Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Episode: "Hail The Champ 46-11-07 (Audition) 1st Question - If You Were About"

Release Date: March 21, 2025
Host: Tony Pereira
Duration: Approximately 31 minutes

Introduction

In this exciting episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Hail The Champ 46-11-07 (Audition) 1st Question - If You Were About", host Tony Pereira brings to life the vibrant energy of the Golden Age of Radio. The show, sponsored by the American Broadcasting Company, features a series of engaging sports-themed quizzes and contests designed to identify and celebrate young sports enthusiasts as tomorrow's champions.

Segment 1: Swimming Contest

Timestamp: [01:00 - 06:47]

Tony Pereira kicks off the evening by introducing the first set of contestants from the studio audience, dividing them into teams of three. The first competition revolves around swimming, featuring two contestants:

• Frank Carpenter (16) from Louisiana, a hobbyist airplane builder who dreams of learning to fly.
• Bill Trulock (14) from Tulsa, Oklahoma, an aspiring photographer passionate about swimming.

Notable Interaction:

• Frank Carpenter: “Take a special flying course.” ([02:35])
• Bill Trulock: “I’d like to take a special photography course from somebody who knows how and get some equipment to work with.” ([03:07])

The contestants answer swimming-related questions posed by 12-year-old Dwight Homer. After proving their knowledge, they engage in a playful ping pong ball transfer challenge in tubs of water. Bill Trulock emerges victorious with the least number of ping pong balls remaining in his tub.

Prize Distribution:

• Bill Trulock: Advances to the winner’s circle.
• Frank Carpenter: Receives swim fins, water wings, a Reynolds pen, and other small prizes.

Segment 2: Cross Country Bike Race

Timestamp: [06:47 - 17:38]

Next, the show transitions to a cross-country bike race featuring Mike Sanchez (15) from Los Angeles. Despite not owning a bicycle, Mike demonstrates determination by racing against time. Tony encourages him with incentives, including $2 for every mile completed and the risk of winning a motor scooter should the gong sound unexpectedly.

Notable Interaction:

• Tony Pereira: “I think you want me to dust you off some more. Would you like a glass of water?” ([17:13])
• Mike Sanchez: “I’ll keep going until I’m tired.” ([17:22])

Mike completes nine miles, earning $18 and ultimately wins a bicycle as an additional prize, highlighting his perseverance and enthusiasm.

Segment 3: Gridiron Battle (Football Contest)

Timestamp: [06:47 - 23:42]

The third contest focuses on football, featuring two young athletes:

• Frank Smith (14) from Louisiana, a football player dreaming of attending the Ram Redskin game and becoming a sports commentator.
• Bill Claudell (17) from Portland, Oregon, a future Navy sailor passionate about football.

Notable Interaction:

• Frank Smith: “Go to Catalina.” ([09:05])
• Bill Claudell: “This Ram Redskin game is coming up Friday…” ([09:25])

After answering football-related questions provided by 16-year-old Jimmy Dankers, Bill Claudell wins the contest. Participants face a fun challenge involving handling a greased pigskin, with Bill excelling and Frank receiving consolation prizes.

Prize Distribution:

• Bill Claudell: Advances to the winner’s circle.
• Frank Smith: Receives five silver dollars, a sweatshirt, and an official regulation football.

Segment 4: Tennis Contest

Timestamp: [17:38 - 29:52]

The final non-title event showcases tennis skills with contestants:

• Butch Carlson (16) from San Fernando, California, who collects perfume bottles and dolls.
• Kitty Cover (14) from Van Nuys, California, an avid horse rider aiming to become a racing jockey.

Notable Interaction:

• Butch Carlson: “I’d like to go back to North Dakota and visit some friends there.” ([18:40])
• Kitty Cover: “I’d like to ride in a… be a racing jockey.” ([19:37])

After successfully answering tennis-related questions from Dorothy Holbrook, Kitty Cover wins over Butch Carlson through a humorous and dynamic obstacle course involving balloons and basketballs.

Prize Distribution:

• Kitty Cover: Crowned as the champion and receives an extensive array of prizes, including archery and badminton sets, photography equipment, and a diamond-studded champ’s belt.
• Bill Claudell: Receives a basketball, softball, baseball, and a record album.
• Bill Trulock: Awarded a basketball, Hawaiian surfboard, swim gloves, and a Reynolds pen.

Final Championship Course

Timestamp: [24:05 - 29:52]

The remaining contestants—Bill Trulock, Bill Claudell, and Kitty Cover—participate in the ultimate championship course. This elaborate obstacle involves handling a basketball, crackers, and a balloon while navigating through barrels and reaching a microphone.

Notable Interaction:

• Tony Pereira: “Kitty’s almost got Hurst.” ([26:06])
• Kitty Cover: “It really swell. I never expected.” ([29:09])

Kitty Cover triumphs in the final challenge, solidifying her position as the champion and fulfilling her dream of becoming a racing jockey. She is awarded a comprehensive prize package, including sports equipment and a special radio.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Tony Pereira congratulating Kitty Cover as the champion and encouraging listeners to engage by sending in their sports questions for a chance to win prizes and membership in the Champs Club. The show wraps up with a heartwarming acknowledgment of the young contestants' efforts and dreams, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and aspiration characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio.

Notable Closing Remarks:

• Tony Pereira: “You are our champ. Congratulations, honey. God bless you.” ([29:52])
• Announcer 2: “Now remember, guys and gals, send in your questions for prizes and gift galore to everyone.” ([30:49])

Highlighted Quotes

• Frank Carpenter on his dream: “Take a special flying course.” ([02:35])
• Bill Trulock on his aspirations: “I’d like to take a special photography course from somebody who knows how and get some equipment to work with.” ([03:07])
• Mike Sanchez’s determination: “I’ll keep going until I’m tired.” ([17:22])
• Kitty Cover on becoming a jockey: “I’d like to ride in a… be a racing jockey.” ([19:37])
• Tony Pereira’s encouragement: “You are our champ. Congratulations, honey. God bless you.” ([29:52])

Overall Insights

"Hail The Champ 46-11-07 (Audition)" is a vibrant celebration of youth, sportsmanship, and the pursuit of dreams. Through a series of interactive contests, the show not only entertains but also inspires young listeners to strive for their aspirations. The rich interplay between host and contestants, coupled with the enthusiastic atmosphere, captures the essence of community and the enduring charm of radio entertainment from a bygone era.