Two hours of Christmas shows

First a look at this day in History.

Then The New Edgar Bergen Hour with Charlie McCarthy, originally broadcast December 25, 1955, 68 years ago, Edgar and Charlie and Candy. Frank Fawcett (a Santa's helper) is interviewed, Charlie and Candy recite "The Night Before Christmas," Charlie tells the story of Red Riding Hood from the wolf's point of view. Prof. Kirkwood discusses "How To Enjoy Bankruptcy," a quiz titled "What The Devil Do You Do?"

Followed by the Hotpoint Holiday Hour, originally broadcast December 25, 1949, 74 years ago, The Man who Came to Dinner starring Jack Benny. An acerbic critic wreaks havoc when a hip injury forces him to move in with a Midwestern family. An adaptation of the 1942 film. Sheridan Whiteside creates havoc once again. Jack Benny does quite well in the role made famous by Monty Woolley.

Then Casey Crime Photographer starring Staats Cotsworth, originally broadcast December 25, 1947, 76 years ago, The Santa Claus of Bum Boulevard. It's Christmas Day, and the guy who gives away money on skid row is robbed of his $300.

Finally Lum and Abner, originally broadcast December 25, 1941, 82 years ago, Special Christmas Show. Lum and Abner go on a special mission.

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Two adaptations of A Christmas Carol

Richard Diamond, Private Detective starring Richard Diamond, originally broadcast December 24, 1949, 74 years ago, "A Christmas Carol". The famous story by Charles Dickens, but done by Richard Diamond, the private detective, and his friends.

Then The Six Shooter starring Jimmy Stewart, originally broadcast December 20, 1953, 70 years ago, Britt Ponsett's Christmas Carol. The story of "A Christmas Carol" is retold with a western motif. Howard McNear is featured in the Scrooge character.

The Campbell Playhouse, originally broadcast December 24, 1939, 84 years ago. "A Christmas Carol" starring Lionel Barrymore. The definitive version of the classic story. Barrymore never was better.

Lights Out, originally broadcast December 22, 1937, 86 years ago. "Uninhabited (Christmas Story 1918)". 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?

And Treasury Star Parade, originally broadcast December 25, 1942, 81 years ago, "A Modern Scrooge". A Wartime "Christmas Carol," starring Lionel Barrymore.

Two episodes of Radio's Outstanding Theater of Thrills.

First, Suspense, originally broadcast December 21, 1958, 65 years 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!

Then Suspense, originally broadcast December 20, 1959. 64 years ago, "Korean Christmas Carol". The story of a strange G.I., his A.W.O.L. bag, and an even stranger Christmas battle. Bill Lipton and Lyle Sudrow star.

Two other Christmas Miracles

First, Duffy's Tavern starring Ed Gardner as Archie, originally broadcast December 22, 1948, 75 years ago, Miracle on Third Avenue. Archie is depressed after not getting a Christmas bonus until a stranger pays him a visit. Jeff Chandler guest stars in an uncredited role.

Then Grand Central Station. Originally broadcast December 24, 1949. "Miracle For Christmas" starring Mason Adams. An emergency room doctor shows up on Christmas Eve. But there are some problems.

The Lux Radio Theatre. Originally broadcast December 20, 1948, 75 years ago. . "Miracle On 34th Street" starring Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. An adaptation of the award-winning 1947 film.

Kris Kringle is indignant to find that the man assigned to play Santa in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is intoxicated. When he complains to event director Doris Walker, she persuades Kris to take his place. He does so well that he is hired to play Santa at Macy's New York City store on 34th Street.

Two episodes of the wonderful ABC program The Greatest Story Ever Told

First, from December 21, 1947, 76 years ago, No Room at the Inn. The story of the Nativity and what happened in that manger. There was no hospitality, no welcome. There was severe overcrowding in and around Bethlehem, and the local residents and visitors alike were unwilling or unable to receive Jesus when he was born.

Then from December 28, 1947, 76 years ago, Flight into Egypt. Soon after the visit by the Magi, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream telling him to flee to Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus since King Herod would seek the child to kill him.

Jack Benny goes shopping in two episodes of his long-running program. First from December 19, 1948, 75 years ago, Jack goes Christmas shopping and buys a wallet for Don Wilson. But it's never quite that simple, is it? Well, not for Mel Blanc. Then, from December 05, 1954, 69 years ago, Jack goes Christmas shopping for oil paints for Don Wilson. Or is it Water Colors? Mel Blanc is ably assisted by Bea Benaderet as his wife.

The Lux Radio Theatre, Originally broadcast March 10, 1947, 76 years ago. "It's A Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and Victor Moore. Tired of his life on Earth, a man finds out what it's like never to have been born.