P.S. My safty [sic] hint is Don't eat anything unless you know what it is!

May 15, 2008 12:15 AM

Let's Pretend With Uncle Russ. From 1948 to 1952, kids at American military bases all over the world tuned in to Let's Pretend with Uncle Russ on Saturday mornings to hear a variety show of stories and music. Although the majority of listeners were the children of U.S. military personnel who received the program through the Armed Forces Radio Service, "Uncle Russ" also had a worldwide fan club of listeners from faraway places who tuned in to hone their English skills. The site is maintained by "Uncle Russ" himself, Russ Thompson, who wrote, directed and produced the 30-minute show, as well as providing character voices. The site features photos, fan letters (the most popular reason for writing was to join the "Around the World Safety Club"), celebrity guests and more from the show's run.
posted by amyms (2 comments total)

Thanks for the links- neat stuff. Having recently spent a month watching daytime AFN in Germany, I will say that this sounds like MUCH better programing than what we have today. Case in point: this guy's reaction (language NSFW).
posted by farishta at 2:26 AM on May 15, 2008

Too bad there's no recordings. It's a really interesting story, though; and I like the photos a lot.
posted by vertigo25 at 7:12 AM on May 15, 2008