Indianapolis Times, Volume 41, Number 296, Indianapolis, Marion County, 22 April 1930 — Page 11

APRIL 22, 1930

Amos n' And)' —what are they like in person, how do they live; what do they do; how do they prepare their broadcast? The Telegram assigned Douglas Gilbert to interview the famous radio team and find out. The result Is a series of absorbing articles, the tenth of which follows: a a a ana BV DOUGLAS GILBERT Vet* 1 ork Telegram Staff Writer. (Copt right. 1330. ot The Net* York Tele- gram Corporation. Reproduction In Thole or In part forbidden.! OEHLND the heavy paneled door a dozen men, some hespatted, all dressed ala mode to the avenue, grouped their chairs about a massive mahogany table. “Shall we make it 3 per cent?” asked one. The chairman, jowls ruddy from the morning’s razor, scans the faces of his colleagues. “Check and double-check,” he says, and it is so ordered. The directors of the Behemoth Steel Co.—“incorpolated,” one writes on his pad—have declared the semi-annual divi-

dend. A factory door. One time bold, black letters, soot smeared now, placard its lintel —“Employment Office.” The line juts out from the entrance a block or two, a spoke in the human wheel of enforced idlers. Suits shiny, some ragged, all hopeful, they lockstep forward as a "candidate” emerges. A smile hides Ills disappointment a little. He’s Regusted "Any luck, buddy?” calls one. “Nope, I’s regusted.” He slinks away. . . . The bell rings at the back door. A South Bend housewife shuts off the groan of her vacuum cleaner. It’s Frank, the grocer’s boy. "An' a can of tomatters. You got It?” "Sho, sho,” replies Frank. He slips round front to the parked Ford. The woman goes back to her cleaning. •’Don’ mess wid dat.” she yells. Junior is fussing with the gadget that turns on the current. The übiquitous Amos ’n’ Andyisms. Two men. Freeman F. Gosden and Charles J. Correll, are coining the colloquialisms of the nation. From president to pauper, debutante and dowager, scrubwomen to savants, the nightly “sitchiations,” as radio’s gold dust twins unfold them in their salty dialect, are seasoning the conversation of the country, influencing the talk of dinner table and office. Coin Many Phrases Accompanying tills article is a list of words and phrases currently tripping from the tongues of millions—catchwords of coteries in the fortyright states: conversational open sesames: ’’ice-breakers” for smoking room or church social. “Where do we get them? Gosden repeated the question. “Well, for the most part we make ’em up. But don’t forget they’re good southern Negroisms inherent in their psychol —pardon me—cyrology.” The boys, in their peregrinations into Harlem and the south in search of material, give as much attention to the dialect they hear as they do to the study of characters and scenes. Witticisms and accents heard are promptly appropriated for the act. Mouths Big Words “The southern Negro mouths a ‘big’ word with all the relish of a scholar tossing it off at a lecture,” Correll commented. “His mispronunciations are not alone interesting from the comic standpoint; they are interesting as well as a reflection of his nature. “So when we ‘incorpolate’ these accents and mispronunciations into the skit, we are carrying out our attempt to portray our characters as faithfully as we can.” Scholars, experts, psychologists vouch for the truth of the boys’ gtatements. For example, there is Dr. Frank H. VizetelJy, who thumbs Ills Standard Dictionary in Funk & Wagnalls’ office, a watchdow of the English language, authority on Americanisms. Though he hasn’t succumbed to “incorpolated” yet. the learned doctor admits “check and double check” is a part of his daily speech —a phrase, he says, that may creep into the next complete lexicography of America. As an Amos ’n’ Andy fan he has followed their skit for months. Praises Their Words "Some of the words they use are wonderful.” said Dr. Vizetelly. "It Is in just such ways that words are added to the English language. "Someone invents a word that strikes the listener as being remarkably fitting. The hearer files the expression away in his mind and determines to use it when the next opportunity offers. The word Is then passed on. and it becomes a part of the language. “It is too early yet to tell what influence Amos 'n' Andy will have on the language. But it is certainly possible that out of their vocabulary some of their words will be so exquisite they will remain forever with us. ‘ Amos n Andy.” he continued, “are popular because they bring home to us a style of humor we had forgotten. It is true, also, that we live in a word-ridden age, which has something to do with it.” Moreover. we are also full of wonderment of what the colored man can do. and Amos n' Andy attempt to interpret nim for us.” Explains Nation’s Reactions The psychological hint in Dr. Vizetelly’s comment today was developed from a professional standpoint by Dr. Ira Wile, well-known psychoanalyst, who explained that intense reaction by the nation to their act as due to its "superior” suggestion. “Their act enables listeners to feel

Here are a few of the contributions Amos ’n’ Andy have made to the great American vulgate: I’se regusted. Check and double check. Ain’t dat sumpin? Don’ mess wid dat. Sho. sho. Is I blue? Awah. awah, awah. Propolition. Incorpolated. Recussing. Unlax. I ain’t gonna do it. Sitehiation. Restin’ my brain. Das bad, ain’t it? Resider.

superior,” he said. “After having touched upon troubles and situations common to many listeners it reduces these situations to comedy, thus elevating the listeners to the superiority for which they yearn. “They take interests common to a large group, reduce them to comedy form, and by plays on words and the use of catch phrases and their repetitions of these phrases make them and themselves popular.” “The psychology of Amos *n’ Andy is exactly the same as the psychology of a successful comic strip or an ‘Abie’s Irish Rose’,” he resumed. “It is common with the attitude, the judgment and the sentiment of the great mass.” Taken Individually However, mass psychology, according to Dr. Wile, does not enter into, is not a factor in, their success. “It is not as though their comedy was presented to a crowd of persons,” Dr. Wile explained. “It is taken individually, in the home. Os course, much of their reputation is spread by word of mouth. But the basic psychologic appeal of their act is fundamentally the manner of its presentation.” Here is a scholar’s confession, admiration and explanation: Professor Thomas O. Mabbott of the English department of Hunter college, admitted “that at first I kept my admiration for Amos ’n’ Andy more or less secret.” Wouldn’t Tell Friends Even his best friends he w'ouldn’t tell. “Asa college professor,” he continued. “I thought there might be some criticism of my interest. “However I have found that the matter of their success is of such fundamental importance, and that it is rqally an important art. that I am quite willing to comment on the subject. “I am beginning to understand the reason for the interest of prominent persons in the broadcasting of Arnos ’n’ Andy. These include an important magistrate of a very great city, whom I shall not name. “I have questioned my students about it, and I have found only one in ten who dismisses their act as bash. The rest are delighted with the program. I am pleased to say

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

. . . at Sander & Recker Now on Display . . . the New 1930 XUTOMATIC^ 1 * £<£^jiadio Fully Guaranteed Expert Service Terms If Desired Sander & Recker Meridian and Maryland Lincoln 2539

—— . . .

Dr. Frank H. Vizetelly, watchdog of the English language, is a rabid Amos ’n’ Andy fan. Here he is—listening to his favorites. Although a lexicographer, forever championing purity of speech, he finds nothing in Amos ’n’ Andy to call forth his displeasure.

myself that I find the act steadily improving. Present Real Life “They continue to present life as it really is. One of their most important assets is that there is not a continual daily climax. It is a mistaken belief that a radio series needs a daily climax. Life isn’t like that. In our ordinary run of events we don’t have a climax every half hour. Amos ’n’ Andy have hit on something so fundamental that they are well worth a scientific, analytical study. “I believe that the two boys have hit on a radio art form. It borrows

Boys and Girls — And all lovers of pets will be interested in obtaining a packet of five bulletins which our Washington Bureau now has ready. It tells all about, care, feeding, breeding and raising pet animals. The titles of the five bulletins are 1. Care of Dogs I 4. Raising Rabbits 2. Raising Guinea, Pigs i 5 Pet Cats 3. Homing pigons If you want this packet of bulletins fill out the coupon below and mail as directed:

PET ANIMAL EDITOR, Washington Bureau, Indianapolis Times. 1322 New York avenue, Washington, D. C. want the PET ANIMAL PACKET of five bulletins, and inclose herewith 15 cents in coin, or United States postage stamps, to cover return postage and handling costs NAME STREET AND NUMBER CITY STATE I am a reader of The Indianapolis Times. (Code No.)

Unless your Radio can re- QT-TCi 9 CL//")* produce Every sound, tJAIvS kJIjl L/ Every tone the ear can de- 9IS) iiiku tect .1 .5 not giving you AlflUd R ANUT what you are entitled to receive. ... ARE EXCLUSIVE HEAR VICTOR ARTISTS AMOS ’N’ ANDY ona VICTOR Call Your Nearest Victor It H H S 0 Dealer for a Home il H ll I U Demonstration GRIFFITH VICTOR DISTRIBUTING CORP. 31 E. Georgia St. Riley 6593 DISTRIBUTORS Victor Radio—Victor Radio With Electrola— Victor Records — R. C. A. Radiotrons

o/j^p££&tl£ RADIO MODELS Now on Display Guaranteed Installation and service—terms arranged to suit vour Income. CHRISNEY RADIO SALES 513 Mass. Are. RI. 448*.

NO FINANCE CHARGE ON PHILCO—APEX—BOSCHE RADIOS AND Ain’t Dat Sumpin C. E. BURKE HARDWARE PLUMBING SO E. 49TH. HD. 1S

something from sentimental comedy on the stage, something from the old blackface teams in vaudeville and a great deal from the modern comic strip. “But it is none of those things completely, and wisecracks and situations—in the technical sensemust be used, if at all, only sparingly. “They ‘hold the mirror up to nature’ with the fidelity of a novelist, although light in touch and tone. And they ‘live’ supremely. In what other art form can one use real conversation? The Russians occasionally do It, of course, in tragic novels. The boys’

CLIP COUPON HERE

Call for Demonstration The New 1930 -RADIO Banging In price from $114.00 to $140.00. True Screen-Grid drenit now on display at the 4112 College Awe. HD. 4200

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

appeal, though not universal, is certainly fundamental.” Fundamental? Stroll past any radio shop from the Battery to Harlem, or any other comparable district in any other of the nation’s towns and cities when the boys are doing their act. Crowds Hear Them Crowds, the gamut of the social expression, stand for the fifteen minutes as though at some national sendee. Uninteresting in the “ology” explanation of the scholars, they hang, drawn to the dialog, bandying it among them, a “world series” exemplification of interest that they can not define, and wouldn’t if they could. Even the boys themselves lack a complete answer. Nor do they seek any. Content, they continue the episodes with an assurance that has its foundation in the inherent sureness of their characterizations; reproductions that "go over” with no need of analysis. “Let’s talk about golf,” said Correll, “or how about a rubber of bridge?” Shop talk was banned for more intimate discussions. What are their intimacies?

Amos ’N’ Andy Special for Tomorrow! Kantleek Water Bottle or Syringe Offered in regular or rn ALL REXAIX pastel shades. Two- $ / year guarantee diA= lervicv There Is a Rexall Drag ffQ Buy With Safety at Store Near You. Tour Rexall Druggist. LIGGETT’S DBJ’G _ STORE HARRY .T. HORST Penn, and Washington Sts. 3339 g. Tenth St. RALPH CKOSLEY REXALL STORE BRADY’S REXALL DRUG STORE 34th and Clifton 5202 College Ave. F J FRET BROAD RIPPLE PHARMACY 1402 E.- Washington St. <AcrosTf" pfre* Station) RIESBECK DRUG CO. CHAS. W. FRIEDMAN 1010 Virginia Ave. 1003 j. Meridian St. LANGDON’S PHARMACY A. D. BORLEY 3822 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 Radic feQtjjY 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

You Won’t Be “Regusted” If Ton Bny Your Radio Here Majestic Philco Atwater Kent EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE—TERMS Smith-Hassler-Sturm 21$ Massachusetts Ave. Lln. 5404

Their "private” activities? Profiles, an intimate sketch of the inimitable radio pair, will be given in the next interview by Douglas Gilbert. TELLS WAR TALE OF RUSSIAN AMAZONS History of Women Fighters Hailed for Stark Realism. Bv United Press MOSCOW. April 22.—The first inside account of the women's Death Battalion which fought with the Russian forces aganist the Germans just has been published here. In a startlingly frank narrative Tatiana Dubinskaya, who joined the battalion when she was only 16 years old, has recounted her personal experiences. “In the Trenches,” as her novel is called here, is being compared to Remarque's ‘‘AH Quiet on the Western Front,” for its stark realism. The novel, it is reported, already has been acquired by an American publisher for early publication in English. Unless it is revised in translation,’it probably will have some difficulty passing the censorship guards.

BRUNSWICK RADIO 4 Screen-Grid Tubes Cali us for a demonstration. Terms to Suit. Expert Radio Service CRAIG’S RADIO jO2l N. HI St. TA. 6300

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

Are You An AMOS or an ANDY 9 • Do you, like Andy, spend money foolishly and buy everything that comes along without giving it consideration, OR are you, like Amos, trying to get the most out of every dollar spent, thereby having a few dollars in the bank? c/HamUic \ 0 RADIO offers you more for your dollar. You can not buy a better radio than Majestic at any price. See Your Nearest Majestic Dealer Today Arrange for a Home Demonstration.

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

-Hear AMOS and ANDY on Radio —Panatrope With Radio Exhaustive research has proved that 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