more descriptions

db/migrations/005-descriptions.sql

@@ -1409,23 +1409,102 @@ The Marriage, a short-lived radio series from 1953-54, starred real-life married
 
 - The Martin and Lewis Show [the-martin-and-lewis-show]
 
+The Martin and Lewis Show was a radio comedy-variety program that aired on NBC Radio Network between April 3, 1949, and July 14, 1953. The show starred the comedic duo Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, who were widely popular for their visual comedy. Although it began with negative reviews, the show went on to gain a large following and sponsorship from companies like Chesterfield cigarettes and Anacin.
 
+Dean Martin was the singer, and Jerry Lewis, the comedian, entertained listeners with their unique blend of slapstick humor and music. The program also featured appearances by guest stars like Dinah Shore, Jane Russell, and Ann Sheridan. The show was written by comedy writers Norman Lear and Ed Simmons and had a format consisting of an opening song, verbal slapstick, a guest spot, and a closing number performed by Martin.
+
+The Martin and Lewis Show marked the beginning of the duo's successful career and eventually expanded into television. Their chemistry and energy made them a beloved pairing on both radio and TV, laying the groundwork for their continued impact on comedy and entertainment.
 
 - The Mel Blanc Show [the-mel-blanc-show]
+
+The Mel Blanc Show was a radio situation comedy that aired on CBS from September 3, 1946, to June 24, 1947. Mel Blanc, known for his countless character impersonations and the voice of many cartoon characters, played himself as the bumbling owner of a fix-it shop that never managed to fix anything. The show featured Mel's natural voice, but also allowed for his talents to shine through various characters and impersonations. The supporting cast included Mary Jane Croft, Joseph Kearns, Hans Conried, Alan Reed, and others.
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+The show's theme revolved around impossible situations made to seem real, focusing on Mel's interactions with his girlfriend, her father, and a variety of quirky characters. A key expression from the show was "ugga-ugga-boo, ugga-boo-boo-ugga," which was the password for Mel's lodge, the Benevolent Order of Loyal Zebras. Despite its talented cast and the undeniable voice skills of Blanc, the show struggled to find its footing and ended its run on June 24, 1947.
+
 - The Mysterious Traveler [the-mysterious-traveler]
+
+The Mysterious Traveler was a captivating radio show that aired on Mutual from December 1943 to September 1952. Created by writing greats Robert Arthur and David Kogan, the show was a favorite among mystery lovers and even won the prestigious Edgar award for "Best Radio Drama" in 1953. As an anthology series, The Mysterious Traveler showcased a variety of stories ranging from fantasy and science fiction to crime dramas full of suspense and mystery.
+
+Maurice Tarplin starred as the eerie narrator, inviting listeners to join him on thrilling and chilling adventures. The talented cast included Jackson Beck, Lon Clark, Roger DeKoven, and many others, with expert sound effects enhancing each gripping tale. Not only limited to radio, The Mysterious Traveler also appeared as a magazine and comic book series. While only 75 of the original 370 episodes still exist, the show's popularity led to similar supernatural series, such as The Sealed Book and The Strange Dr. Weird.
+
+Join The Mysterious Traveler on his journeys into the strange and terrifying, and prepare to be thrilled and chilled with every twist and turn.
+
 - The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe [the-new-adventures-of-nero-wolfe]
+
+The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe, airing from October 20, 1950, to April 27, 1951, on NBC, was an American radio drama series featuring Rex Stout's armchair detective, Nero Wolfe, played by Sydney Greenstreet. The show followed Wolfe as he solved cases without leaving his home, relying on his assistant Archie Goodwin to collect facts and report back. Archie's character was portrayed by several actors, including Gerald Mohr and Lawrence Dobkin. Produced by Edwin Fadiman and directed by J. Donald Wilson, the series was known for its focus on characterization over plot. It was the third radio adaptation of Nero Wolfe and is seen as the most responsible for popularizing the character on radio. Despite Sydney Greenstreet's health issues, all episodes except "The Case of the Headless Hunter" have survived in radio collections.
+
 - The Pacific Story [the-pacific-story]
+
+The Pacific Story was an intriguing NBC radio documentary series that aired from July 11, 1943, to January 26, 1947. Set during WWII, the show explored the growing significance of countries surrounding the Pacific Rim. With Europe in ruins, these nations were predicted to emerge as vital political and social change agents. The program offered insight into the complex histories, cultures, politics, and aspects of daily life in countries such as Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and many others. Narrated by Gayne Williams, The Pacific Story featured prominent authorities like Henry Luce and Pearl S. Buck.
+
+Created by historian and US consultant Owen Lattimore, the series aimed to introduce American radio listeners to the rich tapestry of Pacific Rim nations. Lattimore, having grown up in China, was appointed the U.S. advisor to Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek in 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. However, Lattimore later faced trial during a Joseph McCarthy senate hearing as an alleged "top Soviet agent."
+
 - The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show [the-phil-harris-alice-faye-show]
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+The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show, which aired between 1947 and 1954, was a hit Old Time Radio variety show featuring the real-life married couple, Phil Harris and Alice Faye. Phil Harris, known as the jive-talking hipster bandleader from The Jack Benny Program, married talented movie star Alice Faye. The show followed their lives, highlighting their adorable daughters and the amusing antics of Phil's band. Aside from the comedy, the show featured two musical numbers in each episode.
+
+The cast also included prominent radio actors such as Elliott Lewis, Gale Gordon, Walter Tetley, Robert North, and Bill Forman, with the show directed and produced by Paul Phillips. Praised for being sharp and free-wheeling, yet with a modern, edgy quality, The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show remains a classic favorite among Old Time Radio enthusiasts.
+
 - The Red Skelton Show [the-red-skelton-show]
+
+The Red Skelton Show was a popular radio program that aired from 1941 to 1952, with an 18-month break during World War II when Skelton served in the military. Associated with sponsors such as Raleigh cigarettes, Tide, and Norge, the Red Skelton Show captivated audiences with its uniquely hilarious comedic style. Red Skelton, a prominent comedian and character actor, remained a favorite in the entertainment industry with a career spanning radio, television, and motion pictures.
+
+As a master of physical comedy and character creation, Skelton's show featured a variety of memorable characters, including the mean Junior, Willie Lump Lump, and the goofy Clem Kadiddlehopper. Combining quick jokes and gags with elaborate sketches, Skelton successfully showcased his storytelling skills and love for comedy. Red Skelton's long-lasting popularity throughout his career can be attributed to his genuine heart and incredible ability to connect with audiences.
+
 - The Roy Rogers Show [the-roy-rogers-show]
+
+The Roy Rogers Show was a Western radio program that aired from 1944 to 1955 in the United States. Starring Roy Rogers, one of the most popular singing-cowboy movie stars, the show centered on adventures and music, featuring songs like "Tumbling Tumbleweeds," "Cool Water," and "Don't Fence Me In." Initially, the radio show was more music-focused, but over time, it shifted toward the action and adventure found in the TV show. The program starred Roy Rogers, his wife Dale Evans, and sidekick Gabby Hayes, with musical groups like the Sons of the Pioneers, and later, Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage. The show's main theme was the triumph of good over evil, and it had a lighthearted tone with a mix of songs, action, and humor.
+
+The music from the show had a lasting impact on the industry, with Roy Rogers' influence on country music being significant. The show featured other stars of the time, including Joseph Kearns and Forrest Lewis, as well as regular appearances by Rogers' horse, Trigger, and dog, Bullet. The Roy Rogers radio show had various sponsorships and was one of the first radio series to be transcribed due to Rogers' busy schedule. The show's memorable closing song, "Happy Trails," was written by Dale Evans, and it remains a classic Western tune.
+
 - The Saint [the-saint]
+
+The Saint was a popular American Old Time Radio adventure show featuring the swashbuckling Robin Hood-like character, Simon Templar, created by author Leslie Charteris. The program had several versions and had runs on NBC, CBS, and Mutual networks from 1945 to 1951. Vincent Price played the main role in most of the episodes, while Tom Conway and Barry Sullivan also briefly took on the title role. Simon Templar, known as "The Saint" due to his initials "S.T.," relied on his charming wit and sophistication to fight crime.
+
+With over 65 old time radio show recordings available, listeners can enjoy "The Saint" as he employs his sharp wit and expertise to outsmart criminals and solve cases. Appealing to those who enjoy clever detective protagonists and thrilling crime dramas, the program's episodes, including "Dossier On A Damsel," showcase the entertaining dialogue and captivating storytelling that made the show a classic.
+
 - The Scarlet Pimpernel [the-scarlet-pimpernel]
+
+The Scarlet Pimpernel, produced in London and first airing as a summer replacement for The Cavalcade of America, is a radio drama based on the 1905 novel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. Set in England and France during 1792, amidst the French Revolutionary Government's September massacres and Reign of Terror, the show follows the story of Sir Percey Blakeney, an English aristocrat working undercover in France. Assuming a foppish, effete persona, Blakeney secretly leads the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel to rescue falsely accused individuals from the infamous guillotine. Marius Goring, best known for his role as Julian Craster in "The Red Shoes," plays the role of the Pimpernel.
+
+With a well-written script that stays true to the original novel, exceptional acting from a British cast, rousing orchestral scoring, and excellent sound effects, The Scarlet Pimpernel is sure to delight fans of the movie adaptations, history enthusiasts, and those who enjoy engaging audio dramas.
+
 - The Sealed Book [the-sealed-book]
+
+The Sealed Book was a spine-chilling radio series of mystery and terror tales aired on the Mutual network from March 18 to September 9, 1945. The show's format consisted of weekly Sunday night broadcasts, each beginning with the ominous sound of a gong. Host Philip Clarke would introduce the stories, which were primarily tales of murder, madness, and dark, terrifying deeds. The show featured a distinctive introduction and conclusion involving the mysterious Keeper of the Book, who held the secrets and mysteries of mankind.
+
+Although there were no recurring characters in the series, the writers, Robert Arthur Jr. and David Kogan, often reused character names between episodes. The Sealed Book also made use of organ solos, offering moments of both suspense and commercial breaks. Fans of horror and mystery radio programs will find The Sealed Book to be an engaging and thrilling listen, reminiscent of other contemporary shows like Lights Out and The Inner Sanctum.
+
 - The Shadow [the-shadow]
+
+The Shadow was a popular Old Time Radio show that aired for 22 years, from 1932 to 1954. It followed the adventures of amateur detective Lamont Cranston and his companion Margo Lane, with Cranston using his secret ability to cloud men's minds and become invisible to fight on the side of law enforcement. Throughout its run, the series featured notable actors like Orson Welles, Agnes Moorehead, Frank Readick, Bill Johnstone, and Bret Morrison. Today, only about a third of the aired episodes are still available.
+
+The character was originally created as a mysterious radio show narrator and developed by writer Walter B. Gibson for Street & Smith Publishers. The Shadow quickly gained popularity, leading to adaptations in comic books, comic strips, serials, video games, and films.
+
+The radio drama had several different versions, but the most iconic iteration began on September 26, 1937, starring 22-year-old Orson Welles as Lamont Cranston, with Frank Readick delivering the famous introductory line, "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" accompanied by an ominous laugh and a haunting musical theme. The show emphasized the message that "crime does not pay" and captivated audiences with its themes of mystery, magic, and morality.
+
 - The Six Shooter [the-six-shooter]
+
+The Six Shooter is a US Western old-time radio program that aired on NBC from September 20, 1953, to June 24, 1954, for a single season of 39 episodes. The show starred James Stewart as gunfighter Britt Ponset and was created by Frank Burt, who also wrote many of the episodes. Set in the final years of the wild west, the show featured a mix of Western drama, whimsical comedy, and tense narration from Stewart’s character during dramatic scenes.
+
+Prominent actors who made appearances on the show include Parley Baer, Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Howard McNear, Jeanette Nolan, Dan O'Herlihy, Alan Reed, Marvin Miller, and William Conrad. The Six Shooter's theme music was "Highland Lament" by Charles Williams, and the show was produced and directed by Jack Johnstone for NBC Radio in association with Revue Productions.
+
+The concluding episode, "Myra Barker," offered a melancholic ending as Ponset realizes he will always be a wanderer. The show featured strong production values, writing, and performances from supporting actors, but it was Stewart's portrayal of Britt Ponset that gave the show its heart and lasting appeal.
+
 - The Sound of War [the-sound-of-war]
+
+The Sound of War is an 18-episode radio documentary series from the late 1950s or early 1960s featuring historic sound clips and recordings from World War II. Produced by Bud Greenspan and narrated by David Greenspan (credited as David Perry), the show presents major events, campaigns, and speeches of the war through the voices of notable figures like Adolf Hitler, Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and many more. The series covers significant moments, from the start of the war in Poland to the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The Sound of War offers a unique collection of actual voices and sounds, preserving a crucial era of history through the power of radio.
+
 - The Strange Dr. Weird [the-strange-dr-weird]
+
+The Strange Dr. Weird was a captivating old-time radio show broadcast on the Mutual network from 1944 to 1945. With 29 episodes, this sinister series featured spine-chilling stories that revolved around supernatural events and eerie plots. Maurice Tarplin, also the voice of The Mysterious Traveler, narrated the show, which was sponsored by Adam Hats. Its spooky atmosphere drew listeners into the heart of the story with the help of chilling organ music, sinister sound effects, and expert storytelling by writer Robert A. Arthur. The show was produced and directed by Jock MacGregor and left listeners eager to uncover the mysteries of Dr. Weird's peculiar house on the other side of the cemetery.
+
 - The Tenth Man [the-tenth-man]
+
+The Tenth Man was a short-lived radio series created by the National Mental Health Foundation and aired on NBC from October 17, 1947 to January 16, 1948. It featured 13 episodes that focused on various aspects of mental health, from children's issues to those affecting the elderly. Jackson Beck was the announcer, and Ralph Bellamy served as the narrator. The show aimed to raise awareness about the fact that one in ten people would need psychiatric care at some point in their lives.
+
+From stories of activist Dorothea Dix's efforts to improve the treatment of the mentally ill to explorations of depression, loneliness, and social phobias, The Tenth Man provided an educational and altruistic platform to discuss mental health issues. Despite its ambitious mission, the series remains lesser-known in the realm of old-time radio shows.
+
 - The Unexpected [the-unexpected]
 - The Weird Circle [the-weird-circle]
 - The Whistler [the-whistler]