Starter of this subject: Lou
Last post in this subject: 2/19/2005
Messages in this subject: 1
| Lou | 2/19/2005 1 replies |
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Does anyone know the history of OTR Stars on 78 records. I have Jack Benny, Fibber McGee & Molly and Burns & Allen on the "Top Ten" label. They are in their original albums, 3 or 4 records each and in mint condition. I don't believe they are transcriptions of actual radio programs. They sound like they were produced specifically for sale to fans. Thanks.
Lou
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| Ted Hering | 2/22/2005 0 replies |
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Yes, they seem to be performing just for the records. Note the segue from part one and part two of the "Schizophrenia" routine: the first half ends with a music chord, and the second half begins with the actors picking up and repeating the last line. This wouldn't have happened in a live broadcast.
The album notes claim that this 1947 series is the first comedy material to be recorded in front of a live audience. And it may will have been. I can't think of any earlier examples. Comedy records like "It's in the Book" were still to come. There were several other releases in the "Top 10" series, including "Duffy's Tavern," "Amos & Andy," and "Bergan & McCarthy." I think Eddie Cantor also made an album for Top 10. Any others? We've listed seven. ("Top 10" = Ten in the total series??) Although these sessions seem to be staged just for records, aren't the scripts lifted from their most popular radio routines?
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