Big Sister xx-xx-xx (02) episode 2

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Big Sister" Episode 2

Title: Big Sister xx-xx-xx (02) Episode 2
Release Date: April 13, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: This episode delves into the poignant story of Ruth Wayne, exploring her struggles as a woman balancing her roles as a nurse, wife, and mother during the Golden Age of Radio.

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Introduction to the Episode

Big Sister continues to unravel the emotional and personal challenges faced by Ruth Wayne. As Ruth returns to Glen Falls after a troubling visit to New York, the episode captures her internal turmoil and the impact of her actions on her family.

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Ruth's Return Home

The episode opens with Ruth arriving at the Glen Falls Railroad station, a place that now seems "drab and empty," reflecting her current state of mind. The narrator sets the scene, highlighting Ruth's depression and sense of failure.

Key Quote:

• Narrator [00:29]: "The station seems even more drab and empty than it did that afternoon. And as Ruth walks toward the exit, she has the feeling that its drabness and emptiness may be a symbol of what her life is going to be like from now on."

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Interaction with Reed

Upon her arrival, Ruth interacts with Reed, who offers to take her bags and drive her home. Their conversation reveals Ruth's emotional exhaustion and hints at underlying family tensions, particularly concerning her husband John and her recent failed attempt to reconcile with him.

Key Quotes:

• Ruth [03:19]: "I failed. You know that, don't you, Reed?" [03:19]
• Reed [04:05]: "Ruth, he needs time to think about whatever you said to him. The important thing is not to give up hope." [04:05]

Reed serves as a supportive figure, attempting to comfort Ruth and encourage her to maintain hope despite recent setbacks.

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Discussion with Dr. Carville

Later, Reed discusses Ruth's condition with Dr. Carville. They reflect on Ruth's mental and emotional state, acknowledging her deep sense of failure and the complexities of her relationships.

Key Quotes:

• Dr. Carville [05:31]: "I felt the same thing. That he'd closed the door on everything and everyone he ever knew." [05:31]
• Ruth [06:09]: "Why do things like this have to happen?" [06:09]

The conversation highlights the strain within Ruth's marriage and her inability to connect with her husband, emphasizing themes of isolation and emotional distress.

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Confronting Emotional Barriers

Dr. Carville urges Reed to engage with Ruth through music, suggesting it might help alleviate her emotional burdens. Reed expresses skepticism, reflecting the broader theme of emotional suppression prevalent in the era.

Key Quotes:

• Reed [07:18]: "Music hath charms, huh? And discipline. One of the first things you learn if you want to be a doctor." [07:18]
• Dr. Carville [06:28]: "Very interesting when you put it in a mathematical formula. But people aren't algebraic symbols." [06:28]

This exchange underscores the conflict between emotional expression and professional restraint, a central struggle for Ruth.

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Emotional Reunion with Richard

The heart of the episode centers on Ruth's tender reunion with her son, Richard. Alone in her now unfamiliar home, Ruth confronts her feelings of failure and desolation. Her interaction with Richard provides a poignant moment of vulnerability and maternal love.

Key Quotes:

• Ruth [08:12]: "Ruth looked. Well, pretty worn out." [04:57]
• Ruth [09:14]: "I'd like to try. Richard. It's just that. Well, it is a little complicated." [09:14]
• Ruth [11:13]: "She herself feels better than she has in many weeks." [11:13]

Ruth's conversation with Richard reveals her deep affection and fear for her family's future, offering a glimpse of hope amidst her despair.

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Conclusion and Emotional Resolution

After speaking with Richard, Ruth experiences a sense of relief and emotional uplift. The episode concludes with Ruth feeling better than she has in weeks, suggesting a fragile glimmer of hope for her continued struggle.

Key Quote:

• Narrator [11:13]: "She has no way of knowing whether what she has said has given him any comfort or reassurance. But strangely enough, she herself feels better than she has in many weeks." [11:13]

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Themes and Insights

• Emotional Struggle: Ruth's journey highlights the intense emotional challenges faced by women balancing multiple roles during the era.
• Isolation: The episode underscores Ruth's sense of isolation, both personally and within her family.
• Hope and Resilience: Despite her setbacks, Ruth's interaction with her son provides a moment of hope and hints at her resilience.
• Professional vs. Personal Life: The dialogue between Reed and Dr. Carville reflects the tension between emotional expression and professional duty.

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Closing Remarks

Big Sister Episode 2 masterfully captures the emotional depth and societal pressures of the time, offering listeners a heartfelt portrayal of Ruth Wayne's struggles and her quest for familial harmony.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Narrator [00:29]: "The station seems even more drab and empty than it did that afternoon..."
• Ruth [03:19]: "I failed. You know that, don't you, Reed?"
• Reed [04:05]: "The important thing is not to give up hope."
• Dr. Carville [05:31]: "He'd closed the door on everything and everyone he ever knew."
• Ruth [06:09]: "Why do things like this have to happen?"
• Reed [07:18]: "Music hath charms, huh? And discipline."
• Narrator [11:13]: "She herself feels better than she has in many weeks."

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the emotional and narrative progression of Big Sister Episode 2, providing a thorough overview for both new listeners and returning fans.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

See terms and conditions 18/Big Sister the Story of Ruth Wayne and her problems as a woman as well as a nurse, a wife and a mother. Today's episode in just a moment after this message from our sponsor. Arrival and departure. It was only a few short hours ago that Diane Carvel left the Glen Falls Railroad station for New York and John. And now Big Sister is just arriving at that same station. Unaware of what has happened, but depressed enough by the knowledge of her own failure. The station seems even more drab and empty than it did that afternoon. And as Ruth walks toward the exit, she has the feeling that its drabness and emptiness may be a symbol of what her life is going to be like from now on. Then.

[Reed]

I'll take your bags, Ruth.

[Ruth]

What? Oh, read.

[Reed]

I won't drop them. Really? That's it? But Reed, why so surprised?

[Ruth]

Well, because when I spoke to Diana, I told her I didn't want anyone to meet me. Either you or Dr. Karblitz. Terribly late.

[Reed]

All the more reason for it. I was afraid there might not be any cabs. And I knew there wouldn't be any porters this way. I've got Dr. Carville's car.

[Ruth]

Is he.

[Reed]

No, no, no. He followed instructions. He's home. Here we are. In you go. Have you had dinner? I wasn't sure whether there was a diner on the train. Whether you wanted to go straight home.

[Ruth]

Or stop off someplace, if you don't mind. Straight home, Reed?

[Reed]

Of course I'm not going to ask you any questions, Ruth. There's nothing much to ask and, well, I know how tired you must be. But if there's anything you want to know about what's been happening here.

[Ruth]

Is Richard all right?

[Reed]

He was this afternoon.

[Ruth]

I called Then everything else can wait until tomorrow, right?

[Narrator]

Glancing side, Reed sees Ruth's eyes close and her head go back against the shiny seat cover. And for the first time he becomes aware of how exhausted she is by her ordeal. They drive on through the dark, quiet streets. Then.

[Reed]

Ruth, you're home.

[Ruth]

Oh. Oh, thanks, Reed.

[Reed]

I'll take you back then.

[Ruth]

No, you needn't bother, really.

[Reed]

Oh, I won't stay unless you want me to.

[Ruth]

Well, if you don't mind, I'd rather you didn't.

[Reed]

I understand.

[Ruth]

I failed. You know that, don't you, Reed?

[Reed]

Now, why do you say that? Ruth, you can't tell just because he didn't come back with you.

[Ruth]

But I did. When I went there to New York, I was. Well, I was a little afraid, but I was hopeful. I was sure I could get him to see things in perspective. Then when I saw him. Yes, even the first time, I just couldn't reach him. Ruth. When I left.

[Reed]

Ruth, please.

[Ruth]

I'm sorry, Ruth. I'm all right. It's just that. Well, I did fail. I know I did.

[Reed]

Ruth, he needs time to think about whatever you said to him. And a lot of other things as well. Tomorrow, next week, next month, he may just pick himself up, get on a train and come back here. The important thing is not to give up hope.

[Ruth]

Thanks, Reed, for picking me up, driving me home and for everything else.

[Dr. Carville]

Are.

[Reed]

Why, yes, Dr. Carville. Where are you?

[Dr. Carville]

In here. The living room.

[Reed]

Oh. I thought you'd gone to bed.

[Dr. Carville]

What would be the sense of that? I couldn't sleep.

[Reed]

No, I suppose not.

[Dr. Carville]

Well, did you meet her all right?

[Reed]

Train was just a few minutes late.

[Dr. Carville]

And how was she?

[Reed]

Hard to say. You know how she holds onto herself.

[Dr. Carville]

Yes.

[Reed]

Ruth looked. Well, pretty worn out.

[Dr. Carville]

I can imagine. What did she say?

[Reed]

Not very much. I didn't ask any questions, of course.

[Dr. Carville]

Naturally said that she'd failed.

[Reed]

But she found out that she couldn't reach him.

[Dr. Carville]

I know. I felt the same thing. That he'd closed the door on everything and everyone he ever knew. Locked himself away.

[Reed]

Well, I tried to tell her that there might be a delayed reaction, but I don't think I was fooling her any more than she was fooling herself.

[Dr. Carville]

I'll see her tomorrow. Talk to her too. I don't know whether she'll want to come right back to the office again or not. In a way, it might be a good thing. Keep her too busy to think. On the other hand, she doesn't know about Diane.

[Reed]

No. Well, at least I didn't tell her.

[Dr. Carville]

That's good. She's got enough on her mind as it is.

[Reed]

What about you?

[Dr. Carville]

What do you mean?

[Reed]

Diane. And now Ruth too.

[Dr. Carville]

Oh, that somehow you can always be a lot clearer about someone else's problems than you can be about your own.

[Reed]

Yes, that's true. Funny.

[Dr. Carville]

What is?

[Reed]

The way this all worked out. Ruth leaving John, leaving New York and coming back here. Diane leaving here and going to New York to John. If you knew the speed of the two trains, you could figure out exactly where they passed each other going in opposite directions.

[Dr. Carville]

Very interesting when you put it in a mathematical formula. But people aren't algebraic symbols.

[Reed]

I know. Why do things like this have to happen? Why do.

[Dr. Carville]

Would you do something for me, Reid?

[Reed]

Well, of course. What is it?

[Dr. Carville]

I'm tired. Awfully tired. Would you play something for me?

[Reed]

Well, I really don't feel very much like it.

[Dr. Carville]

Well, perhaps that's a good reason why you should.

[Reed]

Music hath charms, huh? And discipline. One of the first things you learn if you want to be a doctor. No emotion. Have to learn to control it. Nothing much you can do about what you feel, but just don't show it. Just go on as if nothing really touches you. And then after a while, atrophy sets in and you won't feel anymore.

[Narrator]

Please read.

[Dr. Carville]

Please.

[Reed]

Sorry, Dr. Carville. I'll just play.

[Narrator]

We return to the story of Big Sister after this message from our sponsor. It's about a half hour later now. Ruth is alone in the living room of a house she has lived in for years, but which now suddenly seems strange and alien. Very large, very empty. Her housekeeper, Mrs. Carter, left a few minutes ago, but Ruth still can't seem to get herself to climb the stairs, go into the bedroom that from now on is going to have one empty bed. Finally, she does start up, walking quietly down the upstairs hall. She pauses for a moment outside Richard's room. Silence. But unable to restrain herself, she opens the door, looks in.

[Richard]

Mother? Is that you?

[Ruth]

Richard? Did I wake you?

[Richard]

No, Mother. I tried to stay up. I wanted to wait for you, but then I must have fallen asleep and. Oh, Mother.

[Ruth]

Oh, Richard, my dearest. Oof.

[Richard]

I missed you. I missed you an awful lot.

[Ruth]

And I missed you more than you'll ever know. That's why I just had to look in here. I couldn't wait until tomorrow morning to see you.

[Richard]

I would have felt bad if you hadn't. It's been an awful long time. At least, well, it seemed awful long.

[Ruth]

Well, it couldn't have seemed any longer to you than it did to me, Rich. But I'm home now.

[Richard]

Yes, Mother?

[Ruth]

Yes, dear.

[Richard]

Did. Did Daddy come home with you? Is he here, too?

[Ruth]

No, Richard. He's still in New York.

[Richard]

Oh, I see. I saw quite a lot of Reed of Dr. Banister while you were away.

[Ruth]

Did you, dear?

[Richard]

Yeah. He took me to a ball game once. And out fishing. I got a perch that size. Over a pound.

[Ruth]

I wish I'd seen it, Richard.

[Richard]

Well, maybe we can go again sometime. Mother, is. Is Daddy coming back?

[Ruth]

That's a pretty hard question to answer, Richard, with just a plain yes or no.

[Richard]

You don't have to answer, Mother. I just.

[Ruth]

I'd like to try. Richard. It's just that. Well, it is a little complicated. You see, I love your father very much. And I know that he loves both of us too. We spend a lot of time together in New York, talking about ourselves and about you. He wasn't very happy, Richard. He missed us both a lot. And he's going to miss us even more. But still, he felt it would be best if he didn't come back to Glen Falls with me right now. Not until he's sure he understands a great many things. It's not going to be easy for any of us because we can't be sure that he is going to come back. But we can hope. And somehow, when you do that, keep your courage. Keep on hoping things do work out one way or another. Richard. Oh, bless you. Sleep well.

[Narrator]

Bending down, Ruth kisses the sleeping boy, then tiptoes out of the room. She has no way of knowing whether what she has said has given him any comfort or reassurance. But strangely enough, she herself feels better than she has in many weeks. And now this message from our sponsor. Listen tomorrow on this station to Big Sister. This has been a production of Nana Radio. Howard Petrie speaking.

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