Little Orphan Annie

Broadcast History: 1930, 6 April 1931 to 30 October 1936, 2 November 1936 to 19 January 1940, and 22 January 1940 to 26 April 1942

At 5:45pm each weekday from 1930 until 1942 could be heard that juvenile serial adventure “Little Orphan Annie” which was based on the comic strip by Harold Gray. The stories were adapted for radio by Frank Dahm who would often write his own stories from imagination. Mr. and Mrs. Silo were farmers and were Annie’s parents by adoption. Joe Corntassle was the shy kid down the road who had a crush on Annie whose catch phrase was leapin’ lizards. Each show would start with that unforgetable theme tune:-

Who’s that little chatterbox? The one with pretty auburn locks? Who can it be? It’s Little Orphan Annie. She and Sandy make a pair. They never seem to have a care. Cute little she, It’s Little Orphan Annie. Bright eyes Cheeks a rosy glow.  There’s a store of healthiness handy. Pint-size Always on the go If you want to know “Arf,” goes Sandy. Always wears a sunny smile. Now wouldn’t it be worth your while, If you could be Like Little Orphan Annie?