Variety (Jan 1939)

122 RADIO Third of a Century VARIETY Anniversary Issue =tti= Wednesday, January 4, 1939 In Los Angeles, That Ga-Ga Bui^; Radio Becomes Self^nscious By Jack Beomon Los Angeles, Jan. 1. New highs in the commercial coin brackets of independently owned radio stations in the Los Angeles area, exclusive of network owned or affiliates, were reached during 1938. Season just closed has been considered one of the most success- ful in the history of broadcasting on the West Coast, according t Leo P. Tyson, president of the Southern California Broadcasters Association, Inc., and general manager of KMPC in Beverly Hills. * Concentrated efforts to build pro- grams that appealed, offering of for- eign language news broadcasts for the cosmopolitan population of the southland and airing of old-time stage productions and reviving of minstrel shows for the air were some of the contributing factors for the increased sale of air time. Child Commentator Quizz. games and audience partici- pation programs along with educa- tional series for the kiddies are other types of airers that" have helped boost the- stations' income. One small indie operator has . virtually paid his freight with a child com- mentator who interviews top name picture people and has little diffi- culty getthig guests. Program has been set for year's bankrolling. Hillbiliys still h<rid their own lor sponsored programs. During the recent political campaign one Hill- billy devoted hiis entire efforts to winning the Congressional* nomina- tion on his sponsored program. He was defeated in the run-oS when his attorney-opponent yrent on the air with a girl singer of the range fongs. Special Fands Help Politicians gave the needed boost to hoist some of the smaller broad- casters over the top for the season. California's Hdm and Egg proposi- tion dumped more than $500 weekly fdr three weeks into the local air lanes. Musicians Mutual Protective Association, leading the drive of other unions, dumped approximately $10,000 into the radio cash registers- In two weeks to defeat a non-picket- ing ordinance. Then Los Angeles had a cleaner- upper .campaign dethroning Mayor Frank L. Shaw by recall and. put- ting Judge Fletcher Bowron into the City Hall throne chair. Some $8,000 in radio time went into this cam- paign alone. It was purely local and gi'avy to many of the smaller sta- tions. However, when the campaigns simmered down, that time, generally speaking, was rapidly filled, in with commercials on the 15-minute spot announcements and variety pro- grams. As a result the outlook for the first quarter o£ 1939 stands out as a -'i>right spot in the business. Build- up, of commercials is general with local merchants taking to the air through the local stations in greater volume than ever before. Not So Corny Little over a year ago, when Tyson took: over the reins of the SCBA, he directed a campaign for better pro- grams, closer cooperation between sponsors and agency executives and the radio station and the newspaper advertising men. National agency men and bankrollers were also called into these meetings, along with net- work executives. As a result the independent station owners are offering an entirely different type of program schedule throughout the day. Where the different air lanes were cluttered with hodge-podge of- ferings of the filler type, they have been revamped for programs that fit the-time of day. SCBA is the only incorporated or- ^ ganization of its kind in the country^ It has raised the standard of broad- casting in the southland region as weH as making competition keener. Trade account regulations have been tightened and" free air time for charity propositions must have the complete sanction of the association before any station releases plugs. As a result flesh airshows have been given a decided hypo and are helping to work the stations onto the black side of the ledger. On the nine independent stations in Los Angeles county the increase in live show time reached 21% this year as compared with last year. Programs on these stations are bankrolled to the tune of 723 hours per week out of the 1,198 hours they are on the air. Increase in general business for the year will run from 23% to 27% over the same time last year. Sta- tions included in this survey are KEHE, KPVD, KGER,KGFJ.KMPC, KFOX, KFAC and KMTR. Network owned, or affiliate sta- tions, not included in this group are KFI, KECA, KNX, KHJ and KFWB. RADIO REVIEWS WHEELER NO LIKE MILLER stkwm Washington, Jan. 1. Stern disapproval of the protect- yourself policy outlined for the guidance of National Association of Broadcasters recently came into sight last week and foreshadowed further repercussions from the at- tempt of radio to handle the prob- lem of spielers who incite religious and racial animosity. Sharp slap at Neville Miller, trade imit president, by Senator Burton K. Wheeler of Montana, one of the industry's severest critics. In a Voltaire act, the Montana solon—who wields influence by vir- tue of being chairman of the Senate Interstate Commerce Committee— charged Miller with censorship in- clinations and warned that the Con- stitutional guarantee of free speech must not be infringed. Although he did not defend bigotry and intoler- ance, Wheeler asked 'Who is Mr. Miller that he should set himself up to say when free speech should be denied to any citizen of the United States? What special knowledge does he possess that he can judge when I or anyone else abuses free speech?' The solon explained he does not share' the political views of Rev. Charles E. Coughlin—whose bitter anti-Jew microphone talks have ig- nited a raging controversy—^but de- clared that any station which shuts him off is equally as intolerant as the cleric has been accused of being. No question of agreeing or disagree- ing with opinions is presented, ac- cording to Wheeler, but the danger of denying privileges set forth in the bill of rights. 'In times of hysteria which sweep through this country, there are al- ways those super-patriots who be- lieve they are destined to regulate the actions and speech of their fellowmen,' the Montana law-maker commented. Added the resistance to the Coughlin talks is evidence that such hysteria 'is very apt to lead us into -war with Germany or some other totalitarian power.' 'REFUGEE THEATRE OF THE AIR' Songs, Talk, Drama, Orch. Z9 Mins.—Local HOROWITZ-MARGARETEN Wed., 7:30 p. m. WMCA, New York (American Advertiser, Inc.) Openly borrowing the billing originated by WHN some weeks ago. Debut (29) of this troupe of unfor- tunates, all refugee actors from Aus- tria, sounded anything but felicitous. It wasn't their fault because among the 10 of them there was solid and worthy talent. Impediment was the sloppiness of the production. It not only reeked with bad showmanship, but gave evidences of poor taste in building up sympathy. Most of the dialog which sought to paint the troupe's background and the plight that befell them when-the Nazis took over Austria was so forced and slap- dashy that the story lost much of its inherent force. Interlarded through the scenario were dramatic recitations and songs, with English and Yiddish alternating during the dialog and recitation phases and the lyrics confined to their original Viennese. Among those whose talents stood out were <:he mixed pair of liedersingers and comedienne who did a folk character study in Yiddish. The m.c, whose English was approximate enough to make himself fairly understood, gave himself up at one point to an excerpt from Shylock with telling effect. Underwriting this venture is Horo- witz-Margareten, manufacturers of matza and noodles. Program closes with a plea for letters. These refu- gees, the announcer states, have toiled to learn the English language. They need a word of encouragement The listeners in writing would do the troupe its greatest turn by sug- gesting that the program get itself a competent' producer and dialog writer. A program of similar title was launched some weeks ago on WHN. Odcc. Here and Tbere Don O'Brien, KMBC announcer, enlisted Paul Fonda, station en gineer, in a race against the stork last week. Fdnda, a private pilot, flew O'Brien.to Omaha, where bis wife was confined in St. Joseph's hospital. Before-the father arrived baby (girl), was bom- Father O'Blrien was returned to Kansas City studio after missing less than a day's work. George R. Guyan, program di- rector at KFRU, Columbia, Mo., father of baby girl. Art Rekart, chief engineer bf KXOK, St. Louis, and KFRU, Co lumbia, Moi, commuting between two stations checking equipment. Toby Nevius, comes for KXOK, St. Louis, worked for station all day and for a nitery half of the night. Try- ing to stretch hours in a day to catch up on his shuteye. Haskell Schwartzberg, free-lance actor, doing Santa Claus stint for KXOK, St. Louis. Jingle contest woven into program adds interest Lauer Furniture Co. is bankroller. George Guyan, former program director of KFRU, Columbia, Mo has been upped to asst. to Station Manager C. L. Thomas. For past years Shafer, JcLtabee Ann Hopkins, WOW scripter; Jack Hansen, KFOR program director, and Vera Nelson have gotten to gether in Lincoln for the holidays. NATIONAL LAWYERS' GUILD (New York Chapter) Talk 39 MIns.—^Local Sustainlnr Tuesday, 9 p. m. WMCA, New York This is a series of debates on so- cial problems which the local chap- ter of National Lawyers' Guild pro- moted. Though definitely an in- structive and informing type of pro- gram there must be some other un- derlying motive behind barristers. Manage to sneak in sufficient num- ber of plugs for themselves and counselling in general. liOoks to- be goodwill builder designed to beat the ethical law of 'don't advertise.' Third is rather irregular series (there's no set time or dates) pre- sented George Gordon Battle, Dr. John Haynes Holmes and New York Post columnist Ernest L. Meyer word-battling on whether or not there should be a federal law pro- hibiting incitement to racial or relig- ious hatreds, etc. I^pic was thoroughly covered with Stanley Faulkner of Guild acting as feeder. Hurl. BATS TO YOU' With Fred Rnssell, Will Hay, Will FyCTe, Wee Gcorffle Wood M Mins. Monday (5) BBC, London First time the Grand Order of Water Rats, famous association of members of the variety profession, has been on the air, and done by them for the sake of their own char- ity fund. Listener interest centered on appearance of most every top- liner of modern vaude in a com- posite show, though few had oppor- tunity to do more than sing out a hullo to the mike. That apart, nar- rated history of the Order lent a touch of romance, because Mr. Man- in-the-street is always a sucker where the glamor of the footlights is concerned. Given an hour to put over show. Rats necessarily presented a sketchy entertainment, but excellent emcee work by Will Hay and the informal- ity injected into his production job by BBC's John Sharman, who is a member of the Order, kept it alive. Those who contributed bits included Will Fyffe, Georgie Wood, the Pal- ladium Crazy Gang, Tommy Trinder, Claude Dampier, Ceorge Jackley, Charlie Kunz, Clarkson Rose, Ronald Frankau, Creorge Doonan, and dozens who will not be. offended at getting no mention. Along with its snatches of melody, unforced gaiety, comedy and interest was a note of sentiment, meaning .it was all of a good enter- tainment. .BBC Variety Dept. got a star-stud- ded bill at a ridiculous fee at the same time as the Water Rats coined a welcome contribution to funds. 'BRADLEYS OF PRAIRIE FARM' With- Dan Hasmer, Marie Nelson, Rita Astot, Ken Fagcrlfn, Chuok Grant, Fred Howard, Dick Earl, Georce Menard Rnral Serial 3» Mlns.—Local PRAIRIE FARMER "Saaday, 1:39 pJB. WLS, Chicago Presented by Prairie Farmer paper which owns WLS, the show is a weekly serial script and presents farm life without a comedy rube, and as such, okay piece of radio drama and story-telling. (Show is bucking a tough rival by spotting itself opposite the last half of the Chase & Sanborn program " It's a typical family of father, mother, two sons, and a daughter, a grandfather and the hired hand. They talk of sellbig cattle and of harvest, of the International Live- stock Exposition, of basketball and picture shows. There is love interest and human interest, comedy and a touch of sadness; all good and propei' elements in the simple design of the story-telling by Walter Hank Rich ards. Cast is able, with Hasmer as the grandpappy wading into his role with both feet and coming up with a solid character. Marie Nelson as the mother and Rita Ascot as the daugh- ter are turning in warm impersona- tions. Gold, JOHN HcCORMACK 'Serapbook for 1903' with Gertie Mil- lar, Patrick Carwen, Andrew Churchman, Lionel Gamltn,. Eve Curie, Griffith Brewer. Tuesday (S) BBC, London Two famous personalities who had never broadcast from a BBC studio previously lent lustre to what would else have been no more than an average contribution to 'Scrapbook' series, normally brilliantly assem- bled by co-compilers Leslie BaUy and Charles Brewer. John McCor- mack sang Irish ditties to put a pe- riod to his recent farewell to the concert stage, and Gertie Millar— now the Dowager Countess of Dud- ley—was on hand to recall the days of her musical comedy fame and link her contributions with that of Mc- Cormack, who made his debut as a singer in the year reviewed. (1903.) McCormack gave three homely folk son^ and also entertained lis- teners with his joyous Irish brogue and easy mike manner. Too bad that- such a first radio appearance should also be a farewell performance. Gertie Millar sang, making a truly valiant attempt to recapture the- lilt and impertinence of the munber from The Toreador* at the old Gaiety with which she scored her first hit She described vivaciously memories of a third of a century ago. Here, too; was an artist whose superb mike technique suggested a seasoned per- former rather than a debutante. Bill included as well such historic 1903 events as King Edward VU sealing the Entente Cordiale in Paris, Orville Wright's first flight (from his own description supplied to BBC), Madame Curie's discovery of radium, and a link with the Dickensian days of the stage coach. A laurel wreath to Patrick Curwen for flawless em- ceeing. Fo&Dw-Up Comment Joseph M. Schenck, 20th-Fox chair- man, spoke in behalf of the motion picture industry on NBC's red net- work show, '1939 Outlook on Busi- ness,' last Thursday (29) night, stressing optimism of the produces despite setbacks in 1938. Schenck, speaking from Palm Springs, Cal., was -spokesman as president of the Association of Motion ^Picture Pro- ducers. Pointing to the way American pic- tures serve as advance salesman for U. S. goods and the nation as a whole, Schenck stated that the in- dustry felt the Federal Government should furnish encouragement to the film business for what it has done for American trade. He indicated that more money than ever would be spent for productions in 1939, the Silver Jubilee year bf the industry.. Representatives of the automobile, food, publishing, banking, drug, rail- road and retail indtistries also spoke on this 30-minute broadcast Some- thing apparently went haywire when the representative speaking for the railroad companies was tuned in from Washington, not being named or subject listed. Explanation finally came through from the N. Y. end, after he had concluded. Andre Kostelanets was saluted by Edgar Guest the Lake Erie bard, on the Household Finance program last week. Compared to the slithery verbal syrup that Guest poured, the usual radio 'salute' is a curt brush- off. Guest made it clear that Kos- telanetz was not just an able mu- sician, but a public benefactor. It may have sounded to some folks like a super-whopper publicity build-up. To others, perhaps, it was cheapened by the lack of restraint and common sense. Nor is Andre Kostelanetz one of the orchestra- conducting gentry that can safely be allowed to open his mouth. His speaking voice is thick and impleas- ant. His personality is in his baton. The formula 'It Can Be Done' is good, but does the flattery have to I run to the consistency of taffy? ANDY WALKER With Otto's Melodians 15 Mlaa. ALADDIN LAMPS Sunday, 4:39 p. n. WGY, Schenectady (Pfesba, FelUrs & Presba) Series of transcriptions possess mellowness, sentimentalism and rest fulness that should please the grouo at whom they are primarily aimed ruralites in lamp-lit homes. Unso^ phisticated oldsters, off the farm can be held, too. . Fact platters are* loggy with advertising probably will be no great hindrance. Walker, who emcees another disked farm jprogram heard here, is a skill- ful exponent of the homey-folksy technique. He uses it not only on number announcing, but in the spiel- ing. Some of latter is direct and some indirect; patter and poems, for instance, leads into plugs. Walker lays whole thing on thick, but farm folks are not supposed to mind. Aladdin Singers, well-balanced male group, click with old-fashioned selections, including hymns. Otto's Melodians, a small string ensemble also on other waxes, play fast-tempo bits for a change of pace. Otto fea- tures a German dialect in talking and singing, which may not be the strongest asset in current temper of affairs. In addition to Walker's drum-beating, heart-throbbing dram- atizfations 'tell' the benefits of Alad- din lamps. Company themer, of course, is "Lamp Lighting Time.' Station miker also whacks the skins mentioning not only oil, but electric lamps, shades, vacuum bottles and circulating oil heaters. Jaco. 'OC GOOD FAMILY' Sketch Siistainlnr Sat., 4:39. p. m. WJZ-NBC, New York Scripted by Herbert L. Jacobson, 'Of Good Family' tries to tell an old story in a new way but doesn't quite come off. Subject is the oft-repeated yarn of the boy in moderate cir- cumstances and tile heiress—whether to money or important name was not made clear, but the treatment inferred an heiress—^who have to overcome the boy's lack of back- ground in order to consummate their love. Scripted in semi-narriated form with the younger brother of the girl coming in to explain previous events, then fading off for dramatizations, one of it's major troubles is its length. Half hour seems to be too much for a family serial, especially when the yarn is a single thread. This might have been better con- densed into 15 mins., but even that'* dubious. Cast however, handled themselves admirably. 'MELODY OUT OF THE SKY' With Jay Wilbnr Band, Sae and Her Boy Friends, Sam Costa, the Mad Hatters, FhylHs Frost, Pat O'Regan, Dudley Beavcn and Noel Gay Saturday (10) BBC, London Highspot of a 40-minute melody program, ^ffas performance by Noel Gay of a version of 'The Lambeth Walk' he scrapped before writing th6 one that became a world hit Number bore .vague resemblances to the ditty we all know, but was too full of notes, and in spite of melo- dious construction sounded an ordi- nary and undistinguished effort dig, though, was an interesting side- note to a best seller. Next best in the bill was bands rendering of 'Lambeth Walk' as it might have been composed in many lands—Vienna, China and Cuba— and orchestration was effectively done to make amusing show. Plug- ging of the number was in honor of Gay, who turned up on the program as guest artist The customers like this sort of intimacy, hut band lead- ers continue to waste air time by introducing i>ersonalities with fatu- ous complinhsnts. Show was fairly well blended, with spots of music for all tastes, but perhaps lacking fluidity and slick presentation. Interesting contribu- tion was by singer Pat O'Regan, re- cent discovery in BBC 'Band Wagon series, who may win fame after he brings his enunciation under con- trol. Work of other artists was of good standard. THE WHISPERING CHOIR' 15 Mlns. Sostalning Thursday, 8:39 pjn, WJZ, New York Furnishes a pleasant musical in- terlude. A mix^d chorus sings soK^ ly with piano accompaniment, t»« selections all being chosen to fit tne mood of the 'whispering chorus. Joseph LiUy arranges and the programs. This one includeo 'Dancing on the Ceiling,' Stephen Foster's 'I Dream of You,' 'Love Is the Sweetest Thing,' 'Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes' and a group of Christmas carols which mcludea 'God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, and 'Gather Around the Christmas Tree.' Program is sustaining filler sub- ject to time change. It's well done.