1 00:00:01,439 --> 00:00:05,280 Speaker 1: Story of amuson Andy, written by Joe Connolly and Bob Moser, 2 00:00:05,519 --> 00:00:10,080 with Ed Murrow, Bill hay Bing Crosby, Jack, Benny Lowell, Thomas, 3 00:00:10,240 --> 00:00:14,720 Jeff Alexander's music You're Julie Harlow Wilcox and starring in 4 00:00:14,759 --> 00:00:19,600 their own life story, Freeman Gosden and Charles Carrell amoson Andy. 5 00:00:29,719 --> 00:00:33,240 The ten thousand independent rex Al Druggists salute Amos and 6 00:00:33,240 --> 00:00:36,920 Andy as they started their second quarter of a century 7 00:00:36,920 --> 00:00:40,759 on the air tonight by bringing you their life story 8 00:00:41,240 --> 00:00:47,200 tomorrow with the start of a special amoson Andy sale. Yes, tomorrow, dozens, 9 00:00:47,280 --> 00:00:50,200 literally dozens of rex All products will be sold at 10 00:00:50,240 --> 00:00:54,439 exactly half price. Later in the program, we will list many. 11 00:00:54,240 --> 00:00:56,679 Speaker 2: Of these half price items. 12 00:00:55,960 --> 00:00:59,280 Speaker 1: So friends, make up your minds right now to stock up, 13 00:00:59,479 --> 00:01:02,840 because every time you buy, you save at the Amos 14 00:01:02,920 --> 00:01:06,480 and Andy sale. It starts tomorrow and goes on for 15 00:01:06,599 --> 00:01:10,879 two weeks at Rexall drug stores everywhere. 16 00:01:21,480 --> 00:01:22,239 Speaker 2: And here to. 17 00:01:22,280 --> 00:01:26,159 Speaker 1: Introduce the life story of Freeman Gosden, Charles Carrell, Amos 18 00:01:26,239 --> 00:01:30,159 and Andy is one of America's most distinguished commentators. 19 00:01:30,560 --> 00:01:41,239 Speaker 2: Good Evening, Ladies and gentlemen. Missus Edmrrale Tonight weave. 20 00:01:41,280 --> 00:01:45,040 Speaker 1: The Columbia Broadcasting System paid tribute to Amos and Andy. 21 00:01:46,159 --> 00:01:48,760 For twenty five years, Amos and Andy have been a 22 00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:52,680 familiar part of the American scene. But who are Amos 23 00:01:52,719 --> 00:01:56,120 and Andy? Where did they come from? Tonight, for the 24 00:01:56,159 --> 00:02:00,680 first time, the creators of these beloved characters step out 25 00:02:00,719 --> 00:02:04,799 from behind the masks of their famous portrayals to dramatize 26 00:02:04,799 --> 00:02:09,759 their own story, the story of Freeman Gosden and Charles Corral. 27 00:02:11,080 --> 00:02:13,280 I know of no one but had qualified to help 28 00:02:13,360 --> 00:02:16,879 tell you this story. Then the voice so long associated 29 00:02:16,960 --> 00:02:20,599 with the history of amoson handy good evening, This is 30 00:02:20,719 --> 00:02:36,479 Bill Hay. Where did Freeman Gosden and Charles Carrell first meet? 31 00:02:37,120 --> 00:02:42,120 One rainy night in Durham, North Carolina? Right after World 32 00:02:42,199 --> 00:02:46,520 War One? Young Peoria born Charlie Correll had been sent 33 00:02:46,560 --> 00:02:49,080 down from chicag Which to Stanged your local amateur show. 34 00:02:49,840 --> 00:02:51,960 The cast was rehearsing on the second floor of the 35 00:02:51,960 --> 00:02:55,680 Elks Lodge, and Charlie, at the piano, was having his 36 00:02:55,800 --> 00:02:56,800 trouble with the chorus. 37 00:02:58,000 --> 00:03:03,599 Speaker 2: All right, kids, here we go again. What two free? 38 00:03:04,240 --> 00:03:06,319 What two free? Hold it? 39 00:03:06,520 --> 00:03:10,000 Speaker 1: Hold it, hold it you there, Dottie on the end 40 00:03:10,800 --> 00:03:12,800 you're cuter than a barrel of monkeys. But would you 41 00:03:12,840 --> 00:03:15,120 do your uncle Charlie a favor and try to remember. 42 00:03:14,800 --> 00:03:18,840 Speaker 2: Your left foot from your right. That's right, that's the one. 43 00:03:19,520 --> 00:03:21,360 Excuse me you want to see me? 44 00:03:22,120 --> 00:03:24,280 Speaker 1: Sorry to interrupt you, but you are Correl, aren't you? 45 00:03:24,439 --> 00:03:26,840 Speaker 2: That's right, Charlie Correll. Can I do something for you? 46 00:03:26,960 --> 00:03:29,919 Speaker 1: I'm Freeman Gosden. I just started with the company producing 47 00:03:30,000 --> 00:03:32,080 shows and they sent me down to pick up some. 48 00:03:32,039 --> 00:03:32,800 Speaker 2: Scripts and music. 49 00:03:32,919 --> 00:03:37,240 Speaker 1: Oh yeah, so you're Gosden. Be right with your kids, 50 00:03:37,639 --> 00:03:38,400 are you, Freeman? 51 00:03:38,759 --> 00:03:40,520 Speaker 2: But I got all the stuff back at the hotel. 52 00:03:41,240 --> 00:03:44,560 Speaker 1: Say you're putting the same show on over in Elizabeth City, 53 00:03:44,560 --> 00:03:45,479 North Carolina, aren't you. 54 00:03:45,639 --> 00:03:47,639 Speaker 2: Yeah, that's right. We start rehearsals Monday. 55 00:03:47,800 --> 00:03:50,560 Speaker 1: Well, then listen, how abut getting up in front of 56 00:03:50,599 --> 00:03:52,960 these kids and showing them this step. I've got my 57 00:03:53,039 --> 00:03:54,120 hands full with the piano. 58 00:03:54,240 --> 00:03:55,360 Speaker 2: Be glad to Charlie. 59 00:03:55,599 --> 00:03:59,719 Speaker 1: Listen, folks, this is my new partner, Freeman Gosden holds 60 00:04:00,599 --> 00:04:03,360 now he knows this number and he's going through it. 61 00:04:03,400 --> 00:04:06,919 Speaker 2: Will you? So watch him? Girls? All right, girls, here 62 00:04:06,960 --> 00:04:07,479 we go. 63 00:04:09,840 --> 00:04:15,879 Speaker 1: One two three, one two three, turn two three. 64 00:04:16,000 --> 00:04:17,319 Speaker 2: Now you have it. 65 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:31,199 Speaker 3: One and thus at. 66 00:04:31,120 --> 00:04:33,160 Speaker 2: The beginning of a partnership was formed. 67 00:04:33,879 --> 00:04:36,199 Speaker 1: For the next few years, they traveled all over the 68 00:04:36,240 --> 00:04:40,079 South producing amateur shows, learning working together. 69 00:04:41,240 --> 00:04:44,399 Speaker 2: Those were lean years, the hard years. 70 00:04:45,199 --> 00:04:49,600 Speaker 1: The boys did everything, produced, directed, wrote, and even performed 71 00:04:49,600 --> 00:04:52,480 in some of the shows. Then one night in New 72 00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:56,800 Orleans they were talked into appearing on a strange view 73 00:04:56,920 --> 00:05:00,680 device radio. Say this is something, isn't it. 74 00:05:00,720 --> 00:05:01,040 Speaker 2: Guys? 75 00:05:01,560 --> 00:05:04,000 Speaker 1: The fellow says, we sing into this big megaphone here. 76 00:05:04,519 --> 00:05:06,079 Speaker 2: You think anybody actually hear us? 77 00:05:06,160 --> 00:05:08,079 Speaker 1: Well, one of the fellows here was telling me this 78 00:05:08,160 --> 00:05:10,639 morning they got a phone call from a woman who 79 00:05:10,720 --> 00:05:11,639 lives a mile. 80 00:05:11,439 --> 00:05:16,639 Speaker 2: Away from the station. No fool on that fellow with 81 00:05:16,680 --> 00:05:20,160 the earphones is waving on us again. Stann By, you're 82 00:05:20,279 --> 00:05:27,720 on the air, okay, Charlie hit it largs largest everyone knows. 83 00:05:28,040 --> 00:05:28,800 They say, you're. 84 00:05:28,720 --> 00:05:34,240 Speaker 1: Gorgeous, gorgeous from your head to your toes, and you. 85 00:05:34,319 --> 00:05:36,759 Speaker 2: Well, wow, wow, wow. 86 00:05:36,839 --> 00:05:39,920 Speaker 1: You are pretty damned but look at you what look 87 00:05:39,959 --> 00:05:41,199 You're simply gorgeous. 88 00:05:50,519 --> 00:05:53,480 Speaker 2: Yes, that was their first appearance on radio. 89 00:05:53,800 --> 00:05:55,959 Speaker 1: But outside of a call from the woman who lived 90 00:05:55,959 --> 00:05:59,040 a mile away from the station, nothing came of it. 91 00:05:59,680 --> 00:06:03,240 Two years later found them working in Chicago, still waiting 92 00:06:03,319 --> 00:06:11,040 for that abusive big break. Hello, Charlie, this is guy. Well, 93 00:06:11,040 --> 00:06:13,439 where are you. I've been waiting for you. I got 94 00:06:13,519 --> 00:06:16,480 us a date. Two girls from Evanstone. One of their 95 00:06:16,519 --> 00:06:17,680 fathers owns a restaurant. 96 00:06:18,560 --> 00:06:23,399 Speaker 2: Well, I just left. 97 00:06:23,240 --> 00:06:26,920 Speaker 1: Five O'Neil's office. Now he runs radio station w EPH 98 00:06:27,279 --> 00:06:30,079 up at the Edgewater Beach Hotel. Now he wants us 99 00:06:30,120 --> 00:06:32,160 to go on the radio as a singing team. 100 00:06:32,519 --> 00:06:33,920 Speaker 2: And I told him we'd do it. 101 00:06:34,040 --> 00:06:36,959 Speaker 1: Well, wait a minute, Wait a minute, kid, how much 102 00:06:37,000 --> 00:06:37,839 are we gonna have to pay? 103 00:06:40,120 --> 00:06:41,759 Speaker 2: Not a cent, Charlie, And get this. 104 00:06:42,279 --> 00:06:45,920 Speaker 1: At midnight, after the station closes down, the hotel gives 105 00:06:46,000 --> 00:06:55,319 us a blue plate supper free. Yes, the boys went 106 00:06:55,399 --> 00:06:57,600 on the air nightly for WEBA. 107 00:06:58,319 --> 00:06:59,959 Speaker 2: They sang songs. 108 00:07:00,759 --> 00:07:06,480 Speaker 1: When the red red Robin comes, buff Robin along along. 109 00:07:07,240 --> 00:07:09,959 They told joke, say gouds, I'm going home tonight. 110 00:07:09,959 --> 00:07:11,639 Speaker 2: I can give him a father a bath. Give your 111 00:07:11,680 --> 00:07:14,560 father a bath. Of course, I've been sponging off the 112 00:07:14,600 --> 00:07:15,240 old man. 113 00:07:15,120 --> 00:07:24,360 Speaker 1: For years, wrote and now directed. 114 00:07:25,480 --> 00:07:27,519 Speaker 2: Finally, six months and one hundred. 115 00:07:27,240 --> 00:07:30,360 Speaker 1: And thirty five blue plate suppers later, they got that 116 00:07:30,600 --> 00:07:34,319 big break. Ben mccenna, the head of the powerful Tribune 117 00:07:34,360 --> 00:07:38,240 station WGM sent for them. Let me get this straight, 118 00:07:38,319 --> 00:07:40,600 mister McKenna, you want us to go on the air 119 00:07:40,720 --> 00:07:45,240 every night and dramatize a comic strip. That's right, boys, 120 00:07:45,519 --> 00:07:48,600 one of the comics from the Tribune, The Gumps, Chester 121 00:07:48,720 --> 00:07:49,360 and the Family. 122 00:07:49,720 --> 00:07:51,040 Speaker 2: I wasn't have an idea. 123 00:07:51,160 --> 00:07:55,600 Speaker 1: Well, well, yes, mister McKenna, but we're a singing team. 124 00:07:56,120 --> 00:07:58,120 Speaker 2: I don't think we could handle it. Well, I think 125 00:07:58,120 --> 00:08:00,000 it'll be a great series for you. 126 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:02,439 Speaker 1: Well, I tell you if if that's the kind of 127 00:08:02,480 --> 00:08:06,120 a thing you're after, I got sort of an idea, Bill, 128 00:08:06,240 --> 00:08:08,439 what is it? Well, you see, I was born and 129 00:08:08,519 --> 00:08:12,319 raised in Richmond, Virginia, and Charlie's traveled all over the South. 130 00:08:12,920 --> 00:08:14,800 What would you think of us doing a couple of 131 00:08:15,040 --> 00:08:18,040 color characters. Yeah, now there's something we can handle. 132 00:08:18,839 --> 00:08:22,399 Speaker 2: I don't know about that. I never thought of, mister mccannada. 133 00:08:22,360 --> 00:08:24,360 Speaker 1: There's never been anything like it on the air. 134 00:08:24,759 --> 00:08:27,000 Speaker 2: I tell you what, why don't you boys? 135 00:08:27,040 --> 00:08:28,680 Speaker 1: See if you can come up with a script and 136 00:08:28,720 --> 00:08:31,639 some characters spend a week or so on it, then 137 00:08:31,680 --> 00:08:32,600 we can take it from there. 138 00:08:32,759 --> 00:08:35,679 Speaker 2: A week mister mccanna, we don't have a script for you. 139 00:08:35,759 --> 00:08:37,840 Speaker 1: The first thing in the morning, won't we, Charlie, you 140 00:08:37,919 --> 00:08:54,080 can bet your bottom dollar on it. What time is 141 00:08:54,080 --> 00:08:59,360 a kid, Well, it's daybreak, whatever time that is, and 142 00:08:59,399 --> 00:09:01,080 we had a I think we'd have a script in 143 00:09:01,080 --> 00:09:05,200 the morning, Charlie. I've been thinking over these comic strips. Now, 144 00:09:05,519 --> 00:09:07,799 I take Mutton Jeff, Now that's popular. 145 00:09:08,000 --> 00:09:08,480 Speaker 2: Yeah. 146 00:09:08,559 --> 00:09:10,679 Speaker 1: One fella is a great big man and the other 147 00:09:10,720 --> 00:09:13,600 one's a little bit of fella. And that's what we've 148 00:09:13,639 --> 00:09:15,879 got to get. Yeah, but the people aren't going to 149 00:09:15,919 --> 00:09:18,399 see us on the radio. Well, we've got to do 150 00:09:18,440 --> 00:09:19,320 it with our voices. 151 00:09:20,240 --> 00:09:22,120 Speaker 2: Maybe if one of us had a high. 152 00:09:21,919 --> 00:09:24,600 Speaker 1: Voice and the other one a low voice, that would 153 00:09:24,639 --> 00:09:25,519 give him a picture. 154 00:09:26,440 --> 00:09:30,240 Speaker 2: Yeah. Hey, guys, you're writers, two rabbits. 155 00:09:30,200 --> 00:09:33,240 Speaker 1: You know. Charlie, I think we are getting somewhere. You 156 00:09:33,279 --> 00:09:36,639 can get your voice down pretty low, can't you. Well, yes, 157 00:09:36,799 --> 00:09:41,200 I can get down pretty low. Keep going, get on lower. 158 00:09:42,480 --> 00:09:44,559 Speaker 2: Like down here, not bad now. 159 00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:47,279 Speaker 1: Listen, see you can see you can put a little 160 00:09:47,320 --> 00:09:48,039 dialect in it. 161 00:09:48,279 --> 00:09:51,200 Speaker 2: Yeah. Well, I'm going to stay right down. 162 00:09:50,960 --> 00:09:55,120 Speaker 1: Here and talk like this year harder to sound, brother 163 00:09:55,200 --> 00:09:56,480 Goslin sounds great. 164 00:09:56,559 --> 00:09:58,360 Speaker 2: Now you hold that voice and I'll try to get 165 00:09:58,360 --> 00:10:01,080 a high one. Yeah, I'll do that and you get 166 00:10:01,080 --> 00:10:03,960 on up there. How does the sound up here? Now, 167 00:10:04,039 --> 00:10:06,159 we'll get up highre get way up there. 168 00:10:06,200 --> 00:10:08,320 Speaker 4: How is the sound up here? 169 00:10:08,440 --> 00:10:08,639 Speaker 2: Yeah? 170 00:10:08,679 --> 00:10:10,879 Speaker 1: Pull a little dialect in the thing and put a 171 00:10:11,000 --> 00:10:13,799 rasp in there, like that little fellow that worked in 172 00:10:13,840 --> 00:10:15,200 the drug store in Atlanta. 173 00:10:15,639 --> 00:10:18,519 Speaker 2: Yeah, put a little rasp in there. How do you 174 00:10:18,559 --> 00:10:19,679 downsound to you now? 175 00:10:19,759 --> 00:10:24,399 Speaker 1: Brother Corell show sounds good than me. Boy, I think 176 00:10:24,440 --> 00:10:25,559 we've done got something. 177 00:10:25,360 --> 00:10:27,559 Speaker 2: Here, boy, I sure hope so. 178 00:10:46,240 --> 00:10:48,840 Speaker 1: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is your rex Hall 179 00:10:48,919 --> 00:10:52,279 Family Druggist with a few of the half price specials 180 00:10:52,720 --> 00:10:56,639 at the Amos and Andy sale that begins tomorrow. These 181 00:10:56,720 --> 00:10:59,159 next two weeks are the first in the history of 182 00:10:59,200 --> 00:11:04,120 our record ex All drug stores when dozens, literally dozens 183 00:11:04,159 --> 00:11:08,240 of guaranteed rex All products will be sold at exactly 184 00:11:08,399 --> 00:11:12,279 half price. Best of all, this two weeks sale is 185 00:11:12,320 --> 00:11:17,759 store wide. You'll find almost a hundred super specials, plus 186 00:11:18,240 --> 00:11:23,360 this unprecedented free offer. You get an unbreakable plastic tumblrt 187 00:11:23,919 --> 00:11:28,799 in your choice of beautiful colors, absolutely free when you 188 00:11:28,919 --> 00:11:33,000 buy any of a dozen special items. So friends, be 189 00:11:33,159 --> 00:11:38,919 prepared for overwhelming savings at the Amison Andy sale tomorrow 190 00:11:39,000 --> 00:11:41,960 through February twenty eighth at rex. 191 00:11:41,759 --> 00:11:44,080 Speaker 2: All drug stores everywhere. 192 00:11:54,600 --> 00:11:58,720 Speaker 1: Well, one month later, Freeman Garsen and Charles Carrell went 193 00:11:58,759 --> 00:12:02,600 on the air of Salmonham and two years later it 194 00:12:02,639 --> 00:12:06,480 was the top program in the Chicago area. Success seemed 195 00:12:06,480 --> 00:12:10,320 to be theirs. Then one day they went to Ben mccanna. 196 00:12:10,039 --> 00:12:10,799 Speaker 2: With a proposition. 197 00:12:11,360 --> 00:12:14,039 Speaker 1: Well, that's the idea, mister McKenna. We heard that one 198 00:12:14,080 --> 00:12:16,879 of the big broadcasting companies is starting a coast to 199 00:12:16,960 --> 00:12:17,759 coast network. 200 00:12:17,879 --> 00:12:20,039 Speaker 2: Yes, and we sure I can get on that network. 201 00:12:20,080 --> 00:12:20,720 Mister mccanna. 202 00:12:20,919 --> 00:12:24,320 Speaker 1: Boys, I understand your enthusiasm that we here at the 203 00:12:24,360 --> 00:12:28,279 station want to keep Salmon Henry as our exclusive feature. 204 00:12:28,480 --> 00:12:31,559 But mister McKenna, we think this is the opportunity of 205 00:12:31,600 --> 00:12:35,000 a lifetime for us. I know that, boys, I know that, 206 00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:38,519 after all, we own the name Salmon Henry and we 207 00:12:38,639 --> 00:12:41,559 don't want to make any rash move and take the 208 00:12:41,679 --> 00:12:45,759 chance of ruining the show. All right, mister McKenna, thank you, 209 00:12:45,919 --> 00:12:52,159 Just the Sam Come on, Charlie, well he's trying to 210 00:12:52,200 --> 00:12:52,799 stown Coal. 211 00:12:52,919 --> 00:12:54,480 Speaker 2: Guys, what are we going to do? 212 00:12:54,559 --> 00:12:54,799 Speaker 1: Now? 213 00:12:55,600 --> 00:12:59,480 Speaker 2: What do we do? Charlie? We quit? Yeah, well I 214 00:12:59,600 --> 00:13:02,919 quit with Salmon Henry. 215 00:13:03,320 --> 00:13:05,919 Speaker 1: Now, look, Charlie, we can get just so far and 216 00:13:06,000 --> 00:13:09,399 no farther, staying here on one station. Yes, but God's 217 00:13:09,399 --> 00:13:12,720 we couldn't even take Salmon Henry with us. The newspaper 218 00:13:12,759 --> 00:13:15,720 owns the name. We'd have to start over from scratch. 219 00:13:15,759 --> 00:13:18,720 All right, we'll start over from scratch, guys. 220 00:13:18,759 --> 00:13:21,360 Speaker 2: I don't know about this. Suppose we're a flop. 221 00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:24,120 Speaker 1: Now, Look, Charlie, I don't know what it is. Call 222 00:13:24,159 --> 00:13:27,279 it intuition or whatever you want to, but I just 223 00:13:27,360 --> 00:13:28,840 have a feeling we're doing. 224 00:13:28,639 --> 00:13:29,399 Speaker 2: The right thing. 225 00:13:30,480 --> 00:13:35,120 Speaker 1: Well, if you feel out strong about it, guys, Okay, 226 00:13:35,200 --> 00:13:36,360 let's take a crack at it. 227 00:13:37,120 --> 00:13:39,480 Speaker 2: After all, we've come a long way from the days 228 00:13:39,480 --> 00:13:40,759 of the Blue Plate Supper. 229 00:13:49,279 --> 00:13:53,320 Speaker 1: Thirty days later, their contract expired and the Boys signed 230 00:13:53,360 --> 00:13:57,120 with the network. Opening night was only a few weeks away, 231 00:13:57,679 --> 00:14:02,559 and the network was pressing for details on the new show. Well, 232 00:14:02,639 --> 00:14:06,840 thanks for calling, mister Johnson. Yes, but we'd rather not 233 00:14:06,960 --> 00:14:10,559 release the name of the new program yet. Oh, I 234 00:14:10,679 --> 00:14:15,320 say good bye, mister Johnson. Charlie, they're getting anxious about 235 00:14:15,360 --> 00:14:17,879 the name of New York so am I I wish 236 00:14:17,879 --> 00:14:18,399 we had one. 237 00:14:21,279 --> 00:14:22,960 Speaker 2: Not the name of this show means everything. 238 00:14:23,200 --> 00:14:25,600 Speaker 1: Yes, Charlie, and we've been working on it for a week, 239 00:14:25,679 --> 00:14:29,159 and well nothing seems to sound as good as Sam 240 00:14:29,159 --> 00:14:32,759 and Henry. Yeah. Well, come on, guys, let's go out 241 00:14:32,759 --> 00:14:36,159 and get some supper. We need a snappy name like 242 00:14:36,279 --> 00:14:38,559 Jack and Mac or Tim and Tommy. 243 00:14:39,120 --> 00:14:40,000 Speaker 2: Yeah. 244 00:14:40,480 --> 00:14:44,360 Speaker 1: Push the elevator button, guys, Charlie, we must have made 245 00:14:44,399 --> 00:14:45,399 a list of over. 246 00:14:45,320 --> 00:14:47,960 Speaker 2: Five hundred names. Yeah, I know it. 247 00:14:48,120 --> 00:14:52,720 Speaker 1: Oh say how about sloppy and happy? Oh? 248 00:14:52,840 --> 00:14:56,440 Speaker 2: I don't think so, Charlie. Well here's the elevator. I 249 00:14:56,480 --> 00:14:59,799 wonder if Willy is on duty. He's a character, isn't he? 250 00:15:01,080 --> 00:15:04,879 Speaker 1: Well, well, chuckling Charlie and Stephen Freeman. 251 00:15:04,639 --> 00:15:07,840 Speaker 2: How are you boys? Oh fine? Will it? Step right in? 252 00:15:08,039 --> 00:15:09,759 How are my two friends. 253 00:15:09,360 --> 00:15:10,759 Speaker 4: Of the airway? 254 00:15:10,240 --> 00:15:11,600 Speaker 5: And say? 255 00:15:11,799 --> 00:15:11,960 Speaker 1: Here? 256 00:15:12,000 --> 00:15:13,120 Speaker 2: You got a new program? 257 00:15:13,480 --> 00:15:16,480 Speaker 1: Yeah, that's right, It starts next week. Willy, we're going 258 00:15:16,519 --> 00:15:17,200 coast to court. 259 00:15:17,320 --> 00:15:20,120 Speaker 2: Well, how do you like that? Ain't you the pair 260 00:15:20,240 --> 00:15:22,639 for the air herd floor? 261 00:15:24,240 --> 00:15:24,720 Speaker 4: Well? 262 00:15:24,840 --> 00:15:28,080 Speaker 2: Well, look who's here, my football playing friend? 263 00:15:28,320 --> 00:15:30,320 Speaker 1: Step right in, famous Amos. 264 00:15:31,799 --> 00:15:33,360 Speaker 2: How's everything going on the elevator? 265 00:15:33,399 --> 00:15:40,279 Speaker 1: Will he having my ups and downs? Second floor going down? 266 00:15:40,720 --> 00:15:41,480 Speaker 2: I'll move back. 267 00:15:41,600 --> 00:15:44,159 Speaker 1: Let the janitor get in with the step ladder. Well, 268 00:15:44,159 --> 00:15:48,200 make way for my old friend handy Andy. 269 00:15:48,399 --> 00:15:50,399 Speaker 2: First floor there right, no more? 270 00:15:52,159 --> 00:15:54,559 Speaker 6: Oh and up, oh up. 271 00:15:55,399 --> 00:15:56,120 Speaker 2: Hey Charlie. 272 00:15:56,240 --> 00:15:59,320 Speaker 1: What we need in these names are something that'll catch on, 273 00:15:59,519 --> 00:16:00,919 something it'll be easy to. 274 00:16:01,639 --> 00:16:05,720 Speaker 2: Uh, Charlie, what's the matter did you hear? What will? 275 00:16:05,799 --> 00:16:06,960 He called those two fellas? 276 00:16:07,720 --> 00:16:14,039 Speaker 1: Yeah, famous Amos and Andy Andy. 277 00:16:15,399 --> 00:16:16,759 Speaker 2: But Charlie, what I mean. 278 00:16:18,440 --> 00:16:20,919 Speaker 1: Amos and Andy? 279 00:16:21,279 --> 00:16:23,440 Speaker 2: Yeah, Amos and Andy. 280 00:16:24,360 --> 00:16:28,000 Speaker 1: Well, they are both four letter names. They are both 281 00:16:28,159 --> 00:16:32,639 sort of euphonious, and Amos is a biblical character. Yeah, 282 00:16:32,720 --> 00:16:35,519 and not only that, if we ever play a benefit 283 00:16:35,600 --> 00:16:38,759 their list of names alphabetic la, we always. 284 00:16:38,399 --> 00:16:39,679 Speaker 2: Be right smack at the top. 285 00:16:51,200 --> 00:16:54,240 Speaker 1: Yes, Amos and Andy's target on the network from coast 286 00:16:54,279 --> 00:16:58,799 to coast, fifteen minutes nightly at seven o'clock Eastern Standard time, 287 00:16:59,200 --> 00:17:03,720 emanating from Cargo. About the third day, they started getting 288 00:17:03,759 --> 00:17:07,799 out of town newspaper clippings reviewing their show. Hey, Charlie, 289 00:17:07,839 --> 00:17:10,279 here's a review from a New York paper right on top. 290 00:17:10,440 --> 00:17:12,039 Speaker 2: Oh boy, what's you say, kid? 291 00:17:12,039 --> 00:17:19,319 Speaker 1: Well it's you'd better read the headline yourself, Charlie. Yeah, 292 00:17:19,720 --> 00:17:25,559 Amos and Andy Radio's biggest flop has arrived. The much 293 00:17:25,599 --> 00:17:29,319 heralded Amos and Andy made its debut on the airwaves 294 00:17:29,400 --> 00:17:33,519 last night at seven o'clock with a thud, I might add, 295 00:17:33,880 --> 00:17:34,799 don't read a kid. 296 00:17:34,680 --> 00:17:39,680 Speaker 2: It'll make you sick. Here's another one. This one's from Washington, DC. Urders. 297 00:17:39,720 --> 00:17:41,839 What does it say? Amos and Andy? 298 00:17:41,880 --> 00:17:46,079 Speaker 1: Disappointing after he built up of two weeks by network, 299 00:17:46,880 --> 00:17:49,920 Amos and Andy followed a sad organ theme with something 300 00:17:49,920 --> 00:17:53,960 about a fresh air taxicab. This type of program has 301 00:17:54,039 --> 00:17:57,720 no place in radio. Holy mackerel, look you here another 302 00:17:57,759 --> 00:18:01,880 one and they're all bad. Yeah, boy, Simon Henry looks 303 00:18:01,880 --> 00:18:03,279 awful good right now, doesn't it. 304 00:18:03,680 --> 00:18:06,440 Speaker 2: Charlie. There's no two ways about it. We're a flop. 305 00:18:07,480 --> 00:18:10,279 Speaker 1: But what makes me feel so bad about it is 306 00:18:10,319 --> 00:18:13,640 that I talked you into it. Well, now, wait a minute, 307 00:18:13,759 --> 00:18:15,440 wait a minute, don't feel that way. 308 00:18:16,119 --> 00:18:19,079 Speaker 2: We both went into the thing and with our eyes open. 309 00:18:19,559 --> 00:18:23,680 Speaker 1: Well, it's just and I got so enthusiastic at the time, Charlie, 310 00:18:25,160 --> 00:18:26,480 I wonder if you'd excuse me. 311 00:18:26,640 --> 00:18:30,240 Speaker 2: I I think I'll go out and walk around by myself. 312 00:18:34,720 --> 00:18:39,200 Speaker 1: Well, I guess he wants to be alone. But even 313 00:18:39,240 --> 00:18:42,680 if the kid doesn't know it, I'm out there walking 314 00:18:42,880 --> 00:18:57,160 right with him. 315 00:18:57,680 --> 00:18:59,799 Speaker 6: When you look at all the items I barked and 316 00:19:00,079 --> 00:19:03,319 Rexall Magazine ad the items that go on sale for 317 00:19:03,480 --> 00:19:06,440 just half price at the Amos and Andy sale tomorrow. 318 00:19:06,680 --> 00:19:12,000 Speaker 1: Yes, indeed, ma'am, this advertisement in Life Look, Colliers, Saturday 319 00:19:12,000 --> 00:19:15,720 Evening Post and Farm Journal gives all the half price 320 00:19:15,799 --> 00:19:16,960 items in the sale. 321 00:19:17,160 --> 00:19:20,119 Speaker 6: I've marked a dozen things my family needs right now, 322 00:19:20,680 --> 00:19:24,319 like rex Al cold tablets and cough syrup and Vitamin 323 00:19:24,359 --> 00:19:24,960 B twelve. 324 00:19:25,400 --> 00:19:28,519 Speaker 1: You'll find several other rex Al vitamin products at half 325 00:19:28,559 --> 00:19:35,039 price too, rex Al pheromones, alpha caps, polydrops and polycaps. 326 00:19:35,160 --> 00:19:38,200 Speaker 6: And I'm going to get both of the Caronne beauty specials, 327 00:19:38,519 --> 00:19:41,640 the lipstick and one of the creams at half price. 328 00:19:41,920 --> 00:19:45,240 Speaker 1: You'll find Stag toiletries for men at half price too, 329 00:19:45,799 --> 00:19:49,200 and don't forget the free tumblers and all the other 330 00:19:49,319 --> 00:19:52,440 magnificence specials throughout the rex Al drug store. 331 00:19:52,680 --> 00:19:53,319 Speaker 2: I won't. 332 00:19:53,920 --> 00:19:56,480 Speaker 6: In fact, I'm going to make several shopping trips to 333 00:19:56,519 --> 00:19:57,880 the Amos and Andy sale. 334 00:19:58,039 --> 00:19:58,640 Speaker 2: Well, ma'am. 335 00:19:58,720 --> 00:20:03,440 Speaker 1: It continues for two full weeks tomorrow through February twenty 336 00:20:03,480 --> 00:20:17,960 eight at rex Sol drug stores everywhere. Amos and Andy 337 00:20:18,079 --> 00:20:21,319 continued on the network for the second week. There was 338 00:20:21,359 --> 00:20:24,880 no fan mail, and most of the critics had reviewed 339 00:20:24,920 --> 00:20:30,000 the show unfavorably. This, I believe was the lowest point 340 00:20:30,079 --> 00:20:33,880 in the lives of Freeman, Gosden and Charles Correll. Then 341 00:20:33,920 --> 00:20:36,799 one morning, to get their minds off the program, the 342 00:20:36,839 --> 00:20:39,680 boys decided to play golf at the Tamash Andrew Golf 343 00:20:39,680 --> 00:20:43,000 Club in Chicago. Well, get on your shoes, Charlie, and 344 00:20:43,079 --> 00:20:45,960 let's get out and play nine holes anyway. And I 345 00:20:46,000 --> 00:20:49,200 hope we don't run into anybody. Ye know how they 346 00:20:49,240 --> 00:20:51,880 are when they think your show isn't going so well. 347 00:20:51,920 --> 00:20:54,200 Speaker 2: Yeah, well let's get going. Yeah. 348 00:20:54,400 --> 00:20:57,279 Speaker 1: Oh oh, look who's coming in the locker room? That 349 00:20:57,440 --> 00:21:02,000 young father sings with Paul Whiteman caused me and he 350 00:21:02,079 --> 00:21:07,759 sees us hiving Yeah, hello, bing hi fellas. 351 00:21:11,839 --> 00:21:13,480 Speaker 2: I'll bless that number around the bit. 352 00:21:13,599 --> 00:21:16,799 Speaker 1: Huh yeah, we're gonna play nine holes. 353 00:21:16,799 --> 00:21:19,240 Speaker 2: I get hey. By the way, I caught your last 354 00:21:19,279 --> 00:21:22,599 three shows. Oh you did? Huh? Well, you know, I 355 00:21:22,599 --> 00:21:24,799 think that little opera you got there is gonna catch on. 356 00:21:25,640 --> 00:21:27,480 What do you mean, I don't know. 357 00:21:27,759 --> 00:21:30,640 Speaker 1: There's something there that makes you want to listen tomorrow 358 00:21:30,680 --> 00:21:33,880 and I I really think you got something boys, And 359 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:38,599 I like that that Andy when he says as regusted. 360 00:21:41,279 --> 00:21:44,200 Speaker 2: Well, thank you, Bing. That makes us feel pretty good. 361 00:21:44,640 --> 00:21:47,480 Speaker 1: Then a few days later, on Michigan Boulevard, the boys 362 00:21:47,559 --> 00:21:49,880 ran into a man they'd met a few years before 363 00:21:50,160 --> 00:21:50,920 in New York. 364 00:21:51,920 --> 00:21:53,599 Speaker 2: Well Freeman and Charlie. 365 00:21:53,759 --> 00:22:04,039 Speaker 4: Hi you boy, Well Jack Benny, Nice to see you. 366 00:22:04,200 --> 00:22:06,319 Speaker 2: Jack. I hear you open tomorrow night over at the 367 00:22:06,359 --> 00:22:07,000 Paris Theater. 368 00:22:07,519 --> 00:22:10,680 Speaker 5: Yes, I got in from New York yesterday. Say, they're 369 00:22:10,720 --> 00:22:14,119 all talking about that radio show of yours back there, Uh, 370 00:22:14,480 --> 00:22:15,400 talking about it? 371 00:22:15,880 --> 00:22:19,599 Speaker 2: Yeah, you know, to tell you the truth. At first, 372 00:22:20,079 --> 00:22:23,519 I don't know. I didn't like it. But after a 373 00:22:23,519 --> 00:22:26,839 few times that it kind of grows on you, you 374 00:22:26,880 --> 00:22:27,480 know what I mean. 375 00:22:28,039 --> 00:22:31,920 Speaker 1: Even the kids backstage are listening to it. Well, thanks 376 00:22:31,960 --> 00:22:35,759 a lot, Jack, Yeah, well, we sure hope it catches on. 377 00:22:36,279 --> 00:22:47,440 Speaker 5: Yes, boys, I really think you've got something there. 378 00:22:48,000 --> 00:22:50,319 Speaker 1: Well, a lot of other people began to feel the 379 00:22:50,359 --> 00:22:54,079 way Jack and Bing did. The fan mail began to 380 00:22:54,119 --> 00:22:58,359 trickle in the boy's spirits lifted. They worked harder the 381 00:22:58,440 --> 00:23:02,519 expedimental with their voices and created new characters. First, they 382 00:23:02,519 --> 00:23:06,279 added a great favorite with the listeners, likening a yes 383 00:23:06,480 --> 00:23:11,880 and mus aimerzaw, who'lls right on over there, the social 384 00:23:12,039 --> 00:23:15,480 man about town Henry van Porter. Well, now, if you'll 385 00:23:15,519 --> 00:23:18,559 excuse me, jetmen, I'm having a fitting with my tailor. 386 00:23:19,079 --> 00:23:23,799 He's put the new patch on the seat of my pants. 387 00:23:23,839 --> 00:23:26,319 Speaker 2: The fussy hempecked brother Crawford. 388 00:23:26,440 --> 00:23:28,799 Speaker 1: I want to tell you boys it my wife is 389 00:23:28,920 --> 00:23:33,720 very unhappy and she won't stand for it. Yes, and 390 00:23:34,000 --> 00:23:38,799 this time went on all of those other warm human characters, 391 00:23:39,319 --> 00:23:44,720 Ruby Taylor, Ms Blue Sapphire, the Old battle Axe, Matt Pending, 392 00:23:45,039 --> 00:23:50,359 Flookie Harris, Fred Gwndell, and Madame Queen, and of course 393 00:23:50,920 --> 00:23:56,039 the greatest character of all, that lovable old rascal, the Kingfish. 394 00:23:56,279 --> 00:23:59,279 Speaker 2: How wait a minute, don't forget we as all brothers 395 00:23:59,319 --> 00:24:01,799 in that weird alternaty to missus Nisa de Sea. 396 00:24:12,400 --> 00:24:16,079 Speaker 1: Perhaps the greatest tribute of all paid to Freeman Gosden 397 00:24:16,119 --> 00:24:19,960 and Charles Carrell was one night at a huge benefit 398 00:24:20,279 --> 00:24:25,240 in New York's Madison Square Garden. Lord Thomas, the famous 399 00:24:25,359 --> 00:24:28,839 radio news commentator who preceded Amos and Andy for years 400 00:24:28,880 --> 00:24:33,920 on the air, was chosen to introduce the boys. I 401 00:24:33,960 --> 00:24:36,519 can think of few things likely to give me greater 402 00:24:36,640 --> 00:24:40,039 pleasure than to introduce your radio favorites. 403 00:24:40,960 --> 00:24:45,720 Speaker 7: When I die. This would be my epitaph. Here lies 404 00:24:45,839 --> 00:24:48,720 the body of a man who was hurt by millions 405 00:24:48,799 --> 00:24:59,400 of people who were waiting to hear Amos and Andy. 406 00:25:00,720 --> 00:25:07,440 Speaker 1: Well, that was it, That was their success. The rest 407 00:25:07,480 --> 00:25:10,720 of the story is familiar to all of us. As 408 00:25:10,759 --> 00:25:13,759 the years went on, Amos and Andy made new changes in 409 00:25:13,839 --> 00:25:17,519 their program, the most significant being when they went from 410 00:25:17,720 --> 00:25:19,359 fifteen minutes to a half hour. 411 00:25:20,759 --> 00:25:22,400 Speaker 2: Changes come and go. 412 00:25:23,960 --> 00:25:27,680 Speaker 1: But I'm sure you feel as I do, that Amos 413 00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:34,079 and Andy have never left that wonderful place in our hearts. Now, 414 00:25:34,119 --> 00:25:36,359 before I turn you back to Ed Murrow, I'd like 415 00:25:36,440 --> 00:25:39,400 to say once more that I did for so many years. 416 00:25:39,920 --> 00:25:43,880 Speaker 2: Bidding you all good night and get next to you all. 417 00:25:54,240 --> 00:25:57,920 Speaker 1: Well, that's the story of Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, 418 00:25:58,720 --> 00:26:02,799 the story of Amoson and two names that are sure 419 00:26:02,880 --> 00:26:06,880 to go down as part of American folklore. It's only 420 00:26:06,920 --> 00:26:11,839 fitting that tonight the entire radio industry gives special recognition 421 00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:15,880 to these two men. To pay this tribute, we have 422 00:26:15,960 --> 00:26:20,079 an event unique in broadcasting history. The heads of two 423 00:26:20,119 --> 00:26:25,920 great networks, David Sinoff of NBC and William Paley of CBS, 424 00:26:26,400 --> 00:26:27,680 appearing on the same. 425 00:26:27,480 --> 00:26:30,240 Speaker 2: Program to pay tribute to amoson Andy. 426 00:26:31,279 --> 00:26:34,000 Speaker 1: First, I would like to introduce the Chairman of the 427 00:26:34,039 --> 00:26:37,200 Board of the Radio Corporation of America and head of 428 00:26:37,240 --> 00:26:40,160 the National Broadcasting Company, Generald Saranov. 429 00:26:40,720 --> 00:26:42,559 Speaker 2: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. 430 00:26:43,599 --> 00:26:47,359 Speaker 1: I'm very proud to join hands with my friend Bill Paley, 431 00:26:48,079 --> 00:26:52,759 Chairman of the Board of Columbia Broadcasting System, in paying 432 00:26:52,839 --> 00:26:59,400 tribute to Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, who created and 433 00:27:00,000 --> 00:27:04,160 maraid the characters of Amos and Andy on radio for 434 00:27:04,240 --> 00:27:08,200 the past quarter of a century. I extend to you 435 00:27:08,400 --> 00:27:13,119 boys my highest regard and esteem for your brilliant and 436 00:27:13,279 --> 00:27:19,279 important pioneer work in the progress of radio broadcasting and 437 00:27:19,519 --> 00:27:25,240 for your faithful adherence to the highest ideals of good entertainment. 438 00:27:26,559 --> 00:27:30,799 We in the National Broadcasting Company are proud to have 439 00:27:30,960 --> 00:27:35,440 introduced this program to the listeners of America and to 440 00:27:35,559 --> 00:27:40,799 have broadcasted over our coast to coast network for fifteen years. 441 00:27:42,440 --> 00:27:57,359 Congratulations to you, Freeman, and to you Charlie, and now 442 00:27:57,519 --> 00:28:01,400 the teramin of the Board of the Columbia Broadcasting William S. 443 00:28:01,480 --> 00:28:02,480 Speaker 2: Baley. 444 00:28:03,039 --> 00:28:07,000 Speaker 1: I'm very happy to join General Sarnoff, whose leadership and 445 00:28:07,079 --> 00:28:11,799 contributions have meant so much to broadcasting in paying tribute 446 00:28:12,000 --> 00:28:17,200 to Freeman Gosden and Charlie Correll. By bringing pleasure to 447 00:28:17,279 --> 00:28:20,480 millions of listeners for more than a quarter of a century, 448 00:28:21,039 --> 00:28:25,319 they have firmly established themselves in the affections of their 449 00:28:25,359 --> 00:28:30,440 fellow citizens. They have also created a great radio institution, 450 00:28:31,400 --> 00:28:34,839 one which I believe will live forever in the folklore 451 00:28:34,920 --> 00:28:40,000 of America. Freeman and Charlie, it gives me great pleasure 452 00:28:40,160 --> 00:28:44,240 to salute you, not only as an old friend, but 453 00:28:44,319 --> 00:28:48,200 also on behalf of the Columbia Broadcasting system and the 454 00:28:48,319 --> 00:28:53,200 countless millions of your devoted listeners throughout the country. Our 455 00:28:53,319 --> 00:29:06,680 warmest wishes go out to you both. This is free, 456 00:29:06,680 --> 00:29:08,759 my good night, Charlie, and I would like to thank 457 00:29:08,839 --> 00:29:12,079 everyone who appeared on our program tonight, but most of 458 00:29:12,119 --> 00:29:16,319 all we won't extend out deep appreciation to you, our listeners, 459 00:29:16,559 --> 00:29:19,279 who have made it possible for us to start our 460 00:29:19,400 --> 00:29:34,559 twenty six year on the air. Yes, that's right, remember 461 00:29:34,720 --> 00:29:38,640 beginning tomorrow through February twenty eighth, it's the special Amos 462 00:29:38,680 --> 00:29:40,720 and Andy sail and be sure to be with us 463 00:29:40,759 --> 00:29:43,559 at the same time next Sunday when you're Rex Hall 464 00:29:43,599 --> 00:29:47,799 Druggist will again present the amoson Andy Show, transcribed and 465 00:29:47,839 --> 00:29:52,680 directed by Cliff Powell. Stay tuned for the Bing Crosby program, 466 00:29:52,720 --> 00:29:55,680 which follows immediately over most of these same stations. 467 00:29:55,880 --> 00:29:57,279 Speaker 2: This is the CBS Radio 468 00:29:57,400 --> 00:30:02,319 Speaker 1: Network, WBAN and Van Illinois mm hmm