JUST PLAIN BILL

OLD TIME RADIO - 1 CD - 7 mp3 - Total Time: 1:29:34

Just Plain Bill was a long run 15-minute daytime radio drama program heard on CBS and NBC. The series was sponsored by Anacin for 18 of the program's 23-year run. Other sponsors over the years were Kolynos toothpaste, Clapp’s baby food and BiSoDol. It was “the real-life story of people just like people we all know.” Originally called Bill the Barber, the program began on CBS September 19, 1932. It told the story of Bill Davidson (Arthur Hughes), a barber in the town of Hartville, and his daughter Nancy (Ruth Russell). Bill often became involved in helping his friends and neighbors when he wasn't cutting hair. Also in the cast: Dick Janaver (1911-1999).

The show was created by Frank and Anne Hummert, who produced many radio daytime drama series, including Amanda of Honeymoon Hill, Backstage Wife, Front Page Farrell, John’s Other Wife, Little Orphan Annie, Ma Perkins, Mr. Chameleon, Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons, Our Gal Sunday and Young Widder Brown.

Music was by Hal Brown (1865–1942), who played harmonica and whistled the Just Plain Bill opening theme, "Darling Nellie Gray". The closing theme was "Polly Wolly Doodle." Don Pardo was the program's announcer. The series came to an end in 1955.

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Old Time Radio's 23-year long run of 15-30 minute situation comedy, "Just Plain Bill," premiered at 6:45 p.m. Eastern Time, Sept. 19, 1932,on CBS Radio and stayed in this time-slot until June 16, 1933.

June 19, 1933-1935, CBS moved the program to 7:15 p.m. and in 1935 these nighttime Eps were discontinued.

Daytime version was added CBS Oct. 16, 1933 / CBS 11:45am 1935 thru June 12, 1936 / NBC 10:30am Sept. 14, 1936 thru March 15, 1940 / NBC Blue Network 3:45pm
March 25, 1940 thru July 31, 1942 / NBC 5:30pm Sept. 14, 1942 thru June 29, 1951 / NBC 5:00pm July 2, 1951 thru March 25, 1954 / NBC 5:00 pm Sept. 26, 1954 thru July 1, 1955, / NBC 3:45 p.m. July 4, 1955 thru Sept. 30, 1955

Soap Opera creator King & Queen team, Frank & Anne Hummert, were inspired to write a soap opera surrounding the life of a small-town barber. Several titles were considered for their new 'Soap', including: "Haircutter of Hartville," "Barber of Hartville," also "Bill the Barber." The final choice was very much more simple & plain: "Just Plain Bill" was the final title choice.

Bill Davidson, a good-natured, soft-spoken, homespun country philosopher, sensitive to needs of friends & relatives, offered level-headed advice to help them straighten out their tangled lives. Bill's listeners identified with him, because he was just like them, as noted in program opening line.

Bill had a wise mind, huge heart and his arms were always open for arising problems within his circle of friends & family.

These dramas frequently revolved around his tiny family: daughter, Nancy Donovan; her lawyer-husband, Kerry Donovan; and Bill's grandson, Wiki Donovan.

OPENING LINE:
"Now, to the many friends who wait for him ... we present Just Plain Bill, barber of Hartville, the story of a man who might be living right next door to you -- the real-life story of people just like people we all know."

THEME SONGS:
"Darling Nellie Gray" (early opening tune & scene bridges)
"Polly Wolly Doodle" (closing tune; also later-date opening tune)

ACTORS:
Bill Davidson: Arthur Hughes ... Nancy Davidson Donovan: Ruth Russell (1932-51), Toni Darnay (1951-55) ... Kerry Donovan: James Meighan ... Wiki Donovan: Sarah Fussell, Madeleine Pierce ... Elmer Eeps: Joe Latham

ANNOUNCERS: : Andre Baruch, John Cornell, Fielden Farrington, Ed Herlihy, Roger Krupp

EPISODES LIST

40xxxx Cablegram from Cary
450810 Bill urges Craig to forget the past (False V-J Day coverage)
46xxxx Judith brought Bill poisoned fruit
490222 Pearl and Humphrey are trapped (Why Do Neighbors Hide From Sheriff)
541222
550811 Bill is en route to Texas
XXXXXX Rich Husband

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