THE RAILROAD HOUR: A History of the Radio Series

“Entertainment for all. For every member of the family—the humming, strumming, dancing tunes of the recent musical shows. For Mother and Dad—happy reminders of the shows they saw ‘only yesterday.’ And also, occasionally, one of the great and everlasting triumphs that go ‘way back before then…” This was how the Association of American Railroads described their product known as The Railroad Hour, in their annual publicity pamphlets. For 45 minutes every Monday night, over the American Broadcasting Company’s national network, the American Railroads presented, for listener enjoyment, one after another of the world’s great musical comedies and operettas… the top-rated successes whose names had been spelled-out in the blazing lights on both sides of Broadway. Complete with music and words, the program offered famed headliners of the stage, screen and radio taking the leading roles. Highly favored by Joseph McConnell, President of the National Broadcasting Company, and William T. Faricy, Pres