Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Avalon Time – East Coast Broadcast
Date: March 17, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Overview
This episode of "Harold’s Old Time Radio" features a vintage broadcast of Avalon Time, highlighting the charm and humor of America's Golden Age of radio before television. Listeners are taken back to an era where families gathered around the radio to enjoy comedic sketches, live music, and character-driven banter. Key personalities featured include Red Skelton, Del King, Edna Stillwell, the Avalon Chorus, Bob Strong and his orchestra, and Red Foley.
Key Segments and Discussion Points
1. Opening and Theme Introduction
(00:02–03:20)
- The show opens with a catchy Avalon Cigarettes ad and the introduction of the cast.
- Del King welcomes the audience and humorously touts Avalon’s advantages by price and quality.
Notable Quote:
“Welcome to Avalon Time with Red Foley, Jeanette, Edna Stillwell, the Avalon chorus, Bob Strong and his orchestra and Red Skelton.” – Del King (00:32)
2. Red Skelton’s Opening Monologue
(03:20–06:50)
- Red Skelton delivers a comedic routine centered on his experience at a boxing match and his own (fictional) boxing career.
- Skelton playfully references Daniel in the lion's den, his troublesome childhood, misunderstandings in the ring, and recurring jokes about being the only 25-year-old collecting Social Security for his punchlines.
Memorable Moment:
“I'll never forget the first time I fought in the Ring. ... I took off my robe to show my chest and I got a mash note from a washboard.” – Red Skelton (04:25)
3. Musical Interlude – “Building a Sailboat of Dreams”
(06:51–09:32)
- Red Foley performs a sentimental ballad, transporting listeners with classic crooning and orchestral support.
4. Band Banter & Musical Upgrades
(09:33–11:55)
- Lighthearted exchange involving Bob Strong, his new violinist Roger Donaldson, and band member jokes about “Strongman” names.
- Playful quips about musical talent and familial connections in the band.
Memorable Quote:
“Confidentially, Bob, the boys do play a lot better now since they learn how to read music.” – Red Skelton (11:02)
5. Comedy Sketch – The Love Triangle
(12:00–17:30)
- Characters Edna, Bob, and Red play out a mock love triangle, laced with quick-witted jokes and wordplay.
- Edna sets a competition: both men must “make love” to her, and she will choose the winner based on their performance.
- The cast delivers rapid-fire gags, fourth-wall breaks, and jokes about old scripts.
Notable Quotes:
“If you were any steadier, you'd be motionless. I want a real boyfriend. I need a Gable type.” – Edna Stillwell (13:05)
“Your AE is all right, but your IOU is no good.” – Red Skelton (14:12)
6. Musical Feature – “I Never Knew Heaven Could Speak”
(17:31–20:34)
- Performed by Jeanette, a romantic tune showcasing the musical talents of the live orchestra and chorus.
7. Sketch: “The Case of the Stolen Plans (or who’s Got Hands in the Plan?)”
(20:35–32:10)
- Red Skelton and Edna star in this radio play as a reporter and sob-sister investigating a spy ring.
- The segment features clever puns, a running “tomatoes are cheaper” password gag, and parody depictions of underworld characters (e.g., Sammy the Spider, Homer the Hornet, Willie the Wasp).
- A comical taxi sequence includes a cab driver (Herky) who’s as full of jokes as the regular cast.
Memorable Moment:
“Calling all spies...General meeting tonight in the old warehouse at the corner of Hickory and Dickory. That’s right near the dock. Password is Tomatoes are cheaper.” – In-show radio (24:48)
“That place down there is so tough, when a kitten wants a bowl of milk, he hijacks a cow!” – Herky, the cab driver (28:15)
8. Musical Moment – “Chapel in the Moonlight”
(32:11–35:22)
- Red Foley and the Avalon Chorus perform a nostalgic number, adding emotional depth and ambiance to the show.
9. Wrap-up and Signature Avalon Sign-off
(35:23–36:30)
- Final Avalon commercial and cast wrap-up banter.
- The cast exchanges sign-offs and lets the audience know when to tune in next.
Notable Quote:
“Remember, friends, when you can get supreme quality in Avalons for less, well, why pay more?” – Cast (35:40)
Notable Quotes & Banter
- “Oh, boy. If a loaf of bread was as old as these jokes, what a marvelous chunky dressing it'd make.” – Unattributed (15:50)
- “Say, Bob, Edna’s my girl and that’s settled. You can’t talk to me like that. Take off your glasses. Okay. What glasses? Those are circles under my eyes.” – Red Skelton (16:20)
- “Now for some sinister business... Cubs 10, Brooklyn 5.” – Sammy the Spider (30:12)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:32 – Avalon Time cast introduction
- 03:20 – Red Skelton’s boxing monologue
- 06:51 – “Building a Sailboat of Dreams” performed
- 09:33 – Bandmember introductions, jokes
- 12:00 – Love triangle sketch
- 17:31 – “I Never Knew Heaven Could Speak”
- 20:35 – “Case of the Stolen Plans” sketch
- 24:48 – Spy ring contact on “radio”
- 28:15 – Taxi driver jokes
- 32:11 – “Chapel in the Moonlight”
- 35:23 – Wrap up & farewell
Summary of Tone and Style
The episode is rich in vintage humor, clever musical transitions, and ensemble chemistry. The language remains light, witty, and family-friendly—often meta and self-referential, as was classic for the medium. Musical performances are woven seamlessly into sketches, with all characters displaying warmth and camaraderie. The repeated cigarette ads serve as a time capsule, further immersing listeners in the period.
For fans of classic comedy, vaudeville-style wit, and musical variety, this episode of Avalon Time is a delightful slice of old-time radio charm.