Big Broadcast of 1965 – Episode 65-11-25 Hosted by Ruth Ashton

Released January 15, 2025 by Harold's Old Time Radio

Introduction

In the episode titled Big Broadcast of 1965, host Ruth Ashton takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the Golden Age of Radio. Celebrating Thanksgiving, Ashton revisits beloved radio comedies that once entertained families across America. This detailed exploration highlights iconic shows such as Amos and Andy, Lum and Abner, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Jack Benny, Ken Murray, and Red Skelton. Ashton intersperses insightful commentary with memorable script excerpts, offering both historical context and entertainment.

Amos and Andy: Crafting a Cross-Section of Life

Ruth Ashton delves into the creation and enduring popularity of Amos and Andy, emphasizing the show's unique approach to character development. Charles Carell, the voice behind Andy, shares the origins of the duo, highlighting their transition from local talent shows in Chicago to nationwide radio fame.

[12:45] Charles Carell: "We decided to make the characters a kind of a cross section of life. Everybody knows a fellow like Andy or the Kingfish."

Ashton explains how the characters were designed to represent relatable archetypes, ensuring broad appeal:

"Andy doesn't want to work if he can help it, and Henry Van Porter is the quintessential society man—no more society than a monkey."

Sample Excerpt: Thanksgiving Dinner Conversation

A humorous dialogue showcases the dynamic between Andy and the Kingfish as they navigate a Thanksgiving dinner invitation gone awry.

[15:30] Kingfish: "I's inviting you up to my pleas for Thanksgiving dinner with the relatives."

[16:05] Andy: "You done charged me 10 bucks and sat me way down at the end of the table."

Lum and Abner: From Mena, Arkansas to National Fame

The episode transitions to Lum and Abner, spotlighting their humble beginnings in Mena, Arkansas. Chet Locke ("Lum") recounts how the characters were inspired by local personalities and the spontaneous naming that led to their signature personas.

[25:20] Chet Locke: "Just as we were going on the air, one of the announcers said, what do you call the act? And we decided on Lum and Abner."

Ashton narrates their creative process and the introduction of the "Jot Em Down Store," a pivotal setting in their sketches.

Sample Excerpt: Putting Up a Sign

A comedic exchange illustrates their characteristic banter and the playful tensions in their small-town setting.

[28:10] Lum: "You think I'm crazy? Trouble here is we're suffering from an oversupply of whackers."

[28:45] Abner: "You couldn't drive that nail even if I stuck it in between my teeth."

Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy: The Ventriloquist's Leap to Radio

Edgar Bergen shares his journey from vaudeville to radio, detailing the challenges and innovations of bringing a ventriloquist act to the airwaves.

[40:50] Edgar Bergen: "A ventriloquist doesn't belong on radio, but when it became a success, it changed everything."

A humorous advertisement segment featuring Charlie McCarthy highlights their trademark wit and charm.

Sample Excerpt: Pest Extermination Skit

[42:15] Charlie McCarthy: "We guarantee to make your aunts say uncle."

[43:00] Edgar Bergen: "I see, you're in the exterminating business."

George Burns and Gracie Allen: Transatlantic Comedy Pioneers

George Burns recounts his and Gracie Allen's early days in England before achieving American radio stardom. The duo's chemistry and comedic timing are celebrated through engaging anecdotes and lively dialogue.

[55:30] George Burns: "We did a sketch once, and it served the purpose that was necessary."

Sample Excerpt: Thanksgiving Turkey Mishap

A playful interaction between Gracie and Jane illustrates their humorous take on holiday preparations.

[58:45] Gracie: "I think we're going to have to buy a turkey after all."

[59:10] Jane: "Let’s have a real old-fashioned Thanksgiving dinner at home."

Jack Benny: The Accidental Tightwad

Jack Benny's segment explores how his frugality became an iconic aspect of his persona. Through candid reflections, Benny explains how unintended character traits solidified his reputation.

[70:05] Jack Benny: "Every characterization that I portray is done by accident."

Sample Excerpt: Safe Combination Antics

Humorous scenarios depict Benny's notorious stinginess, adding depth to his on-air character.

[72:30] Jack Benny: "How did a nice fellow like you wind up in the basement with a vault for even small change?"

Ken Murray: The Boswell of Hollywood

Ken Murray shares insights into his early radio experiences, highlighting the creative struggles and breakthroughs in developing his comedic voice.

[85:00] Ken Murray: "Radio was very difficult because everybody was looking for funny voices."

Sample Excerpt: Automatic Tuning Comedy

[86:15] Ken Murray: "Listen, some sets don’t even need them. They have what they call automatic tuning."

Red Skelton: The Mean Widow's Child

Red Skelton's performance as the Mean Widow Kid is showcased, demonstrating his unique blend of humor and character work.

Sample Excerpt: Cake Conundrum

A lighthearted back-and-forth between the Widow Kid and Junior highlights Skelton's comedic timing.

[95:25] Mean Widow Kid: "This cake has a big dent on one side."

[95:45] Junior: "Yes, someone has pinched a big hunk out of it."

Evolution of Radio Comedy in the Television Era

Ashton and guest Reid Kordick discuss the transition of comedy from radio to television, emphasizing the enduring value of imagination in radio performances.

[110:10] Reid Kordick: "The necessity for imagination doesn't exist in television or in the motion pictures."

[112:00] Ruth Ashton: "Radio comedy utilizes every facet of the imagination, making it a precious medium."

Kordick highlights the creative freedoms afforded by radio, contrasting it with the physical limitations of television.

"On radio, all you need is a few sound effect records, and the whole illusion is there."

Conclusion

Ruth Ashton wraps up the episode by celebrating the rich legacy of radio comedy. She extends heartfelt Thanksgiving wishes to listeners and acknowledges the collaborative efforts of radio artists and archival institutions in preserving these timeless shows.

"We've revisited the moments that made all America laugh, ensuring that the spirit of these radio legends lives on."

The episode concludes with a humorous nod from Jack Benny, playfully acknowledging his frugality.

[130:00] Jack Benny: "Here it is Thanksgiving week, and you didn't have one joke on your program about a turkey. Well, thank you very much. Good night, folks."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Charles Carell (Amos and Andy): "[12:45] 'We decided to make the characters a kind of a cross section of life.'"

• Ken Murray: "[85:00] 'Radio was very difficult because everybody was looking for funny voices.'"

• Reid Kordick: "[110:10] 'The necessity for imagination doesn't exist in television or in the motion pictures.'"

• Jack Benny: "[70:05] 'Every characterization that I portray is done by accident.'"

Final Thoughts

Big Broadcast of 1965 serves as both a tribute and a comprehensive review of radio's golden era, capturing the essence of its most cherished comedies. Through insightful commentary and delightful script excerpts, Ruth Ashton ensures that the magic of old-time radio continues to resonate with both nostalgic listeners and new audiences alike.