NBC Transmitter (Jan-Dec 1940)

JANUARY, 1940 3 NBC BIOGRAPHY Blevins Davis The indefatigable Blevins Davis, who handles NBC’s educational drama programs, did not wait until he was able to walk to display his talent for the unusual. He began promptly on his career by being born in Independence. Missouri, the starting point of the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe trails. The locale abounds in fascinating legends so unusual as readily to stir the imagination of an alert youngster. Perhaps it was this interesting background that laid the foundation of his interest in the theatre. Sometime, if you urge him a bit, he may tell you of an early incident in his life which brought him very close to the natural lore of land still touched by the pioneer spirit. Business interests made it necessary for his father to travel into the Oregon country to adjust claims. He took young Blevins, then only six years old, along with him, and for six months they lived in the government house in the midst of the Umatilla Reservation located in an isolated part of the state. One has but to imagine the richness of such an experience. His education was as varied as his early life, for he graduated from Missouri and Princeton Universities, and later did graduate work in the Yale University School of Fine Arts, Department of Drama. After he had received his degree from Princeton, Mr. Davis taught Drama and English. His activities in the National Education Association brought him recognition in the form of the chairmanship of the Visual Education Committee. It was after broad experience in this field that he again heeded the call of things theatrical and found himself enroute to the New Haven campus. He had always had a deep interest in the coronation customs of English kings. His senior thesis in college was Coronation Customs as Reflected in Shakespearian Dramas. While at Yale he continued his researches and brought his familiarity with the subject up to the coronation of George V in 1911. It so happened that at the time Edward abdicated, Mr. Davis was still studying in New Haven. His knowledge was turned to material rew'ard when he wrote coronation articles for the Hearst syndicate. NBC became aware of his work on the subject and had him furnish the factual matter for four Sunday night pre-coronation pro Blevins Davis grams. It was then decided that he should go to England as special representative and commentator. Mr. Davis found particular pleasure in reporting scenes along the coronation route from the actual places described. One of the most interesting spots presented to radio listeners was Christie’s. Whenever a prominent English family finds itself on high financial seas, it turns its prized possessions over to the highest bidder at Christie’s sessions. And it has been well said ibat sooner or later all the treasures of the British Empire find their way to those halls. Another noteworthy event was the broadcast description of the pageant at Bath in commemoration of the Coronation of Edgar in 973 with its colorful costumes and mediaeval miming. Blevins Davis also remembers well an example of precision in the timing of a great public event that would warm the heart of any radio man. Those in charge of the ceremonies had announced that Their Majesties would arrive at Westminster Abbey at eleven o’clock. Mr. Davis can show you a photograph of the king alighting from the golden coach before the Abbey and in the same picture Big Ben’s hands pointing out eleven on the dot. Looking back, Mr. Davis thinks Queen Marv attracted the most attention and that the native princes from India caused the greatest stir with their lavish and richly colored robes. Throughout he worked closely with Ered Bates, NBC representative in England. Immediately on his return to America, Davis became associated with Mr. Phillips Carlin in the work of the Program Department. It was during ibis })eriod that he developed his idea of the Great Plays series, the work for which he is most noted. I he series was ]>lanned in connection with Lewis Tit(erton and William Rainey. It found a ready response from the |)ublic with its presentations of such traditional hits as The Lady of the Camellias, Everyman, Alcestis, Macbeth and V olpone. In .Jatiuary, 19.39, Blevins Davis entered the Education Division of the Program Department where he became an assi.stant to Walter G. Preston Jr., and now specializes in handling NBC’s educational dramas, with particular emphasis on the Great Plays series, of course. During the past summer he spoke before the American Library Association, which has been most helpful in publicizing the series. He then made an extensive tour of the universities in this country. The purpose of the tour was to establish personal contact and to discuss the reactions and viewpoints of the listeners. A closer understanding and mutual benefit naturally resulted. It must be a great source of satisfaction to Mr. Davis to see his idea becoming continually more popular and more an integral part of drama study in the nation’s schools. For one thing, over one hundred and fiftv universities and colleges give credit to those who listen in. In the case of Michigan and Utah, Great Plays forms part of the graduate studv. Three national radio awards have been received by Great Plays, and Mr. John Royal, vice president in charge of Programs, has stated that he regards it as one of NBC’s most important contributions to education. Getting it established was not all smooth sailing, however, as the following tvpically radio story shows. ShortIv after the series was announced an enthusiastic letter came to Mr. Davis. The writer was delighted, thought the whole idea excellent. Radio, it seems, was reallv getting some place. To think, said he. that now we will he able to hear the actual voices of the countrv’s finest athletes while thev tell just how they made their greatest plays.