Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Binnie And Mike 46-11-18 (x) Morning Talk Show
Date: December 28, 2025
Hosts: Benny Barnes & Mike Frankovich
Overview
This episode transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with an authentic recreation of a domestic breakfast chat hosted by Hollywood personalities Benny Barnes and her husband, Mike Frankovich. The tone is light, conversational, and filled with endearing banter, family moments, and commentary on life in 1940s Los Angeles. The Frankovich household becomes a microcosm of mid-century American life, featuring news, pop culture, household debates, and glimpses into the entertainment industry.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Morning Banter and Breakfast Rituals
(00:58–02:41, 15:12–19:20)
- Coffee and Breakfast: The hosts joke about emerging from routines (the bathroom, breakfast smells) and praise products like Hill Squatter coffee, Helms bread, Adore milk, Wheaties, and Chaffies.
- Household Chatter: Small disputes about late-night arrivals, the children’s breakfast choices, and staff interactions highlight the show’s cozy, informal style.
“Oh, now, baby, you know I always get out in time for coffee. Well, I hope it tastes as good as it smells this morning.” — Benny Barnes [01:09]
2. Last Night’s Bridge Game with Hollywood Stars
(01:33–02:41, 22:54–23:24)
- Bridge Game Drama: Benny recounts a spirited game with Chico Marx, George Raft, and Alex Kempner, humorously blaming Chico for trumping her queen and costing them a win.
- Rivalries and Excuses: Playful teasing about her “excuses” and how arguments carried on for 20 minutes after the game.
“And I had Chico marked for a partner. And it looked like I was going to come out all right last night until our opponents bid six hearts.” — Benny Barnes [01:50]
3. Astrology and Household Gadgets
(02:45–04:17, 09:25–10:14)
- Astrology’s Place: Mike jokingly uses astrology to predict a good day for signing contracts and having fun; Benny teasingly criticizes the forecasts.
- Ice Cream Innovations: Mike describes seeing a new, ultra-fast table freezer at the May Company, prompting plans to visit and disbelief from Benny.
- Household Inventions: Mike proposes a heated bathtub back, leading to a humorous pitch implying Don Ameche could help develop it.
“Why couldn't we get an invention that heated up the back of the bathtub? Isn't that good?” — Mike Frankovich [09:55]
4. Football, Pop Culture, and Women’s Viewpoints
(04:17–08:53, 30:42–31:18)
- USC–UCLA Game: Discussion about high-demand game tickets and playful debate over whether women should attend or commentate on football games.
- Women’s Hats and Fashion: Amused critique of ever-changing (and “more ridiculous”) women’s hats, with references to Lana Turner and Technicolor fashion in films.
“I suppose that women should be kept out of football games. I really do.” — Benny Barnes (tongue-in-cheek) [05:16]
- The Jolson Story & Movie Reviews: Benny recommends the film, especially praising the performance and color work, connecting the review to personal nostalgia and Oscar potential.
“Brother, there is a picture that I can recommend to anybody…just gave me a big thrill.” — Benny Barnes [06:35]
5. Local News & Social Life in Beverly Hills
(08:29–13:48, 19:20–20:25)
- New Theater Launch: Excitement about the all-Western Hitching Post theater opening on Cannon Drive and upcoming local social events.
- Dolores Hope’s Baby Shower: Reports on the lavish event with celebrity attendees, fashion highlights, and gossip about marriages and adoptions.
“There’s about 60 girls there and Cass Daley was there. She sang. Oh, she’s such a good entertainer. Wonderful.” — Mike Frankovich [18:50]
6. Poland’s Hidden Treasures & International Intrigues
(10:14–13:48)
- WWII Art Saga: Benny narrates the mysterious journey and disappearance of Poland’s treasures and gold shipped to Canada during WWII, sparking intrigue and speculation about future Hollywood dramatization.
- Cartoon Satire: Amused description of a political cartoon satirizing the situation with “Kilroiski was here.”
“They shipped a lot of their treasures and $17 million in gold bullion and sent it into Canada…” — Benny Barnes [10:57]
7. Family Moments: Children, School, and Health
(15:12–19:20, 27:10–29:32)
- Playful discussions with children about their breakfast preferences, school routines, and bravery at the doctor’s office.
- Emphasis on health and new “cold shots” for school-aged children.
“Did it hurt you, darling?” — Mike Frankovich [29:24]
8. Gadgets, Shopping, and Domestic Humor
(19:20–22:12)
- Shopping for shoes at Murray’s and the dilemma of never having enough, with male-female ribbing about spending and practicality.
- Praise for “Mateys T-shirts” and fatherly vows to get more for himself and the boys.
- Comments about income taxes and shoe deductions demonstrate relatable concerns for the period.
9. Aviation Wonders: The New Double-Decker Airliners
(20:25–22:12)
- Discussion of the latest commercial planes, including one carrying 180 passengers and Howard Hughes’ enormous 400-passenger amphibian.
- Mike’s incredulity at advancements and Benny’s enthusiastic, almost futuristic, descriptions.
“You walk out into the wing and you can actually walk clear out to the wingtips and there are windows out there where you can look around, a lounge room, a smoking room and everything…” — Benny Barnes [21:03]
10. Movie Industry Strike & Union Disputes
(24:09–25:52)
- Benny attempts to demystify the ongoing Hollywood studio strikes, explaining union rivalries over set-building duties.
- The economic toll and hope that higher powers (AFL) will arbitrate.
“What it evolves down to in simple language is that there are two unions...fighting for the right to see which union is going to build the set and tear them down.” — Benny Barnes [24:18]
11. Anecdotes, Wit, and Light-Hearted Closer
(25:52–31:18)
- Groaner jokes (“sophisticated sheep that said blah”), classic quips about married life, and gentle family teasing.
- Benny recounts a story from Bob Trout’s news show about bubble gum shortages and Greek confusion over American election results.
“Do you know the sophisticated sheep that said blah?” — Mike Frankovich [26:16]
- The episode closes with a sendoff from Benny, focused on the upcoming football game and a quintessential parting thought.
“Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think. See you tomorrow.” — Benny Barnes [31:10]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|-----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:09 | Benny Barnes | “Oh, now, baby, you know I always get out in time for coffee. Well, I hope it tastes as good as it smells this morning.” | | 04:53 | Mike Frankovich | “All I know is a man stands up, he chases along with a ball under his arm...I never see. Darling, what's going on. I really don't.” | | 06:35 | Benny Barnes | “Brother, there is a picture that I can recommend to anybody...just gave me a big thrill. I can't remember when I saw a picture and got chills down my back like I did the Jolson story.” | | 09:55 | Mike Frankovich | “Why couldn't we get an invention that heated up the back of the bathtub? Isn't that good?” | | 10:57 | Benny Barnes | “They shipped a lot of their treasures and $17 million in gold bullion and sent it into Canada…” | | 21:03 | Benny Barnes | “You walk out into the wing and you can actually walk clear out to the wingtips and there are windows out there where you can look around, a lounge room, a smoking room and everything…” | | 24:18 | Benny Barnes | “What it evolves down to in simple language is that there are two unions...fighting for the right to see which union is going to build the set and tear them down.” | | 26:16 | Mike Frankovich | “Do you know the sophisticated sheep that said blah?” | | 31:10 | Benny Barnes | “Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think. See you tomorrow.” |
Timestamps of Important Segments
- 00:58–02:41 — Family breakfast banter & bridge game recap
- 04:17–06:28 — Football game, women's role in sports, hat fashions
- 06:35–08:09 — Movie review: The Jolson Story & Oscar chat
- 10:14–13:48 — Polish art treasures WWII saga & political cartoons
- 15:12–19:20 — Children’s breakfast chatter, family humor, and doctor visits
- 20:25–22:12 — Aviation marvels: Double-decker airliners and Howard Hughes
- 24:09–25:52 — Hollywood strike explainer
- 27:10–29:32 — School routines, vaccine shots, and patriotism
- 30:42–31:18 — Football game preview & closing words
Conclusion
The episode is a charming, meandering journey through the domestic and cultural life of 1940s Hollywood royalty. It blends showbiz gossip, humor, everyday problems, inventive ideas, and social commentary, all wrapped in genuine affection and wit. For listeners curious about the era’s lifestyle, values, and entertainment, “Breakfast with Benny and Mike” is both delightful and illuminating.