August 8, 2008
Here’s another episode of “Your Playhouse of Favorites”, a program syndicated by NBC consisting of dramas based on classic literature.
Program 50 in the series, dating from circa 1949-50, is “Enoch Arden”, based on the poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson. It’s the story of a sailor who leaves his wife behind to earn money and make a better life for them as he travels the high seas; of course, life goes on while he’s away. Regrets, heartbreak and much emoting ensue.
The program was transferred from an original set of vinyl NBC Radio Recordings transcriptions pressed by RCA, matrix numbers ND6-MM-9219 and ND6-MM-9220-1.
May 16, 2008
“Your Playhouse of Favorites” was one of many series produced especially for syndication by NBC; you might recall others such as “Five Minute Mysteries”. The series were offered to stations regardless of network affiliation.
Most of these series are well produced and feature the talent heard on the network’s programs and “Your Playhouse of Favorites” is no exception. The program adapted classic popular works of literature into half-hour dramas and, although they don’t feature “star” names, are excellent examples of the genre. “Robin Hood” is program 49 in the series and dates from about 1949-50. The matrix numbers for the sides are ND6-MM-9170 and ND6-MM-9171-1.
You can hear a studio audience at the production - I wonder if these might school or church groups doing a tour of the NBC studios.
April 16, 2008
Continuing from our last post, another five minute Alka Seltzer show featuring the Vass Family. In program 58, the group sings “Crinoline Days” and “Old King Cole”.
Today we have a fun little five minute musical program featuring the Vass Family on the air for Alka Seltzer. This show and one in the next entry are taken from an original vinyl NBC syndication disc pressed by RCA, matrix number MS 03444. (The other side of the disc contains two five minute Alka Seltzer shows by the Hoosier Hot Shots that I’ll post later.)
The Vass Family appeared on the National Barn Dance and a few other NBC programs in the late 1930s. According to the announcer, the group hails from South Carolina. In this show, the group sings “Romance Runs in the Family” and “When the White Azealeas Start Blooming” and help out with the Alka Seltzer ads.
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