REMEMBERING HARRY VON ZELL – PT 1

Originally broadcast on WNIB
Saturday, September 16th, 2000

BURNS AND ALLEN SHOW (6-25-45) George and Gracie with announcer Harry Von Zell, Bea Benederet, Mel Blanc and Felix Mills and the orchestra. Preparing for a tour of military ser­vice camps and hospitals, George and Gracie ask Harry Von Zell’s mother to keep an eye on their house while they’re away. Swan Soap, CBS. (24 min)

SPEAKING OF RADIO (2-19-75) Harry Von Zell talks extensively about his career in a conversa­tion with Chuck Schaden recorded in Mr. Von Zell’s home in Encino, Califor­nia. Harry Von Zell died in 1981 at the age of 75. (24 min & 21 min) The conversation will con­clude during next week’s broadcast.

JOHNSON’S WAX ENTERTAINS (1931) Pro-motional recording for Johnson Wax dealers about an upcoming special NBC show featur­ing the Ted Weems orchestra. Announcer Harry Von Zell talks about a $39,500 contest and previews the series. Johnson’s Wax, NBC. (8 min)

FIFTEEN MINUTES WITH BING CROSBY (9-2­31) Excerpt. Harry Von Zell announces Bing Crosby’s first radio show. Bing sings “Just One More Chance” and “I’m Through with Love” with Freddy Rich and the orchestra. CBS. (9 min)

MAIL CALL #150 (6-20-45) Announcer and MC for this broadcast is Harry Von Zell who introduces himself… and guests Ella Mae Morse (singing “Cow Cow Boogie”), the Andrews Sisters (with “Every Time I Fall in Love” and “It’s Me, 0 Lord,”), Jimmy Durante with Eddie Jackson (doing the “Strutaway”), and Brenda and Cobina (Blanche Stewart and Elvia Allman) in a romantic scene with Harry and Jimmy. AFRS. (30 min)

GULF HEADLINERS (4-28-35) Humorist Will Rogers stars with announcer Harry Von Zell, Metropolitan Opera star Helen Gleason, Frank Tours and the orchestra. From California Rogers’ monologue starts with a further dis­cussion of his scheme to end the Depression; J. P. Morgan; Aimie McPherson; Mahatma Ghandi; Huey Long; how to spend five million dollars; and ends when his famous alarm clock goes off. This is a rare, complete Will Rogers broadcast. Gulf Oil Co., CBS. (30 min)

EDDIE CANTOR SHOW (12-6-44) First of two consecutive and related broadcasts. Eddie stars with Nora Martin, Leonard Suess, Bert Gordon, Billy Gray, Sportsmen, Harry Von Zell and Don Wilson. Harry is upset that announcer Joe Kelly took his place when the program originated in Chicago last week and so he quits the show. Cantor looks for a replacement. Bristol Myers, NBC. (29 min)