
Dawgs 38-09-13 - AUDITION w Stuart Erwin Miltiades rescues small dog
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Maud Meek
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Stuart Irwin
Tonight we bring you Squaw Valley's gift, the screen and radio Stuart Irwin in another chapter of the canine comedy called Dogs. Before proceeding with the program itself, we pause for a word from a distinguished guest who is here in the studio, Mr. Irwin's own famous pal, the champion Scotch terrier, Craig Haven. Clinker. Go ahead, Clinker.
Petal Jefferson
Thank you.
Maud Meek
Thank you kindly.
Petal Jefferson
The results last week's pro.
Stuart Irwin
Just, just, just a moment. What. What was that last word? Clinker? Wait, do you mean progress? No. Well, let's see now. Is the word program good Program fine. Go ahead, Clinker. What were the results of last week's program?
Jean Kraft
Is a wagon necked that drooped in despair until.
Stuart Irwin
No. I see. Thank you, Clinker. And I know that you're perfectly right. The response to last week's program made five fine dogs happy in new homes and brought joy to five lucky listeners. And tonight's program will carry on the good work. You see, ladies and gentlemen, this program has more than one purpose. It offers you not only amusing entertainment, but an opportunity to help one of man's best friends and at the same time to win a faithful companion and friend for yourself. We'll tell you more about that a little later. Right now I know that you'll want to hear the further adventures of Miltiades Meek as played by Stuart Irwin. Last week you remember that there was considerable excitement brewing in the Meek household. Miltiades Meeks like dogs, but his sister Maud Meek has absolutely forbidden him to have another dog in the house. It seems that Morty's heartthrob one Paul Potter Otway, is afraid of dogs. Maud would like to see Potter Otway elected mayor of the town in place of the powerful political boss Jack Mack. She is launching her candidates campaign with a luncheon for 20 very influential ladies, including the society reporter Jean Kraft. Maud wants Miltiades to meet Potter Otway at the luncheon too, provided that Milt will consent to wear a necktie and forget dogs. But Milt has other ideas of spending his afternoon. And at last report he was on his way out to the greenhouse via the cellar with a huge iron pot containing a suspiciously large quantity of mush and meat. Petal Jefferson, the colored maid suspects that Milt has dogs hidden in that Greenhouse. But she's agreed to keep the guilty secret. And now, as our story opens tonight, the buzzer in the kitchen sounds and Petal enters the living room in response to its call.
Maud Meek
Your maid. What? Annie, dear. Oh, it's Petal. Yes, Petal, what is it?
Petal Jefferson
I don't know. It was you round the bosom with me.
Maud Meek
Oh, yes, so I did. Will you ladies excuse me just a minute. Isn't luncheon ready yet, Petal? Everyone is here except Mr. Potter Otway. I can't keep them waiting much longer.
Petal Jefferson
Yes, it's all ready right now.
Maud Meek
Well, then, what have you been doing? Why don't you announce it?
Petal Jefferson
What does that say?
Maud Meek
Say the luncheon. No, wait a minute. The collation. The Collation is served, Ms. Neek.
Petal Jefferson
Shall I say it to you right now?
Maud Meek
No, no, not while I'm talking to you. Come back in about a minute and say it.
Petal Jefferson
Yes.
Stuart Irwin
There.
Maud Meek
Now, is there anything wrong, Maud? If I can do anything. Oh, I know, Annie. I was just telling my maid that we just wouldn't wait for Mr. Polar Otway. It's very lovely of him to be so late. Oh, there's Jean Krass, the society reporter. You, Jean?
Jean Kraft
Hello, Morg. Hello, Annie.
Stuart Irwin
Hello.
Jean Kraft
Quite a gathering, Maudie.
Maud Meek
Yes, we're just waiting for Paul Potter Otway. He's a guest of honor, you know.
Jean Kraft
Really? Why? Lunch for Potter Otway. Going to announce your engagement today, Maudie?
Maud Meek
Oh, dear. No, Jean, not yet. Paul has work to do first.
Jean Kraft
Good. That's a news item for my paper. Paul Potter Otway Goes to Work.
Maud Meek
Now, don't write one of your funny articles, please, Jean, this is terribly serious. You know, Mr. Potter Otway is going.
Jean Kraft
To run for mayor against Jack Mack's political machine. Well, how? After he gets over that meeting, he ought to make an ideal husband. Gentle as a lamb.
Maud Meek
Well, I don't think it's at all nice of you to talk like that.
Jean Kraft
Look, Maud, my paper's all for reform in this town. And we'll back the reform candidate if we can find a good one. But frankly, Potter Otway isn't the right man.
Maud Meek
But you don't know him as I do.
Jean Kraft
That's just it. Nobody knows him. He spent too much time and money in traveling abroad.
Maud Meek
Don't the people want a mayor with an education and nice manners?
Jean Kraft
No. They just want an honest, human man.
Maud Meek
Like your brother Marty. Oh, nonsense, Annie.
Jean Kraft
Wait a minute. What did you say, Annie?
Maud Meek
Maud's brother, Miltiades is awfully human, don't you think?
Jean Kraft
See, that's an idea. If you must have a mare in the family, Maud, your brother might make the grade.
Maud Meek
Milt? Nobody would vote for Milt. I hate to say it, but people are always laughing at something he says it does.
Jean Kraft
Well, if laughing at them kept men out of office, congress would be empty.
Maud Meek
Besides, they don't laugh at him. Exactly. Well, even if he was elected, he'd make a terrible mayor.
Jean Kraft
Why, yes.
Maud Meek
Why Marty? Well, for one thing, he's so careless with money. He simply gives it away, never has a cent.
Jean Kraft
Spending money is no curse in politics.
Maud Meek
And he gives it to all the wrong people. He knows all the riff raffs in this town. Well, you know all the nice people. And you know he never dressed like a mayor. Well, suppose he had to meet some important party at the station or something. No telling what he wear. Why, half the time he goes without a necktie.
Jean Kraft
So did Abraham Lincoln.
Maud Meek
Well, anyway, Mr. Potter Otway dresses beautifully and has lovely manners.
Jean Kraft
Too, too divine. We want a man of the people. Say, Maudie, will your brother be here for luncheon?
Maud Meek
I'm sure I don't know. I never do know. But Mr. Potter Otway has promised to come.
Jean Kraft
Oh, I can't wait.
Petal Jefferson
Ms. Maude.
Maud Meek
Yes?
Petal Jefferson
Er, the collection is served, Ms. Maud.
Jean Kraft
What do I smell?
Miltiades Meek
Beef stew.
Maud Meek
Martin. Stew for luncheon. How craven. No, no, that's something. Petal was cooking for my brother.
Petal Jefferson
Here's a little mush and meat is all.
Jean Kraft
Mush and meat. A he man's meal for the man of the people.
Maud Meek
Such a character. Oh dear. I wish Mr. Potter out way would come, but I really.
Stuart Irwin
Look at that little one eat, would you?
Miltiades Meek
Poor little fella. I'm glad he's got enough there. I'm kind of worried about Madame X here though.
Stuart Irwin
Oh, is that gonna be her name?
Miltiades Meek
Yeah, X is for the unknown quantity. I think she ought to be eaten more though, don't you, friend?
Stuart Irwin
Oh, I don't know. She made out a good meal. After her puppies get here, why, she'll have more appetite. Maybe.
Miltiades Meek
Yeah, I fixed up this soft bed for her here. I didn't need that quilt anymore anyway. And I brought her one of Maud's old pillows for her head.
Stuart Irwin
But.
Miltiades Meek
But you know she won't lie on him. She seems to like it better in among those flower pots there.
Stuart Irwin
Well, she's likely saving to quilt for her puppies to lie on. Dogs is smart, ain't they?
Miltiades Meek
Oh, they sure are. You can't fool a dog. If a dog likes a person, I know that person's all right. Yeah, that's Why, I know you're all right, Fred. Even if the police are looking for you.
Stuart Irwin
Yeah. Well, look, I don't want to get you into no trouble, Mr. Meek.
Miltiades Meek
No trouble at all, Fred. If you don't mind sleeping out here in a greenhouse. Why, you're welcome to stay as long as you like.
Stuart Irwin
Thanks, Mr. Meek. It's like this, see. I didn't ought to tell nobody. But you're all right. I know that.
Miltiades Meek
So now, you don't have to explain to me, Fred. The dogs took to you right away. So you just stay here till things kind of blow over, see? You can help me take care of the dogs. Is that mattress I brought out comfortable?
Stuart Irwin
Oh, sure, it's swell. But ain't the one that's used to sleeping in it gonna miss it, though?
Miltiades Meek
Oh, no, he won't miss it. That's my mattress, Frederick.
Stuart Irwin
Well, what are you sleeping on?
Miltiades Meek
Some blankets. It's a lot of fun. Like camping, you know. Only indoors.
Stuart Irwin
Say, your sister ain't gonna get wise, is she?
Miltiades Meek
I hope not. Oh, well, she hardly ever goes into my room. Pedal. That's a hard girl. It cleans it up sometimes.
Stuart Irwin
You know, I'd kind of like to tell you why the cops is looking for me, Mr. Meek. You might hear some bum stories around town. Some wise guy might tell you I was an old rag, see?
Miltiades Meek
Oh, I knew about that.
Stuart Irwin
You did?
Miltiades Meek
Oh, yes. It was in the papers. Police seek ex convict for questioning. They didn't say what questions I want to ask you, though.
Stuart Irwin
Well, it's like this, see. I know some things about some of the big bugs in this town, see? You know Jack Mack, don't you?
Miltiades Meek
The mayor? Oh, yeah, sure. He often speaks to me on the street. Sometimes he gives me a slap on the back, too. He's quite friendly.
Stuart Irwin
Well, election is coming on, see. And Satan Patties would like to hear what I know about Jack Mack's campaign fund.
Miltiades Meek
Yeah, lots of people wonder how he got so rich on the mayor's salary.
Stuart Irwin
Yeah, so I get the way to get out of town, but the other guys has got the roads watched. I couldn't even hop a rattler. I was up against it for a hideout, see.
Miltiades Meek
Well, couldn't Mr. Jack Mack help you any?
Stuart Irwin
Yeah, he helped a lot. When he finds out I'm still in town, it's one of his mugs that tries to slug me with a lead pipe. I got him first, is all. You did?
Miltiades Meek
Say, was he the man they found in our alley back of the house?
Stuart Irwin
Yeah, I give him the old razzle Medez. He didn't croak, did he?
Miltiades Meek
No, but he's very discouraged.
Stuart Irwin
Well, anyways, he comes at me with a lead pipe. Dolly yet with self defense.
Miltiades Meek
You got the best of a man with a lead pipe.
Stuart Irwin
Sure. Hey, let me show you something. It might come in handy for you to know. Look, you make off you got a club or something, see, and come at me with it.
Miltiades Meek
We're friends, aren't we?
Stuart Irwin
Friends? Oh, sure. Come on. I won't hurt you. Come on. Come at me now.
Miltiades Meek
Well, how. How will I come at you?
Stuart Irwin
Tough like. You're going to crack me right on the noodle, see, Like.
Miltiades Meek
Like this.
Stuart Irwin
That's it. Come on.
Miltiades Meek
Well, all right. Here I come, see?
Stuart Irwin
I get your arm in here, see, And I get the other arm over in here, see? And then I takes my head, see, and cold still. Now, so as I don't hurt you, I takes my head up under your chin and I oops. Like that, see? Right on the button. Get it?
Miltiades Meek
I got it. Say, that's a dandy.
Stuart Irwin
Yeah, I'll show you how to break a guy's leg the next time.
Miltiades Meek
Oh, thank you. Thank you very much, Fred. But I don't think I have any enemies, though.
Stuart Irwin
Well, you never can tell when you might have. Even a swell guy like you meet some very bad eggs sometimes.
Miltiades Meek
I know some of the worst eggs in this town.
Stuart Irwin
Yeah? Yeah. And everybody likes you, kid. You're racist with all the boys. But this election is going to be quite a rumpus, see, wants to take sides in politics in this town while the other side is apt to. Well, to get very rough with you.
Miltiades Meek
Oh, I'm not going to take any sides now. I'm not going to get into it at all.
Stuart Irwin
You are into it, huh? Yeah, by hiding me out. If they gets wise, the ones that's looking for me, it'll be after your scalp, too, see?
Miltiades Meek
Oh, yeah, yeah, I see. Well, I'll be on my guard. Just which side is after you, Fred?
Stuart Irwin
Oh, both sides is after me, kid. Oh, oh, sure, the reform crowd's got some strong arm. Guys want to ask me questions. So Jack, Max, Yegs want to keep my mouth shut and the cops is after me from habit. You gotta watch them all, kid.
Miltiades Meek
Hmm.
Stuart Irwin
You know, I think maybe I better scram out of here and take my own chances with him.
Miltiades Meek
No, no, Fred. I have offered you the hospitality of the Meeks. You're under my roof, Fred, in my greenhouse. Anyway, you're my guest. Yeah, but I won't hear of your leaving. You're under my protection.
Stuart Irwin
Say, kid, you're okay. And if ever I can help you, just let me know. See? Shake.
Miltiades Meek
Thanks, Fred.
Stuart Irwin
Did I hurt your hand?
Miltiades Meek
No, no, that hand has never been just right since I broke it on Alma Glenn.
Stuart Irwin
You hit Alma Glenn? Would that mitt.
Miltiades Meek
I only hit him once.
Stuart Irwin
Oh, you didn't ought to go up against prize fighters, kid.
Miltiades Meek
Oh, he wasn't a famous fighter then. It was in school days. He was being very rough with a much smaller boy and I had to do something.
Stuart Irwin
And you only hit him the oncet?
Miltiades Meek
Uh huh. After that he hit me several times, I think.
Stuart Irwin
Oh, he KO'd you, did he?
Miltiades Meek
Not quite. It was a moral victory for me, you might say.
Stuart Irwin
You got plenty of nerve, kid.
Miltiades Meek
Oh, I have to live up to my family motto, you know.
Stuart Irwin
Your what?
Miltiades Meek
The motto of the Meeks.
Stuart Irwin
What's a motto?
Miltiades Meek
Well, it's what you have under your coat of arms. Doesn't your family have a coat of arms, Fred?
Stuart Irwin
Not so fur as I know of. I. I never met my family.
Miltiades Meek
We do. It goes back two generations. Yeah, to my grandfather. He was always in trouble, you see, because he was a very small man and people thought they could pick on him. So he made up our coat of arms as a warning, you know.
Stuart Irwin
Well, what did he make up for it?
Miltiades Meek
Well, here it is on my watcher. Hey, where is my watch?
Stuart Irwin
Oh, I forgot to. Here's your watch, kid. I was going to give it back to you. I was just practicing, see?
Miltiades Meek
Oh, well, thank you, Fred. I wouldn't want to lose that watch, you see. Well now look. See the coat of arms?
Stuart Irwin
It looks like a sheep on its hind legs.
Miltiades Meek
It's a lamb, Fred. A lamb rampant. That means ready for a fight, you know. And those things on the lamb's front feet are boxing gloves. And that's the Meek family's motto underneath. See? It says meek, but oh my.
Stuart Irwin
Oh, I get the idea. You just take a peek at this and you ain't afraid of nobody, huh?
Miltiades Meek
Well, I'm not afraid of anybody except my sister.
Stuart Irwin
Well, of course, that's different. She's one of the Meek gang too.
Miltiades Meek
Maybe that's it. She won't even let me keep a dog. Not even a little one like this. Hey, Fred, what's going with that little dog?
Stuart Irwin
I don't know, pal. Why, he was here a minute ago. Lookit. Lookit. The doors open. Why, he must have got out.
Miltiades Meek
Oh my, if my sister ever sees him.
Stuart Irwin
Listen, that's a dog barking.
Miltiades Meek
A small dog.
Stuart Irwin
Yeah, it's him.
Miltiades Meek
I'LL have to hurry, Fred. I'll try to get him before my. My sister sees.
Stuart Irwin
Well, maybe I could get him for.
Miltiades Meek
No, no. You stay here and watch Madame X the little mother and let me know if anything happens.
Stuart Irwin
Count on me, pal.
Miltiades Meek
I've got to get that little dog. He might be barking at some of my sister's company. And I'll see you later.
Maud Meek
Oh, I'm so sorry about the contin. Though the soup was perfectly quaint, dear. Wasn't it? Teen?
Jean Kraft
Oh, very original. But switching the conversation lightly from soup to nuts. Where's your boyfriend, Paul Potter? Atwa?
Maud Meek
I can't imagine why he's so late in arriving.
Jean Kraft
We shall meet but hardly miss him. There will be a vacant chair.
Maud Meek
Two vacant chairs. Your brother didn't come either? No. There's no telling where he is or who he's with or what he's doing. Except there's probably something I wouldn't approve of. The doorbell. Maybe it's Milt. It might be he your brother? No, Paul Potter. Otway's Milt wouldn't come in the front door.
Petal Jefferson
Land seats.
Maud Meek
Mr. Neef. It is your brother.
Petal Jefferson
Glory day, Mr. Neek.
Miltiades Meek
What's wrong with you?
Maud Meek
Oh, look. Look at him. What's that in his arms? The old tidy fep off. Meek, what have you been doing?
Miltiades Meek
Now, now, Maudie.
Maud Meek
Now, Morty, what are you doing with your collar torn and your face dirty and that nasty little dog in your arm?
Jean Kraft
Looks like the people's choice had been.
Maud Meek
In a brawl fighting. You're tired, Ease. How dare you.
Miltiades Meek
Now, quiet. Marty, petal, go get some hot water and some old rags. Hurry.
Petal Jefferson
I'll fix your face, mister.
Miltiades Meek
Never mind my face. This little dog is hurt. Don't you see?
Maud Meek
You take that dog.
Miltiades Meek
Now quiet. Go on, Petal. Hot water and rags.
Petal Jefferson
Get I don't know if there rags round.
Miltiades Meek
Then tear up some.
Maud Meek
Don't you dare.
Miltiades Meek
Go peddle.
Petal Jefferson
Yes, sir.
Miltiades Meek
Now, now, there, old boy. Now you lie right down here.
Maud Meek
Now, my needlepoint chair.
Miltiades Meek
Ride down here a minute, old boy. I'll fix that leg for you. Now, there now. Good old boy. You nice.
Maud Meek
Well, Matiades, perhaps you'll be good enough to explain this.
Miltiades Meek
What?
Maud Meek
Do you realize that you've disgraced me forever in front of these friends, these ladies who have been saying such nice things about you?
Miltiades Meek
I'm mighty sorry, Morty. Hello, girls.
Maud Meek
Hello, girls.
Miltiades Meek
Sure, aren't they? Yeah. Now lie still, old boy. That's it. Now you stay right there. Poor little fella.
Petal Jefferson
Got your hot water, Mr. Meek. And some Old pillowcase I tore up.
Miltiades Meek
Thanks, petal. Now, one of you girls hold this.
Stuart Irwin
Pup still till I bang.
Jean Kraft
I will.
Miltiades Meek
Thanks, Gene.
Jean Kraft
Hey, what happened anyway?
Miltiades Meek
Oh, nothing.
Jean Kraft
Come clean, mister. I'm a reporter, and I want my story. Future mayor, Rescue's dumb friend.
Miltiades Meek
He's not so dumb. And I'm not running for mayor.
Jean Kraft
Oh, haven't you heard?
Miltiades Meek
Oh, don't be silly. Who'd vote for me?
Jean Kraft
I would.
Miltiades Meek
So would I.
Jean Kraft
We all would.
Maud Meek
So would anybody.
Miltiades Meek
Put it out.
Jean Kraft
Well, never mind all that. Now. How did the dog get hurt?
Miltiades Meek
Well, you see, he got out of the greenhouse.
Maud Meek
My greenhouse?
Miltiades Meek
Well, yes. And he ran out front and kind of just barked a little at this man.
Jean Kraft
What man?
Miltiades Meek
A man who was out front. And the man kicked him? Yes, sir. Believe it or not, that man kicked this little fellow and hurt his leg.
Jean Kraft
So?
Miltiades Meek
Well, so I. I guess I lost my temper. Mine went up to the man and then he hit me. Oh, yeah. With his cane, see? Now, I didn't like that. No, no. So I get ahold of one arm like this, see?
Maud Meek
Milt Ivy.
Miltiades Meek
I won't hurt you, Maud. Now, you come at me like you had a cane. That's it. Now, so I get one arm of his like this, see? And the other like this, see? And then I take my head like this, see? Now hold still so I don't hurt you. And I upswitch with my head like that, see? And I let him have it right on the button.
Maud Meek
I'm great. Oh, go on, Milt. What next?
Miltiades Meek
Well, so then, that's all. Oh, there now. Now, I got that old bandage, all right. That little doggy. Then I lie still.
Stuart Irwin
Now.
Maud Meek
Won't fight him over a dog.
Petal Jefferson
Excuse me, Miss Morn. Did you say you were suspecting Mr. Potter Otway?
Maud Meek
Yes. Has he come? Oh, Miltiades. Go at once. And take that dog with you. What will Mr. Potter Atway think of you looking like that? Well, show Mr. Potter Otway in, Pettle.
Petal Jefferson
You mean came in, Miss Maud.
Maud Meek
What?
Petal Jefferson
Yes'm. He's laying out there on der Kirbstone.
Maud Meek
Oh, Paul. It was Paul Potter Otway. You thought you'd hurt him.
Miltiades Meek
He didn't probe, did he?
Petal Jefferson
No, sir. He shouldn't have.
Miltiades Meek
Whoops.
Petal Jefferson
No, he. He's up and running. Yes, sir. He's running down the street for tips.
Maud Meek
Oh, you.
Stuart Irwin
You.
Maud Meek
My own brother. You've ruined my chances.
Jean Kraft
He certainly ruined your boyfriend. Still, Morty, a man who would kick a little dog isn't much of a fiance, let alone a candidate for mayor.
Maud Meek
I'll never Forgive you. Miltiades meet. Never you no dog. I'll never hold up my head again.
Miltiades Meek
Now, now, Morty. Now Morty, look at. Sorry.
Maud Meek
Get rid of that dog. Miltiaries promise me.
Miltiades Meek
But it wasn't the dog's fault.
Maud Meek
Milt Haley.
Miltiades Meek
Oh, well, all right. Soon as his legs well and I can find him a good home. Oh, I hate to do it. I know it's your house too. Of course I'll do what you want. Soon as I can move them, I'll give them both away.
Maud Meek
Both? You mean you have two dogs in this house?
Miltiades Meek
Greenhouse, Marty. Just in the greenhouse. I thought.
Jean Kraft
I'll take this little fellow, Milt. I'll give him a good home.
Miltiades Meek
You will, Jean?
Maud Meek
I might take the other.
Miltiades Meek
Well, thanks, Annie.
Maud Meek
What kind is it?
Miltiades Meek
Well, kind of a shepherd. But you'll have to wait for her. You see her.
Maud Meek
Yeah, no waiting about it. Those dogs go tonight.
Miltiades Meek
Oh, well, all right. But it's certainly going to be lonely for me around here with not even one dog.
Stuart Irwin
Hey. Hey, kid. Can I come in?
Maud Meek
Oh. Oh. Who is that person?
Miltiades Meek
That's Fred. Come in, Fred. Listen, Fred, I've got to give away both my dogs. Can't even have one dog around.
Stuart Irwin
Yeah, well, you'll have to wait first, pal, because the dog population has rose.
Miltiades Meek
What? You don't mean.
Stuart Irwin
She's doing as well as can be expected. And you now own five new pups. Beauties, buddy.
Maud Meek
Beauties.
Miltiades Meek
Oh, crap.
Stuart Irwin
Will Stu, I mean Miltiades Meek really run for mayor in the hottest fought campaign of the years? Will Fred escape his enemies? Will Petal ever learn? Will Maud relent? Next week we'll bring you further details of the adventures of Stu and his friends. And meanwhile, here's something that you can be sure of. If you want a fine dog presented to you by by the well known movie star Stuart Irwin absolutely free of charge, just write and say so. And the first five good letters telling you why you want a dog. Man's best friend in your house will win. The dogs each will be sent to you with a collar and a leash, a nameplate all suitably lettered, and a health officer's certificate of perfect health and good temper. Win a friend. Now, we don't claim that these are pedigree dogs like the title of our playlists. They're just dogs, but they're good dogs who want a home. Save them from unhappiness and extinction. An autographed letter of presentation from Stu Irwin goes with every dog. So write today and listen next week. To Stu Urwin in just dogs.
Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Dawgs 38-09-13 - AUDITION w Stuart Erwin Miltiades rescues small dog
Release Date: February 13, 2025
In this engaging episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Dawgs 38-09-13 - AUDITION w Stuart Erwin Miltiades rescues small dog," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Stuart Irwin, the episode blends humor, drama, and heartfelt moments as it follows the misadventures of Miltiades Meek and his quest to rescue a small dog amidst familial and political turmoil.
The episode opens with Stuart Irwin introducing himself and setting the comedic tone by featuring Clinker, the champion Scotch terrier. Irwin humorously interacts with Clinker, blending real-life radio elements with the fictional storyline.
Miltiades Meek is eager to bring another dog into the household, much to the dismay of his sister Maud Meek, who fears that Maud's boyfriend, Paul Potter Otway, disapproves of dogs. Maud is focused on launching Paul's mayoral campaign against the political boss, Jack Mack. She organizes a luncheon for influential ladies, including reporter Jean Kraft, hoping Miltiades will conform by wearing a necktie and abandoning his love for dogs.
Notable Quote:
Stuart Irwin (Miltiades):
“The dogs took to you right away. So you just stay here till things kind of blow over, see?”
[08:10]
Miltiades, however, has other plans. He is secretly transporting dogs through the greenhouse, much to the suspicion of Petal Jefferson, the maid. Petal, though aware, chooses to keep Miltiades' secret, highlighting her loyalty.
Jean Kraft, the society reporter, engages in a debate with Maud about Paul Potter Otway's suitability for mayor. While Maud defends Paul, Jean criticizes his political experience, indicating underlying tensions within the campaign.
Notable Quote:
Jean Kraft:
“Well, if laughing at them kept men out of office, congress would be empty.”
[05:55]
The situation escalates when a small dog escapes the greenhouse, leading to a confrontation between Miltiades and Fred, an ex-con seeking refuge. Fred reveals his intentions to uncover corrupt practices in Jack Mack's campaign, bringing a layer of political intrigue to the episode. Their interaction reveals Miltiades' protective nature and introduces a subplot involving local politics and corruption.
Notable Quote:
Stuart Irwin (Fred):
“Well, look, I don't want to get you into no trouble, Mr. Meek.”
[08:32]
During a heated exchange, a dog is injured, prompting Maud to confront Miltiades harshly. Accusations fly as Maud demands that Miltiades remove the dogs from the household, threatening to tarnish his reputation in front of the influential ladies present.
Notable Quote:
Maud Meek:
“Do you realize that you've disgraced me forever in front of these friends, these ladies who have been saying such nice things about you?”
[17:25]
Facing Maud's ultimatum, Miltiades reluctantly agrees to give up the dogs to preserve his sister's standing and protect her political ambitions. The emotional farewell underscores the central theme of sacrifice for family harmony. Jean Kraft offers to adopt one of the dogs, hinting at a positive outcome amidst the chaos.
Notable Quote:
Miltiades Meek:
“Well, I hate to do it. I know it's your house too.”
[20:33]
As the episode wraps up, Stuart Irwin (as Miltiades) reflects on the events, setting the stage for future episodes. The host also promotes a giveaway, inviting listeners to write in for a chance to win a dog, reinforcing the show's themes of companionship and community.
Miltiades Meek:
“You can't fool a dog. If a dog likes a person, I know that person's all right.”
[08:16]
Jean Kraft:
“He certainly ruined your boyfriend. Still, Morty, a man who would kick a little dog isn't much of a fiance, let alone a candidate for mayor.”
[20:11]
Maud Meek:
“I'll never Forgive you. Miltiades, meet.”
[20:00]
"Dawgs 38-09-13 - AUDITION w Stuart Erwin Miltiades rescues small dog" masterfully combines humor, drama, and social commentary, encapsulating the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through its well-developed characters and engaging storyline, the episode explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complexities of familial and political relationships. Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment, curious about Miltiades' future endeavors and the unfolding political saga.
Note: This summary captures the essence of the episode based on the provided transcript, ensuring that even those who haven't listened to the podcast can grasp the key events and dynamics.