Subject: [removed] Digest V2002 #427
From: "OldRadio Mailing Lists" <[removed]@[removed];
Date: 11/4/2002 9:03 PM

To: <[removed]@[removed];

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

                                The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                                  Volume 2002 : Issue 427
                             A Part of the [removed]!
                                     ISSN: 1533-9289

                                     Today's Topics:

      Basil Rathbone ?                      [ "" <cooldown3@[removed]; ]
      Roberta Quinlan                       [ "Joseph M. Ferrant" <jmferrt1@flash ]
      Martha Tilton movie                   [ Jandpgardner@[removed] ]
      Anne of the Airlanes                  [ Michael Mewborn <mmewborn@designgro ]
      Don Dean question                     [ Sandy Singer <sinatradj@[removed]; ]
      Hal's Book                            [ Jerry Bechtel <[removed]@[removed] ]
      WOTW, Murtough, Cantril, etc.         [ leemunsick@[removed] ]
      Larry Dobkin                          [ lawrence albert <albertlarry@yahoo. ]
      War of the Worlds - Beck              [ Henry Howard <hhoward@[removed] ]
      two convention                        [ "hughes1" <hughes1@[removed]; ]
      Cavalcade of America                  [ "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@hotm ]
      TUNE IN MAGAZINE                      [ sacchief <sacchief@[removed]; ]
      Atomic Recordings                     [ Les Rayburn <les@[removed]; ]
      the golden palamino story of bobby b  [ Ronald Staley <mrvintageradio@earth ]
      the scarcity of cassette tapes        [ "Rodney w bowcock jr." <rodney-self ]

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 00:20:23 -0500
    From: "" <cooldown3@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Basil Rathbone ?

    I found a show or a recording which sounds like Basil Rathbone narrating
    "sinbad".
    It opens with a prologue by A woman with a vaguely middle eastern accent.
    She describes why she Scheherazade, started telling these tales and fades
    into a narration.
    The show [or recording is clipped and has no credits to identify.
    It is apx 24min and 20 sec in length.
    While there seem to be several voices, I really feel Rathbone is in here.
    I see a capitol record release which can be found here on page 3 of this
    list.

    [removed]

    Sinbad the Sailor (story from the Arabian Nights) - 3 record set, 78 rpm,
    Columbia Masterworks, 1948. Adapted and directed by Ralph Rose, music from
    "Scheherazade" by Rimsky-Korsakov.

    Can anyone give any further information about this item?

    The lady returns after the tale, saying 'thus ends the tale of [removed]"
    Soon again I will tell you another of my stories. would you like to hear it?

    Is anyone familiar with this?
    Thanks,
    Patrick

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 08:42:27 -0500
    From: "Joseph M. Ferrant" <jmferrt1@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Roberta Quinlan

    Sandy Singer mentioned pianist Jan August.  I believe vocalist/pianist
    Roberta Quinlan also performed with him for some time before getting her
    own show on that "newer medium".  What became of her>  Any information on
    her would be appreciated.  Curiously, I am unable to find a thing on the
    web.

    Thanks,

    Joe

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 08:42:54 -0500
    From: Jandpgardner@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Martha Tilton movie

    Having recently returned home to England from a visit to the United States, I
    have been catching up with past editions of OTR Digest. Last month, in #399,
    George Aust referred to a "B movie with Martha Tilton as a jukebox operator",
    the name of which he did not know. Not having seen any further posting
    regarding this, it doesn't seem that anyone has given the title of the film.
    It's called "Swing Hostess" and was made by PRC in 1944. She actually plays
    an out-of-work band singer who takes a job as a switchboard operator for a
    jukebox company and, of course, soon returns to singing. 'Motion Picture
    Guide' says it is "a mediocre story which is watchable only because of its
    jumping soundtrack".
    John.

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 08:43:43 -0500
    From: Michael Mewborn <mmewborn@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Anne of the Airlanes

    As an avid collector of OTR and frequent trader with other collectors
    who specialize in MP3 format, I recently received a disk of 24 episodes
    of the subject series. I've only had time to sample the beginning of one
    episode. It seems to be an action-adventure program along the lines of
    Hop Harrigan and Speed Gibson, but I can't find any information about
    it.  Is there someone on the list who is familiar with it and can inform
    me?

    Thank you,

    Michael

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 18:24:09 -0500
    From: Sandy Singer <sinatradj@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Don Dean question

>     Sandy, perhaps you've already done this before, but could you list some
>     of the kids / adventure radio shows that you worked or starred in?

>     >From chapter 1:

    <<When I was 12, Marvin Miller helped me get my first job--a bit player
    or extra, as
    Hollywood would define it.  It was a small two-day part on Tom Mix, which
    originated from Mutual in the Tribune [removed];>

    I never 'starred' in these shows, but did do bit parts on, Jack Armstrong
    and Captain Midnight.  Leads on these shows were cast years before I
    started my broadcast career.

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 18:27:23 -0500
    From: Jerry Bechtel <[removed]@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Hal's Book

    Well I missed something again! Not being able to attend any conventions
    (location not health) I don't know how to obtain a copy of Mr. Stone's
    book. I would be thrilled to get an autographed copy since I listenen
    fathfully to the "Archie" show many years ago! What a wonderful early
    Christmas present to myself! Mr. Stone, could you tell me how to do it?
    And thanks for the memories!
    Thanks so much,

    Jerry Bechtel

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 18:27:39 -0500
    From: leemunsick@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  WOTW, Murtough, Cantril, etc.

    I rise to defend the gist of Bill Murtough's comments about the War of the
    Worlds "Panic". I don't know about the weekly newspaper angle, but my
    researches for a paper I did many years ago indicated that the reports of
    the nationwide panic--like Mark Twain's death--were greatly exaggerated.

    Most of what there was, occurred in northern New Jersey at "the scene of
    the crime", along what is now referred to as the "Route 1 Corridor" from
    Princeton to Newark, and for obvious reasons. Now filled with corporate
    offices and "research parks", then it was almost entirely agricultural.
    Apparently it is true that several farmers in the vicinity of the so-called
    Martian landing went out with shotguns to defend their farmland and
    families. Suddenly coming upon a water-tower, they blasted it with
    buckshot. The appearance of this scary beast certainly came close to the
    description of the Martian Machines rearing up on their legs, as described
    in the Orson Welles script and illustrated versions of Georgie Wells' book.
    Brief panic for them, yes. Quick chagrin, undoubtedly.

    "MAD MAGAZINE" would have treated it more accurately than the "legitimate"
    press did then:
    "MARTIAN TURNED TO SIEVE!", would probably have been its headline, were it
    around at the time.

    I suggest that anyone seriously interested in all this read a copy of
    Princeton University Prof. Hadley Cantril's book on the subject. I think it
    was published by the Princeton University Press, but has since been
    reissued: "The Invasion from Mars: A Study in the Psychology of Panic" (New
    York: Harper Torchbook, 1966). Anyone truly interested in this entire thing
    should read the original Wells work, then listen to the Orson Welles
    broadcast, and then read the Cantril book.

    Cantril did OTR fans a special favor, by including the entire original
    script, through the permission of author Howard Koch.

    One should also obtain videos of the 1953 movie "War of the Worlds" with
    Gene Barry, and the reprobate "The Night That Panicked America", a film
    starring Vic Morrow which was made for TV in 1975. The latter has probably
    done more to prolong stories about the "panic" than any other single work
    after the fact. It presents a fascinating reenactment of the broadcast,
    incidentally populated with old-time radio names, including Art Hannes,
    Will Geer, and later-comer Casey Kasem. But it then plunges headlong into
    fiction about what "took place" away from the studio that night, every bit
    as much fantasy as that aired on CBS that night.

    The 1953 film includes the talents of radio's Les Tremayne and Jack
    Kruschen. Look also for a quick uncredited cameo by George Pal, as one of
    several hobos listening to the program. Pal, one should recall, knew his
    way around science fiction too!

    The image we have today of widespread, nationwide panic with people driving
    off roads, harming other innocent folk, and generally running amok is just
    not a correct one.

    In addition to remembering the example of no-sense news people running out
    of control, we should remember the talents of those participating in the
    radio program, especially Welles and Frank Readick, who played the remote
    newsman describing the scene at Grover's Mill. Arguably one of the finest
    Lamont Cranstons, Readick constructed his performance as the fated
    announcer by repeatedly listening to the CBS library's recording of Herbert
    Morrison describing the Hindenburg explosion, then still of recent memory
    to listeners. Welles himself credited Readick's performance with much of
    the reason for people believing the broadcast.

    We should also recall world events in the time in which this occurred. The
    nation had a justified case of "Nazi Jitters", listening nightly to the
    frightening news from overseas. Check the unbiased stories from early the
    day after the "Invasion", and you'll find that most of those interviewed
    were certain that the invaders were from Germany, not Mars.

    This was one example of the national media which definitely had its "Amok
    Time", similar to what happened in our recent example with the Capital
    Region snipers, and nearly 25 years ago with the "reportage" of the Three
    Mile Island incident. As a former reporter and news director myself, this
    sort of thing embarrasses me for my fellow news people, and for Americans
    in general. It upsets me as a professional who knows better, and wishes
    today's news media did also.

    Back in 1937 it was unusual. Today it is the norm of how one is to conduct
    one's "journalism" (read: "Raising Ratings". Perhaps with a nod to the
    axiom "Truth is stranger than fiction", news today and especially broadcast
    and telecast news, runs along the lines of "As the Stomach Turns".
    Certainly does mine.

    Lee Munsick
     From Virginia, but thankfully well away from Sniper Alley

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 18:28:34 -0500
    From: lawrence albert <albertlarry@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Larry Dobkin

    A few years back, at the REPS OTR convention here in
    Seattle, I had the good fortune of being cast in an
    Imagination Theatre episode that included many of the
    guests to the convention. This was not a recreation,
    but an entirely new script by Jim French and recorded
    under the current AFTRA contract for release
    nationally. The cast was made up of Herb Ellis, Harry
    Bartell, Rhoda Williams, Tyler Mcvey, Gil Stratton nad
    Larry Dobkin. I was given the samll role of the
    bartender with one scene to be played opposite Mr.
    Dobkin. Needless to say I was a nervous wreck. I never
    wanted to please a group of actors so much in my life
    as I did this cast. I made he decision to try and
    duplicate one of Larry's voices that he had used to
    such great effect on Gunsmoke and Have Gun Will
    Travel. Sort of a homage. It didn't work, I didn't
    even get close. Larry was a force at the mic and in
    spite of all of my years as a working actor I felt
    like a novice. If anyone ever hears the show "Back
    Door to Hell" listen for the bartender who seems to be
    on speed when talking to the preacher. Larry had that
    effect on me. I later spent a small bit of one on one
    time with him. He talked about my career as if he had
    a personal stake in it. Larry was a major player in
    network radio and I shall hold dear those fews hours
    of rehearsal and performance time I got to share with
    him.
               Larry Albert

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 18:30:57 -0500
    From: Henry Howard <hhoward@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  War of the Worlds - Beck

    Bob Meadows ask about reactions to Glenn Beck's
    War of the Worlds.

    Technically the discussion does not belong here because
    it is a modern creation, but if our host will [removed]

    While the script was reasonably accurate, I felt as if I was listening
    the 50's Movie sound track.  The modern electronic
    synthesized "Martian" effects did not feel right.

    I went through this analysis when creating effects for a recreation
    in Atlanta by the Pot Luck Players.  My decision was to stick to
    organic sounds.  The script describes the heat ray as a "beam of
    [removed]"  not a electronic laser shot.

    The opening monolog sounds like it was recorded on the
    Death Star (Star Wars) due to the extreme low frequency rumble
    added. (You won't hear this with small speakers.)

    The first radio tuning sequence is clean, then rain or white noise
    is added under the announcer, which goes away the minute
    the announcer finishes talking.  Obvious sound design by someone
    who hasn't spent any time listening to the AM radio band.

    The use of echo/reverb is overdone in the scene meeting the
    survivor.

    A noble effort but created without attention to detail.

    An interesting side note.  Much of the rehearsal was done by
    teleconference, as the actors came from across the nation.
    They actually flew into Washington on Monday for their first
    in studio rehearsal.
              Henry Howard
    radiodrama digest moderator
         [removed]

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 18:32:35 -0500
    From: "hughes1" <hughes1@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  two convention

    Hi Everybody,  here are my notes about both FOTR and SPErDVaC convention.
    First my thanks to Jay Hickerson and the committee in doing a very good job.
    I did not have the chance to be at all the events but what I could be at was
    good.  My dad and I along with Bill Farrell got in late on Thursday night
    and miss the happenings that day.  On Friday I deliver allot of CDs of pass
    interviews I produce on YUSA to my pass guest, and deliver tapes to
    researchers.  Met my buddy Hal through out the day, and bought some
    Christmas gifts from Dorothy.  The book is worth just the note Hal writes in
    your copies, and I have starting to scan and read the book today.  So far
    the book is reading grate on my computer.  So all blind digesters go ahead
    and order your copy as soon as Hal gets his web site up and running.  Hal
    introduce me to Charlie Summers wife Annie, but I miss meeting the list
    master him self.  I receive commitments from different folks to be on my
    shows, and that way we can give people who could not be there a taste of
    what kind of people you could have met at the convention.  On Saturday I
    attend three panels the first one featuring Hal, which was grate, the second
    was the quiz show 20 question, and the third program was on music panel.
    Bill Farrell did a grate job in singing and Robert Clarry and Bill Hey did a
    nice  duet.  Joe Franklin was in the audience and talk about the some of the
    people on the panel on his show around 1 AM on WOR that Sunday morning.  All
    three gentleman at the piano Jay, Bryan and Ed did a wonderful job.  That
    night I thought that Hal and Tommy Cook did grate job on Nero Wolf, and Jack
    Lawrence talk about his song name Linda.  Jack said he did not know who was
    the girl on Buddy Clark version of Linda.  I am sorry I could not tell Jack
    personally that the anser to his question.  It  was  Anita Gordon who played
    Linda on that 1947 record.  A special highlite  was that Bill Farrell and
    Soupy Sales getting back together again.  The two where good friends and use
    to work together on TV.  They exchange telephone number and once Bill got
    home Soupy call him.  The following weekend I went to Friday and Saturday
    night dinner at the SPERDVAC convention.  I am very glad that the club is
    starting the convention again, and Bobb, Barbara, and Dan and others at
    SPERDVac should be giving a pat on the back for all there hard work.  Hal
    introduce me to his friend Billy who is in Hal,s book.  I always have a fun
    time around Hal becuase he is such a warm guy. Shirley Mitchell, Gil
    Stratton, and Tommy Cook put on a good show that night, and on Saturday my
    mom and dad and I ate dinner with Ray Erlenborn and his wife.  We got caught
    up with all the news with them.  I allso say hi to Larry Gassman too.  Take
    care,

    Walden Hughes

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 19:12:04 -0500
    From: "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Cavalcade of America

    Janine Preston asked:

    I am trying to locate an episode of Cavalcade of America that was
    broadcast between 1946 and 1948.  It was originally called "Teacher",
    and was about a teacher who brought Christmas to the town of Butternut
    and her school, complete with a tree and hand-made costumes for the
    kids.  The program was written by Kate Phillips who is still active in
    [removed]

    Sadly, I checked my records and my Cavalcade book and although it appears
    Kate Phillips did write a few free-lance scripts for CAVALCADE, I don't
    think the episode you described was a CAVALCADE broadcast.  Though the plot
    did seem like one Dupont would have dramatized on the program, I checked
    four different sources and ways and found no such broadcast.  Could the
    script have been dramtized on a different program like THE FAMILY THEATRE?
    Martin Grams, Jr.

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 19:35:14 -0500
    From: sacchief <sacchief@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  TUNE IN MAGAZINE

    Some weeks ago,I asked if anyone remembered a mid-1940's glossy magazine
    (about size of LIFE) called TUNE IN. It was a monthly and featured stories
    and photos of popular radio shows. I was living on the West Coast (still do)
    and used to buy it on the newsstands. Does anyone remember this publication
    and know whatever happened to it?  I have been out of the country and have
    changed my e mail server, so probably lost a bunch of messages.    bob
    keldgord

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 19:37:01 -0500
    From: Les Rayburn <les@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Atomic Recordings

    Still looking for old Conelrad announcements, civil defense psas,
    local recordings of atomic test broadcasts (these were fairly
    common in Nevada during the 1950's).

    Looking for anything unusual related to the atomic age. Have
    lots of stuff to trade for those interested in this sort of thing.
    A great resource on the web is:

    [removed]

    This link has lots of popular recordings that featured the
    atom bomb as a theme.

    I wonder (hope, I guess) that someday our children find our
    current obsession with terrorism as nostalgic as many
    of us find the Cold War fears of our parents.

    Les Rayburn, director High Noon Film
    [removed]

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 21:17:15 -0500
    From: Ronald Staley <mrvintageradio@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  the golden palamino story of bobby benson

    		Does anyone have an mp3 or cassette of the golden palamino
    children's
    story. Or, does anyone have the original bobby benson story about same?

    ron staley

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

    Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 21:33:22 -0500
    From: "Rodney w bowcock jr." <rodney-selfhelpbikeco@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  the scarcity of cassette tapes

    Am I the only one who can't seem to find 60 minute cassette tapes at any
    department stores suddenly?  I'll be duping some tapes in the coming week
    or so, and visited three different stores tonight with no luck on getting
    the tapes.  I'll not use 90 minute tapes and that seems to be all there
    is anywhere.

    rodney.

    Past Tense Productions
    Carrying Old Radio related films, and Hal Roach shorts, for $7 per tape.

    --------------------------------
    End of [removed] Digest V2002 Issue #427
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