Podcast Summary: Chase And Sanborn Hour 37-05-09 Guest - Ann Harding & Rodgers & Hart
Podcast Information:
- Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Description: Showcasing radio programs from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring beloved shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and more.
- Episode: Chase And Sanborn Hour 37-05-09 Guest - Ann Harding & Rodgers & Hart
- Release Date: March 20, 2025
Introduction and Guest Line-Up
The episode kicks off with the familiar warm welcome characteristic of the Chase and Sanborn Hour. Don Ameche introduces the array of esteemed guests featured in this broadcast:
- Edgar Bergen and his dummy, Charlie McCarthy
- Dorothy Lamour, Hollywood’s latest singing sensation
- Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, two of America’s leading composers
- Ray Middleton, performer of Rodgers and Hart’s composition
- Anne Harding, acclaimed actress returning from the London stage, accompanied by her husband Werner Janssen, America’s foremost conductor.
Don Ameche: "Tonight we welcome back to Health and Hardiness W.C. Fields."
(Timestamp: 00:00)
Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy Segment
The program dives into a humorous dialogue between Edgar Bergen and his ventriloquist dummy, Charlie McCarthy. Their banter provides comic relief and showcases the seamless interplay that made Edgar and Charlie a top comedy act.
Charlie McCarthy: "My body may be in Hollywood, but my soul is still in Radio City."
(Timestamp: 07:30)
Highlights of their conversation include Charlie’s dissatisfaction with Hollywood compared to Radio City and humorous anecdotes about Charlie’s misadventures, such as his experience with a stewardess on an airplane.
Charlie McCarthy: "What did I do that was wrong?" Edgar Bergen: "Name five things." (Timestamp: 12:45)
The segment concludes with plans for Charlie to potentially take on a temporary butler role, adding another layer of comedy to their dynamic.
Dorothy Lamour’s Performance
The spotlight then shifts to Dorothy Lamour, hailed as Hollywood's newest star. She delivers a heartfelt and emotive performance of the song "What Will I Tell My Heart?" Her rendition captures the essence of longing and emotional turmoil, resonating deeply with listeners.
Dorothy Lamour: "What will I tell my heart when I smile to hide all the tears inside?" (Timestamp: 35:10)
Lamour’s performance is interspersed with light-hearted interactions with Charlie, maintaining an engaging atmosphere while highlighting her vocal prowess.
Rodgers and Hart: Behind the Scenes
A dedicated segment features Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, offering listeners an insider’s look into their songwriting process. They discuss the creation of their latest hit, "My Heart Stood Still," and delve into their collaborative dynamics.
Rodgers: "We usually start with a title. Then I write a tune to it." (Timestamp: 50:25)
The conversation reveals their methodology—starting with an idea, followed by composing the music and crafting the lyrics. They also discuss their upcoming projects, including the musical "All Points West," and the collaboration with Ray Middleton, who will perform their composition during the show.
Hart: "Sometimes it sings, sometimes it doesn't, sometimes it rhymes, sometimes it doesn't." (Timestamp: 52:40)
"All Points West" Performance by Ray Middleton
Ray Middleton takes the stage to perform "All Points West," a sophisticated piece blending a tone poem, oratorio, and one-act play. The performance is a testament to Rodgers and Hart’s innovative approach to musical composition, merging narrative storytelling with musical expression.
Narrator (Ray Middleton): "Leaving track 33 at 11:27, the Great Lakes Express bound for Albany, Syracuse..." (Timestamp: 56:15)
Middleton’s rendition is both captivating and intricately performed, showcasing his vocal range and emotional depth. The piece narrates the bustling life of train travel, painting vivid imagery through music and spoken word.
W.C. Fields Returns
After a brief interlude, the legendary W.C. Fields makes his return to the show. Amidst humorous exchanges with Charlie McCarthy and Don Ameche, Fields shares anecdotes about his recent recovery from a serious illness that kept him off stage for over a year.
Don Ameche: "Welcome back, W.C. Fields." W.C. Fields: "Half attack. I was pretty redwood for a nose." (Timestamp: 1:15:30)
Fields humorously recounts his accident involving a bicycle and a truck, blending self-deprecation with his signature comedic style. His interactions with Charlie add a layer of playful banter, enriching the segment with laughter.
W.C. Fields: "I fractured the southernmost portion of my spinal column." Charlie McCarthy: "Redwood for a nose." (Timestamp: 1:20:45)
Ann Harding’s Feature Performance
The episode features Ann Harding in a dramatic performance from "The Guardsman." Harding's portrayal of Marie, a Viennese actress, delivers a compelling narrative of love, deception, and reconciliation. Her performance showcases her acting range and emotional depth, captivating the audience with the intricate storyline.
Ann Harding as Marie: "I believe in you. Oh, please forgive me." (Timestamp: 1:40:50)
The dramatic scene reaches its peak as Marie and Tony navigate misunderstandings and emotional turmoil, ultimately reaffirming their love and trust in each other. Harding's nuanced performance brings the characters' struggles and resolutions to life, making it a standout moment in the episode.
Final Musical Number and Closing Remarks
The episode concludes with a lively musical number, revisiting Rodgers and Hart’s "Never in a Million Years." W.C. Fields and Charlie McCarthy join in, adding humorous commentary and interactions that blend seamlessly with the music.
W.C. Fields: "Redwood for a nose." (Timestamp: 1:55:10)
Don Ameche wraps up the show with a heartfelt thank you to all guests and performers, announcing upcoming episodes and encouraging listeners to tune in next Sunday for more entertainment.
Don Ameche: "Until next Sunday at the same time." (Timestamp: 2:00:00)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Charlie McCarthy on Hollywood vs. Radio City:
"My body may be in Hollywood, but my soul is still in Radio City."
(07:30) -
Edgar Bergen on Defining Actions:
"What did I do that was wrong?"
"Name five things."
(12:45) -
Dorothy Lamour’s Emotional Lyric:
"What will I tell my heart when I smile to hide all the tears inside?"
(35:10) -
Rodgers on Songwriting:
"We usually start with a title. Then I write a tune to it."
(50:25) -
W.C. Fields on His Accident:
"I fractured the southernmost portion of my spinal column."
(1:20:45) -
Ann Harding’s Dramatic Plea:
"I believe in you. Oh, please forgive me."
(1:40:50)
Insights and Highlights
-
Comedy and Banter: The dynamic between Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, along with W.C. Fields' comedic timing, provides a laugh-out-loud experience that pays homage to classic radio humor.
-
Musical Excellence: The inclusion of Rodgers and Hart’s compositions, performed by Ray Middleton and explored by the composers themselves, highlights the era’s rich musical landscape.
-
Dramatic Depth: Ann Harding’s performance adds depth and emotional resonance, contrasting the lighter comedic elements with serious storytelling.
-
Guest Diversity: The episode skillfully balances various talents—from ventriloquism and comedy to singing and acting—demonstrating the versatility and richness of Golden Age radio entertainment.
Conclusion
The Chase And Sanborn Hour 37-05-09 masterfully blends comedy, music, and drama, featuring an impressive lineup of guests and performances. From the witty exchanges of Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy to the emotive performances by Dorothy Lamour and Ann Harding, the episode offers a nostalgic yet engaging experience. The inclusion of W.C. Fields adds a touch of classic humor, making this episode a quintessential representation of the Golden Age of Radio. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to these timeless performances, this episode delivers a comprehensive showcase of mid-20th-century radio entertainment.