Audio introduction gives a brief synopsis of Eddie Canto's incredible popularity on records, radio, film, and television.  A career that lasted more than two decades.  He was posthumously inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1995.  This show features his good friend, Jack Benny, as his guest.  Harry von Zell is the announcer and Dinah Shore is the show's regular vocalist.  This show was broadcast at the end of November so some of the music is traditional Christmas songs.  This track will live in the "Musical, Variety" Playlist on this podcast.

Its Time To Smile - Eddie Cantor with Jack Benny - Nov. 25, 1942 - Comedy Variety

This program never aired because President Franklin Roosevelt gave one of his speeches to the nation via the radio networks.  Eddie still did the show because a lot of people had tickets and had traveled to be in the audience.  They had rehearsed the show with a "test audience" in the early afternoon.  Cantor did that to see what jokes and routines were popular... dry run.  He altered anything that didn't go over well with the "test audience" before the broadcast one came in.  Dinah Shore (discovered by Eddie Cantor) does several songs, Mr. Guffy does a comedy skit with Eddie.  The Bobby Sherwood Orchestra plays some very upbeat versions of "Blueberry Hill" and "Stardust"  Eddie does a couple of comedy routines and takes questions from the audience.  The show finished with Eddie singing a few old vaudeville songs that were requested by some people in the audience.  "Backstory"... Eddie Cantor made $20,000 a show at the height of his career.  More Eddie Cantor shows on the "Eddie Cantor" Playlist.

It's Time To Smile  - The Show That Never Aired - 1940 - 10 - 23

Audio Intro gives brief background of the radio series..."The Railroad Hour" and introduces the stars in the very well-done musical comedy...Gordon MadRae, Eileen Wilson,and Eddie Cantor.  This will be stored in "The Railroad Hour" Playlist.

The Railroad Hour - Whoopee - with Eddie Cantor  and Gordon MacRae Jan. 3, 1949 - Musical

Retired Science Teacher - hobby of old radio restoration - Volunteered for public radio and tv stations as Producer and A/V editor for 20 yrs. Concerned about Climate Change and our insane orange president.

New tracks tagged #Eddie Cantor