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 is WWII entertainment at its finest, as it was made to be sent overseas to support our troops. Begun in March of 1942, it became a weekly wartime 30 minutes of star-studded fun.
Each and every show gets several, or many, stars together to do comedy, songs and even dances, based on the ideas of the GI's listening. At first, the crack writing staff actually took ideas firsthand from the troops themselves. Later, the shows was transcribed by the Armed Forces Radio Service from Hollywood, but continuing to use the requests that poured in from all over the world. All donated their services to this war effort show, including the networks production studios.
Longer sketches are featured on some shows, and seasonal specials tug at the heartstrings. The big bands and singers of the day are featured, too, sometimes together!
The patriotism and dedication of those times shines forth in these performances, and in the comedy, the song and the banter, there is always a simple message - we appreciate what you are doing for us, and we miss you!
Click here to read more about Command Performance- Radio Shows
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Please enjoy these 297 old time radio episodes:
| Air Date | Title | Synopsis | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05.04.1947 | command performance (272) marilyn maxwell, frank sinatra, benny goodman |
+ Program #272. AFRS origination. The first tune is, "Basin Street Blues" (Marilyn Maxwell messes up... | |
| 04.14.1947 | command performance (266) george murphy, martha tilton, jerry colonna | ||
| 03.23.1947 | command performance (257) glenn ford, marilyn maxwell, phil silvers |
+ Program #257. AFRS origination. Marilyn Maxwell starts the program with, "The Coffee Song." Phil S... | |
| 03.09.1947 | command performance (255) dick haymes, helen forrest, peter lind hayes | ||
| 03.02.1947 | command performance (254) carole landis, frank sinatra, jimmy durante | ||
| 02.23.1947 | command performance (253) ginger rogers, rose marie, phil baker |
+ Program #253. AFRS origination. The program was recorded late in 1946, released early in 1947. The... | |
| 02.09.1947 | command performance (251) don wilson, victor borge, jimmy durante |
+ AFRS origination. The program originates from the Hollywood Bowl. Victor Borge plays his version o... | |
| 12.25.1946 | command performance 1946 christmas special, host bob hope (part 1) |
+ AFRS origination. A Christmas program. The Merry Macs sing, "Pass The Biscuits, Mirandy." Jerry C... | |
| 12.25.1946 | command performance 1946 christmas special, host lionel barrymore |
+ AFRS origination. A Christmas program. The Merry Macs sing, "Pass The Biscuits, Mirandy." Jerry Co... | |
| 12.25.1946 | command performance 1946 christmas special, host bob hope (part 2) |
+ AFRS origination. A Christmas program. The Merry Macs sing, "Pass The Biscuits, Mirandy." Jerry Co... | |
| 12.08.1946 | command performance (242) rudy vallee, dorothy patrick |
+ Rudy Vallee is master of ceremonies and opens the show by singing I Love You Just as You are. Next... | |
| 12.01.1946 | command performance (241) judy garland, frank sinatra, phil silvers |
+ Judy Garland opens the show singing I Got the Sun in the Morning and the Moon at Night. Phil Silv... | |
| 11.24.1946 | command performance (240) donna reed, garry moore, connie haines | ||
| 11.10.1946 | command performance (238) superman (bob hope, bela lugosi) |
+ Program #238. AFRS origination. The date above is the recording date, the program was released for... | |
| 10.20.1946 | command performance (235) tyrone power, walter o'keefe, town criers |
+ Program #235. AFRS origination. The first tune is, "'S Wonderful." Shirley Booth is announced but ... | |
| 09.22.1946 | command performance (232) janet blair, david street |
+ AFRS origination. The first tune is, "You Go To My Head." The program was recorded during the Spri... | |
| 06.30.1946 | command performance (228) janet blair, danny kaye, carmen miranda |
+ Program #228. AFRS origination. Janet starts the show by singing, "Coax Me A Little Bit." Alan Ree... | |
| 06.23.1946 | command performance (227) esther williams, peggy lee, lum and abner |
+ Program #227. AFRS origination. Esther tries to give swimming lessons. Peggy Lee sings, "I Don't K... | |
| 06.16.1946 | command performance (226) shirley temple, anita ellis, peter lawford |
+ Program #226. AFRS origination. Anita Ellis sings, "Amada Mio." The recording date above is subjec... | |
| 05.29.1946 | command performance fourth anniversary special |
+ AFRS origination. A program celebrating the fourth anniversary of the Armed Forces Radio Service. ... | |
| 05.05.1946 | command performance (220) kay kyser, lina romay, esther williams |
+ Program #220. AFRS origination. Lina Romay starts the show with, "Personality." The recording date... | |
| 04.28.1946 | command performance (219) dinah shore, jimmy durante, andrews sisters |
+ Program #219. AFRS origination. Dinah's first song is, "Personality" (done is a sultry slow tempo!... | |
| 04.21.1946 | command performance (218) fred allen, jack benny, ginny simms (partial repeat of 135) |
+ Program #135/218. AFRS origination. Ginny Simms sings, "Come To Baby, Do." Unable to get a room in... | |
| 04.19.1946 | army day special |
+ AFRS origination. A program in honor of Army Day. Dinah starts the program by singing, "Shoo Fly P... | |
| 04.14.1946 | command performance 217 bob hope best picture 'the lost weekend' |
+ Program #217. AFRS origination. A visit to the 1945 Academy Awards ceremony at Grauman's Chinese T... |
Chris
Scott
Armand
William
Pat
Jane
Eddie
Andy
COMMAND PERFORMANCE
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