Blondie 44-06-26 0247 Blondie Frightens a Ghost

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Blondie, "Blondie Frightens a Ghost"

Original Air Date: June 26, 1944
Podcast Release: October 29, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Context: Rebroadcast of a classic radio comedy episode starring Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake as Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead, featuring the Bumstead family’s spooky misadventure in an allegedly haunted house.

---

Overview

This episode of Blondie delivers a charming, comedic tale set on a summer night, where Dagwood is challenged to prove his bravery by spending time alone in the rumored-to-be-haunted Montrose mansion. What unfolds is a delightful blend of banter, slapstick, and family dynamics as the Bumsteads confront both their superstitions and each other’s expectations.

---

Key Discussion Points and Plot Beats

1. Setting the Scene and the Dare

• Blondie, Dagwood, and their son Alexander relax at home when Alexander bursts in, spooked by lights in the Montrose mansion (05:30-06:12).
  • Alexander (05:31): “I can give you my answer in one word. Spooks.”
• The family debates the existence of ghosts, with Alexander challenging Dagwood to prove his bravery by venturing into the mansion alone (07:08-07:14).
  • Alexander (07:08): “Would you be afraid to go to the old Montrose mansion tonight and walk around inside all alone?”

2. To the Haunted Mansion

• Dagwood, pressured by his family, reluctantly agrees to the dare (09:00-09:46). The family’s playful teasing escalates his anxiety.
• Highlights include Blondie’s faux-concerned question:
  • Blondie (09:56): “Is your life insurance paid off?”
  • Dagwood (09:58): “Yeah, sure. But what’s that got to do with… Blondie, you’re just trying to make me nervous. And, boy, are you succeeding.”

3. Inside the House: Scares and Silliness

• Inside the mansion, Dagwood and Alexander become increasingly jumpy (10:16-11:04). Sounds and imagined ghosts prompt panicked reactions.
• After hearing a mysterious voice admit to making noises (the supposed ghost), both father and son flee back home in terror (11:23-12:46).

4. Dagwood’s Dilemma & The Second Attempt

• Feeling like he’s let Alexander down, Dagwood resolves (“well, maybe tomorrow night”) to try again to reclaim his son’s respect, but continues hedging (13:40-13:56).
  • Dagwood (13:53): “Well, maybe the day after tomorrow night.”
  • Blondie (13:56): “You can’t let your son down like that.”
• Dagwood brings Mr. Dithers along for backup, both men rationalizing their reticence (17:00-17:11).

5. Comic-Relief Ghost-Hunting

• Dagwood and Mr. Dithers’ banter is a highlight as they psych each other up on the porch (17:17-17:58).
  • Dithers (17:00): “Does it seem silly to you that two grown men are walking up the path … just to prove to a grade school kid that there are no such things as ghosts?”
• Inside, comical scares—including a cat, noisy floorboards, and accidental self-spooking—ensue (18:46-21:11).
  • Dithers (20:05): “[Don’t] do that again.”

6. Things Get Even Spookier

• Unexplained voices and classic “bodiless spirit” jokes add to the confusion (21:32-22:22).
  • Ghost (22:05): “I’m not anybody at all.”
  • Dagwood (22:12): “But why not?”
  • Ghost: “Because I ain’t got no body."
• Both men decide they’ve had enough and attempt to flee, only to be (playfully) “trapped” by the phantom and its wife (23:08-23:25).

7. The Big Reveal – The ‘Ghosts’ Unmasked

• Blondie and Alexander enter to “haunt the ghosts themselves” (24:29-24:56).
• A memorable scene features Blondie blowing smoke through the keyhole to startle Dagwood and Mr. Dithers (25:00-25:13).
• The “ghosts” turn out to be a squatting couple, John and Martha, simply seeking a place to stay (26:14-26:43).
  • John (26:14): “We just wanted to frighten you away.”

8. Resolution and Gentle Humor

• Everyone laughs off their fear, and Mr. Dithers offers to help renovate the house for the new couple (26:33-26:40).
• One final eerie gag remains unanswered:
  • John (27:07): “We’ve never been able to find the clock [that chimes midnight every night].”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alexander (06:17): “I always feel uncomfortable when there’s a ghost in back of me.”
• Dagwood (11:04-11:24): “I can’t look like a scaredy cat in front of my son, can I? Or can I? No, I can’t.”
• Blondie (13:32): “Ghosts don’t exist, so they’re nothing. And that’s what a true Bumpstead is afraid of.”
• Mr. Dithers (18:10): “Do you see any bed sheets fluttering around the door? No, it’s not ghosts.”
• Classic Joke (22:12):
  • Ghost: "Because I ain’t got no body."
  • Dagwood: "Yeah, yeah, very funny. Ha ha ha."
• Final Twist (27:07):
  • John: “We’ve never been able to find the clock.”

---

Highlight Timestamps

• 05:31–06:12: Alexander explains why he’s scared of “spooks”
• 07:08–07:14: Alexander dares Dagwood to go into the mansion alone
• 09:56–10:07: Insurance joke to spook Dagwood before entering
• 11:23–12:46: Dagwood and Alexander’s comic retreat from the mansion
• 17:00–17:11: Dithers and Dagwood question their own courage
• 18:46–21:11: Series of comic scares, accidental self-hauntings
• 22:05–22:22: Classic "no body" ghost pun
• 25:00–25:13: Blondie and Alexander play ghostly tricks with smoke
• 27:07: The unresolved mystery of the unseen midnight clock chime

---

Tone and Delivery

The episode maintains a warm, rapid-fire comedic rhythm, steeped in the wholesome family dynamic and witty wordplay typical of mid-century radio comedies. Slapstick, misunderstandings, and playful jabs abound, with the spooky setting providing fertile ground for both literal and figurative ghosts—mostly harmless and all in good fun.

---

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

If you haven’t heard this one, expect a gentle sendup of classic haunted house tropes, plenty of clever dialogue, and an ending that’s as comforting as it is funny. The real “ghosts” are just people in need, and the bravest thing is sometimes admitting you’re scared. And if you listen closely, you might even hear the haunting of a lost clock—still striking, somewhere in the night.

---

Transcript

[A]

Always stop for a school bus when the stop arm is out and the.

[B]

Red lights are flashing.

[A]

Not stopping or trying to beat the stop arm puts lives at risk and.

[B]

Can result in large fines, points on.

[A]

Your license and license suspension paid for by nhtsa.

[C]

Don't touch that dial cause there's nothing else on. You might just as well listen to Blondie. Blondie Rebroadcast for the servicemen and women of the United nations with Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake as Blondie and Dagwood Bumpstead respectively. Before we join the Bumpsteads of Shady Lane Avenue, let's gather round the bandstand for a curtain raiser from Lenny Kahn and his orchestra. Raise that curtain. Le. And now for our weekly visit with our neighbors, the Bumsteads of Shady Lane Avenue. Well, it's a war summer night tonight, and Blondie and Dagwood are sitting in the living room reading. Alexander should be someplace between the corner mailbox and home. Walking slowly, but instead.

[B]

Oh, good heavens.

[A]

My, what was that? Hey, what was that?

[B]

Holy smoke. I made it. Alexander Bumstead, how many times have I told you not to slam the door this month? Or do you want me to give you the total for the year?

[A]

No, no, no. See here, young man.

[B]

Whoa. Hey pop, that hurt.

[A]

Well, you show a little more respect for your mother. And cut out the comedy answers. If anyone's going to be funny around here, I'll be funny.

[B]

Ha ha ha. Ya kya.

[A]

Now listen, Alexander.

[B]

Now Alexander, what was the idea? I can give you my answer in one word. Spooks.

[A]

What do you mean spooks?

[B]

Well, you know, like that. Oh, why Alexander, you don't believe in spooks, do you? Well, no, not during the day, but I do at night. Say, do you know the old Montrose mansion, don't you? Uh, Montrose man? Oh yes, that's that old house on the other side of the river, isn't it? The one that's all by itself. Yeah, that's the one. Uh huh. Well, you can see it from the corner by the mailbox. And I'm pretty sure I saw spooky lights pass by the windows. It sort of made me sh. Sh. Shudder.

[A]

Yeah, but now Alexander, that was a long ways off. What did you come home in such a hurry for?

[B]

I always feel uncomfortable when there's a ghost in back of me.

[A]

Look Alexander, that's a lot of nonsense. There's no such thing as a ghost, and you know that as well as I do.

[B]

Sure I do. But when you see a ghost, you get scared too.

[A]

How can you get scared of something that there isn't any such thing of. I mean, how can you get scared of something that doesn't exist either or two?

[B]

I've always wanted to ask you the same question, Dagwood. Why are you always afraid to go downstairs at night and scare off the burglars who aren't there anyway?

[A]

One thing at a time, Blondie.

[B]

Uh, Pop, I'll be glad to wait while you answer Mom's question.

[A]

Never mind. Never mind.

[B]

Pop, let me ask you a question. Will you? Sure.

[A]

Go ahead.

[B]

Would you be afraid to go to the old Montrose mansion tonight and walk around inside all alone?

[A]

A Bumstead is afraid of nothing.

[B]

Alone? Yeah, Pop, all alone. Just you and the badge.

[A]

Smooth.

[B]

Stop it.

[A]

Oh, you know, I caught a bat once and.

[B]

Answer my question, Pop. Would you be afraid? Oh, of course he wouldn't be afraid, Alexander.

[A]

Blondie, let me answer him myself, will you, please?

[B]

But I know your answer. A true Bumpstead is afraid of nothing.

[A]

Don't be too sure. You know, there are exceptions to all Bumpsteads.

[B]

Well, Pop, are you willing to go there tonight, or will you admit that there are ghosts?

[A]

I'll never admit there's such a thing as a ghost.

[B]

Well, you meant that there's such a thing as a grueful Spooklyak.

[A]

What's that?

[B]

The same thing as a ghost, only twice as horrible and three times as speedy.

[A]

Oh, Alexander, that's what I think is.

[B]

Haunting the old Montrose mansion.

[A]

Oh, my, my. I'd just like to go over there and show you.

[B]

Are you going over there, Pop? Of course he is.

[A]

Oh, am I?

[B]

Alexand, he's going to prove to you once and forever that there's no such thing as a ghost.

[A]

Blondie, stop pushing me.

[B]

Alexander, your father is an absolutely fearless man. We're going to go right over there now, and your father's going to scare the daylight out of those ghosts tonight.

[A]

Blondie, what are you saying?

[B]

Well, Pop, there it is. Sort of dark, spooky and horrible, isn't it? Yeah. Yes, Dagwood, there's the old Montrose mansion. Yeah, I see it now. Now, you just walk in through the gate and fool around inside the house for a while and then come back again if they'll let you go.

[A]

Yeah, but, Blondie, I don't want. If you let me go.

[B]

You know who.

[A]

Oh, now, now, cut it out. You're not going to scare me.

[B]

Okay, Pop. Go on in there and prove to me that there aren't any such things as ghosts.

[A]

Yeah, I know. I know. Well, I'll just See? Now, if I can get the gate open.

[B]

They must have stolen that from inner sanctum. Oh. Oh, Dagwood, before you go in there.

[A]

Yes?

[B]

Is your life insurance paid off?

[A]

Yeah, sure. But what's that got to do with. To do with Blondie, you're just trying to make me nervous. And, boy, are you succeeding.

[B]

I guess I'd better go part of the way with Pop to make sure he really goes inside the house. Gosh, it sure is dark. Well, come on, Pa. Well, I'm coming.

[A]

Don't rush me. I'm you. Hey, Blondie. You just wait in the car and I'll be right back.

[B]

Well, I, I. I hope so, dear.

[A]

I don't like the way she said that. Hey, Alexander, wait for me. Hey, Alexander, listen.

[B]

What is it, Pa? Shh.

[A]

I think I hear someone pounding on a bass drum. Oh, no, that's just my heart.

[B]

Yeah, I can hear it, too. It's got sort of a boogie beat to it. Well, I think I'll leave you here. You can go right on up the path by yourself.

[A]

Hey, now, where are you going? Hey, Alexander. Now come back here.

[B]

I can't hear you, Pop.

[A]

Oh, my, my. I guess I. I can't look like a scaredy cat in front of my son, can I? Or can I? No, I can't.

[B]

Alexander.

[A]

Alexander. Now, you cut that out.

[B]

I didn't do that, Pop. You didn't? No. Neither did I.

[A]

Holy smoke.

[B]

Who did that?

[C]

I did.

[A]

Well, that's okay, then. Who said that? Where are you? I'll give you one second to answer me, or else. Or else I'll leave. Your second is up, and I'm leaving. Out of my way.

[B]

Here I come. Goodbye. Dagwood? Are you home? Dagwood? Hey, Pop. Come out, come out, wherever you are. Well, Alexander, I guess your father's not home yet. Well, he ought to be here. After all, Pop ran home and we only drove back. And when your father runs, all anyone can see is just a blur with a bow tie on it. Gina, I thought Pop really wasn't scared of anything. I was just teasing him about being afraid of the ghost. But he was afraid, all right. At least, I think he was. Well, your father always says a true Bumpstead is afraid of nothing. Maybe Pop isn't a true Bumpstead. Oh. Oh, I guess that's your father now. Oh, gee, Papa, you got scared even before you got into the house, didn't you?

[A]

Well, I know I just suddenly decided I'd like to do a little sprinting, so I sprinted.

[B]

Yeah, you sure did, Alexander. Time for you to go to bed now. Go on. Run upstairs.

[A]

Yeah. Alexander. Good night.

[B]

Well, good night, Mom. Good night, Alexander. I'll be up later.

[A]

Good night, Alexander.

[B]

Okay, Pop.

[A]

Blondie, I guess I didn't do so well tonight, did I?

[B]

No, I guess not. Alexander expected a lot from you. He told me he expected you to walk into that old house and throw the ghost out the window like so much laundry.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Besides, I thought a true Bumpstead was afraid of nothing.

[A]

Well, that's right, Blondie. But ghosts don't exist, so they're nothing. And that's what a true Bumpstead is afraid of.

[B]

How? Well, Dagwood, you'd better figure out some way of building yourself up in the eyes of your son again. Because I'm afraid he lost a lot of faith in you tonight.

[A]

Do you think so? Oh, my. Well, doggone it. I'm going to show my son I'm not afraid. I'm going back to that old Montrose mansion tonight. Well, maybe tomorrow night.

[B]

Tomorrow night?

[A]

Well, maybe the day after tomorrow night.

[B]

Oh, Stagwood, you can't let your son down like that.

[A]

All right, all right. Maybe tomorrow night then. Because it's going to take me all day tomorrow to get my courage up.

[C]

Bumstead, I thought you told me you wanted me to come over here on business.

[A]

Well, I said it was about a house, but I. I forgot to tell you it was about a haunted.

[C]

Haunted?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Oh, nonsense.

[B]

Well, are you Ghostbusters all ready to leave for the old Montrose mansion?

[A]

Well, we've got all night, Blondie.

[C]

I'm in no particular hurry.

[B]

I'd advise both of you to be out of that house when the clock strikes midnight.

[C]

What for?

[B]

Well, that's the witching hour and the spirits might put a spell on you. Oh, now, Alexander, don't talk that way or you'll scare your father and Mr. Dithers.

[A]

What do you mean, he'll scare us?

[C]

What's there to be afraid of?

[B]

Yes, I guess you haven't heard why the old Montrose mansion is haunte. Not all the horrible details. Oh, now, Alexander, that's what I didn't want you to tell them.

[A]

Blondie, stop trying to protect us. We want to know all we ought to know about the place.

[C]

What are the horrible details?

[B]

You're right, Mom. I better not tell them. I should say not. If you did, Alexander, when they'd get inside the house tonight, they'd be sure to think they saw the body hanging from the rafters and swinging in the window.

[A]

Yeah, I'm glad you didn't Tell us something.

[B]

Well, at least they don't know that the house used to be lived in by mad scientists.

[C]

Yeah, are you kidding us or do we really look that stupid?

[B]

Well, don't ask for that. Anyway, Alexander, don't dare tell them that no one ever saw the mad scientist and his two headed assistant leave the house.

[A]

What happened to them?

[C]

Oh, they probably fell down the well and are still underwater holding their breaths.

[A]

Well, I think that's all a lot of vocal.

[B]

Oh, you're right, Dagwood.

[C]

Y.

[B]

And you know, I don't believe that story about a gorilla living there either. I heard it was a boa constrictor.

[C]

Oh, probably some little old garter snake or a worm.

[B]

Well, no matter. Are you all ready to go now? Sure.

[C]

I'm tired of living anyway. By the way, why are we sacrificing ourselves?

[A]

Well, we're just going to prove to Alexander that there are no such thing as ghosts.

[C]

Well, Alexander, couldn't you just take our word for it?

[B]

No.

[A]

You see, Mr. Dithers, this is a very skeptical generation.

[B]

No, sir. Mom and I want to see you two go into the old Montrose mansion and stay there for a little while. Then we'll believe that there are no such thing as ghosts. Well, let's go. Dagwood. And Mr. Dithers. Oh. Oh my goodness. You two are paler than the ghosts you're going to meet.

[C]

Bubstead, does it seem silly to you that two grown men are walking up the path to a broken down, cobwebby, bat infested old house just to prove to a grade school kid that there are no such things as ghosts?

[A]

Yeah, it's worse than silly. It's downright dangerous. But we do know there aren't ghosts.

[C]

Don'T we, JC Ask me that after we come out. Boy, is this place creepy.

[A]

Yeah, it would turn Dracula's hair white. Well, come on, let's go up on the porch. Huh?

[C]

Well, so far so good.

[A]

Yeah. Oh, J.C. let's rest here a minute before we go in.

[C]

Wonderful idea.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Is that the door swinging open?

[A]

How should I know? I've got my eyes closed.

[C]

Well, open them. I can't see. I've got my eyes closed too.

[A]

Oh, yes, yes. It's the door. J.C. do you suppose it's. It could be. It might be a ghost.

[C]

Do you see any bed sheets fluttering around the door? No, it's not ghosts.

[A]

It was just a little cat looking for some mice.

[C]

Mice?

[B]

Where?

[A]

Oh, yeah, they've gone now.

[C]

Imagine that. And we were scared.

[A]

Yeah, just a cute Little black cat. Black cat. Oh, that's all right, J.C. just so. So long as it doesn't fly away on a broomstick. Shall we go in?

[C]

Oh, I suppose so. Go right ahead.

[A]

Oh, no. After you, J.C. no, it's your honor.

[C]

Oh, no, I, I. Oh, listen, we'll both go in. Keep your flashlight on.

[A]

Oh, yeah. Hey, hey, Mr. Dennis. Look out for that loose board inside here.

[C]

Stop pushing, Bumpstead, or I'll push you right back.

[A]

Look on. Oh, there goes the fly slide.

[B]

Hey.

[A]

Hey. But what was that? Where am I?

[C]

We're both on the floor in the old Montrose mansion.

[A]

Gee, I was hoping I was dead. What was that horrible scream?

[C]

Probably just the cat. I'm hoping and praying. I'll bet I'm covered with dust.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, I know the floor is pretty dusty.

[C]

Bumpstead. I appreciate your brushing the dust off my clothes, but. But don't try to brush my clothes.

[A]

Off me, Mr. Dithers. I haven't touched you. I'm brushing my own clothes off.

[C]

Good grief. Well, either there's someone else in this room or I've suddenly spouted two extra arms. Who's there?

[B]

I'm here.

[C]

Who. Who are you?

[A]

I'm Dagwood Bumstead.

[C]

Don't you ever dare do that again.

[B]

Yeah. Mr. Divers. Mr. Divers.

[A]

What is it? I feel a clammy hand on my face.

[B]

Bump said.

[C]

What's the matter?

[A]

It was my own clammy hand.

[C]

Awful. But what did you yell for?

[A]

I just sunk my teeth into it.

[C]

Well, that's what I call biting the hand that feeds you. Not bad, eh?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Hey, that's pretty funny.

[C]

Oh, Bum said, cut that out. You sound like Frankenstein with his head in a funnel.

[A]

Oh, now, now, now, Mr. Dillers.

[B]

You can't fool me.

[A]

You did that.

[C]

No, I didn't. You did it, didn't you? Please.

[A]

No, I didn't do it.

[C]

Neither did I. Neither did I.

[A]

Well, one of the three of us is lying.

[B]

Hey.

[A]

Hey, wait a minute. There's only two of us. No, no, no, no, no, no. Let's see here. Now, there's just me.

[C]

And me. And me.

[A]

Please don't do that, Mr. Dithers, if it makes me nervous.

[C]

Hey.

[A]

Oh, boy, it's dark in here. I. I can't see you.

[C]

I can't see you. But I can see you.

[A]

Gee, you must be able to see in the. Who said that?

[C]

Now, Bumpstead, stop trying to scare me with that phony voice.

[A]

But that wasn't me.

[C]

He means to say that wasn't I. Yes. Watch your grandma Bumstead, you're getting sloppy. Hey, me suffering humanity. Who is that?

[A]

Oh, that's the spirit, Mr. Dithers. I mean, that's the spirit, Mr. DIthers, I think.

[C]

Come now, don't be nervous. Who are you? I'm not anybody at all.

[A]

But why not?

[C]

Because I ain't got no body. Not bad.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, very funny. Ha ha ha ha ha.

[C]

Very amusing.

[A]

It's been nice meeting you. We'd better be running along. And I do mean running. Here.

[C]

Oh, don't, don't go. I didn't get a chance to meet very many live people. Wait. I'll call my wife.

[B]

Slowing.

[A]

Who's that? She had a lovely voice, hasn't she? Well, I, I, I think we'd better be running along, Mr. Dithers.

[C]

Yes. It's been ghastly meeting.

[A]

You're not going anywhere. Close the door. Close the door.

[C]

Oh, won't you let us out? You haven't got a ghost of a chance.

[A]

You're so clever, darling.

[B]

Bloody. Well, that yell came from somewhere inside this house. Come on, Alexander. But mom, what about the. Well, you know, the ghost. I've got to find your father first. And I'll take care of the ghost later. Besides, I don't believe in ghosts. Oh, gee, Mom. I guess you're not afraid of anything, are you? Well, sometimes I am and sometimes I'm not. Right now I'm not. We'll go in this side door. Keep the flashlight on, mom. Well, I don't want to use it all the time. Now you just hold onto my hand. Greatly. Promotion for. What was that? I. I suppose those were the ghosts. Mom, my knees are banging together. What should I do? Walk bow legged? What are we gonna do, Mom? You know you can't catch a ghost. You walk right through them like. Like smoke. Like smoke. Hmm. Alexander, I think I know just what to do. You and I are going to haunt those ghosts. We'll scare them absolutely silly. How's that possible? I think I hear your father's voice coming from the next room.

[A]

Yes. Yes. We'll promise never to come back here again.

[B]

Thank you. Me too. What do we do now, Mom? I'm going to blow some smoke through the keyhole into the next room and make them think it's a ghost. Shh. Ooo.

[A]

What's that?

[C]

Are you two ghosts expecting a visit from relatives? Who's that, dear?

[B]

I don't know. I'm coming through the keyhole. You can see me coming through the keyhole.

[A]

Oh, Janetta's. Oh, it's another Ghost.

[B]

Blondie.

[C]

Martha, you see what I see?

[A]

Why.

[B]

Why, John, it looks like a spirit or something. Hey.

[A]

Hey, wait a minute. I thought you two were ghosts.

[B]

Hey. Well, that's that. Now, what in the world's been going on in here? Alexander and I demand an explanation. Yeah. What were you yelling about? Who are these people?

[A]

Blondie. Blondie, am I glad to see you.

[C]

Same here.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Say, what were you people doing here? You're nearly scared, Dagworth. To death.

[B]

Please, please don't shine that light in my eyes.

[A]

Yeah, my heart jumped into my throat and for the last 15 minutes, I've been nibbling on it.

[C]

Well, I work at the Zilch Machine Tool Die and stamping company, see? And my wife and I couldn't find a house or an apartment anywhere, so we moved in here. We just wanted to frighten you away.

[A]

Oh, I see.

[B]

Well, for heaven's sake. This house is a little drafty, but it is home.

[C]

Oh, well, good grief. The Diller's Company will help you fix it up in no time. That would be very nice.

[B]

Dagwood could remodel it so it would be very comfortable.

[C]

Yeah, well, it's sort of comfortable. Now, there's only one thing I don't like about it.

[B]

What's that? No running water.

[C]

No. Personally, I think this house is haunted. Because every night at 12, a clock strikes.

[B]

Ah, the witching hour.

[A]

Well, what's so strange about a clock striking, huh?

[C]

We've never been able to find the clock.

[B]

Right.

[C]

Now, that man, Lenny Kahn, prepares to downbeat the orchest for this sparkling selection. Well, sparkle, man.

[B]

Sam, it's.

[C]

This is the Armed Forces Radio Service.

[B]

Sam, don't.