Amos & Andy - Andy Is Shot in the Arm

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: Amos & Andy - Andy Is Shot in the Arm

Original Air Date: March 26, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio revisits a classic “Amos & Andy” broadcast, capturing an eventful and comedic church wedding between Andrew H. Brown and Lady Greene. The episode highlights the rich character interplay, pre-wedding jitters, and a dramatic twist when Andy is unexpectedly shot in the arm, blending situational humor with the melodrama characteristic of Golden Age radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Wedding Preparations and Nerves (00:30–08:26)

• The scene is set with a detailed description of the church, filled with friends and prominent characters from the series. The Kingfish is to give the bride away, Ruby (Amos’s wife) acts as matron of honor, and Amos is Andy’s best man.

• Andy is intensely nervous about the wedding, displaying cold feet and physical symptoms ("My mouth is getting dry just like I told you it was. I feel like I got a mouthful of cotton." — Andy, 04:57).

• Amos tries to reassure Andy, reviewing the sequence of events for the ceremony and offering companionship:

  “Now, take it easy, son. Come on now, pull yourself together.” — Amos (04:54)

• Kingfish enters, attempting to comfort Andy and orchestrate the final wedding preparations. The anticipation is palpable as characters fuss about details and timing.

2. The Wedding Ceremony (08:26–11:34)

• The ceremony proceeds with traditional elements: walking down the aisle, music, and the preacher’s solemn words.

• The preacher delivers the vows, prompting both comedic exchanges and moments of sincerity. Andy requires prompting and reassurance, highlighting his lovable, flustered persona.

• Notable quote:

  “Do you, Andrew H. Brown, take this woman whose hand you now hold to be your lawful wedded wife?” — Preacher (10:18)

  “I do.” — Andy (10:18)

• The exchange of vows and rings is played both for sentiment and gentle comedy.

3. The Shocking Twist—Andy Is Shot! (11:34–11:45)

• Just as the preacher moves to pronounce the new couple man and wife, chaos erupts:

  “I shot Andy.” — Amos (11:34) “Is you hurt, Amos? My arm. My right arm. Quick. Somebody shot from the back of the shirt.” — Kingfish (11:35) “Somebody done shot me in the arm.” — Amos (11:44)

• The panic and confusion lend a slapstick quality to the wedding, consistent with the show’s comedic tone. The characters scramble to care for Andy and keep the congregation calm.

4. Closing Reflections and Farewell (11:45–14:30)

• The show wraps up with an announcer addressing the ever-growing popularity of Amos & Andy:

  “Tonight is another step forward in the great career of Amos and Andy. For tonight they are broadcasting over the largest network of stations in their history.” — Announcer (11:53)

• The announcer warmly thanks listeners and encourages everyone to try Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup, reinforcing sponsor integration typical of the era.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Andy’s Pre-Wedding Anxiety:

  “My knees been giving me trouble for the last two days... My legs been acting like they've been made out of rubber.” — Andy (06:16–06:23)

• Amos Offering Comfort:

  “Oh, yeah. I is your best man, son. Now, don't get nervous. And I know just how you feel, but take it easy.” — Amos (06:05)

• Comic Chaos at the Altar:

  “I shot Andy.” — Amos (11:34) “Amos, help me.” — Andy (11:42) “I think I gonna faint.” — Kingfish (11:43)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:30 – Opening Campbell’s Soup advertisement and wedding scene setup
• 04:15–06:30 – Andy expresses extreme nerves to Amos
• 07:10–08:26 – Kingfish coordinates final ceremony details
• 08:54–11:34 – The wedding ceremony: vows, ring, and procession
• 11:34–11:45 – The shooting incident and immediate aftermath
• 11:53–14:30 – Announcer’s reflection and sponsor wrap-up

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Tone and Style

The episode balances warmth and slapstick, using character-driven humor and melodramatic twists to entertain. The language retains the homey, familiar diction that made Amos & Andy a staple of American radio, while sponsor messages are seamlessly woven into the narrative, reflecting the commercial-radio style of the era.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode serves as a classic example of Amos & Andy’s blend of humor, friendship, and chaos. Listeners are drawn into the anticipation of a major life event for Andy, only to have it disrupted in true sitcom fashion. The interplay between characters like Amos, Andy, and the Kingfish brings to life the communal and comedic spirit of early radio entertainment.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Campbell Soups bring you Amos and and. Sam. How do you do, everyone? This is Bill Hay. For many years, Campbell Soups have been a familiar sight on kitchen shelves. Recently, a comparatively new soup, Campbell's Cream of Mushroom, has appeared on thousands of them. This soup has such a delicious, out of the ordinary taste that once a family try it, they usually vote it a place among their regular standby. People who know and love mushrooms have taken keenly to Campbell's Cream of Mushroom. Those who had never tasted mushrooms in any form are just as enthusiastic. Even the smooth, rich look of its creamy surface tempts their appetite, and they find its flavor so delightful that they soon put Campbell's Cream of Mushroom among the dishes they like best. It's a blending of fresh, sweet cream, heavier even than whipping cream and young, cultivated mushrooms. Mushroom flavor fills every spoonful. Mushroom slices abound all through. Why not try Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup tomorrow? Everything is in readiness for the wedding of the Lady Greene to Andrew H. Brown. Last night a complete rehearsal was held at the church. Early this morning, a very elaborate canopy was placed over the entrance, and a thick carpet was laid from the curbstone to the church steps. Now we take you to the church, which is filled almost to capacity. In the congregation there are many girls who Mandy has known in the past. Lightning Van Porter, Brother Crawford, and Gwendel are acting as ushers, and they have successfully seated the entire gathering. At the last minute, it was decided that the kingfish would give the bride away. Amos's wife, Ruby, has agreed to act as matron of honor, and of course, Amos will be the best man for his close friend Andy. As the scene opens now, we hear the organ in the background of the crowded little church. The wedding party is in the rear, but we find the groom, Andy, and his best man in a little room to the left of the altar. The door is open and Amos and Andy are seated so that those in the church cannot see them. Here they are.

[C]

Well, now, don't get nervous Andy, that's the mean thing, you see.

[D]

Well, you'd get nervous, too, if you was in my place.

[C]

I know.

[D]

Death is a big thing, Amos.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Oh, me. Why don't the thing start?

[C]

Well, I think as soon as this music is over from the organ. Then the mixed quartet from the lodge is going to sing one song and. And then they go right into the wedding march. Yeah.

[D]

Peek out that dough there.

[C]

All right, I'll peek out.

[D]

Don't let them see you, though. Is there many people out there?

[C]

Yeah, the church is almost full and cheers, huh? Yeah. I see Madame Quin sitting out there. And they see the bleak, too.

[D]

Oh, me, I's nervous, Amos.

[C]

That's all right. And I with you. Now, take it easy, son. Come on now, pull yourself together.

[D]

My mouth is getting dry just like I told you it was. I feel like I got a mouthful of cotton.

[C]

Now, when you stand up at the altar there. There'll be a table right in front of you. And there it is out there now. And it's got a pitcher of water on there. And the preacher say, it's all right for you to take a drink when you get there. If you feel kind of faint or anything, you see.

[D]

Is there water in the pitcher? I wish I had a drink of it now.

[C]

Yeah, well, the pitcher got water in it. The only thing is, I can't go there and get you a drink of it now, really get out there. Cause the picture will be right in front of you. And then you can take a swallow of it when you get there, you see.

[D]

Why don't they start the thing?

[C]

Yeah, well, don't worry now. It did start in a minute. A couple of people are still coming in. Yeah, I got the ring now, you know.

[D]

Yeah, don't lose that now. What has I gotta do?

[C]

Well, you remember what you done last night at the rehearsal?

[D]

What was that?

[C]

Well, you say I do twice. You say that twice.

[D]

Well, why as I gotta say it twice?

[C]

Well, the preacher asks you two different questions, you see. Then you say, I do once. Then he asks you another question. Then you say, I do again, you see?

[D]

Yeah. You're gonna be standing there by me, ain't you?

[C]

Oh, yeah. I is your best man, son. Now, don't get nervous. And I know just how you feel, but take it easy.

[D]

Yeah, well, stand up close to me now. Cause I can kind of lean on you.

[C]

Yeah, well, that's all right.

[D]

My knees been giving me trouble for the last two days.

[C]

What's the matter with your knees?

[D]

And I don't know My legs been acting like they've been made out of rubber.

[C]

Now, wait a minute, wait a minute.

[E]

Everything going all right now, Andy? Don't worry about nothing. Remember, I looking out for your interest.

[D]

Well, listen, Kingfish, why don't the thing start? Yeah.

[E]

Well, I just sent Layton back there to tell the organ to stop playing and let the mixed chorus sing. Then we go right on.

[C]

I didn't then. We're almost ready to start, Andy.

[D]

I get nervous waiting.

[E]

Yeah, I know you, Andy. Everything gonna be all right.

[D]

This waiting round is getting me. Everybody stick with me now.

[E]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Well, we've been waiting for the bride, you know.

[D]

Well, ain't she here?

[E]

Oh, yeah, she been here, but she been on the telephone out in the front office.

[D]

She talk on the telephone all day. Why can't she let the telephone alone? When she gonna get married?

[C]

Yeah. Well, now, right after the singing, the organ go to the wedding march, Andre, you see.

[D]

Yeah.

[E]

And then we start down the aisle, you see.

[D]

Yeah, yeah.

[E]

Now, the next thing we want to do. Wait a minute, wait a minute.

[C]

Dago are singing now.

[D]

Yeah.

[E]

Well, now, listen, boys, I going to leave you and I. I going to get on in the back of the church there so I can be ready.

[D]

Now.

[E]

We'll start your wedding recession right after the song.

[D]

And brother Andy shake hands. Yeah, yeah.

[E]

Good luck to you.

[D]

Thank you.

[C]

Kingfish, stand up now, Andy, you was all right now, Andy, come on. Now.

[D]

What is the first thing that happened, Amos?

[C]

Well, you remember the rehearsal we had, don't you? You remember what you done last night at the rehearsal?

[D]

Yeah. Me and you walk over and stand there in the middle when the wedding march starts.

[C]

Yeah, that's right. We stand right up at the altar there.

[D]

Well, now, how do they come down the aisle?

[C]

Well, the first thing that happens, the ushers come down first. You see, you got the four ushers. And then my wife Ruby is the matron of honor, you know, and she come down next.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And then how about pudding face? Yeah. Well, the bride comes down with the kingfish. Of course, the kingfish is gonna give her away, you see. And they ask, who give the bride away? And the kingfish is the one that say, I do you. There's the wedding march. Now, come on, let's get on us here. Come on. How I look?

[E]

How I look?

[C]

You look all right. Come on, follow me now.

[D]

Yeah, here I go. Come on.

[B]

Come on.

[C]

Yeah, and that's right. Stand right here now. That's right. Now, faith, Faith, the window that's got all them pretty Colored stained glass in there. And look at that.

[D]

Yeah, I'll stand here like this.

[C]

Yeah, that's it. Now, take your time. They coming down the aisle, Charlie. Everything gonna be all right now.

[D]

Yeah, here come the preacher, too.

[C]

Yeah, you see, he walked out from behind the Palms.

[B]

Yeah, that's right.

[C]

Don't be nervous now.

[D]

Is they coming down the aisle, Amos?

[C]

Yeah, they almost here. And don't forget, now, you gotta turn around and meet your bride. Don't forget that.

[D]

Yeah, you got. You got my ring, agent? You got my ring, agent?

[C]

Yeah, I got it. Yeah, it is right here. Now move over a little bit. There's.

[B]

Here.

[C]

Move over a little bit so your wife can get next to you. I.

[D]

Move over here. Hello, darling.

[E]

Dearly beloved, we are here reverently assembled to see this man and this woman united in marriage, which is a relation divinely instituted and sanctified for the welfare and happiness of mankind. By this relation, the home is established, bringing the truest joys on earth. But it involves unfailing fidelity, unselfish devotion and sometimes loving forbearance. For as much as these two persons have come hither to be made one in this holy estate, if there be any here present who knows any just cause why they may not be lawfully joined in marriage, I require him to make it known, now or ever after hold his peace. A vow shall now be spoken, after which we will bow our heads in prayer. So I ask you, who giveth this woman to be married to this man? I do. As a token of your unfailing desire, and as a token of your united lives, you may join. Your right hand to you, Andrew H. Brown, take this woman whose hand you now hold to be your lawful wedded wife?

[B]

I do.

[E]

Do you promise to love and cherish her in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her so long as ye both shall live?

[B]

I do.

[E]

Do you, Velada Green, take this man whose hand you now hold to be your lawful wedded husband, and do you promise to love and cherish him in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him so long as ye both shall live?

[B]

I do.

[E]

Andy, what pledge do you offer that you will fulfill these vows?

[C]

Here. The ring, Andy.

[D]

This diamond wedding ring.

[E]

Do you, Veta, accept this token of the same?

[D]

I do.

[E]

You will then, Andy, place the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand. You will now join hands. I, by virtue of authority vested in me by the state and this church. I now pronounce you Amos.

[C]

I shot Andy.

[E]

Is you hurt, Amos? My arm. My right arm. Quick. Somebody shot from the back of the shirt.

[C]

Amos.

[D]

My arm.

[C]

King can't help me. We gotta get Andy to a hospital.

[D]

Amos, help me.

[E]

I think I gonna faint.

[C]

Somebody done shot me in the arm.

[E]

Get a hold of him. Oh, come on. We're gonna take him out here.

[B]

Tonight is another step forward in the great career of Amos and Andy. For tonight they are broadcasting over the largest network of stations in their history. I wish for Amos and Andy and Campbell Soup to welcome most heartily their old friends and the hundreds of thousands of new ones who for the first time through these increased stations can now easily hear Amos and Andy each night. Campbell Soups are glad to bring you Amos and Andy because they are such nationally loved characters with a homey philosophy that attacks life's problems in a way that interests, amuses and in so many cases helps. And for my part, I'm glad to be able to talk to a still larger audience to suggest your serving various Campbell soup tonight. I want to suggest this. Won't you try Campbell's Cream of mushroom Soup tomorrow? This may be a new soup to you, but I am confident that if you once serve it, your family will want. Sam, Amos and Andy in person will return to you tomorrow at the this same hour over this same station. This is Bill Hay speaking for Campbell's Cream of mushroom Soup, bidding you all good night.

[E]

This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[A]

The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up, March Madness is here, and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about, get real time scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment.

[C]

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