Variety (Apr 1948)

W«Mbieadoy> April 1^, 1948 niiMfSTED ft CO, , ija^ Nelson Olmsted, Tom Scott, Norman Cloutter orch Producer: Don GilUs Wins.; Sun-, 9 jMtt, sustaining NBC, from New xork With tlie Ihternattoftal Harvester musical sljow moving over to CBS and the KCA program going into the 2:30 Sunday afternoon slot on NBC, tlie networli is fiUing the ex- BCA' matinee time (until a new sponsor comes along) with a plea- sant, informal stanza called "Olm- sted & Co." It's nothing preten- tious, and, in fact, it's very unpre- tentiousness gives it an easy-to-Us- ten-to quality that merits continued showcasing. , . . The major emphasis is on the Norman Cloutier orchestral ar- rangements, and such items as "Bambalina," Gershwin's "Man I hove," "hook for the Silver Lin- ing" and a jazz vignette for strings were given tasteful renditions. Tom Scott, the balladeer, was also showcased on the second stanza (11) and his spiritual-folk sorig.contribs were nicely paced in Keeping with the overall format. Nelson Glmsted emcees the prO' gram, providing just the right touch, with his casual banter. At the midway mark he did a" five- minute capsule wrapup of a C. S. Forester yam concerned with Vic^ torlan romanticism, As a story spinner, he's okay. Rose. RADIO REVIEWS 2S THE ©BEAM Witlt Vivian Fox, Earl Hammond. Al RUey, Strattou WalUn^, Phil Sterling, Eddi« Zeltner Producer-director; Raymond Lch- Wt Writer: David Karp^ 80 Mins., Sun. (11), 2:30 . p.m. SANITATION MEN'S PROTECi- TIVE ASSN.. AFL Mmcx, N. Y. , This half-howr drama, bankrolled by the N. Y. Sanitation Men's Pro- tective Assn., simmers down to a lengthy ;squawk that the street <!leaqiiig workers' hours are too long, their pay is low. they receive no overtime wages', and a variety of other beefs. Judging by the tenor of the script, it's a consid^ erable mystery just bow Gotham's garbage is collected at all, for what person would be interested in working for an employer when conditions are as bad as this pro- gram claims? Show itself can hardly fall in the category of entertainment. It bears an out-and-(/lit appeal to the public to write to the Mayor in behalf of the downtrodden, sanitation work- ers. A sample of the alleged abuses is a dramatized version of the ex- perienoesof ime chap who qualities as a driver.-THe's olated when he passes the Civil Service exam, but later dreams of some horrible in cidents in his first day on the job. These unpleasant things aren't a mirage, but the McCoy according to another sanitation worker more skilled in the ropes. Moral is to join tha union for self-betterment. Raymond Lehrer,. who produced ^and directed, adequately got over the points his sponsors wanted stressed. Writer David Karp also carried out his instructions to the letter, neatly hammering out the plaint of the sanitation men. Acting was fair with Earl Hammond and Phil Sterling handling the brunt of the thesping. Vivian Fox was convincing as the former's wife who urges her spouse to have faith in the union. Columnist Eddie Zeltner, spotted at the finale to urge listeners to write the Mayor, read his short spiel haltingly and nervously. His efforts might -well have been omitted. SPEAK TOUR MIND With Paul Harvey; Bolt- Cnnnlng- ham, annovneer IS Mins.; Mon.rflira-X^.,.8:15 pjn. MORRIS B. SACHS WON, Chicago (Rut^iraiaff & Ryan) Series, which bowed March 29, apparently is feeling its way to- ward objectives not yet clearly de- fined. Commercials are soft on sell and vaguely institutional. The title implies that here's an open mike for vox populi in keeping with the American tradition of free speech. Overall there's a whiff of public service. So what comes out? A switch on My Pet Peeve and Man" on the Street. Underlying idea Is to have citi- zens get it off their chest without benefit of script or censoring. Those heard so far have in the main voiced trite opinion^ on "safe" topics worn slick by gener- ations of Inquiring Reporters. It's the Voltaire principle absurdly ap- plied to one-sided discussions of such burning issues as "Should Gents Tip Their Reticules in Crowded Rickshaws?" Each show has one speaker chosen on the basis of writeins. Paul Harvey, who has a hefty ~focal following as a news commentator, keeps it going via questions in what is the ultimate reduction of the man-on-the-street formula. Ob^ vious dramatic punch that would be supplied by two speakers with opposite views somehow has been overlooked. Rebuttals, if any, are presented on followup programs. Harvey is shrewd and facile in his role, while Bob Cuni^ngham makes the most o£ conrnaereials. Opening montage is effective, with voices setting up opinions for a Harvey latch-on when the.topic of the evening is named. BankroUer, a Chi clothier who also sponsors a piano strip and an amateur hour, has good possibili- ties in this one, but it needs muscles. Baxt, SURPRISE PACKAGE With Bemie Rubin, Johnay Mack Producer: Milt Mitler 30 Milts.; Mon, thru FrI., 1:30 p.m, UPTOWN SHOPPING CENTER WMID, Atlantic City This is small-time broadcasting thaf has taken over all the defects of network programs without any of its virtues. As its title indicates, "Surprise Package'* is a giveaway show with nothing else but give- aways. The tone varies between the hysterical and the ridiculous— and there are no in-between spots. With all giveaways going to the studio audience, it's difficult to see what's in it for dialers. The emcee jobs performed by Bemie Rubin and Johnny Mack date back to the diaper days of ra- dio—a bawling, screaming, frenzied torrent of insincere emotion that's supposed to kindle enthusiasm but sets the teeth on edge; And the plugs are fired so thick and fast that this show can be described as 'radio's no-man's land." RECESS TIME With Jo Ann Brooks: Foster Brooks, announcer Producer: Lee Random 15 mins.; Sat.. 9^30 mo- Sustaining WKBW, Buffalo This new WKB W Saturday mom- ing cJiildren's slot is one of station manager Art Simon's commend- able efforts to slant increased at- tention toward local programming. Jo Ann Brooks, 13, daughter of announcer Foster Brooks, emcees the show. Music is chosen and news features reviewed from chil- dren's point of view. Progr^ caught featured an Australian woman visitor to Buffalo discours- ing on her country's unique fea- tures as contrasted with those of U. S., all aimed to compel kid in- terest. Peak of the show is weekly, news report delivered by two school children selected on plan worked out with Buffalo Board of Educatfon, their teachers cooperat- ing with the moppet commentators in preparing the newscasts. Rota- tion of school-age gabbers so that each public school in town will eventually participate is beamed to focus community interest. From local point of view, program should serve to broaden the station's lis- tening base. Bwrt. INKOGRAPH RADIO TELE GAME With Elliott Miller, Bob Maurer 30 Mins., Sat., 7:30 pjn. INKOGRAPH PEN CO. WTHT, Hartford This half-hour radio telephone game is a modified version of Bingo. Caller gives with a question and listener responds by marking down .certain numbers on a chart. Correct answers lead to certain combinations of numbers. If these combos correspond to the listener's telephone number—if he has no phone, he can use first five num- bers of his social security assign* meni>—the aud participant calls the station where rapid-fire check is made against a masterboard. In- termittently during the show, names of winners are announced-^ this in itself is a good pitch. Mikemen Elliot Miller and Bob Maurer keep the sesh moving with mucho gusto and maintain high in- terest ' with rapid fire pitching of questions and gab. It's more than adequately handled. Station main- tains a battery of 10 phone oper- ators to answer calls during and for a half-hour after broadcast. . Ecfc. . CAPITOL CLOAKROOM Director: Ed. ScoviUe Producer: Leon Levine 16 Mins.; Wed., 10:45' p.m. Sustaining GBS, from Wa&hington Splitting the half-hour temporar- ily vacated by "Open Hearing" for the next seven weeks, CBS has come up with a flrstrate public af- fairs parlay in "Presidential Tim- ber" and "Gapitol Cloakroom." Latter program is spotlighting the political attitudes of leading mem- bers of the U. S, Senate in press interviews conducted in that legis- lative in«er sanctum—the cloak- room. Result is a stimulating, often excitingv and always interesting session of important gab from im- portant people. Chiefly responsible for the suc- cess ,of this program is the battei-y of CBS correspondents in- Wash- ington who are being rotated on this assignment in groups of three for eacli program. They're a hep crew who know how to explore the crucial questions without fear of treading on delicate toes. They apparently, like putting the law- makers out on a limb, which is surprising in view of the fact that everything in this type of interview is "on the record." For the second sessions, Sen. Brian McMahon (D., Conn.), was quizzed by Bill Shadell, Griffing Bancroft and Don Pryor. McMa- hon, an atomic energy specialist, spoke frankly about the critical world situation and the need for the U. S. to maintain its armament lead. Veering towards the domes- tice political scene, he was asked if he intended to support President Truman at the nominating conven-^ tion. MacMahon wasn't enthusi- astic about that query and side- stepped it with non-committal declaration of affection for the President. But, all in all, there were more direct answers than eva- sions. ' fferm. VOICES DOWN THE WIND Witti Frances Keelan, WtlUam Wright, Edward A. Rice's En- semble 80 Mins., Sun., 10:30 a.m. : Sustaining NBC, from Schenectady WGY feeds this excellent half- nour of standard and popular num-* hers to the NBC network. It fea- tures Frances Keelan, coloratura soprano William Wright, baritone, ana a string group led by Edward A. Rice. * „, Keelan'a Vbice, rangy and wear is at times a bit sharp. She f^u^fS^ particularly good in a duet with Wright of Herbert's "Falling m Love with Someone." Wright's ueep tones came off very well in lureat Days." Rice, who played °» WGVs erst broadcast in 1822, gives solid, sure direction *.,.,f„^*™« Bob Tennant an- nounces nicely. jaco. KIDDIE KORNER With Joe Girand 30 Mins., 9 a.m.; Mon.-Sat. HARTFORD COUNTY DRUG- GISTS ASSN. WCCC. Hartford. Appeal of this moppet show is to the two-to-five-year-old youngsters who have no school to take up their time. For a half-hour each morning, mikeman Joe Girand fills their ears with stories, skits and music, latter via transcription. He does a good job of selling his show to the moppets and as a result station has achieved a great deal of accolades from mothers, etc. Even nursery stories that might leave bad taste in the mouths of kids by calling a stepmother bad are expurgated prior to air time. On session caught, Girand ex- plained to youngsters how to tell time. However, as appeal is to kids Who are apron-tied to mothers, commercials are not lost, this due to fact mothers are near radio or child questioning of mother as to sponsor. It's a good piece of psychology. Entire pitch is on a level with the youngsters show plays to. Girand does excellent job of wrapping show into a sal- able piece of merchandise. £cFq.> CAMERA CLUB OF THE AIR With Len Beardsiey; Juhn C^^nilen Producer: BUI Gnnnlair 15 Mins.; Tbnrs., 6:46'piJii. GOLDSMITH'S KJB, Seattle Information and tips for capera users are put over in nice fashion on this quarter-hour show by Len Beardsley and John Condon, play- ing roles of camera expert and novice respectively. Format is ideal for .aim and results in inter- esting session that brings out info on types of camera to use, hints on taking pictures, developing, etc. Give and take between the two and light, conversational tempo allows for the insertion of commercials in natural manner, with appeal of program to camei-a users and cam- era buyers evident all the way through. • Script by Norm Hanlin sets pace for easy, ad libbing style which is held nicely by producer Bill Gim- ning. For windnp of its current semes- ter as a 60-minute CBS' sustainer (it returns in the fall as a half-* hour program under Auto-Lite sponsorship), "Suspense" last Sat- urday night (10) did a radio version of the RKO pic "Crossfire." The network gave it. a full-blown pro- duction, with the original film cast, including Robert Young, Robert Mitchum and Sam Levene. As adapted to radio (although for the most part it hewed closely to the screen treatment, with the flash- back technique, etc.), the hard- hitting paen akainst . hatred and prejudice was peculiarly suited to "Suspense,'' For the melodrama was a cleverly-wrought succession of events, with all the properly balanced elements of' tension and excitement. Without in any way detracting from the dramatic value of the script, "Crossfire" in its radio ver- sion seemed to highlight the mes- sage, making it simple and clear. The characters spoke with under- standing and feeling. The reality of the hatred was brought home, this particular hatred-—the hatred of the Jew—and all blind hatred fed by ignorance and fears. Tony Leader's expert directorial hand 'Was in evidcmce 'throughout.- . -v ,\ I f i« < 0 t"»' 'I f.'f 'f "I J I < '. I AM YOUR SERVANT With Eddie DowUiig, Ed Begley, others; Don Baker, announcer; Chuck Kingsberry, music Producer-director: D. Gordon ■■' Graham 30 Mins.; Sun. til), 4:30 11.H1, WCBS, N. Y. CBS flagship cancelled the Eileen Farrell progiiam last Sunday (11) to air this one-shot dramatization by the Catholic Actors Guild in be- half of the Catholic Charities' 1948 Appeal. It highlighted the life story of Frederick Ozanam, foun- der of the St. Vincent de Paul So- cieties which now help-the needy in parishes around the world. Effort of everyone concerned in the production was obviously sin- cere. Eddie Dowling did a convinc- ing portrayal of Ozanam who, as a young student in Paris, enlisted five fellow students to join him in meeting a challenge as a Christian to "show his good works." How the good works of this small group grew into a worldwide program made up the rest of tiie stanza. The narrative was draggy in spots and the dramatization lacked excitement except in one scene. Overall, the program was one of limited listener appeal, partly be- cause of its subject matter, but more because the script (written by an adman who preferred to re- miain anonymous) lacked the spark of techniques known to grab and hold dialers' attention. Still, it was a lot more preferable as a fund- raising stanza, from the standpoint of good taste and intelligence, than a lot of others of recent date. ■ Doan: ANIMAL WORLD COURT With Arnold Moss Adaptation: Hal Stock Producer: Fran Harris 5 Mins.; Mon.-thra-Fri., 0:30 p.m^ CHRYSLER DEALERS WNBC, N. Y.. (McGann-BricJcson) This cross-the-board briefie, which teed off this week (12), is dedicated to the proposition that alt dogs are created equally heroic regardless of "race, creed or un- happy condition of pedigree." Its sponsorship by the Chrysler dealers of N. Y. and; Northern New Jersey apparently is based on the assumpw tion that a great many dog lovers, are potential motorists, or vice; versa." At any rate, if not especially exciting, it's something different. Actor Arnold Moss, who can breathe feeling into most assign- ments, hardly has a chance to get going on this one, in which he reads' a fast anecdote of a dog's heroism. Initialer, too, suffered from familiarity, being the well- publicized story of "Shep," the dog that stayed 10 years by a hospital elevator door waiting for his dead master. Stories of dog's vigils beside graves, etc, are pretty com- monplace and it would seem, with five yarns a week to air^ and pre-^ cious little time to tell them in, this stanza will have to come up with items carrying more punch it it is to attract listeners. The sponsors get in a plug for the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Commercials are straight and in good ■ taste. Down. GENE RAYBURN SHOW With Peggy Ana Ellis, Boy Ross Wviter: Bob Stewart . 30 Mins.; Men. thru FrI., 12 (noon) Sustaining WNEW, N. Y. This variety airer is a neat con- coction of gab and music Which, if it maintains the pace of the initial airer (12), should have no difficulty in building a solid after-< noon audience. Gene Raybum, who bills himself as "a poor man's Henny Youngman," is more ac- curately described as a fresh car- bon of Henry Morgan. His chatter is biting in a casual manner. As emcee, Raybum's gags maintain a remarkably good batting average considering tiie lightweight nature of these sessions. Preem show also clicked music- ally with Peggy Ann Ellis warbling pleasantly on "Louella," "Pent- house Serenade" and "But Beauti- ful," and Roy Ross' six-man combo flashing, hot and fuU orchestrations on several pop times. Show also has a giveaway gimmick with Ray- bum offering an expensive radio for any dialer suggesting a suitable title'foT'the-'series.' • • " Herm.' • 'I'M" t y ,' \ " f iiii LET FREEDOM RING With James Stewart, Rosemary Rice, Hal Stepler, Lyle Sndtow* - Ted Jewett;. Harold Levy, music Prodnoer-dlneotor: Jaek McKer- cher, assisted by Leonard Blair 15 Mins.; Tues., 10:30 p.m. Sustaining ABC. from New York .Expert and perhaps unique dub- - bing in of a transcribed role in a ; live dramatization was accom- plished in the teeoff last week (6) of this new 13-week series pre- sented by ABC in cooperation with the U. S. Chamber of Commerce. Jimmy Stewart waxed his role in the stanza while hfe was in Pitts- bui-gh recently for a "Theatre Guild on the Air'' performance of "Philadelphia Story." Rosepiaty Rice, also there for the Guild airer, tossed lines to iiim. When the pro- gram actually went on tho alr^ the dramatization was live "except for Stewart's part. And unless the an-r houncer had bothered to disclose that' Stewart at that moment was on the stage of the 48th St. theatre playing "Harvey," only the most keen eared listener mi^t have dis- cerned the e. t. Production had slick handling throughout. It sketched, in a light way the average'listener could un- derstand, the steel industjr's multi- million-dollar research to solve the problem of how to use low-grade ore. Story frame depicted a young steel laboratory worker's attemlpt to explain to his wife how important his seemingly monotonous ■atprk was, an effort in which he was aided by Jimmy Stewart appearing to his wife in a dream and telling her what "a great guy" her husband was. Ideologically, the slant was that the worker represented "a symbol of the free man." (Amus- ingly, the stanza's signoff included a disclaimer that the opinions ex- pressed on the: program were "those of the Chamber of Com- merce." About the most controver- sial opinion expresseid was the wife's likening of her worker hub- by to Paul Revere!) Doan. ETERNAL VIGILANCE^ Producer: Jack Pinto Writer: BiU Shea 30 mins., Tues., 10 P. M. WHDH. Boston. In conjunction with Army,Day (6) WHDH staff writer Bill Shea whipped up a click script for Army Recruiting program. ,~' . Based on army career of Jake Lindsey, local Congressional Medal of Honor winner, the story fol- : lowed him through basic training and Tunisian, Sicilian and German campaigns. It wound up with an account of events , which led to his winning the highest award. Smooth script, light on histri- onics, {A ugged the necessity of' a well trained army, likening it to an accident insurance policy, good protection in time of necessity, but which everyone hopes he never has. to use. It added up to an interest- ing half-hour stanza. In addition to scripting. Bill Shea read the . part originally intended for Lindsey. Latters voice wa* found-unsuitalto