Indianapolis Times, Volume 41, Number 298, Indianapolis, Marion County, 24 April 1930 — Page 15

aTL 24. 1530.

For eleven days Douglas Gilbert has been telling objectively the narrative obtained from interviews with Amos *n* Andy. In this—his last article of the series—The New York Telegram, Scripps-Howard newspaper, asked him to include himself in the picture and tell just what he thought of the boys as interview “victims." BY DOUGLAS GILBERT, New Y'ork Telegram Staff Writer. (Copyright. 1930. by The New York Telegram Corporation. Reproduction In whole or In part forbidden.) T TRIED the knob. Tne door was locked. Chicago’s sun filtered into the corridor, watery through the ground glass panel. “Room 2411” in the Palmolive building stood out in its glow, ominous, sinister black letters mocking in its indication of the activity that should have been going on behind it—and wasn’t. I listened a moment. The click of a typewriter .... It spelled out more than the phrase of its keys. I had an hour until train time and the boys had said they would give me some final information in the seclusion of the “office” of Amos ’n’ Andy. They were there. And presently Correll let me in. Gosden was standing back of a carved walnut desk—with a skullcap on. Correll went back to his typewriter, set on a little stand the other

side of the desk. The soft feel of the rug under foot was comfortable, sort of homey, restoring somewhat the easy assurance of the gossipy give and take of last night’s conversation in Gosden’s apartment. “Sit down." said Gosden. “I’m Just about to kill a chicken,” dof' hng his black headpiece. “Why the cap?” “Just a habit, I guess, although it keeps my hair slicked down.” Correll, fumbling with a sheet of paper, was uncovered. He fished his out, crumpled it in his hands, and put it back. Gosden threw my overcoat and hat on a chair. I remarked that I was afraid, when I found the door locked, that they had been unable to keep our appointment. That I’d have to go back to New York without whatever it was they were going to give me. Amos ’n’ Andy wasn’t on the directory board of the building. Nor were Gosden, Freeman F., or Correll, Charles J., listed In the telephone book. It wasn’t that I needed more '’quotes.” These boys had pierced beyond a newspaperman's customary—and often pardonable—cynicism toward public characters. There was something agreeably aggressive, a spontaneity of energy thoroughly likable about Gosden. Correll Interesting Correil's “laugh it off” attitude, htg absolute dismissal of things that I had found irked other men whose names are news, interested me in a curiously personal manner. I sort of wanted just to talk to them some more. The all-impelling “copy,” the “material” for it, for this moment seemed secondary. I didn’t realize until coming back on the train—l remember precisely we were just pulling through Gary—how this peculiar “unprofessional” reaction might have given me more “material” for these interviews than if I had approached them in the usual lockstep series of routine questions. “How much of this stuff are you going to use for the stories?” Gosden asked me. * “All of it,” I answered. “Or as much as I can remember. You didn't sew me up on anything that I recall.” Everything Allowed That was another point. The absence of “off the record” stuff. They hadn't told me a thing I couldn’t print. I recalled the talk about the Pepsodent contract last night. They hadn’t shied at its financial aspects. “A wonderful contract,Gosden had said. “It’s given us lots of leeway.” I might have persisted, I suppose, and asked him to explain the significance of his remark. Somehow I didn't want to. They had become less and less “subjects” for stories more and more just friendly chaps. It seemed like prying into something that was none of my—or of your, for that matter—business. Different Attitude Ordinarily I should have made it, or at least tried to, your business. If they had been so-called sophisticated types, “wise;” if they had challenged me in my capacity as a reporter, as lots of prominent persons do. I should have attempted to ferret out much other information from them that might have provoked your interest. But I should have ruined any attempt toward a real characterization of the boys. They’re Easy to Handle They were, as we say in the newspaper business, “easy to handle.” Frank, almost garrulous, they flipped off answers to my endless questions with an expansion whose threads I was continually losing. “Did you get that?” Gosden would ask. “Stop me if I go too fast.” It wasn’t studied politeness. They don’t care a damn about this publicity. They’re as well off without it, perhaps better. I realized this. But they never made me. Again they were “below the line” in the point score of my estimate. I liked particularly Gosden’s attitude toward his wife. Very little “sweetheart” stuff, a great deal of honest intention to please. In less than three years—that’s as long as they’ve been married—that unconscious comradeship observant, usually, in couples only after a decade was quite apparent. Both Wear Well Each exhibited no superficial concern for the other, but a great deal of understanding. They are weartug welL IS was very definitely impressed

on me that If Gosden had said, “I’ve got to go to New York on the next train,” Mrs. Gosden would have packed his things without comment and then hastened into her own wraps to see him off. He asked me a lot of questions—things about New York and Its people, especially persons of prominence who, in my newspaper life, I might have met. Mayor Walker interested him a lot. I was anxious to find out why, aside from the characteristics that make Walker an interesting person to anybody. Well, he liked Walker’s clothes and his general, debonair manner, his adaptability in any situation and his glib wit. Gosden, it struck me at the time, paralled Walker a little. He dresses exceedingly well—with an "air,” not just noisy. I looked at the coat of his suit. It was satin lined. But so was mine, and my suit cost only S4B. Gosden Dresses Well Correll Is the same sort, though a little more of the "traveling man” type. He’s that genial fellow you’ll find In any smoking compartment on the through trains. Let you have a cigaret, but never offer you one, though he’d know if you needed a match and would supply a light. I didn't see Mrs. Correll. They were moving at the time, and Correll explained that “she was seeing to things In the old apartment—wants to be sure that nothing was left.” Mrs Cosden told me that she “babied Charlie;” liked to fuss around a stove cooking things for him all sorts of strange, exotic dishes. He’s fond of food and she’s learned some forty different methods of saucing spaghetti, which is one of “Charlie’s” favoi*ite dishes. In the sunlight of their office I was glad to find no change in their attitude toward me from the previous night. I had interrupted the writing of the episode, but they didn’t mind, because Gosden said, “We’ll chuck you out when you begin to intrude.” Many Autographed Photos He showed me a few things about the office. I was interested in the photographs on the wall. All of them were autographed. Just signed by the originals—no “My best pals” and “Sincerely yours” stuff. One was M. H. Aylesworth, another Emory Thomason of the Chicago Tribune—at least I think it’s the Tribune; I mislaid my notes on that. Also the president of the Lakeshore National bank, another name I took and lost. I should have remembered this man's name. Gosden said he w r as one of his best friends, to whom he looked for disinterested advice on various matters. They also related, with a good deal of Interest, their relationship with the Grand Central Terminal “red caps.” It was then that they

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

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

; V, ' ' " ‘ . a,' w ' v:ojv ■ ■ .w.-. . v.-.vxv.v * v •"- rS-r n ■’ w " .jiiujji n j — —’

Well, well, well! Here arc the boys having their census and picture taken all at the same time. “Arc you employed?” the census man asks Andy (right). “Sho!” breaks in Amos (left). “Sho he is, but he don’t work even if he is.” The census man Is the Illinois director, Joseph E. Veselv.

showed me the elephant and the dog, the gifts of Jimmy Williams, head New York Central porter, that I referred to in a previous interview. Correll reached In the desk and pulled out some fan mall; showed me a letter from a lad in New Rochelle. a boy of about 6. It was laudatory, sentimental, and Correll

Shower Parties Showers are becoming more and more popular as a means o," presenting friends with inexpensive and useful gifts. Originally, the “shower” party was only for the prospective bride; today a prospective mother, or traveler, an invalid, or anew home owner is often the recipient of such showers. Our Washington Bureau has ready a bulletin on Unique Shower Parties that contains suggestions for ten different, simple menus for shower parties and detailed suggestions for a trousseau shower, linen shower, kitchen shower, pantry shower, showers for the engaged couple, showers for the bride, a stork shower, showers for invalids, going-away shower’s, housewarming showers and wedding anniversary showers. Fill out the coupon below and send for it: CLIP COUPON HERE Shower Party Editor, Washington Bureau, Indianapolis Times, 1322 New York Avenue, Washington, D. C.: I want a copy of the bulletin Unique Shower Parties and Inclose herewith 5 cents to cover return postage and handling costs. Name St. and No t City state I am a reader of The Indianapolis Times. (Code No.)

Unless your Radio can re- I C&f/V produce Every sound, kjXmU Every tone the ear can de- acn imgn g[ ni tect it i. not giving you AMUd II ANDY what you are entitled to j receive. . . . ARE EXCLUSIVE HEAR VICTOR ARTISTS AMOS T ANDY on* VICTOR Call Your Nearest Victor fedg-Aj f? J& 0| ft Dealer for a Home Yyy II *4 UI w Demonstration GRIFFITH VICTOR DISTRIBUTING CGRP. 31 E. Georgia St. Riley 6593 DISTRIBUTORS Victor Radio—Victor Radio With Electrola — Victor Records — R. C. A. Radiotrons

- e/j{ajMtk RADIO MODELS Now on Display Guaranteed installation and service—terms arranged to suit your income. CKRISNEY RADIO SALES 213 Mass. Ave. RI. 4488.

NO FINANCE CHARGE ON PHILCO —APEX —BOSCHE RADIOS AND Ain’t Dat Sumpin C. E. BURKE HARDWARE PLUMBING 454 E. 44TH. HE. 2212

THE INDIANAPOLIS TIMES

passed on to another somewhat critical. They relish the letters that brand them “punks” as well as those of praise. I thought at first It might have been a pose, but I guess it wasn't. Their reactions, to this phase of their activity, as, indeed, throughout my two sessions with them, were

Call for Demonstration The New 1930 AUTOMATIC -^^ Ranging: in price from $174.00 to $740.00. True Screen-Grid circuit now on display at the 4172 College Are. HU. 4200

too unstudied, too effortless. All the time I was observing them they were the Gosden and Correll I have written about. I looked at my watch. It was 2:35 p. m., and my train left La Salle street station at 3 o'clock. Gosden helped me Into my coat. I shook hands with the boys. Correll had risen with Gosden and moved a step toward the door. It’s a small office, tucked away on the twenty-fourth floor, “so we won’t be interrupted.” “Don’t Make Us Heels” Correll pulled open the door and I held it ajar'with my foot. “Goodby,” said Gosden. “We don't care what you write. Only don’t make us ‘heels.’” Well, here they have been for a fortnight, Amos ’n’ Andy—in type. Measured by the yardstick of cold, leaden seven-point lonic, don’t blame them if they haven’t read as well as they listen. A newspaper page at its worst is a chilling, impersonal, factual document. At its best it reflects some of the color, if not all, of the characters and events it seeks to portray. Ladies and gentlemen, this series has come to you through the cour-

Amos ’N’ Andy Special for Friday Art-Style Chocolates for Mother’s Day Beautiful All-Silk Packages—Send Mother a Box of This Wholesome Candy 1-Lb. Box, $1.50 —2-Lb. Box, $3.00 —None Better On Sale at the Following Rexall Drug Stores There is a Rexall Drug Ass Buy With Safety at Store Near You. Your Rexall Druggist. LIGGETT’S DRUG STORE HARRY 3. BORST Penn, and Washington Sts. 3329 g Tenth St. RALPH CROSLEY REXALL STORE BRADY’S ~REXALL DRUG STORE 34th and Clifton 5202 College Ave. F. J. FREY BROAD RIPPLE PHARMACY rfre A Statl.n) RIESBECK DRUG CO. CHAS. W. FRIEDMAN 1070 Virginia Ave. 1002 s. Meridian St. LANGDON’S PHARMACY A. D. BORLEY 3822 E. Washington St. Capitol Ave. at 26th 8.

From an Established House—With an Established Reputation—We Offer You the CROSLEY, AMRAD AND R. C. A. * Representing the Choice of Radio fe Q*AY 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 H ATFIELD ELECTRIC CO. Meridian at Maryland Riley 5412

You Won’t Be “Regusted” If You Buy Your Radio Hero Majestic - Philco Atwater Kent EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE—TERMS Smith-Hassler-Sturm 219 Massachusetts Ave. Lin. 3404

tesy of Amos ’n’ Andy—in person. If mitigated by a third party medium. A phrase in a current song is curiously pat, poignantly opposite, if you will, in fading out. Look up its title.' “This is how the story ends.” glalmsuspect ADMITS MURDEF. Laborer Held in Alleged Insurance Fraud Case. Cas;>er Tillman, 35, Freeberg, Mo., laborer, today was charged with first degree murder at Linn, Mo., after he is alleged to have confessed he aided Dv. Andrew J. Bass, Columbia (Mo.) dentist, to dispose of the body of William Robert Fearman, Columbia mechanic, who was slain in an attempted $200,000 insurance fraud. Tillman also confessed, according to dispatches, .that he was employed by Dr. Bass to kill M. J. Dorsey, now of 3741 North Meridian street, Indianapolis, and Hammond, Ind., In a SIOO,OOO insurance plot. Tillman said, “I backed out.” Dorsey, connected with the Northern States Life Insurance Company of Hammond and residing in Indianapolis, is a cousin of Dr. Bass’ wife and had made a SIOO,OOO life insurance policy on his life payable to Dr. Bass as guaranty in a land deal. Dr. Bass previously had confessed, Missouri police say, that he “hired St. Louis gunmen to kill Dorsey” and “the gunmen double-crossed him.” Tillman is alleged to have admitted he accompanied Dr. Bass in an automobile to Gravette, Ark., where they left Pearman’s body after burning his luggage. ‘YOUNGSTER’ ELECTED TEXAS CITY’S MAYOR Chief Executive of Wichita Falls Is Only 27. WICHITA FALLS, Tex., April 24. —Walter Nelson Jr., 27, recently elected mayor of Wichita Falls, is

believed to be the youngest chief executive of any city of 60,000 population in the United States. Mayor Nelson, who received his college and 1 a w degrees from So u t h-* ern Methodist university- and Texas university, is associated with his father in a law office. He is the youngest mayor in Texas and the youngest in the history of

Nelson Wichita Falls. He defeated two veteran political campaigners in the recent election.

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

Amos ’n’Andy Program Stations broadcasting Amos ’ll' 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, WFAA, KPRC, WKY, WMC and WSMB.

T anight Amos ’N’ Andy Can Be Brought You in True, Colorful Tone CALL YOUR NEAREST (Aty/eaUc DEALER—LET HIM DEMONSTRATE THE SUPERIOR QUALITIES OE / c/^qj&Uic Remember, the Colotura Dynamic Speaker— the Majestic matched tubes the humless chassis the ? beautiful cabinet—in short, the best in reception and entertainment, are yours with a \ tMpprfk Capitol Electric Cos. Exclusive Distributor Indianapolis, !nd.

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” ar 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. 615-621N. Capitol Ave. LI. 4309.

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

PAGE 15