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Audio soundtrack of a video. The long running television show featured surprise glimpses at the lives of celebrities through the decades.
In today’s feature, Ralph Edwards portrays the life of Phil Harris. The well known singer, radio star, and band leader got his start as a drummer for the Harry Halstead orchestra. Among those on hand are Phil’s mother, Dolly, and his father, Harry. The parents tell stories on the generosity and tendency to play hooky that their son had.
Born and raised in Linten, Indiana. The family moved to Nashville when Phil was age 10. He worked on excursion boats on the river, and met Remley.
Phil’s music took him to the west coast to San Fransisco,, to Hawaii, and even on to Australia, where he got his first shot at singing. His friends contribute to tell stories to share the ups and downs, of sea sickness, and of how 4 boys who couldn’t sing managed to pull it off. Big breaks came along, and Phil went from the Coconut Grove to New York, and onto radio with Jack Benny.
Jack relates how Phil and his band enlisted in the Merchant Marine during the war, and Remley’s refusal to salute his lifelong pal. The real story of how Phil and Alice got together over their dogs. Though Phil and Alice met in New York earlier, she tells how their dogs brought them together in California. After a 3 month romance, they were married. Their daughters are present, though they don’t say anything for the audience. To wrap up, Ralph Edwards has lovely parting gifts for the man of honor.
Bonus Track:
Keith tells a little about the show. Though at the time of the recording the date was unclear. Keith later determined it was on September 25. To find this video, search Youtube. Sorry I don’t have an embed to include today.
The Retrobots present a few classic moments from the radio show. A scene where Phil is to have his tonsils removed, but mix ups with a proud father to be leads to comic moments.
