Harold's Old Time Radio: Summary of "Amos & Andy 40-05-19 And The Winner Is"
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Introduction
In this engaging episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, featuring the beloved characters Amos and Andy. The episode centers around the duo's endeavor to organize a beauty contest at their local Lodge, showcasing the show's signature humor and social dynamics of the time.
Planning the Beauty Contest
Amos and Andy, alongside their friends Kingfish and Fred Gwindell, convene in Andy's office to discuss the success of a recent masquerade event. Inspired by its financial success, they decide to host a beauty contest sponsored by the Lodge.
- Amos: "Yeah, Fred, we're going to hold a big beauty contest with the Lodge in back of us." (01:19)
- Kingfish: “We’re going to make a lot of money on it, too.” (01:24)
Establishing Contest Rules and Entry
Andy outlines the contest structure, proposing a $2 entry fee for participants who submit their photographs. Amos takes charge of organizing the rules, ensuring clarity and fairness in the competition.
- Amos: "Rule one, you gotta be a woman. Rule two, you gotta be a woman with $2." (02:28)
- Amos: "Rule three, you gotta weigh less than 184 pounds and be under 38 years old." (02:43)
Bribery Attempt by Mr. Washington
Mr. Washington, the father of a contestant named Thelma, approaches Kingfish with an offer to influence the contest's outcome. He proposes a bribe to ensure his daughter's victory, prompting Kingfish to address the ethical dilemma.
- Mr. Washington: "Andy Brown's gonna be one of the judges, ain't he?" (04:00)
- Kingfish: "Mr. Washington, is I to understand that you was trying to bribe us?" (04:17)
Judges' Deliberations
As the contest progresses, Amos and Andy review the submitted photographs. They express their opinions on the contestants, particularly scrutinizing Thelma Washington and Henrietta Snow. The discussions reveal personal biases and the challenges of maintaining fairness.
- Amos: "Amos, I'm getting dizzy looking at the pictures of all these gals in the contest." (06:07)
- Amos: "Wait a minute, that's George Washington's daughter, Thelma." (07:09)
Involvement of Cecil B. DeMille
Seeking to resolve the deadlock between the two judges—Amos supporting Thelma and Henry Van Porter backing Henrietta—Amos and Kingfish enlist the help of the renowned Hollywood director, Cecil B. DeMille. DeMille agrees to join as a third judge, adding prestige and impartiality to the contest.
- Kingfish: "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." (14:24)
- Cecil B. DeMille: "I’d be happy to." (15:39)
Prize Presentation and Winner Announcement
On the night of the contest at the Lodge hall, Cecil B. DeMille announces the winner, Miss Mildred Forrest, much to the surprise and disappointment of Amos and Kingfish. It is later revealed that Mildred is DeMille's cook's daughter, highlighting issues of favoritism and integrity within the judging process.
- Cecil B. DeMille: "I hereby award the title of Harlem's Beauty Queen to Miss Mildred Forrest." (22:32)
- Amos: "How did you happen to pick Mildred Forrest?" (23:35)
- Cecil B. DeMille: "She happens to be the daughter of my cook." (24:35)
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Cecil B. DeMille wrapping up the contest and teasing future episodes. The narrative underscores themes of fairness, integrity, and the influence of personal relationships in competitive settings, all delivered with the characteristic charm and wit of Amos and Andy.
- Cecil B. DeMille: "Be sure to tune in next Friday night at this same time for another half hour of fun with Amos and Andy." (25:09)
Notable Quotes
- Amos on Contest Rules: "Rule one, you gotta be a woman. Rule two, you gotta be a woman with $2." (02:28)
- Kingfish Confronting Bribery: "Mr. Washington, is I to understand that you was trying to bribe us?" (04:17)
- Henry Van Porter's Integrity: "I will not stand for it." (13:28)
- DeMille's Justification: "She happens to be the daughter of my cook." (24:35)
Analysis and Insights
This episode deftly combines humor with social commentary, reflecting the era's cultural nuances. The attempted bribery and subsequent favoritism highlight issues of corruption and nepotism, while the involvement of a high-profile guest like Cecil B. DeMille adds layers of complexity and irony to the narrative. The dynamic between the characters illustrates varying perspectives on beauty standards and ethical judgment, making the episode a rich tapestry of entertainment and subtle critique.
Listeners are left to ponder the true meaning of beauty and the importance of unbiased judgment, all while enjoying the timeless antics of Amos and Andy.
Conclusion
"Amos & Andy 40-05-19 And The Winner Is" is a quintessential episode that captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through its lively characters and engaging plot, it offers both laughs and thoughtful reflections on societal values.
Time Stamps Reference
- 00:01 – Wayfair Advertisement
- 01:19 – Planning the Beauty Contest
- 02:28 – Contest Rules
- 04:00 – Bribery Attempt
- 06:07 – Judges' Deliberations
- 14:24 – Involvement of Cecil B. DeMille
- 22:32 – Winner Announcement
- 24:35 – DeMille's Justification
- 25:09 – Episode Conclusion
Note: The timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and are intended to guide listeners to specific moments within the episode.