Listen to a Guest Star Radio Show episode by clicking on a link below:
George Burns and Gracie Allen – May 9, 1948 – 15 Minutes
First Episode: May 2, 1948
Last Episode: November 29, 1959
Number of Episodes: Approximately 145
Network: Syndicated at Small Independent Stations
Cast Members: Different Celebrity Guests Each Week
Producer: The United States Treasury
Announcers: Win Elliot
Music: Harry Sosnik Orchestra
Sponsor: United States Security Bonds
Typical Episode Length: 15 Minutes
The most beloved stars of the 1940s and 1950s donated their time to come on the Guest Star Radio Show and convince their fans to buy United States Security Bonds (now known as “Savings Bonds”). The short 15 minute program had just enough time for a nice tune from the Harry Sosnik Orchestra, a short bit of entertainment from the celebrity or celebrities and a lot of talk about buying Security Bonds. The United States along with the rest of the world was recovering from World War II and that required money for government programs. The GIs returning from foreign lands wanted the good life after four years of death and destruction. The GI bill provided millions with educations and millions more with loans to purchase their dream homes. Sales of bonds were one great way for the government to raise the funds to do those things.
Guests included Eve Arden, Gene Autry, Lionel Barrymore, Walter Brennan, George Burns and Gracie Allen, Red Buttons, Rosemary Clooney, Nat King Cole, Henry Fonda, William Holden, Dorothy Lamour, Peggy Lee, Donald O’Connor, Jane Powell, Vincent Price, Gloria Swanson, Jack Webb and Keenan Wynn to name just a few!
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