This episode was originally released on 5/1/2020. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls Episode 103 we visit the town of Wistful Vista to spend a weekend at Walt’s Malt Shop with Fibber McGee and Molly. While between 1938 and 1950, Jim and Marian Jordan’s comedy never finished lower than fifth in national radio ratings, in this episode, we’ll focus on the period after, when the show became a closed production and aired for fifteen minutes, five days per week. —————————— Highlights: Jim Jordan—Saver of Things Who is this Fibber McGee and What does he do? First Smackout, by way of Chicago Marian Jordan—Molly McGee Fibber and Molly join NBC When Tuesday Night was Comedy Night Television takes over as NBC’s Stars Jump Ship Fibber and Molly Take a Ratings Hit Marian’s Health Deteriorates NBC’s plan for the 1950s Fibber and Molly Becomes a Serial Finding Success Taking Over Walt’s Malt After the Weekend Winding Down Looking Back to Look Forward —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today’s episode was: On the Air — By John Dunning Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as several articles from Broadcasting Magazine, Radio & TV Mirror, and Sponsor Magazine. —————————— On the interview front: Parley Baer and Harry Bartell were with SPERDVAC, the Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety, and Comedy. For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com Elvia Allman, Jim Jordan, Jim Jordan Jr, Phil Leslie, Willard Waterman, and Don Wilson were with Chuck Schaden. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. Jim Jordan was with John Dunning for his 71KNUS program from Denver in 1982. Don Quinn was interviewed in Hawaii by Owen Cunningham while on vacation in 1951. And John Gibson and Jim Jordan were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC’s The Golden Age of Radio. Hear their full chat at Goldenage—WTIC.org —————————— Selected music featured in today’s episode was: Caravan — By Gordon Jenkins Goodbye Montana, Pt. 1 — By George Winston I Forgot to Remember to Forget — By Elvis Presley Route 66 — By Nat King Cole

BW - EP103: A Weekend at the Malt Shop with Fibber McGee and Molly (1955) [Rewind]

This episode was originally released on 4/1/2020. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls Episode 102, we travel back to the fall of 1955 for the re-launch of Yours Truly Johnny Dollar. Although the five-part Dollar format would last for only a year, listeners then and in the years since have praised the productions as some of the best ever. —————————— Highlights: • Who is Johnny Dollar? • Dick Powell: Not Johnny Dollar • Dollar Launches in February of 1949 • Enter The Movie Star • Enter The Second Movie Star • Dollar Signs Off • The Radio Networks Revamp Programming • Jack Johnstone and Jimmy Stewart • Dollar Reborn, with Gerald Mohr? • Bob Bailey Gets the Role • Relaunching Johnny Dollar • After The Final Curtain • Looking Back to Look Ahead —————————— The WallBreakers: thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today’s episode was: • The 1955 Broadcasting Magazine Yearbook • The 1955 Radio Networks Annual • The Winter 1956 Journal of Broadcasting Quarterly • The Who Is Johnny Dollar Matter — By John C. Abbott • On the Air — By John Dunning • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg • Broadcasting Magazine — September 19th, 1955; October 3rd, 1955; and April 2nd, 1956 • Radio & TV Mirror — 1955 —————————— On the interview front: • Mary Jane Croft, Herb Ellis, Jack Johnstone, Elliott Lewis, Jeanette Nolan, were with SPERDVAC, the Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety, and Comedy. For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com • Virginia Gregg and Parley Baer were with Chuck Schaden. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. • Roberta Bailey Goodwin and E. Jack Neuman were with John Dunning for his 71KNUS program from Denver • Hans Conried was with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC’s The Golden Age of Radio. Hear their full chat at Goldenage—WTIC.org —————————— Selected music featured in today’s episode was: • Caravan — By 80 Drums Around The World. • Pyramid to the Sun & Roller Coaster — By Les Baxter • Exotique Bossa Nova — By Martin Denny • I’ll Be Seeing You — By The Harry James Band • Sleep Walk — By Henri René • Good Timin’ — By Jimmy Jones

BW - EP102: The Return of Johnny Dollar (1955) [Rewind]

This episode was originally released on 3/1/2020. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls episode 101, we spotlight the career of John Dehner during 1958. In February of that year, Dehner was cast in the title role of J.B. Kendall in Antony Ellis’ short-lived western, Frontier Gentleman. We’ll focus on four episodes of the series which had a recurring character named Belle Siddons, a beautiful gambler and ex-Confederate spy. Although Frontier Gentleman only aired for nine months, it has left a lasting impression on listeners in the years since. —————————— Highlights: • John Dehner: Artist and Disney Animator • How John Dehner Got Into Radio • Breaking Into the Inner Circle of CBS West-Coast Character Actors • Television Usurps Radio Drama in the 1950s • How Gunsmoke Influenced the Western Drama • Antony Ellis • CBS Radio Turns a Profit in 1957 • Frontier Gentleman Is Launched • The Radio Landscape in February of 1958 • The Travels of J.B. Kendall • Who Is Belle Siddons? • Love and Honor • Have Gun Will Travel Replaces Frontier Gentleman • Radio Drama Dies • Looking Ahead to the Return of Johnny Dollar —————————— The WallBreakers: thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today’s episode was: • On The Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio - by John Dunning • Radio Rides The Range: A Reference Guide to Western Drama on the Air, 1929 - 1967 by Jack French and David S. Siegel • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-1953 - by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles from: • U.S. Radio, 2/1958, and Broadcasting Magazine 2/101958, and 12/8/1958 —————————— On the interview front: • Harry Bartell, Lilian Buyeff, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, Sam Edwards, Virginia Gregg, Jack Johnstone, and Vic Perrin were with SPERDVAC, the Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety, and Comedy. For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com • Virginia Gregg was also with Chuck Schaden. Hear their full chat at SpeakingofRadio.com. • William Conrad, John Dehner, Norman Macdonnell, and William N. Robson were with John Hickman. Mr. Hickman was the longtime host of WAMU’s Recollections. Today, this program is heard each Sunday evening as The Big Broadcast. For more information, please go to WAMU.org • John Dehner and Vic Perrin were also heard with Neil Ross for KMPC in 1982. • Vincent Price and William N Robson were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC’s The Golden Age of Radio. These interviews can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org. • And Roberta Goodwin was with John Dunning for his 71KNUS program from Denver on February 7th, 1982. —————————— Selected Music featured in today’s episode was: • Hog of The Forsaken - By Michael Hurley • Ghost Bus Tours - By George Fenton for High Spirits • Sligo Creek - By Al Petteway and Debi Smith for Ken Burns’ The National Parks—America’s Best Idea • Get a Job - By The Silhouettes • Someone to Watch Over Me - By Rosemary Squires & The Ken Thorne Orchestra • Young at Heart - By Frank Sinatra • Guess Things Happen That Way - By Johnny Cash

BW - EP101: Frontier Gentleman and The Saga of Belle Siddons (1958) [Rewind]

This episode was originally released on 2/1/2020. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls episode 100 we focus on the radio career of Lucille Ball, arguably the most famous comedienne of the twentieth century. She rose through the ranks in New York as a model before a small role in Eddie Cantor’s Roman Scandals brought her to Hollywood in 1933 where she gained prominence. When the 1940s began, Ball was a b-film actress known for playing the other woman. As she gained critical respect for both her dramatic and comedic ability, she insisted that her and Desi Arnaz made a perfect on-screen duo. It led to a revolution in the way TV was shot and produced in the 1950s, all under their company Desilu. —————————— Highlights: • Jack Haley, Phil Baker, and RKO • Lucy Meets Gale Gordon • How a Holiday Publicity Trip to New York changed Lucy’s Life • Lucy meets Desi • Too Many Girls • Lucy and Desi Elope in November 1940 • Harold Lloyd’s A Girl, a Guy, and a Gob and The Old Gold Comedy Theater • The Tragic Death of Carole Lombard and Lucy’s First Miscarriage • Lucy Stars on Suspense • Desi Strays and Lucy Files for Divorce • The Couple Reconciles and Decides To Work in Radio • Desi and Bob Hope • CBS, My Sister Eileen, and My Friend Irma • Lucy Guests with Jimmy Durante and Bob Hope • Eve Arden and Our Miss Brooks • Lucy Says "Yes" to Bill Paley and My Favorite Husband is Born • Jess Oppenheimer, Bob Carroll Jr., and Madelyn Pugh Join The Team • Lucy Wants to Work With Desi • I Love Lucy is Developed and Philip Morris Signs On • The I Love Lucy Radio Pilot • Changing History and Looking Ahead —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today’s episode was: • The I Love Lucy Book - By Bart Andrews • Love Lucy - By Lucille Ball • On the Air - By John Dunning • Desilu - By Coyne Stevens Sanders and Tom Gilbert • The Complete History of the Most Popular TV Show Ever - By Michael McClay • Forever Lucy - By Joe Morella • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as several articles from: Broadcasting Magazine and Radio Daily, from between 1938 and 1951 —————————— On the interview front: • Lucille Ball was interviewed by Dick Cavett in 1970 and 1971; by Johnny Carson in 1974; and by Joan Rivers in 1984 • Desi Arnaz was interviewed with Bob Hope by Johnny Carson in 1976 and by David Letterman in 1983 • Jess Oppenheimer was interviewed in 1961. This interview came courtesy of Gregg Oppenheimer and I Love Lucy: The Untold Story. Gregg also provided My Favorite Husband outtakes. • Chuck Schaden spoke to Gale Gordon, Jack Haley, and Herb Vigran. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. • SPERDVAC was with Madeline Pugh Davis and Bob Carroll Jr. on March 12th, 1994 • Hans Conried was with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC’s The Golden Age of Radio. These interviews can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org. • William Paley gave a speech while receiving an award on November 20th, 1958, and spoke in memoriam of Lucille Ball in 1989. • Lee Philip was with Connee Boswell. —————————— Selected Music featured in today’s episode was: • Black Coffee and Fly Me To The Moon - By Julie London • The Look of Love - By Billy May • Cuban Pete - By Desi Arnaz

BW - EP100: The Radio Career of Lucille Ball (1938 - 1952) [Rewind]

This episode was originally released on 1/1/2020. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls episode 99 we wrap up our trilogy on the most popular season in radio history with a look at the major network programming surrounding New Year’s 1948. —————————— Highlights: • Scenes from the Post-Christmas Blizzard Aftermath • Breakfast in Hollywood • Checking in on Lora Lawton • Lois Lane Has Been Framed • Staats Cotsworth’s Other Gig, and Dennis Day’s Old One • Ringing in the New Year with The Mayor and Duffy • Mr. District Attorney and The Big Story • Bing Crosby’s Feeling Festive • Jimmy Durante is Sick • Happy New Year, 1948 • Truman’s Lack of Popularity and a Severe Labor Strike Issue • The First Rose Bowl Telecast in Los Angeles • Mel Allen • Jack Benny, George Burns, Gracie Allen • Al Jolson and Casey • Radio Reader’s Digest, Mr. President, and Family Theater • CBS Takes on Eddie Cantor with The First Nighter • Wrapping Up The Holiday Season and Looking Ahead —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today’s episode was: • On the Air — By John Dunning • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles from: • Radio Daily — December 1947 and January 1948. • Broadcasting Magazine — May 31st, 1948 —————————— On the interview front: • Mel Allen, Jackson Beck, John Gibson, Jackie Kelk, Tony Marvin, Jan Miner, Rosa Rio, and William N. Robson were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC’s The Golden Age of Radio. These interviews can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org. • Chuck Schaden spoke to Barbara Luddy, Gloria McMillan, Olan Soule, Rudy Vallée, and Harry Von Zell. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. • William Paley gave a speech while receiving an award on November 20th, 1958. • Arthur Godrey and Andy Rooney spoke for CBS’ 50th anniversary. • George Burns and Jack Benny were interviewed for Great Radio Comedians. • Bing Crosby was interviewed for Same Time, Same Station in 1972, while SPERDVAC was with Betty Lou Gerson in 1979 and Dennis Day was with John Dunning for 71KNUS on Easter Sunday, April 11th, 1982. —————————— Selected Music featured in today’s episode was: • What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? - By Margaret Whiting • Campana Sobre Campana - By J.P. Torres • Auld Lang Syne - By The Manhattan Strings and by Guy Lombardo • Someone to Watch Over Me - By Rosemary Squires & The Ken Thorne Orchestra • I’ll Be Seeing You - By The Harry James Band

BW - EP99: New Year's 1948 On The Air [Rewind]

This episode was originally released on 12/1/2019. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls Episode 98 we continue our trilogy on the most popular season in radio history with a look at Christmas Week 1947. —————————— Highlights: • Ralph Edwards and Truth or Consequences—A Record Rated Show • It’s Christmas Week and Jerusalem is in Shambles • The Eternal Light and One Man’s Family • Jack Benny Does Last Minute Christmas Shopping • Fred Allen’s Highest Rated Season Becomes His Downfall When the Music Stops • Walter Winchell gives ABC a Ratings Win • Breakfast with Fred Waring • CBS Dominates Monday Nights and Lux Radio Broadcasts Miracle on 34th Street • Lora Lawton’s Husband is Missing • Milton Berle’s Finally Cracks the Top-50 • NBC’s Tuesday Night Comedy Dominations • The Lone Ranger Hangs ‘Em High • Lionel Barrymore’s Christmas Tradition • Christmas Eve with Bing and Gildersleeve • Road to Rio Opens • Merry Christmas 1947 with King George VI • Don Ameche Hosts an Elgin Special • The Right to Happiness—December’s Highest-Rated Soap Opera • Gracie Allen is Sick, Al Jolson is Rich, and Casey is Lonely • Father Patrick and Family Theatre • A Crippling Blizzard and the Last Sustained Half-Hour Suspense • Looking Ahead to the End of the Year —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today’s episode was: • On the Air — By John Dunning • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles from: • Broadcasting Magazine: December 8th, and December 22nd, 1947 • LIFE Magazine: December 22nd, 1947 and January 5th, 1948 • Radio Daily From the entire month of December 1947 —————————— On the interview front: • Don Ameche, Mel Blanc, Himan Brown, Staats Cottsworth, John Gibson, Jim Jordan, Mandel Kramer, E.G. Marshall, Jan Miner, Vincent Price and Bill Spier were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC’s The Golden Age of Radio. These interviews can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org. • Chuck Schaden interviewed Milton Berle, Dennis Day, Ralph Edwards, Virginia Gregg, Jim Jordan, Mercedes McCambridge, Shirley Mitchell, Carlton E. Morse, Hal Peary, Lurene Tuttle, and Don Wilson. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. • Johnny Carson was with Orson Welles on The Tonight Show, and Fred Allen was with Tex and Jinx on November 24th, 1954. • John Dunning was with Roberta Goodwin Bailey, and Westinghouse interviewed Fran Carlon. • SPERDVAC with Vic Perrin, and Frank Brese was with Elliott Reid. —————————— Selected Music featured in today’s episode was: • Sleigh Ride - By Lloyd Glenn and His Orchestra • White Christmas - By Booker T and the MGs • Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day - By the Marlborough Cathedral Choir • It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - By Andy Williams • Jingle Bells - By J.P. Torres • I Saw Three Ships - By The Norwich Cathedral Choir • I’ll Be Home For Christmas and Baby It’s Cold Outside - By Jackie Gleason and Jack Marshall • Christmas Is - by Lou Rawls

BW - EP98: Christmas Week 1947 with Radio's Biggest Stars [Rewind]

This episode was originally released on 11/1/2019. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls Episode 97 we usher in the holiday season with the first of a three-part mini-series on the 1947-48 radio season. The 1947-48 season had the largest radio audience in history. Homes with radios jumped 6%, car radios 29%. The major networks—NBC, CBS, ABC, and the Mutual Broadcasting System added 147 new affiliates. 97% of the nation’s AM stations were now linked to one of the big four. Network revenue topped $200 Million. —————————— Highlights: Famine in Europe; Anti-Communism at Home—The World is Changing Boomer Babes Fuel a Ratings Increase The Annual Hollywood Santa Parade Happy Thanksgiving 1947 Breakfast with the Couples Prepping With the Soaps The Answer Man Takes to the Air The Annual Elgin Thanksgiving Special Juvenile Adventure At Dusk Settling Into Prime Time George Burns: French Crooner Casey Gets His Turkey Home is Where the Heart Is Eddie Cantor Has Been Kidnapped Late Night and Looking Ahead —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today’s episode was: Frank and Anne Hummert’s Radio Factory - By Jim Cox On the Air - By John Dunning Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles from: Broadcasting Magazine: January 20th, 1947; October 27th, 1947; December 1st, 1947 —————————— On the interview front: Jackson Beck, Hans Conried, Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson, Tony Marvin, and Jan Miner were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC’s The Golden Age of Radio. These interviews can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org. Chuck Schaden interviewed Ken Carpenter and Les Tremayne. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. While SPERDVAC was with Betty Lou Gerson and Jack Johnstone. For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com. Barbara Walters interviewed George Burns for 20/20. —————————— Selected Music featured in today’s episode was: “Over the River and Through The Woods” — by the US Airforce Band “Holiday On Skis” - by Al Caiola & Riz Ortolani “Joy” - by George Winston “Star of Bethlehem” - by John Williams

BW - EP97: Thanksgiving 1947—The Most Popular Season in Radio History [Rewind]

This episode was originally released on 10/1/2019. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls Episode 96, we laugh, scream, and cry while we join radio’s best as they celebrate Halloween on the air. —————————— Highlights: • The Birth of the Great Gildersleeve • Sam Spade has a Halloween adventure • Ernest Chappell says, “Don’t Tell Me About Halloween” • Spike Jones and His City Slickers Celebrate • Sherlock Holmes and the Laughing Lemur • The Story Behind Bing Crosby’s Departure from NBC and move to ABC • Ozzie, Harriet, David, and Ricky • Jack Benny goes Trick-Or-Treating • John Guedel, Art Linkletter, and People Are Funny • Looking Ahead to the Holiday Season —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today’s episode was: • On The Air — By John Dunning • Terror On The Air!, Horror Radio in America — By Richard J. Hand • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles by: • TUNE IN Magazine - September 1946 • Broadcasting Magazine - April 14th, July14th, and September 15th, 1947 —————————— On the interview front: • Chuck Schaden interviewed Jack Benny, Ken Carpenter, John Guedel, Shirley Mitchell, Arch Oboler, Hal Peary, Lurene Tuttle, and Mike Wallace. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. • Howard Duff, June Havoc, and Bill Spier were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC’s The Golden Age of Radio. These interviews can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org. • John Gassman of SPERDVAC was with Art Linkletter in 1991. For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com. • Jack Kruschen and Shirley Mitchell were with Jim Bohannon on September 12th, 1987. • Chuck Cecil interviewed Ozzie Nelson. • Johnny Hayes, David Nelson, and Jack Wagner were interviewed by KRLA • Johnny Carson interviewed Orson Welles, Ozzie, Harriet, and Ricky Nelson for The Tonight Show, while David Hartman interviewed David, Harriet, and Ricky for Good Morning America. • Frank Bresee interviewed Bing Crosby, John Scott Trotter • And Dick Joy was with John Dunning for 71KNUS. —————————— Selected Music featured in today’s episode was: • A Wicked Thought - By John Zacharely • Ghost Bus Tours - By George Fenton for High Spirits and • Travelin Man - By Ricky Nelson

BW - EP96: Halloween on the Air (1943 - 1953) [Rewind]

Hey everyone, James Scully here, producer and host of Breaking Walls, the docu-podcast on the history of US Network Radio Broadcasting. I wanted to let you know about a new webinar I’m doing next Thursday August 14th at 7PM eastern time. It's the final part of a 3-part mini series on Orson Welles' life and career. "Orson Welles' Career, Part 3: Welles In Europe (1948 - 1956)," is on an often-forgotten and underrated part of Orson Welles' career during his years living and working in Europe. It will focus on the radio, screen, and stage work he was involved in during this time, complete with visuals and audio clips. Here's a link to register — https://www.eventbrite.com/e/orson-welles-career-part-3-welles-in-europe-1948-1956-webinar-tickets-1445320836529?aff=oddtdtcreator If you can't make, don't worry, I'll be emailing all who register a video of the webinar once its done so you can watch it later. And if you missed the first two parts of this webinar series (Part 1 was on his early career and Part 2 focused on late 1941 through 1948), I'll email you a video link to watch the first two presentations (for free) when you register for the Part 3 event. Here's an overview of the webinar: Throughout the last one-hundred years of American entertainment, few people have gotten as strong a reaction as Orson Welles. A rare quadruple threat: writer, director, actor, producer, Welles found immense success on stage, in films, on television, and in radio. In fact, he took center stage in the United States on more than one occasion… and not always to a positive reaction, but always with pushing the creative envelope in mind. Welles managed to alienate the newspaper industry, the Hollywood studio system, and occasionally even the broadcasting networks, but he rarely had a door closed in his face. Welles was known to work himself to the bone, and party even harder. He had romances with some of the most famous and attractive women in the country, including Virginia Nicholson, Dolores del Rio, and Rita Hayworth. He was hailed as a genius, a charlatan, a magician, an incredible friend, an a***hole, a hard-driver, a steady worker, and a man who drank too much. Welles liked to joke that he began his career on top and spent the rest of his life working his way down. Such a strong-willed, creative person deserves an in-depth look. Join James Scully — Radio historian and producer/host of Breaking Walls, the docu-podcast on the history of U.S. network radio broadcasting for the last of a three-part webinar that deeply explores the life and career of Orson Welles, with a strong focus on his two decades working in American and British radio. In Part 3: Orson Welles In Europe (1948 - 1956) we’ll explore Welles’ time in Europe from the late 1940s through the mid 1950s, with audio clips and highlights including: • HUAC and Leaving the U.S • Harry Alan Towers, and Harry Lime • Othello and The Black Museum • Song of Myself and Theatre Royal • The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Moriarity • The BBC Sketchbook and Moby Dick • Mr Lincoln and Mr Arkadin • Returning to the U.S. • Tomorrow and Yesterday Afterward, I’ll do a Q&A — any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged! Can't attend live? Not to worry! I'll be recording the event and sending the video out to all guests who register so you can watch it later. See you (virtually) there!

Thursday 8.14.2025 — The Final Part of the Orson Welles Webinar Series: Welles In Europe (1948 - 1956)

This episode was originally released on 9/1/2019. While new episodes of Breaking Walls are on hiatus I'll be going back and posting the older episodes. ____________ In Breaking Walls Episode 95, we go back to school with radio’s teacher’s pets, class clowns, and perhaps the most iconic “Miss” in radio history. —————————— Highlights: • How William Paley used The Columbia Workshop to launch shows and careers. • Suspense Moves to Hollywood and Gets Sponsorship • The Radio Rise of Eve Arden and the Launch of Our Miss Brooks • The NBC University Theater dramatizes a Washington Irving Classic • The New Mr. and Mrs. Ronald and Benita Colman Show • Johnny Dollar Investigates a Suspicious Schoolhouse Fire • Theater Five saves a Nursery • All Hallow’s Eve —————————— The WallBreakers: http://thewallbreakers.com Subscribe to Breaking Walls everywhere you get your podcasts. To support the show: http://patreon.com/TheWallBreakers —————————— The reading material used in today’s episode was: • The Who Is Johnny Dollar Matter — by John C. Abbott • On The Air — By John Dunning • Network Radio Ratings, 1932-53 — by Jim Ramsburg As well as articles from: • Broadcasting Magazine - April 27th, September 14th, and November 30th 1964, as well as January 4th, January 11th, and June 28th, 1965. • Radio Daily - September 30th, 1949 • Sponsor Magazine - September 2nd, 1952 —————————— On the interview front: • SPERDVAC was with Jack Johnstone, Al Lewis, Jeanette Nolan and Elliott Reid—For more information, please go to SPERDVAC.com. • Chuck Schaden interviewed Eve Arden, Parley Baer, Ken Carpenter, Norman Corwin, Gale Gordon, Jack Haley, Agnes Moorehead, Russell Thorson, and Willard Waterman. Hear their full chats at SpeakingofRadio.com. • Hans Conried, William N. Robson, and William Spier were with Dick Bertel and Ed Corcoran for WTIC’s The Golden Age of Radio. These interviews can be heard at GoldenAge-WTIC.org. • Eve Arden, Roberta Goodwin Bailey, and E. Jack Neuman were with John Dunning for 71KNUS. • Elliott Reid was with Frank Bresee and Walden Hughes on October 14th, 2002 and Don Quinn was interviewed by Owen Cunningham in 1951. —————————— Selected Music featured in today’s episode was: •I Wonder Why - by Dion and the Belmonts • Pyramid of the Sun - by Les Baxter • Moon - by George Winston • The Look of Love - by Billy May and his Orchestra • Young at Heart - by Frank Sinatra • I’ll be Seeing You - by the Harry James Band • Spooky - by Dusty Springfield ——————————

BW - EP95: Radio And The Classroom (1939 - 1965) [Rewind]

Breaking Walls: The Podcast on the History of American Network Radio Broadcasting.

James Scully

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