Old Time Radio Shows

A rendition of  When Irish Eyes are Smiling  plays in the background and Archie answers the phone with the  show’s trademark signature, “Hello, Duffy’s Tavern, where the elite meet to eat.” The program always opened with a call from the owner of  Duffy’s Tavern . Never seen, the boss would check up on his manager, Archie via phone. Although Archie never had direct supervision, Duffy knew he had to keep tabs on Archie.  Duffy’s Tavern  premiered March 1, 1941 on the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) network. Created by Ed Gardner (no relation to Ava Gardner ), the show centered on Archie and his relationships with the local bar customers. Gardner, a veteran radio director had prior success with  Ripley’s Believe it or Not!   and the  Rudy Vallee Hour . Ironically, Gardner professed that he never touched alcohol. Nevertheless, his imaginary bar enjoyed success for just over a decade.  By 1942, the show moved to the National Broadcas...