From Those Were the Days:

1939 - Chic Young’s comic strip character, Blondie was first heard on CBS Radio. Later, the popular comic strip would become a TV favorite, as well.

1940 - The legendary comedy team of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello debuted on this day with their starring network radio show on NBC. The duo replaced Fred Allen for the summer months.

1945 - Victor Borge was first heard on NBC Radio in a solo show. The network gave the comedian/pianist the summer replacement slot for Fibber McGee and Molly.
10:37:05 AM    comment []  trackback []  

“The only thing an actor owes to his public is not to bore them.”

From my personal favorite of Marlon's fine picture work:

TERRY MALLOY: It wasn’t him, Charley, it was you…remember that night in the Garden—you came down to my dressing room and you said, “Kid…this ain’t your night. We’re going for the price on Wilson.” You remember that? “This ain’t your night…” My night! I coulda taken Wilson apart! So what happens? He gets the title shot and what do I get? A one-way ticket to Palookaville! You was my brother, Charley—you shoulda looked out for me a little bit. You shoulda taken care of me just a little bit so I wouldn’t have to take them dives for the short-end money…

CHARLEY MALLOY: Oh, I had some bets down for you…you saw some money…

TERRY MALLOY: You don’t understand! I coulda had class…I coulda been a contender…I coulda been somebody…instead of a bum, which is what I am—let’s face it. It was you, Charley…

R.I.P., Mr. Brando. You will be missed.
10:17:08 AM    comment []  trackback []  

“Om manipadme hum!”

Things were pretty hopping at the motel last night, but I managed to squeeze in a listen to the audition show for The Green Lama, an adventure drama that ran on CBS Radio from June 5 to August 20, 1949. Based on a series of short stories written by Kendall Foster Crossen (under the pen name of Richard Foster) for Double Detective magazine, the program told of the exploits of Jethro Dumont, who amazed “the world with his curious and secret powers in his single handed fight against crime and injustice.”

Wealthy young American (hey, wait a sec—haven’t we heard this before?) Dumont spent ten years of study in Tibet, and became a lama as a result of his amazing powers of concentration. He chose the color green—one of the “six sacred colors of Tibet”—because it symbolized justice; these colors are, of course, not to be confused with the six Jell-O colors (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, orange, lemon and lime)—because they symbolize Jack Benny. Accompanied by Tulku, his “faithful Tibetan servant” (who referred to Dumont as “Exalted One"), our man Jethro would often circle the globe in a never-ending battle against evil—but his trip was shortened by the fact that series had only a brief summer run over CBS.

In the title role of Dumont was Paul Frees, a radio veteran whose resume includes Escape, The Whistler, Suspense and many, many others. Green Lama gave Frees the rare opportunity to be the star, since he was more often heard in support during his lengthy radio career. Paul Frees had one of the most familiar voices in movies, radio and television—a cartoonist friend of mine used to joke that “Paul Frees is EVERYWHERE!” and he’s got me convinced—he provided uncredited narration for a ton of films, but he’s probably best known for his voice-only role as John Beresford Tipton on TV’s The Millionaire (1955-60) and his contributions to The Bullwinkle Show and George of the Jungle (his Ronald Colman-like tones for George’s faithful pal “Ape” never fail to crack me up). My friend Ben Ohmart, CEO of the old-time radio fan's Mecca for OTR books Bear Manor Media, has written Welcome, Foolish Mortals...The Life and Voices of Paul Frees, which is the definitive volume on this incredibly talented actor and voice man.

Assisting Frees in the role of Tulku was Ben Wright, with many of the top performers in the Hollywood radio ranks also in support (William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Harry Bartell, etc.). The series was produced and directed by Norman Macdonnell and James Burton, with music by Dick Aurandt and scripts from Foster and William Froug. Larry (Broadway is My Beat) Thor handled the announcing chores.

The show I listened to last night was from May 17, 1949, entitled “The Man Who Never Existed”—in which Dumont, who’s just returned to the States, gets a phone call from Professor Harlan A. Hendrix that leads to Hendrix being murdered. Jethro knows he has to solve the murder—but in investigating, he discovers that there is very little evidence that the Professor even existed! A total of eleven episodes were produced during the series’ short run—three of which are extant today. Still, for a show that made such a brief appearance, it has a small gathering of OTR followers today.
10:12:52 AM    comment []  trackback []  

Bulletin

Thrilling Days of Yesteryear will take a brief one-day respite in order that I may drop in on my sister Kat and pay her a July 4th visit. In the meantime, I wish every single one of you that drop in on a regular basis a very happy Independence Day!
10:07:04 AM    comment []  trackback []