The Billboard

News Review

Victor Shoots "Rootie Tootie" Works in TV-Aimed Kidisk Bally - Oct. 7, 1950

NEW YORK, Oct. 7. —  The Rootie Tootie Luncheon Club a unique kidisk promotion co-sponsored by RCA Victor and Bruno-N. Y., local Victor distributor preemed at the Carnival Room, Capitol Hotel, last Saturday (30). The combination luncheon-show offering played to a near-capacity house, which included ; 250 Annie Oakleys handed local disk dealers. Room holds approximately 750.

Provided the show goes on TV, and that a number of flaws can be remedied, the format should pay off in disk sales. (At this writing, the package was virtually set to tee off on WNBT October 14. Question of sponsorship remains unsettled, tho there's a strong possibility it may go network, in which case local Victor distribs may have a chance to pick up the tab on a co-op plan.)

The initial show, figured for a half-hour deal, actually ran about 30 minutes over, which left the small fry with ravenous appetites and restless spirits. The problem of serving hot meals to the large crowd simultaneously proved a tough nut, and decided Victor's test crew against food at future segs. As it now stands, there will be a half-hour show, from 11:30 to noon. Admission charge also will be dropped, and tickets may be obtained gratis from Victor disk dealers or WNBT. At the tryout, the tab was $1.85 for kids $2.85 for adults. This included lunch, show, tips, tax and gifts.

Carlin Intro

The show itself was introduced by genial Steve Carlin, head of Victor's kidisk department, who also produced the package. Carlin in turn introduced emsee Jack Berch, a Victor kidisk warbler, who led some singing of Victor disk songs—words provided in the program. Berch brought on Rootie-Tootie, a magnificent puppet created for this series—and a puppet version of Nipper, the RCA pup, both of whom figured prominently in all the proceedings. Expert operators were Michael King (Rootie) and Frank Milano (Nipper). Naomi Lewis was Rootie's voice.

Paramount flick cartoonist Myron Waldman, introduced simply as Skribble Kabibble, then proceeded to fracture 'em by inviting tots to scribble, and turning their scratches into clever recognizable caricatures. He was followed by Victor's Western warbler, Texas Jim Robertson, who ran thru a string of his recently recorded cowboy tunes. The bary, attired in full cowboy regalia; proved a thoroly winning performer with his big deep piping and friendly manner. Next feature was a Little Nipper Quiz, and there was also a drawing contest. Another giveaway gimmick had tots swapping any object in their pockets for Victor albums. Each album was attached to a ribbon, with a major prize on the other end. Lucky participants drew such objects as a bicycle, a live puppy, etc.

Other performers included a pair of clowns and a magician. Neither really got into the activity, tho they could have added much to the pace and variety of the show. As it stood, Berch was greatly overtaxed to hold the thing together. Tho most of the stars and features proved sure-fire, more exits and entrances could provide the zing to put this over as TNT entertainment.

Berch was also required to handle the commercials, which were frequent and heavy. Most effective was getting the kids to join in singing the Alphabet Song with the line "RCA Victor makes the records for me." The yellow 45 r.p.m. Little Nipper platters were handed out all over the place.

Basically, the ingredients are here for a great childrens' show and disk hypo. Once the kinks are ironed out local disk vendors will do well to latch on.

Bill Simon

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