Amos n Andy Music Hall 55-07-22 (x) Kingfish Needs Money For The Lodge Picnic

Summary

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Episode Overview

Episode Title: Kingfish Needs Money For The Lodge Picnic
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio — Amos n Andy Music Hall
Date: July 22, 1955 (original airdate)
Host(s): Harold, with performances by Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll as Amos and Andy, plus guest singers
Theme:
This episode centers around the comedic misadventures of Kingfish as he desperately tries to raise money for the annual lodge picnic. Financial hijinks, crafty schemes, and classic musical interludes transport listeners back to the golden age of radio humor — all while sharing the warmth and wit that made Amos n Andy a mainstay of American entertainment.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Kingfish’s Money Troubles for the Picnic

• Situation: The main plot revolves around Kingfish’s inability to gather enough funds for the much-anticipated lodge picnic, with the threat of embarrassment looming over his head.
• Amos’s Concern:
  • Amos asks if Kingfish has managed to raise the necessary money.
  • Kingfish admits he is desperate and has not succeeded ([00:42], [00:49]).
• Andy’s Dramatic Warning:
  • Andy humorously exaggerates the consequences of failure, comparing the coming chaos to “Custer’s Last Stand” ([00:51]).

2. Running Gags and Attempts at Fundraising

• Borrowing from Aunt Minnie:
  • Andy jokes Kingfish should wire Aunt Minnie for a "merchant emergency operation," but Kingfish has exhausted those excuses ([03:59]).
• Pawn Shop Follies:
  • Kingfish recounts pawning all he could, including an old raccoon coat and a supposed gold watch, which was revealed to be brass ([08:59] – [09:33]).
  • Memorable quote:
    • Kingfish: "Either Mama or the raccoon had done too much sitting down to make it worthwhile." ([09:11])
    • "The only part of the inscription you could read said American Brass Company, Bridgeport." ([09:33])
• Scheming About the Mother-in-Law’s Bridge:
  • Andy suggests stealing his mother-in-law’s bridgework to pawn, but she’s “getting cagey—sleeping with her grin under the mattress” ([15:41]).

3. Comic Dialogue and Kingfish’s Predicaments

• Blame Game:
  • Amos notes, “If you hadn’t tampered with the budget in the first place, you wouldn't be in this mess.”
  • Kingfish snaps back with dry wit: "Now that's like telling the guy sitting in the electric chair that he should have committed the crime before the electricity was invented.” ([04:13] – [04:37])

4. Classic Musical Performances

Throughout the episode, music interludes punctuate the comedy, underscoring the radio variety tradition:

• “The Man from Laramie” performed by Walter Schumann ([01:16])
• “Do It Now” by Vicki Young ([04:53])
• “You’re in Style” by Mindy Carson and Ray Anthony, promoting the National Guard ([07:23])
• “With You Beside Me” by Lou Money ([09:56])
• “His Hands” by Tennessee Ernie Ford ([16:19])
• “Pass the Plate of Happiness Around” by The DeJohn Sisters ([20:00])

5. Soda Fountain Philosophy & Social Commentary

• Employment of the Handicapped:

  • Public service message about the 1955 efforts to increase employment for physically handicapped workers ([18:54]).

• Community and Generosity:

  • The DeJohn Sisters sing about kindness and sharing happiness ([20:00]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [00:51] Andy:
  “What’s gonna happen here will make Custer’s Last Stand look like Aunt Dinah’s quilting party.”
• [04:13] Kingfish:
  "Now that's like telling the guy sitting in the electric chair that he should have committed the crime before the electricity was invented."
• [09:11] Kingfish (on pawning the raccoon coat):
  "He said that either Mama or the raccoon had done too much sitting down to make it worthwhile."
• [09:33] Kingfish:
  "The only part of the inscription you could read said American Brass Company, Bridgeport."
• [15:48] Kingfish (on pawning the bridge):
  "The old gal is getting cagey lately. Instead of putting it in a glass of water, she's been sleeping with her grin under the mattress."

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• [00:42] – The central problem is established: Kingfish’s money dilemma for the picnic
• [01:16] – Musical break: “The Man from Laramie”
• [03:59] – Desperate fundraising schemes: Aunt Minnie and organ removals
• [04:53] – Musical advice: “Do It Now”
• [07:23] – National Guard promotional song
• [08:59] – [09:33] – Pawn shop escapades, raccoon coat and gold watch gag
• [15:41] – More failed schemes: mother-in-law’s bridgework
• [16:19] – “His Hands” by Tennessee Ernie Ford
• [18:54] – Public service on hiring the handicapped
• [20:00] – “Pass the Plate of Happiness Around” by The DeJohn Sisters
• [22:17] – Episode wind-down; next guest preview (John Wayne)

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Tone & Language

The episode brims with the signature fast-paced, sharp-witted exchanges between the characters, combining slapstick schemes, wordplay, and nostalgic warmth. Tongue-in-cheek humor and resourceful banter are woven together by lively musical breaks, which serve as both entertainment and gentle moral reminders.

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For New Listeners

• The episode is a classic example of 1950s American radio comedy, balancing ribbing between friends, light-hearted scheming, and uplifting musical acts.
• The comedic premise—Kingfish’s woeful and ever-escalating efforts to secure picnic funds—drives both the situational gags and punchy dialogue.
• Listeners are treated to both a slice of vintage humor and a showcase of musical talent, capturing the ethos of communal entertainment before television took center stage.

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Transcript

[A]

The amos and andy music hall. Good evening.

[B]

This is Harlow Wilcox inviting you to.

[A]

The Amos and Andy Music Hall. Brought to you transcribed every Monday through Friday by Freeman Gosden and Charles Carell, Amos and Andy. And starring George Kingfish Stevens as Master of ce.

[B]

Come on, folks. And welcome to the Emerson and the Music Hall. Good evening, everybody.

[C]

How is you folks? Tell me something, Kingfish. Has you been able to raise the money to put on the lodge hall picnic tomorrow?

[B]

No, boys, I ain't. I desperate too.

[C]

Yeah, man. When them 118 Lodge brothers and their wives show up here Tomorrow morning at 8 o' clock ready to board the bus for the picnic, what's gonna happen here will make Custer's last stand look like Aunt Dinah's quilting party.

[B]

Shut up, ya boob. You must put on some music there while I figure his way out of this mess. Well, all right, Kingfish. We're gonna hear the voices of Walter Schumann singing.

[D]

The man from Laramie the man from Laramie he was a man with a pe. He was kind, sociable and friendly Friendly as any man could be but you never saw a man outdoor A man from Laramie A man from Laramie.

[E]

He.

[D]

Was a man with a warm and gentle heart but when they start the arguing and fighting Frightening and lightning past was he There was no communion who could outshoot the man from Laramie? He had a flair for ladies the ladies loved his air of mystery the west will never see a man with so many notches on his gun Everyone admired the fearless stranger Danger was this man's specialty so the neck, third boss or double cross the man from the.

[C]

Kingsbury if you need money quick, why don't you wire your Aunt Minnie and tell her that you need a merchant emergency operation again, I think of that.

[B]

But in the last five years she has sent me money to remove my appendix, my tonsils, my liver and my gallbladder. She'd be good for a touch. But I stripped myself bare. I ain't got nothing left inside of me with any real cash value. Kingfish, if you hadn't tampered with the budget in the first place, you wouldn't be in this mess. Oh, you was a big help, Amos. Telling me that. Now that's like telling the guy sitting in the electric chair that he should have committed the crime before the electricity was invented.

[C]

Well, anyway, Kingfish, you're gonna have to really act fast when it comes to getting that money. You better follow Ms. Vicky Young's advice here and do it now.

[E]

Take me in your arms tonight, dear Hold Me close and hold me tight, dear. Don't wait till tomorrow. Dud now. If you always thinking of me, show me just how much you love me. Don't wait till tomorrow, do it now. For weeks and weeks we have been dating. You never kiss me once. You driving me crazy with this waiting. If you find me so exciting. If you find my lips inviting. Don't wait till tomorrow, do it now. Take me in your arms tonight, dear. Hold me close and hold me tight, dear. Don't wait until tomorrow, do it now. If you always thinking of me. Show me just how much you love me. Don't wait till tomorrow, do it now. For weeks and weeks we have been dating. You never kiss me once. You're driving me crazy with this waiting. If you find me so exciting. If you find my lips inviting, don't wait until tomorrow. My lips are yours tomorrow. Don't wait until tomorrow, do it now.

[B]

Well, I guess most everybody wants to be in style. So for full particulars, listen now to Mindy Carson and Ray Anthony telling you how.

[E]

You're in style when you step with the National Guard on any mainstream street usa all the men you parade with were kids you once played with. They're doing a big job today. You can learn while you earn with the National Guard a million right guys can't be wrong. You're in style when you step with the National Guard to keep America strong. Mindy, what a bet for a vet with the National Guard all for a new man all agree you're in style when you serve in the National Guard. To keep America free.

[B]

Boys, I don't know what to do about this picnic. I has exhausted all my financial possibilities. I cleaned out the attic this morning. Took all the stuff down to Joel's pawn shop.

[C]

Wouldn't he give you nothing on it?

[B]

Well, I took a old raccoon coat I found that belonged to Sapphire's mama. I thought maybe Joe would buy it to cut it up into Davy Crockett hats. But the thing was pretty well worn. He said that either Mama or the raccoon had done too much sitting down to make it worthwhile.

[C]

Well, why didn't you take down that solitary gold watch that the Lodge brothers give you at the testimonial dinner last year?

[B]

I did, but Joe give it the test for gold. He dropped some acid on the thing. The whole back plate turned green and dissolved.

[C]

You mean it weren't real gold?

[B]

Well, when he got through, the only part of the inscription you could read said American Brass Company, Bridgeport. While you was mulling it over King Bees, I'd like the folks to hear Mr. Lou Money singing. With you beside me.

[D]

How happy I'd be With you beside me with you beside me all of the time with you to comfort me and love me strong There'd be no stopping me how could I go wrong When I'm without you My life is lonely Sweetheart, if only you were mine the troubles crowd me the skies be cloudy with you beside me the sun would shine. With you to comfort me and love me strong There'd be no stopping me how could I go wrong When I'm without you My life is lonely Sweetheart, if only you were mine.

[E]

No troubles.

[D]

Corrupt me no stars be clouded with you beside me the sun would shine.

[B]

Seems to me like I hear a little music. Don't you, Kingfish?

[D]

Music?

[B]

No, Brother Emerson, I can't say I do. Well, you listen just a little more carefully. It's real cool music.

[E]

Smoking pleasure comes right back when you buy your first cool pack.

[D]

Switch from hots to cools.

[C]

Yes, your first cool pack brings smoking pleasure back. Smoking pleasure comes back to you in the clean, cool smoke of a cool cigarette. No other cigarette gives you such a clean, cool taste in your mouth. No other cigarette leaves your throat feeling so soothed and relaxed all day long. So when hot cigarettes begin to taste flat when your throat feels rough and dry Switch from hots to cools. Instantly you'll find smoking's a pleasure Again with cools. They feel so good in your mouth and throat.

[E]

Smoking pleasure comes right back when you buy your first cool pack.

[D]

Switch from hots to cools.

[C]

As Willie the Penguin says, your first cool pack brings smoking pleasure back.

[D]

Smoke cools. Smoke cools.

[C]

King size or regular?

[B]

Folks, don't you make the mistake of delaying. Get yourself a pack of Cools here. King size or regular size? I don't care. Just you get cools.

[D]

Supposing I should fall in love with you do you think that you could love me too? Posing I should hold you and caress you Wouldn't impress you or distress you Posing I should say for you I am Would you think I'm speaking louder? Supposing I declare it Would you take my love and share it? I'm not Supposing I'm in love with you. I should say for you I earn Would you think I'm speaking out of tongue? Frozen, I declare it Would you take my love and share it? I'm not frozen I'm in love with you I'm not frozen I'm in love with you.

[C]

That old favorite there was Brung to us by Jerry Allen and his.

[B]

Yeah, well, I ain't no closer to solving my problem or raising money for the large picnic.

[C]

Well, I was just thinking, Kingfish, can't you sneak your mom in law's Bridge out of the house and hock it again?

[B]

Well, I think of that, but the old gal is getting cagey lately. Instead of putting it in a glass of water, she's been sleeping with her grin under the mattress. Well, I know somehow you was gonna solve the problem over the weekend, Kingfish. But right now we have something here a little on the serious side. For the folks, it's Mr. Tennessee Ernie Ford. With his hands.

[D]

His hand paint the flowers he puts leaves in the tree at his whisper Birds start singing when my heart needs melodies While I stray from all his goodness My poor mind can't understand I'm to blame for my misfortune I lost hold of his hand those hands still give me mercy Though I'm wrong as wrong can be if they really gave me justice I'd be lost on homeless seas I've been lost in the shuffle I've ob the wrong command I'm going back to the chapel in search of his hand those hands still give me mercy Though I am wrong as wrong can be if they really gave me justice I'd be lost on homeless seas I've been lost in the shuffle I've obeyed the wrong command I'm going back to the chapel in search of his fello.

[A]

During 1955, the President's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped is stepping up its program of rehabilitation provided by the Vocational rehabilitation amendments of 1954. Through this legislation, it is hoped by the end of 1959 to triple the number of handicapped persons rehabilitated annually and made ready for work. This means that there must be work opportunities each year for a much larger number of handicapped than are absorbed into industry at the present time. Clem D. Johnston, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the United States, has reported that the competence of physically handicapped workers, when given proper job placement, is becoming more recognized by employers throughout the nation. Their job performance records compare favorably with those of the able bodied with respect to productive efficiency, accident rates and absenteeism. So, employers, listen. Check your job needs. You'll be glad you hired the handicapped.

[E]

Dip a spoon in kindness At a smaller sunshine it's so good to do Mix it up with love love, love Lots and lots of love, Love, love Helen will blend the recipe for you.

[D]

If you just pass the plate of.

[E]

Happiness around and you.

[D]

Someone you have found you'll really live you. You'll take it with you if you.

[E]

Pass the planet of my Minnesota. Sitting at my table thumb gets all the breaks you may get across the red a letter cake even if you're down and out. Something you can think about somewhere someone yes you got what it takes.

[D]

If you just pass the plane of happiness around and you can share the joy with someone you have found you'll really live you, you'll take it with you if you pass the plan of happiness around our way.

[E]

Lend a helping hand for someday if you do when you need one it will be said to you. How much does it cost my friend? Serving up a friendly plan? Do it right now the world is waiting just for you to pass away.

[D]

All happiness around and you can share the joy with someone you have found to really live you.

[E]

You'll take it with you if you.

[D]

Pass Lay on happiness around. Pass, lay on.

[C]

Passing the plate of happiness around. There was the Dejon sisters.

[B]

Good night, folks. See you Monday at the same time. And our guest is going to be Mr. John Wayne.

[C]

Good night, everybody.

[B]

So long, folks.

[A]

The Amos and Andy Music hall will be presented again Monday night at this same time. Our guest will be Mr. John Wayne. Can you fight communism? Yes, you can fight communism by giving truth dollars to help Radio Free Europe. Each truth dollar pays for a hundred words over. Radio Free Europe helps millions behind the Iron Curtain resist communism. Send your truth dollars today to crusade for freedom. Care of your postmaster. This is Harlow Wilcox inviting you to join us every night, Monday through Friday. The Amos and Andy Music hall transcribed is produced by Sam Pierce and directed by Cliff Howell. Executive producers Joe Connolly and BO.

[E]

It's Sam.