Hollywood Is On The Air 38-xx-xx Big Broadcast Of 1938

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Hollywood Is On The Air 38-xx-xx Big Broadcast Of 1938
Release Date: February 22, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a spotlight on Paramount's "Big Broadcast of 1938." Hosted by the charismatic Bob Hope, the episode serves as a vibrant preview of the musical extravaganza, showcasing a blend of comedy, music, and star-studded performances that were beloved by families before the advent of television.

Opening Remarks and Musical Prelude

Bob Hope kicks off the show with his signature flair, introducing himself as "Mrs. Hulk's little boy" and setting an upbeat tone for the evening. He warmly welcomes the audience to Hollywood and highlights the involvement of Shep Fields and his orchestra, whose lively rhythms perfectly complement the preview parade.

Notable Quote:
Bob Hope [00:09]: "Hello. Welcome to Hollywood, folks. This is Mrs. Hulk's little boy, Bob, personally conducting your radio preview of the tuniest musical of them all, the big broadcast of 1938."

"Thanks for the Memory" Duet

The centerpiece of the episode is the soulful duet "Thanks for the Memory," performed by Bob Hope and Shirley Ross. The song reminisces about past romantic moments, blending humor and emotion seamlessly. Their chemistry is palpable, creating a nostalgic atmosphere for listeners.

Notable Quotes:
Bob Hope [02:13]: "We'll join with a very lovely star of the big broadcast, Ms. Shirley Ross, to bring you a reminiscent little lyric we hope you like. Thanks for the memory."
Shirley Ross [02:13]: "Thanks for the memory of rainy afternoons."

The duet continues with alternating verses, each line painting vivid pictures of romance and playful banter:

Example:
Shirley Ross [02:13]: "Thanks for the memory of rainy afternoons."
Bob Hope [02:19]: "Swingy Harlem tunes and motor trips and."
Shirley Ross [02:22]: "Burning lips and burning toast and prunes how lovely it was."

Behind the Scenes: Bob and Shirley's On-Air Chemistry

Post-performance, Bob Hope offers a light-hearted glimpse into his and Shirley Ross's on-air relationship. He humorously discusses their occasional "little spats" and playful jabs about a mock divorce, adding depth to their professional rapport.

Notable Quote:
Bob Hope [05:04]: "Shirley and I do very nicely. All through the big broadcast all we have are little spats. But nothing serious. Just a divorce now and then."

Musical Interlude with Tito Gazar and Zuni

Transitioning smoothly, Bob introduces Tito Gazar, a master of rumba rhythms, accompanied by Zuni. Their performance adds a vibrant cultural flair to the broadcast, encouraging listeners to tap their feet to the infectious beats.

Notable Quote:
Bob Hope [05:04]: "Here's that torrid exponent of rumba rhythm, Tito Gazar giving inspiration to dancing feet with Zuni, Zuni."

"You Took the Words Right Out of My Heart" Performance

Another highlight is the heartfelt rendition of "You Took the Words Right Out of My Heart," featuring Dorothy and Handsome Life Eric. The song captures the essence of blossoming romance with its tender lyrics and harmonious melodies.

Notable Quotes:
Shirley Ross [07:33]: "You took the words right out of my heart and left only room for you."
Bob Hope [08:19]: "You took the words right out of my heart and left only room for you."

Comedy Segment with WC Field

Bob Hope shifts gears to comedy, introducing WC Field, a beloved comedian known for his bulbous nose and witty humor. The exchange between Bob and WC is filled with playful banter and amusing anecdotes, particularly focusing on the character Martha Ray.

Notable Quotes:
Bob Hope [09:06]: "Is it true that Life Erickson invented a machine to make Ocean liners travel 100 miles an hour?"
WC Field [09:06]: "Almost killed us all."

The humorous storyline about Martha Ray—who humorously "crashed an airplane in a mirror factory"—adds levity and showcases the show's comedic talent.

Final Musical Number: "That Moon is Here Again"

The episode concludes with a touching performance of "That Moon is Here Again," featuring Shirley Ross and Martha Ray. The song beautifully intertwines themes of love and longing, reinforcing the musical's emotional depth.

Notable Quotes:
Shirley Ross [10:30]: "I'm just a girl oh, Mama, dear Mama I'm counting up to 10 I always do that when my brains are away."
Bob Hope [10:40]: "Please forgive me, Mama."

Conclusion and Farewell

Wrapping up the preview, Bob Hope highlights the ensemble of stars participating in the "Big Broadcast of 1938," including Ben Blue, Lynn Overman, Ruth Davis, and Madame Kirsten Flagstan. He emphasizes the musical highlights, such as Brunhilde's War Cry from "Valkyrie," and invites listeners to tune in at their local theaters.

Notable Quote:
Bob Hope [11:49]: "You'll see them all when you tune in on the big broadcast of 1938 at your favorite theater."

He signs off with gratitude, reminding the audience of the magical experience awaiting them in the upcoming broadcast.

Closing Thoughts

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" masterfully encapsulates the charm and allure of 1930s radio entertainment. Through a blend of musical performances, comedic interludes, and charismatic hosting by Bob Hope, listeners are given a comprehensive and entertaining preview of "The Big Broadcast of 1938." Whether reminiscing about classic tunes or enjoying lighthearted humor, the episode serves as a delightful homage to a bygone era of family entertainment.

Transcript

[Bob Hope]

Hollywood is on the air. Fresh from the romantic lead opposite Shirley Ross in the big broadcast of 1938, Paramount brings you that wise, cracking, singing and dancing star of Broadway musical comedies, your new master of ceremonies, Bob Hope. Take over, Bob. Hello. Welcome to Hollywood, folks. This is Mrs. Hulk's little boy, Bob, personally conducting your radio preview of the tuniest musical of them all, the big broadcast of 1938. But on with the show. For rippling along at the head of this preview parade to the tune of this little ripple has rhythm is Shep Fields and his orchestra.

[Shirley Ross]

Sa.

[Bob Hope]

And now, friends, if any, with or without your generous consent, yours truly, one Bob Hope. Remember me. We'll join with a very lovely star of the big broadcast, Ms. Shirley Ross, to bring you a reminiscent little lyric we hope you like. Thanks for the memory.

[Shirley Ross]

Thanks for the memory of rainy afternoons.

[Bob Hope]

Swingy Harlem tunes and motor trips and.

[Shirley Ross]

Burning lips and burning toast and prunes how lovely it was.

[Bob Hope]

Are the memories.

[Shirley Ross]

Of candlelight and wine Castles on the.

[Bob Hope]

Right the Parthenon and moments on the.

[Shirley Ross]

Hudson river line her lovely w.

[Bob Hope]

Many's.

[Shirley Ross]

The time that we tasted and many the time that we fasted oh well, it was swell while it lasted we did have fun and no harm done.

[Bob Hope]

And thanks for the memory of crap games on the floor nights in Singapore.

[Shirley Ross]

You might have been a headache but you never were bold I thank you so much. Thanks for the memory of gardens at best find and beef and kidney pie the night you worked and then came home with lipstick on your tie how.

[Bob Hope]

Lovely that was, huh? Thanks for the memory of lingerie with.

[Shirley Ross]

Lane yes, and pilsner by the cave.

[Bob Hope]

And how I jumped the day you.

[Shirley Ross]

Trumped my one and only ace how lovely that was. We said goodbye with a high boat.

[Bob Hope]

Then I got as high as a.

[Shirley Ross]

Steep hole did you?

[Bob Hope]

But we were intelligent people.

[Shirley Ross]

The no tears left for hooray for us Trickle the anu Darling, how are you?

[Bob Hope]

And how are all those little dreams.

[Shirley Ross]

That never did come true? Awfully glad I met you. Cheers.

[Bob Hope]

Nice number, that. Nice singing too. Fact is, Shirley and I do very nicely. All through the big broadcast all we have are little spats. But nothing serious. Just a divorce now and then. But that didn't bother me until she had me jailed for non payment of alimony. But enough of my private life, even though it is interesting. For here's that torrid exponent of rumba rhythm, Tito Gazar giving inspiration to dancing feet with Zuni, Zuni.

[Shirley Ross]

Lord.

[Bob Hope]

And now, folks, we cover that princess of pulitude, that lovable lady lamour need I say more? But when Dorothy sings, you took the words right out of my heart. There's nothing left to say. Incidentally, girls, that lucky baritone dueting with Dorothy is none other than Handsome Life. Eric, take it, Dorothy.

[Shirley Ross]

You took the words right out of my heart and it was like a ghost from the bl. You took the words right out of my heart when you said I love you. When you said I love you I stood in a days of while For I felt that way too the moment I saw you smile I had the words I knew in my heart There wasn't room enough for the.

[Bob Hope]

You took the words right out of.

[Shirley Ross]

My heart and left only room for you.

[Bob Hope]

And you can take my heart anytime you want it too, Dorothy. L'amour, L'amour. When you sing those tunes by that Robin and Ranger team. Well, you know how it is, folks. Ah, me. But back to reality and hilarity for staggering toward the micro is that genial gentleman of the bulbous nose, your favorite comedian of radio and screen going star of the big broadcast of 1938 WC Field.

[Shirley Ross]

Hi, friends.

[Bob Hope]

Now that I think I can call you Frank. Well, I look into your smiling faces. Bill, we're broadcasting. We're on the air. What? Bill, I think everybody would like to hear something about the big broadcast. Is it true that Life Erickson invented a machine to make Ocean liners travel 100 miles an hour? Why, that glove stole the idea for me. I made my plans one night whilst in the fools of delirium. Old fashioned stomach ache. I didn't know you were an experienced man. With electricity Bill. My father occupied the chair for applied electricity. State's prison shop killed the old gentleman. Almost killed us all. I hear Martha Ray plays the part of your daughter in the big broadcast, is that right? True. True. Well, tell us about Martha. What are some of her most human traits? My daughter cannot be considered human wherever she goes, deserts to follow or a sort of Calamity Jane, eh? Six years ago she crashed an airplane in a mirror factory. Broke 9,631 mirrors. Well, sounds like a swell show, Bill. Say, look who's here. Your own delirious daughter. The big broadcast. Martha Ray.

[Shirley Ross]

Hello, father. What are you doing here?

[Bob Hope]

Quiet fm. I'm on a secret mission. But Martha, it's no secret that your song in the big broadcast is one of the hits of the season. How about giving out with Mama? That moon is here again.

[Shirley Ross]

We were dating for each other. And in spite of your masculine charm, you remind me of my mother.

[Bob Hope]

Many?

[Shirley Ross]

No, some things in your eyes your lips die Flowers correct me, lover mom, do not be there Little mother Please forgive me, Mama For Mama that moon is here again that boy is near again and I'm just a girl oh, Mama, dear Mama I'm counting up to 10 I always do that when my brains are away 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 I can't go oh, Mama, dear Mama Please don't wait up for me I'm glad I took the key that move here again.

[Bob Hope]

And so to a close comes this radio preview of Paramount's big broadcast of 1938. Time doesn't permit us to bring you more of the stars you see in this magical musical show, does Ben Blue, Lynn Overman, Ruth Davis and Madame Kirsten Flagstan. Metropolitan Opera star whose Brunhilde's War Cry from D Valkyrie is a high spot of musical entertainment. But you'll see them all when you tune in on the big broadcast of 1938 at your favorite theater. This preview parade was staged at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. This is Bob Hope spe.