Don Winslow of the Navy (radio program) facts for kids
| Genre | Juvenile adventure serial |
|---|---|
| Running time | 15 minutes |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Language(s) | English |
| Syndicates | Blue Network |
| Starring | Bob Guilbert Raymond Edward Johnson Edward Davison John Gibson |
| Written by | Albert Aley Al Barker |
| Directed by | Ray Kremer |
| Original release | October 19, 1937 – January 1, 1943 |
| Sponsored by | Kellogg's Bristol-Myers Inc. General Foods |
Don Winslow of the Navy was an exciting American old-time radio show for young people. It was an adventure story that played on the Blue Network radio station. The show first aired on October 19, 1937, and ran until May 26, 1939. It came back for a second run from October 5, 1942, to January 1, 1943.
Contents
About the Show's Format
Don Winslow of the Navy was based on a popular comic strip by Frank V. Martinek. The main character was Don Winslow, a commander in U.S. Naval Intelligence. This means he worked for the Navy's spy and information-gathering team.
Don Winslow's Adventures
Don Winslow was always fighting a super-smart villain known only as "the Scorpion." The Scorpion was a crime boss who caused a lot of trouble. Besides the Scorpion, Don Winslow also battled other bad guys. These villains often had plans to take over the world.
More Than Just Fun
The show was not just for entertainment. It also taught listeners about patriotism. Joel H. Spring, a writer, said the show carried a "patriotic message." The fight between Don Winslow and the Scorpion was seen as a battle between good and evil.
The people who wrote the show's scripts used many real Navy words and phrases. The U.S. Navy even checked the scripts. This made sure all the naval terms were correct and authentic.
What People Thought of the Show
In 1937, a magazine called Radio Daily reviewed Don Winslow of the Navy. They said it was "one of the best and most wholesome" shows. They thought it was great for young listeners who liked action and thrills.
A Different View
However, not everyone loved every episode. In 1942, a reviewer for Billboard magazine watched a later episode. They felt it was "disappointingly unexciting and quiet." They thought the show started with a lot of excitement, like roaring airplane engines. But then, the actual story was a bit of a letdown.
Who Were the Stars?
The main role of Don Winslow was played by two different actors. Bob Guilbert played him in the 1930s version of the show. Later, Raymond Edward Johnson took over the role in the 1940s.
Other Characters
Lieutenant Red Pennington was another important character. Edward Davison played him in the 1930s. John Gibson played him in the 1940s. Other actors who helped bring the stories to life included Ruth Barth, Betty Lou Gerson, Betty Ito, and Lenore Kingston.
Behind the Scenes
Ray Kremer was the director, guiding the actors and the show. Albert Aley and Al Barker were the talented writers. They created all the exciting adventures for Don Winslow.
Join the Squadron of Peace!
Listeners of Don Winslow of the Navy could join a special club. It was called the Squadron of Peace. Members of this club could help Don Winslow on his missions.
The Club's Promise
The club had a special promise, or creed, that members followed. It said: "I consecrate my life to Peace and the protecting of all my Countrymen wherever they may be." It also encouraged members to "Love your country, its flag and all the things for which it stands. Follow the advice of your parents and superiors and help someone every day."
Show Promotions
In 1938, Kellogg's Wheat Krispies cereal sponsored Don Winslow of the Navy. They created a new cereal box design to go with the show.
Special Cereal Box
The front of the cereal box showed a naval officer and signal flags. The back of the box had a picture of a U.S. battleship. It also described what different parts of the ship did. This was a fun way to connect the cereal to the exciting radio show.
Bringing the Show Home
Years later, in the 1970s, you could still enjoy Don Winslow of the Navy. The show was re-released on long-playing records. This meant people could buy the records and listen to the old radio adventures at home.
