Here we are, our second Interlude About the Dream Factory, this one focused on a minor story we didn't drill down on in our previous episode, Fred Astaire and Kay Thompson's brief collaboration on the show The Lucky Strike Hit Parade. Watch in wonder as we describe the beginning and end of our two subjects dealing in the heady world of cigarette based sheet music selling.

All that, and some extra bonus Cole Porter! Who could say no to a little young Cole?

Texts Referenced:

The Astaires: Fred and Estelle by Kathleen Riley

Kay Thompson: From Funny Face to Eloise by Sam Irvin

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Intro theme performed by Journeyman John Baker (@pos1)

Interlude 2: Fred and Kay

Welcome back to another brief but potent Interlude! This week we examine the career of Bill Spier, Kay Thompson's then current husband. We, of course, talk about his show Suspense, and origin of the ending to Sorry, Wrong Number. We also talk about his start in The March of Time, the nature of 30s news radio, and Spier's early hiring of a very young Orson Welles.

Escapades! There's a lot like it, but this one is ours!

Interlude 3: Bill Spier

In this episode, the Green Hornet must solve the mystery of a missing dead body! There's gas guns, angry telephone slams, and top tier background noises!
Original Airdate: Apr 18, 1943

Recreation Radio

1. Green Hornet -  "The Corpse That Wasn't There"

We have our most ephemeral episode ever! Join Harry and Angela as they once again plunge themselves into the world of obsolete entertainment industries as they do a bit of a deep dive on Tin Pan Alley. What precisely was it? How was it run? Who was exploited? Don't worry folks, we get into it.

Then, in a sharp pivot, we discuss that most musical of comedians, Jackie Gleason. There's jokes, fun and frolic as we get in deep with the Great One. Look, some love Jackie Gleason, some loathe him, sometimes people fall on either side of the issue on the same podcast. We personally can't think of a single example, but surely there must be one out there.

As always, we send this out to you with our humble hope that this will while away your hours as much as it has ours. Actually, more. We're hoping you get far more whiling.

Texts Referenced:

The Golden Ham: A Candid Biography of Jackie Gleason by Jim Bishop

How Sweet It Is: The Jackie Gleason Story by Jim Bacon

The Box: An Oral History of Television 1920-1961 by Jeff Kisseloff

Tin Pan Alley by David A. Jasen

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Write us a letter: adreamescapade@gmail.com

Intro theme performed by Journeyman John Baker (@pos1)

Ephemera 16: Music and Gleason

LEGENDS OF THE FOG
DANNY MYERS-ROGUE RADIO
VINTAGE RADIO STYLE

LEGENDS OF THE FOG P2-VINTAGE RADIO STYLE

Party 97 WASH-FM DC

A podcast examining the films of the Arthur Freed unit through the lens of two people who should know better.

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Bringing back stories from the 40s and beyond with shoddy equipment and un-trained actors.

Voice over talent/artist/actor. I will record most anything for a very reasonable price. Very quick turnaround with professional in home studio I am currently using a cad e100s mic and focusrite:scarlett 2i2 digital audio interface. Lets RECORD!!!

New tracks tagged #ClassicRadio