Old Radio

On June 21 of 1921, Ernestine Jane Russell was born and thus began a story and life that was the envy of millions of women and eye-catching of men. Miss Russell made her movie debut in 1943 when she filmed “The Outlaw”. A famous pose of her stretched out on hay and holding a revolver was an instant pin-up hit for servicemen everywhere. Her obvious physical traits notwithstanding, Miss Russell drew the attention for her acting ability that would garner her much success in the years to follow. However, she was a versatile performer as a singer as well and her talent was added to a number of films. She performed with Kay Kyser and his band for radio by creating two hit singles, “As Long As I Live” and “Boin-n-n-ng”. Her 1948 hit movie The Paleface with Bob Hope , was broadcast for radio on Screen Director’s Playhouse in 1950. She also would record for Columbia a number of ballads that allowed America to hear her talents rather than simply focus upon her body shape. Jane Rus

June 20 of 1909, Robin Hood and Captain Blood was born in the visage of Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn . Born and raised in Australia, the entrepreneur turned performer made his way to the USA via time performing theatre and movie work in England. Flynn made a major impression upon the American scene for motion pictures due to his swarthy good looks and care-free attitude to life. It was during his short, but action-filled life that Errol Flynn created the roles of Captain Blood, Don Juan and Robin Hood. His sword-play was considered some of the best Hollywood magic of the time and earned him more roles as a 200.000 dollar a film performer. Flynn was able to handle less swash-buckling of on-screen roles in war and western themed motion pictures. During the 1940’s Errol Flynn attempted to serve the country that had made him famous by trying to enlist, but heart and health issues prevented that from happening. However, in 1937 he did serve as a reporter during the Spanish Civil Wa

  June 18, 1939: The Adventures of Ellery Queen , which was aired for the first time by CBS, had an interesting twist towards the end of the program. The show was then stopped to allow a panel of experts to guess the solution of the night's mystery. The show was a crime/detective series, which starred Hugh Marlowe as Ellery Queen, a character described as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson rolled into one. Ellery Queen was a character created by cousins Fred Dannay and Manfred Lee. Enjoy this 1947 broadcast of the series:

June 14, 1922: WEAR in Baltimore for the first time broadcast President Warren G Harding's speech when dedication the the site of honour of Francis Scott Key. That was the first President's speech on the radio. The President Warren G Harding's speech broadcast was his first speech on radio but generally not his first performance on radio. At the first time, the President was held a series radio conferences headed by Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover (February 27, 1922)

100 years ago, Bob Bailey , the famed voice of Yours Truly Johnny Dollar , Let George Do It and other classic old time radio shows was born.  Bob Bailey  also appeared as voice talent in: Arch Obolers Plays Cavalcade of America Everything for the Boys General Electric Theater Let George Do It Lux Radio Theater Mayor of the Town One Night Stand Romance Screen Directors Playhouse Stars over Hollywood Suspense Yours Truly Johnny Dollar

  June 12, 1947: Radio series ‘ Sergeant Preston of The Yukon ’ made its debut and remained on air until 1955. It featured Canadian Mounted and his faithful dog King. The show first began on 3 February 1938 on Detroit’s WXYZ as was The Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet . Preston was developed by Fran Striker and George W. Trendle. "Sergeant Preston of the Yukon," which had the original title " Challenge of the Yukon ," was an adventure series that featured Sergeant William Preston and his dog called Yukon King. The new title was given in November 1951, and used until the show's last radio and TV episode. Preston's ally Yukon King was said to be the real star of the show, since he was actually able to do more work than his master.

On June 11, 1914, Gerald Mohr was born and appeared in radio, movies and television as one of the all-time favorite character actors. For 20 plus years, Mohr performed in radio as the tenacious gumshoe detective Philip Marlowe on radio in almost 120 radio plays. Before this Gerald Mohr had been on a path towards becoming a doctor when he was stricken with an illness and taken to the hospital. During the stay he met a radio personality who invited him down to audition for an on-air position as a reporter. in the mid 1930’s he was invited by Orson Welles to join the Mercury Theatre. By the late 30’s he had moved onto the screen as a villain in the Jungle Girl series. after his military time during WWII , Gerald Mohr began to perform in a number of hit westerns and other serial programs, which ran through the 1950’s. His screen presence made him a favorite to be cast as the tough guy or the murderous villain. His portfolio for hit shows grew until he was one of the most sough