Subject: [removed] Digest V2004 #140
From: <[removed]@[removed]>
Date: 4/22/2004 10:18 PM

To: <[removed]@[removed];

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

                                The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                                  Volume 2004 : Issue 140
                             A Part of the [removed]!
                                 [removed]
                                     ISSN: 1533-9289

                                     Today's Topics:

      Help!                                 [ Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed] ]
      astronomy                             [ "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed] ]
      Episode Logs                          [ "david rogers" <david_rogers@hotmai ]
      Re: "all I need is an episode guide"  [ "Stewart Wright" <stewwright@worldn ]
      This weekend with Walden Hughes       [ BryanH362@[removed] ]
      Who Writ What?                        [ Wich2@[removed] ]
      OTR Books/[removed] question a  [ "Tim Hughes" <rekokut@[removed]; ]
      4-23 births/deaths                    [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
      Need Info - Steve Courtleigh - The S  [ "John" <glowingdial@[removed]; ]
      OTR Exhibit in Michigan / Film Festi  [ seandd@[removed] ]

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

    Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 00:32:43 -0400
    From: Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed];
    To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Help!

    The Metro Washington Old Time Radio Club produces a wonderful newsletter,
    RADIO RECALL, well edited by  Jack French. It often contains many
    radio-related nostalgia items.

    In its most  recent issue, Derek Tague contributed  two advertisements from
    the February 28, 1938, issue of The New York Times. Since the matter might
    be of general interest, I am stating my dilemma here.

    One of  the advertisements Derek provided is for  "The new book by Ogden
    Nash, "I'M A STRANGER HERE MYSELF."  The copy at the top says, "His samples
    made a hit over the air. His book is a hit the country over. Don't be
    out-quoted. Get your copy first!"

    My question is this -- under the title of the book appears, in smaller
    type,  "25th Thousand."  Directly under those two words is "$2 - Little,
    Brown."  I am assuming the advertisement is complete.

    What do the words, "25th Thousand" mean? I am probably missing something
    important or obvious, but I am sure many Digest readers know what I don't
    know.  Help!

    Dennis Crow

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

    Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 10:51:03 -0400
    From: "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  astronomy

    I have been re-reading a fine book called The Perfect Machine, by Ronald
    Florence.  It describes the design and construction of the 200-inch Hale
    telescope at Mount Palomar in California.  The project was first conceived
    in 1928 and finished, after technical difficulties, financial hardships and
    World War II in 1949.

    The project was first called to the attention of the general public in 1934,
    when the great 200 inch mirror was to be cast at the Corning glass plant.
    The publicity surrounding that event was not unlike the first US efforts in
    space, only the principal commentator was not Walter Cronkite, but Lowell
    Thomas.  The book further describes radio coverage of the famous railroad
    trip taken by the mirror from Corning, NY to Pasadena, California, where it
    took several years to grind and polish.

    Florence pauses briefly to discuss Lowell Thomas.  He'd achieved fame by
    being an explorer and adventurer (it's tough to imagine Dan Rather in such a
    role) and ultimately found his way into radio.  His fame, it was said, came
    either from his handsome features and friendly style, or that his show was
    scheduled just before Amos 'n' Andy.  Florence quotes a columnist, Cy
    Caldwell, who proposed an epitaph for Thomas:

    Here lies the bird
    Who was heard
    By millions of people--
    Who were waiting to hear
    "Amos 'n' Andy."

    Though there are references to radio throughout the book, my favorite
    involves the final finishing of the mirror surface.  To remove handprints
    and industrial oil deposits, a very pure organic 'fatty acid' compound was
    to be applied, and then burned off under oxygen, leaving a perfectly clean
    surface.  A case of the special compound was shipped to Mt Palomar, and it
    was found to work perfectly, allowing the mirror to be coated with its
    critical aluminum reflecting layer.

    The compound was Wildroot Cream Oil.  Mr Florence quotes the famous radio
    jingle.

    M Kinsler
    512 E Mulberry St. Lancaster, Ohio USA 43130 740-687-6368
    [removed]~mkinsler1

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

    Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 10:51:31 -0400
    From: "david rogers" <david_rogers@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Episode Logs

    I just wanted to make a comment about on-line episode logs.  For me, in my
    situation they are great and I use them a lot.  My situation is that I keep
    my shows as mp3s and I am a long way from anywhere that I can buy stuff.  I
    know that there is the Internet but I have ordered 3 different lots of DVDs
    from the states and they have never come.  That sort of thing gets a bit
    boring after a while, so I am reluctant to order things through the net.  I
    use episode logs to date my shows and I like to keep a list of what I have
    (and therefore what I need) and wherever possible I like to burn cds with
    the shows in order on them.  Therefore, last Saturday I was sick so I went
    to bed early and put on Burns and Allen and heard 4 shows in date order from
    when Gracie was running for president.  An on-line episode log enabled me to
    do that.

    Having said that I am not really a researcher into the backgrounds of shows.
      There are a few shows that I would like to know more about and in this
    case I would like to buy a well researched book.  For me an on-line episode
    log and a book are two different things with two different purposes.  For
    those here who write books, I realise that experiences such as have been
    related can be very upsetting, especially if you have put a lot of time and
    effort into things.  I am sorry if people can be unthinking or rude -
    stupidity is a universal constant I am afraid.  All I can say is keep up the
    good work.

    Love as always, David Rogers ([removed] - Nuneaton, [removed])

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

    Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 10:51:58 -0400
    From: "Stewart Wright" <stewwright@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Re: "all I need is an episode guide"

    In The Old-Time Radio Digest!
    Volume 2004 : Issue 139

    rodney commented:

>     . . . Most of those online logs are innacurate at
>     best, and if they aren't, they were probably illegally stolen from the
>     copyrighted work of the researcher who's book you won't buy. . . .

    rodney,

        I think you are making a sweeping and inaccurate generalization.

        Yes, some online logs are simply rip-offs from books.  (Or they are
    rip-offs of other on-line series broadcast logs.)  But, many on-line logs
    actually Pre-Date published OTR books.  Yes, many on-line logs contain
    inaccuracies, but so do some OTR books.  Both generally reflect the
    information that was known about the series at the time of their
    publication.

        There are a few Old-Time Radio writers who will probably never write a
    book, but increase the body knowledge of OTR by researching and writing
    Accurate series broadcast logs.

        I have been writing articles on Old- and New-Time Radio for many years
    and take pride in accurately researching my facts.  Also, I have conducted
    research for the books of several OTR authors.

        In the last few years, I have been focusing some of my research and
    writing activities on compiling broadcast logs of Old- and New-Time Radio
    series.  My objective in researching and writing series broadcast logs is to
    Accurately Document radio series that previously had little known about
    them.

        My broadcast logs are based on Original Research that I Conducted and
    they ARE NOT
    "probably illegally stolen from the copyrighted work of the researcher who's
    book you won't buy."

    I include a listing of my sources at the end of each of my series broadcast
    logs.

    I update my series broadcast logs as I find and Verify new information about
    the series.

    The New-Time Radio series broadcast logs that I write contain information
    that comes directly from the writers and producers of those series.

        My broadcast logs are more than simply "episode guides," and always
    contain extensive series background information, information that is not
    normally found in any OTR book.  In fact, information in several of my
    series broadcast logs contain information that corrects inaccurate
    information that has been published in OTR books for many years.  Books are
    generally a frozen in time; they normally do not reflect new information
    that has been found after the book was published or information of which the
    author was unaware or did not use.

        An article that I wrote on GUNSMOKE will be soon published be in the
    SPERDVAC Radiogram.  This article, "Gunsmoke:  The Myth of the Prime-Time
    Repeats," debunks the long-held myth that over 60 episodes of the series
    that aired in prime-time were simply repeat or re-run airings of previously
    transcribed episodes.  My findings were the result of several years of
    research that included obtaining and carefully listening to every available
    episode of the series, compiling extensive information from each broadcast,
    and verifying that information and obtaining additional information by using
    the scripts for over 360 GUNSMOKE episodes.  About 350 of those scripts
    reside in research libraries in several parts of the country and I have made
    research trips to those libraries.

        I have yet to make money off of any series broadcast logs that I have
    produced.

        The series broadcast logs I publish are my way of adding to and
    improving the body of knowledge for the hobby.

    Signing off for now,

    Stewart Wright

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

    Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 10:52:11 -0400
    From: BryanH362@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  This weekend with Walden Hughes

    Friday

    Frank Bresee interview with Jan Merlin of the Tom Corbit Space Patrol show.

    Saturday

    A. ***LIVE***  interview with Jack French to talk about his new book
    "private eyelashes'  from [removed].
    The call in number for questions is  714-545-2071.

    B.  the fourth part of Martin Block interview with Doris Day

    C.  the fourth part of four block of radio show featuring Doris Day

    Sunday

    A.  Mike Biels talk: sound clips from radio announcers from the 1920s

    B.  Laura Leff talk about Jack Benny radio show of 4-18-37

    c.  interview with Art Greenhall

    Hear the show live Friday Saturday and Sunday  at
    10:30 pm  Eastern /  7:30 pm Pacific on Yesterday USA.
    Live streaming at  [removed].

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

    Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 11:46:31 -0400
    From: Wich2@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Who Writ What?

    From: "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@[removed];

>     Ivan is correct.  Anyone with an [removed] higher than room temperature can tell
>     the difference between a 4 page web-site and a 400 page book.

    Seconding what Martin and other have said - it's no disrepect to say that the
    work done by writers like him, Elizabeth Mc., etc. is a WHOLLY DIFFERENT
    animal than piecemeal amatuer lists.

>     Afterwhich, the man commented that he'd prefer his rinky-dink printout,
>     claiming he's never had to buy a book about OTR in his entire life.

    Reminds me a bit of the comments by our dear, departed Mr. Bartell, when he
    finally - and pithily - chimed in to our "public domain, or not?" debate a
    few years back.
    The main sense of which was, "It's very nice that you all love this stuff,
    but let's not hear any superior claims of ownership, to what was essentially
    the past hard work of others."

    The research done by folks like Martin is real spadework, and, "the laborer
    is due his wages."

    Best,
    Craig

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

    Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 12:30:15 -0400
    From: "Tim Hughes" <rekokut@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  OTR Books/[removed] question about
     quality reel collectors

    Hi,

    I agree wholeheartedly with Martin.  Furthermore, his books are WELL worth
    purchasing.  His ILAM book is SUPERB, the best ever done on the subject.  I
    have his Ellery Queen, as well as the blue hardbound one with the radio
    logs.  I also plan to get the Inner Sanctum one.

    He knows his stuff, and does the research to back it up.

    Also, the convention was great!  I picked up 50+ quality reels. Terry also
    had some nice quality CDs, though I didn't have the moolah to pick up as
    many of those as I'd have liked, after my other purchases, and Martin had
    TONS of great movies on DVD- if you like dark house mysteries, and
    detectives, there was a lineup of great titles, as well as some other nice
    stuff.  The folks there were great, as usual.  A good time was had by all.
    I met some interesting people at the Saturday dinner, also.  An illustrator,
    an engineer, etc., all of whom chatted about some very interesting topics.

    [removed]  The reels brought up a question. I don't know all the old-time
    traders.  If anyone could email me (off-list so it won't clutter up here) at
    rekokut@[removed]  (the email which I am doing the post from), if anyone
    has info on who was a stickler for good sound.  I'm always looking for nice
    quality reels, as close to the source as possible.  I can recognize the ones
    like Ed Carr, Terry Salomonson, Larry Kiner, etc., but I don't know who was
    who with the traders from the past- the 70s and 80s.  That way I can
    recognize good quality more easily, when going through reels,  if I know
    that collector was into good sound.

    Thanks!

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

    Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 15:26:06 -0400
    From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
    To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  4-23 births/deaths

    April 23rd births

    04-23-1564 - William Shakespeare - Stratford-upon-Avon,England - d. 4-23-1616
    playwrite, poet: "Julius Caesar"; "Hamlet"
    04-23-1884 - Edwin C. Hill - Aurora, IN - d. 2-12-1957
    news commentator: "Human Side of the News"; "Your News Parade"
    04-23-1921 - Janet Blair - Altoona, PA
    actress: "Lux Radio Theatre", "Abbott and Costello"
    04-23-1928 - Shirley Temple - Santa Monica, CA
    actress: Judy Graves "Junior Miss"

    April 23rd deaths

    02-17-1907 - Larry "Buster" Crabbe - Oakland, CA - d. 4-23-1983
    actor: "George Jessel Show"; "Hollywood Showcase"
    03-10-1900 - Peter DeRose - NYC - d. 4-23-1953
    pianist, singer: "Sweethearts of the Air"
    03-19-1907 - Kent Smith - NYC - d. 4-23-1985
    actor: "NBC University Theatre of the Air";"Radio Reader's Digest"
    04-23-1564 - William Shakespeare - Stratford-upon-Avon,England - d. 4-23-1616
    playwrite, poet: "Julius Caesar"; "Hamlet"
    07-04-1907 - Tommy Carr - Philadelphia, PA - d. 4-23-1997
    actor: Jerry Hall "Magic Island"
    07-07-1913 - Verne Smith - NB - d. 4-23-1968
    actor, announcer: Bill Hartley "Arnold Grimm's Daughter"; "Adventures of Ozzie
    and Harriet"
    09-13-1883 - Lewis E. Lawes - Elmira, NY - d. 4-23-1947
    commentator: "Twenty Thousand Years in Sing Sing"
    10-24-1879 - Benjamin Albert "[removed]" Rolfe - Brasher Falls, NY - d. 4-23-1956
    conductor: "Lucky Strike Dance Orchestra"; "Believe It or Not"
    11-06-1904 - Selena Royle - NYC - d. 4-23-1983
    actress: Hilda Hope "Hilda Hope, [removed]"; Kathy Marsh "Portia Faces Life"
    12-17-1902 - House Jameson - Austin, TX - d. 4-23-1971
    actor: Sam Aldrich "Aldrich Family"; Inspector Douglas Renfrew "Renfrew of
    the Mounted"
    --
    Ron Sayles
    For a complete list:
    [removed]

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

    Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 17:52:41 -0400
    From: "John" <glowingdial@[removed];
    To: "OTR Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Need Info - Steve Courtleigh - The Shadow

    Hi folks, need some help here.  I'm trying to determine what episodes of The
    Shadow that Steve Courtleigh was in.  Some info says he played the role in
    September and October of 1945, other info says he was in The Little Man Who
    Wasn't There which aired 4/8/45.  Anyone have a list of his episodes and
    wether or not they are available??  Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Respond to me off-digest if necessary.  Thanks in advance!

    John Matthews
    The Glowing Dial Page
    [removed]

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

    Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 17:52:49 -0400
    From: seandd@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  OTR Exhibit in Michigan / Film Festival in
     Minnesota

    Here's a great article on a museum exhibit on the history of broadcasting
    that highlights OTR.  I hope we have some readers in Jackson Michigan who can
    check it out and let us know what it is like.

    Sean Dougherty
    Clifton, NJ

    ELLA Sharp Museum exhibit examines history of radio and ...
    [removed] - MI,USA
    ... those who have seen his routine. "I'll be doing things like 'Who's
    on First,' some Jack Benny," Measzros said. "When I was 10 years ...
    <[removed]
    [removed];

    I also note the following information on a film festival including Jack Benny
    and other radio stars in St. Paul, Minn.

    Library shows big but little-seen musicals

    A Northbrook Public Library film series of "All-Star Musical Revues"
    premieres May 5 with the "Hollywood Revue of 1929" with Joan Crawford and
    other players in the MGM stable. The movie included a then-new song, "Singin'
    in the Rain."

    The series continues with "The Broadway Melody of 1936," on May 12, with Jack
    Benny, Eleanor Powell, Robert Taylor, and Buddy Ebsen, featuring the song
    "You Are My Lucky Star."

    May 19, the library will screen "Till the Clouds Roll By," a 1946 movie about
    song-smith Jerome Kern, starring Robert Walker, Judy Garland, Kathryn
    Grayson, Lena Horne, Dinah Shore and Frank Sinatra.

    On May 26, it's 1948's "Words and Music," about the song-writing team of
    Richard Rogers and Moss Hart, featuring Mickey Rooney, Lena Horne, Judy
    Garland, Perry Como, Gene Kelly and Vera-Ellen.

    All the movies are free, and shown at 1 [removed] and 7:30 [removed] Wednesdays.

    --------------------------------
    End of [removed] Digest V2004 Issue #140
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