1937-1938 Season with the John Scott Trotter Orchestra

The audience share for the season was 23.1 and again the show was in sixth place overall in the ratings for evening programs. Edgar Bergen’s show takes top place with 39.4.

No. 74 7th October 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Mischa Levitzki, William Gargan and Beatrice Lillie.

*It’s The Natural Thing To Do (a) with Bob Burns & The Paul Taylor Choristers

Beatrice Lillie spot

A Baby's Best Friend Is Its Mother Beatrice Lillie

*Remember Me? (b)

Bob Burns spot

I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now? Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Smiles (b)

William Gargan spot

*Harrigan with William Gargan

*All You Want To Do Is Dance

La Campanella Mischa Levitzki (piano)

Waltz In A Major Mischa Levitzki (piano)

Stardust John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*The Moon Got In My Eyes

Notes:

(a) Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes - 1937”

(b) JSP1076 - Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume One”

Totem LP1008 - “Bing Crosby - On The Air”

Spokane 1 - “Bing Crosby - On The Air”

Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes - 1937”

On The Air OTA101978 (CD) - “Great Moments With Bing Crosby And Friends From The

Radio Shows”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

“Bing Crosby lifts the Master of Ceremonies burden off Bazooka Burns’ shoulders tonight and indulges in some airy persiflage with Bea Lillie, titled British, funny woman. Bill Gargan is also heard. Odd thing about this actor, he’s never been able to find another part like the one in “Animal Kingdom” and as a consequence, never has returned to the popular peak he attained in that excellent show. Nevertheless, he’s a good actor. The cultural part of the program is in the hands of pianist, Mischa Levitzki. Crosby’s ease of manner, his mellifluous voice and mike poise will make the show easy to the ear, though it may be hoped that he will allow the pianist to perform on the piano and not require him to indulge in other antics. This seeming lack of respect for concertists is the only sour note of importance that the show has ever struck.”

(“Los Angeles Times” 7th October 1937)

“In swell shape, after a thirteen week lay-off, Mr. Bing Crosby returns to his Hollywood Music Hall, tonight, after temporarily relinquishing the directorial reins to Mr. Robin Burns. Bing’s guest line-up includes that excellent English comedienne, Beatrice Lillie, William Gargan of films and concert pianist, Mischa Levitzki. You probably haven’t heard Miss Lillie or ‘Auntie Bea’ for years - you’ll still like her!”

(San Francisco Chronicle” 7th October 1937)

“The “ribbing battle of the century” is scheduled for the Music Hall program over NBC-WSMB at 9 pm when Bing Crosby returns to the air after a three month vacation. Just to give Bing a roaring welcome, Beatrice Lillie has been booked as guest star and the Crosby-Lillie-Bob Burns-free-for-all which will go under the friendly name of an “interview” should be a high point in radio raillery”

(“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 7th October 1937)

Bing Crosby returned to the Kraft Music Hall Thursday night on the NBC-Red network after an absence of 3 months, during which time Bob Burns held down the bag as emcee. Naturally the voice of Bing is a welcome one and he appears to be in finer fettle than ever. Somehow it takes a Crosby to bring out Burns to better advantage also, and the lines that can be written for Crosby in his banter with guests cannot always be written for Burns. Beatrice Lillie was also in fine form, both on her satirical singing and gags. Mischa Levitsky outdid himself at the concert grand piano and the program as a whole was smooth and entertaining. Velveeta Cheese received the credits.

(Radio Daily, October 11, 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Good - Lillie great. Note: There is only one Crosby. General remarks: Gargan tried too hard. Bob not really good. Had to put back orch number because spread was 1:30 instead of the 4:10 we felt necessary."

No. 75 14th October 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Hope Manning, Betty Furness and Walter Huston.

*Smarty (You Know It All) (a)

Walter Huston

Why Speak Of It Walter Huston

*Can I Forget You? (a)

Bob Burns spot

Baby Won't You Please Come Home? Bob Burns (bazooka)

*The Trail Of The Lonesome Pine (b)

Betty Furness spot

*Where Or When (a)

Hope Manning spot

You Are Free Hope Manning

So Rare John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*The One Rose (That’s Left In My Heart) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) JSP1076 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume One”

Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes - 1937”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

(b) Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes – 1937”

“Walter Huston, stage and screen lead of ‘Dodsworth’ and Betty Furness, youthful star of the talkies will appear as guests of Bing Crosby on the Music Hall, tonight. Miss Furness and Huston will be interviewed by Bing, if Bob Burns, the Arkansas philosopher, doesn’t interfere”

(“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 14th October 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Excellent. General remarks: A really top show."

No. 76 21st October 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Foursome, Edmund Lowe, Mary Carlisle and Connie Boswell.

*Have You Got Any Castles, Baby? (a)

Edmund Lowe spot

*That Old Feeling (b)

Bob Burns spot

Sweet Sue, Just You Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Sweet Little You (a)

Am I In Love Connie Boswell

*Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight?) with Connie Boswell

Put On Your Old Grey Bonnet The Foursome

*Mississippi Mud with The Foursome

Mary Carlisle Spot

*It's The Natural Thing To Do with a few words from Mary Carlisle

Night And Day John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*The Moon Got In My Eyes (a)

*Where The Blue Of The Night (c)

Notes:

(a) JSP1076 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume One”

Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes - 1937”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

(b) Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes - 1937”

The programme was broadcast from Spokane, Washington where Gonzaga University had conferred an honorary Doctorate of Philosophy, upon Bing, for his “eminence in the field of entertainment”. The city also made him honorary Mayor and appointed, Bob Burns, Chief of Police, for that day.

“Bing Crosby plays host to cinema people, Mary Carlisle and Edmund Lowe when he airs the Kraft Music Hall from Spokane, today. Bing is back at his Alma Mater, Gonzaga University, to get a PhD. The entire Music Hall crew, together with sweet piping, Connie Boswell who I hope will sing, “Whispers In The Dark” as only Connie can sing it.”

(“Los Angeles Times” 21st October 1937)

(Headline) “Crosby Gives His All For Gonzaga” - “Twelve years ago, a couple of Gonzaga University kids, tossed their books into a dusty corner, through their belongings into a couple of battered suitcases, tenderly deposited a set of tinny drums into an equally tinny flivver and with a whoop and a holler, set off for Hollywood. They roared victoriously through the quite streets of Spokane, bid a last silent adieu to college days, bumped onto the highway, set the rudder due south and vowed to carry on. Carry on, they did. They rattled into California with their finances low and the gasoline lower. The drums were sold to pay for enough fuel to carry them to Hollywood. Finally, they arrived - broke, which is nothing new in Hollywood but enough of this gloom, might as well identify our heroes and ease the suspense. The names of our two ex-students, in case you haven’t already guessed are, Bing Crosby and Al Rinker. We’ll let Mr. Rinker pass because we’re concerned at this moment with Mr. Crosby - but in case you’re worrying, Mr. Rinker has a swell job with Columbia in New York and is moderately well into the blue chips. The tale of Mr. Crosby’s notable departure from Spokane and its Gonzaga University, has its sequel next week, hence the above details. One week from today, Mr. Crosby, the millionaire, the biggest pal of all the ‘poobahs’, a kid who has changed not at all in twelve eventful years, returns for the first time since 1925 to the campus he deserted. He returns not alone, not merely to greet a few old friends but to stage a four-day festival for his Alma Mater. With him will be Bob Burns, Johnny Scott Trotter and his orchestra and a group of cinema celebrities. Mr. Crosby and his sponsor are footing the sizable bill, in the interest of building up the Gonzaga finances and reaping, of course, a little publicity on the side, to get sordid again. Next Thursday, Bing and his entourage will pull into the Spokane station and be met, conceivably by the School Band, Glee Club, Officials and a few thousand assorted citizens. He will be whisked away to the campus where, at a public ceremony, he will be given an M.A. degree in Music (sic). After the becoming blushes have died away, Mr. Crosby will go into rehearsal and that night his coast to coast Music Hall takes the air from Spokane. Some stunt, you’ll agree but that’s not all, after the broadcast there’ll be a huge banquet, receipts from which will go to the School Fund. The following night the Crosby Music Hall cast will re-enact their broadcast for the benefit of ten thousand spectators in the Spokane Armoury, receipts to go into the School Fund. Saturday night, Bing will be host at a dance at Natatorium Park with Bob Burns entertaining, receipts to go into the School Fund. It is not difficult to deduce that Bing is giving his all for dear old Gonzaga. As if all this were not enough, the great-hearted Mr. Crosby will act as judge at a North West Talent Quest Contest being staged by a Spokane theatre when the boy and girl who win will net a trip to Hollywood, at Bing’s expense, for a screen test and Sunday, when Gonzaga plays University of San Francisco (plug) at Spokane, Mr. Crosby will publicly confer upon his Alma Mater’s warriors, a streamlined, rubber tired, water wagon who’s contents will forthwith refresh tired athletes, in the midst of their gridiron warfare. This then is how the grateful Mr. Crosby is demonstrating his undying devotion to Gonzaga University - now if he’d only contribute a couple of half-backs and a tackle to the football team.....”

(San Francisco Chronicle” 14th October 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Technical comments: Apparently OK, except the network lost the first minute and a quarter. Entertainment: Excellent. General remarks: Audience of 750 people. P.A. system flown in Thursday, O.K. Carpenter arrived at 05:15 PM., monitored on head sets. In control balanced on speaker in another room – Bing nervous first few minutes."

This honorary degree was to cause problems in the immediate future when Paramount were deciding on a title for Bing’s next picture. ‘Swing Along Ladies’ was considered inadvisable; “At Your Service” - too colourless and flat and reams of publicity about Crosby being a Doctor of Music (a popular misconception), combined with the fact that he was to play a doctor made the title, ‘Doctor Rhythm’, a natural. Complications arose when the President of Gonzaga University objected to the use of this title, due to repercussions over the event being received as humorous and not serious. Bing was not disposed to combat the University on this issue and another title, ‘Come Along Lady’ was suggested. As we know, time can be a great healer and by the time the film was released in May 1938 the ‘niggles’ had obviously been resolved.

No. 77 28th October 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Vina Bovy, Robert Young and Marian Marsh.

*Josephine (b)

Robert Young spot

*Whispers In The Dark (a)

Bob Burns spot

Jealous Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Marie (c)

Marian Marsh spot

*All You Want To Do Is Dance

Vina Bovy spot

Il Bacio (Arditi) Vina Bovy

By The Bend In The River Vina Bovy

Night And Day John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Harbour Lights

Notes:

(a) Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes -

1937” (Date shewn as 27.10.37)

JSP1076 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume One”

Lamton 250 - “Sweethearts Of Song - Live 1940’s”

Chord 7” LP (Untitled and unnumbered)

Limited Edition Club JGB1002 - “Around The Hall” (Date shewn as 28.10.38)

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

(b) Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes - 1937”

JSP1076 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume One”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

Sepia CD 1224 "Bing Crosby in the Hall"

JSP1076 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume One”

Deja Vu DVRECD (CD) - “The Bing Crosby Story”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

“Robert Young and Marian Marsh of the films join with the Belgian soprano, Vina Bovy, on Dr. Harry Lillis Crosby’s Music Hall (KPO at 7 pm). This marks the first Hollywood appearance of Miss Bovy who is starring with the San Francisco Opera Company this season”

(“San Francisco Chronicle” 28th October 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Good. Bovy, who speaks no English, turned out terrific."

No. 78 4th November 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Jerry Colonna (billed as Giovanni Colonna), Fay Bainter and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

*Stop! You’re Breaking My Heart

Douglas Fairbanks Jr. spot

*I Still Love To Kiss You Goodnight

Bob Burns spot

I'm Sitting On Top Of The World Bob Burns (bazooka)

*When You Wore A Tulip (a)

M.O.T.H.E.R. (A Word That Means The World To Me) (parody) Ken Carpenter

Fay Bainter spot

*The Folks Who Live On The Hill (b)

You’re My Everything Giovanni Colonna

The Road To Mandalay Jerry Colonna

Night And Day John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Ebb Tide

Notes:

(a) Limited Edition Club JGB1003 - “Around The Hall - Volume Two”

Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes - 1937”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

Deja Vu DVRECD (CD) - “The Bing Crosby Story”

Interfusion CD D26291 “A Bing Crosby Cavalcade Of Song”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

(b) Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes - 1937”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

Deja Vu DVRECD (CD) - “The Bing Crosby Story”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

"Last Thursday night’s “Kraft Music Hall,” with Bing Crosby as major domo, brought forth the first real and unique comedy find of this radio season. He is Jerry Colonna, member of John Trotter’s orchestra, and already discovered by the films. Giovanni Colonna, as he was billed for last week’s airing, is a singer of parts – the parts being largely in the channels of travesty, satire and a touch of burlesque. As a crooner his inflections, pronunciations and dialectic interpolations are a scream. And when he drops melody for patter, there are few trick and gag talkers who sound funnier. Other parts of the last Kraft show were uniformly excellent. Fay Bainter, star actress, and Douglas Fairbanks Jr., another stellar thespian, exchanged cross-fire with Crosby and Bob Burns in highly entertaining fashion. All troupers from head to toe, they kicked up a very lively evening."

(Radio Daily, November 8, 1937)

"Bing Crosby, on the other hand, believes in treating his studio audience after the fashion of children, who may be seen and not heard. If you’re one of the favored few who get in to watch Mr. Crosby entertain, be quiet as a mouse. If you must laugh, do so with gentility and circumspection; and if you can’t resist the urge to applaud something spectacular (as was the case last Thursday when Giovanni Coloma (sic) nearly stopped show,) do it with fear and trembling because Bing doesn’t like it. He feels that his shows stand or fall by what he and his company do for the radio listener, and any hypo-ing of their efforts by ticket-holders is neither needed nor wanted."

(Los Angeles Times, November 7, 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Excellent - all of the people, all of the music - excellent. General remarks: Warner Bros succeeded in delaying Fay Bainter until 5:30. She was "allowed" to come, only, finally because Bette Davis fixed it with Willie Wyler, director of "Jezebel"."

On a long, long trip from Hollywood to Spokane when Bing was to receive an honorary degree in music from his alma mater, Gonzaga University (which eventually led to the title Dr. Crosby in the station break spots), a great comic was discovered playing trombone in Trotter’s band. Jerry Colonna went on to be one of Bob Hope’s most valuable foils.

Jerry was first presented by Bing in the concert spot as the only singer in the world who started on his high note and then went up. It was the only time we used the spot any way but seriously. Generally it was highly praised for its classical mixture of opera and concert music. One listener in particular, who shined my brother-in-law’s shoes, said he thought it was the best thing on the show because it gave him a chance to take out the garbage.

(Carroll Carroll, writing in The Old-Time Radio Book)

No. 79 11th November 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Olympe Bradna, Rosa Tentoni and Ray Milland.

*That Old Feeling

Ray Milland spot

*If It’s The Last Thing I Do (a)

Bob Burns spot

I Hate To Lose You Bob Burns (bazooka)

*I Don’t Want To Get Well (a)

Schoolroom farce Crosby, Burns, Trotter and Carpenter

Olympe Bradna spot

*The Moon Got In My Eyes (a)

Musetta’s Waltz Rosa Tentoni

La Danza Rosa Tentoni

American Lullaby Rosa Tentoni

*The One Rose (That’s Left In My Heart)

Note:

(a) Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes - 1937”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

Deja Vu DVRECD (CD) - “The Bing Crosby Story”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

“Bing Crosby, Bob Burns and company didn’t have lustrously shining guests on Kraft Phoenix, last Thursday but the regulars on the show were definitely ‘up to snuff’ and snuff from a jewel-decked box. Ray Milland and Olympe Bradna from films were up for two-way quizzing from Bing and Bobby. The continuity carvers for the show took fine care of the Messrs. B but overlooked the one-shotters. There was a faulty note too, when after Crosby repeatedly referred to Miss Bradna by her first name, in advance build up, she marched up to the mike and announced he’d mispronounced her name - An overwhelmingly large slice of the public does too! Later, Bing’s pronunciation faltered again during the last few times he addressed her. Third guest was Rosa Tentoni, San Francisco opera oriole who was on near the conclusion and did OK with several selections. Crosby’s patter and Burns’ bumbling were particularly bright when the twain were twitting each other and one schoolroom farce that the boys did was as aces as anything the Kraft show has offered in a long time, if not ever before. JST’s 18 piece orchestra was in the groove, all the way.”

(“Variety” 17th November 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Very good. General remarks: Both Milland and Bradna busy on pictures. Milland had to come from Palm Springs, Bradna from a test - both very late."

No. 80 18th November 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, The Foursome, Fay Wray and Alan Mowbray.

*Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight?)

Alan Mowbray spot

*Ca-Beans, Cab-Bages And Car-Rots with Alan Mowbray

*Roses In December

Bob Burns spot

I Can't Give You Anything But Love Bob Burns (bazooka)

*There’s A Girl In The Heart Of Maryland (a)

*Can I Forget You? (b)

Fay Wray spot

Sweet Sue, Just You Fay Wray (ocarina) & The Foursome

Chinatown, My Chinatown The Foursome

Passport Photographer The Foursome

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Sail Along, Silv’ry Moon with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Broadway Intermission BR116 - “Crosbyana Volume II - The Fabulous Rice Tapes - 1937”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 22”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

(b) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

RY18 (CD) - “The Radio Years - Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

Fay Wray and Alan Mowbray, of the movies, and The Foursome vocalists, are Bing Crosby’s guests of the evening. The last time Miss Wray appeared on this program she surprised everyone by singing and using bigger words than Bing

(Monrovia News-Post, November 18, 1937)

“Alan Mowbray showed himself to be quite a spoofer possibility for radio when he clowned around, last week with Bing Crosby and Bob Burns. The Englishman carried on some mumbo jumbo idiocy very cutely”

(“Variety” 24th November 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Very good. General remarks: Had to cable England to clear Mowbray's song when NBC, after okaying it, told us Wed eve, it was now “out”.

No. 81 25th November 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Margarete Matzenauer (contralto), Isabel Jewell and Chester Morris.

*She’s Tall, She’s Tan, She’s Terrific

Chester Morris spot

*I Still Love To Kiss You Goodnight (a)

Bob Burns spot

Thanks A Million Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Rebecca Of Sunnybrook Farm

*When You Dream About Hawaii (a) with Perry Botkin (Guitar)

Isabel Jewell spot

Bist Due Bei Mir Margarete Matzenauer

Die Forelle Margarete Matzenauer

Songs My Mother Taught Me Margarete Matzenauer with The Paul Taylor Choristers
*Ebb Tide

Note:

(a) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

RY18 (CD) - “The Radio Years - Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties”

Deja Vu DVRECD (CD) - “The Bing Crosby Story”

CD- JSP 934A – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1932-1937”

Bing Crosby has two film stars and an opera singer booked for the Kraft Music Hall to be broadcast over the NBC network at 10 p.m. today. The guests are Isabel Jewel and Chester Morris, of the movies, and Margaret Matzenauer, well known for 20 years as a contralto star of the Metropolitan Opera company. Assisting Bing in bringing out the hidden talents of the famous guests is Bob Burns, the bazooka virtuoso of Van Buren and teller of tales from the hills. Unusual fact about this edition of the Music Hall is that none of the three guests have visited the “Hall” before, something that doesn’t happen often because practically all the big names of Hollywood have found their way to the Crosby roster. Songs by Bing and orchestra numbers by Johnny Scott Trotter’s band complete the show,

(The Greenville News (South Carolina), November 25, 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Excellent. Comments on Commercial: Ok. Shorter this week, and hence more effective than the 1:20 spreading we've been having. General remarks: Only 2:50 spread allowed because it was so hard to cut and Bing insisted on singing in opening gag. A spread of five minutes by the time we got to ??? necessitated cutting ??? dialogue spot just before ??? and Bing speaking over choir, and elimination of Bing's last chorus in Ebb Tide."

No. 82 2nd December 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Joseph Knitzer, Barbara Weeks and Edward Arnold.

*Josephine

Edward Arnold spot

Asleep In The Deep Edward Arnold and Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Once In A While (a)

Bob Burns spot

Sympathy Bob Burns (bazooka)

*The Lonesome Road (b) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

*If It’s The Last Thing I Do (b)

Barbara Weeks spot

Bulldogs Of Gonzaga Barbara Weeks

Guitar Joseph Knitzer (violin)

The Girl With The Flaxen Hair Joseph Knitzer (violin)

*Harbour Lights

Notes:

(a) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

Lamton 250 - “Sweethearts Of Song - Live 1940’s”

Chord 7” LP (Untitled and unnumbered)

RY18 (CD) - “The Radio Years - Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties”

Deja Vu DVRECD (CD) - “The Bing Crosby Story”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

(b) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

RY18 (CD) - “The Radio Years - Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

Hollywood-temperament gum-shoed its ugly way into the joint and everything went to blazes! Last Thursday night a great and glorious tradition crashed 'round the heads of Bing Crosby and Bob Burns when at the halfway mark in the broadcast, Ken Carpenter refused to ring the NBC chimes.

This coming on the heels of guest star Chester Morris’ remark that above and beyond Bing's singing and Bob’s bazooka-ing, he enjoyed the way Ken rang the bells, was a rude awakening indeed for Music Hall veterans. While stooge and star alike stood agape and a shocked nation refused to believe what it all too plainly heard, Ken, in tones flat with despair, said, “I just don't feel like it tonight, that's all. I'm not in the mood."

And there just weren’t any bells!

Obviously, this can’t go on. Bing's Music Hall must have bells ringing somewhere along the halfway mark.

Will this Carpenter lethargy linger? Did Chester Morris' praise prove too much for Carpenter, the artist? If so, will a committee have to be appointed to wait upon Mr. Carpenter and coddle him into a bell-ringing mood?

Whatever it is that has to be done, must be done. Bing, you've got to see to it. It’s your hall, they’re your bells and Ken’s being paid good money to ring ‘em.

We’ve grown mighty attached to their merry little pong! pong! pong! We wait impatiently each week for Ken's masterful rendition. In fact, we’re inclined to agree with Chester Morris that it's the best part of the show.

Yeah, this Ken guy has sure got a touch!

While the spotlight of attention flickers with a questioning light on the moody Carpenter, Edward Arnold and Barbara Weeks, both from the screen, and Joseph Knitzer, American violinist, will rally 'round to lend moral support to a nervous and over anxious cast.

Ken's just got to ring them bells!

(Homer Caulfield, The Ventura County Star-Free Press, 2nd December, 1937)

“Harry B. Smith, the Chronicle’s famed sports editor, was listening to a woman radio gossiper from Hollywood, last Sunday. He was slightly amused - no more, by her colossal ‘scoops’, her ‘inside tips’ on everything in general, her intimate dope on the celebrities that she knew so well. Just before Harry fell asleep, in the middle of it all, he snapped to attention... The gal was discussing Bing Crosby. Oh! she had the most wonderful story about Bing. It seems Bing knew of a girl he wanted, to play the lead opposite him in his next picture...trouble was he had never met her. So, confided the gossiper, very gushingly, she had just learned that the producer of Bing’s next film had arranged for El Crosby and the girl discovery to meet at almost that very moment, over a dinner table, in a swank Hollywood spot. Harry just yawned and went back to sleep, he knew darned well that Bing was in Sacramento, at the Santa Clara/Gonzaga football game”

(“San Francisco Chronicle” 2nd December 1937)

The Crosby show improves with age. It apparently is setting some sort of minor trend, for a number of programs are attempting the same light touch, succeeding moderately. Latest twist on the Crosby-Kraft stanza, burlesquing the now-too-numerous radio picture previews as done on last Thursday’s show, is more than welcome and the burlesque itself was a gem. Too bad Carroll Carroll, the writer, isn’t billed.

(Jerry Franken, Billboard, December 11, 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Very good - script tops - Burns monologue below par (only three or four stories - long build-ups and no laughs in build-ups). General remarks: For second week in row, Burns ran long, show spread exceptionally, cut in Knitzer dialogue necessary just as he went on. First three rows filled with Gonzaga or Loyola football team (forget which, but they gave whole show a terrific ensemble send off.)

No. 83 9th December 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Josephine Tuminia, Verree Teasdale and Adolphe Menjou.

*Nice Work If You Can Get It

Adolphe Menjou spot

Mademoiselle From Armentieres Adolphe Menjou & Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Sail Along, Silv’ry Moon

Bob Burns spot

Little White Lies Bob Burns (bazooka)

*I’ve Got Rings On My Fingers

*Roses In December

Verree Teasdale spot

*Down By The Old Mill Stream with Verree Teasdale (whistling), Adolphe Menjou and Bob Burns (bazooka)

Ah Fors' è lui Josephine Tuminia

The Last Rose of Summer Josephine Tuminia & The Paul Taylor Choristers

Dancing In The Dark John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*When The Organ Played At Twilight

“Bing Crosby’s Music Hall which I like so much because of poise, ease, informal charm and absence of meaningless applause presents Mr. & Mrs. Adolphe Menjou as honoured guests. Sartorially resplendent, Adolphe and his wife, Verree Teasdale, are natives of Washington and will reminisce about the Pacific North West with Doctor Crosby. Josephine Tuminia, operatic soprano, makes another Music Hall appearance as does Bazooka Burns, the excellent Paul Taylor Chorus, John Trotter’s Orchestra and the piece de resistance of the program, Ken Carpenter, announcer and ‘Chamberlain of the Chimes’”

(“Los Angeles Times” 9th December 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Very good. Tuminia had frog on both songs - sang only 70% as well as in rehearsal, as a result. General remarks: Bob had excellent spot, Menjou better than ever before on this type of thing on air, plenty of swell ad libbing. Ken Carpenter great."

No. 84 16th December 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Simon Barere, Anne Shirley and Ralph Bellamy.

*Sweet Stranger (a)

Ralph Bellamy spot

Home On The Range Ralph Bellamy with Bob Burns (bazooka)

*When You Dream About Hawaii

"Whalers At Sea" comedy drama Crosby and Bellamy

Bob Burns spot

Exactly Like You Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Once In A While

Anne Shirley spot

*Swingin’ Down The Lane (a)

Grand Valse Brillante Simon Barere (piano)

Gnomenreigen Simon Barere (piano)

*There’s A Goldmine In The Sky with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Note:

(a) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

RY18 (CD) - “The Radio Years - Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties”

(“Sweet Stranger” shewn as “Sweet Ranger” on last named issue)

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

HOLLYWOOD-Yesterday we left off with Producer Calvin Kuhl inviting us to witness the rest of rehearsal, and to catch the Music Hall broadcast from the control booth. And it’s not like your Uncle Canfield to pass by an invitation like that.

Kuhl led the way upstairs to studio B with Carroll Carroll, the show’s diminutive writer, and myself tagging along. The studio presented a far different site than I had seen earlier in the afternoon. Much activity was now taking place.

Bing Crosby and John Scott Trotter were on the stage indulging in a bit of horseplay. You couldn’t have missed Bing. Not with that red and white contraption he calls a shirt. And it’s altogether impossible to overlook John. Why, with the poundage he’s carrying, on a clear day you can see him ten miles away.

Paul Taylor, stubby and stout, and his Choristers are straggling into the studio. Anne Shirley, one of the guest stars, is comfortably tucked away on a folding chair, and looks delightfully youthful and deliciously beautiful what with her fur coat, red hair and intelligent eyes. But things are much, too much matter of fact for my money. No one seems in the least disturbed that it’s now five minutes to six and Ralph Bellamy, a guest star, hasn’t as yet put in an appearance. Of course, he hasn’t promised to be there until six, but there‘s no time like the present to worry, that’s the Canfield motto.

Bing runs over a number with the orchestra, nonchalantly crooning into the microphone while he studies the expression of the engineer in the control booth. Bing makes no effort to save his voice for the broadcast. The pipe he‘s usually puffing on dangles out of his shirt pocket. Did I say shirt?

Anyway, if he wasn’t rehearsing a song he’d be off in some corner whistling or singing. It’s natural for Bing to sing. I firmly believe he was born burping and boop-boop-ba-booing. It’s just a very happy accident he gets paid for it. Ask Bing, he’ll tell you the same.

Across the stage and back to the dressing room, I take myself. I’m looking for Bob Burns. The tall Arkansan is an old favorite friend of mine. Bob is in the dressing room with his gagman, Duke Atterbury, concocting one of his fanciful tales to amaze the populace. Bob’s been pretty busy, so he’s had to wait until the last minute to fashion this one. Burns is not any too happy about it because he’s not patterned for this last-minute stuff. Out of desperation, a long winded yarn about Ralph Bellamy is given a verb and a predicate. It’ll have to do. And it does, as I found out later during the broadcast.

Then back to the studio. It’s five minutes past six. Bellamy comes breezing in the door. I shot a hasty look at Kuhl and Carroll. Not a change of expression. They’re hardened to this last minute thing. At 20 minutes to seven the audience is ushered into the studio. That means by the time Bellamy settles down, they’ve got just to 25 minutes to rehearse his lines. Which include two scenes, and to rehearse him in a song with Bob Burns playing a bazooka obligato. Not a great deal of time, you must admit for a show as important as the Music Hall.

Bob comes bounding out of his dressing room like an old fire horse smelling a flickering ember. Bing is on the job and the three give their lines a try, so as veteran troupers a reading seems to suffice. Kuhl holds a stop watch on it, notes the result and makes same hasty tabulations on the script. He’s worried about time. Are the scenes too long? Apparently not. He looks over at Carroll and gives a nod of satisfaction.

Now comes the Bellamy vocal rendition. “Home on the Range” is the song. Bob blows blast after blast of bazooka obligato about as delicate as a hurricane.

With Bellamy’s part rehearsed, the show is ready to be sprayed over the nation through the thin wires of the network. And it’s just about airtime, too. The audience has filed into the small auditorium which seats a little over 200.

Bing strolls around the stage like one of the hired help. He looks less like a big time radio and movie star than anyone in the business. Even Charlie McCarthy sports a top hat and white tie. But not Bing: He’ll stick to the Hawaiian shirt and he walks around with his two arms hanging to his sides like he was expecting any minute to grab on to the working end of a wheelbarrow. He eyes the audience: makes cracks at Burns: thoroughly enjoys himself.

Producer Kuhl stays on the stage and writer Carroll takes me into the holy of all holies, the control booth.

The engineer, partly surrounded by a panel of dials and gadgets, is clearing lines and waiting for the network’s signal. Ken Carpenter is at the mike watching the control booth. A red light flashes on. Ken takes the cue and says: “The Music Hall, starring Bing Crosby with John Scott Trotter and his orchestra, the Paul Taylor Choristers, and Bob Burns.”

A nation is listening.

(Homer Canfield, Redwood City Tribune, December 24, 1937)

“Bing Crosby brings cinema people, Ralph Bellamy and Anne Shirley to the mike, concert pianist Simon Barere and the regular Music Hall company. Crosby can still out-sing his contemporaries and this is the only variety show I have heard that moves with a quiet, graceful ease that does not deprive the show of life and laughter”

(“Los Angeles Times” 16th December 1937)

“Ralph Bellamy was in the groove on the Bing Crosby/Bob Burns’ show last Thursday and benefited from a good script and careful handling. Latest Bellamy labor before the camera was in the comedy, ‘The Awful Truth’, in which he played an oil-rich, loam lovin’ Oklahoman. Matching up this character with that Apple of Arkansas, Bob Burns, was a good stunt and produced some rich strikes of comedy. Crosby paced the boys well and kept them from exchanging blows over the merits of the two states. Born and reared in the heart of Chicago, Bellamy did a good Oklahoman. The wind-up was swell with Bellamy mooing ‘Home On The Range’ as he did in the picture, accompanied by Burns’ bazooka. It was real corn and real comedy”.

(“Variety” 22nd December 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Excellent. General remarks: Barer (sic) terrific."

No. 85 23rd December 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choir, The Kraft Choral Society, Madge Evans and Basil Rathbone.

*Adeste Fideles

Basil Rathbone spot

Endymion (poem) Basil Rathbone

*She’s Tall, She’s Tan, She’s Terrific (a)

Bob Burns spot

Jingle Bells Bob Burns (bazooka)

*An Old Flame Never Dies

Madge Evans spot

Christmas Song (poem) Madge Evans

Holy City The Kraft Choral Society

Shepherd's Christmas Song The Kraft Choral Society

The Toy Trumpet John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Pennies From Heaven

*Silent Night

Note:

a) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

SP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

RY18 (CD) - “The Radio Years - Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

"Big doin’s in the Music Hall, tonight with Doctor Bing Crosby and his guests, Madge Evans and Basil Rathbone of the films and a ninety voice choir, as highlights of what is always, to these ears, a swell show. Paul Taylor Chorus and John Trotter Orchestra make the music from this end with large choir of sponsor’s employees appearing from Chicago. Amusing to note on this show is that the striking of hammer on metal, is raising Ken Carpenter to fame”.

(“Los Angeles Times” 23rd December 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Chicago's unnecessary and amazing spread of 1:00 on the 5:10 number and .45 on the 2:30 number kicked what up until then was a perfect show - and a liver tearer from coast to coast - squarely and solidly in the pants. Comments on Commercial: OK. 3rd commercial out (1st part only) for time. General remarks: I felt ill after the show."

No. 86 30th December 1937

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Jose Iturbi, Louis Armstrong and Connie Boswell.

*Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen

*Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen (parody) with Bob Burns

True Confession Connie Boswell

*Bob White (Whatcha Gonna Swing Tonight?) with Connie Boswell

*Once In A While (a)

Bob Burns spot

Trumpet Player's Lament Louis Armstrong

*It Must Be True

Cordoba Jose Iturbi (piano)

Little Spanish Dance Jose Iturbi (piano)

*Ad Lib Song Spot with Connie Boswell

*There’s A Goldmine In The Sky with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

Both the LP issues named at Note (a) include a track which features Bing, laughingly, “ad-libbing” his way through a version of “That Old Feeling”. The Spokane issue shews the date as 30.12.37, whereas the JSP issue offers the date 6.1.38. Possibly, the time might be fixed between the two. There is a strong atmosphere of an after-show “get together”. Connie Boswell, Bob Burns, Ken Carpenter and John Scott Trotter, are all heard. There is no firm evidence that the song was broadcast on either Programme No. 86 or No. 87 and the “off the cuff” presentation, together with Bing’s joking (but slightly suggestive) remark to Connie Boswell, “Where’s the arrangement - Up to your apartment?”, casts doubts as to whether this item was ever aired. (UPDATE: It would appear that the song was used in the Ad Lib Song Spot. 29 songs were cleared for use including "That Old Feeling" but it is not known how many were used in the segment.)

“Bing Crosby tops off the year with lovely voiced Connie Boswell, screaming trumpeteer Louis Armstrong and pianist, Jose Iturbi. I wonder if this latter gentleman is still of the opinion, ‘there is good American music but all this “I Love You” stuff is just trashy cheap music’”

(“Los Angeles Times” 30th December 1937)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Good. General remarks: A mad-house due to show turning out many minutes too long when added up after rehearsal; to copyright trouble at 5:45 on one of Iturbi's numbers, etc, etc."

No. 87 6th January 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Toscha Seidel, Sterling Holloway and Constance Bennett.

*Rosalie

Constance Bennett spot

*Remember Me? (parody) (a) with Constance Bennett

*You’re A Sweetheart (b)

Bob Burns spot

It's A Man Every Time - It's A Man Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Meet Me Tonight In Dreamland

*An Old Flame Never Dies

Sterling Holloway spot

Public School 43 Sterling Holloway

Romanza Toscha Seidel (violin)

From The Canebrake Toscha Seidel (violin)

*When The Organ Played “O Promise Me”

Notes:

(a) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1084 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 2”

Limited Edition Club JGB1002 - “Around The Hall”

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

(b) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

Interfusion CD D26291 “A Bing Crosby Cavalcade Of Song”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Bennett disappointing - Holloway did perfect job but somehow it didn't come off."

“Bing’s Music Hall (KFI 7 pm) begins the New Year with Constance Bennett and Sterling Holloway of the films and pianist, Toscha Seidel, as his guests. It is devoutly hoped, at least by this writer that Mr. Crosby will not repeat the prank pianist guest fiasco offered, last week when Jose Iturbi, a really masterly artist, only played two tiny compositions, so simple that a child could handle them adequately. It really isn’t right to dangle a classic name in front of the listener and then patronise him by having the name ‘play down’ to him. Otherwise, this is a top flight program, week after week”.

(“Los Angeles Times” 6th January 1938)

Constance Bennett, movie personality, will swap badinage with Bing Crosby and Bob Burns on the “Music Hall Program” over the NBC-Red network tonight. Burns has prepared a special questionnaire with which he hopes to embarrass Connie into playing a duet on the bazooka. The program will be heard at 9 o'clock.
(The Daily Iowan, January 6, 1938)

No. 88 13th January 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Joe Venuti, Ida Lupino and Douglas Fairbanks Jnr.

*My Heart Is Taking Lessons

Douglas Fairbanks Jnr. spot

*Birth Of The Blues (a) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

*Blossoms On Broadway

Bob Burns spot

Where I Ain't Been Before Bob Burns

*This Is My Night To Dream (a)

Ida Lupino spot

Stardust Joe Venuti

Going Places Joe Venuti

*Sail Along, Silv’ry Moon

Note:

(a) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3” (date shewn as 6.1.38)

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

“Assuming you are still tuned in to KFI, Bing Crosby and his Music Hall will greet your ears at 7 pm. If you could get a dime for every con-Crosby imitator, I’d give you a hundred dollars for everyone who can sing like this great American voice. He’ll give out solo and with the Paul Taylor Choristers and Johnny Trotter’s music men, some very fancy vocalising. Bob Burns as usual and three visiting firemen, Ida Lupino and Douglas Fairbanks Jr from the pictures and fiddlist, Giuseppe Venutski known in less select circles as, Joe Venuti. Some show, I’d say and praise Allah there’ll be none of that offensive finger-flogging on Mr. Crosby’s ether effort”.

(“Los Angeles Times” 13th January 1938)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Excellent. General Remarks: Venuti very funny. Station break hit a new high."

No. 89 20th January 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Rose Bampton, Joan Fontaine and Chester Morris.

*Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen

Chester Morris spot

*On The Sentimental Side (a)

Bob Burns spot

By The Beautiful Sea Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Pale Venetian Moon (b) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Joan Fontaine spot

*You’re A Sweetheart (a)

Voi Lo Sapete Rose Bampton

Summertime Rose Bampton and The Paul Taylor Choristers

The Toy Trumpet John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*There’s A Goldmine In The Sky with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Note:

(a) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

RM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

(b) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

Limited Edition Club JGB1002 - “Around The Hall” (as “Neath A Pale Venetian Moon”)

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

Bing Crosby will bandy words with Rose Bampton, noted opera singer known by Crosby’s audience as “Battlin’ Bamp of the Met” during his broadcast with Bon Burns on NBC-KTBS at 9 p.m. Thursday. Other guests will be Chester Morris and Joan Fontaine of the film colony, while regular duties of the program will be attended to by Bing, Bob Burns, Ken Carpenter, John Scott Trotter’s orchestra and the Paul Taylor chorus.

(The Shreveport Journal (Louisiana), 20th January, 1938)

Cal Kuhl, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: OK. General Remarks: Carpenter terrific in station break. Morris excellent. Bampton very good."

No. 90 27th January 1938

With Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Jan Smeterlin, Gregory LaCava and Madeleine Carroll.

*Rosalie (a)

Madeleine Carroll spot

*This Is My Night To Dream

Bob Burns spot

After You've Gone Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Show Me The Way To Go Home (a)

Gregory LaCava spot

*You Took The Words Right Out Of My Heart (a)
Prelude in E-minor Jan Smeterlin (piano)

Etude in F-Major Jan Smeterlin (piano)

Waltz in A-Flat Jan Smeterlin (piano)

*When The Organ Played “O Promise Me”

Note:

(a) Spokane 24 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 3”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

Gregory La Cava, one of the movie directors who have long been bossing Bing Crosby and Bob Burns about the movie lots of Hollywood, has been invited to the Music Hall, where Crosby and Burns do most of the talking. La Cava will share honors with Madeleine Carroll, British actress, and Jan Smeterlin, Polish pianist. Johnny Scott Trotter’s orchestra will supply music to offset Burns bazooka renditions.

(Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27th January, 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General Remarks: Made announcement of "Parade of Dimes" in closing.

No. 91 3rd February 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Ethel Bartlett & Rae Robertson, Wayne Morris and Spring Byington.

*The Dipsy Doodle (a)

Wayne Morris spot

Sub-division Three Song from "Submarine D-1" Wayne Morris

*On The Sentimental Side (b)

Bob Burns spot

My Pony Boy Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Moonlight Bay (c) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

*I See Your Face Before Me (b)

Spring Byington spot

Ruins Of Athens Ethel Bartlett & Rae Robertson (piano)

Waltz in A-flat Ethel Bartlett & Rae Robertson (piano)

Waltz from "Facade" Suite Ethel Bartlett & Rae Robertson (piano)

*The Moon Of Manakoora (d) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4” (as “The Dipsey Doodle”)

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

Grappenhauser GRAP1001 - “Music! Music! Music!” (as “Dipsey Doodle”)

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

(b) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

(d) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

“Bing Crosby plays host to Wayne Morris, Spring Byington of the films and husband and wife, piano duo, Ethel Bartlett and Rae Robertson. The jocular Mr. Burns continues his bucolic chatter. John Scott Trotter’s music and Ken Carpenter complete the cast”

(“Los Angeles Times” 3rd February 1938)

“Through a subtle, if lengthy, process, Mr. Bing Crosby’s Music Hall has changed its complexion until at this moment it stands as one of the premiere comedy shows of radio. Nobody can say accurately whether this was the original plan of the producers or whether, being uncommonly fortunate souls, they merely stumbled over the realization that the Crosby contingent can juggle gags with the greatest of ease. It seems fairly obvious, though, that within some three years, the Music Hall has turned resolutely from a routine variety show formula to one of refreshing sparkle and humor, topped not even by the facile Jack Benny troupe.

Nobody will deny the wisdom of this move. Formal variety programs, which run their guests on and off in the familiar vaudeville manner, have their place, admittedly. So have the looser clambakes, with their artificial camaraderie, their trite jovialities, their brittle pace. But never before the late blossoming forth of Mr. Crosby’s stunt, had dialers been let in a 60-minute funfest which not only sounded legitimately informal, but provided, as well, wholly original humor of a relaxed nature.

The Music Hall’s original and avowed purpose, that of presenting guest stars, has of course been lost in the shuffle, but nobody seems to care a whole lot. Guests of Mr. Crosby aren’t treated as sacred cows. If you want to look at the setup from the angle of a Vallee program, the visitors do, in fact, get a slight working over. It becomes pretty apparent to the listener that the guests are merely there to play stooge roles in a Crosby comedy routine.

Last Thursday’s Crosby concoction illustrated its new full-blown wittiness pretty well. Its most serious line, if we remember, came during Mr. Crosby’s introduction of duo-pianists Ethel Bartlett and Rae Robertson. Their selection, Beethoven’s “Ruins of Athens” was described by Mr. C. as “one of the juicier morsels turned out by the great and good Loodveeg von B——” The rest of the program was much less pontifical, we assure you.”

(Herb Caen, San Francisco Chronicle, February 7, 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Orchids."

No. 92 10th February 1938

With Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Gertrude Wettergren, Brian Aherne and Beverly Roberts.

*My Heart Is Taking Lessons

Brian Aherne spot
Wot Cher! Knocked 'Em In The Old Kent Road Brian Aherne

*You Took The Words Right Out Of My Heart (c)

Bob Burns spot

Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Gypsy Love Song (Slumber On My Little

My Little Gypsy Sweetheart) (a) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

*Thanks For The Memory (b)

Medley (Once In A While - Little Things You

Used To Do - That Old Feeling) Beverly Roberts

Il Est Doux Gertrude Wettergren

Black Roses Gertrude Wettergren

To The May Gertrude Wettergren

In The Still Of The Night John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Sail Along, Silv’ry Moon

Note:

(a) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

Limited Edition Club JGB1003 - “Around The Hall - Volume Two”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

(b) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

Limited Edition Club JGB1002 - “Around The Hall”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

“Bing Crosby Music Hall (KFI 7 pm) Brian Aherne and Beverly Roberts of the films, Swedish contralto Gertrude Wettergren, the pleasant patter and singing of Bing and the amusing Bob Burns”

(“Los Angeles Times” 10th February 1938”)

“When Mr. Crosby launched his casual attack on radio’s heights, the wise ones weren’t slow in assuring all who would listen that the Bingo was all wrong, couldn’t last. Fans, they said wanted to be impressed by the haughty superiority of radio’s noblemen. If a star sounded genuinely folksyish, to use a rather coy term, diallers would feel a familiarity akin to contempt. Well, Mr. Crosby continued to do all right as far as the listeners were concerned and quite naturally, his success inspired his contemporaries to follow suit. What these impressionable gentlemen failed to consider is the fact that Mr. Crosby isn’t kidding; he sounds casual because he is casual. In other words his microphone chatter is exactly the same as his non-microphone spiel. Anyway, as a result of all these attempts to sound natural, Mr. Crosby is getting bigger and bigger, merely because there is only one Crosby - the rest of the yawn talkers are merely making themselves ridiculous in degrees, ranging from slight to overwhelming”

(“San Francisco Chronicle” 15th February 1938)

No. 93 17th February 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Grisha Gulaboff, Heather Angel and Randolph Scott.

*Gypsy In My Soul (a)

Randolph Scott spot

*A-Hunting We Will Go (Parody) with Randolph Scott & Bob Burns (bazooka)

*You’re A Sweetheart (b)

Bob Burns spot

*My Heart Stood Still (a) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Heather Angel spot

*I See Your Face Before Me

Hungarian Dance No. 1 (Brahms) Grisha Gulaboff (violin)

Jota Grisha Gulaboff (violin)

*The Moon Of Manakoora with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

(b) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

“Bing Crosby, KFI , welcomes Randolph Scott and Heather Angel of the films, violinist Grischa Gulahoff, Ken ‘Chiming Charlie’ Carpenter, John Trotter’s Band and the Paul Taylor Chorus, then of course, the twangy, dry-witted observations of Van Buren’s Number One boy, Robin Burns, who turned in such an elegant job in “Wells Fargo” - of course, you saw the picture!”

(“Los Angeles Times 17th February 1938)

“Bing Crosby/Bob Burns’ cheese-hawking chapter for Kraft last Thursday had to wrestle for favour with some average guest help. Heather Angel rambled rather vaguely about her British legit background. It wasn’t funny nor very interesting. Both Crosby and Burns seemed unable to draw her out. Grischa Gulahoff, fourteen year old, young classic fiddler, gut-grated a piece by Brahms and a high noted Spanish shortie at the program’s end - Pretty limp! Randolph Scott came closest to scoring when he chatted with his two hosts on the show about the fox-hunting, in Virginia, in describing how Jock Whitney and his neighbours dress up to chase that rascal Reynard with hound and horn. The sallies of Burns and Crosby made it pretty good going. Unfortunately, Scott didn’t have a script to point up his personality. Burns’ description of how they hunt in the Ozarks was bristling with laugh levying lines. Crosby clung to the pop song category for his vocals which is always his best element unless he can scare up a rare novelty. Among them were, ‘Gypsy In Me’(sic); ‘Heart Stood Still’(sic) and ‘You’re Sweetheart’(sic). John Scott’s eighteen windjammers were in the background throughout, having less chance of mike fronting than usual”.

(“Variety” 23rd February 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Fair. General remarks: Cut orchestral number on the air, due to spread. Burns was great."

No. 94 24th February 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, C. Aubrey Smith, Margot Grahame and Lotte Lehmann.

*The Dipsy Doodle

C. Aubrey Smith spot

*Forty Years On with C. Aubrey Smith and Bob Burns

*This Is My Night To Dream

Bob Burns spot

Take Me Out To The Ball Game Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Side By Side (a)

*An Old Flame Never Dies (b)

Margot Grahame spot

Daisy Bell (A Bicycle Built For Two) Margot Grahame

The Dew Is Sparkling Lotte Lehmann

The Little God In The Garden Lotte Lehmann

*There’s A Goldmine In The Sky with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

(b) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

CD- JSP 934B – “Bing Crosby – The Vintage Years 1937-1938”

“Informality, ease and entertainment - Bing Crosby at 7 pm. Filmdom’s Margot Grahame and the Metropolitan Opera’s Lotte Lehmann are guests of the cheese salesman and Bazooka Bob Burns”

(“Los Angeles Times” 24th February 1938)

(The name of Margot Grahame may not be familiar to some. A British actress of stage and screen experience who sought Hollywood in the 1930’s, appearing in films until the late Fifties. Possibly, most remembered for playing opposite Victor McLaglen in his Oscar winning role, in John Ford’s “The Informer”)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: A fairly good show. General remarks: Okay."

No. 95 3rd March 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, The Foursome, Mischa Auer and Maureen O’Sullivan.

*Gypsy In My Soul (a)

Mischa Auer spot

*My Sweet Baby with Mischa Auer & Bob Burns

*On The Sentimental Side

Bob Burns spot

Give My Regards To Broadway Bob Burns (Bazooka)

*Till We Meet Again (a) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

*Thanks For The Memory (a)

Maureen O’Sullivan spot

*If You’re Irish, Come Into The Parlour with Maureen O’Sullivan

Whistle While You Work The Foursome (vocal & ocarinas)

Heigh Ho! The Foursome (vocal & ocarinas)

Sweet Georgia Brown The Foursome (vocal & ocarinas)

The Snake Charmer John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*Let’s Waltz For Old Time’s Sake with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Note:

(a) SOOTAM004 - “Bing Crosby - Broadcast Selections”

Nostalgia LPF2014 - “Bing Crosby - 20 Golden Greats - Volume One”

“....following comes Bing and his galaxy of entertainers. Included are Mischa Auer, Russian born film comedian, Maureen O’Sullivan, one of Hollywood’s Irish importations, (very lovely to look at) and The Foursome, a group of boys who play ocarinas. Of course, there is the cast of regulars, including Bob Burns, John Scott Trotter’s music and Paul Taylor’s Chorus together with bell-ringing announcer, Ken Carpenter - enough names and entertainment to last a month”

(“Los Angeles Times” 3rd March 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Good. General remarks: This was the week of the flood. We went on the air with lanterns standing by in the studio and emergency battery equipment in the control room - all of which gave the show a certain stiffness at the start, but this soon loosened up."

No. 96 10th March 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Moriz Rosenthal, David Niven & Miriam Hopkins.

*In The Shade Of The New Apple Tree

Miriam Hopkins spot

*I See Your Face Before Me

Bob Burns spot

*Sympathy (a) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

David Niven spot

*My Heart Is Taking Lessons (b)

Chopin Nocturne in E-flat Moriz Rosenthal (piano)

Minute Waltz variation Moriz Rosenthal (piano)

*Down Where The Trade Winds Blow (c) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

(b) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

JSP1104 - “Bing Crosby In The Thirties - Volume 3”

Chord 7” LP (Untitled and unnumbered)

Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

Limited Edition Club JGB1002 - “Around The Hall”

Interfusion CD D26291 “A Bing Crosby Cavalcade Of Song”

“Guest stars on the Music Hall program over NBC-WSMB at 9 pm will include, Miriam Hopkins and David Niven of the screen and the distinguished pianist, Moriz Rosenthal”

(“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 10th March 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: This show got an orchid."

It will give some indication that Bob Burns enjoyed equal footing with Bing on the Music Hall and should not be regarded as simply, a ‘stooge’, when it is realised that, immediately after the show, he would have had to dash to The Biltmore Hotel to act as Master of Ceremonies for the 10th Academy Awards, due to commence at 8.15 pm. This was the occasion when “Sweet Leilani” received the Oscar for best song. The presentation banquet had been delayed for one week due to major rain and floods which had inundated Los Angeles. Reference is made to these weather conditions by Ken Carpenter in his opening announcements for Programme No. 95.

No. 97 17th March 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Gaspar Cassado, Franciska Gaal and Pat O’Brien.

*Whistle While You Work (a)

Pat O’Brien spot (recites "The Meeting")

*Let’s Waltz For Old Time’s Sake (b) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Bob Burns spot

*That Tumbledown Shack In Athlone

*It’s Wonderful

Franciska Gaal spot

*The Best Things In Life Are Free with Franciska Gaal

Serenade (Albeniz) Gaspar Cassado (cello)

The Dance Of The Green Devils Gaspar Cassado (cello)

*Sweet Leilani

Notes:

(a) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

On The Air OTA101978 (CD) - “Great Moments With Bing Crosby And Friends From The

Radio Shows”

(b) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

“Bing Crosby presents Pat O’Brien, cute Dutch (sic) cinema actress, Francisca Gaal, Cellist Gaspar Cassedo and the redoubtable Bob Burns - This show hasn’t a great deal of opposition!”

(“Los Angeles Times” 17th March 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: This show received an orchid."

(Franciska Gaal was actually, Hungarian. She will probably, be best known to those reading this script, as the girl Bing ‘gets’ in “Paris Honeymoon”. She was a most popular cabaret, stage and screen performer in Central Europe, between the wars. Returning to Budapest in 1940, on a visit to her mother, she found herself trapped there for the rest of the War.)

No. 98 24th March 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Dorothy Mackaill, Mischa Levitzki and George Brent.

*Gypsy In My Soul (a)

George Brent spot

*I’d Love To Live In Loveland (With A Girl Like You) (a) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Bob Burns spot

*In The Shade Of The New Apple Tree

*I Simply Adore You (b)

Dorothy Mackaill spot

Rose In Bloom Dorothy Mackaill

Fantasie Impromptu (Chopin) Mischa Levitzki (piano)

Prelude In A-major (Chopin) Mischa Levitzki (piano)

Dance Of The Doll Mischa Levitzki (piano) with Bob Burns (bazooka)

*The Moon Of Manakoora (a) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

(b) Spokane 1 - “Bing Crosby - On The Air”

Spokane 25 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 4”

Totem LP1008 - “Bing Crosby - On The Air”

Piquant Dorothy Mackaill, whose infrequent appearance on the screen of late is to be deplored, will be the guest artist on the Bing Crosby program, KPO at 7 p.m. today. Miss Mackaill will run the typical hazards of the Hall “buildup” with Bing, Bob and John Scott Trotter as her foils. Mischa Levitski, brilliant concert pianist, appears with Dorothy MacKaill, Bing Crosby and the Music Hall cast on tonight’s program.

(The San Francisco Examiner, 24th March, 1938)

No. 99 31st March 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Marion Claire, Anna May Wong and Warren William.

*Ti-Pi-Tin (a)

Warren William spot

*Blow The Man Down with Warren William

*On The Sentimental Side (b)

Bob Burns spot

*Mexicali Rose (c) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

*Sweet As A Song (d)

Anna May Wong spot

Salome Marion Claire

Celito Lindo Marion Claire

*Where The Blue Of The Night (c)

Notes:

(a) Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

Limited Edition Club JGB1003 - “Around The Hall - Volume Two” (as “Tip-I-Tip-I-Tin”)

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

(b) Spokane 1 - “Bing Crosby - On The Air”

Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

Totem LP1008 - “Bing Crosby - On The Air”

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

On The Air OTA101978 (CD) - “Great Moments With Bing Crosby And Friends From The Radio Shows”

(d) Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

Will Ken Carpenter be in better form when it comes to bell ringing time? That’s the question up before good old K. M. H. Bing Crosby is doubtful, Bob Burns is hopeful and John Scott Trotter is too busy with the band to worry much about it. Guest stars Anna May Wong, Warren William and Marion Claire say they wouldn’t miss this put-to-the-test performance of Ken’s for anything.

(Homer Caulfield, Monrovia Daily News-Post, 31st March, 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: Claire sang her aria flat from start to finish and didn't talk too well. Let's not use her again."

No. 100 7th April 1938

With Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Rudolph Ganz, Gail Patrick and Edmund Lowe.

*My Heart Is Taking Lessons (a)

Edmund Lowe spot

The Bowery Edmund Lowe

*Don’t Be That Way (a)

Bob Burns spot

*I Simply Adore You

*Darling Nellie Gray

Gail Patrick spot

Habanera Rudolph Ganz (piano)

The Maiden's Wish Rudolph Ganz (piano)

Jazz Minuet John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*I Can Dream Can’t I (a) (b) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Note:

(a) Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

(b) JSP Records CD JSP6705 - "Here's Bing Crosby!"

“Bing Crosby’s show over WEAF last Thursday night had Gail Patrick and Edmund Lowe as guesters but they weren’t at the mike together. Part of the appeal of the Crosby show is its informality with the star and Bob Burns apt to uncork some pretty funny stuff, on short notice. Nevertheless, that very informality sometimes dampens the powder which is just what it did for Miss Patrick and Lowe. The session sounded as though neither one of them knew exactly what was expected. Lowe and Crosby exchanged a flock of insults against each others tennis ability and kept referring to the recent Spokane trip but the bit was never quite tied up and the loose ends tangled up the kilocycles. Miss Patrick’s stint was, apparently supposed to reveal her passion for collecting copper and uncovered some wacky gags- again, it didn’t quite jell. In the case of Rudolph Ganz, guest pianist, his ivory-massaging was skillful and to the point. So, the clowning served to set it off a trifle but for the two, star visitors - not so good. There is always a danger that informality will lapse into a suggestion of slovenly programming.”

(“Variety” 13th April 1938)

And short but sweet! - “Note that while Bing Crosby is a bit wordy, at least his material fits him like a glove”

“Los Angeles Times” 8th April 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: Ganz singing was sensational. Orchestra good."

No. 101 14th April 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers and the Kraft Choral Society.

*Ti-Pi-Tin

Ti-Pi-Tin (parody) Bob Burns

Bob Burns spot

*Sweet As A Song

Open The Gates To The Temple Kraft Choral Society

Oh Hosanna Kraft Choral Society

*Down Where The Trade Winds Blow with The Paul Taylor Choristers

“A chorus of eighty Chicago office helpers, truck drivers and factory workers will guest star by remote pick-up, with Ralph Bellamy and Sally Eilers of movie fame, (see program No. 102) during Bing Crosby’s Music Hall broadcast at 9 pm over NBC-WSMB” (“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 14th April 1938)

(On paper, the show looks rather odd with only three songs from Bing and although this would not be without precedent. The explanation being that the programme was reduced to a half-hour running time, to make way for a 45-minute speech from the White House, by President Roosevelt on the subject, “Relief And Other Important Matters”.)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: Kraft's choir stuck right to time. Roosevelt's speech cut us to half an hour."

No. 102 21st April 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Percy Grainger, Sally Eilers and Ralph Bellamy.

*You Couldn’t Be Cuter

Ralph Bellamy spot
Home On The Range (in Russian) Ralph Bellamy

*Love Is Here To Stay

Bob Burns spot

I Love You Truly Ken Carpenter

*Swing Low, Sweet Chariot with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Sally Eilers spot

*Always with Sally Eilers

Percy Grainger spot

Wedding Day At Troldhaugen Percy Grainger (piano)

The Hunter In His Career Percy Grainger (piano)
*One Song with The Paul Taylor Choristers

“Ralph Bellamy and Sally Eilers who were scheduled to appear with Bing Crosby on his Music Hall program of April 14th but who had to postpone their visit because of President Roosevelt’s ‘fireside chat’ will be joined by Percy Grainger, internationally famous pianist and composer during the Music Hall broadcast at 9 pm over NBC-WSMB”

(“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 21st April 1938)

No. 103 28th April 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Georges Barrere, Roland Young and Binnie Barnes.

*Hometown (a)

Hometown (parody) Bob Burns

Roland Young spot

*Don’t Be That Way

Bob Burns spot

*Call Me Up Some Rainy Afternoon (b)

*It’s Wonderful

Binnie Barnes spot

I'm An Old Cowhand (parody) Binnie Barnes

Orpheus Georges Barrere (flute)

Syrinx Georges Barrere (flute)

Pavane Georges Barrere (flute)

*Love Walked In (c) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

Limited Edition Club JGB1002 - “Around The Hall”

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

Interfusion CD D26291 “A Bing Crosby Cavalcade Of Song”

(b) Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

Sepia CD 1224 "Bing Crosby in the Hall"

Bing Crosby Enterprises CD: "Bing Sings The Irving Berlin Songbook"

Bing Crosby and Roland Young, his actor guest, will spring another stunt when Young appears in the Kraft Music Hall broadcast of today at 9 p.m. over the NBC-WFBC network, just as they did when Young last visited the Hall in July, 1937. On that occasion, Bob Burns and Young did an imitation of Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy because Bing wondered how Young talked without moving his lips. Another guest on the Kraft Cheese program will be Georges Barrere, one of the world’s leading flutists, who will be heard in a group of flute solos.

(The Greenville News (South Carolina), 28th April, 1938)

No. 104 5th May 1938

With The Paul Taylor Choristers, Walter Huston, Beulah Bondi and Alec Templeton.

*My Heart Is Taking Lessons

Walter Huston spot

I Haven't Got The Do Re Mi Walter Huston

*Love Is Here To Stay

Bob Burns spot

The Old Gray Mare Bob Burns (bazooka)

*At A Perfume Counter (On The Rue De La Paix)

Beulah Bondi spot

*Row! Row! Row!

Poisson D'Or Alec Templeton

My Heart At That Sweet Voice Alec Templeton

The Lost Chord Alec Templeton

Cotton Picker's Congregation John Scott Trotter Orchestra

*One Song (a) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Lamton 250 - “Sweethearts Of Song - Live 1940’s”

Chord 7” LP (Untitled and unnumbered)

Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5” (Date shewn as 6.5.38)

Sepia CD 1224 "Bing Crosby in the Hall"

“Guests on Bing Crosby’s Kraft Music Hall program over NBC-WSMB at 8 pm will be Walter Huston, noted actor, Alec Templeton, blind pianist and Beulah Bondi, motion picture actress. Bing will try some new hit tunes and Bob Burns will drawl out an interview with Huston”

(“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 5th May 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Okay. General remarks: Huston fluffed a couple, which annoyed us in the studio, but didn't seem to hurt the air audience."

No. 105 12th May 1938

With Ken Carpenter, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Isabel Jewell, Toscha Seidel and Basil Rathbone.

*Sissy

Basil Rathbone spot

Love's Philosophy (poem) Basil Rathbone and The Paul Taylor Choristers

Bob Burns spot

*Carry Me Back To Old Virginny

*On The Sentimental Side

Isabel Jewell spot

*Two Bouquets

Liebesleid Toscha Seidel (violin)

Gavotte Toscha Seidel (violin)

*Love Walked In with The Paul Taylor Choristers

“Bing Crosby and Bob Burns on the Kraft Music Hall program, 8 pm over NBC-WSMB will have as guest, Basil Rathbone and Isabel Jewell, cinema people and Toscha Seidel of the long-haired concert circuit. As usual, the Paul Taylor Chorus and Johnny Scott Trotter’s Orchestra will perform”

(“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 12th May 1938)

No. 106 19th May 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Adrienne Ames, Rose Bampton and Humphrey Bogart.

*You Couldn’t Be Cuter (a)

You Couldn’t Be Cuter (parody) Bob Burns

Humphrey Bogart spot

*At A Perfume Counter (On The Rue De La Paix) (a)

Bob Burns spot

Hot Lips Bob Burns (bazooka)

*I’ve Been Floating Down The Old Green River (a)

*Let Me Whisper “I Love You”

Adrienne Ames spot

Vissi D’Arte - Tosca (Puccini) Rose Bampton

Stars In My Eyes Rose Bampton with The Paul Taylor Choristers

*The Dipsy Doodle - I Dreamt That I Dwelt In Marble Halls (b) with Rose Bampton

The Toy Trumpet John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra

*Lovelight In The Starlight (a) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) SOOTAM004 - “Bing Crosby - Broadcast Selections”

Nostalgia LPF22014 - “Bing Crosby - 20 Golden Greats”

Universal CD B0027588-02 "Among My Souvenirs - More Treasures from the Crosby Archive"

Sepia CD 1373 "Bing Crosby - Kraft Music Hall Time"

(b) Bing sings this as a contrapuntal accompaniment, dueting with Rose Bampton.

The chimes that signal to the close of each NBC broadcast will have the biggest inning in their history on the Music Hall tonight, when a set tinkling forth the three airy grace notes will be presented to each of the stars who has made them famous, Bing Crosby, Bob Burns and Ken Carpenter. Guest artists on this broadcast will be Adrienne Ames and Henry Fonda of the screen and Rose Bampton, Metropolitan opera star.

(The Sacramento Bee, 19th May, 1938) (NOTE: it looks like Mr. Fonda didn't make it)

No. 107 26th May 1938

With Ken Carpenter, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Edward Everett Horton, Miriam Hopkins and Alec Templeton.

*Hometown

Edward Everett Horton spot

Mamie Was A Lady Edward Everett Horton and The Paul Taylor Choristers

*Two Bouquets

*It’s The Dreamer In Me

Miriam Hopkins spot

*Hail, KMH! (a) with Ken Carpenter

*Sailing Down The Chesapeake Bay

Impressions Of The Radio Alec Templeton

Yoygeur L'Arkanas Alec Templeton

Toccata Alec Templeton

Don't Be That Way John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra

*When Mother Nature Sings Her Lullaby

Note:

(a) Limited Edition Club JGB1004 - “Through The Years - Volume 2”

This song, purported, in the dialogue, to have been written by Ken Carpenter, was, in fact written by John Scott Trotter and Carroll Carroll. In later years, when the ASCAP strike prevented the use of “Where The Blue Of The Night” as the theme song, John Scott Trotter made a soaring arrangement of the tune, as a substitute.

Screen stars Miriam Hopkins and Edward Everett Horton, and blind pianist Alec Templeton won’t be hearing any sound effects when they guest-star on the Bing Crosby Music Hall, WCAL at 10, inasmuch as it’s said to be the only 60 minute show which has never used a sound effects man. Seems Bing believes the Burns’ bazooka is sound effect enough for any program.

(Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, 26th May, 1938)

"On Thursday (26th May), Bing Crosby announced over the air that Bob Burns, absent from the Kraft Music Hall, was “away fishing” but Buffalo knew better. He was in a suite at the Statler Hotel with Mrs. Burns, listening to the sacred hour - the Kraft program on NBC Red. Burns said that he had planned to stay several days in New York but was so beset by people that he decided to slip quietly away. He flew here to show his wife Niagara Falls which she had never seen. ‘Sounds kinda corny to say people bother you’, said Burns, ‘if they didn’t you’d know you were slipping but I am supposed to be resting up, so I can take over the Hall when Bing goes away and I’ve got to find a hole I can crawl into’”

(“Variety” 1st June 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Comments on Entertainment: OK. General remarks: "Burns was off this week on a vacation. It is interesting to note – after the plane wreck last week – Hopkins got letters, flowers and telegrams from the airlines, including United, for her remarks on air travel."

No. 108 2nd June 1938

With Ken Carpenter, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Grete Stueckgold, Mary Astor and Joel McCrea.

*Sissy

Joel McCrea spot

*Cuddle Up A Little Closer (a)

*Let Me Whisper “I Love You”

*Don’t Be That Way

Mary Astor spot

Ave Maria (Gounod) Grete Stueckgold & The Paul Taylor Choristers

My Hero Grete Stueckgold

Jazz Minuet John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra

*Little Lady Make-Believe (a) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Note:

(a) Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

TRM20029 - “Radio Memories Of Bing Crosby”

Grete Stueckgold, of the Metropolitan Opera, joins Joel McCrea and Mary Astor, of the movies, on Bing Crosby’s guest roster in the Kraft Musk hall today. The Paul Taylor chorus and Johnny Scott Trotter’s orchestra are other features of the broadcast over the NBC-WFBC network at 9 p.m. It was Miss Stueckgold who broke a precedent for opera stars by singing a duet with Bing Crosby when she appeared on the Kraft Music hall two years ago. Since then she has retuned several times and is a favorite with the hall’s clientele. She was scheduled to appear three weeks ago but the engagement was postponed. Joel McCrea and Mary Astor will be heard in a pair of those informal interviews which Bing made famous for Kraft Cheese.

(The Greenville News (South Carolina), 2nd June, 1938)

No. 109 9th June 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Efrem Zimbalist, Claude Rains and Gladys George.

*Says My Heart (a)

Claude Rains spot

Reading from “Julius Caesar” Claude Rains

*The Girl In The Bonnet Of Blue

Bob Burns spot

There's A Long, Long Trail Bob Burns (bazooka)

*All The World Will Be Jealous Of Me

Hail, KMH! (Parody) Ken Carpenter

*It’s The Dreamer In Me

*I Can’t Escape From You (parody) with Gladys George

Prayer (Handel) Efrem Zimbalist (violin)

Impromptu (Aulin) Efrem Zimbalist (violin)

*Lovelight In The Starlight with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Note:

(a) Limited Edition Club JGB1003 - “Around The Hall - Volume Two”

Bob Burns comes back to the Kraft Music Hall after a two weeks’ vacation today and Bing Crosby will have Claude Rains, Gladys George and Efrem Zimbalist on hand as guest stars to form a welcoming committee for the first citizen of Van Buren… Claude Rains and Gladys George will be heard in Bing Crosby’s very special style of “interview” which may turn into anything from a harmonica solo to a hog-calling contest. Efrem Zimbalist, the distinguished violinist, has played in the Music Hall before and is a great favorite with its listeners.

(The Greenville News, (South Carolina), 9th June, 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Good. Comments on commercial: Elvin Allman got mention in John's wire after the show, the first time our commercials have been mentioned. General remarks: Burns returned this week and was very funny. The third NBC chime rang just exactly at 34:40 and we had to rush the station break cutting it on the air to get it in even here.

No. 110 16th June 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Clemence Gifford, Akim Tamiroff, Wesley Ruggles and Edna May Oliver.

*Stop And Reconsider (a)

Wesley Ruggles spot

Edna May Oliver spot

*Lost And Found (b)

Bob Burns spot

*I Wonder What’s Become Of Sally? (b) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

*Gypsy In My Soul (b)

Akim Tamiroff spot

*Where The Blue Of The Night (in Russian) Akim Tamiroff (plus a few words from Crosby)

O Mio Fernando Clemence Gifford

Serenade Clemence Gifford

*When Mother Nature Sings Her Lullaby

Notes:

(a) Spokane 14 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume Two” CP1 - “Bouncing With Bing”

(b) Spokane 14 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume Two”

“Akim Tamiroff, Wesley Ruggles, Edna May Oliver and Clemence Gifford will join Bing Crosby and Bob Burns on the Music Hall program at 8 pm and will submit to one of those lively interviews from the Master’s of the Hall”

(“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 16th June 1938)

No. 111 23rd June 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Simone Simon, Roscoe Karns and Alec Templeton.

*Says My Heart (a)

Simone Simon spot

*I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart (a)

Bob Burns spot

*(He’d Have To Get Under) Get Out And Get Under (b)

*Two Bouquets

Roscoe Karns spot

*Honeysuckle Rose (c) with Alec Templeton (piano)

Fantasy In C Alec Templeton (piano)

Wagnerian Opera Alec Templeton (piano)

Cotton Picker's Congregation John Scott Trotter & His Orchestra

*Little Lady Make-Believe with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Spokane 14 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume Two”

Interfusion CD D26291 “A Bing Crosby Cavalcade Of Song”

(b) Spokane 14 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume Two”

Limited Edition Club JGB1003 - “Around The Hall - Volume Two” (N.B. The date on both issues is shewn as June 16, 1938. However, other information suggests the date may be June 23 1938. It is improbable that this item was sung in consecutive programmes and the latter has been preferred).

Interfusion CD D26291 “A Bing Crosby Cavalcade Of Song”

Spokane 14 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 2”

“Roscoe Karns guested on the Kraft show last Thursday night and teamed with Bing Crosby in a skit about a frantic poppa-to-be, hogging a drugstore phone booth. It was a characterisation which was right up the screen comic’s alley and he whammed it over. However, the very persuasion the actor put into the bit, merely emphasised the negative taste of the material. Rather inexplicable that such subjects as tooth-extraction, gout and the agony of prospective fatherhood and the like are considered never-failing sources of fun. Laughter at the pain of another is not evidence of a sense of humour, rather it indicates a lack of imagination and imagination is the essence of humour. Or is “Variety” too rough-fined?”

(“Variety” 29th June 1938)

“A frequent visitor of late to the Music Hall program, Alec Templeton, the famous blind pianist, will return for another appearance with Bing Crosby during the broadcast over NBC-WSMB at 8 pm. Film star guests will be Simone Simon and Roscoe Karns”

(“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 23rd June 1938)

No. 112 30th June 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Florence George, Gloria Stuart and Jack Oakie.

*You’re An Education (a)

Jack Oakie spot

*Learn To Croon (few lines) with Jack Oakie

*Down The Old Ox Road (parody) with Jack Oakie

*When You And I Were Young, Maggie with Jack Oakie & Bob Burns

*Lovelight In The Starlight (c) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Bob Burns spot

*The Flat Foot Floogie (b) with Bob Burns (vocal & bazooka)

*Lost And Found

Gloria Stuart spot

*Hello, Hawaii (b)

Florence George spot

Lo! Hear The Gentle Lark Florence George

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes Florence George & The Paul Taylor Choristers

*Silver On The Sage (b) & (d) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Notes:

(a) Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

Limited Edition Club JGB1002 - “Around The Hall” (As “You’re An Education In Yourself”)

(b) Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

RY18 (CD) - “The Radio Years - Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties”

Universal CD B0027588-02 "Among My Souvenirs - More Treasures from the Crosby Archive"

Chord 7” LP (Untitled and unnumbered)

Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

RY18 (CD) - “The Radio Years - Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties”

JSP Records CD JSP6705 - "Here's Bing Crosby!"

(d) Jasmine JASMCD 3557 - “Bing Crosby – Cowboy Country Crosby Style”

“Bing Crosby’s Kraft show was in bright gait, last Thursday, with Jack Oakie the particular target via his weight loss of 50 lbs. Oakie, a not bad mike stealer, on his own, when he has the material did much to bolster the triple cross-talk with Bob Burns and Crosby. The latter, his usual suave host but Bob Burns blew a couple of lines and got himself over the hurdles by ad-libbing on the level. Gloria Stuart’s forthcoming 20th Century Fox film was the basic structure for further gab but the idea petered out fast”

(“Variety” 6th July 1938)

“Probably the closest possible approach to a heckling contest to end all heckling contests will go over NBC-WSBM at 8 pm during the Music Hall program. Heckling personnel will be Bing Crosby, Bob Burns and Jack Oakie, screen comedian and past master of heckling”

(“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 30th June 1938)

No. 113 7th July 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Dalies Frantz, Mary Carlisle and Henry Fonda.

*I’ve Got A Pocketful Of Dreams

*Laugh And Call It Love

Henry Fonda spot

*My Melancholy Baby (d) with Henry Fonda (trumpet) & Bob Burns (bazooka)

*The Girl In The Bonnet Of Blue (a)

Bob Burns spot

*When My Baby Smiles At Me (b) with Bob Burns (bazooka)

*I Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart

Mary Carlisle spot

*My Heart Is Taking Lessons with a few words from Mary Carlisle

Polonaise In A Major Dalies Frantz (piano)

The March From "The Love For Three Oranges" Dalies Frantz (piano)

*When That Midnight Choo-Choo Leaves For Alabam’ (c)

*When Mother Nature Sings Her Lullaby

Notes:

(a) Broadway Intermission BR114 - “Bing Crosby with Glenn Miller”

Nostalgia LPF22015 - “Bing Crosby - 20 Golden Greats - Volume 2” (as “The Girl In The

Sonnet Of Blue”)

Double Play GRF016 (CD) - “Everything I Have Is Yours”

(b) Arrangement also includes “Three Letters”

Nostalgia LPF22015 - “Bing Crosby - 20 Golden Greats - Volume 2” (as “When That Midnight Choo-Choo Leaves For Alabama”)

Double Play GRF016 (CD) - “Everything I Have Is Yours”

Biem/Stemra COL009 (CD) - “Bing Crosby Collection” (as “When The Midnight Train Leaves For Alabama”)

Limited Edition Club JGB1002 - “Around The Hall”

Interfusion CD D26291 “A Bing Crosby Cavalcade Of Song”

Bing Crosby Enterprises CD: "Bing Sings The Irving Berlin Songbook"

(d) Bing’s contribution is restricted to spoken comments although he appears to join the ensemble on slide whistle.

We have two more visits with Bing Crosby and then the crooner will sign off for a thirteen-week rest from the microphones. During King Croon’s absence, as exclusively reported here ages ago, Bob Burns will take charge starting with the edition of July 21. Bing’s new movie, “Sing You Sinners,” will come in for a health plug tonight with the leading lady, Mary Carlisle, (sic) on hand for an interview, and Crosby scheduled to sing two of its tunes—“I’ve Got a Pocketful of Dreams” and “Laugh and Call It Love.” In addition, Henry Fonda, film actor, and Dalies Frantz, pianist, will be heard.

(Ventura County Star-Free Press, 7th July, 1938)

…Henry Fonda publicly played the cornet for the first time on the program, using a chart of his own devising, since he could not read music. Under each word of a song’s lyric, he placed three circles. The circle that was filled in indicated the valve he had to push down to make the sound.

(Carroll Carroll, writing in The Old-Time Radio Book)

Frank Woodruff, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: A weak show on paper when considering the talents of our performers, but both Fonda and Carlisle were touched with genius and made a great show. Comments on commercial: Okay. Longer than usual. General remarks: Timing thrown off by Dalies Frantz forgetting most of last number and ending abruptly. Fonda spot great. Lots of laughs in entire show."

No. 114 14th July 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Helen Jepson and Bob Hope.

*Stop And Reconsider

Bob Hope spot

*Shine (Parody) (b) with Bob Hope

*Daddy, You've Been A Mother to Me (b) with Bob Hope

*Little Lady Make-Believe with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Little Lady Make Believe (Parody) Bob Hope

Bob Burns spot

Dark Eyes Bob Burns (bazooka)

*Don’t Let That Moon Get Away

Shirley Ross spot

*Blue Hawaii with Shirley Ross

*When I Lost You (a)

The "Ballatella" from Pagliacci Helen Jepson

Spring Again Helen Jepson

*Silver On The Sage with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Note:

(a) Bing Crosby Enterprises CD: "Bing Sings The Irving Berlin Songbook"

(b) Jasmine JASCD 358 (CD) – “Bob Hope & Friends – Put It There Pal”. (The arrangement for “Shine” contains a single line from, “Smile, Darn Ya, Smile”.)

This appears to be the earliest known occasion on which Bing and Bob Hope appeared on the air together.

“Helen Jepson, Metropolitan Opera star and Bob Hope, popular radio comedian will help Bing Crosby entertain Music Hall listeners during the broadcast over NBC-WSNB at 8 pm. Miss Jepson, who is adept at repartee, as well as singing, will join Hope in matching Crosby and Bob Burns in an informal conversation”

(“New Orleans Times-Picayune” 14th July 1938)

Frank Woodruff, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Very good show. Comments on Commercial: Ok. Much too long. General remarks: Hope not quite at home in this set up. Jepson not in good voice. Burns spot better than usual. Ross displayed nice personality."

No. 115 21st July 1938

With Ken Carpenter, Bob Burns, The Foursome, The Paul Taylor Choristers, Grete Stueckgold, Fay Bainter and Donald O’Connor.

*I’ve Got A Pocketful Of Dreams

*Naturally (a)

Fay Bainter spot

*Now It Can Be Told (b)

Romeo and Juliet spoof Crosby, Bainter and Burns

*Ride, Tenderfoot, Ride (b) with The Paul Taylor Choristers

Bob Burns spot

Hail, KMH Ken Carpenter

Donald O'Connor spot

*Small Fry (b) with Donald O’Connor

Du bist der lenz Grete Stueckgold

Love's Own Sweet Song (Sari) Grete Stueckgold

The U.S.A. And You The Foursome

*Someone Else May Be There When I’m Gone (c)

*When Mother Nature Sings Her Lullaby

Notes:

(a) Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

RY18 (CD) - “The Radio Years - Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties”

Limited Edition Club JGB1002 - “Around The Hall” (Date shewn as 27.10.38)

(b) Spokane 27 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 6”

Jasmine JASMCD 3557 - “Bing Crosby – Cowboy Country Crosby Style”

Spokane 26 - “Bing In The Thirties - Volume 5”

RY18 (CD) - “The Radio Years - Bing Crosby On Radio In The Thirties”

BCR-01 (CD) - “Bing Crosby - We’re Just Wild About Harry”

Sepia CD 1373 "Bing Crosby - Kraft Music Hall Time"

Four men will replace Bing Crosby when radio’s No. 1 crooner goes on his three-month vacation following his NBC-WBMG show at 9 p.m. when he will introduce The Foursome, a novelty and harmony combination specializing in “sweet potato” or ocarina tricks. Also, on tonight’s airing, Crosby will introduce Fay Bainter of the films and Grete Stueckgold of the Metropolitan opera who is slated to play a harmonica in a duet with Bob Burns’ bazooka. Donald O’Connor, child actor, will join Crosby in presenting songs from their latest film, “Sing You Sinners.”

(Richmond Times-Dispatch, 21st July, 1938)

Robert J. Brewster, J. Walter Thompson Program Director, commented: "Entertainment: Ok. General remarks: Originally cut "Someone Else" for time, but Stueckgold dialogue tightened up to such an extent, it had to be restored on the air."

As usual, during Bing’s 13-week lay-off, Bob Burns took over the MC chores at the Hall. The J. Walter Thompson agency auditioned film star, John Carroll, feeling that the show would suffer without a singer but there is no indication that anything came of this. Guest stars during Bing’s absence included, James Stewart, Olivia de Havilland, Walter Huston, Jose Iturbi, Kirsten Flagstad, Melvyn Douglas, Maureen O’Sullivan, Fay Bainter and Preston Foster. Bing was still to be heard on radio on a twice weekly, nationwide, hook-up from Del Mar where cinematic previews were to be staged from the clubhouse. The first, in August was ‘Sing You Sinners’

Go to 1938-39 season

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