In his first year of broadcast, this former newspaper journalist branded the Nazis “Ratzies” and was also known for his passionate support of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In 1947 his new target became Communism.
How did Winchell open each show?
A. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, let’s get right to it. FLASH.”
B. “Good evening Mr. and Mrs. North and South America, and all the ships at sea, let’s go to press. FLASH!”
C. “Good evening, this just in. FLASH!”
They Even Fed Our Dreams
9. MAJOR BOWES‘ ORIGINAL AMATEUR HOUR
Debuted in 1934. Leading to national fad, Major Edward Bowes made us believe that anyone with “bus fare and a harmonica” could grab the big brass ring of fame and fortune. Newsweek estimated that in one month, 1,200 hopefuls applied for emergency food and shelter, in order to establish residency in New York, a requirement for appearing on the show.
Acts included harpists, chime ringers, jug and washboard players and singers of every range, many undecipherable.
How were the winners chosen?
A. People voted for their favorites by writing to the radio station, in care of Major Bowes.
B. The show had a studio audience, and the winner was the act getting the most applause.
C. By then, most of the radio audience had telephones in their homes, and they called in to vote for their favorite act.
10. ARTHUR GODFREY TIME
Debuted in 1945. Supported by a variety of talented performers. Godfrey’s “everyman, personal” style was his greatest gift, making him seem a true friend and confidant on the radio. In his nasally distinctive voice, Godfrey would set up a scene in which we would sit down to a warm one-on-one chat, instead of being blasted by the hard-sell tactics that many advertisers used.
Many of his “Little Godfrey” group went on to careers that proved to be quite successful.
Can you name one of them?
A. Marion Marlow
B. Julius La Rosa
C. The McGuire Sisters
RADIO TRIVIA QUIZ ANSWERS
1. AMOS AND ANDY answer: A
2. THE JACK BENNY PROGRAM answer: B
3. FIBBER McGEE AND MOLLY answer: A
4. BURNS AND ALLEN answer: C
5. THE SAINT answer: B
6. THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL answer: A
7. THE MERCURY THEATRE ON THE AIR answer: A
8. WALTER WINCHELL’S JOURNAL answer: B
9. MAJOR BOWE’S ORIGINAL AMATEUR HOUR answer: C
10. ARTHUR GODFREY TIME: answer A, B, C (all are correct)
SO… HOW “RADIO TRIVIA QUIZ” SMART ARE YOU REALLY?
5 to 10 correct: WOW! You are a REAL Radiohead!
2 to 5 correct: Oops, you must have been doing your homework.
0 correct: Whatsamatter? Did mommy send you to bed without your radio?
