Any Bonds Today 4xxxxx xx Baby Snooks And Daddy Buy Some Defense Bonds

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Any Bonds Today? – Baby Snooks And Daddy Buy Some Defense Bonds"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Air Date: January 13, 2026
Featured Performers: Fanny Brice (Baby Snooks), Hanley Stafford (Daddy), Igor Gorin (guest), Freedom Man/Singer
Duration: ~14 minutes (excluding ads)

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Episode Overview

This special episode, presented by the United States Treasury Department, centers around the patriotic wartime initiative for Americans to invest in defense stamps and bonds during World War II. Anchored by a comedic sketch featuring the beloved radio characters Baby Snooks and her Daddy, the episode blends humor with a message of thrift, patriotism, and collective duty. The episode also features a stirring musical performance by Igor Gorin and several calls to action encouraging listeners to support the national cause.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Musical Segment: “Any Bonds Today?”

• [00:52] The “Freedom Man” (Singer) delivers a lively opening song, setting the patriotic tone.
  • “Any bonds today? Bonds of freedom, that’s what I’m selling. Any bonds today? Scrape up the most you can, here comes the freedom man...”

2. Comedic Sketch: Daddy and Baby Snooks Buy Defense Stamps

• [01:49-09:47]
• Daddy brings Snooks to the post office to learn about thrift and purchase her first defense stamps.
• Baby Snooks’ antics:
  • Hides money in her shoes and pants out of fear of being “held up,” inspired by a misunderstanding about something her mother said about her father coming home late.
    • Quote: “I got it in my shoe.” – Baby Snooks [01:55]
    • Quote: “That's where I got my candy.” – Baby Snooks [02:15]
  • Stores treats alongside the money, leading to a comical mess.
• Cultural misunderstandings:
  • Baby Snooks confuses Uncle Sam with Santa Claus.
    • Quote: “You’ve seen those pictures of that colorful old man with the beard, haven’t you?” – Daddy [06:25]
    • “Santa Claus?” – Baby Snooks [06:28]
• Patriotic Lesson:
  • Daddy explains defense stamps and bonds, what interest means, and how small contributions help the national effort.
    • Quote: “Your 30 cents may save half of the world.” – Daddy [09:29]
  • Snooks, ever literal and mischievous, insists on retrieving even more hidden money “to save the other half of the world.”
    • Quote: “Turn me over, Daddy…I want to get the rest of the money and save the other half of the world.” – Baby Snooks [09:37]

3. Guest Segment: Igor Gorin’s Story and Performance

• [10:16-13:00]
• Igor Gorin, famed baritone, shares his immigrant story:
  • Expresses pride in becoming an American citizen, describing the emotional impact of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in court.
  • Introduces and performs a musical setting of the Pledge, inspired by composer Albert Malotte.
    • Quote: “When I first came to this country six years ago, I applied immediately for my citizenship papers to achieve the great dream of my life—the right to say I am an American.” – Igor Gorin [10:16]

4. Closing Rally: Call to Action for National Unity

• [13:00-13:54]
• Host Larry Elliott provides a stirring appeal to listeners:
  • Contrasts American ideals with the threat of Hitler’s regime.
  • Urges listeners to pour their dollars into bonds and stamps, framing investment as both patriotic and practical.
    • Quote: “Americans, I ask you, which world shall break? Ours or Hitler’s? Pour out your dollars in reply.” – Larry Elliott [13:08]

5. Final Musical Reprise and Credits

• [13:54-14:34]
• The “Freedom Man” returns to reiterate the episode’s message in song.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments With Timestamps

• “I got it in my shoe.” – Baby Snooks [01:55]
• “That’s where I got my candy.” – Baby Snooks [02:15]
• “I was afraid we’d be held up.” – Baby Snooks [03:03]
• “Mommy opens all your letters.” – Baby Snooks [04:54]
• “Who does [Uncle Sam]?” – Baby Snooks [07:01]
• “Your 30 cents may save half of the world.” – Daddy [09:29]
• “I want to get the rest of the money and save the other half of the world.” – Baby Snooks [09:37]
• “The right to say I am an American.” – Igor Gorin [10:22]
• “Americans, I ask you, which world shall break? Ours or Hitler’s? Pour out your dollars in reply.” – Larry Elliott [13:08]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:52 | Opening patriotic song: “Any Bonds Today?” | | 01:49 | Start of Baby Snooks and Daddy sketch | | 06:01 | Explanation of defense stamps and American symbols | | 09:29 | Daddy’s appeal: “Your 30 cents may save half the world” | | 10:16 | Igor Gorin shares his story and sings “Pledge to the Flag” | | 13:00 | Host appeals to listeners for support in the war effort | | 13:54 | Reprise: “Any Bonds Today?” |

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Tone & Style

Playful, warm-hearted, and patriotic, the episode artfully weaves humor and family-friendly banter with earnest appeals for national unity, self-sacrifice, and American ideals. The language—particularly from Baby Snooks—is innocent and witty, while the adult voices convey seriousness about the national crisis, culminating in a sense of collective mission.

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Takeaways

• The episode effectively blends light-hearted comedy with a serious wartime message, making the concept of thrift and sacrifice accessible even to children.
• Listeners are rallied to see their individual financial contributions as significant acts of patriotism—“Your 30 cents may save half the world.”
• The inclusion of Igor Gorin’s personal immigrant story and musical performance adds emotional gravity and underscores the American dream.
• Throughout, the importance of unity, sacrifice, and believing in the American cause is emphasized, all within a format charming enough to engage families of the era and listeners today.

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Transcript

[Larry Elliott]

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[Eve or Anam (Co-founder of Alinea)]

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[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

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[Larry Elliott]

Any bonds today? Starring Fanny Brice as Baby Snooks and Igor Gorin on a special recorded program of the United States Treasury Department.

[Freedom Man / Singer]

By the way, have you bought any bonds today? Any bonds today? Bonds are free, that's what I'm selling Any bonds today? Scrape up the most you can Here comes the freedom man Asking you to buy a share of freedom today Any stamps today? We'll be blessed if we all invest in the USA Here comes the freedom man can't make tomorrow's plan not unless you buy its share of freedom today.

[Larry Elliott]

Any bonds today? Well, no. It's defense stamps that Daddy Hanley Stafford wants Fanny Brice in her roll of Baby Snooks to buy. Daddy's giving her her first lesson in thrift. Here they are in a sketch written by Phil Rapp.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

All right, Snooks, here's the post office. Have you got your money ready?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Yes, Daddy.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Where is it?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I got it in my shoe.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

In your shoe? No wonder you've been hobbling along like a stilt walker when all the way over here Your left foot's 4 inches higher than your right foot. Take off that left shoe.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Mamani's in the other shoe, Daddy.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Well, why is your left shoe like that?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

That's where I got my candy.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Good heavens, you're not going to eat that stuff after walking on it, are you?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Why?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Oh, take off both your shoes and let's. Hand to the mouth. Come in.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Hold on one, Daddy.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Now sit down here. Now take off those shoes.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

The socks, too?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

No, just the shoes.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Well, how will I get my chewing gum?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Snopes, you didn't put chewing gum in your socks.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Didn't I?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Look at that mess. The money's all in pennies, too. Chewing gum, chocolates and a piece of apple.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Where's my lipo?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Here it is. Whatever possessed you to conceal all this stuff in your shoes?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I was afraid we'd be held up.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Oh, what a ridiculous notion. Why should you be held up?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Well, you was held up last night when you came back from the lodge.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Who told you that?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Mommy did. He said two men held you up all the way home.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Now, that's a malicious slander. I walk every bit of the way myself.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Oh, Daddy.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Now, don't smirk. It's enough I have to suffer those indignities from your mother without you repeating them.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I didn't tell nobody.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Well, make sure you don't.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Why?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Because a false rumor will spread that I came home inebriated and you know I'm a man of regular habits.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Is that one of your regular habits, Daddy?

[Larry Elliott]

No.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

I forbid you ever to mention the incident again.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Why?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Don't be aggravating, Snokes. I brought you to this post office to teach you the virtue of thrift and you're already trying my patience. Is this all the money you had? 30 cents.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

No.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Where's the rest of it?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I sewed it on the back of my pants.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

What for?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

You said to do it, Daddy.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

I told you to sew money on your pants.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Yeah, he said I should always have a little money in the back of me.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Oh, that's a wonderful interpretation. Take off your. Oh, no, no, you can't do it here.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Why?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Because it doesn't look nice to come to a post office and remove your clothes. Maybe you can go in the mail room and.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

They got a female room.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

I'm talking about the room where they keep the letters.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Can we read the letters, Daddy?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Of course not.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Why?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Because it's against the law to open letters that don't belong to you. They can put a person in jail for reading other people's mail.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Mommy opens all your letters.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Yeah, I know it, but it's different with a man and wife.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Can we put her in jail?

[Larry Elliott]

No.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Why?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Don't worry. I'm working on it. Now, put your shoes and stuffings on.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I want to go barefoot.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Snoop.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I want to go barefoot.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Oh, stop making me sick or I'll t. Hide.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I want to play hide and kick.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Now, that's enough. Put your shoes on. Quick. On. Now the other one. Now, come on. We're going to invest this 30 cents of yours. Now, come on.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

What's this picture on the wall, Daddy?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Oh, it's a reward poster put there by the Federal Bureau to aid in the search for mail. Bandits.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

What does it say?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

It says, murderer wanted. Let's see.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Are you gonna ask for the job?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

It's not a job. Come on. Well, here's the window. I want give me your 30 cents.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Why?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

To buy defense stamps.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

What's Defense dance?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

They are little tokens issued at various prices from $0.10 to $5. And when you get enough of them, you can get a defense bond.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

What for?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

What for? To help Uncle Sam, of course.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Why don't we help Uncle Louie?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

This is not a real uncle. Uncle Sam is the guiding spirit of America. You've seen those pictures of that colorful old man with the beard, haven't you?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Santa Claus?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Not Santa Claus. Uncle Sam.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Who's he?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

I told you. He's the patriotic symbol of this country. Just like John Bull, he's the symbol of Great Britain. We've had him with us since America was founded.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

John Bull?

[Freedom Man / Singer]

No, Uncle Sam.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

He's always portrayed as a sort of Yankee character. And he wears stars and stripes.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Has he got a beard?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Yes.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Does he wear a high hat?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

That's it. And he gets his name from the initials U.S. who does? Uncle Sam.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Who is he?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

The man I'm telling you about. He represents our government in everything that's American. And his name is Uncle Sam.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Does he know Ann Sophie?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

No, I don't know. The important thing is he wants your 30 cents.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Who does?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

How are you yelling about?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I ain't gonna give him my money.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Look, it's for your own benefit, Snooks. If you buy defense stamps for that $0.30, you'll always have it.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I got it now. A knife.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Yes, but you might spend it. If you buy stamps, Uncle Sam will get the money and return it to you.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Will he spend it?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Certainly.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

No, he won't.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Why not?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Cause he ain't gonna get it.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

So this is not only a saving proposition. Every real American should buy these defense stamps and bonds. Apart from the interest involved.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

What's interest, Daddy?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Well, it's a premium paid for the use of the money. Usually reckoned as a percentage, like interest at 5% per annum, of $5,000. That means you get back $250 at the end of a year.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

$250?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

That's right.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

How can they afford it for 30 cents?

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Oh, give me that money. Now keep quiet. Give me three, ten. Ten defense stamps, please. Thank you very much. Flying snooks. Curious tamps.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I'm glad I stole the other money in my pants.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Now listen to me. You've just done a very noble thing, sirx. You're too young to understand now, but America today is facing a grave emergency. The president has called upon the financial aid of the entire nation. And you want to help, don't you?

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

No.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Listen. The few cents you've exchanged for those stamps will be put to work instantly. Defense workers are slaving night and day at different projects, helping to make an impregnable fortress of this country to keep our strength so that we may help others. Battleships will be built, airplanes will roll into production. Tanks, guns and even food for the army will be bought.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

All of my 30 cents.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Don't you think it doesn't help? Now just imagine if every person in America did the same thing. Snooks, strange as this may sound, your 30 cents may save half of the world.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Yes.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

Yes.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

Turn me over, Daddy.

[Daddy (Hanley Stafford)]

I'm not going to spank you.

[Baby Snooks (Fanny Brice)]

I know. I want to get the rest of the money and save the other half of the world.

[Larry Elliott]

Well, baby Snooks has a great idea there. And our next guest agrees with her. A brilliant young artist noted for his operatic and concert successes here and abroad. His name is familiar to all. Igor Gorin. He is going to sing for you a song born from his own great love for America. But he wants to tell you about it himself. I present to you Igor Goren.

[Igor Gorin]

Ladies and gentlemen, when I first came to this country six years ago, I applied immediately for my citizenship papers to achieve the great dream of my life. The right to say I am an American. Finally the day came for me to stand before a judge and recite the creed of faith and the principles of our nation. The Pledge to the flag. Among those present in the courtroom was the well known composer Albert He Malat. He was so moved by the solemnity of the occasion that he was inspired by to set the pledge of Allegiance to music. To let the world know how it felt to witness the making of an American. Tonight I should like to sing the song born of this inspiration. The pledge to the Flag.

[Freedom Man / Singer]

I pled. Amazing.

[Larry Elliott]

And justice for all. That's the prime principle of every American today. We are fighting for that principle. Adolf Hitler has said two worlds are in conflict and one must break asunder. Americans, I ask you, which world shall break? Ours or Hitler's? Pour out your dollars in reply. Pour them out in a steady never ending stream that fills the war chest of our nation and keeps it flowing over. Put every dollar you can into defense bonds sold by any bank, post office or savings and loan association. Put every possible dime into defense stamps sold by retail merchants and even buy newspaper carrier boys. Buy a bond now and every payday hereafter make your regular bond buying answer. Adolf Hitler's Bose.

[Freedom Man / Singer]

Have you bought any bonds today? Any bonds today? Bonds of freedom that's what I'm selling. Any bonds today? Scrape up the most you can Here comes the freedom man Asking you to buy a share of freedom today Any stamps today? We'll be blessed if we all invest in the USA Here comes the freedom man can't make tomorrow's plan not unless you buy a share of freedom today.

[Larry Elliott]

You've been listening to Any Bonds Today? A recorded program of the United States Treasury Department for defense bonds and stamps. Stars of this program were Fanny Brice as Baby Snook. Hanley Stafford as Daddy. Igor Goran and Barry Wood. This is Larry Elliott speaking for the Treasury.