The Old Time Radio Flier 15 "THE PHIL HARRIS - ALICE FAYE SHOW"

Old Time Radio show from the Golden Age of Radio. Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Macabre, Science Fiction, et al. Feel free to browse.

Download it put it on your mp3 player. Listen to those wonderful voices in the dark.

Search The Old Time Radio Flier lenses by The Whistler

Phil Harris had been part of "The Jack Benny Show" since 1936. At the end of the "Benny" show Harris would sometimes say "So Long, Jackson," and the scene would then change to "The Fitch Bandwagon," which immediately followed. In both shows Harris played himself, a hard-drinking, sarcastic bandleader, impressed with nothing but his own good looks, his curly hair, and slick clothes. The Fitch show centred around Phil's family life, with his wife, movies star Alice Faye, and his two young daughters Phyllis and Little Alice, and the extraordinary wise guys Phil meet on an episode to episode basis.

By 1948 the Fitch show, which started in 1946, was well established and the format of the show continued in "the Benny" mode, Phil at rehearsal, Phil dissatisfaction at the sponsor, or on his rocky relationships with his cast. Each episode included two musical numbers, one for Phil and another for the wonderful voice of Alice Faye. He would sing novelty songs, such as "Shadrack, The Thing", and "The Preacher and the Bear." Alice would sing songs from her time in the movies and current hits such as "Buttons and Bows."

It was the Phil Harris character that carried the show, he had impeccable timing. His character in real life would have been intolerable; however, he managed to project just enough of his true self through the charade that the character became a treasure of the airwaves. Alice Faye played Alice Faye, the movie star who had chosen to give up Hollywood to be a wife and mother.

From the get-go "The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show" was one of the funniest, if not "the" funniest show, on radio. The lines where full of sarcasm, the boys in the band were masters of backtalk, and no character was more finely etched than that of Frankie Remley, the left-handed guitar player in Phil's band. The "real" Frankie Remley was never heard on the Benny show or on the Harris show for that matter, two stories abound, one that Remley auditioned for the Harris show and didn't make the cut and the other that Remley was too shy to be out in front of the microphone. The part was played by notorious radio actor Elliott Lewis, who played the character with such deadpan wit the character became one of radio's comic masterpieces.

Frankie "I know a guy" Remley's purpose in life was to get Phil Harris into one mess after another. His opening line was always the same "Hiya, Curley," and his other weekly line was always and invitation into trouble, "I know a guy." Harris and Remley got into trouble babysitting, hanging wallpaper, cleaning the chimney, and in one memorable episode (whose predictable ending remains unspoiled to this day,) they tried to impress the sponsor, by this time Rexall, by invented a new drug.

Harris also had to contend with Julius Abbruzio, the most caustic brat on radio, brilliantly played by Walter Tetley. In most instances Julius turned up in the second half of the program delighted to find Harris and Remley in hot water. His lines included "Are you kiddin?," and "Get outta here."

At home Harris was annoyed by Alice's brother Willie who boarded with them, his opening line was, "Goooood morning Philip," timed for maximum effect. The children in the family were given their father's mannerisms and came out with some brash and funny lines.

Gale Gordon played Mr. Scott of the Rexall Drug Company. The sponsor was worked into the storyline in order to eliminate one commercial break. Mr. Scott was the perfect patsy for Harris and Remley, Remley asking in one show "What's a Rexall?" The writing, by Ray Singer and Dick Chevillat, was so sharp that often four to five minutes had to be cut due to the length of the raucous laughter from the audience. In fact the show often overran it's time spot and on one occasion Harris acknowledged this by saying, "We're going to knock Dinah Shore right off the air." On such occasions Harris would always say, in a hurried fashion, at the end of the show, "Dinah, we're sorry."

In 1953 the Remley character was abandoned and Elliott Lewis used his real name. "There was some kind of beef with the real Remley." Lewis recalled years later. The character lost some of its punch when it lost the Remley name. "Elliott Lewis just isn't as funny as Frankie Remley," Lewis said.

The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show remains today one of radio's brightest lights, the passage of time had done nothing to blunt its delightful impact.

My personal favourite "Phil's Boat."

The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio
By John Dunning

460710 00 Audition Show Alice Faye, Phil Harris
An audition program, comedy show format. Phil tells little Alice and Phyllis the story of, "Jack and The Beanstalk." Alice sings, "They Say That Falling In Love Is Wonderful," and Goodnight, My Love." Phil sings, "Doin' What Comes Naturally."

461020 4 A Tutor For The Girls Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Alice hires an English tutor for the girls. Phil sings, "If You're Ever Down In Texas, Look Me Up."

461110 7 A Movie For Alice Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Is there a new movie contract for Alice? Phil sings, "They've Got An Awful Lot Of Coffee In Brazil."

461201 10 Phil's Self Improvement Alice Faye, Phil Harris

461208 11 Emily's Musicale(Returning From Lake Arrowhead) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Alice are invited to an evening musicale. A good example of their humor and some fine tunes.

461215 12 A Present for Phil Alice Faye, Phil Harris

461229 14 Cassanova Rides Again-Phil's Scrapbook Alice Faye, Phil Harris

470105 15 Analytical Psychanalysis Alice Faye, Phil Harris

470309 24 Will Benny Renew Phil's Contract Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Jack Benny visits Phil to negotiate next year's contract.

471012 38 Stockholder Phil Alice Faye, Phil Harris

471019 39 Selling The House Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Will Phil buy a mansion in Beverly Hills and sell the old house?

471026 40 A Day With Phil Harris Alice Faye, Phil Harris
There's an article published about the Harris family.

471102 41 Phil's Band At High School Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil's band has been invited to play at the Glendale High School.

471123 44 Phil Sees the Doctor Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil has been acting strangely and goes to the doctor. Phil sings, "Pass That Peace Pipe."

471130 45 Phil's Hobby Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil's new hobby is crocheting!

471207 46 A Dog for the Kids Alice Faye, Phil Harris

471221 48 Annual Christmas Show Alice Faye, Phil Harris
When Phil offers to pay $10 for a Christmas Eve Santa Claus, guest Jack Benny shows up!

480425 66 The Kids Come To See Daddy At Work Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Remley has become a sculptor to impress his new girlfriend. Phil is going to model for him.

481003 01 First Show for Rexall Alice Faye, Phil Harris
The first show of the series sponsored by Rexall. Phil and Alice go to sign their contract with Rexall. Phil sings, "You Can't Do Wrong Doing Right."

481010 02 Phil to Retrieve Contract from Frankie Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Remley has signed his name on the Rexall contract instead of Phil, and has taken over Phil's band!Phil sings, "I Ain't Gonna Give No One None Of This Jelly Roll." Alice sings, "It's A Most Unusual Day."

481017 03 Phyllis' Boyfriend Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil's daughter Alice (age five) becomes engaged. Phil sings "The Jabberwocky," Alice sings, "Love Somebody But I Won't Say Who."

481024 04 The Live Steer Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Trying to save money on the high cost of steak, Remley buys a whole cow...and it's still alive! Alice sings, "Buttons and Bows."

481031 05 Homework Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil has been named to the neighborhood election committee. Phil sings, "Shadrach," Alice sings, "You Came From Rhode Island."

481107 06 A Job with Rexall for Willie Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil tries to get rid of his brother-in-law by getting him a job in Canada.

481114 07 New Drug Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley buy a chemistry set to invent some new drugs for Rexall to sell. Phil sings, "The General and His Horse." Alice sings, "A Little Bird Told Me."

481205 10 Frankie Borrows the Kids Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Remley wants to rent Alice and the kids to impress his wealthy aunt with his "family." Alice sings, "Clancy Lowered The Boom."

481212 11 The Baby Sitter Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley become baby sitters for Mr. Scott from Rexall. Don't miss their unusual recipe for baby formula! Alice sings, "Down Among The Sheltering Palms."

481219 12 Hiring a Santa Claus Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Jack Benny plays Santa (for a price) for Phil's kids.

481226 13 The Christmas Present Alice Faye, Phil Harris
How come everyone has gotten a Christmas present from Rexall...except Phil. When the present finally arrives...it's in pieces! What was it? Phil sings, "Keep in The Middle Of The Road."

490102 14 Phil is Drafted Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil Harris gets drafted!!!!

490109 15 The Engagement Ring Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil has dropped Willie's engagement ring down the drain. A funny show.

490116 16 Broken Hearted Phil Alice Faye, Phil Harris

490123 17 Truman's Inaugural Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil is upset because his band was not selected to play at President Truman's inauguration.

490130 18 The Fire Chief Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil the volunteer Fire Chief.

490206 19 Fires Band Phil Harris, Alice Faye
Mr. Scott, the Rexall boss, has told Phil to fire Frankie Remley and four other musicians from Phil's band.

490213 20 A Secret Admirer Sends Flowers to Alice Alice Faye, Phil Harris
It's Valentine's Day, and Alice has been receiving flowers from the mysterious "Guess Who?"

490220 21 Jury Duty Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Remley moves into the Harris' guest room, Phil is called to jury duty!


490227 22 Remley is Fired Alice Faye, Phil Harris
How to get Frank Remley a job and get him out of the house. Phil sings "Then He'd Row, Row, Row." Alice sings "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm."

490306 23 The Kangaroo Alice Faye, Phil Harris

490313 24 Remley is Re-Hired Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil gets Remley a job as a dishwasher in a Rexall store, but Remley ends up as an accused kidnapper!

490320 25 Alice's Birthday Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil thinks Alice would prefer a small cottage in the country to their house...and so he makes a few deals.

490327 26 Conflicting Vacation Plans(Has nothing to do with Ski Trip) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Conflicting vacation plans are further confused when Phil and Remley lose their driving licenses, thanks to Mayor Julius Abruzzio!

490403 27 The Sponsor's Daughter Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Mr. Scott, the Rexall boss, wants Phil and his orchestra to play at his daughter's school dance. She promptly falls in love with Phil. Alice sings "Johnny, Get Your Girl."

490410 28 The Circus Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and his friends visit the Clyde Beatty Circus.

490417 29 Dinner for The School Principal Alice Faye, Phil Harris
The Craighton's are visiting for Easter dinner. Phil and Remley decide to spice up the roast to hasten their departure.

490424 30 Phil Harris--Movies Star Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Alice return to Twentieth Century Fox to make a movie. Motion pictures will never be the same!

490501 31 Spring Housecleaning Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley begin a Spring cleanup project and wind up with Alice's living room looking like a disaster area!

490508 32 Mother's Day Present Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil buys Alice a bracelet for Mother's Day, and finds himself arrested for receiving stolen goods. Phil and Remley are caught in a gambling raid!Phil and Alice sings "Baby, It's Cold Outside."

490515 33 Cadillac in the Swimming Pool Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley manage to get Mr. Scott's Cadillac into his swimming pool, and then the complications begin!

490522 34 Phil's Boat Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil has bought "The Flying Mermaid," a yacht with a small problem...it's under water!>/i> A very funny show.

490529 35 The Picnic Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and the family go on a picnic. Phil sings "Five Foot Two." Alice sings "Highland Fling."

490605 36 The Tonsillectomy Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil is going to have his tonsils removed.

490612 37 The French Orphan Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Remley finds himself the foster father of a French orphan boy!

490619 38 Frankie's Foster Son Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Remley tries to get married quickly so he can keep Andy, the French orphan.

490626 39 Concern About Contract Renewal Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Will Rexall renew the contract for the show for next season?

490918 40 Phil Returns from Vacation Alice Faye, Phil Harris

490925 41 Keeping Regular Office Hours Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil is told to keep regular office hours by Mr. Scott of Rexall, so he and Remley decide to have their own Rexall one cent sale.

491002 42 Frankie Borrows Phil's New Chartreuse Car Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Remley buys a car for $300, and what a car!

491009 43 Three Grey Hairs Alice Faye, Phil Harris
What to do about Phil's new gray hairs?

491016 44 A Fight in the Market Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil has gotten into a fight at the Encino Market. When he's sued for damages, Phil's only witness is Julius!

491023 45 Sponsor's Formal Party Honoring Harris Alice Faye, Phil Harris
There's a formal party tonight, but Phil's given Alice's new gown to Remley's tatooed girl friend!

491030 46 The Ukulele Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley try to help Julius' romance with Emma...with a ukulele!

491106 47 The Television Test Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil is getting ready for television...as a detective?

491113 48 The Engineer Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil decides to become an engineer and is given a big job to tackle...changing a light bulb!

491120 49 Talented Children's Screen Test Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Little Phyllis is going to be a movie star!

491127 50 Investment In A Female Wrestler Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Remley invests in a wrestler named "The Masked Mangler;" But "Tbe Maksed Mangler is a lady wrestler!

491204 51 Sponsor to Hire Myrtle Alice Faye, Phil Harris
How to get rid of Myrtle, the lady wrestler?

491211 52 Dishwasher and Garbage Disposal Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil plans to surprise Alice with a mink coat, complications ensue.

491218 53 Getting a Christmas Tree in the Mountains Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley are heading towards the "snow country" to harvest a community Christmas tree.

491225 54 Annual Christmas Show Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Jack Benny plays Santa for Phil's kids...for a price!

500101 55 Concert Stage Alice Faye, Phil Harris
The story of Phil's career as a concert singer.

500108 56 Red Paint on Poodle Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Mr. Scott's dog and a can of red paint have an unfortunate confluence.

500115 57 Fixing the Furnace Alice Faye, Phil Harris
While sneaking into the house after an all-night party, Phil and Frankie break the furnace blower. Phil replaces it with a war surplus wind tunnel with predictable results.

500122 58 Statue for Phil's Birthday Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil receives a valuable modern sculpture as a birthday present and decides to hold an auction.

500129 59 New York Trip Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil is going to New York with the cast of the Jack Benny Show. Who's going with him?

500205 60 Jump Off Brooklyn Bridge Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil decides to take drastic steps to get the attention of the New York press.

500212 61 Wrong Studio Alice Faye, Phil Harris
While wandering through the NBC studios in New York, Phil finds himself a contestant on "Sing It Best," where he sings (to no one's surprise), "That's What I Like About The South."

500219 62 Unpaid Bills Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Lacking money for a cab fare, Phil and Remley find themselves up a telephone pole.

500226 63 Wabash Avenue Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley decide to make a western movie.

500305 64 The Fortune Hunter Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil breaks up the romance between Marjorie Scott and a fortune hunter, by getting her interested in Julius Abruzzio!

500312 65 Julius to Marry Mr Scott's Daughter Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley are determined to break up the romance between Marjorie Scott and Julius Abruzzio.

500319 66 Alice's New Car Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Alice has bought a new car. Phil and Remley decide to "fix" the windshield wiper, which leads to the removal of the motor!

500409 69 The Easter Bunny Alice Faye, Phil Harris

500416 70 Tickets to South Pacific Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil tries to get an extra two tickets to "South Pacific." No easy task!

500423 71 The New Secretary Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Alice tries to hire a male secretary for Phil.

500430 72 Phil Puts on Cinderella Alice Faye, Phil Harris

500507 73 Gangster's Trunk Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley buy a used trunk and think there's a dead body in it!

500514 74 Mother's Day Alice Faye, Phil Harris
It's Mother's Day, and Phil and Remley are determined to cook a fifty four pound turkey!

500521 75 Driver's License Renewal Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil tries to get his driver's license renewed.

501203 88 The Missing Baby Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Remley the babysitter finds one baby too many!

510128 96 Phil Donates Blood Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil, Alice and Remley donate a pint of blood.

510225 100 Phil's Golf Game Alice Fay, Phil Harris
Phil plays a high stakes game of golf with his sponsor.

510401 105 The Songwriter Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley decide to write a tune for Phil to record.

521123 155 Chloe, the Gold Digger Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Alice's brother Willie is engaged to a fortune hunter. How to get rid of her?

521221 159 Alice Volunteers Phil to Play Santa Claus Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil plays Santa Claus for Alice's women's club Christmas party. Alice sings, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus." Phil sings, "Jingle Bells."

530925 187 Courtship of Elliott Lewis or "A Drummer Gets Stuck With Any Old Girl, But A Guitarist Can Take His Pick." (Includes Audience Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris

531009 189 Little Alice's First Date(Without Audience Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil breaks up his daughter's first date.

531023 191 How to Repair a Living Room(Includes Audience Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris

531030 192 The Romance of Alice and Phil or "He Was Only A Curley Headed Drummer, But He Beat His Way Into Her Heart." (Without Audience Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
How Phil and Alice met: Phil's version and Alice's version.


531106 193 From Here to Eternity or "How long will the genius of Phil Harris go undiscovered?"(Without Audience Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil has been given a gold record by RCA and goes to buy a trophy case in which to hold it.

531113 194 A Trip to the Moon or "I Must Have Made A Wrong Turn In Pomona."(Includes Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil has decided to go to the Moon. Guests are Commander Corey and Cadet Happy of "Space Patrol."

531120 195 The Birthday Gift or "Never Mind The Present Mother, I'll Settle For Your Past."(Without Audience Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
What to get fourteen year old little Alice...how about a deep sea diving suit?

531127 196 Traffic Problems in Los Angeles or "Dante's Inferno."(Includes Audience Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Elliott start to paint a crosswalk on Ventura Boulevard and wind up in jail. Hearing their case is Judge Julius Abruzzio!

531204 197 A Night with Phil Harris(Includes Audience Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Remley are trying to go out for a night with the boys. "No way" say Alice.

531211 198 Jessica, You're Dragging Your Net or "Phil and Elliott Play Detective" (Without Audience Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil buys a crow for Christmas, then notices Alice has been buying a lot of bananas!


531218 199 The Chaperone or "Plug The Hole In The Silo, Father, The Corn Is Leaking Out."(Includes Audience Warm-up) Alice Faye, Phil Harris
Phil and Elliott chaperone Little Alice and Sniffy to the Country Club dance.

531225 200 Hosting French Refugee Kids for Christmas Alice Faye, Phil Harris

American Red Cross Program 531009 The Phil Harris -Alice Faye Show(Taken from 531009 189 Little Alice's First Date) American Red Cross Program Alice Faye, Phil Harris

Synopsis provided by RadioGOLDINdex.