Bright Star 52-11-27 (06) The Crooked Carnival

Summary

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Podcast Episode Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Bright Star 52-11-27 (06) "The Crooked Carnival"
Date: October 12, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Bright Star, originally broadcast in 1952, centers on Susan Armstrong and George Harvey, staff at the Hillsdale Star newspaper, as they investigate the goings-on of a traveling carnival. What begins as a lighthearted excursion quickly turns into a comedic mystery when George is drawn into the suspicions of dishonest practices at the carnival, leading to a tangled case of a missing charity fund, a double-crossing promoter, and a so-called "lion on the loose." The show features the witty banter characteristic of the "golden age" radio comedies and showcases the chemistry between Irene Dunne and Fred MacMurray.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. A Night at the Carnival

• Susan and George's Arrival (01:10–02:50)
  • Susan expresses excitement for the carnival, while George is typically skeptical and unimpressed.
  • Notable exchange:
    • "Isn't it exciting, George? I don't think I've been to a carnival in years." – Susan (01:25)
    • "Seen one, you've seen them all." – George (01:28)

2. A Mysterious Note and an Accident

• Introduction of Princess Tonga and the Incident (02:53–05:57)
  • Princess Tonga discreetly passes George a note, urging a secret meeting to discuss something important.
  • Susan, half-jealous and half-amused, insists on joining George.
  • George is knocked out in Tonga's tent under suspicious circumstances.
  • "Somebody slugged me with it." – George, later recounting the event (06:54)

3. Carnival's Generous Offer… or a Scam?

• The Charity Day Proposition (07:10–08:50)
  • Carnival operator Sailor Granard proposes to donate a day's gate receipts to the Hillsdale Children’s Milk Fund, making Susan the “carnival queen” for publicity.
  • George grows increasingly suspicious, suspecting a scam.
  • "What do you get out of it, George?" – Susan (07:52)
  • "Goodwill... that’s as good as money in the bank." – Sailor Granard (08:04)

4. Suspicious Concessions and Alleged Crookedness

• Testing the Rides and Games (09:09–12:22)
  • George wants to prove the carnival games are rigged but is baffled when Susan wins a series of large prizes at the shooting gallery.
  • Comic highlight: George loses sight of Susan behind her mountain of stuffed animals.
  • "I can hear you talking, Susan, but where are you? All I can see is teddy bears." – George (12:09)

5. An Ominous Encounter with Princess Tonga

• Second Attempt at Answers (12:22–13:48)
  • George tries to confront Princess Tonga about her note but is rebuffed and physically removed by carnival workers.
  • "You brought it on yourself." – Susan, dryly, as George recovers (13:48)

6. Charity Night Goes Awry

• Counting Receipts & The Big Switcheroo (19:15–21:05)
  • Sailor Granard ceremoniously hands over the charity night’s cash receipts to George and Susan.
  • Moments later, Princess Tonga anxiously informs them Granard has absconded with the actual money, having swapped boxes.
  • "Susan, look! How to learn magic and mystify your friends. He pulled a switch and gave you the wrong box." – Tonga (20:56)

7. Chaos and Pursuit

• Lion on the Loose! (21:05–23:27)
  • Granard releases a (supposedly very gentle) lion as a diversion.
  • George and Susan, breathless, realize the money is gone and the con is up. They spot movement in a building, thinking Granard may be inside.

8. Climactic Confrontation

• Who's in the Dark? (23:27–25:00)
  • George, armed with a tent stake, enters alone—expecting to find Granard and the cash.
  • In a comedic twist, he confronts what he thinks is Granard but it's actually the lion!
  • Outside, it’s revealed Granard was already caught by other carnival staff; the lion, "Old John L.," is harmless.

9. Resolution & Romance

• Back at the Newspaper (25:32–26:11)
  • George proposes a headline crediting himself for "capturing a lion barehanded."
  • Susan affectionately rewards George, hinting at their budding romance.
  • "Do you think you might stop talking long enough to accept a little reward?" – Susan (26:05)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |---------------|---------------------|------------------------------------------------| | 01:28 | George Harvey | "Seen one, you've seen them all." | | 03:41 | Susan Armstrong | "If you think, George Harvey, that I came here so you could hobnob with dancing girls—" | | 06:54 | George Harvey | "Somebody slugged me with it." | | 07:52 | Susan Armstrong | "What do you get out of it, George?" | | 08:04 | Sailor Granard | "Goodwill... that’s as good as money in the bank."| | 12:09 | George Harvey | "I can hear you talking, Susan, but where are you? All I can see is teddy bears." | | 13:48 | Susan Armstrong | "You brought it on yourself. And it is for charity, Susan." | | 20:56 | Susan Armstrong | "Susan, look! How to learn magic and mystify your friends. He pulled a switch and gave you the wrong box."| | 23:42 | Susan/Bruno | "He only has a tent stake... He's a brave man."| | 25:40 | George Harvey | "Intrepid star reporter captures lion bare handed."| | 26:05 | Susan Armstrong | "Do you think you might stop talking long enough to accept a little reward?"|

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Key Segment Timestamps

• Carnival Excitement and Sarcasm: 01:25–02:53
• The Mysterious Note: 03:14–03:57
• Carnival Charity Proposal: 07:10–08:50
• Shooting Gallery Sequence: 09:18–12:22
• Princess Tonga’s Second Encounter: 12:22–13:48
• Box Swap and Revealed Scam: 19:15–21:05
• Lion Diversion and Pursuit: 21:05–23:27
• Lion “Capture” Finale: 23:27–25:00
• Romantic Close: 25:32–26:11

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Overall Tone and Style

True to 1950s radio comedies, the episode is lively, rapid-paced, and packed with light banter and gentle sarcasm. The close rapport between Susan and George provides both heart and humor, while the supporting characters (the flamboyant Granard, the mysterious Princess Tonga, and wisecracking carnival staff) add flavor and suspense. The episode blends old-fashioned wit with classic mystery tropes and a cleverly orchestrated comedic payoff.

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Summary for New Listeners

Anyone new to Bright Star or Golden Age radio theater will find this episode a charming and clever example of its era. The narrative masterfully intertwines misadventure, romance, and the innocence of community events, all while delivering warm-hearted comedy and a good old-fashioned “whodunit.”

Transcript

[George Harvey]

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[Sailor Granard]

The Irene Dunn Fred McMurray Show. Starring Irene Dunn as Susan and Fred McMurray as George. Together in the gay new exciting comedy adventure Bright Star. Yes, it's the irene Dunn Fred McMurray Show. Starring, well, naturally, Irene Dunn is Susan.

[George Harvey]

Armstrong and Fred McMurray as George Harvey. And right now we find that Irene and Fred, that is Susan and George are strolling down a carnival midway together.

[Susan Armstrong]

Isn't it exciting, George? I don't think I've been to a carnival in years.

[George Harvey]

Oh, I can take carnivals or leave them alone. All pretty much the same. Freaks, rides, games. Seen one, you've seen them all. George.

[Susan Armstrong]

You're not getting any thrill out of this at all.

[George Harvey]

Oh, I'm enjoying it if you are, Susan.

[Susan Armstrong]

Thanks very much.

[George Harvey]

It's just that to me all these things are pretty much old hand we say.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, I'm sorry we're boring you, Noel Coward. Shall we leave?

[George Harvey]

Well, I don't want you to misunderstand me, Susan. All I said was.

[Sailor Granard]

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

[George Harvey]

I'm out. You.

[Sailor Granard]

We've produced the mean attraction of the mighty midway. Gather round, men. Gather up. How you've read about it, your friends have told you. And now you're about to meet in the flesh the little lady guaranteed to give new ideas to you. Older and old ideas to you young ones.

[George Harvey]

Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.

[Susan Armstrong]

You were saying, George?

[George Harvey]

What was I saying something? Well, it slipped my mind. Susan, why don't we wander over this way, shall we?

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, not if you want to go home, George.

[George Harvey]

Well, I wouldn't want to spoil the party.

[Sailor Granard]

And now that you're lone gathering around me, friends. Step just a little bit closer, friends. Now that you're all gathered around me, I am about to introduce the little lady who could be living the life of an Oriental princess. But she likes it here in the good old USA Princess Hunger.

[Susan Armstrong]

Shall we leave now, George?

[George Harvey]

Huh? Oh, it's early yet, isn't it?

[Sailor Granard]

All right, Princess, all right. Don't tire yourself out now, friends. I believe I Can speak freely. We're all adults here. Step junior. You're bothering the princess friends. When you come inside to see the princess do her complete act, you're going to be watching a girl proclaimed by scientists as the perfect woman. And we all know about these scientists, don't we? All right, Princess.

[Susan Armstrong]

Thank you.

[Sailor Granard]

Thank you very much.

[George Harvey]

We'll see you.

[Susan Armstrong]

That girl, she's beckoning to you.

[George Harvey]

To me? Susan? You mean Princess Tonga?

[Susan Armstrong]

She most certainly is.

[George Harvey]

I guess she is at that, isn't she? I. I better see what she wants.

[Sailor Granard]

The only Princess Conra new prouding. Please rule for all inside here you.

[George Harvey]

George.

[Susan Armstrong]

She slipped you a note. I saw her.

[George Harvey]

A note? Well, what do you know? It is a note, isn't it?

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, if you think, George Harvey, that I came here so you could hobnob with dancing girls.

[George Harvey]

Susan. Susan, I'll read it to you. She's most likely just a friend of the family. I have a lot of relatives in Cleveland, you know. I'm waiting, Boy reporter. Come to my tent after the show.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, friend of the family.

[George Harvey]

Now, wait a minute. Must warn you about something that is being planned.

[Sailor Granard]

Very important.

[George Harvey]

You must come. Princess Tonga. Well, George sounds kind of serious, Susan. Maybe I better stay and see what's wrong.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, of course.

[George Harvey]

Yeah, but it's. It's pretty late, Susan, if you want to wait for me in the car.

[Susan Armstrong]

That's very thoughtful of you.

[George Harvey]

Well, I'll see you in the car then.

[Susan Armstrong]

Not on your life. You see me in the car. I'm staying right here with you.

[George Harvey]

Well, that's. Well, Susan, swell. I just didn't think you like dancing girls. This must be her tent. Here. Susan got her picture on the outside.

[Susan Armstrong]

It certainly has a nice costume, I must say.

[George Harvey]

Yeah, well, she comes from a warm climate. Tonga.

[Sailor Granard]

Tonga.

[George Harvey]

Guess she didn't hear me.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, I don't know why not. It sounded like the mating call of a moose.

[George Harvey]

Well, I'll. I'll see if she's in.

[Susan Armstrong]

I'll be waiting right here. George.

[George Harvey]

It won't take a minute. Dark in here. Tonga. Oh, looks like somebody over there. Is that you, Tonga? Is that.

[Susan Armstrong]

George? George, what happened? George? George, what happened?

[Sailor Granard]

What's wrong? In there.

[Susan Armstrong]

Bring a light, somebody, quick.

[Sailor Granard]

I got a place.

[George Harvey]

My mate.

[Sailor Granard]

He wants the trouble.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, look around. I've lost George.

[Sailor Granard]

Is this George on the floor?

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, George. What happened?

[Sailor Granard]

Yeah, Looks like he tripped over a tent state, lady. Very tricky things in the dark. Tent stakes. Men have gotten killed that way.

[Susan Armstrong]

Will you help me get him up?

[Sailor Granard]

Why should. There we are. What was he doing in here? Was he lost?

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, no more than usual. Come on, George.

[George Harvey]

Tonga.

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, dear, it's Tonga. Come on. Come on. I have a new dance I want to show you.

[George Harvey]

Tonga.

[Sailor Granard]

You sure he's all right, lady?

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, yes. Compared with his usual state, he's wonderful. Come on, Gunga Din, let's go home. Good morning, Mr. Harvey.

[George Harvey]

How are you, Sammy?

[Susan Armstrong]

Are you combing your hair a new way, Mr. Harvey, or is that a large egg on your head?

[George Harvey]

Yes, I. I wanted last night at the carnival.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, I see. Morning, Sammy. Hi, Ms. Armstrong. And how are you this morning, George? How's your head?

[George Harvey]

Throbbing nicely, thank you. Susan, I want to talk to you about last night. Whether you recognize it or not, there's something going on at that carnival.

[Susan Armstrong]

Shall we go into my office or shall we debate it before the assembled staff of the paper? Oh, I don't mind.

[George Harvey]

After you, Susan. As I was saying, Susan, there's something afoot at that carnival.

[Susan Armstrong]

As I recall, George, it was you.

[George Harvey]

Oh, highly amusing. For your information, Ms. Armstrong, I didn't trip over that tent stake. Somebody slugged me with it.

[Susan Armstrong]

But why?

[George Harvey]

That's what I intend to find out. I can smell a story in this thing, Susan, and I'm going back out there tonight and talk to Princess Tonga.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, really, George.

[George Harvey]

I'm going to talk to Princess Tonga and Ms. Armstrong.

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes?

[Sailor Granard]

Well, if I'd known last night that you were the editor of the star, Ms. Armstrong, I could have talked business with you right then and there. Sailor Garnard, Miss Armstrong, operator of the Five State Carnival.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, how do you do, Mr. Granad? You remember Mr. Harvey, the explorer.

[Sailor Granard]

Well, how's the head, Mr. Harvey?

[George Harvey]

Just dandy.

[Sailor Granard]

Well, watch those tent stakes. Nasty things in the dark. Thanks again, Miss Armstrong. I believe in coming right to the point. Carney's done a nice little business here in your town of Hillsdale. Very nice. And we like to reciprocate, show our appreciation.

[Susan Armstrong]

In what way, Mr. Grinard?

[Sailor Granard]

Well, just this. You pick a day, any day at all. We'll build it up in your paper. And for that day, we'll turn over the entire gate receipts of the carnival to any local charity you name. Now, how does that strike you?

[George Harvey]

What do you get out of it, George?

[Sailor Granard]

Well, the man is right, Ms. Armstrong. Absolutely right. Now, before you go into any deal, you lay your cards right on the table. My concession is would benefit, of course, from a big crowd. And as for me, personally, I'd reap a fortune in goodwill from your little city of Hillsdale. In show business, that's as good as money in the bank.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, I'm very interested in the Children's Milk Fund here.

[Sailor Granard]

All right, the Milk Fund it is. Your paper will sponsor. And of course, we'll need a carnival queen for publicity.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, well, Hillsdale has some very pretty girls.

[Sailor Granard]

Well, then let's make it as simple as possible and take the prettiest. Miss Armstrong, you'll be the queen. Front page pictures, and you'll be presented with the day's receipts for charity and everybody's happy. Have we got a deal? We've got a deal.

[George Harvey]

Oh, now, wait a minute, Susan. I refuse to allow you to commit this paper to some scheme you know absolutely nothing about.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, you do?

[George Harvey]

Yes, I do.

[Sailor Granard]

Ms. Armstrong. Ms. Armstrong, come out to the carnival grounds this evening. Be our guest. And then if you can come to me and say that the five state carnival is not the straightest shooting as friendliest bunch of honest folks you ever did business with, then our deal is off.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, I guess nothing could be fairer than that, could it, George?

[George Harvey]

Well, Susan, I still think.

[Sailor Granard]

Well, see you tonight, Miss Armstrong. And George, watch out for those tent stakes. They cost us money.

[George Harvey]

Susan, I've got this Bernard's ankle figured out. And tonight I'll prove to you that I'm right.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, really, George, must you always be so suspicious?

[George Harvey]

Yes.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, that settles that.

[George Harvey]

Look, Susan, his concessions are crooked. I'm sure of it. They offer you prizes and then they don't pay off. We'll get the whole town out here and they'll be trimmed and then we'll be responsible.

[Susan Armstrong]

Now, how can you prove that these concessions are crooked?

[George Harvey]

Well, we'll go around to a few of them tonight. And I want to talk to Princess Tonga too.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, I just bet you do, Student.

[George Harvey]

I refuse to be drawn into an argument of this nature, however. Well.

[Sailor Granard]

Well, good evening, folks. Good evening. How's the queen of the carnival? And the court jester?

[George Harvey]

Hilariously funny.

[Susan Armstrong]

Good evening, Mr. Gr.

[Sailor Granard]

Just pass these folks in free time. This is Thomas Armstrong. With him on the gate, you sure of getting a good honest count? Eyes like a horse. Very glad to meet you, miss.

[George Harvey]

I'm George. Miss Armstrong's over there.

[Sailor Granard]

Sure, I know it all the time.

[George Harvey]

Nothing gets by me.

[Sailor Granard]

You can bet that.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, Mr. Grinard, if we take over the carnival for a day, do you mind if we have our own man checking the gate just as a source?

[Sailor Granard]

Very wise precaution. Very wise, Ms. Armstrong. Allison, you folks just circulate around the grounds. Any questions, Just hunt up Sailor Ganard more than happy to oblige.

[Susan Armstrong]

Where do you think we should go first, George?

[George Harvey]

Well, there's the shooting gallery over there. Look at those prizes. I bet they haven't given one away in years.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, you'd better try it. I don't know anything about guns.

[George Harvey]

No, it's just an act, Susan. Either have it or you don't. Maybe you can learn a little by watching me.

[Sailor Granard]

And here comes two more lucky shooters. Gather round and watch this little lady take home the prizes, folks. She's got that gleam in her eye. Here you are, little lady.

[Susan Armstrong]

But I wasn't going to shoot. I mean my.

[George Harvey]

Go ahead, Susan. Then I'll show you how to do it later.

[Sailor Granard]

Excuse me for just one moment, folks. Hey, Charlie, the ladies from the newspaper. Get your hammer ready. Every time she shoots, she hits. Get it? All right, folks, stand back for Annie Oakley. Just about to take home the prizes. You point it that way, lady. You don't win no prizes for plugging me, do I?

[Susan Armstrong]

Just pull the trigger, George. Is that all?

[George Harvey]

Well, there's a little more to it than that, but go ahead, try him.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right. Well, and the little lady.

[Sailor Granard]

Scars a little tight.

[Susan Armstrong]

George, I did it.

[George Harvey]

Yeah, I. I can't believe it.

[Sailor Granard]

And here's your prize. A giant size cupid. All hold it, sir, while the little lady tries again.

[George Harvey]

Oh, thanks a lot.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, here it goes.

[Sailor Granard]

Don't go to sleep back there, Charlie.

[Susan Armstrong]

I did it again.

[George Harvey]

I know, I know, I.

[Sailor Granard]

Giant panda for the little lady. Why, she's breaking us, folks. But we love it. Hold the panda, sir. It sets off your complexion. And here we are about to try again for another giant prize. Jelly. She's shooting slow bullets, folks, but they never miss. Son of the giant teddy bear. You can carry one more, sir. You're young and strong. There you are. And come back again, little lady.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, my word. Will, wasn't that wonderful? George, I never knew I could shoot.

[George Harvey]

I can hear you talking soon, but where are you? All I can see is teddy bears.

[Susan Armstrong]

You certainly can't say these concessions are crooked.

[George Harvey]

Well, I could, but you wouldn't believe.

[Susan Armstrong]

Me after I won all these dolls. Oh, honestly, you and your suspicious mind.

[George Harvey]

Well, I still say there's something going on here. Susan, I'm going to talk to Tonka. Point me in the right direction, will you?

[Susan Armstrong]

All right, George. Come on.

[Sailor Granard]

Hiya.

[Susan Armstrong]

Hiya.

[Sailor Granard]

Hiya.

[George Harvey]

Hiya.

[Sailor Granard]

Gather round, folks. Gather round for the greatest attraction on the Meatway. You won't believe it when I tell you about it. And when you see her you still won't believe it. The one, the only Princess.

[Susan Armstrong]

T.

[George Harvey]

Thank you. Thank you very much.

[Sailor Granard]

Princess, don't raise your motor. And now, folks, I want to.

[George Harvey]

Hey, Bernard. I want to speak to Tonga.

[Sailor Granard]

Come out from behind that teddy bear, George. I know you, Tonga.

[George Harvey]

I want to talk to you.

[Sailor Granard]

Get away from the princess. George, your bother. And now, folks. What up?

[George Harvey]

Here, hold your Jubie dolls. I'm gonna talk to her.

[Sailor Granard]

Hey, Bruno, come over here.

[George Harvey]

Watch your arm, Mr. Grin.

[Sailor Granard]

Got a little weightlifting job for you, strong man. Take George here way back and sit him down.

[George Harvey]

Sure, mister.

[Sailor Granard]

Hey, wait a minute now.

[George Harvey]

Tonga. Tonga, you said something was going on at this carnival. You wrote me a note. What's wrong?

[Sailor Granard]

Go ahead, Princess. Tell the young chick what's wrong.

[Susan Armstrong]

Him. I never saw him before in my life.

[Sailor Granard]

All right, Bruno, go ahead. Come on, you.

[George Harvey]

Hey, no, wait a minute. Let go.

[Susan Armstrong]

Take your hand off me.

[Sailor Granard]

George, you shouldn't annoy the princess.

[George Harvey]

I didn't annoy her. I was just. Well, let it go. Should.

[Susan Armstrong]

Are you hurt, George?

[George Harvey]

No, no. Just my dignity. But, Susan, you're not going to sponsor any carnival that preach your star reporter like a bum, are you?

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, you have to admit, George, you brought it on yourself. And it is for charity, Susan.

[George Harvey]

Charity begins at home. Help me out, Will.

[Sailor Granard]

Now Back to our two stars, Irene.

[George Harvey]

Dunn and Fred McMurray, in the second act of our story. As we rejoin them, Sammy, the office.

[Sailor Granard]

Boy, seems to be heckling George, as usual.

[Susan Armstrong]

You're not going to the carnival today, Mr. Harvey?

[George Harvey]

Later this afternoon, Sammy. Miss Armstrong is home fixing us a boxed supper.

[Susan Armstrong]

A box supper. A date with a carnival queen. For a guy who fights it all the time, Mr. Harvey, you do sensational.

[George Harvey]

I am going along merely to protect Ms. Armstrong's interests.

[Susan Armstrong]

Sammy, how do you find work like that?

[George Harvey]

Miss Armstrong's lovely neck is sticking out a mile. She sponsored this carnival. What if something happened?

[Susan Armstrong]

Mr. Harvey, you've been going with her for years and nothing's happened yet.

[George Harvey]

Sammy, I predict great things for you from a problem child. You have a great chance of developing into a juvenile delinquent.

[Susan Armstrong]

Leaving? Mr. Harvey, what if you see Princess Tonda? I got a message.

[George Harvey]

For what, Sammy? I should never have asked.

[Susan Armstrong]

Patience. Yes, Ms. Armstrong? Does this look like I've packed enough supper? Let's see. Who's going to carry this for you? An armored car? Well, we'll be outdoors. Patience and George will have a good appetite. Outdoors, indoors, To a true champion like George, it makes no difference. Dear. I hope that for once he can forget his Suspicions and just have a good time. Knowing George, I doubt it. But I wish you luck. Anything you can recommend patients. The Ferris wheel treatment. You're thrilled, yet afraid. Suspended. Way up there under the stars. You need a strong arm around you to protect. Before or after we eat? I said before or after we eat. Better make it before. From the size of that box, you won't even be able to get him off the ground.

[George Harvey]

Hey.

[Susan Armstrong]

Y.

[Sailor Granard]

Sir, Right this way. Test your strength and ring the bell. All right, step back, folks. He looks like a free swinger. And give that man a box of bonbons.

[Susan Armstrong]

George, I had no idea you were so strong.

[George Harvey]

No, it's nothing really, Susan. I've just been doing some push ups at home. Three a night.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, look, the Ferris wheel. Shall we cool off just for a while?

[George Harvey]

Why not? Two tickets, my friend.

[Sailor Granard]

Thank you, sir. Going right up.

[George Harvey]

Passing the bar, please. And here we go.

[Susan Armstrong]

We're going up so high.

[George Harvey]

Just hang on to me. Susan. It's nothing, really. It's. Hey, it is a little high, isn't it?

[Susan Armstrong]

We're stopping? Yeah, right at the top. You think this is safe, George?

[George Harvey]

Oh, sure, sure. All these companies carry insurance.

[Susan Armstrong]

George.

[George Harvey]

Hmm?

[Susan Armstrong]

Isn't that a strange feeling? Just a moment ago, we were. We were part of that great crowd down there. And now we're all by ourselves, way above it all.

[George Harvey]

Yeah. Kind of nice, though.

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, just like we left all our worldly cares behind us. Yeah.

[George Harvey]

Susan, I was just wondering what would happen if the wheel got stuck while we were way up here on the top.

[Susan Armstrong]

Would that be so terrible?

[George Harvey]

No, no, not at all. Except that we left the supper in the car.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, George, I feel a little chilly.

[George Harvey]

Oh, are you? Well, here. Yeah. That better?

[Susan Armstrong]

Much. Ah, this is the way to enjoy a carnival. Your arm around me, the lights, the music, the people down below. Just like little ants.

[George Harvey]

Yeah, Big crowd. Wonder if we're smart. Trusting Bernard with all that money.

[Susan Armstrong]

Is that all you can think of at a time like this, George?

[George Harvey]

Well, not exactly. It's just that it's been so long since I've been on a Ferris wheel, I've forgotten how to act, I guess.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, if you need any ideas, look at the other couples.

[George Harvey]

I don't have to. Susan. Susan, look right straight up at that big star up there.

[Susan Armstrong]

Where?

[George Harvey]

No, no, no. It's over this way.

[Susan Armstrong]

Why, George, you took advantage of me.

[George Harvey]

And the nice part about it is that science proves that there are over 2,000 visible stars. Oh.

[Sailor Granard]

Well, well, well. Ms. Armstrong and Mr. Harvey. Welcome, welcome.

[George Harvey]

Thanks. Just thought we'd stop in and check on the receipts. Granad, you don't mind, do you?

[Susan Armstrong]

We just wanted to get an idea how things were going, Mr. Granad.

[Sailor Granard]

Hell, a most wise precaution. Just counting the money here. $1,223. And I feel much safer, George, to turn it over to you right here and now.

[Susan Armstrong]

We didn't mean that, Mr. Grisel.

[Sailor Granard]

Business, my dear young lady, is business. And you're lucky to have such a hard headed young man as George here looking out for your interest. I'll just put the cash in a box for you, tie it up nice and tight and there we are, all safe. Hey, what was that?

[Susan Armstrong]

What?

[Sailor Granard]

That noise outside. One of the lions.

[George Harvey]

I don't hear anything or see anything either.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, neither do I.

[Sailor Granard]

And you'll have to excuse me folks. My one big worry is about that lion, Old John L. Getting loose. Why in a crowd like this. Well, here's your box, folks.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, thank you very much, Mr. Grard.

[Sailor Granard]

Pleasure is all mine. Enjoy yourself. The night is young. And George, keep a good eye on that money.

[George Harvey]

Oh, don't worry. It won't get out of my sight.

[Sailor Granard]

George. I knew I could trust you.

[Susan Armstrong]

Hey, George. Wait.

[George Harvey]

Susan, it's Tonga.

[Susan Armstrong]

You bet it is. Have you seen him? Where is he? Seeing.

[George Harvey]

Who?

[Susan Armstrong]

Sailor Granar. That double crossing rat. He skipped with the dough.

[George Harvey]

What dough?

[Susan Armstrong]

The gate receipts, George. The gate receipts. And owing everybody in the carney. Three weeks salary. I found out what he was up to days ago and he promised to cut me in. I should have known. He double crossed his own grandma.

[George Harvey]

No, no Tonga. We were just a little too smart for him. He gave us the money not 15 minutes ago.

[Susan Armstrong]

That's right. George has it right here under his arm.

[George Harvey]

Sure.

[Susan Armstrong]

Georgie, take a look in the box.

[George Harvey]

Oh, it's here all right. We both saw him put it in here.

[Susan Armstrong]

Susan, Booklet. How to learn magic and mystify your friend. George, he pulled a switch, gave you the wrong box.

[George Harvey]

Why that.

[Sailor Granard]

Hey, everybody up the midway. The lion is loose. George.

[Susan Armstrong]

Why that Lars Granar. He turned Jonelle loose to cover up his getaway. Well, he won't get away with it.

[George Harvey]

As far as I'm concerned, he did. Susan, let's get out of here.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh George, wait. Let's stop a minute. I'm all out of breath.

[George Harvey]

Yeah, so am I. I guess we're safe enough here. Back at the concession buildings, if the lion was around, we'd hear people yelling.

[Susan Armstrong]

Oh, you were right all along about Granard. I should have listened to you, didn't.

[George Harvey]

Do me much good to be right. He still made off of the money.

[Susan Armstrong]

I'm just sick about the whole thing. I could.

[George Harvey]

What's the matter, George? What?

[Susan Armstrong]

Inside this building here, I heard someone moving around.

[George Harvey]

Yeah. Yeah, you're right. Hey, in there. Anybody in there? No answer.

[Susan Armstrong]

But there is someone. I hear them.

[George Harvey]

So can I, Susan. There's only one person around who wouldn't answer. Granard.

[Susan Armstrong]

What are you doing, George?

[George Harvey]

I'm tearing up a tent stake. I'm going in there after you. Wait out here.

[Susan Armstrong]

You be careful. Careful.

[George Harvey]

Now, don't worry. You'll never know what.

[Susan Armstrong]

George, I don't think you ought, dear. I hope he doesn't. Tonga. Bruno.

[George Harvey]

Over here.

[Susan Armstrong]

Quick. What is it? Did you see him?

[George Harvey]

You gotta catch him quick.

[Susan Armstrong]

He's inside. George went in after him.

[George Harvey]

Alone?

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes. He only has a tent stake.

[George Harvey]

He's a brave man.

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, he certainly is. But then Granard isn't very big. Who is talking about Granad? We just caught him trying to start up his car. You caught Granard?

[George Harvey]

Sure, with all the money.

[Susan Armstrong]

But if you caught Granard, who or what is that inside with George? Well, it's the lion. But don't worry. Old John Ell is gentle as a kitten most of the time. Why, everybody knows that. Yes, but does the lion know it? Oh, poor, poor George.

[George Harvey]

I know you're in here, Granad. The dark isn't going to do you any good. I'm a big carrot eater.

[Susan Armstrong]

Shoo.

[George Harvey]

Must be in the funhouse. Great for the nerves. All right. Come out, Granard. I can. Well, two can play at this game. I'll bet he's just as nervous as I am. I'm onto this place now. They can't scare me with a mechanical lion. Growl, Renard. He's in here, all right. I can hear him moving around. Phoniest lion growl I ever heard. Cheap carnival. All right, Renard. I can see your eyes now. Are you coming peaceably? Do you want this tent stake around your head? One last chance, Renard. I'll count up to three. One. Two. Three. All right. Well, he can't say I didn't warn him.

[Susan Armstrong]

George. George, you're all right.

[George Harvey]

Sure, I'm all right, Susan. But that's more than I can say for Granard. You better go in and haul him out of there, Bruno. What? I said you better go in and haul him out. Why is everybody looking at me like that? I caught Granard. Look. Come on, I'll show you.

[Susan Armstrong]

George.

[George Harvey]

Right in here. I hit him over the head with a Susan. Susan, it's a.

[Susan Armstrong]

George. Thank you and good night. Clyde Beatty.

[George Harvey]

Our two stars, Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray, will be back with us in just a moment. Say, Susan.

[Susan Armstrong]

Yes, George?

[George Harvey]

I just wanted to get your thinking on this headline on our extra intrepid star Reporter captures lion bare Handed.

[Susan Armstrong]

Well, I think it's all right, George. Who wrote it?

[George Harvey]

I did. Oh, and Susan, I. I hope you weren't fooled by that little emotional reaction I had when it was all over. I. I knew all the time it was a lion in the room with me, and I. Well, I. I figured that my one chance was to go for just that right spot behind the ear.

[Susan Armstrong]

So I. George, do you think you might stop talking long enough to accept a little reward?

[George Harvey]

Reward? Why, yes, I think so.

[Susan Armstrong]

All right. There.

[George Harvey]

Oh, thank you. I wonder how long before the next lion gets loose.

[Sailor Granard]

Irene Dunn and Fred McMurray will be.

[George Harvey]

Back next week in another exciting comedy adventure in the gay new series Bright Star. This is Harry Von Zell inviting you to join us. Then.