Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Cinnamon Bear 37-12-08 11 – Fee Foo, the Gentle Giant

Release Date: December 13, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

This episode features another whimsical adventure in the beloved “Cinnamon Bear” radio serial. Jimmy, Judy, the Cinnamon Bear, and their timid companion Fraidy Cat continue their quest through the magical Wintergreen Witch's forest in search of the stolen Silver Star. In this segment, they encounter Fee Foo (also spelled "Fifo" in the episode), a gentle giant who challenges their preconceptions about giants and provides unexpected assistance, nourishment, and a magical token to aid in their journey. The episode is filled with charming dialogue, playful humor, and ends on a new cliffhanger.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Recap of Previous Adventures [02:38–03:10]

• The host briefly summarizes prior events:
  • Professor Whiz (the owl) had told them he’d seen the Crazy Quilt Dragon—along with the Silver Star—enter the Wintergreen Witch’s house.
  • The forest is not just a picture, but a magical place they entered, where they met the skittish Fraidy Cat.

2. The Group Meets Fee Foo, the Gentle Giant [03:10–05:07]

• The group senses a giant approaching and panics, trying to hide.
• Fraidy Cat’s comic terror sets the mood:
  • Fraidy Cat (C): “Meow. I'm so scared. Meow. I'm so unlucky. Everything happens to me.” (03:19)
• When the giant arrives, he quickly reassures them:
  • Fee Foo (G): “Of course I won't step on you. ... Why, I wouldn't think of hurting anybody. I'm Fifo, the gentle giant I am.” (03:41, 04:01)
• The children and their friends realize Fee Foo is safe and even friendly.

3. A Friendly Encounter – Snacks in the Goody Goody Grove [05:08–08:59]

• Fee Foo gently picks up his new friends, placing Fraidy Cat in his coat pocket to ease his fears.
• Introduction of magical, delicious trees:
  • Fee Foo (G): “That's the cinnamon bun tree in the Goody Goody grove. Oh, there's all kinds of good things to eat there. Chocolate eclair brushes, cream puff vines and ice cream cone trees.” (06:49)
• The group is treated to a magical feast:
  • Jimmy (E): “Gee, this is the first time I ever got to eat all the cream puffs I wanted. Mother wouldn't let me have but one at home.” (08:30)
• Fraidy Cat is given milk from a milkweed tree and is assured he need not fear Fee Foo.
• The gentle giant expresses his loneliness and asks Fraidy Cat to keep him company, deepening the sense of Fee Foo’s gentle, misunderstood nature.

4. The Giant’s Story and a Magical Gift [09:00–10:47]

• Fee Foo explains how he came to be in the magical forest:
  • Fee Foo (G): “The wintergreen witch made me real small and put me through the picture frame in her house. And then made me big again before I woke up. Now I can't get out because I'm too large.” (09:08)
• He sadly admits only the witch can let him leave.
• Before they part ways, Fee Foo offers a special whistle, telling them:
  • Fee Foo (G): “You just blow on it three times if you want me for anything and... I’ll hear it and I’ll come.” (10:05)
  • Judy, Jimmy, and Cinnamon Bear thank Fee Foo for his kindness and for changing their ideas about giants.
    • Judy (F): “You've certainly changed our opinions of giants.” (10:51)

5. Onward and Into Magical Darkness – New Peril [10:47–13:42]

• The group says goodbye, and Fee Foo takes Fraidy Cat with him for company.
• The search for the Crazy Quilt Dragon resumes, with Cinnamon Bear advising:
  • Cinnamon Bear (B): “If you want to find somebody real bad, that's just what you do. Follow your nose and eventually you find him.” (11:55)
• Suddenly, magical darkness falls:
  • Judy (F): “What do you suppose ever made it get dark so quick? ... Maybe it just decided to get nighttime in a hurry.” (13:00)
  • Cinnamon Bear (B): “No, Judy, I think it's magic. The wintergreen witch probably shut off the lights.” (13:06)
• Two yellow lights appear in the distance—eyes in the dark, leaving the group (and listeners) in suspense.

6. Cliffhanger Ending [13:27–13:42]

• As the mysterious glowing eyes loom closer, tension mounts.
  • Narrator (D): “As Jimmy often says. Gee willikers, what's going to happen next? I'd like nothing better than to know right this very minute. But like you, I'm going to have to be patient and wait until next time.” (13:42)
• The adventure is paused, setting up the next chapter in classic radio drama style.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Fraidy Cat: “Meow. I'm so scared. ... Everything happens to me.” (03:19)
• Fee Foo: “I wouldn't think of hurting anybody. I'm Fifo, the gentle giant I am.” (04:01)
• Jimmy: “Gee, this is the first time I ever got to eat all the cream puffs I wanted. Mother wouldn't let me have but one at home.” (08:30)
• Fee Foo: “You blow [this whistle] if you need me, and I'll come in a jiffy.” (10:36)
• Cinnamon Bear: “If you want to find somebody real bad, that's just what you do. Follow your nose and eventually you find him.” (11:55)
• Judy: “What do you suppose ever made it get dark so quick?” (13:00)
• Narrator: “Gee willikers, what's going to happen next? ... Like you, I'm going to have to be patient and wait until next time.” (13:42)

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |--------------|------------------------------------------| | 02:38–03:10 | Episode recap | | 03:10–05:07 | Meeting Fee Foo, the gentle giant | | 05:08–08:59 | Magical treats in the Goody Goody grove | | 09:00–10:47 | Fee Foo’s story and giving the whistle | | 10:47–13:42 | New danger: magical darkness and eyes | | 13:42 | Cliffhanger ending |

Tone & Style

The dialogue maintains the playful, imaginative, and reassuring tone found in 1930s radio adventure serials. Characters express childlike wonder, nervousness, and camaraderie, while Fee Foo is portrayed as gentle, lonesome, and protective, subverting expectations. Humor and whimsy abound in both dialogue and fantastical settings.

Episode Takeaways

• Unexpected Help: The children learn that even seemingly frightening figures like Fee Foo can become trusted friends and helpers.
• Imagination and Whimsy: Magic trees that provide sweets, and friendly giants abound in this enchanted world.
• Perseverance in Quest: The group remains determined to recover their Silver Star, pressing forward despite constant surprises and perils.
• Classic Cliffhanger: The episode closes with a suspenseful tease, ensuring listeners will return for the next installment.