Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 1st Nighter 1948-01-01 "The One In The Middle"

Release Date: September 1, 2025
Podcast Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Golden Age Radio Show: Campana's First Nighter Program

Episode Overview

This episode showcases a classic radio broadcast from 1948: Campana’s First Nighter Program featuring the comedic romance play The One in the Middle, written by Virginia Safford Lynn. The drama unfolds at the Randolph Seminary for Young Ladies, centering on Peter Randolph, a recently discharged veteran, who finds himself as an impromptu astronomy teacher—and the romantic target of many students. The production stars Olan Soule as Peter and Barbara Luddy as Franny. The show’s format captures the excitement of a Broadway opening night, blending witty dialogue, gentle romance, and a nostalgic glimpse of pre-television family entertainment.

Main Themes & Purpose

• Lighthearted Postwar Comedy: The play provides gentle, upbeat humor set in the immediate post-WWII era, reflecting both the innocence and optimism of late-1940s America.
• Romantic Mishaps: Central tension arises from Peter’s sudden popularity among the female students and their comedic schemes to win his affection.
• Family and New Beginnings: Against the backdrop of a new year, the characters pursue romance and fresh starts, mirroring the holiday’s spirit.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

[00:20–02:53] Opening Night Atmosphere & Introduction

• The “First Nighter” host welcomes listeners, sets the New Year's night Broadway scene, and introduces the actors and characters.
• Olan Soule plays Peter Randolph (a returned veteran); Barbara Luddy stars as Franny (a young student); Bea Benaderet is Tabby Randolph (Peter's sister and school principal).

Notable Segment:

• "Tonight's play is a comedy romance called 'The One In The Middle'... just what the doctor should order for New Year's night. A chance to relax and laugh." ([01:51] — First Nighter Host)

[03:09–07:53] Peter Arrives at the Seminary

• Peter arrives early due to his discharge and seeks to stay at his sister Tabby's girls’ school.
• Tabby, desperate to save the struggling school, appoints Peter as the new assistant principal and astronomy teacher, despite his lack of expertise.

Memorable Moment:

• Peter’s reaction to teaching astronomy:
  "But, Tabby, I don't know anything about astronomy."
  "Neither do they." ([05:48–05:50], Peter and Tabby)

[07:53–11:21] The All-Girls Astronomy Class

• The girls, charmed by Peter, all sign up for astronomy.
• The lighthearted interactions set the comedic tone—girls flirt and feign interest in stars.

Notable Quotes:

• "Mr. Randolph, don't you think the moon's in its—"
  "Personally, I never knew they could get the moon into a canoe." ([09:27–09:32], Student and Peter)

[13:27–15:56] Romantic Rivalry Among Students

• The girls discuss tactics for winning Peter’s affection.
• Franny, Jean, and Maudie each attempt to appeal to different aspects of Peter’s personality: athleticism, helplessness, and poetic romance.
• Tabby reveals all 50 girls are signing up for the next semester, thanks to Peter’s charm.

[18:38–22:25] Escalating Antics & Affection

• Franny invites Peter onto the balcony to see the Big Dipper, leading to a sweet moment and poetic dialogue.
• The girls intensify their rivalry, pondering ways to get Peter to "rescue" one of them and reveal his true affection.

Quote:

• "Isn't it true the bird of time has but a little way to flutter." ([19:36], Franny)

[25:20–26:30] Testing Peter: The Smoke “Rescue” Plan

• The girls stage a fake smoke emergency hoping Peter will rescue his favorite, thus revealing which girl he prefers.
• Their plan backfires as Tabby leads an organized fire drill, and Peter ends up being “rescued” by all three, much to his confusion.

[29:25–32:18] Resolution & The Choice

• Tabby calls a school assembly to address the fire stunt.
• Franny takes blame and apologizes.
• Tabby announces Peter's departure—he makes a brief farewell.
• In a comic and heartfelt moment, Peter asks the girl in the middle (Franny) to represent the school, signaling his affection.

Resolution Quote:

• “No, no, the one in the middle. Will you come up here a moment, please? That’s the girl.” ([30:55], Peter)

[32:18–33:47] Finale

• Peter and Franny share a romantic, comedic goodbye on the balcony, confirming their connection.
• The other girls receive souvenirs (like a piece of Peter’s blue polka dot tie) and accept the outcome.
• The First Nighter Host closes the play, promising another new show next week.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Neither do they." ([05:50], Tabby, when Peter worries about teaching astronomy)
• "You've made me so aware of the vastness of eternity." ([19:19], Franny to Peter)
• "Well, after all, they are just kids." "Oh yes, children of 17, 18, and 19. Mere babies." ([25:53–26:00], Peter and Tabby)
• "Stand right there in front of me, please. Raise your head. Now say prunes." ([31:03–31:09], Peter to Franny, a playful and romantic finale)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:20] – First Nighter Host sets the scene & introduces cast.
• [03:09] – Peter's comedic return and appointment as astronomy teacher.
• [07:53] – The classroom chaos and flirtatious girls.
• [13:27] – Beginning of Act II and romantic plotting.
• [18:38] – Franny’s stargazing and deepening affection.
• [25:20] – Girls' staged emergency and Peter’s “rescue.”
• [29:25] – School assembly, apologies, and Peter’s farewell.
• [31:03] – The big reveal: Peter selects “the one in the middle.”
• [32:11–33:47] – Balcony farewell and curtain close.

Tone & Style

The play maintains a playful, romantic, and slightly farcical tone throughout, with witty banter, affectionate teasing, and innocent flirtation. The “First Nighter” format blends the thrill of theater with radio’s intimacy, drawing listeners into both the laughs and the yearnings of its postwar characters.

Conclusion

The One In The Middle is a classic example of mid-century radio comedy, mixing gentle romance with slapstick misunderstandings and cheerful optimism. The interplay between Peter, his sister Tabby, and the determined girls offers a humorous glimpse at postwar American mores and radio's role in providing wholesome family entertainment. The episode ends on an uplifting note, promising more comedic adventures in the "little theater off Times Square" next week.

For fans of classic radio—and anyone who enjoys lighthearted romantic comedy—this episode captures the warmth and wit of a bygone era in American entertainment.