Eb and Zeb 33-xx-xx (105) Buying a Movie from Eb and Zeb

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio — Episode: "Eb and Zeb 33-xx-xx (105) Buying a Movie from Eb and Zeb"

Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Eb and Zeb 33-xx-xx (105)
Title: Buying a Movie from Eb and Zeb

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Introduction

In this episode of "Eb and Zeb," listeners are transported to the vibrant days of the Golden Age of Radio. The dynamic duo, Eb and Deb, navigate the challenges of running their radio show while dealing with financial strains and unexpected visitors. The episode combines humor, suspense, and classic radio storytelling to engage its audience.

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Plot Overview

Financial Struggles and Seeking Loans

The episode opens with Deb and Eb discussing their financial predicament as they observe Captain Crinkley approaching. Deb initiates the conversation with concern about potential loans:

• Deb (00:23): “All right. Did you see the Captain Crinkley's there?”
• Eb (00:32): “No, no, he said he couldn't do it, Deb. Said he was too sick to write out a check. He's got the doubt.”

The duo grapples with unpaid bills and the looming threat of losing their prized possession, the "old star." They attempt to reach out to family members for financial assistance:

• Deb (01:07): “Yeah, I called him.”
• Eb (01:15): “He did?”

Despite their efforts, they receive disappointing responses, leaving them uncertain about their next steps.

Attempting Alternative Solutions

Eb suggests reaching out to Uncle Jake and Old Man Schiltenheimer as potential lenders:

• Eb (01:41): “There must be someone that you know. Say, listen, call up old man Schiltenheimer. He ought to lonely, you know. He's getting enough credit to store here.”

Deb endeavors to make these calls while managing other responsibilities, showcasing the strain on their operations.

Mysterious Visitor: Hector Smith

Their day takes a turn when Hector Smith enters the scene, seeking assistance:

• Hector Smith (05:12): “Where was he? War been looking For Smith.”
• Eb (07:01): “You say your name's your Smith?”

Hector’s initial confusion about his identity adds a layer of mystery. He reveals his intent to purchase a moving picture:

• Hector Smith (07:01): “Hector Smith. I want to buy his moving picture.”
• Hector Smith (07:14): “Yes, yes. You know the Corn center like Glory review? I represented Phoenix Production. I happened to be driving through here the other evening and cost the show. It's been mar.”

Negotiating the Purchase

The negotiation becomes intense as Hector offers a substantial sum for the moving picture:

• Hector Smith (07:08): “I want to buy his moving picture.”
• Eb (07:57): “Well, just a minute now. How much you gonna give us for?”
• Hector Smith (08:01): “I'll give you $150,000 down. $5000 royalty for the first week and 5000 for the second week. $5000 royalty for the third week and he'd fall into those boxes.”

As the discussion progresses, tension rises, especially when Deb faints, adding urgency to the negotiation:

• Deb (08:20): “Yes, he fainted. He fainted.”
• Hector Smith (08:23): “Well, I've got some water. Quick, get some water.”

Cliffhanger Ending

The episode culminates with an unresolved negotiation, leaving listeners eager for the next installment:

• Hector Smith (08:27): “Never mind the water. How much for the fourth week?”

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Resilience in Adversity: Eb and Deb's continuous efforts to secure loans highlight their determination to keep their radio show afloat despite financial challenges.

2. Mystery and Identity: The introduction of Hector Smith introduces an element of mystery, questioning identities and intentions, a common trope in old-time radio dramas.

3. Negotiation and Value: The negotiation over the moving picture underscores themes of value, business dealings, and the complexities involved in such transactions.

4. Humor Amidst Tension: The interplay between Eb and Deb provides comedic relief even as they face serious financial and operational pressures.

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Notable Quotes

• Eb (00:32): “No, no, he said he couldn't do it, Deb. Said he was too sick to write out a check. He's got the doubt.”

• Hector Smith (07:08): “I want to buy his moving picture.”

• Hector Smith (08:01): “I'll give you $150,000 down. $5000 royalty for the first week and 5000 for the second week. $5000 royalty for the third week and he'd fall into those boxes.”

• Deb (08:20): “Yes, he fainted. He fainted.”

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Conclusion

"Buying a Movie from Eb and Zeb" masterfully blends financial drama with mysterious intrigue, all while maintaining the nostalgic charm of old-time radio. The episode leaves listeners anticipating the resolution of the negotiation and the fate of Eb and Deb's radio show. With its engaging dialogue, rich character interactions, and cliffhanger ending, this installment exemplifies the enduring appeal of classic radio storytelling.

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Listeners who enjoy suspenseful negotiations, classic humor, and the charm of the Golden Age of Radio will find this episode both entertaining and compelling.

Transcript

[Deb]

All right. Did you see the Captain Crinkley's there?

[Eb]

Yes, yes, I see him.

[Deb]

Well, is he gonna give us a loan?

[Eb]

No, no, he said he couldn't do it, Deb. Said he was too sick to write out a check. He's got the doubt.

[Deb]

Doubt, huh? Yeah, he don't write checks when he thinks, does he?

[Eb]

No. I don't know what we're gonna do, Eb. Most of them bills has got to be paid with a fust of next month. And no fooling about it, you see. Well, they just take the old star away from us. That's what they'll do. Call up your Uncle Jake. Yeah.

[Deb]

Yeah, I called him.

[Eb]

Well, what'd he say? Did he say anybody had some money?

[Deb]

Yeah, he did.

[Eb]

He did?

[Deb]

Yeah. He said no. Said no? Yes.

[Eb]

Did you get the money of Diddy, sir?

[Deb]

No, I didn't.

[Eb]

They were.

[Deb]

Yeah, I asked him for it and he said no. But he said yes, I'd have had it.

[Eb]

I didn't tell you. I've got to put through the loan.

[Deb]

What can we call that?

[Eb]

There must be someone that you know. Say, listen, call up old man Schiltenheimer. He ought to lonely, you know. He's getting enough credit to store here.

[Deb]

Well, you call him up. See, I'm busy stacking up some empty boxes here for Kinman Wood.

[Eb]

Now, listen here.

[Deb]

Well, hello. Hello. What you trying to matter with us? Hello? Well, yes. Yes, of course I want a number. What you think I'm pressing this goddamn thing for exercise? Don't get pressed yourself. Go to. No. Well, the first number is two.

[Eb]

You got that? Two?

[Deb]

Yeah, and the second number is two too. I subtitle too.

[Eb]

I'll just tell you why.

[Deb]

I want to talk to Schoenheimer now. Hurry up about it.

[Eb]

Give him a good strong talk to him. Some of you just got to have alone, don't you? Wait.

[Deb]

Hello, Jose? This is Red Peers. Say, I don't want to get alone. I say I want to get alone. Why am I going to go back and lock the door?

[Hector Smith]

Hello?

[Eb]

Tell him to get me this time alone. Tell him hello.

[Deb]

I don't mean I want to get a loan. No, that's right. I mean I want to get a loan.

[Hector Smith]

Oh, Lamborghini.

[Eb]

Go. Get away from there. See, Mr. Schumann, every wants to get a loan. Like alone. No, no.

[Deb]

He needs a lane like a rain.

[Eb]

When he gets alone.

[Hector Smith]

Let me help you pile them up again.

[Deb]

Come busting in here and knock over these boxes. I told him to look out.

[Hector Smith]

Where was he? War been looking For Smith. Now, easy here.

[Eb]

Who?

[Hector Smith]

Smith. Smith, Izzy.

[Deb]

Is he never hear?

[Hector Smith]

No, no, no, not easy. Smith?

[Deb]

Yeah, Is he? Who? Izzy? Who?

[Hector Smith]

I didn't say Izzy. I said Izzy. Izzy.

[Eb]

Well, who? Who?

[Hector Smith]

I told you, Smith.

[Eb]

Well, how do we know whether he's Smith or not?

[Hector Smith]

I'm not asking you whether he's Smith. I'm telling you he is Smith.

[Eb]

What about it?

[Deb]

What about it?

[Eb]

You come in here just to tell us he's a fellow the name of Smith?

[Hector Smith]

Certainly not. I didn't come in here to tell you there's a fellow by the name of Smith. I told you.

[Deb]

Just trying to make a cup of fool.

[Hector Smith]

For a moment, please. I'm not trying to make fools out of you. I'm looking for a gentleman by the name of Smith. They told me that he might be evil, or if he wanted, he could tell me where he must be seen last. What, being seen?

[Eb]

Didn't you say so in the first place?

[Hector Smith]

But I don't want any. Gentlemen.

[Deb]

What do you want? What do you want? Who are you?

[Hector Smith]

I just told you. I just told you. I'm looking for a man named Smith. And that happens to be my name, too.

[Eb]

You say your name's your Smith?

[Deb]

Yes. And you come in here looking for yourself, huh? Come on, Jed, let's put him out.

[Hector Smith]

Crazy. I'm looking for that Hector Smith. Hector Smith. I want to buy his moving picture.

[Deb]

What?

[Hector Smith]

I want to buy his moving picture.

[Deb]

Want to buy his moving picture?

[Hector Smith]

Yes, yes. You know the Corn center like Glory review? I represented Phoenix Production. I happened to be driving through here the other evening and cost the show. It's been mar.

[Deb]

I can't find.

[Hector Smith]

Hit the place now.

[Deb]

We have there now Justice. So Second Texas Smith don't own that picture no more? No, we own it. You know we took the license.

[Hector Smith]

Yes, I noticed that.

[Deb]

We own it lock, stock and barrel. Yes, sir, we bought it. Deb, get that bill of sale.

[Hector Smith]

You own it. You own it. Ah, and I've been chasing that fellow Smith around for two days now. Why? Say, here, here, I'll buy that picture right now. Sign this contract.

[Eb]

Well, just a minute now. How much you gonna give us for?

[Hector Smith]

I'll give you $150,000 down. $5000 royalty for the first week and 5000 for the second week. $5000 royalty for the third week and he'd fall into those boxes.

[Deb]

Yes, he fainted. He fainted.

[Hector Smith]

Well, I've got some water. Quick, get some water. Wait, wait, wait.

[Eb]

Never mind the water. How much for the fourth week?