Just Plain Bill

In 1932, Just Plain Bill was first heard on CBS. It was "The real life story of people just like people we all know." The 15 minute show (Monday through Friday at 7:15 p.m.) was all about (just plain) Bill Davidson and his daughter, Nancy, who lived in (just plain) Hartville. Since Bill was the town barber, everybody came to him with their problems and Bill helped them straighten things out. Instead of playing the usual organ, as a first, Hal Brown played harmonica and whistled the Just Plain Bill introduction music (Darling Nellie Gray). Hal also handled the closing theme (Polly Wolly Doodle) in the same manner. The show, created by Frank and Anne Hummert, who also came up with Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons, Little Orphan Annie, Amanda of Honeymoon Hill, Front Page Farrell, John's Other Wife, Mr. Chameleon, Our Gal Sunday and many other radio dramas, later moved to NBC. Just Plain Bill chalked up 23 years on the air, until 30 September, 1955. A few of the Just Plain Bill sponsors over the years were Kolynos toothpaste and Clapp's baby food..

Just Plain Bill was a 5-shows-a-week daytime soap opera that ran from 1932 to 1955. Created by the Hummerts, it began as Bill the Barber and followed the activities of Bill Davidson and his daughter Nancy. Trivia: Don Pardo was the program's announcer for its last few years.

“Plain Bill” was also a car salesman on a Jack Benny episode.

Yes, and that was a takeoff of this show!