------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2002 : Issue 464
A Part of the [removed]!
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
See what I mean Elmer? [ hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed]; ]
Exotic location? [ "david rogers" <david_rogers@hotmai ]
RE: Sony MP3 boombox [ Michael Mewborn <mmewborn@designgro ]
themes again [ "joe@[removed]" <sergei01@earthli ]
Six Shooter theme [ Tilyou1@[removed] ]
First Radio Stations [ John Mayer <mayer@[removed]; ]
Re: Hal's Book [ Bob Scherago <rscherago@[removed]; ]
Bicycle museum [ "Mary Ann Allen" <wallen@[removed] ]
theme for the third man (harry lyme) [ Ruk77@[removed] ]
Re: CBS 1928-29 [ Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed] ]
Bud Collyer-the dark side [ Howard Blue <khovard@[removed]; ]
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clau [ Kenneth Clarke <kclarke5@[removed]; ]
Archie's A-Head! [ leemunsick@[removed] ]
Clayton Collyer [ William L Murtough <k2mfi@[removed]; ]
WOR nostalgia [ "Candy Jens" <candyj@[removed]; ]
web site for out of print books [ "Walden Hughes" <hughes1@[removed]; ]
Velocipedes [ "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@ ]
Re: Munsic's musings [ hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed]; ]
Re: Bud Collyer [ hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed]; ]
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 12:11:10 -0500
From: hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: See what I mean Elmer?
See Elmer! I just knew the Awesome Aussie would immediately add his two
pence worth!
And did you also notice the weird words they use "down Under"? You can
always spot the Aussie postings.
I am just a big sook.
Hmmm! I always thought "sooks" were what "Billy Bongs" wore on their feet!
In as much as Ian asked me a question whilst talking about books, permit me
to respond in kind. His thread [removed]
> I enjoy reading books, have done so all my life. Over the last couple of
years I have been reading a lot of OTR related books and magazines. Martin,
you can put me down for your reissue :)
Go get 'em Martin.
Whilst waiting for Hal's book to arrive, I read George Burns book - Gracie -
A Love Story. A great read, easy writing style, lots of laughs, just as I
am imagining Hal's book to be.
The Aussies are polite and generous, if nothing else.
I highly recommened Gracie -(SNIP) I cried on the last page. My
otr friends asked why, when I knew the ending. Yes I knew the ending, I
just didn't know THE ENDING. Hal, you would warn me if your last page was
like that wouldn't you?
To be perfectly honest Ian, I had you in mind specifically when I put the
last page together. (Those who have read the book will know what I mean,
right?)
But just in case The Aussie's are not familiar with that famous "American"
statement, I will be happy to translate at a later date.
Do the Australians celebrate Father Christmas. Ian? If so, have a very merry
one, and a Billy Bong in a pear tree.
Hal(Harlan)Stone
Jughead
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 12:11:33 -0500
From: "david rogers" <david_rogers@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Exotic location?
Hal(Harlan)Stone wrote in reference to the spread of subscribers to this
digest:
Hey Charlie! Can we offer a prize for the most exotic location?
I subscribe and I live at Hanyang University, Ansan, South Korea.
On the point of OTR outside of North America, I am sometimes disappointed
that there is not more on UK radio shows. It is my feeling radio is still
very much alive in the UK and particularly Radio 4 is still producing great
stuff. If you go to the BBC web site, go to Radio 4 and the "Listen Again"
section you will find links to all sorts of good stuff.
I recently downloaded 5 shows of Ross Noble's travels around the world,
which were really good - particularly the one in China. My wife and I were
in bed in Korea listening to a radio show made in China and broadcast from
England. Who says that the Internet isn't great?
Also I downloaded an 8 part documentary on the history of Jamaica and
reggae. Great stuff.
I am not just saying this because I am English but listening to BBC radio
often makes me feel like I have just read a good book.
This is not to down play my enjoyment of some of the OTR from North America,
I am just [removed]
Love as always, David Rogers
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 13:13:08 -0500
From: Michael Mewborn <mmewborn@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: RE: Sony MP3 boombox
A few issues ago someone asked for model numbers of the MP3 boomboxes
that had been discussed earlier. I was away last week, so he may already
have his answer. I'll tell it once again.
The Sony model is CFD-S20CP. I've had 2 of them for a few weeks now and
still recommend them. I took one to the beach with me last week so that
I could enjoy my programs. With few exceptions it plays all MP3 CDs,
including the ones with 100 programs, whatever the bit-and-sample rates
of those may be.
It has a sleep timer, an earphone jack, am-fm radio with pushbuttons, a
tape player, program play, and a remote that allows almost everything
the unit itself offers.
Anyone with questions can contact me off the list. I have absolutely no
financial interest in anything related to this product.
Michael
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 13:13:26 -0500
From: "joe@[removed]" <sergei01@[removed];
To: "OTR List" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: themes again
Does anybody know the name of the theme music for the Air Adventures of
Jimmie Allen? It was a march.
Probably just something from a production music library.
Joe Salerno
Video Works! Is it working for you? [removed]
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 13:43:00 -0500
From: Tilyou1@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Six Shooter theme
I, too, like The Highland Lament, the theme song of The Six Shooter. I
wonder if anyone knows anything about the music that is often used as a
bridge on that show.
As you probably know, there is at least one Six Shooter episode -- sorry, I
forget which one -- which comments on the popularlity of the theme, and
indicates it is not available on a recording "at this time".
of course, that doesn't mean it didn't eventually make it to a [removed]
- Charles Kramer, NY, NY
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 13:43:30 -0500
From: John Mayer <mayer@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: First Radio Stations
A Knoxville TV station, WBIR, has a regular late-night segment, _Heartland_,
about local mountain culture and history, and has recently been reporting on
the early days of radio here. According to the show, Knoxville's first radio
station was the tenth in the nation. I don't recall its original call
letters, but within a short time it had become WNOX. I seem to remember
hearing elsewhere that it was the 12th station in the country. Is it
possible to verify the chronology of WNOX and its place in radio history?
Also, I have noticed a surprising number of letters to this digest from
Knoxville OTR fans. I'd be pleased if you would write me offline; our local
pirate station is considering broadcasting a local OTR-style (well, more or
less) variety show as a fund raiser and I'd appreciate your input.
And, yes, as you can imagine, I'm the oldest pirate in the crew, and the
only one that actually wears a patch over one eye.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 13:52:30 -0500
From: Bob Scherago <rscherago@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Hal's Book
OK, Hal, you got me - I've just ordered your book.
I'll let you know what I think soon.
---
Bob Scherago
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 14:32:16 -0500
From: "Mary Ann Allen" <wallen@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Bicycle museum
[removed]
What beauties! Thanks for the link!
---
Mary Ann Allen
wallen@[removed] The Gathering Place
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 14:46:27 -0500
From: Ruk77@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: theme for the third man (harry lyme)
I also forgot to mention this one. it is a unique sound. i think the
instrument used is called a zithar. Can anyone verify that or give more info
on this one. I recall reading in the OTR encyclopedia that this was a highly
requested song of the time. I am only 35 so I wasn't around.
also 2 that stand out are The Adv. of Sam Spade, (the first notes just shout
out at you) and Richard Diamond with the whistling Dick Powell. That was
actually him whistling, right?
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2002 14:46:44 -0500
From: Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: CBS 1928-29
On 12/3/02 12:35 PM OldRadio Mailing Lists wrote:
So, there are two examples of KFWB originating and/or broadcasting a
national progam over CBS for the Los Angeles area in 1928 and '29.
These were promotional programs sponsored and presented by Warner
Brothers, not by CBS. CBS was simply contracted to give them national
distribution, probably because they offered more favorable rates than NBC
-- a major consideration since Warners would have to pay the heavy
tarriffs then charged by AT&T for west-to-east programming. Obviously
part of the deal would be that the Warners' own station, KFWB, would
carry the programs.
Keep in mind that the rigidly-defined notions of network affiliation
common in the 1940s have no relevance in discussing radio in the 1920s --
networks were far more willing to be dictated to by local stations than
they would be a few years later, and this was especially true of CBS,
which was still very unstable during 1928-29, and lagged far behind NBC
in attracting sponsors. The prestige of a personality like Jolson -- then
the top box-office draw in the country -- would have encouraged CBS to do
anything Warners' wanted in arranging these programs, especially since
they led to a regularly-sponsored Warner series.
This sort of thing happened in other cities as well, with contracts
executed on the spur of the moment to cover specific situations where
extra outlets were needed, but these did not imply formal affiliation.
Elizabeth also said the formal alliance between CBS and Don Lee for KHJ and
his Don Lee network to carry CBS programs followed in December, after the
Seattle based ABC network folded in the fall of 1929.
But, I see from "Radio Doings" magazine that during the week of October 12,
1929, KHJ in Los Angeles was already carrying many CBS network programs such
as Majestic, Old Gold, Voice of Columbia, and many others.
So, does this mean that Lee and CBS had an understanding that KHJ, KFRC and
his other stations would take over broadcasting Columbia programs in Los
Angeles and the rest of CA, OR and WA, and that the final contract was
pending?
Exactly. Although the CBS-Don Lee contract took effect at the end of
December it was actually negotiated in July 1929. William Paley was
clearly unsatisfied with the jury-rigged outlets available for CBS
programming in the west, and personally came to California to court Don
Lee over the summer. The sudden collapse of Seattle-ABC allowed a head
start for implementation of the deal, even though formal affiliation
between Don Lee and CBS did not officially exist until the end of the
year.
Elizabeth
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 00:01:13 -0500
From: Howard Blue <khovard@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Bud Collyer-the dark side
I read with interest Hal Stone's and Tim Lone's , comments about Bud
Collyer. A few years ago I spoke to actress Ruth Last who echoed Lee's
comments about Bud as "very much the professional" and "a genuinely nice
man."
But there appears to have been another side to the talented Mr.
Collyer.
As Jackson Beck, also a quite talented actor, and once a frequent
attendee at the Newark FOTR convention, told a journalist, Collyer had
a very dark side to him. Collyer was the leading force among actors, in
his role as president of the radio actors union (AFRA), of supporters of
the blacklist who drove many of their colleagues out of their field.
Collyer helped create the conditions which led to the suicide of actor
Phillip Loeb and others and the premature deaths of actors John Garfield,
Canada Lee.
"A genuinely nice man?" Perhaps in many ways he was. Ruth Last recalled
him buying her an ice cream sundae when she was a very young actress. He
treated her in a quite proper avuncular manner. But the fuller record
bears a look.
Anyone who has already received a copy of "Words at War," my new book
about radio during World War II, can learn more about Collyer's role by
reading pages 66-67, 360-61, and 377-78. For further information, see
[removed]
Howard Blue
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 00:02:29 -0500
From: Kenneth Clarke <kclarke5@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus letter
Someone mentioned what is IMHO the most quoted
Santa Claus letter in the world. The letter was written by
8 year old Virginia O' Hanlon to the the Editor of The New
York Sun. The reply to this letter written by Francis
Pharcellus Church, the assistant editor, appeared on Sept.
21, 1897.
The web site where the letter can be found is at:
[removed]
IMHO, this letter should be read to every elementary school
child, for it captures the innocence of childhood and the beauty of
the season. If anyone wants a copy of it, and can't get through to
the web site, contact me off list and I'll e-mail it.
Kenneth Clarke
kclarke5@[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 00:02:51 -0500
From: leemunsick@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Archie's A-Head!
Hey, Arch!
In honor of Hal Stone's new book, I thought I'd mention this. There is a
special on an "Archie Bobber-Head" figure at an Online shop that
specializes in modern copies of old toys and memorabilia, such as "Bates
Motel" signs, model Titanics, and bathtub model steamboats.
Coincidentally, the name of the shop is "Betty's Attic". Can Veronica be
far behind? The Archie commemorative is like the ubiquitous bobber-head
football and baseball team figures, complete with a Riverdale "R" on his
sleeveless sweater. Sale price is reduced from $[removed] to $[removed], perhaps
to go with Hal's book? Buy a pair as bookends! Add another for the rear
deck of your jalopy.
I'm sure Hal will be happy to spend the rest of his years signing his
autograph on the bottoms of these cute figures!
The usual disclaimer applies here. I have no interest in this business,
but figured some of our Inquiring Members Want to Know!
To see the Archie figure, go to Betty's Attic:
[removed]
Search for "Archie",or look under sale items.
Yours for the memories, Lee Munsick
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 00:08:22 -0500
From: William L Murtough <k2mfi@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Clayton Collyer
Tim Jones wondered about Bud Collyer's personality. I can assure him that
Bud was every bit as charming in real life as he was "on the air". A very
well liked individual.
There also has been some reference to the fact that the Don Lee network
originally carried CBS on the west coast. Mr. Paley travelled to
California to establish the deal. Don Lee insisted that Mr. Paley join
him on a cruise on his boat. Although Mr. Paley was not thrilled about
the idea, he realized that it was the only way he could could get Don Lee
to sign the agreement, so accepted the invitation.
During a layoff at CBS-Hollywood abiut 1947 I was hired by Don Lee (KHJ),
when they were in the old NBC studios next to Paramount Pictures on
Melrose. A dump! However they rolled out the proverbial "red carpet"
assigning me to several of their top programs. At the end of the first
day, as I entered my apartment my phone was ringing. It was CBS
requesting that I come back to work. Talk about being saved by the bell.
When I went over to KHJ the next morning to inform them, I couldn't find
anyone to notify so left a note on the chief engineer's desk. When a
friend of mine joined their announcing staff at a later date I told him
not to mention my name. However he let it slip. The surprise was that
they told him to tell me that I would be welcome join their staff any
time I needed a job. At that time KHJ was building their new studios on
Vine Street. As CBS woiuld rent them at times I did work out of them on
CBS shows. The daytime Steve Allen show was one that I originated from
there.
BILL MURTOUGH
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 00:08:40 -0500
From: "Candy Jens" <candyj@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: WOR nostalgia
Any New Yorkers out there with long memories?
As a lirttle kid (40s) my day started out with John B. Gambling and The
World's Greatest Little Orchestra - besides music, weather, and chitchat, he
reported on school closings! In time the live music was replaced with
canned music. His opening theme was In a Country Garden, and the close was
Pack up your Troubles in an old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile. At
holidays his son John A. would visit the studio. (The son, and eventually
the grandson, did the show until a few years ago)
Next was Breakfast with Dorothy and Dick. Dorothy Kilgallen and Richard
Kohlmar would report on the previous evening's social scene. They
occasionally had their children on the show (Dickie and Jill, I think - it
sounded as if they weren't too happy about it).
Then came a soothing voice saying "It's 10:15 in New York and time for
Martha Deane". I can still hear it in my head. Her topics were of the
"Good Housekeeping" type, and she had guests sometimes. I believe there
were actually two women who did the role over the years.
I recall a show called "Luncheon at Sardi's," but I'm not sure if that was
on WOR. Interviews with celebrities. Another similar show originated from
the Stork Club. And yet another celebrity show was from Grand Central
Station, when the 20th Century Limited train arrived. Guess we were
impressed with the rich and famous even back then . . .
Afternoons - The Answer Man was a 15-minute show for trivia buffs - he
replied to mailed-in questions, and I recall sending him a list of about
100! He answered only one, though.
Drive-time shows came later (50s?) and I don't recall their late-night
lineup until The Amazing Randi, Bob Grant, Larry King, and my all-time
favorite, Jean Shepherd. Come to think of it, I think he was on earlier in
the evening, at least at first.
Any additions or corrections happily accepted!
Candy Jens
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 00:08:47 -0500
From: "Walden Hughes" <hughes1@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: web site for out of print books
Does any one have a good web site for out of prints books on radio or
movies? Take care,
Walden Hughes
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 00:11:20 -0500
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Velocipedes
When I was of an age to be using such items, "velocipedes" were
tricycles, plain and simple. The basic ones had the pedals welded to the
front wheel. The really fancy ones had a freewheeling front wheel and a
chain drive to the two smaller rear wheels. Whether such are still
available for children I don't know. In Florida, the grownup version of
the rear-wheel-drive tricycles abound. Haven't heard them called either
velocipedes or tricycles.
To cast an OTR flavor on it, there once was a tricycle/velocipede called
the Sky King.
Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 00:11:58 -0500
From: hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Munsic's musings
Johnny Reb Munsic must be OD'ing on Mint Julips.
Reading Hal Stone, I hasten to say that if Ron Sayles sends his copy of
Hal's book back, I'll be more than happy to take it off Hal's hands. Of
course, now that it's used and so much older, there should be a substantial
reduction in price. Right, Hal?
Au Contraire, mon ami. It would be worth more, having once been in the
library of that legendary OTR expert Ron Sayles. I figure at least a 10%
premium. Nice try Lee.
By the way, Lee, I might make this suggestion. See if you can find a loved
one to buy a copy as a Holiday gift for you. Lots of orders are coming in
from folks who want to give it as a Christmas present. The only problem is
timing. What with the mail delivery being notoriously slow at this time of
year, unless we hear from someone who loves you enough to blow $26 on you
within the next few days, you'll just have to wait till 2003. :)
Hal(Harlan)Stone
Jughead
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 00:12:15 -0500
From: hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Bud Collyer
Tim Lones hit it right on the money when he said;
Hal:
Though I never had the good fortune of meeting Bud Collyer, (SNIP) I have to
agree he seems very much the professional. Very friendly and kind to
Panelists and Contestants. You get the sense that he is the same off air as
[removed] genuinely nice man.
One of the nicest, without a doubt. But that's true of many of the OTR
performers I was privileged to work with. As a matter of fact, the "Pains in
the butt" were mostly found later on among the TV actors. By and large, the
ones who went from radio to TV retained their humility and good nature. They
behaved in a highly professional manner. The ones who began as actors in TV,
and achieved stardom, often let their "visual" recognition and notoriety go
to their heads. (Unfortunately). I think that those guilty of developing
oversized egos acted out due to insecurity. They needed to create conflicts
to draw attention to themselves. But those of us in the industry had little
use for the obnoxious ones, regardless of their talents, credits, and box
office draw.
Tim, I can't think of a single NY OTR actor that had a personality problem.
Not even Bob "Cyrano" Hastings. :)
Hal(Harlan)Stone
Jughead
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2002 Issue #464
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