Critics – Retro Radio Podcast

Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone and Don Wilson posing for a photo in 1938.

Jack Benny – Romeo And Juliet. ep229, 361025

By Keith August 16, 2026Comedy, Jack BennyNo Comments

Jack Benny's movie ambitions take center stage as Mary, Kenny, and Phil Harris all take turns deflating his ego. Musical performances include Phil's "South Sea Island Magic" and Kenny Baker's "Make Believe". The main event promises a production of Romeo and Juliet, but after all the hype, running out of time forces the cast into a hilariously frantic movie trailer parody instead.

Illuminated taxi cab sign on the roof of a sedan

Amos and Andy- Sign On The Dotted Line (Retro Plus). ep23, 440310

By Keith July 7, 2026Amos and Andy, Comedy

first, a classic moment from a vintage Amos and Andy episode from the late 1920s. The announcer, Bill Haig reports technical difficulties, and an organ interlude is presented instead. When…

A black and white photograph of Jack Benny, a man in a suit and tie, standing against a plain background. He is looking off to the side with a slight smile on his face, and his hands are clasped in front of him. Benny was a comedian and actor, best known for his radio and television shows in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. The photograph conveys a sense of classic Hollywood glamour and style, with Benny's sharp features and piercing blue eyes on prominent display.

Jack Benny – The Drive In. 541024

By Keith July 21, 2024Comedy, Jack Benny

Don flashes back to the night before. It's the night for big parties in Beverly Hills. As the party rages at the Coleman's house, Jack wonders why he hasn't been…

Jim and Mary and Jordan posing for the camera in 1941. The vintage black and white illustration of a couple sitting in a cozy living room. Fibber is holding a newspaper and Molly is knitting. They are both looking at a small dog that is sitting on a rug between them. The room is decorated with a patterned wallpaper, framed pictures, and a vase with flowers on a table in the background."

Fibber McGee and Molly – Women’s Club Play, stuck In a Suit Of Armor. ep247, 400507

By Keith May 7, 2024Comedy, Fibber McGee and Molly

Billy Mills opens with, Crazy Rhythm. Working on his play of mediaeval times, Fibber the brave prepares to fight for the fair damsel Molly's hand. In Shakespearean style, the jokes…

Lum and Abner in a Publicity Photo. 5x6. In this black and white publicity photo, two men, Lum and Abner, are posing together in a studio. They are dressed in suits and ties, with Abner on the left wearing a hat and holding a cane, while Lum on the right has his hands in his pockets. They are smiling at the camera with a friendly and approachable demeanor, creating a sense of warmth and familiarity. The photo has a vintage feel, reflecting the era in which they were popular radio personalities.

Lum and Abner – Duncan Hines Arrives. 461216

By Keith March 25, 2022Comedy, Lum and Abner

Doc Ben Withers mans the Jot 'Em Down store when a bum pops in at the referral of Willie DeBoozler. Will the bum get a hand out from Doc? Lum…

Amos and Andy – Last of the Double Features, Sign On The Dotted Line. 1939 and 440310 (Retro Plus)

By Keith March 10, 2022Amos and Andy, Comedy, Retro Original

The absolute last of my Amos and Andy double features. I mean it this time. Until I find more of the old classics from before the 1940's. First Show: Singing…

Rows of gravestones and headstones in a military cemetery, surrounded by well-manicured lawns and trees. The gravestones are arranged in neat rows and columns, with some bearing the insignia of different military branches. The sky is overcast and the trees in the background are in the midst of changing colors, indicating autumn.

CBS Radio Theater – Everybody Does It. ep952, 790207

By Keith February 7, 2022CBS Radio Mystery, Suspense and Horror

Title:Everybody Does It. Plot:In order to augment his income, a hard-up drama critic turns to a life of crime. When he is found dead, his actress ex-wife becomes the center…

Jack Benny – Phil Tries to Collect a World Series Bet. ep381, 401013

By Keith August 18, 2019Comedy, Jack Benny

Happy is a June bride, and just as nervous, Jack returns to the air. Jack describes that he was more like a bird dog, high strung and not nervous. Mary…

Jack Benny – The Kid From Brooklyn. 460428

By Keith April 28, 2019Comedy, Jack Benny

Don takes us back to the evening before, when Mary, Phil, and Dennis rave over the Danny Kaye movie they just saw, The Kid from Brooklyn. The compliments have Jack…

Jack Benny – Palm Springs Shopping. ep575, 460224

By Keith February 24, 2016Comedy, Jack Benny

Flashback to Jack's house where he naps, and Rochester sings. After Jack makes a quick joke at Fred Allen's expense, Mary pops in to tell about her evening of dancing.…