Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 33: Half Moon Street [SA] 650527 03 - "A Kitten for Mr. Katz"
Release Date: February 15, 2026
Podcast Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Overview of the Episode

This episode presents an audio drama from the Golden Age of Radio, specifically an installment in the 33 Half Moon Street series titled "A Kitten for Mr. Katz." The tale follows the employees of Assignments Unlimited—a quirky agency that prides itself on handling any task, anywhere, anytime—as they navigate a mysterious request from a theatrical agent. What begins as a straightforward “kitten-sitting” job quickly unfolds into a comedic yet treacherous web of show business intrigue, mistaken identity, and a hidden criminal enterprise.

Key Discussion Points and Story Arc

1. The Setup: The Mysterious Client

• Aubrey Mason, head of Assignments Unlimited, receives a visit from the flamboyant and fast-talking Mr. Benjamin Katz (Theatrical agent).
• Katz requests someone from the agency to collect a “kitten” arriving on the boat train, instructing they care for it until his return from the Midlands.
  • Notable quote:
    "At Assignments Unlimited, we do anything anywhere at any time." — Aubrey Mason [00:19]
• Katz’s hurried, secretive behavior sets a mysterious tone.
• Katz leaves abruptly, giving vague details and instructing, "Just look after her until I get back." [02:17]

2. A Feline… or a Femme Fatale?

• Cannon, Mason’s reliable American operative, is tasked with meeting the “kitten” at King’s Cross.
• Upon arrival, Cannon is approached by Marie Lavour, a glamorous French actress, who reveals “‘kitten’” is her stage nickname, causing confusion and comedic relief.
  • Notable exchange:
    “But Mr. Katz said I was to meet a kitten.” — Cannon
    “That is what they call me in France, monsieur. My name is Marie Lavour.” — Marie Lavour [05:06]
  • Cannon quips: “For once, I've got me an assignment. That's the cat's whiskers.” [05:18]
• Cannon moves from chaperone to unexpected escort, as he ensures Marie's comfort in London.

3. Show Biz Realities and Social Dilemmas

• Over curry, Marie discusses her struggle as a newcomer, needing to be seen in the right places and with the right people to succeed in cinema, but she's burdened with no luggage and limited resources.
  • “In the cinema world, one must be seen only in the best places with the right people.” — Marie Lavour [08:02]
• Cannon offers Marie his flat and promises to be her gallant protector, enhancing the light romantic-comedic tone.
  • “For me, mademoiselle, I'm a regular Galahad…” — Cannon [08:55]

4. Doubts, Deceptions, and a Sniff of Crime

• Aubrey Mason begins to doubt Katz’s legitimacy after a suspicious direct phone call and an investigation into Katz’s provided address, which turns out to be fake.
  • “No phone number, just the address. And for a theatrical agent, that's decidedly odd.” — Mason [13:25]
• Cannon verifies there is no Katz at the address, no legitimate theatrical agency, and realizes they may be sucked into a scam.
  • “Not even on the rooftops. Chief. We've been taken?” — Cannon [15:35]

5. The Drop and the Sting

• Despite suspicions, Assignments Unlimited agrees to fulfill the client’s instructions: deliver Marie (“the kitten”) to the Four Swans Hotel at Waltham Cross.
• Katz and Marie quickly exit, but Cannon, sensing a setup, tails them from the hotel.

6. Showdown and Reveal

• Cannon intercepts Katz and Lavour after a tense car pursuit.
• He demands the handover of Marie’s travel bag, suspecting criminal activity.
• Discovery: The bag contains a sealed metal cylinder filled with cocaine.
  • “There's enough cocaine in this cylinder to keep you on easy street for years. You got the wrong name, buster. They should have called you rat.” — Cannon [22:13]

7. Resolution

• Aubrey Mason reflects on how a routine job for Assignments Unlimited escalated into a criminal case.
• Authorities were already observing Katz for narcotics smuggling; using Assignments Unlimited as intermediaries was Katz’s cover to avoid suspicion.
• The episode closes with Mason ruefully noting the experience and lessons learned.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of Assignments Unlimited:
  “At Assignments Unlimited, we do anything anywhere at any time.” — Aubrey Mason [00:19]

• On the harsh world of show business:
  “Romantic game, show business.” — Mr. Katz [01:43]
  “Cutthroat, Mr. Mason. That’s the word to really describe it, a knife in the back.” — Mr. Katz [01:52]

• On assignments and feline puns:
  “You’ve never kept cats and now you’re working for one.” — Cannon [04:02]

• On misunderstandings and social climbing:
  “If I book into a small, out of the way hotel and someone sees me, then it will start bad gossip for me. The cinema star must live only in the best places. Yet… I cannot book into a good hotel because they will ask why I have no luggage.” — Marie Lavour [08:10]

• On criminal intrigue:
  “There's enough cocaine in this cylinder to keep you on easy street for years. You know, you got the wrong name, buster. They should have called you rat.” — Cannon [22:13]

Timeline / Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00-02:45: Katz delivers the mysterious job to Assignments Unlimited.
• 02:46-05:32: Cannon receives his task; confusion about the “kitten.”
• 05:33-06:51: Cannon meets Marie Lavour at King’s Cross; confusion resolved.
• 06:52-09:16: Cannon and Marie bond; the realities of show business.
• 09:36-11:45: Mason begins to doubt Katz’s story.
• 13:17-15:39: Cannon investigates Katz’s address; uncovers the scam.
• 17:23-19:14: The rendezvous at Four Swans Hotel.
• 20:07-22:13: Cannon confronts the schemers after a car chase; drug smuggling revealed.
• 22:29-End: Mason reflects and the case is closed.

Tone and Style

The episode is laced with witty repartee, theatrical in-jokes, tongue-in-cheek humor, and noir-lite narration. The banter between Cannon and Marie is playful and charming, while Mason’s dry observations ground the convoluted story. The overarching tone is breezy and clever, though underscored by genuine suspense as the mystery deepens.

Conclusion

What starts as a whimsical, seemingly low-stakes assignment morphs into a classic Golden Age radio yarn—part comedy, part crime caper. Through snappy dialogue and twisty plotting, the episode nostalgically captures the intrigue and atmosphere of postwar London, rife with theatrical egos, shady deals, and quick-witted antiheroes. For fans of vintage radio drama, “A Kitten for Mr. Katz” delivers intrigue, humor, and a glimpse behind the velvet curtain of showbiz and subterfuge.

For more Golden Age radio tales and classic cases, tune in to Harold's Old Time Radio.