Backstage Wife - Mary and Larry See a Twenty Year Old Portrait That Looks Exactly Like Mary

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Backstage Wife - Mary and Larry See a Twenty Year Old Portrait That Looks Exactly Like Mary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: April 9, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode of "Backstage Wife" features Mary and Larry Noble as dinner guests at the home of Frederick Dunbar, a new acquaintance, where they encounter a stunning portrait from 20 years past that is the very image of Mary herself. This sets the stage for a suspenseful exploration of identity, memory, and unresolved emotions brought to life through atmospheric storytelling from the golden era of radio drama.

---

Main Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. Setting the Scene at Dunbar’s Mansion

• Location: Greystone, Dunbar’s luxurious mansion on Long Island Sound.
• Characters Present: Mary Noble, Larry Noble (her husband, now a Coast Guard Lieutenant), and Frederick Dunbar.
• Atmosphere: Opulent and tense, with undertones of longing and mystery as the couple awaits dinner (05:22).

2. Introduction to the Mysterious Portrait

• Dunbar offers to show the Nobles around his home and introduces a locked, life-sized portrait in his study (06:06).
• The portrait, painted 20 years prior, is revealed step-by-step with dramatic ceremony and a sense of personal reverence.

3. The Shocking Revelation

• Mary’s Immediate Reaction: "Larry, that portrait. It's a portrait of me. Me." (07:41, Mary Noble)
• Larry’s Astonishment: "It’s enough like you to be your double or twin sister." (08:59, Larry Noble)
• The portrait is of a World War I nurse who nursed Dunbar back to health—someone he dearly loved and hasn't seen since (exactly 20 years ago).

4. Dunbar’s Emotional Vulnerability

• Dunbar admits the painting is his one treasured possession—symbolically kept locked away—and that Mary’s performance in "Blackout" triggered his strong reaction (08:36).
• His attachment to the past and this mysterious woman is evident and somewhat unsettling for Mary.

5. Mary’s Disquiet and Larry’s Support

• Mary is unsettled and feels scrutinized: "Whenever he is near me... I have a peculiar feeling that he's looking at me strangely." (11:02, Mary Noble)
• Larry tries to reassure her, but both recognize the eerie nature of the resemblance and its emotional implications for their host.

6. The Missing Photograph and Dunbar's Distress

• Dunbar goes to retrieve another photograph of the nurse, but it has vanished (11:32).
• His agitation escalates; he accuses staff, shows signs of distress, and briefly collapses from the emotional strain (12:12).
• Mary and Larry display concern and compassion, attempting to help him recover.

7. Climactic Close and Lingering Mystery

• Dunbar, once recovered, compels Mary to come closer and examines her in the light, further confirming the uncanny resemblance (12:50):
  "Turn your head toward the light... Yes, yes, there’s no doubt about it." – Frederick Dunbar
• The episode ends with tension unresolved—Dunbar’s obsession is clear, Mary and Larry are unsettled, and the question of Mary’s connection to the nurse remains open for future episodes.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Frederick Dunbar on Security:
  "The caveman blocked his cave with a stone. The medieval knight surrounded his castle with a moat. I placed the one valuable thing in my life in a teakwood case. And then foolishly lock the door when actually the painting interests no one in the world but me." (06:56, Frederick Dunbar)

• Mary's Shock upon Seeing the Portrait:
  "It's a portrait of me. Me. And my nurse's uniform is windy. And Tom's play Blackout." (07:41, Mary Noble)

• Larry's Reaction:
  "It’s enough like you to be your double or twin sister." (08:59, Larry Noble)

• Dunbar's Longing:
  "The subject of the portrait meant a great deal to me, Mrs. Noble. She still does. She always will." (08:38, Frederick Dunbar)

• Mary's Discomfort:
  "Whenever he is near me, I. I have a peculiar feeling that... he's looking at me strangely. That he's staring at me, Larry." (11:02, Mary Noble)

• Dunbar’s Intensity After Fainting:
  "Turn your head toward the light just a little. Yes, yes, there’s no doubt about it. You’ll hear me, Jova. I knew I was right the first time I saw you walk out onto the stage..." (12:53, Frederick Dunbar)

---

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 05:22: Arrival at Dunbar’s mansion; tour begins
• 06:25: Introduction to the life-sized portrait kept hidden in a teakwood case
• 07:41: Mary sees the portrait and is stunned by its likeness to herself
• 08:04 - 09:19: Discussion of the painting's origin and the former nurse's role in Dunbar’s life
• 10:19 - 11:14: Mary and Larry privately process the emotional implications and Mary's unease
• 11:32 - 12:26: Dunbar discovers the missing photograph, shows signs of distress, and nearly collapses
• 12:50 - 13:18: Dunbar, recovered, asserts his certainty about Mary’s resemblance; episode winds down with heightened mystery

---

Summary Tone & Style

The episode blends melodrama with subtle suspense, characteristic of 1940s radio. Dunbar’s haunted nostalgia and Mary’s growing anxiety create a mood of both romance and unease, making the listener eager for answers in the next installment. Dialogues are earnest, emotional, and layered with classic old-time radio delivery.

---

If you enjoy tales of intrigue, emotional entanglements, and old-time radio flair, this episode offers a captivating installment in the ongoing saga of Mary Noble, ‘Backstage Wife’.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace. Last year I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself. When you're navigating life's changes, Talkspace can help. Talkspace is the number one rated online therapy, bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere. Living a busy life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather, Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with my therapist in the office. I could speak of my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone. Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code space80 at talk

[Radio Announcer]

4pm gr u e n Gruen Precision Watch time.

[Commercial Narrator]

Visit your Gruen Jeweler WEAF New York.

[Radio Announcer]

Allies now is to state the ways in which the Japanese government and all the Japanese military forces can surrender. This may take some hours, even a day or so, since many odd quirks of circumstances are involved. We may assume on the basis of the Potsdam Declaration, however, that the Japanese government, presumably the Empero and the military high command and perhaps the civilian wing of authority, must sign the surrender terms offered at Potsdam. These were the destruction of all military forces, the surrender of all of their arms, and, in addition, adequate proof that this is being done. The Japanese must acknowledge this in writing, presumably, and then carry out the promises it makes by permitting our military and naval forces to occupy parts of Japan as prescribed in the Potdam Declaration. Finally, the Allied reply presumably would demand some pledge of safety on the part of Japan and comfort for the hundred 135American and allied nationals now in Japanese hands as prisoners. We would demand delivery of these people or safe conduct for them to some agreeable point. Now, that's all from the NBC studio in the State Department at this time.

[Larry Noble]

It.

[Commercial Narrator]

When you take mineral oil, you often also need relief from excess stomach acidity. And when that's the case, mineral oil alone means only halfway relief. So try Halley's mol. It combines mineral oil with acid alkalizing milk of Magnesia means complete relief. Caution Use only as directed. Get Haley's mo. Now we present once again Mary Noble, backstage wife. The story of a little Iowa girl Who marries America's most handsome actor, Larry Noble. Mat in the idol of a million other women. And the story of the change war brings as Mary finds herself a war wife. Keep it clean with Energene Ladies, are those white shoes you're wearing really white or will you be embarrassed? Next time you wear them, you can make them white. White has driven snow by using Energene Shoe white. You see, Energene Shoe White does two important jobs, not just one. It cleans as it whitens. It's proved at the very same time that Energene shoe white gives your shoes a snowy white radiance. It also cleans them beautifully. So don't spoil your appearance this summer by wearing half clean shoes. Shoes that look white here and splotchy there. Use Energene shoe white. It actually makes dirt and smudges disappear while it whitens your shoes. And it whitens them evenly with a fleecy white finish that's the same from toe to heel. Energene shoe white is easy to use, goes on in a jiffy, and there's nothing that stays on better. Remember, keep it clean with Energene. And now, Backstage Wife, the beloved story of Mary Noble. Now, Mary Noble, war wife, since her husband, Larry, former Broadway star, is now Lieutenant Noble of the United States Coast Guard, who is back in this country on a 30 day leave and is living with his family out at their home in Rose Haven, Long Island. Will you recall that Frederick Dunbar, Mary and Larry's new acquaintance, lives at Greystone, a palatial home on Long Island Sound? This morning he telephoned and invited them to dinner. So we find Mary and Larry and their host, Mr. Dunbar in the luxurious living room of the Dunbar mansion. Mr. Dunbar is saying, while we're waiting

[Frederick Dunbar]

dinner, Mr. And Mrs. Noble, perhaps you'd like to see some of the other rooms in the house.

[Mary Noble]

Yes, we would.

[Larry Noble]

This house is comparatively new, isn't it, Mr. Dunbar?

[Frederick Dunbar]

Yes, it is, Lieutenant Noble. I designed the place myself, had it built here on this hill overlooking Long Island Sound just after the last war. You can see the beach from this window here.

[Mary Noble]

Larry, look at this beautiful view. It's positively thrilling, isn't it?

[Larry Noble]

Yes, it is. You certainly picked an attractive spot for your home, Mr. Dunbar.

[Frederick Dunbar]

Yes, I picked an attractive spot to build a home. When it was finished, Lieutenant Noble, I discovered I had built merely a house, not a home. I live in this east wing overlooking the water. The west wing I built for. Well, for someone else.

[Mary Noble]

Someone else?

[Frederick Dunbar]

Yes, a woman. A dear friend. I Haven't seen her for years. She was a nurse in the first World War. Was she who nursed me back to health after I was wounded in France. I. In my study, the next room, I have a painting I'd like to show you. Would you care to look at it?

[Mary Noble]

Oh, I'd love to see it.

[Frederick Dunbar]

Then come this way, please. I had the painting done soon after we returned to this country from abroad. Here we are. This is my study.

[Mary Noble]

Oh, it's a beautiful room, isn't it, Larry?

[Frederick Dunbar]

The painting I spoke about is there on the wall over the mantel.

[Larry Noble]

Why, it's in some sort of a case, isn't it?

[Frederick Dunbar]

A casing made of teakwood. Yes, with a solid front.

[Mary Noble]

Quite a sizable picture, isn't it?

[Frederick Dunbar]

Life size. Yes. I'll open it. I keep the key here on the mantel.

[Larry Noble]

You mean you keep the case locked?

[Frederick Dunbar]

Always. Why? I don't really know. I suppose it's the primitive or the suspicious in us that makes us want to keep our valuables under lock and key. The caveman blocked his cave with a stone. The medieval knight surrounded his castle with a moat. I placed the one valuable thing in my life in a teakwood case. And then foolishly lock the door when actually the painting interests no one in the world but me. But how do you get up there

[Larry Noble]

on the wall to unlock it, Mr. Dunbar?

[Frederick Dunbar]

The lock, you'll notice, is on the bottom here.

[Larry Noble]

So it is here.

[Frederick Dunbar]

It's unlocked now. And the glass door swings open.

[Larry Noble]

Why, the picture lights up when the door is open.

[Frederick Dunbar]

Yes, the picture lights.

[Mary Noble]

Larry. Larry, that portrait. It's a portrait of me. Me. And my nurse's uniform is windy. And Tom's play Blackout.

[Larry Noble]

So it is.

[Frederick Dunbar]

I can't believe it.

[Mary Noble]

But this is fantastic. It can't be.

[Frederick Dunbar]

I thought you'd be surprised, Mrs. Noble.

[Mary Noble]

But I don't understand.

[Larry Noble]

When was this portrait painted, Mr. Dunbar?

[Frederick Dunbar]

Nearly 20 years ago, Lieutenant Noble.

[Mary Noble]

20 years ago, but.

[Larry Noble]

And is this a portrait? Is this portrait of the girl, the nurse you spoke about just now?

[Frederick Dunbar]

Yes, it is. The resemblance to Mrs. Noble is astounding, isn't it?

[Larry Noble]

Frankly, it quite takes my breath away.

[Mary Noble]

Larry, please, may I sit down? I don't feel so well.

[Larry Noble]

Sit here, Mary.

[Frederick Dunbar]

Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Noble. I didn't realize it would affect you like this.

[Mary Noble]

That's all right, Mr. Dunbar. It was just the shock of.

[Frederick Dunbar]

Perhaps you can understand now why I went to see your performance in the play Blackout so many times.

[Mary Noble]

Yes, I'm afraid I do.

[Frederick Dunbar]

The subject of the portrait Meant a great deal to me, Mrs. Noble. She still does. She always will. The resemblance between the two of you is striking, isn't it?

[Mary Noble]

I can't get over it. Why, it's me. The eyes, the mouth, the shadows and the expression of the face. Why, it's like a portrait of me, isn't it, Larry?

[Larry Noble]

It's enough like you to be your double or twin sister.

[Mary Noble]

You're sure, Mr. Dunbar, this picture was painted years ago?

[Frederick Dunbar]

Why, yes, Mrs. Noble, I am. I hope you don't doubt me. I watched the artist day after day as the work progressed. Well, you can see by the canvas and even by the sheen of the paint itself that the portrait is aging.

[Larry Noble]

No, it isn't a new painting, Mary.

[Mary Noble]

Oh, I don't doubt your word, Mr. Dunbar, but. Well, it's almost unbelievable that two people should look so much alike.

[Frederick Dunbar]

You can understand my astonishment then, when on the opening night of your play, I saw you walk out onto the stage.

[Mary Noble]

Yes, I can. It must have been a terrible shock to you.

[Larry Noble]

You must have thought you were seeing things.

[Frederick Dunbar]

Yes, lieutenant Noble, I did think I was seeing things. As I sat there in the theater, it seemed as if a vision of 20 years ago was passing before my eyes. For a full minute I closed my eyes, expecting that when I opened them again, I'd find it had been only an illusion. But no, the picture was real. Even the voice, Mrs. Noble. Even your voice. I can close my eyes now, and when you speak, it's as though she were speaking out of the past. I. I have another picture of her. It's only a photograph taken before this painting was made. I'd like you to see it. You'll excuse me. I'll get it. It's in the other room.

[Larry Noble]

Excuse me.

[Mary Noble]

Of course. Larry, that portrait. It almost frightens me.

[Larry Noble]

It's got me puzzled, Mary. I still can't believe my eyes. Yet there it is, hanging on the wall. It certainly was painted before you ever even heard of Blackout.

[Mary Noble]

But, Larry, you heard what Mr. Dunbar said. He was in love with this girl, this nurse who looks enough like me to actually be me. Larry, he must have been madly in love with her.

[Larry Noble]

Well, I don't blame him, darling. After all, I'm in love with you.

[Mary Noble]

But, Larry, don't you understand? If he was in love with her and I look exactly as she did, why then.

[Larry Noble]

Yes, I know what you're thinking about, Mary.

[Mary Noble]

But don't you see, darling? I. I'm somehow afraid to be here.

[Larry Noble]

Oh, no, Mary, that's ridiculous.

[Mary Noble]

It isn't ridiculous, Larry. Whenever he is near me, I. I have a peculiar feeling that. Oh, that he's looking at me strangely. That he's staring at me. Larry.

[Larry Noble]

Oh, now, darling, you're imagining things.

[Mary Noble]

Yes, perhaps I am. You know, dear, this picture must have been what Mr. Dunbar chauffeur meant when he spoke about the surprise we get when we came into this room.

[Larry Noble]

Yes, it must have been. He's undoubtedly been here in this room. And since we also saw a blackout, he knew about the resemblance between you and this girl in the portrait.

[Frederick Dunbar]

Now, see here, Marie.

[Commercial Narrator]

I tell you, the picture was right

[Frederick Dunbar]

here on my desk.

[Commercial Narrator]

I saw it here just this morning,

[Frederick Dunbar]

so don't lie to me, Larry.

[Mary Noble]

Listen.

[Frederick Dunbar]

But you had no right to remove the picture. You had no right even to touch it. I've forbidden anyone to touch it, and now it's missing. And I've told you time after time not to touch the picture.

[Larry Noble]

I wonder what's happened. Dunbar's angry about something.

[Frederick Dunbar]

Stay out of the room.

[Commercial Narrator]

Do you hear me?

[Frederick Dunbar]

Stay out. Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Noble, but I can't find the picture at the moment. There's a new maid here.

[Mary Noble]

That's all right, Mr. Dunbar.

[Radio Announcer]

Yes.

[Larry Noble]

Don't let it get you upset.

[Frederick Dunbar]

But I am upset, Lieutenant Noble. I've. I've told the servants repeatedly not to move the picture from my desk. Now it's gone. Where? I don't know. One of them probably broke it, maybe even destroyed it. I'll have the entire house searched.

[Mary Noble]

Larry, quick, he's going to faint.

[Frederick Dunbar]

I've got him.

[Larry Noble]

There.

[Mary Noble]

Put him in this chair. Larry.

[Larry Noble]

There. I wonder what happened to him.

[Mary Noble]

Larry, we must do something for him. You stay here. I'll call the servants. I'll tell them to get a doctor.

[Frederick Dunbar]

No, no, Mrs. Noble, don't call the servants. I'll be all right.

[Larry Noble]

Do you feel better now, Mr. Dunbar?

[Frederick Dunbar]

Yes, yes, thank you, Lieutenant. I'll be all right in a moment. I should never allow myself to become excited or disturbed. My doctors always told me that it was bad for my heart, but I always forget.

[Larry Noble]

Are you sure there's nothing I can get for you, Mr. Dunbar?

[Frederick Dunbar]

No, nothing. Mrs. Noble.

[Mary Noble]

Yes?

[Frederick Dunbar]

Come closer to me, please.

[Mary Noble]

Yes, Mr. Dunbar.

[Frederick Dunbar]

Turn your head toward the light just a little. Yes, yes, there's no doubt about it. You'll hear me, Jova. I knew I was right the first time I saw you walk out onto the stage. Don't believe me, Mrs. Noble. Don't believe me.

[Larry Noble]

Well, what started out the be a

[Commercial Narrator]

quiet evening at Mr. Dunbar's home has ended in a sudden and unexpected climax. For further development, be sure and hear Monday's dramatic episode of Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble, now Mary Noble, War Wife Keep it Clean with Energene it's been said that clothes makes a man, but if there are clothes that bear dirty grease pops, they can hurt him socially and in business. So get a bottle of Energene cleaning fluid and use it whenever your husband sings or your own need attention. Amazing. Energene makes grease spots go right before your eyes. In a jiffy, you can clean with confidence. When you use Energene, it makes no difference whether it's a suit or dress,

[Frederick Dunbar]

tie or blouse, rug or upholstered chair.

[Commercial Narrator]

Energene is especially designed to make grease spots vanish from almost anything you can think of, including such delicate fabrics as velvet and lace. Simply follow directions and Energene cleans without harm, leaving no telltale rings to mark the places where spots have been. Energene is so good that we say you can get nothing no matter how much you pay. That'll remove even the most stubborn grease spots more quickly or more efficiently than it will, and it's easy to use too. Get the big economy bottle today. Remember, Energene gets it clean, so keep it clean with energy. Mary Noble, Backstage Wife will be on the air again Monday at this same time. Ward Bond speaking for the makers of Energene Shoe White and Cleaning fluid. Relieve your common headache, neuritic or neuralgic pain fast by taking two Bayer Aspirin

[Larry Noble]

tablets with a glass of water.

[Commercial Narrator]

Thousands of people use quick acting Bayer Aspirin this way and get reliable fast acting relief. Don't wait right at the start of such pain. Try fast relieving genuine bare aspirin.

[Blinds.com Advertiser]

The right window treatments change everything. Your sleep, your privacy, the way every room looks and feels. @blinds.com We've spent 30 years making it surprisingly simple to get exactly what your home needs. We've covered over 25 million windows and have 50,000 five star reviews to prove we deliver. Whether you DIY it or want a pro to handle everything from measure to install, we have you covered. Real design professionals, free samples, zero pressure right now. Get up to 45% off with minimum purchase plus get a free professional [e-mail] rules and restrictions apply. Get ready to rev those engines. The 2026 Les Schwab Classy Chassis Parade and Car show is back in East Wenatchee, WA. Kick things off Friday, May 1st at 6pm for the big parade plus the after party with live music. Then join us on Saturday, May 2nd at 10:00am at the Eastmont Community park for the car show. It's two days of classic cars, food, music and free family fun for everyone. For all the details, visit eastwanancheewa.gov we'll see you there.