Variety (Sep 1938)

30 VARIETY RADIO REVIEWS Wednesday, September 14, 1938 ADOLF HITLER Nuremburg Address 90 Mlns. Moil.' (KM 2:15 p.m., E.DST WJZ, WABC, New York One bf the most momentous speeches in modern history was given .America first-hand via short- wave-Horn Nuremburg Monday (12). when both the NBC and CBS nets, broadcast Adolf Hitler's closing ad- dress to the. annual Nazi congress. The international importance of Dei- Fuehrer's speech r and the fact that it would keynote a major war or peace (temporarily at least) had been driven home to the world by news- papers and commentators.for weeks past. Because, of this, there's little doubt that the event probably drew: the greatest and most profoundly in- terested listening audience in radio history, next to the English kings abdication address. With the exception of minor static peculiar to short-wave re-broadcasts. Hitler's speech dame over the air very clearly. . A dynamic, 'spellbind- ing speaker, the broadcast was most impressive when he' worked up the thousan of Nazis in attendance to frenzied cheers, 'Heil Hitlers' and •Sieg Hells' ('Hail Victory.') As usual with - political speeches from Ger- many (or Italy), the demonstrations were frequent, pretty nearly, at the end of each sentence. CBS had Kurt Heiman, of its New York staff, translating passages of Hitler's speech as it ran along, but Heiman. wasn't as clear coming from New York as Hitler was from Nuremburg; NBC's between-para- graphs interpreter was Kort von Forstmeyer, German announcer, from Nuremburg.; He was a little more distinct. CBS alone comment- ed on the speech editorially, after it ■was over. H. V. Kaltenborn holding the air from 3:35 p.m., rwhen Hitler, ended, till 3:45. Kaltcnborn's- digest, held wi in nine minutes and conse-' quently 'limited, imply pointed up the inflammatory passages in'■' the' ad- dress. At 4:15 p.m. NEC went on the air again from Nuremburg, with Dr. Max Jordan, its Continental Euro- pean rep, giving a summary of the essential parts of Hitler's sfieech. While exceptionslly clear on the re- broadcast, Jordan noticeably, re- frained from editorial/Comment He also appeared to ba soft-pedalling— understandable in viaw of the strict censorship in force in Germany. Jordan's qui vive attitude, on .the war talk, however, may also have, been in linewith NBC's policy (de- tailed elsewhers in th>s issue) of playing down (he current agitation and tension in Europe. WMCA, New York, at the last minute decided to put commentator Johannes Steel ..on'the air at 4 p.m. Monday, a half-hour after Hitler finished, with a digest: of the speech. Steel, naturally, editorialized, but wasn't exactly consistent with his translation of the speech. As Steel heard it. Hitler Insulted Great Britain's ambassador; called Czechoslovakia's President Benes all sorts of names; claimed that Czecho-. Slovakia could not exist any longer —but, Steel point ly exclaimed a couple of times, there's no immediate prospects of war. He admitted, how- ever, that the tension abroad con- tinues unlessened. Without referring to him by name, or even to the network, Steel took a couple of pokes at Von Forstmeyer. who did the translations' for NBC from Nuremburg. Steel accused him of purposely misinterpreting Hitler's speech so that it was. less Inflammatory., Commentator quoted a couple of passages from the actual address and then pointed to the Way Von Forstmeyer aired 'em. They were quite different in meaning and tone, he said. Scfio. LUX RADIO THEATRE 'Spawn of the North' With George Raft, Fred MacMurray, . John Barry more, Dorothy Lamour, , Akim Tamlroff, Cecil B. DeMllle, Will H. Ilays Dramaf ie 60 Mins. LUX Monday, 9 p.m., EDST WABC-CBS, New York (J, .Walter Thompson) Series this week (12) began its fourth year on the air with an adaptation of' Paramount'scurrent release. 'Spawn of the North.* Re- tains the same formula, with Cecil B. DeMille billed as producer and serving as m;c. arid scene-setter. Will H. Hays guested on the seasons initialer to 'Ballyhoo the film in- dustry. Told about the function of the MPPDA,, of the size and impor- tance of the picture biz and referred to the films' 'greatest year.' Cast for 'Spawn' brought the mike George Raft as Tyler Dawson, Dorothy Lamour as his llght-o-love. Nicky Duval; John Barrymore, as Windy Turlin, and Akim Tamirofr, as Red Ska in, all repeating their aim roles. Fred MacMurray substituted for Henry Fonda as the hero, Jim Kermherlce. Radio players had the other parts. Slory of the salmon fisheries in Alaska presented considerable pro- duction difficulties for radio, since it is an outdoor yarn and must depend for much of its appeal on the color- fully rugged locale.' However, the production was up to the mark and the piece rolled along with insistent, compelling force. Except for his ap-- parent effort to enunciate clearly. Raft sounded "eminently realistic as the disillusioned fishtrap robber, while ' MacMurray^ was a suitably heroic lead . and Dorothy Lamour. bathed the ftudloin weeps as speci- fied. Barry sviore pulled all the emoting stoos as Windy and TainUv o-T was his customary villain, DeMille was' plausible m.c, as usual. Commercials stick to the drama- tized blurb idea, how none Of her sisters will believe Susie Glutz actually does .her share of the dish- washing because her hands are so lovely and stir the swains to such ardor. It seems, she explains, she merely uses Lux. Hobe. BETTY AND BOB With Spencer Bentley and Alice 111 Serial Sketch 13 Mlns. GENERAL MILLS Mon.-Frl, 2 p. m. EDST WEAF-NBC, New York ( Blaclcef t-SampIe-Humtnert) One bf longest-run daytime serials designed to catch the ear of house- wives, this General ills standby continues to roll along. Show is noteworthy in that it was the vehicle for one of Don Ameehe's early dra- matic efforts on the airwaves, back in 1932, and that it aided Les Trc- maine to gain further recognition as one of Chicago's top mjke players. Newest entry to handle the Bob role is Spencer Esntlcy. who was in stock and legit before radio. He is an able successor and now is entering.second yei>r in the character. Shift of pace from the strictly dor mestic affairs of the Betty arid Bb,b, young married couple! to molbdra- mnlic in which action '..predominates, probably has enabled the show tq continue year after year.' As day- time serials go. it manages to sustain' interest five days weekly where oth- ers tend to bog down. Skit gets away from soft-soap .domestic sketch material by keeping out of the vut on nlot development. Alice Hill makes a likely mate for Spencer Bentley in the series.' Both bring a surprising amount of thes- pinn talent to the mike.. Pierre Andre, nnhdiincer, handles trim com- mercials, sponsors evidently appre- ciating the strength of brevity. TQN ANNIVERSARY Variety ' Two .Hours Sustaining Sept. 10, C p.m.. CST WBAP, Fort Worth . 'Roundup of premiere talent- from each of Texas-. 'Quality Network's units. WBAP, Fort Worth; WFAA, Dallas; WOAI, San Antonio,' and KPRC, Houston, coupled with straightforward web sales talk, com- memorated net's fourth anniversary. WBAP opened show . presenting brassy sounding concert orchestra with unnamed maestro, plus Virgi ia. Pulley and * Ray Dunaway, local warblers, Especially effective was the, Futuristic Four, Negro foursome,' Singing spirituals. During web spiel by Nelson Olmsted, a train whistle seeped through studio window with noticeable effect. ' ' . Karl Lambert's combo open -the WFAA stanza ' with, an -effectively played march,, followed by capable deliveries bf the Plainsmen .Quartet, soprano Bessie Ruth Bickford. the Treasure Gold Quartet, baritone Gordon Soots and tenor Ivan Wayne. Orch was particularly capable in rendition of 'Dance of the Top Pines.' Prideful ballyhoo pointed to TQN's part, in recent "• Gubernatorial cam- paign of Governor-Elect W, Lee O'Daniel. KPRC's contribution . centered about Bert Sloan's musical combo, which lacked depth and quality. Introduced as 'radio's newest find,' Songstress Kate Martelli appropri- ately sang 'Bewildered.' Combo known as (he Swingtet supplied ear- tickling version of 'Avalon' in manner bf Andre Rolllhi. Mexican theme was supplied by WOAI in colorful manner. Opening rhumba too lengthy, but segued into pleasing onslaught on the tango, 'La Cumparsita.' Rosita, the exponent of Mex swing, fitted neatly into Latin American scene, with three ditties. Chief mikestcr. Lew Valentine did creditable job with well written'- continuity. NOVELTY CHOIR (7) With Jim Peterson Singing 15 Mins. Sustaining Wed.. 9:15 p.m., EDST WOR, New York Clever collection of voices -is. un- fortunately, limited; Lacks strong enough appeal to .hold average- lis- teners in sola Choir works'many :hbuse shows and could well be part Of a commercial program; If given sufficient support of more, generally appealing entertainment Includes four male and three femme voices,, ranging from soprano to bass. Work, in harmony and in split gender groups with director- accomo- of Jim Peterson, who also arranges. Range from pop songs to standard, all of which is fancily ar- ranged and well delivered. Girls "n under label of 'Silhouettes in Blue' while boys take 'Our Quartet' tni.!. Equally, pleasant when split-, ns when, co-working. Hurt, HOLLYWOOD HOTEL With Herbert Marshall, Claadette Colbert, Frances Langford, Jean Sablon, Ken. Miles, Victor Young Orchestra Variety 80 Mlns. CAMPBELL'S SOUP Fri„ 9 p. m. EDST WABC, New York (L. Ward Wkeelock) An attractive cast for,a program which deviates from its previous formula. But a summation of its worth is that Friday night remains wide open to the opposition. Gene is Lolly Parsons and her on- the-cuff film plugs. Now it's on the line, down the line. Instead of scenarios it's now stage plays with the familiar (too familiar?) picture players. In this case, the opening session for the '38 T 39 season sub- ject was the stage play, 'Dark Angel, with Claudette Colbert and Herbert Marshall heading the performers. Marshall will be a regular here for the next five weeks after, which Wil- liam Powell is due to take his place. The guest players will change week- ly, of course. The current framework is defeated by its length, that 60 minutes. This particular night, the first quarter hour was taken up with songs, some, badinage between the smooth Mar- shall and the vocalists, the reason- able commercial, and band selec- tion. For the next 35 .it was 'Dark Angel,' straight. Nicely done, but on the. long side. That left 10 minutes to clean up. It wasn't enough, so the end of .the program went to pieces. It hurt this performance but didn't cloud the tapestry the pro- gram intends to weave. • The sched- ule misses its former comedy mo- ments. (Ken Murray) though' mostly, because of the one hour's running time. It would be pertinent to hear this program, with the same people,, reduced to a half - hour, the .guest star thence doing a one-act playlet. There are some good ones, around if the boys will dig. Other regulars intended for this season are Frances Langford,, the lone holdover from last year; Jean Sablon, arid Victor Young's neat or- chestra: This makes it all music other than the play of the week: Miss Langford did three, songs, opening with 'Now It Can Be Told.' These Coast girl singers must do something about their material. They don't sing -songs so well that' they can follow the east by five or six weeks with tunes which have been done to a turn. There are too many girls on the air, in and out of. New York, who warble just as well as the California canaries—and they seem, to get the songs first. It's important that Miss Langford be on the alert for new melodies instead of waiting until they've been, through the wash. Which gets around to Jean.Sablon, a guy who is finally on a commer- cial program—the wrongs one, and after waiting, two years. It's the wrong program because they've made ■ just an average', vocalist of him. Sablon is no ordinary singer of a song. He. has, or had,.style and plenty of charm. That's all hidden here. When Sablon was on' WJZ he was something to hear. . In fact, he was so good no one naid much atten- tion to him. So they moved him west, made him a glamour lad, and he drew a-bid. He sings a better song than on this session. It was during Sablon's finishing song that the works fell apart. They broke into the middle of it for the closing commercial and announce- ment of next week's bill:, the ap- plause came when, they didn't need it. and was absent when tb''" did. The wind just went out of ;iie bal- loon. Some day sponsors are going to find out that these full hour pro- grams are the double film features of radio. Which' prompts the ques- tion, how many hour sessions do you know which would be as good, may- be better, if reduced to 30 minutes? ED EAST'S HOUSE 1\ Music, singing 30 Mlns. C-N Mon.-thru-Frlday, WHN, New York (Moser it Colitis) Normally a participation program, Ed East's (and Dumke) rogram is bankrolled by C-N- cleanser current- ly. A strictly hen-party studio audi- ence acts as stooge for East's trite and Unfunny smart-alccking and also as animated applause machines for all-recorded music, which back- grounds. Music Uf- not without merit, em- ploying discs of Freddy Rich's band, Adrian Rolli.ni's x'ylophonic platters and1 D'Artega at canned .piano. In- cludes some passable vocalizing, also on plates. Commercials could stand a little pruning, running too many times and for too long a time. Program also presents a new low in radio's playing down, to -intelli- gences; Offers prizes; minus box tops, or facsimiles in obvious attempt to gather more listeners and more sponsors for. shoring show; for an- swers to weekly questions, Brain- teasers are of kindergarten variety, example being 'What big event is coming to New York in 1939 that will attract great throngs.' Every reply gets some reward, ranging from cash (for best) to surprise handouts for all participants. LIFE CAN BE BEAUTIFUL Karle Larlmore, Alice Belnharl, Ralph Locke, Carl Eastman, Waldl- nuur Kappel ': t Dramatic Serial IS Mini. IVORY SOAF Hon.-Frl., 4:30 p.m. WEAF-NBC, New York (Comvton) Carl L. Blxby and Don Becker, the Ecrlpters of 'Life Can Be Beautiful,' have evolved a surefire .formula. In borrowing characters and incidents the pair has shown smart judgment in picking only from' the tried and true and successful: Practically every one- of the characters has-a. counterpart in some click daytime serial, so that the amalgamation, re- inforced by a crack cast, can't help but deliver for Procter At Gamble. Serial standby family includes a male oily Goldber" given, to lib- eral quoting of the Talmud, a gamin who's- bound to turn out the lost princess, a righteous young man un- der whose icy exterior, beats a warm, turbulent love for this same gamin, a gangster heavy who is determined to make' the 18-year-old waif his moll, and a neighborhood youngster who's strong on the girl himself, but in a nice romantic way. The action takes place in the second-hand book- store of David Solomon, where the gamin seeks refuge from the prowl- ing gangster. Background, charac- ters and plot.so far suggest the sort of ingredients that can keep'the hausfrau listener in a sustained dither: Earle Larimore endows the part of Stephen Hamilton, a cripple, who live; .'with Solomon,-and who is in- clined to show his love for. the gamin in reverse English, with lots of. sub- stance and understanding. Alice Reinhart lends a broad experience and talent*, to the role of the. waif, while Ralph Locke Proves engaging in the stock Hebe character. Waldt- mar Kappel ilays the heavy, and Carl Eastman the neighborhood youth. ... Becker is also responsible for the production. His is one of the more adroit samples of dramatic strip di- rection to be found on the daytime network schedules. - Odec. JEWISH SYMPHONIETTA Music 30 Mlns. ROKEACH PRODUCTS Sunday, 10:39 a.m., WMCA, New York (Advertisers Broadcasting co.) Half hour of classical Hebrew music seems to be misplaced: in time of broadcast Early Sunday a.m. is hardly time for heavy, stuff directed at Jewish listeners, or any others for that matter. SevenrPiece orchestra, under di- rection'of Louis Sherman, handles its task well. Instrumentation is such that crew sounds larger tha." it is. Selections run from .familiar He.-? braic melodies to more obscure na- tional music. Also pretty hefty in music of- American , Jewish com- posers, all of which is suited to market aimed at and for students of music. Includes' Jewish cantoris in vocals for relief from str ight clcff- ing. Girl announcer, Thelma Altman, could well drop pseudo-British ac- cent, which she occasionally forgets, anyway. Seems a little stiff in her gab also. Program is hardly designed to snare other than Jewish listeners, although announcer states that it, is for all. Interest is obviously limited to users of kosher products and music students. Hurl. BOREDOM BY BUDD With Budd Hullck, Harrison Knox, Joseph Lilly Whispering Cho r us, Lennle Hayton's orchestra Music, Comedy, Singing 30 Mlns. Sustaining Sua., 7:30 p.m., WJZ, New York With more attention paid to pro- duction, including additional re- hearsing, Budd H,ulick (formerly of Stoopnagle and Budd) -has a sustain- ing show that could be developed into something big; Hulick has the knack of dry humoriz.ing and ability to go along with absurd lines. His support, however, let him down badly by muffing their speeches or coming in so late they spoiled the laughs. This obviously did riot/help Hulick's. easy manner of working. Lennie Hayton's orchestra was In usual fine trim; Harrison . Knot's tenor voice loomed strong , and Joseph Lilly's Whispering chorus went along in slick fashion. Hence, the sustainer has the ingredients What it needs is. more attention' to details to tie it together. Snappier scripting also mighthelp. Lilly' chorus put over 'Easy to Love,' with a novel arrangement, and came back with 'You Were Meant for Me' and the finale 'What Goes on Here.' Hayton dashed off one of his. slick piano solos. 'Sweet Sue.' Knox delivered one song, 'Love o£ My Life.' The one announced band, number for the. Hayton .crew was 'Just Around' the- Corner,' an original ar- rangement. But also heard in others besides 1 providing excellent "musical background. Show was short, calling for extra music and ad libbing. Sounded like part of the script was lost In the shuffle. car. . FRED STONE JUBILEE With Fred Stone, Mrs. Stone (Allehe H. Crater), Dorothy, Paula and Carol Stone, George M. Cohan, Frank Craven, Irving. Berlin, Jerome Kern, Rex. Beach, Joseph P. Kennedy, John Golden, Ben Grauer,- Harold Sanford conducting 30 Mlns. Sustaining Monday (12), 7:30 p.m., EDST WJZ-NBC, New York In honor of Fred Stone, star of John Goldeh's revival of 'Llghtnln',' which opens at the Golden theatre, N. Y„ tomorrow (Thursday); NBC' offered this anniversary program Monday night (12). According to Who's Who in America, Stone made his stage debut at the age of 11, in 1884, or just 54 years ago. However, he subsequently, joined the Sells- Renfrew circus and still later played Topsy in 'Uncle Tom's Cabin,' so this golden jubilee program is figured on .that as his professional bow. Regardless of the occasion, for the ceremony, there was no mistaking the sincerity of Stone's--well-wishers who were heard on the show. All spoke of their long association- with the actor, bf their admiration for him and all' manifestly felt deeply the war sentiments they. expressed. What's-, more to' the- point, such is Stone's standing and reputation that' the utterances never seemed stilted or forced; rather they were simple, touching tributes to one. of the most beloved characters of the'.American stage. There is considerable question whether the program rated as enter- tainment, for the radio public at large. Certainly it was hardly the accepted brand of ether fare. But there must be a huge listening audi- ence that. retains a .tender memory of the old Fred Stone'musicals. And to regular playgoers the ' sentiments of the occasion carried a breath of the romance of the theatre. As for the program itself, George M. Cohan, Frank .Craven, Rex Beach, Irving. Berlin and John Golden spoke from the New York studio. Jerome Kern expressed good wishes from - Hollywood . and Ambassador Joseph .P. Kennedy short-waved greetings from London. Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt wired Congratulations and regrets from Rochester, Inn,, where she had to go for her son's operation, instead of .guesting on the program as scheduled. Harold Sanford batoned the orchestra and mixed . chorus in several hit .tunes from the old Stone shows, including .'Stepping Stones,' 'Jack-a-Lantern' and 'Chin Chin.' And at the end, Stone, his wife and three daughters spoke from the star's dressing room at the Golden, N. Y. - Show was distinctive in that all the expressions - of admiration sounded as if they had been written by the speakers. There, was a genuine heart-tug in Craven's .state- ments about the feeling of the people of the theatre towards Stone, while. Cohan's toast from 'an ordinary song and dance man to the greatest song and dance man bf them all' was sim- ple and-affecting. Possibly because Rex Beach's sly fun had an underly- ing note of tenderness for his friend 'who has always remained a boy,' it was the most moving of all. In replyr ing to his old friends and to the greetings of his family, Stone was apparently too choked up to offer much; more, than a simple Thank you. thank you.' And that expressed it better than anything else could. Hobe. UNCOMMON KNOWLEDGE Voice of Popular Educator NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL AL- LIANCE Sat, 7:30 p.m.. EDST WOR-Mutual, New York (■Walter E. Thwiiio) In an effort to boost "Popular Edu- cator" publication, sponsors have a substantially good idea in striving to interest radio listeners by means of harping . on uncommon knowledge facts. That it doesn't quite jell can be attributed mainly to weak presen- tation and-wavering program con- struction. Both' can be readjusted easily. Central theme of program now Is that uncommon knowledge spells. success; Pertinent facts that might well fit into parlor patois provide a question and answer slant as the man and girl play dumb while the' '>voice' explains. ' Commercial patter is not difficult to digest, though loo prominent for a show of this short. Weor. LEROY Music, sing Ins 15 Mins. LEKOY Mon.-thru-Friday, 11:00 a.m. WHN, New York Quarter-^hpur commercial. . 'ilh interpolated music and singing by Leroy, plugs his own play-by-ear piano technique. Sells booklet of instructions of five Icssons'for $1 and then, 'when I first sat down, etc' is supposed to come via' true car playing. ■ On twice daily, five times weekly, keyboard tickler presents, the style he sells, simple ear playing which is just that/'nothing more. Singing is even less entertaining, whole combo.being 'our gang' quality stuff. In .15 minutes he offered only three - choruses, 1 remainder of time dsr. voted to selling his method. Pro- grams are sometimes transcribed, as with one caught, but usually, Leroy " soils, sings and stomps in'person! - ' ' ' Hurl.