Saturday Matinee - The Aldrich Family (Valentine’s Day), Jack Benny (NY Symphony Plays Benny’s Song), Abbott & Costello Show (Opening a Marriage Burea...

This week's "Saturday Matinee" on Vintage Classic Radio kicks off with "The Aldrich Family" in the episode titled "Valentine's Day", which first delighted audiences on February 11th, 1943. In this heartwarming episode, the Aldrich household is abuzz with the excitement and mixups of Valentine's Day, showcasing the comedic and often poignant adventures of teenager Henry Aldrich and his family. The episode stars Ezra Stone as the well-meaning but often misguided Henry, with House Jameson and Katharine Raht playing his ever-patient parents, Sam and Alice Aldrich. The cast also includes Jackie Kelk as Henry's loyal friend Homer Brown, and Leona Powers, Norma Nelson, and Charita Bauer in supporting roles, bringing the small town of Centerville to life with their charming and relatable performances. We then dive into "The Jack Benny Program" and the episode where Jack dreams that the New York Symphony plays his song. This episode originally aired on February 17th, 1952. This episode takes listeners on a comedic journey through Jack Benny's dream where the New York Symphony Orchestra performs one of his songs, leading to a series of funny misunderstandings and Benny's trademark vanity and stinginess. Jack Benny leads the cast as himself, supported by Mary Livingstone, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, Dennis Day, Phil Harris and Don Wilson, each adding their unique flair to the show's blend of comedy and music. The "Saturday Matinee" closes with "The Abbott and Costello Show" in the episode "Opening a Marriage Bureau", originally broadcasted on April 21st, 1948. This episode finds the comedic duo of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello embarking on a new business venture by opening a marriage bureau. Their attempts to matchmake for their clients lead to a series of hilarious mishaps. Bud Abbott and Lou Costello star as themselves, with support from regulars including Elvia Allman, Iris Adrian and Mel Blanc who contribute to the laughs and timeless humour that the show was known for.