Subject: [removed] Digest V2006 #146
From: [removed]@[removed]
Date: 5/26/2006 8:21 PM

To: [removed]@[removed]

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

                                The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                                  Volume 2006 : Issue 146
                             A Part of the [removed]!
                                 [removed]
                                     ISSN: 1533-9289

                                     Today's Topics:

      Favorite moments                      [ Brian Johnson <chyronop@[removed] ]
      Best Horror Program                   [ "Holm, Chris " <[removed]@[removed] ]
      Re: Questions about Superman et al    [ Brightstar2761@[removed] ]
      Re Favorite Radio Moment              [ Brightstar2761@[removed] ]
      Re: Suspense Shows                    [ Brightstar2761@[removed] ]
      Horror Show                           [ Brightstar2761@[removed] ]
      Re: Three Skeleton Key                [ Jed Dolnick <jdolnick@[removed]; ]
      Re: Three Skelton Key                 [ stewwright@[removed] ]
      Farm news                             [ "Ted Kneebone" <tkneebone1@[removed] ]
      Re: Three Skeleton Key                [ Frank Passage <fpassage@[removed]; ]
      WXYZ Book                             [ "Druian, Raymond B SPL" <[removed] ]
      best overall horror show on otr?      [ Grams46@[removed] ]
      Scary OTR Shows                       [ Matthew561@[removed] ]
      Re: Amos & Andy Annuaal Christmas Sh  [ "Frank McGurn" <[removed]@sbcgloba ]
      San Francisco Final                   [ Jim Widner <widnerj@[removed]; ]
      Three Skeleton Key                    [ "Frank McGurn" <[removed]@sbcgloba ]
      Re: Headline Edition Blooper          [ dixonhayes@[removed] ]
      Best OTR horror series                [ <mikeandzachary@[removed]; ]
      Radio Series Scripts (of 1000 Oaks)   [ jack and cathy french <otrpiano@ver ]
      Hi Clark, I'm [removed]               [ jack and cathy french <otrpiano@ver ]
      WXYZ wrap up                          [ "Dave Adams" <dadams@[removed]; ]
      Harry Conn                            [ Dancingdays72777@[removed] ]
      Philadelphia radio affiliates         [ Dancingdays72777@[removed] ]

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 12:38:49 -0400
    From: Brian Johnson <chyronop@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Favorite moments

    In order:

    Fibber Loses his Keys on Christams Eve (1947) The
    family listens to this every Christmas Eve with the
    lights off and a roaring fire in the hearth and then
    its the Bing Crosby Christmas show with Dixie and the
    4 boys (1950).
    The family moment is just as important as the audio.

    June 6, 1944. Broadcasting grows up. A great national
    moment from the Greatest Generation.

    Bing gets his Oscar, 1945. Bob Hope gets emotional as
    his "roadie" gets his due.

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 12:48:29 -0400
    From: "Holm, Chris " <[removed]@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Best Horror Program

    In #145, mj asked:

>     Hi there. What is, in anyone's opinion, the best
>     overall horror show on otr? not just episode,
>     but the series that consistently had the most
>     scary, well written and acted horror shows?

    I find this question very hard to answer.  Some programs like Suspense
    and Escape tend to be consistently good, but only a few episodes are
    what I would call Horror programs.  Most are just straight mysteries.
    Other shows that are what I would consider closer to true Horror
    programs (Witch's Tale, Sealed Book, etc.) tend to really vary in
    quality.  Some episodes are really good stories, but most barely claw
    their way up to average.

    But there are two that I would recommend.  Inner Sanctum Mysteries, to
    me, tend to be better on average than the other horror series.  There
    are some duds in there, but episode-for-episode, they're better than the
    other programs.

    However, there is one horror show that really stands out: Quiet Please.
    The writing is very good, the shows have a consistently spooky
    atmosphere, even the piano opening is creepy.  I would definitely
    recommend Quiet Please.

    -chris holm

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 12:50:33 -0400
    From: Brightstar2761@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re: Questions about Superman et al

    Superman and Batman learned each other's secret identities in the story
    immediately after Superman's battle with the Atom Man (that places it in
    late [removed] can't remember the exact date off hand)

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 13:09:26 -0400
    From: Brightstar2761@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re Favorite Radio Moment

    You can find the moment you're discussing at the earthstation1 website

    [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 13:09:39 -0400
    From: Brightstar2761@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re: Suspense Shows

    I sincerely hope Mr Norris can find the 3/20/47 version of The
    [removed]  according to the information I have, this is one of the missing
    episodes of Suspense.  The relatively good news is this story was repeated
    twice [removed] and both subsequent shows are available

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 13:09:49 -0400
    From: Brightstar2761@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Horror Show

    IMO the best overall Horror series is Light's [removed] Quiet Please runs a
    very close second

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 13:32:07 -0400
    From: Jed Dolnick <jdolnick@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re: Three Skeleton Key

    I'm sure others will reply that Elliott Reid was Jean in the other version of
    Three Skeleton Key.

    I had the honor of playing Jean in the FreeQuincy Radio Theater re-creation
    of the broadcast earlier this year, here in West Bend WI. Of course, Reid and
    Price had distinct voices, and I wouldn't have been foolish enough to try to
    imitate Price! But each delivered their lines [removed] rhythm,
    emphasis on certain words, speed, etc. Price was the "master" in his radio
    [removed] but this time, I thought that Reid handled the role better.

    Jed Dolnick

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 13:34:42 -0400
    From: stewwright@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re: Three Skelton Key

>     The recording that I have for Three Skeleton Key didn't have Vincent Price,
>     but it was on "Escape" and William Conrad played Louis (Louie?).  Were there
>     two separate versions?

    Three Skeleton Key was produced on ESCAPE 3 times.
    Here is the pertinent information on those ESCAPE productions:
    Three Skeleton Key    11/15/1949
    Director:  William N. Robson
    Cast:
    Elliott Reid as Jean
    William Conrad as Louis
    Harry Bartell as Auguste

    Three Skeleton Key  03/17/1950
    Director:  William N. Robson
    Cast:
    Vincent Price as Jean
    Jeff Corey as Louis
    Harry Bartell as Auguste.

    Three Skeleton Key  08/09/1953
    Director:  Antony Ellis
    Cast:
    Ben Wright as Jean
    Paul Frees as Louis
    Jay Novello as Auguste

    Three Skeleton Key was also produced on SUSPENSE twice:
    11/11/1956
    10/19/1958

    At the REPS Seattle OTR Convention a few years ago "Three Skeleton Key" was
    one of the recreations.

    It featured Harry Bartell as Auguste and Elliott Reid as Jean recreating
    their roles from the 1949 production.

    Chris Conrad, the son of William Conrad, also appeared in the recreation.  If
    I remember correctly Chris was the Voice of ESCAPE, a role his father
    frequently played.

    Signing off for now,

    Stewart

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 13:35:08 -0400
    From: "Ted Kneebone" <tkneebone1@[removed];
    To: "Old Time Radio Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Farm news

    B. Ray asked if farm news is still broadcast today.  The answer is a
    resounding "Yes!"

    All of our local AM and FM stations broadcast farm news, commodity reports,
    weather related to crops, etc.  There is even a network dedicated to farm
    news:  the American Ag Network.  I think it is based out of Fargo, ND.

    It is likely that all our neighboring states have farm news programs:  North
    Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming.

    I think our farm news either precedes or follows "Paul Harvey news and
    comment."  Paul seldom talks about farm news.

    I wonder if states further east, south, and west have farm programs?  And
    north into Canada?

    Ted Kneebone / 1528 S. Grant St. / Aberdeen, SD 57401
    [removed]~stmarkch/
    Democrats: [removed]
    Kids o/t New Century: [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 16:21:07 -0400
    From: Frank Passage <fpassage@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re: Three Skeleton Key

>     The recording that I have for Three Skeleton Key didn't
>     have Vincent Price, but it was on "Escape" and William
>     Conrad played Louis (Louie?).  Were there two separate
>     versions?

    There were THREE separate versions:

    11-15-49, Cast: Elliott Reid, Harry Bartell, William Conrad
    03-17-50, Cast: Harry Bartell, Jeff Corey, Vincent Price
    08-09-53, Cast: Ben Wright, Jay Novello, Paul Frees

    Frank

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 16:21:39 -0400
    From: "Druian, Raymond B SPL" <[removed]@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  WXYZ Book

    Wyxie wonderland : an unauthorized 50-year diary of WXYZ Detroit

    I checked out [removed], [removed], and [removed] for the book
    and the latter showed three copies available, one for about $92. That's why I
    provided the full link for Alibris.

    Thanx,

     B. Ray

       W9KEE

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 16:22:10 -0400
    From: Grams46@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  best overall horror show on otr?

    knight555@[removed] asks:

>     What is, in  anyone's opinion, the best overall horror show on otr?

    arch obler's program - "lights out" still  scares me.
    peace from kathy
    support our troops; end the war
    john  3:16

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 16:25:31 -0400
    From: Matthew561@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Scary OTR Shows
    X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative
    X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain

    In a message dated 5/26/2006 11:19:00 AM Central Standard Time,
    knight555@[removed]
    writes:

>     Hi there. What is, in anyone's opinion, the best overall horror show
>     on otr? not just episode, but the series that consistently had the
>     most scary, well written and acted horror shows?

    Quiet Please  - The Thing On The Fourable Board - 08/09/48

    Hands down, no question.  This was the best series and the scariest show.
    The acting by the man who spoke to you (Ernest Chappell) was the greatest,
    breathing real believable life into the characters Wyllis Cooper wrote each
    week.
    Cooper getting his ideas from an alien in a bar.  Not sure this would be
    considered technically a horror show, but the series was many things and I
    guess
    being sorta horror show was one of them.

    FWIW, before anyone votes for Inner Sanctum or I love Mystery, in my world
    those bumps in the night better not be explained by a pair of fuzzy bear
    slippers at the last second.  Real terror has to not cheat in the final reel
    and at
    the last second. Carlton Morse may have been a genius, but he and Mr. Brown
    cheated every week.  I know these shows were the audio equivalent of Pulp's
    Weird
    Menace genre, but true "Horror" is what it is

    Mark

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 16:51:04 -0400
    From: "Frank McGurn" <[removed]@[removed];
    To: "The Old Time Radio Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Re: Amos & Andy Annuaal Christmas Show

    Another OTR Fan,  Kenneth Clarke

    You are correct the Chriatmas show was great, in fact it was so great that
    it was repated for many Christmases from Dec 1943 for maybe 8 or more yrars.

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 18:02:11 -0400
    From: Jim Widner <widnerj@[removed];
    To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  San Francisco Final

    Hi, I am trying to find out more about a series called "San Francisco
    Final" that starred Jeff Chandler. I am not even sure if it ever
    broadcast or if the one surviving episode was some kind of audition. It
    appears to have come out of the SF area in 1954 (show is dated
    7/26/1954) and starred all the regular west coast, SF actors including
    Harry Bartell and Lillian Buyeff among others.

    I searched all the newspaper archives I have access to including the big
    ones and cannot find anything. I know that this was smack in the middle
    of a turbulent time for Chandler. He had defied his studio Universal
    International refusing to appear in one of the films they wanted him in.
    He was having an affair with Gloria DeHaven and in a month or so from
    this date, his wife would be suing him for divorce citing cruelty.  And
    his career seemed on the upswing.

    If anyone knows any more about the series, I would appreciate an off
    digest email, or you can respond via the digest if no one minds. Things
    such as 1. did it broadcast? 2. was it only a summer show?

    I have Hickerson's book, so you don't need to repeat him or Goldin's
    listing. The quality of the episode is very good in terms of production
    and it was written by the dream team of Friedkin and Fine. If any of the
    SPERDVAC people know anything that would be appreciated.

    Thanks,

    Jim Widner

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 18:04:49 -0400
    From: "Frank McGurn" <[removed]@[removed];
    To: "The Old Time Radio Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Three Skeleton Key

>     The recording that I have for Three Skeleton Key didn't have Vincent Price,
>     but it was on "Escape" and William Conrad played Louis (Louie?).  Were there
>     two separate versions?

>     Mike

    I have 3 three Skelton Key shows 11/15/1949  Escape with Wm Conrad and 2
    Suspense 11/11/1956 & 10/19/1958 ( repeat) with Vincent Price.
    Logs show that Escape 2 played others 3/17/50 with Vincent Price and 8/9/53
    with Ben Wright.

    It is possible that some other mystery series may have aired it again.

    Frank McGurn

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 19:04:21 -0400
    From: dixonhayes@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re: Headline Edition Blooper
    X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative
    X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain

>     There's an MP3 of it out there on the Web somewhere, and an edited
>     version has been released on some of the Bloopers compilations.

    I have the Kermit Shafer version of that one ("Headline Edition").  What a
    funny clip.  "Well, mother told me there would be days like [removed]"  One day
    I'm going to record the real bloopers off my Kermit Shafer albums (Lowell
    Thomas, etc.) and not the re-created, even fictional ones (Uncle Don).

    Dixon

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 19:04:31 -0400
    From: <mikeandzachary@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Best OTR horror series

    I've heard a lot of OTR horror shows over my years of collecting. I'd give
    first prize to LIGHTS OUT, with QUIET, PLEASE a *very* close second.

    Mike Murphy

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 20:44:57 -0400
    From: jack and cathy french <otrpiano@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Radio Series Scripts (of 1000 Oaks)

    On Friday, May 26, 2006, at 12:18 PM, Jim Cox wrote:

>     There's a new book just released from McFarland & Co.
>     compiled by Jeanette M. Berard and Klaudia Englund titled
>     "Radio Series Scripts, 1930-2001."  It turned out not to be actual
>     scripts but just a
>     listing of those housed at the Thousand Oaks (California)
>     Library.   So don't be expecting to find any scripts!

>     Thousand Oaks doesn't let  photocopy scripts and other research
>     materials without presenting written permission in advance
>     from all copyright holders to allow you to do so.  This
>     throws a damper on one's ability to gain a storehouse
>     of data on a visit, even a visit that extends over several
>     days.

    True, sadly all true.  Despite the cordiality of the library staff,
    they are bound by the dictates of 1000 Oaks (the town, not the library)
    so EVERYTHING in their archives is afforded the ultimate in protection,
    including even those in public domain or those that were never
    copyrighted. Case in point: I spent a few days at that library, taking
    careful handwritten notes (which is permitted) on their "Candy Matson"
    script collection. I stumbled across a "Candy Matson" parody of three
    pages, obviously written by Monty Masters, probably for a social in his
    home. Pointing out to the librarian that this could not have been
    copyrighted, I asked for permission to xerox it. "Absolutely not" was
    the official reply. I went on to argue that since Monty and Natalie
    Masters owned the show, and they were dead, as was their sole heir (the
    son) I could not get written permission from the "copyright holders."
    This plea also fell on deaf ears.

    On the other hand, this book by Bernard & Englund, while it may be of
    some convenience to researchers, probably isn't necessary since the
    1000 Oaks library staff will respond to any phone call or email from a
    researcher (as they did me) and respond quickly with a detailed list of
    their holdings in any category you request.

    Jack French
    Editor: RADIO RECALL
    [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 20:45:33 -0400
    From: jack and cathy french <otrpiano@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Hi Clark, I'm [removed]

    On Friday, May 26, 2006, at 12:18 PM,Kenneth Clarke wrote:

>     Batman and Robin were introduced on the Adventures of Superman.  My
>     simple questions about this fact is:  Did
>     Superman know their real identities and vice versa?  Or not?  If not,
>     did they just know of each other as Batman, Robin, and Superman and
>     occasionally have their paths cross when helping each other with
>     solving crimes?

    In all the episodes I have of "Superman" that involve the dynamic duo,
    all three know each other by their superhero names as well as their
    secret identities. In one of these episodes, Batman (as Bruce) uses his
    knowledge of makeup to disguise Clark Kent to be very ill so Perry
    White does not discover he's Superman.

    In another episode I well recall from my mis-spent youth, Superman had
    to make a public appearance which would subject him to the terrible
    risk of a piece of Krypton. As Superman's request, Batman took off his
    mask, put on Superman's costume and attended the affair.

    Jack French
    Editor: RADIO RECALL
    [removed]

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 21:45:59 -0400
    From: "Dave Adams" <dadams@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  WXYZ wrap up

>     For my money, the deffinitive 'in depth' work on WXYZ is the book, 'WYXIE
>     WONDERLAND,' masterfully and candidly written by Dick Osgood, who worked at
>     the station for 36 years. You'll find EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about
>     George W. Trendle, The Lone Ranger, Green Hornet, Sgt. Preston and a whole
>     lot more about the 'behind the scenes' at WXYZ.  Additionally, it's a wonderful
>     history of national and local radio.

    Thanks to everyone public and private that gave me helpful feedback on this
    topic; Joe, Raymond, Jim, Rob and Michael. Great resource this list is.

    I came across this 3 hour show; a tribute to Detroit [removed]'t listened
    very far in yet but it sounds promising;
    [removed]

    Below is a breakdown of what is in the Net35 show.
    I hope grabbing this and posting it is okay-      I recommend visiting this
    useful site
    - -------------------------------------------------
     Challenge of the Yukon - episode # 303  "Return to the Crime"
    originally aired October 1, 1943 on WXYZ, Detroit, The Michigan Radio Network
    and via Transcription
    Starring: Jay Michael as Sgt. Preston, Dewey Cole as Yukon King, Bill Morgan
    announcing.
    Sustained
    Special Note: Audio restoration on "Challenge of the Yukon" was done by Jerry
    Haendiges.
    Click here to take advantage of his audio restoration services.

    The Lone Ranger - "Trouble on the Railroad" aka "Trestle of Death"
    originally aired January 27, 1939 on WXYZ, Detroit and MUTUAL
    Starring: Earle Graser as The Lone Ranger, John Todd as Tonto, Brace Beemer
    announcing.
    Sponsors: Silvercup Bread (most of the [removed]), Gingham Bread (Western [removed]),
    Merita Bread (Southern [removed])

    The Green Hornet - "Death in the Dark"
    originally aired August 31, 1946 on WXYZ, Detroit and ABC
    Starring: Bob Hall as The Green Hornet, Rollon Parker, Lee Allman, Gil Shea,
    Paul Hughes, Bill Saunders, Elaine Alpert, John Todd, Bob Hite announcing.
    Sustained

    The Hermit's Cave aka The Little Theatre of the Air- "Spirit Vengeance"
    originally aired between 1935 and the mid-40's on WJR, Detroit and via
    Transcription
    Starring: Detroit Acting Troupe "The Mummers".
    Sponsor: Olga Coal

    Show World - "Edward Everett Horton is interviewed"
    originally aired January 8, 1940 on WXYZ, Detroit and The Michigan Radio
    Network
    Starring: Dick Osgood hosts, Edward Everett Horton is special guest, Fielden
    Farrington announcing.
    Sustained
    Special Note: Audio restoration on "Show World" was done by Jerry Haendiges.
    Click here to take advantage of his audio restoration services.

    Challenge of the Yukon - episode # 304  "King Spots Murder"
    originally aired October 8, 1943 on WXYZ, Detroit, The Michigan Radio Network
    and via Transcription
    Starring: Jay Michael as Sgt. Preston, Dewey Cole as Yukon King, Bill Morgan
    announcing.
    Sustained
    Special Note: Audio restoration on "Challenge of the Yukon" was done by Jerry
    Haendiges.
    Click here to take advantage of his audio restoration services.

    -Dave

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 21:46:10 -0400
    From: Dancingdays72777@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Harry Conn

    Whatever became of Jack Benny's former writer  Harry Conn? I know he bailed
    on Jack to work with Joe [removed]  I've never found any record of him
    after
    this point.

    Matt

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

    Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 21:46:25 -0400
    From: Dancingdays72777@[removed]
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Philadelphia radio affiliates

    Does anyone know what the network affiliates  in Philadelphia were back in
    the 30's and 40's for NBC, CBS, Blue/ABC, and  Mutual? I believe WIP was the
    mutual affiliate but I'm not 100 percent  sure.

    Thanks,

    Matt

    --------------------------------
    End of [removed] Digest V2006 Issue #146
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