Category Archives: Television

Voices — Jay Fiondella

Above, Jay Fiondella sets off to look for World War II planes that crashed in Greenland. "My Holy Grail." "Adventure is out there."

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American Basketball Association comes to L.A., October 30, 1968

By Keith Thursby Times staff writer The American Basketball Assn., which gave the world three-pointers, slam dunk contests and Dr. J., came to Los Angeles for a brief stop. The team was called the L.A. Stars but its real star … Continue reading

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Morse code vs. text messaging

Which is faster, Morse code or text messaging? Jay Leno has the answer. (Score one for the brass pounders!) This is what 40 words per minute sounds like.            

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A trip through skid row bars, October 18, 1958

Times religion editor Richard Mathison puts on a Salvation Army uniform and makes the rounds of skid row bars soliciting money. The organization instructs its workers: "Remember, this could be you or someone you love very much."

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Wrigley Field, October 17, 1958

Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle in "Home Run Derby" at Wrigley Field. By Keith ThursbyTimes staff writer Found a small but intriguing story about off-season baseball at Wrigley Field. Can you imagine seeing the 1958 Dodgers in the friendly confines … Continue reading

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Hollywood memories — Edie Adams

Television loses one of its greatest artists: Ernie Kovacs. At left, Ernie Kovacs’ death left Edie Adams in financial straits. One way she recouped was by making ads for Muriel Cigars. After all, Kovacs was a famous cigar smoker (although … Continue reading

Posted in broadcasting, Front Pages, Hollywood, Obituaries, Stage, Television | 7 Comments

Bob Kelley — the voice of the Rams

Bert Convy … or Dave Brubeck. By Keith Thursby Times staff writer Too bad I never got the chance to listen to Bob Kelley. Sounds like he was one of a kind. Kelley was the longtime Ram voice who was … Continue reading

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Voices — Gil Stratton, 1922 – 2008

William Holden and Gil Stratton in "Stalag 17." Here’s broadcaster Gil Stratton, speaking about his career, at an Old Farts luncheon, May 16, 2007.

Posted in broadcasting, Film, Hollywood, Obituaries, Television | 2 Comments

The new TV season, October 11, 1958

Roberta Jymme Shore of Disney’s "The Shaggy Dog" models current hairstyles. These new Saturday shows didn’t last long: "U.S. Marshal" with John Bromfield;  "Man Without a Gun" with Rex Reason; and "Cimarron City" with George Montgomery. But look who else … Continue reading

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The new TV season, 77 Sunset Strip, October 10, 1958

The new Friday shows of the 1958 TV season include some short-lived programs (Charles Bronson in "Man With a Camera") and one of the landmarks of the 1950s, "77 Sunset Strip." Warner Bros. spun off this series into another hit, … Continue reading

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New fall TV shows, October 9, 1958

Just say the secret word! Tonight we have "Playhouse 90," starring Jackie Gleason in William Saroyan’s "The Time of Your Life." I wonder what the younger generation, raised on "American Idol," makes of a 90-minute network TV show devoted to … Continue reading

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Chucko the Clown on KABC-TV, 1956

Chucko the Clown, entertaining young viewers while moms do the housework. Accompanied by a great little video.

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New fall TV shows, October 8, 1958

Hey it’s "Wagon Train" with Dean Stockwell! The new Wednesday night shows debut, with Gene Barry in "Bat Masterson," a short-lived series that tried to capitalize on the popularity of the TV Westerns. Times critic Cecil Smith ruminates on the … Continue reading

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The fall TV season, October 6, 1958

The fall 1958 television season begins with some returning shows ("Highway Patrol") and some new programs, including "The Ann Sothern Show" and "Desilu Playhouse." Although "Desilu Playhouse" had a relatively brief run, it is notable for launching two of the … Continue reading

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In the news: Nicole Brown Simpson, July 3, 1994

Los Angeles Times file photo Nicole Brown Simpson Dreams of Better Days Died That Night Nicole Simpson: A strong woman, she was on a quest to find her identity. By Shawn Hubler and Rebecca Trounson Times Staff Writers In the … Continue reading

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‘There is no longer any violence in the eyes of O.J. Simpson,’ October 6, 1968

 Nixon leads Humphrey in state poll By Keith Thursby Times staff writer It’s easy to pick apart an old profile of a famous person. The celebrity talks of hopes and dreams and you can see what went according to the … Continue reading

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Fixing what’s wrong with baseball, October 4, 1958

What young women are wearing today: knee socks with patterns just like dad’s. Hey look! It’s Annette! By Keith Thursby Times staff writer Sometimes an idea needs a little time to pick up speed. St. Louis sports journalist Bob Broeg … Continue reading

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Vin Scully is the best in the business, September 27, 1968

"Whiskey river, don’t run dry…." By Keith Thursby Times Staff Writer Vin Scully’s fans include his competitors in the broadcast booth. Dick Enberg had just signed a deal to become the Angels’ lead broadcaster, a job he would hold through … Continue reading

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Fire closes Ventura Freeway; milestone for Rams star, September 23, 1968

Above, a fire closes the Ventura Freeway from Camarillo to Woodland Hills. By Keith Thursby Times staff writer Dick Bass, a three-time Pro Bowl running back who played for the Rams from 1960-69, scored three touchdowns and became the 12th … Continue reading

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Dodger struck with ball, September 17, 1958

Snider hurt; L.A. loses 2 Duke hit by line drive, may miss rest of season. Above, Lawrence Welk in stereo with "Swinging Pete Fountain," the clarinetist who once said "Champagne and Bourbon Street don’t mix."  By Keith Thursby Times staff … Continue reading

Posted in broadcasting, Dodgers, Music, Sports, Television | 2 Comments