Little Orphan Annie (radio series)

Little Orphan Annie
GenreChildren's radio serial
Running time15 minutes
Country of originUnited States
Language(s)English
SyndicatesNBC radio
StarringShirley Bell Cole, etc.
AnnouncerPierre Andre[1]
Written byFrank Dahm, Roland Martini, Wally Norman, Ferrin Fraser, Day Keene.
Directed byAlan Wallace
Original releaseApril 6, 1931 (1931-04-06)[2] –
April 26, 1942 (1942-04-26)[2]
Sponsored byOvaltine, Quaker Puffed Wheat

Little Orphan Annie is an American radio drama series based on the popularity of the comic strip Little Orphan Annie. It debuted on Chicago's WGN in 1930, then moved to the NBC radio network Blue Network on April 6, 1931. It aired until April 26, 1942.[2][3]

Together with Skippy (1932–1935) it is seen as the oldest US children's radio program.[1][4][5] Radio historian Jim Harmon attributes the show's popularity in The Great Radio Heroes to the fact that it was the only radio show to deal with and appeal to young children.[6]

  1. ^ a b "Little Orphan Annie | A Christmas Story House". achristmasstoryhouse.com. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c Dunning, John (1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio (Revised ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. pp. 402–403. ISBN 978-0-19-507678-3. Retrieved 2019-09-09.
  3. ^ "Little Orphan Annie". Radio Hall of Fame. Retrieved May 13, 2020.
  4. ^ Cox, J. (2003). Frank and Anne Hummert's Radio Factory: The Programs and Personalities of Broadcasting's Most Prolific Producers. McFarland Company Publishers. p. 82. ISBN 9780786416318. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  5. ^ "Little Orphan Annie | radio program | Britannica.com". britannica.com. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  6. ^ Harmon, Jim (2001). The Great Radio Heroes. McFarland. pp. 82–5. ISBN 978-0-7864-0850-4.