------------------------------
The Old-Time Radio Digest!
Volume 2005 : Issue 37
A Part of the [removed]!
[removed]
ISSN: 1533-9289
Today's Topics:
#OldRadio IRC Chat this Thursday Nig [ charlie@[removed] ]
Re: Vintage RCA Mikes [ HERITAGE4@[removed] ]
Fred Allen and Steve Allen [ Michael Berger <intercom1@attglobal ]
Johnny Carson and Jack Benny [ "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@attorneyro ]
Re: The Roseton Connection [ Elizabeth McLeod <lizmcl@[removed] ]
Here WE Hi-Yo again [ skallisjr@[removed] ]
Shady Nook [ Clif Martin <martbart@[removed]; ]
Three subjects in [removed] [ Lee Munsick <damyankeeinva@earthlin ]
Fred Allen On "What's My Line" [ "Andolina, Joe" <Joe_Andolina@cable ]
Jughead on "Archie Andrews" [ "kclarke5@[removed]" <kclarke5@juno. ]
Name clarification [ "kclarke5@[removed]" <kclarke5@juno. ]
Ziv, Aces and Comedy [ "Mike Martini" <mmartini@[removed] ]
Re: Paul Adomites [ "William Vest III" <tsukasasan@hotm ]
2-3 births/deaths [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]
"Cheese it" [ Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed] ]
Re: CBS' Early Days [ "Cintia Jones" <[removed]@[removed] ]
fred & portland [ leonardfass@[removed] (Leonard Fass ]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 08:19:57 -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, 2 Feb 2005 08:20:31 -0500
From: HERITAGE4@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Re: Vintage RCA Mikes
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I agree with some of the comments made by posters regarding the
RCA ribbon mikes, but would contend that, in general, their usage
was a bit wider than indicated in some of the comments.
Although there were other professional mikes available in the 30's,
40's, and 50's - the RCA line was the choice of both engineering and talent.
The model 77-DX was ultimately the last of that particular model type - that
was the model that looked like a huge CONTAC capsule and which became the CBS
Radio logo for a long
time. You can still see one nightly on the Larry King show and on
David Letterman sometimes. These were used for everything from drama to
music and audience and sound effects. They were considered the finest general
purpose mike available. The 44-BX
was the last model variation of a long line of 44 style mikes produced by
RCA. It was the large squared-off mike that had a tremendous bass response
and
so was adored by dramatic actors and other speakers/announcers/narrators.
They
were not made in
as great a quantity as the 77's, and so are now worth more on the
collector's market. The somewhat smaller model 74 looked like a small 44 and
was lower
in cost and very popular with local stations. All these ribbon mikes could be
used with the heavy RCA desk stands, the RCA "clutch" floor stands, or with
the big booms
that could hang down over a band or groups. The transition to TV found these
chrome beauties converted to "RCA Gray" to avoid
light relections from the TV studio lights. RCA, of course, soon developed
smaller TV mikes more adaptable to the TV sound booms. I saw (and used) all
of
the old RCA ribbon mikes, and I think I really liked them all for particular
purposes, but some talent
and/or engineers insisted on their favorites.
I am, at some point. going to part with one or two of these great old mikes
I have in our Heritage Radio studio. Contact me directly if you are
interested. Suffice to say, they were, at one time, the finest broadcast
mikes in the
world. Interestingly, those of us who
have some in collections have found they still have a wonderful sound never
duplicated by even the newest broadcast mikes.
Tom Heathwood
*** This message was altered by the server, and may not appear ***
*** as the sender intended. ***
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 08:21:10 -0500
From: Michael Berger <intercom1@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Fred Allen and Steve Allen
Regarding the query about Fred Allen and the Tonight
Show: Steve Allen already was the host of that program
at the time of Fred's death.
The night after Fred died, in fact, Steve devoted a
major segment of the Tonight show to pay tribute,
including re-running Fred's last guest appearance on
that show. I saw that show, and it was one of Fred
Allen's classic monologues, poking fun at the
Manhattan premiere of The Benny Goodman Story a few
months earlier, in which Steve played the leading
role, getting big laughs, and prompting Steve to
comment, "Hearing Art Tatum play piano made me think I
should give up playing, and hearing Fred again tonight
made me think that perhaps I should give up telling
jokes. He was the master."
Michael Berger
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 08:19:42 -0500
From: "A. Joseph Ross" <lawyer@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Johnny Carson and Jack Benny
On 1 Feb 2005 at 14:46, [removed]@oldrad wrote:
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:49:58 -0500
From: Dixonhayes@[removed]
Carson was NOT on NBC at this point, this was 1955 and his daytime
comedy-variety show was on CBS.
I believe we were talking about the show in which Jack turns out to be a robot that Johnny
watches being dismantled after the show. That show is dated 22 October 1963, at which
time Johnny Carson was doing the Tonight Show on NBC. In fact, earlier in the show, they
do a skit in which Jack appears as a Tonight Show guest.
--
A. Joseph Ross, [removed] [removed]
15 Court Square, Suite 210
lawyer@[removed]
Boston, MA 02108-2503
[removed]
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 10:03:51 -0500
From: Elizabeth McLeod
<lizmcl@[removed];
To:
<[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: The Roseton Connection
On 2/2/05 8:23 AM
[removed]@[removed] wrote:
Some time ago, probably a year or more, Elizabeth in a discussion of Amos
and Andy mentioned someone who was associated with A & A moved to work at
"Roseton" to work. Was that Roseton NY? That is near Newburgh and was, at
one point, a brick factory. It is now a power plant which is aptly named
"Roseton".
Yes -- The individual in question was Garrett Brown, the orphaned
African-American youth who was raised by the Gosden family in Richmond,
and served as a surrogate brother to Freeman Gosden. Brown left Richmond
in 1916, and lived in Roseton for about a year, until he joined the U. S.
Army for the First World War.
After the war, Brown went back to Richmond, where he took a job as a
chauffeur/auto mechanic. He and Freeman Gosden continued to correspond
for the rest of their lives.
Brown was acknowledged by Gosden as the general inspiration for the
character of Amos -- and also as the specific inspiration for Sylvester,
a teenage garage mechanic who helped Amos and Andy get settled when they
first moved to Chicago in 1928.
Elizabeth
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 10:10:47 -0500
From: skallisjr@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Here WE Hi-Yo again
Kenneth Clarke notes,
As I recall, Britt Reid (the Green Hornet) was the great grand nephew
of John Reid ([removed] the Lone Ranger).
Mr. Clarke's recollection is, as alas Time hits us all, faulty. Ranger
Reid, who metamorphosed into The Lone Ranger, was never referred to by
his first name, which forever will be a mystery (barring some discovery
of a lost and unaired script by Fran Stryker). My memory, which is only
ironclad on Captain Midnight items, is that The Lone Ranger's brother was
Captain Dan Reid of the Texas Rangers. His son would have been Dan
Junior, but in those days the "Junior" would have been dropped with the
passing of the "Senior."
Oh, and Britt was the Ranger's grandnephew.
Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 11:08:05 -0500
From: Clif Martin <martbart@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Shady Nook
I ask this one every year at Cinci convention time, hoping for good news:
What has happened to the Shady Nook and the so-called WLW Moon River pipe
organ they used to play there?
Clif Martin
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 11:09:41 -0500
From: Lee Munsick <damyankeeinva@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Three subjects in [removed]
One of the delightful things about the "Jonathan and Darlene Edwards"
recording is the album cover photograph, a closeup of two hands playing on a
piano keyboard. Most people never took it in, but they were both right hands
(or perhaps left, but definitely not one of each). Paul Weston was a fine
musician and presumably pianist, but I doubt he had two left hands or two
rights. But then, he DID have Jo Stafford. It would have been worth it!
I have a band organ LP titled "Nostalgia in HiFi". Except that the
typesetter goofed and spelled it "Nostaglia". I commented about this to a
retailer selling it at a music convention. He laughed and said he thought
the two of us were the only ones who ever noticed. Italian music!! Reminds
me of my antique Ford Model AA truck, for which I requested a New Jersey
"vanity" license plate. I was amazed to be able to get "MODEL A". But when
it arrived it read 'MODELA". The state replaced it some weeks later with the
correct designation, but it amused me how many folk asked me what the plate
meant while I had to use the first one. I tried to keep a straight face and
replied, "It's a rare, antique Italian truck". You'd be amazed how many
people just nodded or said, "Oh" and contentedly walked away. Well, when one
speaks with the voice of [removed]
Some issues back I posted information about the special 75th Anniversary TV
program of "Music and the Spoken Word", the Mormon Tabernacle Choir airings.
Using that information, I tried to videotape the special show, only to find
it was not aired. I know for sure I passed on the exact information aired on
BYU. Apparently their programmers failed to follow their own promotional
schedule. My apologies. If anyone wrote me about this, my apologies, both
for the error, and for not responding. I did not receive Email for about two
weeks. Writers were told there was a "fatal error" and that my mailbox was
full. Not so. After an hour or more on the phone with Earthlink, I was
finally told that there was a virus on the server. It was corrected, but
meanwhile I am sure I lost a lot of cyber mail. If you sent me anything,
please do it again. Many thanks!
Bestus, Lee Munsick That Godfrey Guy
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 11:09:57 -0500
From: "Andolina, Joe" <Joe_Andolina@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Fred Allen On "What's My Line"
On The Game Show Network, I saw one episode so far the other night with Fred
Allen on What's My Line, then Steve Allen was back the next episode. It was
posted here recently about the estimation when the episodes will pick back
up with the Fred Allen appearances on Game Show Network. Would that kind
person re-post their thoughts on that here again? Would be much appreciated.
Joe
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 14:14:12 -0500
From: "kclarke5@[removed]" <kclarke5@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Jughead on "Archie Andrews"
Someone told me recently that there was more
than one actor who played the role of Jughead Jones
on the "Archie Andrews" show on OTR. Is this true?
I always thought that Harlan "Hal" Stone was the one
who was credited with this performance. Just to be
sure, I asked what the actors name was. I was told
it was Cameron Smith. Is this true? I just want to
get all my facts straight.
Another OTR Fan,
Kenneth Clarke
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 14:14:23 -0500
From: "kclarke5@[removed]" <kclarke5@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: Name clarification
What was the real name of the character
known as Jughead Jones on the "Archie Andrews"
program on OTR.
Another OTR Fan,
Kenneth Clarke
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 14:23:48 -0500
From: "Mike Martini" <mmartini@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Ziv, Aces and Comedy
Greetings,
I wanted to echo Elizabeth's note concerning the Ziv syndicated run of "Easy
Aces." Indeed, the Ziv "Easy Aces" programs were compiled from previously
broadcast material from the 30's. In fact, ol' Fred Ziv pulled the same deal
off with his "Red Skelton Show" and "Eddie Cantor Show" series. The deal
involved Skelton and Cantor loaning old acetates to his producers, who, in
turn, edited out the dated material and compiled new programs. Of course Red
and Eddie got a flat fee as well as a percentage cut although, judging from
the records, not enough to justify continuing the relationship beyond the
original run. You can really hear this on the Ziv-Skelton shows, which vary
wildly in background noise from segment to segment within a show because the
segments were taken from different original episodes. While Frederic Ziv was
more than comfortable about handing off "dramatic" writing chores to such
scribes as Lawrence and Lee, I don't think he felt too comfortable in coming
up with pure original comedies for his syndication lineup--'twas better to
work with established comedy names (by re-packaging old stuff and slapping on
new opens and closes.) One could argue that "Bright Star" was a sort of
comedy. Please no jokes about "Bold Venture" and "I Was a [removed]"
I also read a recent post from Walden about Janet Waldo and "Favorite Story."
I'll dig through the Ziv archives to see if someone compiled a list of actors
on that series. To be honest, they normally did not, but it's 20-or-30
boxes, so give me some time and I'll make sure.
>From Fred Ziv's final resting place,
Mike Martini
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 15:19:06 -0500
From: "William Vest III" <tsukasasan@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: Paul Adomites
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Hello, I'm new here.
Wanted to respond to Paul Adomites regarding performing OTR shows. I own a
small community theatre and have been working on a few otr shows for stage.
Regarding copyright issues: Most are copyright free. Some, however, are still
copyrighted (such as The War of the Worlds). Anne Koch holds that.
As far as "The 1940's Radio Hour" by Walton Jones, it's great! A friend of
mine directed it last year. It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen!
It is a challenge, though. Even for experienced directors. Lots of singing, no
dancing. Samuel French Inc. holds the rights. Being that it is a musical it is
more expensive. But since it is for a senior citizen's home it will most
likely be far less that for a theatre.
If you would like more info you can e-mail me at tsukasasan@[removed]
I'll do what I can to help.
Wm. Vest III
*** This message was altered by the server, and may not appear ***
*** as the sender intended. ***
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 15:50:55 -0500
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: 2-3 births/deaths
Febuary 3rd births
02-03-1890 - Charles Correll - Peoria, IL - d. 9-26-1972
actor: Andrew Brown "Amos 'n' Andy"
02-03-1890 - Larry MacPhail - Cass City, MI - d. 10-1-1975
baseball executive: "Information Please"; "Bill Stern Colgate Sports Newsreel"
02-03-1895 - Nick Kenny - Astoria, NY - d. 12-1-1975
columnist, songwriter: Reader of inspirational verse
02-03-1903 - Martin Block - Los Angeles, CA - d. 9-19-1967
announcer, disc jockey: "Make-Believe Ballroom"; "Chesterfield Supper Club"
02-03-1907 - James Michener - NYC - d. 10-16-1997
author: "You and the World"
02-03-1910 - Nelson Case - Long Beach, CA - d. 3-24-1976
announcer: "Hour of Charm"; "New Carnation Contented Hour"
02-03-1916 - Joey Bishop - The Bronx, NY
actor: "Monitor's Salute to Jimmy Durante"
02-03-1924 - Leslie Stevens - Washington, [removed] - d. 4-24-1998
film director: "Stagestruck"
02-03-1926 - Shelly Berman - Chicago, IL
actor: "Family Theatre"
02-03-1928 - Frankie Vaughan - Liverpool, England - d. 9-17-1999
singer: "Al Jolson Centenary"
02-03-1929 - Russell Arms - Berkely, CA
singer, actor: "Have Gun, Will Travel"
02-03-1932 - Peggy Ann Garner - Canton, OH - d. 7-21-1982
actress: Esther Smith "Meet Me in St. Louis"
02-03-1933 - Suzan Ball - Jamestown, NY - d. 8-5-1955
actress: Intermission Guest "Lux Radio Theatre"
Feburary 3rd deaths
01-03-1907 - Anna May Wong - Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA - d. 2-3-1961
actress: "Campbell Playhouse"; "Hollywood Hotel"
01-04-1916 - Lionel Newman - New Haven, CT - d. 2-3-1989
conductor, composer: (Brother of Alfred) "Hollywood Star Time"
01-28-1911 - Donald Briggs - Chicago, IL - d. 2-3-1986
actor: Frank Merriwell "Advs. of Frank Merriwell"; Stanley Holton "Portia
Faces Life"
03-06-1900 - Jay C. Flippen - Little Rock, AR - d. 2-3-1971
actor: Sergeant "Rookies"
03-18-1916 - Jody Gilbert - Fort Worth, TX - d. 2-3-1979
actress: Rosa "Life with Luigi"
04-01-1904 - Sid Field - Birmingham, England - d. 2-3-1950
comedian: Freelance
05-26-1893 - Edward MacHugh - Dundee, Scotland - d. 2-3-1957
singer: "Gospel Singer"
09-07-1936 - Buddy Holly - Lubbock, TX - d. 2-3-1959
singer: "Sunday Party"; "Buddy and Bob Show"
10-24-1930 - J. P. "Big Bopper" Richardson - Sabine Pass, TX - d. 2-3-1959
Early Rock and Roll disc jockey
12-16-1895 - Andy Razaf - Washington, D. C. - d. 2-3-1973
lyricist: "Music for Millions"
--
Ron Sayles
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 19:53:37 -0500
From: Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed];
To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: "Cheese it"
Melanie Aultman notes the expression "cheese [removed]" from a "Dragnet"
episode and wonders if its use began earlier.
I can attest that the expression was abroad in the land as early as 1937
because it was used in a song sung by the Crazyquilt Dragon in Episode 3 of
"The Cinnamon Bear."
"Don't ever say 'Boo' to a Crazyquilt [removed] hopes he'll turn tail and
run. There aren't many words that will make him go [removed] 'Boo' is
decidely one. You can say 'Cheese it' or 'Scat' if you [removed] will
certainly bother him none. Now 'Shoo' or 'Skiddoo,' [removed] not be
taboo, [removed] booing is just never done. Don't ever say 'Boo' to a
Crazyquilt [removed], never, not even in fun. Remember a Crazyquilt's
colors are [removed] are guaranteed never to run."
Dennis Crow
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2005 19:53:51 -0500
From: "Cintia Jones" <[removed]@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject: Re: CBS' Early Days
Elizabeth, many thanks for answering my question about the re-structuring of
CBS that took place after William Paley took over.
While we're at it, I've read that CBS was sometimes referred to as the
Purple Network. Was this for the same reason that NBC's two networks were
called Red and Blue, or was it, as one writer says, a joke because someone
thought that CBS was
like a mix between the two NBC networks, and purple is the colour you get
when you mix blue and red?
Thanks again
Steve
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2005 08:35:09 -0500
From: leonardfass@[removed] (Leonard Fass)
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject: fred & portland
does anyone know what was the last address for fred and portland? does
it still exist? what shape is it in? any permanent guests? etc.
leonard fass/box 692751/stockton ca 95269
sort of from robert burns: have mercy on us. gracious God, as
we would do if we were God and you were johnny nailenrod."
--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2005 Issue #37
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