Retro Radio Show

Abbott and Costello - Who's On First 420511

Keith Heltsley — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 19:15:57 GMT

A classic comedy team with their best known routine. Though the episode first aired in 1942, this one is likely one that was later aired in 1947. Regardless, the comedy is timeless and a show you won't want to pass up. PS: Hey, it has been a week and no takers on my free CD's. My offer still stands. Just email me to ask about it. To make sure neither I or my spam filter accidentally ignores your message, please include , "Retro Radio CD" in your subject line. PS2: For a regular dose of clean, family friendly jokes visit: The Robot Comic. Updated every other day or so.

Our Miss Brooks - Weekend at Crystal Lake 480919

Keith Heltsley — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:21:10 GMT

Miss Brooks and Mr. Boynton plan a trip to the lake for some make up time after a jealous moment in their relationship. Suddenly ominous feelings hover over the trip when everybody notices eerie similarities between the circumstances and a popular romance tragedy novel. Surely Mr. Boynton doesn't have any ideas, other than a nice peaceful get away... or does he?

Spike Jones - Guest Vera Vague 450708

Keith Heltsley — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:23:01 GMT

In the early shows Spike Jones was actually just the musical and comedy talent while Francis Lankford did most of the hosting. In those early years, during the war, the show was sponsered by Chase and Sandborne. After the war, Francis Lankford would leave, and the sponser changed to Coca Cola. Spike Jones took over as the host and was joined by the Park Avenue Hillbilly, Dorothey Shea. Spike Jones and his band of City Slickers were accomplished musicians and, could play a song just fine to back up Francis Lankford, Dorothy Shea, or any other musical guest that might be on the program. What set Spike apart was what he could do to a song. He incorporated just about anything that could make a sound. He substituted horns for contraptions made from plumbing fixtures, horns from anything from a bicycle to a car horn. Kazoos, washboards, banjoes, a variety of cow bells all tuned to musical notes. Anything that could make a noise and could be used for best comic affect in a song. PS: Last week I posted some notes on WC Fields. I need to make a minor correction. I stated that his performance of Poppy first appeared on Broadway around 1912. it was actually in the early 1920's. Around 1912 was when he began performing with the Ziegfeld follies, and his debut with spoken comedy as opposed to doing a pantomime and juggling act. PS2: I recently burned three CD's that I was planning to donate to the Peoria Area Blind People's Center for an auction. I forgot to take them. Oopsie. If anyone is interested in them, I am willing to give them away. On one disk is my Jack Benny collection of all the known shows between 1932 to 1935, and those between 1939 to 1940. The older shows are not the best of quality, but for Jack Benny fans, nice to listen to. The second disk has a collection of Amos and Andy from the first known broadcasts in the late 1920's to the end of 1944. Also Gunsmoke from the 1949 audition show through around January 1953. The third disk has Father Knows Best, not complete, but all the shows I have from the 1948 audition through 1954 plus some that are undated. The complete Jack Paar shows when he was the Summer replacement for Jack Benny in 1947. Finally some Dragnet shows from the first shows in June 1949 through around February 1950. So, how can you get them? Let me know that you are out there. Just send me an email and ask me for one or more of them. To make sure I don't accidentally delete your email as spam, please put: "Retro Radio CD" in your subject line. When you write to me, I can give you a more detailed list of what is on the disks if you like. Right now I only have three, so they are being offered on a first come first served basis. If response is too overwhelming, I might make similar offers in the future. Maybe putting together a catalog of my collection, and ask for at least enough of a contribution to defray the expense of the material and shipping costs. PS3: Hey, just a little self promotion. If you are looking for a source of good clean humor, check out the Robot Comic Blog. Clean jokes all the time, updated every other day, more or less. Because it's a blog, you can subscribe to the RSS feed so you won't have to miss any.

Jack Benny - The Hills of Kentucky 340504

Keith Heltsley — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 23:29:03 GMT

Rolling the time machine way back to an early Jack Benny show. The audio quality is less than good, but it is still worth a listen to get a glimpse at Jack and Mary at some of their early best. Don Wilson has joined the crew, but the musical talent, which unfortunately gets clipped, is by Don Besser's Orchestra and Frank Black as the tenor. For the Summer shows in 1934, the sponser was General Tire. The Kentucky Derby was being run about this time, so we have a Kentucky theme today, including horses and hillbillies. I was going to include a link or two for a few samples of early Jack Benny shows so you could compare the quality, and see why I won't post many of them. However, the server that hosts them seems to be temporarily down. Try this link instead. See the entire Jack Benny Collection on archive.org by clicking this link.

Just keep in mind that many early ones need some gain adjustment at the least, as well as some noise filtering. Even then they can be rough.

Lux Radio Theater - Poppy 380307

Keith Heltsley — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:21:04 GMT

Around 1912, WC Fields was in a Broadway production of 'Poppy.' After his success in films, he reprised his role in The film. As Lux Radio Theater often did, they revised the film script for a one hour radio format. If any film captures WC Fields, this one does. His career started out moving to crime. Then he discovered juggling and went on the vaudeville circuit. After becoming world famous, because his act involved no dialog, he became part of the Ziegfeld Follies where he worked with Ed Winn, Fanny Brice and others. Ed Winn takes credit for writing the first spoken words on stage for Bill Fields, or Whitey, as he was known by his friends. As mentioned, he did Poppy on Broadway, then in 1925 went to Hollywood to break into pictures. Eventually, in the mid 1930's he would slowly move into radio. He worked a great deal on the Bergen and McCarthy show. WC Fields was, and still is one of those characters that remain recognized as an icon today. Long after their passing people recognize Groucho Marx's bushy eyebrows, May West's embodiment as a sex symbol, and then there's WC Fields. He was the original humbug. A charming con man, heavy drinker and hater of kids, dogs, and women. Unless, of course, they were the right kind of women. Even if young folks today don't know his name, they would recognize his image of the soft spoken, nasal voice. The manner of speech that uses a lot of words to say what a few would do much easier. The con man attitude of 'Never give a sucker and even break." The appearance of the large, red nose, the high silk hat. , William 'Whitey' Claude Dukenfield really liked kids more than his character let on,but hated dogs. He only hated kids, or really anybody, when he was being upstaged by them. The recording for today's podcast, was recorded right from 78rpm records, converted to digital format. For this podcast I compressed it down to 32bit audio. To read more on WC Fields, you can find 'W.C. Fields: A Biography' by James Curtis - 2004 - Biography & Autobiography - 593 pages.

Bing Crosby - With Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour 470129

Keith Heltsley — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:35:26 GMT

One of the all time great comedy teams in films was Crosby, Hope and Lamour. They made several films together, all "on the Road..." to somewhere. They all got together on Bing's show and did a little radio play based on how they met and made it to the big screen. It's all fiction and all in fun. The audio quality of this show is almost excellent. There is just a little wierdness in certain parts, like audience applause, and some hiss when people are talking. It is mostly not noticeable. PS: Last week I mentioned that I would be taking files off the server. Oops, I meant this weekend. I always try to do that on the last weekend of a month. Hey. here's another plug for you all. If you are in the mood for some clean humor check out the Robot Comic Blog

My Favorite Husband - Is There a Baby in the House 491127

Keith Heltsley — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:40:02 GMT

I was just checking my show archives and discovered that in over a year of podcasts, I haven't did any of My Favorite Husband. So here's a classic comedienne, in a show that would soon transition to television with her real life husband and a few different wacky characters in the form of the I Love Lucy show. PS: Just a reminder, I usually remove shows older than six months old from the server. I'll be doing some house cleaning this weekend. --kh

Dragnet - The Nickel Plated Gun 490610

Keith Heltsley — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 01:22:03 GMT

In the early days of radio, many genres of programming were on the air. Comedy, Thrillers, Drama, Westerns, Game shows, Kid shows, even mysteries and crime shows. Radio detectives came from the pages of books, like Sherlock Holmes or Ellery Queen. Some came off the big screen, likeBoston Blackie or Sam Spade. Some were loosely based on real criminal cases, but were always dramatized with the hero getting the sexy girl and solving the case only with the aid of snappy dialog, and fighting it out with guns and fists. Finally, in 1949, a new concept was pitched and became the model for all police programs to follow. It was the story of your police force in action. Yes, I'm talking aboutDragnet. Not only did it draw from real crimes, but it tried to show the very unglamorous side of real police work. The drudgery, and gritty side of life. Jack Web was the lead character and driving force in consulting with the real Los Angeles police department. In this episode, one of the very first to hit the air, there is no sponser yet. The theme music would be different in later programs, but the show itself is timeless all through the run of Dragnet, both on radio and later on television.

Red Skelton - Department Stores 460115

Keith Heltsley — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:00:08 GMT

Let's roll back the clock to January 1946 and visit with one of the all time great comedians, Red Skelton. You'll get a feel from his opening jokes about the California weather, and life recovering from the war. You'll hear about a give away contest where Chevrolet gave away a car a day for a little while. Sorry, the date of this program marks the end of the contest. Call GM, maybe they'll do it again sometime. Yeah, we can all dream. The sponser was Raleigh cigarettes, and I just want to throw in my disclaimer that neither I nor the robots endorse smoking. Commercials are left in for entertainment purposes only. With that said, sit back and enjoy some fun with Willie Lumplump, Clem Kadiddlehopper, and Junior the mean little kid.

Amos and Andy - Jealous Boyfriend 430525

Keith Heltsley — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:36:30 GMT

After 20 years of marriage, and a drooping romance, the Kingfish decides to pulla prank on his wife, Sapphire. He fakes a letter from the minister who married them to say that they aren't really married. It backfires and he finds out that Sapphire isn't willing to keep him. With the help of Amos, Andy and all the friends, they try to give romantic advice and repair the relationship. Will they succeed? I don't want to say, but it is a funny adventure. Sorry about the audio quality. It is far from ideal, but still good to listen to.

Fibber McGee and Molly - Take A Dip In The Ocean 35-07-15

Keith Heltsley — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:05:01 GMT

The best years for Fibber McGee and Molly came in the 1940's. Still, those early shows are rare. Not many exist, and are often poor in quality or incomplete. Here's a treat in that the audio quality is excellent. It is a show from their first year. You can see that at this early time, much more evolving of characters would come. In fact, at this point in the big story, Fibber and Molly are travelling vaudeville performers and don't yet have a house to call home. That would come in a few more months. I think Fibber is more talkative and extravagant with the truth in these early shows than he would be in later ones. Molly's character isn't as smooth and domestic as she appears later. Though the show had some growing up to do, it was the second biggest thing to come out of Chicago at the time. Right behind the long lasting Amos and Andy program.

Jack Benny _ Compilation 390108

Keith Heltsley — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 01:28:58 GMT

Well, it took nearly a year, but Jack had his chance to turn the tables, and indulge in his own kissing scene,. So fast forward the clock from February 1938 to January 8, 1939. This is the first episode of Screen Guilde Theater. The show featured top Hollywood stars. They performed for free and donated the salary that they would have got to a retirement home for aging stars. The first few shows had a variety format, but later would feature the stars reproducing scenes from their latest films. Later still, it would become a lot like the Lux Radio Theater, which would reformat screenplays of hit films to work on radio, and in a one hour format.

Story Behind the Song - Double Feature

Keith Heltsley — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:14:11 GMT

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.

My Friend Irma. - Racketeers Fur Coat. 470613

Keith Heltsley — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:13:49 GMT

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 - Bells and Resolutions 460101

Keith Heltsley — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 05:23:07 GMT

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.

Our Miss Brooks - Audition Show 480623

Keith Heltsley — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:35:21 GMT

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 - An Uncontrolled Dog 50-05-04

Keith Heltsley — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 23:56:21 GMT

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.

Command Performance - Dick Tracey in B Flat 45-02-15

Keith Heltsley — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:13:38 GMT

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.

Jack Benny - Compilation February 1938

Keith Heltsley — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:56:53 GMT

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.

Eddie Cantor _ Eddie's Birthday 38-01-31

Keith Heltsley — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 13:11:36 GMT

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.

Screen Guild Theater - Birth of the Blues 510118

Keith Heltsley — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 02:51:56 GMT

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.

Gildersleeves - Leroys Paper Route 410914

Keith Heltsley — Wed, 28 May 2008 21:19:46 GMT

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

Lone Ranger - Contraband Liquor (Unknown date)

Keith Heltsley — Sat, 24 May 2008 03:32:47 GMT

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.

You Bet Your Life - Secret Word, Grass 49-11-16

Keith Heltsley — Thu, 22 May 2008 19:18:52 GMT

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.

Lum and Abner - Three Episodes rom March 1935

Keith Heltsley — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:06:22 GMT

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.

My Friend Erma - Irma Gives Rent Money to Al 47-4-18

Keith Heltsley — Thu, 15 May 2008 02:52:21 GMT

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. .

Gildersleeves -Marjorie's Cake 410907

Keith Heltsley — Sun, 11 May 2008 18:47:03 GMT

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.

Chamber Music Society Of Lower Basin Street - Guest, Ralph Bellamy 520419

Keith Heltsley — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:10:23 GMT

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.

Jack Benny - Frank Parkers Music Store 34-04-06

Keith Heltsley — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:22:49 GMT

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.

Phil Harris Alice Fay - A Day at Santa Anita 53-10-02

Keith Heltsley — Thu, 01 May 2008 00:05:44 GMT

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 - Front Page 37-06-28

Keith Heltsley — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:49:53 GMT

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.

Fibber McGee and Molly - Antique Furniture 39-04-04

Keith Heltsley — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:35:21 GMT

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.

Jack Benny - My Life As A Floor Walker 34-02-25

Keith Heltsley — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 21:10:37 GMT

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.

Abbott and Costello - Atthe Circus whith Alan Hale 43-03-16

Keith Heltsley — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:43:22 GMT

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.

Lum and Abner - Three Episodes 1935

Keith Heltsley — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:14:38 GMT

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.

Duffy's Tavern - The Bully 1949

Keith Heltsley — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:37:18 GMT

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.

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