Podcast Summary: Ethel and Albert – "Teddy Bites Mrs. Spitterbock"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Ethel and Albert 47-07-14 – Teddy bites Mrs. Spritterbock
Date: September 4, 2025
Runtime Summarized: [03:09–13:24]

Episode Overview

This episode of the beloved radio sitcom "Ethel and Albert" centers on a neighborhood misunderstanding: Mrs. Spitterbock, a notoriously fussy neighbor, accuses the Arbuckles’ timid dog, Teddy, of biting her. The resulting confusion and concern prompt a blend of domestic comedy and classic neighborly drama, as Ethel and Albert attempt to uncover the truth and maintain household peace.

Key Discussion Points & Narrative Breakdown

1. The Emergency at Home

• Setting: Dinner time at the Arbuckle household. Ethel is anxious and has barricaded the family (and Teddy) in an upstairs bedroom.

• Chaos Ensues:

  • Ethel recounts a call from Mrs. Spitterbock, who claims that Teddy bit her and that she might have called the police.

    Ethel (to Albert): "I just got Teddy in the house and locked the door. I thought if the police rang the doorbell or anything that I just wouldn't answer. I don't think they can break in a place, do you?" [04:12]

• Albert’s Initial Skepticism:

  • Albert is incredulous, citing Teddy’s meekness.

    Albert: "There isn't anybody in this neighborhood who doesn't know that Teddy is scared of his own shadow. You know what a coward Teddy is." [05:55]

2. Mrs. Spitterbock’s Accusation

• Ethel’s Account:
  • Mrs. Spitterbock claims: Teddy growled, attacked, broke the skin on her ankle, and is a "dangerous, vicious animal."

    Ethel (on Mrs. Spitterbock): "She said Teddy was a dangerous, vicious animal to have around a neighborhood. And that she considered it her duty to report him to the police before he killed someone." [05:40]

• Family's Emotional Reaction:
  • Ethel is distressed, worries about the consequences for Teddy, and considers calling the dog hospital.

    Ethel: "I just couldn't have to get rid of Teddy. I know he is an awfully bright. But he's a sweet dog and he's just..." [06:44]

3. Decision-Making and Addressing the Problem

• Calming the Situation:
  • Albert insists on facing the issue directly and acting responsibly.

    Albert: "You have a dog that's bitten somebody. You gotta look into it." [07:32]

• Suggesting Practical Solutions:
  • Ethel suggests a vet visit for Teddy.

    Ethel: "I did think that perhaps just to be on the safe side, we could call the dog hospital out here and take Teddy out. It's been a long time since he had a checkup." [07:49]

4. Direct Contact with Mrs. Spitterbock

• The Phone Call:

  • Albert calls Mrs. Spitterbock, who admits she hasn’t called the police but insists Teddy attacked her for no reason.

    Albert (to Mrs. Spitterbock): "Now, under the circumstances, I feel that you're perfectly right, Mrs. Fritovo. Call the police. By all means. You do whatever you want. We're going to have Teddy examined. And now you understand that we'll fight this thing." [09:32]

• Strategic Bluff:

  • Albert bluffs about being prepared for court, prompting Mrs. Spitterbock to hang up.

    Albert: "And we are prepared to fight. I want you to know that Teddy means a lot to us. And. And of course, if you lose, you know that you'll pay for the court costs..." [09:56]

5. The Truth Comes Out

• Neighborly Investigation:

  • Albert learns from Mrs. Fraley, another neighbor, that Teddy never bit Mrs. Spitterbock. Instead, Mrs. Spitterbock lost her balance and scraped her ankle after kicking at Teddy, who hadn’t set foot on her property.

    Albert: "Mrs. Fraley was in her garden and she saw the whole thing. She says Teddy wasn't even on Mrs. Spitterbock's property. But she was afraid he was going to run in her flower bed. So she yelled at him and he barked and then she sort of kicked him...and lost her balance and fell and apparently scraped her ankle and that is how it all happened." [11:38]

• Ethel’s Outrage Turns to Empathy:

  • Ethel is initially aghast, suggesting Mrs. Spitterbock should be fined for animal cruelty, then reflects on Mrs. Spitterbock’s loneliness.

    Ethel: "She's an old fuss budget, though. She complains about everybody in the neighborhood... Maybe she's been lonesome. I guess nobody's paid much attention to her." [12:20, 12:37]

6. Resolving the Conflict

• A Neighborly Solution:
  • The Arbuckles decide to invite Mrs. Spitterbock to join them for dinner, hoping to repair relations and ease her loneliness.

    Albert: "By the time Mrs. Spark has been over here for a nice dinner. She'll be sitting around afterwards holding Teddy on her lap." [12:59]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Albert’s Classic Sarcasm:

  "If the truth of the matter were known, it was probably Mrs. Spitterbock who bit Teddy." [06:27]

• Ethel’s Realization:

  "No, I guess we haven't, dear. Maybe she's been lonesome. I guess nobody's paid much attention to her." [12:37]

• Resolution with Humor:

  Albert: "Say, listen. By the time Mrs. Spark has been over here for a nice dinner. She'll be sitting around afterwards holding Teddy on her lap."
  Ethel: "I'll bet she will at that, honey." [13:00–13:08]

Key Timestamps

• 03:09 – Episode proper begins, Ethel and Albert's household in turmoil
• 05:30 – Mrs. Spitterbock’s accusation detailed
• 06:56 – Ethel fears Teddy might be taken away
• 07:49 – Decision to call the vet
• 09:00–10:10 – Albert's phone call to Mrs. Spitterbock
• 11:38 – The real story revealed by Mrs. Fraley
• 12:37 – Reflection on Mrs. Spitterbock’s loneliness
• 12:59–13:08 – Plan to invite Mrs. Spitterbock for dinner

Conclusion and Tone

True to its gentle comedic roots, this episode of "Ethel and Albert" transforms a neighborhood dispute into a moment of empathy and connection. The Arbuckles’ approach—balancing responsible concern, humor, and ultimately neighborly outreach—highlights the show's signature blend of domestic warmth and wit.

Tone: Light, humorous, domestic, with an undertone of compassion and social observation.