Avalon Time

Avalon Time was an American old-time radio comedy/variety program that ran from October 1, 1938, to May 1, 1940 on NBC’s Red Network. The program was named after its sponsor, Avalon cigarettes, and was also sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh Pipe Tobacco and the Bulova Watch Company over the course of its run.

The show was a comedy/variety program that featured a mix of musical performances, sketches, and other entertainment. It is often regarded as comedian Red Skelton’s first big break in show business and on radio. The program had a rotating cast of hosts, with country music star Red Foley hosting the show from its debut in 1938 until July 1939, when he was replaced by Skelton. Skelton hosted the program until late 1939, when he was succeeded by comedian Cliff Arquette, who hosted the show until its final broadcast on May 1, 1940.

The Stars

Red Foley was the longest-serving host of Avalon Time, hosting the program from its debut in 1938 until July 1939. Foley was a popular country music star who had previously created the Renfro Valley Barn Dance radio program. When Foley left the show, he was replaced by up-and-coming comedian Red Skelton, who became well-known for his “Doughnut Dunkers” routine on the program. Skelton’s first wife, Edna Stillwell, also joined the show’s cast under her maiden name.

After Skelton’s departure in late 1939, comedian Cliff Arquette took over as host of the program, which was then officially renamed Avalon Time. Arquette had previously made appearances on shows like The Jack Benny Program before joining Avalon Time. He went on to establish his most memorable character, Charley Weaver, after leaving the program in May 1940.

Key Dates

Avalon Time debuted on October 1, 1938 and ran until its final broadcast on May 1, 1940. During its run, the program underwent several host changes, with Red Foley, Red Skelton, and Cliff Arquette each taking turns as the main host. Foley was the longest-serving host, hosting the program from its debut until July 1939, when he was replaced by Skelton. Skelton then hosted the show until late 1939, when Arquette took over as the final host, renaming the program Avalon Time.

Other Information

Avalon Time was produced and broadcast from Cincinnati, Ohio over NBC’s Red Network. The program was named after its sponsor, Avalon cigarettes, which were produced by the Brown & Williamson tobacco company. Avalon was Brown & Williamson’s “economy” brand, promoted as the cigarettes that “cost you less” or “give you change back”.

In addition to its rotating cast of hosts, Avalon Time also featured a regular cast of supporting performers, including announcer Del King, announcer/commercial spokesman Peter Grant, and singer Kitty O’Neill, who frequently appeared alongside the show’s hosts. The program’s musical director was Ozzie Nelson, with his wife Harriet Hilliard serving as the show’s vocalist and appearing in sketches with Red Skelton.

While Avalon Time was not a major ratings success and went off the air in 1940, it is remembered as an important early step in the careers of several notable performers, including Red Skelton, who went on to great success in both radio and television.