Tom Quest and the Mystery of the Timber Giant

Beginning in 1947 there was an explosion of boys' adventure books from Grosset & Dunlap, publishers, which included the premiere of Rick Brant, Bronc Burnett, Chip Hilton and the first of a series of eight Tom Quest novels, penned by Fran Striker. Yes, the same man responsible for creating The Lone Ranger created new characters for a series of novels that took readers to the Florida Everglades, combatted headhunters in Ecuador, went on an expedition into Mexico where they found a lost city peopled by survivors of a prehistoric race, and witnessed the strange rites among the Mandan Indians in the Red River country. 

The Sign of the Spiral (1947) was the first of the eight Tom Quest novels, introducing us to the cast of characters who were to appear in most of the adventures, including Whiz Walton (a newspaper man) and Gulliver, the unwaveringly loyal with tremendous strength and raw courage. Of recent I finished reading the eighth and final adventure in the series, The Mystery of the Timber Giant (1955). Why Fran Striker did not write additional novels remains unknown. The first six novels were published by Grosset & Dunlap; the final two were published by Clover Books. (The first six were also reprinted by Clover.) Timber Giant concerns Tom Quest's efforts to thwart a crooked lumber scheme operated by a "big boss" syndicate that tricks good people in the lumber region into cutting down pine and redwood without having to pay them the money promised under contract. Tom, Whiz and Gulliver attempt to put a stop to it, through three harrowing escapades. 

Besides the nineteen Lone Ranger novels, Fran Striker also wrote one Roy Rogers and one Gene Autry novel. Gene Autry and the Redwood Pirates (1946) was published by Whitman. Striker wrote under the pseudonym of Bob Hamilton. In that novel, Gene and his horse, Champ, find plenty of trouble as soon as they get into the redwood country to investigate a rumor about a gang who is pirating timber in the forests along the Chicapoo River. Sound familiar?

Not too surprisingly, the Gene Autry novel recycles the plots from a three-part story arc on radio's Lone Ranger program, broadcast December 13, 15 and 17, 1943.

And yes, this Tom Quest novel recycles the same material from both.

In my pursuit to find everything recycled from radio's The Lone Ranger, connecting the dots, names such as Ponderosa Pete, Lefty Lennex, Gimp Gordon, Zach Vinton, Clem Archer and Halfpint Hoolihan were used for other characters on prior Lone Ranger radio broadcasts, as well as names of towns such as Telegraph Hill, Snake River and the Dipper Creek lumber camp.

Regardless of this recent discovery, the eight Tom Quest novels are fun reads. Average price for the hardcover novels is $5 to $10 depending on the condition of the books. The first editions did not have the art printed on the book, but rather clothbound with paper dust jacket. Those first editions (with dust jackets) are the ones worth more and the price is based on the condition of the dust jacket. If you come across these adventures at collector shows or shop on Amazon, use this as a price gauge.

Two Book Reviews

Vic and Sade on Radio book

VIC AND SADE ON THE RADIO

I was first exposed to the long-running radio program Vic and Sade, not through radio, but through television. While watching an episode of the Colgate Comedy Hour, a live television program from the early fifties, I noticed a cast of unknowns performing the roles of a family who lived "halfway up the next block" and a brief announcement that Vic and Sade had been done prior on radio. About that time, Radio Spirits released a bookshelf album of audio cassettes for Vic and Sade and my curiosity was piqued so I bought the set. It took a bit of adjustment to understand the formula of the radio comedy -- a style of wit that doesn't always agree with everyone -- especially those who expect insults and slapstick. Vic and Sade is an acquired taste and the more you listen to them, the more you grow fond of it.

Flash forward a year or two later when, at REPS in Seattle, I met a couple people who were fanatics for the radio program and there I was exposed to the legend and lore of Vic and Sade. Half of what was told to me went in one ear and out the other -- dirty gossip and stories about hoarders -- but the gist was clear: there were recordings of Vic and Sade (and radio scripts) that were being hoarded and regarded as national treasures. "Why are they not available to fans in the hobby?" I asked. The reasons varied and I simply let things go as they are. Half the fun of collecting old radio programs was seeking out recordings I did not have in my collection. I would continue to seek copies from various collectors. To date, I have over 400 radio scripts and almost as many radio programs in my collection -- enough to last me another decade of enjoyment before I exhaust my collection.

Just recently McFarland mailed me a complimentary copy of John T. Hetherington's new book, Vic and Sade: A Cultural History of Paul Rhymer's Daytime Series, 1932-1944. The subtitle pretty much sums up the book. Growing from his love for Vic and Sade, the author explores some of the deeper meanings and themes beneath the absurdity and humor. A brief biography about Paul Rhymer and the origin and early years of Vic and Sade are included within the pages. A study of mass culture during the 1930s and 1940s and how it influenced the characters on Vic and Sade, is explored in detail. A history of motion-pictures during the era, reading on the porch, community service and other aspects are explored as they relate to the radio program. The closing chapter covers an aspect of the series that has been undocumented in prior publications: the later efforts to revive the series -- including the Colgate Comedy Hour.

This book features a history of the radio program, but only interlaced throughout the book, sprinkled with excerpts of script reprints. There is no episode guide or chronological documentation with a date-by-date broadcast schedule (network, broadcast time, cast changes, etc.). I know that would be a major challenge to the author, but since so many radio scripts and recordings exist in collector hands, I would assume taking on such a challenge would be both exhausting and rewarding. Such efforts would overshadow others such as the late Bill Idelson, a cast member, who wrote The Story of Vic and Sade in 2007 for Bear Manor Media, and a book of scripts published prior. 

If what you are seeking is a "cultural history," in what many describe as a "critical analysis," which McFarland statistically publishes more of every year, or want to explore the program deeper than it has ever been explored, this is a great book. If you are looking for a historical perspective of documentary nature, covering minute details ranging from the sale of screen rights, salary costs and exclusive memories and recollections from cast and crew, this is not the book.

One such example: pages 106 to 108 are devoted to the history of motion-pictures and the industry of Hollywood. Vic and Sade is referenced on page 109. And the two photographs on page 108 and 109 are of old movie palaces and theaters from 1935 and 1939 -- and have nothing to do with the radio program Vic and Sade. I only criticize (briefly) because the title of the book is Vic and Sade on Radio.

Still, if you are a fan of Vic and Sade, this is a book for you to take to the beach and enjoy.

The Remarkable Enid Markey by Brian J. Bohnett

THE REMARKABLE ENID MARKEY

Billed as "The First Lady of the Tarzan Films," Enid Markey had a career spanning over six decades. From the silent days of the silver screen, to Broadway and the legitimate theatre, to television and radio... this book features an extensive biography about the actress and documents every facet of her acting career. As a fan of old-time radio, it is a treat to see radio broadcasts documented in a book that isn't primarily focused on radio... and suggests the author did his research. There are more than 300 photographs in this book, reprints of newspaper clippings, studio publicity photos, press books and much more. Brian Bohnett, the author, is an active member of the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society, and also a member of the Burroughs Bibliophiles -- an organization which awarded him the Edgar Rice Burroughs Achievement Award in 2003 for his work in writing and publishing. A graphic designer and illustrator by trade, Brian took to self-publishing this book under his Mad Kings Publishing label. As a result, this book is not widely available through the major circuits. You pretty much have to seek out across the internet to find and purchase a copy of the book. I was told the copy sent to me was among the last in stock so by the time you read this, the book may already be out of print. But do not hesitate seeking it out.

A couple years ago I met a man who once expressed displeasure in purchasing any books self-published because, as he believed, this meant the book was never worthy enough for a major publishing house to consider snatching it up. This is a misconception as I find many self-published reference guides are better than the ones that are published from a major house. It all depends on the author of that book. My only regret is that books on other silent screen actors and actresses have never received such extensive coverage as Enid Markey received. Great job, Brian! 

Jack Benny Ultimate DVD Collection

Time Life recently released their “Ultimate Jack Benny Collection,” an exclusive available only through Time Life’s website for a retail price of $99.95. Regrettably, the set is anything but ultimate. 

Jack Benny may have been a cheapskate, a mediocre violinist, and 39 years old no matter the year, but above all he was a master of comedy. His character was fiction, of course, and the running jokes kept fans laughing for over 50 years on radio, stage, screen and television. By 1965, Jack Benny was well-acquainted with hour-long color television specials. His first experience with color television came in 1955, when the program for March 6 was pre-recorded at George Burns’ McCadden Studios. Ten years later he hosted and starred in a series of ten television specials, almost one every calendar year until 1974. Celebrity guests included Bob Hope, Lucille Ball, Nancy Sinatra, The Beach Boys, Dennis Day, Red Skelton, Gregory Peck, Elke Sommer, Walt Disney, Eddie “Rochester” Anderson, Dinah Shore, John Wayne, Redd Foxx, Don Rickles, Jack Webb, Dean Martin, Phyllis Diller, Johnny Carson, Ann-Margret, Dan Blocker, Lawrence Welk and many others. 

The five-disc set issued through Time Life is a gem. Picture and sound quality is superior. Teasers and bumpers included, you can feel confident these are uncut and unedited. Also included in the February 5, 1981 special, “A Love Letter to Jack Benny,” hosted by George Burns, a loving tribute to a comedian who passed away a short time prior.

Regrettably, the five-disc set falls short of the $99.95 price tag. Advertised on Time Life’s website is a 12-disc set containing over 60 half-hour episodes of The Jack Benny Program, which is contained in two box sets with the remaining seven DVDs. Imagine my surprise when these two box sets are not from Time Life, but prior DVD releases from Mill Creek and Shout! Factory. Yes, the 2013 Shout! Factory DVD release with 18 half-hour episodes is included, along with the four-disc 2011 Mill Creek release containing 39 half-hour episodes. The latter of which retails $3.99 and was found in the bargain bins at Wal-Mart for $5 last year. The Shout! Factory box set retailed $29.95 when commercially released in 2013, not retailing an average of $19.95 (and less if you shop around).

Specifically what arrived in my mail box.
This is what Time Life should be revealing on their website.

For anyone puzzled over what this all means… Time Life has a sturdy reputation for licensing and commercially packaging classic television programs, unavailable elsewhere at the time of their release. Usually loaded with bonus features, fans of The Six Million Dollar Man, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Get Smart, Laugh-In and The Carol Burnett Show, among other classics, knew that while the price tag was a bit steep, the product was always top-notch. For this Jack Benny DVD set, inferior quality public domain prints from the Mill Creek set is vastly inferior compared to prior Time Life holdings.

Careful examination of the Time Life website verifies what fans are complaining about on social media as “deceptive advertising” and “misleading." (Direct quotes from fans of Jack Benny.) Nowhere does the product description indicate Mill Creek or Shout! Factory sets, suggesting the product sold is exclusive from Time Life as with all prior DVD releases. The photo image of the product only portrays the five-disc set of NBC Television Specials. One fan on social media claimed to have contacted Time Life to inform them that the photo of all three box sets were not accurate, suggesting all three sets were produced by Time Life, with different cover art. The company quickly changed the product photo to just the five-disc set. That fan also provided screen captures of the before and after to prove the initial deception in packaging, reprinted below.

(Above) This is what Time Life promoted months ago.

(Above) This is what Time Life is now promoting as a 12-disc set.

Even with a 24-page booklet inserted between the three box sets, bundled and shrunk wrapped together as a single set, the $99.95 price tag is a major disappointment. Time Life, in my opinion, should have just offered the five-disc set at a price tag of $39.95 or $49.95... just as an option for a separate purchase. It appears that Time Life wanted to make a minimum of $99.95 for a single purchase and not having a DVD set worthy of the price tag, simply grabbed wholesale discounts of two prior DVD sets and bundled them together to justify the price tag. Failure to disclose two box sets released by other companies more than five years ago as part of this 12-disc “exclusive” is indeed misleading. 

Officials at Time Life have been asked by multiple people to explain why the product on their website is deceptive and to date, everyone who told me they asked for an explanation received dead silence.

Batman Returns to Television

Holy show-ups! Batman is making a return to prime time television!

The villainous Bane complete with costume.

In 2013, producer Bruno Heller, along with Danny Cannon, created a weekly detective series based on the DC Comics run of Batman. The premise, summed up briefly, is a weekly prime-time soap opera (with each episode picking up where the last left off) populated by a cast of characters who, each with various reasons, slowly progress into the villains that are common stance of Batman comics. Here, Bruce Wayne is a young man and many years away from the crime-fighting exploits that we would come to know. Therefore, the events that unfold happen years before Bruce Wayne decides to become Batman. Hence why the program is titled Gotham. It is gritty, violent and loaded with enough mystery for Detective Gordon to investigate the weird motives that he eventually writes off numerous times as "That doesn't surprise me. This is Gotham."

On the program we watch as Oswald Cobblepot develops political ambitions, Edward Nygma losing his job as a forensics scientist at the Gotham City Police Department and becoming a wanted criminal, and Selena Kyle applying cat burglar skills as she slowly develops feelings for young Bruce. Along the way there is a triangle love with Detective Gordon, who eventually gets promoted to Commissioner Gordon, and who happens to be the investigative lead on the program.

Jeremiah Valeska, a.k.a. The Joker 

Gotham premiered in September of 2014 with a few legal stipulations: the words "Batman," "The Joker" and "Harley Quinn" could not be used on the program, along with The Joker's trademarked green hair. Fox Entertainment President David Madden said that the show's production team "have masterfully honored the mythology of Gotham and brought it to life with depth, emotion and memorable high drama."

The Mad Hatter and his close associates. 

To be honest, I was not impressed with the first season, but I understood the concept and what the producers were shooting for. With each passing season, as the characters became more villainous, the program in my opinion got better and better... proving that in the Batman universe, it is the villains that we cheer on -- not the Caped Crusader. There was a smile on my face when Mad Hatter hypnotized an innocent couple and then smashed them flat with a wrecking ball. Crystal Reed was eye candy as Sofia Falcone. The actor playing Zsasz hits the mark without having to take off his jacket to reveal the scars we know all too well. It is rare that a television program gets better with each season and Gotham succeeded. But after four years it seems the ratings are less than half of what they were when the program premiered and Fox would not renew for a fifth season.

Producer Heller quickly begged the network for one final season. Everything leading to Bruce Wayne's decision to dress in cape and cowl was leading to the fifth and final season. Executives at Fox eventually relented and a partial half-season was commissioned. Twelve episodes instead of the usual 22. And this season we have seen the birth of Bane, Arthur Penn (a.k.a. The Ventriloquist), Ivy Pepper's acceptance of the power to control plants as Poison Ivy, and the origin of Magpie, Jane Doe and other lesser-known Batman villains. But here lies the big surprise that leaked a few weeks ago: the five-year on-going story arc will finish with episode 11, to be televised April 18. The final episode of the program, on the evening of April 25, will be a one-episode stand-alone adventure that takes place ten years later. Complete with cape and cowl, we will see the first live-action Batman on prime-time television since Adam West in 1966. Yep, The Joker, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Cat Woman, The Penguin and the entire gang will be facing off against the Caped Crusader.

So even if you have not watched Gotham over the past five years, set your DVRs to record Gotham on the evening of April 25 on Fox. To quote Harley Quinn, "This is gonna be fun, Puddin'..."