Whilst Australians sing Christmas carols about Snowmen and White Christmas, most of us will never experience a real White Christmas. We do however maintain the traditions with the Womenfolk slaving over a hot stove bringing the traditional roast dinner together in temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius. In the U.S., Christmas serials like 'The Cinnamon Bear' have been broadcast on radio every Christmas since 1937. 'The Cinnamon Bear' was also popular in Australia in the late 1930's though how often it was repeated over the years, I am not sure. Certainly not enough times to rival that U.S. tradition. Loretta Young and the 78 rpm record of 'The Littlest Angel' is another U.S. tradition in many Australian households, though today more likely on mp3 than 78rpm.
I am going to show you here, some examples of Christmas on Australian Radio in the 1940s and 1950s.
Long before Mrs Brown, there was Mrs 'Obbs played by Dan Agar. These are two Christmas episodes 1401 & 1402 from 1947.
Australia tended early on, to follow the British style of celebrations with Pantomimes (Pantos) such as this one from AWA.
Also in the tradition of radio are the little segments between shows. The festive season had their share. We go to Sandringham Castle for some ROYAL recipes.
Charles Dickens famous story ' A Christmas Carol' is always popular, with many versions over the years. This version is a 15 part serial and each episode is around 1.2 minutes. Rather than clutter this space with another 15 audio files, I have joined the episodes together with small breaks between them. It makes about a 20 minute story.
Caltex Theatre was the cream of Australian Drama. One hour plays based on books and movies in particular. Here is a Christmas example.
To finish off an Australian Radio Christmas, I bring you that old favourite, checking the weather report and Tracking Santa's progress.
I have many other examples, but I can always save them for another year.
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas whether it be white or hot. Remember the true story of Christmas, no not 'A Christmas Carol' and take the time to enjoy your family or even someone else's family, but take the time to think back on Christmas past and plan Christmas future.
Ian Grieve
I hope you have a very Merry Christmas whether it be white or hot. Remember the true story of Christmas, no not 'A Christmas Carol' and take the time to enjoy your family or even someone else's family, but take the time to think back on Christmas past and plan Christmas future.
Ian Grieve
RSS Feed