Gasoline Alley 48-12-17 (23) The Adventure of the Agitated Announcer

Summary

Podcast Summary: Gasoline Alley 48-12-17 (23) - The Adventure of the Agitated Announcer

Podcast Information

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Gasoline Alley 48-12-17 (23) - The Adventure of the Agitated Announcer
• Release Date: April 12, 2025
• Description: Reliving the Golden Age of Radio, this episode features beloved characters from the Gasoline Alley comic strip navigating humorous and heartfelt adventures before the era of television.

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Introduction

The Adventure of the Agitated Announcer centers around Wilmer Bobble, a creative and sometimes misguided character from Gasoline Alley, and his efforts to boost their garage's business through unconventional publicity schemes. This episode blends humor with classic radio charm, showcasing the dynamics between Wilmer, his friend Skeezix Wallet, and Mr. Whitby, the radio station manager.

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Characters

• Wilmer Bobble: An inventive yet often overconfident partner in the garage, always brimming with big ideas that sometimes lead to chaos.
• Skeezix Wallet: Wilmer's pragmatic friend and business partner, often skeptical of Wilmer's schemes but supportive nonetheless.
• Mr. Whitby: The manager of the local radio station, seeking reliable partners for his community pageant.

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Plot Summary

Wilmer's Big Idea for Publicity

The episode kicks off with Wilmer Bobble arriving late to the garage, excitedly sharing his latest idea to generate free publicity. He proposes attracting customers by featuring "pretty girls in bathing suits" at the garage, anticipating that their pictures in the newspaper will drive business without cost. Skeezix, ever the voice of reason, expresses doubt about the effectiveness and potential backlash of such a strategy.

• Notable Quote:
  • Wilmer Bobble [02:38]: "That's the beauty part of it. It don't cost a red nickel. Now, look, all we got to do to get more business than we can handle is to get a lot of free publicity. Simple."

Encounter with Mr. Whitby

Their conversation is interrupted by Mr. Whitby, who brings his malfunctioning bus to the garage. As Skeezix attends to the technical issues, Wilmer seizes the opportunity to offer additional help, praising last year's radio show and inadvertently revealing his desire to be more involved.

• Notable Quote:
  • Wilmer Bobble [05:05]: "That don't seem too difficult."

The Audition Fiasco

Wilmer learns that the radio station is seeking a narrator for the upcoming community pageant. Believing this is the perfect avenue for free publicity, he decides to audition for the role. Despite Skeezix's reservations about Wilmer's public speaking abilities, Wilmer confidently steps into the studio. However, his audition quickly spirals into chaos as he stumbles over his words and delivers a confusing monologue about Wilmer J. Bob, causing the audience to react negatively.

• Notable Quote:
  • Wilmer Bobble [07:30]: "At the audition. The audition? You know, the audition."
  • Mr. Whitby [09:42]: "You maniac. Get away from that microphone. Everybody in town is listening to you. You're on the air."

Unexpected Turnaround

Contrary to expectations, Wilmer's disastrous audition becomes the talk of the town, earning him unexpected attention. The local newspaper hails his performance as "the funniest broadcast of the year," turning Wilmer into a beloved figure rather than a laughingstock. Recognizing the potential, Mr. Whitby invites Wilmer to participate in the pageant with a specific role, much to Wilmer's surprise.

• Notable Quote:
  • Skeezix Wallet [10:27]: "Gosh, it says, Wilmer Bobble and funniest broadcast of the year. Wilmer, things aren't so bad."

Resolution and Acceptance

Mr. Whitby assures Wilmer that his impromptu performance has garnered positive publicity, leading to Wilmer's inclusion in the pageant as the comic relief character. This outcome not only salvages the day but also provides the garage with the sought-after publicity, validating Wilmer's original intent albeit through unintended means.

• Notable Quote:
  • Mr. Whitby [10:54]: "Well, now, not as narrowly the. No, we're doing a Shakespearean theme which there are two lovers and a crown by public demand."

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Key Discussions and Insights

• Publicity Strategies: The episode humorously critiques the lengths to which businesses might go for publicity, highlighting the fine line between innovative marketing and overstepping boundaries.
• Character Dynamics: The interplay between Wilmer's enthusiasm and Skeezix's caution showcases a classic partnership dynamic, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives in problem-solving.
• Accidental Success: Wilmer's unintended success through his bungled audition underscores themes of resilience and the unpredictable nature of public perception.

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Conclusion

The Adventure of the Agitated Announcer delivers a delightful blend of humor and heart, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through Wilmer Bobble's misadventures, listeners are reminded of the charm inherent in classic radio storytelling and the timeless appeal of Gasoline Alley’s beloved characters.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Wilmer Bobble [02:38]: "That's the beauty part of it. It don't cost a red nickel. Now, look, all we got to do to get more business than we can handle is to get a lot of free publicity. Simple."
• Wilmer Bobble [05:05]: "That don't seem too difficult."
• Wilmer Bobble [07:30]: "At the audition. The audition? You know, the audition."
• Mr. Whitby [09:42]: "You maniac. Get away from that microphone. Everybody in town is listening to you. You're on the air."
• Skeezix Wallet [10:27]: "Gosh, it says, Wilmer Bobble and funniest broadcast of the year. Wilmer, things aren't so bad."
• Mr. Whitby [10:54]: "Well, now, not as narrowly the. No, we're doing a Shakespearean theme which there are two lovers and a crown by public demand."

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This summary encapsulates the key events and character interactions of The Adventure of the Agitated Announcer, providing a comprehensive overview for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Gasoline Alley series.

Transcript

[Styles MacKenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Styles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every style. Every home.

[Gasoline Alley Announcer]

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

[Skeezix Wallet]

Hold it, Wilmer. Hold it till I get this phone.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Okay.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Skateac Wallet and Bobble Garage. Skeezix Wallet speaking.

[Wilmer Bobble]

What's that?

[Skeezix Wallet]

Yes, sir, we can fix it. We can fix anything on four wheels. Sure, we'll be waiting for you right.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Here in Gasoline Alley.

[Gasoline Alley Announcer]

Yes, it's Gasoline Alley, the comic strip that's a favorite in more than 100 great newspapers. In this episode, the adventure of the agitated announcer Skeezy Wilmer visit a radio station. The result? Well, it's quite a bit of consternation at first. A word from the friendly auto light dealer in your own hometown. And now, Gasoline Alley. Skeezigs has learned from past experiences. Experience. But when his partner, Wilmer Bobble, gets a big idea, the big idea usually pays off in plenty of trouble. And so, as Wilmer arrives at the garage for work this morning, what has he got? You guessed it, a big idea. Like so.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Hey, Skeezik, way to hear what I bought up for it. Boy, is this terrific.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Morning, Wilmer. You're late for work.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Late for work, he says. Listen, I work all night. Tossing and turning in bed.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Oh, I'm sorry. Something you ate?

[Wilmer Bobble]

Jesus. I was awake because I was thinking. I don't sleep well when I'm thinking.

[Gasoline Alley Announcer]

Oh, all right.

[Skeezix Wallet]

What's the big idea this time?

[Wilmer Bobble]

Sometimes, Skeezix, I almost get the feeling that you don't appreciate all I do for you. This will double our business. It'll triple it.

[Skeezix Wallet]

How much will it cost, Wilmer?

[Wilmer Bobble]

That's the beauty part of it. It don't cost a red nickel. Now, look, all we got to do to get more business than we can handle is to get a lot of free publicity. Simple.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Now, wait a minute, Wilmer. Getting publicity takes skill and experience.

[Wilmer Bobble]

That type of brain. And when it comes to brain, boy, I'm loaded.

[Skeezix Wallet]

All right, Brain boy, you're going to get a lot of free publicity for the garage.

[Wilmer Bobble]

But how? Very simple. Everybody likes a picture of pretty girls on bathing suits, right? Right. Okay, so we get some pretty girls on bathing suits here in a garage and we'll get their pictures in the paper. Now what do you say to that?

[Skeezix Wallet]

It doesn't matter what I say, Wilmer. But what will Jessica say?

[Wilmer Bobble]

Do you mean Jessica, your ever loving.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Wife with a strong right arm?

[Wilmer Bobble]

Well, on second thought, Skeez, maybe bathing beauties here in a garage ain't quite the right answer these days.

[Mr. Whitby]

Thief.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Say, cost too much to wasting a black eye.

[Skeezix Wallet]

So let's forget it, Wilmer, and get to work.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Oh, I'll think of another way. Don't worry about that. I'll hold it.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Wilmer, we've got a customer.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Hey, it's Mr. Whippy, the manager of the radio station.

[Mr. Whitby]

Hi, boys.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Hi, Mr. Whitby.

[Skeezix Wallet]

What can we do for you?

[Mr. Whitby]

Well, there's something wrong with the old bus.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Keith?

[Mr. Whitby]

Uh huh. She's hard to start. And then sometimes when she's rolling along, the motor goes dead on me.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Oh, it sounds like ignition trouble. You better let us have a look at it.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Sure, we'll have a fix in no time.

[Mr. Whitby]

Oh, that's fine, boys. When can I get it?

[Skeezix Wallet]

Well, unless we run into something unexpected, we should have it fixed up by 2:00 this afternoon.

[Mr. Whitby]

2:00? No, no, I couldn't. Come and get it then. This afternoon or two. I'll be holding auditions for the big community fun packet. We broadcast it, you know.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Oh, you sure had a swell show last year, Mr. Woodsby. Me and Jessica tuning in and we just howled.

[Skeezix Wallet]

You howled?

[Wilmer Bobble]

Yeah. Boy, was that funny.

[Mr. Whitby]

That's very strange. It wasn't supposed to be funny. As a matter of fact, it was quite serious.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Yeah, that's what I mean. It was quite serious. Yeah? Yes, Jessica and me, we nearly cried. It was beautiful.

[Mr. Whitby]

I see.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Mr. Whitby, I'll bet you've got a lot of good acts this year.

[Mr. Whitby]

Oh, we've got plenty of talent for the show, all right. But you seem to be stuck for a narrator.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Uh, a who?

[Wilmer Bobble]

Writer.

[Skeezix Wallet]

A narrator? Wilmer.

[Gasoline Alley Announcer]

The master of ceremonies.

[Mr. Whitby]

The head man.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Just a minute, Mr. Whitby. Just what does this narrator fella have to do?

[Mr. Whitby]

Why, the narrator's the most important part of the show, Wilmer. He introduces all the acts, keeps the audience happy between the acts and ties the whole show together.

[Wilmer Bobble]

That don't seem too difficult.

[Mr. Whitby]

Oh, it takes a man with a lot of personality and perfect diction. A man that can think fast on.

[Wilmer Bobble]

His feet takes brains. Tell me, Mr. Whitby, will this narrator feller get any publicity?

[Mr. Whitby]

Oh, yes, indeed. This picture will be in the paper almost every day. Oh, gosh, I've got to get down to the stage.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Picture in a paper every day, huh? Oh, Mr. Whitby. Yes, we'll learn. Don't worry about your car. As soon as we get it fixed, I'll take it down a radio station in person.

[Mr. Whitby]

Oh, thank you, Wilmer. Well, come on, boys.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Well, it's nice that you'd offer to do that, Wilmer.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Nice nothing, Skeevicks. I'm doing this for the publicity I'll get for the garage.

[Skeezix Wallet]

What do you mean by that?

[Wilmer Bobble]

Simple. When I get down to the station, I'll just audition for that narrator part also. I'll win it.

[Skeezix Wallet]

But, Wilmer, you heard Mr. Whitby say the narrator has to have perfect diction.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Sure, and that's exactly what I've got. I've won diction prizes. I've won gold medals for my diction only.

[Gasoline Alley Announcer]

Yes.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Only what?

[Gasoline Alley Announcer]

Only diction?

[Wilmer Bobble]

What is dictionary?

[Gasoline Alley Announcer]

Now, back to Gasoline Alley and the Adventure of the Agitated Announcer. Well, Wilmer has decided to give a radio audition in an effort to get the in the big annual Community Fund pageant, which is broadcast every year. Now the boys are at the radio station, music having come along to keep Wilmer out of trouble, she hope.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Wilmer, this is just another one of your harebrained ideas. You don't know a thing about announcing or public speaking. How can you possibly be narrator of the pageant?

[Wilmer Bobble]

Jesus, haven't you got any faith in me? I've got personality, haven't I? Well, I've got brains, haven't I?

[Gasoline Alley Announcer]

Well, fetish.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Look, if I get at the job, I mean, it will mean a lot of free publicity for the garage. It's not myself I'm thinking about, it's the business.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Yeah, yeah. When you get up on that podium in front of all those people, you'll get the business.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Yeah, that's what I was saying.

[Mr. Whitby]

I'll get the business.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Wait a minute. What do you mean? There's Mr. Whitby, the radio station manager.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Hello, Mr. Whitby.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Mr. Whitby. I'm here for my audition for the narrator's party.

[Mr. Whitby]

Oh, yes. Yes. Skeezix, did you get my copy?

[Skeezix Wallet]

Oh, we sure did, Mr. Whitby. Cleaned up your ignition trouble and put in a new set of spark plugs. It's purring like a kitten.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Mr. Whippy, I'm ready.

[Mr. Whitby]

Hm? Ready for what?

[Wilmer Bobble]

At the audition. The audition? You know, the audition.

[Mr. Whitby]

Oh, look, Wilma, an announcer's job isn't easy. We've brought it over and decided we want a really professional speaker for the pageant. Wow. Do you think you're professional?

[Wilmer Bobble]

Plus just show me that microphone and let me get calling.

[Mr. Whitby]

Oh, very well, Wilmer. Let's make it fast. Now, if you two boys will go into studio. Baby, not A, but B. I'll run around to my office and when you see the red lights on, you start.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Speaking just about anything.

[Mr. Whitby]

No, no, no, no, no. Here's the audition script I have in my pocket here. Now, this is a test of your concentration and your ability to speak. Under all circumstances. Don't let anything phase you or stop you until the red light goes off.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Oh, don't worry about me. Nothing is going to stop me.

[Skeezix Wallet]

I'm not going to like you.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Okay, when I get this job, maybe you'll change your tool.

[Mr. Whitby]

All right now, Wilmer, just go into the studio and when the red light goes on, I'll be listening in my office and I'll come back to the studio and tell you how it is.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Don't worry about me. It's an awesome racket. It sucks too. Come on, Stevens, let's go in.

[Skeezix Wallet]

No, no, Wilma, not that door.

[Wilmer Bobble]

That's Studio A. Ah, that's what he said. Studio A. He said, and I quote, Studio A.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Not B. I thought it was the other way around.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Stevens, don't try to confuse me. Let's go in. Buck, look, the red light is on. The red. The sign says on the air.

[Styles MacKenzie]

Hey.

[Wilmer Bobble]

What? On the air. In here. I know. I'm having an audition. Just want to Mr. Whitby's stretch to upstab me. I'm going on the air right now with my harmonic act.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Folks, for my first number today, I'm about to play the overture from Orpheus.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Oh, no, you don't. Get away my microphone, you. I'm going to do my audition for Mr. Whitley.

[Mr. Whitby]

Oh, wait a minute.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Maybe he's right. Maybe we are in the wrong. Let me handle this. I know what I'm doing.

[Mr. Whitby]

Yeah, so do I.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Oh, that's the way you want it? Okay, I'll show you. Ladies and gentlemen, we are assembled here to dedicate this monument to that eminent American, Wilmer J. Bob. No, no, no, no. I mean to say. Now, let's see. Don't interrupt me, will ya? Ahem. The theme of the pageant is to depict the growth of this fair metropolis. How it has grown. It has grown from a small hamlet to the thriving industrial center. Center it is today. Go back through the years with me friends, if you will, in your Mind's eye, heart.

[Mr. Whitby]

Hark.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Back, if you will, to those early days when this fair city of ours was a tiny omelet. I mean, Hamlet. I mean, Hamlet.

[Mr. Whitby]

You maniac. Get away from that microphone. Everybody in town is listening to you. You're on the air.

[Wilmer Bobble]

No, you don't, Mr. Whitby. You can't fool me. I know this is part of that pad test.

[Mr. Whitby]

What you need is a sanity test. You walked into the wrong studio. That gibberish that you were spouting has been going out over the air. The station flooded with telephone calls.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Awful. Oh, I'm good. Huh?

[Mr. Whitby]

Good, Will. The J. Babel. You set radio broadcasting back 20 years.

[Skeezix Wallet]

I'm sorry, Wilmer, but everybody seems to have been listening when you were on the air this afternoon.

[Wilmer Bobble]

I know. I'm the laughing stock of the town. Easy. Oh, gosh. Here comes Mr. Whitby. Oh, gosh.

[Mr. Whitby]

Wilmer. Wilmer, I've been looking all over the town for you.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Okay, Mr. Whitby, I'm ready to go to jail. Jail? Jail.

[Mr. Whitby]

Nothing here, my boy. Look at the Clarion. Depiction's on the front page.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Gosh, it says, Wilmer Bobble and funniest broadcast of the year. Wilmer, things aren't so bad.

[Mr. Whitby]

I'll say they aren't. Why, the station owner's already congratulated me. And, of course, Wilmer, we'll want you in the pageant.

[Wilmer Bobble]

Gosh. Mr. Whitley as narrator.

[Mr. Whitby]

Well, now, not as narrowly the. No, we're doing a Shakespearean theme which there are two lovers and a crown by public demand. Wilma, you're going to play the fool.

[Gasoline Alley Announcer]

Your Gasoline Alley friends will be back in just a moment. Now, a word from your own autolight dealer. And now, words about the next adventure in Dantolene Alley.

[Mr. Whitby]

Here's Skeezy.

[Gasoline Alley Announcer]

Oh, Wilmer, you look terrible.

[Mr. Whitby]

What's the matter?

[Wilmer Bobble]

I can't sleep. Skeezix. There's a guy next door keeps singing Locked in the Cradle of the Deep all night Long.

[Skeezix Wallet]

Well, don't you like the song?

[Wilmer Bobble]

Not the way he sings it. Let me tell you something, Steve. If that guy sings it once more, I'm going to rock him. And I mean rock.

[Styles MacKenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style Tips for Every home. This is Stiles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's Style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From Wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every Style, Every Home.

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[Wilmer Bobble]

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[Wilmer Bobble]

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