Joanna Wilson Returns to “Radio Once More” to Discuss Christmas Comfort Classics

‘Radio Once More’ recently welcomed back author and Christmas TV historian, Joanna Wilson.  Joanna was on our ‘Woo-Hoo Wednesday’ radio show where we had another delightful and fun conversation.  We again aired our Christmas TV conversation “LIVE” allowing the listeners to comment during our discussion. 

Joanna discussed about the updated version of one of my favorite books, “Tis the Season TV:  The Encyclopedia of Christmas-Themed Episodes, Specials and Made-For-TV Movies”.  This updated version will be bigger and better than ever and is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2021. When released, it will be available on Amazon and all the regular channels for books. 

“Tis the Season TV:  The Encyclopedia of Christmas-Themed Episodes, Specials and Made-For-TV Movies”

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:

www.ChristmasTVHistory.com.  

Joanna and I listened to various audio clips from various Christmas Comfort Classics from Classic television series, including “The Honeymooners”, “The Waltons” (the TV pilot movie), and “The Twilight Zone”. 

“The Honeymooners”

“The Homecoming: A Christmas Story” (1971)

“The Twilight Zone”

We moved on to discussing Classic Christmas Films that we all fell in love during our childhood where we grew up watching on TV in the comfort of our home.  We again discussed our disappointment that the classic 1973 made-for-TV version of “Miracle on 34th Street” has not been released on DVD/BluRay.  (We will continue to do so every year until it is released on DVD/Blu Ray) Joanna and I then dove into three “Christmas Comfort Classic” films, the original 1947 version of “Miracle on 34th Street”, the heartwarming “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946), and the Alastair Sim favorite “A Christmas Carol” (1951).

“Miracle on 34th Street” (1973)

“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)

“A Christmas Carol” (1951)

Here is the You Tube link to the 1973 version of “Miracle on 34th Street”.

We then moved our discussion to a couple of Television Christmas Specials beginning with the 1970 Rankin/Bass classic “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”.  This year “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” celebrated it’s 50 year anniversary. Our final audio clip came from the memorable Peanuts Christmas classic, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” from (1965). 

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (1970)

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)

Below is our entire show from December 9th that our discussion with Joanna Wilson aired 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!!!!!! Merry Christmas!!!!!!

Rick Goldschmidt returns to “Radio Once More”

Helen and I kicked off December with an extra special “Woo-Hoo Extra” on “Radio Once More”.  We welcomed back to “Radio Once More” author and official historian/biographer of Rankin/Bass productions, Rick Goldschmidt.  We had another great Rankin/Bass themed conversation with Rick.  Rick shared some interesting information about the recent auction where a Santa Claus and Rudolph set of original puppets were auctioned off. 

Santa Claus and Rudolph puppets from the 1964 Rankin/Bass classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

 

Rankin/Bass Productions

Rick also discussed that in addition to his www.MiserBros.com web site, he also has a Miser Bros store on Etsy. 

We then discussed the importance of the music to many of the classic Rankin/Bass Christmas productions from the 1960’s – 1970’s.  During this discussion, we played complete songs from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964), “Frosty the Snowman” (1969), “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (1970), and “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974). 

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)

 

“Frosty the Snowman” (1969)

 

“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (1970)

 

“The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974)

Here is the entire conversation with Rick Goldschmidt on “Radio Once More”.

Many Thanks to Rick Goldschmidt!!!

Again, a big thanks to Rick Goldschmidt for again appearing on ‘Radio Once More’.  You can visit Rick’s web site at MiserBros.com.  Thanks for stopping by the ‘Holmsey Blog’ and…….Merry Christmas….Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!!