Fibber Mcgee and Molly 35-10-28 029 Halloween party

Summary

Podcast Summary: Fibber McGee and Molly "Halloween Party"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Fibber McGee and Molly 35-10-28 029 Halloween Party
Air Date: October 8, 2025 (original episode October 28, 1935)
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio presents a classic Halloween installment of “Fibber McGee and Molly,” originally aired in 1935. Listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio to join Fibber, Molly, and their cast of friends for a raucous Halloween party filled with slapstick humor, homemade party punch, musical performances, party games, and a spooky story or two. The festive atmosphere and clever banter make for a rich, nostalgic celebration of Halloween traditions from another era.

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Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Party Setup and Musical Opener

• [00:45] The show opens with an exuberant introduction from the announcer, promising "a frantic fiesta of fun and frolic."
• [01:05] Marelli and his orchestra set the Halloween mood with live music, featuring songs like "Romance and Rhythm" ([02:09]).

2. The Famous McGee Halloween Punch

• [03:20–08:57] The central comedic routine features Fibber McGee concocting his infamous Halloween punch, much to Molly's skepticism and the guests’ amusement.
  • Fibber boasts, “The secret of this here punch has been handed down from generation to generation of McGee’s till it come to me. And I perfected it—yes, sir!” ([04:32])
  • The punch includes cider, milk, grape juice, lemon extract, and even a dash of maple syrup, all crowned with baking soda (“Look out, Magee, it’s bubbling all over me nice clean floor!” – Molly, [08:17]).
  • Classic wordplay occurs as the black cat seeks some "cat nip," which Fibber retorts as “a punch? Cat nip?” ([04:53])

3. Hilarious Party Banter and Games

• [09:01] Musical interlude features "Audrey Hobgoblin" performed on the fiddle by Audrey Call, a playful Halloween-themed piece.
• Fibber inserts a riddle: “What’s the difference between a ghost, a sailor with a sore foot, and a can of Johnson’s glow coat?” ([09:12])
  • Punchline: “One’s a hobgoblin, and the other’s a gob hoblin!”
• [11:26] Party guests arrive in costume; playful confusion ensues over masked identities and mistaken addresses.

4. Special Guests and Performances

• [13:00] A character introduction and a performance from K. Donna with “I’ve Got a Feeling You’re Fooling” showcase the show’s musical variety.

5. Classic Halloween Gags and Wit

• The McGee household hosts traditional bobbing for apples ([09:41]) and water-bucket kissing games, with mischievous asides about the party's shenanigans.

6. The Spooky Ghost Story

• [18:54] Amid clamoring for a scary tale, Fibber prepares to regale the crowd under dimmed lights:
  • “Now keep quiet and I’ll tell you something that happened to me way back in 1908. No, 1909—no, 1907. That’s it, 1910!” ([20:07])
  • The story is classic hokum: haunted houses, ghastly sights, “Aunt Hunter McGee, the hair-raising hero of the horrible.”
  • Dramatic moments are undercut by interruptions (like Teeny offering cold water at the story’s climax, [22:36]).

7. Final Musical Flourish and Wrap-Up

• [23:44] Another musical number, “From the Top of Your Head to the Tip of Your Toes,” lightens the mood after the ghost story.
• Product plugs for Johnson’s Glo Coat floor polish are woven into the narrative, always with a wink to the audience.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On creating the punch:

  • “For the proper potion to poison unpopular people!” — Molly, with mock-seriousness ([03:58])
  • “You gotta drip it like you was making fudge. It forms a kind of a colored spot onto the surface like motor oil in a puddle of water.” — Fibber, explaining his punch-making method ([07:13])

• Classic wordplay:

  • “I had a cousin once used to drink stuff that looked like that. Well, it had an effect all right, but not to speak of.” — Coop, riffing on a dubious punch ([07:43])
  • “Ain’t funny, Coop.” — Fibber’s catchphrase retort ([07:57])
  • “She come over to say she couldn’t come over.” — Molly, about Geraldine’s visit ([18:43])

• On ghostly bravado:

  • “I’ll put them spirits back in their bottles, I says” — Fibber recounting his haunted house adventure ([20:53])

• Perfect interruption:

  • “Something did touch me. What was that?” — Party guest,
    “Just a glass of cold water you wanted.” — Teeny, delivering a comic anticlimax to the ghost story ([22:36])

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------| | 00:45 | Introduction to Halloween party and cast | | 02:09 | Opening musical number by Marelli’s Orchestra| | 03:20 | The making of McGee’s Halloween punch | | 09:01 | Audrey Call’s fiddle performance | | 11:26 | Party guests arrive, mistaken identity skit | | 13:00 | K. Donna sings “I’ve Got a Feeling You’re Fooling” | | 18:54 | Geraldine’s comical cameo | | 19:56 | Lights dim for Fibber’s ghost story | | 23:44 | Closing musical performance | | 25:04 | Final sponsor message and party wrap-up |

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Tone & Style

• The episode is delivered with the brisk, pun-heavy patter characteristic of 1930s radio sitcoms. The comedic timing, playful one-liners, and musical interludes keep the energy upbeat and festive, perfectly suiting a Halloween special. Running gags, fast dialogue, and good-natured ribbing fill the air, mirroring a real old-time party.

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By blending joke-filled dialogue, classic party gags, and musical features, this episode captures the delight and camaraderie of vintage radio entertainment. Fans of old-time radio or listeners seeking festive nostalgia will find this Halloween party a charming window to a bygone era.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign.

[B]

The voice of Service in Chicago. WENR leaves the air now and the channel will be occupied by wls.

[C]

Good evening, everyone. You are now listening to wls, the voice of Prairie Farmer Chicago.

[B]

Good evening, everyone. The makers of Johnson's Wax welcome you to a frantic fiesta of fun and frolic. As Fiber and Molly give a Halloween party for Martelli's Orchestra, the Cleft Dwellers. K. Donna Audrey, Call little Teeny Mor, Toop and others, including you. Here's for some hearty Halloween hilarity with Maran and Jim as your host and hostess.

[D]

Fibber McGee and Molly.

[B]

Now, while we wait for more guests to arrive, Marelli and his men get into the Halloween spirit by slipping into their music sheets and picking up their horns and drums to give us rhythm and romance. Rapid up, Rico.

[A]

Sam. Reduction.

[E]

Romance, romance and rhythm Struck me to sparkle anew Struck me remarkable new sweetheart. Rhythm and romance Romance and rhythm an inconceivable tear that gave our fighting a fairy tale A star creeper grooming the sky Deepest smile ride the tree around Rhythm and moments Romance and rhythm of combination Standing.

[B]

Well now tonight out in the kitchen, folks. Right out in the kitchen at 79 Wishful Vista. Nearly everybody's here. And Biber is just mixing his famous Halloween punch for his assembled guests.

[F]

McGee always did consider himself a good.

[G]

Mixer of a concoction. Is he mixing, ma'? Am?

[F]

Well, search me, Mr. Toots. What do you call it, McGee?

[E]

Call what?

[H]

This here punch. Yes, Shuck.

[D]

This is going to be the famous McGee Halloween punch.

[H]

Pumpkin punch, I called it.

[D]

Pumpkin punch.

[H]

The perfect preparation for parties and picnics.

[F]

For the proper potion to poison unpopular people.

[H]

Hand me the big bowl, Molly.

[F]

Here you are, McGee.

[G]

Four legs in the faucet. And that'd make a real good bathtub.

[H]

Never mind the wise back now. Start pouring cider into it, Molly. You see folks, the secret of this here punch.

[F]

McGee, did you ever try any of.

[A]

This Joe Lewis punch?

[H]

Joe Lewis punch? No. Why?

[F]

They say it's inclined to get all.

[A]

Over your chin.

[E]

Hands.

[D]

As I was saying, folks, the secret.

[H]

Of this here punch has been handed down from generation to generation. The McGee's till it come to me. And I perfected it. Yes, sir, the last of the McGee's.

[D]

Has brung this here punch to the.

[H]

Final peak of perfection, I always says.

[F]

Well, for heaven's sake, where did the black cat come from?

[G]

Probably wants a little nip.

[H]

A punch?

[E]

A cat nip?

[H]

That dead ratted cat hadn't better cross my path tonight. Whilst I'm busy, hand me a couple of quarts of milk, Molly. Milk. Milk.

[F]

Magee, are you pouring milk on top of that cider?

[H]

Why shucks, Molly, that's part of the secret receipt. You put cream on a baked apple, don't you? And why, this here stuff is going to be the cat. Yes, well, here's the Nils. Thanks, Molly.

[F]

Well, now, hurry up. We're all getting real thirsty.

[H]

Don't hurry me now, don't hurry me.

[D]

This stuff has got to be fixed.

[H]

Up with care and precision. Where's the grape juice?

[F]

Grape juice?

[D]

Pipe down, you four footed feline.

[H]

Not you, Molly. Thanks.

[I]

Here's a grape juice, Mr. Magee. I guess.

[H]

Oh, thank you, Teeny. Now watch this, folks. This has got to be did with real finesse. Let's see now. Four gallons of cider, two quarts of milk, three bunches of grape juice, some vanilla. Oh, vanilla.

[D]

Have you got any vanilla, Molly?

[F]

No, I haven't.

[H]

Oh, well, give me some lemon extract.

[G]

Boy. Lemon extract. That ought to fix her up.

[I]

I bet you this is going to be some dandy stuff.

[A]

I bet you.

[I]

Can I taste it once, Mr. McGee?

[A]

Hmm?

[I]

Can I please?

[A]

Better.

[H]

Wait a minute. All the ingredients ain't ingredients. Hand me the maple syrup, Molly.

[F]

Oh, for heaven's sake. You're going to have us all in a state of.

[H]

I ever tell you about the time.

[D]

I raced into a 300 yard dash.

[H]

Against Fisko Fosco, the fleet footed skin?

[D]

Well, sir, before the race started, I.

[H]

Took me a cupful of this here McGee Punch and you know what happened. No, no, no, I never did. Another. Give me a bigger spoon, Molly.

[D]

I'll stir this up so dad.

[H]

Let it keep quiet, Kitty. He wasn't invited in the first place.

[F]

Oh, cats have got no social sense, McGee.

[G]

No. Don't be crabby with tabby, McGee.

[I]

What you doing now?

[H]

Dripping. You gotta drip it like he was making fudge.

[D]

It forms a kind of a colored.

[H]

Spot onto the surface like motor oil in a puddle of water. As you see, this is the doing. It's just about ready for the finishing touch.

[F]

Well, what is the finishing touch?

[H]

Slipping the chick into it.

[A]

Oh.

[H]

Molly, hand me that bottle of. Oh, be joyful, Magee.

[F]

I won't be a party to this now.

[H]

Oh, shuck. Now, Molly, everything's going to be all right. You just trust me.

[D]

I hope it wins.

[G]

I had a cousin once used to drink stuff that looked like that. Ma', am.

[F]

Did it have any effect on him to speak of?

[G]

Well, it had an effect all right, but not to speak of.

[H]

Ain't funny, Coop. Oh, Molly, this here's about done. Looks right pretty, don't it? I wasn't talking to you, Tom.

[F]

My, my, it's taking on a beautiful curdle, ain't it, Magee?

[H]

Now then, just as soon as I stir in this here bacon soda.

[F]

Look out, Magee, it's bubbling all over.

[A]

Me nice clean floor.

[E]

Oh, sure.

[H]

I must have put a mite too much bacon soda into it.

[I]

Look, Mr. Magee, the kitty is licking it up.

[H]

Why, shuck.

[D]

That won't hurt her none.

[H]

That'll do him good, my snackers.

[D]

Look at that cat.

[H]

He's throwing a fish snacker, McGee.

[A]

Well, what's the matter with the do happen.

[D]

Now, folks, whilst the punch is cooling off, maybe little Audrey Call had.

[H]

Play something on that there fiddle of hers.

[D]

What's the name of that piece?

[A]

Audrey Hobgoblin.

[D]

Oh, Hobgoblin. Is that one of them numbers you wrote yourself?

[A]

Yes, it is. Siblings.

[H]

I got a riddle about that too. What's the difference between a ghost, a sailor with a sore foot and a can of Johnson's go coat?

[A]

Give up?

[H]

I thought so.

[D]

Well, one's a hobgoblin and the other's a gob hoblin.

[F]

And what's the can of Johnson's glow coat for, McGee?

[H]

Oh, I just put that in there to brighten up the finish.

[A]

You get it?

[D]

The glow coat will brighten up the.

[H]

Okay, go ahead.

[D]

Audrey Hobgob was in knob hobland. Okay, folks. Now if everybody's ready, we're going to bob for apples. Come on over here, you fortet fellas.

[H]

Oh, who's that, Molly?

[F]

But he is here at McGee.

[A]

I don't know.

[D]

Well, if it's the square to 76.

[H]

You'Ve got the wrong house. This is number 79.

[F]

Come in.

[I]

See? I bet you it's a ghost. I bet you.

[F]

For heaven's sake, McGee.

[A]

Who is it? Do you know?

[H]

No, I don't know.

[I]

Oh, I betcha that ain't his real face.

[A]

I betcha.

[H]

Take off the false face, bud. We know you. Who is it, Molly?

[F]

And how should I know? Good evening, spirit. And what are you the spirit of?

[H]

Now, take the mask off and rest your ears, bud.

[D]

What's the matter?

[H]

Is everybody listening?

[E]

Yes.

[B]

Well, then here's a suggestion that will save you hours of work and keep your house looking brighter and cleaner all winter. Use Johnson's glow coat on your floors and linoleum. This remarkable no rubbing floor polish makes your floors shine like new and spares you all the work of Rubbing and buffing. Simply spread Glo Coat lightly over the floor surface. You don't have to bear down or rub it in. Twenty minutes later, the floor will be gleaming with a bright, beautiful polish. After that, your floors will stay clean for weeks at a time. For Glo Coat resists dirt and stains and saves the wood or linoleum from becoming shabby and worn. Remember the name of this fine no rubbing floor polish. Johnson's Glo Coat. A product of the famous Johnson's Wax Laboratory.

[H]

Now I know who you are.

[D]

Oh, you're Harpo.

[A]

I didn't get you too well, Mr. Wilcox.

[F]

Sit down and enjoy yourself.

[B]

Thank you, Ollie.

[A]

Thank you. You know Mort Coops here, don't you?

[B]

Yes, I've met Mr. Toots. How are you, Mort?

[G]

I'll do harlow if Bibber McGee's taking care of you. I guess everything's an apple pie order.

[F]

How do you mean, apple pie order, Mr. Toots?

[G]

Applesauce and a lot of crust.

[F]

Oh, don't pay any attention to him, Mr. Wilcox. Him and McGee is always saying them things to each other. Now, this is Ms. K. Donna, Mr. Wilcox. She's going to sing for us.

[H]

Kay.

[B]

Donna. Why, aren't you the little lady who was selling music in a big Chicago department store?

[I]

Yes, I am.

[B]

I thought I recognized you. We've heard a great deal about you and we're mighty glad to have you with us. What are you going to sing?

[A]

I've got a feeling you're feeling fine. I've got a feeling you're fooling. I've got a feeling you're having fun. I'll get a go by when you are done fooling with me. I've got a feeling you're fooling. I've got a feeling it's Saf. I think you're laughing right up your leave. Fooling with me. Life is worth living while you are giving moments of paradise. You're such a standout but how you hand out that hocus pocus from your eyes. I've got a feeling you're fooling I've got a feeling it's all it's just that well known old army game who is with me? You are a sister no artist can tame. But you're a mixture of devil and things I just find. Demon fly who figure you are Love is in season. The moon's up above. Though it be treason to question your love. Every time I look at you, my heart inside I've got a feeling your. I've got a feeling you're having fun I get it. Go by then you are done fooling with me. I've got a feeling you're fooling I've got a feeling it makes me. I think you're right up your sleep pulling with me Life is worth living while you are giving moment so paradise. You're such a standout that's how you hand out that hocus pocus from your eyes. I've done a feeling you're fooling I've got a feeling it's all a feeling. It's just that. Well, almost Army J. Okay.

[H]

Thank you, Mr. K. Donna, that was very nice.

[D]

Well, what now, Molly?

[F]

Well, let's play some games now, McGee.

[H]

Okay.

[D]

How about that game we played at.

[H]

Harlow's the other night?

[D]

You remember, Molly, where each fella had to hold his head into a bucket.

[H]

Of water till a pretty gal come along and kissed him. That was fun, wasn't it, Molly? Fun?

[F]

If I hadn't come along when I.

[A]

Did, you'd have drowned it.

[G]

Somebody at the door, McGee?

[F]

It's the doorbell, McGee.

[D]

Well, what in Tunkett did you think?

[H]

I thought it was curfew.

[D]

Excuse me, Mike, folks, whilst I. Oh, hello there, Geraldine.

[A]

Shucks. I was wondering.

[I]

You know what the funniest thing? I was just telling Gerald I was coming to your party and Gerald said the cutest thing. I mean, you really did miss me.

[E]

Sure.

[A]

But won't you come in?

[I]

No, I can't. You see, Gerald asked me what she said I was going to wear our best sheets with Grand Hotel on them. Our second best sheets with Pullman on them. Isn't that just too pretty dangerous for you? I mean, is it really. Is it like I told you? Oh my goodness. I totally. I didn't think I'd wear a false face, just a mud tag. And he said, well, that puts a different complexion on the manners. Girls, there's a darling. You think?

[A]

I know, but why don't you come in?

[I]

Oh, just as I was saying. I had no sooner get the words out of my mouth when we could come in with some friends from all the time. Gail says if any more people drop in from out of town, you'll well be fine. You know the old saying, out of town out of nine. I mean, Dan, when you said that it had super paralyzing how many you said really shuts. Come on in and sit, McGee. I really can't.

[A]

No.

[I]

We have these friends with us, you know, only. Jesus, if they stay more than three.

[A]

Days, they won't be friends.

[I]

So I just came over to say I told you come over. Well, thanks. Just to say, Mr. McGee, fiddle, fiddle diddle.

[A]

Well.

[F]

Who was that, McGee?

[H]

Geraldine.

[D]

She come over to say she couldn't come over.

[F]

Well, that's too bad. Listen, Mc McGee, everybody wants to hear a ghost story. Come on in now and tell us.

[A]

Ghost story, huh? Ghost story, huh?

[D]

I'll tell them one that'll curl their hair.

[I]

Please, Mr. McGee, are you going to tell a ghost Toyota?

[H]

Well, I. Excuse me, my Teeny. Hey, Molly.

[A]

Yes?

[H]

Teeny should not hear no ghost stories. She's too little.

[F]

I guess you're right.

[I]

Oh, Teeny, I don't tell a ghost guy.

[A]

Hi.

[H]

Please, Teeny, would you say.

[D]

Would you go out in the kitchen.

[H]

And get me a glass of real cold water?

[E]

That's a good girl.

[H]

And, Teeny, let it run a long, long time till it gets real good and cold.

[D]

Maybe you better let it run till I come out and see if it's cold enough.

[A]

All right, I'll let it run a long time.

[G]

Come on now, McGee. See if you can throw a scare into us.

[F]

Go on, McGee. Make your hair stand on end.

[H]

Okay, okay.

[D]

Sit down, everybody.

[B]

That's it.

[D]

Turn the lights out, Molly.

[F]

Sure, I'll do that, McGee.

[G]

Yeah.

[H]

Okay, everybody. Now keep quiet and I'll tell you something that happened to me way back in 1908. The note was 1909.

[D]

No, 1907.

[H]

That's it. 1910.

[D]

Aunt Hunter McGee. They called me then Aunt Hunter McGee, the hair raising hero of the horrible.

[H]

House on the hill in Hoboken.

[B]

Wednesday.

[H]

One night in 1907, folks reported seeing something white and ghastly showing at the.

[D]

Windows of an old house on a.

[H]

Hill in Hoboken and hearing groans and screams late at night. Nobody'd go near the place till I come along. Not being scared of nothing, I says.

[D]

Shucks, I says.

[H]

I'll put them spirits back in their bottles, I says.

[D]

Oh, yes, this folks.

[H]

Yes, says I, sticking a flashlight into my pockets and heading for the haunted house.

[G]

I suppose there was owls out too.

[E]

Hooting at you, was there, Magee?

[D]

No, they was owls out, all right.

[H]

But they didn't seem to give a hoot.

[D]

Well, sir, up to the house I.

[H]

Went and I walked in the front door. As I walked in, it closed softly behind me without me touching. I whirled around and didn't see a thing.

[D]

So I goes through the whole house.

[H]

Walking soft and easy on them old rotten floorboards. Well, sir, folks, every minute in that there house I had the feeling I was being watched. I felt eyes, eyes borne into my back. I heard whispering into the dark corners till I'd flash my flashlight onto em and there'd be nothing there. Then all of a sudden I heard a creak right behind me. And I ducks, turns around like a streak and something knocks the flashlight right out of my hand. I stood still, listening, my mind working like lightning. Well, sir, I could feel something horrible closing in on me.

[D]

A bat comes swooping out of the dark and knocked my head off.

[H]

And when I reached down for it, I felt something cold and clammy reaching for me. I leaped back, let on it comes something cold, cold and bony reaching for me, reaching, reaching. And all to a sudden something touched me.

[I]

Something did touch me. What was that?

[A]

Just a glass of cold water.

[I]

You wanted me it.

[A]

Sam.

[E]

From the top of your head to the tip of your toes you're beautiful. Yes, baby, once more. Life is heavenly in your blood. From the top of your head to the tip of your toes you're wonderful. You're the hit of the stone. You're the cameo of lovely girl. Oh, what life you have. Oh, what bits you have. Oh, what lovely features. Talk about adorable creatures you have sold. And incredible that I'm all are from the pop of your men to the difficult. You're marvelous, glorious, you are simply divine. Lot to tip your tip stop what? The top. It holds your mind, Sam.

[B]

And his men giving you a musical shiver from the top of your head to the tip of your toes. And speaking of the tip of your toes reminds me of floors. Don't be discouraged if your kitchen linoleum looks dingy and lifeless. You can make it sparkle like new in a few minutes time with Johnson's Gloco. This new type of liquid floor polish perfected in the Johnson's Wax Laboratories works miracles right before your eyes. Just spread it lightly over the floor with a soft cloth or the special Glo coat applier, then walk away and leave it. Come back in 20 minutes to find the Glo coat dry and the floor shining like new. A floor polished with Glo coat requires very little care. Soiled spots wipe off easily. Dust and dirt can't sick to the beautiful polish. Order Gloco in the larger size can and you will save as much as 1/3 on the cost. Ask your dealer for Johnson's Blow Coat in the attractive yellow can.

[A]

Sam.

[B]

Well, we're sorry to break up the party, but tomorrow's another day and next Monday is another fibber McGee and Molly show. Listen, we have it on pretty good authority that Fibber has a little paper hanging job ahead of him. That he and Molly are going to. Well, Fibber, are you still looking for ghosts?

[H]

In a way, yes. I thought I heard something clanking, but I guess it was just this here NBC change.

[D]

Oh, I see. Mind if I make an announcement, Harpo?

[B]

No, no, go right ahead. But Fibber, huh? Don't look now, but there's another program following us.

[D]

Well, then I'll save my announcement till next week. I was just going to say that if folks wanted a sample of Johnson's.

[H]

Vocal, all they had to do was.

[D]

To tear the top off three announcers like you. Oh, it was a good idea.

[B]

Well, don't forget now you have a date next Monday evening at this same hour. A stuffed date just filled with music and merriment. Until then, may we remind you that just as the best housekeepers use Johnson's Wax and Johnson's blow coat to keep their houses clean and shining, though the most particular car owners keep their cars sparkling with Johnson's Wax and cleaner. This is Paul Revere Wilcox galloping on with the news. The gloats are coming. Good night. McGee and Molly come to you from our Chicago studios. This is the National Broadcasting Company.

[C]

You are listening to WLS Chicago. We hope, friends, that many of you are planning to be with us tomorrow night at the International Amphitheater in Chicago for the opening night of the three day WLS Harvest Festival. WLS Chicago.