This 1940 program turned the quirky curios found in newspaper columns into riveting audio tales that left listeners across America both entertained and scratching their heads in wonder.

Can You Imagine That was a nifty little 15-minute program that tickled the airwaves beginning in 1940, gracing listeners’ ears three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Hailing from the vibrant station KMPC in Los Angeles, it was distributed by the Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates. Instead of diving into fictional stories like many of its contemporaries, this show dived headfirst into the bizarre and true happenings reported daily in newspapers from coast to coast.

At the helm of this intriguing endeavor was the ever-talented Lindsay MacHarrie—host, narrator, writer, and director extraordinaire. With a rich history in radio, having worked at Hollywood stations like KHJ and KMPC, MacHarrie brought life to the dramatized bits, often sharing the mic with other talented folks like Elvia Allman.

Each episode of Can You Imagine That? followed a delightful structure, mixing learning with a hearty dose of entertainment. MacHarrie would kick things off by introducing a few peculiar topics, then after a quick commercial breather, he’d jump into four to six astonishing stories per show. With a blend of narration, dramatic reenactments, and the occasional musical flourish, the tales came alive with the essence of the strange and unexpected.

From historical oddities to shocking facts and curious human-interest stories, each snippet was delightful. As MacHarrie claimed in his classic introduction, "We’ve dug up quite a spectacular array of little known facts and fancies...and they’re all facts—yes indeed, every one of the statements and dramatizations you’re about to hear are according to all available sources absolutely true."

The range of stories covered in the episodes was nothing short of astounding, showcasing quirks of history and humanity at its finest. Some remarkable tales included:

  • A building more than 500 years old rises from the sea!
  • The wars of the 20th century were prophesied back in 1788.
  • Chowder isn’t American, but baseball sure is!

Lindsay MacHarrie and his trusty team scoured newspaper articles and historical records to ensure their storytelling remained firmly rooted in truth—a commitment that set this show apart from mere entertainment.

Can You Imagine That? hit the airwaves at a time when audiences were particularly drawn to the unusual. It shared the spotlight with other intriguing shows like Ripley's Believe It or Not, Strange As It Seems and Incredible But True.

While it may not have had the same fame as "Ripley's," this program successfully carved out its own niche. One critic noted it offered amazing facts without pushing the boundaries to the extreme, making it a delightful blend of entertainment and education.

In the end, "Can You Imagine That?" shines a light on how the creative minds of the 1940s transformed quirky newspaper curiosities into captivating audio experiences. Through lively dramatizations of real-life oddities, MacHarrie and his crew entertained and enlightened audiences about the strange yet genuine facets of our world.

Today, Can You Imagine That stands as a charming reminder of the radio landscape right before World War II, with a treasure trove of 39 episodes preserved. Many are live on RUSC right now and the rest I will be adding over the coming days.

For us old-time radio aficionados, these preserved episodes provide not just a chance to enjoy, but also a window into the bygone era—reminding us how radio can stir the imagination while revealing the marvelous oddities of life. Indeed, just as it goes, sometimes truth can be stranger than fiction!