Front Page Farrell 45-08-10 (27) David Banters with Carol

Summary

Front Page Farrell 45-08-10 (27) David Banters with Carol – Detailed Summary

Release Date: June 7, 2025
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Front Page Farrell 45-08-10 (27) David Banters with Carol

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Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Front Page Farrell, listeners are immersed in the bustling life of David Farrell, a dedicated New York newspaper reporter, and his interactions with his colleague, Kate Ward. Set against the backdrop of a late-night newsroom, the episode delves into themes of responsibility, democracy, and personal relationships amidst the pressures of wartime living.

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Late-Night in the Newsroom

The episode opens with David Farrell catching up with Kate Ward in the dimly lit office of the newspaper press. Kate arrives late to compensate for her missed work the previous day, highlighting the relentless pace and high expectations within the newsroom.

• David Farrell (03:50): “Well, k. Kate, what are you doing working so late?”
• Kate Ward (03:54): “Making up for the work I didn't do yesterday, Dave. My Sunday feature should have been in last night. Murphy will have my life if I don't get it in tonight.”

This exchange underscores the pressure both characters face to meet deadlines and maintain their standing with their boss, Murphy.

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Personal Bonds and Workplace Dynamics

As they converse, David reveals his appreciation for Kate's presence, hinting at a deeper camaraderie.

• David Farrell (04:15): “Oh, Mr. Farrell.”
• David Farrell (04:20): “There was a void in my life, a huge empty space without you. I don't know how I got through the day.”

Kate's playful teasing about David's coffee consumption further illustrates their friendly rapport:

• Kate Ward (04:24): “Beta kept you awake at night.”
• David Farrell (04:25): “Well, it helped to keep me awake during the day. That's something.”

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Discussing Serious Matters: Democracy and Responsibility

The conversation shifts to more profound topics as David shares his thoughts on the British elections and the broader implications for democracy.

• David Farrell (05:30): “I've got a story on the reaction to the British elections. It's developing into a treatise on democracy. The people's responsibility. That's the key to it, you know.”
• David Farrell (05:48): “Well, you can blame any outside cause you want, Kate, but the fact remains the German people accepted Hitler and therefore they are responsible for it and for this whole bloody war. You can't be passive about democracy.”

Kate acknowledges the depth of David's analysis, recognizing the importance of civic engagement:

• Kate Ward (06:00): “Yeah, you got something there, Dave.”

This segment highlights the episode's engagement with contemporary political issues and the moral responsibilities of individuals within a democracy.

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Unfolding Subplots: The Underground Movement and Personal Decisions

The narrative introduces the subplot involving Kurt Mallet, an underground movement figure, and Veronica Redfield, whose decisions impact the main characters.

• Kate Ward (06:06): “Oh, you mean Kurt Mallet?”
• David Farrell (06:07): “He cabled Rocky. He wants to come to America, you know.”

The tension rises as they discuss Grover Courtney and his influence over Rocky, leading to speculations about Rocky's motivations and alliances.

• Kate Ward (07:17): “Why, thank you. Thank you, kind sir.”
• David Farrell (07:22): “This morning Harry told me that Grover had mentioned something about getting Rocky to marry him right away.”

The interplay between personal relationships and professional responsibilities adds layers to the characters' development and the unfolding plot.

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Cliffhanger: A Mysterious Noise at Home

Parallel to the newsroom drama, at the Farrell household, young Lucy and Alice are alerted by a mysterious groan emanating from their home. Their investigation leads to the discovery of a mess involving their dog, Peter, and an enigmatic box labeled "Bicarbonate of Soldiers."

• Alice (09:03): “But there it is again.”
• David Farrell (11:10): “He must have climbed up on the washstand and opened it with his nose.”

The tension escalates when Veronica Redfield arrives, seeking information and hinting at significant forthcoming developments.

• Veronica Redfield (12:02): “Do you expect him soon?”
• Alice (12:06): “I don't know. Lucy, stop shining that light lamp at Ms. Redfield's face.”

The episode concludes on a suspenseful note, setting the stage for the next chapter where Rocky's decision regarding Grover Courtney and Kurt Mallet will play a pivotal role.

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Themes and Insights

• Responsibility in Democracy: David's monologue on the importance of active participation in democracy reflects the episode's engagement with societal and political accountability.

• Work-Life Balance: The interactions between David and Kate portray the challenges of maintaining personal relationships amidst professional pressures.

• Mystery and Suspense: The subplot involving the mysterious groan adds an element of suspense, intertwining personal and possibly supernatural elements with the main narrative.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• David on Democracy (05:48): “You can't be passive about democracy.”
• Kate on Personal Insights (07:12): “Maybe she sees marriage to Courtney now as a solution.”
• David’s Frustration (07:44): “The workings of women's minds are too much for me.”

These quotes encapsulate the characters' perspectives and the episode's central conflicts.

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Conclusion and Anticipation for Next Episode

As the episode wraps up, listeners are left eager to discover Rocky's decision and its repercussions on both her personal life and the broader narrative involving the underground movement. The blend of workplace drama, personal relationships, and mysterious events promises an engaging continuation in the next installment of Front Page Farrell.

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Front Page Farrell continues to capture the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, blending intricate storytelling with relatable characters and timely themes. This episode, in particular, balances professional tensions with personal mysteries, offering a rich and engaging listening experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Transcript

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[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

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[Narrator]

We now present the unforgettable radio drama Front Page Farrell. The story of a crack newspaper man and his wife. The story of David and Sally Farrel. Today's fast nerve wracking pace is making millions suffer from the discomforts of gastric hyperacidity, eating on the run, working under pressure, nervous tension and smoking more than you should all help cause the trouble many know as American Stomach. When this happens to you when you're distressed by such symptoms as heartburn, acid indigestion or a feeling of fullness, take Vice et al. Mint Flavored tablets. Vice et al. Mint flavored tablets are not a makeshift, not a cure all. They're specifically designed to do one job and to do it quickly and well. And that job is to bring you prompt, pleasant relief of American Stomach. Bisadol Mint flavored tablets help neutralize the excess acids that cause this discomfort. They soothe irritated membranes while gently helping to restore normal balance. So next time you're upset and distressed due to acid indigestion, remember to take Bicydol Mint flavored tablets. That's all. You'll like their refreshing mint flavor and they're so handy to carry. That's spelled B I S O D O L Bison mint flavored tablets only 25 cents. And now front Page Farrell the story of a New York newspaper reporter and his wife Sally David is working late on the paper tonight. The presses have shut down for a while. Only a few lights burn here and there throughout the plant and the tapping of the teletype can barely be heard from far off in the wire room, David yawns, stretches and looks up, surprised, as Kate Ward, his fellow reporter on the Eagle, walks into his office.

[David Farrell]

Well, k. Kate, what are you doing working so late?

[Kate Ward]

Making up for the work I didn't do yesterday, Dave. My Sunday feature should have been in last night. Murphy will have my life if I don't get it in tonight.

[David Farrell]

That's right. I knew I missed you around yesterday.

[Kate Ward]

Oh, you mean it mattered to you? The day wasn't the same without me, Kate.

[David Farrell]

There was a void in my life, a huge empty space without you. I don't know how I got through the day.

[Kate Ward]

Oh, Mr. Farrell.

[David Farrell]

No kidding. I did miss you though, Kate. I had to drink a whole container of coffee myself.

[Kate Ward]

Beta kept you awake at night.

[David Farrell]

Well, it helped to keep me awake during the day. That's something.

[Kate Ward]

Murphy probably didn't recognize you with your eyes open.

[David Farrell]

What? Yeah, about 11 o' clock he tapped me on the shoulder and he said, where's your press card, bud? Are you new around here?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

No.

[Commercial Voice]

Sure?

[Kate Ward]

And what did you say?

[David Farrell]

I threw my arms around him, there were tears in my eyes and I said, murphy, old friend, it's me.

[Narrator]

I've come back.

[David Farrell]

Your faithful old reporter, your slave.

[Narrator]

Don't you remember Rip Van Farrell?

[Kate Ward]

Oh, what happened there?

[David Farrell]

Murphy, I'm afraid, didn't see the humor of the situation.

[Kate Ward]

Yeah, I'm afraid he won't see the humor in my late story either.

[David Farrell]

Why'd you get it in yesterday?

[Narrator]

Where were you?

[Kate Ward]

My birthday. I was out celebrating.

[David Farrell]

Your birthday. And you didn't tell me? Say, you know, I would have bought.

[Kate Ward]

You lunch, Big hearted Dave. I had a lunch date.

[David Farrell]

Two timer.

[Kate Ward]

Oh, it's good to be 16. I beg your pardon?

[David Farrell]

Nothing, nothing. I was just looking for my yo yo, beast.

[Kate Ward]

By the way, what are you doing around here so late?

[David Farrell]

I've got a story on the reaction to the British elections. It's developing into a treatise on democracy. The people's responsibility. That's the key to it, you know.

[Kate Ward]

I'm sorry, but what's the key to what?

[David Farrell]

People being on guard. You can't have democracy without it. That's why the German people are guilty.

[Kate Ward]

Well, what do you mean?

[David Farrell]

Well, you can blame any outside cause you want, Kate, but the fact remains the German people accepted Hitler and therefore they are responsible for it and for this whole bloody war. You can't be passive about democracy.

[Kate Ward]

Yeah, you got something there, Dave.

[David Farrell]

I know it.

[Kate Ward]

Hey, by the way, any news of our one man underground movement?

[David Farrell]

Oh, you mean Kurt Mallet?

[Kate Ward]

Mm.

[David Farrell]

He cabled Rocky. He wants to come to America, you know.

[Kate Ward]

Yeah, I know. You told me that last week. Well, when is he coming?

[David Farrell]

Let's see, what's tonight?

[Narrator]

Friday.

[Kate Ward]

Why Friday?

[David Farrell]

End of the week. Hmm.

[Kate Ward]

What are you looking so mysterious about?

[David Farrell]

I thought by tonight I'd know if he was coming.

[Kate Ward]

I don't get your babe.

[David Farrell]

The Rocky set the end of the week as her deadline to decide whether or not to help bring Mallet to this country.

[Kate Ward]

Well, how come I thought she was so anxious to meet him.

[David Farrell]

Well, Kate, now look, this is off the record. Strictly a copy confidence, you might say.

[Kate Ward]

You understand, David Farrell, we have known each other how long?

[David Farrell]

Well, right. Rocky's afraid that she may be too anxious to meet him.

[Kate Ward]

Oh, but there's Grover Courtney.

[David Farrell]

That's the trouble. There's Grover Courtney.

[Kate Ward]

Oh, now I see. Rocky is afraid that in case she finds herself intrigued by Dr. Mallet, it may not be so easy to shake the great Grover.

[David Farrell]

You know, Kate, for a 16 year old, you're a very bright little girl.

[Kate Ward]

Why, thank you. Thank you, kind sir.

[David Farrell]

I mean, you know, one thing's been puzzling me all day.

[Kate Ward]

And what's that?

[David Farrell]

This morning Harry told me that Grover had mentioned something about getting Rocky to marry him right away.

[Kate Ward]

Well, well, well, an item for our society page.

[David Farrell]

I wonder how that goes with Rocky.

[Kate Ward]

Maybe it's her idea.

[David Farrell]

Yeah, but court Mallet, what's the point?

[Kate Ward]

Maybe she sees marriage to Courtney now as a solution. If she were Courtney's wife, she wouldn't dare be more than an interested spectator when Mallet comes to America.

[David Farrell]

I don't know, Kate. The workings of women's minds are too much for me.

[Kate Ward]

Of course, I don't believe that marriage necessarily makes a woman immune to another man's charm.

[David Farrell]

For a 16 year old, you have the darndest notions.

[Kate Ward]

Well, I'll tell you a little secret. I used to read the lovelorn columns instead of Uncle Wiggily.

[David Farrell]

At any rate, I was hoping to hear from Rocky tonight. I'm anxious to know if she's decided. I wonder if she's called at home.

[Narrator]

But Veronica Redfield so far has not called the Ferrells home. Earlier this evening she entertained Grover Courtney at dinner. And then when he left, finally, she went for a walk alone. Meanwhile, at the Ferrells, Sally has gone to the movies and left young Jimmy in the care of Mother Howard and her friend Lucy Beggs. Well, the evening was fine until.

[Alice]

Did you hear a noise, Lucy?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

A noise? What kind of noise, Alice?

[Alice]

It sounded like a groan.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

My goodness, A groan?

[Alice]

Yes, that's what it sounded like, I'm sure.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Could it. Could it have been Ginny?

[Alice]

Oh, no, it was too deep. It was a low down groan.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Low down like a man groaning like a big man.

[Alice]

There it is again.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Yes, it's this time. I heard it too.

[Alice]

I heard it very low down.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Alice.

[Alice]

What is it, Lucy?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

What do you think we ought to do?

[David Farrell]

Ought to do?

[Alice]

About what?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

About little Groan.

[Alice]

Oh, I don't suppose there's anything we can do.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

We can't just sit here. Why not?

[Alice]

You're not afraid, are you? Oh, no.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

But there it is again. Yeah. Alice, maybe it's a dead man.

[Alice]

How could it groan?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

If it was dead, it might. You know what they say.

[Kate Ward]

Fiddlesticks.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Do you think we ought to look and see? Oh, no, Alice.

[Alice]

What?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

You remember that old haunted house back in Pewaukee?

[Alice]

What makes you bring that up now?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

I don't know. I just. Just happened to think of it. Oh, there it is again. Alice, maybe we ought to call the police.

[Alice]

Oh, no, David. Maybe it's really silly, but if you want to.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Well, phone's near you, Alice. I guess I'm a little too nervous. Anyway, you're calm all right.

[Alice]

Oh, I guess it was slipped out of my fingers.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

The noise must have awakened Peter. Where.

[Alice]

Where was he?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

In the bathroom, I think. Lying on the tile to keep cool.

[Alice]

Oh, here he comes.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Why, look, Alice, he's all covered with white stuff.

[Alice]

What have you got all over you, doggy?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Why, he's feeling some white powder behind him. You want to go and see what it is, Alison? Well, I'll go with you.

[Alice]

All right.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Oh, look, the medicine chest is open. Well, I declare.

[Alice]

He must have climbed up on the washstand and opened it with his nose.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

And look, all over the floor. There's a white stuff.

[Alice]

There's a box there. He must have knocked it down. What is this?

[David Farrell]

Groan.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Groan.

[Kate Ward]

It's in here.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

It came from him. Who? The dog.

[Alice]

What does the box say, Peter?

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Bicarbonate of soldiers. Peter. Oh, my, oh, my. Who can that be?

[Alice]

Maybe it's the dead man.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Now, my dear Alice, that's not funny.

[Veronica Redfield]

Oh, is Mr. Farrell in?

[Alice]

No, he's not. Who shall I say calls?

[Veronica Redfield]

Oh, Mrs. Farrell home?

[Alice]

No, she's not here either.

[Veronica Redfield]

Well, then you must be Mrs. Howard. I'm Veronica Redfield.

[Alice]

Oh, Veronica Redfield.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Veronica Redfield.

[Veronica Redfield]

Do you expect him soon?

[Alice]

I don't know. Lucy, stop shining that light lamp at Ms. Redfield's face.

[Veronica Redfield]

Well, would you do me a favor when they come in? Would you tell them to call me at home. I'll be up. Tell them I've decided. Tell them that I've reached a decision about Court Mallet.

[Narrator]

Rocky has been out walking thinking about Grover Courtney and Fort Mallet, the famous Czechoslovakian scientist. Now she has made her decision. You'll want to hear what she tells David and Sally in Monday's chapter of Front Page Farrell. We Americans are probably the most energetic people in the world. We live too fast, eat too fast, smoke more than we should. This is especially true during the speeded up tempo of wartime living. And that's why many more of us suffer from excess stomach acidity these days. So widespread is this upset condition that many people call it American stomach. When you have the distressing symptoms heartburn, acid indigestion or a feeling of fullness, here's what to do. Take Bice et al. Bison helps bring you prompt, pleasant relief from American stomach because, well, that's just what it's made to do. Not a makeshift, not a cure all. Bisonol promptly aids in neutralizing stomach acids. It soothes irritated membranes while gently helping to restore normal balance. And it has a fresh, minty flavor you like. When you have these symptoms of American stomach, just take Bicedol. That's all. Bisonol, that's B I twice at all. Only 25 cents at any drugstore. When David and Sally come home, they find Rocky's message and go to hear her decision. You'll want to learn what it is. Front page Farrell is on the organicus same time Monday. Be sure to listen. This is Don Hancock saying goodbye for Front Page Farrell and the White Hall Pharmacal Company, makers of bal.

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[Narrator]

This is.

[Commercial Voice]

The National Broadcasting Company.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids, but there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me@ flavorshookorgonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for.

[Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund]

Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund, calling all.

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