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Christmas Variety Shows

Big song numbers and plenty of knee slapping comedy to bring old time radio Christmas cheer home.

Christmas Variety Shows

54 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 29 hours, 13 min)
available in the following formats:

2 MP3 CDs
or
25 Audio CDs


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Play a sample episode from December 24, 1942:

"Command Performance Christmas Special"



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Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

Francis Langford & Bob Hope
Christmas is not a time to hold back. If you're going to have a party, make it the biggest party of the year; if your going to hang the lights, make sure there are more twinkling than there was last year; if you're going to roast a turkey, find the biggest bird you can.

And if your going to put on a show, it had better be the biggest of the season!

Variety Shows are a standard format dates back to Vaudeville. In those days the theater owners could promise everything the patron could want in one show. Christmas is a time to pull out all the stops, and Variety shows were no exception!

  • John Barrymore Texaco Star Theater, 12/21/38, John Barrymore,hosting, shares some comic Christmas banter with Una Merkel, then introduces Tenor Kenny Baker who reminds us, "Don't Wait Until the Night Before Christmas to be Good".Later the cast performs a Christmas drama, "The Song Of Christmas".
  • Texaco Star Theater, 12/20/39, Ken Murray hosts, welcoming the Hollywood Santa Claus on the West coast portion of the program, as both Kenny Baker and Francis Langford sing, then the cast presents "The Murray Family on Christmas Eve". The dramatic half of the program presents "The Goose Hangs High" from New York.
  • Moonlight Serenade/Chesterfield Time. 12/24/41, Glenn Miller starts the show with a swinging version of Jingle Bells and a pitch for Chesterfield smokes.
  • Command Performance, 12/24/42, The Show's first Christmas Eve, and it is shared with the whole nation. M.C.'d by Bob Hope, after his monologue, the Andrew's Sisters sing "The Pennsylvania Polka", Harriet Hilliard and Red Skelton do a Christmas morning sketch, followed by a Spike Jones version of Jingle Bells. Toward the end of the program the G.I.s command that Fred Allen and Jack Benny put their feud aside, can they do it?
  • Command Performance, 12/25/43, Another Christmas, another Bob Hope show for the troops! This one starts with Kay Kyser's Orchestra with "St James Infirmary Blues, and Bob passes time with Jimmy Durante, and later with Archie from Duffy's Tavern. Jack Benny and Fred Allen show up again, and gee, they still aren't getting along...
  • Gordon MacRaeNBC Christmas Reunion, 12/25/43, An incredibly ambitious live Christmas Project from NBC, coordinating remote broadcasts from nearly every theater of the War. Not all of the remotes are an easy hook up, but we do get to hear servicemen and women having the best Christmas they can so far from home and family. We even get a visit from Amos 'n' Andy as well as Rudy Vallee!
  • The Dinah Shore Program, 12/23/43. Dinah sings, has some fun with comedian Wally Brown, who is playing Santa on Hollywood and Vine (having been drafted by the Salvation Army). Dinah apologizes that there will be none of the sponsor Birdseye's frozen turkeys because of war-time demands.
  • Information Please, 12/25/44, The Quiz show originates from the Auditorium at the St. Alban's Naval Hospital, where the quiz show is spending the holiday with the veterans. A guest expert tonight is Fred Allen, who still manages to get a dig in on Benny.
  • The Railroad Hour, 12/25/50. Gordon MacRae hosts and sings for us, along with Lucille Norman and the Norman Luboff Choir. We are also treated to a wonderful interpretation of "The Nutcracker Suite" to remind us of the magic of the season.
  • Textron Theater, 12/22/45. Helen Hayes stars with Jose Ferrer in this version of the Nativity story told from the viewpoint of the Innkeeper's Wife.
  • Readers Digest/Hallmark Playhouse, 12/27/47. The town reprobate teaches the new minister the true meaning of Christmas.

...There are many more programs to enjoy!

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

These classic recordings are available in the following formats:

  • Show Rating

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    COMMENTS

    Thank you so much. This is a brilliant site for those of us on the other side of the pond who remember with fond nostalgia some of the "matured" programmes of our youth. It was particularly helpful for me in tracing items for my husband who has a keen interest in American History. The delivery was absolutely fantastic, less than 10 days from placing order to receiving items. Many Thanks again. Teresa.

    Teresa Verified Purchase

    I listened to disc 21. It was a great sampler of Christmas.First, the Elgin Christmas Special, with Al Jolson, Lauritz Melchior, and a skit by Ozzie and Harriet among others. Then, Louella Parsons visits Alan Ladd and his family on Christmas Day, and finally the Railroad Hour had music of the season including The Nutcracker Suite. I liked this the best but they were all entertaining.

    Dan Verified Purchase

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  • MP3 CDs are delivered by mail. These archival quality MP3 CDs are playable in your computer and many MP3 player devices.



    54 recordings on 2 MP3 CDs for just $10.00. Total playtime 29 hours, 13 min
    54 recordings on 2 MP3 CDs for just $10.00
    total playtime 29 hours, 13 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. Volume 1 - 28 shows - total playtime 17 hours 20 minutes
      MP3 CD
      Volume 1: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Across Dial 531225 In Philadelphia.mp3
    3. Andrew Sisters 451219 012 Ray Noble.mp3
    4. Big Show 501224 Jimmy Durante Ed Wynn Margaret Obrien.mp3
    5. Bristol Myers 421225 E 39 A Merry American Christmas.mp3
    6. California Caravan 471221 When Santa Claus Came Simpsons Bar.mp3
    7. Chesterfield 371224 Time Hal Kemp Alice Faye Xmas Show.mp3
    8. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 1.mp3
    9. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 2.mp3
    10. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 3.mp3
    11. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 4.mp3
    12. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 5.mp3
    13. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 6.mp3
    14. Christmas Seals Show 50000 x W Frank Sinatra.mp3
    15. Command Perf 421224 1942 Christmas Special.mp3
    16. Command Perf 431225 1943 Christmas Special.mp3
    17. Command Perf 441225 1944 Christmas Special.mp3
    18. Command Perf 451225 1945 Christmas Special.mp3
    19. Command Perf 481225 1948 Christmas Special 3.mp3
    20. Command Perf 481225 1948 Christmas Special 4.mp3
    21. Dinah Shore 421225 Merry American Christmas.mp3
    22. Dinah Shore 431223 Exactly Like You.mp3
    23. Doris Day Show 531223 Here Comes Santa Claus.mp3
    24. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 1.mp3
    25. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 2.mp3
    26. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 3.mp3
    27. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 4.mp3
    28. Family Hour Of Stars 481219 Lullaby Of Christmas.mp3
    29. Glenn Miller 441224 Glenn Miller Lost.mp3

    1. Volume 2 - 26 shows - total playtime 11 hours 52 minutes
      MP3 CD
      Volume 2: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Guy Lumbardo 461219 Favorite Christmas Tunes.mp3
    3. Henry Hall Dance Band Show 361200 Christmas Show.mp3
    4. Info Please 441225 F Allen J Wallace St Alban S Ny Nvl Hosp.mp3
    5. Kate Smith Hour 441224 Guest Jackie Gleason.mp3
    6. Louella Parsons 491225 Alan Ladd.mp3
    7. Milton Berle 471223 42 Salute To Christmas.mp3
    8. Moonlight Serenade 411224 Glenn Miller Christmas Show.mp3
    9. Paul Whiteman 341220 Christmas Show.mp3
    10. Quiz Kids 481205 442 Santa Claus.mp3
    11. Quiz Kids 481212 Reason To Prove Santa Claus Real.mp3
    12. Rail Road Hour 501225 A Christmas Show.mp3
    13. Railroad Hour 521222 221 Christmas Party.mp3
    14. Readers Digest 471225 Only Wise Man.mp3
    15. Ripleys One Min 043 Floating Christmas Present.mp3
    16. Rogers Of The Gazette 531209 22 Pastel Christmas Trees.mp3
    17. Rogers Of The Gazette 531223 23 A White Christmas In Ill.mp3
    18. Savings Bond Xmas Special 471221 039 Greer Garson.mp3
    19. Serenade In Blue 531213 146 Jingle Bells.mp3
    20. Serenade In Blue 531227 148 Frosty Snowman.mp3
    21. Serenade In Blue 560129 257 Frosty Snowman.mp3
    22. Texaco 391220 Santa Clausgoose Hangs High.mp3
    23. Texaco Stars Inn 381221 Song Of Christmas.mp3
    24. Textron Theater 451222 Helen Hayes A Child is Born.mp3
    25. Treasury Star Parade 42 Modern Scrooge.mp3
    26. Twenty Questions 511222 Santa Claus.mp3
    27. Wartime 431225 Bob Hope Christmas Package.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    54 recordings on 2 MP3 Collection Downloads for just $10.00. Total playtime 29 hours, 13 min
    54 recordings on 2 MP3 Collection Downloads for just $10.00
    total playtime 29 hours, 13 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. Volume 1 - 28 shows - total playtime 17 hours 20 minutes
      Instant Download
      Volume 1: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Across Dial 531225 In Philadelphia.mp3
    3. Andrew Sisters 451219 012 Ray Noble.mp3
    4. Big Show 501224 Jimmy Durante Ed Wynn Margaret Obrien.mp3
    5. Bristol Myers 421225 E 39 A Merry American Christmas.mp3
    6. California Caravan 471221 When Santa Claus Came Simpsons Bar.mp3
    7. Chesterfield 371224 Time Hal Kemp Alice Faye Xmas Show.mp3
    8. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 1.mp3
    9. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 2.mp3
    10. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 3.mp3
    11. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 4.mp3
    12. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 5.mp3
    13. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 6.mp3
    14. Christmas Seals Show 50000 x W Frank Sinatra.mp3
    15. Command Perf 421224 1942 Christmas Special.mp3
    16. Command Perf 431225 1943 Christmas Special.mp3
    17. Command Perf 441225 1944 Christmas Special.mp3
    18. Command Perf 451225 1945 Christmas Special.mp3
    19. Command Perf 481225 1948 Christmas Special 3.mp3
    20. Command Perf 481225 1948 Christmas Special 4.mp3
    21. Dinah Shore 421225 Merry American Christmas.mp3
    22. Dinah Shore 431223 Exactly Like You.mp3
    23. Doris Day Show 531223 Here Comes Santa Claus.mp3
    24. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 1.mp3
    25. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 2.mp3
    26. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 3.mp3
    27. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 4.mp3
    28. Family Hour Of Stars 481219 Lullaby Of Christmas.mp3
    29. Glenn Miller 441224 Glenn Miller Lost.mp3

    1. Volume 2 - 26 shows - total playtime 11 hours 52 minutes
      Instant Download
      Volume 2: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Guy Lumbardo 461219 Favorite Christmas Tunes.mp3
    3. Henry Hall Dance Band Show 361200 Christmas Show.mp3
    4. Info Please 441225 F Allen J Wallace St Alban S Ny Nvl Hosp.mp3
    5. Kate Smith Hour 441224 Guest Jackie Gleason.mp3
    6. Louella Parsons 491225 Alan Ladd.mp3
    7. Milton Berle 471223 42 Salute To Christmas.mp3
    8. Moonlight Serenade 411224 Glenn Miller Christmas Show.mp3
    9. Paul Whiteman 341220 Christmas Show.mp3
    10. Quiz Kids 481205 442 Santa Claus.mp3
    11. Quiz Kids 481212 Reason To Prove Santa Claus Real.mp3
    12. Rail Road Hour 501225 A Christmas Show.mp3
    13. Railroad Hour 521222 221 Christmas Party.mp3
    14. Readers Digest 471225 Only Wise Man.mp3
    15. Ripleys One Min 043 Floating Christmas Present.mp3
    16. Rogers Of The Gazette 531209 22 Pastel Christmas Trees.mp3
    17. Rogers Of The Gazette 531223 23 A White Christmas In Ill.mp3
    18. Savings Bond Xmas Special 471221 039 Greer Garson.mp3
    19. Serenade In Blue 531213 146 Jingle Bells.mp3
    20. Serenade In Blue 531227 148 Frosty Snowman.mp3
    21. Serenade In Blue 560129 257 Frosty Snowman.mp3
    22. Texaco 391220 Santa Clausgoose Hangs High.mp3
    23. Texaco Stars Inn 381221 Song Of Christmas.mp3
    24. Textron Theater 451222 Helen Hayes A Child is Born.mp3
    25. Treasury Star Parade 42 Modern Scrooge.mp3
    26. Twenty Questions 511222 Santa Claus.mp3
    27. Wartime 431225 Bob Hope Christmas Package.mp3
  • Standard Audio CDs are delivered by mail on archival quality media with up to 60 minutes on each CD and play in all CD players



    54 recordings on 25 Audio CDs. Total playtime 22 hours, 9 min
    54 recordings on 25 Audio CDs
    total playtime 22 hours, 9 min

    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A001

    1. Christmas Seals Show 50000 x W Frank Sinatra
    2. Ripleys One Min 043 Floating Christmas Present
    3. Treasury Star Parade 42 Modern Scrooge

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A002

    1. Paul Whiteman 341220 Christmas Show

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A003

    1. Henry Hall Dance Band Show 361200 Christmas Show
    2. Chesterfield 371224 Time Hal Kemp Alice Faye Xmas Show

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A004

    1. Texaco Stars Inn 381221 Song Of Christmas

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A005

    1. Texaco 391220 Santa Clausgoose Hangs High

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A006

    1. Moonlight Serenade 411224 Glenn Miller Christmas Show

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A007

    1. Command Perf 421224 1942 Christmas Special

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A008

    1. Bristol Myers 421225 E 39 A Merry American Christmas
    2. Dinah Shore 421225 Merry American Christmas
    3. Dinah Shore 431223 Exactly Like You

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A009

    1. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 1
    2. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 2

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A010

    1. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 3
    2. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 4

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A011

    1. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 5
    2. Christmas Reunion 431225 Part 6

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A012

    1. Wartime 431225 Bob Hope Christmas Package
    2. Glenn Miller 441224 Glenn Miller Lost
    3. Kate Smith Hour 441224 Guest Jackie Gleason

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A013

    1. Info Please 441225 F Allen J Wallace St Alban S Ny Nvl Hosp
    2. Andrew Sisters 451219 012 Ray Noble

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A014

    1. Textron Theater 451222 Helen Hayes A Child is Born
    2. Guy Lumbardo 461219 Favorite Christmas Tunes

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A015

    1. California Caravan 471221 When Santa Claus Came Simpsons Bar
    2. Savings Bond Xmas Special 471221 039 Greer Garson

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A016

    1. Milton Berle 471223 42 Salute To Christmas
    2. Readers Digest 471225 Only Wise Man

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A017

    1. Quiz Kids 481205 442 Santa Claus
    2. Quiz Kids 481212 Reason To Prove Santa Claus Real

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A018

    1. Family Hour Of Stars 481219 Lullaby Of Christmas
    2. Command Perf 481225 1948 Christmas Special 3

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A019

    1. Command Perf 481225 1948 Christmas Special 4
    2. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 1

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A020

    1. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 2
    2. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 3

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A021

    1. Elgin Christmas 481225 2 Hours of Stars Pt 4
    2. Louella Parsons 491225 Alan Ladd
    3. Rail Road Hour 501225 A Christmas Show

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A022

    1. Twenty Questions 511222 Santa Claus
    2. Railroad Hour 521222 221 Christmas Party

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A023

    1. Rogers Of The Gazette 531209 22 Pastel Christmas Trees
    2. Serenade In Blue 531213 146 Jingle Bells

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A024

    1. Doris Day Show 531223 Here Comes Santa Claus
    2. Rogers Of The Gazette 531223 23 A White Christmas In Ill

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Christmas Variety Shows Disc A025

    1. Across Dial 531225 In Philadelphia
    2. Serenade In Blue 531227 148 Frosty Snowman
    3. Serenade In Blue 560129 257 Frosty Snowman

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00

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