Three hours of a mixed bag

First a look at this day in History.

Then Suspense, originally broadcast February 3, 1949, 75 years ago, Plan X Starring Jack Benny. Zeno, the Martian, is sent to meet the first rocket from Earth to land on his planet, and to put "Plan X" into effect.

Followed by Rocky Fortune starring Frank Sinatra, originally broadcast February 2, 1954, 70 years ago, The Football Fix. Rocky is hired to protect a football player who won't take a bribe, but who does appear in two places at the same time!

Then Yours Truly Johnny Dollar starring Bob Bailey, originally broadcast February 2, 1958, 66 years ago, The Price of Fame Matter. Vincent Price, who plays himself, has been the victim of a $100,000 theft. The trail leads to Paris, a seedy cafe (with the theme from "The Third Man" playing in the background) and a Peter Lorre clone named "The Gray Cat."

Followed by Sez Who starring Henry Morgan. originally broadcast February 2, 1958, 66 years ago. A cute quiz show with four good celebrities trying to deduce whose voice they’re hearing.

Then Quiet Please starring Ernest Chappell, originally broadcast February 2, 1948, 76 years ago, The Pathetic Fallacy. A scientist introduces his lovesick computer to the press, with unpredictable results.

Finally Lum and Abner, originally broadcast February 2, 1942, 82 years ago. The boys are figuring out their income tax, and the Internal Revenue Service will never be the same again.

Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Three hours of Crime

First a look at this day in History.

Then Big Town starring Edward Pawley, originally broadcast February 1, 1949, 75 years ago, Murder in the Snow. Screen star Linda Lane is going to tell the grand jury what she knows about the narcotics business in Big Town. Steve Wilson and his friends battle a snow storm to reach a train...but arrive too late!

Followed by Dragnet starring Jack Webb, originally broadcast February 1, 1953, 71 years ago, The Big Strip. A gang of car strippers is running rampant. A sixteen-year-old boy is killed in a crash while resisting arrest.

Then The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes starring John Stanley and Alfred Shirley, originally broadcast February 1, 1948, 76 years ago, The Case of the Avenging Blade. The Duke of Buckinghurst is scheduled to place a wreath at the foot of the statue of Charles I. The statue itself is to be used in a plot to murder the Duke.

Followed by The Lives of Harry Lime starring Orson Welles, originally broadcast February 1, 1952, 72 years ago, The Dark Enchantress. A young lady in the Algerian casbah needs the help of Harry Lime.

Then Mr. District Attorney starring David Brian, originally broadcast February 1, 1953, 71 years ago, The Case of the Man with Gold Teeth. While holding up a check cashing service, a bandit kills a clerk and fatally smashes a car during his getaway. The killer has some very noticeable gold teeth.

Finally The Adventures of Jungle Jim, originally broadcast February 1, 1936, 88 years ago, The Bat Woman. Lyn Chalmers is endangered, while Lil De Vrille ("The Bat Woman") tries to tempt her captive...Jungle Jim. She demands that he marry her!

Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Three hours of comedy

First a look at this day in History.

Then My Friend Irma starring Marie Wilson, originally broadcast January 31, 1949, 75 years ago. Professor Kropotkin (Hans Conreid) is going to have to go to the old men's home, unless his friends can help.

Followed by The Halls of Ivy starring Ronald and Benita Coleman, originally broadcast January 31, 1951, 73 years ago, Professor Warren’s Retirement. Professor Warren announces his retirement from Ivy College, his secret reason is his advancing blindness.

Then People Are Funny starring Art Linkletter, originally broadcast January 31, 1950, 74 years ago, Cinderella is here at last. The first contestant is sent as "Chef Pierre" to a very angry family expecting a seven-course dinner. A "Cinderella Girl" is named. One of her prizes is a date with Roddy MacDowell.

Followed by The Robert Q Lewis show, originally broadcast January 31, 1958, 66 years ago. A half hour of laughs and music.

Then Jack Benny, originally broadcast January 31, 1937, 87 years ago, The Bee. Mary reads a letter from her mother. Kenny sings, "Let's Grow Old Together." Phil's "sister" visits. Jack announces that next week, he will play "The Bee," and he dreams about Fred Allen! The Radio Writer's poll has voted Jack "America's Favorite Comedian." Fred Allen is imitated on this program by a performer identified as Lind Hayes - could it have been Peter Lind Hayes?

Finally Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast January 31, 1956, 68 years ago, The New Phone System. There's a lot of confusion about the new telephone.

Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Three hours of Crime


First a look at this day in History.


Then Inner Sanctum Mysteries, originally broadcast January 30, 1950, 74 years ago, Skeleton Bay. A mystery writer witnesses a murder. The killer sees the witness, who surprisingly offers to help him to dispose of the body! Martin Gabel stars.


Followed by This is Your FBI, originally broadcast January 30, 1953, 71 years ago, The Red Headed Blackmailer. A blackmailer finds his operation disrupted violently by another person who removes him permanently and doubles the ante. Last show of the series.


Then Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator starring William Gargan, originally broadcast January 30, 1952, 72 years ago, A Very Odd Job. Barrie is hired to deliver a puppet, watch a girl sink, discover a vintage murder and realize that the only thing that's as black as it's painted, is a coffin.


Followed by The Shadow starring Orson Welles and Agnes Moorehead, originally broadcast January 30, 1938, 86 years ago, The Poison Death. A madman threatens to poison the entire city...and signs his threat...The Shadow!


Then Dark Fantasy, originally broadcast January 30, 1942, 82 years ago, Death is a Savage Diety. A tale of witchcraft and black magic, based on the novel by Scott Bishop.


Finally Lum and Abner, originally broadcast January 30, 1942, 82 years ago, Ventriloquists. While Lum tries to balance the store's books, Cedric and Mousie have become ventriloquists.


Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream


Civil defense info mentioned on the show can be found here: http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/docs.html

Three hours of Westerns and Crime

First a look at this day in History.

Then Fort Laramie starring Raymond Burr, originally broadcast January 29, 1956, 68 years ago, Boatwrights Story. Captain Quince takes out a patrol to stop the sale of Henry rifles to Yellow Knife.

Followed by Gunsmoke starring William Conrad, originally broadcast January 26, 1955, 69 years ago, Young Love. Jesse Wheat is shot in cold blood by two drifters who plan to take over his cattle, his wife, and his ranch.

Then Casey Crime Photographer starring Staats Cotsworth, originally broadcast January 29, 1948, 76 years ago, The Piggy Bank Robbery. Bill Shapiro, cub photographer, has been beaten up after his son's piggy bank has been robbed! The key to the mystery...is a key! Ethelbert the bartender observes that the president of CBS has predicted that some day radios will be small enough to wear on one's wrist!

Followed by Gangbusters, originally broadcast January 29, 1949, 75 years ago, The Case Of The Counterfeit Combine. A counterfeiting gang is caught when one of the members buys a live turkey from a suspcious farmer. A detailed description of counterfeit $10 and $20 bills is given instead of "Gangbusters Nationwide Clues."

Then Let George Do It starring Bob Bailey and Virginia Gregg, originally broadcast January 29, 1951, 73 years ago, Christmas In January. The celebrated and glamorous movie star, Charity de Frane, has purchased an oil painting for Mr. Francis Xavier Wick, a critic in a Santa Claus suit. He celebrates Christmas in July, and there's murder under the Christmas tree!

Finally Lum and Abner, originally broadcast January 29, 1942, 82 years ago, The Trial. Lum is going on trial for burglary. Or is he?

Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Three hours of Comedy

First a look at this day in History.

Then The Bob Hope Show, originally broadcast January 28, 1953, 71 years ago with guest Jimmy Stewart. Bob's opening monologue is about the new car models. When Bob discovers that Bing plans to make a "Road" picture without him, he decides to produce, "The Road To Cactus Gulch" with guest Jimmy Stewart.

Followed by The Jimmy Durante Show, originally broadcast January 28, 1948, 76 years ago, T-Men. Jimmy returns after a four week illness. Guest Victor Moore and Jimmy do a crime drama called, "T-Men." Jackie Green does excellent imitations of Cantor, Durante and Jolson.

Then Father Knows Best starring Robert Young, originally broadcast January 28, 1954, 70 years ago, Trash Can Lids. Jim called to complain the trash company about a damaged trash can lid, but unfortunately, it wasn’t his lid.

Followed by Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast January 28, 1947, 77 years ago, Waiting for the Bus. Fibber vs. the bus driver...a battle of wills.

Then The Phil Harris Alice Faye Show, originally broadcast January 28, 1951, 73 years ago, Red Cross Blood Drive. Phil, Alice and Remley donate a pint of blood.

Finally Claudia, originally broadcast January 28, 1948, 76 years ago, Surprise Competition. Mrs. Reid has other plans for the farm.

Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Civil defense info mention on the show can be found here: http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/docs.html

Two hours of Comedy

First a look at this day in History.

Then My Favorite Husband starring Lucille Ball and Richard Denning, originally broadcast January 27, 1950, 74 years ago. Liz can't carry a tune with a shovel, but that won't stop her from writing a hit song.

Followed by Abbott and Costello, originally broadcast January 27, 1949, 75 years ago. Lou as Sam Shovel solves "The Case Of The General Who Opened Up A Drive-In and Was Caught Selling Horse Meat," or "Custer's Last Hamburger Stand."

Then The Danny Kaye Show, originally broadcast January 27, 1945, 79 years ago. Danny is flying to Washington, D.C.

Followed by You Bet Your Life starring Groucho Marx, originally broadcast January 27, 1954, 70 years ago, The Secret Word is Money.

Then Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast January 27, 1936, 88 years ago. Fibber and meet meet a chef who's a tough-guy. Bill Thompson appears on the show for the first time; as "The Old Timer" and as a Greek.

Finally Lum and Abner, originally broadcast January 27, 1942, 82 years ago. The trial of Lum Edwards, Justice Lum Edwards presiding.

Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Civil defense info mention on the show can be found here: http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/docs.html

Two hours of Crime

First a look at this day in History.

Then The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe starring Sydney Greenstreet, originally broadcast January 26, 1951, 73 years ago, The Case of the Phantom Fingers. A murder occurs in an isolated house in upstate New York during a flood.

Followed by The Shadow starring William Johnstone and Marjorie Anderson, originally broadcast January 26, 1941, 83 years ago, The Ghost of Caleb Mackenzie. All the family has gathered to celebrate with Uncle Caleb.

Then Rocky Fortune starring Frank Sinatra, originally broadcast January 26, 1954, 70 years ago, Hollywood or Boom. Rocky's explosive job (in more ways than one!) is driving a truckload of nitroglycerine.

Followed by Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons starring Bennett Kilpack, originally broadcast January 26, 1950, 74 years ago, The Telephone Book Murder Case. A wealthy oil man, about to be married, is murdered. Believe it or not...it looks like the butler did it!

Then Suspense, originally broadcast January 26, 1958, 66 years ago, Nineteen Deacon Street starring Jerome Thor. A brash tie salesman arrives in Chicago and comes upon an old theatrical murder.

Finally Lum and Abner, originally broadcast January 26, 1942, 82 years ago. As Justice Of The Peace, Lum is going to have to try his own case. To start with, he sets bail for himself at five cents!

Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Two hours of Comedy

First a look at this day in History.

Then Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, originally broadcast January 25, 1952, 72 years ago, with guest Alexis Smith. Dean and Jerry do their take on the great American Soap Opera. Dean, Jerry, and guest Alexis Smith visit the dentist.

Followed by The Aldrich Family starring Bobby Ellis, originally broadcast January 25, 1953, 71 years ago, Love Letter Mix-up. There’s confusion over whether Henry’s getting marries. He’s not. But Henry has to write a letter to someone explaining the mix-up. Then he writes her another letter to make his girlfriend jealous.

Then My Son Jeep, originally broadcast January 25, 1953, 71 years ago, Jeep Smitten with new Substitute Teacher. Ten-year-old Jeep is smitten with his substitute teacher, but it appears that Jeep might be trying to fix her up with his father. Jeep tries to help his doctor/father collect monies owed to him.

Followed by George Burns and Gracie Allen, originally broadcast January 25, 1944, 80 years ago. Guest Paul Henreid objects to Gracie's culture school using his name in a testimonial.

Then The Great Gildersleeve starring Harold Peary, originally broadcast January 25, 1942, 82 years ago, The Matchmaker. Gildersleeve tries to get a mate for Judge Hooker, but complications follow!

Finally Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast January 25, 1955, 69 years ago, Tea-Totalers. When Aunt Sarah announces a visit, Fibber and Molly try to dig up the tea set that she gave them as a gift.

Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Two hours of Crime and Westerns

First a look at this day in History.

Then Let George Do It starring Bob Bailey and Virginia Gregg, originally broadcast January 24, 1949, 75 years ago, Till Death Do us Part. George Valentine investigates an heiress who has wed a ne'er-do-well ten years older than she is, and is possibly only interested in her money.

Followed by Gangbusters, originally broadcast January 24, 1948, 76 years ago, The Case of Joe Fletcher. The case of a fourth-rate hijacker who found a bullet-proof racket to rob Peter without paying Paul, but who learned too late that the law itself is bullet-proof

Then Suspense, originally broadcast January 24, 1960, 64 years ago, Turnabout. A murderer holds the District Attorney and his family captive in their own house. His goal is to have an innocent man executed for his crime.

Followed by Have Gun Will Travel starring John Dehner, originally broadcast January 24, 1960, 64 years ago, Nataemon. The search for Dr. Amos Bradbury, disgraced ten years ago and living with the Indians.

The Gunsmoke starring William Conrad, originally broadcast January 24, 1953, 71 years ago, The Old Lady. Ellen Henry, a bitter widow with a drunken son, has a secret that involves stolen cattle.

Finally The Challenge of the Yukon, originally broadcast January 24, 1946, 78 years ago, Jane Gets Her Man. Jane Stanton, the daughter of a millionaire, has been reported missing. She's in the Yukon, searching for her fiance.

Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Civil defense info mention on the show can be found here: http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/docs.html