Podcast Summary: Bright Star "The Oil Swindle"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Bright Star 52-10-23 (01) The Oil Swindle
Date: December 28, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Bright Star, a classic radio comedy adventure starring Irene Dunne as Susan Armstrong and Fred MacMurray as George Harvey, revolves around a suspected oil stock swindle in the small town of Hillsdale. When George suspects that the town’s new oil development is a fraud, he clashes with Susan, editor of the Morning Star newspaper, as he sets out to expose the crooked scheme. The episode mixes sharp banter, romantic tension, and a comic take on investigative journalism as the pair navigate misunderstandings, disguises, and their ongoing quarrels.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Initial Confrontation & Threats

• George Harvey is approached by Connor Gaston, a representative of the Guaranteed Always Flowing Oil Development Company.
• Gaston threatens George to only print favorable pieces about the company — or risk winding up “in the obituary column.”
  • Quote:
    • "Print nothing but praise about our company or I am going to see that you land in the obituary column." — Connor Gaston (02:18)
• George, undeterred, jokes about being a heavyweight champion to brush off the intimidation.

2. Susan and George Clash at the Office

• George goes to Susan wanting to write an exposé on the phony oil outfit, but she remains skeptical, having spoken with Mr. Gaston herself and trusting her judgment of character.
  • Quote:
    • "I know character, George." — Susan Armstrong (04:13)
• Romantic tension and quick wit are on display as they trade barbs.
  • Susan invites George to dinner despite their disagreement (04:39).

3. Comic Relief: Sammy and Patience

• Sammy and Patience, staff at the paper and Susan’s home respectively, provide light-hearted advice and commentary.
  • Quote:
    • "You could be a success, Mr. Harvey, if you wanted to be." — Sammy (05:31)
    • "Romance, Patience, cannot be built entirely on stuffed cabbage." — Susan Armstrong (15:30)

4. The Dinner at Susan’s House

• Susan remains hopeful about the oil company and prepares a romantic dinner, while Patience jokes about George’s appetite.
• George arrives bruised but in good spirits; the dinner is marked by awkwardness and underlying affection.
  • Quote:
    • "If you think you’re going to bribe me with food, you’re right." — George Harvey (04:49)
    • "Tonight might even be the night that you know..." — Susan Armstrong, hinting at possible romantic progression (09:40)

5. Investigation and Disguises

• Despite being assigned myriad mundane newspaper duties by a miffed Susan (PTA meeting, dog show, etc.), George hatches a plan to infiltrate Gaston’s meeting by disguising himself as a plumber, suggested by Sammy.
  • Quote:
    • "In the movies, Mr. Harvey, you would burst in on Ms. Armstrong and Mr. Gaston in some suitable disguise. Like, say, a plumber." — Sammy (17:17)

6. Showdown at the Hotel

• Susan meets with Gaston, who attempts to charm her and warns of an heiress (Cecily Burnett) supposedly trying to buy up all the oil stock.
• George interrupts in his plumber disguise and tries to disrupt the meeting.
• Both George and Susan separately investigate Cecily, realizing she too is a fraud involved in the swindle.

7. Chaotic Confrontation and Resolution

• A comic dinner scene ensues with all parties coincidentally at the same bistro, leading to confusion as Gaston's plans unravel.
• Gaston's "heiress" is revealed as his wife; the scam disintegrates in a flurry of accusations and physical comedy.
  • Quote:
    • "My wife, the heiress, just opened her big rich mouth. Come on, Mrs. Vanderbilt." — Mr. Gaston (25:24)
• Susan and George work together to bring the crooks to justice in a scene mixing slapstick, romance, and triumph.
• In the end, Gaston escapes charges since no money has changed hands, but Susan and George share a moment of mutual respect.

8. Romantic Banter and Mutual Recognition

• The episode ends with Susan and George gently declaring their trust in each other's character… and resuming their affectionate bickering.
  • Quote:
    • "After all, Susan, we both know character." — George Harvey (27:02)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Threats and Comedy:
  • "Print nothing but praise about our company or I am going to see that you land in the obituary column." — Connor Gaston (02:18)
  • "Well, I used to be heavyweight champion in my college." — George Harvey (02:31)
• Romantic Tension:
  • "Why don’t you marry Miss Armstrong and let her take you out of all this?" — Sammy (05:36)
• Comic Investigative Journalism:
  • "In the movies, Mr. Harvey, you would burst in on Ms. Armstrong and Mr. Gaston in some suitable disguise. Like, say, a plumber." — Sammy (17:17)
  • "Now we’re down to personalities!" — George Harvey, during a heated exchange with Susan (14:19)
• Twist and Partnership:
  • "George, you… you did it." — Susan Armstrong (25:59)

Important Timestamps

• 01:42: George meets Gaston's enforcer and receives the threat
• 04:01: Susan insists on proof of a swindle, highlighting her faith in character
• 09:40: Susan and Patience prepare for the "special" dinner
• 12:25: Susan and George have an almost-romantic moment at the piano
• 17:17: Sammy suggests George go undercover as a plumber
• 18:04: Susan visits Gaston, receives an oily sales pitch
• 20:39: George and Susan each investigate the supposed heiress
• 23:36: The farcical dinner confrontation where the swindle unravels
• 27:02: George and Susan share their final tongue-in-cheek affirmation

Tone and Style

The episode captures the breezy, flirtatious banter and rapid-fire quips characteristic of mid-century radio comedies. The dynamic between Susan and George sparkles with mutual respect thinly veiled by constant ribbing. The story delivers both a lighthearted lampoon of small-town scandals and a wink at the screwball traditions of romantic comedies.

Summary prepared for those seeking the heart and humor of this classic radio adventure—without missing a beat.