Radio and television mirror (Jan-June 1949)

I seven years they've been Mr. and Mrs. They entertain at home, and the group of friends they see most often takes turns in entertaining. They rarely go out to big parties, but when they do Phil complains that Alice, who has had to be urged to go in the first place, doesn't want to leave once she gets there. "I don't know why I go through this," he says. "I spend two hours getting her started, and three hours getting her to go home. I am nothing but a martyr to sociability." He doesn't mention, naturally, the Harris problem about the "47." The "47" is a club in San Fernando valley frequented, mostly, by musicians. Every now and again a bunch of us who followed each other in hotels and theaters, who've known each other for years, get together out there for our own private jam session. Phil plays the drums. Although old Curly says his foot gets tired fast now, I've seen him sit in until 2 or 3 A.M. All our wives protest, of course, but wives are like that. Alice sometimes comes down to listen for a while, but eventually she gets tired. Curly won't budge. Alice is welcome to stay, but he just ain't goin' home. Not yet awhile. After all, we think there has never been music like we turn out at the "47." PHIL is essentially a man's man. He loves these get-togethers with the boys, and he likes getting a bunch of guys together for hunting and fishing trips. Alice keeps his guns racked behind glass doors, and sees that they aren't touched by interested guests. Curly has taught her to fish a little, but I think he'd have a nervous collapse if he ever saw a gun in her hands. Both these hobbies are strictly for males. Besides, he plays golf — another enthusiasm Alice doesn't share. The fact that she doesn't begrudge this time away from the family is proof to me of her complete understanding of Phil. Another thing. Phil's nervous system is contradictory — he can go from tension to complete, instant relaxation. Of course, this latter is a must when you do one-night stands, else you don't live to be even Jack Benny's age. Phil can lie down on a table top in broad daylight with a band playing ten feet away and go to sleep before you can say Phil Spitalny. I've always resented this. I have looked at him when we've been on the road, seen him sleeping peacefully in a jolting bus — and, well, it's the only time I've ever harbored any ill will for the guy. However, he is nervous. He stands off stage bouncing like a fighter going into the ring, before shows. He never speaks of it — but the nervousness is there. When this is apparent at home, Alice simply leaves him alone — another lesson to wives who feel nervous tension must be talked out and soothed over. Phil and Alice are probably two of the most loyal friends anyone will ever have. The people closest to them now are the ones they've known for many years. When they were kids, Alice and Betty King danced together — almost their very first jobs, with the Chester Hale group in New York. Betty is still Alice's closest friend. She is now Mrs. Walter Scharf, and Walter is musical arranger on the air show. When Phil and I were in the service, we were stationed for some time at Catalina Island. Phil was a Lt. j.g. I was a musician, and just a plain sailor. The officers at the island were quartered, two to a bungalow in a section apart from the regular barracks. Phil TRUE To outsiders, Wanda O'Brien's husband was a big jolly Irishman, laughing and goodnatured, but at home he became a Mr. Hyde, a snarling wildman who threatened her life and the safety of their children. Read Wanda O'Brien's very own words as she describes the tragic events that led to her hvisband's death in February Experiences MAGAZINE Now On Sale At All Newsstands Also In This Issue: • My Silver Dream Came True — It was a bleak Christmas in Chicago when Jean Brehm bought a hohday dinner for a penniless ''hobo." Months later she received a letter naming her beneficiary of the "hobo's" estate. But getting the money was another story. You don't want to miss this. • I Saw My Sister Die — Mary Jean Brown's tragic account of her sister's murder — the story of Pauline Manaray whose beauty and charm changed the man she loved into a jealous killer. and many other exciting stories about real people 25 fact-features for only 25 cents in February TRUE Experiences GET YOUR COPY TODAY! R IW 105