Alka Seltzer - 10/16/1953 - I've Got Spurs That Jingle Jangle

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Alka Seltzer - 10/16/1953 - "I've Got Spurs That Jingle Jangle"
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: March 22, 2026 (broadcast date of episode)

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the Golden Age of Radio with a delightful Alka Seltzer-sponsored variety program from October 16, 1953. Anchored by the charming musical duo of Kurt Massey and Martha Tilton, and featuring Country Washburn's orchestra, the episode presents an affectionate Western-themed musical revue. Interwoven throughout are clever sketches, heartfelt Western ballads, playful banter, and classic advertisements, evoking the era when radio was the heart of American family entertainment.

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Key Discussion Points & Musical Highlights

1. Opening Theme and Introductions

• [00:34–01:10]
  • The show launches with the spirited “Alka Seltzer time!” jingle, immediately setting a cheerful, nostalgic tone.
  • Kurt Massey: “And here we go with the Alka Seltzer Show.” (00:55)
  • Martha Tilton echoes the excitement, welcoming the audience alongside Kurt.

2. “I’ve Got Spurs That Jingle, Jangle, Jingle”

• [01:10–01:54]
  • Kurt and Martha deliver a lively, playful rendition of the Western swing classic, blending harmonies and good-natured back-and-forth.
  • Notable lyric from Martha:
    “He’s got spurs that jingle, jangle, jingle as he goes riding merrily…” (01:10–01:18)
  • Kurt caps off with a tongue-in-cheek slogan tailored for Martha:
    “Go west, young man. Go west. That’s our slogan for today. However, a slight revision is called for in the case of our lovely Martha Tilton. It’s Go west, young lady.” (01:54)

3. Movie Palace & “Eyes of Blue”

• [02:19–04:18]
  • Martha brings up the “West Pico Movie Palace” and the film “Shane,” using it as a segue to the earnest ballad “Eyes of Blue.”
  • Martha's storytelling and soulful singing capture the escapism of classic Western romance.
  • Notable lyric:
    “His eyes are blue, the clearest blue… They smile at me, his eyes are blue, and everywhere there is spring.” (02:29–04:00)

4. Classic Product Endorsements

• Alka Seltzer Plug [04:18–05:53]
  • Kurt and Martha, in rhyme, deliver a catchy jingle about “the feel-better feeling,” touting Alka Seltzer’s benefits in relieving headaches and acid indigestion.
  • Announcer details: “Just drop one or two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and let it fizz… Alka Seltzer has instant alkalizing action to reduce excess stomach acidity.” (04:32–05:06)

5. “Cowboy Transformation” Sketch and Song

• [05:53–07:25]
  • Humorous Western skit: How to turn a “tenderfoot” into a real cowboy, delivered musically with step-by-step advice.
  • Martha:
    “Give a tenderfoot a horse and let him make a friend of him.” (05:53)
  • Kurt explains cowboy rites with gentle teasing:
    “Teach him not to be afraid, or that’ll be the end of him.” (06:02)
  • Ultimately, when the “tenderfoot” masters the skills and the Western life, “he’ll be a man’s man, a real cowboy.” (07:04–07:25)

6. “Gambler’s Guitar” & Western Movie Parody

• [07:30–09:38]
  • Kurt dons the persona of a sage old gambling man, singing “Gambler’s Guitar” with poignant lyrics about heartbreak and risks.
  • Kurt:
    “…in this hectic world the biggest fool’s the joker who gambles with his heart.” (08:30)
  • Martha whimsically steps into her own role: the cowboy’s sweetheart, ready to swap ranch chores for city life.
    “I’m through carrying salt blocks out to the cows and I’m through with blue jeans and flannel shirts…” (09:38)
  • This leads to playful bickering about East vs. West, with plenty of laughs and references to Marshall Fields and Neiman Marcus.

7. Western Medley & Romance Conclusion

• [10:03–12:14]
  • The hosts perform a spirited Western medley including “Buttons and Bows,” “When It’s Roundup Time in Texas,” and the classic “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.”
  • Martha:
    “I guess you all know the next scene—cowboy gets girl.” (10:26)
  • Kurt paints a picturesque ending:
    “There they stand hand in hand as the sun sets over Texas and the evening breeze just a-sighing through the tumbleweeds…” (10:30)

8. One-A-Day Vitamins Advertisement

• [12:14–12:59]
  • Announcer highlights the importance of vitamins, pitching “One-A-Day Brand Multiple Vitamins”:
    “Vitamin shortage is one of the common causes of the low par feeling… They’re high in quality and cost less than 3 cents a day when you buy the large package.” (12:37–12:57)

9. Closing Banter and Farewell Song

• [12:59–13:45]
  • Martha and Kurt joke about their “Western” movie and say their goodbyes in their typically warm, neighborly style.
    • Martha: “Happy weekend everybody.” (13:10)
    • Kurt: “Meantime take care of yourself and be sure to take your family to church, won’t you? Bye now.” (13:14)
  • Segue into a cheerful, hopeful sign-off song:
    “We’ll sing the old song, we’ll sing the new / We’ll sing the bright songs and baby we’ll sing the blues / On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, too / For you, for you, for you.” (13:25–13:45)

10. Brief Cold Season Alka Seltzer Reminder

• [13:45–14:59]
  • Announcer provides a brief tip for using Alka Seltzer for colds, ending the show with practical advice and a warm invitation to return for the next episode.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kurt Massey (on the Western theme):
  “Go west, young man. Go west. That’s our slogan for today. However, a slight revision… it’s Go west, young lady.” (01:54)

• Martha Tilton (on leaving ranch life):
  “I’m through carrying salt blocks out to the cows and I’m through with blue jeans and flannel shirts—I’m gonna get me a job in Chicago and buy some pretty clothes at Marshall Fields.” (09:38)

• Kurt Massey (philosophy of love and luck):
  “…the biggest fool’s the joker who gambles with his heart. That’s the story of the gambler’s guitar.” (08:30)

• Martha Tilton (on happy endings):
  “I guess you all know the next scene. Cowboy gets girl.” (10:26)

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Structure & Tone

• Upbeat, family-friendly, and playfully nostalgic.
• Frequent banter, gentle wit, and a clear rapport between the hosts.
• True to the format of radio variety shows of the 1950s, blending music, comedic skits, gentle drama, and advertising jingles into one seamless entertainment experience.

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Essential Timestamps

• 00:34 – Original Alka Seltzer Show intro
• 01:10 – “I’ve Got Spurs That Jingle Jangle”
• 02:19 – “Eyes of Blue”
• 04:18 – Alka Seltzer “feel better” jingle/segment
• 05:53 – Tenderfoot cowboy musical sketch
• 07:54 – “Gambler’s Guitar”
• 09:38 – “Buttons and Bows” / city vs West debate
• 10:30 – “Tumbling Tumbleweeds”
• 12:14 – One-A-Day Vitamins plug
• 12:59 – Show wrap-up and sign-off song
• 13:45 – Alka Seltzer cold remedy reminder

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For Listeners

This episode is ideal for anyone longing for the easygoing, communal days of radio’s heyday. With its sunny musical routines, comedic sketches echoing the culture of the 1950s West, and memorable chemistry between hosts, it's a nostalgic audio trip perfect for fans of classic radio, Americana, and timeless sponsor jingles.

Transcript

[Howie Mandel]

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[Kurt Massey]

Alka Seltzer Speedy Alka Seltzer the Alka

[Narrator/Announcer]

Seltzer show transcribed in Hollywood Featuring radio's favorite singing stars, Kurt Massey and Martha Tilton with the music of country Washburn.

[Kurt Massey]

It's Alka Seltzer time Alka Seltzer time

[Martha Tilton]

Morning, noon and night It's Alka Seltzer time I'm Kurt. I'm Martha.

[Kurt Massey]

And here we go with the Alka Seltzer Show.

[Martha Tilton]

He's got spurs that jingle, jangle, jingle

[Kurt Massey]

spurs that jingle, jangle, jingle As I

[Martha Tilton]

go riding merrily and they sing oh, ain't you glad?

[Kurt Massey]

You sing. They sing oh, ain't you glad?

[Martha Tilton]

And that song ain't so very far

[Kurt Massey]

from wrong oh, Mary Ann, oh, Mary Though we done some moonlight walking this is why I up and why I

[Martha Tilton]

He's got birds that jingle, jingle, jingle, jingle, jingle as he goes riding merrily

[Kurt Massey]

As I go riding merrily and they

[Martha Tilton]

sing O ancient glass and they sing O ancient glass and that song ain't

[Kurt Massey]

so very far from wrong so I'll jingle right along. Go west, young man. Go west. That's our slogan for today. However, a slight revision is called for in the case of our lovely Martha Tilton. It's Go west, young lady.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Go west.

[Martha Tilton]

Well, I'll tell you, Kurt, I'll go as far west as the West Pico Movie Palace. That's where they're showing that wonderful western picture, Shane. And here's one of Shane's tunes. It's called Eyes of Blue. His eyes are blue the clearest blue I love to look in his eyes it seems to be they comfort me and troubles seem half their size they smile at me his eyes are blue and everywhere there is spring I never sang of love before but now my heart loves to sing and when my heart grows fearful he's my cheer no longer am I fearful When I know he's near his eyes of blue caress my heart and hold me close in their glance and darkness Turns to skies of blue. His eyes of blue are romance. I never sang of love before but now my song fills the air. His eyes are blue, they smile at me and love is everywhere.

[Kurt Massey]

Try Alka Seltzer for the feel better feeling.

[Martha Tilton]

The feel better feeling. That means relief.

[Kurt Massey]

Relief from acid indigestion and annoying headache grief.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sing again and smile again with the feel better feeling Alka Seltzer brings. Yes, Speedy Alka Seltzer means fast relief from a headache and acid indigestion. So when upset stomach troubles, you take Alka Seltzer. Just drop one or two Alka Seltzer tablets into a glass of water and let it fizz. Those thousands of bubbles you see in the glass are ready to soothe and settle an acid upset stomach. And as soon as you drink the sparkling solution, yes, Alka Seltzer has instant alkalizing action to reduce excess stomach acidity. And Speedy Alka Seltzer is not like taking medicine. It has a tangy taste. Refreshing too. So whenever unwise eating brings on an acid upset stomach, remember Alka Seltzer. Take Speedy Alka Seltzer and enjoy that feel better feeling. Alka Seltzer is sold at all drugstores by the glass at the soda fountain and by the package at the counter. Stop in and get Alka Seltzer fast. Relief from acid indigestion. In scene three of our Massey Tilton Western, the cowboy and the rancher's daughter are leaning against the old corral fence down there at Old Ranch, Old Alka Seltzer. And they both allow as how you can make a real cowpoke out of any tea tenderfoot.

[Martha Tilton]

Give a tenderfoot a horse and let him make a friend of him.

[Kurt Massey]

Teach him not to be afraid or that'll be the end of him.

[Martha Tilton]

Let him learn to work in sweat,

[Kurt Massey]

to roll a cigarette, to ride the range. You bet he'll be a cowboy yet. Let him wear his Levi's tie and

[Martha Tilton]

his chinks and chaps below.

[Kurt Massey]

Let him learn to roll his hat and to answer back real slow.

[Martha Tilton]

Give a tenderfoot a rope and let him put a loop in it.

[Kurt Massey]

When he brings a critter down, tie off without a droop in it.

[Martha Tilton]

When he's up on these routines, content

[Kurt Massey]

with pork and beans, he'll know what living means. Then he will be a man's man, a real cowboy.

[Martha Tilton]

Kurt, what in the world? What are you going to do with the long gray beard and fancy vest?

[Kurt Massey]

Well, that, partner, is for this next scene in our Western picture. In real four, I play the Part of an old time gambling man who's kind of talking through his guitar, as it were.

[Martha Tilton]

Quiet, everyone. Lights, camera and music please for Gambler's Guitar.

[Kurt Massey]

Tell of the hearts that this vagabond has broken Tell all the fun I've had and tell all the loving and the laughing and the joking Back when I was glad Back when I was. Speak of the time when I took my biggest gamble A game where hearts are high and speak of the funny way My luck began to ramble when she called my eye when she called my eyes. Tell all the folks that this life's a game of poker A fool and his goal must part but in this hectic world the biggest fool's the joker who gambles with his heart who gambles with his heart that's the story of the gambler's guitar. And now, Martha. As the movie makers say, at this point in our Western epic, we need conflict. The cowboy sweetheart that's has her bag all packed and she's waiting for the eastbound train.

[Martha Tilton]

I'm through carrying salt blocks out to the cows and I'm through with blue jeans and flannel shirts I'm gonna get me a job in Chicago and buy some pretty clothes at Marshall Fields. East is east and west is west and the wrong one I've chose Let's go. Where I keep on wearing those frills and flowers and buttons and bows Rings and things and buttons and bow well,

[Kurt Massey]

honey, if you want buttons and bow Just send down Neiman Marcus down in Dallas. You can't leave Texas. Why? At roundup time you'd be so homesick. Your little heart at break. When it's roundup time in Texas and the bloom is on the stage Then I long to be in Texas Back a riding on the rain.

[Martha Tilton]

I guess you all know the next scene. Cowboy gets girl.

[Kurt Massey]

There they stand hand in hand as the sun sets over Texas and the evening breeze Just a sighing through the tumbling tumbleweeds See them tumbling down Pledging their love to the ground only but free I'll be found Drifting along with the tumble and tumbleweed Care that the past are behind no where to go but I find just where the trail will wind Drifting along with the tumble and tumbleweeds I know when night has gone Let a new world's born adult I'll keep rolling along Deep in my heart is a song here on the range I belong Drifting along with the tumble and tumble weeds.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Maybe you say, one of these days I'm going to start taking vitamins. Well, that's smart. But don't put it off. You know, vitamin shortage is one of the common causes of the low par feeling. So keep this in mind. One a day brand multiple vitamins. Correct vitamin shortage. Yes. They contain all you normally need to take of all the vitamins proved necessary. And they're so easy to take in small tablets that leave no unpleasant aftertaste. So start today to take one a day. Ask your druggist for one a day brand multiple vitamin tablets now with vitamin B12 added. They're high in quality and cost less than 3 cents a day when you buy the large package.

[Martha Tilton]

Hey, you know Kurt, that that was a pretty good western that we ground out today. I wouldn't mind seeing it on the screen.

[Kurt Massey]

Well, I tell you, I'll let you know when it plays the Palace. Martha, now you know what time it is and what day it is.

[Martha Tilton]

Uh huh. The time and day to say Happy weekend everybody.

[Kurt Massey]

That's right. We'll be back again on Monday, friends. Meantime take care of yourself and be sure to take your family to check church, won't you? Bye now.

[Martha Tilton]

We'll see you Monday, same time, same station.

[Kurt Massey]

We'll sing the old song, we'll sing the new we'll sing the bright songs and baby we'll sing the blues On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Two for you, for you, for you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Get fast relief from fall cold discomforts. Try Speedy Alka Seltzer to relieve the aching feverish feeling and the headache that comes with a cold. Alka Seltzer contains a time tested pain reliever, Sodium acetyl salicylate. And medical tests prove the system absorbs more of this pain reliever faster from Alka Seltzer. Try Alka Seltzer as a soothing gargle too. To ease the raw and irritated throat caused by a cold. Just dissolve two tablets in a quarter glass of warm water and gargle freely for fast relief. Take care of yourself when you catch cold and take Speedy Alka Seltzer to help you feel better. While you're getting better, Listen Monday for the Alka Seltzer show starring Kurt Massey and Martha Tilton with the music of Country Washburn and his orchestra. Today's program was transcribed in Hollywood and this is Fort Pearson speaking.

[Howie Mandel]

The Global Gaming League is presented by Atlas Earth, the fun cashback app. Hey, it's Howie Mandel and I am inviting you to witness history as me and my How We do it gaming team take on Gilly the king and wallow. $267 million gaming in an epic global gaming league video game showdown, plus a halftime performance by multi platinum artist Travy McCoy. Watch all the action and see who wins and advances to the championship match right [e-mail] that's globalgamingleague.com in partnership with Level Up Expo.

[Martha Tilton]

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