Radio: Good Time Charlie

When Charlie McCarthy takes the air on Sunday nights, speaking the slick impertinences of Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen, the Chase and Sanborn Hour traditionally has the ear of perhaps a third of the nation, largest radio audience in the U. S. But Charlie appears only twice (a total of about 15 minutes) during the hour: the rest is usually orchestra music, songs by Contralto Dorothy Lamour and Baritone Donald Dickson, effervescences by guest stars and a master of ceremonies. Between Charlie's turns at the mike, the interest of his vast audience wavers. Many tune in on other programs, others mix drinks, woolgather, miss commercials until Charlie returns.

Last week Standard Brands ordered its valued Chase and Sanborn show tailored more accurately to Charlie's measure. Beginning Jan. 7, after the contracts of Songstress Lamour and Gladhander Don Ameche expire, the Chase and Sanborn program will be cut to a half-hour, mainly Charlie and guest-star stooges, leaving little or no opportunity for tuners to duck out for a drink between halves.