Oliver Quade, the Human Encyclopedia

BEHIND THE BLACK MASK

In working out an Oliver Quade story I always determine, first, the background for the yarn. I generally try to have an original or colorful setting for the yarn. This isn’t always as simple as it sounds.

Although Hollywood backgrounds are used repeatedly by other writers, I’d never done a Hollywood story. Mainly because I’d never been in Hollywood until recently and I always believe I should know a little of a background, from personal observation.

So, when the opportunity presented itself for a Hollywood trip, I decided to write a story with a Hollywood background. After giving it some thought, I came to the conclusion that just about every phase of Hollywood had been covered by other writers — except the animated cartoon studio.

The thought struck a responsive note in me for I am very fond of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck…. So I emerged with Desmond Dogg and “Funny Man” in this issue of Black Mask.

To Mr. Hugh Harman of the Harman-Ising Cartoon Studios, I am indebted for the courtesy of a personally conducted tour through a “cartoon factory.” I want it understood, though, that none of characters or situations in “Funny Man” refer in any way to the Harman-Ising Studios. They are entirely fictitious, only the factual material and the “atmosphere” was obtained from H-I.

For the benefit of those who came in late, I’d like to report that Oliver Quade will soon be portrayed in a motion picture, Paramount Pictures having bought the film rights to all the Quade stories, for Lynn Overman. The story now “in the works” is Dog Show Murder, which appeared originally in the March 1938 issue of Black Mask.

I hope every reader of Black Mask goes to see this picture at least ten times, for if it’s a success there’ll be more Oliver Quade pictures.

I’ve promised myself a treat. If “Funny Man” is ever filmed and I am still around Hollywood, I’m going to see Mr. Lynn Overman do the scene where he imitates Desmond Dogg.

— Frank Gruber