Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio — Cinnamon Bear: "Roly-Poly Policeman"

Episode Date: December 11, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode continues the whimsical, serialized adventure of The Cinnamon Bear, a beloved children’s radio classic from the Golden Age of Radio. Judy, Jimmy, and their loyal companion, Cinnamon Bear, are on the quest to recover their lost Silver Star for their Christmas tree. In this chapter, their search brings them ashore on the magical island of Obi, where a quirky Roly-Poly Policeman is found with the treasured star. The story emphasizes cleverness, kindness, and the unpredictability of fantastical adventures.

Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Recap and Setting the Scene

• [02:11] Narrator: Reminds listeners that our heroes had recently been captured by candy-craving pirates. Captain Taffy has helped Judy, Jimmy, and Cinnamon Bear get close to the island of Obi.
• They spot the Roly-Poly Policeman wearing their Silver Star, raising both hope and curiosity about its return.

2. Farewell to the Candy Pirates

• [02:59–04:47] Shipboard Farewells: Captain Taffy and the kindly pirates provide a rowboat for the group to reach the island, expressing camaraderie and good wishes.
  • [03:06] Judy: “I never knew pirates could be so nice. Did you, Cinnamon Bear?”
  • [03:11] Cinnamon Bear: “Bless my stuffing, Snow. And we're much obliged to you, Captain.”
• Pirates set off in pursuit of marshmallows, and the trio rows anxiously toward the beach.

3. Encounter with the Roly-Poly Policeman

• [05:12–06:14] Approach: The trio spots the Roly-Poly Policeman and tries to reach him.
  • Attempt to land is thwarted by a magical, un-crossable wave.
  • [06:30] Roly Poly Policeman: “It's no use, folks. That's a magic wave. It'll keep anyone from landing in a boat.”
• The group discusses possible landings, including swimming, but Cinnamon Bear refuses out of concern for his “precious stuffings.”

4. Negotiating for the Silver Star

• [07:00–08:46] Parley and Politeness:
  • Cinnamon Bear is confrontational, but Judy takes a more polite approach.
  • [08:00] Judy: “Well, you might let us have our Silver Star… It belongs on the tip top of our Christmas tree.”
  • The Policeman, sympathetic to Christmas, agrees to return the star—if only they can come ashore.
  • He suggests rowing down the beach to bypass the magic wave.

5. Discovery and Frustration: The Star Has Moved Again

• [09:17–11:01] The Chase Resumes:
  • The trio finally reaches shore and hurries back, only to discover the Policeman no longer holds the star.
  • [10:20] Roly Poly Policeman: “Well, I guess your friend didn't find you yet.”
  • He explains a dragon—who resembles the Crazy Quilt Dragon—claimed the star on their behalf.

6. Tempers Flare and a Lesson Learned

• [11:06–11:41] Cinnamon Bear Loses His Cool:
  • Upset, Cinnamon Bear threatens and tries to push the rotund Policeman over.
  • The attempt is thwarted humorously as the Policeman pops back up, knocking Cinnamon Bear out.
  • [11:31] Roly Poly Policeman: “That's what happens to feisty fellows who forget to remember that when you push over a roly poly, he comes right back up.”

7. Setting Out After the Crazy Quilt Dragon

• Though chagrined, the group quickly pivots to pursue the Crazy Quilt Dragon, who has absconded with the Silver Star.
• [12:19] Judy: “Stop it, Cinnamon Bear. We've got no time to fight.”
• They dash off onto the sandy island in hot pursuit.

8. A Sudden Disappearance

• [12:51–13:01] Shocking Turn: As they chase after the dragon, Cinnamon Bear suddenly vanishes before their eyes.
  • [12:55] Jimmy: “He was running right there ahead of us, and then all of a sudden he just…”
  • [13:01] Judy: “…just disappeared.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Charming Pirate Farewells

• Judy [03:06]: “I never knew pirates could be so nice. Did you, Cinnamon Bear?”
• Cinnamon Bear [03:11]: “Bless my stuffing, Snow. And we're much obliged to you, Captain.”

The Policeman’s Magical Obstinacy

• Roly Poly Policeman [06:30]: “It's no use, folks. That's a magic wave. It'll keep anyone from landing in a boat.”

Negotiating with Kindness

• Judy [08:00]: “Well, you might let us have our Silver Star… It belongs on the tip top of our Christmas tree.”
• Roly Poly Policeman [08:11]: “Sure, and it's. Sorry I am to hear that being meant for Christmas meself. I know how it is. If you'll just come ashore, I'll give it back sure enough.”

Policeman's Defense of His Patrol Duties

• Roly Poly Policeman [07:35]: “Oh, with a roll this way and a roll that way, I can patrol about 3ft on either side of me. Not much, maybe, but it's patrolling I am, and I am raw around here.”

Humor in Frustration

• Cinnamon Bear [11:01]: “Garra, am I ferocious. That crazy Quilt Dragon up to his old tricks again.”
• Roly Poly Policeman [11:31]: “That's what happens to feisty fellows who forget to remember that when you push over a roly poly, he comes right back up.”

Cinnamon Bear’s Sudden Vanishing

• Jimmy [12:55]: “He was running right there ahead of us, and then all of a sudden he just…”
• Judy [13:01]: “…just disappeared.”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:11] Recap by the Narrator and setup for this episode’s quest
• [02:59–04:47] Farewells and launching to the island
• [05:12–06:38] Encounter with Roly-Poly Policeman, magic wave dilemma
• [07:57–08:46] Judy’s polite plea for the star and hopeful agreement
• [10:17–11:01] Realization: The star is gone; Crazy Quilt Dragon's involvement revealed
• [11:06–11:41] Cinnamon Bear's scuffle with the Policeman
• [12:51–13:01] Cinnamon Bear disappears

Conclusion & Takeaways

“Roly-Poly Policeman” is a lighthearted, imaginative installment filled with warmth, gentle humor, and the spirit of adventure. Through playful dialogue, the episode underscores the importance of politeness, teamwork, and quick-thinking in the face of obstacles—even magical ones! The sudden disappearance of Cinnamon Bear on the trail of the elusive Crazy Quilt Dragon ends the episode on a cliffhanger, leaving listeners eager for the next adventure.

Perfect for fans of old-time radio or new listeners alike, this episode captures the fantastical charm and clever whimsy that made The Cinnamon Bear a holiday tradition.