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Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod originates from the ‘Heart Of Historic Germantown,” Philadelphia, Pa.

Bob Camardella began podcasting at Podomatic in October 2005 and at the Radio Nostalgia Network at Libsyn.com in January 2006. From 2006 through 2009, in addition to the top ranked Boxcars711 show at Podomatic and Libsyn, “Humphrey/Camardella Media Productions” commanded a top ten slot at Podshow (1.5 million downloads per month), a top 10 ranking at Libsyn (1.7 million downloads per month) and top rankings, which continue to date, in the Kids & Family section at I-Tunes. For the last several years, and to date (2013), his podcast here at Podomatic generates over 5 million downloads a year and continues to grow.

Prior to the onset of podcasting, he hosted WPNM Internet Radio, broadcasting a combination of talk, easy listening and early rock and from his hometown in Philadelphia, Pa.

Bob was writer and bass singer for a popular 60’s rock group with 6 releases on the Twist & Algonquin (EMI) labels. He’s a member of Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

In his early 20’s, Bob Attended Philadelphia Community College for Photography and the Antinelli School of Photography soon launching Robert Joseph Studios. specializing in portraits and weddings.

Latest Episodes:

Episode 9551: Broadway Is My Beat - "Nick Norman Santa Claus" (12-24-49) Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

Broadway Is My Beat - Nick Norman Santa Claus aka: Santa Takes A Powder (Aired December 24, 1949) Broadway Is My Beat, a radio crime drama, ran on CBS from February 27, 1949 to August 1, 1954. With music by Robert Stringer, the show originated from New York during its first three months on the air, with Anthony Ross portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover. John Dietz directed for producer Lester Gottlieb. Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group. THIS EPISODE: December 24, 1949. "Nick Norman Santa Claus" - CBS network. Sustaining. A Christmas show. Nick Norman is just out of Sing Sing after fifteen years and is scheduled to play Santa Claus for the P. A. L. The day before the big day, Santa Takes A Powder, while a miserly landlord demands his rent! This is a network version. Howard McNear, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Gil Stratton, Shepard Menken, Peggy Webber, Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Alexander Courage (composer), Wilbur Hatch (conductor), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Hal March, Bert Holland, Estelle Dodge, Joe Walters (announcer). 32:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Episode 9550: Smokey Robinson & The Miracles - Ooo Baby (1965) Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

"Ooo Baby Baby" is a song written by Smokey Robinson and Pete Moore. It is a classic 1965 hit single by The Miracles for the Tamla (Motown) label. The song has inspired numerous other cover versions by other artists over the years, including covers by Ella Fitzgerald, Todd Rundgren, The Escorts, The Five Stairsteps, Linda Ronstadt, and many others. The Miracles' original version of "Ooo Baby Baby" is listed as number 266 on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". A slow, remorseful number, "Ooo Baby Baby" features Miracles lead singer Smokey Robinson lamenting the fact that he cheated on his female lover, and begging for her to overlook his mistakes and please forgive him. The song's highly emotional feel is supported by the Miracles' tight background vocal harmonies, arranged by Miracles member and song co-author Pete Moore, and a lush orchestral string arrangement that accents The Funk Brothers band's instrumental track.

Episode 9549: Casey Crime Photographer - "Christmas Shopping" (12-19-46) Dec 24, 2023

Show notes

Christmas Shopping (Aired December 19, 1946) Sponsors included Anchor-Hocking glass, Toni home permanet, Toni Creme Shampoo and Philip Morris cigarettes. Richard Carlyle and John Gibson portrayed the roles when the series premiered in April, 1951, but by June they were replaced by Darren McGavin and Cliff Hall. Ann Williams, a reporter on The Morning Express, was Casey’s girlfriend. During the summer of 1951 he acquired a partner in cub reporter Jack Lipman, who wrote copy to go with Casey’s pictures. This live series was set in and broadcast from, New York City. THIS EPISODE: December 19, 1946. CBS network. "Christmas Shopping". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. Casey uses the nimble fingers of a pick pocket and a 10 ton truck to catch a pair of murderers. Tony Marvin (announcer), Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson, George Harmon Coxe (creator), Herman Chittison (piano), Alonzo Deen Cole (writer). 33:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Episode 9548: Burns & Allen Show - "Christmas Program" (12-23-40) Dec 23, 2023

Show notes

Christmas Program (Aired December 18, 1947) Burns and Allen are one of the most beloved couple in old time radio. They got started, like many of the greats of old time radio, in vaudeville, which is really just the touring popular entertainment in America prior to movies. Gracie was the sparkplug of the act, always the center of attention. George played the foil, the guy vainly trying to make sense of the ditzy world of Gracie. By the early 30s, Gracie was probably the best known woman on radio. Gracie often sang in a voice that showed she was also an excellent comedienne songstress. The shows had names after the sponsors, such as Maxwell House Coffee Time, or The Ammident Show - it was the Burns and Allen show to the public. THIS EPISODE: December 18, 1947. "Christmas Program"- NBC network. Sponsored by: Maxwell House Coffee, Jell-O. What does Gracie really want for Christmas? George is forced to guess. The Maxwell House production commercial is based on the tune, "Glow Worm." Gracie misreads her last line, on which the whole program was based. Tobe Reed (announcer), Hans Conried, Meredith Willson and His Orchestra, Bill Goodwin, Gale Gordon, Paul Henning (writer), Keith Fowler (writer), George Burns, Gracie Allen. 31:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Episode 9547: The Life of Riley - "Christmas Present" (12-17-44) Dec 22, 2023

Show notes

Christmas Present (Aired December 17, 1944) Beginning October 4, 1949, the show was adapted for television for the DuMont Television Network, but Bendix's film contracts prevented him from appearing in the role. Instead, Jackie Gleason starred along with Rosemary DeCamp as wife Peg, Gloria Winters as daughter Barbara (Babs), Lanny Rees as son Chester Jr. (Junior), and Sid Tomack as Gillis, Riley's manipulative best buddy and next-door neighbor. John Brown returned as the morbid counseling undertaker Digby (Digger) O'Dell ("Well, I guess I'll be... shoveling off"; "Business is a little dead tonight"). Television's first Life of Riley won television's first Emmy (for "Best Film Made For and Shown on Television"). THIS EPISODE: December 17, 1944. "Christmas Present" - Blue network, KECA, Los Angeles aircheck. Sponsored by: American Meat Institute. Riley has gotten a mysterious Christmas present. It's from Walla, Walla. Who is it from? William Bendix, John Brown, Ken Niles (announcer), Don Bernard (director), Lou Coslowe (music). 31:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Episode 9546: It's A Wonderful Life Pt.2 of 2 Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

PART TWO George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George...

Episode 9545: Let George Do It - "Follow That Christmas Train" (12-19-49) Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

INTRO: Bob Camardella Plays Andy Williams "Its The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year (1963) Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine. " The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff). As Valentine made his rounds in search of the bad guys, he usually encountered Brooksie's kid brother, Sonny (Eddie Firestone), Lieutenant Riley (Wally Maher) and elevator man Caleb (Joseph Kearns). For the first few shows, Sonny was George's assistant, but he was soon relegated to an occasional character. Sponsored by Standard Oil, the program was broadcast on the West Coast Mutual Broadcasting System from October 18, 1946 to September 27, 1954, first on Friday evenings and then on Mondays. THIS EPISODE: December 19, 1949. Mutual-Don Lee network. "Follow That Christmas Train". Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. A Christmas story. George Valentine receives a letter asking for help...from Santa Claus! Claire Brooks disappears, the toys are stolen, and the kid on Santa's knee is really a midget! Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, David Victor (writer), Jackson Gillis (writer), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor), Bud Hiestand (announcer), Virginia Gregg, Wally Maher, Lawrence Dobkin, John Dehner, Virginia Eiler, Herb Butterfield, Junius Matthews, Tony Morris. 32:04. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Episode 9544: VIDEO "It's A Wonderful Life" MOVIE Dec 20, 2023

Show notes

Bob Camardella Plays "It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946" Part One of Two It's a Wonderful Life is a 1946 American drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra and based on the short story "The Greatest Gift" written by Philip Van Doren Stern. The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers). Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and the contributions he has made to his community. Despite initially being considered a box office flop due to high production costs and stiff competition at the time of its release, the film has come to be regarded as a classic and a staple of Christmas television around the world. Theatrically, the film's break-even point was actually $6.3 million, approximately twice the production cost, a figure it never came close to achieving in its initial release. An appraisal in 2006 reported: "Although it was not the complete box-office failure that today everyone believes … it was initially a major disappointment and confirmed, at least to the studios, that Capra was no longer capable of turning out the populist features that made his films the must-see, money-making events they once were." It's a Wonderful Life was nominated for five Oscars without winning any, but the film has since been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made, and placed number one on their list of the most inspirational American films of all time.

Episode 9543: The Jack Carson Show - "Christmas Day" (12-25-46) Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Christmas Day (Aired December 25, 1946) During the 1930s, as vaudeville went into decline owing to increased competition from radio and the movies, Willock and Carson sought work in Hollywood, initially landing bit roles at RKO. The radio also proved to be a source of employment for the team following a 1938 appearance on the Kraft Music Hall during Bing Crosby's period as program host. This led to a number of other appearances which would culminate in Carson's own radio show in 1943. From 1950-51, Carson was one of four alternating hosts of NBC's "4 Star Revue." Other hosts that season were Jimmy Durante, Ed Wynn. and Danny Thomas. The show aired Wednesday evenings. Carson's second season was his last with the comedy-variety program when its title was changed to "All Star Revue. THIS EPISODE: December 25, 1946. CBS network. Sponsored by: Campbell's Soup. A visit to Jack's house on "Christmas Day". Jack sings, "The House I Live In." Jack Carson, Arthur Treacher, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra, Dave Willock, Del Sharbutt (announcer), Norma Jean Nilsson, Irene Ryan, Stuart Wade (vocal), The Martin Men. 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. 31:32

Episode 9542: The Saint - "Santa Claus Is No Saint" - Christmas Episode (12-24-50) Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

INTRO: Bob Camardella Remembers The Cleftones "Heart & Soul" (1961) In Santa Claus Is No Saint (12-24-50), the 'Robin Hood Of Modern Crime' forgoes bow and quiver to don whiskers and a red suit, for the highest of purposes: entertaining tots on Christmas Eve. The Saint's troubles begin in earnest, however, when "a tot, twenty years later" shows up at his door, armed with a gun and the notion that Simon Templar is actually one 'Fats' Boylen. It seems that Mr. Boylen was hired to play Santa at a society party, but chose to leave early, as did a box of jewellery belonging to the hostess, Carla Worth. The tension in the story comes not from the 'who dunnit' aspects of the tale, as we know all along who 'done it'. The mystery is who Fats Boylen is working for, who has formed criminal alliances with whom, and whether these alliances will stand the tests of time and greed. The humor in the episode, and there is much, comes from both The Saint's quirky methods of interrogation and investigation, and the comedic reactions and reflections of his irregular (in more ways than one) companion, Louis the Cabby. Santa Claus Is No Saint is a perfect showcase for the radio talents of the two stars, Vincent Price as the suave Simon Templar and Lawrence Dobkin as the strictly proletarian Louis the Cabby. Both bring the perfect blend of casual nonchalance and stoic self-assuredness to their characters (although Louis' self-assuredness may be more wishful thinking than he would care to admit). THIS EPISODE: Episode Notes From Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod and The Internet Archive. Along for the sleigh-ride are Mary Shipp as Sally Walters, a cream puff trying to pass as a hard dame, and Betty Lou Gerson as the wealthy-and-it-shows, yet never ostentatious, and ultimately entrancing, Carla Worth. Hy Averback plays Hudson, Ted Osborne is Claude, and Stanley Farrar is Humphrey, the butler. Time = Minutes 33:19.

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