It's Time To Smile 1942 09 30 (82) Guests Hattie Mcdaniel, Ida Lupino

# It's Time To Smile (September 30, 1942)

Step into the warmth of a NBC studio on a crisp autumn evening in 1942, where Eddie Cantor's infectious energy crackles through the airwaves with the kind of vitality that made America smile through its darkest hours. This broadcast brings together two remarkable talents: the incomparable Hattie McDaniel, Hollywood's trailblazing performer, and the luminous Ida Lupino, fresh from her acclaimed dramatic work on the silver screen. As the orchestra swells and Cantor's distinctive voice fills living rooms across the nation, listeners can expect the signature blend of rapid-fire comedy, musical numbers, and genuine charm that made "It's Time To Smile" essential evening entertainment. The interplay between Cantor's vaudeville-honed comedic timing and the sophisticated talents of his guests promises moments of unexpected brilliance alongside the comedy sketches and musical interludes that define the show's winning formula.

By 1942, The Eddie Cantor Show had become more than mere entertainment—it was a cultural institution during wartime. Cantor himself was deeply committed to the war effort, using his platform to boost morale and support military causes, while his willingness to share the spotlight with Black performers like McDaniel represented a quiet but meaningful crack in Hollywood's racial barriers, even as segregation remained entrenched across much of America. The very presence of these artists on the same broadcast reflected a shifting, if still limited, recognition of talent that transcended color.

For radio historians and classic entertainment enthusiasts, this episode captures a pivotal moment in American broadcasting—where popular entertainment met social progress, however tentatively. Tune in to experience Eddie Cantor at his peak, surrounded by genuine talent and the authentic laughter of a studio audience who knew they were witnessing something genuinely special.