OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS episode 56, part 2:

We conclude this special, extended, two-part episode! Special guest John Tefteller is armed with more terrific stories about Groucho Marx and his zany brothers, plus we learn how John himself started working for Groucho at the tender age of 15! (Part 1 was last week, in case you missed it.)

SPECIAL NOTE: At the behest of Mr. T, we've removed a special announcement about the release of some "new" Marxian material, so you'll hear a 5-second gap at that point. Don't turn away, just wait 5 seconds and the show will continue!

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Episode 56: In part one of this very special extended installment of the long-running OTR discussion series, co-hosts Pete, Patte (pat) and Paul welcome guest programmer John Tefteller, a fellow OTR podcaster and a life-long collector of radio transcription discs – not to mention somebody who worked for Groucho Marx as a young man! John is sharing an episode of 'You Bet Your Life', as well as many wonderful stories about the Marx Brothers, and old radio in general. JOIN US NEXT WEEK FOR PART TWO!

If you like OTR Essentials and have a suggestion for a future series we should discuss, please write us at our NEW email address: themoonlightaudiopodcast@gmail.com! If we take your suggestion, you'll be eligible for some cool Narada and Moonlight swag.

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Ep 55.5 -- 10th Anniversary of Mickey Mouse

Co-hosts Pete, Paul and Patte divert from their usual format to bring you this diversion -- a standalone production from 1938 that honors Walt Disney on the 10th anniversary of the very first Mickey Mouse cartoon. Discovered by OTR aficionado John Tefteller in his vast collection of acetate (and other) recordings, he released it on Thanksgiving Day 2025 on his own podcast, The Good Old Days of Radio, thus letting listeners hear it for the first time (probably) since its first release 88 years ago. Mr. Tefteller has graciously allowed us to re-re-release it, since our listeners and his likely follow parallel lines, thus allowing more folks to enjoy it.

The three co-hosts are not judging it by their usual criteria (see previous episodes), merely bringing it to you for your entertainment. 

If you like OTR Essentials and have a suggestion for a future series we should discuss, please write us at our NEW email address: themoonlightaudiopodcast@gmail.com! If we take your suggestion, you'll be eligible for some cool Narada and Moonlight swag.

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Episode 55: The Great Gildersleeve (S5 Holiday Special)

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 55, and as we continue Season 5, we present Paul's pick, an installment of the NBC comedy series, The Great Gildersleeve, from 12/24/44. Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Pete's pick again, and he'll bring us, for our 1st number of 2026, special guest programmer (and fellow OTR podcaster) John Tefteller, who will be sharing an episode of You Bet Your Life, starring Groucho Marx. Join us then, won't you?

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Episode 54: I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 54, and as we continue Season 5, we present Patte's pick, an early episode of the groundbreaking BBC comedy series, I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again, from April, 1964. Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Paul's pick again, and he'll bring us, for our 5th annual Christmas special, a holiday edition of The Great Gildersleeve. Join us then, won't you?

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Episode 53: NBC Presents: Short Story

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 53, and as we continue Season 5, we present Pete's pick, or rather Special Guest Programmer Jack Ward's pick, an example of the NBC Radio Anthology series NBC Presents: Short Story. Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Patte's pick again, and she is still mulling things over -- but she does specify something from either the BBC or CBC. Join us then, won't you?

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Episode 52: Hancock's Half-Hour

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 52, and as we continue Season 5, we present Paul's pick, an example of the BBC Radio comedy series Hancock's Half-Hour. Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Pete's pick again, and also our annual Halloween Special! Pete's making it extra-special by inviting friend of the show and Essential Listener Jack Ward (Grand Poobah of the Mutual Audio Network) to be our guest programmer. At the time of recording we didn't know what Jack was going to bring us, but we're sure it's something spooky. Join us then, won't you?

PROJECT AUDION 72: Jimmy Durante - Garry Moore Show

Jimmy Durante: so famous for so many decades that just a caricature of his face was enough to elicit a smile. His outsized "Schnozz" matched the outsized personality from the 1920s through the 1970s. Even today, when his name and face are no longer common currency, his catchphrases and songs have endured. You can hear Durante singing in the "Joker" movie of 2019, imitated in lines from the "Lion King," and showing up every year in animated Christmas specials. 

In this Audion Original, Pete Lutz revisits this unique talent, imagining a 1940s episode of the Jimmy Durante Comedy Caravan with his on-air partner Garry Moore, and guest stars Sydney Greenstreet and Rose Marie. "Everybody wants ta' get inta de act!" and they do for a half hour of mirth and music.

Pete Lutz, in Texas, as Jimmy Durante

Bob Beaumont, in California, as Garry Moore

Scott McKinley, in New Jersey, as Sidney Greenstreet

Jessica Matthews, in Texas, as Rose Marie

Laura Mirsky in New Jersey, as Vera Vague

Sheree Whichard, in New York, as Florence Halop

Trevor Rines, in Ontario Canada, as Candy Candido

Andy Hartson-Bowyer, in Virginia, as Verne Smith

Written and directed by Pete Lutz

Produced by Larry Groebe in Texas

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Episode 50: Sherlock Holmes

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 50, our Season 5 premiere! Pete, Paul and Patte welcome Essential Listener Andy, who has suggested an episode of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, starring Gielgud and Richardson, entitled "The Final Problem." Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Patte's pick again, and she, being a Neighbour from the North, will finally bring us a Canadian example of OTR, an episode of Wayne & Shuster! Join us then, won't you?

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 49, the 12th installment of Season 4 (and our Season Finale)! Pete, Paul and Patte present Paul's pick , an episode of Dangerous Assignment, entitled "Investigate Flying Saucers"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Pete's pick again, and he, along with Essential Listener Andy, will bring us an episode of the classic series, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes! Join us then, won't you?

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 48, the 11th installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present Patte's pick , an episode of On Stage, entitled "Heartbreak"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Paul's pick again, and he'll bring us an episode of the exciting adventure series, Dangerous Assignment! Join us then, won't you?

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Episode 47: The Whistler (our 2025 New Year's Special!)

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 47, the 10th installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present Pete's pick , an episode of The Whistler, entitled "The First Year"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Patte's pick again, and she'll bring us an episode of the exciting anthology series, On Stage! Join us then, won't you?

Long, long before George Burns became the senior citizen movie star of films like "The Sunshine Boys" and "Oh God!" he was familiar to radio and television audiences across the country as the grounded half of the comedy couple Burns and Allen, with real-life wife (and vaudeville partner) Gracie Allen playing the ditzy dame of the duo. Theirs was a 25-year run on the airwaves, and now for Project Audion, Pete Lutz has penned a fresh new Burns and Allen script that recalls the best of their radio work during World War II, right down to their sponsor of the time, Swan Soap. Much like Bob Hope and Jack Benny did, we find the two of them at a naval base entertaining the troops, along with guest stars Henry Fonda and Chico Marx.

You'll be entertained by Audion's transcribed-live transcontinental cast of delicious, delirious vocal talents:

John Bell (as George) in Alabama

Mel Rose (as Gracie) in Pennsylvania

Dana Gonsalves (as Bill Goodwin) in Texas

Les Marsden (as Chico Marx) in California

Scott R. McKinley (as Henry Fonda) in New Jersey 

Pete Lutz (as Mel Blanc as PO2 Ferguson) in Texas

Robert L. Mills (as Adm. Tarbottom) in California 

Larry Groebe supervised the production.

Written and directed by Pete Lutz

OLD-TIME RADIO ESSENTIALS Episode 46: The Mel Blanc Show (our 2024 Christmas Special!)

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 46, the 9th installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present Paul's pick (which is our annual Christmas Special), an episode of The Mel Blanc Show, entitled "Mel Plays Santa Claus"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

1. Is it truly representative of that series? (Can anyone point to it and say, "Yes, that is what [NAME OF SERIES] was all about.")

2. Is it an episode worthy of inclusion in any and every OTR aficionado's private collection?

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Pete's pick again for our first show of the New Year, and he'll bring us a New Year's-themed episode of The Whistler! Join us then, won't you?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 45, the 8th installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present Patte's pick (which is our annual Thanksgiving Special), an episode of Cincinnati, Ohio's station W-L-W comedy-variety series Fountain of Fun, called "Turkey Rationed"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Paul's pick again for our annual Xmas show, and he'll decide later...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 44, the 7th installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present Pete's pick, an episode of the syndicated series Hall of Fantasy, called "Black Figurine of Death"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Patte's pick again, and she'll decide later...

SONIC SUMMERSTOCK PLAYHOUSE 2024:

QUIET, PLEASE: How Are You, Pal?

Originally released in August 2024 on the Mutual Audio Network as part of the annual Summerstock podcast series, we proudly present this remake of an episode of Wyllis Cooper's classic old radio series. The only extant recording seemingly available is very difficult to listen to: full of scratches and badly damaged. I like to say that the record it came from might've been used in the owner's house to level out a table leg or something. 

Anyway, this is the tale of a guy who hooks up with an old friend after a couple decades, and it turns out they have a lot to chat about. In Cooper's inimitable style, it's mostly told in first-person, with some bits of dialog coming in as flashbacks. Still, the actor we hired to imitate Ernest Chappell, the guy who tells the story, isn't too awful. But don't take our word for it. Listen and decide for yourself.

CAST:

ANNOUNCER/COOPER/MAN ON PHONE: Andy Hartson-Bowyer

THE GIRL/HER MOTHER: Jesirae Kesler

CHAPPELL/DANE: Pete Lutz

Music by Ross Bernhardt

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 43, the 6th installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present Paul's pick, an episode of the syndicated series Bold Venture, called "Black Tie Affair"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Pete's pick again, and he'll bring Essential Listener Andy along for the ride, as they discuss an episode of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes!

Old-Time Radio Essentials returns with episode 42, the 5th installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present Patte's pick, an episode of the NBC Radio series The Phil Harris - Alice Faye Show, called "Improvement is Necessary"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Paul's pick again, and he'll bring a surprise (translation: he has no idea yet)!

Old-Time Radio Essentials is back after a months-long hiatus, with episode 41, the 4th installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present an episode of the ABC Radio series The Henry Morgan Show. This time it's Pete's pick, called "Morgan's Around the World Listening Post"!  Come for the old-time radio, stay for the scintillating (that's one way of putting it) discussion afterwards!

As you listen, perhaps you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Patte's pick again, and she'll bring an episode of The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show!

Old-Time Radio Essentials is back with episode 40, the 3rd installment of Season 4, and our fourth Holiday Special! Pete, Paul and Patte present an episode of the long-running Mutual series Nick Carter, Master Detective. This time it's Paul's pick, called "Nick Carter's Christmas Adventure"!  Will Pete dwell on technical details and miss the historical context? Will Patte compare this to something Canadian? Tune in and find out!

And since we're on the subject of finding things out, while you listen you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Pete's pick again, and he'll bring an episode of The Henry Morgan Show!

Old-Time Radio Essentials is back with episode 39, the 2nd installment of Season 4! Pete, Paul and Patte present an episode of the syndicated series Diary of Fate. This time it's newcomer Patte's pick, suggested by Essential Listener Ted, called "The Trina Crowley Entry"!  Will Pete enjoy it? Will Patte shed tears of regret at the thought of continuing as our co-host? Will Paul ever stop mentioning Harry "Red" Bever? Tune in and find out!

And since we're on the subject of finding things out, while you listen you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: It's Paul's pick again, and he'll bring an episode of Bold Venture!

Old-Time Radio Essentials is back with episode 38, the Season 4 Premiere! Pete, Paul and Dave present an installment of the long-running series "The Fred Allen Show". This time it's Pete's pick, a double-feature of Fred and the gang, with both episodes featuring Orson Welles as guest-star!  Will Dave, who leaves us for greener grass after this episode, love it? Will Paul, through his bitter tears, express his continuing hatred of Orson? Tune in and find out!

And since we're on the subject of finding things out, while you listen you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: Our new "third co-host" Patte will bring us something very interesting, I'm sure!

Old-Time Radio Essentials is back with episode 37, the Season 3 finale! Pete, Paul and Dave present an installment of the long-running series "Counterspy". The usual free-wheeling discussion follows, with Paul, Dave and Pete weighing the merits of this particular episode. Will they love it, or hate it, or try to waterboard it? Tune in and find out!

And since we're on the subject of finding things out, while you listen you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: Pete brings us, for our season 4 opener, a double-feature of The Fred Allen Show, with both guest-starring Orson Welles (it's a tradition, ya know)!

Old-time Radio Essentials continues its 3rd season with an episode of Broadway is My Beat – "The Lars Nielson Murder Case"! This one's Paul's pick, and there's lots of police procedural-goodness in the selection, followed by fast-paced discussion of its merits by the three co-hosts. Will our upstairs neighbor call the cops on us for talking too loud? Tune in and find out!

And since we're on the subject of finding things out, while you listen you'll learn if we feel this entry meets the following criteria:

Your feedback means a lot to us! A review at iTunes or at your usual podcatcher would be appreciated.

Next Time: Pete uses his turn to bring in a special guest!