The NATIONAL WEEKLY of PROGRAMS and PERSONALITIES Vol. 1, No. 21 New York, March 17th, 1932 5 Cents r ts ' g , I raadio .p `,;,._;RS ^d -..,..º4 iit ... ' - Ro AN UNUSUAL STAR WHO PREFERS TO REMAIN HIDDEN IN THE STUDIOS Unusual among radio and stage figures, Jessica Dragonette thrives on a .,.: F.:.,: minimum of personal publicity, shrinks from public contacts, finds her pleasure in radio work well done. Her unassuming, enigmatic behavior has brought her the title, "The Garbo of Radio." This story tells why. THAT is radio personality? Many persons have pondered the question, many answers have been given, yet perhaps the best answer of them all is contained in one diminu- tive artiste, Jessica Dragonette. 'For. Miss Dragonette has as much of that mysterious, essential quality as any one in the studios, and in watching her work, talking with her (when she will consent to talk), one finds the true reason for her success. Personality, plus. And, as is the case with personalities, many people misunderstand La Drago- nette. She has been called, lately, "The Garbo of Radio," a not unir elligent title, if a sadly belated one. To fully understand this unusual per- , «; 51< son one must really begin half the world o a ... (Turn to Page 13) 42'4, .,é °: r; % i%i- f fhf ,/f-- ,.:,,- ,l f.¢ i %1`" c Radio's Charming Enigma >11" > ' ' R Jessica Dragonette, "The Garbo of Radio," who prefers to remain in a self-imposed retirement rather than appear on the stage l or concert platform Long a radio favorite, e _ this petite soprano is still the shy, quiet girl who thrilled New York in "The Miracle" and other productions. d InT%is Issue News and Reviews Page 3 Radio Serves Lindberglis 4 s;.. ., 1 Page Tony Wons' Scrap Book 1 P'ge 5 r ,., F-> g ó Bruce Barton's Tribute Page 15 a 14- 6yY,{2'24,a< jrdi,1'11, Deems Taylor's Opera Story Page 17 PROGRAMS FOR WEEK OF MARCH 11th TO MARCH 17th T . ) Fs, .o,f7:11177-"--"h ,'<'.. s', , >, ;it 8; `°0 ,` . .1'. , .3 4 a Frank Crumit Julia Sanderson Nat Shilkret ' Although they shone on the stage through many an engagement, for the past few r years Crumit and Sanderson have been almost synonymous with the radio program upon which they now appear twice weekly. On the "Blackstone Plantation"-as if you didn't know!-they grace the WEAF-NBC waves every Tuesday at 8:00 P. M., and the \VJZ-NBC net every Thursday at 9:00 P. M. And Nat Shilkret handles the guitar ensemble heard with them. THE RADIO ROVER By Ed J. Fisher ONE of the secret hopes which we have Sarnoff will map out a new plan of re- carried in our swelling chest since organization with Martin Beck, new czar of R. K. O. listening to radio programs seems about o we to be fulfilled. For many yawnings We wonder what'll become of the Pal- have wondered what interest the listening ace when R. K. O. erects its new theatre public had (if any) in the stereotyped in Rockefeller Center. (That's Radio City housewives' talks, cooking recipes and to you.) We wonder, in fact, if R. K. O. will erect that theatre at all. The present daytime handy hints for the good of other Seventh Avenue building may once again the little wifey at home. be known as Martin Beck's Palace, and Ethel Shutta The Columbia Broadcasting System, we why not? introducing Mrs. George Olsen-Ethel Shutta who was-who lends her beautiful with the out- It is interesting to look back through learn, is about to dispense soprano voice to her band leader husband's broadcasts over the \VABC-CBS network. vaudeville's records before the days when pour of culinary advice from their ether Before she signed up as George's leading lady, Ethel was starred in "Louis XIV," the movies and radio arrived to put the That is, with the exception of "The Follies," "Whoopee" and other musical comedies. The House of Olsen, which channels. skids under the two -a -day. Competition be- includes two small boys, motors to Atlantic City every week-end, where a part of the those already sponsored. Columbia or no competition, the fact remains that time is spent in a bussman's holiday, visit ng station \VPG. lieves that housewives crave entertain- Messrs. Keith and Proctor, and Albee, and ment rather than education; a bit of Williams, made money with vaudeville melodic cheer rather than boresome chat- and stepped out of the pictures with com- Chinese Death Ritual Inventor to Describe ter by self-satisfied matrons. fortable fortunes, and that more lately- For that, we give three lusty huzzahs well, it's just too bad. The millions are Honors Dr. Sun Yat Sen New Aid to the Blind and congratulate CBS for its showman- not being taken from the business these A curious Chinese ritual, the seventh Robert E. Naumburg, inventor of the ship and courage in eliminating obsolete days; the business is crying for millions anniversary celebration commemorating Printing Visagraph, a machine which in order to pioneer in the day- to keep it on its feet. Oh, hum. makes it possible for the blind to read features the death of the founder of the Chinese time field, which certainly needs develop- And so, back from his retirement comes any printed or written matter whatsoever, be broadcast over the ment, artistically as well as commercially. Martin Beck, still owning a third of the Republic, will will describe his remarkable instrument Palace, to clear out a bit of deadwood, WABC-CBS chain at 10:45 P. M., Satur- during a talk over WOR Monday, March 12. The ceremony will be George Jessel, whose contract on the and young saps, from the R. K. O. organ- day, March 14, at 6:45 P. M. And R. K. O. merely leases by the American Friends of China is for use Chase & Sanborn Hour was extended un- ization. the enacted The machine intended the if you know it. til April 3rd, has abolished Eddie Cantor's Palace, didn't Association. of the blind person himself. The appar- Sun Yat Sen, who was born No- idea of having a studio audience. Cantor o Dr. atus is small and reproduces any printed 12, 1866, and who died March 12, foil, needed people in order to give him a reac- We want to extend our congratulations vember page, line drawing or chart on heavy he eulogized in Chinese song tion to his gags, such as they were, but to Norman Brokenshire, one of the pioneer 1925, will the contrasts being registered by selenium arranged especially for radio impulses Jesse! speaks so softly into the mike that announcers who has hit the high and low and talk cell, varyi.dg strength electric presentation. The entire ritual, practiced an embossing punch the studio audience can't hear him. spots, and who now conies back over a over a wire actuating China and in the Chinese set- side of tire sheet O tortuous road of misadventure, to the air throughout or tool from the under tlements around the globe, lasts more than so that the object is reproduced in en- Alfred J. McCosker, director of WOR, waves. Always a great bet; with a voice two hours. The program was arranged larged form raised above the surface. It was recently presented with the key to that ingratiates its owner; a witty master by Judge Paul Myron Linebarger, legal has uses in engineering work and in the the City of Long Branch by its Mayor, of ceremonies, yet, at times, irresponsible. adviser to the National Government of graphic arts, but particularly in opening J. William Jones. The presentation fol- Brokenshire is one of the most lovable China and special envoy to the United up to those of failing sight and to the lowed a civic broadcast put on over WOR characters in radio-and one of the most States. blind all special and current literature. by the city. A quizzical expression spread undependable. Although the ceremony is around death, The sense of touch alone is used and the o zer Mr. McCosker's face as he was hand- \Ve are assured that "Broke" has thor- Chinese custom has decreed it to be a forefinger of the right hand, already ed the key, a somewhat ornate, bronze af- oughly rehabilitated himself, and is about celebration. Music flows cheerfully from trained to read embossed letters in fair. "Mr. Mayor," he queried, "I'm sort to rise to new glories via the Columbia the odd musical instruments of the Orient. braille, is used. as to what this will unlock?" network. Best of luck, and may the road of puzzled The songs sung are songs of happiness o let that worry you," responded be easy! "Don't and well-being; the talk is of good times "I've provided for that. If o His Honor. and the pleasing moments in the life of Radio Guild Stages Branch it won't Nell Vinick, WOR beauty expert, won't there's anything in Long one. to watch her broadcast. the commemorated Road' unlock, I'll send the Police Department permit strangers o Milne's' Dover around to break in for you." The other day she waved out of a sub - A. A. Milne's absurd comedy in three O control room a man who was watching Dr. Hugo Riesenfeld acts, "The Dover Road," will be per- They say that trouble is brewing over her through a window and listening to formed by the Radio Guild over a WJZ- at the National Broadcasting Company.