Danny Marsdon 48-10-20 (03) The Triangle of Plenty

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Episode: Danny Marsdon 48-10-20 (03) The Triangle of Plenty

Release Date: July 6, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Title: Danny Marsdon 48-10-20 (03) The Triangle of Plenty

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Harold's Old Time Radio takes listeners back to the Golden Age of radio with engaging dramas that capture the essence of bygone eras. In the episode "The Triangle of Plenty," listeners follow the investigative journey of Danny Marsden, a dedicated reporter navigating the complexities of labor disputes, management challenges, and investor expectations at the Mid City Sentinel.

1. Introduction to Danny Marsden’s New Assignment

The episode opens with Denny Marsden introducing himself as a long-time murder beat reporter at the Mid City Sentinel. An unexpected shift occurs when Chief Morrison summons him to discuss a new assignment.

• [00:18] Chief Morrison: “Murder sensational is tough, but it's pretty unimportant compared to the big things that affect everyone's lives every day.”

Initially resistant, Denny acknowledges the chief's persuasive nature and the gravity of his new responsibilities.

2. The Challenge: The Triangle of Plenty

Denny’s new assignment revolves around what is termed the "Triangle of Plenty," aiming to balance the interests of labor, consumers, and investors to foster prosperity and happiness for all stakeholders.

• [01:42] Denny Marsden: “How do we create more prosperity and more happiness for them all?”

Nellie McCoy, Denny's assistant, highlights the multifaceted nature of the task, emphasizing the need to consider labor, consumer, and investor perspectives.

3. Investigating Consumer Behavior

Nellie takes on the role of investigating consumer behavior, particularly focusing on shoppers’ preferences and purchasing patterns in the context of the hosiery industry’s ongoing strike.

• [02:26] Nellie McCoy: “Shoppers, especially the female of the species, are absolutely heartless. They're strictly for bigger packages at lower prices and let the chips fall where they may.”

Through her undercover interactions, Nellie uncovers the harsh realities consumers face, balancing cost-saving with quality demands.

4. Engaging with Labor: The Striking Workers

Denny interviews Bill Johnson, a worker on the picket line, shedding light on the grievances of the labor force.

• [04:07] Bill Johnson: “I get a buck an hour on the plant hosiery. See, management says that because of competition, our prices can't be raised...”

Bill discusses the financial strains caused by competition, stagnant wages, and the impact on both workers and the company’s profitability. The imminent threat of a competitor underscoring the urgency for a viable solution.

5. Delving into Investor Perspectives

Nellie shifts her focus to investors, interviewing Jean Manaldi, a widow and shareholder, to understand investor concerns amidst the plant’s financial struggles.

• [07:08] Nellie McCoy: “I got them for 90 cents.”

Jean expresses her anxieties about the stability of her investments and the future of the company, highlighting the precarious balance between investor returns and company performance.

6. Resolution: Bridging the Triangle

The narrative pivots as Bill Johnson reveals a potential resolution to the conflict, articulating a strategy that harmonizes the interests of workers, management, and investors.

• [08:18] Bill Johnson: "The answer to our problem has to come in two ways... produce more and better goods per man hour... put more money and more equipment into the plant."

Bill outlines a plan involving increased productivity and investment to lower production costs, enabling higher wages and better returns for investors while offering consumers more affordable products. This multifaceted approach aims to restore balance within the Triangle of Plenty.

• [09:28] Mr. Johnson: “That's exactly the way our free enterprise economy has been able to constantly increase the workers' wages and at the same time produce more and better goods at lower prices.”

7. Chief Morrison’s Commendation

Upon successfully resolving the conflict, Chief Morrison praises Danny and Nellie for their insightful reporting, lauding the "Triangle of Plenty" series as one of the Sentinel’s best publications.

• [10:03] Mr. Johnson: “We all need to remember that what we're all after after all real Canadians, is a better living and more happiness for everyone who lives here.”

• [11:08] Chief Morrison: “This Triangle of plenty can take us to an even greater freedom. That's great stuff, Danny.”

Danny's piece emphasizes two key points:

1. Investment in Capital: Encouraging Canadians to invest in better equipment and infrastructure.
2. Enhanced Labor Productivity: Motivating the workforce to increase productivity and efficiency.

These principles reflect a harmonious approach to economic growth, benefiting all parties involved.

8. Light-Hearted Closure

The episode concludes with a humorous exchange between Danny and Chief Morrison about social engagements, adding a human touch to the narrative.

• [12:01] Chief Morrison: “...my wife and I thought you and Nellie might be our guests for dinner and dancing tonight.”

Danny negotiates participation while ensuring professional boundaries, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual respect within the workplace.

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Notable Quotes:

• Chief Morrison ([00:18]): “Murder sensational is tough, but it's pretty unimportant compared to the big things that affect everyone's lives every day.”

• Denny Marsden ([01:42]): “How do we create more prosperity and more happiness for them all?”

• Nellie McCoy ([02:26]): “Shoppers, especially the female of the species, are absolutely heartless. They're strictly for bigger packages at lower prices and let the chips fall where they may.”

• Bill Johnson ([04:07]): “I get a buck an hour on the plant hosiery...”

• Mr. Johnson ([08:29]): “That's exactly the way our free enterprise economy has been able to constantly increase the workers' wages and at the same time produce more and better goods at lower prices.”

• Chief Morrison ([11:08]): “This Triangle of plenty can take us to an even greater freedom. That's great stuff, Danny.”

Conclusion

"The Triangle of Plenty" episode adeptly explores the intertwined relationships between labor, management, and investors, presenting a coherent strategy to achieve economic prosperity and collective well-being. Through diligent reporting and insightful interviews, Danny Marsden and Nellie McCoy illuminate the path towards a balanced and thriving community, embodying the spirit of cooperation and mutual benefit.

Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of economic dynamics and the importance of addressing diverse stakeholder needs to foster a harmonious and prosperous society.

Transcript

[Denny Marsden]

Hello there. I'm Denny Marsden. Murder's been my beat for a long time here at the Mid City Sentinel. It was exciting stuff and I loved it. I used to think there was nothing more exciting under the sun. And then not long ago, the chief called me into his office.

[Chief Morrison]

Danny, I'm taking you off to murder beat.

[Denny Marsden]

I've got bigger work for you to do.

[Chief Morrison]

Murder sensational is tough, but it's pretty unimportant compared to the big things that affect everyone's lives every day. Don't you agree?

[Denny Marsden]

Well, I argued of course, but my chief is quite a persuasive guy. And almost every week when I come to my desk, I find myself assignments called in the chief's handwriting. And when the boss starts writing notes, he really means business.

[Chief Morrison]

So maybe one reason I like the.

[Denny Marsden]

New job is the fact that the boss gave me a full time assistant. And as an assistant, Nellie McCoy is the real McCoy. Nellie, what's the missive from the master today?

[Nellie McCoy]

Chief said his fluent fast in this one, Danny, kind of long. Reads like one of his editorials.

[Denny Marsden]

Let's hear it.

[Nellie McCoy]

Well, he starts out the Mid City Sentinel has pointed out many times that the Canadian worker is better off than workers in other parts of the world. But that's not good enough. He wants even better off and I don't blame him. But the worker isn't the only one who wants a better deal. I'd like a raise myself and so would you, eh, Danny?

[Denny Marsden]

Well, the boss might think that's a joke now, but he's uttering words of wisdom.

[Nellie McCoy]

Let me finish. The stockholders in the Sentinel would like more profits too. Everybody wants more and that's legitimate enough. And that, Danny, is your assignment. I want you to look at every angle of this triangle. Labor, consumer, investor and in the center, management. And I want you to come up with the answer everyone is looking for. How do we create more prosperity and more happiness for them all? Gee, Danny, he's not acting much, is he?

[Denny Marsden]

How do we create more prosperity and more happiness for them all? Nellie, I don't know the answer yet, but if you and I can find it, I've already got the headlines figured out.

[Nellie McCoy]

Hadn't you better wait until we find the answer? It looks like a tough one to me.

[Denny Marsden]

We'll have a two column spread in heavy type. We'll call it the Triangle of Plenty of. And under that will be my byline. And then in slightly smaller letters, research by Nellie McCoy.

[Nellie McCoy]

Research by me. Penny, I don't know anything about research.

[Denny Marsden]

Research, honey, is Just another word for asking questions. And that makes you a research expert. I want you to haunt the stores and find out what the shoppers, that's the consumers in the chief's high phone language are saying. I'll cover labor and management.

[Nellie McCoy]

There's nothing I'd like better. I can try on a few hats.

[Denny Marsden]

Oh, that's a woman for you. The world's looking for an answer to its problem and you want to try on hats.

[Floor Walker]

Oh, floor walker.

[Nellie McCoy]

I'm Nelly McCoy of the Mid City Sentinel. We're doing an article about shoppers. Tell me what's going on over at that counter where all the women are milling. Wrong. Mayhem, Madam Mayhem, that's what's going on. We advertise a shipment of high grade hos. 90 cents a pair and 9 out.

[Floor Walker]

Of 10 women will commit murder to.

[Nellie McCoy]

Get a pair of them for herself. Hey, I don't blame them. That's a big saving. Out of my way. Oh, just a minute, miss.

[Floor Walker]

I thought you were here to write an article.

[Nellie McCoy]

Phew. What a beautiful flying tackle.

[Floor Walker]

And such a ladylike looking girl, too.

[Denny Marsden]

Hey, buddy. I'm Danny Marsden from the Mid City Sentinel. How long have you been on this picket line?

[Bill Johnson]

Too long, mister.

[Denny Marsden]

Look, can you slip away for a cup of coffee at Jones?

[Bill Johnson]

Well, sure. Yeah, sure thing. Hey, hey, Bill.

[Denny Marsden]

Bill.

[Chief Morrison]

So that's the way it is, Mr. Morrison.

[Denny Marsden]

Call me Danny.

[Bill Johnson]

There just doesn't seem to be any answer. I get a buck an hour on the plant hosiery. See, management says that because of competition, our prices can't be raised. And I'm getting all that the business can pay. The stockholders are getting nothing. Up until a month ago, the plant was just carrying on hoping for a break. Management was stalling off the directors and the stockholders.

[Denny Marsden]

Yeah, and then what?

[Bill Johnson]

Well, another plant started underselling us with a line of equal clothing.

[Denny Marsden]

That puts your plan in quite a spot.

[Bill Johnson]

Sure, the directors have been chasing the manager and the foreman. Put the heat on us right down the line. And the whole thing happened just when our union put in its bid for a wage increase. The boss said he couldn't pay it. And here we are on the picket line.

[Denny Marsden]

Well, you don't think there's going to be trouble?

[Bill Johnson]

No, I don't think you'll get any kind of a story of that kind, Danny. We got a leaflet from the boss yesterday. He's been burning the midnight oil, he said.

[Chief Morrison]

Says if we'll go back to work.

[Bill Johnson]

At the old rate tomorrow. He thinks he's worked out an Answer. That'll be satisfactory to everyone. The committee's meeting tonight and the rumor is we'll be back in the shop tomorrow and see what comes up.

[Denny Marsden]

Are you optimistic?

[Mr. Johnson]

A little bit.

[Bill Johnson]

I want that raise, and I kind of think it'll come.

[Denny Marsden]

But isn't that a tough problem for management? It's got to pull three rabbits out of a hat. More for you and more for the stockholders and cheaper hosiery for the shoppers.

[Bill Johnson]

I still think it's worth going in there and pitching. I'm willing to give management a crack at it, Danny.

[Denny Marsden]

Good luck to. Well, Nelly. We made a start on this thing anyway. Say, what happened to you?

[Nellie McCoy]

Never mind me, Danny. Just say I got roughed up in some research.

[Denny Marsden]

You looked like you'd been run over by a steamroller.

[Nellie McCoy]

It was much worse than that. Look at these stockings I picked up for 90 cents.

[Denny Marsden]

There's a guy I know wouldn't think too much of that. Now, let's see. So far I've found that a factory which is making no profit is a dismal place. Without profit, the worker gets no increase in pay. Without profit, the stockholders get no dividends. When there's no profit, the poor old manager is being chased from every corner. The workers want increases he can't give them. Investors want some return their money, which he can't give them. Well, what did you find out in your corner, Nellie? What's the consumer's problem?

[Nellie McCoy]

I ran into a few of those consumers, Danny, but hard. Let me put it this way. Shoppers, especially the female of the species, are absolutely heartless. They're strictly for bigger packages at lower prices and let the chips fall where they may. And they'll switch their trade overnight to the nearest competitor to save a nickel.

[Denny Marsden]

Okay. And I've got another research job for you, Danny.

[Nellie McCoy]

Even for you. I don't like to risk my life.

[Denny Marsden]

Nellie, this time you're going to research the other side of the picture. I want you to go and talk to an investor. Now, this is Jean Manaldi, 42 W. Orchard St. She's a widow. Has 500 shares of stock in a hosiery company I mentioned. Interested in. Well, that and the small annuity is all her husband left her when he died a couple of years back.

[Nellie McCoy]

Couldn't I get away from stockings this time, Danny?

[Denny Marsden]

Now, remember, kid, it's going to look good in print. Research by Nelly McCord.

[Nellie McCoy]

I'd rather go dancing at the RIT.

[Denny Marsden]

And when you get to see Miss Rinaldi, take these stockings along. Won't you? I think she'll be interested.

[Floor Walker]

Yes, that's right, Ms. McCoy. Look at them. Five hundred shares. Nearly everything poor Joe had. And they're just paper. Just paper?

[Nellie McCoy]

Why don't you sell?

[Floor Walker]

Sell them? Who'll buy part of a factory that's making no profits? Who'll buy part of a factory when the men ain't even working? They're on strike.

[Nellie McCoy]

They only want more money, Mrs. Rinaldi.

[Floor Walker]

After, I want some money, too. Land sakes, I don't know what I'm gonna live on. I wrote the manager, but what does he tell me? No one's buying our hosiery. That's a fine thing.

[Nellie McCoy]

Speaking of hosiery, Mrs. Rinaldi, look at these. I got them for 90 cents.

[Floor Walker]

For 90 cents? Let me see them.

[Nellie McCoy]

What store?

[Floor Walker]

Do you think they'd have any left? Maybe a phone for a pair cod?

[Nellie McCoy]

No, I have a few more. Esther Astor.

[Floor Walker]

You'll excuse me just for one minute. I want to use the phone. What store did you.

[Denny Marsden]

Mr. Johnson, I'm a reporter from the Mid City Sentinel. I've been covering the story of the strike. Any comments?

[Mr. Johnson]

The strike is over an hour ago. I persuaded the workers to go back to the job tomorrow morning. I think I have a solution that will satisfy all concern.

[Denny Marsden]

Brother, if you have. You're a magician. How can you raise pay, make profits and give the customers better hosiery at a lower price? If you can tell me that, you'll have given me all I need to complete the story.

[Mr. Johnson]

The answer to our problem has to come in two ways. First, a willingness on the part of the workers to produce more and better goods per man hour. Second, a willingness on the part of investors to put more money and more equipment into the plant. I've been able to convince our directors that the men who work in this plant are good, skilled workmen who will do their best to help us make profits now that they understand the problem. Within a month, because of new additional equipment and a new understanding of the problem. Our plant capacity will be greatly increased. And our unit cost will be considerably lower. The result will be that we can sell our product at a lower price, thus meeting competition. And by placing our goods within the reach of more people, we increase our sales. We can afford to pay higher wages. And will still have enough to give the investor a fair return on the money he or she risked.

[Denny Marsden]

Wait a minute. That sounds like magic money.

[Mr. Johnson]

Marden, there's nothing magic about it. That's exactly the way our free enterprise economy has been able to constantly Increase the workers wages and at the same time produce more and better goods at lower prices. It's the only way the standard of living in any country can be increased.

[Denny Marsden]

In other words, in order to get more dollars into the triangle, you've got to get more hosiery into it.

[Mr. Johnson]

Exactly.

[Denny Marsden]

The funny thing is that you're all after the same thing. A better living. Why is there so much fighting and so much distrust? You all seem like decent, reliable, worthwhile people, if you don't mind me saying so.

[Mr. Johnson]

Thanks, Mr. Maslow. Perhaps management and labor leaders both need to take some of the blame. Nearly all our trouble lies either in misunderstanding of our economic system or in being provoked by crackpots or worse who.

[Chief Morrison]

Have no other idea but to get.

[Mr. Johnson]

Us at each other's throats. We all need to remember that what we're all after all real Canadians, is a better living and more happiness for everyone who lives here.

[Denny Marsden]

Yes, Chief. You called for me?

[Chief Morrison]

Yes, Danny. There's not very often I hand out compliments around here. You know that.

[Denny Marsden]

I do, Chief. I do for sure.

[Chief Morrison]

I want to tell you, Danny, this piece of yours called the Triangle of Plenty is one of the best things we ever published. I like the two points you made at the end. One, every Canadian with a dollar should try to put some of it into the capital corner to buy new and better equipment for the labor force. Two, every Canadian with brain or brawn or both should get busy in the labor corner and make that new and better equipment, produce more units of everything and produce them cheaper. It's just as simple as that. Just a triangle of human beings behaving humanly in Canadian freedom. This Triangle of plenty can take us to an even greater freedom. That's great stuff, Danny.

[Denny Marsden]

Chief, you flatter me. And as you know, when a man gets big headed, his cost of living goes up. He does things like taking his secretary dancing at the Reds. The way I look at it.

[Chief Morrison]

Now get out of here, Danny. Marzen, you're not get another raise out of me. Until this series is finished, you're a highway robber.

[Denny Marsden]

Okay, Chief, okay.

[Chief Morrison]

You say Ms. McCoy likes dancing at the Ritz?

[Denny Marsden]

Now look, chief, you lay off that girl.

[Chief Morrison]

She's all mine. Calm yourself, Danny. I'm a married man. But now that you're a member of our editorial staff instead of a mere ace reporter, my wife and I thought you and Nellie might be our guests for dinner and dancing tonight.

[Denny Marsden]

Okay, okay. On one condition.

[Chief Morrison]

What's that?

[Denny Marsden]

Keep it out of the society news. The boys ever found out I was dining with you at the Ritz, they'd expect me to pay back my loan.