Saturday, 12 August 2023
November and December 1939
In November 1939, without any warning, CBS started airing a test pattern on W2XAB in New York. Actual shows were not planned until 1940. Not so at W3XE, the Philco station in Philadelphia. It was broadcasting test patterns that month, too, but added some actual programming. In fact, the two stations interfered with each other, another instance that the claim TV signals could only go 50 miles was a canard.
The following month, W2XB signed on with an extravaganza for all 25 TV sets in Schenectady. It had set up a deal with NBC to re-transmit programmes from W2XBS in New York. For technical reasons, that was put off until 1940.
Toward the end of 1939, things seem to have fallen into a pattern at NBC. It aired a movie in the evening when there wasn’t an hour-long variety show or part of a play. There were old shorts during the day and on-location boxing and wrestling broadcasters with either Sam Taub or Bill Allen. The transmitter was generally silent Mondays and Tuesdays.
In Los Angeles, W6XAO chugged along with a regular programme schedule which got next-to-no mention in the local media.
Below, you can find television schedules and highlights from the last two months of 1939. Desi Arnaz and Dinah Shore made their debuts. Vaughn de Leath, who appeared during the spinning disc/mechanical TV years of the early ’30s, returned. Viewers say the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on TV for the first time (and, for the first year, horses did not draw any floats). The Ink Spots were on the air. So were Nelson’s Boxing Cats and Pansy, the vaudeville horse with two guys inside it.
Wednesday, November 1
2:30—Elizabeth Watts, fashion expert, in "The Right and Wrong of It," with Bergdorf-Goodman creations.2:45—Film serial, “The Lost Jungle,” episode XI, with Clyde Beatty.
3:05—Film, “Oberon Overture.
3:15-3:30—Alison Skipworth, interviewed by Patricia Murray.
9:00-10:30—Tony Canzonari-Al Davis bout and preliminaries at Madison Square Garden. Sam Taub announcing.
Thursday, November 2
2:30-3:45—Film, "Two Minutes To Play," with Herman Brix, Eddie Nugent and Jeanne Martel (Victory, 1936).
8:30-9:30—Variety hour, with Crosby Gaige's Cooking Scandals (roast duck on the menu), Remo Buffano’s marionettes, and style show by the Barbizon Studio of Fashion Modeling.
The Brooklyn Museum’s authentic period costumes of each decade from 1830 through 1900 will be shown on television tonight at 8:30 on the “Today is Yesterday” fashion show, linking 19th century and today. The Barbizon Studio of Fashion Modeling will present the program with the aid of Oppenheim-Collins.
Eight original period dresses, including a gown worn in 1870 by Princess Viggo of Denmark, will be displayed. Joan Hobart, director of the school, and Peggy Reed, stylist and advertising manager of Oppenheim-Collins, will be commentators. (Brooklyn Eagle)
Reviewed Thursday, 8:30-9:40 p.m. Style—Variety. Reviewed on RCA Television Receiver. Station—W2XBS.
Two-thirds of NBC’s television show Thursday was unadulerated oatmash, but the last part, presenting Remo Bufano in a talk and exposition of the puppeteers’ art, reached high entertainment levels. Bufano, who immediately clicked as a sock television personality spoke briefly on the different types of puppets and marionettes and illustrated the use of each variety, including Chinese, Sicilian, English, etc. The performance was not only skillful but had novelty, charm and an undeniable educational value. Bufano talked and performed without affectation, in a manner befitting a man who is a master of his craft.
Program opened with a fashion show, with Peggy Reed and Joan Hobart doing the talking, showing influences of past styles on today’s fashions. Models trekked back and forth over the screen some of them showing—for some reason—evident distaste for the work. Stuff may have had some appeal for femme audience.
Fashion program was followed by as boring a piece of business as it has been this reviewer’s misfortune to watch. This misguided attempt shoved Crosby Gaige, in the role of cookery expert, throwing together some fodder for a bunch of guests. Mr. Gaige, an eminent producer, no doubt still is an eminent producer despite his unfortunate television appearance. He wore an apron, spoke briefly of men as cooks and then with the aid of various attendants prepared a mess of stomach lining. General effect was as big a flop in a small way as was Mr. Gaige’s Eternal Road in a big way. Interesting point, however, was that liquor was mentioned during the preparation of a cocktail—something not permitted on radio.
Technically, this program was not outstanding work in either the fashion revue or the Gaige folderol. In photographing Remo Bufano’s puppet and marionette exposition, however, the camera boys earned themselves an orchid. Paul Ackerman. (Billboard, Nov. 11)
Friday, November 3
2:30-4:00—Film, “Forty Girls and a Baby,” a French film with English subtitles, starring Lucian Baroux.
8:30-9:40—Film, “Young and Beautiful,” with William Haines, Judith Allen and John Miljan (Mascot, 1934).
Saturday, November 4
2:30-5:00—Intercollegiate football: New York University vs. Lafayatte College at Ohio Field.
8:30-9:30—Play, "Treasure Island," by Donald Davis, with Dennis Hoey, Billy Redfield, William Balfour, William Podmore and Robert Allen.
Bold enough to attempt a telecast of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” the showmen at Radio City hit a low in production. It was too much for them; the action too scattered for the limited settings of the pill-box studio. The romance sailed off into space as one of the most amateurish telecasts so far. The “Hispaniola” struck a shoal of errors. (New York Times, Nov. 12).
Sunday, November 5
2:15-5:00—Football Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, at Ebbets Field. Bill Allen commentating.
8:30-9:30—Variety Hour: Irene Bordoni, singer; Paul Wing's Spelling Bee, Jim and Mildred Mulcahy, harmonicas; the Four Comets, skaters, and Tele-topics.
The animated Irene Bordoni, the Four Comets, roller skaters, the Mulcahy harmonica team and Paul Wing’s spelling bee, featuring five noted artists and five pretty models, restored the prestige of television as entertainment. Again the “bee” turned out to be a natural performance; it plays to the eye and to the ear, at the same time inviting audience participation, since every one looking In also tries to spell the words.
Televiewers at home saw McClelland Barclay, Otto Soglow, Jay Hyde Barnum, Gordon Stevenson and Frederick Dorr Steele frown and telecast puzzled looks as they figured out letter by letter whether “vermilion” should have one or two “l’s.” A smile ran down the line-up when Mr. Wing announced that either is correct. The telegenic faces from the magazine covers were quite upset trying to decide whether “hullabaloo” should be spelled with a “u” or an ‘e.” The cast was ideal for television, and the thirty minutes went quickly, but something must be done to relieve the eyes from the powerful lights, and at the same time cool the studios. (New York Times, Nov. 12)
FURTHER tie-in between advertising and television was witnessed Nov. 5 during the televising of Paul Wing’s Spelling Bee program, which is regularly sponsored on NBC by Cummer Products, over NBC’s television station, W2XBS, New York, when Volupte lipstick novelties and packaged herbs from the Herb Farm Shop of London, both accounts handled by Abbott Kimball Co., New York, were given away to the winning spellers among five prominent illustrators and five New York beauties. (Broadcasting, Nov. 15)
EARLY hour of darkness these late fall days has caused a new headache for NBC’s television experimenters, as the final periods of the Saturday and Sunday afternoon football games telecast on W2XBS, New York, are frequently played in light too dim to produce a good picture. Solution arrived at is that whenever this point is reached the cameras will be shut off, but the sound continued, so that the listener-viewer will at least be able to hear how the contest ends. This decision gives to Allen Walz, former New York U grid star who announces the football telecasts, the difficult task of changing his announcing techinque mid-way, from explaining plays visible to his audience to describing them completely to listeners unable to watch the play. (Broadcasting, Nov. 15)
Wednesday, November 8
2:45—Film serial, “The Lost Jungle,” Episode XII, with Clyde Beatty.
3:05—Film, “Barcelona."
3:15-3:30—Vaughn de Leath, singer [photo to right].
8:30-9:30— Variety Hour; Ernestine Manciotti's Miniature Opera Group in a scene from "Carmen"; Mildred Dilling’s Harp Sextette.
Without any prior announcement, the Columbia Broadcasting System last Wednesday afternoon used its television transmitter for the first time to send images of its resolution chart from station W2XAB in the Chrysler Tower. Several times during the past month, music has been sent out from the station but the video transmitter had not been operated previously. Officials at CBS refused to confirm the general impression that Wednesday's test would lead to an early imagination of regular telecasts. It was explained that the transmission of the chart was for the benefit of engineers as an aid toward further refinements and adjustments of the transmitter.
In downtown New York where receiving conditions are generally bad due to the presence of high structures, the CBS video signals seemed to be more powerful than those from the Empire State transmitter, despite the fact that the latter is supposed to radiate more power. Observers twenty-five miles from the Chrysler Tower reported a video signal fully equal in strength to that from W2XBS. In neither location did the quality of the newcomer appear equal to that of the established NBC transmitter but this was expected since Columbia's transmissions of the test chart are being carried out solely for experimental purposes and alterations are being made constantly.
Originally intended only as a home for its television station, CBS has announced recently that a frequency modulation station will also be installed soon in the same structure and that after completion the two transmitters will be used simultaneously to carry out comparative studies of the efficiency of the two types of transmissions in covering the metropolitan area. (New York Sun, Nov. 11)
NEW YORK, Nov. 8 (AP).—Start of a nationwide television network was forecast today by Alfred H. Morton, vice president of the National Broadcasting company, in announcing that NBC television programs soon would he relayed by the experimental station of the General Electric company near Schenectady, 130 miles away. Almost simultaneously, the Columbia Broadcasting system began the preliminary tests of its picture transmitter atop the Chrysler building, with plans to get on the air with regular broadcasts as soon as the trial period is ended, no date for which has been announced.
The relay of NBC programs to Schenectady would he made possible through a special receiving station now being installed near the Schenectady transmitter to pick up the programs sent out by the Empire State building station.
Plans for the first two-station television hookup are an outgrowth of tests conducted last spring, when Schenectady received images of the visit of the king and queen of England to the New York's world fair as relayed by mobile apparatus to Empire State and then sent into the air from there.
HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 8.—Max Reinhardt will make his television debut Thursday night [8] on the Thomas S. Lee television station, originates, directing a group of players in original drama. He also will be interviewed. On Nov. 18 he opens a series of dramatic telecasts which he will direct on Saturday nights. (Motion Picture Daily, Nov. 9)
Thursday, November 9
2:30-3:30—Activities at Naval Air Training Station, Floyd Bennett Field.
8:30-9:30—Film, "The Gang Show," with Ralph Reader and Gina Malo (General Film, 1937).
Friday, November 10
2:30—Film, "When You Know."
2:38—Film, "Rolling Along."
2:46—Film, "Swiss on White."
2:55-3:30—Film, “Finland Today.”
8:340-9:30—Drama, "The Farmer Takes a Wife," by Frank B. Elser and Marc Connolly, with Wylie Adams, Donna Earl, William Kent, George Taylor and Mary Hutchinson.
TO SWITCH emphasis in NBC’s televised version of the Broadway success, “The Farmer Takes a Wife”, from the characters to the Erie Canal itself, Thomas L. Riley, NBC television producer, used a narrator, whose poetic script was accompanied by still pictures of the old canal and movies of the new-fangled railroad that, at the time of the play, was beginning to displace the canal as a main artery of commerce. Success of the innovation indicates its future use on other historical television dramas. (Broadcasting, Dec. 1)
Alfred H. Morton, NBC vice prexy assigned to the television department, said this week that his company’s television programs would soon be re-telecast over the experimental station of the General Electric Company near Schenectady. A radio relay, he revealed, has been installed by G. E. engineers near their television transmitter to receive NBC programs, telecast in New York City over W2XBS. The distance between the two stations is approximately 130 miles. (Brooklyn Eagle, Nov. 10)
Saturday, November 11
2:30-3:30—“Wings Over the Nation,” third in a series on aviation and air travel.
9:00-11:00—Boxing matches, Ridgewood Grove Arena.
Sunday, November 12
2:15-4:45—Football: Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Washington Redskins, at Ebbets Field. Bill Allen commentator.
8:30-9:30—American Actors Company in "Happy Journey," by Thornton Wilder; Diosa Costello and Desi Arnaz, featured in George Abbott’s Broadway hit “Too Many Girls” and stars of La Conga nightclub revue.
Wednesday, November 15
2:30—Finesse in photography.
2:45—Film, "Dr. Irving Langmuir on Surface Chemistry."
3:15-3:30—Frances Hidden, Style Show, Burlesque.
8:30-9:30—Goddard Neighborhood Center Television Hall Committee meeting and Tex O'Rourke's Roundup, interviews.
9:30-11:00—Amateur bouts from Ridgewood Grove.
COINCIDENT with the placing of television receivers on sale in Los Angeles by RCA, General Electric, Gilfillan and Stewart-Warner, W6XAO, the Don Lee Broadcasting System television station in that city has resumed its daily telecasts from 8 to 9 p.m., with matinees Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 4 to 5 p.m. Three of the evening telecasts are live talent, with motion pictures used the balance of the week. Harry R. Lubcke, Don Lee television director, estimates there are more than 400 television sets in southern California homes at present, with programs being received within a radius of 30 miles from the station located at 7th and Bixel St. in downtown Los Angeles. Move of the transmitter to a Hollywood mountain top early next year, as planned by Thomas S. Lee, president of the corporation, will increase the W6XAO signal range to 60 miles, it was said. Don Lee network has ordered an RCA portable television pickup unit which is expected to be in operation by mid-December. (Broadcasting, Nov. 15)
KOLORAMA LABORATORIES, Irvington, N. J., has filed an application with New Jersey Public Utilities Commission to construct an experimental television station in Carlstadt operating on 500 watts with a frequency of 2000 to 2100 kc. A similar application is before the FCC, whose decision is awaited before the State Commission issues its approval. The company is now operating on a special 30-day permit from the FCC on the call letters W2XWC. Constitutionality of this New Jersey P.U.C. Act was questioned last December by NBC when that network wished to erect an antenna at Bound Brook, N. J. NBC claimed the requirement of such permission “to be unconstitutional exercise of regulatory power by the State, inasmuch as the Federal Government has already completely regulated the field of broadcasting.” Final court ruling restrained the P.U.C. Board from interference, ruling that the Commission had no authority to regulate interstate broadcasting. (Broadcasting, Nov. 15)
Thursday, November 16
2:30-3:30—Film feature, "Rose of Tralee," with Danny Malone, Kathleen O’Regan, Binkie Stuart and Fred Conyngham (Butcher’s, 1937).
8:30-9:30—Wrestling at Ridgewood Grove Athletic Club. Sam Taub, announcer.
Friday, November 17
8:30-9:30—"A Criminal at Large," by Edgar Wallace, with Nance O'Neill, Dennis Hoey, Carl Harbord, Frances Reid.
“Criminal at Large”
Reviewed Friday, 8:30-8:45 p.m. Style—Dramatic. Station—W2XBS. Reviewed on RCA Television Receiver.
With Friday’s studio show, Criminal at Large, by Edgar Wallace. NBC, chalked up another solid entertainment hit. The murder-mystery thriller was played by a very competent cast, including Nance O’Neill, Denis Hoey, Charles Jordan, Carl Harbord and Frances Reed.
Technically, camera and lighting on this job was excellent, with good facial images. Only exception to this was a brief period at the beginning, but as soon as the plot advanced somewhat the photography became very clear, the camera shifting back and forth easily so as to pick up salient action. The cast was small, and the production had a definite economy in that there was scarcely any waste motion. This, of course, jibes very well with television’s present limitations of small casts and confined stage area. Anton Bundsmann, director, made the most of his material, presenting a play with sustained interest.
Cast strictly socko, with Nance O’Neill as Lady Lebanon, Denis Hoey as Sergeant Tanner, Frances Reed as Isla; Carl Harbord as Lord Lebanon and Charles Jordan as Sergeant Totty. Ackerman. (Billboard, Nov. 25)
Saturday, November 18
2:30-3:30—“Wings Over the Nation,” fourth in a series on air travel and aviation; model building class.
8:30-9:30—Film, “Prison Train,” with Fred Keating and Linda Winters.
CBS started public tests of its transmitter test pattern last week, first showing being on Wednesday, with several other tests taking place later in the week. Pattern is similar to that used by RCA, consisting of a circle divided into quarters. In the upper left-hand corner are the CBS letters and in the lower right quarter the call letters, W2XAB. Under the call letters is additional printing but in none at the tests seen was it legible.
Columbia’s tests proved that its transmitter is not yet in fully serviceable shape. During some of the tryouts the RCA-NBC pattern was also available on either wave length; comparison of the two, under the finest tuning that could be arranged, showed that the CBS signal was quite gray and none of the lettering was easily read. The NBC pattern, as seen at the same time, was fully legible and sharply defined, with good black and white contrast.
NBC and CBS are using the same circle for their tests, CBS explaining that it adopted the same chart to enable television set owners, already familiar with the NBC circle, to establish when they had their set tuned as accurately as possible and to avoid confusion. Neither circle is a trade-mark.
Only brief announcement was made during the Wednesday test as to the objectives CBS had in mind; some showmanship indicates further commentary advisable.
CBS’s regular tele schedule depends largely on transmitter progress. Jerry Franken. (Billboard Nov. 18)
With the cooperation of Oklahoma Publishing Co., parent firm, WKY exploited the demonstration by using 11,200 agate lines of paid space in the Daily Oklahoman-Times and received large amount of publicity throughout the Southwest.
At the first showing Nov. 13, civic leaders, radio and technical guests were entertained. After that it was a “free show”. A special demonstration for colored people was staged the night of Thursday, Nov. 16, a gesture that attracted wide publicity in the South.
Regular WKY performers took part in all shows, augmented by artists from other sections, including Nancy Callahan, Chicago’s “most telegenic girl”. Don McNeil, Nancy Martin and Jack Baker, of the NBC Breakfast Club, arrived the final day although their plane was grounded several hours on the flight from Chicago.
In charge of arrangements for WKY and the Oklahoma Publishing Co. were Edgar T. Bell, secretary-treasurer of the company; Gayle V. Grubb, WKY manager, and J. I. Meyerson, promotion manager of the parent firm. Richard H. Hooper was in charge of the traveling television unit. (Broadcasting, Dec. 1)
BALABAN & KATZ Corp., Chicago, big motion picture theater chain, has applied to the FCC [Nov. 18] for authority to erect a new television station in that city to be located at the northeast corner of Washington Blvd. and Crawford Ave. It asks for 1,000 watts on the 66-72 mc. band. The Commission has also been asked [Nov. 18] by Henry Joseph Walezak, Springfield, Mass. to authorize a new television station there. He asked for 250 watts on 1550 kc., though that frequency is not allocated for television. (Broadcasting, Dec. 1) [Note: Walezak amended frequency to 1650 kcs. four days later]
Sunday, November 19
2:15-4:45—Professional football, Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Green Bay Packers at Ebbets Field. Bill Allen, commentator.
8:30-9:30—Sunday Varieties with Tamaro Toumanova and Paul Petroff; Paul Draper, dancer; Television Explorers, featuring Capt. William Craig and the Harrison Sisters, song quartet.
WHILE insisting that television has not emerged from the experimental stage, the television committee of the Federal Communications Commission has recommended [on Nov. 14] liberalization of the rules to set up two classes of visual broadcasting stations, one of which will be permitted to carry advertising to help defray the cost of preparing programs.
Explaining that the “amber light” should precede the “green light” in television development, the committee, headed by Commander T. A. M. Craven, asserted that the commission should remove all obstacles to progress in the infant industry but at the same time must safeguard the public from costly overpromotion.
Sponsorship Not Prohibited
Finally, the committee, which has been studying telecasting since last Spring, suggested that this might be an opportune time for American manufacturers to get a foothold on future world trade in television while European countries are occupied with war.
While retaining the ban on unrestricted sponsorship of television programs, the committee points out “sponsorship is not prohibited, provided such sponsorship and the program facilities or funds contributed by sponsors are primarily for the purpose of experimental program development.”
The report revealed the opinion of the investigation that immediate commercialization of television program service would not increase the sale of receivers. On the contrary, it is believed that such a step might easily be a retardation of the ultimate sale of tele-receivers on a large volume basis.
Danger of Being Premature
“Immediate commercialization threatens to open the door wide to financial exploitation of the public without any sound basis therefor,” continued the report. “And, finally, premature commercialization might crystallize employment and wage levels before a new-born art and industry has any opportunity to gain sufficient experience to obtain the stability in this phase of the service which is so essential to employer and employe alike.
“It may be that the time is fast approaching when pioneers must receive a return not only on their huge investment but also must secure remuneration for operating expenses. Consequently, the committee feels that program sponsorship by advertisers is one of the logical means of support for the new television service to the public when such service is ready.”
Telecasters are warned in the report that the motion picture sets a pace for them, and in spite of the convenience of television in the home the public will not be entirely satisfied if the quality of service is inferior to the movies, particularly the news reels. (New York Times, Nov. 18)
Wednesday, November 22
2:30—“The Right and Wrong of It,” with Elizabeth White, fashion expert.
2:35—Film, “Gold Diggers of 1946.”
3:05—Film, “Touchdown.”
3:15-3:30—Madge Tucker’s Radio Children.
8:30-9:30—A preview of "Swinging the Dream," new Broadway show; Rene Chaquaque, Hotel Bossert chef, on “Carving the Thanksgiving Turkey”; Bob (Eichberg) Kent’s “Visi Quiz”; review of “A Treasury of Art Masterpieces,” by Mabel Cobb. Virginia Hare, mistress of ceremonies.
NBC has arranged its second series of commercially sponsored shows for television, it was learned yesterday. Elizabeth Watts, a fashion authority, is doing a series in cooperation with local stores. Each program is sponsored by a different store and consists of a fashion show with models showing the correct and incorrect methods of wearing clothing.
The first series to be commercially sponsored is on longer on the air. George Ross, Wor1d-Telegram columnist, conducted a show for Andrew Geller shoes for two months but it was discontinued in September. (Motion Picture Daily, Nov. 22)
Thursday, November 23
12:30-1:30—Macy’s 15th Annual Thanksgiving Day parade, with Tony Sarg and Russell Patterson.
8:30-9:40—Film feature, “Stolen Sweets,” with Sally Blane and Charles Starrett (Chesterfield, 1934).
Friday, November 24
2:30—Film, “Take It Easy.”
2:40—Film, “Spanish Symphony.”
2:50—Film, “William Tell Overture.”
3:00—Film, “The March of Time—Dixie U.S.A.”
3:20-3:30—Film, “Streamlines.”
8:30-9:30—“Three Men on a Horse,” by Cecil Holm and George Abbott, with Jack Sheehan, Rose Hertz, Joyce Arling, Loretta Sayers and Frank Camp. Reginald Hammerstein, director.
Saturday, November 25
2:30-3:30—"Wings Over the Nation," fifth in a series on aviation and air travel.
9:00-11:00—Boxing matches, Ridgewood Grove Arena. Victor Dellicurti vs. Johnny McHale, welterweights, with Sam Taub commentary.
Philadelphia: Television programs from Philco's station—W3XE—have been on the air Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings for some weeks as part of that company's intensive research in this field. No public announcements have been made regarding these programs since their primary purpose is the test of Philco receivers in the hands of various members of the staff and their families. While many test charts have been used, the programs also have an entertainment value since amateur talent as well as motion pictures is utilised. Simultaneously with the problems of receivers and reception, the problems of program and studio technic are being studied.
The station, which signs off as "W3XE, Philco, Philadelphia," operates on one kilowatt power for sound and pictures, and uses channel No. 2. The picture frequency is 51.26 megacycles, while sound frequency is 56.75 megacycles.
Quite a number of television receivers have been placed in the homes of engineers and executives of the company in the city and suburbs, and the wives and families have been encouraged to operate these receivers on the local program to approximate conditions as nearly as possible in the hands of purchasers.
As changes and adjustments are made in laboratory receivers, engineers make the same changes and adjustments in those in the various homes, and frequently receivers. and crews of engineers, are taken to New York for field tryouts.
The purpose of these tests, and the lack of publicity regarding the programs, was explained by an executive of Philco when he stated that the problems being studied were largely those of transmission and reception, and that his firm, at this time especially, is making no claims for research in program technic, although this is also being studied. (New York Sun, Nov. 25)
Sunday, November 26
2:15-4:45—Professional Football, New York Giants vs. Brooklyn Dodgers at Polo Grounds. Bill Allen announcing.8:30-9:45—Film, “World Gone Mad,” with Pat O’Brien and Evelyn Brent (Majestic, 1933).
Tuesday, November 28
8:30-10:00—Journal-American Diamond Belt semi-final, amateur boxing at Ridgewood Grove Club. Sam Taub announcing.
Wednesday, November 29
2:30-2:45—Louise Irwin, body building exercises.
2:45—Film, “Ski Trails of New France.”
2:55—Film, “Russian Symphony.”
3:05—Film, “The West Indies.”
3:15-3:30—Facts and Fancies, with Alice Maslin.
8:30-9:30—Fashion preview of Television Ball by Milgrim; McClelland Barclay, artist; Rodeo Ramblers, songs of the West; Terry Harris, M. C.
The first of a series of television programs at which the Mary Barron Biastrait slips will be shown, was presented yesterday at Best & Co. by NBC with Louise Irwin, of the Colony Club, American representative of the League of Health and Beauty in England, showing her rhythmic exercises for health and beauty between showing of the slips.
She says of the slip that it is “so perfectly cut to form that it allows for graceful movement.” At Davidson Bros., makers of this slip, it is said that this manner of advertising will be developed in a greatly enlarged program for spring. The slips shown were in lace-trimmed satin and in pleated ruffle taffeta. (Women’s Wear Daily, Nov. 30)
New York.—To test the demand for television sets if the price is right. RCA instituted a cut-rate sale in the Newburgh area and sold nearly 100 sets in a week. The experiment was so successful that the cut rates will be kept in for a month.
Sets priced at $600 were cut to $395; $50 sets to $295; $299 sets to $199, and $199 sets to $135. RCA figures that the Newburgh area has only one-thirtieth the population of New York City and, if the ratio can be maintained, thousands of sets can be sold in the big city in a short time.
CBS is slated to go on the air with television programs about February 1. (Hollywood Reporter, Nov. 29)
Thursday, November 30
2:30—Film, “A New Adventure.”
3:15-3:30—Film, “Atlantic Holiday.”
8:30-10:00—Film, “Mayerling,” with Charles Boyer and Danielle Darieux.
Friday, December 1
2:30-3:30—Film, “Harlem Rides the Range,” with Herb Jeffrey, Artie Young and Clarence Brooks (1939).
8:30-9:45—“Roosty,” by Martin Berkeley, with Russel Hardie, Andy Donnelly, Anthony Ross, Kate Warriner and Helen Ray. Eddie Sobol, director.
The apparatus was developed by the Radio Corporation of America to meet a demand for television field stations comparable in compactness to present-day sound broadcasting equipment. With it, said Morton in making his announcement, NBC television field crews will be freed from the limitations imposed by the necessity of parking space near the scene of pick-up for the large motor trucks that carry NBC's present mobile television station.
Entertainment material, such as floor shows in Manhattan's night clubs and dramatic productions and musical shows on Broadway, now beyond the reach of present equipment, he added, would lie within easy range of the new portable unit.
Housed in Suitcases
To facilitate transportation of the apparatus, engineers have assembled the various components in small carrying cases, each weighing from thirty-five pounds to seventy-two pounds. The dimensions of each case are about those of an ordinary suitcase. A complete one-camera assembly for program relay over wire lines requires only four of these cases, in addition to a camera and connecting cable lengths. The total weight of such equipment is less than 375 pounds.
The basic one-camera unit, contained in four cases and a camera, may be converted into a two-camera assembly by the addition of a second camera and four equipment cases, bringing the total weight up to 548 pounds. A third camera may be added by bringing three more cases into the equipment line, making the weight of the three-camera unit 883 pounds, exclusive of connecting cables. The radio relay transmitter, with its associated power supply equipment weighs 350 pounds. With 1,000 feet of cable serve the assembly, the entire three-camera unit would weigh less than 1,500 pounds. NBC's present two-camera field unit, mounted permanently in two large motor trucks, has a total weight of about ten tons.
A newly designed antenna array of a "wedge" type focuses the broadcast energy into practically a searchlight beam. Finally, a new type of cable reduces the weight of these necessary connecting links to exactly half that of cables now being used.
Should Lessen Interference.
The use of the newly designed ultra-short-wave relay transmitter, according to the engineers who designed the equipment, will go far in removing the relayed image from the influence of man-made sources of interference. These sources, notably elevator contactors, diathermy equipment and automobile ignition systems, have been particularly troublesome in transmitting images from such points as the Bronx Zoological Gardens end the World's Fair.
Cameras associated with the new unit weigh approximately twenty-five pounds, less than one-third the weight of the present Iconoscope cameras used on NBC's mobile television station. Eqiupped [sic] with new four-inch Iconoscopes, the cameras will deliver an image comparable, under good conditions, to those delivered by studio cameras operating under excellent television lighting. The sharp reduction in weight, bringing the camera to approximately the dimensions of a newsreel type of motion picture camera, was made possible by the removal of some essential electrical circuit to a camera auxiliary component.
Although the new field apparatus will be delivered this week to the National Broadcasting Company, said Morton, it will not go into service immediately. A period of testing will be required to ascertain its service potentialities in the New York city area, he added. (New York Sun, Dec. 1)
TO AID the sale of Christmas seals for the National Tuberculosis Assn., the Don Lee Broadcasting System, Los Angeles, is telecasting over its television station W6XAO, that city, the educational sound film, Let My People Live. The film was produced by the NTA in cooperation with Tuskeegee Institute and government agencies. (Broadcasting, Dec. 1)
LATEST broadcast operators to apply for new television stations are the Crosley Corp., operating WLW and WSAT, Cincinnati, amending a previous application to ask for 50-56 mc. with 1,000 watts, and WDRC, Hartford, Conn., asking for 66-72 mc. with 1,000 watts. The former proposes to establish the station in Cincinnati’s Carew Tower; the latter on the summit of West Peak, Meriden, Conn. (Broadcasting, Dec. 1)
Saturday, December 2
2:30—Goddard Neighborhood Center Children.
2:45-3:30—“Wings Over the Nation,” sixth in a series on aviation and air travel.
9:00-11:00—Boxing matches, Ridgewood Grove Club. Sam Taub, announcer.
Sunday, December 3
2:30-3:30—Fencing demonstration.
8:30-9:50—Film, “Broken Melody,” with Merle Oberon, John Garrick, Margot Grahame and Austin Trevor.
Tuesday, December 4
HOLLYWOOD TELEVISION
With Lee Cooley, Jean Markel, Owen Jensen, Jimmy Talcott Celeste Rush players. D. E. Ronda, Gene Howard, Bud Kelly and Jean Marlow
One hour
Tuesday, 8 p.m. [4?]
Don Lee, W6XAO, Los Angeles
Entertainment comprised divergent routines, running from an escape artist to a fashion show. Jean Markel, who paraded the models, seemed a distinct personality for television. D. E. Ronda gave the iconoscope a workout in freeing himself on the floor from various police restraints. Owen Jensen gave a demonstration in tattooing, explaining the process while he wielded the electric needle. Jimmy Talcott caricatured Emcee Lee Cooley, and the Celeste Rush Players projected a comedy drama in three parts, which gave an indication of what may be expected in future aired dramatics from theatre stages. Gene Howard, Bud Kelly and Jean Marlow gagged, warbled and played instruments.
Ray Coffin, who books talent for these telecasts, seeks diversity more for the experiment than the entertainment quality. It’s no great trick to get picture talent down to the studio for interviews. They’re all eager to know how they’ll fit into the scheme of the newest art. Helm. (Variety, Dec. 13)
Wednesday, December 6
2:30—Film, “Wild Innocence.”
2:55—Film, “News in the Air.”
3:20-3:30—Film travelogue, “Cuba.”
8:30-9:45—“Jane Eyre,” by Helen Jerome, with Flora Campbell, Dennis Hoey, Carl Harbord and Olive Deering, Anton Bundsman, director.
Thursday, December 7
2:30-3:40—Film, “The Quitter,” with William Bakewell and Emma Dunn.
8:30-9:30—Wrestling at Ridgewood Grove Club.
Television network programs will become a reality on Jan. 2 when General Electric starts regular programs on its Schenectady stations. The number of hours or schedule has not been announced, but it is understood that all NBC programs originating from New York will be re-transmitted.
Preliminary tests have indicated that the image received in Schenectady is of sufficient strength to be retransmitted. A permanent transmitter should be completed in several weeks. Signals received from New York will de-modulated and transmitted on the G. E. waveband.
The new station will use the third standard channel, 66 to 72 megacycles. NBC uses the first channel and CBS will use the second when it starts operations early next year. Although General Electric is planning another station in Bridgeport, which will also pick up the New York signals, nothing definite has been announced as yet.
The first program to be sent from Schenectady will be telecast tomorrow evening in connection with three Rotary Club dinners but regular programs will not start until Jan. 2. (Motion Picture Daily, Dec. 6)
Television antennas have been installed on the roofs of the three hotels [in Schenectady] and receivers installed. Tests have been run all this week by television engineers from the G.E. Bridgeport plant assisting engineers, from the Havens Electrie Co. in Albany and local dealers...Also tuned in will be the 25-odd receivers privately owned in Schenectady. (Schenectady Gazette, Dec. 7)
Friday, December 8
2:30—Film, “War, Peace and Propaganda.”
2:50—Film, “Throne of the Gods.”
3:20-3:30—Film, “High Lights of London.”
8:30-9:30—“Another Language,” by Rose Franken, with Ben Smith, Anne Revere, Dorothy Mathews and Kendall Clark.
It was the first Rotary gathering ever conducted by television and the first tri-city sight and sound event and signalized the initial public test of General Electric's new television transmitter high in the Helderberg mountains.
The large audience here was actually thrilled with the high quality reception of the demonstration in which Walter Head of Montclair, N.J., president of Rotary International, Paul Harris, founder and president emeritus, and Chesley Perry of Chicago, Rotary secretary for 30 years, urged upon their seeing but unseen audience the inculcation of the principles of the organization in a troubled world. ''For lack of friendship and tolerance, the world is once more at war," said Mr. Harris. "If only the world's leaders could banish from their hearts envy, fear and hatred, and permit tolerance and friendship to enter, untold suffering could be avoided."
President Head, who also appeared at Hotel Van Curler after the program and informally spoke to the gathering, told the widely-separated television audience that "war emphasizes the necessity of encouraging and fostering the ideal of service." Mr. Perry urged Rotarians "to put mankind together" by tolerance in business and social relations.
Originates at G.E.
Voices and pictures were short-waved from the W2XH studio at the local General Electric plant to the transmitter in the Helderbergs and thence 12 miles back to the Schenectady Rotarians in the Van Curler, 18 miles to the Troy dinner at Hotel Hendrick Hudson and 12 miles to the Albany gathering in Hotel Ten Eyck. Power of one kilowatt, a tenth of that to be employed when the station goes on the air regularly, was employed last night.
Reception of the program here was excellent, considering the fact that while Schenectady felt the first winds of winter, the Helderbergs was in the midst of a 100-mile gale, Carl Snyder, past president of Schenectady Rotary, reported after the broadcast.
"Radio and its younger sister, television, make of the world a whole", President Head said. "Let us hope that together Rotary and radio and television may help to develop this world neighbourhood into a world brotherhood."
He told how Rotary in 34 years had grown from one club to more than 5,000 clubs in more than 60 countries and how the membership had increased from a handful to over 200,000.
Founder Harris, in recalling the beginnings of Rotary in Chicago in 1905, remarked that "in the first Rotary club we had enough different ideologies represented to provide fuel for 10 world wars if kindled with hatred. But that was not our plan. We eliminated racial phobias.
"If candidates were honorable, friendly and tolerant, they could enter our utopia regardless of what might be their religious or political affiliations."
Speaking briefly at the Hotel Van Curler gathering after the meeting, Mr. Harris paid high tribute to Charles Proteus Steinmetz and his contributions to science and society.
Part of the program was conducted in the form of a "roundtable" discussion in which President Head and Founder Harris took part, answering for their audience many of the current questions concerning Rotary and its activities.
Schenectady Rotary was capably represented on the program not only by Past President Snyder but by Chester Woodin, also a past president, who gave an exhibition of "mail order magic". Woodin's legerdemain, repertoire and repartee were one of the highlights.
At the direction of the televised image of George D. Elwell of Albany, the tri-city gatherings sang "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and "America the Beautiful". The program from the studio also included songs by the Rotary Anns of Troy, organ selections by Dr. Elmer A. Tidmarsh, organist and professor of music at Union College, and harp numbers by Margaret De Graff Herron.
Mrs. Herron took part in the first demonstration of talking pictures when she played her harp in the initial public demonstration by the General Electric Co. here. She is well known to Schenectady area audiences.
The images were relayed last night on a 1.4 meter band from the W2XH studio to the Helderberg transmitter, which has license W2XB, where they were rebroadcast in the 66-72 megacycle band at approximately 4.5 meters. The Helderberg transmitter is on a 1,500 foot hill making its antenna 250 feet higher than the one on the Empire State building in New York city.
John G. T. Gilmour, program manager of the General Electric television station, said that the tri-city sight and sound reception indicated the vast possibilities for television. "One minister might preach in churches in three or more cities at the same time, a political candidate might address widely separated rallies; a store could conduct simultaneous fashion shows in a number of branches," he said.
Rev. Harold W. Buckland, Schenectady Rotary president, presided for the local dinner and greeted the international officers on their arrival at the hotel after the telecast.
An Associated Press dispatch reported the reception of the program at Albany as “very good,” with both voice and images transmitting clearly.
Rotarian Yates Van Antwerp of Johnstown reported "television program coming in fine at Johnstown."
At Gloversville, about 35 miles as the crow flies from, the transmitter, 16 persons saw and heard the program on a set in a radio shop and reported the reception perfectly although the aerial was only 60 feet and the area lies in a hollow. (Schenectady Gazette, Dec. 9)
Saturday, December 9
2:30—Raymond Loewy on Plastics in Interior Design.
2:45—Ernest Jones, golf instructor, with Innes Brown, demonstrating “swingtest,” a practice device.
2:50—Film, “Horizons.”
3:20-3:30—Film, “Tele-topics.”
9:00-11:00—Boxing at Ridgewood Grove.
Sunday, December 10
2:30-3:30—American Legion National Defence program, with Lieut.-Gen. Hugh A. Drum, Raymond J. Kelly and Mrs. William H. Corwith, from Triborough Stadium.
8:30-9:30 Debutante committee for Television Ball; Chicago’s Miss Television, Nancy Callahan; Paul Wing’s spelling bee.
Monday, December 11
8:30-11:30—Finals of Diamond Belt bouts at Madison Square Garden.
Tuesday, December 12
Development of new equipment, including lighting by General Electric and an improved camera by RCA, gives fair assurance that CBS will be able to start regular television service to the public in February, according to Gilbert Seldes, director of program production.
Such service is now limited in the East to NBC, which inaugurated a telecasting schedule under and experimental license more than six months ago.
Seldes plans a technique for program presentation different from that used by NBC.
At the start CBS will broadcast five hours of television weekly, and possibly more. "We will have as many hours as the public wants and as many as will be needed for a routine of programs," said Seldes. NBC at present is telecasting between 11 and 13 hours weekly.
Of the technical problems, the greatest has been studio lighting. CBS engineers have been seeking a system which would provide sufficient intensity without developing too much heat, which would hamper the actors. This has been overcome by General Electric, said Seldes.
Seldes believes that films will not play a major role in television, that the public will be more interested in pickups caught by the mobile camera outside the studio. “Television’s greatest appeal will be based on the element of immediate transmission,” said Seldes. “It will not compete with newsreels, because the time element makes it necessary for a viewer to be in front of a receiver when an event happens, whereas most people will see the same event on a theatre screen.
"I don't think there will be competition with other forms of amusement, other than an overlapping on the edges. I can't conceive of a theatre playing 'Gone With the Wind' being hurt by a spelling bee on television." (Al Finestone, Motion Picture Daily, Dec. 12)
Wednesday, December 13
2:30—Edna Mayo, “Jungle Influence in Fashions.”
2:45—Film, “Burn’ Em up Barnes.”
3:15-3:30—Sig Buckmayr, ski technic.
8:30-9:30—Fashion Show, with Emil Alvin Hartman; the debut parade, with Staats Cosworth; Betty Crocker, cooking lesson; “Alda” musical film. Muriel Robert, mistress of ceremonies.
Thursday, December 14
2:30—Carmelita Otero, soprano; Frank La Forge at the piano.
2:40—Film, “Zoo in Manhattan.”
2:50—Sports Interview.
3:00—Film, “Play Ball.”
3:20-3:30—Frank Hornaday, songs.
8:30-9:30—Television explorers; Col. Charles William Furlong, with African films; Vaughn de Leath, songs; Tanner and Thomas, novelty act; Pansy, the horse.
Reviewed Thursday. 8:30-9:30 p.m. Style—Variety. Station—W2XBS. Reviewed on RCA Television Receiver. Judged in its entirety, NBC’s program Thursday was of ordinary merit. It consisted of a number of variety acts of varying quality, and members of the Explorers’ Club in another of their round-table informal talks on far-away places and customs.
Best of the variety contingent was Vaughn de Leath, radio singer. Miss de Leath’s contribution was prticularly interesting in that it gave sharp credence to the theory that singers must have some thing more than vocal ability to click over the new medium. Miss de Leath has plenty heft, but is very personable, displaying likable mobility of feature and expression. Her appearance on tele was an unconditional success. Among other numbers, she sang South of the Border in a way that lifted the schmaltz epic to new heights, turn was done very informally, Miss de Leath taking time out to comment upon the appearance of the NBC admiral then in the studio, etc. Good stuff.
Betty Tanner, midget, danced a rumba and sang a pop tune. with Buddy Thomas hoofing along with her. Turn has novelty value, and Betty is a cute number.
Pansy the Horse. prop nag act, is another vaude novelty. Virginia Mayo, a good-looking girl, did the pacing. Act was typical, but your reporter never cared for this particular variety form on the stage and cannot see it on tele either.
The batch of explorers did their stuff, illustrating with motion pictures.
Images on this program were good, but camera lagged occasionally. When Miss Tanner was doing her rumba. For instance, screen showed only a partial picture of her. And Betty is only about 45 inches tall. Paul Ackerman. (Variety, Dec. 23)
Friday, December 15
2:30—Film, “George Washington’s Railroad.”
3:20-3:30—Film, “Overture to William Tell.”
11:00-12:00—Television Ball at Goddard Neighborhood Center; Fairfax Berger, magician; fashion show; entertainment by Imogene Coca, Hiram Sherman, Jane Froman, the Hartmans, Peter de Rose’s Television Waltz, Arthur Murray dancers and Frank Black. John Hoysradt, master of ceremonies.
Dancing began soon alter 9 o’clock and before the “on the air” signal was flashed, boxes and tables were filled with groups both large and small. For the duration of the program the ballroom was in darkness with the exception of the portion which served as tile “set.”
Mr. John Hoysradt was master of ceremonies, and among those on the program were Fairfax Burgher, magician; Hiram Sherman and Imogene Coca, in a television skit; Grace Macdonald and Jack Whiting, dancers; Jane Froman, singer; the Hartmans in their dances and sixteen numbers of the Arthur Murray staff, who gave the first presentation of the television waltz with Dr. Frank Black conducting the National Broadcasting Company dance orchestra and Peter de Rose at the piano. During the rest of the evening Irving Miller led the NBC dance orchestra.
Other features of the evening were the fashion show in three scenes, the spotlight dance, with the Misses Helen Zabriskie and Elizabeth Shackford as debutante chairmen and Mrs. S. Winston Childs Jr. in charge of the senior committee, and the Christmas bazaar, held in the east foyer against a background of silvered pine trees and gilded branches of oak and eucalyptus.
The Goddard Neighborhood Center conducts a many-sided program of social service for all age groups in the central East Side district between Twenty-sixth and Fifty-second Streets. More than two thousand persons use the Center each week. (Herald Tribune, Dec. 16)
Saturday, December 16
2:30—Film, “Der Freischuetz.”
2:40—Film, “Old Santa Fe Trail.”
2:50—Film, “Horse Sense and Horse Power.”
3:00—Film, “Mixed Bathing.”
3:10—Film, “Hindu Holiday.”
3:20-3:30—Film, “Skiesta.”
9:00-11:00—Boxing at Ridgewood Grove.
NEW YORK, Dec. 22 — Harlem again attracts attention this week this time with an almost unbelievable appearance at a Harlem made picture of television. The picture, “Dress Rehearsal,” a film made by Eddie Green’s Sepia Arts studios was sent around the country voa [via] television, Saturday afternoon [16].
Although this is the first time an all-Race film has been presented over television he experience was not new for the producer and star of the film himself. Back in 1937 Mr. Green was featured in a program over television that swept the country.
“Dress Rehearsal” is a comic film featuring Green and several other famous Harlem performers. Included in the east along with Green are Jimmy Baskette, Amanda Randolph, Walter Richardson, Carrol Pertlow and others. The entire film of more than fifteen minutes duration was shown over television out1ets. (Chicago Defender, Dec. 23) [Note: The Daily News confirmed the Dec 17th airing but the film cannot be found in any TV listings]
When the Broadway success, "Stage Door," is produced for the television audience tomorrow night, the legitimate theater will be able to prove once more that radio's visual medium must draw upon the legitimate theater for its most important offerings. In the seven months that NBC has been on the sir with regular telecasts it has happened frequently that one or more of the casts of plays also appeared in the original Broadway productions. In “Stage Door,” television producer Warren Wade has drawn even more heavily upon the list of established players for his cast.
Margaret Curtis, billed as leading lady, gave notice of approaching stardom last season in "Father Malachy's Miracle." Six members of the "Stage Door" cast that opened at the Music Box Theater three years ago will again play the roles they created. Janet Fox, niece of Miss Ferber, has also appeared in "The American Way," "Having Wonderful Time" and "Dinner at Eight." Frances Fuller and Lee Patrick will portray two other stage-struck girls. The men of the original Sam Harris cast include Edmund Dorsay, Ralph Locke and Richard Kendrick.
In addition, Hene Damur and Sydna Scott played in the Joan Bennett road company of the same play. Miss Demur has also appeared in "Hold Your Horses," "Frederica" and "Hooray for What." Cora Witherspoon is a "name," whether she appears in motion pictures or plays a role on Broadway. And Michael Whalen, billed as the love interest of the play, is of course already a young veteran of Hollywood's movie firmament.
“There is sound reason for the choice of experienced stage actors and actresses,” said Wade. "For television we need, above all else, an actor thoroughly grounded in the fundamentals of the ancient art of stagecraft. And because we must have people who are quick to learn their, lines and absolutely sure-fire in dialogue, our best performers have gone through the agony of stock company appearances and graduated to Broadway." (New York Sun, Dec. 16)
Sunday, December 17
2:30-3:40—Film, "Laughing at Life," with Victor McLaglan.
8:30-9:30—"Stage Door,” by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman, with Margaret Curtis, Cora Witherspoon, Michael Whalan, Frances Fuller, Janet Fox and Lee Patrick. Directed by Warren Wade.
Tuesday, December 19
8:00-9:00—Opening night at "Gone With the Wind," telecast from Capitol Theater.
Program went on the air at 8 p.m. and continued without a break until the start of the picture at 9 p.m., 30 minutes later than the announced starting time. Air time was nearly evenly split between the two camera locations, the edge, if any, going to the lobby studio.
Those to be introduced in the lobby included in order of presentation Walter Winchell and his daughter, Harry Hershfield, Ann Rutherford, Inez Robb, Merlin H. Aylesworth, Dr. Walter Damrosch, C. C. Pettijohn and Mrs. Pettijohn, Arthur Schwartz, Katherine Carrington (Mrs. Schwartz), Major Edward Bowes, Fay Marbe, Mrs. Alfred Morton, Mr. Morton, Robert W. Sherwood, Eleanor HoIm, Billy Rose, Barbara O’Neil, Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Louella O. Parsons, James Stewart, David O. Selznick, Laura Hope Crews, Olivia de Havilland, Constance Bennett and Ona Munson.
Arriving, others were caught by the cameras before the theater, notably Joan Bennett, David Sarnoff and Alice Faye and her husband, Tony Martin.
Suave and affable, Dietz added the proper touch to the introductions which he personally handled. Selznick, presented as “unquestionably the greatest motion picture producer,” described the New York premiere as an “exciting and terrifying moment.” Earlier, Pettijohn recalled that he had told an Indianapolis audience 20 years ago that Selznick was destined to be one of the industry’s great producers.
Rose commented that the premiere “makes the opening of the Aquacade look like a peep show.” Miss Parsons expressed her amazement; never, she said, had she seen crowds handled so well. As the Hearst critic was introduced, the NBC “mike” elected to take a bow and dropped nearly out of focus.
Reception of the lobby scenes was excellent, but outside coverage was open generally to criticism. Lighting was very poor, images were frequently indistinct, and the cameras were not sufficiently mobile. New York’s Finest rather than celebs, were usually in the foreground.
From the announcing standpoint, it would seem that television has much still to learn. Grauer turned in a good job, on the whole, but Forrest’s best line was the frequently repeated, “People are still arriving.” It was apparent they were.
Maybe spot news, such as a premiere, calls for sports announcer technique, if not an experienced sports announcer. (Chester B. Bahn, Film Daily, Dec. 20)
Philadelphia, Dec. 19 (AP) — The first "collision" of television signals in the history of the infant science has been reported by two of the nation's television companies. Both sound and sight in programs from a television station here had been "disturbed beyond recognition" by interference from a television station in New York City. The New York City programs also were disturbed by the collision of signals.
As a result, the Philadelphia station has signed a time-sharing agreement with the Now York station. Both stations operate on the same frequency band—channel No. 2 (50 to 56 megacycles). Programs from the Philadelphia station, W3XE, will be transmitted between midnight and noon daily and after 6 p. m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The New York station, W2XAX, can transmit programs at all other times.
Engineers said that until the reported collision of signals it had been popularly supposed that transmission of television waves at high frequencies was limited to the optical horizon, the point which the earth's curve obstructs further vision.
Wednesday, December 20
2:30—Louise Irwin, body building exercises.
2:45—Film, "Burn ‘Em Up Barnes,” Episode II.
3:05—Film, “Inca Land.”
3:15-3:30—Wayland Gregory and Caroline Bergh, "Ceramic Sculpture."
8:30-9:30—Ned Wayburn's holiday revue, with Georgie Tapps.
Television programs have been 40 per cent live talent studio shows, 30 per cent films and 30 per cent outside special events, a survey of the year’s activity at NBC revealed yesterday [19]. Regular programs started April 30.For the eight-month period, there were approximately 600 hours of telecasts, a sharp contrast with the early days of radio. From an original basis of two hours weekly, the schedule has risen to 15 hours per week.
In the field of sports, telecasts have been made of major prize fights, big league baseball and football games, wrestling bouts and championship tennis matches. Hockey and basketball may be added as Winter features. The visit of the King and Queen, the Army parade on Fifth Ave., yesterday’s opening of “Gone With the Wind” and the opening of the New York World’s Fair were among the more notable events picked up by the mobile units.
While preparations are continuing for the opening of the first television network early in January without the use of either telephone lines or coaxial cables, NBC has experimented with a one-mile telephone line installed at Madison Square Garden. Longest remote pickup without the use of lines has been 27 miles from trucks covering the tennis matches.
Twenty-five commercial programs have been telecast during the year, for which sponsors have provided talent costs and NBC has provided production and overhead.
The problem of obtaining good films is still unsolved. Independent and foreign product has been used but the entertainment value of such films has not been on a par with the rest of the programs. In addition, approximately 100 commercial films have been used. A 16mm. projector has been developed for telecasting and it is expected that new sources of material may be opened to television by using the new machine. (Motion Picture Daily, Dec. 20)
Thursday, December 21
2:30-3:55—Film, "The Curtain Rises." with Louis Jouvet, Janine Darcey, Odette Joyeux and Claude Dauphin.
8:30-10:00—Wrestling at Ridgewood Grove.
Use of symphonic short subject films by NBC’s television station, W2XBS, will help rather than hinder the popularity of such reels in theatres, according to Lou Diamond, in charge of short subject production and distribution for Paramount.
Diamond’s remarks were made in connection with the disclosure by NBC that it had purchased the rights to televise a series of 13 symphonic and operatic shorts produced by Frederick Feher, director of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of the U.S.A.
Paramount released three of Feher’s shorts last season and is releasing three more this year. These six are not included in the 13 which NBC will televise, however. (Motion Picture Daily, Dec. 21)
Friday, December 22
2:30—Film, "Water Boy."
2:40—Film, "Stephen Foster.”
2:50—Film, “Winter’s Magic Spell in Austria.”
3:00—Film, “The Violin.”
3:10-3:30—Film, "Flying Fishermen."
9:00-11.00—Boxing at Madison Square Garden, Pete Scalvo vs. Simon Chavez.
Saturday, December 23
2:30-3:40—Film, "Forbidden Music," with Jimmy Durante and Richard Tauber.
8:30-9:30— "Little Women," dramatized by Marian de Forest, with Flora Campbell, Frances Reid, Joyce Arling, John Craven, Wilton Graff, Molly Pearson and Frieda Altman. Directed by Anton Bundsmann.
Sunday, December 24
3:30-3:30—Ice Carnival, from Rockefeller Center Skating Pond.
8:30-9:30—"Cinderella," Christmas pantomime by Madge Tucker, with Irene Wicker and Jolly Bill Steinke.
Monday, December 25
WASHINGTON, Dec. 25.—The Federal Communications Commission will hold a hearing Jan. 15 on rules for television operation recommended by its television committee last month, which the Commission proposes to adopt with minor amendments.
In its report, the Committee recommended regulations requiring applicants for television stations to show that they have a program of research and experimentation and is financially able to carry such a program forward, and outlined rules under which such stations should operate. (Motion Picture Daily, Dec. 26)
Wednesday, December 27
2:30—Dinah Shore, songs.2:45—Film, "Burn ‘Em Up Barnes,” film serial, episode 3.
3:05—Film, "Across the Andes."
3:15-3:30—French folk songs and dances.
8:30-9:30—Mable Cobb, "World Famous Paintings," Marjorie Moffatt, monologues; Ink Spots; Nelson's boxing cats, "Rosamunde," musical film.
Dinah Shore made her television debut on W2XBS last Wednesday. She and her audience will probably never forget it.
Dinah, a sophisticated blues singer, chortled two torch ballads, and was offering her condition of ‘Darn That Dream’ when the powerful lights necessary in a television studio began to annoy her.
The songstress started to blink her eyes and they became teary. Then came the deluge. Mascara-tinted tears streamed down her cheeks. The black streaks gave her a smudge-faced appearance.
Embarrassed beyond words, Dinah streaked through the rest of the song and the program was quickly switched to the film studio. (Will Baltin, Sunday Times, Dec. 31)
Thursday, December 28
2:30-3:50—Film, "There Goes the Bride."
8:30-9:25—Film, "Four Masked Men," with John Stuart, Judy Kelly and Athol Stewart.
The opening of General Electric’s television station on Heidelberg Mountain, near Schenectady, originally scheduled for Jan. 2, has been postponed indefinitely, it was learned yesterday. A new date is expected to be set next month.
G. E. engineers, who are installing television equipment with frequency modulation, have not been able to complete the work. In addition, the program department does not wish to start regular operations until the relay equipment for re-telecasting of NBC programs from New York is ready. Experimental telecasting, started several weeks ago, will continue. (Motion Picture Daily, Dec. 28)
In the 5,000 hours of television material presented since W6XAO began operations in December, 1931, more than 11,000,000 feet of film have been used, while more than 2,400 programs have been sent out to the area’s 200 receivers.
The amount of film used compares with the 30 per cent used by the National Broadcasting Company in its programs since the start of regular telecasts in April, at the opening of the New York World’s Fair, as reported in MOTION PICTURE DAILY of December 20th.
In a summary of W6XAO activities made expressly for the Federal Communications Commission, Harry R. Lubcke, television director, points out that 448 newsreels, 64 feature motion pictures and 69 short subjects have been televised in the eight years of operation.
Added emphasis is being placed on short subjects and far less on features, as indicated by the fact that of the 69 shorts televised since the start of operations, 48, or 70 per cent, were shown subsequent to 1935. Conversely, 52 features were telecast to the end of 1935; only 12 since then.
The short subjects used have consisted of 16 mm. films supplied by Bell & Howell, Electrical Research Products, Inc., and film libraries. “Daily broadcasts of current Pathe newsreels, changed twice weekly, were inaugurated in 1933,” according to the report. These newsreel telecasts, using the product of different producers, have continued with few exceptions. In 1938, for example, 97 current newsreels were televised.
Television relies on motion pictures for educational as well as entertainment purposes, according to Mr. Lubcke, who defined one function of television for MOTION PICTURE DAILY as that of being able to provide “living room education.”
“The broadcasting of a nightly newsreel when all the members of a family can be at home is an instance where the use of film is essential,” the report states, adding that “a newsreel crew covering the large city in which the television station is located could pick up events of interest and have them on the air by nightfall.”
Whenever aural or visual announcements have been made using the names of producers or films, the phrase “These visual broadcast transmissions are experimental” has been used.
It is ultimately expected that television shows will be sponsored, the report points out, although “the increased cost of programs and equipment” will prohibit low quality sponsorship (lengthy commercial announcements made between phonograph records).
Plans for the coming year include the construction of a new station atop Mt. Lee, some 1,700 feet high, which will increase the reception range from 30 to 60 miles. The new portable equipment developed by the Radio Corporation of America, recently demonstrated before the FCC in Washington, will be used.
It is also planned to resume daily telecasts, extending he present Monday, Wednesday and Saturday transmissions to include every evening except Sunday, with all programs to be of more than one hour duration, and to continue and extend experimental and research work. (Motion Picture Daily, Dec. 29)
Friday, December 29
3:30—Film, "Land of the Shining Mountains."
3:40—Film, "March of Time – Metropolis, 1939."
3:00--Film "See How They Run."
3:10-3:30—Film,"Landbuilders.”
8:30-9:40—"Post Road," by Wilbur Daniel Steele and Norma Mitchell, with Edith Shayne, Percy Kilbride, Ruth Gattes, Marjorie Clarke, Alexander Campbell and J. W. Austin, directed by Thomas Lyne Riley.
Saturday, December 30
2:30—President’s birthday ball program.
2:45—Film, “Skiing in the Pongau.”
2:55—Film, “Stop That Car.”
3:05—Film, “Overture to William Tell.”
3:15-3:20—“Pinocchio,” by Sue Hastings’s marionettes.
9:00-11:00—Film, “Society Fever,” with Lois Wilson, Lloyd Hughes, Grant Withers and Hedda Hopper.
Sunday, December 31
2:30-3:30—Sidewalk Interviews.
8:30-9:30—1940 Television Varieties with Hazel Scott and John Sebastian.
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