Radio Mirror (Nov 1935-Apr 1936)

RADIO MIRROR Proudly Presents CURTIS MITCHELL Well known writer, editor and friend of radio personalities, in a fascinating series of articles beginning with — ALEUT ATVD OFF-HAND, I'd say the average radio star is made up of two parts sheer talent, three parts grit, four parts peacock, and five parts jitters. They vary according to their stamping grounds, of course, running to higher proportions of peacock especially in New York and Hollywood. Wherever you find them, though, there are two things you can't get away from — talent and jitters. It's funny, but a surprising number of my friendships with people who make their living broadcasting came about as a result of those jitters, as a result of my happening along with a blow-torch just when their nerves had turned theif bodies into sticks of dynamite. The first one who blew up — all over me, by the way — was the Singing Lady. The second was a red-eyed threat to my life and limb named Rudy Vallee. The third was a blonde with curls clear down to here who was facing something of a crisis when I butted in. That's how I came to know Jessica Dragonette. The Singing Lady thing was a mistake, pure and simple. But how was Ireene Wicker to know that way out in Chicago? You see, I was the bright boy detective who had discovered who the Singing Lady actually was. It was a great mystery in those days. The mention of her name brought "sush-sushings" down around my ears in every studio I visited until the day one undisciplined Don't you dare,' I advised. Next day Jessica Dragonette cut her hair." THOSE HIDDEN MOMENTS IN THE LIVES OF THE STARS "% %. ** 1* j