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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.25.1943 | 1943 christmas special part 1 |
+ AFRS origination. An extended Christmas special. Kay Kyser and his Orchestra play, "St. James Infi... | |
| 12.25.1943 | 1943 christmas special part 2 |
+ Program #69. AFRS origination. The program was recorded on the above date, released during the sum... | |
| 12.25.1945 | 1945 christmas special part 1 |
+ AFRS origination. A special Christmas program. Harry James tries to blow a Japanese bugle (but can... | |
| 12.25.1945 | 1945 christmas special part 2 |
+ AFRS origination. A special Christmas program. Harry James tries to blow a Japanese bugle (but can... | |
| 12.25.1945 | 1945 christmas special |
+ AFRS origination. A special Christmas program. Harry James tries to blow a Japanese bugle (but can... | |
| 12.25.1948 | 1948 christmas special part 1 |
AFRS origination. A Christmas program. Jimmy Durante loses his place in the script as he tries to hi... | |
| 12.25.1948 | 1948 christmas special part 2 |
+ AFRS origination. A Christmas program. Jimmy Durante loses his place in the script as he tries to ... | |
| 12.25.1948 | 1948 christmas special |
AFRS origination. A Christmas program. Jimmy Durante loses his place in the script as he tries to hi... | |
| 05.29.1977 | 35th anniversary special part 1 |
+ AFRTS origination. "Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Salute". Am assembled program from past Command Perfo... | |
| 05.29.1977 | 35th anniversary special part 2 |
+ AFRTS origination. "Thirty-Fifth Anniversary Salute". Am assembled program from past Command Perfo... | |
| 01.10.1946 | abbott snd costello andrews sisters pied pipers |
+ Program #206. AFRS origination. The Pied Pipers sing, "You've Got Me Where You Want Me." Abbott an... | |
| 04.28.1942 | adolphe menjou fibber mcgee and molly red skelton |
+ Program #11. AFRS origination. The date above is the recording date. Virginia O'Brien starts the s... | |
| 10.18.1949 | alexis smith |
+ Program #397. AFRS origination. Dean Martin starts the program singing, "Sweet Kentucky Babe." Rob... | |
| 06.03.1944 | all female program |
+ Program #123. AFRS origination. The date above is the recording date. Shirley Ross sings a G. I. v... | |
| 08.02.1945 | all male program |
+ Program #186. AFRS origination. Announced as an "all-male" program, "Vera Vague" is nevertheless h... | |
| 12.18.1943 | all music program |
+ Program #97. AFRS origination. The program starts with Ken Carpenter singing the program's theme, ... | |
| 06.24.1944 | all western program |
+ Program #126. AFRS origination. The date above is the recording date, the program was released dur... | |
| 01.20.1948 | anita ellis harpo marx sweeney and march |
+ Program #307. AFRS origination. Anita Ellis is billed as "The Sweetheart Of The Armed Forces Radio... | |
| 06.14.1945 | ann rutherford bob hope king sisters |
+ Program #179. AFRS origination. The King Sisters sing, "For You." The stars act out their secret d... | |
| 04.24.1943 | ann sheridan gracie allen paul whiteman |
+ Program #63. AFRS origination. The date above is the recording date. The first tune is, "As Time G... | |
| 01.06.1946 | army day special | ||
| 04.19.1946 | army day special |
+ AFRS origination. A program in honor of Army Day. Dinah starts the program by singing, "Shoo Fly P... | |
| 01.17.1946 | army nurse corps anniversary show |
+ Program #207. AFRS origination. The program is dedicated to Army nurses. The first tune is, "Come ... | |
| 12.09.1947 | audrey totter frank loesser jack carson | ||
| 09.14.1948 | ava gardner steve allen herb jeffries |
+ Program #341. AFRS origination. Herb Jeffries sings, "Estrellita." Steve Allen trades quips with A... |
Other "Variety" Shows you may enjoy:
- Sealtest Village Store
- Chesterfield Time
- Ben selvin and his orchestra
- Ampol Show
- Raymond paige show, the
Chris
Scott
Armand
William
Pat
Jane
Eddie
Andy
COMMAND PERFORMANCE
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