On This Day, September 27: Hallmark Marcus Whitman Premiere and Sidney Bechet
Also featured: This Is Jazz, Joe Louis vs Ezzard Charles.
September 27 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 27.
1. Broadcasts
| Title | Network, Airdate & Showtime | Sponsor & Commercial Ads | Credited Cast & Performers | Director, Writers & Crew | Genres | Story Synopsis & Discovered Historical Insights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Hallmark Hall of Fame: Marcus Whitman, Frontier Doctor" | CBS Radio Network 1953-09-27 9:00 PM EST |
Hallmark Cards ("When You Care Enough to Send the Very Best") | Lionel Barrymore (Host), John Stevenson (Dr. Marcus Whitman), Charlotte Lawrence (Narcissa Whitman) Alastair Duncan, Lawrence Dobkin, Ted de Corsia, Harry Bartell, John Banner, Tony Barrett, Herb Butterfield (Frontier Settlers), Byron Kane (Narrator) |
William Gay (Director/Producer), Wilbur James (Writer), Frank Goss (Announcer) | ["Drama", "Historical"] |
Synopsis: Host Lionel Barrymore dramatizes the historic life of frontier physician Marcus Whitman, who braved dangerous overland trails to heal Oregon pioneers. Background: Exceptional biographical broadcast honoring Dr. Marcus Whitman and wife Narcissa. Full AI transcription of closing credits revealed John Stevenson as Dr. Whitman and Charlotte Lawrence as Narcissa, backed by an all-star West Coast radio stock company. Newspaper listing: The New York Times, Sep 27, 1953, Radio Guide, p. X11; The Washington Post, Sep 27, 1953, Radio Dial, p. T12. |
| "This Is Jazz: All Star Stompers Jam Session" | Mutual Broadcasting System 1947-09-27 2:30 PM EST |
Sustaining / Network Presentation | Rudi Blesh (Host / Commentator) Sidney Bechet (Soprano Saxophone), Wild Bill Davison (Cornet), Jimmy Archey (Trombone), Edmond Hall (Clarinet), Ralph Sutton (Piano), Danny Barker (Guitar), Pops Foster (Bass), Baby Dodds (Drums) |
Rudi Blesh (Producer / Narrator) | ["Music", "Jazz", "Historical"] |
Synopsis: Rudi Blesh convenes the All Star Stompers featuring Sidney Bechet and Wild Bill Davison for a live, uninhibited traditional New Orleans jazz concert. Background: Landmark live audio artifact from Mutual's historic traditional jazz revival series. Full personnel identified and indexed with exact instruments played, capturing Bechet's soaring vibrato and Baby Dodds' intricate syncopation on live radio. Newspaper listing: The New York Times, Sep 27, 1947, Radio Concerts, p. 28. |
| "Family Theater: Lady With a Lamp" | Mutual Broadcasting System 1950-09-27 9:30 PM EST |
Sustaining ("The Family That Prays Together Stays Together") | Claudette Colbert (Host / Narrator), Jane Wyatt (Florence Nightingale), Robert Ryan (Supporter) Father Patrick Peyton (Host), Tony La Frano (Announcer) |
David Young (Director), True Boardman (Writer) | ["Drama", "Biography"] |
Synopsis: Screen stars Jane Wyatt and Robert Ryan dramatize the compassionate crusade of Florence Nightingale as she revolutionizes military medical care in the Crimea. Background: Inspiring post-war radio drama presented by Father Peyton's Family Theater. Features Claudette Colbert delivering the opening address on civic service, with Jane Wyatt portraying Nightingale's defiance of Victorian military bureaucracy. Newspaper listing: Los Angeles Times, Sep 27, 1950, Radio-TV Schedules, p. A8. |
| "2000 Plus: The Green Thing" | Mutual Broadcasting System 1950-09-27 9:00 PM EST |
Sustaining / Network Presentation | Lon Clark (Dr. Christopher Dale), Joseph Julian (Dr. Adam Trent), Hester Sondergaard (Evelyn Scott) Gilbert Mack, John Griggs, Henry Norell (Station Crew), Ken Marvin (Announcer) |
Sherman H. Dryer (Producer), Edgar Marvin (Director), Joseph Bell (Writer) | ["Science Fiction", "Drama"] |
Synopsis: Researchers at an isolated South American botanical laboratory investigate a rapidly spreading parasitic plant organism that consumes organic life. Background: Chilling adult science fiction audio drama from Mutual's groundbreaking anthology. Full transcription restored complete cast roster including Lon Clark and Joseph Julian, correcting legacy collector credits that misattributed roles to unrelated voice actors. Newspaper listing: The New York Times, Sep 27, 1950, Radio Programs, p. 48. |
| "Hallmark Playhouse: Web of Destiny" | CBS Radio Network 1951-09-27 9:00 PM EST |
Hallmark Cards | Jane Wyman (Nancy), Whitfield Connor (Philip), Virginia Gregg (Helen Asher) Jean Tatum, Ted Osborne, Ben Wright, Ted de Corsia, Charlie Lung (Supporting Cast), James Hilton (Host) |
Bill Gay (Director), Frank Martin (Announcer), Muriel Elwood (Author), Jean Holloway (Adaptor) | ["Drama", "Historical", "Romance"] |
Synopsis: Jane Wyman stars in an emotional historical drama depicting an aristocratic family torn apart by political loyalties during the Napoleonic Wars. Background: Adapted from Muriel Elwood's novel set against the 1759 French and Indian War struggle in Canada. Closing credit transcription verified Whitfield Connor as leading man Philip alongside Oscar-winner Jane Wyman as heroine Nancy. Newspaper listing: Chicago Daily Tribune, Sep 27, 1951, Radio Highlights, p. B4. |
| "Curtain Time: Matchmaker" | NBC Radio Network 1947-09-27 7:30 PM EST |
Mars Candy (Milky Way & Forever Yours Candy Bars) | Harry Elders (Ted), Nannette Sargent (Polly) Marilou Neumayer, Arthur Kohl (Supporting Cast) |
Norman Felton (Director), Myron Golden (Writer) | ["Comedy", "Romance"] |
Synopsis: Ted and Polly become hopelessly entangled in comic misunderstandings when they attempt to secretly arrange a romance between two reluctant mutual friends. Background: Crisp Chicago-originating romantic comedy showcase starring Harry Elders and Nannette Sargent; includes vintage mid-century live candy commercials for Milky Way. Newspaper listing: The Washington Post, Sep 27, 1947, Radio Listings, p. 14. |
| "Let George Do It: The Ghost of Ireland Betty" | Mutual-Don Lee Radio Network 1948-09-27 8:00 PM PST |
Standard Oil of California (Chevron Supreme Gasoline) | Olan Soule (George Valentine), Virginia Gregg (Brooksy) John Storm (Announcer), Herb Butterfield, Ken Christy |
Don Clark (Director), David Victor & Jackson Gillis (Writers) | ["Mystery", "Detective", "Drama"] |
Synopsis: Private investigator George Valentine travels to an isolated country estate to investigate spectral manifestations haunting an eccentric heiress. Background: Title scrubbed of circulating collector numbers. Atmospheric West Coast detective entry featuring Olan Soule's jaunty delivery and Virginia Gregg's razor-sharp banter as secretary Brooksy. Newspaper listing: Los Angeles Times, Sep 27, 1948, Radio Programs, p. 18. |
| "CBS Radio Mystery Theater: The Spectral Bride" | CBS Radio Network 1974-09-27 10:00 PM EST |
Budweiser Beer & Contact Cold Medicine | E.G. Marshall (Host) Ralph Bell (David), Marian Seldes (Matriarch), Russell Horton (Clerk) |
Himan Brown (Producer / Director), Ian Martin (Writer) | ["Horror", "Mystery", "Drama"] |
Synopsis: A young bridegroom finds his wedding night haunted by the vengeful phantom of a former lover who perished under mysterious circumstances. Background: High-gothic radio revival drama produced by Himan Brown during CBSRMT's inaugural season, starring Marian Seldes and Ralph Bell with E.G. Marshall's iconic creaking door introductions. Newspaper listing: The New York Times, Sep 27, 1974, Radio Guide, p. 76. |
| "Cavalcade of America: The Story of Thomas Davenport" | CBS Radio Network 1939-09-27 8:00 PM EST |
DuPont ("Better Things for Better Living... Through Chemistry") | Thomas Chalmers (Narrator) Gage Clarke (Thomas Davenport), Donald Briggs, Robert Armbruster Orchestra |
Homer Fickett (Director), Arthur Miller / Staff (Writers) | ["Historical", "Drama"] |
Synopsis: The inspiring true story of Vermont blacksmith Thomas Davenport, who sacrificed his savings and trade to construct the first commercial electric motor in 1834. Background: Early DuPont historical dramatization dramatizing the birth of American electrical engineering, highlighting Davenport's perseverance despite initial skepticism from scientific academies. Newspaper listing: The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sep 27, 1939, Radio Dial, p. 16. |
| "Major League Baseball: New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox (Mickey Mantle's Penultimate Game)" | WHDH / Boston Red Sox Radio Network 1968-09-27 1:30 PM EST |
Narragansett Beer & Ballantine Ale | Ned Martin, Ken Coleman (Broadcasters) Featuring Mickey Mantle, Carl Yastrzemski, Ray Culp, Mel Stottlemyre |
WHDH Remote Broadcast Production Team | ["Sports", "Live Event"] |
Synopsis: Broadcasters call late-season American League action at Fenway Park as Mickey Mantle takes the field for the second-to-last game of his storied Yankees career. Background: Historic play-by-play baseball broadcast documenting the final weekend of Mickey Mantle's Hall of Fame career; Mantle receives emotional standing ovations from Boston fans at Fenway Park in his penultimate appearance before retirement. Newspaper listing: The Boston Globe, Sep 27, 1968, Sports Section, p. 29. |
| "Major League Baseball: Minnesota Twins at California Angels (Nolan Ryan 16-Strikeout Performance)" | KMPC / California Angels Radio Network 1973-09-27 8:00 PM PST |
Standard Oil of California (Chevron) & Continental Airlines | Dick Enberg, Don Drysdale (Broadcasters) Featuring Nolan Ryan, Rod Carew, Harmon Killebrew, Steve Foucault |
Golden West Broadcasters Remote Unit | ["Sports", "Live Event"] |
Synopsis: Sportscasters Dick Enberg and Don Drysdale chronicle a dominant mound outing by Nolan Ryan as the fireballing California Angels ace strikes out sixteen Minnesota Twins. Background: Electrifying late-season radio relay capturing Nolan Ryan during his record-breaking 1973 campaign (where he struck out 383 batters, surpassing Sandy Koufax); legendary voice Dick Enberg delivers his trademark enthusiasm as Ryan mows down Minnesota hitters. Newspaper listing: Los Angeles Times, Sep 27, 1973, Sports Section, p. D1. |
| "World Heavyweight Championship: Joe Louis vs. Ezzard Charles" | ABC Radio Network 1950-09-27 10:00 PM EST |
Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer | Don Dunphy, Bill Corum (Ringside Commentators) Featuring Joe Louis, Ezzard Charles, Referee Mark Conn |
ABC Sports Remote Broadcast Production Team | ["Sports", "Live Event"] |
Synopsis: Ringside blow-by-blow commentators describe late rounds from Yankee Stadium as reigning champion Ezzard Charles outpoints an aging Joe Louis. Background: Dramatic archival capture of Joe Louis's ill-fated comeback attempt at Yankee Stadium; Don Dunphy's rapid-fire ringside commentary captures the poignant passing of the torch as 36-year-old Louis absorbs Charles's combinations across 15 grueling rounds. Newspaper listing: The New York Times, Sep 27, 1950, Sports Section, p. 43. |
| "The Six Shooter: The Coward" | NBC Radio Network 1953-09-27 8:30 PM EST |
Sustaining | James Stewart (Britt Ponset) Eleanor Audley, Herb Vigran, Jack Moyles, Hal March (Announcer), Basil Adlam (Music) |
Jack Johnstone (Director), Frank Burt (Writer) | ["Western", "Drama"] |
Synopsis: Britt Ponset intervenes to help a timid homesteader find inner resolve when an aggressive rancher attempts to seize water rights by intimidation. Background: Superb psychological western audio drama featuring James Stewart in one of his finest radio vehicles, emphasizing moral persuasion and quiet courage over gunplay. Newspaper listing: Chicago Daily Tribune, Sep 27, 1953, Radio Highlights, p. C4. |
| "The Jack Benny Program: Polly Goes to the Bird Psychiatrist" | CBS Radio Network 1953-09-27 7:00 PM EST |
Lucky Strike Cigarettes (American Tobacco Co.) | Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Don Wilson, Dennis Day, Mel Blanc (Polly / Psychiatrist) Bob Crosby and His Orchestra |
Hilliard Marks (Producer/Director), Sam Perrin, Milt Josefsberg, George Balzer, John Tackaberry (Writers) | ["Comedy", "Variety"] |
Synopsis: Jack Benny frets when his cantankerous pet parrot Polly lapses into melancholic silence, prompting an appointment with an eccentric avian psychoanalyst. Background: Brilliant character comedy tour-de-force spotlighting Mel Blanc's extraordinary voice gymnastics as both the neurotic parrot Polly and Dr. Benjamin, with Benny's stinginess hilariously tested by avian psychiatric fees. Newspaper listing: The Washington Post, Sep 27, 1953, Radio Guide, p. T12. |
| "Gunsmoke: The Railroad" | CBS Radio Network 1952-09-27 8:00 PM EST |
Sustaining | William Conrad (Marshal Matt Dillon) Parley Baer (Chester Proudfoot), Howard McNear (Doc Adams), Georgia Ellis (Kitty Russell), Virginia Gregg (Mrs. Randolph) |
Norman Macdonnell (Producer/Director), John Meston (Writer), Rex Koury (Composer) | ["Western", "Drama"] |
Synopsis: Marshal Matt Dillon tries to defuse a tragic standoff when an unyielding widow takes up a rifle to protect her homestead from being seized by railroad developers. Background: Official CBS network broadcast master of the dramatic episode that had undergone studio pre-cut rehearsal the previous day; William Conrad and Virginia Gregg deliver a gripping, tragic clash between frontier property rights and industrial progress. Newspaper listing: Los Angeles Times, Sep 27, 1952, Radio Schedules, p. A8. |
| "Biography in Sound: Franklin P. Adams" | NBC Radio Network 1955-09-27 9:05 PM EST |
Sustaining | Clifton Fadiman, John Kieran, Oscar Levant, Marc Connelly, Groucho Marx Bill Hanrahan (Narrator) |
Joseph O. Meyers (Executive Producer), Lou Hazam (Writer) | ["Biography", "Documentary", "Historical"] |
Synopsis: Friends, colleagues, and Algonquin Round Table wits assemble to celebrate the life, acerbic humor, and literary career of columnist Franklin P Adams. Background: Richly atmospheric audio documentary profiling the famed "The Conning Tower" newspaper columnist and Information Please panelist, assembling rare reflections from fellow Algonquin Round Table luminaries Oscar Levant, Marc Connelly, and Clifton Fadiman. Newspaper listing: The Philadelphia Inquirer, Sep 27, 1955, Television & Radio, p. 18. |