Amos & Andy 36-08-19 Out of Gas

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Amos & Andy 36-08-19 Out of Gas"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Amos & Andy 36-08-19 Out of Gas
• Release Date: March 27, 2025

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1. Episode Introduction and Special Greeting

The episode begins with a brief interruption featuring a Wayfair advertisement presented by Nicole Byer, providing style tips for home interiors. Shortly after, host Walter Houston introduces a special segment dedicated to celebrating the longevity and impact of the "Amos & Andy" radio show. Lennox R. Lore, the president of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), delivers a heartfelt greeting, marking the show's tenth anniversary.

[00:27] Walter Houston: "For years, this hour and this music have meant to millions of Americans a welcome visit from two beloved personalities."

[01:23] Lennox R. Lore: "We take them now to Amos and Andy and Hollywood with the hope that this program tonight will is only an early milestone on a long road of happy birthdays ahead."

2. Main Storyline: "Out of Gas" Adventure

The core of the episode revolves around a captivating storyline where Amos and Andy find themselves stranded after their taxi cab runs out of gasoline near Lake Arrowhead. Lost in the mountains, they decide to seek help from a nearby farmhouse to use the telephone.

• Initial Dilemma:

  [02:51] Andy: "Well, I didn't know that we was out of gas, Lee. We must have a leak in the tank or something."

  The duo realizes they are 100 miles away from Los Angeles and must navigate unfamiliar territory to find assistance.

• Seeking Help:

  [03:21] Andy: "Well, the thing for us to do is to go to this house down here and ask the man. Let us use the telephone."

  They approach the farmhouse, identifying the mailbox as belonging to Walter Houston, who surprisingly is the host of the podcast.

3. Interaction with Walter Houston

Upon meeting Walter Houston, Amos and Andy engage in a meaningful conversation that transcends their immediate predicament.

• Offering Assistance:

  [05:06] Walter Houston: "Well, the nearest filling station, boys, is quite a long ways, but I think I could let you have a little gasoline."

  Demonstrating generosity, Walter offers them gasoline without expecting payment, fostering a sense of community and kindness.

• Personal Insights:

  [07:12] Walter Houston: "You see, I'm in a business that. Well, it's a sort of a nerve. It's sort of nerve wracking. When I'm working, it feels like I'm on a merry go round."

  Walter shares his experiences working in high-pressure environments like Hollywood and Chicago, highlighting the importance of taking time to relax and rejuvenate.

  [08:04] Walter Houston: "And a lot of them think, though, that they don't need it. But when I work, I work pretty hard."

• Philosophical Exchange:

  The conversation delves into the stresses of work and the necessity of taking breaks to maintain mental well-being.

  [08:20] Amos: "Yes, Hollywood is a busy place, all right."

  [08:36] Amos: "That rest do anybody good. That's what I preach all the time."

4. Conclusion and Acknowledgments

As the episode draws to a close, Amos and Andy extend their gratitude to Walter Houston and the listeners. Lennox R. Lore returns to offer final congratulations and reflections on the show's enduring legacy.

• Gratitude Expressed by Amos and Andy:

  [13:03] Andy: "Well, our program is almost up. We just want to tell our listeners how grateful we are to have passed another milestone in radio broadcasting."

  They acknowledge the support from their audience and the contributions of their collaborators, emphasizing the show's success and longevity.

• Final Remarks by Lennox R. Lore:

  [13:31] Lennox R. Lore: "To say good night."

  The episode concludes with heartfelt goodbyes, reinforcing the strong bond between the hosts, their guests, and the audience.

5. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Amos on Their Predicament:

  [03:08] Amos: "I don't know. Here we is 100 miles away from Los Angeles, up in the mountains. Done lost our way and we're out of gasoline."

• Walter Houston on Work-Life Balance:

  [07:38] Walter Houston: "You know, I find that if a man will get away from his work part of the time, just think, without the turmoil of work worried going here and there. Well, it does you a lot of good."

• Amos on Rest:

  [07:49] Amos: "That rest do anybody good. That's what I preach all the time."

• Lennox R. Lore on Show's History:

  [08:20] Lennox R. Lore: "These humorous episodes have been a joy to many people for an awful long time."

6. Reflections and Insights

"Amos & Andy 36-08-19 Out of Gas" serves not only as an entertaining narrative of two beloved characters facing adversity but also as a reflection on the importance of community support and personal well-being. The interaction with Walter Houston adds depth to the storyline, offering listeners valuable life lessons amidst the humor and adventure.

The episode successfully blends humor with meaningful conversations, celebrating the rich tradition of radio storytelling from the Golden Age. By highlighting the show's tenth anniversary, it underscores the enduring legacy of "Amos & Andy" in American broadcasting history.

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Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to capture the essence of the episode while respecting historical contexts and sensitivities associated with the "Amos & Andy" program.

Transcript

[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.

[Walter Houston]

Wayfair Every style, every home. For years, this hour and this music have meant to millions of Americans a welcome visit from two beloved personalities. In fact, through the seasons, Amos and Andy have become more than personalities. They are real people. On this occasion, we present Mr. Lennox R. Lore, the president of the National Broadcasting Company, who will bring a special greeting to them. Mr. Lohr.

[Lennox R. Lore]

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the National Broadcasting Company, it is a pleasure to salute Amos Mandy before Seven years of that period have played a leading role in making our T networks famous. My early appreciation for this outstanding program has quickened interpersonal interest through association with Amos and Andley at a century of progress Chicago, where the Skyride towers were dedicated to Vance. As this program now commences its eighth year, the National Broadcasting Company takes pride in recognizing the achievement of Amos and Andy. It is to these pioneers and friends of long standing that we give our congratulations tonight and our appreciation of the many pleasant hours we have spent together. We take them now to Amos and Andy and Hollywood with the hope that this program tonight will is only an early milestone on a long road of happy birthdays ahead.

[Amos]

Today, Amos and Andy drove their taxicab up in the mountains to Lake Arrowhead. They decided to explore that section of the country and after driving for almost an hour, they found themselves lost by mistake. They turned on a narrow dirt road and unfortunately, the car stopped out of gasoline. As the scene opens now we find the boys walking down the road about 100 yards from their taxi cab headed for a modest farmhouse to use the telephone. Here they are.

[Andy]

Well, I didn't know that we was out of gas, Lee. We must have a leak in the tank or something.

Yeah.

[Amos]

Where in the world is it?

[Andy]

Well, I don't know. Where we is we? Somewhere up near Lake Arrowhead, up in the mountains. That's all I know.

[Amos]

Well, how did we ever get on this road we was on?

[Andy]

You was the one that told me to turn down this road.

This ain't a mess.

[Amos]

I don't know. Here we is 100 miles away from Los Angeles, up in the mountains. Done lost our way and we're out of gasoline. I can see us sleeping in this taxicab up here now. Or walking my seats off to get some gas.

[Andy]

Well, the thing for us to do is to go to this house down here and ask the man. Let us use the telephone.

[Amos]

And don't forget, if somebody brings us some gasoline out here, it's gonna cost us plenty of money.

[Andy]

Well, if the man would let us use the telephone, we just gotta call up the nearest filling station and ask them to send it out and pay them whatever they want, charge us unless we want to walk to the nearest place and get it. But that might be miles away from here.

[Amos]

Well, here's the house.

[Andy]

Yeah.

[Amos]

There's the man's mailbox with his name on it.

[Andy]

What does that spell say on the mailbox? W A L, T E R H.

U, S T O, N. W A.

L, T E, R H U S.

T, O, N. Yeah.

[Amos]

Well, let's get on in there and ask them.

[Andy]

Yes, I guess it's all right if it go up to the front door, ain't it?

Yeah.

[Amos]

There's a lady over there working in the garden here.

[Andy]

Yeah.

Well, come on, let's go up there. If he wants us to pay him for using his telephone, let's pay him.

Yeah.

[Amos]

Well, go ahead. Go ahead, knock on the front door.

[Andy]

Well, come on with me. Walk up on the porch with me and don't start talking big enough. Now, when you see him, you do.

[Amos]

All the talking if you want.

[Andy]

This.

[Amos]

Thing running out of gasoline. This far from home is bad. Yeah.

[Andy]

Wait a minute. I hear somebody coming.

[Walter Houston]

How do you do?

[Andy]

How you do, sir?

[Amos]

How you do, sir?

[Andy]

Mister, could we use your telephone, please, sir?

[Walter Houston]

Well, I'm very sorry, but I don't have a telephone.

[Andy]

Oh.

Oh, you ain't got none, huh?

[Walter Houston]

No. Is there anything wrong? Could I be of any assistance to you?

[Andy]

Well, we got on this road out there in front of your house and we run out of gasoline and we was gonna phone to the filling station or something. We didn't see no automobiles going by.

[Amos]

You see, we kind of lost.

[Andy]

Mister.

I guess we can walk to the filling station, though, if you tell us which way is the nearest one here.

[Walter Houston]

Well, the nearest filling station, boys, is quite a long ways, but I think I could let you have a little gasoline.

[Andy]

Yes, but we'll pay you for it.

[Walter Houston]

Oh, that's all right. Let's walk out here and go around in the back.

[Andy]

Yasser. Well, thank you, sir.

Yes.

[Walter Houston]

Where are you boys from? Los Angeles.

[Amos]

Well, we Is from New York.

[Andy]

We drove out from New York to Hollywood on our vacation with a trailer. And we left the trailer in Hollywood. He drove up that lake arrowhead over there. And I don't know, we're starting nothing up here.

[Amos]

And we got lost and run out of gasoline.

[Walter Houston]

Well, not too bad, boys. Now, let's see. What have we here? Ah, here's some gasoline. You boys don't have a can or anything, do you?

[Andy]

No, sir. We ain't got nothing. But we look around, see if we can find something.

Yeah.

[Walter Houston]

Oh, here's one you can have. You can keep this.

[Amos]

Well, this show is nice of you, mister.

[Andy]

Yes, and we won't pay you for.

[Walter Houston]

Oh, no, that's all right. You forget about that. Sit down there. There's a little bench there that I keep out here. And this can hold. Now, let's see about. About three gallons. I'll fill it up for you.

[Andy]

Oh, no, sir. We don't need that much.

[Walter Houston]

That's all right. I've got plenty of gasoline. Now, here's a funnel. You boys are a long way from home.

[Andy]

Yes, sir.

[Amos]

That's a bad feeling, too.

[Walter Houston]

How would you like to have a sandwich before you go?

[Amos]

Well, no, thank you, sir.

[Andy]

We just had something eat while ago. Oh, that's plenty of gasoline. There ain't. No, you fill it.

[Walter Houston]

No, no, no, that's all right. I might just as well fill it up.

[Andy]

It sure is nicer. We didn't want to bother you. We just wanted to use your telephone. And yours was the only house that we could see around here.

[Walter Houston]

Well, there's. That's three gallons of gasoline you can have.

[Andy]

I wish you let me pay you for this.

[Walter Houston]

Oh, no, no, no. That's all right. Maybe someday I'll run out of gasoline in front of your place and I'll call on you and you can pay me.

[Andy]

Bag, huh?

[Amos]

Yes, sir. How come you live up here in the mountains by yourself?

[Walter Houston]

Well, I'll tell you. Come over there.

[Andy]

Yes, sir.

[Walter Houston]

I'll sit down with you a minute. Sit down, young fella.

[Andy]

Yeah. Thank you, sir.

[Amos]

You live up here alone, huh? How come?

[Walter Houston]

Well, no, I don't live alone. I live here with my wife part of the year. She's out there in the garden now.

[Andy]

Yes, sir.

[Walter Houston]

You see, I'm in a business that. Well, it's. It's a sort of a nerve. It's sort of nerve wracking. When I'm working, it feels like I'm on a merry go round.

[Andy]

You work in Los Angeles or Hollywood or someplace?

[Walter Houston]

Yes, I'VE worked in Hollywood quite a bit. I've worked in New York quite a bit, too, in Chicago, when I finish my work. Well, I. I just have a feeling that I'd like to get away. So I come up here and enjoy this little place.

[Andy]

Just the two of you, huh?

Yes.

[Walter Houston]

You know, I find that if a man will get away from his work part of the time, just think, without the turmoil of work worried going here and there. Well, it does you a lot of good.

[Andy]

Yeah.

[Amos]

That rest do anybody good. That's what I preach all the time.

[Walter Houston]

But you can't rest too much. But after you hit the ball and work night and day, it's nice to get away.

[Andy]

Yeah, the man got to have some rest already.

[Walter Houston]

And a lot of them think, though, that they don't need it. But when I work, I work pretty hard. Now, I've seen some of my friends try to keep going. And I've seen them crack under the string. You know, boys, when I come up here, I find that I can think better. I get something out of life that.

[Lennox R. Lore]

I didn't know existed.

[Amos]

Yes, Hollywood is a busy place, all right.

[Walter Houston]

Yes, Hollywood is a busy place. I guess a lot of people think it's sort of a playground. A lot of people work awfully hard in Hollywood. And I've seen the work there drive them all most insane.

[Andy]

It's.

[Amos]

Yeah, that moving picture business is a tough business.

[Walter Houston]

Yes, I'm afraid you're right.

[Andy]

I guess when a man. Some of them people down there, them actors and all that in the moving picture business, or when they get on the stage or something, they is under a strain. Then that is a strain.

[Walter Houston]

Well, you know, I don't know that there's any other business that takes up 24 hours of a man's time every day when he's working. But, boys, this little place up here. Well, I think every man in his heart would like to come to such a place someday and spend some time. Of course, some people might not like the dead silence of the night or the quietness of the day. But I love it.

[Andy]

Yes, sir, I love it.

Yeah. I said, well, we'll get going now. You say I can have this can?

[Walter Houston]

All right. Yes, keep that. Throw it away when you're finished with it.

[Amos]

Well, we sure appreciate it. Yes.

[Andy]

Will you let us pay you for this?

[Walter Houston]

No, no, no, no. I've been paid by talking to you. I'm kind of glad you dropped in.

[Andy]

Yes, it will. We sure was lucky. All right. And before we go, I want to tell you how much we thank you for giving us the gasoline. Save us a long walk. All right.

[Walter Houston]

Bye, boys. Well, good luck to you.

[Amos]

Yeah, good luck to you.

[Andy]

Goodbye. Thank you very much.

Yes, sir.

[Amos]

Is we lucky.

[Andy]

I say, Weird. You know, he's one of the nicest fellows I ever met in my life. His faith kind of made you feel at home, didn't it?

[Amos]

It sure did. Nice place they got you, too.

[Andy]

Yeah.

[Amos]

There's the mailbox. What'd that say on there again?

[Andy]

W A L T E R H U S T O Nice fellow, wasn't it?

[Amos]

He sure was.

The character of Walter Houston was played by Mr. Walter Houston himself. Amos and Andy would like to extend their sincere appreciation for for his kindness in appearing on the program tonight on this, the first night of Amos and Andy's eighth year on the air for Pepsid and product. The Pepsid and company wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation for the loyalty and fine showmanship of these two boys. May we, on behalf of you, the Amos and Andy audience, salute them with cordial good wishes for their continued success. And now I know that Mr. Houston would be happy to say a few words to the Amos and Andy listeners at this time. Mr. Houston.

[Walter Houston]

Thank you, friends. First, I want to tell you that it has been a great pleasure for me to work with the two boys whom I have listened to for many years. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I invariably listen to Amos and Andy. This is their anniversary, the starting of their eighth year on the network. I have read their biography. Many of you know this. But for the benefit of those who may not be familiar with the fact, here they are. These boys started working with colored dialect in January 1926 under the name of Sam and Henry. This program, which was similar to Amos and Andrew, was broadcast in the early days of radio over WGN in Chicago. After two years of Sam and Henry, the boys changed their names to Amos and Andy. In other words, Amos and Andy was actually started in March 1928. They broadcast at that time over station WMAQ in Chicago with additional stations added by means of electrical transcription. But it was seven years ago tonight that they started on what might be called the big time. As you all know, they have established a record in radio broadcasting. They have received today many congratulatory messages from people in every walks of life. They deserve it. Tonight's episode, in which I had the pleasure of participating, was their 2,395th day of broadcast. As you know, the boys broadcast twice each day. I think these boys should be congratulated on a long record of daily broadcasting of these episodes which carries with it a streak of not only human interest, but a philosophy which I have often enjoyed myself. These humorous. Their humorous episodes have been a joy to many people for an awful long time. I congratulate these boys not only upon their ability to impersonate these characters, all which they do themselves, but for writing this material each day. They are seated by me now, squirming in their chairs, and I'm going to ask them to say just a few words. It's been a pleasure to have had the opportunity of talking to you. I thank you. And here they are, Ames and Andy.

[Andy]

Well, that's very nice of you, Mr. Houston. And it's certainly nice of you to say all those sweet things. Yeah, even me.

[Amos]

I was blushing. It ain't nobody ever heard me blush on the radio.

[Andy]

Well, our program is almost up. We just want to tell our listeners how grateful we are to have passed another milestone in radio broadcasting. We've been grateful to the cooperation we've received here in Hollywood. We want to thank Major Law for his kindness, the Pepson Company for their nice message, Mr. Houston for his cordial greeting. And we want to tell you how grateful we are, you listeners who make these anniversaries possible. We want to thank you and tell you we have very, very thrilled tonight.

[Lennox R. Lore]

To say good night.

[Andy]

Good night, folks.

[Amos]

This program has come to you through the National Broadcasting Company.

[Narrator]

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