------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2002 : Issue 320
A Part of the [removed]!
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
australian OTR Question [ "Jamie Kelly" <[removed]@[removed] ]
Schedules/ratings [ Dancingdays72777@[removed] ]
Bob Bailey and Laurel and Hardy [ "Rodney w bowcock jr." <rodney-self ]
the Magic of Charlie McCarthy [ "Thomas Mason" <batz34@[removed] ]
Re: Lessons From History IV [ Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed] ]
The Ranger and his Ilk [ wich2@[removed] ]
OTR Media Icons [ "david rogers" <david_rogers@hotmai ]
THAT Show [removed] [ wich2@[removed] ]
Keep it sweet, Pete [ "steven kostelecky" <skostelecky@ho ]
#OldRadio IRC Chat this Thursday Nig [ lois@[removed] ]
Actors and their characters. [ gad4@[removed] ]
Riverdale's life partners [ Ivan G Shreve Jr <iscreve@[removed] ]
Re: Randy Story. [ hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed]; ]
Artie Shaw [ "Tas Richardson" <tasrichardson@spr ]
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 21:10:43 -0400
From: "Jamie Kelly" <[removed]@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: australian OTR Question
Further to Ian's comments to Bill's questions in a previous issue of this
Digest. One man's family was broadcast live on 3XY in Melbourne and was
based on American scripts. It was broadcast for a number of years from mid
to late 1930s and was very very popular and everyone who acted in it always
spoke very fondly of their time spent as part of the serial. It is such a
shame that no episodes survive of this series.
I can only follow Ians comments on what a great Read Nancy Lee's book "being
a chum is fun". I have air-checks of Chaterbox corner and other Nicky and
Nancy lee material and oh how I wish I could go back 60 years and hear them
again. Nicky and tuppy hosted the breakfast session on Melbourne station 3AW
from the early 1930s to the early 1940s, Fred was also the sporting director
at 3AW for many years and use to call the races as well as hosting many
other popular sessions. One of Australia's greatest telefision personalities
Graham Kenedy learnt much of his craft when he got his first big brake in
radio from Nicky and tributes much of his success to his mentor Nicky.
Can I say how much I enjoy reading all the issues of the digest and it has
really opened my eyes to so many of the great personalities and shows that
came from the US and so much of what we did in Australia was based on what
was happening in the US added to that most of our drama was adapted from US
scripts.
Cheers,
Jamie Kelly
Melbourne Australia
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 21:21:21 -0400
From: Dancingdays72777@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Schedules/ratings
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain
Hi all! Are there any websites that have sample network radio schedules from
the '30's through 50's as well as a yearly breakdown of the ratings?
Thanks,
Matt
*** This message was altered by the server, and may not appear ***
*** as the sender intended. ***
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 21:49:18 -0400
From: "Rodney w bowcock jr." <rodney-selfhelpbikeco@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Bob Bailey and Laurel and Hardy
No use searching your local Blockbuster stores for Jitterbugs or The
Dancing Masters. They've never been released to video in the USA (though
The Dancing Masters is around in the UK).
I've got both of them if anyone is interested feel free to let me know.
rodney.
Past Tense Productions
Carrying Old Radio related films, and Hal Roach shorts, for $7 per tape.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 22:07:04 -0400
From: "Thomas Mason" <batz34@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: the Magic of Charlie McCarthy
As poor a ventriloquest as Edgar Bergen was, he created magic with his
characters. Once when Bergen was doing a tv appearance, as he would
converse with Charlie, his voice was clear as a bell while Charlie was quite
muffled. This caused a lot of confusion in the booth until they realized
that the boom man was turning the mic and pointing it at Charlie instead of
Bergen each time that Charlie "spoke." This really brings home how people
got caught up with the fantasy and regarded Charlie as being a real person
instead of a dummy manipulated by a ventriloquest.
Tom Mason
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 22:42:22 -0400
From: Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Lessons From History IV
On 8/13/02 9:13 PM OldRadio Mailing Lists wrote:
So somebody, somewhere, was complaining about black people being part of
radio even if the individual programs that Elizabeth mentioned were popular.
It wasn't just the executives.
Fred Allen had a very unpleasant brush with these sorts of protesters in
1940, after heavyweight boxing champion Joe Louis appeared as a guest on
his program. In the scripted interview, Louis consistently referred to
Allen as "Fred," defying the then-prevalent racial protocol requiring a
black man to always call a white man "Mister." Allen received a ration of
hate mail from the Deep South, condemning him for "allowing a Negro to
call him Fred on the radio" -- and there's a piece in "Fred Allen's
Letters" in which he bitterly tells a friend about this incident,
denouncing the sort of "idiots" or "morons" who would make such
complaints.
I've always suspected that the reason so many of Anderson's bits involved him
calling on the phone for Benny was to placate complainers by physically
isolating him from the rest of the cast in the context of the program, even
if they would all have been at the same microphones in the studio.
One scene I've always wondered about occured in the "Amos 'n' Andy Show"
episode of 4/7/44. The Kingfish and Sapphire have had a serious argument,
and Sapphire is ready to leave her husband for good, when Reverend
Johnson (played by Ernie Whitman) happens to show up at their apartment,
and manages to reconcile them by recalling the day he performed their
wedding ceremony. This scene is sensitively and tenderly played between
Freeman Gosden and Ernestine Wade -- even to the point of Wade giving out
with a whispering, romantic "George" at the end. I suspect this may have
been the first love scene in broadcasting history to have been played out
before a live studio audience by a white man and a black woman -- and
even though the white man was playing the role of a black man, he wasn't
doing so in any sort of costume or makeup. I've often wondered how a 1944
studio audience really reacted to that scene -- they were stone silent as
the scene played out, and broke into loud applause at the end.
Elizabeth
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 22:44:57 -0400
From: wich2@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: The Ranger and his Ilk
From: "randy story" <bygeorge@[removed];
We need more of that thinking in today's world ... I have hopefully learned
to look past the so-called faults of others when it is necessary. The Lone
Ranger taught me to.
Dear "Randy", or "George", & [removed]
What a moving story. And proof again of the eternal worth of these "people
who never lived, and so can never die" - from the Bard's characters, down
through such as Holmes & Watson, to Superman & Batman, et. [removed]
Thanks for the reminder.
-Craig Wichman
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 22:47:08 -0400
From: "david rogers" <david_rogers@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: OTR Media Icons
I am looking for suggestion for media icons with OTR links. Connected with
this if you have any Internet links giving information about the icon I
would greatly appreciate it.
Next semester I am running a course called "Alternative media icons in the
English-speaking world". The course will deal with icons from all medias
but I would like to include some with radio backgrounds as well. Let me
just explain some of the things meant by the title of the course.
The use of the word "alternative" is used in the sense that they will be
icons that will have been previously unfamiliar to my Korean students.
I would also like to emphasise "English-speaking world" so whereas The Goons
may have been icons in the non-North American English speaking world, their
use would be limited in America. Therefore, they must be familiar
throughout the entire English-speaking world. On this point if anybody has
any suggestions at all for an Australian icon beyond Crocodile Dundee I
would like to hear it.
The use of the phrase "media icon" can be explained this way. The newspaper
may say that if George W. Bush thinks that he is The Lone Ranger then Tony
Blair thinks that he is Tonto. There is a reputation attached to The Lone
Ranger that exists beyond the actual show. This reputation immediately comes
to our mind when we hear the name and so we understand the reference.
However, many Korean students will not understand the reference, as they are
unfamiliar with the icon. Therefore, this course is a bit of an
introduction to this area so that they can more fully understand references
in western media. I hope I have explained that okay.
The course will run this way. The first section I will lecture on an icon
that I have chosen and then the students (who will hopefully have previously
researched this specific icon prior to class) will enter into a discussion
and Q and A session with me. The second part of the class the students will
have to make a presentation on an icon that I have given them and then there
will be another discussion and Q and A session. The students that have done
the report will then have to write a report, which I will then post on the
web site. Most of the student's research will by necessity have to be done
via the Internet.
Therefore, I am looking for suggestions for icons. They may be real people
like Jack Benny or they may be fictional characters like "The Lone Ranger".
However, it would be nice if there were also some Internet links so that I
can give my students a bit of a start in their research. The sites need
only give information about the shows etc. It will be the student's job to
draw conclusions about what such figures represent.
By including some OTR icons, alongside icons from other areas, I hope to
give the students a bit of an idea of history and a sense that western media
does not begin and end with what is the most popular thing now. I also hope
that they will be able to see that radio once created icons in the same way
that TV and cinema does now. However, having said that I want them to deal
with figures that are still considered icons now and that we will still come
across mainstream references to them.
Love as always, David Rogers
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 22:52:22 -0400
From: wich2@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: THAT Show [removed]
From: PURKASZ@[removed]
I seem to recall reading in a Welles Biography that he received a telegram
from somebody referring to the fact that the audience was tuned into one
'dummy' and then tuned into Welles thus two 'dummies' caused the whole darn
ruckus. Does anyone remember the exact words of that telegram and who sent
it?
Michael & [removed]
I don't think know if this is the telegram you mean, but Franklin Roosevelt
sent Orson one to the effect of, "Well, since anyone who would fall for your
gag and panic must be stupid, we can assume that folks with smarts listen to
Charlie McCarthy!"
-Craig Wichman
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2002 23:17:09 -0400
From: "steven kostelecky" <skostelecky@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Keep it sweet, Pete
Kudos to Charlie for his comments on civility. And, of course, for having us
in his home, as it were, the OTR Digest. I have posted several times when I
felt things were getting out of hand and have received many personal email
messages thanking me for bringing up the issue of civility amongst each
other. We are a small family and should not take for granted this great
forum (and, indeed the Phorums) for us to share and enjoy. I have been to
other lists, read and posted for awhile and quit because of the tenor of the
discourse. I encountered Elizabeth McCleod on one and she encouraged me to
continue just to keep the content on a higher level, but I found the
swearing and dimwittedness to try my patience and I now keep up with
Charlie's Digest and Phorums. Again, thanks to Charlie and I would encourage
everyone to think about supporting the Digest financially if you can, to
show your enthusiasm and support for our hobby.
Thanks for listening.
OTR fans are the best.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 04:52:05 -0400
From: lois@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: #OldRadio IRC Chat this Thursday Night!
A weekly [removed]
For the best in OTR Chat, join IRC (Internet Relay Chat), StarLink-IRC
Network, the channel name is #OldRadio. We meet Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern
and go on, and on! The oldest OTR Chat Channel, it has been in existence
over five years, same time, same channel!
Our numerous "regulars" include one of the busiest "golden years" actors in
Hollywood; a sound man from the same era who worked many of the top
Hollywood shows; a New York actor famed for his roles in "Let's Pretend" and
"Archie Andrews;" owners of some of the best OTR sites on the Web;
maintainer of the best-known OTR Digest (we all know who he is)..........
and Me
Lois Culver
KWLK Longview Washington (Mutual) 1941-1944)
KFI Los Angeles (NBC) 1944 - 1950
and widow of actor Howard Culver
(For more info, contact lois@[removed])
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 10:44:42 -0400
From: gad4@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Actors and their characters.
With all the comments that have been said on the various subjects, its
really hard to know what to say and to say it in a way that would not come
across uncaring. Having just read Randy's letter in Issue 319 though kinda
put a lump in my throat. I have to say though that Randy probably said it best.
In this digest, there have been storys both good and bad about certain
actors. I guess one thing that strikes home is that actors are people.
People do have faults and inperfections. Some more serious than others.
What we have come to appreciate and love are the characters they have
played. These characters are their craation and not them. These characters
have an impact on us. They're greater than life. And more important than
that, they have given us something to look forward to or look up to.
When you look at kids today, the idea is "reality" programming. Im not
saying certain issues dont need to be addressed, but Im saying that most
heroes today are not the perfect characters we knew but rather characters
made to emphasise the common faults in America. I feel sorry for the kids
today because their entertainment is not larger than life and it's showing
them the wrong things to emulate. When I was a kid, I guess you could say I
watched shows including Superman who stood for "truth justice and the
american way." Like the Ranger and the rest, they stood for all the good
thats possible. It gave me more to emulate. And that helped encourage
proper values and standards that my parents taught me at home and church. On
the other hand, today kids have characters that dont go above them. Who the
writers try to give the kid's faults to thereby giving them less to look up
to. And that's a shame. Even shows like Jack Benny showed how to be funny
without relying on dirty jokes.
In this digest, there were several tales about several actors. Some perhaps
are true, some we know definately aren't.
The Beemer one I think we all know to be untrue. Several issues ago, someone
related some misinformation as misinformation. I agree the right thing to do
have done was to intelligently reinforce that it was untrue and go on. Tony
wrote an excellent letter stating that. But at this point, are we really
doing any good in keeping it going on? On one level, its reinforcing the
thought in all our minds. In another, its hurting a person whom I don't
believe meant it the way most people are interpreting it. Third, its hurting
the memory of the actor by reinforcing those points (even though we're
saying they're untrue) and Finally, its hurting the memory of the character
of the Lone Ranger who would never justify a lynch mob against anyone. When
someone has to resort to insults, it unfortunately leaves the message,
"maybe there is something they're trying to hide." Im hoping we can let it
rest as Im sure the Ranger would have liked.
But besides for that blantantly false story, actors in general are just
that. They're not the charactors they portray but real [removed] just like
the ones you and I work with perhaps. Each will have certain faults. Some
will be better/worse than the other. This is just a gut, but I got a feeling
that the hollywood enviroment probably is guilty of bringing more faults out
of people than maybe people who worked elsewhere.
Regarding learning about the actors. I know that I have faults just like
anyone else. If someone truly cared about me and wanted to know what I was
like (both good and bad), I would feel honored. If they were trying to find
the worst thing I ever did and build a picture me based on that, that would
be a different story. But if somoene wanted to know, how I work, how I eat,
how I talk to my friends and family, why I felt/acted the way I did, I would
be honored. It would be one way of keeping my memory alive (not the part I
might have played.) I might be wrong, but I really don't believe a lot of
these actors really didnt like themselves for who they really were.
Is it good to learn about the people who played them? I guess that's up to
the individual and if they can still appreciate their work knowing what
they're really like. Lee related a story where he learned about Bob Hope
and by learning about Bob the person, soured him on his acting. For me, as a
child before I had a chance to see ARthur's tv show, I listened to a
recording of Arthur (as a person) which was not the character Arthur from TV
that many have known to love. I have since seen his show, and I have found
his style very personal. Ive only seen two though and if I saw more I'm sure
i'd like it. ([removed];)
However, it would be unfair to not acknowledge one actor who has lived the
"perfect" life (as far as I know) and that is Raymond Edward Johnson. Seeing
him at the fotr suffering from MS one could still sense the christlike love
flowing from him. It shows that a real person can also be a role model that
we can look up to. And Im sure there are many more like that. Maybe in our
neighborhoods, maybe in our town, maybe in our churches, and perhaps some in
the entertainment world. But even if an actor did have certain flaws, we
can still admire the "perfectness" of the character which he portrayed and
the memory of that character and his inspiration still lives on in us. Even
though he may not be the person who played it.
In closing, I wanted to thank Charlie for doing an excellent job in this
digest. He really does try hard to get us working as a team and communicate
in a caring way. Some may not appreciate what "work" and headache we put him
through. He does this for free, for us. And its something we shouldn't take
for granted.
Well, enough rambling.
Sincerely,
George
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 10:48:52 -0400
From: Ivan G Shreve Jr <iscreve@[removed];
To: Old Time Radio Mailing List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Riverdale's life partners
Hal (Harlan) Stone wondered out loud:
I'm just waiting (with dread) for someone to "out" another dynamic duo.
"Archie and Jughead". :)<<
Somebody has beaten you to it. In the 1997 movie, "Chasing Amy,"
writer-director Kevin Smith features a gay black cartoonist explaining to
one of the movie's protagonists--protesting all the while--that Archie and
Jughead were "a little light in the loafers." Of course, he's referring to
the comic book version.
Ivan
--
"I know I'm [removed] as long as I make 'em laugh they're not gonna lock me
up." -- Red Skelton
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 10:49:04 -0400
From: hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Randy Story.
Folks, I have a suggestion to make. Pay particular attention to the posting
from Randy Story (issue 319) : SUBJECT "the Long Ranger".
I suggest you Re-read it carefully. The Lone Ranger speaks to all us "kids"
again. Pay attention.
It was beautifully written, Randy.
Regards
Hal(Harlan)Stone
Jughead
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 10:49:43 -0400
From: "Tas Richardson" <tasrichardson@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Artie Shaw
I have been listening to a 13 part series on the life of Artie Shaw. It is
being aired on the CBC-FM network, on the 'After Hours' program, from 11:05
till midnight, each weeknight, and is about half over. It was made four
years ago when Shaw was 88 (sounding much younger), and living in Spain.
There is lots of great music, and anecdotes. On the show last night, he was
talking about doing a series of two programs in 1938-39, with the humorist,
Robert Benchley. One was called 'Melody and Madness', and the other was
'The Old Gold Program'. His involvement ended when he refused to endorse
Old Gold cigarettes on the air. I looked them up in Dunning's book, and
could find no reference to either program. Perhaps that is rectified in the
newer edition. I was wondering if Elizabeth, or anyone, would have more
information on these programs, and if they are still available anywhere.
Thanks.
Tas (in rat-free Alberta)
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2002 Issue #320
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