Almost a month after spearheading historic television coverage of the 1940 Republican convention, W2XBS was off the air. The FCC ordered it to change frequencies to accommodate FM radio. The sad thing was the NBC had to do it all over again in March 1946 when the FCC ordered another reallocation of the broadcast bands.
In the meantime, a group had formed to come up with a broadcast transmission standard that would be acceptable to the FCC which would, in turn, drop its freeze on ads on television.
The Commission also permanently approved licenses for stations in New York to CBS and DuMont. Both were already working to put them on the air; DuMont occasionally broadcast test patterns. In August 1940, CBS demonstrated colour television, setting off another technical and regulatory battle with RCA/NBC that lasted into the 1950s.
The Democratic Convention in July was in the middle of nowhere when it came to television—Chicago. There wouldn’t be a network connection between the city and New York until a few years after the war, so there was no live coverage.
Elsewhere in July 1940, Balaban and Katz in Chicago were getting prepared to put what became WBKB into people’s living rooms.
The AP ran a cute profile of W2XBS effects man Bill Eddy. Capt. Eddy would soon find a home with WBKB. Meanwhile, an era closed in August with the death of the man responsible for the revolving disc used in mechanical television, rendered obsolete by the cathode ray tube. He lost the rights for his invention. I can't help but think of eletronic TV pioneer Philo T. Farnsworth, and his professional difficulties.
TV viewers in the Los Angeles area in July and August 1940 would have caught party-thrower Elsa Maxwell in her first TV appearance—and the first for the station in higher definition—a soap box derby and a wedding. The groom, William Vincent Hazen, was born in Los Angeles on Dec. 7, 1913. He died in Los Angeles on Jan. 5, 1991. His wife Marian was born in Minneapolis on March 17, 1921. Alas, the two divorced in August 1968. It would have been appropriate if they did so before Judge Joseph Wapner. Marian died April 25, 2006.
Remarkably, while W2XBS went off the air for three months to switch frequencies, W6XAO did so in a day. The station was now broadcasting 14 1/2 hours a week, according to Variety of Aug. 21. W9XZV, the Zenith station in Chicago was off as well.
The other Los Angeles license approved by the FCC eventually became KTLA, originally W6XYZ.
We’ll pass along the NBC schedule from various different newspaper sources until the station signed off, along with selected stories.
Monday, July 1, 1940
9:00-11:00—Amateur Boxing Bouts, Jamaica Arena.
NEW YORK (AP) — Introducing the gadget engineer—Bill Eddy—and his latest gadget, “Little Joe.”Eddy’s job at the NBC television studios is to put together all sorts of stage props and things that move for television programs. Eddy calls them video effects.
As a video effect, or just as a gadget, Little Joe is a wow. An animated puppet, dressed in full cowboy regalia and full of motors and wheels, Little Joe can smoke, ride a pint-sized horse named Alfred and do about everything but talk. The effect is of a cartoon in action.
Later, says Eddy, there will be other Little Joes—a whole troupe of them. Little Joe’s primary purpose in life was to appear between acts in the drama, “The Rabbit Falls.”
Eddy, as a 6-foot, 5-inch gadget engineer, speaks profoundly of his profession.
Hours of Trial
“The controlling factor in gadget engineering,” he says, “is the necessity for perfect performance within the space of the few minutes allotted to a special video effect. A gadgeteer must have a broad knowledge of art, electricity, mechanics, optics and chemistry. Still, he does have recurrent hours of trial. Not always do his gadgets work.”
Originally from Saratoga Springs, N. Y., Eddy was a lieutenant in the submarine division of the Navy before he switched to radio communication and experimentation. He entered television five years ago. He has made so many gadgets—from an optical mechanical dissolve machine for use on titles, to moving whatzits—that he probably can’t remember them all. To make them he uses most anything, including fishline. (C.E. Butterfield)
Tuesday, July 2, 1940
3:30—“Cavalcade of Chemistry,” film.
3:50—“Australia,” travelogue.
4:00—“Last of the Mohicans,” film serial.
4:20—“Let’s See America,” travelogue.
6:45-7:00—News with Lowell Thomas.
9:00-10:00—Variety show, “The Neighbors,” dramatic sketch; “Alda,” musical film.
Members of the Screen Children’s Guild, modeling smart apparel from Roos’ Bros. Boys’ Department, will be seen by television fans tonight in an “All-Boy Style Show,” seen over the Don Lee station W6XOA [sic] tonight between 8 and 9:30 o’clock.Sport coats, swim trunks, beach togs and other garments meant for Summer weather will be seen in the showing, directed by Cal Inman, department manager, it was announced by the store manager, A. Benjamin.
In the cast will be Jetty Rush Jr., 9, who has just completed an important role in RKO’s “The Howards of Virginia,” and other guild members including Bobby and Richard Scott. Bryan Milton, Robert Ferrero, Patrick Griffin, Don Hangan, Leonard Leib, Bill Stephenson, Jimmy Welsh, Arthur Bateson. Billy Horn, Jack Williams, Richard Cannon, Ray Sabo, Elon Reeves, Jack Gravelle Herbert Macgregor, Billy Lee, Eugene Miller, Jerome Theaker, James Wiseman, and James and Mickey Thomas. (Hollywood Citizen-News)
W6AXO will cast its most ambitions television production Friday night, when players will be lined for “The Life of Adelina Patti,” which Albert Yager will produce and direct, using the record number of 11 sets. It will be presented in August. (Hollywood Reporter, July 3)
Wednesday, July 3, 1940
3:30-4:30—“Songs and Saddles,” Western film.
9:00-10:00—“Meet the Fair,” from the RCA Exhibit, World’s Fair.
Thursday, July 4, 19402:00-4:00—Fourth of July Pageant, Court of Peace, World’s Fair.
9:00—“Zamboanga,” 1937 feature film.
Friday, July 5, 1940
3:30—“West of Nevada,” film.
6:45—News.
9:00-10:00—“Gypsy Moods,” variety with Eugene Jelesnik’s orchestra; Tom Fletcher’s Minstrels.
Television Review
EUGENE JELESNIK
With Eduard Futran, Clair Instrumental, Dancing
Friday, July 5, ‘40
NBC-RCA, New York
This combination of Continental entertainment reacted pleasantly on the eye and ear. Eugene Jelesnik, gypsy violinist, did a return engagement before the electric eye but this time he was backed up by a three-piece unit consisting of a piano, a ‘cello and a marimba. At intervals he was relieved by Eduard Futran, specialist on the accordion, while Charlotte Clair came in for a fast batch of pirouettes. It was a smooth sample of radio photography all around.
Jelesnik’s repertoire ran the gamut of gypsy melodies, Continental waltzes and excerpts from operetta. Futran, who photographs like a Valentino, also vocalized a medley of Spanish, French, Dutch, etc., numbers. Odec. (Variety, July 10)
Third television play written, directed and produced by Nat Tanchuck for station W6XAO, has been set for the night of July 17. Title of play is “Mr. Private Secretary,” with Charlie Wilson in the femme lead. (Hollywood Reporter, July 5)
Saturday, July 6, 1940
Announced as the largest and most complete children’s event ever to be Televised, the Don Lee Station, W6XAO, will broadcasat by Television the Hollywood Bathing Beauty Parade for Children on July 20. The Children’s Parade offers any child in Southern California an opportunity to appear in television. The sponsors hope that the children may become acquainted with television not only by seeing at first-hand “how it is done” but to profit by actually being in it.
The Children’s Parade will take place on the grounds of the Ambassador Hotel. It will be public. Newsreel companies will shoot the event for theatre release.
Music and entertainment will be furnished by Gail Sponseller and his Guild orchestra and film and radio notables are expected to be present.
Medals, certificate, and blue ribbons will be awarded the girls for pose, personality, beauty, and type. Special awards will be given boys for form, personality, and physique. Solly Biano, talent scout for Warner Bros., has been chosen judge, and he will select winners for the awards, which will be given in the following age divisions: Babies (old enough to walk) up to 3 years; Tiny Tots, 4 to 8 years, and the Juniors, 9 to 18 years.
Children wishing to be in this event may do so by applying, with parent, at the headquarters of the Screen Children’s Guild, 1583 Cross Roads of the World (6671 Sunset boulevard, Hollywood, from 2 to 5 p. m. weekdays and 9 a. m. to noon Saturday. The Guild suggests prompt enrollment to avoid being too late for the quota of children allotted for the parade. (Hollywood Citizen-News, July 6)
Monday, July 8, 1940
9:00-11:00—Amateur Boxing Bouts, Jamaica Arena.
Tuesday, July 9, 19403:30—“Cairo and on to Cape Town,” film travelogue.
3:45—“A Day at the Hebrew Nursing School,” film.
3:55—“Let’s See America,” film travelogue.
4:05—“The Last of the Mohicans,” film serial.
4:23—“Dixie Days,” 1930 Aesop’s Fable.
6:45-7:00—News with Lowell Thomas.
9:00-10:00—Variety show, featuring Carveth Wells on “A Trip Through the Caucasus.”
Television Review
Reviewed Tuesday evening. Style—Revue. Station—W6XAO (Hollywood).
Thomas Lee, owner and operator of W6XAO is turning more of his television programs over to live talent. Show caught had a line up of flesh that showed to good advantage.
A couple of plays highlighted the hour and a half show. First was Philip Sudano’s Kiss Me Again with a cast including Martha Chapin, George Selk, Charles Bell and Sudano.
Story centered around Miss Chapin, who portrayed role of wife who gets things mixed up when burglar comes into the house as couple are preparing to leave for a masquerade party. It was one of those mistaken identity bits that looked good on the screen. Sudano, who writes, acts and produces at W6XAO has turned in some good stuff and seems to have caught the televish formula.
Second play was Fatal Temptation by Dorothy McDonald. Production was handled by Gordon Seyforth. This had a novel idea in presentation. A stage audience of eight people had their backs to the television camera, giving the effect that they were watching a stage production. Play was strictly hoke and was acted as such, winding up as a good comic presentation. Cast included Jim O’Dowd, Gill Hoffman, Rose Lee, Betty Walters, Don Mayfield, Mildred McLelland, Charles Sergison. Narration was handled by Charles Stone.
Warblers on the show were Judy Lynn, the Peralta Trio and Lynn Johnson. Singers were handicapped by baying to work with recordings, but all came thru okeh.
Edward Ryan scored with a monolog about a screwball in a sanitarium.
Jackie and Johnny, who have before, did a smooth bit of ballroom terping.
Jimmie Dickie, the cartoonist, appeared. He is a regular and his stuff is consistently good.
Reception was okeh, with pictures very clear. Owen. (Billboard, July 20)
Wednesday, July 10, 1940
3:30-4:30—Films, “By-Ways of New France,” film travelogue.
3:40—“Too Much Beef,” 1936 Western film with Rex Bell, Constance Bergen.
9:00-10:00—RCA Variety Show, at the World’s Fair.
Thursday, July 11, 1940
3:30-4:30—Ice show at Winter Wonderland, World’s Fair.
9:00-10:10—Film, “Annie Laurie,” with Will Fyffe.
New York.—Pathe News has arranged with NBC television to shoot and ship daily 1000 feet of the proceedings of the Democratic convention in Chicago next week. NBC will use it in daily television shows in New York. This is the first tie-up between television and the films. (Hollywood Reporter)
Friday, July 12, 19403:30-4:40—Film, “Edge of the World,” with John Laurie and Bell Chrystall.
6:45-7:00—News with Lowell Thomas.
9:00-10:00—“Stars of the Future,” juvenile variety show.
Ten-year-old Patricia Werner, child coloratura soprano, who until a year ago was a resident of Asbury Park, will appear tonight at 9 on a special television program produced by the National Broadcasting company in New York.
Until she left this city she made many appearances at concerts and civic function. She is now under the guidance of Mme. Edith deLys, a prominent opera star of both continents.
Miss Werner and her family are now residing in West New York, where she already has been honored by the town’s Verdi club. She appeared in May as a guest soloist at the club’s annual concert before an audience of 1,200. Other recent appearances included engagements in Bridgeport, Conn., and several concerts and benefit shows in New York city. (Asbury Park Evening Press)
A television station with a regular schedule of programs will be placed in operation by Balaban & Katz shortly after next Jan. 1, John Balaban, secretary of the company in charge of Chicago operations, announced yesterday [12].
Three sites for the transmitter, two in the loop and one on the west side, are under consideration, Balaban said. The company has an experimental license issued by the Federal Communications commission.
An initial expenditure of $100,000 for transmitting, receiving. and studio equipment has been authorized. At least 100 receivers will be distributed. Many will be installed in theaters in Chicago and the suburbs, Illinois and Indiana. The station will have maximum reception within a radius of 50 miles, it was stated; minimum service within a radius of 100 miles.
The station will devote itself to experimental work to determine types of programs most feasible for this new medium television, Balaban said. Motion picture film as well as radio, stage, screen, and operatic personalities will be subjects for telecasting. (Chicago Tribune, July 13)
Monday, July 15, 1940
9:00-11:00—Amateur Boxing Bouts, Jamaica Arena.
Tuesday, July 16, 1940
3:30—Democratic Convention film.
3:40—Short subjects.
6:45—News with Lowell Thomas.
9:00—Democratic Convention Film.
9:10-10:20—Summer Time Revue, minstrel show.
Wednesday, July 17, 1940
2:30—Eastern Clay Court Tennis Championships, Jackson Heights.
3:30—Democratic Convention, news film.
9:00—Democratic Convention, news film.
9:10—“The Song of Freedom,” film with Paul Robeson.
Television productions on the Don Lee station, W6XAO, continue, with the “Half Moon Boys” to appear in a play next Wednesday night [17]. In this cast are Frank Rantz, Van Dyke, Herst [Van Dyke Hirst], Norman Salling, Edwin Buckheim, Bob Whatley, Tommy Batten, Truman Van Dyke [Hirst’s brother], Linda Morgan, Margery Whatley and Shirley Fink. (Hollywood Citizen-News, July 13)
Thursday, July 18, 1940
2:30—Eastern Clay Court Tennis Championships, Jackson Heights Tennis Club.
3:30—Democratic Convention, news film.
9:00—Democratic Convention, news film.
9:10—“The Curtain Falls,” film.
Television fans interested in the art of self-defense saw two outstanding police Jiu jitsu instructors demonstrate numerous holds over W6XAO, the Don Lee television station, last night [18].
John Dillon, 240-pound police officer, and Cheryl Goodwin, 110-pound policewoman, were the subjects of this telecast. They showed how easily a featherweight expert can subdue a heavyweight over twice her size, The holds were presented first in normal tempo, then a slow-motion detailed demonstration.
This telecast aided in publicizing the sixth annual police show, which will be presented in the Memorial Coliseum Friday evening, August 16. (Los Angeles Southwest Wave)
Convention Echoes ... The television coverage, because there is no direct pickup from Chicago, has not been nearly so interesting as the picture broadcast handling of the Philadelphia meeting . . . The films taken in the convention hall are stale stuff by the time they are telecast here . . . With practically no changes, the same network commentators are on the job for the Democrats as were for the Republicans . . . It’s even-stephen between them. . . . and no real innovations have been introduced. (Daily News, Ben Gross column)
The first move by the radio industry and the Federal Communications Commission to hasten the commercialization of television since issuance of the last FCC order last May was taken yesterday [18]. James L. Fly, chairman of the commission, disclosed that the FCC, had been cooperating in the organization of a national television systems committee with the Radio Manufacturers Association.
Membership of the committee, which includes non-members of the R.M.A. was announced by Bond Geddes, executive vice president of the trade organization, on behalf of J. S. Knowlson, its president.
Companies which have been invited to name representatives are Columbia Broadcasting System, Don Lee Broadcasting System. Allen B. Du Mont Laboratories, Inc., Farnsworth Television & Radio Corporation, General Electric Co., Hazeltine Corporation, J. V. L. Hogan, Hughes Tool Co., Institute of Radio Engineers, Philco Corporation, Radio Corporation of America, Stromberg-Carlson Telephone Manufacturing Co. and Zenith Radio Corporation.
Dr. Baker Is Chairman
Dr. W. R. G. Baker, director of the R. M. A. engineering department and an official of General Electric, has been appointed chairman of the committee, but he will have no vote.
The committee, according to the FCC, “will explore existing television systems with a view of developing and formulating standards that will be acceptable to the industry as a whole in expediting the establishment of a single, well-rounded national system, one which has promise of ultimately giving this country more television stations and receivers than all other nations combined.”
The first meeting of the committee is expected to be held the latter part of this month, possibly July 31, in New York.
Chairman Fly welcomed the organization of the committee as affording “a splendid opportunity for the cooperation of industry and Government in the solution of a problem which is of such timely concern to the public and to business.”
Previous Order Withdrawn
The FCC has given assurance to the industry that as soon as an agreement is reached on transmission and reception standards, it will consider permitting stations to operate on a full commercial basis, as does broadcasting.
The FCC withdrew a previous order authorizing limited commercialization of television when a trade battle developed between R. C. A. and Du Mont last spring. The major issue is still between the transmission standards of these two systems. (Washington Post)
Friday, July 19, 1940
2:30—Eastern Clay Court Tennis Championships.
3:30—Democratic Convention, news film.
6:45-7:00—News with Ray Forrest.
9:00—Democratic Convention, news film.
9:10-10:10—Variety hour; Betty Jane Smith, dancer; Beatrice Howell, mimic; “Landscapes in Art”; wrestling exhibition.
Television made radio history at the recent Republican Convention in this city.
Last week [19] television again made history when it obtained a job for a girl.
Here’s how it happened. A group of students participated in a televised spelling bee under the supervision of NBC’s Spelling Master Paul Wing. The Bee was won by Norma Miller, 19-year-old brunette of Paterson, N. J.
At South Orange, N. J., Jack Popele, chief engineer of WOR, was intent before the television receiver in his home. So impressed was Popele with Miss Miller’s poise before the television cameras, as well as the fact that she won the spelling bee that he gave her the job as his secretary. (Philadelphia Inquirer, July 21)
Saturday, July 20, 1940
WASHINGTON, July 20.—The Federal Communications Commission gave formal approval today to application of the Allen B. DuMont Laboratories, Inc., to establish television stations in New York City and Washington. The commission also authorized the DuMont firm and the Columbia Broadcasting System to start television broadcasts under the new promotional rules from the DuMont Passaic, N. J., station and the Columbia New York station.DuMont’s new Washington station will operate on new Television Channel 1 (50,000-56,000 kilocycles) with one-kilowatt power for aural and visual transmission, and its New York station will use Television Channel 4 (78,000-84,000 kilocycles) with like power. DuMont’s present television station W2XVT, at Passaic, is enabled to increase power to five kilowatts, aural and visual, and transmit on Channel 4. Columbia station W2XAB, at New York, can use Channel 2 (60,000-66,000 kilocycles), seven and one-half kilowatts power, aural and visual.
These new authorizations closely follow the commission’s action earlier this week in permitting construction of San Francisco’s first television station, to be operated by Don Lee Broadcasting System, and, at the same time giving the “go” signal for Don Lee station W6XAO, New York [sic], to use new Television Channel 1 (50,000-56,000 kilocycles), which the proposed San Francisco station likewise, will employ.
Opening of additional television facilities throughout the country have been made possible by the commission’s new rules encouraging experimental operation to promote the art. Approvals in all cases are contingent upon programs to foster research and development.
The DuMont New York and Washington stations, for example, will inquire into the advantages of various types at film projectors, experiment with mobile pick-up utilizing wire links and radio links, and will seek public cooperation on various types of program material. A co-axial cable will be used in transmitting programs between Washington and New York, and the Washington station will test the practicality of providing satisfactory service to Washington and Baltimore from a single transmitter.
The program of research for DuMont’s Passaic Station embraces tests of various antenna systems utilizing both vertical and horizontal radiators; experiments with systems other than R. M. A. and DuMont, investigating the effects of phase shifts, noise, field patterns, etc.; test of transmitter equipment, including power tubes, and ultimate experiments in the possible use of frequency modulation for television broadcasting on the ultra-high frequencies.
In seeking to develop uniform transmission standards of acceptable technical quality, C. B. S. Station W2XAB purposes to make comparable investigation of all synchronizing pulses for which generating equipment is available, make a comparative study of combinations of lines and frames, investigate the effect on allocation of using different polarizations in certain adjacent areas, and work with the general public in determining reaction to various changes in program technique. (Herald Tribune)
Sunday, July 21, 1940
Television station W2XBS, operated by the National Broadcasting Company atop the Empire State Building, will sign off for at least a month Aug. 1. During the shut-down period the transmitter will be adjusted to handle 507-line instead of 441-line pictures, and the channel will be shifted from the current frequency of 44-50 megacycles to the new channel assigned by the FCC, 50-56 megacycles.
Slight modification of existing television receivers may be necessary to conform with the new transmissions, but the NBC explains that such changes can be made easily by service men. In regard to the report that the station would be off the air for three months, a representative of NBC said that it will depend upon the length of time necessary to complete the shift, but it is believed that the telecasts will be resumed before Labor Day. (New York Times)
Monday, July 22, 1940
9:00-11:00—Amateur Boxing Bouts, Jamaica Arena.
Tuesday, July 23, 1940
3:30—“Cairo to Cape,” travelogue
3:45—“Tuning In,” an Aesop Fable, 1929.
3:53—“Last of the Mohicans,” movie serial.
4:10—“Let’s See America,” travelogue.
4:20—“Cameraman,” film.
9:00—“Below the Deadline,” film.
A survey in connection with Packard’s first 2 experimental television broadcasts revealed such a popular acceptance that several additional telecasts have been decided upon. Packard is the first automobile manufacturers to go out and shoot film expressly for television, and presented these programs in co-operation with the Television Division of the National Broadcasting Company. (Bergen Evening Record, July 23)
Wednesday, July 24, 1940
3:30—Soap Box Derby, World’s Fair.
6:45—News with Lowell Thomas.
9:00-10:00—Variety Hour. Roberta, dances; Harmony Team; Demonstration of Life Saving Methods.
Most impressive feature of the [Laguna Beach] Arts Festival, of course, will be the “Living Pictures,” depicting works of the Old Masters. This creation of Roy Ropp, the art director, has won such fame that it was given a television showing over W6XAO, the Don Lee station Wednesday [24] night, as its crowning recognition. (Los Angeles Times, July 26)
Thursday, July 25, 1940
3:30—Fashion Review.
9:00—“Atlantic Crossing,” film with Jack Lambie and Paula Stone.
At its meeting July 25 the FCC announced grants to WCAU, Philadelphia, for a station on Channel No. 5 (84-90 mc), with 1,000 watts aural and visual; to Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind., on Channel No. 3 (66-72 mc.) with 750 watts both emissions, and to State University of Iowa, Iowa City, on Channels No. 1 and 12 (50-56 and 210-216 mc.) with 100 watts visual only. Neither of the school stations will engage in public program service, but will concentrate on transmission standards, systems of modulation and similar technical pursuits. The WCAU adjunct would experiment with 441 to 729 lines and 15 to 30 frames, along with interference checks and compare FM with AM as the sound component for video transmission. (Broadcasting, Aug. 1)
Friday, July 26, 1940
3:30—“Typhoon Treasure,” film.
6:45—News.
9:00—Variety. Quintones; Yola Galli, songs; Gus Van, novelty; Dance Congress Stars; John Taylor Arms, “Making an Etching.”
Miss Patty Ann Rita, Hartford dancing teacher, will present a solo ballet dance for a National Broadcasting Company television broadcast at 9 p. m. today from the Empire State Building in New York City. Her parents, State Senator and Mrs. Michael A. Rita, will witness the reception of the broadcast at Station WTIC in Hartford, which is equipped to receive television. Miss Rita has been attending the International Dance Convention in New York City for the past three weeks. (Hartford Courant)
Saturday, July 27, 1940
Before the sun sets today Los Angeles will have a new Soap Box derby champion....
The championship race will be broadcast [at 3:45 p.m.] over the NBC Pacific coast blue network and telecast over the Don Lee Television station W6XAO with Thomas S. Lee narrating the events for the listeners and lookers in. (Los Angeles Daily News)
Activities of students at the Jack Stern Studios, 6112 Wilshire Blvd., are keeping pace with the increased demand for talented singers and actors...
On the faculty of the Stern Studios...Grace Hamilton, director of television productions of the Jack Stern Players appearing weekly on the Don Lee telecast station W6XAO. Next Wednesday night [31] will feature the Half Moon Boys, with Bob Whatley, Frank Rantz, Van Hirst, Norman Salling, Truman Van Dyke, Marjorie Whatley, and Linda Morgan in the cast. On Thursday night [1] the adult telecast show, directed by Grace Hamilton, will be “Americans,” by Charles Wilhelm. In the cast are Patricia Peters, Shirley Fay, Jill Howard, and Bob Whatley. (Hollywood Citizen-News, July 27)
Monday, July 29, 1940
9:00-11:00—Amateur Boxing Bouts, Jamaica Arena.
Tuesday, July 30, 19403:30—“Cairo to Cape,” film travelogue.
3:45—“A Royal Tour of the World’s Fair.”
3:55—“Comes Midnight,” 1940 film comedy with Eddie Green, James Baskett, Amanda Randolph, Bonnie Skeete.
4:15—“Michigan Beaver,” film.
4:25—“Finland Marches On,” film.
4:30—“Let’s See America,” film.
6:45—News with Lowell Thomas.
9:00—“Fiesta,” Latin American musical program, conga and singing by Jiminez; “East and West of Suez,” with Carveth Wells.
Wednesday, July 31, 1940
3:30—“False Pretenses,” film with Sidney Blackmer, Irene Ware.
4:40—“Model Aircraft Exposition.”
9:00—Variety Hour. Eugene Jelesnik’s Orchestra with Amelia Hull, Eleanor Steber, sopranos; Charles Althoff, comedian; “The Drums on Oude,” dramatic sketch.
Television Reviews
CHARLES ALTHOFF
Rube Comedian
8 Mins.
RCA-NBC, New York
Like the old Loew’s circuit loved flash acts, where the girls danced down steps on each side of the stage, that’s how the late Alexander Pantages, Pacific coast king of vaudeville, loved fiddle-playing, rheumatic. jointed, hokum-spraying Chancy Althoff. When Althoff finished one tour of the Pan time the old Greek penciled him in to begin all over again. This wasn’t just because Pantages was eccentric, which he was, but because he considered Althoff very funny, which he was. And still is, on the evidence of the newest of the entertainment mediums, television.
Althoff is one of those performers who can work dead center under the cameras. He can get a lot of action without moving around much. The nozzle went down to his boots once or twice as he beat out the rhythm. Or there was an occasional close-up to emphasize his comedy clumsiness, getting his thumb stuck in a knot hole, etc. Most of the time he just sat there and looked straight at the camera and fiddled, gabbed, wheezed and carried on. He projected a certain high-spirited, unpretentious, let’s-have-fun, country store nostalgia.
It was surprising and pleasing to see the good old vaudeville hoke get across, even though the professional observer knew, Instinctively, that Althoff must have had a feeling he was falling because there was no audience and—shades of Walla Walla on an opening matinee!—no applause.
Althoff, in full makeup as the make-believe old codger, registered as photogenic. Lots of characterization came through the big tube. And lots of good giggles. Land.
‘THE DRUMS OF OUDE’
With Maurice Welles, Pat Calvert, Carl Harbord. Jack Cherry, W. O. McWatters, James Swift
20 Mins.
RCA-NBC, New York
With India not very convincingly painted on the canvas backdrop, and a kilted sentinel mugging into the camera, the story of ‘Drums of Oude’ takes off in the reign of Victoria. It reminded viewers immediately that the British have been often besieged. This time a handful of Scots holds the garrison while the regiment, gone off on a mission, is overdue.
The room is the headquarters of the officer in charge. He wears plaid trousers, from the rental costumer’s. Beneath the room is the powder magazine. If the natives get it there’ll be trouble. The sense of massacre is in the air and the weird native drums keep sounding intermittently. That reminds the major to pull up a trap door and look down. To make sure the powder is still there.
While the crisis is going on the major gets around to declaring his undying love for an English widow who plays the piano and talks, but later she gives in and kisses him, although up to that point she seemed 4-to-1 to nominate herself to be a sister to him always. In the next room the telegraph is showing signs of having been cut. An Indian waiter in a bath-towel is sneaking up behind people with knives, but the people turn just in time and don’t get killed, or realize they were about to be. The sentry, who mugged into the camera at the start, is dispatched offstage by having his throat cut.
Just when you can’t imagine what will happen next there is the sound of Scotch bagpipes playing and the regiment is back, the massacre is off, the program is over.
It seems hardly necessary to add that it was all pretty corny. Land.
THE SOUTHERNAIRES (4)
Negro Quartet
10 Mins.
RCA-NBC, New York
It wasn’t too easy for the director to decide how to group these four Negro male singers. At one point the back row tenor seemed to be swinging into the picture like a debutante swings into focus when Jerome Zerbe approaches in the Stork Club. That awkward, ‘me, too,’ effect was a reminder of the little difficulties of stagecraft that still trouble American television. It proved a small trouble, however, and soon over.
After a time the obvious merit of the quartet obscured small matters, like not quite seeing their eyes at moments. Class showed through. And natural Negroid poise carried off in extended sequence of numbers for an entertaining session all the way. Land.
AMELIA HULL
Singer
RCA-NBC, New York
Miss Hull registered satisfactorily in a big picture hat and sang nicely but after some moments that downward glance turned out to be in the direction of the printed lyrics, which she held in her hand. It never looked good to read the music in show business and It looks just as bad in television.
This fact evidently hit the director between the eyes, but quick, and the cameras thereafter caught the singer at the waistline so the memory-refreshing memo was happily out of sight.
This unprofessional detail flawed the whole appearance. Land.
ELEANOR STEBER
Singer
RCA-NBC. New York
Miss Steber revealed an exceptionally sweet-toned voice and lack of coaching. Her features reflected sharply on the inverted mirror of the receiving set, suggesting that she was photogenic.
A full-volume singer, she uses big mouth and neck muscles easily and there was none of the sinewy pictorial effect some singers give on occasion over television. Land. (Variety, Aug. 7)
Television Reviews
Reviewed Wednesday, 9-10:20 p.m. Style—Variety and dramatic. Reviewed on RCA Television Receiver. Station—W2XBS.
National Broadcasting Co. on Wednesday wound up its 15-month series of regular television service. Alfred H. Morton, NBC vice-president in charge of tele, closed the session with a brief speech thanking the public and explaining that production would begin as soon as necessary changes were made in the transmitter.
Program had Eugene Jelesnik’s Band the Southernaires, Charles Althoff, Eleanor Steber, Amelia Hull and a hokey but effective thriller titled The Drum of Oude, with Maurice Wells, Patricia Calvert, Carl Harbord, Jack Cherry, W. O. McWatters and James Swift.
Presentation of music, either orchestral or vocal, has long been a tough problem for the tele producers. On this program, Jelesnik’s Ork showed to advantage, the maestro putting dash and personality into his pash violin sequences. Vocalists Eieanor Steber and Amelia Hull, however, were troubled by the old bugaboo, namely, bad facial contortions in close-up shots.
Charles Althoff, doing a hillbilly fiddler’s act, was excellent—his tramp make-up being strictly sock. Southernaires, too, scored.
Drama, a piece by Austin Strong glorifying the British in India, was carried off well by a good cast. Prom standpoint of production the play had an economy of cast, with action restricted to definite limits. This is demanded by tele in its present stage of development, and n this program the producers made the most of their material. Ackerman. (Billboard, August 10)
Paving the way for the entrance of the advertiser into television, the newly formed National Television Systems Committee held it first meeting yesterday [31] as a preliminary to developing television standards to a level of performance acceptable to the Federal Communications Commission to permit a widespread public service.The committee, organized under the auspices of the Radio Manufacturers Association, was addressed at the Hotel Roosevelt by J. S. Knowlson, president of the association, who pointed out that the FCC was prepared to adopt television standards as soon as the industry could show that it was in accord on a set of standards.
He explained that the committee was to be a representative medium through which the entire television industry could correlate its ideas. The main point, he said, is to find out what is good for the industry, in view of the wide diversity of television interests.
Fly Pledges Cooperation
James L. Fly, chairman of the FCC, as the principal speaker, said he saw in the undertaking a chance for industry and government to cooperate and pledged the aid of the commission. He made it clear, however, that the FCC has no intention of interfering.
“The commission wants to cooperate in every way but yours is the load,” he said. “We stand ready to meet at any time for round-table discussions or to witness demonstrations. But yours is a job by study, consultation, research, joint research and by allocation of such work to develop a satisfactory set of standards for television. I have no doubt that a satisfactory set of standards can be developed.
“I hope your work will cover every phase in the field of television so that the whole program will be coordinated. Former standards have been inadequate for a uniform method of telecasting. In this work patent interests of individual companies must be recognized. No one would ask to encroach on this.
“Moreover,” he added, “I don’t want anyone to ask me arbitrarily when television will be ready for commercial operation. That job is yours. To this body we expect to come back because the FCC must rely on it before adopting any single set of standards. We have no alternative but to move forward with you gentlemen.”
Mr. Fly said that he expected a substantial number of stations to be on the air in the near future. So far as the FCC is concerned, he continued, “the more the merrier.” However, he warned that there should be “no squawking” about wavelengths. They are in the public domain, he pointed out.
“For one thing,” he asserted, “the commission is not going to issue licenses to every Tom, Dick and Harry, to sit tight until things get good. Applicants must be prepared to go somewhere in development and experimentation.”
Committee’s Duties Outlined
Before the appointment of panel chairmen, Dr. W. R. G. Baker, chairman of the committee and director of the RMA engineering department, outlined the duties of the television committee. He read from a prepared statement, a synopsis of which follows:
“This committee is charged with the responsibility of determining the basic standards for a system of television. The real possibi1ities of television as a means of education and entertainment are today unknown.
“Television is peculiar in that to assure full utilization by the public it requires a fairly complete set of standards before it is launched commercially. Yet these standards must be sufficiently broad to permit the expeditious use of new inventions and to allow the full utilization of new scientific tools.
“While no time limit has been set for the deliberations of this committee, it must be evident that time is a very essential factor.”
Called on to explain the objectives of the committee, E. K. Jett, chief engineer of the FCC, said that the standards to be recommended to the commission should be “truly representative” of the industry as a whole, and that they should permit further improvements in the future so as not to freeze the art. (New York Times)
Thursday, August 1, 1940
LATEST model DuMont 20-inch television receivers are built to provide reception from either NBC or the new DuMont transmitter in New York, expected to be on the air this fall. A selector switch enables the televiewer to choose either the 507-line at 30-frame images of NBC oi the 625-line at 15-frame DuMont pictures. Set also includes an all-wave broadcast receiver. Du Mont also has explained that in building the sets it has broken down construction into five units to afford flexibility of construction and testing. Thus, according to DuMont, the various chassis units may be taken out for replacement or alteration, if need be, by removing screws and detaching plugs without disturbing the rest of the set. (Broadcasting)
Monday, August 5, 1940
A permit to erect an experimental television station in Chicago was granted to Balaban and Katz corporation by the federal communications commission yesterday [5] in Washington. The theater chain recently announced plans to start regular transmissions of television programs early in 1941.
The location of studios and transmitter has not been decided, an official of the corporation said yesterday. Receivers will be placed in many of the theaters of the company in and near Chicago.
Meanwhile, the Zenith Radio corporation has announced that it will close down temporarily its station, the only one in Chicago, this week. The shutdown is required by the reallocation of the short wave facilities now occupied by Zenith. Radio Corporation of America, and the Don Lee broadcasting interests of California for television experimentation, to frequency modulation, the new high fidelity static free system of broadcasting. The switchover will take six weeks or two months. (Chicago Tribune)
Tuesday, August 6, 1940
TWO WHOLLY-OWNED subsidiaries of Paramount Pictures, which in turn has substantial stock interests in DuMont Laboratories, were among the additional grantees of construction permits for television stations announced Aug. 5 and 6 by the FCC.
They are Balaban & Katz Corp., Chicago, operator of movie houses, and The Television Productions Inc., Los Angeles, formed as a subsidiary. The former was assigned Channel No. 2 (60-66 mc.) in Chicago; the latter Channel No. 4 (78-84 mc.) in Hollywood. Both will use 1,000 watts for both aural and visual signals.
NBC obtained its full quota of three stations, limit allowable under the new rules, when the Commission assigned it Channel No. 2 in Washington and Channel No. 7 (102-108 mc.) in Philadelphia, both with 1,000 watts. NBC elected to erect the station in Philadelphia in lieu of the one originally projected for Chicago, and the grant was labelled tentative and experimental “as it appears that the Philadelphia station will make possible a more concentrated study of television systems by the entire RCA research organization.” Previously NBC was assigned Channel No. 1 (50-56 mc.) in New York, where W2XBS has been shut down for reconstruction.
In addition, the Commission modified the license of W9XZV, of Zenith Radio Corp., Chicago, permitting it to use Channel No. 1 (50-56 mc.) on an experimental basis with 1,000 watts.
W3XEP, operated by RCA Mfg. Co., Camden, N. J., and W3XE, of Philco Radio & Television Corp., Philadelphia, were authorized to utilize Channel No. 3 (66-72 mc.) for research and engineering experimentation.
On July 17 and 25 the Commission made its first regular television grants, authorizing stations to be erected by NBC in New York; CBS, New York; Don Lee, Los Angeles and San Francisco; DuMont, New York and Washington; WCAU, Philadelphia; Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.; Uinversity of Iowa, Iowa City, (Broadcasting, Aug. 15)
Wednesday, August 7, 1940
The Don Lee Television Station W6XAO for the first time will present 525-line television images. The station will not go off the air for more than 24 hours, during the switchover to the new Television Channel No. 1 as granted by the Federal Communications [Commission] to the Don Lee Broadcasting System. W6XAO has been presenting a 441-line image. (Hollywood Citizen-News)
Thursday, August 8, 1940
In the first telecast of its kind, Elsa Maxwell made a plea last night [8] over Thomas S. Lee’s television station W6XAO for “every loyal American” to actively combat doctrines of appeasement and defeatism and other activities which might “weaken our united front” by their trend toward “Fifth Column subversiveness.”
Appearing in behalf of the William Allen White Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies, Miss Maxwell stressed that the committee did not advocate sending troops to Britain. (Hollywood Citizen-News)
Entering upon their final two-week stay in Delano, 22 members of the American Friends Work Camp will conclude their work for the community by September 1....
John Way, director of the group, accompanied by a representative group of the migratory people, broadcast a program by television from Los Angeles Thursday night [8].
They have visited the Tagus ranch, the Sierra Vista ranch, the federal migratory labor camps and the Delano Grange, where they told of their work and methods. (Bakersfield Californian, Aug. 10)
James L. Fly, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, seemed to be a very interested guest Thursday night [8] at the Don Lee television station, W6XAO. His hosts were Lewis A. Weiss and Harry R. Lubcke. Elsa Maxwell, party giver extraordinary, that night spoke as a representative of the William Allen White Committee to Defend Americans by Aiding the Allies. She told us that it was her first appearance on a television program. On the production sheet were those column heads, Time, Act, Set, Cameras, Props, Music, Camera Opens On. Under those headings for Miss Maxwell were “9:01, Elsa Maxwell (interview), 1, 2&2. 2 of our good chairs, none, and Medium. No. 2. Get closeup of Miss Maxwell Quickly.” Another item was “8:31 Americn Friends (Int. & act), 1&2, 1&2, exterior, Own, Two shot.” Notes on the production sheets may be of interest. “Driscoll: Is it possible to rig a ‘South Seas’ set for the DeClerq Sisters?” (Dancers) “All artists, MC, Turner and Cameraman: Watch chalk lines on the floor for emtrances.” “Turner: See Sawyer re: Police setup.” “Grignon: You will note that station Identification closely follows film; insert lens as soon as film is clear and light pattern.” “All: Please keep visitors at a minimum, and clear studio of visitors during police act.” “Turner: We may insert another film at 9:09.” There is better definition, clearer, sharper pictures, since the adoption of 525 lines. (Hollywood Citizen-News, Zuma Palmer column, Aug. 12)
Tuesday, August 13, 1940
Dick Powell tonight will appear on the Don Lee station, W6ZAO, in the first broadcast ever made to a “television fan club.”
Some weeks ago, Powell appeared on the station and subsequently received a letter informing him that a new kind of fan club had been organized in his name. Letter requested a return engagement. (Hollywood Reporter, Aug. 13)
Thursday, August 15, 1940
The first marriage recorded by television took place last night [15] when Will Hazen, 26, dental laboratory operator, and Miss Marian Padelford, 19, of 631 S. Oxford St., Hawthorne, were married before the W6XAO television cameras at 1076 W. 5eventh St. with Municipal Judge Joseph Marchetti officiating.
In the television sequence the pictures showed the couple seated in a living room discussing their plans for the future. After a short interlude, Judge Marchetti was summoned and the wedding ceremony performed. Miss Helen Padelford, sister of the bride, maid of honor, and two other sisters, Jackie and Betty, acted as bridesmaids. Best man was Arthur Gustafson.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Padelford of Hawthorne and Hazen is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard V. Hazen of 2227 Dunsmuir Ave. (Los Angeles Times)
Tuesday, August 20, 1940
First television recruiting for the United States Army got under way last night [20] at the Don Lee studios of W6XAO when Army officer elected 11 youths for service from a host of applicants.Sharing the floodlight during the examination, which included administration of the oath of allegiance, were Capt. Arthur Davidson Raymond Black and David W. Lewis, recruiting sergeants.
The patriotic demonstration was preceded by an Americanism program of music and interviews staged by the American Legion. (Los Angeles Times)
Harold Minnick, 22, of Pasadena, Tuesday night was sworn into the U. S. Army in ultra-modern circumstances. The ceremony, in which 10 other recruits were inducted, was broadcast over Los Angeles’ television station W6XAO to the 300 television receiving sets in the Los Angeles area. (Pasadena Post, Aug. 22)
Wednesday, August 21, 1940
A new television serial, “Album of Memories,” debuts over W6XAO tonight. Show is produced by Patrick Michael Cunning and written by Martha Wiley. (Hollywood Reporter)
Thursday, August 22, 1940
Delegates to the three-day first national convention of the Television Engineers Institute of America, Inc., conferred in technical sessions this afternoon, following registration and talks this morning before a small opening attendance at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.George H. Seward, institute president, who presided, declared television will be the film industry’s biggest customer.
“The use of film by telecasting stations will be in enormous amounts,” he said. “Stations will have to resort to use of films for program material because of the expense and time which direct studio pickup entails in the writing, rehearsals and production of new studio program material.”
A. J. McFadden, of the National Association of Manufacturers, and past president of the California State Chamber of Commerce, gave the principal address of the morning, on “Your Stake in Private Enterprise.”
WARNING SOUNDED
“The only government in the world today which cannot do exactly what it pleases is the government of the United States,” he declared.
He sounded a warning against encroachments on private enterprise and criticized the theory of “equitable division of what we have, rather than creation of new wealth.”
McFadden said California has more potential production capacity than Japan, although the latter supports 50 million people on its territory. He said he believed California could do the same thing, with no lowering of the present standard of living.
Bernard H. Linden, inspector-in-charge of the Engineering Dept., Field Division, Federal Communications Commission, greeted the delegates, as did Don E. Gilman, vice president of the National Broadcasting Co., and Glenn Y. Middleton, television representative of Columbia.
PAPERS TO BE READ
Papers were to be read at technical sessions this afternoon by Allen B. Dumont, A. Paul O’Connor, T. H. Shepherd, C. Frederick Wolcott, James Sargent, R. C. Kent and Craig L. Moon.
A professional session will be held tonight, when P. M. Cunning will present a reenactment of a television scene from a “Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn” program.
Shirley Thomas, “Queen of Television,” will give a paper on “The Technique of Television Acting.”
Technical sessions will be continued tomorrow and at 8 p.m. “Hollywood’s 1940 Television Revue” will be staged. Officers will be elected Saturday morning, trips will be held during the day and the new officers will be presented at a banquet at 6:30. (Hollywood Citizen-News)
Saturday, August 24, 1940
BERLIN, Aug. 24 (AP)—Paul Gottleib Nipkow, a pioneer of television and credited with inventing a technique for that science, died of a heart attack today, two days after observing his 80th birthday.
In 1884 Dr. Nipkow patented his invention, as “the electrical telescope,” but his patent lapsed when he was unable to pay costs of extending it. For the next 32 years he worked as an engineer for a railway signal company.
In the meantime, his idea was developed and improved by others. Six years ago, at the age of 74, he finally received public recognition when he was selected honorary president of the newly-founded German Television Society.
Monday, August 26, 1940
DuMont Laboratori[e]s on Aug. 26 started erecting a 140-foot antenna atop the 42-story building at 515 Madison Ave., New York, site of its new 1,000-watt transmitter. The entire 42d floor of the building is to be remodeled to provide space for transmitter operations, along with some studio accommodations. It is expected the new DuMont transmitting equipment, broadcasting a 625-line 15-frame image, will be installed starting early in September, with preliminary tests probably starting some time in October.
The DuMont plan includes utilization of the Astoria studios of Paramount Pictures as a mammoth production studio. According to present plans, pickups from the Astoria lot will be relayed via short wave directly to the Madison Ave. transmitter, which enjoys a virtually unimpeded line-of-sight to the Astoria lot. Before shutting down preparatory to the new installation, DuMont operated at the Madison Ave. site with a 50-watt transmitter transferred from its original site at Passaic, N. J. (Broadcasting, Sept. 1)
Wednesday, August 28, 1940
Television productions, directed by Grace Hamilton are produced regularly, with original plays written especially for the Don Lee W6XAO television station. Next Wednesday’s [28] telecast will be “Modern Triangle,” written by Beatrice Henning Shaw, with Truda Marsden, John Conly and Ed Walsh. (Hollywood Citizen-News, Aug. 24)
Alice Thurston and Thomas R. Beach Jr. have starring roles in the Patrick Michael Cunning production of “Huckleberry Finn” to be presented over television station W6XAO tonight.
Robert Armstrong will make his television debut tonight on W6XAO. (Hollywood Reporter)
A NEW television station for Cincinnati was authorized Aug. 28 the FCC in granting the application of the Crosley Corp., owners WLW and WSAI for assignment to Television Channel No. 1 (50-56 mc.) with 1,000 watts oral and visual power. The initial cost is expected to exceed $100,000. The station was given an experimental grant, and is among the applications tentatively approved last June subject to proper showing of programs of research and development. Crosley intends to develop a transmitting system in which 30 frames per second interlaced, will be employed with 441 and 507-line as well as intermediate transmissions. Also contemplated is research on wave forms and experimentation with various types of antennas. (Broadcasting, Sept. 1)
Thursday, August 29, 1940
NEW YORK (AP)—Bright eyes and blushes have entered the range of television, says a Columbia Broadcasting System report on color technique.
Paul W. Kesten, vice president, says the company expects to be broadcasting color in its commercial programs by Jan. 1. A private demonstration was made yesterday [29] for James L. Fly, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission.
Kesten says a method developed by Dr. Peter C. Goldmark, CBS television engineer, makes color reception possible for sets already in use, with only minor adjustment and the addition of a simple attachment.
Goldmark simplified color television by finding a way to limit color to the standard wave band used for ordinary television. In previous experiments, three cameras sending on three wave bands were needed. Goldmark uses one camera which lays down alternating rows of colored dots, giving an effect of blended color in the image.
Kesten says present receiving sets without adjustment receive these color broadcasts in ordinary black and white tones.
