Podcast Summary: Alka Seltzer Time – 10/19/1953 – Moonlight When Shadows Fall

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: March 22, 2026
Original Air Date: October 19, 1953
Featured Artists: Kurt Massey, Martha Tilton, Country Washburn and his Orchestra

Episode Overview

This episode of "Alka Seltzer Time" transports listeners to the golden age of radio with 15 cheerful, music-filled minutes from 1953. Hosted by singers Kurt Massey and Martha Tilton, along with the lively orchestra led by Country Washburn, the show mixes beloved standards, Latin imports, novelty tunes, and a salute to Johnny Mercer. The warm banter, charming musical variety, and old-fashioned showmanship create a nostalgic atmosphere, making listeners feel like they're sitting by the radio in a bygone era.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Opening Theme and Warm Welcome (01:07–01:24)

• The episode opens with the classic Alka Seltzer jingle, setting a bright and familiar mood.
  • Kurt Massey: "It's Alka Seltzer time. Morning, noon and night, it's Alka Seltzer time."
  • Martha Tilton: "And here we go with the Alka Seltzer Show."

2. Feature Song – "Moonlight When Shadows Fall" (01:25–02:38)

• Kurt Massey delivers a sentimental performance of "Moonlight When Shadows Fall," evoking romantic longing under moonlit skies.
  • Quote, Kurt Massey (01:24):
    "Moonlight when shadows fall / Moonlight I hear you call / Love beams through every silvery gleam that's shining / I'm pining... waiting in the pale moonlight."

3. Spotlight on Martha: "Piel Canela (You Too)" (02:43–04:39)

• Martha Tilton brings a Latin flavor with her rendition of "Piel Canela," humorously renamed "You Too." She shares playful lyrics about Cuban romance and music.
  • Quote, Martha Tilton (03:16):
    "I like to kiss you, too. You too. Oh, how I go for this. You too, you too? Then why not try a kiss or two?"

4. Novelty Number: "Papaya Mama" (05:48–07:29)

• Kurt and Martha join together on this catchy, lighthearted tune about tropical romance, playful lyrics, and island life.
  • Quote, Martha Tilton, (06:26):
    "And when we kiss she hollers: more, more, more!"
• The verses trade off the narrative of a vacation romance that turns into dreams of family life.

5. Kurt's Violin Solo – "Estrelita" (07:29–09:44)

• Martha encourages Kurt to dust off his fiddle, leading to a heartfelt solo, highlighting the versatile talents of the cast.
  • Quote, Martha Tilton (07:54):
    "The sooner the better. Let's see if you remember your fine arrangement of Estrelita. Oh, thank you, Curtis. That was really good listening."

6. Songwriter Salute: Johnny Mercer & Company (09:46–12:57)

• A medley tribute to Johnny Mercer, joined by famed collaborators:
  • "I Guess It Was You All The Time" (with Hoagy Carmichael)
  • "P.S. I Love You" (with Gordon Jenkins)
  • "Blues in the Night" (with Harold Arlen)
    • Quote, Martha Tilton (11:06):
      "A man's gonna sweet talk and give it a big eye but when the sweet talkin's done, a man is a two faced, a worrisome thing, who'll leave you to sing the blues in the night."
    • Quote, Kurt Massey (12:13):
      "But there is one thing I know: A woman's a two face, a worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing the blues. My mama was right. There's blues in the..."

7. Alka Seltzer Promotion—Quick Relief for Cold & Headache (04:39–05:48, 12:57–13:43)

• Between music sets, the hosts (and announcer) seamlessly weave in the signature Alka Seltzer product pitches, lauding its effectiveness for cold symptoms and headaches.
  • Quote, Announcer (04:46):
    "Alka Seltzer for fast relief from cold discomforts...Try Speedy Alka Seltzer."
  • Quote, Announcer (12:57):
    "For quick headache relief, always be sure you have Speedy Alka Seltzer handy."

8. Show Wrap-Up and Gentle Farewell (13:43–14:11)

• The hosts bring the "music meeting" to a close, inviting listeners to tune in again for another dose of music and cheer.
  • Quote, Kurt Massey (13:43):
    "When your tablets get to four, that's the time to buy some more Alka Seltzer, sir."
  • Quote, Martha Tilton (14:01):
    "If you're home tomorrow or driving around in your car at this time, a simple little twist of the wrist will bring us on with more of your favorite popular music. Bye now."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Martha Tilton, on language and Cuban romance (02:43):

  "I'll take a Latin import, Piel Canela, which we anglos have renamed You Too..."

• Martha Tilton, after Kurt's violin solo (09:44):

  "Oh, thank you, Curtis. That was really good listening."

• Duet, on the playful spirit of the show (06:23):

  "And when we kiss she hollers: more, more, more."

• Blues wisdom in the Johnny Mercer salute (11:06):

  "A man's gonna sweet talk and give it a big eye, but when the sweet talkin's done, a man is a two faced, a worrisome thing who'll leave you to sing the blues in the night."

• Announcer, on the program's brevity and regularity (13:43–14:01):

  "Well, that's the end of today's music meeting, friends, of course, as you know, we have a 15 minute lease on the premises every day, five days a week."

Important Timestamps

| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------| | Opening/Show Theme | Alka Seltzer jingle & warm welcome | 01:07–01:24| | “Moonlight When Shadows Fall” (Kurt) | Opening ballad | 01:24–02:38| | “Piel Canela (You Too)” (Martha) | Latin import & playful translation | 02:43–04:39| | Alka Seltzer promo (1) | Cold relief pitch | 04:39–05:48| | “Papaya Mama” (Duet) | Tropical novelty tune | 05:48–07:29| | Violin Solo – “Estrelita” (Kurt) | Fiddle feature | 07:29–09:44| | Johnny Mercer Tribute | Salute & medley | 09:46–12:57| | Alka Seltzer promo (2) | Headache relief pitch | 12:57–13:43| | Farewell & sign-off | Music, reminders, and goodbye | 13:43–14:11|

Tone and Atmosphere

The show is warm, lighthearted, and family-friendly, peppered with gentle teasing, lively musical interplay, and feel-good product endorsements that balance sincerity and sponsor loyalty. Music is the central focus, with friendly banter and playful exchanges giving a sense of an old-time musical “meeting” among friends. It's a perfect vintage snapshot of mid-century American radio entertainment.

For more nostalgic radio gems, tune in to Harold's Old Time Radio for daily musical journeys into the past!