Let’s return to “The Lux Radio Theater” for an adaptation of the brilliant 1944 film noir mystery, “Laura.”  You can miss a lot in an audio adaptation of a film noir, but luckily this version features the two main stars and one of the supporting players.  Dana Andrews and Gene Tierney return, as does Vincent Price.  Otto Kruger Takes over Clifton Webb’s role.  Close your eyes and enjoy.

The Lux Radio Theater

February 5, 1945

“Laura”

1:53

Part two of our annual Christmas spectacular begins with the holidays coming to “The Jack Benny Program.” The whole gang is gathering for big party at Jack’s, and there’s lots of laughs, despite some faulty tree lights. Then it’s a week later on “The Great Gildersleeve,” and Gildy doesn’t want to go to the town’s big New Year’s Eve bash if he can’t go with his best gal.

Episodes

The Jack Benny Program

December 24, 1944

“Trimming A Tree”

2:17

The Great Gildersleeve

January 1, 1947

“Big New Year’s Costume Ball”

32:32

We begin a month of Christmas episodes with America’s favorite teen-ager, the titular “Archie Andrews.” Archie and Jughead go Christmas shopping. Unbeknownst to them, the rest of the Andrews family and all their friends are also at the department store, resulting in all sorts of predicaments. Then on “Big Town,” Edward J. Pawley replaces Edward G. Robinson as Steve Wilson, crusading managing editor of the Big Town “Illustrated Press.” In tonight’s episode, two refugees from a shattered post-war Europe are welcomed to America from their Displaced Persons camp, but the little immigrant girl gets lost in the big city just before Christmas.

Episodes

Archie Andrews

December 17, 1949

“Christmas Shopping”

1:32

Big Town

December 21, 1948

“Prelude To Christmas”

30:24

The radio series “Claudia” was a daily slice-of-life drama centering on the low-stakes problems of the newly-married Claudia and David Naughton. A typical post-war couple, their greatest difficulties involve finding an apartment, Claudia learning to drive, and (eventually) what to name the baby. In these two episodes, Claudia and David host an unorthodox Thanksgiving dinner and attend an auction. Then Bing Crosby celebrates Thanksgiving on “Philco Radio Time.” Guest 24-year-old Judy Garland is on hand for the festivities. She sings a song for her just-born daughter Liza Minelli and joins Bing for a turkey-hunting sketch.

 Episodes

Claudia

November 27, 1947

“Thanksgiving Dinner”

December 1, 1947

“We’re Just Looking”

2:30

Philco Radio Time

November 27, 1946

“Guest: Judy Garland”

32:47

Now we’re going to launch a whole month of Thanksgiving-related episodes. We start off with “The Jack Benny Program.” Jack and the gang are gathering at Mary’s place for a huge Thanksgiving dinner. There’s disagreements about Pilgrim history, Jack’s ancient tuxedo attracts attention, and the band displays uncouth table etiquette. Then on “The Abbott and Costello Program,” there are big plans for Bud to entertain the snooty set for Thanksgiving.

Episodes

The Jack Benny Program

November 30, 1952

“Thanksgiving Pilgrims”

1:35

The Abbott and Costello Program

November 23, 1944

“Thanksgiving Dinner at Bud’s House”

31:42

On “Let George Do It,” freelance detective and problem solver George Valentine is hired to prove that a spooky old house isn’t haunted. But is it? Then, it’s Election Day in Springfield on “The Great Gildersleeve,” and Gildy switches his allegiances back and forth between the two candidates for mayor.

Episodes

Let George Do It

August 16, 1948

“The Ghost on Bliss Terrace”

1:51

The Great Gildersleeve

November 1, 1950

“Election Day”

32:34

Tonight, we present our first medical show, and it’s the classic “The Story of Dr. Kildare.”

The stars of the popular movie series, Lew Ayres as Dr. James Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as his friend and mentor Dr. Leonard Gillespie, reprised their roles for radio. Together, they interacted with people from all walks of life who had all manner of difficulties, medical and other. Then we return to “Life With Luigi.” J. Carroll Naish plays the optimistic, yet naïve, Italian immigrant trying to adapt to a new life in America. Tonight, he’s hoping to use the new technology of television to drum up business.

Episodes

The Story of Dr. Kildare

February 9, 1951

“Anthrax Infection”

2:28

Life With Luigi

January 24, 1950

“Using Television to Increase Business”

30:30

 We start off with the original old-time radio western, “Death Valley Days.”  In this episode, a female prospector goes to extraordinary lengths to prevent claim jumpers.  Then on “The Jack Benny Program,” Rochester is cleaning Jack’s den while Jack travels to the Department of Motor Vehicles to renew his driver’s license.

Episodes

Death Valley Days

June 16, 1939

“Shoo Fly” 

2:11

The Jack Benny Program

November 16, 1947

“Cleaning Jack’s Den”

28:32

Vincent Price returns as Simon Templar, aka “The Saint,” the Robin Hood of Modern Crime, solving tricky problems for all sorts of folks.  Here the case of a kidnapped heiress takes him to an exclusive finishing school where romance has led to danger.  Then on “The Great Gildersleeve,” a fishing expedition lands Gildy and Leroy hot water.

Episodes 

The Saint

November 5, 1950

“Miss Godby’s School for Girls” 

2:37

The Great Gildersleeve

May 5, 1948

“Fish Fry”

32:00