Can You Imagine That xxxxxx 01 Aunt Mary's New Tooth

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Can You Imagine That xxxxxx 01 Aunt Mary's New Tooth"

Release Date: January 26, 2025

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Introduction

In the inaugural episode of the "Can You Imagine That" series on Harold's Old Time Radio, host Lindsay Macari takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through quirky anecdotes, historical tales, and delightful musical revelations reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. This episode, titled "Aunt Mary's New Tooth," weaves together hospital dramas, heroic naval battles, everyday mishaps, and musical trivia, all delivered with the charm and wit characteristic of classic radio shows.

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Aunt Mary's Astonishing New Tooth

The episode opens with a seemingly routine scene set in the corridor of the General Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 14, 1938. Listeners are introduced to Aunt Mary, a 92-year-old patient experiencing an unusual dental phenomenon.

Dr. Holmes (00:20): "At the age of 92, she sprouts teeth."

Aunt Mary (03:01): "Doctor, Aunt Mary is teething."

Dr. Holmes (03:03): "What? What are you talking about?"

Lindsay Macari elaborates on this surprising medical case, explaining that Aunt Mary's new tooth growth is rare and likely due to the failure to replace baby teeth during childhood. This segment not only highlights a humorous yet endearing medical oddity but also sets a tone of lighthearted storytelling for the episode.

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The Heroic Naval Battles of Yi Sun Sin

Transitioning from the hospital scene, Lindsay delves into a captivating historical narrative about Yi Sun Sin, a revered commander of the Korean navy during the late 16th century.

Lindsay Macari (03:25): "In the 16th century, Korea was under the control of China... Japan invaded with 300,000 men."

The story details Yi Sun Sin's strategic brilliance in naval warfare, particularly his innovative use of ironclad warships. Despite superior Japanese numbers and advanced weaponry, Yi Sun Sin's iron-plated ships proved resilient against enemy cannonballs.

Yi Sun Sin (05:07): "We shall win this battle for Korea."

Lindsay Macari (06:31): "Yi Sun Sin invented the first ironclad warship... Can you imagine that?"

This segment not only educates listeners about an often-overlooked historical figure but also underscores themes of ingenuity and resilience.

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Charlie Powers' Maritime Misadventure

Shifting gears, the episode recounts the unfortunate tale of Charlie Powers, a clerk from Stockton, California, who becomes an inadvertent stowaway on the steamer Pride of the River in 1912.

Dr. Holmes (07:29): "Hey, there's somebody. Stop the boat. I've been robbed. My clothes."

Lindsay Macari (07:53): "Poor Charlie Powers. His clothes appropriated, he found himself with an old pair of badly worn brogans... and all the money he had saved for his holiday."

Charlie's predicament leads him to the freight yards, where he embarks on a journey back to Stockton with nothing but tattered clothing and his remaining savings. The story culminates with Charlie's encounter with a policeman who helps him retrieve his belongings, leaving Charlie with a newfound resolve:

Charlie Powers (09:00): "Stockton's good enough for me."

This anecdote provides a relatable slice-of-life moment, highlighting themes of misfortune, resilience, and the kindness of strangers.

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Musical Insights: "My Gal Sal" and the Garden Hymn

In one of the most engaging segments, Lindsay explores the surprising connections between beloved musical numbers. She challenges listeners to identify similarities between a traditional garden hymn and the popular song "My Gal Sal" by Paul Dresser.

Lindsay Macari (09:32): "As you hear the melody, see whether or not you can associate it with an extremely popular number composed almost 35 years ago."

Louise Dresser (09:46): "I come to the garden alone."

Upon revelation, it's highlighted that both pieces share identical musical bars, showcasing the interconnectedness of musical compositions of the time.

Lindsay Macari (10:09): "It's 'My Gal Sal,' written by Paul Dresser... Have you guessed who she was? Yes, it was the famous actress Louise Dresser."

This segment not only entertains but also educates listeners about the origins and influences of classic music, paying homage to the talents of figures like Louise Dresser.

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Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Lindsay Macari leaves listeners eager for more tales and trivia:

Lindsay Macari (12:32): "Well, I hope you've enjoyed our first session of 'Can You Imagine That?'... Until then, this is Lindsay McCarry bidding you goodbye..."

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Notable Quotes

• Dr. Holmes (00:20): "At the age of 92, she sprouts teeth."
• Aunt Mary (03:01): "Doctor, Aunt Mary is teething."
• Yi Sun Sin (05:07): "We shall win this battle for Korea."
• Charlie Powers (09:00): "Stockton's good enough for me."

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully blends humor, history, and music, creating a richly textured listening experience. Through Aunt Mary's dental surprise, the valor of Yi Sun Sin, Charlie Powers' misadventures, and insightful musical comparisons, listeners are transported back to a bygone era where storytelling and radio dramas captivated families around the hearth. Whether you're a long-time aficionado of old-time radio or a newcomer intrigued by vintage narratives, "Aunt Mary's New Tooth" offers a delightful start to the "Can You Imagine That" series.

Transcript

[Lester]

Mumbo jumbo is not gibberish.

[Charlie]

The ironclad warship was invented in 1592.

[Dr. Holmes]

At the age of 92, she sprouts teeth.

[Lindsay Macari]

Can you imagine that? Well, my friends, this is the first of a whole series of little visits we're going to have together during the next few weeks. That is, if you will allow us the pleasure of coming into your homes and chatting with you every now and then. This is Lindsay Macari talking to you and my little playmates. And I think we've dug up quite a spectacular array of little known facts and fancies. Some of them not so fancy, but nonetheless amazing. And they're all facts? Yes, indeed. Every one of the statements and dramatizations you're about to hear are, according to all available sources, absolutely true. So if you'll make yourselves comfortable, we'll be back in a trice. Well, here we are. And our first scene is in the corridor of the General hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 14, 1938. A couple of nurses are standing by the call board talking to an intern. When?

[Aunt Mary]

Now. Who's that? Oh, it's 392. Oh, that's Aunt Mary. Poor old soul. She's so patient. That fall she had about four years ago just about laid her up permanently. Well, I'll go see what she wants.

[Dr. Holmes]

Say, Lester, when did 364 have his last hypo?

[Aunt Mary]

Just ten minutes ago.

[Lindsay Macari]

I haven't.

[Dr. Holmes]

Dr. Holmes.

[Aunt Mary]

Dr. Holmes, come here quickly.

[Dr. Holmes]

What? Well, I wonder what's happened to Aunt Mary. Come on, Lester, we may need help.

[Aunt Mary]

Doctor, Aunt Mary is teething.

[Dr. Holmes]

What? What are you talking about?

[Aunt Mary]

Now don't you laugh now, young man. Yes, it's true. I'm teething. Look, see here.

[Dr. Holmes]

Well, it is true. She's sprouting a new tooth.

[Lindsay Macari]

Yes, sir. Old aunt Mary Rule, 92 years old, was sprouting a new set of teeth. The doctors explained that although it didn't happen very often, such a situation generally was caused by a failure to replace baby teeth in childhood. Can you imagine that? I'll bet there won't be any water under her bridges. Say, I just happen to think. We think our navies are pretty smart. We look at those leviathans of war steaming past and we marvel at those almost impregnable hulls of steel. But you know, we're not so clever. No, sir. 400 years ago, the Koreans. Oh, but I'm getting ahead of my story here. In the 16th century, Korea was under the control of China. As usual, Japan was looking with envious eyes on anything Controlled by her ancient rival and suddenly invaded the little peninsular country with 300,000 men. Well, China came to the rescue. And during one of the many bloody naval battles, the commander of the Korean navy, Yi Sun Sin, was standing on the deck of his flagship.

[Lester]

What was that? Li Tan, what is that sound? I do not know. It is the thunder.

[Lindsay Macari]

Fool.

[Lester]

I know it is not thunder. Look, there is smoke coming from that Japanese ship. Ah, Excellency, one of our ships is sinking. And these ships of Japan is nowhere near it. I know, I know what they are doing. In a recent battle on land, the Japanese have used strange weapons that shoot small balls of metal into the hearts of our soldiers. Now they are using larger weapons of the same kind to sink our ships. Li Tan. Excellency. Give the command to turn about and return to port. Our ships are faster than those of Japan. We can escape them this time. But we will come back. We will come back.

[Lindsay Macari]

And come back he did. Yes, sir. Sometime later, Yi Sun Sin, commanding a new ship built to his order, sailed into the midst of the Japanese navy.

[Lester]

Now we shall see. The leading ship of Japan is coming nearer. Soon they will shoot their balls of iron toward us. Then we shall know. Now let me look. We are safe. The ball of iron has only dented our hull. Lie, give the command to sail full speed into the center of the Japanese. We will win this battle for Korea.

[Lindsay Macari]

Yes, sir, they did win too. Because Yi Sun Sin had built himself a boat with a wooden hull, but plated on the outside with sheets of iron and the cannonballs of the Japanese had little effect. Can you imagine that? During that six year bloody war, the Japanese used firearms for the first time against a foreign enemy. And Yi Sun Sin invented the first ironclad warship. Say, what's that big African native doing?

[Charlie]

Why, he's just giving utterance to a little mumbo jumbo.

[Lindsay Macari]

And that's where you're wrong. That's gibberish or jargon. Many people think that that's the meaning of mumbo jumbo, but it isn't.

[Charlie]

Well, Lindsay, what is mumbo jumbo?

[Lindsay Macari]

Originally it was a little tuft or pom pom worn on the hats of the men of some of the negro tribes of the Western Sudan. And they wore their mumbo jumbos to frighten their women and keep them under firm discipline. Can you imagine that? Well, here's another little tidbit we dug out of the past. On January 3, 1912, Charlie Powers, a clerk in the city of Stockton, California, decided to have himself a time in the big City of San Francisco. Consequently, he. He spruced himself up, had his hair cut, donned his new shepherd's plaid suit, red tie and brown shoes with the pearl buttons, and headed for the Bay City aboard the old steamer Pride of the River. There he curled himself up on a berth, but alas, he forgot to lock the door of his cabin. As the boat was docking, Charlie awakened.

[Dr. Holmes]

Oh, my clothes. My new suit. My new shoes.

[Lindsay Macari]

Oh.

[Dr. Holmes]

Hey, there's somebody. Stop the boat. I've been robbed. I've been robbed. My clothes.

[Aunt Mary]

Look at that train.

[Dr. Holmes]

Say, I'll bet he's a stowaway.

[Charlie]

Hey, what's going on here?

[Dr. Holmes]

It's that man, purser. He's a stowaway.

[Charlie]

Oh, a stowaway.

[Dr. Holmes]

No, no, I'm no stowaway. Somebody stole my clothes.

[Charlie]

Yeah, likely. Yarn. Fellas, come on. Come on. Off the boat with you and quick.

[Lindsay Macari]

Wait a minute. I know stowaway.

[Dr. Holmes]

I know that.

[Lindsay Macari]

Poor Charlie Powers. His clothes appropriated, he found himself with an old pair of badly wore brogans and the rags of a night of the road, nothing more. And in the pockets of his stolen suit was all the money he had saved for his holiday. So he made his slow, sorrowful way to the freight yards to catch a ride on the rods.

[Charlie]

Hey, where you heading, Bo?

[Dr. Holmes]

Stockton.

[Charlie]

Me too. Come on. Here's a string going out in about 10 minutes. Come on, Bo. Here's a couple of nice clean rods.

[Dr. Holmes]

Okay. Say, how do you.

[Charlie]

Hey, jumping catfish, what's eating you?

[Dr. Holmes]

My clothes. That bum's got my clothes.

[Lindsay Macari]

Hey.

[Lester]

Hey, what you doing, bud? Lay off of me.

[Dr. Holmes]

You're the one that stole my clothes.

[Lester]

Give them to me.

[Dr. Holmes]

All right, then, I'll take them off of you. Give me those.

[Lester]

For you.

[Lindsay Macari]

Out of the crowd that quickly gathered stood a strapping San Francisco policeman. Separating the combatants, he escorted them to the city Bastille, where Charlie Powers retrieved his clothes and some of his money. Wending his homeward way, remarked Charlie with admirable philosophy, never again.

[Dr. Holmes]

Stockton's good enough for me.

[Lindsay Macari]

Can you imagine that? One of the most interesting and enjoyable phases of this series of can you imagine that? Is going to be the revelation of some odd facts concerning some of your favorite musical numbers. Here's the first one. I'm going to ask our quartet to give you about eight measures of a grand old hymn in the garden. As you hear the melody, see whether or not you can associate it with an extremely popular number composed almost 35 years ago.

[Louise Dresser]

I come to the garden alone I come to the garden alone.

[Lindsay Macari]

Could you hear the similarity in that hymn to an old popular ballad. Well, those eight bars are identical to the first eight bars of. Oh, but wait a minute, listen to this.

[Louise Dresser]

They called her Fribble a Sal, A peculiar sort of a gal.

[Lindsay Macari]

Yes, friends, it's My Gal Sal, written by Paul Dresser. And poor big hearted Paul never lived to know the tremendous enthusiasm with which his last song was later greeted. He was sure it would be fully as successful as his great song on the Banks of the Wabash Far Away. But he had loaned so much money to former friends and associates in show business that he couldn't afford to push it and he died without sharing in its ultimate great popularity. On the front cover of the original song copy, by the way, is a picture of a very attractive young lady, the young lady who first sang My Gal Sal. A young lady whom Dresser so respected that he allowed her to use his name as a stage name. Have you guessed who she was? Yes, it was the famous actress Louise Dresser. Can you imagine that.

[Louise Dresser]

They called herself? A peculiar sort of a gal With a heart that was metal an all round good pedal Was my old pal Pure troubles, sorrows and care she was always willing to share care A wild sort of devil but dead on the level was my cow.

[Lindsay Macari]

Well, I hope you've enjoyed our first session of can you imagine that? And you'll be back the next time we're around to visit you on this same station, won't you? We all hope so. Yes, indeed. And until then, this is Lindsay McCarry bidding you goodbye, which is really just an abbreviation of the warmer farewell. God be with you.