Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Andrews Sisters 45-11-28 (38) Abbott and Costello
Date: November 14, 2025

Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio takes listeners back to the Golden Age, featuring a star-studded variety show led by the Andrews Sisters with musical guests and comedic icons Abbott and Costello. Broadcast as part of the “Nash Kelvinator Musical Showroom,” the episode blends top-tier musical performances with classic comedy routines, most notably the legendary “Who’s on First?” bit. The tone is lively, nostalgic, and family-friendly, perfectly capturing the spirit of 1940s American radio entertainment.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Show Introduction and California Odes (00:25–03:40)

• Host Harlow Wilcox welcomes everyone and sets the scene for the West Coast branch opening.
• The Andrews Sisters and company perform an upbeat tribute, “California,” full of regional pride and playful exaggeration.
  • “Where the rain doesn't rain, it just drizzles champagne!” – (02:52)

2. Signature Songs – The Andrews Sisters (03:41–13:42)

• Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (04:25–06:14)
  • The group delivers one of their biggest hits, capturing the swing era’s energetic vibe.
  • Lively orchestration by Vic Schoen and his Orchestra.
• Romantic Interlude: “I'll Buy That Dream”
  • Kurt Massey and one of the Andrews Sisters sing a dreamy duet, painting a picture of love and domestic bliss. (07:01–09:09)
• Sassy Advice to the Lovelorn: “Put That Ring on My Finger” (10:50–13:42)
  • A comedic number blending romantic guidance with signature Andrews Sisters harmonies and humor.
    • “Back him in the corner and say, put that ring on my finger!” – (11:07)

3. The Nash Kelvinator Green Room: Abbott and Costello (14:16–21:36)

Abbott and Costello Receive Their “Character” Award (14:16–14:44)

• Host introduces the duo as classic comic “characters” worthy of the green room’s honor.
  • “Well, you know, introducing Abbott and Costello to an audience is a little bit like saying, ‘Ham, may I present eggs.’” – Host (14:38)
  • “Now, wait a minute, Jack. Wait a minute. That’s no way to start off. Now, we want to be friendly.” – Lou Costello (14:44)

“Who’s On First?” Routine (15:49–21:16)

• Abbott and Costello perform their legendary baseball sketch, with wit, wordplay, and escalating confusion.
  • Initial setup—who’s playing which position, leading to the familiar back-and-forth.
  • Classic lines:
    • “I say, Who’s on first, What’s on second, I don’t know is on third.” – Costello (16:52)
    • “Who is on first.” – Abbott (multiple timestamps)
    • Costello’s exasperation: “All I’m trying to find out is what’s the guy’s name on first base!” (17:51)
    • Ends on punchline: “I don’t give a darn. Oh, that’s our shortstop.” (21:01)
  • Audience applauds; hosts present a symbolic bronze medal for their contribution.

4. More Musical Interludes (22:53–27:31)

• Soon, Soon, Soon – Romantic duet about eagerly anticipating married life. (22:53–24:58)
• On the Navajo Trail – Andrews Sisters, Kurt Massey, and company evoke Western landscapes in this gentle, melodic piece. (25:14–27:31)

5. Closing & Teasers (28:07–End)

• Hosts bid good night and tease next week’s guest, Xavier Cugat.
• Highlight the Nash Kelvinator’s latest home appliances, reflecting the era’s consumer culture.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• California’s Charm:
  • “Where the rain doesn't rain, it just drizzles champagne!” – The Andrews Sisters (02:52)
• Comic Banter:
  • Host: “Introducing Abbott and Costello... is like saying ‘Ham, may I present eggs.’” (14:38)
  • Lou Costello: “I don’t like his figure very much.” (14:52)
• Who’s On First?
  • Abbott: “Who is on first.” (Multiple, e.g., 16:52, 17:14)
  • Costello (exasperated): “I throw the ball at who? Whoever it is drops the ball and the guy runs to second. That’s Levy. Now, whoever it is I throw the ball at, he picks up the ball and throws it to what? What throws it? I don't know. I don't know throws it back to tomorrow! Triple play.” (19:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:25 – Host Harlow Wilcox’s introduction and acknowledgment of the West Coast
• 01:24 – “California” by the Andrews Sisters and ensemble
• 04:25 – “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”
• 07:01 – “I'll Buy That Dream” duet
• 10:50 – Advice and “Put That Ring on My Finger”
• 14:16 – Abbott and Costello Enter, Green Room Award
• 15:49 – “Who’s on First?” routine begins
• 21:16 – Hosts present award to Abbott and Costello
• 22:53 – “Soon, Soon, Soon” duet
• 25:14 – “On the Navajo Trail”
• 28:07 – Finale and next week’s preview

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a warm, cheerful, and slightly tongue-in-cheek tone, laced with camaraderie and showbiz banter. Musical numbers swing between exuberant and sentimental, while the comedy is fast-paced and slapstick, especially in Abbott and Costello's set.

Summary

This classic radio variety show captures the blend of music, comedy, and commercialism that defined the era. The Andrews Sisters’ performances shine, providing both nostalgia and entertainment, while Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s on First?” remains timelessly funny. For anyone seeking a taste of old Hollywood and a window into mid-century American culture, this episode is a delightful snapshot.