The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-01-31
Walter WincheII On BrO0dwuy
TrsS. Hs.s Registered coDynsAA ,s.A Dan, Mirror

NOTES OF A NEWSPAPERMAN
 Story of Song: Once upon a time (March 1943) songwriter John ny Burke dined at the home of Harry Lillis Crosby Gary, old- est son of Crosby, was spouting monosyllabic thumb-noses at the principles of American education. In sum, he hated school Burke waved a worldly finger My boy" he said, you should be glad you're going to school. How would you like to be fish? A fish can't read or write or go to ball games. All he can do is swim around and when he gets tired of swimming one way, he turns around and swims the other. If you like that sort of life, you might grow up to be fish' MT. Burke was impressed with his own philosophy He hastened to his partner. Jimmy Van Heusen, and repeated the disserta- ton on fish . As a result, "Swingin' on Star" was born and cast in Going My Way" starring Bing Soon after the picture premiered the ditty made The Hit Parade and stayed on 1t for 20 straight weeks It became a minor national anthem with kids who asked kin If they'd like to be 8 fish or mule . Clergymen used the theme in sermons, and Joe E. Lewis parodied: Would you like to hang on bar, with dame like Hedy Iamarr?' Very soon a book on the theme will be publish ed. They may make a film based on Its story, too . Anyway, that's what came of a kid saying he didn't like school and why J. Burke and J. Van Heusen pay surtaxes.
 Ambassador to Brazil A. A. Berle's wife is known for her frankness. Recently at a dinner in Washing ton Mrs. Berle cornered a Russian General and asked him a few pointed questions. The dialog went something like this-his answers are in parentheses: What is Russia'i present aim?" CTo defeat the enemy What are you going to do with Germany" Conquer her) .. And with Poland?' Gi- berate her) And what will you do when you arrive at the Rhine?" (Take swimD
 We have just finished Noel Coward's Middle East Dairy" anG the following paragraph in it be. longs here, considering Coward'J recent jam" over his comment ir the book about Brooklyn soldiers. .. "At ten o'clock he observes, T went to call on General Eisenhower. He combats untiringly the little cracks and lampoons and joker spread by the British against the American and vice versa. believe he even sacked an important mem- Der Of his staff for making a minor contribution to this dangerous, Sub- versive racket. One silly little mar with one laborious joke can cause an incredible amount of damage
 Frank Mum called the American Album of Familiar Music cast to gethGr and said: T just wanted to tell you little story. Frank Hum- inert once approached me and of- fered spot on this program !. I asked, For how long do you want me?"
 Maybe 13 weeks he said, may be B years
 T just wanted to tell all of you that tonight is the anniversary ot my 18th year on the American Al. bum of Familiar Music"
 Mum holds no contract. A hand" shake cemented the deal.
 Tf0 colyum'S recent experience (because of an omitted comma in 8 telegraph recalls this one about 8 refugee college prof. dining in 8 restaurant near Columbia Univer- Sity 7. Speaking English with that acquired precision which so often shames the native born, he ordered figs and cream . The waitress brought a dish of figs covered with