Happy 2026 from The Good Old Days of Radio Show! Today we are launching a 10-week 1944 pure pulp adventure serial The Cobra King Strikes Back, created by master of the cliffhanger, Carlton E. Morse. Set against the exotic backdrop of a voyage to Cambodia, the story brings together two very different missions aboard the same steamship. An archaeological expedition led by Dr. Carter is hunting for a legendary lost city, while Captain Friday and Skip Turner are escorting a chained and extremely dangerous prisoner, international mastermind Fen Lo. Things unravel fast when Fen Lo somehow slips his shackles without a sound. Almost at the same moment, Celia Carter, the archaeologist’s daughter, vanishes into the shadows of the ship. Suspicion, fear, and rising panic spread through the passengers as it becomes clear that something far more sinister is at work. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

This week we bring in the New Year, and appropriate with the theme we have a New Year's fantasy from The Columbia Workshop originally broadcast back in 1941. A group of unborn children peer down at the world through a hole in the sky and decide they want no part of it. War, injustice, and cruelty have convinced them to go on strike, refusing to be born at all. Their solution: one baby, Johnny, enters the world with the ability to negotiate. It’s a blend of whimsy and social commentary from the snapshot of America on the brink of another world war, with many themes that eerily resonate with modern times. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Merry Christmas Day, everyone! Today we're presenting one of the most unusual Christmas broadcasts ever aired: Norman Corwin’s 1942 CBS play, The Plot to Overthrow Christmas. Told as a darkly comic rhyming fantasy, the story opens in Hades, where history’s greatest villains plot to wipe out Christmas once and for all. Their scheme sends Nero himself to the North Pole with orders to eliminate Santa Claus, but what follows is an unexpected and surprisingly moving turn toward redemption, sparked by the spirit of the season and the gift of a Stradivarius violin. Equal parts fantasy, poetry, and wartime artifact, this broadcast is a rare Christmas story that balances wit, wonder, and the enduring belief that even the darkest hearts can be changed. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

1949 Christmas Cheers everyone! No, this is not the same Jack Benny Show we brought you a couple of weeks ago. It's still 1949, though, and Jack Benny did a second Christmas show that year that doesn't take place at the department store! Celebration is in the air (and so are sparks) when Jack Benny and the gang attempt to decorate the Christmas tree, triggering a series of electrical mishaps. It’s a perfect snapshot of Golden Age radio at Christmastime; funny, sentimental, and filled with the pop culture touchstones that made The Jack Benny Program a holiday tradition for millions of listeners. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Christmas is still coming, and this episode brings us a 1948 episode from Duffy’s Tavern. Anyone familiar with this series will know its sharp wit, wordplay, and often world-weary cynical dialogue. But this show is a surprising change from its usual format. Archie is in peak “bah, humbug” mode when a soft-spoken stranger walks into the tavern claiming he’s come all the way from Bethlehem. What follows is a surprising, almost magical tour through the city, where Archie witnesses a series of quiet miracles. A charming blend of humor, heart, and holiday mystery, perfect for a classic Christmas listen. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

In this episode, we’re heading back to 1944 for a frantic, festive, and very Abbott-and-Costello-style take on Christmas shopping. Sponsored at the time by Camel Cigarettes, this broadcast is packed with the duo’s trademark rapid-fire banter and wild misunderstandings. Between the slapstick wordplay, the show offers a fascinating snapshot of the era: wartime cigarette ads. A lively mix of comedy, history, and holiday chaos. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today we're bringing you the first in a series of interviews John did with personalities who were instrumental in the great old time radio revival of the 1970s and beyond. John sat down with Harvey Tow (better known to L.A. radio fans as Cousin Zeno) for a look back at his decades in vintage radio. Harvey talks about getting his start as a collector in the mid-’60s, hosting on stations like KCSN Northridge through the ’70s and ’80s, and how he managed to rescue a set of Lux Radio Theatre rehearsal discs straight from a former engineer. One of those recordings, The Pied Piper starring Frank Morgan, is featured in this episode. Along the way, Harvey shares memories of meeting legends like Bill Conrad and Roddy McDowall. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297

In today’s episode, we’re unwrapping a classic from Fibber McGee and Molly, originally aired December 21st, 1948. The fun kicks off when Fibber finds a mysterious card signed “Love, Elizabeth,” and immediately jumps to all the wrong conclusions. The truth, of course, is far more innocent. It’s a charming slice of holiday mischief, complete with those wonderfully earnest Johnson’s Glow Coat ads. We also talk about how this script later inspired a similar episode featuring Molly. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today’s show takes us to Christmas 1947 for a warm-hearted episode of Family Theater called “Substitute Santa.” We’re back to packed department stores, a frazzled manager scrambling to find someone — anyone — to fill in as Santa, and an owner who’s way more worried about a $4,000 mink coat giveaway than spreading holiday cheer. The star is character actor Frank McHugh, and the show is hosted by Ray Milland. And because this is family theater, woven through the story are reminders about prayer, the Nativity, and what the season is really supposed to be about. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

On today’s episode, we’re rolling back to December 18, 1949, for the traditional The Jack Benny Christmas Show. It’s Christmas week on CBS, the stores are packed, and Jack and Mary are just trying to finish their shopping without losing their minds. Naturally, that means running into every character in Benny’s universe; Rochester, Phil Harris, Dennis Day, and a few crazy store clerks. The whole thing is sprinkled with Lucky Strike jingles, plus a running gag about the hit song “Mule Train,” which was absolutely everywhere that year. After the show, John digs into some fun history, including a surprisingly early use of the word “smog” to describe L.A.’s air. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today we’re celebrating Thanksgiving with something special, particularly if you're any kind of a "Disney-phile." It's a rare 1938 NBC radio broadcast marking the 10th anniversary of Mickey Mouse! You’ll hear Felix Mills and his orchestra, visits from Donald Duck and Clara Cluck, and even a personal appearance by Walt Disney himself. The show takes us from Steamboat Willie all the way through the triumph of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. A perfect slice of radio and Disney history to enjoy with your Thanksgiving leftovers. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297

Today as we're nearing Thanksgiving, we’re taking a trip into radio fantasy, a 1945 broadcast of Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. We've presented several versions of this, The Lux Radio Theatre being closest to the original animated film. This one’s got an interesting backstory: it was mislabeled as a 1943 Mercury Theatre production, but it’s actually from This Is My Best, a CBS series hosted by Orson Welles. The episode stars Jane Powell as Snow White, with Welles doing the narration. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today we have another tale from The Whistler. A woman named Helen waiting for her missing brother to be declared dead… when suddenly, a man shows up claiming to be him. From there, it’s a tense psychological battle full of suspicion and hidden motives. A great listen for anyone who loves the shadowy, double-crossing world of vintage radio crime. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today we have an unusual episode for you. We’re taking a swing back into Hollywood’s golden age with the biggest radio show adapting popular movies at that time, Lux Radio Theater. This episode features a rehearsal recording (never broadcast) of the radio adaptation of Wonder Man, a comedy/fantasy starring Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo. There’s lots of goofing around here, along with those Lux Soap commercials that kept mid-century America’s underthings so dainty. After that, we bring you a collection of some rare behind-the-scenes recordings we found deep in the vaults, including producer William Keighley’s 1945 audition to replace Cecil B. DeMille as host, a 1947 interview with him, and a recording for a 1948 Lever Brothers banquet featuring Greer Garson, Margaret O’Brien, and Jimmy Durante. A fun, interesting peek behind the curtain of a legendary radio program. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today we’re dropping into another moody mystery from The Whistler. This one’s called The Affair at Stoney Ridge, originally broadcast on June 17, 1946. It’s a story of passion and quiet dread, as a young woman named Myra heads back to her family farm after a failed romance, only to confront her deceitful fiancé, Jodie. This is a suspense tale full of secrets, manipulation, and plot twists, enhanced by fantastic performances by veteran radio actors, Peggy Webber and Edmund MacDonald. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today we’re going back to 1942 for a wartime drama from The Cavalcade of America, one of radio’s most unsung A-list anthology series. This episode, In The Best Tradition, stars Orson Welles and was originally broadcast in honor of Navy Day. It’s pure patriotic storytelling, tracing the proud history of the U.S. Navy from its founding in 1775 to the modern age of steel and ordnance. You’ll hear about heroes like John Paul Jones and Commodore Oliver Perry, the invention of the mighty Dahlgren cannon, and even a moving scene set during the attack on Pearl Harbor. It’s a powerful slice of history, mixing courage, innovation, and sacrifice; the perfect listen as we honor Veterans Day. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today we’re dipping into a popular post-war genre, suspense and noir. The series is The Whistler, one of the leading crime-thriller shows of the era. The story is from June 12, 1949, broadcast over CBS, Perfect Alibi, complete with that Signal Oil sponsorship and the unmistakable voice of Jack Webb before his Dragnet days. We have the original transcription discs of this one, and it's firing on all the proper tropes: a slick private eye named Johnny Seltzer, a dangerous woman named Alice Collins, and a gangster called Frankie Benson. What starts as a clever setup to frame a mobster for murder quickly spirals into a deadly double-cross, ending with The Whistler’s signature twist. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today we’re heading back to July 1946 for a zany half hour with The Jack Kirkwood Show, a fast-talking, anything-goes comedy that’s as unpredictable as its star. Jack Kirkwood might not be a household name anymore, but his irreverent and absurdist humor works just as well today as it did back then. In this episode, Kirkwood finds himself in a tight spot. Fifteen years of mooching off his buddy William finally catch up to him, and now he’s got to come up with $195 in back rent or else marry his landlady, Mrs. Lapnotch.  Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today for our Halloween episode, we’re going back to 1943 for a chilling mystery from the golden age of radio suspense. It’s Suspense with “The Devil’s Saint,” starring the incomparable Peter Lorre as the sinister Count Stefan Kohari. In this haunting tale, a young Englishman named Lord Edward Whiteford dares to spend a night in the cursed Tapestry Room of Kohari’s ancient chateau, hoping to win the hand of the Count’s niece, Elona. What follows is a masterfully crafted descent into fear and illusion written by mystery legend John Dickson Carr and set to the eerie strains of Bernard Herrmann’s music. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today we’re going back to October 4, 1943, for one of the wildest and weirdest comedy programs ever to hit the airwaves, It Pays to Be Ignorant. Hosted by Tom Howard and featuring his panel of so-called “experts,” Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnell, and George Shelton, the show turns the idea of a quiz show upside down, serving up ridiculous questions, nonsensical answers, and nonstop vaudeville-style banter. You’ll also hear authentic 1940s flavor with wartime bond announcements and classic Peele’s Beer ads, plus a musical interlude from the Korn Kobblers, a novelty band in the spirit of Spike Jones and His City Slickers. The perfect ending to a half hour of vintage radio nonsense. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD