
Joan Davis Show 46-01-07 (19) Barbara Plays Trick
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Harry Bonsel
Poor Joan ain't got nobody she's nobody, sweetheart.
Joan Davis
Now.
Harry Bonsel
Featuring the romantic singing of Andy Russell, with a great comedy cast, including Verna Felton, Shirley Mitchell. The music of Paul Weston and his orchestra, and yours, Swansea Lee, Harry Bonsell and. And here's the star of our show, America's Queen of Comedy, Joan Davis. Oh, no.
Serenus
No, please.
Harry Bonsel
Oh, Joan. Now, Joan, come over here. Now, stop plumping up the holes in that piccolo. The piccolo player will blow his brains out. Now, stop it. Now, Joan, come over here, will you? Listen, Joan, I want to talk to you.
Joan Davis
What do you want, Harry?
Harry Bonsel
Well, Joan, listen, I just wanted to tell you that I saw you at Ciro's the other night, but you. You didn't seem to be having a very good time.
Joan Davis
Well, I wasn't, Harry. All the men were making a terrific fuss over Lana Turner and nobody paid any attention to me. Tell me, Harry, what have I got that she hasn't got?
Harry Bonsel
Well, Joan, you mean, what has she got that you haven't got? You've got it backwards.
Joan Davis
Well, maybe that's what's wrong. I got it backwards.
Narrator
Swanville, USA January 7, 1946. Tonight. Tonight, as the first cultural activity of the new year, the citizens of Swanville flock to the town opera house for the gala opening of the local opera season. The stage boxes reveal the answer to who's who in Swanville. But if you're looking for the answer to what's that in Swanville, you'll find her in.
Joan Davis
Downey's Tea Room. Joan Davis Speaking. Oh, hello, Mrs. Alabo. Yeah, I know the opera opened tonight. I wish I could have gone. You know, when I was a young girl, I wanted to be an opera singer. I had a pretty good voice, too. I was able to hit high C. Why, once I even hit high E above high C. How did I do it? I was taking a shower and I backed into the hot water pipe.
Harry Bonsel
Say, Joanie.
Joan Davis
Yeah?
Harry Bonsel
Is Andy Russell coming back to the tea room after the opera tonight?
Joan Davis
Well, I think so, Harry. Gee, I was hoping Andy would take me instead of Barbara Weatherby. I gotta have a showdown with that girl.
Harry Bonsel
Oh, well, now, stop kidding yourself, Joan. She'll never give him up.
Joan Davis
Yeah, but maybe we can compromise and share Andy's company. 50. 50.
Narrator
50.
Harry Bonsel
50.
Joan Davis
Yeah, when I'm 50, she can have them. Hey, wait a minute. I'm getting the worst of that.
Harry Bonsel
Listen, Joan, why don't you forget about Andy and think of me a little more? After all, you know how I feel about you.
Joan Davis
How?
Harry Bonsel
Well, I'm a man and you're a woman.
Joan Davis
Oh, Harry, stop imagining things. But no matter what you say, I just can't forget about Andy.
Harry Bonsel
All right. Well, here's your showdown. Barbara's limousine just pulled up in front of the tea room and she and Andy are getting out.
Barbara Weatherby
Hello, everybody.
Harry Bonsel
Hello, Miss Weatherby. Hi, Andy. Have a good time?
Andy Russell
Oh, yes, it was wonderful.
Joan Davis
What opera did you see, Babs?
Barbara Weatherby
Tristan and Isolde.
Joan Davis
Oh, a double feature, huh?
Barbara Weatherby
Ms. Davis, is there no limit to your stupidity? Oh, Mr. Vonzel, it's too bad you had to miss the opera. It was simply breathtaking. Especially the Leibestote. Oh, Andy, will you ever forget that lovely strain Milton? Liza Vla Peltavida Saga Holder.
Joan Davis
Hey, Bams, when does your trial come up in Nuremberg?
Andy Russell
Well, I'd better get back to the kitchen and get some work done.
Harry Bonsel
See you later, Barbara. Hey, Joan, now that Andy's gone, I think this is a very good time to discuss that little matter with Ms. Weatherby.
Barbara Weatherby
What little matter?
Joan Davis
Well, Babs, we're both in love with the same person and something's gotta be done about it. So let me ask you a question. How would you feel about giving up Andy?
Barbara Weatherby
Well, let me ask you the same question. How would you feel about giving up Andy?
Joan Davis
Let me ask you another question. How would Amos feel about giving up Andy?
Harry Bonsel
Hey, girls, I hate to interfere in this, but I think the person to be considered first is Andy. I know because I was once in a similar position.
Joan Davis
You were?
Harry Bonsel
Yes. I was a young man, unattached and two very beautiful women were constantly fighting over me.
Barbara Weatherby
For your love?
Harry Bonsel
No, for my Cay Kaswan.
Joan Davis
Well, well.
Barbara Weatherby
Harry Von Zelle. The Swan Don Juan.
Harry Bonsel
Well, no, really. It's true, Ms. Weatherby. Very true. And it's also true, you know, that Swan is the new white floating soap. That's four swell soaps in one. It's so mild, it's great for Baby and for you. And Swan's so hard working too. It's a natural for dishes and light laundry.
Barbara Weatherby
Oh, really, Mr. Von Zeld, you shouldn't treat this problem of ours with such flippancy.
Harry Bonsel
No flippancy. Well, just break Swan and two and we'll flip and see who gets which half. Oh, don't you encourage me, Ms. Mother Beer. I'll do it again. But it's really true, you know. And we'll both be happy then. Because when you break Swan and two, you'll have two generous cakes of soap. One for the kitchen and one for the bath. Swan, for every soap and water job in the house. And boy, what a soap it is. Well, I hope I've helped you with your problem, Miss Weatherby.
Barbara Weatherby
Well, not quite, Mr. Bonsel.
Harry Bonsel
No.
Barbara Weatherby
Now, regarding Andy. Miss Davis, are you willing to face the issue?
Joan Davis
I am. Issue?
Barbara Weatherby
Please, Ms. Davis. Now I can offer Andy, well, the career, social position. What can you offer him?
Joan Davis
A year subscription to the Hobo News. They got funnies in there.
Barbara Weatherby
Ms. Davis, stop postponing the inevitable and declare yourself. Are you going to give Andy up or are you not?
Joan Davis
I are not. Issue.
Barbara Weatherby
Very well. Then I am forced to tell you Andy and I are engaged to be married.
Joan Davis
Married? Why didn't Andy tell me about this?
Barbara Weatherby
Well, we had promised to keep it a secret until Pater made the official announcement to the newspapers. There, Ms. Davis, now you know.
Joan Davis
Oh, gee, then it's true. Andy's gone out of my life forever.
Rosella Hipperton III
Yeah.
Harry Bonsel
Well, Joanie, I guess I'm the only man you've got left now.
Joan Davis
Oh, Harry, don't rub it in. Gee, where will I ever find another man like Andy Russell? A man with the voice of a bird, the strength of a lion and the heart of a wolf.
Barbara Weatherby
Well, Ms. Davis, have you tried Swanville 2734?
Joan Davis
What's that? The Lonely Hearts Club.
Barbara Weatherby
The Lonely Hearts Club?
Joan Davis
Why of course.
Barbara Weatherby
The Lonely Hearts Club. How did you guess? Swanville 2734. Call it sometime, Ms. Davis.
Joan Davis
Toodaloo.
Barbara Weatherby
You can drive me home now.
Joan Davis
Robert.
Barbara Weatherby
Oh, Robert, I just played the most wonderful trick on Ms. Davis. I told her to telephone Swanville 2734. She thinks it's the Lonely Hearts Club, but it's really the Swanville Zoo. Of course, no normal person would call, but I can just picture Ms. Davis picking up the phone and saying, Operator.
Joan Davis
Get me Swanville 2734.
Zoo Keeper
Hello?
Joan Davis
Hello, is this Swanville 2734?
Zoo Keeper
Yes, it is.
Joan Davis
Are you the man in charge?
Zoo Keeper
Yes, I am.
Joan Davis
What was that?
Zoo Keeper
One of our wolves. We just got a new pack in today.
Joan Davis
You get them in packs?
Zoo Keeper
Yeah.
Joan Davis
That's really big business, ain't it? Have you got any good looking ones?
Zoo Keeper
Well, you know sister, one wolf looks just like another. Some are red, some are white, some are gray.
Joan Davis
No, I don't want any of those old gray haired ones. Have you got a young tender one that looks like Andy Russell?
Zoo Keeper
Look sister, stop the kitten, will you? I'm busy. I gotta feed them now.
Joan Davis
Feed em? Can't they eat by themselves?
Zoo Keeper
No, they're much too wild for that.
Joan Davis
Wow. Well, what do you feed them? Raw meat, of course. Say, how long has this been going on, when can I come out and see em?
Zoo Keeper
It's too late tonight, Sister. They're all in the cages.
Joan Davis
Cages? Hey, wait a minute. Is this the Swanville Lonely Hearts Club?
Zoo Keeper
Lonely Hearts Club? Sister, this is the Swanville Zoo.
Barbara Weatherby
The zoo.
Joan Davis
Ew.
Harry Bonsel
What's the matter, Joan?
Joan Davis
Well, how do you like that Barbara Weatherby deliberately tricking me into calling up the zoo.
Harry Bonsel
The zoo?
Joan Davis
Yeah, the zoo. Zoo. Z U Z U Z Zuzu. What a dirty trick. That's what she does to me after she breaks the news to me that she's engaged to marry Andy Russell.
Andy Russell
Who's engaged to marry Andy Russell?
Joan Davis
Barbara Wither. Oh, it's a secret, Andy. I promise not to tell anybody.
Andy Russell
Well, you'd better let me in on it because I know nothing about any engagement.
Joan Davis
You mean you're not engaged to Mary? Barbara, you're not leaving me?
Andy Russell
Of course not.
Joan Davis
Oh, Andy, you make me so happy. And now there's one question I want to ask you. Yes, that's the answer. Wait til I ask the question.
Andy Russell
All right, all right. Then what's the question?
Joan Davis
Will you sing to me?
Andy Russell
Well, here's your answer.
Joan Davis
I fooled you, didn't I?
Rosella Hipperton III
As long as I live, you'll always be part of me. You'll live in the heart of me as long as I live. As long as I love I'll share it with you my own and want to be loved by you. How sure am I of all the things I say? As sure as nothing I will fall at close the day that I need. So answer this love I give and whisper I'm yours as long as I live. So sure am I of all the things I say. Yes, you. So answer this love I give and whisper I'm yours as long as I live.
Joan Davis
Oh, gee, that was beautiful, Andy. I feel much better now. But I'm still gonna get even with that Barbara Weatherby if it's the last thing I do.
Mrs. Hipperton
Boy, I'll think of Miss Davis.
Harry Bonsel
It's Rosella Hipperton III.
Joan Davis
Hi, hippie.
Mrs. Hipperton
Hello, Miss Davis. And Mr. Russell and.
Serenus
And Mr.
Joan Davis
Von Zelle. Hello.
Harry Bonsel
Hello. Were you at the opera this evening, Rosella?
Mrs. Hipperton
Oh, yes. I was in seventh heaven because they sang Tristan and Isolde.
Andy Russell
Is that your favorite, Mrs. Hipperton?
Barbara Weatherby
Oh, yes.
Mrs. Hipperton
I just love the part that goes Milton Lies of the early child Vita shot oofnet.
Joan Davis
Well, it's pretty, but it'll never replace chickery chick.
Mrs. Hipperton
Mr. Barnesel, what's the matter with Ms. Davis tonight?
Harry Bonsel
Well, Barbara Weatherby played a very dirty trick on her. Rosella. She Had Joan call the zoo and told her it was the Lonely Hearts Club.
Mrs. Hipperton
That old chestnut? Why, we stopped playing that when I was a girl, fully 10 years ago.
Joan Davis
10 years since you were a girl? Yeah.
Mrs. Hipperton
My, how time flies.
Joan Davis
That ain't flying. That's jet propulsion.
Mrs. Hipperton
Well, now, listen. I can understand Barbara Weatherby playing a trick like that. At times she can be very malicious. Why, once she even stood in the way of her father remarrying.
Harry Bonsel
She did?
Mrs. Hipperton
Some years ago, Mr. Wetherby became infatuated with the French opera singer Madeleine Duval.
Andy Russell
Madeline Duval?
Joan Davis
Madeleine Duvall? Yes. Who is she?
Andy Russell
Why. Why, she sang the lead in the opera tonight.
Harry Bonsel
Who?
Mrs. Hipperton
Madeline Duvall.
Joan Davis
Madeleine Duvall?
Mrs. Hipperton
Yes.
Joan Davis
Never heard of her.
Mrs. Hipperton
Well, it's the same girl anyway. Anyhow, for years, Mr. Wetherby has been dying to meet her.
Joan Davis
Who, Marilyn Duvall? Yes.
Mrs. Hipperton
But Barbara always stood in the way. She resents any woman who might possibly marry her father.
Joan Davis
Oh, she does, huh? Say, I got an idea how I can get even. I'm gonna.
Harry Bonsel
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Wait just a minute, Joan. Listen, if you really want to get even with Barbara, I'll tell you how to play the dirtiest trick of all.
Joan Davis
You mean, take the air out of her tires?
Harry Bonsel
Take away her cake of swan?
Joan Davis
Oh, no.
Harry Bonsel
She deserves no mercy. Why should she enjoy Swan, that swell new white floating soap that's pure as fine castiles. That soap that's so mild too. So mild that doctors recommend swan for even a baby's tender skin. And if it's good for baby, it's good for your hands and face, your tub or shower. Yes, Joan, that's what you should do. Take away your cake of swan.
Mrs. Hipperton
Oh, Mr. Bonsel, you couldn't be that cruel.
Harry Bonsel
Oh, couldn't I, though? I'd take away her cake of swan. And as I stealthily creep into the dark shadows I'd remind her that Swan is so gentle and so hard working too. I'd make her watch the way Swan goes into a lather cleaning up a stack of dishes. She'll be forced to do without those suds that stand up and do a job. And then I'll softly whisper, be sure to use swan. Ah, but what'll happen? Barbara Weatherby won't have any swan and she'll have to suffer. Suffer, do you hear me? Suffer.
Joan Davis
Harry, you keep that up, and the first thing you know it, you'll have your footprints and Grandma's child mean. Oh. Anyhow, my way of getting even with Barbara Weatherby is much better.
Andy Russell
What are you gonna do, Ms. Davis?
Joan Davis
You'll see, Andy. Say, Hippie, did you say that Mr. Wetherby has never met this opera star, Madeline Duvall?
Mrs. Hipperton
Who's she?
Joan Davis
Why?
Mrs. Hipperton
Oh, that's right, that's right. He always worshiped her from afar.
Joan Davis
Oh boy, I'm sure my idea will work. Now if I could only get hold of a heavy veil somewhere. But gosh, all the stores are closed now.
Mrs. Hipperton
Well, I have a lovely black veil at home, Ms. Davis, if you could get someone to go with me and bring it back. Will you go, Harry?
Harry Bonsel
Oh, well, really, Rosella, I still have some work to finish here. Oh, hey Joan, here comes your brother in law. Serenas, how about sending him a good idea?
Joan Davis
Hello, Serenus.
Serenus
Hello, Joanie. Glad to see me?
Joan Davis
Well, I certainly am. Look, Serenas, I want you to go with Mrs. Hipperton.
Serenus
You mean steady?
Joan Davis
No, of course not. I just want you to run an errand.
Serenus
Can I walk? I'm tired. I've been working.
Joan Davis
Working? Yeah.
Serenus
You want to know where?
Joan Davis
Certainly.
Serenus
Well, ask me. Go ahead and ask me.
Joan Davis
All right. Where you been working?
Serenus
At the opera house. In the second act I carried a spear.
Harry Bonsel
No, Serena, you really carried a spear. How did you manage to stay awake?
Serenus
The man in back of me carried a spear too.
Harry Bonsel
Oh, I get the point.
Serenus
So, Nina.
Joan Davis
Well, never mind. Apsarinas. Say, Hippie, before you go, can you tell me anything more about Madeleine Duvall?
Mrs. Hipperton
Only that she has a decided French accent.
Joan Davis
French accent?
Mrs. Hipperton
Oh boy. Ooh la la.
Joan Davis
Serena, you go with Mrs. Hipperthen and get her black veil. Oh, I'll get even with Bara Weatherby. Now hand me that telephone. Harry.
Harry Bonsel
Joan, you mean you're going to try to fool Mr. Wetherby into thinking that you're.
Joan Davis
Yeah, exactly. Tonight, Joshua P. Weatherby finally meets Madeline. Duv.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Where is she? Where is she?
Harry Bonsel
Well, Mr. Wetherby, you're all excited. Whom did you expect to see a.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Lady in a black veil? She phoned me to meet her here.
Andy Russell
Oh, she's over in the cornered booth, Mr. Wetherby.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Oh, thank you, Mr. Russell. Oh, at last I meet you, the beautiful Mademoiselle Duval.
Joan Davis
Mercy Messie. You. And you are?
Joshua P. Weatherby
I am Joshua P. Weatherby.
Joan Davis
Washa P. Jezebe.
Andy Russell
No, no, no.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Weatherby.
Joan Davis
Oh, pardon. I have not been long enough in America.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Oh, well, je pale Francais Trebien.
Joan Davis
You speak French?
Serenus
Oui.
Joan Davis
Oh, pardon. I have not been long enough in France either. Monsieur Veserby, could we have some tea?
Joshua P. Weatherby
Oh, Madeleine, forgive my thoughtlessness. Garcon, Garcon.
Joan Davis
What are you yelling for? Claudesy. Waiter.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Waiter. Waiter. Some tea.
Andy Russell
Pour la femme.
Joan Davis
Just tea for me. Don't pour any la femme in. Gets all over me. It's a mess.
Andy Russell
Yes, mademoiselle. Here you are.
Joan Davis
Mercy. Oh, that waiter is very handsome.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Oh, Madeline, please, please don't look at any other man. I'm so jealous. And I've waited so many years to ask you this question.
Harry Bonsel
Will you.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Will you marry me?
Joan Davis
Marry? With you? But you have a daughter. No. Oui, oui. I had nothing to do with her. But anyhow, before I marry with you, you must send her away and she must never return here again. Never? Never.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Never.
Joan Davis
No, never.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Well, Rita, Madeleine? If you insist.
Barbara Weatherby
They told me at home.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Barbara, dear.
Barbara Weatherby
Yes, Peter?
Joshua P. Weatherby
I would like you to meet Mademoiselle Duval, your future mother.
Barbara Weatherby
Well, I'm very pleased. My future mother?
Joan Davis
Oui. But we will not see much of you, Barbara, dear. We are sending you away, never to return. Never? Never. No, never. Nobody speaks ze French in Swansburg.
Barbara Weatherby
Ada, this woman's speaking the truth.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Well, Barbara, you may as well know this. I love Mademoiselle Duval. And if she insists that you leave Swanville, you leave Swanville.
Joan Davis
Leave Swanville? Oui.
Barbara Weatherby
Leave my home?
Joan Davis
Oui.
Barbara Weatherby
Leave Andy Russell.
Joan Davis
Oui, oui, oui, oui, oui. Or as we say in my country, scremme vous. It's the road.
Barbara Weatherby
Just a moment. What kind of flower French is that?
Joan Davis
Free French.
Barbara Weatherby
Would you mind removing your veil, Mademoiselle Duval?
Joan Davis
Remove the veil in front of your father? Never. I mean, never.
Barbara Weatherby
Well, then I'll remove it for you.
Joan Davis
Peek a boo.
Barbara Weatherby
Just as I thought.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Why, it's Ms. Davis.
Barbara Weatherby
So, Ms. Davis, this is your idea of a joke?
Joan Davis
Well, it's no worse than calling the zoo.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Calling the zoo? What's this all about?
Andy Russell
I can explain that, Mr. Wetherby. Barbara tricked Ms. Davis into calling the Swanville Zoo and making a laughing stock of herself.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Is this true?
Harry Bonsel
It certainly is. And she also deliberately lied to Joan and tried to make her believe that she and Andy were engaged to be married. Isn't that true, Miss Weatherby?
Barbara Weatherby
I have nothing to say.
Joshua P. Weatherby
Well, I have. Barbara, you're to go home immediately. And you are not to speak to anyone or leave the house for an entire week.
Joan Davis
Oh, goody, goody. Oh, boy, Andy. Now you can take me out every night this week.
Andy Russell
Gee, Ms. Davis, I'd like to, but every night this week I have to study for midterm examinations at the university.
Joan Davis
Well, that's Andy for you. He wants to do everything the hard way.
Harry Bonsel
What do you mean Joan?
Joan Davis
Well, I offer him an education, and he wants to go to college together.
Harry Bonsel
Joan Davis will be back in just a moment. And that gives me just time to tell you that once again, this year, the Swan soap people are making their famous free baby soap offer. Yes, sir. Every baby born during 1946 can get a free cake of Swan soap. Get the details from your grocer or druggist. And let's start all of those 1946 babies on Swan, the grandest floating soap in the world. Yes, Swan is the new white floating soap that's actually pure as fine castile. So don't forget, folks, there's a free cake of Swan waiting for every baby born in 1946. And now, here's Joanie again. Say, Joan, what's happening in Swanville next week?
Joan Davis
Oh, we're going to be very busy because I'm completely redecorating the tea room. But right now I've got a more immediate date to talk about. Bob Hope invited me to visit his program this week.
Harry Bonsel
Yeah? When did you see Bob Hope?
Joan Davis
I went over to his house yesterday. You know, he lives in a very unusual house. It's shaped like a tube of toothpaste.
Harry Bonsel
Really?
Joan Davis
Yeah. Instead of going in through a front door, you have to unscrew a cap and crawl in.
Harry Bonsel
Oh, no.
Joan Davis
Oh, yes. And when I was ready to leave, they squeezed the back porch and squirted me out into the street.
Barbara Weatherby
Oh, no.
Joan Davis
Oh, yeah. I left on a stream of irium. See you tomorrow, Bob. Good night, folks.
Harry Bonsel
The Joan Davis show, presented by Schwann Soap, is produced and directed by Dick Mack and is written by Jay Summers, Jack Harvey and Cy Wills. Now, here's a financial tip for all of you to take advantage of. During 1946, the wisest and safest way to ensure your own future and a healthy, prosperous America is the regularly planned purchase of United States Savings Bonds. They are the ideal peacetime investors. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.
Joan Davis
RA.
Podcast Information:
The episode titled "Barbara Plays Trick" from the Joan Davis Show transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the charm and humor that defined family radio entertainment before the advent of television. In this installment, Joan Davis, America's Queen of Comedy, navigates romantic entanglements and mischievous schemes orchestrated by Barbara Weatherby, all set against the backdrop of Swanville's social scene.
The story unfolds in Swanville, USA, on January 7, 1946, during the grand opening of the local opera season at the town opera house (01:26). The citizens of Swanville are excitedly attending the gala, signaling the start of cultural festivities for the new year. Joan Davis, portrayed as a lovable and spirited character, shares a nostalgic moment at Downey's Tea Room, reminiscing about her youthful dreams of becoming an opera singer (01:53).
The interplay between Joan, Harry, and Barbara sets the stage for the ensuing comedic drama, highlighting themes of jealousy, rivalry, and romance.
Early in the episode, Joan expresses her frustration over not getting attention compared to Lana Turner, lamenting 00:52:
Joan Davis: "Tell me, Harry, what have I got that she hasn't got?"
Harry attempts to console Joan, suggesting that she should forget about Andy and consider his feelings instead (04:02):
Harry Bonsel: "Listen, Joan, why don't you forget about Andy and think of me a little more? After all, you know how I feel about you."
However, Joan remains infatuated with Andy, setting the stage for Barbara Weatherby's entrance.
Barbara Weatherby arrives with Andy, announcing their engagement to Joan in a manipulative twist (03:04):
Barbara Weatherby: "I am Joshua P. Weatherby."
Joan is blindsided, believing Barbara's claim of their engagement and feeling heartbroken (03:54).
Barbara cleverly tricks Joan into calling the Swanville Zoo, under the guise of the Lonely Hearts Club (07:09). Joan's naive request for a wolf resembling Andy Russell leads to a comical misunderstanding (07:51):
Joan Davis: "Hello, is this Swanville 2734?"
The revelation that Joan has been made a laughingstock at the zoo propels her determination to outsmart Barbara.
Determined to get even, Joan devises a plan to introduce her rival to Madeleine Duvall, a French opera star who is the object of her father Joshua P. Weatherby's affection (16:40). With the help of Harry and Rosella, Joan orchestrates a meeting that forces Barbara to confront her deceit (19:21).
The conflict culminates in a confrontation where Barbara's tricks are exposed (21:58). Joshua P. Weatherby denounces Barbara's behavior, demanding she leave Swanville and her relationship with Andy Russell (21:52):
Joshua P. Weatherby: "Barbara, you're to go home immediately. And you are not to speak to anyone or leave the house for an entire week."
With Barbara ousted, Joan celebrates the resolution of the love triangle, albeit humorously noting Andy's academic commitments (22:17):
Joan Davis: "Oh, boy, Andy. Now you can take me out every night this week."
Joan Davis passionately declares her feelings for Andy after being tricked by Barbara:
"[09:19] Joan Davis: 'You get them in packs?'"
Harry Bonsel offers a humorous yet cynical take on Barbara's schemes:
"[15:10] Harry Bonsel: 'She deserves no mercy. Why should she enjoy Swan, that swell new white floating soap...'"
Joshua P. Weatherby asserts authority in resolving the conflict:
"[21:58] Joshua P. Weatherby: 'Barbara, you're to go home immediately. And you are not to speak to anyone or leave the house for an entire week.'"
"Barbara Plays Trick" masterfully weaves comedy with romantic intrigue, showcasing Joan Davis's resilience and wit in the face of deception. The episode highlights the timeless themes of love, rivalry, and the pursuit of happiness, all delivered with the signature humor and charm that characterized the Golden Age of Radio. Through clever dialogue and engaging character interactions, the show not only entertains but also offers subtle commentary on social dynamics and personal integrity.
Listeners unfamiliar with the episode will find themselves captivated by the humorous escapades of Joan Davis and her colorful cast of characters, making "Barbara Plays Trick" a standout installment in Harold's Old Time Radio collection.
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