Inside facts of stage and screen (October 25, 1930)

PAGE EIGHT INSIDE FACTS OF STAGE AND SCREEN OCT. 25, 1930 REVIEWS COMMENT RADIOLAND CHATTER NEWS Pickups and Viewpoints Bigger and better canned programs are invading Radio- land. Latest in the way of electrical transcription is coming via KNX, which broadcast 13 sets of recordings of a round- the-world tour sponsored by a motor car company. Idea be- hind this .new feature is that the party, which set sail recently, has six tons of technical equipment that will record traffic and other sounds of various foreign nations. This gag, if properly carried on, should prove a marvelous feature for radio presentation, as it will mean to radio what talking newsreels mean to motion pictures. It is interesting to note the curiosity expressed by American radio fans for foreign broadcasts. Nation to nation hook-ups, coming Sundays from England and France via the Columbia Broadcasting System, are attracting the dials of millions of listeners. Owing to this curiosity about land and people the other side of the pond, new transcription programs will probably prove popular. * * * Rumor has it that “the powers” in New York radio realms have perfected television apparatus that is practical. Claim is made that the equipment is withheld from the public until the present quota of receiving sets is sold. Whether or not this is true is not certain. It is a stray rumor floating from studio to studio. That the new United Broadcasting Corporation is taking television seriously is apparent from the fact that the entire de- sign of the studio has been laid with an eye to future broadcast- ing of moving pictures over the ether. * * * Johnny Murray, young motion picture actor, has recently signed a contract with KFWB as staff singer. He played in “Dawn Patrol.” * * * Division of time in Los Angeles’ broadcasting over the new “U” Coast network will include KFWB taking all hours after 8:30 p.m. and KTM time before 8:30. * * * Another menace on the part of the mechanical demon, “electrical transcriptions.” Catherine Hayes and Cupid Ainsworth, musical comedy stars, who have been appearing in productions in New York for the past several year§, will make a series of electrical transcription dialogue and musical comedy programs depicting trials of two chorus girls trying to get into the talkies. This series, named “The Zeppelin Sisters,” seems to be a comic strip of the air. Being released in quantity from a syn- dicate in Hollywood, the records will be sent to broadcasters throughout the country. * * * In the “On With The Show” program, emanating from KHJ every Wednesday, 7 to 8 p. m., complete transfers of all talking pictures to the “mike” will be in line. Starting with “The Love vParade,” featuring Charles Carter, acclaimed Chevalier’s double, a long line-up of future attractions reveals hits such as “The Rogue Song,” and others. Musical adaptation for the “Love Parade” .was made by Frederick Stark under supervision of Raymond Paige. An idea of the task confronting the technical and continuity departments of KHJ may be had by realizing that sequences have to be completely revised before Radio presentation, as the ear must form pictures in the mind of listeners. This promises to be one of the most brilliant programs in the country, as neither money, time or effort has been spared. * * * Chain programs, emanating from California, and presenting motion picture stars in interviews or doing bits from their current vehicles, are successful in the east according to advices received from New York. * * * Ted Weems, broadcasting from the Roosevelt over KFWB, will start the "Nutty Club,” which he originated in Chicago over WBBM. Opening date of the hilarious broadcast is to be announced. * * * SAN FRANCISCO RADIO NOTES Survey of several hundred San Francisco radio listeners made by a national advertising, firm and then turned over to Inside Facts, reveals that the North Americans (KPO); Val Valente (KFRC); Anson Weeks (KFRC) and Jesse Stafford (KPO) have the most popular local dance bands on the air. The Lucky Strike orchestra, broadcasting from New York over NBC, is a close follower. North Americans, under direction of ijless Norman, are on the air from 7 to 8 p.m., catching majority of the home people and therefore winning their votes. Questioned by the agency on their choice of radio programs, listen- ers selected Amos ’n’ Andy (NBC) for first place, Blue Monday Jam- boree (KFRC) for second spot and Lucky Strike Hour (NBC) for third position. * * * To date the Federal Radio Commission has made public no decisions on awarding of power increases to radio stations. KFRC, however, withdrew its application, leaving the local field to KGO (NBC) and KPO. Don Gilman, NBC vice president, was in Washington fighting for his station, while J. W. feaughlin, KPO chief, was also there. Gen- eral opinion is that KPO will get the decision. * * * Dell Raymond, KJBS artist, will stage a show for the soldiers at Alcatraz on November 4, following her annual custom for the past four years. She will take with her the following radio talent: Dell Parry, Oscar Young, Peggy Chapman, NBC; Abe Bloom, Cecil Wright, KFRC; Harvey Orr, KPO; Gerda Lundberg, KTAB; Frank Galvin, Art Fadden, Bob Cruze, Russell Young, Rainbow Girls, Patsy Velou, William Mc- Ever, Dante Barse, KJBS; Sydney Dixon, the Melodisers, KYA; Jane Gates, Nadine Kress, Isabelle Henion, KFWI. Ray O’Donnell and Galvin will m.c. the show. * * * Herr Louie’s Hungry Four, purveyors of German music, are work- ing before KYA’s mike nightly except Sunday. Henry Moeller is director. * * * KFRC is organizing a baseball team among the staff artists with Vic de Roco as manager. Boys are out gunning for game. * * * Boswell Sisters, according to reports, will join NBC shortly, coming from KFWB, Hollywood. Ray Bailey, musical director of KMTR, is happy at the thought of Mary and Dot returning. The Dare sisters, whimsical song birds, have been a popular feature of KMTR for some time, and are old pals of Ray. Incidently, Ray is a brother Masquer and a popular guest mem- ber of the Los Angeles Press Club. * * * Frank Gage, former program manager of KTM, is preparing to revive the “Two Starving Song- writers,” feature over KNX, with Gene Byrnes. This is a great gag and many remember when the boys and “Basil McBathwater,” did their stuff over KHJ. Best part of the program is the impromptu clown- ing. * * * Verne Trimble of KMTR is a proud and happy papa. Cerro Chico Apts. MRS. WILL DAVIS, Mgr. 3517 Marathon St. OLympia 5983 2 Blocks East of Comer Melrose and Hoover Half way between Broadway and Hollywood. Unobstructed pano- ramic view. Large singles and doubles—Frigidaire, service and extras. Individual entrance. * In recent broadcast of William Randolph Hearst’s reception ban- quets in San Francisco, the Don Lee chain had to cut off remote to the table to maintain schedule. At that, KFRC had allowed the cere- monial one half hour of extra time. Listeners did not get a chance to hear Mr. Hearst owing to numer- ous “small fry” post-dinner speak- ers. Broadcasters, the world over, wish officials would realize radio operates on set schedules and can- not deviate regardless of circum- stance. Evidently no one at the banquet had nerve to put Mr. Hearst on early. * * * Complaints are due against broad- casting methods of USC-Washing- ton State football game. Half the time nobody could tell whether they were listening to a description of a football game or a series of plugs for Associated Gasoline. The great public appreciate what Associated is doing, bringing the games to them. But a few plugs, properly prepared, between quarters, would be much better than impromptu announcements concerning gasoline and oil all through the game. ♦ * * Vernon Rickard, former staff ar- tist at KFWB, is a tenor in “Temp- tations of 1930,” at Mayan thea- tre. * * * “Star Reporter,” weekly news- paper dramas appearing over KMTR, will take a vacation for several weeks. It is with regret that radio audiences see this novel program leaving, even for a short while. CECIL IN U. PJC Edward Cecil has been assigned role of the merchant, Smelkoff, in Edwin Carewe’s production of “Resurrection” at Universal. Radio R eviews CROSS-SECTIONING RADIOLAND KFI (Los Angeles) While ranging dials, stumbled on- to “Violet Ray Music Box” pro- gram on KFI. This is an NBC feature radiating from the Earle C. Anthony Station and is a knockout. Everything in the way of snappy musical entertainment can be had by tuning on KFI Tuesday eve- nings from 8 to 8:30. The General Petroleum Trio, newcomers to Ra- dioland, were featured. The General Petroleum Trio is, by the way, a great “comer.” These boys can croon the blues with the best of ’em and in several of the new tunes broadcast during the program, came in fast and furious with fine rythm and harmony. The majority of the tunes played by the Violet Ray Orchestra were taken from current all talking mo- tion pictures. Leading off the list was “My Mad Moment,” from Paramount’s “Let’s Go Native.” This is a fast moving piece and was well played by the orchestra. Immediately to follow was a brand new tune, ac- cording to the announcer Kenneth Carpenter of the National Broad- casting Corporation, entitled “3 Little Words,” from Amos and Andy’s Radio Picture “Check and Double Check.” The crooner of the chorus, unannounced, did an ex- ceptionally fine piece of work in the attractive number. Again let us mention the an- nouncer, Kenneth Carpenter. The lad is good, with a friendly, pleas- ing voice, well modulated and using the proper inflection. This is very rare amongst the fraternity of an- nouncers ! Then into “Just a Little Dance Mam’zelle,” fast moving valse rythm enhanced by the Trio again. The only thing the songsters were- n’t on enough. They merit a half hour. “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” taken from “Whoopee.” Eddie Cantor’s vehicle followed with the same story of a good orchestra streaming forth excellent music. Good Dance Rythm A plug for gasoline and oil would have proved monotonous had it been issued by another than Car- penter. His voice has the polished suavity of an old time politician. “A Big Bouquet for You,” proved a “bouquet” indeed with the clever sax and trumpet work. THEN the Trio doing “You’re Simply Delish,” from “The Three French Girls.” Great stuff! The program concluded with Doing That Thing.” The excellence of the program forced us to listen to the plug at the end. Their pre- sentation deserves a bit of atten- tion to the sales talk, if only to catch the fade out technique of the program. Sound effect of motor at full speed with occassional “beep beep,” motor horn creates illusion of auto devouring, with extreme relish, certain grades of gas and oil. Very clever and a program that deserves more than half an hour even if on the NBC, emanat- ing from KFI. The hit of the program was “sans” doubt, the General Petrol- eum Trio. These boys are wonder- ful crooners and much more will be heard from them later! ' Art. (REVIEWED FRIDAY OCTO- BER 17) 9 p. m. KECA—Long winded re- sume of Saturday’s events. Seems to us an unnecessary feature that could be easily dispensed with. Very injurious to the ear drums— and patience. Three minutes of this, then the second half of the U. C. L. A. and St. Mary’s night football game held at the Coliseum .. . tuned out to . . . 9.06, KGER—Everett Hoagland. from Rendezvous Ballroom at Bal- boa Beach. Announcer has husky voice that’s not so good. Music well played. Bass sax very sooth- ing. 9.12—Certain station spouting hellfire, brimstone and damnation, eternal perdition of the enemies of the people, etc., etc. ■ Quickly tuned into— 9.13, KFOX (Long Beach)— Hollywood Girls, chamber music group playing “Carmina.” Slightly out of time and tune. Second vio- lin off—way off. During music a contralto chimed into the melody. At times couldn’t tell which was cello and which was contralto. An- nouncer classified the program as distinctly Spanish, which was il- luminating! 9.19, KGFJ—'“Valse Triste,” fair- ly well done by orchestra . . . Tem- po lost in fast movements however. 9.20—“Old Black Joe,” done in off key chorus. Baritone lead very tremolo . . . Finally faded to dia- logue insertion. Female chorus followed. Good harmony. A tenor furnished melodious vocal back- ground with monotonous “bunk- abunk,” sound. Lost his breath several times with big wide halts. “Sweet Kentucky Babe,” next se- lection, with soparno aided by hum- ming. Good until “bunkabunka” came along again. Dialogue good in spots. Waited all this time for station announcement and was forced finally to tune out on male chorus warbling “Sweet Adeline” That gripes us so . . . 9.40 KNX—“Somebody’s Austin is being dragged under the side- walk by ants.” We believe the Austin is heaven’s answer to Ford’s prayer for another automobile to shoulder the jokes of the world. It’s another Gilmore Circus pro- gram which is, by the way, one of the best, if slightly boisterous, blues chaser on the air. If only they left those male quartets home! So to . . . 9.49 KFVD—Pan in police siren . . . which made us jump. An- nouncer’s voice grave with police steelness, proclaiming that it is a program for the Culver City Police Department and, (so his tone would indicate) “I’ve got me eye on you young feller!” Then he became human while waiting for orchestra to get under way. Gave five an- nouncements concerning Happy Go Lucky Trio of versatile instrumen- talists. They weren’t ready which put him on the spot, and so to . . . 9.50' KHJ—“Manhattan Seren- ade,” good number. Piano passage great. Plug for Nash with harp background—T h e s e KHJ boys make a sales plug sound like a lecture on art—very swanky. 9.S8—(San Francisco) NBC pro- gram jazzing Verdi on Modern Melodies program. Irving Ken- nedy, tenor. 10 KTM—Stuart Baer, ordinary baritone warbling “Going Home.” Happy Greyhound Travellers pro- gram—and so to . . . 10.05 KFQZ—Voice filled with self righteousness indulges in a few facts and figures concerning Boul- der Dam. 10.10 KFI—Excellent Spanish music program, “Fete Seville.” Hit the 1st movement of the Spanish Suite and stayed with it. Good work, but we always shall have a yen for the classics. Art UNITED BROADCAST OFFICE IS OPENED United Broadcasting company’s new Los Angeles headquarters will be at 2612 West Seventh Street, ac- cording to Fred C. Dahlquist, man- ager of the New Pacific Coast radio chain. Fancy English design of the modern interiors located in the heart of the Westlake shopping dis- trict will give a very ritzy touch to broadcasting. Company is going in for things in a big way, and with line-up of nine stations, initial broadcast on November 1 should prove excellent. New entry into list of chains on the Pacific Coast is looked upon with favor by officials of Columbia and _ NBC in Los Angeles. The opinion has been given to the effect that the coast needed the “U” for a long time. Production Manager Richard Haller returned from San Francisco Wednesday to supervise opening broadcast. COLUMBIA TO OPEN NEW RADIO SERVICE Columbia Pictures will inaugurate its recorded radio service with a 15 minute educational talk by Paul L. Hoefler on his experiences in mak- ing sound pictures in Africa. This will be presented oer 100 stations throughout t h e United States and Canada. Premier pre- sentation of the recorded program will take place oer station WLTH, New York. An orchestration of the “African Serenade,” written by Nat Shilkret especially for the picture, “Africa Speaks,” now being shown at important theatres all over the country, will be rendered as part of the program over WLTH. TURNER TAKES REST STOCKTON, Oct. 23. — After strenuous work on th e opening of the New California, Nick Turner has temporarily retired for a two weeks vacation. George Rush of the Fox publicity department in San Francisco is handling the new house while Turner is gone. MARY DORAN SIGNED Mary Doran will do the feminine lead, and support Walter Huston in Columbia’s forthcoming produc- tion, “Criminal Code.” “INSIDE FACTS” Notes that Applied Science has taken over every depart- ment of Talkie Production but the Scenario. Is it next? Read “WHY CHANGE EXECUTIVES?” Starting NEXT WEEK