Radio Theater (AFRTS)

The Armed Forces Radio and Television Service issued the Lux Radio Theatre version of It’s a Wonderful Life in 1970 (RU 7-1). The Lux version had been broadcast March 10, 1947. The show was spread over the A-sides of two 12-inch, 33 1/3/ RPM discs (66A and 67A). That way, using two turntables, the show…

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The Singing Film Critic – Vertigo

The Singing Film Critic is singer-songwriter Matt Farley. In 2011, he released the digital only album, 64 Movie Review Songs on his own Motern Media label. The sixth song is Vertigo, in which he reviews the Alfred Hitchcock film starring Stewart and Kim Novak. His singing review is a good one, but he does have…

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Jimmy, Bing Crosby and Fran Warren Sing Mississippi Mud

When Jimmy Stewart guested on Bing Crosby’s radio show on March 19, 1952, he, Bing and Fran Warren sang a short rendition of Mississippi Mud (Harry Barris/James Cavanaugh). This was edited from the show and released on several Bing Crosby compilation albums. The entire segment lasts only 51-seconds and begins with Jimmy saying, “Hey Bing…Bing…What……

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Call Northside 777 (Digital)

In 2008, Saland Publishing issued a digital only copy of the Screen Directors’ Playhouse production of Call Northside 777, which had originally been broadcast on December 9, 1949. It is available for download and streaming on most of the usually online sites…

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AMC Movies to Go – Destry Rides Again

In 1999, AMC Movies to Go issued the 2-cassette set, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon/Destry Rides Again (AMC 51498). Destry Rides Again is the Lux Radio Theatre production, starring Stewart and Joan Blondell, which was originally broadcast on November 5, 1945. John Wayne, who starred in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, towered over Jimmy on…

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The Death Valley 49ers

On December 3, 1949, a Death Valley Centennial celebration was held in Desolation Canyon, Death Valley, CA. As part of the celebration, a pageant titled “The Death Valley ‘49ers” was presented. The program was narrated by Jimmy Stewart and featured many actors as voices of the pioneers – Gail Russell, Anne Revere, Guy Madison, Parley…

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The Big Sound – Who Am I?

If you haven’t read any of the other The Big Sound blogs, let me begin by telling you that this was a series of 12-inch, 33 1/3/ RPM records issued to participating radio stations in the early 1960’s. Each disc featured short spots delivered by film, TV, music and sports celebrities, which the station could…

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