------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2004 : Issue 371
A Part of the [removed]!
[removed]
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
11-20 births/deaths [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
Close the box [ "Linda T" <nemesis@[removed]; ]
A Note, on Eartha Kitt [ jameshburns@[removed] (Jim Burns) ]
Satellites and OTR's future [ "Alain Altounian" <[removed]@[removed] ]
Dis anyone attend this? [ "Ken Lanza" <klanza@[removed]; ]
Eleanor [removed] [ "Ted Kneebone" <tkneebone1@[removed] ]
Barbara Watkins [ Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed] ]
Re: future of the hobby [ Jim Widner <widnerj@[removed]; ]
Norman Rose [ Mikeandzachary@[removed] ]
Close the Box [ Ed Kindred <kindred@[removed]; ]
Margo? [ <fc90030@[removed]; ]
My SPERDVAC 2004 Convention [ Conrad Binyon <conradab@[removed] ]
Earl Graser - The Lone Ranger [ Paulurbahn@[removed] ]
Norman Brokenshire [ "Jim Nixon" <ranger6000@[removed] ]
11-21 births/deaths [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 15:48:36 -0500
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: 11-20 births/deaths
November 20th births
11-20-1890 - Robert Armstrong - Saginaw, MI - d. 4-20-1973
actor: "Lux Radio Theatre"
11-20-1891 - Reginald Denny - Richmond, Surrey, England - d. 6-16-1967
actor: "Cavalcade of America"; "Screen Guild Theatre"; "Texaco Star Theatre"
11-20-1900 - Chester Gould - Pawnee, Oklahoma Territory - d. 5-11-1985
comic strip artist: "Dick Tracy"
11-20-1907 - Fran Allison - La Porte City, IA - d. 6-13-1989
actress, singer: Aunt Fanny, "Breakfast Club"; "National Barn Dance"; "Uncle
Ezra"
11-20-1908 - Alistair Cooke - Manchester, England - d. 3-30-2004
host: "Transatlantic Quiz"; "Letter to America"; "Stage and Screen"
11-20-1916 - Judy Canova - Stark, FL - d. 8-5-1983
comedienne: "Paul Whiteman's Musical; Varieties"; "Charlie McCarthy Show";
"Judy Canova Show"
11-20-1919 - Evelyn Keyes - Port Arthur, TX (Raised: Atlanta, GA)
actress: "Lux Radio Theatre"
11-20-1920 - Gene Tierney - Brooklyn, NY - d. 11-6-1991
actress: "Lux Radio Theatre"; "Great Scenes from Great Plays"; "[removed] Steel
Hour"
11-20-1921 - Phyllis Thaxter - Portland, ME
actress: "Lux Radio Theatre"
11-20-1926 - Kay Ballard - Cleveland, OH
actress: "Stagestruck"; "Stars for Defense"; "Bud's Bandwagon"
November 20th deaths
06-29-1919 - Slim Pickens - Kingsberg, CA - d. 11-20-1983
actor: Samuel the Seal "Cinnamon Bear"
08-03-1905 - Gaylord Carter - Wiesbaden, Germany - d. 11-20-2000
organist: "Amos 'n' Andy"; "Breakfast in Hollywood"
09-09-1828 - Leo Tolstoy - Yasnaya, Polyana, Russia - d. 11-20-1910
author: "Great Plays"; "Arthur Hopkins Presents"; "Hour of St. Francis"
12-18-1913 - Lynn Bari - Roanoke, VA - d. 11-20-1989
actress: "Dan Carson"
12-27-1916 - Cathy Lewis - Spokane, WA - d. 11-20-1968
actress: Jane Stacy "My Friend Irma"; Kathryn Milford "Great Gildersleeve"
--
Ron Sayles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 19:14:40 -0500
From: "Linda T" <nemesis@[removed];
To: "Old Time Radio" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Close the box
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I had a friend ask what the show was and who the actor
is that said in a deep raspy voice " CLOSE THE BOX "
Maybe it was Senor Wences??? ::Poking around in my memory, here::
Linda T.
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------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 19:17:11 -0500
From: jameshburns@[removed] (Jim Burns)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: A Note, on Eartha Kitt
Eartha Kitt is now appearing in New York, in a big-big-big, short-run
production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein CINDERELLA.
Earlier this year, she helped a friend out, playing a key role in the
presentation of a new musical.
This type of thing happens all the time, in New York. Full cast
"readings" of what amounts to the first draft of a musical, hoping to
make its way to Broadway.
(A while back, I left the url for the York Theatre Company, which
presents many of these types readings, for free--back when they had an
OTR/detective themed musical they were presenting :
[removed] )
(The York's list of free readings is always worth checking out, for
something that might grab your attention.)
What's neat about these performances, as I noted, is often you see top
notch Broadway performers acting/singing in these presentations.
But Eartha Kitt is a big star.
And what knocked out the folks presenting the musical reading was how
nice, and professional she was, from first contact, through rehersals.
And her performance?
With only a few hours of rehersal, SHE KNOCKED THE AUDIENCE OUT!
The other fun part of this brief tale, is that at a small party
afterwards, a bunch of us were hanging out.
In her seventies, Kitt still looks fantastic. And I mean this in only
the best, classic, gentlemen and ladies, version of this phrase--
She still knows how to flirt!
An amazing performer, and a fascnating woman!
Jim Burns (James H. Burns)
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 19:17:41 -0500
From: "Alain Altounian" <[removed]@[removed];
To: "Old. Time. Radio" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Satellites and OTR's future
I also feel that satellite OTR is a "convenient" option (disclaimer:i have
no [removed]), particularly longer [removed]
I agree with previous posts on the hacking of content, and more importantly
IMO, disruption of the "atmosphere" of the shows.
However, as these aren't a substitute for the (relatively) complete
originals, and being an OTR fan means having heard many shows many times
over; i sometimes PREFER the deletion of the same/similar old ads i have
heard hundreds (if not thousands)of times.
Concerning more recent posts on the future of OTR fandom: i would hazard a
guess that satellite OTR stations will become the main source of new fans.
That is, via satellite radio channel surfers who like what they hear and
decide to dig deeper.
Alain.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 19:16:18 -0500
From: "Ken Lanza" <klanza@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Dis anyone attend this?
I just learned of this, did anyone attend?
The FBI in Action
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. And we really mean
it. Back in the day, when WGY-AM was owned by General Electric and happened
to be one of the greatest radio stations in the Northeast, the station
regularly broadcast The FBI in Action, a locally produced and written radio
drama. We've never heard it-do any episodes survive?-but we're reasonably
sure it was an action-packed, two-fisted drama about G-Men busting up Nazi
spy rings and slapping down bank robbers, white slavers and two-bit
hoodlums.
Well, tonight (Thursday) the New York State Writers Institute is
cosponsoring a live performance of an original 1940s episode of The FBI in
Action on the UAlbany uptown campus. The cast will include members of the
original cast and students from the UAlbany theater department. You can even
close your eyes if you'd like, to re-create the original experience.
The FBI in Action will be presented tonight (Thursday, Nov. 18) at 7 PM at
the UAlbany Performing Arts Center's Recital Hall (1400 Washington Ave.,
Albany). Admission is free-just like listening to the radio used to be. For
more information, call 442-5620.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 19:18:05 -0500
From: "Ted Kneebone" <tkneebone1@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Eleanor [removed]
And I think Eleanor Audley was Hop Harrigan's mother! [removed],
some other mothers, too!
Someone on this list asked about her, and I had her name misspelled.
Ted Kneebone / 1528 S. Grant St. / Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone: 605-226-3344
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 19:18:51 -0500
From: Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed];
To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Barbara Watkins
Barbara Watkins is well-known to most of us here. I love her column in
RADIOGRAM and she has been a tireless, unpaid worker for SPERDVAC for
years. She labors hard for that organization, which more than quadrupled
in membership after being the subject of an article in SMITHSONIAN
MAGAZINE.
She also is kind and thoughtful. I wrote a reminiscence of Helen Kleeb in
the Digest last year, and she sent me Kleeb's obituary which appeared in
the LA Times. I did not ask her to do that but she sensed in my Digest post
that I really enjoyed my chance encounter with Kleeb. She responded to me
with her heart.
Barbara needs no defense, but perhaps she deserves a little "Spaceman's
Luck" which she wishes her readers every month.
Dennis Crow
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 19:19:42 -0500
From: Jim Widner <widnerj@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: future of the hobby
At 09:47 AM 11/19/2004, you wrote:
The question really is, is there
enough at conventions to warrant people attending even if there are no
special guests? This really isn't an exclusive question to the OTR hobby.
I'm sure classic film conventions are facing the same issues.
Obviously, I cannot speak for anyone else, but I attend most years both
FOTR and Cincy. I have attended REPS once and unfortunately haven't yet
made it to SPERDVAC. But I can say that while I have enjoyed mixing with
the original radio folk my desire to attend has been on seeing old friends,
attending some of the seminars and enjoying the re-creations no matter if
the original actors are not in them.
I was glad I attended FOTR this year because I deeply moved by Steve Lewis'
production of Morton Wishengrad's "Battle of the Warsaw Ghetto." Steve's
productions are always top notch and there are no original old time radio
actors in his group. I would attend to see more of his productions in
addition to continuing to seeing old friends.
I really don't think the conventions are totally dependent upon the
appearance of the old radio actors. I know there are some who would like to
see FOTR return strictly to radio, but I think including the likes of Will
Hutchins, Paul Peterson and others still has value if one needs to have
actors of their background attend as drawing power.
I see my interest in otr to be part of a big but rather exclusive club that
I am honored to be a part. The opportunity to get together with and seeing
people who feel the same is fun no matter the rest of the draw.
What will be the issue with the conventions is not the draw and attendance,
but rather maintaining leaders to continue to run them. When people like
Bob Burchett and Jay Hickerson no longer feel they can drive the annual
events then the committees that surround them will need to get new drivers.
In my experience, committees work best when there is a single driving force
around them. If good solid people who the others can respect don't come
forward, that will be the death of those conventions.
Jim Widner
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 19:19:56 -0500
From: Mikeandzachary@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Norman Rose
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I was very saddened to hear about the death of Norman Rose. As a younger man
just getting my radio drama feet wet with the CBS RADIO MYSTERY THEATER, I
listened to him very often. After I got into OTR, I discovered him as the
host of
DIMENSION X. Thanks for some great memories, Mr. Rose. Rest in peace.
Mike Murphy
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Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2004 19:18:27 -0500
From: Ed Kindred <kindred@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Close the Box
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I wonder if this is a reference to Senor Wences who had:
'Pedro', a torso-less head in a box. In the middle of a routine
Wences would lift the lid of the box and say "Are you alright?"
to which Pedro would reply "S'alright". "S'alright" - which
became a classic catchphrase" IMDB
There may have also been routines where Pedro said to close the box or
the door. It was over 50 years ago that I last experienced Senor Wences,
Johnny the hand puppet and Pedro. The rememberer isn't as clear as it
once was.
Ed Kindred
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------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 01:16:57 -0500
From: <fc90030@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Margo?
Matthew Bullis wrote:
Hello, I keep hearing an actresss referred to as only Margo in Suspense.
What was her last name? Was she so well-known back then as to only
need one name like we have today with Shania and Reba in country music?
It was rumored that "Margo" was the sister of singer,"Hildegard." as well
as the girlfriend of the magician, "Dunninger," and confidant of pianist,
"Liberace." I believe she left show business and retired to Walla Walla,
WA.
Frank Coopersmith
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 08:58:18 -0500
From: Conrad Binyon <conradab@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: My SPERDVAC 2004 Convention
Here's was my fun night.
Click on the following link:
[removed]
CAB
--
conradab@[removed] (Conrad A. Binyon)
Encino, CA
Home of the Stars who loved Ranches and Farms
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 09:02:46 -0500
From: Paulurbahn@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Earl Graser - The Lone Ranger
It appears as if a metro Detroit city (Farmington Hills) is considering an
National Historical Marker to what they refer to as the Original Lone
Ranger,
former home of Earl Graser. Earl was killed in 1941 in a car accident and
was
followed on the radio in the Lone Ranger role by Brace Beemer.
Naturally, I would think anyone interested in OTR woiuld encourage Farmington
Hills in the erection of a marker to Earl Graser, though not the first Lone
Ranger but definitely "the first popular Lone Ranger" or the one who was in
the
role when it became a national hit. I read an article once where the author
wondered if the show would survive after Grazer's death. That appears to be
how identified he was in the role. Of course that is a little hard for us now
who best remember Brace Beemer in the role.
I would think any kind of historical marker to radio (if justified) should be
most welcome anywhere in the United States.
Maybe a few letters of encouragement from Lone Ranger fans across the country
would help.
Here is an address I found on the Internet:
City of Farmington Hills
31555 W. Eleven Mile Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48336-1165
Eral Grazer is briefly mentioned on page 22 of their Historical District
Report.
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 09:21:41 -0500
From: "Jim Nixon" <ranger6000@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Norman Brokenshire
Derek Tague wondered how this famous radio newsman pronounced his last name.
I remember it being "shire" as in the Hobbit because my dad always referred
to him as "Norman Broken-wire". The newsman used to say something like,
"This is your old friend Norman Brokenshire [removed]"
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 13:57:30 -0500
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: 11-21 births/deaths
November 21st births
11-21-1882 - Alfred White - d. 8-22-1972
actor: Soloman Levy "Abie's Irish Rose"
11-21-1905 - Ted Ray - Wigan, Lanchashire, England - d. 11-8-1977
comedian: "Ray's a Laugh"
11-21-1908 - Martha Deane - Star Lake, NY - d. 12-9-1973
commentator: (The First Lady of Radio) "Martha Deane Show";
11-21-1912 - Eleanor Powell - Springfield, MA - d. 2-11-1982
singing tap dancer: "Flying Red Horse Tavern"
11-21-1919 - Steve Brodie - El Dorado, KS - d. 1-9-1992
actor: Mike Mallory "Mike Mallory"
11-21-1920 - Ralph Meeker - Minneapolis, MN - d. 8-5-1988
actor: "Crime Does Not Pay"
11-21-1920 - Stan Musial - Donora, PA
baseball great: "Image Minorities"; "Feature Project: The Game of Baseball"
11-21-1921 - Vivian Blaine - Newark, NJ - d. 12-9-1995
actress, singer: "Lux Radio Theatre"
11-21-1927 - Joseph Campanella - NYC
actor: "Zero Hour"
November 21st deaths
01-22-1934 - Bill Bixby - San Francisco, CA - d. 11-21-1993
actor: "We Hold These Truths"
02-11-1909 - Max Baer - Omaha, NB - d. 11-21-1959
heavyweight boxing champion, actor: Lucky Smith "Lucky Smith"
03-02-1909 - Mel Ott - Gretna, LA - d. 11-21-1958
sportscaster: Play-by-Play Detroit Tigers; "Babe Ruth Show"
04-09-1897 - John B. Gambling - Norwich, England - d. 11-21-1974
host: "Your Personal Program"; "John B. Gambling Club"
05-07-1884 - Gloria Gordon - d. 11-21-1962
actress: (Mother of Gale Gordon) Mrs. O'Reilly "My Friend Irma"
05-12-1892 - John Barclay - Blethingly, Surrey, England - d. 11-21-1978
singer, actor: "Palmolive Beauty Box Theatre"; "Richard Gaylord "Guiding Light"
07-11-1906 - Harry Von Zell - Indianapolis, IN - d. 11-21-1981
actor, announcer: Bill Smith "Smiths of Hollywood"; "Burns and Allen"
09-15-1889 - Robert Benchley - Worcester, MA - d. 11-21-1945
comedian: "Buick Program"; "Melody and Madness"
09-17-1904 - Jerry Colonna - Boston, MA - d. 11-21-1986
comedian: "Bob Hope Show"
10-29-1916 - Hadda Brooks - Los Angeles, CA - d. 11-21-2002
pianist: "Jubilee"
--
Ron Sayles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2004 Issue #371
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