BROADCASTS.com

Beginning as a minor character in a Broadway play, "What a Life" ... Rudy Valley was in the audience and thought the character of Henry ALdrich would be wonderful if adapted for radio sketches on his show. In 1938 following appearances on Rudy Valley's show a 39-week run continued on the Kate Smith Show. It was on her show that the famous "Hen-reeeeeeeeee! Hen-ree Al-drich!" opening became one of the most famous signature sounds in radio. As you will be able to tell, Jell-O was the sponsor for this show, though the commercials were very creative.... Clifford Goldsmith was the original writer of the Broadway play and while writing the radio adaptations made $3000 a week... the highest paid writer in radio. Ezra Stone played Henry until he went into the service during WW II. He returned to the role from 1945 to 1951 and then Bobby Ellis played Henry for the final season in 1952. During WW II Norman Tokar, Dickie Jones, and Raymond Ives played the role. It was a very popular series. Found in the "Comedy" playlist.