Joyce Van Patten Told Me Danny Kaye Was "The Most Wonderful Honest Actor...And A Good FRIEND!"

ANNIVERSARIES TODAY:

Danny Kaye was born this day in 1913 (died March 3, 1987 ).

January 18, 1946 - Shirley Booth was heard on radio in Pabst Blue Ribbon Town (CBS), co-starring Danny Kaye.

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I have enjoyed Kaye's superb talent, particularly with the film Hans Christian Andersen. Though he made several other very good films, this one remains my favorite.... 

He worked in the following shows with Shirley Booth on radio:

Pabst Blue Ribbon Town (December 14, 1945 & January 18, 1946), The Theatre Guild on the Air (a.k.a. The U.S. Steel Hour), broadcast March 26, 1950 in an episode called "The Milky Way." 

On April 4, 1954 he appeared in Stage Struck, in an episode entitled "The Story of Spring On Broadway" with Agnes Moorehead. This show featured a preview of Shirley Booth's musical By the Beautiful Sea, which would open several days later. The show included Lawrence Carr and Robert Fryer, the producers of the Broadway show.

Joyce Van Patten, who appeared regularly on Danny Kaye's television show in the 1960's shared her memories of Danny Kaye with me. Here's her remarks:

"Let me tell you about the Danny Kaye I knew...

He was a hard task master...also hard on himself. He had the talent of twenty men; he could dance, sing, be funny - but to me he was the most wonderful honest actor.

During the three years I worked with him on his show he did the character of an old Italian with a continuing story line. That was where he really got me. He was not easy or relaxed with people; but once he trusted you, he would go to bat for you...which is what he did for me.

In my second year he told the writers he wanted both Harvey Korman and me in all the comedy scenes, rather than struggle with guest stars who did not always feel relaxed enough to do what Danny felt was required. That was a break for me and a great way to learn about acting.

They were years of growth and learning how to do character work. He was a most important influence in my life. I think it broke his heart when the show was dropped suddenly from the CBS roster, and I was told he learned about it by reading it in VARIETY. Another lesson learned...it really is a tough and unforgiving business...

On a personal note...

After the show was over I wanted to buy a house and needed money for part of the down payment. I wanted the house so much that I called Danny and told him I needed five thousand to complete this deal. I told him how and when I would pay him back. I had the money by that afternoon. It was a hard call for me to make, and he made it easy for me. He was a good friend to me and a great example of what it really meant to be a star in those glory days."

jvp

*ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY JIM MANAGO & JOYCE VAN PATTEN, 2010.

Any use is prohibited without written permission.

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For Bill, His Pinup Girl: The Shirley Booth & Bill Baker Story
by Jim Manago
Foreword by Leslie Sodaro
Published December 1, 2010
Further details at: http://shirleybooth.blogspot.com

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Now available on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0076ZCBM2

Love is the Reason for it All: The Shirley Booth Story
by Jim Manago
Radio Research by Donna Manago
Foreword by Ted Key
BearManor Media, May 2008
http://bearmanormedia.bizland.com