October 14, 1934: Premiere of Lux Radio Theater

October 14, 1934: On this day the NBC Blue Network aired for the first time the Folks Had Clean Hands series, and this day also marked the debut of The Lux Radio Theater, which lasted for the next 21 years. Almost every famous Hollywood star would eventually take part in the program. Lux Radio Theater created a favorite dramatic series based on Broadway plays and Hollywood films.

Before adapting films for the show, Lux Radio Theater adapted the stories of Broadway shows for two seasons. The program was presented live at the studio and achieved high ratings. The program lasted for 20 years and changed into a TV program in 1950.

Lux Radio Theater featured many various stage of movie stars. They payed the actors handsomely, a rate of $5,000 for every show they starred in. The program started adapting films in 1936 when sponsor the Lever Brothers (who made Lux soap and detergent) moved the show from New York City to Hollywood.

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1946 Great Crepitation Fart Contest

Not for the faint of heart, here is the remarkable 1946 Crepitation (Fart) Contest (part of the 1946 News Broadcasts Collection ). You'll enjoy the fart-off between champion Englishman Lord Windsmear, and challenger, Australian Paul Boomer who had stowed aboard a cabbage freighter. The hilarious comedy recording was apparently created a spoof by two Canadian radio sportscasters in 1946, but this 15 minute recording definitely has some gems in it. Apparently they made several copies, but it was not for distribution. The recording was copied again and again on disc and reel to reel tape. It was distributed underground and played in dark rooms and back alleys around the world. If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element This recording is available with many other delightful treats on Random Rarities #7 available on MP3 CD , Audio CD , and instant download .

October 14, 1906 Benita Hume was born

On this day in 1906, Benita Hume was born.

February 10: Happy Birthday, Jimmy Durante

February 10: Happy Birthday, Jimmy Durante Actor, personality, voice-over expert and owner of a famous "schnozzola," Jimmy Durante was born on this day in 1893. Jimmy's calling card was his raspy, urbane voice. He hosted the Durante-Moore Show with partner Garry Moore and went solo with The Jimmy Durante Show in 1947. "Dat's my boy dat said dat!" was a catchphrase on the first iteration of the program. Like many shows of the era, The Jimmy Durante Show featured comedy and music. Do you remember guest appearances by: Lucille Ball , Victor Moore, Bing Crosby , and Al Jolson ? After his radio career, Durante voiced the Narrator of the 1969 cartoon special "Frosty the Snowman." He died in Santa Monica on Jan. 29, 1980.

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