Radio Programs beginning with "I"
"I am a Communist for the FBI... I walk alone..."
Desi Arnaz
I Love Lucy
Stars: Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, William Frawley, Vivian Vance
Sponsor: Philip Morris cigarettes
Network: CBS
Aired: 1950-1951
Type of Show: Situation Comedy
NB: This program used the actual soundtrack for that week's
episode of I Love Lucy, narrated by Desi Arnaz, for the benefit
of those who did not own TV sets. The only other show to do this
was Groucho Marx's quiz show, You Bet Your Life. Both radio
shows aired on different nights than their corresponding TV programs.
The radio show was not heard in marketing areas which flourished in TV
sets (such as New York and Los Angeles).
The series was later made into a movie, starring Frank Lovejoy as Matt
Cvetic.
I was a Communist for the FBI
Star: Dana Andrews
Sponsors: local sponsors
Network: Syndicated (Ziv)
Aired: 1952-1954
Type of Show: Detective Drama (FBI)
NB: Feeding upon the hysteria caused by Sen. Joseph McCarthy
(R-Wis.) and his anti-Communist sentiments, this series was to show
how the Soviets spied on the United States at the beginning of the Cold
War. Based upon the real life of FBI Agent Matt Cvetic (zuh-VET-tick),
who masqueraded for more than seven years as a Communist while spying for
the FBI here in the United States. His stories were first told to
the public in the Saturday Evening Post. "I am a Communist
for the FBI... I walk... alone." Syndicator
Fred Ziv was also responsible for other radio programs and TV shows, such
as "Sea Hunt" (starring Lloyd Bridges).
Clifton Fadiman (1904-99) hosted several intellectual game shows
Oscar Levant (1906-72), musician, actor, author, genius, InfoPlease panelist
Information, Please!
Host: Clifton Fadiman
Sponsor: Canada Dry, Lucky Strike, Heinz, Mobil, Parker Pens,
Sustaining (none)
Network: NBC (Blue), NBC, CBS, Mutual
Aired: 1938-1951
Type of Show: Game Show
NB: This radio program was the basis for the Information
Please Almanac (started in 1947). A couple of years ago, the Information
Please website was started.
It's always better when you look the part!
Inner Sanctum Mysteries
Star: Raymond Edward Johnson (through 5/22/45). Paul McGrath (through
9/28/45), House Jameson (until the end)
Sponsor: Carter's Little Liver Pills, Colgate Toothpaste, Lipton
Tea & Soup, Bromo Seltzer, Mars Candy Bars
Networks: Blue, CBS, ABC
Aired: 1942-1952
Type of Show: Drama Anthology
It Pays to Be Ignorant
Stars: Lulu McConnell, Tom Howard, George Shelton, Harry McNaughton
Sponsor: Sustaining (none), Chrysler, DeSoto, Philip Morris
Network: Mutual, CBS, NBC
Aired: 1942-1951
Type of Show: Situation Comedy (masquerading as a game show)
NB: "From what ocean creature do we get fish sticks?" "What
beverage is made from tea leaves?" "What does a truck driver do for
a living?" Need I say more? It really was a funny show, particularly
the hillbilly band which provided the music. They were the Korn Kobblers,
who also had their own radio show on the Blue Network in 1942-43. Listen
to the show's introduction here. (Requires RealPlayer.)
Updated November 23, 2001
CHOOSE THE FIRST LETTER OF A RADIO PROGRAM
