Evening star., 1937-07-11

which serves as a build-up for the
activity has been broadened in radio
however, many members of the once
lowly fraternity being permitted to
share in the actual mirth provoking.
The feeder" gained prominence
with the development of broadcasting
through necessity; his position was
made secure because of the production
difficulties of radio as applied to
comics. The old comedian single"
Of vaudeville had no place on the air:
his gag attempts were destined to pail
after very few tries. The only saliva
ton was dialogue, rapid sallies, prompt
retorts. When the psychological
angle was given attention, "stooges"
were on their way to the top, The
unseeing listener would not remain at
tentive to one voice attempting to
tickle his funnybone. but he would
stand Tor sit, more probably for
amusing conversation emanating from
his radio loudspeaker
Some stooges remain anonymous and
fulfill the original function of their
profession, but, far more frequently
today, the foil has become as we'll
known as the comedian, has crashed
through with full share of the gags.
Indeed several of the boys have ad-
vanced to co-star position, with the
result that a new comedy team" has
been formed. Established name" per-
formers of stage and screen have been
enlisted for such service in numerous
cases. Even in the old days stooge
could control the success or failure
OF his principal. Today, they have de-
veloped identity, built up their per-
sonal followings in the audience, have
. strong effect on the destiny Of COM
edy programs.
Tom Howard and George Shelton
veteran stage duo, have been raising
their voices on the networks for al
most four years. with Shelton using
a heckling technique similar to the
style of George Burns and Oracle
Allen. The latter team is assisted
by Orchestra Leader Ray Noble, hose
talent in this line was discovered by
accident, and Ronald Drake. Fred
Astaire and Charles ButterWorth
traded lines on equal footing during
the past season, but "Grampa Sneed,
character stooge. played by Cliff Ar
quette, had a voice in their doings,
A first-rank comedian himself. w
G. Fields has stepped into radio in a
three-vay tie with Edger Bergen and
Charlie Mccarthy. Charlie is the
only tnanimate stooe in radio, but he
rates near the top on personality
Jack Benny surrounds himself with
assistants. quickening the pace Of his
program Mary Livingston, An
nouncer Don Wilson, Singer Kenny
Baker and Maestro Phil Harris have
participated consistently, with Andy
Devine Of the films. enlisted as an ad-
ditional aide. Harry Won Zell did
such a fine job for Phil Baker that he
stepped into the star spot when the
accordion playing funny man left on
vacation. Won Zell and Portland
Hoffa have been helping Fred Allen,
while Ed Wynn slipped in popularity
when he attempted to use support
other than Announcer Graham Nc
Nance.
Straight man Anthony Iabriola
fOswald) almost pushed Ken Murray
into the background when the two
made personal appearance theater
tour, Cliff Hall (Sharlie) iS indispen-
sible to Jack Pearl, Phil Baker has
Harry McNaughton, true English
man, performing as an English valet.
pyoA NJ ho
of Bottle assist in making the people
laugh. A "share-the-gag" policy pre-
walls on this show as it does in the
case of Eddie Cantor. Announcer Tiny
Ruffner has been the recent assistan Mt
TO Al Jolson and Milton Berle uses
four stooges, Eileen Barton, Tommy
Mack. Bert Gordon (Mischa Moody
and Announcer Dan Seymour.
Better spots and increased salaries
have been the reward of the more
popular foils. particularly those who
have resorted to dialect and have
made it take" Jimmy Wellington
and Harry Won Zell lead the select
money" because Of their work in sup
port Of comedians. The stooge has
been assigned 4 place in the sun at
last.
TODAY's programs-Radioland. at
Cleveland's Great Lakes Exposi-
ton. will be the scene of the Sunday
Night Party. WRC at 9, with May
Robson and Jean Muir as guest stars
.. Kitty Carlisle, prima donna of
"White Horse Inn; Ralph de Palma,
veteran auto racer; Swor and Lubin,
blackface comedy team, and Judy and
the Bunch, harmony group, help Harry
Won Zell celebrate his birthday ami
versary, WJSV, $50. Freddie
Lightner makes a second appearance
on Jane Froman's program, WRC at
-. Gladys George does scene from
her stage success, Personal Appear
ance," when she faces a microphone
as guest OF Don Ameche, WRC at
7 Jean Sablon. French singer,
debuts on the Magic Key program with
susanne Fisher, Metropolitan Opera
soprano, as another contributor,
wMAL, l o'clock WJSv has sched-
uled q broadcast from Stratford- on
Avon, birthplace Of William Shake
Epeare, for 1890.
THE exclusive" bug has bitten all
three major networks-f1ghts to
obtain broadcast rights for important
sports events to the exclusion of their
competitors. Contracts have been
signed for features which will not be
aired until next year. The word Eek
elusive is emphasized in news re-
leases and on the air wherever 1t ap-