------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2004 : Issue 116
A Part of the [removed]!
[removed]
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
RE: Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler [ "Druian, Raymond B SPL" <[removed] ]
Re: YTJD- - The Sea Legs Matter [ [removed]@[removed] ]
RE:: BEST SHERLOCK HOLMES [ "John E. Sexton" <jsexton@[removed]; ]
"...Though he might be more hum-ble, [ Wich2@[removed] ]
Rathbone more Rugged [ John Mayer <mayer@[removed]; ]
Brett best bet as [removed] [ "Alain Altounian" <[removed]@[removed] ]
more progress [ "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed] ]
Holmes (Sherlock, that is) [ Don Strong <donsplace@[removed] ]
Alister Cooke Obit. [ Baughan Roemer <doylemilne@[removed] ]
3-30 births/deaths [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
BBC Holmes [ Allen Wilcox <aawjca@[removed]; ]
"40 Watts From Nowhere" [ "RBB" <oldradio@[removed]; ]
Hector Chevigny [ Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed]; ]
Ultimate Sherlock Holmes [ Paulurbahn@[removed] ]
Wolf Paw and Barn Dance [ "Jim Harmon" <jimharmonotr@charter. ]
#OldRadio IRC Chat this Thursday Nig [ charlie@[removed] ]
Ron Sayles great data file [ John <origami@[removed]; ]
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 10:09:02 -0500
From: "Druian, Raymond B SPL" <[removed]@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: RE: Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler
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With all the falderall about the pronunciation of Irene Adler's name, I
figute that Leadbelly pronounced it Eye-reen, and that's good enough for me
(harrumnph). Furthermore, there is absolutely NO truth to the vicious rumor
that Holmes and Ms. Adler had been lovers. Nobody, however, has ever settled
the question of whether Ms. Adler was from the same family that produced
Stella and Luther Adler.
Also, radio, television, and movies have left open whether Ms. Adler was THE
woman or the WOman. I suggest that it was the latter, because I think Holmes
himself admitted that he had been outsmarted by three men and a woman. In
that context, it would be natural for him to refer to them all as something
like "those men and the WOman." I think that it would be a natural
progression for him, when referring to Ms. Adler alone, to just refer to her
as "the WOman," meaning that she was the only woman who had ever outwitted
him.
Ray Druian
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Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 11:07:12 -0500
From: [removed]@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: YTJD- - The Sea Legs Matter
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I'm aware that Part 5 of "The Sea Legs Matter" is missing, but does
anybody on this list know the plot ending? Does a transcript exist?
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Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 11:08:15 -0500
From: "John E. Sexton" <jsexton@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: RE:: BEST SHERLOCK HOLMES
There have been many, many Sherlock Holmes and I agree that in some
ways the RATHBONE-BRUCE combo is my favorite at the movies , I do think
the TV version by Brett-Hardwick seems to be more Conan-Doyle-like IMHO.
I do enjoy the many other Radio and TV stars that performed the
[removed] one of the latest movie version Holmes was done by a
Russian (very well I must admit).There's really no badly done Holmes
that I can [removed] are all unique.
There was a TV movie that I enjoyed years ago portraying LARRY
HAGMAN as "RETURN OF THE WORLD'S GREATEST DETECTIVE". I have NOT seen
it since,No video,DVD ,Tv Repeats etc. It was pretty neat as I
recall-Kinda like The George [removed] [removed] Does anyone know if it's
ever been on video???
For those of us who love OTR and are Holmes fans -I think WE all
enjoy seeing the attempts by others to portray the World's greatest
Detective
Some do it better than others but at leastr someone's doing it.
It might take awhile but it would be interesting to see how many
people
have played Holmes-Watson on Radio-TV-Movies?? I think there was at
least one person who portrayed BOTH Holmes and Watson.
Interesting enough is the various ones who played the Notorious
Professor-the Napolean of Crime. I love hearing people discuss and even
defend their "favorite" Holmes. BEst,John Sexton (jsexton@[removed])
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 12:03:22 -0500
From: Wich2@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: "...Though he might be more hum-ble, there's
no police like [removed]"
Dear Folks-
My two pence:
chet norris: there was only ONE sherlock holmes .... RATHBONE hands down
Chris Holm: for me the true Sherlock Holmes is Jeremy Brett
This kind of debate often sinks into "He's the one I like, therefore he's
intrinsically the best." But as far as being most-Doyleian, Brett ties - if
not exceeds - Rathbone.
ANTHONY TOLLIN: Bill Nadel(and I)both agreed that our favorite radio Holmes
was Carlton Hobbs
Thanks to Listers, I caught up with this series recently. I'd second this
vote - and add that Norman Shelley is a worthy, non-"Brucian Walrus" Watson.
As well, the series is nicely written & produced.
our mutual choice for the best American radio Holmes was Tom Conway
Another "ditto" here (though there have even been radio Sherlocks much more
[removed]), for the one who was known as "the nice brother" of the family
(Geo. Sanders being the other.)
My all-time favorite SHERLOCK HOLMES was Paxton Whitehead in Paul
Giavanni's 1978 Broadway play CRUCIFER OF BLOOD.
What a voice! Nice performance, but in a very weak pastiche.
my favorite movie Holmes/Watson team was Christopher Plummer and James
Mason in MURDER BY DECREE. I've always felt that James Mason came closest
to the intelligent Watson of Conan Doyle
Again, good performances. Though Plummer is a bit too matinee-charming (ala
William Gillette), & I'd give the "best filmed Watson" nod to a tie between
Edward Hardwicke & David Burke, of Brett's series.
Jim Harmon: I believe Brett portrayed Holmes as a mad man
There's a sad story, here. Brett's early Holmes is a valid take on Doyle's,
with just enough eccentricity to counter the too-gentlemanly strain that some
have used. But as the actor himself became more and more ill, the strangeness
overcame the role.
David Phaneuf: Gielgud, leaves me positively unconvinced and unmoved.
I'd have to agree. The whole series sounds like folks having a lark and
drawing checks, not putting their heart into it. Even the effects: geez,
could we please hear some footsteps or a door once in a while?
Don Shenbarger: Basil Rathbone looks very much like the tall lanky figure
painted by Conan Doyle and drawn by the Strand artists. More so, I think,
than Jeremy Brett.
Both look good at the beginning, but get too thick later - and both are beat,
hands down, in the "Paget Contest", by Arthur Wontner (who ACD himself
annointed.)
More, about an upcoming live NYC recreation of Edith Meiser's first non-Doyle
script -with the participation of Bill Nadel, and members of both the
Quicksilver and Mercury Radio Theaters - to [removed]
Best,
Craig Wichman
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 12:05:10 -0500
From: John Mayer <mayer@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Rathbone more Rugged
<robertgaxley@[removed]; et al. have written to endorse Jeremy
Brett as the "quintessential" Sherlock Holmes. I must respectfully
disagree. Though I enjoyed the Brett versions, it was the show's Dr.
Watson (don't know the actor's name) who most impressed me as being
an accurate portrayal of the Doyle character. Brett, though exuding
the proper world-weary wisdom, impatient with the unobservant folks
all around him, seemed a bit too effete to be the boxer, fencer and
master of the oriental wrestling art of baritsu that Holmes was.
Rathbone, an accomplished fencer, always came across as a man who
could take his own part when the chips were down. I agree on the
excellence of the Plummer/Mason collaboration; _Murder by Decree_ was
also, possibly, the best Holmes movie, though, of course, having
nothing to do with the canon.
I also thought Robert Duvall captured the character of Watson very
well in _The 7 Per Cent Solution_, though I don't recall how well he
managed the accent. Nicol Williamson, like Brett, just did not seem
physical enough to be the man of action Holmes often was. Of course,
the premise of the book and movie was flawed; one does not go through
withdrawals from cocaine. Most users who give up cocaine do so on
their own initiative without intervention; cocaine is not physically
addictive.
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 13:04:12 -0500
From: "Alain Altounian" <[removed]@[removed];
To: "Old. Time. Radio" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Brett best bet as [removed]
While i am of "post-OTR" age, my "first Holmes" was Rathbone ....and his
radio series remains among my OTR faves. I agree with the poster who
remarked that your "first" often remains a favorite.
I also agree w/the poster who noted how strong the Conway version was.
Of course this is subjective, but [removed] think Brett is WIDELY
acknowledged as perhaps the best Holmes ever (hey, even amongst us OTR fans,
the non-radio Brett has alot of support!).
I think one of the main reasons i believe Brett is the best is becouse he
brings the character (and thus the stories)to life; he most accurately
portrayed how a living Sherlock Holmes would [removed], this was
an extremely obsessive, atypical personality - not merely a fussy Victorian
with above-average logic who is somewhat impatient with [removed]
Alain
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 18:21:12 -0500
From: "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: more progress
As we have discussed transistions from radio to television here, I haven't
noted any accounts of actors who were unable to make the transistion due to
personal appearance. I suppose that there were instances of this--one could
certainly make the argument apply to Gosden and Correll and for the fellow
who played Beulah on Fibber McGee and Molly. But there must have been
others whose careers were cut short due to their age or lack of visual
acting skills.
I'm actually impressed that so many radio actors made the transistion.
Perhaps a lot of radio actors also had stage-acting experience. But Don
Wilson?
Moreover, there were a good many stories of famous film stars whose careers
did not survive the introduction of sound in that medium. For whatever
reason, it seems that the transition from radio to TV was somewhat easier.
This all came to mind when we visited the ultra-fancy Sony store (soon to
close) on Michigan Ave in Chicago last week. There were a good many
high-definition TV sets in operation there and, as a number of entertainment
writers have recently lamented, flaws in both people and scenery were
exquisitely highlighted. There were wrinkles in clothing and faces, grain
and nailheads showing in wood.
I suppose that it will simply be a matter of videographers getting used to
the new medium, as they had to for color, but I wonder if there are stars
who won't quite make it into HDTV? Mr Hal Stone, who knows radio, TV, and
probably HDTV (TV commercials have used it for a while) might wish to
comment.
Mark Kinsler
512 E Mulberry St. Lancaster, Ohio USA 43130 740-687-6368
[removed]~mkinsler1
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 18:22:18 -0500
From: Don Strong <donsplace@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Holmes (Sherlock, that is)
As far as OTR is concerned, while the Rathbone/Bruce shows are my
favorites, I have yet to hear an OTR rendition that I haven't enjoyed.
My favorite visual portrayal of Holmes is the BBC version of The Hound
of the Baskervilles starring Tom Baker as Holmes. Brilliant, quriky,
tall, and (at that time) thin - all at the very same time!
"Prevent truth decay - study the Bible daily"
---- [removed]
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 18:22:30 -0500
From: Baughan Roemer <doylemilne@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Alister Cooke Obit.
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As many of you may already know, Alister Cooke, long-time BBC fixture and
the former host of NBC's Radio "Letter from London", died late last night at
his New York home. He was 95 . For a richly detailed account of the life of
this broadcast legend and first-class gentleman , I have provided a link to
a thoughtful obituary from the UK's venerable daily The Times ,
[removed],,1-1056719,[removed] . I would also
urge you to check out the various BBC web sites for numerous tributes . Many
of which feature audio and video highlights from Cooke's dazzling career .
- Baughan Roemer
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Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 18:22:38 -0500
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: 3-30 births/deaths
March 30th births
03-30-1892 - Ethel Owen, Racine WI - d. 12-28-1990
actress: Siri Allen "Against the Storm"; Clara Noble "Backstage Wife"
03-30-1893 - Dennis Hoey - London, England - d. 7-25-1960
actor: Edward Welby "Pretty Kitty Kelly"
03-30-1913 - Frankie Laine - Chicago, IL
singer: "Big Show"
03-30-1919 - Turhan Bey - Vienna, Austria
actor: Francois Tarique "Notorious Tarique"
03-30-1927 - Peter Marshall - Huntington, WV
actor: "Hollywood Radio Theatre"
03-30-1929 - Richard Dysart - Augusta, ME
actor: "We Hold These Truths"
03-30-1930 - John Astin - Baltimore, MD
actor: "Zero Hour"
March 30th deaths
07-17-1899 - James Cagney - NYC - d. 3-30-1986
actor: "Arch Oboler's Plays"; "Screen Guild Theatre"
07-25-1905 - Harold Peary - San Leandero, CA - d. 3-30-1985
actor: Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve , "Fibber McGee and Molly and The Great
Gildersleeve"
09-17-1890 - Gabriel Heatter - NYC - d. 3-30-1972
news, commentator: "News and Comment"; "We. the People"
--
Ron Sayles
For a complete list:
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 18:22:46 -0500
From: Allen Wilcox <aawjca@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: BBC Holmes
With all this discussion about who was the best
Holmes, people have forgotten about the man who played
Holmes in the only series to broadcast all of Doyle's
cannon and that is Clive Merrison. The best yet for
Radio. Hobbs and Shelly come a close second.
Allen
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 18:23:21 -0500
From: "RBB" <oldradio@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: "40 Watts From Nowhere"
Perhaps of interest to some, USA Today
had a review in today's issue of Sue Carpenter's new book "40 Watts To
Nowhere" (Scribner, 225pp, $23).
She built two, low-power, pirate radio stations in the mid-1990's: KPBJ in
San Francisco and KBLT in Los Angeles, both were named [removed] sandwiches.
She had a dead-end job as a law firm receptionist and her personal life was
a mess, so she turned her love of music into a new career: a do-it-yourself
radio station "owner" without any previous experience.
The FCC <quoting the review> "a pirate-hostile organization" shut down the
unlicensed stations, of course, but <quoting the review again> "Carpenter's
journey into the unknown as a young woman in search of herself is high
entertainment."
The Lynne Perri review of the book is online:
[removed] also
at [removed]
And, there are advertising links to buy your own FM or AM transmitter on
this page, which I thought was an interesting companion on the USA Today web
site.
Just thought it might be worth reading for some on the list, since there was
a recent thread about books on radio. This one might be fun to read. (Usual
disclaimer applies.)
=Russ Butler oldradio@[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 18:23:56 -0500
From: Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Hector Chevigny
Blue Chevigny asks about her Grandfather's radio shows:
I know that Hector Chevigny wrote these two Shadow stories, neither of
which, to my knowledge, exists or are available:
Sweepstakes Ticket 10/1/44
Stolen Cab Racket 10/22/44
If anyone on this digest knows they do exist, please speak up.
Jim Widner
jwidner@[removed]
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Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 18:24:26 -0500
From: Paulurbahn@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Ultimate Sherlock Holmes
Anthony Tollin wrote:
After listening to the 39 shows, we both agreed that our favorite radio
Holmes was Carlton Hobbs (who portrayed the Great Detective over the BBC
from
1952 through 1969).
I saw where you stated that the Gielgud/Richardson shows were restored to
their 1955 NBC lengths. I am assuming they are still just the stories with not
NBC announcements. As the ones in circulation are usually the syndicated
versions.
On the Carlton Hobbs broadcasts, did you use the US broadcasts that were
sysndicated here in the late 60s with dubbed in background music, or are they
the
original British versions. I have a few of the British versions which are
quite straight forward and no background music. In the late 60s, to make the
series more exciting , I guess, the syndicator which I think was the BBC,
dubbed in
stock backgound music which sometimes makes in some episodes harder to hear
the dialogue.
I normally buy every RS Sherlock CD set issued but this one had so much
duplication of material I already had. I was really glad when they started
issuing
the John Stanley recordings. It was something different. I hope they do more.
Thanks!
Paul Urbahns
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 2004 20:41:56 -0500
From: "Jim Harmon" <jimharmonotr@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Wolf Paw and Barn Dance
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Jell-O Again --
As I near my 71st birthday on April 21, I think I should begin relying more on
written materials than my memory alone. In recalling the days of the Lone
Wolf Tribe (told me by my late friend of more years, Redd Boggs) I called a
character Lone Wolf but as another correspondent pointed out the tribe was
Lone Wolf but the character was Chief Wolf Paw. Also I referred to George
Gobel as singing on the Old Barn Dance. The correct name is the National Barn
Dance. Curley Bradley told me of working with little George as "Jimmy" on
the Tom Mix series, and both of them singing on the Barn Dance program too.
Recently on eBay I won the auction for two Ovaltine jars featuring the
name and likeness of Captain Midnight prominently on the label. These are
retro items from about 1974. I bought them both before they went into the
hands of some dealer and were escalated out of sight. I thought I might find
a fellow OTR fan who would want the second one -- I'm keeping one. I tried
some obvious choices among those I know but I found no takers. If anybody
reading the digest wants one, he can have it for what I paid -- $40 plus
postage. Collectibles are not cheap. I also got a second copy of the
Captain Midnight Activity Book, the premium advertised on the jar. I've had
one as a gift from my friend Dave Amaral for years. It is a square-bound
large book, soft covers, $10 even with a proof of purchase. That's what I am
asking for it now too. I tried for another retro
Wheaties box featuring Jack Armstrong. I didn't get that. It went for
$[removed]!
Jim Harmon
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------------------------------
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 02:12:00 -0500
From: charlie@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: #OldRadio IRC Chat this Thursday Night!
A weekly [removed]
For the best in OTR Chat, join IRC (Internet Relay Chat), StarLink-IRC
Network, the channel name is #OldRadio. We meet Thursdays at 8 PM Eastern
and go on, and on! The oldest OTR Chat Channel, it has been in existence
over six years, same time, same channel! Started by Lois Culver, widow
of actor Howard Culver, this is the place to be on Thursday night for
real-time OTR talk!
Our "regulars" include OTR actors, soundmen, collectors, listeners, and
others interested in enjoying OTR from points all over the world. Discussions
range from favorite shows to almost anything else under the sun (sometimes
it's hard for us to stay on-topic)...but even if it isn't always focused,
it's always a good time!
For more info, contact charlie@[removed]. We hope to see you there, this
week and every week!
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 31 Mar 2004 09:34:38 -0500
From: John <origami@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Ron Sayles great data file
Mr. Sayles,
Wonderful list and a lot of work by you is much appreciated!
I wonder if you might include Harry Shearer who was, I believe, one of the
"Beavers" on the Jack Benny show?
Mr. Shearer is a busy man: he is an author, radio personality, and a voice on
"The Simpsons," among other things.
Thanks,
John
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2004 Issue #116
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