Harold's Old Time Radio: Author Author Episode – The $2001 Watch

Release Date: April 2, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled Author Author 39-01-11 01 The $2001 Watch, listeners are treated to a captivating session of the interactive storytelling game "Author, Author." Hosted by Jerry Lawrence, the program features esteemed authors Marion Collins, Carl Van Doren, Ellery Queen, and the renowned humorist Ogden Nash. The episode delves into the creative minds of these literary figures as they collaboratively invent story beginnings based on intriguing surprise endings presented during the show.

Introduction to "Author, Author"

At the heart of the episode is the innovative game "Author, Author," where renowned authors are challenged to create compelling narratives from unexpected story conclusions. The premise involves presenting a paradoxical or surprising ending, prompting the authors to develop plausible and engaging story beginnings that logically lead to that conclusion.

Story Problem 1: The $2001 Watch

Timestamp: 01:39 – 19:12

Scenario Presented: A shabbily dressed man offers $1 for a $2,000 platinum watch in Mr. Spiffin's renowned 5th Avenue jewelry shop. Surprisingly, the jeweler agrees to the deal, leaving listeners to ponder the underlying reasoning.

Authors' Reconstructions:

1. Marion Collins (00:58 – 06:36): Collins imagines Mr. Spiffin as a coin collector desperately seeking a rare $1 American coin worth $5,000. When Mr. Spiffin notices that the “$1” offered is, in fact, this coveted coin, it explains his willingness to accept the seemingly undervalued watch offer.

   “Mr. Spiffin... noticed that the dollar which the shabbily dressed man was offering... was this very coin.” [03:27]

2. Carl Van Doren (07:02 – 09:17): Van Doren introduces a dramatic twist where Mr. Spiffin, traumatized by his heir's kidnapping, interprets the $1 offer as a ransom proposition. His acceptance of the watch at such a low price is a strategic move to negotiate with the kidnappers discreetly.

   “He gave in now and said that he would take $1 for a $2,000 watch.” [07:04]

3. Ellery Queen (09:20 – 10:33): Queen posits that Mr. Spiffin owes Mr. Nash $2,000. Offering the watch for $1 serves as a means to balance the books, subtly repaying the debt without direct confrontation.

   “He owes this man $2,000 for a long time.” [06:57]

4. Ogden Nash (19:25 – 20:29): Nash provides a pacifist angle, suggesting that the envelope contains a formula for a powerful poison gas. Mr. Sutton, recognizing the danger, chooses the empty envelope to prevent the spread of this weapon, thereby explaining the rejection of the $10,000 bequest in the subsequent story problem.

   “He simply refused the $10,000 and took the envelope.” [19:25]

Notable Interactions: The authors engage in playful banter, challenging each other's explanations and adding depth to their narratives. Ellery Queen and Carl Van Doren exchange witty remarks, enhancing the episode's dynamic atmosphere.

Story Problem 2: Safe Motoring with Silvertown Tires

Timestamp: 10:47 – 11:57

Scenario Presented: Mr. Silver confidently jams his brakes on a wet, slippery road, assuring his neighbor Mr. Towne that he is perfectly safe.

Authors' Explanation: The underlying reason for Mr. Silver's confidence is attributed to his possession of Silvertown tires, renowned for their superior tread design that prevents skidding even under adverse conditions.

“Silvertown treads are built for safety.” [11:08]

Story Problem 3: The Extraordinary Bequest

Timestamp: 11:57 – 16:58

Scenario Presented: In a lawyer's office, Mr. Chalmers reads John Sutton's will, stating that John can inherit his entire estate of $10,000 or an empty envelope. Surprisingly, John chooses the envelope despite its apparent lack of value.

Authors' Reconstructions:

1. Marion Collins (13:03 – 14:31): Collins envisions a backstory where Mr. Spiffin recognizes the empty envelope as a means to settle an old debt with a friend who had financially supported him in the past. Accepting the envelope symbolizes repaying this debt, outweighing the monetary value of the bequest.

   “He had an old friend... he recognized the old friend... and felt that he would be justified in accepting the dollar for the watch.” [05:28]

2. Carl Van Doren (14:58 – 17:05): Van Doren introduces a narrative where the empty envelope contains a critical autograph needed for a prestigious collection. Mr. Sutton, understanding its value to his rival autograph collector, opts for the envelope to complete the collection, thereby enhancing his standing and reputation.

   “The envelope was addressed to Chester A. Arthur, President of the United States.” [15:32]

3. Ellery Queen (17:08 – 19:03): Queen crafts a tale of familial betrayal where John Sutton, facing financial ruin due to gambling debts, manipulates his uncle Mr. Black into choosing between the empty envelope and the $10,000. The acceptance of the envelope is a strategic move to expose Mr. Black's wrongdoing and secure justice.

4. Ogden Nash (19:25 – 20:29): Nash's interpretation relates to his earlier narrative, where the envelope contains a dangerous formula. Mr. Sutton, practicing pacifism, rejects the financial gain to prevent the dissemination of a lethal weapon, aligning with his ethical principles.

Author Interactions and Banter

Throughout the episode, the authors engage in lighthearted exchanges, often challenging each other's theories and injecting humor into their discussions. This camaraderie not only entertains but also showcases the authors' diverse perspectives and creative approaches to storytelling.

Ellery Queen: “I wonder if Mr. Queen himself is a coin collector.” [05:02]

Ogden Nash: “I think Ellery should come first. Ellery comes before queen.” [03:16]

Audience Participation Invitation

Towards the episode's conclusion, host Jerry Lawrence invites listeners to participate by submitting their own story problems. Audience members are encouraged to craft surprise endings without providing the beginnings, challenging the authors to develop creative explanations. Selected submissions are rewarded with cash prizes, fostering an interactive and engaging listener experience.

Jerry Lawrence: “Send your story problem as many as you wish... Each one accepted by us and used on this program will receive $25.” [20:42]

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with a final advertisement for Silvertown tires, emphasizing their safety and reliability, aligning seamlessly with the episode's themes. The authors bid farewell amidst jovial interactions, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment featuring new guest authors.

Conclusion

The $2001 Watch episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully blends interactive storytelling with the creative genius of its esteemed authors. Through the "Author, Author" game, listeners gain insight into the imaginative processes behind constructing compelling narratives, all while enjoying the dynamic interplay among literary luminaries. This episode not only entertains but also invites active audience engagement, making it a standout installment in the series.