Radio doings (Dec 1930-Jun1932)

THE Fernand L. Santa Barbara, Calif. Question — Some weeks ago I heard a very fine selection on my radio. It was a story from the Arabian Nights, a story about the Merchant, I think, with very charming incidental music. It was to be continued, but try as I might, I cannot get track of it. I don't know if it came over NBC or CBS. I am writing in the hope that some one else heard it and can give me the information about it. If you can help me in the matter I will greatly appreciate it. Answer — Well, Fernand, you gave us a nice bit of detective work, but I think we have the solution. The program you speak of used to come over the CBS western chain, but is now being broadcast only in the east. So I'm afraid you will have to get a new pet program and forget about that one, unless of course, you move to the east. Wayne F. Los Angeles Question — Please advise when KECA is going to move. Also is KFI moving its transmitter out of the city? Answer — As far as we know, KECA has no intention of moving from its present location on South Hope Street. However, KFI is moving its transmitter out to Buena Park. Offices and studio will remain where they are, and there will be no outside connection with the transmitter. Mrs. A. L. B. Santa Barbara, Calif. Question — Will you kindly tell me the name of the girl whose picture appeared on the cover of the May number of RADIO DOINGS? Answer — Gladly. She is Gogo Delys (pronounced deleese) , and is a very popular stage and radio artist. And she's just as pretty as her picture. ♦ ♦ • Is there something you wish to know about your favorite Radio Star? . . . Some program in particular you are interested in? . . . Then write the Low Down Editor of RADIO DOINGS. ♦ ♦ Elsie W. Pasadena. Calif. Question — Will you please tell me what has become of Charlie Wellman? I have lost track of him for several months, and haven't been able to locate him. Thanks in advance. Answer — A lot of other people seem to be very much interested in Mr. Wellman, the wellknown "Prince of Pep." So we'll just kill several birds with one stone and answer them all along with yours. Charlie is now broadcasting every morning except Sunday from KOL, Seattle. The hour is 10:15. Fred R. K. San Bernardino, Calif. Question — Where under the sun does the Gruen Answer Man at KFRC find the answers to the questions people ask him? Tell me something about him please. Answer — Fred, if you or I were to try to answer some of those questions we'd probably be cutting paper dolls right now. Well, to begin with, the Gruen Answer Man is William H. White, or "Bill." In answering the questions, he uses an encyclopedia quite often and various reference books such as Sir John Frazier's "Golden Book" and "The Handbook of Curious Information" by Walsh. It often takes him hours of research to get the necessary information. For instance, one of his questions was "What is the origin of the expression O. K.'.?" After digging around Bill found that John Jacob Astor used to write "All Correct" on credit slips, and the abbreviation was afterward changed. Bill has had a varied career, having been a newspaper man, machinist, fruit inspector, engineer and advertising manager. He has long been known as Professor Hamburg, Zeb, Reginald Cheerily, the Laughfinder, and Captain Vacation Steamboat Bill. Mrs. Ralph V. Long Beach, Calif. Question — At last I'm going to find out a few facts, and I'll sincerely thank you if you can tell me. Who is Pedro Gonzales? Who are Eb and Zeb? Who is Axel? Who is Elmer? Does Meredith Willson have any part on the Jamboree save his duties as musical director? (Of course, that is enough, I think he's one of the best) but I've heard he is one of the characters. Is Mickie Gillette married? Answer — Well Mrs. V., you certainly must be a Blue Monday Jamboree fan! As for the questions — I believe you will find them all answered nicely in the Jamboree article in this issue. Except one perhaps. Mickie Gillette is married, and is 24 years old. R. T. L. Oakland, Calif. Question — Is Emma Knox, of the KPO Drama Guild, the same Emma Knox who played in "Merry Wives of Windsor" at the Greek Theater in Berkeley? If she is, please tell me something more about her. Answer — She is — one and the same. In fact, it was at the Greek theater you speak of that she received much of her dramatic training. She was born in Newcastle, England, came to Berkeley at the age of seven, where she went to school. When she grew older, she studied dramatics, played in amateur and Community Players productions, making her radio debut two years ago at KPO in "The Constant Lover." Page Forty-One