
Duffy's Tavern 1945-03-30 (165) Archie's All-Star Revue
Loading summary
Shopify Narrator
Starting a business can be overwhelming. You're juggling multiple roles, designer, marketer, logistics manager, all while bringing your vision to life. But for millions of businesses, Shopify is the ultimate partner. Shopify is the commerce platform behind millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US from household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Build a stunning online store with Shopify's ready to use templates, build produce content with AI powered product descriptions, page headlines and enhance photography. Marketing is easy with built in tools for email and social media campaigns. Plus Shopify simplifies everything from inventory to shipping and returns. If you're ready to sell, you're ready for Shopify. Turn your big business idea into With Shopify on your side, sign up for your $1 per month trial today at shopify.com try go to shopify.com try shopify.com.
Archie
Hello, Duffy's Tavern, where the elite meets. Aren't you to mind just bacon? Duffy ain't here. Oh hello Duffy. A big crowd tonight. No, it looks like we ain't being hurt by the Kroof. Well most of our customers is patriotic and realize that they have to carry their load too. So now that we're closing early, they get their load on early. In fact Moriarity was so patriotic he was stiff at 4:00 this afternoon. Yeah, well you know the guys kind of kid about the kite route. Yeah, they call it the witching hour. Cause at 12 o' clock they gotta go home to their wives. Say Duffy, you remember my friend Honest Dave Hartinger? Yeah, the crook. Well he has went straight. Yeah, he's become a theatrical agent. And guess who he says he's bringing down here tonight? Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Eddie Cantor, Dinah Shaw, Kate Smith. Duffy, don't get worried. Well, Dave says they're going to come down or grap free. Yeah, well Duffy, they gotta show up. I got a big sign outside advertising them. Well don't worry, I won't make a bum out of you. They'll be here Duffy foot. Have you got any faith in me or haven't you? Hello.
Finnegan
Yes, that big sign outside. Yeah, with them great big red lettuce. Yeah, yeah. Does that mean what it says? Absolutely. What does it say? Well it says tonight at 8:45, big all star floor show. Archie's guest would include Bob Hope, Dean Carsey, Dinosaur Nelson, Jeanette McDonald.
Archie
Archie, what a man.
Finnegan
His dreams is getting better all the time. I Daddy, is all them stars really coming down here tonight? What must Archie say? They Are. Well, if Archie says so, that's good enough for me. They ain't coming that easy.
Archie
Hello, fellas. How you, Finnegan? How's your love life? Well, be patient. Did you hear about the big show here tonight?
Finnegan
Yeah, I tell you, are we really going to see all them big stars?
Archie
Certainly you'll see them, every one of them. You know, I got a drag. Give me a drag. I'd like to see them too.
Finnegan
Ms. Hodges, how can you believe that's phony Hosinger? Now that man is Gypsy.
Archie
I know, I know. I'm a sucker. I'm an idiot, I'm a jerk.
Finnegan
That's telling them, Marge.
Archie
I ain't as scared of him. Oh, well, now look, Eddie, leave us. Look at it logically. Dave Hosinger is a friend of mine who has been a crook. Right? Right. Now he writes me and says he's going straight. Touche, touche. He has became a theatrical agent. Possible.
Heathcliff Batterswift
Possible.
Archie
And he says to get my goodwill, he's gonna get a lot of big stars to come down here for nothing. Could be, could be. But you think he's pulling something crooked, right?
Heathcliff Batterswift
Right.
Finnegan
Possible to say.
Archie
Could be in bingo. Well, look, Eddie, I know what you're thinking, but I believe that every man should be gave another chance. Don't forget to wear is human. But anybody can make a mistake.
Finnegan
Archie, I agree with you. To me you make a lot of sense.
Archie
I don't care, Finnegan, I still think I'm right. Now, about this boy show we got. Hey, wait a minute. That guy over there eating a free lunch. Ain't that. Sir, he flipped Banner's wink.
Finnegan
Yeah, the comedian. Hey ya. I thought you fired him.
Archie
I thought so too. How are we ever gonna get rid of that guy? Let him keep on eating the free lunch. Hey, Sir Heathcliff, what brings you down here?
Heathcliff Batterswift
Well, hello, Artie.
Archie
Well, as the teaching Tom said to.
Heathcliff Batterswift
The chorus girl, I just thought I'd look in on you.
Archie
Now look, Heathcliff, if this visit is social, we're glad to see you. If on the other hand, you're gonna try to ease yourself back here.
Heathcliff Batterswift
Nothing of the sort, old boy. I'm a philosopher. We had a relationship. It's been terminated. Pit pip. It was his Miss.
Archie
Good. But I wanted you to know that it wasn't my fault that you got kismet. It was Duffy, you know.
Heathcliff Batterswift
It was, eh?
Archie
Oh, sure. I used to defend you. My sister Duffy. Nice. And Duffy, why don't you give St. Heathcliff another chance? You know we're only paying him five Bucks a week. And he ain't a bad guy. So Duffy says. Go on. He's a bum. Well, he'll have to admit that he hadn't. Dad. By the way, you been out looking for another john?
Heathcliff Batterswift
No, I've just been resting. My agent does my scurrying around.
Archie
Oh, you've got an agent. Of course.
Heathcliff Batterswift
I pay him 20%.
Archie
20%? Ain't that a lot of dough to be paying him when you're out of work? Well, if I didn't.
Heathcliff Batterswift
If I didn't give it to him, I'd have to give it to the government.
Archie
Oh, yeah, sure.
Heathcliff Batterswift
Besides, I don't expect to be out of work long with my new act.
Archie
A new act?
Heathcliff Batterswift
Completely new. New joke, new song, new stories. You want to hear it?
Archie
News. Well, wait a minute, Heathcliff. You ain't a bad guy. I'll listen to it. But you gotta make me one promise.
Heathcliff Batterswift
What?
Archie
Well, if I listen to it and I like it, see, and I offer your job back, you gotta promise not to accept.
Heathcliff Batterswift
Very well.
Archie
It's a deal. Okay. Repeat play. Sir Heathcliff's regular introduction, please. You may fire one, Gridley. Heathcliff.
Heathcliff Batterswift
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I'm glad to see you again. And speaking of doctors. Speaking of doctors, I said to my doctor the other day, doctor, what shall I do? I have water on the knee. And the doctor replied, wear pumps.
Archie
Uh huh.
Heathcliff Batterswift
Speaking of hospitals, I happened to be in an operating room recently, and I heard one surgeon say to another surgeon, pardon me, but may I cut in?
Archie
I see.
Heathcliff Batterswift
And by the way, have you heard about the nurse who was sent to work in a private room because she was too cute for wards?
Archie
That one you should call her. That one you should color and hide for Easter. But carry on.
Heathcliff Batterswift
During a recent illness of mine, I said to the doctor, doctor, after I am cured, will I be able to play the piano? And the doctor said, why, certainly. I said, well, that's marvelous. I could never play it before. How do you like that one, Archie?
Archie
He clip. Is that one of your new jokes? Yes. You ever hear of King Solomon?
Heathcliff Batterswift
Why, of course.
Archie
That joke was found tattooed on one of his wives. Well, Heathcliff, old man, sorry you have to rush off. Leave us. Have lunch sometime, huh? Good. Well, how about tomorrow? Tomorrow sounds good. Call me next week and we'll confirm it. Excuse me. Hello?
Finnegan
Oh, hello.
Archie
Bear in, Ms. Duffy. Your girlfriend, Vera Fogarty.
Vera Fogarty
Oh, thanks for watching. Oh, hello, Vera dear. I'm glad you called up. I've been busting to talk to you. Huh? My dress. Oh, Well, I tried it on today at Madame Klein's. Well, the skirt is too short and it's too tight around the hips and the neck is cut a mile too low. Oh, simply disgraceful. When do you see me In a Sunday. Vera, we'll walk up the. You're gonna wear gloves? But why not? Vera, I told you a million times you should learn to whistle without your fingers. Okay, Vera. Yeah. Goodbye.
Archie
Oh, boy, am I glad I'm not a dame. What stupid looking clothes you dames wear.
Vera Fogarty
Archie, I thank you to know that we girls aren't interested in you men's opinions about clothes.
Archie
Oh, you ain't interested in we men's opinion?
Vera Fogarty
No.
Archie
Then what's the short skirt and a long neck for ventilation?
Vera Fogarty
Of course not. It's for comfort and health. With the short skirt you can walk easier and faster in case you want.
Archie
To catch up with a sailor.
Vera Fogarty
Oh, what's the use of listening to you? Your opinion about clothes wouldn't fill a ten foot pole.
Archie
Oh, yeah? Well, my lady friends do not subscribe with you, sir. Many a dame has rushed home to change your dress because I have made some pointed criticisms. Such as, Where'd you get the awning? Honey, I don't know about clothes. What about that floor show you advertised? Oh, yeah, that's right. It's getting late. Now stop bothering me, Ms. Stuffy. If I don't get to show started, your own man will be tearing me hair out. Hey, Eddie, what are you doing? You've been sweeping that same spot for 10 minutes now.
Finnegan
Yeah, well, this is where the entertainers is going to work, see?
Heathcliff Batterswift
I got to clean it up.
Archie
Oh yeah? Well, what kind of shape is the floor in? Well, I don't know. I ain't come to it yet. Well, you better keep digging. There must be something between us and the cellar.
Finnegan
Hi, Arch. Is there any chance of me getting in on this floor?
Archie
Joe? Finnegan, what do you know about show business?
Finnegan
Oh, you'll forget that I worked two years in the theater.
Archie
In a theater?
Finnegan
Yes, yes, and I was a very important member of the company.
Archie
And unfortunately. Then why did they let you go?
Finnegan
Well, the war came along and we couldn't get no more Hershey bars.
Archie
A Hershey hops. There.
Finnegan
Look, Art, can't you use my talent somewhere in the show tonight?
Archie
Well, let me see, I don't know, but could you do sound effects?
Finnegan
Sound effects? Oh, I'm great at that, Arch.
Archie
Hey, listen. Horsesh. Hoofs. That's pretty good, Finnegan, but how much of that pounding can your Head stand.
Finnegan
Don't you worry. I can gallop on my head for hours. I got another great sound effect. This one is just panic.
Archie
What is it?
Finnegan
The ripping pants.
Archie
Rippin pants. Yeah.
Finnegan
Now close your eyes and listen.
Archie
Hey, that was very clever. How did you, uh. Oh, Eddie, bring Finnegan a needle and thread. Hello. Well, look, Duffy, I can't stop the showing. You gets in with the stars. Well, you can't expect me to make a silk purse without a cell, huh? Well, so the customers can wait another couple of minutes. Time don't mean nothing to these guys. They've done too much of it. Why, sure.
Finnegan
Well, hello, Duffy.
Archie
Hasn't you just come in? The show'll start any minute, I guarantee you. Okay, listen in, huh, Duffy? Okay. Hey, Dave, you did show up. I certainly. Arch, I wouldn't let you down. Well, you know, I just thought that maybe. Arch, I have reformed. Besides, you have always been one of my favorite people. The first time I ever laid eyes on you, I took quite a fancy to you. Just old pigeon fancier. Quiet, Eddie. Tell me more, Dave. Do you really like me?
Lowe's Announcer
Lowe's has the Labor Day deals. You need to give your home a new look. Buy one, get one free, select interior, paint via Visa gift card rebate, then add the final touch with two for $8 on select 2.5 or three quart mums. Refresh your home and save big while doing it. Lowes, we help you Save valid through 93 mums. Offer in store only. Selection varies by location while supplies last. More terms and restrictions apply. C loaves.com rebates for details.
Archie
Yes, sir.
Finnegan
Eyes.
Archie
That's why I came down here tonight, to extend the helping hand of friendship. Thanks, Dave. By the way, where are they? Who? The stars. Oh, the stars, yes. Now just a second, Hostinger. I hope that is the hand of friendship you're extending and not a finger. You sure this ain't some new kind of a swindle? Ah, tell me, how could I swindle you by bringing these stars down here? Tell me how. Look, Dave, I can't tell you how to run your business. All I can say is get them down here. I already promised up to Yeti Cantor, Dinah Shaw, Kate Smith, srt. Sedettra. Sedettra. Well, they better be here.
Finnegan
Well, they'll be here.
Archie
And besides them, do you know who else I got coming down? Who? Frank Sinatra, Burns and Allen, Rudy Valli, Nelson Eddy, Harry Hawkins, Jeanette McDonald boy. Nelson Eddy, Harry Hawkins, Jeanette McDonald. Who is Harry Hawkins? A new sensation on. Oh, very clever. A new client of mine. Oh, well, we'll stick them in. Now, look, Dave, I want to ask you something. Now, maybe I'm stupid, but go ahead. AR well, how could all of these big shots afford to come down here to work for free? Oh, very simple, Arch. It cuts down their income tax. I beg your pardon? Well, you see, when Bing Crosby works free, he loses $5,000, which he deducts from his accrued tax. Now, say his tax is 100,000. That is, without the tax. We'll help the source. Each free job he works is a deduction from his surtax, which reduces his bracket for 5,000, so that if he works more than 20 free jobs in a year, the government has to pay him a refund. Now, is that clear? Ah, are you kidding? Of course.
Finnegan
Hello?
Archie
Well, not yet, Duffy. But they'll be here any minute now. Certainly. They'd be suckers not to. You see, if they worked, it, say, taxes, the withholding source 100 grand from their accrued refund. Good. And this deduces them into a bracket, so they gotta come down. You see, by working for nothing, they make a fortune. Okay, Duffy. Well, Dave, I hope to get here soon. And by the way, to show you what a showman I am, I got the Order of the Axe. It's all wrote out.
Finnegan
You have?
Archie
Aren't that very clever of you? You know, you're a man of many facets. Well, thanks, Dave, but I ain't always so clever. You know, like 12 facets, I run hot and cold. Well, boy, you're sure hot tonight. Thanks, Dave. Yes, sir.
Vera Fogarty
Well, if it isn't Mr. Harringer, eh?
Archie
Now, look, lady, when I sold you that fur coat, I thought it was real silver fox, and you bonded it.
Finnegan
You.
Archie
Oh, oh.
Finnegan
Oh, it's you, Miss Darby.
Archie
Good evening.
Vera Fogarty
Good evening, Mr. Harpinger. I understand you're a theatrical agent now.
Archie
That's right.
Vera Fogarty
Well, you know, I'm a soprano. Do you think there's a market for a voice like mine?
Archie
Well, I see it. Well, now, Ms. Duffy, I don't know if there is a market for that. Well, Dave, what about the farmers market?
Vera Fogarty
Mr. Smart? Well, maybe I'm not a Janette McDonald.
Archie
Hey, that reminds me, Dave, where are the size. I can't understand it. I can't understand it either. Wait, let me make a phone call.
Finnegan
Hello, is this Crossy there?
Archie
Oh, Bing, Bing, this is Hy D. Coming down.
Finnegan
Oh, why not?
Archie
Well, maybe we can make it another job. What's the matter? There's nobody home and he doesn't want to leave the Oscar alone. But don't worry, Art, you still leave this. Let's see. Bob Hope, Eddie Cantor, Dinah Shaw, Rudy Valle, Nelson Eddy, Harry Hawkins and Jeanette Pagan. Hello?
Finnegan
Hello, Duffy?
Archie
What? But Duffy. Duffy. Dave says I gotta start the show right away or I'm fired. But they'll be here any minute. Okay, but I gotta put something on in the meantime, no matter who it is. Hey, Sam. Sa. Okay, Eddie, get ready to go on. All right, I'll announce you now. Ladies and gentlemen, we now give you a famous singer, a man that is down there as good as Rudy Valley.
Finnegan
I might call me sweet Buttercup Dear little Buttercup Although I could never tell.
Archie
Why.
Finnegan
They call me sweet But Buttercup, dear little Buttercup Sweet little Buttercup how they call me sweet Buttercup? I ain't nothing but buttercup Although I don't know the reason why as they say I'm sweet Buttercup My name is Buttercup and sweet little Buttercup I. That's all.
Archie
Hello? What?
Finnegan
Duffy?
Archie
Yep, I agree with you. Yep, he's the same old Rudy. Yeah. Well, will you hear the next act, Duffy? And now, folks, we present a little blackout sketch that will be played by a well known group of stars who are taking the place of Bob Hope, Eddie Cantor, George Burns and Gracie Allen. Our scene is a luxurious upstairs penthouse on Lower Park Avenue. Music, please.
Vera Fogarty
Come in.
Archie
Darling dearest, come to my arm.
Vera Fogarty
Oh, it's my boyfriend. Quick, hide in the closet.
Archie
Okay, come in. Darling dearest, come to my aunt.
Vera Fogarty
Oh, it's my boyfriend. Quick, hide in the closet.
Archie
Okay, come in.
Finnegan
Darling. It's me.
Vera Fogarty
Dearest. At last. Come to my arms.
Finnegan
Let cheek bike. Look it, dude. I'll call room service. Hello, Room service. Turn up some hamburgers. Yeah, I want onions on mine. Honey, you want onions on yours?
Vera Fogarty
Yes, dear.
Finnegan
Hey. Hey, there's somebody in that closet.
Archie
Oh, no.
Finnegan
Oh, no. Let me open that door.
Vera Fogarty
Aha.
Finnegan
Well, what do you two guys gotta say? No onions on ours. Oh, wow. Room service. Only two onions.
Archie
Watch out. Hello.
Finnegan
What? Duffy?
Archie
Certainly that was Bob Hope. You thought it was Finnegan, Duffy. If that was Clifton Finnegan, I hope you choke. Hey, Dave, Duffy is beginning to get wise. You gotta do something, Archie. Don't quit. You believed in me before, didn't you? Well, now, Arch, you must have the courage of your convictions. Well, I'd have a little more courage if you hadn't had so many convictions. Well, okay, here goes. Ladies and gentlemen, our next attraction is them two famous Love Bird Singers. And believe me, I wish there was.
Finnegan
Nelson eddie and Jeanette McDonald.
Archie
We hunt.
Vera Fogarty
We hunt, we cry Will you love me ever?
Finnegan
Hello? Duffy. Now, take it easy.
Archie
Relapse.
Finnegan
Well, you couldn't do that to your daughter.
Archie
Anyway, that'd be my turn aside. I'm fired. Now, look, Duffy, you can't do that.
Finnegan
Duffy, please, give me one more chance.
Archie
Archie.
Finnegan
Archie, the talent is here. Hold it, Duffy. How did you just come in with the real talent? I told you he'd come through.
Archie
Who's here? Dave Burns and Allen? Rudy Valley?
Finnegan
Eddie Canton?
Archie
No, Harry Hawkins. I'll call you back, Duffy. Dave. Listen. Believe me, Archie, this Hawkins will be great. I got him in the back room making up so he can go on right away. Now, look.
Finnegan
I see.
Archie
Duffy will love him so much, he'll forget about everything else. Yeah. Well, then what are we waiting for, Davis? Put the guy right on, though. Just a second. Arch Hawkins is my client, and he'll have to be paid his regular salary. 10 bucks a week. Okay, Dave. It's a deal. And a contract for 10 weeks. Okay, Dave. And one week's salary in advance. Okay, Dave. Here. 10 bucks. Now. Now, let's see. Before you close the register. Did we forget something? Oh, yes, yes. My commission. Your commission? How much is it? How much is in the register? 20 bucks. Well, you're an old friend of mine. I'll take it. Okay, Dave. Here. 20 bucks. Okay. Well, Hawkins, you're on. Nice roll, Mr. Hawkins. Introduction. Music, if you please. Heathcliff Batterswift.
Finnegan
That dirty hussinger ain't done it again. Hello, Duffy.
Archie
Duffy. Hey, look, Duffy, I got a terrible confession. Yep. Well, I'm sorry, Duffy, but you see, we're stuck with Heathcliff batter's wick for 10 weeks at 10 bucks a week. What? Oh, gee. Gee, it's nice of you to take it so calm, Duffy. You know, I thought I. Huh? I get 15 bucks a week and you're gonna. But, Duffy.
Finnegan
Hello.
Archie
How am I gonna keep up my social position on five bucks? This is the Armed Forces Radio, sir.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Original Air Date: March 30, 1945
Podcast Release Date: August 22, 2025
Episode Theme:
This episode replays a classic from the Golden Age of Radio: Duffy's Tavern, focusing on Archie's plans for an "All-Star Revue." Archie promises a star-studded show featuring huge celebrities, but as usual, not everything goes according to plan, leading to a string of comedic mishaps and schemes.
Archie, the irrepressible manager of Duffy’s Tavern, plans a glittering all-star floor show, advertising appearances by Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Kate Smith, and more. The lineup, arranged by reformed crooked friend (now theatrical agent) Honest Dave Hosinger, is too good to be true—much to the skepticism of the tavern regulars. Over the course of the evening, the big-name guests fail to materialize, prompting Archie and his eccentric staff to improvise the revue themselves, all peppered with rapid-fire wisecracks and absurd logic.
Entertainers go missing, improvisation begins:
Archie's improbable logic on free celebrity appearances:
Last-minute scratch acts:
Improvised blackout sketch:
On hope vs. delusion:
On sound effects:
On being bamboozled:
This episode is a prime example of Duffy’s Tavern’s enduring charm: a mixture of vaudeville, nightclub patter, and the peculiar hopefulness of folks who never quite win but always dream big. Whether you know the era's stars or not, the punchlines and personality quirks need no introduction—everyone’s been in an “All-Star Revue” where the stars never show, and the show just… goes on.