Episode 9588: Henry Morgan Show - "The Radio Program Blood Test" (02-19-47)

The Radio Program Blood Test (Aired February 19, 1947)

In 1940, Henry Morgan was offered a daily 15-minute series on Mutual Broadcasting System's flagship station, WOR. This show was a 15-minute comedy, which he opened almost invariably with "Good evening, anybody; here's Morgan." In his memoir Here's Morgan (1994), he wrote that he devised that introduction as a dig at popular singer Kate Smith, who "...started her show with a condescending, 'Hello, everybody.' I, on the other hand, was happy if anybody listened in." He mixed literately barbed ad libs, satirizing daily life's foibles, with novelty records, including those of Spike Jones. Morgan stated that Jones sent him his newest records in advance of market dates because he played them so often. He also targeted his sponsors freely. One early sponsor had been Adler Shoe Stores, which came close to canceling its account after Morgan started making references to "Old Man Adler" on the air; the chain changed its mind after it was learned business spiked upward, with many new patrons asking to meet Old Man Adler. Morgan had to read an Adler commercial heralding the new fall line of colors; Morgan thought the colors were dreadful, and said he wouldn't wear them to a dogfight, but perhaps the listeners would like them. Old Man Adler demanded a retraction on the air. Morgan obliged: "I would wear them to a dogfight." Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.


THIS EPISODE:


102139. The Henry Morgan Show. February 19, 1947. ABC network, WCAE, Pittsburgh aircheck. Sponsored by: Eversharp-Schick, Walt's Furs (local). 10:30 P.M. How radio affects blood pressure. Two "ad men" named "Charlie" and "Henry." "Dimitri's Keyhole": a Russian gossip program. How to save on taxes. "Offenbach On Broadway." "Hortense and Gerard." "The Coming Attractions Theatre" presents a funny preview of the movie, "Blubber.". Henry Morgan, Bernard Green and His Orchestra, Arnold Stang, Charles Irving (announcer), Rector Bailey. 29:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Catalog# 102139.