Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Andrews Sisters - Guest - George Jessel
Date: March 28, 2026
Host: Harlow Wilcox
Guests: The Andrews Sisters, George Jessel, Kirk Massey, Vic Schoen and His Orchestra
Episode Overview
This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the heyday of family radio variety hours featuring the celebrated Andrews Sisters and their special guest, George Jessel. The show blends charming banter, classic songs, and comedic sketches—showcasing what made the Golden Age of Radio a beloved household ritual.
Key Discussion Points and Musical Highlights
Introduction and Warm Welcome
- [00:37] Harlow Wilcox opens by introducing Nash Motors and Kelvinator as sponsors, then sets the stage for the night’s musical extravaganza, listing the Andrews Sisters, Kirk Massey, Vic Schoen, and special guest George Jessel.
Tone: Upbeat, classic sponsor-read style
Opening Musical Medley: "It's a Grand Night for Singing"
- [01:18]–[03:27] Patty Andrews and George Jessel share vocal duties on a romantic, light-hearted opening number, creating a joyful, harmonious mood.
- Quote (George Jessel):
"The stars are bright above, the earth is aglow and to add to the show I think I am falling in love. Falling, falling in love." [01:29]
Banter & “Tippy Tippy Tin”
-
[03:48]–[06:19]
Quick playful exchange leads into another classic, “Tippy Tippy Tin,” performed by the Andrews Sisters, who infuse humor and energy.
Memorable Moment (Patty Andrews):
"Tippy, tippy tin, tippy tip, tippy tippy time..." [06:19]
(Audible laughter and affection among the cast.)
-
[06:57] Jessel returns the playful ribbing:
- "Well, thank you, Patty. And a slight hubba right back at you."
Kirk Massey’s Ballad: "Just a Stranger in Town"
- [07:07]–[09:27]
Kirk Massey croons a wistful, blues-tinged number showcasing his smooth vocal style, with the Andrews Sisters providing gentle backing harmonies.
“Money is the Root of All Evil”—A Classic Andrews Sisters Tune
- [11:34]–[14:20]
A comic and timely tune about holiday shopping woes and the follies of wealth, delivered with the Sisters’ trademark blend of sass and sweetness.
- Quote (Patty Andrews):
"Money is the root of all evil. Won't contaminate myself with it, take it away!" [11:41]
George Jessel’s Comedy Sketch: "The Telephone Call"
- [15:10]–[18:53]
George Jessel launches into a signature comedic monologue, peppered with his characteristic blend of Jewish humor, New York slang, and zany family situations:
- Converses with various "relatives"—Aunt Debbie, sister Anna—about everything from broken telephones to marital prospects and neighborhood Longfellows.
- Quote (Jessel):
“Look, honey, if you see spots in front of your eyes, why don't you wear your glasses like that crunk I told you to?" [16:13]
- Memorable Joke:
“Henry Wadsworth Longfellow didn’t live next door to us at all. That was Loneworth, a bookmaker who lived next door.” [17:51]
Jessel Sings “My Mother’s Eyes” (On Request)
- [18:53]–[21:37]
-
Patty relays a request from Jessel’s “uncle”, prompting a gentle back-and-forth about old songs and sentimentality.
- Quote (Jessel):
"But, Patty, my dear, that song is so old and it'd be so corny now." [19:24]
- Patty’s retort:
“You know better than that. Songs about Mother are never corny.” [19:28]
-
Jessel delivers the touching ballad, blending spoken word and song:
“One bright and guiding light / That taught me wrong from right / I found in my mother's eyes.” [19:47]
"If I were hanged on the highest tree I know whose tears would come up to me - my mother..." [20:55]
-
Harlow Wilcox presents Jessel with the Nash Calvinator Green Room Award. [21:37]
Christmas Standard: “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
- [23:29]–[25:49]
- The Andrews Sisters and George Jessel perform the festive classic, weaving solos and harmonies with witty asides:
- Memorable Banter:
Jessel: “You mean the big fat man with the long white beard?” [25:45]
Patty: “He’s coming to town.”
Emotional Finale: "Stardust"
- [26:28]–[28:52]
The whole ensemble, led by Jessel and Patty Andrews, deliver a lush, sentimental rendition of “Stardust,” blending nostalgia and romance.
- Quote (Patty Andrews):
"Sometimes I wonder why I spend the lonely night away, dreaming of a song..." [27:12]
Notable Quotes and Moments
- Jessel on Sentimentality:
“Songs about Mother are never corny.” — Patty Andrews [19:28]
- Jessel’s trademark wit:
“Henry Wadsworth Longfellow didn’t live next door to us at all. That was Loneworth, a bookmaker who lived next door.” [17:51]
- Classic closing Christmas cheer:
“You better watch out, you better not cry... Santa Claus is coming to town.” — Andrews Sisters ensemble [23:29]
- Final musical flourish:
“I dream that always in my heart it will remain...” — Patty Andrews, “Stardust” [27:12]
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Timestamp | Segment |
|-------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| 00:37 | Introduction by Harlow Wilcox |
| 01:18–03:27 | Opener: "It's a Grand Night for Singing" |
| 04:17–06:19 | "Tippy Tippy Tin" |
| 07:07–09:27 | Kirk Massey: "Just a Stranger in Town" |
| 11:34–14:20 | "Money is the Root of All Evil" |
| 15:10–18:53 | Jessel's Telephone Call Comedy Sketch |
| 18:53–21:37 | “My Mother’s Eyes” (Jessel & Patty) |
| 23:29–25:49 | “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” Ensemble |
| 26:28–28:52 | Finale: “Stardust” |
Episode Tone and Style
The episode is warm, funny, and nostalgic—mirroring the spirit of a 1940s family radio night. The cast displays effortless chemistry, punctuating performances with playful, affectionate banter and crowd-pleasing standards. George Jessel, as guest, brings classic vaudeville flair and sentimental showbiz charm, while the Andrews Sisters’ vocals radiate both fun and feeling.
For New Listeners
This episode is an excellent snapshot of why variety shows were a cornerstone of American entertainment—balancing memorable music with gentle comedy and heartfelt tribute. George Jessel’s guest appearance adds an old-world comedic touch, and the Andrews Sisters remain as effervescent as ever.
Produced by: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Sponsors: Nash Motor Cars, Kelvinator Home Appliances
Key Performers: The Andrews Sisters, George Jessel, Kirk Massey, Vic Schoen and His Orchestra
End of summary
