Before the Tunnel event, I remember going to Joe Franklin's office at WOR-TV. Newspapers were stacked to the ceiling on his desk and floor. (It was hoarder's dream.) He was a clippy New Yorker wearing a big check jacket, foundation. There was an impish perkiness to his smile (and he was one of the only men I had ever seen wearing foundation off-set.)
Joe Franklin was perfect for the Spy event. This TV talk-show and radio pioneer in his own right would bring a a seasoned showbiz "cleee-esss" to the happening.
His voice is inimitable. Unless, of course, you're Billy Crystal.
Here's a clip of Joe Franklin appearing on "Fresh Air."http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html…
GROSS: You are famous for some of the most generous introductions to your guests. Do you think of it as a courtesy to flatter a guest after you've invited them on?
FRANKLIN: Yeah, I make them feel good. I give them a buildup - ladies and gentleman, the one, the only - this party getting rave reviews, critical acclaim, accolades. And then I would say 7 times out of 10 they deserve it, 3 times out of 10 they don't. But if we book them onto the show, we like to make them feel good.
Wistful and reminiscent, Joe Franklin brought a sense of seasoned showbiz and kitsch to the Tunnel/Spy/J&B event. It was one of those "New York Moments."
Now about that time capsule ...
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