Subject: [removed] Digest V01 #34
From: <[removed]@[removed]>
Date: 1/31/2001 9:10 AM
To: <[removed]@[removed];

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


                      The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                         Volume 01 : Issue 34
                    A Part of the [removed]!


                           Today's Topics:

 Jack Benny chat 2/4                  [JackBenny@[removed]                  ]
 Call for R. Nickel and W. Pattinson. [JackBenny@[removed]                  ]
 Early OTR experiences                ["Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@]
 Re: Lone Ranger                      [Cnorth6311@[removed]                 ]
 "             "  -- Harpo Marx       ["Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@]
 Alexander's RB Broadcast             ["Robert Fells" <rfells@[removed];   ]
 Harpo Spoke                          ["Robert Fells" <rfells@[removed];   ]
 Re: Nichols & May on radio           [Fred Berney <berney@[removed];      ]
 Re: Nichols & May                    [Udmacon@[removed]                    ]
 By Way of Introduction               [Ed Cray <cray@[removed];      ]
 our [removed]                          [Rick <doolin@[removed];      ]
 live show question                   [Rick <doolin@[removed];      ]
 TODAY [removed]                          [Sandy Singer <sinatradj@[removed];  ]
 Gordon Shaw & -30-                   [Arts_Militaria@[removed] (Art Funk)]
 Big Band Music                       [Tom van der Voort <evan@[removed];]
 George Garabedian's Contribution to  ["Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@]
 Harpo Marx                           ["David H. Buswell" <dbuswell@rivnet]
 Harry Babbit Interview               [Duane Keilstrup <duanek9@[removed]; ]
 Ages                                 ["gcoppen" <gcoppen@[removed];      ]
 Benny Christmas Show Dates           ["Joe C." <gopack2000@[removed];  ]
 Beneath the sheets                   ["jim terra" <nickcharles4@[removed]]
 Quiet!Harpo at Work!                 [JimInks@[removed]                    ]
 Jimmy Stewart's OTR appearances      [Ron Barta <rlbarta@[removed];      ]
 #OldRadio IRC Chat this Thursday Nig [lois@[removed]                  ]

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 09:18:19 -0500
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Jack Benny chat 2/4

Hello again, [removed]

The next IJBFC chat is scheduled for this Sunday, 2/4.  We are going to try a
monthly chat, and see what the participation level is.  Based on the level of
enthusiasm, we may move to a weekly chat.  The majority wanted to have the
chat Sunday at seven, partially for its connection to Jack and the pnemonic
to enable them to remember it.

So here is the first of the monthly chats, to be held the first Sunday of
each month.  Since 7:00 Eastern is early for those in the Pacific time zone
(and 7:00 Pacific is late for those in the Eastern time zone), we will be
holding it a 7:00 PM CENTRAL TIME, (8:00 PM Eastern, 5:00 PM Pacific).  Just
click on Forum on the Web site, click on "Chat room", enter your name and (if
desired) E-mail, and click the Volano Chat button.

Some members had technical problems accessing the chat room previously, so I
recommend that you try accessing it before the actual chat.  After entering
the chat room, you should see a separate grey screen entitled "Jack Benny
Discussion".

Also as a suggestion from one of our members, I will be posting an MP3 of the
program from 3/28/48 ("Your money or your life").  It is recommended that
people attending the chat take some time to listen to this show, to provide a
common topic of discussion and analysis.

If you have any questions, please E-mail me at JackBenny@[removed].  Thank you,
and I look forward to talking with you on Sunday!

--Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 09:18:21 -0500
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Call for R. Nickel and W. [removed]

If Ross Nickel or Walt Pattinson are in the audience, please E-mail me.  We
 now return you to your regularly scheduled program.

 --Laura Leff
 JackBenny@[removed]

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 09:23:58 -0500
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Early OTR experiences

Fred Berney, reminiscing about early days, notes,

My first recollection of radio was back when I was about 3 or 4 years
old. I remember one of my childhood friends telling me about a radio show
called Superman. I probably had been listening to radio before that, but
I very clearly remember the conversation about the Superman [removed];<

I have a memory that reaches very far back, but I don't recall how I
discovered the various shows I started to listen to by myself.  I _think_
that I was tipped off to The Lone Ranger by a schoolmate, but why I
started listening to Chick Carter eludes me.

Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 09:24:00 -0500
From: Cnorth6311@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: Lone Ranger

Today in 1933, the Lone Ranger began it's 21 year run.

Charlie

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 09:24:02 -0500
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  "             "  -- Harpo Marx

Jim Lewis, speaking of Harpo Marx, asks,

.Was this brother really speech impaired or was this just his act [?]<<

He could speak.  As long as we're on Marxes, there were five Marx
Brothers.  The three most famous were Groucho, Harpo, and Chico.  A
fourth brother, Zeppo, appeared in some of their films in noncomedic
roles.  The fifth, Gummo, wasn't a stage, radio, or screen presence.
Groucho and Chico worked best on OTR; there are a few recordings of the
Marx Brothers on the air, but not many.

Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 09:24:06 -0500
From: "Robert Fells" <rfells@[removed];
To: "old time radio" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Alexander's RB Broadcast

Per Art Shifrin's post on the August 1938 promotional broadcast of
Alexander's Ragtime Band, an LP was issued, on the Radiola label I believe,
back in the 70s.  Today I believe the show is available on the Internet on
CD but I haven't come across it in retail stores.  As Art suggests, it is a
wonderful broadcast thanks to its all-star line up, especially when Al
Jolson, Eddie Cantor AND Irving Berlin team up to sing "Mandy."   The bad
news is that the sound quality, at least on the LP version, is somewhat
shrill.  Playback with a good bass boost helps alot though.

The first half is a tribute to Mr. Berlin, while the second half becomes a
Lux-type rendition of the film, Alexander's Ragtime Band, with some of the
film's stars re-enacting their roles.  Darryl Zanuck appears, as I recall,
but Don Ameche is noticeably absent due, we are told, to his still being in
Europe.  A facsinating broadcast throughout.

Bob Fells

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 09:24:08 -0500
From: "Robert Fells" <rfells@[removed];
To: "old time radio" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Harpo Spoke

In response to Jim Lewis's query, Harpo Marx was very much an articulate man
and quite an intellectual.  Several of his letters to Alexander Woolcott
have been published in various Marx Brothers compilations and these letters
indicate that he had no trouble engaging the great wit in substantative
discussions.

His muteness was part of his onstage/onscreen character and provided a
counterpoint to Groucho's one-liners and Chico's mangled English.
Unfortunately, Harpo's characterization would severely limit his performance
opportunities, especially when the Brothers' film work become scarce and
they went their separate ways.  But Harpo was prudent with his earnings and
was apparently well off in his later years.  When Chico would boast about
how much money he lost through gambling and extravagent living, he would
advise interviewers to find out how much money Harpo had, because that would
equal the amount Chico lost!

Bob Fells

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 09:24:10 -0500
From: Fred Berney <berney@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: Nichols & May on radio

I know I have some of their appearances on Monitor. I'll have to check and
see if they are cataloged. I also have an LP record they made. When I was
working for WAFM, I played this album on the air, so you could say that the
skits on the record were on the radio.

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 14:03:12 -0500
From: Udmacon@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: Nichols & May

Mercury put out an LP containing some of the medical skits they did for NBC's
"Monitor:" "Mike Nichols & Elaine May Examine Doctors." I'll bet it's now
available on CD.

The funniest cut is an unedited segment showing the couple's freewheeling
method of coming up with a skit. The breakups are left in as well as the
reactions from the control room. Hilarious!

BILL KNOWLTON: "BLUEGRASS RAMBLE:" WCNY-FM: Syracuse, Utica, Watertown NY
(since Jan. 1973) Sundays: 9 pm est: [removed]

Just got the 1954 "WLS Family Album," which means I have the entire run from
1930 thru 1957. Great reference material!

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 14:03:14 -0500
From: Ed Cray <cray@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  By Way of Introduction

Good People:

My name is Ed Cray.  I am a professor of journalism at the University of
Southern California, and am at work on a biography of Woodrow Wilson
"Woody" Guthrie (1912-1967) for [removed] Norton.

My immediate interest in joining the list is to seek out other subscribers
who just might know something about Woody's radio career, either in Los
Angeles on KFVD (1937-1939), or later, in New York City (1940-1945).  I
have interviewed the legendary Norman Corwin, but would welcome leads to
others who worked with or knew Woody during this, his most creative
period.

Ed Cray

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 14:03:17 -0500
From: Rick <doolin@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  our [removed]

I'm 30. I remember listening to (what I thought was) OTR in the car on
vacation. It was the CBS radio mystery theater and dad would even stop for
extra long rest-stops so that we could finish listening to the stories
before driving out of range.
Much later I moved to Ganesville, FL, for awhile, where the University of
Florida station broadcasts OTR on Sunday nights (God bless Bill Sabis, the
host for 20+ years). I started recording the shows and finding shows on the
internet and now I have a healthy collection (still not enough!).
Thanks to all who support and write into this site, you guys are great!
Rick

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 14:03:19 -0500
From: Rick <doolin@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  live show question

Hi gang,
I was listening to a Phil Harris & Alice Fey show with my wife and she
asked me how much of the live shows were acted out for the audiances and
how much consisted of the actors just talking into mic's while the sound
men were banging pots in the background. I have no idea, so I decided to go
to the [removed] guys. Some of the stuff must have been sight gags
because sometimes there's silence followed by laughter.
Thanks for your memories,
Rick

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 14:03:21 -0500
From: Sandy Singer <sinatradj@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  TODAY [removed]

1933 - "The Lone Ranger" was heard on radio for the first time. The
program ran for 2,956 episodes and ended in 1955.

The original Lone Ranger was played by motion picture
director/producer/writer George Seaton.

            Sandy Singer
    A DATE WITH SINATRA
[removed]

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 15:03:36 -0500
From: Arts_Militaria@[removed] (Art Funk)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Gordon Shaw & -30-

Fred Berney asked about the term -30- in the news business.  Seems I've
seen posts on here previously and there are a variety of specific
interpretations.  But basically it means ---  the end, nothing follows,
ebeee, ebeee, ebeee that's all folks!

And, Fred, I also spent a few Sunday mornings in the WQAM studios on the
16th floor of the Alfred I. Dupont Bldg., and many mornings on the floor
in front of the radio at home, listening to Uncle Gordon read the
funnies.  Those were the days, my friend.

Best Regards,
Art

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 15:50:00 -0500
From: Tom van der Voort <evan@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Big Band Music

      Here is a story that might strengthen one's belief in the
miraculous.  In any event, it is a testament to the power of serendipity.
      A few weeks ago my sister was visiting us for a few days. We went out
to dinner, and my sister and I both commented on the fact that big band
music was playing in the restaurant sound system. The number we both heard
was "I'll Never Smile Again." She said it reminded her of World War II,
especially the months when her Marine Corps husband was overseas. It was a
song that meant a lot to her in those days.
      When we got back to the house I asked if she'd like to listen to an
old big band remote or two. After running through a couple of cassettes of
only marginal interest I put a Glenn Miller broadcast from the Cafe Rouge
of the Hotel Pennsylvania on my stereo. About a third of the way through
the program, Miller himself introduced a number that he had just recorded,
saying it was written by a Toronto woman named Ruth Lowe, and he thought it
might be a big hit.  Having never heard of Ruth Lowe I thought 'probably
just another song with great expectations that turned out to be a
disappointment.'  Of course, you know what's coming. The song was "I'll
Never Smile Again."
      Just one more example of the power of OTR.
Tom van der Voort

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 17:07:22 -0500
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  George Garabedian's Contribution to OTR

Completely unexpectedly, someone sent me a George Garabedian Mark 56
catalog.  For newcomers, this was a catalog of LP records, containing for
the most part, OTR programs.  One of the first recordings of Captain
Midnight I ever got was the Mark 56 record with two programs on it.  Of
the shows in the catalog -- some 60 -- the vast majority of records were
OTR shows.  These included kid's shows (Jack Armstrong, Orphan Annie,
Straight Arrow, Sgt. Preston, Hop Harrigan, Superman, Dick Tracy, Tom
Mix, and Buck Rogers), family shows (The Lone Ranger, The Shadow [2
vols], The Green Hornet, Fibber McGee & Molly [4 vols], Captain Midnight,
Burns & Allen, Chandu, and Nick Carter), and evening shows (Lux Radio
Theater, Nick Carter, Sam Spade, The Fat Man, The Great Gildersleeve, and
Campbell Playhouse) as well as anthologies of different show segments,
provided a lot of people with their first introduction to OTR.

LPs are gone, and some who had the records doubtless transferred their
shows to cassette at least, for convenience.  But Mr. Garabedian did all
of us a great service with his Mark 57 records.

Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 17:07:25 -0500
From: "David H. Buswell" <dbuswell@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Harpo Marx

Harpo was one of the original five Marx Brothers: Leonard (Chico); Adolph
(Harpo); Julius (Groucho); Herbert (Zeppo); and the youngest, Milton Gummo).

Of the five brothers, Harpo was probably the most intellectual.  Not only
could he speak (and well), he was regular member of the famed Algonquin
Round Table that met at the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan.  The round Table
was comprised of some of the sharpest wits of the day (and since) and
included Robert Benchley, Franklin P Adams, Dorothy Parker, Alexander
Woolcott, et. al.  To hold one's own with that bunch was no mean feat.

In addition, Harpo was an accomplished musician and an excellent harpist.
He died in 1964 at the age of 71.

Incidentally, Zeppo was a long-time neighbor of Frank Sinatra's in Palm
Springs.  When Zeppo and his wife, Barbara, were divorced, Frank became her
next and last husband in 1976.

Dave

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 19:13:54 -0500
From: Duane Keilstrup <duanek9@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Harry Babbit Interview

Tune in to the Yesterday USA Radio Networks this coming Sunday night for a
live interview of legendary singer Harry Babbit.  Hear him recall his great
recordings and radio experiences with the Kay Kyser Orchestra.  It all
starts on the Bill Bragg Sunday Night Live Show at 7:30 Eastern, Sunday
night, February 6, at [removed] where OTR programming airs around
the clock.
Duane Keilstrup

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 21:19:19 -0500
From: "gcoppen" <gcoppen@[removed];
To: "OTR post messages" <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Ages

The age survey Jeff started a couple of weeks ago has seemed to have lost
its audience. I dont know if any of you are reading the notes sent in by
approx. 63 people but I have and at this time I would like to thank Jeff for
starting this idea and also thank those of you that have participated. I
have found it very interesting to read how and what got each of you into the
hobby. I also marvel at how much you younger folk know about something that
I myself heard 1st hand many years ago. Reading Elizabeth's age blew my
mind, when I hear her name I think of an older person because of her
knowledge, the lady is a walking encyclopedia of OTR. I would also suggest
that anyone that hasnt been to that youngster Jeff's web site do so and see
just what a 15 year old has done. And I also would like to suggest that if
anyone that is interested in learning more about OTR,  go to the CHAT ROOM
that is hosted by Lois Culver on Thursday night, now thats the place where
you can talk PERSONALLY  to some of the artists that performed and also
those that did the technical things that brought us all OTR. There are also
a number of very learned folks that are regulars on the chat line that would
be only too happy to talk to you and share what they know so that your
journey into this wonderful hobby is a more enjoyable one.
I know that for some folks sharing your ages is something you might not want
to do but perhaps just sharing how or what got you into the hobby of
collecting OTR or into the business could make very interesting and
educational reading for new and older folks.
I am getting a bit long winded here and I dont want to do that, what I set
out to do was thank all of you for sharing your hobby with me, it is a great
trip. Thankyou.    George

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 21:40:05 -0500
From: "Joe C." <gopack2000@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Benny Christmas Show Dates

From: Jer51473@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Jack Benny Xmas shopping

I have many of these episodes, but would love to have them all. This is as
funny as it gets on radio, tv or whatever imo. Does anyone know how many
shopping trips there were and what were the dates? If not the exact date,
then close as possible would be appreciated.
*********************************************************************

I can go back as far as 1936. The following are the all the Christmas
related shows in my collection. I agree with you that these shows are great
to listen to during the Christmas season.

I believe this is a complete list for the following years.

1936 --- No Christmas Show in Dec.
1937 --- 12-12-37 Christmas Shopping
1938 --- 12-11-38 Christmas Shopping In [removed]
1939 --- 12-17-39 Christmas Shopping For Perfume And A Necktie
1940 --- 12-22-40 Christmas Shopping
1941 --- 12-21-41 The Christmas Tree
1942 --- No Christmas Show in Dec.
1943 --- 12-19-43 Christmas Shopping
1943 --- 12-26-43 Christmas At Jack's House
1944 --- 12-24-44 Trimming The Tree
1945 --- No Christmas Show in Dec.
1946 --- 12- 8-46  Shoelaces For Don
1946 --- 12-15-46 Exchanging Shoelaces
1947 --- 12-21-47 Last Minute Shopping
1948 --- 12-19-48 Wallet For Don
1949 --- 12-18-49 Mary Buys Jack A Pencil Sharpener
1950 --- 12-17-50 Golf Tees For Don
1951 --- 12- 2-51 Cuff Links For Don
1952 --- 12-14-52 Gopher Trap For Don
1952 --- 12-21-52 Setting up The Christmas Tree
1953 --- 12-13-53 Dates For Don
1954 --- 12- 5-54 Oil Paints For Don
1954 --- 12-19-54 Christmas In Palm Springs

Regards,
Joe

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

Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 23:00:59 -0500
From: "jim terra" <nickcharles4@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Beneath the sheets

Hulloo to all from *sunny* California.  As a youngster of 63 going on 32, I
too had a small radio that I *hid* under the sheets/blankets.  It was about
4x6x6 that is depth/width/height.  Tiny tubes and a bright and hot dial.
Was years later that my mother explained to me that she always knew when I
had the thing on, because the dial light was quite evident thru the covers.
Oh, and the radio had been sprayed with some sort of flocking, stuff they
sprayed in car trunks, and it kept shedding like a cat.  Ah those truly were
the days.  Wonder what the 10 year olds will talk about 50 years from now???
Sad, ain't [removed], Jim Terra

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

Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 00:52:52 -0500
From: JimInks@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Quiet!Harpo at Work!

Yes, Harpo really could talk.  But Groucho got tired of answering the
question, so whenever anyone would ask him about it, he'd answer, "No."
Harpo kept his silence until his very last public appearance, when he spoke
to the crowd and annouced his retirement.

-Jim Amash

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

Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 00:52:49 -0500
From: Ron Barta <rlbarta@[removed];
To: OTR Mailing List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Jimmy Stewart's OTR appearances

Hi all,

I was talking to a friend at work who was telling me how he remembered
an OTR program with James Stewart. I believe it had something to do
with a prison camp or something similar. Sounds like a "Lux" or a
"Suspense" to me. Does anyone recognize this? While perusing a Jimmy
Stewart
message board I ran into the following, but it doesn't help me out much.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

-Ron

"James Stewart perform on many radio shows in 30's, 40's, and 50's. I
have listen to him on:

1) Suspense
2) Jack Benny
3) Bing Crosby
4) Charlie McCarthy
5) Lux Radio Theater
6) Screen Director's Playhouse

My favorite is the "Six Shooter". Jimmy was the star of this western
series. It only lasted one season but it was a
high point in radio drama in the 1950's.

If you like old movies; then you will like old radio shows.

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

Date: Wed, 31 Jan 2001 04:52:00 -0500
From: lois@[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 three years, same time, same channel!

Our numerous "regulars" include one of the busiest "golden years" actors in
Hollywood; a sound man from the same era who worked many of the top
Hollywood shows;  owners of some of the best OTR sites on the Web;
maintainer of well-known OTR digest lists (we all know who he is)..........

and Me

Lois Culver
KWLK Longview Washington (Mutual) 1941-1944)
KFI Los Angeles (NBC) 1944 - 1950
and widow of actor Howard Culver

(For more info, contact lois@[removed])

--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V01 Issue #34
******************************************

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