
 SEE INFO SECTION AT END OF THIS DIGEST FOR UNSUBSCRIBE AND OTHER INFORMATION. 
	  	         === Last Update 1/17/95  ====





	    [removed]   Volume 96 : Issue 151


Articles in this issue of [removed]:

	 Subject: Last Harold Perry Episode 
	 Ruby, where you at?
	 Re: Theatre of the Mind
	 Blast From The Past 
	 NTR?
	 Different acting
	 Re: More Thoughts on OTR
	 Evan MacBride and Majestic Reruns
	 Freberg and "Old Time" Radio
	 The [removed] mystery
	 Re: OTR Comedy
	 Alien Worlds
	 Ruby Begonia
	 New e-mail address, and the Forsythe saga

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

Date: Wed, 24 Apr 1996 22:50:16 -0500 (EST)
From: Mike Fields <mfields@[removed]>
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Subject: Last Harold Perry Episode 
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>

>Harold Peary's decision to leave the Great Gildersleeve was not a last
>minute one.  He had simply tired of the series and wanted to do other
>things.


Actually Hal Peary never decided to leave the Gildersleeve show. During the
49-50's there were several shows that were going over to CBS radio. Hal
thought that he could work a better deal and signed a contract to move to
CBS starting with the 1950 season. Unfortunatly, after signing with CBS he
learned that the Show itself still belonged to Kraft and they refused to
leave NBC. As a result Hal had written himself out of the show. Willard
Watterman had worked with Harold on several occasions and even had worked on
The Great Gildersleeve a few times. Many had commented on how similar thier
voices were, so when Harold was out Willard bacame the natural choice if the
show was to continue. Hal Peary started a show called Uncle Harold that was
a very poor takeoff of the Gildersleeve format. It only lasted one season. 

Both did a great job as Gildy. I never met Harold but did know Willard. He
was a wonderful man. Very humble and appreciative to his fans. When I opened
my restuarant, "Gildersleeve's Old Fashioned Diner", Willard and Mary Ana
(his Wife) flew out to dedicate it. I was quite nervous about hosting them
for a weekend but after only a few minutes they made it seem that I was part
of the family. To this day, The Great Gildersleeve is my favorite of the
Golden Age of Radio. 

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

Date: Wed, 24 Apr 1996 23:18:40 -0700 (PDT)
From: roy547@[removed] (Roy Trumbull)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Ruby, where you at?
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>

I have no idea who Ruby Begonia is but she must have been
a stereotype. Possibly in film. Sammy Davis Jr. had a cut on
a record made in about 1963 to 1964 in which he says:
"Do dee name Ruby Begonia mean something to you?"

Now I came to know about this because I was a DJ at the time
and fell into the bad company of record promoters. One of same
was taking this album around to radio stations several of which
were situated in major hotels in San Francisco. To devil him,
a co-worker would call the hotel and ask to speak with the
lady in question who was supposed to be waiting in the lobby.
Thus everytime the record promoter crossed a hotel lobby that
day he heard a bellboy cry: "Paging Ruby Begonia, Paging Ruby
Begonia."

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 03:45:07 -0500
From: Bill Sabis <bilsab@[removed]>
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Theatre of the Mind
Message-ID: <[removed]@[removed]>

I am the host of an OTR show called Theatre of the Mind. It's a 2-hour
program heard every Sunday night between 8-10 PM over 2 Public Radio 
affiliates in north-central Florida. Our 100,000 watt signal is heard 
coast to coast in Florida over stations WUFT-FM [removed] in Gainesville 
and WJUF-FM [removed] in Inverness Fl.

We began the show in February of 1977 and it has aired every Sunday 
night since then! This of course means that next February we'll be 
celebrating our 20 year anniversary.

Can anyone tell me how many other OTR shows in the country have run 
this long? I'm sure there must be a few.

Incidently, OTR is alive and healthy in our neck of the woods. We own 
37% of the Sunday night radio audience and we are still growing. 
During our Public Radio fund drives held twice/year, Theatre of the 
Mind generates over $11,000/year in listener contributions.

Theatre of the Mind has been and always will be a hobby for me. My 
reward is knowing that so many people arrange their Sunday nights just 
to catch our show and to enjoy the OTR classics. It's also difficult 
to pin a value on knowing that so many blind people listen and the 
fact that over 1/3! of our audience is under the age of 15!

The only fly in the ointment is that for the past 3 years I have not 
been permitted to air Amos 'n Andy. I've played it perhaps a 100 times 
before with never a complaint from anyone; in fact it was one of our 
most requested shows along with The Six Shooter and the 5 parters from 
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. Unfortunately, political correctness won 
out over common sense in this issue.

Other than that I have free reign. I play all the network 
announcements and commercials [except hard-core cigarette types ((my 
choice))] and schedule whatever I please including BBC material.

If you have any questions or comments let me know. Respond here or my 
e-mail. 

Thank you
Bill Sabis
e-mail bilsab@[removed]






Bill Sabis
e-mail bilsab@[removed]

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 09:10:55 -0400
From: AIC4Radio@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Blast From The Past 
Message-ID: <960425091054_100142934@[removed]>

In a message dated 96-04-20 00:42:02 EDT, you write:

>Ever since Paul Harvey mentioned my book on the air the phones have been
>ringing with questions. I know someone posted a message wondering how to get
>it, so I thought I'd reply. 
>
>The book is called BLAST FROM THE PAST:A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF RADIO'S FIRST
>75 YEARS. It's based on 75 years of commercial radio roadcasting and covers
>pre-invention of radio and decade by decade from the 20s to the 90s. Its a
>coffee table gift book, 472 pages, and 975 RARE most never before seen
>photos. Book sells for [removed] from Streamline Press (not BMI as Paul Harvey
>said) at 800-226-7857 or 407-655-8778.

Don't forget us! Adventures in Cassettes is also carrying "Blast from the
Past." Call our 800 number: 1-800-328-0108, or write me for further details. 

All the best,
Sue Hamilton
AIC4Radio@[removed]
[removed]

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 08:45:37 -0500
From: hhoward@[removed] (Henry Howard)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: NTR?
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>

In Message-Id: <[removed]@superior>
Charlie ask>>>
  I think there may be two mindsets
represented in this family, one that takes OTR literally as meaning
radio programming before a certain date (say, before the demise of
YTJD), and another that uses OTR as a reference for fine radio drama
"like it was in the golden age", but taken from wherever we can find
it.  I seem to be of the latter kind. <<<

I think that you are right Charlie.  Much like the camps on audiobooks, some
want abridged, others
only want the full thing.  Many NTR fans, or just plain audio entertainment
fans hang out around
otr because it is difficult to find mass for the new productions.  

Many will argue that the new material is not as good as the old.  I think
that it is more likely that
the new material is different from the old.  The name stars generally do not
do radio drama.
Those of us who produce it, want to take advantage of the new technologies
where appropriate, producing a different "sound" or approach sometimes.  We
also realize that our material does have
to compete with television and computer games etc, etc.
The two forms, old and new, are different, but very related.  It is much
like the argument about
colorizing old black and white movies.  You can't please everyone no matter
what you do.

If you are interested, you are invited to join a list of modern radio drama
producers, writers and
just interested folks.  The traffic isn't nearly as heavy as otr, but it
does keep us connected.
E-mail to Radiodrama-digest-request@[removed]
send the one word message subscribe.  

You can also eliminate the -digest- if you want each message sent separately.

You might be interested to know that I have a 2inch ring binder full of
radio drama producers
and groups around the usa.
+++++ Henry Howard == The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company +++++
+++++    [removed]   or/artc /audiocraft     +++++
+++++               Produced at Audio Craft  (770) 923-7955
+++++
======================================================= (2)

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 08:45:48 -0500
From: hhoward@[removed] (Henry Howard)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Different acting
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>

 Jim Widner <jwidner@[removed]> wrote>>>
I would say to someone that I mostly collect otr and revival radio drama. 
I listen to Modern Radio Drama and sometimes buy, but not nearly as often.

I was telling several people at the convention that there is certainly 
something "different" about Modern Radio Drama from otr (even revival 
radio>>> something that I can best describe as saying that actors who cut
their skills on radio
drama and rarely found their way to film (or later, tv) were able to create
a sort of "body language" with their voice - the emotions came through very
clearly.<<<<

This became very apparent to me listening to the American Radio Theatre
adaptation
of War of the Worlds, with the "Star Trek" cast several years ago.

This program had the "big name" actors.  What it didn't have was any real
excitement or
feeling.  If felt like short tv scenes inter cut with little continuity.  I
would contrast that to the
50th anniv edition produced by audio types.  Using the same story, it had
much more
energy, continuity and excitement.

Unfortunately, with the few outlets for moder radio drama, few actors get to
build their
experience  level to that of otr.  Not many actors today do several shows
per day.
Even at the BBC, the several shows a day schedule does not happen.  (However
they
do get a lot more practice than we do in the USA)



+++++ Henry Howard == The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company +++++
+++++    [removed]   or/artc /audiocraft     +++++
+++++               Produced at Audio Craft  (770) 923-7955
+++++
======================================================= (2)

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 10:59:32 -0400
From: IDickerson@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: More Thoughts on OTR
Message-ID: <960425105932_280331252@[removed]>

I was all set to add my vote to the category defining OTR as an actual genre
rather than a definable historical period but then I had second thoughts.

So for what it's worth, herewith my [removed]

For reasons probably obvious from my e-mail signature I fell upon this digest
purely from my interest in Saint radio shows. I'm lucky enough to own copies
of virtually every Saint radio script the show's many incarnations and, as
I've not been shy in admitting, am compiling a lengthy article and list of
credits for it.

Charteris, as y'all know, also wrote some of the Sherlock Holmes show and
various Silver Theatre radio plays. That, combined with a general curiosity
and what I like to think of as an appreciation of good drama led me to dip my
toe further into the waters of OTR;admittedly my interests are limited within
the crime and mystery genre, and the history of those productions, but it
didn't stop me enjoying the original Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy radio
show back when I was 8 or 9 years old.

What prompted this e-mail was the comment about "OTR still being produced in
Britain". As an Englishman Abroad (currently hiding out in Paris, France if
you must know), I have to say I think this statement is wrong. 

Sure the BBC produce radio drama of a consistently high quality but, taking
reference from my own little sphere of interest, listen to BBC Radio 4's
Saint adaptations last year, and then go listen to some Vincent Price Saint
shows. 

I fail to see how, unless one is talking about the source material, both can
be classified as OTR. There's fifty years between the two--and boy, can you
hear it.

Just my two centimes-worth. Back to [removed]

Ian Dickerson,
Honorary Secretary, The Saint Club (and Charteris biographer)

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 08:33:37 PST
From: jonesjm@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Evan MacBride and Majestic Reruns
Message-ID: <[removed]@[removed]>

This university is in possession of many hundreds of reel-to-reel tapes
originally belonging to an Evan Macbride who had a company called
Majestic Reruns.  He died and his family donated this collection to
the library.  I am in charge of them.  What to do, what to do???
Does anyone know who this man was or anything about his company or
this collection?  May my students and faculty use them for research?
i have no paperwork or history.  Thanks in advance for your help.
Judy Jones 916/278-7302, California State University Sacramento
e-mail judyjones@[removed]

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 15:41:26 GMT
From: bilj@[removed] (Bill Jaker)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Freberg and "Old Time" Radio
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>

        To the question of whether Stan Freberg can be considered "old time 
radio" I can only quote the indispensable John Dunning: "The Stan Freberg 
Show never really had a chance on radio, premiering far, far too late on CBS 
July 14, 1957." 
        I've always considered the era of radio as a family entertainment 
medium to have run from the late 20s through the mid 50s, probably bracketed 
by Amos & Andy and Johnny Dollar.
        But I must also offer a grumble.  I've never liked the expression 
"old-time radio", perhaps because I can remember hearing many of those 
classic shows the first time (56 ain't old, is it, please?)  The expression 
reminds me of Buffalo Bob running an "old-time movie" on the "Howdy Doody" 
TV show: delightful but distinctly antique.  Radio is a unique and powerful 
art form that whose potential was brilliantly developed during the years 
when everyone's ears were on it.  It was the work of many talented people, 
like Norman Corwin, Kate Smith, Ed Murrow, Hyman Brown and, yes, Stan 
Freberg.  The best of it really ignores the time signals.
                        -- Bill Jaker     Vestal, NY

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 12:55:13 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Stephen J. Ferenchick" <sferench@[removed]>
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: The [removed] mystery
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>

Three wild guesses to the identity of the mysterious [removed] (none of 
which fit exactly):

Mel Blanc (but his middle name is Jerome, although perhaps the 
journalwriter thought Gerome)
Milton Berle (no middle initial given in the "1995 Information Please 
Almanac")
"Mr." George Burns

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 13:04:11 -0400
From: SeptSev@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: OTR Comedy
Message-ID: <960425130411_521802437@[removed]>

On 24th April, Chris Tumber wrote:
"I have little to no interest in old comedies. I think in large part because,
to me, the best humor is often incisive and topical. This simply is not 
possible with shows produced before I was even born."

TWO QUESTIONS OF PHILOSOPHY
1. If a tree falls in the woods, and there is no one there to hear it, is
there sound?
2. If a joke is told on the radio, and Chris Tumber wasn't born yet, is it
funny? :)

(...I'm kidding, I'm kidding!!)
Yours in Jest,
[removed] Bray, 42 on Tuesday 

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 96 12:18:01 -0400
From: rickh@[removed] (RICK HARTNETT)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Alien Worlds
Message-Id: <[removed]@[removed]>

Can anyone tell me anything about this series.  I got a tape of it that said
[removed], but the accents sound more US.
Thanks
Rick

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

Date: 25 Apr 1996 13:07:57 +0008
From: "Belanger Walter" <belanger_walter@[removed]>
To: "OTR" <otr@[removed]>
Subject: Ruby Begonia
Message-ID: <[removed]@[removed]>

      Yes, if I remember correctly Ruby Begonia was Saphire Stevens mother
from the Amos and Andy show. The Kingfish's dreaded mother in  law.
 It was Sammy Davis Jr. ( "here come de judge" ) on the old Rowan and Martin
Laugh In show that used the remark "Do de name Ruby  Begonia strike a familiar
note ?" in reference to Amos and Andy. He may very well have coined the
phrase.

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

Date: Thu, 25 Apr 1996 22:17:46 +0200 (MET DST)
From: Marcus Antinsson <marc-a@[removed]>
To: Old time radio digest <otr@[removed]>
Subject: New e-mail address, and the Forsythe saga
Message-ID: <[removed]@[removed]>

Hi Friends,
My e-mail address has been changed. From now on it is as follows:
marc-a@[removed]

New subject:
Does anyone know where I can get the bbc radio version of the Forsythe
saga. I don't know when it was made, but I know there's one.
I'm always looking for bbc material, so please tell me if you know a good
source.

Regards:

Marc Antonsson

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

    


    ****  END OF ARTICLE SECTION - INFORMATION BOILERPLATE FOLLOWS ****

1) Contacting the list administrator.
2) Unsubscribing from this list
3) Receive a DIGEST READING TIPS file
4) AIRWAVES web page
5) Funding Notice 
6) Redistribution of [removed]

1)  The [removed] maintainer can be reached at wdp@[removed]

2) To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, send email to
[removed]@[removed] and place the word UNSUBSCRIBE
alone on the Subject: line of your request.  The body of
request mail is ignored by the server.  If you are unable to
unsubscribe using this method, and you are SURE you are doing
everything right, then (and only then) contact the administrator
(wdp@[removed]) for assistance.  Please send along the headers of
any problem mail for diagnostics.  

	* PLEASE Never send unsub messages to the list! *

3) For help in dealing with digests, asend for a file called *The Fine Art Of Reading and
Replying To Email Digests*  It contains tips on scanning digests and
making replies easier.  Send email to digest-tips@[removed] and use
the subject line of *Digest Tips*.  

4) Visit the AIRWAVES MEDIA WEB PAGE.  [removed]~rrb/

5) [removed] does not get any funds from your internet provider.
If this service is of value to you, please support it in whatever measure
you feel able, to help defray costs.  Suggested amount is [removed] per year,
but any help is appreciated.  Our mailing address is PO Box 8746
Springfield Mo 65801. Make any checks out to William Pfeiffer. 
Note: No payment is required to receive [removed]

6) If you are redistributing [removed] in any form, you must
contact the list owner for permission.  Generally permission is given,
free of charge, for non-commercial electronic distribution.
Commercial distribution rights are available under very reasonable
terms.  The listowner's address is  wdp@[removed]



---- 
End of [removed] Digest V96 Issue #151

