Golden Memories of Radio (01 of 10)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: Golden Memories of Radio (01 of 10)
Date: May 11, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode embarks on a nostalgic exploration of America’s “Golden Age of Radio.” Host Jack Benny—himself a radio legend—guides listeners through the magic and communal spirit that early radio brought into homes before the dominance of television. Listeners are treated to celebrated comedic moments, classic character interactions, and tributes to radio’s lasting cultural impact, featuring icons such as Bing Crosby, George Burns, Gracie Allen, and characters from shows like Amos & Andy.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Magic of the Radio Era (01:02 – 03:00)

• Jack Benny’s Introduction:
  Benny delivers a heartfelt welcome and shares the intent of the episode: a warm journey through radio’s heyday, where “the family gathered together in the living room to share the make-believe world of radio.”
• Explains the key difference between radio and television: radio required the listener’s imagination (“do it yourself television”), allowing for limitless creativity (“you painted your own biggest life version of each moment,” [02:01]).

Notable Quote

“Instead of a big ugly glass picture tube, you saw the performers in your own mind…painted your own biggest life version of each moment with that loving creative brush we call imagination.”
— Jack Benny [02:06]

2. Demonstrating the Power of Imagination—Fibber McGee’s Closet (02:51 – 03:00)

• Benny tests the audience’s imagination with a classic gag (“Don’t open that door, McGee.”), referencing the famous “Fibber McGee’s closet” routine, where the visual is entirely in the listener’s mind.

3. Classic Comedy Encounters: Bing Crosby & Jack Benny (03:50 – 07:37)

• Excerpt from Bing Crosby’s “Philco Radio Time” show features playful banter between Crosby, Benny, Mary Livingston, and others.
• The segment exemplifies witty radio repartee: self-deprecating humor (Benny’s musical ineptitude), wordplay, and show business in-jokes.

Sample Banter

Jack Benny: “I even washed my fingers in Duz. Duz doesn’t do it... I’m dead.” [04:41]
Bing Crosby: “But I switched to Wheaties, kid.” [04:51]
Mary Livingston: “Wait till I get rolling.” [06:45]

• Interplay between Mary and Jack pokes fun at Benny’s reputation for thriftiness and the comedic chemistry between the cast.

4. Comedy Formats: Variety & Situation Comedy (07:43 – 08:30)

• Benny explains that radio pioneered most entertainment forms seen on TV today, especially comedy: “Humor, for example, breaks down into two basic formats. The variety show and the situation comedy. Both forms reached a peak in radio.”

5. George Burns & Gracie Allen’s Comic Style (08:30 – 10:56)

• A classic skit featuring George Burns and Gracie Allen has Gracie humorously ranking Charles Boyer over historical figures like Edison and Churchill, with George’s dry responses.
• The exchange highlights Gracie’s unique comic logic and Burns’ signature understated exasperation.

Memorable Quotes

George Burns: “Edison invented electric lights. With Boyer, who needs them?” [09:18]
Gracie Allen: “I don’t think of you as a man who does anything romantic.”
George Burns: “A triple thanks, and stop thinking about it.” [10:38]

6. Tribute to Eddie Cantor (11:30 – 11:57)

• Benny pays homage to Eddie Cantor, a beloved figure whose career spanned vaudeville, radio, and television. Cantor’s emotional connection with the audience is highlighted: “When he died, a whole nation mourned his loss.”

7. Pioneering Characters: Amos & Andy (11:57 – 15:30)

• Benny recounts the monumental impact of “Amos & Andy” on American entertainment: movie theaters would stop films to tune in to the show during its broadcast.
• An extended clip featuring Andy Brown, Stephen, and Mr. Carter showcases classic Abbott & Costello-style confusion over failed job assignments, wordplay, and comic misunderstandings.

Standout Exchange

Mr. Carter: “The porch you were supposed to wreck was at 666 Riverside.”
Stephen: “Fly.”
(Their confusion about addresses and humorous efforts to avoid blame encapsulate the farcical tone of early radio comedies.)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Imagination in Radio:
  “You were not restricted by the boundaries of a 21 inch tube…but instead painted your own biggest life version…” — Jack Benny [02:06]
• Mary Livingston’s Sass:
  “Wait till I get rolling.” — Mary Livingston [06:45]
• George Burns’ Patience:
  “A triple thanks, and stop thinking about it.” — George Burns [10:38]
• Gracie Allen’s Unintentional Insult:
  “I don’t think of you as a man who does anything romantic.” — Gracie Allen [10:32]
• Amos & Andy’s Comic Miscommunication:
  “Yeah, I can hear what you were saying, but I know you ain’t saying what I was hearing.” — Andy Brown [13:20]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 01:02 | Jack Benny’s warm introduction to radio’s magic | | 02:51 | Imagination test: Fibber McGee’s closet reference | | 03:50 | Bing Crosby, Benny & Mary Livingston comedy routine | | 07:43 | Radio’s comedy legacy explained | | 08:30 | George Burns & Gracie Allen comic segment | | 11:30 | Tribute to Eddie Cantor | | 11:57 | Amos & Andy’s workplace confusion skit |

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Summary & Takeaway

In this debut of “Golden Memories of Radio,” listeners are transported to a time when entertainment was not seen but heard, and every listener became a co-creator in the stories told. With humor, warmth, and affection for their craft, classic performers like Jack Benny, Bing Crosby, George Burns, Gracie Allen, and the cast of Amos & Andy continue to evoke laughter and nostalgia, reminding modern audiences of the enduring power of imagination and shared experience.

Transcript

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[Jack Benny]

Hello again, this is Jack Benny welcoming you on behalf of the Longines Symphoniet for a warm visit to a magic world and to a golden treasure chest of memory, entertainment, excitement, drama and world history. Yep, we are going to explore the world of golden radio. I was part of radio as it developed, just as I am part of television. I share with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Red Skelton, George Burns, Lucille Ball, Arthur Godfrey and many others a common heritage in radio. I'd like to help you enjoy again those nostalgic moments when the family gathered together in the living room to share the make believe world of radio. We will look in on comedy, drama, suspense news and the people who made it all possible. By the nature of radio. We as performers shared with you, our listeners, the creative best in our lives. We worked together and for that reason radio became part of our growing up together. Before we get started though, I'd like to tell those of you who are just discovering the golden days of radio how it differs from today's television. Radio was really do it yourself television. Instead of a big ugly glass picture tube, you saw the performers in your own mind. You were not restricted by the boundaries of a 21 inch tube, but instead painted your own biggest life version of each moment with that loving creative brush we call imagination. Now, just in case you're out of practice, here's a little test to demonstrate the power of your imagination.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, don't Open that door, McGee.

[Jack Benny]

Didn't you see that fabulous closet just as clearly as though it was on the largest full color television screen imaginable? Why, every time McGee opened that door, a million Americans saw a closet in their own homes. Now let's try a more ambitious test of your imaginative power. And as we do, we'll start our sentimental journey back to the golden years of radio when that instrument was a golden cornucopia from which poured the wealth of the greatest entertainers in history. Here is Bing Crosby on his Filco Radio Time show, the Night he entertained two guests.

[Jack Finney]

Let me alone. I'll get it. I'll get it.

[Andy Brown]

Just a minute.

[Jack Finney]

Hey, say, you.

[Bing Crosby]

Have you ever played this number before?

[Andy Brown]

Bub?

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Played it? I made it.

[Jack Finney]

Well, I should have known. Jack Finney. Well, I certainly expected you tonight, Jack.

[Bing Crosby]

I expected you over, but I didn't expect to find you in the orchestra.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

I can't understand it. I've, I've never played so poorly.

[Bing Crosby]

Oh, cheer up, Jack. Sure you have.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Thanks, kid, but I, I, I practiced all morning to limber up. I even washed my fingers in Duz. Duz doesn't do it.

[Jack Benny]

I'm dead.

[Bing Crosby]

But I switched to Wheaties, kid. But Jack, I thought Mary was going

[Mr. Carter]

to come with you.

[Bing Crosby]

Where is she?

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Oh, she stopped by the Musicians Union to pay my dues.

[Bing Crosby]

You belong to the Musicians union?

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Don't act so shy.

[Bing Crosby]

Well, Dan, haven't heard of that.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Like that. Of course I belong to Musicians Union. I'm one of the charter members. You see, years ago I had a little band. We all joined together.

[Bing Crosby]

Oh, I know the group well. A drum and a guy with a bandage around his head.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

So far I've had nothing. Look, I don't mean the spirit of 76. My band was called Jack Benny and His Sizzling Gobblers.

[Bing Crosby]

Sizzling Gobblers?

[Jack Benny (Character)]

That's the line they gave me.

[Bing Crosby]

Yeah,

[Jack Benny (Character)]

we specialized in turkey tr.

[Jack Finney]

That's the lie.

[Bing Crosby]

And I bet your drummer had drumsticks that were really.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Drumsticks. Yeah. He used to drive me crazy with that munching during my solo. Can't understand it. Bill Morrow used to write for me.

[Jack Finney]

Anyway, Bing.

[Andy Brown]

Bing.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

What I wanted to see you about is a business proposition. What are you going to do this summer?

[Bing Crosby]

I'm going to take a vacation.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Well, I've got an idea where you and I could combine business with pleasure.

[Bing Crosby]

I'm afraid not, Jack.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

But, Bing, I mean, this is a chance to pick up some extra money and that never hurts.

[Bing Crosby]

Oh, no, it's spending that hurts, isn't it?

[Jack Benny (Character)]

That's, that's ridiculous. It doesn't bother me.

[Mary Livingston]

Don't knock it till you've tried it.

[Jack Finney]

Well, Mary Livingston,

[Jack Benny (Character)]

get a load of her. All decked out like Mrs. Astor's horse. Listen, Mary, you never get all dressed up like that on my program.

[Mary Livingston]

Well, how often do I sit on Bing Crosby's lap?

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Well, you're not on Crosby's lap.

[Mary Livingston]

Wait till I get rolling,

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Mary.

[Stephen]

Just kidding, Bing.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Nothing will happen.

[Bing Crosby]

You keep out of this.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Listen, I've been thinking of this for years, and I might as well. Come right out and say it. What do all the women see in Bing Crosby? Look at him. Hey, he's, you know. He's got blue eyes like mine. Blue eyes like mine.

[Mary Livingston]

Stop there, brother.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Mary, all I want to know is did you go to the Musicians Union and pay my dues?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

All right, Mary, where's my card?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Just a minute. This isn't a musician's card.

[Mary Livingston]

Oh, I forgot to tell you. They transferred you to the Plumbers Union.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

The Plumbers Union?

[Mary Livingston]

Your plunger arrives tomorrow.

[George Burns]

What?

[Bing Crosby]

I can't wait to hear your first solo.

[Jack Finney]

Sleep on the beat, huh?

[Jack Benny]

Is your imagination getting tuned up? Good. Now, radio pioneered most of the kind of shows you see on television today. Humor, for example, breaks down into two basic formats. The variety show and the situation comedy. Both forms reached a peak in radio. I asked George Burns to select a favorite episode of the George Burns and Gracie Allen show from his own personal collection.

[Gracie Allen]

As the new half century gets underway, the favorite pastime seems to be choosing the outstanding men of the last half century. Magazines and newspapers have published their selections, but Gracie seems to think one important

[Bing Crosby]

name has been omitted.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Thomas Edison, Winston Churchill. How can they pick men like that to head the list?

[George Burns]

I'm interested to know, Gracie.

[Jack Benny (Character)]

Who's your choice?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Need you ask George? I'm thinking of a man whose glorious, romantic voice has thrilled millions.

[Narrator/Additional Character]

The birds are sweetly singing in perfume, flowers are bringing in the Windsor.

[Narrator/Announcer]

A man of charm and talent are world famous.

[Gracie Allen]

Gracie, this is getting embarrassing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Only one man should top this list. Charles Boyer.

[George Burns]

Charles Boyer? You put him ahead of Edison.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yep.

[George Burns]

Edison invented electric lights with Boyer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who needs them?

[Jack Benny]

Boise.

[George Burns]

There are. There are some pretty great men on this list.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Not as great as Boyer. Well, look at these names. Arturo Toscanini, conductor. How do you like that? A man who punches transfers.

[George Burns]

He happens to be a musical conductor.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, so he hums while he punches pants.

[George Burns]

Dardanella.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah. And here. Here's another one. Einstein. Now, what did he do?

[George Burns]

Einstein? What did he do? He's the father of relativity.

[Mary Livingston]

Oh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What does she do?

[Liberty Mutual Customer]

Relativity.

[George Burns]

Einstein. Yeah, she's with Warner Brothers. You know, Gracie, for a minute there, instead of Boy A, I thought that you thought that I belonged on that list of great men.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh. Oh, well, you see, George, you're my husband, and I don't think of you as a man.

[George Burns]

Well, thanks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I mean, I. I don't think of you as a man who does anything.

[George Burns]

Thanks again.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I mean, I don't think of you as a man who does anything romantic.

[George Burns]

A triple thanks and stop thinking about it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now. I've hurt your feelings and I didn't mean to judge. You know I'd rather be married to you than any man on this list. Churchill, Edison, Stalin, Hitler.

[George Burns]

You have just earned my fourth. Thank you.

[Jack Benny]

When you think of the golden age of radio, you're bound to remember the performer whose hold on the heartstrings of America spanned almost three generations. Vaudeville to radio and then to television. When he died, a whole nation mourned his loss.

[Eddie Kanter]

I love to spend each Sunday with you as friend of friend. I'm sorry, it. I'm telling you just how I feel. I hope you feel that way too, Eddie Kanter.

[Jack Benny]

Of course. Now, very early in the development of radio came two characters called Sam and Henry. Once the name was changed to Amos and Andy, a new national pastime was invented. Why, I can remember walking past motion picture theaters in the 30s and seeing the signs that promised to stop the movie and turn on the radio when it came. Amos and Andy time.

[Andy Brown]

You know, Andy, it's a great thing for us, this job with the construction company.

[Stephen]

Oh yeah, and I like that Mr. Carter, the head of the company. He sure was nice to us when they give us the tools this morning.

[Andy Brown]

Oh yeah, he is a real gentleman. I tell you, I never met. I'll get him. Hello? George Kingfield, Steven speaking.

[Mr. Carter]

Hello, this is Mr. Carter of the Carter Construction Company.

[Andy Brown]

Oh, yes, Mr. Carter. How's you this evening?

[Mr. Carter]

See here, what are you and Brown trying to pull? Why didn't you show up on that porch wrecking job this morning?

[Narrator/Additional Character]

Where you see me?

[Andy Brown]

Excuse me. You say something about slowing up on that?

[Mr. Carter]

Why didn't you and Brown show up on that pork threatening job?

[Andy Brown]

Well, I. Miss Carter, Excuse me. We got a bad disconnection here.

[Mr. Carter]

Can't you hear what I'm saying?

[Andy Brown]

Yeah, I can hear what you were saying, but I know you ain't saying what I was hearing.

[Stephen]

Hello?

[Jack Benny]

Hello?

[Andy Brown]

Look, Ms. Carter, the phones all mess up here. I tell you what, I'll hang up and you call me right back.

[Mr. Carter]

Very well.

[Stephen]

What's the trouble, Kingsley?

[Andy Brown]

Oh, I don't know, Andy. The phone is messed up or my ears done jammed up on me. You take the call when the man calls back.

[Stephen]

Okay, I'll wait. Hello, Andy Brown speaking.

[Mr. Carter]

Oh, it's you, Brown. Can you hear what I'm saying?

[Stephen]

Oh, yes sir. Yes sir. You coming through fine.

[Jack Benny]

Good.

[Stephen]

Now, what is it you want to tell me?

[Mr. Carter]

I want to know why you and Stevens didn't show up direct that porch this morning.

[Stephen]

I hold the phone. Kingfish, get back on here. This man is all confused.

[Narrator/Additional Character]

Hello, Ms. Carter. Stephen's back on here.

[Mr. Carter]

Look, Stevens, what's going on? You and Brown are completely confused.

[Narrator/Additional Character]

We are confused.

[Andy Brown]

You is the one that's confused. We spent the whole day today wrecking the porch over at 4565Amsterdam Avenue.

[Mr. Carter]

4565Amsterdam Avenue. That's fine.

[Andy Brown]

Well, thank you, sir.

[Mr. Carter]

That's just great.

[Andy Brown]

We thought it was a nice job.

[Mr. Carter]

The porch you were supposed to wreck was at 666 Riverside.

[Stephen]

Fly.

[Narrator/Additional Character]

Ms. Carter. Is he there?

[Eddie Kanter]

Yes.

[Andy Brown]

Well, Ms. Carter, this time let's bull hang up. And don't nobody call nobody.

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[Liberty Mutual Customer]

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[Liberty Mutual Customer]

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[Liberty Mutual Customer]

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