Mr. Dodd Takes The Air

In another attempt to popularize a radio star, this film features the excellent singing talents of Kenny Baker. Who? Well, that's just the problem. A big radio star in those days was often an great singer, but didn't have what it takes to be a film personality. Here's the story for you plot hungry folks:

Kenny Baker and Guy Kibbee

Kenny Baker is first seen as a small-town electrician who sings for his friends and is overheard by some radio executives. They take him to new York, where he suffers an attach of bronchitis. A quack doctor tampers with his tonsils and turns him from a baritone into a tenor. SInce the audiences knew that Kenny was a tenor, this plot device was confusing at best. The sponsors fire him, thinking that the public will be dissapointed. But the opposite happens-so they have to hire him back! Once again, a great women steps in and saves the leading man from his own folly - in this case, Jane Wyman is the radio station good girl friday. This was her first major role, after years of playing bit parts. We later remember her as Ronald Reagon's first wife - and a leading lady for Bing Crosby in a later picture in the 1950s "Just For You" also with songs by Harry Warren.

This is one film that Harry and Al wrote songs for, that was a true "flop" and today is in the vault at the WB studios. The one saving grace, was Harry and Al's song "Remember Me" which was nominated for an Academy Award. Bing Crosby introduced the song on Decca records and it was a number one hit. Other artists over the years have recreated the song including Patti Page and Brook Venton. Shirley MacClaine also used the song in her broadway show with slightly altered lyrics, In 1946 the song was used in the Warner Brothers film "Never Say Goodbye" starring Errol Flynn.

Jane Wyman, Frank McHugh and Kenny Baker

Harry and Al were in their element, writing ballads and even a lullaby for this picture. The song that remains today's classic and was a hit at the time is "Remember Me" which Kenny Baker introduces in this film.

Mr. Dodd takes a bow as Jane Wyman beams her approval