This is a snippet from Breaking Walls Episode 96: Halloween On The Air (1943 - 1953)

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In the aftermath of Jack Benny’s move to CBS, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet lost half their audience. Ozzie Nelson and director Glenhall Taylor were searching for an answer.

On February 20th, 1949, they broadcast an episode called “Invitation to Dinner.” It marked a pivotal turning point: For the first time, David and Ricky Nelson played themselves. David was Eleven. Ricky, eight. The younger son’s charisma was undeniable from the beginning.