Retro Radio Podcast

Join Keith for another installment of the Retro OTRDiary, and a return to the first season of Dragnet.

Joe Friday enters the crime lab for a dose of CSI... 1949 style. A lot of the practices still hold up in today's style of investigation. Can you spot areas where science has advanced? With the brutal murder as motivation, Joe heads out to find out who knew Helen, and who would want her dead.

Everyone loved Helen... right? The string of characters seem to lead no where. Back in the war room with Chief Backstrand, it's Joe who seems to be the emotional one, rather than the deep voiced chief. How is the investigation going so far? Frustrations are redirected as Joe and Ben hit the streets in their patrol car.

A call to respond to domestic violence turnso out to uncover a prime suspect. Is the man tied into the Helen Corday murder as well. With only circumstantial evidence to go on, HJoe turns up the heat in the interrogation room. The dramatic confession clenches the case for Joe Friday.

Exploring the family members in this complex family. Who are they, and how are they related to each other? This episode from 1949, som 18 years after the show has been on the air presents a road map in figuring it all out. Here's ,my own notes on this "One Mans Family".

A series from Carleton E Morse. Instead of his usual high adventure of world travelling heros, Carlton E Morse focuses on domestic drama and adventure.

Dedicated to the mothers and fathers of the younger generation, and their bewildering offspring.

Story arcs are seperated into books and chapters, with a segment of opening introduction words at the beginning of each book.

The Barber family. Located at Seacliff ranch, on San Fransisco Bay. The Sky ranch being Nick and Claudia's home, located down the road a few vblocks. 40 miles up the coast. Also the summer home of the clan.

Ken Carpenter. Announcer.
Original cast:
Pa Henry Barber. Retired stock and bond broker, staunch believer in family values, and owner of green thumb. Not so well with livestock. Provided a Puritanical, Victorian ethic based home.
Ma Fanny Barber. Henry's wife. Both she and Henry were last of their family lines when they got married.
Paul Barber. eldest Son of Fanny and Henry. Vet of WW1 as a flier, Married a Red Cross nurse while recovering from being shot down, and lost wife shortly after the war. Never remarried. Lives in the family town home alone since adopted daughter Teddy left to be an army nurse. Works at the airport, and sometimes special agent for the government. ?Deep, but sometimes brooding and aloof with family.
Clifford Barber. Twin to Claudia. Dad to Skippy. Married twice, and lost both wives. With twin Claudia, something of rebels for their generation. First wife Ann Waite, and mom to Skip, hated marriage and left him. Second wife, , Irene died at some point in the marriage. Had an accident in 1938 after his first wife left him, and before he knew about his son to be. In 1949 had a second accident, and woke from the coma thinking he was back in 1938. Regrets the lost years with his son, and forgetting Irene is his second wife.
Hazel (Barber) Murray. eldest Daughter of Ma and Pa Barber. Mother to twin boys, Pinky and Hank, and daughter Margret. Younger sister to Paul. Dan Murray is her second husband.
Jack Barber. son of Ma and Pa Barber. Married to Betty. Father to Elizabeth Sharon Ann, Janie, Mary Lou, and triplets: Abbie, Deborah, and Constance. Was secretly married in last year of law school. In the Army in real life, and in the Marines on the show during WW2. Left for service as second child was coming into the show. After the war became a lawyer.
Claudia (Barber) Lacey. Married to Nick Lacey, a Brittish man. daughter of Ma and Pa Barber. Mother to Joan, and two others. Twin to Cliff Barber. Mom to Penelope. With twin Cliff, something of a rebel for their generation, but settled down after being married. First husband was Johnny Roberts, died in airplane crash, Joan born after his death. Recieved inheritqance from first marriage.

Additional cast added over the years.
Betty Barber. Jack's wife. Mother to Elizabeth, and two other daughters. Later triplet girls.
Teddy (Laughton) Barber. adopted daughter of Paul Barber. In war years went to nurses school, and spent two post war years in Germany, and off the show. Coming back at least briefly early in 1948.
Irene Barber. second wife of Cliff. Mother of Skip. Died at some point of natural causes.
Dan Murray. Eventual husband of Hazel.
Nicolette. A secret agent on mission with Paul to locate a Red Cross nurse, Patricia Baldwin.
Nick Lacey. Brittish Husband of Claudia. Well off financially.

Grand Kids
Pinky. Son of Hazel. Twin of Hank. As a teenager, worked as a cook in a lumber camp in Northern California.
Hank. son of Hazel. Twin of Pinky.
Joan. daughter of Claudia. Something of a rebel, an emotional teen. Not knowing her real dad, is something of a emotional rival for mom, Claudia. Affectionate, but in need of father figure to love. As a teen, worked at the airport in town with her uncle Paul.
Margret. Hazel's daughter. Has her grandpa wrapped around her little finger.
Andy "Skippy" Barber. Son to Cliff and first wife Ann.

Distant Relative
Jeddiah X Barber. Eccentric cousin of the family. Endering, laughable, and irritating relative. Always calls Henry Barber, Hank, to his annoyance. Appearing at least for the winter shows around Christmas 1947. Played by Clarence Hartzel, and an excuse to bring uncle Fletcher over from the Vic and Sade show.

Bonus Track:
Ozzie Nelson 1931 Dream a Little Dream of Me.

Here's a complete story arc, and a farewell to Superman from the line up at the Retro Radio Podcast... at least for now. Enjoy the story, and enjoy the bonus snippets in between.

420227. On a train ride back to Metropolis, Perry White sends a telegram to have Lois return home. Meanwhile, Clark and Jimmy are sent on a wild goose chase.

At the lonely and deserted house, Clark realizes too late that somebody wants Lois seperated from them on purpose. Sending Jimmy on his way back to the train depot, Clark Kent springs into action as Superman to fly back to the train,.

What will he find there? A surprised porter, and an empty room on the train. Back in Metropolis, Clark learns there have been no telegrams at all. What do the fake messages mean?

420302. Lois has come up missing from her train, but can Clark trust her phone call that claimed that she was fine? In the office of the Daily Planet, Perry White and Clark worry over the situation. Why does Lois need $20K, and why does she need it before noon?

Perry White sends for the cash, and prepares to go to the address in question. Clark Kent is left behind to agonize over the mystery. Will he learn who lives at the address?

The deadline arrives, and Clark is ready to take down the story of the century. Perry phones in only to ask for another $20K. Why does he need the money, and what is the story that Lois has uncovered?

420304. Lois has been missing from a train, then phones in that she's OK, but needs money. Perry goes to deliver the money, and ask for more. Clark thinks there's something fishy going on, and plans to take matters into his hands without any extra money. A cab ride finds him at the mysterious address.

What strange things will Clark uncover? Where did Perry White disappear to now? Should Jimmy bring the cash? What about Lois, is she there with Perry as well?

Taking a cab back to the daily Planet, Clark

Darwin is the old cashier for the newspaper, and headds out with the money. Clark still thinks the story is suspicious, and is even more baffled to see Lois Lane walking back into the office.

420306. A string of fake messages find Clark in the middle of a mystery. Lois has returned after her disappearance. she claims to have come straight to the office. Is she on to Clark's alter ego as Superman?

Clark feels that he's going out of his mind in keeping all the details straight. Will he find out any clues at that theatrical boording house? A return trip to the bording house turns up a psychologist, who thinks Clark could use a few good treatments.

Back to the Daily Planet as Superman! Clark encounters Lois, who has changed her story once again, has she been kidnapped or not?

420309. In the Daily Planet, Clark tries to make sense of the conflicting tales that Lois Lane has told over the past 2 days. Has she been held for ransom or not? What has happened to Perry ?White?

On the way back to the bording house, Lois goes along to confirm that it is where she was held. Perry White is on hand, but Lois is now missing. Is Clark going crazy?

The situation keeps changing, people disappearing and reappearing. The doc is back, and insists on doing a psychological exam. At the last moment, the real surprise is sprung.

Bonus Tracks:
Various snippets of what Keith has been listening to lately.
Bits from One Man's Family featuring Clarence Hartzel,
Shirley Temple: On the Good Ship Lollipop, Come and Get Your Happiness, Oh My Goodness.
Some descriptive language from Philip Marlowe.

Judy opens with a song, Sun in the Morning and the Moon at Night. She has just returned from an 8 week vacation, and tells aunt Aggie all about her trip. What has been happening back at Cactus Junction? Judy and aunt Aggie flashback to buying her train tickets from Joe Kearns. Geranium pops in for the weekly dose of fat jokes. Judy's boyfriend, Benchley, comes over for a little romance. Followed by Pedro to talk into Judy's face about his own girlfriend. He tells about having fun on the beach. Will Benchley ever get in a little necking?

The Sportsmen join Judy in a special arrangement of, Three Blind Mice. Settling into her house in Brentwood, Judy and Geranium talk dieting and beauty tips. Mel Blanc is the annoying travelling salesman, Roscoe W Gates, and tells about his Summer excursion to the zoo. Why is he always exaggerating? Going into flashback to her childhood, we take a peak at the lazy life in Cactus Junction with Ma and Pa Canova. Their mishaps are interrupted by a visit from Lukie.

To wrap up, Judy is joined by the Sportsmen to sing, I Don't Know Why I Love You Like I Do.

Bonus Trqack:
Ripley's Believe It or Not - Marriage Racket.

A classic from Jack Benny, and another classic early episode from our first season.

For a change, Jack introduces Don Wilson, who is celebrating his 15th year in radio,. How did he happen to get into radio? Phil tells about his own start in radio in a hillbillie band. Mary has a letter from her mom with neews to include weddings, relatives with crqazy jobs, and more. Begi Kehnny Baker sings, Begin the Beguine.

Kenny, Phil, and Mary crack jokes about trouble in doing their income tax. Jack turns the topic back to honoring Don's anniversary in radio, marvelling at his delivery of the commercial. Will Jack do a play of the Life of Don Wilson? What about the Life of Fred Allen? How about just a few wisecrack about Fred before Rochester phones in with a problem with Carmichael the Polar Bear. The band plays a bit of jazzy travelling music, as Jack rushes home with Kenny and Mary.

On the way home, Jack is pulled over for running a red light. Will Mary and Kennys comments get Jack into deeper trouble? At home, Mary is shocked to see a sign advertising payment to see the polar bear. It seems to be Rochesters doing, not Jack's How's the sick little baby doing? Though the razor toting Rochester is fearful, Jack dotes on his exotic pet. Carmichael isn't so cooperative as Jack tries to give him his medicine.

Bonus Track:
Joe Bushkin Trio 1940 Mean To Me.mp3

Arizona Pete has escaped prson, and is on the loose. Meanwhile, old Ezra Holton and his wife Millie, have spent their lives prospecting, but with no luck. Should he give it up, and put his hand to farming instead? A civilized life is lookingf good to Millie.

In town, Pete teams up with Logan, a crooked assayer to pull a fast one on Ezra. Will they be able to jump the claim to Holton's gold? They claim they own the land that Ezra is prospecting.

Taken prisoner by Logan, Pete relaxes in the shanty, until a masked man shows up.

Millie has reconnected with Ezra, but can they convince the sheriff the truth about the claim jumpers? The robbers seem to have built up their camp ite to meet the minimum requirements of a claim. Will Ezra end up hanging as a claim jumper instead? At the critidal moment, that masked man rides in like the blazes to break it up. But wait... he kicks the lid off the true identity of Arizona Pete, and points out proof that Ezra is telling the truth. Who was that masked man?

Bonus Track:
The complete, William Tell Overture, by Rossini. Run time of about 12 minutes.

Sade is upset at Vic, and the crazy things the folks at the lodge keep trying to sell him through the catalog. Is she just suffering from a foolish dillusion? Vic manages to distract her with gossip about people in town with things stuck in their teeth.

Rush makes a crashing entrance, and talks about his friend, Bluetooth Johnson, wanting to leave his brain to science. Sade returns to the topic that has her upset, and out of sorts. Can Rush offer anything to lighten the mood?

Vic claims that the lodge mail isn't intended to b opened and red. He even admits that everybody in an organization isn't always reputable. Still, Sade complains about the weird products, and the sky high prices.

What's the deal with lodge member, San Fleet? His tattoos amaze Rush. He has all the personal information for his resume, or bio, permanently listed on his body. What if he should ever move, or change jobs, or turn another year older? Rush goes on to arvel at some of the catalog offerings, statues of lodge founder RJ Conk, and more. It's too much for Vic, and as he retires with hurt feelings, Rush and Sade laugh about the crazy catalog.

Bonus Tracks:
Abbott and Costello, and the Fur Tree (1942).
Pat Buttram cooks dinner at Gene Autry's Melody Ranch.
Connie Haines - 1943 You Gotta Talk Me Into It Baby.

In a loftty hall in a museum at night, the night watchman is distracted by a phone call. Who is the dark figure who breaks in, and what does he want? What happened to the watchman who seems to have vanished into thin air? Mr District Attorney is on the scene to ggather the details, and investigate the mtter.

Valuable paintings are at stake, and a previous attempt may be important. As clues emerge, the District Attorney thinks professional crime at the International level is at work. Has anything actually been stolen? Has anybody actually been murdered?

Though a trap is set for the International thieves, they get away the miniature painting.
Hope is not lost, since the crooks need to get out of the country with it. Will the District Attorney turn up any accomplices that he can put on the pressure?

In a final scene, the District Attorney tells all. The clues and lies that led to the criminal behind the case.

Bonus Track:
None today, just Keith giving some background about how thiws episode came to be on the early podcast. Also check out the new podcast network at podcast.heltsley.net. It kicks off with a new family and marriage podcast featuring Keith and Robin. Listen, and send an email to say how much you enjoy it.

Opening with the words prophecied by Isaiah, "For unto us a Son is given..." the narative of this presentation is largley taken from the bible. With a certain amount of artistic licence, both Mary, and Joseph recieve visits from an angel. Will they realize the weight and importance of the child who is to be born.

A decree to be registered for taxes, sends the pair on their way to their tribal homeland. With the rush on the small town of Bethlehem, only a stable can be found to spend the night. The strain of the 75 mile journey has taken a toll, and Mary expects her baby tonight.

Elsewhere, shepherds watch their flocks on the silent night. Suddenly, angels announce the birth of the Messiah, the savior of the world. What else can they do? The shepherds rush to Bethlehem to see the baby for themselves.

But wait... there's more. Traveling wisemen are guided by a star, and seek directions from king Herod. Can the king be trusted? Will he see the birth as a threat to his kingdom? An angelic intervention sends the wisemen back home by a different route.First, they make their visit, and present their gifts.

A final angelic message warns Joseph of danger, and to take his family and flee to Egypt. Herod proves his treachery when he orders the mass killing of boys who are under the qage of 2. Only when it was safe, the young family return to their home in Nazareth. Hope and happiness fills the homecoming, and yet more prophecy is fulfilled. How will Jesus life end up? Only in fulfilling the purpose that God had for him.

Bonus Tracks:
Dennis Day, the title track from his album: Christmas is for the Family. Includes a guest appearance by Jack Benny.
Dennis Day - Medley: O Come All Ye Faithful, Noel, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Jack Benny returns for a parting word.

Trivia: A typical presentation of the Christmas story, like this one, seems to put all the players n the story at the scene of the manger all at once. From the account in Luke chapter 2, we know the shepherds indeed make their appearance at that time. However, the wisemen, as mentioned in Matthew's account happened at a later time.

Why is this so?

The account in Matthew states they found the baby in a house. Joseph and Mary had time to move on from the manger scene. Also, Herod wanted to kill boys who were age 2 and under. It could have been very likely it took the wisemen that long to travel after the star, and he wanted to make sure he covered his bases in wiping out his potential rival.

Were there 3 wisemen? It doesn't say, and it doesn't name them. Only that 3 gifts were given, the rest is based in tradition.

Judge Hooker enters the Gildersleeves home with Mr Wilson, and want Gildy to join the CGA, the Clean Government Association. They want Gildy to help with a clean up plan at the city jail The plan is to have a member arrested on a simple charge, and report on the happenings at the jail from the inside. After a heated discussion, Gildy agrees, and plans to get arrested by arguing with a cop.

First, Gildersleeves dresses the part of a low life riffraff. The family, especially Leroy and Marjorie get in on the fun. They may be even more enthusiastic than Gildy is at the role playing. Who knew it could be so hard to get arrested? Instead of being bad, just try being good.

Now that Gildersleeves is on the inside, how easy will it be for him to break out? Will Judge Hooker and Wilson keep their word and get him out? Maybe Birdie can bring him a little something to get him out?

Deliverance comes, and its just as well since he doesn’t want to get onboard with the social life behind bars. In a final moment Gildy learns about a slight mix up, and the end of the corruption at the city jail.

Check out the uncut episode here: Great Gildersleeve - Investigates the City Jail 41-10-05

Phil and Elliot goe through the mail, with an eye at starting the New Year on the right foot. How did Phil do at keeping his resolutions from last year? Alice reads from his list, and it's left to the listener to decide how well he did. Will Phil do better at sticking to a diet this year?

Trying his new resolve to eat better, Phil heads to a healthy restaurant with Elliot.
The ruffage at the health food place is more than Phil bargained for, and he writes about his first day without booze, cigarettes, nd eating righ in his diaryt To his credit, Phil manages to stick it out for a couple weeks.

Having a hard time dealing with his self imposed prison, and kids who flaunt their sticky, chocolaty treats in front of him, Phil keeps making his diary entries. His lonely ordeal is interupted when Julius visits. The kid mistakes Phil's cheating on his diet for cheating on Alice. Fortunately for Phil, Alice has some good news for him that could make his suffering worth it.

Bonus Track:
None today, Keith tries a different type of format for the show. Hope you enjoy it.

In the first season of the Retro Original podcast installments, this is the first one where Keith took over the mike to give the Retrobots a break. The recording quality is pretty low resolution, and then there's the matter of dealing with booby traps that the time machine left, but the main focus is this classic episode from Jack Benny.

In his home, Jack is joined by Mary Livingston and Rochester to trim the tree. Kenny Baker pops in with a present for Jack. The decorations keep going up, and the door bell keeps being ignored by Rochester. Telegrams soon roll in to announce that celebrities will be bowing out of the party. Kenny sings a medley of Christmas carols, including Away in the Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful, and others.

Don Wilson arrives with Barbara Whitney, a ficticious girlfriend of Jack's, and the telegram rejections keep coming. Its time for refreshments, and Jack sneaks away to arrange a visit from Andy Devine as Santa Claus. The gang gets set to dance as the orchestra fires up a snappty tune.

Phil Harris arrives with his date, Joan Bennet, a matter that surprises Jack. He had been hoping to show Phil up with his date. Joan had been a vco-star with Jack in the film, Artists and Models. Rochester has some troubles in the kitchen with vooking the turkey, so Jack tries to turn the party towards kissing under the mistletoe. . Will Jack's surprise visit from Santa go down as planned?

Bonus Track:
None today.

The Bartons are the victims of a high class scam. Valuable diamonds are stolen... or are they? A set of fake diamonds were what was actually taken, but Lamonte Cranston worries the burglars could return once they discover the mix up.

Young Skippy helps Lamonte in his investigation, but before much more time goes by, Lamonte has been poisoned, and falls dead. Has the Shadow been defeated? Nah, it's just one of his mysterious mind tricks.

Get ready for a twist in the story. The real thief is revealed, but his elaborate plans don't account for everything, and the get away is cut short. Listen in for Lamontes explanation of how he solved the crine.

Bonus Track:
Harry James and The Music Makers Orchestra 1944 Vocalist: kitty Kalen - I'll Walk Alone

The old Retrobots do a good job at introducing this episode.

Connie laughs in the face of Friday the 13th. At least until she rolls us into a flashback, and Mrs Davis bringing home 2 black kittens. Mr Michaels, the superintendant, is to visit, and the stress has given Mr Conklin a case of hiccups. Will the remedy that Mrs Davis created be the cure he needs? On the way to school, Connie learns of a prank that Walter Denton has planned for Mr Conklin. His secret is safe with her.

Elsewhere, we learn that the prank is getting traction. Literature has been sent to the superintendant to imply that Conklin of having a drinking habit that he's trying to break. The set up for an interesting has begun.

Popping into Boyntons biology lab, Connie checks on the kittens that didn't quite make it to the pet shop. Stretch Snodgras arrives to add to the animal loving fun. Kittens, mice, snakes, frogs, and the task of cleaning Conklins office. Even without the hiccups, I feel a major mix up in the works.

All Conklin cares about is his clean office, but get ready for some slow burning fun when... It's a cat! Just wait until the other critters show up. How much worse can Conklin's day get? A bump on the head to give him double vision, and make him a little dizzy. Now its time for a visit from the visiting dignitaries to witness a hiccuping, dizzy, double visioned, animal seeing mess of a man. He's not a drunk at all... is he.

Will Connie stay loyal, and keep her secret about Walter's prank? Stay tuned for a closing word from Miss Brooks to tell how the day worked out.

Bonus Track:
None today.

Harry Johnson is a man who has a burning desire to learn if there's anything in the world that isn't man made. In this modern world, there's no nature as we know it. The city extends on for as far as you care to go.

Where will his quest take him? Will people on the street understand the search for reality? In his air car, he cruises until the city fades into smaller buildings.

Outside the city, Harry is amazed to see the first grass in his life. A park with birds, and even the air seemed different. His quest for nature seems satisfied. Reveling in the sensory overload, Harry wonders who tends the garden. How does the aging, solitary gardener keep it all in shape? Robots.

Will Harry find nature so natural? Secrets burst forth about the garden. With a world of robots that are human looking its hard to tell who Harry can trust, but there's one ultimate lie that Harry has to deal with. fs

Bonus Track:
Hughie Piano Smith, And The Clowns - Rocking Pneumonia, And the Boogie Woogie Flu

Red is on cloud 9 after finally being able to rent a house. It may not be one of those big Hollywood homes, but it offers plenty of laughs as Red describes the place. Anita Ellis joins the fun, as she teases Red about his small house, and critters in the neighborhood. Anita Ellis sings, Day by Day.

Skelton Scrapbook of Satire: War Brides. J Newton Numskull and his war bride, a former WAC, go to visit her parents for the first time. What kind of impression will Newton make on the butler, and the high society family in the mansion:? Verna Felton is Newton's new mother in law. The David Forester Orchestra plays, Embraceable you

The next chapter from the Skelton Scrapbook: It Pays Dividends. Junior the mean little kid needs to make a good impression on a rich relative. First he may need to survive a whipping from his grandma, Verna Felton. The rich uncle knows just what a boy like Junior needs, but that could be a dangerous proposition... for grandma. Temptation is too great, and Junior pranks his uncle by snipping off his lush beard.

Bonus Track:
Connie Haines 1945 I'll Buy that Dream

Cruising through space, Commander Correy and his sidekick, Cadet Happy, are on the case to locate missing industrial documents. In headquarters of Space Patrol, Correy gathers the details of the missing papers, and electronic parts, then is on his way. But is this a wild goose chase to get him out of the area for a while? By the time he reaches Mars, Mr Ames isn't around, and Mr Snead isn't helpful. Unaware of the real danger of the conspiracy with Tyrana, our heros get a thump on the head, and rocketed into space to keep them out of the picture.

Headed to the moons of Saturn, Snead meets up with his other conspirators. Elsewhere, Correy and Happy have managed to read between the lines in the clues they were given. Is there any chance of stopping Snead? Who is Anson Zorba? Correy finds out, along with the espionage, and robbery of cargo that'll be useful to the attack force.

The spies pull a fast one, and give Correy the slip. Still, he and Cadet Happy are soon on their trail, hoping to be led to the rest of the spies. But with all the turn overs of who's in control, and who's a prisoner, you can count on plenty of flip flopping as one side escapes and is recaptured by the other. How will Commander Correy pull this one off and save the day? Stay tuned right to the suspenseful conclusion.

Bonus Track:
Tony Martin 1954 My Mama Done Told Me.

After being announced, Jack tries to tell about the big party he just threw. Phil and Mary complain about having bad dreams after eating Jack's party hot dogs. Listen in for more party mishaps. The cast may poke fun at Jack's new house, but he gets in a jab at Mary's crazy hat style. Kenny Baker gets in a few jokes on the topic of Jack's house, and party, then he sings, If I Loved You More.

The play is a bit long, so Jack gets it started. It's a spoof of a movie that featured Robert Taylor and Maurene Sullivan. Jack plays a prize fighter who battles his way to the top. Don is the fight announcer, and Phil is Jack's manager. Of course, Mary is his girlfriend. Phil plays, FDR Jones.

Rolling the clock back, we find 6 year old Jack practicing his violin. Can he convince his dad to let him become a prizefighter? Time marches on, but will Jack make his dad proud? Tossing aside his violin, Killer Benny starts his training with Curly Harris. Fights are lined up, but Mary only wants Jack to quit before he gets hurt.

The big fight comes with Kenny Assassin Baker. Don provides the color commentary as Jack does his best to roll with the punches. Will he retire after the fight? Will Jack return to the farm?

Note: Maxie Rosenbloom aka Slapsie Maxie, mentioned in Kenny's dream was a heavy weight boxer at the time. In later years he made a somewhat successful career as an entertainer.

Bonus Track:
No music, just Keith with a brief discussion about Jack Benny he had with his son, Chris.

PS: Listen to this episode without the added comments here: Jack Benny – The Crowd Roars. 381106.

Early in the month the Retro Radio Podcast went on the road. The trip gave me the opportunity to have a discussion with special guest. Actually 2 if you count the 2 week old baby in the room who wanted to get in her 2 cents worth.

We cover the topics of Jimmy Olsen getting in trouble, and needing help that only Superman can give. Also the lame excuses that Clark often gives to cover up his secret identity, or explain the amazing feats that a normal person shouldn't be able to do.

The Summer story arc took advantage of it's appeal to young listeners, and teach them a thing or two about the great natural resources in America.

Keith reviews some connecting points from the previous story arc that led to this one. Then the likely direction the abrupt ending might lead. And what about those quick changes that Clark Kent makes back and forth to Superman? Deep in the woods, and with fractions of a second to make his changes. Clarks lame excuses seem endles. Bent up rifle barrels, and inaffective bear traps are just two examples.

Feel like joining in on a discussion? Send me an em ail! I may not be able to travel to you, but we can connect on Skype, in a chat room, or just over the phone. Don't forget, your emails, or messages made with my new SpeakPipe widget can also be used in an upcoming podcast.

Joe Friday is bombarded by matchmaking co-workers, Fred Lindsay and Ben Romero. His voiceover transitions to business. On the homacide scene the victim is Lindsay from auto theft division. The barkeeper tells all he knows in a flashback drama. A bartender does the same, a flashback from his perspective. We learn how the cop at the bar makes his move to make a stand. Voiceover interspersed with action tells the story.

The always dramatic, Chief Backstrand wants the 2 bit punks to not see another sunrise. Meanwhile, Joe has to tell Lindsay's wife the bad news. Back at homacide, Ed Backstrand has the plan all mapped out, and revieews details in the war room. The chief has his Heavily armed men, going in after these punks, and with not much time until sunset.

Loaded for bear, Joe gives details of the paramilitary operation. Cops are all chomping at the bit to get the cop killers. With the chief leading the way, they evacuate the building. The signal is given that it's all clear in the building, and even the whole block. It's Backstrands show from here on.

Action explodes in one of the most dramatic shootouts in Dragnet history. Tommy guns, tear gas, and crooks who fight to the last man before being taken alive.. Did their standoff manage to see another sunrise, as Backstrand wanted? Listen in to get the final word from Joe Friday and Ben Romero.

Looking at the first appearances of both comedians, we see their flair for dry humor, and using topics in the headlines. Easy to do, but often it doesn't hold up well over time. Not without the growing need to be a history buff.

Jack Paar used some of his own innovative ideas, such as his bits where we get a glimpse into what the characters are really thinking. A couple snippets of his first guest star, Dennis Day demonstrate this.

Both comedians worked with sketch humor. I didn't showcase any of Jack Benny's, he moved away from topical humor, and the sketches and spoofs were what he had become most known for by this time. Instead, a sketch of a Western is demonstrated. It might also be compared to early Buck Benny installments, the use of the horse in a take of of a bit done by Mel Blanc as Jack Benny's horse. Still, Paar is a little more edgy in some inuendo that Benny isn't likely to have touched.

It's not a super detailed side by side comparrison. I wanted to include some listener comments, and observations, and stick to just the minimal. Thanks to those who offered insights, and it's not too late to add yours. I have a commentting system. I'd love to do a sequel on this topic if it's something you want to hear about.

Before getting started, Keith shares a story about how, in a later interview, William Conrad tells of an autograph seeker and fan of Gunsmoke. The obliging voice actor stopped on his way inside the studio to talk to the man, but the man went away disappointed. In the studio, he told his fellow actors, and the production ccrew what just happened to him. What was it that the voice actor couldn't help the fan out with?

Though the show dealt with serious topics, moral dihlemma's, rough justice, and the like, it wasn't withot comic relief. Doc Adams often was critical of the medicine shows that rolled to town from time to time. However, he was also a man of science, and he has a little fun with a demonstration of that technology.

When trouble came to town, Matt was alerted by his friends. Sometimes it was Chester, but among other merits, Miss Kitty could always be trusted to alert him when something suspicious was going down.

It happens often in old movies. There's a catch phrase that one of the players in the film says that is used as the title of the movie. It doesn't happen very often at all in the realm of radio shows. But that's what happens to get the title of this episode.

Of course, Matt goes to confront the bad guy to call him out. He usually hopes the tough guy will take a word to the wise, stop doing what he's doing, and back down. It seldom works that way, but Matt isn't opposed to using his hands rather than his pistols, when he needs to.

When the tough guy doesn't take the message, 6 gun justice has to be applied. Normally it's Matt who has to act hard and fast. Sometimes its a force of nature. Then again, sometimes a more subtle approach slips past Matt to right the wrongs, and solve a problem.

Leters from Listeners

The Retrobots join in to share a few brief words from listeners, gleaned from emails, and Facebook entries.

It's a typical day in the gook home, and rush tries to relay a telephone message to Vic. The mysterious phone call is about 5 men from Maine who are friends with Mr McDempsey from Oregon.

How did they hear about vic? Are they lodge members, or workers for the Consolodated kitchenware Company? Sade may have an opinion that probably nails it. Jimbo Mason talks more about it.

Crazy names are a feature from Paul Rimer, and Vic has plenty of his crazy names for Rush. Even in recounting a quip from 3rd Lt Stanely, rush gets a new name. We also are privileged with a word from PQ Rivers, who shares his Insights, and observations on crazy names. Special thanks to PK Rivers for the contribution.

Even when the phone isn't ringing, Rush has to give the graphic details that went down when he answered the call. It's just not helpful in solving the mystery. As a distraction to the issue at hand, Sade has her own absurd incident to share.

Her opinion of the men from Maine aren't as as shady as the idea that rush has is it?

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