Displaying the top 100 results that match your query. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/rssapi.jsp?browse=true&N=3+6600+4294945082 http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1028803 Alistair Cooke was a radio legend, entertaining millions of listeners for over fifty years in his weekly Letter from America. This selection of letters includes Cookes reports on momentous events such as Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal, the ceasefire in Vietnam and the assassination attempt on Gerald Ford. Here, too, are Cookes thoughts on Jimmy Carter becoming president, the death of Harry S. Truman ... http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=1646127 A collection of Driveway Moments -- stories that keep you in the car to listen to the end even after youve reached your destination. Stories from Jonathan Winters, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Sarah Silverman, David Sedaris, Larry David and more. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=759158 When Mr Darcy comes to stay with his friend Bingley at Netherfield, Lizzie Bennet is as repulsed by his arrogance and pride as he is by her younger sisters and her mother. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646268 Millions of radio listeners visited Duffys Tavern each week, but Duffy himself was nowhere to be found. Perhaps Duffy was shy around celebrities or maybe he had somewhere better to be than the run-down saloon that bore his name. Although he dutifully phoned Archie the manager each week, he never once dropped by. Duffys Tavern first opened its doors to radio listeners on the CBS audition series Forecast on July 29, 1940, and then opened for regular business on March 1, 1941. Duffys Tavern was a New York dive that featured terrible food, worse service and big-name celebrity guests. The low-life denizens of the tavern in fact hobnobbed each week with the biggest stars in Hollywood. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646269 The trials and tribulations of (and caused by) one teenage boy are the focus of this popular series. At the beginning of every episode, listeners hear the timeless call of Henry Aldrich, Coming Mother! Living in a quaint small town with a typical middle class family, Henry ought to be a very ordinary young man. However, the confusion and chaos that he innocently creates shows that he is anything but ordinary! While he regularly gets in to all kinds of trouble, his most frequent problems concern the ultimate nemesis of any teenage boy: girls. The Aldrich family was so well liked by other families across America that it was broadcast for almost 14 years. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646270 Millions of radio listeners visited Duffys Tavern each week, but Duffy himself was nowhere to be found. Perhaps Duffy was shy around celebrities or maybe he had somewhere better to be than the run-down saloon that bore his name. Although he dutifully phoned Archie the manager each week, he never once dropped by. Duffys Tavern first opened its doors to radio listeners on the CBS audition series Forecast on July 29, 1940, and then opened for regular business on March 1, 1941. Duffys Tavern was a New York dive that featured terrible food, worse service and big-name celebrity guests. The low-life denizens of the tavern in fact hobnobbed each week with the biggest stars in Hollywood. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646599 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646288 Comedienne Fanny Brice gave voice to the character she created, the trouble-making toddler Baby Snooks. Tormenting Daddy is Snooks favorite pastime. Whether shes giving away his new suits or getting him in trouble with Mommy, shes sure to get him to lose his temper, and to get a lot of laughs. When the inevitable punishment is meted out, listeners could count on Snooks innocent reply: Whyyyy, Daddy... Brice describes the character best when she explains, Shes my kind of youngster, the type I like. She has imagination. Shes eager. Shes alive. With all her deviltry, she still is a good kid, never vicious nor mean. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646271 Millions of radio listeners visited Duffys Tavern each week, but Duffy himself was nowhere to be found. Perhaps Duffy was shy around celebrities or maybe he had somewhere better to be than the run-down saloon that bore his name. Although he dutifully phoned Archie the manager each week, he never once dropped by. Duffys Tavern first opened its doors to radio listeners on the CBS audition series Forecast on July 29, 1940, and then opened for regular business on March 1, 1941. Duffys Tavern was a New York dive that featured terrible food, worse service and big-name celebrity guests. The low-life denizens of the tavern in fact hobnobbed each week with the biggest stars in Hollywood. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646600 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645670 This fabulous WWII variety show, produced by the War Department and broadcast to all of the troops, was a love letter from Hollywood to our servicemen overseas. Every Sunday evening for half an hour, the show was comprised of whatever the GIs wrote in and asked for. Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Judy Garland, Bob Hope, the Andrews Sisters, Red Skelton, Dinah Shore, Jimmy Durante and a parade of stars performed on the show by request, and they did it for free. But it didnt stop there, the show provided a recording of a GIs dog back home, a hog calling contest, sports talk, and the sound of an alarm clock being smashed. And then there were the features that the men could never have dreamed of: an all-jive show featuring Tommy Dorsey, Lionel Hampton, Count Basie and Spike Jones; a Dick Tracy spoof with an all star cast, and a speech by General Dwight D. Eisenhower directly to the troops. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646289 Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve left Wistful Vista and his supporting role on Fibber McGee and Molly August 31, 1941 and moved to Summerfield and the starring role in radios most successful spin-off series. The Great Gildersleeve, like Fibber McGee and Molly, featured one of radios greatest casts of comedic players: the versatile child actor Walter Tetley as nephew Leroy, Lillian Randolph (later Madame Queen on Amos n Andy and the star of Beulah), Arthur Q. Bryan (the original voice of Elmer Fudd) as Llewellyn and Floyd the barber, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Richard LeGrand as Peavey the druggist and Shirley Mitchell as Southern belle Leila Ransom. The Great Gildersleeve aired until March 21, 1957, with Willard Waterman taking over the title role for the final seven radio seasons and three television seasons. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646272 The trials and tribulations of (and caused by) one teenage boy are the focus of this popular series. At the beginning of every episode, listeners hear the timeless call of Henry Aldrich, Coming Mother! Living in a quaint small town with a typical middle class family, Henry ought to be a very ordinary young man. However, the confusion and chaos that he innocently creates shows that he is anything but ordinary! While he regularly gets in to all kinds of trouble, his most frequent problems concern the ultimate nemesis of any teenage boy: girls. The Aldrich family was so well liked by other families across America that it was broadcast for almost 14 years. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645696 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645338 During the war years, Bob Hopes Pepsodent show was radios highest rated series. Hopes legendary broadcasts from military bases around the world helped boost American morale during some of our darkest days. However, it was the lightning fast pace of his countless jokes that made the show such a success. Bob Hopes co-star was Jerry Colonna, a madcap musician complete with outlandish mustache. Colonna, or Professor as he was known on the show, became famous for his two catch phrases: Greetings, Gate! and Whos Yehudi? Although the shows humor was based around the current events of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, it is as funny today as it was 60 years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646601 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=647092 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the Great Depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645671 It is right from the beginning, when you first hear Boris Karloff as host and narrator, that you suspect that you are about to hear something frightening. But when another classically creepy voice is heard, that of Peter Lorre, then you know for certain what is coming. Whether you are dodging the razor of a revenge-crazed ex-convict in The final reckoning, or are surrounded by Haitian zombies in The walking dead, you are sure to fear all that creeps by night. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645728 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646625 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646290 Comedienne Fanny Brice gave voice to the character she created, the trouble-making toddler Baby Snooks. Tormenting Daddy is Snooks favorite pastime. Whether shes giving away his new suits or getting him in trouble with Mommy, shes sure to get him to lose his temper, and to get a lot of laughs. When the inevitable punishment is meted out, listeners could count on Snooks innocent reply: Whyyyy, Daddy... Brice describes the character best when she explains, Shes my kind of youngster, the type I like. She has imagination. Shes eager. Shes alive. With all her deviltry, she still is a good kid, never vicious nor mean. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646273 John Steinbeck recognized Fred Allen as unquestionably the best humorist of our time, a brilliant critic of manners and morals. Following in the footsteps of Will Rogers, Fred reintroduced topical political humor to radio. Until that time, everybody was depending a lot on sketches and a lot that had been brought up from vaudeville and revues, explained scriptwriter Harry Bailey. Fred began to mention actual people, places and events and use them for takeoffs and comedy. Fred introduced his classic Allens Alley segment December 13, 1942. The original denizens of the Alley included Alan Reed (later the voice of Fred Flintstone); John Brown (Digger ODell the friendly undertaker on The Life of Riley and Thorny on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet) and Jack Scott Smart (The Fat Man) as Senator Bloat. Only Minerva Pious Mrs. Nussbaum remained in Allens Alley when the segment was revived in 1945 with Kenny Delmars Senator Claghorn, Parker Fennellys Titus Moody and Peter Donalds Ajax Cassidy. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645632 During the war years, Bob Hopes Pepsodent Show was radios highest rated series. Hopes legendary broadcasts from military bases around the world helped boost American morale during some of our darkest days. However, it was the lightning fast pace of his countless jokes that made the show such a success. Bob Hopes co-star was Jerry Colonna, a madcap musician complete with outlandish mustache. Colonna, or Professor as he was known on the show, became famous for his two catch phrases: Greetings, Gate! and Whos Yehudi?. Although the shows humor was based around the current events of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, it is as funny today as it was 60 years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646619 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645697 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646588 Pop-eyed and boundlessly energetic, Eddie Cantor was the first of vaudevilles top stars to take radio by storm. This high-spirited singer and comedian changed the rules of radio by encouraging participation from the studio audience, something that had always been strictly prohibited. The talents of his fun-loving co-stars, including Harry Einstein (as the Greek, Nick Parkyakakas), Bert Gordon (as The Mad Russian), and Hattie McDaniel, helped to make the show the success that it was. Occasionally, Cantor would show his range as a performer by taking on a serious topic, using his show as a platform to explore difficult social issues and matters related to the war. Cantor, a bit of a talent scout, also used his show to host the first radio appearances of Gracie Allen, Dinah Shore, Esther Williams, his own co-star Harry Einstein, and a singer named Bert Parks who Cantor seemed to think might make a good husband for one of his five daughters! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645339 During the war years, Bob Hopes Pepsodent show was radios highest rated series. Hopes legendary broadcasts from military bases around the world helped boost American morale during some of our darkest days. However, it was the lightning fast pace of his countless jokes that made the show such a success. Bob Hopes co-star was Jerry Colonna, a madcap musician complete with outlandish mustache. Colonna, or Professor as he was known on the show, became famous for his two catch phrases: Greetings, Gate! and Whos Yehudi? Although the shows humor was based around the current events of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, it is as funny today as it was 60 years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646602 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=665584 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the Great Depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645639 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=647093 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the Great Depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645672 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645729 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646626 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646291 Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve left Wistful Vista and his supporting role on Fibber McGee and Molly August 31, 1941 and moved to Summerfield and the starring role in radios most successful spin-off series. The Great Gildersleeve, like Fibber McGee and Molly, featured one of radios greatest casts of comedic players: the versatile child actor Walter Tetley as nephew Leroy, Lillian Randolph (later Madame Queen on Amos n Andy and the star of Beulah), Arthur Q. Bryan (the original voice of Elmer Fudd) as Llewellyn and Floyd the barber, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Richard LeGrand as Peavey the druggist and Shirley Mitchell as Southern belle Leila Ransom. The Great Gildersleeve aired until March 21, 1957, with Willard Waterman taking over the title role for the final seven radio seasons and three television seasons. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646274 The trials and tribulations of (and caused by) one teenage boy are the focus of this popular series. At the beginning of every episode, listeners hear the timeless call of Henry Aldrich, Coming Mother! Living in a quaint small town with a typical middle class family, Henry ought to be a very ordinary young man. However, the confusion and chaos that he innocently creates shows that he is anything but ordinary! While he regularly gets in to all kinds of trouble, his most frequent problems concern the ultimate nemesis of any teenage boy: girls. The Aldrich family was so well liked by other families across America that it was broadcast for almost 14 years. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645633 During the war years, Bob Hopes Pepsodent Show was radios highest rated series. Hopes legendary broadcasts from military bases around the world helped boost American morale during some of our darkest days. However, it was the lightning fast pace of his countless jokes that made the show such a success. Bob Hopes co-star was Jerry Colonna, a madcap musician complete with outlandish mustache. Colonna, or Professor as he was known on the show, became famous for his two catch phrases: Greetings, Gate! and Whos Yehudi?. Although the shows humor was based around the current events of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, it is as funny today as it was 60 years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646620 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645698 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646589 Pop-eyed and boundlessly energetic, Eddie Cantor was the first of vaudevilles top stars to take radio by storm. This high-spirited singer and comedian changed the rules of radio by encouraging participation from the studio audience, something that had always been strictly prohibited. The talents of his fun-loving co-stars, including Harry Einstein (as the Greek, Nick Parkyakakas), Bert Gordon (as The Mad Russian), and Hattie McDaniel, helped to make the show the success that it was. Occasionally, Cantor would show his range as a performer by taking on a serious topic, using his show as a platform to explore difficult social issues and matters related to the war. Cantor, a bit of a talent scout, also used his show to host the first radio appearances of Gracie Allen, Dinah Shore, Esther Williams, his own co-star Harry Einstein, and a singer named Bert Parks who Cantor seemed to think might make a good husband for one of his five daughters! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645340 During the war years, Bob Hopes Pepsodent show was radios highest rated series. Hopes legendary broadcasts from military bases around the world helped boost American morale during some of our darkest days. However, it was the lightning fast pace of his countless jokes that made the show such a success. Bob Hopes co-star was Jerry Colonna, a madcap musician complete with outlandish mustache. Colonna, or Professor as he was known on the show, became famous for his two catch phrases: Greetings, Gate! and Whos Yehudi? Although the shows humor was based around the current events of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, it is as funny today as it was 60 years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646603 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645566 Americas famous fighting cowboy was a red-headed, red-shirted, two-fisted tornado who thrilled children and teens with his adventures. Red lived with his Aunt, The Duchess, and his Indian ward Little Beaver at Painted Valley Ranch. They kept busy foiling the plans of their archenemy, Ace Hanlon. Reds strength, cunning horsemanship and sharp-shooting abilities were put to the test in his continuing quest to bring the wily evildoer to justice. Cattle rustlers, outlaws and murderers didnt stand a chance against Red Ryder. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645737 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=665585 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the Great Depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645402 John Steinbeck recognized Fred Allen as unquestionably the best humorist of our time, a brilliant critic of manners and morals. Following in the footsteps of Will Rogers, Fred reintroduced topical political humor to radio. Until that time, everybody was depending a lot on sketches and a lot that had been brought up from vaudeville and revues, explained scriptwriter Harry Bailey. Fred began to mention actual people, places and events and use them for takeoffs and comedy. Fred introduced his classic Allens Alley segment December 13, 1942. The original denizens of the Alley included Alan Reed (later the voice of Fred Flintstone); John Brown (Digger ODell the friendly undertaker on The Life of Riley and Thorny on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet) and Jack Scott Smart (The Fat Man) as Senator Bloat. Only Minerva Pious Mrs. Nussbaum remained in Allens Alley when the segment was revived in 1945 with Kenny Delmars Senator Claghorn, Parker Fennellys Titus Moody and Peter Donalds Ajax Cassidy. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645640 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645690 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=647094 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the Great Depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=665548 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the Great Depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=627836 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of Old Time Radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645673 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645730 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646627 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646292 Comedienne Fanny Brice gave voice to the character she created, the trouble-making toddler Baby Snooks. Tormenting Daddy is Snooks favorite pastime. Whether shes giving away his new suits or getting him in trouble with Mommy, shes sure to get him to lose his temper, and to get a lot of laughs. When the inevitable punishment is meted out, listeners could count on Snooks innocent reply: Whyyyy, Daddy... Brice describes the character best when she explains, Shes my kind of youngster, the type I like. She has imagination. Shes eager. Shes alive. With all her deviltry, she still is a good kid, never vicious nor mean. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645703 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645330 During the war years, Bob Hopes Pepsodent show was radios highest rated series. Hopes legendary broadcasts from military bases around the world helped boost American morale during some of our darkest days. However, it was the lightning fast pace of his countless jokes that made the show such a success. Bob Hopes co-star was Jerry Colonna, a madcap musician complete with outlandish mustache. Colonna, or Professor as he was known on the show, became famous for his two catch phrases: Greetings, Gate! and Whos Yehudi? Although the shows humor was based around the current events of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, it is as funny today as it was 60 years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646275 Comedienne Fanny Brice gave voice to the character she created, the trouble-making toddler Baby Snooks. Tormenting Daddy is Snooks favorite pastime. Whether shes giving away his new suits or getting him in trouble with Mommy, shes sure to get him to lose his temper, and to get a lot of laughs. When the inevitable punishment is meted out, listeners could count on Snooks innocent reply: Whyyyy, Daddy... Brice describes the character best when she explains, Shes my kind of youngster, the type I like. She has imagination. Shes eager. Shes alive. With all her deviltry, she still is a good kid, never vicious nor mean. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645634 During the war years, Bob Hopes Pepsodent Show was radios highest rated series. Hopes legendary broadcasts from military bases around the world helped boost American morale during some of our darkest days. However, it was the lightning fast pace of his countless jokes that made the show such a success. Bob Hopes co-star was Jerry Colonna, a madcap musician complete with outlandish mustache. Colonna, or Professor as he was known on the show, became famous for his two catch phrases: Greetings, Gate! and Whos Yehudi?. Although the shows humor was based around the current events of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, it is as funny today as it was 60 years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646621 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=665580 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the Great Depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645699 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646590 Pop-eyed and boundlessly energetic, Eddie Cantor was the first of vaudevilles top stars to take radio by storm. This high-spirited singer and comedian changed the rules of radio by encouraging participation from the studio audience, something that had always been strictly prohibited. The talents of his fun-loving co-stars, including Harry Einstein (as the Greek, Nick Parkyakakas), Bert Gordon (as The Mad Russian), and Hattie McDaniel, helped to make the show the success that it was. Occasionally, Cantor would show his range as a performer by taking on a serious topic, using his show as a platform to explore difficult social issues and matters related to the war. Cantor, a bit of a talent scout, also used his show to host the first radio appearances of Gracie Allen, Dinah Shore, Esther Williams, his own co-star Harry Einstein, and a singer named Bert Parks who Cantor seemed to think might make a good husband for one of his five daughters! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645341 During the war years, Bob Hopes Pepsodent show was radios highest rated series. Hopes legendary broadcasts from military bases around the world helped boost American morale during some of our darkest days. However, it was the lightning fast pace of his countless jokes that made the show such a success. Bob Hopes co-star was Jerry Colonna, a madcap musician complete with outlandish mustache. Colonna, or Professor as he was known on the show, became famous for his two catch phrases: Greetings, Gate! and Whos Yehudi? Although the shows humor was based around the current events of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, it is as funny today as it was 60 years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646604 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=627827 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645716 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645358 George Burns and Gracie Allen brought their vaudeville act to American radio in 1932. George was an expert straight man and wrote most of their material, but it was Gracies portrayal of an absurd and scatterbrained flirt that stole the show. In 1942, the style of the show changed and it became a situation comedy featuring the adventures of a regular guy married to an entirely irregular lady. The couple lived in a neighborhood with many colorful characters, including Mel Blancs Happy Postman who never made it through an episode without at least one bout of hysterical crying. After almost two decades on radio, George and Gracie moved their show to television in 1950. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645306 For almost two decades, Edgar Bergen was remarkably successful in bringing the most unlikely of vaudeville acts to radio: ventriloquism. The star of the show was Bergens dummy, Charlie McCarthy, a precocious child with a quick wit who was perpetually dressed in a top hat and tails. The human co-stars were Don Ameche and Dorothy Lamour, the pair whose skits about a squabbling couple (The Bickersons) earned them a show of their own. W. C. Fields, whose verbal battles with Charlie McCarthy were nothing short of legendary, was always on hand as well. A wide variety of guests appeared on the program, including Rita Hayworth, Boris Karloff, Roy Rogers, Carmen Miranda, Donald Duck, and Bergens young daughter, Candy. Of course, Charlie was joined by dummy guests, including buck-toothed goof Mortimer Snerd and old maid Effie Klinker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=627886 Inner Sanctums sinister host welcomed listeners through the squeaking door to another night of horror. The shows squeaking door was one of radios most-remembered openings and was inspired by the creaking hinges on a sound effects door at the radio studio. Raymond Edward Johnson was the voice of the mysterious host during the first four seasons. When Johnson left the series in 1945, Paul McGrath took over and then House Jameson assumed the sinister role. Inner Sanctum aired from January 7, 1941 through October 5, 1952 and spawned a series of B-films starring Lon Chaney, Jr. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645738 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645403 John Steinbeck recognized Fred Allen as unquestionably the best humorist of our time, a brilliant critic of manners and morals. Following in the footsteps of Will Rogers, Fred reintroduced topical political humor to radio. Until that time, everybody was depending a lot on sketches and a lot that had been brought up from vaudeville and revues, explained scriptwriter Harry Bailey. Fred began to mention actual people, places and events and use them for takeoffs and comedy. Fred introduced his classic Allens Alley segment December 13, 1942. The original denizens of the Alley included Alan Reed (later the voice of Fred Flintstone); John Brown (Digger ODell the friendly undertaker on The Life of Riley and Thorny on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet) and Jack Scott Smart (The Fat Man) as Senator Bloat. Only Minerva Pious Mrs. Nussbaum remained in Allens Alley when the segment was revived in 1945 with Kenny Delmars Senator Claghorn, Parker Fennellys Titus Moody and Peter Donalds Ajax Cassidy. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645597 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the great depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645641 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646319 During the war years, Bob Hopes Pepsodent Show was radios highest rated series. Hopes legendary broadcasts from military bases around the world helped boost American morale during some of our darkest days. However, it was the lightning fast pace of his countless jokes that made the show such a success. Bob Hopes co-star was Jerry Colonna, a madcap musician complete with outlandish mustache. Colonna, or Professor as he was known on the show, became famous for his two catch phrases: Greetings, Gate! and Whos Yehudi?. Although the shows humor was based around the current events of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, it is as funny today as it was 60 years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646594 Pop-eyed and boundlessly energetic, Eddie Cantor was the first of vaudevilles top stars to take radio by storm. This high-spirited singer and comedian changed the rules of radio by encouraging participation from the studio audience, something that had always been strictly prohibited. The talents of his fun-loving co-stars, including Harry Einstein (as the Greek, Nick Parkyakakas), Bert Gordon (as The Mad Russian), and Hattie McDaniel, helped to make the show the success that it was. Occasionally, Cantor would show his range as a performer by taking on a serious topic, using his show as a platform to explore difficult social issues and matters related to the war. Cantor, a bit of a talent scout, also used his show to host the first radio appearances of Gracie Allen, Dinah Shore, Esther Williams, his own co-star Harry Einstein, and a singer named Bert Parks who Cantor seemed to think might make a good husband for one of his five daughters! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645691 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646634 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645367 For almost two decades, Edgar Bergen was remarkably successful in bringing the most unlikely of vaudeville acts to radio: ventriloquism. The star of the show was Bergens dummy, Charlie McCarthy, a precocious child with a quick wit who was perpetually dressed in a top hat and tails. The human co-stars were Don Ameche and Dorothy Lamour, the pair whose skits about a squabbling couple (The Bickersons) earned them a show of their own. W.C. Fields, whose verbal battles with Charlie McCarthy were nothing short of legendary, was always on hand as well. A wide variety of guests appeared on the program, including Rita Hayworth, Boris Karloff, Roy Rogers, Carmen Miranda, Donald Duck, and Bergens young daughter, Candy. Of course, Charlie was joined by dummy guests, including buck-toothed goof Mortimer Snerd and old maid Effie Klinker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=665549 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the Great Depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646216 The trials and tribulations of (and caused by) one teenage boy are the focus of this popular series. At the beginning of every episode, listeners hear the timeless call of Henry Aldrich, Coming Mother! Living in a quaint small town with a typical middle class family, Henry ought to be a very ordinary young man. However, the confusion and chaos that he innocently creates shows that he is anything but ordinary! While he regularly gets in to all kinds of trouble, his most frequent problems concern the ultimate nemesis of any teenage boy: girls. The Aldrich family was so well liked by other families across America that it was broadcast for almost 14 years. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=627837 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of Old Time Radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646246 Dimension X aired over NBC from April 8, 1950 through September 29, 1951 featuring adventures in time and space told in future tense. The series adapted stories by the modern masters of science fiction adapting works by Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Clifford Simak, Theodore Sturgeon and many others. It was simply an idea whose time had come, producer Van Woodward recalled in 1971. The few years after the war seemed to be one of those flowering periods where all sorts of talented, imaginative young writers begin coming out of the woodwork, and doing things a little differently than theyve been done before ... The kids were better writers, and they had better ideas, and suddenly, science fiction became adult. Even the staid old Saturday Evening Post began to publish a story or two in the genre. And so, of course, radio decided to join in. We went the adaptation route simply because thats where the best stories are. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645674 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645345 George Burns and Gracie Allen brought their vaudeville act to American radio in 1932. George was an expert straight man and wrote most of their material, but it was Gracies portrayal of an absurd and scatterbrained flirt that stole the show. In 1942, the style of the show changed and it became a situation comedy featuring the adventures of a regular guy married to an entirely irregular lady. The couple lived in a neighborhood with many colorful characters, including Mel Blancs Happy Postman who never made it through an episode without at least one bout of hysterical crying. After almost two decades on radio, George and Gracie moved their show to television in 1950. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645664 Dragnet, radios landmark police series, pioneered new levels of realism on radio. Every crime investigated by Sgt. Joe Friday was taken from the actual case files of the Los Angeles Police Department, with only the names changed to protect the innocent. Like all policemen, Friday relied on the help, guidance and expertise of others on the force. Friday took his orders from Ed Backstrand, the Chief of Detectives (played by Raymond Burr), brought in pieces of evidence to be evaluated by Lt. Lee Jones of the crime lab, and counted on his partners to back him up. There were hundreds of sound effects in each broadcast, the actors used accurate police lingo, abbreviations and penal codes, and the show didnt shy away from stories about heinous crimes or stories that had unhappy endings. This interesting and innovative show provided, as Sergeant Friday might say, just the facts. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645731 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645300 A collection of classic comedy radio programs of the Bob Hope show. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646628 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646293 Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve left Wistful Vista and his supporting role on Fibber McGee and Molly August 31, 1941 and moved to Summerfield and the starring role in radios most successful spin-off series. The Great Gildersleeve, like Fibber McGee and Molly, featured one of radios greatest casts of comedic players: the versatile child actor Walter Tetley as nephew Leroy, Lillian Randolph (later Madame Queen on Amos n Andy and the star of Beulah), Arthur Q. Bryan (the original voice of Elmer Fudd) as Llewellyn and Floyd the barber, Earle Ross as Judge Hooker, Richard LeGrand as Peavey the druggist and Shirley Mitchell as Southern belle Leila Ransom. The Great Gildersleeve aired until March 21, 1957, with Willard Waterman taking over the title role for the final seven radio seasons and three television seasons. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645704 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645331 During the war years, Bob Hopes Pepsodent show was radios highest rated series. Hopes legendary broadcasts from military bases around the world helped boost American morale during some of our darkest days. However, it was the lightning fast pace of his countless jokes that made the show such a success. Bob Hopes co-star was Jerry Colonna, a madcap musician complete with outlandish mustache. Colonna, or Professor as he was known on the show, became famous for his two catch phrases: Greetings, Gate! and Whos Yehudi? Although the shows humor was based around the current events of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, it is as funny today as it was 60 years ago. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646276 Comedienne Fanny Brice gave voice to the character she created, the trouble-making toddler Baby Snooks. Tormenting Daddy is Snooks favorite pastime. Whether shes giving away his new suits or getting him in trouble with Mommy, shes sure to get him to lose his temper, and to get a lot of laughs. When the inevitable punishment is meted out, listeners could count on Snooks innocent reply: Whyyyy, Daddy... Brice describes the character best when she explains, Shes my kind of youngster, the type I like. She has imagination. Shes eager. Shes alive. With all her deviltry, she still is a good kid, never vicious nor mean. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645748 Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of men? The Shadow knows! One of the best known characters in all of old time radio is the wealthy Lamont Cranston who used the mystical powers he learned in India to fight crime. As the announcer would tell the faithful listeners each week, Cranston is known to the underworld as the Shadow, never seen, only heard, as a haunting to superstitious minds, as a ghost, as inevitable as a guilty conscience... The only person who knew The Shadows true identity was his friend and companion, the lovely Margo Lane. The pair got some occasional help from Police Comissioner Weston and Shrevvy, the comically chatty taxi driver. Together they foiled the wicked plans of robbers, murderers, gangsters, mad scientists and aliens! As listeners were reminded at the end of every episode, The weed of crime bears bitter fruit. Crime does not pay! The Shadow knows! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645379 Pop-eyed and boundlessly energetic, Eddie Cantor was the first of vaudevilles top stars to take radio by storm. This high-spirited singer and comedian changed the rules of radio by encouraging participation from the studio audience, something that had always been strictly prohibited. The talents of his fun-loving co-stars, including Harry Einstein (as the Greek, Nick Parkyakakas), Bert Gordon (as The Mad Russian), and Hattie McDaniel, helped to make the show the success that it was. Occasionally, Cantor would show his range as a performer by taking on a serious topic, using his show as a platform to explore difficult social issues and matters related to the war. Cantor, a bit of a talent scout, also used his show to host the first radio appearances of Gracie Allen, Dinah Shore, Esther Williams, his own co-star Harry Einstein, and a singer named Bert Parks who Cantor seemed to think might make a good husband for one of his five daughters! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645315 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the Great Depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker ... http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=645635 George Burns and Gracie Allen brought their vaudeville act to American radio in 1932. George was an expert straight man and wrote most of their material, but it was Gracies portrayal of an absurd and scatterbrained flirt that stole the show. In 1942, the style of the show changed and it became a situation comedy featuring the adventures of a regular guy married to an entirely irregular lady. The couple lived in a neighborhood with many colorful characters, including Mel Blancs Happy Postman who never made it through an episode without at least one bout of hysterical crying. After almost two decades on radio, George and Gracie moved their show to television in 1950. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646622 At 79 Wistful Vista there lived Fibber McGee, a fast talking man who was prone to exaggeration. Although he had radio audiences laughing for almost 25 years, his long-suffering wife, Molly, insisted, Taint funny McGee. This incredible comedy featured a onslaught of outrageous characters, including two who created their own successful spin off shows: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve, McGees bickering neighbor, and Beulah, who was played by a male actor. Also inhabiting Wistful Vista was a pesky little girl named Teeny, the snobby Mrs. Abigail Uppington, Greek restauranteur Nick Depopoulous, and subservient husband Wallace Wimple. Then, there was the McGees notorious closet, which seemed to have a life of its own. The running gag of the overstuffed closet that heaped random objects on Fibber, friends and family each time it was opened is one of the most memorable on radio. http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=646585 Pop-eyed and boundlessly energetic, Eddie Cantor was the first of vaudevilles top stars to take radio by storm. This high-spirited singer and comedian changed the rules of radio by encouraging participation from the studio audience, something that had always been strictly prohibited. The talents of his fun-loving co-stars, including Harry Einstein (as the Greek, Nick Parkyakakas), Bert Gordon (as The Mad Russian), and Hattie McDaniel, helped to make the show the success that it was. Occasionally, Cantor would show his range as a performer by taking on a serious topic, using his show as a platform to explore difficult social issues and matters related to the war. Cantor, a bit of a talent scout, also used his show to host the first radio appearances of Gracie Allen, Dinah Shore, Esther Williams, his own co-star Harry Einstein, and a singer named Bert Parks who Cantor seemed to think might make a good husband for one of his five daughters! http://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/record.jsp?R=665581 Amos n Andy was arguably the most popular program in the history of broadcasting. Each night, a third of the nations populace tuned in to hear the comic misadventures of the proprietors of the Fresh Air Taxi Company. Amos Jones and Andrew H. Brown were constantly either devising or being suckered in to schemes in the pursuit of love and money, basic needs that struck a chord with Americans suffering through the Great Depression. During the shows three decade run, the foolish twosome was joined by a truly memorable cast of characters, including Kingfish and Sapphire, Ruby Taylor and the Widow Parker.