Subject: [removed] Digest V2004 #13
From: <[removed]@[removed]>
Date: 1/10/2004 7:38 PM
To: <[removed]@[removed];

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


                            The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                              Volume 2004 : Issue 13
                         A Part of the [removed]!
                                 ISSN: 1533-9289


                                 Today's Topics:

  Premium Classes                       [ "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@ ]
  Terry & the Pirates actors            [ "Philip Chavin" <philchav@[removed] ]
  John A. Gambling Dies                 [ "RBB" <oldradio@[removed]; ]
  Glenn Miller                          [ Pete <pappleyard_ca@[removed]; ]
  post mp3, cd answers                  [ "Kathleen Perry" <Bonka@[removed]; ]
  AFRS attributions                     [ "joe@[removed]" <sergei01@earthli ]
  Regional Humor, Extended              [ "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@ ]
  1-11 births/deaths                    [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
  Re:Park Plaza Hotel                   [ Sam Levene <sam6@[removed]; ]
  Crosby-Clooney questions              [ <otrbuff@[removed]; ]
  square inch of the Yukon              [ "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed] ]
  Words and Deeds                       [ Bhob Stewart <bhob2@[removed]; ]
  gasoline ads and other science        [ "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed] ]
  Lost my address book                  [ leemunsick <leemunsick@[removed] ]
  vic and sade and lum and abner        [ k g-g <grams46@[removed] ]
  Re: A Square Inch in the Yukon        [ Fred Berney <berney@[removed]; ]
  Birth/death list                      [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
  George Burns & Gracie Allen movies    [ "Robert M. Bratcher Jr." <bratcher@ ]
  "Skippy"                              [ jsexton <jsexton@[removed]; ]

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 11:34:04 -0500
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Premium Classes

Every so often, someone speaking of radio premiums, makes the observation
that today's children should see how much fun one could have "before
there were computer games."

Well, although there are elements of truth in that, I think it's
important to distinguish between radio premium types.  I have previously
discussed various cryptological premiums -- "decoders" is the common, but
not entirely accurate descriptor of such items -- as "equipment."   By
that, I meant that they were designed to perform a certain function and
delivered what they promised.  Most were based on an invention of the
15th Century, the cipher disk, invented by Leon Battista Alberti, who
never thought of it as a toy.

Likewise, the Radio Orphan Annie and Frank Buck Explorer Sun Watches were
also valid equipment for campers, hikers, or the like.  Each was about
the size of a pocket watch.  Both were miniature sundials with built-in
magnetic compasses.  By opening each, raising the gnomon (the thing that
casts the shadow on the dial) to the appropriate angle, one could get the
local time with some accuracy.

Also, any of the Tom Mix Compass-Magnifiers could be used by campers for
orientation and (at sunny periods) as a firestarter.

Anything with inherent utility would be a piece of radio premium
equipment.  Not unlike a Swiss Army Knife.  The various pedometers
qualify as equipment.

The second class of premium is the souvenir or memento.  The Captain
Midnight Aztec Son God Ring is more than just another Secret Compartment
ring; it's a memento of a Secret Squadron adventure in Mexico.  The Jack
Armstrong Dragon's Eye Ring is a "replica" of a mysterious ring that
Uncle Jim Fairfield received from the Philippines to help him gain the
cooperation of Sulu Sea natives during a search for a lost shipment of
Uranium.  (The buildup for the premium was brilliant, but they
overproduced the ring.)  Every souvenir premium brought the listener more
into the program's story.

The third class of premium was the novelty.  The Tom Mix Signal
Arrowhead, for instance, had two lenses, a siren, and a set of panpipe
whistles.  I sent for one as a child, but don't recall any direct
connection to the show.  The Lone Ranger Flashlight Ring would hardly be
a souvenir and certainly not equipment -- just a novelty.  (In spades for
the Kix Atomic Bomb ring [aka the Lone Ranger Atom Bomb ring].)  Other
items, such as the Shooting Propeller Plane Gun, Betty's Luminous
Gardenia Bracelet, and the luminous Crocodile Whistle, all from the Jack
Armstrong show, were novelties.

Upon reflection, there was a fourth class: wartime premiums.  The MJC-10
Plane Spotter from the Captain Midnight show, the Official Victory
Airplane Spotter from the Terry and the Pirates program, Tru-Flite
Airplanes from the Jack Armstrong show all provided the same "aircraft
recognition" information that the armed forces and Civilian Defense (as
it was called back then) observers had.  The chances of a child in, say,
Salina, Kansas, of spotting a Mitshubishi A-6 ("Zero") flying overhead
during the war were infinitesimal (in the mathematical sense), but the
premiums helped the owners feel as if they were making a difference.  The
various luminous-paper blackout kits actually had some utility.

Some of the premiums were extremely creative, particularly those for the
Sky King show.  But most of them were novelties.

Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 11:34:44 -0500
From: "Philip Chavin" <philchav@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Terry & the Pirates actors

   I have another challenging query:

   There were three radio runs of Terry and the Pirates: 1937-39, 1941-42,
and 1943-48.

   The regular cast of the 1941-42 Libby's juices-sponsored run (WGN
Chicago, regional) included  Bob Griffin as Dude Hennick, John Gibson as
Connie, and Emily Vass as April Kane.

   Does anyone know if Emily Vass is still around -- and reachable?  (She
was one of the Vass Family singers who had their own radio programs at
various times in the 1930s and early 1940s. I'd guess that she'd be
something like 82 years old today.)

   What actors played Terry Lee, Pat Ryan, Burma, and the Dragon Lady on
that 1941-42 version?
(According to John Dunning, for example, actresses playing the Dragon Lady
thru the years were Agnes Moorehead, Adelaide Klein, and Marion Sweet.  An
educated guess is that either a fourth actress did the 1941-42 run or Marion
Sweet played the [removed] on that one as well as on a Blue Network run, probably
in 1943-45, at least. I've seen a publicity photo at [removed] of the
latter actress, dressed as the [removed], standing at a Blue Network microphone.)

   Thanks,

   -- Phil C.

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 11:35:41 -0500
From: "RBB" <oldradio@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  John A. Gambling Dies

Radio talk host, John A. Gambling has died in Florida at age 73.  He was the
son of the "original" morning talk show host, John B. who started "Rambling
With Gambling" on WOR in NYC, the "world's longest running radio show"
according to Guinness Book of Records beginning in 1925.

The program was the first to have helicopter traffic reports and school
closings broadcast on the radio.

In a 1990 interview with AP about the three generations of Gamblings, John
A. said "You could always turn on the radio and find old John, young John,
or in-between John" broadcasting.

John A.'s son, John R., continues the family tradition on New York radio at
WABC with "The John Gambling Show."

(Source: NY [removed])

Russ Butler  oldradio@[removed]

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 11:35:58 -0500
From: Pete <pappleyard_ca@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Glenn Miller

I bought the DVD " The Glenn Miller Story " and really
enjoyed watching it but now I have a few of questions.
Is Mrs Miller still alive?
Did she ever re-marry?
What ever became of the two children The Miller's
adopted?
If I remember right, the plane Glenn was on was found
not that long [removed] I right?
And finally, is there still a Glenn Miller Band ?
Pete
pappleyard_ca@[removed]

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 12:16:43 -0500
From: "Kathleen Perry" <Bonka@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  post mp3, cd answers

From: Jer51473@[removed]
Subject:  buying a dvd player with cd and mp3

Please advise. I just bought one, but it wont play my otr mp3s as the
recording level of the mp3s is too low. I was told that they would play ,
but i dont think most salespeople know what im talking about(i probably dont
either).

I am interested in the answer to Jers [removed] post the responses to
the newsletter.  This technology is so new and confusing.  I just get the
hang of one thing and it all changes  or if someone has this all listed on
their site that explains it all would they post the website's address. For
Christmas made up some nice CD's of Old Christmas show and gave them to
family to listen to who had MP3 players.  Some could and some couldn't
listen to [removed] So I told them to try them all in their computers using
Window's Media, not all have gotten back to me if it worked, but those that
did loved the shows and are now OTR enthusiasts wanting
[removed]
Kathleen
bonka@[removed]

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 12:21:50 -0500
From: "joe@[removed]" <sergei01@[removed];
To: "OTR List" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  AFRS attributions

AFRS transcription discs have a printed series number - that identifies the
series. Any date rubber stamped on the label is probably the date that the
record was aired and was placed there by the broadcasting facility, not the
record creator. You will probably find that the rubber stamp dates are
always after the date - if there is one - etched in the run-out area. The
only dbase I am aware of would be "The Directory of the Armed Forces Radio
Service Series" by Harry Mackenzie, published by Greenwood Press. Rather
expensive, but copies turn up at on-line used book dealers. I am not sure it
is still in publication. The volume will probably give you as much info as
can be had as to the series number and the number etched on the disc. As far
as actual b'cast dates, if it isn't in the run-out, you may have to do some
real digging, or post on this list or one of the newsgroups in case someone
has the original b'cast and the AFRS version. Some programs were created by
the AFRS just like any syndicated show, and list no original air date,
because there isn't one. They probably knocked out a bunch of eps in the
studio at one time.

AFRS programs have no commercials - I'm not sure of the reason, but most
sources say it was because of the image America wanted to project during the
war. The process of removing them was called "denaturing" and they developed
some slick disc to disc editing methods. Sometimes I am astounded at how
well they could drop a word or 2 from an announcer's line. Example - "the
Telephone Hour Orchestra" would become "the orchestra" with *almost* no
break in the flow. I believe I've heard some shows where they substituted
their own announcer for the original broadcast announcer, especially for
classical music broadcasts which would be quite easy to do. For the same
reason, some shows were renamed - "Telephone Hour" became "Music From
America". "Carnation Contented Hour" became "Hour of Charm". Jack Benny
would be known as such and not "the Jello Program with Jack Benny".

Many collectors discount the value of AFRS transcriptions because they don't
have commercials or have been altered from the original form, and are all
dubs (at least one  generation was required to edit the shows down). I
disagree - in the case of having no show at all or an AFRS version, I'd take
the AFRS version. It's better than nothing, and in some cases things survive
only in AFRS form.

Later on, AFRS re-cycled old radio shows, and in some cases I believe they
even used TV audio as source material. They also created their own shows of
disc jockeys playing commercial records.

Regarding dates, I believe that they are usually accurate, but there are
exceptions. I've documented one example of a New York Philharmonic
broadcast, derived from several different performances occurring on
different dates, combined into one "show" with no reference to the
difference in date, or that even the conductor was different for one
selection.

Joe Salerno

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 13:01:48 -0500
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Regional Humor, Extended

Alan Bell, commenting on Laura Leff's response to a question on a Jack
Benny reference that turned out to be a local reference, said,

Can I assume then that listeners across the country didn't really get
it either, though the [removed] audience was cracking up?

There were many regional jokes that popped into programs.  The Bob Hope
references to the laBrea Tar Pits probably meant little to a farmer in
rural Kansas, but they always got a laugh.  Sometimes repeated reference
to a word, name, or phrase would make it a household word without most
people having the slightest idea what they were talking about.  Many
comedic programs repeated the phrase, "Come with me to the Casbah," after
the release of the film *Algiers*, without having seen it.

Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 15:17:24 -0500
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  1-11 births/deaths

January 11th births

01-11-1886 - George Zucco - Manchester, England - d. 5-27-1960
actor: "Encore Theatre"
01-11-1891 - Finney Briggs
actor, writer: WBCN Chicago
01-11-1899 - Eva La Gallienne - d. 6-3-1991
actress: "Civic Repertory Theatre"; "Lux Radio Theatre"
01-11-1908 - Lionel Stander - The Bronx, NY - d. 11-30-1994
actor: J. Riley Farnsworth "Life of Riley"; Hoolihan "Grapevine Rancho"

January 11th deaths

05-03-1892 - Beulah Bondi - Chicago, IL - d. 1-11-1981
actress: "Free World Theatre"; "NBC University Theatre"
05-03-1902 - Jack Larue - NYC - d. 1-11-1984
actor: "Lux Radio Theatre"
10-04-1893 - Reverend Walter A. Maier - Boston, MA - d. 1-11-1950
preacher: "Lutheran Hour"
12-04-1889 - Isabel Randolph - IL - d. 1-11-1973
actress: Rhoda Harding "Dan Harding"s Wife"; Mrs. Abigail Uppington "Fibber
McGee and Molly"
12-31-1910 - Richard Kollmar - Ridgewood, NJ - d. 1-11-1971
actor: John Perry "John"s Other Wife"; "Michael West "Big Sister"; "Boston
Blackie "Boston Blackie"

Ron Sayles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 15:42:30 -0500
From: Sam Levene <sam6@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Re:Park Plaza Hotel

I've just come into the middle of this having just rejoined the Digest after
a long absence.  I'm not even certain why you're discussing a Park Plaza
Hotel.  However it seems clear that there was not a famous hotel of that
name in New York or Boston back then.  There was and is a Park Plaza Hotel
in Toronto, Canada  (well it's now the Park Hyatt but only recently) that
was a renowned landmark here, a very well known and popular hotel in the
middle of the city for many decades, with a Roof Bar with a view where a lot
of showbiz types met to drink, and possibly still do.

I've sort of forgotten how to reply. I hope I've done it right.

Sam Levene

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 15:43:02 -0500
From: <otrbuff@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Crosby-Clooney questions

I have two questions about Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney's later years in
radio and a third about Bing.  Can anybody help?

1. The pair appeared on a CBS early morning series starting Sept. 2, 1957
that ended in 1958.  Would anybody know the date in 1958?

2. This twosome also sang together on a daily CBS series from Feb. 28, 1960
through Sept. 28, 1962.  Would anyone know at what time that quarter-hour
aired?

3. Bing did a five-minute series on CBS for Ford in 1956-57.  I'm missing
specific dates and time.  Anyone know?

Many thanks.  Hickerson doen't have this data, unfortunately, so no need to
pursue there.  Contact me directly, please.

Jim Cox
otrbuff@[removed]

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 15:43:37 -0500
From: "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  square inch of the Yukon

There should be some sort of memorial plaque to the Quaker Oats promotion up
there on the actual site in Whereveritis, Yukon Territory.  Given the
tendency of my generation (c. 1947) to overdo the memory of every last
detail of our youth, it would seem that this would be a fine tourist draw.

M Kinsler

It's probably a Walgreen's by now.

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 15:46:58 -0500
From: Bhob Stewart <bhob2@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Words and Deeds

Various legal threats and other issues and Yukon arcana surrounding the
Quaker Oats promotion:
[removed]:0NEVUK8o8w8[removed]+quaker+yukon+deed&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Bhob @ VINTAGE NEWSPAPER COMIC STRIPS>GRIT @
[removed]

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 15:47:22 -0500
From: "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  gasoline ads and other science

It seems to me that, though there were always elaborate claims for products
in radio advertising, the broadcasting of phony science didn't start until
television, which inherited it from print media.

Which leads to a theory of why TV killed radio so quickly.  Radio is a
superb medium for drama, music, comedy, and news; but it's not nearly as
good as TV for advertising.  And, naturally, the shows followed the
advertising.

M Kinsler

sigh

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 16:28:49 -0500
From: leemunsick <leemunsick@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Lost my address book

Hi everyone, and Happy New Year

For the Nth time of 2003 and the first of 2004, my PC is totally fouled
up.  I am resigned to buying an entirely new one.

Which means nothing to you, except that in the process I have lost my Email
address book.  I'll appreciate it if my regular correspondents would please
contact me directly at--
leemunsick@[removed]
--to give me their current Email addresses

One in particular I need to contact is my dear OTR friend who converted
some 16mm Arthur Godfrey spots to video for me.  I particularly would like
to hear from you, my friend!

Thanks to everyone!

Lee Munsick		That Godfrey Guy

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 16:29:35 -0500
From: k g-g <grams46@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  vic and sade and lum and abner

one of the vic and sade episodes - circa 1941/2 - is "iceberg lecture".
sade's thimble club had a guest speaker who lectured on ice bergs/glaciers.
one of the discussions in the program is how ice bergs/glaciers deposit rocks
and stones.

one of the lum and abner episodes, september 9, 1942, is about mousey gray
showing travel slides.  one of the discussions in the program is how ice
bergs/glaciers deposit rocks and stones.
does anyone know if this was a coincidence or perhaps an inside joke?

from kathy

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 17:01:08 -0500
From: Fred Berney <berney@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: A Square Inch in the Yukon

I have my land paper work somewhere. Some other company did the same thing
in I think, Texas. I have a couple of those deeds also. Just think, I could
build a whole city for ants.

Fred
[removed]

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 17:52:04 -0500
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Birth/death list

The birth/death list will be one year old in February. It started out as just
a simple birth list, who was born on what day. Because of your input and
encouragement it has expanded to place of birth, where raised if other then
place of birth, death date if applicable and programs appeared on. I want to
thank all of those who have helped me by giving me information that was
lacking, such as a death date or a birthplace. I particularly want to thank
those who pointed out errors, and there were some, because I want this list to
be as accurate as it is humanly possible to make it. It has been gratifying to
me that you have accepted it and enjoyed it, it has been a labor love. I am
also gratified that Chuck Schaden saw fit to include my list in his  fine
magazine "Nostalgia Digest."

As of this message I have 2,130 names on the list with more being added every
week. Quick tell me, what is the significance of the number 2,130?

Just one more thing. Before I can accept a name for the list I must have two
things, complete date of birth, that means month, day, year. I also must have
some proof that the person appeared on radio, just knowing they were on radio
is not enough. I must have it in writing or I must have actually heard the
broadcast. That is how I got Robert Culp. I could not find any printed matter
that said he ever appeared on radio, but I heard him on a "Philip Morris
Playhouse."

Now that the list is almost one year old that means that I have completed one
cycle, do you want me to continue the list after February? I am more than
willing, I just don't want you to get sick of it.

Again, thanks for all your input.

Ron Sayles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 18:07:34 -0500
From: "Robert M. Bratcher Jr." <bratcher@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  George Burns & Gracie Allen movies

Anybody ever see Burns & Allen in these 3 movies?

Here Comes Cookie
Six Of A Kind
Love In Bloom

They are all one on DVD put out by Universal Pictures. I just rented it
from Netflix and am in the middle of Here Comes Cookie & Gracie's not bad
in this movie. I'm 17 minutes into the movie, Gracie's got the money & dad
is going on a train trip.  Sounds like real [removed]

I've seen Love In Bloom before as I have a 16mm film print of it. Basically
it's a love story with Burns & Allen showing up from time to time (for
comic relief) during the movie. Oh & it does have a nice ending. The guy
comes back to the girl at the very end

Haven't seen Six Of A Kind yet but will within a day or two maybe Sunday
sometime. Please don't spoil the plot for me OK? Thanks.

Checked out the Internet Movie Database & there are several more Burns &
Allen movies listed than just these 3. I'll buy the ones available from
Amazon (new & used) then whats not on tape I'll either tape off TCM (if
they ever run them) or look on the collector market for used 16mm film
prints like I do with the TV show they had.  Some of the TV shows are on
tape & DVD. Others I find every once in awhile on 16mm film. Now back to
OTR even though there has been discussion of radio stars in movies [removed]

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

Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2004 20:01:44 -0500
From: jsexton <jsexton@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  "Skippy"

Can anyone tell me if any of the "Skippy" radio programs are available (in
mp3?)
or CD format ?? If so, where might they be ordered?? Thanks, John

--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2004 Issue #13
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