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Old-time radio actor · 1919–2013

Shirley Mitchell

Leila Ransom on The Great Gildersleeve.

We have her in 106 episodes of 24 series, 1945 to 1960, and 18 of our live channels play them around the clock, free.

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About Shirley Mitchell

Shirley Mitchell, from Radio Mirror, June 1943, page 36
Shirley Mitchell in Radio Mirror, June 1943, page 36.Public domain in the United States: Radio Mirror 1943: issue copyright not renewed. Radio Mirror

Hear all 106 Shirley Mitchell episodes, and every episode of every show, on demand: Potato Plus, $5 a month.

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Born in Toledo, Ohio, on November 4, 1919. Source: Wikipedia

She built her radio career in Toledo and Cleveland before moving on to Chicago, then one of the big centres of network radio. Source: Radio Spirits

In Chicago she was heard on The First Nighter Program and took small parts in soap operas such as The Story of Mary Marlin. Source: Wikipedia

In Los Angeles she worked opposite Joan Davis and Jack Haley on The Sealtest Village Store, and later held regular parts on Davis's own shows, Joan Davis Time and Leave It to Joan. Source: Radio Spirits

Her biggest radio role was Leila Ransom, a Southern belle on The Great Gildersleeve, starting in September 1942. Source: Wikipedia

Leila, a flirt from Savannah, Georgia, came close to marrying Gildersleeve, most famously in the 1942-43 season; her rival was her cousin Adeline Fairchild, played by Una Merkel. Source: Radio Spirits

She joined Fibber McGee and Molly in 1943 as Alice Darling, and also played Louella on The Life of Riley. Source: Wikipedia

RadioGOLDINdex logs her in 35 Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar broadcasts between 1955 and 1960. Source: RadioGOLDINdex

On television she played Lucy Ricardo's friend Marion Strong on I Love Lucy; she died in Westwood, Los Angeles, on November 11, 2013, aged 94. Source: Wikipedia

Listen live: the channels that play Shirley Mitchell

Free 24/7 stations. These play the episodes below, in rotation with the rest of their shows.

Illustrated cover for Suspense: a single desk lamp in a dark room, a revolver and a telephone off the hook on the desk, long shadows across the floor

The series' own channel

Suspense

10 of her episodes: Suspense (10)

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Bob Bailey in a Los Angeles detective's office at night

The series' own channel

Let George Do It

3 of her episodes: Let George Do It (3)

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Black-and-white close-up of Raymond Burr in a jacket and open collar

The series' own channel

Fort Laramie

2 of her episodes: Fort Laramie (2)

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Illustrated cover for Lux Radio Theatre: a 1930s Hollywood theatre stage before a closed gold curtain, a single ribbon microphone in a spotlight

The series' own channel

Lux Radio Theatre

2 of her episodes: Lux Radio Theatre (2)

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Black-and-white close-up of James Stewart in a tweed jacket and tie

The series' own channel

The Six Shooter

2 of her episodes: The Six Shooter (2)

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Buster Pratt, the host of Laugh Track

Mixed channel

Laugh Track

56 of her episodes: The Great Gildersleeve (24), Joan Davis (13), The Harold Peary Show (11), The Life of Riley (2), The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (2), The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show (1), The Burns and Allen Show (1), My Favorite Husband (1), Fibber McGee and Molly (1)

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Sal Vitale, the host of Gumshoe

Mixed channel

Gumshoe

20 of her episodes: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (12), Let George Do It (3), The Adventures of Philip Marlowe (2), The Adventures of Sam Spade (2), The Man Called X (1)

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Illustrated cover for Opening Night: the front of a 1930s art-deco movie palace on premiere night, crossed searchlight beams in the sky

Mixed channel

Opening Night

9 of her episodes: CBS Radio Workshop (3), Lux Radio Theatre (2), Screen Directors Playhouse (2), Railroad Hour (1), Cavalcade of America (1)

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Marshal Ramrod, the host of Dry Gulch

Mixed channel

Dry Gulch

8 of her episodes: Have Gun, Will Travel (4), Fort Laramie (2), The Six Shooter (2)

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Shirley Mitchell’s shows on Stupid Potato

SeriesYearsEpisodes
The Great Gildersleeve1946 to 195324
Joan Davis1945 to 194613
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar1955 to 196012
The Harold Peary Show195111
Suspense1954 to 195810
Have Gun, Will Travel1959 to 19604
CBS Radio Workshop19573
Let George Do It1949 to 19513
The Danny Kaye Show19453
Fort Laramie19562
Lux Radio Theatre19532
Screen Directors Playhouse1949 to 19512
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet1952 to 19542
The Adventures of Philip Marlowe19512
The Adventures of Sam Spade19512
The Life of Riley19512
The Six Shooter1953 to 19542
Cavalcade of America19481
Fibber McGee and Molly19541
My Favorite Husband19511
Railroad Hour19511
The Burns and Allen Show19461
The Man Called X19511
The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show19541

Shirley Mitchell episodes: 5 free to hear

Each one names Shirley Mitchell on the air, in its cast list or in the show itself. Each title opens the episode’s page: what happens, the transcript from the moment she is named, and listens from any line.

  1. The Ghost BreakersScreen Directors Playhouse · April 3, 1949 · Episode guide · Whole and free in the podcast
  2. Gildy's New Hobby - Boat in a BottleThe Great Gildersleeve · February 24, 1946 · Episode guide · 60-second listens from any line
  3. Gildy Traces GenealogyThe Great Gildersleeve · March 24, 1946 · Episode guide · 60-second listens from any line
  4. Picnic Before DoomsdayThe Great Gildersleeve · March 31, 1946 · Episode guide · 60-second listens from any line
  5. Commissioner Turns off the WaterThe Great Gildersleeve · September 18, 1946 · Episode guide · 60-second listens from any line

Hear all 106 Shirley Mitchell episodes, and every episode of every show, on demand: Potato Plus, $5 a month.

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All 106 Shirley Mitchell episodes, by show

The 101 marked Potato Plus are for members: join to hear every one of them, whole, from any moment.

The Great Gildersleeve 24 episodes, 1946 to 1953
  1. Gildy's New Hobby - Boat in a BottleFebruary 24, 1946 · Episode guide · Free
  2. Gildy Traces GenealogyMarch 24, 1946 · Episode guide · Free
  3. Picnic Before DoomsdayMarch 31, 1946 · Episode guide · Free
  4. Commissioner Turns off the WaterSeptember 18, 1946 · Episode guide · Free
  5. Gildy's New Spruce Scent - Leila EngagedSeptember 25, 1946 · Potato Plus
  6. Leila's Wedding InvitationsOctober 2, 1946 · Potato Plus
  7. Leila Leaves TownOctober 9, 1946 · Potato Plus
  8. Leila Back for a Visit - Gildy in LoveJanuary 8, 1947 · Potato Plus
  9. Leila's Party for JoanneApril 23, 1947 · Potato Plus
  10. Leroy Excluded from Craig's PartyMay 7, 1947 · Potato Plus
  11. Teacher's ProblemsMay 21, 1947 · Potato Plus
  12. Leila Arrives to Close the Hat ShopFebruary 16, 1949 · Potato Plus
  13. Water Department CalendarNovember 22, 1950 · Potato Plus
  14. Gildy-Bullard Double Date New Year's EveDecember 27, 1950 · Potato Plus
  15. Leila Back in Town - Sidney TuttleJanuary 7, 1953 · Potato Plus
  16. Gildy and Grace TuttleJanuary 28, 1953 · Potato Plus
  17. Rivals, Leila and Grace, MeetFebruary 4, 1953 · Potato Plus
  18. Two Dates for Mayor's Valentine PartyFebruary 11, 1953 · Potato Plus
  19. Gildy in Trouble with Leila and GraceFebruary 18, 1953 · Potato Plus
  20. Gildy's Great Dane Causes Peavey TroubleFebruary 25, 1953 · Potato Plus
  21. Extra Help at the Water DepartmentMarch 4, 1953 · Potato Plus
  22. Bottled Water Company StockApril 29, 1953 · Potato Plus
  23. 56-xx-xx Doye O'Dell's Dude Ranch (AFRTS 498)Potato Plus
  24. 57-xx-xx (xxx) Leila's Antique VasePotato Plus
Joan Davis 13 episodes, 1945 to 1946
  1. Will Andy Russell Make a Movie for Atomic PicturesOctober 22, 1945 · Potato Plus
  2. Going HuntingDecember 3, 1945 · Potato Plus
  3. Red Flannel UnderwearDecember 10, 1945 · Potato Plus
  4. Takes a FallDecember 24, 1945 · Potato Plus
  5. Barbara Plays a Trick on JoanJanuary 7, 1946 · Potato Plus
  6. Double Love TriangleJanuary 21, 1946 · Potato Plus
  7. Joins Literary SocietyJanuary 28, 1946 · Potato Plus
  8. Gold Found in SwanvilleFebruary 4, 1946 · Potato Plus
  9. Birthday Party for JoanFebruary 11, 1946 · Potato Plus
  10. Three Hundred Dollars MissingFebruary 18, 1946 · Potato Plus
  11. U.N.O. MeetingFebruary 25, 1946 · Potato Plus
  12. Has InsomniaMarch 11, 1946 · Potato Plus
  13. Plans a Vacation (Rehearsal)May 27, 1946 · Potato Plus
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar 12 episodes, 1955 to 1960
  1. The Cronin Matter - Ep 5December 9, 1955 · Potato Plus
  2. The Todd Matter - Ep 5January 13, 1956 · Potato Plus
  3. The Shady Lane Matter - Ep 5July 13, 1956 · Potato Plus
  4. The Kranesburg Matter - Ep 5 (6th of 6)August 31, 1956 · Potato Plus
  5. The Imperfect Alibi Matter - Ep 5September 21, 1956 · Potato Plus
  6. The Kirbey Will MatterFebruary 3, 1957 · Potato Plus
  7. The Happy Family MatterDecember 15, 1957 · Potato Plus
  8. The Boron 112 MatterJanuary 12, 1958 · Potato Plus
  9. The Hair Raising MatterNovember 30, 1958 · Potato Plus
  10. The Lost by a Hair MatterAugust 9, 1959 · Potato Plus
  11. The False Alarm MatterMarch 27, 1960 · Potato Plus
  12. The Wholly Unexpected MatterJune 26, 1960 · Potato Plus
The Harold Peary Show 11 episodes, 1951
  1. Gets Engaged - TwiceJanuary 24, 1951 · Potato Plus
  2. Florabelle ReturnsFebruary 21, 1951 · Potato Plus
  3. Willis Cant Pass the PhysicalFebruary 28, 1951 · Potato Plus
  4. Red Cross DriveMarch 7, 1951 · Potato Plus
  5. Income TaxMarch 14, 1951 · Potato Plus
  6. Cousin Marvin Comes to StayMarch 21, 1951 · Potato Plus
  7. Modernizing Docs OfficeApril 4, 1951 · Potato Plus
  8. Decides to Clean out the CellarApril 18, 1951 · Potato Plus
  9. Harold and Mr Walker Vie for ClassMay 9, 1951 · Potato Plus
  10. Does Florabelle Have a New LoverMay 16, 1951 · Potato Plus
  11. Marvin Is Invited to a PartyMay 23, 1951 · Potato Plus
Suspense 10 episodes, 1954 to 1958
  1. Blind DateNovember 18, 1954 · Potato Plus
  2. Frankie and JohnnyFebruary 3, 1957 · Potato Plus
  3. Door of GoldFebruary 10, 1957 · Potato Plus
  4. Trial by JuryJune 16, 1957 · Potato Plus
  5. Dog StarDecember 22, 1957 · Potato Plus
  6. The Crowded VoidJanuary 19, 1958 · Potato Plus
  7. Just One Happy Little FamilyApril 6, 1958 · Potato Plus
  8. Subway StopMay 11, 1958 · Potato Plus
  9. It's All in Your MindJuly 20, 1958 · Potato Plus
  10. No Hiding PlaceSeptember 21, 1958 · Potato Plus
Have Gun, Will Travel 4 episodes, 1959 to 1960
  1. Like FatherSeptember 27, 1959 · Potato Plus
  2. French LeaveJanuary 17, 1960 · Potato Plus
  3. Doctor from ViennaJune 26, 1960 · Potato Plus
  4. Sam CrowOctober 2, 1960 · Potato Plus
CBS Radio Workshop 3 episodes, 1957
  1. Air Raid - Prevarications of Mr PeepsMarch 10, 1957 · Potato Plus
  2. Housing ProblemsJune 16, 1957 · Potato Plus
  3. People Are No GoodSeptember 8, 1957 · Potato Plus
Let George Do It 3 episodes, 1949 to 1951
  1. Everything Is NiceSeptember 5, 1949 · Potato Plus
  2. Cover for an HourSeptember 18, 1950 · Potato Plus
  3. Christmas in JanuaryJanuary 29, 1951 · Potato Plus
The Danny Kaye Show 3 episodes, 1945
  1. Woman Building InspectorFebruary 24, 1945 · Potato Plus
  2. Romeo and JulietMarch 10, 1945 · Potato Plus
  3. Concerto for War BondsMay 11, 1945 · Potato Plus
Fort Laramie 2 episodes, 1956
  1. Stage Coach StopApril 15, 1956 · Potato Plus
  2. Nature BoyJuly 29, 1956 · Potato Plus
Lux Radio Theatre 2 episodes, 1953
  1. Physician in Spite of HimselfJuly 13, 1953 · Potato Plus
  2. Romance to a DegreeAugust 3, 1953 · Potato Plus
Screen Directors Playhouse 2 episodes, 1949 to 1951
  1. The Ghost BreakersApril 3, 1949 · Episode guide · Free
  2. The Ghost BreakersJune 14, 1951 · Potato Plus
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet 2 episodes, 1952 to 1954
  1. The Dental ReceptionistJanuary 25, 1952 · Potato Plus
  2. Fifi La PlumeJanuary 8, 1954 · Potato Plus
The Adventures of Philip Marlowe 2 episodes, 1951
  1. Life Can Be MurderJuly 21, 1951 · Potato Plus
  2. Sound and the UnsoundSeptember 15, 1951 · Potato Plus
The Adventures of Sam Spade 2 episodes, 1951
  1. Spanish Prisoner CaperMarch 9, 1951 · Potato Plus
  2. Civic Pride CaperApril 13, 1951 · Potato Plus
The Life of Riley 2 episodes, 1951
  1. Louella Stays with the RileysMarch 2, 1951 · Potato Plus
  2. Riley and the BalletJune 1, 1951 · Potato Plus
The Six Shooter 2 episodes, 1953 to 1954
  1. Red Lawson's RevengeOctober 25, 1953 · Potato Plus
  2. Thicker Than WaterMarch 14, 1954 · Potato Plus
Cavalcade of America 1 episode, 1948
  1. The Last FrontierJune 7, 1948 · Potato Plus
Fibber McGee and Molly 1 episode, 1954
  1. Kind Of A BragNovember 17, 1954 · Potato Plus
My Favorite Husband 1 episode, 1951
  1. Iris Lizs EasterMarch 24, 1951 · Potato Plus
Railroad Hour 1 episode, 1951
  1. Beautiful DreamerJuly 2, 1951 · Potato Plus
The Burns and Allen Show 1 episode, 1946
  1. Playing Cupid for MeredithMarch 28, 1946 · Potato Plus
The Man Called X 1 episode, 1951
  1. Invitation to a MurderOctober 1, 1951 · Potato Plus
The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show 1 episode, 1954
  1. Royalty Check CelebrationJanuary 29, 1954 · Potato Plus

Who Shirley Mitchell worked with most

Named in the same cast lists, counted across the episodes above.

The supporting cast of old-time radio: every actor · Every series, A to Z

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