The Era -- Day By Day

[LizzieMaine]

Reports from Italian radio monitored by the Columbia Broadcasting System today declared that the fighting on the Karelian Peninsula of Finland has ended. There is no official confirmation of this report from Finnish or Russian sources.

Meanwhile, a Finnish emissary arrived in Berlin today for a conference with German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop in which he is expected to request support in negotiating a peace with Russia. Former Finnish President Per Evind Svinhufvud was accompanied by Swedish Minister to Berlin Arvid Richert, and is expected to argue the case that Nazi support for Finland in the peace talks is the only way to prevent the Allied Powers from intervening in the situation. The official Nazi position has been that Britain and France are using the Finnish situation as an excuse to bring Scandinavia into the current war.

German planes raided the British coast last night in an assault that sank or damaged a total of eleven merchant ships. The reports from the German news agency DNB stated that all aircraft returned safely to their bases after the raid.

Two young Brooklyn society women, including a niece of Borough President John Cashmore, are under protection of the Federal Bureau of Investigation following a series of kidnapping threats that have their roots in a series of bizarre telephone calls dating back nearly a year and a half. Twenty-year-old Miss Miriam Lashley, whose mother is President Cashmore's sister, and twenty-year-old Miss Melvina Schulz, daughter of a wealthy real estate broker, began receiving the calls in October 1938. At first, the caller, believed to be an adult male with a gruff, possibly disguised voice, repeated the phrase "Bow wow wow!" and then tapped out what seemed to be a Morse Code message by striking the telephone mouthpiece with a metal implement. The caller also breathed heavily during these calls. The calls later became more specific, threatening the girls with abduction unless money was paid. The calls ceased briefly in the spring of 1939 before resuming more regularly, and recently have been received at a rate of two or three per day. The girls have no known enemies, and the theory that the caller might be a rejected suitor seeking revenge has been discounted by investigators.

Five men accused of aiding a now-deceased arch-swindler in taking over one of the nation's largest drug manufacturing concerns are on trial in Manhattan Federal Court. Assistant US Attorney Irving R. Kaufman is prosecuting the case against John O. Jenkins of Jamacia, Leonard Jenkins of Richmond Hill, Horace B. Merwin, president of the Bridgeport Trust Company, Rowley W. Phillips, the chairman of a major firm of investment bankers in Waterbury, Connecticut, and John H. McGloon of Fairfield, Connecticut, the chief controller of the drug firm of McKesson and Robbins. The five men are charged with aiding the late Philip Musica, who operated under the name of F. Donald Coster, in his takeover of McKesson in a swindle that, until it crashed in 1938, cost company stockholders more than $21,000,000. Musica formerly operated the Adelphi Pharmacal Company in Brooklyn, a bootleg concern dealing mostly in illegal liquor. At the height of his success in 1936, he was asked to run for the Republican presidential nomination. Two years later, with his scheme in ruins, Musica shot himself in the head.

The defense rested its case this morning in the murder trial of Ernest Walter Kehler for the slaying of German consular secretary Dr. Walter Engelberg. After denying a series of defense motions, Judge Peter J. Brancato recessed the trial until Monday morning, when both sides will make their summations to the jury. Defense Attorney Leo Healy called no witnesses and offered no evidence in concluding his case.

An impeccably-dressed young woman who leaped to her death from a hotel window in Detroit after scrawling "Exit Smiling" on the wall of her room in lipstick has been linked to the president of the Columbia Broadcasting System. The woman, who had registered at the hotel under the name of "J. Stoddard," has been identified by Detroit police as 28-year-old Geraldine Kenyon of Pontiac, Michigan. Letters found in the room addressed to CBS president William S. Paley and signed "Johanna" professed her love for the broadcasting executive, and thanked him for past kindnesses. From his New York office, Paley issued a statement today acknowledging that he knew the woman and had tried to help her after she claimed to have tuberculosis, but that he was unable to grant her request for a job as a radio entertainer because she had no experience that would justify putting her on the air.

A plot to kidnap 17-year-old movie star Judy Garland collapsed in Hollywood today, leaving one of the plotters, a 19-year-old youth from Buffalo, New York, in jail. The boy, identified as Robert Wilson, lost his nerve and called the police to warn that "Judy Garland will be kidnapped tonight." Police traced the call and arrested Wilson a block away from a Santa Monica hotel. A search for his co-conspirator is underway.

("Damn Hipster," 1940 style.)

Brooklyn College, which has so far resisted college-movie hijinks, will go in for hazing freshmen following a series of new regulations passed by the Student Council. Effective immediately, first year students will be required to wear beanie caps at all times on campus, and to address all upperclassmen as "Sir" or "Ma'am," "Mister" or "Miss." Freshmen will also be required to enter the library thru the side doors "to preserve the dignity of the institution," and to sing the school song and recite the school motto on demand. A student court to address violations of these rules has also been established.

The men of the Central Congregational Church had hearts all aflutter as they modeled the latest in feminine fashions before an audience of more than 400 persons in the church parish house last night. The glamorous gentlemen displayed elegant gowns, sportswear, and negligees in a pageant jointly sponsored by all departments of the church. (What, no pictures?)

(You really *can* get anything at Sears.)

Broadway columnist Hy Gardner says bandleader Ben Bernie, now appearing at the Hotel Taft, needs to stop eating so much or he'll start looking like the hotel's namesake. (And Walter Winchell says to Mr. Gardner, "Scram, small fry. I'm working this side of the street.")

Robert Francis went to see the Three Stooges in person at the Flatbush, where they're heading the vaudeville bill this week, and says if you like this type of slap-face-eye-poke comedy, don't miss this show. The Stooges were in fine form, dominating every other act on the bill and at one point stopping the show with their antics.

Now showing at the RKO Albee, a pretty impressive double feature -- Shirley Temple in "The Blue Bird" paired with Raymond Massey in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois." 25 cent matinee shows till 5 pm, kids always 15 cents!

The Dodger outfield for the opening game of the Grapefruit League season against the Reds in Tampa will be Joe Vosmik in left, Ernie Koy in center, and Roy Cullenbine in right. Meanwhile, as the team headed out in cars for the 27 mile drive to the Reds' camp, there was still no sign of Dolph Camilli, and Larry MacPhail is still fuming mad at the big first baseman. "He thinks he can blackjack the club because we wouldn't dare open the season without him," growls the Red Headed One. "But he might just as well know now he can't get away with it!"

Bad Eddie Shore, the man who brought the Americans back to life in their quest for a Stanley Cup Playoff berth, is looking increasingly corpse-like himself. Shore may beg off tonight's game against the Bruins on the grounds of exhaustion after playing three games in three nights.

John Gambling celebrated his 15th anniversary on the air today, with his Musical Clock morning-exercise program one of New York's most enduring daily features. Gambling is on the air daily from 7:15 to 8 am, never having varied his formula of calisthenics, live music by Vincent Sorey's orchestra and a canary-bird chorus, and pleasant ad-libbed chatter.

George, you've tried to take every rich relative that's ever turned up, and what has it ever gotten you? And stop bumping your big potato nose up against his, it's unsanitary.

What'll it take, Leona? A subpoena?

"Father Coughlin? Who's he?"

 

[LizzieMaine]

Daylight Savings Time's got me dragging. But the Daily News is back, albeit in poorly-scanned form for today.

Plus, learning to the play the accordion is a sure path to marrying the offspring of a celebrity. Just ask George M. Cohan!

Twenty beers at a dime a piece -- he must've been tipped pretty well that night.

What if Igor's really a foreign agent and Senga's his contact? And what if Harold knows --- no, that's ridiculous. Harold doesn't know anything.

And just like that, Nick recruits another operative.

Miss Snipe knows her onions.

Bim Gump is the dumbest man alive.

So now Blaze is going to want to go after Singh-Singh to recover his only daughter out of a sense of moral obligation. No, I lie. The old man's laughing his head off.

Of course, Willie and Elmo are giving Bim a run for his money.

And just like that those awful charges just go right away. See how easy?

 

[Fading Fast]

...Two young Brooklyn society women, including a niece of Borough President John Cashmore, are under protection of the Federal Bureau of Investigation following a series of kidnapping threats that have their roots in a series of bizarre telephone calls dating back nearly a year and a half. Twenty-year-old Miss Miriam Lashley, whose mother is President Cashmore's sister, and twenty-year-old Miss Melvina Schulz, daughter of a wealthy real estate broker, began receiving the calls in October 1938. At first, the caller, believed to be an adult male with a gruff, possibly disguised voice, repeated the phrase "Bow wow wow!" and then tapped out what seemed to be a Morse Code message by striking the telephone mouthpiece with a metal implement. The caller also breathed heavily during these calls. The calls later became more specific, threatening the girls with abduction unless money was paid. The calls ceased briefly in the spring of 1939 before resuming more regularly, and recently have been received at a rate of two or three per day. The girls have no known enemies, and the theory that the caller might be a rejected suitor seeking revenge has been discounted by investigators....

A phrase you don't hear often (or ever): "Brooklyn society women."

...Five men accused of aiding a now-deceased arch-swindler in taking over one of the nation's largest drug manufacturing concerns are on trial in Manhattan Federal Court. Assistant US Attorney Irving R. Kaufman is prosecuting the case against John O. Jenkins of Jamacia, Leonard Jenkins of Richmond Hill, Horace B. Merwin, president of the Bridgeport Trust Company, Rowley W. Phillips, the chairman of a major firm of investment bankers in Waterbury, Connecticut, and John H. McGloon of Fairfield, Connecticut, the chief controller of the drug firm of McKesson and Robbins. The five men are charged with aiding the late Philip Musica, who operated under the name of F. Donald Coster, in his takeover of McKesson in a swindle that, until it crashed in 1938, cost company stockholders more than $21,000,000. Musica formerly operated the Adelphi Pharmacal Company in Brooklyn, a bootleg concern dealing mostly in illegal liquor. At the height of his success in 1936, he was asked to run for the Republican presidential nomination. Two years later, with his scheme in ruins, Musica shot himself in the head....

An alternative outcome for Jay Gatsby had he stayed in the "drug store" business instead of buying a big house and chasing vapid Daisy.

...An impeccably-dressed young woman who leaped to her death from a hotel window in Detroit after scrawling "Exit Smiling" on the wall of her room in lipstick has been linked to the president of the Columbia Broadcasting System. The woman, who had registered at the hotel under the name of "J. Stoddard," has been identified by Detroit police as 28-year-old Geraldine Kenyon of Pontiac, Michigan. Letters found in the room addressed to CBS president William S. Paley and signed "Johanna" professed her love for the broadcasting executive, and thanked him for past kindnesses. From his New York office, Paley issued a statement today acknowledging that he knew the woman and had tried to help her after she claimed to have tuberculosis, but that he was unable to grant her request for a job as a radio entertainer because she had no experience that would justify putting her on the air....

People do, do nice things for others, but color me suspicious as I'm thinking MeToo '40s style.

...
("Damn Hipster," 1940 style.)...

At least The Boys didn't bury the fact that the illustrated model cost $35.95 and not $19.88.

...The men of the Central Congregational Church had hearts all aflutter as they modeled the latest in feminine fashions before an audience of more than 400 persons in the church parish house last night. The glamorous gentlemen displayed elegant gowns, sportswear, and negligees in a pageant jointly sponsored by all departments of the church. (What, no pictures?)...

Let's be thankful for small favors as that is not a picture I need to see.

...Now showing at the RKO Albee, a pretty impressive double feature -- Shirley Temple in "The Blue Bird" paired with Raymond Massey in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois." 25 cent matinee shows till 5 pm, kids always 15 cents!...

And another example of why "Gone With the Wind" holds the record for top inflation-adjusted box-office gross as wasn't it charging $1.10 (and more) for some reserved seats?

..... What'll it take, Leona?...

Leona just lost her big reason for not revealing herself as she can protect her family more, it seems, by testifying against Bonetti.

Also, with just a little more weight, Blackston could quit his assistant DA job, fly out to Hollywood and star in the next Superman flick - he's already got the curly forelock and everything.

...
View attachment 218769 "Father Coughlin? Who's he?"

This is way above Dunn's pay grade. I'd feel better with Tracy on the job or, better still, Nick Gatt as, say what you will, he would probably see the threat to his shady businesses and work with the authorities to fight these guys (and he'd win).

...
Twenty beers at a dime a piece -- he must've been tipped pretty well that night...

The only interesting thing about this story - Fandino is, sadly, a victim and Kurtz is guilty - is if Ellis will get in any trouble for loaning Kurtz the car; today, lawyers find a way of suing anybody tangentially related, especially if there's a dollar to be had.

...
And just like that, Nick recruits another operative....

Does Annie ever go to school, not that she isn't getting one heck of a life education hanging out with Nick, but still?

...
Miss Snipe knows her onions....

Every decent young person has to learn this lesson in his or her own way.

...
So now Blaze is going to want to go after Singh-Singh to recover his only daughter out of a sense of moral obligation. No, I lie. The old man's laughing his head off....

"Great day in the mornin' -" God love ya April, somehow, after everything, you still have a touch of innocence.

If I'm Blaze, I'm sending Singh-Singh an unsolicited monthly check: just, you know, 'cause and thank you and all.

...
Of course, Willie and Elmo are giving Bim a run for his money....

Seriously.

...
And just like that those awful charges just go right away. See how easy?

That is not at all how the world works today. Tracy'd be spending the next five years of his life, huddling with lawyers, in and out of courtrooms, going bankrupt and fighting for his life while being destroyed on social media.

 

[LizzieMaine]

It's a pity neither of those two young ladies knew Morse code. Obviously they were never Girl Scouts.

According to the most authoritative biography of Mr. Paley, he did indeed sleep with Miss Kenyon, and when this story broke he confessed all to his wife. But he was more concerned with the damage to his image, and immediately summoned Ed Klauber, head of CBS News, to draft the statement that was released to the press and quoted above in the Eagle. Klauber recalled that the network offices were in full panic mode over the situation, but they managed to suppress the truth -- even though everyone who knew Paley's playboy ways could read between the lines. There was much schadenfreude in the halls of NBC.

My bike is one of those "Columbia Built" models, proudly manufactured in Westfield, Massachusetts, and is a fine, smooth rider even today. I picked it off the city dump twelve years ago, and all it needed was new tires and a paint job to look and ride like new.

One of the great things about Dale Connor's art is that her characters look like actual, specific people. Mr. Blackston would indeed be a fine Superman one day, but until then he reminds me a lot of a cross between Dick Powell and Gabe Dell of the "Dead End Kids."

This hooded-terrorist plot is clearly inspired by the Christian Front story, but there were actual secret hooded orders active during these years -- the "Black Legion" was a KKK-like white racist militia that picked up a considerable following in the midwest, and wore regalia not dissimilar to that shown here. I wonder exactly what Mr. Marsh plans to do with this story, but I'm pretty sure it will end up with Irwin tied to a chair.

Annie goes to school only when the plot requires it. Parents groups used that as one of the many criticisms they had of Mr. Gray's work.

Tracy has gotten away with murder many, many times. By this point he just shrugs and goes on to the next defendant Shot While Trying To Escape.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Oh, and Pat needs to get rid of those bangs pretty quick, or people are going to start mistaking him for Ish Kabibble.

 

[Fading Fast]

Oh, and Pat needs to get rid of those bangs pretty quick, or people are going to start mistaking him for Ish Kabibble.

Or very George Clooney mid '00s.


Ish Kabibble

 

[LizzieMaine]

Negotiations between Finnish and Russian authorities are reported to be in progress today in Moscow. According to reports from Stockholm, a military armistice is expected before final terms are negotiated. The talks are underway as fighting continues around Viipuri, with Finnish authorities admitting that the Russians have secured "a restricted foothold" on the northwest shore of the bay. It is believed that the Soviets will move for an armistice once Viipuri is secured, but "competent informants" tell the United Press that the Finns will continue to oppose the establishment of a Russian naval base at Hanko.

Meanwhile in Paris, French officials are said to be prepared to send an expeditionary force to aid Finland if the word comes from Helsinki. Premier Daladier was said to be in conference with President Lebrun, and to be preparing a "particularly emphatic" statement with regard to the Finnish situation.

Chester A. Duryea, who killed his wealthy father twenty-six years ago, and has spent the past twenty-five years in the Mattewan State Hospital, has been declared legally sane, and is expected to finally stand trial for the 1914 murder of Gen. Hiram Duryea. Chester Duryea, now 69 years of age, was 43 years old when he shot his father, noted commander of a Zouave regiment during the Civil War, and a prominent Brooklyn starch manufacturer, and was arrested while babbling in an incomprehensible gibberish. The younger Duryea later told police that he had "instructions from Washington" to shoot his father, and that "angels had told" him to do it.

The mother of one of the two Brooklyn society girls threatened with kidnapping by a mysterious telephone caller is preparing to go away with her daughter for "an indefinite period." Mrs. John D. Schulz was preparing today to close her home at 828 St. Marks Avenue and will be leaving with her daughter Miss Melvina Schulz "for a period of rest and relaxation." Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to probe the threats against Miss Schulz and Miss Miriam Lashley, niece of Brooklyn Borough President John Cashmore. No calls from the mystery man were received last night, and investigators are hopeful the publicity given the case has frightened him away.

The body of a 56-year-old Brooklyn man was found in a car pulled from the bottom of the North River in Hoboken today. Police say Stephen Varni of 100 Marine Avenue, a dealer in precious stones, was last known to be driving to Brooklyn from Philadelphia yesterday, and could not explain why he was in Hoboken or why his car ended up at the bottom of the river. Varni's body was found behind the wheel in a position indicating he was trying to get the door open when he died.

In Atlanta, Georgia an accused wife-beater was flogged to death by night riders, the latest in a series of similar attacks outside the city. The body of the victim, 36-year-old Isaac Gaston, a barber, was found in a depression near an area of trampled underbrush surrounded by many footprints. A four-foot leather strap was also recovered at the scene. Gaston's killing was the only fatality so far in a series of night-riding incidents that have attacked a minister, another man, and two Negro women in the same area.

A 16 year old girl found wandering in the Kew Gardens area was taken to Bellevue Hospital last night after she told police she couldn't remember who she was, where she lived, or why she was out late. The girl is five feet one inch in height, weighs 115 pounds, has gray eyes and brown hair, and was wearing a reversible plaid and gray coat, a brown skirt, a red blouse, tan low shoes, and light stockings.

The checks for Finnish war relief stolen this week from the Bossert Hotel were recovered today in Manhattan. A waitress in a midtown cafeteria found the checks in a small tin box left behind in the restaurant along with two file boxes. The cash stolen in the Bossert holdup was not recovered.

The Woodside Avenue man who killed a fellow elevated-train rider after an argument about his language will serve two to four years in Sing Sing Prison. Thirty-four-year-old Bartholomew Flynn was sentenced today in Long Island City Court after his conviction on manslaughter charges in connection with the death last fall of 48-year-old Michael Toto of Whitestone. The two men got into an altercation on the platform of the Corona Station, and Toto struck his head on the concrete, fatally fracturing his skull.

Stay away from novelty headgear if you want to please the men. That's the advice from Marjorie Hillis, author of "Live Alone and Like It" and other books. Now Marjorie Hillis Roulston after her recent marriage, the author told an audience at yesterday's School Settlement Show that "amusing hats" are high on the list of things men don't like, and warned against "pie plates, stovepipes, and Leaning Towers of Pisa." Mrs. Roulston also warned against the current "military trend" in womenswear, advising her listeners to avoid epaulettes, brass buttons, and all such trimmings because they "bring the war too close to home."

Just a reminder, just six days left to file your tax return!

"Aw," says Joe, "who wants to hear about all that war stuff anyway? How'd the Dodgers do?"

"Hey!" says Sally, her voice rising indignantly. "HOW COME PETEY DIDN'T PLAY! WHOZIS GUY HUDSON!"

Bert Haas, the absent Dolph Camilli's quiet understudy, acquitted himself nicely at first base yesterday as the Dodgers opened the Grapefruit League season with a 9-6 win over the Reds at Tampa. Haas performed flawlessly in the field and went 2 for 5 with three runs batted in to lead the Brooklyn attack. Haas is expected to spend most of 1940 with Montreal in the International League, but for now, he's a member of the starting nine.

Meanwhile, Mr. Camilli is still reported to be en route to the Dodger camp in Clearwater, where he is expected to "talk things over" with Larry MacPhail.

With the Giants now expressing interest in getting holdout Joe Medwick away from the Cardinals, St. Louis manager Ray Blades still thinks if the Duck goes anywhere it'll be to Brooklyn. The Giants are reportedly offering catcher Harry The Horse Danning in a straight-up trade for Medwick, while the Dodgers have repeatedly offered packages of players and cash to no effect.

Jimmy Cagney is so committed to his performance tonight in Arch Oboler's adaptation of Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got His Gun" that he's doing the NBC broadcast for AFRA union scale. Cagney will pocket $21 for his performance tonight at 8pm over WEAF.

He never learns.

It's time, Aunt Mary, that you put your foot down. And for god's sake, why didn't you get Bill to a hospital???

Dan Dunn, master of the Passive Voice.

 

[LizzieMaine]

And in the Daily News...

Ew.

Navel gazing, 1940 style.

"In The Groove?" Just another rattle-brained hepcat.

"Maybe?"

Well, it's an improvement over that feathered eggplant.

Go home now, Willie. Maybe, just maybe, Mamie won't kill you.

Full Greenstreet.

So, once again -- what of Blaze?

Define "working."

 

[PrivateEye]

Can you imagine a major-league game with paid attendance of 570 people?

 

[Fading Fast]

...The body of a 56-year-old Brooklyn man was found in a car pulled from the bottom of the North River in Hoboken today. Police say Stephen Varni of 100 Marine Avenue, a dealer in precious stones, was last known to be driving to Brooklyn from Philadelphia yesterday, and could not explain why he was in Hoboken or why his car ended up at the bottom of the river. Varni's body was found behind the wheel in a position indicating he was trying to get the door open when he died.....

It hasn't been a good time to be a gem dealer and to be near water lately; although, the problem is less the water itself and more why they wind up there. Also, "North River" is a term for the Hudson River that has all but disappeared.

...Stay away from novelty headgear if you want to please the men. That's the advice from Marjorie Hillis, author of "Live Alone and Like It" and other books. Now Marjorie Hillis Roulston after her recent marriage, the author told an audience at yesterday's School Settlement Show that "amusing hats" are high on the list of things men don't like, and warned against "pie plates, stovepipes, and Leaning Towers of Pisa." Mrs. Roulston also warned against the current "military trend" in womenswear, advising her listeners to avoid epaulettes, brass buttons, and all such trimmings because they "bring the war too close to home."....

Ms. Bette Davis and Ms. Myrna Loy beg to differ:

...Jimmy Cagney is so committed to his performance tonight in Arch Oboler's adaptation of Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got His Gun" that he's doing the NBC broadcast for AFRA union scale. Cagney will pocket $21 for his performance tonight at 8pm over WEAF.....

He had to do it live each time - they didn't just record it?

... It's time, Aunt Mary, that you put your foot down. And for god's sake, why didn't you get Bill to a hospital???....

Everybody's decisioning process seems broken right now.

... Dan Dunn, master of the Passive Voice.

Dan married well out of his league.

...
Ew....

Not a lot of wiggle room for doubt as to what was going on there.

...
Navel gazing, 1940 style....

Miss Frances Kay is clearly not happy with men, but maybe she's really just angry that actress Kay Francis reversed her name.

... "Maybe?"..."

Now I know how parents feel when they have to let their children make their own mistakes in life so that they can learn.

....
Full Greenstreet....

Thank you Lizzie, your friend SG.

...
So, once again -- what of Blaze?..

Haven't been reading T&TP long enough, but I have the feeling that Blaze is one of those nine-lives guys.

... View attachment 218978
Define "working."

Now Lizzie, you're sounding like me. Also, let's just hope the insanely stupid character of Igor is gone for good.

 

[LizzieMaine]

It has to be just a coincidence, but William S. Paley's father's name is Samuel -- and it would be very very fitting for *that* Samuel Paley to send in precisely that specific question to the Inquiring Fotographer on this particular day. Young Mr. Paley's society peccadilloes were very much a trial to his dad, and Pop Paley in fact encouraged his son to buy into CBS in the forlorn hope that it would cause him to cease his oat-sowing.

(And if we're going in for Simplified Spelling here, shouldn't it be "Fotografer?")

I'm still not convinced that everything that's happened to Harold over the past month isn't a hallucination, and he's still standing on that pier pondering a jump.

Before the Cap'n went into gun-running and opium-growing, he was an actual sho'nuff China Seas pirate who had fought against the Dragon Lady, and who became an ally of Pat and Terry before the DL decided to focus her efforts on routing The Invader. Conditions right now are probably not conducive to resuming that line of work, and I imagine there are a few warrants out for him in Hong Kong. He may survive, but his career prospects don't look any too good.

 

[Fading Fast]

It has to be just a coincidence, but William S. Paley's father's name is Samuel -- and it would be very very fitting for *that* Samuel Paley to send in precisely that specific question to the Inquiring Fotographer on this particular day. Young Mr. Paley's society peccadilloes were very much a trial to his dad, and Pop Paley in fact encouraged his son to buy into CBS in the forlorn hope that it would cause him to cease his oat-sowing.

(And if we're going in for Simplified Spelling here, shouldn't it be "Fotografer?")

I'm still not convinced that everything that's happened to Harold over the past month isn't a hallucination, and he's still standing on that pier pondering a jump.

Before the Cap'n went into gun-running and opium-growing, he was an actual sho'nuff China Seas pirate who had fought against the Dragon Lady, and who became an ally of Pat and Terry before the DL decided to focus her efforts on routing The Invader. Conditions right now are probably not conducive to resuming that line of work, and I imagine there are a few warrants out for him in Hong Kong. He may survive, but his career prospects don't look any too good.

As noted, I have nowhere near enough T&TP's background to really know, but these writers have no shame when it comes to untangling a plot or pulling a character's feet out of the fire when they need to, so I'm guessing Blaze will live on. Also, I'm finally getting his accent (and how it's written), so I want him to stick around a bit.

 

[LizzieMaine]

By the way, the "Terry and the Pirates" radio serial now airs weekdays at 530pm Eastern Time here.

It's a kiddie-type adventure show, but the casting is excellent -- the characters sound like you expect them to sound. Episodes now airing are from 1941, and follow a separate storyline from the published strip. But most of the familiar characters have appeared or will appear as the plot unfolds. And save those labels from Libby's canned foods to get your very own "Terryscope!"

 

[LizzieMaine]

Britain and France have reportedly received word thru Sweden that if they intend to send troops to aid Finland, they must commit a full army corps of at least 80,000 men or none at all. Swedish and Norwegian officials have told the United Press that they have denied permission within the past 48 hours for any British or French troops to cross their territory en route to Finland, out of a concern that such passage of troops, unless they are of full-corps strength, would serve only to encourage a retaliatory invasion of their territories.

Meanwhile, Britain and Italy have settled a dispute over the seizure by the British of Italian-flagged cargo ships, and thirteen Italian vessels loaded with coal have been released from the Downs blockade station. Italy, in turn, has agreed to send no more ships to carry German coal from Dutch or Belgian ports.

It is unlikely that 69-year-old Chester B. Duryea will be placed on trial for the 1914 murder of his father, General Hiram Duryea. Members of District Attorney William O'Dwyer's staff are noncommittal about the prospects of such a trial, noting that many of the key witnesses whose testimony would be required to build a case against the former mental patient have either died or cannot be located.

Except for its stations, the Long Island Rail Road would be good. So concludes a special investigation by the Eagle into the condition of LIRR facilities, which handle an estimated 70,000,000 passengers a year -- more than any other railroad in the world. The city's largest commuter line, the LIRR operates some 650 trains a day in the winter, with more in Summer and during times of peak demand, with an LIRR train arriving at Pennsylvania Station once every minute during rush hour, and every two minutes at the Flatbush Avenue Terminal. The LIRR operates at a $2,000,000 annual defecit, which must be made up by its parent, the Pennsylvania Railroad, which helps explain the shortcomings in terminal facilities with which the railroad must contend.

A 30-year-old pickle bottler from Greenpoint who has the habit of standing on a street corner and greeting passers-by with "Hey! Chowder Head!" was found guilty of disorderly conduct. Cornelius McAllister told Magistrate Henry Curran that he's had the habit of standing on the corner of Manhattan and Nassau Avenues for more than twenty years, and he means his greeting to be friendly. Magistrate Curran was not amused, but suspended sentence on the condition that McAllister will stay away from the corner for thirty days.

(Springtime in Brooklyn, and the drag shows are all in bloom!)

The Eagle Editorialist takes note of the "Confucius Say" fad, and notes that the world might be a better place if people paid attention to what the ancient Chinese sage actually did say. Five hundred years before Christ gave "The Golden Rule," Confucius said "What you do not wish done to you, do not do to others."

Even if you don't have a television set you can enjoy the Metropolitan Opera's Television Gala. The sound portion of the hour-long spectacular will be heard at 8pm over WJZ. That is, if you don't plan to listen to Charlie McCarthy and his guest Carole Lombard on WEAF.

"Cashmore!" huffs Sally. "Why didn't they give it to Genny Earle? He'll never last!" And Joe says, "Nahh, you might be surprised. I bet he keeps that job for twenny years." And Sally says "Hmph. Shows what you know."

Arthur Pollock went to see the Theatre Guild's production of Ernest Hemingway's "The Fifth Column," a piece the authors claims he wrote "while shells were bursting all around." Mr. Pollock observes that the Guild's production certainly sounds so.

Now at the Patio, it's Nelson Eddy and Ilona Massey in "Balalaika," paired with Victor McLaglen and Jackie Cooper in "The Big Guy." Something for everyone.

(And again yells Sally, "WHERE'S PETEY????")

Home runs flew thru a windy, chilly Florida sky as the Dodgers won their second straight over the Reds in Grapefruit League action in Clearwater. Rookie catcher Christian Hartje paced the attack with two circuit clouts, including one to break up the game in the bottom of the twelfth, with Babe Phelps and Cookie Lavagetto knocking out one each. The Reds did plenty of slugging on their own, with four homers in the twelve-inning contest. Fat Freddie Fitzsimmons got the win for the Flock, with Reds rookie Tex Geetz taking the loss before a crowd of 1525 shivering fans.

Dolph Camilli is in camp, but not in uniform, as he arrives for face-to-face talks with Dodger president Larry MacPhail aimed at ending his holdout. The two parties are still $1000 apart on the final figure.

Old Time Matthew D. Kelly remembers growing up in Gravesend, where he had to ride a pony ten miles to school both ways. (Uphill, no doubt.)

Aw, go easy on this guy, Red. He can't help being a cattle rustler -- after all, his name's "Beef."

And poor Mary's heart dies a little inside, knowing her only grandson takes after his no-good con-man father.

And just like that, thanks to this fine public service announcement, Norman Marsh's year's worth of parking violations goes away.

"Vodka!" says the sign painter in panel two. "Gag!" he says in panel three. "Anchor!" he says in panel four. "Tea!" says the first guy in panel five, and his pal says "zhldt!" Which is an untranslatable Russian word meaning "Sock this baby in the beezer."

 

[LizzieMaine]

And in the Daily News...

(And at far right, the Time Traveling Hipster, now wearing a fine and well-groomed beard, makes another appearance in 1940.)

How to sap the foe's morale? Send him a shipload of hokey phony counts.

When I woke up this morning I had no idea how much I wanted to see Dick Tracy doing the rhumba with a strange woman he found sleeping in the back seat of his car.

"It's not really stealing." Ah, the code of the Conquistadores.

Okay, point of order. Why is Kayo's rank card any business of Lord Plushbottom's at all? He's married to the owner of the boardinghouse, but Moon, as his older brother, is the kid's legal guardian, and the only one who should be making judgements about discipline. So butt out, fatty.

Uhhhhhh.......

Evidence that Nick's favorite movie is "Public Enemy."

 

[Fading Fast]

...

Except for its stations, the Long Island Rail Road would be good. So concludes a special investigation by the Eagle into the condition of LIRR facilities, which handle an estimated 70,000,000 passengers a year -- more than any other railroad in the world. The city's largest commuter line, the LIRR operates some 650 trains a day in the winter, with more in Summer and during times of peak demand, with an LIRR train arriving at Pennsylvania Station once every minute during rush hour, and every two minutes at the Flatbush Avenue Terminal. The LIRR operates at a $2,000,000 annual defecit, which must be made up by its parent, the Pennsylvania Railroad, which helps explain the shortcomings in terminal facilities with which the railroad must contend....

I have no numbers at hand (and didn't Google a thing), but it's hard to believe those numbers aren't much higher today. If you have never experienced a Penn (or Grand Central) station rush hour, you can't fully appreciate the overwhelming crowds of people. Penn serves three major railroads: two commuter ones, the LII and New Jersey Transit plus it is the main station for Amtrak's mainline and insanely busy NorthEast corridor (DC-NYC-Boston) - every single rush hour feels like a people dam has burst.

...Even if you don't have a television set you can enjoy the Metropolitan Opera's Television Gala. The sound portion of the hour-long spectacular will be heard at 8pm over WJZ. That is, if you don't plan to listen to Charlie McCarthy and his guest Carole Lombard on WEAF...

Given the choice to hear only one and see and hear the other - I'll listen to the opera and look at Carol Lombard.

...
And poor Mary's heart dies a little inside, knowing her only grandson takes after his no-good con-man father....

And since he told her what it is she signed, he's a stupid con-man at that. Mary didn't agree not to see what she signed, so what did he accomplish?

...
And just like that, thanks to this fine public service announcement, Norman Marsh's year's worth of parking violations goes away....

Victor Hugo's spot amongst the top writers of all time will not be threaten by Norman Marsh.

... "Vodka!" says the sign painter in panel two. "Gag!" he says in panel three. "Anchor!" he says in panel four. "Tea!" says the first guy in panel five, and his pal says "zhldt!" Which is an untranslatable Russian word meaning "Sock this baby in the beezer."

There is way too much important stuff going on with Oakdale, Peg and the rich cousin plus the new scam to just break with the story line for Sunday - I Protest!

...
How to sap the foe's morale? Send him a shipload of hokey phony counts....

Coming to The Patio next year: "You Can't Marry Until You Divorce!" staring:

Adolphe Menjou as Count
Kay Frances as Louella Gear
Greta Garbo as the Countess
Cary Grant as Frederick Engle​

​

... When I woke up this morning I had no idea how much I wanted to see Dick Tracy doing the rhumba with a strange woman he found sleeping in the back seat of his car....

I'm betting Tess Tureheart doesn't share your wish.

... Okay, point of order. Why is Kayo's rank card any business of Lord Plushbottom's at all? He's married to the owner of the boardinghouse, but Moon, as his older brother, is the kid's legal guardian, and the only one who should be making judgements about discipline. So butt out, fatty...

But the more interesting comic was the advert in which I will point out these lines said by a man holding a magic wand to a scantily clad woman; said by him:"You want me to show you something new," "Notice its fits-in-your-pocket shape," "This packaging is tops in in convenience and sanitary protection," and her line: "Chiclets' flavors are the tops..." Uh-huh, oh those naughty Boys in marketing.

... Uhhhhhh........

If the scale is accurate in the second panel, I'd say, if April weighs 90lbs, then Pat tips in at 500lbs.

Panel 7: "Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

... View attachment 219201 Evidence that Nick's favorite movie is "Public Enemy."

I love that Nick is all urbane and polished when need be, but he can mix it up on the streets when called for - there's a reason he is where he is. While he didn't look like him at all - and he had his sui generis personality quirks - Nucky Thompson from "Boardwalk Empire" had a lot of Nick Gatt in him.

 

[Fading Fast]

 

[LizzieMaine]

Britain and France have advised Finland that they stand ready to provide "all available resources" to aid that Baltic nation as soon as the word is given. The offer comes as the Finns and Russians continue their peace talks in Moscow. British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain emphasized in his statement that no request for aid has been received by either Britain or France from the Helsinki government.

In Moscow, Finnish Foreign Minister V. A. Tanner stressed in a transatlantic telephone call with the United Press that no agreement with the Soviet Union on peace terms has yet been reached, and such rumors that peace is imminent that have been published in the foreign press are "not based on fact."

German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop talked by telephone today with Italian Premier Benito Mussolini and Italian Foreign Minister Count Galeazzo Ciano, following a lengthy face-to-face conversation at the Vatican with Pope Pius XII. An official German communique stated that von Ribbentrop's conversation with the Italian authorities "covered the international situation," without elaborating as to the details of the discussion. A "reliable source" states that the Pope did not extend his blessing to Germany during his meeting with the Foreign Minister, since the topic of conversation was "political, not religious."

A plague of rats devastating Pitcairn Island, home of the descendents of the Mutiny On The Bounty, could be eradicated by a special shipment of poison, to be delivered to the island by millionaire sportsman William B. Leeds. Amateur radio operator Mrs. Dorothy Hall of Springfield Garden, Queens, says she was recruited by the wealthy tinplate heir to relay word of the "mercy mission" by shortwave to the Pitcairn residents, whose radio transmitter has been silenced since the outbreak of the war by order of the British Admiralty, but who are believed still capable of receiving transmissions. Leeds will carry improved radio equipment to Pitcairn aboard his yacht, the Moana, along with supplies of flour, sugar, and other supplies, as well as a large quantity of rat poison. Mrs. Hall also reports that she has been communicating by shortwave by Admiral Richard E. Byrd, Antarctic explorer, who told her that he left supplies with the islanders on his way South.

A 31-year-old male guest at the home of a rich Long Island widow was found dead in his bed yesterday with an empty vial of sleeping pills at his side, and authorities are investigating the circumstances of the death. Paul Gormley was discovered dead around 5pm yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Madelle A. Walsh of Fort Solonga. An autopsy by Suffolk County Coroner Dr. Grover A. Stillman concluded that Gormley died of heart failure, possibly brought on by an overdose of sleeping tablets, but a chemical analysis of Gormley's internal organs will be undertaken before a final inquest is held. Police note that Mrs. Walsh's late husband, a stockbroker, died under mysterious circumstances two years ago after a fight during a cocktail party at his home.

Dodger first baseman Dolph Camilli has refused the club's latest offer of $15,000, following a two hour conference at the team's spring training headquarters in Clearwater, Florida between the holdout player and team president Larry MacPhail. "We aren't far apart," Camilli stated following the conference, "but we might as well be a million dollars apart." Chief point of contention is said to be Camilli's demand that the club pay the cost of flying his family east from their winter home in California.

The murder trial of amateur boxer Ernest Walter Kehler for the December beating death of German Consular Secretary Dr. Walter Engleberg at his home in Flatbush is expected to go to the jury late this afternoon. This morning, defense attorney Leo Healy concluded his summation to the jury by denouncing the victim as "a filthy degraded animal" who "was about to commit on [Kehler] a felonious crime," and urged jurors to send his client home to Canada for "a happy Easter with his little family."

(And there really are goat farms on Staten Island!)

In Britain, meat rationing began today, with most adults limited to one shilling tenpence (37 cents) worth of meat per week, with children under six limited to elevenpence worth (19 cents) per week. Exempt from rationing are poultry, game meats, liver, kidneys, sausage, or prepared meats. Bacon has been rationed since January.

The President of the International Catholic Truth Society has condemned the appointment of Bertrand Russell to the faculty of the City College of New York. Father Edward Lodge Curran, speaking before a meeting of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Kings County at the Hotel St. George, denounced the noted British philosopher as "a pagan," "an enemy of the Christian home, Christian morality and God." Father Curran demanded Russell's immediate removal from his post, as well as the immediate dismissal of every CCNY board member who endorsed his addition to the faculty.

"Muddled Mammee" writes to Helen Worth desperate for help in determining if her three-year-old son is actually hers. Muddled says the child looks like neither her nor her husband, and she is increasingly convinced that that he was actually switched by hospital staff by mistake for her actual child. Helen says you might as well ask the doctor for a blood test, although that might not tell a lot, and to take solace in knowing that even before children were born in hospitals it was common for a child not to look like either parent.

A 200-pound, 46-year old male nurse at Harlem Hospital has confessed to having his twenty-three-year-old sweetheart to death with an ax. Louis Grondine led a police patrolman to his apartment and showed him the nude body of Elaine Rossi, whose head had been split open with a hatchet Grondine said he used to chop kindling wood. Grondine told the patrolman he had cleaned the body but wasn't sure what to do with it, and was considering packing it in a barrel and sending it to her home. Grondine spent the day after the killing attending a lodge ceremony in Poughkeepsie.

A revival of Howard Hughes' 1930 air epic "Hell's Angels," starring Ben Lyon, Jean Harlow, and James Hall is coming to the Brooklyn Strand next week. The re-edited version of the spectacular war film will share the bill with "The Phantom Strikes, a British thriller starring Wilfred Lawson, Sonnie Hale, and Louise Henry.

Only four more days to do your taxes!

The last survivor of the famous Hawkins Zouaves has died in Hempstead at 96. Charles P. Neuber joined the famous regiment at the start of the Civil War and served thruout the conflict. In civilian life he was long associated with the tinware firm of William Vogel and Sons. He was the last surviving member of the Kimbal GAR Post in Hempstead.

The Camilli family is all smiles, even though daddy Dolph is still unsigned. With no Grapefruit League game on schedule today, reports from Clearwater indicate more discussions between the stubborn slugger and the recalcitrant boss, with manager Leo Durocher also expected to speak with Camilli.

Meanwhile, rookie shortstop Peewee Reese is expected to be out for the next two weeks after his palm was split open during yesterday's game against the Detroit Tigers at Lakeland. Reese was trying to field a hard-hit liner off the bat of Barney McCoskey with his bare hand, and immediately regretted the maneuver. The Dodgers lost the game 8-0, although comebacking righthander Van Mungo looked fair in his middle-inning relief stint, allowing three hits and two runs, but showing none of his former speed.

George's famous last words: "I'll explain everything later."

Maybe we can get a two-for-one coupon deal on the doctor and have him look at poor, forgotten Bill all slumped over in his chair...

I know I give Mr. Marsh a hard time here, but how 'bout that shot of Kay in panel two. Doesn't that just say "For gawd's sake, Dan, didn't we go over all this yesterday??"

 

[LizzieMaine]

And in the Daily News...

There's no business like show business.

If you enjoy goat-based advertising, bock beer season is a time you look forward to all year long.

Like I said...

It's like watching chess masters at work...

"That Tracy. Always got a story."

Hey Andy, why don't you go find your little boy. I hear he's having some fun down there in a cave in South America.

Mr. Caniff doesn't just double down on the comedy relief racial stereotyping today -- he triples down!

Frank King decides to experiment with camera angles today. Panel two is a pip.

I always laugh out loud when Mamie yells "WILL-YAM!" My assistant at work is named William, and sometimes I summon him this way, and he doesn't get the joke.

"Whew! Saved at the last moment by some random guy beckoning from a window! And just when I was about to do something I was sure not to regret!"

 

[Fading Fast]

...A 31-year-old male guest at the home of a rich Long Island widow was found dead in his bed yesterday with an empty vial of sleeping pills at his side, and authorities are investigating the circumstances of the death. Paul Gormley was discovered dead around 5pm yesterday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Madelle A. Walsh of Fort Solonga. An autopsy by Suffolk County Coroner Dr. Grover A. Stillman concluded that Gormley died of heart failure, possibly brought on by an overdose of sleeping tablets, but a chemical analysis of Gormley's internal organs will be undertaken before a final inquest is held. Police note that Mrs. Walsh's late husband, a stockbroker, died under mysterious circumstances two years ago after a fight during a cocktail party at his home....

Hmm, I've watched way too many film noirs not to be skeptical of multiple suspicious deaths in the same person's home.

...The murder trial of amateur boxer Ernest Walter Kehler for the December beating death of German Consular Secretary Dr. Walter Engleberg at his home in Flatbush is expected to go to the jury late this afternoon. This morning, defense attorney Leo Healy concluded his summation to the jury by denouncing the victim as "a filthy degraded animal" who "was about to commit on [Kehler] a felonious crime," and urged jurors to send his client home to Canada for "a happy Easter with his little family."...

...
(And there really are goat farms on Staten Island!)...

Heck, when I first read it, I was trying to figure out what a goat had to do with a tax-preparation firm.

...The President of the International Catholic Truth Society has condemned the appointment of Bertrand Russell to the faculty of the City College of New York. Father Edward Lodge Curran, speaking before a meeting of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Kings County at the Hotel St. George, denounced the noted British philosopher as "a pagan," "an enemy of the Christian home, Christian morality and God." Father Curran demanded Russell's immediate removal from his post, as well as the immediate dismissal of every CCNY board member who endorsed his addition to the faculty....

I always have a copy of Bertrand Russell's "A History of Western Philosophy" next to my desk for reference.

...A revival of Howard Hughes' 1930 air epic "Hell's Angels," starring Ben Lyon, Jean Harlow, and James Hall is coming to the Brooklyn Strand next week. The re-edited version of the spectacular war film will share the bill with "The Phantom Strikes, a British thriller starring Wilfred Lawson, Sonnie Hale, and Louise Henry....

Prior to old movies always being on TV, I assume (don't know) that these revivals were really popular.

...
George's famous last words: "I'll explain everything later."...

I used to think these two should divorce, but maybe in their own crazy way, they are right for each other as, at minimum, no one else would have either one of them.

...[ Maybe we can get a two-for-one coupon deal on the doctor and have him look at poor, forgotten Bill all slumped over in his chair......

I like that the recap reminded us that John Blackston is a "dynamic and handsome" young assistant district attorney.

... I know I give Mr. Marsh a hard time here, but how 'bout that shot of Kay in panel two. Doesn't that just say "For gawd's sake, Dan, didn't we go over all this yesterday??"

I thought her face said something more like "I know I said 'till death do us part', but, well, um, those are just words; people do get divorced, I'm still young, I have my figure - I wonder what the weather is like in Reno this time of year?"

And Dan reverse ages decades from panel to panel: in panel one, he's 60; panel 2, 40; panel 3, 20.

... View attachment 219467
There's no business like show business....

Hard to remember, but until direct deposit became commonplace in the '90s, getting your paycheck cashed was a genuine hassle.

... It's like watching chess masters at work......

From what I've seen of business at the top of the house, at large companies, it is very similar - it's a game of very sophisticated chess and poker where they are always thinking several moves ahead and always reading their opponents for tells. And we've all read enough books on government and politics to know it's the same there. The people who rise to the top of any of these fields, with the occasional exception, are there, in part, because they have these skills.

... Mr. Caniff doesn't just double down on the comedy relief racial stereotyping today -- he triples down!...

Yes, plus, it's just crazy. Separately, gotta love April's innocence: "Oh, Glory..." and earlier in the week "I'm bustin' happy" and "Great day in the mornin'." Someone has to teach that girl how to cuss, at least, comic-strip style.

.. Frank King decides to experiment with camera angles today. Panel two is a pip....

As we've noted before, film noir definitely borrowed from the comics.