Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 5th Row Center 40-02-04 01 Model Princess
Date: September 1, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" presents the radio play Model Princess, a romantic comedy from 1940 starring Simone Simon. The episode immerses listeners in the glamour and intrigue of the "Golden Age of Radio," offering a tale of mistaken identity, love, and ambition set in the bustling world of a metropolitan city and European royalty. Listeners are transported to a time before television, experiencing heartfelt performances and witty dialogue live from WGN's Michigan Boulevard Playhouse.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

1. Introduction to the Play and Cast (02:15)

• The host introduces the setting—a packed studio audience for the "gala premiere."
• Star Simone Simon is spotlighted for her screen success and her musical comedy debut in Chicago.
• Notable Quote:
  • “The best seats in the theater are always yours—in Fifth Row Center.” (02:48, Host)

2. The Premise: A Princess by Appointment (03:58 – 06:46)

• In the city’s most fashionable dress salon, Rochelle, a French model, is approached by Madame Tourney with an unusual offer: impersonate a princess for a visiting prince.
• The ruse is to convince Americans of Prince Paul’s stability and propriety.
• Notable Exchange:
  • “How would you like to be the princess?” (05:17, Madame Tourney)
  • “Oh, now you joke with me!” (05:20, Rochelle)
  • “I am being very serious. … The ambassador will pay you $10,000 if you pretend to be the princess for a few weeks.” (05:26, Madame Tourney)

3. Becoming the Princess: The Transformation (06:46 – 07:16)

• Rochelle accepts the job, prepared for anonymity and excitement.
• Makeover and anticipation of stepping into a royal role.

4. Romantic Complications: Meeting Joe Morley (07:16 – 13:36)

• Rochelle, now Princess Bebe, is given instructions before her first solo press interview.
• Joe Morley, the newspaper reporter, is both nervous and endearing; a flirtation blossoms during their interview.
• Memorable Moments:
  • “Maybe they would like to live on a farm in Vermont.” (11:07, Rochelle/Princess Bebe, subtly expressing her longing for a simpler life.)
  • The “Vermont farm” motif underscores their chemistry and mutual desire for a life beyond their façades.

5. A Night of Danger and Connection: The Dance and Fire (13:36 – 15:28)

• Joe and Rochelle’s relationship deepens during a dance, which is interrupted by a fire.
• Joe heroically rescues Rochelle, escalating their emotional bond.
• Quotable:
  • “If we get out of this inferno, we’ll get out together. Hang on, kid. Here we go.” (14:11, Joe Morley)
  • “You saved my life. And you called me darling.” (14:54, Rochelle)

6. Confrontation and Revelation: The Real Princess Appears (15:28 – 21:32)

• Rochelle wants to end the charade, conflicted over her feelings for Joe and the impact of her deception.
• Prince Paul insists she must continue for the sake of his country’s financial future.
• The real Princess Bebe arrives, exposing the entire plot and revealing Rochelle as an impostor to Joe.
• Dramatic Highlight:
  • “Now I can print the truth. Joe Morley, the world’s number one sap.” (20:08, Joe Morley, upon realizing he’s been fooled.)

7. Heartbreak and Resolution (21:32 – 25:10)

• Joe feels betrayed; Rochelle defends her intentions but is rebuffed.
• Prince Paul clarifies the arrangement was strictly business—there was no romance with Rochelle.
• Through various conversations, it becomes clear that all parties were acting from mixed motives of love, duty, and misunderstanding.

8. Happy Endings at the Dress Salon (25:10 – 28:17)

• Rochelle, devastated, returns to Madame Tourney, whom she fears she’s disgraced.
• Madame is forgiving; she advises Rochelle to let go of her dramatic pain and resume her life.
• Madame orchestrates a reunion by inviting Joe to the salon under the pretext of “personal business.”
• A shy, humorous reconciliation leads to a marriage proposal.
• Sweet Finale:
  • “I’m taking my wife.”
  • “But you are single... Are we getting married?”
  • “Sure I am.”
    (27:54 - 28:17, Joe & Rochelle)

9. Curtain Call and Interview with Simone Simon (28:45 – 30:53)

• The play concludes with acknowledgment of the cast and crew.
• The host interviews Simone Simon, discussing her American theater debut, thoughts on Chicago and American style, and her career in Paris and Hollywood.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “You see, I feel just a beginner.” (29:29, Simone Simon, on her radio acting experience)
  • “I think any kind of acting is fun. On the stage, in the movies, on the radio. I love it.” (29:37, Simone Simon)

Memorable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “I am being very serious. … The ambassador will pay you $10,000 if you pretend to be the princess for a few weeks.”
  — Madame Tourney, (05:26)

• “Maybe they would like to live on a farm in Vermont.”
  — Rochelle, (11:07)

• “You saved my life. And you called me darling.”
  — Rochelle, (14:54)

• “Now I can print the truth. Joe Morley, the world’s number one sap.”
  — Joe Morley, (20:08)

• “I was entirely to blame.”
  — Joe Morley, (23:21) (reconciliatory moment)

• “I’m offering her the life of a princess.”
  — Joe Morley, (28:12)

• “You see, I feel just a beginner.”
  — Simone Simon, (29:29)

• “I think any kind of acting is fun. On the stage, in the movies, on the radio. I love it.”
  — Simone Simon, (29:37)

Structure and Flow

• The episode maintains a lively, warm, and classic radio tone throughout.
• Dialogues are witty, full of playful banter, and the emotional beats shift from comedic to suspenseful to romantic seamlessly.
• The interview segment at the end allows the star, Simone Simon, to reflect personally and provide a behind-the-scenes flavor.

Conclusion

Model Princess exemplifies the charm and energy of pre-television radio drama—complete with mistaken identities, romance, class differences, and ultimate reconciliation. The episode both entertains and charms, offering modern listeners a nostalgic immersion in the storytelling style of the era.

For fans of old-time radio, classic romance, and sharp, character-driven comedy, this episode delivers a thoroughly engaging experience.