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

[removed] Digest				Volume 96 : Issue 310

Table Of Contents: 

	 RADIO LIFE & WHO IS MRS. CALABASH?
	 Gays on OTR
	 Old Time Radio Equals New Time TV
	 Rail on the radio
	 Radio Spirits
	 Grand Old WLS
	 John Garfield radio appearances
	 POINT SUBLIME
	 Female 'Tecs
	 Labelling cassette boxes/CBSRMT
	 I don't think it simply lost it's punch.
	 Re: TV v. Radio

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

Date: 31 Aug 1996 04:00:23 GMT
From: kg@[removed] (KEN GREENWALD)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: RADIO LIFE & WHO IS MRS. CALABASH?
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>

Jello, again!
A few issues back, someone asked if there were any westcoast radio guides
similar to TV Guide. Yes, there was. It was called RADIO LIFE. It was started
in 1940 by Evelyn Bixby and her husband. The person who asked about this kind
of publication is, I believe, from San Francisco, Northern California area.
RADIO LIFE was a Southern California publication, so I do not know if it was
distributed or was also printed up north with the station ID's changed for
those listeners. What I do know is that Radio Life was very popular, took off
quickly and became THE radio publication for the west coast. It continued
through the radio years and, when television arrived, the name was changed to
RADIO AND TV LIFE. It was soon evident that tv was taking over, so the
publication was renamed TELEVISION AND RADIO LIFE. Through all those years
the coverage of the magazine was wonderful, revealing all sorts of things
about radio personalities, local and national programs and what was happening
in the radio world. The same when tv came in. The magazine was divided into
three sections: 1. Pictorial articles about famous radio personalities and
national shows. 2. an inner section listing all the broadcast schedules of
each and every show, just like tv guide does today,  and 3. pictorial
articles on local shows and radio personalities in Southern California. 
The magazine became so successful that it changed its name one last time. It
called itself TV GUIDE. Mrs. Bixby sold the guide and it moved east to larger
offices. Mrs. Bixby retired a wealthy woman.

Just who is Mrs. Calabash? Discussion in the OTR Digest suggest different
answers, including Jimmy Durante's own revealing of who she was. But I heard
it a different way. Pick which ever story you think sound correct. Here's the
one I heard:
Glenhall Taylor (who is still alive and well) was Producer/Director of The
New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Silver Theater. One of his closest
friends is Phil Cohan (who is also alive and well). Phil was
Producer/Director of the Jimmy Durante show through most of its run on
network radio. 
Glenhall was an avid pipe smoker (you're ahead of me already, aren't you?)
One day, when Glenhall had some extra time on his hands, he went over to Phil
Cohan's office to visit. When he entered, he found Phil and the writers of
the Durante show laboring over a problem. Glenhall asked what the problem
was. Phil told him that he was trying to find a phrase or a little saying
that Durante could say at the end of the show that would make people think
about the great star; keep him in mind, so to speak. Phil said that most
radio comedians had something going for them that would remind the public of
the star, or the program. Take Peevey, the druggist on The Great
Gildersleeve. He was always saying, "Well, now -- I wouldn't say that." or
Joe Penner with his "Wanna buy a duck?"
Phil said the best we could come up with was "Goodnight ---------, wherever
you are." But they needed a name. An unusual name that would stick in peoples
minds. Glenhall listened intently, then lit his pipe. Phil smiled, then
turned to the writers. "What about Glenhall's pipe?" They all looked at
Glenhall, who was casually lighting and puffing on his Calabash. And so, a
famous saying was born!
Is this the answer to the mystery, even with Durante giving another story
about Mrs. Calabash? I would tend to believe Glenhall is correct. He told me
that story one day when we were working on the re-release of the Sherlock
Holmes cassettes. Still, take it for what it is!
Ken Greenwald

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 08:56:12 -0400 (EDT)
From: joe <wmackey@[removed]>
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Gays on OTR
Message-id: <[removed]@[removed]>
Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
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> Date: Fri, 30 Aug 1996 09:19:08 -0500 (CDT)
> From: barrym <barrym@[removed]>
> Subject: Are you sure?

> I find it pretty amazing that a radio show had a gay person in
> the 50's and I have to say I'm very sceptical.  Are you sure this
> wasn't just the way the guy talked?
> 
> I don't think I've ever encountered a gay character, or even one
> that was intended to make you think they were gay, in any radio
> or tv show from that era.

While there were no gay characters, per se, on otr, there are shows where 
a stereotypical gay male is featured.   Off handed I know that Abbot and 
Costello had a character, whose name I can never remember, who was about as 
close as one got.  

He was semi-lisping and used funny expressions of language.  Basically he 
was used as a comic foil for A&C, as others were on the show, but never 
degraded or anything.  Sort of like Franklin Pangborn in film who was just 
"there" so to was this character.

I must admit, he is a highlight of the show, just as when Mr Kitzel makes 
an appearance.

In fact, I can't recall any character in radio that was abused or 
degraded for "being" someone or something.  That is, I can't recall 
someone who was Jewish (Kitzel) being made of for being Jewish.  Or a 
black character, (played by either a white or black actor) for being black.

Joe (back to lurk mode)

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 08:53:37 -0700
From: [removed]@[removed] (Donald Dortmund)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Old Time Radio Equals New Time TV
Message-ID: <[removed]@[removed]>
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  I was much amused to see the TV promos for "Early Edition" a new TV 
  series about someone who gets tomorrow's newpaper today. I beleive it was 
  featured as "It happened tomorrow" on The Acadamy Awards Radio program
  starring Eddie Bracken, and Ann Blythe, air date   10/9/46            
  plot:   A reporter gets tomorrow's newspaper today.  
  
  There is nothing new under the Sun, it seems!
  DON              
  

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 09:56:24 -0400
From: bilj@[removed] (Bill Jaker)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Rail on the radio
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Information for Marty Dzik, who is looking for old radio shows with a 
railroad theme or setting, and for everyone looking for a great old show, 
may I highly recommend THE GREEN VALLEY LINE.  This was a syndicated series 
from around 1934 that told of the attempts to save a little railroad running 
through the small towns of the Midwest.  I made copies for some railfan 
friends and they found them to be both entertaining and accurate.

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 10:10:06 EDT
From: jjyellen@[removed] (James J Yellen)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Cc: ryellen@[removed]
Subject: Radio Spirits
Message-ID: <[removed]@[removed]>

     I'm interested in knowing if anyone else has had problems with tapes
from Radio Spirits. I purchased a 20 tape set recently and so far 3 of
them have beome damaged in the same way during playing. The take up reel
apparantly stops taking up and the tape continues to feed but becomes
bunched up in the player. One I was able to catch and it didn't become
too damaged, but the other two I didn't and they became so crinkled that
they're unlistenable. I don't think it's my player since it happened on
two different ones.
     I'd like to know if others have had this problem with Radio Spirits
of other tapes. Or if anyone knows what to do to prevent this. 
    Feel free to E-mail me directly if you like, but others might be
interested as well.

Jim Yellen 

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 10:28:57 -0400 (EDT)
From: JSEXTON@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Grand Old WLS
Message-id: <01I8X7N9E0QQ8WVZ2R@[removed]>
Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII
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   I used to remember years ago,they announcing"WLS,The Prarie Farmer Station,
Chicago 7" and many of the other slogans etc.
   But I remember in the late 50's and early 60's they had an announced who
seemed to have a large teen audience whose name was Dick [removed]
remember him? Also on KDKA the Ed and Wendy (King)show ??? They would offer
a Party Pretzel for the correct answer to a [removed] pretzel,as I recall
was a keychain or something like it-just a [removed] else remember listening to this?? Best,John Sexton (JSEXTON@[removed])

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 15:55:42 GMT
From: rwright@[removed] (Richard Wright)
To: rbates@[removed], otr@[removed]
Subject: John Garfield radio appearances
Message-ID: <[removed]@[removed]>

Date: Fri, 30 Aug 96 15:33:24 PST
From: "Robert Bates" <rbates@[removed]>
To: otr@[removed]
Subject: John Garfield
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>

There was just a really good John Garfield festival at the Walter
Reade theater here in New York. He was quite an actor Did he make any
radio appearances? Anyone know?
Rob

According to _Tune in Yesterday_ by John Dunning:

Hollywood Players

_ Hollywood Players_ was an impressive but brief show, premiering on
CBS December 25, 1946, and running one season for Cresta Blanca Wines.
It replaced the equally impressive _Academy Award_ and was comprised
of _a company of Hollywood's greatest stars_ ---Claudette Colbert,
Joseph Cotten, Bette Davis, Joan Fontaine, Paulette Goddard, JOHN
GARFIELD, Gene Kelly, and Gregory Peck---who appeared on a rotating
basis in original dramas. Sometimes, as in the Christmas opener, the
stars played supporting roles to a rising newcomer. On that day, Peck,
Cotten, Kelly, and GARFIELD appeared in support of Janet Leigh, who
was making her first radio appearance.
-------------
Richard
aka rwright@[removed]

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 09:05:29 -0700 (PDT)
From: BURT WILSON <futurecon@[removed]>
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: POINT SUBLIME
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

I would like to now if anyone has a copy of POINT SUBLIME with Cliff
Arquette.  I would also like to know the name of the person who played
"mooney" on the show--the one who was always asking if he could run his
fingers through the rice barrel.

Also, I'm interested in NIGHT EDITOR--a 5-min. program with Hal Verdick.

I make TV commercials and the other day a client walked in and saw my OTR
radio reproduction and asked if I like OTR?  I said of course. And he
proceeded to tell me he was the grandson of Ernie Hare!  We had an enjoyable
time talking about OTR and had to consciously break it off in order to do
business!

BURT WILSON <futurecon@[removed]>
Burt Wilson

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 12:46:35 -0400
From: Bigkids@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Female 'Tecs
Message-ID: <960831124634_191697166@[removed]>

The information that several people have provided, in response to my mention
of Candy Matson, has been wonderful. Obviously, Candy was nowhere near the
first female sleuth on the airwaves, although she was still a fairly early
and notable figure.

I wonder if one of our more scholarly and bibliographically inclined
("audiographically inclined?") members would think it worthwhile to compile
available data on female detectives on the airwaves. With all the attention,
in recent years, to women and minorities in nontraditional roles, I think
this is an overlooked area and one that is ripe for investigation.

Maybe one of the audio companies ([removed], Radio Spirits, etc.) could even get
up a boxed set of surviving shows. "Distaff PI Pioneers" or some such.

Any takers ? ? ?

Hey, I think it would be a good seller.

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

On the topic of OTR becoming stale in the 1950s, I think there may be
something to this notion. (Purely my opinion.)

But there seems to be a natural process that takes place -- we see it in TV
programming -- where a show will get "tired" after a certain number of
seasons. Even very big hits like Barney Miller, Cheers, M*A*S*H, Roseanne,
Designing Women, etc., experience this phenomenon. (And in the earlier days
of TV, national institutions like Arthur Gordfrey, Ed Sullivan, Bilko, and
even the sainted "I Love Lucy" ((although I must confess that I never cared
much for that show, and still fail to find it amusing when I see a rerun))
followed the same pattern.

The show loses its creative drive, key on-screen or off-screen personnel move
on, they bring in some new characters and themes to try and perk things up.
(A favorite device is to have somebody get pregnant -- nice suspense theme,
dramatic bulildup to birth, then we get treated to scenes of a lovely little
baby.) 

But when a series does this, you *know* that the end is nigh. 

And in due course, the show disappears and something new comes along to catch
the viewing public's fancy.

Now (to get back to the topic at [removed] me, folks, I ramble) if OTR
had survived for more than one full generation, I am certain that the same
thing would have happened. Old comedy/variety series, even as revered as Jack
Benny, Burns & Allen, etc., would eventually have got "tired." Stars would
retire, or die, or simply wish to do something else.

The shows would have disappeared and others would have taken their places.

In fact, this process was taking place in OTR. Get out your Dunning or other
reference book and look at the hundreds -- thousands -- of shows that came
and went. Even in the waning days of radio, new shows were appearing,
including some very good ones. Remember "The Big Show" with Tallulah
Bankhead? 

Very late in the game, and still, a classic!

It was the death of the medium that done in the individual programs, not vice
versa.

Well, at least that is my opinion. I'll be interested to hear the opinions of
others.

Dick Lupoff

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 13:24:36 -0500
From: Dani Kaslow <xxdanixx@[removed]>
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Labelling cassette boxes/CBSRMT
Message-ID: <[removed]@[removed]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

Does anyone know of any software, templates, or pre-perforated paper that is 
appropriate for making inserts to cassette boxes?  The way I do it now is 
pretty primative, although it works.  I know that at least one company makes 
labels for the cassettes themselves, but I'm more concerned with uniformity 
for the hundreds of cassettes on my shelves.  How do the rest of you do it?

An aside to the person who sent me the 5 CBSRMT tapes, I lost my entire 
address book file, and I can't read the name of your store or its address 
from the wrapper on the package-- it's really blurred.  Please e-mail me.

Thanks!
Dani

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 12:19:38 -0700 (PDT)
From: roy547@[removed] (Roy Trumbull)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: I don't think it simply lost it's punch.
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>
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Having lived through the OTR to TV transition, I recall how excited
we were to see the people we'd been hearing on the radio. And the
first crop of popular shows were radio to TV changelings.
Jack Benny did a bit on his radio program during the time he
was doing both radio and TV in which he projected the future of
radio. It consisted of an announcer giving hourly time checks. That
was it.
As all the money in radio had been in the evening hours, the advent
of TV was devastating. It took more than a few years to move to the
"drive time" economy. News formats and talk shows were off into the
future. The network stations were taken to the ratings cleaners by
indepenents who'd worked out the DJ format in prior years.
I really don't think there was a decline as some have indicated.
There most certainly was a migration to TV of many popular programs
which then dropped their radio version. As the critical mass of
TV receivers developed, it simply became the preferred media for
evening entertainment. Radio was left with drive time and was no
longer the evening power house it had been.
The last stab at reviving radio's fortunes was an entertainment program
produced on NBC on Sundays called "The Big Show". The host was Tallulah
Bankhead. And all the stars showed up on that program. I believe it
ran in the rather safe time slot of 3PM to 4:30 PM. 
Radio did a slow fade after that and became the haunt of record spinners.
Yes, some programs survived for a number of years. The last one being
a half hour on CBS that Arthur Godfrey did up until 1975. That was
simply a matter of loyalty between Godfrey and Paley. Godfrey had
stuck with CBS when he was hot. Paley was very blunt about telling
his radio people that Godfrey could do the program as long as he 
wanted to do it.

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

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 1996 19:44:41 -0400
From: SeptSev@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: TV v. Radio
Message-ID: <960831194441_191860294@[removed]>

Friends:
I don't think its' the visual element of TV that kept it from being stale,
but the expansion of the number of options with the addition of UHF and now
cable.  Anyone who can not find a TV show of interest to them in the 160+
cable channels available (including PBS), is not looking very hard!

And now, a shameless plug for a TV show I'm producing!

For a fun, family show be sure not to miss KIRK, starring Kirk Cameron on the
WB Network.  The season premiere is Sunday, September 8, 1996 at 7PM. (6
Central). The show has been completelty re-tooled, and for those OTR friends
who like a good story, funny characters and a show you can watch with the
kids or grandkids--please tune in!

And now, back to radio!

Regards,
Thom Bray




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End of [removed] Digest V96 Issue #310
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