This essay examines Major Edward Bowes' Amateur Hour radio show (1934)(1935)(1936)(1937)(1938)(1939)(1940)(1941)(1942)(1943)(1944)(1945) and the two short-subject series, Major Bowes Amateur Theatre of the Air (1935) and Major Bowes Amateur Parade (1936), which it spawned. The films, in contrast to a related series of live tours, failed to excite audiences or exhibitors since they were unable to replicate two essential aspects of the show: the audience's ability to vote for their favourites and the broadcast's inherent quality of liveness.