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Variety x Armed Forces Radio
Variety x Armed Forces Radio
Author: duane Old Time Radio
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Welcome to VARIETY x AFRS, a collection of classic variety programs; many that aired on the Armed Forces Radio Service (a.k.a. the Armed Forces Radio Network). Programs include comedians, sketch comedy, music (singers & live bands), and ventriloquism.
AFRS (Armed Forces Radio Services) also known as AFN (American Forces Network) were variety programs that only broadcast to overseas military on their own government radio broadcast service. These services are actually still in production today. This podcast will cover the programs broadcast during WWII and thereafter.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
AFRS (Armed Forces Radio Services) also known as AFN (American Forces Network) were variety programs that only broadcast to overseas military on their own government radio broadcast service. These services are actually still in production today. This podcast will cover the programs broadcast during WWII and thereafter.
This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:
Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
29 Episodes
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Sealtest Variety Theater (Dorothy Lamour) with Slight of Hand. This eighth episode aired, November 4, 1948.Starring: Jimmy Durante, Edward G Robinson, Milton Geiger, Carlton KaDell, Dorothy Lamour, Henry Russell and His OrchestraMy other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
AFRS presents Lionel Barrymore host a Thanksgiving Special. This episode aired November 23, 1944.Act I: The first 4 minutes or so are instrumental. Then Dinah Shore sings, also features Wally Brown (comedian/actor), Harry von Zell (radio announcer / actor).Act II: Features John Charles Thomas (opera singer), Fanny Brice/Baby Snooks (comedian), and more.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
The Big Show with hostess, Tallulah Bankhead, this episode stars: Eddie Cantor and Mindy Carson. This episode aired, November 19, 1950.The Big Show was an NBC variety program that ran from November 5, 1950, to April 20, 1952. It consisted of 57 episodes, spread across two seasons. At 90 minutes per episode, it aired on Sunday night from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for the first season.NBC spent a lot of money per episode in hopes of keeping the public tuned to their radios instead of leaving for television. Each episode could cost $100,000 or more.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Chase and Sanborn Hour, starring Mae West. This episode aired December 12, 1937.Starring: Mae West, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Don Ameche, and Dorothy Lamour.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Mail Call with episode 19 featuring Groucho Marx, Betty Grable, Jose Iturbi, and Judy Garland. This episode aired January 9, 1943.Groucho Marx insists Bill Goodwin announce him, and isn't satisfied with it. Judy Garland sings, "I Never Knew." Jose Iturbi performs a classical number, but Judy wants him to 'make with the jive,' and teaches him to swing. Groucho introduces Betty Grable as his "mom," and she goes along with the gag. Betty gets love advice from Groucho.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Sealtest Variety Theater with their Halloween episode starring Boris Karloff and Jack Carson, and as always starred the beautiful and talented, Dorothy Lamour. This episode aired October 28, 1948.The first tune is "I'll Never Smile Again." Guest Boris Karloff arrives during a storm, while there's an escaped murderer on the loose!My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Command Performance with their third episode starring: Kate Smith and comedian Henny Youngman. This episode aired March 13, 1942.Command Performance aired from 1942 to 1949, on the Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRS) and transmitted by shortwave to the troops overseas — with few exceptions, it was not broadcast over domestic U.S. radio stations.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
The Big Show, hosted by, Tallulah Bankhead with guest stars -- Groucho Marx and Fanny Brice. This episode aired November 12, 1950.The Big Show was an NBC variety program that ran from November 5, 1950, to April 20, 1952. It consisted of 57 episodes, spread across two seasons. At 90 minutes per episode, it aired on Sunday night from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for the first season.NBC spent a lot of money per episode in hopes of keeping the public tuned to their radios instead of leaving for television. Each episode could cost $100,000 or more.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
The Chase And Sanborn Hour starts off October and guest stars, Bette Davis. This episode aired, September 12, 1937.Starring: Bette Davis, Don Ameche, Edgar Bergen, Nelson Eddy, W C. Fields, Carlton KaDell, Dorothy Lamour, Robert Armbruster and His OrchestraEpisode notes: Edgar Bergen misses his cue at the very beginning of the show. Nelson Eddy sings, "With A Song In My Heart." Edgar discusses the coming start of the school year with Charlie McCarthy. Dorothy Lamour promises to help Charlie with his homework. The orchestra plays a medley of hits by Irving Berlin. Bette Davis appears in, "It's A Swell Night," by Joan Austin. After the story, Charlie flirts with Bette. W. C. Fields tells about his new picture, "The Big Broadcast of 1938" and jousts with Charlie McCarthy.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Guest Star with Phil Baker (April 10, 1947); and Helen Traubel, Lauritz Melchior (April 17, 1947).Episode #3 - Phil Baker: The first tune is, "Rosalie." Phil Baker does a spoof on quiz shows. Starring: Phil Baker, Kenny DelmarEpisode #4: Stars U.S. opera and concert singer, Helen Traubel, and Lauritz Melchior also an opera singer born in Denmark.Guest Star was produced by the U.S. Treasury Department in the 1940s - 1950s as a public service program to promote the sales of U.S. Savings Bonds.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Hit Parade (a.k.a. Your Hit Parade), with their episode, I Dream Of You. This episode aired January, 20, 1945.Features composer and bandleader: Fred Rich (Frederic Efrem Rich - January 1898 – September 1956).My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Sealtest Variety Theater (The Dorothy Lamour Show) with their sixth episode, Happy Ending. This episode aired, October 21, 1948.Guests Abbott and Costello are running a gas station. The first tune is "It's A Most Unusual Day." Guest Dick Powell and Dorothy appear in "Happy Ending," by Milton Geiger.Episode Features: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, The Crew Chiefs, Carlton KaDell, Dorothy Lamour, Henry Russell and His OrchestraMy other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Jubilee -- this first episode stars: Duke Ellington and Ethel Waters. Jubilee was hosted by Ernie Whitman. This episode aired, October 9, 1942.Jubilee was directed at African-American troops, but the content was high quality jazz that would have been enjoyed by servicemen of any race. The program stated that it was for the Fighting Men of the United Nations. American Troops were getting to know the people and lands where they were serving, Jubilee saw itself as a chance for these people to get to know America.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Guest Star with two episodes starring: Henry Morgan (aired, March 3, 1947) and Gladys Swartout (aired, April 4, 1947).Henry Morgan (b. March 31, 1915 – d. May 19, 1994) was an American humorist.Gladys Swartout (b. December 25, 1900 – d. July 7, 1969) was an American mezzo-soprano opera singer and actress.Guest Star was produced by the U.S. Treasury Department. The goal was to promote people to buy saving bonds. It featured various famous Guest Stars including actors, singers, and comedians.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Featuring guest star, Bette Davis, on the Chase and Sanborn Hour. CSH was a variety program with songs and comedy. This episode aired September 12, 1937. Hosted by Don Ameche and also featuring Dorothy Lamour, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, and Nelson Eddy.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
This week we feature, Command Performance and their second episode starring Fred Waring and Joe Louis This episode aired March 9, 1942.Fred Waring (b. June 9, 1900 - d. July 29, 1984) was a popular musician, bandleader and radio-television personality.Joe Louis (b. May 13, 1914 - d. April 12, 1981) was a very famous professional African-American boxer, known as "The Brown Bomber."Command Performance aired from 1942 to 1949, on the Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRS) and transmitted by shortwave to the troops overseas — with few exceptions, it was not broadcast over domestic U.S. radio stations.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Let's welcome a new series to the podcast, The Big Show. This is their first episode with Fred Allen & Jimmy Durante. This episode aired November 05, 1950.Starring: Tallulah Bankhead (mistress of ceremonies), Fred Allen, Mindy Carson, Jimmy Durante, Jose Ferrer, Portland Hoffa, Russell Knight, Frankie Laine, Ethel Merman, Danny Thomas, Meredith Willson::::The Big Show was an NBC variety program that ran from November 5, 1950, to April 20, 1952. It consisted of 57 episodes, spread across two seasons. At 90 minutes per episode, it aired on Sunday night from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. for the first season.NBC spent a lot of money per episode in hopes of keeping the public tuned to their radios instead of leaving for television. Each episode could cost $100,000 or more.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Sealtest Variety Hour (aka The Dorothy Lamour Hour) with this episode titled Waiting Room. This episode aired September 9, 1948.Sponsored by: Sealtest. The premiere episode, Waiting Room. Gregory Peck and Dorothy appear in "Waiting Room" by Louis Vittes: Two people are in the waiting room of a heavenly railroad station.Featuring: Dorothy Lamour, Gregory Peck, Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Nelson, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson, Henry Russell and His Orchestra, Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair, Harriet Hilliard, Carlton KaDellMy other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Cats and Jammers sponsored by Longines Watch. C&J was broadcast by the Canadian Broadcasting Company. This episode aired (or was recorded) May 11, 1941. Starring: Lena Horne (b. June 30, 1917; d. May 9, 2010), Erskine Butterfield (February 9, 1913 – July 11, 1961)Can't confirm, but I believe this program was one-and-done, as I could not find any other programs or information.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp
Harlem Hospitality, hosted by William Bryant, a popular Jazz bandleader, vocalist, and disc jockey. This series aired on the American Armed Forces Radio Network. This episode aired in 1947 (month and day unknown).The program was recorded from the legendary and at the time - extremely popular, Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York City, with a combination of musical numbers and audience interviews.Starring:Willie Bryant a.k.a. "Mayor of Harlem" (host); (b. August 30, 1908 – d. February 9, 1964) Little Miss Cornshucks (Mildred Jorman) (singer -- b. May 26, 1923; d. November 11, 1999)Zella Carter;Amanda Randolph (actress & singer -- b. September 2, 1896; d. August 24, 1967);Etc.My other podcast channels include: MYSTERY x SUSPENSE -- DRAMA X THEATER -- SCI FI x HORROR -- COMEDY x FUNNY HA HA -- THE COMPLETE ORSON WELLES.You can subscribe to my channels to receive new post notifications, it's 100% free to join. If inclined, please leave a positive rating or review on your podcast service. Instagram @duane.otrThank you for your support.#armedforcesradio #oldtimeradio #otr #radiotheater #radioclassics #bobhope #armyradio #militaryradio #oldtimeradioclassics #classicradio #sciencefiction #dorothylamour #duaneotr:::: :This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp







