Podcast Summary: Fibber McGee And Molly 35-04-16 (0001) The Motorcycle Cop, the Judge and Fibber
Introduction In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "The Motorcycle Cop, the Judge and Fibber," listeners are taken on a humorous journey with the beloved characters Fibber McGee and Molly. Set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Radio, the episode weaves together comedic mishaps, witty dialogues, and engaging musical interludes, encapsulating the charm that made these characters timeless.
Fibber and Molly’s Road Trip Begins The episode opens with Fibber McGee planning a road trip with his ever-patient wife, Molly. Early on, Fibber’s enthusiasm for taking Route 42 over Route 16 sets the stage for the ensuing adventures.
- Fibber McGee (01:31): “It's a road map. You see, this here map shows Route 42 and Route 16. Molly wants us to take Route 42, but I claim that 16 is more.”
Despite Molly’s preference for Route 42, Fibber convinces her to embark on Route 16, promising a smoother and faster journey. However, this decision leads to unexpected challenges, showcasing Fibber’s knack for getting into amusing predicaments.
Encounter with the Motorcycle Cop and Courtroom Comedy As Fibber and Molly continue their journey, Fibber’s driving comes under scrutiny. They are pulled over by a stern Sergeant, leading to a comedic courtroom showdown.
- Fibber McGee (04:36): “I mean a copper. Huh?”
- Sergeant Wilcox (05:14): “What's the idea of passing the red light back there, huh? What's your name? What's your license number? Where you go? Why'd you sit your sticker?”
Fibber’s elaborate defense that the red light wasn’t lit sparks laughter and disbelief in court. His attempt to argue that an unlit red light shouldn’t warrant a stop results in a series of humorous exchanges with Judge Schwartz.
- Fibber McGee (07:04): “Your honor, the light wasn't lit.”
- Judge Schwartz (07:16): “That don’t make any difference.”
The courtroom scene is a highlight of the episode, showcasing Fibber’s talent for turning a simple traffic violation into a farcical legal battle.
Musical Interlude: Molly’s Song Amidst the chaos, Molly takes center stage with a heartfelt song that adds a melodic charm to the episode. Her rendition of "If the Moon Turns Green" provides a tender contrast to the comedic elements, highlighting the enduring love and resilience of the couple.
- Molly McGee (19:00): “If the moon turns green and shadows get up and walk around... I wouldn’t be surprised.”
This musical break not only entertains but also deepens the emotional connection between the characters and the audience.
Johnson's Auto Wax Commercial Segment In true old-time radio fashion, the episode seamlessly integrates a commercial segment for Johnson's Auto Wax. Fibber humorously disrupts the advertisement by interjecting his own stories, blending promotion with narrative humor.
- Harlow Wilcox (17:16): “Johnson's Auto Wax does protect your car so that the ultraviolet rays of the sun cannot destroy the finish.”
- Fibber McGee (11:00): “Once upon a time there were two kids, Violet and Ray...”
Fibber’s playful interference and storytelling not only promote the product but also maintain the episode’s light-hearted tone.
Filling Station Visit and the Tale of Ermentrude Returning to their road trip, Fibber and Molly stop at a filling station owned by the charismatic Harlow Wilcox. This scene introduces an amusing backstory about Fibber’s time in the Foreign Legion and his attachment to a racing camel named Ermentrude.
- Fibber McGee (25:11): “Ermentrude was a racing camel. I had a real sweet-tempered camel, as camels go.”
Fibber’s nostalgic recounting of his adventures with Ermentrude adds depth to his character, showcasing his penchant for quirky and endearing anecdotes.
- Fibber McGee (27:45): “Twas Ermentrude back with her old master again. Shuck effort. And I busted down.”
The mishap involving Ermentrude’s arm and Fibber’s humorous reaction to parting with the camel further highlight his affable and comical nature.
Conclusion As the episode draws to a close, Fibber and Molly continue their journey with their trademark blend of humor and love. The interactions with Sergeant Wilcox, the courtroom antics, and the charming side stories culminate in a delightful narrative that underscores the enduring appeal of Fibber McGee and Molly.
- Harlow Wilcox (29:10): “We're not giving away any free cars. But with every purchase of Johnson's Auto Wax and Cleaner, we are giving away a 40 cent can of Johnson's Touch Up Enamel.”
The episode wraps up with Fibber’s final remarks and a promise of more adventures to come, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment.
Notable Quotes
- Fibber McGee (07:48): “I claims that anytime my headlight sees a dead light... I'm in my right.”
- Molly McGee (19:28): “I wouldn’t be surprised ‘Cause anything can happen, dear. If you can fall in love with me.”
Conclusion "The Motorcycle Cop, the Judge and Fibber" is a quintessential episode that encapsulates the essence of old-time radio humor and storytelling. Through a mix of witty dialogue, engaging plots, and memorable musical segments, Fibber McGee and Molly deliver a narrative that is both entertaining and endearing, perfectly embodying the spirit of the Golden Age of Radio.