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Description

Host Edgar Bergen opens with humor, introducing acts for U.S. troops. Benny Goodman and his orchestra play "Air Mail," Virginia O'Brien sings "In a Little Spanish Town," and the Lou Mel Morgan Trio performs "Blues in the Night." Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy humorously retell "Oliver Twist." The show ends with thanks and wishes for the troops' safety.

Edgar Bergen starts the show with jokes and introduces entertainment for American soldiers. Benny Goodman and his band perform "Air Mail," Virginia O'Brien sings "In a Little Spanish Town," and the Lou Mel Morgan Trio plays "Blues in the Night." Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy tell a funny version of "Oliver Twist." The program closes with gratitude and hopes that the troops stay safe.

Command Performance was a radio program which originally aired between 1942 and 1949. The program was broadcast on the Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRS) and transmitted by shortwave to overseas troops — but with few exceptions, it was not broadcast over domestic U.S. radio stations.

Wikipedia. CC BY-SA 4.0. Updated May 11, 2026.