Old Time Comedy Radio | Old Time Radio

The Jack Benny Program presents “J. B. Goes 1944 - 12 - 26 Elgin Christmas Special,” originally broadcast December 25, 1944. Though cataloged with Jack Benny’s series, this is Benny’s guest appearance on Elgin’s third annual CBS Christmas variety special.

Hosted by Don Ameche, the two-hour holiday broadcast brings together Jack Benny, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, and Ginny Simms for a rehearsal-themed comedy sequence, alongside music and all-star entertainment. Sponsored by the Elgin National Watch Company, the program also features such performers as Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, George Burns, and Gracie Allen.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:52 Original Broadcast
02:00:52 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Burns and Allen, “The Burns and Allen Show 1940 - 03 - 06 (23) Hats Off to Gracie,” originally broadcast March 6, 1940. In episode 23, George Burns and Gracie Allen continue Gracie’s comic campaign for the presidency.

As Gracie considers the practical details of her unconventional White House bid, George tries to keep pace with her political logic, convention plans, and the campaign tune “Vote for Gracie.” The CBS broadcast also features announcer Truman Bradley, Ray Noble and His Orchestra, and tenor Frank Parker, with Hinds Honey and Almond Cream as sponsor.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:41 Original Broadcast
30:36 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Fibber McGee and Molly, “Party for John Cameron Swayze” (also cataloged as “The Timex of Their Lives”), originally broadcast December 6, 1954. The supplied listing identifies this as episode 1047, though several episode logs catalog the broadcast as episode 1045.

Fibber and Molly get drawn into a party being given by Knucklehead Swayze for his brother, NBC television newsman John Cameron Swayze. Jim and Marian Jordan star as the McGees in this NBC Radio weekday serial installment, written by Phil Leslie and produced and directed by Max Hutto.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:40 Original Broadcast
15:07 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Abbott and Costello, “Hunting Guide with Claire Trevor,” originally broadcast January 14, 1943. This NBC Radio Network comedy features Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, with guest star Claire Trevor.

With wartime meat shortages on their minds, Bud and Lou head for the Pine Tree hunting lodge in search of game—and find Claire Trevor serving as their unexpectedly capable hunting guide. A bear-hunting outing supplies the setting for outdoor mishaps, fast patter, and musical support from Connie Haines, Freddie Rich and His Orchestra, and the Camel Five.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:45 Original Broadcast
30:06 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Jack Benny Program presents “Jb 1934 - 09 - 28 Last Show of Season - Rise of the House of Rawchild,” originally broadcast September 28, 1934. This was episode 26 of Jack Benny’s General Tire season on NBC’s Red Network.

For the season-closing broadcast, Jack Benny and the regular company gather for a comedy sketch set at a General Tire banquet. Film-comedy favorite Bert Wheeler guests, alongside Benny regulars Mary Livingstone, Don Wilson, Don Bestor, and Frank Parker. Surviving-recording notes indicate that material indexed under the “House of Rawchild” title may not represent the original September 28 program.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:35 Original Broadcast
20:35 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Burns and Allen, “The Burns and Allen Show 1943 - 11 - 16 (12) Guest - Walter Pidgeon,” originally broadcast November 16, 1943. This CBS broadcast is episode 12 of the 1943–44 season and features George Burns, Gracie Allen, and guest star Walter Pidgeon, with Bill Goodwin.

When movie star Walter Pidgeon becomes the Burns and Allen’s new next-door neighbor, Gracie sees an opportunity for matchmaking. Her friendly plans soon draw George into another delightfully tangled domestic comedy. The program was sponsored by Lever Brothers’ Swan Soap.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:44 Original Broadcast
32:44 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Fibber McGee and Molly — “Parking the Car,” originally broadcast February 22, 1956. This archival episode finds the long-running radio-comedy favorites in a typically domestic predicament centered on parking the car.

Starring Jim and Marian Jordan as Fibber McGee and Molly, the program brings its familiar blend of neighborhood comedy, comic frustration, and warm husband-and-wife banter to an everyday problem.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:20 Original Broadcast
14:46 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Abbott and Costello, “Lou Inherits Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars,” originally broadcast January 21, 1948. In this ABC radio comedy, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are joined by Sid Fields as Lawyer Melonhead, with Susan Miller featured as vocalist.

Lou learns he may be heir to $800,000 from “Diamond Jim” Costello, but a dispute over which grandson has the rightful claim sends Bud and Lou hunting for the documents that could prove it. Their search soon leads them into one of the duo’s characteristically tangled comic errands, including a visit to a Chinese laundry.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:51 Original Broadcast
29:49 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Jack Benny Program, “Mileage Rationing Special,” originally broadcast December 1, 1942. This is a wartime public-service special featuring Jack Benny rather than a regular series installment.

As nationwide gasoline rationing begins, Benny joins Eddie Cantor, George Burns and Gracie Allen for comedy and music encouraging conservation and cooperation with the new mileage rules. Dinah Shore, Bill Goodwin, and Paul Whiteman and his orchestra also appear in this Office of War Information production, including a Burns and Allen segment tied to the wartime rubber shortage.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:49 Original Broadcast
14:29 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Burns and Allen, “Gracie’s Last Minute Christmas Gift,” originally broadcast December 18, 1947, is episode 16 of the 1947–48 NBC Maxwell House Coffee Time season. George Burns and Gracie Allen star, with Hans Conried and Gale Gordon also appearing.

With Christmas fast approaching, George tries to learn what Gracie wants for a gift—but Gracie’s written clues turn the search into a baffling holiday guessing game, complete with a fifty-cent penalty for every wrong answer.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:38 Original Broadcast
30:04 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Fibber McGee and Molly — “Listening to Carols” (episode 344), originally broadcast December 22, 1942. In this Christmas-week visit to Wistful Vista, Fibber grumbles about children singing carols while Molly and young Teeny put his holiday spirit to the test. Familiar visitors, including Harlow Wilcox and Mrs. Uppington, add to the seasonal domestic comedy, with music by Billy Mills and His Orchestra and the King’s Men. Written by Don Quinn for NBC’s Johnson’s Wax-sponsored run, the program also carries touches of the World War II home front.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:48 Original Broadcast
30:38 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Abbott and Costello presents “Investment Advice” (also cataloged as “Back Home Again”), originally broadcast October 5, 1944. In this AFRS-titled archival episode, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello are joined by announcer Ken Niles, vocalist Connie Haines, and the Freddie Rich Orchestra.

Back in Los Angeles after a visit to his uncle’s farm, Lou has $75 burning a hole in his pocket and turns to Bud for investment advice. A discussion of consumer research, war bonds, and the future gives Abbott and Costello plenty of room for their familiar wordplay, including a playful imagined look ahead to 1954. The original NBC broadcast was sponsored by Camel Cigarettes and directed by Dick Mac.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:48 Original Broadcast
31:50 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Jack Benny Program presents “J. B. Goes 194x - Xx - Xx Front Line Theater - Ham for Sale,” originally broadcast March 27, 1944. This Armed Forces Radio Service version retitles a Lady Esther Screen Guild Theatre episode also known as “Why Jack Is Not Going to Appear on the Show.”

Jack Benny finds himself eager to join a prestigious Screen Guild radio production featuring Barbara Stanwyck and Basil Rathbone. With Screen Guild president Jean Hersholt and director Michael Curtiz involved, Jack’s backstage campaign for a role becomes a lively show-business satire built around his familiar comic vanity.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:47 Original Broadcast
26:17 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Burns and Allen, “Gracie Is Late for the Show,” originally broadcast February 24, 1941. This is broadcast No. 35 of the series’ Hormel Spam run on NBC Red Network.

With airtime approaching at NBC Radio City, George Burns is left waiting for Gracie Allen and bandleader Artie Shaw. Their late arrival sparks a lively web of comic misunderstandings, with advice columnist Beatrice Fairfax joining the program. Jimmy Wallington announces, and Artie Shaw’s orchestra is featured.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:47 Original Broadcast
30:05 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Fibber McGee and Molly, “Clean Closet—Mrs. Carstairs Is Coming” (episode 443), originally broadcast June 5, 1945. Jim Jordan stars as Fibber opposite Marian Jordan as Molly in this NBC comedy, written by Don Quinn and Phil Leslie and sponsored by Johnson’s Wax.

At 79 Wistful Vista, Molly begins sorting out the McGees’ famously overcrowded hall closet, but Fibber quickly takes charge of a job that may be beyond even his confidence. With Mrs. Carstairs expected and household clutter everywhere, an ordinary domestic chore becomes a classic Fibber McGee comedy situation.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:45 Original Broadcast
29:23 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Abbott and Costello, “42 - 10 - 15 Bank Robbery with Marlene Dietrich,” originally broadcast October 15, 1942. This NBC Red program, sponsored by Camel cigarettes, is cataloged as episode 15 in one established numbering system.

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello begin with radio-studio comedy alongside announcer Ken Niles, vocalist Connie Haines, and sound man Mel Blanc before Lou is swept into a bank-robbery mix-up. Their efforts to straighten things out lead to the Old West town of Dead Pan Gulch, where guest star Marlene Dietrich appears as the singer at the Red Dog Cafe. Connie Haines performs “Cow Cow Boogie,” with music led by Leith Stevens.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:50 Original Broadcast
30:29 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Jack Benny Program presents “Jb 1932 - 05 - 02 First Show,” originally broadcast May 2, 1932. This premiere is episode 1 of Benny’s Canada Dry radio run.

In his first paid professional radio appearance, Jack Benny serves as master of ceremonies for a music-filled broadcast from the Roof Garden of New York’s New Amsterdam Theatre. Bandleader George Olsen and his orchestra are featured alongside vocalist Ethel Shutta, with Benny supplying sponsor patter and his early self-deprecating comedy. Originally heard on NBC Blue from WJZ, New York, the program is the only complete surviving episode known from the 1932–33 Canada Dry season.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:47 Original Broadcast
30:47 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Our Miss Brooks, “Helping Hands” (episode 306), originally broadcast September 11, 1955. Eve Arden stars as Madison High English teacher Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon as Principal Osgood Conklin and Robert Rockwell as bashful biology teacher Philip Boynton.

As the new school term approaches, Connie is eager to see Mr. Boynton again, but unsettling signs around Madison High—including Conklin’s sour mood, shabby appearance, and a bundle of laundry—set off a round of well-meaning speculation. This CBS broadcast, sponsored by Anacin and Heet, reuses the script from the September 10, 1950 episode “Rumors.”

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:54 Original Broadcast
30:06 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Our Miss Brooks presents “The Magic Christmas Tree,” episode 321, originally broadcast on CBS on December 25, 1955. Eve Arden stars as Madison High English teacher Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon, Robert Rockwell, Richard Crenna, and Jane Morgan among the familiar comedy ensemble.

On Christmas Eve, Connie faces a quiet night at the cottage she shares with Mrs. Davis—until a young tree seller and a tiny “magic” Christmas tree bring unexpected holiday possibilities. Written by Al Lewis, this warm seasonal comedy gathers friends from Connie’s Madison High circle for a gently dreamlike Christmas visit.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:49 Original Broadcast
25:22 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

Our Miss Brooks, “Conklin the Bachelor” (episode 227), originally broadcast on CBS on December 13, 1953. Eve Arden stars as Madison High English teacher Connie Brooks, with Gale Gordon as the formidable Principal Osgood Conklin.

At Christmastime, Connie’s plans for a dinner involving biology teacher Philip Boynton become tangled in Mrs. Conklin’s elaborate effort to rekindle her husband’s attentions—and perhaps acquire a coveted beaver stole. The domestic maneuvering soon reaches the halls of Madison High, with Walter Denton and the Conklins adding to the holiday confusion.

Old Time Comedy Radio presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:43 Original Broadcast
15:27 Closing

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/old-time-comedy-radio-old-time-radio--7219644/support.

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio