Big Sister xxxxxx 005 Hope Threatens to Leave Neddie, Unless he Asks Frank Wayne for Money

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio Episode: Big Sister xxxxxx 005 – Hope Threatens to Leave Nettie, Unless He Asks Frank Wayne for Money
Release Date: May 31, 2025

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Introduction

Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, presenting captivating dramas that echo the charm of classic shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet. In this episode of Big Sister, the intricate dynamics within the Wayne family are explored, focusing on the strained relationship between Nettie and Hope, and the pivotal decision involving Frank Wayne's financial assistance.

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Main Characters

• Nettie Wayne: The younger brother of Ruth Wayne, Nettie is portrayed as a caring yet conflicted individual struggling with familial and financial pressures.

• Hope Wayne: Nettie's spouse, who is assertive and determined, pushing Nettie towards making significant financial decisions that strain their relationship.

• Ruth Wayne: The older sister, a nurse balancing her roles as a wife and mother, serving as a stabilizing force amidst the family's turmoil.

• Dr. Bannister: A concerned family friend who observes the unfolding tensions and offers a glimpse into Ruth's challenges.

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Plot Overview

The episode delves into the escalating conflict between Nettie and Hope. Hope pressures Nettie to borrow money from their uncle, Frank Wayne, to purchase a garage in Somerville. Nettie is hesitant, expressing distrust towards Frank and the implications of involving him in their financial matters.

Key Moments:

1. Hope's Ultimatum:
   Hope confronts Nettie, stating her intention to leave if Nettie doesn't agree to seek financial help from Frank Wayne. (00:21 - 02:22)

   Hope: "I think he is worth 10 of your sister. The finest, most generous men I've ever met. Come along now." (02:19)

2. Nettie's Dilemma:
   Nettie grapples with Hope's demands, torn between supporting Hope's ambitions and his distrust of Frank Wayne. The tension reaches a peak as Nettie threatens to leave, leading to Hope's contemplation of their future together. (02:22 - 04:18)

   Nettie: "I couldn't stand it if anything happened with us. Please. Please don't go, Hope." (02:40)

3. Encounter with Dr. Bannister:
   Nettie's interaction with Dr. Bannister provides insight into the broader family concerns, highlighting Ruth's own struggles and the need for support within the family structure. (04:18 - 06:03)

   Dr. Bannister: "When are they going to let you alone? But you think about yourself for a change." (05:24)

4. Confrontation with Ruth:
   Nettie confesses his frustration to Ruth, revealing the depth of his anguish over Hope's relentless pursuit of the garage deal. Ruth remains supportive but cautious, sensing underlying tensions within Nettie. (06:21 - 08:26)

   Nettie: "There was something I wanted to talk to her about. Something important." (06:38)

5. Hope's Return and Reconciliation Attempt:
   Hope revisits, seeking to mend the fractured relationship. She apologizes and admits her mistakes, attempting to bridge the gap between her and Nettie. The emotional exchange underscores the complexities of their marriage and mutual dependencies. (08:26 - 11:14)

   Hope: "I just wanted to apologize to you, that's all." (10:02)
   Nettie: "It isn't, Hope. It isn't." (10:43)

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Themes and Insights

• Family Dynamics: The episode masterfully portrays the strain that financial pressures and personal ambitions can place on familial relationships. Nettie's loyalty is tested between supporting his wife and maintaining trust within the family.

• Trust and Betrayal: Nettie's distrust of Frank Wayne symbolizes deeper fears of betrayal and manipulation, reflecting common anxieties surrounding financial dependence on family members.

• Communication Breakdown: The escalating arguments between Nettie and Hope highlight the consequences of poor communication, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue in resolving conflicts.

• Personal Growth: Both Nettie and Hope undergo emotional journeys, grappling with their desires, fears, and the need for personal and collective growth within the marriage.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Hope on Determination:

  "When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal."
  (00:22)

• Nettie Expressing Frustration:

  "I'm sick of this. I'm sick to death of Frank."
  (03:24)

• Dr. Bannister's Concern:

  "When are they going to let you alone? But you think about yourself for a change."
  (05:24)

• Hope's Apology:

  "I just wanted to apologize to you, that's all."
  (10:02)

• Nettie's Reassurance to Hope:

  "It isn't, Hope. It isn't. Can't you see how this makes everything different?"
  (10:43)

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Conclusion

In this compelling episode of Big Sister, Harold's Old Time Radio skillfully navigates the intricate web of family obligations, financial dilemmas, and personal relationships. The emotional depth and character development offer listeners a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by Nettie and Hope, leaving them eager to witness the resolution of these familial tensions in future episodes.

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For more nostalgic dramas and timeless tales, tune in to Harold's Old Time Radio, where every episode is a journey back to the golden days of radio storytelling.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms Flyer. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com.

[Nettie]

Ooh.

[Nicole Byer]

Fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Nettie]

Wayfair, Every style, every home.

[Narrator]

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. Nettie. Ruth, Wayne's younger brother has been in some tight corners since he married pretty young Hope less than a year ago. But he's never been in one that was quite as distressing as the one we find him in now. For just a moment ago, we heard.

[Hope]

Hope say I told you once before that one of these days you'd have to choose between that big sister of yours and me. And it seems you've done it. That you've made up your mind about more than just the money.

[Nettie]

So, Hope, where are you going? What are you doing?

[Hope]

What do you think I'm doing? I'm taking my bags down.

[Nettie]

Your bags?

[Hope]

Yes, my bags. Think I'm gonna stick around here after this. I'm getting out just as fast as I can pack.

[Nettie]

What? You don't mean that, Hope.

[Hope]

Oh, just watch.

[Nettie]

You can't, Hope. I couldn't stand it if anything happened with us. Please. Please don't go, Hope. Please. I'll do anything you want.

[Hope]

You will?

[Nettie]

Well, you know I will. Anything? Within reason. Can't we just talk the whole thing over quietly?

[Hope]

This is within reason, and it's for your own good. Will you do it?

[Nettie]

Do what? I don't even know what we're talking about.

[Hope]

Don't give me that. Of course you know we're talking about that garage over at Somerville and borrowing the money from Frank Wayne to buy it. Are you gonna do it or not?

[Nettie]

Oh, well, I'm not sure. I mean.

[Hope]

Oh, you're not sure you'll do anything in the world for me? Anything. Except what I want you to do.

[Nettie]

That's not true. I would do anything. I'd cut my right arm off up there.

[Hope]

But, oh, when are you gonna grow up, Nettie? When are you gonna start acting like a man instead of a kid tied to his sister's apron strings? Don't you think I'm interested in seeing you get ahead, too. More than your sister is. Don't you realize what a break this is? Is the break we've been waiting for a chance anybody else would jump at?

[Nettie]

Sure I do, honey. But, gee, hope it. It's not as simple as that. It's an awful lot of money to borrow and, well, you know how I feel about Frank. I don't trust him. He's got some angle.

[Hope]

Oh, you don't trust him? Your own uncle. You'd borrow the money from a bank, but not from him. Just because Ruth is on the outs with him, you have to play right along. Well, let me tell you something. I think he is worth 10 of your sister. O finest, most generous men I've ever met. Come along now. The way you've all treated him and be willing to give you that money.

[Nettie]

Stop it. Do you hear? Stop it.

[Hope]

What?

[Nettie]

I said stop it. I'm sick of this. I'm sick to death of Frank. Frank. Frank. That's all you've been talking about for weeks now. Frank in the garage. And how all you want is to help me get ahead. Get ahead? The way you've been after me, nagging me day and night, is a wonder I haven't gone crazy. You say you're through and you want to get out. Well, okay, go ahead. But you don't have to worry about packing your things because I'm going right now. You'll have plenty of time.

[Narrator]

The door slams shut behind Nettie, and Hope stares after him thoughtfully. Thoughtfully. And with just a touch of concern on her pretty face. Nettie.

[Dr. Bannister]

Oh, Nettie.

[Nettie]

What? Oh. Oh, hello, Dr. Bannister.

[Dr. Bannister]

I wasn't sure it was you. How are you?

[Nettie]

Oh, I'm fine. Just.

[Dr. Bannister]

Well, that's good. And Hope?

[Nettie]

Oh, she's wonderful.

[Dr. Bannister]

Glad to hear it. Out for your evening constitutional. What if you are just taking a walk, I mean. I'll come along with you. It's the first chance I've had to stretch my legs all day.

[Nettie]

Sure, sure. For a way, anyway. I was going over to Ruth's. There was something I wanted to talk to her about. Something important.

[Dr. Bannister]

Oh, well, in that case, perhaps you better go on alone.

[Nettie]

No, no, no. It's all right.

[Dr. Bannister]

No, no, no. You go ahead, Nettie.

[Nettie]

We'll.

[Dr. Bannister]

We'll make it another time.

[Nettie]

Well, if you're sure you don't mind. Okay. So long, Dr. Bannister.

[Dr. Bannister]

Good night, Nettie. Hmm. I wonder what it is this time.

[Nettie]

Hope.

[Dr. Bannister]

Probably. As if Ruth hasn't enough problems of her own already. Oh, Ruth.

[Nettie]

Ruth.

[Dr. Bannister]

When are they going to let you alone? But you think about yourself for a change. Isn't it about time someone stepped in, Started helping you, protecting you? Someone? Who? Well, why not? She knows I love her. She must know I've told it to her in every way I could without actually putting it into words. Oh, snap out of it, Bannister, and start walking. No, not toward Ruth's. Just walking.

[Narrator]

We return to the story of Big Sister after this message from our sponsor.

[Nettie]

Just a second.

[Ruth]

Oh, Nettie.

[Nettie]

Hello, Ruth. Did I wake you?

[Ruth]

No, no. I was reading. Is anything the matter?

[Nettie]

Plenty. Can I come in?

[Ruth]

Of course, Nettie. Come on in here. What is it?

[Nettie]

I'll give you three guesses. You probably won't need more than one.

[Ruth]

Hope.

[Nettie]

Right on the button. We're through. Washed up. Finished.

[Ruth]

Nettie, what are you saying?

[Nettie]

It's the truth. She was packing when I left. I told her to take her time, that I'd clear out. Oh, gee, Ruth.

[Ruth]

Now, Nettie, sit down.

[Nettie]

Now.

[Ruth]

Sit down right over there.

[Nettie]

I'm okay. It's just. Do you think maybe I could stay here overnight?

[Ruth]

Well, of course, you know you can. Do you feel like talking about it, telling me what happened?

[Nettie]

There's nothing to talk about. Just happened, that's all. I just couldn't stand it anymore.

[Ruth]

Stand what, Nettie?

[Nettie]

Oh, I've been going crazy for weeks now. Every day, every night. That garage over at Somerville. Why didn't I buy it? Why wouldn't I borrow the money from Frank? What was the matter with me anyway? Didn't I want to make something of myself? I kept telling her I wanted to think about it. She wouldn't stop. And tonight I couldn't take it anymore.

[Ruth]

Nettie, that doesn't sound so serious. Not serious enough to break up a marriage, serious.

[Nettie]

Look, I'm telling you, I can't take it anymore. I'm not going to. There's just no living with her running me down all the time. And you. Look, Ruth, you never said anything about what you thought about Hope. The way she's been acting for some time now. But I knew how you felt.

[Ruth]

Now, wait, Nettie. Let's not start that. I was a little worried. Upset at the way things were going between you and Hope. But that's all.

[Nettie]

Of course that's all. That's what I meant. Did you ever try and interfere or anything like that? No, but she. Who's that?

[Ruth]

I don't know. I'll see.

[Hope]

Hello, Ruth. I'm awfully sorry to come bothering you this time of night.

[Nettie]

What are you doing here?

[Hope]

Looking for you, Nettie. I thought I'd find you here.

[Nettie]

Just what did you mean by that?

[Hope]

Oh, nothing, Nettie. I certainly didn't mean there was anything wrong in it. After all, Ruth's your sister.

[Ruth]

Why would you come in, Hope?

[Hope]

If you're sure I'm not disturbing you.

[Ruth]

Of course not. I was just going upstairs to bed.

[Nettie]

Nothing doing. Ruth. If Hope's got anything to say, she can say it right here in front of you.

[Hope]

Certainly, Nettie. I wouldn't be ashamed to say anything in front of Ruth. I've been in an awful state. I couldn't imagine where you'd gone, and then I thought I'd try. Here. It must be a wonderful thing to have someone you can always come to. Friend or a relative. I wish I had somebody, anybody.

[Nettie]

You still haven't said what you wanted, Hope.

[Hope]

I wish you wouldn't make it so hard for me, Nettie. Not that I blame you, but you just never gave me a chance to explain.

[Nettie]

Explain? What was there to explain? Were you packing to get out or not?

[Hope]

Oh, Nettie, do you really, honestly think I would have done that? Just walked out on you?

[Nettie]

It sure looked like it.

[Hope]

Well, if you really thought that, then you certainly had a right to do what you did. What got on me. And I guess you wouldn't be interested in what I was gonna say to you.

[Nettie]

Well. Well, let's hear it anyway.

[Hope]

It's not important, Nettie. Not now. Anyway. I just wanted to apologize to you, that's all.

[Nettie]

Apologize?

[Hope]

Yes. To tell you I was wrong and you were right. After all, you're the man of the family. That's one of the reasons I married you. Because I knew I could rely on you. And if you don't want that old garage or don't think buying it's a good idea, well, I guess you ought to know more about it than me.

[Nettie]

Do you mean that, Hope? Honest and true?

[Hope]

Of course I mean it. Would I have come all the way over here and said so in front of Ruth if I didn't? I can see that it's too late.

[Nettie]

It isn't, Hope. It isn't. Can't you see how this makes everything different? I mean, not just that you're going to leave it up to me, but you were willing to admit maybe you were wrong. That that shows you're a pretty big person, Hope. It's pretty wonderful, isn't it, Ruth?

[Ruth]

Yes, Nettie, it certainly.

[Narrator]

But even as she says this, looking at Hope's pretty but impassive face, Ruth wonders what's going on in that queer little mind. And now this message from our sponsor. Listen Monday on this station to Big Sister. This has been a production of Nana Radio. Howard Petrie speaking.

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for Every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer. Today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh, beers. This has been your Wayfarer style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Nettie]

Wayfair Every style, Every home.