Screenland Plus TV-Land (Nov 1952 - Oct 1953)

joined it. We formed Flying A TV Pictures and started production. We've certainly learned a lot since then," says Gene. Since then they have completed 52 half-hour Westerns, starring Gene, and are now well into the second series of 52 more. Flying A has produced 52 halfhour "Range Rider" shows and is starting the second round, and now is working on a series of 13 in the "Death Valley Days" stories. On all of these they spend more than the usual amount of money for location work, far away from the studio, to get interesting — and new — backgrounds. They find this pays off because the vieweris not stupid and does recognize the same old spots. About two-thirds of each picture is shot outdoors on location, only one-third in interiors on the sound stage. "We've learned, too, not to waste film on long shots which aren't good for TV. After we establish a locale we move in and stay close to the subject. A medium shot is better than a long shot and a close shot is best," Gene continued. "We've found that it is bad to have dead silence on the screen at any time. People carry over the listening habits instilled through radio to their viewing habits. They want to hear as well as see. Consequently, when dialogue, songs or sound effects are not in evidence, we supply background music to fill in the voids. "But I've also learned to cut down on my singing. Of course, I won't abandon what has become my trademark as a 'singing cowboy,' but in our first TV film, 'Gold Dust Charlie' I sang four songs. That was at least two too many for a 26 minute film. Now I sing one song per film, maybe two if they can be worked in without slowing the action. But in Westerns the accent is on action and it must be kept moving. A static scene loses you your audience interest. "Because our pictures play primarily to a children's audience, we keep violence down as much as possible. There has to be a certain amount of gun play and fighting in every Western, naturally, but there need not be excessive killing or bloodshed. "In all our pictures we have a clear definition between right and wrong. The hero is 'pure as the driven snow.' He gives advice to our youthful audience, either directly or indirectly, on tolerance, health, helping the underdog — even to drink milk. We can't eliminate all violence or there would be no story, but I feel proud that the Gene Autry and 'Range Rider' series can contribute something constructive to kids. 'TV production calls for even more careful planning than that in movie production because our budgets are even more limited by being geared to as yet a not-too-wide market. There are now approximately 63 markets — or areas, there are more stations, of course. When there are 1,000 or 1,500 area markets — and there will be — a great deal more film will be required and budgets also can be increased. "We've learned that we can solve many of our problems right in the beginning with the preparation of the story. In our £0 first TV films we tried to tell too much story. Now we use simple, straight-line stories with a minimum of counter -plot, with accent on character and characterizations. After all, we have only 26 minutes in which to wrap up our story, not the 60-plus minutes allotted to the average movie. "We plan carefully, but do not bind ourselves so that spontaneity and improvisations are tossed out the window. Everyone concerned contributes; actors have to come to the set knowing their lines. We can't afford endless rehearsals or retakes on the set. "You might say that TV film production for our line of Westerns boils down to this: Keep it simple, keep it moving, keep it close and make it fast. the number. A special trick that she has learned which will keep you from getting weary and breathless is to exercise to the count of three, breathing in through your nose and exhaling with a sigh, through your mouth. If you combine this with your exercising, you will find yourself still daisy-fresh even after doing 10. JEANNE C RAIN'S MAGIC FOURDAY DIET AS SUPERVISED BY FAMED HEALTH EXPERT, TERRY HUNT This is a four day diet on which the average person loses four pounds, but before beginning any diet always consult your physician. These meals should be taken at the same time each day as nearly as possible. A colonic when first starting the four day diet is very effective and helpful. A large "Ultimately, we plan that we can re . issue these TV films after two years. Forgone thing, the younger audience likes seeing them again. For another, in that time we'll have picked up new kids growing up. "I think that eventually the major studios will make the big, long, expensive films for theatre distribution and that smaller companies— or possibly subsidiaries of the major studios — will make the shorter half hour films for TV. I don't see any conflict. At one time everyone thought radio would kill movies. It didn't. Neither will TV. Movies and TV will work out their problems and will eventually be of mutual benefit to each other. I'm in the business both ways. But I'm not worried about the outcome." END dose of mineral oil can be taken occasionally. Do not rearrange food combinations or substitute any food for another. Use little salt. Use no pepper, catsup, sugar or cream. FIRST DAY Breakfast: Same every morning. On arising have a large glass of warm water with the juice of one lemon. Later, black coffee and a large glass of grapefruit juice. On retiring, one small glass of grapefruit or tomato juice. Lunch: Broiled steak trimmed, and raw salad of lettuce, tomatoes, chicory, and celery, and one raw apple. Dinner: Two soft or hard boiled eggs, string beans (medium portion) and one half grapefruit. SECOND DAY Lunch: One trimmed broiled lamb chop, one half head lettuce, and one glass The surprise wedding announcement of the year is the news that Mrs. Betty Wynn, ex-wife of Keenan, will marry Dan Dailey as soon as her divorce becomes final. JEANNE CRAIN'S GLAMOUR FORMULA [CONTINUED FROM PACE 34]