It’s the week of Christmas at WHAV and listeners will hear many enjoyable programs while finishing up wrapping or trimming the tree. Programs may be heard at www.WHAV.net on computers or smartphones (look for the “Click to Listen” box on this page), affiliated public access television stations across the Merrimack Valley (usually the sound behind the community bulletin board announcements) or on Apple TV, under “Golden Oldies.”
Monday, Dec. 22
10 p.m., Suspense
In this classic episode from 1950 Dennis Day (tenor on the Jack Benny Show) portrays a bank teller who needs money to aid his pregnant wife. His conscience collides with reality. At the end of the show, Day sings “Noel.”
Tuesday, Dec. 23
10 p.m., Great Gildersleeve
The family is making preparations for the baby’s first Christmas Eve, but Judge Horace Hooker arrives with the baby’s missing father.
Wednesday, December 24
6:00 p.m. Holiday Music
Favorite carols and popular seasonal tunes air for 24-hours, except as indicated below. The program kicks off with WHAV’s own presentation of “Little Boy Blue” by by Eugene Field. Holiday announcements by the late WHAV news anchor Ralph Hall.
6:30 p.m. Superman’s Christmas Adventure
From 1940, Superman helps a spoiled brat, unhappy with his toys, by introducing him to a poor boy who has no toys. First, however, Superman must stop Dr. Grouch and Mr. Meaney who set out to destroy Santa’s workshop and steal the reindeer.
6:50 p.m. Jack Benny Christmas Special
Jack Benny’s radio cast reunites for a 1956 special with Frances Bergen and June Allyson. Bergen was the wife of ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and the mother of actress Candice Bergen.
7:30 p.m. G.M. Hooker’s ‘Kiddie Christmas’
George “G.M. Hooker” Moonoogian.
“Kiddie Christmas” is a 1978 program by popular Haverhill High School instructor George “G.M. Hooker” Moonoogian. G.M. Hooker, Moonoogian’s alter ego, was so named because of the shape of his nose. He narrates the entire “Kiddie Christmas” in a raspy voice reminiscent of Wolfman Jack.
Moonoogian’s show includes Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Ding-a-ling, the Little Elf, Everett the Evergreen, Stan Freberg’s Christmas Dragnet, I’m Gonna Put Some Glue ‘Round the Christmas Tree, Dasher With the Light Upon His Tail and The Little Drummer Boy. It also includes rare holiday messages from Martha Reeves of Martha and the Vandellas, Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations, Frederick Earl “Shorty” Long and the Supremes.
The program isn’t for audiophiles—the rare, original records are scratchy, but enjoyable. If you enjoy hearing George again, consider making a donation in his name to the George Moonoogian Piano Fund, C/O Consentino School, 685 Washington Street, Haverhill, MA 01832 for the restoration and maintenance of the piano George donated to the school.
8:00 p.m. Miracle on 34th Street
Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and Edmund Gwenn, stars of the classic 20th Century Fox 1947 movie, return for this radio adaptation. In the story, Macy’s founder Rowland H. Macy insists a man named Kris Kringle (Gwenn) play Santa Claus in the store even as another store manager tries to have Kringle committed for believing he is the one and only Santa Claus.
9:00 p.m. It’s a Wonderful Life
Jimmy Stewart returns as George Bailey in this radio adaptation of the 1948 movie. When Stewart regrets ever being born, his guardian angel grants his wish on Christmas Eve. Besides Stewart, others appearing are Donna Reed as Mary Hatch and Victor Moore as Clarence.
10:00 p.m. A Christmas Carol
Lionel Barrymore plays Ebenezer Scrooge in this 1939 Mercury Theater on the Air production of Charles Dickens’ timeless story, “A Christmas Carol.” Radio listeners closely identified Barrymore with the grouchy character since he performed the role almost every Christmas between 1934 and 1953.
Programs repeat at 1 a.m., Dec. 25.
Thursday, Dec. 25
10 p.m., Our Miss Brooks
Madison High School English instructor Connie Brooks finds herself alone on Christmas Eve with Minerva the cat. Everything changes when a young boy shows up selling Christmas trees.