Command Performance was a radio program which originally aired between 1942 and 1949. The program was broadcast on the Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRS) and transmitted by shortwave to the troops overseas—with few exceptions, it was not broadcast over domestic U.S. radio stations. Most episodes of the program were produced before an audience in the Vine Street Playhouse in Hollywood, California.
Troops sent in requests for a particular performer or program to appear, and they also suggested unusual ideas for music, sketches, or sounds from home on the program, such as: “Ann Miller tap dancing in military boots”; “a sigh from Carole Landis” or Lucille Ball; “foghorns on San Francisco Bay”; “Errol Flynn taking a shower.” Top performers of the day appeared, including Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Fred Allen, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland and The Andrews Sisters.
