Radio stars (May 1933)

RADIO STARS Amos 'n' Andy (Continued from page 42) these boys had made, and for being friends of the Negro race. They are friends of the Negro. And why not ? Amos was born in Richmond, Virginia, and was cared for by a mammy. Gosden and Correll met in Durham, North Carolina. To play the part of Negro characters, they must be sincere in the development of those characters. That law suit, by the way, was dismissed from court when the plaintiff's lawyer failed to show up when the case was called. A MOS 'N' ANDY are now going into animated cartoon work, giving the voices of their characters to the screen as well as the air. The night they talked to me in between broadcasts, they signed a contract to make thirteen such cartoons. The first will be a wrestling match between Andy and Bullneck Mooseface. Remember the time Andy went in for wrestling with rather disastrous results? You've no idea how hard they work. The very first day they played in Radio City, they were in the theatre exactly fourteen hours. Two broadcasts for Pepsodent, their sponsors, one special broadcast for Radio City, writing an episode of 1800 words, giving five stage shows, radio and stage rehearsals, and the constant line of visitors took up the time. At the end of my visit, a booking agent rushed in, suggesting work. "Boys, they'd like to have you March "4 in Washington to play Inaugural Week." Imagine an inauguration with Roosevelt ! Amos scratched his ear and looked slyly to Andy. Finally, he said: "Well, I suppose another week won't hurt us." The stage call came. Down we went to the footlight. The overture ended, the curtains parted. A tower clock struck seven and there came the strains of "The Perfect Song." Out of the boys stepped to the applause of six thousand people. In the Chicago NBC studio, it's far different. Visitors to their broadcasts are taboo. Not even their wives have seen them do their stuff on the air. Amos 'n' Andy are not stage characters. The very few stage appearances they have made (and not in blackface either) have been out of respect to some close friend who especially requested their appearance. They don't expect to be Broadway stars because their interest is not in Broadway. Nor do they care much what Broadway thinks of them. Instead, they want to please America. "How long will you last?" I asked pointblank. "What do you think?" Andy challenged. "One year — three — five, maybe." That's their answer. They don't know, definitely. And they aren't wasting their time wondering. They are thinking about the radio show they give, about "substantial" entertainment. RULES FOR CONTESTANTS This contest open only to amateurs, 16 years old or more. Professional commercial artists and Federal students are not eligible. 1. Make drawing of girl 5 H or 6 inches wide, on paper bYi inches square. Draw only the girl and not the lettering. 2. Use only pencil or pen. 3. No drawings will be returned. 4. Write your name, address, age and occupation on back of drawing. 5. All drawings must be received in Minneapolis by April 25, 1933. Prizes will be awarded for drawings best in proportion and neatness by Federal Schools Faculty. COMPETE FOR AN ART SCHOLARSHIP I . . . Copy this girl and send us your drawing — perhaps you'll win A COMPLETE FEDERAL COURSE FREE! This contest is for amateurs (1 6 years of age or more), so if you like to draw do not hesitate to enter. PRIZES Prizes for Five Best Drawings — FIVE COMPLETE ART COURSES FREE, ineluding drawing outfit. (Value of each course $185.00.) FREE! Each contestant whose drawing shows sufficient merit will receive a grading and also expert advice as to his or her chance of success in the art field. The quality of instruction in the Federal Course develops your natural talent to a practical earning ability in the shortest possible time. It has been the start for many Federal Students, both men and girls, who are now commercial artists and illustrators, earning $2,000, $4,000 and $5,000 yearly — some even more. The Federal Schools has won a reputation as the "School famous for successful students". Enter this contest ... a splendid chance to test your talent. Read the rules and send your drawing to • FEDERAL SCHOOLS INC. • 5483 FEDERAL SCHOOLS BLDG. MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 45