The Orson Welles Almanac
A variety program that mixed comedy and guest stars, broadcast before a live studio audience. Sponsored by Mobil Oil.
Welles produced radio variety programs, which he often described as "almanacs," several times in his career. His show for Lady Esther Cosmetics was quite tame, compared with the broad comedy, jazzy music, and famous guest stars of the Almanac. A number of broadcasts consist of performances of Welles's Mercury Wonder Show, a circus-style magic show, performed at military bases.
Groucho Marx --
1/26/44
First episode of "The Orson Welles Almanac" - a variety show inspired by Welles's appearances on Jack Benny's show. Guest starring Groucho Marx.
Ann Sothern --
5/17/44
Guest starring Ann Sothern. Welles riffs on politics, with bits about Ann Sothern's campaign for Congress and a skit featuring Sothern as President of the United States. Also, the final scene of Romeo and Juliet. The All-Star Jazz Combination plays…
Broadcast from Air Service Command Training Center, Fresno, California --
5/24/44
Guest starring Lee Wilde, Lyn Wilde and Lois Collier.
Broadcast from Air Transport Command, Long Beach, California --
5/31/44
Guest starring Marjorie Reynolds.
Special D-Day broadcast --
6/7/44
A special D-Day program and a break from the regular variety show format.
Lana Turner, Keenan Wynn --
7/5/44
Guest starring Lana Turner and featuring The Mercury Wonder Show.
Broadcast from Long Beach Coast Guard Camp --
7/19/44
Guest starring Ruth Terry and featuring The Mercury Wonder Show.
