Here is an amusing little snippet of film that demonstrates how sound effects were created for radio. It is an excerpt from a 1939 film called Back of the Mike that was produced by the Jim Handy Organization for the Chevrolet Motor Company.
If knowing how these sounds were created ruins the magic for you, then don't watch. Otherwise, enjoy this interesting, and chuckleworthy, look at radio actors and sound technicians.
To watch the complete version of Back of the Mike, click here.
Well-done blog! Love your capsule reviews. These old-time radio shows are great; I'm surprised more people haven't re-discovered them.
Posted by: Speed | November 22, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Thank you! I enjoy doing the write-ups, but the shows really speak for themselves. Thanks to the power of the Internet, I'm sure more and more people will re-discover old time radio. - Christine
Posted by: cmillinsf | November 22, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Wasn't that a lot of fun? Where on Earth did you find this one?
One other question, what on earth was that funnel thing they were doing the rain storm with? I never could figure it out and I've watched both versions of it.
Posted by: Daryl | November 23, 2008 at 05:51 AM
I'm glad that you liked it. I just happened to come across Back of the Mike by accident. As for the funnel contraption...I have no idea. I will admit though, that before I watched this, I didn't know how the sound of a car engine was created for radio. Now I know it is from a fan in a metal washbasin!
Posted by: cmillinsf | November 23, 2008 at 10:26 AM