Old Time Radio Blog
136 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 9 years ago - ★★★★ - 12 ratingsMaking available my favorite old time radio shows from six decades of American history. Publishing a new episode every day, on the anniversary of its original air date.
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Episodes
Fibber McGee & Molly, Dining Out to Celebrate, Jan 25, 1944
January 26, 2015 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.72 MBFibber McGee and Molly was a long running situation comedy...in fact, they are often credited with creating the sitcom. The show also featured a singer and a cast of characters that both stand alone AND support the ensemble nature of the show.
Box 13, Three to Die, Jan 23, 1949
January 26, 2015 00:00 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MBAlan Ladd, probably best known for his title role in the move "Shane," played Dan Holiday in this wonderfully well produced radio series. The basic premise is that Dan was an author who needs story ideas so he puts an ad in the local paper saying he will go anywhere and do anything for adventure. "Box 13" refers to part of his address at the newspaper where people can connect with him.
Jack Benny, Ice Skating in Central Park, Jan 21, 1945
January 21, 2015 00:00 - 28 minutes - 6.51 MBJack Benny made a living and became a comedy legend by making sure his castmates got the bigger laughs. I hope you'll agree that much of Jack's humor is timeless.
Fred Allen Show, George Jessel Guests, Jan 20, 1946
January 21, 2015 00:00 - 28 minutes - 6.53 MBFred Allen's show was not very typical of his time. He tended to avoid the standard variety format in favor of topical humor approached from several directions within the half-hour. Over the years, it became more or less a trademark that Allen would tell one of the scripted jokes and that would fall flat...only to have Fred ad lib some crack about how bad the joke was, getting a much bigger laugh in the process.
Great Gildersleeve, Dancing School, Jan 22, 1947
January 21, 2015 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.83 MBThe Great Gildersleeve, with his distinctive laugh, was a character originally created by Harold Peary while on the Fibber McGee and Molly show. On that show, the character had a pretty loose biography and was either married or not, depending on the needs of the writing staff. On his own spinoff, he's a bachelor tending to his recently orphaned niece and nephew. I have to say, this show is just plain fun.
Rocky Fortune, The Museum Murder, Jan 19, 1954
January 20, 2015 00:00 - 23 minutes - 5.53 MBNBC ran the Rocky Fortune series for 25 episodes beginning in October 1953. This show was a "sustaining series," which means the network paid for all production costs so they could take care of Frank Sinatra's growing superstardom. Each episode features Frank as a detective in the style of the day...part hardboiled and part comic relief. I hope you enjoy.
Fibber McGee & Molly, Molly Gets Flowers, Jan 18, 1944
January 19, 2015 00:00 - 28 minutes - 6.58 MBFibber McGee and Molly was a long running situation comedy...in fact, they are often credited with creating the sitcom. The show also featured a singer and a cast of characters that both stand alone AND support the ensemble nature of the show.
Gunsmoke, Paid Killer, Jan 17, 1953
January 18, 2015 00:00 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MBThis is Episode 39 of what is often regarded as the best show from the Old Time Radio era. Gunsmoke set the standard in many ways including the quality of the scripts, exceptional acting, and production quality. For example, the sound technician recorded star William Conrad walking in cowboy boots on a wooden deck built exactly like an old Dodge City store front deck, just to have an authentic sound for any time he needed to have Matt Dillon walking on a wooden deck.
Our Miss Brooks, Cure That Habit, Jan 15, 1950
January 16, 2015 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.88 MBOur Miss Brooks was a series that aired first on radio and then both on TV and radio. Unlike many of the co-media series of the day, however, the Our Miss Brooks radio show was simply the audio from the TV series. In this episode, we find the usual cast of characters creating their typical mayhem, centered around Madison High School English teacher Constance Brooks, ever chasing after relatively clueless Biology teacher Mr. Boynton.
Dimension X, Martian Death March, Jan 14, 1951
January 15, 2015 00:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBScience fiction shows in the 1950s seemed to be centered on the same basic themes: robots and Martians. In this episode of Dimension X (later brought back as X Minus One) we are treated to both an entertaining story and a critique of "advanced" human behavior.
Great Gildersleeve, Ben Sells Life Insurance, Jan 13, 1946
January 14, 2015 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.82 MBThe Great Gildersleeve, with his distinctive laugh, was a character originally created by Harold Peary while on the Fibber McGee and Molly show. On that show, the character had a pretty loose biography and was either married or not, depending on the needs of the writing staff. On his own spinoff, he's a bachelor tending to his recently orphaned niece and nephew. I have to say, this show is just plain fun.
Rocky Fortune, Rodeo Murder, Jan 12, 1954
January 14, 2015 00:00 - 23 minutes - 5.43 MBNBC ran the Rocky Fortune series for 25 episodes beginning in October 1953. This show was a "sustaining series," which means the network paid for all production costs so they could take care of Frank Sinatra's growing superstardom. Each episode features Frank as a detective in the style of the day...part hardboiled and part comic relief. I hope you enjoy.
Fibber McGee & Molly, Fibber Does His Income Tax, Jan 11, 1944
January 12, 2015 00:00 - 26 minutes - 6.04 MBAs most of us in America know, the beginning of the year marks the beginning of "tax season." One thing I love about this episode is the historical mention of Fibber's tax return not being due until March 15. Nowadays, our returns aren't due until April 15. There are plenty of other laughs in this episode, including the infamous hall closet clatter and bang.
Gunsmoke, Word of Honor, Jan 10, 1953
January 11, 2015 00:00 - 29 minutes - 13.7 MBThis is Episode 38 of what is often regarded as the best show from the Old Time Radio era. Gunsmoke set the standard in many ways including the quality of the scripts, exceptional acting, and production quality. For example, the sound technician recorded star William Conrad walking in cowboy boots on a wooden deck built exactly like an old Dodge City store front deck, just to have an authentic sound for any time he needed to have Matt Dillon walking on a wooden deck.
X Minus One, Saucer of Loneliness, Jan 9, 1957
January 10, 2015 00:00 - 28 minutes - 13.2 MBX Minus One was one of the better science fiction anthology series that aired during the late 1950's. The series frequently featured stories by writers who eventually became legends in the genre and often covered popular themes such as robots, space travel and Martian invasions. In this story, it's possible you'll be offended by the 1950's way a man would strike a woman to snap her out of a hysteria. The rest is thought provoking if you consider the deeper meaning to the allegory...true of a...
Our Miss Brooks, School on Saturday, Jan 8, 1956
January 09, 2015 00:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBOur Miss Brooks was a series that aired first on radio and then both on TV and radio. Unlike many of the co-media series of the day, however, the Our Miss Brooks radio show was simply the audio from the TV series. In this episode, we find the usual cast of characters creating their typical mayhem, centered around Madison High School English teacher Constance Brooks, ever chasing after relatively clueless Biology teacher Mr. Boynton.
The Mel Blanc Show, The Broken Caruso Record, Jan 7, 1947
January 08, 2015 00:00 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBWhen Mel Blanc got his own radio show, he had already become world famous for being the voice of Bugs Bunny (among many others). While this series was funny on its own merits, you can't help but recognize that much of the writing was centered around giving Blanc a chance to show off his voice talents. There are several inside jokes in each episode, such as how the lodge president talks about dispatching his wife. Still and all, the show is quite enjoyable.
Fred Allen Show, Take It or Leave It, Jan 6, 1946
January 07, 2015 00:00 - 28 minutes - 6.47 MBFred Allen's show was not very typical of his time. He tended to avoid the standard variety format in favor of topical humor approached from several directions within the half-hour. Over the years, it became more or less a trademark that Allen would tell one of the scripted jokes and that would fall flat...only to have Fred ad lib some crack about how bad the joke was, getting a much bigger laugh in the process.
Rocky Fortune, On the Trail of a Killer, Jan 5, 1954
January 06, 2015 00:00 - 23 minutes - 5.53 MBNBC ran the Rocky Fortune series for 25 episodes beginning in October 1953. This show was a "sustaining series," which means the network paid for all production costs so they could take care of Frank Sinatra's growing superstardom. Each episode features Frank as a detective in the style of the day...part hardboiled and part comic relief. I hope you enjoy.
Fibber McGee and Molly, Jan 4, 1949
January 05, 2015 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.67 MBAs one of the original radio sitcoms, Fibber McGee and Molly holds a special place in radio history. This episode features the regular cast of characters paying their regular visits, all wrapped around Fibber not ordering more heating oil for the furnace.
Gunsmoke, Trojan War, Jan 3, 1960
January 04, 2015 00:00 - 24 minutes - 11.1 MBThis is Episode 404 of what is often regarded as the best show from the Old Time Radio era. Gunsmoke set the standard in many ways including the quality of the scripts, exceptional acting, and production quality. For example, the sound technician recorded star William Conrad walking in cowboy boots on a wooden deck built exactly like an old Dodge City store front deck, just to have an authentic sound for any time he needed to have Matt Dillon walking on a wooden deck.
X Minus One, Prime Difference, Jan 2, 1958
January 03, 2015 00:00 - 19 minutes - 9.01 MBX Minus One was one of the better science fiction anthology series that aired during the late 1950's. The series frequently featured stories by writers who eventually became legends in the genre and often covered popular themes such as robots, space travel and Martian invasions. In this story, an unexpected twist could likely leave you chuckling at the ol' switcheroo.
Mel Blanc Show, Zebra of the Year, Dec 31, 2014
January 01, 2015 00:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBWhen Mel Blanc got his own radio show, he had already become world famous for being the voice of Bugs Bunny (among many others). While this series was funny on its own merits, you can't help but recognize that much of the writing was centered around giving Blanc a chance to show off his voice talents. There are several inside jokes in each episode, such as how the lodge president talks about dispatching his wife. Still and all, the show is quite enjoyable.
Jack Benny, Goodbye 1938, Jan 1, 1939
January 01, 2015 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.66 MBThis episode seems to be from the time when Jack and the gang were in the zone. They're loose and having fun together, just kind of riffing off each other, ribbing on all their standard things. There's even a short play on 1938 saying goodbye and welcoming in the "tiny nudist newcomer, 1939." A fun half-hour to ring in the new year.
Great Gildersleeve, New Years at Home, Dec 30, 1945
December 31, 2014 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.83 MBThe Great Gildersleeve, with his distinctive laugh, was a character originally created by Harold Peary while on the Fibber McGee and Molly show. On that show, the character had a pretty loose biography and was either married or not, depending on the needs of the writing staff. On his own spinoff, he's a bachelor tending to his recently orphaned niece and nephew. I have to say, this show is just plain fun
Rocky Fortune, Prize Fight Setup, Dec 29, 1953
December 30, 2014 00:00 - 23 minutes - 5.43 MBNBC ran the Rocky Fortune series for 25 episodes beginning in October 1953. This show was a "sustaining series," which means the network paid for all production costs so they could take care of Frank Sinatra's growing superstardom. Each episode features Frank as a detective in the style of the day...part hardboiled and part comic relief. I hope you enjoy.
You Bet Your Life, Secret Word Table, Dec 28, 1955
December 29, 2014 00:00 - 27 minutes - 6.35 MBIn theory, You Bet Your Life was a quiz show. In reality, it was a half-hour of Groucho Marx ad libbing off the contestants answers to his ice breaking questions. If you can listen to this show and not laugh, you probably have no pulse.
Gunsmoke, The Cabin, Dec 27, 1952
December 27, 2014 00:00 - 29 minutes - 13.8 MBThis is Episode 36 of what is often regarded as the best show from the Old Time Radio era. Gunsmoke set the standard in many ways including the quality of the scripts, exceptional acting, and production quality. For example, the sound technician recorded star William Conrad walking in cowboy boots on a wooden deck built exactly like an old Dodge City store front deck, just to have an authentic sound for any time he needed to have Matt Dillon walking on a wooden deck.
Fibber McGee and Molly, Dec 26, 1946
December 27, 2014 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.66 MBAs one of the original radio sitcoms, Fibber McGee and Molly holds a special place in radio history. This episode features a visit by the McGee's war worker friend/lessee and their part time maid Beulah. Little known fact: Beulah was played by a white Jewish man.
The Henry Morgan Show, The Christmas Story, Dec 25, 1946
December 25, 2014 00:00 - 29 minutes - 13.4 MBHenry was sometimes just a little too clever for his own good. Some very good examples on this episode. In my opinion, it's a shame there aren't more of his shows available.
The Mel Blanc Show, Mel Plays Santa Claus, Dec 24, 1946
December 25, 2014 00:00 - 23 minutes - 21.4 MBWhen Mel Blanc got his own radio show, he had already become world famous for being the voice of Bugs Bunny (among many others). While this series was funny on its own merits, you can't help but recognize that much of the writing was centered around giving Blanc a chance to show off his voice talents. There are several inside jokes in each episode, such as how the lodge president talks about dispatching his wife. Still and all, the show is quite enjoyable.
Great Gildersleeve, Christmas at Home, Dec 23, 1945
December 24, 2014 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.83 MBThe Great Gildersleeve, with his distinctive laugh, was a character originally created by Harold Peary while on the Fibber McGee and Molly show. On that show, the character had a pretty loose biography and was either married or not, depending on the needs of the writing staff. On his own spinoff, he's a bachelor tending to his recently orphaned niece and nephew. I have to say, this show is just plain fun.
Rocky Fortune, Plot to Kill Santa Claus, Dec 22, 1953
December 23, 2014 00:00 - 23 minutes - 5.41 MBNBC ran the Rocky Fortune series for 25 episodes beginning in October 1953. This show was a "sustaining series," which means the network paid for all production costs so they could take care of Frank Sinatra's growing superstardom. Each episode features Frank as a detective in the style of the day...part hardboiled and part comic relief. I hope you enjoy.
You Bet Your Life, Secret Word Chair, Dec 21, 1949
December 22, 2014 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.71 MBIn theory, You Bet Your Life was a quiz show. In reality, it was a half-hour of Groucho Marx ad libbing off the contestants answers to his ice breaking questions. If you can listen to this show and not laugh, you probably have no pulse.
Command Performance, Dec 20, 1943
December 21, 2014 00:00 - 30 minutes - 13.9 MBDuring World War II, most of America's best and brightest entertainers got together each week and put out a show specifically for the fighting men overseas. The show's motto: Presented once a week, every week, until it's over, over there.
Our Miss Brooks, Magic Christmas Tree, Dec 19, 1948
December 20, 2014 00:00 - 28 minutes - 8.12 MBOur Miss Brooks was a series that aired first on radio and then both on TV and radio. Unlike many of the co-media series of the day, however, the Our Miss Brooks radio show was simply the audio from the TV series. In this episode, we find the usual cast of characters creating their typical mayhem, centered around Madison High School English teacher Constance Brooks, ever chasing after relatively clueless Biology teacher Mr. Boynton.
Gunsmoke, Hero's Departure, Dec 18, 1960
December 19, 2014 00:00 - 23 minutes - 10.6 MBThis is Episode 454 of what is often regarded as the best show from the Old Time Radio era. Gunsmoke set the standard in many ways including the quality of the scripts, exceptional acting, and production quality. For example, the sound technician recorded star William Conrad walking in cowboy boots on a wooden deck built exactly like an old Dodge City store front deck, just to have an authentic sound for any time he needed to have Matt Dillon walking on a wooden deck.
The Mel Blanc Show, Christmas Shopping, Dec 17, 1946
December 18, 2014 00:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBWhen Mel Blanc got his own radio show, he had already become world famous for being the voice of Bugs Bunny (among many others). While this series was funny on its own merits, you can't help but recognize that much of the writing was centered around giving Blanc a chance to show off his voice talents. There are several inside jokes in each episode, such as how the lodge president talks about dispatching his wife. Still and all, the show is quite enjoyable.
Fibber McGee and Molly, Dec 16, 1947
December 17, 2014 00:00 - 28 minutes - 6.52 MBAs one of the original radio sitcoms, Fibber McGee and Molly holds a special place in radio history. This episode features quite an interesting session with Bill Thompson (as the Old Timer) who was obviously ad libbing his particular delivery as they did the show, cracking up Marion Jordan (Molly McGee). It's also neat to hear the embedded commercials by Harlow Wilcox...and sometimes they way they are hijacked by Fibber, who ends up doing an even better commercial.
Rocky Fortune, Companion to a Chimp, Dec 15, 1953
December 16, 2014 00:00 - 23 minutes - 5.52 MBNBC ran the Rocky Fortune series for 25 episodes beginning in October 1953. This show was a "sustaining series," which means the network paid for all production costs so they could take care of Frank Sinatra's growing superstardom. Each episode features Frank as a detective in the style of the day...part hardboiled and part comic relief. I hope you enjoy.
You Bet Your Life, Secret Word Hair, Dec 14, 1949
December 14, 2014 00:00 - 29 minutes - 8.39 MBIn theory, You Bet Your Life was a quiz show. In reality, it was a half-hour of Groucho Marx ad libbing off the contestants answers to his ice breaking questions. If you can listen to this show and not laugh, you probably have no pulse.
The Six Shooter, More Than Kin, Dec 13, 1953
December 14, 2014 00:00 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBThe Six Shooter was an unusual western series starring James Stewart as Brit Ponsit. Ponsit had a reputation for wielding his pearl handled six shooter like no other. In the series, Ponsit's wit was always faster than his gun, which was almost never drawn.
Martin and Lewis Christmas Show, Dec 12, 1949
December 13, 2014 00:00 - 29 minutes - 13.4 MBDean Martin and Jerry Lewis became one of America's best entertainment partnerships basically by accident. Meeting at the club they were both playing, they were told there wasn't enough time for both to go on stage, so they decided to partner up. Ad libbing their entire act that night, they basically struck on the perfect balance of outrageously funny comedy and Dean's outrageously smooth singing. I hope you enjoy this episode.
Gunsmoke, The Cook, Dec 11, 1960
December 12, 2014 00:00 - 23 minutes - 10.9 MBThis is Episode 453 of what is often regarded as the best show from the Old Time Radio era. Gunsmoke set the standard in many ways including the quality of the scripts, exceptional acting, and production quality. For example, the sound technician recorded star William Conrad walking in cowboy boots on a wooden deck built exactly like an old Dodge City store front deck, just to have an authentic sound for any time he needed to have Matt Dillon walking on a wooden deck.
Mel Blanc Show, Christmas Presents, Dec 10, 1946
December 11, 2014 00:00 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBWhen Mel Blanc got his own radio show, he had already become world famous for being the voice of Bugs Bunny (among many others). While this series was funny on its own merits, you can't help but recognize that much of the writing was centered around giving Blanc a chance to show off his voice talents. There are several inside jokes in each episode, such as how the lodge president talks about dispatching his wife. Still and all, the show is quite enjoyable.
Fibber McGee and Molly, 40 Percent Off, Dec 9, 1941
December 11, 2014 00:00 - 29 minutes - 6.66 MBAs one of the original radio sitcoms, Fibber McGee and Molly holds a special place in radio history. This episode was originally broadcast just two days after the Pearl Harbor attack and the US was at war for just over 24 hours. In fact, it's a little eerie to hear the announcer talk about keeping the show on the air to keep morale up. And it's a little eerie to hear the announcer, Harlow Wilcox, mention the sponsor has agreed to allow NBC to cut in at any time with war news.
Rocky Fortune, Carnival One Way, Dec 8, 1953
December 09, 2014 00:00 - 22 minutes - 5.29 MBNBC ran the Rocky Fortune series for 25 episodes beginning in October 1953. This show was a "sustaining series," which means the network paid for all production costs so they could take care of Frank Sinatra's growing superstardom. Each episode features Frank as a detective in the style of the day...part hardboiled and part comic relief. I hope you enjoy.
You Bet Your Life, Secret Word Dust, Dec 7, 1949
December 08, 2014 00:00 - 28 minutes - 6.63 MBIn theory, You Bet Your Life was a quiz show. In reality, it was a half-hour of Groucho Marx ad libbing off the contestants answers to his ice breaking questions. If you can listen to this show and not laugh, you probably have no pulse.
The Six Shooter, A Pressing Engagement, Dec 6, 1953
December 07, 2014 00:00 - 28 minutes - 12.9 MBThe Six Shooter was an unusual western series starring James Stewart as Brit Ponsit. Ponsit had a reputation for wielding his pearl handled six shooter like no other. In the series, Ponsit's wit was always faster than his gun, which was almost never drawn.
X Minus One, There Will Come Soft Rains, Dec 5, 1956
December 06, 2014 00:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBIn the 1950s, science fiction was all the rage and X Minus One rode that wave by bringing stories from Galaxy magazine to the airwaves. Well written, well produced, these shows are great, in my opinion.