------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2004 : Issue 28
A Part of the [removed]!
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Radio Premiums and Their Cousins [ "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@ ]
Teaching OTR course [ Bob Beckett <bobbyb1324me@[removed] ]
Fran Striker [ "James Nixon" <ranger6000@[removed] ]
Let's Pretend photos sought [ benohmart@[removed] ]
Greatest entertainer [ "Roby McHone" <otr_alaska@[removed] ]
Re: " shut off that ---- victrola" [ Jer51473@[removed] ]
Integrated Commercials [ "Bill Scherer" <bspro@[removed]; ]
Bob Hope's quips [ Kenneth Clarke <kclarke5@[removed]; ]
I'm sorry, Jerry [ Ruk77@[removed] ]
"The Fat Man" [ Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed] ]
Fran Striker [ <whhsa@[removed]; ]
1-19 births/deaths [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
Fran Striker Lone Ranger Novels [ "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@attorneyro ]
Radio in 1910 and in1922 [ George Aust <austhaus1@[removed] ]
song: "heigh ho, the radio" [ "Christian Blees" <journalistenbuer ]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 12:25:19 -0500
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Radio Premiums and Their Cousins
I mentioned in the other Digest that there was no way that the later
generations couldn't experience the same sense of participation that
those of us who listened to the show lived through while questing after
radio premiums. Many of the premiums were clever and mechanical, with
multifunctionality. There were secret compartment rings, pocket
telescopes, invisible ink kits, and the like. Most without electricity
or batteries. (Electric items were rare and mostly flashlights. The
Lone Ranger Flashlight Ring was perhaps the most cumbersome: it was
before the advent of the LED.)
During the premium period, there were equivalent novelties in what then
were called dime stores. If you couldn't get a Lone Ranger Scout badge
from Silvercup Bread, you could get a Sheriff badge from the dime store.
But it wasn't the same: you didn't have to wait for the mail delivery,
nor did the item comer with the accompanying paperwork, from a simple
instruction sheet to an entire handbook.
Today there are shops that sell some premiumlike novelties. Today one
can pick up secret compartment rings and "look-behind" sunglasses by
mail, over the Internet, or in person. But even sending for one by mail
doesn't emulate what the children of yore experienced.
But a lot of today's novelties are electronic. There are pocket games,
walkie-talkies, and the like that could never have been developed in the
1940s, particularly in their miniaturized form. Factoring in inflation,
today's walkie-talkie set is nearly competitive with yesterday's string
telephone.
But there's the other factor: program identity. That glowing Dragon's
Eye Ring had an association with Jack Armstrong's Sulu Sea adventure.
That Secret Squadron Initial Printing Ring was more than just a marking
device, it was a souvenir from Captain Midnight's quest for the hidden
plateau where the Queen of Sheba's jewels came from. Today's clever
novelties can't match that.
Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 13:46:44 -0500
From: Bob Beckett <bobbyb1324me@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Teaching OTR course
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Hello [removed]
After recently retiring after 43 years in TV broadcasting as a graphic
designer I sought to further my love of OTR by pursuing other avenues that
would enable me spend more time with the hobby and even expand on my
knowledge.
After conducting a seminar on the Golden Age Of Radio a few weeks ago at
the senior citizen residence where my mother lives here in southern [removed] as a
sort of warm-up, my proposal to conduct a course on OTR for a Adult
Education Program at a local community center was accepted and I'll be
teaching a 5-week course entitled The Golden Age Of Radio: From The 1920s to
the 1960s this coming Spring semester.
It'll be a compilation of tape excerpts and background history, a
retrospective of OTR touching nearly every genre of programming.
I'm already busy culling and editing excerpts from my collection of over
3000 shows and doing research on their backgrounds. It's alotta fun and a
worthy project to keep my retirement interesting. And they're paying me too.
Bob Beckett
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Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 13:46:57 -0500
From: "James Nixon" <ranger6000@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Fran Striker
Dan Hughes posed two questions about Fran Striker's writing. While a matter
of personal opinion, I think his writing style had a little more depth in
the Ranger novels, but they are certainly not at the level of Zane Grey or
Louis L'Amour.
Striker did write one pure novel intended for adults. It was titled "One
More River", and though out-of-print, it can be found at [removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 13:47:27 -0500
From: benohmart@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Let's Pretend photos sought
I'll soon be putting out an expanded, paperback version (with log) of Arthur Anderson's
Let's Pretend book, and am seeking illustrations for it that weren't in the original
hardback. You'll definitely get credit and a free copy of the book for anything used. Feel
free to email me. Thanks.
Ben Ohmart
The Paul Frees biography
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 15:09:08 -0500
From: "Roby McHone" <otr_alaska@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Greatest entertainer
My fellow Serviceman Derek Tague wrote "Greatest Entertainer of All Time?
At first instinct, I'd cast my vote for Al Jolson" That is my thought
exactly except I would have to add Sammy Davis Jr as a close second. But
after reading others choices in the Digest I will have to add Der Bingle as
a tie with Al Jolson. I guess its true, I couldn't see the forest for all
the trees- for some reason I just overlooked Mr. Crosby, he surely should
rank near the top in anyone's book.
Roby McHone
Fairbanks, Alaska-where it is -48 F as I write this, and that ain't wind
chill factor folks.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 15:09:29 -0500
From: Jer51473@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: " shut off that ---- victrola"
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During my boyhood, in the forties and early fifties, the line could have been
continued with "and go get you some jello (even if it was Royal dessert) out
of the fridgidare (even if it was really a Norge or Westinghouse fridge). The
same references are still used at times by me and other family members. Can
anyone think of other such references as influenced by radio and mag ads?
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Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 15:24:32 -0500
From: "Bill Scherer" <bspro@[removed];
To: ""old-time radio digest">" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Integrated Commercials
In thinking about integrated commercials I remembered that during a Christmas
episode of The Great Gildersleeve, Leroy and Margery ask if they can have
Cokes.
I always wondered how that worked since I don't think Coke was put out by
Kraft--or were they connected in some way?
Bill
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 18:13:14 -0500
From: Kenneth Clarke <kclarke5@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Bob Hope's quips
I remember seeing one of Bob Hope's appearances
on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Johnny mentioned
that Bob had known several Presidents. Bob agreed. When
asked by Johnny if he'd ever consider running, Bob replied,
"No, I don't think so. Besides, Delores would never agree to
move into a smaller house!"
Even if he had decided to run, he couldn't since he was
born in a different country (England)...right?
A devoted listener,
Kenneth Clarke
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 18:13:41 -0500
From: Ruk77@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: I'm sorry, Jerry
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I recently sent in a post slamming Jerry Hendeges for not getting back to me
and for disliking mp3's. I know the mp3 thing has been beaten and beaten like
a dead horse so I am going to leave that one alone. we all have our opinions
and that is fine.
All I want to say in this post is that Mr. Hendeges has contacted me and
rectified the situation and that is just good business. I never had a problem
as far as waiting for packages. And I will also say that his shows are always
top quality. I am looking forward to purchasing more shows from him because I
guarantee, if the show still exists, he's got it.
That is all. I humbly apologize. No one is perfect, especially me.
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Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 18:17:36 -0500
From: Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed];
To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: "The Fat Man"
One of my favorite radio detectives is Brad Runyon, "The Fat Man." I am
talking about the American version here, since I have never listened to
the Australian version.
Charles Laughlin's informative monograph about J. Scott Smart who played
Runyon [Three Faces East Press, 1994] lists Brad's weight at 237, 239,
or 241 pounds, "depending on which episodes you listened to." (p. 30).
Smart's weight hovered around 270 pounds, as Joe Mackey noted in
yesterday's Digest.
I am sorry so few episodes remain intact. I have always wondered why the
writers concluded that any of the three weights listed above would qualify
as "fat." I don't believe the program ever identified anything alse about
"The Fat Man's" physical stature.
My favorite quote from Laughlin's book is, "When jibed by a 'baddy' on one
program about his weight, the Fat Man snarls back. 'the only difference
between you and me, Rudolph, is that my fat is from the neck down.' " (p.
31)
Dennis Crow
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 19:00:18 -0500
From: <whhsa@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Fran Striker
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Dear Folks;
Peace.
If you want a corrected updated radio log for the Straight Arrow radio shows,
please send a SASE to: POW-WOW, 301 E. Buena Vista Avenue, North Augusta, SC
298941. We will be glad to send it.
Fran Striker wrote approx. 19 Long Ranger books for Grosset & Dunlap, 2 Gene
Autry books (using the name Bob Hamilton) and 1 Roy Roger for Whitman under
the name Don Middleton. There were 8 Tom Quest books for Grosset (later under
Clover imprint). 8 Long Rangers for Whitman's Better Little Books, 3 for Dell
and 1 for Simon and Schuster. These books were written for young people, but
continue to be a good read even today. Striker did work on one "adult" novel
for five years before his death, One More River, which was finished by his
son Fran Striker, Jr. years after his dads death. The novel may still
available from Quest Word Co., 165 Singley Ave., Runnemede, NJ 08078. This
book was beautifully printed by Fred Woodworth. Fran Striker, Jr wrote a
biography of his dad, His Typewriter Grew Spurs, published by Questco, PO Box
832, Lansdale, PA 19946. I am not sure if these are good address anymore.
Typewriter was issued 1983 and River in 1993. Fred Woodworth created and
publisher of The Mystery & Adventure Series Review may have copies of One More
River. Send an SASE to The Review, PO Box 3012, Tucson, Arizona 85702. You
might want to join The Review. Ask about back issues and "subscription"
rates. Do not forget the SASE! Whew.
Manituwah,
Bill Harper
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Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2004 20:16:35 -0500
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: 1-19 births/deaths
January 19th births
01-19-1887 - Alexander Woolcott - Phalanx, NJ - d. 1-23-1943
commentator: "Early Bookworm"; "Town Crier"
01-19-1905 - Anne Schumacher Ashenhurst Hummert - Baltimore, MD - [removed]
producer: "Backstage Wife"; "Lorenzo Jones"; "American Album of Familiar Music"
01-19-1906 - Lanny Ross - Seattle, WA - d. 4-25-1988
singer: "Lanny Ross Program"; "Maxwell House Show Boat"
01-19-1908 - Ish Kabibble (Merwyn Bogue) - Erie, PA - d. 6-4-1994
comedian: "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge"
01-19-1922 - Guy Madison - Pumpkin Center, CA - d. 2-6-1996
actor: Wild Bill Hickok "Wild Bill Hickok"
01-19-1931 - Robert MacNeil - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
newscaster: CBC Canada
January 19th deaths
04-22-1920 - Hal March - San Francisco, CA - d. 1-19-1970
comedian: Matt Henshaw "December Bride"; Mr. Cook "Too Many Cooks"
05-26-1884 - Charles Winninger - Athens, WI - d. 1-19-1969
actor: Captain Henry "Show Boat"; Uncle Charlie "Uncle Charlie's Tent Show"
07-08-1917 - Glenn Langan - Denver, CO - d. 1-19-1991
actor: "Lux Radio Theatre"
10-06-1908 - Carole Lombard - Fort Wayne, IN - d. 1-19-1942
actress: "The Circle"; "Hollywood Hotel"
11-09-1913 - Hedy Lamarr - Vienna, Austria - d. 1-19-2000
actress: "Lux Radio Theatre"
12-27-1879 - Sidney Greenstreet - Sandwich, England - d. 1-19-1954
actor: Nero Wolfe "Advs. of Nero Wolfe"; "Hollywood Star Preview"
Ron Sayles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2004 02:15:56 -0500
From: "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Fran Striker Lone Ranger Novels
Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2004 21:17:06 -0500
From: danhughes@[removed]
And while I'm asking, were Striker's Lone Ranger novels written at about
the same comprehension level as his radio scripts? Or were they more
"adult" than the radio version?
It's been a few years, but I've read a few of the Fran Striker Lone Ranger
novels, and I
thought they were about the same level as the radio shows, though perhaps
more detailed in
the written medium.
Did you expect an exploration of the LR's sex life in the novels? ;->
--
A. Joseph Ross, [removed] [removed]
15 Court Square, Suite 210 lawyer@[removed]
Boston, MA 02108-2503 [removed]
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2004 02:16:38 -0500
From: George Aust <austhaus1@[removed];
To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Radio in 1910 and in1922
Christopher Werner posted:
(1910) Radio wasn't invented yet. 1922, dad was
12 years old when the first broadcasts occured - and only in isolated
locations.
Sorry Christopher, but radio was invented long before your father was born in
1910. Ever hear of Marconi?:)
Actually Charles Herrold had started experimental broadcasting in San Jose
California in 1909 as others such as Reginald Fesenden had in other parts of
the USA. But it was Charles Herrold who first commenced regularly scheduled
broadcasts in 1912. His station which eventually became KCBS San Francisco,
is still broadcasting today.
George Aust
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2004 11:47:06 -0500
From: "Christian Blees" <journalistenbuero@[removed];
To: "OTR digest" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: song: "heigh ho, the radio"
hello,
I'd like to know who the singer(s) is/are of the song "heigh ho, the
radio". the song was featured in the film "the big broadcast from 1937".
thank you very much,
Christian
E-mail: blees@[removed]
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2004 Issue #28
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