------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2006 : Issue 189
A Part of the [removed]!
[removed]
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Re: Escape Bird of Paradise [ Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed]; ]
Network radio [ "Sammy Jones" <sjones69@[removed] ]
Escape: Bird of Paradise [ "Steven Kelez" <otrsteve@[removed]; ]
Lone Ranger's Texas Ranger status [ "Jim Nixon" <ranger6000@[removed] ]
#OldRadio IRC Chat this Thursday Nig [ charlie@[removed] ]
Re: Escape "Bird of Paradise" [ "jazmaan@[removed]" <dmf273@ya ]
radio celebrated down under [ "Mike Hobart" <zines50@[removed]; ]
BBC 4 American Forces Network specia [ <mikeandzachary@[removed]; ]
Bird of Paradise [ William Brooks <webiii@[removed]; ]
"Tell me again about the Radios, Geo [ Wich2@[removed] ]
And with one "hand" tied behind the [ Wich2@[removed] ]
"American Tragedy" [ "Bill Knowlton" <udmacon1@[removed] ]
Re: Is it Just me? [ "Arthur Funk" <art-funk@[removed]; ]
Jack Smith [ Philip Chavin <pchavin@[removed]; ]
Jack Smith, June Allyson, Jan Murray [ Lee Munsick <damyankeeinva@earthlin ]
In Support of the Bensman Radio Arch [ jim taylor <bettylouson@[removed]; ]
Last Network Radio Dramas [ jim taylor <bettylouson@[removed]; ]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 00:51:27 +0000
From: Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Escape Bird of Paradise
William Brooks asks:
>Can "jazmann" supply and additional info on the show. Might it have come
from the first incarnation of Escape.
It was broadcast on Escape on March 11, 1954. A Story written by John
Russell with script by John Meston.
Starred John Dehner, Larry Dobkin, Jeanne Bates, Ben Wright and Edgar Barrier.
Jim Widner
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 00:51:43 +0000
From: "Sammy Jones" <sjones69@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Network radio
> During the heyday of the 30's and into the middle 40's, the networks
> primarily broadcast their programming on powerful "clear channel" stations.
That's not quite true. Certainly NBC and CBS tended to have affiliates who
were more powerful (hence more profitable), and ABC was basically the old
NBC Blue network renamed, but many small stations were affiliated with
Mutual or other small regional networks (and sometimes a combination of the
two).
My hometown of Covington, GA got its radio station in 1946. It was WMOC at
1000 watts (now renamed WGFS with 5000 watts), and it was an affiliate of
Mutual up into the '50s.
Also, there were not all that many "clear channels." If the networks
limited themselves to clear channel affiliates, they would have had very few
affiliates indeed.
It's important to remember that once television came along, people did not
simply stop listening to radio. Television's dominance occurred gradually.
Certainly radio listening declined, but the fact that the networks kept
producing dramatic programming up until about 1960 shows that at least
enough people were still listening to sell the sponsors' products.
Just out of curiosity, where in middle Georgia are you from?
Sammy Jones
sjones69@[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 00:51:58 +0000
From: "Steven Kelez" <otrsteve@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Escape: Bird of Paradise
William Brooks raised the question of the Escape episode "The Bird of
Paradise:"
> In the July 8th posting "jazmann" stated that "Last night we listened to
> "Bird of Paradise", an episode of Escape."
> That episode didn't ring a bell with my memory of Escape shows, so I
> checked three separate sources and I didn't find that show listed anywhere
> as an Escape show.
A quick search of the Radio Showcase catalog lists:
The Bird Of Paradise 3/11/54 (John Dehner, Ben Wright) (Excellent, 1st
Generation, Adventure) Cassette Length: 60 Min.
Steve Kelez
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 00:52:24 +0000
From: "Jim Nixon" <ranger6000@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Lone Ranger's Texas Ranger status
A. Joseph Ross called the Lone Ranger a "deserter from the Texas Rangers".
Joe, I think that's a little harsh. After all, his company was wiped out by
outlaws, and had he come forward and disclosed that he'd survived, he would
have been a marked man, Ranger or ex-Ranger. He chose to let the
organization believe he was dead so that he could work alone and unknown to
effect the capture of the men who killed his friends. Undoubtedly he
discovered along the way that not being encumbered by all the niceties of
the law has some advantages. It would have been a little difficult to have
Tonto drop off his resignation at Ranger headquarters. "Deserter" implies
forsaking the duty to which he was sworn in violation of regulations. I
hardly think he abandoned his duty. As for Justice Ginsberg, I can't think
of anyone on the Supreme Court who would understand the masked man any less.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 02:12:00 -0400
From: charlie@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: #OldRadio IRC Chat this Thursday Night!
A weekly [removed]
For the best in OTR Chat, join IRC (Internet Relay Chat), StarLink-IRC
Network, the channel name is #OldRadio. We meet Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern
and go on, and on! The oldest OTR Chat Channel, it has been in existence
over nine years, same time, same channel! Started by Lois Culver, widow
of actor Howard Culver, this is the place to be on Thursday night for
real-time OTR talk!
Our "regulars" include OTR actors, soundmen, collectors, listeners, and
others interested in enjoying OTR from points all over the world. Discussions
range from favorite shows to almost anything else under the sun (sometimes
it's hard for us to stay on-topic)...but even if it isn't always focused,
it's always a good time!
For more info, contact charlie@[removed]. We hope to see you there, this
week and every week!
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:56:44 +0000
From: "jazmaan@[removed]" <dmf273@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Escape "Bird of Paradise"
As others have stated, it is from March 11, 1954. And its one of the
better episodes I've heard
(although there are MANY episodes that I have yet to hear.)
Another excellent episode I would recommend is "The Untouchable". If
you're at all prone to
hypochondria, this story about leprosy will make your skin crawl!
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:57:26 +0000
From: "Mike Hobart" <zines50@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: radio celebrated down under
Tasmanian dignitaries and amateur radio enthusiasts have spent the
afternoon pf July 12th toasting one of Tasmania's greatest technological
contributions.
Tasmanian Governor William Cox transmitted messages to his Victorian
counterpart across Bass Strait, to re-enact a ceremony that took place 100
years ago today.
The event in 1906 was the first known Marconi wireless transmission in the
Southern Hemisphere.
The president of the Devonport Maritime Museum, Bob Vellacott, says the
gathering marked the city's special contribution to radio technology.
"The event 100 years ago proved indeed that the wireless transmission could
go across a large stretch of water and I believe it was one of the largest
stretches of water that they had for transmission in the Southern
Hemisphere at that time," he said.
The Devonport museum will host a special exhibition of old radio equipment
to mark the anniversary.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:57:52 +0000
From: <mikeandzachary@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: BBC 4 American Forces Network special
>From the BBC 4 newsletter for Tuesday, July 11, 2006:
American Forces Network, [removed] noon (PART 1 OF 2)
Humphrey Lyttelton describes how American GIs stationed in Britain in World
War Two were so dismayed at the stuffy entertainment on the BBC that they
demanded a network of their own. General Eisenhower obliged and the
American Forces Network was born. It quickly became just as popular with
British listeners, who deserted the BBC for AFN in the thousands.
[removed]
Lyttelton is perhaps best known to BBC listeners as a wonderful trumpet
player and band leader, and the host of the always funny I'M SORRY I
HAVEN'T A CLUE. I heard part 1 of this two-parter last night and really
enjoyed it. Part two will air on Tuesday, the 18th at the same time. They
should each be available on BBC 4's Web site via "Listen Again" for about a
week after their initial broadcasts.
Mike
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:58:08 +0000
From: William Brooks <webiii@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Bird of Paradise
Well, the fickle finger of fate got pointed straight at me this time. No
sooner than I had posted my question about the Escape episode "Bird of
Paradise" I found it in my Escape collection. I missed it the first time I
looked. A very nice e-mail from Jim Widner pointed out that the show was
aired on March 11, 1954 and starred John Dehner, Larry Dobkin and Jeanne
Bates. I have since listened to it and NOW I remember it. Maybe I'm just
gettiing old. Sorry if I confused anyone, I'll try to be brighter next time
WEB
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:58:47 +0000
From: Wich2@[removed]
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: "Tell me again about the Radios, George?"
From: Ronald Sayles _bogusotr@[removed]_ (mailto:bogusotr@[removed])
> 02-10-1906 - Lon Chaney, Jr. - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Territory -
> d. 7-12-1973 actor: "Pursuit of Happiness"
Dear Folks-
If memory serves, Junior Chaney did a few other radio things as well
(perhaps an INNER SANCTUM or LIGHTS OUT-type piece?)
And, if that same memory still serves, several queries on this List about
the topic have gotten no response!
So - as I know of at least one other member who would be VERY interested! -
one more time:
"Anyone have copies of audio performances by Creighton Chaney?"
Best,
-Craig
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:59:17 +0000
From: Wich2@[removed]
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: And with one "hand" tied behind the
[removed]
From: "Frank McGurn" _[removed]@[removed]_
([removed]@[removed])
> ...OTR program ... I marvel at the actor & actress that have very good
> diction ... They speak clearly ... we can hear and understand
> what they say
Dear Frank-
...And Silent Film actors had marvelously expressive faces & [removed]
Same reason in both cases:
They Had To!
Best,
-Craig
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 11:59:42 +0000
From: "Bill Knowlton" <udmacon1@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: "American Tragedy"
This week Central New York has had several commemorations of the 100th
anniversary of the killing of Grace Brown by Chester Gillette on Big Moose
Lake in the Adirondacks. It happened on 11 July 1906 and events were held
in many of the towns involved in the story (Cortland, Herkimer, Old Forge,
South Otselic).
This true incident was "improved" by Theodore Dreiser and turned into the
novel "An American Tragedy."
My question: was "An American Tragedy" ever dramatized on radio?
(...and I don't mean last Winter's "American Tragedy" from the Metropolitan
Opera <g>)
BILL KNOWLTON
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 12:00:17 +0000
From: "Arthur Funk" <art-funk@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Is it Just me?
Hello OTR Aficionados:
In Digest #188 Frank McGurn wrote:
> Fast forward to the era of TV and the actors and actors don't speak
> clearly
A few years ago my wife and I began using the closed captioning option while
watching TV dramas. It enhances our ability to follow dialogue.
Shortly after beginning this practice I happened to read an article, I don't
remember where, about the very subject of modern speech habits. The writer
stated that younger people speak much more rapidly than their parents and
grandparents and that television and movie production folks have stepped up
the dialogue in their products to cater to this modern phenomenon. After
all, the producers are after the younger market. This accounts for what
Frank has noted.
I'm sure any of you who have teen-aged grandchildren have the same trouble
following when they speak, particularly when they are speaking with other
youngsters.
No doubt, as Frank pointed out, OTR actors and other performers were more
easily understood than those in the modern media.
Frank also observed that singers (presumably on TV shows) seem to be drowned
out by the accompanying music. I agree with that completely, particularly
as regards live productions such as American Idol and the various awards
shows. Somebody needs to tell the sound people they need to back off on the
band music and bring up the singers' mikes.
Regards to all,
Art Funk
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 13:52:44 -0400
From: Philip Chavin <pchavin@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Jack Smith
In the Forties, I listened regularly to Jack's
fifteen-minute evening show for Oxydol and I can, in
my mind, still hear him singing his closing theme:
"The same ti-ime, the same pla-ace, tomo-RO-O-OWW
[removed]". (Or "... next Mon-DA-AYY [removed]") A
most pleasant singing -- and speaking -- voice to
listen to.
-- Phil C.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 13:53:10 -0400
From: Lee Munsick <damyankeeinva@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Jack Smith, June Allyson, Jan Murray oh my!
I remember Jack Smith and his programs very well; listened to them regularly. He
was known as "Smiling Jack Smith", and with good reason - you could positively,
clearly HEAR him smiling even when he was singing, let alone talking. It was infectious;
this listener at least couldn't help smiling along with him. And those of you
who know me will tell you that Lee Munsick never smiles.
The other "smiling" voice with much the same kind of programs on radio
was Jack Berch. One could hear him smiling too, although probably not when he was
"whistlin' - are ya listenin'?" Admittedly it's hard to smile and whistle
simultaneously, let alone on AM! I am looking at a framed photo of Jack Berch,
preparatory to putting it up on eBay, in which he looks almost exactly like a popular
band leader/singer of the big band era, and for the life of me I can't think of that musician's
name. Possibly Pinky Tomlin? Anybody direct me to his photo?
You know how folk say celebrity deaths and plane crashes seem to come in three's?
Well, we just had three major flight disasters, and here we go again with trio passings:
June Allyson, Jan Murray and Jack Smith - three J's in a row! Rest in peace all,
and thanks for entertaining us those many years!
Bestus - Lee Munsick
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 18:31:27 -0400
From: jim taylor <bettylouson@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: In Support of the Bensman Radio Archive
July 12, 2006
Dear Old Time Radio digest readers:
I am responding to Dr. Marvin R. Bensman's posting
about keeping the Bensman Radio Archive open.
Absolutely yes, while it is true that many old time
radio programs are available on the Internet for free
downloading they are not for the most part programs
available from the Bensman radio archive especially
the news and historical broadcasts.
Dr. Bensman has given the otr community a wonderful
archive of radio programs.
When he retires, I hope the school can maintain the
archive, if not perhaps as Walden Hues suggested in a
earlier posting one of the otr clubs might be
interested in the collection
At any rate loss of the Bensman archive would be a
tragedy for the otr community. He has programs that
most commercial dealers especially the leading otr
dealer will not touch. for that I say thank you Dr.
Bensman
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 18:32:03 -0400
From: jim taylor <bettylouson@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Last Network Radio Dramas
July 12, 2006
Dear Old Time Radio Digest Readers:
I am responding to Joe's question about the last radio
network dramas.
The last dramas to originate from Hollywood were Have
Gun Will Travel November 27, 1960 and Gunsmoke June
18, 1961.
If memory serves the last dramas on NBC Radio were The
NBC Radio Theater and My True Story both ending on
January 1, 1960.
I think the last drama in the golden age on ABC Radio
was Mystery Time which ended in late 1957 or early
1958.
The last dramas on Mutual were True Detective
Mysteries and Exploring Tomorrow ending in June 1958.
Their may have been other dramas at this time but by
then many network affiliates especially stations with
ABC and MBS were no longer clearing the full network
schedule.
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2006 Issue #189
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