1939 Campbell Playhouse A Christmas Carol

[Johnwhite]

I have two recording to this December 24, 1939 broadcast. They are recordings of separate broadcasts. Neither of the recordings appears to be a rehearsal. One recording is the one with the WBBM station break about half way through. The other appears to be a clean broadcast with time for the station break but no call letters given. I have always assumed that the WBBM recording is the early East Coast broadcast and the other the West Coast repeat. There are several distinctive features of what I call the West Coast recording: 1) during Ernest Chappell's opening commercial, there appears to be the sound of a cork stopper coming out of a bottle and by the end of the show Barrymore is apparently feeling no pain. 2) When the men soliciting for charity leave there is the sound of the door closing. Barrymore shouts, "Close the door!" leaving Frank Readick forced to ad lib, "It is closed, Sir."

I was wondering if anyone could help determine whether my assumptions are correct?

[Le Chiffre]

Welcome John. Very interesting info. I was not aware that Welles and the Mercury did TWO performances of each program, much less that the west coast repeats survived. I brushed this by one of our Welles radio experts here and he thinks - but isn't sure - that there were indeed two performances of each show, but this is the first he's heard of both east and west coast performances surviving. It makes me wonder how many other Campbell House programs have two distinct performances that still exist. There doesn't seem to be much info about this online. I'd love to hear the second '39 CHRISTMAS CAROL with Barrymore 'feeling no pain.' Any other Mercury radio programs that you have two performances of? Where did you get the west coast recording if I might ask?

[Le Chiffre]

I guess this entry from Jonathon Rosenbaum's Welles chronology at the back of THIS IS ORSON WELLES could be taken as evidence for two performances of each Campbell Playhouse program:



For the holiday season, both the '39 and '38 Mercury Christmas Carols can be heard here on the Wellesnet Main Page:
http://www.wellesnet.com/?page_id=3220

[Johnwhite]

Mteal
Thanks. I should have checked the chronology first. Although there is one error I found and advised Jonathan. The November 14, 1943 entry lists Orson doing the intermission commentary of the NY Philharmonic concert CBS broadcast. The listing had Bruno Walter as the conductor. This was of course the famous Leonard Bernstein debut for the ailing Walter. But that aside, things are pretty accurate.
I acquired the broadcast maybe 30 years ago from a source I've long forgotten. I'd be happy to give you a copy. Just let me know where to send it.

[Le Chiffre]

Wow, that's a historic concert. I never knew that Welles was doing the hosting for that program. Now that would be interesting to hear a recording of, especially if Welles's hosting for it was recorded as well. Thanks John.

[Johnwhite]

Actually, Welles did the intermission feature. He did a number of these. The New York Philharmonic has released the concert on CD but not the intermission feature. The intermission was introduced by Carl Van Dorn and OW followed with a reading of "American Scripture" by Nancy Hale. I believe I have a complete copy of the entire broadcast that was feed over AT&T lines to the West Coast and recorded on 16 inch transcriptions. Unfortunately, I really behind in my organizing my collection and I'll have to check to make sure I'm right about having the intermission feature. On the 40th anniversary of the concert, NYC's WQXR issued a two record set of the complete broadcast as a fundraiser for the station's radiothon. I don't have it but a copy was auctioned for $50 in 2010.

[Le Chiffre]

Unfortunately, I really behind in my organizing my collection

I know the feeling. Good luck finding the intermission feature.

[Wich2]

Celebrating the 80th anniversary of a legendary production of the timeless tale - the most beloved of its star's almost 20-year run in the lead role. (And your obedient servant will stuff the stocking with a few more little gifts, too...)

Merriest,
- Craig