Golden Age of Radio

New Faces WILLIAM BENDIX has a special talent for looking dumb and “acting” smart. Took his movie initiation in 1941, and did his first leading part in “Wake Island” last year. Left: In role for Paramount’s “China.” Below:  “Records can be broken,” says Bill <BENDIX in a scene from “China,” with Loretta Young , star of film > —Paramount  Photo by Hai A. McAlpin                                                                    —Bruce Bailey Photo WILLIAM BENDIX First Job Was That of Batboy for New York Giant AS “SMACKSIE” from Brooklyn to his Leatherneck pals in “Wake Island,” Bill Bendix more than justified Paramount officials officials’ confidence in his ability as an actor. But first time Bendix faced a movie camera, he admits has was “panic stricken.” That was when M-G-M signed him for the role of tavern -keeper in “Woman of the Year.” He was on Broadway rehearsing for a new show at the time, and flew to Hollywood to make his picture bow. Recallin

Dick POWELL Star of “ Richard Diamond Private Detective ” Dick Powell has attained success in virtually two careers. Through the media of radio, stage and screen, the star of NBC ’s “ Richard Diamond, Private Detective ” (Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. Est) gained popularity first as a singer and then reached new heights as a sleuth. Powell’s sense of humor has contributed much to his success. It was responsible for pulling him through some of the toughest days on his musical tours, it lends a unique twist to his radio mystery dramas and it is now launching him in what may prove to be a third career. His appearance in MGM’s “The Reformer and the Redhead” with his wife. June Allyson, established him as a first-rate light comedian. Dick Powell was born Richard Ewing Powell in Mountain View. Ark. Before he was of school age his family moved to Little Rock, and there he stayed until graduation from Little Rock College. As a student in college he began singing in a church choir, a