Edgar Bergen 1937 09 12 (19) Guest Bette Davis

# The Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy Show – September 12, 1937

Picture yourself settling into your living room on a September evening in 1937, the console radio glowing warmly as you adjust the dial to NBC. The orchestra swells, and you're immediately drawn into a world of crisp wit and impeccable timing—but tonight holds something special. Edgar Bergen is in top form, his dummy Charlie McCarthy perched impossibly lifelike on his knee, ready to trade barbs with none other than Hollywood's most formidable talent, Bette Davis. Fresh from her triumph in "Of Human Bondage," Davis brings her distinctive raspy voice and sharp comedic timing to the microphone, sparring with Bergen and Charlie in a delightful battle of personalities. The chemistry is electric; you can almost hear the audience leaning forward in their seats as the banter crackles with genuine surprise and laughter. This isn't merely a guest spot—it's a collision between two entertainment titans, each determined to outmaneuver the other.

This episode represents the golden apex of American radio comedy, when *The Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy Show* dominated the Nielsen ratings and commanded the nation's attention on Sunday evenings. Bergen's ventriloquism was already legendary, but what elevated his program beyond novelty was the sophisticated humor and genuine talent he attracted. Davis's appearance speaks volumes about the show's cultural cachet—major film stars regularly interrupted their Hollywood schedules to appear live on this broadcast, understanding that radio could reach tens of millions in an instant. Bergen's dummy had somehow become more real to American listeners than many flesh-and-blood performers, a testament to the performer's artistry.

Don't miss this rare glimpse into 1937's premiere entertainment experience. Hear Charlie McCarthy's impudent wisecracks, Edgar Bergen's flawless control, and Bette Davis proving that Hollywood's biggest star could hold her own against dummy and dummy-maker alike. This is radio at its most enchanting.