National Network for Equitable Library Service

Volume 2 of Chuck-Wagon Jamboree! To western fans, he will always be best known as Festus Haggen, the cantankerous sidekick of Sheriff Matt Dillon on the television series "Gunsmoke." But even die-hard fans of Dodge City may not realize that, in the years just after World War II, actor Ken Curtis was a singing cowboy -- the star of his own western movie series and a musical radio favorite to boot.

Volume 1 of the Cocoanut Grove Ambassadors! When those who celebrate Hollywood's Golden Age reflect back on the halcyon days of the early 1930s, one particular nightspot comes immediately to mind: the Cocoanut Grove at Los Angeles' Ambassador Hotel. This lavishly appointed club, part of the 23-acre Ambassador resort, was decorated in Moroccan style, featured full-sized palm trees, and spotlighted smooth musical entertainment provided by a series of popular dance orchestras.

Volume 2 of the Cocoanut Grove Ambassadors! When those who celebrate Hollywood's Golden Age reflect back on the halcyon days of the early 1930s, one particular nightspot comes immediately to mind: the Cocoanut Grove at Los Angeles' Ambassador Hotel. This lavishly appointed club, part of the 23-acre Ambassador resort, was decorated in Moroccan style, featured full-sized palm trees, and spotlighted smooth musical entertainment provided by a series of popular dance orchestras.

Although many programs can be described as innovative and cutting edge, one classic from radio's golden era was truly an experiment in what could be done with the medium from its first episode. The concept of Columbia Workshop, conceived by Irving Reis, was to try new innovations on radio. The program focused on both the cutting edge work of sound techs and producers as well as the ability of performers to push themselves in ways other shows did not require them to. Extreme attention was paid to every aspect of production.

An often-overlooked aspect of old time radio, overshadowed frequently by the stories told on the shows and the stars that performed them, was the fact that a crucial part of the medium was sound. Columbia Workshop not only paid attention to sound, but advanced how it was used on other programs then and now. Believing that 'production, not the play, was the thing', Irving Reis, the man behind the show, worked to make sure that Columbia Workshop was rich with music, sound, and innovative techniques setting it apart from other programs. Reis produced some cutting edge episodes.

Conceived originally as a program to push the boundaries of network radio, Columbia Workshop became a voice for writers and actors, a voice that America listened to. Columbia Workshop found its true stride in 1937 both as an innovator in radio production, but also in the quality of work it was producing. Columbia Workshop focused on turning quality scripts into quality episodes.

Volume 1 of the Dangerous Assignment radio program! A modern day soldier of fortune finds mystery and intrigue in lands strange and romantic on - Dangerous Assignment!" This ad copy for NBC's globe-hopping adventure series captured the essence of the program perfectly. Steve Mitchell, played by Brian Donlevy in a two-fisted and pulpy style, is the sort of hero America looked for in entertainment in the 1950s.

Volume 2 of the Dangerous Assignment radio program! A modern day soldier of fortune finds mystery and intrigue in lands strange and romantic on - Dangerous Assignment! This ad copy for NBC's globe-hopping adventure series captured the essence of the program perfectly. Steve Mitchell, played by Brian Donlevy in a two-fisted and pulpy style, is the sort of hero America looked for in entertainment in the 1950s. Devoutly patriotic, ready to defend the United States at the drop of a hat, and prepared to stand against any menace, mostly foreign, that might endanger the lives of honest Americans.

Volume 4 of the Dangerous Assignment radio series! Yeah, danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can't even pronounce. They all spell the same thing, though. Trouble." In this opening line heard on various episodes, Steve Mitchell, special agent for an unnamed agency protecting America from foreign threats, describes Dangerous Assignment perfectly. Focused on Mitchell's adventures around the world, Dangerous Assignment capitalized on the desire of Americans at the time for patriotic, stalwart heroes to stand up for them.

Volume 5 of the Dangerous Assignment radio program! A modern day soldier of fortune finds mystery and intrigue in lands strange and romantic on - Dangerous Assignment!" This ad copy for NBC's globe-hopping adventure series captured the essence of the program perfectly. Steve Mitchell, played by Brian Donlevy in a two-fisted and pulpy style, is the sort of hero America looked for in entertainment in the 1950s.