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
- Comments
- Photos
Please enjoy these 297 old time radio episodes:
| Air Date | Title | Synopsis | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07.07.1942 | command performance (021) bob hope, lena horne, rosalind russell |
+ Program #21. AFRS origination. Bob's opening monologue is about the rubber shortage and other wart... | |
| 06.30.1942 | command performance (020) spencer tracy, groucho marx, barbara stanwyck |
+ Program #20. AFRS origination. The program was recorded June 30, 1942, released during the summer ... | |
| 06.23.1942 | command performance (019) loretta young, ella fitzgerald, phil silvers |
+ Program #19. AFRS origination. Ella Fitzgerald sings, "A Tiskit A Taskit." Ransom Sherman lectures... | |
| 06.18.1942 | command performance (018) william powell, gene autry, judy garland |
+ Program #18. AFRS origination. The program was released during the Summer of 1942. The first tune ... | |
| 06.11.1942 | command performance (017) don ameche, bing crosby, carole landis |
+ Program #17. AFRS origination. The first tune is, "I Got Spurs That Jingle, Jangle, Jingle." The d... | |
| 06.02.1942 | command performance (016) mickey rooney, amos 'n andy, harry james |
+ Program #16. AFRS origination. The above date is the recording date, the program was released late... | |
| 05.18.1942 | command performance (014) george raft, deanna durbin, rudy vallee |
+ Program #14. AFRS origination. The above date is the date of recording, the program was released d... | |
| 05.14.1942 | command performance (013) edward g robinson, hedy lamarr, glenn miller |
+ Program #13. AFRS origination. Cliff Edwards starts the show by singing, "It Had To Be You." The d... | |
| 05.13.1942 | command performance (015) national association of broadcasters show |
+ Program #15. AFRS origination. The program originates from the convetion of the National Associati... | |
| 04.23.1942 | command performance (010) pat o'brien, frances langford, frank morgan |
+ Program #10. AFRS origination. The program was recorded April 23, 1942 for release May/June, 1942.... | |
| 04.19.1942 | command performance (009) shirley temple, abbott and costello, fanny brice |
+ Program #9. AFRS origination. The first tune is, "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree." Baby Snooks and... | |
| 04.16.1942 | command performance (008) clifton fadiman, dinah shore, phil baker |
+ Program #8. AFRS origination. The date above is the date of recording, the program was released Ma... | |
| 04.12.1942 | command performance (007) gene tierney, edgar bergen, betty hutton |
+ Program #7. AFRS origination. The date above is the date of recording, the program was released in... | |
| 04.01.1942 | command performance (006) kay kyser, eddie cantor, lou holtz |
+ Program #6. AFRS origination. The program was recorded April 1, 1942, released May, 1942. The firs... | |
| 03.29.1942 | command performance (005) george jessel, connie boswell, oscar levant |
+ Program #5. AFRS origination. The program was recorded March 29, 1942, released April/May, 1942 an... | |
| 03.18.1942 | command performance (004) fred allen, henny youngman, gladys swarthout |
+ Program #4. AFRS origination. Fred Allen starts the program by talking about his feud with Jack Be... | |
| 03.13.1942 | command performance (003) kate smith, henny youngman, robert benchley |
+ Program #3. AFRS origination. The date above is the recording date. The program was released in Ap... | |
| 03.09.1942 | command performance (002) fred waring. joe e. lewis, tallulah bankhead |
+ Program #2. AFRS origination. The program was recorded March 9, 1942, released April, 1942, and or... | |
| 10.26.1944 | clark gable |
+ Program #144. AFRS origination. "Winged Victory Edition". The date above is the recording date. Th... | |
| 12.24.1944 | christmas show 1944 |
+ Command Performance is a spectacular wartime variety and this special Christmas episode stars Bob ... | |
| 12.25.1943 | christmas 1943 bob hope |
+ AFRS origination. An extended Christmas special. Kay Kyser and his Orchestra play, "St. James Infi... | |
| 12.11.1943 | bob hope |
+ Program #96. AFRS origination. The program is dedicated to the AEF North African Network (one-year... | |
| 10.13.1942 | bing crosby |
+ Program #36. AFRS origination. The date above is the recording date. The first tune is, "You Are M... | |
| 10.13.1942 | bing crosby mary martin |
+ Program #36. AFRS origination. The date above is the recording date. The first tune is, "You Are M... | |
| 07.15.1944 | bing crosby judy garland andrews sisters |
+ Program #129. AFRS origination. The first tune is, "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby." The show f... |
Chris
Scott
Armand
William
Pat
Jane
Eddie
Andy
COMMAND PERFORMANCE
Leave a comment