Zoomer Radio's Theatre of the Mind

Let's take you back to 1947 to listen to a very popular radio show. The program is one from the series Escape. It was radio's leading anthology series of high-adventure radio dramas, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Tonight’s episode is entitled “Confession”

And stay tuned for a couple who did it all, Vaudville, Burlesque, Radio, TV and the Movies.. Here’s George Burns and Gracie Allen!

"The Big Badge" - Dragnet (1950) & "Jack's Split Personality" - The Jack Benny Show (1944)

Sgt Joe Friday is about to take on a tour of his duties protecting the citizens of Los Angeles. The role is beautifully acted by Jack Webb who as well is the producer of the Dragnet series. Dragnet is perhaps the most famous and influential police procedural drama in media history. The series gave audience members a feel for the boredom and drudgery, as well as the danger and heroism, of police work.The program earned praise for improving the public opinion of police officers. Jack Webb's aims in Dragnet were for realism and unpretentious acting. He achieved both goals, and Dragnet remains a key influence on subsequent police dramas in many media. The show's cultural impact is such that after seven decades, elements of Dragnet are familiar to those who have never seen or heard the program. The ominous, four-note introduction to the brass and tympani theme music, composed by Walter Schumann, is instantly recognizable.

And stay tuned for the the old skin-flint himself, Jack Benny. Of course, as part of his acting mystic, he claimed to be 39 years old. He continued with this practice until he passed away at age 80 on December 26, 1974. The Jack Benny estate was worth $5,852,000 in 1974. That's equal to $30 million in today's inflation-adjusted dollars. Pretty good for a guy who began to study the violin at the age six, and his "ineptness" at it, would later become his trademark. Tonight we hear about Jack having a split personality.

"Miss Brown of Worchester" - Screen Guild Theatre (1939) & "Schoolmate Pays a Visit" - Duffy's Tavern (1949)

It's 1939 and we present the Screen Guild Theatre's production of "Miss Brown of Worchester".

And stay tuned to move ten years later to 1949 for Duffy's Tavern where Archie the Bartender takes the call from his boss.

"Submaring Caves" - The Adventures of the New Sherlock Holmes (1939) & "Molly Wants a Budget" - Fibber McGee and Molly (1939)

It is 1939. Germany and the Soviet Union attacked Poland and Britain, France, India, Australia and new Zealand declared war on Germany on September 3rd, Canada entered the War on 10th of September 1939. Within two months the first contingents of Canadian troops arrived in the United Kingdom to supplement the British Expeditionary Forces. Reporters kept all of North America informed about the efforts of the allies. Meanwhile, the United States decided to remain neutral but did begin rearming for war, which helped end the great depression. And radio audiences were happy to have the diversion of some great radio dramas and comedies. One of those programs most listened to was The Adventures of the New Sherlock Holmes starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. So we take you back to 1939 for the episode “Submarine Caves.

And stay tuned for Fibber McGee and Molly. The title characters were created and portrayed by Jim and Marian Jordan, a real-life husband and wife team that had been working in radio since the 1920s. Tonight’s episode is entitled, “Molly Wants a Budget”

"Body Snatchers" - Suspense Theatre (1942) & "April Fools Day" - Our Miss Brooks (1935)

Snuggle into that old over-stuffed leather chair and begin with a scary show from Suspense Theatre entitled "Body Snatchers"

And stay tuned for "April Fools Day" on the Our Miss Brooks show.

"No Contact" - X Minus One (1955) & "Shark Repellent" - Honest Harold (1950)