The Era -- Day By Day

[Fading Fast]

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(Soooooooooomebody's not telling the truth.)
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If you ask each one of the four, none of them were in the room when she was murdered.

Lost a bit amidst the sensationalism of the trial is the victim. Mrs. Riech, thinking she's coming to meet her friend's new fiancé, brings a box of chocolates (as a gift, I'm guessing), only to be robbed and killed. That she came with a gift is very sad.

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(Awww, it's always good to see an old friend again.)
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The poor telephone is still probably underwater.

There is no reason for the courts to be lenient with her anymore.

Her family should try and get her help, but maybe they have and she's just who she is.

Meanwhile, Governor Blackstone thinks, at least my Barbara is better than this one.

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("The best comic strip in the country is -- Blondie?" "Hmph, those snippy judges!" sniffs Josephine Bungle. "How lowbrow!" "Oh dear," sighs Mary Worth. "Bring them to me at once," comes a commanding voice from the East. "They shall know what it is to trifle with the Dragon Lady!")
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I've never read "Blondie" regularly, but from the little I've seen of that strip, it's hard to think it is better than "Terry," but popularity and quality are two different measures. Also, I thought "Annie" was very popular.

And in the Daily News...

Well now, I guess we can see exactly where the Finger of Guilt is pointing today.
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The cross-examination is going to be fascinating.

And in the Daily News...

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Shoot the messenger.
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Oh, this'll end well for everyone.
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It would be fun to have Lana back in the story, but she's too good for all these "Harold Teen" idiots. The way "Terry and the Pirates" is going, Pat's going to have to hire a nanny for Melody soon, perhaps Lana would be interested in some overseas adventure.

 

[LizzieMaine]

I've read Blondie on and off my entire life. It's been telling the same four jokes -- Dagwood eats a lot, Dagwood is lazy, Mr. Dithers kicks Dagwood in the pants, Dagwood runs into the mailman -- for nearly ninety years. I guess there's something to be said about consistency, but I'd put pretty much all the strips we follow here ahead of it on my personal list. Well, maybe not Dan Dunn, but work on it a bit, Marsh, and you'll get up there.

When I saw "Babs the Boothwrecker" in the headline there, I expected to see, you know, some more booths being wrecked. All we get is petty traffic crimes> I expect more from you, kid.

Mrs. Reich seems to have no identity in this case other than that of "victim," which is tragic, really -- she was a person, with a life that mattered to her and the people who knew her, but she ends up just a Page Four McGuffin for this unsavory bunch of losers. Crime journalism never changes.

 

[Fading Fast]

I've read Blondie on and off my entire life. It's been telling the same four jokes -- Dagwood eats a lot, Dagwood is lazy, Mr. Dithers kicks Dagwood in the pants, Dagwood runs into the mailman -- for nearly ninety years. I guess there's something to be said about consistency, but I'd put pretty much all the strips we follow here ahead of it on my personal list. Well, maybe not Dan Dunn, but work on it a bit, Marsh, and you'll get up there.

When I saw "Babs the Boothwrecker" in the headline there, I expected to see, you know, some more booths being wrecked. All we get is petty traffic crimes> I expect more from you, kid.

Mrs. Reich seems to have no identity in this case other than that of "victim," which is tragic, really -- she was a person, with a life that mattered to her and the people who knew her, but she ends up just a Page Four McGuffin for this unsavory bunch of losers. Crime journalism never changes.

I'm guilty, too, of, until today, not thinking much about Mrs. Reich as a person, but the box of candy brought it home for me. I believe she was described as lonely in a much-earlier article. Today, I saw a lonely woman happy to have a friend who wanted Mrs. Reich to meet her fiancé so Mrs. Reich wanted to do something nice by bringing a box of candy. It's all very sad. It's also why my lean is always to convicting the guilty (after a fair trial) and not worrying about all the reasons the criminal did what they did.

 

[LizzieMaine]

(Somebody HAD to faint in the courtroom, it was all in the script.)

The Board of Education today launched a full investigation of the mysterious breakdown of an elaborate air raid alarm system which failed to give any warning to many city schools yesterday during a 19 minute practice alert. Civilian Defense Administrator for the board Dr. C. Frederick Pertsch stated that he was "completely puzzled" by the failure, noting that a week ago, the system "functioned perfectly." He suggested the problem might have arisen when the method by which the system was activated, by pressure on one bell at Police Headquarters, was changed, apparently out of a concern over what might happen if Police Headquarters itself was bombed. The Board is sending out a message to all school superintendents in an effort to determine exactly which schools failed to receive the alert.

British planes dropped leaflets over Unoccupied France yesterday, containing a promise by President Roosevelt that all occupied French possessions will be restored to France after the war. Wave after wave as an obbligato to anti-aircraft fire, Royal Air Force planes droned over the Vichy area, showering the city and the surrounding countryside with the leaflets, which, bearing the signature of the United States Government, promised Frenchmen that despite allegations by collaborationists within the Vichy government, the United Nations is out to free France, along with all other nations now under the Nazi heel.

Chinese demolition squads and guerillas have stalled Japan's invasion machine along the Burma Road, but a serious new threat developed today in Eastern China, as plane-supported and reinforced enemy columns drove toward Allied aerial supply bases. A Chungking communique stated that bitter fighting continues in Chekiang Province below Shanghai, with heavy casualties on both sides.

Senate Democratic Leader Alben W. Barkley today fully exonerated Senator David I. Walsh (D-Massachusetts) of charges published by the New York Post that he frequented a Brooklyn "house of degradation" frequented by Nazi agents. Mention of Walsh in connection with the case was due to mistaken identity, Sen. Barkley stated, noting that the man actually involved was from New England, but not from Massachusetts. The story appeared in the Post in connection with the ongoing trial in Kings County Court of Gustave Hermann Beekman, who is under indictment for "an offense too loathsome to mention in the Senate or in any group of ladies or gentlemen." Sen. Barkley said that photographs of Sen. Walsh were shown to Beekman and two other defendants in the case, all of whom agreed that Walsh was not the man they had seen at the Brooklyn establishment. Sen. Barkley further noted that the FBI had fully investigated the matter and had "completely exonerated" Walsh. Sen. Walsh himself strongly denied ever visiting the house of degradation, and asserted that he had only been in Brooklyn "three times in his life." Walsh called the Post story "a diabolical lie."

("Awwww," sighs Joe. "Remembeh t'at ham you won? 'At was a swell ham." "Greenpowet!" groans Sally. "You know how long it takes t'get out t'eah?" "Wait, I t'ought t'at said 'Greenpernt," protests Joe. "No," declares Sally. "Greenpowet. Allaway out t'enna t' Long Islan'. Y'know how longa train ride 'at is?" "Yeah," sighs Joe. "I guess. 'At really was a swell ham." "Yeah," agrees Sally. "It really was. Maybe 'at ain' so long a ride. Leonora ain' neveh seen Long Islan'.")

(The Brass Rail will quickly become one of the most popular restaurants in Downtown Brooklyn, as the flagship of a small regional chain known for its classy but affordable food and reliably middlebrow atmosphere. At this stage, though, it appears to specialize in radio stars who were at their peak of popularity in 1938, and fresh kids -- hello Red Buttons -- just starting out.)

("That's right, it was a -- OW! STOP POKING ME! -- misapprehension.")

("BUY SERIES TIX NOW!" Hey, ya wanna jinx it???)

(The Senators From Marketing!)

(Care For Your Car -- For Your Country!)

"You really overdid that utterly dumb look..." C'mon, Jo, you've been married to this guy for thirty-five years! You should know by now that's just his regular face.

(Yeah, it's definitely not Dale Connor drawing this. Her greaseballs don't look so much like the Joker.)

(Dan, you smooth dawg. No wonder Kay seeks comfort from Harrington.)

 

[LizzieMaine]

And in the Daily News...

And Mr. Fielding just goes to prove that those who can't do, write books about it.

Um, this actually isn't the same thing at all, but at least you got it off your chest.

"Panda X?" You can't fool us, Nick Gatt Jr.!

Point of order: why is Yollman running away? What crime has he committed? That's an obvious accident, and it was he himself who was being held prisoner.

Quit while you're ahead, hon.


Come down off the cross, Normandie, the guerillas need the wood.

Yeah, well, in the meantime, don't forget to have the dog dipped.

Ahhh, it's almost enough to make you forget about poor old Pop.

(A Half-Dollar-A-Year Man.)

Went from "Yer Lordship" to "You Dope" in less than fifteen seconds. But calling a plumber to fix a leaky roof? Who's the dope now?

 

[Fading Fast]

(Somebody HAD to faint in the courtroom, it was all in the script.)
...

Didn't Miss Webb already pass out when she was arrested or around that time?

Here's why Shonbrun went down: "...defense attorney was unable to shake Hirschl's story in any particular..."

The "justice" for the can hoarder could have come right out of a "Bungle Family," or even "Little Orphan Annie" storyline.

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Senate Democratic Leader Alben W. Barkley today fully exonerated Senator David I. Walsh (D-Massachusetts) of charges published by the New York Post that he frequented a Brooklyn "house of degradation" frequented by Nazi agents. Mention of Walsh in connection with the case was due to mistaken identity, Sen. Barkley stated, noting that the man actually involved was from New England, but not from Massachusetts. The story appeared in the Post in connection with the ongoing trial in Kings County Court of Gustave Hermann Beekman, who is under indictment for "an offense too loathsome to mention in the Senate or in any group of ladies or gentlemen." Sen. Barkley said that photographs of Sen. Walsh were shown to Beekman and two other defendants in the case, all of whom agreed that Walsh was not the man they had seen at the Brooklyn establishment. Sen. Barkley further noted that the FBI had fully investigated the matter and had "completely exonerated" Walsh. Sen. Walsh himself strongly denied ever visiting the house of degradation, and asserted that he had only been in Brooklyn "three times in his life." Walsh called the Post story "a diabolical lie."
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"A house of degradation," one thinks that 1942 America would have a hard time believing that, in about seventy years, gay marriage would be legal.

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("That's right, it was a -- OW! STOP POKING ME! -- misapprehension.")
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Kidding aside, this story is disgusting.

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(Dan, you smooth dawg. No wonder Kay seeks comfort from Harrington.)

"Seeks comfort," belongs in a euphemisms-which-are-disappearing thread.

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Um, this actually isn't the same thing at all, but at least you got it off your chest.
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“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”​

― Leo Tolstoy , Anna Karenina

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Point of order: why is Yollman running away? What crime has he committed? That's an obvious accident, and it was he himself who was being held prisoner.
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I agree. While he might have to answer, theoretically, for forcing Van Dyke to act on the stage at gunpoint, which led to Van Dyke's injury or death, I doubt a prosecutor would bring that charge in light of the bigger picture.

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Quit while you're ahead, hon.
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Right now, worth every penny.

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Come down off the cross, Normandie, the guerillas need the wood.
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Agreed, I was with her until now, but Normandie overplayed her hand today. The DL should just shoot her to shut her up. Although, I did like "I could not deny...to another woman...that I'd enjoy the luxury of being adored by Pat." That's a lot of fancy words to say "I want him to want me."

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Yeah, well, in the meantime, don't forget to have the dog dipped.
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Think hard Nina, I bet you can figure out something you can do to help Skeezix get over the disappointment. Although, you might have to scrub-up a bit first as you're probably pretty ripe about now.

 

[LizzieMaine]

("Well," says Joe, "at leas' 'at's sump'n we c'n awrlways coun' on -- a cheap place t'live." "T'eah's a lotta good cheap places t'live in Flatbush," notes Sally. "'Wit backyahds f'a kid t' play in, 'steada runnin' roun' inna street." "T'ey got a lotta t'em on Long Islan', " notes Joe. "Less not get ridiculous," replies Sally.)

An evening-session instructor in English at Brooklyn College faces dismissal from her post for refusing to accept service as an air raid warden as a condition of her employment. Dr. Janet R. Aiken, who recently made headlines for refusing to register for sugar rationing, told college president Dr. Harry Gideonse that "a member of the Brooklyn College official family" telephoned her to warn her that unless she agrees to enroll as a warden, be fingerprinted, and participate in Civilian Defense lectures, she will be dismissed from the school. "I am entirely willing to observe any rule which my superior officers may make for college procedure in such emergencies," stated Dr. Aiken in a letter to Dr. Gideonse, "but when it comes to having myself fingerprinted and registered in police court as an air raid warden, when it comes to neglecting my home and eight-year-old son, to devote many hours weekly to group meetings and instruction in first aid, fire extinguishing, and many other subjects for specialists, I believe that as a loyal, free, and patriotic citizen I have a legitimate voice in making my own decisions concerning my actions." Professor James Parks, director of the Brooklyn College evening session program, stated that he would oppose reappointment of any faculty member "unwilling to cooperate 100 percent in measures taken for the protection of our students."

The Duke of Bedford, who tried to institute peace negotiations between Great Britain and Germany two years ago, today defended Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime before the House of Lords in a debate over postwar policy. "Hitler has seen the children of his country starving," stated the Duke, "and I suggest that if you had shared his experience, you would understand why he is ruthless when protecting his country from a repetition of that starving by reason of the blockade." The Duke's remarks were greeted with "dignified silence" in the House of Lords until Viscount Claiborne, Government spokesman, rose to ridicule the Duke. "Bedford seems to believe," stated the Viscount, "that after two years of murder and raping absolutely without rival in history, the Germans should not be punished." The Viscount reaffirmed that the British Goverment positively will not seek or accept a negotiated peace with the Nazis.

Fifteen hundred motorists in Brooklyn and Queens face Federal charges after they were caught with motor vehicles not displaying the required use tax stamps. Treasury agents canvassed parking lots and autos on the streets in search of violators of the law requiring the stamps, and those who purchased the stamps but did not fix them to their windshields will be required to prove that they did so or face fines of up to $25 or 30 days imprisonment. New stamps for the 1942-43 tax year must be displayed, at a cost of $5 per vehicle, by July 1st.

Sightseeing buses will disappear from the streets of New York as of June 1st under an order issued by the Office of Defense Transportation. Elimination of the "rubbernecker specials" will save an estimated 326,000 pounds of crude rubber per year. The buses will be banned from operation for the duration of the war.

("And remember, it's stupid not to send for my booklet!")

The Citizens Union today called upon members of the Board of Estimate to deny a pension to retiring Bronx Commissioner of Works Robert L. Moran, declaring in a statement that the Bronx Grand Jury's "presumption of Moran's responsibility" in the use of city-owned paving blocks in Democratic National Committee chairman Edward Flynn's antique Belgian courtyard, reflects "a shocking departure from public standards of morality."

("See?" says John Steinbeck. "Happy-go-lucky lovable people in a place where time doesn't count! Now leave me alone!")

(If you kick right now, Mr. Horse, you can get them both.)

(Oh no no no no. Mr. Slaughter would make a fine soldier, an absolutely wonderful fighting man. TAKE HIM IMMEDIATELY. Your friend, L. S. MacPhail.)

(When Jerk meets Jerk.)

(Poor George. He just can't keep a friend.)

(Pryer??? ASK LEONA ABOUT PRYER!)

("Besides," says Irwin, "i'm missing my nap.")

 

[LizzieMaine]

And in the Daily News...

I CAN'T STAND IT! Neither can I, kid. Oh, and my oh my, what DO they get up to in Westchester!

Joe glances across the table at Sally, straining to see any evidence of ink-stained fingers.

When hiring personal goons, always do your due diligence.

As the last days of Skeez's civilian life tick by...

If there's any doubts that she's Ryan's kid, they end here.

"Guest room?? I should say not! Let him sleep in the cabinet!"

"Cmon, daddy-o -- don't be an ickie!"

What's with not showing her face? Is she Downwind Jaxon's sister?

And we give you the first known use of the word "broad" in a comic strip.

If you think you're a fool now, keep standing up like that and you'll see what a fool really is.

 

[Fading Fast]

("Well," says Joe, "at leas' 'at's sump'n we c'n awrlways coun' on -- a cheap place t'live." "T'eah's a lotta good cheap places t'live in Flatbush," notes Sally. "'Wit backyahds f'a kid t' play in, 'steada runnin' roun' inna street." "T'ey got a lotta t'em on Long Islan', " notes Joe. "Less not get ridiculous," replies Sally.)
...

While the particulars change over time, Joe and Sally just engaged in, possibly, the most common conversation ever had by new New York City parents. It is evergreen.

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The Duke of Bedford, who tried to institute peace negotiations between Great Britain and Germany two years ago, today defended Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime before the House of Lords in a debate over postwar policy. "Hitler has seen the children of his country starving," stated the Duke, "and I suggest that if you had shared his experience, you would understand why he is ruthless when protecting his country from a repetition of that starving by reason of the blockade." The Duke's remarks were greeted with "dignified silence" in the House of Lords until Viscount Claiborne, Government spokesman, rose to ridicule the Duke. "Bedford seems to believe," stated the Viscount, "that after two years of murder and raping absolutely without rival in history, the Germans should not be punished." The Viscount reaffirmed that the British Goverment positively will not seek or accept a negotiated peace with the Nazis.
...

This could have been the spark for the book and movie "The Remains of the Day."

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Sightseeing buses will disappear from the streets of New York as of June 1st under an order issued by the Office of Defense Transportation. Elimination of the "rubbernecker specials" will save an estimated 326,000 pounds of crude rubber per year. The buses will be banned from operation for the duration of the war.
...

Seems like the right decision, but that had to wiped out some businesses.

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The Citizens Union today called upon members of the Board of Estimate to deny a pension to retiring Bronx Commissioner of Works Robert L. Moran, declaring in a statement that the Bronx Grand Jury's "presumption of Moran's responsibility" in the use of city-owned paving blocks in Democratic National Committee chairman Edward Flynn's antique Belgian courtyard, reflects "a shocking departure from public standards of morality."
...

Moran will get his pension. The coverup - done in the open - has worked.

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("See?" says John Steinbeck. "Happy-go-lucky lovable people in a place where time doesn't count! Now leave me alone!")
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Amazing that a movie, "This Gun for Hire," that is still packing them in will be pushed out for the next movie.

I enjoyed the H. G. Wells book "Kipps" and am surprised I never saw this 1942 movie version. I assumed it would be a Paramount movie based on what Lizzie has told us about that studio's pre-'48 films rarely being shown today, but it's a Twentieth Century Fox offering. Odd.

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(Oh no no no no. Mr. Slaughter would make a fine soldier, an absolutely wonderful fighting man. TAKE HIM IMMEDIATELY. Your friend, L. S. MacPhail.)
...

Really good Parrott column today.

And in the Daily News...

I CAN'T STAND IT! Neither can I, kid. Oh, and my oh my, what DO they get up to in Westchester!
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No kidding. The foreman of the jury arranging to meet with the wife. That's movie or comicstrip fodder. I'm thinking we know what was really going on in the foreman's mind.

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If there's any doubts that she's Ryan's kid, they end here.
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The Dragon Lady looks cute as heck in her little soldier's outfit, probably not the effect she was going for though.

 

[LizzieMaine]

(Spies did, in fact, land from U-Boats in Maine, and some of them will even find their way to New York. And as far as registering 18 and 19 year old goes, I can't wait to see what happens when the Army gets hold of Shadow Smart.)

Fifth Columnists probably supplied the information that led to the sinking of a U. S. merchant ship in the Gulf of Mexico on May 16th, a medium-sized vessel that went down with sixteen men on board. Captain A. Henry Rowe reached that conclusion because after torpedoing the ship, the submarine did not rise to the surface to question survivors about the vessel's identity, cargo, and destination. "Someone tipped them off as to our sailing date," asserted the captain. "They knew the name of our ship, came after us, and got us." Captain Rowe was one of five injured survivors taken to Galveston Hospital in Texas. Most of the missing crewmen were believed to have been killed by the explosions resulting from the torpedo strike, but at least some were seen to have been sucked down as the vessel sank.

New Zealand government leaders were reported today to be massing strength for an all-out Allied punch in the southwest Pacific following the assumption of command of the joint New Zealand-United States naval forces by Vice Admiral Lee Ghormley, USN. Ghormley, who arrived with his staff to set up command operations under the supervision of Pacific commander-in-chief Admiral Chester Nimitz, declared that "time is vital -- and I am here to fight a war."

The renovation of historic Gracie Mansion as an official residence for the Mayor was sizzled today by George R. Trumpler, chairman of the prison committee of the Kings County Grand Jurors Association. Mr. Trumpler denounced the project's use of iron and steel to build a fence around the 87th Street side of the property at a time when metals are vital war materials, just to "create a front yard for the Mayor." Mr. Trumpler also noted the speed by which the project was completed contrasts with delays experienced by other sections of the city in getting their own work done. "We in Brooklyn can only stand on the sidelines and cheer," he declared, "and hope to have our own civic improvements if and when the war is ended."

The service retirement of Robert L. Moran from the position of Bronx Commissioner of Public Works has been approved by the Board of Estimate despite official protests from three civic organizations. Mr. Moran, who figured in the recent investigation of the use of city paving blocks at the Long Island estate of Democratic National Committee chairman Edward Flynn, will retire May 30th on an annual pension of approximately $5420. The pension was awarded over the declared objections of the Citizens' Union, the City Affairs Committee, and the Committee to Reopen the Flynn Case.

("And before you go, wipe up that floor!!")

Three busloads of soldiers rolled out of Flatbush early this morning, fortified for their trip to Governors' Island by a breakfast laid out by the Marlborough Unit of the American Women's Volunteer Services. Doughnuts and coffee were served outside the offices of Local Board 199 at East 4th Street and Avenue P, as Selective Service officials reminded the new selectees of the challenges ahead of them. More than 300 parents, relatives, and friends from the neighborhood cheered and sang patriotic songs as the buses, hired for the occasion by Local 906-A of the Retail Soda and Luncheonette Employees Union, departed on time at 6 AM.

(I guess we knew this was coming, but it's still tragic. Sometimes it's best not to outlive your time.)

(It's impossible to see items like this and not realize just what the Dodgers meant, not just as a team or as a civic entity, but as individual, specific players, to the ordinary people of Brooklyn. Hey Martha, leave some for him!)

("Right In Der Fuehrer's Faaaaaaaace!")

Veteran actor Harry Carey is reassuring friends and fans that he is still very much alive, despite reports circulating in his Pennsylvania home town that he had committed suicide. A parishioner of Carey's hometown church had misinterpreted news reports that a Japanese general had committed hara-kiri as stating that the actor had taken his own life. Carey became aware of the report when he received a black-bordered sympathy note from the pastor of his church.

(Gawdblessya, Fitz. We'll never forget.)

(Aw, they probably wrecked his hat.)

(Hahahahahahahahahaha!)

(C'mon Mary, don't be an ickie.)

(So this is what happened to Peggy Bungle. Well, I suppose he's better than Oakdale.)

 

[LizzieMaine]

And in the Daily News...

The last person to jump off the RCA building before this happened to pass in front of a W2XBS television camera trained on the street below. Fortunately there were no repeats.

Frankly, he's really not THAT handsome.

"They're rare." Oh I don't know, didn't we see one riding on a big dog?

Well, that'll solve the meat shortage.

"How the hell do I know? I got the guy I came for. Hey, when do we eat?"

"And to think I gave up my career as a professional Charleston dancer to marry you!"

Awwwwwwwwwwwww.

Hey, Moon's got a cute butt.

All right kids, haystack's over in the barn, but make it quick. We gotta get this field seeded before sunset.

She's got a pretty limber neck, hasn't she?

 

[Fading Fast]

...

Fifth Columnists probably supplied the information that led to the sinking of a U. S. merchant ship in the Gulf of Mexico on May 16th, a medium-sized vessel that went down with sixteen men on board. Captain A. Henry Rowe reached that conclusion because after torpedoing the ship, the submarine did not rise to the surface to question survivors about the vessel's identity, cargo, and destination. "Someone tipped them off as to our sailing date," asserted the captain. "They knew the name of our ship, came after us, and got us." Captain Rowe was one of five injured survivors taken to Galveston Hospital in Texas. Most of the missing crewmen were believed to have been killed by the explosions resulting from the torpedo strike, but at least some were seen to have been sucked down as the vessel sank.
...

In today's art-imitates-life-imitates-art entry, Dan Dunn just broke up a similar fifth columnist ring. Regarding Shadow, wouldn't he be too short for the army, but perfectly folliclely challenged for a Lichty strip?

...

The renovation of historic Gracie Mansion as an official residence for the Mayor was sizzled today by George R. Trumpler, chairman of the prison committee of the Kings County Grand Jurors Association. Mr. Trumpler denounced the project's use of iron and steel to build a fence around the 87th Street side of the property at a time when metals are vital war materials, just to "create a front yard for the Mayor." Mr. Trumpler also noted the speed by which the project was completed contrasts with delays experienced by other sections of the city in getting their own work done. "We in Brooklyn can only stand on the sidelines and cheer," he declared, "and hope to have our own civic improvements if and when the war is ended."
...

They were able to complete the work so quickly because the same crews got in a lot of practice, last year, building an Antique Belgian Courtyard.

...

The service retirement of Robert L. Moran from the position of Bronx Commissioner of Public Works has been approved by the Board of Estimate despite official protests from three civic organizations. Mr. Moran, who figured in the recent investigation of the use of city paving blocks at the Long Island estate of Democratic National Committee chairman Edward Flynn, will retire May 30th on an annual pension of approximately $5420. The pension was awarded over the declared objections of the Citizens' Union, the City Affairs Committee, and the Committee to Reopen the Flynn Case.
...

Since no crime was committed, why shouldn't he get his pension?

...

(Gawdblessya, Fitz. We'll never forget.)
...

Wonder if the knee injury was the thing that did him in. I was hoping he could squeeze one more season out, but I'm glad he's staying on as a coach. Plus, we also have his bowling alley and restaurant.

And in the Daily News...

The last person to jump off the RCA building before this happened to pass in front of a W2XBS television camera trained on the street below. Fortunately there were no repeats.
...

The Harlan courtroom story reads like a Warner Bros. script.

I'm surprised the pharmacist was not found guilty (based on the limited information in the article).

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Well, that'll solve the meat shortage.
...

I used to think Jo Bungle could have done better than George, but I've come to realize she's just as nuts as he is, albeit, in her own way. Yet, I still think Min could have done much better than Andy.

...


"And to think I gave up my career as a professional Charleston dancer to marry you!"
...

"Can't I just eat my breakfast in peace once in awhile?"

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She's got a pretty limber neck, hasn't she?

As you implied yesterday, there must be some reason Ed hasn't shown us Paulette's face yet.

 

[LizzieMaine]

It has to be some lingering effect of the knee injury -- 41 is not that old for a knuckleballer. Whether the knee was broken or just chipped seems to be a matter of some debate, but it may be that it healed in such a way that he just had to change his motion enough to lose his effectiveness. A cracked toe was enough to put an end to Dizzy Dean, so I'd imagine a knee injury of either type, especially a knee that -- um -- has to bear so much weight, would be a real problem.

I dont remember if I've posted this before, but here's newsreel footage of the injury. The ball hits him at the 0:19 mark. Note that Reese fields the ball on the rebound to put out Russo, ending the inning -- and that Fitz is able to go off the field, though limping, under his own power. I don't imagine he could have done that if the knee had actually been shattered.

It's funny how something that happened eighty years ago can still make you wince. (Trigger warning -- there are some other scenes in this footage that will, um, cause further wincing.)

 

[Fading Fast]

It has to be some lingering effect of the knee injury -- 41 is not that old for a knuckleballer. Whether the knee was broken or just chipped seems to be a matter of some debate, but it may be that it healed in such a way that he just had to change his motion enough to lose his effectiveness. A cracked toe was enough to put an end to Dizzy Dean, so I'd imagine a knee injury of either type, especially a knee that -- um -- has to bear so much weight, would be a real problem.

I dont remember if I've posted this before, but here's newsreel footage of the injury. The ball hits him at the 0:19 mark. Note that Reese fields the ball on the rebound to put out Russo, ending the inning -- and that Fitz is able to go off the field, though limping, under his own power. I don't imagine he could have done that if the knee had actually been shattered.

It's funny how something that happened eighty years ago can still make you wince. (Trigger warning -- there are some other scenes in this footage that will, um, cause further wincing.)

You warned us. That was not a fun video.

Re Fitz, that is a serious limp he has coming off the field that supports your argument about the injury being potentially enough to end his career.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Durocher later said he thought Fitz deliberately stuck his leg in the path of that hit to knock it down -- this was a fielding move he sometimes used. If so, he's grittier a player than I ever thought.

I had forgotten about Owen's *second* passed ball in the Series. Ooooweeeeeeeee.

 

[Fading Fast]

Durocher later said he thought Fitz deliberately stuck his leg in the path of that hit to knock it down -- this was a fielding move he sometimes used. If so, he's grittier a player than I ever thought.

I had forgotten about Owen's *second* passed ball in the Series. Ooooweeeeeeeee.

That is grit.

Yes, the second passed ball, while more the way they usually happen, was still a gut check.

 

[LizzieMaine]

("The best way to take care of an enemy sentry is with a knife." Please welcome our special guest instructor -- The Asp!)

The Kings County Grand Jury bade farewell today to District Attorney William O'Dwyer, with a ceremony held in the office of County Judge Louis F. Goldstein. Foreman Stephen J. Cushing, Jr., addressing the court, said that the panel "embraces this opportunity to pay a tribute of respect and esteem for an outstanding patriotic American, one who has given us unbounded evidence of the attributes that make for success and for leadership, one of our borough's most outstanding sons -- William O'Dwyer." Judge Goldstein commended Mr. O'Dwyer for making the "great financial sacrifice" that will follow his induction into the Army, and expressed the belief that Major O'Dwyer will accomplish as impressive a record in uniform as District Attorney O'Dwyer has since taking office more than two years ago. Mr. O'Dwyer goes on active Army duty on June 1st.

A mysterious pile of abandoned clothing found on a street corner in Merrick, Long Island turned out to be evidence of a plot against the life of "Adolf Hitler." A resident found the clothing -- which included shirts, several pairs of pajamas and a pair of football pants -- and turned the pile in to the police. Using laundry marks as evidence, detectives traced the clothing to a Grundy Place man, who was unaware that his clothing had been stolen by a group of neighborhood youths who planned to use it to make an effigy of the Nazi fuehrer, which they then intended to hang from a tree.

Conferences on a military pay increase bill expect to reach a final decision today, with intimations that the Senate version of the bill, which sets a base pay rate of $42 a month for the lowest grade of enlisted men, will be the version adopted. The $42 rate is a reduction from the House plan, which proposed raising basic miltary pay to $50 a month.

British bombers today resumed their daylight offensive against German targets on the continent, striking a submarine base at St. Nazaire on the French invasion coast. A strong force of RAF planes raced across the Dover coast in the early morning hours to continue raids against the German-held areas beyond Calais and Cape Gris Nez. British authorites indicated that all planes returned safely from their sorties.

An almost-perfect 20-minute test blackout of Manhattan last night was viewed today by civilian defense authorities as pointing the way to a test blackout of the entire city in the near future. Manhattan became the last of the five boroughs to complete a blackout test, as lights from the Battery to Spuyten Duyvil blinked into blackness at the stroke of 9:30 last night. Air raid wardens cleared a large crowd in Times Square, which seemed determined to ignore Mayor LaGuardia's order to clear the thoroughfares, and herded hundreds of people into surrounding buildings until the lights came back on. The Mayor's only criticism of the evening's drill was directed at the Board of Transportation, noting that the lights in stations failed to go out immediately upon sounding of the sirens.

(The headgear, which will prove both uncomfortable to wear and decidedly unpopular, will become known as "Hobby Hats," after Major Hobby, and will eventually be phased out in favor of simple garrison caps.)

("All again is well between Shonbrun and Miss Webb." Well, good, I've been worried.)

(As one who sat on an inflatable invalid ring when projecting at a drive in year before last, I resent the implications!)

("ET TU, MELVIN?" bellows Sally. "Et two what?" questions Joe. "Hot dogs?" "'At's Shakespeah," replies Sally. "We had him at Erasmus." "Really?" responds Joe blandly. "I t'ought he was dead.")

(C'mon, Henny -- you can do better than that.)

(Hey, don't forget your hat.)

(Careful, Warlock -- those who live by the troll shall perish by the troll..)

(HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, John, you're such a scream!)

(Nice dress, Peggy. Is that a Carl Ed design?)

 

[LizzieMaine]

And in the Daily News....

Is there anything in all the world dumber than an urban gasoline hoarder? Oh, and if they don't give Madeline a movie contract after all this, I'll be shocked.

There's always a wise guy.

Necromancy? He ain't kiddin'.

No room for any loose ends in this plot.

Poor Yollman. They should've gotten Paul Muni for this part.

On the other hand, there's always that haystack...

Wait'll the iron burns thru that board, then you'll do something.

Put up or shut up, hon.

Hey Mamie, ever consider going to China? We know some people who could use your muscle.

If you think the business plan is bad, wait'll you meet his clientele.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Oh, and...

"Now will you please LEAVE ME ALONE???"

 

[Fading Fast]

("The best way to take care of an enemy sentry is with a knife." Please welcome our special guest instructor -- The Asp!)
...

Goebbels: "Be like me...[Allies] should tell the truth all the time."

There is no parody like self parody.

...

("All again is well between Shonbrun and Miss Webb." Well, good, I've been worried.)
...

Considering the fainting and histrionics we've already seen from Webb and Shonbrun, their time on the stand should prove quite eventful, especially when we get to the cross.

...

(C'mon, Henny -- you can do better than that.)
...

I think that is Jane Baxter not Ann Todd in the picture for the movie "Ships with Wings," they were both in the movie.

And yes, not Henny's best.

....

(Nice dress, Peggy. Is that a Carl Ed design?)

"Why thank you and yes it is. It's from Carl Ed's new "Inspired by Burma" line of dresses and button-front blouses."

...

Poor Yollman. They should've gotten Paul Muni for this part.
...

The wife is worse than Madeline Webb as she's switched to the winning side twice now.