Subject: [removed] Digest V2007 #112
From: [removed]@[removed]
Date: 4/10/2007 4:18 PM
To: [removed]@[removed]

------------------------------


                            The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                              Volume 2007 : Issue 112
                         A Part of the [removed]!
                             [removed]
                                 ISSN: 1533-9289


                                 Today's Topics:

  Godfrey, big and "littles"            [ <verotas@[removed]; ]
  Jesse James and the Hole in the Wall  [ Rentingnow@[removed] ]
  Mr & Mrs North                        [ John Ruklick <ruklick55@[removed]; ]
  "SyyuuperMAN!"                        [ Wich2@[removed] ]
  At your Beck 'n' Collyer              [ "Derek Tague" <derek@[removed]; ]
  Jane Froman & Harry Truman            [ jack and cathy french <otrpiano@ver ]
  4-10 births/deaths                    [ Ronald Sayles <bogusotr@[removed] ]
  ABS, WMCA, FDR & network mikes        [ <verotas@[removed]; ]

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2007 17:23:30 -0400
From: <verotas@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Godfrey, big and "littles"

Jim Cox wrote last week about the constant use on the Godfrey programs of the
term "...and all the Little Godfreys".  Thanks Jim, for the opening!  That
opening was ubiquitous, but as I recall, it was not used always in every
introduction of the six-each-morning "Arthur Godfrey Time" strip during the
1950s heyday.  Nor on the Monday night (originally Tuesdays) "Arthur Godfrey
and his Talent Scouts",  Because in that case Talents weren't the usual
Godfrey cast, but up-and-coming young professional performers looking for the
big exposure break.  They ranged from Rosemary Clooney and Eddie Fisher to
Van Cliburn and Beverly Sills, among many dozens of others.

The "little Godfreys" was used more leading into the one-hour  Wednesday
night  "Arthur Godfrey and his Friends" TV variety show where they all took
part most every week.  That's right, younger folk - they put on a full
hour-long original revue every week!   That was on top of the half-hour
Monday gig for Mr. Godfrey and the augmented band, and the five 90-minute
mornings a week - all LIVE.   You can imagine the rehearsal time prior to
each show with all those performers, arrangements, musicians attention, etc.
These folk all worked very hard.

Mr. Godfrey usually referred to "my kids", indicative of a paternal attitude
which was definitely real, and indeed went beyond a reasonable
employer-employees situation at times.  But he was protective of his on-air
family - yes, one could say often literally to a fault.

>From his own writings that I have seen, as well as interviews with many folk
who knew and/or worked with him, it's indicated that he felt more strongly
about people (mostly the press) referring to him as "The Ol' Redhead".  He
absolutely hated that!   I don't know why, and unfortunately never thought
to ask him.  I'm not sure he truly knew why, himself.  It wasn't the
adjective "old".  He was very Navy, a former swabby, and throughout the
military folk will call their commanding officer "the old man".  Just as did
Thomas Edison's crew, from the original few in Newark and then Menlo Park to
the big factory bunch in West Orange.   Many times the Godfrey "kids"
referred fondly in private and public to "the old man" meaning their boss
and mentor.  This bunch of "kids" ranged from very young Lu Ann Sims up to
veteran broadcaster Frank Parker, who was within 3 months of Godfrey's own
age.

So it must have been "redhead"?  Not really - he was used to variations on
that since he was a little kid.  By his TV years his big shock of hair above
"this Irish mug o' mine" was definitely a dark auburn.  But I recall in one
of his Christmas shows when he featured talented youngsters, children of his
cast or otherwise, he made a comment about one boy's red hair, referred to
the youngster as "a real carrot-top" and added, "my hair was that color when
I was your age too - real carrot color!"

In his early days he was referred to as "Red Godfrey, The Warbling Banjoist"
etc.  No, it wasn't the red reference that got his red up.  So what was it?
Who knows - just something about the combination "the ol' redhead" or "old
redhead".  Mr. Godfrey really didn't invent either "all the little Godfreys"
or "the old redhead" and their variants.

But I'll tell you one of many gems that he did.  For youngsters who may not
know this, Mr. Godfrey was identified for years with many sponsors.  Many,
many - but most especially with Lipton Tea and Soups, and Chesterfield
Cigarettes, both of which he took from successful non-front-runners and put
them way out there in front of their respective teabags or packs.   Sorry
about that.

One of Chesterfield's frequent advertising slogans of the time was "Buy 'em
by the Carton".  That was NOT from Liggett & Myers or Chesterfield or their
advertising agency - it was Godfrey's own idea, and started with his programs
before it spread (of course with L&M's blessing) through ALL their
advertising.  Just as did references to Chesterfield's ABC's, which stood for
A=Arthur Godfrey, B=Bing Crosby and C=Perry Como.

At the time, folk generally didn't shell out for a whole carton of cigarettes
at once.  After all, a pack alone cost about 1<<162>> per cig or 21cents (and
you got a free book of matches which contained the same number).  Times were
tough - smokers certainly were not going to shell out the princely sum of
$[removed] to get a carton, right?  Nobody would EVER do that.  Ha!

Most packs of that now cost all of  that or more, especially in New York
which taxes them like mad.  Like gasoline, by the way, the federal taxes on
cigarettes is more than the price of the product itself.  One might remember
that when railing at gas companies for their "excess profits" but not at
least yell at the government for the same thing self-largesse!

I do recall that my parents took advantage of a clever marketing pre-WW2
arrangement by Pall Mall, wherein certain executives were encouraged to sign
up for a carton each month for a year.  They got my mom and dad on that
handsome red package for decades.  I thank heaven that I avoided all that,
even despite the appeals of Mr. Godfrey.  Who, by the way, after his lung
cancer, turned vociferous anti-smoking advocate.   Unfortunately, the LaRosa
mess by that time greatly diminished his effectiveness in stressing various
causes.

A couple of weeks back I said I would follow up on my LaRosa thoughts with
some about Mr. Godfrey's often-touted but totally untrue "Anti-Semitism".
Soon.  Bestus, Lee Munsick

 ***** WARNING! UNHANDLED BAD CHARACTER!!!!!

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2007 17:23:33 -0400
From: Rentingnow@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Jesse James and the Hole in the Wall Gang

<Mr Harmon: You met a man who rode with Jesse James?>

My grandfather knew the "Hole in the Wall Gang".  Hole in the Wall is  in the
area of Casper and Thermopolis Wyoming.  He lived in Worland Wyoming  which
is in the same area.  Hey, lets face it, the gang had to shop  somewhere as
there was no Walmart in the area yet!

The way he told it the "gang" was really a loosely organized group with men
coming and going (occasionally permanently) all the time. They were a
frequently  seen.  Didn't mention Butch or Sundance.

I think that people tend to forget that many of our parents were born at  the
turn of the century and their parents, our grandparents were born in the
last three quarters of the 1800's. Think of when the illustrious baby
boomer's
parents were born and when the baby boomer's parents were born.  Look at  the
birth dates listed for the actors and then think when their parents were  born.

I predate the baby boomers having been born in 1940.

If you were to look back now, how many years would the lifetimes of people
we know span? Mine would be over 120 years as my grandfather was born roughly
1880, my mother was born in 1910, my oldest brother - who is still living- in
1932.

And to put this into perspective: Custer met his demise in 1876, only about
4 years before my grandfather was born yet it is easy to think that it  is
ancient history.  It isn't -- to me anyway.

Many of the entertainment elements which were translated to OTR are really
19th century in origin and nature. Radio entertainment was written by  people
whose formative years were the turn of the century. Just listen to  some of
the
forgettable "comedy"(?) in 30's radio programs. They have the bad  puns
characteristic of the period.  Also, the 3rd person omniscient  narrator of
The
Whistler for instance is just a continuation of the oral story  telling
tradition. Someone has to tell the story around the pot belly stove and  set
the scene
and keep the listener interested

Larry Moore

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2007 19:10:18 -0400
From: John Ruklick <ruklick55@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Mr & Mrs North
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Hi, yea, I think that 5 part serial is missing an episode. LOOOONG gone
forever. VERY sad. I LOVE Mr. & Mrs. North AND Nick [removed] anyone
reading (You know [removed]), I would buy any Nick Carter you would
sell/trade for any amount and keep it to [removed] goes for the Shadow.
I simply want to [removed] sell nor trade.
  Will continue praying:
  John Ruklick, 1300 Central st, Evanston, IL 60201
  God Bless!
  -J

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Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2007 19:11:54 -0400
From: Wich2@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  "SyyuuperMAN!"

Dear Gregory-
(Beating Anthony T. to the gate?)

From: _LSMFTnolonger@[removed]_ (mailto:LSMFTnolonger@[removed])

When  Filmation made "The New Adventures of Superman" Saturday morning
cartoon  series in 1966, they reunited Bud Collyer and Joan Alexander,
the radio  voices of Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane, to reprise their
famous  roles

Not to mention the redoubtable Jack Beck returning as Narrator,  and taking
over for Perry White (almost sure of this, though some sources  site Ted
Knight?); and with OTR vets Jack Grimes as Jimmy Olson, and Bob  Hastings, in
one of
his last great Juvenile turns, as Superboy.

Though the "animation" (-coff-coff-) is the 60's TV stuff that Chuck Jones
called "radio with pictures," they're great fun, encapsulating the charm of
editor Mort Weisinger's "Silver Age" Superman.

[removed] [removed] and AWAY!
-Craig W.

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2007 19:12:06 -0400
From: "Derek Tague" <derek@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  At your Beck 'n' Collyer
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Gregory R. Jackson, Jr. posted

When Filmation made "The New Adventures of Superman" Saturday morning
cartoon series in 1966, they reunited Bud Collyer and Joan Alexander,
the radio voices of Clark Kent/Superman and Lois Lane, to reprise their
famous roles.

... and don't forget Jackson Beck who was also re-engaged to narrate and to
double up on character voices (usually villains).

Also, our OTR convention pal Bob Hastings was the voice of "Superboy" in the
1960s Filmation [removed] the voice of "Commissioner Gordon" in the
syndicated "Batman" cartoons in the 1990s.

Hearing voices in the ether--

Derek Tague

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Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2007 22:09:02 -0400
From: jack and cathy french <otrpiano@[removed];
To: OTRBB <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Jane Froman & Harry Truman

One of the members of Metro Washington OTR Club was contacted by
Sheldon Duchin, an official of the Jane Froman Centennial Committee.
Duchin seeks a video or audio copy of a January 1949 NBC telecast of a
gala honoring President Truman's inauguration, the night before he was
sworn in for his second term. Jane Froman was one of several performers
on this show which NBC televised, and may also have aired on NBC radio.

Any Digesters have any leads on finding a video or audio copy?  You can
contact Duchin directly at <theduchins@[removed];

Thanks,

Jack French
Editor: RADIO RECALL

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2007 22:09:12 -0400
From: Ronald Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio Digest Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  4-10 births/deaths

April 10th births

04-10-1827 - Lew Wallace - Brookville, IN - d. 2-15-1905
author: (Ben Hur) "Favorite Story"; "Hallmark Playhouse"
04-10-1868 - George Arliss - London, England - d. 2-5-1946
actor: "Lux Radio Theatre"
04-10-1885 - Sigmund Spaeth - Philadelphia, PA - d. 11-11-1965
commentator: "Tune Detective"; "Fun in Print"
04-10-1894 - Haven MacQuarrie - Boston, MA - d. 8-4-1953
emcee: "Do You Want to be an Actor"
04-10-1897 - Eric Knight - Menston, England - d. 1-13-1943
writer: "Everyman's Theatre"
04-10-1897 - Fred Hall - NYC - d. 10-8-1964
composer, performer: (Hall and Fields) "Old Man of the Mountain"
04-10-1902 - Mark Warnow - Monastrischt, Russia - d. 10-17-1949
conductor: "We, the People"; "Your Hit Parade"
04-10-1905 - Paul "Hezzie" Trietsch - Muncie, IN - d. 4-27-1980
musician-singer: "National Barn Dance"; "Uncle Ezra"
04-10-1906 - Lilie Darvas - Budapest, Hungary - d. 7-23-1974
actor: Madame Sophie: We Love and Learn/As the Twig is Bent"
04-10-1910 - Peg La Centra - Boston, MA - d. 6-1-1996
singer, actor: "Court of Human Relations"; "For Men Only"; "Gulden
Melodies"
04-10-1911 - Victor Lombardo - London, Canada - d. 1-22-1994
musician: (Guy Lombardo's Orchestra) "Lady Esther Serenade"
04-10-1915 - Harry (Henry) Morgan - Detroit, MI
actor: "Mystery in the Air"
04-10-1919 - Bruce Buell - Santa Ana, CA - d. 4-23-1996
annoucer: "California Caravan"; "Mystery is My Hobby"
04-10-1921 - Chuck Connors - Brooklyn, NY - d. 11-10-1992
actor: "Family Theatre"
04-10-1922 - Marian Richman - California - d. 2-24-1956
actor: "Tell It Again"
04-10-1927 - Sidney Appleman - Chicago, IL - d. 8-25-1994
string bassist: Clyde McCoy's Band
04-10-1933 - Poncie Ponce - Maui, HI
singer, ukulele: Hawaiin radio

April 10th deaths02-08-1907 - Ray Middleton - Chicago, IL - d. 4-10-1984
actor: Abraham Lincoln "Honest Abe"
02-24-1890 - Marjorie Main - Acton, IN - d. 4-10-1975
actor: "Columbia Presents Corwin"
05-09-1923 - Byron Kane - Vermont - d. 4-10-1984
actor: "Gunsmoke"; "Broadway is My Beat"; "Escape"
06-11-1911 - Long John Nebel - Chicago, IL - d. 4-10-1978
host: All-night talk show in NYC
06-12-1920 - Peter Jones - Wem, Shropshire, England - d. 4-10-2000
actor: narrator "Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy"; "In All Directions"
06-19-1892 - Mishel Piastro - Kertz, Russia - d. 4-10-1970
violinist, conductor: "Longines Symphonette"; "General Motors Concerts"
06-30-1899 - Santos Ortega - NYC - d. 4-10-1976
actor: Nero Wolfe "Advs. of Nero Wolfe"; Richard Queen "Advs. of
Ellery Queen"
07-10-1918 - John Easton - NYC - d. 4-10-1984
announcer: "The Great Gildersleeve"; "Advs. of Maisie"
08-13-1916 - Gloria Dickson - Pocatello, ID - d. 4-10-1945
actor: "Warner Bros. Academy Theatre"; "Federal Theatre Special";
"Lux Radio Theatre"
10-08-1906 - William N. Robson - Pittsburgh, PA - d. 4-10-1995
producer, director: "Beyond Tomorrow"; "CBS Radio Workshop"; "Escape"
10-11-1919 - Jean Vander Pyl - d. 4-10-1999
actor: Margaret Anderson "Father Knows Best"; "The Halls of Ivy"
10-16-1921 - Linda Darnell - Dallas, TX - d. 4-10-1965
actor: "Hollywood Premiere"; "So You Want to Lead a Band"
12-24-1886 - Michael Curtiz - Budapest, Hungary - d. 4-10-1962
film director: "Lady Esther Screen Guild Theatre"; Screen Director's
Playhouse"

Ron Sayles

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 10 Apr 2007 10:13:21 -0400
From: <verotas@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  ABS,  WMCA, FDR & network mikes

Hello everyone.  Several of us are still trying to figure out the ABC
microphone at The White House in front of FDR supposedly in April 1935.  We
don't yet have an answer.

Interesting coincidence - I am looking through a fascinating book called
"Fire At Sea - The Story of the Morro Castle" mystery starting with the SS
Morro Castle disastrous fire on September  8, 1934.  There are a lot of
photos.  The last photo page has one showing the Morro Castle's Chief Radio
Operator testifying in the federal inquiry into the fire etc.

Presumably his appearance was late 1934 or early 1935, perhaps both.  In
front of him at the witness table and another in front of the questioners,
are two of the old-fashioned square microphones, that I call "furniture
mikes" although that could also include the "lamp microphones" of early
vintage.  You can't see them here, but I know you can in the studio of the
mind -- they're the old square box furniture type.  Here's the rub ----

Clearly marked on each side are the letters ABS, above WMCA.  Note, AB >S<
not ABC.  Does this help us in our inquiry?  I have no idea.  Still no
definitive responses to help us figure whose is the ABC mike on FDR's desk a
half year later.

Friend Tom Heathwood of Heritage Radio@[removed] has been working with me on
this query.  I  told him of the Morro Castle photo and he sent me a capsule
history of WMCA which may or may not give a tiny hint at what ABS may have
been.

Here's a portion of the interesting history:   As early as September 1929,
WMCA was syndicating programs on motion picture soundtrack film and in 1931
was experimenting with television, utilizing the mechanically scanned system
of Scottish inventor John Logie Baird, who at that time was also working with
the BBC. On June 5, 1933, (their) time-sharing arrangement with WNYC ended,
leaving WMCA as the sole operator on the frequency (810 - around the same
time it moved to its present spot at 570, and is now called "Christian Radio"
- a different set of "Good Guys" -LM)

IN 1934, WMCA got involved with network broadcasting and joined up with the
American Broadcasting System (not affiliated with today's ABC).

In early 1935, they dropped the affilation and organized the Inter-City
Broadcasting System, serving a dozen stations in the Northeast. (strangely,
several quite close to NYC, including Newark NJ!-LM)
In the spring of 1938, WMCA moved to 1657 Broadway at 52nd St., upstairs from
the famed Lindy's Restaurant.

In December 1940, owner and president of WMCA, Donald Flamm, sold the station
to Edward J. Noble, the manufacturer of LifeSavers candies and undersecretary
of commerce in the Roosevelt administration.  But Flamm then refused to
transfer the title to Noble, who finally took control of WMCA in mid-January
1941.  Three years later, Noble bought the NBC Blue Network, including
station WJZ, and founded the American Broadcasting Company.  In September
1943, Noble sold WMCA to real estate developer Nathan Straus, as required by
new FCC regulations forbidding ownership of more than one station in a
market.  However in August of 1943, Flamm sued Noble in Manhattan Supreme
Court to block the resale of the station.  The court battle would continue
until 1946, when Flamm was awarded $350,000 in damages.  However, his quest
to "recapture" WMCA was fruitless.

I realize not all this is germane to the issue here, but fascinating
nonetheless.  Note the reference to Edward J. Noble.

So to recap - WMCA (for Hotel McAlpin NYC) was affiliated with an early ABC
(?),  an un-named InterCity broadcast network, and ABS as we see on the
microphones at the Morro Castle hearing.  Note the Edward Noble tie.

The plot thickens -- as it does, by the way, in the mesmerizing book "Fire at
Sea.  Does anyone have more ideas we can pursue to solve "The Case of the
unknown ABC Network Microphones"?

It's interesting that the mystery photo of FDR at CBS, NBC and "ABC" mikes
will shortly be 72 years old.  Time flies when you're having radio fun!
Thanks much!  Lee Munsick

--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2007 Issue #112
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