Radio doings (Dec 1930-Jun1932)

Billy Jones, of Jones and Hare, once worked in a bank, tended sheep in Wales, mined ore. worked on telephone poles and sang in vaudeville. In the NBC serial "Raising Junior," the crying of Junior is done by SaUie BeUe Cox, NBC's be*t "cry-baby." She stands before the mike with a pillow in front of her face to get the proper crying effect. Sallie also is adept at "Ga," "Da," "Goo" and other infantile phrases. She learned how in a girl's camp, where she cared for youngsters. K.FOX celebrated its eighth anniversary March 5 with a gala program that continued all day. The first program ever broadcast from KFOX— then KFON — was reenacted exactly as it took place in 1924. In 1930 the station won first prize in a national contest determining the most popular radio program in the country — the "School Kids" skit. Nathaniel Anderson, brother of the famous "Bronco Billy" Anderson, has been added to the staff of KFWI. He has had several seasons' experience on Broadway and has appeared in Shakesperean productions. .and That Nick Harris, veteran of radio detective stories, has started a new series of story-andsong programs over KECA Sunday mornings at 9:30. Jose Arias and his popular Spanish orchestra furnish the music. Alex Gray, while no.t otherwise superstitious, has a strange fear of one phrase. Whenever anyone wishes him "Good Luck" in just those words, he wears out his knuckles rapping wood. The "Four Horsemen" of KLS: Noyes Alexander, first tenor; Carl Thompson, second tenor; Ben Deane. baritone; and John Hidalgo, bass. The boys were recruited from an Oakland business college, where they had become popular as student body entertainers. Did you know that the song. "Where Are You, Girl of My Dreams," sung by Bing Crosby recently, was composed by Bing himself ? The number is featured in the talkie, "The Cohens and Kellys in Hollywood," soon to be released. The Blue Monday Jamboreadors have been going calling. The whole gang has been making appearances in San Jose, Oakland, Stockton and VaUe!<>. the first of a series that will cover most of the larger cities in California. The huge audiences that attend these shows are proof that the Jamboree still flourishes as one of the West's most popular programs. KHQ musical programs are now under the direction of Ralph Bovee, who has been conductor and featured violinist with Loew theatres in New York during the past ten years. Jean Anthony, organist, has captured a big audience of KHQ listeners in his two morning programs every day. He presides at the console of the big Fox Theatre organ, and now and then sings a chorus over his own playing. Francis Lapitino admits he got up in the world by puUing strings. He's the harpist with Nat Shilkret's band in "Music That Satisfies." Jack Carter, KNX, the "Boy From London," collects stamps and plays golf for recreation . . . Cliff Arquettc and Harold IsbeU, of Aunt Emmy and Bert, used to be bitter enemies, but now they're good pals . . . Georgia Fifield has produced more than 350 radio plays . . . Velva Darling once flew across the continent with Colonel Lindbergh . . . Eddie Holden is a good cook and boasts of his biscuits. Ever wonder how celebrities act before a radio mike? Here's the lowdown on several of them: Bebe Daniels is nervous; usually brings a large number of friends. Governor Rolph is expansive, gallant and eusive, but easily upset. Sir Hubert Wilkins conveys the impression that if he wasn't jittery on the Nautilus, why should he be in front of a mike? Mary Pickford smiles at everything, does her work quickly and rushes away. Harry Lauder is most exacting and demanding— drives musicians to tears. William Randolph Hearst is brisk and business-like. Will Rogers is at his ease, loves to talk. Dr. Robert Millikan dashes in, talks quietly and rushes out — alone. Bobby Jones is quiet and well-prepared. Generalizing: Actresses are the most difficult, but seldom disappoint in performance. Bankers are dependable but poor speakers. Politicians are frightened and cranky. Scientists—patronizing. Athletes — stage struck Writers and prima donnas are touchy. Gerda Lundberg and Win Cotton, of KTAB, were married on March 8, and took a boat to Los Angeles on their honevmoon. In the belief that many listeners miss their old family firesides, Bonnie Blue, of KRKD. has written a new program, "Fireside Fantasy," in which an attempt has been made to capture that warmth and homeiness of the fireside. Come on at 6:30. KGER recently dolled itself up in new lighting effects and a thorough renovation. Plans are being completed for the installation of a complete broadcast system in the new $5,000,000 Long Beach municipal auditorium, new home of the Long Beach Band. Homer Croy, who wrote "They Had To See Paris," starring Will Rogers, has given KTM radio rights for a radio version of his latest work. Edward Lynn has condensed "Headed for Hollywood" for radio audiences in thirteen episodes. It will be produced "Please re-write this in English!" was the notation on a proposed radio talk script submitted to Freeman Talbot, manager of KOA. Talbot made the notation after he had found twenty unrecognizable words on one page, dealing with a subject in which he had majored in college. RADIO DOINGS Page Twenty-five