On This Day, September 12: Sherlock Holmes and Destination Freedom
Also featured: Abbott and Costello.
September 12 Update & Historical Discoveries
This report durably records the historical discoveries, technical anomalies, verified cast roles, commercial integrity audits, and contemporary newspaper logs for old-time radio broadcasts transmitted on September 12.
1. Broadcasts
| Title | Network, Airdate & Showtime | Sponsor & Commercial Ads | Credited Cast & Performers | Director, Writers & Crew | Genres | Story Synopsis & Discovered Historical Insights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "The Case of the Unwelcome Ambassador" | Mutual Broadcasting System 1948-09-12 7:00 PM EST |
Clipper Craft Clothes Trim-Fitting Men's Suits |
John Stanley (Sherlock Holmes) Alfred Shirley (Dr. Watson) Cy Harrice (Announcer) |
Basil Loughrane (Producer & Director) Howard Merrill (Writer) Albert Buhrman (Organist) |
["Mystery", "Detective", "Drama"] |
Synopsis: Summoned aboard a sinister cargo vessel, Sherlock Holmes exposes a murder-for-insurance conspiracy behind the assassination of the newly arrived Macau ambassador. Background: Features John Stanley and Alfred Shirley's gripping portrayal on the Mutual network, complete with Clipper Craft commercial segments highlighting post-war woolen apparel prices. |
| "The Father of the Blues" | WMAQ Chicago (NBC) 1948-09-12 10:00 AM CDT |
WMAQ Public Affairs Sustaining Broadcast |
Fred Pinkard (W. C. Handy) Oscar Brown Jr. (Narrator) Wezlynn Tilden (Charles Handy) |
Richard Durham (Writer & Creator) Homer Heck (Director) |
["Drama", "Historical", "Music", "Biography"] |
Synopsis: Defying his strict minister father's ban on secular music, young W. C. Handy journeys across the South to translate African American folk sorrow into timeless blues anthems. Background: Richard Durham's pioneering radio series presented on Chicago's WMAQ celebrating Black history and achievement, directly preserving Handy's struggle to compose "St. Louis Blues" and "Memphis Blues." |
| "Who's on First Routine" | NBC (WEAF) 1945-09-12 9:00 PM EWT |
R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Camel Cigarettes & Prince Albert |
Bud Abbott (Straight Man) Lou Costello (Comedian) Connie Haines (Vocalist) Ken Niles (Announcer) |
Martin Gosch (Producer) Will Fowler & Leonard Stern (Writers) Will Osborne Orchestra |
["Comedy", "Variety", "Music"] |
Synopsis: Bud Abbott and Lou Costello trade rapid-fire verbal misunderstandings in their classic baseball routine before trading comedic banter with guest performers. Background: Complete network transmission verifying the post-war Camel Caravan format, military hospital dedication tags, and authentic studio audience reaction acoustics. |