Podcast Summary: Andrews Sisters – Guest – Morton Downey

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Date: March 30, 2026
Host: Andre Baruch (with regulars Kurt Massey, Vic Shawn, The Ambassadors)
Guest: Morton Downey

Episode Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the golden age of radio variety shows, with the Andrews Sisters as the stars and Morton Downey as the special guest. The program is a classic musical revue, featuring hit songs of the era, lighthearted banter, and heartwarming tributes to American soldiers and homecomings. Nostalgia, patriotism, and the joy of live performance are woven throughout, creating an uplifting half-hour for fans of old-time radio.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Opening and Introductions

[00:35 – 01:30]

• Announcer Andre Baruch introduces the Nash Kelvinator Musical Showroom, starring the Andrews Sisters, Kurt Massey, and Vic Shawn with his orchestra.
• Special Green Room guest Morton Downey is previewed.

2. Musical Performances & Banter

a. The Andrews Sisters Take Center Stage

Song: “I Feel a Song Coming On”
[01:30 – 03:34]

• The Andrews Sisters open with vibrant harmonies, celebrating optimism and the uplifting power of music.

b. “A Girl and a Sailor”

[03:55 – 06:06]

• A bittersweet song about wartime partings, touching on themes of duty and devotion.
• Quote:
  “Farewell your bronze healer must leave for a while, dear / farewell all dear / All my love and devotion...”
  – Maxene & Laverne Andrews [04:43]

c. Playful Duet Banter

[06:06 – 06:38]

• Vic Shawn and Andre Baruch tease a duet scenario.
• Quote:
  “What we need is for you and Maxene and Laverne to keep right on coming on.”
  – Andre Baruch [03:38]

d. “Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home?”

[06:38 – 08:27]

• A classic blues number about longing and heartbreak, sung alternately by the Sisters and Kurt Massey.

e. “Waiting for the Train to Come In”

[10:16 – 12:53]

• The ensemble dedicates this to soldiers, embodying the anticipation of loved ones’ return.
• Quote:
  “From Pensacola to Pas, we're waiting for you guys to come home…”
  – Vic Shawn [10:17]

3. Guest Segment: Morton Downey in the Green Room

a. Welcoming Banter

[13:06 – 14:02]

• Playful Irish brogues and jokes about guest traditions.
• Quote:
  “And as for you, the Andrews Colleens over there…”
  – Morton Downey [13:46]

b. Signature Song: “Carolina Moon”

[14:07 – 16:59]

• Downey delivers a heartfelt rendition of “Carolina Moon,” evocative of his style and reputation.
• Quote:
  “Now I'm hoping tonight you go / Go to the right window / Scatter your light say I'm all right…”
  – Maxene Andrews & Kurt Massey [15:05]

c. The Green Room Award

[16:59 – 17:32]

• Downey is presented with a symbolic award for his contribution to entertainment.
• Quote:
  “For your outstanding contribution to the world of entertainment, the Green Room Award is presented to Morton Downey. And the song we'll always remember him singing, Carolina Moon.”
  – Andre Baruch [16:59]

4. More Music and Show Highlights

a. “Begin the Beguine”

[18:07 – 21:01]

• The Andrews Sisters deliver a lush, romantic rendition of this enduring standard, after Andre attempts a whimsical definition of a “beguine.”
• Quote:
  “Let them begin the beguine, make them play till the stars that were there before return above you, till you whisper to me once more darling, I love you.”
  – Maxene Andrews [20:10]

b. Romantic Interlude: “Till the End of Time”

[23:28 – 25:09]

• Kurt Massey solos on a classic love ballad, emphasizing timeless devotion.
• Quote:
  “Long as roses bloom in May / My love for you will grow deeper with every passing day…”
  – Kurt Massey [24:00]

c. Irish Farewell Medley: “Back to Donegal”

[27:01 – 29:00]

• The Andrews Sisters and Morton Downey join for a lively Irish-themed song, brimming with family names and homecoming joy.
• Quote:
  “Shake hands with Uncle Mike, me boy. And here is your sister Kate. And there's the girl you used to swing down by the garden gate...”
  – Maxene Andrews & Morton Downey [27:32]

5. Closing Remarks

[29:18 – 30:36]

• Andre Baruch thanks Morton Downey and Coca-Cola for his appearance.
• Warm farewells from the ensemble, and a teaser for the next guest: The Mills Brothers.
• Classic sign-off:
  “We'll be with you each Wednesday at this time.” – Maxene Andrews [29:43]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Morton Downey’s Irish Wit:
  “Oh, now that's nice. Nothing but Irishman for guest stars.”
  – Morton Downey [14:02]

• On the Power of Music:
  “It's a melody full of the laughter of children all after the rain you hear a tuneful story through your love...”
  – Patty Andrews [01:30]

• Reflections on America’s Soldiers:
  “We’re waiting for you guys to come home; we’re waiting for the train to come in.”
  – Vic Shawn [10:17]

• Heartfelt Award Acceptance:
  “Thank you very much, Andre. I'm very pleased to have it too.”
  – Morton Downey [17:32]

Timed Map of Musical Highlights

| Time | Segment | |------|---------| | 01:30–03:34 | “I Feel a Song Coming On” by The Andrews Sisters | | 03:55–06:06 | “A Girl and a Sailor” by The Andrews Sisters | | 06:38–08:27 | “Baby, Won’t You Please Come Home?” by The Andrews Sisters & Kurt Massey | | 10:16–12:53 | “Waiting for the Train to Come In” by The Andrews Sisters | | 14:07–16:59 | “Carolina Moon” by Morton Downey | | 18:07–21:01 | “Begin the Beguine” by The Andrews Sisters | | 23:28–25:09 | “Till the End of Time” by Kurt Massey | | 27:01–29:00 | “Back to Donegal” by The Andrews Sisters & Morton Downey |

Episode Tone & Atmosphere

• Warmth, patriotism, and gentle humor mark the entire episode, with the Andrews Sisters’ harmonies and Downey’s mellifluous crooning at the center.
• The interplay among hosts and guests evokes family gatherings and community spirit—a reminder of a time when live radio was a household mainstay.

In Summary

For listeners longing for nostalgia, classic standards, and charismatic radio personalities, this Andrews Sisters episode—featuring Morton Downey—offers a delightful immersion. Between sentimental ballads, Irish laughter, and celebratory singalongs, the broadcast captures the heart of mid-century American entertainment, spotlighting the enduring charm of the Golden Age of Radio.