Andrews Sisters - Guest - Jane Cowell

Summary

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Harold’s Old Time Radio: The Andrews Sisters - Guest: Jane Cowell

Episode Date: March 28, 2026
Host: Andre Barouche (for Nash Kelvinator), with The Andrews Sisters
Special Guest: Jane Cowell
Format: Music, dramatic performance, and live variety from the Golden Age of Radio

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Episode Overview

This quintessential episode from the golden days of radio brings together audience favorites The Andrews Sisters, musical guests Kurt Massey, Vic Schoen & His Orchestra, The Ambassadors, and distinguished stage actress Jane Cowell. Blending spirited song performances, heartfelt nostalgia, and a dramatic playlet, the show exemplifies the communal and artistic spirit of pre-television American entertainment. The Nash Kelvinator "Green Room" segment honors Jane Cowell for her achievements, capped with a moving scene from the classic play Smiling Through.

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Key Segments & Highlights

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1. Opening and Introductions

• Timestamp: [00:34–01:19]
• Host Andre Barouche welcomes listeners to the Nash Kelvinator musical showroom, introducing the evening’s entertainment lineup: The Andrews Sisters, Kurt Massey, Vic Schoen and his orchestra, The Ambassadors, and special guest Jane Cowell.
• Atmosphere is set for a blend of toe-tapping music and gentle comedy.

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2. Musical Numbers & Variety Entertainment

a. “On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe”

• Timestamp: [01:19–03:21]
• Performed by The Andrews Sisters, Kurt Massey, and The Ambassadors
• This classic swing tune opens the show with train whistle sounds, rhythmic harmonies, and period charm.

b. “Did You Ever Get That Feeling In The Moonlight?”

• Timestamp: [03:23–05:50]
• Narrator remarks: “It’s a special delivery about what’s doing in the USA from us Andrew sisters over here to you GIs over there.”
• The Andrews Sisters deliver a sentimental ode to wartime romance and longing, aimed at boosting GI morale.

c. “I’ll Buy That Dream”

• Timestamp: [07:07–09:55]
• Kurt Massey and Andre Barouche banter about love in the modern age, leading into the lively tune.
• Memorable lyric (Kurt Massey):
  “Imagine me with my head on your shoulder, you with your lips getting bolder. ... If it can be had, I’ll buy that dream.” ([07:27])

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3. The Nash Kelvinator “Green Room” Award Honoring Jane Cowell

• Timestamp: [11:20–19:20]

Introduction and Interview

• Andre Barouche lauds Jane Cowell’s career and her work for the American Theatre Wing and Stage Door Canteen.
• Quote (Jane Cowell):
  “The role I’m proudest of having played is not a scene behind the footlights. It’s a scene backstage.” ([12:35])
• Cowell describes her pride in organizing the Stage Door Canteen for servicemen.

Dramatic Scene from “Smiling Through”

• Timestamp: [13:13–19:05]
• Jane Cowell (Moon Yeen, Mooney Clare), Nicholas Joy (John Carteret), accompanied by Kurt Massey.
• Emotional, ethereal portrayal of undying love and reunion after death, a signature of early 20th-century romantic drama.
• Notable exchange:
  • Jane Cowell (as Mooney): “Not even death itself. Because if I should have to die and leave you, I’d be so lonely for you. I’d come back to you. You’d never be without me for a single second.” ([14:23])
  • Nicholas Joy: “Why, then, is this what they call dying?”
    Jane Cowell: “Yes. Isn’t it glorious? And isn’t it stupid to be afraid of it?” ([18:25–18:41])

Award Presentation

• Timestamp: [19:05–19:29]
• Andre Barouche presents Cowell with a symbolic model of the Green Room door.

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4. More Music from the Andrews Sisters & Ensemble

a. “Down in the Valley”

• Timestamp: [19:29–21:55]
• The Andrews Sisters deliver a heartfelt, folksy rendition of this American standard, closing with:
  “Good night my darling, darling good night. Good night.” ([21:54])

b. Comic Musical Duet—“Honeymoon Lane (Soon, Soon, Soon)”

• Timestamp: [23:36–25:37]
• Playful dramatization with Patty Andrews and Kurt Massey overcoming the “modulation” in their duet.
• Lighthearted banter:
  Kurt Massey: “You know, Pat honey, when we really get settled down, I’m going to be around you all the time.” ([24:59])

c. “Night and Day” (Cole Porter)

• Timestamp: [25:47–29:29]
• Full cast ensemble delivers a lush, sweeping arrangement of the iconic love song, layered with harmonies from Patty, Maxine, Laverne, Kurt Massey, and Nicholas Joy.
• Notable lyric:
  “Night and day, under the hide of me, there’s an oh such a hungry yearning burning inside of me.”

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Notable Quotes and Moments

• Jane Cowell (on theater service):
  “And truly the servicemen we entertained there made up the greatest audience anybody ever had.” ([12:42])
• Andre Barouche (to Cowell):
  “Yes, and those boys feel just exactly the same way about you. As you can hear.” ([12:52])
• Dramatic statements about love and the afterlife in “Smiling Through”:
  • “Love like this can’t die. I’ll find a way to come back. Just you wait and see.” ([14:49])
  • “It’s love.” ([18:10])

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Structure & Flow

• The episode deftly alternates between rousing musical numbers, cozy parlor chat, sponsor ads for era-appropriate appliances, and a dramatic green room interlude.
• Tones shift from lighthearted ("We can sing our duet. Oh, happy!") to note-perfect nostalgia, to deeply sentimental drama.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------------|----------------| | Show Opening & Introductions | 00:34–01:19 | | “On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe” | 01:19–03:21 | | “Did You Ever Get That Feeling In The Moonlight?” | 03:23–05:50 | | “I’ll Buy That Dream” | 07:07–09:55 | | Jane Cowell Green Room Segment & Interview | 11:20–12:52 | | “Smiling Through” (dramatic playlet) | 13:13–19:05 | | Green Room Award Presentation | 19:05–19:29 | | “Down in the Valley” | 19:29–21:55 | | “Honeymoon Lane (Soon, Soon, Soon)” (Comic Duet) | 23:36–25:37 | | “Night and Day” (Ensemble Performance) | 25:47–29:29 |

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Conclusion

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio is a time capsule of 1940s radio magic: lush harmonies, gentle comedy, and a reverence for theatrical greats. Jane Cowell’s “Green Room” segment is moving and memorable, while The Andrews Sisters’ performances and Kurt Massey’s wit keep things swinging and warm. For fans of classic American entertainment, the episode is both a history lesson and a feel-good listen.

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Transcript

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

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[Andre Barouche]

Nash builders of nash motor cars. Kelvinator Builders of Kelvinator home Appliances. Nash Kelvinator, one of America's great independent companies, welcomes you to the NK musical showroom starring the Andrews Sisters. This is Andre Barouche inviting you to listen to the music of the Andrews Sisters, Kurt Massey, Vic Shawn and his orchestra, the Ambassadors. And in the Nash Kelvinator green room, tonight's guest is Jane Cowell. And here are Kurt Massey, the Ambassadors and the Andrew Sisters.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Do you hear that whistle down the line? I figured 49 cheesy odd round that way all the edges seem to begin the and a bed

[Kurt Massey]

See the old smoke rising round the bend I reckon that she knows she going to meet a friend folks her forget the time of day from the accident to be grand the Santa Fe here she comes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, Kim, you better get the ring bell one lives to Brown's hotel there's lots of them traveling fight a spell all the way down my head on the atricine and the Santa fe here comes 49 just a popping and a steaming coming down the line she's doing today on the arches into peeker and the Santa Fe do you hear that whistleboard adventure number 49 she's the only one we have to find our way on the at oh, here she comes. Thank you. Thank you, folks, very, very much. And good evening, everybody.

[Andre Barouche]

Say, what's next on the line from you, Maxine and Laverne.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, it's a special delivery about what's doing in the USA from us Andrew sisters over here to you GIs over there. And fellows, as usual, love us sweeping the country, right? Okay, fellas, here's the latest in the rhythm and romance department. Did you ever get that feeling in the moonlight that wonderful feeling that you want to be? Kid, you're strolling in the park the sky's so bright above you love to love somebody but there's nobody there to love. Did you ever get that longing on a June night that wonderful longing you can never resist? Did you ever get that feeling in the moonlight? That feeling that says you want to be kid. Did you ever get that feeling in the moonlight? That wonderful feeling that you want to be kissed? You're strolling in the park and the sky's so bright above. You love to love somebody but there's nobody there to love. Did you ever get that longing on a June night? That wonderful longing you can never resist? Did you ever get that feeling in the moonlight? That wonderful feeling that says you just want to be kid?

[Andre Barouche]

Soon, instead of dreaming about that car of tomorrow, you'll be driving it. A dazzling new Nash 600. A whale of a big car. Actually, it's the roomiest low priced car you've ever seen. Yet it goes 25 to 30 miles on one gallon of gasoline at moderate highway speeds. Everything about it is news. It's the first low price car with coil springing on all four wheels. You simply don't feel the bumps. It's built to be free of squeaks and rattles. Instead of a separate body and frame, your Nash 600 is an integral unit of welded steel, super strong. And you'll notice the new Nash is magically free of dust and chilly drafts. Because the famous Nash Weathereye conditioned air system gives you a flow of filtered fresh air in summer and in winter a draft free atmosphere of thermostatically controlled warm air. Your Nash dealer now has photographs and advance information on the Nash 600 and the new ambassador. See him and see why you'll be ahead with Nash. And now allow me to call your attention to the chief object of interest in the swoon corner of the showroom, Kurt Massey. Hey, tell us about your tune, huh, Kurt?

[Kurt Massey]

Well, Andre, it's about the same sweet sentiment, love, but with some modern post war fixings. Instead of a serve with a fringe on top, it's a helicopter with a windmill on top. Instead of a vine covered cottage, it's a super duplex with a plastic outside.

[Andre Barouche]

And instead of a kiss.

[Kurt Massey]

Oh, that they'll never replace. Andre, listen. Imagine me with my head on your shoulder, you with your lips getting bolder. Sky full of moon, a sweet mellow too. By the dream, imagine you in a gown, white and flowing. And me sinking dead for your darling church full of folks. And those last minute Jo by that dream, A honeymoon in Cairo in a brand new Alpex. Then home by rocket. In a wink we'll settle down near Dallas in a little plush. It's not as crazy as you think. Imagine me on our first anniversary with someone like you in the nursery. It doesn't sound bad and if it can be, hell, I bought a dream, A sky full of moon and a sweet mellow tune above the dream. Imagine me on our first anniversary with someone like you in the nursery. Doesn't sound bad and if it can be had, I'll buy that dream. We'll be in business.

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

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.

[Mackenzie]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Andre Barouche]

gofundme.com gofundme.com this podcast is supported by GoFundMe. In every theater in the world, there's a green room. The room where the star waits for those magic words. You're on. From our own Nash Kelvinator, Green Room steps our guest of the week to receive an award of merit for outstanding contribution to the world of entertainment. She's one of the most distinguished ladies of the American stage, a truly great actress who has stepped from green rooms in theaters all over this country and in London to weave her magic spell.

[Narrator/Announcer]

She's here tonight to appear in the role that I know all of you remember.

[Jane Cowell]

Love.

[Andre Barouche]

Ladies and gentlemen, stepping from the green room, Miss Jane Carroll. Miss Carroll, I know our audience remembers you in many great roles as Juliet, as Amitas in the Road to Rome, as Lucy Chase Wayne in First lady and as Moon Yeen in Smiling through. Which you're going to play for us tonight. It's an old question, but which of all the many parts you play do you like best?

[Jane Cowell]

Well, Andre, the role I'm proudest of having played is not a scene behind the footlights. It's a scene backstage.

[Andre Barouche]

A scene backstage? What was that?

[Jane Cowell]

Organizing the American Theatre Wings, Stage Door Canteen. And truly the servicemen we entertained there made up the greatest audience anybody ever had.

[Andre Barouche]

Yes, and those boys feel just exactly the same way about you. As you can hear. And now, Ms. Cowell, the scene from Smiling Through. I know that you were the co author of the play. That it was one of your greatest successes and one of the all time hits of the American stage.

[Jane Cowell]

Thank you, Andre. I've asked Nicholas Joy to play John Carteret. And now will you set the scene for us?

[Andre Barouche]

With pleasure. Everyone, I suppose, wants to believe in the life hereafter. Well, John Carteret thought he had reason to be sure of it. But let John tell his own story. The story of Smiling Through.

[Nicholas Joy]

It was a matter of more than 50 years ago. On the night I was to marry a lovely Irish lady with the most beautiful name in the world. Mooney Clare. In the moonlit garden where the marriage was to take place. In less than an hour, my greatest rival, half mad with jealousy, told Moone he'd rather kill her than see her

[Andre Barouche]

married to anyone else.

[Nicholas Joy]

After he left, I joined her. Moon, her heart heavy with apprehension, threw herself into my arms. I must have felt some warning too, for holding her tight. I said, nothing must ever part us. Promise me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, John, John.

[Jane Cowell]

Not even death itself. Because if I should have to die and leave you, I'd be so lonely for you. I'd come back to you. You'd never be without me for a single second.

[Nicholas Joy]

Just then the garden gate was flung open. There was a pistol shot and Munin slipped from my arms. I cried out to her, Munin, don't leave me.

[Jane Cowell]

Oh, never fear. Love like this can't die. I'll find a way to come back. Just you wait and see. You know, I've always been a vain creature. I can't help thinking what a charming ghost I shall be.

[Nicholas Joy]

Well, for 50 years she kept her word. Whenever the moonlight reached the garden gate, it would open slowly by itself. And there she'd be. Until. There came a time when my young ward fell in love with a descendant of the man who'd killed Mun Yin. I refused to permit the marriage. Everyone left me and I was terribly alone now, more Than ever I needed her. In my solitude. I called to her. Mun Yin. Mun Yin.

[Kurt Massey]

Mun Yin.

[Nicholas Joy]

She forsake.

[Jane Cowell]

Oh, John. You'll never be able to see me or hear me. While you have hate in your heart, it breaks the spell. I know how much you need me. John. My John. And I'm right here. But there must be no dark shadows of unkindness or of anger. Love must shine all.

[Nicholas Joy]

After that. She didn't come again until I'd made my peace with the young lovers. And I was glad. But I was feeling very ill. My old heart was giving me trouble. That night. I seemed to go to sleep in my usual garden chair facing the gate. It was moonlight. The last thing I remember hearing was the music that always heralded her coming. Yes, there she was. I felt strangely light as I rose to greet her.

[Jane Cowell]

John.

[Nicholas Joy]

Oh, my dear. You've come back to me.

[Jane Cowell]

I've been here all the time, only you couldn't see me. Because you've been such an obstinate dear. Silly. Keeping those two young things apart.

[Nicholas Joy]

You won't go away anymore now that I've made it right.

[Jane Cowell]

Never anymore.

[Nicholas Joy]

Why, you're in your wedding dress. Yes, just as you were that night. As beautiful, fresh, young as if 50 years were only a day. But I. How can you bear to look at me? I'm old. My face is lined.

[Jane Cowell]

I see no line.

[Andre Barouche]

My hair's white.

[Jane Cowell]

Why, it's as brown as a nut.

[Nicholas Joy]

I'm bent and feeble.

[Jane Cowell]

You're as straight and tall as a poplar.

[Nicholas Joy]

You see me like that, I see you like that. It's a miracle.

[Jane Cowell]

It's love.

[Nicholas Joy]

You've never let me question you. But tell me now, when shall we be together?

[Kurt Massey]

Always.

[Jane Cowell]

Look there at that figure in the chair.

[Nicholas Joy]

Oh, why, then, is this what they call dying?

[Jane Cowell]

Yes. Isn't it glorious? And isn't it stupid to be afraid of it?

[Nicholas Joy]

Why, who's afraid?

[Jane Cowell]

Some poor dears are. But they'd go smiling through the road.

[Andre Barouche]

Ah, that was a beautiful performance. And now, as a symbol of the Nash Kelvinator Green Room Award, let me give you this model of the Green Room door for your outstanding contribution to the world of entertainment.

[Jane Cowell]

Oh, thank you very much, Andre. Good night. Good night.

[Andre Barouche]

And now, Patty, Maxine and Laverne get together on an old number that I bet a lot of you will be humming right along with them. The Andrew Sisters Set a sentimental steam down in the valley.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Down in the valley Valley so low. Late in the evening Hear that rain blow. The train goes right through you and now it's gone, love and so are you. Before you go. For old times sake. Put your arms round me Feel my heart break. Down in the valley Valley so low. Late in the evening Hear that rain blow. The train is gone, love and out of sight. Good night my darling Darling good night Good night.

[Andre Barouche]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

She can.

[Andre Barouche]

He can. Ah, what bliss. Listen to the happy couple.

[Kurt Massey]

Oh, yes, darling, yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, it's the right key.

[Kurt Massey]

We can sing our duet.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, happy walking with my honey down honeymoon lane soon, soon, soon need the moon, moon, moon we won't care if it's November or the middle of June

[Kurt Massey]

I'll be sweeter to my sweetie than ever before Morning, night at noon While I'll be walking with my honey down

[Narrator/Announcer]

honeymoon lane soon, soon, soon say curse.

[Kurt Massey]

Yes, dad.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Remember that little cottage we had planned last summer by the seashore?

[Kurt Massey]

Well, make it soon, soon, soon A very soon. He's the.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We won't care if it's snowing There are the middle of June.

[Kurt Massey]

You know, Pat, honey, when we really get settled down, I'm going to be around you all the time.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I make it morning, night and noon.

[Kurt Massey]

Soon

[Narrator/Announcer]

let's go A preacher. Soon, soon, soon.

[Andre Barouche]

Well, you know, every once in a great while a tune comes along and becomes everybody's love song. Now, when a tune like that appears, it stays around and gets more popular every year.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Year.

[Andre Barouche]

It's that kind of a song that the Andrew Sisters, Kurt Massey, Vic Schoen and the Ambassadors bring you. Now night and day.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The one only you Beneath the moon and under the sun. Whether near to me or far it's no matter darling, where you are I think of you Night and day. Night. Why is it so good that this longing for you follows wherever I go? In the roaring traffic spoon in the silence of my lonely room I think of you Night and day

[Kurt Massey]

Night and day under the high of me there's

[Narrator/Announcer]

an all such a heart shining Burning inside of you.

[Nicholas Joy]

Harry Torment won't be through Til you

[Narrator/Announcer]

let me spend my life making love to you Day and night, night and.

[Kurt Massey]

Like the beat, beat, beat of the Tom Tom when the jungle shadows fall like the tick tick tock of the stately clock as it stands against the wall like the drip, drip drip of a raindrop when the chummy shouts through so a voice within me keeps repeating you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Sam.

[Kurt Massey]

Under the height of me there's an all set your hungry yearning burning inside of me

[Narrator/Announcer]

and its torment won't be through. Can you let me spend my life making love to you? Day and night.

[Andre Barouche]

Wednesday in the Nash culminator green room in the showcase of the showroom Martin Downey.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And remember, we'll be with you each Wednesday at this time.

[Andre Barouche]

Nash Builders of Nash motor cars. Kelvinator Builders of Kelvinator home appliances Nash Kelvinator, makers of Nash motor cars Kelvinator and Lennard home appliances will be looking for you next Wednesday in the NK musical showroom starring the Andrew Sisters with Bert Massey, Mick Shonen, his orchestra and the Ambassadors. And in the green room, Morton Downey. Until then, this is Andre Barouche wishing you good evening. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Foreign

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