Week of May 15, 1950

In South Amboy, NJ - Four munitions barges blow-up

with the force of wartime blockbusters, injuring hundreds

with 3 confirmed fatalities. The blast shattered windows

for miles, knocking out a power plant and crippling

communications in town.

The New Jersey Bell Telephone Co. reported

switchboards in all central offices within 25 miles of the

blast “lit up like a Christmas tree.”

Dr. Vladimir Houdek, the top Czech delegate to the

United Nations, quits and seeks refuge in the United

States, charging that Russia has destroyed his country’s

freedom.

Jujitsu is popular and is being taught in many places. One expert says, “It’s all a

mater of balance. No great strength required.” Another expert recommends

Jujitsu for women to defend themselves.

The Democrats have come up with a new song for President Truman: “Here’s

Harry! A broad shouldered President! Here’s Harry! A friend of every man. Here’s

Harry! A good solid resident. Hi! Ho! Harry! A real American!

Medical - An American Chemical Society meeting is told that the human life span

might be doubled to 120 years within a decade if $3 million could be spent on

special research. Dr. Thomas S. Gardner told chemists the research is needed in

the field known as gerontotherapeutics, a branch of science concerned with

slowing down the aging rate and preventing the development of old-age ailments.

Broadway columnist Lee Mortimer of the New York Daily Mirror says he was

beaten unconscious after conferring with Virgil Peterson, executive secretary of

the Chicago Crime Commission, before going to a nightclub in New Jersey.

Mortimer believes it was the work of the mob. Three years ago, Mortimer

charged that Frank Sinatra and friends jumped on him and

beat him without warning in a Hollywood nightclub.

Pepsi is of highest purity… Gives more quick food energy

once for once! Pepsi - More Bounce to the Ounce!

Show Business - Frank Sinatra returns to Paris after visiting

Ava Gardner in Spain, where she’s shooting a movie.

Week of May 15, 1950

President of Fox West Coast Theaters and 10 others for

$6.75 million in treble damages and dissolution of an

alleged booking monopoly of 445 motion picture

theaters. The suit says the defendants, since 1925,

have violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by unlawfully

contracting, combining and conspiring to monopolize

and to restrain trade and commerce in the licensing and

exhibition of motion pictures.

“trusted” woman employee has

swindled her to the tune of about $20,000 during the past year.

The actress dismissed the person, but that she threatened her

to publicize “the most outrageous and ridiculous stories” about

Ms. Bankhead’s private life is she dared to take the case to the

police. “When she had the effrontery to threaten me I was

determined to prosecute.” The actress has turned the matter

over to her attorney.

Radio news - “Candid Mike” which has been off the air for two years, will return

this summer on CBS for 13 weeks. Allen Funt is also producing a video version

called “Candid Camera.”

Television news - Is television a threat to live sports? A survey commissioned by

RCA shows - not really. It showed that television set owners’ habits change after

they have had the receiver a year or more. When they first by a TV, they stay

home more and go out less. A year later, when the novelty has worn off, the

original pattern tends to return.

The next issue of Ebony, the Negro magazine, carries an article on the subject,

captioned: “Negro Performers Win Better Roles on TV Than In Any Other

Entertainment Medium.” The article says that the frequent appearances of sepia

talent on video screens is hailed as a “sure sign that television is free of racial

barriers.” In recent months, as many as 10 all-Negro television sows have hit the

air and at least two top shows next fall will feature colored talent: “Amos ‘n’ Andy”

and either Hattie McDonald or Ethel Waters in lead of “Beulah.”

Nestle’s now sponsors CBS-TV’s “Mr. I. Magination” kid’s show with Paul Tripp.

The show, a year old, has had no sponsor until now.

Week of May 15, 1950

Some Wednesday night television -

CBS - Arthur Godfrey, Twin Time, Stage 13

NBC - News Caravan with John Cameron Swayze,

Pinky Lee Variety Show, One Man’s Family, Your

Lucky Strike Theater, Break the Bank

ABC - On Trial, A Couple of Joes, Wresting from

Chicago

Music news -

RCA Victor says it will reissue some of its past best-

selling 78rpm singles in the new 45rpm format. It’s

part of RCA Victor’s sustained drive to make the 45

single the standard in the pop field.

At the movies -

Father of the Bride

- Spencer Tracy,

Joan Bennett,

Elizabeth Taylor, Don

Taylor, Billie Burke

John Garfield,

Micheline Prelle, Luther Adler

Lundigan

Dick Powell

Rory Calhoun, Walter Brennan

Week of May 15, 1950