Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Big Town 19xx.xx.xx Big Town Interview"

Episode Information:

• Title: Big Town 19xx.xx.xx Big Town Interview
• Release Date: March 27, 2025
• Host: Richard Lamparski
• Guests: Fran Carlin (Lorelei Gilbert), Walter Griset (Steve Wilson), Mason Adams (Harry to Hack)
• Description: An in-depth conversation with former cast members of the classic radio show "Big Town," exploring the show's legacy, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and the enduring bonds formed during the Golden Age of Radio.

1. Introduction and Cast Introductions [00:00 - 00:30]

The episode opens with host Richard Lamparski introducing the premise of the interview and inviting the guests to introduce themselves by name and the characters they portrayed on "Big Town."

• Richard Lamparski [00:00]: "Whatever became of Big Town? My name is Richard Lamparski, and with me in the studio today, I think I'll let them introduce themselves."

• Fran Carlin [00:14]: "I'm Fran Carlin and I did Lorelei Gilbert."

• Walter Griset [00:17]: "I'm Walter Griset and I did Steve Wilson."

• Mason Adams [00:21]: "I'm Mason Adams, and I played Harry to Hack."

Lamparski notes the absence of Willie the Weep, prompting a discussion about the character's fate.

2. Remembering Willie the Weep [00:25 - 01:05]

The conversation shifts to Willie the Weep, a beloved character whose actor had passed away.

• Richard Lamparski [00:26]: "There's one character missing, Willie the Weep. We want to find out what happened to him."

• Fran Carlin [00:30]: "Willie the Weep, the man who played Willie the Weep died quite some time ago. But we'll always remember him because one awful moment..."

Fran shares a heartfelt memory, highlighting the character's emotional depth and lasting impact on the cast and audience.

3. Character Creation and Jerry McGill's Influence [01:07 - 01:40]

The guests commend Jerry McGill, the show's creator, for crafting memorable characters.

• Mason Adams [01:07]: "One of the great things about Jerry McGill... was his ability to create these marvelous characters like Willie the Weep and Mozart."

• Walter Griset [01:40]: "He had an innate clamminess about him. And vocally, I'm talking about only. Yeah, he's still going strong, thank goodness."

They discuss characters such as Mozart and Clammy, emphasizing the creative genius behind their development.

4. Historical Context and Show Timeline [01:55 - 03:03]

The trio delves into the history of "Big Town," touching on its origins and peak popularity.

• Richard Lamparski [01:55]: "Any of you remember what year the show went on? I know you weren't on it at that time."

• Fran Carlin [02:00]: "It went on here in New York. I would say around '42 or '43 with Ed Pauley and myself."

• Richard Lamparski [03:03]: "The earliest date I could find on the show was 1938, because that year it was one of the ten top-rated shows in the nation."

They highlight the show's prominence during the late 1930s and early 1940s, noting its national acclaim.

5. Behind the Scenes: Live Shows and Challenges [03:57 - 07:07]

The discussion shifts to the intricacies of producing live radio shows and the logistical hurdles they faced.

• Richard Lamparski [03:57]: "Before we began recording, we were lamenting the fact that so many of those radio shows were not recorded because they were live."

• Walter Griset [04:07]: "Unless someone took off an individual recording, that would be the only way that anyone would have it."

• Fran Carlin [04:44]: "We also had to do a repeat when we were on CBS. I think we went on 8 to 8:30, and then it was 12 to 12:30."

They recount the absence of recordings, reliance on acetate discs, and the complications of live repeats, including missed alarms and exhausted performers.

6. Anecdotes and Memorable Moments [07:07 - 08:36]

Guests share humorous and poignant stories from their time on "Big Town."

• Mason Adams [05:19]: "There's a wonderful story about the time that Ed Begley was playing Charlie Chan..."

• Walter Griset [07:11]: "His mom, Pepperoni's family, I think, too."

• Fran Carlin [07:54]: "We also have a recording here today because Carlin brought one along of an original Big Town show."

These tales illustrate the camaraderie, unexpected challenges, and behind-the-scenes improvisations that defined their radio careers.

7. Honoring Achievements: The Big Town Recording [08:54 - 10:40]

The guests present a special recording of "Big Town," commemorating an award received for safety driving.

• Walter Griset [08:54]: "Lever Brothers Company, makers of Lifebuoy health soap, present Big Town. Extra. Extra."

• Fran Carlin [10:02]: "Yes, it was the National Council on Safety. And we had gotten an award..."

The team reflects on the impact of their work and the recognition it garnered, emphasizing the show's role in promoting societal values.

8. Audience Interaction and Reconnecting Cast Members [10:40 - 12:25]

Richard Lamparski discusses his initiative to engage with listeners and reunite former cast members.

• Richard Lamparski [10:40]: "This is the first program I've done where I asked the audience to write in... and the first time I got a letter from the person because Fran Carlin wrote in and said, here I am, and I know where they are and let's get together."

• Fran Carlin [11:02]: "I had heard so much about you from Wester Ralston and Julie Stevens..."

This segment underscores the enduring legacy of "Big Town" and the strong network among its actors.

9. Interpersonal Dynamics and Ed Begley's Personality [13:46 - 16:22]

The guests share amusing anecdotes highlighting Ed Begley's unique personality and interactions on set.

• Fran Carlin [14:30]: "He can cry... The tears can flow down his cheeks."

• Richard Lamparski [15:19]: "Don't ever call me again. That's the last person still there, probably with their mouth open."

• Walter Griset [16:22]: "He has a habit of walking into a restaurant... Where is he? Where is the... Oh, there's Walter over there."

These stories paint a vivid picture of Begley’s charismatic and sometimes over-the-top behavior, beloved by his peers.

10. Life After "Big Town": Other Roles and Shows [16:26 - 23:26]

The conversation broadens to include the guests' other roles in various radio programs, highlighting their versatility and the interconnectedness of radio actors.

• Fran Carlin [17:36]: "Mary Marlin was one of the first radio shows I ever did."

• Walter Griset [19:08]: "And we've got Pepper Young here today."

• Mason Adams [22:51]: "I probably have the distinction of being one of the few radio actors who never worked for air features."

They discuss their experiences on shows like "Today's Children," "Stella Dallas," and "Our Gal Sunday," revealing the breadth of their radio careers and the collaborative nature of the industry.

11. Theatrical Ventures and Broadway Experiences [23:07 - 29:55]

Guests recount experiences crossing over into Broadway and the challenges of integrating radio with live theater.

• Mason Adams [23:26]: "I was on with Dick when we did Front Page Farrell or Port."

• Fran Carlin [28:52]: "I did Portia Faces Life on television for two years..."

• Walter Griset [29:49]: "Wonder how the men did, because high heels were awfully good..."

These narratives highlight the adaptability required of radio actors and the seamless transition between different entertainment mediums.

12. Technical Aspects and Production Challenges [24:00 - 28:30]

The guests discuss the technicalities of radio production, including script integration for product giveaways and managing multiple actors in limited space.

• Fran Carlin [24:00]: "They used to incorporate the giveaway into the script."

• Walter Griset [29:49]: "There were times on radio with 4 or 5, and sometimes more actors and actresses would surround one microphone."

• Fran Carlin [28:14]: "She used to paste the individual pages of their scripts on pieces of cardboard."

These insights reveal the intricate balance between creativity and practicality in live radio production.

13. Community and Camaraderie Among Radio Actors [29:59 - 30:45]

The episode concludes with reflections on the strong sense of community and mutual support among radio actors.

• Fran Carlin [29:59]: "I think that's one of the lovely things about radio. There was a very happy group of people."

• Walter Griset [30:12]: "I think for the most part, that's perfectly true."

• Richard Lamparski [30:17]: "They all knew where the other ones were... which is how we got this show together."

This segment emphasizes the lasting friendships and professional networks that emerged from their shared experiences.

14. Closing Remarks and Teaser for Next Episode [30:57 - End]

Richard Lamparski wraps up the interview, expressing gratitude to the guests and providing a preview of the next episode.

• Richard Lamparski [30:57]: "Thanks very much to Mr. Walter Grizet and his friend Carlin and Mr. Mason Adams for putting together the Big Town show."

• Richard Lamparski [30:57]: "Next week I will be speaking with a man who was, until 1947, the world's most famous high harmonica player..."

The episode concludes with an invitation to listeners to tune in to future interviews exploring more facets of the Golden Age of Radio.

Notable Quotes:

1. Fran Carlin [00:30]:

   "Willie the Weep... was a marvelous character. And as soon as he came on, my dog went out and howled all during the show." [00:30]

2. Mason Adams [01:07]:

   "One of the great things about Jerry McGill... was his ability to create these marvelous characters like Willie the Weep and Mozart." [01:07]

3. Fran Carlin [04:44]:

   "We also had to do a repeat when we were on CBS... the alarm clock wouldn't go off." [04:44]

4. Mason Adams [05:19]:

   "When Ed failed to show up for a repeat, Leon Janney doubled for Charlie Chan in the opening part of the show." [05:19]

5. Fran Carlin [10:02]:

   "We had gotten an award from the National Council on Safety..." [10:02]

6. Walter Griset [16:22]:

   "He has a habit of walking into a restaurant... Where is he? Where is the... Oh, there's Walter over there." [16:22]

7. Fran Carlin [29:59]:

   "There was a very happy group of people. They seemed to get along beautifully." [29:59]

Conclusion:

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" provides a nostalgic and comprehensive look into "Big Town," capturing the essence of its characters, the challenges of live radio production, and the enduring friendships among its cast. Through engaging anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Fran Carlin, Walter Griset, and Mason Adams honor the legacy of a beloved radio show while highlighting the vibrant community that thrived during the Golden Age of Radio. Listeners gain valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes dynamics and the personal experiences that shaped their performances, ensuring that the spirit of "Big Town" continues to resonate with both long-time fans and new audiences alike.