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Christmas Couples in Old Time Radio

Christmas is about family, and the foundation of the family unit is the love between a married couple.

Christmas Couples

50 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 20 hours, 768 min)
available in the following formats:

1 MP3 CD
or
21 Audio CDs


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Play a sample episode from December 15, 1949:

"My Favorite Husband: Georges Christmas Presents"



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

f Christmas is, indeed, the happiest time of the year, it is because at its core Christmas is about family. That notion is easy to lose in the mayhem of parties, feasts, shopping, gift giving and receiving, not to mention Football Bowl season.

FibberChristmas is about family, and the foundation of the family unit is the love between a married couple. A strictly Religious interpretation of the Nativity Story focuses on the majesty and miracle of the Savior's Divine Birth, but an even deeper, perhaps more significant miracle is that it is the story of the love between a husband and wife and their unquestioning support for one another as they bring a son into the world during difficult times.

The most popular Christmas stories tend to be for and about children, for good reason. However, the Christmas tale which is the best example of love and sacrifice at Christmas is O. Henry's short story, "The Gift of the Magi". First published in The New York Sunday World on December 10, 1905. Set in the grimy yet hopeful world of Gaslight era New York City. The story is infused with the Victorian ideal that through hard work and sacrifice people could and would rise above their station or class, but as our story opens, newlyweds Della and Jim have "nothing but love" to live on. That is not completely true, Jim possesses a fine pocket watch, perhaps an inheritance from a doting grandfather, while Della's most striking feature is her long and luxurious hair.

Each is desperate to find a Christmas present for the other which will demonstrate the depth of their love. While Jim is out on a snowy Christmas night, Della sneaks off to the local wig maker who cuts off her hair for $20. With the proceeds she buys an elaborate chain which will be appropriate for Jim's fine watch, and waits anxiously in their apartment for Jim, knowing he will be shocked to see her with short hair but excited to give him the watch chain. He finally returns bearing a collection of ornamental combs for her hair, which he has paid for by selling his watch.

My Favorite HusbandSome of the couples in this collection were married and had children in real life, although the kids were not part of their radio programs, Lucille Ball and Richard Denning of My Favorite Husband being a notable exception. The couple in MFH was so popular with audiences that CBS was desperate to bring them to Television. Star Lucille Ball was enthusiastic about the project but insisted on working with her real-life husband, Desi Arnaz. The marriage was already a rocky one, and CBS hesitated to invest in a project which smacked of 'couples therapy'. Lucy and Desi assumed most of the risk by forming Desilu Studios and producing I Love Lucy themselves. Between Lucy's ability to charm an audience and Desi's accidentally excellent management (he was not experienced enough in the business to economize, so he paid for the best of everything) the program was one of the biggest hits in TV history. CBS hedged its bets by producing My Favorite Husband for the small screen. The first two and a half seasons were broadcast from CBS Television City, but the 1955 season was shot on film at Desilu Studios.

My Favorite Husband, starring Lucille Ball and Richard Denning as Liz and George Cooper, "two people who live together and like it."

  • December 16, 1949. "George's Present". Liz is desperate to figure out what George is going to get her for Christmas and George is giving no hints. She wants to knit him a sweater but finds out that her mother-in-law has already had her needles clicking.
  • December 23, 1949. "The Sleigh Ride". Despite George's lack of competence trimming the tree, Liz decides that getting a sleigh and going caroling is just the thing for Holiday Cheer. The only problem will be finding a sleigh, but she manages, even if she needs to have the mailman use his motorcycle to pull it home.

Blondie ChristmasBlondie, starring Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake in a program based on Chic Young's comic strip.

  • December 25, 1939, "A Christmas Carol", during a well-deserved Christmas nap, Dagwood dreams he is Dag Cratchit, working for Scrooge McDithers.
  • December 15, 1948, "Christmas Show". Dagwood wants to find out what the kids want from Santa Claus but is not having a good deal of success.

Burns And AllenBurns and Allen, Starring George Burns and Gracie Allen. One of the best true-love stories in all of show business, George and Gracie worked together as an act before they were a couple. It wasn't long before George fell in love with his new partner, but she was waiting for another guy. Finally, George stormed out of a party, leaving Gracie in tears. It was then that she realized that if George could make her cry, she must be in love too.

  • December 23, 1940, "Christmas Show". George is determined to put on the Christmas play, but Gracie has lost the scripts. She was doing her Christmas shopping, so maybe she lost them at the post office. Two days before Christmas at the post office, what trouble could there be?
  • December 23, 1941, "Santa's Workshop". After George goes to bed, Gracie travels to the North Pole with Herman, the family duck.
  • December 22, 1942. "Santa and the Pirates" Gracie, George, and Herman the Duck fly to the North Pole to discover that an evil pirate has stolen all the presents for the kids, so Gracie volunteers George to fight the Pirate.
  • December 19, 1944, "Christmas Presents", To buy presents or not to buy presents? Gracie remembers that there are just a few more hinting days before Christmas. Everyone thinks George looks like Clark Gable when its Christmas Shopping season.

Fibber ChristmasFibber McGee and Molly, Jim and Marian Jordan began sharing Christmases together even before the Great War. After having some success together in vaudeville, they stopped in Chicago to visit Jim's brother where they heard a very unfunny show on the radio. A challenge went out (along with a ten-dollar bet) that they could not do better, and after a visit to the station, they had a new job! Fibber and Molly were on the air for more than 1600 episodes.

  • December 24, 1940, The Bon Ton Department store delivers an impressive package to McGee's door on Christmas Eve, but it has next door neighbor Gildersleeve's name on it. Even so, they open it to discover an impressive radio-phonograph combination console which develops a serious dislike for Fibber. When the automatic record changer self-destructs, our heroic couple is forced to desperate measures, and what could be more desperate than to face the Christmas Eve Crowd at the Bon Ton!
  • December 16, 1941. Not a man to be taken in by an itinerant tree salesman, Lumberjack McGee and his mighty hatchet take to the woods to collect a Christmas tree. After losing the hatchet, his wristwatch, and having a tire blow out, the tree which would have cost ninety-eight cents downtown is now valued at twenty-nine bucks.
  • December 22, 1942. The master of 79 Wistful Vista has a bad case of the "Christmas-is-a-racket" blues until Teenie from across the street turns up to sing "The Night Before Christmas" with the Kingsmen. This number would become an annual tradition for the rest of the show's run.
  • December 19, 1944. There's Christmas Presents to be found, and Fibber is desperate enough to search the infamous hall closet, never mind that Molly thinks he should apply for a hinting license.

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

    6
    4     2


    COMMENTS

    This is a fun, lighthearted disc to listen to during the holiday season. Most of the recordings are Burns & Allen and Fibber McGee & Molly, which are always a delight to listen to and never more so than in the Christmas recordings, but the episodes of Blondie and My Favorite Husband are very good too.

    Sara Verified Purchase

    Ever since my mom and dad got me listening to the radio shows when I was kid, I’ve loved the comedic couples. I was introduced to them around Christmas so my memories are of Christmas shows. Christmas is my favourite time to sit and listen and share with my family. And the comedies just are so lighthearted and funny without the crudeness and swearing comedy today seems to need.

    Cindy 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.



    50 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00. Total playtime 20 hours, 768 min
    50 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00
    total playtime 20 hours, 768 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. 50 shows – total playtime 20 hours, 12 minutes
    2. Blondie 391225 026 Scrooge.mp3
    3. Blondie 481215 Christmas Show.mp3
    4. Burns Allen 401223 26 Christmas Show.mp3
    5. Burns Allen 411223 12 Santas Workshop.mp3
    6. Burns Allen 421222 12 Santa Pirates.mp3
    7. Burns Allen 431221 17 Playing Santa Claus.mp3
    8. Burns Allen 441219 18 Christmas Presents.mp3
    9. Fibber Mcgee Molly 361207 087 Managing Jewelry Store.mp3
    10. Fibber Mcgee Molly 391219 0227 Package Uncle Sycamore.mp3
    11. Fibber Mcgee Molly 401210 0265 Mailing Christmas Packages.mp3
    12. Fibber Mcgee Molly 401224 0267 Radiophonograph.mp3
    13. Fibber Mcgee Molly 411216 0305 Cuts His Own Christmas Tree.mp3
    14. Fibber Mcgee Molly 411223 0306 Christmas Presents.mp3
    15. Fibber Mcgee Molly 421215 0343 Misplaces Christmas Money.mp3
    16. Fibber Mcgee Molly 421222 0344 Listening To Christmas Carols.mp3
    17. Fibber Mcgee Molly 431221 0383 Looking For Christmas Tree.mp3
    18. Fibber Mcgee Molly 441219 0419 Early Christmas Presents.mp3
    19. Fibber Mcgee Molly 451218 0458 White Christmas Tree.mp3
    20. Fibber Mcgee Molly 451225 0459 Gambles Present What Is It.mp3
    21. Fibber Mcgee Molly 461224 0496 Fixing Toys Before Christmas.mp3
    22. Fibber Mcgee Molly 471216 0532 Aunt Sarahs Fruitcake.mp3
    23. Fibber Mcgee Molly 471223 0533 Lost Key Ring.mp3
    24. Fibber Mcgee Molly 481207 0565 Christmas Shopping.mp3
    25. Fibber Mcgee Molly 481221 0567 Taking Packages Post Office.mp3
    26. Fibber Mcgee Molly 491206 0602 Making Christmas Cards.mp3
    27. Fibber Mcgee Molly 491220 0604 Best Christmas Decorations.mp3
    28. Fibber Mcgee Molly 501205 0638 Dinner At La Trivias.mp3
    29. Fibber Mcgee Molly 501219 0640 Mcgee Postman.mp3
    30. Fibber Mcgee Molly 511218 0677 Big Pool Match.mp3
    31. Fibber Mcgee Molly 511225 0678 Spirit Of Giving.mp3
    32. Fibber Mcgee Molly 521216 0712 Presents From Wimple.mp3
    33. Fibber Mcgee Molly 521223 0713 Docs Surprise Party.mp3
    34. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531201 0782 Enters Photo Contest.mp3
    35. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531216 0793 Christmas Shopping At Bon Ton.mp3
    36. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531217 0794 Fibber Collects 390 Dollars.mp3
    37. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531221 0796 Mailing Aunt Sarahs Gift.mp3
    38. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531222 0797 Expensive Christmas Tree.mp3
    39. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531223 0798 Decorating Tree.mp3
    40. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531224 0799 Laura Lopsided Pine.mp3
    41. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531225 0800 Christmas At Home.mp3
    42. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531228 0801 Exchanging Gifts At Bon Ton.mp3
    43. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541213 1050 Jiffy Home Fixit Kit.mp3
    44. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541220 1055 Shopping For Gift For Teeny.mp3
    45. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541222 1057 Fibbers Late Shopping.mp3
    46. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541223 1058 Patient Little Star.mp3
    47. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541226 1059 Belated Gift To Doc.mp3
    48. Fibber Mcgee Molly 551221 1316 Mcgees Outdoor Lights.mp3
    49. Fibber Mcgee Molly 551222 1317 Opening Docs Christmas Cards.mp3
    50. My Favorite Husband 491216 067 Georges Christmas Presents.mp3
    51. My Favorite Husband 491223 068 Sleigh Ride.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    50 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00. Total playtime 20 hours, 768 min
    50 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00
    548 MB – total playtime 20 hours, 12 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. 50 shows – 548 MB – total playtime 20 hours, 12 minutes
    2. Blondie 391225 026 Scrooge.mp3
    3. Blondie 481215 Christmas Show.mp3
    4. Burns Allen 401223 26 Christmas Show.mp3
    5. Burns Allen 411223 12 Santas Workshop.mp3
    6. Burns Allen 421222 12 Santa Pirates.mp3
    7. Burns Allen 431221 17 Playing Santa Claus.mp3
    8. Burns Allen 441219 18 Christmas Presents.mp3
    9. Fibber Mcgee Molly 361207 087 Managing Jewelry Store.mp3
    10. Fibber Mcgee Molly 391219 0227 Package Uncle Sycamore.mp3
    11. Fibber Mcgee Molly 401210 0265 Mailing Christmas Packages.mp3
    12. Fibber Mcgee Molly 401224 0267 Radiophonograph.mp3
    13. Fibber Mcgee Molly 411216 0305 Cuts His Own Christmas Tree.mp3
    14. Fibber Mcgee Molly 411223 0306 Christmas Presents.mp3
    15. Fibber Mcgee Molly 421215 0343 Misplaces Christmas Money.mp3
    16. Fibber Mcgee Molly 421222 0344 Listening To Christmas Carols.mp3
    17. Fibber Mcgee Molly 431221 0383 Looking For Christmas Tree.mp3
    18. Fibber Mcgee Molly 441219 0419 Early Christmas Presents.mp3
    19. Fibber Mcgee Molly 451218 0458 White Christmas Tree.mp3
    20. Fibber Mcgee Molly 451225 0459 Gambles Present What Is It.mp3
    21. Fibber Mcgee Molly 461224 0496 Fixing Toys Before Christmas.mp3
    22. Fibber Mcgee Molly 471216 0532 Aunt Sarahs Fruitcake.mp3
    23. Fibber Mcgee Molly 471223 0533 Lost Key Ring.mp3
    24. Fibber Mcgee Molly 481207 0565 Christmas Shopping.mp3
    25. Fibber Mcgee Molly 481221 0567 Taking Packages Post Office.mp3
    26. Fibber Mcgee Molly 491206 0602 Making Christmas Cards.mp3
    27. Fibber Mcgee Molly 491220 0604 Best Christmas Decorations.mp3
    28. Fibber Mcgee Molly 501205 0638 Dinner At La Trivias.mp3
    29. Fibber Mcgee Molly 501219 0640 Mcgee Postman.mp3
    30. Fibber Mcgee Molly 511218 0677 Big Pool Match.mp3
    31. Fibber Mcgee Molly 511225 0678 Spirit Of Giving.mp3
    32. Fibber Mcgee Molly 521216 0712 Presents From Wimple.mp3
    33. Fibber Mcgee Molly 521223 0713 Docs Surprise Party.mp3
    34. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531201 0782 Enters Photo Contest.mp3
    35. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531216 0793 Christmas Shopping At Bon Ton.mp3
    36. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531217 0794 Fibber Collects 390 Dollars.mp3
    37. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531221 0796 Mailing Aunt Sarahs Gift.mp3
    38. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531222 0797 Expensive Christmas Tree.mp3
    39. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531223 0798 Decorating Tree.mp3
    40. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531224 0799 Laura Lopsided Pine.mp3
    41. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531225 0800 Christmas At Home.mp3
    42. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531228 0801 Exchanging Gifts At Bon Ton.mp3
    43. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541213 1050 Jiffy Home Fixit Kit.mp3
    44. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541220 1055 Shopping For Gift For Teeny.mp3
    45. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541222 1057 Fibbers Late Shopping.mp3
    46. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541223 1058 Patient Little Star.mp3
    47. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541226 1059 Belated Gift To Doc.mp3
    48. Fibber Mcgee Molly 551221 1316 Mcgees Outdoor Lights.mp3
    49. Fibber Mcgee Molly 551222 1317 Opening Docs Christmas Cards.mp3
    50. My Favorite Husband 491216 067 Georges Christmas Presents.mp3
    51. My Favorite Husband 491223 068 Sleigh Ride.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



    50 recordings on 21 Audio CDs. Total playtime 20 hours, 12 min
    50 recordings on 21 Audio CDs
    total playtime 20 hours, 12 min

    Christmas Couples Disc A001

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 361207 087 Managing Jewelry Store
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 391219 0227 Package Uncle Sycamore

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    Christmas Couples Disc A002

    1. Blondie 391225 026 Scrooge
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 401210 0265 Mailing Christmas Packages

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    Christmas Couples Disc A003

    1. Burns Allen 401223 26 Christmas Show
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 401224 0267 Radiophonograph

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    Christmas Couples Disc A004

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 411216 0305 Cuts His Own Christmas Tree
    2. Burns Allen 411223 12 Santas Workshop

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    Christmas Couples Disc A005

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 411223 0306 Christmas Presents
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 421215 0343 Misplaces Christmas Money

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    Christmas Couples Disc A006

    1. Burns Allen 421222 12 Santa Pirates
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 421222 0344 Listening To Christmas Carols

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    Christmas Couples Disc A007

    1. Burns Allen 431221 17 Playing Santa Claus
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 431221 0383 Looking For Christmas Tree

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    Christmas Couples Disc A008

    1. Burns Allen 441219 18 Christmas Presents
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 441219 0419 Early Christmas Presents

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    Christmas Couples Disc A009

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 451218 0458 White Christmas Tree
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 451225 0459 Gambles Present What Is It

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    Christmas Couples Disc A010

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 461224 0496 Fixing Toys Before Christmas
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 471216 0532 Aunt Sarahs Fruitcake

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    Christmas Couples Disc A011

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 471223 0533 Lost Key Ring
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 481207 0565 Christmas Shopping

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    Christmas Couples Disc A012

    1. Blondie 481215 Christmas Show
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 481221 0567 Taking Packages Post Office

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    Christmas Couples Disc A013

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 491206 0602 Making Christmas Cards
    2. My Favorite Husband 491216 067 Georges Christmas Presents

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    Christmas Couples Disc A014

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 491220 0604 Best Christmas Decorations
    2. My Favorite Husband 491223 068 Sleigh Ride

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    Christmas Couples Disc A015

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 501205 0638 Dinner At La Trivias
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 501219 0640 Mcgee Postman

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    Christmas Couples Disc A016

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 511218 0677 Big Pool Match
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 511225 0678 Spirit Of Giving

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    Christmas Couples Disc A017

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 521216 0712 Presents From Wimple
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 521223 0713 Docs Surprise Party

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    Christmas Couples Disc A018

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531201 0782 Enters Photo Contest
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531216 0793 Christmas Shopping At Bon Ton
    3. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531217 0794 Fibber Collects 390 Dollars
    4. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531221 0796 Mailing Aunt Sarahs Gift

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    Christmas Couples Disc A019

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531222 0797 Expensive Christmas Tree
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531223 0798 Decorating Tree
    3. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531224 0799 Laura Lopsided Pine
    4. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531225 0800 Christmas At Home

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    Christmas Couples Disc A020

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 531228 0801 Exchanging Gifts At Bon Ton
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541213 1050 Jiffy Home Fixit Kit
    3. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541220 1055 Shopping For Gift For Teeny
    4. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541222 1057 Fibbers Late Shopping

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    Christmas Couples Disc A021

    1. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541223 1058 Patient Little Star
    2. Fibber Mcgee Molly 541226 1059 Belated Gift To Doc
    3. Fibber Mcgee Molly 551221 1316 Mcgees Outdoor Lights
    4. Fibber Mcgee Molly 551222 1317 Opening Docs Christmas Cards

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