------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2004 : Issue 19
A Part of the [removed]!
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
MP3 Players [ Douglas Stivers <ej1dks1@[removed] ]
Jerry Haendiges [ Tony Baechler <tony@[removed]; ]
"The Littlest Angel" on radio [ Herb Harrison <herbop@[removed] ]
author wanted [ howard blue <khovard@[removed]; ]
OTR names for pets [ Dan Hughes <danhughes@[removed]; ]
skyscraper [ "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed] ]
Shirley's Missing Airchecks [ Jack & Cathy French <otrpiano@erols ]
The Greatest Entertainer of All Time [ "Bill and Reva Muhr" <brmuhr@robson ]
Re: Gunsmoke Casting [ Shenbarger@[removed] ]
Encyclopedia of Radio: Book Review [ "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@ ]
Gunsmoke [ Alan Chapman <[removed]@verizon. ]
On A Note of Triumph [ chris chandler <chrischandler84@yah ]
Conrad on Gunsmoke [ "Irene Heinstein" <IreneTH@[removed] ]
Sidney Miller [ "B. J. Watkins" <kinseyfan@hotmail. ]
Re: Greatest Entertainer [ Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed] ]
Glenn Miller's Last Flight [ "Irene Heinstein" <IreneTH@[removed] ]
Gangbusters [ Mark Stratton <cty57251@centurytel. ]
Straight Arrow [ <whhsa@[removed]; ]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 11:15:47 -0500
From: Douglas Stivers <ej1dks1@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: MP3 Players
I encode all my otr mp3 cd's to 32 kbps and 44 kHz for playback. A lot
of the less expensive portable cd mp3 and dvd players will read files
set between 32 kbps and 320 kbps, but they definitely require settings
of 44 kHz or 48 kHz.
I aquire my otr mp3's at all different kbps levels and the kHz setting
is usually set to 22 kHz. I use a program called Goldwave to re-encode
the files to mono, 32 kbps and 44 kHz.
Whenever I am interested in purchasing a dvd player, or portable cd
player, or boombox that says it will read mp3 files, I always take an
mp3 cd with me to test the product out. I have never been told no.
Douglas K Stivers
ej1dks1@[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 11:18:22 -0500
From: Tony Baechler <tony@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Jerry Haendiges
Hello list. I have not followed the thread on Jerry, but since his name
came up, I would like to relate my experiences with him. For those who
just want the bottom line, I am never going to buy from him again because
of constant problems.
I first bought from him around 1996 or 1997. He was fine then and very
helpful. I didn't buy from him again until October 1998 because I didn't
have money and I was somewhat new to collecting. All my OTr at that point
was from Radio Spirits and was given to me as gifts. I bought in somewhat
small quantities from him originally because of money concerns also.
The problems seemed to start when next I bought from him in I think
2000. I found a series I was interested in, "Calling All Cars." For those
who don't know, it is one of the earliest police dramas dating from around
1933-39. I bought a total of 302 programs from him on cassette. There
were some problems with the mail, but they were not his fault. The problem
I had with him is that he would go for weeks at a time with no status
reports and would not answer my email. At one point, I tried to make some
corrections to his log based on actually listening to the shows. He never
acknowledged any email from me. I think that I was correct but I guess he
dismissed it. (My correction was in regards to "The Mae West Jewel
Robbery." While most logs show this as being from 1934, I think this show
is actually a rebroadcast from 1935. The announcer says that this is a
rebroadcast and gives it a program number out of sequence with the
rest.) In fairness to Jerry, though, he did let me know that he would have
to transfer the shows from reel to cassette first so it would take some
time. That was fine and it was not unreasonable.
Now I get to the beginning of the end. I bought several episodes of "The
Lone Ranger" from him on cassette, ranging in dates from 1938-41 with some
1942 programs thrown in. He let me know that they would be shipped out
within about two weeks since they were already transfered to cassette. He
also informed me that only Radio Spirits and Ted Davenport had these
shows. I have since learned that this is apparently incorrect. Terry
Salomonson claims to have all surviving shows, including those. I ordered
them in June. I got shipments every week or two (keep in mind that the
entire order would be shipped in two weeks) until October. From October to
January of the next year (either 2001 or 2002) I got absolutely nothing
from him. I wrote to him in November and he let me know that they would be
shipped the next day or so, but I guess something happened because I got no
word at all until January. Shortly after the new year, he let me know that
the rest of the order was being shipped, over six months after
ordering. He also informed me during that time that some episodes from
July 1940 were missing and I don't believe I ever received them.
In May 2002, I ordered my last cassettes from him, "Family Theatre." I
also ordered "You Bet Your Life," around the same time, I think in
April. He was very prompt with both orders and I was not disappointed. I
thought maybe he was finally improving and I gave him yet another
chance. I had also switched to ordering CDs at that time and I got a
shipment in June with no problems. However, I was starting to notice
something. First, his CDs were not the best sounding I have heard. All of
"Phil Harris and Alice Faye" had a muffle. Many shows had clipping, where
the volume was too loud and caused distortion. This happens if you don't
pay attention to your meters and adjust the volume too much in your sound
editing software. I noticed his prices were high also. He was charging $9
per CD. I always bought specials, so I think I paid no more than $7, but
[removed] charges $7 without specials and doesn't have the muffle.
I will skip over other problems I had with him until my last order. He
offered, on special, "Recollections at Thirty" assuming there was
interest. He also offered "The Quiz Kids." I ordered both series. After
several months went by, I asked him about "Recollections at Thirty." He
mentioned that I was the only one interested and he was mastering them
especially for me. I told him that I definitely wanted the series and had
no problem paying for it, but not at $9 per CD since that is more expensive
than many other dealers. I got a total of 8 CDs, but not the entire
series. I never got any of "The Quiz Kids," even though I stated that I
would take either cassette or CD.
I finally found another dealer with better prices and quality,
[removed] Terry has been excellent and I would recommend
him. My last message from Jerry said that it was probably better that I
buy directly from Terry because he didn't want to waste any more time on me
or some such. I think he said that I was a waste of his time, but I know
it was words to that effect. For new customers or those who don't mind
waiting at least six months for an order, Jerry is fine. If you want your
order promptly or quality is a concern, you should look elsewhere. I have
had good experiences with both Radio Memories and Audio Classics. Sorry
this message ended up longer than I intended. Jerry is not all bad, as
long as you are willing to accept certain things, such as very slow
delivery for orders.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 11:18:28 -0500
From: Herb Harrison <herbop@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: "The Littlest Angel" on radio
I did a Google search on <"The Littlest Angel" radio Loretta Young>. It
looks like your program was produced on radio in 1949. For more info, check
out the Google search listings; you might even be tempted to buy a
recording of the show.
Herb Harrison
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 11:18:47 -0500
From: howard blue <khovard@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: author wanted
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A publisher is looking for "possible authors for possible volumes in the
subseries on Radio. . . This could be for national radio . . . British,
American, Canadian etc or genres: soap opera, quiz shows, etc preferably
international."
If anyone is interested, please contact me.
Howard Blue
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 12:01:01 -0500
From: Dan Hughes <danhughes@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: OTR names for pets
Derek mentions a member's new pet--that would be me (the member, not the
pet). A tiny black pound-rescued poodlet (good word, eh?). We wanted a
Jack Benny name (those of you who know my daughter Karen will
understand). We considered Jack, and Benny, and Dennis, and [removed]
seemed to fit. Then Derek came up with Remley, which we loved, and we
tried that. A great name, but after serious consideration we decided
that the pup's character didn't fit his namesake. Remley was a conniver,
and this pup is anything but. Finally, Karen came up with Max (as in
Jack's Maxwell). This seemed ideal, because the pup makes strange
noises like the car, and he is undependable in that he decides whether to
come or not when you call. So his official name is Maxwell Remley, and
we call him Max. Thanks Derek!
---Dan
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 12:24:04 -0500
From: "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: skyscraper
Last night I was listening to an episode of 'The Aldrich Family' in which
Henry and Homer each ordered 'skyscrapers' at the soda fountain.
Oh, my. I _think_ that a skyscraper was a very substantial ice-cream
sundae, taller than the usual, hence the name. Corrections invited: I am
racking my brain (a 1947 Cleveland.)
Mark Kinsler
I think they recalled that model.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 12:24:40 -0500
From: Jack & Cathy French <otrpiano@[removed];
To: OTRBB <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Shirley's Missing Airchecks
The saga continues in the search for the "Missing Massachusetts Man" to
whom OTR star Shirley Eggleston in 1998 turned over her five airchecks
of uncirculated materials. Jay Hickerson, who had suggested this
arrangement to Shirley at his Newark FOTR Convention, cannot recall
the name of the man, nor can Shirley, who lost his contact data a few
years ago during a move to her current residence.
Digesters in the New England area have been alerted to try and find
this fellow. He had promised Shirley that he knew all about
transcribing air checks and he would dub copies for her. She never
heard from him again.
Recent interviews with Shirley have produced some additional
identifying data on the "Missing Massachusetts Man". She recalled he
said he was from "Wooster, MA", which I guess is actually spelled
"Worcheshire?" At any rate, she recalls he was a heavy set guy, but
that description would fit 40% of the the attendees to any FOTR
convention.
Stay tuned for further [removed]
Jack French
Editor: RADIO RECALL
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 12:49:54 -0500
From: "Bill and Reva Muhr" <brmuhr@[removed];
To: "old radio" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: The Greatest Entertainer of All Time?
There will be MANY contributions on this question. If versatility as well as
talent is taken into consideration,IMHO,Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby are in
a virtual tie. Bill Muhr
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 12:50:40 -0500
From: Shenbarger@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Gunsmoke Casting
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In a message dated 1/13/2004 Brian West wrote:
It's a pretty funny story, but does anyone know if it is true?
The story I have in an audio recording is the entire radio cast was given a
perfunctory audition/screen test for the TV show at the last minute. This was
apparently a courtesy to the radio cast as the decision to have separate casts
had already been made.
Don Shenbarger
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 13:06:20 -0500
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Encyclopedia of Radio: Book Review
The Museum of Broadcast Communications Encyclopedia of Radio (2004:
Fitzroy Dearborn, ISBN 1-57598-249-4 for the set) is a hardbound
three-volume set with an impressive 1650 pages, including index. Its
basic intent is for libraries and schools, but is quite a reference for
the OTR fan who can afford it. However, it is *not* just another OTR
reference: it covers radio broadcasting to the present. Nor is it
restricted to the United States: it covers radio worldwide.
"Covers Radio" is also not restricted to programming. There are entries
concerning various radio manufacturers, and even crystal sets. The
encyclopedia covers "wireless transmission" from Marconi on, including
Digital Radio.
But although various technologies are covered, this is in no sense an
engineering encyclopedia, such as *The Audio Cyclopedia* edited by Howard
Tremaine or *The Focal Encyclopedia of Film and Television Technologies"
edited by Raymond Spottiswoode et al. One needs no technological depth
for the entries.
It also touches upon various personalities, including Paul Harvey, Rush
Limbaugh, and Jerry Williams as well as the commentators of the 1930s and
1940s. Naturally, the great radio personalities such as Jack Benny, Bob
Hope, and Eddie Cantor.
Several contributors to the encyclopedia are contributors to the Digest
(I won't list them here in case I overlook one), with educational
affiliation.
However, I was dismayed to read the following in a discussion of radio
premiums: "'Missing a commercial proved almost as much a disappointment
as missing a moment of the action itself,' recalls a veteran children's
serial listener; "I enjoyed sending for the advertised products,
especially those, like the decoder ring, which became part of the
story.'"
At least the contributor, an academic, quoted somebody else.
Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 13:17:23 -0500
From: Alan Chapman <[removed]@[removed];
To: Old-Time Radio Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Gunsmoke
> The story I once heard is that William Conrad was offered the role of
> Matt Dillon on the TV version of Gunsmoke, but he declined because he
> felt that the series would never last on television.
Several years ago, I was present at an interview with Parley Baer
(conducted by Ken Meyer). The way Parley told it, none of the radio cast
were even asked to audition for the TV Gunsmoke. When he found out,
Bill Conrad because incensed and demanded that they be given a shot, so
a special audition was set up in the middle of the night. Bill, Parley,
Georgia Ellis and Howard McNear were all auditioned. The next day, the
TV cast was announced.
Subsequently, Parley, Georgia and Howard did play occasional small parts
on the TV show. Bill Conrad refused to appear in it, but he did
eventually direct some episodes.
-- Alan
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 13:24:29 -0500
From: chris chandler <chrischandler84@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: On A Note of Triumph
Weird esoteric question: is there a way to tell the
original 5/8/45 broadcast from the repeat performance
several days later? Anybody know?
chris
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 13:24:21 -0500
From: "Irene Heinstein" <IreneTH@[removed];
To: "OTR" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Conrad on Gunsmoke
I think the person who could give us information on the casting of TV
Gunsmoke is Harry Bartell. He took wonderful pictures of the radio cast in
western garb which I believe were for the purpose of promoting consideration
of the radio cast for TV.
-Irene
[ADMINISTRIVIA: The photographs Harry took that day in 1953 are available at:
[removed]
...along with Harry's personal comments about the photos. --cfs3]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 13:25:05 -0500
From: "B. J. Watkins" <kinseyfan@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Sidney Miller
There was a death notice in the January 13 edition of the Los Angeles Times
that actor, director, songwriter Sidney Miller has died. He was 87.
Barbara
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 13:27:33 -0500
From: Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Greatest Entertainer
On 1/14/04 11:24 AM [removed]@[removed] wrote:
Of course there are others worthy of consideration, but lets have some fun
and
choose
our own Greatest Entertainer of All Time - the real one.
If you define "Greatest Entertainer" as being a performer who has not
only succeeded in multiple areas of show business, but also posesses an
extraordinary in-person charisma that reaches down and utterly and
completely grabs the audience, I'd posit a four way tie between Al
Jolson, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Elvis Presley.
I can't think of anyone else, in all of show business history, who I'd
say genuinely belongs in this class of larger-than-life performer. Eddie
Cantor and Sammy Davis Jr. might come close, if you wanted to argue about
it, but I don't think they quite make it.
Elizabeth
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 14:55:21 -0500
From: "Irene Heinstein" <IreneTH@[removed];
To: "OTR" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Glenn Miller's Last Flight
Joe Mackey's memory about the Glenn Miller program and the latest
speculation about why Glenn Miller's plane crashed is correct.
The documentary was titled 'Glenn Miller's Last Flight' and was broadcast on
PBS in 2002. It was produced in England and based on the many years of
research of a noted British Aviation historian. Reviews were excellent
and it was hailed as the most convincing and detailed explanation yet.
-Irene
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 14:55:36 -0500
From: Mark Stratton <cty57251@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Gangbusters
I've been listening to some Gangbusters shows recently and a question
crossed my mind. Were the descriptions of wanted criminals much help
to the Authorities in their War Against The Underworld?
I heard an episode where a couple of kids spotted somebody they had
heard about on Gangbusters, but really wondered how often the descriptions
actually helped the authorities.
Also, the phrase "by proxy" is used quite a bit to introduce a law
enforcement
official who was relaying the story. What did they mean by that?
Thanks,
Mark Stratton
--
"That's the kind of wooly-headed liberal thinking that leads to being
eaten." - Principal Snyder (BtVS)
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2004 14:56:06 -0500
From: <whhsa@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Straight Arrow
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Dear OTR folks;
Peace in 2004!
I have enjoyed the banter regarding shredded wheat and Quaker Puffed Cereals.
When Quaker was advertised by Shirley Temple it was not promoted as the cereal
"shot from a gun". Later they used this image of being "shot from a gun". I
always wonder about this as Quakers were always nonagressive in behavior. Oh,
well!
Of course many remarked about the Niagara Falls representation on the Nabisco
Shredded Wheat box. The "The Palace of Light" was certainly a tourist
attraction in the area.
It is interesting to note in my Straight Arrow research, that regardless of
the subject of the cardboard inserts in NABISCO Shredded Wheat they were
always aimed at the youth the very group that did not care for the biscuit.
The Straight Arrow promotion, which was copyrighted by NABISCO, was a major
attempt to "sell" this cereal to a younger group, however as it aired at 8 PM
for a 39 week stint on the Don Lee Network and after going nationwide over
Mutual it still held an 8PM slot along with two 5 PM shows. The sales for
NABISCO Shredded Wheat did increase some 10% during the Don Lee's airing;
however I never saw a report for sales after going nationwide. The show was
one of the few children shows to reach a high mark in overall ratings.
For what it is worth! Also for remembering Howard Culver, Fred Howard
(Wright), Gwen Delano, Frank Bingham, et al who rode the trail to justice the
Straight Arrow radio broadcast for 4 exciting years.
Manituwah
Bill Harper
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End of [removed] Digest V2004 Issue #19
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