Armstrong's Theatre of Today
Armstrong's Theatre of Today is a news and romantic drama radio program which was broadcast at noon on Saturdays by CBS Radio from October 4, 1941, to May 22, 1954. The 30-minute series was sponsored by the Armstrong Cork Company (Armstrong Quaker Rugs and Linoleum) and Cream of Wheat (1953-54). The announcers were George Bryan and Tom Shirley. The program opened with Bryan reporting the news, followed by Hollywood film actors in original dramas. Ira Avery and Al Ward directed with Avery producing. James Rinaldi provided the special effects. Commercials were read  by the Armstrong Quaker Girl (Elizabeth Reller, Julie Conway). Harold Levey was the musical director. "Stars over Hollywood", another anthology program, also began in 1941, and when "Armstrong" began it immediately followed "Stars" on the air. That combination "gave CBS the edge in the Saturday dramatic derby for thirteen years."