Variety (Nov 1946)

42 RitMO RKVIKWS Weclnesdajr, November 20, I945 MUTROrOLlTAN OrERA Willi Torslen Rail, SleUa Romi^n, Lptonard Warren, others Narrator: MIHon Cross i:uii(lnct<>r: Fritx Busch Prucltu'cr: William Marshall ]!I5 Mills., 3 to 5:15 p.m., Saturday TKXACO WJZ-.\Bt', N. Y. (BucI^a)l^7l) Milton Gros.s, spealiing from the Sla.ss-enclo.sed box at the Metropoli- tan Opera "touse, N. Y.. Saturday Ubi inaiiyurated the season's Mot's air m'esentatvon, a program that's as familiar and unchanging as the vari- ous musical dramas pte.'icnted Crom its huge staRe. ... triIvC; the presentation of th(> vari- Ous opera.s, the air transmission of t.lii'.-:e music dramas has by now. be- come a part o£ the Metopera tradi- tion. That goes "for the Gross nar- ration, the Edward John.son aiulMrs. . Aliaust Betmorit talks, etc. Occasionally the Met cets hep to sho.wmanship, as was cvidonocd dur- -ins .Tohn.'on's welcomina: taT when he spoke asJainst a baritotie's prac- : tice vun.s, The entr'acte bits also follow the traditional ,lines set Hp .vears . a'lo with the. opera's broad- ca.'-t.s. The Opera Quiz: fadimanned bv Olin Downcs. mu-sic critic of the , N. Y. Times, with a panel including Sif'nvund Soiieth, Deems Taylor and " Robert Bai'ar. shows sufficient .mu.si- cal . erudition to keep the listener froni ..tuning in the competition or runnin" to the homC: veraion pt SheiTy's. The Ooera News of the Air. a musical discussion of the opera at hand with Boris Goldov.slcy in the lead and with Walter Abel and Dor- othy Kirsten participating, took care of the second intermission nicely, while the third and final streteh had an informal discussion of whether the opera would make .good films. Gnldov.sky and Leopold Slokowski couldn't see eye to eye on the .sub- , iect of recitativo. Gonseauently, Prcstfin Sturges behaved diplomati- cally by .stating that if operji was in- ■ teres tin fl.v presented, there's no rea- son vvhv it shouldn't be okay in the celluloid version. However, this part of the di-scussion indicated that if the film indu.stry ever undertakes to do these masterworlcs. there'd be considerable yelling by. the opera worsliippers. even if onlv the re- citativo were modified. The preem radio opera was Verdi's "Otello," which, for air audiences, deprived of the sight values, is one of the most palatable, inasmuch as there's a minimum of recitative pas- .sa^es. Torsten Ralf as the tortured Moor and Stella Rgman as the ill- . fated Desdemona were sufficiently vocally robust and lyrical, while Leonard Warren as lago tonsillcd through the villainy in creditable manner. Fritz Busch conducted, Milton Cross' brief and unob- trusive commercials on behalf of Texaco are in keeping with the dig- nity the occasion demands. WORLD SECURITY WORKSHOP With Jos«]ih DeSsntis, Mftrtin Wolf» son, '(rera Allen, Robert Griffin, Stefan Schnabel, John McGovern, Nat Polen, Irving; Morrow, Jamra McC^Uion; Rorer Krupp, an- nouncer Wrllwr: Leon Meadow Producer-Director: Clark Andrews 30 Mlns.; Thurs,, IS p.m. Snstainlue WJfZ-ABC, N. Y. Aired by the ABG net in eoopera- ; tion with the Americans United for World Government, this 13-week series of dramats, based on prize winning script entries; is cued to thumping dialers over the head with the political facts of . life. Inescap- ably, the tecoff program last Thurs- day (14), "Gitizen Delaven," invoked the ready-made spectre of atomic ener.!»y in a professionally tailored sciipt by Leon MeadowSi Judged in teinis of usual radio fare,'the piece measured up as a prodigious ad- vance in direction of literate pro- .gramming for . polysyllabic adults. Judged by its' own intentions and pretentions, however, its success was more ambiguous because it failed ultimately to make a signifl- caiit point, Story frame, was built around the dilemma of a nuclear physipist who. after terminating his connection with the wartime A-bomb project takes an academic post only to find himself constantly harassed and gagged by military -security regula- tions. Tussle between his con- science and his inertia is resolved positively when he receives, news that one" of his fellow researchers has been put under surveillance by the Army because., he accidentally disclosed some restricted informa- tion. Fadeout has him breaking out as a cross-country lecturer deter- mined to tell all about the meaning of the atomic bomb not as a narrow scientist but as a citizen. , I Program ended at the point where actually it should have begun if it was meant to clarify any of the issues involved in control of atomic energy. Everyone favors interna- tional control of atomic energy ju.st like everyone favors full employ- ment. But how and by whom'? Is it to be Wallace's or Baruch's pro- gram or some third alternative? On this crucial point, the dramat was absolutely mum, the signoff inter- rupting citizen Delaven just as he was prepared to give his solution. End result being lots of emotion and indignation expended over the banal point that atomic energy must be utilized for pacific purposes if civilization is to survive with noth- ing eithfir given or suggested on how to do it. . A.s a dramatic effort, the program was firslrSle. Gast and scripting combined into sound, credible char- acterizations while positive direc- tion kept the session on the move despite the script's occasional time- out to linger . over an abstract harangue. Moreover, the dramat socked hard, if not at the central problem, then at subsidiary ones like FANNIE HURST Drama Criticism ^ f : 10 Mins.; 1S:05 a.W. WJZ, N, Y.' ,. ■ . Fannie Hurst is a distinguished novelist Who is covering Broadway first nights, in a fashion. M open- ings conflict -with her social or other engagements she skips the premieres and also the microphone. WJZ agreed to such an arrangement be- ! cause of her literati rating. After a bye week or so Miss Hurst went on the air last Wednesday (13) at 12:0fi a.m. after "The Haven" opened but what she said hardly in- dicated her skill at reviewing. Writer discoursed upon the critics generally, saying that they should make known their state of mind on opening evening!!, whether there wa.f an argument at home, or had indigestion or were allergic to some author or star, but Miss Hurst didn't indicate whether she would follow suit if the.y did so. She has an ultra, cultured voice and toyed with the names Violla Rubber and Johnnie Walker, "with implications," who presented the drama, also mentioning Dennis Hoey (tlie way she pronounced it the ac- tor's monicker sounded like "hooey") several times. Miss Hurst opined that mystery plays are not her dish, nor does she believe that murder is a topic for the stiige, so it was hardly surpris- ing when she finaled with; "There isn't enough time to di.scuss the play nor did I intend to." Perhaps Miss Hurst has a point about the critics and she might clarify her ideas, which include posting the mental and physical condition of the re- views right in the lobby before the curtain rin'.'s up, Monday (18) Miss Hurst went on after the premiere of "Joan of Lor- raine" and her contribution was quite an improvement over the mys- tery show episode. She spoke more naturally but it was commentary, rather than a review of the play. Miss Hurst devoted most of the time complimenting the play's author Maxwell Anderson; in fact she was rapturous over his work, while In- grid Bergman ran a distinct second in the radio "notice." although thie Swedish star from Hollywood was conceded to be lustrous. The re- verse was true in the dailies on Tuesday, when Miss Bergman wa.s hailed or rather raved over, ihee. TOMMY RIGOS SHOW Witli Eileen Woodf. Walljr IM»l>er, Bay Wliitaker Quartet; announcer, Paul Mssterson Writers: Earl Simms, Eddie McKean Producer-Direolur: Dick Woolen - 30 Mins.; Moii.-tliru-Fri,, * p.m. ■ SustaininK WJZ-ABC, -N, Y. ■ It's inconceivable that this after- noon variety sliow can last on a flve- a-week basis. Holding a good com- edy script level is difficult enough once a week; quintupling that effort on a half hour show devoted mostly to gab seems a herculean if not im- possible task, especially when the preem effort was definitely sub- standard, even for a daytimer. Tommy Riggs' ability to entertain witli his alter ego voice, Betty Loy, was established several years agO; but surmounting script difAculties while bearing the brunt of headlin- ing a show leaves the comic bloody and slightly bowed. Fault lies chiefly in the writing, with some hoary old vaude gags resurrected with all their antediluvian wrinkles. Even the dir rector wasn't prepared for some of these eggs, as she evidently made provision for laughs in timing the show; when the conversation stopped to permit yocks there was just dead air. Program's accoutrements were its only saving grace. The Ray Whitaker quartet, with bass, clarinet, vibes, and a Hammond organ with piano came through with some ver.y solid music. Arrangements are good modern jazz, uncommon for radio shows. On preemer they did "Idaho" and "Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me." Eileen Woods chirped well but was relegated to the position of straight man for some of the limping Riggs jokes. Her flrst try was "Stardust," Mid- time tete-a-tete with the soimd- effects man -was painful. ABC has managed to come up from time to time with some pretty good sustaining shows without hav- ing to use the public service dodge to fill empty time, but this one is a hangover .from radio's summertime silly season. Tomm. Indication of the power ami good- I will generated, by these broadcasts t^e brass-hat mentality 'governing J^5„^1irj"'ir'' liM*^^ I the atomic bomb project and the the Met campaign of 1939, $327.- 770,88 carne from radio listcner.s. | As a concession to tliis loyalty, the Met conducted an operatic popu- larity poll. The operas selected by the radio listeners will be heard on the Saturday afternoon broadcasts. .;o.s-c, 1 i,awri5N(;e and marley show With Kddic Lawrence, .Tohn Marley I'loducer: Warren Somervill " 15 Mins.; Man. through Fri., 6:4.5 p.m. riti'ticipating WJZ, N. Y. Two nitcry and radio comics (lavc combined . on a new, flve-a-weck .■ quai'tcrrhour show that: is. mildly amusing, somewhat reminiscent, a bit: difficult to define, and a program that doesn't quite come off. Show is a sol-t of sophisticated nonsense pro- gram, with overtones of Henry Mor- . .gan. Marx Brothers and sundry .. others, with its stuff a little too esoteric and select. Oti premiere program Monday nS). the boys offered two skits, in- ;tf;rsper.scd hy music, and ending with three, conversation-bits, .First : skit! presentod.a doctor examining an , anvTcsic patient, with the material, ' deliX'ery and . even voices , sbunding like something Out of the Marxian "Animal Crackers." Second, skit pre,'!ontcd a card game, between two iu,gs that had'a good deal of flavor. Third olTering consisted of three raiidoi-n : eonversatipfls "overheard" in the sUbway, none of Which was too smart. The recorded miisic used . between skits Was an uh.uslialTy .go.od .selection of jazz -vVorks, to .give the program quite a lift. ' BtQii. pseudo-academic freedom enjoyed in some big diploma factories, Herm. OSCAR BRAND & CO. Wit'h Iran Berlow, Ursula Brand Jack Fagan, Cy Farkas, Ben Irving', Jason Wiuereen rroduccr: George Ganek Director: Asa Berlin writer; Oscar Brand IS Mins.; Sun. 6 p.m. WNYC, N. Y. Oscar Brand, who's been making his presence felt locally as a bal- ladecr, has now surrounded himself with a cast of players in which he integrates a w,k, folk tune with its background. On session caught, he backgrounded "Blue-Tailed Fly" re- puted to be one of Lincoln's faves, highlighting it with the famed Gettysbilrg address.. Program was timely inasmuch as it came on the ahni of that famed oration, However, session is a loosely writ- ten and produced affair, with only a minimum of showmanship. It's true that not much can be done in 15 iwinutes, consequently : the. greater need to tighten the proceedings to rnake every word coiint. Brand, however, is a literate ex- ponent of the American folk art. and his singing is the strongest-part of the session, Jose. RUSSIAN SKAZKA BALALAIKA SERENADE With Kostya Poliansky and Balalaika «rch, Eli Spivack,. Vera Niva, Homo Freierman; announcer, Lyon Weir Writers - Producers - Directors: Weir and Albert Black ::0 Mins.; Thurs.. 10 p.m. RUSSIAN SKAZKA WINS, N. Y. This is strictly what the title pur- ports—a remote, but ■ paid with sponsor's dough, from one of the livelier Ru.ssky restaurants in mid- town New York. For those who like their music as well as their food spiced in the traditional Rus- sian manner, this will undoubtedly make tor a plea.sant half hour. Albert Black and Lyon Weir, who wrapped up the package all the way from writing and production to the flack ,job, let Kostya Poliansky and his balalaikas have full sway. Homo Freierman plunks a lively mandolin, Vera Niva comes throu,gh with the traditional Russian solos, and Eli Spivack's baritone is full of the schmaltz one expects of Russian heavies. On tlw teeofC fl4), the audience participation angle attempted by Weir seemed a bit strained, and his commercials were somewhat too creamy. But it was evident that the producers -were still feeling their way and would probably smoothen out the stanza. If they'd only pro- gram the music occasionally away from the groove-worn mu.sic con- tained in every Cossack album, they'd probably have a show that could build- an audience. Cnrsi Television Review CONNECTICUT OUT OK DOORS With Phil Becker l.'S .Mins.; Sat., ^0:30 n.m. Susfainini;' WTIC. Hartford . ' Ouc.st .speakers from the Gonnecli- tift Fish and' Game Board weekly outline to mcmbprS of tlie sports MACMILLAN BOOKSUELV With Arch Kepner Writer-Producer-Director: Kepner 15 Mins,; Saturday, 2:45 p.m. MACMILLAN PUBLISHING CO." WQXB, N. Y. ,■ A'rt^ this program is 15 min- utes, of commercial, but if aU plugs were tliis easy to take, thei'e'd have been no blue book frorn the FCC. Show is straight book reviewing by Arch Kepner, and of course it's Mac- millan books that are reviewed. Gab is not overwhelming in inter- e,st. but if anyone happens to be peripherv the best spots to pursue ''li? won t make him twist •their outdoor activities. The varied ^1'= '^i^'' program .caught speakers discuss ttio problems nC the Kepner reviewed "Lo.sl Mcn^ of •Outdoormen and tell them where the American History ' by Stuart. Hol- best fishing and game within the '''O''^, « Mademois'clle magazine state abounds. Al.sS outlined to the | bofWet. and other MacMUlan prod- fish and game boys. Is the nature of the slate laws. It's an interesting shot and educa- tional, especially at this time ot .sea- son. Opening anddo.sing are ade- quately handled by mikcman Phil Beciier. uets. Kepner's presentation is matter-of- fact and straightforward, if some- what lacking in color. Anal.vsis is made secondary to presentation of the story. It's a fair little package. Tomm. HOUSTON SYMPHONY OBCH. With Eriisl Hoffman Ilarlield Weedin 30 Mins.; Sat., 6 p.m. (CST) TEXAS GULF SULPHUR CO. WOAI, TQN, San Antonio From ' the Houston ' Glt.v : Audi- torium each. week the Texas Gulf Sulphur Co, presents in. concert: the Houston Symphony Orchestra, one of the three top symphonic groups in the state, No adihi-ssidn : is charged to the conceirts which are. open to the general public. . In it.'! opus each week over the Texas Quality Network, the orches^ tra is given wide latitude to display Its talents under the baton of Ernst'. Hoffman. : Nice tonal quality and pick up of the various instruments lends to the fine performance of the rhusicians. Music ranges from the works o£ the masters to light classics. On i^iro- gram opener the prelude to "Lohen- .griti" by Wagner, "Clear Track Polka" by Eduard Strau.ss, "Legend of the Arkansas Traveler" by Harl McDonald and Weber's "Oberon" overture were -played by the orches- tra.:. Lending a hand to further music appreciation in the public school systems, the spon.sors, Hoffman and the Texas State Board of Education, five students will be presented as .soloi.sls with the orchestra later on 1 (Continued on page 50) LIPTIN' THE LID Writers - Producers - Narrators: Slim Suttle, Earl Steele 15 Mins.; Sunday, 1.30 p.m. WPIK. Alexandria, Va. This news-feature disk show, spon- sored for a 13-week run by Spur- rier Motors Co. of Virginia, made its debut over WPIK a few weeks back, and has steadily improved its format with each succe.ssive airing.: "Liftin' the Lid" is the radio version of a newspaper column of the same name authored by Wa.sh ington correspondents Slim Suttle and Earl Steele and marketed in the "Deep South" states, Suttle's heavy Mississippi drawl makes the radio platters most suit- able for consumfition south of the Mason-Dixon line, where the folks back home like to get their Wash- ington news in accents they know. Format of the show—typical Of other radio slots waxed by newsmen here—has the two correspondents interview a Washington biggie on some behind-the...news development. Typical interviews have pumped topside military brass on the "gob of the future." the "inside story of the rocket" or have gone to Capitol Hill to learn just how some im- portant congressmen feel about Russia, The two scribes varied their format this Sunday (10) and took to the air alone to discuss impact of the GOP landslide on Capitol Hill and elsewhere around town. Show moved along at rapid pace, nicely interlarded with humorous touches, and covered some post-election re- sults not played up in the dailies. Though some of their info came as no revelation to a Washington au- dience, it was more than meaty enough for listeners outside the cap- ital city. On the basis of Sunday's performance, Steele and Suttle would do well to try some more solo appearances or el.se give their guest an audition before putting hirh on the air. As in most "talk" programs, stilTishness of giie.st speakers is one of less desirable features of "Liftin' the.Lid." , ■ V:-^.. "■"; ■: Some bad timing, - amateurish technique,.and lo.st words in the first :di.sks have been overcome In more recent airings. And show-r.iby Virtue of WPIK's recent boost to 5kw— now blankets tlie D,C- area with a strong signal, HxM. SATURDAY REVUE With Hal Leroy, Kitty Kallen, Jin Townsend, others Director: Paul Belangfer Writers; Belaneer, Miss Towiiseiid Set: Jim McNauehton 30 Mhis.; Saturday ,(1S), % p.m, Snstainlng WCBS-TV-CBS, N. Y. You have to hand it to tlie CBS television stuff. They may not al- ways be first with new tele pro- graraming ideas, but when they do come through on the tested shows the shovvs are usually better tliaii those turned out by the original pro., ducers. Situation was true of CBS' coverage Df college and pro football games this fall, and web has repeated it now with:/'Saturday Relvue " a variety show that's as good as attv- thing seen on television to date. ' Show is now in its foiirth week ai.d each, week has seen the addi- tion of new and improved tech- niques. Last Saturday (16) night for example, the action took plare in a simulated nitery lalled tlie "Club Leroy," with dancer Hal Le- roy as the owner and emcee. Usual fashion show this time was integral-. ed into the script, with Leroy and Powers model Jill Townsend talk- ing about the clothes worn by the nitery's customers in an informal, chit-chat: way that .gave Miss Town- sen.d a: chance to describe them in full. Set was one of the most ambi- tious ever constructed in a tele stu- dio. Designer Jim McNaughton took full advantage of the CBS studio's ample spaces to provide a bar, a stage and a dance floor big enough to have eight or 10 couples dancing at one time. McNaughton is un- doubtedly the best in his field, and it's surprising the guy hasn't been grabbed up yet by Hollywood; Script was rough in spots, indi- cating that Leroy and Miss Town- send were allowed to ad lib freely. Having her tell her models to turn around so that viewers could see both sides of the gown, for instance, broke the theme of the affair. That, however, was about the show's only drawback. Kitty Kallen's singing was above average, and her little panto- mimic skit with Leroy between choruses of each number was a great improvement' over the way singfcrs on television have usually just smiled prettily during orchpstral bridges. Leroy only had one dance but demonstrated that he's still one of the top tappers in the business. Paul Belanger's direction and cam- era work was also tops. He didn't snarl a single shot and limited his trick work, pn which he's established his reputation, to one or two se* quences in which Miss Kallcn was singing — all that was necessary for this .show, Sud. Tele FoUowup YOU AND ALCOHOL With Dr. E,,M, Jellinek; annoiincer • Bill Rogers . IS Mins., Tues., Orl.'S p.m. Sustaining; WCBS-CBS, N. Y. Whether or not CBS was planning to anticipate the . muUi-million-dol- lar suit against it filed a couple ot weeks ago in Louisville by a couple of ardent ' southern prohibitionists, the fact is that the net :has been for .some time now planning a series which would .kick :t)ie- alcohol prob- lem: around authoritatively. The series preemed a week ago Tuesday (12). And quite aside from its value otherwise,' the series started out with all the flstz of a highball left over from last night's parly, Dr, E, M. Jellinek, biometrician, i.s director of the section on alcohol studies ot the laboralor.v of applied physiology at' Yale Summer School of Alcohol Studies. His talk Was on Edgar Bergen and the entire cast of his radio show appeai'cd on the "Hour Glass" program over WN.BT (NBC, N. Y.) last Thursday (14) night, marking the first time any of the top 15 Hooperated radio stars was featured in a video production. What with Bergen's tele interests on the Coast, and the fact l;hat Stand- ard BraiKls sponsors both his radio show and "Hour Gla.ss," he was a natural as the first de-icer. Show proved, if anything, that a good radio comedian is equally good on television, even without the aid of a script. Situation was especially tough tor Bergen for, with his ven- triloquism, he's forced to carry the whole show himself. With Helen Parrish, usual emcee, on a temporary hiatus until a<",er her baby is born, Bergen served as pseudo-emcee, and .gave viewers a good show all the way. If other radio and screen stars follow his lead now, television might get that needed stimulus, / Production Values on this ,show are steadily increasing, and the com- mercials last week were as g'ood^ as. any yet seen on video. About the only thin^ wrong was the pony line- Gals seem to: be capable terpeis, biit their routines resemble some*.: thing out of the worst days oC bur- lesque — and in full costume, yet A good choreographer who can over- come the space limitations is sorely needed. :: the tact that alcohol is a "nation,al problem," He went through a long billboard of speakers to come wiio are going to tackle the sub.jeet from the social angle and the medical, religious and legal, psychological and physiological, etc., etc, plus, etc. Meanwhile, the listener learned that alky consumption went up m the la.st five years, that strong-driiiK expenditures have doubled snu^? 1940, and that 4% to 5% of the n.i- tional iircome has been spent on old demon rum since the turn of 18 century. If anyone was left al 11« CBS dial by that time, it mui^t hau- been, only the professional--li.';V<-''\^'' prohibitionist or studciit. Lay i'*''-"^. ers would be sure to be speeded i" lose their audience penetration, la!"- if not their weekends, by .W*;''"'"*' time on this flUer. V"'"-