For broadcast on CBS Radio Network stations 
October 21-22, 2000:


A tough stamp for a tough guy.


The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.
 
In the movies, Edward G. Robinson was tough. 


But those were MOVIE roles. In real life, Robinson was a 
charitable man with an extensive art collection. 


There were problems with this stamp right from the start, all 
related to the rights to Robinson's name and likeness. The 
stamp was announced to Postal employees, then pulled, then 
announced publicly later than usual...then the issue date has 
been postponed at least twice.


It turns out Robinson has two sets of heirs: His 
grand-daughter and one of his best friends, who married his 
widow. They don't like each other, and apparently they can't 
agree on anything. The Postal Service has had to make both 
groups happy. Now, days before the stamp's issue date on 
Tuesday, there are still problems.


Also, the illustration in the margin of the stamp sheet was to 
show the scene from "Little Caesar" where Robinson's character 
is gunned down. The Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee said that 
was too violent, and it was changed.


And that's stamp collecting this week. 

I'm Lloyd de Vries, CBS News.


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