-
The sounds of a city and a nation are captured through nearly a century of transformations, tribulations, and triumphs.
More
This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.
Seldes discusses phrases used on the air. These talks are more or less ad-libbed. He has some notes he wants to talk about, and he has a rather glancing mind. The result is that some minor items don't get mentioned at all. Those mount up until he feels he hasn't done his job well at all. Admiration for a Dylan Thomas program on television. Admiration for "Omnibus" and Jack Benny. Admiration for a program about the ACLU.
Avoids circumlocutions. Jacqes Barzun article about the use of language. The word "process" used as a verb. Rudyard Kipling's use of language, creating verbs from nouns. More examples of objectionable use of language in television, radio, and advertising. Lubitsch touch.
A new profession: the "personality."
Death of Eugene O'Neill.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 71509
Municipal archives id: LT3081
Hosted by:
Gilbert Seldes
About The Lively Arts
Gilbert Seldes discusses big-thinking issues in art from his characteristically populist perspective.
Any views, findings, conclusions, recommendations expressed in this web resource do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Show Archive
Show Archive
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.