Old Time Radio Fan

Posted Thursday, January 22, 2009, at 5:13 PM

I admit to being a big fan of classic radio. Classic Radio being from around 1939 through 1953 or so. I have Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, and really the only channel I listen to every day is old time radio, channel 118.

There are some marvelous programs that are worth the listen. One of the best is Gunsmoke. William Conrad played Matt Dillin, and folks, Gunsmoke is really something special on the radio.

Another favorite, and arguably the best program ever on Radio was The Jack Benny Program. Jack owned the Sunday night at 7Pm slot for over twenty years, with some of the funniest programming to ever come out of Hollywood. Jack Benny was a rare character, a man who delighted in getting laughs as HIS expense.

There are other Hollywood favorites that graced the radio airwaves like Jimmy Stewart as The Six Shooter. Frank Sinatra as Rocky Fortune. Lucille Ball in My Favorite Husband.

Then there are the plays and stories of Arch Oboler and Daymon Runyun. The Lux Theatre of The Air, Dragnet, and of course, The Twilight Zone.

It is interesting to hear what Hollywood had to offer when Hollywood actually liked us, when Hollywood actually liked America.

You also see in the radio shows from the World War Two era, how America worked together during a time of war. You'll enjoy shows without attacks on your faith or country. You'll see a striking examples of how much the standard of living has increased, and how well we really have it today.

Yet, back then, they seemed happier, more grateful, Entertaining seemed to be about actual entertainment, not political, nasty or hateful. America had a sweet sense of humor, and laughed in the face of shortages.

Try it, you may enjoy it.

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I was interested in the reference to Lux Radio Theatre, Arch Oboler etc.

I'm the author of WORDS AT WAR (Scarecrow Press, 2002)which describes the role of US radio in helping the World War II effort.

For my book I interviewed Oboler's widow, a former announcer on Lux Radio Theatre, Arthur Miller and many others connected with radio in the WWII era.

For information about the book, see

HowardBlue.com

-- Posted by Khovard on Mon, Jan 26, 2009, at 11:50 AM

AND there were no ugly, hateful, or naughty words that had to be bleeped from the radio shows. Was a kinder and gentler nation that my generation was privileged to grow up in.

-- Posted by shaarhues on Sun, Jan 25, 2009, at 1:28 AM

This is an example of how the radio generation of WW II laughed in the face of shortages.

During the Red Skelton show, the announcer says: Hey Red, the Government announced today that by summertime, it's going to be hard to get gas."

Red replies, "That's great! I can start eating radishes again."

-- Posted by sameldridge on Fri, Jan 23, 2009, at 10:38 PM

I love a lot of the shows on sirrius radio that you mentioned. It is great entertainment that helps tap into the imagination. I've tried their Christian programming, too. I love the Gospel Train on Blugrass 065, Sunday mornings in the truck.

Weekdays @3 Eastern on FamNet 161 they used to have Way of the Master. I say used to because I stopped tuning in. Todd especially, is way too hard on small differences in our "beliefs" as a body of "believers". Really, how many of us are that certain exactly what we believe is true, let alone how many different ways truth can be interpreted. The Jesus Christ who is in my heart and who I try to emmulate, is far more accepting, and deals with the heart.

Honor is KEY. Even though I'm a mutt, I honor my grandparents, and their parents, having never known the latter. Did I know my grandparents well? No, but I knew them some. Listening to old-time radio gives me a glimpse into their world, and helps me honor them. Watching old movies helps me understand what it was like for my ancestors.

Keep up the good work, Sam. I love your stuff.

In Christ, Tine

-- Posted by tiney56 on Fri, Jan 23, 2009, at 11:40 AM

Jack Benny was simply the best there ever was.

His biographers reveal that he ever wrote some really humorous letters -w/o his writers help.

Check it out! Miss Jack a lot! Paul

-- Posted by urbisoler on Fri, Jan 23, 2009, at 11:23 AM

Fibber McGee and Molly had a young guy on their show, Rob Thompson, who did Wallace Whimple and the old timer. And Harold Perry as Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve. He went on to do the Great Gildersleeve. "You're a haaaaard man McGee!"

February 14th is Jack Benny's Birthday, he is still 39. They usually do all day of Jack Benny as a tribute on Sirius Channel 118.

And some more great shows. The Whistler, and Broadway is My Beat. Alan Ladd did Box 13, and Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall did Bold Venture.

Thanks for reading.

-- Posted by sameldridge on Thu, Jan 22, 2009, at 8:32 PM

"I'm a me-e-e-e-a-a-n widdle kid."

"No McGee, don't open that closet!"

Then there was Digby O'Dell, the Friendly Undertaker, on Allen's Alley.

---------------------------------------

The oft-repeated Jack Benny clasic, when confronted by a holdup man in a dark alley afer midnight [Strictly sound effects and voices] --

Hold up Man -- "This is a stickup. I want your money or your life!"

L-0-0-0-N-N-NG P-A-U-S-E]

"Did you hear me, your money or your life!"

Silence -- Extremely pregnant silence!

"All right you, give me your money or your life!"

Benny replies at last --

"I'm Thinking! I'm thinking!"

_____________________________________

Then there was Bob Burns rrom Van Buren, Arkansaw and his Bazooka.

Amos ' n Andy 'n the Kingfish."

And don't forget, "Hello, Jot'em down store, Lum Edwards here. Abner ain't here, but I kin take your order."

And no one had to cover the kids ears at any point.

-- Posted by bigsurmac on Thu, Jan 22, 2009, at 6:48 PM

Come to think about it, there is something different today from yesteryear. When the reporters reported bad news, they always sounded sad enough to cry. Today, the reporter uses the time to smile, as if at a photo-op. Hmmmm.

Radio was good. Especially since there was only that and the news paper. Radio, gooder!

Well said, Sam. In Messiah, His Shalom. Arley

-- Posted by Navyblue on Thu, Jan 22, 2009, at 6:11 PM

Right of Center

Sam Eldridge

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