David Kogan (radio writer)

David Kogan
BornDavid Phillip Rothman
(1916-12-22)December 22, 1916
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
DiedAugust 6, 2009(2009-08-06) (aged 92)
Maine, U.S.
OccupationWriter
Alma materColumbia University
GenreCrime fiction, horror, science fiction
Years active1942–1953
SpouseSylvia Scaroff
Children1

David Philip Kogan (né Rothman;[1] December 22, 1916 – August 6, 2009) was an American radio and television writer, director and producer, best known for the Edgar-winning radio series, The Mysterious Traveler, scripted in collaboration with Robert Arthur Jr..

Early life and career

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 22, 1916,[2][1] Kogan was the son of Yetta (née Cipes) and Samuel Rothman.[1][3] After his father died in 1920,[4] he and his mother moved to Brooklyn, where he attended Junior High School P.S. 109,[5] and Samuel J. Tilden High School, graduating in 1932.[6] However, what clearly seems in hindsight the pivotal moment in all those years of schooling occurred, circa 1940, while studying radio production with Erik Barnouw at Columbia University, when one of Kogan's classmates proved to be none other than his future partner in crime, novelist Bob Arthur.[7]

Speaking roughly 60 years later with radio historian Anthony Tollin, Kogan detailed how he and his late partner would customarily divide the workload.

We developed the plots together and then one or the other of us would go off and write it. [...] I've always loved science fiction so I tended to write the scripts in that genre. Bob Arthur was a former Weird Tales pulp writer so he generally handled the horror scripts. [Bob] didn't really care for directing, so he usually left that for me.[8]

Kogan and Arthur were honored three times by the Mystery Writers of America with Edgar Awards for their radio work: twice for "best radio drama"—in 1950 for Murder by Experts and 1953 for The Mysterious Traveler[9][10]—and once in 1951, regarding their work on both shows, for "outstanding achievement in producing, directing and writing radio mystery shows."[11]

However, in September 1952, the respective radio careers of Arthur and Kogan came to an unceremonious end, as manifested in the sudden cancellation of their long-running signature series. This was due–as for so many in Hollywood at that moment–to alleged "pro-Communist affiliations [and or] ideology", specifically those attributed to the Radio Writers Guild, to which both Kogan and Arthur belonged,[12] the former, in particular, being an especially active and visible member.[13] In fact, the beginning of that month had seen an article published by Broadcasting Telecasting, entitled "'Red' Probe; More Details Expected", specifically naming Kogan, alongside ten other RWG council members (among them Ernest Kinoy and Howard Rodman Sr.).[14]

Unlike Arthur, for whom radio scripting was merely an extended digression within an already well established career as a writer of short fiction, Kogan had no comparable fallback option, at least none even vaguely arts-related. He eventually resurfaced as a Philadelphia-based portfolio manager,[15] whose writing could occasionally be found in financial publications.[16][17] In addition, one notable side venture, harking back to Kogan's pre-war employment as a salesperson in the Bond Linen Store chain, shows up in 1971, in what appears to have been a fairly short-lived, linen-dispensing retail outlet, David's of Cedarbrook, operated by Kogan's wife, Sylvia.[18][19]

Personal life and death

In Philadelphia, in October 1944, Kogan married Sylvia Scaroff.[20] They had at least one child, a son, Kenneth.[21]

On August 6, 2009, Kogan, who had most recently resided in Montgomery, Pennsylvania, died in Maine at the age of 93.[22] He was survived by his wife and son.[2][23]

Works

Radio

Television

  • The Clock
    • Season 1 Episode 40 "Bury Her Deep" (1950) – Writer (with Arthur, adapted from like-named episode of their 1942 radio series Dark Destiny)
    • Season 1 Episode 53 "A Grave Plot" (1950) – Story (with Arthur, adapted by John Gerstad)
  • Suspense
    • Season 2 Episode 33 "Murder at the Mardi Gras" (1950) - From a Story By (with Robert A. Arthur; adapted by Charles Robinson)[36]
  • Dark Destiny
    • Season 1 Episode 1 "Bury Her Deep" (1952) – Director and co-creator/writer (with Arthur, adapted from episode of their like-named 1942 radio series)[37][38][39]
    • Season 1 Episode 2 "Murder by Proxy" (1952) – Same as above
    • Season 1 Episode 3 "Dig Your Own Grave" (1952) – Same as above
    • Season 1 Episode 4 "The Music Box" (1952) – Same as above

References

  1. ^ a b c "Pennsylvania, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q29C-2BG1 : Fri Feb 23 16:25:09 UTC 2024), Entry for David Philip Kogan and Yetta Rothman, 16 Oct 1940.
  2. ^ a b Truesdale, Dave (February 17, 2024). "The Mysterious Traveler — 'Fire in the Sky'". Tangent. "The shows were written by Robert Arthur (1909-1969, photo at lower right, typing) and David P. Kogan (born 1916 and still wonderfully alive*–-photo top right), [...] * Editor’s Note: Shortly following Tangent Online‘s presentation of The Mysterious Traveler episodes 'The Good Die Young' and 'Till Death Do Us Part' on June 19, 2009, I received the following email from none other than David P. Kogan, co-writer, and producer/director of the show. [...] 'As a first time viewer of Tangent, I was surprised to find that I had died in 1964. This means I have been living forty-five years on borrowed time [...] [F]or your information I was born in 1916 ... and continue to breathe. For how long ... is the question. David Kogan' [...] I received his email on July 17, 2009. Sadly, I received an email from Mr. Kogan’s son Kenneth on August 10th, informing me of the death of his father on August 6, 2009, a mere three weeks following his email to us. A startlingly talented man, David Kogan (1916-2009) will be sorely missed."
  3. ^ "Pennsylvania, Civil Marriages, 1677-1950", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJW-JTRB : Sat Mar 09 01:30:31 UTC 2024), Entry for Samuel Rothman and Yetta Cipes, 21 Dec 1901.
  4. ^ "Deaths and Funerals: Rothman". Albuquerque Journal. August 11, 1920. p. 3. "The body of Samuel Rothman, who died Monday at his apartments in the highlands, will be taken to Philadelphia, Pa., for burial. Neil McNerney is in charge."
  5. ^ "333 GET DIPLOMAS AS GRADUATES OF JR. HIGH P. S. 109". Brooklyn Eagle. June 25, 1929. p. 5.
  6. ^ "Handicaps Can Be Overcome, Tilden Graduates Learn Urged to take Optimistic View of Conditions at Present at Exercises". Brooklyn Eagle. June 30, 1932. p. 9.
  7. ^ a b c d e f Hand, Richard J. (2006). Terror on the Air!: Horror Radio in America, 1931-1952. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. p. 287. ISBN 978-0-7864-6919-2. "A portentous event for the history of radio drama occurred in 1940 when Arthur opted to study radio writing under Erik Barnouw at Columbia University; in the same class he met David Kogan, another young writer. Unlike Arthur, Kogan had already established a radio career for himself writing a script for Bulldog Drummond, and had followed this with work for The Shadow and The Adventures of the Thin Man. It appears that it was Kogan who persuaded Arthur to collaborate on radio drama, and together they produced Dark Destiny (1942-43), later reusing some of these early scripts for episodes of The Mysterious Traveler. Arthur and Kogan also co-wrote the 1944 summer season of Nick Carter, Master Detective (1943-55), a series that had previously featured Kogan as scriptwriter."
  8. ^ Hand, op. cit. pp. 132–133.
  9. ^ Urban, Joe (April 24, 1950). "Radio Chatter: 'Murder by Experts' Gets Award From Poe Group". Janesville Daily Gazette. p. 8.
  10. ^ Boucher, Anthony (April 23, 1953). "Criminals at Large". The New York Times. p. BR31. ProQuest 112741661. At their annual awards banquet last week the Mystery Writers of America bestowed busts of Edgar Allan Poe (known to writers as ]Edgars' and to publishers' cliche experts as 'much-coveted Edgars') upon the authors of the following 1952 books [...] The other Edgars (to 'The Mysterious Traveler' in radio, to 'Dragnet' in TV and to 'Five Fingers' in films) lie outside the scope of this department, but I must observe that in the last eight years of M.W.A. awards, I can't recall a more completely unarguable batch of winning books.
  11. ^ "Writers Hail Mystery Shows". Detroit Free Press. May 23, 1951. p. 10.
  12. ^ a b c Shreve, Ivan G. (December 22, 2020). "Happy Birthday, David Kogan". Radio Classics. "Had Murder by Experts been fortunate to secure a sponsor—or even sweet-talked a network like CBS or NBC for a berth on their schedule—it might have had a longer run. It left the airwaves on December 17, 1951 [...] Kogan and Arthur continued their work on Mysterious Traveler (a series that resulted in the team being bestowed with a second 'Edgar' in 1952 for Best Radio Mystery Drama), but there were storm clouds on the horizon. Both Kogan and partner Arthur were members of the Radio Writers’ Guild, a union that had run afoul of the House Un-American Activities Committee. HUAC was convinced that the Guild was leading its members, in Kogan’s words, 'down the path to Moscow.' (If they indeed were, perhaps The Mysterious Traveler could have arranged for train tickets.) Mutual pulled Traveler into the station on September 16, 1952."
  13. ^ "Radio Guild Pickets GOP Headquarters". The Stockton Record. July 5, 1952. p. 19. "John Merriman, a New York City employe of the Columbia Broadcasting System and spokesman for the pickets, said the picketing was aimed against the major radio and television networks which have moved operations into the Hilton Hotel to cover GOP convention activities. Merriman and David Kogan, New York free lance writer and captain of the pickets, said the guild also will put pickets around the International Amphitheater, scene of the convention meetings, when GOP delegates meet there Monday."
  14. ^ Abrams, Earl B. (September 1, 1952). "'Red' Probings; More Details Expected". Broadcasting Telecasting. p. 27, 88. "Among those charged with pro-Communist ideology were Ira Marion, eastern region RWG vice president, and the following members of the guild council: Sam Moore, Robert Cenedella, George Fass, Philo Higley, Ernest Kinoy, Dave Kogan, Sig Miller, Norman Ober, Addie Richton, Howard Rodman and Jack Bentkover."
  15. ^ "Introducing 5 New Men (and a Girl) on the NEWBURGER Phones!". The Philadelphia Inquirer. March 21, 1971. p. 15. "JOHN J. BURKE, MORTON H. FETTERWOLF, MRS. ROSALYN B. HOFFMAN, ROBERT A JOHNSTON, DAVID P. KOGAN, NATHAN R. STEIN"
  16. ^ Hand, op. cit., p. 144. "David Kogan became a portfolio manager, and although his creative writing career was tragically curtailed, he continued writing articles for financial publications."
  17. ^ "Free Reprint from Barron's: The Convertible Hedge ... written by a Man on the NEWBURGER phone!". The Philadelphia Inquirer. July 7, 1966. p. 24. "Mr. David Kogan, an Associate of our Company, has written a timely article which appeared in the June 27th edition of Barron's National Business and Financial Weekly entitled, 'The Convertible Hedge.' In it, he describes the present dilemma of many investors in today's market, and one attractive possibility: the convertible-short sale hedge. 'While hardly a new concept' writes Mr. Kogan, 'it is most often employed by the professionals who view it-and properly so--as a means of possibly realizing profits while attempting to protect principal.' For a free reprint of the entire article, call the Man on the Newburger phone, visit our offices, or mail the coupon below."
  18. ^ "The People Difference". The Philadelphia Inquirer. March 21, 1971. Sec. 2, p. 18.
  19. ^ "Action Line". The Philadelphia Inquirer. May 18, 1973. p. 23-D. "The St. Bernadette's Bazaar may be the greatest bargain hunt since stores in Washington, D. C., used to sell color televisions for 99 cents on George Washington's Birthday. The White Elephant table will be groaning with household appliances from A. J. Giaccio, 4625 N. 5th st., and Al Rubin Appliances, 501 E. Wyoming ave.; linens donated by David's of Cedarbrook, Wyncote, Pa., Bond Linen Stores, 5647 N. 5th st., and Cohen Dry Goods Co., 925 Filbert St."
  20. ^ "Marriage License Applications". October 18, 1944. p. 32.
  21. ^ "United States, Census, 1950", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6XT2-SG4H : Wed Mar 20 22:13:33 UTC 2024), Entry for David P Kogan and Sylvia Kogan, 3 April 1950.
  22. ^ "United States, Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VMCM-BP2 : 12 January 2021), David P Kogan, 06 Aug 2009; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
  23. ^ "United States, Social Security Death Index," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JGT5-N5M : 12 January 2021), Sylvia Kogan, 21 Jun 2010; citing U.S. Social Security Administration, Death Master File, database (Alexandria, Virginia: National Technical Information Service, ongoing).
  24. ^ "Highlights on Radio Today: Gounod Opera Performance Will Be Repeated Tonight; Composer's 'Faust' to Again Be Heard On 'Great Moments in Music'; 'Dark Destiny' Opens Over WOR - Two Ball Games". The Springfield Daily Republican. August 26, 1942. p. 13. "A new series of mystery and supernatural plays will be heard on the Mutual chain under the title of 'Dark Destiny,' and will be aired every Wednesday night. The first, by Robert Arthur and David Kogan, is entitled 'It's Later Than You Think,' and concerns a man who sells portions of time out of his life (WOR, 9.30 p. m.)."
  25. ^ "Radio Today". Birmingham Post-Herald. November 27, 1943. p. 14.
  26. ^ Juengst, William (December 15, 1943). "Radio Dialog". Brooklyn Eagle. p. 23. "HODGE AND PODGE (any columnist's two best pals) report that it's Dave Kogan and Bob Arthur who're writing 'The Mysterious Traveler'."
  27. ^ Gross, Ben (March 12, 1944). "Listening In". New York Daily News.
  28. ^ "Newsy Bits About WTJS and Network". The Jackson Sun. April 19, 1944. p. 7. "Jock MacGregor continues as producer-director of the series which will be scripted by Bob Arthur and David Kogan."
  29. ^ "Girl Scout News: Troop 7 Gives Skit". The Kingston Freeman. May 11, 1944. p. 8.
  30. ^ "Navy Chiefs Speak Tonight On 'Report to the Nation'; Secretary Forrestal, Admiral King, Admiral Nimitz and Capt. McAfee Will Be Heard at New Hour–'World of Song' Will Pay Tribute to Work of Joyce Kilmer". The Springfield Daily Republican. July 30, 1944. p. 28. "An unsung hero of the merchant marine, the 'Abled-Bodied Cook,' in his share of glory on tonight's presentation of 'Men at Sea.' (WBZA, WTIC, 6.30). Written by David Kogan, the broadcast is presented by NBC in cooperation with war shipping administration and the United States Maritime Commission."
  31. ^ Ellett, Ryne (2017). Radio Drama and Comedy Writers, 1928-1962. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. p. 19. ISBN 978-1-4766-6593-1. "He [Arthur] also contributed to classic chiller shows The Sealed Book (which he created with Kogan in 1945), The Shadow, and The Strange Dr. Weird (1944–1945). Arthur's busy radio career came to a quick end in the early 1950s due to his association with the Radio Writers Guild, which came under suspicion during the Red Scare"
  32. ^ Warren, Katherine L. (June 13, 1945). "Quentin Reynolds Sees Problem In Whether Reds Can Trust Us". The Richmond News Leader. p. 6. "'The Road Ahead' program will be directed by Axel Gruenberg. The script for the Richmond broadcast was written by David Kogan, a discharged veteran."
  33. ^ "Romantic Adventure". The Circleville Herald. July 12, 1946. p. 7. "Carl Brisson, the real life night club favorite, plays his phototype in this detective series. "A Voice In The Night" is produced and directed by Roger Bower and written by Bob Arthur and David Kogan."
  34. ^ "1260 Dial Talk". The Konawa Leader. January 20, 1949. p. . "The Program: Mutual's eerie HOUSE OF MYSTERY heard over KSMI every Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p. m. The Problem: How to produce the sound of a ghost pirate speaking under water. The Principals: Writer-director David Kogan and actor Santos Ortega. Solution: Take one grand piano. Recruit six strong men. Tip piano on its side. Install a microphone within. Add one actor (prone), who speaks lines through the strings. Results: bubbling, shimmering ghost voice."
  35. ^ Atchison, Marion (June 13, 1949). "Lone Ranger on WOAM; Murder by Experts Due". The Miami Herald. p. 14-B. "Each Monday on Murder by Experts, Carr is to introduce a mystery chosen as outstanding for the week, Dave Kogan and Bob Arthur to be responsible for its radio adaptation."
  36. ^ PizzaFlix (September 5, 2023). "Suspense (TV-1950) MURDER AT THE MARDI GRAS". YouTube.
    "From a Story By
    ROBERT A. ARTHUR
    and
    DAVID KOGAN"
  37. ^ "'Dark Destiny' Bows March 17 On Channel 9". Atlantic City Press Radio & TV Guide. March 9, 1952. p. 3. "'Dark Destiny' is one of several new live programs to make their debut over. WOR-TV. [It] is a television adaptation of the radio series which had a successful run on WOR in the early 1940s. It will be produced by Robert A. Arthur, directed by David Kogan and co-written by the team."
  38. ^ Lester, John (March 20, 1952). "Radio and Television: 'Gangbusters to Start Chasing Crime on TV'". Staten Island Advance. p. 7. "If Arthur and Cogan [sic] can maintain the quality of "'Bury Her Deep" on upcoming shows and the acting ability of Bell, they'll have a series that'll rate with the best."
  39. ^ Stal. (March 19, 1952). [ "Television Reviews: Dark Destiny"]. Variety. p. 39. "WOR-TV, which is gradually expanding its live programming activities while sticking to a tight budget, made out comparatively better with this new series Monday night (17) than with some of its previous entries. Because of an interesting whodunit script and some good thesping, the initialer sustained interest all the way [...] Story, co-scripted by producer Robert Arthur and director David Kogan, had one major fluff, which almost dissipated the interest generated by preceding events. [...] Otherwise, the yarn built a nice mood of suspense and paid off with an okay trick ending."
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