Television in 1943 on the U.S. East Coast consisted of lots of short films—unless you were tuned into the DuMont station.
The NBC station, WNBT, went on a programming rampage in 1939 when the New York World’s Fair opened. The CBS station, WCBW, quickly played catch-up. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, the FCC allowed TV stations to reduce their minimum programming from 15 hours a week to four, and that’s what the two stations did. DuMont’s W2XWV, the home of Alec Electron (right), carried on with live variety programming (with lots of singing), news, sports, and some short cartoons and war films to allow for set changes.
Toward the end of 1943, W2XWV was on three nights a week, with Tuesdays being produced by the staff at WOR radio; it later got its own TV station. And NBC was ready to get back into the live programming business, namely remote broadcasts from Madison Square Garden to boost the morale of our fighting boys with live sports. It also resumed the Botany Lamb cartoon ads, favourites in 1941.
Here’s what was happening on the tube in September and October 1943, thanks to listings in the New York Herald Tribune. The New York Times was again publishing TV schedules. “Billboard” magazine continued to watch some nights of programming, giving mixed reviews. In New York, there was regular programming of some kind every night but Saturday. I presume Dennis James' name disappears because of military service. Ray Nelson, who joined WOR in April, quit in November to work for the Charles Storm agency.
SEPTEMBER
Wednesday, September 1
W2XWV—78.84mc
Thursday, September 2; Friday, September 3
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.
Harry Conover, head of the model agency bearing his name, has been named consultant on telegenics for WOR-Mutual’s experimental televisions series, according to Ray Nelson, director of daytime programs and supervisor of television activities of WOR. Mr. Conover will conduct a series of teletests, and will assist in the exploration of commercial possibilities for television. He will appear with his “cover girls” from time to time on the Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 p.m. experimental telecasts, started nine weeks ago by WOR on W2XWV, the Dumont television station. Mr. Conover recently announced the organization of a special Television Department in his model agency, to train models as announcers and demonstrators of advertising products. (Broadcasting, Sept. 6).
Sunday, September 5
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. “Gypsy Moods” with Eugene Jelesnik.
8:50 “There’s Something About a Soldier,” sketch.
9:10 “Let’s See!” quiz.
9:20 “Face of the War,” news and analysis with Sam Cuff.
Television Review
DU MONT VARIETIES
With Eugene Jelesnik, Jean Claire, Harold Corlin, Jean Lewis, Billy Redfield, Charlie Taylor, Lee Morrison, Samuel Cuff.
Writers: Eugene Jelesnik, Will Baltin, Charlie Taylor, Samuel Cuff.
Director: Will Baltin
60 Mins.; Sun., 8:30 p. m.
Sustaining
W2XWV, N. Y.
Since NBC and CBS have reduced their television activities to film projection for the duration, Du Mont Laboratories is the only one in the field still experimenting with live shows. Sunday night (5), Du Mont presented an hour program, broken into four 15-minute telecasts, which even considering the limitations of a restricted budget, was only a fair job. In the portion tagged 'Gypsy Moods,' Eugene Jelesnik was outstanding with his violin playing, ably supported by Jean Claire, who was good on the accordion, and fair on the vocal, and Harold Corlin, guitarist. The trio, however, stood in one static position throughout the routine, which made for anything but good television practice.
The Jean Lewis-Billy Redfield team in 'At the Stage Door Canteen' could have used more coaching and better staging. They were off mike during the first scene, and Redfield took part of his song with his back to the camera. The lunch scene had a wide table between the performers, leaving them both partially off the screen on both sides. Acting of both was self-conscious, and the singing delivery only animated here and there.
Third telecast was a quiz called 'Let's See." Charlie Taylor, the m.c, gave an energetic and personable impression, holding interest with a typical formula quiz pattern. Lee Morrison was stiff and should be more rehearsed. Quizzing on record tunes, while both men were posed on screen, waiting for the records to finish, was distracting and appeared awkward. ‘Face Of the War,’ by Samuel Cuff, was a tele-click. Cuff was authoritative and interesting, and the schoolroom fashion of pointing to the areas on the map about which he was commentating, was illuminating.
Overlooked in the direction, particularly of ‘Gypsy Moods’ and 'At the Stage Door Canteen,' were many basic film and television techniques which are no longer in the experimental stage. More imaginative script plotting and camera angles, and more rehearsals, would have helped. In this sitting some images were out of balance, with performers' hair off the screen while there was plenty of room on the bottom (not close-ups). (Variety, Sept. 8)
Monday, September 6
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Court.
8:30 Film subjects.
Tuesday, September 7
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety
DuMont Television
Reviewed Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Style—Variety. Sustaining on W2WXV [sic] (New York).
Technical difficulties almost put the kibosh on this WOR practice session at the DuMont studios. Program under direction of Ray Nelson started 15 minutes late and was sabotaged by bad luck from beginning to end. DuMont officials explained breakdowns were due to new cooling system just Installed. A shift in the mechanism and a relining of the tubes had been completed shortly before show time and kinks hadn't been worked out.
Showing featured WOR's Television College, with camera opening on comedian in cap and gown who introduced himself as the dean of good old WTC. Part was played by Carl Mark, an agency radio man, who did some neat emseeing. His portrayal of a double-talking, absent-minded professor lent professionalism to the entire program.
First act was the Norton Sisters, the good-looking trio who have a sustainer on WOR every Saturday. Their songs indicate a good arranger hovers in the background. Each time they come on they have new and exciting material.
The "professor" next ushered in Stanley Nabinger, who sang Song of Songs. Nabinger has a strong voice, but obviously lacks training and/or experience. His failure to click may have been due, in part, to camera fright.
Jack Cremer [Creamer], the Handy Man of WOR's daily program by that name, filled the number three spot with a comedy routine, purporting to be a lesson on how to make oneself a general nuisance around the house (a la Bob Benchley), A combination of bad script, poor prop arrangements, including a table so low it seemed to be a part of the floor, negated Cremer's efforts.
Lovely Lorna Byron, who made such a resounding splash when she hit the airwaves last week, was next. Her excellent song selling was overshadowed by the camera which never showed her full length. A draped satin dress seen only to her knees gave the impression of a pair of Turkish pantaloons. Close-ups, however, did her justice. Songwriter Gerry Van Dyke came on to sing If You Please and one of his own compositions, More Than a Dream. Van Dyke has a pleasant voice, but little ability via the showaves. Major tech breakdown came just as Bunny Duncan and Jack Gallagher, dance team under sponsorship of Arthur Murray, were introducing their act.
After a half-hour lapse, during which time DuMont soothed the audience with music, the dancers returned to do an excellent skit demonstrating dance steps. Camera work on the pair was top flight, with the range finder following every movement. Duncan and Gallagher combine genuine talent with a wholesome exuberance.
The Norton Sisters returned to do Pistol Packin' Mama and Melancholy Baby. A mike placed too close to the piano caused the accompaniment to overshadow their singing, but the attractive group are good to watch and nobody seemed to mind ... too much.
Incidentally, pianist Sam Medoff, who backgrounds the entire show, does a very fine job. His work is complicated by lack of a cue sheet and in most Instances, no rehearsals have been held, but he handles the situations well.
Lorna Byron came hack to do two more songs, proving her versatility with a smooth swinging of the pop You'll Never Know and the semi-classical Vienna Dreams.
Harry Conover, the cover queen king, presented two members of the Conover corral. In an unrehearsed interview, both trainer and fillies were less than spirited. Somebody slipped or didn't take the act seriously enough to script or rehearse it. It added up to weary watchful waiting for something to happen.
The Norton Sisters capped the show with Dark Town Strutters' Ball. These gals are big-time plus.
Despite the aforementioned technical headaches, program delivered decrease in high and low spots and the promise of better shows to come. Mark's emseeing proved his method is the best yet for maintaining continuity. His clever punning and double-talk was a leveling agent, a welcome improvement over previous WOR-DuMont offerings. Wanda Marvin. (Billboard, Sept. 18)
New musicians' scale for television is now in effect as per orders of international president James C. Petrillo and has been forwarded to all locals. Prices are to apply to all television broadcasts and rehearsals as follows: For one hour or fraction thereof, per man, $18; overtime for each 15 minutes or fraction thereof, per man, $4.50. Rehearsals for television broadcast: for the first hour orfraction thereof, per man, $6; overtime for each 15 minutes or fraction thereof, per man, $1.50.
"Leader (personnel manager) double in each instance. The Leader's scale of double applies in each instance whether one man alone or more are used. "All television engagements are to be figured on the single engagement scale," is the final sentence of the notice. (Radio Daily, Sept. 7)
Wednesday, September 8
W2XWV—78.84mc
DuMont Television
Reviewed Wednesday, 8:30-9:45 p.m. Style—Variety and films. Sustaining on W2WXV [sic] (New York).
Instead of usual Television Roof scene-setting device, this program opened cold with Dennis James making a pitch for fan mail. Then, as camera faded, James, the Adams Hats trade-mark, loomed up and was followed by Sam Taub.
The Taub guest this week was Harry Donovan, son of "Professor" Mike Donovan, who taught Teddy Roosevelt to box. Taub started off asking about his famous father and Donovan took over for a lengthy monolog spiced with names such as James Corbett, John L. Sullivan, Paddy Ryan, etc.
Next commercial was Press-On Mending Tape. They opened with a shot of the box and an offstage fern voice introduction. Commercials were shorter and better than last time out. Marian Ferrar and Lynn Russell, vaude team, appeared for the repairing device and repeated The Loves of Nora, presented by the duo three weeks ago on W2WXV.
Ann Karen, who has worked these programs for this sponsor since they started, did a brief talk and demonstration. Then another shot of the product label and a repeat of the out-of-view fem plugging Press-On.
Ferrar and Russell appeared again to sing a medley of Russian songs. The girls would photograph to better advantage in gowns of one color. Contrast of their light-flowered dress tops over dark skirts projected badly, tending to sever them at the bodice.
Kerby Cushing stepped out of his book forum presentation role to do a narration during the showing of a Marine Corps documentary film shout the Sotuh Pacific [sic]. Cushing's commentary, which ran thru the entire screening, was done in Quentin Reynolds' style. His intelligent annotation was timely good listening. For instance, when the Marines filled the tanks of their jeeps with gas in the fever-infested jungles, Cushing asked the audience if they minded skipping a Sunday pleasure drive.
Glorianne Lehr [sic], Bert's daughter, a young lady with poise and personality, made her tele debut on this Show. She scant well and projects nicely. In giving an excerpt from Susan and God she showed talent, altho the material was too mature for her. She also did a believable take-off on a dizzy jitterbug and her mimicry of a sophisticated aging comedienne was charming.
A melodramatic skit about women whose men are on bombing expeditions over enemy territory was competent but in questionable taste. The terror it creates in the hearts of the women who have men in action Is inexcusable. The savage cruelty of its stark realism is dramatic, but a realism built on hysteria that is neither smart nor in place. Miss Lehr does not have to resort to such tear-jerking dialog to sell herself.
Sam Cuff came on to do his Face of the War map talk. Usually reserved for Sunday nights, the surrender of Italy prompted the extra showing. He explained the significance of the event and pointed out spots on the map where the next act of the war may take place.
Definite technical improvements in sound and sight have been made since last week. All participants on the show, with the exception of Miss Lehr and Mr. Donovan, were tele vets, and their performances showed effect of familiarity with the audio-video medium. W. M. (Billboard, Sept. 18)
Thursday, September 9; Friday, September 10
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.
NEW YORK, Sept. 11.—NBC, DuMont and CBS will soon set a date for simultaneous casting of their television identification patterns on the air on certain afternoons. Action will permit repairmen to adjust tele receivers in private homes during one visit.
Set owners have complained that now a repairman must make three separate calls to correctly repair or adjust their sets. This because the stations do not transmit at the same time.
Situation is further complicated by shortage of engineers able to service sets, with result that owners are being stuck with useless machines. Same problem confronts radio except that radio has millions of sets in use where television has only hundreds.
RCA asked that the three tele companies co-operate so dialers may have their receivers calibrated properly to all three wave lengths. Angle is that by working together now the three major televisors, in this area, will have audience prepared to judge their post-war offerings. At the moment only DuMont is doing much experimental telecasting. But others will swing into action right after the war. (Billboard, Sept. 11)
NEW YORK, Sept. 11.—WRGB, General Electric's television station in Schenectady, N. Y., has just completed a survey of 499 programs in 31 classifications telecast during the last year and a half. ' Listeners picked light operas as their first choice, with news commentaries and full-length plays second and third respectively, Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance was the audience's favorite light opera, with A Waltz Dream and Iolanthe rating next in popularity.
In the full-length play category, Help Yourself was an easy first. Uncle Tom's Cabin and The Ghost Train tied for second. A Children's Theater presentation of Hansel and Gretel was third. Reaction to boxing and wrestling matches was extremely favorable. Puppetry and cooking lessons rated high. Survey used both questionnaires sent to set owners in the Troy-Albany-Schenectady area and a house-to-house canvass of a small sample. (Billboard, Sept. 18)
Sunday, September 12
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. Uncle Don’s Jamboree.
8:50 “Bond Wagon.”
9:00 Film cartoon: Western Whopee” [sic] (Van Beuren, 1930).
9:15 Dennis James, sports.
9:30 “Face of the War,” news and analysis with Sam Cuff.
The sale of U.S. War Bonds via television is now being conducted by the Du Mont station, W2XWV, every Sunday night at 8:30 o’clock. A “Bond Wagon” idea is being used to foster the sale of bonds. (Home News, Sept. 17)
Monday, September 13
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Course.
8:30 Film subjects.
Tuesday, September 14
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety
DuMont Television
Reviewed Tuesday, 8:30-10 p.m. Style—Variety and film. Sustaining on W2WXV (New York).
For the first time since WOR and DuMont teamed up to present Tuesday night programs, the WOR engineers were in complete charge. They manned the mikes and cameras with the DuMont boys at their elbows. For an initial effort the results were exceedingly gratifying. Only twice did the cameras act up and the mike work was entirely up to snuff (September 14).
WOR's director of daytime programs, Ray Nelson, handled the all-over production, assisted in planning and direction by Maxine Keith. Miss Keith, who does a platter-patter show on WOR, suggested the act-introduction device. Idea was timely and entirely successful.
Station's Handy Man, Jack Cremer, opened the show appearing as an average citizen struggling with his income tax blank. In reading various portions of the instructions he brought up points which the act that followed illustrated. For example, in going thru "Specific Instructions" he came to No. 4 and introduced The Little Four, Negro male vocal quartet. Group currently at Mon Paree nitery, sang Cha-Chi-Man, the spiritual Good News a-Comin' and Let's Get Rid of That Guy (meaning Hitler). Cha-Chia and That Man were composed by Clarence Todd, leader of the quartet, and beautifully sung by himself, Earl Skanks, George Timber and Ray Giles.
Karol Singer, vocalist with the Vincent Lopez ork, did two novelty numbers. Her light dress against a light curtain back-drop permitted no contrast and tended to give impression of head, arms and legs, but little body. Her kittenish performance was not enhanced by her excessive motitation.
Don Saxon, due to open in Artists and Models musical, sang Let's Get Lost and Embraceable You. Has a fine voice and personality, but he needs better make-up to do justice to his off-screen good looks. Televising plays strange tricks on performers. Some plain-panned people appear almost beautiful in projection, while others come across badly.
Denver Darling, hillbilly favorite, came on with his trio in dude ranch duds to warble Take Me Back to Tulsa, No Letter Today and the best Pistol Packin' Mama heard by this department. Group is exceptional in that they do not hick their numbers and are not accompanied by a guitar.
WOR's Uncle Don takes credit for discovering a Brooklyn prodigy, 11-year-old Ellen Bromley. With amazing confidence for one so young she chirped You Made Me Love You. She might show to better advantage in a show with fewer professionals.
John Whitmore, assistant director of war services and news at WOR, interviewed two Conover models, Stephanie Lane and Melina Miller. The latter, having just competed for the Miss America title in Atlantic City, appeared in her bathing suit. Both girls photographed well and exhibited poise and presence. Obviously WOR had gotten around to rehearsing.
Marie Nicholson and Gino Albert, duo from a dance school, put on an exhibition of steps. Camera remained focused on one part of the stage and the entertainers stayed within their little orbit, which was okay.
Audrey Sperling, attractive blonde who was in Best Foot Forward, sang Doing It For Defense and The Three B's in a deep husky voice. Her youthful animation added to her offering. Ruth Barbour, who understudied the prima donna in The Vagabond King and who opens at the Embassy in Philadelphia next week, did Can It Be Wrong? and One Kiss. She was evidently not at her best before the cameras and had difficulty controlling her voice.
Mady Christians, legit name, did condensations from four Shakespearean plays. She chose Hermione's defense speech from Winter's Tale; Portia's famous Quality of Mercy from Merchant of Venice; Katheryn's final spech [sic] in The Taming of the Shrew, and the potion scene from the last act of Romeo and Juliet. Miss Christians worked straight and simple, using only a bench as a prop to provide a break between solos and did her own annotation. This was sheer artistry at its best.
The British film, Fighter Pilot, was served as a 10-minute intermission dish.
It was an hour and a half crammed full of entertainment—as if the producers realized that for the next two weeks they'll be off the air while DuMont repairs its transmitter. WOR can be proud of its recent effort. Wanda Marvin. (Billboard, Oct. 9)
Wednesday, September 15
W2XWV—78.84mc
Thursday, September 16; Friday, September 17
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.
Sunday, September 19
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. Forum: “How Far Can We Co-operate With Russia?”
9:00 “Bond Wagon”
9:10 Doug Allan’s “Thrills and Chills.”
9:30 “Face of the War,” news and analysis with Sam Cuff.
Monday, September 20
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Course.
8:30 Film subjects.
Tuesday, September 21
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety
Wednesday, September 22
W2XWV—78.84mc
Thursday, September 23; Friday, September 24
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.
NBC's television station WNBT has received one of the first yearly awards established by the American Television Society. WNBT was cited for "The greatest contribution to the users of television as a public service." A plaque bearing the citation is now displayed in the office of John T. Williams, NBC manager of television. (Radio Daily, Sept. 24)
Sunday, September 26
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. “Personality Kids”
8:40 “Bond Wagon”
9:00 “Let’s See!” quiz.
9:10 O. W. I. Film: “Lift Your Heads” (documentary on anti-Nazi German and Austrian concentration camp escapees who joined the British army.)
9:30 “Face of the War,” news and analysis with Sam Cuff.
Review of a book will be televised by DuMont television this Sunday [26] at 9 p. m., EWT. "c/o Postmaster," by Cpl. Thomas R. St. George, is the subject of Sunday night's program, which will be handled by Kirby Cushing. Original illustrations for the book, drawn by Cpl. St. George, will be televised on the show, which will also feature an interview with his parents, who are coming from Minnesota for the telecast.(Radio Daily, Sept. 22)
Monday, September 27
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Court.
8:30 Film subjects.
Tuesday, September 28
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety
Wednesday, September 29
W2XWV—78.84mc
Thursday, September 30
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.
OCTOBER
Friday, October 1
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.
Sunday, October 3
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. “To the Bride,” melodrama.
9:00 Bureau of Missing Persons.
9:10 Third War Loan “Bondwagon.”
9:20 “Easy Animation.”
9:30 “Face of the War,” news and analysis with Sam Cuff.
The use of television as an aid to police detection will be demonstrated for the first time in history tonight when the Bureau of Missing Persons of the New York City Police Department will utilize the facilities of the Du Mont Television Station, W2XWV, to flash pictures of missing persons over the airwaves.Will Baltin, director in charge of program production at the Du Mont transmitter, and also motion picture editor of The Sunday Times, suggested the use of television for police detection to Commissioner Lewis J. Valentin of the New York police department and he approved the plan.
Televiewers living in four states—New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and eastern Pennsylvania—will see pictures of persons reported missing at New York police headquarters when they are transmitted over W2XWV, channel No. 4, 78-84 ms., at 8:30 o’clock. They will be asked to notify their own police departments if they recognize any of the persons whose photos are sent over the air.
Televiews Will Assist
“The series of programs arranged with the cooperation of Commissioner Valentine will be offered by Du Mont television as another of its wartime public service features,” Baltin explained. “With a small army of televiewers well established in several states surrounding New York, most of whom are television fans, it is our belief that enthusiastic assistance will be given to New York police authorities to locate persons who are reported missing.”
In addition to the thousands of televiewers, members of the New York police department will also have an opportunity to “look-in” on these telecasts, Baltin added. Television sets were installed in 85 precincts in Manhattan about a year ago so that civilian defense messages and instructions could be televised directly to them. [Ci]vilian defense in New York have been taught defense operations through the medium of the televised image.
W2XWV is owned by the Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc., of Passaic, N.J., and transmits from atop the 42-story skyscraper at 515 Madison avenue, New York City, every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 8:30 o’clock. (Home News, Oct. 3).
Television Review
‘BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS’
With Detective Charles E. Meyer, Capt. John J. Cronin
Director: Will Baltin
15 Mins.; (Alternate) Sundays, 8:30 p.m.
Sustaining
W2XWV-DU MONT, New York
The N. Y. city police, who have been utilizing television in conjunction with civilian defense activities, put it to still another use last Sunday (3) as an aid in locating missing persons. And according to Capt. John J. Cronin, head of the New York City Police Department's Bureau of Missing Persons, television also may well be used to round up, criminals.
Sunday's program offered convincing demonstration of television's potentialities, which are at present hampered by the shortage of equipment and scarcity of home receivers. Six pictures of seven missing persons were projected on the screen and held there for two minutes while Detective Meyers gave name, age and detailed descriptions. (Variety, Oct. 6).
Monday, October 4
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Course.
8:30 Films.
Tuesday, October 5
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety
Wednesday, October 6
W2XWV—78.84mc
Thursday, October 7; Friday, October 8
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.
CHICAGO, Oct. 9.—With an eye to the post-war set-up, when television should come into its own, W9XBK, Balaban & Katz experimental video station, is making a definite, advance pitch, using live talent shows. While most similar stations are relying on music-film gimmicks, local tele-tester is stressing a variety of flesh programs and holding the use of film to a minimum. Drama, vaude, news and sports all have a place on station's sked, which is gaited to develop a production formula aimed at broad audience appeal.
All-Femme Staff
Added twist to the toes is that it stems entirely from femme slant. Except for a chief engineer and three male technicians, station is staffed by 10 gals, headed by Acting Director Helen Carson. Latter has been in charge since W9XBK went on the air with regular programs in January, 1942.
Station televises on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:15 to 9 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Station uses no paid talent, but has no difficulty in obtaining volunteer performers for the various sessions, since, according to org's head, most artists are eager to learn all they can of tele technique. Fortunately, too, the 10 distaffers are long on entertainment ability. They include three actresses, two painters, a dancer and an accordionist. All of them can pitch in at a moment's notice to put on a show.
There is a 10-minute exception three times a week to the live talent videos. These periods, during which a pic is utilized, provide short station breaks when the floodlights can be doused and the studio cooled off.
Shoot for Originality
Miss Carson's girls angle for originality as well as variety. A combo may include such unrelated items as a fashion show, a boxing match, a bit of Shakespeare, a wrestling bear or a chorus ensemble. A. recent week's selections, as an example, comprised Guy Savage's Human Side of Sports; The Home Front, with Harry Cansdale; Rund Musical Highlight, Edwin Gordon at the piano; MacLean Players in scenes from Macbeth; B. & K. Front Page, with Tiffany and Walker; Chicago Youth Balalaika Orchestra and Ann Hunter's A Woman Views the News.
Dance acts, vocals, interviews with visiting celebs, a comedy vaude team—they're all grist for Miss Carson's mill as long as they add up to a well-rounded program.
Few of station's current femme staffers had much previous experience in radio or television. Miss Carson herself had none when she joined the org in 1940. "I just absorbed it as I went along," she says.
Today she is a front-ranker in knowledge of every phase of television production and has developed a capable corps of skirted assistants who should make the pants-wearing videoers step on it to keep up when television, comes of age. (Billboard, Oct. 16)
Sunday, October 10
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. Premiere: “Behind the Rising Sun,” with actress Margo, author James R. Young, newscaster George Putnam, speaking about the RKO film.
9:00 Forum: “A Fourth Term?” with guest speakers Prof. Clyde R. Miller of Columbia University and Frederick C. McKee, industrialist.
9:30 Musical sketch: “Great Expectations.”
9:45 “Face of the War,” news and analysis with Sam Cuff.
Monday, October 11
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s Course.
8:30 Films.
Tuesday, October 12
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety
DuMont Television
Reviewed Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 p.m. Style—Variety, Sustaining on W2XWV (New York).
WOR hitched its wagon to a star Tuesday (12) when it used Philip Morris's Johnny as the hub for its program weaving. Johnny was behind the Hotel Mutual desk and paged each entertainer and act. Program was overweighted with vocalists and singing groups. First the Holidays, warbling quintet, gave with Put Your Arms Around Me; Sunday, Monday or Always and a novelty tune about a carnival In which all inhibitions were cast aside. Result was a confused and garbled number. Camera didn't do right by this group. Close-ups flattened faces.
Vince Monday, one-man hand, fared even worse. He was almost completely hidden by his accouterments. An occasional Vince glimpse was permitted, but the cameras couldn't penetrate the musical maze. With the exception of a couple of tinny blasts his takeoffs on the orks of Tommy Dorsey, Clyde McCoy, Guy Lombardo and Harry James were entertainingly authentic.
The Three Debs, who learned to sway with Sammy Kaye and did theater dates with him, held forth with solid arrangements of I Can't Give You Anything But Love, I Surrender Dear and Sleepy Time Train.
Baritone Arno Bennett, with both the Boston and Chicago Latin Quarter clubs behind him, added to the vocal load with People Will Say We're in Love and That Old Black Magic. He has a pleasant voice and is good to look at, but his enunciation could do with a little polishing.
Katie Van Forst, in Netherlands costume, sang Put Your Arms Around Me in Dutch. The number was cute, but torchy renditions of My Heart Stood Still, Be Still My Heart and In My Arms belied the peasant dress and wooden shoes.
Two exponents of judo, Lou Leonard and fem model, exhibited the art of attack and counterattack. Leonard, who instructs Judo at George Bothner's gym, put on an exciting show, letting the girl have the upper hand and proving the point.
Johnny having called all his actors from the Mutual Hotel lobby, automatically let go his familiar "Calling Philip Morris!" To his surprise a guest appeared and meekly said, "I’m Philip Morris." Johnny replied, "I've lost a good job." Wanda Marvin. (Billboard, Oct. 30).
Wednesday, October 13
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:00 to 8:30 p.m. “Around the World in 30 Minutes.”
Television Review
‘AROUND THE WORLD IN 30 MINUTES’
With: Samuel Cuff, Kerby Cushing, ANZAC Chorus
Writer: Kerby Cushing
Director: William McGrath
30 Mins,; Wednesday (13), 8:30 p.m. (One-shot)
Sustaining
W2XWV-DUMONT. New York
Television's potentialities were further demonstrated Wednesday (13) in a novel news show which was more interesting in the idea than in the execution. It was a visualization of the WNEW, N. Y., series, ‘Around the World in 30 Minutes,’ and both Sam Cuff and Kerby Cushing double as regular WNEW staffers and commentators.
Although televising newscasts is not new, 'Around the World' put in a bid for originality with the inclusion of a globe, maps and documentary film utilized by the commentators to illustrate the day's military and political developments. A group of Anzac airmen, stationed in and near New York, were drafted to sing their famous marching song, 'Waltzing Matilda."
Production difficulties were quite apparent. The maps. though large, lacked sufficient detail, and the transition from one map or point on the globe to the next was awkward. The spinning globe intro by the announcer failed to click, because the globe itself was poorly illuminated and revolved too fast. Interest could have been built up had these conditions been reversed.
Cuff used a lecture platform pointer, which often wandered out of camera range, and his illustrative map hopping did not always keep pace with his verbal transitions.
Cushing inadvertently brought out a factor which may some day stir up an 'editorializing of the news' controversy on television shows. While commenting on the Washington scene, he expressed strong disapproval and contempt over current developments through facial expressions conveying a sneering attitude. This effectively supplemented the subtler verbal condemnation. To maintain strict news impartiality, television stations will have to employ poker-faced commentators.
The use of a documentary film to highlight the career of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek went over effectively—though a clearer print could have been used. The Anzac vocalizing was dispirited, despite the 18 husky singers who pitched in. (Variety, Oct. 20)
Thursday, October 14; Friday, October 15
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.
Sunday, October 17
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. Doug Allan’s “Thrills and Chills.”
9:00 Bureau of Missing Persons.
9:15 Film cartoon: “Frozen Frolics” (Van Beuren, 1930)
9:30 “Let’s See” quiz.
9:45 “Face of the War,” news and analysis with Sam Cuff.
Mrs. Anna Rosen, of 3108 Brighton Fifth Street, Brooklyn, pleaded for the return of her sixteen-year-old missing son on the television program sponsored by the Missing Persons Bureau of the Police Department last night, the first time such an appeal has been televised.
The program was broadcast by Station W2XWV in studios operated by the Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, at 515 Madison Avenue and could be seen on about 5,000 television receiving sets in private homes in the area between Bridgeport, Conn., and Philadelphia, Pa., besides the eighty-five sets installed in New York police precincts.
Mrs. Rosen’s son, Melvin Rosen, whose photograph was described by Detective Charles Meyer, of the Missing Persons Bureau, as five feet, six inches tall, and weighing 190 pounds, with brown hair and eyes and a dark complexion. He left home on Nov. 9, 1942.
Mrs. Rosen wept when Detective Meyer told her that most runaway boys returned home and that his return might become a Christmas present for her. When he questioned her concerning the boy’s probable motive in leaving home, she said Melvin had played hookey from school and she had discovered it on the day he left.
Mrs. Rosen said she believed her son might be afraid to return home to face possible punishment for skipping school. (Herald Tribune, Oct. 18)
Monday, October 18
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s course.
8:30 Film subject.
Tuesday, October 19
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Variety
Wednesday, October 20
W2XWV—78.84mc
Thursday, October 21; Friday, October 22
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.
Sunday, October 24
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. “Red” Reeves Day, cowboy songs.
8:45 Television salutes “Navy Day.”
9:00 Film: “The Last Will and Testament of Tom Smith” with George Reeves and Lionel Barrymore (OWI/RKO, 1943)
9:15 “Devo’ce,” one-act play.
9:30 “Face of the War,” news and analysis with Sam Cuff.
Ensign Lorraine Chevalier of the WAVES, one of the prettiest gals ever to wear the Navy blue, will take part in a Navy Day television program next Sunday night in New York.
The pretty South River lassie spent a week home with her family recently while recuperating from an attack of the “flu.” She enlisted as a WAVE a short time after the unit was established at the port director’s office in New York.
Ensign Chevalier will make an appeal for new WAVE recruits during the telecast on the Du Mont station, W2XWV, at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday. (Home News, Oct. 20)
Monday, October 25
WNBT—55.75mc
4 and 7:30 p.m. Air-raid Warden’s course.
8:30 Film subject.
The National Broadcasting Company has installed equipment in Madison Square Garden for television broadcasts and beginning Oct. 25 will telecast sports events for the benefit of wounded service men in Army and Navy hospitals, it was announced yesterday.
Since television receiving sets have not been manufactured since the war began, and are increasingly scarce, officials of the company have given up their own sets for use in the hospitals, John F. Royal, vice-president in charge of television, said.
Receivers have already been installed in the Halloran General Hospital on Staten Island and the Naval Hospital in St. Alban’s, Queens, and others will be placed at Fort Dix, the Naval Yard in Brooklyn and the Navy Convalescent Hospital at Harriman, N.Y.
Mr. Royal said that the telecasts had been arranged in co-operation with medical authorities of the Army and Navy, and would be given over Station WNBT, operated by the National Broadcasting Company. The first program will be the rodeo on Oct. 25; later track meets, basketball and hockey games and other sports events will be telecast.
The programs will be rebroadcast by Station WPTZ, the Philco station in Philadelphia, and Station WRGB, the General Electric Company station in Schenectady, N.Y. At least one receiver will be provided for each hospital, and more will be added whenever possible. (Herald Tribune, Oct. 12)
TELEVISION RODEO
Madison Square Garden
Monday, October 25
Pickup From 9-10:15 p.m., EWT
WNBT (NBC), Channel 1
WESTERN SIGHTS AND SOUNDS.
Mid a welter of lariat-throwing cowhands and bronco-busting plainsmen, on-the-scene telecasts of sports events bowed in from Madison Square Garden Monday night with NBC's partial airing of the Eighteenth Annual World Championship Rodeo. Show, including Roy Rogers and the "Sons of the Pioneers" band, was intended primarily for wounded servicemen hospitalized in the New York area. However, it seems doubtful if their morale could have been helped much uy the blurry reception of the repetitious 75-minute performance, which might well have seen cut to one third. Flickering quality was reminiscent of a two-reel movie of the 1910's.
For a special event, there was too much of the same thing--trick riding, calf roping, fancy rope work, bucking horses, cowboy ballads. Chief fault was lack of proper lighting due to possible distraction of the horses by spotlights. As a result, the images were wanting in definition, making the faces of the rodeo hands undistinguishable and the fast-moving action of men and beasts Indistinct. It would seem, according to competent technical authority, that a two-camera unit, one with a telephoto turns, would have picked up the performers with greater clarity and undoubtedly improved the entertainment value.
Palm must nevertheless be handed NBC for this noble experiment, despite its outcome. Task of televising the wide sweep and bouncing pace of a rodeo was a huge one, might better be limited to productions using a confined, brightly illuminated setting, such as a prizefight ring. Television receiver at the Radio City offices of the broadcasting company, over which this program was caught, is reported to have been in defective condition, which may have accounted for the poor reception.
Commentator's role should have been left to the competent announcing of George Putnam, who was crowded out most of the time over the Garden's public address system by the carnival-lot accents of Al Lefton, rodeo emcee. Opening and closing by the station could have been utilized better than the bored, cracking voice of a femme announcer indicated. (Radio Daily, Oct. 27)
Norman D. Waters, ATS president, announced a joint dinner meeting of ATS and the Advertising Club of New York for Nov. 10 at the Club. Allen B. Du Mont will address the meeting from studio of W2XWV, at the beginning of a special demonstration of commercial television programming.
Thomas Hutchinson of Ruthrauff & Ryan, formerly program director of WNBT, will also speak at the dinner. (Broadcasting, Oct. 25)
NEW YORK, Oct. 23.—W2XWV, the Allen B. DuMont television station, will direct a 60-minute program of commercial exploitation at one receiver Wednesday evening, November 10. Telecast, of course, will be heard by the outlet's regular audience, but is slanted at a joint dinner-meeting of the American Television Society and the Advertising Club of New York.
Group will see the telecast in the ad club and afterward hold a general discussion on the role of ad agencies in the future of television. John Southwell, of BBD&O, and Tom Hutchinson, of Ruthrauff & Ryan, as well as two equipment manufacturers are skedded to speak.
W2XWV has in the past few months carried experimental commercial programs on their Tuesday and Wednesday shows, but this will mark the first time that an entire hour has been devoted to product plugs.
Southwell heads his agency's video department, and Hutchinson was top tele producer back in the days when NBO [sic] was active in consumer television. (Billboard, Oct. 30).
Tuesday, October 26
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sports Exhibition.
A sports exhibition will highlight the program when WOR's experimental television series next goes on the air from the Dumont station W2XWV tomorrow [26] from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. The program, one of a series designed to acquaint WOR's staff with the new medium, will present a three-round bout between Carmine Fatta (135) and Freddy Addeo (138) with Whitey Bimstein refereeing.
Golf will make its television indoor bow with champion Catherine Fox demonstrating various shots. Then Ruth Aarons, women's ping-pong champion, will engage in an exhibition match with Steve Ellis, conductor of WOR's "Moonlight SavingTime" program and a stellar performer with wooden paddles in hisown right.
Another champion, Barbara Cochran, will demonstrate the fine points in the sport she represents, fencing. Ray Nelson, WOR's Director of Dayime Programs, will direct the television sports show. (Radio Daily, Oct. 25)
Wednesday, October 27
W2XWV—78.84mc
Thursday, October 28; Friday, October 29
WCBW—65.75mc
8 to 10 p.m. Films.
Chicago—The Quiz Kids televised a 45-minute show over station W9XBK, the Balaban & Katz experimental station, recently, and their reaction to television was that it was a wonderful invention. In fact, the Kids, scheduled to do a 30-minute program, went on for 15 minutes more and almost became dehydrated from the strong lights, so fascinated were they by the cameras and other studio paraphernalia. Station W9XBK televises six shows a week and reaches nearly 1,500 persons in this area. (Radio Daily, Oct. 29)
Sunday, October 31
W2XWV—78.84mc
8:30 p.m. “Lonely Soldier,” one-act play.
9:00 Paula Silveja, songs.
9:15 Bureau of Missing Persons.
9:30 Doug Allan’s “Thrills and Chills.”
9:45 “Face of the War,” news and analysis with Sam Cuff.
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