Description

• Host: The show was primarily hosted by "Smilin' Ed" McConnell. He was a well-known radio personality, a jovial figure who would often incorporate songs and folksy humor into his programs. McConnell was also known for his ability to adapt his persona for various audiences, including those with religious or agricultural themes.
• Sponsor: As expected, the show was closely identified with its sponsor, Buster Brown Shoes. The program often included catchy jingles and direct plugs for the shoes, reinforcing the brand's association with children. The show's theme song famously began, "I got shoes. You got shoes. Why, everybody's got to have shoes! And there's only one kinda shoes for me – good ole Buster Brown Shoes!"
• Format and Content: The "Buster Brown" radio series was a children's program that typically featured:
  • Adventure Stories: Each episode usually opened with an adventure story to capture the imaginations of young listeners.
  • Music and Songs: McConnell would often perform novelty songs.
  • Interactions with Characters: The show included a recurring cast of characters, both human and puppet, who would interact with McConnell and the adventure segments.
  • Sponsor Plugs: As mentioned, there were regular commercials and songs promoting Buster Brown shoes.
• Key Characters Introduced: While the comic strip featured Buster, Mary Jane, and Tige, the radio series expanded the universe with new memorable characters, most notably:
  • Froggy the Gremlin: Perhaps the most famous addition, Froggy would appear in a puff of smoke when McConnell exclaimed, "Plunk your magic twanger, Froggy!" Froggy was known for his mischievous nature and distinctive "Hiya, kids! Hiya, hiya, hiya!" greeting. He often interrupted guests or caused comedic chaos.
  • Midnight the Cat: Another recurring character who would respond with "Nice" in a falsetto meow when asked what he thought about something.
  • Squeeky the Mouse: A small rodent character.
  • Grandie the Talking Piano: A musical character.
• Transition to Television: "Smilin' Ed McConnell and His Buster Brown Gang" was so successful on radio that it transitioned to television in 1950. After McConnell's death in 1954, the show was taken over by actor Andy Devine and retitled "Andy's Gang," continuing many of the characters and the show's format.