Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Soldiers In Greasepaint USO
Original Broadcast Date: November 25, 1943
Podcast Release Date: November 5, 2025
Theme:
A spirited Thanksgiving special from the golden age of radio, "Soldiers In Greasepaint" is a jubilant tribute to the USO (United Service Organizations) Camp Shows and the entertainers who lifted the morale of American troops at home and abroad during World War II. The episode features comedy, music, and heartfelt commentary from some of the biggest names of the era—Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Al Jolson, Kay Francis, Merle Oberon, Judith Anderson, Jerry Colonna, and others—broadcasting messages and performances to troops stationed everywhere from Panama to Guadalcanal.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Opening Salute to USO and Entertainers

[00:02-01:14]

• The announcer establishes the show as a Thanksgiving tribute, honoring the tireless work of entertainers and USO workers who support American armed forces around the globe.
• The host, Bob Hope, is introduced as the proceedings’ "master of ceremonies."

Quote:

“It is a salute to the patriotic fervor of men and women from every branch of the theatrical profession who have done such magnificent work entertaining the members of our armed forces both here and overseas...”
— Program Announcer, [00:02]

2. Bob Hope and Jack Benny: Comedy, Camaraderie, and Wartime Stories

[01:14-06:33]

• Bob Hope opens with trademark banter, poking fun at travel mishaps and life on USO tours (“So they’ll never feel like the part I get of the turkey…”).
• Jack Benny joins, delivering clever retorts about his violin playing and the comedic rivalry between Hope and himself.
• Extended banter about Benny's desire to perform his violin solo, leading to running gags about him being “switched off the air.”

Quotes:

“I had a great time with the fellas over there. In fact, I still have a bad case of crap game knee.”
— Bob Hope, [01:52]

“You mean you cut me off the air?”
— Jack Benny, [13:14]

3. Musical Interlude: Al Jolson and Joe Miller

[07:04-09:47]

• Al Jolson, a legendary entertainer, shares stories about the songs troops request (“Mammy,” “Sonny Boy”) and introduces his performance of “People Will Say We’re in Love,” sung by Joe Miller.

4. Heartfelt Report from Overseas: Frederick March from Cairo

[09:54-12:24]

• Actor Frederick March describes the impact of movies and, more importantly, letters from home on troop morale.
• Emphasizes how crucial mail is for the fighting men, sometimes considered more vital than food.
• Urges the American public to keep writing letters to servicemen.

Quote:

“Morale overseas is spelled M-A-I-L. A Thanksgiving letter from you today... will make some soldier thankful and grateful.”
— Frederick March, [11:40]

5. Panama Broadcast: Yasha Heifetz for the Troops

[16:55-18:03]

• The show “switches to Panama,” where violin virtuoso Yasha Heifetz gives a stirring musical performance for the troops, showcasing the international reach of USO entertainment.
• Comic bit continues with Jack Benny believing his own violin solo is being played back to him.

6. Women of the USO: Kay Francis, Merle Oberon, Judith Anderson, and Others

[18:21-22:20]

• Kay Francis introduces a musical number lampooning the hardships and humor of touring with the USO (“Sunday, Monday, and Always”).
• Judith Anderson offers a serious, moving address to servicemen, assuring them of women’s support and prayers at home.

Quotes:

“War is violent and brutal. And perhaps some of you find it hard to believe there's still kindness... left in this world. But we women have not forgotten.”
— Judith Anderson, [21:08]

7. Guadalcanal Segment: Jackie Heller and Entertainers in the South Pacific

[22:38-25:41]

• Jackie Heller speaks from Guadalcanal, relaying stories from USO tours through Pacific islands.
• Discusses the value of laughter, connection, and morale for troops stationed far from home.

Quote:

“As long as there are troops to entertain, the sky’s the limit... For that hour and 20 minutes we’re singing and playing, we know we are giving them a little pleasure and enjoyment and bringing home a little closer.”
— Jackie Heller, [23:41]

8. Merle Oberon Tells of USO Tours in England

[25:49-28:22]

• Light-hearted exchange between Merle Oberon and Bob Hope about entertaining at British camps and making adjustments to British military protocol.
• Humor about shared experiences and the idiosyncrasies of Allied troops during the war.

Memorable Moment:

“You know you’re supposed to wear silk knee breeches when you appear before the King.”
— Merle Oberon, [26:40]

9. Comic Relief: Jerry Colonna’s Alaskan Antics

[28:22-30:54]

• Jerry Colonna brings zany energy, riffing about his experiences entertaining troops in Alaska—kissing a walrus, pretending he was a mounted policeman before birth, and more.
• Bit ends with Bob Hope directing the show to Washington, D.C.

10. Official Thanks from Rear Admiral Louis E. Denfeld

[30:54-33:14]

• Rear Admiral Denfeld expresses gratitude on behalf of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard for the USO and entertainers' morale-boosting efforts.
• Highlights the collaboration and sacrifices of the entire entertainment industry.

Quote:

“The entertainers and workers deserve the gratitude of the Navy, and it is my pleasure to extend to them… the thanks of every man and woman who wears the uniform...”
— Rear Admiral Louis E. Denfeld, [32:22]

11. Closing Salute: Recognizing More USO Entertainers

[33:14-end]

• More radio stars—including Andy Devine, Jimmy Burke, Jinx Falkenberg, and Faye MacKenzie—are acknowledged for their USO service and presented with “citations from headquarters.”
• The show underscores the unity, resilience, and unbreakable spirit of both troops and those entertaining them.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Morale overseas is spelled M-A-I-L.” — Frederick March, [11:40]
• “Sunday, Monday and always we wore GI boots and long drawers union suits…” — Kay Francis and company, [19:12]
• “You mean you cut me off the air?” — Jack Benny, [13:14]
• “As long as there are troops to entertain, the sky’s the limit.” — Jackie Heller, [23:41]
• “God bless you all.” — Judith Anderson’s heartfelt message to the servicemen, [22:20]

Overall Tone & Atmosphere

• Witty and Heartfelt: The humor is fast, clever, and laced with inside jokes between old radio pals, keeping spirits high throughout.
• Patriotic and Sincere: Frequent, sincere tributes underscore the gratitude of both entertainers and military officials to those in service, especially on Thanksgiving.
• Inclusive: Performers represent various corners of the entertainment world, from vaudeville comics to celebrated actresses, highlighting the unity of the wartime effort.
• Touching and Stirring: Messages about the importance of home, morale, and gratitude to servicemen and women recur, making the episode both moving and uplifting.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening Salute: [00:02]
• Hope and Benny Banter: [01:14–06:33]
• Jolson Sings: [07:04–09:47]
• Frederick March’s Message from Cairo: [09:54–12:24]
• Heifetz in Panama: [16:55–18:03]
• Women of the USO: [18:21–22:20]
• Guadalcanal Report: [22:38–25:41]
• Merle Oberon Segment: [25:49–28:22]
• Jerry Colonna Alaskan Comedy: [28:42–30:54]
• Rear Admiral Denfeld’s Thanks: [30:54–33:14]
• Final Salute to USO Entertainers: [33:14–end]

In Summary:
This episode of "Soldiers In Greasepaint" is a vibrant snapshot of wartime radio, blending comedy, music, and gratitude into a Thanksgiving letter to the troops—reminding listeners past and present of the healing power of laughter, music, and heartfelt words in difficult times.