------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2002 : Issue 134
A Part of the [removed]!
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Today in otr history [ Joe Mackey <joemackey108@[removed] ]
Re: Radio Stars on the Record [ Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed] ]
The Idiot Weekly [ "david rogers" <david_rogers@hotmai ]
Hal Stone to be at Seattle Conventio [ HRRMIKES@[removed] ]
Gunsmoke, from radio to television [ Charlie Summers <charlie@[removed] ]
Radio- Sixty Years Ago This Week [ khovard@[removed] ]
Trivia Answers For Kevin Michaels [ Eric J Cooper <ejcooper2002@[removed] ]
RE: "HUMPF" & HAL STONE [ Kevin Michaels <kmichaels@doityours ]
What to know for Cincy [ "Holm, Chris " <[removed]@delphiau ]
Cliff-dropping cars [ leemunsick@[removed] ]
OBSCURE OR LOST SHOWS [ PURKASZ@[removed] ]
Reading for the Blind in Pittsburgh [ FKELLY <fkelly@[removed]; ]
Harvey in Brooklynn,NY [ "Don Belden" <dbelden@[removed]; ]
Re: gary owens sound bites [ Alan/Linda Bell <alanlinda43@yahoo. ]
Tales Of The Texas Rangers [ "Donald & Kathleen Dean" <dxk@ezlin ]
Tales Of The Texas Rangers solved [ "Donald & Kathleen Dean" <dxk@ezlin ]
OTR trivia [ " Dial" <epminney@[removed]; ]
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 10:32:01 -0400
From: Joe Mackey <joemackey108@[removed];
To: otr-net <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Today in otr history
From Those Were The Days --
1941 - Earle Graser, the eight-year voice of the radio program, The Lone
Ranger, died in an auto accident. Brace Beemer, previously the show’s
announcer, took over the title role and stayed on the air for 14 years.
Joe
--
Visit my home page:
[removed]~[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 10:33:49 -0400
From: Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Radio Stars on the Record
Dave Walter wrote:
But when Gosden and Correll did their Sam 'n Henry and Amos 'n
Andy sides for Victor over two decades earlier, is there any evidence that
stations in, say, Kansas City, Tampa or Seattle that were not NBC or "Amos
'n Andy" syndication affiliates would play them on their air? Or, for that
matter, would any Chicago stations other than WGN or WMAQ dare to play them?
That's a good question -- and something I've wondered about myself. I
have an entire filing cabinet full of articles and clippings published
during the A&A "craze period" of 1929-31, and in all that material I
haven't found a single reference to any station playing any of the A&A or
S&H Victor records on the air. There *were* companies which used the A&A
Victor records as unauthorized promotional tie-ins -- one firm sold cheap
floor-model phonographs by mail order, giving away the A&A Victor records
as a premium, and "Amos 'n' Andy" is the most prominent phrase in their
ad. I doubt that Victor (or Correll and Gosden) appreciated this at all.
The times being what they were, my inclination is to think that yes,
there's a very good chance that some of the smaller, more rural stations
might have tried it, given how overwhelming the A&A craze was during the
first half of 1930. However, the NBC legal department was extremely
active during this period, cracking down on anything that might be seen
as a copyright violation relating to A&A -- for example, it was an
injunction from NBC Legal that put a stop to movie theatres advertising
"Hear A&A Tonight From Our Stage" -- and I suspect that this may have
intimidated any larger or more urban stations from trying to get away
with using the Victor records. The possibility of misuse of the records
may also be the most reasonable explanation for why Correll and Gosden's
career as recording artists came to a very abrupt end in April 1930 --
after their final Victor release, recorded that month, they didn't record
commercially again until 1947.
However, there would have been only limited value in playing the records
on air -- being that they were generic comedy skits which really didn't
have much to do with the actual radio program, they would have had a
novelty value but not much more. Stations couldn't have used the Victor
records to simulate the continuing storylines which were the real basis
of the program's appeal, and after one or two playings, the novelty value
would probably have worn off.
Elizabeth
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 10:32:15 -0400
From: "david rogers" <david_rogers@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: The Idiot Weekly
I am trying to catalogue my Goons collection and other Spike Milligan
related stuff that I have. Amongst my stuff are some shows called "The Idiot
Weekly". Can anybody offer me any information about these shows (seemingly
made in Australia) or where to find information on them on the web?
Love as always, David Rogers
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 10:33:56 -0400
From: HRRMIKES@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Hal Stone to be at Seattle Convention!
The Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound based in Seattle truly enjoy putting on
their Radio Showcase (OTR Convention) and we continue striving to make each
Showcase better than any of the previous ones. YES!, we are especially
excited today. We've just confirmed that Hal Stone will be able to join us
on June 28-29. Sure, he was Jughead, but he is so much more as we learned
when he was a guest at a regular monthly meeting. Hal will be stepping into
acting roles and we expect that he will be directing a show and that he will
be on a panel. Developing details on the convention will be posted on our
site [removed]
Mike Sprague
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 10:58:48 -0400
From: Charlie Summers <charlie@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Gunsmoke, from radio to television
Folks;
There's been some discussion of late about the transition from the radio
cast of Gunsmoke to the television one. Our own Harry Bartell has a unique
perspective on that transition; in 1953 he accompanied the radio cast to
Knotts Berry Farm with his camera to demonstrate to the CBS brass that the
radio cast _could_ perform their roles in the television version. He's been
kind enough to share the photos, as well as commentary, with us. See:
[removed]
...for a link to the photos page. Each small photo on the page links to a
larger photo - and they are all amazing.
Charlie
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 11:46:06 -0400
From: khovard@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Radio- Sixty Years Ago This Week
I read with interest Michael Edwards' posting.
Yes indeed, sixty years ago, radio was deep into fighting the war.
April
11 will be the 60th anniversary of broadcast of "The Enemy," one of the
shows in Norman Corwin's four network series which CBS produced at the
request of the government. As I discuss in great detail in my forthcoming
history of wartime radio drama, "Words at War" (see below), the series
was a complex production which put Corwin under great strain. It featured
the work of some very well known actors: Paul Muni, Robert Montgomery,
Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Fredric Marchand John Garfiled among others. Kurt
Weill whose centenary is being celebrated right now, now wrote the music
for at least one of the plays.
Scarecrow Press plans to issue "Words at War," my book about radio in
the World War II era, in October. The full title is "Words at War: World
War II Era Radio Drama and the Postwar Broadcasting Industry Blacklist."
It's based on extensive archival research and my interviews of Art
Carney, Arthur Miller, Norman Corwin, Jackson Beck, Pete Seeger, Clifton
Fadiman, Arthur Laurents and many others. The publisher will retail it
for $[removed] However, I have negotiated a pre-publication bulk purchase so
that I can offer it at $[removed]
For a pre-publication order or a fuller description of the book, please
send a message with a. your home address b. the number of copies desired
to Khovard@[removed] or Howard Blue, 1951 Valentines Rd., Westbury, NY
11590. No payment is required at this time.
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 12:30:11 -0400
From: Eric J Cooper <ejcooper2002@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Trivia Answers For Kevin Michaels
Well, I can do two of them, Kevin/Alex/Regis--
Answer to Number 3--<< What "Soap" actress holds the record for not
missing one single performance in her entire career>> Virginia Payne
played Ma Perkins 7065 times over 27 years
Answer to Number 4 <<Because of the panic caused by WOTW, what rule was
handed down by the FCC and the NAB (National Assn. Of Broadcasters)>>
No news bulletin/newsflash simulations within entertainment programs,
especially drama
Eric Cooper
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 21:13:02 -0400
From: Kevin Michaels <kmichaels@[removed];
To: "Radio Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: RE: "HUMPF" & HAL STONE
Mr. Stone, I humbly apoligize to you for leaving your name off the child
stars list - but - I assumed that all the digesters knew who you were & are,
and therefore felt it was not necessary to mention your [removed] all,
THE KING does not need any introduction. I hope this apology will put me
back in your good graces. Still friends?
Kevin Michaels
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 21:13:08 -0400
From: "Holm, Chris " <[removed]@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: What to know for Cincy
As I indicated on this list a few issues ago, I'll be going to the Cincinnati
convention for the first time this year. I was hoping that the members of
the digest would let me know if there is anything I should make a special
effort to bring, know, see, do, etc. while I'm there. Thanks.
-Chris Holm
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 21:13:53 -0400
From: leemunsick@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Cliff-dropping cars
Re Herb Harrison's intriguing comment about cars being run off of cliffs in
"The Whistler".
The movies added a remarkable twist to this scene, which I'm sure no-one
previously had envisioned in the "Theatre of the Mind". A car chase would
ensue with late 1930 or early 1940 model autos screeching and screaming all
over, and finally the lead car (the one with the villains in it, or the
hero if it was a cliff-hanging serial) went flying off the cliff.
Then a miracle occurred! In the second or so of actual footage showing the
car soaring into space and then crashing below, the vehicle itself had aged
15 to 20 years!
Imagine what happened to the people inside! Probably already turned to
skeletons!
Directors continued to use this device throughout the black and white era,
and I've even seen it occasionally in a color film, where the film stock
itself aged, switching from color to monochrome! Amazing. The directors
preferred to wreck a stock-footage car than a new one.
I wonder if the director of "The Dukes of Hazzard" ever thought of
this. They managed to destroy every existing vehicle of the model they
called the "Robert E. Lee". If you don't believe me, go try to buy one!
I know this is a bit off topic, but thought it apt.
Lee Munsick
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 21:14:31 -0400
From: PURKASZ@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: OBSCURE OR LOST SHOWS
Does anyone know or have access to the following shows?
I am in touch with the widow of the actor Canada Lee who did some radio
as well as film work back in the 40's.
She is assembling a book for historical records and is hoping there may
be some of his radio work out there somewhere.
I told her of the immense generosity and vast collection of radio amongst
my fellow members in the OTR world.
I hope I can give her some good news soon.
Any radio programs with Canada Lee would be most appreciated. Contact me
personally and we will work out a transfer.
In particular she is looking for:
JUDGMENT DAY 8/22/1942 and 7/27/1942 -produced by the Eastern Defense
Command
In cooperation with the Blue Network (NBC) each Sunday
And, "[removed] Treasury Parade Nov. 10, '42"
Thank you all.
Frances Pearson
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 21:14:46 -0400
From: FKELLY <fkelly@[removed];
To: OTR List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Reading for the Blind in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh has a very vital 24-hour-a-day on-the-air service for those
who are print handicapped. This includes many folks who are not legally
blind, incidentally.
It's called Radio Information Service and it has been serving the
community for more than 25 years. It operates on a subcarrier of a 25kw
NPR station so it covers a large area.
If you live near Pittsburgh and want to help, you can call (412)
488-3944. I'm sure similar services exist in may large cities.
--
Frank Kelly
Pittsburgh PA
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 21:15:08 -0400
From: "Don Belden" <dbelden@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Harvey in Brooklynn,NY
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain
Harvey,
I am sorry that I lost your email address, and could quite read you snailmail
address.
I want to thank you for sending CD of the mp3 files that I requested. I hope
that I can
repay your kindness someday.
Don in Denver
*** This message was altered by the server, and may not appear ***
*** as the sender intended. ***
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 23:11:29 -0400
From: Alan/Linda Bell <alanlinda43@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: gary owens sound bites
To Chet <cien@[removed];:
Thanks SOOOO much for posting the website with the Gary Owens clips!
I was in high school in 1958-61 in Santa Rosa California, listening
to him on KEWB SF/Oakland, and by golly, there he is, doing his silly
business from way back when. Wow, what a treat!
If only there was a clip of his "insult thy neighbor" bit, in which
you were supposed put your radio in the open window facing out with
the volume cranked up so he could holler creative and hilarious
insults. Thanks again.
Alan
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 23:57:50 -0400
From: "Donald & Kathleen Dean" <dxk@[removed];
To: "Old Time Radio Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Tales Of The Texas Rangers
I've been listening to a series called Tales of Texas Rangers
starring Joel McCrae as Ranger Jace Pearson that aired from
1950 through 1952 (I think). Many familiar OTR voices
appeared in this show. OK, I know that Joel McCrae was
one of the great western movie stars. However, when the
announcer is giving the cast members at the end of the show
he mentions that Stacy Keach is the producer and director.
Is this the same Stacy Keach (movie star) we know today?
Anyone know?
Don Dean N8IOJ
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 8 Apr 2002 23:59:01 -0400
From: "Donald & Kathleen Dean" <dxk@[removed];
To: "Old Time Radio Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Tales Of The Texas Rangers solved
Why didn't I think of this before I wrote the last posting?
Another one of those senior moments, I guess. Anyway,
I went to the Stacy Keach official web site [removed]
and answered my own question. The info below is from
that site. I thought it quite interesting and something I didn't
know and thought I'd pass it along.
Stacy Keach (Jr.) was born in Savannah, Georgia on June 2, 1941.
His parents tell the story that the night he was born there was a fire
at their small house due to the fact that lightning hit the chimney and
it caught on fire. Stacy's parents (who celebrate their 63rd wedding
anniversary this year) have often referred to that moment as "a sign
of someone special coming into the world". The question is, was this
a good sign or a bad sign. Ask Stacy's folks and they'll tell you it was
good, except for the fact that Dad had to rush back to the house to let
the firemen in while Mom was having the baby, and Dad later
discovered that his fire insurance didn't quite cover the damages.
Keach, Sr. was teaching Drama at the time at Armstrong Junior College,
and was a making modest salary, but he really wanted to try his luck in
Hollywood.
Soon afterwards, dad was called out to the Pasadena Playhouse to join
the company as both an actor and a director. So, in the early days of
1942, Mary and Stacy Sr. put their young son, Stacy, in the back of
their Nash rambler and headed for Pasadena, California.
Stacy Keach, Sr., has been a successful actor, producer, writer and
director for over fifty years. He created, produced and directed the
legendary "Tales of the Texas Rangers" for NBC Radio in the early
1950's. The show still airs on KNX 1070 on Thursday nights. The
Ranger Show was also included in the Smithsonian Archive Presentation
of the most famous Radio Detective shows of the 20th Century. In the
world of commercials, Stacy Sr. recently played the crotchety old
chairman of the board for [removed] after his success as the grouchy
Mercury patriarch, and was seen as Clarence Birdseye for over five years.
Active as a Rotarian and a member of the Pacific Pioneer Broadcasters,
Stacy St. gives back to the community, is a loving husband, father and
grandfather, and serves as a great role model for both Stacy Jr. and his
brother, James.
And so there you have it, folks. As Paul Harvey would say
"Now you know the rest of the story".
Don Dean N8IOJ
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 9 Apr 2002 00:12:08 -0400
From: " Dial" <epminney@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: OTR trivia
Virginia Payne as Ma Perkins had a formidable 27-year career playing
the title role.
The Theme from Frontier Fighters goes on forever--don't know whether
it's 2 minutes 30 seconds.
Elizabeth Minney
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2002 Issue #134
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