Jack Benny - December 31, 1944 - Jack Resolves to Be Friends with Fred Allen

Jack makes a New Year's resolution to be friends with Fred Allen. Larry Stevens sings "The Trolley Song". The annual New Year's pageant is performed.

The Great Gildersleeve - December 30, 1945 - New Year's Eve at Home

After waiting too long to make plans for New Year's Eve, Gildy plans an evening at home for the family.

Fibber McGee & Molly - December 29, 1953 - Exchanging Gifts at the Bon Ton

After receiving several ice buckets as Christmas gifts, the McGees head to the Bon Ton to exchange one of them.

You Bet Your Life - December 28, 1949 - Unedited

Groucho interviews a newlywed couple, a carhop and a married man, and a college football player and a chiropractor from Iran.
This is the full-length live recording of the show, before it was edited for broadcast.

Jack Benny - December 27, 1942 - New Year's Eve Skit

A replacement is needed for the absent Phil Harris in the annual New Year's sketch, and Fred Allen shows up.

Phil Harris/Alice Faye - December 26, 1948 - The Christmas Present

Remley's upset because Phil only spent $2 on his Christmas gift, but Phil's upset because Remley got a gift from Rexall (the sponsor) and he didn't. Phil sings "Keep in the Middle of the Road".

Fibber McGee & Molly - December 25, 1945 - Doc's Christmas Gift to McGee

Doc Gamble's Christmas gift arrives, but the McGees can't figure out what it is.

Bob Hope - December 24, 1952 - Frank Sinatra / Christmas Presents

Frank Sinatra buys Christmas presents for the crew on his latest movie, and has them sent to Bob Hope's house, expecting to pick them up there. In a flashback, Bob and Frank recall how they first met working at a department store. Sinatra sings "South of the Border".

Fibber McGee & Molly - December 23, 1952 - Party for Doc Gamble

The McGees plan a surprise Christmas party for Doc Gamble.

Burns & Allen - December 22, 1942 - Santa and the Wicked Pirate

Gracie dreams that she and George fly to Santa's Workshop on their pet duck, Herman. Arthur Q. Bryan plays Santa.

Jack Benny - December 21, 1947 - Last Minute Shopping

In another excellent Christmas episode, the gang heads to a department store for some Christmas shopping. Benny Rubin plays the racetrack tout in this early appearance by the character.

Our Miss Brooks - December 20, 1953 - Christmas Gift Mix-Up

Connie plans to use her meager Christmas budget to buy a gift for Mr. Boynton, but her friends are all dropping hints about the gifts they want.

Fibber McGee & Molly - December 19, 1944 - Fibber Snoops for Presents in Closet

McGee scours the house looking for the Christmas presents he thinks Molly has hidden.

Phil Harris/Alice Faye - December 18, 1949 - Getting a Christmas Tree in the Mountains

After having trouble finding a Christmas tree in town, Phil and Alice decide to go up to the mountains to get one. Phil sings "Woodman, Spare That Tree", and Alice sings "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm".

Jack Benny - December 17, 1950 - Golf Tees for Don

In one of the series' best Christmas episodes, Jack goes Christmas shopping with Mary. Frank Nelson plays the floorwalker, and Bea Benaderet plays a watch saleswoman. Sheldon Leonard shows up as his racetrack tout character, and Mel Blanc returns as the salesman who makes the mistake of telling Jack there are two kinds of golf tees.

Burns & Allen - December 16, 1941 - Mailing a Christmas Present

Gracie brings trouble for George when they go to the Post Office to mail a Christmas present. Jimmy Cash sings "My Foolish Heart and I".

Fibber McGee & Molly - December 15, 1942 - Misplaced Christmas Money

McGee can't find the money he stashed away to buy Christmas gifts.

Fred Allen - December 14, 1947 - Most Important Advance in Science 1947

A series of jibes about poultry leads to Allen's Alley, where the question is about the biggest advance in science in the past year.

You Bet Your Life - December 13, 1950

Groucho interviews a greeting card writer and a gadget salesman, a housewife and a hosiery designer, and two high school students.

Jack Benny - December 12, 1937 - Christmas Shopping

Jack takes Mary Christmas shopping. Eddie Anderson is especially good as an elevator operator; this was before his Rochester character was created. Frank Nelson appears as a floorwalker in a funny scene, but his abrasive character hadn't quite been developed yet. Kenny Baker sings "Am I in Love?"

Fibber McGee & Molly - December 11, 1951 - Detective McGee

His imagination aroused by reading detective novels, McGee believes a neighbor is spying on him.

The Great Gildersleeve - December 10, 1947 - Christmas Shopping

Gildy realizes that Christmas is coming soon, and plans his list of gifts to buy. His friends and family have other ideas, however.

Jack Benny - December 9, 1951 - Guadalajara Trio Sings Jack's Song

In a show from Palm Springs, Jack gets the Guadalajara Trio to sing his unsaleable song, "When You Say I Beg Your Pardon, Then I'll Come Back to You". Dennis Day sings "A Little Bit of Heaven".

The Great Gildersleeve - December 8, 1948 - Disappearing Christmas Gifts

Gildy hides the family's Christmas presents, but when he goes to wrap them, he finds they've disappeared.

Fibber McGee & Molly - December 7, 1948 - Early Christmas Shopping

The McGees head to the Bon Ton to take care of some Christmas shopping.

You Bet Your Life - December 6, 1950

Groucho meets a bachelor and a spinster, a female dentist and a Texan, and a female deputy and a symphony conductor.

Jack Benny - December 5, 1954 - Christmas Shopping

Jack goes Christmas shopping, where Mel Blanc's tormented salesman has transferred to the Art Supplies dept. this year in hopes of avoiding him. Frank Nelson appears as the floorwalker, of course, and Sheldon Leonard appears again as the racetrack tout.

The Christmas shopping shows were well-established at this point, and the writers seemed to delight in finding new ways for Benny to torment Blanc's salesman each year. This would be the last Christmas shopping episode on radio, but the routine continued on television.

The Great Gildersleeve - December 4, 1946 - Jolly Boys Sponsor an Orphan

A minister visits the Jolly Boys Club and asks them to sponsor an orphan.

Fibber McGee & Molly - December 3, 1946 - Fibber Fights Bank Over $19

McGee believes that the bank has lost his account.

Our Miss Brooks - December 2,1951 - Mushy Notes to Harriet

When Walter writes a mash note to Harriet, Connie sees it and thinks Mr. Boynton has written it to her.

Jack Benny - December 1, 1940 - Jack Catches Cold at Don's House

Jack gets into a dispute with the rest of the gang about a recent trip to Don's house. Frank Nelson appears as a doctor.

The Great Gildersleeve - November 30, 1941 - Canary Won't Sing

Gildy wins a canary in a raffle, but it won't sing.

Burns & Allen - November 29, 1945 - Jack Benny and George at College

Gracie gets George and Jack Benny to enroll in college.

Fred Allen - November 28, 1948 - Is Radio Comedy Suffering?

After an opening gibe at radio giveaway shows, Fred and Portland ask the locals if radio comedy is still holding up. Fred goes to meet George Jessel at Lindy's.

At the top of the show, Allen announces that they're ending their guarantee to match any money a listener fails to win if they're called by a giveaway show while listening to Fred Allen. The Allen show was falling in the ratings, the victim of a game show called "Stop the Music", and Allen seemed to be tremendously bothered by this. His series would end the following spring.

Fibber McGee & Molly - November 27, 1945 - Fibber Chops Down the Old Oak Tree

When the McGees find out that their old oak tree is dead, McGee tries to chop it down.

The Great Gildersleeve - November 26, 1944 - Reception Aftermath

After a disastrous society reception, Gildy tries to make amends with his friends; Leroy and Marjorie are afraid he's falling in love again.

Jack Benny - November 25, 1951 - Jack and Mary See "Golden Girl" with Dennis' Mother

When Jack takes Mary to see the movie "Golden Girl" in which Dennis appears, they run into Dennis and his mother at the theater. Verna Felton gives another riotous performance as Dennis' mom.

The Magnificent Montague - November 24, 1950 - To Play Romeo

Lily tries to get Montague cast as Romeo in a new production of "Romeo and Juliet".

Fibber McGee & Molly - November 23, 1943 - Etiquette Lessons from an 1877 Book

McGee finds an old book of etiquette and tries to impress everyone with his manners.

Our Miss Brooks - November 22, 1953 - The Butcher

When Mrs. Davis tells Connie that she's been planning to marry their butcher after a whirlwind courtship, Connie comes to believe he's a confidence man.

Jack Benny - November 21, 1943 - Jack Dreams He Is a Turkey

Wracked with guilt over the turkey he'll be eating at Thanksgiving, Jack dreams that he's the turkey. Frank Nelson plays a tour guide at a steak museum (a reference to the unavailability of steak during the war). Dennis Day sings "Say a Prayer for the Boys over There".

Fibber McGee & Molly - November 20, 1953 - Christmas Fund

The ladies of Molly's women's club try to figure out a way to raise money for their Christmas fund.

Jack Benny - November 19, 1939 - Mary's Thanksgiving Poem

Mary changes her Thanksgiving presentation from a play to a poem; Jack invites the gang to his house for the holiday. Dennis Day sings "Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair".

Burns & Allen - November 18, 1940 - Thanksgiving Show

The gang goes to Gracie's house to give her granddad his medicine. Artie Shaw plays "Sugar".

Duffy's Tavern - October 26, 1945 - Archie's Nephew

When Archie meets up with a quiz kid-type nephew from another branch of the family, he uses him to add a cultural note to the bar.

The Great Gildersleeve - November 16, 1941 - Serviceman for Thanksgiving

An army regiment is furloughed in Summerfield, and the family takes one in for Thanksgiving.

Fibber McGee & Molly - November 15, 1949 - Stuck in the Grating

While trying to retrieve a coin that fell down a grating, McGee get his arm stuck.

Phil Harris/Alice Faye - November 14, 1948 - Inventing a New Drug

Phil and Remley try to impress the Rexall company by inventing a new drug. Phil Harris sings "The General and His Horse", and Alice Faye sings "A Little Bird Told Me".

Jack Benny - November 13, 1938 - Jack Steals a Girl from Phil Harris

Jack and Phil compete for a girl's attention. Kenny Baker sings "The Umbrella Man".

Bob Hope - November 12, 1946 - Lucille Ball

In a sketch, Lucille Ball plays a girl trying to sabotage a star football player (Hope). Louanne Hogan sings "Autumn in New York".

Hope and Ball were good friends in real life, and appeared together frequently on radio and television. They also co-starred in four feature films.

Fibber McGee & Molly - November 11, 1941 - Premiere of "Look Who's Laughing"

The movie "Look Who's Laughing", which features the McGees, is premiering at the Bijou, and everyone in town awaits the arrival of the star, Edgar Bergen.

Duffy's Tavern - November 10, 1942 - Clifton Fadiman

Clifton Fadiman from the panel show "Information Please" drops in at the bar.

Bob Hope - November 9, 1948 - Jack Benny

In a sketch, Paramount executives debate what to do when Bob hurts his leg; Bob and Jack Benny fantasize about being disc jockeys. Doris Day sings "Every Day I Love You" and Bill Farrell sings "Slow Boat to China".

You Bet Your Life - November 8, 1950

Groucho meets a newlywed couple, a florist and a housewife, and a veteran and a draftee.

Fibber McGee & Molly - November 7, 1950 - Fibber Needs Glasses

McGee and Molly plan to head downtown to see the eye doctor when McGee's eyesight starts deteriorating.

Burns & Allen - November 6, 1947 - A Live Hog

George and Gracie decide to have a barbecue, and invite their friends and neighbors. The Meredith Willson band plays "Among My Souvenirs".

Jack Benny - November 5, 1939 - The Women

The gang spoofs the play and movie "The Women".

Our Miss Brooks - November 4, 1951 - Connie Tries to Forget Mr. Boynton

Connie resolves to stop being obsessed with Mr. Boynton, but then she starts seeing him everywhere.

Fibber McGee & Molly - November 3, 1942 - Duck Hunting with LaTrivia

While McGee and Mayor LaTrivia go hunting on the lake, Molly optimistically promises ducks to all their friends.

The Great Gildersleeve - November 2, 1941 - Minding the Baby

Gildy and the family go over to the home of a friend of his, and they end up babysitting.

Jack Benny - November 1, 1942 - Jack and Phil Go Target Shooting

The show is performed from Marine base Camp Elliott; Jack takes Phil and Mary to the rifle range.

Jack Benny - October 31, 1948 - Jack Goes Trick-or-Treating

On Halloween, Jack goes trick-or-treating with his youth group, the Beavers. Dennis Day sings "Down among the Sheltering Palms".

Fibber McGee & Molly - October 30, 1945 - Fibber the Sculptor

In a show from Toronto, McGee enters a sculpting contest.

Our Miss Brooks - October 29, 1950 - The Dancer

When Conklin hires an exotic dancer for a bachelor party, Connie mistakes her for Conklin's new secretary.

Jack Benny - October 28, 1951 - Jack Loses His Song

Jack has misplaced the sheet music for his unsaleable song, "When You Say I Beg Your Pardon, Then I'll Come Back to You". Ronald Colman and Benita Hume make another wonderful appearance as Jack's neighbors.

The Great Gildersleeve - October 27, 1948 - Gildy Proposes to Adeline

In order to improve his chances of adopting the foundling the family's been caring for, Gildy proposes marriage to Adeline.

Fibber McGee & Molly - October 26, 1953 - Fibber Gets Lost on the Train

While taking the train to visit Molly's Aunt Sarah, McGee heads to the club car, but then can't find Molly again. This is one of the 15 minute daily episodes without an audience, and the theme and music cues haven't been added to the recording yet.

Fred Allen - October 25, 1942 - Roy Rogers / Courting of Jenny Sugs

The News segment addresses the new war edict for Meatless Tuesdays. The announcer for this episode is Arthur Godfrey, who only lasted a very few weeks as Allen's announcer. Godfrey had some very negative things to say about him afterward, although not many people seem to have had trouble getting along with Allen.

Jack Benny - October 24, 1948 - Jack Invites the Colmans to Dinner

The Colmans try to get out of going to dinner at Jack's house. Ronald Colman and Benita Hume are the guest stars, of course, and Frank Nelson appears on the other end of a phone call by Benny.

Phil Harris/Alice Faye - October 23, 1949 - Sponsor's Formal Party

When the sponsor throws a formal party for Phil, a Pygmalion-type makeover needs to be done on Remley and the rest of the band. Alice sings "There's Yes Yes in Your Eyes"; Phil sings "Silas Lee from Tennessee".

Fibber McGee & Molly - October 22, 1940 - Gildersleeve's Diary

McGee reads through Gildersleeve's diary looking for dirt he can use.

My Favorite Husband - October 21, 1949 - Superstition

George tries to talk Liz out of her superstitions.

Jack Benny - October 20, 1946 - The Fiddler

The gang parodies the popular radio series "The Whistler". Dennis Day sings "Scarlet Ribbons".

The Great Gildersleeve - October 19, 1941 - School Pranks

When Leroy overhears Gildy and Judge Hooker reminiscing about pranks from their school days, he pulls one of his own.

Fibber McGee & Molly - October 18, 1949 - Community Chest Bazaar

McGee sells kisses - of himself - for $10 at the Community Chest bazaar.

Bob Hope - October 17, 1944 - Wheeler Infantry Base

In a show from Wheeler Infantry Base in Georgia, Frances Langford sings "Don't Get Around Much Anymore".

Jack Benny - October 16, 1938 - Last Broadcast from the Old NBC Studio

In the last show from the original NBC studios, Jack discusses his latest picture with Joan Bennett, "Artists and Models Abroad". Kenny Baker sings "I've Got a Date with a Dream".

Duffy's Tavern - October 15, 1945 - Charles Coburn

When actor Charles Coburn stops by the bar, Archie offers him a job.

Fibber McGee & Molly - October 14, 1947 - Teeny's Kitty Is Under the Porch

When Teeny brings her cat over to show to McGee, the cat gets frightened and hides under the porch.

The Great Gildersleeve - October 13, 1948 - Visit by Aunt Hattie

The children's Aunt Hattie comes to visit and takes over the whole house.

Jack Benny- October 12, 1947 - Jack Fixes Breakfast

After breakfast, Jack goes to visit the doctor, who of course turns out to be Frank Nelson.

You Bet Your Life - October 11, 1950

Groucho interviews two single youngsters, a trash collector and a housewife, and a woman who works at an employment agency and a yacht broker.

Fibber McGee & Molly - October 10, 1944 - Fibber Can't Find His Hip Boots

When McGee loses his hip boots, he asks all his friends if they've seen them.

Dennis Day - October 9, 1948 - Football Plays

When a rival football team steals Weaverville High's playbook, Dennis is drafted to steal it back. Dennis sings "Love Somebody".

Jack Benny - October 8, 1944 - Jack Offers Dennis' Job to Frank Sinatra

With Dennis Day having joined the Navy, Jack tries to hire Frank Sinatra as his new singer. Frank Nelson plays a radio announcer.

Fred Allen - October 7, 1945 - Charlie McCarthy's New Partner

Fred Allen returns to the air after taking a year off for health reasons. This episode features the first appearances of Senator Claghorn (Kenny Delmar) and Titus Moody (Parker Fennelly) in Allen's Alley. Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy are the guests, as Fred remembers when he agreed to become Charlie's new partner.

Burns & Allen - October 6, 1942 - Married but Single

Gracie tells George that she wants to recapture the romantic days of their courtship. Jimmy Cash sings "Serenade in Blue".

Fibber McGee & Molly - October 5, 1948 - Pressed Pants

When McGee stops off to have his pants pressed, he's stuck without them at the most inopportune time.

The Great Gildersleeve - October 4, 1942 - Planting a Tree

Gildy buys a cherry tree sight unseen, and has to figure out where to plant it.

Jack Benny - October 3, 1948 - Jack Returns to America by Ship

After Jack, Mary and Phil return home on the Queen Mary from their summer tour of Europe, Jack continues to hear people yodeling. Dennis Day sings "A Tree in the Meadow". Frank Nelson plays a radio announcer.

Fred Allen - October 2, 1935 - Once an Amateur

In this episode of "Town Hall Tonight", a satirical take on the news is followed by an amateur contest.

Fibber McGee & Molly - October 1, 1940 - Back from Vacation

The McGees' friends turn out to greet them when they return from summer vacation.

You Bet Your Life - September 30, 1953

Groucho meets a serviceman and his wife, a female descendant of General Putnam and a reporter, and a college girl and an L.A. municipal court judge.

Jack Benny - September 29, 1946 - First Show with the Sportsmen

Jack is irked that Phil and Dennis have their own shows. Dennis Day sings "To Each His Own".

The Great Gildersleeve - September 28, 1941 - Hiccups

While preparing to see Judge Hooker with Leroy and Marjorie, Gildy develops a severe case of hiccups.

Fibber McGee & Molly - September 27, 1949 - The Fish Dinner

When Wallace Whimple says he'll bring a bunch of fish to McGee's house, McGee invites all his friends over to wait.

Our Miss Brooks - September 26, 1954 - Mr. Lathrop Returns to School

A business executive returns to high school to get his diploma, but he upsets the staff, who conspire to get rid of him.

Jack Benny - September 25, 1949 - Guest Show

Jack welcomes Edgar Bergen to CBS, and runs into Amos 'n Andy. Dennis Day sings "Some Enchanted Evening".

This episode took place in the thick of the talent raids by CBS against NBC. Bergen's new show for CBS was to premiere the next week. Other stars who made the switch during this period were the cast of "Amos 'n Andy", Red Skelton, Burns & Allen, and Harold Peary.

Bob Hope - September 24, 1946 - Carol Richards

Guest Carol Richards sings "Come Rain or Come Shine".

Fibber McGee & Molly - September 23, 1935 - Scrubbing the Back Porch

After McGee gives up on trying to fix the doorbell in their new house in Wistful Vista, Molly tries to get him to scrub the back porch.

The Great Gildersleeve - September 22, 1948 - Leroy Jealous of Baby

Leroy is jealous of the baby the family's been caring for since it was found in Gildy's car.

Jack Benny - September 21, 1952 - In Scotland, Jack Goes Shopping with Mary

The gang gathers at a lunch counter; later, Jack tells a reporter about his trip to Scotland the past summer.

Burns & Allen - September 20, 1945 - New House

George and Gracie are forced to move when their landlord sells their house.

Fibber McGee & Molly - September 19, 1950 - Chicken Barbecue

McGee invites all of his and Molly's friends to a chicken barbecue.

Phil Harris/Alice Faye - September 18, 1949 - Phil Returns to the Air

Phil returns from his summer trip to Canada, but the first show of the season is tomorrow and nothing has been prepared. Alice sings "There's Yes Yes in Your Eyes" and Phil sings "Silas Lee".

Jack Benny - September 17, 1950 - In Venice

The cast discusses the previous week's season premiere, and Mary recalls the trip to Venice taken that summer by her and Jack. Frank Nelson plays a phone company worker who collects the money from Jack's pay phone. Dennis Day sings "Mona Lisa".

My Favorite Husband - September 16, 1949 - Baseball

George and Mr. Atterbury want to play in the baseball game at the company outing, but they'll only be allowed in the game if their wives also play.

You Bet Your Life - September 15, 1947 - Audition Show

This is the first episode produced of "You Bet Your Life", in order to sell the show. Jack Slatery is the announcer.

Burns & Allen - September 14, 1943 - Brian Donlevy / Gracie the Actress

Gracie tries to get Brian Donlevy to perform with her theater group. Jimmy Cash sings "How Sweet You Are"

Jack Benny - September 13, 1953 - Back from Vacation in Hawaii

Jack returns from his summer vacation in Hawaii, and the gang gathers to greet him. Dennis Day sings "With These Hands".

Fibber McGee & Molly - September 12, 1939 - Wedding Aniversary

The McGees plan to celebrate their fifteenth anniversary by eloping and renewing their vows.

Our Miss Brooks - September 11, 1949 - Head of the Board

Connie plans to take Walter on a picnic, but Walter has tricked Mr. Conklin into believing the head of the school board will make an inspection visit.

Jack Benny - September 10, 1950 - Back from London

Jack and Rochester return from Jack's summer engagement at the Palladium. Dennis Day sings "Goodnight, Irene". The gang arrives at the studio to find that a TV show is being produced, and no one remembers radio. Frank Nelson and Mel Blanc play crew members.

The Great Gildersleeve - September 9, 1945 - Leroy's New Teacher

As the new school year starts, Leroy's afraid he'll have trouble with his new teacher.

The Magnificent Montague - September 8, 1951 - Boo Boo, Foo Foo

A mysterious woman phones looking for Edwin, but identifies herself as Foo Foo and calls him Boo Boo.

Jack Paar - September 7, 1947 - Breakfast Foods

A satiric look at the world of breakfast cereals.

The Great Gildersleeve - September 6, 1942 - The Golf Tournament

The day after Marjorie is brought to a club dance by a bandleader , Gildy plays against him in a golf tournament. Mel Blanc plays an announcer, and Frank Nelson plays the bandleader.

Jack Benny - January 21, 1940 - Killer Hogan

Doing the show from New York, Jack wants to protect himself from Fred Allen, and hires a fey bodyguard. Dennis Day sings "There I Go". Frank Nelson plays Jack's doctor.

Our Miss Brooks - September 4, 1955 - Summer Vacation

When Connie hears that Mr. Boynton is vacationing at Crystal Lake, she plans a trip there as well.

Fibber McGee & Molly - January 4, 1949 - Weather Stripping

McGee installs weatherstripping to stop a draft coming through the front door.

The Great Gildersleeve - September 2, 1945 - Labor Day at Grass Lake

Marjorie, Leroy and Birdie try to wheedle Gildy into taking a holiday trip to Grass Lake.

Jack Benny - January 14, 1940 - Intermezzo

The movie "Intermezzo" is parodied in a sketch.

Jack Paar - August 31, 1947 - Radio Show Parody

The story of John Alden is parodied; the BBC are lampooned.

The Great Gildersleeve - August 30, 1942 - Fishing Trip

When Gildy's doctor recommends that he go on a fishing trip, he loads the family into the car and takes off.

Burns & Allen - August 29, 1944 - No Money for Auction

Gracie needs money to pay for items she bought at an auction.

Our Miss Brooks - August 28, 1955 - Audio Visual Experiment

Connie attempts to rent a filmed version of the poem "Lady of the Lake" to show in class, but gets a Marilyn Monroe picture instead.

Dennis Day - August 27, 1947 - The Drama Critic

Dennis is jealous when Mildred begins seeing the director of a play, and tries to get the play to close after its first performance. Dennis sings "Feudin and Fightin".

Fibber McGee & Molly - August 26, 1935 - The McGees Win 79 Wistful Vista

The McGees pass by a new housing development, and win a house in a drawing.

In this seminal episode of the series, the eventual sitcom formula is set up. For the first few months of the show, the McGees had traveled America by car, the better to promote Johnson's Car Wax. Starting with this episode, they're anchored at 79 Wistful Vista, where they would remain for 24 years (and add Johnson's Floor Wax to the mix).

The Magnificent Montague - August 25, 1951 - Lily Gets a Dog

Lily takes in a dog, and tries to hide it from Edwin.

Jack Paar - August 24, 1947 - Cinderfella

Trudy Erwin sings "Nice Work if You Can Get It". A modern version of Cinderella is presented.

Bob Hope - August 23, 1953 - David Niven

Bob plugs his recent book; Bob and guest David Niven celebrate the history of radio.

Jack Benny - January 22, 1939 - Phil Wants to Quit

Phil is planning to leave Jack to star in his own show; Jack reminisces about appearing with Fred Allen in his vaudeville days. Frank Nelson plays a doctor in a straight fashion.

Our Miss Brooks - August 21, 1949 - Weekend at Crystal Lake

Mrs. Conklin invites Connie to bring Mr. Boynton to the Conklins' cabin on the lake.

My Favorite Husband - August 20, 1948 - Liz Teaches the Samba

Liz teaches the samba to the son of a bigwig at George's bank.

Burns & Allen - August 19, 1940 - George Late for Show

George is late arriving to the show after spending time with a girl who thinks she's going to be his new partner. The Smoothies sing "Madame La Zonga", a song that inspired the film "Six Lessons from Madame La Zonga" the next year.

This episode is during the period where George and Gracie are still doing a "flirtation act", and their characters aren't married.

The Great Gildersleeve - January 17, 1943 - Women's Club Speaker

Gildy is invited to make a speech in front of the Summerfield Women's Club.

Jack Paar - August 17, 1947 - Jack Benny

Jack stages a talent contest to find his winter replacement. Will Jack Benny win?
Trudy Erwin sings "Just One of Those Things".

Fibber McGee & Molly - January 16, 1940 - Fibber's Car Is Stolen

McGee renews his license plates at the DMV, and upon leaving, thinks his car's been stolen.

Jack Benny - December 27, 1942 - Fred Allen

The show is performed at the Vanderbilt Theater in New York, to an audience of servicemen. Benny Goodman and Fred Allen are the guests; Fred plays Uncle Sam in the New Year's Pageant.

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Our Miss Brooks - August 14, 1949 - The English Test

Stretch is giving a party that Connie wants to attend with Mr. Boynton, but he'll only be allowed to give the party if he wins a school English award.

Jack Paar - August 3, 1947 - Buying a House

When talk turns to the possibility of Hawaii becoming a state, Jack and Hy Averback do a routine with Jack as Fred Allen and Hy as a Hawaiian version of Senator Claghorn.

Bob Hope - August 12, 1944 - Somewhere in the South Pacific

Bob Hope brings his show to a naval hospital "somewhere in the South Pacific" (such a nicer phrase than "undisclosed location".) Frances Langford sings "I'll Be Seeing You".

The Magnificent Montague - August 11, 1951 - Agnes Joins a Cult

The leader of the Eastern cult that Agnes has joined may be a con man.

You Bet Your Life - August 10, 1959

This broadcast from 8/10/59 is a repeat of an earlier episode. By this time, NBC's nighttime radio schedule was all contained under the "Monitor" umbrella, so there's an introduction by Skitch Henderson before the show.

Fred Allen - January 9, 1944 - Ed Gardner and the cast of Duffy's Tavern

Clancy (the policeman who frequents Duffy's Tavern) brings Fred to Duffy's after an accident.

Fibber McGee & Molly - January 8, 1946 - Fibber Wants to Win a Bean Counting Contest

McGee is determined to win the guess-the-number-of-beans-in-the-bowl contest at Kramer's drugstore.

Our Miss Brooks - August 7, 1955 - Cat Burglars

When the Conklins don't want to leave Harriet alone during a rash of buglaries, Connie agrees to stay with her.

Jack Benny - January 26, 1941 - Jack Packs for New York

Jack packs for his latest trip to New York, and the gang accompanies him to the airport.

Burns & Allen - August 5, 1940 - George's Movie

George plans to pitch a movie to an arriving producer.

The Magnificent Montague - August 4, 1951 - $500 Prize

Montague's theater colleague wants him to help raise $500 for the theater fund without any contributions from radio actors, but he doesn't know that Montague has taken a radio job.

Fibber McGee & Molly - January 3, 1950 - At Aunt Sarah's

The McGees stay with Fibber's wealthy Aunt Sarah, who doesn't appreciate his efforts to help in the household.

You Bet Your Life - January 2, 1952

Groucho meets a highway worker and Anna Mahler, daughter of composer Gustav Mahler; also, a dancing teacher and a stevedore.

Jack Benny - January 7, 1945 - First Show with the Vault

Jack prepares for the gang's trip to New York; Larry Stevens sings "Don't Fence Me In".

When Jack realizes he needs $5 for expenses on the trip, he opens his safe. The beginnings of the vault gag are here, with Ed, the guard, and lots of crazy sound effects. The vault gag was also used on television, notably in an episode of "The Lucy Show", but it was a perfect gag for radio, becoming more outrageous over the years.

At the station, Jack has to deal with Frank Nelson at the ticket counter, of course, as well as the racetrack tout (not played by Sheldon Leonard). Mel Blanc's "Anaheim, Azuza and Cucamonga" routine also begins with this show, as the announcer gets more and more frantic when no one will board that train.

This is an Armed Forces Network version of the show.

Our Miss Brooks - July 31, 1949 - Connie's New Job Offer

When Connie gets an offer for a new job, Mr. Conklin finds himself going out of his way to try to keep her from leaving.

Fibber McGee & Molly - January 30, 1945 - Housing a Sailor for the Night

The McGees agree to put up a discharged sailor for the night, and they discuss his future with him. This episode highlights the problems faced by returning servicemen, and promotes the merchant marine.

Burns & Allen - July 29, 1940 - Kiddie Party

Gracie tries to get George to dress as a child for a party.

The Magnificent Montague - July 28, 1951 - Gwendoline Visits

The Montagues' neighbors leave their daughter with Edwin and Lily when they go on a trip.

Jack Paar - July 27, 1947 - Singing Cowboy Parody

After some good interview segments, singing cowboy westerns are parodied.

Jack Benny - January 30, 1944 - The Horn Blows at Midnight

After squabbling with the cast, Jack discusses his new movie that's about to start shooting, "The Horn Blows at Midnight". Jack, Mary and Rochester take a ride to Warners to see the director.

"The Horn Blows at Midnight" wasn't nearly as bad a movie, and didn't do nearly as poorly at the box office as Benny liked to joke in later years. He got a lot of mileage out of it, though - whenever this movie was mentioned, it was sure to be the setup line for a joke.

Duffy's Tavern - July 25, 1943 - Susan Hayward and Frank Buck

Archie welcomes Susan Hayward and Frank Buck to the tavern.

Our Miss Brooks - July 24, 1955 - Non-Fraternization Policy

To keep the school quieter, Mr. Conklin bans conversation between males and females at the school.

My Favorite Husband - August 6, 1948 - Liz' Portrait

George gets jealous when a prominent and hunky artist paints Liz' portrait.

This was the third episode of My Favorite Husband broadcast, and in these early episodes, Liz and George Cugat are a wealthy society couple. A ways into the series, the writers who would later make I Love Lucy such a success - Bob Carroll, Jr., Madelyn Pugh, and Jess Oppenheimer - changed the Cugats to the Coopers and brought them down a few social pegs, figuring that they'd be easier to identify with.

Jack Benny - January 22, 1950 - I Was Betrayed

Jack has a dream while reading the book "I Was Betrayed".

The Great Gildersleeve - January 21, 1945 - The Hockey Player

Gildy doesn't approve when Marjorie wants to date a hockey player.

Fibber McGee & Molly - January 20, 1942 - Who Broke Uppy's Window? Part 2

McGee still isn't sure whether he's the one who threw a rock through Uppy's window, or if he was just dreaming.

Our Miss Brooks - July 19, 1948 - First Day

In the series' first regular episode, Connie is trying to become head of the Madison HS English department, and has to impress the new principal, Mr. Conklin. Joseph Forte played Conklin in this episode, and was replaced the next week by Gale Gordon, who held the role through the rest of the show's long run.

Jack Benny - January 19, 1941 - City for Conquest

The gang spoofs the Warner Bros. James Cagney movie "City for Conquest".

Our Miss Brooks - July 17, 1949 - Carelessness Code

Connie and the students rebel against Conklin's system of petty fines.

Phil Harris / Alice Faye - January 16, 1949 - The Band Is Not Invited to the President's Ball

Phil gets upset when Benny Goodman and Guy Lombardo are invited to play at the Inaugural Ball and he isn't.

Fibber McGee & Molly - July 15, 1935 - A Dip in the Ocean

This episode is from the very early days of the series; the McGees don't live at Wistful Vista yet. Instead, they're vagabonds traveling the country by car and extolling the virtues of Johnson's auto wax. The Fibber and Molly segments are more like sketches in a variety show than the sitcom the show would become.

Jack Benny - January 16, 1944 - From El Toro Marine Base

Actress Alexis Smith is the guest star. The band plays "Paper Doll".

Jack Paar - July 13, 1947 - Children's Adventure Shows

Sketches include a man-in-the-street segment about the UFO craze, and a spoof of adventure serials using old nursery rhymes. Supporting players are Lionel Stander, Hans Conried, Florence Halop and Walter Tetley.

The Halls of Ivy - July 12, 1950 - The Education of Annie Belle

A young woman is accepted to the college, but her father won't let her attend.

Fibber McGee & Molly - January 18, 1944 - Molly Gets Flowers from a Man Named Ralph

Molly gets flowers from someone named Ralph, but no one knows who Ralph is.

Our Miss Brooks - July 10, 1955 - Bye Bye Boynton

Connie resolves to forget about romance with Mr. Boynton.

Phil Harris / Alice Faye - January 9, 1949 - The Engagement Ring

Phil accidentally drops Willie's engagement ring down the drain.

Burns & Allen - July 8, 1940 - Grandpa's 92nd Birthday

After some vaudeville reminiscences, Gracie's grandfather shows up for his 92nd birthday.

Jack Benny - January 28, 1940 - Murder on the Bridge

A show from Oakland benefits the March of Dimes. The sketch is "Murder on the Bay Bridge".

Fred Allen - January 20, 1946 - George Jessel / Movie of Fred's Life

Georgie Jessel want to film the story of Fred's life; the subject on Allen's Alley is meat shortages.

Fibber McGee & Molly - July 5, 1937 - Getting Out of the Hollywood Lease

An overeager McGee signed a six month lease upon arrival in Hollywood to film the movie "This Way Please"; when the shooting is finished, he must find a way to break the lease.

Jack Benny - January 7, 1940 - Golden Boy

Phil loses a Rose Bowl bet to Jack; Jack meets Barbara Stanwyck at the nightclub where Phil's performing, and tries to talk her into appearing on his show in her role from "Golden Boy". Dennis Day sings "With the Wind and the Rain in Your Hair".

Our Miss Brooks - July 3, 1949 - July 4th Trip to Eagle Springs

Mr. Conklin plans a holiday trip to get away from Connie.

You Bet Your Life - July 2, 1956 - Pancho Gonzalez

In this unedited episode, Groucho meets a 6-foot-tall woman and a 13-year-old boy singer, a Scottish bartender and a female tree trimmer, tennis pro Pancho Gonzalez and a housewife, and tells a story about traveling in the days of vaudeville.

Bob Hope - July 1, 1953 - Jane Wyman

Bob runs into a gangster (Sheldon Leonard) while on vacation with Jane Wyman; Margaret Whiting sings "Big Mamou".

Fibber McGee & Molly - June 30, 1953 - Fishing Trip

The McGees and friends go on a fishing trip to Dugan's Lake.

This was the last half-hour episode with an audience and a live band. The economics of network radio were changing, and when the show returned that fall, it was in a 15 minute format without an audience. It continued in that format for several years, and then a couple of more as a series of short sketches on "Monitor" titled "Just Molly and Me".

Jack Benny - May 1, 1949 - The Treasure of Sierra Madre

The cast spofs the 1948 movie "Treasure of the Sierra Madre"; Dennis Day sings "Careless Hands".

You Bet Your Life - June 28, 1950 - Paul Runyan

Groucho interviews a bachelor and a spinster, a married man and a lady barber, and golfer Paul Runyan and a singing teacher.

Runyan, nicknamed "Little Poison", won several major championships in the 1930s.

The Great Gildersleeve - June 27, 1943 - Gildy's Wedding

Gildy's getting the jitters as his wedding day approaches.

Burns & Allen - June 26, 1940 - Last Broadcast for CBS

George and Gracie's last show before moving to NBC the next week. It was during that NBC run that they switched from this "bantering with the gang" format, similar to Jack Benny's, to the domestic sitcom setup. They would also switch between NBC and CBS several more times during their radio run.

Jack Benny - June 25, 1939 - Last Show of Season from Waukegan

In the last show of the season, the gang (minus Kenny Baker; Dennis Day would join the show that fall) performs the show from Jack's home town of Waukegan.

Fibber McGee & Molly - June 24, 1941 - Leaving for Hollywood

The McGees depart from Wistful Vista for Hollywood to appear in the movie "Look Who's Laughing".

The movie starred the Jordans (Fibber McGee & Molly), Hal Peary (Gildersleeve), Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy, and Lucille Ball. Pictures of this type, where radio stars get a visual treatment, were fairly common, and this was a typical example of the genre.

Our Miss Brooks - June 23, 1948 - Audition Show with Eve Arden

This is the audition show (today it would be called a pilot) featuring Eve Arden as Connie Brooks.

Shirley Booth was the producers' first choice to play Connie, but after Booth's audition show, it seemed that she wasn't able to get beyond the financial plight of teachers to find the comedy in the role. Lucille Ball was approached next, but was unavailable. Arden ended up with the role, which suited her wry delivery perfectly, and it became the role with which she was most identified.

Jack Paar - June 22, 1947 - Fan Magazines and Disc Jockeys

This series was Jack Paar's first big national exposure, with a summer replacement series in the Jack Benny time slot. Paar later credited Benny with giving him his first big break, and they enjoyed a good rapport for years.

The Halls of Ivy - June 21, 1950 - The Bentheimers and the Census

The Halls try to help a family on relief who've moved their mobile home onto the campus.

Fibber McGee & Molly - June 20, 1939 - Toothache and Dr. Gildersleeve

When the old string-on-the-doorknob trick fails to remove McGee's ailing tooth, Molly calls Dr. Gildersleeve.

Hal Peary's Gildersleeve character bounced around with several different first names and vocations for a couple of years until he settled in as the McGees' neighbor.

Our Miss Brooks - June 19, 1949 - Taxidermist

When Walter, Stretch and Harriet start a taxidermy business, Connie joins in to earn money for a trip.

Jack Benny - June 18, 1939 - Father's Day / Leaving for Waukegan

The cast prepares to leave for Waukegan. In his last appearance on the Benny show, Kenny Baker sings "Don't Worry About Me".

Baker would turn up on the Fred Allen show that fall, but only lasted there for a few years. According to an article in Billboard magazine upon his leaving the Allen show, his "prima donna" attitude was one of the reasons for his departure from the Allen show.

He would be replaced by Dennis Day on the Benny show, of course. Day had a tremendous flair for comedy, and remained with Benny for decades.

Bob Hope - June 17, 1952 - Jane Russell

From Camp Roberts, CA, Bob's guest is his co-star from "The Paleface", Jane Russell.

Fibber McGee & Molly - June 16, 1942 - A Mouse in the House

A mouse has invaded the house, and Molly tasks McGee with getting rid of it in a non-violent way.

Duffy's Tavern - June 15, 1949 - Bob Crosby

Archie tries to use guest Bob Crosby to score points with a girl.

The Great Gildersleeve - June 14, 1942 - Summer Theater

Gildy falsely boasts about having experience as a theater director in order to get a job with a local theater company. Frank Nelson plays one of the members of the company.

Fibber McGee & Molly - June 13, 1939 - Advice Column

McGee and Molly become advice columnists for the Wistful Vista Gazette.

Phil Harris / Alice Faye - June 12, 1949 - French Orphan

Phil and Remley take in a French orphan and teach him everything they know.

Camel Comedy Caravan - June 11, 1943 - Jack Benny

Jack and his gang of regulars parody The Fred Allen Show, and perform a sketch about a murder.

The Great Gildersleeve - June 10, 1945 - An Evening with a Good Book

When Gildy falls asleep reading a history book, he dreams about his old school days.

Fibber McGee & Molly - June 9, 1942 - Pot Roast Dinner

As they prepare for a pot roast dinner, with just enough for themselves, the McGees have to get rid of LaTrivia, who tries to invite himself to dinner.

Fred Allen - June 8, 1938 - Satire on Song Writers

This episode of Town Hall Tonight features a sketch in which Fred plays a music producer looking for new songs.

Jack Benny - June 7, 1953 - Gondola in Venice

With summer vacation approaching, Mary introduces a flashback to the time she and Jack vacationed in Venice.

Bob Hope - June 6, 1950 - Arthur Godfrey

Hope and Godfrey parody various types of radio shows.

Fibber McGee & Molly - June 5, 1945 - Cleaning the Hall Closet

With Mrs. Carstairs about to visit, Molly asks McGee to clean out the hall closet.

The Great Gildersleeve - June 4, 1944 - Eve's Mother Arrives

Eve asks Gildy to drive her to the train station to pick up her mother.

Jack Benny - June 3, 1951 - The Cast Sings the Commercial

On the last show of the season, the cast and crew say goodbye for the summer. Dennis Day sings "Too Young".

Magnificent Montague - June 2, 1951 - School Talent Show

Lily wants Montague to befriends the neighbors, until he finds out their daughter's school is puting on an amateur talent show.

Fibber McGee & Molly - June 1, 1948 - McGee's Tune

McGee tries to take advantage of musical nostalgia by writing an old-fashioned song that can be revived.

The Great Gildersleeve - May 31, 1942 - Testimonial Dinner for Judge Hooker

Gildy plans a testimonial dinner for Judge Hooker.

Jack Benny - May 30, 1937 - Death at Midnight Part One

Jack is recovering from an illness; the sketch is a murder mystery.

Bob Hope - May 29, 1945 - From South Bend with Herbert Marshall

Broadcasting from South Bend, IN, the guest is Hope's summer replacement, Herbert Marshall. In a sketch, Bob opens an automobile plant.

Fibber McGee & Molly - May 28, 1940 - Circus Comes to Town

Molly and McGee meet a gaggle of their friends when they head out to the circus.

My Favorite Husband - May 27, 1949 - Liz in the Hospital

Liz takes a sick George to the doctor, but finds out that her tonsils need to be removed. She would later be a regular on the series, but in this episode, Bea Benaderet plays both a nurse and an elderly patient.

Jack Benny - May 26, 1946 - Ed Sullivan

On the last show of the season, everyone discusses their plans for the summer. Ed Sullivan presents an award to Jack.

The Great Gildersleeve - May 25, 1949 - Gildy Sues Bullard

When Gildy's neighbor calls him a name one time too many, Gildy sues him.

Fibber McGee & Molly - May 24, 1949 - Fibber Writes a Movie Script

McGee's latest scheme is to write a movie script about the history of the typewriter.

Fred Allen - May 23, 1948 - The Life of Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby is the guest as Fred plans to write a movie about Bing's life; Fred asks the denizens of Allen's Alley what they listen to on the radio.

Jack Benny - May 22, 1949 - The Champion and the Setup

The sketch is a combined parody of two boxing movies, "The Champion" and "The Setup". The end of the show is missing here, unfortunately. Dennis Day sings "A Chapter in My Life Called Mary".

Our Miss Brooks - May 21, 1950 - Rare Black Orchid

Walter gives Connie a rare black orchid, without telling her that he'd stolen it from Mr. Conklin.

Fibber McGee & Molly - May 20, 1941 - Fibber Bakes Molly a Birthday Cake

McGee decides to bake a birthday cake for Molly, to her increasing consternation.

The Great Gildersleeve - May 19, 1946 - Leroy Goes to a Party

Leroy's apprehensive about going to a girl's birthday party.

Jack Benny - May 18, 1941 - On the Set of Charley's Aunt

Jack meets the gang in his dressing room on the set of "Charley's Aunt", a film version of the classic play. The marriage of Phil Harris and Alice Faye is announced on this episode. Frank Nelson plays the make-up man.

The Halls of Ivy - May 17, 1950 - Dr. Abel

A student approaches Dr. Hall about getting his father enrolled in the college.

Fibber McGee & Molly - May 16, 1939 Zither Lesson

McGee buys a new zither, and the neighbor's (Hal Peary) chickens get into the McGees' backyard.

Burns & Allen - May 15, 1940 - Rah Rah in Omaha

George and Gracie broadcast from Omaha during the "Gracie for President" campaign.

Jack Benny - May 14, 1950 - Mother's Day Gags

Film star Vivian Blaine is the guest on this Mother's Day show, and there's also an appearance by Frank Fontaine. Dennis Day sings "Little Mother of Mine".

Bob Hope - May 13, 1947 - Peter Lorre

Film star Peter Lorre is the guest in a parody of Inner Sanctum. Desi Arnaz sings "My Adobe Hacienda".

Fibber McGee & Molly - May 12, 1942 - Fibber Is Being Followed by a Spy

McGee becomes suspicious when a strange man follows him, taking pictures.

The Great Gildersleeve - May 11, 1949 - Gildy's Millionaire Friend

Gildy becomes jealous when his wealthy friend hits it off with Gildy's girlfriend.

There's a commercial announcement at the beginning of the show telling the audience they can now buy Parkay margarine in yellow sticks. That may sound like an odd announcement, but for many years, the dairy lobby had gotten laws passed that forced margarine to be colored pink, to emphasize that it wasn't butter. Those laws were being repealed in many places by the late '40s.

Jack Benny - May 10, 1953 - From San Francisco

The gang performs the last of three shows from San Francisco. The references to "cimarron rolls" are a callback to a fluffed line of Mary's on a recent show.

Burns & Allen - May 9, 1944 - George's Door to Door and Radio Campaign

As George runs for City Council, he and Gracie approach guest star Ray Milland for support.

Fibber McGee & Molly - May 8, 1945 - Housing Shortage Survey on V-E Day

In an episode with a special dedication at the opening in tribute to V-E day, McGee is commissioned to complete a survey to forecast the upcoming housing needs.

Phil Harris/Alice Faye - May 7, 1950 - Gangster's Trunk

Phil and Remley buy a trunk that used to belong to a gangster. Alice sings "Dearie".

Jack Benny - May 6, 1951 - I Was Shanghaied

Jack daydreams about being shanghaied by pirates; Dennis Day sings "No One But You".

The Great Gildersleeve - May 5, 1946 - Gildy Is in a Rut

Leila convinces Gildy that he's in a rut.

Fibber McGee & Molly - May 4, 1943 - Fibber Changes His Name

On the advice of a numerologist, McGee changes his name to Homer J. Frink.

You Bet Your Life - May 3, 1950

Groucho's guests are a hot rod driver and a female gas station attendant, a tax assessor and a hotel clerk, and a game warden and a fisherman.

Jack Benny - May 2, 1948 - Frank Sinatra

Jack offers new contracts to the cast, who aren't very pleased with them. Frank Sinatra is the guest, and Artie Auerbach appears again as Mr. Kitzel.

Our Miss Brooks - May 1, 1949 - Walter vs.Stretch Grudge Match

Walter and Stretch get into a fight over Harriet Conklin.

Jack Benny - April 9, 1944 - Repairing Jack's Sidewalk

Jack tries to repair the sidewalk in front of his house. The guest star is Basil Rathbone; Dennis Day sings "Long Ago and Far Away".

My Favorite Husband - April 29, 1949 - Vacation Time

Liz tries to talk George into vacationing at the lake this year, instead of going on a hunting trip.

Fibber McGee & Molly - April 28, 1942 - Old Straw Hat

In the spirit of wartime conservation, McGee tries to breathe life into his old straw hat.

The Great Gildersleeve - April 27, 1949 - The Burglar

Gildy tries to catch a burglar that's on the loose.

Jack Benny - April 26, 1953 - From San Francisco with Fred Allen

The gang performs the show in San Francisco, where Fred Allen is the guest.

Fred Allen - April 25, 1948 - Leo Durocher

Fred's guest is baseball manager Leo Durocher. The subject in Allen's Alley is superstitions.

Fibber McGee & Molly - April 24, 1945 - Hitching a Ride to the Elks

Molly wants McGee out of the house so that she can clean it, but he's having trouble getting a ride to the Elks lodge.

You Bet Your Life - April 23, 1952

Groucho interviews a schoolteacher and student, a bus driver and a grandmother, and a Congressional Medal of Honor winner and his fiancee.

Jack Benny - April 22, 1945 - From 29 Palms Naval Air Station

Jack and the gang entertain the troops at 29 Palms naval base.

The Great Gildersleeve - April 21, 1946 - The Petition

Because of the post-war housing shortage, someone is moving a disused streetcar onto a vacant lot to live in, and a petition is created to stop it.

Fibber McGee & Molly - April 20, 1943 - Fibber Makes a Dress for Molly

On a windy day, McGee's boasts get him into trouble when he's corralled into making a dress for Molly.

Burns & Allen - March 20, 1947 - Crime Wave

Gracie hears that there's a crime wave in the neighborhood, so she brings home a St. Bernard.

Jack Benny - April 18, 1948 - Murder at the Racquet Club Part 2

The cast races to complete their sketch after running over the past two weeks. Frank Sinatra and Samuel Goldwyn are guests.

Our Miss Brooks - April 17, 1949 - Easter Outfit

Connie works extra to pay for a fancy Easter dress, with hopes of impressing Mr. Boynton.

Fibber McGee & Molly - April 16, 1946 - Antique Table

McGee's cousin Salvadore comes for an extended visit (and many extended meals), and in return, fixes up Molly's antique table.

Bob Hope - April 15, 1941 - Hedda Hopper

Bob's guest is gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, who participates in a sketch about advice to the lovelorn.

Jack Benny - April 14, 1946 - Violin Interrupts Ronald Colman's Rehearsal

Jack's violin lessons disturb neighbor Ronald Colman's rehearsal. When Colman complains, Jack thinks they're fighting, and calls gossip columnist Louella Parsons with the scoop. The Colmans are delightful as always, and Mel Blanc once again plays Benny's violin teacher, Professor LeBlanc.

Duffy's Tavern - April 13, 1949 - No More IOUs at Tavern

Business is slow at the tavern, and Archie starts going through the list of IOUs.

Fibber McGee & Molly - April 12, 1949 - Fibber's New Pipe

McGee gets a new pipe of questionable quality, and has trouble getting it lit.

Burns & Allen - April 11, 1946 - Gracie Joins a Literary Club

Gracie's upset that George reads cowboy dime novels, and tries to get him to read weightier fare.

Jack Benny - April 10, 1938 - A Yank at Oxford

The gang perform their version of "A Yank at Oxford", the 1928 movie that starred Robert Taylor and Vivien Leigh. Kenny Baker sings "Goodnight, Angel".

The Halls of Ivy - April 9, 1952 - Faculty Marriage

A pair of faculty members visit the Halls and announce that they've gotten married. Trouble is, it's against the rules for married couples to serve on the faculty together.

Fibber McGee & Molly - April 8, 1941 - Fibber Builds a Telescope

While preparations are being made for Easter, McGee builds a telescope and discovers a comet. Frank Nelson has a small part near the end of the episode as a radio announcer.

The Great Gildersleeve - April 7, 1948 - The Baseball Field

With baseball season starting, plans are made to build a baseball field the local children can use.

Jack Benny - April 6, 1941 - Quiz Kids vs. Jell-O Kids

The cast become the "Jell-O Kids" in order to compete against the Quiz Kids. "Quiz Kids" was a popular show from Chicago; precocious kids answered questions that would stump many adults, while being cute and clever.

Bob Hope - April 5, 1949 - Tom Sawyer Sketch

This Easter-themed episode features a sketch about Hope's cross-country trip to do his TV show, and one about Tom Sawyer.

Fibber McGee & Molly - April 4, 1944 - Fibber Returns from Hospital

McGee can't wait to tell everyone all about his bout with pneumonia in the hospital.

Our Miss Brooks - April 3, 1955 - An American Tragedy

While planning a weekend at the lake with Mr. Boynton after making him choose between her and a society girl, Connie begins to wonder if the plot of "An American Tragedy" is being played out.

Jack Benny - April 2, 1944 - Louella Parsons Interviews Jack

Louella Parsons interviews Jack at home on the same night that he's having the cast over for a dinner party.

Louella Parsons was a gossip columnist for the Hearst papers. Her main competitor was Hedda Hopper; the two were the most prominent gossip columnists during the mid-20th Century.

The show starts with a repeat of the tour bus gag; Frank Nelson plays the husband half of a couple on the bus.

My Favorite Husband - April 1, 1949 - April Fool's Day

Liz plays an April Fool's joke on George by planting a lipstick-stained handkerchief in his pocket, so that she can find it and accuse him, but someone else has the same idea.

Fibber McGee & Molly - March 31, 1953 - Hypnotism

McGee orders a book on hypnotism, and then teams up with Olie, bouncing around town trying to hypnotize people.

The Great Gildersleeve - March 30, 1949 - Acting Police Commissioner

When the Police Commissioner goes on a fishing trip with the Mayor, Gildy is assigned as the Acting Police Commissioner, and dives headlong into the role.

Jack Benny - March 29, 1936 - Cinderallen

This early episode features a visit from Schlepperman, and a sketch about a male Cinderella.

Burns & Allen - March 28, 1944 - Brian Aherne

Gracie's women's club, the Beverly Hills Uplift Society, is looking for a piece of celebrity memorabilia to auction off, and they obtain a pair of actor Brian Aherne's shorts.

Fibber McGee & Molly - March 27, 1945 - Giving Doc Gamble's Clothes Away

The McGees collect clothing for an overseas relief drive.

Fred Allen - March 26, 1941

In this episode with all the regulars, Kenny Baker sings "Rendezvous in Rio".

Jack Benny - March 25, 1951 - Sunset Boulevard

An Easter show with plenty of holiday-related jokes, followed by a sketch based on the movie Sunset Boulevard. There's also an unusually topical mention of the gangster Frank Costello appearing before the Kefauver Senate committee.

The Great Gildersleeve - March 24, 1946 - Gildy Traces Genealogy

To impress Leila, Gildy researches his ancestry.

Fibber McGee & Molly - March 23, 1943 - Fibber Raises $100 for Red Cross Drive

McGee is appointed to collect $50 for the Red Cross, and ends up with $100. This program is another extremely civic-minded entry, one of many during the war, that doesn't forget to be funny as well.

You Bet Your Life - March 22, 1950

A railroad conductor and a longshoreman are first up, followed by a housewife and a gardener.

Jack Benny - March 21, 1943 - Orson Welles Takes Cast to His Movie

Orson Welles, subbing for Jack, invites the cast to the set of his movie. The cab driver on the trip is an impersonation of Mae West, interesting because no mention of Miss West was allowed on NBC after her banishment for performing a lascivious Adam and Eve sketch on the Chase & Sanborn show in 1937.

Frank Nelson plays one of Orson Welles' assistants.

Phil Harris/Alice Faye - March 20, 1949 - Alice Wants a House for Her Mother

Alice wants a house in the country for her mother, and Phil has forgotten her birthday. He tries to solve both problems in one blow. Alice sings "I've Got a Crush on You".

Fibber McGee & Molly - March 19, 1940 - Dog License Problem

The McGees receive a letter from the city telling them to renew their dog license or else. Trouble is, they don't own a dog.

There's an interesting historical digression in this one where the question of whether FDR will run for a third term is discussed. It's pointed out that he'd be breaking with tradition if he did. After he won a third term and then a fourth, a constitutional amendment was passed limiting presidents to two terms.

Gale Gordon appears as the mailman, in the days before his regular role as Mayor LaTrivia.

The Great Gildersleeve - March 18, 1945 - Laughing Coyote Ranch

Gildy takes Leroy to a ranch when he thinks that Leila has gone there to pursue a singing cowboy.

Jack Benny - March 17, 1946 - Dennis Returns from the Navy

Appropriately, Dennis Day returns from his Navy service on St. Patrick's Day and also reprises his Titus Moody impression in the Allen's Alley sketch in the second half of the show.

Duffy's Tavern - March 16, 1949 - The Bully

With St. Patrick's Day approaching fast, let's head over to Duffy's Tavern.

Sheldon Leonard shows up as a bully who tries to order a drink while Archie is exaggerating about how he broke up a fight in the bar the previous night. Archie brushes off the bully, and before you know it, he's training to fight him.

Fibber McGee & Molly - March 15, 1949 - Doc Gamble Day

The McGees try to arrange a party and parade in honor of Doc Gamble.

The Great Gildersleeve - March 14, 1943 - Income Tax

It's tax time, and Gildy fudges a bit on his taxes (on the advice of his conscience, which is a little odd). He then hems and haws about filing them that way or not.

Gildy's conscience is played by Frank Nelson, which might explain why he's steered the wrong way.

Jack Benny - March 13, 1938 - Death in the Nightclub

This episode sticks to the formula of the early years, with a lot of witty banter, a song by Kenny Baker, and then a detective sketch about a murder in a nightclub.

Phil Harris/Alice Faye - March 12, 1950 - Julius' Marriage

The sponsor's daughter has a crush on Julius, so Julius uses his prospective new influence with Rexall to get even with Phil and Remley. Alice sings "Clancy Lowered the Boom" in anticipation of St. Patrick's Day.

Jack Benny - March 11, 1945 - How Jack Found Rochester

This episode tells the story, in flashback, of how Jack and Rochester met, when Rochester was driving a taxi for Amos and Andy's cab company.

You can trace much of the course of race relations in the mid-20th century by watching the character of Rochester Van Jones, played masterfully by Eddie Anderson. When Anderson joined the show in 1937, much of the humor around Rochester was based on old racial stereotypes. By the time of this episode, and until the end of the TV series in 1965, the stereotypes were no longer referred to. While Rochester was still ostensibly Benny's valet, they were equals in every other way, and Rochester often got the better of Benny, of course. The show was pioneering in this regard, as it was very unusual to depict a person of color "talking back" to his boss. Also, Anderson was the first black regular on a national radio show.

Fibber McGee & Molly - March 10, 1942 - The Footstool

Molly wants to buy a new footstool, but McGee insists on building it himself.

Duffy's Tavern - March 9, 1949 - Television Play

Mickey Rooney stops by to take part in the television play that Archie's writing.

You Bet Your Life - March 8, 1950

Groucho's first guests are a couple who've been married fifty years.

Bob Hope - March 7, 1939 - Judy Garland

Hope's monologue is all about going to the track at Santa Anita. The guest is Judy Garland, who was on the cusp of superstardom, with "The Wizard of Oz" about to premiere later that year.

Jack Benny - March 6, 1949 - A Day at the Races

Jack and the gang go to the races at Santa Anita, where Jack runs into Ronald Colman, to Colman's chagrin.

Also, Sheldon Leonard is there as the racetrack tout, of course, and Frank Nelson shows up as a waiter.

Fibber McGee & Molly - March 5, 1940 - Cleaning the Hall Closet

This episode is the first to feature the famous hall closet gag. Here, the whole episode is framed around the mess in the closet. Over time, though, the writers and crew became more creative and selective about how they used the gag.

Gracie Allen also stops by as part of her "Gracie for President" promotion, and is delightful, as always.

Our Miss Brooks - March 4, 1951 - Overseas Job

A French official is in town recruiting teachers to travel to France and teach there.

The Great Gildersleeve - March 3, 1946 - State Water Inspector

Gildy has to prepare for a visit from the State Water Inspector.

Duffy's Tavern - March 2, 1944 - Billie Burke

Actress Billie Burke stops by. Best known today for playing Glinda in The Wizard of Oz (1939), she had been a Broadway star and had played ditzy women in a number of drawing-room comedies (preparing her well to fit in at Duffy's). A pitch for War Bonds is worked conversationally into the first scene, which was a common technique during the war years.

Jack Benny - March 1, 1942 - Jack Is Mad About the Academy Awards

The Academy Awards were a few days ago, and Jack's upset that he didn't win Best Actor for "Charley's Aunt".

Fibber McGee & Molly - February 28, 1950 - Mayor LaTrivia's Party

Mayor LaTrivia is giving a party, and can't properly invite Molly without also inviting McGee, so he bites the bullet and sends the invitation.

The Halls of Ivy - February 27, 1952 - Budget Problems

When the college is troubled by budget shortages, the Halls use some creative methods to increase revenue for the library.

Burns & Allen - February 26, 1948 - Gracie Goes to New Orleans

Gracie's going on a trip to New Orleans, but she thinks that George will be carousing with another woman while she's gone.

The Great Gildersleeve - February 25, 1945 - Hattie and Hooker

Gildy thinks that Judge Hooker is pursuing Gildy's sister-in-law, Hattie.

Jack Benny - February 24, 1952 - Buying a New Car

Jack plans to buy a new car, causing confusion and consternation among the gang, especially in an excellent bit with Phil Harris.

Fibber McGee & Molly - February 23, 1943 - Poker Game

McGee thinks he's putting one over on Molly by sneaking out to a poker game, but she might have the last laugh.

You Bet Your Life - February 22, 1950

On this episode, the contestants are a high school student with an older housewife student, a deputy district attorney with a housewife, and a piano teacher with a dog trainer.

This 1950 episode is near the end of the period where Groucho announced the game rules and results with a breathless excitement, as though people were tuning in to hear the quiz. He eased up on that soon afterward, and ran the quiz in a much more laconic style.

Phil Harris/Alice Faye - February 21, 1953 - American Red Cross Special

This was a special installment of the Phil Harris / Alice Faye show to benefit the Red Cross. Little Alice is going on her first date, and Sheldon Leonard shows up in a wonderful cameo to find her a date. Naturally, he returns with Julius.

Jack Benny - February 20, 1938 - How Old Is Jack?

With Jack just having had a birthday, the cast goes round and round trying to guess how old he is.

Fred Allen - February 19, 1941 - Restaurateur Lindy Lindemann

This hour-long Fred Allen episode is from the period when the series was titled "Texaco Star Theater", which was the title Texaco used for its most prominently-sponsored show at any given time.

At this point, the show was moving away from the "Town Hall Tonight" format, and closer to the format it would have in the "Allen's Alley" years. In the spot where "Allen's Alley" would be later, there was a similar segment called "The Newsreel", with man-on-the-street interviews. If you listen closely, you can hear Alan Reed and Minerva Pious doing character spots in the Newsreel; they would become more well-known as the characters Falstaff Openshaw and Mrs. Nussbaum.

The guest star is trendy New York restaurateur Lindy Lindemann, proprietor of Lindy's.

Fibber McGee & Molly - February 18, 1941 - McGees Try to Go to Bed Early

The McGees decide to turn in early, but roadblocks show up at every turn.

The Great Gildersleeve - February 17, 1946 - Leroy Has the Flu

Leroy has the flu and stays home from school. At first Gildy thinks he's faking it, but ends up catering to Leroy's every need.

The ubiquitous Bea Benaderet plays Gildy's girlfriend and Leroy's school principal, Eve. Keep an ear out for the cute meta joke at the end of the show.

Duffy's Tavern - February 16, 1949 - Schoolmate Visits

When an old schoolmate of Archie's and Finnegan's is coming to visit, they pull out all the stops to impress him.

Jack Benny - February 15, 1948 - Surprise Birthday Party

Jack's birthday is coming up (his 39th, of course,) and everyone in the cast makes their own plans to throw him a surprise party, including the boys' club he belongs to, the Beavers.

Benny's birthday was February 14, so every year around that time, you could count on a very funny show built around his birthday, always his 39th (except when it was his 37th or 38th.)

Fibber McGee & Molly - February 14, 1950 - Looking for Lost Tubes of Radium

When three vials of radium are missing from the hospital, McGee rents a Geiger counter and goes looking for them.

You Bet Your Life - February 13, 1952

The appeal of Groucho Marx's quiz show wasn't in the game itself, but in Groucho's chats with average people. For example, the first pair of contestants in this show are the wife of an upholstery shop owner and a man who works for the railroad, and has ridden to L.A. six times trying to get on the show.

This was 1952, so you'll note the woman was still defined by what her husband did for a living, not for her own qualities.

Burns & Allen - February 12, 1948 - Babysitting for Kay Kyser

When Gracie runs into bandleader Kay Kyser, he's exhausted from his newborn baby, and he and his wife need to attend an event that night. Gracie helpfully promises that George will babysit.

This episode, like many Burns and Allen shows, was written by Paul Henning (along with Keith Fowler). Henning later produced the triumvirate of Hooterville shows for CBS television - The Beverly Hillbillies, Petticoat Junction, and Green Acres. Henning would put his experience writing for Gracie Allen to good use with Green Acres' Lisa Douglas, a character who, like Gracie, had the power to bend the world to her special logic.

My Favorite Husband - February 11, 1949 - Valentine's Day

In this installment, Liz does a favor for her maid, Katie, by trying to get her a date for Valentine's Day with the butcher. The butcher thinks that Liz is the one who wants a date, and the complications grow from there.

This episode is fairly early in the show's run. Lucille Ball has already perfected her ditzy redhead character that she'll use for the rest of her career. Liz and George's names have been changed to Cooper (from Cugat, their name in the original novels), but Gale Gordon hasn't yet joined the cast as George's boss. In fact, here he plays the judge overseeing the case when the mix-ups send Liz to court.

Fred Allen - March 3, 1946 - Guest Orson Welles

This episode is from the heyday of Allen's popular show. Announcer Kenny Delmar was a sensation with his "Senator Claghorne" character, the DeMarco sisters started each show by mimicking Portland Hoffa's call of "Mr. Allen!" and Allen's Alley was in full swing.

The show begins with a few jabs at Jack Benny, with whom Allen had a show-biz "feud", and segues to Allen's Alley where the denizens comment on a rather silly news story about a chicken surplus. The guest segment is signaled by the arrival of a doctor, who makes the ludicrous statement that Orson Welles can't appear because he has an inferiority complex. Allen spends the rest of the episode trying to rid Welles of this complex, which is good for a bunch of laughs.

Jack Benny - February 9, 1941 - The Sponsor Likes Herbert Marshall

The week before, Jack had missed the show because of illness, and Herbert Marshall filled in for him. This week, we find out that everyone involved with the show prefers Marshall to Benny.

The Great Gildersleeve - February 8, 1942 - Auto Mechanics

When Gildy brags about being a mechanical whiz, he's drafted to give a demonstration on automobile engines to a Red Cross women's squad.

Fibber McGee and Company - February 7, 1939 - Faulty Window Shade

This episode is from the period when the show was billed as "Fibber McGee and Company".

This was because Marian Jordan, who played Molly, was on an 18 month hiatus from the series for health reasons. Frequently, there was a female guest star to add some pizazz - often comedienne ZaSu Pitts, who appears in this episode.

These shows have the same clever writing from Don Quinn as the rest of the series. This episode starts with a broken window shade and takes off from there. While Marian Jordan's presence as Molly is missed, the episodes without her were a bit more fanciful, with McGee joining the army, running a store, etc.

Phil Harris/Alice Faye - February 6, 1949 - Phil Has to Fire Remley

When the sponsor insists that Phil fire Remley, Phil tries to find a way out of it.

The character of Remley was created on the Jack Benny show as a member of Phil Harris' band, always good for a joke about his drunkenness or other character flaws. When Phis Harris and his wife, actress Alice Faye, got their own show, the Remley character was brought along, played by radio great Elliott Lewis. There was a bump in the road when Benny left NBC for CBS, while the Harris/Faye show remained on NBC. The Remley character had to be returned to the Benny show as a mostly unheard butt of jokes, while Elliott Lewis remained on the Harris/Faye show as basically the same character, simply called Elliott.

Jack Benny - February 5, 2013 - Jack Challenges Fred Allen to a Boxing Match

This episode focuses on the feud between Benny and Fred Allen. After the discussion turns to which one could take the other in a fight, Jack, Mary and Rochester drive out to Andy Devine's farm so that Jack can train there.

The feud was fake, of course. Benny and Allen got along fine, and mllked the feud for laughs for many years.

The Great Gildersleeve - February 4, 1945 - Visit by Aunt Hattie

In this episode, Aunt Hattie comes to visit, and interferes in the running of Gildy's household.

At one point, Gildy wants to read the paper "to see where the Russians are". This was in the last months of the Western campaign in World War II. The American, British and French forces were approaching Berlin from the west. Russian forces were approaching from the east, and gaining ground quickly. The end of the war in the European theater was eagerly anticipated.

Fibber McGee & Molly - February 3, 1942 - Lost Diamond Ring

Molly has lost her engagement ring. As with many other Fibber McGee and Molly episodes, this is a fairly slight foundation on which a bunch of spirited comedy routines are built.

Burns & Allen - February 2, 1943 - Good Help Is Hard to Find

George tries to hire a maid, but isn't happy with the candidates he finds.

The applicants are played by the great Bea Benaderet, who would play the Burns' neighbor years later. At this point, she was already a popular voice actress. For one of the applicants here, Bea used an abrasive voice that was very similar to the one she used as Red Riding Hood in the Warner Bros. cartoon Little Red Riding Rabbit ("HEY GRANDMA!!!")

Jack Benny - February 1, 1948 - Jack and Mary See a Ronald Colman Movie

When Ronald Colman's new movie premieres, Jack realizes he doesn't have tickets to the opening. Mary bails him out, but Jack steps in it again when they and the Colmans go to a restaurant after the movie. Frank Nelson plays the waiter, of course.

Our Miss Brooks - January 31, 1954 - Four Fiancees

Miss Enright plays a dirty trick on Connie by using her name to conduct long-distance romances with four men in distant cities. When they all come to town at once, some fancy footwork is required.

Fibber McGee & Molly - January 30, 1940 - Fibber's Old Suit

When McGee tries to get rid of his old blue serge suit, it keeps coming back to him like a bad penny.

Dennis Day - January 29, 1949 - Father and Son Dinner

Dennis agrees to pose as Mr. Anderson's son for a college reunion. When Dennis shows up at the school, a professor mistakes him for a student and gives him a test. The professor sends Dennis to deliver an answer sheet to another professor, who mistakes Dennis for a genius.

It all gets sorted out in the end, and the two professors are played by Frank Nelson and Gale Gordon, two of the great pros of radio.

Jack Benny - January 28, 1945 - Ann Sheridan

This wartime episode is performed at Mitchell Field Air Force Base. Larry Stevens is filling in for Dennis Day while he's away in the service. This is a straightforward variety-show episode with a lot of funny moments.

Ann Sheridan shows up as eye candy for the servicemen, and Minerva Pious (from the "rival" Fred Allen show) appears in a sketch as Mrs. Nussbaum, who balks when she sees that her blind date is Jack Benny.