1941-1942 Season with the John Scott Trotter Orchestra   

Audience share for the season is 21.1, which puts the show in twelfth place in the Hooper ratings. Edgar Bergen is top with 35.2.

 

No.  232  30th October 1941  

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids, Connie Boswell, Jerry Lester, Rise Stevens, William Frawley and Warner Baxter.

 

*You Are My Sunshine                                                          with The Music Maids

  Jerry Lester spot

  Sweethearts Or Strangers                                                      Connie Boswell

*Humpty Dumpty Heart

  Warner Baxter spot

*Conga Song                                                                           with Warner Baxter & Jerry Lester

  Rise Stevens spot

  My Heart At Thy Sweet Voice                                             Rise Stevens

*Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay                                           (a)        with The Music Maids

*Yes, Indeed!                                                                          with Connie Boswell

  William Frawley spot
*Ida, Sweet As Apple Cider                                                    with William Frawley

  When Irish Eyes Are Smiling                                                 Rise Stevens

*The Anniversary Waltz

  I Guess I'll Have To Dream The Rest                                     Connie Boswell

*You And I

                                                                                                                                                                 

Note:

(a)        CP1 - “Bouncing With Bing”

 

A gala welcome is in preparation for Bing Crosby who returns to the Music Hall to take up the reins again with the airing of tonight at 8 o'clock over WMAQ. Bing has been on vacation for three months, spending part of his time in South America where he examined promising looking horses for his Del Mar track and stables and acted as unofficial good-will ambassador. His guests on home-coming night will be William Frawley, veteran character actor of stage, vaudeville, and screen; Metropolitan Opera soprano Rise Stevens, who will star in a forthcoming picture, and Warner Baxter, veteran Hollywood leading man and an old friend of Bing’s.  

(Belvidere Daily Republican, 30th October, 1941)


“Bing Crosby, returning to the Kraft Music Hall program on NBC Red WEAF, last Thursday night (30th), immediately spotlighted a flaw in the show’s present set-up - that is, there isn’t enough use of Crosby.  One of the greatest pop singers of this era, he sang too infrequently on the stanza - particularly as ASCAP tunes have just returned to the networks.  He set the kilocycles pulsating with such ballads as, ‘The Sweetheart Of Sigma Chi’ (sic - he didn't sing this) but the dearth of his vocalizing was especially disappointing.  Otherwise, the show was, unmistakably, improved by his return.  The continuity was uneven, however, particularly regarding some labored puns and gags, as well as that threadbare by-play about the half-hour chain-break, signal chime.  John Scott Trotter’s orchestral contribution was lush and varied.”

(“Variety” 5th November 1941)

 

“Connie Boswell is pulling out of the Kraft Music Hall within the next few weeks to make a personal tour of theaters where the pickings are more luscious than on the solo kilocycle job”

“Mary Martin is expected to land the singing assignment after Connie Boswell pulls out for a long theater tour”

(“Variety” 22nd & 29th October 1941)  (But see note for Programme No. 241!)


Ed Rice, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Comments on Entertainment:  Very good.  Bing was back! Jerry Lester took it easy and was therefore the best he's been. William Frawley was also at his best and was very good. Warner Baxter still has silent picture timing. Rise Stevens excellent and charming. Comments on commercial: Okay. General remarks: Okay."

 

No.  233  6th November 1941  

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids, Connie Boswell, Jerry Lester, Salvatore Baccaloni, Michele Morgan and Brian Donlevy.

 

*Chattanooga Choo-Choo                                          (a)        with The Music Maids 

  Jerry Lester spot

  Elmer's Tune                                                                          Connie Boswell

*Do You Care?

  Brian Donlevy spot

*I Wonder What’s Become Of Sally?

  Serenata Gelata                                                                      Salvatore Baccaloni

*Tea For Two                                                                           with Connie Boswell 

  Michele Morgan spot

*Shepherd Serenade                                                                 with The Music Maids

  Jerry Lester (second spot)

  Sand In My Shoes                                                                  Connie Boswell

  Varlaam's Drinking Song                                                        Salvatore Baccaloni

*Lone Star Trail                                                                        with The Music Maids

 

Note:

(a)        CP1 - “Bouncing With Bing”


Bing Crosby has invited his old friend, Brian Donlevy – who stars with Bing and Mary Martin in Paramount’s “Birth of the Blues” – to join him in the festivities of the Music Hall tonight along with French Film Actress Michele Morgan and basso-buffo Salvatore Baccaloni of the Metropolitan Opera company.

(The Shreveport Times, 6th November, 1941)


Ed Rice, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Comments on Entertainment:  Excellent script -- but not well-played. Morgan was nervous. Comments on commercial: Okay. General remarks: Okay."

 

No.  234  13th November 1941 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids, Connie Boswell, Jerry Lester, The Milt Herth Trio, Ruth Hussey and Joe DiMaggio.

 

*B-I-Bi                                                                         (a)        with The Music Maids

 Jerry Lester spot

  You Were Meant For Me                                                        Connie Boswell

*Why Don’t We Do This More Often                          (b)        with The Music Maids

  Ruth Hussey spot

*It Must Be True                                                                       with The Music Maids

  The Milt Herth Trio spot

  The Sheik Of Araby                                                                The Milt Herth Trio

*Basin Street Blues                                                                   with Connie Boswell

  Joe DiMaggio spot

  The Whistler And His Dog                                                      The Milt Herth Trio

  I Can't Give You Anything But Love                                       Connie Boswell

  Jerry Lester (second spot)

*I See A Million People (But All I Can See Is You)                   with The Music Maids

*Who Calls?

 

Note:

(a)        CP1 - “Bouncing With Bing”

(b)        JSP Records CD JSP6705 - "Here's Bing Crosby!"


When Bing Crosby ambles into the 'ole Music Hall tonight, he will bring with him, as his special guests, charming film actress Ruth Hussey, “Slugger” Joe di Maggio and the Milt Herth Trio…The Milt Herth Trio consists of the unusual combination of swing organ, piano and drums. Milt Herth is at the console of the swing organ. The outfit will be seen and heard in forthcoming juke box films. Ruth Hussey most recently has been in “Our Wife” and “Married Bachelor" and gave a particularly outstanding performance before that in “Philadelphia Story.” “Slugger” di Maggio established the all-time record, during the recent baseball season, for consecutive game hits.

 (The Shreveport Times, 13th November, 1941)


Ed Rice, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Comments on Entertainment:  Okay. Joe DiMaggio good. Ruth Hussey taught the gang a thing or two about waiting for laughs. Comments on commercial: Okay. General remarks: Okay."

 

No.  235  20th November 1941 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids, Connie Boswell, Jerry Lester, Hall Johnson Choir and Donald Crisp.

 

*Chattanooga Choo-Choo                                                       with The Music Maids

  Jerry Lester spot

  Gee! But I Hate To Go Home Alone                                      Connie Boswell

*Be Honest With Me                                                                with The Music Maids

  Donald Crisp spot

*Any Bonds Today?                                                                 with The Music Maids & Donald Crisp

*When I Lost You

*Rose O’Day                                                              (a)          with Connie Boswell

  Jinx Falkenburg spot

  Nobody’s Sweetheart                                                              Connie Boswell

  Jerry Lester (second spot)

*Humpty Dumpty Heart

  Go Down Moses                                                                      Hall Johnson Choir

  Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho                                             Hall Johnson Choir

*The Anniversary Waltz

 

Note:

(a)                Spokane 18 - “Bing & Connee - On The Air”


Raymond Massey and Jinx Falkenburg, scheduled to be Bing Crosby’s guests tonight, have cancelled. Bing has substituted Donald Crisp, the Hall Johnson Choir and dug up “that surprise feminine guest” again.

 (The Pittsburgh Press, 20th November, 1941)


Ed Rice, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Comments on Entertainment:  Very good. President Roosevelt heard about the Crisp-Crosby-Lester Bond plugging spot and asked for a record. Comments on commercial: Okay. General remarks: Good show."

 

No.  236  27th November 1941 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Connie Boswell, Jerry Lester, Wendy Barrie, Hank Bauer, Humphrey Bogart and Wingy Manone.

 

*B-I-Bi                                                                                      with The Music Maids

  Opening routine with Jerry Lester & Ken Carpenter

  Lullaby In Rhythm                                                                   Connie Boswell

*Shepherd Serenade                                                                   with The Music Maids

  Humphrey Bogart spot

*Blues In The Night                                             (a)                 with The Music Maids

  Wingy Manone spot

  Farewell Blues                                                                         Wingy Manone (trumpet) & John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*I Want A Girl, Just Like The Girl

                                    (That Married Dear Old Dad)               with The Music Maids

  Wendy Barrie spot

  Last Night On The Back Porch                                                The Music Maids & Hal

  Stormy Weather                                                                       Connie Boswell

  Anvil Chorus                                                                            John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*I See A Million People (But All I Can See Is You)


Notes

(a)    Sepia CD 1373 "Bing Crosby - Kraft Music Hall Time"

 

“Humphrey Bogart, Wendy Barrie and Wingy Manone guested on Thursday night (27th) at the Kraft Music Hall.  They all seemed to have fun but most of the entertainment remained in the studio.  Bogart first teamed with Bing Crosby and Jerry Lester in a rather laboured comedy skit and then Miss Barrie and Ken Carpenter joined them for another sketch that had them all giggling but failed to project laughs across the ozone.  Manone played one sizzling trumpet ‘bit’ but became badly tangled, trying to read lines.  John Scott Trotter’s Orchestra supplied excellent musical accompaniment and of course, Crosby’s vocals were ‘sock’ though too infrequent”


Ed Rice, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "
Comments on Entertainment:  Script seemed good to everyone but the audience, which was one of the most undemonstrative I have ever seen. See attached teletype. Comments on commercial: Okay."

 

No.  237  4th December 1941 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Connie Boswell, Jerry Lester, Victor Borge, Carole Landis and Walter Huston.

 

*The Whistler’s Mother-In-Law                                            with The Music Maids

  Jerry Lester spot

  Victor Borge spot

  By-U, By-O                                                                          Connie Boswell

*Be Honest With Me                                                              with The Music Maids

  Walter Huston spot

*The Magic Of Magnolias

*Rose O’Day                                                                          with Connie Boswell

  Carole Landis spot

*Mary’s A Grand Old Name

  Victor Borge music spot

  Barcarolle                                                                             Victor Borge (piano)

  Jerry Lester monologue (show ends during this)

 

One Wednesday Cal Kuhl got a call from Rudy Vallee, who was doing a show for Sealtest on which he was costarred with, of all people, John Barrymore. It was an embarrassing half hour, Barrymore’s swan song, in which he capitalized on his drunkenness. Rudy called to ask Cal to come over and see a comedian who was going to do a warm-up for his show.

Cal tried to back out of this little courtesy chore, but Rudy said, “You’ve just got to see this man. You’ll want to book him with Bing.”

“If he’s that great why don’t you book him?”

“We don’t use guests.”

“If he’s that great, make an exception.”

“Please come.”

“Okay.” Cal hung up and reported the full conversation to me. “Comedy’s your business,” he finished. “You go.”

“You got invited.”

“I’ve got a cocktail party.”

“Be late.”

We boxed around and finally made a decent compromise. We both went. If Rudy had ever been right in his whole life he was right about this guy. For about half an hour the man kept the audience, assembled to see a broadcast, in such a state of laughter it was quite obvious that nothing the show could do would top him.

All the man did was read a little story. But to make it clear, he included all the punctuation marks, to each of which he had assigned a sound. It was, to my knowledge, the first time Victor Borge, the Great Dane, had ever done his famous punctuation routine in public in America.

We immediately booked Borge for our next show. Victor was scheduled to go on after the station break. That meant there’d be a song by Bing, the Victor Borge spot, a commercial, a song by Bing, another guest spot, a song by Bing, a commercial, theme, sign-off.

I shortened the other guest shot because I knew Victor needed time. We took a chorus out of one of Bing’s songs. Victor agreed that he could do the spot in twelve minutes.

That is, we thought he agreed. He spoke almost no English and only understood, if anything, what he chose to. Bing’s intro said he’d seen Victor Borge warming up an audience for Rudy Vallee and anybody who’s good enough to warm up a Vallee audience has got to be good enough to heat up an audience in the old Kraft Music Hall.

Victor came on and repeated the punctuation routine and got the same earthquakelike reaction. After twelve minutes he was still going. We lost a commercial. He kept right on going. We lost a Crosby song. Then we lost a guest spot and another Crosby song and another commercial and the closing theme and we went off the air with people howling and applauding Borge. A telephone call came from Reber in New York telling us to sign the guy for as long as possible.

The problem then became not only one of communication but one of creation. Victor did not know enough about radio or the United States to write new pieces of material with any great speed or success. So Ed Rice, who was working with me on other things, was assigned to Borge and did a baseball routine for his second appearance. It was based on Victor’s newness in America, his limited knowledge of our language, his need to understand our national game, his attendance at one and what he saw. It was a magnificent piece of material and Victor scored very strongly with it in spite of the fact that he certainly didn’t understand one-tenth of what he was saying. This was because, as I soon found out, it was impossible for Victor not to be funny.

    (Carroll Carroll, My Life With…)


“Kraft Music Hall has bolstered its personnel with the addition of Victor Borge, Danish pianist and comedian who has been tagged to a five-year contract”  

(“Variety” 17th December 1941)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "
Comments on Entertainment: Excellent. Comments on commercial: Cut third commercial, tag commercial and Sealtest plug for time. General remarks: Mr. Borge was terrific, but spread us off the air. There was applause for first time in Hall as regular part of show. Lester's monologue of 4:15 spread to 7:10, otherwise, despite Borge, we'd have had commercials."

 

No.  238  11th December 1941   

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Connie Boswell, Victor Borge, Veronica Lake, Jerry Lester, Robert Coote and Paul Robeson.

 

*Any Bonds Today?                                                                with Connie Boswell & The Music Maids

  Crosby-Jerry Lester spot

  Victor Borge spot

*Who Calls?                                                                            with The Music Maids

*Goodbye, Little Darlin’, Goodbye

   Veronica Lake spot

*The Sweetheart Of Sigma Chi

  Sweethearts Or Strangers                                                       Connie Boswell

  Jerry Lester spot

  Paul Robeson spot

  Water Boy                                                                               Paul Robeson

  Ol' Man River                                                                         Paul Robeson

  Robert Coote spot

  My Country, 'Tis Of Thee                                                       John Scott Trotter Orchestra

  March Of The Toys                                                                 John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Humpty Dumpty Heart


The girl with the most talked about head of hair in the nation – Veronica Lake by name – and often called the sweetheart of the navy air corps puts in a guest appearance on the “Music Hall” over NBC-KTBS tonight at 8 o’clock. Slated to appear with Miss Lake is Paul Robeson, great negro baritone, and Robert Coote of the Royal Canadian Air Force, an old favorite at the hall.

(The Shreveport Times, 11th December, 1941)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Comments on Entertainment: Quite good. Comments on commercial: Didn't cut any this week. General remarks: Too bad we had to cut "Star Spangled Banner."

 

No.  239  18th December 1941 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Jerry Lester, Connie Boswell, Victor Borge, The Kraft Choral Society and George Murphy.

 

*Anchors Aweigh

  Crosby-Jerry Lester spot

  Serenade In The Night                                                         Connie Boswell

  Victor Borge spot

*The Magic Of Magnolias

*The Whistler’s Mother-In-Law                                             with The Music Maids

  George Murphy spot

*Santa Claus Is Coming To Town                                          with George Murphy

  Gee! But I Hate To Go Home Alone                                    Connie Boswell

*When I Grow Too Old To Dream

*Don’t Let Julia Fool Ya                                                        with Connie Boswell

  Jerry Lester spot

*’Tis Autumn                                                                          with The Music Maids

   Mary’s Lullaby                                                                    The Kraft Choral Society

  The Angel's Song                                                                  The Kraft Choral Society

*Angels Of Mercy

  March Of The Toys                                                               John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*The Anniversary Waltz

*The Star-Spangled Banner                                                     with entire cast


On the Bing Crosby program at 8 o’clock tonight over WAVE, a choral society composed of eighty voices will sing. An unusual fact about the society is that its members are all employees of the firm which sponsors the radio program. Twice a year, the group sings on the firm’s broadcasts – at Christmas and at Easter. Tonight they will sing “Mary’s Lullaby” and “The Angel’s Song.” George Murphy, song and dance man of the movies and a veteran of Music Hall proceedings, will put in an appearance, and Victor Borge, Danish-born comedian, will begin a series of regular visits to the show. He made quite an impression on the Music Hall’s last two sessions.

(The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), 18th December, 1941)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Comments on Entertainment: Very good. Comments on commercial: Okay General remarks: None"


No.  240  25th December 1941 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids, Jerry Lester, Connie Boswell, Victor Borge, Fay Bainter and Frank McHugh.

                                               

*Adeste Fideles                                                                      

  Victor Borge piano spot

  I Can’t Give You Anything But Love                                  Connie Boswell

*Chattanooga Choo-Choo                                                      with The Music Maids

  Frank McHugh spot

*Oh! How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning                         with The Music Maids

  Letter from J. L. Kraft                                                           Ken Carpenter

*Rose O’Day                                                                           with Connie Boswell

  Jerry Lester routine

*White Christmas                                                                    with The Music Maids

  Fay Bainter spot

  "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus."                                  Fay Bainter

  When Christmas Is Gone                                                       Connie Boswell

*Shepherd Serenade                                      

  "The Infinite Shining Heavens" (Stevenson)                          Fay Bainter

*Silent Night


Bing Sings Yule Carols Tonight

For the sixth consecutive year Bing Crosby will sing “Adeste Fidelis” and “Silent Night” on Kraft Music Hall’s Christmas program tonight at 9 o’clock over WSB. As a Yuletide novelty he will sing for the first time on the air “White Christmas” from his new film, “Holiday Inn.”

The guest panel will be composed by Fay Bainter, celebrated character actress of stage and screen, and tubby zany Frank McHugh, an old friend of Bingston. Danish comedian Victor Borge, who became one of the regulars with last week’s K. M. H. proceedings, will play and sing “The Bells Are Ringing for Christmas,” an old Danish folk song. Bing and his colleagues in the Hall will regretfully say farewell to songstress Connie Boswell, who leaves the show to fulfil a series of personal appearances in the east. Her sultry voiced singing has been one of the pleasantest features of K. M. H. for more than a year.

(The Atlanta Constitution, December 25, 1941)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: Went off the air with 20 seconds of "Silent Night" to go."

 

No.  241  1st January 1942  

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, Jerry Lester, Dusolina Giannini and Wingy Manone.

 

*Let’s Start The New Year Right                               (a)        with The Music Maids

  Mary Martin spot

  Ta-Ra-Ra-Boom-De-Ay                                                        Mary Martin

*The Whistler’s Mother-In-Law                                             with The Music Maids

  Victor Borge spot

*The Magic Of Magnolias

*Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie                                            with Mary Martin

  Jerry Lester spot

*Shepherd Serenade                                                                with The Music Maids

  Mattinata                                                                                Dusolina Giannini

  Wingy Manone spot

  Clarinet Marmalade                                                               Wingy Manone 

  It’s A Lovely Day, Tomorrow                                                Mary Martin

*(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover   (b)  with The Music Maids

 

Notes:

(a)        Spokane 6 - “Bing Crosby - Happy Holiday” (See also Programme No. 240 - Note (a))

            Vintage Jazz Classics VJC1017-2 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - The Christmas Songs”

(b)        Spokane 5 - “Der Bingle - Those Great World War II Songs” (Date shewn as December 1 1942)

            Double Gold DBG53042 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Those Great World War II Songs”          

 

(Mary Martin came into the programme as a “regular”, replacing Connie Boswell who had not departed from “The Hall” without some apparent rancour!)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Excellent. General remarks: Mary Martin more than fulfilled our highest hopes -- and promises more than at first we thought."

 

(Headline)  “I Was Fired, So Why All The Bunk? Asks Miss Boswell”

“Connie Boswell’s frankness in newspaper interviews during her current theatre tour has disconcerted the advertising executives of the Kraft Cheese Company.  When interviewed on her various stands, Miss Boswell has tagged as ‘silly’, announcements put out by the account that she was on leave of absence from its Bing Crosby program. ‘I don’t know’, she has retorted, ‘why they put out such stuff.  To put it plainly, I was fired.  They wanted Mary Martin in my place, so they hired her.’”

(“Variety” 18th March 1942)

 

“Victor Borge and Mary Martin, newcomers to the Kraft Music Hall show, already mesh well with Bing Crosby, Jerry Lester and John Trotter.  Presumably, the team play will become even smoother with more broadcasts. Debuting on the series, last week (1st), Miss Martin paired admirably with Crosby in several dialog comedy ‘bits’ but wasn’t too becomingly presented in her musical numbers.  For instance, her vocal of Irving Berlin’s, ‘Tomorrow Is A Lovely Day’ (sic) failed to take advantage of one of the best tunes of the past couple of seasons.  It was given only a single chorus and that too slow for Miss Martin’s style of singing or for the song’s best effect.  In a single, lengthy comedy spot, Borge had clicked with some highly original, colorful material.  It consisted of his explanation and demonstration of his audible punctuation.”

(“Variety” 7th January 1942)

 

Kraft show has undergone some fairly extensive talent changes: Mary Martin has replaced Connie Boswell, who left for a tour of personal appearances; in addition, comedy side has been hypoed by the addition of Victor Borge, Danish comic. It is a tribute to Bing Crosby, program’s highlight, that the Music Hall seems to survive all talent changes—these changes simply pointing up the fact that the show is completely dependent on Crosby.

Debut of Mary Martin was not particularly auspicious. She engaged in comedy sketches and warbled a few tunes. Delivered fairly well—but she is no Connie Boswell and is not likely to fill the gap. Miss Martin did her warbling both solo and in duo with Crosby, her best tune being the oldie Ta-Ra-Ra Boom De-Ay. Even this was somewhat spoiled by an over-elaborate arrangement, part of the tune being done in conga rhythm.

Borge, a regular after a couple of auspicious guest shots, presents a style of comedy new to American listeners. It’s rather intellectual, a bit on the screwball side, and definitely worth while. Borge has been in the country only 10 months, still speaks with an accent, but is very easily understood.  His best bit on Thursday’s show was his delivery of “phonetic pronunciation,” a hot rendition preceded by a pseudo-scholastic explanation.

Rest of the show was par—which is good. Crosby in usual good voice and manner. John Scott Trotter superbly handles the musical direction, and Jerry Lester okay with the gags. Guests were Wingy Manone, who has been a frequent visitor on Kraft lately, and Dusolina Giannini, opera star. They gave out with their diverse talents, Miss Giannini warbling beautifully and Wingy blowing his horn. Best use of the guests, however, was a sketch allegedly tracing the life of Manone. Crosby was narrator for this piece, with Manone chiming in with jive talk. A very clever script.

(Paul Ackerman, The Billboard, 10th January 1942)

           

No.  242  8th January 1942   

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, Jerry Lester, Major John S. Winch and Cesar Romero.

 

*You’re A Grand Old Flag                                                     with The Music Maids & Hal

  Cesar Romero spot

  The Maids Of Cadiz                                                              Mary Martin

*Goodbye, Little Darlin’, Goodbye

  Victor Borge spot

*My Melancholy Baby

*The Waiter And The Porter And The Upstairs Maid            with Mary Martin & Jerry Lester

  Jerry Lester spot

*’Tis Autumn                                                                           with The Music Maids & Hal

   Major John S. Winch spot

*The Marines' Hymn                                                           

  Cuddle Up A Little Closer                                                     Mary Martin

  Memphis Blues                                                                      John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Day Dreaming


Proceedings at the “Music Hall” will take on a definite military flavor with the appearance of Major John S. Winch of the United States Marine corps as one of Bing Crosby's guests when the program is aired over NBC-KTBS tonight at 8 o'clock. Major Winch will introduce a solemn note into the general levity with a short discussion on what to do when and if various and sundry bombs start raining down. Also due for a hearty welcome is Cesar Romero, tall, dark leading man of many a Hollywood production currently appearing in “Weekend in Havana.” Starting the New Year with a slightly changed cast of regulars, Maestro Crosby will be aided and abetted by sharp-tongued Jerry Lester, and the new comic sensation from Denmark, Victor Borge. The latter plans to put his talents to work with some personal impressions of the manufacture of steel. Bing's musical aids will be Songstress Mary Martin, John Scott Trotter and his band, and the Music Maids and Hal. Ken Carpenter will do the announcing as usual.
(The Shreveport Times, 8th January, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: A good show -- but not as fast or laugh-getting as last week."

 

No.  243  15th January 1942  

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Lt. Col. Verne Snell, Victor Borge, Jerry Lester and Robert Young.

 

*The US Field Artillery March

            (The Caissons Go Rolling Along)

  Robert Young spot

  Yip-I-Addy-I-Ay                                                                   Mary Martin

*Blues In The Night                                                                with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

*I Know Why (And So Do You)

*Stop Throwing Sticks And Stones At Nell                            with Mary Martin & The Music Maids & Hal

  Jerry Lester spot

*Clementine                                                                             with The Music Maids & Hal

  Lt. Col. Verne Snell spot

  Do It Again!                                                                           Mary Martin                                                                         

*(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover


For the second week in a row the “Music Hall” entertains the military as it hits the ether tonight at 9 o’clock over WSB. Bing Crosby and his cohort will welcome an antiaircraft officer from the harbour defences at Fort McArthur. Also slated to appear on the program is an old friend, Robert Young, who is currently starring in the film “H.M. Pulham, Esq.” Continuing the procedure of delving into the serious for a moment or two, Bing plans to ask the Army officer to tell what he can about air raid precautions. Due to Army regulations, however, the officer’s name is to be withheld till program time.

(The Atlanta Constitution, 15th January, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Excellent. General remarks: Lt. Col. Snell was magnificent. Borge was too long, and no finish."

 

No.  244  22nd January 1942  

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, Jerry Lester, Major Thomas Power and Lucille Ball.

 

*The Army Air Corps Song                                        (a)        with Chorus

  Lucille Ball spot

  It’s Delovely                                                                          Mary Martin

*Dreamsville, Ohio                                                                 with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

*Day Dreaming

*Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie                                           with Mary Martin

  Jerry Lester spot

*MacNamara’s Band                                                              with The Music Maids & Hal

  Major Thomas Power spot

  Ma Curly Headed Baby                                                        Mary Martin

*The Anniversary Waltz

 

Note:

(a)        Spokane 5 - “Der Bingle - Those Great World War II Songs”

            Double Gold DBG53042 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Those Great World War II Songs”


The wise-cracking film actress Lucille Ball, will be back in the Music Hall tonight at 7 o’clock. She will indulge in a bit of verbal sparring with Bing Crosby and his pals. Continuing the policy of the last few weeks of inviting an officer in the defence forces to explain the branch in which he serves, Bing will present Major Thomas Power, assistant director of training for the West Coast Air Corps Training Centre.

(Calgary Herald, 22nd January, 1942)


A. K. Spencer, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Good --- except for Lester spot and two slow Crosby numbers."


No.  245  29th January 1942   (a) 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, Jerry Lester, Igor Gorin, Sam Snead and Madeleine Carroll.

 

*The US Field Artillery March

            (The Caissons Go Rolling Along)                               with Chorus

  Crosby-Martin opening

*Chattanooga Choo-Choo                                         (b)         with The Music Maids & Hal

  Madeleine Carroll spot

*Got A Date With An Angel                                     (c)

  You Made Me Love You                                                      Mary Martin

*Deep In The Heart of Texas                                    (d)         with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

  The Blue Danube (Strauss)                                                   Victor Borge (piano)

*Blues In The Night                                                                with The Music Maids & Hal

*Rose O’Day                                                            (e)          with Mary Martin

  Sam Snead spot

  Gypsy Airs                                                                            Igor Gorin

  The Pledge To The Flag                                                        Igor Gorin

*Home On The Range                                               (e)

*Who Calls?                                                              (e)         with The Music Maids & Hal

  Madeleine Carroll (Ted Crosby poem)

*The US Field Artillery March

            (The Caissons Go Rolling Along)                               with entire cast



Notes
:
(a)        The complete programme was issued on Spokane 11 - “Bing Crosby
Kraft Music Hall – 29th January 1942”
(b)       
Sepia CD 1373 "Bing Crosby - Kraft Music Hall Time"
(c)        A few lines only, by way of introduction to a sketch.
(d)        On The Air OTA101978 (CD) - “Great Moments With Bing Crosby And Friends From The Radio Shows”

(e)        Sepia CD 1373 "Bing Crosby - Kraft Music Hall Time"

 

“General Douglas MacArthur’s fighting men asked today for a radio broadcast of ‘Bing Crosby songs’ to divert their thoughts from the pressures of battle.  Colonel William J. Donovan, co-ordinator of information, informed Crosby’s agents that the office of President Roosevelt had received the request from General MacArthur in behalf of his soldiers.  Mr. Crosby said that arrangements would be made to broadcast his regular Thursday night radio program to Luzon Island.  He would dedicate ‘The Caissons Go Rolling Along’ to the Philippine defenders”

(“New York Times” 25th January 1942)


A. K. Spencer, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Excellent."

 

No.  246  5th February 1942  

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Jerry Lester, Lieutenant Harold B. Roberts, Wingy Manone and John Garfield.

 

*The Yankee Doodle Boy                                          (a)         with The Music Maids & Hal

  John Garfield spot

  Shady Lady Bird                                                                    Mary Martin

*Dreamsville, Ohio                                                                   with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

*I Don’t Want To Walk Without You                       (a)

*Nobody’s Darlin’ But Mine                                     (b)

  Wingy Manone spot

*A Zoot Suit (For My Sunday Gal)                                          with Wingy Manone

*Jealous                                                                                    with The Music Maids & Hal

  Lieutenant Harold B. Roberts spot

  Begin The Beguine                                                                 Mary Martin

  Farewell Blues                                                                        John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*The Anniversary Waltz

 

Note: 

(a)        Spokane 5 - Der Bingle - Those Great World War II Songs”

            Double Gold DBG53042 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Those Great World War II Songs”

            (Both shew “The Yankee Doodle Boy” as “Yankee Doodle Dandy”)

(b)        Bing totally loses his place whilst singing this song.


John Garfield of the movies, Lieut. Harold B. Roberts of the U. S. marine commission and Wingy Manone will be guests of Bing Crosby on the Music Hall program.

(The Austin American, 5th February, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Good. General remarks: Spent considerable time on "Let My Conscience Be Your Guide" -- but at 4:55, it was, by general consent and with general relief, postponed rather than attempted. It should be ready after another Wed. and Thursday rehearsal."


12th February 1942}

19th February 1942}            Bing did not appear in either of these two programmes.

 

No.  247  26th February 1942  

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Jerry Lester, William Frawley, Hank Luisetti, and Paul Robeson.

 

*The Army Air Corps Song

  Listen To The Mocking Bird                                                      Mary Martin

  William Frawley spot

*Deep In The Heart Of Texas                                      (a)           with The Music Maids & Hal

*The Whistler’s Mother-In-Law                                                  with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

*Rose O’Day                                                                                with Mary Martin

  Balm In Gilead                                                                            Paul Robeson

  It Ain’t Necessarily So                                                                Paul Robeson

*Miss You                                                                                     with The Music Maids & Hal

  Hank Luisetti spot

  Parlez-Moi D'Amour                                                                  Mary Martin

*My Melancholy Baby

 

Note:

(a)        Jasmine CD JASMCD 3558 - “Bing Crosby – Another Ride in Cowboy Country”


The big news about the “Music Hall” airing over NBC-KTBS tonight at 8 o’clock is that Bing Crosby will resume his emcee duties after an absence from two shows. While he was away, Bingston was participating in a series of golf tourneys for the benefit of the Red Cross. On hand to welcome Bing back will be Paul Robeson, Film Actor Alan Jenkins (sic) and Hank Luisetti, one of the greatest basketball stars of all time.

(The Shreveport Times, 26th February, 1942) (Allen Jenkins did not actually appear in the end and was replaced by William Frawley.)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Very good. General remarks: Borge especially good."

 

No.  248  5th March 1942 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Jerry Lester, Mary Martin, Jack Teagarden, Cornelius Warmerdam and Donald Crisp.

 

*Nobody’s Darlin’ But Mine                                                  with The Music Maids & Hal

  Donald Crisp spot

  Pound Your Table Polka                                                       Mary Martin

*Blues In The Night                                                                with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

*Day Dreaming                                  

  Jack Teagarden spot

  Swingin' On The Teagarden Gate                                          Jack Teagarden (trombone)

*The Waiter And The Porter And The Upstairs Maid             with Mary Martin & Jack Teagarden

  Cornelius Warmerdam spot

*Someday Sweetheart                                                              with The Music Maids & Hal

  Ma Curly Headed Baby                                                         Mary Martin

  Danish Folk Song                                                                    Victor Borge (piano)

  Maple Leaf Rag                                                                      John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*(There'll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs Of Dover       with The Music Maids & Hal


“The Waiter, the Porter and the Upstairs Maid.” Bing Crosby, Jack Teagarden and Mary Martin get together in that catchy tune; other guests are Donald Crisp, who won the Academy Award for his performance in “How Green Was My Valley,” and Cornelius Warmerdam, California school teacher and ex-Fresno College star who is only man ever to pole vault more than 15 feet.

(The Birmingham News, 5th March, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Good. General remarks: This was an even, sustained show, which got an orchid from John, although it did not ever reach the sustained high level of the show last week.  The band number was in --- Bing please note."


No.  249  12th March 1942  (a)

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, Jerry Lester, Mary I. Barber, Wingy Manone and Pat O’Brien.

 

*How About You?                                                                 with The Music Maids & Hal

  Pat O'Brien spot

*Dear Old Donegal                                                                with Pat O’Brien

*I Don’t Want To Walk Without You

  Excerpts: Paderewski - Minuet; Rossini -                 }

  William Tell Overture; Strauss - Blue Danube;         }        Victor Borge (piano)

  Liszt - 2nd Hungarian Rhapsody                              }

  The Saga Of Jenny                                                               Mary Martin

*Darling Nellie Gray                                       (b)

*We’re The Couple In The Castle                   (c)                  with Mary Martin

  Wingy Manone spot

  That’s A-Plenty                                                                    Wingy Manone (trumpet)

  Les Filles De Cadiz (The Three Young Fillies)                    Mary Martin

  Mary I. Barber spot

*The Song Of The Quartermaster Corps

  The Anvil Chorus (Verdi)                                                    John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Miss You                                                                              with The Music Maids & Hal

  My Country, ‘Tis Of Thee We Sing                                     Pat O’Brien (Poetry reading with orchestral accompaniment)

 

Notes: 

(a)        A slightly edited version of the programme was issued on Spokane 2 - “Bing Crosby - Kraft Music Hall - 12th March 1942”  (“How About You?” shewn as “I Like It, How About You”; “Dear Old Donegal” shewn as “MacNamara’s Band” and “The Song Of The Quartermaster Corps” shewn as “We’re The Gang That Feeds The Army”).

(b)        Sepia CD 1373 "Bing Crosby - Kraft Music Hall Time"

(c)        This item is omitted from the above-mentioned issue.


Miss Mary I. Barber, whom Titusville still claims as its own, although she has not resided here for many years, talked over a nation-wide hook-up last night about her work as food consultant in the Quartermaster Corps of the Army… She had a particular message for American mothers telling them that their sons were the best fed soldiers in the world… Miss Barber received an impressive introduction, Bing Crosby, the master of ceremonies saying she is “one of the few women in the world not in the Army but of the Army” and that she is “the only woman in history who ever filled the empty stomach the army moves on.”  

(Titusville Herald (P.A.), March 13, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: Show built from fair beginning to boffo finish - spread used 5:45!"


No.  250  19th March 1942 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, Jerry Lester, Lester V. Berrey, Allen Jenkins and Nigel Bruce.

 

*Deep In The Heart Of Texas                                   (a)         with The Music Maids & Hal

  Allen Jenkins spot

  Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing In A Hurry                    Mary Martin

*Somebody Else Is Taking My Place                                      with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

*Did Your Mother Come From Ireland?

*Rose O’Day                                                                            with Mary Martin

  Nigel Bruce spot

  Summertime                                                                            Mary Martin

  Lester V. Berrey spot

  Barcarolle (Offenbach)                                                           Victor Borge (Piano)

*You Tell Me Your Dream                                         (b)          with The Music Maids & Hal

  Triumphal March from ‘Peter And The Wolf’ (Prokofiev)     John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*The Anniversary Waltz

 
Notes:
(a)        The arrangement includes a vocal by an unidentified male chorus of “The Eyes Of Texas”
(b)        The comedy introduction includes Bing singing snatches of “Button Up Your Overcoat” and “Marie”.


Bing Crosby’s guests at 6 over KFI will be Nigel Bruce, Allen Jenkins and Lester V. Berry, author of “American Thesaurus of Slang.” Crosby is spending his royalties from “Silent Night” to finance camp shows for soldiers. He accompanies a variety show unit organized by his brother, Larry, to give free unpublicized shows for the men in uniform and pays all expenses. His recording “Silent Night” sold 300,000 copies in December, raising $8,000 in royalties.

(Zuma Palmer, Hollywood Citizen News, March 19, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: See Reber's wire."


 

No.  251  26th March 1942

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, Jerry Lester, John E. ‘Beans’ Reardon (National League Umpire), Jack Mayhew and Robert Preston.

 

*How About You?                                                                  with The Music Maids & Hal

  Pound Your Table Polka                                                       Mary Martin

  Robert Preston spot

*Blues In The Night                                                                with The Music Maids & Hal

  Excerpts: Herbert - Ah! Sweet Mystery Of Life;     }

  Where The Blue Of The Night; Mendelssohn -        }                     

  Spring Song and Wedding March; Cuckoo Song;   }

  Little Grey Home In The West; Beethoven - Minuet}          Victor Borge (Piano)

  In G; Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair; When    }

  Irish Eyes Are Smiling                                              }

*I Remember You

*We’re The Couple In The Castle                                           with Mary Martin

*K-K-K-Katy                                                             (a)          with The Music Maids & Hal

  John E. ‘Beans’ Reardon spot

  You Made Me Love You                                                       Mary Martin

  Loose Ends (Mayhew)                                                           Jack Mayhew (saxophone)

  A String Of Pearls (Gray)                                                       John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Miss You

 

Note: 

(a)        The comedy introduction includes Bing singing snatches of, “Somebody Stole My Gal”, “Mickey”, “Oui, Oui, Marie” and “Good Morning, Mr. Zip, Zip, Zip”.

 

“Jerry Lester concluding a year on Kraft and going on tour of theatres.....Mary Martin picked up another 13 weeks on Kraft Music Hall....Victor Borge got an option lift on Kraft”

 (“Variety” 25th March 1942)


"The Kraft Music Hall, heard at 9 p.m. over Station WMBG, will feature Robert Preston and the Ink Spots as guests of emcee Bing Crosby. Comedians Victor Borge and Jerry Lester will be on hand as usual, and there'll be songs from Mary Martin and Bing, with music by John Scott Trotter's orchestra and the Music Maids."

(Richmond Times-Dispatch, March 26, 1942.) (NOTE: Late changes appear to have resulted in The Ink Spots not taking part).


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Good. General remarks: Script and performance definitely better than last week."

 

No.  252  2nd April 1942 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, The Kraft Choral Club, Claude Thornhill and Walter Huston.

 

*The Army Air Corps Song                                                    with Chorus

  Indian Love Call                                                                   Mary Martin

*She’ll Always Remember

  Victor Borge spot

  Autumn Nocturne (Myrow)                                                  Claude Thornhill (piano)

  Stealin’Apples (Razaf/Waller)                                              Claude Thornhill (piano)

*Moonlight Cocktail

*Easter Parade                                                         (a)

  Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag

             (And Smile, Smile, Smile)                             (b)         Mary Martin with The Music Maids & Hal

  Walter Huston spot

  Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?              The Kraft Choral Club

  As It Began To Dawn (Mason)                                            The Kraft Choral Club

  Espana Cani (Chabrier)                                                        John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Sing Me A Song Of The Islands                                           with The Music Maids & Hal

 

Notes:

(a)        The comedy introduction includes Bing singing snatches of, “Love Is The Sweetest Thing”, “Who’s Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf?” and “The Last Round-Up”

(b)               The comedy introduction includes Bing singing snatches of, “I’ve Been Floating Down The Old Green River”, and “M-O-T-H-E-R”


The annual Easter appearance of the Kraft Choral Society will be a highlight of the Music Hall program at 6 o’clock this evening when Bing Crosby will have Claude Thornhill, orchestra leader, and Walter Pidgeon of the films as his studio guests. The chorus will be heard during a cut in from Chicago.

(The Fresno Bee, 2nd April, 1942) (NOTE: Walter Pidgeon was replaced by Walter Huston)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Excellent. General remarks: Kraft Choral Club spread 45 seconds on its first (2:15) number -- a minute on its second (3:45) number. We had 18:10 to cut after rehearsal."

No.  253  9th April 1942 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Major John L. DeWitt, June Havoc and Walter Pidgeon.

 

*The US Field Artillery March

            (The Caissons Go Rolling Along)                    with The Music Maids & Hal

  Isn’t That Just Like Love                                           Mary Martin

  June Havoc spot

  I Haven’t A Thing To Wear                                      June Havoc

*Skylark

  Victor Borge spot

*I Don’t Want To Walk Without You

*Honey, Honey (Bless Your Heart)                            with male quartet

*Sweetly She Sleeps, My Alice Fair                            with Walter Pidgeon

  Ma! (He’s Making Eyes At Me)                                Mary Martin with The Music Maids & Hal

  Rachmaninoff Prelude                                               John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*I Remember You


Walter Pidgeon, who was forced to give up his guest spot on the Kraft Music Hall because of studio activities, has promised to be present this week with Bing Crosby and the gang on the program heard at 9 p.m. over Station WMBG. Other guests will be June Havoc, screen star, and Major John L. DeWitt Jr., of the Fifth Armored Division, United States Army.

(Richmond Times-Dispatch, 9th April, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Very good, except for DeWitt, and Borge monologue. General remarks: DeWitt noticeably nervous. Borge's talk not funny on paper, and not funny on delivery."


No.  254  16th April 1942   (a)

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, Sabu, Spike Jones and his City Slickers and Ronald Reagan.

 

*K-K-K-Katy                                                                          with The Music Maids & Hal

  Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing In A Hurry                    Mary Martin

  Sabu spot

*Miss You                                                                               with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

*He Comes From Timbukthree                                                with Mary Martin  & The Music Maids

*Make Believe                                                       (b)

*I’ll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time                              with Mary Martin  & The Music Maids

  Little Bo-Peep Has Lost Her Jeep                                          Spike Jones & his City Slickers

  Pass The Biscuits, Mirandy                                                     Spike Jones & his City Slickers

*Mary                                                                                        with The Music Maids & Hal

  Ronald Reagan spot

  The Way You Look Tonight                                                   Mary Martin

*Sing Me A Song Of The Islands                                              with The Music Maids & Hal

 

Notes:

(a)        Spokane 4 - “Kraft Music Hall - April 16 1942 starring Bing Crosby” (Sleeve shews cast and titles for Programme No. 256.  Actual details appear on sleeve of Spokane 3 - “Kraft Music Hall - April 30 1942 starring Bing Crosby” but “Sing Me A Song Of The Islands” is shewn as “Song Of The Islands”).

(b)        Sepia CD 1373 "Bing Crosby - Kraft Music Hall Time"

            The comedy introduction includes Bing singing snatches of, “The Black Bottom”, “Chloe”, “Mississippi Mud” and “My Heart Stood Still”.


Two movie actors and a star harmonica player share and share alike the guest-star spot on the “Music Hall” with Bing Crosby tonight at 8 o’clock over KTBS. They are Ronald Reagan, who will be a member of Uncle Sam’s fighting forces three days later; Sabu, erstwhile “Elephant Boy” whose recent celluloid venture is “Jungle Boy," (sic) and Larry Adler, harmonica player extra special.

(The Shreveport Times, 16th April, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Good. General remarks: Warners told Reagan we had said we didn't need him for rehearsal. This lie did them no good - since Reagan was planning on coming to rehearsal during his lunch hour - and it almost forced Reagan and K.M.H to do show without rehearsing his spot."


 

No.  255  23rd April 1942  

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, and Captain Floyd J. Sweet.

 

*The Marines’ Hymn                                                             with Chorus

  I Dood It                                                                               Mary Martin

  Victor Borge spot

*Skylark

*Somebody Else Is Taking My Place                                      with The Music Maids & Hal

*Pretty Baby                                                               (a)

*Lily Of Laguna                                                                      with Mary Martin

  Captain Floyd J. Sweet spot

  Oh! By Jingo                                                                          Mary Martin

  Lullaby (Henriques)                                                               Victor Borge (piano)

  Memphis Blues                                                                       John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Just Plain Lonesome

 

Note:

(a)                The comedy introduction includes Bing singing snatches of “They’re Wearing ‘Em Higher In Hawaii”, “Where Did Robinson Crusoe Go With Friday On Saturday Night” and “Oregon”.


With Captain Floyd J. Sweet of the Air Force Training Detachment for Gliders, Condor Field, 29 Palms, Calif., as guest, Bing Crosby and his Music Hall cohorts will fly, high wide and handsome during their broadcast at 9 tonight.  

(The Bristol News Bulletin (Tennessee), 23rd April, 1942)


"Among commercially sponsored radio entertainments in the United States, the following are now being short-waved from recordings.  This list of NBC (Red) Commercials (List includes ‘Bing Crosby - Kraft Cheese - Sundays noon’). Programs are intended to reach American garrisons in foreign areas via WRCA and WNBI owned by RCA.”

(“Variety” 29th April 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Quite good. General remarks: Leon Henderson took last ten minutes of show from Washington for a talk on inflation. We happened to be able to make switch at precise second we said we would, without fill of any kind."

 

No.  256  30th April 1942  (a)

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, Captain Hewitt T. Wheless, Larry Adler, Gene Tunney and Susan Hayward.

 

*Hey, Mabel!                                                                           with The Music Maids & Hal 

  Captain Hewitt T. Wheless (Army Air Force officer) spot

  He Comes From Timbukthree                                                Mary Martin & The Music Maids

  Susan Hayward  spot

*Friendship                                                                               with Mary Martin & Susan Hayward

*Mary                                                                         (f)           with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

  The Cuckoo Song                                                                    Victor Borge (piano)

*Not Mine                                                                   (c)

*I’ll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time                 (d)          with Mary Martin

  Malaguena                                                                                Larry Adler (harmonica)

  Blues In The Night                                                                    Larry Adler (harmonica)

*Oh! How I Miss You Tonight                                    (b)

  Gene Tunney spot

  Embraceable You                                                                     Mary Martin

*I Remember You                                                        (e)

 

Notes:

(a)        Spokane 3 - “Kraft Music Hall - April 30 1942 starring Bing Crosby” (Sleeve shews cast and titles for Programme No. 254.  Actual details appear on sleeve of Spokane 4 - “Kraft Music Hall - April 16 1942 starring Bing Crosby”

(b)        The comedy introduction includes Bing singing snatches of, “Tea For Two”, “All Alone”, “Rose Marie”, “I Wonder What’s Become Of Sally?” and “Yessir! That’s My Baby”.

(c)        Shout! CD DK 31515 “Swingin’ With Bing”

(d)        Sepia CD 1224 "Bing Crosby in the Hall"

(e)        JSP Records CD JSP6705 - "Here's Bing Crosby!"

(f)         Sepia CD 1373 "Bing Crosby - Kraft Music Hall Time"


Lieut. Commander Gene Tunney of the navy, harmonica virtuoso, Larry Adler and film actress, Joan Leslie will drop in on Bing Crosby and his pals for a session of the “Music Hall” over KTBS tonight at 8 o’clock…Joan Leslie, who co-stars with James Cagney in the forthcoming film, “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” will be featured in a hill-billy skit with Crosby.

(The Shreveport Times, 30th April, 1942) (Note: Joan Leslie did not take part and was replaced by Susan Hayward).


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: Susan Hayward excellent, but stepped on every laugh. Borge-Crosby act best Borge spot in months. Tunney would be a good one not to have again."

 

7th May 1942             }          Bing did not appear in these two programmes. 

14th May 1942           }         

 

“While Bing Crosby is charity golfing with Bob Hope in the east, brother Bob and his Bobcats will pinch hit on Kraft Music Hall on May 7th and 14th.  If he does a good job of it, orchestra will get the summer hitch, too”

(“Variety” 6th May 1942)

 

No.  257  21st May 1942

 

With Ken Carpenter, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, The Music Maids & Hal, Rear Admiral I.C. Johnson, Virginia Weidler and Carole Landis.

 

*Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree                                           with The Music Maids & Hal

  Three Little Sisters (parody)                                                  Mary Martin

  Virginia Weidler spot

*Count Me In                                                             (a)         with Virginia Weidler

*Skylark

  Victor Borge spot

*The Lamplighter’s Serenade

*Lily Of Laguna                                                                       with Mary Martin

  Carole Landis spot

*Great Day                                                                 (b)         with The Music Maids & Hal

  Rear Admiral I.C. Johnson spot

  Night And Day                                                                       Mary Martin                                                   

  Diga Diga Doo                                                                       The John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Miss You

 
Notes:
(a)        This item is the ‘closer’ for a short sketch which opens with Bing singing a snatch of “Got A Date With An Angel”

(b)        The comedy introduction includes Bing singing snatches of, “There’s Danger In Your Eyes, Cherie” and “Sunny Side Up”


Bing Crosby takes over the reins of his “Music Hall” on KTBS tonight at 8 o’clock after an absence of two weeks during which time he participated in a number of golf tournaments for the benefit of the Red Cross. Special guests, who will serve with the regulars as a welcoming committee for Bing, will be Virginia Weidler, Merle Oberon and Rear Admiral Johnson, director of the naval reserve 11th district. Merle Oberon has been traveling with other movie luminaries in the Victory Caravan, which has been giving shows for the benefit of the Navy Relief Society. She can be counted on to give some interesting highlights of the junket.

(The Shreveport Times, 21st May, 1942) (Note: Merle Oberon did not appear.)


Following an interview with Admiral Johnson, stationed in Los Angeles (about enlistments, cases open in Naval Reserve etc.) Bing Crosby read a message in Crosby language. He knew what ‘all soldiers, sailors and coast guardsmen’ were doing: buying bonds. Asked everybody to do the same, ‘to clip the Nips.’ Emphasized payroll deduction plan. Well phrased and delivered. The Admiral thanked Crosby for what the latter had done to aid Navy Relief.

('Variety', May 27, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Very good. General remarks: Good to have Bing back."

 

No.  258  28th May 1942 

 

With Ken Carpenter, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, The Music Maids & Hal, David Freeman, Frank McHugh and Ruth Hussey.

 

*The Bombardier Song                                                           with The Music Maids & Hal

  Embraceable You                                                                 Mary Martin

  Ruth Hussey spot

*Mary                                                                                     with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

*Not Mine                                          

*Jingle, Jangle, Jingle                                      (a)                   with Mary Martin & The Music Maids & Hal

  Frank McHugh spot

*Hey, Mabel!                                                                          with Frank McHugh

*You’re A Grand Old Flag                                                     with The Music Maids & Hal

  David Freeman spot

  The Knitting Serenade                                                           Mary Martin

  Jersey Bounce                                                                        John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Johnny Doughboy Found A Rose In Ireland                          with The Music Maids & Hal

 

Note:

(a)        Jasmine CD JASMCD 3558 - “Bing Crosby – Another Ride in Cowboy Country”


Crooner Bing Crosby will play host to Ruth Hussey and Frank McHugh of the films and Dave Friedman (sic), national badminton champion, in the “Music Hall” broadcast over KTBS at 8 o’clock.

(The Shreveport Times, 28th May, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Good show -  with McHugh easily taking top honors. General remarks: Borge better by far than in two previous weeks."

 

No.  259  4th June 1942 

 

With Ken Carpenter, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, The Music Maids & Hal, Major Marion L. Dawson, Rosemary Lane and John Garfield.

 

*Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree                  (a)                   with The Music Maids & Hal

  Yip-I-Addy-I-Ay                                                                  Mary Martin with The Music Maids & Hal

  John Garfield interview and sketch

*Just Plain Lonesome

  Variations on ‘Don’t Sit Under The Apple Tree’                  Victor Borge (Piano)

*Wait Till The Sun Shines, Nellie                                            with Mary Martin

  Rosemary Lane interview and sketch

  Playmates (parody)                                                                 Mary Martin & Rosemary Lane

  Time Marches Back segment - 1905

*Mary’s A Grand Old Name

  Major Marion L. Dawson interview

  Ain’t Misbehavin’                                                                  Mary Martin with The Music Maids & Hal

  Triumphal March from ‘Aida’ (Verdi)                                   John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Sleepy Lagoon

 

Note:

(a)        Startone ST225 - “Bing And Mary”

            JSP Records CD JSP6705 - "Here's Bing Crosby!"


With screen stars John Garfield and Rosemary Lane, fresh from her Broadway triumph in “Best Foot Forward,” joining forces with Major Marion L. Dawson, commanding officer of the Parachute Training Center at the U.S. Marine Base, San Diego, Calif., Bing Crosby will have his usual houseful of interesting visitors for the Kraft Music Hall edition tonight at 9.

(The Bristol Herald-Courier, 4th June, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Very good. General remarks:  Show had great pace with lots of high spots and no really weak ones. Bing and Mary really fine throughout - and guests excellent. Borge best in weeks."

 

No.  260  11th June 1942  

 

With Ken Carpenter, Mary Martin, Victor Borge, The Music Maids & Hal, Lieutenant Leonard Phillips (bombardment instructor), Ilona Massey and Thomas Mitchell.

 

*The Bombardier Song                                                             with The Music Maids & Hal
 
Listen To The Mocking Bird                                                  Mary Martin

  Thomas Mitchell spot

*The Lamplighter’s Serenade

  Victor Borge spot

*Skylark

*Jingle, Jangle, Jingle                                                                with Mary Martin & The Music Maids

  Ilona Massey spot

*Talking To The Moon                                                              with The Music Maids & Hal

  Lieutenant Leonard Phillips spot

  He Wears A Pair Of Silver Wings                                           Mary Martin

  Farewell Blues                                                                         John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Johnny Doughboy Found A Rose In Ireland                           with The Music Maids & Hal


With Thomas Mitchell, screen character actor, Vera Zorina of the stage, screen and ballet, and Lieut. Leonard Phillips of the U.S. Army Air Force riding in the reserved guest airplane seats, Bing Crosby will bring his Music Hall opus to the air tonight at 9 with the “Bombardier Song” topping his list of vocal high spots.

(The Bristol Herald-Courier, 11th June, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Excellent. General remarks: All three of our guests gave top performances, and there was such a warm and spontaneous feeling in the studio among the family cast that the show really was an "occasion."


No.  261  18th June 1942 

 

With Ken Carpenter, The Music Maids & Hal, Lynne Overman, Linda Darnell and Walt Disney.

 

*Hey, Mabel!                                                                          with The Music Maids & Hal

  Lieutenant Robert Buchan spot (awarded Navy Cross)

*Hey, Mabel! (parody)

  Linda Darnell spot

*Daddy, You've Been A Mother To Me

*Not Mine

  Victor Borge spot

  Anchors Aweigh                                                                    Victor Borge (piano) with orchestra

  Jersey Bounce                                                                        The Music Maids & Hal

  Lynne Overman spot

*I’m Saving A Dime Out Of Every Dollar

  Walt Disney spot

*Love Is A Song

*When My Dreamboat Comes Home                                      with The Music Maids & Hal

  Suggestion Diabolique                                                             John  Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Sleepy Lagoon


Beautiful Linda Darnell, Donald Crisp and Walt Disney will stroll into the “Music Hall” to chat and joke with Bing Crosby and Company during the KTBS broadcast tonight at 8 o'clock. In honor of Disney, Bing will sing “Love Is Just a Song,” from the former's forthcoming feature-length cartoon “Bambi.” He'll also sing “Hey, Mabel,” with the Music Maids and Hal; “Not Mine,” “When My Dreamboat Comes Home” and two other songs which will be announced later. The Music Maids and Hal will sing “The Jersey Bounce” and John Scott Trotter will lead the band in “Suggestion Diabolique.” Victor Borge will present another of his side--splitting routines. Mary Martin, who is on vacation will be off the show for one week. She will be on again on the 25th and will be heard regularly all summer.

(The Shreveport Times, 18th June, 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Good. General remarks: Audience laughed but somehow the studio seemed dead, and the laughter slow in coming."

 

No.  262  25th June 1942 

 

With Ken Carpenter, Mary Martin, The Music Maids & Hal, Harry James and Fred Astaire.

 

*Song Of Freedom                                                     (a)         with The Music Maids & Hal

 Three Little Sisters                                                                  Mary Martin

  Fred Astaire spot

*I’ll Capture Your Heart                                                         with Fred Astaire & Mary Martin

*Talking To The Moon                                                            with The Music Maids & Hal

  Victor Borge spot

*Be Careful, It’s My Heart                

*Jingle, Jangle, Jingle                                                               with Mary Martin & The Music Maids

*Dear Little Boy Of Mine

  Yankee Clipper                                                                       Harry James (trumpet)

  Sleepy Lagoon                                                                         Harry James (trumpet)

*A Boy In Khaki, A Girl In Lace

  Brief Bob Crosby spot to talk about next week's show.


Note:

(a)        Spokane 5 - “Der Bingle - Those Great World War II Songs”

            Double Gold DBG53042 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - Those Great World War II Songs”

 

“Plenty Of Plugging For New Paramount Pic - ‘Holiday’ Pet Of The Nets” (Headline)  

With fourteen tunes to play with and play, ‘Holiday (Inn)’can’t miss keeping things cooking on the kilocycles. Kate Smith, last week, sang ‘Be Careful It’s My Heart’, one of the Crosby/Astaire picture’s sock ballads.  The song was heard on all major networks immediately after release.  Tomorrow night, Kraft Music Hall follows through when Bing Crosby has his co-star, Astaire, as guest.  Bing himself will deliver two ‘Holiday Inn’ Tunes, ‘Be Careful’ and ‘Song Of Freedom’ and he and Astaire will duo on the number they sell so well in the picture, ‘I’ll Capture Her Heart Singing’(sic).”

 (“Variety” 24th June 1942)

 

“Bob Crosby will be brother Bing’s pinch hitter on Kraft, this summer.  He stays on just as long as Bing wants to stay away”

 (“Variety” 27th May 1942)


Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director commented: "Entertainment: Very good. General remarks: It took Reber to fix it so Harry James could play "Sleepy Lagoon" despite duplication. Bing was in especially fine fettle - also Mary."

 

Go to 1942-43 season

 

BACK TO TOP

 

BACK TO CONTENTS