Classic Radio Rewind | Old Time Radio

Classic Radio Rewind – Episode 101: The Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show and Gunsmoke

Turn back the dial for another journey into radio’s golden age on Classic Radio Rewind, presented by the WOTR Radio Network.

In Episode 101, host Jarnathan Cross begins with comedy and confusion courtesy of The Phil Harris and Alice Faye Show. In “The Wrong Studio,” originally broadcast February 12, 1950, Phil finds himself in the wrong recording studio—and before long, mixed-up scripts, misunderstandings, and Phil’s larger-than-life personality turn a simple mistake into classic radio comedy.

Then we trade the recording studio for the dusty streets of Dodge City with Gunsmoke and “Change of Heart,” originally broadcast September 3, 1955. Marshal Matt Dillon is confronted with a difficult situation when a hardened outlaw begins questioning the violent life he has chosen, in a story of conscience, conflict, and redemption on the American frontier.

Also this week, Jarnathan has programming news from the WOTR Radio Network, including the annual Dragnet Labor Day Marathon, now airing on Crime Time Radio USA, and the September 21 return of “WJSV: A Day in Broadcast History,” a remarkable 19-hour journey through an entire day of American radio.

Plus, hear about the WOTR Radio Network’s four live streaming stations and our dedicated The Whistler podcast, featuring the classic mystery series in chronological order with a new episode released daily.

Classic Radio Rewind — preserving and celebrating the unforgettable sounds of radio’s golden age, from the WOTR Radio Network.

Classic Radio Rewind celebrates a milestone with Episode 100!

Join host Jarnathan Cross, for a special edition featuring two classic crime dramas from radio’s golden age.

First, it’s Boston Blackie in “The John Daley Case,” originally broadcast November 10th, 1948. Then, The Big Story takes us into the streets of New York with “Manhunt in Manhattan,” originally heard January 7th, 1948.

Plus, we’ll share what’s coming up across the WOTR Radio Network, including the annual Dragnet Labor Day Marathon, moving this year to its new home on Crime Time Radio USA, and the September 21st return of “September 21st, 1939: A Day in Broadcast History” — an extraordinary 19-hour journey through a single day of American broadcasting.

Thank you for helping Classic Radio Rewind reach 100 episodes!

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Classic Radio Rewind — Brought to you by the WOTR Radio Network.

🎙️ Classic Radio Rewind — Episode 75 Encore Presentation: The Burns and Allen Show & Dragnet

This week on Classic Radio Rewind, we’re reaching back into the archives for a special encore presentation of one of our favorite double features from the Golden Age of Radio!

💫 First, join George Burns and Gracie Allen for The Burns and Allen Show — "Helping a Friend's Daughter." What begins as a simple act of kindness quickly turns into the kind of delightful confusion that only Gracie Allen can create. With her unforgettable brand of logic, George’s patient reactions, and plenty of comedic surprises along the way, this episode showcases why Burns and Allen remain legends of radio comedy.

🚨 Then, we head to Los Angeles with Sergeant Joe Friday and Frank Smith in Dragnet — "The Big Siege." Known for its realistic storytelling and no-nonsense approach, Dragnet delivers another gripping case as Friday and his partner face a tense situation where every detail matters.

From Gracie’s wonderfully unpredictable world of comedy to the hard-hitting realism of Dragnet, this encore episode reminds us why these classic programs continue to captivate listeners decades later.

So sit back, turn up the volume, and join us as we rewind the dial once again for another trip into the Golden Age of Radio!

Classic Radio Rewind – Episode 99

This week on Classic Radio Rewind, host Jarnathan Cross of the WOTR Radio Network opens the vault for two unforgettable broadcasts from radio’s golden era. We kick things off with The Milton Berle Show and its lively variety episode “Salute to the Great Outdoors,” originally aired August 5th, 1947. Uncle Miltie heads into the wilderness, and—true to form—chaos, comedy, and musical mayhem follow close behind.

After that, we descend into the eerie world of The Haunting Hour with “The Devil’s Deep,” first broadcast October 20th, 1945. A diver’s routine salvage mission becomes a chilling confrontation with something ancient lurking beneath the waves.

Jarnathan also shares a programming update about WOTR Radio Network’s 27‑year anniversary special, featuring the WOTR Radio Network’s curated 100 Must‑Hear Old Time Radio Shows, airing August 17-18. Plus, hear about our four live streaming stations and our daily podcast dedicated entirely to The Whistler—every known episode, released in chronological order.

Tap the like button, hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and join us each week as we rewind the classics together.