Episode Summary: Avalon Time – "Dinner With Edna"
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Date: March 17, 2026
Episode: Avalon Time - Dinner With Edna
Main Theme
This episode of “Avalon Time” brings listeners back to the golden era of radio comedy with Richard “Red” Skelton at the helm. The show is a light-hearted blend of offbeat news, comedic sketches, musical performances, and playful banter—epitomizing the early days of American radio entertainment when families gathered around the radio for laughter and music. The evening’s central sketch, “Dinner With Edna,” weaves classic domestic humor into Red’s on-air persona as a lovable, bumbling suitor intent on proposing marriage over a home-cooked meal.
Key Discussion Points & Segments
1. Avalon Cigarettes Sponsor Messages
Multiple segments throughout the show feature enthusiastic and clever sponsorship for Avalon Cigarettes, emphasizing economy and quality ("3 to 5 cents less per pack," “money saving advantages”).
Notable Quotes:
- “You'd never guess, but Avalon cost you less.” – Edna Stillwell (00:37)
- “Avalons are quality cigarettes that sell for 3 to 5 cents less per pack than other popular price brands.” – Dell King (01:00)
- “Judging by the quality, you'd never guess Avalons cost you less.” – Dell King (18:04)
Timestamps: 00:35, 01:00, 17:48, 18:04
2. Headline Hokum: Skelton’s Satirical News Monologue
Richard Red Skelton opens with a tongue-in-cheek roundup of peculiar headlines and witty social observations, poking gentle fun at current events, society, and himself.
Highlights & Quotes:
- On modern homes:
"I built a very modern home...we even have a playroom for the termite." – Red Skelton (03:24) - On women drivers:
"They should be. They don't have to look at those hats." – Red Skelton (03:35) - On prices:
"The other day I bought a T-bone steak; it cost me 50 cents. For another dollar, I could have had meat on it." – Red Skelton (03:49) - Playful jab at Congress:
"I thought senators made their own bunk." – Red Skelton (04:13) - On unlikely sports news:
"Chicago Cubs win four straight games. That’s a misprint if I ever saw one." – Red Skelton (04:27)
Timestamps: 03:24 – 06:14
3. Music Interlude – Jeanette’s “I Put My Heart Into a Song”
A romantic and earnest musical performance provides a tonal respite between the comedy sketches.
Notable Lyrics:
"If it never played on the hit parade, it will still contain a heart that is beating true… Here is my heart wrapped in a song. And if you take it, please don't tear my song apart." – Jeanette (06:14)
Timestamps: 06:14 – 08:30
4. Slice of Life Sketch: “Dinner With Edna”
The comedic centerpiece: Red Skelton’s character arrives at Edna’s home for a dinner in which he intends to pop the big question. Their awkward, endearing courtship is interrupted by Edna’s wisecracking brother, Roger, leading to a series of playful negotiations, jokes about Edna’s inedible cooking, and a sweet, finally successful proposal.
Memorable Moments and Quotes:
- Setting up the date:
“You mean that goon with the haunted look? Well, that guy should get married. He’s the most married looking single man I ever saw.” – Roger (09:16) - Comedic sibling negotiation:
“A dime? Hey listen, the price is $1 to everybody.” – Roger (10:23)
“What's the extra 90 cents for?” – Red Skelton (10:27)
“I just heard about the amusement tax.” – Roger (10:31) - The dinner:
“Hey, what kind of soup is this?” – Red Skelton (12:08)
“That’s chicken.” – Edna Stillwell (12:17)
“Must have walked through with stilts.” – Red Skelton (12:21)
“Here, try one of my biscuits.” – Edna Stillwell (12:23)
“Did you bake them over yourself?” – Red Skelton (12:26)
“Brother had to help me lift them off the stove.” – Edna Stillwell (12:27) - The proposal:
“Look, a ring.” – Red Skelton (13:14)
“Oh, an engagement ring.” – Edna Stillwell (13:15)
“Do you think you can support a family?” – Edna Stillwell (13:24)
“How many’s in your family?” – Red Skelton (13:25) - Ending on a gag:
“Where have you been in the rain?” – Edna Stillwell (14:58)
“Well, you said I could stay here all night, so I went home after my pajamas.” – Red Skelton (14:59)
Timestamps: 08:30 – 15:12
5. Music Segment – "Beale Street Blues" (Bob Strong’s Orchestra)
After the proposal sketch, the show transitions to a performance of “Beale Street Blues” featuring Bob Strong’s arrangement—meant to conjure the spirit of classic blues as a musical palette cleanser.
Timestamps: 15:12 – 17:48
6. Final Sponsor Plug and Program Wrap-up
Dell King and Red Skelton seamlessly blend in one last cigarette sales pitch, reemphasizing the affordability and quality of Avalon Cigarettes while employing plumber-related humor for added charm.
Notable Quotes:
- “They plugged up the leak that was draining my pocketbook.” – Roger (17:53)
- “Maybe I forget my tools, see? But I never forget my Avalons.” – Roger (17:58)
Timestamps: 17:48 – 18:59
Standout Quotes
- Red Skelton's signature self-deprecating humor:
“Well, I didn't get over my water on the knee till yesterday.” (14:07) - On braving the weather for love:
“Well, you said I could stay here all night, so I went home after my pajamas.” – Red Skelton (14:59) - Classic pun-laden one-liners:
“Termite playroom,” “Meatballs in solitary confinement,” “Ripley sent it back—‘I don’t believe it.’” (various)
Episode Flow and Tone
“Avalon Time – Dinner With Edna” is a breezy, quick-witted trip into nostalgia and farce. The comic timing, running gags (often at Red’s own expense), and gentle ribbing among cast members create an inviting, wholesome atmosphere emblematic of golden-age radio comedy. Every segment—be it news parody, romantic misadventure, or sponsor plug—delivers the show’s hallmark blend of warmth, wordplay, and musicianship.
For New Listeners
This episode showcases why "Avalon Time" and Red Skelton became household names in the era before television, presenting a pitch-perfect blend of radio variety—topical standup, situation comedy, and classic musical numbers—all peppered with enduring humor and gentle mockery of everyday life.