Guest-Cary Grant: Abbott and Costello (April 6, 1944)

“Guest-Cary Grant” is an episode of Abbott and Costello, the old-time radio show, first broadcast April 6, 1944. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Costello, the owner of a new radio station, is frustrated when his broadcasts cannot be heard at home, and his partner Abbott questions him about his station's power and antenna. Their argument spills over into a dispute with Chuck Dill and Niles, who bicker over talent and the state of their marriage. Costello recruits a series of performers, including a laundry worker who sings and a surprise visit from Cary Grant, who has brought along a stage-act performer named Don Barclay. Each new act is judged by Costello and Abbott as they search for programming for the station. The episode is a comedy of misunderstandings and wordplay on the Abbott and Costello radio show, which aired on NBC and ABC in 1944.

Costello's new radio station, with a visit to the station by Cary Grant and others

Characters: Costello, Abbott, Chuck Dill, Niles, Cary Grant, Don Barclay, Connie Haines, Gladys Morecow

Listen for: Costello's radio station and the wordplay about antennas and wavelengths

Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.