Freeman Lang
Actor
About Freeman Lang
Freeman Lang (born Freeman Lang Post) was a multifaceted figure in early Hollywood, primarily recognized as a pioneering radio engineer and announcer who briefly crossed over into acting during the mid-1930s. Born in Fairland, Illinois, in 1896, he moved to Southern California as a child and became deeply involved in the nascent wireless and radio industries. By the early 1920s, he was a prominent voice on KHJ Los Angeles, where he earned the colorful nickname 'The Bald-Headed Sheik of Sawtelle.' Lang was instrumental in the technical development of several major Los Angeles stations, including KFWB and KFVD, and he became the go-to announcer for high-profile Hollywood movie premieres between 1927 and 1934. His transition to the screen was brief but notable, appearing as Captain Evans in the 1935 thriller 'Hong Kong Nights,' a role that utilized his authoritative vocal presence. Throughout the Golden Age, he operated a successful recording studio in Hollywood that produced transcriptions for radio programs and commercials, cementing his legacy as a technical architect of the Los Angeles media landscape.
The Craft
On Screen
Lang's acting style was characterized by the clear, resonant diction typical of early radio announcers. In his film appearance, he projected a sense of command and professional authority, likely a result of his years as a live broadcaster and master of ceremonies.
Milestones
- Inaugural host and announcer for the first broadcast of KFVD in 1922
- Chief technical engineer for Warner Bros. station KFWB during its 1925 launch
- Founded radio station KRLO (later KMPC) in 1927
- Leading announcer for major Hollywood film premieres at Grauman's Chinese Theatre (1927-1934)
- Portrayed Captain Evans in the Walter Futter production 'Hong Kong Nights' (1935)
- Established one of Hollywood's first major independent radio transcription studios
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as a 'Radio Pioneer' by the Los Angeles Radio Archives
- Technical authority for the Pacific Coast Radio development committee
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Freeman Lang was a vital link between the radio and motion picture industries during the transition to sound. As the premier announcer for Hollywood premieres, he helped turn movie openings into the massive media events they are today. His technical work at KFWB helped Warner Bros. integrate their radio and film interests, which was a crucial strategy during the early 'talkie' era.
Lasting Legacy
Lang is remembered primarily as a technical pioneer of Southern California radio. He helped build the infrastructure for stations that would become legendary, such as KMPC. While his film career was limited to a single credited role, his presence in 'Hong Kong Nights' remains a fascinating example of the cross-pollination between radio talent and 'Poverty Row' film studios in the 1930s.
Who They Inspired
He influenced the style of live event broadcasting, setting the standard for how Hollywood glamour was communicated to a national radio audience. His engineering innovations in remote broadcasting paved the way for modern live news and event coverage.
Off Screen
Lang was born to a family with roots in Illinois before relocating to San Diego and later Los Angeles. He was known in professional circles for his dual expertise in both the 'front-of-mic' performance and 'behind-the-scenes' engineering, a rarity in the early days of the industry.
Education
Studied wireless telegraphy and electrical engineering in Southern California
Did You Know?
- He was known as the 'Bald-Headed Sheik of Sawtelle' during his tenure at KHJ.
- Lang once operated under the name 'F.L. Post' while serving on corporate boards to separate his business and performance personas.
- He demonstrated early two-way radio systems to the LAPD as early as 1930.
- His station KRLO eventually became KMPC, which was later owned by Gene Autry.
- He was the first announcer to specialize specifically in broadcasting movie premieres.
- He appeared in 'Hong Kong Nights' alongside Tom Keene and Wera Engels.
In Their Own Words
This is Freeman Lang, speaking to you from the heart of Hollywood! (Standard intro for premiere broadcasts)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Freeman Lang?
Freeman Lang was a prominent American radio announcer and engineer who was a central figure in the early Los Angeles broadcasting scene. He is also known for a notable acting role in the 1935 film 'Hong Kong Nights'.
What films is Freeman Lang best known for?
He is best known for his role as Captain Evans in the 1935 thriller 'Hong Kong Nights'. Most of his career was spent in radio rather than film.
When was Freeman Lang born and when did he die?
Freeman Lang was born on May 25, 1896, in Fairland, Illinois, and passed away in February 1976 in California.
What was Freeman Lang's contribution to radio?
He was a technical pioneer who helped launch stations like KFWB and KFVD, and he was the first major announcer to specialize in live broadcasts of Hollywood movie premieres.
What was Freeman Lang's nickname?
In the 1920s, he was famously known to radio listeners as 'The Bald-Headed Sheik of Sawtelle'.
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Films
1 film
