Podcasts about Willard Waterman

What happens when a childhood dream refuses to let go? In this episode, I sit down with cartoonist and Lum and Abner historian Donnie Pitchford to explore how old-time radio, comic strips, and a love for storytelling shaped his life. Donnie shares how he grew up inspired by classic radio shows like Lum and Abner, pursued art despite setbacks, and eventually brought the beloved Pine Ridge characters back to life through a modern comic strip and audio adaptations. We talk about creativity, persistence, radio history, and why imagination still matters in a visual world. If you care about classic radio, cartooning, or staying true to your calling, I believe you will find this conversation both inspiring and practical. Highlights: 00:10 Discover how a childhood love of Lum and Abner sparked a lifelong dream of becoming a cartoonist. 08:00 Hear how college radio and classic broadcasts deepened a passion for old time radio storytelling. 14:33 Understand how years of teaching broadcast journalism built the skills that later fueled creative success. 23:17 Learn how the Lum and Abner comic strip was revived with family approval and brought to modern audiences. 30:07 Explore how two actors created an entire town through voice and imagination alone. 1:00:16 Hear the vision for keeping Lum and Abner alive for new generations through comics and audio. Top of Form Bottom of Form About the Guest: Donnie Pitchford of Texas is a graduate of Kilgore College, Art Instruction Schools, Stephen F. Austin State University and the University of Texas at Tyler. He has worked in the graphic arts industry and in education, teaching at Hawkins High School, Panola College, and Carthage High School at which he spent 25 years directing CHS-TV, where student teams earned state honors, including state championships, for 20 consecutive years. In 2010, Donnie returned to the endeavor he began at age five: being a cartoonist! The weekly “Lum and Abner" comic strip began in 2011. It is available online and in print and includes an audio production for the blind which features the talents of actors and musicians who donate their time. Donnie has created comic book stories and art for Argo Press of Austin, illustrated children's books, written scripts for the "Dick Tracy" newspaper strip, and produced the science fiction comedy strip "Tib the Rocket Frog." He has collaborated with award-winning writers and cartoonists George Wildman, Nicola Cuti, John Rose, Mike Curtis, Joe Staton, and others. In 2017, Donnie began assisting renowned sculptor Bob Harness and currently sculpts the portraits for the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame plaques. Awards include the 1978 Kilgore College "Who's Who" in Art, an Outstanding Educator Award from the East Texas Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs in 1993, the CHS "Pine Burr" Dedicatee honor in 2010, and a Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2018 from Spring Hill High School. In 2024, Donnie was inducted into the City of Carthage Main Street Arts Walk of Fame which included the placement of a bronze plaque in the sidewalk and the Key to the City. Donnie and his best friend/wife, Laura, are members of First Methodist Church Carthage, Texas. Donnie is a founding officer of the National Lum and Abner Society and a member of Texas Cartoonists, Ark-La-Tex Cartoonists, Christian Comic Arts Society, and the National Cartoonists Society. Ways to connect with Michaela**:** https://www.facebook.com/groups/220795254627542 https://lumandabnercomics.com/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: Michael Hingson  00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson  01:21 Well, hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of unstoppable mindset. I've been looking forward to this one for a while. We have Donny Pitchford as our guest today. You're probably going, who's Donnie Pitchford? Well, let me tell you. So years ago, I started collecting old radio shows. And one of the first shows that I got was a half hour episode of a show called Lum and Abner, which is about a couple of characters, if you will, in Pine Ridge, Arkansas. And I had only heard the half hour show sponsored by frigid air. But then in 1971 when ksi, out here in Los Angeles, the 50,000 watt Clear Channel station, started celebrating its 50 year history, they started broadcasting as part of what they did, 15 minute episodes of lemon Abner. And I became very riveted to listening to lemon Abner every night, and that went on for quite a while. And so I've kept up with the boys, as it were. Well, a several years ago, some people formed a new Lum and Abner society, and Donnie Pitchford is part of that. I met Donnie through radio enthusiast of Puget Sound, and yesterday, USA. And so we clearly being interested in old radio and all that, had to have Donnie come on and and talk with us. So Donnie, or whatever character you're representing today, welcome to unstoppable mindset. Donnie Pitchford  02:58 Huh? I'm glad to be here. Michael Hingson  03:00 He does that very well, doesn't he? It's a Donnie Pitchford  03:04 little tough sometimes. Well, I'm really glad to be here. Thank you. Michael Hingson  03:10 Well, I appreciate the audio parts of lemon Abner that you you all create every week, and just the whole society. It's great to keep that whole thing going it's kind of fun. We're glad that that it is. But let's, let's talk about you a little bit. Why don't you start by telling us about the early Donnie, growing up and all that. I'm assuming you were born, and so we won't worry about that. But beyond that, think so, yeah. Well, there you are. Tell us about tell us about you and growing up and all that, and we'll go from there. Donnie Pitchford  03:42 Well, I was born in East Texas and left for a little while. We lived in my family lived in Memphis, Tennessee for about seven years, and then moved back to Texas in 1970 but ever since I was a kid this I hear this from cartoonists everywhere. Most of them say I wanted to be a cartoonist when I was five years old. So that's in fact, I had to do a speech for the Texas cartoonist chapter of the National Cartoonist Society. And that was my start. I was going to say the same thing, and the President said, Whatever you do, don't do that old bit about wanting to be a cartoonist at age five. Everybody does that, so I left that part out, but that's really what I wanted to do as a kid. And I would see animated cartoons. I would read the Sunday comics in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, and then at some point, my dad would talk about radio, and my mother would talk about listening to radio. We would have the reruns of the Lone Ranger television show and things like Sky King and other programs along those lines, and my parents would all. Way say, Well, I used to listen to that on the radio, or I would hear Superman on the radio, or Amos and Andy or whatever was being rerun at that time, and that fascinated me. And I had these vague memories of hearing what I thought were television programs coming over the radio when I was about two years old. I remember gunshots. I remember, you know, like a woman crying and just these little oddball things. I was about two years old, and I kept thinking, Well, why are we picking up television programs on my mother's radio? Turns out it was the dying gasps of what we now call old time radio. And so at least I remembered that. But when I was about, I guess eight or nine we were, my dad took me to lunch at alums restaurant in Memphis, and I saw that name, and I thought, What in the world? So what kind of name is that? And my dad told me about London Abner, and he said it reminds me. It reminded him of the Andy Griffith Show or the Beverly Hillbillies. I said, I'd love to hear that. He said, Ah, you'll never hear it. He said, those were live they don't exist, but years later, I got to hear them. So yeah, but that's how I grew up wanting to be a cartoonist and coming up with my own characters and drawing all the time and writing stories and that sort of thing. Michael Hingson  06:24 So when did you move back from Memphis to Texas? Donnie Pitchford  06:28 July 2, 1970 I just happened to look that up the other day. How old were you then? I was 12 when we came back. All right, so got into, I was in junior high, and trying to, I was trying to find an audience for these comic strips I was drawing on notebook paper. And finally, you know, some of the kids got into them, and I just continued with that goal. And I just, I knew that soon as possible, you know, I was going to start drawing comics professionally. So I thought, but kept, you know, I kept trying. Michael Hingson  07:06 So you, you went on into college. What did you do in college? Donnie Pitchford  07:11 Well, more of the same. I started listening to some old time radio shows even as far back as as high school. And I was interested in that went to college, first at a college called Kill Gore College, here in East Texas, and then to Stephen F Austin State University. And I was majoring in, first commercial art, and then art education. And I thought, well, if I can't go right into comics, you know, maybe I can just teach for a while. I thought I'll do that for a couple of years. I thought it wouldn't be that long. But while I was at Stephen F Austin State University, the campus radio station, I was so pleased to find out ran old time radio shows. This was in 1980 there was a professor named Dr Joe Oliver, who had a nightly program called theater of the air. And I would hear this voice come over the radio. He would run, he Well, one of the first, the very first 15 minute lemon Abner show I ever heard was played by Dr Oliver. He played Jack Benny. He played the whistler suspense, just a variety of them that he got from a syndicated package. And I would hear this voice afterwards, come on and say, It's jazz time. I'm Joe Oliver. And I thought, Where have I heard that voice? It was, it's just a magnificent radio voice. Years later, I found out, well, I heard that voice in Memphis when I was about 10 years old on W, R, E, C, radio and television. He was working there. He lived in Memphis about the same time we did. Heard him on the campus station at Nacogdoches, Texas. Didn't meet him in person until the late 90s, and it was just an amazing collection of coincidences. And now, of course, we're good friends. Now he's now the announcer for our audio comic strip. So it's amazing how all that came about. Well, I Michael Hingson  09:16 I remember listening to sort of the last few years of oval radio. I think it was, I don't remember the date now, whether it's 57 or 50 I think it's 57 the Kingston Trio had come out with the song Tom Dooley, and one day I was listening to K and X radio in Los Angeles. We lived in Palmdale, and I heard something about a show called suspense that was going to play the story of Tom Dooley. And I went, sounds interesting, and I wanted to know more about it, so I listened. And that started a weekly tradition with me every Sunday, listening to yours truly Johnny dollar and suspense, and they had a little bit of the FBI and peace and war. Then it's went into half and that that went off and Have Gun Will Travel came on, and then at 630 was Gun Smoke. So I listened to radio for a couple of hours every week, not every Sunday night, and thoroughly enjoyed it. And so that's how I really started getting interested in it. Then after radio went off the air a few stations out in California and on the LA area started playing old radio shows somebody started doing because they got the syndicated versions of the shadow and Sherlock Holmes with Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson. And I still maintain to this day that John Gielgud is the best Sherlock Holmes. No matter what people say about Basil Rathbone and I still think Sir John Gielgud was the best Sherlock Holmes. He was very, very good. Yeah, he was and so listen to those. But you know, radio offers so much. And even with, with, with what the whole lemon Abner shows today. My only problem with the lemon Abner shows today is they don't last nearly long enough. But that's another story. Donnie Pitchford  11:11 Are you talking about the comic strip adaptation? Okay, you know how long, how much art I would have to 11:21 do every week. Michael Hingson  11:25 Oh, I know, but they're, they're fun, and, you know, we, we enjoy them, but so you So you met Joe, and as you said, He's the announcer. Now, which is, which is great, but what were you doing then when you met him? What kind of work were you doing at the time? Donnie Pitchford  11:45 Well, of course, there was a gap there of about, I guess, 15 years after college, before I met him. And what ended up happening my first teaching job was an art job, a teaching art and graphic arts at a small high school in Hawkins, Texas, and that was a disaster. Wasn't a wasn't a very good year for me. And so I left that, and I had worked in the printing industry, I went back to that, and that was all during the time that the National London Abner society was being formed. And so I printed their earliest newsletters, which came out every other month. And we started having conventions in MENA, Arkansas and in the real Pine Ridge and the my fellow ossifers As we we call ourselves, and you hear these guys every week on the lemon Abner comic strip. Sam Brown, who lives in Illinois, Tim Hollis, from Alabama. Tim is now quite a published author who would might be a good guest for you one day, sure. And just two great guys. We had a third officer early on named Rex riffle, who had to leave due to various illnesses about 1991 but we started having our conventions every year, starting in 1985 we had some great guests. We brought in everybody we could find who worked with lemon Abner or who knew lemon Abner. We had their their head writer, Roswell Rogers. We had actors, I'm sure you've heard of Clarence Hartzell. He was Ben withers, of course, on the Old Vic and Sade show. He was Uncle Fletcher. We had Willard Waterman, parley Bayer, some of their announcers, Wendell Niles. And my memory is going to start failing me, because there were so many, but we had Bob's, Watson, Louise curry, who were in their first two movies. We had Kay Lineker, who was in their third movie. The list goes on and on, but we had some amazing when did Chester lock pass away? He passed away? Well, Tuffy passed away first, 1978, 78 and Chet died in 1980 sad. Neither of them, yeah, we didn't get to media. Yeah, we didn't meet either one of them. I've met Mrs. Lock I've met all of chet's children, several grandchildren. We spoke to Mrs. Goff on the phone a time or two, and also, tuffy's got toughie's daughter didn't get to meet them in person, but we met as many of the family as we could. Michael Hingson  14:32 Still quite an accomplishment all the way around. And so you you taught. You didn't have success. You felt really much at first, but then what you taught for quite a while, though, Donnie Pitchford  14:45 didn't you? Yes, I went back to the printing industry for about a year, and in the summer of 85 about two weeks before school started, I had got a call that they needed someone to teach Broadcast Journalism at. Carthage High School, and we had a department called CHS TV. I ran that for 25 years. I taught classes. We produced a weekly television program, weekly radio program. We did all kinds of broadcasts for the school district and promotional video. And then in the last I think it was the last 10 years or so that I worked there, we started an old time radio show, and we were trying to come up with a title for it, and just as a temporary placeholder, we called it the golden age of radio. Finally, we said, well, let's just use that, and I think it's been used by other people since, but, but that was the title we came up with. I think in 19 I think it was in 93 or 9495 somewhere in there. We started out. We just ran Old Time Radio, and the students, I would have them research and introduce, like, maybe 45 minutes of songs, of music, you know, from the 30s, 40s, maybe early 50s, big band and Sinatra and Judy Garland and you name it. Then, when the classes would change, we would always start some type of radio program that was pre recorded that would fill that time, so the next class could come in and get in place and and everybody participated, and they went out live over our cable television channel, and we would just run a graphic of a radio and maybe have some announcements or listing of what we were playing. And we did that for several years, usually maybe two or three times a year. And then in I think it was 2004 or so, we had an offer from a low power FM station, which was another another county over, and we started doing a Sunday night, one hour program each week. And I think we ended up doing close to 300 of those before I left. And so we got old time radio in there, one way or the other. Michael Hingson  17:03 Well, I remember. I remember, for me, I went to UC Irvine in the fall of 1968 and by the spring the last quarter of my freshman year, I had started getting some old radio shows. So started playing shows, and then in the fall, I started doing a three hour show on Sunday night called the Radio Hall of Fame, and we did radio every night. And what I didn't know until, actually, fairly recently, was our mutual friend Walden Hughes actually listened to my show on Sunday, and so did the gas means actually, but, but we had a low power station as well, but it made it up, and so people listened to it. And I've always been proud of the fact that during the fact that during the time I ran the Radio Hall of Fame, I'd heard of this show called 60 minutes with a guy named Mike Wallace, but never got to see it. And then it was only much later that I actually ended up starting to watch 60 Minutes. Course, I always loved to say I would have loved to have met, met Mike Wallace and never got to do it, but I always said he had criminal tendencies. I mean, my gosh, what do you think he was the announcer on radio for the Green Hornet, a criminal show, right? Sky King, a lot of criminals. Clearly the guy. Anyway, I would have been fun to meet him, but, Donnie Pitchford  18:31 and his name was Myron. Myron Wallach at the time. Wallach, you're right. I think that's right. Michael Hingson  18:37 But it was, it was fun and and so I've actually got some Sky King shows and green Hornets with him. So it's, it's kind of cool, but Right? You know, I still really do believe that the value of radio is it makes you imagine more. I've seen some movies that I really like for that the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers with Kevin McCarthy back in 1955 I thought was such a good movie because they didn't show the plants taking over the humans. It was all left to your imagination, which was so cool, and they changed all that in the later remake of it with Leonard Nimoy, which I didn't think was nearly as good, not nearly as suspenseful. But anyway, that's just my opinion. But radio, for me was always a and continues to be a part of what I like to do. And so I've been collecting shows and and enjoying and, of course, listening to lemon Abner, So what made you decide to finally end teaching? Donnie Pitchford  19:38 Well, you know, I could only do that so long. I was getting I was getting very tired, getting kind of burned out, and I had to have a change. There's something had to change. And I was able to take a few years early and retire, and I still the whole time I had a. That it was like a haunting feeling. I, you know, I wanted to be a cartoonist. I would pray, you know, you know, Lord, is there some way can I, can I get out of this? And can I do what I really want to do? And I had some mentors that was finally able to meet people that I would write letters to as a kid, a cartoonist and comic book editor named George Wildman was one of them. He was nice enough to answer my letters when I was a kid, and I'd send him drawings, and he would encourage me, or he would send little corrections on there, you know. And another one was a gentleman named high Eisemann, who passed away recently at age 98 on his birthday, but men like this inspired me, and that it kept at me through the years. I finally met George in 1994 at a convention of the the international Popeye fan club. And I'm I'm at high the same way, and also a writer named Nicola Cuddy, who wrote some Popeye comics. I met him the same way, same event, we all became friends, and I had a good friend named Michael Ambrose of Austin, Texas, who published a magazine devoted to the Charlton Comics company. Sadly, he's deceased now, but Mike and I were talking before I retired, and finally I got out of it. And he said, now that you're out of that job, how would you like to do some art? I said, That's what I want to do. So he gave me the opportunity to do my first published work, which was a portrait of artist George Wildman. It was on the cover of a magazine called Charlton spotlight, then I did some work for Ben Omar, who is bear Manor media publisher for some books that he was doing. One was Mel Blanc biography that Noel blank wrote, did some illustrations for that. This was all happening in 2010 and after that. So I was getting it was getting rolling, doing the kind of work I really wanted to do. And there's a gentleman named Ethan nobles in Benton, Arkansas, who wanted to interview me. I'd gotten, I don't know how he I forgot how he got in touch with me. Maybe he heard me on yesterday USA could be wanted to interview me about London Abner. And so he was starting a website called first Arkansas news. And somewhere in early 2011 we were talking, and I said, you know, you want this to be an online newspaper, right? He said, Yes. I said, What about comics? He said, I hadn't thought about that. So I said, Well, you know, you're a big Lum and Abner fan. What if we could we do a Lum and Abner comic strip? He said, Well, who would Where would I get? Who would do? And I said, Me. So I drew up some proposals, I drew some model sheets, and we did about four weeks of strips, and got approval from Chester lock Jr, and he suggested there's some things he didn't like. He said, The lum looks too sinister. He looks mean. Well, he's mad. He said he's mad at Abner. This won't happen every week. He said, Okay, I don't want LOM to be I said, Well, you know, they get mad at each other. That's part of the that's the conflict and the comedy Michael Hingson  23:30 at each other. Yeah. Donnie Pitchford  23:33 So we, we ironed it all out, and we came up with a financial agreement, and had to pay royalties and one thing and another, and we started publishing online in June 2011, and about six weeks later, the MENA newspaper, the MENA star in MENA, Arkansas, which was the birthplace of Lyman, Abner, Chet Locke and Norris Goff, they picked it up, and then we had a few other newspapers pick it up. And you know, we're not, we're not worldwide, syndicated in print, but we're getting it out there. And of course, we're always online, but and the first Arkansas news went under three or four years later, and so now we have our own website, which is Lum and Abner comics.com so that's where you can find us Michael Hingson  24:24 online. So where's Pine Ridge? Donnie Pitchford  24:28 Pine Ridge is about 18 miles from Mena, Arkansas. MENA is in western Arkansas, and Pine Ridge is about 18 miles east, I believe I'm trying to picture it in my mind, but it's it's down the road, and it actually exists. It was a little community originally named for a postmaster. It was named waters, waters, Arkansas, and in 1936 the real. At cuddleston. He was a real person who owned a store there in waters, and was friends with the locks and the golfs with their parents, as well as Chet and Tuffy. But he proposed a publicity stunt and an actual change of name to name the community Pine Ridge. So that's how that happened. Michael Hingson  25:24 Now, in the original 15 minute episodes, who is the narrator? Donnie Pitchford  25:28 Well, it depends what era their first one trying to remember. Now, Gene Hamilton was an early announcer in the Ford days, which was the early 30s. We don't have anything recorded before that. Charles Lyon was one of the early announcers, possibly for for Quaker Oats. I don't have any notes on this in front of me. I'm just going on memory here. Memory at the end of a long week. Gene Hamilton was their Ford announcer. Carlton brickert announced the Horlicks malt and milk did the commercials when they 1934 to 38 or so. Lou Crosby took over when they were sponsored by General Foods, by post them, the post them commercials, and Lou stayed with them on into the Alka Seltzer era. And his daughter, the celebrity daughter, is Kathie Lee Crosby, you may remember, right, and she and her sister Linda, Lou were a couple of our guests at the National lemon Avenue society convention in 1996 I think let's see. Crosby was Gene Baker came after Crosby, and then in the 30 minute days, was Wendell Niles. Wendell Niles, yeah, in the CBS the 30 minute series and Wendell. We also had him in Mina, super nice guy when it came, when it got into the later ones, 1953 54 I don't remember that announcer's name. That's when they got into the habit of having Dick Huddleston do the opening narration, which is why we now have Sam Brown as Dick Huddleston doing that every week. Michael Hingson  27:27 So was it actually Dick Huddleston? No, it Donnie Pitchford  27:30 was North golf, tough. He always played the part of Dick Huddleston. Okay, the only, the only time that, as far as I know, the only time the real dick Huddleston was on network radio, was at that ceremony in Little Rock Arkansas, when they changed the name of the town that the real dick Huddleston spoke at that event. And we actually, we discovered a recording of that. I was just gonna ask if there's a recording of that there is. Yeah, it's on 12 inch, 78 RPM discs. Wow. And they were probably the personal discs of lock and golf, and they weren't even labeled. And I remember spinning that thing when Sam Brown and I after we found it, it was down in Houston, and we brought them a batch of discs back, and I remember spinning that thing and hearing the theme song being played, I said, this sounds like a high school band. And suddenly we both got chills because we had heard that. I don't know if it was the Little Rock High School band or something, but it's like, Can this be? Yes, it was. It was. We thought it was long lost, but it was that ceremony. Wow. So that was a great find. Michael Hingson  28:45 Well, hopefully you'll, you'll play that sometime, or love to get a copy, but, Donnie Pitchford  28:50 yeah, we've, we have we played it on yesterday, USA. Oh, okay, so it's out there. Michael Hingson  28:57 Well, that's cool. Well, yeah, I wondered if Dick Huddleston actually ever was directly involved, but, but I can, can appreciate that. As you said, Tuffy Goff was the person who played him, which was, that's still that was pretty cool. They were very talented. Go ahead, Donnie Pitchford  29:19 I was gonna say that's basically tough. He's natural speaking voice, yeah, when you hear him as Dick Huddleston, Michael Hingson  29:24 they're very talented people. They played so many characters on the show. They did and and if you really listen, you could tell, but mostly the voices sounded enough different that they really sounded like different people all the time. Donnie Pitchford  29:41 Well, the fun thing are the episodes where, and it's carefully written, but they will, they will do an episode where there may be seven or eight people in the room and they get into an argument, or they're trying to all talk at the same time, and you completely forget that it's only two guys, because they will overlap. Those voices are just so perfectly overlapped and so different, and then you stop and you listen. So wait a minute, I'm only hearing two people at a time, but the effect is tremendous, the fact that they were able to pull that off and fool the audience. Michael Hingson  30:15 I don't know whether I'd say fool, but certainly entertained. Well, yeah, but they also did have other characters come on the show. I remember, yes, Diogenes was that was a lot of fun listening to those. Oh yeah, yeah, that was Frank Graham. Frank Graham, right, right, but, but definitely a lot of fun. So you eventually left teaching. You decided you accepted jobs, starting to do cartoons. What were some of the other or what, well, what were some of the first and early characters that you cartooned, or cartoons that you created, Donnie Pitchford  30:50 just, you mean, by myself or Well, or with people, either way, I did some things that were not published, you know, just just personal characters that I came up with it would mean nothing to anybody, but a little bit later on, I did a little bit of I did a cover for a Popeye comic book. Maybe 10 years ago, I finally got a chance to work with George Wildman, who was the fellow I talked about earlier, and it was some of the last work he did, and this was with Michael Ambrose of Argo press out of Austin, Texas. And we did some early characters that had been published by Charlton Comics. They had, they had characters, they were, they were rip offs. Let's be honest. You know Harvey had Casper the Friendly Ghost. Well, Charlton had Timmy, the timid ghost. There, there was Mighty Mouse. Well, Charlton Comics had atomic mouse, so and there was an atomic rabbit. And Warner Brothers had Porky Pig. Charlton had pudgy pig, but that was some of George's earliest work in the 1950s was drawing these characters, and George was just he was a master Bigfoot cartoonist. I mean, he was outstanding. And so Mike said, let's bring those characters back. They're public domain. We can use them. So I wrote the scripts. George did the pencil art. Well, he inked the first few, but Mike had me do hand lettering, which I don't do that much. So it was that was a challenge. And my friend high Iseman taught lettering for years and years, and so I was thinking, high is going to see this? This has to be good. So I probably re lettered it three times to get it right, but we did the very last story we did was atomic rabbit and pudgy pig was a guest star, and then George's character named brother George, who was a little monk who didn't speak, who lived, lived in a monastery, and did good deeds and all that sort of thing. He was in there, and this was the last thing we did together. And George said, you know, since I've got these other projects, he said, Do you think you can, you can ink this? So that was a great honor to actually apply the inks over George's pencil work. And I also did digital color, but those were some things I worked on, and, oh, at one point we even had Lum and Abner in the Dick Tracy Sunday comic strip, and that was because of a gentleman named Mike Curtis, who was the writer who lived in Arkansas, was very familiar with Lum and Abner, and he got in touch with me and asked, this was in 2014 said, Would it be possible for me to use Lum and Abner in a Sunday cameo? So I contacted the locks. First thing they first thing Chet said was how much I said, I don't think they're going to pay us. I felt like, Cedric, we hunt, no mom, you know. And I felt like he was squire skimp at the time, yeah, but I said, it's just going to be really good publicity. So he finally went for it, and Lum and Abner had a cameo in a Sunday Dick Tracy comic strip, and about four years later, they honored me. This was Mike Curtis, the writer, and Joe Staton, the artist, who was another guy that I grew up reading from as a teenager, just a tremendous artist, asked if they could base a character on me. And I thought, what kind of murderer is he going to be? You know, it was going to be idiot face or what's his name, you know. So no, he was going to be a cartoonist, and the name was Peter pitchblende. Off, and he was, he said his job was to illustrate a comic strip about a pair of old comedians. So, I mean, who couldn't be honored by that? Yeah, so I don't remember how long that story lasted, but it was an honor. I mean, it was just great fun. And then then I had a chance to write two weeks of Dick Tracy, which was fun. I wrote the scripts for it and and then there's some other things. I was able to work with John rose, a tremendously nice guy who is the current artist on Barney Google and Snuffy Smith. We did a story, a comic book story, on Barney Google on Snuffy Smith in a magazine called Charleton spotlight, and I did the colors, digital coloring for that. So just these are just great honors to me to get to work with people like that. And Nick Cuddy, I did some inking, lettering coloring on some of his work. So just great experience, and Michael Hingson  36:02 great people, going back to atomic rabbit and pudgy pig, no one ever got in trouble with, from Warner Brothers with that, huh? Donnie Pitchford  36:09 Well, not, not on atomic rabbit, however, pudgy pig created a problem because George was doing some art, and I think somebody from Warner Brothers said he looks too much like Porky, so the editor at the time said, make one of his ears hang down, make him look a little different. But pudgy didn't last long. Pudgy was only around maybe two or three issues of the comic book, so, but yeah, that's George. Said they did have some trouble with that. Michael Hingson  36:44 Oh, people, what do you do? Yeah, well, I know you sent us a bunch of photos, and we have some of the Dick Tracy ones and others that people can go see. But what? What finally got you all to start the whole lemon Abner society. Donnie Pitchford  37:07 Oh, well, that goes back to 1983 right, and I'll go back even farther than that. I told you that my dad had mentioned lemon Abner to me as a kid. Dr Joe Oliver played a 15 minute lemon Abner show on KSA you at Stephen F Austin State University. That got me. I was already into old time radio, but it was the next summer 1981 there's a radio station, an am station in Gilmer, Texas Christian radio station that started running Lum and Abner every day. First it was 530 in the evening, and then I think they switched it to 1215 or so. And I started listening, started setting up my recorder, recording it every day. And a friend of mine named David Miller, who was also a radio show collector, lived in the Dallas area, I would send them to him, and at first he wasn't impressed, but then suddenly he got hooked. And when he got hooked, he got enthusiastic. He started making phone calls. He called Mrs. Lock chet's widow and talked to her. He spoke to a fellow who had written a number of articles, George Lily, who was an early proponent or an early promoter of lemon Abner, as far as reruns in the 1960s and it was through George Lilly that I was put in touch with Sam Brown in Dongola, Illinois, and because he had contacted Mr. Lilly as well. And before long, we were talking, heard about this guy named Tim Hollis. Sam and I met in Pine Ridge for lemon Abner day in 1982 for the first time, and hit it off like long lost friends and became very good friends. And then in 84 I believe it was Sam and Tim and Rex riffle met again, or met for the first time together, I guess in Pine Ridge. And I wasn't there that time. But somehow, in all of that confusion, it was proposed to start the national lemon Abner society, and we started publishing the Jot them down journal in the summer of 1984 Michael Hingson  39:43 and for those who don't know the Jotham down journal, because the store that lemon Abner ran was the Jotham down store anyway, right? Donnie Pitchford  39:50 Go ahead, yes. And that was Tim's title. Tim created the title The Jotham down journal, and we started publishing and started seeking information. And it started as just a simple photocopy on paper publication. It became a very slick publication. In 1990 or 91 Sam started recording cassettes, reading the journals, because we were hearing from Blind fans that said, you know, I enjoy the journal. I have to have somebody read it to me. This is before screen readers. And of course, you know this technology better than I do, but before any type of technology was available, and Sam said, Well, I'll tell you. I'll just start reading it on tape and I'll make copies. Just started very simply, and from then on, until the last issue in in 2007 Sam would record a cassette every other month, or when we went quarterly, four times a year, and he would mail those to the the blind members, who would listen to those. And sometimes they would keep them, and sometimes they would return them for Sam to recycle. But incidentally, those are all online now, Michael Hingson  41:03 yeah, I've actually looked at a few of those. Those are kind of fun. So the London Avenue society got formed, and then you started having conventions. Donnie Pitchford  41:14 Yes, yes. First convention was in 1985 and we did a lot of things with we would do recreations. We would do a lot of new scripts, where, if we had someone that we got to the point where we would have people that hadn't worked with lemon Abner. So we would have lemon Abner meet the great Gildersleeve. Actually, Willard had worked on the lumen Abner half hour show at some point. I believe les Tremain had never worked directly with them, but he was well, he was in some Horlicks malted milk commercials in the 1930s and of course, the Lone Ranger was never on the London Abner show and vice versa, until we got hold of it. So we had Fred Foy in 1999 and he agreed to be the announcer, narrator and play the part of the Lone Ranger. So we did Lum and Abner meet the Lone Ranger, which was a lot of fun. We had parley bear, so Lum and Abner met Chester of Gun Smoke. And those were just a lot of fun to do. And Tim, Tim would write some of them, I would write some of them, or we would collaborate back and forth to come up with these scripts. Did love and amner, ever meet Superman? No, we never got to that. That would have been great. Yeah, if we could have come up with somebody who had played Superman, that would have been a lot of fun. We had lemon Abner meet Kathie Lee Crosby as herself. Yeah, they met Frank brazzi One time. That must be fun. It was a lot of fun. We had some people would recreate the characters. We had the lady who had played Abner's daughter, Mary Lee Rob replay. She played that character again, 50 years later, coming back home to see, you know, to see family. Several other things, we had London Abner meet Gumby one time. Of all things, we had Dow McKinnon as a guest. And we had Kay Lineker come back and reprise one of her roles, the role she played in the London Abner movie. Bob's Watson did that as well. Some years we didn't have a script, which I regret, but we had other things going on. We had anniversaries of London Abner movies that we would play. So whatever we did, we tailored it around our guest stars, like Dick Beals, Sam Edwards, Roby Lester, gee whiz. I know I'm leaving people out. Michael Hingson  43:52 Well, that's okay, but, but certainly a lot of fun. What? Yes, what? Cartoonist really influenced you as a child? Donnie Pitchford  44:01 Oh, wow. I would say the first thing I saw that got my attention was the Flintstones on on prime time television, you know, the Hanna Barbera prime time things certainly Walt Disney, the animation that they would run, that he would show, and the behind the scenes, things that would be on the Disney show, things like almost almost anything animated as a kid, got my attention. But Walter Lance, you know, on the Woody Woodpecker show used to have, he'd have little features about how animation was done, and that that inspired me, that that just thrilled me. And I read Fred lachel's Snuffy Smith Chester Gould's Dick Tracy. Tracy, which that was a that's why the Dick Tracy connection, later was such a big deal for me. Almost anything in the Sunday comics that was big. Foot. In other words, the cartoony, exaggerated characters are called, sometimes called Bigfoot, Bigfoot cartooning, or Bigfoot characters. Those were always the things I looked for, Bugs Bunny, any of the people that worked on those some were anonymous. And years later, I started learning the names of who drew Popeye, you know, like LZ seagar, the originator, or bud sagendorf or George Wildman, and later high eysman. But people like that were my heroes. Later on, I was interested in I would read the Batman comics, or I would see Tarzan in the newspaper. I admired the work of Russ Manning. Michael Hingson  45:49 Do you know the name Tom Hatton? Yes, I do. Yeah. Yes. Tom did Popeye shows on KTLA Channel Five when I was growing up, and he was famous for, as he described it, squiggles. He would make a squiggle and he would turn it into something. And he was right on TV, which was so much fun. Donnie Pitchford  46:09 We had a guy in Memphis who did the same thing. His name was, he's known as Captain Bill, C, A, P, you know, Captain Bill. And he did very much the same thing. He'd have a child come up, I think some, in some cases, they're called drools. Is one word for them. There was a yeah, in Tim hollis's area, there was cousin Cliff Holman who did that. And would he might have a kid draw a squiggle, and then he would create something from it right there on the spot, a very similar type of thing, or a letter of the alphabet, or your initials, that sort Michael Hingson  46:43 of thing. Yeah. Tom did that for years. It was fun. Of course, I couldn't see them, but he talked enough that I knew what was going on. It's kind of fun. My brother loved them, yeah? So later on, when you got to be a teenager and beyond what cartoonist maybe influenced you more? Donnie Pitchford  47:03 Well, I would have to say George, probably because I was corresponding with him, right? Also, I would see the work of Carl Barks, who created Uncle Scrooge McDuck and the Donald Duck comics and all that. His stuff was all in reprint at that time, he was still living, but I didn't know he could be contacted. I didn't try to write to it, right? Years later, years later, I did get an autograph, which was, was very nice. But those people, a lot of people, Neil Adams, who did Batman, the guys at Charlton Comics, Steve Ditko, who was the CO creator of spider man, but he had a disagreement with Stan Lee, and went back to Charlton Comics and just turned out 1000s of pages, but his work was was inspirational. Another was Joe Staton, who was working at Charleton comics, who I got to work with on several projects later on, and I would say just all of those guys that I was reading at the time. Pat Boyette was another Charlton artist. I tend to gravitate toward the Charlton company because their artists weren't contained in a house style. They were allowed to do their own style. They didn't pay as much. But a lot of them were either older guys that said, I'm tired of this, of the DC Marvel system. I want to just, you know, have creative freedom. Charlton said, come on. And so they would work there and less stress, less money, probably one guy named Don Newton started there and became a legend in the industry at other companies. So I found all of those guys inspiring, and I felt I could learn from all of them. Michael Hingson  48:59 Well, you always wanted to be a cartoonist. Did you have any other real career goals, like, was teaching a goal that you wanted to do, or was it just cartooning it? Donnie Pitchford  49:07 Well, it was just a secondary, you know, as I said, when I started, I thought, I'll just do that for a few years. You know, I didn't know it was going to be like 27 but I we had a lot of success. We had, I had some student groups that would enter video competitions. And for 20 straight years, we placed either first, second or third in state competition with one Summit, one entry, another or another every year. And that was notable. I mean, I give the kids the credit for that. But then about five or six of those years, we had what we call state championship wins, you know, we were like the number one project in the state of Texas. So, you know, we had some great success, I think, in that so a lot of years there, I really, you know, that was a blessing to me. Was that career, you. Well, it just, it just got to be too much time for change. After a while, Michael Hingson  50:05 was art just a talent that you had, and cartoon drawing a talent you had, or, I don't remember how much you said about did you have any real special training as such? Donnie Pitchford  50:14 Well, all of my training was, I just couldn't afford to go to a specialized school. You know, at one time, the Joe Kubert School opened just about the time I graduated high school, it was in New Jersey. I just couldn't make that happen, so I went to state colleges and universities and did the best I could. I took commercial art classes, drawing classes, design classes, even ceramics, which came in very handy when I did some sculpting here in the last eight or nine years and worked as an assistant to a sculptor named Bob harness who lives here in Carthage, but I never had any actual comic strip slash comic book training, so I learned as much of that as I could from guys like George wild. And then after I started the lemon Avenue comic strip, an artist named Joe, named Jim Amish, who worked for Marvel, did a lot of work for the Archie Comics. And tremendous anchor is his. He's really a tremendous anchor, and does a lot of ink work over other artists pencils. Jim would call and say, he said, I want to give you some advice. I'm like, okay, at 3am he's still giving me advice. So I'd go around for two or three days feeling like a failure, but then I would, I would think about all the lessons, you know, that he had told me. And so I learned a lot from Jim and tremendous, tremendous guy. And I would listen to what high, sometimes high would call up and say, Why did you use that purple beg your pardon. So it was fun. I mean, those fellows would share with me, and I learned a great deal from those guys. Michael Hingson  52:11 Are you in any way passing that knowledge on to others today? Donnie Pitchford  52:16 I don't know that I am. I've had an offer or two to do some teaching. I just don't know if I'm if I'm going to get back into that or not. Yeah, I'm so at this point, focused on, quote, unquote, being a cartoonist and trying to make that, that age five dream, a reality, that I'm not sure I'm ready to do that again. And you know, I'm not, I'm not 21 anymore. Michael Hingson  52:45 I didn't know whether you were giving advice to people and just sort of informally doing it, as opposed to doing formal teaching. Donnie Pitchford  52:51 Well, informally, yes, I mean, if anybody asks, you know, I'll be glad to share whatever I can. But yeah, I'm not teaching any classes at this point. Michael Hingson  53:01 Well, you have certainly taken lemon Abner to interesting places in New Heights. One, one thing that attracted me and we talked about it before, was in 2019, lemon Abner in Oz. That was fun. Donnie Pitchford  53:17 Well, the credit for that goes to Tim Hollis. Tim wrote that as a short story years ago when he was first interested in lemon Abner. And I don't know if he ever had that published through the International oz society or not. I don't remember, but Tim later turned that into a radio script when we had a batch of guests. This was in 2001 we had, let's see Sam Edwards, Dick Beals, Roby Lester and Rhoda Williams. And each of them had done something related to Oz, either the children's records or storybook records or animation or something. They were involved somewhere in some type of Oz adaptation. So Tim turned his short story into a radio script that we performed there at the convention. So that was a lot of fun. And then he suggested, Why don't I turn that into a comic strip story? So that's what we did. But that was fun, yeah, and we used the recordings of those people because they had given us permission, you know, to use a recording however we saw fit. The only problem is we had a mistake. The fellow that was running the sound had a dead mic and didn't know it. Oh, gosh. So some of them are bit Off mic in that audio, but we did the best. I did the best I could Michael Hingson  54:40 with it's it sounded good. I certainly have no complaints. 54:45 Thank you for that. Michael Hingson  54:47 I I said no complaints at all. I think it was really fun and very creative. And it's kind of really neat to see so much creativity in terms of all the stuff that that you do. As a cartoonist, me having never seen cartoons, but I learned intellectually to appreciate the talent that goes into it. And of course, you guys do put the scripts together every week, which is a lot of fun to be able to listen to them well. Donnie Pitchford  55:17 And that's what that was, the audience I hoped that we would would tap into right there and it, it was guys like you that would would talk to me and say, What am I going to do? You know, I can't see it. So that's why the audio idea came about. And it's taken on a life of its own, really. And we've got Mark Ridgway, who has created a lot of musical cues for us that we use and Michael Hingson  55:45 who plays the organ? Donnie Pitchford  55:47 That's Mark Ridgway. It is Mark, okay, yes, yes. And it's actually digital, I'm sure. I think it's a digital keyboard, Michael Hingson  55:55 yeah, but it is. It's a, it's a really good sounding one, though. Donnie Pitchford  55:59 Yes, yes. There are a few cues that I did, which probably are the ones that don't sound so good, like if we ever need really bad music. If you remember the story we did, and I don't remember the name of it, what do we call it anyway? Lum tries to start a soap opera. Think this was about a year ago. Yeah, and Cedric is going to play, I don't remember it was an organ or a piano, and I don't remember what he played, but whatever it was, I think was Mary Had Michael Hingson  56:32 a Little Lamb, Mary's, Mary Had a Little Lamb on the piano. Sort of kind played. Donnie Pitchford  56:35 It was played very badly, well that, yes, it was on purpose. When mom plays lum tries to play the saxophone. That was me, and I hadn't played this. I used to play the sax. In fact, I played in a swing orchestra here in Carthage, Texas for about five years back in from the early 90s. And so I had this idea, and I hadn't played the horn probably since, probably in 20 years, and his. So I got it out, and I thought, you know, it's gonna sound terrible because it needs maintenance, but it doesn't matter. It's lump playing it, so I got to play really badly. Michael Hingson  57:14 It was perfect. It was perfect, Donnie Pitchford  57:16 yeah, because it had to sound bad. Michael Hingson  57:19 How do y'all create all these different plots. I remember so many, like the buzzard, you know, and, oh yeah, that was fun. And so many. How do you come up with those? Donnie Pitchford  57:28 Well, I used to get some really good ideas while mowing the yard. Don't ask me, why? Or I get ideas. I get ideas in the weirdest thing, weirdest places. Sometimes I have ideas in the shower. You know, I said, I better write this down. Sometimes I'll wake up in the middle of the night with an idea, but there the ideas just come to me. Yeah? The buzzard was fun. I'd had that one. Pretty creative. Yeah, the one about, the one about, let me see. Oh, there was one we did, where wasn't the buzzard? What was that other one? I called the Whisper? Yeah, there was a strange voice that was coming lum thought it was coming from his radio. And he turns his radio off, and He still hears it, and it was a villain who had somehow hypnotized everyone so that they wouldn't see him and he would use his voice only. And then there's a character I came up with, and let me see Larry Gasman played it, and I called him Larry John Walden, and he was the only guy he was blind. He was the only guy that wasn't hypnotized because he couldn't see the you know, I use the old thing about the watch in front of the eyes. I mean, he was the only guy that wasn't hypnotized, so he wasn't fooled by the whisper, and he could track him, because his hearing was so acute that he was able to find him. In fact, I think he could hear his watch ticking or something like that. So he was the hero of that piece. But, well, I just, I just think up ideas and write them down. Tim Hollis has written some of the scripts, maybe three or four for me, I've adapted some scripts that London Abner did that were never broadcast or that were never recorded. Rather, I've adapted a few, written several, and I keep saying, Well, when I completely run out of ideas, I'll just have to quit. Michael Hingson  59:32 Well, hopefully that never happens. What? What are your future plans? Donnie Pitchford  59:38 Well, right now, there's nothing major in the works other than just maintaining the strip, trying to continue it, trying to make it entertaining, and hopefully doing a little work on the website and getting it into the hands of more people. And I'd like to increase. Least newspaper coverage, if at all possible. And because this thing doesn't, you know, it's got to pay for itself somehow. So you know, I'm not getting rich by any means. But you know, I want to keep it fun. I want to keep having fun with it. Hopefully people will enjoy it. Hopefully we can reach younger readers, listeners, and hopefully lemon Abner can appeal to even younger audiences yet, so that we can keep those characters going. Michael Hingson  1:00:29 Yeah, there's so much entertainment there. I hope that happens now in the the life of Donnie Pitchford. Is there a wife and kids? Donnie Pitchford  1:00:40 Yes, there's a wife of almost 40 years. We unfortunately don't have any children. We've almost feel like we adopted several children all the years we were teaching. We we've adopted several cats along the way. And so, you know, we've had cats as pets for almost ever, since we were married. But that's she's, she's great, you know, she's, she's been my best friend and supporter all these years. And we were members of first Methodist Church here in Carthage, Texas, and doing some volunteer work there, and helping to teach Sunday school, and very involved and active in that church. Michael Hingson  1:01:19 So I have a cat, and I hear her outside, not outside the house, but outside the the office here, she wants me to go feed her, and we, we shaved her yesterday because her hair gets long and Matt's very easily. So she got shaved yesterday. So she's probably seeking a little vengeance from that too, but, but my wife and I were married 40 years. She passed away in November of 2022 so it's me and stitch the cat and Alamo the dog, and Karen is monitoring us somewhere. And as I tell everyone, I've got to continue to be a good kid, because if I'm not, I'm going to hear about it. So I got to be good. But it's a lot of fun. Well, I want to thank you for being with us today. This has been a lot of fun. I've learned a lot, but it's just been great to have another podcast talking about old radio shows. And you said again, if people want to reach out, they can go to lemon Abner comics.com if people want to talk to you about doing any kind of cartooning or anything like that. What's the best way they can do that? Donnie Pitchford  1:02:24 Well, they can go to the London Abner dot lumen, Abner comics.com website, and there's a contact a link right there at the top of the page. So yeah, they can contact me through that. Probably that's the easiest way to do it. Michael Hingson  1:02:37 Okay, well, I want to thank you again for being here, and I want to thank all y'all out there. That's how they talk in Texas, right? It's all y'all for everybody. Donnie Pitchford  1:02:46 Well, some of them do, and some of them in Arkansas do too. Well, yeah. Michael Hingson  1:02:49 And then there's some who don't, yeah, y'all means everything, and it Speaker 1  1:02:54 don't, yeah, I don't think squire skimp says it that way. Michael Hingson  1:02:58 Well, Squire, you know, whatever it takes. But I want to thank you all for being here, and please give us a five star rating wherever you're listening or watching the podcast. Donnie would appreciate it. I would appreciate it, and also give us a review. We'd love to get your reviews, so please do that. If you can think of anyone else who ought to be a guest, and I think Donnie has already suggested a few. So Donnie as well, anyone else who ought to come on the podcast, we'd love it. Appreciate you introducing us, and you know, we'll go from there. And I know at some point in the future, the Michael hingson Group Inc is going to be a sponsor, because we've started that process for lemon. Abner, yes, thank you. Thank you. So I want to, I want to thank love and Squire for that 1:03:45 years. Well, it's been my pleasure. Michael Hingson  1:03:50 Well, thank you all and again, really, seriously, Donnie, I really appreciate you being here. This has been a lot of fun. So thank you for coming. Donnie Pitchford  1:03:58 Thank you. It's been a great honor. I've appreciated it very much. Michael Hingson  1:04:06 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

Comedy on a TuesdayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then, Screen Directors Playhouse,  originally broadcast March 3, 1950, 76 years ago, The Paleface starring Bob Hope and Jane Russell.    A western comedy lightly adapted from the 1948 Bob Hope and Jane Russell film.Followed by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, originally broadcast March 3, 1949, 77 years ago, Caught With His Prints Down.  Another "Sam Shovel" case: "The Case Of The Photographer Who Was Stuck Up In A Darkroom," or "He Was Caught With His Prints Down."Then, The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman,  originally broadcast March 3, 1954, 72 years ago, Paula Winthrop Back in Town.  Paula Winthrop is back in town and proves to be a very expensive date.Followed by The Aldrich Family starring Ezra Stone, originally broadcast March 3, 1949, 77 years ago,  Planning Trip to Washington DC.   The Aldrich family and Homer are preparing for a trip to Washington, D.C.Finally,  Claudia,  originally broadcast March 3, 1948, 78 years ago,  Running Into Helen.    In Doctor Roland's waiting room.   Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.  Thanks to Richard G for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! 

This episode was originally released on 6/1/2021. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls episode 116, it's June of 1955 and network radio is in uncharted territory. TV's encroachment has the entire industry looking for new ideas. We'll focus on the launch of one of the most successful—Monitor—which will air in some form or fashion until January of 1975. —————————— Highlights: • The Changing Network Radio Landscape • Who Is Sylvester “Pat” Weaver? • Monitor Origins • Building the Team • Radio Central • The Soft Launch • An Auto Tragedy at Le Mans • Going to San Quentin Prison • Lots of Tunes in Remote • A Potential United Automobile Workers Strike • Dave Garroway Interviews Marilyn Monroe, live on Monitor • Fibber McGee and Gildy Too • Here's Henry Morgan • Monitor's Last Hour • Miss Monitor Finally Makes an Appearance • The Full Launch • Looking Ahead in Time and Space —————————— The WallBreakers: thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today's episode was: On the Air - By John Dunning Monitor: Take 2: By Dennis Hart Network Radio Ratings — by Jim Ramsburg Articles from: Broadcasting-Telecasting Magazine Monthly Labor Review The New York Daily News The New York Times Newsweek Printer's Ink Variety As well as the websites: accordions.com/ for their interview with Art Van Damme Dennis Hart's monitorbeacon.net/ tipsontables.com/ —————————— On the interview front: • Pat Weaver was interviewed for Fred Allen's May 29th, 1956 Biography In Sound. • Ben Grauer was interviewed for NBC's 50th Anniversary and Westinghouse' 50th Anniversary. • Dave Garroway and Willard Waterman spoke with Chuck Schaden. Hear their full chats at SpeakingOfRadio.com. • Jim Jordan was with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC's The Golden Age of Radio. Hear this full interview at Goldenage-WTIC.org.

This episode was originally released on 11/1/2020. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls episode 109 we continue our mini-series on the 1948-49 radio season by focusing on news and programming from Thanksgiving Day, 1948. —————————— Highlights: • Tex and Jinx for WNBC with photographer Robert Capa • John Nesbitt's Passing Parade for WOR while CBS broadcasts the Macy's parade • Cornell vs. Penn in the Turkey Bowl Game • Norma Young's Happy Homes for KHJ in Los Angeles • Let's Get Married with Bride and Groom on KECA • The Elgin Thanksgiving Special with Don Ameche • Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis with Vera Vague • Jack Benny Gets a Turkey on the Cheap — Signs A Big Contract with CBS • David Sarnoff Overplays his Hand • Fulton Lewis Jr. with the News from Mutual Broadcasting • Henry Aldrich's Turkey Run • Burns and Allen Loose a Wedding Ring • Pre-teen Margaret O'Brien Stars on Suspense • Casey, Crime Photographer's Holiday • James Hilton Hosts The Hallmark Playhouse with Free Land • Virginia Gregg and Willard Waterman Guest-Star on The First Nighter Program • Thanksgiving Leftovers and Looking Ahead to Christmas —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today's episode was: • On the Air — By John Dunning • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — By Jim Ramsburg • The fantastic work by Doctor Joseph Webb on Suspense — https://sites.google.com/view/suspense-collectors-companion?fbclid=IwAR1L18Vl___MNGzqrDnJQd9fMgoyzxFboroMVC2akJBkfhDe5DHJHXgrYsE) Casey Crime Photographer — https://sites.google.com/view/ethelbertsarchives/home?fbclid=IwAR1MRDebzXn8uVYd36uaJBcwIcKV-PEu_IFMKOqOo12S38ka3UXlT39wAmo As well as articles from the archives of • Broadcasting Magazine • Radio Daily • The New York Times I'd also like to thank Mark Greenspan for supplying the audio from Penn vs. Cornell. —————————— On the interview front: • Virginia Gregg, Barbara Luddy, Margaret O'Brien, Olan Soule, Ezra Stone, Willard Waterman, and Don Wilson, were with Chuck Schaden. Hear their full chats at http://www.speakingofradio.com/ • Don Ameche, Hans Conried, Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson, Jan Miner, and Vincent Price were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC's The Golden Age of Radio. Hear these at https://goldenage-wtic.org/ • Cedric Adams spoke with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin in 1952. • Jack Poppele spoke with Westinghouse in 1970. • Jack Benny was interviewed for a 1972 PBS Documentary on Great Radio Comedians. • Barbara Walters spoke with George Burns in 1979. • Virginia Gregg spoke with SPERDVAC on August 14th, 1982. For more information, go to https://www.sperdvac.com/ —————————— Selected music featured in today's episode was: • Sleigh Ride and Jingle Bells — By Al Caiola, Riz Ortolani & Jimmy McGriff • Thanksgiving — By Michael Silverman • Greensleeves — By Steve Erquiaga • Night Pt. 1 - Snow — By George Winston • Deck The Halls — By J.P. Torres ——————————

Thanksgiving programs on a FridayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then, Lum and Abner, originally broadcast November 21, 1948, 77 years ago, Ezra Seestrunk's Cousin Rowena Has Thanksgiving Dinner With Lum.  Lum tries to impress Miss Rowena on Thanksgiving, with a mansion and servants. Followed by Maxwell House Coffee Time starring Dick Powell, originally broadcast November 21, 1940, 85 years ago, Thanksgiving show.   Jack Benny wants the premiere of Love Thy Neighbor to be in his hometown of Waukeegan.   Daddy tells Baby Snooks about Thanksgiving.  Then, Jack Benny, originally broadcast November 21, 1943, 82 years ago, Jack Dreams He's a Turkey.  Jack buys a live turkey for Thanksgiving, then dreams that he's a turkey!Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast November 21, 1951, 74 years ago,  Inviting Thanksgiving Guests.  Who should be invited for dinner at Thanksgiving?Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast November 21, 1947, 78 years ago, An Available Apartment. A neighbor's tragedy means a new apartment.   Kathryn Bard and Paul Crabtree star.Thanks to Richard G for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! Find the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.html

A Funny SaturdayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then, Father Knows Best starring Robert Young, originally broadcast November 1, 1951, 74 years ago, Neckties.   A necktie shows up on the Anderson's porch.  No one knows shy.Followed by You Bet Your Life starring Groucho Marx, originally broadcast November 1, 1950, 75 years ago, The Secret Word is Tree.  Then, George Burns and Gracie Allen,  originally broadcast November 1, 1945, 80 years ago, Gracie Pretends to Be Bill Goodwins Wife.  Bill Goodwin has to borrow a wife in a hurry. Gracie is elected and George plays the butler. Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast November 1, 1956, 69 years ago,  Jolly Boys Haunted House Adventure.  The Jolly Boys have their Halloween Party in a haunted house.  Finally. Lum and Abner, originally broadcast November 1, 1944, 81 years ago,Works on Water Pipes.   Lum spends the day fixing the water pipes at the schoolhouse...even though the pipes aren't connected!Thanks to Richard G for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCheck out Professor Bees Digestive Aid at profbees.com and use my promo code WYATT to save 10% when you order! Find the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.html

This episode was originally released on 5/1/2020. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls Episode 103 we visit the town of Wistful Vista to spend a weekend at Walt's Malt Shop with Fibber McGee and Molly. While between 1938 and 1950, Jim and Marian Jordan's comedy never finished lower than fifth in national radio ratings, in this episode, we'll focus on the period after, when the show became a closed production and aired for fifteen minutes, five days per week. —————————— Highlights: Jim Jordan—Saver of Things Who is this Fibber McGee and What does he do? First Smackout, by way of Chicago Marian Jordan—Molly McGee Fibber and Molly join NBC When Tuesday Night was Comedy Night Television takes over as NBC's Stars Jump Ship Fibber and Molly Take a Ratings Hit Marian's Health Deteriorates NBC's plan for the 1950s Fibber and Molly Becomes a Serial Finding Success Taking Over Walt's Malt After the Weekend Winding Down Looking Back to Look Forward —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today's episode was: On the Air — By John Dunning Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as several articles from Broadcasting Magazine, Radio & TV Mirror, and Sponsor Magazine. —————————— On the interview front: Parley Baer and Harry Bartell were with SPERDVAC, the Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety, and Comedy. For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com Elvia Allman, Jim Jordan, Jim Jordan Jr, Phil Leslie, Willard Waterman, and Don Wilson were with Chuck Schaden. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. Jim Jordan was with John Dunning for his 71KNUS program from Denver in 1982. Don Quinn was interviewed in Hawaii by Owen Cunningham while on vacation in 1951. And John Gibson and Jim Jordan were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC's The Golden Age of Radio. Hear their full chat at Goldenage—WTIC.org —————————— Selected music featured in today's episode was: Caravan — By Gordon Jenkins Goodbye Montana, Pt. 1 — By George Winston I Forgot to Remember to Forget — By Elvis Presley Route 66 — By Nat King Cole

Comedy on a FridayFirst, a look at the events of the day.Then, The Chase and Sanborn Hour, originally broadcast September 5, 1937, 88 years ago with guest Ida Lupino.  Edgar Bergen tells Charlie McCarthy about his new romance with Dorothy Lamour. Ida Lupino appears in, "Salute The Baroness." Charlie presents his own spy drama called, "Spies". W. C. Fields recalls his brother, who was shot and killed in Bolivia while W. C. ran a hotel. Followed by The Aldrich Family starring Ezra Stone and Jackie Kelk, originally broadcast September 5, 1940, 85 years ago, The Generous Gentleman.   Henry has seen a film called, "The Generous Gentleman," which has made a big impression on him.  Henry becomes a caddy.  Things don't go quite right. Then, The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast September 5, 1951, 74 years ago, Leroy Buys a Car.   The first show of the season. It's finally time to teach Leroy how to drive. Finally, Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast September 5, 1954, 71 years ago, Boast to Boast.   The McGees are back from a brief visit to Twin Rock Falls, but nobody wants to hear about it. Thanks to Laurel for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

Comedy on a TuesdayFirst,  a look at the events of the day.Then, The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast August 26, 1953, 72 years ago, Sufficient Unto Ones Self.  Gildy preaches self-sufficiency, emphasizing the importance of being happy with one's own company.Followed by Burns and Allen, originally broadcast August 26, 1940, 85 years ago, Elsie Trellafas Is Suing George.  George and Gracie do an opening routine about Irene Dunne. Elsie is suing George for $10,000 (or more) because he promised to put her on the radio. Then, Milton Berle, originally broadcast August 26, 1947, 78 years ago, Salute to the Railroads.   Milton goes down to the railroad station to meet his Uncle Julius. Followed by The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, originally broadcast August 26, 1945, 80 years ago, David Sells Ozzie's Suit.  David sells Ozzie's coat, which winds up in the hands of the jealous and tough boyfriend of Lana Shanahan. Finally, Lum and Abner, originally broadcast August 26, 1942, 83 years ago, Baby's Father Shows Up.  The baby's father returns to claim the baby! Abner attacks him with a baseball bat!Thanks to Laurel for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

Comedy on a TuesdayFirst,  a look at this day in History.Then, George Burns and Gracie Allen, originally broadcast August 19, 1940, 85 years ago, George is Late for the Show. George is late for the broadcast. When he does arrive, he brings Elsie Tralafas, his new partner!Followed by The Milton Berle Show, originally broadcast August 19, 1947, 78 years ago, A Salute to Relaxation.  Miltie tries to get a good night's sleep.Then, The Screen Directors Playhouse, originally broadcast August 19, 1949, 76 years ago, Love Crazy starring William Powell.  An adaptation of the 1941 domestic comedy about a husband's ex-girlfriend living one floor below his current wife. Being trapped in an elevator with her leads to confusion.Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast August 19, 1953, 72 years ago, A Fish Story.   After a day fishing with Leroy, a fish story nearly gets Gildersleeve in hot water with the Game Warden. Finally. Lum and Abner, originally broadcast August 19, 1942, 83 years ago, Baby's Case Gets Expensive.   The boys' debt to Squire Skimp is increasing.Thanks to Richard G for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamFind the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.html

This episode was originally released on 9/1/2019. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls Episode 95, we go back to school with radio's teacher's pets, class clowns, and perhaps the most iconic “Miss” in radio history. —————————— Highlights: • How William Paley used The Columbia Workshop to launch shows and careers. • Suspense Moves to Hollywood and Gets Sponsorship • The Radio Rise of Eve Arden and the Launch of Our Miss Brooks • The NBC University Theater dramatizes a Washington Irving Classic • The New Mr. and Mrs. Ronald and Benita Colman Show • Johnny Dollar Investigates a Suspicious Schoolhouse Fire • Theater Five saves a Nursery • All Hallow's Eve —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today's episode was: • The Who Is Johnny Dollar Matter — by John C. Abbott • On The Air — By John Dunning • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles from: • Broadcasting Magazine - April 27th, September 14th, and November 30th 1964, as well as January 4th, January 11th, and June 28th, 1965. • Radio Daily - September 30th, 1949 • Sponsor Magazine - September 2nd, 1952 —————————— On the interview front: • SPERDVAC was with Jack Johnstone, Al Lewis, Jeanette Nolan and Elliott Reid—For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com. • Chuck Schaden interviewed Eve Arden, Parley Baer, Ken Carpenter, Norman Corwin, Gale Gordon, Jack Haley, Agnes Moorehead, Russell Thorson, and Willard Waterman. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. • Hans Conried, William N. Robson, and William Spier were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC's The Golden Age of Radio. These interviews can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org. • Eve Arden, Roberta Goodwin Bailey, and E. Jack Neuman were with John Dunning for 71KNUS. • Elliott Reid was with Frank Bresee and Walden Hughes on October 14th, 2002 and Don Quinn was interviewed by Owen Cunningham in 1951. —————————— Selected Music featured in today's episode was: •I Wonder Why - by Dion and the Belmonts • Pyramid of the Sun - by Les Baxter • Moon - by George Winston • The Look of Love - by Billy May and his Orchestra • Young at Heart - by Frank Sinatra • I'll be Seeing You - by the Harry James Band • Spooky - by Dusty Springfield ——————————

What makes The Great Gildersleeve a great radio comedy? Historically, it was the first-ever spinoff series, and its classic sitcom characters were more deeply and warmly drawn than its parent show Fibber and McGee and Molly, but no less funny. Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve was the unforgettably blustery Water Commissioner of Summerfield, portrayed with a famous laugh full of innuendo by Hal Peary (and later Willard Waterman). Gildy's interactions with his nephew Leroy and niece Marjorie; friends like Judge Hooker, Peavey the druggist, and Floyd the barber; and his romantic entanglements with Leila Ransom and others delivered laughs every week. All the regulars are here in this new script penned by Robert L. Mills and recreated by some of Audion's most talented voices: Trevor Rines, in Ontario Canada Julie Hoverson in Washington State Pete Lutz in Texas Mel Rose in Pennsylvania and Randy Kerdoon in Washington State The script was penned by Robert L. Mills in California The production was supervised by Larry Groebe in Texas

To kick off summertime listening, Project Audion's June offering is a brand-new episode of "The Great Gildersleeve." What makes this one of the great radio comedies? Well, historically, it was the first-ever spinoff series, and its classic sitcom characters were more deeply and warmly drawn than its parent show "Fibber and McGee and Molly," but no less funny.  Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve was the unforgettably blustery Water Commissioner of Summerfield, portrayed with a famous laugh full of innuendo by Hal Peary (and later Willard Waterman). Gildy's interactions with his nephew Leroy and niece Marjorie; friends like Judge Hooker, Peavey the druggist, and Floyd the barber; and his romantic entanglements with Leila Ransom's and others delivered laughs every week. All the regulars are here in this new script penned by Robert L. Mills and recreated by some of Audion's most talented voices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To kick off summertime listening, Project Audion's June offering is a brand-new episode of "The Great Gildersleeve." What makes this one of the great radio comedies? Well, historically, it was the first-ever spinoff series, and its classic sitcom characters were more deeply and warmly drawn than its parent show "Fibber and McGee and Molly," but no less funny.  Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve was the unforgettably blustery Water Commissioner of Summerfield, portrayed with a famous laugh full of innuendo by Hal Peary (and later Willard Waterman). Gildy's interactions with his nephew Leroy and niece Marjorie; friends like Judge Hooker, Peavey the druggist, and Floyd the barber; and his romantic entanglements with Leila Ransom's and others delivered laughs every week. All the regulars are here in this new script penned by Robert L. Mills and recreated by some of Audion's most talented voices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedy on a MondayFirst a look at the events of the dayThen The Jimmy Durante Show, originally broadcast April 28, 1948, 77 years ago.  Jimmy and guest Lucille Ball tour the country to see how women fit into American industry. Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast April 28, 1954, 71 years ago, Gildy Swears Off Girls.  Gildy swears off dating women to save money. Peavy bets him a new hat that he can't do it. Then The Martin and Lewis Show, originally broadcast April 28, 1953, 72 years ago. Dean, Jerry, and guest Laraine Day do a sketch about a hillbilly baseball player.Followed by Abbott and Costello, originally broadcast April 28, 1949, 76 years ago, Tony's Home Permanent. The Sam Shovel story is about a boy named Tony whose mother kept him locked in the closet. It's called "Tony's Home Permanent."Finally, Lum and Abner, originally broadcast April 28, 1942, 83 years ago, Build Apartments for Free?  Gregory W. W. Dobbs, a friend of Squire Skimp, will build the "Wonderful World Apartments" for free!Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

Comedy on a WednesdayFirst a look at the events of the dayThen My Favorite Husband starring Lucille Ball, originally broadcast April 16, 1950, 75 years ago, Anniversary Presents.  It's the Coopers' anniversary, so Liz and George return to the scene of the crime to recreate George's proposal.Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast April 16, 1957, 68 years ago, The Family Prepares for Easter.  Gildy and the family attend Easter sunrise services.Then A Day in the Life of Dennis Day, originally broadcast April 16, 1949, 76 years ago, Campaigning for Assembly. Dennis goes to apply for a civil service job and finds himself in politics. Followed by Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast April 16, 1940, 85 years ago, Big Ink Stain on the Carpet. When Fibber spills ink on the rug, the prescribed remedy is milk and salt. Finally, Lum and Abner, originally broadcast April 16, 1942, 83 years ago, How to spend the $10,000?   While Ulysses S. Quincy is insisting on a toll bridge, everyone else has a none-too-brilliant idea of what to do with the $10,000. How about an alligator farm?Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

A Variety TuesdayFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Big Show starring Tallulah Bankhead, originally broadcast April 15, 1951, 74 years ago. Jack Carson gives Tallulah a singing lesson. Olivia de Havilland and Evelyn Vardin do a scene from "Romeo and Juliet." Martha Raye does a baseball skit. Eddie Cantor appears as "Maxie The Taxi," a Brooklyn cab driver he made famous with a series of skits on television. Baseball player Tommy Hendrick gives Tallulah some of the fine points of the game. Phil Foster remember life in old Brooklyn. Tallulah reads "Casey At The Bat," as De Wolfe Hopper might have done it. Jack Carson and Martha Raye describe what might have happened to Casey when he got home that night!Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast April 15, 1953, 72 years ago, Boys' Club.  The Jolly Boys offer the use of their clubhouse for Leroy and his friends.Finally Can You Imagine That with Lindsay MacHarrie, originally broadcast in 1940, 85 years ago, Two Million an Hour.  A man earns $2 million dollars an hour, two famous authors engage in a public fight, a noted man gets a warm place by the fire through a half a peck of oysters.Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamFind the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.html

Support us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/user?u=4279967Jack Benny TV Videocasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6BDar4CsgVEyUloEQ8sWpw?si=89123269fe144a10Jack Benny Show OTR Podcast!https://open.spotify.com/show/3UZ6NSEL7RPxOXUoQ4NiDP?si=987ab6e776a7468cJudy Garland and Friends OTR Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5ZKJYkgHOIjQzZWCt1a1NN?si=538b47b50852483dStrange New Worlds Of Dimension X-1 Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6hFMGUvEdaYqPBoxy00sOk?si=a37cc300a8e247a1Buck Benny YouTube Channelhttps://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrOoc1Q5bllBgQA469XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1707891281/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2f%40BuckBenny/RK=2/RS=nVp4LDJhOmL70bh7eeCi6DPNdW4-Support us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/user?u=4279967

Comedy on a WednesdayFirst a look at the events of the dayThen Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast April 2, 1946, 79 years ago, Car Ignition Lock.  Fibber is working on his "McGee Protecto Rejecto Ignition Lock."Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast April 2, 1952, 73 years ago, Colorful Past. Is Gildersleeve really William Cosgrove? Cosgrove's wife is in town, and she insists that Gildersleeve is her husband!Then The Charlie McCarthy Show, originally broadcast April 2, 1944, 81 years ago, with guest Orson Welles. Followed by George Burns and Gracie Allen, originally broadcast April 2, 1945, 80 years ago, Gracie needs a fur coat.  George decides to go rabbit hunting. Finally, Lum and Abner, originally broadcast April 2, 1942, 83 years ago, Ways to Spend The Money.   What to do with the $10,000 left by Diogenes? How about an art museum? An elevator?Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

Support us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/user?u=4279967Jack Benny TV Videocasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6BDar4CsgVEyUloEQ8sWpw?si=89123269fe144a10Jack Benny Show OTR Podcast!https://open.spotify.com/show/3UZ6NSEL7RPxOXUoQ4NiDP?si=987ab6e776a7468cJudy Garland and Friends OTR Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5ZKJYkgHOIjQzZWCt1a1NN?si=538b47b50852483dStrange New Worlds Of Dimension X-1 Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6hFMGUvEdaYqPBoxy00sOk?si=a37cc300a8e247a1Buck Benny YouTube Channelhttps://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrOoc1Q5bllBgQA469XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1707891281/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2f%40BuckBenny/RK=2/RS=nVp4LDJhOmL70bh7eeCi6DPNdW4-Support us on Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/user?u=4279967

A Funny FridayFirst a look at the events of the dayThen People Are Funny starring Art Linkletter, originally broadcast February 7, 1950, 75 years ago, Cinderella Gets Her Greatest Wish.  The first contestant tries to milk a goat on stage. "The Cinderella Girl" from Omaha returns...and gets a job in the movies!Followed by the news from 75 years ago, then Bob Hope, originally broadcast February 7, 1950, 75 years ago with guest Fred Allen. Bob and guest Fred Allen try to break into television as "The TV Twins." Then The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast February 7, 1951, 74 years ago, Day Off For Peavey. It's Peavy's 30th anniversary at the drugstore, and Gildersleeve volunteers to run the store for him. Richard LeGrand receives an award from The National Association of Retail Druggists (signed by 60,000 members!) as "America's Favorite Druggist" on the occasion of his 50th anniversary in show business. Followed by George Burns and Gracie Allen, originally broadcast February 7, 1946, 79 years ago, The Marriage Contest.  George and Gracie have made the finals in the contest for "Hollywood's Ideal Married Couple."Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast February 7, 1949, 76 years ago, A Leeson for Jimmy.  A package for David. What's in it?Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Same Time, Same Station 02/02/2025 Hal Peary and Willard Waterman Part 2. “The Great Gildersleeve 05/28/1947 ep251 Gildy Gives Up Cigars. Willard Waterman is back as Mr. Purvis, insurance salesman. “We Care” 09/26/1948 A Bimbo From Limbo. Harold Peary, Virginia Gregg, Anne Whitfield, Willard Watterman. “Fibber McGee And Molly” 05/17/1954 (0900) Fibber on Trial. “The Great Gildersleeve) 04/06/1949 Ep322 Baby’s Birthday Party and scheduling Conflicts. “The Great Gildersleeve” 10/03/1951 Ep412 Gildy Wants To Be Re-Elected. 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 02/02/2025 Hal Peary and Willard Waterman Part 2. “The Great Gildersleeve 05/28/1947 ep251 Gildy Gives Up Cigars. Willard Waterman is back as Mr. Purvis, insurance salesman. “We Care” 09/26/1948 A Bimbo From Limbo. Harold Peary, Virginia Gregg, Anne Whitfield, Willard Watterman. “Fibber McGee And Molly” 05/17/1954 (0900) Fibber on Trial. “The Great Gildersleeve) 04/06/1949 Ep322 Baby’s Birthday Party and scheduling Conflicts. “The Great Gildersleeve” 10/03/1951 Ep412 Gildy Wants To Be Re-Elected. 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 01/26/2025 Hal Peary and Willard Waterman Part 1. “Calling All Cars” 10/09/1934 (34) The Unwritten Law. With Harold Peary. “Fibber McGee And Molly” 10/11/1937 (0131) Shopping for a New Car. Harold Peary. “5th Row Center” 02/04/1940 01 Model Princess. Willard Waterman. “Escape” 08/11/1949 (074) Red Wine. Willard Waterman. 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 01/26/2025 Hal Peary and Willard Waterman Part 1. “Calling All Cars” 10/09/1934 (34) The Unwritten Law. With Harold Peary. “Fibber McGee And Molly” 10/11/1937 (0131) Shopping for a New Car. Harold Peary. “5th Row Center” 02/04/1940 01 Model Princess. Willard Waterman. “Escape” 08/11/1949 (074) Red Wine. Willard Waterman. If you would like to request shows, please call (714) 449-1958 E-mail: Larry Gassman: LarryGassman1@gmail.com John Gassman: John1Gassman@gmail.com

Comedy on a FridayFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast January 17, 1951, 74 years ago, A Nervous Father.  Marjorie gets the urge to move furniture, a sure sign that the baby is on the way!Followed by Truth or Consequences starring Ralph Edwards, originally broadcast January 17, 1948, 77 years ago, The Walking Man.  Who is the Walking Man?  And Chester Riley wants to know who is Ralph Edwards?Then The Robert Q. Lewis Show, originally broadcast January 17, 1958, 67 years ago.  An audience participation show.  Music, merriment, and mirth.  Followed by Fibber McGee and Company, originally broadcast January 17, 1938, 87 years ago, The Real Estate Agent.  The McGee Real Estate Agency is in business.Finally Claudia, originally broadcast January 17, 1949, 76 years ago, Dressing David for Rain.  Slush from Majesty. Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamFind the Family Fallout Shelter Booklet Here: https://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/the_family_fallout_shelter_1959.pdfhttps://wardomatic.blogspot.com/2006/11/fallout-shelter-handbook-1962.htmlAnd more about the Survive-all Fallout Sheltershttps://conelrad.blogspot.com/2010/09/mad-men-meet-mad-survive-all-shelter.html

EPISODE 66 - “WHEN CLASSIC FILM'S SUPPORTING ACTORS STEAL THE SHOW” - 12/16/2024 There is nothing quite like watching a film when suddenly a supporting character comes in and walks away with the film. (Think THELMA RITTER, S.Z. SAKALL, or GALE SONDERGAARD in almost every one of their films!) This week we are focusing on some of our favorite supporting charters who come in and snatch that scene right about from under the big stars. From JOANNA BARNES' Gloria Upson declaring, “It was just ghastly!” in “Auntie Mame” to the impassioned monologue about love that BEAH RICHARDS delivers to SPENCER TRACY in “Guess Who's Coming To Dinner,” we take a fun look at these powerful performances that we're still talking about today. SHOW NOTES:  Sources: The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (1997) by Roger Lewis; But Darling, I'm Your Auntie Mame!: The Amazing History of the World's Favorite Madcap Aunt (1998), by Richard Tyler Jordan; Tennessee Williams & Company: His Essential Screen Actors (2010), by John DiLeo; “Judy Holiday, Winner of Oscar, Does of Cancer,” June 8, 1965, Los Angeles Times; “Mildred Natwick, 89, Actress Who Excelled at Eccentricity,” October 26, 1994, by Peter B. Flint, New York Times; “Steve Franken, Actor in ‘Dobie Gillis,' Dies at 80,” August 29, 2012, by Daniel E. Slotnik, New York Times;  “Madeleine Sherwood, 93, Actress on Stage, Film and ‘Flying Nun,' Dies,” April 26, 2016, by Sam Roberts, New York Times; “The Making of ‘TheParty',” January 13, 2017, by FilMagicians, Youtube.com; “Beah Richards, 80, Actress in Stalwart Roles,” September 16, 2000, by Mel Gussow, New York Times; “Joanna Barnes, Actress in ‘The Parent Trap' and its Sequel. Dies at 87,” May 12, 2022, by Richard Sanomir, New York Times; TCM.com; IMDBPro.com; IBDB.com; Wikipedia.com; Roger Ebert.com; Movies Mentioned:  Adams's Rib (1949), starring Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Judy Holiday, David Wayne, Hope Emerson, Jean Hagen, and Tom Ewell; Born Yesterday (1950), starring Judy Holiday, Broderick Crawford, & William Holden; Auntie Mame (1958), starring Rosalind Russell, Forrest Tucker, Fred Clark, Roger Smith, Jan Handzlik, Corale Brown, Pippa Scott, Lee Patrick, Willard Waterman, Joanna Barnes, Connie Gilchrist, Patric Knowles, and Yuki Shimudo;  Cat On A Hot Tin Roof (1958), starring Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman, Burl Ives, Judith Anderson, Jack Carson, and Madeleine Sherwood; Spartacus (1960), starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton, Tony Curtis, & Joanna Barnes; The Parent Trap (1961), starring Haley Mills, Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith, Joanna Barnes, Charles Ruggles, Ana Merkel, Leo G. Carroll, & Cathleen Nesbitt; The Americanization of Emily (1963), starring Julie Andrews & James Garner; The Time Traveler (1964), starring Preston Foster; Goodbye Charlie (1964), starring Tony Curtis, Debbie Reynolds, Ellen Burstyn, Pat Boone, & Joanna Barnes; Barefoot In The Park (1967), starring Jane Fonda, Robert Redford, Mildred Natwick, Charles Boyer, Herb Edelman, and Mabel Albertson; Don't Make Waves (1967) starring Tony Curtis, Claudia Cardinale, Sharon Tate, and Joanna Barnes; Guess Who's Coming To Dinner (1967), starring Katharine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Houghton, Beah Richards, Roy E. Glen Sr, Cecil Kellaway, Isabelle Sanford, and Virginia Christine; The Party (1968), starring Peter Sellers, Claudine Longet, Denny Miller, Carol Wayne, Gavin MacLeod, Faye McKenzie, Marge Champion, Steve Frankel, Jean Carson, Corine Cole, J. Edward McKinley, and Herb Ellis; The Parent Trap (1998), starring Lindsay Lohan, Dennis Quaid, Natasha Richardson, Elaine Hendrix, & Lisa Ann Walter.  --------------------------------- http://www.airwavemedia.com Please contact sales@advertisecast.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IMPORTANT NOTE - I changed the dates in the titles to shorten things up. Thanksgiving Comedy on the Thursday before ThanksgivingFirst a look at the events of the dayThen Maxwell House Coffee Time hosted by Dick Powell, originally broadcast November 21, 1940, 84 years ago.  Mary Martin sings "Falling Star" for the first time, from the film, "The Great Dictator."  Daddy tells Baby Snooks about Thanksgiving. Jack Benny visits o discuss the premiere of the picture Love Thy Neighbor with co-star Mary Martin.Followed by Lum and Abner, originally broadcast November 21, 1948, 76 years ago, Ezra Seestrunk's Cousin Rowena Has Thanksgiving Dinner With Lum.  Lum tries to impress Miss Rowena on Thanksgiving, with a mansion and servants. We follow that with Jack Benny, originally broadcast November 21, 1943, 81 years ago, The Awful Turkey Dream. Jack buys a live turkey for Thanksgiving, then dreams that he's a turkey!Then The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast November 21, 1951, 73 years ago, Inviting Thanksgiving Guests.  Who should be invited for dinner at Thanksgiving?Finally, Superman, originally broadcast November 21, 1941, 83 years ago, The Pan-American Highway.   The civilization of the Incas still exists! While flying to South America, Clark Kent and Lieutenant Elliott discover that someone is hiding aboard their airplane!Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

YOUTUBE FOLLOWERS:  There will be a delay in release of these as they have to be manually released.  Sorry for the delay.  The podcasts are released through Spreaker at Midnight and flow down to other podcast channels shortly thereafter.  A Funny FridayFirst a look at the events of the dayThen The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast November 1, 1956, 68 years ago, Jolly Boys Haunted House Adventure.    Gildersleeve setsup a Halloween party at a haunted house for the Jolly Boys, and Gildy does his part to make sure it's haunted!Then Father Knows Best starring Robert Young, originally broadcast November 1, 1951, 73 years ago, Neckties. A tie has appeared at the Anderson household, but no one knows who sent it.. We follow that with Jack Benny, originally broadcast November 1, 1953, 71 years ago, A Radio DJ Wakes up Jack.  Hank, the all-night disc jockey, wakes Jack up at 4 A.M.!Then Fred Allen, originally broadcast November 1, 1942, 82 years ago with guest Robert Benchley. The March Of Trivia: Coffee rationing is to begin. Guest Robert Benchley cracks up during his chat with Fred. How Benchley gets "the biggest laugh in radio," and tries to listen to "The Fred Allen Show."Finally, Claudia, originally broadcast November 1, 1948, 76 years ago.  David returns to work. Thanks to Honeywell for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day

2+ Hours of VarietyFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Chase and Sanborn Hour, originally broadcast August 13, 1939, 85 years ago with guest Joan Blondell.  Charlie McCarthy is planning a hiking trip. Guest Joan Blondell and Don Ameche appear in a Hollywood comedy, "Stardust," by Cyril Kramer. A few seconds have been deleted from the drama. Vera Vague lectures about travel to England. Charlie stages his own version of "Stardust," called, "Fishing Prohibited," or "No Casting Today."Followed by The Jackie Gleason Les Tremayne Show, originally broadcast August 13, 1944, 80 years ago with guest Edgar Bergen. Jackie recounts his youth in Brooklyn. A salute to the state of New York. Edgar (appearing without dummies) describes his plan to introduce a "bachelor girl" dummy in the fall (describing the as yet un-named Effie Clinker). Then The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast August 13, 1952, 72 years ago, Gildy goes on a Diet. When his family makes fun of his weight, Gildersleeve decides he's going to diet. Finally Superman, originally broadcast August 13, 1941, 83 years ago, Dr Roebling and the Voice Machine.   The voice machine is repaired, and tunes in on plans for murder! Clark Kent is arrested!Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamCivil defense info mentioned on the show can be found here: http://www.civildefensemuseum.com/docs.html

Get set to Climb Every Mountain, well, at least one, "Old Stone Face" with Gildersleeve and Mr. Bullard.   It's Volume 110 today of Sounds Like Radio featuring a November 8, 1950 episode of The Great Gildersleeve with Gale Gordon & Willard Waterman.  These 2 would later work together in the Dennis The Menace TV show that came a few years after this Gildy show. Willard Waterman played the grocer, Mr. Quigley in Dennis The Menace and also played Gildersleeve in the TV version.   And to bring out the best in every episode of Sounds Like Radio we have some mighty sweet music as always both before and after Gildy.  Today Your Humble Host brings you a Teresa Brewer STEREO version of one of her hits,  Bing Crosby is here to dream, but not of White Christmas yet, then Crazy Gugenheim drops in on Your Humble Host to sing a little ditty as Frank Fontaine, the effervescent Jaye P. Morgan sings a lovely from her alluring album the cover of which you can see posted next to our show this week-Vah Vah Vah Voom, David Allyn a singer new to Sounds Like Radio but not to our library sings a ditty you may be familiar with, and the wonderful Helen O'Connell is in the mood to slow it down in her musical selection.    We even get to take a break and sip some Campbell's soup with a call back to Lassie. It's another jam packed little show with Your Humble Host in tow and right there with you.

A very special Fourth of July Holiday edition of Sounds Like Radio.  We're going to hear some inspiring words by some truly all American heroes and some classic songs perfect for this day.  And of course, we'll visit with Willard Waterman as The Great Gildersleeve in a memorable 4th of July show from July 2nd, 1952.    Get ready to hear from our finest Americans, John Wayne, Kate Smith, Johnny Cash, Bing Crosby, Red Skelton, Ray Charles and we're happy to remind you what a REAL President sounds like and the way a real President talks.  The one and only President Ronald Reagan with some truly inspirational words right when we need them most.   Happy Fourth of July to everyone!

At 5:30PM eastern time over Mutual Broadcasting on Independence Day, 1944, The Tom Mix Ralston Straight Shooters took to the air. Originally airing from NBC in Chicago in 1933, it featured the just-heard Hal Peary, and the ever-present Willard Waterman. Tom Mix was created as an advertising vehicle for the Ralston Purina Company. Its format was devised by Charles Claggett, a St. Louis adman and based on the life of a real cowboy, Tom Mix. Born in Pennsylvania in 1880, he became a soldier and champion roper, winning a national title in 1909. Mix began appearing in movies, and much like Buffalo Bill Cody, his legend soon outgrew his actual exploits thanks to natural showmanship. By the time radio got him, he was seldom mentioned in print without a platoon of fantastic adjectives. Perhaps the most famous actor to play Tom Mix was Russell Thorson, who held the role for the Blue Network in the early 1940s, until it was canceled on March 27th, 1942. Tom Mix was revived and moved to Mutual beginning June 5th, 1944 in a fifteen minute serial. By then, Mix joined others like Jack Armstrong, Captain Midnight, and even Superman in the war against the axis. The show became known as “radio's biggest western-detective program.” Joe “Curley” Bradley played Mix throughout the later run. Bradley was a former Oklahoma cowboy and Hollywood stuntman who had learned to sing around bonfires. As for the real Tom Mix, he had nothing to do with the serial. He died in a car accident near Florence, Arizona on October 12th, 1940. At 6:15PM it was Hop Harrigan's turn to sign on, over The Blue Network's WJZ. It starred Chester Stratton as Hop Harrigan, young aviator known as “America's ace of the airways,” with Jackson Beck as Tank Tinker. Beck was all over radio. Hop Harrigan first took to the air on August 31st, 1942, running on The Blue Network and later ABC until August 2nd, 1946. It was revived from October 2nd, 1946 through February 6th, 1948 over Mutual Broadcasting. Hop went on missions in dangerous territory behind enemy lines. He had dogfights, went underground in war-torn Berlin, and saw heavy service in the Pacific during the battle for Okinawa.

2+ Hours of Crime on this TuesdayFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Whistler, originally broadcast May 14, 1950, 74 years ago, Blue Alibi. The wife of a city official tries to get him to break off with racketeers who have been paying him graft.  William Conrad and Willard Waterman are featured. Followed by I Was a Communist for the FBI starring Dana Andrews, originally broadcast May 14, 1952, 72 years ago, The Red Red Herring. Cvetic frames a loyal party member to protect himself.Then Calling All Cars, originally broadcast May 14, 1935, 89 years ago, Murder in the Vineyard. A rancher has been found murdered near Fresno. Followed by Gang Busters, originally broadcast May 14, 1955, 69 years ago, The Case of the Tapped Telephone. A couple of officers recognise an ex-con.  They follow him to a local tavern with a phone with an out of order sign on it.  They're able to get a wiretap order which strikes paydirt. Finally Superman, originally broadcast May 14, 1941, 83 years ago, The Grayson Submarine.  The experimental Grayson submarine has been captured, and a Government submarine sent to rescue the submarine has also been captured, but by who?Thanks to Robert for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day. 

2 + Hours of ComedyFirst a look at this day in History.Then Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, Originally broadcast April 21, 1953, 71 years ago with guest Vic Damone.  Dean, Jerry, and Vic go into the Foreign Legion. Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, Originally broadcast April 21, 1954, 70 years ago, Marie Olson. Gildersleeve is paying attention to the exotic Marie Olsen, more attention than Leroy would like. Then Bob Hope, Originally broadcast April 21, 1955, 69 years ago with Jim Backus.  Bob tries to convince the "new" president of NBC to hire him back next season. Last show of the season. Followed by A Day in the Life of Dennis Day, Originally broadcast April 21, 1948, 76 years ago, Newspaper Misquote. Dennis is interviewed for the Weaverville newspaper and finds himself making some very anti-feminine comments. Finally Superman, Originally broadcast April 21,1941, 83 years ago, The Nitrate Shipment.  The start of a new adventure. There are several plans for intrigue involving a treasure map. Thanks to Richard for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

The Great Gildersleeve was broadcast from August 1941 to 1958 and is one of the most beloved radio situation comedies. The show was a spin-off from "Fibber McGee and Molly." Harold Peary played the first Gildersleeve and then Willard Waterman. Walter Tetlley was Leroy, Richard Crenna was Bronco, Marjorie's husband. 3 actresses played Marjorie... Gildersleeve's niece. In this story it is Bronco and Marjorie's first anniversary and they planned to have a quiet evening... but Gildersleeve and Leroy have decided they would have a surprise party. Lillian Randolph plays the housekeeper – Birdie Lee Coggins. More "Gilldy" in Great Gildersleeve" Playlist

Two + hours of  ComedyFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Jimmy Durante Show, originally broadcast March 31, 1948, 76 years ago.  Rose Marie does a very good imitation of Jimmy. The whole cast and guest Victor Moore tour the colleges of America.Followed by The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show, originally broadcast March 31, 1949, 75 years ago, How Jack Benny Became Cheap.  . A fantasy about "Generous Jack Benny" and how he became stingy. Then the Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast March 31, 1954,  70 years ago, Two Girls Again.  Gildersleeve is dating two different girls, exotic Marie, and his old standby, Grace Tuttle. Followed by Abbott and Costello, originally broadcast March 31, 1949, 75 years ago, There's Good Booze Tonight.   What better show to remind one that tomorrow is April Fool's Day? Sam Shovel solves, "The Case Of The Gorgeous Blonde Model Who Fell Into A Vat Of Whiskey," or, "There's Good Booze Tonight." Costello announces that there will be a lightweight championship boxing match (with Ike Williams) on May 26th for "a very worthy cause."Finally Lum and Abner, originally broadcast March 31, 1942, 82 years ago, Diogenes Leaves $10,000.  Diogenes has confessed all, says goodbye, and leaves Pine Ridge $10,000.Thanks to Richard for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.streamIf you like what we do here, visit our friend Jay at http://radio.macinmind.com for great old time radio shows 24 hours a day. 

Two + hours of ComedyFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Jimmy Durante Show, originally broadcast March 24, 1948, 76 years ago,  Planning a Vacation. Jimmy and guest Victor Moore take a trip around the country looking for an inexpensive vacationland.Followed The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast March 24, 1954, 70 years ago, Hobby Show.  Gildersleeve's at a loss for an entry in the hobby show...he has none!Then My Favorite Husband starring Lucille Ball and Richard Denning, originally broadcast March 24, 1951, 73 years ago, Iris and Liz's Easter Outfits?  Will the girls be able to lose weight and get a new Easter outfit?Followed by Abbott and Costello, originally broadcast March 24, 1949, 75 years ago, Sam Shovel has his love.  The boys do a "Sam Shovel" mystery, "The Case Of The Man Who Burned His Sweetheart's Body In The Fireplace," or "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm." Finally Lum and Abner, originally broadcast March 24, 1942, 82 years ago, Cedric Escapes?  Squire Skimp's lawyer has decided not to help defend Lum. Cedric has escaped from jail!Thanks to Richard for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Support us on Patreon⁠https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr92rDP5bllDAQAM_ZXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1707891407/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.patreon.com%2fuser%3fu%3d4279967/RK=2/RS=9LbiSxziFkcdPQCvqIxPtxIgZ7A-⁠ Jack Benny TV Videocasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6BDar4CsgVEyUloEQ8sWpw?si=89123269fe144a10Jack Benny Show OTR Podcast!https://open.spotify.com/show/3UZ6NSEL7RPxOXUoQ4NiDP?si=987ab6e776a7468cJudy Garland and Friends OTR Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5ZKJYkgHOIjQzZWCt1a1NN?si=538b47b50852483dStrange New Worlds Of Dimension X-1 Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/6hFMGUvEdaYqPBoxy00sOk?si=a37cc300a8e247a1Buck Benny YouTube Channelhttps://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrOoc1Q5bllBgQA469XNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1707891281/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.youtube.com%2f%40BuckBenny/RK=2/RS=nVp4LDJhOmL70bh7eeCi6DPNdW4-Support us on Patreonhttps://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr92rDP5bllDAQAM_ZXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1707891407/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.patreon.com%2fuser%3fu%3d4279967/RK=2/RS=9LbiSxziFkcdPQCvqIxPtxIgZ7A-

Two + hours of ComedyFirst a look at this day in History.Then Jack Benny, originally broadcast March 12, 1950, 74 years ago, Sagebrush Soap Contest. Rochester does his income tax. Jack wins the "Sagebrush Soap" contest, six glorious weeks at Pismo Beach. Radio Daily has selected Jack as, "The greatest radio personality in the past 25 years."Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast March 12, 1952, 72 years ago, Train Trip to Omaha. Gildersleeve is planning a trip to Omaha, and wants to keep the news from Leroy. Then following a brief look at news headlines of the day, You Bet Your Life starring Groucho Marx, originally broadcast March 12, 1952, 72 years ago, The Secret Word is Sky. Followed by Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast March 12, 1940, 84 years ago, Make a Pal of Your Wife Week. It's "Make-A-Pal-Of-Your-Wife" Week, so Molly gets taken out to lunch!Finally Lum and Abner, originally broadcast March 12, 1942, 82 years ago, Lantern Must Be Magical. Lum is sure that Cedric's sudden wealth is due to Diogenes' modern lantern. The lamp refuses to pony up!Thanks to Doug for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

Two + hours of ComedyFirst a look at this day in History.Then The Jimmy Durante Show, originally broadcast February 25, 1948, 76 years ago, A Day at the Races. Jimmy is suffering from insomnia and so guest Victor Moore takes him to the race track.Followed by The Aldrich Family, originally broadcast February 25, 1943, 81 years ago, Homers Love Note Goes To Henrys Teacher. Henry's in love with his Latin teacher? But what about Kathleen and Muriel and Homer and Agnes? ..Then The Phil Harris Alice Faye Show, originally broadcast February 25, 1951, 73 years ago, The Golf Game. Phil plays a high-stakes game of golf with his sponsor. Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast February 25, 1953, 71 years ago, Gildys Great Dane Causes Peavey Trouble. Gildersleeve's dog and Peavy's cat aren't getting along...and neither are Gildersleeve and Peavy! Finally The Charlie McCarthy Show, originally broadcast February 25, 1945, 79 years ago, Guest star Gene Tierney. The program originates from a California naval hospital. Joan Merrill sings, "A Little On The Lonely Side." Charlie is now a hero. He's saved an heiress from a runaway horse. Mortimer has seen a seven-foot chicken at the farm of Mr. Ostrich. Guest Gene Tierney joins "Dr. Gazola" in the hospital. Thanks to Doug for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

You are with three men in a jungle plantation on the rubber coast of Borneo. You know that one of the men is a desperate criminal who you've come to arrest but you don't know which one. You have to find him before he can save himself by killing you… Original Air Date: August 11, […]

Gildersleeve invites a few servicemen to his house for Thanksgiving, but... Things begin to become more disrupting than he thought it would be. Harold Perry is Gildersleeve... Willard Waterman took over the role when Perry wanted a bigger salary from NBC. They fired him and replaced him with a man who looked very much like him and sounded like him as well. In fact the switch was so perfect, it took some time before the listening audience even realized it had happened!

An hour of ComedyFirst, a look at this date in history.Then Father Knows Best starring Robert Young, originally broadcast November 1, 1951, 72 years ago, Neckties. A tie has appeared at the Anderson household, but no one knows who sent it.. Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast November 1, 1956, 67 years ago, The Jolly Boys Haunted House Adventure. Gildersleeve sets up a Halloween party at a haunted house for the Jolly Boys, and Gildy does his part to make sure it's haunted!Finally George Burns and Gracie Allen from November 1, 1945, 78 years ago, Gracie pretends to be Bill Goodwin's Wife. Bill Goodwin has to borrow a wife in a hurry. Gracie is elected and George plays the butler. Thanks to Sean for supporting our podcast by using the Buy Me a Coffee function at http://classicradio.stream

An hour of ComedyFirst, a look at this date in history.Then The Milton Berle Show, originally broadcast October 21, 1947, 76 years ago, A Salute to Good Health. Milton visits the doctor, but is cured of the hiccoughs by his neighbor. Followed by The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast October 21, 1953, 70 years ago, Fire bells are ringing. There are troubles with the school bells in Summerfield, and Leroy is the prime suspect. And Lum and Abner, originally broadcast October 21 1941, 82 years ago, Lum's Fake Broke Leg. Lum decides to confess to Squire that his leg isn't broken.

The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast April 23, 1952, Diving for Publicity. When a newspaper poll shows that most people don't know the identity of the Water Commissioner, Gildersleeve buys a diving suit to dive to the bottom of the reservoir! Also Part 1 of a Five Part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story The Lonely Hearts Matter, originally broadcast April 23, 1956. A "Lonely Heart" finds plenty of company...in the nearest morgue! Visit my web page - http://www.classicradio.streamWe receive no revenue from YouTube. If you enjoy our shows, listen via the links on our web page or if you're so inclined, Buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wyattcoxelAHeard on almost 100 radio stations from coast to coast. Classic Radio Theater features great radio programs that warmed the hearts of millions for the better part of the 20th century. Host Wyatt Cox brings the best of radio classics back to life with both the passion of a long-time (as in more than half a century) fan and the heart of a forty-year newsman. But more than just “playing the hits”, Wyatt supplements the first hour of each day's show with historical information on the day and date in history including audio that takes you back to World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. FDR, Eisenhower, JFK, Reagan, Carter, Nixon, LBJ. It's a true slice of life from not just radio's past, but America's past.Wyatt produces 21 hours a week of freshly minted Classic Radio Theater presentations each week, and each day's broadcast is timely and entertaining!

The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast April 16, 1952, Leroy the bee keeper. . Leroy invests in a hive filled with bees, who take a dislike to Gildersleeve. Also Lum and Abner, originally broadcast April 16, 1953, Grandpap knows what's in the cans!Visit my web page - http://www.classicradio.streamWe receive no revenue from YouTube. If you enjoy our shows, listen via the links on our web page or if you're so inclined, Buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wyattcoxelAHeard on almost 100 radio stations from coast to coast. Classic Radio Theater features great radio programs that warmed the hearts of millions for the better part of the 20th century. Host Wyatt Cox brings the best of radio classics back to life with both the passion of a long-time (as in more than half a century) fan and the heart of a forty-year newsman. But more than just “playing the hits”, Wyatt supplements the first hour of each day's show with historical information on the day and date in history including audio that takes you back to World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. FDR, Eisenhower, JFK, Reagan, Carter, Nixon, LBJ. It's a true slice of life from not just radio's past, but America's past.Wyatt produces 21 hours a week of freshly minted Classic Radio Theater presentations each week, and each day's broadcast is timely and entertaining!

The Great Gildersleeve starring Willard Waterman, originally broadcast April 2, 1952, Colorful Past. Is Gildersleeve really William Cosgrove? Cosgrove's wife is in town, and she insists that Gildersleeve is her husband! Also The Living God, originally broadcast April 2, 1942, Chapter 2. A roving radio interviewer (William Gargan) decides to interview Jesus Christ! Through the magic of radio, the reporter is taken back 1900 years to the city of Jerusalem in 33 BC.Visit my web page - http://www.classicradio.streamWe receive no revenue from YouTube. If you enjoy our shows, listen via the links on our web page or if you're so inclined, Buy me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wyattcoxelAHeard on almost 100 radio stations from coast to coast. Classic Radio Theater features great radio programs that warmed the hearts of millions for the better part of the 20th century. Host Wyatt Cox brings the best of radio classics back to life with both the passion of a long-time (as in more than half a century) fan and the heart of a forty-year newsman. But more than just “playing the hits”, Wyatt supplements the first hour of each day's show with historical information on the day and date in history including audio that takes you back to World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. FDR, Eisenhower, JFK, Reagan, Carter, Nixon, LBJ. It's a true slice of life from not just radio's past, but America's past.Wyatt produces 21 hours a week of freshly minted Classic Radio Theater presentations each week, and each day's broadcast is timely and entertaining!

In Breaking Walls episode 130 we head to the summer of 1947 to get to the bottom of NBC's Philip Marlowe caper. —————————— Highlights: • Who was Raymond Chandler? • Who is Philip Marlowe? • Van Heflin, Movie Star • Radio Ratings in the Spring of 1947 • Marlowe Launches with Red Wind • Initial Reviews • The King in Yellow • The Celebrated Life and Tragic Death of Jeff Chandler • Marlowe Leaves NBC, but CBS Picks It Up • Marlowe After CBS • Looking Ahead to Orson Welles and The Shadow —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today's episode was: • The Simple Art of Murder — By Raymond Chandler • Trouble Is My Business — By Raymond Chandler • The World of Raymond Chandler — By Raymond Chandler • On the Air — By John Dunning • The Life of Raymond Chandler — By Frank MacShane • Network Radio Ratings — By Jim Ramsburg • The Adventures of Philip Marlowe Program Guide — By Tom Nolan As well as articles from: • Billboard Magazine • Broadcasting Magazine • And Sponsor Magazine —————————— On the interview front: • Eve Arden, Wendell Niles, Lurene Tuttle, and Willard Waterman spoke to Chuck Schaden. Hear their full chats at SpeakingOfRadio.com. • Parley Baer, Mary Jane Croft, and Harry Bartell spoke to SPERDVAC. For more info, go to SPERDVAC.com. • Eve Arden also spoke with John Dunning for his 71KNUS program from Denver. • Lurene Tuttle also spoke with Frank Bresee for Same Time, Same Station. • William Conrad spoke with Chris Lambesis • Norman Macdonnell with John Hickman • Bob Hope with Johnny Carson • Raymond Chandler spoke to Ian Flemming —————————— Selected music featured in today's episode was: • Cool — By Martin Denny • Perfida — By Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra • Living Without You — By George Winston • Danse Macabre — By Camille Saint-Saens • Loch Lomond (arranged for Choir) — By Musica Intima —————————— A special thank you to Ted Davenport, Jerry Haendiges, and Gordon Skene. For Ted go to RadioMemories.com, for Jerry, visit OTRSite.com, and for Gordon, please go to PastDaily.com. —————————— Thank you to: Tony Adams Steven Allmon Orson Orsen Chandler Phil Erickson Jessica Hanna Perri Harper Briana Isaac Thomas M. Joyce Ryan Kramer Earl Millard Gary Mollica Barry Nadler Christian Neuhaus Aimee Pavy Ray Shaw Filipe A Silva —————————— WallBreakers Links: Patreon - patreon.com/thewallbreakers Social Media - @TheWallBreakers

On July 8th, 1947, NBC broadcast an adaptation of “The King In Yellow,” originally published in Dime Detective Magazine in March of 1938. It's a seedy saga of a hot trumpet player whose boorish behavior gets him killed. Among those featured in this episode were Gerald Mohr, Gloria Blondell, Bill Johnstone, Willard Waterman, and Howard McNear. By the late 1940s many of Chicago's radio stars had migrated to Hollywood, working on shows across all four networks. By the end of July, Marlowe's 8.0 rating was seventh overall, and the show's production cost just one dollar per the number of urban listeners.