Jane And The Boys 1951-08-25 Jane Mason And Jose Bettancourt - Harold's Old Time Radio

Summary4 min read

Podcast Summary: Jane And The Boys (1951-08-25)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Jane And The Boys
Guests: Jane Mason and Jose Bettancourt
Release Date: January 12, 2025

Introduction

The episode opens with Bill Griski warmly welcoming listeners to "Jane and the Boys," a delightful vacation replacement segment for the regular hometowners who are away. Introduced as the pillar keeping the studio active, Bill humorously credits the talented trio featured in the show: Jane Mason, Jose Bettancourt, and himself.

Bill Griski [00:00]: "Well, hi, friends. Well, what do you know. It's Jane and Joe and they're starring in Jane and the Boys."

James and Jose make brief introductions, setting a lively and engaging tone for the episode.

James [00:36]: "Hi, I'm James."
Jose Bettancourt [00:37]: "Hi, I'm Jose."

Comedy Sketch: The Quartet's Antics

Bill Griski cleverly combines the names of the trio to form the show's title, Jane and the Boys, and introduces a lighthearted comedic scenario involving a marimba. The sketch showcases the playful banter between Bill and Jose, highlighting Jose's attempt to use the word "banjo" but humorously mispronouncing it as "bongo."

Bill Griski [02:14]: "Jose, the word is banjo."
Jose Bettancourt [02:17]: "Oh, well, here today. Guatemala."

The exchange continues with Bill expressing mock frustration over Jose's mistakes, setting the stage for more humorous interactions.

Bill Griski [02:20]: "Oh no. Is this going to follow me the rest of my days? I never should have said it in the first place."

Musical Interlude: Jane Mason’s Performance

Transitioning smoothly from comedy to music, Jane Mason delivers a heartfelt song titled "Though You Say We're Through." Her performance is both emotional and melodic, captivating listeners with its sincerity.

Jane Mason [02:43 - 03:50]:
"Though you say we're through I always love you and you can depend on me..."

Bill expresses appreciation for Jane's performance, seamlessly weaving her music into the show's narrative.

Bill Griski [03:50]: "Well, thank you, Jane. That was very nice."

Commercial Segment: Promoting Jose’s Brother’s Hot Tamales

The show transitions into a comedic commercial segment where Bill and Jose humorously promote Mother Lopez's homegrown hot tamales. The dialogue playfully exaggerates the prosperity of Jose’s brother's tamale business in Guatemala.

Jose Bettancourt [04:03]: "Oh baby, my brother is really rolling with it."
Bill Griski [04:12]: "He sent out more money. This time my brother sent 7,200,000 Guatemalan quesales."

The banter continues with Bill questioning the practicality of a wealthy man plowing his own fields, leading to more laughs.

Bill Griski [04:36]: "Look, Jose, I can't believe your brother is a wealthy man as you say he is..."

The segment includes comical misunderstandings and puns, culminating in a mock endorsement of the hot tamales.

Bill Griski [07:21]: "Have you tried Mother Lopez's homegrown hot tamales?"

Additional Musical Performances and Jingles

Jane Mason returns to perform another song, "A Ghost of a Chance," adding depth and variety to the episode's content.

Jane Mason [08:03 - 09:49]:
"I need your love so badly. I want you all so madly..."

The show intersperses musical performances with catchy jingles promoting the hot tamales, delivered humorously by the "singing commercial girls."

James [07:31]: "Oh, Mother Lopez. Jacquemales. You find there are none greater..."
James [07:41]: "Say, gents, if you are bald, try our tamale. Grow hair today. Guatemali."

Interactive Segment: Hot Tamale Comparison Exam

In a playful interactive segment, Bill conducts a "comparison exam" between Mother Lopez's hot tamales and another brand. This skit humorously highlights the superiority of Mother Lopez's product, albeit through exaggerated reactions and comedic timing.

Bill Griski [10:05]: "Have you ever met me before in your life?"
Jose Bettancourt [10:09]: "No, never in my life, Papa."

The segment ends with a humorous twist when an unexpected character interrupts, adding to the show's charm.

James [11:08]: "I'm a visiting nurse. Well, this man is quite dead."

Conclusion and Farewell

As the episode draws to a close, Bill Griski and James bid farewell to Jose Bettancourt, expressing gratitude for his contributions and wishing him good luck. They hint at future guests, maintaining listener interest for upcoming episodes.

Bill Griski [12:48]: "Jose Beancourt, king of the magic marimba. And Jane Mason, queen of the keyboard and songs."

The final moments feature Jane Mason performing "September in the Rain," leaving listeners with a nostalgic and melodic farewell.

Jane Mason [13:15]:
"Remember that September in the rain the sun went hot just like a dying ember..."

Notable Quotes

Bill Griski [02:20]: "Oh no. Is this going to follow me the rest of my days?"
Jose Bettancourt [04:19]: "Boy, that's a lot of masuma, you know, 39 cents."
James [11:08]: "I'm a visiting nurse. Well, this man is quite dead."
Bill Griski [12:48]: "Jose Beancourt, king of the magic marimba."

Key Takeaways

Entertainment Blend: The episode masterfully blends comedy, music, and advertisement, characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio.
Character Dynamics: The playful interactions between Bill, Jane, and Jose create an engaging and personable atmosphere.
Cultural Touchpoints: References to Guatemalan culture and hot tamales add a unique and authentic flavor to the show.
Musical Highlights: Jane Mason's performances provide emotional depth and showcase her vocal talents.
Humor and Wit: The witty banter and humorous sketches keep the content lively and entertaining.

This episode of "Jane and the Boys" encapsulates the charm and versatility of old-time radio, offering listeners a delightful mix of humor, music, and spirited performances. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the show, this episode provides a vivid snapshot of radio entertainment from the early 1950s.

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Transcript63 lines

[00:00]
Bill Griski
Well, hi, friends. Well, what do you know? It's Jane and Joe and they're starring in Jane and the Boys. Well, here we go again with our vacation replacement for the hometowners. While the regulars, at least the masculine portion of the sketch, are away in their vacations, the studio is being kept in action by such talented people as, well, this here little gal.
[00:37]
James
Hi, I'm James.
[00:38]
Bill Griski
And that sensational boy who makes the marimbas stand up and do tricks, I am Jose. Yes, sir, it's Jane Mason, Jose Vancourt, the quartet. And in this corner, Uncle Bill Griski. Put them all together and they spell Jane and the Boys. And the first sample of our merchandise. This AM is Jalo C it. Ah me. Is there anything more romantic than a tango? I shall never forget my last tango dancing under a mango way out west in old Durango.
[02:13]
Jose Bethancourt
To the music.
[02:14]
Bill Griski
Ole.
[02:15]
Jose Bethancourt
Bongo.
[02:15]
Bill Griski
Jose, the word is banjo.
[02:18]
Jose Bethancourt
Oh, well, here today. Guatemala.
[02:21]
Bill Griski
Oh no. Is this going to follow me the rest of my days? I never should have said it in the first place.
[02:27]
James
Well, why don't you square yourself with Jose by doing his brother's commercial today?
[02:31]
Bill Griski
Hey, that's a great idea, Jane. Tell you what, I'll bring it up to Jose after you sing your song. You can depend on me.
[02:44]
Jane Mason
Though you say we're through I always love you and you can depend on me. Though someone you've met has made you forget you know you can count on me. I wish you success and lots of happiness. But I must confess I'll be lonely. If you need a friend, I'm yours to the end and you can depend on me. If you need a friend. I'm yours to the end and, and you can depend on me.
[03:50]
Bill Griski
Well, thank you, Jane. That was very nice. Hello, Jose. What do you say we do your brother's commercial today, huh?
[03:58]
Jose Bethancourt
Okay, okay.
[03:58]
Bill Griski
Well, a little background information first. Joe, did your brother make a lot of money in hot tamales?
[04:04]
Jose Bethancourt
Oh baby, my brother is really rolling with it.
[04:07]
Bill Griski
Yeah, I guess he must be. You know, he paid spot cash for his one minute commercial last time on our show.
[04:13]
Jose Bethancourt
He sent out more money. This time my brother sent 7,200,000 Guatemalan quesales.
[04:20]
Bill Griski
Wow. Murder. How much dough is that in United States stuff?
[04:23]
Jose Bethancourt
Boy, that's a lot of masuma, you know, 39 cents.
[04:27]
Bill Griski
Oh, well, the way, the way we handle this commercial, that's a fair price, I guess. Tell me, does your brother employ a. A lot of hired hands in his Guatemalan hot tamale?
[04:37]
Jose Bethancourt
Far no, senor Bill. He likes to do all the work himself. Oh, every spring you see him, I'll blow in the hot tamale.
[04:44]
Bill Griski
Field plowing. Look, Jose, I can't believe your brother is a wealthy man as you say he is, because, well, you'll never see a rich man plowing his own fields, will they?
[04:55]
Jose Bethancourt
Cut it like convertible.
[04:57]
Bill Griski
Your brother plows his fields with a Cadillac convertible?
[05:01]
Jose Bethancourt
Only in dry weather.
[05:02]
Bill Griski
Oh, well, what does he use when it's muddy?
[05:04]
Jose Bethancourt
Johnson's car new.
[05:05]
Bill Griski
Oh, Johnson's car new, eh, brother, am I losing this battle of wit? Yes, well, that's enough of you. Sweetly, Lonnie. Oh, excuse me. That's the name of your next tune.
[05:16]
James
Stop ad libbing, though. That's the name of Jose's next tune.
[05:19]
Bill Griski
Oh, pardon me. Sweet Jose.
[05:21]
Jose Bethancourt
Senor, I'll fight those words.
[05:23]
Bill Griski
I mean Jose. Jose Bethancourt and his fighting quartet play a fighting tune. A sweet view we called sweet Leilani. And now time for today's Guatemalan commercial. A fanfare, please. Okay, that's enough.
[06:48]
Jose Bethancourt
That's all the fanfare I need.
[06:54]
Bill Griski
Well, ladies and gentlemen. Excuse me a minute, friends. I'm glad she didn't catch her fingers. Ladies and gentlemen, have you tried Mother Lopez's homegrown hot tamales? The hot tamales with the seaweed green and the shocking pink container? Well, look for it on your grocer shelf. He sure won't be able to find it. And now a word from our sponsors.
[07:22]
Jose Bethancourt
Hello.
[07:26]
Bill Griski
And now a jingle from our singing commercial girl, Senorita Chiti Hatamales.
[07:31]
James
Oh, Mother Lopez. Jacquemales. You find there are none greater. Remember, always keep tamales in your incinerator.
[07:41]
Bill Griski
At the end. And still another jingle from our singing commercial girl, Senorita Carmen Murray.
[07:50]
James
Say, gents, if you are bald, try our tamale. Grow hair today. Guatemali.
[07:55]
Bill Griski
Oh, excuse me. I must leave. I'm very faint. Jane, please sing a ghost of a chance, would you?
[08:03]
Jane Mason
I need your love so badly. I want you all so madly. But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you. I thought at last I'd find you but other love surround you. And I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you. If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two, you might discover that I'm the lover meant for you I'd be true. But what's the good of scheming? I know I'm only dreaming. And I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you.
[09:50]
Bill Griski
Well, thank you, Ms. Jane Mason. And now another word from our sponsor.
[09:55]
Jose Bethancourt
Hi, boy.
[09:56]
Bill Griski
He surely does sell it, doesn't he? Friends, have you tried Mother Lopez's hot tamale comparison exam? Well, here's how it works. Come here, my good man.
[10:06]
Jose Bethancourt
Okay.
[10:07]
Bill Griski
Now then, have you ever met me before in your life?
[10:10]
Jose Bethancourt
No, never in my life, Papa.
[10:12]
Bill Griski
Good. Now, I want you to make a test of Mother Lopez's hot tamales. And a hot tamale of your own choosing.
[10:19]
Jose Bethancourt
Oh, good. I happen to have one in my. My own brand new hot tamales here in my pocket.
[10:26]
Bill Griski
All right, now listen, you. What to do? Take a bite out of your own favorite brand hot tamale.
[10:39]
Jose Bethancourt
Bueno. Boy. Gee, wh. Boy.
[10:43]
Bill Griski
Sas, that's enough. That's hardly the reaction I expected. Now then, young man, try a bite out of this Mother Lopez hot tamale. You like it? No. It's great, isn't it? Well, speak up, my good man. Tell me how much you like Mother Lopez's hot tamales. Come on, boy, say something. Get up off the sidewalk and say something.
[11:08]
James
Excuse me, sir.
[11:09]
Bill Griski
Yes?
[11:10]
James
I'm a visiting nurse. Well, this man is quite dead.
[11:19]
Bill Griski
It's sa. Aha. And that was the Cuban mambo bell. Jose Bethencourt and Jane Mason. This kind of winds up our jolly little clam break, doesn't it?
[12:35]
James
Yes, it does, Bill. The hometowners will be back on Monday. But gee, hasn't it been fun, Jose?
[12:40]
Jose Bethancourt
It sure has been, Jane. And I'm really have. Have had a real wonderful time.
[12:48]
Bill Griski
And you've given us some wonderful music too, kids. Jose Beancourt, king of the magic marimba. And Jane Mason, queen of the keyboard and songs. Well, friends, we'll have Jane back next Monday with the Larry Wellington gang. But we'll sure miss our pal Jose ber. Lots of good luck, Joe.
[13:04]
James
And please come back and be our guest someday soon. Would they?
[13:08]
Bill Griski
Last chorus for this happy little show, gang. Jane singing September in the Rain.
[13:15]
Jane Mason
The little brown came tumbling down Remember that September in the rain the sun went hot just like a dying ember that September in the rain to every word of love I heard you whisper the main dread seemed to play sweet refresh the spring is here to me it's still September that September in the rain.