Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Babbitt Sisters 1937-12-06
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Introduction and Context
Harold's Old Time Radio brings listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, reviving beloved radio shows from a time before television captivated family evenings. In the episode titled "Babbitt Sisters", originally aired on December 6, 1937, host David Jordan introduces us to Martha and Abby Babbitt, two steadfast sisters navigating the evolving landscape of Hollywood.
Plot Overview
The episode unfolds in the serene, unchanged abode of the Babbitt sisters on Wilton Avenue, juxtaposed against the rapidly transforming Hollywood filled with new faces, streets, and ideas. Martha and Abby, portrayed by Martha Wentworth and Noreen Gamill respectively, embody traditional values and resist the encroaching influence of the burgeoning movie industry.
Conflict Introduction
The central conflict arises when a real estate agent offers to sell the sisters' property to the Super Colossal Film Corporation, a powerful motion picture company. This proposition ignites the sisters' determination to thwart the film company's plans to establish a studio on their street, deepening their resentment towards the movie industry.
Niece's Arrival
Adding to their woes, the sisters receive a telegram announcing the arrival of their niece, Tabitha, from Connecticut. Unlike her optimistic intentions, Martha and Abby view Hollywood as an unsuitable environment for a young girl, heightening their apprehension.
Character Dynamics and Interactions
The episode delves into the intricate relationships within the Babbitt household, highlighting the sisters' contrasting personalities and their interactions with Lily, their long-time colored laundress, and Tommy Carlton, the neighbor boy who assists with their lawn.
Morning Preparations
The narrative opens with Martha urging Abby to prepare for Tabitha's arrival:
- Martha Babbitt [03:00]: "You haven't got your dress on yet."
- Abby Babbitt [03:12]: "I've been doing it for 20 years."
Their banter reflects the underlying tension and Martha's anxiety about the impending visit.
Lily's Assistance
Lily's role as the maid adds depth to the household dynamics:
- Lily [03:57]: "Excuse me."
- Martha Babbitt [04:02]: "Come along now, Lily."
Despite Lily's dedication, Martha's impatience and Abby's occasional complaints reveal the strains within the household.
Key Moments and Quotes
Several pivotal moments and memorable exchanges drive the story forward:
-
Preparation Chaos:
- Martha Babbitt [05:29]: "Then take those curtains down and put up the new ones that we got yesterday."
- Lily [05:31]: "Fiddlesticks. Of course it works."
This exchange underscores the sisters' meticulous nature and Lily's practical approach.
-
Tommy's Arrival:
- Tommy Carlton [08:10]: "We've got plenty of time. I'm early."
- Martha Babbitt [08:18]: "Careful that step and don't crack your head on the edge."
Tommy's punctuality contrasts with Martha's frantic demeanor, adding a touch of humor.
-
Tabitha's Revelation:
- Tabitha [10:07]: "I'm going into the movies."
- Martha Babbitt [10:53]: "Oh, Contract?"
Tabitha's ambition to join the film industry directly challenges the sisters' preconceived notions of Hollywood.
Host's Commentary and Future Directions
Towards the episode's conclusion, David Jordan provides insightful commentary on the narrative's trajectory:
"As the Babbitts is concerned, with the Super Colossal Film Studios trying to buy them out, and with the same company already owning the acting rights of their niece, what is going to happen? It is intended that this series shall depict as much reality as possible using actual names of places of interest, restaurants, names of celebrities and streets, with only the characters in the main part of the story fictional."
Jordan emphasizes the show's commitment to blending fiction with real Hollywood elements, aiming for authenticity that resonates with listeners familiar with the locale.
He further hints at character development:
"Later, the sisters will attend actual premieres, and in the course of the story, they will visit picture stars' homes. As the story progresses, the Babbitt sisters will naturally be won over to the stability and genuine friendliness of the people in the movie colony. And with the progress of the series, the Babbitt sisters will undergo a complete change in their ideas of Hollywood."
This foresight suggests an evolution in Martha and Abby's perspectives, potentially leading to a harmonious coexistence with the film industry's influences.
Conclusion
The "Babbitt Sisters" episode masterfully captures the tension between tradition and modernity, embodied by Martha and Abby's resistance to Hollywood's rapid transformation. Through engaging character interactions, humorous exchanges, and a relatable conflict, the episode sets the stage for a compelling narrative of adaptation and acceptance. David Jordan's commentary enriches the listening experience, promising a realistic portrayal of Hollywood's golden era intertwined with the fictional struggles of the Babbitt family.
Produced by Harold's Old Time Radio and presented by the Columbia Broadcasting System.