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    A history of Old Time Radio and how it changed us all.
    enMichael Gillett100 Episodes

    Episodes (100)

    When Radio Ruled #104 - SoundScape 1938 part 30

    When Radio Ruled #104 - SoundScape 1938 part 30

    My personal OTR collection contains thousands of hours of old time radio I use  in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen to each episode I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits to create a best of reel as a reference for when writing the scripts. And that’s what you are about to hear, part of that best of reel, a one hour chunk of really great audio artifacts from 1938.

    The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live November 25 through December 11, 1938.

    Starring:

    Orson Welle

    Agnes Moorehead

    Don Wilson

    Jack Benny

    Phil Harris

    Kenny Baker

    Mary Livingstone

    Eddie “Rochester” Anderson

    Cast of Family Doctor

     

    Featured Songs Include

    They Say – Helen Forrest with the Artie Shaw Orchestra

    My Reverie - Helen Forrest with the Artie Shaw Orchestra

    Who Blew Out The Flame - Helen Forrest with the Artie Shaw Orchestra

    Pocketful of Dreams – Phil Harris and His Orchestra

     

    In this episode:

    Some Smoking Jazz From Artie Shaw!

    Jack Benny has a bad cold!

    Flash Benny Football Hero!

    The Benny Gang Visits New York!

    Jack’s Annual Christmas Shopping Trip!

     And More!!

    When Radio Ruled #103 - SoundScape 1938 part 29

    When Radio Ruled #103 - SoundScape 1938 part 29

    My personal OTR collection contains thousands of hours of old time radio I use  in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen to each episode I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits to create a best of reel as a reference for when writing the scripts. And that’s what you are about to hear, part of that best of reel, a one hour chunk of really great audio artifacts from 1938.

     

    The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live November 17 through November 24, 1938.

     

    Starring:

    Louis B. Mayer

    Father Flanagan

    Don Wilson

    Mary Livingstone

    Phil Harris

    Jack Benny

    Kenny Baker

    Cast of The Family Doctor

    Robert Young

    Fanny Brice

    Hanley Stafford

    Mickey Rooney

    Louis Stone

    Faye Holden

    Cecelia Parker

    Ann Rutherford

     

    In this episode:

    Louis B Mayer talks about the Movie BoysTown!

    Kenny Baker Plays a Cannibal!

    Baby Snooks Gets a New Car and Daddy gets a ticket!

    The Hardy family show us the true meaning of Thanksgiving!

    And More!!

    When Radio Ruled #102 - SoundScape 1938 part 28

    When Radio Ruled #102 - SoundScape 1938 part 28

    My personal OTR collection contains thousands of hours of old time radio I use  in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen to each episode I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits to create a best of reel as a reference for when writing the scripts. And that’s what you are about to hear, part of that best of reel, a one hour chunk of really great audio artifacts from 1938.

     

    The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live November 10 through November 17, 1938.

     

    Starring:

    Cast of Columbia Workshop

    Lionel Barrymore

    Don Wilson

    Jack Benny

    Mary Livingstone

    Phil Harris

    Kenny Baker

    Eddie “Rochester” Anderson

    Peter Van Steeden

    Fred Allen

    Portland Hoffa

    Harry Von Zell

    Rudy Vallee

    Joe DiMaggio

     

    In this episode:

    Lionel Barrymore prays for peace!

    Jack Benny Steals Phil Harris’ Girlfriend!

    Fred Allen talks Taxes on False Teeth!

    Song of the Vice Presidents!

    Rudy Vallee interviews Joe DiMaggio

    And More!!

     

    When Radio Ruled #101 - SoundScape 1938 part 27

    When Radio Ruled #101 - SoundScape 1938 part 27

    The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live November 2 through November 6, 1938.

     

    Starring:

    Fred Allen

    Harry Von Zell

    Portland Hoffa

    Orson Welles

    Don Wilson

    Jack Benny

    Phil Harris

    Mary Livingstone

    Kenny Baker

    Bill Goodwin

    Charlie McCarthy

    Edgar Bergen

    Ray Noble

    Jean Arthur

    And

    The Merry Macs

     

    In this episode:

    Fred Allen’s Tribute to November!

    Sound Poems from Columbia Workshop!

    Jean Arthur Tells Charlie McCarthy about Goldilocks

    And More!!

     

    Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of show biz from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.

     

    When Radio Ruled #100 - SoundScape 1938 part 26

    When Radio Ruled #100 - SoundScape 1938 part 26

    My personal OTR collection contains thousands of hours of old time radio I use  in order to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen to each episode I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits to create a best of reel as a reference for when writing the scripts. And that’s what you are about to hear, part of that best of reel, a one hour chunk of really great audio artifacts from 1938.

    The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live October 23  through October 31, 1938.

    Starring:

    Orson Welles

    Lionel Barrymore

    Clark Gable

    Robert Young

    Frank Morgan

    Don Ameche

    Judy Canova

    Charlie McCarthy

    Edgar Bergen

    Dorothy Lamour

    Madeleine Carroll

    Don Wilson

    Eddie “Rochester” Anderson

    Jack Benny

    Mary Livingstone

    Kenny Baker

    Phil Harris

    Andy Devine

    and

    Seabiscuit

    FEATURED SONGS INCLUDE

    Two Sleepy People – Dorothy Lamour

    Hounds on My Tracks – Judy, Annie, and Zeke

    and

    What Have You Got That Gets Me? – Phil Harris and the Jello Gang

    In this episode:

    The Martians Invade America!

    Edgar Bergen tries to Tell a Ghost Story!

    Jack Benny throws a Halloween Party!

    Seabiscuit races War Admiral!

    And More!!

     Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of show biz from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.

     Soundscape 1938, part 26, from When Radio Ruled, offered without further commentary for your entertainment and education. But mostly for your entertainment.

     

    When Radio Ruled #99 - SoundScape 1938 part 25

    When Radio Ruled #99 - SoundScape 1938 part 25

    The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live October 16  through October 23, 1938.

     

    Starring:

    Adolf Hitler

    Don Wilson

    Jack Benny

    Mary Livingstone

    Phil Harris

    Kenny Baker

    Andy Devine

    Winston Churchill

    Orson Welles

    Robert Young

    Judy Garland

    Fanny Brice

    Hanley Stafford

    and

    Joan Crawford

    FEATURED SONGS INCLUDE

    Zing Went the Strings of my Heart – Judy Garland

    and

    Bumpy Road to Love – Judy Garland and the Good News Company

    In this episode:

    Hitler is still getting away with pushing Europe around!

    Jack Benny upgrades his old Broadcast studio for a brand new facilitie!

    Joan Crawford and Robert Young in a Haunting Radio Play!

    And More!!

    When Radio Ruled #98 - SoundScape 1938 part 24

    When Radio Ruled #98 - SoundScape 1938 part 24

    The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live September 15 through October 10, 1938.

     

    Starring:

    Cast of Blair of the Mounties

    Cast of Columbia Workshop

    Slapsy Maxie Rosenbloom

    Frank Morgan

    Fanny Brice

    Cast of Family Doctor

    Cecil B. DeMille

    Ephraim Zimbalist

    Neville Chamberlain

    Phil Harris

    Kenny Baker

    Mary Livingstone

    Don Wilson

    Eddie “Rochester” Anderson

    Jack Benny

    Eleanor Powell

     

    In this episode:

    Jack Benny’s back on the Radio and Nazi Mind Games!

    Neville Chamberlain says everything’s going to be alright!

    Fanny Bruce and Slapsy Maxie Rosenbloom make with the funny!

    And More!!

    When Radio Ruled #97 - SoundScape 1938 part 23

    When Radio Ruled #97 - SoundScape 1938 part 23

    The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live August 28 through September 13, 1938.

    Starring:

    Edward Arnold

    Charlie McCarthy

    Edgar Bergen

    Robert Young

    Meredith Wilson

    Fanny Brice

    Hanley Stafford

    Alice Faye

    Frank Morgan

    Father Flanagan

    Cast of Family Doctor

    Orson Welles

    Judy Garland

    Cast of Family Doctor

    Cast of Blair of the Mounties

     

    Featured Songs Include

    There’s Honey on the Moon Tonight – Dorothy Lamour

    Alexander’s Ragtime Band – Alice Faye

     

    In this episode:

    Frank Morgan tells Stories of his great Military Glory!

    Hitler is being a Big Jerk again!

    Czechoslovakia prepares to defend against the German Army!

    The Reviews are in! The Mercury Theater is a Great Success!

    Orson Welles yells at his Crew to shut up!

    And More!!

    When Radio Ruled #96 - SoundScape 1938 part 22

    When Radio Ruled #96 - SoundScape 1938 part 22

    The Episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live August 1 through August 28, 1938.

     

    Starring:

    Cast of Blair of the Mounties

    Orson Welles

    Al Jolson

    Irving Berlin

    Cast of The Shadow

    Seabiscuit

    Charlie McCarthy

    Nelson Eddy

    Edward Arnold

    Edgar Bergen

    Ella Logan

    Rudy Vallee

     

    Featured Songs Include

    Marie – Tommy Dorsey Orchestra

    My Bonnie – Ella Logan

    Heatwave – Ethel Merman

    My Lucky Star Medley – Rudy Vallee and his Orchestra

    Automobile Theme Song Medley – Rudy Vallee and his Orchestra

     

     

    In this episode:

    Irving Berlin Sings!

    Charlie McCarthy becomes a banker!

    Big League Woman’s Softball!

    Rudy Vallee Sings Jingles about 1938 Cars!

    The Munich Crisis!

    And More!!

     

    Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.

    When Radio Ruled #95 - SoundScape 1938 part 21

    When Radio Ruled #95 - SoundScape 1938 part 21

    This episode starts out solemn with references to the marauding Japanese and unreasonable bully  Nazis but ends with lots of laughs thanks to Charlie McCarthy and Friends.

     

    It consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live July 3 through July 31, 1938.

    Starring:

    Orson Welles

    Edward Arnold

    Charlie McCarthy

    Edgar Bergen

    Spencer Tracy

    And

    Fay Bainter

     

    In this episode:

    Nazis and Japanese as Villains!

    The War Goes On in the News!

    Lots of Columbia Workshop!

    Lots of the Shadow!

    Spencer Tracy meets Charlie McCarthy!

    And More!!

     

    When Radio Ruled #94 - Old Time Radio Christmas 2023

    When Radio Ruled #94 - Old Time Radio Christmas 2023

    Peace on Earth Good Will Towards Men

    A Celebration of Christmas through Old Time Radio!

    Featuring Two Great Radio Christmas Time Broadcasts

    Casey Crime Photographer – Christmas Shopping from  12/19/46

    The Lone Ranger – 3 Wise Men from 12/24/54

    With Songs and Excerpts from War Time Radio Christmas Broadcasts!

    Starring

    Franklin Roosevelt

    Fibber McGee

    Lionel Barrymore

    Bryce Beamer

    Bob Hope

    And More!

     

    Songs Include

    Little Town of Bethlehem – Dick Haymes

    Merry American Christmas – Dinah Shore

    God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Bing Crosby

    Oh Come All Ye Faithful – Bing Crosby

    Merry Christmas, may you feel Peace, may you share Goodwill

    When Radio Ruled #93 - SoundScape 1938 part 20

    When Radio Ruled #93 - SoundScape 1938 part 20

    My personal OTR collection contains thousands of hours of old time radio I use to create the year by year historical When Radio Ruled documentaries, and as I listen to each episode I extract the most interesting and entertaining bits and create a best of reel as a reference for when writing the script. And that’s what you are about to hear, part of that best of reel, a one hour chunk of really great audio artifacts from 1938.

     

    This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live June 22 through July 3, 1938.

     

    Starring:

    Joe Lewis

    Max Schmeling

    Fred Allen

    Art Moger

    Portland Hoffa

    Harry Von Zell

    Orson Welles

    Jack Benny

    Don Wilson

    Phil Harris

    Mary Livingstone

    Andy Devine

    The Cast of the Lone Ranger

    L.A. “Speed” Riggs

    Georgie Jessel

    Norma Talmadge

    The Cast and Musicians of The RCA Victor Campus Club

     

     

    Featured Songs include:

    Honey on the Moon – Town Hall Quartet

    You Couldn’t be Sweeter – Phil Harris

    That Was Love Sez My Heart – Mary Livingstone

    Rings on her Fingers – The Merry Macs

     

    In this episode:

    Joe Lewis versus Max Schmeling!

    Speed Riggs reveals Tobacco Auctioneer Secrets!

    Mary Livingstone Sings!

    Hot Swing from The Campus Club!

    And More!!

     

    Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.

     

    When Radio Ruled #92 - SoundScape 1938 part 19

    When Radio Ruled #92 - SoundScape 1938 part 19

    This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live June 4 through June 19, 1938.

    Starring:

    The Cast of Colombia Workshop

    Fred Allen

    Ray Smith

    Portland Hoffa

    Harry Von Zell

    Peter Van Steeden

    Don Wilson

    Jack Benny

    Eddie “Rochester” Anderson

    Phil Harris

    Don Wilson

    Kenny Baker

    Mary Livingston

    Joan Bennett

    Featured Songs include:

    Cry Baby Cry – Town Hall Quartet

    Serenade in the Night - Connie Boswell

    Don’t Be That Way – Meredith Wilson Orchestra

    Second Hand Rose – Fanny Brice

    In this episode:

    Jack Benny and Joan Bennett Shoot their Movie!

    What’s a Mikado? Kenny Baker wants to Know!

    Fanny Brice sings one of her greatest hits!

    And More!!

    Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.

    Soundscape 1938, part 19, from When Radio Ruled, offered without further commentary for your entertainment and education. But mostly for your entertainment.

    When Radio Ruled #91 - SoundScape 1938 part 18

    When Radio Ruled #91 - SoundScape 1938 part 18

    This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live May 26 through June 1 1938.

     

    Starring:

    Robert Young

    Fanny Brice

    Hanley Stafford

    The Cast of Columbia Workshop

    Georgie Jessel

    Mary Livingston

    Don Wilson

    Kenny Baker

    Phil Harris

    Eddie “Rochester” Anderson

    Jack Benny

    Andy Devine

    Agnes Moorehead

    Orson Welles

    Fred Allen

    The Mighty Allen Art Players

     

    Featured Songs include:

    I was a Flora Dora Baby – Fanny Brice

    Love Please Don’t Tell on Me medley – The Merry Macs

     

    In this episode:

    Rochester plays Leading Lady as Jack Benny rehearses for his new film!

    The Shadow Confronts The Creeper!

    A Vox Pop parody from Fred Allen!

    And More!!

     

    Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.

    When Radio Ruled #90 - Thanksgiving Special 2023

    When Radio Ruled #90 - Thanksgiving Special 2023

    This turkey filled audio feast is made up of two broadcasts from the World War two years, the first from 1942 the second from 1944.

    During the big war, Thanksgiving had an extra emotional impact. So many families had empty chairs where sons and daughters used to sit but now were stationed all over the globe doing their duty to protect those who sat around the thanksgiving table.

    Some of those chairs would be occupied by strangers, locally deployed servicemen who couldn’t get home to their families.

    The prayers were extra solemn, and the thanks were sincerely given.

    Turkeys weren’t rationed, but they were scarce and expensive. The military was determined that servicemen abroad should have a traditional thanksgiving, and so many turkeys were sent to the troops abroad that the birds were scarce and expensive back home.

    Our first Thanksgiving episode plays on the turkey price increase, as our favorite housewife, Gracie Allen buys a live turkey planning to fatten it up for the big day’s dinner.

    From November 17, 1942 The Burns and Allen show presents “Gracie Buys a Live Turkey”

    Then we move onto a more serious look at wartime thanksgiving with the Command Performance thanksgiving special from 1944.

    Command Performance was broadcast domestically but was aimed at the soldiers overseas. The show took requests from servicemen for guests and songs and did their level best to deliver.

    Performers were honored to be requested by the servicemen and volunteered their time to appear on the show and do their part for Armed Service morale.

    Lionel Barrymore hosts, and Dinah Shore the southern songstress who was America’s Sweetheart in 1944.

    Patriotism and entertainment, brought to you by grateful American radio stars.

     

    When Radio Ruled #89 - SoundScape 1938 part 17

    When Radio Ruled #89 - SoundScape 1938 part 17

    This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live May 18 through May 25 1938.

     

    Featuring:

    The Cast of Cavalcade of America

    Robert Young

    Joan Crawford

    Frank Morgan

    The Cast Of The Columbia Workshop

    Georgie Jessel

    Mayor Jimmie Walker

    Josephine Starr

    Ned Wayburn

    Norma Talmadge

    Don Wilson

    Jack Benny

    Mary Livingston

    Phil Harris

    Kenny Baker

    The Cast of Blair of the Mounties

    The Cast of the Green Hornet

    In this episode:

    A Chemistry Lesson From Dupont!

    Joan Crawford in a Radio Play by Arch Obler! Bring your hankies, it’s a tear jerker!

    Jack Benny is on a Diet!

    Teddy Roosevelt tells us how to Raise Our Chldren!

    The Germans want to Invade Czechoslovakia!

    And More!!

    When Radio Ruled #88 - SoundScape 1938 part 16

    When Radio Ruled #88 - SoundScape 1938 part 16

    This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live May 5 through May 18 1938.

    Featuring:

    Judy Garland

    Robert Young

    Frank Morgan

    Una Merkle

    Clark Gable

    The Cast of the Green Hornet

    Jack Benny

    Phil Harris

    Mary Livingston

    Don Wilson

    The Cast of the Lone Ranger

    Fred Allen

     

    Featured Songs Include:

    Judy Garland – You’re in God’s Country

    Judy Garland – How Deep is the Ocean

    Norma Talmadge – How’d You Like to Love Me

    Town Hall Quartet – You Couldn’t be Finer

      

    In this episode:

     Fred Allen and Company Mock Jack Benny and his new home.

     16 Year Old Judy Garland Sings Her Heart Out!

     Frank Morgan discusses his career as a Gigilo!

    And More!!

    When Radio Ruled #86 - SoundScape 1938 part 15

    When Radio Ruled #86 - SoundScape 1938 part 15

     

    This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live April 20 through May 4 1938.

     

    Featuring:

    The Cast of the Lone Ranger

    The Cast of Blair of the Mounties

    Fred Allen

    Harry Von Zell

    Charles Atlas

    Winston Churchill

    The Cast of Columbia Workshop

    Jack Benny

    Phil Harris

    Mary Livingston

    Georgie Jessel

    Norma Talmadge

    Portland Hoffa

     

    Featured Songs Include:

    Stop and Reconsider – the Town Hall Quartet

    Crazy People – The Merry Macs

    In a Little Red Barn – The Merry Macs

    The Jonah Song – Town Hall Quartet

    You Couldn’t Be Cuter – Town Hall Quartet

    Good Night Ladies – The Merry Macs

    DixieLand Band – Town Hall Quartet

    Shade of the New Apple Tree – The Merry Macs 

    In this episode:

    Lots of Musical Numbers!

    Fred Allen tears a phone book in half!

    The Unique Musical Stylings of the Merry Macs!

    Winston Churchill speaks about Art and Politics!

    And More!!

    Please come with me on the time machine to the year 1938 and be entertained by these giants of entertainment from long ago, alive again through the magic of the theater of the mind.

    When Radio Ruled #85 - SoundScape 1938 part 14

    When Radio Ruled #85 - SoundScape 1938 part 14

    This episode consists of a curated collection of Old Time Radio Clips originally broadcast live April 3 through April 18, 1938. 

    Featuring:

    Jack Benny

    Don Wilson

    Eddie “Rochester” Anderson

    Mary Livingston

    Kenny Baker

    Phil Harris

    Fred Allen

    Portland Hoffa

    Harry Von Zell

    Harry Morgan

    Robert Taylor

    Fanny Brice

    Featured Songs Include:

    Dear, Dear, What Can the Matter Be? – The Merry Macs

    I’m Coming Home – The Town Hall Quartet

    The Gypsy in my Soul – The Merry Macs

    Why? Because! – Judy Garland & Baby Snooks

    College Swing – Judy Garland

    Cryin’ for the Caroline – Judy Garland 

    In this episode:

     Jack Benny Goes to Oxford, if he can find it!

     The Jack Benny/Fred Allen feud heats up!

    Judy Garland sings and Swings!

     Harry Morgan and Fanny Brice as Napoleon and Josephine! 

    And More!!