Radio Sound Effects: Who Did It, and How, in the Era of Live Broadcasting [Paperback]

Robert L. Mott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 4, 2005

To today’s radio listener, it is difficult to imagine the influence radio once held over the American people. Unlike movies or newspapers, radio both informed and entertained its audience without requiring them to participate. Part of its success depended upon the people who created the sound effects—a squeaking door, the approach of a horse, or a typewriter. The author did live sound effects during the “Golden Age” of radio. He provides many insights into the early days of the medium as it grappled with entertaining an audience based on a single sense (hearing). How the sounds were produced is fully covered as are the artists responsible for their production. Stories of successful effects production are balanced by embarrassing or funny failures. A list of artists and their shows is included.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Valuable reference tool...recommended” --Classic Images

“A delightful mixture of amusing anecdotes with serious documentation...a highly readable history of the entire medium of radio” --Choice

“A delightful behind-the-scenes story...entertaining and charming” --SPERDVAC Radiogram

About the Author

In his forty-year career in television and radio, Robert L. Mott has worked on such live shows as Gangbusters, Phillip Morris Playhouse, Mr. Chameleon and Perry Mason. Mott is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement of Excellence award by the Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety and Comedy (SPERDVAC). Also the author of Radio Live! Television Live! (2003), he resides in Arroyo Grande, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 303 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company, Publishers (February 4, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786422661
• ISBN-13: 978-0786422661
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,130,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Couldn't Put It Down . . ., May 23, 2000

By 

Mediaman "Host of WSCA Audio Theatre" (Dover, NH, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Radio Sound Effects: Who Did It, and How, in the Era of Live Broadcasting (Hardcover)

Ok, so I am an Antique Radio hobbyist who really enjoys the "Golden Age of Radio"...but anyone who enjoys well written, humorous real life stories will enjoy this gem from the talented and expert Robert Mott.

Though not very technical in its information, the excellent vintage photos, anectdotes, and relaxed writing style will capture anyone who has the least bit of interest in finding out how the illusion of radio theatre was created, way back when it was truly "On the Air"

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, a great read., August 7, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Radio Sound Effects: Who Did It, and How, in the Era of Live Broadcasting (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful book. First of, it's not that technical, it's more of a history book of the Golden Age of radio. The book has so many wonderful and hillarious stories about those days, that it was strong in nostalgia, even though I wasn't born until 1971!

I wouldn't call this a book for 'audio' people, anyone who lived during the time of old radio, or anyone who still loves to listen to old reruns of The Shadow will LOVE this book.

Tim.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Live the life of a sound effects artist with Robert Mott, June 6, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Knoxville, TN, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Radio Sound Effects: Who Did It, and How, in the Era of Live Broadcasting (Hardcover)

RADIO SOUND EFFECTS by ROBERT L. MOTT McFarland & Company Publishers, 1993 283 pages, 140 pictures & illustrations, comprehensive 11 page index.

This is an excellent book on the subject. The author tells his many stories from the wide variety of shows he worked on through radio's golden age. Very specific examples and descriptions on the working of all the sound effects from the simple footstep to the complicated Fibber closet gag. The book also chronicles much about the history of dramatic radio from it's beginnings up through the television age. For those interested in the technical aspects of sound on radio in those days, dozens of pictures are included with detailed descriptions of their uses and mechanical workings- In fact, a great deal of information on the history of recorded sound in general is included within it's pages. Best of all, the book also contains hundreds of great anecdotes which will have you laughing out loud and make you feel like you were really there!! Overall this book is loaded with facts, a wonderful collection of star studded historic photographs, amazing histories, and hilarious stories all told with Mott's witty and charming style which will keep you glued to the book as if it were a riviting detective novel! Highly recommended!!

Jason