61 Years Ago Today, "Father Knows Best" Debuted on the Radio - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 08-26-2010, 12:11 AM

August 25th, 1949 - NBC Radio debuted "Father Knows Best". The show went to TV in 1954

Marvo301 · 08-26-2010, 12:43 AM

Ah! Those were the good old days. When a family would gather around the radio after dinner to listen to their favorite shows! And a few years later they would gather around the television as many of their favorite shows moved to the new medium. Besides Father Knows Best other shows to make the move from Radio to TV include The Life Of Riley, Duffy's Tavern, Richad Diamond Private Detective, and Our Miss Brooks.

TV Knowledge Fan · 08-26-2010, 02:51 AM

....was the successor to "MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TIME" (starring George Burns & Gracie Allen, during its last four seasons; it ended when they moved to CBS in the fall of '49 for Block Drug's "Ammi-Dent" toothpaste ["THE AMMI-DENT SHOW"] on Wednesdays), taking its Thursday night time period [8:30-9pm(et)] on NBC on August 25, 1949. As created by Ed James, "FATHER KNOWS BEST" was originally a "silly sitcom", full of "wacky" misunderstandings and misadventures surrounding the Anderson family [if you listen to some of the early programs, you'll understand what I mean]. Bill Forman was the announcer [Marvin Miller usually delivered the Maxwell House commercials]; Roy Bargy conducted "The Maxwell House Orchestra" {the show's theme, through 1952- "Let's Have Another Cup Of Coffee"}. It didn't become a comedy/drama (along the lines of "THE GOLDBERGS" and "THE ANDY GRIFITH SHOW") until it moved to TV in 1954.

old grouch · 08-26-2010, 01:21 PM

Robert Young looks funny with a mustache.

By the way, the original title of the show was 'Father Knows Best?' with a question mark. Evidently, there was some question as to whether or not the radio version of Jim Anderson really did know best.

Jude The Obscure · 08-26-2010, 06:02 PM

I have just about all the episodes and it is a very enjoyable radio show--although you won't confuse it with the TV show. Jim here, YELLS.....A LOT!
And Bud is a complete dimbulb! Margaret would end up being played by at least 3-4 actresses. The radio Kathy sounds a lot like the TV one in tone and personality.

08-26-2010, 12:11 AM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	61 Years Ago Today, "Father Knows Best" Debuted on the Radio August 25th, 1949 - NBC Radio debuted "Father Knows Best". The show went to TV in 1954 Attached Images
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08-26-2010, 12:43 AM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,452	Ah! Those were the good old days. When a family would gather around the radio after dinner to listen to their favorite shows! And a few years later they would gather around the television as many of their favorite shows moved to the new medium. Besides Father Knows Best other shows to make the move from Radio to TV include The Life Of Riley, Duffy's Tavern, Richad Diamond Private Detective, and Our Miss Brooks.
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08-26-2010, 02:51 AM	#3
TV Knowledge Fan Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 29, 2006 Location: Long Branch, N.J. Posts: 2,577	The original radio show... ....was the successor to "MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE TIME" (starring George Burns & Gracie Allen, during its last four seasons; it ended when they moved to CBS in the fall of '49 for Block Drug's "Ammi-Dent" toothpaste ["THE AMMI-DENT SHOW"] on Wednesdays), taking its Thursday night time period [8:30-9pm(et)] on NBC on August 25, 1949. As created by Ed James, "FATHER KNOWS BEST" was originally a "silly sitcom", full of "wacky" misunderstandings and misadventures surrounding the Anderson family [if you listen to some of the early programs, you'll understand what I mean]. Bill Forman was the announcer [Marvin Miller usually delivered the Maxwell House commercials]; Roy Bargy conducted "The Maxwell House Orchestra" {the show's theme, through 1952- "Let's Have Another Cup Of Coffee"}. It didn't become a comedy/drama (along the lines of "THE GOLDBERGS" and "THE ANDY GRIFITH SHOW") until it moved to TV in 1954.

08-26-2010, 01:21 PM	#4
old grouch Member Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2010 Location: montana Posts: 1,877	Robert Young looks funny with a mustache. By the way, the original title of the show was 'Father Knows Best?' with a question mark. Evidently, there was some question as to whether or not the radio version of Jim Anderson really did know best.

08-26-2010, 06:02 PM	#5
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,519	I have just about all the episodes and it is a very enjoyable radio show--although you won't confuse it with the TV show. Jim here, YELLS.....A LOT! And Bud is a complete dimbulb! Margaret would end up being played by at least 3-4 actresses. The radio Kathy sounds a lot like the TV one in tone and personality.