------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2002 : Issue 82
A Part of the [removed]!
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
Where are the horses? [ Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed] ]
Cisco Kid [ "vegan" <vegan@[removed]; ]
Missed Cues [ George Aust <austhaus1@[removed] ]
Oldy Tyme Radio Network Schedule [ HERITAGE4@[removed] ]
another book [ Jack Gale <jackgale@[removed]; ]
Lone Ranger Music [ "Thomas Mason" <batz34@[removed] ]
AFRS disks (status thereof) [ Jack & Cathy French <otrpiano@erols ]
Three Questions [ Tsunami1000@[removed] ]
Today in radio history [ Joe Mackey <joemackey108@[removed] ]
THANKS, HAL [ Kevin Michaels <kmichaels@doityours ]
emerson mp3 player playing too fast [ "dick wamser" <snapp@[removed]; ]
Repeat Broadcasts [ hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed]; ]
Major Walla Walla [ hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed]; ]
[removed] Lovecraft on radio [ "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@hotm ]
News of the proposed Lone Ranger Pil [ Wwtom@[removed] ]
Gold Coast Show [ "glen schroeder" <gschroeder10@char ]
Postage Stamps [ "vegan" <vegan@[removed]; ]
Re Jim French [ lawrence albert <albertlarry@yahoo. ]
OTR Radio Show Questions. [ "Jim Mellor" <liloelf@[removed]; ]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 00:21:43 -0500
From: Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed];
To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Where are the horses?
I talk to folks about OTR at Elderhostels located near my home. One lady
recently remarked, ..."when I visited a production of 'Let's Pretend,'
I expected to see real horses [Nila Mack was doing a western that day]. I
was so disappointed. As a little kid, I thought the things on radio were
real."
In a way, the same goes for me, even though I am an adult. In many, many
ways, I am glad I wasn't an actor in the old days of radio. Imagine my
thinking of "Gunsmoke," for example, as a collection of voices, sound
effects and microphones, with people dressed in modern day clothes
pretending to be 1880's residents of Dodge City.
Can radio actors suspend the day-today reality of making their programs and
truly "revisit," in their imaginations, the stories in which they
participated? Or do they concentrate on "other" things?
What I mean is that radio actors know about their shows in ways audiences
don't. Thus can they enjoy them at the same level upon listening? Can they
really transport themselves out of present-day reality, and pretend what
they hear is real just as we do? Can they truly enjoy OTR as escapist
entertainment?
I wonder.
Dennis Crow
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 00:21:57 -0500
From: "vegan" <vegan@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Cisco Kid
In issue #80 Glen Alexander asked who played the Cisco Kid on [removed]
Beck was Cisco and Louis Sorin as [removed] they were played by Jack
Mather and Harry Lang. Robert Dezendorf Florida
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 01:20:15 -0500
From: George Aust <austhaus1@[removed];
To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Missed Cues
I had just printed out the digest and was settling down in my recliner
to read it and listen to and occasionally glance at the TV. The movie
"Going My Way" was on and I was reading Chris Holm's post about "broken
Speech".
On the screen Bing and Frank Mc Hugh, both playing priest's were doing a
scene in which Mc Hugh is supposed to interrupt Crosby with a line of
his own. Mc Hugh missed his cue, but Crosby never missed a beat. He just
repeated the line and Frank Mc Hugh picked up the cue this time and
interrupted him mid sentence.
I was amazed that they didn't reshoot the scene, until I thought about
what Bing Crosby had just done so professionally and so slickly that I
doubt very many people were aware of what had just happened.
I might not have realized it either had it not been for the thread that
has been continuing on this digest and for the fact that I was reading
about it at exactly the same time.
George Aust
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 10:04:37 -0500
From: HERITAGE4@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Oldy Tyme Radio Network Schedule
Here's the schedule for the week starting Sunday March 3rd for The Olde Tyme
Radio Network at [removed] Hi-Fi audio streaming on demand.
SAME TIME, SAME STATION with Jerry Haendiges
The Rudy Vallee Show 12/14/33 First Show from Hollywood
Texaco Town 9/20/36
Arch Oboler's Plays 10/4/45 "Mr. Miller" starring Eddie Cantor
HERITAGE RADIO THEATRE with Tom Heathwood
The Great Gildersleeve Program #1 - 8/31/41 with Hal Peary "Gildy Arrives
In Sommerfield"
Guest/Conversation: Tom talks with Charlie Stumpf, author of the new book,
"The Great Gildersleeve"
The Hartz Mountain Radio Canaries
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 10:05:01 -0500
From: Jack Gale <jackgale@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: another book
Here's another [removed]
I'm a radio veteran of almost 50 years, and have just
gone into the second printing of my book, "Same Time,
Same Station." It covers the crazy things that happened
in radio from 1944 to 1996. Hilarious events in Boston,
Cleveland, Baltimore, Norfolk, Charlotte, etc. Price is
$[removed], including postage. Checks to:
Jack Gale, Inc.
3319 SW Wood Creek Trail
Palm City, Fl. 34990
jackgale@[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 10:05:42 -0500
From: "Thomas Mason" <batz34@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Lone Ranger Music
Being a relative new comer to this site, I am probably repeating things that
have been said [removed] I also love the old movie serials and the two
Republic Pictures Serials starring the Lone Ranger character were not met
with Trendles approval after he saw them. He did all he could to supress
them from seeing the light of day after the license expired and the story is
the negatives were destroyed. Today the only copies of the first serial
that seem to have emerged amongst other pieces, is a Spanish print with
subtitles, and the feature made from that serial entitled "Yi Yo Silver."
The less said about the second serial "The Lone Ranger Rides Again" the
better. One thing that Trendle did like about the serials was Columbo's
music tracks and he struck a deal to use all of them on his radio and tv
show. Many of us thought that music had been created for the show and never
knew he "borrowed" it from the Republic serials. A splendid CD disc,
produced by James King, entitled "The Music of The Lone Ranger" was
released with most all the themes from the serial and classic radio series
on Cinedisc/Cinemasound Records and is well worth the search to find it.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 10:06:40 -0500
From: Jack & Cathy French <otrpiano@[removed];
To: OTRBB <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: AFRS disks (status thereof)
Randy Watts asks:
Did the AFRS withdraw the discs after a certain period of time, or did
they continue to make the rounds until they simply wore out?
Probably neither.
Thousands of radio shows we know have in trading currency came from AFRS
disks, some of which weren't actually copied to tape until 10 to 20
years ago. Some are still being found today. Last month I acquired from
a West Coast dealer two previously uncirculated "Bobby Benson" shows,
taken from a newly discovered AFRS disk.
Naturally, AFRS personnel did not treat this disks overseas with the
reverence that we in the OTR community would have. A friend of mine, who
was assigned to a military unit in Germany in the late 1970s, watched
AFRS personnel use these old disks for target practice, a la "skeet
shooting."
Nor did AFRS have an close inventory control on these disks. When I was
assigned as a Navy Officer to their facility on San Salvador Island in
the Bahamas in 1961, I stumbled on a stack of at least 60 disks in an
old locker in the community room, containing OTR detective and mystery
shows. The facility had no resources to play or transcribe them, nor
would the command permit them to leave the facility. When I was
transferred a year later, they were still in that locker, and, I
presume, destroyed later when the space was needed.
Jack French
Editor: RADIO RECALL
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 13:09:45 -0500
From: Tsunami1000@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Three Questions
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain
Back in the 1970s, I chanced upon a vendor at an old car swap meet in North
Carolina who sold old radio programs on cassettes. That is how I got
"hooked" on old time radio. One show I purchased was hosted by a guy I think
(if I recall correctly) by a singer named Whispering Jack Smith. I remember
this particular half hour program was originally aired in 1937, and he
started off with a Hawaiian theme and later broke into more popular songs of
the era. It was a rather pleasant program, and I only had that one copy. I
would like to know if anyone is familiar with Whispering Jack Smith. I'd
like more info about his old radio shows, but also I would like to find a
source to obtain more of his programs.
Secondly, I love 1930s popular music. I once found an LP at a flea
market in North Carolina which had the soundtrack from PAPERMOON, the film
made in back and white in the early 70s which featured original recordings of
songs from the 30s. I have long since misplaced or lost this album, and I
wonder if anyone has another Papermoon soundtrack I could beg, borrow, or buy
a copy from? I am also interested in other 30s musical recordings from the
78s.
Third, regarding CBS Radio Mystery, does anyone have a copy of a
particular episode, dated 11/11/82, called "The 12th Juror"? I am doing this
for a friend, but I would be willing to trade for or outright purchase a copy
of this episode.
Many thanks to all those who replied to my quest for copies of CREAKING
DOOR. I was amazed to find there are so few episodes available, and only
three people contacted me. I expected that there would have been more
episodes available. Thanks again, JIM F
*** This message was altered by the server, and may not appear ***
*** as the sender intended. ***
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 13:09:51 -0500
From: Joe Mackey <joemackey108@[removed];
To: otr-net <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Today in radio history
From Those Were The Days --
1945 - Mystery fans remember this day when they gathered around the
radio set to listen to the Mutual Broadcasting System as Superman
encountered Batman and Robin for the first time.
1952 - Whispering Streets debuted on ABC, remaining on the air until
Thanksgiving week, 1960.
Joe
--
Visit my home page:
[removed]~[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 13:10:25 -0500
From: Kevin Michaels <kmichaels@[removed];
To: "Radio Digest" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: THANKS, HAL
Thank you, Hal for the ribbing. I suddenly felt like a Celebrity at a Friers
Club Roast that were broadcast on radio years ago. But seriously, I have
(copies) of original scripts with cue notations penciled in by the
actor/actress who used the script. One in particular was a Mr. President
script with notations, cross-outs, cues, overlap dialog, etc. marked in
pencil by Edward Arnold. Phil Harris was another one who penciled in his cues
for overlap dialog, as did Verna Felton, and Eve Arden on their prospective
shows. I know this self-editing must have driven the writers insane if they
knew what was being done to their script. Personally, I think the notations
were done at the request of the director during a first read-through by the
cast. Again, thanks for the ribbing. I consider it an honor to be ribbed by
the best! (I just stocked up on Ovaltine for you guys!)
Kevin Michaels
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 13:10:46 -0500
From: "dick wamser" <snapp@[removed];
To: "otr" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: emerson mp3 player playing too fast
Hello all: I just purchased an Emmerson mp3/cd player from Walmart last
Monday. This was the same one mentioned back in November of 2001 in OTR
digest. I had wanted to replace my 1995 vintage rca portable cd player, and
also was keenly interested in carrying 'round mp3 files I created myself.
The player seems to be made well and is relatively easy to use. My problem
is, that most of the mp3 files I've played on the player run about 6 per
cent faster than they should. I know that changing the speed of wav files
is easily accomplished, but can't figure out why an mp3 files should play
erratically. The same cd and same file played on the computer with real
audio8 is normal. Converting the mp3 file to wav in Goldwave and played
also results in proper speed.
Is this a flaw with Emmerson, do I have an mp3 file spec set wrong, or is
this just a sample defect?
Thanks in advance.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 13:11:31 -0500
From: hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Repeat Broadcasts
Carolie Minuscule asks:
Anybody know when the practice of making two
broadcasts in one night of the same show (for East and
West Coasts) was discontinued? And was it common to
record 'rehearsal' episodes?
I distinctly recall having to do two shows of Archie Andrews during the
early life of the program. 1943/44. As to the exact time frame when we
started to record the Live East Coast performance for DB (Delayed
Broadcast) to the West Coast, my recollection is more than a bit sketchy. It
was whenever use of 1/4 inch tape became standard practice. Better OTR
scholars than I will undoubtedly know.
And there was a period of time when we actually tape recorded the first show
ahead of time, then played the tape in the Saturday time slot. But that was
to accommodate me when I was in the Air Force, and stationed within
commuting distance during my first year of service.
I don't ever recall taping the Rehearsal.
Hal(Harlan)Stone
Jughead
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 14:19:53 -0500
From: hal stone <dualxtwo@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Major Walla Walla
In Bob Axley Post about "Interrupted Dialogue", he starts off with the
[removed]
One last comment on the interrupted speech theme of
recent [removed]
Sorry [removed] that I need to have the last word, but your comments
brought back a flood of memories, and maybe I can shed a little light on
another aspect of Radio Actors having to Ad Lib dialogue before they were
interrupted. You brought up a perfect example.
I'm surprised Hal didn't mention his experience on the Archie Andrews show.
There were numerous incidents of Archie or his dad trying to tell
somebody something and being interrupted many times during there efforts.
Funny stuff!
Frankly [removed] had forgotten that example, or I would have used it to make
my [removed] we did that "Sthick" quite often. I have to admit something.
I am not all that egocentric that I listen to the few tapes I have of the
program on a regular basis. I'm stuck with my faulty memory :) I don't dwell
in the past. I have enough trouble handling the present. But you sure jump
started recollections of those days. Thanks.
There was another even better example of Interruptions not being totally
scripted. That was the "Quiet"..."Quiet" "QUIET!!!" bit that Mr. Andrews
did frequently. That was when all the Characters would be talking at once,
excitedly trying to explain who was to blame for something or other, and the
"father" would try to restore order over the increasing din of everyone who
was talking at once. In the script, each Character would get a line or two,
with the general gist of what each Characters excuse and or explanation was
for being involved in the "situation gone bad".
[removed] ad libbed like crazy to fill the time needed to have the "bit"
build in intensity, so that Mr. Andrews line "Quiet" (usually delivered 3 or
more times) kept getting louder and more intense, finally bringing
everything to a screeching halt. And his one word "Quiet" was always cued
each time by the director. It was a highly orchestrated piece. With the
Director's left hand held palm upward, he would keep raising it higher to
indicate that the people all talking simultaneously should get more
"agitated" and frantic. Then, with his right hand, he would quickly point
(cue) at Mr. Andrews to say his one word. The Director determined just how
long he could "milk" the scene before the climax of the final shouted
"Quiet". (As I recall, he often stood up in the control room during these
sequences, caught up in the excitement, and threw his body into the act like
a symphony conductor).
For some reason or 'tuther. the kids in the studio audience thought all
these mad goings on were hilarious. Probably because we actors also got into
it with body language, hand gestures, arms flailing, and exaggerated facial
expressions. THERE IS NO WAY ANY OF THAT COULD BE SCRIPTED!
Then [removed] There was always "Walla Walla" and "Hubbub".
That usually occurred when two principal characters were "on-mike" having a
conversation, and background chatter was needed to set the scene or mood.
Let's use a crowded restaurant for an example. The script would indicate
(GENERAL BACKGROUND HUBBUB). (Please don't ask me for the origin of the
silly word)! Other cast members would gather around, slightly off-mike, and
mutter, murmur, or generally speak to each other in low tones to create the
"atmosphere" of a large group of people. Sometimes unintelligible nonsense.
Engineers sometimes referred to it as "room tone". Some actors would simply
keep mumbling "Walla Walla" with different inflections, rather than ad lib
specific dialogue.
Like I said in an earlier posting. It was frequently the Actors
responsibility to ad lib lines to fill dead air if a specific interruption
line was written into the script, as well as create background atmosphere
in crowd scenes.
I promise. That's "MY" last comment on the topic. :) Hmmm. do you suppose
we should have been paid extra for delivering additional "material" for the
writer? :)
Hal(Harlan)Stone
Jughead
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 14:20:08 -0500
From: "Martin Grams, Jr." <mmargrajr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: [removed] Lovecraft on radio
I recently received a letter from Franklin Hummel, one of the most die-hards
out there regarding [removed] Lovecraft. He runs the annual "NecronomiCon: The
Cthulhu Mythos Convention" every year and has a request.
Mr. Hummel is on the lookout for any information (whether a recording exists
or not) regarding any radio dramas (or audio dramas) based on works of [removed]
Lovecraft. The only one he is aware of, of course, is the SUSPENSE
production "The Dunwich Horror."
If anyone knows of any other Lovecraft dramas done on radio, in America or
elsewhere, old or new, can you drop him a line?
Perhaps there are some radio adaptations I'm not aware [removed]
He's given his e-mail address to serious queries, he can be reached at:
hummel@[removed]
Thanks!
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 14:20:10 -0500
From: Wwtom@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: News of the proposed Lone Ranger Pilot
Fellow otr enthusiasts: When I first heard about the proposed WB pilot for a
new LR series, my immediate thoughts were the following:
"To the WB Network: Please do NOT produce a Lone Ranger series if you cannot
present the characters as they were created and intended by Fran Striker. It
would be a great disservice to the writers and actors who worked so
diligently to produce one of the great fictional characters of radio,
television and the movies. Please do not alter the character's age, origin,
[removed] If you cannot maintain the original storylines and characterizations,
please do NOT pursue the project any further!!"
Am I being old-fashioned in trying to maintain the character from the 40s and
50s? Aren't somethings best left alone? I recall the four issue LR comic
series from Topps Comics and the 1980 LR movie as being serious misguided
attempts to revive the character for an 80s and 90s audience. A similar
television effort would probably destroy all future interest in the
character. There have been far too many such projects in recent years
involving the Shadow, Batman, the Green Hornet, the Green Arrow and Jim
Phelps of Mission [removed]
Anyone have any thoughts on the matter?
Wesley Tom
Redlands, CA
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 14:20:20 -0500
From: "glen schroeder" <gschroeder10@[removed];
To: "otr" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Gold Coast Show
Hi Rich and list.
I also remember the Gold Coast Show on WBBM when I was very young. I think
it was still around in the late fifties or early sixties when WBBM called
themselves the Showmanship Station. It was a neat idea to get you to listen
to ads. There must be recordings of the show, because I remember Chuck
Shayden playing them on his show on WBBM in the late eighties when he did
special shows featuring local Chicago shows.
Love this list.
Glen Schroeder
Madison WI
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 14:20:43 -0500
From: "vegan" <vegan@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Postage Stamps
If anyone wants to start this ball rolling, I think it would be most
appropriate to begin with the one American most responsible for the birth of
radio in the first place, my hero, NIKOLA TESLA.
Maybe we could post a downloadable request form that all of our individual
members could fill out and mail to the Postal Service requesting a series of
stamps within this [removed] could decide later who to honor.
So if there's anyone out there that has the know how, I say "LET'S ROLL"!
Robert Dezendorf Florida
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 16:11:18 -0500
From: lawrence albert <albertlarry@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re Jim French
Boy this shows you how much of a mid 20th century man
I am. When I gave the contacts for Jim I didn't even
think of giving our E-mail address. It's
jrfproductions@[removed]. I still think interms of
snail mail and phone numbers. Exactly what is this
thing called a cell phone anyway.
Still watching tv in black and white
Larry Albert
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 3 Mar 2002 22:06:35 -0500
From: "Jim Mellor" <liloelf@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: OTR Radio Show Questions.
Can anyone tell me anything about the following radio shows?
Specifically, things like the years they were broadcast, the network,
actors, actresses, story line, etc.
Ann Worth, Housewife
Dateline Mysteries
Dearest Mother Show
True Romance
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2002 Issue #82
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