Advertise on podcast: Old Time Comedy Radio | Old Time Radio

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

Our Miss Brooks, “Audition Show (Eve Arden),” originally broadcast June 23, 1948. In this CBS audition presentation, Eve Arden introduces sharp-witted Madison High English teacher Connie Brooks; the episode is commonly cataloged as episode 0. A traffic accident brings Connie into an awkward first encounter with Madison High’s incoming principal, Osgood Conklin, played here by Will Wright. Written by Lee Loeb, this audition uses the same basic storyline as the series’ July 1948 debut and establishes the comic teacher-principal friction that became central to the show. 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 31:07 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

Our Miss Brooks presents “Eve Arden Biography.” Original broadcast date and episode number are not supplied. This archival program focuses on Eve Arden, the star whose quick-witted portrayal of English teacher Connie Brooks made Our Miss Brooks a radio comedy favorite. 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 00:17 Original Broadcast 03:00 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, “Elopement with Walter” (episode 97), originally broadcast September 17, 1950. At Madison High’s fall-term opening, English teacher Connie Brooks finds Philip Boynton’s volunteer fire-department training consuming his evenings. When Boynton needs a two-story house for a ladder-rescue practice, Connie spots an opportunity involving Principal Osgood Conklin’s home. Eve Arden stars as Connie, with Jeff Chandler, Gale Gordon, Richard Crenna, and Gloria McMillan. Also cataloged as “Fire Ladder Test,” this CBS comedy was sponsored by Colgate Dental Cream and Luster-Creme Shampoo. 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 30:13 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, “Hobbies” (AFRS), originally broadcast January 10, 1954, is episode 231 of the classic schoolroom comedy starring Eve Arden as English teacher Connie Brooks. Also known as “Mr. Conklin’s Wax Effigies,” this Armed Forces Radio Service transcription features Gale Gordon, Robert Rockwell, Richard Crenna, Gloria McMillan, and Jesslyn Fax. Principal Osgood Conklin orders the Madison High faculty to take up hobbies, but his own renewed interest in creating lifelike wax figures proves especially distracting. With Mrs. Davis away and her sister Angela staying with Connie, Miss Brooks finds herself navigating Conklin’s latest campaign alongside Mr. Boynton, Walter Denton, and Harriet Conklin. 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 24:44 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