30 Minutes to Curtain 1984-02-15 Passing Fancy

Summary

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Podcast Summary: 30 Minutes to Curtain – "Passing Fancy"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: 30 Minutes to Curtain 1984-02-15 Passing Fancy
Date: November 19, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this episode, "Passing Fancy," listeners are treated to a light-hearted romantic comedy set in the Golden Age of Radio style, where Pete, an affable but hapless romantic, finds himself hopelessly infatuated—not with another woman, but with a department store mannequin. Through a series of comedic misadventures and heartfelt conversations, the episode explores themes of fantasy versus reality, the search for love in unexpected places, and the importance of recognizing true connection right in front of us.

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Main Characters

• Pete: The protagonist, prone to romantic fixations
• Jane: Pete's close friend and confidante, harboring deeper feelings
• Roger: Jane’s elegant but snobbish suitor
• Murray: Art department contact
• Andrea: The real-life model for the mannequin

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pete’s Romantic Downturn and Friendship with Jane

• Pete is once again heartbroken after a failed relationship (Lisa) and turns to Jane for comfort ([01:41]).

• Jane subtly hints at wanting something more than friendship, but Pete remains oblivious ([02:02]).

• Their ongoing lunch tradition demonstrates their close bond.

  “It's lucky I have an understanding buddy like you, Jane. Buddy.”
  — Pete ([01:58])

2. Pete’s Unusual Obsession: Falling for a Mannequin

• During a typical lunch, Pete becomes captivated by a mannequin in a store window, claiming she is different, lifelike—much to Jane’s bewilderment ([03:11]-[03:30]).

• Jane and bystanders, including store security, react to Pete’s obsession with disbelief and concern, considering if he’s lost touch with reality ([04:10]-[04:53]).

  “She's much more than that. Look at her... you can almost see her breathing.”
  — Pete ([04:26])

3. Comic Escalation: Social Embarrassment and Scrutiny

• Pete’s fixation escalates to repeated visits and awkward attempts to see the mannequin, leading to run-ins with store security and skepticism from Jane and others ([06:10]-[07:21]).

• Jane, frustrated, questions if she can handle his eccentricities, especially as Pete’s obsession nears absurdity.

  “I think you've crossed over into the weirdo zone.”
  — Jane ([07:17])

4. Pete’s Investigation: The “Real” Woman Behind the Fantasy

• Seeking the truth, Pete consults Murray in the art department, learning that mannequins can be modeled after real people ([10:19]-[10:56]).

• Pete becomes determined to track down the real-life model, Andrea Sinclair ([20:05]).

  “You mean there might actually be a real woman who was the model for the mannequin?”
  — Pete ([10:43])

5. Jane’s Own Romances and Doubts

• While Pete chases fantasy, Jane explores her own relationship with Roger, who represents sophistication—yet exhibits classist snobbery ([23:30]-[24:39]).

• Their lunch erupts into a debate about social “strata,” ultimately leading Jane to realize Roger is not the gentleman she believed.

  “A real gentleman isn't a snob. And that's what you are, Roger, a snob.”
  — Jane ([24:27])

6. Confronting Reality and Realization

• Pete meets Andrea, discovering she is nothing like the idealized mannequin and confronting the nature of his infatuation ([20:43]-[22:29]).

• Andrea explains the intent behind her modeling: “She captures the fantasy of beauty,” but underscores that true love isn't possible for an object—Pete’s obsession was a “passing fancy.”

  “No, what you had was a crush, a passing fancy.”
  — Andrea ([22:18])

7. Resolution: Rediscovering What Matters

• Jane and Pete reunite at their regular hot dog stand; both realize the comfort and authenticity in their friendship ([25:00]-[28:09]).

• The hot dog vendor (the episode’s unofficial chorus) reminds them—and listeners—that sometimes love is right in front of us, not the fantasy but the familiar.

  “You too, definitely is... It's more than a passing fancy.”
  — Hot Dog Vendor ([27:38], [27:45])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [02:02] Jane (hinting at feelings):
  “Has it ever crossed your mind that we ought to be more—never mind.”

• [04:26] Pete (to security):
  “Oh, she's much more than that... you can almost see her breathing.”

• [09:16] Jane (jealousy revealed):
  “What makes you think I'm not?”

• [22:18] Andrea (on infatuation):
  “No, you weren't. Two people can be in love. You can't love a thing. No, what you had was a crush, a passing fancy.”

• [24:27] Jane (breaking up with Roger):
  “A real gentleman isn't a snob. And that's what you are, Roger, a snob.”

• [27:44] Hot Dog Vendor (thematic closure):
  “You think it'll last as long... as you two been together? It's more than a passing fancy.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:41] – Pete and Jane discuss his latest breakup and their friendship.
• [03:11]-[03:30] – Pete becomes infatuated with the mannequin in the store window.
• [04:10]-[04:53] – Store security grows suspicious of Pete; Jane is embarrassed.
• [06:10]-[07:21] – Pete’s obsession escalates, and Jane questions his sanity.
• [10:19]-[10:56] – Explanation of how mannequins are made and modeled.
• [20:43]-[22:29] – Pete finally meets Andrea, the real-life mannequin model; Andrea explains the difference between reality and fantasy.
• [23:30]-[24:39] – Jane breaks up with Roger after realizing his snobbishness.
• [27:44]-[28:09] – Hot dog vendor comments on Pete and Jane’s unique connection, giving the story its conclusion.

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Final Thoughts

"Passing Fancy" cleverly explores the human tendency to chase perfection and fantasy, only to discover that genuine connection is often closer than we realize. With relatable humor, witty dialogue, and heartfelt moments, the episode serves as both a comedic farce and a gentle reminder to appreciate the relationships that truly matter.

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Transcript

[Sarah]

Hey, this is Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling, Even kind of cheesy. But I like it. Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all. So farewell, oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[Announcer]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with K tree eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. A.m. p.m. Too much. Good stuff.

[Narrator]

30 minutes to curtain. Yes. 30 minutes to curtain. A weekly half hour of radio entertainment. Each week at this time, we bring you mystery, comedy, adventure, fantasy and fun. This week, stand by for lighthearted romantic comedy as we meet a young man who seeks romance in a most unusual place in a story written by Selwyn R. Sir Passing Fancy. And now, here's the play.

[Jane]

Thanks for helping with the dishes, Pete.

[Pete]

Well, thanks for having me over for dinner.

[Jane]

Feeling better now?

[Pete]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Jane]

You know, Pete, I don't want to jump on you when you're feeling down, but has it occurred to you that you keep falling for the same type of girls over and over and that the relationships never pan out?

[Pete]

Oh, I don't know about that.

[Jane]

You're hopeless.

[Pete]

That's probably true. It's lucky I have an understanding buddy like you, Jane. Buddy.

[Jane]

Right. Has that ever crossed your mind that we ought to be more. Never mind.

[Pete]

I really thought that this thing with Lisa would last. You know, Jane, even now I don't know what went wrong.

[Jane]

If you don't see it, my explaining it to you won't help. Here's your pan. At least you make the best meatloaf in town.

[Pete]

It's your turn to cook next time.

[Jane]

It's not fair, you know. Whenever I cook, you always use paper plates.

[Pete]

I was born lazy.

[Jane]

Well, that has a ring of truth. Look, I've got a heavy day at the office tomorrow, so lunch Tuesday, as usual, by the hot dog stand.

[Pete]

As usual.

[Jane]

Good night, Pete.

[Pete]

Good night. And thanks for letting me come cry on your shoulder, as usual.

[Jane]

Drive carefully. You've got my hot dog.

[Narrator]

What?

[Jane]

Mine's the one without onions.

[Pete]

Sorry, James, dear. I thought you liked onions.

[Jane]

I do, but not when I've got to go back to an office full of people.

[Pete]

Taken.

[Jane]

I wish I could tell old man Henley at least three times a week he has sardines for lunch and then he corners some poor soul at the water cooler to lecture them on some obscure point.

[Pete]

Hold up a second, huh? Just look at that.

[Andrea]

What?

[Jane]

A window display of green and magenta women's wear. God, it's awful.

[Pete]

She's beautiful.

[Andrea]

Who?

[Jane]

What?

[Narrator]

Where?

[Jane]

Pete, there's no one in that window. Just a bunch of dummies.

[Pete]

The third from the left. She's beautiful, Pete.

[Jane]

She's a dummy. She looks like a dummy.

[Pete]

No, she's different. There's something really lifelike about her.

[Jane]

I think the onions have gone to your brain.

[Pete]

Come on, let's go in and see if we can get a closer look at her.

[Jane]

I don't want to go in there and ask to see a dummy.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Come on.

[Pete]

I feel funny going in there alone.

[Jane]

Well, I feel like a dummy going in there asking to see a dummy.

[Pete]

You're not going to reconsider? No.

[Jane]

Listen, I have to get back to the office.

[Pete]

Georgine, I'll talk to you later. I just want to take a closer look at her.

[Jane]

Listen, mister, I don't know if this is a joke or if you're just deranged, but there are legitimate customers at this counter and I must help them.

[Pete]

There must be some way to get into the window to see her.

[Jane]

I don't have time for this. If you've got to have a closer look, there's the same mannequin over in ladies wear.

[Pete]

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

[Roger]

It's true.

[Jane]

The weirdos are taking over the world.

[Store Security]

Excuse me, sir.

[Pete]

Yes?

[Store Security]

I'm with store security. And, well, the clerks have noticed you're loitering here.

[Pete]

I was just looking at her.

[Narrator]

Her?

[Pete]

Her in the red dress.

[Store Security]

The red dress? Mister, that's a dummy.

[Pete]

Oh, she's much more than that. Look at her. The texture of her skin, the moistness of her lips. I mean, you can almost see her breathing.

[Store Security]

Now, listen, mister, I don't know what your problem is, and I really don't care.

[Narrator]

But.

[Store Security]

But I don't want to see you hanging around here anymore. You got it?

[Pete]

I'll be along in just another minute. Move along now. All right, I'm moving.

[Jane]

Ah, Pete, you're on time. I may have a heart attack from the shock. What do you want on your hot dog?

[Pete]

How goes it, Jane? How's my favorite Wade Slave?

[Roger]

Forget the hot dog.

[Pete]

Let's go in someplace. Two, three times a week we meet here and stand eating lunch from a push cart. Today I thought we'd eat like civilized human beings.

[Jane]

Well, what's gotten into you? I've been trying to civilize you for years. Hot dogs, tacos, burritos.

[Andrea]

What happened?

[Jane]

Your stomach finally rot through?

[Pete]

Come on. I'm buying.

[Jane]

Oh, they fill my heart. What put you in such an expansive mood?

[Pete]

It's springtime. What other reason do I need?

[Jane]

Some people may not need a reason, but I've known you too long, so cut the comedy.

[Pete]

All right? Since you're just about my oldest and dearest friend, you should be the first to know.

[Jane]

Ah, confession time.

[Pete]

I'm falling in love.

[Jane]

Oh, brother. Again?

[Pete]

Do I detect them out of sarcasm? I thought you'd be pleased.

[Andrea]

Oh.

[Jane]

Well, who is it this time? The blonde with the legs up to her armpits? The one who does aerobics on the balcony across the room?

[Narrator]

No, no, no, no.

[Jane]

Well, who then?

[Pete]

I don't know what to call her, but in the past few days I've seen her everywhere. Store windows, luggage displays and sporting goods.

[Jane]

What are you babbling about?

[Pete]

Remember the mannequin I pointed out to you in climbing window a few days ago?

[Jane]

You're in love with that dummy.

[Pete]

She's much more than just a mannequin.

[Roger]

Hmm.

[Jane]

You don't seem to have a fever.

[Pete]

I haven't put my finger on it yet, but there's something different about her.

[Jane]

What did you have for breakfast? Maybe it's a chemical imbalance or food poisoning.

[Narrator]

She's all over.

[Pete]

All the stores have got her. I can go in almost any place and see her.

[Jane]

I've seen you through Lisa and Donna, Mickey, Vicki and Jeanette, but I don't think I can handle this. Here we are, Klein's. We're going to have lunch at a department store.

[Pete]

Got a snack bar? Come on. Excuse me, sir. Do you mind if we share this table?

[Andrea]

What? Chinese.

[Jane]

Can we sit down?

[Store Security]

Yeah, and all the gowns over there in women's wear.

[Pete]

Here, let's get rid of the trays.

[Jane]

Which one is the root beer?

[Pete]

This one.

[Store Security]

Vortex.

[Pete]

Honey, I wasn't talking to you.

[Store Security]

You don't have to shout. I'm not deaf, you know.

[Pete]

I'm sorry.

[Store Security]

What?

[Pete]

I'm sorry.

[Store Security]

Then why are you still shouting?

[Jane]

There's nothing like elegant dining. And this is nothing like elegant dining. What are we doing here?

[Pete]

I'm hoping you can help me figure out. What's the difference between her and other mannequins. There she is in sporting goods, right across from us.

[Jane]

Take a look. I don't believe this. It's bad enough that you always drag me out to meet your girlfriends, but now you want me to meet a dummy?

[Pete]

I can't meet her. She's not alive. I just wanted to get your opinion.

[Jane]

You want my opinion? I'll give you my opinion? I think you've crossed over into the weirdo zone.

[Pete]

Jane, what's wrong? Where you going, Jane?

[Store Security]

Seems like your lady friend was a trifle upset.

[Pete]

I don't know why.

[Store Security]

Gotta fly.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Well, me too.

[Store Security]

Gotta get back to work, stretch out my pension.

[Pete]

What kind of work do you do?

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Me?

[Store Security]

I record sound for TV commercials.

[Pete]

Mine's got the onions right.

[Store Security]

Here's your change.

[Pete]

Thanks.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Where's your friend?

[Pete]

I don't know. I called her office and they said she was out.

[Roger]

Whoa.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

What'd you two have a lover's quarrel?

[Pete]

We're not lovers.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Well, listen, standing on a corner selling hot dogs all day, every day, you get to observe a lot of human natures. A lot of couples have lunch here, and I can tell them that our couples and them that ain't.

[Pete]

I see. You're not really a hot dog vendor. You're really Dr. Frank N. Furter, Ph.D.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

I just was trying to make conversation. You look lost without your friend.

[Pete]

Yeah, well, I feel kind of lost at this. I can't imagine what would keep Jane from our standing lunch date.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Well, I hope you two work it out. You're my steadiest customers.

[Store Security]

It's been a few days since you were around. I thought you'd finally gotten out of her hair.

[Pete]

What is it with you security guys? I just came in to look at her.

[Store Security]

This store doesn't encourage loitering, you know. Other stores must have the same dummy. Why not go hang around him for a while?

[Pete]

They don't much care for me hanging around either.

[Store Security]

So what can I say?

[Roger]

It's okay.

[Pete]

Somehow it's not enough just to keep gay.

[Store Security]

What do you mean?

[Pete]

Well, I don't know exactly, but there's got to be something more.

[Narrator]

Oh, you're crazy.

[Pete]

I need to know more about her.

[Store Security]

Anyone who's got a yin for a dummy can't be playing with a full deck.

[Pete]

Now, take my advice, buddy, and get some professional help.

[Jane]

I think he's right. You should see a doctor or a counselor or something.

[Pete]

Jane, if I can't talk to you.

[Jane]

Look, I thought I'd made it clear. If you want to be a walking Looney Tune, don't ask me to march alongside playing the kazoo.

[Pete]

I don't understand. Ever since lunch at Klein's, what did I do?

[Jane]

If you don't understand my explaining, it won't help.

[Pete]

If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were jealous.

[Jane]

What makes you think I'm not?

[Pete]

My girlfriends never bother you. So why isn't my curiosity About a mannequin.

[Jane]

Hey, watch it.

[Pete]

You almost got my hands.

[Jane]

Next time I'll be careful not to.

[Pete]

Miss, Please, please tell me what's bothering you. I wouldn't do anything in the world to damage our friendship.

[Jane]

Well, then try paying some attention to me.

[Pete]

I always pay attention to you. I couldn't feel closer to you if you were my own sister.

[Jane]

Alright already. What do you want?

[Pete]

I don't want you mad at me.

[Jane]

I'm not mad, but I have a lot of work to do. So what do you want?

[Pete]

Well, have you ever wondered where mannequins come from?

[Jane]

In a word, no.

[Pete]

Or what they're made of?

[Jane]

No.

[Pete]

You're not going to make this easy, are you?

[Jane]

No.

[Pete]

Anyway, that's what I want to know. Where do mannequins come from?

[Andrea]

What's the point?

[Jane]

She's a dummy. This infatuation of yours isn't healthy.

[Pete]

It's nothing. I'm just curious.

[Jane]

Oh, you're hopeless. But all right. Talk to Murray in the art department.

[Announcer]

Great.

[Pete]

You're the best buddy a guy could have.

[Jane]

Thanks a lot.

[Roger]

Excuse me.

[Pete]

Those cigarettes will kill you.

[Roger]

So they say.

[Pete]

They don't bother me. Anyway.

[Murray]

Mannequins are usually supplied to stores by companies who design and manufacture window display materials.

[Pete]

Well, who designs. Who designs them?

[Murray]

It depends on the company that made them. Sometimes they're based on artist conceptions. Some of them, the very new ones, are molded in fiberglass from live models.

[Pete]

I don't understand.

[Murray]

Well, a mold is made from a.

[Pete]

Live model.

[Murray]

Then the fiberglass dummy is.

[Pete]

Made from the mold. You mean there might actually be a real woman who was the model for the mannequin?

[Hot Dog Vendor]

That's right.

[Murray]

You have to talk with the company that made it to find out.

[Pete]

How would I find out?

[Murray]

The company name usually stamp someplace on the dummy.

[Pete]

Thanks, Murray. I appreciate this. What's wrong, lady?

[Andrea]

Look at that terrible man. He's pawing that dummy.

[Roger]

I'll take care of this.

[Store Security]

All right, buddy. What do you think you're doing? Oh, hello again.

[Andrea]

Oh, no.

[Pete]

It's you again. I was this pride.

[Store Security]

Yeah, I could see what she was doing. You told me staring at her wasn't enough anymore.

[Pete]

I just wanted to find out where.

[Narrator]

Now, here.

[Announcer]

Here.

[Store Security]

None of that now. Oh, I can imagine what you're trying to find out.

[Pete]

You don't understand.

[Store Security]

That's true enough. Now you better come with me. We'll have a nice chat with the police and maybe a doctor.

[Pete]

Oh, God, Jane. I've never been so glad to see anybody in my entire life. You're a treasure.

[Jane]

I should have left you in there. You need your head exam.

[Pete]

It was awful. But you. Gray concrete walls closing in on me.

[Andrea]

Knock it off.

[Jane]

You were only in two hours.

[Pete]

Still, you're a peach for getting me out.

[Jane]

Darn right. You're ruining a good evening for me. I can't believe it. Molesting a dummy. You've crossed the line from fent all the way to wark.

[Pete]

I was just trying to find manufacturers. Dance?

[Andrea]

Why?

[Jane]

You planning to buy one and take it home with you? Oh, boy. The mind boggles at what you do with one in private. I leave you to it. I'm going to attempt to salvage my evening.

[Pete]

Yeah, you are kind of dressed up at that. I haven't seen that outfit, have I?

[Jane]

Where have you ever taken me that.

[Store Security]

I could wear this?

[Roger]

Ah, Jane, there you are. I came back here because I thought you may have run into some problem.

[Jane]

Uh, no, Roger. I was just about to rejoin you.

[Narrator]

Fine.

[Roger]

We can just make the last performance.

[Pete]

Hey, who's that?

[Jane]

Pete, this is Roger. Roger, this is Pete.

[Roger]

Nice to meet you.

[Jane]

Roger gave me a lift down here.

[Roger]

It would have been ungentlemanly to refuse.

[Pete]

How swell of you, I'm sure.

[Jane]

Good night, Pete.

[Pete]

Good night.

[Roger]

I hope your evening is as pleasant as ours promises to be.

[Pete]

Yeah. Good night. Is this Carvelli display?

[Roger]

I'm Caravelli.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

What can I do for you?

[Pete]

I'm interested in one of your display mannequins.

[Andrea]

Sure, sure.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Here, look at the book. Pick out the one you like.

[Roger]

Here.

[Pete]

This one.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Number 50.

[Announcer]

Good pick.

[Roger]

Nice.

[Narrator]

New.

[Roger]

Very popular.

[Murray]

How many you want?

[Pete]

I want to know who designed her.

[Roger]

You know, what if I want.

[Pete]

Well, no, I wanted.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

What are you wasting my time for?

[Pete]

I thought you might tell me who designed her.

[Store Security]

Why should I tell you?

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Answer me that.

[Pete]

Yeah, well, it's kind of hard to explain. I just wanted to meet the artist. I'm an artist representative.

[Roger]

The saddest need no representative.

[Pete]

I'd like to meet him anyway.

[Roger]

If you've been good, when you die, you meet him.

[Jane]

What?

[Roger]

God made the number 52?

[Pete]

You mean she's a real woman?

[Announcer]

See?

[Roger]

A model for one of the biggest agencies.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

What?

[Roger]

The face.

[Andrea]

What?

[Roger]

The shape. Magnifico.

[Pete]

Mind if I ask what agency?

[Roger]

You ask a lot of questions.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

I don't like that.

[Narrator]

You go now.

[Pete]

I got a lot of work to do.

[Jane]

Pete, what are you doing here?

[Pete]

If you won't come to the hot dogs, then the hot dogs will have to come to you.

[Roger]

Here.

[Pete]

Without onions.

[Jane]

Here, let me make Some room on the desk.

[Pete]

Why didn't you meet me?

[Jane]

I guess I was still upset with you first. Dragging me to see that dumb dummy and screwing up my evening with Roger.

[Pete]

Who is Roger anyway? What did he do, waltz out of some Fred Astaire movie on tv?

[Jane]

He does give you that kind of feeling, doesn't he? Genuine elegance. It's rare and wonderful.

[Pete]

It is, huh?

[Jane]

Well, I wouldn't expect you, king of the push cart lunch to understand.

[Pete]

I may eat lunch off of push cart, but at least I'm a buddy you can depend on. Roger doesn't strike me as the buddy type.

[Jane]

And a good thing, too. Sometimes a girl wants more than a buddy.

[Pete]

I'm not sure I like the sound of that.

[Jane]

Oh, really?

[Pete]

Is there something between you and Roger? How come I never heard you mention him before?

[Jane]

Just because you always drag me to see your girlfriend doesn't mean I'm going to show you my boyfriend.

[Pete]

There is something between you. Funny, I didn't think you'd go for the stuck up type.

[Jane]

Hey, no judgments, please. Just because he has style and you don't is no reason to grouse.

[Pete]

I'm not grousing.

[Jane]

Could have fooled me. But I'm glad you dropped by.

[Pete]

Lunch isn't right without you. When you're not there, it screws up my digestion. This thing with Roger, is it serious?

[Jane]

That's my personal business.

[Pete]

I thought we were personal friends.

[Jane]

You're right, we are. I haven't known Roger very long. We met about the time you became infatuated with that dummy.

[Pete]

Oh, she's no dummy.

[Jane]

Oh, no, here we go again. I should have kept my mouth shut.

[Pete]

He's for real. That is, she's a real woman who models for the mannequin maker.

[Jane]

How far have you gone with this? Have you met her?

[Roger]

Oh, no.

[Pete]

The man from the mannequin company wouldn't give me the name of the agency she came from. Maybe he thought I was weird.

[Jane]

And do you think you're not?

[Roger]

Ha ha.

[Pete]

Haven't you ever been really curious about something or someone?

[Jane]

I suppose so.

[Pete]

Okay then. Now aren't you glad I stopped in?

[Jane]

I admit it. I'm glad you stopped in. Now I've got to get back to the salt mine.

[Pete]

See you for lunch next time at our regular spot. In time.

[Andrea]

Sure.

[Pete]

Hello, is this 555-2375?

[Roger]

Yes. Yes, it is, dear.

[Andrea]

Roger.

[Jane]

Better let me have it.

[Andrea]

Hello?

[Pete]

Hello, Jane. Who was that? Was that Roger? Who is this?

[Andrea]

Pete?

[Jane]

Do you have any idea what time it is?

[Pete]

I certainly do. It's 6:00am what is Roger doing at your apartment at 6:00 clock in the morning?

[Jane]

None of your business. What do you want anyway?

[Pete]

Yeah, well, I've kind of got this problem.

[Jane]

As long as you're going to keep getting yourself tossed into the clink, why don't you give up your apartment and save the rent?

[Pete]

Anybody ever tell you that your humor is a bit thin at this hour of the morning?

[Jane]

When was the last time you saw me at 7:30 in the morning? It's a whole different me.

[Roger]

Good morning, Pete.

[Jane]

Don't scowl at Roger. He's the one who got me down here so quickly.

[Pete]

Good morning, Roger.

[Jane]

Now tell me briefly why you were chucked back into jail.

[Pete]

It's simple really. I was going around to some of the big modeling agencies with a Polaroid of the mannequin inclined window. I found the agency who manages her, but they wouldn't give me her name and address without some sort of identification. So I said I worked for your agency.

[Jane]

You what?

[Pete]

With both companies being in a similar sort of business and all, I thought.

[Jane]

What are you trying to do, get me in trouble? Cost me my job.

[Roger]

Now, Jane, don't upset yourself over this childish prank.

[Pete]

Listen, Roger, won't your car turn into a pumpkin or something if you don't get home soon?

[Roger]

See here, there's no need to be rude.

[Pete]

Why is it I always feel like being rude when nobody else does?

[Jane]

I can imagine what happened. I wasn't in, so they got old man Hemsley, who said he'd never heard of you.

[Pete]

They called the cops, who ran a check and discovered the arrest from when I looked over the mannequin Klein. That's when I wound up in the clink. I'm really grateful that you could get me out.

[Jane]

I know. The gray walls closing in and all that. Don't you think you've carried this dummy thing a little too far already?

[Pete]

But I'm so close. It would have been all right if you were in the office. How have I known that before you'd be gone? And why were you gone so early?

[Jane]

It was a rather special evening.

[Pete]

What with him. I didn't know people were allowed on the streets dressed like that. At least not until after the cocktail hour. He looks like a head waiter.

[Roger]

I'm not sure I care to be abused in this manner.

[Pete]

I'm flexible. In what manner would you care to be abused?

[Roger]

Really, Jane, I fail to see why you put up with him.

[Jane]

Shut up, Roger.

[Roger]

Jane, perhaps I should be getting along.

[Pete]

Don't let us detain you.

[Roger]

Very well, then.

[Jane]

Oh, Pete, you're a creep. Now look what you've done.

[Pete]

I didn't tell him to shut up.

[Jane]

Well, you get me so worked up sometimes. I gotta apologize to Roger. You're on your own now. See if you can stay out of jail.

[Andrea]

Roger. Roger, wait a second.

[Jane]

Yes, I'm sorry, Roger. You've every right to be angry. What can I say? Sometimes he just aggravates me.

[Roger]

So, frankly, I fail to understand your relationship with that lunatic. It has been my impression that you are unattached.

[Jane]

I am. Pete's just a friend.

[Roger]

One should choose one's friends carefully.

[Jane]

He's not a bad guy. Really? A little strange, maybe, but not really a bad guy. And I am sorry about what happened in there.

[Roger]

Well, I can certainly see how easy it is for Pete to get you worked up. No doubt that man would try the temper of a saint.

[Jane]

Then you're not mad at me?

[Roger]

No, of course not.

[Jane]

Oh, I'm glad. Meet me for lunch?

[Roger]

Certainly.

[Jane]

12:15 by the hot dog push cart near the front of my building.

[Pete]

Fine.

[Roger]

I'll see you then.

[Murray]

I still don't understand why you came.

[Pete]

Up on the freight elevator, Pete. I told you, I don't want Jane to know I'm here. So what do you want? Nothing big, Murray. Here's the name and phone number of a modeling agency. Call them up. Tell them who you are and that you're with the art department of this agency and you want to get in touch with the girl who was the model for Carvelli's number 52. Then what?

[Narrator]

Then.

[Pete]

Then you give me her name and number.

[Murray]

I don't know, Pete.

[Pete]

Oh, for crying out loud, Murray. What do you think I am, an.

[Jane]

Axe murderer or something?

[Murray]

It's a something that worries me.

[Pete]

Come on, Murray, before Gene finds me here. All right, I guess here it is, Pete.

[Murray]

You know, if old man Hensley found out about Kitty.

[Pete]

Listen, Murray, I owe you for this. Oh, great. Her address and everything. Andrea Sinclair on Garden View Drive. I get up a cottage of flowers, climbing up a trellis and maybe a lawn swing.

[Murray]

Why on earth do you think that?

[Pete]

I don't know. Sounds nice.

[Murray]

Well, I know the area. Track houses, subdivision city.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Really?

[Pete]

Somehow I wish. Oh, never mind. Thanks again, Murray.

[Murray]

Be sure you don't mention it.

[Pete]

Hello. I'm sorry to bother you, but I'm looking for Andrea St. Clair.

[Andrea]

How are you? How'd you get this address?

[Pete]

My name is Pete Avery and I'm a friend of Ms. St. Clair's.

[Andrea]

Oh, no, you're not. I Know all her friends.

[Pete]

Is Ms. St. Clair around?

[Andrea]

You better explain yourself pretty quick. You see, St. Clair is my professional name.

[Pete]

Oh, you're Andrea. But you don't look anything like the man. If you incline Klein's window.

[Andrea]

That's probably because she isn't wearing a sweatsuit and doesn't have her hair up in curlers. Now, I don't know who you are or what you want, but I think it's time for you to leave.

[Store Security]

Hey, is everything all right up there?

[Andrea]

It's just a salesman.

[Pete]

Somehow I thought you'd look different.

[Andrea]

You thought I'd look like the dummies I modeled for? Well, I would if my skin was always perfect and my hair was always cut just right. Perfect makeup, soft light and a smart outfit do a lot for a woman. Unfortunately, only my fiberglass alter ego has all those advantages all the time.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

What's going on up there?

[Andrea]

Nothing. I'm looking at a brochure.

[Store Security]

Don't buy anything expensive.

[Pete]

Think budget.

[Andrea]

You better go before he decides to see who's here.

[Pete]

How did you know what I hoped to find?

[Andrea]

Do you think you're the first person ever to gaze into a store window and become intrigued with some image of perfection? That's why I became a model. I wanted to be a part of the fantasy a mannequin creates. And that's what she does. She captures the fantasy of beauty.

[Pete]

I'm not even sure why I came here. Somehow I got carried away as if she were a real person. I was taken with her and reality slipped away. I guess I was in love with her.

[Andrea]

No, you weren't. Two people can be in love. You can't love a thing. No, what you had was a crush, a passing fancy.

[Pete]

I don't know. I guess you're right. I'm real sorry I bothered you.

[Andrea]

It's all right. Goodbye.

[Pete]

Goodbye.

[Andrea]

Oh, Roger.

[Jane]

I'm sorry I'm late. You would not believe what's going on in my office. It's like everything that was going to go wrong in the last week saved itself up for today.

[Roger]

No matter, Jane. You're only a few minutes late. Where would you like to lunch?

[Jane]

I'm really pressed for time today.

[Roger]

Well, there's a nice little Cafe over on 72nd.

[Jane]

I feel really bad about this, and I would have called you, but it all piled up so quickly on me. I mean, I'm swamped.

[Roger]

Certainly you're not going to face the crisis without some nourishment.

[Jane]

I thought we'd grab a bite right here. The hot dogs are good.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Give Us?

[Jane]

A couple of dogs, no onions and a couple of cream sodas.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Sure thing.

[Jane]

Do you like chili, Roger? His is really good.

[Roger]

You can't expect us to have lunch here on the sidewalk by Pushkart.

[Jane]

Pete and I eat here all the time.

[Andrea]

Have a dog.

[Jane]

It's good.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Hundred percent pure meat. Best in the city.

[Roger]

I don't doubt that a person, Pete ilk, eats out here on the sidewalk.

[Jane]

What do you mean? Of pure Pete, Phil? What kind of a crack is that?

[Roger]

I simply meant that people like us and people like Pete are in different strata.

[Jane]

Oh, you're up there in the strata, huh? Then why were you going out with me? Slumming?

[Roger]

Certainly not. I consider you a social equal.

[Jane]

I don't think I want to be equal with you. I thought social prejudice went down with the Titanic.

[Roger]

Jane, you're allowing yourself to become worked up over nothing. I certainly never realized you had such a volatile personality.

[Jane]

I do not have a volatile personality.

[Roger]

Calm down. It ladylike to behave this way in public?

[Jane]

I'll behave in any way I like.

[Roger]

Any woman I'm involved with must have a sense of decorum. A person in my position requires that his women conform to certain genteel standards.

[Jane]

Boy, oh boy, Roger. This lunch has turned into a real education for me. I don't think I ever really saw you before. I thought the custom suits, the $50 haircuts and all those funny little mannerisms were the sign of a real gentleman. But you're not a gentleman.

[Roger]

I beg your pardon, I.

[Jane]

A real gentleman isn't a snob. And that's what you are, Roger, a snob.

[Roger]

If you feel that way, perhaps it would be best if we stopped seeing each other.

[Jane]

Maybe so. I don't want to soil you, being of the ilk that I am.

[Roger]

Very well. Good bye, then.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

You want your hot dog, miss?

[Jane]

You bet. And put some chili on him.

[Pete]

Sure thing.

[Roger]

Here.

[Jane]

Thanks.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

You know he wasn't for you.

[Jane]

Seems not.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Ah, that other guy. The one always here on Tuesday.

[Jane]

My friend Pete.

[Pete]

Yes.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Since you two have stopped having lunch together, my business just ain't the same. Regular customers are very important in the food business.

[Jane]

True enough.

[Pete]

I guess you look at loose ends without your friends.

[Jane]

I feel a little at loose ends. Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow with your friend. Think so?

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Listen, standing on a corner selling hot dogs all day every day, you got to observe a lot of human natures. I can tell them that should be couples and them that shouldn't.

[Jane]

If you see Pete, tell him that.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

You bet I will.

[Roger]

Jane. Jane, may I talk with you for just a minute?

[Jane]

Roger, I thought you made yourself quite clear at lunch.

[Roger]

I was unforgivably rude. Could you forgive me?

[Jane]

I could. The question is, will I?

[Roger]

I realize some of my social ideas are old fashioned and certainly.

[Pete]

Jane.

[Narrator]

Jane.

[Pete]

An interesting thing happened today. Oh, hello, Roger. What are you dressed for? Funeral or costume party?

[Jane]

At least his shirt doesn't clash with his trousers.

[Roger]

With Jane's obvious good taste, I can't imagine what she sees in you.

[Pete]

Pete, we're buddies. We can talk to each other and confide in each other.

[Jane]

And the two of you should get along. My best friend and my boyfriend.

[Pete]

You can't really want this penguin for a boyfriend.

[Jane]

Pete, you're going to have to stop insulting Roger like that, okay?

[Pete]

Pick another way.

[Roger]

I refuse to stand here and have this oaf verbally assault me.

[Jane]

Pete, apologize to Roger.

[Pete]

You can't really want him. Instead of.

[Jane]

Instead of what, Pete?

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Instead of.

[Jane]

Come on, say it.

[Pete]

Well, instead of me.

[Jane]

But we're just buddies, Pete. You keep saying that. Are you suggesting something else?

[Pete]

Yeah, well, I don't know. It's just that my relationships with other women never seem to work out. They're never as interesting or as much fun or as uncomfortable as the one I have with you. I guess I was looking for the perfect. That's just a fantasy.

[Roger]

Especially for someone as imperfect as yourself.

[Jane]

Butt out, Roger. I think I'm making progress here. Go on, Pete.

[Pete]

I guess that's all I have to say. But you're the best woman I know. And I won't let you make the mistake of attaching yourself to this fugitive from a clothes rack. And if you continue to see him, I'm going to do everything I can to break it up until you see how wrong he is for you.

[Roger]

That doesn't sound very sporty.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Shut up, Roger.

[Jane]

You've got my hot dog.

[Pete]

What?

[Jane]

Mine's the one without onions.

[Pete]

Sorry, Kane. Here.

[Jane]

You know, Pete, you make the same mistake every time.

[Pete]

That's because I know you like onions.

[Jane]

It's your turn to pay.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Hey, you two. Lunch is on me today.

[Store Security]

Oh, because you're back.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

And because I never seen you hold hands before. Here, have a couple of cream sodas.

[Andrea]

Thanks.

[Jane]

This is very nice of you.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Everybody loves people.

[Pete]

You think we're in love?

[Hot Dog Vendor]

Listen, standing out here all day, you learn to tell them that is, and then that ain't you, too. Definitely is.

[Jane]

Do you think it'll last as long.

[Hot Dog Vendor]

As you two been together? It's more than a passing fancy.

[Narrator]

Passing fancy? Was written by Selvin R. Surat, directed by Herbert T. Schmidt Jr. And produced by Steve Job. Our engineer was C.R. bryan III, technical assistant Jerry Williams. Sound patterns were by Phil Campbell, John Greifendorf, Barbara Watkins, Kedron Bryson and D. Ed Langford. Our story starred Marion Hollenbeck as James Perry, Persoff as Pete, Charles Girardi as Roger, Linda Fytak as Andrea, and Phil Campbell as Murray. Also in the cast were Ed Hayes, Dave Smith, Saul Pavloski, Al Bloomfield, Barbara Watkins and Diad Lankford. This is your announcer, Bob Lyons, inviting you to join us again next time for the man says yes with Bob Shannon right here on 30 minutes to curtail.