The Chronic Rift Network

We start off with another episode of "Information Please." Are you up on the sizes of sports venues, the significance of ringing bells, and literary wives? Then on "Gunsmoke," a criminal seeks revenge on a whole town for the shooting of his kid brother. Not every Western is about cowboys and Indians. Sometimes, like this episode, they can be tight, psychological dramas. Episodes Information Please December 12, 1941 "Guest: Dr. George N. Shuster" 1:37 Gunsmoke February 21, 1953 "Meshougah" 29:29

"Hammer Into Anvil" UK Airing: December 1, 1967 US Airing: August 31, 1968 The Prisoner matches wits with the new Number Two as Two tries to be the Hammer to The Prisoner's Anvil. But who is really the Hammer? John and writer Jim Beard discuss the impact this episode had on Jim as a young person and why it is a favorite of Jim's father. Comment on this podcast by writing us at [email protected] or by leaving your thoughts right here on the page.

"Jeff Regan, Investigator" is a Jack Webb series that just predates "Dragnet." This P.I. has an even drier delivery than Detective Friday, but he's much more sarcastically verbose. In tonight's episode, movie cowboys and racehorses get entangled in a big-money scam. Then on "The Jack Benny Program," Jack goes into Beverly Hills to try to buy a new violin string and ends up getting a parking ticket. Episodes Jeff Regan, Investigator November 13, 1948 "The Guy From Gower Gulch" 2:32 The Jack Benny Program January 17, 1954 "Jack Gets A Parking Ticket" 32:45

Let's return to "The Lux Radio Theater" for an adaptation of the brilliant 1944 film noir mystery, "Laura." You can miss a lot in an audio adaptation of a film noir, but luckily this version features the two main stars and one of the supporting players. Dana Andrews and Gene Tierney return, as does Vincent Price. Otto Kruger Takes over Clifton Webb's role. Close your eyes and enjoy.

The Lux Radio Theater

February 5, 1945

"Laura"

1:53

"Checkmate" UK Airing: November 24, 1967 US Airing: August 17, 1968 The Prisoner appears to have the upper hand as he manages to recruit a team to aid him in his quest to escape. But is a woman who loves him a little too easily the mole in the escape group or is the Prisoner just another pawn in a game he cannot win? John and writer Jim Beard discuss what many consider a quintessential episode of the series and your two hosts agree. There is also a level of humor that we don't often see in the series, but it works. Comment on this podcast by writing us at [email protected] or by leaving your thoughts right here on the page.

Part two of our annual Christmas spectacular begins with the holidays coming to "The Jack Benny Program." The whole gang is gathering for big party at Jack's, and there's lots of laughs, despite some faulty tree lights. Then it's a week later on "The Great Gildersleeve," and Gildy doesn't want to go to the town's big New Year's Eve bash if he can't go with his best gal. Episodes The Jack Benny Program December 24, 1944 "Trimming A Tree" 2:17 The Great Gildersleeve January 1, 1947 "Big New Year's Costume Ball" 32:32

"Dance of the Dead" UK Airing: November 17, 1967 US Airing: July 27, 1968 Normally, we include a brief synopsis of the episode to remind folks what it is we are talking about, but John and writer Jim Beard found themselves hard pressed to determine what exactly the plot was of this story. It appears that this is made up of several story threads that never really seem to come together in a satisfying way. Many argue that The Prisoner was weird for weird's sake and this episode could make a strong case for that. Comment on this podcast by writing us at [email protected] or by leaving your thoughts right here on the page.

We begin a month of Christmas episodes with America's favorite teen-ager, the titular "Archie Andrews." Archie and Jughead go Christmas shopping. Unbeknownst to them, the rest of the Andrews family and all their friends are also at the department store, resulting in all sorts of predicaments. Then on "Big Town," Edward J. Pawley replaces Edward G. Robinson as Steve Wilson, crusading managing editor of the Big Town "Illustrated Press." In tonight's episode, two refugees from a shattered post-war Europe are welcomed to America from their Displaced Persons camp, but the little immigrant girl gets lost in the big city just before Christmas. Episodes Archie Andrews December 17, 1949 "Christmas Shopping" 1:32 Big Town December 21, 1948 "Prelude To Christmas" 30:24

The radio series "Claudia" was a daily slice-of-life drama centering on the low-stakes problems of the newly-married Claudia and David Naughton. A typical post-war couple, their greatest difficulties involve finding an apartment, Claudia learning to drive, and (eventually) what to name the baby. In these two episodes, Claudia and David host an unorthodox Thanksgiving dinner and attend an auction. Then Bing Crosby celebrates Thanksgiving on "Philco Radio Time." Guest 24-year-old Judy Garland is on hand for the festivities. She sings a song for her just-born daughter Liza Minelli and joins Bing for a turkey-hunting sketch. Episodes Claudia November 27, 1947 "Thanksgiving Dinner" December 1, 1947 "We're Just Looking" 2:30 Philco Radio Time November 27, 1946 "Guest: Judy Garland" 32:47

Now we're going to launch a whole month of Thanksgiving-related episodes. We start off with "The Jack Benny Program." Jack and the gang are gathering at Mary's place for a huge Thanksgiving dinner. There's disagreements about Pilgrim history, Jack's ancient tuxedo attracts attention, and the band displays uncouth table etiquette. Then on "The Abbott and Costello Program," there are big plans for Bud to entertain the snooty set for Thanksgiving. Episodes The Jack Benny Program November 30, 1952 "Thanksgiving Pilgrims" 1:35 The Abbott and Costello Program November 23, 1944 "Thanksgiving Dinner at Bud's House" 31:42