Old Radio

March 24, 1935: The entire NBC network aired Major Bowes Original Amateur Hour , a show that was previously only broadcast locally in New York City. The show lasted for 17 years after the national broadcast. Bowes was replaced by Ted Mack when the show was moved to other media. Major Bowes Amateur Hour  was created and hosted by Edward Bowes. It was American radio 's best-known talent show in the 1930's and 1940's This program was replaced The Chase and Sanborn Hour on NBC. On this program, Bowes chatted with the contestants and listened to their performances. Then the talented contestants were sent to perform on "Major Bowes" vaudeville tours.

Today's birthday salute goes to Joan Crawford , born today in 1904.  Crawford's career began kicking in 1924, when she worked as a dancer in traveling revues.  Spotted in a performances, she landed a gig in Innocent Eyes on Broadway.  It wasn't long before she landed her first movie role, in The Circle, and the rest is history. In 1934, Crawford made her first of many appearance on The Lux Radio Theatre , starring in an adaptation of the 1934 MGM film "Chained."  In 1938 it was "Anna Christie," with Crawford playing the role made famous by Greta Garbo .  She would later star in "A Doll's House" on the same program. The much-sought actress also lent her talents to Screen Directors' Playhouse , Stars Over Hollywood , Hollywood Star Playhouse , and Suspense . A happy birthday to Joan Crawford .