Subject: [removed] Digest V2002 #431
From: "OldRadio Mailing Lists" <[removed]@[removed];
Date: 11/7/2002 9:45 PM
To: <[removed]@[removed];

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


                            The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                              Volume 2002 : Issue 431
                         A Part of the [removed]!
                                 ISSN: 1533-9289


                                 Today's Topics:

  Re: Scarcity of cassette tapes        [ "Robert M. Bratcher Jr." <bratcher@ ]
  Reader needed for Tampa, Fla          [ "Tom Monroe" <tomotr@[removed]; ]
  Re: Basil Rathbone ?                  [ Alan/Linda Bell <alanlinda43@yahoo. ]
  Newspaper references in OTR           [ Kenneth Clarke <kclarke5@[removed]; ]
  Re: audio cassettes                   [ Fred Berney <berney@[removed]; ]
  Re: Scarcity of Audio Tapes           [ Rbdalco@[removed] ]
  Re:FOTR tapes ready                   [ Fred Berney <berney@[removed]; ]
  Harry Bartell's column                [ "Ryan Osentowski" <rosentowski@neb. ]
  cassette shortage                     [ "Roby McHone" <otr_alaska@[removed] ]
  OTR Conventions                       [ "Randy Spurlock, [removed]" <randys@usit ]
  Today in radio history                [ Joe Mackey <joemackey108@[removed] ]
  RADIO CRIME FIGHTERS by JIM COX       [ "G. L. MERCER" <goldenotrmp3@hotmai ]
  Bravo for Bartell!                    [ leemunsick@[removed] ]
  AFRS                                  [ "hughes1" <hughes1@[removed]; ]
  FRONTIER TOWN - again                 [ "Gordon Gregersen" <gsgreg@pacifier ]
  "New" Bob Hope Show                   [ Tom Kleinschmidt <otr1962@[removed] ]
  Jack Eigan Show / Will Rogers         [ Tom Kleinschmidt <otr1962@[removed] ]
  B-Bar-B                               [ Jack & Cathy French <otrpiano@erols ]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:42:33 -0500
From: "Robert M. Bratcher Jr." <bratcher@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: Scarcity of cassette tapes

At 09:53 PM 11/6/2002 -0500, Bryan Powell wrote:

I've had good luck finding 60-minute cassettes at such office supply
retailers as Office Depot.

Tape Warehouse is also on the internet. In fact I buy T-180 videotapes from
them since I can't buy them locally.

[removed] is the address & they have no minimum order on any item.

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:42:54 -0500
From: "Tom Monroe" <tomotr@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Reader needed for Tampa, Fla
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I have a potential customer for old time radio in the Tampa area.
He is blind.  So I had the index to the catalogue "brailed" by the local
society for the blind for about $[removed] and sent it to him.  He had some
material that he has recorded "off air" but he has not attempted to produce
his own braile catalogue.  So he needs a "reader" who would be willing to
check what he has against what is available from myselft and other sources so
he can build his collection.

Is there anyone in the Tampa, Florida area who would be willing to help a
blind person who enjoys OTR build his collection with a minimum of
duplication?

 Please let me know and I will put you in touch with him.

Thanks,

Tom Monroe
Radio Memories Cassette Lending Librarian

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:43:08 -0500
From: Alan/Linda Bell <alanlinda43@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: Basil Rathbone ?

(I wrote the following BEFORE I saw the earlier reply to your
message, but figured I'd send it anyway.)

About the recording of Sinbad the Sailor starring Basil [removed]
WOW! I haven't heard of anyone else mentioning that for decades. It
was a children's record I must have listened to a thousand times in
the late '40s and early '50s. I was a kind of lonely kid on a farm in
Wyoming and story records were a big thing to me at the time.

The web site you .. [removed] cite, says it's a 3-disc set of 78's, but
my copy was an LP. I imagine at that time Columbia was releasing
things in both formats. As I recall, the flip side of that LP had an
adaptation of Oliver Twist with Rathbone playing Fagin. It was only
about 20 minutes long, so you can imagine that it was a pretty
truncated version. I'm pretty sure the record is still at my parents'
house.

Anyway, it was a pretty elaborate production with sophisticated sound
effects, music and a lot of actors whose voices I would later
recognize when I got into OTR.

Alan

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:43:21 -0500
From: Kenneth Clarke <kclarke5@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Newspaper references in OTR

          I've noticed that several OTR programs had a
'newspaper theme'  to them.  Some of the ones I
refer to are "The Green Hornet" (The Daily Sentinel)
"The Big Town" (The Illustrated Press), "Casey, Crime
Photographer", "Superman" (The Daily Planet),
"The Hedda Hopper Show", "Meet The Press",
"Mary Foster, Editor's Daughter", "The Walter Winchell
Show", and "The Louella Parsons Show", among others.

          If anyone can think of other OTR programs which
either mentioned a newspaper, had a 'newspaper theme',
or were named for a reporter for a newspaper, I'd be
interested to see what they are.

          BTW, what newspapers did Hedda Hopper, Walter
Winchell, and Louella Parsons write their columns for during
the time they were on the radio?

Kenneth Clarke

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:43:55 -0500
From: Fred Berney <berney@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: audio cassettes

May I suggestion Cam Audio in Texas as a source for audio cassettes.
Excellent service and quality. I'll post there number later, or you can get
it by calling the 800 information number. Ask for Dean Harrison.

Fred
[removed]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:44:18 -0500
From: Rbdalco@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: Scarcity of Audio Tapes
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In a message dated 11/6/2002 8:54:40 PM Central Standard Time,
[removed]@[removed] writes:
[removed]

Another useful site is  [removed] where they carry
everything from cassette tapes to CD material and video too. I have no
connection with this firm and have not actually delt with them but they
appear to be good.

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Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:44:39 -0500
From: Fred Berney <berney@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re:FOTR tapes ready

Let me start by thanking Charlie Summers, Harold Zeigler for their help in
video recording the FOTR convention.

Also thanks to Bill Siudmak for providing the audio feed.

All the tapes are now ready. I will be shipping out the tapes either this
Friday or next Monday to all who ordered.

I also have an updated order form. Since the one we had at the convention
was printed before we got the final program, there were some errors. If you
email me, I can send you a pdf file of the corrected order form.

We also decided to offer DVDs in addition to video tapes. If anyone wants
to change their order from tape to DVD, please email me quickly. The DVDs
are $[removed] each, the VHS tapes are $[removed] each.

Fred
[removed]
for the best in old time radio and television shows

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:44:53 -0500
From: "Ryan Osentowski" <rosentowski@[removed];
To: "old time radio" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Harry Bartell's column

Hi all:
I just read Harry Bartell's column on radio directors.  It was absolutely
fascinating!  It touched on the directors of most of my favorite shows.  I
was disappointed to hear that George W. Allen wasn't a very good director,
as The Whistler is one of my faves.  I found the report on it in Dunning's
book, "On the Air," to be interesting.  Allen stuck to a small cast known as
"Whistler's Children."  It included Lurene Tuttle, Elliott Lewis, Wolly
Maher, Joe Kearns, Betty Lou Gerson, Gerald Mohr, Bill Johnstone and Marvin
Miller.  Yet, almost every director had this same tendency.  You simply
cannot listen to an episode of Gunsmoke without hearing either John Dehner,
Larry Dobkin, Vic Perrin or Harry Bartell somewhere in the story.  On
Dragnet, you'll always run across Jack Kruschen, Herb Ellis, Harry Bartell,
Stacy Harris  or Barney Phillips.  William N. Robeson fancied Jack Webb,
Frank Lovejoy, Paul Frees, William Conrad and Ben Wright.  Each director
seemed to have his own particular style and chose a stable of actors who fit
best into that mold.  That's part of what gives each show it's own unique
flavor.
RyanO

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:45:30 -0500
From: "Roby McHone" <otr_alaska@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  cassette shortage
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from text/html

About a year ago I ran out of places to buy 60 minute cassettes.  I could
still find them at    K-mart and a few other places but they were much
more expensive than I was used to buying them for at Sams.  Since then I
have bought 400 66 minute tapes from Tape Disc Direct in Chino California
(four separate orders).  They are BASF tapes that are custom made in
almost any length you want and come in a variety of colors.  The 66
minute tapes work out to be about 35 cents apiece but they don't come
with plastic cases.  They are quality tapes and are shipped promptly.
No, my brother-in-law doesn't own the company just thought I would pass
on a good thing.  You can contact them at
[removed]. Roby McHoneFairbanks, Alaska

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Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:49:15 -0500
From: "Randy Spurlock, [removed]" <randys@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  OTR Conventions

After attending the FOTR convention in Newark for the third straight
year (and enjoying it immensely), I was unable to make it to the
SPERDVAC show in the next week or two. Does anyone know why, with so
few OTR related shows nationwide, that the two largest shows are so
close together timewise? I guess there aren't many people that would
attend both shows but it seems even more unlikely given the close
proximity in time.

I haven't been to the show in Cincinatti in prior years but I think
I'll try to this next year after hearing reports from others about
how much they've enjoyed it in years gone past.

Trying to have it all,
Randy
--
Randy Spurlock, [removed]"OTRDoc"
mailto:otrdoc@[removed]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:49:21 -0500
From: Joe Mackey <joemackey108@[removed];
To: otr-net <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Today in radio history

>From Those Were The Days --

1932 - CBS presented the first broadcast of Buck Rogers in the 25th
Century. Matt Crowley, Curtis Arnall, Carl Frank and John Larkin played
Buck in the serial over the years (1932-1947).

1937 - Dr. Christian debuted on CBS. Jean Hersholt played the part of
the kindly, elderly Dr. Christian who practiced on the air until 1954.
Laureen Tuttle, Kathleen Fitz, Helen Kleeb and Rosemary De Camp played
his nurse, Judy. The Dr. Christian theme song was Rainbow on the River.
Sponsors of the show included Vaseline (petroleum jelly, hair tonic and
lip ice).

1938 - The first broadcast of This Day is Ours was heard on CBS. Eleanor
McDonald, played by Joan Banks and later by Templeton Fox, had all kinds
of problems. Her child was kidnapped, she lost her memory, helped
friends find a killer, etc. The soap opera ran for two years.

  Joe

--
Visit my home page:
[removed]~[removed]

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:49:45 -0500
From: "G. L. MERCER" <goldenotrmp3@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  RADIO CRIME FIGHTERS by JIM COX

I have spent the last couple days reviewing my copy of Radio Crime Fighters,
a book written by Jim Cox, and must say this is one of the greatest books to
be published for OTR. I really can't express more about the book than Mr Cox
already posted a couple days ago, so will include his original post here.
This book will be a great help to all, from researcher to OTR hobbist.

Subject:  Radio Crime Fighters Book Now Available

This week my newest book "Radio Crime Fighters" rolled off the McFarland
presses.

It's the first time that an attempt has been made to focus on all of
those heroes and heroines from the aural ether who encountered crime in
their weekly or daily experiences.  This work covers not just the private
eyes and police detectives but a wide ranging group of sleuthing
specialists that included federal agents, insurance investigators,
journalists, lawyers, mature western figures, espionage spies, amateur
detectives, state troopers, crime drama anthologies with continuing
characters and a whole lot more, plus all of the juvenile adventure
series pertaining to crime fighting including aerial, science fiction,
western, detective, troubleshooting, jungle, Canadian police and several
others of that ilk.

Here's a quote from the blurb that appears on the reverse side of this
323-page 7x10 hardbound book with pictures:

"From the early days of radio, producers, directors and scriptwriters
were well aware of the listening public's fascination with subject matter
that was tinged with almost any form of wrongdoing.  Stories that
compared right and wrong, portrayed crime and punishment, and showed the
characters upholding law and order held the interest of radio audiences
of every age for more than thirty years.

"This work covers over 300 radio mystery and adventure series that aired
through 1962.  To be included in the book, a series must have included
one or more characters who regularly appeared in occupations or
avocations that fought against espionage, theft, murder, and other
criminal activities.  Each entry includes the name of the series, air
dates (networks and times are noted), the sponsor, number of known extant
episodes, cast information (such as the directors, writers, composers,
announcers, lead actors and supporting actors), and a brief synopsis."

I have attempted to make the material not only authentic but also
readable, selecting extensive anecdotes to accompany as many entries as
possible.  Furthermore, there are descriptions that tie the various radio
series to pulp fiction, comics, movie, television, recording and stage
productions.  Biographies of numerous actors are included.

The volume is available for immediate shipment from McFarland & Co., Box
611, Jefferson, NC 28640.  It may be ordered at 800-253-2187 or
[removed].  The price is $45 plus $4 shipping.  I trust it
will make a marvelous addition to the libraries of old time radio
collectors and researchers of this vast genre for many years to come and
supply a vital contribution to the hobby itself.

Jim Cox

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 11:50:12 -0500
From: leemunsick@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Bravo for Bartell!

I just enjoyed reading Harry Bartell's expectedly marvelous comments (what
else?).  Thanks so much, Harry.

In his recollections, he says,  "The first time I worked with (Bill Robson
was) on an episode of  Escape in 1947, Occurrence at Owl Creek
Bridge".  That story is one of my all-time favorites.  I'd love to find a
dub of this or any other airing of "Occurrence".  If anyone can help me to
that end, please contact me direct.

The first time I became aware of this Ambrose Bierce short story, was when
a beautiful film version aired on "Omnibus" in the 1950s.  The other film I
recall so vividly from that excellent program was "The Stranger Left No
Card".  I was able to obtain a copy of that nearly a half-century later,
through the generosity of the kindly WQXR Chief Announcer.  He nearly
always mentions the film whenever he played the film's theme, "Swedish
Rhapsody".  We both got hooked on "Stranger Left No Card" at the same time
in the fabulous Omnibus fifties.

I have the version of "Occurrence" which Omnibus aired as well, but would
love to hear how Bill Robson (and others?) handled it via "our" medium.

Gratefully, Lee Munsick
Appomattox County, [removed] not far from Owl Creek Bridge.

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 13:00:42 -0500
From: "hughes1" <hughes1@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  AFRS

Hi Everybody, in a past digest some one ask about AFRS and how did it work.
The main base was in Hollywood and Elliot Lewis, Howard Duff and I believe
others would cut commercials, and any topics that would date the show.  A
package of show then would be sent to local stations.  For example in the
Pacific many of the station where on the islands and where run by GI who had
some radio experiences.  They would produce local shows, remotes, and play
records, and the show that came from Hollywood.  Some of the GI were Jack
Kruschen, Bob LeMond, Paul Masterson, Hy Everback, and others.  Bea Wain
husband André was in North Africa, in fact you can here a Jack Benny
broadcast  from Egypt in 1943 with Fred Foy as the announcer.  Major Wilson
was the orchestra leader in Hollywood and Sherwood Schwartz was one of the
writers on Command Performances.  If you notice the Christmas show were
record in September then copies were made and sent out in time to be heard
during Christmas time.  AFRS got started in 1942 because Tom Lewis who was
married to the movie star Mrs.  Young.  Take care,

Walden Hughes

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 14:14:18 -0500
From: "Gordon Gregersen" <gsgreg@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  FRONTIER TOWN - again

Thanks to Gerry Wright of San Francisco for pointing-out to me that John Dehner appears
in numerous episodes of "Frontier Town."

After reading Gerry's e-mail message and reviewing my cast lists, I find Dehner in
no fewer than fourteen Frontier Town episodes.  His roles vary from outlaw leaders
and nasty henchies to Sheriffs and Native Americans.

Does anybody out there know who played Libby Fillmore? (Virginia Gregg was Libby
only in the 2nd episode?

Gordon Gregersen
Portland, Oregon

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 16:03:47 -0500
From: Tom Kleinschmidt <otr1962@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  "New" Bob Hope Show

Hello,

	Just thought Iíd mention what I believe to be the
release of a previously uncirculated radio show of Bob
Hopeís. A friend who is a big Bob Hope fan and a
member of the ìBob Hope Collectorís Clubî through
[removed] recently purchased a DVD set from their
web site. The DVDís include some of Bobís TV specials
from the 1970ís and 1980ís, but among the bonus extras
is a complete radio show of The Intimate Revue
sponsored by Bromo Seltzer. Itís listed as Bobís first
radio show from 1935, but it doesnít say if it is THE
first broadcast of this series or not though. Bob is
basically an MC with one little comedy skit that fits
in between the music of Al Goodman and Jane Froman.
The recording is a bit scratchy, but still interesting
to listen to, the format is very reminiscent of a 1932
Jack Benny compared to later shows.  This DVD set also
has a couple of 2 reelers from Bobís early days too.
Just thought Iíd post it in case anyone is interested,
the usual disclaimers apply, and I think you can only
order this set from the Bob Hope web site.

Tom

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 16:05:18 -0500
From: Tom Kleinschmidt <otr1962@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Jack Eigan Show / Will Rogers

Hello All,

	Two things, first does anyone have any Jack Eigan
shows from Chicago? A friend who used to listen when
he lived in Chicago is anxious to hear some. I have 4
from his last few weeks in 1971 and have already given
them to him. That just whet his appetite for more, so
I told him I would post here and see if anyone else
can help out. I can offer plenty to trade in return,
please contact me off list.
Anyway, I was listening to a Jack Eigan Show a few
weeks ago while making copies for this friend and one
of the guests was James Whitmore who was performing a
one man show on Will Rogers in Chicago at the time.
One of the things he said in his interview that really
surprised me is that when Will Rogers was killed in
the plane crash, both NBC and CBS went silent for 30
minutes in tribute to him. I find that pretty hard to
believe, but just thought Iíd throw I out to anyone
who might know more about it. Perhaps our 1930ís radio
expert Elizabeth can shed some light on this?

Tom

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

Date: Thu, 7 Nov 2002 19:01:57 -0500
From: Jack & Cathy French <otrpiano@[removed];
To: OTRBB <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  B-Bar-B

Randy Story asks:

I remember BOBBY BENSON. it was apparently a juvenile western from the
late 40s. and i had also read that don knotts had a role in some of those
[removed] of my favorite comic actors. i was wondering if any of you might
have a sampling of the show and could give me some more information about
it. i might be overlooking it in dunning; was there another title for the
series or are my eyes playing tricks on me again?

There were two versions of Bobby Benson. The first was a CBS show in the
early 30s, named "H-Bar-O Rangers" which was created by Herbert Rice in
Buffalo. After CBS moved it to NYC, Bobby Benson was played by Billy
Halop, who would later go on to fame in "The Dead End Kids." No audio
copies exist.

In 1949, Rice, then a VP with Mutual at WOR, resurrected the series
under the name, "Bobby Benson and the B-Bar-B Riders" and it ran as a
network show until 1954, spawning two local TV shows with similar casts.
Ivan Cury was the first 'cowboy kid", was replaced by Bobby McKnight,
who after his voice changed, lost the role to Clive Rice, a nephew of
Herbert. Don Knotts, then in his early 20s, played an old geezer, Walter
Wellington "Windy" Wales for the entire run.

Approximately 20 radio shows have survived, including both the 30 minute
drama programs, and the 5 minute "Song and tall story" version. Most OTR
dealers have them in stock for purchase and several OTR clubs have them
in their rental library. They cannot be hard to [removed]

Jack French
Editor:  RADIO RECALL

--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2002 Issue #431
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