Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Amos & Andy 40-05-19 And The Winner Is
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the beloved Golden Age of Radio with the iconic duo, Amos Jones and Andy Brown. Titled "Amos & Andy 40-05-19 And The Winner Is," the episode revolves around the bustling preparations and unexpected twists of a local beauty contest organized by Amos and Andy under the sponsorship of their Lodge.
Planning the Beauty Contest
The episode kicks off with Amos Jones and Andy Brown brainstorming ideas to capitalize on their recent success. Following a profitable masquerade event, they decide to host a beauty contest to further boost their lodge's finances.
- Amos Jones [01:49]: "Yeah, Fred, we're going to hold a big beauty contest with the lodge in back of us."
- Kingfish [01:54]: "Yeah. And as the contest manager, I can say that we're going to make a lot of money on it too."
Their enthusiasm is palpable as they discuss leveraging the lodge's members' financial goodwill to maximize profits.
Establishing Contest Rules and Entry Process
Amos meticulously outlines the contest rules, ensuring it's both fair and lucrative.
- Amos Jones [02:10]: "After all, Fred, the time to milk a cow is when she got milk. You know."
The rules are straightforward:
- Entry Fee: $2 per participant.
- Eligibility: Must be a woman, weigh less than 184 pounds, and be under 38 years old to prevent reigning queens from dominating.
- Judging: Andy and Henry Van Porter are appointed as judges.
Amos Jones [02:58]: "I'll read them to you. Rules of beauty contest. Rule one, you gotta be a woman. Rule two, you gotta be a woman with $2."
The prize—a silver loving cup with the winner's name inscribed—adds a tangible incentive for participation.
Judge Selection and Potential Bribery
As entries begin to pour in, tensions rise between the judges, Henry Van Porter and Amos. Kingfish navigates the murky waters of contest integrity when Mr. Washington, a contestant's father, approaches with a questionable proposal.
- Mr. Washington [04:30]: "Andy Brown's gonna be one of the judges, ain't he?"
- Kingfish [04:47]: "Mr. Washington, if I'd understand that you was trying to bribe us, I want you to know here and now that this contest is on the level."
Mr. Washington offers a bribe to ensure his daughter, Thelma, wins, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by Amos and Andy.
Deadlock Among Judges
The competition between judges deepens as both support different contestants, leading to a deadlock.
- Amos Jones [05:16]: "I'm getting dizzy looking at the pictures of all these gals in the contest. Tell me this, is they pretty or is I getting old?"
- Amos Jones [09:19]: "Yeah, well, she is definitely a different. Different type, all right."
Henry favors Henrietta Snow, praising her unique beauty, while Amos supports Thelma Washington, causing a stalemate that threatens the contest's outcome.
Bringing in Cecil B. DeMille as a Third Judge
To resolve the impasse, Amos and Kingfish seek the expertise of Hollywood legend Cecil B. DeMille as a third judge, hoping his influence will lend credibility to the contest.
- Kingfish [13:33]: "We might speak to her and see if she would ask Mr. DeMille if he would be kind enough to be one of our judges."
DeMille's involvement introduces a high-profile element, but his impartiality is soon called into question.
The Final Decision and Twist
During the contest announcement, DeMille delivers an unexpected verdict by selecting a third contestant, Mildred Forrest, instead of siding with either judge's preferred candidate.
- Cecil B. DeMille [23:33]: "Therefore, I hereby award the title of Harlem's Beauty Queen to Miss Mildred Forrest."
Amos and Kingfish are bewildered by the decision, suspecting favoritism.
Confronting DeMille reveals the twist:
- Henry Van Porter [25:36]: "She happens to be the daughter of my cook."
This revelation exposes the underlying bias and corruption, undermining the contest's integrity and highlighting themes of nepotism and favoritism.
Conclusion and Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with DeMille's departure and the aftermath of the contested decision, leaving Amos and Andy to reflect on the complexities of organizing such events. The narrative underscores the challenges of maintaining fairness and the ease with which personal interests can influence ostensibly impartial judgments.
Listeners are left anticipating the next installment, where Amos and Andy navigate further comedic and ethical dilemmas.
Notable Quotes
- Amos Jones [02:58]: "Rules of beauty contest. Rule one, you gotta be a woman."
- Amos Jones [05:16]: "I'm getting dizzy looking at the pictures of all these gals in the contest. Tell me this, is they pretty or is I getting old?"
- Cecil B. DeMille [23:33]: "Therefore, I hereby award the title of Harlem's Beauty Queen to Miss Mildred Forrest."
- Henry Van Porter [25:36]: "She happens to be the daughter of my cook."
Themes and Insights
- Ethical Dilemmas: The episode explores the ease with which personal gain can corrupt fair proceedings.
- Bias and Nepotism: DeMille's favoritism towards his cook's daughter underscores the impact of personal relationships on professional decisions.
- Integrity vs. Profit: Amos and Andy's initial intention to profit from the contest is tested by ethical challenges, reflecting real-world conflicts between integrity and monetary incentives.
Final Thoughts
"Amos & Andy 40-05-19 And The Winner Is" masterfully blends humor with poignant social commentary, capturing the essence of classic radio storytelling. Through its engaging plot and memorable characters, the episode offers both entertainment and a critical look at human nature and societal norms.