Show #41 - Escape and Frontier Gentleman

This week on the Old Time Radio Express we explore great radio dramatic writing.  The first is an adaptation of an Arthur Conan Doyle tale that even the most ardent Conan Doyle fans may not be aware of.  The second is an original tale from the pen of Antony Ellis, a veteran radio man.

In addition to stellar writing, both shows take us back in time, as Escape's production of the Conan Doyle tale is set in England of about a century ago, and the Frontier Gentleman series is set in the Wild West of our America.

Interestingly enough, the lead in the Escape program we have for you tonight auditioned for, and almost won, the role of J.B. Kendall, main character in Frontier Gentleman - a role that ended up going to John Dehner.  As it is, Dehner has a small role on the Escape program. 

As it is, Dehner is credited with some 850+ radio appearances, and Wright some 650+.  Both pretty impressive resumes. 

So not only do you get good writing, but some darn good acting today...enjoy....

The Abbott and Costello Show and The Bickersons

“C, A-M, E-L, S” Yes, that spells CAMELS, which sponsored the Abbott and Costello Show, which we have for you tonight on the OTR Express.  Enjoy the old commercials - but not too much - we don't want you to blame old time radio for a new bad habit.

Listening to cigarette commercials - which many have never heard live - is certainly an experience.  Maybe you don't realize it when you're in the moment, but marketing for products seems so...well...made up.  The makers of Camel Cigarettes invented the "T-Zone", and all of a sudden, smokers were buying cartons of Camels because of "T for taste" and "T for throat".

Between commercials, there's a nice Abbott and Costello Show that you should find enjoyable.  It's perfect light and mindless summer entertainment.

And then at the end of the show we switch from male comedy duo to a male-female comedy duo, with the battlin' Bickersons, with another classic routine.

Two completely different types of comedy shows, but both marked by great writing and better comedic timing. 

AFRS workaround







Wartime theme- think about old shirts and Walmart culture

Adventures by Morse - Conclusion to "A Coffin For the Lady"

We end the suspense this week on The OTR Express with the concluding chapter of ‘‘A Coffin for the Lady’’ on Adventures by Morse. We end the suspense this week on The OTR Express with the concluding chapter of “A Coffin for the Lady” on Adventures by Morse. What nefarious plot is Obbit up to? Can Captain Friday stop it? How does Judith Wright fit into all of this?

All those questions are answered in the first half of the show this week – yes, we’re nice enough to not keep you in suspense for the whole hour.

But you’ll want to stick around for our second offering – it’s a bit of forgotten, but inspiring American history.