Television came to a place where there was no television station.
One of the big stories of the week was the activation of seven relay stations to connect Boston with New York’s TV centres. One newspaper's listings call the broadcast “Opening of the Boston Television Station WBZ-TV,” but Boston wouldn’t have a station until 1948. The feed was seen in the city nonetheless. In fact, every station in the East aired the telecast. The relay line would be used, in the meantime, by A. T. & T. for phone calls.
Another broadcast that made national news was the first of six scheduled broadcasts on NBC of a Theatre Guild production.
In the West and Midwest, fight promotors were beaking off about how their gate was being reduced by televising matches and demanded an end to it. Wrestling continued to be popular and sports sections, in many instances, listed the complete card.
Attempts were underway to come up with cartoons for television. By November 1947, several demos had been made of Tele-Comics, which were picked up a few years later by NBC. They weren’t really animated because of the cost. One cartoon panel drawing would be switched in after a few seconds, with characters or a narrator talking in the background.
Below are listings for the week for all stations with regular programming, except Detroit, compiled from various newspapers. Some papers conflict. Some listings are incomplete. Ads in southern California newspapers promoted a special 1 p.m. show on KTLA involving a boost in electric power facilities that wasn’t in the listings. Milwaukee's TV station wasn't officially on the air, but continued test broadcasts.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City
7:00—“Scrapbook Junior Edition,” children’s participation show.
7:45—Film: “Community Chest: The Red Feather.”
8:00—“The Week in Review,” with Don Hollenbeck.
8:10—Film Short: “New York’s Waterfront.”
8:20—Film Short: “Lion and Tiger Fight.”
8:30—National Horse Show from Madison Square Garden, Jack Creamer, commentator.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
2:00—Football from the Polo Grounds: N.Y. Giants vs. Philadelphia Eagles.
8:00—“Author Meets the Critics.”
8:30—Theatre Guild production of “John Ferguson,” with Thomas Mitchell, Joyce Redman, Grace Mills, Louis Beachnen, Others (premiere).
9:30—News.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
1:40—“Sam Chase’s Skull Session.”
2:00—Football at Yankee Stadium: N.Y. Yankees vs. San Francisco 49ers.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
1:55—Football at Wrigley Field: Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers.
8:25—Hockey at Chicago Stadium: Blackhawks vs. New York Rangers.
WPTZ (NBC) Channel 3, Philadelphia
12:45—Test Chart.
1:00—“Philadelphia Portrait,” from the Philadelphia Zoo.
1:35—INS Television News.
1:50—Football from NBC.
7:45—INS Television News.
8:00 to 9:30—NBC.
9:30—Newsreel (NBC?)
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Philadelphia
1:00—Test Pattern.
1:15—Sunday Inquirer Comics.
1:45—Football: West Catholic High vs. South Catholic High.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer News Review.
8:30—Let’s Pop the Question.
9:00—Film.
9:20—Religious program.
WMAR Channel 2, Baltimore
6:00—Test Pattern.
7:00—CBS programming.
7:55—Film: “Banking on the Land.”.
8:20—Feature Film: “Shanghai Gesture” with Victor Mature, Walter Huston and Gene Tierney.
9:50—Film: “Florida Cowboy.”
10:00—CBS programming.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
5:30—Test Pattern.
6:00—Musical Interlude.
7:30—Coming Attractions.
8:00 to signoff—NBC.
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
1:15—Test pattern.
1:40—DuMont programming.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
10:50 a.m.—Pontifical Mass celebrating the 100th anniversary of St. John’s Church, with Archbishop Joseph E. Ritter as celebrant, Msgr. Fulton J. Sheen delivering the sermon and a commentary by Msgr. Leo J. Slack.
8:00 p.m.— Progressive Citizens of America meeting in Kiel Auditorium, Henry Wallace, Frank Kingdon and Paul Robeson, speakers.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
8:00—News and Music.
8:30—Cartoon.
8:40—“Shopping at Home”.
8:55—Cartoonews.
9:00—“Philco Football Scoreboard” with USC coach Dean Cromwell.
9:15—“39 Steps.”
John Ferguson
Reviewed Sunday (9), 8:30-9:53 p.m. Drama by St. John Ervine; produced jointly by the Theater Guild and National Broadcasting Company. Guild director, Denis Johnston. Technical director for NBC, Albert Protzman. Sets, Bob Wade. Cast: Thomas Mitchell (John Ferguson), Joyce Redman (Hannah Ferguson), Grace Mills (Sarah Ferguson), Barry McCullom (Clutie John), Vaughn Taylor (James Caesar), Louis Beachner (Andrew Ferguson), Neil Fitzgerald (Police Sergeant), Lawrence Fletcher (Henry Witheron), and Ralph Cullinan (Sam Mawhinney). Sustaining via WNBT, New York; WRGB, Schenectady; WPTZ, Philadelphia, and WNBW, Washington.
It will hardly be news to consistent televiewers that, given expert direction, production, sets, costuming, lighting, camera work, audio handling and acting, video can equal the best that motion pictures or the legitimate theater has to offer. It may also come as somewhat of a surprise to some viewers, as it did to this one, that, given top-notch production, directing and acting, television can even sustain interest thru more than 60 minutes of a badly outdated melodrama. Stern critics did nip-ups over Ervine's John Ferguson when it preemed at the Garrick on May 12, 1919, and it may have gotten the then fledgling Theater Guild off the nut, but from this 1947 seat it is strictly a beer garden meller, posing the ancient (even in 1919) problem of the dastard who is going to foreclose the mortgage on the poor family's farm. Only out is for the daughter to marry a sniveling schnuk who will put up the money if she does. True, Ervine's version has several twists, if they can be so termed. The gal is "ruined" not by the weakling proposing marriage but by the mortgage holder.
And the intendedly ironic failure of the farmer's brother to get the money to cover the mortgage off in an early enough mail which would have obviated all complications. The Ervine unhand-me-you-cur plot also attempts to bolster itself by making bankrupt farmer Ferguson a deeply religious man who stands by his faith even to the point of thinking kindly of a big bum who just got thru throwing away the key on young Miss Ferguson.
Excellent Tele Job
All of which points up even more emphatically the excellent, painstaking job turned in by virtually all hands on this Theater Guild tele preem. Standouts in an almost uniformly finished and moving set of performances were those of Vaughn Taylor as Caesar, the schmo who wants to marry the gal; Joyce Redman as the Ferguson daughter, Thomas Mitchell as John Ferguson, and Barry McCullom as Clutie John. Taylor, incidentally, is rapidly developing into one of video's most versatile performers, having done excellent characterizations in such recent and varied shows as Chekov's Marriage Proposal and the psycho-meller, Little Brown Jug.
Bob Wade's interior of a poor Irish farm house deserves special mention, as do the direction and technical piloting of Denis Johnston and Albert Protzman, respectively. With The Late George Apley scheduled for early December as the second in this series of six TG-NBC dramatic offerings video is a cinch to get a plenty solid dramatic shot in the arm. All the Guild and WNBT folks have to do is maintain the pace set on this opener.
Idea of giving Ferguson a gala Broadway opening night flavor by having mobile cameras shoot interviews with celebrities (TG's Theresa Helburn, Rosamond Gilder, NBC Exec Veepee Frank Mullen, Lawrence Langner) in the "lobby" of the RCA building on their way to the studio before the play started was good, too.
But the choice of Ben Grauer as the interviewer was unfortunate. Grauer is a competent radio announcer, but he is not similarly qualified as a video interrogator. He has the unfortunate knack of never actually speaking, or at least never seeming to speak, directly to the person he's interviewing. When they answer his questions, he conveys a distinct disinterest in what they're saying. On this occasion, while Theater Guild Exec Director Lawrence Langner was answering a query Grauer had put, Grauer pulled a sheet of paper out of his pocket and started to consult some notes. If this was Grauer's first time it would be forgivable, but he's been on enough telecasts to know better. Last special occasion out (Razor's Edge opening at Roxy) he did the same thing. Joe Csida (Billboard, Nov. 22)
AN ESTIMATED half a million televiewers watched and listened Nov. 9 to the telecast of the Theatre Guild Television production, "John Ferguson," on NBC's four-station video network. Program was the first of a series of six hour-long television dramatic shows to be presented this winter by the Theatre Guild, whose directors, Lawrence Langner and Theresa Helburn hailed the telecast as an event of major significance.Niles Trammell, NBC president, commented:
"NBC is proud to be associated with one of America's most outstanding theatre groups in this project. We believe this collaboration will enhance the public's appreciation of the legitimate theatre."
The telecast was produced by Denis Johnston, director for the Guild; Albert W. Protzman, technical director for NBC, and Robert Wade, art director for NBC.
Thomas Mitchell and Joyce Redman headed a cast of veteran Broadway and Hollywood performers.
Program originated at WNBT New York, traveled by coaxial cable to WNBW Washington, by radio relay to WRGB Schenectady and WPTZ Philadelphia. (Broadcasting, Nov. 17)
Skull Session With Sam Chase
Reviewed Sunday (9), 1:30-2 p.m. Sports show, film clips, diagrams and live commentary. Sustaining via WABD, New York, and WTTG, Washington. Producer-narrator, Sam Chase. Co-ordinator, Bob Mellville. Projectionist, Steve Preston.
Working under the dual handicaps of being unable to get the film with which he's to work until 24 hours before show time, plus technical limitations of 16mm. projection equipment, Sam Chase struggles valiantly to make this pre-Yankee football game telecast a real skull session. Idea behind the show is good. Before the telecast of each New York Yankee home game (from the Yankee Stadium), Skull Session attempts to whip up interest in the game by showing in diagram and film clips the key plays used by Yankees and opponents (in this case Frisco's '49-ers) last time the two teams met. Since Yankee coach Ray Flaherty, however, won't release the film until the Saturday afternoon prior to telecast, Chase has just hours (if he works all night) to select appropriate clips. Obviously this makes it difficult if not altogether impossible to pick the most interesting and illustrative portions of film and put them together into a well-integrated whole. This is especially true since Chase must get diagrams of plays to be shown from respective team's coaches well in advance of Saturday. This combination of circumstances resulted, on show caught, in one instance where a diagram of an intricate Yankee pass play was shown, and when film clip of the play was flashed key men in the maneuver weren't even in the picture. Limited time available to Chase and technical difficulties also resulted in this play's being shown some five plays after the diagram had been flashed, which made for confused viewing.
The Skull Sessioner also occasionally missed a bet on proper highlighting of plays, as for example when he concentrated his patter on quality of Yankee back Eddie Prokop's runback with an intercepted pass instead of pointing up super-blocking which made the run possible. All in all, however, Chase has a well-modulated, pleasant delivery and if he can iron out some of the obstacles inherent in attempting the skull session technique the show should shape up. If not, Chase might be wise in dropping the blackboard effort and concentrate on a new twist.Joe Csida (Billboard, Nov. 22)
Let's Pop the Question
Reviewed Sunday (9), 8:30-9 p.m. Quiz show with guests presented sustaining via WFIL-TV, Philadelphia.
Radio's telephone quizzers transposed to television, as presented here, make for a lively and entertaining weekly half-hour stanza that's all the more inviting for the viewing. George Cahan, a cheerful and gracious lad, sustains a fast and breezy pace thruout. With a fem foil, the "dumb Dora" type but a looker, on the assist, they establish a personal relationship with selected viewers via the telephones.
Pictures of famous personages are placed before the cameras, with Cahan casting a hint or two. Telephoning from a list of set owners postal-carding to the station that they will try for the prizes, both Cahan and the gal, Janie, share the phone conversation. They take in a half dozen questions during the period, none real stumpers but enough to arouse the interest of all lookers-on. Winners have a choice of any one of 10 books or five record albums, all shown before the camera at the start of the show.
Breaking in nicely into the quizzing is the introduction of studio guests. When caught, Cahan brought in Joseph Shallit, local lad whose first book came off the presses this week and was included among the prizes. The camera-shy young author finally warmed up, and as the writer of a whodunnit, made a perfect program tie by popping a question dealing with famous characters in detective yarns which viewers were asked to identify.
Second guest was Russ Taylor, Philly tenor, who sang along with one of his own recordings.
The show is produced by the station's Ted Estabrook, and it's one of the few genuinely entertaining shows on local video lanes. Maurie Orodenker (Billboard, Nov. 22)
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City
Off the air.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
8:00—NBC Television Newsreel.
8:10—Film shorts.
9:00—Filmed highlights of Army vs. Notre Dame football game.
8:40—“Cavalcade of Sports”: Boxing at St. Nicholas Arena. Feature bout: Rocky Castellini vs. Tony Riccio.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
6:35—Film shorts.
6:45—Walter Compton, news (from WTTG).
7:00—Small Fry Club, with Bob Emery.
7:30—Doorway to Fame, with Jackie Bright.
8:00—Film shorts.
8:15—“Magic Carpet,” sponsored by Alexander Smith
8:30—Film shorts.
8:45—Swing Into Sports, with Vincent Richards.
9:00—Sports Names to Remember.
9:07—Boxing from Jamaica Arena with Dennis James.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago.
3:00—Chicago Television Showcase.
4:00—Junior Jamboree, with Kukla, Fran and Ollie, sponsored by RCA.
8:15—News reports.
8:30—Wrestling from Midway arena.
WPTZ (NBC) Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.—Test Chart.
1:45—INS Television News.
2:00—“Television Matinee.”
7:45—INS Television News.
8:00 to sign-off—NBC.
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Philadelphia
2:30—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:10—Magic Made Easy, with Tom Osborne.
8:30—Film.
8:30—Temple University Forum—Is War With Russia Inevitable?
9:30—Wrestling—Don Evans vs. Gino Garibaldi.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
7:30—Children’s Bedtime Story.
7:40—Whatzit? Whozit?
8:00—NBC to signoff.
WMAR Channel 2, Baltimore
2:30—Test Pattern.3:00—Horse Racing from Pimlico: (a) Sagamore Stakes (Fifth Race). (b) Sky Raider Purse (Sixth Race).
4:00—Test Pattern.
8:0—Test Pattern.
9:00—Film: “Florida Cowboy.”
9:20—Film: “Once a Marine.”
9:40—Film: “To the Shores of Iwo Jima.” (1945)
10:00—Marine Corps celebration of 172nd anniversary of Fort McHenry.
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
6:15—Dinner music.
6:30—Preview.
6:35—DuMont programming.
8:00—Music Album, Joby Reynolds.
8:15—DuMont programming.
8:30—Plantation Time.
8:45—Swing into Sports.
9:00—Step ‘n’ Fetch It, Mike Hunnicutt.
9:30 to sign-off—DuMont programming.
WMAL-TV (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—Test Pattern.
3:00 to 3:20 apx.—Safety Film (special broadcast).
3:20 to 5:00—Test Pattern.
W8XCT Channel 4, Cincinnati
off the air.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00—News and Views
3:15—Films: “Brandin’ Time”; “Pistol Packing Papa.”
3:25—American Theater interviews.
3:40—Film short: “Lion and Tiger Fight.”
3:50—“This Might Be You,” Southwest High School economics department.
4:05—Animated cartoon.
4:15—Man on the Street, Frank Eschen, m.c.
8:00—“Tele-Quizi-Calls,” sponsored by Union Electric.
8:30—Film: “America’s Wonderland.”
8:45—Man on the Street, Frank Eschen, m.c.
9:00—Film: “Camera Magic.”
9:15—Panorama of the Dance: St. Louis Dancing Teachers Association.
9:30—Films: “Swinging on a Star”; “Moonlight Becomes You.”
9:40—Sports Review, Coach Ken Loeffler and the St. Louis Bombers.
10:00—Film Short.
10:05—News and Views.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
11 a.m.—Queen For a Day.
8 p.m.—Test Slides, Music.
8:25 to 11—Wrestling Matches, Hollywood Legion. Card: Martino Angelo vs. Angelo Savoldi, two falls, two hours; Jan Blears and Paavo Katonen, two falls, 45 minutes; Maurice LaChapelle vs. Lucky Simonovich, one fall, 30 minutes; Bob Corby vs. Gene Stanlee, one fall, 20 minutes.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00 to 5:00—News and music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil,” with Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure Serial.
7:30—“Looking at Music” with Al Jarvis.
8:00—Film shorts.
8:30—Boxing.
Swing Into Sports
Reviewed Monday (10), 8:35-9 p.m. Style, interviews, live. Sponsor, Transmirra Image Refiner (participating); station, WABD, New York. Producer, Bob Loewy. Technical director, Frank Bunetta. Co-ordinator, Herb Schwartz. Cameramen, Ed Bezares, Len Messina. Cast, Joan Kerwin and Chuck Tranim, regulars. Guests this show, Mabel Scacheri and Victor Keppler.
With its accent usually on home sports and hobbies, Swing Into Sports has been aired over the DuMont outlets for some time. As a low-budget live production, the concept behind the show is a fresh one which should provide interesting and relaxing diversion for home viewers—the kind of program badly needed by video. Execution, however, falls somewhat short of concept, altho it has improved considerably in recent weeks.
Handling of the program's personnel and guests needs stronger organization to approach the satisfactory use made of limited sets. Guests on show caught, which dealt with photography, included newspaper columnist Mabel Scacheri and photographer Victor Keppler. Joan Kerwin and Chuck Tranim are the regulars who host on the show. Miss Scacheri and Keppler both seemed to be genuine characters with salty personalities, but too little of this was permitted to come thru. Tranim and Miss Kerwin, on the other hand, went thru strictly stock opening, transitionary and closing motions, which could stand brightening.
Ramble Along
Show was weakest where it should, have had greatest impact: in demonstrations by the guests of what makes for good photography and why, using sample photos. Each was permitted simply to ramble along at will for a considerable time, flipping over photographs standing on an easel. But the comments sounded as tho the speakers were simply told to simply go ahead and say whatever they wished, for they lacked real pace, contrast or pertinent information. Especially was this true about Keppler, who merely went thru a number of photos he made for commercial advertisers but hardly touched on what makes for good photography. While Miss Scacheri came closer to this, she drifted off on too many tangents and stressed individual details rather than capsuling general elements which mark good photography.
The show used devices which seemed too mechanical and contrived. Guests each took over for rambling monologs noted above, which were abruptly broken up by Miss Kerwin, apparently on a time cue. Considering that the guests on this show were really interesting looking people, but after all, not primarily entertainers or public speakers, some better means than monologs ought to have been found to bring out their personalities. Had they been permitted to appear together more, it might have made for greater interest.
Camera Work Okay
Camera work, by and large, was good, altho cuts from one camera to another were occasionally too abrupt. The introductory shot showed nice imagination, with reproduction of Miss Scacheri's column brought in first, and Keppler's book superimposed on it. Bob Loewi, who produces, is on the track of an interesting program. He must integrate the elements more carefully, however, to come up with a perfect whole.
Midway in the show was a commercial for Transmirra Imgea Refiner, which fits over video receiver's tube. Tranim demonstrated how it is applied, and a slide followed which listed places where it could be purchased.Sam Chase (Billboard, Nov. 22)
On that date, a two-reel television film produced by the American Broadcasting Company under the supervision of Paul Mowrey, the network’s director of television, will be shown at the White House to President Truman and officials of the President’s Highway Safety Conference.
The 19-minute film, to be televised directly over WMAL-TV, here, opens and closes with views of President Truman addressing a meeting of the Highway Safety Conference. The film dramatizes four major areas of highway safety activity stressed in the nationwide action program developed by the conference. These include high school driver training, traffic law enforcement, the parking problem and adequate streets and highways.
Following this premiere showing of the television film, sound prints for regular motion picture projection will be available. The inter-industry Highway Safety Committee, comprising dealers of the automobile, petroleum and tire industries, cooperated in the production of the film with the Automotive Safety Foundation and will distribute prints for screening before its state and local units throughout the United States. The picture also will be used in promotion of the highway safety program by many other national organizations.
Viewing the film on two home-size large screen television receivers with the Chief Executive will be members of the executive and coordinating committees of the conference and the inter-industry commmittee. (Jackson Sun, Nov 9)
When Lee Morely sings over television station WABC this evening, at 7:30, Rocklands will probably do a double take” and say, “Why that looks like Doc Moses’ youngest, Elizabeth! and they will be right for Elizabeth Moses, Spring Valley High School, class of ’47, will be on the air. The program is listed as “Doorway to Fame” and will be Miss Moses’ first radio appearance since she has been under Al Siegel’s management. Mr. Siegel is a well-known New York voice coach. (Nyack Journal-News, Nov 10)
TWO PHILCO distributors from South Africa, who were among passengers in the "Bermuda Sky Queen" when the trans-Atlantic airliner was forced to land in the ocean, took motion pictures of the landing and rescue.
Taking the pictures were Ross Glenn, of Pretoria, and Patrick Lewis of Johannesburg.
Their films gave Philco television station WPTZ a scoop in presenting first-hand accounts to the Philadelphia video audience. Both men came to this country to attend the recent Philco International Corp. convention in Atlantic City. While there Mr. Glenn was a guest on Don McNeill's Breakfast Club show by means of a Chicago-Atlantic City hookup. (Broadcasting, Nov. 10)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City
9:30—Foreign Press Association Dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria. Andrei Vishinsky, Soviet Foreign Minister; Warren R. Austin, U.S. Delegate to the U.N., Dr. Oswaldo Aranha, president of the U.N. Assembly; Dr. V.K. Wellington Koo, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S.; Sir Hartley Shawcross, Attorney General of Great Britain.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
10:45 a.m.—Armistice Day ceremony from Washington (from WNBW).
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
6:35—Film shorts.
6:45—Walter Compton, news (from WTTG Washington).
7:00—Small Fry Club, with Bob Emery.
7:30—“Close Harmony,” barbershop quartet.
8:00—Western Feature Film.
9:00—College of Style and Swing.
9:17—Sports Names to Remember, sponsored by Monquin Wines
9:23—Boxing at Park Arena.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago.
3:00—“Jane Foster Comes to Call,” cooking and home management show, sponsored by Commonwealth Edison.
3:30—Chicago Television Showcase.
5:00—Junior Jamboree, with Kukla, Fran and Ollie, sponsored by RCA.
7:30—Behind the Headlines.
7:45—“Lost Jungle.”
8:00—Del Breece.
8:15—Film shorts.
8:30—Variety program.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.—Test Chart.
1:30—INS Television News.
1:45—Football: Northeast High vs. Frankford High.
7:45—INS Television News.
8:00—Motion Picture Short.
8:15—“Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Press”—Presented in cooperation with the Lower Merion Seminar.
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Philadelphia
2:30—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:15—Philadelphia, A Great City: “Seeing Stars.”
8:30—Trailer Coach Show.
9:30—Armistice Day Program—Gov. James Duff; Mayor Samuel; Kenneth Royall, Secretary of the Army.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
7:30—Moments of Meditation.
7:40—Film Short.
7:50—On the Job.
8:10—Film Short.
8:25—Dude Ranch.
8:45—Film short.
9:00—Number Please.
WMAR Channel 2, Baltimore.
2:00—Test Pattern.
3:00—Horse Racing from Pimlico: (a) Manley Steeplechase (5th); (b) Menow Purse (6th).
4:00—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Film: “Silent Service.”
8:50—Film: “Night Mail.”
9:15—Wrestling from the Colesium.
George Baker, Pacific Coast wrestling champion, will substitute for injured Two-Ton Tony Galento in the cofeatured wrestling attraction against Harry Finkelstein tonight at the Coliseum.
Galento was scheduled to appear against Finkelstein, but he was injured in his draw bout with Primo Carnera last Friday night in Newark, N.J. X-ray pictures have been taken, and Galento will be out of action for a week or more, depending on the extent of the injuries.
Sharing top billing with the Baker-Finkelstein bout will be a match between Nanjo Singh, the Hindu, and Hans Kampfer veteran German star, both of whom are undefeated here.
Others matches on the program find Steve Gob and Ace Freeman opposing John Vansky and Jesse James in a team test, and a 30-minute show opener between Fred Caroni and Sheik Abed. (Baltimore Sun, Nov. 11)
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
10:30—Armistice Day Ceremony (to NBC)
3:30—Coming Attractions.
4:00—The Local Crowd.
5:00—Film Feature.
6:00—Musical Interlude.
8:00—Capital Citizen.
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
6:15—Dinner Music.
6:30—Preview Time.
6:35—DuMont programming.
8:00—Bob Wolff Sports Clinic.
9:00—The Visionaires.
9:15—Hockey at Uline Arena, Washington Lions vs. Indianapolis Capitals.
WMAL-TV (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
10 a.m.—Test Pattern.
10:45—Armistice Day Ceremony at Arlington Cemetery.
11:15 to 5 p.m.—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Sports Shorts.
8:15—Film broadcast of Redskins-Steelers game.
9:30—Film Fun.
W8XCT Channel 4, Cincinnati
7:30—On Wings of Song.
8:30—This Is Current.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
off the air.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
10:30 a.m.—Test Pattern.
11:00—Film.
11:30—Test Pattern and transcribed Martin Block show.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3 to 5 p.m.— News and Music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil” with ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure Serial.
7:30—Home Economics.
7:45—“Star Views” with Lois Andrews.
8:00—“Tele-Newsreel.”
8:10—Bow and Arrow.
8:30—Western Feature film: “Glory Trail”.
Washington, Nov. 11. WMAL-TV, the Washington Evening Star station, today (Tues.) aired the first direct television pickup of a Congressional hearing. Station got special permission from Sen. Arthur Vandenberg, chairman of the Senate foreign affairs committee, to telecast testimony of Secretary of State Marshall and Undersecretary Robert Lovett on the Marshall Plan.
Burke Crotty, director of WMAL-TV, produced the airer. (Variety, Nov. 12)
Coverage by the New York television stations yesterday [11] of the Armistice Day ceremonies at Arlington Cemetcy and the meeting of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs failed to materialize, apparently as the result of confusion between the telecasters and the American Telephone and Telegraph Company.
Lawrence Phillips, director of the DuMont television network, who made the original announcement of plans for the telecasts, explained that while the events were put on the air as scheduled in Washington, the coaxial cable, or television “pipe,” linking that city with New York, was inoperative because of work being done on it by the A. T. & T. He said that yesterday morning the A. T. & T. canceled the authorization for use of the cable it had granted Monday night.
An A. T. & T. representative said that the cable’s availability for television has been limited to evening programs for more than two weeks because of daytime tests being conducted with the link. He asserted that his organization had extended no assurance to the telecasters that they could have the use of the cable yesterday. (New York Times, Nov. 12)
Local talent was on display last evening [11] when two singers, Constancia Stefanik of 739 Soundview Drive, Mamaroneck, and Ann Van Santford of the Manor Inn, Larchmont, were given auditions for television at the Dumont television studio of Station WABD in New York.
Miss Van Santford, whose style of artistry is highly modernized, has been chosen to appear on an Arthur Godfrey program in the near future.
After the auditions, the singers with a group of friends visited the Music Box in Greenwich Village, where noted musicians prominent in all branches of the art, gather for informal evenings of entertainment.
Miss Stefanik, singing before the audience of artists, was warmly received and recalled for several encores. John Charles Thomas, noted opera and concert singer, and a group of nearly 30 prominent artists connected with the Metropolitan Opera Company, joined in the acclaim of the local singers.
Miss Stefanik, a native of Winnipeg, Canada, began singing at the age of 5 and was a church soloist at the age of 14. She won many awards at the Manitoba Music Festivals in 1937 and 1938, and sang the leading role in “Mademoiselle Modiste.” She has also appeared in several operatic productions.
She will be one of the artists in the review, “Tune Time,” to be staged at the Mamaroneck Junior High School, Nov. 19, 21 and 22 under the auspices of the Larchmont Fire Department. (Mamaroneck Daily Times, Nov. 12)
Washington, Nov. 11 (AP)—The first Associated Press television newsreel unit began operating today in Washington as a part of the regular news coverage by the Washington Associated Press.
This departure is being undertaken in conformity with a recent decision by the board of directors.
It is the first of several such units which the Associated Press is now establishing to provide complete world-wide newsreel service for television stations that are Associated Press members.
Exchange Plans
Cameramen, editors and technicians began coverage or me Washington scene, which will be integrated with films produced by participating stations, just as news-photos now are exchanged among member newspapers.
A London unit is being formed and will be operating in time to cover the wedding of Princess Elizabeth, the meeting of the Foreign Ministers in London, and subsequent events in the United Kingdom.
WMAR Is First
WMAR-TV, the first television station in Maryland, is also the first television station in the world to become a member of the television newsreel exchange established by the Associated Press. The Sunpapers are co-operating with the Associated Press in the development of this new form of world wide news coverage. (Baltimore Sun, Nov. 11)
The other day a reader asked: “Why aren’t we getting more television programs? Who’s holding back and why?”
“Mr. Television” in Cincinnati is James Shouse, president of the Crosley Broadcasting Corp., so I passed along the reader’s query to him.
"We're moving slowly,” Mr. Shouse said, "because we feel that there is grave danger in the over-promotion of television as a novelty. Not until we can deliver a picture the equal or superior of any other in the country, on a power at least equal to any other in the world will we deliver television as an accompished art to our audience.”
Crosley has a tremendous investment in local television. The Clifton Heights building transmitter and television bus has cost the corporation $700,000. Operating costs run between $7000 and $8000 month.
Since W8XCT is operating under an experimental license and will not become a commercial television station until February, Crosley is using it as a training ground for camera men and television technicians.
“Instead of importing high-salaried camera men and engineers from New York, we chose to pick a team from the cream of our own men to learn the technique and, in turn, teach others,” Mr. Shouse explained. "We felt that our engineers deserved an opportunity to learn this new medium from the ground up.”
W8XCT went on the air with its first live telecast on June 6. The first few programs were produced by amateurs feeling their way in television. As the weeks progressed a marked improvement in the quality of the picture was noticeable. With the arrival in September of the mobile television unit W8XCT, was able to include on-the-spot sports and special events.
After February, W8XCT will be telecasting 25 hours a week. The programming will be as diversified as the Petrillo ban against live music on television will permit.
"Sports alone won't be enough," Mr. Shouse said. “We’ll have to try new ideas and production methods until we come up with a well-balanced program schedule.” (Mary Wood, Cincinnati Post, Nov. 11)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City
8:00—Film short.
8:30—Hockey at Madison Square Garden: New York Rangers vs. Boston Bruins.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
7:30—“Kraft Television Theatre”: “Ladies in Retirement.”
8:30—“In the Kelvinator Kitchen” with Alma Kitchell.
8:45—Filmed highlights of Army vs. Notre Dame football game.
9:00—“Current Opinion” from Washington.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
6:35—Film shorts.6:45—Walter Compton, news (from WTTG Washington).
7:00—Small Fry Club, with Bob Emery.
7:30—Television Workshop.
8:00—Film shorts.
8:15—Sylvie St. Claire, songs.
8:30—Film shorts.
8:45—Jack Eigan Show.
9:00—Frolics on Ice.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00—Chicago Television Showcase.
4:00—Junior Jamboree, with Kukla, Fran and Ollie, sponsored by RCA.
7:30—Minor Opinions.
8:00—World Picture.
8:30—Wrestling from Rainbo Arena.
WPTZ (NBC) Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.—Test Chart.
1:45—INS Television News.
2:00—Television Matinee.
7:30—INS Television News.
7:45—“Sports Scrapbook” with Stoney McLinn and Bill Campbell.
8:00—Selection motion pictures.
8:10—Film.
8:20—Motion Picture Short.
8:30—NBC from New York and Washington.
9:15—Downtown Quarterback.
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Washington
2:30—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:10—Film.
8:20—AHL Hockey at the Arena, Philadelphia Rockets vs. Hershey Bears.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
7:30—NBC programming.
8:30—Drawing Room.
8:50—Film short.
9:05—Show Biz.
9:25—Film Short.
9:40—Music Where You Find It.
WMAR Channel 2, Baltimore
2:30—Test Pattern.
3:00—Horse Racing From Pimlico. (a) Walden Stakes (Fifth Race). (b) Sixth Race.
4:00—Test Pattern.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
3:30—Coming Attractions.
4:00—Film Features.
5:00—“Playtime.”
6:00—Musical Interlude.
7:00—Film, Army vs Notre Dame (from NBC).
7:20—Illustrated News.
7:30—NBC programming until sign-off.
Three Fairlington Cub Scouts from Pack 117 will demonstrate the making of Hopi Indian wooden ceremonial dolls over television station WNBW during the Junior League program from 5 to 6 p.m. today.
John Gilbert, Donald Zollner and John Nickle are the cubs who will participate in the program entitled “Busy Hands.” Lt. Col. Harry Gilbert, former cubmaster of the pack and now chairman of the Boy Scout Committee for Troop 117, will describe the activities.
Television screens will be placed in the Methodist Church on Leesburg pike so pack members and others interested may watch the program. (Washington Evening Star, Nov. 12)
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
1:30—Test Pattern.
2:00—American University of the Air, School of Music.
2:20—Test Pattern.
6:15—Test Pattern.
6:35—DuMont programs.
7:30—Western Film feature.
8:30—Basketball: Washington Capitals vs. Baltimore Bullets (first half).
9:15—Sports.
9:30—Basketball: Washington Capitals vs Baltimore Bullets (second half).
WMAL-TV (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
10 a.m. until conclusion—Senate Foreign Affairs Hearings. Bryson Rash, commentator.
W8XCT Channel 4, Cincinnati
2:00—Studio program.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
off the air.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
10:30 a.m.—Test Pattern and Incidental Music.
11:00—“This is America.”
11:20—Test Pattern and transcribed Martin Block show.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3 to 5 p.m.—News and Music.
7:00—Uncle Phil, with Ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure serial.
7:30—“Looking at Music” with Al Jarvis.
8:00—“Movie Camera History.”
8:30—Wrestling at the Olympic Auditorium. Elimination Bout Card: Ray Duran, Black Panther, Mickey Page, Senator Hartford, Vic Christy, Chief War Cloud, Manuel Garza, Larry Moquin, Marvin Jones, Kolo Stasiak, Bomber Kulkovich and Alex Kasaboski.
Jack Eigen Show
Reviewed Wednesday (12), 8:45-9 p.m. Sustaining over WABD, New York. Producer-director, Charles A. Furey. Writer, Jack Eigen. Cast, Jack Eigen and guests.
This may not have been a representative show to catch for review purposes, mainly because Milton Berle was guest, and, when Berle throws his script and inhibitions out the window, belly laughs are the order of the day. Such definitely was the case here, once the comic made his appearance about midway thru the show. After his entrance, Berle took over, and his japery and mugging evoked strong response from the guests sitting in at the Wanamaker studio, as well as from viewers.
Two weakest gimmicks on the show are adaptations from radio, not at all geared for the visual medium, and should be modified or dropped. One has Eigen answering telephone calls, and the other playing records. Both of these are sheer waste of camera opportunities, offering nothing better than straight shots of Eigen talking into the phone or humming along with a record, or looking at a guest.
Speaking of guests, besides Berle, this show featured a beauteous brunette named Louise Hyde, who has trekked in from Chattanooga to seek a career in show business. That wasn't over-lighting on the program—it was merely Miss Hyde radiating. Fortunately, cameramen had the good judgment to pan to Miss Hyde for a good portion of the record-spinning sequence, making it pleasurable indeed. How it must be on weeks when one must look only at Eigen!
Gossip-Reading Stint
Other major factor on the show was the reading of miscellaneous gossip by Eigen, which neither adds nor subtracts from the show's value. If Eigen can maintain a guest policy which brings on guests as lovely as Miss Hyde and as funny as Berle, success of the show is assured. He need only needle them enough to bring out the best.
Berle needed little needling, however. He greeted Miss Hyde by telling her he knew her brother-in-law, Dr. Jekyll. Asked about his career, he responded that he's been in show business since he was five and has the jokes to prove it. Reading one take of Eigen's gossip, he noted that Turhan Bey is squiring Lana Turner as a stand-in for Tyrone, and commented: "More power to him." But it was his mugging that was most uproarious as Berle indicated to the viewers how hot it was under the lights. Show also was interrupted by a phone call to Berle and Eigen from Bob Hope, aboard a liner just out of New York en route to the royal wedding.
What caliber of guests Eigen can lure in the future will determine the ultimate fate of the show. On this particular night, it offered a glimpse of video at its funniest. Sam Chase (Billboard, Nov. 22)
Jack Eigen does a neat reenactment of his Copacabana Lounge disk jockey show over DuMont's N. Y. station every Wednesday, using a glam gal as foil for the guest. He had Buddy Clark on recently, with one of the crooner's own disks as musical background. DuMont is able to do this, unlike the NBC and CBS video stations which are musically hidebound by Petrillo in view of their radio affiliations.) The "surprise" caller-upper was Sinatra, just as Fred Allen did it the week before. The video viewer thus has a novelty insight on Eigen's guests reacting to a name showing in and doing an off-telescreen interview. It goes the radio phone stunts a half-step further, in that the television looker can at least see the facial reactions of the phone recipents if not of the caller-inners. (Variety, Nov. 19) (Note: It is unclear from the story when this aired. As you can read above, Bob Hope was the caller on the 12th).
The Crosley Broadcasting Corp., of Cincinnati, operator of radio station WLW (Cincinnati) and WINS (New York), is seeking a license to build a television station in Indianapolis, it was announced today.
Crosley already has a television station operating on an experimental basis in Cincinnati and has been granted licenses for stations in Dayton and Columbus, O.
The Wm. H. Block Co. has been granted a construction permit for a television station here and is working on preliminary details. WFBM also recently applied for a television permit.
A Crosley spokesman said no site had been selected for a studio or antenna in Indianapolis, but said that if the application is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, the firm hoped to have the station in operation in 15 months or early 1949. The four stations would interchange programs, serving as a regional network, the spokesman added.
The Crosley television station in Cincinnati, W8XCT, will increase its power to 5000 watts on January 1 when it goes on a regular basis, broadcasting 25 hours a week. So far Crosley has invested $700,000 in the station, including a new building.
Crosley Broadcasting Corp. now is a subsidiary of the Avco Manufacturing Corp. and is part of the business sold in 1945 by Powell Crosley, Jr., to the Aviation Corp. Mr. Crosley retained only the Cin cinnati Reds baseball club and the auto business. (Indianapolis News, Nov. 12)
CINCINNATI, Nov. 12 (AP).—James D. Shouse, president of the Crosley Broadcasting Corporation, said today his organization had been barred by local promoters from televising boxing matches here and would ask the Boxing Commission for a license to conduct its own shows.
“We do not want to enter into competition with established boxing interests,” Shouse said in a statement, “but we will apply to the Boxing and Wrestling Commission at its next regular meeting for a license to promote fights here.”
Shouse, in his announcement, said “Local promoters decided to forbid the telecasts of local fights after offering the Crosley station the privilege if it would agree to pay for all unsold seats. The station refused this offer.” He said Crosley planned to offer weekly boxing shows and telecast them over Video station W8XCT, if granted a license.
Sam Becker, a local promoter, said “Television is no good for the boxing game,” he added that he would not permit television at his shows unless the radio people paid for every empty seat.
Leader Enterprises, Inc., filed petition in Supreme Court for a temporary injunction to restrain Television Fashion Fair, Inc., Allen B. DuMont Laboratories, Inc., Furman Feiner & Co., Inc., and J. Modell from using petitioner’s trade-name “The Fashion Fair,” or the tradename “Television Fashion Fair,” or any other words employing the phrase “Fashion Fair.” The complaint asks for $250,000 damages.
Jerry Finkelstein, president of Leader Enterprises, Inc., states in an affidavit submitted with the petition that, “Leader conceived of the name, ‘The Fashion Fair,’ to describe a unique, annual national exposition and showing of fashions organized and presented by Leader, together with a national year-round merchandising program for the exploitation of products shown at ‘The Fashion Fair.’ [...]
Mr. Finkelstein states that Leader is currently engaged in promoting the presentation of ‘The Fashion Fair’ in cities throughout the country and that it planned and contemplated the use of television broadcasts as an adjunct to ‘The Fashion Fair’.” He further avers that his concern is presently engaged in promoting the sale of participation in ‘The Fashion Fair’ of 1948.
Mr. Finkelstein goes on to say, “I have been advised by many of the exhibitors at ‘The Fashion Fair’ and others that considerable confusion has arisen because of defendants’ use of the phrase ‘Fashion Fair’ in advertising their television program. The number of potential exhibitors for ‘The Fashion Fair’ is relatively limited, so that the televising of the Television Fashion Fair, and the attempts to sell participation in this television show have caused confusion and will impair Leader’s selling campaign.
“Such confusion will irreparably damage Leader’s year-round merchandising campaign and Leader’s present promotion of and sale of participation in ‘The Fashion Fair’ to be held in 1948, thereby depriving Leader of the full benefits resulting from its extensive publicity campaign and large expenditures in connection with ‘The Fashion Fair’.”
The complaint avers defendant Television Fashion Fair, Inc., was incorporated last August, a little more than a month after plaintiff’s exclusive tradename, ‘The Fashion Fair.’ had become identified by the fashion trade and by the public as a name exclusively describing the annual exposition, ‘The Fashion Fair,’ organized and promoted by plaintiff.”
The complaint further states that “on and after last Oct. 17, defendants extensively advertised and sponsored a television radio program called ‘The Television Fashion Fair’ and caused the aforesaid television radio program to be shown and broadcast from studio A of television station WABD, owned and operated by Alien B. DuMont Laboratories, Inc., at Ninth street and Broadway.”
One of the exhibits submitted with the complaint is an announcement stating: “J. Modell requests the honour of your presence at the premiere ‘Television Fashion Fair’ featuring Russek’s Fifth avenue at television station WABD (Dumont) Studio A. Wanamaker’s ninth street and Broadway.” Women’s Wear Daily, Nov. 12)
Television receivers will be provided in the Boys’ Club and Y. M. C. A. for televised sports events, by the youth project of the Meriden [Conn.] Rotary Club, out of the proceeds from three Broadway productions, which will be presented at the Meriden High School on Saturday evenings in the coming months. (Meriden Record, Nov. 12)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City
8:00—News with Douglas Edwards.
8:20—“To the Queen’s Taste,” cooking program from the Cordon Bleu Restaurant, with Mrs. Dione Lucas.
8:45—Pro basketball from Madison Square Garden: N.Y. Knicks vs. Washington.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
2:50 p.m.—Opening of the Boston relay link.
8:00—“Meet the Press,” sponsored by General Foods.
8:30—NBC Television News.
8:40—Musical Merry-Go-Round, with Jack Kilty.
9:00—“You Are an Artist,” with John Gnagy.
9:10—Film shorts.
9:15—“Eye-Witness.”
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
6:35—Film shorts.
6:45—Walter Compton, news (from WTTG Washington).
7:00—Small Fry Club, with Bob Emery.
7:30—“Birthday Party,” with Grace Gioe.
8:00—Film shorts.
8:15—Previews, Inc.
8:30—Film shorts.
8:45—Know Your New York.
9:00—Wrestling from Park Arena with Dennis James.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00—Chicago Television Showcase.
4:00—Junior Jamboree, with Kukla, Fran and Ollie, sponsored by RCA.
7:30—“You Should Ride a Hobby Horse,” with Russ Davis.
7:45—Film shorts.
8:00—“Date With the Duchess.”
8:30—Sports show.
8:45—News; Today’s World Picture.
Mrs. Bertha Jenkinson, children’s librarian at South Chicago library, will appear with three children on a television program on Station, WBKB, tomorrow [13] between and 5 p.m. The name of the program is “The Junior Jamboree.”
Those who will appear with Jenkinson are Peggy MacDonald, 9015 Houston av., Christine Gilreath, 8947 Greenbay av., and Bobby Finwell, 10130 Bensley av. (Chicago Daily Calumet, Nov. 12)
WPTZ (NBC) Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and 3:20 to 5:30—Test Chart.
2:45—Test Chart.
2:50—Boston relay special program.
7:15—INS Television News.
7:30—“Pleased To Meet You,” with Roy Neal.
7:50—Selected motion pictures.
8:00—Mac McGuire’s “Jamboree.”
8:30—NBC programming.
9:15—“How Television Works” (NBC?).
WFIL Channel 6, Philadelphia
2:30—Test Pattern.
2:50—Boston relay special program.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:10—Film.
8:30—“Starlet Stairway”, with Jack Steck.
9:00—Basketball at the Arena, Philadelphia Warriors vs. Providence Steamrollers, sponsored by Norge.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
2:50—NBC Boston Relay program.
7:30—Memory Lane, the first in a new series of phone-in quiz shows about people, music and events of the past quarter century with emcees "Bob" Snyder and Mildred Valentor.
8:00—NBC programming.
8:30—Concert Hall, featuring a group of songs by William Wright, with Nathan Price accompanying.
8:45—Musical Merry Go Round.
9:00—Fashions and the Dance.
Mrs. Syd Rappaport, executive designer for Junior Formals, Inc., will appear for the first time as a guest star on a television show, “Fashions in Dancing,” on Nov. 13, The program will be heard on Channel 5, WRGB, emanating from Schenectady, N. Y. Syd Rappaport’s latest spring and cruise designs will be shown on the Don Pallini dancers. Women’s Wear Daily, Nov. 12)
WMAR Channel 2, Baltimore2:00—Test Pattern.
2:50—Boston relay program “The Story of Seven Hills.”
3:10—Horse Racing from Pimlico: (a) Sarazen Stakes (fifth race), (b) Pimlico Cup Handicap (sixth race).
4:00—Test Pattern.
8:00—Test Pattern.
8:30—Film: “English Criminal Justice.”
9:00—Film: “Jungle Playmate.”
9:10—Film: “Musical Short.”
9:15—Basketball at the Colesium: Baltimore Bullets and Boston Celtics.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
2:15—Coming Attractions.
2:20—Home Laundry Clinic.
2:50—Relay program, Boston joins television network.
3:20—Musical Interlude.
4:00—Fun at Four.
5:00-_Film Feature.
6:00—Musical Interlude.
8:00—“Meet the Press” (from WNBT).
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
1:30—Test Pattern.
2:50—Boston relay show. 3:20—Test Pattern.
6:15—Dinner Music.
6:30—Preview Time.
6:35—DuMont programming.
8:00—Film Shorts.
8:15—Film Featurette.
8:45—Music Album.br> 9:00—NBC to signoff.
WMAL-TV (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
1:00—Test Pattern.
2:50 to 3:15—Bell Hour, Boston relay broadcast.
W8XCT Channel 4, Cincinnati
2:00—Picture.
8:30 to 9:30—Studio Variety Show.
10 to 10:30—“Build Thee More Stately Mansions.”
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
12:40 p.m.—What’s News in the Stores, with Nancy Dixon.
3:00—News and Views.
3:15—NBC newsreel.
3:25—Mandrake the Magician.
3:35—Film: “Chimp the Aviator.”
3:45—Man on the Street, Frank Eschen, m.c.
4:00—Animated Cartoon.
4:10—Film: “Vignettes of New Orleans.”
4:30—National Cooperative Milk Producers Association program.
8:00—NBC newsreel.
8:15—Gloria Nord in a Skating Vanities telecast from the Arena.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
10:30 a.m.—Test Pattern and Incidental Music.
11:00—Expedition in Antarctica.
11:30—Test Pattern and transcribed Martin Block show.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00-5:00—News and Music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil” for kids.
7:10—Adventure Serial.
7:30—Kiddie Party with Shirley and Judy.
7:45—“Star Views” with Lois Andrews.
8:00—“Your Town Los Angeles Presents.”
8:30—“Meet Me in Hollywood,” direct from Hollywood and Vine.
It’s getting close to the time for Greater Boston citizens to start thinking about buying television sets. For, today. Boston is the newest city member of a rapidly expanding television network.
With the transmission yesterday [13] of the first television pictures ever to be relayed from New York to Boston, and pickup of traffic scenes in a Boston street, the American Telephone & Telegraph Company formalized the completion of its new microwave radio relay link between the two cities.This fact does not mean, however, that Bostonians can go out immediately, buy a television receiver, and expect to pick up picture programs. But if one should wind up as a holiday gift in one’s home, the chances are it would not go unused for very long—perhaps not more than 90 days.
Awaits Final Act
Completion of the New York-Boston line is roughly similar to a situation where the telephone company has put the line into your house from the pole but has not yet put in the telephone so you can use it.
In this case, the telephone company is ahead of the “subscribers,” who in this case will be radio and television networks and individual television and radio stations. Undoubtedly the first television subscriber in Boston will be Westinghouse’s television WBZ-TV which is now under construction on Soldiers Field Road, Brighton.
WBZ-TV, when finished, will be a member of the National Broadcasting Company television network. This picture chain became the longest in the United States—500 miles—with the completion of the Boston link.
It was learned from good sources that Westinghouse plans to have its television transmitter in Boston on the air with test signals possibly by February 1. A month later, perhaps, the station may go on the air with its first regular picture programs.
Completed Apparatus
In the meantime, when the telephone company has completed the relay and switching apparatus in Boston for its new link, WBZ-TV will then be able to be hooked up to the microwave link and receive pictures from NBC in New York and other network points in addition to programs it will pick up around Boston.
Other possible local customers for the microwave link are the Columbia Broadcasting System, with member station WEEI in Boston; the American Broadcasting Company, with member WCOP: Mutual Broadcasting System, with member WNAC, and the DuMont Television Network which recently disclosed that it was making Boston television affiliations.
Local telephone officials and their invited guests, seated before three RCA television receivers—one of which had a 16x20-inch screen—saw and heard telephone and Bell Laboratories officials, headed by Walter S. Gifford, President of the A. T. & T., speaking on the dedicatory program. As a hint of Capital events that may be televised, the program, switched to Washington and its cameras “panned” the National Capitol before Washington telephone officials were televised.
Switched to Boston
Then the program switched to Boston over the new radio link and televiewers in Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York and Schenectady, N. Y.—10 stations in all—saw and heard Joe E. Harrell, President of the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, welcoming them.
In the telephone company’s Historic Museum—filled with history-making telephone and telegraph apparatus—Mr. Harrell pointed to, picked up and used some of this old apparatus in a demonstration of its use.
Finally, the camera was pointed out, the window and the network, and viewers in a nearby room, saw traffic and blinking signs on Kilby Street in the heart of Boston’s insurance district. In this same room the first transcontinental telephone call—between and San Francisco—was completed in 1915.
The new radio “highway” from New York over which television pictures will come employ radio frequencies of very high vibration—so high that they behave somewhat like light—being called “quasi-optical” and may be directed into narrow beams on the top of seven hills between the two cities the telephone company has erected relay stations. Each of these has a set of transmitting and receiving antennas and relay radio equipment. Each antenna “looks at” the antenna of the next station along the line, and directs its energy by means of special “lense” antennas perfected by the Bell Telephone Laboratories.
For Radio Traffic
The new “highway,” telephone engineers disclosed is a “super-super-super highway” for radio traffic. In addition to television signals the line may accommodate over 200 telephone calls simultaneously, facsimile and telegraph traffic, and radio programs. In comparison with the ordinary telephone circuit of 3,000 cycles, the new link compares roughly as a pencil does to a 21-foot wide board, telephone engineer said.
Leaping off the Long Lines Department Building on the Avenue of the Americas, New York, the radio energy is relayed from the tops of seven hills before arriving at the Bowdoin Square Building of the New England company, South of New York, coaxial cable was used to link the other te1evision stations.
This “wide-path” cable, designed for transmitting picture programs, is being extended south from Washington to Atlanta, Ga., and then west toward Dallas, Texas, to Los Angeles, according to the telephone company. In the meantime, the telephone company is certain another microwave link, like the Boston One, from New York toward Chicago by way of Philadelphia. When these links are finished a considerable portion of the nation’s population will be linked up and television programs on a nation1 basis will begin to be possible. (Christian Science Monitor, Nov. 14)
Kiddie Party
Reviewed Thursday (13) 7:30-7:45 p.m. Style—Kid show. Sponsor—Philco-Gough Industries. Agency—Cecil Noble. Directed by Bud Cole. Produced by Larry Finley. Over KTLA (Paramount), Hollywood.
For the kiddies, this seg is a winner. For the proud parents whose youngsters appear on it, it's another good reason to like tele.
Format is simple: Ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale and her doll, Judy Splinters, entertain a group of youngsters. Kids jabber, sing songs, and generally put on a cute show, with the capable Miss Dinsdale filling her hostess chores in a likable manner. In addition to possessing a quick wit for ad lib patter, she has developed a sympathetic understanding of youngsters that makes them feel at home and warms the hearts of parents in the viewing audience. Moppet show is a good idea, since sponsor aims his sales pitch at adults thru their kids. Also, seg sells kids on the tele now, building a future booster for the airpic medium.
Only trouble here is the time slot it holds. Kid show would be better off aired during the late afternoon, leaving the 7:30 time period open for segs that would appeal to an adult audience. Lee Zhito (Billboard, Nov. 22)
A television set at the Food Show, Thursday [13] through Sunday, will bring many national events into Memorial Hall.
Patrons of the exhibit being sponsored by the Racine 40 et 8 of Post 76 and the Retail Grocers’ Association, will be able to witness the Northwestern and Notre Dame football game on Saturday at 1:15 p. m., provided by Chicago Station WBKB. From 3 to 3:30 Saturday television will be broadcast from WTMJ, and also from that station on Friday from 8 to 8:30 p. m. At 9 p. m. Friday boxing matches in Chicago will be seen.
The television exhibit will be provided by Music, Inc. (Racine Journal-Times, Nov. 12)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1947
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City1:00—Swift Home Service Club with Tex and Jinx, and Martha Logan, home economist; Sandra Gahle, decorator and home planner.
1:30—NBC Television Newsreel.
8:00—“Campus Hoopla,” with Bob Stanton and coach Lou Little, sponsored by U.S. Rubber.
8:20—“The World in Your Home,” sponsored by RCA Victor.
8:47—“Gillette Cavalcade of Sports,” Boxing at Madison Square Garden. Feature Bout: Jake La Motta vs. Billy Fox.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
6:35—Film shorts.
6:45—Walter Compton, news (from WTTG Washington).
7:00—Small Fry Club, with Bob Emery.
7:30—Amateur Hour.
8:00—Film shorts.
8:15—Television Fashion Fair.
8:54—Sports Names to Remember, sponsored by Moquin Wine.
9:00—Wrestling at Jamaica Arena, with Dennis James.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
3:00—Chicago Television Showcase.
4:00—Junior Jamboree, with Kukla, Fran and Ollie.
7:30—News, Today’s World Picture.
7:45—Short subjects.
8:00—“Tele Chats,” sponsored by The Fair.
8.15—Short subjects.
8:30—Barn Dance.
8:25—Boxing with Russ Davis.
WPTZ Channel 3, Philadelphia
9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:40 to 3:15—Test Chart.
12:45—INS Television News. 1:00 to 1:40—NBC programming.
3:30—Board of Education program.
4:00—Children’s Matinee, Cartoon, Clyde Beatty Serial Chapter 6, Western Feature film.
7:30—INS Television News.
7:45—Motion picture short.
8:00—NBC program.
8:20—Short subject.
8:30—“Handy Man” with Jack Creamer, sponsored by Gimbels.
8:45 to sign-off—NBC programming.
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Philadelphia
2:30—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:15—Football: Villanova vs. Georgetown.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
1:00—Home Service Club (from NBC).
7:30—Enemy of the People.
8:00—NBC to signoff.
WMAR Channel 2, Baltimore
off the air.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
1:00—NBC programming.
1:45—Musical Interlude.
2:45—High School Football.
5:00—Musical Interlude.
7:45—Story of the Week.
8:00—NBC programming.
11:00—Telesports Show.
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
6:15—Dinner Music.
6:30—Preview Time.
6:35—NBC programming.
7:30—Elder Michaux and the “Happy I Am” Choir.
8:00—Film short: “Stainless Steel.”
8:15—Hockey at Uline Arena: Washington Lions vs Springfield Indians.
WMAL-TV (CBS) Channel 7, Washington
Off the air.
W8XCT Channel 4, Cincinnati
8:15 to 11—Wrestling from Music Hall. Card: Pierre LaBelle vs. John Demchuck, junior heavyweight, two of three falls, 90 minute limit; Steve Nenoff and Ali Aliba vs Bob Nelson and Angelo Martinelli, tag moustache shaving match.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00—News and Views.
3:15—Film: “New England Holiday.”
3:21—“What’s New in Teaching?” Missouri State Teachers’ convention.
4:00—Film.
7:45—McKinley-Beaumont high school football game.
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
10:30 a.m.—Test Pattern.
11:00—Monarchs of the Forests.
11:22—Yesterday and Today.
11:32 to noon—Test Pattern and transcribed Martin Block show.
8:00—Test Pattern and Incidental Music.
8:25—Boxing at the Hollywood Legion Auditorium. Fabela Chavez vs. Lou Bernal, 10 rounds; Mike Angustain vs. Bob Ferris, six rounds; Freddy Babe Herman vs. Al Gonzales, Ray Thomas vs. Billy Louderman, Hardy Williams vs. Willie Bean, Benny Ventura vs. Bobby Holden, all four rounds.
KTLA Channel 5, Hollywood
3:00-5:00 World Wide News and Music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil,” with ventriloquist Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure serial.
7:30—“Looking at Music” with Al Jarvis.
8:00—Tele-Newsreel.
8:15—Football at the Colesium: Loyola Lions vs University of San Francisco Dons.
Harvey Marlowe Television Associates has been pacted by the Gunther Brewing Co. of Baltimore to do a series of experimental spot commercials for Gunther's current video program, now aired Friday nights over WNBW (NBC, Washington).
Show features Al Buffington as emcee and producer. Broadcast directly after the pickup of the boxing matches from NBC in N. Y., it stresses a sports format so that Marlowe will attempt to integrate the plugs with a sports theme. He'll also serve as consultant producer on the show itself.
Deal was handled for Gunther by ad manager Mrs. Audrey Strouse and the Booth, Vickery and Schwinn ad agency. (Variety, Nov. 19)
Washington, Nov. 18. New tele station bids are continuing to reach the FCC at a fast clip. Applications for Pittsburgh and Cleveland hit FCC last Friday (14) on the eve of the commission's long-awaited hearing on tele's present spectrum assignments.
Empire Coil Co., a newcomer, to radio, put in its fourth video bid for a station in Allison Park, Pa., outside Pittsburgh. Company wants the No. 10 channel for a 5kw picture transmitter. Herbert and wife Frances Mayer own 100% of the stock, and expect to float sale of some $250,000 worth of bonds and issue $95,000 in new stock to underwrite the video operation. Mayer, president of Empire Coil Co., has a permit for Cleveland, and holds other applications for Boston and Waterbury-Hartford.
United Broadcasting Co., licensee of WHK, Mutual outlet in Cleveland, made an 11th-hour move to cop off one of the city's remaining tele slots. Company dismissed one video bid in April, 1946. WHK applied for the No. 7 channel, and expects to spend $270,470 for a 5kw visual and 2.5kw sound operation. Vice-president H. K. Carpentsr will manage the tele station.
At the same time, the commission tabbed for hearing bids of WHP, Inc., and radio engineer Harold Bishop for tele operation in Harrisburg. Under the FCC proposal to nip off the No. 1 channel from television, Harrisburg would be eligible only for one community-sized tele station. (Variety, Nov. 19)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1947
WCBS-TV (CBS), Channel 2, New York City
1:50—Football at Baker Field: Columbia vs. Syracuse.
8:00—News, Tom O’Connor.
8:15—“RSVP” with Gil Fates.
8:30—Hockey from Madison Square Garden: N.Y. Rangers vs. Chicago Black Hawks.
WNBT (NBC), Channel 4, New York City
1:45—Football: Yale vs. Princeton, from Princeton.
WABD (DuMont), Channel 5, New York City
Off the air.
WBKB Channel 5, Chicago
1:15—Football in Dyche Stadium: Northwestern Wildcats vs. Notre Dame.
9:30 to 1:30 p.m.—Test Chart.
1:30—INS Television News.
1:45—Football at Franklin Field: Penn Quakers vs. Army.
7:15—INS Television News.
7:30—Philadelphia Dog Show.
WFIL-TV Channel 6, Philadelphia
1:30—Test Pattern.
1:45—Football at Owl Stadium: Temple Owls vs. Michigan State Spartans.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—Inquirer Television News.
8:10—Better Sports, with Don Kellett.
8:25—Hockey at the Arena: Philadelphia Rockets vs. St. Louis Flyers.
WRGB (NBC) Channel 4, Schenectady
1:45—Football from NBC.
WMAR, Channel 2, Baltimore
12:30—Test Pattern.
1:00—Football at Municipal Stadium: Navy Midshipmen vs. Penn State Nittany Lions.
4:30—Test Pattern.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00—CBS programs.
10:45—Test Pattern.
WNBW (NBC) Channel 4, Washington
1:00—Test Pattern.
1:10—College Music.
1:30—Football Preview.
1:45—Football: Navy vs. Penn State.
4:30—Musical Interlude.
8:00—Film Features.
8:35—Film Features.
WTTG (DuMont) Channel 5, Washington
1:30—Test Pattern.
2:00—Football at Griffith Stadium: University of Maryland Terrapins vs. University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
7:00—Test Pattern.
7:25—Preview Time.
7:30—“The Hannibal Victory.”
8:30—Basketball at Uline Arena: Washington Capitols vs. Boston Celtics (first half), sponsored by National Brewing Company.
9:15—Sports Programs.
9:30—Basketball: Washington vs. Boston (second half).
WMAL-TV (CBS) Channel 7, Washington12 noon to 1:15 p.m.—Test Pattern.
1:15—Football: Navy Midshipmen vs Penn State Nittany Lions.
7:30—Test Pattern.
8:00 to signoff—CBS programming.
W8XCT Channel 4, Cincinnati
9 to 10 p.m.—Bowling for the Community Chest, Frisco’s Lanes.
A match game, which will pit Brucks Beer against Burger Beer with proceeds benefiting the Community Chest, will be rolled Saturday at 9 p. m. at Frisco’s Lanes.
Several weeks ago these teams staged one of the top bowling exhibitions ever witnessed in the city. Brucks proved to be the winner and smashed an all-time local record for three games.
W8XCT, WLW’s television station, will televise the match from 9 until 10 p. m.
The Brucks team roster includes Lee Hare, Stan Spratt, Bud West, Ray Wieber and Sam Coleman, Emile Nagelson, Ray Nuxoll, Willy Fensch, Nap Crowley and Larry Shotwell comprise the Burger line-up. (Cincinnati Post, Nov. 11)
WWJ-TV (NBC/DuMont), Channel 4, Detroit
2:00—Football at U of Detroit Stadium: University of Detroit Titans vs. St. Louis Billikens, sponsored by General Electric.
KSD-TV Channel 5, St. Louis
3:00—News and Views.
3:15—Films: “Stalingrad,” “Jolly Joe.”
3:25—Junior Varieties.
3:45—Films: “Study in Brown,” “Secretary to the Sultan.”
3:55—Gene DeVoe, magician; and Reynolds and Collett, hand-balancing team.
4:15—Film: “Fighting United States Marines.”
8:00—Film.
8:10—Schoonover’s Hollywood dogs.
8:25—Film: “The Duel Dance.”
8:35—News and Views.
8:50—Feature film: “Fighting to Live” (1934) with Marion Shilling, Gaylord Pendleton and Reb Russell
W6XAO Channel 2, Los Angeles
7:00—Tests.
7:30 to 12 midnight—Diamond Belt Boxing Matches.
3:00 to 5:00—News and music.
7:00—“Uncle Phil,” with Shirley Dinsdale and Judy Splinters.
7:10—Adventure Serial.
7:30—“You’ll Be Sorry” with Beryl Wallace.
8:00—“The Philco Football Score-board” with Bill Welch.
8:15—Easy on the Ice.
8:30—Hockey at the Pan-Pacific Auditorium: Los Angeles Monarchs vs. Tacoma Rockets.
New York, Nov. 15 (AP)—The first Associated Press newsreel will be televised over a three-station network from 8 to 8.15 P.M. tomorrow. [16]
Originating in the studios of WMAR, the Baltimore Sunpapers’ television station in Baltimore, the newsreel will be carried by WCBS-TV, the Columbia Broadcasting System’s station in New York, and by WFIL-TV, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s station in Philadelphia.
Other television stations will be supplied with the newsreel for individual showing.
The program will feature material from London, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, assembled co-operatively by the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Baltimore Sunpapers and the AP Television Newsreel bureaus in Washington and London.
HOLLYWOOD, Nov. 15.—KTLA's Klaus Landsberg pulled the neatest plum in Coast tele history last week when he sewed up the Rose Bowl's New Year's game with an exclusive tele rights pact. National Broadcasting Company (NBC) holdt the exclusive video-radio rights to the gridiron classic and had expected to scan it this year. However, inability to get its tele station here in operation in time for the New Year's event necessitated NBC's handing it over to the Paramount outlet. NBC will film the game, fly the prints to New York and show them via its New York TV outlet, WNBT.
Understood clause in NBC's deal with the Rose Bowl Association calls for the net either to arrange for the game's scanning or lose its exclusive tele rights hold. Since NBC's first radio coast-to-coast origination from here was the broadcast of the Rose Bowl game, net had planned on using the telecasting of the football event as a fitting kick-off for its Hollywood video station.
KTLA devotes a full 40 per cent of its air time to sports remotes. The other 60 per cent is split equally between special event remotes, live studio shows and film. (Billboard, Nov. 22)
NEW YORK, Nov. 15—The rush to package cartoon and comic strip programs for television this week threatened to turn into a stampede, with five organizations readying funnies for video. Latest to enter the field was Jimmy Saphier, Coast agent who handles Bob Hope, Herbert Marshall, Man Called X, Date With Judy and other properties. Saphier this week gave the first New York showing of several semi-animated juvenile cliff-hangers filmed in Hollywood by a new outfit called Telecomics, Inc. This firm now joins such others beating the agency bushes or readying shows: Television Corporation, United Features, New York Daily News Syndicate and another firm, also called Telecomics, Inc., which is a subsidiary of Stephen Slesinger Productions. Edgar Bergen also has a hand in the comic pie with a set of animated characters called Telekins. Conflict over use of the Telecomics name this week drew a protest from the Slesinger subsidiary, which may be a prelude to legal conflict over its use. John Howell, veepee of the firm, said they have been protected both copywise and titlewise for nearly a year, and intend to investigate any transgression of the rights.
Samples Shown
A change of pace was the cartoon version of Anatole France's classic story, Our Lady’s Juggler. Semi-animation process had drawings change about once per second, with some held longer or shorter, according to the dialog. Sound strip behind the cliffhangers had voices impersonating the characters dramatizing the action, while the France story was told by a narrator.
Described as a combination of comic strip and radio serial techniques, Saphier’s shows featured original characters, unlike the newspaper comics offered by several other firms. But Saphier said his outfit, too, might attempt to secure newspaper comics should he find any demand for them. His shows will have 12 minutes of story and three minutes of commercial and will be turned out for weekly showing. Cost to sponsor for rights for each 15-minute saga will be about $2000 for use in eight video markets. Saphier said that should sponsor demands require, he would produce daily five-minute episodes or tri-weekly 10-minute shows. Delivery can be promised four weeks after signing of contracts, with commercials prepared according to specifications.
Name Comics Signed
Perhaps the most significant announcement of progress came from Century Television Corporation of which Smith Davis, station and newspaper broker, is president. Century has lined up an imposing list of name comics for exclusive representation in video, including Ham Fisher’s Joe Palooka, Chicago Sun’s Barnaby Clifford McBride’s Napoleon and Uncle Elby, Bell Syndicate’s Mutt and Jeff and about 20 other well-known characters. Initial plans call for selling rights to these characters for use in one-minute animated film commercials, but Century also plans to enter production in January on a sample 10-minute film based on Joe Palooka. Two salesmen currently are making the agency rounds.
The Telecomics, Inc., firm, an outgrowth of the Stephen Slesinger organization, already has prepared a joint radio-television deal around King Features’ King of the Royal Mounted, with purchaser of tele rights acquiring an option on radio rights as well. Unlike all the others, this version uses the traditional comic strip balloons for dialog. Sound is optional. Show will be available to one sponsor only for all video markets and may be had in five or 10-minute version. Five-minute show with sound track costs $500, while silent version with script for reading by local announcer is $250. Ten-minute sound version is $1000, while silent-script cost is $500.
United Features comics are represented for video by Ed Reed, of the New York office of The Des Moines Register-Tribune syndicate. These, including Lil’ Abner, Nancy and about 10 others are available both for use in commercials or as programs.
The New York Daily News Syndicate, which controls such comics as Moon Mullins, Little Orphan Annie, Gasoline Alley and Harold Teen, is understood to be preparing video shows based upon these characters. First rights likely would go to the News’ own New York tele outlet which will open next spring, with subsequent rights in other markets undoubtedly to be made available to sponsors or stations. (Billboard, Nov. 22)
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