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

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Amos & Andy 39-03-31 March Of Time Gag Show"

Episode Information:

• Title: Amos & Andy 39-03-31 March Of Time Gag Show
• Release Date: May 17, 2025
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: A nostalgic dive into the beloved radio shows of the Golden Age of Radio, featuring classics like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet.

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Introduction to Amos & Andy

The episode embarks on a reenactment that chronicles the rise of one of the most iconic radio shows, Amos & Andy, through the visionary efforts of Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll. The narrative captures their journey from aspiring radio personalities to household names, shaping the landscape of early American radio.

The Birth of a Legend (00:43 - 01:30)

The story begins in March 1928 at WMAQ Chicago, where Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll discuss their ambitions in radio.

• Freeman Gosden (00:43): "These two ambitious young men decided on a name that was destined to become a household word."

• Narrator (01:00): "From the March of Time, pertinent facts that will live forever in the pages of Variety and the Hollywood Reporter."

Gosden and Correll settle on the memorable name Amos and Andy, marking the inception of what would become a legendary radio duo.

The Audition Process

Securing the perfect announcer was pivotal for Gosden and Correll. The duo was dissatisfied with existing announcers whose clarity overshadowed the desired comedic effect.

Meeting Bill Hay (01:30 - 04:27)

After numerous auditions, they encounter Bill Hay and Mr. Weed, whose performances offer contrasting styles.

• Freeman Gosden (02:16): "Oh, yeah, yeah. Say, I like this fella."

• Narrator (02:30): "After tedious hours of auditioning applicants, Bill Hay was selected to announce the program."

Bill Hay's unique delivery, characterized by mumbling and unclear speech, aligned perfectly with Gosden and Correll's vision, leading to his selection over Mr. Weed.

Rise to Popularity

With Bill Hay onboard, Amos & Andy swiftly captured the nation's attention, becoming a staple in households across America.

Nationwide Impact (04:36 - 07:13)

The show resonated with diverse audiences, from Florida to California, fostering a communal listening experience.

• Freeman Gosden (05:18): "Well, you ain't working your head off doing nothing except right in that tree."

• Narrator (06:01): "As the phenomenal popularity of Amos and Andy mounted steadily."

The show's success led to increased sales of radio sets, extended broadcasting hours, and even influenced power companies due to heightened electricity usage from late-night listening.

International Fame and Expansion (07:13 - 11:24)

Amos & Andy transcended American borders, gaining listeners in distant lands such as Shukdal Fatifas and Hydra Kuldafad.

• Narrator (09:12): "Foreign countries likewise buzzed with the excitement of Amos and Andy's popularity."

The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) expanded its infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand, establishing new facilities and adding stations to maintain the show's widespread reach.

The Mysterious Disappearance (11:24 - 11:42)

After over a decade of consistent broadcasting, listeners nationwide experienced an unexpected and baffling phenomenon: Amos & Andy vanished from the airwaves.

Listener Reactions (11:42 - 11:54)

Across various states, listeners expressed confusion and disappointment.

• Freeman Gosden (08:27): "Very strange. They're just not on the dial. They've disappeared. Very strange."

• Charles Correll (08:38): "Amos Nandy ain't on the air no more."

The sudden absence of the beloved show left millions in mourning, unable to comprehend the unexplained cessation of their nightly entertainment.

Scientific Endeavors and Extraterrestrial Contact (11:54 - 11:24)

In an intriguing twist, the episode delves into an imaginative narrative where national grief leads to an unprecedented scientific breakthrough.

Attempting Contact with Mars (09:38 - 11:24)

NBC's executives and scientists attempt to communicate with Martians to uncover the mystery behind Amos & Andy's disappearance.

• Charles Correll (10:36): "Fellow Martian, what is this strange thing we hear from the Earth people today?"

• Freeman Gosden (10:54): "Might be, might be. Yes, might be."

Despite their efforts, the communication remains cryptic, with the voices of Amos & Andy only audible to Martian listeners, suggesting a fantastical explanation for their simultaneous erasure from Earth's radios.

Conclusion of Content (11:24)

The reenactment concludes with introspective thoughts on the enduring legacy of Amos & Andy despite their mysterious silence, highlighting the show's lasting impact on radio history.

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Notable Quotes:

1. Freeman Gosden on Selecting the Announcer (04:01):

   • "That does it, Mr. Hay. Boy, the way you pronounce ear ium, nobody would know what you're saying."

2. Charles Correll Reflecting on Disappearance (08:38):

   • "Amos Nandy ain't on the air no more."

3. Narrator on Show’s Popularity (06:01):

   • "As the phenomenal popularity of Amos and Andy mounted steadily."

4. Freeman Gosden on Listener Engagement (05:22):

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

5. Charles Correll Addressing Martians (10:36):

   • "Fellow Martian, what is this strange thing we hear from the Earth people today?"

Final Thoughts:

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully blends historical reenactment with creative storytelling to honor the legacy of Amos & Andy. By illustrating the show's inception, meteoric rise, and enigmatic disappearance, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of its significance in the Golden Age of Radio. The inclusion of memorable quotes and vivid scenes ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers are engaged and informed.

Transcript

[Freeman Gosden]

Jegaro los nuevos make crispy strips. Listos paraventurace in la mesca de Mayo Ketchup. La barbecue Que quettono del fondo de la cajita Hot fudge sundae and la Nueva Creamy Chili McCrispy Strip Dip Los Nuevos McCrispy strips out in McDonald's.

[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.

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

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.

[Charles Correll]

Now, first of all, see, you gotta get a name for the act.

[Bill Hay]

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

[Freeman Gosden]

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

[Charles Correll]

I'm sorry.

[Narrator]

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

But an announce 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.

[Bill Hay]

Say, Charlie, there's two announcers outside the one on audition. Let's give them a listen.

[Freeman Gosden]

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

[Bill Hay]

Okay, fellas, come on in.

[Narrator]

Now.

[Bill Hay]

This is my partner, Mr. Correll. This is Mr. Hay and Mr. Weed.

[Freeman Gosden]

Glad to meet you.

[Charles Correll]

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

[Mr. Weed]

I'm happy to force the straightaway. Cause you read a boy and I don't want to spell a business terrible. What I say I'm happy to be back in far and brace the stingray not at Warham is the cab Ripley. Oh, so much interesting.

[Freeman Gosden]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Say, I like this fella.

[Bill Hay]

Well, let's listen to both of them.

[Freeman Gosden]

Okay.

[Bill Hay]

All right. Mr. Hay, if you read this, please.

[Charles Correll]

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

[Bill Hay]

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

[Mr. Weed]

Certainly, folks, if you'll just use Friday force to strain a beat twice a week, old mate. And all the folks who use it for their preacher's Feed is more. It uses fatal drainer beet not because I'll use it right in between your gums.

[Freeman Gosden]

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

[Mr. Weed]

Be glad to. Folks, if you'll just remember to use the water fly speed at all the trade base and have the cattle want to speed. Don't use matter me because it's estate and writing your upper bridge work.

[Bill Hay]

Emerson, that's fine. Now, if you both wait outside for a moment, I'll let you go.

[Narrator]

Okay, Ms. Bentley.

[Mr. Weed]

All right.

[Bill Hay]

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

[Freeman Gosden]

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

[Bill Hay]

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.

[Bill Hay]

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

[Mr. Weed]

Certainly, Mr. Garza. Folks, you see, when you use fatted fort to standard plates you had received twice a day, we find that vapor sacred. Not that he called rabisin. And the reason for that is because ron of us the carbocated sealer permanently and contains irum.

[Bill Hay]

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

[Charles Correll]

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

[Bill Hay]

That does it, Mr. Hay. You got the job. Boy, the way you pronounce ear ium, 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.

[Mr. Weed]

Oh, what's the use if I come? Say you fight the steam you've already freed. You can't even get pressed. I just want water illuminated.

[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.

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 blackface team into their homes. Here's a typical Florida home trip we.

[Freeman Gosden]

Taking while we working putting up a tent. You writing there with a pencil piece of piece.

[Narrator]

A typical Iowa home.

[Freeman Gosden]

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

[Narrator]

A typical California home.

[Bill Hay]

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 tree.

[Narrator]

A typical Illinois home.

[Freeman Gosden]

Not only that, I as mad.

[Bill Hay]

All right, you going to keep on now. You can catch a bus or something.

[Narrator]

A typical New England home.

[Freeman Gosden]

All you doing is well. I asked you fellows to go to Petersburg, West Virginia.

[Bill Hay]

Petersburg.

[Narrator]

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.

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 Shukdal Fatifas, for example, even to the sunny shores of Hydra Kuldafad, people were heard to say.

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

New facilities had to be installed on the network. More stations added to meet the increasing demands of listeners. Years pass. Gosden and Carell 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.

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.

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

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.

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 3, April 3, 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.

[Narrator]

A typical Iowa farmer does likewise.

[Charles Correll]

Well, darn it, Ma, that's funny. Amos Nandy ain't on the air no more.

[Bill Hay]

Can't figure it out.

[Narrator]

A typical Californian falteringly fingers the dial of his radio.

[Bill Hay]

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

[Narrator]

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

And the sunny shores of Hydra Kaldofar.

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.

[Charles Correll]

Hello there squeegees. Are you given to misunderstanding me or is what I am hearing making me the labeling under a Ms. Apple Dumpling? It is the strangest thing this what you are 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.

[Narrator]

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

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

[Charles Correll]

Fellow Martian, what is this strange thing we hear from the Earth people today?

[Freeman Gosden]

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

[Charles Correll]

Something to keep the hair down, no doubt.

[Freeman Gosden]

Might be, might be. Yes, might be.

[Charles Correll]

I also heard mention of one Amos and Andy too.

[Freeman Gosden]

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 giant octopus like organization to the Columbia Broadcasting System small minnow like organization are heard only by those living on the planet Mars.

Time March.

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