FIRST "SILLY SYMPHONY" OR THE AIR

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 68, 11 October 1940, Page 40

FIRST "SILLY SYMPHONY" OR THE AIR

"Christmas on the Moon’ For CBS

TECHNIQUE similar to that introduced to films by Walt Disney, has now been introduced to radio; the first " Silly Symphony " of the air is " Christmas on the Moon," which had its premiere at Station 4ZB on October 6. Walt Disney has created such well-known figures as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and all the little characters of "Snow White" and. "Pinocchio," and it is felt that the fanciful people and animals in the radio fantasy, "Christmas on the Moon," will also

quickly find their way into the hearts of listeners. The " pre-audition " of this delightful fantasy at the Head Office of the CBS was enthusiastically received, even by the most hardened radio critics, for the artistry of the production has resulted in a play of unusual charm and merit. The story tells of the adventures of " Jonathan Thomas," a little lad six years of age, who went to the moon one night. He got himself in a terrible fix-he was chasing his teddy bear "Gus," and Gus ran away to chase two animals up to the moon. Poor Jonathan Thomas nearly broke his heart because he and Gus had never been

apart. He hunted in vain on the moon, and when he came to return home he couldn’t remember the way. He knocked on the door of the Man in the Moon.

Now, the Man in the Moon was a very kind old fellow, and he gave Jonathan Thomas some breakfast. While Jonathan’ Thomas was breakfasting there was a frightful shouting and banging, and the _ littie people of the moon

came to accuse Jonathan Thomas of kidnap-

ping Santa Claus. They called him a spy, and a terrible guy, and finally he promised to obey all the laws and find Santa Claus, Without Santa Claus there would be no Christmas, people’ would be sad, and things would be in a.bad state. No Christmas presents for the little people. The Man in the Moon offered to go with Jonathan Thomas to look for Santa Claus, and they set out on the Man in the Moon’s horse. * Christmas on the Moon" will begin at Station 3ZB on October 14, at 2ZB on October 21, and at Station 1ZB on October 28. Time, 6.45 p.m. at all stations.