
Abie's Irish Rose 44-01-08 (085) Levy's Department Store
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Nicole Byer
We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh, fierce. This has been your Wayfarer style tip to keep those interiors superior.
Isaac Cohen
Wayfair Every style, every home.
Announcer
This is the National Broadcasting Company. Voice is Chicago WMAQ Green Sample present.
Patrick
AB Irish Rose what are you laughing at?
Mrs. Brown
What am I laughing at? I am just laughing. What's the matter?
Patrick
Does a law comes up?
Mrs. Brown
Yes, here it is, folks, please.
Announcer
B R E M E once again brings you that laughable, laughable show and.
Patrick
The good Irish Road.
Announcer
Well, it seems as though Mrs. Brown, that pretty divorcee who undoubtedly has designs on Amy, has made some progress in her campaign over the opposition of rosemary. Mrs. Brown has sold avy the idea of establishing an interior decorating shop in the Solomon Levy department store with herself in charge. An arrangement permitting her to see Aby every day. As our story begins, it's the day of the gala opening of the department and we find Casey, AB's secretary and Mrs. Brown in the model home which has been created in the store for the new venture.
Rosemary
Casey, have you checked on the signs downstairs at the elevator?
Casey
Yes, half a dozen times.
Rosemary
And told the elevator girls how to direct the guests.
Casey
Look, Mrs. Brown, I've been working for the Solomon Levy department store long enough to do my job right. You mind your business and I'll mind mine.
Rosemary
You're simply impossible.
Isaac Cohen
Hello, Casey. Oh, hello, Mrs. Brown. How's everything getting along?
Rosemary
Oh, dear, Mr. Cohen. I beg your pardon, Casey, what did you say?
Casey
Not half fine. Goodbye.
Isaac Cohen
Goodbye, Casey.
Rosemary
Well, Mr. Cohen, how do you like my little model house?
Isaac Cohen
Oh, you've done a regular Tapska dicken jab. I mean, it's wonderful, Mrs. Brown.
Rosemary
Oh, you're so good to say so. Thank you, Mr. Cohen.
Isaac Cohen
Oh, thank you, Mrs. Brown. I mean, you're welcome.
Rosemary
I do hope the opening will be a success.
Isaac Cohen
Sure it would. Nice. Such flowers. Never did I see so many bouquets. Except at the first class funeral.
Rosemary
Yes, my friends have been very kind. And there are still a dozen boxes I haven't opened yet. Would you care to help me arrange them, Mr. Cohen? Me? Mrs. Brown, I'm sure you have wonderful taste for. For such things.
Isaac Cohen
Oh, Mrs. Brown.
Rosemary
Now we'll see what's in this box. Gardenias. Aren't they lovely?
Isaac Cohen
Beautiful, Mrs. Brown. They remind me of ladies. Beautiful ladies like you.
Rosemary
Oh, thank you, Mr. Cohen. You. You must have one for your buttonhole. Not. Just hold still a moment. There.
Isaac Cohen
It's such a wonderful smell of this.
Rosemary
Yes, and it makes you look so handsome, Mr. Cohen.
Isaac Cohen
Yeah, do they think so, Mrs. Brown?
Rosemary
Oh, yes. And now if you'd really like to help me arrange these flowers.
Isaac Cohen
Absolutely, I'd like it. Let's get busy.
Mama Cohen
Mama, where are you?
Isaac Cohen
Goodbye, Mrs. Cohen.
Rosemary
Oh. Oh, do you have to go?
Isaac Cohen
What do you think, Isaac? I'll be there in a moment. Always I have to be there in a moment.
Rosemary
Here I am, darling.
Isaac Cohen
What is it you want?
Mama Cohen
I want you there. Baggio.
Isaac Cohen
Just casting an eye over the Muddle house. What's wrong with that?
Mama Cohen
Yeah, he was casting a Google eye on that. Mrs. Brown. I know you look. And where did you get that dinner? In your button, Mama.
Rosemary
Liz.
Isaac Cohen
A gardenia.
Mama Cohen
I didn't say what I said where.
Isaac Cohen
Speak up quick, Mrs. Brown. Put it there, Mrs. Brown.
Mama Cohen
All you men are the same. Only more so letting that Mrs. Brown put Gavilias in your buttonholes. Oh, he's such old shmendrix.
Isaac Cohen
But, Mama, could I stop? And also, it smells so sweet from Mrs. Brown.
Mama Cohen
It should smell from onions. Take it up.
Isaac Cohen
All right, all right. Where's Rosalie? Didn't she come with you?
Mama Cohen
We're changing the subject. Are you?
Isaac Cohen
Oh, honey.
Mama Cohen
Well, Rosalie has come to Abel's office and you are going with me.
Isaac Cohen
Where, darling?
Mama Cohen
To the bargain basement. And sometimes Papala. I think even that's too good for you.
Casey
Gee, Mr. Aby, the store is up to its neck in bills for that new department of Mrs. Brown's.
A.B. Levy
Oh, don't worry. We'll make plenty of money on the deal.
Casey
You'll need it. I've only got half the bills open now.
A.B. Levy
Well, don't get discouraged, Casey. Keep right on. Oh, and if Mrs. Brown shows up here, send her right into my office.
Casey
Yes, sir. Oh, can that woman spend money?
Rosemary
Hello, Casey. How's everything?
Casey
Oh, hello, Ms. Rosemary. Everything is terrible. Everything is to budget. Such a mishmash.
Rosemary
Has anything gone wrong with the model house?
Casey
No, no, the house is like a beautiful picture. But that Mrs. Brown is a double exposure.
Rosemary
Well, AB said she'd done a beautiful job.
Casey
Yeah, but I still think she has a beautiful back. Or a knife.
Rosemary
Casey, you sound bloodthirsty.
Casey
I don't mean a real night, but I'd like to think of something.
Announcer
Hello, Rosemary. I thought I heard you out here.
Rosemary
Hello, darling.
A.B. Levy
Well, come on in.
Casey
All right.
Rosemary
Av, I want to congratulate you. Casey says the model house is.
A.B. Levy
Yeah, you ought to see the flowers she Mrs. Brown's been getting all day. Why, you know, darling, if only half of her friends become clients, this is going to be the biggest single deal I've ever put over.
Rosemary
I'm glad for you, Av, because I.
A.B. Levy
Love you and I adore you, darling. And here's a kiss to prove it.
Announcer
Is Mr. A.B.
Rosemary
In?
Isaac Cohen
Yes, he is. I'll go on in.
Rosemary
He won't mind my interrupting him. Not a bit. Well, Ab, I mind.
A.B. Levy
Now, darling, please.
Rosemary
Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were here, Mrs. Levy. It's quite all right, Mrs. There was just one little detail I wanted to consult Avy on. I'm sure you've been just swamped by details like that, Mrs. Brown.
A.B. Levy
Have you seen my dad and Mr. Murphy? They should have shown up by now.
Rosemary
Oh, they're at the model house now, Avy. You know, Mr. Cohen told me it was just. What was the word? Sotska's. And I hope he made meant he liked it.
Patrick
Oh, dear, oh dear, oh dear. S. Isn't this some bedroom?
Mrs. Brown
I am trying to make up my mind, Patrico. That furniture is too fancy pants. I don't know if I like it.
Patrick
It's Louis something or other French period furniture.
Mrs. Brown
I'll pick my furniture American period, even if it's only a comet.
Patrick
Well, I like it.
Mrs. Brown
Well, everybody to their own taste, Patrick. Like the old lady said when she kicked a cow.
Patrick
Kicked? It's kiss the cow.
Mrs. Brown
The ladies I know wouldn't kiss a cow. Say, what's wrong with the legs on that furniture? They're all bow legged.
Patrick
Oh, no, no, no. That's how the French design them.
Mrs. Brown
What do they have for models? French cowboys?
Patrick
Look here, don't you even like that comfortable bit of furniture in the corner?
Mrs. Brown
You mean the one that's high in the back and long in the seat with feet stools in the front of it? What's it supposed to be?
Patrick
There's a card on it that says, let's see it.
Mrs. Brown
Let's see it. It's a chessy Longot.
Patrick
Your French is terrible. It's even worse than that. You pronounce it just like that.
Mrs. Brown
Oh, Petro. I wish I could speak French like you.
Mama Cohen
It's a gift, Sal. Oh.
Patrick
Oh, say, say. You know what I'm thinking? This is some model house.
Mrs. Brown
It's beautiful. And all those flowers.
Patrick
You know, in California, whenever they open anything new, any Kind of a store or a business. They always have an M.C.
Mrs. Brown
M.C. Who? What's his last name?
Patrick
You get him a master of ceremonies to explain everything and introduce everyone to the crowd.
Mrs. Brown
Patrickle, that's a wonderful idea. I'll do it.
Patrick
You'll do it? I didn't get that idea for you.
Mrs. Brown
Oh, so who did you get it for? I'll bet you for Patrick Joseph Mighty.
Patrick
I think I'll do it. Such a gunsomecker, Gunter mucker, am I? Why, you're a jappish. I'm only doing it for your own good.
Mrs. Brown
If I am going to be done.
Mama Cohen
Good, I will do it.
Patrick
No, no, sir. You just haven't got enough poise.
Mrs. Brown
Poise? Poise. I got one poi A B. That's enough for me.
Patrick
No, I mean you ain't calm enough. Suppose somebody interrupts you?
Mrs. Brown
You'll blow up. I will not. I will heckleberry them right back.
Mama Cohen
Well, that's it.
Patrick
You'll get all excited.
Mrs. Brown
I never get excited.
Mama Cohen
You can't be like me.
Patrick
I'm always called a cuchubber.
Mrs. Brown
And right now you are red in.
Isaac Cohen
The face like a beast.
Mama Cohen
I am not your. I am not your. What are you Two sharpening about?
Patrick
Mrs. Cone, will you kindly let us fight in peace? Will you? Now, Mrs. Cone, you are an old wet blanket.
Isaac Cohen
Don't tell me, boys. Let me guess. You are not fighting. It's only a friendly argument, that's all.
Mama Cohen
A debate.
Rosemary
Oh, hello, everybody. How do you like the house?
Patrick
Oh, it's fine, fine, just fine, Mrs. Brown. And there's another fine idea being batted around here.
Rosemary
Good. What is it?
Mrs. Brown
How would you like to have a Mr. Of Ceremonious?
Rosemary
Oh. Oh, I think that's a wonderful idea, Mr. Levy.
Patrick
Hold on now. Whose idea was it?
Mrs. Brown
By now it's public property.
Patrick
Well, we'll leave you to pick her, Mrs. Brown. But I think you ought to have a fine, upstanding man. Well, with lots of dignity and the gift of gab. And I am not saying who.
Mrs. Brown
And I think you should have one who has a lot of standing in the community and has been meeting people for 30 years. And I'm not saying who.
Rosemary
I think you're both absolutely right. And I shall certainly ask Mr. Cohen to do it.
Patrick
Mr. Cohen.
Mrs. Brown
Isaac.
Mama Cohen
Who? Papa Praise. Ask me. I'll tell you.
Isaac Cohen
Me, Mrs. Brown. Oh, what did I ever do for this honor?
Rosemary
Why, miss. Mr. Cohen, you're one of the best known lawyers in the Bronx. And your wit is famous. I insist on you.
Isaac Cohen
Well, Isaac. Mama La. When duty calls me. I'm always on the spot.
Mama Cohen
You said it.
Announcer
Well, what a grand opening the Marble House is going to have with Isaac as master of ceremonies. And everybody burned up but everybody else. You know, it's a mighty wonderful thing, love. I mean, life seems sort of so so. And then one day it happened. The right girl meets the right man. And suddenly everything is wonderful. So wonderful. You feel like singing. Oh, what a beautiful morning oh, what a beautiful day. I've got a beautiful feeling Everything's going my way. Well, lady, is everything going your way? Does the right man feel the right way about you? If he doesn't, just remember this. Every man has a special weakness for lovely, shining hair. Soft and silky smooth, full of enchanting highlights. And that's your cue to use Dream shampoo with hair conditioner because it combines beauty advantages found in no other shampoo. Why, Drean actually reveals up to 33% more luster than any soap or soap shampoo.
Nicole Byer
We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfarer message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold, bold patterns like neutrals go wild like an untamed animal Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh, beers. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.
Isaac Cohen
Wayfair Every style, Every home never leaves.
Announcer
Any dulling film, as all soaps do to hide the shining loveliness. Instead, it brings out all the sparkling highlights, all the natural luster. And now that this new, improved Dream contains a wonderful hair conditioner, it leaves hair far silkier smoother and easier to manage right after shampooing. No other shampoo, not a soap in the world leaves hair so lustrous and yet so easy to manage. Only Dream with hair conditioner. So, girls, for glamorous shining hair, the kind that starts romance going your way, always use Dream shampoo with hair conditioner. Now back to AB's Irish rose. The great moment has arrived. It's time for the grand opening of the model house and the new interior decorating shower. There's a good crowd present as we join Rosemary and Mama.
Rosemary
Hey, quite a bunch of people have.
Mama Cohen
Showed up at that the bunch part of it is all right, but I was noticing how few of them made along with that Mrs. Brown.
Rosemary
You were?
Mama Cohen
Yes. Judging from all the flowers she received, you think everyone was her friend. But that my own eyes have seen. Only two people greeted Her. And they only nodded with that casualty.
Rosemary
Well, the truth is, I've noticed. Oh, shh. I think Mr. Cohen's getting ready to start.
Mama Cohen
So come on then, quick. I want to be standing up close to him so I can give him a notch if I don't like how he's doing.
Isaac Cohen
Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome you to the Solomon Levy and Son department store. And we not only welcome you to the Solomon Levy and Sun department store, but we also, as well, in addition, likewise welcome you to the model house and brand new interior decorating department of the Salomon Levy and Son department. And it is only natural that we should welcome you to the model house and brand new interior decorating department of the Salomon Levy and Sun department store. Because it is you, the loyal customers of the Salome Olivia and Son department, that this new department has been opened for this, the newest and finest department of the Solomon. Living in department, by now they should.
Mama Cohen
Know already what store there is.
Isaac Cohen
Mamela, please don't heckle be stum shah.
Mama Cohen
Who said anything?
Isaac Cohen
Mamela. I'm making a speech. I haven't time to argue. Ladies and gentlemen, it is now with the greatest of pleasure and happiness that I with pride, am proud and happy to introduce to you that good friend of mine and yours, that merchant genius, Salomon Levy of the Salomon Levy and Son department.
Mrs. Brown
Thank you, Ezekiel. Good friends like my friend Isaac Cohen, I am proud and happy to welcome you to our newest department of the Solomon Levy and Son department store. It was nice of you to come to this grand opening. And that is why we invited you, because we hoped you would come.
Isaac Cohen
Be quiet. Be careful. Don't say things like that.
Mama Cohen
So slip out.
Isaac Cohen
So grit your teeth so your mouth stays shut.
Mama Cohen
So I'll grit him savage.
Isaac Cohen
So do it.
Mrs. Brown
So stum.
Mama Cohen
So still.
Isaac Cohen
All right, now, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present to you the junior genius of merchants, the son of the Solomon Levy and son Department Store, A.B. levy.
A.B. Levy
Well, thank you, Mr. Cohen. Well, all I would like to say is that I hope all of you like the new department. And I hope it'll be of real service to you. I. I wish now, Mr. Cohen, that you'd introduce the lady whose idea this department was. Because she's the one who will manage it. And she'll be on hand for your interior decorating problems.
Isaac Cohen
Ladies and gentlemen, the lady just referred to is the very pleasant, the very nice, the very beautiful. Mama, please.
Mama Cohen
This time I'm not even solid. Slip.
Mrs. Brown
Mrs. Cohen, please be quiet.
Mama Cohen
But everyone making Old speeches. Why can't I come out with just one simple little phoe?
Mrs. Brown
Because a flee at a time like this can ruin the whole department, that's why.
Mama Cohen
So I can't stand any more speeches.
Isaac Cohen
So then, Mamali, please stop your fingers in your ears. Close your eyes and keep swallowing. If you keep swallowing, you wouldn't be able to talk.
Mama Cohen
So I'll go where I don't need to listen even with my ears closed.
Isaac Cohen
I'll go downstairs and get me a cup of tea. So, ladies and gentlemen, as I must say, I now have the wonderful pleasure of presenting to you that beautiful and pleasant. That very nice lady.
Mama Cohen
So now I'll say again to myself free.
Casey
Why, Mrs. Cohen, where are you going? Aren't you watching the opening?
Mama Cohen
Watching? You mean hearing, don't you? I never heard so many speeches so quick. What are you so pickled about? Caseload. You look like the canary, but swallow the the cat.
Casey
It's what's in this envelope here. And believe me, I am tickled.
Mama Cohen
So what is it?
Isaac Cohen
What?
Casey
It's one big surprise for that Mrs. Brown. Not a pleasant one either. I want to talk to her in the office. And will her face be red?
Mama Cohen
That's what I would like to see. You go on upstairs to the office and I'll bring her there. Pushing a little if necessary.
Rosemary
But, Mrs. Cohen, what in the world does Casey want me up here at the office for?
Mama Cohen
Casey has something for you.
Rosemary
For me?
Casey
Ms. Casey?
Rosemary
You wanted me?
Casey
Yes. Come in, Mrs. Brown. Close the door.
Mama Cohen
She's in. I'll close it.
Rosemary
Mrs. Cohen said you had something for me.
Casey
And how. Say, those were certainly a whale of a lot of flowers your friends sent for the opening of your department.
Rosemary
Well, I have a lot of friends.
Casey
Oh, yeah? If I wasn't a lady, and right now I wish I wasn't, I'd say something about lying.
Rosemary
Lying.
Casey
That was the word.
Rosemary
Lying.
Casey
No. Admiring friends or prospective clients sent you those flowers.
Rosemary
Read this.
Mama Cohen
Where is it, Casey?
Casey
It's a $350 florist bill. That's what it is. Billing Mrs. Brown here for all those flowers downstairs. She sent them to herself.
Rosemary
How dare you open my mail?
Casey
Mail that comes to the store is supposed to be for the store, not for individuals. But our market opened by mistake. So sorry.
Rosemary
You just wait until Mr. A.B. hears about your snooping.
Mama Cohen
And the opposite. Use your face as the lady finds out. But are no good. Faker you are.
Rosemary
Very well.
Mama Cohen
Shall we wait for a shall be? Why do you think I'm standing with my back to the door.
Announcer
Well, Mrs. Brown probably isn't going to look very good as soon as Ab returns to his office and learns of this sugar and spice and everything nice. That's what little girls are made of. Yes, sir. But the nicest thing about a girl is glamorous, shining, smooth hair. And girls. You'll never know what a difference and glamour a shampoo can make until you use Drean Shampoo with Hair Conditioner. Now, suppose you're washing your hair with Soap, Cake soap, Liquid soap, shampoo or any other shampoo except Dream with Hair Conditioner. Well, listen. No soap, no other shampoo combines all the beauty advantages this wonderful new Dream brings you. Why, Dreen reveals up to 33% more luster than any kind of soap because it never leaves any dulling film on hair as all soaps do to hide the shining loveliness. And now that there's a wonderful hair conditioner in the new, improved Dream, it leaves hair far silkier, smoother and easier to manage right after shampooing. Besides, Dream completely removes every trace of flaky dandruff the very first time you use it. No other shampoo of any sort combine such luster and such manageability with this complete removal of dandruff. Only Dream Shampoo with Hair Conditioner. So, for extra beauty care, always drain your hair. Use Dream with Hair Conditioner, the only shampoo that can make your hair look so lovely. Remember, insist on Dream Shampoo with Hair Conditioner or ask your beauty shop to use it. Now back to Ab's Irish Rose and that argument Mrs. Brown is having with Casey and Mrs. Cohen.
Rosemary
I warn you, Ms. Casey, don't you try to run me down in front of Mr. AB. He won't stand for it.
Mama Cohen
Case you wouldn't have to run your dunk. I'll do a pipical job myself.
Rosemary
And I don't see where any of this concerns you at all. Mrs. Cohen. It's clearly none of your business.
Mama Cohen
That's your opinion. My opinion is I'll make it my business.
A.B. Levy
But why? Mrs. Brown, what are you doing up here? Is there anything wrong?
Mama Cohen
Plenty is wrong, Kepale, and all of it but this, Mrs. Brown.
Rosemary
Don't be alarmed, Aby. It's all a misunderstanding. That's very easily explained, Abel.
Mama Cohen
All those flowers downstairs didn't come from friends and future customers of this woman. She sent them all to herself trying to make it look like she has a big following.
A.B. Levy
Sent them to herself.
Rosemary
Now, just a moment, Abel.
Mama Cohen
No moments at all will I give.
Patrick
Look.
Mama Cohen
Look here, Abel. Here. Here's the flower bill. $350.
Rosemary
I did get a number of flowers from friends, but at no time at all have I said they all came from friends. Amy. I simply decided that the opening needed quantities of flowers to look impressive and so I ordered extra flowers at my own expense.
Announcer
You did?
A.B. Levy
Why, mamala, what's wrong with that? I think that was swell of Mrs. Brown and I think you ought to apologize to her.
Mama Cohen
Yeah, when I believe her. As quick as you believe her, then I'll apologize. And you know when that'll be.
A.B. Levy
Please, Mrs. Cohen, don't add insult to injury.
Mama Cohen
Abel, forgive me for saying it, but this is one time I like to add injury to insult.
Announcer
Mrs. Brown is an exceptionally clever young woman. And now both Mrs. Cohen and Casey look in the wrong. I wonder what's going to happen with Mrs. Brown working at the store that close to AV. We'll just have to wait and see. Be sure to join us again next week at this same time for another adventure in the lives of the Murphy's, the Lavies and the coins. AB's Irish rose is dedicated to the spirit of freedom and equality which gives to this nation the greatness that is America. AV's Irish Rose is written by Ann Nichols and Rip Van Runkle and is brought to you by Dream D R E N E Dream Shampoo. This is Richard Stark.
A.B. Levy
Good night.
Rosemary
Twice the wear. Yes, you get up to twice the wear. Your clothes wear up to twice as long and all it takes is ivory flakes.
Mama Cohen
A blouse, a house coat, a sweater, a slip give them ivory flakes care.
Rosemary
That's our tip wash test show. This is so twice the wear. Yes, you get up to twice the wear. Your clothes wear up to twice as long. And all it takes is ivy flakes as ivy to take the flight away.
Announcer
This is the National Broadcasting Company.
Nicole Byer
We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms. Flyer today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals go wild. Like an untamed anim print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com oh fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.
Isaac Cohen
Wayfair Every style every home.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: April 28, 2025
"Abie's Irish Rose" transports listeners to the bustling environment of the Solomon Levy Department Store during the grand opening of its new interior decorating department. This episode masterfully intertwines comedic tension with classic radio storytelling, showcasing the intricate dynamics between characters vying for influence and affection within the store's vibrant setting.
The narrative centers around Rosemary, an enthusiastic interior decorator with intentions toward Amy, the store owner Solomon Levy's daughter. Rosemary faces stiff competition from Mrs. Brown, a divorcee determined to manage the new decorating department to secure daily interaction with Amy. As the department store gears up for its gala opening, tensions escalate amidst efforts to impress guests and establish a successful business venture.
Rosemary vs. Mrs. Brown:
Initial Confrontation: Rosemary initiates the conflict by questioning what Mrs. Brown is laughing at [00:01-01:50]. Their interactions are marked by witty exchanges and underlying resentment.
Rosemary [00:25]: "Does a law come up?"
Mrs. Brown [01:32]: "Yes, here it is, folks, please."
Power Struggle: Mrs. Brown successfully persuades Solomon Levy to allow her to manage the decorating department, aiming to be close to Amy. This maneuver intensifies the rivalry as both women vie for control and Amy's attention.
Mrs. Brown [02:04]: "Mrs. Brown... has made some progress in her campaign over the opposition of Rosemary."
Isaac Cohen and Mama Cohen:
Isaac Cohen serves as a pivotal character, balancing professionalism with personal entanglements. His interactions with Rosemary and Mrs. Brown reveal his diplomatic yet firm nature.
Isaac Cohen [03:06]: "Oh, you're so good to say so. Thank you, Mr. Cohen."
Mama Cohen adds a layer of familial tension, often clashing with Mrs. Brown and highlighting generational differences.
Mama Cohen [05:09]: "What do you think, Isaac? I'll be there in a moment."
A.B. Levy’s Involvement:
As the store owner, A.B. Levy attempts to mediate the growing tensions. His confidence in Mrs. Brown's abilities contrasts with Casey's concerns about the financial strain.
A.B. Levy [07:10]: "Don't worry. We'll make plenty of money on the deal."
Casey's Role:
Casey, A.B. Levy's secretary, provides comic relief through her cynical outlook and interactions with Mama Cohen.
Casey [07:10]: "You'll need it. I've only got half the bills open now."
Control Over the Decorating Department:
Financial Concerns:
Casey [23:40]: "It's a $350 florist bill. That's what it is."
Personal Rivalries:
Mama Cohen [27:28]: "Abel, forgive me for saying it, but this is one time I like to add injury to insult."
The climax unfolds during the grand opening ceremony led by Isaac Cohen. As Isaac attempts to present Mrs. Brown, Mama Cohen disrupts the event, exposing Mrs. Brown’s financial mismanagement by revealing the inflated florist bill. This revelation forces A.B. Levy to confront Mrs. Brown’s deceit, compelling her to defend her actions and jeopardizing her position within the store.
Mama Cohen [27:38]: "She sent them to herself trying to make it look like she has a big following."
A.B. Levy initially sides with Rosa, urging her to apologize, but Mama Cohen’s assertiveness leaves the resolution hanging, setting the stage for future confrontations.
Rosemary to Mrs. Brown [0:55]: "What am I laughing at? I am just laughing. What's the matter?"
Mrs. Brown [01:32]: "Yes, here it is, folks, please."
Isaac Cohen [03:23]: "Oh, you've done a regular Tapska dicken jab. I mean, it's wonderful, Mrs. Brown."
Casey [07:10]: "You'll need it. I've only got half the bills open now."
Mama Cohen [05:09]: "I want you there. Baggio."
Mrs. Brown [23:39]: "How dare you open my mail?"
Ambition vs. Integrity: Mrs. Brown's relentless ambition leads her to unethical practices, highlighting the moral dilemmas in professional settings.
Gender Dynamics: The episode subtly explores the struggles of women asserting control in a male-dominated business environment.
Community and Reputation: Isaac Cohen’s desire to maintain a positive community image contrasts with Mrs. Brown’s self-serving actions, emphasizing the importance of reputation in business success.
"Abie's Irish Rose" episode in Harold's Old Time Radio series offers a compelling glimpse into the competitive world of department store management during the Golden Age of Radio. Through sharp dialogue, engaging characters, and intricate plotlines, the episode underscores timeless themes of ambition, integrity, and personal rivalry. The blend of humor and drama ensures that listeners are both entertained and reflective, making it a standout installment in the series.
If you're new to "Harold's Old Time Radio," this episode serves as an excellent introduction to the rich storytelling and dynamic character interactions that define the series. Dive into the lively atmosphere of the Solomon Levy Department Store and experience the timeless charm of radio storytelling at its best.