The Detroit Tribune

Radio's Mental Banker, Dr. I.Q., on Fox Stage

Dr. I.Q., radio's famous "mental banker," brings his quiz show to the Fox Theatre every Wednesday night. The coast-to-coast broadcast carried in Detroit over station WXYZ takes place directly from the Fox stage at 8 p.m.

Participants in the fun show are selected from the regular Fox audience. This marks Dr. I.Q.'s fourth engagement at the Fox. His last was in 1945. Several years ago, a young Texan completed a successful singing situation at a station in Houston, and began his radio career as a crooner. The young man was Lew Valentine, who was soon to achieve radio fame . . . but not as a singer!

For shortly after, Valentine emceed locally in Atlanta, Ga. When the new radio quiz show being tried with Lew as M.C., a new hit and show opened in January of 1939 a star was born. That show was the Dr. I.Q. program, now celebrating its 10th anniversary on the air.

HUMAN DYNAMO

Lew is a human dynamo whose infectious spirit turns his audience into a most responsive group. He has dark eyes and hair, and is the picture of energy. A native of Texas, he was born in San Benito in 1912. After attending school in that town he studied law at the University of Texas. But before he could be called a lawyer, the lure of footlights and grease paint beckoned him.

SAW POSSIBILITIES

When he was offered the role of Dr. I.Q., Lew recognized the possibilities of the quiz show. His observations proved accurate, for the program caught the public fancy immediately. On the premier date, the show was slated to be broadcast at 8 p.m. but the doors had to be closed to the crowds at 3 p.m. in the afternoon. Peachtree Street soon became accustomed to a regular Monday afternoon near-riot.

Aside from his role as Mental Banker, Lew has many interests, including dogs, coin collecting, and architecture. He's even an Indian Chief, and very proud of it. The Crow Indians made him a member of their tribe, giving him the title "Chief Man From Mars Who Knows Answers."