Radio showmanship (Jan-Dec 1942)

battlers. Eager to assist them is a platoon of pretty patronesses who aid contestants in answering questions. Soldier participants throw darts at a dart board located ten feet away. The throwing skill of these mental minute men determines the amount of the cash prize awarded for a correct ans^ver to the question asked. A bull's-eye gives S4.00 and an opportunity to throw again. To each participant goes a tube of NOXZEMA. Taps sound on the CAening's march of mirth with the Firing Line Finale. Each contestant hurls a dart at the target board. The one striking closest to the bull's-eye walks off with a special award of ten dollars. Promotion: An elaborate window display was installed in the studio corridor for six weeks following the original broadcast. Placards 8 by 10 inches were placed in all diug stores through the Baltimore market giving the details of the program and photographs of contestants in action. Merchandising letters familiarized the trade with the program. Army camp papers and publications featured write-ups. In ten local and county newspapers throughoiu the state one-quarter page ads were run. Movie trailers ^vere sho-^vn in 11 Baltimore theatres. Points out Ray Sullivan, Ruthrauff & Ryan, Inc.'s account executive: "That the program originates at army posts does not mean that the sponsor's products are indorsed by the AVar Department or the army personnel. The program originates solely for the entertainment of the army personnel." That point is also brought out in broadcasts. AIR FAX: First Broadcast: March 7, 1941. Broadcast Schedule: Wednesday, 8:30-9:00 P.M. Preceded By: Christmas Street Scene. Followed By: Gabriel Heatter. Sponsor: Noxzema Chemical Co. Station: WFBR, Baltimore, Md. Power: 5,000 watts. Population: 833,499. Agency: Ruthrauff & Ryan, Inc. COMMENT: For the sponsor who gets the go-ahead signal from the AVar Department for a public service feature originating from army training centers, it is well to remember that such approval does not imply army endorsement of the sponsor's product. \Vith this point in mind, Noxzema Chemical is employing real shoivmanship to splendid advantage. The element of chance lends interest to the quiz format. The challenge of skill is one that every soldier is glad to meet. Variant No. 3 YOU TELL 'EM SOLDIER All of the boys of Fort Hancock, N. J., are >^ eligible to participate in the ^X^ half-hour quiz show aired over AVHX, New York City, on Monday evenings. Enlisted men get a chance to answer questions submitted by camp officers. Soldiers called to the mike are gi\en their choice of an easy question or a difficult one, with the amount of the prize determined by the question's classification. A jackpot question rounds out the show\ air FAX: Quizzing the boys is amiable emcee, Jack Arthur. f«r5/ Broadcast: December 22, 1941. Broadcast Schedule: Monday, 9:30-10:00 P.M. (EST). Preceded By: Dance Music. Followed By: Cinderella Hour. Station: WHN, New York City. Power: 50.000 watts. COMMENT: Right no^v, alert morale officers are anxious to start entertainment programs for the men in uniform. Quiz shows provide the format for an excellent public service feature. Variant IVo. 4 PRESENT ARMS! Designed to give listeners an intimate picture of defense training activities in all major army centers within a 300-mile radius of Kansas City, this on-the-scene broadcast depicts life in the United States Army. Listeners hear interviews with officers and enlisted men; eat a typical meal in the mess hall; attend chapel; and join the trainees for an evening's entertain FEBRUARY, 1942 59