Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Bright Star 53-02-26 (19): The Haunted House
Date: October 29, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

This episode features a classic installment of Bright Star, a comedic adventure radio show headlined by Irene Dunne as Susan Armstrong, a sharp editor, and Fred MacMurray as George Harvey, her witty, slightly lackadaisical reporter. The story throws the dynamic duo into the middle of a supposed haunting and a criminal mystery at Hillsdale’s infamous Collins House. As they attempt to uncover the truth—both for a headline and out of curiosity—they run into gangsters, skeptical police, and more than a few close shaves, all set against a backdrop of sharp humor and light romantic tension.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

Setting the Stage at the Morning Star

• Susan confronts George about his recent lack of good stories
  • George jokingly blames it on the town’s dullness ([01:40]–[02:12]).
• Susan challenges George to visit the police and chase a story at the haunted Collins House.
  • “I just want you to spend the night in it.” – Susan Armstrong ([04:49])
• Classic banter and a “civic duty” to investigate the supernatural!

The Collins House: Haunting or Hijinks?

• Atmosphere builds with thunder, rain, and jokes about ghost hunting ([07:39]–[08:20])
• Strange events: Anonymous calls, suspicious lights, possible shots, and a vanishing body
  • “A man about my size shot through the head… Dead as a smoked herring.” – George Harvey ([10:26])
• Police arrive but are skeptical, suspecting a publicity stunt for Susan’s paper.

Trouble with Gangsters

• Susan receives a call from local gangster Joe Roberti, who ominously says he’s coming over ([11:15])
• George is summoned, knocked unconscious, and wakes up with his head in Susan’s lap ([14:38])
• Joe Roberti’s “warning”: Don’t meddle with their business at the Collins House
  • “He gives me a bump on the head and then leaves it to us to figure it out.” – George Harvey ([15:58])

Unraveling the Mystery

• Sergeant Barry believes all the “haunted” occurrences are stunts for publicity.
• Susan and George return to Collins House, observing a barge and suspicious activity
  • “Looked like a barge out there. And they’re loading something heavy into the old house.” – Susan ([19:36])
• Caught by Joe Roberti, they’re marched into the house and discover the truth:
  • “A printing press.” – George Harvey ([22:06])
• The haunted house is a front for a counterfeiting operation.

The Daring Escape

• George and Susan use the river and confusion to escape Roberti and his men ([22:43])

Resolution and Romance

• Back at the office, Sammy delivers the paper announcing the bust: “Counterfeit ring smashed, heroic rescue!” ([23:54])
• Romantic, witty closure between Susan and George:
  • “Would this help?” – Susan (possibly a kiss) ([24:40])
  • “Wait till the pupil starts giving the teacher lessons.” – George ([24:50])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Susan dismisses George’s lack of initiative:

  • “It’s just that you haven’t turned up a first class story in a long while.” – Susan Armstrong ([02:09])

• On haunted house skepticism:

  • “Am I afraid to spend the night in the old Collins house? That’s a fair question, George.” – George Harvey (self-reference, [05:09])

• Romantic tension mixed with humor during the investigation:

  • “Want me to hold your hand?” – George Harvey
  • “Yes. Thunderstorms scare me to death.” – Susan Armstrong ([07:50])

• Comedic police frustration:

  • “We wouldn’t have come this time if it hadn’t been for Ms. Armstrong who made the report... And I found the body. It’s in there, right at the end of the hall. Dead, very dead.” – Sergeant Barry and George ([10:00])

• George’s reaction to danger:

  • “Here, hang on to me. Hang on to my belt and keep your head up.” – George Harvey ([22:51])

• Post-escape newspaper excitement:

  • “Read all about it. Counterfeit ring smashed. Heroic rescue.” – Sammy ([23:54])

• Romantic closing lines:

  • “Would this help?” – Susan Armstrong ([24:40])
  • “I’m learning. And you know something? Wait till the pupil starts giving the teacher lessons.” – George Harvey ([24:49])

Important Timestamps

• 01:31 – Tension in the newsroom, Susan presses George for stories
• 04:49 – Susan’s request for George to spend the night in the haunted house
• 07:39–08:20 – Arrival at the Collins House, stormy atmosphere
• 10:00–10:44 – Discovery (and disappearance) of the “body”
• 11:15 – Gangster Joe Roberti calls Susan
• 14:38–15:14 – George wakes after being knocked out; Susan nurses him
• 19:36 – Susan spots suspicious activity at the Collins House
• 22:06 – Discovery of printing press and counterfeit scheme revealed
• 22:51–23:26 – River escape under gunfire
• 23:54 – Sammy delivers the big news back at the office
• 24:40 – Romantic closure between Susan and George

Overall Tone and Style

Light, witty banter and romantic undertones pervade the episode, set against a backdrop of small-town crime and mystery. The dynamic between Susan and George is teasing yet affectionate, their rapid-fire exchanges punctuated by moments of genuine concern and courage. The humor is old-fashioned and playful, characteristic of mid-century radio comedies but still engaging, with a pace that easily keeps listeners’ attention.

Summary in a Line:
A supposedly haunted house leads Susan and George into the middle of a gangster’s counterfeiting scheme, with plenty of fast-paced humor and charm along the way.