Heirloom Radio

John Lovering

About

Retired Biology_Environmental Science educator... passion for old time radio... protecting the environment, civil rights, and volunteer audio/video editing for local radio and TV station. Produced 60+ OTR re-enactments with local actors. 13 years as radio host for "Audio Theater".Just retired (2014) as a volunteer co-host for a show on local cable TV called "Living and Learning with Disabilities" and produced a storytelling program called "True Tales Live" which is found on Soundcloud and many other formats.

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1091 episodes

Command Performance - Fanny Brice - Baby Snooks - Feb. 18, 1945 - Variety

Introductory audio gives background on Command Performance series and the stars featured in this program from February of 1945. Fanny Brice, Hanley Stafford, Danny Thomas - with Carmen Dragon Orchestra. This track will be stored in the Command Performance Playlist.

33m
Mar 24
Stardust and Old Time Radio

Where did Marshal Dillon and Gunsmoke go? and why. https://archive.org/details/podcast_gunsmoke-podcast 220024164 Or search for "Internet Archive"

4m
Mar 22
The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Innocent Murderess - 06-30-47eress 06 30 47

In this episode, Holmes and Watson encounter an unexpectd twist when investigating a semmingly straightforward case. But then they discover the truth behind the innocent murderess.

29m
Mar 20
Space Patrol -The Revolt Of The Space Rats Nov. 28,1953

Commander Corey and Cadet Happy face "The Revolt of the Space Rats!" They are going to need a bigger trap! "Space Patrol!"

28m
Mar 18
New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Speckled Band - 06-23-47

This captivating tale features a mysterious murded, a deadly snake, and a family curse. Dr. John Watson (Nigel Bruce) narrates as Sherlock Holmes (Tom Conway) unravels the secrets behind the speckled band.... This track will live in the "Sherlock Holmes" Playlist. Another Episode "The Innocent Murderess" will be released in a few days... Gets your pipe, magnifying glass, and cool Sherlock Hat and see if you can solve this crime before Sherlock and Dr. Watson beat you to it! NOTE: The show initially premiered on the NBC Blue Network (later to become ABC) but later moved to the Mutual Broadcasting System. During WW II the show was broadcast overseas through the Armed Forces Radio Service. The entire series of Sherlock Holmes... with different stars playing Holmes... produced 220 episodes airing on Mondays from 8:30 - 9:00 pm.

32m
Mar 17
Earplay - The Hunter Gracchus - Drama 1972 - 90

Earplay with a story originally written by Franz Kafka and adapted for Earplay by John Robinson. Audio intro gives some background on the story... a little "synopsis" :) This is a very well done radio play... all the Earplay stories and broadcasts were first class... NPR has an incredible reputation in supporting the arts.

56m
Mar 17
Soundcloud 1939 Frozen Peas Commercial Orson Welles 1970

This is a short story... first an introduction to the situation that was the cause of the story... and then the audio file will play. Orson Welles...if you are or are not an old time radio fan... have most likely at least heard of him. He was a brilliant actor, director, and producer in the field of radio starting when he was 23 with the 1938 "War of the Worlds." He is remembered and considered to be among the greatest and most influential filmakers of all time -" Citizen Kane", "The Stranger", "A Man for All Seasons", "Jane Eyre"... and many more. His voice was almost unbelievable... rich, deep, baratone voice... perfect for Mercury Theatre on the Air. When he got into his late 50's he started to do a lot of television and radio commercials...mostly for wines... but in 1970 he was hired by a British TV Company to star in a few commercials... one for Frozen Peas and another for some fish company. He was a perfectionist and demanded that of the people he worked with. There was a time when he lost it... the Frozen Pea commercial. This track is a recording of the recording session for that commercial. Welles knew so much more about directing, writing, producing... that he literally walks out on this crew... If you think he was in the wrong... just keep in mind that he had so many years of perfecting his skills and talent... what he tells the directors is true... the way it should have been done... part of recording radio/tv history. The loud "Smack" that you hear is the slap of wood hitting the Clapper that they use to start recordings of film.

6m
Mar 16
Space Patrol - The Trap On Planet X - 08_29_53 - Sci-Fi Adventure

This is the conclusion to "The Menace of Planet X" - Does Commander Corey and Cadet Happy rescue the professor? Do they escape the "Plasta Weapon... which seals the victim up in a coat of heavy plastic!" How will the Commander and Cadet get one of the natives to let them out of a iron cell? Note: Some spots in the audio in this recording is of poor quality, but I didn't want to play Part 1 and not have a conclusion to it... and that is "The Trap On Planet X." Despite the audio quality , I believe it is clear enough that you will know what happened when you hear the story.

27m
Mar 16
Four Star Playhouse - The Incredible Anna Lee - Aug. 21, 1949 - Comedy

Brief introduction to this light-hearted comedy performed in 1949 on a program entitled "Four Star Playhouse."... There are 5 people in the photo because the mention his name as an "and Frank Lovejoy"... so they had FIVE stars on a show entitled "Four Star Playhouse" It is a very entertaining show and it is well acted by these 5 very talented people of another era in the American culture. How many do you remember? Track will live in the "Comedy" Playlist.

32m
Mar 14
Space Patrol - The Menace Of Planet X - 08_22_53 - Sci-Fi

It has been a long time since I have posted a Space Patrol adventure...thanks to the Armed Forces Radio Service...and the Old Time Radio Researchers Group... more shows have become available. In this episode Prince Baccarratti shows up on a new planet that features dinosaurs and huge birds...also native tribes who Baccarratti has enslaved. Look Out! Terra 5 is about to land! This track will live in the, what else? " Space Patrol Playlist"

29m
Mar 12
Crime Club - Death Deals A Diamond July 7, 1947 - Mystery/Suspense

Introductory Audio gives background on the "Crime Club" series and a brief synopsis of the featured story "Death Deals A Diamond"... this program has some twists and turns in it that make it quite entertaining. In the intro I mention that I did not have the full date of the airing, but since publishing the file, I found it to be July 7, 1947....so this program is 76 years old and still holds one's attention. This track will live in the "Drama/Adventure" Playlist

32m
Mar 11
Dr. Christian - Story of Windy The Truth Pills - Mar. 27, 1938 -Medical Soap Opera

The story of a man (named Windy) that consistently tells little lies, and a lot of them. Dr. Christian (Jean Hersholt) ran on CBS radio from 1937-1950 because it was so popular. Hersholt was so convincing as a physician that he received requests every week for his medical advice! He lives and works in Rivers-End. He knows everyone and everyone knows him. This story was written 85 years ago and it is still entertaining! Dr. Christian programs can be found in the Playist "Soap Operas and Medical Dramas"

29m
Mar 11
Earplay - A Phoenix Too Frequent - 1970s - Comedy by Christopher Fry

In ancient Greece, Dynamene is prepared to die from grief over the death of her husband and has barricaded herself, fasting, in his tomb. She has brought her faithful servant along to die with her (a plan that said servant is not 100% on board with). But it’s not long before Dynamene is distracted from her death wish by the arrival of a handsome soldier, Tegeus, providing a problem for maintaining her grief in this comedy about love and expectations. Track will be living in "Earplay" Playlist.

57m
Mar 11
Dangerous Assignment - France - August 6, 1949 -Spy Adventure

Audio introduction to the "Dangerous Assignment" series and then a brief synopsis on the story "France"... this is a spy adventure series and it is quite good! They produced radio programming from 1949-53. There was a television series starring Brian Donlevy from 1951-52 and an Australian radio series broadcast in 1954-56 as remakes of the American radio scripts. This track will be in the "Mystery - Crime" Playlist

32m
Mar 10
Kraft Music Hall - Al Jolson and Peggy Lee- 12 02 1948

Track features host, Al Jolson welcoming guest Peggy Lee for music, comedy and variety - 1948. Kraft Musical Hall was an extremely popular program of the era. Jolson became the host on the Kraft Music Hall on October 2, 1947 through May 26, 1949. His musical conductor and pianist, Oscar Levant, welcomed a wide variety of guests from the stage, screen, and radio. Peggy Lee is his guest on this program. Jolson appeared as a guest on this show several times from 1933 to 1935, before getting the starring role. Oscar Levant quite often pipes in with his dry wit. Jolson kept performing until shortly before his death at the age of 64 in 1950, so these Kraft Music Hall shows were some of his last performances. This track will be stored in the "Musical Variety" Playlist

31m
Mar 10
The Cisco Kid - Lancers Of Black Horse Brigade - Ca. 1950 Western Adventure

Audio Intro: Brief history of the series... note that in this episode Jack Mather plays Cisco and Harry Lang plays Pancho. Jackson Beck was the original Cisco Kid and Pancho was played by Louis Sorin. When died at the age of 53, Mel Blanc played Pancho. On television and in motion pictures Duncan Renaldo played the Cisco Kid and Leo Carrillo was Pancho. Radio series ran from 1942 - 1945...producing 600 episodes! TV series was on from 1950-56... producing 156 episodes. The show was the first TV series filmed in color! The series was based on O'Henry's short story "The Caballero's Way" in 1907. O'Henry's "Cisco" was a murderous criminal...deemed too violent for a program targeting children... hence the change in the nature of the characters. This track will be living in the "Westerns" Playlist

32m
Mar 10
Captain Midnight 54+ 55 Wreckage and Sick Injured - 01 17 And 19_1940

Audio introduction with background on the "Captain Midnight" series which had a life far beyond radio. It started on radio, but was so popular... movies, TV, Comic Books, Newspapers...Based on a World War I pilot who returned in his Bi-Plane from a very dangerous mission... the time? "Midnight"... Captain Midnight. Two back to back episodes edited together... Track will live in the "Captain Midnight Playlist"

32m
Mar 09
Orphan Annie - Mississippi Trip and 33rd Wright Bros. Ann. 1936

Audio intro to the series and a brief synopsis of the two shows (edited back to back) from 1936. "Annie and Joe Go to Mississippi" and "The Wright Brothers 33rd Anniversary" First show on radio that was directed towards children... and selling lots of Ovaltine to earn prizes. If you have seen Jean Shepherds "A Christmas Story" you might remember how disappointed Ralphie was after getting his decoder ring! This track of two back to back shows will live in the "Orphan Annie's" Playlist

32m
Mar 09
Damon Runyon Theatre - Pick A Winner - 1949 - Drama-Comedy

Audio introduction to this track "Pick A Winner" and some background on Damon Runyon and the Damon Runyon Theater. Mixing comedy with drama... not an easy thing to do, but in the hands of a very talented Damon Runyon and New York City... it was done in this 52 episode series. This will be stored in the "Damon Runyon Theatre" Playlist

29m
Mar 07
Chuck-Wagon Jamboree - Country Western Music - Ken Curtis-1948

Audio with brief background on the "Chuck-Wagon Jamboree" In the photo you see Ken Curtis as "Festus" on Gunsmoke - TV Show. But he is up on the stage as part of the "Chuck-Wagon Jamboree"radio show. He was an amazing country-western singer. Show has a mix of country western songs. Two tracks edited back to back with Lifeboy commercial separating them. BEE-OOO This track will live in the "Country Western" Playlist

29m
Mar 07
Easy Aces - Johnny Borrows Money For Suits - Will He Pay It Back? - 1945 Comedy

Audio Introduction to the two back to back episodes... Johnny, Jane's brother, borrows $80 from Jane to buy two suits...Goodman doesn't think he will pay it back because he doesn't have a job... but he is married to a millionairess whose father is trying to get Johnny to go to work for him... with no luck so far. This track of two programs will be living in the "Easy Aces" Playlist

26m
Mar 02
Escape _The Vessel of Wrath - May 10, 1953 - Suspense

Adapted from a story written by W.Somerset Maugham wrtten in 1931 and appearing in Hearst's International Cosmopolitan. The story was adapted to radio for "Escape" in a play entitled "The Vessel of Wrath." Introductory audio tells more about the Escape series and introduces the episode you will hear. This will be living in the Playlist: Drama and Mystery.

31m
Mar 02
Stars for Defense_ Martha Tilton_ 1952

Introductory audio gives background on the government sponsored program to encourage people to help fight inflation in 1952... these shows featured Swing and Pop female singers on their shows. This show features Martha Tilton (Photo) Who was very popular at the time. At one point in her career she sang with the Benny Goodman Orchestra.

17m
Feb 27
Aimee Sempel McPherson_Evangelical Minister_ Ca.1944

A very different "Old Time Radio" track... Aimee Semple McPherson was the first woman to be granded a broadcast license Federal Radio Commission. She was the founder of the Angelus Temple... an Evangelical minister who brought her preaching to radio in an effort to reach more people in her radio ministry from church. Track features a sermon given in the early 1940's.. This track will be living in the "Radio HIstory" Playlist.

34m
Feb 27
Columbia Presents _Daybreak_Ronald Colman 07 10 45_Drama

Introductory audio shares background information on "Columbia Presents Corwin"... and the importance of Norman Corwin to the history of radio. Also mention that I had the opportunity to interview Norman in 2005... he was 95 then. Interview is on this podcast in the "History" Playlist

34m
Feb 26
Jack Benny Program -Jack Gets His Haircut Nov 10,1946 - Comedy/Variety

Audio introduction of the show, followed my a very funny Jack Benny program from 1946. Jack is having his sponsor, Lucky Strike, over for dinner and the whole gang is coming too. Gang: Left to right in photo) Dennis Day, Rochester "Eddie" Anderson, Phil Harris, Mary Livingston, Jack Benny, Don Wilson, and Mel Blanc. The musical group you will hear is "The Sportsmen" This will be in our Comedy/Variety playlist.

32m
Feb 08
EarPlay - Girls Of The Golden West - 1972-81 NPR

This is a NPR Earplay program, written by Anne Leeton centered on the women of the Golden West, Age, Days... Women who lived where men were panning and digging for Gold. The program features several stories about different women and their experiences in the West at the time of the Gold Rush in CA. Around 1848. There was also the Gold Rush in Alaska that started in 1896 and lasted until 1904 when most of the accessible gold had been mined or claimed. The Alaska Gold Rush drew about 100,000 people from all over the world... and at the peak of the Rush (1898) there was 40,000 people in Dawson City.

57m
Feb 05
The Jack Benny Show - Ronald Colman - Leo Durocher 11_17_46

Intro Audio has some fun with Jack Benny Show featuring Leo Durocher as a visitor... Superbowl and Hall of Famer... MAGA Conspiracy...Comedy Variety Show - with Phil Harris, Dennis Day, and Don Wilson as announcer. With Lucky Strike commercials... Don't Smoke, no matter what they say! Jack's neighbors are Oscar winner Ronald Colman and his wife... and Jack is constantly borrowing things from them... because "he is too cheap" to pay for the things. (Note: This was an intended image of Jack being a Penny Pincher... in real life he was an incredibly philanthropic man.)

33m
Feb 04
The Thin Man - All American Menace - Jan. 12, 1944 - Comedy-Mystery

Introduction audio gives a general background of the series which lasted for 9 years. Claudia Morgan (photo) played Nora Charles and in this episode David Gothage played Nick Charles... a husband and wife team who seemed to get involved in every crime that was happening. The "Charles" had a terrier dog named "Asta" (See photo :) This show is a rebroadcast of an Armed Forces Radio Broadcast via shortwave to our troops overseas during WW II... This show will be housed in the "Crime-Mystery" playlist.

23m
Feb 02
Frederick Douglass - Black History Month - February 2024 - A Tribute

In recognition of the celebration of Black History Month (aka: African American Month) -February -USA I put together a 6 minute track about an incredible historical figure from the era of the Civil War and the 13th Amendment - Abraham Lincoln. The track is made up of an introduction of the background on Frederick Douglass and then a series of some of his most famous quotes. This is a man who was born a slave, taught himself to read, attended college and became a renowned abolitionist, wrter, and social reformer during his 77 years of life. He is highly regarded as one of the most influential figures in American history and certainly deserves to be recognized during "Black History Month." This track will be in the History Playlist on this podcast.

6m
Feb 01