Kup's Chicago - Irv Kupcinet [111]
On one show, Jimmy also told an amusing story on his brother John, who was still in college when Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated for the third time. On the night following that inauguration, John accidentally got locked out of the White House grounds. Driving an old jalopy, John arrived at the White House gates well after they were locked at 2:00 A.M. He was challenged by a strange guard, who did not recognize him.
“What do you want?” asked the guard.
“I want to come in,” said John.
“Why?”
“I want to go to bed.”
“Are you driving that thing?” asked the guard, pointing at the jalopy.
“Sure,” said John. “That’s my car.”
“Look,” the guard told him finally. “You might as well face it – you can’t come in here if you are driving that thing.”
So John Roosevelt spent his father’s inauguration night at a friend’s house.
“And, you know,” said Jimmy with a wink and a chuckle, “I’ve always suspected that this had much to do with John’s deciding to become a Republican!”
And speaking of young Republicans, all viewers who saw the first appearance of Bell and Howell Company president Charles Percy on At Random, can well appreciate why he is considered such a dynamic, enlightened spokesman for the moderate wing of his party. That night, former Governor of Utah, J. Bracken Lee, was holding forth on his reasons for favoring abolition of the income tax. With impressive logic and indisputable statistics, Percy so skillfully and so tactfully challenged the arguments of Governor Lee that dozens of letters poured in suggesting that he run for Senator or President. (It is not inconceivable that some day he may do so.)
From the opposing camp, Teamster Union president James Hoffa also made a tremendous impression. It was not that he convinced any skeptical viewers of the rectitude of his dubious associations. But his quick mind, directness of manner, and uncanny memory for figures and detailed contract provisions showed many people that he is a far better executive and a more persuasive speaker than they had been led to believe.
Others who have left indelible impressions on At Random audiences include Senator Paul Douglas, with his surprising knowledge of the theater, Dr. Morris Fishbein, General Alfred M. Gruenther, scientist Linus Pauling, University of Chicago population expert Philip Hauser, former Israeli Ambassador Abba Eban, and actor Sidney Poitier.
More than once, viewers have also been surprised to learn of hidden talents or interests among our prominent guests. I know that many were unaware that actor Hugh O’Brian has such a great admiration for Albert Schweitzer that he has gone into the jungles of Africa to visit with the missionary doctor-philosopher. Or that Jane Russell is a dedicated supporter of the overseas adoption organization known as WAIF. Or that idealist Don Murray spent more than two years helping build a “model” town in Italy. Or that Thomas Lanphier, now president of the Fairbanks-Morse Company, quit a $35,000-a-year job with Convair on a question of principle.
It was rather surprising to many viewers, too, that Mort Sahl, who is known as a fast-thinking, fast-talking comedian, said scarcely anything in his first appearance (he more than made amends in subsequent appearances); and that Imogene Coca, generally considered an even more loquacious type, was even quieter. And that fan-dancer Sally Rand revealed that she was reared a Quaker, and spoke with such warm nostalgia about it. And that actor James