Indianapolis Times, Volume 41, Number 291, Indianapolis, Marion County, 16 April 1930 — Page 11

(PPs?lj T9S9,

? Arw *n’ Andy—what are they like in person; how do they live; what do they do; how do they prepare their broadcasts? The New Vork Telegram, a Scripps-Howard newspaper, assigned Douglas Gilbert to interview the famous radio team and find out. The result was a series of absorbing articles, the fifth of which follows: Bv DOUGLAS GILBERT, New York Telegram Staff Writer. 40opvright. 1930. by The New York Tel.'g ram Corporation Reproduction In whole or in part forbidden.) TT was the early fall of last .year. The treeless steppes of Nebraska, clotted only by occasional cottonwood clumps, mirrored sere in the glare of the autumn sun, a mud-baked platter to the horizon. Beyond the crags of the Rockies hurled their granite peaks into the air—fingers pointing to God. Hamlets, towns, cities from the Great father of Waters west to the coast, hitherto nestling contentedly in these settings, bustled indignantly. Irate homespuns in the hills kept rendezvous at trading posts. Muttering mobs of town and eity surged about postoffices, muncipal buildings, state and government official Sanctums. Rights were demanded, boycotts threatened. Bloodless revolution blanketed the west with all the fervor of the bread-hungry Paris hordes of 1789. It was the great “Amos p iT Andy Rebellion” of 1929.

A nonchalant order of the fsBC, presumably inconsequential, certainly inoffensive j in intent, had daggered the j heart of the west's social expression. The November notice, in a line, mentioned simply that Amos ’n’ Andy would be broadcast at 7 p. m., E. S. TANARUS., instead of 11 p. m., E. S. T. This made reception in the middle •west 6 p. m.; in the mountain states. 5 p. m.; on the coast, 4 p. m. Havoc Is Wrought The havoc this apparently innocent order had wreaked the NBC was made definitely aware of in j about a week. After the time ! change the deluge—the avalanche, rather. By phone, telegram, mail, protests poured into the NBC offices in New York and Chicago. M. H. Aylesworth. president of the NBC. huddled with directors. Pepsodent officials were closeted in secret session in Chicago, a mass of protests before them, ugly, critical. threatening, plaintive—all because two men. Freeman F. Gosden and Charles J. Correll. had made Amos ’n’ Andy a national saga, a social tradition. This NBC officials had unwittingly upset. Kids don’t, go to bed at 4 and 5 o’clock in the west, fireside gatherings don’t meet at that time; work doesn’t cease at that hour. Many jobs had been jeopardized by unpermitted early-leav e-takings. What did they mean by this affront, these eastern executives? They had better do something about it pronto. This was the tone of a hundred thousand protests. Wives Get Busy Charles M. Armstrong, secretary of state for Colorado, wired: “In behalf of 115 employes of the secretary of state’s offices and several hundred employes of the state of ; Colorado, I ask you to consider the j time of broadcasting Arios ’n’ Andy; I which under the new schedule brings them to the Rocky Mountain regiop at 5 p. m.” "Regusted by change. Recussing by letter,” wired an incensed citizen of New Mexico. Homes were broken and families split. Pathetically, an lowa woman wired a five-word drama: “This sure is a blow.” What to do? The east had its rights, nor could the NBC and Pepsodent ignore them. Contracts, wireage, couldn’t be broken—tangled again on the Atlantic seaboard to unsnarl the situation in the west. It was up to the boys. Make Their Own “Proposition” They rallied to it characterLstieallv and in a way that marks their , attitude to the success that has j been theirs. They agreed to go on j the air twice each night, amplifying, j themselves, their contract's clause— j gratis. For western listeners now they broadcast again from Chicago at 11:30 p. m., E. S. T.. in addition to their 7 p. m., eastern time over WJZ and other Atlantic stations. It was their response to the “fan” mail, which they regard as the one perfect pulse of their army of listeners. It is their one sure contact with the public. 'lt registers accurately and pointedly the interest of the listener to their program—"an interest.” Gosden said, “that must be heeded.” “We are awfully glad to get it,” he continu >d. “Some of the suggestions are keenly pointed and readily adaptable. Last night we had a letter from a man who said the telephone of the Fresh Air Taxicab Company, Incorporated, ought to be nearer the ‘mike.’ Given Good Advice “He said the click of the receiver could not be heard because of the way we staged the business. This was excellent. We try to be faithful to the situation. It was something we had forgotten. It‘s a true piece of business, and it goes in.” “Careful how you develop those points, Gos,” put in Ccrrell. *We might get & flock of letters suggesting a real live locomotive to j make a train whistle perfect.” Often the letters determine the policy of the episodes, at least dictate their trend. The most sorrowful incidents heap up the burdens of the nations’ letter carriers. When the man came and took away Amos’ liT doggie the offices of Pepsodent 1 and of the NBC shed their decorum : and became overnight improvised kennels. Canines from touseled “yaller"

tramps to blooded collies and police dogs were offered as solace to the grieving Amos. It became expedient to restore him as a gesture to the myriad emotional protestants. Amos Gets Threat But no one incident provoked such response as did Amos’ impending investment of his life savings—sl2s—in the Kingfish’s Great Home bank, that unique financial institution that derived its profits from investment of its deposits in horse races. You will recall the episode. Amos had virtually agreed to turn his money over, so: “If Amos puts his $125 in the Kingfish’s Great Home bank. I’ll tune out the program hereafter.” .. . “If Amos puts his money in the Kingfish’s Great Home bank I’ll never buy another tube of Pepsodent.” ... “If you let the scheming Kingfish steal Amos’ money from him this town will boycott your product and the program.” . . . This was the angry tenor of telegrams surging into the Pepsodent offices from points distant as Tallahassee and El Paso, Seattle and San Diego. Three Sort Mall Three sorters mull through the day’s postal grist, at the offices of the Pepsodent company. Each letter is answered. Those of special interest are forwarded direct to the boys. Many are highly critical, not of the act, but of incidents such as those just related; most are laudatory. It is regarded by the boys as the greatest testimonial to their program, the sincere expression of millions who live with them each night. The boys themselves meet this overwhelming evidence of their popularity modestly, with keen appreciation—though, too, with some idea of what it's all about. They resist, for example, that theirs has been an “overnight” success. “Every one says, ‘Gee, boys; It’s marvelous how you're putting over, this overnight acclaim,’ ” Gosden said. “Well, as a matter of fact, you must realize that we've been doing this for four years, something over 1,200 broadcasts of the episodes. “For this length of time,” he continued, “we’ve been developing our idea. We're extremely grateful that we've built up such a public. But it didn’t happen overnight.” Heads Not Turned However “timely” their success has been, it hasn't turned their heads. Their personal reactions to their acclaim you must seek from

At a Price Within Your Reach Majestic Radios . . . Phone ir a demonstration, there is no obligation to buy. Convenient Terms Arranged VONNEGUrS 120-124 E. Washington St.

... at Sander, & Recker Now on Display . . . the New 1930 ffAPIO Fully Guaranteed Expert Service Terms If Desired Sander & Recker Meridian and Maryland Lincoln 2539

%M£ ■: :: • 4.% I|||| || Pl Wf 0 i •■' 5:4% ■,: |4: ' XtM- \ flSgfilSpipi \&Mi flit' ':^frVt)m i --- , W| I WnnKiiftg^*'- 31 ' uiimS'Mßuj

Even big business men have their lighter moments, when there are neither propalitions nor income taxes nor the financial destinies of fresh air taxicabs. Here they are, as Bill Hay would say, Amos ’n’ Andy in person, , That’s Amos at the left.

other sources, second hand, though authoritative. Gosden will tell about “Charlie’s” aid for his father, alone now in Peoria since Mrs. Correll, senior, died in 1928, and about how “Charlie” helped his brother, Bryan, Averyville high school coach, recently stricken with appendicitis. “Charlie did a lot of things for him,” v/as Gosden’s comment. “What you’d expect a man to do in such circumstances,” was his laconic dismissal of a subject neither likes to dwell on. “Charlie’s” comment on Gosden’s aid extended to friends and relatives was equally terse—and as all-embracing. The incident most prized by the boys in their recent tour was the visit to President Hoover at the White House on March 3. A testimonial from the President is the boys’ most prized possession. Pleasant, Kind Man Both describe the President as “one of the pleasantest, kindest men we have ever met. He seemed especially interested in us and appeared to have been familiar with some of our episodes. He gave us a delightful welcome, was kindly and cordial, and our fifteen minutes with him we shall never forget.” That night they were the guests of honor of the Washington newspapermen at the Press Club. President Hoover was also to have been present, “But George Akerson came to us at the dinner with a message from

Unless your Radio can reproduce Every sound, Every tone the ear can detect, it is not giving you what you are entitled to receive. . . . HEAR AMOS ’N’ ANDY VICTOR ■© RADIO

GRIFFITH VICTOR DISTRIBUTING CORP. 31 E. Georgia St. Riley 6593 DISTRIBUTORS Victor Radio—Victor Radio With Electrola—— Victor Records — R. C. A. Radiotrons

- c/fifyedfa RADIO MODELS Now on Display Guaranteed installation and service—terms arranged to suit your Income. CHRISNEY RADIO SALES 513 Mass. Are. RL 443*.

NO FINANCE CHARGE os PHILCO —APEX—BOSCHE RADIOS AXD Ain’t Dat Sumpin C. E. BURKE HARDWARE PLUMBING

TOE INTffANAPOLIS TIMES

the President,” Correll related, describing the incident. “The President was unable to come because of the death of former President Taft, whose body was lying in state at the CapitoL Appreciate Message “We Mr. Akerson's message .'rom the President as mush as anything kindly folk have ever said to us,” continued Correll. “He referred to the Taft chuckle and of the late Chief Justice’s fondness for merriment and fun. ‘lf Justice Taft were here,’ Akerson quoted the President as saying, 'he would want you all to enjoy yourself. So, in. the words of two famous gentlemen.—unlax.’ “That tickled Gos and me about GYPSIES ORDERED ON Police Chief Kinney Issues Edict; Arrest Is Threatened. Several bands of gypsies which have been telling fortunes for several weeks have been ordered to “move on,’ ’Police Chief Jerry E. Kinney advised the safety board today. Any refusing to obey the police order will be charged with violation of the fortune telling law, Kinney said. "They advertise as phrenologists, but that is merely a subterfuge,” Kinney said. Several of the "camps’ ’in downtown buildings are insanitary, Kinney reported.

SHO ’ SHO' AMOS W ANDY ARE EXCLUSIVE VICTOR ARTISTS Call Your Nearest Victor Dealer for a Home Demonstration

Call for Demonstration The New 1930 <AUTO MATI AD 10 Ranging: In price from 8174.00 to $740.00. True Screen-Grid circnlt now on display at the 4172 College Ave. HP. 4560

as much as anything we ever had happen to us.” Perhaps the attitude of the boys in their heyday of popularity is best expressed by their wives. “It. is certainly more evident to us as wives that they have not changed their lives than it could be to any one else,” Mrs. Gosden said. Freeman is just the same today as when I first knew him at the WGN station, kindly and considerate, and I know he always will be. It’s his nature. He couldn’t be anything else.” That goes for Marie Cornell, too. it was made apparent. “Yeah, we both realize we’re just

Amos V Andy Special for Thursday Banana Sundae , , t Good , Delicious Ice Cream made from pure Jersey lr Cream—Fresh Ripe Fruit—Double Whipped Cream —Tasty Nut Meats —Garnished with an “ Wholesome Cherries. Double Check’* Call for One at Your Nearest Rexall Drug Store There Is a Rexall Drug An Buy With Safety at. Store Near You. y ° ur Rp * a| l Druggist, LIGGETT’S DRUG HARRY .T. BORST Penn, and Washington Sts. 3229 E. Tenth St. RALPH CKOS LEY KEXAEL STORE BRADY’S REXALL DRUG STORE 34th and Clifton 3203 College Are. F. J. FREY BROAD RIPPLE PHARMACY 1405 E. Washington St. . Riviera Av. R, Tb"n E Virclni t a U Ave C °' ‘ CHAS.'w” FRIEDMAN**’ 10<0 Virginia Ave. 1002 s M , ridian st . LANGDON’S PHARMACY A. D. BORLEY 3823 E. Washington St. Capitol Ave. at 26th St.

From an Established House—With an Established Reputation—We Offer You the CROSLEY, AMRAD AND R. C. A, Representing the Choice of Radio (TMif (TUBMEN 60^ Pioneer Credit Jewelers 151 NORTH ILLINOIS STREET ' LINCOLN 8121

CHECK and DOUBLE CHECK — That’s Hatfield’s Radio Service! See Complete Displays in Our Radio Salon HATFIELD ELECTRIC CO. Meridian at Maryland Riley 5412

See the Complete New Line of STEWART-WARNER Screen-Grid Radios . ‘The Sef With a Punch” L. L. BANFORD’S STEWART-WARNER SALES CO. SOB N. Capitol Ave. Lincoln 4922

You Won’t Be “Regusted” If Yon Buy Your Radio Hero Majestic Philco Atwater Kent EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE —TERMS Smith-Hassler-Sturm 219 Massachusetts Ave. Lis. 3406

a couple of kids” put in Gosden. “Asa matter of fact, we don’t know what it’s all about. Os course, we can’t tie up to everything. If anything of importance comes up we consult our attorney. But we also have one or two very good friends, successful business men, who advise us from an unbiased standpoint.” The broadcasting time neared. Gosden reached for his hat, tossed over a gray fedora to Correll, who had risen from his chair to join his partner. A farewell to Freeman F. Gosden Jr., aged 2D months, and they were off to the studio. What is their technique in the studio? How do they “get it over”? How 'are their episodes written and where? What is their studio manner? Read Douglas Gilbert’s interview Thursday for some “inside” points on the broadcasting of Amos ’n’ Andy. WHITE SHRINE INSTALLS New Officers to Take Posts in Lodge Ritual Tonight. New officers of Indianapolis shrine 7, White Shrine of Jerusalem, will be installed at ceremonies in Castle hall, 230 East Ohio street, tonight. Mrs. Tressie Kirk, junior past worthy high priestess, will serve as installing officer, assisted by John H. Tudball master of ceremonies. Officers of the shrine ai*e; Mrs. Maudaline Marshall, worthy high priestess; Walter King, watchman of the shepherds; Mrs. Harriett Kiefer, noble prophetess: Mrs. Mabel Teague, worthy scribe: Mrs. Katheryn Hansing. worthy treasurer; Mrs. Mae Marcum Jacobs, worthy chaplain; Mrs. Salome Binkley, worthy shepherdess, and Mrs. Mary Konecke. worthy guide. GIR L BELIEVED SMC ID E Three Notes Left by Missing Teacher in Rome School. Bu United Press ROME, Ind., April 16.—An empty bottle thought to have held chloroform and three notes proposing suicide found on the bank of the Ohio river here lead to the belief that Miss Mary Catherine Suddarth, 22, school teacher here, plunged into the river. The notes were addressed to relatives and a sweetheart, but gave no motive for suiside. The letters said the writer had been contemplating suicide for two years, but with no real reason. Warfield’s Condition Better Bv United Press NEW YORK, April 16.—The condition of David Warfield, veteran actor, was described as “very good” today by attendants at Post-Gradu-ate hospital, where he has been confined since a minor operation.

BRUNSWICK RADIO 4 Screen-Grid Tubes Call us for a demonstration. Terms to Suit. Expert Radio Service CRAIG’S RADIO 3021 N. 111. St. TA. 6300

Amos V Andy Program Stations broadcasting Amos ’n’ Andy at 6 p. m. are WJZ, WBZA, WHAM, WJR. KDKA, WRC, CKGW. WCKY, WRVA. WPTF. WBT, WJAX and WIOD. Stations broadcasting them at 10:30 p. m. are KYW. WMAQ, KWK, WDAF, WREN. WSM, WTMJ, WOAI. WEBC, WEAA. KPRC, WKY, WMC and WSMB.

<Mamik \ 0 RADIO Will Give You AMOS V ANDY as only Majestic can Through the new Colotura Dynamic Speaker you will appreciate the soft mellow “HELLO” of Andy, and the shrill high pitched “HELLORUBY” of Amos. Insist on a c/fiafe&tic and assure yourself of the best in radio—See your nearest Majestic dealer today .

All Joking Aside .. • ’ Choose From the BEST VICTOR, BRUNSWICK, RCA, MAJESTIC, ATWATER KENT PEARSON’S 128 North Pennsylvania

and ANDY on Radio —Panatrope With Radio Exhaustive research has proved thi 4 “screen grid tubes” are necessary to derive the fullest efficiency and satisfaction. RADIO DIVISION THE HOUSE OF CRANE DISTRIBUTORS

Balanced-Unit RADIO See Your Nearest Philco Dealer for a Home Demonstration DISTRIBUTOR Wagner Radio Cos. 615-621 N. Capitol Ave. LI. 4509.

@We Have Been Appointed Indiana Distributors for R. C. A. Radiolas & Radiotrons >' A COMPLETE LINE OF MODELS NOW ON DISPLAY AT OUR SHOWROOMS Kruse Radio, Inc. 33 W. Ohio St. Lincoln 6466

PAGE 11