Joe Franklin was one of the few television shows our
entire family enjoyed together. Joe
will always be known as the “King of Nostalgia”.
And being a nostalgic soul – I am compelled to write
about him sooner than expected.
Last month, Joe Franklin died. Joe
was one of those people you thought would live until at least 102! After years of considering contacting Mr.
Franklin. Last spring, I finally sent an email. Joe graciously responded immediately. I asked if I could interview him, when next
in New York. His answer was "of course, of course - stop by my office, anytime."
Grandpa was a guest on "The Joe Franklin Show" for two broadcasts. The first time, I was little kid and so
excited! Perhaps five years old, was viewing the show, with my parents and sister. I
started to cry, seeing Grandpa sitting next to Joe on our console
television.
“Why are you
crying?” my parents asked. I replied
“Joe Franklin lives on TV and now Grandpa has moved in with him!” Everyone laughed and promised Grandpa would
call after the show. Yes, he did. He wanted to make sure I heard Joe say:
How great he looked (Grandpa was about 20 years
older than Joe). He responded “my
oldest granddaughter, said I needed to use Bryl Creem – and I did!”
The 2nd appearance for Bob Effros on Joe
Franklin, was in Fall 1980. By then, I
was in my 20’s and planning my wedding.
Being the firsttgrandchild and firstt to marry, my Grandparent’s
were proud to have at least a short amount of guests they could invite. The list was impressive, after our British
cousins was included Ben Selvin, Jimmy Durante and Mae Questal among other well
knowns.
Grandpa was never one for formalities.
While watching on live television from my apartment in
Santa Monica, CA with a gang of friends:
I hear Grandpa say “ Joe, remember
my oldest granddaughter Barbara? I
mentioned her on my earlier appearance on your show. Well she’s grown up and am proud
to say is getting married in California this December. My wife and most of our family will be going
out to Los Angeles for her wedding. Joe,
we’d love to have you there! I’ll be
sure you get an invitation from her, but put it on your calendar now!”
Truth! Grandpa invited Joe Franklin on national television to my wedding. Quote is from VHS tape of live show, September 1980.
An excerpt from one of countless Joe Franklin interviews:
Joe was known for asking his guests for a piece of memorabilia. He had the longest running talk show and interviewed over 10,000 people and claims about 5,000 gifts he has saved. “I’ve got Bing Crosby’s hat, George Raft’s sweater, Joe DiMaggio’s yarmulke, Rudolph Valentino’s coffee cup — with coffee from 1926 still in it — Al Jolson’s razor, Eddie Cantor’s black face. It’s all hidden back there in this room.”
How do you find anything in this disarray?
I can’t have a neat office. I really tried, but I throw things down. Albert Einstein, a good friend of mine, told me that neat freaks were sicker than people like me who are slobs. My office is a place where I can lean back and lounge.
GOD BLESS YOU JOE FRANKLIN!
Thanks for the Memories!
I know you are in Heaven interviewing God and all your old friends!
1 1),http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/28/nyregion/an-overflow-of-memories-from-joe-franklins-storied-career.html?_r=0Corey Kilgannon
2 2). Photo Credit: Damon Winter, NY Times 1/28/2015
3
