Podcasts about family theater

Family Theater 47-02-13 (001) Flight from Home

Family Theater 49-12-21 (149) The Littlest Angel

Family Theater 1951-12-26 (251) Star of Wonder

Descent into paradise

The show The Scout is a Family Theater radio drama episode that aired on June 15, 1949. It features Eddie Bracken, Kathy O'Donnell, and Branch Rickey in pivotal roles. The story, introduced by Branch Rickey, revolves around baseball, a theme close to Rickey's heart due to his long association with the sport. He introduces the tale of Skip Welch, a character not famous in the big leagues or recorded in major league record books but regarded by Rickey as a true big-league player due to his integrity and character.The narrative unfolds in a small Midwestern town called Rawson, where Skip Welch, once an orphan and now a minor league baseball player, dedicates his time to coaching boys from the local orphanage. His story is one of ambition, moral dilemmas, and the harsh realities of professional sports. Despite his skill and passion, Skip faces challenges that test his values, particularly when he meets a mysterious scout promising him a future in the major leagues under stringent, morally ambiguous conditions. As Skip pursues his dream, he finds himself compromising the very principles he holds dear, leading to a climactic moment where he must choose between personal gain and the well-being of a young boy named Chuck from the orphanage.List of characters and their actors:Eddie Bracken as Skip Welch: A hopeful minor league baseball player and the protagonist of the story.Kathy O'Donnell as Mary Collins: Skip's love interest who helps him see the value in moral integrity over success at any cost.Branch Rickey as the Host/Narrator: Introduces the story and provides commentary on the moral of the story.A character known as the Scout: Represents the temptation of success at the expense of one's values.Chuck: A young boy from the orphanage who looks up to Skip and whose fate becomes intertwined with Skip's moral decisions.The story serves as a parable on the importance of playing hard but clean, emphasizing integrity over victory and the real meaning of success. It is an echo of Rickey's own beliefs about the role of sports in building character.

Family Theater 47-12-11 (044) Substitute Santa

MSU prof Jeffrey Parker joins the pod, plus an interview with Deb Persoff and our weekly Top 10 Colorado Headliners In this episode of the OnStage Colorado Podcast, hosts Alex Miller and Toni Tresca are joined by special guest host Jeffrey Parker. A theatre professor at Metro State University and also a dialect coach, Parker is currently on stage in the Platte Valley Players production of Cabaret. He joins the podcast to talk about his own path as a theatre professional and also how he views the young adults he teaches at MSU. Also in this episode, we have an interview with Deb Persoff — a veteran performer who can be seen in two shows right now at Vintage Theatre in Aurora: Murder on the Orient Express and Eleanor. She speaks about her life as a performer and the challenge of doing two shows at once. We also go over our weekly Colorado Headliners — a Top 10 list of interesting shows coming up in the next week or so. This week's Headliners:   Victorian Horrors, Molly Brown House, Denver, Oct. 10-26 Denver Sketch Comedy Festival, RISE Comedy, Denver, Oct. 17-19 Devil's Crush, Wonderbound, Denver, Oct. 17-27 The Ballot of Paola Aguilar, Dairy Arts Center, Boulder, Oct. 17-Nov. 3 A Better Trip with Shane Mauss, The Perplexiplex, Meow Wolf Denver, Oct. 20 The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Littleton United Methodist Chur, Oct. 18-20 Talk About a Murder, Moon Theatre Company, Berthoud, through Oct. 19 Spirit Level, Evergreen Players, Oct. 18-Nov. 20 Blithe Spirit, Main Street Live, Trinidad, Oct. 18-27 Improv Thunderdome, Rattlebrain Productions, Parker, Oct. 19 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:46 Theatrical Performance Insights 04:44 Theater Education and Young Audiences 08:45 Recent Shows and Performances 11:46 Dialect Coaching and Accent Challenges 17:37 The Role of Accents in Theater 21:47 Fantasy Accents and Cultural Perceptions 24:14 Exploring the Catamounts' Latest Production 28:39 A Review of 'Funny as a Crutch' 30:31 Diving into 'A Vase' and Cultural Narratives 31:47 The Feminist Twist in 'Dracula' 34:42 The Impact of Family Theater on the Community 38:41 The Importance of Theater Education 49:40 Student Perspectives on Theater and Industry 52:58 Building Teaching Skills in Performance 56:22 Talent vs. Technique in Acting 01:00:28 The Importance of Theater Education 01:01:04 Upcoming Shows and Events in Colorado 01:11:00 Interview with Deb Persoff

Mr. Bidderoe's Mission

Come listen to the incredible conclusion of the story of Venerable Father Patrick Peyton! In today's episode we'll hear how he started his radio program and enlisted nearly every Hollywood star to help him! Father Peyton went onto air ten thousand different radio and television broadcasts and even established his own production company, Family Theater. Come listen in to hear how Mary's “little donkey” brought her message to the millions. And make sure to watch the incredible documentary on his life: Pray the FilmPlease rate, review and share with friends and family! Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a 30-day free trial! Find resources on the saints, discussion questions and more about our team by visiting our website: https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/

Family Theater 47-03-25 (007) A Bunch of Keys

Same Time, Same Station 09/15/2024 Jeff Chandler. Part 3. “Mr. President” 07/10/1947 Ep003 John Q Adams. “Escape” 08/18/1948 (007) Fourth Man. First Version. Last Of The Summer series. “Family Theater” 09/18/1947 Ep032 Strictly Amateurs. “Voyage of the Scarlet Queen” 01/07/1948 (028) The Derelict and the Wandering Boy (AFRTS) If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

Same Time, Same Station 09/15/2024 Jeff Chandler. Part 3. “Mr. President” 07/10/1947 Ep003 John Q Adams. “Escape” 08/18/1948 (007) Fourth Man. First Version. Last Of The Summer series. “Family Theater” 09/18/1947 Ep032 Strictly Amateurs. “Voyage of the Scarlet Queen” 01/07/1948 (028) The Derelict and the Wandering Boy (AFRTS) If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

Today, we will hear the tale of a simple, hard working Irishman who changed the world with his devotion to Our Blessed Mother and the rosary. Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C. spent his life championing the power of prayer through his rosary crusades in forty countries drawing a total of 28 million people together in prayer. Through his passionate work, he became known and loved by millions. But, through it all he remained a simple, humble and devoted man of God, and committed the entirety of his life to spreading one simple message: “The family that prays together, stays together”.If you want to learn more about this amazing man definitely go check out the powerful documentary about his life, Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton. (It makes a great choice for any family movie night!) To get involved with continuing Venerable Patrick Peyton's work go check out Family Theater's website: www.FamilyTheater.orgPlease rate, review and share with friends and family! Saints Alive is brought to you by the #1 Catholic Prayer App, Hallow! Sign up today with a 30-day free trial! Find resources on the saints, discussion questions and more about our team by visiting our website: https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/

Family Theater 47-06-26 (020) Little Boy Blue

Same Time, Same Station 05/12/2024 Mothers Day. “The First Nighter Program” 05/03/1944 Ep004 Mother’s Angel Children. “Notes From Your Soldier’s Notebook” 05/20/1943 Ep023- Mother’s day program. “Bill Stern Sports Newsreel” 05/12/1950 (549) Guest-Laraine Day. Mother’s Day Program. “Family Theater” 05/06/1948 Ep065 Mother’s Halo Was Tight. “Hallmark Playhouse” 05/05/1949 (048) Mother. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

Same Time, Same Station 05/12/2024 Mothers Day. “The First Nighter Program” 05/03/1944 Ep004 Mother’s Angel Children. “Notes From Your Soldier’s Notebook” 05/20/1943 Ep023- Mother’s day program. “Bill Stern Sports Newsreel” 05/12/1950 (549) Guest-Laraine Day. Mother’s Day Program. “Family Theater” 05/06/1948 Ep065 Mother’s Halo Was Tight. “Hallmark Playhouse” 05/05/1949 (048) Mother. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

Mother's Day Our Miss Brooks "Mother's Day Hats" May 13, 1951 CBS Family Theater "Mother of All" May 6, 1953 Mutual  Al Jolson singing My Mammy

Same Time, Same Station 03/31/2024 Easter. “Fibber McGee And Molly” 04/14/1942 0321 – Spring Festival Parade (Easter. “Family Theater” 04/03/1947 (0008) The Passion And Death Of Christ. Easter program. “The Greatest Story Ever Told 04/06/1947 (011) The Resurrection. “Gene Autry” 04/12/1952 Easter Program. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com

Same Time, Same Station 03/31/2024 Easter. “Fibber McGee And Molly” 04/14/1942 0321 – Spring Festival Parade (Easter. “Family Theater” 04/03/1947 (0008) The Passion And Death Of Christ. Easter program. “The Greatest Story Ever Told 04/06/1947 (011) The Resurrection. “Gene Autry” 04/12/1952 Easter Program. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com

Ernie's Day

Same Time, Same Station 02/11/2024 Valentines Day. “The Judy Canova show 02/09/1946 0050 Valentines Flashback to Cactus Junction. “My Favorite Husband” 02/11/1949 Valentine’s Day. “Duffy’s Tavern” 02/09/1951 (395) Mystery Valentine Shelly Winters guests. “Family Theater” 02/08/1956 ep462 Funny Valentine. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

Same Time, Same Station 02/11/2024 Valentines Day. “The Judy Canova show 02/09/1946 0050 Valentines Flashback to Cactus Junction. “My Favorite Husband” 02/11/1949 Valentine’s Day. “Duffy’s Tavern” 02/09/1951 (395) Mystery Valentine Shelly Winters guests. “Family Theater” 02/08/1956 ep462 Funny Valentine. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

Same Time, Same Station 01/28/2024 Howard McNear Part 6. “United States Postal Inspector” 02/26/1947 – Audition. “The Whistler” 06/23/1947 265 The Gentle Way. “Family Theater” 09/25/1947 Ep033 Blue Memorandum. “The Adventures Of Bill Lance” 09/28/1947 Ep001 Escaped Maniac. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

Same Time, Same Station 01/28/2024 Howard McNear Part 6. “United States Postal Inspector” 02/26/1947 – Audition. “The Whistler” 06/23/1947 265 The Gentle Way. “Family Theater” 09/25/1947 Ep033 Blue Memorandum. “The Adventures Of Bill Lance” 09/28/1947 Ep001 Escaped Maniac. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

Eddie is a little boy who wants a red Scooter. Rolling back the clock, we find His parents discussing their land, and vineyard. It'll take three years to build up…

As we close out 2023, we're replaying our most popular episode of the year. It's Edgar Allan Poe's The Gold Bug as it was presented on Family Theater on October 5, 1949. Find more from Brick Pickle Pulps at https://brickpicklemedia.com/podcasts/.

hosted by John Charles Thomas. Jane Wyatt and John Emery. After years of education, David and Diana Bruce are married. The young lieutenant begins his work in the British medical…

Family Theater 1948-12-15 (096) A Daddy for Christmas

Family Theater 49-12-21 (149) The Littlest Angel

Family Theater 47-12-11 (044) Substitute Santa

hosted by Charles boy a. Ethel Barrymore. And narration of the Easter story that recounts the last days of Jesus. The treachery of Jews and pilot. The anointing done to…

MBS Family Theater -1948-12-15 A Daddy for Christmas

hosted by Charles boy a. Ethel Barrymore. And narration of the Easter story that recounts the last days of Jesus. The treachery of Jews and pilot. The anointing done to…

hosted by Edward G Robinson Billy Williams and Pat O'Brien. On a winter's day in the office of the Warden, he speaks with the chaplain. After his long service at…

Robert Young, J Carol Nash, Meredith Wilson's orchestra William wishes he was already grown-up. He is in need of a dollar to buy treats for his friends. He complains that…

Donald Crist, Margaret Sullivan, Van Heflin, Meredith Wilson's orchestra. A literary party is being held in a New York apartment on an October afternoon. Maggie is taken aside from the…

This week on Vintage Classic Radio, immerse yourself in a nostalgic journey with our "Sunday Night Playhouse," featuring two captivating radio plays: "Rip Van Winkle" and "Johnny Appleseed." Our evening begins with "Rip Van Winkle," originally broadcasted by Family Theater on November 30th, 1949. This radio adaptation of Washington Irving's classic story takes you to the Catskill Mountains, where Rip Van Winkle, a kind but lazy villager, encounters mysterious figures playing ninepins. After sharing a drink with them, Rip falls into a deep sleep. He awakens 20 years later to find his world has changed dramatically; he's missed the American Revolution and must now adjust to a new life with an older appearance and a village that barely recognizes him. The cast features John Smith in the titular role, supported by Mary Johnson, Robert Williams, and Elizabeth Taylor in key roles, bringing depth to this timeless tale. The second part of our double feature is "Johnny Appleseed," narrated by the esteemed Kate Smith for Silver Theater and originally aired on May 14th, 1944. This episode brings to life the story of John Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed, a legendary figure in American folklore. Known for his kindness, generosity, and the apple trees he planted across the American frontier, Johnny Appleseed becomes a symbol of the pioneering spirit. His adventures and his impact on the communities he encounters are beautifully narrated by Kate Smith, adding a warm and engaging dimension to this inspiring story. Don't miss this special double bill on Vintage Classic Radio's "Sunday Night Playhouse." These enduring stories of transformation and adventure are brought to life through the art of radio drama, offering an evening of entertainment that echoes the charm and spirit of a bygone era. Join us for a memorable night of storytelling and relive the magic of these timeless classics on Vintage Classic Radio.

Bing Crosby, Irene Dunne, Meredith Wilson's orchestra. As John and Mary Smith walk, they wonder what's on the other side of the fence, and they want to have a closer…

Family Theater - 1949-11-23 145 The Courtship Of Miles Standish

William Gargon. Walter Brennan, Beulah Bondi, Jennifer Holt, Jean Reynolds. Jonathan Carter is a kindly and wise storekeeper who sits on his front porch taking in the warm spring day…

more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Jimmy Stewart, Loretta young, Don Ameche, Meredith Wilson's orchestra. Mary Lee prepares to take the train back home to…

The man you just heard is Herb Vigran, being interviewed by Chuck Schaden in 1984. He's about to be featured on Family Theater. The show was created by Patrick Peyton of the Holy Cross Fathers. Mutual Broadcasting donated time under four conditions: It had to be a drama of top quality; strictly nonsectarian; feature a film star; and Father Peyton had to pay the production costs. Peyton met Loretta Young, who advised him on how to approach A-listers. She became the “first lady” of Family Theater. Between 1947 and 1957, there were hundreds of dramas broadcast. Few used religion of any kind in the plot. However, by September of 1957 Mutual Broadcasting was phasing out radio drama. As Herb Vigran mentioned, Hollywood's character actors were doing as much TV as possible. When Family Theater aired its last episode on Wednesday, September 11th at 8:35PM Pacific time over KHJ in Los Angeles, the only other dramatic radio shows on KHJ that night were Gangbusters and Horatio Hornblower. This is from that last episode, fittingly called “Roadshow.” Lilian Buyeff played Helen Blackwell. After the episode ended, Joan Leslie came back on with the final PSA in Family Theater history.

Family Theater 47-02-13 (001) Flight from Home

After Barrie Craig went off the air, Gargan continued to occasionally host Family Theater. He also made films Miracle in The Rain and The Rawhide Years. He starred on the west-coast stage in a version of The Desperate Hours for Randy Hale and went to Europe to film thirty-nine episodes of The New Adventures of Martin Kane for Ziv Productions. In 1960 Hale was set to cast Gargan on stage in The Best Man, but a bout with Laryngitis forced Gargan to get some tests on his throat done. It was throat cancer. Doctors were forced to remove his larynx On November 10th, 1960. A breathing stoma was cut into the bottom of his throat. A man whose voice made him famous no longer had one. For a time he was depressed. Friends Bing Crosby, Dennis Day, Phil Harris, Alice Faye, and many others came by. It helped. Gargan couldn't bear the thought of not speaking again. He made his first vocal lesson through The American Cancer Society in January of 1961. It took him more than a year, but by the following February he was making progress. The ACS was looking for a Southern California Vice Chairman for their 1962 drive. Gargan agreed to serve. In 1963, he met President Kennedy. He had a meeting set with the President for November 23rd. It was one that President Kennedy never made it to. By then his brother Ed was ill with diabetes and emphysema. He passed away in 1964. That year, Gargan was hired by the ACS for their full-time national staff. Within three years, Gargan mastered esophageal speech. He wouldn't use a vocal amplifier and worked tirelessly to be able to speak in both low and high tones. Bill thanked his wife Mary for refusing to let him give up and for his faith that kept him asking why. That's what he titled his autobiography, Why Me? By then he knew the answer. Bill Gargan spent the next two decades raising money, awareness, and the spirits of fellow cancer patients around the country. On February 16th, 1979 while on a flight between New York City and San Diego following a tour lecturing for the ACS, Gargan suffered a fatal heart attack. He was seventy-three. William Dennis Gargan is buried at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego, California.

During the War, Bill Gargan led a USO group that featured Paulette Goddard, Keenan Wynn, and accordionist Andy Arcari. They toured China-Burma-India. He spent four months overseas in some of the poorest and worst conditions of the War, putting on shows and flying in various prop planes despite a lingering ear infection, drinking whatever alcohol he could to help keep sane. When Bill finally got home his ear was so swollen wife Mary jokingly called him Dumbo. Under contract at MGM, he borrowed an apartment in New York and went on stage. His first night he got word that friend Leslie Howard had been killed in a plane crash. The War marked a dividing line in Bill's life. He went back to Hollywood and made Swing Fever, She Gets Her Man, and finally in 1945, he starred with Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman, and Martha Sleeper as Joe Gallagher in The Bells of St. Mary's. Television sets began to show up in homes as Bill and his agent Ken Dolan conceived a half-hour mystery radio show called Murder Will Out for ABC. It failed to find a long-term sponsor and was canceled. Gargan next starred in I Deal In Crime, beginning on January 21st, 1946 on ABC. He played private investigator Ross Dolan for the next twenty months. During that time, Gargan also guest-starred on Family Theater, hosting the second episode on February 20th, 1947. Family Theater was created by Patrick Peyton of the Holy Cross Fathers. Mutual Broadcasting donated time under four conditions: The show had to be a drama of top quality; strictly nonsectarian; feature a film star; and Father Peyton had to pay the production costs. Peyton met Loretta Young, who advised him on how to approach A-listers. She became the “first lady” of Family Theater. Between 1947 and 1956, there were four-hundred eighty-two dramas broadcast. Few used religion of any kind in the plot. Bill continued to make guest-appearances on radio, like on the October 13th, 1948 episode of Bing Crosby's Philco Radio Time on ABC. It would be in 1949 that William Gargan took on his most famous role, and in the process became one of the first television drama detectives in broadcasting.

Ernie's Day

Let Us Remember

For the Fourth of July, we're going to present two Independence Day-themed episodes of classic old time radio.  First drama then comedy.  “Family Theater” was a family-friendly anthology show featuring a mix of original stories and adaptations of literary classics, usually starring big names from Hollywood.  This week's program is a dramatization of a particular moment in history -- the writing of The Declaration of Independence.  It's narrated by Loretta Young and stars Robert Stack as Thomas Jefferson.  And, if you are a fan of the musical “1776,” note what's the same in this adaptation and what's different.  Then on “Our Miss Brooks,” our intrepid heroine plans to meet her boyfriend in the countryside for the 4th of July weekend. Episodes Family Theater July 1, 1953 “The Longest Hour” 2:42 Our Miss Brooks July 3, 1949 “July 4th Trip to Eagle Springs” aka “Conklin's Blood Pressure” 26:03      

Life of Riley "Junior Forgets Mother's Day" May 11, 1946 NBC Family Theater "Mother's Halo was Tight"  May 6, 1948 Mutual 

The Cheshire Cat, Kaa the snake, and Winnie the Pooh. Sterling Holloway voiced them all and became a Disney legend for his years of work bringing beloved characters to life with his instantly recognizable voice. He lent that voice to one episode of Suspense as a mild-mannered cruise passenger who stumbles into an exotic adventure in "The Second Class Passenger" (AFRS rebroadcast from January 20, 1957). Plus, we'll hear him narrate the tale of a very special piece of currency in "The Story of Danny Dollar Bill" from Family Theater (originally aired on Mutual on November 7, 1951).