September 8, 1965 - September 16, 1965
Shep leaves on trip to the Amazon where he travels on behalf of the Ludens company as the result of a contest won by Barry Farber. He returns September 16th. All shows were either pre-taped or re-runs until his return.
In September 1965 Shep was given the opportunity to go to the Amazon. As the story goes, Barry Farber was at a luncheon for Luden's candies during which he won a raffle of 500 pounds of Luden's candy. It was to be donated to his favorite charity. Since he had just interviewed Chief Tariri, the chief of the Shapra Indians, a headhunter's tribe in Peru, he decided to give it to them. Luden's, not wanting to be embarrassed went along with it and arranged for the trip. Barry, not being fond of flying, nominated Shep to go in his place. Shep went and after returning spent the next several shows talking about it.
Barry Farber told the story of how he got Shep to go on this trip many times.
One of them was at the "Friends of Old Time Radio" convention in Newark NJ on October 20, 2000.
Additional Comments:
The Shopra Indians live in small family units, not in a village. They are all strong muscular people. "Burning a monkey" - One of their chief meals is monkey meat.
The native drink is a yellowing vaugely alcoholic liquid which they drink after every meal.
Living in the jungle is a full time occupation. The day starts about an hour before dawn. Hunting is dangerous and difficult. The Jaguar is a real threat along with the anaconda.
Shep performs with the Jews Harp, Kazoo, and Nose flute, and they wind up playing in a duet. The Chief says they are the first people to come to paticipate with the tribe. They loved being entertained.
Lee Chamberlain - Luden's rep
Sol Potemkin - photographer
Doris Cox - Translator
Tariri - Chief of the tribe
Arushba (sp?) Chief's son
Related Plots / Story Lines and Other References Used