The Aldrich Family, a radio sitcom built around teenager Henry Aldrich, began as a summer replacement for The Jack Benny Program, and proved popular enough to stand on its own for the next 14 years.
The series actually began as a series of sketches on Rudy Vallee's program, after it'd been adapted from a Broadway play. Ezra Stone, better known for his later work as a director (i.e. The Munsters and the TV version of Aldrich) had played Henry on Broadway, and had two tours of duty in the role on radio.
Stone left the show in 1942 to serve in World War II, and thus began a revolving door in casting the lead. Stone returned after the war for another 7 year run.
Following is a Thanksgiving episode.
We'll look at the TV Aldrich another time. No rating. Just a public service.
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