Subject: [removed] Digest V2002 #257
From: "OldRadio Mailing Lists" <[removed]@[removed];
Date: 7/9/2002 7:13 AM
To: <[removed]@[removed];

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


                            The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                              Volume 2002 : Issue 257
                         A Part of the [removed]!
                                 ISSN: 1533-9289


                                 Today's Topics:

  Re: Pete Kelly's Blues                [ "Michael Hayde" <mmeajv@[removed]; ]
  Re: The Solemn Old Judge              [ "Michael Hayde" <mmeajv@[removed]; ]
  Re: candid microphone                 [ Fred Berney <berney@[removed]; ]
  FM Development                        [ "Marvin R. Bensman" <mbensman@memph ]
  Openings - Hook or Art                [ "william mahan" <wmahan@[removed]; ]
  Those confounded initials             [ otrbuff@[removed] ]
  Jack Benny in To Be or Not To Be      [ "John Orinjok " <John@[removed] ]
  Candid Microphone or Telephone?       [ "Merv" <merv@[removed]; ]
  "Hymns that Live"                     [ davesline@[removed] ]
  Edison -- the other building          [ jlawrence@[removed] ]
  Caffine Free Moxie                    [ Jon Martin <mart459@[removed]; ]
  Another NBC Chimes Question           [ Vntager8io@[removed] ]
  Drinks in the house                   [ jlawrence@[removed] ]
  The Day I was [removed]                  [ "welsa" <welsa@[removed]; ]
  The Twilight Zone new radio show?     [ "Rodney w bowcock jr." <rodney-self ]
  Whistling Themes                      [ otrbuff@[removed] ]
  More on Moxie                         [ Jon Martin <mart459@[removed]; ]
  Bob & Ray on a Schenectady train      [ leemunsick@[removed] ]
  NBC Chimes                            [ leemunsick@[removed] ]
  Them chimes agin!                     [ leemunsick@[removed] ]
  What was on the day you were born     [ "Scott D. Livingston" <sdl@[removed] ]
  rambling thoughts                     [ "ron potter" <repo4958@[removed] ]
  Tape Hiss/Help!                       [ Wwtom@[removed] ]

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:04:19 -0400
From: "Michael Hayde" <mmeajv@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: Pete Kelly's Blues

Dennis Townsend asked several questions about "Pete Kelly's Blues."

The series ran for 13 weeks in the summer of 1951.  During that time, Webb
also did "Dragnet."  I haven't seen a complete log yet, but someone may have
one on the 'net somewhere.  I hope so.  I've wanted to do one, but haven't
had the time.  I'm also not sure how many are [removed] I *think* there
are five out there of varying quality, but I've only *heard* two.

Strange thing: UCLA's Arts Library has a *lot* of Webb's radio scripts (his
personal copies, donated after his death in 1982), including several for
"Pat Novak," and his 1946 comedy series "The Jack Webb Show," and *all* the
"Dragnet" [removed] but NOT ONE "PKB" radio script.  Either these went to a
friend or colleague, or Webb literally cannibalized them to create scripts
for the 1959 TV version (all 13 of *those* scripts are at UCLA).

Finally, to answer Dennis's "easy one": the announcer for the opening was
George Fenneman.

Michael

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:04:34 -0400
From: "Michael Hayde" <mmeajv@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: The Solemn Old Judge

Chris Chandler wrote:
I'm looking urgently for corroboration on a
bit of Louisville folklore.  It's said a nice fellow
passed through town in 1926 with what the locals
thought was a silly [removed]"Old Judge"..and
proposed a Saturday night barn dance-type show.  The
snooty station managers reportedly felt this was FAR
beneath their dignity, and the nice man went south to
Nashville--and put the Grand Ole Opry on the air!
This story is widely believed here in Kentucky, but I
can't find any documentation of it.

For a good reason: the story is almost certainly not true, and here's why:

Announcer George D. Hay, aka "The Solemn Old Judge," began working life as a
reporter for The Memphis Commercial-Appeal.  While still in his twenties,
the paper sent him to cover the funeral of a Marine hero of WWI, which took
place in Mammoth Spring AK.  While there, Hay was invited to attend a local
'hoedown,' and developed a taste for southern-style folk music (there being
no "country" label at the time).

Shortly afterwards Hay literally "talked" himself into a career as a radio
announcer for station WMC in Memphis, owned by the Commercial-Appeal.  In
1924, he was offered the job of chief announcer for WLS in Chicago and
became one of the earliest voices for "The WLS Barn Dance."  In October
1925, Hay was an invited guest for the grand opening of Nashville's WSM,
where he was offered the job of program director.  Longing to return to
Southern climes, Hay eagerly accepted.  The following month, he would
inaugerate the Saturday-night broadcast of fiddle tunes that, within a short
time, would evolve into WSM's own "Barn Dance" and be eventually be titled
"The Grand Ole Opry."

Hay remained with the show and the station for the remainder of his career.
It's not likely that he would be looking to leave a "dream job" to start
fresh in Louisville; in any case, the program had been started the year
prior to this bit of Kentucky folklore.  At most he may have visited their
station and suggested they begin their own rural-music program; possibly
(although I don't know for sure if this would have been technically
possible) he offered them a feed of the show in the hopes of creating an
ad-hoc network.  (The OPRY didn't go network until the debut of NBC's "The
Prince Albert Show" on 10/14/39).  Whatever the case, no such story appears
or is even hinted at in my source for this info, Chet Hagan's excellent 1989
book "Grand Ole Opry" (Henry Holt & Co.), highly recommended for anyone
interested in the history of this OTR-through-today program.

Michael

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:04:47 -0400
From: Fred Berney <berney@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: candid microphone

I have one Candid Microphone program. On a side note, years ago, when I was
working with Kermit Shaffer, he told me that he had helped Allan Funt get
started in radio.

 From the way he talked, I always felt there was some jealousy towards
Funt. Kermit never reached the heights of popularity that the Candid
Microphone and Candid Camera shows did. Although he produced a number of
Blooper records and two movies.

Fred
[removed]

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:05:23 -0400
From: "Marvin R. Bensman" <mbensman@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  FM Development

Here is an interesting question which I'm sure will get a response
from this group. I have sent on various print citations but this is
an interesting question to ponder. Please respond to group and also
to: Rick Barnes - WG3A@[removed]

"Dear Dr. Bensman:
I am currently working on the comprehensive exam questions for my [removed]
in communications technology management and one of my questions concerns
the migration of American radio audiences from AM to FM in the late
1970s and early 1980'[removed]

I have discussed this with some folks who feel that it wasn't the
superior quality of FM stereo over AM in and of itself that made this
migration take place. Other factors included:
1. The FCC's removal of the "duopoly" rule whereby AM-FM combos could
no longer simulcast.
2. The subsequent development of innovative programming on FM that
enticed audiences to leave AM.
3. The development of AM-FM stereo car radio receivers.
4. Mr. Herb Squire, an engineer in the New York City area that I spoke
with, also contends that the first generation of AM-FM radio receivers
were intentionally made with AM sections that were inferior to earlier
vintage AM-only receivers in an effort to exaggerate the superior
quality of FM stereo audio.

I'm still looking for any articles or books that would support any of
these ideas. I'm also looking for anything that would document the
relative failure of AM stereo technology in the marketplace.

Rick Barnes
Internet News Specialist, Voice of America, Washington, DC
[removed] Candidate, Capella University, Minneapolis, MN
E-mail (home): WG3A@[removed]
E-mail (work): rbarnes@[removed]

--
Professor Marvin R. Bensman, [removed], [removed]
University of Memphis
Department of Communication

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:05:38 -0400
From: "william mahan" <wmahan@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Openings - Hook or Art

Lee Munsick notes a number of radio openings he found memorable.  In many
ways the openings were as important to a show as it writers and actors.  If
the opening didn't grab you like a barker at a carnival, you might not enter
the tent.  But radio openings went way beyond the fluff of a pitch man.  It
was the art in them that appealed to us, and is often what we remember most
about certain shows to this day.  Like the cab ride into the theater
district of Times Square on the First Nighter Program, the powerful musical
openings of Escape and Dragnet; and my favorite, the silence shattering toll
of the bell announcing the Man in Black is about to speak.  An added treat
with Suspense was the way it closed.  The tolling bell faded into silence,
then a pause, and then like a rooster at sunrise, the NBC chimes.  It
doesn't get any better than that.

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:05:57 -0400
From: otrbuff@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Those confounded initials

I'm desperately seeking the first or middle initials of two gentlemen who
acted on Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons and several other series.
Having checked many many sources I'm still at a loss to turn them up.
Can anyone supply first or middle initials of Philip Clarke (the second
permanent Mr. Keen) and James (Jim) Kelly (Mike Clancy)?  I'll sing your
praises forever if you can!  Please communicate with me at once if you
know or can point me to a probable source!  Thanks.

Jim Cox
otrbuff@[removed]

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:16:12 -0400
From: "John Orinjok " <John@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Jack Benny in To Be or Not To Be

Since Jack Benny is known for ridiculing his acting efforts in The Horn Blows
at Midnight and George Washington Slept Here on his radio program, I was
wondering if anybody was aware of his feelings toward To Be or Not To Be.  I
have head many of his programs, and I have never heard it mentioned in either
a positve or negative light.  Was he pround of his effort in the movie or was
it too sensitive a topic with the subject matter and the death of Carol
Lombard?
Just Curious
John

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:15:59 -0400
From: "Merv" <merv@[removed];
To: "OldRadio Mailing Lists" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Candid Microphone or Telephone?

Irene wrote:

Joe Mackey's  'Today in radio history' for 7/6 mentioned

1947 - Candid Microphone debuted on ABC, hosted by Allen Funt

Excuse my ignorance.   Thanks for that info, Joe.  I had no idea that a
candid radio program preceded Candid Camera.

Hello All,

I used to listen to that program, but my memory is that it was called "Candid
Telephone".    Am I wrong.   It was a long time ago and I could be.

My memory is that it consisted of conversations on the [removed]
interviews on a microphone.

Regards,
Merv

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:14:19 -0400
From: davesline@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  "Hymns that Live"

I would like some help with a show (especially from
Canadians) that is new to me so I know nothing about
it. I bought what appeares to be a studio tape of a
show called "Hymns That Live" (originating from the
studios of the Prairie Bible Institute at Three Hill,
Alberta, Canada. Can anyone tell me anything about it?
Thanks, Dave Palmer  davesline@[removed]

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:45:36 -0400
From: jlawrence@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Edison -- the other building

Lee, please tell us the rest of the story!

Jim

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 16:45:30 -0400
From: Jon Martin <mart459@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Caffine Free Moxie
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Unfortunately, Moxie seems to be a dying company, shrinking its
distribution area, etc. Which is a shame.  While they've added a diet
version of their beverage, they've never added caffeine-free versions.
I've always liked Moxie, ever since I first tried it, when I was about 12
years old.  But I'm less tolerant of caffeine than I used to be, so I
can't drink Moxie as much as I'd like to any more.

Moxie was saved if memory serves by a lawyer from Long Island in the
(70's?) who bought out the rights when it appeared that it was going under.
I used to mail order cases from one of the bottlers (Simpson Springs?) and
noticed that there were several corporate name changes in just a few years.
Moxie division of Nugrape, moxie division of Monarch-nugrape, Moxie
industries, etc. All based out of Atlanta.

Remember that at one time Moxie was more popular than coke. That it was a
sugar shortage that put moxie almost under - Coke used an artificial
sweetner, and piled into advertising. Moxie paid the extra $$$ for sugar
and cut back on advertising.

There used to be a caffine free moxie - I was drinking it in the mid-80's
when living in New Hampshire.
Unfortunatly, I became allergic to one of the ingredients in Moxie (Wheat
extract?) and can't enjoy it liked I used to.

Jon M.

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 19:17:10 -0400
From: Vntager8io@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Another NBC Chimes Question

Hi, All.

Several weeks ago, I received my membership CD with my membership renewal to
the First Generation Radio Archives. This excellent disc contains four
programs; among them is the January 24, 1944 broadcast of Vic and Sade. While
listening to the program, I noticed a very strange series of NBC "chimes" at
the end. It sounds as if the tones are being produced by an Electro-Vox, kind
of like the voice in "Bromo [removed] Bromo [removed] Bromo Seltzer," but
even more artificial sounding. An announcer at the end of the program states
"This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company" and then the Electro-Vox
voice sings a capella "Five-Four-Five" to the standard G-E-C pitches. I
thought this might be a time check, but I don't think Vic and Sade was on
that late in the afternoon.

Does anyone know anything about these Electro-Vox "chimes"? When were they
used? Why? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Bryan Wright

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 19:17:21 -0400
From: jlawrence@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Drinks in the house

Those of us who grew up in the Detroit area may remember Vernor's ginger
ale.  Still available and still the most flavorful!

Jim

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 19:18:17 -0400
From: "welsa" <welsa@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  The Day I was [removed]

For sure I know one show that was on the day I was born--November 1, 1940.
GANGBUSTERS.  And I have a tape of that same show!

Don't recall hearing it live back then, though.  :)

Ted

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 19:20:37 -0400
From: "Rodney w bowcock jr." <rodney-selfhelpbikeco@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  The Twilight Zone new radio show?

Anybody got more information about this?  All I've heard is that Carl
Amari bought the rights to 115 Twilight Zone scripts and that a new show
is scheduled to premier around [removed]

rodney.

Past Tense Productions
Carrying Old Radio related films, and Hal Roach shorts, for $7 per tape.

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 19:17:37 -0400
From: otrbuff@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Whistling Themes

Lynn Wagar wants to know what shows began with whistling themes.
Everyone will mention The Whistler, of course.

But then there was Jack Berch and His Boys late every morning on NBC
Radio.  He always began with a cheery whistle and asked:  "I'm a
whistlin' . . . are ya listnin'?"  That led into his bouncy theme song.

And who can forget an anonymous whistler delivering, cold, three notes up
the scale, then quickly repeating them, before announcer Jim Ameche
declared:  "Rinso presents . . . Big Sister!"  That was followed by the
tower clock striking the first four notes of Westminister Chimes.
Ameche:  "Yes, there's the clock in Glen Falls town hall, telling us it's
time for Rinso's story of Big Sister, brought to you by the new,
soapy-rich Rinso [spelling very, very slowly] R - I - N - S - 0."

Jim Cox

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 19:18:07 -0400
From: Jon Martin <mart459@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  More on Moxie
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Just got off of the phone with my father. For those of you in the Boston
area, Moxie used to have their syrup mixed
in the same area as the New England Book Fair in Needham. Dad said that it
was right in the same area for years.
No big signs, and you would miss the "little place".

All I remember from that area is the Book Fair, the great little asian
cooking shop next door, the honeywell plant
across the street, and the ARP synth factory that last I saw was a Mack
truck dealership. (OK, I am 42, and feel like 70 some of these mornings
after playing "horsie" with the [removed]).

Several people have tried to re-formulate Moxie that I am aware of. If
anyone knows of a decent formula that can be re-created at home, please let
me [removed]

Jon M.

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 19:39:08 -0400
From: leemunsick@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Bob & Ray on a Schenectady train

Sorry, Phil Adams, the item I heard was long before Mr. Nixon was
President, although perhaps your program recollection is from when he was
vice president.

In any case, I don't recall the description you use.  I'd not be a whit
surprised if they used the "Schenectady" more than once, and my
recollection is of a different scenario.  But yours sounds typically,
deliciously Bob and Ray nuttiness.

And you're [removed] too tend to think of the Bob and Ray troupe!
Well, there was Bob, and there was Ray, and there were their two genius
minds.  I'd say that's a pretty talented crowd!

Lee MunsickAt

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 19:39:41 -0400
From: leemunsick@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  NBC Chimes

Could someone with far more knowledge than I expand on the notation here
the other day that the NBC chimes somehow cut off the preceding program
whether it was through or not?

I've never heard this, and wonder if it is actually so, and if so, how was
this accomplished?

I can understand a standing order to engineers in Master Control being told
to manually cut off an over-running program, but as we've seen here this
didn't always happen as we are told about furious calls to the directors of
subsequent programs to please shorten their shows to compensate.

But a mechanical device within the chimes system to cut off any program
running up to and under the chimes?

Lee Munsick

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 19:39:55 -0400
From: leemunsick@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Them chimes agin!

"A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@[removed]; wondered:

Electronically programmed?  In those days?  I'd love to know more about how
they did it!

Poster Bill Harris responded:

The NBC chimes machine could be operated either manually or
automatically by clock (Telechron).

Of course it was a Telechron movement.  Made by the current owner of NBC
(television), and once and future owner of RCA, which owned NBC
[removed] Electric!

Lee Munsick

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 20:04:23 -0400
From: "Scott D. Livingston" <sdl@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  What was on the day you were born

Interesting thought. I found three shows that I know of that played the
night that I was born, February 21, 1951. They were Bing Crosby with guest
star Tallulah Bankhead, Honest Harold episode Florabelle Returns but the one
I find most interesting and a little ironical for me is The Great
Gildersleeve episode entitled "New Baby Arrives".I thought that was very
apropos. Fun thread, looking forward to some more responses and if anyone
knows of any other episodes that aired on February 21, 1951 please let me
know.
Scott "Fibber" Livingston

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

Date: Mon, 8 Jul 2002 20:46:48 -0400
From: "ron potter" <repo4958@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  rambling thoughts
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Hi Folks,

I'm really new to this whole OTR experience, but I listen every chance I get
including over the internet while at work ( I've never seen mention of Brando
Classic Radio on here but you can get it through Windows Media Player & it
sure makes the workday go better). Anyway, once in awhile the question comes
up as to everyone's favorite & least favorite [removed] I wanted to pass on the
most awful show I have had the pleasure of listening to yet. I just listened
to an episode of Dark Fantasy from 11/28/41 called The Thing from the Sea & if
there was ever anything more campy than this I really do want to hear it. If
it were a movie it would show up on one of those midnight fright night shows
with Elvira or someone. So bad it was good. So campy you could laugh & wince
at the same time. I guess there was an audience for any type of experience.

On another subject. I grew up in Southern California but traveled Route 66
every summer to visit my grandparents in Arkansas. I couldn't wait until we
got to Oklahoma City because that was the first opportunity to get a Yahoo
chocolate soda. I can still remember how good they were & how I would start to
crave them somewhere around Flagstaff Arizona.

Anyway just thought I would weigh in for what it's worth,

Ron

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

Date: Tue, 9 Jul 2002 08:55:54 -0400
From: Wwtom@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Tape Hiss/Help!

I recently began to listen to some OTR shows recorded on reel to reel tape
during the late 1960s.  I was appalled to hear an excessive amount of hiss,
background noise and a loss of fidelity.  Some of these problems were
minimized by using an equalizer.  Does anyone have any idea on why the sound
quality has deteriorated.  Is it caused by the recorder or the tape itself?
Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

Wesley Tom
Redlands, CA

--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2002 Issue #257
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