The Great Orpheum Gravy Boat Riot by Jrean Shephard

During the years of the Great Depression, small movie theaters would offer contests, and special giveaway events to attract ticket buyers. In tonight's story, Jean Shepherd recalls the weekly contests and special events that Mr Doppler, the owner of the Orpheum Theater of Holman, Indiana, would stage along to attract customers. All seems well until the master showman builds up local expectations too high with one giveaway too many, and suffers the consequences. Fortunato hosts, and special guest Woody Creek returns to read tonight's nostalgic tale, which comes from the 1966 collection In God We Trust; All Others Pay Cash , by Jean Shepherd.