Subject: [removed] Digest V2003 #299
From: "OldRadio Mailing Lists" <[removed]@[removed];
Date: 8/3/2003 3:24 PM
To: <[removed]@[removed];

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


                            The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                              Volume 2003 : Issue 299
                         A Part of the [removed]!
                                 ISSN: 1533-9289


                                 Today's Topics:

  knighthood and Buddy Ebson            [ revelation206jm@[removed] ]
  Wally Maher                           [ kathleen grams-gibbs <grams46@bloom ]
  Information Please                    [ "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@hotm ]
  Efrem & son                           [ mark koldys <mkoldys@[removed]; ]
  That's My Pop!                        [ Jack & Cathy French <otrpiano@erols ]
  Re: Efrem Zimbalist & Hummert Book    [ "Stewart Wright" <stewwright@worldn ]
  twilight zone on KFI                  [ "Kurt E. Yount" <blsmass@[removed]; ]
  Efrem Zimbalist                       [ revelation206jm@[removed] ]
  Olde Tyme Radio Network Schedule for  [ HERITAGE4@[removed] ]
  Zimbalist                             [ SeptSev@[removed] ]
  Today in radio history                [ Joe Mackey <joemackey108@[removed] ]
  Jack Benny tributes                   [ JackBenny@[removed] ]
  Jack vs. Bob                          [ JackBenny@[removed] ]
  bob hope                              [ Michael Berger <intercom1@attglobal ]
  Who's [removed] or Bob?          [ "Gary Dixon" <argy@[removed]; ]
  Re: Administrivia                     [ "Cynthia "ChibiBarako"" <cvc@[removed] ]
  Boston radio interview                [ Howard Blue <khovard@[removed]; ]

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

Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 17:10:56 -0400
From: revelation206jm@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  knighthood and Buddy Ebson

Just thought I would put in my one cents worth about knighthood in Great
Britain, which came up because of talk of Mr. Hope. If memory serves General
Stormin' Norman Schwartzkopff (sp?) was given an honarary British knighthood
after the first Gulf War. He requested that he not have to bow down in front
of the queen and so he was knighted while standing.

Different subject- This probably was discussed (maybe) a few weeks ago, but
I'm new here. Can anyone tell me (a novice) of some radio shows in which
Buddy Ebson appeared (I don't even know if there are any). Buddy was a great
guy I think. Even though I'm Southern raised and some people I've encountered
expect me to be like one of the Beverly Hillbillies, the show wasn't mean
spirited towards we Southerners the way much Hollywood type stuff is. Anyway,
that show is one of my favorites. No matter how many times I've seen every
single episode, they still make me laugh.

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

Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 18:11:04 -0400
From: kathleen grams-gibbs <grams46@[removed];
To: otr <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Wally Maher

<Wally Maher - Ohio - d. 12-27-1951
actor: Dan Murray "One Man"s Family"; Archie Goodwin "Advs. of Nero Wolfe">
what did wally maher die of?
thanking you in advance from kathy

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

Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 19:07:26 -0400
From: "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Information Please

Dick Judge wrote:

My point is that there have been several OTR books published in recent years
that are loaded with inaccuracies, typos and mis-statements. This is tragic
since the readers have to believe what they read.
We can go back and forth on IP specifically but my position is that if one
is
to provide data on OTR it should be as accurate as possible. If your source
provides you with mis-information, then be wary.
When it comes to authoring a book on OTR is it better to use scripts over
actual broadcast recordings? I'd go with the broadcasts but a combination of
both is perfect.

Dick,
My source was Dan Golenpaul's papers.  Golenpaul created and directed the
radio series throughout the entire run.  When it comes to sources, I usually
prefer a definitive source like the Golenpaul collection.  During the
research, I was able to read many submissions for questions that didn't make
it on the program, the actual contracts between Golenpaul and the networks
and the sponsors, and so on.  The only part I was making was that you
mentioned there was about 600 INFORMATION PLEASE episodes and I wanted to
correct that so everyone knew it was 510 (even reprinting some entries from
the episode guide).  You are right, there are some reference books that have
printed inaccurate information, so it's always nice to know that work is
always in progress to correct the mistakes.

As for my source, I would say that Golenpaul's letters, correspondence,
contracts, and so on is about as definitive a source as I can get.  Heck, I
disregarded two articles from RADIO MIRROR magazine because they were
exagerating on information - which is a lot like a radio personality who
decades later, makes mistakes in their recollection - has to be taken with a
grain of salt.

INFORMATION PLEASE was really spontaneous.  The only scripts used was about
four or six (depending on the years) and those were only the opening
announcements, sponsor pitches, and closing announcements.  What I found
amusing was the last page of each script, where Clifton Fadiman closed with
the total number of dollars and Encyclopedia sets were being given out.
There was always a blank where Fadiman would have the total written in
before reaching that point of the script (cause obviously, they didn't know
how many questions they were going to be stumped with until after the Q&A).

Dick Judge is right, it's better to check both sources - the radio shows and
the scripts.  In this case, I listened to each and every existing radio show
of INFORMATION PLEASE (many thanks to Ted Davenport who supplied a large
amount of recordings from Radio Memories) and took important notes from
listening to them.  Obviously, the recordings of the broadcasts is the
number one source of stating who was guest on those particular broadcasts.
The only time I went by the script was when the recordings did not exist
(example the entire 1946-47 season).  True, a radio script is not a
definitive source when it comes to who really was on that particular
evening, but when there is not recording, it's the better than nothing.  In
short, the episode guide Ben Ohmart will be publishing in October is as
definitive as can be - judged by recording first, and script for the
broadcasts in which a recording does not exist.

When I did Have Gun - Will Travel, incidentally, I found the scripts to the
western wonderful.  I was able to reprint all the dates and times when each
broadcast was recorded.  When I compared the cast list on the HGWT scripts
to the actual recordings, I discovered there was differences.  Thus my
episode guide was a combination of the recordings and the scripts, and "all
information accurate."  (Wouldn't believe how many HGWT recordings announced
Virginia Gregg in the cast when she wasn't on the program!)

Martin Grams, Jr.

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

Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 19:30:02 -0400
From: mark koldys <mkoldys@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Efrem & son

Would anyone know if there is a familial connection between famed violinist
Efrem Zimbalist who guested with The New York Philharmonic on CBS (between
1927-63) and the actor by that name (Efrem Jr.) who starred in ABC-TV's
The FBI series (1965-74)?

Father and Son

--
"If strength were all, tiger would not fear scorpion." --Charlie Chan

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

Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 19:41:09 -0400
From: Jack & Cathy French <otrpiano@[removed];
To: OTRBB <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  That's My Pop!

Jim Cox asks:

Would anyone know if there is a familial connection between famed
violinist Efrem Zimbalist who guested with The New York Philharmonic on
CBS (between 1927-63) and the actor by that name (Efrem Jr.) who starred
in ABC-TV's The FBI series (1965-74)?  Just curious.  Not a common
moniker.

As you may have guessed, they were father and son. Efrem, Jr. dropped
the "Junior" from his name after his father died. However, his fame by
then had probably exceeded his father's, though they were artists in
different venues.

Jack French
Editor: RADIO RECALL
[removed]

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

Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 21:04:19 -0400
From: "Stewart Wright" <stewwright@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Re: Efrem Zimbalist & Hummert Book

In  [removed] Digest V2003 #298

Jim asked,

Would anyone know if there is a familial connection between famed
violinist Efrem Zimbalist who guested with The New York Philharmonic on
CBS (between 1927-63) and the actor by that name (Efrem Jr.) who starred
in ABC-TV's The FBI series (1965-74)?  Just curious.  Not a common
moniker.

According to the Internet Movie Data Base
[removed],%20Efrem

"He is the son of violinist Efrem Zimbalist and opera singer Alma Gluck."

I have seen it mentioned in several sources.

Jim,  I have not received a copy of the Hummert Book from McFarland.

    On the REPS front, a special set of autographed books will be offered at
the Dinner Auction of the REPS Showcase 2004.

    I have ordered a copy of John Dunning's "Tune In Yesterday" that is
supposed to be in very good condition.  I already have a brand new copy of
John's "On The Air."  I will ask John to autograph them both for Showcase
2004.

Signing off for now,

Stewart

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

Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 21:28:07 -0400
From: "Kurt E. Yount" <blsmass@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  twilight zone on KFI

The twilight zone will be on KFI starting at one o'clock Saturday night
Sunday morning August third.  This will be too late for this week, but if
you can remember, and I hope I can, it will be on next saturday/sunday, I
hope.  Kurt

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

Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2003 19:07:34 -0400
From: revelation206jm@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Efrem Zimbalist

I'm resending this just in case since I forgot to put a subject header on it
the first time. And I can correct some of those spelling errors too!

Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. is the son of violinist Efrem Zimbalist and opera singer
Alma Gluck. Efrem Jr.'s daughter is the well known Stephanie Zimbalist known
most for starring in the TV series Remington Steele. I watch Efrem Jr. on TBN
(Trinity Broadcast Network) a large Christian Broadcasting network on
sattelite and many over the air stations. Efrem Jr. has segments where he
sits and reads form the written word of God. I love to see celebrities who
love and promote Jesus!

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

Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 02:38:13 -0400
From: HERITAGE4@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Olde Tyme Radio Network Schedule for week of
 8/3/03

Here's the schedule of broadcasts for this week, 24/7 in nice sound at:
[removed]     New shows every Sunday.

SAME TIME, SAME STATION with Jerry Haendiges
We Love Lucy --
1. MY FAVORITE HUSBAND   12/9/50 - "Trying to Cash the Prize
Check"    Lucille Ball & Richard Denning.
2. THIS IS MY BEST     12/4/45     "Happily Ever After"  stars Robert
Young and Louise Albritton.
3. I LOVE LUCY    2/27/52  - Audition Show -  Lucil;e Ball and
Desi Arnaz with Vivian Vance and William Frawley.
4. SCREEN GUILD THEATER     5/1/44    "A Night to Remember"
starring Lucille Ball & Brian Donlevy.

HERITAGE RADIO THEATRE with Tom Heathwood
1. SALUTE TO BOB HOPE -  PHILCO RADIO TIME    1/29/47   ABC
Bing welcomes Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour.  "Road to Hollywood"
2. THE ALDRICH FAMILY   12/16/45   NBC  "A Quiet Evening"
Ezra Stone and Jackie Kelk with House Jamison & Katherine Raht.
3. THE COLGATE SPORTS NEWREEL with BILL STERN     10/24/42
NBC - Guest:  Navy's Football Coach,  John Weishel.

Enjoy!!     Tom & Jerry

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

Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 02:38:35 -0400
From: SeptSev@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Zimbalist
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In a message dated 8/2/03 2:16:58 PM, [removed]@[removed]
writes:

Would anyone know if there is a familial connection between famed
violinist Efrem Zimbalist who guested with The New York Philharmonic on
CBS (between 1927-63) and the actor by that name (Efrem Jr.) who starred
in ABC-TV's The FBI series (1965-74)?  Just curious.  Not a common
moniker.

Father and son.   Stephanie Zimbalist   (REMMINGTON STEELE) is also related;
daughter and grand daughter.

Thom

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Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 02:38:42 -0400
From: Joe Mackey <joemackey108@[removed];
To: otrd <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Today in radio history

 From Those Were The Days --

1922 - WGY in Schenectady, NY presented the first full-length melodrama
on radio. It was The Wolf, written by Eugene Walter.

Joe

--
Visit my homepage:  [removed]~[removed]

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

Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 03:19:53 -0400
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Jack Benny tributes
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Dixon Hayes wrote:

I can remember the "Tonight Show" being delayed by 30 minutes to an hour
for
an impromptu tribute to Jack Benny on NBC, the night he died.

Well, almost.  Jack died just before midnight on December 26, 1974, and the
NBC tribute was aired about 24 hours later on December 27.  CBS then aired an
even more extensive tribute on December 29.

--Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]

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Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 03:36:39 -0400
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Jack vs. Bob
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Who was more influential?  Who left bigger footprints?  And perhaps
just as importantly, just a couple months after we watched clueless
entertainment writers celebrate The Big 100 by crediting Bob with many of
Jack's innovations--once the Hope Death Hoopla dies down, who will be
better remembered in future times?

Similar to Stephen's observations, I think this question is like asking
whether Abbott and Costello were better than Laurel and Hardy, or whether the
Marx
Brothers were better than the Three Stooges.

I personally prefer Jack Benny, Abbott and Costello, and the Marx Brothers.
However, that does not necessarily make them "better" or "more
important"...it's just my personal preference based on their respective
styles of comedy.  I
think a big part of who is better remembered depends on how easily accessible
their material is.  For example, you can turn on TV Land and see I Love Lucy,
but not Jack Benny.  (Arguments about why this is are a whole separate
subject.)  So a 20-year old has a better chance of knowing Lucy than Jack.

That's part of the reason that the International Jack Benny Fan Club exists.
After the Bob Hope 100th birthday tributes, I received an E-mail from someone
saying, "I saw a clip of Jack Benny and Bob Hope, and Benny was really funny!
 Where can I find more of his work?"  Very happy to oblige.

--Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]

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Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 13:09:46 -0400
From: Michael Berger <intercom1@[removed];
To: otr <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  bob hope
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Writer Wilfrid Sheed, in Slate, writes that radio was the weakest of Bob
Hope's media work:

"....one probably can't live to 100 without something going wrong, and just
before heading West to do his best work, Hope made the mistake of radio,
which was, by the late 1930s, devouring comic material like a dragon with an
eating disorder. The defining joke about radio was undoubtedly Jack Benny's
retort to Fred Allen, "You wouldn't dare say that if I had my writers with
me."
Bob Hope, an innately careful man, made sure never to be so vulnerable. He
took his writers with him, or slightly ahead of him, everywhere he went, even
to the quiz show Information, Please, which was basically a contest in "Who
can be funniest tonight?" and where Hope's "people" startled the host by
asking for advance notice not just of all the questions, but of every word
that would be spoken on the show. From Gary Giddens' indispensable new book
Bing Crosby: A Life, one learns that even the most sacred of Hope legends,
the famous ad-libs in the Road pictures, had all been written the night
before by Hope's writers, who had also done a batch for Bing.

It must have been from these films that Hope's own reputation as an
improviser arose, because on the radio he could have been reading his lines
off a ticker tape for all one could tell. Without the benefit of Hope's eyes
or head movements, his radio show seemed so uninflected that my father, who
was a connoisseur of comedy, claimed that this man had no sense of humor
whatsoeveran opinion confirmed indirectly for me by Larry Gelbart when he
said that "Hope was great to write for because he used absolutely everything
we gave him."

Please reply to: intercom1@[removed]

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Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 13:09:56 -0400
From: "Gary Dixon" <argy@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Who's [removed] or Bob?
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I think Jack Benny was probably the better audio [removed] Bob's forte
was clearly visual!

If you listen to the Benny radio shows (particularly from 1944 through the end
of June 1955)...there's no question JB, his cast and his writers could fire up
our imaginations a lot better than Mr. Hope.  Bob's radio shows were good, but
always seemed a little contrived (at least to me).

TV was a different story. Even though Jack was the master of the pregnant
pause on [removed]'s profile, facial expressions and ability to [removed]
gave him the 'winning hand' when it came to television. I always got the
feeling during some of his television sketches that we were watching a
'grown-up' whose hand was caught inside a cookie jar!
The more Bob squirmed to get out of [removed] funnier he was.

Like most admirers, I have my favorite Hope and Benny movie moments.  [AMC
played THE SEVEN LITTLE FOYS this past week and I'd forgotten how much fun
that movie was].   Bob's film work was probably stronger than Jack'[removed] I
think their performances on stage are too hard to call.  Benny's deliberate
violin flaws were an equal match to Bob's 'soft shoe technique!'  While most
of us remember Bob's influence with our troops overseas (better than
Jack's)....it's clear that both of them appear to be having a pretty good time
on stage.

Here's what puzzles me.

When there are two excellent comedians whose styles were so influential in all
types of [removed] does there have to be a choice between one or the
other?  All of us have been influenced (and moved) by their comedic
[removed] can't we just appreciate their gifts and just enjoy them both?

Rocket scientists need to analyze and [removed] when it comes to
[removed]'t we just appreciate those who have it?

Jack and Bob were [removed]'s enjoy 'em both!

argydix

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Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 13:11:34 -0400
From: "Cynthia "ChibiBarako"" <cvc@[removed];
To: Old Time Radio Mailing List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Re: Administrivia

But [removed] don't volunteer to donate the [removed]

Aw, darn ... <snaps fingers>  :-D

Cynthia "ChibiBarako"

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

Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2003 13:11:41 -0400
From: Howard Blue <khovard@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Boston radio interview

Jordan Rich will be interviewing me about  WORDS AT WAR on his radio show
on WBZ in Boston Sunday night at 11 PM. I would appreciate some feedback
from anyone who hears it

Thanks,

Howard Blue

--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2003 Issue #299
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