Avalon Time - Edna's Birthday Party
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: March 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Avalon Time, re-broadcast on Harold’s Old Time Radio, transports listeners back to the golden age of radio variety and comedy. The show is centered around the celebration of Edna Stillwell’s birthday, featuring music, comedic sketches, and lighthearted banter among classic radio personalities Red Skelton, Dale King, Edna Stillwell, Jeanette, and special guests. The episode captures the spirit of its era with musical numbers, humorous exchanges, and a parody historical skit, all bound together by a warm, familial atmosphere.

Main Discussion Points & Highlights

Opening Banter & Introductions ([01:01]–[01:23])

• The show opens with the familiar cast introduction by Dale King, presenting Red Foley, Jeanette, Edna Stillwell, the Avalon Chorus, Bob Strong and his orchestra, and Red Skelton—"the only man in radio who gives pep talks to chickens on how to lay bigger and better eggs."
• Skelton immediately launches into playful banter, poking fun at Dale King’s barber experience and sharing anecdotes from a rough transcontinental flight and a visit to the New York World’s Fair:
  • “I was so green, when I got off the plane, a guy came over, opened my mouth and tried to mail a letter in.” ([01:35], Red Skelton)
  • Observes the spectacle of New York: “There's so many klieg lights that the astronomers claim that the man in the moon is wearing sunglasses.” ([01:54], Red Skelton)

Musical Interludes

"Swinging Down the Old Orchard Lane" ([03:59]–[05:50])

• Jeanette delivers a period-perfect vocal performance, bringing nostalgic charm to the evening.
• This musicality sets the tone for the wholesome, family-centric entertainment in the episode.

"Stepway to the Stars" ([18:32]–[20:44])

• Jeanette reinterprets "Park Avenue Fantasy," enchanting the "party" with a glamorous version called "Stepway to the Stars."
• The performance is praised by the cast, drawing admiration for its dreamy romanticism.

"It's a Lonely Trail" ([23:33]–[25:41])

• Jeanette sings another soulful solo, touching on themes of travel and solitude—mirroring the show’s gentle wit about life’s journey.

Edna's Birthday Party Segment

Arriving at the Party ([09:26]–[10:02]; [11:36]–[12:32])

• Dale King and Red Skelton discuss Edna’s upcoming party and debate driving versus walking over—a prelude to some physical comedy as they "cross the street" in record time.
• They are joined by Edna, who warmly welcomes them to her home for the festivities.

Party Gags, Gifts, and Games ([12:32]–[15:07])

• Birthday games are in full swing, with Edna recounting a mishap:
  • “My aunt was bobbing for apples. Somebody slapped her on the back and she swallowed the tub.” ([12:42], Edna Stillwell)
• Gift-giving leads to classic joke exchanges:
  • Dale’s gift: “It's a pair of the latest style stockings with pockets in the tops.” ([12:49], Dale King)
  • Edna’s witty comeback: “I'm sure gonna look funny standing around with my hands in my pockets.” ([12:56], Edna Stillwell)
• Red Skelton presents a ring with a missing stone:
  • Edna: “But what's that hole in the middle?”
  • Red: “You can have a stone put in there if you want to. You won't believe it, but that ring used to belong to a millionaire.”
  • Edna: “Yeah, I know. Woolworth.” ([13:14]–[13:28])

Kissing Game Banter & Telegrams ([14:08]–[17:18])

• The group jokes about the party’s kissing game, with Herky delivering comic lines about his "messenger boy" duties and some sly commentary on drinking root beer and sarsaparilla instead of harder stuff.
• Two telegrams arrive for Edna:
  • First is a tongue-in-cheek message from Red Skelton: “Congratulations on your 24th birthday. Many happy returns. Signed, Red Skelton.” ([14:50])
    • Edna responds: “Imagine you sending me a telegram.” ([15:03])
    • Red: “Yes, and imagine him sending it. Collect the old thing.” ([15:07])
  • The second is a genuine message from the mayor of Kansas City, Edna’s hometown, congratulating her on her radio success.

The Birthday Cake Gag ([17:25]–[18:03])

• Red Foley presents a cake, followed by a classic Skelton-style prank:
  • Edna: “Who put those firecrackers on there for candles?”
  • Red: “Well, I did, but I didn't think you'd get sore about it. Gee, I only wanted to make sure that your birthday party would go off with a bang.” ([18:03], Red Skelton)

Comedy Sketch: King Henry VIII & Catherine Howard ([25:41]–[32:03])

• Red Skelton leads a historical parody as King Henry VIII, Edna Stillwell as Catherine Howard, and a guest actor as the Earl of Essex.
• Signature British puns and witty anachronisms abound:
  • Red: “Bring me a leg of lamb, a peck of potatoes, a half a dozen heads of cabbage... and a gallon of wine. Yes, S. Anything else? Then you can bring my dinner.”
  • Edna (on Henry’s stomach): “Business? That's a corporation.” ([27:45])
  • Henry, on his numerous wives: “My next wife will do as I say. I say. You mean you're going to marry again? That's right. I'm going to marry Lady Catherine Parr. She'll be my sixth and last wife. History may say I didn't know what the score was when it came to miss marriage but it will say I finished with pa.” ([31:17])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Red Skelton’s surreal humor: “I'm always putting up my dukes.” ([27:23])
• Edna Stillwell’s quick wit: “Too bad your monkey died.” ([14:12])
• Banter about telegrams:
  • “Imagine you sending me a telegram.” ([15:03], Edna to Red)
  • “Yes, and imagine him sending it. Collect the old thing.” ([15:07], Red to Edna)
• Skelton’s meta-commentary on comedy:
  • “Yeah, you're a little anemic, ain't you? ... You know, it seems lately I got jokes in my blood.” ([17:38])
• Historical spoof punchline: “I'm going to marry Lady Catherine Parr. She'll be my sixth and last wife. History may say I didn't know what the score was when it came to miss marriage but it will say I finished with pa.” ([31:48], Red as Henry VIII)

Episode Flow & Atmosphere

• The tone remains light, merry, and quick-witted, with all cast members blending music, jokes, and gentle jibes.
• Skelton’s signature humor (absurd, self-deprecating, and full of puns) sets a comfortable, communal mood.
• The birthday party motif threads through both the informal banter and formal sketches, creating in-jokes about parties, gifts, and games.

Key Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamps | |---------|------------| | Opening Banter & World's Fair Stories | 01:01–03:59 | | "Swinging Down the Old Orchard Lane" (Jeanette song) | 03:59–05:50 | | Cigarette Ad, General Banter | 05:50–09:20 | | Party Preparations | 09:26–12:32 | | Party Gags & Gift-giving | 12:32–15:07 | | Telegrams & Kissing Game Banter | 15:07–17:18 | | Birthday Cake Gag | 17:25–18:03 | | "Stepway to the Stars" (Jeanette song) | 18:32–20:44 | | "It's a Lonely Trail" (Jeanette song) | 23:33–25:41 | | Comedy Sketch: King Henry VIII | 25:41–32:03 | | Closing Medley & Final Jokes | 32:03–32:50 |

Summary

Avalon Time – Edna's Birthday Party is a time capsule of radio comedy and variety, celebrating not just Edna’s birthday but an entire era’s approach to entertainment. With expert comic timing, classic songs, and sketches that wink at their own silliness, the episode is a delight for old-time radio enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Notable for its revelatory musical performances, rollicking group chemistry, and the indomitable spirit of Red Skelton’s humor, it stands as a testament to the enduring warmth of radio’s golden age.