Classic Radio Theater

Greatest Story ever Told - Three episodes of the religious program from 73 Christmases ago that tells the story of the birth of Jesus as broadcast seventy three years ago. First from December 14, 1947 Go and Be Counted. Then from December 21, 1947, No room at the Inn. Finally from December 28, 1947, Flight into Egypt. The program on ABC was sponsored by Goodyear Tire and Rubber company, but no commercials ran during the show, there was no studio audience, and no acknowledgement of casts were ever made nor photos of the production taken. The program was the first to characterize Christ on the air, and was, as John Dunning put it in his “On The Air: The Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio,” ”a simple, popular dramatization of Christ’s life.”

Lum n Abner, originally broadcast December 19, 1948, 72 Christmases ago, the Lum and Abner Traditional Christmas Program. Since the 1930’s Chester Lauck and Norris Goff told this story in their quarter hour format. Now, in their only half-hour version of the episode, Lum, Abner and Grandpappy Spears travel East to visit a family in need, seeking shelter in a barn...and with a young baby.

Gunsmoke starring William Conrad, originally broadcast December 29, 1957, 73 Christmases ago, Where’d They Go. Clint Dody has been accused of armed robbery. When Dillon and Chester ride out to arrest him, a few chores need to be taken care of first. Also Have Gun, Will Travel starring John Dehner as Paladin, originally broadcast December 21, 1958, 62 Christmases ago. The Hanging Cross. Paladin tries to prevent a battle between Matt Beecher and the Pawnees, caused by a small boy claimed as the son of both Matt Beecher and the Indian Chief.

The CBS Radio Workshop, originally broadcast December 23, 1956, 64 Christmases ago, All Is Bright. The story of how "Silent Night" came to be written and became world famous. Also Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast December 22, 1953, Fibber and Molly go Christmas Tree Shopping. It's that time of year for a visit to "Christmas Tree Marvin" for a seasonal purchase. The bargaining is long, hard and expensive!

Our Miss Brooks starring Eve Arden, originally broadcast December 24, 1950, 70 Christmases ago. The Magic Christmas Tree. A party at Miss Brooks', with a magic Christmas tree, or was it all a dream? Also Fanny Brice as Baby Snooks, as heard during the Good News of 1939 program on December 22, 1938. Baby Snooks and father (Hanley Stafford) go to see Santa.

Tales of the Texas Rangers starring Joel McRae, originally broadcast December 24, 1950, 70 Christmases Ago, Christmas Present. The "Santa Claus Stickup" of December 31, 1931, a crime story with a happy ending. Also Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast December 21, 1953, 67 Christmases ago. Fibber is wrapping a Christmas present for Aunt Sarah. A trip to the post office follows.

Rogers of the Gazette starring Will Rogers Junior, originally broadcast December 23, 1953, 67 Christmases ago. White Christmas in Elyria. Babies wanting babies? A warm Christmas story about a couple in need of a helping hand. Also Lum n Abner, originally broadcast December 21, 1944, 76 Christmases ago. Lum would like a leather desk set for Christmas and drops several not-too-hints to Abner.

Lights Out, originally broadcast December 22, 1937, 83 Christmases ago. One of the few Wyllis Cooper productions of the series still available. A Christmas story, set during the war in 1918. A French soldier, an Australian and an American Negro soldier find themselves aboard a railroad train. Have they met before? Are they wise men? Also Fibber McGee and Molly from November 28, 1955, 65 Christmasas ago. Just exactly what is "Secret Project X-R-5?" Hint: it's one of McGee's new inventions.

Amos n Andy, originally broadcast December 23, 1951, 69 Christmases ago. The annual Christmas show, still wonderful, no matter how many times it's heard. Andy, broke as usual, is desperate to earn money so he can give his god-daughter a talking doll for Christmas. He convinces a manager to hire him as a department store Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, Amos explains to his daughter Arbadella the true meaning of the "Lord's Prayer". Also an excerpt of the Christmas show from 72 Christmases ago, December 24, 1942.

Suspense, originally broadcast December 21, 1958, 62 Christmases ago, Out for Christmas starring Raymond Burr. Santa Claus has a gun and is out for revenge. He's really an ex-con out to get the rat who testified against him, and his girl who ran off with the rat! Also Suspense from December 22, 1957, 63 Christmases ago, Dog Star starring Evelyn Rudie. All that a little girl wants for Christmas is a little puppy. She finally gets one...from outer space! Little Chipka falls to Earth from a Russian satellite.