Starter of this subject: Ron DeFore
Last post in this subject: 4/1/2001
Messages in this subject: 4
| Ron DeFore | 4/1/2001 4 replies |
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Does anyone have any ideas on how I might search for radio programs with either my father, TV and film actor Don DeFore or my mother - - singer, Marion Holmes, who sang with Art Kassel and his Kassels in the Air. She did live radio broadcasts on (I think) WGN from the Walnut Room at the Bismarck Hotel in Chicago. This was in the late 30s - early 40s. She also sang with Henry Busse in the late 30s as well and did some recording.
I have some of her recordings but if anyone knows of any recordings with either my father or mother please let me know. My father not only was in two old time favorite TV shows - "Hazel" (he played Mr. B) and Ozzie & Harriet (he played next-door-neighbor, "Thorny") but he co-starred in nearly 25 feature films in the 40s and 50s with many of the all-time greats. Its possible that he did radio interviews that may have been recorded. Thanks, Ron DeFore |
| Don Stoffel | 4/2/2001 0 replies |
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Sorry, I can't help on recordings, but I do remember your father with affection. I think the first thing I recall seeing him in was "30 Seconds Over Tokyo" with Van Johnson, Phyllis Thaxter and others - - - seems to me he was eventually "killed off" in that one. He had an ingratiating "guy next door" quality that came through beautifully on the screen or tube. I don't specifically recall your mother, but did my share of listening to the Art Kassel orchestra in the 30's, 40's and perhaps into the early 50's (?) After your mother no doubt left the band and went west with your dad, Kassel spent many years at the Aragon and Trianon ballrooms in Chicago, rotating in and out with Dick Jurgens, Eddy Howard, Wayne King and a number of others.
Good luck in your quest. |
| Ken Smith | 4/10/2001 0 replies |
| Ron, here's hoping this will get you started in trying to locate your fathers radio work. In my collection I have an episode of Suspense, entitled "FURNISHED FLOOR" starring Don DeFore as Mr. Jennings. His costar in that episode is Mildred Natwick. The show aired on September 13, 1945. I'll look further in my collection to see if your father is on any other shows. Good Luck. |
| Ken Smith | 4/10/2001 1 replies |
| Back again, I forgot to mention that I checked several of my reference books on radio performers. Unfortunately your father isn't mentioned. This leads me to believe that he probably didn't have extensive radio work, but probably was a guest star on shows like LUX RADIO THEATER, CAVALCADE OF AMERICA, or SUSPENSE. Radio programs of that type used movie actors quite frequently. Again Best of Luck. |
| Robert Flood | 4/11/2001 0 replies |
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Just as a side note: I happened to catch Don Defore on American Movie Classics yesterday/4-10-2001 appearing in the 1949 Cy Howard movie of "My Friend Irma". Your father may not have done extensive radio work; but I videotaped this movie inspired from a radio show of the same name.
PS - I really enjoyed your dad's work and, like many boomers, remember Mr. B as a "real" fatherly type. Thanks |