On This Day, August 22: Full Update Across Sherlock Holmes and The Avenger
Also featured: Eddie Cantor.
August 22 Forensic Discoveries & Full Update
This archival review provides comprehensive update across 12 broadcasts originally transmitted on August 22 between 1936 and 1978. Every entry has been updated with titles, verified air dates, normalized season/sequence numbers, standardized taxonomy genres, and factual cast/plot descriptions verified against contemporary newspaper radio schedules and daily listening highlight columns:
1. Drama, Mystery, & Detective Serials (August 22)
| Title | Verified Airdate | Genres | Factual Plot Synopsis & Cast Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Murder in the Waxworks" | 1936-08-22 | ["Mystery", "Detective", "Drama"] |
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate a bizarre murder inside Madame Tussaud's Chamber of Horrors where a corpse is disguised among wax figures of notorious criminals. Starring Louis Hector as Holmes and Harry West as Watson. |
| "The Case of the Dancing Death" | 1944-08-22 | ["Mystery", "Detective", "Drama"] |
Criminologist and psychologist Dr. Flamond investigates the mysterious collapse of a premier ballerina during opening night rehearsals, uncovering a plot involving poisoned stage makeup. Starring Everett Clarke. |
| "The Skyway Robbery" | 1941-08-22 | ["Adventure", "Mystery", "Science Fiction"] |
Biochemist Jim Brandon uses his inventions of the telepathic indicator and invisibility fluid to thwart a syndicate hijacking commercial passenger planes. Starring James Monks. |
| "A Husband for Harriet" | 1945-08-22 | ["Drama", "Comedy", "Romance"] |
A lighthearted domestic comedy concerning a well-meaning family's elaborate schemes to find a suitable suitor for their spirited daughter. Starring Harry Elders and Nanette Sargent. |
| "First Topic - Ghosts and Superstitions" | 1944-08-22 | ["Talk", "Historical", "Drama"] |
Renowned stage actress Jane Cowl hosts an intimate conversational radio talk discussing theatrical folklore, supernatural legends, and historical ghost stories from London playhouses. |
2. Comedy, Music, & Variety (August 22)
| Title | Verified Airdate | Genres | Factual Plot Synopsis & Cast Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Preparing to Return to Hollywood" | 1937-08-22 | ["Comedy", "Variety", "Music"] |
Eddie Cantor jokes with announcer Jimmy Wallington and the town council about packing up summer camp to head back to the West Coast studios. Featuring Deanna Durbin and Jacques Renard's Orchestra. |
| "Guest Stars Block and Sully" | 1944-08-22 | ["Music", "Variety", "Comedy"] |
International songstress Hildegarde welcomes vaudeville comedy duo Jesse Block and Eve Sully to the Raleigh Room, featuring sophisticated romantic melodies, comedy patter, and the Harry Sosnik Orchestra. |
| "The Scented Letters & Clock Repair Stunt" | 1950-08-22 | ["Comedy", "Reality", "Documentary"] |
Allen Funt uses concealed recording equipment to capture unsuspecting citizens reacting to eccentric scenarios involving perfumed mystery mail and a clockmaker with impossible demands. |
| "The Gold Coast Rhythm Show: Live from WBBM Chicago" | 1944-08-22 | ["Music", "Jazz", "Big Band"] |
An energetic mid-day broadcast of swing arrangements and vocal harmonies originating from CBS affiliate WBBM in Chicago, featuring the Caesar Petrillo Orchestra. |
| "Summer Concert with Guest Jane Pickens" | 1943-08-22 | ["Music", "Classical", "Variety"] |
Operatic tenor James Melton performs light classical favorites and Broadway ballads alongside guest vocalist Jane Pickens with Robert Russell Bennett conducting the orchestra. |
| "Summertime Symphonic Melodies with Paul Lavalle" | 1955-08-22 | ["Music", "Classical", "Orchestral"] |
Paul Lavalle leads the Cities Service Band of America in a program of patriotic marches, semi-classical overtures, and light opera selections. |
| "Mad Scientists Ball" | 1978-08-22 | ["Comedy", "Panel Game", "Satire"] |
Chairman Humphrey Lyttelton referees the antidote to panel games with regular contestants Tim Brooke-Taylor, Graeme Garden, Barry Cryer, and John Junkin, with Colin Sell at the piano. |