--
Art Chimes, News Editor
[removed] (VOA/XC) Voice of America Washington, DC 20237
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 13:57:33 -0500
From: Harry Bartell
<bartell@[removed];
To:
<[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Parley
Parley Baer was a hugger. That sometimes left me in a concave position
because he was taller and a great deal rounder than I am. He was also a
smiler. That's the way I remember him. I met Parley when he first came to
Los Angeles after a career with a circus more than fifty years ago. I can't
verify that he was a lion tamer but I know he was an advance man and that it
was in the circus that he met his wife Ernestine who was a high-wire or
trapeze performer.
Parley looked and frequently sounded like "Everyman" which gave him a
tremendous advantage in casting for television and film as well as radio but
he was capable of much more. He shared an acting trait with Jimmy Stewart:
the ability to make it look easy and sound real. More than that, he carried
that ability across a wide variety of performances from comedy to heavy.
It was easy to underestimate Parley's jovial manner. He had a quick, sharp
wit that took on all comers, even the redoubtable Bill Conrad. Bill took
every opportunity to try to trip up Parley and inevitably got stung as a
result. That, of course, was on Gunsmoke. I played with Parley hundreds of
times over the years on I don't know how many different radio shows, but it
is the Gunsmoke experience that sticks in my mind-the rehearsals, the story
telling, the doughnuts, and Parley laughing at Howard Mc Near.
There were many actors with whom I had more personal connections. The Baers
and the Bartells were more studio and Christmas card friends than social
buddies, but we have always kept in touch. Strangely enough, Parley's
leaving makes a bigger hole than most of the recent departures. I'll miss
him.
Goodbye, Parle.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 13:58:28 -0500
From: Harry Bartell
<bartell@[removed];
To:
<[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Parley
Parley Baer was a hugger. That sometimes left me in a concave position
because he was taller and a great deal rounder than I am. He was also a
smiler. That's the way I remember him. I met Parley when he first came to
Los Angeles after a career with a circus more than fifty years ago. I can't
verify that he was a lion tamer but I know he was an advance man and that it
was in the circus that he met his wife Ernestine who was a high-wire or
trapeze performer.
Parley looked and frequently sounded like "Everyman" which gave him a
tremendous advantage in casting for television and film as well as radio but
he was capable of much more. He shared an acting trait with Jimmy Stewart:
the ability to make it look easy and sound real. More than that, he carried
that ability across a wide variety of performances from comedy to heavy.
It was easy to underestimate Parley's jovial manner. He had a quick, sharp
wit that took on all comers, even the redoubtable Bill Conrad. Bill took
every opportunity to try to trip up Parley and inevitably got stung as a
result. That, of course, was on Gunsmoke. I played with Parley hundreds of
times over the years on I don't know how many different radio shows, but it
is the Gunsmoke experience that sticks in my mind-the rehearsals, the story
telling, the doughnuts, and Parley laughing at Howard Mc Near.
There were many actors with whom I had more personal connections. The Baers
and the Bartells were more studio and Christmas card friends than social
buddies, but we have always kept in touch. Strangely enough, Parley's
leaving makes a bigger hole than most of the recent departures. I'll miss
him.
Goodbye, Parle.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 14:02:15 -0500
From: Ron Sayles
<bogusotr@[removed];
To:
<[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Parley Baer
This is a short article that I wrote for the Milwaukee Area Radio Enthusiasts
web page. Parley has always been a favorite of mine and I am very saddened to
hear of his passing. I, along with many, many others will miss him.
Parley Baer is a particular favorite of mine. At the 4th annual Cincinnati
Old Time Radio Convention of April 20th and 21st of 1990, I had the distinct
pleasure of having him all to myself for about 15 minutes. This was a rare
opportunity, for you can imagine there were several people gathered around
him at all times through out the convention.
I was sitting in the front row watching a rehearsal for the recreation of an
episode of ESCAPE, "The Second Class Passenger". Parley, bless his soul sat
down right next to me. Because this was a rehearsal, no one could be
disturbed, so there I was next to Parley and no one could bother him, except
me of course for I was sitting right next to him.
Because of my Mormon background I asked him about his name. Parley is a
common Mormon name because of Parley P, Pratt, an early Mormon pioneer. This
lead into a very nice conversation. It so happens that Parley is from Salt
Lake City, but he is not a Mormon. He comes from six generations of
performers, mostly in the circus. Parley himself worked in a circus for a
short while as a barker.
His first radio job was at KSL Salt Lake City. I have a radio series called
'The Fullness of Times". It is about the history of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) By the way, I got the series from the
MARE library. Although no credits are given, I am certain that I can
recognize Parley's voice. It was done about 1935 so he would have been about
21 years of age.
By his own admission, he had done several thousand radio shows. Some of
Parley's radio roles are Eb from "Granby's Green Acres", Doc Clemmens from
"Rogers of the Gazette", Rene Michon from "The Count of Monte Cristo", Peter
from "Honest Harold", Grandpa Truitt from "The Truitts", and of course his
most famous and lasting role, that of Chester Wesley Proudfoot on "Gunsmoke".
Parley's characterization of Chester is one of the finest, if not the finest
in all of radio.
Parley was born in 1914 so he is getting along in years. He is not in the
best of health. He was recently hospitalized with a heart ailment.
Parley was one of the great radio actors who made radio what it was,
something wonderful.
Ron Sayles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Make your day just a little better, listen to Olde Tyme Radio!
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 14:37:01 -0500
From: Richard Carpenter
<sinatra@[removed];
To:
[removed]@[removed]
Subject: Three Musketeers
Ed Howell writes: "Most also won't believe that the
Three Musketeers candy bar used to be three separate
candy bars in one wrapper." I can go one better,
although not from memory. Reliable sources report that
initally those three segments of the candy bar were
chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla!
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 14:39:03 -0500
From:
Backus2@[removed]
To:
[removed]@[removed]
Subject: Cataloging
In Digest 452 Ron Hopkins suggested at program from "otterbarn" to catalogue
MP3 files. The URL was not available when I looked it up, but can anyone else
suggest a good, simple program for doing this? I have about 40 CDs of MP3
programs which I would like to organize in some coherent manner, and be able
to print out lists.
Thanks to all,
Dick Backus
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 14:39:11 -0500
From: "Stewart Wright"
<stewwright@[removed];
To:
<[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Parley Baer
While I am saddened to hear the news about Parley, I do have a very
fond, recent memory of Parley Baer that I would like to share.
At the Friday dinner session of this year's SPERDVAC Convention, I
had the great good fortune to be seated at the same table as Parley. His
daughter, Kim, and his good friend, Herb Ellis had brought him. When Parley
was introduced as an honorary member of SPERDVAC, the Convention attendees
applauded loudly. The applause continued and grew and everyone rose to
their feet to give him a standing ovation. Parley was visibly moved by this
outpouring of affection; I saw a tear run down his cheek.
I am so glad that I had a chance to meet this wonderful actor and
person and that Parley had one last chance to be with so many people who
admired his talents and loved him.
Signing off for now,
Stewart Wright
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 16:16:56 -0500
From: "Stewart Wright"
<stewwright@[removed];
To:
<[removed]@[removed];
Subject: [removed] RELAX, ARCHIE! RE-LAXX! - A Review
A Review by Stewart Wright
[removed] RELAX, ARCHIE! RE-LAXX!
By Hal (Harlan) Stone
2002 has been a pretty good year for books about Old-Time Radio
with several that have found favor with OTR fans. Most have dealt with
various specific aspects of Radio's Golden Age. One book, however, is a
personal reminiscence by a performer and it is a joy to read. The book is
[removed] RELAX, ARCHIE! RE-LAXX! by Hal (Harlan) Stone. This book it far too
much fun to call it an autobiography. Have you ever heard of an
autobiography with a sub-title like, "When radio was 'king,' I was once a
'prince', But ended up a 'Jughead'"?
Hal's book provides an always entertaining look at his 20-year
career as a child model, stage performer, and radio actor while growing up
during the Golden Age of Radio. He has written his book in a lively,
conversational style that is both informative and entertaining. It's the
only book I have ever read that I hear the author reading the words to me.
(Maybe, that's because I have met Hal.) I haven't had so much fun reading a
book in ages.
The reader gets the opportunity to view Show Business through the
eyes of a young man who grew up in it. Interspersed throughout the book are
numerous, wonderful vignettes about the people with whom Hal worked. There
are many humorous anecdotes and stories about his professional and personal
life. Hal gives the reader an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at a
long-running radio series THE ADVENTURES OF ARCHIE ANDREWS as could only be
told by his radio persona, Jughead Jones.
Many books claim to be "profusely illustrated." Hal's book
definitely is; there are nearly 250 of them. Well over half of the pages
contain at least one photograph, cartoon, drawing or some other sort of
illustration. Several drawings were done by Hal, who is also an
accomplished artist. The pictures, drawings and other illustrations add so
much to the book. Many of them allow readers to associate faces with many
familiar radio actors from the Golden Age.
[removed] RELAX, ARCHIE! RE-LAXX! is a wonderful recounting of a
performer's early life and a valuable addition to the body of Old-Time Radio
literature. Thanks, Hal for sharing your experiences and memories with us.
[removed] RELAX, ARCHIE! RE-LAXX!
By Hal (Harlan) Stone
ISBN 0-9720170-0-3
336 pp., photographs
Price $[removed] + $[removed] shipping
Bygone Days Press
[removed] Box 4418
Sedona, AZ, 86340-4418
[removed]
Signing off for now,
Stewart
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 17:05:48 -0500
From: "[removed]"
<ddunfee@[removed];
To:
[removed]@[removed]
Subject: Linda and Danny
My mother used to talk of a soap opera she listened to sometimes, probably
in the mid 40's. Linda and Danny were characters. Does anyone perhaps
know what show this was, if any shows survive and anything else about it?
It is something of interest to my family now that she has passed and we
have reason to have more information about it now.
Thanks,
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 18:54:29 -0500
From: "AVPRO"
<avpro@[removed];
To:
<[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Parley Baer
Its tough when you lose a friend. To lose one by death is much tougher.
Like many of us here on the Digest, I was shocked when I read Charlie's
announcement of Parley Baer's passing. I just saw "Grandpa" three weeks
ago. He recognoized Jeanie and I when he attended the SPERDVAC Dinner.
Little did we all realize that this would be his last public appearance.
Many years ago, I met Parley Baer and asked him if he would be the featured
personality at the North American Radio Archives 15th Year Anniversary
Convention. He was very pleased and was delighted to accept. Well, NARA's
Convention did not come about, but as I was leaving for the FOTR Convention
in Newark, I got a frantic phone call about 11:00 PM from Joe Webb. Joe
Webb was Jay Hickerson's partner in planning the east coast convention for
many years. Joe stated that Frank Nelson was not able to attend that year
and asked if I knew anyone from the west coast that might take his place.
I sure did. I gave him Parley Baer's phone number and left for the
convention. It wasn't until I arrived in Newark that I found out Parley was
going to be the first radio personality from the west coast to attend FOTR.
I remember the "Gunsmoke" Panal I chaired at FOTR. Parley made it a super
panal. At the end he was given an award. "He stood up and holding the
trophy high, he shouted "eat your heart out Bill conrad." You see,William
Conrad always refused to attend any OTRconvention.
I always kided Parley when I saw him and called him grandpa. He liked it
and kidded right back by calling me junior.
I had asked him several times to be a luncheon speaker at The Royal Order of
Jesters Court #84. He was scheduled to attend just before he had his first
stoke. He always apologized for that cancellation and continued to say he
would make it as soon as he could.
Parley is loved and will be greatly missed by all his friends and fans in
OTR.
Don and Jeanie Aston
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 19:54:58 -0500
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr."
<skallisjr@[removed];
To:
[removed]@[removed]
Subject: A Date, With or Without Judy
Joe Salerno asks,
Is there a program or web site that will tell you the year if you in
put the day/date?<<
The easiest way to do this is to check the "perpetual calendar" in The
World Almanac. However, more than one year shares the same day/date.
The same would be true with any computer program, so once one gets the
candidate years, a little judicious reasoning might nail the correct year
among the candidates.
Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 19:57:16 -0500
From: George Aust <austhaus1@[removed];
To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Parley Baer Obit
I have read any number of times complaints about the lack of information
contained in obituaries of OTR celebrities. In this morning's paper
(the San Gabriel Valley Tribune) the Associated Press article about
Parley. It was nearly a quarter of a page and contained info about his
radio career as well as TV and the movies. The writer had done his or
her homework. It even included the fact that he had just attended the
Sperdvac convention days earlier and had received his last ovation
there.
Unlike many of you, I didn't know him and only got to meet him at the
Sperdvac convention. I can still see his beeming face as if the few
words that I spoke to him were the most important thing he'd ever heard.
What I didn't report before was that as we were leaving at the end of
the programs that day,while making our way through the standing crowd,
we passed right in front of Parley in his wheel chair. I looked down and
he looked up and almost simultaneously we waved at each other and I'll
never forget that great smile and those shining eyes.
George Aust
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 19:57:40 -0500
From: George Aust <austhaus1@[removed];
To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Old Car Antenna's
Ed Howell is right many old cars had under the running board
antenna's. Our '37 Chevy ( the car I learn to drive in) had one. I
don't remember too clearly but it sort of seems as though it was just
wire looped back and forth under the running board several times. I have
a couple of friends with 37's so I'll get down and check next time I see
them.
I can't confirm that there were 3 candy bars in a Three Musketeers candy
wrapper as I never ate those. But it might explain why they decided to
give it that name/
Not locking our doors is another matter. I can confirm that and it
wasn't just at night either. If we left home for the day or even a
couple of days the house was left open. Only if we were gone for
several days or on vacation would the doors be locked. As a matter of
fact it was sort of an event for me as a small boy.
George Aust
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 19:58:12 -0500
From: lawrence albert <albertlarry@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Parley Baer
I never really got to know Parley as I've found some
of the others on this digest did. But I did get to
work with him on one of his last appearances as a
radio actor. It was in an episode of the the Jim
French series 'The Adventures of Harry Nile.' that was
recorded in conjunction with The REPS convention here
in Seattle. I was asked to step in for Peter Leeds who
was unable to attend the session due to illness. The
show was recorded in front of a live audience,and
Parley played them like a fine violinist.
By the time we started the actual recording I was
willing to bet everyone in that audience was in love
with him. For anyone keeping score, Parley recorded
five shows Jim in the Nineties. Two Harry Niles "The
Counter- Balance Case" "The "Exeter Audition". He also
did free standing shows called " The Gate Keeper"
"Rembrandt" and "A Person of Interest." I was lucky
enough to recieve one of the "Baer" hugs from this
gracious man. May he rest in peace.
Larry Albert
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002 19:58:24 -0500
From: "Don Frey" <alanladdsr@[removed];
To: "otr message" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Parley Baer
With the wonderful comments made about Parley Baer, I keep looking for
mention of one of my favorite memories of him but have not yet seen it. It
was not a radio performance but in a film: his scenes with Marlon Brando in
"The Young Lions."
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2002 Issue #453
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