On This Day, August 28: Lord of the Rings and Frances Langford
Also featured: Rex Stout.
August 28 Update
This report documents the historical provenance, broadcast scheduling, commercial sponsorship, credited cast, production personnel, alternate circulating titles, and pure narrative synopses for broadcasts transmitting on August 28 across American network radio, BBC Radio 4, and BBC World Service transcription, Gandalf freeing King Théoden at Meduseld in BBC's dramatization of The Lord of the Rings, Frances Langford & Don Ameche singing campus tunes for Post's Cereals, Forrest Lewis in Meet the Meeks, mystery author Rex Stout discussing democratic literature on Speaking of Liberty, and vocal harmonies on The Tide Show (1941–1982):
1. Broadcasts
| Title | Network, Airdate & Showtime | Sponsor & Commercial Ads | Credited Cast & Performers | Director, Writers & Crew | Genres | Story Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "The King of the Golden Hall (Broadcast)" | BBC Radio 4 1982-08-28 |
Sustaining BBC Fantasy Drama |
Michael Hordern, Robert Stephens | Jack May, Brian Sibley | ["Fantasy", "Adventure", "Literary", "British", "Epic"] |
Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli arrive at Meduseld in Rohan, where Gandalf frees aged King Théoden from the corrupt influence of Gríma Wormtongue. |
| "The King of the Golden Hall (Transcription)" | BBC World Service 1982-08-28 |
Sustaining BBC Radio Drama |
Michael Hordern, Robert Stephens | Jack May, Stephen Thorne | ["Fantasy", "Adventure", "Literary", "British", "Epic"] |
Gandalf releases King Théoden of Rohan from dark enchantments, urging the revived monarch to ride out against Saruman's invading Orc army. |
| "College Days" | NBC (WNBC) 1947-08-28 8:00 PM EDT |
General Foods Post's Cereals |
Frances Langford, Don Ameche | Carmen Dragon Orchestra | ["Music", "Variety", "Vocal", "Comedy", "Pop Standard"] |
Frances Langford and Don Ameche reminisce about undergraduate university days through comedic banter, classic campus songs, and romantic duets. |
| "Rekindling Romance" | NBC (WNBC) 1948-08-28 11:00 AM EDT |
Swift & Company Swift's Premium Meats |
Forrest Lewis, Beryl Vaughn | Cliff Soubier | ["Sitcom", "Comedy", "Domestic", "Family", "Americana"] |
Mortimer Meek attempts to rekindle romance on his wedding anniversary with an extravagant dinner plan that quickly unravels into neighborhood chaos. |
| "Writers and Free Speech" | NBC Red (WEAF) 1941-08-28 6:30 PM EDST |
Council for Democracy Sustaining Public Affairs |
Rex Stout (Host) | Council for Democracy Staff | ["Public Affairs", "Discussion", "Politics", "Literature", "Historical"] |
Mystery novelist Rex Stout hosts a discussion on how democratic authors and journalists mobilize literature to counter authoritarian propaganda abroad. |
| "Summertime Harmony" | CBS (WABC) 1945-08-28 7:30 PM EWT |
Procter & Gamble Tide Detergent |
Vocal Quartet | Daytime Studio Orchestra | ["Music", "Vocal", "Easy Listening", "Pop Standard", "Variety"] |
A vocal ensemble performs lighthearted popular melodies and upbeat harmonies for late-summer afternoon listeners. |