It's Time To Smile 1945 03 28 (186) Golf

# The Eddie Cantor Show: "It's Time To Smile" — March 28, 1945

Step into Studio 8-H on this spring evening in 1945, where the unmistakable voice of Eddie Cantor—that rapid-fire, infectious delivery—welcomes you into a world of laughter and musical delight. Tonight's episode centers around one of America's favorite pastimes: golf. You'll hear Cantor's impeccable comic timing as he regales the studio audience with tales of his own misadventures on the links, complete with exaggerated sound effects and the kind of physical comedy that somehow translates perfectly through the radio speaker. The orchestra swells with jazzy interludes, comedic bit players stumble through sketches, and somewhere in the half-hour, you'll hear that distinctive Cantor giggle that made millions of listeners feel like they were sitting right there in the studio. It's vaudeville magic captured in sound—pure, unadulterated entertainment designed to lift spirits during wartime.

By 1945, Eddie Cantor was radio royalty, a performer who'd seamlessly transitioned from the Broadway stage to become one of America's most beloved entertainers. His variety show format—blending comedy, musical numbers, and guest appearances—became the gold standard for radio entertainment in an era when families gathered around their receivers for their primary source of entertainment and escapism. During the war years especially, Cantor's show provided essential morale-boosting entertainment, a respite from the day's anxieties delivered straight into American homes.

For anyone seeking an authentic window into 1940s popular entertainment, this episode is essential listening. The writing crackles with period humor, the performances brim with genuine spontaneity, and the overall atmosphere captures a golden age when radio was king. Tune in and discover why millions tuned in weekly to hear Eddie Cantor remind America to smile.