Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Avalon Time – Edna Stillwell Joins Cast

Date: March 17, 2026
Theme: A delightful trip into the Golden Age of Radio, centered on the comedy-variety show "Avalon Time," which this episode celebrates with the introduction of Edna Stillwell to the cast. Listeners are treated to vaudeville-style banter, musical numbers, and a taste of old radio's playful advertisements, anchored by Red Skelton's trademark humor.

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode revisits "Avalon Time," a classic radio variety show, spotlighting the arrival of Edna Stillwell as a new cast member. The episode is a medley of musical performances, witty comedy skits, and sponsor messages, capturing the family-friendly entertainment style that defined pre-television radio culture. Red Skelton takes center stage with his fast-paced slapstick and wordplay, backed by the musical talents of Phil Davis, Red Foley, and the Avalon Chorus.

Key Discussion Points & Notable Segments

1. Red Skelton’s Comedy Monologue

[01:11–03:25]

• Red Skelton opens with his signature self-deprecating humor. He jokes about being outpaced by sponsors and lampoons the nascent idea of television:
  • "Drop a dollar in the slot, you get Red Skelton. 95 cents change." [01:24, Red Skelton]
• Humorous anecdotes about aviation, Hollywood, and marital quirks:
  • "Hollywood is where people get married for better or for worse, but not for long." [02:20, Red Skelton]
  • Skelton claims he played "the pig" in a banquet scene for "Pygmalion":
    • "Of course, the critics said I couldn't have been hammier." [02:50, Red Skelton]

2. Musical Interludes

[07:08–09:45]

• Red Foley performs “Those Funny Old Hills,” introducing a warm musical element.
  • Notable moment: Avalon Chorus joins for a lively prairie tune.

[19:14–21:04]

• Phil Davis and the Avalon Chorus with “Between a Kiss and a Sigh”—a classic romantic ballad.

[28:05–30:55]

• The episode closes musically with “Penny Serenade,” a sentimental favorite, blending chorus and soloists.

3. Red Skelton & Secretary Edna Stillwell: Office Comedy

[11:22–16:06]

• Edna Stillwell’s debut as Skelton’s secretary creates quick-witted office skits:
  • Skelton tries to borrow $10:
    • "You don't pay your bills and you've got three guys from the finance company living with you now." [11:35, Ms. Stillwell]
  • Banter about Skelton’s hometown, the mayor, and family:
    • "Just think, I left Vincenz six years ago a barefooted boy." [12:02, Red Skelton]
    • "Is that from home?" (referring to fan mail from the chief of police) [11:54, Red Skelton]

4. "Ancient Egypt" Comedy Skit: Pharaoh Skelton

[23:29–27:51]

• Slapstick historical parody with Skelton as Pharaoh and Stillwell as his secretary:
  • Playfully anachronistic jokes:
    • "The year of 52 B.C.—that’s before cigarettes, I might add. Avalon cigarettes." [23:06, Red Skelton]
  • Rides across Egypt, interacts with “Pharaoh Foley,” jokes about pyramid-building as a government job:
    • "Took them 3,000 years to build that one... Must have been a government job." [24:24, Red Skelton]
  • Witty exchanges about Cleopatra being “the whole fire department,” secretary jealousy, and Mark Anthony’s “fury”:
    • "Siren? Did you ever see her? She's the whole fire department." [26:05, Red Skelton]
    • "He'll kill you. He's a maniac—the only thing he cares about is money, money, money." [27:23, Red Skelton's Mother]
  • Skelton’s comic begging for his life:
    • "I haven't much money, but I'll give you all the money I've got. How much do you want? ... Do you think 25 cents would be too much?" [27:28, Red Skelton]

5. Inter-character Dynamic & “Jealous Secretary” Gag

[22:18–23:29]

• Ms. Stillwell teases Skelton about his plans with another woman:
  • "I hope she makes you pay the check." [22:54, Ms. Stillwell]
  • Dell King quips:
    • "Looks pretty serious when your secretary gets jealous." [23:06, Dell King]

Memorable Quotes

• Red Skelton:

  • "Drop a dollar in the slot, you get Red Skelton. 95 cents change." [01:24]
  • "Well, now, all marriages are not like that out. There's a friend of mine in Hollywood—he loves his wife so much he’s going to hold her over a second week." [02:23]

• Ms. Edna Stillwell (Secretary):

  • "You don't pay your bills and you've got three guys from the finance company living with you now." [11:35]
  • "He wants a new picture. He says the one he has now is so old that the numbers are worn off." [11:55]

• Red Skelton's Mother:

  • "Richard talks about you all the time, Ms. Screwball." [14:37]
  • "Don't think you're too big to be whipped." [15:19]

Important Timestamps

• [01:11–03:25] Red Skelton’s opening monologue
• [07:08–09:45] “Those Funny Old Hills” sung by Red Foley & chorus
• [11:22–16:06] Skelton, Stillwell, and “the $10 loan” office sketch
• [19:14–21:04] “Between a Kiss and a Sigh” musical segment
• [22:18–23:29] Jealous secretary gag and transition to Egypt story
• [23:29–27:51] “Ancient Egypt” comedy skit featuring Pharaoh Skelton
• [28:05–30:55] “Penny Serenade” closing musical number

Tone & Style

The episode is brimming with buoyant banter, quick puns, musical interludes, and period-typical sponsor spots—with each segment designed for quick laughs and a lighthearted, inclusive feeling. The interplay between Skelton and Stillwell is especially sharp, toeing the line between cheeky and familial.

Summary

"Avalon Time – Edna Stillwell Joins Cast" is a charming showcase of 1930s/40s radio entertainment, full of slapstick, song, and time-capsule wit. Skelton’s comic persona, Edna Stillwell’s sharp-tongued secretary, and a cast of musical and comedic sidekicks keep the episode brisk and engaging. Listeners get a taste of radio’s golden era humor—timeless in its ability to amuse through wordplay, character-driven sketches, and a sincere sense of fun.