------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2004 : Issue 372
A Part of the [removed]!
[removed]
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Re: Life with Louigi and friends [ vigor16@[removed] ]
Re: SPERDVAC Re-creations [ Gregg Oppenheimer <gopp@[removed]; ]
Radio Guides [ JayHick@[removed] ]
Chicago Tribune Salute to Waukegan [ Sean Dougherty <seandd@[removed] ]
Re Ron Sayles - 11/21 deaths - John [ "Irene Heinstein" <IreneTH@[removed] ]
Review of Satelite Radio [ Sean Dougherty <seandd@[removed] ]
Correction re the Gamblings [ "Irene Heinstein" <IreneTH@[removed] ]
RE: A Note, on Eartha Kitt's earlly [ "Jack Feldman" <qualitas@millenicom ]
Eddie Anderson and The Jack Benny Ti [ JackBenny@[removed] ]
Eddie Carroll on the Benny show [ JackBenny@[removed] ]
SPERDVAC convention 2004 reports? [ "bobb lynes" <iairotr@[removed]; ]
11-22 births/deaths [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 13:58:24 -0500
From: vigor16@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Life with Louigi and friends
Hi
LWL is one of my favorite shows. It makes you appreciate this country.
These courageous folks who traveled thousands of miles from their home
land to live here and learn all our ways and get educated. I started
listening to it this past month because I have a Vietnamese client who
experienced some Horendous things before she came here. Anyway, in
Louigi, I am wondering about 3 characters. The first two are very
familiar to the radio audience but the other wasn't a real regular but
seems familiar to me.
1. Mary Shiff (I guess) who played Miss Spalding, the night school
teacher. I know I've heard her name somewhere else, but don't know
where. Can anyone help?
2. Jody Gilbert, who played the giggly 250 lb Rosa daughter of Pasquali,
wonderfully played by Alan Reed. Does she have other credits? I've
heard her name before as well but don't know where.
3. A very interesting character appears occasionally, like in
the episode where Louigi takes bakc a night gown he bought for her Mama.
He is always yelling something barely inaudable like in the case sighted
"Take back the night gown". He seems kind of vaguely familiar to me as
well. Thanks all and have a nice Thanksgiving Day Deric
What early 1968 song features a blue station wagon full of kids, ice
cream cones and the Baltimore Colts? Deric
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 13:59:08 -0500
From: Gregg Oppenheimer <gopp@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: SPERDVAC Re-creations
Subject: SPERDVAC Convention
The re-creations were well done, with fine acting, good direction, and
superb sound effects. Only the Fred Allen show was less than great,
solely due to the editing-padding which jammed three trips to Allen's
Alley into the same half hour program, which made no sense
Jack French
Editor: RADIO RECALL.
The first half of each Fred Allen Show generally consisted of dialogue
between Fred and Portland, a trip to Allen's Alley, and a song by Al
Goodman and his Orchestra, the DeMarco Sisters or another singer. The
second half was generally a lengthy sketch involving the guest star.
This presented two problems - first, the sketch generally revolved
around the guest star's persona, and wouldn't work unless I had an
actor who could mimic them perfectly, and second, most of these
sketches weren't particularly strong in the humor department. So I
decided to eliminate the sketch and concentrate on Allen's Alley and
the dialogue between Fred and Portland, which are certainly the two
most enduring parts of the program (and the parts that I fell in love
with as a kid). I accomplished this by editing together parts of three
Fred Allen programs in what I hoped was a fairly seamless manner. I
felt justified in exercising this limited artistic license because our
primary purpose was to entertain the convention audience and even
perhaps to gain some new fans for Fred Allen's brand of humor. Judging
from the audience reaction, I believe that we succeeded on both counts.
I'd be interested to hear the reaction of any other digest readers who
were attendance at the SPERDVAC. Did others also feel that the Fred
Allen Show re-creation was "less than great"?
- Gregg Oppenheimer
Producer-Director, SPERDVAC's "The Fred Allen Show" re-creation
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 13:59:22 -0500
From: JayHick@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Radio Guides
I still have 125 Radio Guides and 35 Radio Mirrors available. They are in VG
to ragged condition. Prices range from $10 to $5 depending on condition and
how many you buy. RG from 1934 - 1943; RM from 1934-1960; If someone gives
me the right price for all 160 of them, I will sell them. if not I will
continue selling them in small groups. Jay Hickerson
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 16:45:27 -0500
From: Sean Dougherty <seandd@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Chicago Tribune Salute to Waukegan
Hey, did anyone know there is more than one famous person from Waukegan?
Jack Benny is mentioned in this tribute, but only in passing.
Sean Dougherty
SeanDD@[removed]
[removed],1,[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 16:45:17 -0500
From: "Irene Heinstein" <IreneTH@[removed];
To: "OTR" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re Ron Sayles - 11/21 deaths - John B
Gambling
Ron,
You brought back memories from my NY life when you mentioned John B.
Gambling had died on 11/21/74
However, you omitted the program he is most famous for, "Rambling with
Gambling" which he started in 1925 on WOR. That program is listed in The
Guinness Book of World Records as being the longest-running radio program.
There was never a break, one Gambling replacing another Gambling from 1925
to 2000.
It was a morning show, the type now called drive time, and perhaps the first
of that genre.
John B Gambling started the program in 1925, retired in 1959 and was
replaced by his son John A Gambling who hosted the show until 1991 when his
son John R Gambling took over until 2000 when the show was finally ended by
WOR ( a questionable decision in the opinion of many New Yorkers). John R
is now on WABC in NY.
The period I remember is the first, the John B Gambling one since I left for
college in 1956, a few years before John B retired and after 1956 I no
longer lived in the greater NY area so never heard John A or his son John R.
Gambling #2 John A who died in 2004 was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame
in 2000. He was highly regarded in the industry and took a good show
started by his father, and made it even better, apparently.
-Irene
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 17:16:43 -0500
From: Sean Dougherty <seandd@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Review of Satelite Radio
This article on satelite radio services mentions the OTR stars can that be
found on the OTR channels as well as the comedy channels.
This reviewer sure seems like to it.
Also a note from a regional Indiana newspaper seems to support the rumor
(often derided) that Jack Benny was a lousy tipper.
Sean Dougherty
SeanDD@[removed]
[removed]
[removed]
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 18:53:57 -0500
From: "Irene Heinstein" <IreneTH@[removed];
To: "OTR" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Correction re the Gamblings
After I sent my message about the 3 Gamblings and "Rambling With Gambling" I
realized my Guinness World Record reference was incomplete. Following is
the clarification.
'Rambling With Gambling' has the record for longest running program on one
station (WOR for 75 years)
-Irene
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2004 00:19:28 -0500
From: "Jack Feldman" <qualitas@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: RE: A Note, on Eartha Kitt's earlly apprerance
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain
Eartha Kitt was "discovered" by Leonard Sillman in New Faces of 1952, which I
saw in '52. While browsing at DVD Planet's outlet store I discovered that NF52
had been made into a movie. It was a bit messed up by trying to create a plot
for a review, but after 50+ years my memory isn't what it used to be. In spite
of the claim on the box, it was unrestored. Sillman produced a number of "New
Faces", including NF of '32 which I have on a Laser Disk. NF 52 was an attempt
to revive the format, but there were TV variety shows on television almost
every night, so it went nowhere. if you want to see Kitt as a youngster, try
to find the DVD.
The movie also left out a line that was my favorite in the Hipster sketch.
Sillman's sister, a known Broadway actress (Pal Joey) has only one number in
the video, and isn't mentioned at all in the cast list.
The show also had Carol Lawrence as a dancer. Lawrence went on to star as
Maria in "West Side Story" It is interesting to remember the New Faces, and
how cast members either disappeared or prospered as their careers developed.
Jack
*** This message was altered by the server, and may not appear ***
*** as the sender intended. ***
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2004 00:20:41 -0500
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Eddie Anderson and The Jack Benny Times
(Just catching up on [removed])
Nik Kierniesky writes:
Finding interviews with, and other information about Eddie Anderson seems
to
be difficult. Did he avoid the limelight? I know the basic facts of his
life
and career, but little in the way of anecdotes, issues, and personal
opinions of the man himself.
Rochester and Don Wilson are the two greatest enigmas of the long-time Benny
cast. Don had many shows, but there were few interviews or articles
focusing on him. Being that he was married five times, once to a titled
woman,
there's got to be a story there. But darned if I can find it.
It seems possible that Rochester may not have been the focus of as much
media attention partially due to his race. Are there many media stories on
Hattie McDaniel, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, or James Baskett? (That's an
honest
[removed] never researched any of them.) I did recently get a vintage
magazine article (sender, you know who you [removed] you again) that
included a
Rochester interview. However, it was written in an occasional dialect ("Dis
is de life!") that almost seemed more racist than the Rochester character
ever was. Sad that Rochester couldn't be viewed as purely a talented
performer
without the need to continually remind the reader that he was black.
(Makes me wonder that if the author was interviewing a Jewish person, would
they write the quotes to make him sound like Schlepperman or Mr. Kitzel?
"Oy, oy, [removed] day I am tryink to rehoyse mine screept!")
Wasn't there a tragic death of one of his children? Any other little known
facts, sources,
anecdotes, etc. out [removed]
One of his sons (Edmond) was in prison on drug charges, but the material I
have mentions no "tragic deaths" other than Mamie's (his wife) early demise.
I did have a story in the Times this past year about a man who hitchiked with
Eddie and his family in Mexico.
Speaking of [removed] a reminder that it's time to renew subscriptions to
The Jack Benny Times. A year is $[removed] by regular mail or $[removed] by E-mail.
While supplies last, regular mail subscribers will get a copy of the
souvenir program from our 39 Forever Convention. We're also having a
special on our
2004 issues; normally $[removed], you can now get all three for only $10 while
supplies last. For complete information, check out _[removed]_
([removed]) and click on "It's subscription time" under
Featured
Items on the home page.
--Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2004 00:21:22 -0500
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Eddie Carroll on the Benny show
Jim Harmon writes:
Eddie Carrol (who was on the Benny show as one of the kids in a club,
regulars on the
series)
Jim, are you saying that Eddie was one of the Beverly Hills Beavers on the
Benny show? If so, I'll have to disagree. Some of the Beavers are still
around, but Eddie wasn't one of them. However, Eddie did work with Jack on
his
First Farewell Special. But Eddie tells that story much better than I do.
And please let me add my voice to the chorus of people congratulating you on
a job well done in moderating the OTR authors panel. My apologies if I took
us too far off base by asking people about their "pranks"...I just love
hearing stories of people casually dropping cigarette ashes in trash cans of
transcription chip while newscasters were live on the air, etc.
(For the curious: chip is a curlyqued substance that's produced when
cutting a transcription. It's highly flammable, and a cigarette ash dropped
in it
would cause a tremendous explosion of flame.)
--Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2004 08:49:23 -0500
From: "bobb lynes" <iairotr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: SPERDVAC convention 2004 reports?
Hi ,
SPERDVAC Convention 2004 was a great success! One of the best ever.
I'm taking this opportunity to ask folks who attended SPERDVAC Convention
2004 to please put you thoughts and comments on paper (or email) for
inclusion in our newsletter, the Radiogram. You don't have to be a prolific
writer, just give us your honest thoughts and opinions.
Also, if you have any pictures taken during the convention, share them with
us. Send reports to
editor Patrick Lucanio, 1097 Janus St., Springfield, OR 97477 or email him
at: filmprof@[removed]
I've specifically asked a couple of gentlemen to do reports on the
re-creations, panels, etc. at the convention, but as they say, the more, the
merrier. What were your impressions?
To those who attended, it was great seeing you, and thanks for helping to
make it such a wonderful weekend.
Bobb
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2004 09:19:45 -0500
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: 11-22 births/deaths
November 22nd births
11-22-1875 - Elizabeth Patterson - Savannah, TN - d. 1-31-1966
actress: Maid "Halls of Ivy"
11-22-1899 - Hoagy Carmichael - Bloomington, IN - d. 12-27-1981
singer, composer: "Hoagy Carmichael Show"; "King's Men"
11-22-1904 - Roland Winters - Boston, MA - d. 10-22-1989
actor: Russell Bartlett "My Best Girls"; "Milton Berle Show"; "Highways in
Melody"
11-22-1907 - Howard Petrie - Beverly, MA - d. 3-24-1968
announcer: "Jimmy Durante Show"; "Judy Canova Show"
11-22-1913 - Benjamin Britten - Lowestoft, Suffolk, England - d. 12-4-1976
composer: "Columbia Workshop"; "An American in England"
11-22-1914 - Frank Graham - MI - d. 9-2-1950
actor: Diogenes Smith "Lum and Abner"; Jeff Regan "The Lion's Eye"
11-22-1921 - Rodney Dangerfield - Babylon, Long Island, NY - d. 10-5-2004
comedian: "Voices of Vista"
11-22-1924 - Geraldine Page - Kirksville, MO - d. 6-13-1987
actress: "Arch Oboler's Plays"
November 22nd deaths
01-04-1905 - Sterling Holloway - Cedartown, GA - d. 11-22-1992
actor: "Railroad Hour"; "[removed] Steel Hour"; "Suspense"; "Lux Radio Theatre"
05-02-1895 - Lorenz Hart - NYC - d. 11-22-1943
lyricist: "Jumbo Fire Chief Program"; "Chase and Sanborn Hour"; "Railroad Hour"
05-29-1917 - John F. Kennedy - Brookline, MA - d. 11-22-1963
[removed] president: "CBS Radio Workshop"; "Kennedy-Nixon Debates"; "American Forum
of the Air"
08-05-1914 - Parley Baer - Salt Lake City, UT - d. 11-22-2002
actor: Chester Wesley Proudfoot "Gunsmoke"; Doc Clemmens "Rogers of the
Gazette"
08-17-1893 - Mae West - Brooklyn, NY - d. 11-22-1980
actress: "Edgar Bergen/Charlie McCarthy Show" (Famous Adam and Eve Skit)
11-26-1917 - Adele Jergens - Brooklyn, NY - d. 11-22-2002
actress: Carol Curtis "Stand By For Crime"
12-31-1897 - Paula Hemminghous - Columbus, OH - d. 11-22-1997
singer: "Philco Hour"; "National Radio Pulpit"; "Highlights of the Bible"
--
Ron Sayles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2004 Issue #372
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