Old Time Radio Downloads > Drama > Command Performance

Command Performance was a radio program that lightened the hearts of everyone touched by the ravages of World War II.  This series of old radio shows began airing in March of 1942 and lasted for two years until 1946.  Each episode consisted of 30-minutes of non-stop action and entertainment, featuring the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood.  Command Performance was produced by the War Department to be broadcast to the troops the show was described as "so important and expensive that only Uncle Sam is big enough to sponsor it." Despite the fact that this particular old time radio show was expensive to produce, there was never a lack of sponsors as even civilians across America helped contribute to this war effort. The likes of CBS and NBC donated free studio use to the program and big name stars from across America provided their talents on the air. 

Command-Performance

Please enjoy these old time radio shows:

Air Date Title Synopsis
 1943-12-11  096 B Hope, F Langford, M Raye

Program #96. AFRS origination. The program is dedicated to the AEF North African Network (one-year-old), with, "The North African Follies." Martha Raye sings, "Mr. Paganini." The cast of the film "Four Jills In A Jeep" appear and play the roles of G. I.'s. The date above is recording date. Martha Raye, Kay Francis, Mitzi Mayfair, The Four Jills, Ken Carpenter (announcer), The 370th Army Air Forces Band, Skinnay Ennis (conductor), Anna Lee, Bob Hope (m. c.), Carole Landis, Arvin Dale (vocal: "Alexander's Ragtime Band"), Frances Langford.
 1943-12-18  097 Dinah Shore, Bing Cros

+ Program #97. AFRS origination. The program starts with Ken Carpenter singing the program's theme, "Over There." The first tune is, "Basin Street Blues." A delightful "all-music" program. The date above is the recording date. Dinah Shore (m. c.), The Charioteers, The 370th Army Air Forces Band, Skinnay Ennis (conductor), Bing Crosby (m. c.), Ken Carpenter (announcer), Ukie Sherrin, James Sherman (piano).
 1943-12-20  098 Fred Allen

+ Program #98. AFRS origination. The date above is the recording date. The program was distributed in early 1944. The show originates from New York City. The first tune is, "No Love, No Nothing." Fred starts the show with lots of Jack Benny jokes. Tibbett imitates Crosby and Sinatra. Fred and Gypsy Rose discuss the fine art of stripping. Fred Allen (m. c.), Paul Douglas (announcer), Ginny Simms, Lauritz Melchior, The Golden Gate Quartet, Gypsy Rose Lee, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra.
 1943-12-21  099 Kate Smith, Orson Welles, Fre

+ Program #99. AFRS origination. A "Broadway Edition" (the program originates from New York). The first tune is, "Blue Skies." Ilka Chase helps Phil Baker become a leading man. Orson Welles reads John McGee's, "High Flight." Kate does a heartfelt, "Sunday, Monday Or Always." The recording date is approximate. Fred Waring and The Pennsylvanians (Fred Wring is the m. c.), Kate Smith, Ilka Chase, Phil Baker, Orson Welles, John McGee (author), Jimmy Wallington (announcer). 
 1943-12-25  000 Christmas Special Bob Hope

+ AFRS origination. An extended Christmas special. Kay Kyser and his Orchestra play, "St. James Infirmary Blues." The program was recorded November 6, 1943. Bob Hope (m. c.), Dinah Shore, Ed Gardner, Frances Langford, Fred Allen, George Marshall, Ginny Simms, Merwyn Bogue, Jack Benny, Jimmy Durante, Kay Kyser and His Orchestra, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Nelson Eddy, Spike Jones and The City Slickers, The Charioteers, The Ken Darby Singers, Henry Stimson (Secreytary Of War), Frank Knox (Secretary Of The Navy).
 1944-01-08  100 C Miranda, H James, V Lake

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 ABOUT OLD TIME RADIO
The buzz-term for Old Time Radio is "OTR". OTR usually means radio broadcasting from the golden age of radio, mostly before 1964.These shows from the pre-television age include adventure, comedies, mystery shows, western dramas and shows from World War II. These programs feature the best talent of the day and were broadcast nearly as widely as cable programs today. And just like TV today, families would gather around their crystal radio sets to enjoy the entertainment together.