------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2002 : Issue 356
A Part of the [removed]!
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Just a word of sympathy! [ "Marcus Antonsson" <[removed] ]
Memories [ "William Harper" <whhsa@[removed] ]
Re: Struts and Frets [ "Michael Hayde" <mmeajv@[removed]; ]
Your assistance, please? [ JackBenny@[removed] ]
journalists & OTR [ Howard Blue <khovard@[removed]; ]
McFarland OTR books [ "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@hotm ]
FOTR [ JayHick@[removed] ]
Re: McFarland [ "Rodney w bowcock jr." <rodney-self ]
John Archer [ danhughes@[removed] ]
Honshu Hayride [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
"Hoboken Four" [ "jay ranellucci" <jayran33@hotmail. ]
Lindbergh, Roosevelt, and America Fi [ Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed]; ]
Re: CLASS OF 2002 [ HERITAGE4@[removed] ]
Jackie Kelk [ "Michael Leannah" <mleannah@charter ]
Hartford OTR [ MGiorgio1@[removed] ]
Bryan Powell [ Howard Blue <khovard@[removed]; ]
old time radio jumping the shark [ "Ryan Osentowski" <rosentowski@neb. ]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:46:20 -0400
From: "Marcus Antonsson" <[removed]@[removed];
To: "OTR Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Just a word of sympathy!
Hi Gang,
I hope Charlie will forgive me for sending in a few words of topic. I just
want to salute you all on this tragic Anniversary. I'm not an American, and I
didn't know anyone who died when the towers fell. but on radio and tv here in
Sweden, we saw and heard it all. I thought of you then, I think of you now!
You're a wonderful gang and I love you all!
God bless and keep you!
Marc Antonsson,
Sweden
Ps. Were any of the victims members of this group of ours? Ds.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:46:56 -0400
From: "William Harper" <whhsa@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Memories
Dear Folks;
Peace is the key word for this day of remembrances ~ Sept. 6.
Loved Harry's first installment.
I can appreciate his statements about acting. If you listen to the opening
Straight Arrow show and compare it to the last show you can see how Howard
Culver developed the main character ~ Straight Arrow/Steve Adams where on
the other hand Fred Howard character, Packy McCloud changed very little.
Now, Lois Culver it is time for your column!
In our research on Straight Arrow I heard many great stories from Frank
Bingman, but when ever I went to record Fred would take on a very serious
attitude and never refer to any of the fantastic stories.
Robert Bruce taped his memoirs and includes many humorous stories. Harry's
column and Elizabeth and "Archie"'s remarks are reasons that I stay tuned.
Bill
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:47:15 -0400
From: "Michael Hayde" <mmeajv@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Struts and Frets
Just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of praise for Mr. Bartell's fine
article. The information is fascinating and so important to those of us who
love OTR. I'm especially fortunate to have spoken with Harry in-depth when
researching "My Name's Friday" - as I read, I can hear that distinctive
voice telling the tale. (Any thoughts to doing a recorded version, Harry?
I'll volunteer right now to make copies on audio CD and send them to OTR
clubs!)
I'm eagerly awaiting the next column!
Michael
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:47:50 -0400
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Your assistance, please?
Hi folks,
Am happy to say that after all these years, I am going to be attending BOTH
the Friends of Old Time Radio Convention in Newark and the SPERDVAC
Convention in Los Angeles. Besides enjoying the gatherings, I will be
promoting our upcoming Februrary celebration, "39 Forever".
If anyone can help in the following areas, it would be most appreciated:
+ Please E-mail if you are you a dealer or know a dealer that would be
interested in having a table at 39 Forever.
+ We are just now kicking off our corporate sponsorship drive. Please
E-mail me if you know of a company, foundation, or group (especially helpful
if you can direct us to the right person) that may be interested in
sponsoring.
+ There are also opportunities for individual sponsorship. Details are on
our Web site. Also details on other participation activities, such as the
Jack Benny script and art contests.
+ 39 Forever is open to everyone who loves Jack Benny. We have a great
lineup already, including Joan Benny, Irving Fein, Eddie Carroll, and the Ink
Spots. Plus, there are a number of other celebrities who have expressed that
they want to attend, and we are working to finalize details with them. And
we have a special that anyone paying for all events before November 1 gets a
free year of our newsletter, The Jack Benny Times. For full details, please
see the first item on the Featured Items of our Web page ([removed]).
Please pass the word to others who may be interested. All help is greatly
appreciated. Look forward to seeing you!
--
Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:48:06 -0400
From: Howard Blue <khovard@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: journalists & OTR
Some time ago I asked subscribers to the OTR Digest for the names of
journalists who have written about OTR. I received several helpful
responses including one from a journalist who subscribes to the OTR
Digest, Rick Keating. His article about my book appears in today's
edition of the Michigan Chronicle.
I would also appreciate anybody sending me (off-line) the names of
journalists who write for the entertainment section of your local
newspapers
Thanks,
Howard Blue
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:50:05 -0400
From: "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: McFarland OTR books
Joy Jackson remarked about McFarland:
The reason the books are that expensive is that they are "library-bindings."
That means that the spine of each book is sewn, the top of the spine has a
cloth swatch glued on top for extra strength, and the book is cloth-covered.
This is expensive to do, and takes time, but it makes the book hold up for
hard usage in the library.
Actually, it costs just as much to have a hardcover book printed as it does
a paperback - it all depends on where and how large a print run you have.
Mcfarland has been in business long enough to acquire a lower-than-normal
price break for printing jobs since they supply a lot of business for the
printers. repeat business always means lower discount. The reason they
charge so much for their books is because they primarily cater to the
University and College libraries, who are used to paying large sums of money
for a book.
Until the past year or two, Mcfarland has never really catered to the fans -
but they have recently begun offering paperback books of their hardcovers,
most of them western and horror film books, so I suspect that in a few more
years, their books may become affordable.
The books they have published however, is a different matter.
The best books I have seen them publish (and highly recommended) is their
GUNSMOKE book and LUX RADIO THEATER book. Only problem with the Lux book is
that upon it's initial publication about ten years ago or so, it listed what
episodes exist and don't exist. Sadly, that hasn't been updated so anyone
who buys a copy or has one - don't go by the list of what does and don't
exist - many new episodes have been discovered since. But the GUNSMOKE and
LUX RADIO THEATER books are wonderful additions to the bookshelf.
Their book about Raymond Burr, however, does not have a very large list of
Burr's radio credits like it advertises - it's so small that I could go
through a collector's catalog and find more radio programs listing Raymond
Burr as a cast member than the book. Mcfarland did release a few books by
Jim Cox and all of his are wonderful entries - especially his Radio Soap
Opera book.
However, there are ways of getting even the hardcover books of McFarland's
for less than regular retail. First, don't order over the web - you can
have any McFarland book special-ordered from almost any book store and they
won't charge you the postage. Sadly, McFarland charges postage on a
per-book basis which means most of the time (when you calculate it) you pay
more for postage than it really costs to have it mailed to you. I know a
dealer on this Digest who actually worked an arrangement with them to sell
their books, and McFarland even gave him a discount (until he discovered
that they were charging something like $[removed] postage per book which took up
most of that discount he was given - and then they had him mail at his
expense the unsold books!)
If you buy a McFarland book at a Barnes and Noble store and use an American
Express, you get a 10% discount - at least any AM EX card charge at B&N
gives you a 10% discount. If you have a family relative who works at Barnes
and Noble, they get a 30% discount off retail so check with them and see if
they can order a copy for you.
I would be curious to know if there are any other venues to acquire an
expensive book at a nice discount. Anyone know of any?
By the way, I myself have written two books for McFarland, and various
chapters for other publishers and I can state for definite that McFarland is
the only publishers I know of in existence that actually charges the author
for any book returns. So if you ever special order a book at a bookstore,
please remember to pick it up - else the book will get returned to McFarland
and the publishing company deducts the loss (postage and whatever else) out
of the author's royalties. This hurts the author who in most cases, spends
more money compiling the text for the book, than they get back in royalties.
I know most people are or were not aware of this fact - but it's true.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:50:17 -0400
From: JayHick@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: FOTR
Just a reminder, with the discussion of McFarland, that all books sold at our
convention are less than list. We generally sell Radio-related books that
have come out since the last convention. We have several McFarland Books
this year. Jay
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:50:41 -0400
From: "Rodney w bowcock jr." <rodney-selfhelpbikeco@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: McFarland
Yes, McFarland publishes high quality books, but what about their price
of the Jim Cox book 'Say Goodnight, Gracie'. This is a paperback that
retails for $[removed]! While on the subject of the book, if I can toot my
own horn, please be on the lookout for my review of it in issue 99 of
(print) Old Time Radio Digest, which is not to be confused with the (only
the same in subject matter) Old Time Radio Digest which you're reading
now.
rodney.
Past Tense Productions
Carrying Old Radio related films, and Hal Roach shorts, for $7 per tape.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:50:56 -0400
From: danhughes@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: John Archer
Anthony, I believe I read somewhere that John Archer was the announcer
who said, "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?..."
Is this true? Could you possibly do a paragraph or two of highlights of
Archer's career? I'd love to know more about him.
Thank you,
---Dan Hughes
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 18:51:09 -0400
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Honshu Hayride
I realize that this is an off the wall query, but with the astute people of
this list, one never knows. Here goes. I was stationed in Yokosuka Japan from
1955 to 1957. While there I used to listen to a radio program from the Far
East Network called the Honshu Hayride. By its title you can get the drift
that it was a country and western music program. My question, for what it is
worth, would anyone have a recording of that show. If so please contact me
off-line. I am not really expecting anything, but as I said, one never knows.
Was anyone on this list stationed there at that time, and if so do you
remember the program?
--
Ron Sayles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hometown of Mr. District Attorney "Jay Jostyn"
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 22:18:58 -0400
From: "jay ranellucci" <jayran33@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: "Hoboken Four"
A few posts ago Joe Mackey mentioned that in 1935 the Hoboken Four appeared
on the "Amateur Hour" featuring Frank Sinatra. Who were the Hoboken Four
and what ever happened to them. Did any of them make it in showbiz?
Jay
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 00:00:08 -0400
From: Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Lindbergh, Roosevelt, and America First
Just want to correct a few comments made over the last couple of digests
regarding the above subject.
Brian Johnson says:
Remember the "America First Committee?" This organization was formed by
Sears head Robert E. Wood to keep the US out of the Second World War in
Europe.
America First was actually formed by R. Douglas Stuart, a graduate of
Princeton and law student at Yale. He, along with Potter Stewart (later a
Supreme Court Justice), Sargent Shriver, Gerald Ford, and others formed a
group touting four precepts:
1. The United States must build an impregnable defense for America.
2. No foreign power, nor group of powers, can successfully attack a
prepared America.
3. American democracy can be preserved only by keeping out of the European War.
4. Aid short of war weakens national defense at home and threatens to
involve America in war abroad.
They needed backing and Stuart enlisted Robert S. Wood, a family friend.
Stuart became its director. The organization was called the Committee to
Defend America First, but was later shortened to America First.
Lindbergh, America First, and the Roosevelt administration all used radio
as a propaganda tool. America First with its recordings broadcast over
participating stations, Lindbergh with the power of his hero status had a
few national broadcasts - he was news and radio was willing in the
beginning to carry him - and of course, even the Roosevelt administration,
which, while being lambasted in newspapers, carried on a love-affair with
the radio networks.
And Lindbergh was losing the battle for the hearts of Americans though he
desperately wanted to keep the USA out of a war he truly believed (though
history shows him wrong) was strictly a European war that would remain
strictly in Europe.
On his speech in Des Moines in September, 1941, in which he names the
British, Jews and the Roosevelt administration as the "three most important
groups who have been pressing this country toward war " an unfortunate
occurrence for Lindbergh. Earlier in the week the USS Destroyer "Greer" was
attacked by Nazi Germany. Just before Lindbergh was to give his speech, in
Washington via radio Roosevelt was addressing the nation. The speech was
piped into the hall in which Lindbergh was to speak. The crowd heard
Roosevelt announce the steps he was taken to safely secure our ships
including shooting on sight any German or Italian ship in the American
Defense Zone. At the end, Lindbergh walked on stage to address the crowd
amidst cheers and boos. Lindbergh's thought his comments about the Jews
were actually sympathetic in a twisted sort of way:
"It is not difficult to understand why Jewish people desire the overthrow
of Nazi Germany. The persecution they suffered in Germany would be
sufficient to make bitter enemies of any [removed] no person of honesty
and vision can look on their pro-war policy here [removed]"
Finally, Lee Munsick states:
In fairness to Lindbergh, it should be remembered that like most all loyal
Americans, he changed his tune as of Pearl Harbor, and served with
distinction in the American military service through the war, despite FDR's
reluctance to have him do so.
Lindbergh did not serve in a military position during the war. He worked
first for Ford on R&D of the B-24 and P-47's. Then shifted to United to
help develop and test their Corsair plane. The latter took him closer to
the war zones and he was given a Navy uniform to wear, but without
insignias or rank - merely a non-combatant observer.
And he really never "changed his tune." He felt that once the war
declarations were made, he would devote himself to helping the USA. But he
continued to comment and write some articles which continued to criticize
our involvement in an after-the-fact way.
Jim Widner
jwidner@[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 00:02:38 -0400
From: HERITAGE4@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: CLASS OF 2002
Just in case you weren't feeling old enough today, this will
certainly change things.
Each year the staff at Beloit College in Wisconsin puts
together a list to try to give the Faculty a sense of the mindset
of this year's incoming freshman.
Here is this year's list:
The people who are starting college this fall across the
nation were born in 1983.
They have no meaningful recollection of the Reagan Era and
probably,did not know he had ever been shot.
They were prepubescent when the Persian Gulf War was waged.
There has been only one Pope in their lifetime.
They were 10 when the Soviet Union broke apart and do not
remember the Cold War.
They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up.
Tianamen Square means nothing to them.
Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic.
Atari predates them, as do vinyl albums.
The statement "You sound like a broken record" means nothing
to them.
Didn't realize they "missed" The Great Gilderleeve, The Shadow or Lux Radio
Theatre
They have never owned a record player.
They have likely never played Pac Man and have never heard
of Pong.
They may have never heard of an 8 track. The Compact Disc was
introduced when they were 1 year old.
They have always had an answering machine.
Most have never seen a TV set with only 13 channels, nor have
they seen a black and white TV.
They have always had cable.
There have always been VCRs, but they have no idea what BETA
was.
They cannot fathom not having a remote control.
They don't know what a cloth baby diaper is, or know about the
"Help me, I've fallen, and I can't get up" commercial.
Feeling old Yet? There's more:
They were born the year that Walkmen were introduced by Sony.
Roller skating has always meant inline for them.
Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show.
They have no idea when or why Jordache jeans were cool.
Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave.
They have never seen Larry Bird play.
They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.
The Vietnam War is as ancient history to them as WWI, WWII and
the Civil War.
They have no idea that Americans were ever held hostage in
Iran.
They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.
They don't know who Mork was or where he was from. (The
correct answer, by the way, is Ork)
They never heard: "Where's the beef?", "I'd walk a mile for a
Camel," or "De plane boss, de plane!"
They do not care who shot [removed] and have no idea who [removed] was.
Kansas, Chicago, Boston, America, and Alabama are places,
not [removed]
There has always been MTV.
They don't have a clue how to use a typewriter.
Do you feel old yet? If you do, then pass this on to some
other old [removed] don't send it back to me, I feel old enough.
<<Tom Heathwood>> 9/11/02
==================================================
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 00:15:37 -0400
From: "Michael Leannah" <mleannah@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Jackie Kelk
My daughter and I were very sorry to learn of the passing of Jackie Kelk.
The obit said he played a role on TV's Leave It to Beaver. Does anyone know
who he played on that show, or in which episode(s) he was featured?
Mike Leannah
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 09:29:25 -0400
From: MGiorgio1@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Hartford OTR
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain
Hi all,
Had an inquiry from a distant friend (who I'm trying to persuade to join the
digest, Charlie) wondering if OTR broadcasts are available in the greater
Hartford, Connecticut area. Since I don't live there, I have no idea. But I
know someone here can tell me. Feel free to reply in private e-mail.
Thanks!
Michael Giorgio
Waukesha, WI
Birthplace of Les Paul (Got it right that [removed] always helps to proofread)
*** This message was altered by the server, and may not appear ***
*** as the sender intended. ***
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 09:29:37 -0400
From: Howard Blue <khovard@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Bryan Powell
I'm trying to contact Bryan Powell, a subscriber to the digest. The only
e-mail address that I have for him seems not to work. Bryan or anyone
else who can advise me, please contact me off-line.
Thanks,
Howard Blue
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2002 09:29:52 -0400
From: "Ryan Osentowski" <rosentowski@[removed];
To: "old time radio" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: old time radio jumping the shark
Hi all:
Some of you may have read in USA Today about a web site called
[removed]
This web site is dedicated to fans of television and almost every television
series that has aired since the beginning. You can find everything from ER
to Perry Mason and Ed Sullivan on this site. The site poses the question,
"when did your favorite series jump the shark?" Jumping the shark is a term
that comes from the tv show, "Happy Days," when Fonzie jumped a shark on a
pair of skis. After that moment, many fans believe that the quality of the
show went downhill. My question is, why not apply this to our favorite otr
series, just for the heck of it. When did Jack Benny and Fibber Magee stop
being so funny? When did Suspense stop being so suspenseful? Did it have
something to do with a change in director, lead actor or format? Maybe the
writers changed or the show just got too old. Perhaps it didn't jump at all
and stayed constant from start to finish. This could apply to anything,
including soap operas, game shows, news programs and music shows as well as
dramas and comedies. I just figured it might be fun to roll it around in
the otr community.
I have my own ideas about some series but I'll wait to post to see if this
thread grabs interest or not.
Have fun, all!
RyanO
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2002 Issue #356
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