Old Time Radio Christmas Shows

FDR's speech accepting the Democratic Presidential Front Runner at the Democratic Convention, on July 2, 1932.

Franklin Roosevelt predicts Nazi intentions to gain control of the Western Hemisphere. As evidence, the President cites Adolf Hitler’s broken promises of ceased aggression and his subsequent invasions of European lands. Roosevelt also argues that “freedom of the seas” is essential to preventing Nazi control in the Western Hemisphere and that support of Britain in their fight against Germany plays a pivotal role in preserving this freedom. Source National Archives

On election eve night, Nov. 6, 1944, all four major radio networks broadcasted this special political program, to get FDR re-elected for the fourth time. It worked. It was estimated that his broadcast was responsible for over one million votes switched over to FDR. The cast was Hollywood's top stars. (Surprise, surprise). This is an experience to listen to this program.

FDR - June 12, 1944 - Fireside Chat, Opening 5th War Loan Drive. For the people to buy more war stamps and war bonds. During World War 2, there was 7 War Loan Drives.

Franklin Roosevelt marks his 60th birthday with the Diamond Jubilee Birthday Ball, January 30, 1942.

FDR- Dec. 8, 1941 - Asking Congress a State War To Be Declared. This speech was given the day after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. This is probably the most important speech given in modern history.

FDR - Jan. 8, 1940 - Jefferson- Jackson Day Dinner Address. A fund raiser for the Democrats. Note- Both were slave owners that the Dems honored. Just saying.

FDR last campaign for re-election on Nov. 4, 1938 - Election Eve Broadcast

Dedication Gettysburg Battlefield with the survivors of that battle in1863 and of course FDR, on July 3, 1938. This was the last reunion of the Blue & Grey soldiers.

FDR dedicating a memorial to his cousin and Eleanor Roosevelt's uncle, President Theodore Roosevelt, on Nov. 9, 1935.

Sept. 30, 1935- FDR dedication of Boulder Dam.

FDR first Fireside Chat on March 12, 1933. By the time of Roosevelt's inauguration, nearly all of the banks in the nation had temporarily closed in response to mass withdrawals by a panicked public. Roosevelt calms the fears of the nation and outlines his plan to restore confidence in the banking system.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born 142 years ago, on Jan. 30, 1882. He was commonly known as FDR, was an American politician who served as the 32nd president of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only U.S. president to have served more than two terms. His initial two terms were centered on combating the Great Depression, while his third and fourth saw him shift his focus to America's involvement in World War II. I will looking at his political life through the median , the radio. This recording was on Jan. 26, 1924, titled "Nyc Remarks To Democratic National Convention."

The Happy Warrior was Al Smith, who ran unsuccessfully against Herbert Hoover for the presidency. On June 27, 1928, FDR gave a speech for Smith at the Democratic Convention. (This is a small portion of that speech).

FDR ran for the presidency, promoted his political views on April 7, 1932 - Dem Party Lucky Strike Program.

FDR - March 4, 1933 - First Inaugural Address

I put together the best comedy routines W. C. Fields performed on stage, movies & radio. They are: 1. Math Problems 2. Promotions Unlimited 3. The Day I Drank Water (He was an alcoholic and did not hide this addiction) 4. The Rattlesnake 5. The Talking Seal 6. The Temperance Lecture

This interview of Carlota Monti was W. C. Fields's mistress and companion from 1933 to Fields's death on Christmas Day, 1946. This program was broadcasted on Oct. 10, 1971.

Before A & E had the program "Biography" or even before A & E existed, NBC had the radio show "Biography in Sound." This edition, broadcasted on Feb. 28, 1956, was about W. C. Fields. Also, this was the last broadcast Fred Allen (the host) made. Shortly after the recording of this show, Fred Allen passed away from a heart attack.

The Big Broadcast of 1938 was a movie promo on radio to entice people to see the film. This was the movie that gave Bob Hope his theme song "Thanks For The Memory." If you like this broadcast, rush to your tv to catch it on TCM.

In this Lux Radio Theater radio adaptation, W. C. Fields plays the role of Eustace McGargle for the fourth time. He played this role on stage in 1923. In 1925 he starred in the silent film was called " Sally of the Sawdust." In 1936, the film revival was called Poppy" starring Fields and this broadcast, from March 7, 1938. Enjoy this classic.

W. C. Fields was born 144 years ago, on Jan. 29, 1880. He was appreciated on stage, movies (both sound & silent) and radio, but people have felt that he was little ahead of his time. He had a long time feud with the dummy, Charlie McCarthy, that you will hear on this show. Broadcasted on June 6, 1937. Enjoy.

An all star cast in this broadcast of Good News of 1938. Robert Young (host), Fanny Brice, Hanley Stafford, Frank Morgan, Louis B. Mayer introduces scenes from "Boy's Town," with Spencer Tracey and Mickey Rooney, Father Edward J Flannagan and Alice Faye. This show was broadcasted eight days before the movie premier of Boys Town. Enjoy the show.

Tales of The Texas Rangers took place in modern times (late 40s & early 50s). The stories presented in this series were based on true police cases. In this episode, "Double Edge" has guest star Jack Paar. Enjoy the show.

A 103rd birthday salute to Donna Reed, born on Jan. 27, 1921. Before becoming a tv star (The Donna Reed Show), she was making a name for herself in films. She made a movie with Mickey Rooney in 1942, The Courtship of Andy Hardy. (A long running movie series in the 30s & 40s). Here is a radio promo of that film. Enjoy.