Movietone Act:
RUBE MINSTRELS
Copyright January 28, 1929 (Monday)
Starring the Eight Popular Victor Artists: Frank Banta, piano; Stanley Baughman, bass; Henry Burr, tenor; Sammy Herman, xylophone; Carl Mathieu, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Monroe Silver, comedian; and James Stanley, baritone.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corporation. 1 reel.
A copy of this film has not been located, but the soundtrack exists on a 16" Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer transcription disc, pressed by the Columbia Phonograph Company, in which this evaluation was consulted. The runout of the disc gives a date of November 21, 1928, which could be the filming date. The songs performed are the following:
1. Opening chorus, "Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here"
2. "Where Do Mosquitoes Go in the Wintertime?" (Murray)
3. "The Farmer Took Another Load Away" (Peerless Quartet)
4. Xylophone solo (Herman)
5. I'll Open the Door and Close the Door (Silver) (announced as "A Bow-Legged Girl May Be Healthy, but She's in Terrible Shape"!)
6. Grand finale, "Good-bye Friends" (Chorus)
Movietone Act:
AT THE CLUB
Copyright February 4, 1929 (Monday)
Starring the Eight Popular Victor Artists: Frank Banta, piano; Stanley Baughman, bass; Henry Burr, tenor; Sammy Herman, xylophone; Carl Mathieu, tenor; Billy Murray, tenor/comedian; Monroe Silver, comedian; and James Stanley, baritone.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corporation. 1 reel.
A copy of this film exists, but no copies of the soundtrack disc have been located. For a detailed description of the film, see REQUEST FOR RETURN OF COPYRIGHT DEPOSITS in the Archives.
FINDING HIS VOICE
An Animated Cartoon Synchronized to Voice & Sound
Copyright June 21, 1929 (Friday)
Directed by F. Lyle Goldman and Max Fleischer. Story by Charles Wisner Barrell (as "W. E. Erpi").
Western Electric Company, Inc. 1 reel.
Billy Murray and Walter Van Brunt are two filmstrips. Talkie (Murray) is a sound film, and Mutie (Van Brunt) is a silent film. The characters' facial expressions are also drawn similarly to that of their voices.
After Mutie interrupts Talkie's xylophone solo, he explains that he had been out of work for a while, and asks Talkie where he got his "voice." Talkie then takes him to see Dr. Western, a film surgeon, who shows Mutie the process of producing sound films. Dr. Western explains the process of recording, mixing, printing the soundtrack and picture from two film negatives, projection, reproducing the sound, and theater amplification.
When Talkie is asked to put on an act, Walter Van Brunt takes the place of Murray, in which he sings "Love's Old Sweet Song." After Mutie "finds his voice," both Murray and Van Brunt harmonize together in "Goodnight Ladies," before getting eaten by a whale.
Note: A copy of this film can be downloaded at www.archive.org. This was also released on Warner Bros.' 3-DVD set of The Jazz Singer, starring Al Jolson.
Screen Songs:
SMILES
Copyright September 27, 1929 (Friday)
Produced and arranged by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1918 song by Lee S. Roberts, with lyrics by J. Will Callahan. The animation sequence surrounds a male quartet, in which they harmonize "Smiles" with various facial expressions.
Murray opens up the short as the voice of a quartet member: "All set? Let's harmonize a little." He also introduces the bouncing ball while the audience is laughing: "Just a moment folks, wait a minute, wait a minute, please! You can laugh later on. Now how 'bout a little singing, huh? The bouncing ball will lead you. And listen, here's your key note. All ready? [Pitch] Go."
Screen Songs:
OH YOU BEAUTIFUL DOLL
Copyright October 14, 1929 (Monday)
Produced and arranged by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1911 song by Nat D. Ayer, with lyrics by Seymour Brown. Tommy the cat is cleaning up his music store, but when Mariah comes in wanting to hear "Oh, You Beautiful Doll," he gets annoyed when a mouse continues to interrupt him.
Murray introduces the bouncing ball: "Now if all you sheiks and sheikesses will untangle yourselves a moment, we'll show Tommy and 'Marier' [demonstrating cat voice] how to sing this song. On your mark, sit up straight, here we go." Walter Van Brunt sings solo in the second verse.
Murray recorded "Oh, You Beautiful Doll" with the Premier and American Quartets for Edison and Victor in 1911.
Talkartoons:
NOAH'S LARK
Copyright October 25, 1929 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Max H. Manne, musical advisor.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
After Noah's arc of animals discover Coney Island, the animals run to join the fun. Noah tries to call them back, but gets caught in a wild dance when a couple of fish get in his clothes. After he punches a police officer on the head, everyone runs back to the arc, but it sinks when it gets overcrowded.
Murray sings in the opening chorus, "There's a Wide River to Cross," and does a few minor voice effects in the film. James Stanley also contributes to the opening chorus, with "Ahoy!"
Screen Songs:
PUT ON YOUR OLD GREY BONNET
Copyright November 22, 1929 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1909 song by Percy Wenrich, with lyrics by Stanley Murphy. The animation surrounds a four-piece band, consisting of a banjo, saxophone, violin, and flute, in which they play "Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet."
James Stanley introduces the bouncing ball, and solos in most of the first verse. Walter Van Brunt solos briefly in the first verse, disguising his voice as an elderly man: "Dear-ie don't be wea-ry, You were al-ways bright and cheer-y, But a tear, dear, dims your eye." Murray then sings in a high-pitched voice: "they're tears of glad-ness, Si-las, They're not tears of sad-ness, It is fif-ty years to-day, since we were wed." Van Brunt solos again in the first chorus, disguising his voice as he did previously. In the second chorus, Murray sings in his regular voice.
Murray recorded "Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet" in choruses assisting Frederic Potter and Joseph Phillips for Edison in 1909 and 1912 respectively.
Screen Songs:
I'VE GOT RINGS ON MY FINGERS
Copyright December 17, 1929 (Tuesday)
Produced Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1909 song by Maurice Scott, with lyrics by Weston and Barnes. An Irish police officer is directing airplane traffic in the sky. He writes a mouse a ticket for speeding, reckless driving, answering back, and "turning right on wrong way street." Angered, the mouse drags the officer along for a ride. After getting himself tangled with a fish in a cloud, the officer falls on an island.
Murray voices the officer: "Hey you, where do you think you're going?" He also introduces the bouncing ball in an Irish accent: "Sure now 'tis hard to keep bouncin', but here's what I'll do, folks, sing and I'll keep bouncin' all the way through, for you. So, come on now, everyone join in." He sings lead during the first verse, and solos in the first chorus. Walter Van Brunt sings solo through most of the second verse, then Murray joins in and sings in the final chorus.
Murray recorded "I've Got Rings on My Fingers" for Edison and Victor in 1909 and 1910.
THE FAMILY ALBUM
Portraying notable descendants of Tel E. Phone
Released ca. 1930
Story and dialogue by Charles W. Barrell. Animated by Paul Terry and Frank Moser. Musical score by Philip A. Scheib.
Produced and recorded by Audio-Cinema Incorporated. 1 reel.
Drawn similarly to the previous film "Finding His Voice," Tel E. Phone (a telephone) shows a group of reporters the members of his family who inherited his basic transmitter and receiver characteristics. The members of his family include the radio twins ("Mike" the microphone, and "Speakie" the loud speaker), the Public Address (PA) system, the electrical stethoscope ("Stethie"), and the talking motion picture ("Talkie"). The song "Ring Ting a Ling" is featured, sung by a quartet of telephones.
Murray's distinct voice is heard as the first reporter (asking the telephone to give a statement), "Speakie," the PA system, "Talkie," and the theater manager.
Note: The copyright of this film was never registered through the Library of Congress, and there is no date given on the film. The release year is estimated.
Screen Songs:
BEDELIA
Copyright January 3, 1930 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1903 song by Jean Schwartz, with lyrics by William Jerome. A dog visits his girlfriend Bedelia who's still in bed. After she hears her boyfriend calling her continuously, she gets herself in a mess with her wig, false teeth, and dress. She goes to the balcony to answer back, but when he starts to dance, she objects by dropping a plant on his head.
Murray sings lead and solo during the first verse, and solos in both choruses. He recorded "Bedelia" for Edison in 1903 and 1908.
Screen Songs:
IN THE SHADE OF THE OLD APPLE TREE
Copyright January 16, 1930 (Thursday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1905 song by Egbert Van Alstyne, with lyrics by Harry Williams. When the twelve o'clock whistle blows, everybody runs out of the factory to lunch. After a bear struggles with trying to bite his sandwich, he turns to an apple instead. When he sees a worm in the second apple, he tosses it back and hits a lady bear upside down in a tree. She calls for help, but he gets hit with apples after attempting to rescue her.
Murray introduces the bouncing ball: "Old Adam was a peaceful gaunt who never thought of sin, as over paradise he'd walk all dressed up in his skin. He knew no discontentment though he only had one wife, until he ate the apple and he learned the facts of life. So let us sing the praises of the good old apple tree. Sing and let your Adams apple bounce along with me." He can also be slightly heard singing in the final chorus.
Murray recorded a parody of "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree" for Victor in 1905.
Screen Songs:
I'M AFRAID TO GO [sic] HOME IN THE DARK
Copyright January 30, 1930 (Thursday)
Produced and arranged by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1907 song by Egbert Van Alstyne, with lyrics by Harry Williams. The clock strikes three—a dog leaves a party after telling them goodnight, but gets in a mess with his shadow while passing through a graveyard. He tries to fight it off and escape, but the shadow sticks him to the ground, and causes him to lose his nose.
Murray introduces the bouncing ball: "When spirits squeak and specters creak and skeletons growl and groan, when gruesome hosts of spooks and ghosts [crop?] out of the ground and moan. When the goblin's out to get your skin and make it into a shroud, the only way to scare 'em is to sing out loud." James Stanley also contributes to the introduction, "[The] way to scare most anything is to sing out loud!" He sings lead in the first verse, and solos in a drunken voice during the first chorus. Walter Van Brunt solos in the second verse.
Murray recorded "I'm Afraid to Come Home in the Dark" for Columbia, Edison, Victor, and Zonophone in 1907 and 1908.
Talkartoons:
RADIO RIOT
Copyright February 13, 1930 (Thursday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Max H. Manne, musical advisor.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
This animation presents parodies on the commonly heard radio programs of the day, such as the exercise programs, the musical programs, and the bedtime story.
Murray is heard in several parts of the film. He sings in the opening chorus, speaks in an Italian accent when the fish exercises in a bowl, and hosts the exercise program when the spider wakes up: "Now, for the next exercise: open the window, place your teeth on the dresser, rest the left knee on the right hip, and twist both ankles slowly around the neck several times!" He is also the evil narrator when the children of mice listen to the bedtime story: "This is the bedtime story dears, so hold onto your beds and open your ears. It's about a great big hairy ape, who sneaks in at night from the fire escape. If he picks on you your name is mud, he's strong and mean and he's out for blood…" (The radio comes alive and eats the children!) James Stanley is also heard in parts of the film, most notably as the frog announcer.
Screen Songs:
PRISONER'S SONG
Copyright March 1, 1930 (Saturday)
Produced and arranged by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the song by Guy Massey, published in 1924 and popularized by Vernon Dalhart. The setting takes place in a prison yard, where a lazy prisoner is put to work hammering rocks. He cries after his hammer kept falling apart, and his tear becomes the bouncing ball.
Murray is heard in the opening title: "Stick 'em up. Hands up I tell ya, and keep 'em up or I'll let daylight through ya." He contributes to the introduction in an Irish accent: "You all think you're free, maybe so, who can tell? Free to sweat for your bread and to struggle like, well. Take a tip from this smug, life is only a cell down in old Sing Sing." Walter Van Brunt also contributes to the introduction in an Italian accent: "Get up in the morning, no rush-a for the sub. You're sure from your grub. The landlords, he no trub. And once on that Christmas a-scrub in the tub, that's-a dear Sing Sing." James Stanley contributes to the introduction before the first verse.
Talkartoons:
HOT DOG
Copyright March 29, 1930 (Saturday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Famous Lasky Corporation. 1 reel.
This is probably the first, if not one of the earliest shorts to feature the character Bimbo. He drives around in his car tipping his hat to the ladies, but gets in trouble with the law after he tries to kiss one. He marches to the courthouse, where he takes out his banjo and strums and sings a stompy version of "St. Louis Blues."
Murray sings in the opening chorus to the tune of "Polly Wolly Doodle."
Talkartoons:
FIRE BUGS
Copyright May 9, 1930 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Ted Sears and Grim Natwick.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Bimbo is a firefighter. After the mice warm up the fire truck, he and his horse Sparky run off to fight a fire in an apartment building. He tries to rescue a pianist playing Franz Liszt's Second Hungarian Rhapsody, but the pianist refuses to stop and leave his piano. Bimbo then drags the piano through the hall and out the window.
Murray is difficult to identify, but his presence can be confirmed if one listens carefully. He is heard on certain phrases as "Put on your shoes," "That's all there is, there ain't no more," and his usual minor voice effects throughout the film.
Screen Songs:
COME TAKE A TRIP IN MY AIRSHIP
Copyright May 23, 1930 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Willard Bowsky.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1904 song by George Evans, with lyrics by Ren Shields. The animation surrounds Kitty—a cat—receiving her new piano.
Murray introduces the bouncing ball, with live action footage of an airplane view over a city: "About twenty-seven years ago, there were [sic] a lot of kidding about airships. There was even a comedy song about them. Today, with planes hopping around as thick as flies, we can appreciate the old song more than ever. Let's try it again. Follow the bouncing ball, and sing as loud as you can. Now, all together."
Murray recorded "Come Take a Trip in My Airship" for Edison and Victor in 1904 and 1905.
Screen Songs:
IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMER TIME
Copyright June 6, 1930 (Friday)
Produced and animated by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1902 song by George Evans, with lyrics by Ren Shields. A large group of animals stroll down the street to go to the park. Even the food, clothes, and other items leave the stores to join in the fun.
Murray is the voice of the hippopotamus who gulps down the mice jumping into the lake. He also introduces the bouncing ball: "Ha ha, good old summertime! We'll never tire of that old favorite. Let's try it, what do you say? Just follow the ball and sing out loud. Now, everybody, here we go."
Murray recorded "In the Good Old Summertime" as a remake for Edison ca. 1905.
Talkartoons:
WISE FLIES
Copyright July 18, 1930 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Willard Bowsky and Ted Sears.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
A spider and his wife have problems trying to catch flies. After he is caught serenading "Some of These Days" to a lady fly, his wife beats him over the head.
Murray sings solo in the opening title: "'Won't you come into my parlor?' said the spider to the fly, 'I've heard that line before' said she and Flylie winked her eye. 'And you needn't try to coax me 'cause you're only wasting breath, for the flies are getting wiser, that's why spiders starve to death. Besides my mother told me all about that parlor stuff, so I think I'll run along before the party gets too rough.'" He also contributes minor voice effects throughout the film, most notably as the male spider.
Screen Songs:
A HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN TONIGHT
Copyright August 1, 1930 (Friday)
Produced Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Seymour Kneitel.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1896 song by Theodore Metz, with lyrics by Joe Hayden. A town of mice get together at a dance at night, in which they call "whoopee."
Murray grunts when the tree pulls down the sun, and he is heard in the quartet of mice humming the tune of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." Walter Van Brunt introduces the bouncing ball: "Back in '98 a wild party was called a 'hot time.' Today, we call it 'whoopee.' We'll know in a minute by the way you sing whether it's whoopee or not. Just keep your eye on the ball and let's go for a 'hot time,' and keep singing out loud." Murray disguises his voice in the first verse, and sings in the choruses.
Murray recorded "A Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight" in a medley of "Songs of Other Days" with the Metropolitan Mixed Chorus for Edison in 1916, and reportedly made a Bacigalupi cylinder of the song in the late 1890s.
Talkartoons:
DIZZY DISHES
Copyright August 9, 1930 (Saturday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Grim Natwick and Ted Sears.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Historically, this is the earliest Fleischer cartoon to feature a character who would later become famous as Betty Boop. Bimbo is a waiter at a nightclub, but he gets in trouble with a customer after he doesn't serve him his roast duck. He gets attracted to a stage singer (Boop, voiced by Mae Questel), who sings "I Have to Have You." After getting chased into the kitchen, Bimbo escapes on a train.
Murray sings in the opening credits, "Step right this way for our cabaret, don't wait to be invited…" He also does very minor voice effects throughout the film, most notably as Bimbo bringing the roast duck, and the angry customer demanding the roast duck. Walter Van Brunt voices a few of the customers in the kitchen, one being: "Why don't you wake up and chop that steak up and…"
Talkartoons:
BARNACLE BILL
Copyright August 31, 1930 (Sunday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Rudy Zamora and Seymour Kneitel.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the song "Barnacle Bill the Sailor" by Carson Robison and Frank Luther. Bimbo is a sailor who's told not to leave the ship, but after the captain knocks himself out, he goes to visit one of his girlfriends, Nancy Lee (drawn as Betty Boop, voiced by Mae Questel). They render "Barnacle Bill the Sailor" throughout most of the film. After the captain catches up with him, Bimbo is chased into the ocean where he discovers a party of mermaids.
Murray's role is very minor, but he is distinctly heard when Bimbo searches his address book for Nancy Lee, "Oh yeah…that's the one."
Screen Songs:
THE STEIN SONG
With Rudy Valleé and His Connecticut Yankees
Copyright September 5, 1930 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Rudy Zamora and Jimmie Culhane.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the University of Maine's fight song written by E. A. Fenstad, with the lyrics by Lincoln Colcord. The animation surrounds a mouse playing against a team of cats at a college football game. He gets tackled, but manages to cling to the ball when it gets stolen, and kick himself a touchdown.
Murray contributes a few minor voice effects during the animation, and introduces the bouncing ball: "The 'Stein Song' is one of those rare compositions that wins over all listeners with its lively swing. Because of its own charm and natural appeal it wasn't necessary for anybody to make it popular. But there's one man who made it famous: Rudy Valleé." Live action footage of the popular bandleader is shown: "Hi ho everybody. I know you've all loved the old Maine stein song. I wish you'd join us in singing it. You'll find it easy to keep in time if you'll sing with the little bouncing ball. Here we are, get ready, let's go." After Valleé's solo, Murray demonstrates his ability to change voices.
Talkartoons:
SWING YOU SINNERS!
Copyright September 24, 1930 (Wednesday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Ted Sears and Willard Bowsky.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the song "Sing You Sinners" by W. Franke Harling and Sam Coslow. Bimbo tries to steal a chicken, but when a cop chases him, he gets trapped in a graveyard. The ghosts and tombstones sing and shame him for stealing. He escapes into a barn, where they break into a jazzy version of "Swing You Sinners." He runs out with all types of spooks and ghosts chasing him, before getting eaten by a skeleton.
Murray is difficult to identify, but his presence can be confirmed if one listens carefully. He does the voice effects of the police officer, the mild laughter as Bimbo walks with a chicken in his pants, and the panting of ghosts as Bimbo runs over the hill.
Screen Songs:
MARIUTCH
Copyright November 15, 1930 (Saturday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Grim Natwick and George Cannata.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1907 song "Mariutch (Make-a the Hootch-a ma Kootch) Down at Coney Isle" by Harry Von Tilzer, with lyrics by Andrew B. Sterling. An Italian immigrant misses his wife Mariutch, who left him. After kicking a police officer in the leg and being chased into a café, he discovers his wife, where she's an exotic dancer. The officer finally finds him in the café and knocks him over the head.
Murray is the voice of the officer chasing the immigrant, and introduces the bouncing ball in an Italian accent: "Ladies and-a gentleman, I like-a you please-a sing with me about my gal Mariutch, what do you say, huh? Now look-a what I speak: just-a keep your eye on the little ball what-a bounce-a up-a-stairs and-a down-a-stairs, and when she's-a jumps on-a top of the words, then you sing just-a what-a you see, that's all. Thank-a you too much. Alright?"
Note: The Library of Congress copyright catalog lists Max Fleischer as the animator.
Talkartoons: Bimbo in
UP TO MARS
Copyright November 21, 1930 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Rudy Zamora and Jimmie Culhane.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
While setting off fireworks, Bimbo gets annoyed by a mouse. He tries to catch him, but the mouse sets Bimbo off on a rocket to Mars. When he lands, he experiences unusual occurrences—someone sawing saws with a log, a robber giving instead of stealing, someone mailing a letter larger than the mailbox, and a dancing old man whose legs escape him. Bimbo is then ordered to march with the Martian soldiers, but he gets off the planet by setting off one of the fireworks in his pocket.
Murray demonstrates numerous voice effects throughout the entire film. He is also the voice of the commander, and sings in the chorus to the tune of "The Toymaker's Dream."
Screen Songs:
ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Copyright November 28, 1930 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Rudy Zamora and Jimmie Culhane.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1902 song by Harry Von Tilzer, with lyrics by Andrew B. Sterling. A family of cats take an auto ride on a Sunday afternoon. After fixing a flat tire with a crutch, and stopping for gasoline, the family goes golfing.
Murray is the voice of the dog at the gas station, and introduces the bouncing ball: "Sunday afternoon—most of us never see much of Sunday morning. Heh, we're still getting over Saturday night. But Sunday afternoon—that's the time we doll up to go places and do things. So let's all sing that good old timer, 'Sunday Afternoon.' All ready? Follow the ball."
Screen Songs:
ROW ROW ROW
Copyright December 19, 1930 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Seymour Kneitel and Rudolph Eggeman.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1912 song by Jimmie V. Monaco, with lyrics by William Jerome. A sailor walks into a dance hall, steals a woman, and takes her to dance. Her children show up and call the sailor, "Daddy." He runs out and tries to get away in a boat, but she chases him and throws the bouncing ball at him.
Murray contributes minor voice effects during the animation, and introduces the bouncing ball: "Rowing is a good old sport. If you had a boat, you could go rowing. If you had the oars, uh that is, if you had a river. But it's much easier to sing about it. Just let the little ball lead, and everybody dive in. Come on, rock the boat, or anything you like. Well, here we go."
Murray recorded "Row, Row, Row" with the American Quartet for Victor in 1913.
Talkartoons: Bimbo in
MYSTERIOUS MOSE
Copyright December 26, 1930 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Willard Bowsky and Ted Sears.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the song by Walter Doyle. Betty Boop (voiced by Mae Questel) is haunted by the moaning and noises at night, but she falls in love with the real spook, Bimbo.
Murray can be heard slightly during the opening chorus: "On some dark and stormy night, while the tempest blows…" He is also the voice of the moose head: "Who I am or what I am nobody seems to know."
Talkartoons: Bimbo in
TEACHER'S PEST
Copyright February 7, 1931 (Saturday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Grim Natwick and Seymour Kneitel.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
The animation surrounds Bimbo at school, in which he entertains the children, falls in love with a girl (drawn as Betty Boop), and gets spanked. The song "School Days" is featured.
Murray does a few minor voice effects throughout the film, but he is most obvious as the voice of the school teacher, who sings "Good Morning" to the children.
Screen Songs:
I WONDER WHO'S KISSING HER NOW
Copyright February 13, 1931 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Al Eugster and George Cannata.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1909 song by Joseph E. Howard, with lyrics by Will M. Hugh and Frank R. Adams. A father cat is visiting his daughter. Her boyfriend whistles to her, but she tells him to leave because "My daddy's here." He attracts her by tossing a ball on a string (with catnip) through the window. She is attracted by the fragrance, and goes out the window to kiss him.
Murray introduces the bouncing ball: "'I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now'—the theme song of the traveling man. Now the only way to be sure that your wife or sweetie isn't kissing someone else is to keep 'em singing." [Voice: "Yeah? And how about yourself?"] "Huh huh, well just to keep peace in the family, lets all get after the bouncing ball and sing so loud there'll be no room for suspicion. Ready?"
Murray recorded "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now" for Victor and Zonophone in 1909. The soundtrack of this film was also pressed by RCA Victor on Paramount Publix Corp. SC-011.
Talkartoon: Bimbo in
TREE SAPS
Copyright February 23, 1931 (Monday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Grim Natwick and Ted Sears.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Bimbo works with a team of lumberjacks, who use different methods of chopping down trees. They are later swept up by a tornado, in which they fly around with instruments to the tune of "William Tell Overture."
Murray is difficult to identify, but his presence can be confirmed if one listens carefully. He voices some of the animals, Bimbo saying "Use your ax," and panting. His most obvious role is at the end, in which Bimbo comes out of the chimney covered in soot: "Mammy!" (Imitating Al Jolson.) Gus Wickie voices the large lumberjack who continuously begs for fish.
Screen Songs:
I'D CLIMB THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN
Copyright March 6, 1931 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Seymour Kneitel and R. Timinsky.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1926 song by Lew Brown and Sidney Clare. A mouse mountain climber struggles to get his obese wife up the mountain, but ends up getting crushed when she rolls back down.
Murray contributes minor voice effects, and introduces the bouncing ball: "Mountain climbing was invented by a Swiss yodeler who wanted to practice his yodeling from a safe distance. Well, after the neighbors got tired [of] throwing rocks at him they all began to yodel with him, and liked it. So let's all sing together, 'I'd Climb the Highest Mountain.' Ready? Follow the ball." Gus Wickie also contributes some yodeling as a mountain, and as the moon.
Talkartoons: Bimbo in
THE COW'S HUSBAND
Copyright March 13, 1931 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Jimmie Culhane and R. Eggeman.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Bimbo is a bullfighter. He parades in the street prior to his fight ("Bimbo vs. El Toro"), while the bull cries as his four children say goodbye to him. After Bimbo sings "I'm the Great Toreador," (with the bull gracefully dancing after the choruses), he gets into a silly fight with him. The bull wins, but ends up parading into a Wholesale Butchers' factory. The song "Barcelona" is featured.
Murray is difficult to identify, but his presence can be confirmed if one listens carefully. He voices the trumpeter drinking water, Bimbo as he fights the bull (including handling a sword with his left hand, and eating a sandwich with his right), and mild laughter as Bimbo runs out of the arena. Gus Wickie voices the bull.
Murray recorded "Barcelona" as a vocal refrain for Victor in 1926.
Screen Songs:
SOMEBODY STOLE MY GAL
Copyright March 20, 1931 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by George Cannata and R. Timinsky.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1922 song by Leo Wood. The animation surrounds a depressed dog who tries to commit suicide.
Unfortunately, the film viewed for this evaluation had most of the animation sequence deleted, but Murray is definitely heard introducing the bouncing ball: "Did somebody steal your gal? They did? Well that's just too bad. Now all the girls that are good looking enough to be stolen, and all the boys that were lucky enough to have their girls stolen, join in and let's celebrate by singing 'Somebody Stole My Gal.' If you can't sing good, sing loud, but follow the ball."
IN MY MERRY OLDSMOBILE
Released: probably late March 1931
Produced by Fleischer Studios, Inc. by arrangement and cooperation with Olds Motor Works. Animated by Jimmy Culhane.
A promotional film for the Olds Motor Works, based on the 1905 song by Gus Edwards with lyrics by Vincent Bryan. A sinister man (voiced by Gus Wickie) spies on Lucile changing her clothes. He breaks into her room and sings "In My Merry Oldsmobile" to her, but she objects by throwing objects at him. Her boyfriend Johnnie Steele comes to the rescue, pounding the man into a staircase and taking Lucile out to his Oldsmobile.
Murray introduces the bouncing ball: "Many people thought the automobile would never replace the horse, but it certainly took the place of the parlor sofa on a Sunday afternoon. Those old cars looked funny, but they struggled along in spite of the horse laughs. Let's all sing about the old 'Olds' that's still rolling right along now, follow the ball." Live action footage is shown with a couple riding in a vintage Oldsmobile. He also disguises his voice in the final chorus: "Come a-way with me, Lucile."
Murray recorded "In My Merry Oldsmobile" for Columbia and Victor in 1905, 1906, and 1909.
Note: A copy of this film can be downloaded at www.archive.org. The copyright was never registered through the Library of Congress—the release date is approximate based on newspaper accounts. 16mm and Super 8mm commercial prints produced by Blackhawk Films will omit Murray's introduction and the live action sequence.
Talkartoons: Bimbo in
THE BUM BANDIT
Copyright April 3, 1931 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Willard Bowsky and Al Eugster.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Bimbo is a bandit, who ties up the railroad tracks to rob a train. When the train stops, he runs into his wife Dan McGrew (drawn as Betty Boop). She then drags him onto the train and takes him away to his 17 children.
Murray can be heard during the opening chorus of "The Holdup Rag": "Stick 'em up, everybody." He also contributes minor voice effects during the beginning, as well as the black character with his children: "I got my hands up boss, yeah sir." Gus Wickie also voices the cow who falls from the sky.
Screen Songs:
ANY LITTLE GIRL THAT'S A NICE LITTLE GIRL
Copyright April 16, 1931 (Thursday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Seymour Kneitel.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1910 song by Fred Fisher, with lyrics by Thomas J. Gray. A cat is answering phones and making dates with numerous women. Going through his pictures, he decides to visit is Lulu Belle (drawn as Betty Boop in cat form). When the cat begins to leave after visiting her, Lulu Belle throws a sofa at him.
Murray introduces the bouncing ball: "Now here's a type that most boys like, her name is Lulu Belle, but some prefer the home girl type like Lulu's sister Nell. Some like 'em slim and flapperish like little Mini Dunn, while others don't admire a girl unless she weighs a ton. With Dolly Krantz they love to dance and dine at ritzy joints, and Rosy Bloch would stop a clock but still she has her points. I'll tell you folks about them all if you'll sing and follow the bouncing ball."
Murray recorded various solo and chorus versions of "Any Little Girl That's a Nice Little Girl Is the Right Little Girl for Me" for Edison, Victor, and Zonophone in 1910 and 1911.
Talkartoons: Bimbo in
THE MALE MAN
Copyright April 24, 1931 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Ted Sears and Seymour Kneitel.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Bimbo is a mail carrier who receives, stamps, sorts, and delivers the mail. When he gets dragged into a haunted house, he is asked to deliver a letter to Davy Jones, who lives in the Dead Sea. Jones' letter turns into a giant envelope when Bimbo tries to deliver it, and gets flooded with mail in the ocean when he rips it open. The song "I'm Marching Home to You (Step by Step—Mile by Mile)" is featured.
Murray can be heard in different parts of the film, such as the homeless man inside the mailbox: "Get out, and stay out." He is also the voice of one of the monks inside the haunted house: "Deliver this." Gus Wickie is the voice of Davy Jones.
Murray recorded a duet of "I'm Marching Home to You (Step by Step—Mile by Mile)" with Walter Van Brunt (as "Walter Scanlan") for Edison in 1929.
Screen Songs: Irving Berlin's famous
ALEXANDER'S RAGTIME BAND
Copyright May 9, 1931 (Saturday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer. Animated by Rudy Zamora and Jimmy Culhane.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1911 song by Irving Berlin. A dog is in the middle of his music lesson until a mouse continues to interrupt. The dog and his instructor get in a fight with the mouse, but the mouse ends up winning.
Murray introduces the bouncing ball: "Right this way neighbors, and get an earful of the first jazz band. The one that taught the public to shimmy. Long before trombones wore derbies. While they play 'Alexander's Ragtime Band,' let's all sing. Now folks, follow the ball." He then sings solo throughout the two verses and chorus in a southern accent.
Murray recorded "Alexander's Ragtime Band" for Edison in 1911. The soundtrack of this film was also pressed by RCA Victor on Paramount Publix Corp. SC-015.
STEP ON IT
Copyright May 21, 1931 (Thursday)
Produced by the Fleischer Studios.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
A promotional film for Texaco Motor Oil. Bimbo is late in meeting his girlfriend, since he couldn't get his car Lizzie started. He calls his doctor, who brings a bottle of Texaco motor oil to feed it. Lizzie is revived, and Bimbo uses some of the motor oil himself to catch up with his car. He then takes his girlfriend to get married.
Murray voices Bimbo, in which he can be heard saying such phrases as "Naw, heck," "Hurry doctor, I think Lizzie's dying," and "Hey, my car, my car." Walter Van Brunt voices the doctor.
Note: The copy used for this evaluation had the beginning title and references to Texaco Motor Oil deleted.
Talkartoons: Bimbo in
SILLY SCANDALS
Copyright May 23, 1931 (Saturday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
This is probably the first film in which Betty Boop is referred to as "Betty" (voiced by Mae Questel). After realizing he is broke, Bimbo sneaks into a theater, where he falls in love with the stage singer, Betty. He then gets into a mess with a magician. The song "You're Driving Me Crazy" is featured.
Murray only contributes a few minor voice effects, most notably when Bimbo is outside the movie theater going through his pockets. Gus Wickie voices a hippopotamus who keeps leaving the theater.
Screen Songs:
AND THE GREEN GRASS GREW ALL AROUND
Copyright June 1, 1931 (Monday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Based on the 1912 song by Harry Von Tilzer, with lyrics by William Jerome. A shotgun wedding takes place inside a mushroom, with all types of insects dancing. A fly waters his flower, but it gets crushed when the party comes marching out.
Murray contributes a few minor voice effects during the animation sequence. When the bouncing ball is introduced, Mae Questel sings lead on "Sing, Darn Ya Sing," followed by a brief spoken part by Murray: "Follow the bouncing ball." Live action footage of miniature trees is featured.
Murray recorded "And the Green Grass Grew All Around" with the Premier and American Quartets for Edison and Victor in 1913.
Talkartoons: Bimbo in
THE HERRING MURDER CASE
Copyright June 26, 1931 (Friday)
Produced by Max Fleischer. Directed by Dave Fleischer.
Paramount Publix Corporation. 1 reel.
Rudy the herring is shot by an ape-like grizzly bear, causing great chaos in the city. Ko Ko the Clown comes out of the inkwell to alert the detective, Bimbo (now differently drawn than in the previous films). After learning that "a murderer always returns to the scene of his crime," he discovers the bear was getting ready to eat the dead herring. Bimbo captures him, but ends up locking himself in prison instead of the bear.
This is a rare case in which Murray voices Bimbo throughout the entire film (most of the previous ones only had him in fragments). He can be heard in such phrases as "Down this way," "Well, what do you know about this?" and "Must be [a] union man." Mae Questel is the voice of Rudy's wife.
This also appears to be Murray's final participation in a Fleischer cartoon. The ones released after this date either do not contain him, or do not contain enough audible evidence to confirm his presence. (He appears to have taken radio again with Walter Van Brunt and Marcella Shields during this time.) However, there is always the possibility that he could have appeared or sang in other films in the 1930s without credit. If you think you see or hear him in any others, please let me know!
BETTER BALANCED BUSINESS (Part 1)
Released 1938
Produced by Ross Roy Service, Inc. Detroit, Michigan.
Not a motion picture film, but a slide film produced for Dodge dealers to improve their salesmanship in selling new and used cars.
Murray's voice is only heard on Part 1 of the film, in which he has four lines of dialogue. He is the voice of the prospect at Bill Smith's Used Car Park (in a disguised voice), and the salesman at Jim Blake's Used Car Park. A copy of the film has not been viewed, but the sound exists on a 16" transcription disc pressed by RCA Victor (MS 02336), in which this evaluation was consulted. The sound also includes cues for changing the picture.
MEET THE PIONEER MUSIC MAKERS
Filmed September 10, 1947; September 10, 1949; September 9, 1950; and April 28, 1974 by Lewis Brevoort Odell.
Products of Craft Works Progressive Art Laboratory. 1 reel.
This is not a commercial film, but a homemade, 8mm silent film, spliced together by collector Lewis Brevoort Odell, who filmed portions of the 1947, 1949, and 1950 John Bieling Day parties (reunions of early recording artists). It also includes footage from a 1974 party, held at the home of sculptor Jock Manton, in Sparta, New Jersey, to honor Edison's staff pianist, Ernest L. Stevens. The film has not been made commercially available, but copies have circulated on VHS among various collectors. The original 8mm film is currently owned by Dick Carty.
Artists filmed (in order) are John Bieling, Billy Murray, Irving Kaufman, Eugene C. Rose, Will Oakland, Walter Van Brunt, Harvey Hindermyer, Arthur Hall, Edna White, Elsie Baker, Charles Harrison, Fred Hager, John Young, Fred Van Eps, Grace Spencer, and Ernest L. Stevens.
Friends, family, and collectors filmed (in order) include John L. Norton, Jr., Jim Walsh, Quentin Riggs, Mrs. John Bieling, Jimmy Martindale (uncredited, but obviously present in 1947), Robert Rose, Elizabeth and Jim Van Demark, Ed Manning, Fred Bieling, Mrs. Lewis M. Wilson (daughter of Grace Spencer), Bill Hayes, Fred Rabenstein, and Joe Laurie, Jr.
REDS
Released December 4, 1981 (Friday)
Starring Warren Beatty, Diane Keaton, Edward Herrmann, Jerzy Kosinski, Jack Nicholson, Paul Sorvino, Maureen Stapleton, and witnesses.
Written by Warren Beatty and Trevor Griffiths. Produced and directed by Warren Beatty.
Rating: PG
Paramount Pictures Corporation. 195 minutes.
This film documents the life of the writer and communist activist John "Jack" Reed (Beatty), author of Ten Days That Shook the World. Originally from Portland, Oregon, he traveled with journalist Louise Bryant (Keaton) to New York, where they eventually married. They traveled to Russia in 1917 and witnessed the Russian Revolution. In returning to America, Reed became a political activist in trying to bring Russia's socialist ideas to the United States. He dies in 1920.
When Reed returns home from one of President Wilson's campaign speeches, he sees his wife kissing playwright Eugene O'Neill (Nicholson). Disappointed, he walks back outside and around the house. This is when Billy Murray and the American Quartet's 1911 Victor recording of "Oh, You Beautiful Doll" (16979) is heard from inside, where a party is taking place.
It is unclear which take of "Oh, You Beautiful Doll" was used, as Murray recorded it for Victor on at least three occasions from October to December 1911. The Victor files do not list the American Quartet members, but it probably consisted of Murray, John Bieling, Steve Porter, and William Hooley.
BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE
Released October 11, 2002 (Friday)
Written, produced, and directed by Michael Moore.
Rating: R
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. 119 minutes.
Controversial filmmaker Michael Moore examines the issue with gun control in the United States. He compares America's gun violence to other countries, and how the media uses fear in its news coverage for ratings and business profits. From the Columbine High School shooting of April 20, 1999, to the shooting of six-year-old Kayla Rolland in 2000, Moore explains how easy it is for anyone to obtain a gun. He also goes to confront such issues to the late actor and National Rifle Association president, Charlton Heston, particularly for holding pro-gun rallies in cities following such tragic events.
To reflect Moore's childhood days in Michigan, he shows old footage of himself while playing Billy Murray's 1914 Edison Diamond Disc recording of "I Want to Go Back to Michigan" (50198). The song is played again when Moore is with the Michigan Militia at night.
"I Want to Go Back to Michigan" was recorded on October 19, 1914 with the chorus consisting of Royal Fish, John Young, Steve Porter, and William Hooley.
MEDAL OF HONOR
Aired November 5, 2008 (Wednesday)
Produced and directed by Roger Sherman. Narrated by Alfre Woodard. Written by Jerry Adler. Edited by Juliet Weber.
Florentine Films and Sherman Pictures. 90 minutes.
A compelling PBS documentary surrounding the Medal of Honor—America's highest military award. It is given to those who were willing to sacrifice themselves to protect others, and some may have to die before they receive one. Due to modern changes in combat, all recipients of the Medal of Honor after the Vietnam War (including Afghanistan and Iraq) have been posthumous. This documentary tells the story of the recipients—from the Civil War to the Iraq War—with firsthand accounts and in-depth research.
As a prelude to Sergeant Alvin York's story in World War I, the American Quartet's Victor recording of "Goodbye Broadway, Hello France" is heard (18335). It was recorded July 3, 1917, and consisted of Murray, Albert Campbell, John Meyer, and William Hooley. Josef Pasternack was the orchestra director, and the sound transfer was provided by yours truly.
Goodbye Broadway, Hello France
Written by C. Francis Reisner, Benny Davis, and Billy Baskette
Performed by The American Quartet and Billy Murray
Recording courtesy of Ryan Barna
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