Old Time Radio, TV, and Wilbur Smith

I have a confession to make: I am in love with old time radio and TV. Let me explain. We have cable tv at home and I do love to watch sports: SU basketball and the NY Mets being my favorites. I also enjoy watching movies and streaming my favorite shows. But even with over a hundred channels and Netflix, and Hulu (thanks Mary) there basically is never really anything on that I want to watch on an average night.

This past year I have become an avid reader. I enjoy using my local library to obtain the titles I want. So what am I reading? Basically anything written by Wilbur Smith. I love historical fiction and Wilbur is a master at it. Plus, he has written about 30 epics, so I am set for the near future. Many nights the tv is off and I am page turning.

However, this has also been a year of vision problems for me, so especially lately I have had to cut back some on my reading due to eye strain.

So bring on YouTube and the old time shows that I currently love to watch. My favorite right now is "What's My Line?" The fact that it dates back to the fifties and sixties and is shot in black and white only enhances my enjoyment. Hey, that's when I was growing up! I know I have lost the millennials already, but I can't help myself. I love being around the people and shows that I watched as a kid growing up. Give me Bennet Cerf, Dorothy Kilgallen, Arlene Francis, and Steve Allen from WML and I am set for hours. They are the master inquisitors of their day, and they do it with wit and charm and humor that is infectious. I challenge you to give the show a try. You will be surprised at how engaging it is. I love seeing the mystery guest on each show. "Blindfolds all in place panel?"
It's usually a Hollywood great from yesteryear. And finally: Guess what! They never swear on What's My Line!!!!!!!

I also have an Old Time Radio app on my phone which brings me classic radio shows from the "good old days". Listen to a few episodes of Gunsmoke at bedtime and you will begin to imagine you are  right there along with Matt Dillon and Chester. If I am restless when I go to bed, Old time Radio will sooth me into a dreamy sleep in minutes.

My current favorite is Jack Benny. He was a master of radio comedy for well over 20 years and his shows involve richly portrayed and engaging characters like Rochester, Don Wilson, Phil Harris, and Dennis Day. My favorite character is Mary Livingstone, Jacks wife in real life life,  who keeps Jack chopped down to size on the show with her witty remarks. It's all in good fun!

And so the next time you are bored and surfing your tv, why not head for youtube and give John Charles Daly and company on What's My Line? a chance to really entertain you! C'mon! What have you got to lose? And if you have an android platform, the Old Time Radio app is free!!!!