‘Radio Once More’ recently welcomed back author and Christmas TV specials historian, Joanna Wilson. Joanna was on our ‘Woo-Hoo Wednesday’ radio show where we had another delightful and fun conversation. This time Joanna was on “LIVE” with us, which enabled us to open our listener line for phone calls.
Our discussion began with Joanna announcing that in 2020, she will be releasing an updated version of one of my favorite books, “Tis the Season TV: The Encyclopedia of Christmas-Themed Episodes, Specials and Made-For-TV Movies”. Joanna said that this updated version should be approximately double the size of the number of entries in this amazing book. When released, it will be available on Amazon and all the regular channels for books. Personalized requests can be made directly to the publisher, 1701 Press and can be purchased through their web site, or you can contact Joanna at her web site and arrange purchasing an autographed copy from her directly. Joanna’s web site is:
Joanna and I then listened to various audio clips from many Christmas episodes from classic television series, including “The Joey Bishop Show” (1962), “All in the Family” (1971), “The Wonder Years” (1988), “Bewitched” (1965), “The Brady Bunch” (1969), and “The Twilight Zone” (1960).
The Joey Bishop Show
All in the Family
The Wonder Years
Bewitched
The Brady Bunch
The Twilight Zone
We then turned our discussion to Classic Christmas Films that we all fell in love with growing up and watching on TV in the comfort of our home. As usual, we discussed our mutual disappointment that the classic 1973, made-for-TV version of “Miracle on 34th Street” has not been released on DVD/BluRay. We also discussed the classic Christmas film, “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946).
Miracle on 34th Street (1973)
1973 Made-For-TV version of “Miracle on 34th Street” on YouTube:
It’s a Wonderful Life
We then discussed a few classic Television Christmas Specials beginning with the 1969 Rankin/Bass classic “Frosty the Snowman”. This year “Frosty” celebrated 50 years running on CBS. Our final audio clip came from the memorable Peanuts Christmas classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” from (1965).
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Below I have posted our discussion that we aired on December 4th on ‘Radio Once More’. Thanks again to Joanna Wilson for taking the time to chat with us!!!! Please visit Joanna’s web site at www.ChristmasTVHistory.com. Enjoy and Woo-Hoo!!!!!!
Author Joanna Wilson with Helen & Johnny Holmes!!!!
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