On the Air (1937)

★★★★ · You are invited same time next week · Steve Nordby · 2003-11-14

Fabulous 1930's Jam Handy explanation of how radio works, beginning with orchestra performing in the radio studio dressed in formal attire as if the radio audience was watching. The explanation of the electronics and the accompanying illustrations appear made more to impress than explain and end up doing neither. Still it's fun to listen to the proper, deep voiced, tuxedo dressed 1930's announcer read psuedo-technical jargon he hardly understands, and then announce what "Romanov and the orchestra" will play next. And of course, it is a Jam Handy film, and that means Chevy, so we listen on the…

★★★★ · On the Air enjoyable · ERD. · 2008-12-27

"On the Air," featured David Rubinoff, violinist and orchestra leader who appeared with Eddie Cantor on the radio and in theatres during the 1930's and 40's. How formal everyone dressed in the studio,probably to give the place a touch of class. The explanation of how radio waves worked was nicely done. Historically very interesting and entertaining.

★★★ · Dancing Ribbons · Dodsworth the Cat · 2023-10-31

There's an awful lot of padding in this 10-minute short. About a third is taken up watching an orchestra play and listening to the ridiculously-serious Westbrook Van Voorhis (using his Hugh Conrad moniker) bellow his intoned introductions. He even thrusts his finger to cue Rubinoff, which would be the director's job on a real radio programme. Finally, the usual Jam Handy voice-over guy shows up to tell us about how broadcast sounds are made and go from the studio to the home. Some animation here. There are nice close-up shots of carbon and ribbon mikes of the 1930s.