Short Stories
of Science and Invention

A Collection of Radio Talks by
Charles F. Kettering

INDEX

Weekly, from September 1942 to July 1945, Charles F. Kettering gave five-minute intermission talks about Science and Invention during the radio broadcasts of the General Motors Symphony of the Air.

Kettering invented the first automobile self-starter, and for 31 years directed a research laboratory for General Motors.

These radio talks are a fascinating legacy from the mind of a prolific inventor. The obvious anachronisms now add a historical perspective of the war-time period in which they were written.

These web pages now preserve some of the most popular stories for a new generation to read The text and art come from a General Motors booklet of selected talks. (Reprint, March 1959)
25.  World-Wide Opera House
A Radio Talk by Charles F. Kettering

     This afternoon [November 14, 1943], with Maestro Toscanini's permission, I should like to recall an event which, I am sure, he remembers very vividly.

    The date was November 16, 1908, just 35 years ago; the place, the Metropolitan Opera House; the Opera, Aida; and the conductor, as you may have guessed, was Arturo Toscanini. It was his American debut.

Toscanini    The Metropolitan was filled to capacity. Over 3,500 people, listening and observing the Maestro's masterly direction, just as you are doing in Radio City this afternoon. When we hear these concerts in this auditorium, we have the advantage of being in the presence of the orchestra and feeling the inspiration of the conductor.

    Today, in contrast to 35 years ago, there is an additional audience of nearly six million radio listeners. I like to think of each person in the studio audience as personally representing about 5,000 of these radio listeners.

Listening abroad    This modern opera house of the air has seats in every part of the world - from a snow-banked hut in Alaska to a military post in the Panama Canal Zone; from a cabin in Maine to a house in Hawaii! In South America, they are listening to this program at dinner; in Hawaii, they are getting ready for luncheon. At least 100,000 people are listening in automobiles; and ship at sea are part of the great concert hall.

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