Carling Country - SA xx-xx-xx (x) When You Think Of Me

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Carling Country - "When You Think Of Me"
Airdate: October 13, 2025
Story By: Erskine Caldwell
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Theme: Exploring sacrifice, survivor’s guilt, and the challenge of coming home after war

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Episode Overview

This episode of “Carling Country,” based on Erskine Caldwell’s moving story "When You Think Of Me," dramatizes the difficulty of returning home from war, the bonds between soldiers, and the deep emotional wounds that linger long after the fighting ends. The story follows Corporal Ted Burton, returning to his small hometown of Ridgeway after years at war, as he struggles with loss, survivor’s guilt, and the challenge of reconnecting with the life and people—including his sweetheart Nancy—he left behind.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Homecoming (02:37 – 07:26)

• Ted Burton’s Return: The story opens as Ted journeys back to Ridgeway. The conversation with a driver reveals his longing for constancy and the unchanged landscape—contrasted with the emotional turmoil inside.

  • "Ain't nothing in this country changed much since I remember it. And I sure wouldn't want to see a change either way, good or bad." (03:09, Ted)

• Family Reunion: Ted’s homecoming is greeted with warmth from his parents, but Ted quickly feels out of place, longing for the farm and physical space.

  • "This isn't home to me. I want to go to the farm right away. It's too crowded here. The houses are too close together." (04:53, Ted)

2. Strained Reconnection with Nancy (07:47 – 11:44)

• First Meeting: Nancy approaches Ted, optimistic and loving, but senses that something is deeply wrong. Ted, haunted by the war and the death of his friend Jim, cannot return her affection.

  • "It's you I'm talking about, not Jim." (08:49, Nancy)
  • "But Jim's got a lot to do with this, Nancy." (08:52, Ted)
  • "I can't. I'm sorry." (09:05, Ted)

• Flashback to Promises: The story intercuts their confrontation with a poignant flashback to the day Ted and Nancy promised to marry if he returned, emphasizing the distance between memory and present reality.

  • "You'll wait for me, Nancy. Say you will. Please say you'll be waiting." (09:45, Ted)
  • "Of course I'll be waiting, darling. Don't ever for a second think anything else. I'm yours for always, Ted." (09:50, Nancy)

3. War’s Lingering Impact (14:37 – 21:43)

• Struggling to Move On: Ted’s mother is perplexed by his decision to propose to Florence Warren (Jim Foster's girl), suspecting something is amiss.

  • "Maybe that's why I'm asking her to marry me. Because Jim was killed." (13:54, Ted)
  • "I just don't understand you." (13:59, Mom)
  • "I don't expect anybody to understand except Jim and me." (14:03, Ted)

• Confession to Nancy: Ted tries to explain his psychological burden to Nancy, recalling the night Jim Foster saved his life and, mortally wounded, made Ted promise to look after Florence.

  • "Jim Foster. Well, you know Jim. We did everything together. ... Jim was the best friend I ever had. There was one time when we were in a tough spot over there and he saved my life. Jim saved my life, Nancy. He didn't have to. But he did." (16:04, Ted)

Dramatic Wartime Flashback (17:00 – 20:25)

• Jim’s Sacrifice: In a perilous situation behind enemy lines, Jim insists Ted escape with the prisoners, ordering him to survive and make it home. In his dying wish, he asks Ted to tell Florence he tried to come back for her.

  • "I've got me a girl at home. ... I die loving her. Tell her I tried to get back and marry her, but I couldn't make it." (19:00, Jim through Ted’s memory)

• Impact on Ted: Ted’s inability to leave his friend behind, the forced separation, and the guilt over being the one who survived consume him.

  • "I just can't let Jim down. I just can't do it." (21:43, Ted)

4. Resolution and Acceptance (22:27 – 26:15)

• Conversation with Florence: Ted visits Florence to fulfill his pledge, but Florence reveals Jim’s own wishes through his letters: he never wanted bitterness or guilt to spoil anyone’s life.

  • "He didn't want bitterness to spoil the lives of any of us, yours or Nancy's or mine." (24:26, Florence)
  • "Go back to Nancy, Ted. Tell her I always want to be her friend." (25:08, Florence)

• Crucial Realization: With Florence’s blessing and understanding, Ted finds the path to healing and returns to Nancy.

  • "A lot of people in this town will never realize what Jim Foster did for them. I wish there was some way to make them understand, like Flo Warren does." (25:47, Ted)
  • "We're going to remember him, Nancy, as long as we live." (26:11, Ted)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Context | |-----------|---------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 03:09 | Ted | "Ain't nothing in this country changed much since I remember it. And I sure wouldn't want to see a change either way, good or bad." | | 04:53 | Ted | "This isn't home to me. I want to go to the farm right away. It's too crowded here." | | 08:52 | Ted | "But Jim's got a lot to do with this, Nancy." | | 09:50 | Nancy | "Of course I'll be waiting, darling. Don't ever for a second think anything else." | | 13:54 | Ted | "Maybe that's why I'm asking her to marry me. Because Jim was killed." | | 16:04 | Ted | "Jim was the best friend I ever had. There was one time when... he saved my life." | | 19:00 | Jim (via Ted) | "Tell her I tried to get back and marry her, but I couldn't make it." | | 21:43 | Ted | "I just can't let Jim down. I just can't do it." | | 24:26 | Florence| "He didn't want bitterness to spoil the lives of any of us, yours or Nancy's or mine." | | 25:47 | Ted | "A lot of people in this town will never realize what Jim Foster did for them." | | 26:11 | Ted | "We're going to remember him, Nancy, as long as we live." |

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Episode Structure & Timestamps

• [00:08] – Host introduces Carling Country and the story’s premise
• [02:37] – Ted’s journey home, return to Ridgeway
• [04:13] – Reuniting with family, Ted’s emotional discomfort
• [07:47] – Nancy and Ted’s first encounter, failed reconnection
• [09:45] – Flashback: Ted and Nancy’s promise before the war
• [13:00] – Dialogue with Ted’s mother; revelation about Florence
• [14:37] – Second confrontation with Nancy, PTSD and survivor’s guilt surface
• [16:17] – Beginning of Ted’s retelling of the battle and Jim’s sacrifice
• [22:27] – Ted’s conversation with Florence; Jim’s letter
• [25:42] – Ted returns to Nancy; resolution

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Overall Tone and Style

The radio drama is earnest, emotional, and reflective, with themes of sacrifice, unspoken trauma, survivor’s guilt, and the possibility of healing through understanding and friendship. The language is heartfelt and classic, capturing the sensibilities of postwar America and the Golden Age of Radio.

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Final Thoughts

This episode is a powerful dramatization of the psychological costs of war—not just on the battlefield, but in the lives and relationships of those who return. Caldwell’s story, adapted for radio, explores how duty, memory, and the love of friends and family can conflict, but also ultimately offer a kind of redemption and peace.

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Transcript

[A]

And now, Carling country, Carling World brewers on the great American beer presents stories from Erica's foremost authors. Stories of trial and endeavor, of the courage of people. Stories from Carling Country.

[B]

Tonight's Carling country brings you when you think of me, a tender story by Erskine Caldwell, one of America's best selling authors.

[A]

If you owned a Carling brewery, how would you supply this great beer to people who were far from you? At Carling, we go to the people and brew on the spot. Our philosophy on every can tells why time, the maker of beer, can also.

[B]

Be the great destroyer.

[A]

Shipped all the way from America, our great Carling Black Label beer might just lose the lusty, lively taste that makes it great. We couldn't take that risk. That's why we now brew in 12 breweries around the world as well as in seven states in America. Carling Black Label is brewed in South Africa and is on sale in the Transvaal, Orange Free State and Northwestern Cape. And now also in the town, coming to the Cape province before long. Carling Black Label, America's lusty, lively beer.

[B]

How close are we? The Ridgeway for it? You must ask me that a dozen times, Corporal. It ain't far now. Why, there's that big cornfield out there now. Yeah. When we pass that, Ridgeway is sure to be dead ahead. There's Ridgeway where you live, corporal? You bet it is. I wonder if the town changed much since I've been gone. No, sir, it ain't changed. Ain't nothing in this country changed much since I remember it. And I sure wouldn't want to see a change either way, good or bad. You been gone long, Corporal? Four years. And that's long enough too. Oh, you've been in the war? That's right. Africa, Italy, France. My, my. Well, maybe you won't be satisfied to stay settled down in a little town like Ridgeway after being in all those big places of the world. Don't you worry about that. I'm settling all right. There, see? That's Churchman's Creek in the Palmer's farm. And that's the dirt road to Jim Foster's house. Jim, I sure hate to be coming home without you. What's that you say, Cobra? Huh? Oh, nothing. I'll get your bags. Mom.

[C]

Daddy.

[B]

Oh, Daddy. Mom. I'm sure glad to be home. Dad. Hello, Ted. G. Sir.

[C]

They've got a hero's welcome for your son.

[B]

Oh, I don't want anything like that. It's all wrong. The real guys stayed over there. They didn't come Back the guys like Jim Foster. The real guys are dead. Oh, come on, son. Nancy's waiting back home. Nancy? Nancy. Nancy Glennon. You want to see Nancy, don't you? No, not now. I don't want to see her now. Well, like the new hairstyle? Yeah, sure. But haven't you got the farm? Yeah, yeah, the farm's still there waiting for you if you want it. But the work was too much for you, Ma, and, well, everything's more convenient now. But this isn't home to me. Now, now, now, sit down, son. You're plum tired out by the excitement. I want to go to the farm. I want to go right away. What? Whatever's wrong, son, I can't stand it here. I want to go to the farm right away. It's too crowded here. The houses are too close together. Those people out there walking on the street, why, they're strangers. They don't know what happened. They even look like they don't know what happened.

[C]

Happened? Happened where, Teddy?

[B]

Where? Where I was. We'll go to the farm right after dinner, son. Hey, I'll bet you're hungry for some of Mom's home cooking. Yeah, I am, Mom. Geeah. I sure am. Ed Fuller. Still handyman on the farm, dad? Sure, Ed's still there. Here he comes now, heading up from the barn. This is the grandest sight in the world.

[D]

Why, Teddy.

[B]

Teddy.

[D]

I knew you'd come back, Teddy. Didn't I tell you that when he went away? Didn't I see that nothing on earth could keep you from coming back?

[B]

You were right about that, Eddie.

[D]

You gonna stay the night here, son?

[B]

Yeah, Ed, I'm here to stay.

[D]

Beans is the finest food a human being can put in his stomach. I never would be able to do the work around this farm without a meal of beans.

[B]

Ah, thanks, Eddie.

[D]

Of course, I don't know how you're gonna like living here with no women. Folks around you thinking of getting married? Yes, that's it. Enjoy a woman's cooking. Nancy Glennon's a sweet girl. And she's been wearing your ring and a waiting for you ever since you went away. She's about the sweetest, prettiest girl around here. Now, you eat up your beans, Teddy.

[B]

I don't feel hungry.

[C]

Hi. Hi, Ted.

[B]

Hi, Nancy. Ted.

[C]

Ted, it's me, Nancy.

[B]

Hello, Nancy.

[C]

I'm Nancy, Ted. Don't you remember me at all? Ted, what happened?

[B]

I'm sorry, Nancy.

[C]

I might have known something had happened when you let us stop coming six months ago. Is it somebody else? Oh, tell Me? The truth, Ted. I've got to know it.

[B]

It's not easy to explain this.

[C]

Don't you remember when we spent that day at Churchill Creek and you. You asked me to marry you? You can't have forgotten that.

[B]

No, it was a swell day, Nancy. And I haven't forgotten anything. I haven't forgotten a single minute. I remember everybody. Not only about us, but about other things.

[C]

Look at me, Ted. Look me in the face and tell.

[B]

Me you remember Jim Foster, Nancy. Well, Jim Foster.

[C]

Ted, it's you I'm talking about, not Jim.

[B]

But Jim's got a lot to do with this. Nancy.

[C]

You called me darling. You love me now. I wouldn't have thought it'd be like this, Nancy.

[B]

I can't. I'm sorry.

[C]

All right, Ted. There's nothing more to say, is there?

[B]

No, there's nothing more to say.

[C]

So different from when we spent that day at Churchman's. Great dinner. Then you said yes.

[B]

I know what I said. There'll never be anyone else, Nancy. Only you. When I get back from this war, we'll be married. You'll wait for me, Nancy. Say you will. Please say you'll be waiting.

[C]

Of course I'll be waiting, darling. Don't ever for a second think anything else. I'm yours for always, Ted.

[B]

You know what we're going to do when I come back, Nancy?

[C]

Get married, just like you said.

[B]

We're going to have the finest stock farm anybody ever saw. Mostly horses, I think. Fine horses. Thoroughbreds.

[C]

No cows, Ted?

[B]

Well, maybe a few. We'll need milk and butter for the. What you call it?

[C]

What's what you call them, Ted.

[B]

Those little things that toddle around the house.

[C]

Ducks?

[B]

Ducks don't toddle. They waddle.

[C]

Oh, I know. You mean young Calvin Co. Come here.

[B]

You know what I mean. I'm leaving at 6 o' clock in the morning, Nancy. I won't see you again.

[C]

Don't say that, Ted. Please say he'll come back. Promise me you won't let anything happen to you for our sake.

[B]

I didn't mean it that way, Nancy. Of course I'll come back. I'm coming back as sure as the sun will rise every morning when I'm away. Every time the sun comes up in the morning, it'll be a sign I'm coming back.

[C]

Oh, yes, Dad, I remember that. I'll look at the sun every morning and remember what you said. I won't be loved as much when you come back. You do now, Teddy.

[B]

Oh, this is only the beginning, Nancy. You Just wait and see. The way I love you now is only a sample. You'll find out what I mean when I come back.

[C]

Oh, yes, darling. Yes, darling. Seems a long time ago now, doesn't it, Chat?

[B]

Yeah, And I'm. I'm sorry, Nancy, but that's the way it is. Very well. Nancy. Nancy, don't leave like that.

[C]

I'd expect a girl to leave.

[B]

Nancy. Nancy, come back now.

[A]

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[B]

Man, oh, man. This is what real beer is all about.

[A]

Strong, husky, lusty to the last lively drop. Carling Black Label is enjoyed all over America and in 50 countries around the world. Any of your beer this popular, you should ask for. Go for the man's brand. America's own Carling Black Label beer. And get that lusty, lively taste that makes the difference. Carling Black Label is brewed in South Africa and is on sale in the Transvaal, Orange Free State and Northwestern Cape, and now also in Matau. Coming to the Cape Province before long. Carling Black Label, America's most lusty, lively beer.

[C]

We just thought we'd come out for the afternoon, Ted. I baked ice for you.

[B]

Thanks, Mom.

[C]

They're in the basket over there with some fried chicken and rolls. Now, I better get this house in some kind of shape. I'll just get a duster.

[B]

Are you and dad thinking of moving back to the farm?

[C]

Oh, no, Ted. But I've got to prepare this house. I wouldn't dream of letting anybody come here and find a place all dusty and dirty.

[B]

Who's coming, Mom?

[C]

Who's coming? Why, Claire, you know as well as I do.

[B]

I don't know what you're talking about, Mom.

[C]

Nancy, of course. Nancy Glennon. You and Natalie are going to be married, aren't you, Dave?

[B]

No, no, no, Mom. I guess I'll be getting married somebody else.

[C]

Somebody else? Who? Who in the world?

[B]

Florence Warren.

[C]

I didn't know Florence was to be married to Jim. Jim Foster. If Jim hadn't been killed in the war.

[B]

Maybe that's why I'm asking her to marry me. Because Jim was killed.

[C]

I just don't understand you.

[B]

I don't expect anybody to understand except Jim and me.

[C]

Does Florence know about this wild scheme of yours?

[B]

Not yet, Mom. I haven't had the chance to ask her yet.

[C]

Are you sure you're feeling all right, Ted?

[B]

Sure. I feel fine. Oh.

[C]

Oh, it's you. Ted Burton.

[B]

Yeah, I came around to apologize for the way I behaved.

[C]

You owe me no apology, Ted Burton, and that takes care of that.

[B]

You've got to listen to me, Nancy.

[C]

Please come on in. Did I have to listen to you?

[B]

I mean, I want you to.

[C]

Well, it's obvious, isn't it? There's another girl.

[B]

Yes, but it's.

[C]

I don't think I'd be interested in the intimate details.

[B]

Please.

[C]

No, don't touch me. Ted. Please let me go.

[B]

Nancy, I love you. I've loved you every minute while I was away. You believe me, don't you, Ted?

[C]

How can I believe you? They say some men are never the same after a war. You're gonna marry somebody else. But you love me. Oh, I never heard of such a thing. I suppose it's one of those peculiar nubs you picked out by me travels.

[B]

Maybe it does sound peculiar. Back here.

[C]

I want nothing to do with it.

[B]

You'll be laughing and joking with your buddies one minute and the next. Well, you might have to stay with a man until he died. And that was all you could do for him. People here at home wouldn't understand. All you knew was that your buddy was dead. That puts a queer feeling in a man.

[C]

What is it, Ted? What are you trying to say?

[B]

That night in Italy, that's what it was. Jim Foster. Well, you know Jim. We did everything together.

[C]

I knew you were close friends.

[B]

Jim was the best friend I ever had. There was one time when we were in a tough spot over there and he saved my life. Jim saved my life, Nancy. He didn't have to. But he did.

[C]

Tell me about it, Ted.

[B]

Well, the way it happened, we'd been up at the front for a week. It was middle of winter with snow covering everything. Jim got orders to take a five man patrol through the lines and bring back some prisoners for questioning. And I went with Jim. Ted, there's four or five enemy soldiers manning a machine gun close forward. They were going to surround them. Okay, sure, anything you say, Jim. Come on in, boys. Let's go collect them. Okay, you guys, hands up. Roll your shot. Come on, on your feet now. Cover up. Cover up. Come on. I'm going take you back. Jim. There's more of them coming up. Company strength, I'd say. Let's get out of here. Got the business, Jack? 10. I can hold the rear. Here they come. You hit, Jim? Keep firing. Jim, you're bleeding. Get the prisoners down the ravine. That's an order. Jim. You heard that? It's all over for me. Just obey orders. Listen, we can give up then.

[C]

You'll get first aid.

[B]

You'll be okay. Get dogs. Prisoners, back to the Catholic. But you Died here. You won't last half an hour, bro. Leading the way you are. Let's get a dressing on that boom boy. I can hold them off if you do as I say. Just get going. Ted Gill. I'm going to yell out and tell him we surrender. Open your mouth and I'll shoot you dead. Listen to me. We won't lose the war. Cuz two guys give up you're surrounded. The rest are dead. There's only you and me left and two prisoners. You know what the captain would say? He'd say we did the right thing. Jim. They don't expect us to commit suicide just to bring back two prisoners. Wait, wait. Don't give up that easy, buddy. They were sent off to get prisoners. The night's not over yet. I'm staying here and you got your orders. We can carry you back. Look, the prisoners can carry you. Look, the minute we leave. Now, I'll stay here and keep popping away. I can keep going as long as I've got somewhere to shoot. Now will you get out of here, genius. Is there nothing I can do for you? Sure. One thing I want to do only one favor. Sure, sure. I promise on my word of honor to do anything in the world you want. All right. All right. I'll tell you what it is. I've got me a girl at home. Slow w. You know all about that. She's gone. My ring. We going to be married. Moment I said back in rich way. You know you've got a girl back home, Ted. Nancy. But what about Lauren? Jim, I swear I'll do anything in the world you want. She's. She's my girl. I die loving her. Tell her I tried to get back and marry her, but I couldn't make it. Tell her I had to stay here. I'm afraid, Ted. I don't want that to happen. And I'm dead and can't do anything about it. No, You've got Nancy waiting at home. Look after that.

[C]

Mom.

[B]

Get going. Get going. Good luck. I'm staying with you. You're moving out. And I told him what a. Go on. Move or I'll kill you. Come on, get out of here. Oh, then, Nancy, I hope you've been firing for a while. Then they put heavy attack. Then I heard the grenades exploding. Then nothing. I didn't look back.

[C]

I don't know what to say, Ted. I think I know how you feel. But I don't know what to say.

[B]

I counted so much on coming back to you, Nancy. Nobody in the world knows what it Means to me. I thought all the time about marrying you and living here on the farm together. That's all I did think about. But I can't forget Jim Foster.

[C]

I think I understand, Ted.

[B]

If Jim hadn't sent me away that night in Italy, I wouldn't be here now.

[C]

You can't let him down.

[B]

See that when you think about it a lot the way I do, you get to thinking. Jim wasn't the only one either. Thousands of guys died the way he did. That's why I came back alive. I just can't let Jim down. I just can't do it.

[C]

I know. I understand now, Jim. I think I do, anyway. Why, Ted? Come along in, Flo.

[B]

You know why I've called.

[C]

Sit down, Ted, and tell me about it.

[B]

Mind if I stand? I'm kind of tensed up.

[C]

I know how you must feel. Jim was a wonderful guy.

[B]

He was the greatest guy ever lived, Flo. I know why he wanted one of us to come back alive. He hadn't any chance, but he wanted me to come back. He figured I had the best chance.

[C]

Come and sit down here beside me, Ted, and try to tell me what.

[B]

You want to say, Flo. I'm not much good talking. I want to marry you, Flo. Well, after knowing Jim, I'm afraid you won't be very happy with me now. I'm a poor second best, Flo.

[C]

I'm not going to marry you, Jim. Not for anything in the world.

[B]

Jim wanted it that way, Flo.

[C]

No. I've got something to show you, Ted.

[B]

Flo, I promised.

[C]

These are his letters, Ted. I know Jim. And slowly I'm beginning to know him a lot better, even better than you. Here's a letter Jim wrote me a long time ago.

[B]

Let's see, that was soon after we landed in Italy.

[C]

Yes. He wrote me that no matter what happened, even if he died over there, he always wanted me to be friendly. That's how he put it. To be friendly with you and Nancy.

[B]

He thought he wasn't coming back.

[C]

At the time, I thought it was strange he should say something like that. Or maybe it was because I didn't want to know what he meant. Maybe I. I didn't even want to think that he could.

[B]

Could expect.

[C]

Yes, that's it exactly. I didn't even want to think that he could expect me to know what he meant. But that's what he wanted me to understand. He wanted me to know that without him. He expected me to be friendly with you and Nancy.

[B]

He gave his life for me and.

[C]

He didn't want me to become bitter and resentful towards you and Nancy if I found out he sacrificed his life to save yours. He didn't want bitterness to spoil the lives of any of us, yours or Nancy's or mine. Flow and it won't, Ted. Please believe me. Jim knew that when the time came. And he wrote me in such a way that I had to know and understand what to do. That's why he asked you to come to me. Ted knew I could explain things a lot better than he. Caught a time like that.

[B]

Thanks, Flo. I wanted to marry you. Maybe it would even have worked out. But you've made me see it the way he saw it now.

[C]

Go back to Nancy, Ted. Tell her I always want to be her friend.

[B]

Hello, Nancy.

[C]

You don't have to say it. I can see it in your face. You come back to me.

[B]

Yeah. Flo said she wants to be your friend always. A lot of people in this town will never realize what Jim Foster did for them. I wish there was some way to make them understand, like Flo Warren does. They think he was just one of the guys who was killed in the war because he was careless, because of an accident. They don't know there were other ways to die in the war.

[C]

Lots of people will remember him, Ted. They'll know if you tell him.

[B]

If they would put up a monument to him sky high, it wouldn't be enough for a guy like him. We're going to remember him, Nancy, as long as we live. Sarling country was written by the renowned Erskin Caldwell, and the music was especially composed by Sam Slay. Next week you can hear John Steinbeck's great story of a fugitive in flight, another classic from the world of literature in Carling Country.