Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Andrews Sisters – Guest: Al Pierce

Date: March 30, 2026
Main Theme:
A nostalgia-steeped musical variety show featuring the renowned Andrews Sisters and guest Al Pierce (as his comic alter ego Elmer Blurt). The episode reflects the spirit of America’s “Golden Age of Radio,” blending close-harmony standards, lively banter, and signature comedy sketches from an era before television.

Key Segments & Highlights

1. Opening & Introductions (00:39–01:26)

• Harlow Wilcox introduces the sponsors (Nash Motors and Kelvinator Appliances), the Andrews Sisters, the orchestra (Vic Schoen and his Ambassadors), and the evening’s guest: Al Pierce.
• Wilcox: “This is Harlow Wilcox inviting you to listen to the music of the Andrews Sisters…”
• Seamless segue into the evening’s first performance.

2. Musical Performances

Aren’t You Glad You’re You (01:26–03:07)

• The Andrews Sisters open with their spirited close-harmony rendition.
• Notable moment: The sisters and Al Pierce (in character) playfully intertwine their voices.
• Quote (Patty Andrews, 01:26):
  “Every time you’re near a rose
  Aren’t you glad you’ve got a nose...”
  (Song lyrics blend with playful banter.)

Did You Ever Get That Feeling in the Moonlight? (03:17–05:46)

• Patty leads, singing about wistful romance under the moon.
• Quote (Patty Andrews, 03:24):
  “Did you ever get that feeling in the moonlight? That wonderful feeling that you want to be kissed?”

Love Is a Wonderful Thing / Wait and See (06:02–08:52)

• The Sisters and the group perform a sentimental love song, with lush, harmonious vocals.
• Maxine/Laverne (07:25):
  “These little words I know can never show how true I’ll be,
  But if you don’t believe me, just you wait and see.”

If I Could Be With You (10:20–12:19)

• Another romantic standard, delivered with trademark Andrews Sisters style.
• Patty Andrews (10:20):
  “If I could be with you one hour tonight… I’d be anything but blue if I could be with you.”

3. Comedy Sketch: Elmer Blurt the Book Salesman (12:19–18:10)

Al Pierce enters as his bumbling, lovable Elmer Blurt character in a full comedy vignette with Patty Andrews as his sparring partner:

• Setup: Elmer attempts to sell books (and a free cake of soap) door-to-door, engaging in pun-laden exchanges and folksy wordplay.
• Highlights:
  • Blurt’s classic confusion:
    • (13:29) “Yeah, yeah. When I was born, my PA took one look at me and flew the coup.”
  • Poetry sample (15:12):
    • “The bee is a bug with a buzz whose body is all covered with fuzz... It sure is funny how he makes honey. By gosh, I don’t see how he does.”
  • Witty zingers:
    • Patty Andrews (16:02): “Oh, of all the dumb bunnies. If brains were soap, you wouldn’t have enough to lather a mosquito.”
    • Al Pierce: “Oh, yeah? I’d sure like to give you malaria once.” (16:09)
    • On salesmanship:
      • “We got too much hocus pocus in the focus and it brocus.” (16:29)
    • On value:
      • “Cause them books cost me 50 cents.” (16:44)
        Patty: “Oh, if it cost you 50 cents, I don’t see how you can sell it for a quarter.”
        Blurt: “That is right, ain’t it? I don’t sell enough to lose much.” (16:58)
  • “Soft soap” punchline (17:54)
    - “That’s the soft soap I give away free.”

4. Tribute & Award (18:10–18:25)

• Wilcox presents Al Pierce with a model of the Green Room door as the Nash Kelvinator Green Room Award.
• Wilcox (18:10):
  “As a permanent symbol of the thousands of laughs you’ve brought people by way of Elmer Blurt, let me give you this model of the Green Room door…for your outstanding contribution to the world of entertainment.”
• Pierce responds with gratitude and signs off, followed by well-wishes from the Sisters.

5. Additional Songs & Variety (18:30–29:32)

• Put That Ring on My Finger (18:30–20:44)
  • The Sisters sing a playful tune about wedding proposals.
  • Patty (19:32):
    “Put that ring on my finger, Put that piece of paper in my hand… Now let’s do one of those preachers and the song Here Comes the Bride.”
• Don’t Make Love To… (23:07–24:48)
  • The Andrews Sisters humorously advise against falling for various professions before settling on the real deal.
  • Maxine/Laverne (23:07):
    “Don’t make love to a baker, you wind up with your dough.”
  • Patty (24:46):
    “Just make love to me, Darling, just make love to me.”
• Night and Day (25:38–29:32)
  • Show finale with a lush, romantic performance of the Cole Porter classic.
  • Patty (25:38):
    “It’s no matter, darling, where you are, I think of you night and day.”

6. Closing & Next Week’s Teaser (29:32–30:44)

• Group farewells, with the Sisters and company signing off in warm, familiar style.
• Wilcox (29:43):
  “Next week in the Nash Kelvinator green room…that 200 proof singer with a solid kick, Ella Logan.”
• Reiteration of sponsors before sign-off.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Patty Andrews’ playful lyricism:
  “Did you ever get that feeling in the moonlight? That wonderful feeling that you want to be kissed?” (03:24)

• Elmer Blurt’s comical sales patter:

  • “You got a mighty cute, pretty snappy figure too.” (17:46)
  • “That’s the soft soap I give away free.” (17:54)

• Patty’s cutting wit:
  “If brains were soap, you wouldn’t have enough to lather a mosquito.” (16:02)

• Green Room Award:
  “As a permanent symbol of the thousands of laughs you’ve brought people… let me give you this model of the Green Room door.” (18:10)

• Maxine or Laverne’s advice:
  “Don’t make love to a sailor, he’ll leave you all at sea.” (23:50)

Episode Flow & Tone

• Warm, witty, and optimistic: The hosts and performers maintain an upbeat, engaging rapport, blending gentle teasing, clever wordplay, and genuine musicality.
• Classic variety style: Fast-paced alternation between joyful songs and quick dialogue, peppered with corny jokes and heartwarming asides.
• Honoring the radio era: The structure and delivery are a reverent and lively throwback to mid-century radio, filled with sponsor spots and live banter.

Summary for New Listeners

This vintage-style radio episode showcases the Andrews Sisters in prime form, blending golden age standards and cheerfully comic sketches with guest Al Pierce (as Elmer Blurt). The mood is nostalgic, light-hearted, and charming—filled with timeless tunes, clever comedy, and a sense of community unique to classic radio variety hours.

Missed it? No worries—this summary captures the heart, humor, and harmony that made the Golden Age of Radio an unforgettable part of American culture.