Thanksgiving With Abbott And Costello

Here's a classic episode from the Abbott and Costello program as heard on the air on November 23, 1944. It features a great guest appearance from the very sexy Jayne Wyman. Enjoy a little bit of Thanksgiving Turkey with Bud and Lou. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

The Abbott & Costello Show - Thanksgiving Show

Judy Brings Out The Stars For The Men In Uniform

It's no secret that I love Judy Garland. I love her the same way that I love Elvis. I think her voice is amazing and her behavior even more so. There is no denying that classic voice and even though "Under The Rainbow" is a great song no matter who does it, Judy always did it best. During 1944 and 1945, Judy appeared on many Armed Forces Radio Services broadcasts entitled "Mail "Call" and "Command Performance". These were usually transcribed onto "V-Discs" and sent overseas to be played on the radio for servicemen everywhere. In the 90s, Laserlight put out a CD compilation of these entitled "Mail Call". The first half of the album features a show from May 17, 1944 and features Bing Crosby, Jimmy Durante and Arthur Treacher. The second half of the album is from a June 3, 1944 broadcast of "Command Performance" that features Bing, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra. Together they make a great compilation that I share with you today! Here is that great album. Enjoy!

Judy Garland - Mail Call

Ella On the Radio

I love Ella Fitzgerald. In my opinion, there was no one better. She was amazing. Over the years I have amassed quite a collection of Ella records. There are the standard ones that you can get anywhere but then I have a bunch or really cool ones that are much harder to find. I'm not just talking about bootlegs. I'm talking about recordings that were made way back when she was just starting out with the Chick Webb Orchestra. I have some really great albums from that era and beyond that I've rarely seen even on-line. It's one of those great albums that I am sharing with you today. It's a release from the great "Sandy Hook" label back in the 80s. I have a vary strong affinity for Sandy Hook records for several reasons. One; they were based in my home state of Connecticut and Two; they put out some of the coolest records featuring some amazing radio broadcasts from the golden age of radio. This album is no exception. It's a bunch of radio transcriptions from 1940 of Ella leading the Chick Webb orchestra. When Chick died in 1939, Ella took over the orchestra and continued to front it for many years. She had taken over as the leader when Chick started to become ill so the orchestra knew that it was the right choice. This album is extremely cool and shows Ella doing what she does best. Here is "Ella Swingin': NBC Radio 1940 Big Band Remotes". Enjoy!

Ella Swingin': NBC Radio 1940 Big Band Remotes

Dartman's Advent Calendar 2010: Day 14

Today we have a special treat in our Advent Calendar. It's an original post that I guarantee you will not find anywhere else! It's the Laverne and Shirley Christmas Album! What's that? You say you never heard of it? Because it never existed until now! In the second season of Laverne and Shirley, the team of Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams did their obligatory Christmas episode entitled, "Christmas Eve At The Booby Hatch". It revolved around Carmine asking everyone if they would help out and perform in a talent show at a hospital on Christmas Eve. They all agree only to find that the hospital in question was a psych ward. Hilarity ensues. The great part of this special is the talent show itself. I was originally going to just rip the Lenny and The Squigtones number from the show and post that. However, I realized two things: 1) the other performances in the show were just as worth having & 2) the show could actually work as an old time radio show. It follows the same story that a lot of the Old Time Radio shows used. I had to make a few snips here and there to take out some of the physical comedy that didn't read without the video but all in all, the show works as an audio play. Here for you now, on this special 14th day of our Advent Calendar is "The Laverne and Shirley Christmas Album". Enjoy!

The Laverne and Shirley Christmas Album

For more sit-com holiday goodies, head over to Check The Cool Wax! He's got some great audio clips from classic holiday episodes! Tell him the Dartman sent you!

The NPR Strikes Back: Part 5

Here is my final Empire Post (for now) and it can only be the final two episodes of the National Public Radio dramatization of the classic sequel to Star Wars. I hope you enjoyed this past week of Empire goodies. I hope to post more Star Wars related items in the future as well as the usual fun stuff! Also, I looking to making a new logo for the blog. If anyone has any ideas or even artwork please send it my way. As my time has become limited, I would love to have someone design a logo for me. Anyway, here are the final two episodes of NPR's The Empire Strikes Back. Enjoy!

The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 9

The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 10

The NPR Strikes Back: Part 4

Here are episodes 7 and 8 from the great radio dramatization of The Empire Strikes Back. National Public Radio did a great job with these. The added lines of dialogue are quite interesting. The voices don't always seem to fit the characters but maybe that's because I'm jaded by hearing the story albums over the years. Anyway, here are the next two episodes. Enjoy!

The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 7

The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 8

The NPR Strikes Back: Part 3

Here are the next two episodes in the great NPR radio dramatization of "The Empire Strikes Back". Complete with the original music and sound effects from the film. It's kind of like listening to one of those read along records. Enjoy!

The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 5

The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 6

The NPR Strikes Back: Part 2

Here are the next two episodes of the National Public Radio dramatization of The Empire Strikes Back! Enjoy!

The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 3

The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 4

The NPR Strikes Back

After the giant success of the Star Wars films, National Public Radio got on board the Force Train with their own radio adaptations of the films. They did one for each of the films and The Empire Strikes Back got the royal treatment with a full ten episodes containing not just the original film plot but also scenes that the movie never showed you. Such as; The Imperials discover the planetary probe evidence that leads them to the Rebel base; Luke Skywalker and Han Solo await rescue in an emergency shelter on the frozen surface of Hoth; Han Solo and his first mate, Chewbacca, fix the Falcon—and demolish each other's egos; Luke encounters a medical droid that could match See-Threepio for politesse anytime; The Rebel control room on Hoth during the rescue of Han and Luke and the desperate battle against the Imperial walkers; Luke's last-minute rendezvous with his X-wing squadron during the Battle of Hoth—on foot and inside Yoda's cave on Luke's first morning of training in the mysterious ways of the Jedi. Behind-the-scenes details come to light as well in an informative introduction by the script's author, Brian Daley—who wrote the episodes, reworked scenes on the spot in the recording studio, creating the National Public Radio dramatization broadcast on stations nationwide. The story of The Empire Strikes Back comes to life again in these original scripts—this time with more background, more scenes—more Star Wars! Over the next couple of days I will be sharing these episodes with you. Here now are the first two. Enjoy!

The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 1

The Empire Strikes Back Radio Drama Episode 2

The Best of The World Of Wonder: Follow The Yellow Brick Road

Meinhardt Raabe, the little person who played the coroner of Munchkinland passed away Friday morning at the youthful age of 94. In his honor, I thought I would repost the original release of the soundtrack to The Wizard of Oz.


I was thinking that of with all of the Wizard of Oz CD releases out there, they have still never released the soundtrack the way it was originally put out. It's great that there are boxed sets of all of the music and it's great that there are single discs that also showcase more of the music than most people remember but what's missing is the dialogue in between the songs. The original release had that. I loved it. When I received my copy one Christmas, I was ecstatic and was even more thrilled to listen to it over and over again. Remember, this was when they only showed the film once a year on TV and it was long before anyone thought they would ever own it to play whenever they felt like it. This was the only way to enjoy the film at your leisure. Anyway, I have been meaning to post the original version of the soundtrack ever since I started the World of Wonder but have never had a chance to do so. Until today! Here is what I like to call my "Super Mega Wizard of Oz Soundtrack Post!" I present for you the original LP release of the soundtrack as well as a re-post of the Lux Radio Theatre production of "The Wizard of Oz" from Christmas Day, 1950. By then, Judy was 28 and was the only original cast member of the MGM film to be in this Lux program. Rounding out the cast were: Herb Vigran (Tin Man), Hans Conreid (Scarecrow), Ed Max (Lion), Herb Butterfield (Wizard), Betty Lou Gerson (Good Witch), Noreen Gammill (Wicked Witch) William Johnson (Uncle Henry), Ruth Perrott (Auntie Em), Gil Stratton (Mayor) and David Light was the voice of Toto. Now, just when you are saying, Dartman, thanks for this great post, there's more! I am also re-posting the 70s disco version of the Wizard of Oz by Meco! (I told you it was a super post!!!) So, here is the original soundtrack as it was originally released, the Lux Radio version from 1950 and the disco version by MECO! But wait!!!!! If you act now, you also get a repost of "Snagglepuss and The Wizard of Oz" children's record! All right here at Dartman's World of Wonder! Enjoy!

The Wizard of Oz OST

Lux Radio Theater presents The Wizard of Oz

MECO-The Wizard of Oz

Snagglepuss and The Wizard of Oz

Do You Remember Rock 'N' Roll Radio?

We've talked about Alan Freed and his Camel Rock'n'Roll Dance Party before and have even featured several of those shows here at the World of Wonder. What initially sparked my interest in the R'n'R Dance Party was a record that my father had when I was a kid. (A record that has since disappeared. I have no clue where it went but was glad to find a copy of it in my travels to replace the missing gem!) The record was put out on the Radiola label back in 1978. It was called "Rock and Roll Radio" and featured Freed introducing great hits from the big names of 1956. I had always assumed that these were two complete shows from the CRRDP and never questioned it any further. Upon further inspection and research we find that was not the case. In fact, the origins of these two shows on the record were a topic of discussion amongst fans of the show for many years. The man responsible for the release of this album was J. David Goldin, owner of the Radiola label. Goldin said he had received the recordings of 23 issues of the Camel Rock'n'Roll Dance Party from a friend in Frankfurt who had access to the Armed Forces Radio archives there. However, the recordings already had been edited a lot. Among other things, the AFR had cut out Camel's (the show sponsor) name everywhere, which must have been in every second sentence Freed had said. The Radiola album Rock'n'Roll Radio (Radiola MR-1087) was a collection of the songs Goldin liked best. So, in a nutshell, they are not complete broadcasts but are a compilation of several shows edited together to make it seem like complete shows. Either way, the album is great! The recordings have amazing sound quality for tapes of shows that were, at the time, twenty years old. With such greats as Frankie Lyman, Bill Haley, Clyde McPhatter, Etta James, the Chordettes, Ivory Joe Hutton, Gene Vincent and the great, Chuck Berry. Also, be on the listen for the presentation of an award to Count Basie from Cashbox magazine as "Best Rock 'N' Roll Band in the Country," based on a nationwide poll of jukebox operators. Here is that great Radiola LP. Here is "Rock 'N' Roll Radio". Enjoy!

Rock 'N' Roll Radio

The February of Frank: The First Comic Strip Operetta

On February 15, 1945, Frank appeared on an episode of the Armed Forces Radio Network's "Command Performance". Frank had appeared on the show many times and with many other great stars of the day, but this particular broadcast was special. The radio show presented "Dick Tracy In B Flat," or "For Goodness Sakes, Isn't He Ever Going To Marry Tess Trueheart?" Billed as "the world's first comic strip operetta", it featured a roster of stars bigger than any other radio show or film at the time. It starred Bing Crosby as Dick Tracy, Dinah Shore as Tess Trueheart, and Bob Hope as Flattop Jones. Alongside them were Jerry Colonna as the police chief, Frank Morgan as Vitamin Flintheart, Jimmy Durante as The Mole, Judy Garland as Snowflake Falls, The Andrews Sisters as The Summer Sisters—May, June & July, Cass Daley as Gravel Gertie, Harry Von Zell as the narrator and the one and only Frank Sinatra as Shaky. Another odd fact about this show is that instead of the usual half hour running time of "Command Performance", this show was extended to an hour. The show was a hit and has become one of the golden moments of the radio era but for some unknown reason was never rerun. Here at the World of Wonder, we present the original broadcast for you in its entirety. Here is "Dick Tracy in B Flat". Enjoy!

Dick Tracy In B Flat or For Goodness Sakes, Isn't He Ever Going To Marry Tess Trueheart?

The February of Frank: The Hit Parade Records Part 1

When I was a kid, my father would bring home records on a regular basis. And not just any records, he usually brought home some really cool items that I have rarely ever seen since. Two of these were records entitled, simply, "Frank Sinatra". These were collections of Frank's appearances on the popular "Lucky Strike Hit Parade" radio show. Your Hit Parade was a popular radio program that began in 1935 on which a group of singers sang the most popular songs of the week, counting down to #1. Frank spent two stints as a regular performer on the show, first from February 1943 (just after he had begun his solo career) to December 1944, and again from September 1947 to May 1949. He wasn't always pleased with the way things were done. Truth be told, Frank was constantly complaining about the songs being too tacky and the tempos being too "old fashioned" and "rigid". This would become something of a crusade for Sinatra that would carry on into his later career. He would always turn away the type of songs that he was made to sing on "The Lucky Strike Hit Parade". As a result, the recordings of those shows were never given the green light to be released. That didn't stop a small, unofficial record company called CAMERON Records from putting out a series of these long-thought -to-be -lost recordings in the late 70s and early 80s. The sound quality is what you would expect from a 40s era radio broadcast but the performances are delivered with every touch of class that Sinatra gave all of his performances. Tacky and old fashioned, yes, but the voice is still there! Here is one of those Lucky Strike albums. BTW, only 8 of the 10 tracks on this album are from "The Hit Parade". "I'm in the Mood for Love" is actually from the "Songs by Sinatra Show", while "Long Ago and Far Away" is from the "Vimms Vitamins Show". Enjoy!

Frank Sinatra (CAMERON Records 5003)

The February of Frank: Sinatra Calls The Plays

On August 1, 1947, Frank Sinatra filled in for vacationing sportscaster Bill Stern, telling sports anecdotes in a 15-minute NBC radio show. Stern was best-known as the host of The Colgate Sports Newsreel and Bill Stern Sports which ran on NBC from 1937 through 1956. On these fifteen-minute shows he told tales of sports legends and strange occurrences which kept listeners eagerly waiting for the climax. Although some of his reports stretched the limits of credibility, no one doubted that Stern was a master storyteller who used emphasis, repetition, and pauses to perfection. Bill Stern was one of first sportscasters to be elected to the Radio Hall of Fame. On this particular day in history, Stern asked Ol Blue Eyes to take his place! Here is that broadcast!

The Bill Sterns Show With Frank Sinatra

The February of Frank: Martin, Lewis & Sinatra (re-post)

Here's a post that I featured all the way back in 2006 when I first started The World of Wonder. It's an episode of The Martin and Lewis Radio Show with Frank Sinatra as their special guest. This was originally broadcast on January 18, 1952 on the NBC Radio Network and includes jokes written by the great Norman Lear who was a staff writer on the show at the time.

The Martin and Lewis Show with Frank Sinatra

The 25 Posts of Christmas: The Ghosts of Christmas Past

Over the last four years (I can't believe the World of Wonder has been around that long!) I've posted quite a few Christmas items. Here are a few of those from the past years. Enjoy!

Monkees Christmas Album

The Peppermint Kandy Kids-Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth - Santa's Helpers

Our Miss Brooks Christmas Episode (OTR)

The Mike Douglas Christmas Album

Christmas With Danny Davis & The Nashville Brass

Charlie Chan-The Man Who Murdered Santa Claus OTR

Bing Crosby and The Columbus Boys Choir Sing Family Christmas Favorites

My Favorite Husband-George's Christmas Present (OTR)

Ozzie & Harriet Christmas Episode (OTR)

The Shadow-Joey's Christmas Story (OTR)

A Toast To Christmas In The 80s With Singing Glasses

T Rex-Christmas Fan Club Flexi Disc

Haunted Mansion Holday

The 25 Posts of Christmas: Christmas With The Man of 1000 Voices

Following yesterday's Jack Benny episode, I thought it only fitting to feature the great Mel Blanc in a post of his own. Here is an episode of Mel's classic radio show from this day in 1946! It's entitled, "Betty's Christmas Present". Enjoy!

Mel Blanc-Betty's Christmas Present

BONUS:
Here are the episodes that followed "Betty's Christmas Present". "Exchanging Gifts", broadcast a week later on December 17, 1946, and "Mel Plays Santa Claus", broadcast on Christmas Eve of 1946. Enjoy!

Mel Blanc-Exchanging Gifts

Mel Blanc-Mel Plays Santa Claus

Tricks & Treats 09: Fred Allen Rents A Room From The Master of Horror

Here's an episode of The Fred Allen Show from November 18, 1945. Allen's guest star that night was the one and only Boris Karloff. It was just a few weeks shy from being a Halloween episode but it still maintains the comedic spookiness that makes it a Halloween themed episode in our books! My favorite parts of this show are the barrage of jokes whenever Karloff answers the phone or doorbell. Enjoy!

The Fred Allen Show - 11/18/45

Tricks & Treats 09: The Original Funny Girl Celebrates Halloween

In 1946, Halloween fell on October 31 just like it does today. But that didn't stop JELLO from producing a Halloween themed episode of Baby Snooks the next night. Here's Fanny Brice celebrating Halloween as it was originally broadcast on November 1, 1946. It is just as much fun today as it was then. Enjoy!

Baby Snooks Halloween Show

Tricks & Treats 09: Judy Garland Dishes It Out at The Drive In (repost)

Today's post is an episode of the great radio show, "Suspense" and it stars the great Judy Garland. This is actually the first side of a Judy bootleg that I bought in St Louis that features interviews on the flip side. The radio show was originally broadcast on November 21, 1946. It's a really good episode but as it comes from a Judy Garlnad bootleg record, any trace of the station IDs and even the name "Suspense" is gone. Interesting. Here it is for your listening entertainment. Enjoy!

Judy Garland in The Drive In (OTR)