Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Cinnamon Bear 37-11-26 01 Paddy O'Cinnamon (1)
Date: December 3, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Featured Story: "The Cinnamon Bear" (Episode 1, originally released November 26, 1937)

Episode Overview

This episode features the first chapter of the beloved classic radio serial, "The Cinnamon Bear," a whimsical adventure aimed at children and families during the holiday season. The story introduces twins Judy and Jimmy Barton as they begin their Christmas preparations, only to be swept away into magical adventures while searching for a treasured holiday ornament—their family's Silver Star.

Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Introduction to Judy and Jimmy Barton

(01:41 – 02:46)

• Narrator (B) introduces the twin protagonists, Judy and Jimmy, as they write letters to Santa Claus.
• The siblings humorously bicker over the contents and dignity of their letters.

2. The Search for the Silver Star

(03:01 – 04:48)

• Their mother (D) tasks them with checking the family’s Christmas ornaments.
• The children discover that the favorite decoration—the Silver Star—is missing.
• Emotional attachment is revealed:
  • Judy: "We've had it on top of our tree for years and years. Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the silver star." (03:54)

3. Journey to the Attic and a Magical Discovery

(04:49 – 07:18)

• Judy and Jimmy, with mother's permission, venture into the attic to search for the star.
• They discover various treasures: old quilts, a spinning wheel, a music box, and most notably, a tiny teddy bear with a green ribbon and a telescope.
• Playful banter about who is the fastest and “afraid of cat,” revealing their sibling dynamics.

4. Encounter with The Cinnamon Bear

(07:13 – 09:41)

• Jimmy suggests looking at the tiny bear through the telescope, making it appear huge.
• The bear magically comes to life, introducing himself in a whimsical rhyme:
  • Cinnamon Bear (F):
    “I'm the cinnamon bear with a shoe but knives.
    And I'm looking for someone to take by surprise...
    …Now I'll growl Garrah and I'll growl Garoo
    and if you like to pray I'm much obliged to you.” (08:37–09:41)

5. Friendship and Quest for the Silver Star

(09:43 – 11:15)

• Judy and Jimmy pretend to be frightened to make the bear feel impressive.
• The Cinnamon Bear reassures them and formally introduces himself:
  • Cinnamon Bear (E):
    “Me name's Patty o' Sullivan.” (10:19) “Sure, I'm slightly Irish. That's why I wear this green ribbon around me neck.” (10:25)
• Judy and Jimmy ask if the bear has seen the Silver Star.
• The Cinnamon Bear explains that the "Crazy Quilt Dragon" has stolen it:
  • Cinnamon Bear (E):
    “Why, the Crazy Quilt dragon, to be sure... He's terribly fond of shiny, bright things...he just upped and ran off with it.” (10:55–11:15)

6. The Plan to Retrieve the Silver Star

(11:15 – 12:27)

• The Cinnamon Bear encourages them:
  • Cinnamon Bear (E):
    “Now, don't carry on like that. You can get the Silver Star back. Well, maybe.” (11:19) "By going after the Crazy Quilt Dragon. Chase him. I'll help ya." (11:25–11:28)
• The dragon is believed to have escaped to the “Lollipop Mountains.”
• To follow, Judy and Jimmy must “degrow” to become 4 inches high, like the Cinnamon Bear:
  • Cinnamon Bear (E):
    “All you and Judy have to do is degrow…Get smaller and smaller and smaller until you're only 4 inches high, like me.” (12:13–12:20)
• He promises to show them how, inviting listeners to return for the next episode to find out how this magical shrinking occurs.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Judy (C): “Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the Silver Star.” (03:54)
• Cinnamon Bear (F): (Sings poem introducing himself, filled with rhymes and playful growls) (08:37–09:41)
• Cinnamon Bear (E): "Me name's Patty o' Sullivan." (10:19)
• Cinnamon Bear (E): "Now, don't carry on like that. You can get the Silver Star back." (11:19)
• Cinnamon Bear (E): “All you and Judy have to do is de-grow.” (12:13)

Key Timestamps

• 01:41 — Story begins, introduction to Judy and Jimmy.
• 03:41 — Discovery that the Silver Star is missing.
• 05:28 — Children find the old trunk in the attic.
• 07:13 — Spotting the tiny teddy bear; magical suggestions.
• 08:37 — The Cinnamon Bear introduces himself with a playful song.
• 10:19 — “Me name’s Patty o’ Sullivan.”
• 10:55 — Revelation: The Crazy Quilt Dragon stole the Silver Star.
• 11:28 — Cinnamon Bear agrees to help recover the star.
• 12:13 — The magical concept of “degrowing” is introduced.

Tone & Style

The episode is whimsical and nostalgic, blending familial warmth, holiday magic, and a sense of childhood adventure. The dialogue is light, playful, and filled with gentle sibling rivalry and wonder. The Cinnamon Bear is charmingly boastful and offers Irish-inflected humor, setting the stage for a grand adventure in a magical world.

In Summary

This sparkling debut episode of "The Cinnamon Bear" sets up a delightful Christmas adventure, inviting listeners—especially children and families—to follow Judy and Jimmy through magical miniaturization and into a whimsical world full of talking animals, dragons, and holiday spirit. The episode closes on a cliffhanger, teasing the magical process of “degrowing” and promising further fantastical exploits in pursuit of the lost Silver Star.