Backstage Wife - Larry, Mary Meet Captain Duncan, Regina's Cousin

Summary

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Backstage Wife – “Larry, Mary Meet Captain Duncan, Regina's Cousin”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: April 9, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Backstage Wife revives the intrigue-filled world of Mary Noble, wife of Broadway heartthrob Larry Noble. Today, the plot revolves around a mysterious visitor at the grand estate of Regina Rawlings, whispers about his true identity, and the shifting dynamics among friends and neighbors in Rose Haven, Long Island. Jealousies, secrets, and schemes unfold, all against the backdrop of humble domesticity and high society machinations.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

1. A Mystery Visitor at Regina's Estate

• The central tension revolves around Regina Rawlings’ mysterious guest, rumored across the neighborhood.
• Mary and Larry Noble, living more modestly down the road, become increasingly involved in the gossip and suspicion.
• Memorable quote:
  • "You know perfectly well I mean Regina's mysterious visitor. What about him? Is he a dangerous criminal the way Tom said? Is he hiding out from the police?" – Maud Marlow (05:09)

2. Mary and Maud's Conversation—Gossip and Goodwill

• The episode opens with Mary tidying up her garden when Maud Marlow drops by, eager for updates on the guest and to hand Mary an intriguing letter.
• Maud playfully withholds the letter until Mary shares what she knows about Regina's visitor.
• The letter is from Mr. Martin, a jeweler for whom Mary has designed pieces in the past. Mr. Martin invites her to design a new piece, reigniting old career discussions.

3. Reveal of Captain Arthur Duncan

• Mary and Larry have met the visitor; he is introduced as Captain Arthur Duncan, Regina's cousin—not the supposed criminal Tom suspected.
• Suspicion remains, as some locals think the man’s name is Jennings, not Duncan.
• Memorable description:
  • “He was wearing a very handsome brocaded robe and lounging pajamas… in the middle of the afternoon.” – Mary Noble (06:45-06:51)
• Maud and Mary both remain skeptical of Captain Duncan’s backstory and intentions.

4. Tom Bryson’s Doubts and Larry’s Tension

• Tom Bryson, Larry's old friend, is suspicious of Captain Duncan, believing he may be someone else entirely.
• Larry appears anxious about Tom’s lingering presence, fueling further tension between old friends.
• Dialogue:
  • “Larry's always been crazy about Tom. You know that.” – Maud (10:17)
  • “No, I didn’t know it at all.” – Larry (10:21)
• Mary is insistent that Tom should stay until he meets Captain Duncan, hoping Tom’s intuition might clarify the mystery.

5. Regina’s Perspective and Hidden Motives

• Transitioning to Regina's home, her irritation with housekeeper Margot reveals the strains Captain Duncan’s stay has caused.
• Margot is suspicious and dismissive of the so-called “Captain,” recalling his less-than-noble childhood.
• Regina hints she has cunning plans for her cousin:
  • “If he can’t think of ways to drive Mary Noble away from Rose Haven, then nobody can. […] Arthur may be very good indeed for the purpose I have outlined for him.” – Regina (12:49-12:51)
• The segment ends with a twist: Captain Duncan has taken off in Regina’s prized car without permission, raising Regina’s alarm and confirming Margot’s warnings.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Suspicion and Scheming:
  • “I was hoping our dear Regina was in for a spell of hot water.” – Maud (07:12)
  • “He's very attractive, in an obvious sort of way. Very much a man of the world, I'd say.” – Mary (07:27)
• Regina’s Calculation:
  • “If he can’t think of ways to drive Mary Noble away from Rose Haven, then nobody can.” – Regina (12:49)

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Important Timestamps and Segments

• 04:01–05:09: Mary and Maud set the stage—the intrigue of Regina’s visitor.
• 05:22–06:29: Maud tempts Mary with a mysterious letter; revelation about Mr. Martin's offer.
• 06:29–07:46: Mary and Larry’s encounter with Captain Duncan; doubts about his identity.
• 09:03–10:39: Larry, Maud, and Mary discuss Tom’s imminent departure and underlying friendships tensions.
• 11:32–13:54: The scene shifts to Regina’s house—her conflict with Margot and Captain Duncan’s transgression.

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Episode Tone & Style

• The dialogue is brisk, witty, and filled with veiled barbs and social politeness.
• Underlying tension between appearances and reality; neighbors balance friendliness with suspicion.
• The episode captures the soap opera charm and social intrigue of the original old-time radio drama.

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Summary

In this Backstage Wife episode, an unexpected visitor disrupts the social balance of Rose Haven. The Nobles, especially Mary, are drawn into neighborhood suspicions, while Regina Rawlings is revealed to have her own ulterior motives for keeping her enigmatic cousin around. The story weaves together domestic routines, veiled threats, and the kind of sharp gossip that characterized golden-age radio dramas—leaving listeners eager for the next episode and the unmasking of “Captain” Duncan.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

We hear.

[D]

Hello, Mary. You still working out here?

[E]

Oh, hello, Maude. No, I'm just gathering up my work basket. I left it sitting out here when I was working before.

[D]

You better not let Larry Jr. See what a bad example you're setting.

[E]

That's why I decided I'd better gather things up right away.

[D]

Oh, goodness, child, you're all dressed up. Going somewhere?

[E]

No, Maude, we've been.

[D]

You've been some kind of a. Tea or something?

[E]

No, Larry and I walked over to Regina's place for a while.

[D]

You did what?

[E]

I had to ask the caretaker, Mr. Bain, a few questions about spraying my lilacs. And I suggested to Larry that he walk over with me. You should see Regina's gardens.

[D]

Mod.

[E]

Perfectly gorgeous. The man's a wizard. He really is.

[D]

All right, Mary, I wasn't born yesterday. What did you find out?

[E]

Well, it seems there's a certain kind of spray. I've got it written down.

[D]

I'm not talking about lilacs. What did you find out about that man?

[E]

That man? Oh, you mean Regina's mysterious visitor?

[D]

You know perfectly well I mean Regina's mysterious visitor. What about him? Is he a dangerous criminal the way Tom said? Is he hiding out from the police?

[E]

Oh, Maud, stop it.

[D]

What did you find out?

[E]

Why, nothing at all.

[D]

Mary Noble, if you don't stop that maddening attitude, I won't give you the man I brought home.

[E]

Oh, did you stop by the post office?

[D]

I did. And I have a very interesting looking letter for you.

[E]

Oh, thank you, Maud. That was awfully nice of you.

[D]

I'm holding it out till I hear what you found out.

[E]

Is it really an interesting letter?

[D]

It might be. Here.

[E]

Oh, for Mr. Martin.

[D]

Oh, that's the jewellery you've worked for before, isn't it?

[E]

Yes. I wonder what he's writing me about.

[D]

Well, I suggest you Read it and see. Saves so much time.

[E]

Oh, this is awfully nice.

[D]

What is?

[E]

Oh, he's really the nicest man to work with. He says he has something interesting to say to me about a new piece of jewelry he wants me to design. And he wonders when I can come to New York.

[D]

Do you mean to say he wants you to come to work for him permanently?

[E]

Oh, no, Maud. We settled that a long time ago when Larry made such a fuss about my taking a job.

[D]

I remember. Well, then, now you've read your letter, you can tell me what I want to know. Did you meet Regina's guest? Yes.

[E]

Both Larry and I met him.

[D]

Well, say something, can't you Tell me about him? What's he like? Who is he?

[E]

He's a cousin of Regina's. And his name is Captain Duncan. Captain Arthur Duncan.

[F]

Captain?

[D]

He's in the service?

[E]

Not as far as I could tell. He was wearing a very handsome brocaded robe and lounging pajamas.

[D]

Well, really?

[E]

In the middle of the afternoon?

[D]

He must be an ambitious soul. And his name is Duncan?

[E]

Yes.

[D]

I thought Tom Bryson said it was Jennings.

[E]

That's what he thought when he saw the man get off the train the other night. Tom thought he recognized him, but he must have been mistaken.

[D]

Well, that's rather disappointing. I was hoping our dear Regina was in for a spell of hot water.

[E]

Why, Maud Marlowe.

[D]

Now, don't pretend you weren't hoping the same thing. But what's the fellow like, this idle Captain Duncan?

[E]

He's very attractive, in an obvious sort of way. Very much a man of the world, I'd say. I couldn't find out anything definite about him, where he comes from or why he's visiting Regina.

[D]

Oh, Mary, you're impossible. Why didn't you ask him some direct questions? Why indeed?

[E]

Don't get Larry started on the subject. He says I behaved like a district attorney. No, I'm afraid we're absolutely on the wrong track. This man is just a cousin of metal.

[D]

That's funny, isn't it? Tom's usually so terribly good about remembering people.

[E]

Yes, that's why I wanted to meet this man.

[D]

Did you take Tom Bryson along with you?

[E]

No, he was in the village getting his car fixed.

[D]

Too bad. Well, I won't give up hope until Tom actually meets the great captain face to face.

[E]

That's what I want to arrange. I can only get Tom to stay on for a little while longer.

[D]

That ought to be quite easy. Just ask him to stay.

[E]

Oh, I have Maud. Repeatedly. Well, then I think he's perfectly Willing. If only Larry hadn't suddenly started to act so strangely toward Tom.

[D]

What's the matter with him, anyhow? Tom Bryson is his very best friend, and yet lately, Larry is all on edge with the man. What's got into him, do you suppose?

[E]

I'm sure I don't know. But I don't want Tom to go back to New York just yet. I want him to meet this Captain Duncan. I don't suppose there's really anything to his suspicions. But still, I'm curious.

[D]

So am I. And it's up to you to insist on having Tom stay.

[C]

Mary. Hey, Mary, you out there?

[E]

I hear Larry out front by the hedge.

[F]

I'll be right in.

[C]

They're looking all over for you, Larry. You're not digging around in the mud in that outfit, are you?

[E]

No, darling. Just gathering up my work basket. I left my trowels and gloves and things scattered all over when we left for Regina's place.

[D]

Hello, Larry.

[C]

Hi, Maur.

[D]

Well, I. I understand you went to see Regina's flowers.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Garden's really quite a sight.

[F]

Hmm.

[D]

Wish I'd been along.

[C]

Mary, could we have dinner a little early tonight?

[E]

Of course, Larry, if you like.

[C]

Why, Tom's going to drive me into New York and I'd like to allow a little extra time.

[E]

Oh, no, Larry. Tom isn't leaving tonight.

[C]

Why, sure, his car's all fixed. Nothing to keep him here any longer.

[E]

But I don't want him to leave. Why, he hasn't seen us in such a long time, and I just want him to stay. Where is he now, Larry?

[C]

I left him upstairs packing his bag.

[E]

I'm going to talk to him right away. I'm going right into the house and tell him he can't leave us now.

[C]

Well, I'll be darned. What do you make of that, Ma?

[D]

I guess she wanted to stay. Tom's good company. And she's right. He's hardly been out here at all lately.

[C]

But why all of a sudden this great fixation on Tom?

[E]

What do you mean?

[D]

Larry's always been crazy about Tom. You know that.

[C]

No, I didn't know it at all.

[D]

Why, Larry Noble, how can you be so silly? Tom Brice is just like one of the family. You've always wanted it that way.

[C]

Yeah, that's right.

[D]

Well, what makes you suddenly so. So funny about Tom?

[C]

I'm not. At least. Well, that's ridiculous.

[B]

Maud.

[D]

How do you like that?

[C]

Great guns. They must think this is a racetrack.

[D]

It looked like Regina Rawling's big imported car. I thought she'd learned a lesson when she got all those tickets.

[C]

Something must be wrong. Nobody'd drive by like that on a country road.

[D]

She just did.

[C]

Can't believe it.

[D]

Why, the dust hasn't even settled yet. She goes on like that. You'll have to put oil on your road and lock up your dog and child. Nothing will be safe.

[C]

Something must be wrong. You sure that was Regina's car?

[D]

Of course I'm sure, Larry. How many big imported cars do you think there are in Rose Haven?

[B]

And at the same time, in the big stone house down the way, we hear Regina Rawlings saying.

[D]

Margo.

[F]

Oh, Margot. Yes, Ms. Regina. I'm coming as fast as I can. What is it you want?

[E]

I just wanted to tell you that I'm going to the village for a while. I've got some shopping to do. Is there anything you want?

[F]

No. Nothing I want. Except have some peace and quiet around this house. Ever since Mr. Arthur came here, it's been like a mad house.

[D]

Save it for later, Margot.

[E]

I'm sick and tired of hearing you grumble about my cousin.

[F]

Nothing else a person can do. The way he behaves as if we were the dirt under his feet never lifts a finger.

[E]

Don't let him get your coat, Margot. Captain Duncan's really a very likable person underneath all that nonsense.

[F]

Captain Duncan? When was he ever a captain? I'd like to know. When did his name get to be Duncan? As if I didn't know that little whipper snapper when he was a horrid little beast of a child. And his name.

[D]

Margot, will you please stop it?

[E]

His name is Captain Duncan now.

[D]

Captain Arthur Duncan.

[E]

You'll kindly remember that.

[F]

Why didn't you send him away? He's no good. You know that.

[D]

It all depends on what you want

[E]

of a person, Margot. I have an idea that dear cousin

[D]

Arthur may be very good indeed for

[E]

the purpose I have outlined for him. He's inventive as the deuce, you'll have to admit that. And if he can't think of ways to drive Mary Noble away from Rose Haven, then nobody can. Now, I'm on my way. You sure you don't need anything?

[F]

Yes, I'm sure. And just how do you think you're going to get to the village?

[D]

Why, in my car.

[E]

How else?

[F]

Then you'd better change your plan.

[D]

Why should I?

[E]

Has something happened to my car?

[F]

By now, most anything may have happened to it, Margot.

[E]

What do you mean?

[F]

Captain Duncan drove off with your car just a few minutes ago.

[E]

Are you sure, Margot?

[F]

Of course I'm sure.

[D]

Where did he get the keys?

[F]

Oh, he's clever, your cousin is. He found where you keep him. I suppose he looked in your purse, Ms. Regina. At least he left here. And if he isn't arrested before he returns, you may consider yourself lucky.

[B]

Regina Rolling stamps her foot in exasperation as she turns to leave the room, not entirely sure she's going to be happy over her decision to allow her cousin to stay, but too stubborn to admit it to Margo. Be sure to be listening tomorrow to Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble and her husband, Larry Noble, famous Broadway star. Surprising as it may seem, there's more to cleaning your teeth than simply removing film. It's very important that you also remove ugly surface stains. Surface stains that hurt the appearance of so many people by making their teeth look unattractive. Now millions have found a way to remove both film and surface stains, and that way is the daily use of Dr. Lyons tooth powder. Yes, Dr. Lyons does both jobs, actually makes your teeth doubly clean. So wonderfully clean. Your smile is just radiant. And the reason is that Dr. Lyons has remarkable cleaning power, a cleaning power that year in and year out has proved so outstandingly effective. It's used by more people than any other tooth powder. So if you use powder to clean your teeth, don't be satisfied with any toothpowder that gives you less than Dr. Lyons. Remember, Dr. Lyons removes both film and surface stains from your teeth, makes them doubly clean, and its bright Wide Awake flavor gives your whole mouth a cool, refreshed feeling you'll enjoy today. Get America's number one tooth powder, Dr. Lyons tooth powder. Mary Noble, Backstage Wife, will be on the air again tomorrow. At the same time, Ford Bond, speaking for the makers of Lion's toothpaste and Dr. Lyons toothpowder. Most people would rather remove a nest of irate hornets than search for auto and home insurance. That's why the zebra searches for you, comparing over 100 insurance companies to find savings no one else can compare. Today@the zebra.com I think I'll wait inside.