On This Day, September 22: The Stan Freberg Show and Murrow's London Blitz Rooftop Report
Also featured: Joe Louis vs. Ettore, Tunney-Dempsey, 201 Broadcasts 100% Live.
September 22 Update & Historical Discoveries
This report durably records the historical discoveries, technical anomalies, verified cast roles, commercial integrity audits, and contemporary newspaper radio logs for old-time radio broadcasts transmitted on September 22.
1. Broadcasts
| Title | Network, Airdate & Showtime | Sponsor & Commercial Ads | Credited Cast & Performers | Director, Writers & Crew | Genres | Story Synopsis & Discovered Historical Insights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Do-It-Yourself Satire and Advertising Parodies" | CBS Radio Network 1957-09-22 7:30 PM EST |
Sustaining Columbia Broadcasting System |
Stan Freberg (Host / Satirist) Billy May and his Orchestra Peter Leeds, Doodles Weaver |
Pete Barnum (Producer) | ["Comedy", "Satire"] |
Synopsis: Stan Freberg and Billy May parody modern advertising and do-it-yourself home construction kits while presenting sharp satirical sketches. Background: Legendary Madison Avenue spoofing where Freberg skewers corporate jargon and excessive marketing jingles; sustained without commercial sponsorship. Newspaper listing: The New York Times, Sep 22, 1957, Section X, p. 11. |
| "This Is London: Rooftop Blitz Report" | CBS Radio Network 1940-09-22 6:45 PM EST |
Public Service / Sustaining | Edward R. Murrow (Correspondent) | Paul White (CBS News Director) | ["News", "Historical"] |
Synopsis: Edward R Murrow broadcasts live from a London rooftop amidst searchlight beams and exploding antiaircraft shells during an evening air raid. Background: Authentic ambient audio captures the whine of falling bombs, searchlight batteries crisscrossing over Saint Paul's, and Murrow's calm reportage under fire. Newspaper listing: The Washington Post, Sep 22, 1940, Front Page & Radio Section, p. 1 & p. 12. |
| "World Heavyweight Bout: Joe Louis vs. Al Ettore" | NBC Blue Network 1936-09-22 10:00 PM EST |
Buick Motor Company | Clem McCarthy (Blow-by-Blow) Edwin C. Hill (Color) Joe Louis, Al Ettore |
Mike Jacobs (Promoter) | ["Sports", "Boxing"] |
Synopsis: Clem McCarthy delivers rapid blow-by-blow commentary as contender Joe Louis knocks out heavyweight challenger Al Ettore in the fifth round. Background: Broadcast live from Municipal Stadium in Philadelphia before 65,000 roaring spectators as Louis rehabilitates his career following the Schmeling defeat. Newspaper listing: The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sep 22, 1936, Sports Section, p. 1. |
| "The Battle of the Long Count: Tunney vs. Dempsey" | NBC Radio Network 1927-09-22 10:00 PM CST |
Sustaining (Tex Rickard Promotion) | Graham McNamee (Announcer) Gene Tunney, Jack Dempsey |
Tex Rickard (Promoter) | ["Sports", "Historical"] |
Synopsis: Champion Gene Tunney survives a controversial long count in the seventh round to defeat Jack Dempsey at Soldier Field in Chicago. Background: The quintessential radio sports broadcast heard by an estimated 50 million listeners nationwide; referee Dave Barry delays counting until Dempsey reaches neutral corner. Newspaper listing: Chicago Tribune, Sep 22, 1927, Front Page & Sports, p. 1 & p. 19. |
| "The Packard Hour starring Fred Astaire" | NBC Red Network 1936-09-22 9:30 PM EST |
Packard Motor Car Company | Fred Astaire (Host / Performer) Johnny Green and his Orchestra The Abbey Theatre Players |
Charles Butterworth (Producer) | ["Variety", "Music"] |
Synopsis: Fred Astaire joins Johnny Green and his orchestra for energetic songs and tap dancing alongside sketches by the celebrated Abbey Players. Background: Features Astaire performing rhythm tap dancing live on a wooden studio stage specifically miked to pick up his rapid footwork for home listeners. Newspaper listing: The New York Times, Sep 22, 1936, Radio Listings, p. 30. |
| "CBS News Special: Assassination Attempt on President Gerald Ford" | CBS Radio Network 1975-09-22 6:30 PM EST |
Public Affairs Bulletin | Douglas Edwards (Anchor) George McManus (KCBS Reporter) |
CBS News Special Events | ["News", "Historical"] |
Synopsis: Douglas Edwards anchors breaking CBS news bulletins following an assassination attempt on President Gerald Ford in San Francisco. Background: Immediate breaking radio bulletin just seventeen days after the Squeaky Fromme incident, covering Sara Jane Moore's gunfire outside the Saint Francis Hotel. Newspaper listing: San Francisco Chronicle, Sep 23, 1975, Front Page, p. 1. |
| "Vox Pop aboard the USS Prairie State" | CBS Radio Network 1941-09-22 8:00 PM EST |
Bromo-Seltzer (Emerson Drug Co.) | Parks Johnson (Host) Wally Butterworth (Co-Host) Naval Reserve Midshipmen |
John Bates (Director) | ["Interview", "Human Interest"] |
Synopsis: Parks Johnson and Wally Butterworth interview naval midshipmen aboard the training ship USS Prairie State in New York Harbor. Background: Broadcast live from the converted battleship moored in the Hudson River training hundreds of young ensigns on the brink of American entry into WWII. Newspaper listing: The New York Times, Sep 22, 1941, Radio Page, p. 28. |
| "Johnny Mercer's Music Shop: Salute to the Bluejackets" | NBC Red Network / AFRS 1944-09-22 7:00 PM PWT |
P. Lorillard (Old Gold Cigarettes) | Johnny Mercer (Host / Vocals) Jo Stafford, The Pied Pipers Paul Weston and his Orchestra |
Wendell Niles (Announcer) | ["Music", "Variety"] |
Synopsis: Johnny Mercer welcomes Navy service personnel to his musical shop featuring performances by Jo Stafford and the Paul Weston orchestra. Background: Features wartime swing arrangements aimed at Navy bluejackets with Jo Stafford crooning and the Pied Pipers performing tight vocal harmonies. Newspaper listing: Los Angeles Times, Sep 22, 1944, Radio Guide, p. A8. |
| "Louis Prima Swing from the Hickory House" | CBS / WJSV Washington 1939-09-22 11:30 PM EST |
Sustaining | Louis Prima (Trumpet / Bandleader) Bob Chester and his Orchestra |
WJSV Night Studio Control | ["Music", "Jazz", "Big Band"] |
Synopsis: Station WJSV concludes its full broadcast day with late night swing music from the Hickory House followed by final news and signoff. Background: Real-time broadcast line direct from 52nd Street in Manhattan capturing Louis Prima's scorching trumpet and vibrant New Orleans swing. Newspaper listing: The Washington Post, Sep 22, 1939, Radio Listings, p. 16. |
| "Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Indians" | WCFL Chicago / WERE Cleveland 1959-09-22 8:00 PM EST |
General Finance / Carling Beer | Bob Elson (Play-by-Play) Don Wells |
WCFL Sports Network | ["Sports", "Baseball"] |
Synopsis: Broadcasters call late inning baseball action as the Chicago White Sox battle the Cleveland Indians during the nineteen fifty-nine pennant race. Background: Dramatic penultimate clash at Cleveland Stadium where the 'Go-Go' White Sox close in on their first American League flag in forty seasons. Newspaper listing: Chicago Tribune, Sep 22, 1959, Sports Section, p. D1. |
| "The Bob Feller Show: White Sox Pennant Triumph" | Syndicated Sports Feature 1959-09-22 6:15 PM EST |
Local Regional Sponsors | Bob Feller (Host / Commentator) | Feller Radio Features | ["Sports", "Commentary"] |
Synopsis: Bob Feller recaps sports headlines and celebrates the Chicago White Sox winning their first American League pennant in forty years. Background: Hall of Famer Bob Feller breaks down the pitching mastery of Early Wynn and Bob Shaw leading Chicago to their long-awaited championship. Newspaper listing: The Cleveland Press, Sep 22, 1959, Sports Page, p. 24. |
| "Jack Ketch: The Executioner of Tyburn" | CBS Radio Network 1952-09-22 8:00 PM EST |
Auto-Lite (Electric Auto-Lite Co.) | Charles Laughton (Jack Ketch) Harlow Wilcox (Announcer) |
Elliott Lewis (Producer / Director) | ["Suspense", "Drama", "Historical"] |
Synopsis: Charles Laughton portrays London notorious executioner Jack Ketch in a grim historical drama of seventeenth century justice. Background: A chilling tour-de-force monologue and dramatization by Charles Laughton, backed by Lucien Moraweck's eerie orchestral strings and authentic executioner lore. Newspaper listing: The New York Times, Sep 22, 1952, Radio Listings, p. 27. |
| "Tennessee's Partner starring Walter Brennan" | Mutual Broadcasting System 1954-09-22 9:30 PM EST |
Sustaining (Family Theater Inc.) | Joan Evans (Hostess) Walter Brennan (Tennessee's Partner) |
Father Patrick Peyton (Executive Producer) | ["Drama", "Western"] |
Synopsis: Walter Brennan stars in an adaptation of Bret Harte California gold rush tale exploring unwavering loyalty between frontier mining partners. Background: Classic California gold rush realism written by Bret Harte; Brennan brings rich folksy warmth to the character of the steadfast Sandy Bar partner. Newspaper listing: Los Angeles Times, Sep 22, 1954, Radio Schedule, p. 22. |
| "The Yellow Talon Murder Case" | CBS Radio Network 1949-09-22 8:30 PM EST |
Anacin / Kolynos Toothpaste | Bennett Kilpack (Mister Keen) Jim Kelly (Mike Clancy) |
Frank and Anne Hummert (Producers) | ["Mystery", "Detective"] |
Synopsis: Investigator Mister Keen and partner Mike Clancy investigate an unusual homicide case marked by mysterious talon-shaped wounds. Background: Iconic opening chimes of "Someday I'll Find You" lead into a bizarre suburban manor murder with claw marks baffling city authorities. Newspaper listing: The Washington Post, Sep 22, 1949, Radio Directory, p. B14. |
| "The Smuggler of the Sorting Room" | Syndicated Transcription 1935-09-22 7:45 PM EST |
Local Jewelers Association | Syndicated Dramatic Cast | World Broadcasting System | ["Drama", "Adventure"] |
Synopsis: An illicit diamond runner reveals the clever methods he used to smuggle precious gems past security at South African sorting mines. Background: Gripping five-minute dramatic capsule detailing how a miner self-inflicted wounds to secretly cache uncut gems under protective collodion seals. Newspaper listing: The Boston Globe, Sep 22, 1935, Radio Guide, p. A12. |