Thursday, July 10, 2008
News of Yore 1952: Heads of State Love, Hate the Funnies
Farouk Has 'Harold Teen' To Console Him in Exile
E&P, 8/9/52
A few weeks before his abdication from the throne of Egypt, former King Farouk requested and received a set of cards bearing drawings of characters in the "Harold Teen" comic strip, syndicated by the Chicago Tribune-New York News Syndicate under the pen of Carl Ed, the artist.
Like millions of American youngsters, Farouk collects cards that are distributed from time to time with candy cigarettes. A few years ago characters of the comic strips marketed by CTNYNS were stamped on cards distributed with candy bars manufactured by a Cambridge, Mass., candy company.
Lacking from Farouk's collection was a set of "Harold Teen" cards, including Harold, Lillums, Shadow Smart, Pop Jenks and other characters.
In mid-June Farouk's private secretary asked a collector in Bristol, England to supply the set for him. The collector did not have the set and forwarded the request to Col. Robert R. McCormick, editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Col. McCormick turned the request over to the syndicate managers and Carl Ed. A set of cards was assembled and sent to Egypt. With them Mr. Ed sent two original drawings.
A note of thanks from Farouk was sent to Mr. Ed and the syndicate by H. Husny, the then king's private secretary. Whether former King Farouk has taken his cartoon collection with him into exile, Mr. Ed hasn't heard.
News and Notes
E&P, 9/27/52
Prime Minister Nehru of India told the All-India Newspaper Editors' Conference last week that he "couldn't stand what are called comic strips. I am supposed to laugh, but I feel very gloomy." He said he would "even pay money to escape from them."
Labels: New of Yore
