The Straw

The Straw (13:00)

The Chase and Sanborn Hour served as the launching pad for Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy’s fame, was an hour-long extravaganza that debuted over NBC on May 9, 1937 and featured quite a few stars in addition to the soon-to-be-famous ventriloquist and his dummy. Diverse performers like W.C. Fields, Dorothy Lamour, Nelson Eddy, The Canovas (Judy, Zeke and Annie), and the Stroud Twins (Clarence and Claude) all were regulars at one time from 1937-40. One of the most important featured players was Don Ameche, who served as an emcee/singer/straight man for the Chase & Sanborn proceedings.

[February 9, 1938 Circleville (OH) Herald]

STANWYCK WITH AMECHE

Barbara Stanwyck makes her second appearance on the Don Ameche program on Sunday Feb 13, and once again does a scene from a Eugene O'Neill play. With Ameche, Miss Stanwyck will be heard in an adaptation of O'Neill's "The Straw". Last time she appeared on the program it was in a portion of "Anna Christie."

Charlie McCarthy also has a "double" act with Miss Stanwyck. He is going to sing a duet with her.

Other features of the full hour broadcast over the NBC red network at 8 p. m. are the Stroud Twins, Dorothy Lamour, John Carter, and Robert Armbruster's orchestra. Edgar Bergen also appears by special permission of Charlie McCarthy.

John Carter, tenor, is the latest addition to the ranks of radio's important solo artists. Several critics have predicted a great future for him in concerts and on the air.