Gasoline Alley 48-07-30 03 A Kicking Around From Kid Cupid

Summary

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Gasoline Alley 48-07-30: "A Kicking Around From Kid Cupid"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: September 9, 2025 (original air date: July 30, 1948)
Theme: An episode of the beloved comic strip radio adaptation, Gasoline Alley, centered around mix-ups, secrets, and romantic complications, with a dash of humor and old-fashioned heart.

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Episode Overview

The episode captures a typical day in the Gasoline Alley garage, where secrets abound and romantic plans become tangled. The main narrative follows Skeezix and Wilmer as they're drawn into Margie's plans to elope, only for misunderstandings and comic chaos to ensue. The episode's central themes highlight loyalty, friendship, and the challenges (and comedic fallout) of keeping secrets.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Developments

1. Setting the Stage and Main Situation (00:01 – 01:39)

• Garage Life: Skeezix and Wilmer finish up a day at their garage and banter about going home.
• Wilmer's Anxiety: Wilmer acts nervous and jumpy, trying very hard to keep a secret from Skeezix.

2. The Secret Birthday Surprise (01:39 – 02:24)

• Wilmer's Secret Call: Nina calls Wilmer, stressing the need for secrecy—she and others are planning a surprise party for Skeezix’s birthday.
  • Notable Quote:
    Nina: "And remember, don't breathe a word to Skeezix. I've worked so hard and I want it to be the nicest surprise party ever." (02:24)

3. Margie’s Car Trouble... and Romantic Trouble (02:38 – 05:31)

• Margie Enters: Margie, the daughter of an influential customer, arrives desperate for her car to be fixed.
• Wilmer’s Dilemma: He’s torn—helping Margie could jeopardize the garage's business, as Margie's father is very strict and wouldn't approve of her eloping.
• Margie’s Secret:
  • Revelation: Margie reveals she’s eloping with Johnny Hart, fearing her father’s anger.
  • Loyalty vs. Business: The group debates whether to help Margie at the risk of losing her father's business.
  • Decision: Out of friendship and empathy, Skeezix and Wilmer agree to help despite the risks.
    • Notable Quote:
      Skeezix: "Even if we lose Mr. Gannon's business, let's fix Margie's car." (05:16)

4. The Mix-up: Mr. Gannon's Call and Accusations (05:39 – 06:27)

• Phone Confusion: Mr. Gannon calls and angrily misinterprets the situation, believing Skeezix is eloping with Margie.
• Comic Panic: The confusion escalates as Mr. Gannon declares he’ll call the police and threatens Skeezix.
  • Notable Quote:
    Mr. Gannon: "I'll put Skeezix Wallet behind bars for life. I'll murder him. Skeezix Wallet eloping with my daughter and him a married man!" (06:10)

5. All Comes to a Head: Confrontation and Chaos (07:20 – 09:03)

• Nina’s Arrival: Nina storms in, as angry as Margie and Skeezix.
• Stand-Off: The garage fills with confusion and irritation; tempers flare and lines are drawn.
• Nina’s Empowerment: Nina stands up to Mr. Gannon, threatening to expose him as a tyrant to the whole town.
  • Notable Quote:
    Nina: "Just one word, Mr. Gannon, and I'll hit you right on the nuns with this monkey wrench." (08:33) Nina: "I'm suing for a million dollars for the things he said about my husband." (08:59)
• Margie’s Emotion: Overwhelmed, Margie bemoans the ruined surprise and the discord.

6. Resolution: Surprise Party Turns Into Wedding (09:00 – 10:59)

• Mr. Gannon's Change of Heart: Shamed by Nina and moved by Margie's emotion, Mr. Gannon relents.
  • Surprise Party: The intended surprise birthday party pivots into Margie and Johnny’s wedding celebration instead.
  • Mr. Gannon’s Request: He asks Margie to emulate Nina as a loyal wife.
    • Notable Quote:
      Mr. Gannon: "Try to be always as good a wife to John as Nina is." (10:54)
    • Skeezix (speechless): "The speechless." (10:59)

7. Lighthearted Epilogue (11:39 – End)

• Chinchilla Mix-Up: Wilmer anticipates raising chinchillas for fur coats, but Skeezix suspects all is not as it appears...
  • Notable Quote:
    Wilmer: "When we raise a lot of little chinchillas, Nina and Jessica will have fur coats." (11:41) Skeezix: "Wilmer, those little animals aren't chinchillas… I'm afraid to find out. Because, Wilmer, I'm afraid we're headed for…" (11:48)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• Nina on secrecy and surprise: "And remember, don't breathe a word to Skeezix. I've worked so hard and I want it to be the nicest surprise party ever." (02:24)
• Wilmer's conflict: "But that was before we realized what would happen to us if we do fix it." (04:46)
• Skeezix’s loyalty: "Even if we lose Mr. Gannon's business, let's fix Margie's car." (05:16)
• Mr. Gannon’s fury: "I'll put Skeezix Wallet behind bars for life. I'll murder him. Skeezix Wallet eloping with my daughter and him a married man!" (06:10)
• Nina’s stand: "Just one word, Mr. Gannon, and I'll hit you right on the nuns with this monkey wrench." (08:33)
• Nina’s assertiveness: "I'm suing for a million dollars for the things he said about my husband." (08:59)
• Mr. Gannon's request: "Try to be always as good a wife as John as Nina is." (10:54)

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Conclusion & Tone

This episode embodies the good-natured, comedic confusion and heartwarming resolutions that made classic radio dramas so beloved. Listeners are treated to lively dialogue, slapstick misunderstandings, and a dash of romance—all in the familiar, friendly tones of the Gasoline Alley cast.
The affectionate bickering, strong personalities (especially Nina’s forceful defense of her loved ones), and the ultimate coming together of friends and family create an episode both humorous and sentimental.

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For listeners who love vintage humor, spirited characters, and gentle life lessons, "A Kicking Around From Kid Cupid" delivers classic old-time radio gold.

Transcript

[A]

Your auto light dealer presents your favorite friends from Gasoline Alley.

[B]

Hold it.

[C]

Rumor.

[B]

Let me get this phone. Okay.

[A]

Skeezy Wallet and Bobble Garage. Skeezix Wallet speaking.

[B]

What's that? Why, yes, sir.

[A]

I think we can fix it. We can fix anything that runs on four wheels. Sure, we'll be waiting for you right here in Gasoline.

[B]

Gasoline Alley.

[A]

Yes, the Gasoline Alley gang is on hand just as you find them every day in more than 100 great newspapers from coast to coast. In this episode, Skeezit and Wilbur get a kicking around from Kid Cupid. But first, a word from the friendly auto light dealer in your own hometown. And now, Gasoline Alley. Some people find it very easy to keep a secret. But with others, the mere knowledge of a secret is a cause for nervousness and jumpiness. For instance, Skeezick's partner, Wilma Bottle, has been acting nervous and jumpy all day. But now the day's work in the garage has ended and Skeezick says.

[B]

Okay, fellas, let's call it a day and go home. You're sure you're finished with the day, Skeezix?

[D]

I, I, I mean, you can go home now, of course.

[B]

Wilmer, what's wrong with you? You. You've been acting funny all day.

[D]

Oh, not nothing, Skeezer.

[E]

It's nothing at all, really.

[B]

Oh, there's that darn phone. I'll get it.

[D]

No, no, no, it's. That's for me that called you. You wait right here, Right here, see? And we'll go home together.

[B]

Okay, Wilmer. Well, if it's for you, answer. Yeah, There.

[F]

Hello, Wilma, this is Nina.

[D]

Yeah, N. Yeah.

[F]

Has Skeezick said anything about today being his birthday?

[D]

Not a word. I don't think he's even thought of it.

[F]

Good. Have you finished work?

[D]

Just knocked off for the day, like. I promise I'll bring Skeezix right home.

[F]

And hurry, Most of the guests are already here.

[D]

Oh, you, you. You can bank on it. We'll leave here in two minutes.

[F]

Thanks, Wilma. And remember, don't breathe a word to Skizix. I've worked so hard and I want to to be the nicest surprise party ever. Goodbye.

[D]

Bye, Nina. Who the heck is that coming into the garage?

[C]

Skeezix, remember, we're through work for the day.

[B]

It's Margie Gannon, Wilmer. Hiya, Margie.

[G]

Skeezix, can you fix my car in a hurry? It's awful important.

[B]

Oh, sure. Wilmer and I will be glad to fix it for you.

[C]

We will Not.

[B]

What did you say, Wilmer?

[D]

I mean, I'm sorry, Margie, we can't.

[B]

Fix your car tonight. Wait a minute, Wilmer. Have you gone nuts?

[G]

Oh, please, Wilmer. I've just gotta get it saved.

[D]

Well, what I mean is, Margie, you see, I'll fix your car, but Skeezix has to rush right home fast.

[B]

I don't either. Have to rush home. I like Margie and I'd like to do her a favor.

[C]

Oh, I like you too, Margion.

[B]

Maybe you've forgotten, Umar, that Margie's father owns the biggest fleet of trucks in the state. Or that he sends us some of his repair work. He's sending us a truck job tomorrow, Margie. He told me about it today.

[G]

Excuse me. Has Father been here?

[B]

Oh, that was this morning.

[G]

Oh, thank heaven.

[B]

Now, you don't worry about your car, Margie.

[A]

We'll fix it for you.

[B]

That's a promise. Now, let's just have a look.

[G]

Oh, thank you. I wasn't going to tell anybody, but I'm so happy I have to tell somebody.

[B]

You're happy about your car getting out of whack?

[G]

Skeezy, I'm eloping. I'm driving over to Holmdale.

[B]

Oh, yes. Well, who's the lucky guy?

[G]

Johnny Hardin. Oh, he's so wonderful.

[B]

Johnny's a nice guy. Hand me that socket wrench, Wilmer, please.

[D]

Geezix, do we have to do this, Charlie?

[G]

Oh, gee, he's just wonderful. Of course, he hasn't got a dime and Father will be furious when he finds out. You know how angry Father can get.

[B]

Sure. Everybody knows that Mr. Gannon's got quite a temper.

[G]

Well, he's a dear, really. Only everybody's afraid to talk back to him, including me.

[D]

Mr. Gannon mad at us.

[C]

Wait a minute. Skeezik stopped working on his car, huh?

[B]

Now, what is it, Wilmer?

[C]

Margie's father. He's our best customer, isn't he?

[B]

Well, of course he is.

[C]

Then stop working on his car right now. If we help, Margiel hope Mr. Gannon will never give us any more work.

[B]

Gosh, I hadn't thought of that.

[G]

Oh, Skeezix, I didn't think of it either.

[E]

Well, sure.

[D]

You see the spot we're in, Margie. Besides, Skeezix is already late for the. Come on, Skeezix, let's go home.

[B]

Lord, I promised Margie I'd fix her.

[A]

Sure, sure, sure.

[D]

But that was before we realized what would happen to us if we do fix it.

[G]

I guess Wilma's right, Skeezy.

[E]

Maybe.

[A]

But.

[B]

Well, I remember how I felt when nine and I wanted to get married.

[C]

Yes, Wilma.

[B]

And you and Jessica felt the same way.

[A]

Sure.

[D]

But tell me, Margie, you.

[B]

You really love Johnny Hart, don't you?

[G]

Terribly, Skeezick. And if father or anybody keeps us from being married, I. I'll just die.

[B]

That's good enough for me. Hand me that wrench, Wilma.

[D]

Right, Skeez.

[C]

It's way.

[B]

I know, Wilmer. But I say, even if we lose Mr. Gannon's business, let's fix Margie's car.

[C]

Geez, it's only that you're late for this. I mean, I promised somebody that I.

[D]

I. Oh, all right, darn it. Let's get busy and fix Margie's car.

[A]

Good for you.

[B]

Rumor. I'll get.

[C]

No, no, no, no, no, no, Steve.

[B]

As soon as you stay right there, I'll get it.

[D]

Hello, Nina?

[H]

Nina, this is Steve Gannon. Is this Steve?

[D]

Oh gosh, Mr. Gannon? No, no, Mr. Gannon, this is Wilmer. Wilmer Bobble. I hope you feel great.

[H]

I don't feel great. I'm mad as a hornet.

[C]

Mad, Mr. Gannon.

[B]

At us.

[H]

Not at you, Babble. But I want you to give a message.

[B]

Please.

[H]

Skeezix.

[E]

Did, did, did, did you say Skeezix?

[H]

You tell Skeezix I was going to send one copy tomorrow, but I've changed my mind.

[D]

Now look, Mr. Gannon, you can't put all the blame on Skeezix just because Margie's the law.

[H]

Tell him I'll send in trouble. Talk to. What did you say, Marjorie? Eloping. I'll call out the police. I'll put Skeezy's wallet behind bars for life. I'll murder him. Skeezy's wallet. Eloping with my daughter and him a married man.

[B]

It.

[A]

Now back to Gasoline Alley. Well, things are really in a merry mix up. Wilmer has just finished telling Skeezix and Margie Gannon that he inadvertently told Margie's hot tempered father that his daughter is eloping. Worse still, Mr. Gannon thinks Margie is eloping with Skeezix. And at this moment the garage door bursts open and in comes Nina, Skeezik's wife.

[G]

I'm so mad I could pop. I'm furious, Nina.

[B]

We were sort of expecting Mr. Dannon. I mean. Look, Nina, Mr. Gannon's got a silly notion that Margie and I are.

[G]

I mean, I know all about it. Mr. Gannon called and told me and Nina you don't think Skeezix and I are alone? Of course not. Everybody in town. But your father knows you're madly in love with Johnny Hart. Oh dear, I'm afraid father will come here and he's got such a temper. I just hope he does. Come here. I don't get mad very often, but right now I can sure mail.

[B]

Mina, I've never seen you like this.

[D]

It was all my fault, Niner.

[G]

Oh, please don't say anything to father if he comes in Nine, or he'll only get mad. Imagine you will say something to him. I tried to say it on the phone, but he was shouting his head off. But Niner, it's about time people stop being afraid of your father. Margie, in a way I feel. Now look, here he comes. Let him come. I'm ready.

[C]

There you are, Skeet. Look, mister, I'm trying to drive you out of business. I'm my new.

[G]

Nonsense right now.

[E]

What?

[G]

Just one word, Mr. Gannon, and I'll hit you right on the nuns with this. This monkey wrench.

[H]

Lina.

[C]

Good heavens. It's worse than I thought. The wife helping her husband eloped with my daughter.

[G]

Margie. She is not eloping with sea fix. She's eloping a Johnny Heart.

[C]

Johnny. Johnny Hart. I won't have it. He's a pauper.

[B]

He's.

[G]

You don't have anything to say about it. It's necessary. Keep it from your Margie and I will tie you up and leave you here in the garage. No, no, we would not only that, Mr. Gannon, I'm suing for a million dollars for the things he said about my husband.

[C]

Wait a minute.

[B]

Who seems to party here? Why, I. I'm going to.

[G]

You're going to do nothing? Because if you do, I'll tell everybody in town that you're a bad tempered mean old man. Father isn't that bad, Nina, really. And I'm going to tell everybody that. You try to buy off everyone with that money of yours.

[D]

Lina. You make him sound like a monster. He at the knot.

[G]

Wait a moment, Mr. Brandon. I. I.

[E]

Go on, Dinah, you were saying about me?

[G]

I hate you. I hate all of you. I work so hard on things and all the guests affairs. I planned such a perfect surprise party for Stezy's birthday.

[B]

Nina, darling.

[D]

At least I didn't tell him about the surprise party. 9. As dumb as I am.

[G]

I guess it's all my fault, Niner. But I love Johnny so much.

[E]

Nobody's ever said the things Nina just said to me. And I guess In a way, they're a thing.

[G]

No, Mr. Cannon. I didn't mean to say those things. I was so upset about Kezick's party.

[E]

No, Nanny. The things you said are at least partly true. But I want to prove that they're not altogether true. Are they guests of Stezy's party to the grass?

[G]

I. I told them to wait. But why?

[E]

If Marjorie has no objections, maybe you'll ask your guests to join us for Marjorie's wedding.

[G]

You don't mean it.

[E]

I do mean it, my dear.

[G]

Oh, Father.

[E]

Yes, dear?

[G]

So like you.

[E]

Oh, I'll try.

[B]

I'll try.

[E]

And in return, there's something I'd like to ask you to do.

[G]

I come? Anything.

[E]

Try to be always as good a wife as John as Nina is.

[B]

The speechless.

[A]

We'll return to Gasoline Alley in just a moment. Now a word from your local auto light dealer. And now a word about the next adventure in Gasoline Alley.

[D]

Just think, Skeezix.

[A]

When we raise a lot of little.

[D]

Chinchillas, Nine and Jessica will have fur coats.

[B]

Wilmer, those little animals aren't chinchillas.

[C]

But I bought them for chinchillas.

[D]

What are they?

[B]

I'm afraid to find out. Because, Wilmer, I'm afraid we're headed for.

[E]

Sam.