Radio daily (Feb-Mar 1937)

6 RADIO DAILY Thursday. March 11. 1937 commenTs On Current Programs Al Jolson Second week with Parkyakarkus occupying the stooge spot opposite Jolson in the Tuesday night Lifebuoy broadcast on CBS was somewhat of an improvement over the previous show. Parky had better material and swung into the picture more effectively from a laugh standpoint. Martha Raye was limited to one song, "Half of Me," which she delivered for its full count. Concentrating on straight vocalizing seems the preferable bet for Miss Raye. Jolson's own bits again were of a mixed nature as far as material was concerned. His opening song number, plucked from his past successes, was pleasurably reminiscent and enjoyable, but his Virginia Judge dramatic sob bit could have been staged better. Jolson himself is all right, but they still haven't given him the right radio setting. Al Pearce Andy Iona, writer of "South Sea Island Magic," with his band of Hawaiians constituted the highlight of this week's program by Al Pearce and His Gang over the CBS network. The opening rendition of Hawaiian swing rhythm by Iona was some kind of a war chant, strummed out on the strings in whoop-up style. The number brought an encore. Boys are experts in their line of melody. Remainder of the Pearce program, including the regular standbys, Arlene Harris, Tizzie Lish, Nick Lucas, Eb and Zeb, and Larry Marsh's orchestra, contributed their usual quota of merriment. Cowboys Tuners-in who wake up when it still feels like the middle of the night, and turn on their dial, and hear the melodious yodeling of "I'm a Lone Cowboy" or something to that effect, will know that it's either 9 or 8:45 a.m. and the singer is either Tex Fletcher over WOR or Montana Slim over WABC, depending on whether it's Monday or Tuesday or the respective alternate day. Only a cowboy can sing as cheerily as these boys at such early hours. They bring to listeners a bright and optimistic note to launch their day. But that isn't saying this type of a program wouldn't also add sunshine to a spot later in the day. Shift "Big Sister" Time Lever Bros. (Rinso) on April 26 will shift the broadcast time of the morning "Big Sister" show to 5:45-6 p.m. for the duration of daylight saving. Will return to the present schedule, 4:45-5 p.m., in the fall. Repeat broadcast remains as is, 2-2: 15 p.m. RuthraufT & Ryan, Inc., has the account. "CORONET OF THE AIR" David A. Smart WOR, Tuesday 8-8:30 p.m., B. B. D. & O., Inc. LIVELY CROSS-SECTION OF CORONET MAG. WITH SMART QUIPS BY DEEMS TAYLOR PLUS DRAMATIZATIONS AND MUSICAL INTERLUDES. Out to clinch additional circulation while the business department is handing out the rate card, publisher of Coronet, new pocket sized class mag, hands out a severe test and very definite checkup on WOR's audience, especially that portion that can readily subscribe to a $4 monthly publication; particularly so, taking into consideration that the magazine has been out for several months and most of the willing subscribers in the WOR area have had plenty of opportunity to come through. Coronet makes an offer of $10 each to listeners who send in a commercial announcement that can be used. Another angle is that those wishing to subscribe can phone the WOR number and announce their intentions. Program is typically Deems Taylor, plus a radio version of Coronet in part, and a dash of the "March of Time" quality type of dramatization. Thus Taylor as emcee selects articles and stories appearing in the current issue, and the dramatization first heard pertained to making one's self superior to the other guy; in other words, getting the jump on him should he as much as open his mouth. A few symphonic bars by Robert Armbruster ork leads into a dramatized version of a Vienna soldier and his espionage work. Wasn't a bad anecdote, but comparatively long. An expert photographer tied in with the current photos in the mag, and later Taylor worked on the Soldiers' Chorus from "Faust." Mike was brought down to individual musicians, such as the second viola, second flute part, or fourth double bass being heard on their own. Controversy on the "Is Milk Cancer's Ally," article was brought up, and frankly so, with more letters invited to the publisher. Igor Stravinsky's career was highlighted, and as in other cases, pages in the magazine were mentioned, wherein the article etc., appears. Program may lean toward the listener somewhat in better circumstances than the average, yet is cleverly handled and presented throughout. It reveals Coronet as an entertaining and enlightening publication. Understood that Mutual stations will be bought upon time clearance. "TIN PAN ALLEY TROUBADOURS" Sustaining WJZ-NBC Blue Network, Tuesday, 10-10:30 p.m. ORIGINAL MUSIC AND SCRIPT BUILT AROUND SONGWRITERS. PLUS A DASH OF ROMANCE. Eddie East and Ralph Dumke (Sisters of the Skillet) brought their show to NBC and worked on it with Harold Levey, musical director. Cast includes, East and Dumke as the tin pan alley workers, Jean Ellington, as the gal, Harold Levey orchestra, Norsemen quartet and a mixed chorus. Program is somewhat of an original musical comedy proposition and moves along quite smoothly. To the average urban audience, it is questionable how well the show will take, since the general background is not new in regard to songwriters. However, the vast audience apart from those in the larger cities who may find something new in the trials and tribulations of songwriters, may consider the half-hour period fairly good entertainment, especially at this late evening hour. Much of the continuity pertains to a couple of writers, one of whom finds a "good title" in nearly every chance remark. They get a chance to do a show and work in Florida. One of them has his sweetheart on his neck, one is a yes man and the other sort of a no man. New tunes are worked out and interludes allow for the orchestra to reveal how the new tune sounds when embellished. Also when done by a chorus. Tunes in question weren't bad. Comedy duo did well with the material in hand. Listeners are asked to write their reaction. "MICROLOGUE" (Eugen Boissevain) Sustaining NBC-Red network, Wednesdays, 4: 15 p.m. TEA-TIME TALK BY COMMENTATOR ON SELECTED TOPICS OF INTEREST TO CLASS LISTENERS. The line of comment offered by Eugen Boissevain, as well as his style, relegate this program to the drawing-room class of listeners. It's almost strictly intelligentsia stuff. Boissevain, the husband of the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay, discourses with a foreign accent, not without a certain charm. He is of Dutch, French and Irish descent. He impresses as having an alert mind, an interesting perspective on people and affairs, and humor of a sort. The keener minds among radio fans will appreciate him. AGENCIES FRANCIS C. SPENCE has joined Brooke, Smith & French, Inc. RADIO & FILM METHODS, New York have been appointed by the state of New Mexico to handle special promotional work. GARDNER OSBORN, formerly of Osborne & Souvaine, Inc., radio program company, and for two and onehalf years a radio specialist in Hollywood has joined the Lawrence Fertig & Co., Inc., as an executive. Extension of Time For WPA Broadcasts The "Radio Almanac," prepared by the WPA Federal Writers' Project and broadcast at 4:30 p.m. five days weekly over WHN under the supervision of the WPA Federal Theater Radio Division, will have an extension of time on the air and will be shifted to a later hour on the station's daily schedule, it is stated at the Writers' Project office. Definite arrangements soon will be announced. These changes, to be carried out because of numerous requests for a longer "Radio Almanac" program at a more convenient hour, will enable the Federal Writers to present an even more lively series on facts and history of New York. Scheduled for early broadcast is the story of the "greatest" New Yorker of all times. Report That Dickstein May Introduce New Bill By PRESCOTT DENNETT RADIO DAILY Staff Correspondent Washington — Much mystery surrounds the future action of Representative Dickstein in piloting his alien actors' bill through the unfriendly House Immigration Committee. One member of the committee told THE RADIO DAILY that Dickstein had advised him that he would introduce a new bill. Such action would undoubtedly lead to a review of the whole matter of banning foreign acting talent from the U. S. The same informant stated that Dickstein feared to bring his bill to a vote in executive session of his own committee. New Biz at WFIL Philadelphia — Recent newly signed business at WFIL includes: Sherwin-Williams (paints) , through T. J. Maloney, for 10 weeks of daily participation in Women's Club program. Spatola Importing Co. (wines), through Harvey-Best & Co., 13 weeks of daily spot announcements. Regis Clothes, through John Faulkner Arndt, 52 weeks of 18 spot announcements weekly. Italian Swiss Wine Colony, through Adrian-Bowers, 11 weeks of three spot announcements weekly. Nevins Drug Co., through Philip Klein, 26 weeks of thrice weekly quarter-hour Transco platters.