October 1941

He was likely television’s first cartoon pitch-man.

Actually, he was a pitch-lamb.

Botany Worsted Mills of Passaic, New Jersey hired Douglas Leigh, who made animated signs in Times Square, to come up with a cartoon character it could use in its weather forecasts the company sponsored on WNBT in 1941. In October, the one-minute commercials debuted.

They must have been a hit because an advertising feature page was written about them in the Passaic newspaper describing the commercials and we transcribe it below.

Some other highlights in television that month—

WNBT staged a celebration of WJZ’s 20 years on the year; the radio station was on the Blue Network, which NBC was about to spin off. It must have been put together quickly as TV listings in New York can’t agree what time the celebration began. WJZ, by the way, didn’t simulcast the special broadcast.

The station also broadcast a show about potatoes. And it spotlighted someone better-known in 1950s television variety. Imogene Coca starred in a televised revue. Bud Collyer also appeared on a WNBT as a dragon but I cannot discover what show he was on. A publicity photo was sent to the newspapers by NBC and it is reproduced below.

WPTZ in Philadelphia began a regular broadcast schedule. Meanwhile, WNBT decided to go off the air on Thursdays.

CBS developed an obsession with badminton, perhaps because it didn’t have mobile units to broadcast play-by-play football or basketball. Bob Edge was assigned to call in-studio badminton matches for several months on WCBW. Philco’s WPTZ aired a golf lesson in studio.

Below you’ll find schedules from the New York Times and the Herald Tribune. The Hartford Courant featured a number of television stories in one Sunday issue and we’ve passed along several about programming, including a fine overview of WCBW’s live shows. Yes, the 10-year-old Ann Francis on the Children's Story programme was THE Anne Francis, star of Honey West in the 1960s.

Wednesday, October 1, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30—“Radio City Matinee.”
4:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test Pattern.
9:00—RCA Emergency Volunteer First Aid Crews.
9:10—Ted Steele and Betty Randall, music.
9:20—Current Events in Art with Helen Appleton Reid.
9:35—“Inquiring Photographer,” Jimmy Jemail.
9:45—The Madrigalists.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News Report.
2:45—“Table Talk” with Helen Sioussat, interviews.
3:15—Children’s story: “Lochinvar.”
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—Country Dance.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and selected films.

NEW YORK, N.Y.—(ANP)—Dan Burley, swing columnist and one of the nation's best known and widely read sports commentators, became the first Negro to appear over “Inquiring Reporter Spot” in the weekly one hour variety show over television station WNBT, in Rockefeller center here Wednesday night [1].
This weekly spot program is conducted by Jimmy Jemail, famous inquiring reporter of the New York Daily News, and was seen and heard Wednesday night by an audience of over 60,000 within a 25-mile radius of New York City.
Burley was interviewed on his work as a newspaper columnist, editor, pianist-composer, and originator of the “jive talk” craze which has swept the nation. On the program spot with Burley were Princess Xenia Estisaza, dazzlingly-beautiful red-head Russian noblewoman from the second highest family in pre-revolution Russia, who is a blood relative of King George of England and who is appearing at Ben Marden’s Riveria here as a glamour girl; Bill MacPhail, son of Larry S. MacPhail, president of the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball club, who recently joined the U.S. navy; Margaret Heslin, who has the unusual occupation of being a copy boy on the New York Daily News; and Muriel Morand, promising New York singer.
The program was to have included Phil Wilkie, son of Republican Presidential candidate, but he was unable to get away from classes at Columbia university. Doc Morton, vice-president in charge of television at WNBT, called back from the viewing room after the program to tell Director Jones that the show was the best hour yet put on by tetevision in New York. Jimmy Jemail said he would get up a variety show for Loew's State theatre in the future on which Dan Burley would have a spot and which would include any personalities from Harlem he chose to bring along.
Jemail played left halfback on the Brown university team with the immortal Fritz Pollard, who was at right half, which defeated Yale in that still-talked-about football contest years ago. He is known as “Harlem’s best friend" on New York newspapers. A typical question asked by him in his column "The Inquiring Photographer," read by over four million, was: “A test at Yale university showed that colored soldiers have 50 percent better vision at night than white soldiers.
"Do you think colored pilots would be valuable in the army and navy?" The question answered by six representative white person were all in the affirmative and all six said they couldn't understand why Negroes had been barred from those brackets in the military program of the nation. (The Call, Kansas City, Oct. 10)

Thursday, October 2, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 5:00—Belmont Races.
5:00—Fashion Discoveries.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Travel talk, Hendrik de Leeuw.
9:30—“Play the Game.”
10:00—News.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:15—Children’s Story: “The Wonderful One-Horse Shay.”
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Sports with Bob Edge.
8:30 to 9:30—Visual Quiz.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Another forward step in the history of motion pictures takes place in Washington tonight, when the world premiere of Warners’ “One Foot in Heaven” at the Earle theatre will be covered by television. At the personal invitation of H. M. Warner, the Senate Investigating Committee will attend the showing. Mrs. Willian Spence, widow of the late Rev. Spence, central character of the film, will be at the opening with Bishop Edward Leonard of Washington. Simultaneous with the premiere, picture will be shown at the hospital bedside of Bishop James Edward Freeman.
“One Foot in Heaven” was screened before more than 700 correspondents at the Washington Press Club last night, with Martha Scott and Irving Rapper in attendance. Showing was preceded by a civic celebration. (Hollywood Reporter, Oct. 2)

"Fashion Discoveries of Television," the commercially broadcast televised program sponsored by Abraham & Straus and Bloomingdale's over station WNBT yesterday afternoon [2], entered its third consecutive week. Showing the latest fashions by means of television, the producers have succeeded in injecting a new interest in the modeling of women's attire by having the display surrounded with appropriate settings and background, and light entertainment.
In presenting the program, which is under the supervision of Norman D. Waters, head of the advertising agency of that name, the sponsors have ventured into a new phase of merchandising, which right now is in its embryonic stage. As Mr. Waters explains to the listening and seeing audience watching the television screen, “these have been the world’s first sponsored fashion shows in television and we have been experimenting with various techniques in an endeavor to learn how you, our audience, would like fashions presented.”
“Career Girl” Clothes.
Yesterday’s showing was devoted to “career girl” clothes and was a follow-op on the previous two, which were “Five O’Clock Party” and “Football Fashions.” The background for the latest television fashion picture was the daily routine of some modern career girls living in the big city. From the time of their awakening at 7:30 In the morning the television presents them in the different type of clothes they wear, in the morning with bathrobe and pajamas in a cozy apartment; for business, in suits, dress, skirts. sweaters and hats; for the cocktail hour with decorative white collars cuffs and ornamental jewelry, and in the evening with evening wear.
While the models move about freely, talk, sing and primp in their clothes, Peggy Read smoothly moves into the picture to explain the different settings, and while the girls are going about their chores, Miss Read takes over the speaking lines by giving a brief description or their clothes, the price and the style.
In Black and White.
The showings are in black and white, and Miss Read in her comments describes the colorful raiment of the models. Unlike moving pictures, technicolor has not as yet reached the television screen, however, the vast potential audience that the television screen can reach has not as yet been tapped, it was pointed out by one of the observers to yesterday’s performance.
Yesterday’s program was the last in the present series, Mr. Waters informed the audience, and was only stopping for a “breathing spell or seventh inning stretch so that we can have time to recapitulate our experiences and add to the score, so to speak. We are confident that it will not be long before’ we are with you again, presenting our regular program, series.” (Women’s Wear Daily, Oct. 3)

Friday, October 3, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 5:00—Belmont Races.
8:00—Test pattern.
9:00—Zeke Manners’ Hillbillies.
9:50—“Face of the War”; news with Sam Cuff.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:15—Children’s story.
3:30 to 4:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—National Defense Program.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Saturday, October 4, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 5:00—College Football: C.C.N.Y. vs Buffalo at Lewisohn Stadium.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 4:30—Films.

Monday, October 6, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
8:00—Test Pattern.
9:00 to 11:00—Amateur Boxing from Jamaica Arena.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Boys in the Back Room.”
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story, “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—“Men at Work.” Variety show with Victor Fungoye; Brynes and Swanson, Le Ahn Sisters; Donald Bain, mimic; Melford Trio.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12 to 6 p.m.—Tests and selected films.

Philadelphia, Oct. 7. Philco's television station, WPTZ, yesterday (Mon.) [6] began issuing a regular program schedule for its telecasts.
The first week's shows included two feature films, film shorts, the Hamid-Morton Circus, the Food Show at the Commercial Museum and several playlets by the 'Philco Players,' a little theatre cuffo group formed by the station.
The program will be printed in Philly dailies as a regular feature on the radio page. (Variety, Oct. 8)

“Baltimore,” the thirty-minute technicolor travelogue of the city’s points of interest, will be televised in Philadelphia on Monday [6].
The film, thus far viewed by 145,000 persons in forty-four States, will be broadcast to persons with television radio sets within a radius of fifty miles around Philadelphia.
Its debut in the television world will take place at radio and television station WPTZ where it had a successful “screen test” yesterday, according to Joseph W. Clautice, tourist director of the association, who was present. The Baltimore Association of Commerce produced the film. The picture is narrated by Lowell Thomas and portrays historic, scenic, cultural, recreational, commercial and industrial attractions in Baltimore. (Baltimore Sun, Oct. 2)

Tuesday, October 7, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00 to 3:30—Test pattern.
3:30— “Radio City Matinee” with Christopher Rule; Samuel Chotzinoff, pianist, others.
4:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
7:30 to 8:00—Test Pattern.
8:30—“Thrills and Chills from Everywhere” with Doug Allen and guest Earl Rossman.
8:55—Rodeo Stars interviewed.
9:05—“Words on the Wing,” spelling bee with Paul Wing.
9:30—News.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing lesson.
3:15—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
9:00 to 9:30—Sports with Bob Edge; guest, Yankees pitcher Lefty Gomez.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12 to 6 p.m.—Tests and selected films

A vocal newspicture service—using the same news photographs that are sent to newspapers all across the country and also to picture magazines—had an experimental test at the Don Lee television station in Los Angeles last week. Sound effects, musical themes, and other devices of the telecasting art accompanied the newsphoto picture transmission. There was even a woman’s section, as there is in the newsreels, when Maxine Gray, soloist of the radio program, “California Melodies,” offered commentaries on photos of women in the news. (Christian Science Monitor, Oct. 7)

The Norfolk and Western rail motion picture on the coal industry, “Power Behind The Nation,” has been televised twice over station WPTZ in Philadelphia, N & W officials have been informed.
One of the black and white prints of the color film was borrowed by the Philco Corporation for use of one of WPTZ's sustaining television programs and was “so well received” that it was televised several days later.
Officials said that it was impossible to estimate the television audience at the time of the program but that WPTZ reports that there are between 400 and 500 television sets in the Philadelphia area. (Philadelphia Inquirer, Oct. 7)

Wednesday, October 8, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
3:30 to 4:30—Film: “Numbered Women” (1938) with Lloyd Hughes and Sally Blane.
4:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test Pattern.
8:30 to 10:30—World’s Championship Rodeo at Madison Square Garden.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News Report.
2:45—“Table Talk” with Helen Sioussat, interviews. Topic: “Are the Lease-Lend Bill and the Neutrality Act Incompatible?” Panel: Morris Ernst, Michael Strange, John F. Finerty, George Counts.
3:15—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—Country Dance.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and selected films.

WPTZ, Philco television station in Philadelphia on Oct. 8, televised the entire performance of the Hamid-Morton Circus, sponsored by the local Shriners, direct from the Philadelphia Arena. (Broadcasting, Oct. 14)

Thursday, October 9, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
3:30—Film: “Bombers.”
3:40 to 4:30—Film: “Outlaw Rule” (1935) with Reb Russell, Betty Mack.
4:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:30—“Miniatures in Music,” with Jerry Sears.
9:00—“Believe It or Not,” with Robert L. Ripley.
9:30—News.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:15—Children’s Story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Sports with Bob Edge.
8:30 to 9:30—Visual Quiz.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Friday, October 10, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 3:30—Fire Prevention Demonstration at Newark.
3:30 to 5:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:30—Fashion Show.
8:45—WJZ 20th Birthday Party with Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia, Milton Cross, Vincent Lopez, May Singhi Breen, others. [Herald Tribune]
8:45—Ireene Wicker’s Tele-Whizzes. [Times]
[Note: The Times has the WJZ special at 9:00. The Daily News has it at 8:30. LaGuardia was on “Information Please” from 8:30 to 9 p.m. so judge the time of the WJZ celebration accordingly).
9:30—“Face of the War”; news with Sam Cuff.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:15—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—National Defense Program.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

L. BAMBERGER & Co., New York department store, will sponsor a quarter-hour television fashion show on WNBT, New York, Oct. 10, 9:30-9:45 p.m., [8:30-8:45] as a one-time shot to present its new Molyneux models. (Broadcasting, Oct. 6)

SPECIAL NBC programs as well as local broadcasts and announcements will be presented all this week in honor of WJZ, New York, NBC-Blue outlet, which on Oct. 5 celebrated its 20th year on the air.
First broadcast of "WJZ's 20th Anniversary Week" was heard Sunday [5] evening when the "old-timers" of radio got together for a nostaglic half-hour of reminiscences with Milton Cross and Tom Powers as m.c.'s. Television, too, in 1921 unrealized in its present form, will salute WJZ this week with a special program on NBC's television station WNBT featuring former and present radio stars re-enacting programs as they were done 20 years ago. (Broadcasting, Oct. 6)

Saturday, October 11, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 5:00—Racing at Belmont.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:30—“Coca Revue” with Imogene Coca and others.
9:20—News and Previews.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 4:30—Films.

Sunday, October 12, 1941
New Yorkers Get Telecasts Over WCBW
3500 Television Sets Now Operating in Metropolis
Daily Programs Available
The Columbia Broadcasting System’s television station, WCBW, began to provide the public with 15 hours of regular programs on July 1 of this year. From Monday through Saturday, every week since that time the owners of some 3500 television sets in the metropolitan area of New York have enjoyed a wide variety of programs.
With a studio bearing a strong resemblance to a Hollywood set, a transmitter located atop of the Chrysler Building tower and a staff numbering some 85 people, WCBW is furnishing its approximately 20,000 listeners with a wide selection of programs.
Chief of these programs is a 15 minute news program transmitted twice daily. The announcer uses a wide selection of maps as he presents the news of the day. While talking he points to the parts of the country where the war is raging, and attaches the insignia of the various nations to the map. In addition cut-out cannons, airplanes, and other weapons of war are used to clarify the war news.
Dance, Discussion.
To acquaint the listeners with the problems of television a thoroughly informal program, “The Boys In The Back Room” presents for 30 minutes once a week an open forum discussion. This discussion involves the entire studio staff, led by Gilbert Seldes, director of the television program department. Informally, these people talk over television program problems as they might arise in a regular conference. In this way listeners become completely familiar with the progress of television programming.
Once a week also there is a “Table Talk” where current events are discussed for 30 minutes. Already such notables as William L. Shirer, Janet Flanner, Major George Fielding Eliot, Linton Wells, Michael Strange have appeared on this program.
On the lighter side is “Country Dance”, featuring the dances of various nations as presented by members of the Country Dance Society. Guest groups engage in dances, most of the time in costume. It is a full hour program and includes explanations of the dances, historical background, and other interesting facts bearing on the particular dance presented. This program was, incidentally, the first regular black and white program to be telecast in full color. Guests who have appeared on this program include Paul Draper, Paul Haakon and Patricia Bowman.
Another dance program utilized the services of teachers from Arthur Murray’s school. To make this program both interesting and educational, the studio searched for an attractive young boy and girl who did not know how to dance. Finally such a couple was located in New York and they were taught various dances by a young man and woman from the school. Television set owners have been able to learn dancing by following the progress made by this couple.
Novel Quiz Program.
A novel quiz program is also presented by WCBW. Unlike the usual type of quiz show, this one is a visual quiz. People are asked to answer questions on the basis of quick drawings made under the eye of the television cameras. Similarly people are asked to draw answers to questions put to them.
A unique children’s program, 15 minutes daily, is also televised. While a story is being read to a child by its mother, the illustrations that fit the story are made by a staff artist on a blackboard nearby. Two television cameras are used on this program; one is trained on the mother and child; the other is directed at the illustrator. For the most part classic fables are featured on the program.
To tie in with the national defense program, WCBW has televised a series of programs showing the activities of the Red Cross, the Boy Scouts of America, U. S. Marines, and members of the Quartermaster Corps of the U. S. Army.
Once a week a famous figure in the sports world is interviewed and when possible, his prowess in that field is demonstrated. In addition, a regular review of the sports highlights of the week is presented by a competent sports commentator.
Joan Edwards, singing star of the Columbia network, also appear thrice weekly and accompanies herself on the piano.
Thus the Columbia Broadcasting System is now presenting television programs, the result of over 10 years of experimentation. In fact, the annual budget for television is in the vicinity of $800,000. (Hartford Courant, Oct. 12)

‘Ad-Lib Artist’ Is Job Created By Television
Lighting Cartoonist Draws Score of Pictures for Youngsters’ Program
John Rupe, 33, ad-libs drawings for a living.
Rupe is an artist on the staff of station WCBW, television station of the Columbia Broadcasting System.
With a television program on the air, Rupe’s job is to create illustrations for it, as the cameras follow the movement of his hands and crayon. He can do it quicker than you could say “Robinson Crusoe.”
Every afternoon, Mondays through Fridays, a program of children’s stories is presented. Principals on the show are actress Lydia Perera, who reads the stories to tow-headed 10-years-old Ann Francis—and artist John Rupe. As Lydia relates a story, the camera shifts to Rupe’s drawing board, where his agile hand is filling in pictures of giants and princesses.
Rupe is always given advance warning of his subject matter, but most of the actual drawing is done under the eye at the camera. Before the broadcast Philip Booth, director and writer or the program, describes to John the action of the story. Then Rupe spends an hour and a half sketching in parts of the scenes, mostly backgrounds.
When he goes on the air he wears earphones connected with the program control booth. From time to time Booth directs him when to start his drawings. Rupe makes 15 to 20 illustrations for each broadcast. (Hartford Courant, Oct. 12)

Two of the department stores sponsoring television broadcasts in New York have cancelled their programs because the terrific heat in the studios from the required lights reunited over $1100 worth of clothes worn by the models. (Chuck Gay column, Dayton Daily News, Oct. 12)

Monday, October 13, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
8:00—Test Pattern.
9:00 to 11:00—Amateur Boxing from Jamaica Arena.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Boys in the Back Room.”
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—“Men at Work.” Variety with Two Deweys, jugglers’ The Barrys, ballroom dancers; Bo Jenkins, tap dancer; Fred Werner, comic cellist.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12 to 6 p.m.—Tests and selected films.

Tuesday, October 14, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00 to 3:30—Test pattern.
3:30—Film: “Frontier Women.”
4:15—Film: “Power for Defense.”
4:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
7:30 to 8:00—Test Pattern.
8:30—Opera Workshop: “Manon.”
8:50—Civilian Defense Program.
9:00—Zeke Manners’ Hillbillies.
9:30—News.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing lesson.
3:15—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
9:00 to 9:30—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12 to 6 p.m.—Tests and selected films

Owners of television sets have a new weather sign to scan. On Tuesday night [14], television first weather forecaster, a talking and singing wooly lamb created for the Botany Worsted Mills by young Douglas Leigh, made its debate over the National Broadcasting Company’s pioneering Station WNBT.
The weather lamb is the result of months of search by NBC officials of the new sight-sound medium for an entertaining way of telling the story of tomorrows rain or shine. The lamb will appear nightly on the home screens of thousands of televiewers in the metropolitan area.
As with all Leigh fantasies, including the sixteen that brighten the Broadway night, the lamb has an advertising message. He combines weather forecasts with sales talks and cartoon demonstrations of the merits of the Botany Wrinkle-Proof Tie. The necktie accompanies the Botany lamb in adventures with tough denizens of the jungle, adrift at sea, in woodland antics and when he advises the love-lorn.
The new cartoon films represent Leighs introduction to television. They are commercial television’s first specially prepared animated cartoons. They also are film-doms first special contribution since the advent of commercial television. N. J. The new television weather forecasts carry entertainment in the same fantastic vein that makes thousands of persons in Times Square crane their necks every night to follow Leigh comedies in lights. Giraffes, bears, dogs, and other personalized animals enliven the sequences.
One previous attempt has been made in television to tell of the morrow’s weather, distinctly a public service. A first effort was made with simple signs bearing the official forecast. Neither NBC television officials nor the televiewers, now estimated at some 50,000 nightly, expressed enthusiasm over the experiment. Leigh, who introduced cartoon entertainment to the amazing electric signs of Times Square, undertook the job of furnishing an answer to the problem.
The television forecasts are in fourteen reels of 16-millimeter film, each forecasting a different kind of weather. Each has a running time of one minute. All open with the Botany lamb anxiously scanning the skies through a telescope. The end of the instrument swings toward the televiewer, a question mark appears, and the lamb recites:
“It’s hot, it's cold,
It’s rain, it’s fair,
It’s all mixed up together;
But I, as Botany’s wooly lamb,
Predict tomorrow’s weather.”
One of the forecasts, naturally, is “rain.” It begins with the clairvoyant lamb hanging his Botany tie on a clothes line. Rain begins to fall.
A terrifying bolt of lightning strikes the neckwear, flinging it off the line. It becomes the link in a tug of war between two dogs. Frightened at the approach of the tie’s owner, the dogs drop the decoration and run away. Apprehensive, the lamb picks up the tie, examines, and then radiantly announces: “Not a wrinkle; it’s a Botany.” The final film shot brings a reappearance of the telescope lens on which “rain” appears as the background fills with falling drops.
“Fair” brings out a huge, beaming sun and singing birds. Snowflakes drift lazily in another prediction.
The film cartoons for the Botany Mills have been two months in the making at the Leigh laboratories here. More than 3,000 individual drawings were made and photographed in building the various sequences. In transmitting the films, NBC uses special motion picture projectors which focus the images directly into television camers [sic]. (Passaic Herald-News, Oct. 18)

ETHEL TAYLOR, favorite singing star of Memphis and the Mid-South who has been continuing her voice studies in New York since completing a successful season with the St. Louis Municipal Opera last Summer, made her television debut over NBC Tuesday night [14] with an opera workshop. Comely as well as talented, Miss Taylor is an ideal subject for picture broadcasting. (Memphis Commercial Appeal, Oct. 16)

SUNDAY, heretofore barred as a regular broadcast day for commercial television stations under Section 4.261 (a) covering minimum operating schedules in the FCC television rules, may now be utilized in weekly operating schedules, the FCC announced last Tuesday [14] in amending the rules.
The previous rule has stipulated that in compiling the weekly minimum transmission requirement of 15 hours, Sunday could not be used. This was done, according to the FCC, to avoid conflict with Sunday blue laws in certain localities.
The amendment, it is felt, will enable localities not subjected to blue laws to televise unhindered, although the new ruling does not necessarily supersede any local laws. Sunday television is deemed desirable since it provides larger daytime audiences for outdoor pickups as well as contrast to the weekday night and studio transmissions. The amended Section reads: Sec. 4.261 (a) Minimum Operating Schedule. (a) The licensee of each television broadcast station shall maintain a regular program operating schedule transmitting a standard television signal for a total of 16 hours per week. There shall be at least 2 hours program transmission between 2 p.m. and 11 p.m. on six days of each week including at least one hour program transmission between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. on five days of each week. (Broadcasting, Oct. 20)

Wednesday, October 15, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
3:30 to 4:30—“Radio City Matinee” with Christopher Rule, Georgie Price, Samuel Chotzinoff, Marion Colby and others.
4:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
7:30 to 8:30—Test pattern.
8:30—“Thrills and Chills” with Doug Allan. Guest, John Wardell.
8:55—Ted Steele, Betty Randall, songs.
9:05—“Play the Game.”
9:30—News.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News Report.
2:45—“Table Talk” with Helen Sioussat, interviews.
3:15—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—Country Dance with Elsie Reiman, Erick Hawkins and others.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and selected films.

Thursday, October 16, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
8:30 to 9:30—to be announced. [Herald Tribune and Daily News; Times says “No Programs Today”]
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:15—Children’s Story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Sports with Bob Edge.
8:30 to 9:30—Visual Quiz.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Friday, October 17, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
3:30—Film: “Female Fugitive,” (1938) with Evelyn Venable, Craig Reynolds, Reed Hadley.
4:30 to 5:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:30—“Soldier Town,” musical comedy with Patricia Ellis, Perry Martin, Patricia Bright.
9:00—“You’re an Artist,” Frank Eliscu, artist.
9:10—Harvey Harding, songs.
9:20—“Inquiring Photographer,” Jimmy Jemail.
9:30—“Face of the War”; news with Sam Cuff.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—National Defense Program.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Saturday, October 18, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
2:00 to 5:00—Football: Columbia vs. Georgia at Baker Field.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:30—“Saturday Jamboree,” Versailles Fantasy.
9:00—Nick Kenny’s “Stars of Tomorrow.”
9:30—News and Previews.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 4:30—Films.

NBC televised the local Columbia-Georgia game from Baker Field. If you have a receiver, you saw the game and the between period manouvers in newsreel fashion (WNBT-2). We mention the between halves show because Georgia brought along a contingent of co-ed cuties who paraded their dimpled knees. A television treat! Images were clear in spite of the lack of sunshine. Unfortunately, our set’s sound went dead. But we tied the Rush Hughes announcing over WMCA to the WNBT pictures for a complete report. (Ben Gross, Daily News, Oct. 19)

Television brought an estimated 5,000 housewives literally eye-to-eye with potatoes in a recent program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over Station WNBT, New York. This marked the Department’s entry into this newest field of information and entertainment.
With the potato as an example, the television audience was shown how Federal grades and standards can help the homemaker in selecting foods for quality and economy. Seen as well as heard, the program was a roundtable discussion. Participating were two housewives, A Department of Agriculture expert, and the announcer. The screens of New York’s television sets alternately depicted the faces of the speakers and the potatoes they talked about. When illustration was advantageous, the television camera focused on the potato.
This was the first of a series of television programs planned by the Agricultural Marketing Service. Others will demonstrate the value of Federal grading of fruits and vegetables, daily and poultry products, and meats.
Illustrating the difference between the various grades of food-stuffs, these programs will show New York city homemakers the uses for which the various grades are best suited. They will explain when it is desirable to purchase top quality foods and when less expensive grades will serve as well, will show the importance of grade labeling, and reveal what the various grades mean to the consumer’s dinner table and pocketbook. (Lewiston Journal, Oct. 18)

Sunday, October 19, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
2:15 to 5:00—Football: Brooklyn Dodgers vs Chicago Cardinals, Ebbets Field.

Monday, October 20, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
8:00—Test Pattern.
9:00—Weather Forecast.
9:01 to 11:00—Amateur Boxing from Jamaica Arena.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Boys in the Back Room.”
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—“Men at Work.” Variety with Adele Girard, harp; April Ames, toe dancer; Elaine Spencer, songs; Hildegarde Halliday, mimic; Nelson’s Boxing Cats; Bhupesh and Susila, dancers.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12 to 6 p.m.—Tests and selected films.

Tuesday, October 21, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00 to 3:30—Test pattern.
3:30—Film: “Alexander Hamilton.”
4:15—Film: “Stained Glass Windows.”
4:15—Film: “Common Camera Mistakes.”
4:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test Pattern.
9:00—Weather.
9:01—Play: “False Witnesses.”
9:30—Deep River Boys Quartet.
9:45—Wrestling, Ridgewood Grove.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing lesson.
3:15—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
9:00 to 9:30—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12 to 6 p.m.—Tests and selected films

Wednesday, October 22, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
3:30 to 4:30—“Radio City Matinee”.
4:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
7:30 to 8:30—Test pattern.
8:30—“Thrills and Chills From Everywhere” with Doug Allan. Guest, Vincent Palmer.
8:55—Civilian Defense Program.
9:05—“Words on the Wing,” spelling bee with Paul Wing.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News Report.
2:45—“Table Talk” with Helen Sioussat, interviews.
3:15—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—Country Dance.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and selected films.

FCC DECISION, Oct. 22
MISCELLANEOUS—NEW, R. B. Eaton, Des Moines, Ia., granted motion dismiss without prejudice application CP new television station.

Thursday, October 23, 1941
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:15—Children’s Story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Sports with Bob Edge.
8:30 to 9:30—Visual Quiz.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Friday, October 24, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
3:30—Film: “Chungking Arises.”
3:45—Film: “Exposure Meters.”
4:00—Film: “Let’s Go to the Zoo.”
4:15—Film: “Wild Rice.”
4:30 to 5:30—Test pattern.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:30—Play: “A Constitutional Point,” with Nedda Harrigan.
9:10—Weather Forecast.
9:11—Harvey Harding, songs.
9:30—“Face of the War”; news with Sam Cuff.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—National Defense Program.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge; badminton tournament.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Television broadcasting in the New York area via NBC and CBS stations, while not putting on any particular campaign to stress its position, nevertheless is moving forward. Apparently it is awaiting the end of the present emergency before stepping up.
Meanwhile, sports gets the most attention. NBC has just resumed telecasting wrestling matches, putting on an hour or more on Tuesday nights under a sponsor. On Monday nights it has amateur boxing for a couple of hours or so.
CBS, which does not have equipment for remote pickups, is doing what it can in the studio. It has been trying exhibition table tennis, and is now turning to badminton. The badminton will be in the form of an invitation tournament to run seven weeks on Friday nights. Commentator Bob Edge will provide the necessary verbal fill-ins. (Ithaca Journal, Oct. 27)

A Plainfielder, Mrs. John Teeter, had the honor of not only playing but also winning the first badminton match played before the television cameras.
Competing in a special tournament in the CBS television studios in New York City Friday night [24], Mrs. Teeter defeated Mrs. Kenneth McDonald of Gramatan Hills, 11-7, 11-2. Miss Sophie Dickson of Plainfield, New Jersey State women’s badminton champion, is slated to play next Friday. (Plainfield Courier-News, Oct. 25)

Saturday, October 25, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
2:30—Test pattern.
3:30—Film: “Glimpses of National Parks.”
3:50—Film: “Burma Road.”
4:15—Film: “Back Through the Ages.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:30—“Saturday Jamboree.”
[Herald has “Sports, News and Previews” as part of the show.]
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 4:30—Films.

Sunday, October 26, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
2:15 to 5:00—Football: Brooklyn Dodgers vs New York Giants, Ebbets Field.

Monday, October 27, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
8:00—Test Pattern.
9:00—Weather Forecast.
9:01 to 11:00—Amateur Boxing from Jamaica Arena.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—“Boys in the Back Room.”
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s Story, “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—“Men at Work.” Variety with John Hoyardt, songs; Sue Hastings; Marionettes; Indian Dances; Burl Ives, songs.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12 to 6 p.m.—Tests and selected films.

Golf instruction by television was introduced here last night [27] by Philco, which televised a lesson by Jimmy D’Angelo, Baederwood pro, from its studio, C and Ontario sts., as part of a Hale America program.
D’Angelo’s pupil was 17-year-old Marion Hallinger, of Jenkintown. (Philadelphia Inquirer, Oct. 28)

Tuesday, October 28, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00 to 3:30—Test pattern.
3:30—Film: “Dixie.”
4:15—Film: “Farmers and Defense.”
4:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
8:00—Test Pattern.
9:00—Weather.
9:01—Jack Smith’s Prevues
9:30—Old Time Movies.
9:45—Wrestling, Ridgewood Grove.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Dancing lesson.
3:15—Children’s Story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
9:00 to 9:30—Sports with Bob Edge.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12 to 6 p.m.—Tests and selected films

Tuesday’s a great night for comics. They flood the schedule and practically step on each other’s signoff to garner giggles. In the belly-laugh march Gracie Allen, Bob Burns, Fibber McGee and Molly, Bob Hope and Red Skelton. Last night their combined whackiness was pitiful alongside the hilarity induced by NBC television cameras. The wrestling matches at Ridgewood Grove served as camera material, and the burping behemoths really hammer-locked their way to town. All kinds of agonies went into the action, and the boys were giving their histrionic all for the telecast, At any rate, it was the top hilarity stanza of the night (WNBT-9:45) (Ben Gross, Daily News, Oct. 29)

Wednesday, October 29, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
3:30 to 4:30—“Radio City Matinee” with Maj. Gen. James G. Harbord.
4:30 to 5:00—Test pattern.
7:30 to 8:30—Test pattern.
8:30—Film: “Indo-China.”
9:00—Weather.
9:01—Broadway Brevities.
9:10 to 9:40—Film: “Hi, Slouch” (1941).
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News Report.
2:45—“Table Talk” with Helen Sioussat, interviews.
3:15—Children’s story.
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Joan Edwards, songs.
8:30 to 9:30—Country Dance.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and selected films.

Maj. Gen. James G. Harbord, U. S. A., retired, who served in the Philippines for many years, will appear before NBC's television cameras to discuss the strategic military importance of the Philippine Islands, outpost of American defense, during the Radio City Matinee on Wednesday, October 29, beginning at 3:30 P.M. over New York's Station WNBT. (Heinl Report, Oct. 28)

Hi! Slouch! is a new Kodachrome motion picture, sponsored by the Hat Style Council. The scene of the picture, which subtly portrays to students the advantages of correct dress, better posture and a general well groomed appearance, is laid at a junior college. Bart, a genial, good-looking senior, invites Pat, an attractive coed, to the school dance. As they are talking, along comes Slouch, Pat’s brother. Slouch is one of those likable but stubborn lads who hates to improve his appearance. During the picture, Slouch is persuaded to visit a costume shop where Bart and Pat help him select an attractive wardrobe. This interesting school movie is available without charge to any educational organization which has 16mm. projection equipment. William J. Ganz Co., 19 East 47th Street, New York. (Practical Home Economics, Nov. 1941 edition)

KHJ [W6XAO] has withdrawn its television equipment from the American Legion stadium [in Los Angeles] so that NBC can broadcast the fights. (Variety, Oct. 29)

Thursday, October 30, 1941
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Metropolitan Museum of Art.
3:15—Children’s Story: “Around the World in 80 Days.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Sports with Bob Edge.
8:30 to 9:30—Visual Quiz.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Friday, October 31, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
1:00—Test pattern.
3:30—Film: “The Headleys at Home” (1938) with Evelyn Venable, Grant Mitchell and Vince Barnett.
4:30—Time signal.
8:30—Time signal.
8:31—“Believe It or Not” with Robert L. Ripley.
9:00—Weather Forecast.
9:01—Harvey Harding’s Halloween Party.
9:20—“Face of the War”; news with Sam Cuff.
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30—News.
2:45—Film.
3:15 to 3:30—Children’s story: “Around the World by Airplane Today.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:00—News.
8:15—Museum of Modern Art.
9:00—Sports with Bob Edge; badminton tournament.
W2XWV (DuMont), New York, Channel 4
12:00 to 6:00—Tests and Selected Films.

Miss Sophie Dickson of Plainfield, New Jersey State women’s badminton champion, defeated Miss Bernice Marighan of New York, former metropolitan junior title holder, in a three-set badminton match before the CBS television cameras in New York City Friday evening [30]. Miss Dickson won by scores of 12-11, 8-11, 12-10. (Plainfield Courier-News, Nov. 1 Delmar Riessen, Northwestern University student, is getting much good practice in his chosen profession. Tomorrow night [30] he is singing for television in Chicago and for Hallowe’en he is engaged to sing at Edgewater Beach hotel. These are not paying jobs, Delmar states, but they are giving him the practice and publicity he needs. (Osmond [Ill.] Republican, Oct. 29

Saturday, October 31, 1941
WNBT (NBC), New York, Channel 1
2:30—Test pattern.
3:30—Film: “Glimpses of National Parks.”
3:50—Film: “Burma Road.”
4:15—Film: “Back Through the Ages.”
7:30—Test pattern.
8:30—“Saturday Jamboree.”
[Herald has “Sports, News and Previews” as part of the show.]
WCBW (CBS), New York, Channel 2
2:00—Test pattern.
2:30 to 4:30—Films.