Retro Radio Podcast

Boxes of exhibits keep arriving from Tennessee. Abner is beginning to be put out by all the new antiques that arrive… if there is such a thing as a new antique. He doesn’t think the artifacts are as noble, or old as Lum wants to believe. If only they had a suit of armor, or an old fossil to stand in the corner. At the term, old fossil, Abner thinks Lum wants to hire grandpap to stand in the corner. That’s just the kind of job the old gent would like. Standing around, doing nothing, and get paid for it. Doesn’t the descriptions Lum uses to describe a fossil also apply to grandpap? As Lum encourages Abner to get back to work, and stop trying to hire grandpap, he notices a problem. Did someone steal their valuable exhibit of the stuffed owl? Was it a gang of museum robbers? Lum figures it was a big gang, toting firearms. The owl is found, and the gents get amused at how the other over reacts to things. Notable Quote: Abner. It ain’t every day you find a freak like grandpap.

A letter arrives for Scotland Yard inspectors to read. Ramsey enters, coincidentally with information on that same crime. The 2 hour interview turns up plenty of things about a bride who was killed, and an insurance salesman. Another recent drowning links the earlier crime to Stanley Brown. Similarities between cases are noted, though doctors have deemed them accidental. Brides who complain of headaches, and are given medicines before taking a bath. Meanwhile, Stanley has departed, moved on without leaving a forwarding address. Closer examination of the dead women are given by the coroner. Before findings come in, a phone call from the latest Mrs Stanley Brown claims she thinks her husband is trying to kill her. How will a young lady in a bathing suit help demonstrate a murder? In voiceover,, the rest of the tale is told of another killer coming to justice.

Returning to his office, Dick Diamond encounters a man with a case. He’s looking for a man named Louis Carnes, and he needs him in 5 hours. Why does Carnes need to be found? Why the time limit? Who cares, it’s worth $500 up front, and twice that once the job is done. The voice of reason ought to warn Dick Diamond off the case, but it doesn’t. Police detective, Walter, is brought in to learn about the unusual man who came calling. Roger Vegas is a huge man with a nasty gray complexion. It isn’t hard to figure out that some sort of poisoning is involved, and the gray man is out for revenge at the attempt on his life. His investigation leads Richard to the college campus to learn what kind of debt is to be paid back. What does Prof Carnes sister know of his disappearance? Being the good detective, Diamond finds his man, now all that remains is to contact Vegas. What kind of fireworks might arise? Walter has some news on the gray complected Vegas, and how he got that way. The case becomes a race against time to prevent a murder, but who is going to die? A tale of blackmail and jealousy emerges as a motive, but no reason is worth killing some one. Note: Arthur Q Brian is Walter. Dick Powell is Richard Diamond.

Announcer: Ken Niles. Music: Freddie Rich Orchestra, Lou gets confused over Rudy Valle and singing through his nose. Does he have other unusual problems with his nose as well? Professor Mellonhead tries to coach Lou on how to properly entertain Rudy Valle. The rapid fire instructions on grammar, and eloquence would confuse any one, but even more so for Lou. Freddie Rich plays, The Very Thought of You. In going to meet the famous singer, might Lou be jealous of Rudy as being a lady’s man? What eccentric behaviors does the entertainer have and expect of Bud and Lou? Kitzel is on hand to add to the eccentricities, but is it all a joke? Rudy enters with all the fanfare of royalty. Egos clash when Lou meets the famous guest.. A musical transition, and Public Service Announcement for the troops on saving plans fills time for the skipped commercial for AFRS. Rudy builds Lou’s confidence by featuring him in a play he brought, which will begin right after a musical break. Connie Haines sings, Accentuate the Positive. Presenting the stirring drama of Jack and the Beanstalk, Rudy narrates, and coaches Lou. In practice, Rudy reads the story, providing other voices and sound affect. Lou spends more time arguing over the lack of his lines, than having an actual part to read. You know the story, just enjoy it as Lou deals with his minimal contribution to it. To fill more time for AFRS, music is added. Connie Haines sings, Making Believe. Note: the movie, Jack in the Beanstalk, featuring Abbott and Costello, was released in 1952. Lou had a lot more parts to read, and act in that one. Find it on Youtube.

Busily preparing their museum exhibits, we find Lum preparing his speech for the anticipated lecture tour of the museum. As he works on what to say, Abner grumbles about the grind of tending to the exhibits. Now he has to take time away to listen to Lum practice. Abner gets confused over stone tablets, wondering how many rocks it takes to make up one tablet. They must have had some husky scholars back in those days to tote them to school. Though he vows to keep his thoughts silent, Abner keeps interjecting comments as Lum ditalks about the museum displays. What other ramifications does having to write on rocks have? Those poor old postal carriers. Their job must have been awful at Christmas time. Cedric enters to add to the interruptions. Will Lum ever get to deliver his speech? Confusion and interruptions continue to the end. Will their museum be worth the price of admission? Abner has his doubts.

It was ten years ago that Henry married Martha. Now in critical health, Martha leaves her desires for their daughter to be raised, and cared for. More time goes by, and Dorene has second thoughts about the man she is to marry. Has her behavior changed in the recent days? Is it an inherited disease that has lain dormant all these years that has begun to bother her? Irving agrees to leave Dorene alone for her health, but later Clyde visits from Hollywood. Will Clyde be smitten by the red haired, green eyed daughter? Will she be just as smitten? But Clyde is already spoken for. Can Henry reason with Dorene, and talk her out of either suitor? Will it do to keep Dorene from love or being overly emotional, to keep her inherited tendency to murder under control? In the morning, the inevitable happens, a body is found. Dorene seems the likely killer, but Irving confesses. Is it a cover up? There was a switch in rooms, and suddenly even Henry is a suspect. How will the cops figure it out with three suspects, each with the opportunity and motive for killing? The Whistler knows a few twists about psychic ability and emotional distress that’s sure to bring justice.

Basketball isn’t one of Connie Brooks favorite sports. She recounts the events of the last Wednesday morning when Mrs Davis tells her that Walter wants to see her, and shares a few memories of her old robe that she loans to Miss Brooks. As manager of the basketball team, Walter is having trouble with the star player, Stretch. Walter, the stomach with feet, and manager of the basketball team, tells Miss Brooks about the help that Stretch needs with English. The plan is to transfer Stretch from Miss Enright’s class, and into Miss Brooks. How will that help? Walter plans to give him plenty of moral support, if you know what he means. Can Connie be swayed to convince Mr Conklin to approve the transfer? Her recent performance at school hasn’t exactly endeared her to him, but she finds herself giving it her best try. After meeting Stretch, it only makes her challenge all the more difficult. Mr Conklin isn’t buying off on the transfer, until rival principal, Frank Nelson, stops in to visit. The rival principal gets under Concklins skin as he brings up last week’s fire, and the expected victory in the upcoming ball game. It’s just the push that’s needed to convince Conklin. He’ll go for it, but Stretch still has to pass today’s test. To sweeten the deal, Walter goes to the assistant basketball coach, Mr Boynton, to see what he might do to soften up Connie Brooks and ensure a passing grade for Stretch. Connie doesn’t want to lower her standards, but Stretch gets a few helpers who crash his private oral test.

Billy Mills and his orchestra open with one of the hit songs of the year, Ma He’s Making Eyes At Me. Feeling like it’s his day, Fibber expects a package, but instead a couple of girls, Charity and Faith have a word for the McGee’s. The little box contains an Egyptian good luck ring. Just rub it, say the magic words, and luck comes. Harlowe Wilcox arrives with a word, but the luck is the opposite of good. A phone call brings more bad luck, this time from the sponsor. A special delivery might be the luck Fibber wants, an inheritance from old uncle Spuds McGee. Said to have invented the potato chip. Harlowe Wilcox does a little hard sale of the sponsor product. Down town, the McGee’s meet Abigail Uppington, to tell about her favorite classical composers. What will they find out in the lawyer’s office? The Old Timer is the elevator operator, calling out the departments as they go. Harlowe is back to twist the good luck charm theme into his sponsor message. The estate may have been a substantial one, but will there be anything left once the legal expenses are paid? The Kingsmen sing, The Lamp Is Low. Molly has had enough of the Egyptian ring, but Fibber has trouble getting it off. Will Teeny accept it if he can get it off? Will she think its so lucky? Nick Dipopolus finds the McGee’s on the street, but he isn’t interested in Fibbers ring either. Can Fibber slip the ring to his old pal Gildersleeve? Will there be a shift in the luck from bad to good? Note: The lawyer is played by Gale Gordon. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "retrootr-20"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Fibber McGee and Molly on Amazon"; amzn_assoc_asins = "1482957434,1617092177,1570193932,1570198284"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "d044d97d5e71edb0df9497c070c428e8";

Featuring Glen Ford. Based on the 1935 thriller by Alfred Hitchcock. An American tourist enjoys a show in a theater. The man with the amazing memory has his act interrupted with gunshots. Fleeing the seen with a woman, she shares that she is a spy, and passes off information code named, the 39 Steps. When she is stabbed, he flees, and a series of evasion, capture, and escape begins. Along the way, a mastermind spy is encountered. The professor is a man identified by the missing tip of his little finger. Can he be trusted? Once again fleeing for his life, our hero is entangled with a woman on a train, evades the police, is wanted for murder, and may soon find himself falling back into the clutches of the professor. Will he escape with his life? Will he face capture and trial by the law? Will the secrets in the 39 steps be kept safe? Thrills never cease as one set back after another need to be overcome. Bonus Tracks * Keith keeps it brief, since the feature is a long one. He compares the fugitive aspect with the 1960’s TV show. No direct connection. * Harry Roy (1935) O You Sweet Thing

Things have been going so well with the museum and store that Lum figures its time to hire extra help. Why does Lum feel so guilty then, when Abner enters and asks who was on the phone? Thinking it was a sick feller named Tom, Abner wants to get a fruit basket to send over. What’s it going to take to get Abner on board to hire someone? Lum tries to convince Abner that its OK to have women in the workplace, in these times of labor shortages. War plants do it. Hiring and training women to do the same kind of work as men. Abner just thinks women should stay at home. They can’t work, just stay home, doing all that woman work like washing, chopping fire wood, and all manner of household drudgery. Not real work. Lum still tries to get Abner to recognize the place of women in jobs around town. Will some reverse psychology work? How will Abner react when he learns Lum already had a woman lined up to work in the store? Notable Quote: Lum threatens. I’ll hit you in the head so hard you’ll have to untie your shoes to see where your going.

Bob “Army Camp” Hope tries out a few introductions and ad libs to start this rehearsal show. He talks about his reception, crap games, training and requirements. Other jokes include military life, dames, pilot testing, test flights, and more. Pvt Ben Gage, former cast member jokes with Bob about chasing girls, physical training, Bob being cheap, bosses, army life, and marching. Francis Langford is joined by the Six Hits and a Miss to sing, South American Way. Joined by Rita Hayworth, flubs get Bob off track. Dating, flirting, appearances, and shortages are in the mix of joke topics. Also included are dating, money, Bing Crosby’s horses, military training, and inadvertent homosexual joke. Movies, and the behind the scenes life of celebrities is discussed, including dancing, leading men, and even bull fighting. The topics of flirting, and military life are revisited when Ben Gage returns to the stage and steals Rita’s attention away from Bob. Will the guys end up fighting over her? Skinny Ennis, with the Six Hits and a Miss sing, Army Air Corps March. Skinny Ennis and Bob take part in a day of military training. They anticipate their dates with Rita and Francis. Topics of military life include early rising, sergeants, KP, fighting, traffic, and Jerry Colonna is on hand as a street photographer. The girls join the fray, and dating jokes abound. Dancing, kissing, being manhandled, photographs, and partying at Jerry’s house. Will something unexpected develop in Jerry’s photo studio?

The new gay family series of two married people, who live together and like it. There’s still three days until Valentines Day, but Liz has been hinting to George all day long. George is skeptical over the whole Valentines celebrations. He thinks it’s all a big scam to support florists and candy makers. Liz loves it because it gives her the excuse she needs to be loud and mushy when she expresses her love. Even Katie the maid has a special love interest that she has written a poem for. Katie doesn’t have the nerve to give her butcher boyfriend her love note, so Liz goes along for moral support. I feel a mix up coming on. As Liz presents the butcher the note, Katie goes and hides, leaving Liz to face the man alone with the message of love. Will the amorous butcher get the message that Liz really isn’t his secret admirer? I think not. Katie has rebounded from the ordeal, and is already involved with the milkman. Liz writes her own valentine to George. It’s a copy of the one she first sent to him when she was 16 years old. Katie goes to mail it, and Liz is surprised to find that George is home early. He is getting ready to go on a business trip, and needs to pack. Liz wants to give George the valentine, so she races to the mail box to try to get her letter back, if it’s not too late. The mix ups aren’t done yet. Liz finds that her valentine and the butcher payments have been switched. Her hot and spicy valentine went to the butcher. Now she wants to try and intercept it before the butcher gets it. Will she be successful, or will she end up in jail for robbing the US Mail? Not to mention renewing sparks of love with that butcher. When George gets home, he and Liz have to appear in court to iron out the details. The judge, Gale Gordon, presides over the hearing. The judge seems to hold the defendant to be guilty until proven innocent, but it wouldn’t be as funny the other way around. Liz reads the valentine in court. Things are looking bad for Liz and George, but in the end the judge has his reasons for awarding George custody of Liz.

Flashing back to last week when our little band of merry travelers were on the way to Yosemite, Don gives the details, as both Jack and Mary add skeptical remarks regarding their travels. Rochester sings as he drives, since there’s no radio in the car. Will he also imitate the radio dramas? Don and Dennis relax in the back seat, as the cast tell how their night in the motor court went. Cars race past, but has the Maxwell met its match on the tall hills? A lunchroom, and a gas station loom ahead, and its time to fill some tanks. Mary’s sarcasm is strong as ever, but where has Dennis disappeared to? Let’s just say the implication is that he’s emptying his tank. Inside, the cast enjoy a sandwich, and Dennis plays one of his records on the jukebox, Darn that Dream. Restaurant lingo abounds as Jack speculates on being ahead of Phil, and his racy sports car. Armed with a thermos of coffee, and sandwiches for the road, Jack drives to escape a parrot who is a fan of Fred Allen. Where did Dennis get to again… oh… he has more to empty from his tank. After a little traveling music, the cars keep passing, including a horse drawn wagon. To keep Phil from passing, road hog Jack has to deal with a traffic cop. Can Jack whip out a sob story to win the cops sympathy? Finally arriving, and with a racial joke at Rochesters expense, Jack may find a set back waiting for him. The prospect of spending the night at the roadside, in the rain, in the cold, only drives Mary’s mood darker. Tune in next week to see how things work out.

The children ask Alice about her movie career. Among the scrap books is one documenting the courtship of Alice and Phil. Are there any regrets in being married? For that matter, is the marriage license legal, if Frankie signed a phony name? Phil figures he ought to propose to Alice all over again. Will she say yes? Will it be a romantic renewal of love? Alice sings, Nobody’s Chasing Me. Down at city hall, Frankie knows a guy… but going Deep in the bowels of the building is a little too much for Alice. The guys go their way to finish making the arrangements. With two guys looking for a marriage license, it confuses the clerk who tries issuing them other kinds of licenses. Trying to keep their celebrity re-marriage out of the press, Frankie handles applying for the paperwork… uh-oh, I feel a disaster coming on. Meanwhile, Julius shows up to misunderstand that it’s Frankie who is getting married. Will they find a Justice of the Peace who won’t recognize them? Will the names all be legal?

Announcer: Harry Vonzel. Vocalist: Margret Whiting. The audience sings Happy Birthday to Eddie. He will be 55 at midnight. The cast tease Eddie about aging. Not pleased with a request to the network, Eddie wantss to start his own. To raise the funds, Eddie wants to borrrow money from his pal, Jack Benny. When Jack enters, the cheap jokes abound. Eddie tries to butter him up, but will Jack go for the investment? How can he say no? Eddie is joined by Margret Whiting to sing a nostalgic medley of songs including: Yessir That’s My Baby, Melanchollie Baby, Peter Lind Hayes is called on to use his talent as a voice impersonator to be the announcer for Eddie’s new network. After protests by Harry, and a commercial, a sample soap opera is previewed. Next is audience participation with Ralph Edwards, with a twist on his Truth or Consequences show. To wrap up, Eddie gives tribute to the recently deceased Franklin D Roosevelt, and his legacy, the March of Dimes. Bonus Tracks * Keith makes a few corrections. The date of this show is often listed as being in 1937, but given the callendar date, and topics in the show, 1947 is the actual date. * A handful of news events for the month are reviewed, and a tidbit about Eddie’s birthdate. * Red Angle and hisNatural 7 – Temp Tay Shun, with Cinderella G Stump (1947)