Gossip Friday: Rumored Radio

From June 1941:

For the first time in seven years, the Major Bowes Amateur Hour will not be heard this Thursday night. On the advice of his physicians, the Major is in Doctors Hospital for an emergency appendectomy. The program will remain off the air until he is fit enough to take over personally. Straight variety entertainment will fill in during the Major’s absence.

Bowes has been making radio headlines of recent weeks. Last month he announced the withdrawal of his Sunday morning Family Hour. This feature, oldest network show on the air, had a record run of 19 continuous years. Two weeks ago, rumors started flying that Bowes’ auto sponsor would drop the Amateur Hour in favor of a half-hour drama series starring a prominent Hollywood couple. Such names as William Powell and his bride, Diana Lewis, Dick Powell and frau Joan Blondell, and Clark Gable and wife Carole Lombard, were mentioned. This report, however, was officially denied.