Birdseye Open House

Birdseye Open House was a half-hour variety show hosted by Dinah Shore in the mid-1940s. Its format was typical of the time; it opened and closed with songs by the star and, in between, featured snappy patter, special guests, a comedy skit, and another song or two.

For a while, it featured regular skits by Cornelia Otis Skinner and Roland Young as "William and Mary," who portrayed a Bickersons-like relationship. Guests included celebrities and stars of the day, such as Donald O'Connor, Phil Silvers, and Ozzie and Harriet Nelson.

The announcer was Harry von Zell, who is today probably best remembered for being fired by George Burns almost every week on television's The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show. Birdseye Frozen Foods, billed in the commercials as "Birdseye Frosted Foods" sponsored the show.

For more information, see Radio Archives.

Series description provided by Frank Bell.