
Chase And Sanborn Hour 43-05-02 Barbara Stanwyck Acts as Charlie's Agent
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Edgar Bergen
The makers of Chase and Sanborn Coffee and Tender Leaf Tea present Edgar Bergen, Bill Thompson, Ray Noble and his orchestra. Dale Evans, the Sportsman. Our guest, Ms. Barbara Stanwyck and Charlie McCarthy.
Charlie McCarthy
Hello, everybody. Hello, Dale.
Bill Thompson
Hiya, Charlie.
Charlie McCarthy
I'd kiss you hello, but I'm afraid my mustache might tickle you.
Barbara Stanwyck
Charlie, don't tell me you're growing a mustache.
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah, that's the way it is. Yeah. Today I am a mess. I mean, a man. I decided to let it sprout. Haven't you noticed it?
Barbara Stanwyck
Well, I see a little fuzz, if that's what you mean.
Charlie McCarthy
That's it.
Bill Thompson
That's it. Yeah, that's it.
Charlie McCarthy
I feel so distinguished. Don't I look like a man about town?
Barbara Stanwyck
No, you look more about a boy about 12. Charlie, does Edgar know about this?
Charlie McCarthy
No, he hasn't seen it yet. I want to surprise him.
Barbara Stanwyck
Well, he'll be surprised, all right.
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah. Well, you and Ray go ahead with that canteen bounce, and I'll go outside and wax it up a bit.
Bill Thompson
Well, all right. Sam. When the party's slowing down at the.
Charlie McCarthy
Canteen in our town Everybody dancing on.
Ray Noble
The floor shouts for the canteen pounds.
Bill Thompson
Now when they get into the mood they don't wanna mess with food Isn't.
Ray Noble
Time for eatin just for feetin to the kenting farms do do, do do.
Edgar Bergen
They all have the same.
Barbara Stanwyck
Just jumping.
Bill Thompson
Like a jumping bee now, you ain't.
Charlie McCarthy
Sing no dance until you see the candy bar.
Bill Thompson
Sam.
Barbara Stanwyck
Say, Charlie, has Bergen seen your mustache yet?
Charlie McCarthy
No, not yet. Well, here he comes.
Barbara Stanwyck
Let's go show it to him, huh?
Ray Noble
Yeah.
Charlie McCarthy
Well, don't push me. Don't push me up there again.
Ray Noble
Yes, Charlie.
Charlie McCarthy
Well, well, well, well, well. How do you like it?
Ray Noble
How do I like what?
Charlie McCarthy
Can't you see something different about my face?
Ray Noble
Well, let me see. Look good?
Barbara Stanwyck
Yeah.
Ray Noble
What did you do, wash behind your ears?
Charlie McCarthy
Nothing as drastic as that.
Ray Noble
No.
Charlie McCarthy
Can't you see, Charlie?
Ray Noble
What are you talking about?
Charlie McCarthy
Well, look at it, Bergen. You can see it just as plain when you get it in the right light.
Ray Noble
You can?
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah. See what's on my upper lip?
Ray Noble
What?
Charlie McCarthy
Oh, hunk of lip.
Ray Noble
Letters.
Charlie McCarthy
What a kisser head.
Ray Noble
Do you mean a mustache?
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah.
Ray Noble
Well, well, yeah. Just call me Bristlepuss. I see.
Charlie McCarthy
Oh, fuzzy chops. That's easy.
Ray Noble
So you're growing a mustache?
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah, that's right.
Ray Noble
Why? Why should you want a mustache?
Charlie McCarthy
Well, I've heard that mustaches. Are they attractive to, well, women of the opposite sex.
Ray Noble
Oh, I see. Oh, I see. So. So now it's girls.
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah. But none of that kid stuff, though.
Ray Noble
Oh, I see.
Charlie McCarthy
No, no. I'm getting. I'm getting interested in, you know, more sophisticated women. I see women about 14 or 15.
Ray Noble
Oh, well, Charlie, don't you think you. You're just a little bit too young to be growing a mustache?
Charlie McCarthy
But, Bergen, it's. It's nature.
Ray Noble
Oh, it is?
Charlie McCarthy
Oh, it's life. You. You can't fight those things.
Ray Noble
I see.
Charlie McCarthy
Now, don't you think that shaving three or four times a day will make my mustache grow faster?
Ray Noble
Well, I. I'm sure it will. Need something.
Charlie McCarthy
Yes, I. Huh?
Edgar Bergen
Yeah.
Ray Noble
You ought to do something to encourage it.
Charlie McCarthy
Yes, I maybe should put a little B1 on it.
Ray Noble
Well, why don't you try some of my hair tonic on your lips?
Charlie McCarthy
Your hair.
Ray Noble
Talented. Yes, you amuse me. You still believe, don't you? Yeah. So, you know, Ray Noble has a mustache. Perhaps he can give you a few pointers on it.
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah.
Ray Noble
Oh, Ray.
Bill Thompson
Yes?
Charlie McCarthy
Oh, we must ask you a question. How did you grow Yuna statuary?
Ray Noble
Oh, moustache.
Yes.
Well, I'll tell you, Charlie. As a matter of fact, I got.
It on the instalment plan and the installment plan.
Yes, a little down each week.
Pretty bad, wasn't it? Did it take you very long to grow at Ray? Oh, no.
Ego. No, it came rather natural, if anything. You see, the men in my family have always sported, shall we say, hirsute adornments.
Charlie McCarthy
Hirsute adornments. Little twirl. My two.
Ray Noble
As a matter of fact, Charlie, my uncle Persimmon had such a long beard that one day while running for a streetcar, his beard got in the way and he ran clear up to his chin before he could stop.
Charlie McCarthy
Will you get out of here and bring back some money, too?
Ray Noble
You know, Charlie, the fact that you want to grow a mustache makes me feel a little bit sad.
Charlie McCarthy
Well, why they again?
Ray Noble
Well, maybe I'm being selfish, but I hate to see you grow up, Charlie.
Charlie McCarthy
No. You hate to see me grow up.
Ray Noble
Yes. Yes, I do.
Charlie McCarthy
Well, what other direction could I go?
Ray Noble
No, what I mean is I. I have a feeling that I'm losing my little boy. You see, Charlie, your pranks and your boyish laughter have kept me young.
Charlie McCarthy
You mean that, Bergen?
Ray Noble
Yes, Charlie, you must realize, too, that. But I won't always be with you.
Charlie McCarthy
What do you mean?
Ray Noble
Well, you know how I wait for you to come home from school. And the fun we have.
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah, we do have fun, don't we?
Ray Noble
Yeah. Well, of course, that. That won't always be. Oh, the Time will come when you won't find me around the house.
Charlie McCarthy
You mean you're going to work?
Ray Noble
No. Ladies and gentlemen, at this moment Bill Thompson, our noted news commentator, is in gravel Knob, the capital of Flageria, waiting to give us news of world importance through a special two way hookup. We take you now to Flageria and Bill Thompson.
Bill Thompson
Hello, Edgar. Hello, America.
Ray Noble
Hello, Bill. How's everything in Flageria?
Bill Thompson
Just fine, Edgar. This happens to be Flageria's national holiday. Donkey neck Monday, which occurs immediately three Tuesdays before bus stop Thursday. The ceremonies are now starting with a Flagerian band conducted by Herb Harmonic who is a cousin of the noted American conductor Phil Harmonic. Here comes the band that was that old black magic. The Flagerian version, of course. I guess they're not ready yet. Got their yump caught in the door. Well, while waiting we'll hear an address by the honorable Garda T. Stumphead who is the minister of popular mechanics. As such, he is in the flagerian cabinet. The honorable Stumphead. Well, I guess he can't get out of the cabinet, so we'll continue.
Ray Noble
Hey, wait a minute, Bill. What was the minister Stumphead. What was he going to talk about?
Bill Thompson
Well, he was going to tell us about the main Fujarian industry which at the moment is going at full speed. In fact, their business is tops.
Ray Noble
And what do they manufacture? Tops.
Edgar Bergen
We're ready with the news from the scientific front, Mr. Thompson.
Bill Thompson
Well, thank you, ladies and gentlemen. We take you now to the laboratory of the great Flagerian scientist, Professor Scalpel Sulphonylimeds who is in the midst of an experiment that will enable a beaver to talk. This is an extremely delicate operation. We must have complete silence. Go ahead, professor. Good evening.
Professor Scalpel Sulphonylimeds
I'm mixing up the serum now that I hope will make this beaver talk. I got a little fat beaver here sitting on a board in front of me. It's a beaver board. Now, I'll just give him a shot of serum. Hold still, beaver. Easy now. Steady there. That does it. All right now, little fella, say something. Oh, come on now, darn it.
Bill Thompson
Everybody's listening.
Professor Scalpel Sulphonylimeds
You gotta say something.
Charlie McCarthy
I just can't think of a thing to say.
Bill Thompson
Well, thank you. Thank you, professor Sulphonilimits. And now let's go back to see how the gremlins are getting along. Take it away, parachute tower. Well, go ahead and yump.
Charlie McCarthy
No, you yump.
Ray Noble
How?
Bill Thompson
By yumping, yami.
Charlie McCarthy
You yump down. Oh no, sir. You young first.
Ray Noble
You have the parachute on.
Bill Thompson
Well, all right then. Okay. Well, they're still not Ready? I guess so. In the meantime, we take you to Mombuzi, West Africa, where we hear a native tribesman sending messages by means of ancient jungle drums. Take it away, Africa. Anybody else got a message to send?
Oh, I have.
Ray Noble
Will you send this one?
Bill Thompson
Can't send this. Why not Cancel. No birthday greetings. Thank you, Mamfuzzi. Ladies and gentlemen, as long as we're in Africa, let's hop over to Tunisia. Behind the Axis lines, we hear General von Sauerbraten addressing the men of the Africa Corps. Einstein Flight, not Africa Corps. And the Africa corner stood flying under Africa corn grid any sky flight. And a few weeks ago, the American General Eisenhower said he would push us into the sea. He would push us into the sea. Well, what are we waiting for? Last one in is an old sausage.
Ray Noble
Whenever she's in love, sings Dale Evans, it's always you, whoever you may be. He's a lucky guy.
Bill Thompson
Whenever I see a twilight I watch till a star breaks through Funny, it's not a star star I see it's always you Whenever I roam through roses and lately I often do Funny, it's not a rose I touch it's always you if a breeze caresses me it's really you strolling by if I hear a melody it's merely the way you survive Wherever you are you're near me why you dare me to be untrue Funny each time I fall in love it's always you if a breeze caresses me it's really you strolling by now if I hear a melody it merely the way you sigh Wherever you are, you're near me you dare me to be untrue Funny each time I fall in love well, every day I fall in love Love all over again with you Every time I'm in love it's always.
Edgar Bergen
You in times like these, everybody's on the lookout for ways to step up efficiency. Our clothing, our food, everything we buy must measure up in terms of service. Now, on that score, Tenderleaf brand T balls really take the palm. They're made to serve in days like these, to serve in more ways than one. American housewives call for them in preference to all other kinds because they're so superior. Yes, Tender Leaf brand tea balls are first choice of the nation. They bring you the delicious flavor of the small, young top tea leaves. The kind you get in Tenderleaf brand tea put up in packages too. Those tender tea leaves are infinitely preferable to the older, coarser leaves for exquisite bouquet, the true tea fragrance and for richness and satisfying flavor. In a word, they have everything tea lovers look for in addition to their time saving modern utility. Now, besides all that, they're made of tasteless filter paper. That's another big step forward at the moment. The overwhelming popularity of Tender Leaf brand tea balls may cause your grocer to run out of stock sometimes. Now if that happens, we hope you'll understand and cooperate. We'll be doing our best too. So always ask for Tender Leaf brand tea or Tender Leaf brand tea balls.
Charlie McCarthy
That reminds me of an incident a few years ago. I was three days out from the boathouse in Central park when our ship lost its rudder. We floundered for three days. It was some of the nicest flounder ever tasted.
Barbara Stanwyck
Hello, trolley.
Charlie McCarthy
I was. Well, hello, Barbara Stanley. Well, hiya, Babs.
Barbara Stanwyck
Oh, Charlie, what do you know?
Charlie McCarthy
Oh, things and stuff.
Barbara Stanwyck
What's new?
Charlie McCarthy
Well, stuff and things.
Barbara Stanwyck
I see. You're the same old Charlie.
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah.
Barbara Stanwyck
You know, I'll never forget the first.
Ray Noble
Time I met you.
Charlie McCarthy
Oh, yes.
Ray Noble
Yeah.
Charlie McCarthy
Well, that's understandable. Right. I'm the handsome blighter ad.
Barbara Stanwyck
Remember Charlie, in those days your salary was only 75 cents a week. Tell me, what are you getting now?
Charlie McCarthy
Now, 75 cents you lose.
Barbara Stanwyck
Oh, I don't know how you get along on it. Are you making both ends meet?
Bill Thompson
Well, yes.
Charlie McCarthy
Does it? As soon as I do, somebody moves the ends.
Barbara Stanwyck
Charlie, I sympathize with you. I know what it's like to have the wolf at the door.
Charlie McCarthy
Oh, has Bergen been bothering you since?
Barbara Stanwyck
Charlie, what you need is a manager.
Charlie McCarthy
A manager?
Barbara Stanwyck
Uh huh.
Bill Thompson
Me?
Barbara Stanwyck
Yes. Just place yourself in my hands and I'll put you on a solid basis.
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah, you lean on the rocks.
Barbara Stanwyck
No, no, you let me talk to Bergen and believe me, I'll get you a pretty pen.
Charlie McCarthy
How about some ugly old dollars?
Barbara Stanwyck
I'll get you some of those too. Why Charlie, you're terrific. You're sensational. You're dynamite.
Charlie McCarthy
Do you really think so?
Barbara Stanwyck
No, but that's the kind of hooey I'll hand Bergen.
Charlie McCarthy
Well, now, wait a minute.
Barbara Stanwyck
No, no, let's not waste time. Is it a deal?
Bill Thompson
Well, I don't know.
Charlie McCarthy
Okay, okay. Draw for verbal contract and I'll sign.
Barbara Stanwyck
It all right now. Of course, for my services, I.
Bill Thompson
Yes?
Charlie McCarthy
Well, there's the question of money. Isn't there always? What do you usually get for a shakedown like this?
Barbara Stanwyck
Oh, well, we'll divide it evenly. 60, 40.
Charlie McCarthy
Yes. What's even about that?
Barbara Stanwyck
Well, they're both even numbers.
Charlie McCarthy
Oh, yeah, so they are. Yes, I suppose I get the 60. Not you.
Barbara Stanwyck
No, you get the 40.
Ray Noble
Pretty good.
Charlie McCarthy
Whatever made me think I got the 60. How silly. Yes.
Barbara Stanwyck
Oh, never mind that. Let's get to work on Bergen. Yeah, bring on the old tight wad.
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah, let's get the old cheapskate, huh? Hey, Bergen.
Ray Noble
Yes, Charlie?
Charlie McCarthy
Come here. Meet my new manager. 60%, Stanley.
Ray Noble
Oh, I see. Your new manager.
Barbara Stanwyck
Yes, yes. Mr. Bergen. As Charlie's manager, I demand an increase in our allowance. And we won't take no for an answer.
Charlie McCarthy
We want dough, not no.
Ray Noble
Just a moment. This comes as rather a surprise.
Charlie McCarthy
If you're surprised now, wait till you hear what we're asking. What are we asking?
Barbara Stanwyck
We're asking for $10 a week.
Ray Noble
$10 a week? Why, that's ridiculous.
Barbara Stanwyck
Mr. Bergen, let's not beat around the bush. My client, Mr. McCarthy, is the important member in this outfit. What are you in this combination anyway? Just a stooge.
Charlie McCarthy
This is the happiest moment of my life. Lay it on in there.
Barbara Stanwyck
You bet I will.
Charlie McCarthy
Show it.
Barbara Stanwyck
Do you realize how much you owe, Charlie?
Bill Thompson
Yeah.
Charlie McCarthy
Where would you be without me?
Ray Noble
Well, where would you be without me? Why, we.
Charlie McCarthy
That darn thing never does come out right, does it?
Ray Noble
Ms. Danworth, I'm afraid what you ask is out of the question.
Barbara Stanwyck
Oh, now, wait, Mr. Bergen. Put yourself in my client's place. Haven't you ever needed money? Needed it so badly that you'd stoop to anything to get it?
Ray Noble
Well, yes, I have.
Barbara Stanwyck
All right. What did you do?
Ray Noble
He took a ventriloquism. Now, Major, never mind that.
Barbara Stanwyck
Edgar. Oh, Edgar. Think of what may happen if you refuse to help this poor boy.
Charlie McCarthy
Yes.
Barbara Stanwyck
For want of the bare necessities of life, why, he may be forced to steal. So hungry to become a hardened criminal, an outcast.
Charlie McCarthy
Nobody don't hear. No.
Barbara Stanwyck
An enemy of society. Yes, yes, even a murderer. So long, Charlie. Charlie, where are you going?
Charlie McCarthy
I'm gonna give myself. I'll know it's made a murder out of me.
Barbara Stanwyck
Charlie, come back here. Mr. Bergen. Mr. Bergen, do you realize my client would have walked out on you long ago if it weren't for his incredible loyalty and stupidity?
Charlie McCarthy
That's telling em.
Ray Noble
Or is it?
Barbara Stanwyck
Mr. Bergen, this is positively your last chance. Will you or will you not increase our allowance to $10?
Ray Noble
I will not.
Charlie McCarthy
I knew it wouldn't work.
Barbara Stanwyck
Oh, don't worry, Charlie. I've got him going.
Charlie McCarthy
Yeah, but in the wrong direction. You.
Barbara Stanwyck
Don't be silly. Don't give up, Charlie.
Charlie McCarthy
We'll arbitrate, settle for less.
Barbara Stanwyck
Now, Mr. Bergen, what will you give?
Ray Noble
Well, I might consider a 25 cent raise, but no more.
Barbara Stanwyck
Oh, 25 cents. Oh, did you hear that, Charlie? Oh, he asked for a $10 increase and he wants to give 25.
Charlie McCarthy
That's pretty good. Let's take it.
Barbara Stanwyck
Well, there you are, Charlie. Now you get a whole dollar of the week.
Charlie McCarthy
And I owe it all to you. Manager.
Barbara Stanwyck
Well, no, not all of it.
Charlie McCarthy
Huh?
Barbara Stanwyck
Just 60%.
Charlie McCarthy
Oh, yeah, that's right. Just 60%. 60 cents. And I get to. Wait a minute. Now, now, now, now. That only gives me 40 cents a week. Now, that's right. I've been taking like an aspirin here.
Ray Noble
Be with us again next week when.
Edgar Bergen
Charlie and all of us will be on hand to greet our special guests, Victor Moore and Billy Gaxton, and the eminent psychologist and author of let's Explore your mind, Dr. Albert Edward Wiggum. Ladies and gentlemen, this week, May 3rd to 9th, all over the United States and Canada, is National Restaurant Week. And this year it has a special significance which its sponsors sum up in this theme for victory. Work more, Sleep more. Eat well, Be well, Buy more. War bonds and stamps. Remember National Restaurant Week, May 3rd to 9th. Barbara Stanwyck is currently being seen in lady of Burlesque. This is Buddy Twist saying good night from Hollywood. This is the National Broadcasting Company.
Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Chase And Sanborn Hour 43-05-02 Barbara Stanwyck Acts as Charlie's Agent
Release Date: August 9, 2025
The episode of "Chase And Sanborn Hour" opens with a vibrant introduction by Edgar Bergen at [00:03], presenting the ensemble cast:
This sets the stage for a blend of humor, music, and engaging dialogue typical of the Golden Age of Radio.
A central comedic theme of the episode revolves around Charlie McCarthy's newfound mustache. The segment begins at [00:27] with Charlie greeting the audience and Dale Evans, quickly segueing into humor about his facial hair:
The playful banter continues as Barbara teases Charlie about his youthful appearance despite the mustache:
Charlie’s attempts to appear more mature and sophisticated lead to further humorous exchanges:
This segment highlights the witty interplay between characters, showcasing Charlie's mischievous charm and Barbara's sharp tongue.
Interwoven with the comedic dialogues are musical interludes and satirical news segments that add depth and variety to the episode.
Musical Performances:
Satirical News with Bill Thompson:
At [07:00], the show transitions to a mock news segment with Bill Thompson reporting from the fictional capital of Flageria:
The satire continues with whimsical descriptions of local events and absurd news items, such as:
These segments blend absurdist humor with clever wordplay, reflecting the playful spirit of old-time radio.
One of the pivotal moments in the episode features Barbara Stanwyck stepping into the role of Charlie McCarthy's agent, advocating for a raise in Charlie's allowance. This negotiation begins around [16:28] and unfolds with sharp comedic timing.
Initial Negotiation Attempt:
Negotiation with Edgar Bergen (Ray Noble):
As Barbara confronts Ray Noble (portraying Edgar Bergen), the dialogue becomes increasingly humorous and assertive:
Climax and Resolution:
Barbara employs exaggerated emotional appeals to secure the raise:
Ultimately, Ray concedes to a partial raise:
Barbara skillfully negotiates Charlie's new allowance, humorously highlighting the struggles of manageability and financial negotiations for Charlie.
As the episode nears its end, Edgar Bergen wraps up with a teaser for the next show:
This closure maintains listener engagement, promising future entertainment and continued comedic escapades.
This episode of "Chase And Sanborn Hour" masterfully blends humor, satire, and engaging character dynamics, particularly highlighting Barbara Stanwyck's role as a determined agent advocating for Charlie McCarthy. The interplay between characters, coupled with musical interludes and comedic news segments, provides a rich and entertaining experience that captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to these classic broadcasts, this episode offers a delightful journey into nostalgic radio entertainment.