Old Time Radio Downloads > Comedy Variety > Big Show

"Mistress of Ceremonies" Tallulah Bankhead hosted what has now become known as one of old time radio's most extravagant and highly entertaining variety programs on air. The Big Show was big in every way, featuring high-flying acts, comedic stunts as well as good old-fashioned drama that kept the nation glued to their radio sets every Sunday Night. In fact, the show was so enthralling that it was able to stand toe-to-toe with other Sunday night old radio shows like "The Jack Benny Program" and "The Charlie McCarthy Show" and compete for the public's attention.  With all the great names working on this project, it was no wonder that it received many sponsors and supporters which enabled the producers to keep coming up with over-the-top performances week after week.  Entertainers of note that graced the show with their talent and presence were Fred Allen, Groucho Marx, Judy Garland, Gary Copper, and Bob Hope to name a few.

 

Enjoy the grandiose offerings in this old time radio series and download The Big Show today!

Big-Show

Please enjoy these old time radio shows:

Air Date Title Synopsis
 1950-11-05  Fred Allen, Jimmy Durante
 1950-11-12  Groucho Marx, Fanny Brice
 1950-11-19  Eddie Cantor, Mindie Carson
 1950-11-26  Fred Allen, Ed Wynn, Jack Carson
 1950-12-03  Fred Allen, Phil Silvers
 1950-12-10  Clifton Webb, Jimmy Durante
 1950-12-17  Bob Hope, Phil Harris
 1950-12-24  Jimmy Durante, Robert Merrill
 1950-12-31  Vivian Blaine, Jose Ferrer
 1951-04-15  Eddie Cantor, Jack Carson
 1951-04-22  Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa
 1951-04-29  Jimmy Durante, Milton Berle
 1951-05-06  Fred Allen, Georgie Jessell
 1951-09-30  George Sanders, Bea Lillie
 1952-03-09  Richard Eatham, Joe Frisco

Other Comedy Variety Shows you may enjoy:

Old Radio Picture
Old Time Radio Genres

 

ABOUT OLD TIME RADIO

The buzz-term for Old Time Radio is "OTR". OTR usually means radio broadcasting from the golden age of radio, mostly before 1964. These shows from the pre-television age include adventure, comedies, mystery shows, western dramas and shows from World War II. These programs feature the best talent of the day and were broadcast nearly as widely as cable programs today. And just like TV today, families would gather around their crystal radio sets to enjoy the entertainment together.


WHO TODAY LISTENS TO THESE OLD TIME RADIO PROGRAMS?

Recently OTR was sold and traded, on records and cassettes, by people who had grown up during the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's who had grown up listening to these shows. With the internet and mp3s, new generations of listeners are discovering these delightful old time radio shows and to their surprise, enjoying them immensely. Some of the references and nuances are out of date, but it turns out that a well told story is a delight to young and old alike.


WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT OTR?

If you have any questions about old time radio feel free to drop us a line. We will try to have the answer or know where to turn to find it. But to make them really happy, please send a request for particular old time radio programs and we should be able to find them for you.


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