Barbara Merlin; Collaborated With Husband on Radio, TV Shows

Barbara Smitten Merlin, 79, producer and writer for radio and early television. Born in San Francisco on Christmas Day in 1917, Merlin graduated from Dominican College and began her career writing for San Francisco radio station KFRC. Moving to Los Angeles, she worked for KHJ and then Ruthrauff & Ryan, becoming script supervisor and associate producer of such popular radio shows as “Amos and Andy” and “Mayor of the Town” with Lionel Barrymore. She collaborated with Milton Merlin from the time of their marriage in 1945 until his death last year. Their scripts included such radio series as “Boston Blackie,” “Presenting Charles Boyer” and “Halls of Ivy” with Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Colman. In 1952 the Merlins switched to television and wrote for “Four Star Playhouse,” “Bonanza” and “The Fugitive.” Independently, she scripted episodes of “The Loretta Young Show,” “The Millionaire” and “The Virginian.” For 23 years, Merlin was West Coast coordinator for the National Enquirer. On July 24 in Los Angeles.