Live special WMCA half hour Radio broadcast of the premiere of Walt Disney's second feature length animation film, FANTASIA. Sponsored by the war relief fund, this event is held at the Broadway Theatre in New York City and is expected to bring out 2000 people paying $5 and $10 per seat. The Broadway Theatre will be showing FANTASIA in stereophonic sound, complimenting the films eight soundtracks. 
Broadcast from the lobby of the Broadway Theatre numerous guests pay tribute to the film including, Julius Colby, drama critic columnist of the Chicago Tribune, Burns Mantle drama critic of the Daily News, and Hal Horn, Chicago Tribune columnist. 
Tom Hoffy (?) hosts the proceedings.

NOTE: Only the first half of this broadcasts exists. 

                       

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Today's topic: Ellery Queen.                         

1944 in review.

Highlights in the news for 1944 from WOR radio.              

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: Frank Sinatra                                                                                            

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: Henny Youngman                                                                                               

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: Brace Beemer who portrayed The Lone Ranger on radio.                                   

Highlights in the news for 1945.              

A tribute to musical composer Jerome Kern.         

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: Sonja Henie                                                                                    

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: Eddie (Rochester) Anderson, Jack Benny Show.                                                                        

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: Orson Welles                                                                                                                                     

Highlights in the news for 1946.      

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Annual Christmas Show                                                                                                                                            

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: Frank Leahy                                                                                                                                                     

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: Former heavyweight champion James Braddock.                                                                                                                                                              

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: William Powell subbing for Bill Stern.                                                                         

 June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

Oldest known surviving broadcast content, in any format or transcription, of a TOAST OF THE TOWN opening and closing and comic stand-up routine. 

In 1948 there existed only 600,000 TV sets in America. Practically all television broadcasts were aired LIVE including TOAST OF THE TOWN which would not kinescope their shows until December 5, 1948. 

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive beginning with broadcasts December 5, 12, and 19, 1948.

 The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

The guests archived in this earliest known TALK OF THE TOWN air check are Toni Kelly, with chorus on a boardwalk, in Atlantic City, and a 12 minute stand-up comedy routine by Jan Murray.

Variety reviewed this broadcast stating,

“JAN MURRAY WAS ON FOR A FULL 12 MINUTES OF THE HOUR-LONG SHOW WITH SOME VERY FUNNY BITS WHICH HAD THE STUDIO AUDIENC YUCKING AS MUCH AS THE HOME AUDIENCE MUST HAVE LAUGHED. 
AS WITH MOST NITERY EMCEES, THE STRAIN TO AVOID BLUISH PATTER WAS EASILY APPARENT BUT MURRAY CARRIED IT OFF OKAY. 
WITH THE RIVAL “TEXACO STAR THEATRE” ON NBC-TV ON THE PROWL FOR SUITABLE EMCEES, MURRAY’S A CINCH TO GET A BID, AND FOR MORE PAY, TOO.” 

NOTE: It was Milton Berle who got the nod, first to appear (audition) June 8, 1948, succeeded by other temporary hosts including Harry Richman, Georgie Price, Henny Youngman, Morey Amsterdam, Jack Carter and Peter Donald who all rotated in the Host's Spot, during the Summer of 1948, but NOT Jan Murray.
The final choice by NBC to become permanent host of THE TEXICO STAR THEATER was Milton Berle, beginning September 21, 1948...and the rest is history!).  

Also, remarkably preserved in this TV Audio Air Check is the entire 2 minute opening and closing of this 6th "TALK OF THE TOWN" Broadcast. 
                                                         

 June 20, 1948 - May 30, 1971

Oldest known surviving COMPLETE broadcast of a TOAST OF THE TOWN with opening and closing. 

ED SULLIVAN SHOW, THE, (TOAST OF THE TOWN)
Television's longest running variety series. Originally, titled, TOAST OF THE TOWN, the name of the series changed on September 18, 1955 to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. Most remembered for introducing many stand-up comedians, and musical acts, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, The Beatles. 

 Most of the 1,087 broadcasts, encompassing 10,000 performers, have been archived. The major exceptions are the first half-year of shows circa 1948 of which a few kinescope excerpts survive.
 
The ED SULLIVAN SHOW was a spectacular show-case that for twenty-three years entertained the American family. In its prime, more than thirty million viewers, young and old, tuned in at the same time to view popular culture.  

The broadcast begins with announcer Bern Bennett stating guests, and introducing Ed Sullivan. A Balinese dance troop performs. Ed Sullivan (host), Ray Bloch and His Orchestra, The De Marco Sisters sing a melody of songs, Jody Gilbert (tap dancer), double talk artist Al Kelly, Jerry Bergen, Jimmy Smith (xylophone). Ed has guests in his audience stand up for a bow, including Francis Marion, Sue Ryan, Monica Lewis who appeared on the premiere TOAST OF THE TOWN eight weeks prior on June 20, 1948, Harry Hirschfield, who claims to be the first person ever on television, chats with Ed and does a comic monologue, and Peggy Lee sings, "It's Magic," "I Can't Give You Anything but Love Baby." She speaks with Sullivan. From the Liberty Music Store a comedy bit and musical finale with the entire cast.   

NOTE: This broadcast was transcribed from a 16" Electronic Transmission disc, less than a year since the advent and use of Kinescope technology, commercially introduced, September 15, 1947, developed by KODAK, NBC, and Dumont Networks. 

Sound of this TOAST OF THE TOWN transfer varies at times and there are sections were "noise" from the ET transfer to 1/4" reel to reel tape is heard. However, over all, sound is very good and quite listenable. A rare example of a COMPLETE ONE HOUR "lost" television broadcast, circa 1948, surviving only as audio.
                                            

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: Doak Walker (football player)                                                                                                       

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: The Four Horsemen                                                                                                                  

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Guest: George Raft                                                                                                                           

December 5th, 1937-June 22nd, 1956

The Bill Stern Colgate Sports newsreel from Hollywood was a radio show on the NBC radio network, sponsored by Colgate Shave Cream and hosted by sportscaster Bill Stern. A series of fifteen-minute interviews with notable public figures from the sports and entertainment industries. 

Today: Boris Karloff                                       

       Brooklyn Dodgers - 7 New York Giants 6  
From Ebbets Field the fourth game of the 1950 season, and the first regularly scheduled Brooklyn Dodger game to be Nationally broadcast.
Highlights include first Black Pitcher in Major League history, Dan Bankhead, starting the game for the Brooklyn Dodgers who hits a double in his first time at bat. Gil Hodges hits a home-run. 

Calling the play by play on this radio broadcast are Red Barber and Connie Desmond.                            

A tribute to jazz singer and entertainer Al Jolson who died on October 23rd, 1950.  

Presented on "PULITZER PRIZE PLAYHOUSE." Television adaptation of the Maxwell Anderson-Kurt Weill musical about Peter Stuyvesant. 

Excellent sound. Broadcast contains opening. Complete.            

Presented on MUSICAL COMEDY TIME. Adaptation of the 1927 Broadway musical. Musical numbers only.   

Very good sound recording for its vintage.

          

CBS salutes Bing Crosby on his 20th year in radio.              

Presented on MUSICAL COMEDY TIME. Dietz-Schwartz musical about the Governor of a Spanish colony in 1812 who cannot resist the ladies. Musical numbers only. A lost television broadcast. 

Very good to excellent sound recording.            

April 8th, 1950- September 29th, 1951

Dimension X was an NBC radio program broadcast mostly on an unsponsored, sustaining basis from April 8th, 1950- September 29th, 1951. The first thirteen episodes were broadcast live, and the remainder were prerecorded. 

Guest: Arch Oboler of "Lights Out." Five minute interview.                 

The Liberty Network, WCFL, Chicago aircheck. 
The National League Championship game number three,  that included the famous game-ending home run by Bobby Thompson ("The Shot Heard Round the World"). 

This radio broadcast is actually a re-creation, using data about the game sent in by wire. The announcer is Gordon McLendon, who owned the Liberty Network. 

                    

  
The 1951 World Series matched the two-time defending champion New York Yankees against the New York Giants, who had won the National League pennant in a thrilling three-game playoff with the Brooklyn Dodgers on the legendary home run by Bobby Thomson (the Shot Heard 'Round the World).

In the Series, the Yankees showed some power of their own, including Gil McDougald's grand slam home run in Game 5, at the Polo Grounds. The Yankees won the Series in six games, for their third straight title and 14th overall. This would be the last World Series for Joe DiMaggio, who retired afterward, and the first for rookies Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle.

This was the last Subway Series the Giants played in. Both teams would meet again eleven years later after the Giants relocated to San Francisco. They have not played a World Series against each other since. This was the first World Series announced by Bob Sheppard, who was in his first year as Yankee Stadium's public address announcer. It was also the first World Series to be televised exclusively by one network (NBC) as well as the first to be televised nationwide, as coaxial cable had recently linked both coasts.

 Rare highlights of game one, five, and six of the 1951 World Series broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System radio network.
 
Game One - The opening with commentator Al Helfer who for the first seven minutes mentions multiple times yesterday's historic Bobby Thomson winning home run against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Helfer states the opening line-up for both teams. 

Mel Allen is heard doing the play-by-play during an historic first inning which includes Monte Irvin's steal of home, only the fourth time successfully executed in World Series history, last done by Bob Meusel thirty years ago in 1921. This game is notable for rookie Yankee Mickey Mantle who is lead-off hitter for the New York Yankees. 
We hear highlights during the bottom of the Yankee second inning which  includes Gil McDougald's first World Series hit (double).
Al Helfer does the play-by-play in the top of the Giant sixth inning which includes a home run by Alvin Dark and Monte Irvin's fourth consecutive hit in the game. 

Highlights of game five. Al Helfer states the opening line-ups for both teams. Mel Allen does the play-by-play for the top of the Yankees' first inning, and top of the Yankees' third inning which includes Gil McDougald hitting only the third Grand Slam in World Series history. Also heard is Phil Rizzuto hitting a home run in the top of the fourth inning and Joe DiMaggio doubling in the top of the seventh inning, playing the next to last game in his career (1936-1951). 
Mel Allen recaps game five's 13 to 1 Yankee massacre of the 1951 World Series.

Game six opening with Mel Allen stating the line-ups for both teams. 
Al Helfer does the play-by-play for the bottom of the Yankee first inning. Brief play-by-play in the Giant top of the fifth inning with Willie Mays singling. Mel Allen calls the ninth inning which is a nail bitter as the New York Giants load the bases with no outs, trailing 4 to 1. After the Giants close within one run with the potential tying run on second base, a racing Hank Bauer makes a sensational sliding catch by pinch hitter Sal Yvars to end the game giving the New York Yankees their fourteenth World Championship.

The 1951 season has been referred to as "The Season of Change" as it witnessed the departure of several of the games veteran superstars and the introduction of a new generation of talent. Several new rookies on the scene including a young 19-year-old switch hitter named Mickey Mantle and a phenomenal 20-year-old outfielder named Willie Mays begin their historic careers.

NOTE: These rare sound tracks were discovered at WOR radio station in the 1960's. They were on multiple 16" Electronic Transmission discs. Each side of one disc contained 15 minutes of audio. This 95-minute compilation of broadcast audio highlights of the 1951 World Series is all that exists of this classic World Series broadcast. 
                                                                                                                                                          

Fred Allen seven-minute excerpt.                       

February 1st, 1953- October 13th, 1957 (CBS)      
September 11th, 1971- September 2nd, 1972 (CBS)

An unusual Public Affairs series, You Are There began in 1947 as a radio show (it was originally titled CBS was There). Each week a well-known historical event was recreated, and the leading figures in each drama were interviewed by CBS news correspondents (the correspondents were always in modern-day dress, regardless of the setting of the story). The television version ran from 1953-1957 on Sunday afternoons, and was revived in 1971 as a Saturday-afternoon show, aimed principally at children. Walter Cronkite was the chief correspondent on both TV versions. Paul Newman guest-starred on one program as Nathan Hale (30 August 1953) and the 1971 premiere " The Mystery of Amelia Earhart" featured Geraldine Brooks and Richard Dreyfuss.       

In tonight's episode: "Pilgrims Leave England, September 6th, 1620.                                 

February 1st, 1953- October 13th, 1957 (CBS)      
September 11th, 1971- September 2nd, 1972 (CBS)

An unusual Public Affairs series, You Are There began in 1947 as a radio show (it was originally titled CBS was There). Each week a well-known historical event was recreated, and the leading figures in each drama were interviewed by CBS news correspondents (the correspondents were always in modern-day dress, regardless of the setting of the story). The television version ran from 1953-1957 on Sunday afternoons, and was revived in 1971 as a Saturday-afternoon show, aimed principally at children. Walter Cronkite was the chief correspondent on both TV versions. Paul Newman guest-starred on one program as Nathan Hale (30 August 1953) and the 1971 premiere " The Mystery of Amelia Earhart" featured Geraldine Brooks and Richard Dreyfuss.       

In tonight's episode: "The Opening Of The Americsn Revolution, April 19th, 1775."                                       

February 1st, 1953- October 13th, 1957 (CBS)      
September 11th, 1971- September 2nd, 1972 (CBS)

An unusual Public Affairs series, You Are There began in 1947 as a radio show (it was originally titled CBS was There). Each week a well-known historical event was recreated, and the leading figures in each drama were interviewed by CBS news correspondents (the correspondents were always in modern-day dress, regardless of the setting of the story). The television version ran from 1953-1957 on Sunday afternoons, and was revived in 1971 as a Saturday-afternoon show, aimed principally at children. Walter Cronkite was the chief correspondent on both TV versions. Paul Newman guest-starred on one program as Nathan Hale (30 August 1953) and the 1971 premiere " The Mystery of Amelia Earhart" featured Geraldine Brooks and Richard Dreyfuss.       

In tonight's episode: "The Key Ratification Of The Constitution, June 25th, 1788."                                             

February 1st, 1953- October 13th, 1957 (CBS)      
September 11th, 1971- September 2nd, 1972 (CBS)

An unusual Public Affairs series, You Are There began in 1947 as a radio show (it was originally titled CBS was There). Each week a well-known historical event was recreated, and the leading figures in each drama were interviewed by CBS news correspondents (the correspondents were always in modern-day dress, regardless of the setting of the story). The television version ran from 1953-1957 on Sunday afternoons, and was revived in 1971 as a Saturday-afternoon show, aimed principally at children. Walter Cronkite was the chief correspondent on both TV versions. Paul Newman guest-starred on one program as Nathan Hale (30 August 1953) and the 1971 premiere " The Mystery of Amelia Earhart" featured Geraldine Brooks and Richard Dreyfuss.       

In tonight's episode: "The Firing On Fort Sumpter, April 12th, 1861."                                                        

February 1st, 1953- October 13th, 1957 (CBS)      
September 11th, 1971- September 2nd, 1972 (CBS)

An unusual Public Affairs series, You Are There began in 1947 as a radio show (it was originally titled CBS was There). Each week a well-known historical event was recreated, and the leading figures in each drama were interviewed by CBS news correspondents (the correspondents were always in modern-day dress, regardless of the setting of the story). The television version ran from 1953-1957 on Sunday afternoons, and was revived in 1971 as a Saturday-afternoon show, aimed principally at children. Walter Cronkite was the chief correspondent on both TV versions. Paul Newman guest-starred on one program as Nathan Hale (30 August 1953) and the 1971 premiere " The Mystery of Amelia Earhart" featured Geraldine Brooks and Richard Dreyfuss.       

In tonight's episode: "The Battle Of Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1863."                                                                

Presented on "OMNIBUS." The third part of this Omnibus presentation is complete. An un-staged George Gershwin one-act opera with an all-Negro cast. Composed by Gershwin in 1922 when he was 23. It's primitive in construction and content, although "The Blue Monday Blues" and some other early Gershwin excursions into the Jazz idiom stand out.  
  
Host for Ominbus series, Alistair Cooke

Directed by Seymour Robbie.  
De Sylva, B.G. -  Librettist
Starring Jimmy Rushing                    

July 27, 1953- September 24, 1954   Prior to Steve Allen hosting The Tonight Show (Sept. 27, 1954-Jan. 25,1957...originally titled Tonight!) on network T.V. he hosted a similar late night show locally in New York City called the Steve Allen Show. It was seen in only three states, New York, New Jersey, & Connecticut (11:20pm-midnight). These Monday through Friday 40 minute telecasts included regulars, Steve Lawrence, Helen Dixon and Bobby Bryne and his orchestra. Sponsor was Knickerbocker beer on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday only.  

 This is the oldest known broadcast record of Steve Allen's 14 month local  Pre-Tonight Show run, prior to National Tonight! broadcasts which premiered September 27, 1954.                                       

July 27, 1953- September 24, 1954   Prior to Steve Allen hosting The Tonight Show (Sept. 27, 1954-Jan. 25,1957) on network T.V. he hosted a similar late night show locally in New York City called the Steve Allen Show. (11:20pm-midnight). These Monday through Friday 40 minute telecasts included regulars, Steve Lawrence, Helen Dixon and Bobby Bryne and his orchestra. Sponsor was Knickerbocker beer on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday, only.  

This is the 27th broadcast in the series. Broadcast theme song, "Stay Just A Little While With Me," opens the show. Steve Allen, at the piano, sings "Cecilia." Jim Moran, who appears every Tuesday on the broadcast discusses with Allen "Oysters," as the Oyster season begins. Author James Michener joins in and also discusses his latest movie adaptation screenplay for the film "Return To Paradise," about to open in theaters nation wide. This was the first theatrical contribution for Michener in his literary career.  

Incredible relaxed late night television from a bygone era as Steve offers a beer to Mitchener in-between anecdotes. Steve Lawrence, who just turned 18 years of age, sings "C'est si bon."   Bobby Byrne & his orchestra plays "Lover." Sign off, as Steve reminds viewers that this new late night series is on the air every weekday night for 40 minutes, 11:20pm to Midnight. Cast sings theme song "Stay Just A Little While With Me."                                                    

July 27, 1953- September 24, 1954   Prior to Steve Allen hosting The Tonight Show (Sept. 27, 1954-Jan. 25,1957) on network T.V. he hosted a similar late night show locally in New York City called the Steve Allen Show. (11:20pm-midnight). These Monday through Friday 40 minute telecasts included regulars, Steve Lawrence, Helen Dixon and Bobby Bryne and his orchestra. Sponsor was Knickerbocker beer on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday only.