Here's To Veterans 1947-02-20 (1401) Duffy's Tavern

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Here's To Veterans 1947-02-20 (1401) Duffy's Tavern"

Harold's Old Time Radio presents a nostalgic glimpse into the Golden Age of Radio with its episode titled "Here's To Veterans 1947-02-20 (1401) Duffy's Tavern." Released on June 7, 2025, this episode combines classic radio entertainment with heartfelt messages honoring veterans. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the essence of the episode, including key discussions, notable quotes, and insightful interactions.

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1. Introduction to "Here's To Veterans"

Host Introduction: At 00:31, John Hickman sets the stage for the episode by celebrating the golden age of network radio. He introduces "Here's To Veterans" as a salute from both the radio station and the Veterans Administration, dedicated to honoring former servicemen and women.

John Hickman [00:31]: "The golden age of network radio on here's to Veterans."

Purpose of the Show: At 01:00, Hickman elaborates on the program's mission, highlighting its role in commemorating veterans through classic radio performances.

John Hickman [01:00]: "Here's to Veterans. A salute from radio station and the Veterans Administration to former servicemen and women."

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2. Promoting Veterans Benefits

GI Bill Benefits: Shortly after the introduction, between 01:37 and 07:50, the episode interweaves informative segments about the GI Bill, emphasizing its long-term benefits for veterans. These messages underscore the importance of utilizing available resources to enhance education and financial stability.

John Hickman [01:37]: "Millions of America's veterans are better educated and have higher incomes than those of similar age who did not have military service."

Call to Action: Hickman urges veterans to take advantage of the GI Bill before the opportunity expires.

John Hickman [01:37]: "It's towards them to take advantage of an opportunity that will expire within eight years after the date they left service."

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3. Main Feature: Duffy's Tavern Episode

Setting the Scene: At 01:22, the narrator transports listeners to the famed Duffy's Tavern, introducing beloved characters and setting the stage for comedic interactions.

Narrator [01:22]: "For over a decade, Ed Gardner as Archie convulsed audiences with his slaughter of the King's English, his ill-inspired musical compositions, and his all-around good-natured philosophy."

Character Introductions:

• Archie (Ed Gardner): The jovial bartender navigating daily tavern antics.
• Finnegan (Frank Fontaine): Archie’s witty and sometimes mischievous friend.
• Ms. Duffy (Shirley Booth): The owner of Duffy's Tavern.
• Guest Star - Madame Lottie Lehman (Lotta Lehman): A Metropolitan Opera star seeking rare musical manuscripts.

Plot Highlights:

1. Accidental Encounter:

   • [03:06] Archie and Finnegan witness a limousine accident involving Madame Lottie Lehman.
   • Finnegan [04:17]: "What do you do?"
   • Madame Lottie Lehman [04:53]: "I'm a sand dancer."

2. The Quest for Manuscripts:

   • [05:22] Madame Lehman reveals her search for lost musical manuscripts by composers like Schubert and Mozart.
   • Archie [05:22]: "What a character, huh? And a singer, no less, too."

3. The Manuscript Discovery:

   • [10:42] Finnegan returns with what appears to be a copy of "Rigoletto," but it's an original version with Archie’s own additions.
   • Archie [10:42]: "This is the original version of Rigoletto, which is better than the one they are now rousing up at the Metropolitan."

4. Musical Interlude:

   • Archie encourages Madame Lehman to join in singing his "little love song."
   • Finnegan [12:42]: "I love you."
   • Archie [12:46]: "Poetry and pheasants and carpenters too is struck by Cupid's die Cupid's die."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Archie [05:55]: "Madame Lottie Lehman, Metropolitan Opera Company. Holy cat."
• Finnegan [10:22]: "They never did find a body, did they?"
• Archie [12:13]: "It's Brady. I guess he wrote it during his bounty period."

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4. Veterans Administration Messages

Continued Support for Veterans: Interspersed within the main content, the show reinforces its dedication to veterans through messages about housing and financial benefits.

John Hickman [07:50]: "The Veterans Administration will give you a certificate of eligibility that can be worth up to $12,500 to you in financing a home."

Emphasis on Accessibility: The messages emphasize the ease of accessing these benefits and encourage veterans to consult their nearest VA office.

John Hickman [07:50]: "Visit your nearest VA office or service organization representative and find out about your rights to a GI Home loan."

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5. Conclusion of the Episode

Closing Remarks: At 13:39, the episode wraps up with a return to the main narrative, resolving the comedic tensions and celebrating the camaraderie within Duffy's Tavern.

Final Salute to Veterans: The host, John Hickman, concludes the show with a heartfelt salute to all veterans, particularly acknowledging those from the Vietnam era.

John Hickman [14:07]: "A special salute to all veterans of Vietnam. The VA welcomes you home and is ready to serve you."

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6. Additional Messages

Teen Tobacco Prevention: While the primary focus is on veterans, the episode includes a public service message addressing the crisis of flavored tobacco use among teens.

Teen Advocate [00:00 & 14:51]: "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."

Fatherhood Dedication: Towards the end, the show features a segment on dedication in fatherhood, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Father [15:22]: "The thing that drives me every day as a dad is Dariano... I want him to be able to sit back one day and say, 'We worked together. We did a good job.'"

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Conclusion

"Here's To Veterans 1947-02-20 (1401) Duffy's Tavern" masterfully blends entertainment with meaningful messages honoring veterans. Through the timeless humor of Duffy's Tavern and informative segments from the Veterans Administration, the episode offers both amusement and valuable resources. Notable interactions, such as Madame Lottie Lehman's quest for musical manuscripts, highlight the era's cultural richness, while the persistent emphasis on veterans' benefits underscores a lasting commitment to those who served.

This episode serves not only as a nostalgic trip to radio's past but also as a reminder of the enduring support systems in place for veterans, making it a valuable listen for both longtime aficionados and new audiences alike.

Transcript

[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 aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ 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@ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[John Hickman]

The golden age of network radio on here's to Veterans.

[Archie]

Hello, Duffy's Tavern. Where do you lead me to eat? Archie, the man's just bacon. Duffy ain't here. Here's the veteran from Duffy's Tavern with our guest tonight, Lotta Lehman. And starring Archie himself, Ed Gardner.

[John Hickman]

Here's to Veterans. A salute from radio station and the Veterans Administration to former servicemen and women. The great network radio shows were part of the early years of here's to Veterans. Your host for these classic performances, John Hickman.

[Narrator]

How many of you remember that remarkable establishment where the elite meet to eat? One of radio's best remembered comedy programs, it featured Ed Gardner, Shirley Booth and Frank Fontaine. We'll stop in at Duffy's Tavern after this message from the va. Today, millions.

[John Hickman]

Of veterans are reaping benefits from a law that helped their fathers 25 years ago, the GI Bill. Although changed and improved many times, its programs of training and education help veterans make up for lost time. America's veterans are better educated and have higher incomes than those of similar age who did not have military service. Now what's the message in this list of accomplishments? Well, it's to tell veterans who have not used their rights to the DI Bill how millions of others have used it to better their lives. And it's towards them to take advantage of an opportunity that will expire within eight years after the date they left service. See the VA or service Organization representative and get the facts about your rights to today's GI Bill. Now once again, here's John Hickman.

[Narrator]

Radio took listeners to many magical places. Allen's Alley, Vic and Sad's small house. Halfway up in the next block, a cabaret known as the Club Durant and that friendly neighborhood hideaway called Duffy's Tavern. For over a decade, Ed Gardner as Archie convulsed audiences with his slaughter of the King's English, his ill inspired musical compositions and his all around good natured philosophy. Visiting regulars to the tavern included Finnegan, played by Frank Fontaine and Shirley Booth as Ms. Duffy. The Tavern featured guest stars from the world of opera, drama and comedy in this 1947 here's to veteran show. The Tavern plays host to Metropolitan Opera star Lottie Lehman.

[Archie]

Archie's Little Lump song. Oh, that's the way to Bill and coon. Hey, Ms. Ottie, the phone. Oh, Duffy's Little Tavern. Where do you lead me? To you. Oh, hello, Duffy. Well, Duffy, I ain't been able to get that song off me mind since I wrote it. It's so catchy, you know. You heard it on a hit parade Saturday night. No kidding. Who sang it? A guy by the name of Fe Boone. Look, duppy, you think you're kidding, but a lot of big stars is going to sing it on the radio. I'll call you back. What was that crash, Eddie? That limousine just ran into that parked car there. Oh, hello, Finnegan. Did you see the accident?

[Finnegan]

Oh, yeah. What happened? Well, as I saw it, there was a lady driving this one car. Well, that's the answer, Art.

[Archie]

Well, grievous helper. Come on, Eddie, let's bumper off of this car.

[Finnegan]

I beg your pardon, lady. Nice car you got here.

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

Oh, thank you.

[Finnegan]

Is this your first accident?

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

Yes. My chauffeur usually drives me.

[Finnegan]

Yeah, but it's more fun when you smash him yourself, ain't it? By the by, I. I didn't catch the name.

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

Oh, here's my car. I am Madame Lehman of the Metropolitan Opera.

[John Hickman]

Oh, thank you.

[Finnegan]

I'm Michau Finnegan at that address at Metropolitan. May I sing you? What do you do?

[Archie]

What do I do?

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

I'm a sand dancer.

[Finnegan]

All right, start the face, witch. Familiar.

[Archie]

Car is all fixed, lady.

[Finnegan]

This is Madam Layman.

[Archie]

Oh, always happy to meet him, madam. By the way, madam, what is a dame like you doing in this neighborhood?

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

I'm looking for some rare old musical manuscripts. You see, I'm a singer.

[Archie]

Oh, uh huh. Well, I hope you find something. Thank you, Schnapps. What a character, huh? What a character. And a singer, no less, too. I thought I'd bust out laughing in her face. What was her name again?

[Finnegan]

She gave me her card. Yeah, let's see.

[Archie]

Madame Lottie Lehman, Metropolitan Opera Company. Holy cat. A opera stock. He could have sang me song for me and I brushed the roof. Give me that phone, Eddie. Hello, Metropolitan Opera, Soprano department, please. Hello, Soprano. I'd like to talk to Madame Layman. Yeah, hello. Oh, is this the madam? Well, this is Archie of Duffy's Tavern. The kind, chivalrous gentleman that helped you with Your car? Yeah. Hey, I didn't get it when you was hinting at me to sing me song. Drop dead, huh? Hold the wire a second. Well, you know, I think of a way to win you over. Oh, oh, by the way, look. In that accident today, do you know that you had pertinently damaged our garbage can? I know, but it happens to be a very rare antique. In fact, it's a collector's item. So in order before we sue you, I think you ought to come over here and talk it over. Okay. I'll be seeing you. Now she'll have to sing me song. Eddie, wait a minute. Well, she can't take a chance. Nothing. How do you think she'd like it if the headlines tomorrow said, Primadonna Hits Garbage in series of 3rd Avenue accidents, smashes Bumper Damages can.

[Narrator]

We'll return to Duffy's Tavern after this message from the VA Veterans.

[John Hickman]

One of the best things your time and service earned was the right to a GI Home loan. The Veterans Administration will give you a certificate of eligibility that can be worth up to $12,500 to you in financing a home. Now, that amount, or 60% of the loan if it's less than $12,500, is the amount the VA guarantee. Every lender wants security for his money, and that's where your certificate of entitlement comes in. It can be used as security so that a down payment may not be required to get the loan. Also, a GI home loan can be repaid over 30 years and the interest rate is usually better than the prevailing rates on conventional loan. Visit your nearest VA office or service organization representative and find out about your rights to a GI Home loan. And now back to Duffy's Tavern.

[Archie]

Dodger, Now I see the association of ideas. But exactly how does this garbage can tie up with your song? See, the association of ideas. Well, anyway, the garbage was just an idea to get it down here. Eddie, you heard her mention them rare old manuscripts, didn't you? Yeah, well, that's what I'm gonna give her. A rare old manuscript. Hey, Finnegan. Finnegan. Look, I want you to run over to Schmidt's Second Hand Music Store and buy some of the crummiest and craziest looking music you can find. Now, hurry up.

[Finnegan]

Oh, I'll go as fast as I can, but don't forget, I only got two pair of feet.

[Archie]

I was afraid you was going to say you're only human. Now get back as fast as you can.

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

Well, young man, here am I. Oh.

[Archie]

Here am I too. How do you Do, Madam Layman.

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

Now, what was that you said on the phone about somebody being sued?

[Archie]

Yeah, I said it. You are the one that is being sued, and Duffy's Tavern is the sewer.

[John Hickman]

There.

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

I agree with you.

[Archie]

What I still can't understand is what a dame like you is going down in a neighborhood like this trying to find secondhand music.

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

Well, Archie, you see, many composers like Schubert and Mozart wrote dozens of songs and ballads, what we call leader, and a lot of them have been lost. That's what I'm looking for. I would give anything to find some missing German leader.

[Archie]

Yeah, they never did find a body, did they? Well, we must hope we can help you find one of them little songs I odd. Oh, yeah. Excuse me, Madam Layman. Did you get the music, Finnegan?

[Finnegan]

Right here. Right.

[Archie]

Let's see what you got. Rigoletto by Jewish Sepi Fighting. Now, let's see. Here's what we can do. We'll. We'll tear out all of the middle pages here from this Rigoletto and give me a copy of Archie's little love song. Eddie. Here we put that in the middle, see? Now, watch the act I put on, Eddie. Oh, Madame Wayman, yes. You must be simply ravished. Have some free lunch. No, no, thank you. Ah, come on, come on and try it. Wonderful thing about this free lunch tray here. It ain't been moved in years and years. Maybe we should move it just to see what's under it. Well, mercy me. It's a rare old manuscript. Gadzooks. It's the original version of Rigoletto.

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

What's that handwriting on the COVID Yeah, let's see.

[Archie]

This is the original version of Rigoletto, which is better than the one they are now rousing up at the Metropolitan. There it is. Signed J. Bernie, composer. Why, this must be worth the King's transom. What a novelty this would be for your concert tour, huh? Let's see what it sounds like, shall we? Wait till Mr. Verde gets a load of this.

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

Archie, what is that?

[Archie]

It's Brady. I guess he wrote it during his bounty period. We must continue. Ring the bell and crow. Oh, this is beautiful. Archie's little luck. Hey, Archie, he mentions me name. Very nice little guy. I didn't even know him. Come on, sing it with me.

[Finnegan]

I love you.

[Archie]

Poetry and pheasants and carpenters too Is struck by Cupid's die Cupid's die. The beauty of them words. Just thought with meaning.

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

What does it mean?

[Archie]

Who cares?

[Finnegan]

It's opera.

[Archie]

Sing a little love song. Now, you take the next line. Hey, wait a minute. What was that?

[Madame Lottie Lehman]

Probably valley turning over in his throat.

[Narrator]

There you have it. A visit to Duffy's tavern from a 1947 here's to veterans broadcast. This is John Hickman inviting you to join me again soon, when we'll recall more of radio's golden moments from those great here's to veteran shows of the 1940s. Until then, so long and thanks for listening.

[John Hickman]

The golden age of network radio on here's to Veterans. This has been one of a series featuring classic performances transcribed, prescribed by the Veterans Administration. Our thanks to this radio station for contributing broadcast time in the public interest and a special salute to all veterans of Vietnam. The VA welcomes you home and is ready to serve you. Here's to Veteran.

[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. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me at flavors. Hookorgonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Archie]

What is dedication?

[Father]

The thing that drives me every day as a dad is Dariano. We call him Dayday for short. Every day he's hungry for something, whether it's attention, affection, knowledge. And there's this huge responsibility in making sure that when he's no longer under my wing that he's a good, good person. I want him to be able to sit back one day and go, we work together. We did a good job.

[Archie]

That's dedication. Find out [e-mail] brought to you by the U.S. department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council.