------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2004 : Issue 160
A Part of the [removed]!
[removed]
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Hal Peary/Willard Waterman [ Doug Berryhill <fibbermac@[removed] ]
George D. Hay [ Udmacon@[removed] ]
Re: Art Linkletter [ Mark J Cuccia <mcuccia@[removed]; ]
Arch Oboler Movie [ ilamfan@[removed] ]
Shadow and Benny revisited [ JackBenny@[removed] ]
Re: Chicken Heart / The Dark [ Steven Kelez <otrsteve@[removed]; ]
Re:Art Linkletter [ Ercjncpr@[removed] ]
Re: Archie Program titles [ hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed]; ]
Linkletter on the air [ DanHaefele@[removed] ]
Mr Keen [ "Irene Heinstein" <IreneTH@[removed] ]
5-10 births/deaths [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
Did CBS "understand" "Gunsmoke" [ "David Ballarotto" <balla@earthlink ]
Alan King Dead at 76 [ Sean Dougherty <seandd@[removed] ]
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 8 May 2004 23:58:04 -0400
From: Doug Berryhill <fibbermac@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Hal Peary/Willard Waterman
I'm sure that most Digest subscribers are familiar
with the story of Hal Peary leaving the starring role
in "The Great Gildersleeve" in some sort of contract
dispute and being replaced by Willard Waterman. The
timbre of Waterman's voice was so similar to Peary's
that the switch in leading men was a nearly seamless
transition and Waterman continued in the role for many
years.
I just stumbled accross an episode of a 15 minute
program called "We Care" dated 09-26-48 and entitled
"The Bimbo from Limbo" which features both Peary and
Waterman. (FYI, the title doesn't mean what you think
it means.)
I thought that it was a cardinal sin for a show to
contain two actors with such similar voices. This
particular instance may have been permitted because
the characters portrayed by Peary and Waterman in this
story have no direct dialogue with each other. Still,
since the potential for confusing those two voices is
so great, I thought that this was rather odd casting.
Is anyone out there aware of any other instances where
these two actors appear together in the same episode
on radio?
"Wonderful World"
-FIBBERMAC-
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 8 May 2004 23:58:54 -0400
From: Udmacon@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: George D. Hay
Hi, Mike Biel:
The "Solemn Old Judge" had a name for his steamboat whistle:
"HUSHPAKINA". (sp)
I believe it was named after a small town on the Mississippi.
Judge Hay' daughter, Margaret Hay VanDamm, lives in Albuquerque. She's a
retired English professor from Old Dominion University in Virginia and has
expressed a wish that SOMEBODY do a television documentary on her Father.
I wrote the PBS show, the "American Experience" to see how this could be
done. They informed me that they'd take a look at a completed product that I
would send them. Yeah, right.
Anyway, I've had the extreme pleasure of portraying Judge Hay twice during
conventions of the International Bluegrass Music Association (complete with
an imitation Hushpakina).
We recreated the Opry of the '30s calling it the "Oldtime Opry Variety
Barndance Jamboree" and featured appropriate commercials and the cast sitting
in back of me waiting to go on (and clowning around with each other much to
"the Judge's"
dismay).
It was an eyeopener for younger audience members while the old farts like
myself just smiled and nodded their heads in rememberence.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 00:56:50 -0400
From: Mark J Cuccia <mcuccia@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Art Linkletter
On Saturday 8 May 2004, Bob Taylor wrote:
What shows did Art Linkletter have on old time radio? When I was a
kid I remember watching House Party when I either stayed home from
school. Playing hooky, lol. lol. Telling mom I had a stomach ache.
She was always a fan of the soaps on [removed] I believe the show on
before House Party was a quiz show, now the name escapes me now, but
was Linkletter on the radio with a similar program?
Art Linkletter was on radio going back to the 1940s.
He was on "People are Funny", which could be like a quiz or game show,
on radio and later on TV. It was on NBC for a while, but I also think
that "People are Funny" might have been on CBS at one time.
In the mid-1950s, NBC-TV was running a filmed version of "People are
Funny", and the audio track wsa also run on NBC Radio. This was NOT a
"simulcast", becuase I think that each media aired the program at
different times/days. MAYBE the episode aired on each media was the same
for that week though?
As for "Houseparty", it too aired on radio and TV during the same time
period. The radio version was separate from the TV version although it
was probably simply the audio track of the TV version but with some
"added/different" program content thrown in.
The radio edition was still airing on CBS Radio as late as 1967. That's
not a typo, it was one-nine-six-seven, when Johnson was still President
and Vietnam was big news on Cronkite and Huntely-Brinkley (and Monitor
too).... The radio version of Art Linkletter's Houseparty was very much
promoted by CBS Radio during the 1960s as part of one of the remaining
weekday personality/variety radio programs still around (Godfrey and
Garry Moore being two other daytime variety programs still around on the
CBS Radio Network).
The TV version of "Art Linkletter's Houseparty" ran on CBS-TV from Fall
1952 thru Fall 1968. Note that this ended about a year after the radio
version was cancelled.
I checked Curt Alliume's historical CBS-TV Daytime schedule page
[removed] at his TV nostaglia website
(mostly devoted to game shows), and it seems that "Houseparty" ran from
2:30-3pm Eastern for most of its run. I assume that it was "LIVE" in the
eaerliest of years, and then by the later 1950s was pre-taped. The radio
edition might have started out initially as a simulcast (similar to
Arthur Godfrey Time being LIVE on both CBS Radio and CBS-TV in the 1950s
era).
Curt also has other historical network TV daytime schedule pages:
[removed]
[removed]
The TV program preceeding "Houseparty" on CBS-TV, in the 2-2:30pm
Eastern slot was a game/quiz or personality/variety type prgram
throughout most of the 1950s. In 1959/60, the preceeding program was a
short lived soap "For Better or Worse"; in 1960/61, the 2-2:30pm time
slot was another short lived soap "Full Circle". But from 1961 thru
1967, Goodson-Toddman's game show "Password" with Allan Ludden (CBS-TV
daytime edition) ran on the CBS Television Network, weekdays form
2-2:30pm Eastern, just before "Houseparty". (In 1967/68, a new soap
"Love is a Many Splendored Thing" began on CBS-TV in that 2-2:30pm time
slot, for five years -- it was also "owned" by the network too!).
Also, originally airing on CBS-TV in primetime, on Monday 10-Jan-1966,
Art Linkletter was a guest on "The Lucy Show". He played himself, as
host of his own TV show which gave away money and prizes to people who
did "silly things" and accomplished their "tasks". In that "Lucy Show"
episode, she was picked by Linkletter to do a stunt where she would
remain completely silent for 24 [removed] she couldn't speak one bit.
And if successful, Linkletter was going to give her a sum of money.
He also picked "another woman out of the audience" who was supposed to
be a total stranger, to follow Lucy around and report back if she kept
quiet or talked. If Lucy talked, then this other lady would win that sum
of money. She was also part of the Linkletter "staff", and Linkletter
told the audience this, but not until Lucy and the lady had left the
studio for the next 24 hours. This lady was played by Doris Singleton,
who had played Carolyn Appleby earlier on "I Love Lucy" in the 1950s,
and she was a regular voice on many old radio shows of the 1940s and
50s too.
Linkletter also appeaerd as "himself" on a "Here's Lucy" episode on
CBS-TV on 7-December-1970, that episode entitled "Lucy Loses her Cool".
Mark J. Cuccia
mcuccia@[removed]
New Orleans LA
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 00:57:30 -0400
From: ilamfan@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed] (OTR Bulletin Board)
Subject: Arch Oboler Movie
John Sexton asked about the Arch Oboler movie:
I have the movie on DVD from Rhino Home Video - it's titled "The Bubble"
and is filmed in "Fourth Dimensional SPACE VISION" (rather poor 'full color'
3D). It comes with 2 pair of 3D glasses, red/blue cellophane. Stars Michael
Cole, Deborah Walley, and Johnny Desmond, written/directed/produced by Arch
Oboler. Made in 1966, very forgettable.
I don't recall much of the story, or of the direction, or of the acting,
but I DO remember being very [removed] OTR Arch Oboler-esque
here. Something like a watered-down (to the point of being homeopathic!)
Twilight Zone episode, which wasn't good enough to get aired.
I have no idea if this was ever done as a radio drama, but if it was, it
probably deserves to be "lost". Maybe the idea worked well in Oboler's mind
as radio, and it didn't translate well to the big screen.
At least it was a cheap DVD!
Stephen Jansen
--
Old Time Radio never dies - it
just changes formats!
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 01:48:47 -0400
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Shadow and Benny revisited
Anthony Tollin writes:
I didn't mention that it was Ralph Ashe impersonating The Shadow in "Who
Killed Mr. X?" only because you (Laura) had only recently provided that
piece
of information and I didn't want to jump the gun on its publication in the
revised edition of 39 FOREVER (which I intend to order this weekend).
Much appreciated, Anthony. I have no problem with releasing this tidbit,
since there's hundreds of such tidbits in the book (*subliminal suggestion*
BUY
39 FOREVER). [removed] played all the different dwarves/gangsters in the two
versions of "Snow White and the Seven Gangsters"? It's in the book.
I'd be very interested in learning which episodes of THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM
Frank Readick appeared on.
As far as I can see, none up to May 1942. It might be possible that he
played a bit part that wasn't credited in the script, or be one of the actors
for
whom I have a first name but no last name. But I haven't found any from 1932
to May 1942 where he is mentioned as a performer, or indicated anywhere in the
script. For September 1942 to 1955, you'll have to give me until next year to
give you an authoritative answer.
Thanks again for your consideration.
--Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 01:49:43 -0400
From: Steven Kelez <otrsteve@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Chicken Heart / The Dark
Not to be contrary to what has been stated concerning the availability of the original
Lights Out broadcasts, Chicken Heart and the Dark, but I have a recording of each of
these programs that is definitely not from the "Drop Dead" album that is often stated
as being the source for these recordings. I have the album, and the recordings I am
now describing do not originate from the album. Each lasts about 8 - 10 minutes, while
the album is much shorter. Each contains a bit more of the story. While it is most
likely that who ever originated these dubbed the Lights Out openings (especially since
the openings are from the later 30 minute series), the drama content really sounds
like it was recorded during the 1930's. The actors all sound old, and I think they
sound professional. If it's a reenactment, so be it. But it's done well, and it is a
different source than the Drop Dead record. Whether or not it's authentic I'll let a
more knowledgeable person decide. And besides, I'd like to know the origin of these
recordings myself.
Steven Kelez
RADIO SHOWCASE
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 09:45:39 -0400
From: Ercjncpr@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re:Art Linkletter
Art Linkletter was heard on radio, mostly in the following:
People Are Funny April 1942 to June 1960
House Party January 1945 to October 1967
Eric Cooper
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 09:46:21 -0400
From: hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Archie Program titles
A few days ago, Irene, the "Greek Goddess" Heinstein" asked,
I'm hoping Hal Stone can use his gray cells to help me out on this.
I've been sorting out Archie Andrews files because there are a lot of date
and title conflicts in episode logging by collectors. There are about 42
episodes now listed as 'available'. I wish Hal could dig up some more.
Irene, Irene, Irene. It's not nice to embarrass an old man. Isn't it enough
that I remember the names of the people in the cast? :)
Everyday I kick myself for not keeping my copy of the script. I usually gave
them away (following the broadcast) to friends of mine who would show up in
the studio audience.
Remember now, there were approximately 10 years worth of shows, so that's
got to be about 500 episodes. I was 13 when I started, and my "Grey cells"
were not into absorbing trivial details, (like episode titles). Just the
phone numbers and vital statistics of the good looking girls in the
audience.
Hal(Harlan)Stone
Jughead
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 09:57:38 -0400
From: DanHaefele@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Linkletter on the air
Bob Taylor asked what shows Art Linkletter did on radio. I know several
others will post complete details, but this topic gives me the opportunity to
poke fun at myself in public. I was a ten year old (in 1963) visiting my
grandmother when I found her washing dishes and listening to Linkletter's
show on
the radio. I had seen the show on TV many times and asked, "Grandma, why are
you listening to this on the radio when you could SEE it on TV?" Grandma
Haefele politely pointed out that she could enjoy the program just as well
while
she got her housework done. I thought Grandma was maybe just a little crazy.
(And I recall she listened also to Dear Abby which, at least, wasn't on TV so
that seemed a little more sane to this young child.) But a decade later I
laughed at myself while I was washing dishes in my home and listening, via the
magic of magnetic tape, to radio shows. I guess Grandma got the last laugh.
(And now I wish I had recordings of the Dear Abby shows!)
Dan Haefele
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 14:39:35 -0400
From: "Irene Heinstein" <IreneTH@[removed];
To: "OTR" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Mr Keen
Thomas Pawlak asked about the number of Mr Keen programs available.
I have 57 episodes and according to many loggers that is about the number
available, at least now. Hopefully more will surface.
I also have a Bob and Ray episode from 1960 about 'Mr Trace, Keener Than
Most Persons' :))
Question:
In the 1944 programs I've listened to, the announcer Larry Elliott (whose
son was a friend of my brother's way back when) refers to the time of the
show as 7:30, Eastern War Time.
What was Eastern War Time? Standard time? or what.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 15:19:48 -0400
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: 5-10 births/deaths
May 10th births
05-10-1888 - Max Steiner - Vienna, Austria - d. 12-28-1971
composer: "Lux Radio Theatre"
05-10-1894 - Frank Knight - St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada - d. 10-18-1973
actor, announcer: Dr. Billbert "Arabesque"; "Literary Digest"
05-10-1899 - Fred Astaire - Omaha, NE - d. 6-22-1987
dancer, actor: "Fred Astaire Show"
05-10-1899 - Lois Holmes - Galion, OH - d. 3-12-1986
actress: Jane Waters "Second Mrs. Burton"
05-10-1902 - David O. Selznick - Pittsburgh, PA - d. 6-22-1965
film producer: "Lux Radio Theatre"; "Bud's Bandwagon"
05-10-1909 - Maybelle Carter - Nickelsville, VA - d. 10-23-1978
singer: (Queen of Country Music) "Grand Ole Opry"
05-10-1911 - Lee Sullivan - NYC - d. 5-29-1981
singer: "Vest Pocket Varieties"; "Serenade to America"
05-10-1914 - Charles McGraw - NYC - d. 7-30-1980
actor: Ken Thurston "Man Called X", "Dragnet"; "Suspense"
05-10-1921 - Nancy Walker - Philadelphia, PA - d. 3-25-1992
actress: "Mail Call"
05-10-1922 - Mary Small - Baltimore, MD
singer: (Little Miss Bab-O) "Little Miss Bab-O's Surprise Party"
May 10th deaths01-25-1920 - Roy Rowan - d. 5-10-1998
announcer: "Escape"; "Gunsmoke"; "Rogers of the Gazette"; "Young Love"
02-06-1913 - John Lund - Rochester, NY - d. 5-10-1992
actor: Johnny Dollar "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar"; Chaplain Jim "Chaplain Jim"
02-07-1895 - Irving Aaronson - NYC - d. 5-10-1963
orchestra leader: Big Band Remotes
02-13-1932 - Susan Oliver - NYC - d. 5-10-1990
actress: "Zero Hour"
03-23-1904 - Joan Crawford - San Antonio, TX - d. 5-10-1977
actress: "Arch Oboler's Plays"; "Everyman's Theatre"; "Screen Guild Theatre"
10-04-1929 - Scotty Bekcett - CA - d. 5-10-1968
actor: Chester A. Riley, Jr. "Life of Riley"
--
Ron Sayles
For a complete list:
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 17:18:49 -0400
From: "David Ballarotto" <balla@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Did CBS "understand" "Gunsmoke"
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain
Hi, I'm relatively new here, so if this has been gone over before, please
forgive. I'm having a hard time figuring out if CBS understood what it had
with "Gunsmoke," and understood it was trying to be a different, adult
western. Obviously, with John Weston's job at the network and his
involvement in "Gunsmoke," you'd think so. But in the early episodes, when
you hear the tags for other shows at the end, most of the time they're for
"Hopalong Cassidy," as if they were aimed at the same audience. And then as
soon as the show picked up sponsorship, whoever the sales rep was for the
show sells it to Post Cereal. The commercials, especially for Sugar
Krinkles, seem to be aimed at a juvenile audience. Does anyone know why
Post's sponsorship ended after just a period of months? It seems like it's
the wrong product for the audience.
You have to wonder why it would take more than a year for the show to get a
sponsor like Liggett and Myers.
*** This message was altered by the server, and may not appear ***
*** as the sender intended. ***
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 22:09:33 -0400
From: Sean Dougherty <seandd@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Alan King Dead at 76
While I'm not aware if Alan King did any old time radio performing, he was
clearly a descendant of that type of humor and his New York Times obituary
mentions his friendships with performers like Jack Benny and Milton Berle,
so I'm submitting.
Sean Dougherty
SeanDD@[removed]
ALAN King, Exemplar of Jewish Comedy, Dies at 76
New York Times - USA
... Las Vegas and a few other places besides, from David Dinkins to Henny
Youngman, from the Kennedys to the McEnroes, from Frank Sinatra and Jack
Benny to Bugsy ...
<[removed];en
=c1288f6cda6b0ea0&ei=5062>
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2004 Issue #160
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