Amos & Andy 39-03-31 March Of Time Gag Show

Summary

Podcast Summary: Amos & Andy 39-03-31 March Of Time Gag Show

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Amos & Andy 39-03-31 March Of Time Gag Show
• Release Date: April 20, 2025

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Introduction

Harold's Old Time Radio presents a unique reenactment episode titled "Amos & Andy 39-03-31 March Of Time Gag Show", which delves into the storied history of the iconic radio duo, Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll. This episode combines historical narration with scripted dialogues, offering listeners an engaging blend of factual recounting and creative storytelling.

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Formation of "Amos and Andy"

The episode begins by setting the scene in March 1928, highlighting the ambitions of Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll as they venture into the burgeoning world of radio at WMAQ Chicago.

• Narrator [00:34]: "Today we bring you reenactments of memorable scenes from the history of two ambitious young men, Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll, who have done much to make radio history."

In their initial meeting with the radio station manager, the two men discuss the importance of branding their act.

• Freeman Gosden [01:27]: "First of all, see, you gotta get a name for the act."
• Charles Correll [01:31]: "See, we've already got a name for it. Sam and Henry."
• Freeman Gosden [01:34]: "No, Freeman. We're gonna call ourselves Amos and Andy."

This decision marks the birth of a name destined to resonate deeply with American households.

• Narrator [01:37]: "And so these two ambitious young men decided on a name that was destined to become a household word."

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Auditioning Announcers

A pivotal moment in the formation of Amos and Andy revolves around the selection of the right announcer to complement their act. Freeman and Charles are meticulous, seeking a voice that perfectly matches their show's unique style.

• Narrator [01:45]: "But an announcer was needed. Audition after audition was held. Hundreds of announcers were heard, but none satisfied these two ambitious young men."

Two candidates, Bill Hay and Bill Weed, audition for the role. Their performances reveal contrasting styles:

• Bill Hay [02:17]: "I'm happy to force the straight away. Cause you read a warden. I don't want to spell a business."

  His speech is clear and precise, making his announcements easily understandable.

• Bill Weed [02:27]: "Certainly, folks, if you'll just use Friday force to state it read twice a week. And all the folks who use it for their preacher, Steve Morse. And use it right a bait not because I'll use it right in between your gums."

  Weed's delivery is muddled and hard to comprehend.

Freeman and Charles deliberate the auditions:

• Freeman Gosden [03:23]: "You know, I like that Bill Hay. What about you?"
• Frederick Correll [03:26]: "No, I don't agree. I like the other fella. You can understand him better."

After further assessment, they favor Bill Hay for his clear pronunciation, deeming Bill Weed's overly articulate speech unsuitable.

• Charles Correll [04:16]: "That does it, Mr. Hay. You got the job. Boy, the way you pronounce erium, nobody would know what you're saying."

Thus, Bill Hay is chosen as the announcer, cementing the show's format.

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Rise to Popularity

With the right team in place, Amos and Andy swiftly captures the nation's attention. The episode vividly illustrates the show's widespread appeal across various American households and even internationally.

• Narrator [05:06]: "Within a few months, homes throughout the country eagerly awaited the hour every night when the National Broadcasting Company giant octopus like organization brought this black face team into their homes."

Vignettes depict typical families from Florida, Iowa, California, Oregon, Illinois, and New England, showcasing diverse settings united by their love for the show. For instance:

• Freeman Gosden [05:10]: "Yes, yes, thank you, Gabby."
• Charles Correll [05:22]: "You want to go down to the waterfront and get some fresh fish. You know, we got a lot of fish around Boston."

As the show's popularity explodes, it leads to increased sales of radio sets and greater consumption of electricity, benefiting power companies.

• Narrator [06:16]: "As the phenomenal popularity of Amos and Andy mounted steadily."

The show's influence even reaches abroad:

• Narrator [06:16]: "Foreign countries likewise buzzed with the excitement of Amos and Andy's popularity. In the far off land of Shukdra Al Fatifas, for example, even to the sunny shores of Hydra Kodafad, people were heard to say..."

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The Disappearance

After 11 years of uninterrupted broadcasting, a mysterious phenomenon causes Amos and Andy to vanish from the airwaves, leaving millions of listeners across the nation in dismay.

• Narrator [08:09]: "April 3, 1939. A strange phenomenon of radio is being excitedly discussed. Wherever radio listeners gather, wherever that is."

Listeners from diverse backgrounds express their frustration and sadness:

• Freeman Gosden [08:42]: "Very strange. They're just not on the dial. They've disappeared. Very strange."
• Charles Correll [09:13]: "Pour me a strong glass of Orange juice, Mary, I'm gonna sit at this radio all night until I get him. I just can't."

The sudden absence sparks confusion and grief, leading to widespread speculation about the cause.

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Aftermath and Sci-Fi Twist

In the aftermath of the disappearance, the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) grapples with the unexplained silence. An NBC executive shares insights into the bewildering event.

• NBC Executive [09:53]: "Hello there, squeegees. Are you given to misunderstanding me or is what I'm hearing making me the labeling under Ms. Apple Dumpling?"

As time progresses without resolution, a dramatic and fantastical twist unfolds. An American scientist successfully establishes communication with Martians through "panthoscope telepath frequencies," leading to the revelation that Amos and Andy broadcasts are now confined to the planet Mars.

• Freeman Gosden [10:49]: "Pray tell, fellow Martian, what is this strange thing we hear from the Earth people today?"
• Freeman Gosden [11:14]: "I also heard mention of one Amos and Andy too."

The show's transition from NBC to the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) is humorously portrayed as they become exclusively audible to Martian inhabitants.

• Narrator [11:24]: "Strange indeed is this phenomenon that Amos and Andy since moving from the National Broadcasting Company to giant octopus like organization to the Columbia Broadcasting System small minnow like organization are heard only by those living on the planet Mars."

This sci-fi element adds a whimsical layer to the historical narrative, blending reality with imaginative fiction.

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Conclusion

The "Amos & Andy 39-03-31 March Of Time Gag Show" episode masterfully intertwines historical facts with creative storytelling, painting a vivid picture of the meteoric rise and mysterious disappearance of one of radio's most beloved acts. By incorporating notable quotes and precise timestamps, the episode ensures an engaging and informative experience for listeners, both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Freeman Gosden [01:27]: "First of all, see, you gotta get a name for the act."
• Freeman Gosden [01:34]: "No, Freeman. We're gonna call ourselves Amos and Andy."
• Freeman Gosden [03:23]: "You know, I like that Bill Hay. What about you?"
• Charles Correll [04:16]: "That does it, Mr. Hay. You got the job. Boy, the way you pronounce erium, nobody would know what you're saying."
• Freeman Gosden [08:42]: "Very strange. They're just not on the dial. They've disappeared. Very strange."
• Charles Correll [09:13]: "Pour me a strong glass of Orange juice, Mary, I'm gonna sit at this radio all night until I get him. I just can't."
• Freeman Gosden [10:49]: "Pray tell, fellow Martian, what is this strange thing we hear from the Earth people today?"

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This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the Amos & Andy 39-03-31 March Of Time Gag Show episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of its content and thematic elements.

Transcript

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[Announcer]

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[Narrator]

The March of Time. Today we bring you reenactments of memorable scenes from the history of two ambitious young men, Freeman Gosden and Charles Carell, who have done much to make radio history.

[Announcer]

Pertinent facts that will live forever in the pages of Variety and the Hol. Hollywood Reporter. From the March of Time.

[Narrator]

March 1928. These two ambitious young men sit in the office of radio station WMAQ Chicago. They talk to the manager. They want to try their hand at this thing called radio.

[Freeman Gosden]

Out. First of all, see, you gotta get a name for the act.

[Charles Correll]

See, we've already got a name for it. Sam and Henry.

[Freeman Gosden]

No, Freeman. We're gonna call ourselves Amos and Andy.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry. And so these two ambitious young men decided on a name that was destined to become a household word.

[Announcer]

But an announcer was needed. Audition after audition was held. Hundreds of announcers were heard, but none satisfied these two ambitious young men. Every announcer so far had spoken too clearly. People would be able to understand what he was saying. And then one day.

[Charles Correll]

Say, Charlie, there's two announcers outside. They want an audition. Let's give them a listen.

[Freeman Gosden]

I hope they're what we're looking for. Bring them in.

[Charles Correll]

Okay, fellas, come on in now. This is my partner, Mr. Carell. This is Mr. Hay and Mr. Weed.

[Freeman Gosden]

Glad to meet you.

Hi, laddie. It's very great to meet you, too.

[Bill Hay]

I'm happy to force the straight away. Cause you read a warden. I don't want to spell a business.

[Freeman Gosden]

What?

[Bill Hay]

I say, I'm happy to be back and forth at Brace Distillery now, tomorrow.

[Freeman Gosden]

Oh, yeah? Yeah. Say, I like this fellow.

[Charles Correll]

Well, let's listen to both of them.

[Freeman Gosden]

Okay?

[Announcer]

All right.

[Charles Correll]

Mr. Hay, if you read this, please.

[Freeman Gosden]

Sure, laddie. Aye. If you'll all gather aboot your lewd speaker for a wee minute, I'd gladly tell you about this great new toothpaste we're offering.

[Charles Correll]

That's fine, Mr. Hay. And now, Mr. Weed, if you just read the same announcement.

[Bill Hay]

Certainly, folks, if you'll just use Friday force to state it read twice a week. And all the folks who use it for their preacher, Steve Morse. And use it right a bait not because I'll use it right in between your gums.

[Freeman Gosden]

I wonder if you'd read that for me again.

[Bill Hay]

Be glad to. Folks, if you'll just remember to use the water 5 speed. It calls the trade base. And have the cattle water speed. Don't use vat of me because it's estate and riding your upper bridge work. Emerson, Emerson, that's fine.

[Charles Correll]

Now if you both wait outside for a moment.

[Narrator]

All right, let's go. Okay, this is fine.

[Bill Hay]

All right.

[Charles Correll]

You know, I like that Bill Hay. What about you?

[Freeman Gosden]

No, I don't agree. I like the other fella. You can understand him better.

[Charles Correll]

Well, it ain't a case of understanding him. It's the type to match our program. That's more important.

[Freeman Gosden]

Well, let's have him read just a couple more lines apiece and then we'll decide.

[Charles Correll]

All right. Will you come in again, please, gentlemen? Now, Mr. Weed, if you'll just read a couple of lines for us.

[Bill Hay]

Certainly, Mr. Garza. Folks, you see, when you use spatiforpt astaniphates if you had received twice a day, we find that vapor said. Nothing called vapor said. And the reason for that is because. Raul, Boss. The capacita sealed upon it and contains irium.

[Charles Correll]

Now that's fine, Mr. Weed. Now Mr. Hay, please.

[Freeman Gosden]

Ay, laddie lads and lassies, when you use our great pruduct, your teeth will be brighter than ever because it contains.

[Announcer]

E.

[Charles Correll]

That does it, Mr. Hay. You got the job. Boy, the way you pronounce erium, nobody would know what you're saying. I'm sorry, Mr. Weed, but your pronunciation is too good. We can understand what you're saying.

[Bill Hay]

Oh, what's the use? If I'm saying you fight the state immediately. If I'm free, you can't even get president State. I just want some water, isn't it?

[Narrator]

And so, after tedious hours of auditioning applicants, Bill Hay was selected to announce the program of these two ambitious young men, Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll.

[Announcer]

Within a few months, homes throughout the country eagerly awaited the hour every night when the National Broadcasting Company giant octopus like organization brought this black face team into their homes. Here's a typical Florida home.

[Charles Correll]

While we.

[Freeman Gosden]

Working, putting up a tent, you writing there with a pencil, piece of paper.

[Narrator]

A typical Iowa home.

[Freeman Gosden]

Yes, yes, thank you, Gabby.

[Charles Correll]

Huh?

[Freeman Gosden]

I told you I was going to do that. I going to keep a record of the.

[Announcer]

A typical California home.

[Charles Correll]

You want to go down to the waterfront and get some fresh fish. You know, we got a lot of fish around Boston.

[Narrator]

A typical Oregon home doing a lot of cooking.

[Freeman Gosden]

Well, you ain't working your head off doing nothing except right in that craze or something.

[Announcer]

A typical Illinois home.

[Freeman Gosden]

Not only that, I is mad.

All right.

[Charles Correll]

You gonna keep on now. You can catch a bus or something.

[Narrator]

A typical New England home.

[Charles Correll]

All you doing is crabbing.

[Freeman Gosden]

Well, I asked you fellas to go to Petersburg, West Virginia.

[Charles Correll]

Petersburg.

[Announcer]

Throughout the country, millions listened eagerly and laughed heartily. Children wouldn't go to bed. Old folks stayed up way past their bedtime. Night after night, power companies made extra profit. For never before had so many people burned electric lights so late at night. More radio sets were sold. As the phenomenal popularity of Amos and Andy mounted steadily.

[Narrator]

People were grateful to the National Broadcasting Company, giant octopus like organization for making it possible through their facilities to hear the famed team. Foreign countries likewise buzzed with the excitement of Amos and Andy's popularity. In the far off land of Shukdra Al Fatifas, for example, even to the sunny shores of Hydra Kodafad, people were heard to say.

[Announcer]

And so it was through the years. The popularity of Amos and Andy steadily mounted. Three years, five years, seven years.

[Narrator]

New facilities had to be installed on the network. More stations added to meet the increasing demands of listeners. Years pass. Gosden and Corel begin to winter in Palm Springs. Broadcasting from the tower of famed El Mirador hotel in the desert resort. No other studio satisfied this team that towered above all others.

[Announcer]

Let's look in on Gosden and Carell. Basking in the warm sunshine that beats down on the turquoise waters of the El mirador swimming pool. 11 years pass.

[Narrator]

11 years and two weeks of steady broadcasting over the network of The National Broadcasting Company, giant octopus like organization. Time marches on.

[Announcer]

April 3, 1939. A strange phenomenon of radio is being excitedly discussed. Wherever radio listeners gather, wherever that is. Millions of faithful followers of Amos and.

[Narrator]

Andy are grieving, sad indeed that with all the powers of science today no one is able to understand this strange phenomenon. It is evening, March 3rd. April 3rd, 1939. A retired banker in a typical Florida home sits by, his radio, defeat in his eyes, slowly twisting the tuning dial.

[Freeman Gosden]

Very strange. They're just not on the dial. They've disappeared. Very strange.

[Announcer]

A typical Iowa farmer does likewise.

[Freeman Gosden]

Well, darn it, Ma, that's funny. He Miss Nandy ain't on the air no more. Can't figure it out.

[Narrator]

A typical Californian falteringly fingers the dial of his radio.

[Charles Correll]

Pour me a strong glass of Orange juice, Mary, I'm gonna sit at this radio all night until I get him. I just can't.

[Narrator]

So it was throughout the entire nation. Even in the far off land of Shugdral Fatifas.

[Announcer]

And the sunny shores of Hydrakalda Farm.

[Narrator]

Meantime, National Broadcasting Company, giant octopus like organization, sits by awaiting developments. One of the NBC executives, vice president in charge of what happened in Studio E gives his views on the matter.

[Freeman Gosden]

Hello there, squeegees. Are you given to misunderstanding me or is what I'm hearing making me the labeling under Ms. Apple Dumpling? It is the strangest thing, this what you're talking about. It is not for me to be sitting here telling myself in a loud voice what is happening. Because even if you told me, I would know anyway.

[Announcer]

Time marches on. Weeks have passed. The first utter grief of a nation's loss is deeply felt until one day one of America's eminent scientists finally succeeds in contacting through panthoscope telepath frequencies voices from the planet Mars.

[Narrator]

Through our NBC special Events department, we are now going to attempt a contact with the inhabitants on this far off planet.

[Freeman Gosden]

Pray tell, fellow Martian, what is this strange thing we hear from the Earth people today?

I really don't know, compatriot with a garbled message anent to use of soup, whatever that might be.

Something to keep the hair down, no doubt.

Might be. Might be. Yes, might be.

I also heard mention of one Amos and Andy too.

Strange that we should hear these things on Mars.

[Narrator]

Strange indeed is this phenomenon that Amos and Andy since moving from the National Broadcasting Company to giant octopus like organization to the Columbia Broadcasting System small minnow like organization are heard only by those living on the planet Mars.

[Announcer]

Time marches on.