Radio mirror (Nov 1936-Apr 1937)

What do you want to know? BEHIND THE SCENES FRED ALLEN is probably the most methodical actor on radio row. He follows precisely the same routine on his Town Hall Tonight programs over NBC every Wednesday night. At exactly 9:11 he walks to the sound effects table to put away the megaphone he uses for his news-reel voice. At exactly 9:24 he walks across the stage to get a drink of water. A little while later he looks at his wrist watch. It is invariably 9:36. THE ORACLE SPEAKS J. D., Cumberland, Md. — Alexander Gray is not dead. I understand a motion picture magazine published this fact, but in a later issue retracted the statement. Mr. Gray was heard on the air the early part of last summer but I do not know what he is doing at present. Miss D. C. M., Kendall Green, Mass., and all you Lee Bennett fans — At last we know what happened to Lee Bennett, former singing star of Jan Garber's orchestra. Lee has formed his own orchestra and is touring the vaudeville circuit. Watch for him in your town. "Nell," Springfield, 111— Thanks for the clipping on Lee Bennett. It was mighty swell of you to take the trouble. James Meighan is not coming back on Just Plain Bill. He's too busy playing in Bambi, David Harum and Dot & Will. Ida Q., Los Angeles, Calif. — Radio Mirror has had two feature stories on One Man's Family. The first one appeared in the January, 1936 issue and the second in the August, 1936 issue. If you want copies of these issues, send your request to the Back Issue Department, 1926 Broadway, New York, N. Y., enclosing 20c for each copy. Lanny Ross fans, attention! If you are interested in joining the Lanny Ross fan club, get in touch with its president, Ginger Barone, 231 Walworth Street, Brooklyn, New York. Dorothy C, Lawrence, Staten Island, New York — For photographs of Ozzie Nelson, Bernice Claire and Virginia Verrill, write to them in care of the National Broadcasting Company, Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. Dorothy Lamour is busy making pictures at present out on the Coast. James L., South Fork, Pa. — Our best advice to you, would be to try and 60 get some experience announcing on a local station in your town, or some nearby city. The big networks require this experience before even considering an applicant. Good luck, Jim. Ruth V., Richmond Hill, New York — A letter addressed to Frank Parker in care of the National Broadcasting Company, Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, will reach him. Don McNeill is not appearing steadily on the Breakfast Club these days. He's busy making recordings. When he does appear, you can hear him over the New York station of WJZ. You can also hear him on Tea Time at Morrell's over NBC. Arthur B., Tampa, Florida — The late Russ Columbo used to lead his own orchestra. The records of these programs and sponsors, have been destroyed. Russ was twenty-six when he died. Mrs. F. R. G., Youngstown, Ohio — Mary Small has a sustaining spot on the NBC network. Bradley Kincaid is still singing over Schenectady, New York's local broadcasting station. Miss June C, Chicago, 111. — Always willing to oblige a friend, June. Johnnie Davis was born in Brazil, Indiana, twenty-five years ago. He learned to play the trumpet in his father's municipal band at the age of eleven, went professional at twelve, tooting the trumpet in Jack O'Grady's band in Terre Haute while doubling at school. He was finally discovered by Fred Waring while playing with Red Nichols in a New York City hotel. Johnnie's middle name is Gus and he was one of the first "scat" singers. Miss Rita D. O., Trenton, N. J. — Here's some more about the Warings. Brother Tom Waring was born in Tyrone, Pa. He's thirty years old, blueeyed and black hair. He used to work in a haberdashery store and play piano and drums with Poley McCIintock for parties around Tyrone ... is not married. The founder of the Pennsylvanians, Fred Waring, was also born in Tyrone, Pa. Fred planned to become an architect, {Continued on page 96)