Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Alka Seltzer - 1953 - Choo Choo Train

Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Aired: March 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, featuring a classic 1953 episode of "The Alka Seltzer Show" starring beloved singing duo Kurt Massey and Martha Tilton, with music by Country Washburn. The main theme is joy, harmony, and nostalgia, focusing on playful and romantic musical duets that showcase mid-century American radio charm. The focus is on lighthearted entertainment, catchy tunes, and gentle comedic banter—all wrapped up in the signature advertising style of the era.

Key Discussion Points and Highlights

1. Opening and Introduction

• The show jumps right into the action with a lively performance by Kurt Massey and Martha Tilton, skipping extended opening banter or intros.
• [00:38] Announcer sets the scene:
  "The Alka Seltzer Show Transcribed in Hollywood. Featuring radio's favorite singing stars Kurt Massey and Martha Tilton with the music of country Washburn."

2. Musical Numbers and Duets

“Choo Choo Train”

• [00:55-02:25]
  • Kurt and Martha perform a cheerful train-themed duet, filled with playful imagery and a honeymoon storyline.
  • Notable quote:
    Kurt Massey, setting up the duet:
    “Choo choo train chug chugging at the station... All aboard Choo choo train... It’s heaven to be ridin’ Honeymoon express.” ([01:00-01:58])

"No Other Love" (Rogers & Hammerstein)

• [02:38-04:33]
  • The duo sings a romantic standard, showcasing their harmonies and chemistry.
  • Notable lyric:
    “No other love have I, only my love for you... Waiting to hear you, no other love have I, forever love.” ([03:59-04:33])

"When Love Goes Wrong" (Duet)

• [05:53-07:02]
  • A bluesy number, mixing humor and heartache.
  • Playful torch song banter:
    Martha Tilton:
    “When love goes wrong, nothing goes right. The blues all gather round you... a man ain’t fit to live with and a woman is a sorry sight.” ([06:22-06:37])

"You, You, You" (Trio with piano)

• [07:20-08:53]
  • The duo, joined by Mr. Levere on piano, sing a breezy romantic trio.
  • Notable playful intro:
    Kurt Massey:
    "Martha, we promised an all duet show—but you know, I think we could stretch a point and sneak in one trio, don’t you?" ([07:02])

Instrumental/Orchestral Interlude

• [09:04-10:16]
  • Country Washburn and his band perform a lively instrumental during a comedic coffee break.
  • Martha:
    "Well, that was brisk and refreshing. And I refer to both the coffee and that highbrow Cathy Clatch music." ([10:16])

"My Love, My Love" (Duet)

• [10:30-12:10]
  • Another heartfelt romantic duet underscores the couple theme.
  • Powerful lyric:
    “As endless as the sea is the love that he gave to me... as long as I shall live, you’ll always be my love.” ([11:36-12:10])

3. Signature Alka Seltzer Advertising Segments

"One A Day" Vitamins

• [04:33-05:53]
  • A classic, upbeat “singing ad” promoting One A Day vitamins, stressing health and daily habits.

Alka Seltzer Spot

• [12:31-13:11]

  • The hosts and announcer tout the speedy relief and bubbly personality of Alka Seltzer.
  • Announcer:
    "Man, I feel better. That’s what you say when you try Alka Seltzer for fast relief from acid indigestion... thousands of sparkling bubbles soothe and settle the stomach." ([12:34-13:09])

• Catchy jingle:
  Martha & Kurt (singing):
  "Speedy Alka Seltzer, feel better feeling comes in record time..." ([13:11-13:14])

4. Memorable Banter & “All Duet” Theme

• Repeated references to performing “all duets” today, leading to playful asides and humorous asides about working together.
• Notable exchange:
  Martha Tilton:
  "All duet? Well, Kurt, here's our chance to find out if two heads are better than one." ([02:33])

5. Closing & Signature Song

• Final duet, inviting listeners to return for another daily show.
• [13:37-14:00]
  • Kurt and Martha:
    "We'll sing the old song, we'll sing the new. We'll sing the bright songs, and maybe we'll sing the blues on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Tuesday, Monday."
• Announcer reminds listeners to stock up on Alka Seltzer and lists the benefits again.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the show’s harmonies:
  Kurt Massey:
  "Let's look at the vitamin picture this way, friends. Can you honestly say you get enough of the essential vitamins each day or do you sometimes wonder?" ([04:47])
• Classic comedy about coffee break:
  Martha:
  "Kurt, this steady duet work has me kind of bushed. Don't you think we could take time out for a sip of coffee?" ([08:53])

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment/Narrative | Start | End | |--------------------------------------|----------|----------| | Show Introduction | 00:38 | 00:54 | | “Choo Choo Train” | 00:55 | 02:25 | | “No Other Love” (Rogers & Hammerstein) | 02:38 | 04:33 | | "One A Day" vitamin ad | 04:33 | 05:53 | | “When Love Goes Wrong” | 05:53 | 07:02 | | Trio: "You, You, You" | 07:20 | 08:53 | | Coffee Break & Instrumental | 08:53 | 10:16 | | “My Love, My Love” | 10:30 | 12:10 | | Alka Seltzer ad segment | 12:31 | 13:11 | | Show Closing duets & reminders | 13:28 | 14:49 |

Tone and Language

The episode is delivered in a warm, friendly, and playful tone, punctuated by the polished delivery and banter characteristic of 1950s radio programming. Kurt and Martha’s rapport is easygoing and affectionate, with light comedic touches and cheerful musicality throughout.

Summary

This episode is an audio time capsule, celebrating midcentury American entertainment through harmonious, romantic duets, lively repartee, and nostalgia-laden advertisements. With memorable numbers like “Choo Choo Train” and “No Other Love,” plus the unmistakable jingle of Alka Seltzer, listeners are treated to a charming, immersive slice of classic radio programming that warmly invites everyone back for “another visit tomorrow—same time, same station.”