------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2004 : Issue 277
A Part of the [removed]!
[removed]
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Orson Welles Flight to the Moon [ "jazmaan@[removed]" <dmf273@ya ]
Kreisler/Benny [ "Josh B. Malks" <josh@[removed] ]
Sam [removed] Your Service [ "Derek Tague" <derek@[removed]; ]
Maxwell and Pontiac [ Rick Keating <pkeating89@[removed]; ]
Lucy Vs. Winchell [ "Derek Tague" <derek@[removed]; ]
Postum [ "Katja and Tom" <kattom@[removed] ]
Re: Postum [ Michael Shoshani <mshoshani@sbcglob ]
Postum [ "nelson bryant" <[removed]@verizon ]
SGT Preston Records [ Fred Berney <fsberney@[removed]; ]
8-24 births/deaths [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
Is Postum still made? [ Gord Lepsenyi <lepseg@[removed]; ]
Postum [ "joe@[removed]" <sergei01@earthli ]
Partially answering my own "Could Be [ "smzmurphy@[removed]" <smzmurphy@jun ]
Sgt. Preston of the Yukon Records [ Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed] ]
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 02:11:56 -0400
From: "jazmaan@[removed]" <dmf273@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Orson Welles Flight to the Moon
Today I was listening to an episode of "Request Performance." I had downloaded it because it
featured Virginia O'Brien singing a song, but the best thing about this variety show was a segment
in which Orson Welles dramatizes an astronaut on a one-way trip to the moon from which he does not
expect to return alive. It seemed to be based loosely on [removed] Wells "From the Earth to the Moon
(And A Trip Around It)". It began humorously with Orson saying "I just want to tell all the
citizens of New Jersey that this is JUST A RADIO SHOW and it has nothing to do with MARS!"
Then he portrays an astronaut being shot out of a cannon high in the Himalyas. It was a great
little skit. Anyone heard it?
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 02:12:55 -0400
From: "Josh B. Malks" <josh@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Kreisler/Benny
Joe Salerno asks:
> Did Fritz Kreisler ever appear on the Jack Benny Program?
No. But the Maxwell Car Company was purchased by Chrysler and evolved into
the Pontiac.
--Laura Leff
Walter P. Chrysler was brought in to manage ailing Maxwell in 1924, and it
became the basis for his new corporation. So the Maxwell actually evolved
into the Chrysler. Pontiac was made by competing General Motors, and
evolved from the Oakland.
--Josh Malks
Editor, Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg Newsletter
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 08:37:43 -0400
From: "Derek Tague" <derek@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Sam [removed] Your Service
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Hiya Gang:
My pal Jim Cox posted:
And I recall hearing the announcers in the Ryman say over and over, "Now .
Sam and Kirk McGee from sunny Tennessee!" That went on for their many
years there.
Before this on-going thread, I had heretofore never heard of this particular
Sam McGee.
The only one I knew of was the subject of the drawing-room ballad "The
Cremation of Sam
McGee" by the Anglo-Canadian poet Robert W. Service, which begins:
"There are strange things done in the Midnight Sun by the men who moil for
[removed]"
and goes on to tell the story of "Sam McGee," who, like the Opry performer,
"was from
Tennessee." The poem goes on to tell the story of how a dying McGee, who
could never
acclimatize himself to the arctic temperatures of the Yukon, extracted a
promise from the poem's
narrator to transport his corpse back to sunny Tennessee for burial. However,
when events for the
surviving prospectors take a turn for the worse, there occurs "that night on
the marge of Lake LeBarge.
I cremated Sam McGee."
I do know that singer Johnny Horton, who gained fame with "Sink the Bismarck,"
"North to Alaska," "The
Battle of New Orleans," and other history-flavoured ballads had a song on one
of his albums called "Sam
McGee"--but I'm not sure if this had anything to do with
In the meantime, I'd like to give a shout-out to fellow OTR/D subscriber and
fellow Robert Service
fan Roby McHone up in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Best from the ether!
the post-er known as Derek
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Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 09:51:31 -0400
From: Rick Keating <pkeating89@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Maxwell and Pontiac
Laura Leff wrote:
...the Maxwell Car Company was purchased by Chrysler
and evolved into the Pontiac.
Actually, that's half right. Walter Chrysler did fold
the Maxwell into his eponymous company; but Pontiac is
a division of General Motors, not Chrysler.
Rick
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 09:51:41 -0400
From: "Derek Tague" <derek@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Lucy Vs. Winchell
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Forgive the off-topic nature of this posting, gang, but since I'm talking
about performers who were both OTR and early TV performers, it might pass
muster.
I recently stumbled upon on TV Land, the episode of "I Love Lucy" in which
Lucy, in a round-about way, tells Ricky that she's pregnant by having him sing
the old Eddie Cantor song "We're Having a Baby, My Baby and Me."
The second line of the song is "You'll read it in Winchell that we're adding a
branch to our family tree."
That was quite magnanimous of Desi Arnaz to leave in that line considering
that Walter Winchell, at one point during the height of Lucille Ball's
popularity which co-incided with the McCarthy-fueled Red Scare, dragged up
two-decade old dirt that claimed that Lucy once registered to vote Communist.
Of course, the whole ordeal was blown out of proportion and Lucy emerged
unscathed.
Yours in the ether!
Derek
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Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 09:56:01 -0400
From: "Katja and Tom" <kattom@[removed];
To: "OTR Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Postum
Hello, I noticed that the Lum And Abner show was sponsored by a drink called
Postum, advertised as a substitute for coffee. I'm not sure how that's
spelled, but I've never heard of it, being only 25. If it's not made, what
did it taste like? If it is, where can it be found?
Matthew:
Postum is a grain-based instant beverage that is served/consumed similar to
coffee. It's caffeine free. Just a spoonful in your cup and add hot water.
It is still [removed] your local grocery store. I like a cup in
cooler weather while listening to OTR.
[removed]
If I could just fine some Roma Wine to sip while listening to [removed]
Tom Z.
Wolfeboro, NH
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 11:12:03 -0400
From: Michael Shoshani <mshoshani@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Postum
Matthew Bullis inqured:
Hello, I noticed that the Lum And Abner show was sponsored by a drink called
Postum, advertised as a substitute for coffee. I'm not sure how that's
spelled, but I've never heard of it, being only 25. If it's not made, what
did it taste like? If it is, where can it be found?
Postum should be available at your local supermarket, probably in the
coffee [removed] not, try the health food aisle. It's made by Kraft
General Foods and is pretty much what C. W. Post created even today: a
mixture of wheat bran, barley, and molasses that tastes pretty much
like burnt rope with a little tar for coloring. (Post advertised
Postum as a hot drink to replace coffee for those with nervous
digestion - which was pretty much everybody, and Grape-Nuts as an
easily digested food for those with nervous digestion. Both were made
of wheat and barley, and both were sort of by-products of each others
manufacture.)
Michael Shoshani
Chicago
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 11:12:32 -0400
From: "nelson bryant" <[removed]@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Postum
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Matthew wrote,
Postum, advertised as a substitute for coffee. I'm not sure how that's
spelled, but I've never heard of it, being only 25. If it's not made, what
did it taste like? If it is, where can it be found?
You did spell it correctly. Postum is a Post cereal beverage made from wheat
bran and molasses, and it is still available, although mfg. by Kraft Foods.
It has its own distinct taste, and as a kid, I remember my mother serving it
as a coffee substitute. I still enjoy a hot cup now and then. You can find it
at your local grocery on the cereal or coffee aisle. Enjoy it in good
health.
Nelson Bryant
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------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 12:59:23 -0400
From: Fred Berney <fsberney@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: SGT Preston Records
I have the set of records. At least I think I do. I know that they were
transferred to reel to reel tape years ago and are in my catalog in both
cassette and CD. Yep, I just remembered as I was typing this. The Sgt.
Preston records were mine and the Lone Ranger records came from someone I
was trading with on tape.
They are on 45 rpm records. I'm not sure if I'd want to sell the records,
but contact me directly about the copies on cassette or CD. I could trade
for those.
Fred
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 14:58:14 -0400
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: 8-24 births/deaths
August 24th births
08-24-1875 - Frank Craven - Boston, MA - d. 9-1-1945
actor: "Arthur Hopkins Presents"; "Cavalcade of America"
08-24-1884 - Earl Der Biggers - Warren, OH - d. 4-5-1933
author: Charlie Chan books
08-24-1896 - Phil Baker - Philadelphia, PA - d. 12-1-1963
comedian, emcee: "Honolulu Bound"; "Take It or Leave It"
08-24-1900 - Jimmy Fidler - St. Louis, MO - d. 8-9-1988
commentator: "Jimmy Fidler"
08-24-1900 - Preston Foster - Ocean City, NJ - d. 7-14-1970
actor: "NBC University Theatre"
08-24-1900 - Ralph Kirbery - Patterson, NJ - d. 8-14-1993
singer: (The Dream Singer) "Mohawk Treasure Chest"; "Musical Moments Revue"
08-24-1905 - Don Douglas - Kinleyside, Scotland - d. 12-31-1945
actor: "Good News of 1939"; "Cavalcade of America"; "Did Justice Triumph?"
08-24-1912 - Durward Kirby - Covingnton, KY - d. 3-15-2000
announcer, emcee: "Club Matinee"; "Honeymoon in New York"
08-24-1913 - Howard Duff - Bremerton, WA - d. 7-8-1990
actor: Sam Spade "Advs. of Sam Spade"; Mike McCoy "McCoy"; Josh Chandler
"Dear John"
08-24-1919 - Dennis James - Jersey City, NJ - d. 6-3-1997
host, announcer: "Lawyer Q"; "Major Bows Original Amateur Hour"
08-24-1933 - Bobby Ellis - Chicago, IL - d. 11-23-1973
actor: Henry Aldrich "Aldrich Family"; Chester A. Riley, Jr. "Life of Riley"
August 24th deaths
02-15-1916 - Mary Jane Croft - Muncie, IN - d. 8-24-1999
actress: Sandra Martin "Story of Sandra Martin"; Alice Henderson "Beulah"
02-17-1919 - Kathleen Freeman - Chicago, IL - d. 8-24-2001
actress: California Artists Radio Theatre"
06-27-1933 - Gary Crosby - Los Angeles, CA - d. 8-24-1995
singer: "Gary Crosby Show"; "Bing Crosby Show"
09-02-1896 - Amanda Randolph - Louisville, KY - d. 8-24-1967
actress: Madame Queen "Amos 'n' Andy"; Oriole "Beulah"
09-09-1924 - Jane Greer - Washington, [removed] - d. 8-24-2001
singer, actress: "Rudy Vallee Show"; "Lux Radio Theatre"
--
Ron Sayles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 14:59:06 -0400
From: Gord Lepsenyi <lepseg@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Is Postum still made?
In OTR Digest #276, Matthew writes:
Hello, I noticed that the Lum And Abner show was sponsored by a drink called
Postum, advertised as a substitute for coffee. I'm not sure how that's
spelled, but I've never heard of it, being only 25. If it's not made, what
did it taste like? If it is, where can it be found?
Thanks a lot.
Matthew
Well, Matthew, I remember drinking Postum as a kid because it sounded
interesting and also the caffeine in coffee made me a nervous wreck. If I
can be completely honest, I hated the taste and would have gotten more
satisfaction out of chewing on straw! Here are a couple of things I found on
the Web:
The WordNet Dictionary defines it as:
Noun Postum 1. - trade mark for a coffee substitute invented by C. W. Post
and made with chicory and roasted grains
The website [removed] gives a somewhat
different list of ingredients, and from what I can gather it may still be
out there for sale in some stores.
Hope that helps,
Gord
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 19:39:34 -0400
From: "joe@[removed]" <sergei01@[removed];
To: "OTR List" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Postum
[removed]
Made from chicory and grains
Joe Salerno
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 23 Aug 2004 21:00:50 -0400
From: "smzmurphy@[removed]" <smzmurphy@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Partially answering my own "Could Be" question
The other day, I wrote in asking for details on the Norman Corwin broadcast
"Could Be." Since then, I discovered a small mention in John Dunning's
"Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio" (p. 168, column 2, under the listing for THE
COLUMBIA WORKSHOP). In short, the radio play was broadcast on NBC (don't know
why I thought it was CBS!) on 9/11/49. It was produced by the United Nations.
The version I heard mentions that it is a repeat broadcast of a program
initially heard six weeks ago. I'm guessing from the Dunning listing that the
September '49 date is for the initial broadcast and that the version I heard
would be from late October of '49.
Has anyone ever heard this broadcast or have any information on it?
Mike
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2004 01:04:53 -0400
From: Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed];
To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Sgt. Preston of the Yukon Records
In the most recent issue of the Metro Washington Old Time Radio Club's
publication, RADIO RECALL, edited by Jack French, there is a 1953
advertisement for Sgt. Preston of the Yukon records, the first one being,
as Paul Urbahn correctly noted, "The Case That Made Preston a Segeant." Two
others are listed, "The Case of the Orphan Dog" and "The Case of the Indian
Rebellion."
They were offered for 35 cents each, with 1 blue star from any Quaker
Cereal package. Though it may be a long shot, Paul, perhaps you could
contact the Quaker Oats Company. They have been responsive to information
requests on the "one inch Yukon land deeds," another premium from the
Preston show.
Dennis Crow
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2004 Issue #277
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