Radio stars (May 1933)

RADIO STARS (Above) Andy and Amos in the makeup which goes with their famous act. Extreme left) Charles J. Correll — Andy. (Left) Freeman F. Gosden — Amos. fingers on the public pulse. Let's go see them and see what they have to say about it I found Freeman F. Gosden, or Amos to you, and Charles J. Correll, better known as Andrew H. Brown, at the huge new Music Hall in Radio City, New York. They were playing a stage engagement there, the first such engagement in a year and a half. Through the stage door I went, took a couple ot elevator rides, and found myself surrounded by dressing rooms. Andy was at the telephone as I entered the hall. With one hand he directed me to his room. With the other he held the receiver and continued his phone conversation. NO. 502 was the room. Amps, who had been in the bath preparing for the next stage appearance, came out in shorts, socks and dressing gown. Andy finished his call and came in, fully dressed, except coat and vest, and he, too, was wearing a dressing gown — a blue one just like Amos. What a pace these fellows hit. In dashed a boy with a bite of lunch. Then came a message from a stranger asking for a small gift — not just a million, he'd be satisfied with $1,000. Another man, just released from an Atlanta prison, worked his way past the many desks and secretaries to tell Andy that he knew a man who knew a man who knew a man who knew Andy. You know how it is. The ex-prisoner wanted a few dollars. Moments later a woman insisted that they see her hairless dog. It was hairless, all right. A man rushed in and said if they'd endorse his song he would be made. A booking agent came to talk business. A film company sent representatives to talk more business. A photographer snapped pictures. What a life! Then came a respite. Gosden and Correll made for a day-bed and comfort. They're used to that mile-a-minute pace. They have been at it for more than five years. But they're tired — plenty. You'd never know it though. Always smiling, always talking, always cheerful — they are perfect hosts. The burnt cork of Amos 'n' Andy makes no difference in the character of Gosden and Correll as they really are. And that undoubtedly is doing much to hold them on the air. While we were alone, they answered my question. They have been fortunate and they know it. They're not boastful about it, but at the same time they can't avoid knowing that other programs and artists have come and gone, but Amos 'n' Andy have remained. What's the reason? Amos was the spokesman. "We want to stick. And you can bet that as long as we're on the air, we'll do our best to put on a substantial program." That word "substantial" explains their entire philosophy. Could it be that this is the reason they've been able to last over five years already ; might this be the factor which will keep them with us for a (Continued on page 42) 11