boxing before getting into Burlesque. They first worked together in 1935 and were encouraged by all in their circle at the time to stick together and develop their act.

Their first radio appearance was in 1938 on the Kate Smith show where they became regulars. Their New Jersey accented voices sounded too much alike for their rapid fire comedy and was confusing to the radio audience as to which one was talking. Lou started using a higher pitched, more childish voice. It was good enough to get the duo into Broadway and in 1940 into Universal Studios.

They were support characters in their first film, but stole the show. In 1941 their first feature film was Buck Privates. In 1942, after being a summer replacement for the Fred Allen radio show, they got their own radio show that ran to the late 1940's.

Both Bud and Lou were married to gals they knew from their Burlesque days. Both had some health problems and were heavy gamblers. Lou faced tragedy in October 1943 when his infant son drowned in the family swimming pool. In 1945 there was a rift between the two over Bud hiring a maid that Lou had previously fired. It was resolved in 1947 when Bud volunteered to help with a charity for underpriveledged kids that Lou was involved with.

In the 1950's the comedy team began losing popularity. Their routines were all over the place and they were uncomfortable and unwilling to develop new material. Abbott and Costello pretty much retired. The IRS investigated them and charged them with back taxes, forcing them to sell their homes. In 1959, Lou died of a heart attack and Bud did a few things on television, later he died of cancer in 1974.

best regards,
Keith H.

PS: The information I presented today is summarized from a Wikkipedia article.

For official information about Abbott and Costello you can visit:
http://www.abbottandcostello.net

The site is the official web site and is operated by the families of Bud and Lou.

Finally Jack and the crew are all ready to get back to Hollywood and leave the slopes behind. But first he has to

deal with his absent-minded doctor and goofy nurse. Also despite a lack of birthday gifts from his faithful cast, he

does get a fairly impressive singing telegram.

If you remember, this ski trip is supposed to have taken place the week just before February's first show. The first

3 episodes take place in 3 consecutive days. Suddenly Jack is ready to leave on his birthday. His birthday being

February 14th. Hey, if he has been in Yosemite all that time, how did he manage to do those first 2 shows from

Hollywood? Don't think too hard, it's all just fiction. Just enjoy, it's all good.

Special note. If you need more than a comedy fix from old time radio, check out my friend Bob on the home page. Bob

is, Bob Camerdella, the host of
Boxcars711.
Boxcars711
is an old time radio podcast, posting several times per week and often 2 or more shows per day. Bob does all the OTR

genres, drama, police, western, kids, you name it and you'll find it there. Thanks Bob for being a friend to my

podcast.

best regards, and happy listening,
Keith H.

PS: We still have those MP3 players at the CTE-OnlineStore.com. A price range in your budget and a color to suit

your style.

C TEOnline-Store.com MP3 Department

A lingering Valentines Day special with Phil Harris and Alice Fay. A mysterious person has been sending flowers to Alice. She thinks Phil is doing it, but Remly and Phil set out to discover who the real secret admirer is.

Phil Harris, of course has been the band leader for Jack Benny since the beginning of the 1936 season. Before that time he was a well known band leader and had his own music show broadcast from the Coconut Grove. He played drums and guitar for a couple other bands in California after leaving Nashville Tennessee. He was actually born in Indiana as Wonga Philip Harris. Yes, Wonga.

When he was young, his parents moved the family to Nashville. Phil learned music and in his teens played the background music at the local silent movie house. As his skills increased, he moved out to California to pursue his music career. I'll need to check my resources to be sure, but around 1931 he was married to a young movie starlet. His on stage personality lent itself to his image as a ladies man and something of a drinker. He had the dark, curly hair and looks that drove women wild.

Again, I'll need to consult my resources, but in the mid-1930's he and his wife adopted a child. Only a year later the child died. Around this same time is when Jack Benny brought him onboard to his show. Around 1939 or 40, his marriage broke up but by 1941 he had met and married Alice Fay. Despite his public persona, he was a devoted family man and remained married to Alice until his deathover fifty years later. He had 2 daughters, born in 1942 and 1944 who were named Alice and Phillus. Hey, I wonder how he came to pick those names. (wink, wink)

On his radio show, 2 child actresses played the parts of his real life kids. Remley, Elliot Lewis, was a character that began on the Jack Benny program. Elliot Lewis was the do everything man in radio. He acted, he directed, he produced, you name it, he did it. He later worked in television as well.

The young 12 year old Julius the delivery boy was Walter Tetley, but he was actually much older. Care to guess? Walter Tetley was also Leroy on the Gildersleeves program that got it's start in 1940 and was 12 years old then. The earliest show I have heard Mr. Tetley on was a Fred Allen show from 1935, and guess what, he was 12 years old then as well. Holy cow! What is this guy a vampire or something? No. he had a medical condition that kept him from aging in a normal way. He wasn't very photogenic, so never had the kind of movie career that other radio stars did. He did manage to break into television as Mr. Peabody, the genius dog's pet boy Sherman in the Bullwinkle and Rocky cartoon series. Despite his ability that seemed to defy aging, he passed away at a fairly early age in the late 1960's or early 1970's. And no. he had nothing to do with the Tetley Tea company.

best regards and thanks for listening.
Keith H.

Need an MP3 Player? Click the following link:
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