------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2001 : Issue 241
A Part of the [removed]!
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Ryan's Post & More [ "Tim Ballew" <timballew@[removed] ]
Tangled up in (NBC) Blue [ Donna Halper <dlh@[removed]; ]
(BBCR4) "Best Sellers:" The Radio Co [ CHETCOP@[removed] (Chet Copeland) ]
A little more on call [removed] [ Vntager8io@[removed] ]
Re: Operation Luna [ Fred Berney <berney@[removed]; ]
Kenny v. Dennis [ Kubelski@[removed] ]
Eddie Anderson (again) [ Kubelski@[removed] ]
Missing Person [ "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@ ]
Re: The Anderson Brothers [ Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed] ]
Gerald Mohr is NOT Philip Marlowe [ "Mike Kerezman" <philipmarlowe@eart ]
Top Radio Detectives [ "igsjr@[removed]" <igsjr@[removed]; ]
A couple [removed] [ "Robert Paine" <macandrew@[removed] ]
"Superheroes" [ "William Harper" <whhsa@[removed] ]
JOHNNY DOLLAR: The Kranesburg Matter [ passage@[removed] ]
Re: Some favorite hero's, detectives [ "Michael Hayde" <mmeajv@[removed]; ]
Tenors Doing Comedy [ "Susan Olson" <susolson@[removed]; ]
Looking for Fred Allen Shows Oct. to [ "Susan Olson" <susolson@[removed]; ]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 07:35:00 -0400
From: "Tim Ballew" <timballew@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Ryan's Post & More
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I want to echo Dick Lochte's sentiment regarding Ryan O's recent post about
the Johnny Dollar writers and the way their styles impacted Johnny's
character and the tone of the show. I enjoyed it very much and would love
to hear more of this sort of [removed]
There are a lot of perspectives, or areas of focus, on the Digest and I
enjoy them all: The Academic approach, the Technical approach, the Legal
approach, the Historical approach, the Jughead approach (otherwise known as
the "I Was There" perspective which is invaluable and often riveting!) and
many others. I almost *never* scroll past a [removed](Sacrilege!!)
I have to say though that I do particularly realte to the comments that
center on actually listening to and enjoying the shows themselves as
entertainment. I figure that we're all listening to OTR and getting wrapped
up in the shows in the background and it's great to see that Listener's
Approach come to the [removed]
How great to now associate Jack Johnstone's name with the style I love so
much from the 5-part YTJDs and the Six Shooter.
Right on, Ryan!
On another subject, the other day listening to Gunsmoke (The Brothers;
09/06/52) I was amused to hear Matt actually introduce Chester by saying:
"This is my sidekick, Chester Proudfoot". Well! Anyone else heard the term
"sidekick" actually used in context?
One etymological source that showed the word to be recent, but older than
OTR (early early 1900s) but alas, I couldn't find the reference [removed]
did find this definition that uses a particularly apt example phrase
considering recent discussion of that Mike Clancy type!
sidekick noun [C] INFORMAL
a friend, or a person who works with someone more important
"Police arrested the crook and his not-too-bright sidekick the next day".
Oh my - is this the Linguistic approach? :)
Cheers,
Tim
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 07:34:58 -0400
From: Donna Halper <dlh@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Tangled up in (NBC) Blue
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Since the subject of NBC Blue (later the Blue Network, still later ABC)
comes up now and then, I thought you might find this clipping from Newsweek
(26 March 1945, p. 102) somewhat amusing:
[For the past month, the running gag at the Blue Network has been 'What are
we called today?' The question is not too flippant. Since February 18,
network announcers have struggled with the long identification: 'This is
the Blue Network of the American Broadcasting Company.' The new name
connotes no change in set-up, but is the Blue's most overt attempt to
establish itself as an independent network and put an end finally and
irrevocably to its former association with the National Broadcasting Company.
Eventually, when American Broadcasting Co. officials believe the public is
thoroughly familiar with the new identification, the Blue reference will be
dropped and the network called ABC, thus putting it in the same name class
with NBC and CBS.
Last week, Newsweek received a letter from Mark Woods, president of the
network, which epitomizes the confusion of Blue/ABC employees. Embossed
across the bottom of Woods's letterhead was the legend 'American
Broadcasting System Inc'. Then, the word 'System' had been carefully
crossed out and the word 'Company' carefully typed in. ]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 08:48:18 -0400
From: CHETCOP@[removed] (Chet Copeland)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: (BBCR4) "Best Sellers:" The Radio Comedy of
Peter Sellers
(BBCR4) "Best Sellers:" The Radio Comedy of Peter Sellers
This week, BBC R4 began a four part series lookig back on Peter Sellers'
radio comedy ("Best Sellers"):
"Best Sellers"
Tuesdays (thru August 14), 1130 AM [=1030 UTC, or 630 AM ET]
BBC4's write up includes audio clips from the 40's and later]
[removed]
+ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
[This article tipped me off to the series:]
The Independent - United Kingdom; Jul 27, 2001
"We have the technology to make anyone funny"
BY MILES KINGTON
THERE'S A SERIES going out at the moment on Radio 4 about Peter Sellers,
in which they have dug up some very early recordings of his first
outings on TV and radio.
One sketch, now 50 years old, was particularly interesting, because it
depended on your knowledge of technology to make you laugh. We tend to
think that technology is something that happens only today, but of
course the history of technology covers the invention of gunpowder and
construction of the pyramids, as well as mobile [removed]
Anyway, Sellers played the part of a Hungarian professor who had just
arrived in Britain. He spoke quite good English. But halfway through
every sentence he made a sizzling noise.
"I am very glad to be here in Britain where sizzle sizzle fizz pop the
weather is so nice and [removed]" "Where did you learn to speak such good
English?" said the interviewer. "Oh, by listening [removed] crickle crackle
[removed] short wave radio," said Sellers as the Hungarian.
Nice idea. But funny? Not really now.
Technology has moved [removed]
Read Article:
[removed];query=BBC+Radio
Chet Copeland/nyc
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 08:54:38 -0400
From: Vntager8io@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: A little more on call [removed]
Hi, Dale and all.
I've noticed the same trend away from call letters towards numerical
identification for radio stations in this area as well, but I belive stations
are still required to state their call letters and broadcasting location once
an hour--generally this occurs within five minutes of the top of the hour. I
worked for several years in station WLVA/WLQE/WVLR (we simulcast on three
frequencies, one FM and two AM). At exactly 10 seconds before the hour, we
were required to say all three call letters and their broadcasting
locations--but we weren't required to state the broadcast frequency.
Bryan Wright
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 09:25:47 -0400
From: Fred Berney <berney@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Operation Luna
Does anyone know the correct spelling of the 4 stars of the Journey Into
Space series. I have the names, but am not sure of the correct spelling of
two of them.
Fred
For the best in Old Time Radio Shows [removed]
New e-commerce page [removed]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 09:25:49 -0400
From: Kubelski@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Kenny v. Dennis
Steven M. Lewis also corrected me off-list on Eddie Anderson being named at
the opening of Benny shows using his real name, but a the risk of starting
another script-dropping thread here, I think that happened. The reason I
think so is that I knew his real name when I started collecting Benny shows
in junior high school - long before I read any books or corresponded with any
other fans about the show. The only way I would have known that was by
deducing from the names at the opening who that mysterious "Eddie Anderson"
was.
Can anyone help me out here?
Sean Dougherty
Kubelski@[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 09:25:50 -0400
From: Kubelski@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Eddie Anderson (again)
I always liked Dennis Day better as a comedian. As singers, I would just say
pick 'em. Dennis' ability as an impressionist is something you don't notice
until you've heard a lot of his shows, but the writers would rely on it
frequently for to play the leading characters of the day. Off the top of my
head I remember him doing Ronald Colman, of course, and I think Churchill,
FDR, Hitler, Jimmy Stewart and many others.
His range was remarkable. In addition, the scenes he did with Verna Felton,
who played his Jack Benny-hating Irish mother, were priceless. I think the
Lucky Strike - era writers did more with his character than the Jello-era
writers did with Kenny Baker. I don't remember Kenny having as developed a
persona on the show and as many funny bits to do, but I have been listening
to mainly Lucky Strike shows recently and that might be coloring my
recollection.
Sean Dougherty
Kubelski@[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 09:42:36 -0400
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Missing Person
Al Ragonnet, speaking of OTR detectives, noted,
Regarding detectives, there are a lot of good choices.
But one of the most interesting detective shows starred Mr. [Westrel]
Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons. There was nothing else quite like it.
Keen wasn't hardboiled; he hadn't the intellect of a Holmes, Wolfe,
Carter, or Vance; he wasn't a cop (though he somehow had arrest powers);
and he wasn't an antihero like Novak. More, he wasn't an amateur like
Pam and Jerry North or Casey, Crime Photographer.
He _was_ popular. The show started in 1937 and closed in 1955. One of
my true guilty pleasures.
Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 09:42:35 -0400
From: Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: The Anderson Brothers
Nik Kierniesky wrote:
I continue to search for biographical material on Eddie Anderson.
He must have kept to himself most of his life, because there is very
little on him.
Eddie Anderson was born to a show-business background -- his father was a
minstrel comic, and his mother a circus aerialist. He began his own
career at the age of fourteen as a song-and-dance comedian in a double
act with his older brother Cornelius -- and during the 1920s, the
Anderson Brothers became well-known attractions on the black vaudeville
circuit.
With the collapse of vaudeville, the Anderson Brothers arrived in
Hollywood in the early thirties, and Eddie made his film debut in 1932 as
a valet in "What Price Hollywood," while Cornelius -- under the billing
"Corny Anderson" -- began doing bit parts in B-grade adventure movies and
serials, often as a bone-thru-the-nose "jungle native."
Eddie Anderson's breakthru role was as "Cap'n Noah" in the 1936 film
adapation of "The Green Pastures," in a
funny-in-spite-of-the-over-the-top-stereotypes characterization which
distinctly foreshadowed his later work. Noah had the same manipulative
attitude toward Authority as would Rochester, as Noah tries to convince
De Lawd that because among all the other animals he's going to bring two
of every kind of snake onto the ark, he should also be allowed to bring
two kegs of liquor to calm his nerves. De Lawd insists that one keg will
be sufficient, and the resulting argument established the pattern for the
Rocherster-and-Jack exchanges that would be heard in later years.
Anderson's work in "Green Pastures" and in "Three Men On A Horse," filmed
the same year, made him a well-known figure for white audiences -- and it
was his work in these films that brought him to Benny's attention.
Eddie Anderson of course became a major star as a result of his
association with Benny, and continued his substantial film career
alongside his radio work. He became a *very* wealthy man as a result of
investments in California real estate, and in a string of thoroughbred
race horses: one of his stable, "Burnt Cork," ran in the 1943 Kentucky
Derby. Meanwhile, his brother Corny eased out of show busines -- his last
work I'm aware of was a series of supporting appearances on "The Amos 'n'
Andy Show" in the early fifties, where he most often played grouchy
middle-class fathers who objected to their daughters' involvement with
Andy. In these roles, Corny Anderson displays a rather gravelly voice --
but nowhere near as gravelly as that of his more famous brother.
Elizabeth
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 09:42:33 -0400
From: "Mike Kerezman" <philipmarlowe@[removed];
To: "OTR DIGEST" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Gerald Mohr is NOT Philip Marlowe
Ryan O. Comments interested me greatly
A perfect example of the radio
adaptations of Phillip Marlo. Gerald Mohr is a wonderful actor and I love
his voice, but he just wasn't Marlo. He tried to be the tough guy, but he
missed some of the grit and depth of Marlo
[removed] am constrained to point out having read most of Raymond Chandler's
novels that Gerald Mohr's portrayal is quantum leap foward over the earlier
series with Van Heflin. Chandler himself would agree with that although he
never was completely satisfied. It also important to consider that neither
HAMMETT (for SAM SPADE) nor CHANDLER had any involvement with the radio
shows which featured characters they themselves created. Gerald Mohr's voice
carried the shoiw without which the ADVENTURES OF PHILIP MARLOWE becomes
rather mediocre. The character of SAM SPADE appeared in only one (1) HAMMETT
novel and three short stories. He never particpated creatively or even
listened to the shows. Ryan mentioned Howard Duff's portrayal of Sam Spade.
I am inclined to agree although Duff did seem very comfortable in the part.
I must point out that even Bogart was far from perfect too. Bogart seemed to
do bang up job in the movie THE MALTESE FALCON. However, when he starred in
filmed version of Chandler's first Philip Marlowe novel THE BIG SLEEP
(Filmed in 1946), I found him out of place compared to what I read in
Chandler's THE BIG SLEEP (1939). I've also seen the movies:
MARLOWE (starring James Garner)
BIG SLEEP (1946 version, and mid-1970s starring Elliot Gould)
FAREWELL, MY LOVELY (1978? Starring Robert Mitchum)
POODLE SPRINGS (1990s HBO movies based on ia fragment left behind on Raymond
|Chandler's death in 1959)
With the possible exception of Robert Mitchum, None of these actors do
Marlowe justice. The Mitchum version tries really hard but script
nevertheless goes off track.
I think MOHR's portrayal of Marlowe is actually THERE but it it is more
subtly buried in the show. In particular, in his mannerisms more brings out
Marlowe's personality than most of his actions in the show. You have to be
really listening closely or you'll miss it. I think MOHR was far from
perfect in the role, but he did a credible job in comparison to other
attempts at the part.
On the subject the Jack Webb, while most people point to DRAGNET and PAT
NOVAK as hist best offerings, and JEFF REAGAN and JOHNNY MADEIRO, PIER 23 as
his weaker efforts; one show that is consistently overlooked is PETE KELLY'S
BLUES. Alothoug this show was only on for about 2 months it inspired a later
FILM of the same name and a brief TV show. Its kind of like Pat Novak with
More [removed] show is truly piece of art.
I agree totally with regard to BOSTON BLACKIE. I'd be less of a detective
show fan if all shows were in this [removed] put Mr. Keen above this one.
I EchoRyan's comments with regard to NIGHTBEAT. This is great, underated
show. It is dependant on Lovejoy's voice to carry it. He just packed the
right amount sensitiveness, yet Sarcasm one would expect from the working
press. The Dialog is really great in this show especially when RANDY STONE
deals with hoods and other gangsters. Nightbeat really makes use of the
THEATER of the MIND like no other. Consider the "ELEVATOR CAPER" or even
"CITY ON THE EDGE OF YOUR FINGERTIPS" - the entire episode takes place over
the telephone. In the Elevator Caper half the show is within the confines of
a elevator car.
Mike Kerezman
Macomb, Oklahoma
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 10:07:42 -0400
From: "igsjr@[removed]" <igsjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Top Radio Detectives
Ryan O wrote:
Gerald Mohr is a wonderful actor and I love his voice, but he just
wasn't Marlo.
I agree with this statement wholeheartedly -- I like THE ADVENTURES OF
PHILLIP MARLOWE, mostly due to its Norman MacDonnell pedigree, but I
often wish Van Heflin could have been convinced to continue the
[removed]'ve heard one or two of the Heflin shows, including "Red Wind,"
and his interpretation of the role blew me out of the water.
My vote for top radio detective goes to Joe Friday--there really isn't
any contest. I also concur with Ryan that the early DRAGNET shows with
Barton Yarborough as Ben Romero are the cream of the crop; no offense to
any actors who moonlighted as Joe's partner before Frank Smith (Ben
Alexander) came along, by the way. Joe gets my vote because he was
simply the most realistic of all of the OTR detectives, demonstrating
that the job consisted of a tremendous amount of legwork and patience.
That being said, there are other OTR detectives that I enjoy listening
to, particularly because of their novelty value. SAM SPADE is really
almost a comedy show than a private-eye show; the fun comes from Howard
Duff's insouciant way with a wisecrack than any believable plot. Ditto
PAT NOVAK FOR HIRE and RICHARD DIAMOND, for that matter.
I'm not sure what I would pick as worst private eye -- Boston Blackie,
Michael Shayne and Barry Craig are all neck-and-neck in this foot race.
Ivan
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 10:07:40 -0400
From: "Robert Paine" <macandrew@[removed];
To: "OTR Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: A couple [removed]
Re: station ID requirements - since deregulation, it appears a station must
only ID on the hour. When I first started kicking around radio in the 60's,
it was on the hour and half-hour, although the Commission kind of looked the
other way if you ID'd within five minutes either way and logged it as such.
I remember station management and others kicking around the issue that the
FCC had an option that permitted an ID at :15 and :45 past but I won't
testify that I saw it in the rules and regs.
About Eddie "Rochester" Anderson - it's been said - and I believe it - that
Jack Benny insisted Anderson stay in the same hotel as the rest of the cast
and receive the same considerations. Otherwise, Benny would go to another
hotel.
In January '42 or '43 (Elizabeth - help?), the cast appeared at the former
Dow AFB at Bangor, Maine. According to former WLBZ (NBC Red) station manager
Edward Guernsey, the weekly show originated from the Bangor Opera House not
far from the WLBZ studios. There is a photo of Eddie Anderson skating on the
pond at station founder Thompson Guernsey's resort north of Bangor, where
the cast was entertained during their stay; also a shot of Jack and Mary
preparing to enjoy a Maine lobster dinner, while Guernsey helps Jack deal
with the lobster.
Macandrew
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 13:14:40 -0400
From: "William Harper" <whhsa@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: "Superheroes"
Dear Folks;
Radio made all the main characters in the adventure shows I listened to as a
child "superheroes". My "superhero" was Straight Arrow. The trip to the
cave and the great ride out and "Straight Arrow on the trail of justice" had
more of an impact on me that "up, up and away". When Straight Arrow rode I
rode with him and all my "enemies" fell to wayside. Kanneewah Fury!!!!!
Bill
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 13:14:43 -0400
From: passage@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: JOHNNY DOLLAR: The Kranesburg Matter
Hi All,
Just finished listening to the JOHNNY DOLLAR Kranesburg Matter.
The copy I listen to has 6 parts. I listened closely and there's no
missing episodes that I can detect. Each episode dovetails nicely.
I've also listened to "The Crystal Lake Matter", the previous series. At
the end of it Bob Bailey announces next week's series will start on next
Friday, and be off for Monday thru Thursday for the Republican
Convention.
At the end episode 2 of "The Kranesburg Matter", Bob Bailey says the
next episode is on Monday, so I assume episode 1 was Thursday,
August 23, episode 2 was Friday and the remaining episodes were
Monday thru Thursday, Aug. 27 thru Aug 30. Is this correct? Any
ideas why it was off on Friday?
Frank
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 13:14:55 -0400
From: "Michael Hayde" <mmeajv@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Some favorite hero's, detectives etc.
Al Ragonnet wrote:
My favorite Jay Novello role was on (excuse me) TV when he played the
legendary bank robber Willie Sutton in a show whose title I can't
recall. They did stories of criminals or crimes every week. For some
reason I seem to remember the Willie Sutton show was in 2 parts. However,
that is from my very faulty memory.
That may have been "Gangbusters." They did a two-part episode on Willie
Sutton in the fall of 1952, when NBC was airing it on alternate Thursdays
with "Dragnet."
Michael J. Hayde
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 13:19:23 -0400
From: "Susan Olson" <susolson@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Tenors Doing Comedy
In response to John Henley, whose marvelous taste in tenors inspired him to
relay a story about the Dec. 22, 1940 Jack Benny Christmas episode with
Kenny Baker guest starring at the end of the program, I'd like to throw in
my unbiased opinion <grin>. John, in comparing Kenny Baker with Dennis Day,
said "Kenny was simply funnier." AGREED!! (Hal, Ryan, Charlie, Thurs. night
chat [removed] surprised?!)
John, to hear Kenny in some of his best comedic material, just listen to the
'40-'41 season of Texaco Star Theater starring Fred Allen. Kenny was
allowed a much larger comedic part and involvement in the weekly skits than
he was ever given with the Jack Benny show. One of our favorites if the
3-19-41 show, where Portland and FA try to set Kenny up on a date with
"Olive Fagelson" (laugh out loud funny). At the end of the show, Kenny also
was in the "Nicotine Alley" skit (very funny!).
John's good taste also brings him to say about Kenny, "I also like his
singing better than Dennis'..." AGREED AGAIN!! John, there has been a new
compilation CD released within the past month called "The Starlit Hour,"
which has 24 of his recordings, including a beautiful classical song called
"Nina" (worth the price just for that song alone). Included are several
songs from his Broadway debut with Mary Martin in "One Touch of Venus." Of
course, there is also another compilation CD released several years ago,
"Love Walked In." Both of these compilation CDs were produced in England
(very curious!).
Kenny had several of his own radio shows during the 40's and 50'[removed]
aware if any of the "Sincerely, Kenny Baker" radio programs survived and are
available?
Best Regards,
Susan
"kennyfan" on Thurs. OTR chat night
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2001 13:19:28 -0400
From: "Susan Olson" <susolson@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Looking for Fred Allen Shows Oct. to Dec. '40
Folks,
Anyone know whether any of the Fred Allen shows (Texaco Star Theater) from
the beginning of the '40-'41 season (October thru December 1940) have
survived and are available? Please contact me!
I'm also looking for an illusive 4-30-41 show of that season (Fred Allen,
Texaco Star Theater).
Thanks for any help or leads. I have lots to trade if you have any of these
shows to share.
Best Regards,
Susan
kennybakerfan@[removed]
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2001 Issue #241
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