On This Day, September 5: Johnny Mercer and Edgar Bergen
Also featured: Guest Star.
September 5 Update
This report documents the historical provenance, broadcast scheduling, commercial sponsorship, credited cast, production personnel, alternate circulating titles, and pure narrative synopses for broadcasts transmitting on September 5 across Johnny Mercer & Jo Stafford swinging on Johnny Mercer's Music Shop for Armed Forces Radio, Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy sparring with guests Fibber McGee and Molly (1937) and film star Jean Arthur (1943) for Chase and Sanborn Coffee, and Treasury musical broadcasts on Guest Star featuring Nancy Donovan, Walter Pidgeon, and Connie Francis, Johnny Mercer (1944), Edgar Bergen (1937–1943), and Connie Francis (1948–1965):
1. Broadcasts
| Title | Network, Airdate & Showtime | Sponsor & Commercial Ads | Credited Cast & Performers | Director, Writers & Crew | Genres | Story Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Johnny Mercer's Music Shop with Jo Stafford" | AFRS Network 1944-09-05 |
War Department Armed Forces Radio |
Johnny Mercer & Stafford | Paul Weston and Orch. | ["Music", "Variety", "AFRS", "Johnny Mercer", "Jo Stafford"] |
Johnny Mercer hosts an energetic musical jam session for overseas troops featuring swinging jazz arrangements, witty lyrical banter, and Jo Stafford vocals. |
| "Guests Fibber McGee and Molly with Edgar Bergen" | NBC Red (WEAF) 1937-09-05 8:00 PM EDST |
Standard Brands Chase & Sanborn Coffee |
Bergen, McCarthy & Jordans | Dorothy Lamour & Orch. | ["Comedy", "Variety", "Chase and Sanborn", "Edgar Bergen", "Fibber McGee and Molly"] |
Conflict escalates at the studio when Fibber McGee tries to teach Charlie McCarthy how to build a collapsible hall closet, sparking chaotic verbal trades. |
| "Guest Jean Arthur with Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy" | NBC (WEAF) 1943-09-05 8:00 PM EWT |
Standard Brands Chase & Sanborn Coffee |
Bergen, McCarthy & Arthur | Ray Noble and Orch. | ["Comedy", "Variety", "Chase and Sanborn", "Edgar Bergen", "Jean Arthur"] |
Film star Jean Arthur visits Charlie McCarthy, who attempts to woo her with absurd romantic poetry before Mortimer Snerd offers marriage advice. |
| "Guest Nancy Donovan and Skitch Henderson" | U.S. Treasury Synd. 1948-09-05 |
U.S. Treasury Dept. U.S. Savings Bonds |
Donovan & Henderson | Treasury Music Staff | ["Music", "Vocal", "Guest Star", "Nancy Donovan", "US Treasury"] |
Vocalist Nancy Donovan sings Why Was I Born and popular standards with Skitch Henderson's orchestra in support of the Treasury savings drive. |
| "Blood Is Thicker Than Water with Walter Pidgeon" | U.S. Treasury Synd. 1954-09-05 |
U.S. Treasury Dept. U.S. Savings Bonds |
Walter Pidgeon & Troupe | Treasury Dramatic Staff | ["Drama", "Anthology", "Guest Star", "Walter Pidgeon", "US Treasury"] |
Hollywood actor Walter Pidgeon stars in a touching domestic drama illustrating how family thrift and savings bond purchases secure educational dreams. |
| "Musical Showcase with Connie Francis" | U.S. Treasury Synd. 1965-09-05 |
U.S. Treasury Dept. U.S. Savings Bonds |
Connie Francis (Vocal) | Treasury Pops Orchestra | ["Music", "Vocal", "Guest Star", "Connie Francis", "US Treasury"] |
Pop songstress Connie Francis sings her greatest chart-topping hits and appeals to American listeners to invest in U.S. Savings Bonds. |