Subject: [removed] Digest V2006 #22
From: [removed]@[removed]
Date: 1/20/2006 8:17 PM

To: [removed]@[removed]

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

                                The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                                  Volume 2006 : Issue 22
                             A Part of the [removed]!
                                 [removed]
                                     ISSN: 1533-9289

                                     Today's Topics:

      Re: Repeat Broadcasts                 [ "Stewart Wright" <stewwright@worldn ]
      ralston cereal                        [ "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed] ]
      Old time radio bloopers               [ "Andrew Godfrey" <niteowl049@[removed] ]
      1-20 births/deaths                    [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
      Re: The game's afoot - again!         [ "R. R. King" <kingrr@[removed]; ]
      1-21 births/deaths                    [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]

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

    Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 22:20:10 -0500
    From: "Stewart Wright" <stewwright@[removed];
    To: <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  Re:  Repeat Broadcasts

    Roger Keel noted:

>     I have noticed that OTR episode repeats or rebroadcasts tend fall into

    four

>     categories.  I would like someone to confirm or refute my theory.

>     The four categories are:

>     1. A direct repeat of the original transcription disk complete with
>     original
>     commercials.
>     2. A repeat of the original transcription disk with new commercials added.
>     3. A new version with the same cast. In this case, there are small
>     changes
>     in terms of timing and reading of script.
>     4. A whole new version with a new cast.

>     I have noticed this with Escape and Suspense, I haven't had a chance to
>     listen to all the duplicate shows that I have, and before anyone asks, I
>     don't mean the East and West Coast versions of the episodes. I mean the
>     various repeats, I think that Sorry, Wrong Number was done at least six
>     times.

        Scripts were sometimes reused for new productions on the same series and
    on other series.  Networks often had the option to reuse scripts on the
    original series or on another series.  A reduced fee was usually paid to the
    writer for the multiple uses of a script.

         If the script was used again on its original series, it was normally as
    a new production and usually with At Least a few cast or crew differences
    from the original production's cast and crew.  Also, there might have been
    dialog and scene changes made in the script.  If the new production was in a
    different length time slot, changes could be substantial and entail the
    addition or deletion of entire scenes and characters.

         When the script was used on a different series, scripts changes could
    be minor or significant.  Usually, at least the locale, characters' names,
    and minimal dialog alterations were made.  However, if the newer series had
    a different air length than the original series, changes might be quite
    extensive, such as scenes and characters being added or deleted.  There
    might also be other modifications to the script such as substantial changes
    in dialog.

         Examples of these previously mentioned practices abound in Old-Time
    Radio.

        Many scripts were reused with few changes for multiple productions
    on Escape.  (A SHIPMENT OF MUTE FATE  was produced on Escape four times;
    five other scripts were used three times on that series such as LEININGEN
    VERSUS THE ANTS and THREE SKELETON KEY.)  Also, approximately 30 scripts
    that were written for Escape were later produced on Suspense.

        The 1948 script THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTER that E. Jack Neuman wrote
    for the half-hour Jeff Regan, Investigator series was expanded to five,
    fifteen-minute segments when it was used as the 1956 Yours Truly, Johnny
    Dollar adventure THE PEARLING MATTER.  For the Johnny Dollar script
    extensive changes and additions were made regarding characters, scenes, and
    dialog.  Also, Neuman used a pen name, John Dawson, for the 1956 effort.

         At least Kathleen Hite four scripts used on Gunsmoke were originally
    written for the 1956 CBS series Fort Laramie. The four scripts that she had
    originally written for Fort Laramie were used on Gunsmoke during the 1960
    portion of Gunsmoke's eighth season (1959-60.)  The Fort Laramie scripts
    WOMAN AT HORSE CREEK, ASSEMBLY LINE, and HATTIE PELFREY were produced on
    Gunsmoke as SOLOMON RIVER,  BUSTED UP GUNS, AND  NETTIE SITTON ,
    respectively.  A fourth Hite script, LITTLE GIRL, was originally written for
    Fort Laramie, but was not aired on that series prior to its cancellation.
    This script was used for the Gunsmoke episode LITTLE GIRL which  aired on
    July 3, 1960.  In their transition from Fort Laramie to Gunsmoke, all four
    scripts received modifications in locale, characters, and dialog.

         It is quite likely that some John Meston Gunsmoke scripts were adapted
    for use on Fort Laramie.  The Gunsmoke episode NO INDIANS is quite similar
    in plot to the Fort Laramie episode PLAYING INDIAN.  Likewise, the Fort
    Laramie episode BOATWRIGHT'S STORY has several similarities to the Gunsmoke
    episode GUNSMUGGLER.

        Reuse of scripts was common on Gunsmoke.  Nearly all of these fit into
    Roger's last category that is, they involved dialog and cast changes.  For
    more information on the reuse of scripts on Gunsmoke, see The Nostalgia
    Pages Gunsmoke Forum
    [removed]
    The first of a series of 65 posts on the MYTH OF THE PRIME-TIME REPEATS.
    There is a separate post for each of the 64 scripts that were reused on
    Gunsmoke.

    Signing off for now,

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

    Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 22:22:15 -0500
    From: "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  ralston cereal

    The Ralston Corp still exists.  They have a very large processing plant here
    in Lancaster, where they make Froot Loops, presumably under some sort of a
    contract.

    The lady at the LS store where I buy plumbing stuff says that you can tell
    when they're baking the cereal: the aroma is quite pleasant.

    M Kinsler
    512 E Mulberry St. Lancaster, Ohio USA 43130 740-687-6368
    [removed]

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

    Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 22:22:54 -0500
    From: "Andrew Godfrey" <niteowl049@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Old time radio bloopers

    This has probably been brought up on the Digest before but still would like
    to know some of the worst bloopers in old time radio. And was wondering what
    old time radio shows which were live would handle a situation where someone
    made a mistake that couldn't be sent over the air. Was there a tape delay
    back in those days?...like if someone would accidentally use profanity in
    middle of live show would there be a way of keeping it from getting on the
    air?
    Andrew Godfrey

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

    Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 22:23:38 -0500
    From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
    To: Olde Tyme Radio Digest Digest <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  1-20 births/deaths

    January 20th births

    01-20-1878 - Finlay Currie - Edinburgh, Scotland - d. 5-9-1968
    actor: John H. Watson "BBC Home Theatre"
    01-20-1894 - Harold Gray - Kankakee, IL - d. 5-9-1968
    cartoonist: Creater of "Little Orphan Annie"
    01-20-1896 - George Burns - New York, NY - d. 3-9-1996
    comedian: "The Adventures of Gracie"; "The George Burns and Gracie
    Allen Show"
    01-20-1896 - Rolfe Sedan - New York, NY - d. 9-15-1982
    actor: "Escape"; "Suspense"; "Mystery in the Air"; "Lux Radio Theatre"
    01-20-1898 - Norma Varden - London, England - d. 1-19-1989
    actress: "Crime Classics"; "NBC University Theatre"
    01-20-1898 - Tudor Owen - Wales, UK - d. 3-13-1979
    actor: Jocko Madigan "Pat Novak for Hire"; Editor "Alias Jane Doe"
    01-20-1899 - Joseph Buloff - Vilnius, Lithuania - d. 2-27-1985
    actor: Barney Glass "House of Glass"
    01-20-1900 - Colin Clive - [removed], France - d. 6-26-1937
    actor: "Hollywood Hotel"
    01-20-1903 - Leon Ames - Portland, IN - d. 10-10-1993
    actor: "Earplay"; "Screen Guild Theatre"; "Screen Director's Playhouse"
    01-20-1907 - L. A. "Speed" Riggs - Silverdale, NC - d. 2-1-1987
    tobacco auctioneer: "Jack Benny Show"; "Kay Kyser Show"
    01-20-1912 - Paula Stone - New York, NY - d. 12-23-1997
    moderator: "Leave It to the Girls"
    01-20-1914 - Roy Plomley - Kingston-upon-Thames, England - d. 5-28-1985
    announcer: Desert Island Discs"; "We Beg to Differ"; "One Minute Please"
    01-20-1918 - Bert Farber - Brooklyn, NY
    orchestra leader: "Curtain Time"
    01-20-1920 - DeForest Kelley - Atlanta, GA - d. 6-11-1999
    actor: "Suspense"
    01-20-1922 - Connie Haines - Savannah, GA
    singer: "Abbott and Costello Show"; "Rhapsody in Rhythm"
    01-20-1922 - Ray Anthony - Bentleyville, PA
    band leader: Band remotes for CBS 1951-1952
    01-20-1926 - Patricia Neal - Packard, KY
    actress: "Hollywood Star Preview"

    January 20th deaths

    02-18-1903 - Jacques Fray - Paris, France - d. 1-20-1963
    pianist, disc jockey: "Fray and Braggiotti"
    03-17-1918 - Bill Felton - Greenland, MI (Raised: Appleton, WI) - d.
    1-20-2005
    newscaster, disc jockey: "Valley Varieties"; "Recreation Room"
    04-06-1927 - Gerry Mulligan - New York, NY - d. 1-20-1996
    jazz saxophonist: "Sound of Jazz"; "White House Jazz Festival";
    "Voice of Vista"
    05-03-1880 - Horace Murphy - Finley, TN - d. 1-20-1975
    actor: Buckskin Blodgett "Red Ryder"
    05-04-1929 - Audrey Hepburn - Brussels, Belguim - d. 1-20-1993
    actress: "[removed] Story"; "Stagestruck"
    05-29-1894 - Beatrice Lillie - Toronto, Canada - d. 1-20-1989
    commedienne: "Beatrice Lillie Show"
    06-02-1904 - Johnny Weissmuller - Windber, PA - d. 1-20-1984
    actor: Movie Tarzan and Jungle Jim
    07-11-1922 - Bernard Punsly - New York, NY - d. 1-20-2004
    actor: (The Dead End Kids) "Texaco Star Playhouse"
    07-16-1907 - Barbara Stanwyck - Brooklyn, NY - d. 1-20-1990
    actress: "Prudential Family Hour of Stars"; "This Is My Story"
    08-05-1917 - Don Stanley - Stoughton, WI - d. 1-20-2003
    announcer: "Advs. of Nero Wolfe"; "Out of the Deep"; "The Saint"
    11-14-1906 - Mercer McCloud - d. 1-20-1993
    actor: Fran Cummings "Second Husband"
    11-26-1911 - Robert Donley - Carmichaels, PA - d. 1-20-2004
    actor: "Lieutenant Carpenter "Front Page Farrell"
    12-05-1922 - Alan Freed - Johnstown, PA - d. 1-20-1965
    disc jockey: "Moondog Show"; "Alan Freed Show"; "Camel Rock and Roll
    Party"

    Ron Sayles
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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

    Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2006 08:56:03 -0500
    From: "R. R. King" <kingrr@[removed];
    To: [removed]@[removed]
    Subject:  Re: The game's afoot - again!

> >     "The  first network Sherlock Holmes program ever

>     Actually, I believe recent scholarship has unearthed
>     the possiblity of a one-time production well before
>     the ones we treat with here?

    Well, according to the newspapers of the day (New York Times and
    others), the WGY Players were scheduled to do a Holmes program on
    November 9, 1922. I'm not sure "readin' old newspapers" qualifies as
    "scholarship."

    Here's a blurb from the 11-06-22 Indianapolis (Indiana) Star:

    ***
    One of the features of the program for the week of Nov. 6 from WGY at
    Schenectady, N. Y., will be the production of "The Sign of the Four,"
    a Sherlock Holmes play from the pen of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The WGY
    players will be cast in the play with Edward H. Smith in the part of
    the famous detective of fiction, and F. H. Oliver as Dr. Watson.
    Musical numbers will be played between the episodes or acts by the WGY
    orchestra.
    ***

    Smith was the actor who suggested the idea of doing radio versions of
    stage plays to WGY and he frequently took lead roles in the
    productions during the first season of the series. I'm guessing that
    "F. H. Oliver" is Frank Oliver, described by Elizabeth McLeod as
    "radio's first true sound effects man."

    Of course, this wasn't a network broadcast but WGY must have had a
    pretty broad reach since papers as far away as Indianapolis and
    Fayetteville, Arkansas were covering it.

    Incidentally, the Players' very next broadcast (on November 14) was
    Gilbert and Sullivan's "H. M. S. Pinafore," which they had already
    performed on October 3 and which was "repeated by request" after WGY
    received "a veritable deluge of complimentary letters" ("nearly 6000
    cards and letters") from listeners. So, apparently, these guys not
    only pioneered broadcast drama, they also pioneered "reruns."

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

    Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2006 22:15:44 -0500
    From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
    To: Olde Tyme Radio Digest Digest <[removed]@[removed];
    Subject:  1-21 births/deaths

    January 21st births

    01-21-1897 - J. Carrol Naish - New York, NY - d. 1-24-1973
    actor: Luigi Basco "Life with Luigi"
    01-21-1902 - Smith Ballew - Palestine, TX - d. 5-2-1989
    singer: "The Ipana Troubadors"; "Shell Chateau"
    01-21-1904 - Allen Prescott - St. Louis, MO - d. 1-27-1978
    host: "Wife Saver"; "Prescott Presents"
    01-21-1915 - Alan Hewitt - d. 11-7-1986
    actor: Ken Martinson "This is Nora Drake"; Karl Dorn "Romance of
    Helen Trent"
    01-21-1915 - John Dunkel - Springfield, OH - d. 2-22-2001
    writer: "Escape"; "Fort Laramie"; "Gunsmoke"
    01-21-1919 - Jinx Falkenburg McCrary - Barcelona, Spain - d. 8-27-2003
    hostess: "Hi! Jinx"; "Tex & Jinx"; "Weekend"
    01-21-1921 - Manya Starr - New York, NY - d. 7-26-2000
    writer: Allegedly fired by Anne Hummert for asking about God, "Who's
    going to play him?"
    01-21-1922 - Telly Savalas - Garden City, NY - d. 1-22-1994
    actor: "[removed] Story"
    01-21-1924 - Benny Hill - Southampton, England - d. 4-20-1992
    comedian: "Educating Archie"
    01-21-1925 - Charles Aidman - Frankfort, IN - d. 11-7-1993
    acotr: "CBS Radio Mystery Theatre"
    01-21-1941 - Placido Domingo - Madrid, Spain
    tenor: "The Metropolitan Opera"

    January 21st deaths

    02-21-1915 - Ann Sheridan - Dallas, TX - d. 1-21-1967
    actress: (The Oomph Girl) "Smiths of Hollywood"; "Stars in the Air"
    03-22-1895 - Joseph Schildkraut - Vienna, Austria - d. 1-21-1964
    actor: "Intrigue"; "Best Plays"; "Columbia Workshop"; "Hollywood Hotel"
    05-22-1938 - Susan Strasberg - New York, NY - d. 1-21-1999
    actress: Emily Marriott "Marriage"
    05-26-1920 - Peggy Lee - Jamestown, ND - d. 1-21-2002
    singer: "Jimmy Durante Show"; "Chesterfield Supper Club"; "Peggy Lee
    Show"
    06-01-1917 - Donald Dame - Titusville, PA - d. 1-21-1952
    singer: "Music for an Hour"; "American Album of Familiar Music"
    08-07-1927 - Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer - Paris, IL - d. 1-21-1959
    actor: "Thirty Minutes In Hollywood"
    08-11-1908 - Russell Procope - d. 1-21-1981
    clarinetist, saxophonist: "Duke Ellington and His Orchestra";
    "Ellington at Newport"
    08-12-1881 - Cecil B. DeMille - Ashfield, MA - d. 1-21-1959
    host: "Lux Radio Theatre"
    10-17-1914 - Jerry Siegel - Cleveland , OH - d. 1-21-1996
    co-creator (with Joe Shuster): "Advs. of Superman"
    10-25-1908 - Polly Ann Young - Denver, CO - d. 1-21-1997
    actress: (Sister of Loretta) "Lux Radio Theatre"
    12-02-1921 - Rita Lynn - Louisiana - d. 1-21-1996
    actress: "Dimension X"
    xx-xx-1896 - Milton Herman - d. 1-21-1951
    actor: Gargoyle "The Bishop and the Gargoyle"; Italo "Today's Children"
    xx-xx-1915 - Bob Dwan - San Francisco, CA - d. 1-21-2005
    director: "You Bet Your Life"
    xx-xx-1922 - Mort Fega - d. 1-21-2005
    long time jazz disc jockey in New York

    Ron Sayles
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin

    --------------------------------
    End of [removed] Digest V2006 Issue #22
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