------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2002 : Issue 426
A Part of the [removed]!
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Today in radio history [ Joe Mackey <joemackey108@[removed] ]
Re: Frontier Town [ Gerry Wright <gdwright@[removed]; ]
Cavalcade of America [ Janine Preston <jpreston@makingwavs ]
New War of the Worlds [ "Bob & Bridget Meadows" <bmeado19@i ]
Radio Crime Fighters Book Now Availa [ otrbuff@[removed] ]
Anne Dowd [ OsborneAM@[removed] ]
King, Queen, Ace [ "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@ ]
Re: WOTW and Bill Murtough's recllec [ Ejcpoky1956@[removed] ]
tex chandler [ Ronald Staley <mrvintageradio@earth ]
hash knife hartley [ Ronald Staley <mrvintageradio@earth ]
SPERDVAC moments [ JackBenny@[removed] ]
Audio Cassette and Reel-to-Reel Tape [ Ron Vanover <vanoverr@[removed]; ]
Clarabell Hornblow [ "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@attorneyro ]
Sperdvac convention [ George Aust <austhaus1@[removed] ]
Sandy Singer [ "Donald & Kathleen Dean" <dxk@ezlin ]
Armed Services Radio Network [ Jocelyn Rybicki <rr79315@[removed] ]
classic radio horrors [ "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@hotm ]
OLD TYME RADIO NETWROK SCHEDULE for [ HERITAGE4@[removed] ]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:47:29 -0500
From: Joe Mackey <joemackey108@[removed];
To: otr-net <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Today in radio history
>From The History Net --
1920 The first radio broadcast in the United States is made from
Pittsburgh.
>From Those Were The Days --
1931 - Myrt and Marge was heard for the first time on CBS. The program
centered on two chorus girls who competed for the same parts and the
same men. The creator and writer (Cliff Thomas wrote some) of the
series, Myrtle Vail, also played the role of Myrt; and the original
Marge was performed by Vail's daughter, Donna Fick. Three other
performers played the part when Donna died giving birth. Myrt and Marge
continued for 11 years.
Joe
--
Visit my home page:
[removed]~[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:48:52 -0500
From: Gerry Wright <gdwright@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Frontier Town
Ken was interested in:
Every episode's end credits so far, sounds like it stars Tex Chandler
as Chad Remington. Is it my hearing, which is usually pretty good, or
did "Tex" later change his name to "Jeff?"
No he had already acted on radio under the name of Jeff Chandler, and
earlier had acted under his real name Ira Grossel, so the 34 year old
boy from Brooklyn, was only credited as "your favorite young western
star Tex Chandler" on "Frontier Town."
Who plays his sidekick, Cherokee? Sounds like [removed] Fields, but
obviously isn't.
Cherokee O'Bannon was played by Wade Crosby, later shows list him in the
closing credits. The Cherokee character is so much a copy of [removed]
Fields, down to the drinking and the fear of water in any form, I'm
surprised the Fields estate didn't sue the producers. Crosby's film and
TV credits can be found at the Internet Movie Database
<[removed],+Wade>.
Can anyone confirm that Earle Ross is the actor playing the character
Judge Fillmore, whose daughter Libby, Chad plans to marry, but never
does.
Gerry Wright
ZoneZebra Productions
San Francsico
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:49:14 -0500
From: Janine Preston <jpreston@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Cavalcade of America
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
radio, and I'd like to have an excerpt of this show to honor her in our
live holiday show in December. Any information about this particular
program would be greatly appreciated!
Janine Preston
wknhradiotheatre@[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:49:39 -0500
From: "Bob & Bridget Meadows" <bmeado19@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: New War of the Worlds
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I was surprised and somewhat disappointed that there have been no comments on
Glenn Beck's recent production of The War of the Worlds which aired on
Halloween Eve. The production, broadcast nationwide, was live with full
orchestra and followed Orson Wells script faithfully. Production values were
excellent and I truly enjoyed listening to the program from WOAI in San
Antonio, TX. My point is that this program could do a lot to promote the OTR
hobby. If OTR is to survive and be enjoyed in the future when we "older guys"
are gone, a fresh younger audience must be recruited. Mr. Beck is only 38
years old and will hopefully be around awhile. Perhaps he and his sponsors
could be enticed to produce other shows. If you missed Beck's WOTW it is on
his Insider website. Bob Meadows, Oklahoma City
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*** as the sender intended. ***
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:47:43 -0500
From: otrbuff@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
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: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:47:57 -0500
From: OsborneAM@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Anne Dowd
I just listened to "Lucky Penny Mine" from the Have Gun,
Will Travel series. I was surprised to hear that the episode
was written by Anne Dowd. Was she any relation to Gil
Dowd? Wife, perhaps? Dunning doesn't mention her as one
of the writers. Anyone know?
Arlene Osborne
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:50:56 -0500
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: King, Queen, Ace
Joe Mackey, quoting from Those Were the Days, notes, under birthday,
Dale Evans (Frances Butts) singer, (Bergen and McCarthy Show --ed)
songwriter: Happy Trails to You; actress: The Roy Rogers Show, Roy Rogers
movies; wife of 'King of the Cowboys' Roy Rogers; died Feb 7, 2001
While Roy Rogers was billed as "King of the Cowboys," Dale Evans was
billed as "Queen of the West." Sounds to me as if she had the greater
sovereignty. :-)
My favorite OTR title conferred upon a hero was in Sky King. He was
billed as "America's Favorite Flying Cowboy." That title was so
specialized that I can't think of a legitimate challenger.
Stephen Kallis, Jr.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:51:05 -0500
From: Ejcpoky1956@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: WOTW and Bill Murtough's recllections
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Sorry to disagree with the renowned Mr. Murtough, who as a broadcast pioneer,
is a man I admire greatly. But it wasn't just one newspaper who made up the
story of a "fictional panic". The panic was real, Bill, and was mentioned and
covered by many,many different sources and news organizations. as well as the
people associated with the show itself
You say "There were no hysterical people on the streets nor in cars on the
highways." Well perhaps not were you were driving, but it did happen
elsewhere.
Eric Cooper
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------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:51:23 -0500
From: Ronald Staley <mrvintageradio@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: tex chandler
Yes, in fact, one of Jeff Chandler's first roles was that of the
pseudonym Tex on Frontier Town, when Tex Chandler played Chad Remington.
Reed Hadley took a turn as well, I understand. I know he was the first Red
Ryder.
Ron Staley
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:51:35 -0500
From: Ronald Staley <mrvintageradio@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: hash knife hartley
Does anyone have any Hash Knife Hartley shows from 1951. I vaguely
remember the series on radio as a very young boy in San Francisco bay area.
I lived in the ittle coastal village of Sharps Park, now part of Pacifica,
California and seem to remember hearing it after Roy Rogers, but am not sure.
Ron Staley
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:53:09 -0500
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: SPERDVAC moments
A couple moments of (hopefully) amusement from the SPERDVAC [removed]
I was going back to my room to look for a document, and I saw a very
good-looking gentleman asking the registration desk for directions to get
downstairs. I waved at him and said, "Just follow me" (not meaning to
indicate for him to follow me all the way back to my room, of [removed]
dear, I can hear Hal's comments [removed]). So he looked at my Jack Benny
Junior High School sweatshirt and said, "Ah, my old friend Jack Benny."
We were the only two in the elevator, and I asked, "Did you know Jack?"
"I was on his show," he replied.
"Oh? Which one?" I asked. I'd spoken with Gary Owens earlier in the day,
and he told me about a bit part he'd played on the show of which I was
unaware.
He responded, "Well, Jack once brought me out and introduced me as his former
sound man."
"RAY?!?!?!" I said.
"Yeah?" he asked, puzzled.
"I'm Laura Leff!" I said, pumping his hand.
"Oh my gosh," we said, suddenly realizing that we knew each other. We both
completely cracked up.
So later I'm listening to the KFI panel, and without warning, an amazingly
loud shot rings out from the hallway. The person next to me turned and said,
"I thought they caught the sniper." Turned out to be Ray Erlenborn
rehearsing a gunshot for the evening's recreation. Several people went to
change their trousers afterwards.
Many thanks to all the folks from SPERDVAC who are making this a very nice
weekend.
--
Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 11:54:08 -0500
From: Ron Vanover <vanoverr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Audio Cassette and Reel-to-Reel Tape
While I archive my OTR programs to CD, I know that many still use cassettes,
and some still use reel-to-reel. A close friend of mine inherited a large
quantity of both from his deceased father-in-law. He appears to have several
thousand Sony and TDK audio cassettes that were used to archive radio shows
from the 80's and 90's - possibly some shows from the 70's. While the
content may or may not be of interest, I suspect the cassettes themselves
might. The cassettes that I have ere are Sony Type 1 Normal Bias 90 Minute
tapes. I would guess the TDK tapes are of similar quality.
The reel-to-reel tape is Scotch Master Premium Quality Tape. There are 3600
feet on each aluminum reel. It appears they have been stored in the
original plastic bag and box. I'm uncertain how many reels my friend has,
but I would guess hundreds. As added bonus, my friend's father-in-law keep
very detailed typewritten notes about the content of the tapes and reels.
They usually consisted of holistic medicine talk radio shows and a few music
shows recorded from NY City radio stations, but I only viewed a few of his
logs. Their appearance suggests he used them to record programs, but rarely
listened to his recordings.
If you have an interest in finding out more, you may forward your questions
to him at blesscaesar@[removed].
Ron Vanover
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 12:57:41 -0500
From: "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Clarabell Hornblow
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 2002 11:21:11 -0500
From: Bhob <bhob2@[removed];
What is the connection between the clown character "Clarabell Hornblow"
(aka "Clarabell Hornblow Clown") on THE HOWDY DOODY SHOW and the character
"Clarabelle Hornblow" on THE LONE RANGER? When did Clarabelle Hornblow
first appear on THE LONE RANGER?
I don't know when the character first appeared on the Lone Ranger, but I can tell you that the
Howdy Doody Show only used the name "Clarabell Hornblow" for a brief time in the early
1950s. There have been discussions here in the past about the Lone Ranger character, and
it sounds as though the LR's friend pre-dated the use of that name on the Howdy Doody
Show. The clown originated sometime in 1948, but was just called "Clarabell" (Actually, I
have a video of an early Howdy Doody episode, in which the clown is repeatedly referred to
as "she."). Sometime around 1951 or 1952 or thereabouts, Buffalo Bob occasionally refered
to him as "Clarabell Hornblow" or "Clarabell Hornblow Clown." I also remember a Wonder
Bread tie-in, whereby end-seals from Wonder Bread had pictures of various Howdy Doody
characters, which could be placed on a wall chart. The place on the chart for Clarabell
contained instructions which said, "Put Clarabell Hornblow here."
But this didn't last very long, no more than I year I would guess. From previous discussions
here, I think the Lone Ranger character pre-dated any use of the name "Clarabell Hornblow"
on the Howdy Doody Show. I strongly suspect that the Howdy Doody people learned
(perhaps through a cease-and-desist letter from the LR's owners, perhaps not) of the Lone
Ranger character and gave up using the name "Hornblow." I'm quite sure that they were no
longer using that name by the end of 1953.
I'm taking the liberty of forwarding this exchange to Jeff Judson, who published the "Howdy
Doody Times." Perhaps he or his readers can shed light on this question.
--
A. Joseph Ross, [removed] [removed]
15 Court Square, Suite 210
lawyer@[removed]
Boston, MA 02108-2503
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 14:59:20 -0500
From: George Aust
<austhaus1@[removed];
To: OTR Digest
<[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Sperdvac convention
Back from the convention where it seemed that a good time was had by
all. My wife and I certainly did. We got to meet some greats from the
OTR era and several fellow digesters.
I got to shake hands and say a few words to Parley Baer and then a few
minutes later shook hands with Les Tramayne! Also Harold Gould who we
have admired in TV and movies for so long now.
The attractive and oh so young Laura Leff was there and was one I had
wanted to meet. I brought up an episode of Jack Benny that I remembered
from when I was 13 yrs old and have not heard since, and amazingly she
came up with the date of the broadcast. Wow!
The attractive and not so young Hal Stone was there hawking books. This
guy is alot bigger than I had imagined so when he twisted my arm to get
me to buy a book I just had to give in. There's a nice inscription in
the book which he said was because I am a digester, as opposed to what
I'm not sure for non digesters. Hal was in a couple of OTR recreations
and he's .....pretty good : -) .
I also got to meet Ray Erlenborn and chatted with him and his wife. Nice
guy and we enjoyed being shot by him. I wonder if he has a permit to
carry that gun?
Conrad Binyon was another who was there to take part in a recreation,
and I told him that he needs to be heard more often on this list, nice
fellow.
Greg Oppenheimer was there and directed a really professional recreation
of Harry Lime. Most enjoyable.
And finally thanks to Dan Haefele and his 11 yr old son Chris (who only
likes Red Skelton and Baby Snooks on OTR) for making us feel so welcome
to our first convention. We have all been to events like this where
because you are new and unknown to most people, that you just stand
around alone most of the time. Not the case here. Everybody was most
friendly and engaged us in enjoyable conversation all through the
convention.
George Aust
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Nov 2002 18:33:25 -0500
From: "Donald & Kathleen Dean"
<dxk@[removed];
To:
<[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Sandy Singer
I enjoyed reading the article in Digest #425 by Sandy Singer.
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? Thanks
Don Dean
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 00:19:42 -0500
From: Jocelyn Rybicki
<rr79315@[removed];
To:
[removed]@[removed]
Subject: Armed Services Radio Network
I have been a lurker for a couple of years and really enjoy the posts
of those who gave us our memories and the many knowledgable people who
research the era. I am just a listener and feel I have nothing to really
offer the digest. But I do have a question that has never been discussed
here. There have been many discussions of how the major networks began and
operated. But I have never read how the Armed Services Network operated.
I know that a lot of my shows are from this service and that the
commercials are cut. It says that these shows are for our service men
overseas. How was it done? Which countries got the shows? Which shows were
chosen? Was there a schedule of when the shows were aired? Were shows ever
edited for content? I know some of the shows of the war era would parody
our enemies. I am specifically thinking of Eddie Cantor and even the Kraft
Music Hall Bing Crosby shows. Were these transmitted overseas in truncated
versions? Knowing the quality of the posters here I would bet that I would
have the answers by tomorrow. Thanks in advance, Larry Rybicki
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 00:19:47 -0500
From: "Martin Grams, Jr."
<mmargrajr@[removed];
To:
[removed]@[removed]
Subject: classic radio horrors
Does anyone have Michael Ogden's e-mail address? Is he on this digest?
I have something that might be of interest and I figured maybe he'd like to
make a trade . . . seems I don't have his e-mail adress on file.
Martin
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 4 Nov 2002 00:19:55 -0500
From:
HERITAGE4@[removed]
To:
[removed]@[removed]
Subject: OLD TYME RADIO NETWROK SCHEDULE for week
starting: 11/03/02
Hi All - Heres the lineup for this wek starting one week at:
[removed] Tune in anytime - in nice sound.
HERITAGE RADIO THEATRE with Tom Heathwood
1. HEARTBEAT THEATER (SYND 10/13/68) "Lost and Found" stars
Alan Reed, Jr. and Marvin Miller. Host: [removed] MacGregor.
2. I LOVE ADVENTURE ABC 6/20/48 "The Girl in the Street" from the
short 1948 Summer series of I LOVE A MYSTERY 30 minute programs.
3. THE COLGATE SPORTS NEWSREEL with Ronald Reagan NBC #509 7/29/49
Ronny substitutes for Bill Stern from his room at the St. Joseph Hospital in
Santa Monica, CA where he is recuperating from a broken leg.
SAME TIME, SAME STATION wiith Jerry Haendiges
1. LUX RADIO THEATRE CBS 3/7/49 "Red River" stars John Wayne.
2. THE BIG GUY 8/27/50 "The Case of the Villainous Friend" stars: John
Calvin.
3. THE LAUREL & HARDY SHOW (Audition) 11/24/43 stars Stan Laurel
and Oliver Hardy in "My Sister's Poultry Market."
Enjoy ---- Tom & Jerry
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2002 Issue #426
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