Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: CBS The Mel Blanc Show (1946-12-10) - "Christmas Present"
Release Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

Overview

In this classic episode from the golden age of radio, Mel Blanc brings to life his signature comedic style and infectious energy in a Christmas-themed story, originally broadcast in December 1946. The episode revolves around Mel’s dilemma to find the perfect Christmas present for his sweetheart, Betty, while being short on funds and competing with his rival, Willie Murdoch. Rich with musical numbers, comic impersonations, and the nostalgia of radio’s heyday, the episode is an excellent sample of mid-century radio comedy.

Key Discussion Points & Highlights

Mel Blanc’s Introduction and Character Parade

[00:35 – 05:17]

• Mel Blanc opens the show with a musical introduction about his radio career and the perception that his "face was meant for radio."

  • Notable lines delivered humorously:

    “They said my face was meant for radio.” – Mel Blanc ([01:06]) “You guys can be replaced, you know.” – Mel Blanc, jesting with his supporting cast ([01:29])

• Mel showcases snippets of several characters (including Zukiya, train announcer, and postman) highlighting his versatile voice talents and poking fun at his reputation and finances.

• Self-deprecating humor abounds as Mel lists the many expenses eating away at his earnings and laments being "the lowest of the guys on top."

The Christmas Present Conundrum

[06:59 – 09:22]

• The episode sets the stage in Mel’s small town, just two weeks before Christmas. The men are shopping for gifts, with Mel humorously opting to eat his “present” (peanut brittle) on the spot instead of saving it for Betty.

• Mel and Betty leaf through a mail-order catalog to brainstorm affordable gift ideas. Mel dreams of their future together, sharing a sweet, naive vision of Christmas after they’re married.

  • Memorable comic misunderstanding:

    “Betty, Santa Claus doesn’t bring children.” – Mel Blanc ([08:46])

• Betty brings up her other suitor, Willie Murdoch, who is getting her an expensive gift. Mel bemoans his lack of funds and feels overshadowed by Willie.

Mel’s Rivalry and the Radio Program

[09:33 – 14:16]

• Mr. Colby, Betty’s disapproving father, enters, chastises Mel, and mentions a new radio program where his manager Willie will be the MC.

• Mel desperately tries to audition for a part, performing rapid-fire celebrity impressions (Phil Harris, Phil Baker, Tommy Manville) to show off his range:

  “Listen to this… You gotta start out each day with a song, even if things go wrong.” – Mel Blanc, performing an impression ([12:39])

• Mr. Colby rebuffs Mel (threatening to "break every bone" in his body if he shows up at the radio program), leaving Mel despondent over his chances to earn money for Betty’s gift.

The Fix-It Shop Antics and Money-making Schemes

[17:37 – 22:24]

• Undeterred, Mel continues repairs at his fix-it shop, including attempting to restore a “mama doll,” before brainstorming with Zookie (Zukiya) ways to collect money owed by the townsfolk. These attempts result in comedic failure, with Zookie failing to collect a single dime.

  “I collected 10 to the… 10 to the… 5 to the 3 to the… Not a dime.” – Zookie ([20:21])

• Encounter with Mr. Cushing, President of the Loyal Order of Benevolent Zebras, features classic comedic banter about his tough-as-nails wife and their relationship, satirically merging romance and financial motivations.

  “Age didn’t matter. When I first met my wife, Babe, I worshiped the ground she walked on. Besides, she owns the property.” – Mr. Cushing ([22:05])

The Supermarket Radio Show and a Disguise

[23:40 – 26:34]

• In a last-ditch bid, Mel disguises himself as an “old lady” at Mr. Colby’s radio show, hoping to win a $40 bottle of perfume (to gift to Betty).

• A series of comic miscommunications and voice impersonations from Mel ensue, fooling the audience and judges until the ruse is up.

  “I’d like to go on the radio… Guess who this is. You have eight. Will you try for sixteen?” – Mel, as the “old lady,” referencing his earlier impression ([25:30])

• Mr. Colby recognizes Mel and kicks him out, causing more embarrassment but plenty of laughs.

Resolution and Heartfelt Moments

[26:45 – 27:10]

• Despite his antics, Mel’s escapade does not win him the perfume — or Mr. Colby’s approval. Betty comforts Mel, apologizing for setting expectations too high and affirming her affection.

• Even Willie Murdoch is thrown out of the supermarket by Betty’s disapproving father, highlighting that, in the end, material gifts and status cannot win over love.

  “How do you like that? Everybody wants to get into the act.” – Mel Blanc ([27:10])

Notable Quotes by Segment

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:06 | Mel Blanc | “They said my face was meant for radio.” | | 01:29 | Mel Blanc | “You guys can be replaced, you know.” | | 08:46 | Mel Blanc | “Betty, Santa Claus doesn’t bring children.” | | 09:22 | Mel Blanc | “Gosh, we look so much alike. I don’t see how your father can tell us apart.” | | 12:39 | Mel Blanc | “You gotta start out each day with a song, even if things go wrong.” | | 20:21 | Zookie | “I collected 10 to the… 10 to the… 5 to the 3 to the… Not a dime.” | | 22:05 | Mr. Cushing | “Age didn’t matter. When I first met my wife, Babe, I worshiped the ground she walked on. Besides, she owns the property.” | | 25:30 | Mel (as “old lady”) | “I’d like to go on the radio… Guess who this is. You have eight. Will you try for sixteen?” | | 27:10 | Mel Blanc | “How do you like that? Everybody wants to get into the act.” |

Musical & Comic Interlude Highlights

• “Uncle Remus” Musical Segment ([15:29 – 17:04]):
  Mel and the cast perform a whimsical retelling of animal fables, completed with a playful singalong for both child and adult listeners.

• Character Impersonations & Banter:
  Rapid-fire exchanges and musical lines by Mel as he attempts to land a spot on the radio show.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:35 – 05:17] – Mel’s musical introduction & character highlights
• [06:59 – 09:22] – Mel and Betty’s Christmas present brainstorming
• [09:33 – 14:16] – The quest for a radio job (Mel’s audition efforts)
• [17:37 – 22:24] – Mel’s attempts to collect money and Mr. Cushing’s visit
• [23:40 – 26:34] – Mel’s supermarket radio show disguise and revelation
• [26:45 – 27:10] – Closing emotional exchange; everyone’s back where they started

Tone & Language

• Classic radio slapstick: Self-effacing, witty, and packed with puns
• Fast-paced dialogue: Mel’s rapid switches between characters mirror his mastery of vocal comedy
• Warmth and sentiment: Undercurrent of heartfelt sincerity between Mel and Betty, balanced by farcical misadventures

Memorable Moments

• Mel eating the Christmas “present” (peanut brittle) right in the store ([07:23])
• The ongoing running joke comparing Mel and Willie — leading to the punchline that they look so alike ([09:22])
• Mel’s elaborate attempt to win a gift for Betty, including cross-dressing and performing on the radio ([23:40 – 26:34])
• The show’s resolution with everyone being thrown out — proving love can’t be bought.

Conclusion

This episode of The Mel Blanc Show delivers a lighthearted and charming exploration of the stress and joy of holiday gift-giving, the humility of being broke during the Christmas season, and the enduring humor of radio's golden age. Mel Blanc’s unique blend of vocal talent, impersonations, and slapstick narrative leaves a festive, comedic mark.