Little Orphan Annie
Harold Gray
Little Orphan Annie was a beloved daily American comic strip created by Harold Gray, which debuted on August 5, 1924, in the New York Daily News. The strip follows the adventures of Annie, her dog Sandy, and her benefactor Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks, while also featuring secondary characters like Punjab and Mr. Am. It attracted a wide audience with its political commentary on various issues.
The comic strip was adapted into a 15-minute radio show that first aired on WGN Chicago in 1930 and went national on NBC's Blue Network starting April 6, 1931. This adaptation was one of the first of its kind, drawing in about 6 million fans before it ended in 1942. The show featured different casts in its early days, with notable performances from Shirley Bell and Stanley Andrews.
Initially sponsored by Ovaltine, the radio show focused on promoting the product while minimizing the political themes present in the comic strip. Fans could even redeem proofs of purchase for a secret decoder ring, adding an interactive element to the listening experience.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.