On This Day, August 29: Harry James and The Magic Key
Also featured: Family Theater.
August 29 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 29 across American network radio and syndication, Harry James playing the chart-topping Latin swing classic Amor for Chesterfield (1944), Robert L. Ripley & Milton Berle headlining The Magic Key of RCA (1937), Stephen McNally & Maureen O'Sullivan hosting Family Theater (1951–1956), and Westinghouse's Adventures in Research (1937–1956):
1. Broadcasts
| Title | Network, Airdate & Showtime | Sponsor & Commercial Ads | Credited Cast & Performers | Director, Writers & Crew | Genres | Story Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Amor" | CBS (WABC) 1944-08-29 7:15 PM EWT |
Liggett & Myers Chesterfield Cigarettes |
Harry James, Ward | The Music Makers | ["Music", "Swing", "Big Band", "Trumpet", "Vocal"] |
Harry James and his orchestra perform fiery swing arrangements and smooth Latin dance rhythms including the chart hit 'Amor'. |
| "Aids to Aviation" | Westinghouse Synd 1944-08-29 |
Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. |
Dr. Phillips Thomas | Paul Shannon (Ann) | ["Science", "Education", "Docudrama", "Aviation", "Technology"] |
A scientific examination of radio beacon navigation and high-frequency radar developments that guide transport pilots through dense storms. |
| "The Deaf Postmaster" | Westinghouse Synd 1950-08-29 |
Westinghouse Electric Corp. |
Dr. Phillips Thomas | Paul Shannon (Ann) | ["Science", "Biography", "History", "Invention", "Docudrama"] |
The biographical story of a persistent 19th-century inventor whose hearing impairment led to pioneering acoustic telegraph breakthroughs. |
| "Guest Robert L. Ripley, Milton Berle, and Frank Black" | NBC Blue (WJZ) 1937-08-29 2:00 PM EDST |
RCA Victor Radios & Tubes |
Frank Black, Ripley | Milton Berle & Symphony | ["Variety", "Music", "Comedy", "Orchestral", "Symphonic"] |
An international variety gala featuring oddities recounted by Robert L. Ripley, comedy sketches from Milton Berle, and symphonic overtures. |
| "Masquerade" | Mutual (WOR) 1951-08-29 9:30 PM EDT |
Sustaining Catholic Broadcasters |
Stephen McNally (Host) | Father Patrick Peyton | ["Drama", "Inspirational", "Mystery", "Suspense", "Anthology"] |
A wealthy executive attending a high-society masquerade ball discovers a conspiracy by counterfeit business partners to take over his estate. |
| "The Big Day" | Mutual (WOR) 1956-08-29 9:30 PM EDT |
Sustaining Catholic Broadcasters |
Maureen O'Sullivan (Host) | Father Patrick Peyton | ["Drama", "Inspirational", "Family", "Marriage", "Anthology"] |
A nervous young bride experiences wedding day doubts until a heartfelt conversation with her grandmother reaffirms her commitment. |