Any Bonds Today - Fay Wray, John Beale, Barry Wood

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Any Bonds Today" (Fay Wray, John Beale, Barry Wood)

Date: April 1, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This classic episode from Harold’s Old Time Radio revisits a special World War II-era broadcast: “Any Bonds Today”, produced by the U.S. Treasury Department. Featuring Hollywood stars Fay Wray and John Beale in an allegorical radio play ("The Last Boat"), the episode’s main purpose is to encourage the purchase of war bonds and instill a sense of patriotic duty during wartime through dramatic storytelling and evocative music.

---

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Introduction: Rallying for Bonds

[00:17–01:03]

• The program begins with a direct call for Americans to purchase war bonds, presented in a catchy, musical format:

  “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...”
  (Singer, 00:30–01:03)

2. Main Radio Play: "The Last Boat"

[01:03–10:10]

• Setting: The Statue of Liberty, late autumn night; the mood is somber and symbolic.
• Characters:
  • A conflicted soldier (John Beale), contemplating desertion
  • An enigmatic woman (Fay Wray), later revealed to embody the spirit of the Statue of Liberty

Encounter at the Crown

[02:26–03:36]

• The soldier is surprised to find a woman in the statue late at night.
• She prompts reflection about liberty, duty, and self-determination.

Desertion and Freedom Debate

[03:37–06:29]

• The soldier reveals his plan to miss the last boat back to shore and thus become AWOL.
• Conversation shifts to broader questions of liberty:

  “It's a free country, ain't it? I got a right to do what I want, ain't I?”
  (Soldier, 03:31)

• Through gentle but persistent questioning, the woman casts his choices in a new light, challenging whether true love of country aligns with desertion.

Wild Geese Allegory

[06:32–08:46]

• The woman draws the soldier’s attention to a flock of wild geese:

  “That perfect V formation...” (Woman, 06:51)

• She presses him to consider why the geese fly together, evoking themes of instinct, leadership, and collective security.
• The soldier realizes that following orders (like geese following a leader) can represent wisdom, not loss of freedom.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Think whether it's best to obey the orders of instinct. To know the fine, full freedom of the air... Or whether it's best to drop out of the league, come down alone and be a fat and stupid earthbound goose, your liberty destroyed, awaiting death at the convenience of your captive. Yes. Think about it.”
  (Woman/Statue of Liberty, 08:05–08:46)

Decision Point

[08:47–10:10]

• The soldier, inspired, chooses to return, uncertain but thoughtful.
• The reality of the woman’s true identity as the Goddess of Liberty dawns on him.
• As he leaves, the spiritual encounter renews his sense of duty.

---

3. Musical Interlude: "I'm a Military Man"

[10:10–12:17]

• A spirited, rousing song performed by Barry Wood and the Treasury Department Orchestra:

  “I'm a military man now, working for my Uncle Sam ... the girl I left behind is waiting, while I work for her...”
  (Barry Wood, 10:37–12:17)

• The song highlights ordinary Americans joining the military, reinforcing collective effort and sacrifice.

---

4. General Pershing’s Message & Final Call for Bonds

[12:17–13:02]

• General John J. Pershing addresses listeners:

  “If my acceptance of this piece of music will serve further to arouse the citizens of our country to the all out support of the Treasury Department's campaign of saving for defense, I shall indeed be gratified.”
  (General Pershing, 12:25–13:02)

• The narrator reiterates the need for every citizen to do their part by buying defense bonds and stamps:

  “How do you fulfill your obligation to America? Measure your answer in defense bonds and in the bonds you are determined to buy. Next payday and every payday. Fulfill your obligation to America with dollars.”
  (Narrator, 13:02–13:44)

---

5. Closing Musical Reminder

[13:44–14:02]

• The “Freedom Man” reprises “Any Bonds Today?” to close the content, ensuring the call-to-action resonates after the story and song.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Liberty vs. Duty:

  “You talk as if you love it.” – Woman/Statue of Liberty
  “Sure I do.” – Soldier
  “Strange, though, you don't act like it. Deserting, I mean.” (06:13–06:20)

• On Leadership & Belonging:

  “What if a bird decided to abandon the flight ... They'd catch him, clip his wings, fatten him up and then...?” – Woman (07:43–08:05) “Think whether it's best to obey the orders of instinct ... or whether it's best to drop out ... and be a fat and stupid earthbound goose.” – Woman (08:05–08:46)

• On American Sacrifice:

  “Today America is building a new army. One which requires the wholehearted support and backing of all of us.”
  (General Pershing, 12:25–13:02)

---

Segment Timestamps

• Call to buy bonds & opening song: 00:17–01:03
• "The Last Boat" begins (Statue of Liberty scene): 01:03–10:10
• Wild geese allegory: 06:32–08:46
• Soldier chooses his path / mystical revelation: 08:47–10:10
• "I'm a Military Man" (song): 10:10–12:17
• General Pershing’s message: 12:17–13:02
• Closing call to action & song reprise: 13:44–14:02

---

Tone and Takeaways

The episode carries a blend of solemn patriotism and homefront optimism, blending allegorical drama with rousing music and direct appeals. Its message resonates as both a historical artifact and a reminder of civic responsibility: personal freedom is defined by belonging and contribution, not mere individualism.

The combination of star voices (notably Fay Wray’s poised, mythical presence) and stirring musical numbers creates an emotional appeal, urging that “buying bonds” is not just financial support, but a token of unity and shared destiny.

---

Transcript

[VRBoCare Announcer]

With VRBoCare, help is always ready before, during and after your stay. We've planned for the plot twists, so support is always available because a great trip starts with peace of Mind.

[Narrator / Treasury Department Announcer]

Any bonds today? Starring Fay Wray and John Beale on a special recording of the United States Treasury Department. By the way, have you bought any bonds today?

[Freedom Man / Singer]

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 ship of freedom to dance

[Narrator / Treasury Department Announcer]

we are proud to present first a new play and then a new song, both written specially for the Treasury Department. The play the Last boat, written by D.H. johnson, stars Fay Ray and John Beale. With Alan Reed and John Brown. The scene is the Statue of Liberty. The time, late on an autumn night.

[Narrator (Scene Description)]

It's weird. Inside the statue late at night, the gaunt steel beams that support the goddess's bronze gown rise upward into a seeming infinity of grayish gloom. And every gust that sweeps across the bay makes the structure thrum with an almost supernatural moan, as if the goddess wept at the thought of liberties destroyed elsewhere in a nightmare world. A strange, weird place at night, deserted now, save for one man. A man in a soldier's uniform, slowly climbing the spiral stairs that lead up to the goddess's head. Now the man is almost at the top of the stairs. He steps onto the platform underneath the Crown, a dimly lit room with windows through which he can see the expanse of land and water to the eastward. He looks out a moment, then, sensing someone behind him, turns to face a woman who is standing there.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

What? Oh, I didn't know anybody else was up here.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Oh, I'm sorry if I frightened you.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Oh, that's okay, ma'. Am. I'm a little jumpy, I guess. I didn't see you when I come up here.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

I was here. I've been here a long time.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah. Nice place to come, ain't it? What? I mean, you get a swell view from up here.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Yes. You can see a great many things from here. Sometimes I think much more clearly than the people on the ground.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah? All the lights and the bay and the ocean.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Other things, too. Oh, I mean, things you don't see with the eyes alone.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

I don't quite get you, ma'.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Am. It doesn't matter. Tell me, you're one of the guards here. Me?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

A guard? Or the uniform. No, I'm just a jeep from Fort Dixon.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Well, it's the same thing. A custodian of liberty.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

You don't get me, ma'.

[Narrator / Treasury Department Announcer]

Am.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

I don't belong here. I just came out on the boat a little while ago.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Oh, it's the last boat. It goes back very soon.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah, I know.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

You should go down soon. You might miss it.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah, I kind of figured on missing it.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

But you shouldn't. You'll have to stay.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Look, is it any of your business if I want to miss that boat? It's a free country, ain't it? I got a right to do what I want, ain't I?

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Of course.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Well, then don't tell me I gotta make that boat. I'll make it if I want it. I'll stay here if I want it.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

I didn't mean to make you angry.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah, I didn't aim to blow up that way either. Excuse me, ma'. Am.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

I understand.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

It's getting so it just rubs me the wrong way when anybody tells me what to do. I got my belly full of that lately.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

The Army?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah. Revelator taps. Somebody's giving you orders every minute. Right face. Left face. Shoulder arms. Forward march.

[Narrator / Treasury Department Announcer]

Closed ranks, open ranks.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Nobody ever gives you a chance to think for yourself. You're a machine.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

You like to think for yourself.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Sure. Done it all my life too. Till the draft got me working when I wanted to, moving on when I got tired of a job. Knocking off to go hunting and fishing if I felt like it. That's a way to live. And believe me, that's the way I'm living from now on.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Oh, you're deserting?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

I didn't say I was.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Didn't you?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

All right, so I am deserting. I'm going over the hill, I'm walking out of the Army. What are you going to do about it?

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

I. What could I do?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

You going down to report me to one of the guards down there? You gonna turn me in?

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

No, I'm not.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

You ain't kidding me?

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

I think you can trust me. A great many people do.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Okay, ma', am. I believe you. Thanks.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Tell me, when are you planning to desert?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

I'm through with the army as soon as that boat down there pulls out.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

How's that?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Well, that's my idea in coming out here. You see, I'm on leave. I'm due back at Dick's at midnight. But I come out here, miss the last boat and I'll be awol. Even if I do change my mind.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

You think you might Change your mind?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah. I got myself all set to desert a couple of times before then. Talked myself out of it this way. Talking ain't gonna do no good after that boat pulls out. I broke the ice, see? And from there on in, it's easy.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

It's sort of symbolic, too, isn't it?

[Narrator / Treasury Department Announcer]

Huh?

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

I mean, using the Statue of Liberty as a means of getting back your own liberty.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah, I never thought of that. What's that?

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

The boat. It's leaving in five minutes.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Let her leave. I ain't going. Not till morning. I'll go in and get me some store clothes and then head out of town.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Where will you go?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Oh, there's lots of room in this country for a guy to hole up.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Where, for example?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

You talk like you ain't seen much of this country.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

I haven't. I've been here on this island most of my life.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

There's a million places a guy will never be bothered. You go west or north or south, you start feeling it kind of open up around you. You know what I mean? Mountains and plains and deserts and lakes and rivers and farms and hills and woods. Thousands of miles of it.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Anywhere you go, it must be beautiful.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah. It's a great country we got here. The greatest country on earth.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

You talk as if you love it.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Sure I do.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Strange, though, you don't act like it. Deserting, I mean.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Loving the country ain't got nothing to do with that. I just don't love the army, that's all. All that getting ordered around, no chance to think for yourself.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

That's the three minute whistle. You can still get the boat.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

I'm staying here.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Listen. Did you hear that other sound?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

What?

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Shh. There it is again.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Hey, I know what that is. That's a flock of wild geese.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Yes. Look, you can see them from this window just crossing the moon.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah. Pretty, ain't they?

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

That perfect V formation ain't nothing as

[Soldier (John Beale)]

pretty as a flock of wild geese heading south in autumn, free as the air. Ain't nobody drafting them into the Army. Ain't nobody telling them what to do.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Nobody.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

No, ma'.

[Narrator / Treasury Department Announcer]

Am.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Why do they always fly south in autumn?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Well, that's instinct.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

And what's instinct?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Well, it's something that tells them what to do.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

You said they weren't told what to do.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

That's right, I did.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Why do they keep that perfect V formation?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Well, that's just good sense. You see the bird at the point of the V, the leader, he cuts the air like the bow of a boat. He sets up a wave of air that spreads out like a V. And the other birds ride the wave because it's easier flying. Besides, the leader knows the best place to go, the best feeding grounds and where there's liable to be hunters waiting.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Staying in formation then makes it easier and safer for all of them.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

What are you getting at, ma'? Am?

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Let me ask one more thing. What if a bird decided to abandon the flight, got tired of it and dropped out while he was still in the north?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Well, when snow came and food got scarce, he'd probably get into some farmer's barnyard. They'd catch him, clip his wings, fatten him up and then. Hey, why are you asking me these things?

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

You say you like to think for yourself. Suppose you think about it. Think whether it's best to obey the orders of instinct. To know the fine, full freedom of the air. To be1small.in a beautiful V spreading across the sky, keeping formation through the darkness of night, trusting your course to a wise and experienced leader. Or whether it's best to drop out of the league, come down alone and be a fat and stupid earthbound goose, your liberty destroyed, awaiting death at the convenience of your captive. Yes. Think about it. Think for yourself.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

I see what you mean.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Now you can still get that boat.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

The last boat you are.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

You're going down, are you?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Yeah, I'm going down. But I ain't saying I'm gonna get that boat. I'll think about it. Maybe I'll get it, maybe I won't. This is a free country. I got a right to do what I want.

[Woman / Statue of Liberty (Fay Wray)]

Yes, it's a free country. There's no place freer than the Statue of Liberty. Good night, soldier.

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Good night, ma'. Am. Thanks for talking to me. You coming down, soldier? It's about time. Who are you? One of the guards here. I was just coming up to get you out so I could lock up for the night. Hey, don't lock up yet. There's a woman up there. There can't be. I keep a tally of everybody that goes up. I got everybody checked off but you. I tell you, there's a woman up there. Maybe you know her. She said she lives here on the island. I don't know who that could be. What'd she look like? Well, she looked like. She looked. Gosh almighty. What's the matter? I just happened to think she looked like the Goddess of Liberty. Huh? Yeah, she was the Goddess of Liberty.

[General John J. Pershing]

Are you crazy?

[Soldier (John Beale)]

Not as crazy as I was once. Get out of my way, mister. I gotta catch that last boat.

[Narrator / Treasury Department Announcer]

Thank You, Fay Ray and John Beale. Now our new song, I'm a Military Man, Written by Ruth Paul and Henry Silvern and dedicated to General John J. Pershing, famous blackjack of the Mexican campaign in the First World War. I'm a Military man sung by Barry Wood with the Treasury Department Orchestra and chorus.

[Freedom Man / Singer]

I'm a military man now Working for my Uncle Sada get up. You gotta get up. He didn't raise me up to be a soldier But I'll tell the world I am in the army in the Navy in the air Color Marine oh, I'm a military man now I'm a guy that's right I am and the girl I left behind is waiting While I work for a The job I leave behind me wouldn't matter Wouldn't pay it, wouldn't pay I couldn't love and laugh in the good old USA Short on beans, long on beans that's the life I'll know With my knapsack on my back and off to camp I'll go. He's a military man he marches all day long Working all day long he didn't raise me up to be a soldier I tell the world I am in the army in the Navy in the air for a Marine oh, I'm a military man now I'm a guy that's right I am and the girl I left behind is waiting While I work for a Roseanne.

[Narrator / Treasury Department Announcer]

In the interest of national defense, General Pershing has accepted this song dedicated to his deeds of valor. And in so doing he said.

[General John J. Pershing]

I am pleased to accept this stirring musical composition dedicated to me. As I think back over the years, there passes before me a picture of American men. Good fighting men. Today America is building a new army. One which requires the wholehearted support and backing of all of us. If my acceptance of this piece of music will serve further to arouse the citizens of our country to the all out support of the Treasury Department's campaign of saving for defense. I shall indeed be gratified.

[Narrator / Treasury Department Announcer]

General Pershing knows that today America must have a first rate army. He too heard our commander in chief declare that the lives of our soldiers and sailors the whole future of this nation depends upon the manner that each and every one of us fulfills his obligation to this country. How about you? How do you fulfill your obligation to America? Measure your answer in defense bonds and in the bonds you are determined to buy. Next payday and every payday. Fulfill your obligation to America with dollars. Dollars put into United States defense bonds and stamps at any bank or post office. Get defense stamps from your newspaper carrier boy and your retail dealer.

[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.

[Narrator / Treasury Department Announcer]

You've just heard any bonds today? A recorded program of the United States Treasury Department. For defense bonds and stats, our stars were Fay Wray, John Beale and Barry Woods. This is Larry Elliott speaking for the Treasury Department.

[VRBoCare Announcer]

With VRBoCare. Help is always ready before, during and after your stay. We've planned for the plot twists, so support is always available because a great trip starts with peace of mind.

[VRBoCare Early Bird Announcer]

Early birds Always rise to the occasion for summer vacation planning because early gets you closer to the action. So don't be late. Book your next vacation early on verbo and save over $120. Rise and shine. Average savings $141. Select homes only.