On This Day, August 31: Crime Doctor and Apollo 11
Also featured: Al Jolson Shell Chateau.
August 31 Update
This report documents the historical provenance, broadcast scheduling, commercial sponsorship, credited cast, production personnel, alternate circulating titles, serialized biblical study metadata, and pure narrative synopses for broadcasts transmitting on August 31 across psychiatric criminal investigations, historic lunar landing scientific reviews, legendary variety hours, station dedications, and religious literary education, Ray Collins and John McIntire as Max Marcin's Crime Doctor for Philip Morris (1941, 1947), NBC News covering Apollo 11 post-mission lunar analysis (1969), Al Jolson and Boris Karloff launching Shell Chateau (1935), WKBF Indianapolis dedication (1933), and The Words We Live By (1933–1969):
1. Broadcasts
| Title | Network, Airdate & Showtime | Sponsor & Commercial Ads | Credited Cast & Performers | Director, Writers & Crew | Genres & Serial Arc | Story Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Literature of the Bible (Part 9) with NBC Radio" | NBC (WRCA) 1958-08-31 1:30 PM EDT |
Sustaining Literary Education |
Dramatic Ensemble | Dr. Samuel Terrien | ["Religion", "Education", "Bible", "The Words We Live By", "NBC"]Arc: Great Words in Literature of the Bible (Part 9) |
Scholars explore poetic imagery and moral themes in the Book of Psalms and prophetic Old Testament passages. |
| "Apollo 11 Post-Mission Analysis with NBC News Special" | NBC Radio 1969-08-31 8:00 PM EDT |
Sustaining Space Special Report |
Chet Huntley, Brinkley | NBC News Division | ["News", "Space", "Apollo 11", "NBC News", "NASA"] |
NBC correspondents and lunar geologists examine initial laboratory findings and rock samples returned from Tranquility Base. |
| "Indianapolis Inaugural Broadcast with WKBF Ensemble" | WKBF Indianapolis 1933-08-31 8:00 PM CST |
Indianapolis Broad. Transmitter Launch |
WKBF Studio Orchestra | WKBF Engineering | ["History", "Dedication", "Music", "WKBF", "Indianapolis"] |
Indiana civic officials and studio musicians inaugurate new high-power transmitter facilities with classical selections and speeches. |
| "Shell Chateau Premiere with Boris Karloff and Victor Young" | NBC Red (WEAF) 1935-08-31 9:30 PM EDST |
Shell Oil Co. Super-Charged Shell |
Al Jolson, Karloff | Victor Young Orchestra | ["Variety", "Comedy", "Music", "Al Jolson", "Boris Karloff", "Shell"] |
Al Jolson performs minstrel standards and trades banter with horror star Boris Karloff on the opening edition of Shell Chateau. |
| "The Case of the Reluctant Arsonist with Ray Collins" | CBS (WABC) 1941-08-31 8:30 PM EDST |
Philip Morris Philip Morris Cigarettes |
Ray Collins, Sloane | Max Marcin (Creator) | ["Detective", "Psychological", "Mystery", "Crime Doctor", "Philip Morris"] |
Dr. Benjamin Ordway evaluates a convicted arsonist's parole application and uncovers an organized insurance arson syndicate. |
| "The Case of the Counterfeit Heir with John McIntire" | CBS (WCBS) 1947-08-31 8:30 PM EDT |
Philip Morris Philip Morris Cigarettes |
John McIntire, Gregg | Max Marcin (Creator) | ["Detective", "Psychological", "Mystery", "Crime Doctor", "Philip Morris"] |
Dr. Ordway uses psychiatric forensic testing to expose an imposter attempting to claim a deceased timber magnate's estate. |