Cruise of the Poll Parrot is an adventure and mystery radio serial centered around a whaling voyage from New Bedford in 1858. The story follows young skipper Roy Dalton and his crew as they embark on a journey aboard the ship Poll Parrot, named for its mascot, a wise parrot also named Poll. The show is filled with excitement and intrigue, as well as educational information about the whaling industry and maritime history. Characters include the ship's owner, Ezra Grange; his little sister Sue and her friend Johnny Robbins; first mate George Wainwright; a one-legged sailor named Old Dickson; a mute crew member named Red Mahooley; shipkeeper Breckenridge; and an agent for another shipping company, El Testi.

The show aired from 1937 and was syndicated as an advertisement for the International Shoe Company's Poll Parrot Shoes, catering to children. It was sold in blocks of 13, 26, or all 39 episodes, with each part having a self-contained storyline. The series exponentially boosted shoe sales, and to this day, three complete blocks of the show still exist. Marvin Miller, who played the main character Captain Roy Dalton, went on to have a successful career in radio and film, even appearing in the 1950s TV series "The Millionaire." The show was primarily intended for local shoe stores to buy advertising time, adding further appeal to its target audience.

Sources: archive.org, otrcat.com