Joe Palooka 45-xx-xx (01) The 15th Round

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Joe Palooka 45-xx-xx (01) The 15th Round"

Episode Title: Joe Palooka 45-xx-xx (01) The 15th Round
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: Journey back to the Golden Age of Radio with classic radio shows that captivated families before the advent of television. This episode spotlights "Joe Palooka," America's beloved boxing hero, in a thrilling chapter titled "The 15th Round."

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1. Episode Introduction

The episode opens with a nostalgic flourish, transporting listeners to New York's iconic Yankee Stadium. The announcer sets the stage for an intense showdown:

"America's idol and number one hero, world's champion of boxing and of fair play, Joe Palooka... defending his world's heavyweight championship for the first time since he went into uniform four years ago."
— Announcer (00:45)

Listeners are introduced to the key characters surrounding Joe Palooka: his loyal friend Jerry Leamy, his sweetheart Ann serving with the Red Cross overseas, and his steadfast manager Nabby Walsh. The anticipation builds as the announcer teases the upcoming championship fight between Joe Palooka and challenger Al Wilson.

2. The Championship Fight: "The 15th Round"

Fight Progression and Unexpected Turns

The play-by-play commentary by Dan Duffy and Bill New York captivates the audience as the fight unfolds. Contrary to all expectations, the bout extends to the grueling 15th round, defying predictions of an early knockout.

"It's an upset because we're going into the 15th round. No one from Stillman's Gym to the Mexican border expected this fight to go the distance."
— Dan Duffy (01:53)

Bill New York narrates the unfolding drama:

"Palooka now leads with two light left jabs to Wilson's face. Wilson counters with the right to the body. None of the punches seem to carry too much steam."
— Bill New York (02:46)

As the final round commences, tension mounts. The audience, described as "the biggest gate in boxing history," grows restless, crying for a decisive finish.

Key Moments and Combat Dynamics

Throughout the match, Joe Palooka exhibits commendable defense and strategic fighting:

"Joe's defense is beautiful tonight."
— Bill New York (03:30)

However, Al Wilson proves to be a formidable opponent, landing significant blows that challenge Palooka's dominance. The fight culminates with both boxers in a relentless clinch, leaving the outcome uncertain as the final bell rings.

Post-Fight Analysis

Once the fight concludes, Dan Duffy offers a critical perspective:

"It was a good, clean fight and hard punches were thrown. But it wasn't the Joe Palooka we used to."
— Dan Duffy (04:28)

Bill New York notes the unprecedented reaction:

"For the first time in his sensational career, Joe Palooka is being booed."
— Bill New York (05:10)

3. Post-Fight Tensions and Accusations

Immediate Aftermath: Manager and Champion in Discontent

In the dressing room, Joe Palooka grapples with the crowd's unexpected booing. Nabby Walsh attempts to console him:

"Ah, it's all part of the game, kid."
— Nabby Walsh (06:24)

However, Joe remains unsettled, feeling the weight of public perception and media scrutiny:

"They think I wasn't giving my best tonight. Everybody thinks I shouldn't act him out."
— Joe Palooka (06:41)

Rising Conflict: Accusations of a Gambling Fix

The plot thickens as Dan Duffy confronts Joe, insinuating foul play:

"There isn't a sports writer in New York who doesn't think Joe was holding back tonight... we were working with those dirty crooks."
— Dan Duffy (10:33)

Duffy reveals shocking details about a potential gambling syndicate involvement:

"Blackie Ballinger and his gambling syndicate decided to put up a lot of dough... Joe Palooka a fraud. See you in morning edition, boys."
— Dan Duffy (09:53)

This confrontation serves as a cliffhanger, leaving listeners eager to uncover the truth behind the allegations and their impact on Joe Palooka's illustrious career.

4. Cliffhanger and Tease for Next Episode

The episode concludes with a suspenseful lead into future developments:

"For the first time in his long and model career, Joe Palooka faces an accusation of dishonesty... How will Joe react? What's the real inside story behind the Al Wilson fight?"
— Bill New York (10:53)

Listeners are left anticipating the next installment, "Blackie," promising deeper intrigue into the world of Joe Palooka and the challenges he must overcome.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Announcer (00:45): "America's idol and number one hero, world's champion of boxing and of fair play, Joe Palooka."
• Dan Duffy (01:53): "It's an upset because we're going into the 15th round."
• Bill New York (02:46): "Joe's defense is beautiful tonight."
• Dan Duffy (04:28): "But it wasn't the Joe Palooka we used to."
• Joe Palooka (06:41): "They think I wasn't giving my best tonight."
• Dan Duffy (10:33): "We're working with those dirty crooks."

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Conclusion

"The 15th Round" delivers a riveting narrative blending classic sports drama with elements of suspense and intrigue. As Joe Palooka faces both physical challenges in the ring and reputational threats outside it, listeners are treated to a multifaceted portrayal of a sports hero navigating unexpected adversities. This episode masterfully sets the stage for ensuing conflicts, ensuring that fans remain engaged and eager for more adventures of America's favorite champion.

Transcript

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[Announcer]

The winner and still champion, Joe Romula.

[Dan Duffy]

In this corner in top fighting form.

[Bill New York]

Coming to you every Monday through Friday at this time in thrilling action packed stories, America's idol and number one hero, world's champion of boxing and of fair play, Joe Palooka. Well, friends, like millions of other American boys and girls, Joe and his pal Jerry Leamy are back from the wars. Back from winning the toughest fight any men have ever fought. Joe's sweetheart Ann is on leave from overseas service with the Red Cross. And Joe's manager Nabby Walsh is at his side once more. As we join our friends now, we find them all under the huge lights of New York's Yankee Stadium where Joe is defending his world's heavyweight championship for the first time since he went into uniform four years ago. In just a moment, we'll present episode one, the 15th round. But first. And now we take you to New York's Yankee Stadium for a blow by blow description of the Joe Palooka Al Wilson championship fight. Take it away, Yankee Stadium.

[Dan Duffy]

Well, fans, here we are about to go into the 15th and final round of the first heavyweight championship fight in four years. And I can say right now it's an upset. It's an upset because we're going into the 15th round. No one from Stillman's Gym to the Mexican border expected this fight to go the distance. The champ, Joe Palooka was a tremendous top heavy favorite to knock out the contender, Al Wilson early in the fight. But here it is. That was the 10 second warning buzzer for the 15th round. And don't think this crowd, the biggest gate in boxing history, isn't restless. They're crying for the kill. But champ Joe doesn't look like he's going to deliver. There's been some clever boxing and fast mixing. But there's the bell for the final round of this championship fight between Joe Palooka and Al Wilson. And back to Dan Duffy.

[Bill New York]

Okay, Bill, those fighters come out slowly. The crowd here, however jammed to the rafters, is really restless they don't seem to understand it. For a couple of big boys who fought through the war. Neither one shows much of the killer instinct tonight. And that's what this mob wants. Palooka now leads with two light left jabs to Wilson's face. Wilson counters with the right to the body. None of the punches seem to carry too much steam, though, and the crowd's anxious. Palooka moves in. Now there's a left and a right in the midsection. And Wilson gives ground. A long left by Joe to the heart. And Wilson falls into a clinch and hangs on. Good punches by Palooka, but they didn't raise the big red welts on Wilson's body. Like the pre war Palooka punches used to referee. Arthur Donovan steps in and the boys break clean. Wilson throws a right hook. That boy is far from through. Another long right to Palooka's face. But Joe rides the punch neatly. Ducks a left cross. And blocks another right to the jaw with his glove. Joe's defense is beautiful tonight. But that's evidently not what the crowd came to see. Not much more than a minute left. Palooka moves in again with those quick left jabs. That wicked right of his is caught. But Joe hasn't thrown it much tonight. There's another hard left by Palooka. And Al Wilson staggers back on that one. Joe isn't rushing him, though, and the crowd's on their feet. There's a hard right by Palooka, and Wilson ducks. Shakes off a left cross. Don't kid yourself. Wilson's fighting a smart fight tonight. The champ moves in again, and Wilson reaches out with a hard right to Felucca's head. But it doesn't seem to faze Joe. Joe faints with his left and lands a hard right on the button. Wilson's lag is back against the rope. But Joe Felucca doesn't move in. Wilson shakes his head and goes into a clinch again. The crowd's mad and getting madder. There isn't much time and Al Wilson's far from through. Pushes Joe away. Crosses with a looping left. Joe rocks him to the left of his own. And a right cross and a left again. And again. They're in a clinch, and again they break. Wilson moves back, but Joe doesn't rush him. Champ just reaches out with that long left, takes a step in, hooks a right. And there's the bell. The final bell. And while Harry Mallow collects the referees and judge's decision on the world championship fight. Back to Bill New York.

[Dan Duffy]

Thank you. Dan Duffy, ansa Help Me, I have never seen a boxing crowd more aroused. And it's a strange, amazing thing for this fight was a beautiful boxing match throughout. Clean and hard fought. Still, as you know, everyone and his brother expected Joe Palooka to win by a knockout. In fact, most everyone here at the ringside seems to think Palooka should have made Al Wilson kiss the canvas tonight. Don't get me wrong, it was a good, clean fight and hard punches were thrown. But it wasn't the Joe Palooka we.

[Bill New York]

Used to so interrupt. Bill, with the microphones being lowered, Harry Fallow's in the center of the ring, and I think we're all ready for the official decision.

[Announcer]

Joe Palo.

[Bill New York]

And here's boxing history for you. For the first time in his sensational career, Joe Paloca is being booed. Yes, even though he's a winner, the crowd's really down on him. Believe it or not, Joe Palooka is being booed. I wonder how the champ is going to take this.

[Announcer]

All right, now, everybody out of the way.

[Bill New York]

Out.

[Announcer]

I said out. The champ ain't seeing nobody. Hey, you Caps. Get this map back. Nobody in the dressing room, see?

[Nabby Walsh]

All righty, now, let's move back.

[Dan Duffy]

It's all right, officer. Here's my press pass.

[Announcer]

I'm sorry, boys. Not even the Sports Riders.

[Dan Duffy]

Well, you can't keep out the Sports Writers. There's Nobby out of his mind.

[Announcer]

Just for a few minutes. Now. Out. Oh, double your tea.

[Bill New York]

Out.

[Dan Duffy]

What's going on in there? A payoff.

[Announcer]

All right, that does it. That does it. Now, you ain't getting here.

[Dan Duffy]

You heard him.

[Announcer]

Now move back. All right, come on, get outside now. Come on. Come on, get back. What a bunch of guys. You know, I think those scribblers don't eat very well. They're strictly from hunger. But strictly why, I bet you they take. Oh, sure, Nabi, I just.

[Bill New York]

Quiet.

[Nabby Walsh]

Here, let me cut the tape off your hands, Joey.

[Joe Palooka]

Nabi.

[Nabby Walsh]

Yeah, Joe?

[Joe Palooka]

They booed me.

[Nabby Walsh]

Ah, it's all part of the game, kid.

[Joe Palooka]

They booed me. Hobby. They meant it.

[Nabby Walsh]

They didn't mean nothing. Forget it.

[Joe Palooka]

They booed me.

[Announcer]

Oh, Bradshell, he booed you. They booed a lot of guys. They booed Lincoln and Jefferson. They even boojacked Nipsey.

[Joe Palooka]

It's not just a booing, Jerry. It's what they're thinking. It's what all of you are thinking. The sportswriters and Anne and everybody salt me.

[Nabby Walsh]

I don't know what you're talking about, Joe.

[Joe Palooka]

All of you think I carried Al Wilson, That I wasn't giving my best out there tonight. Everybody thinks I shouldn't act him out. That I didn't knock him out on purpose.

[Nabby Walsh]

Ah, don't be crazy.

[Announcer]

You talk like you're punchy, Joe.

[Joe Palooka]

No, I could tell right after the fight it wasn't just a booing. Coming up the aisle, I saw Ann and she sort of smiled at me as if she understood. As if she was saying, I think you did right anyhow. But Nobby, there's nothing to understand. There isn't any. Anyhow, I tried my best. I fought clean and hard.

[Nabby Walsh]

Sure, sure you did, Joe.

[Announcer]

Besides, how could Aunt say things just by looking at you? That left hook into 15 must have got you groggy.

[Joe Palooka]

Joe, I fought clean and hard.

[Nabby Walsh]

Sure, sure you did, Joe. Now lay down here and relax. Jerry, get the show already.

[Announcer]

Right now be coming right up.

[Nabby Walsh]

Sure, I'll admit it, Joe. A lot of them expected you to KO Wilson. But they underestimated him and they forget. It's been a long, long time since you fought in the ring. You've had some tougher fighting on your hands. You're just not in the pick of condition yet, Joe. But still, you won't.

[Joe Palooka]

Thank you, honey. I can't believe you. I'll tell you why.

[Announcer]

The shower's all set, Joe. That'll make you feel better.

[Joe Palooka]

Jerry. Yeah, Joe. Jerry, do you remember on the way to the dressing room, what was it you said to that fellow who said I was all washed up?

[Announcer]

Uh, did I say something to someone?

[Joe Palooka]

Yup. Jerry, you said if Joe wanted to, he could have hit that Wilson in the nose so hard he'd breathe out the other side of his head. But you didn't think Joe wanted to hit him that hard. That's what you said, Jerry.

[Announcer]

Uh, are you sure I said that, Joe?

[Joe Palooka]

Uh huh.

[Announcer]

Ah, I was just trying to be funny.

[Nabby Walsh]

You kidding me?

[Joe Palooka]

Maybe you were right, Jerry. Maybe I didn't want to hit him that hard. Maybe I didn't want to fight him at all.

[Nabby Walsh]

Forget it, kid. You won. It's all over. You won fair and square. You're still the champion. Now forget this, will you, Nobby?

[Bill New York]

Huh?

[Joe Palooka]

Will you forget it?

[Nabby Walsh]

Why, sure.

[Joe Palooka]

Then why did you keep the sports writers out? You've never done that before. Why are you afraid to let them in now? Are you afraid they might accuse us of something?

[Nabby Walsh]

I'm not afraid, Joe. And there's nothing to accuse us of. You're just tired. You're upset.

[Joe Palooka]

I wish you'd let the sports writers come in, Nabi.

[Nabby Walsh]

Now look, Joe.

[Joe Palooka]

We've never kept them out before. It isn't right, Nabi. I wished you'd let them in. No kidding.

[Nabby Walsh]

Ah, they probably don't want to come in anyhow. They'll probably all gone home already.

[Announcer]

Yeah, they must all went home. I'll go see what's going on in here.

[Dan Duffy]

Where's Joe?

[Bill New York]

I want to see him.

[Nabby Walsh]

Watch it out, Jerry.

[Announcer]

Okay, you.

[Dan Duffy]

This one's gonna be one too many. Navi.

[Joe Palooka]

Hello, Hopper. I'm sorry we kept you waiting.

[Dan Duffy]

Forget that polite, innocent line. Joe, what did you pull off tonight?

[Nabby Walsh]

What do you mean by that, Crackhopper?

[Dan Duffy]

Listen, Navi, there isn't a sports writer in New York who doesn't think Joe was holding back tonight. Well, I just don't think it. I know Joe was carrying Wilson. And I also know why.

[Announcer]

Avala, you're gonna get burnt so hard.

[Joe Palooka]

Hold it, Jerry. What do you mean, Hopper?

[Dan Duffy]

Oh, you're interested, Aunt Joe.

[Joe Palooka]

What do you mean?

[Dan Duffy]

Just this last night, Blackie Ballinger and his gambling syndicate decided to put up a lot of dough. At even money, mind you, that Wilson would last the 15 rounds. Well, naturally, Blackie and his boys got a lot of takers. I thought it was kind of funny that only a rotten gambling ring would bet on the fight to go 15 rounds.

[Joe Palooka]

So?

[Dan Duffy]

So I had one of our boys stick close to Blackie Bellinger all through the fight. And as soon as it was over, he overheard Blackie say to one of his sidekicks to be sure to see to it that Joe Beluca gets a real fine present for his nice cooperation with the syndicate.

[Nabby Walsh]

Now, wait a minute. Are you incinerating Joe Carried out fight for Blackie Ballinger and his rotten opposite? Are you trying to say that we were working with those dirty crooks?

[Dan Duffy]

That's exactly what I'm saying, Nobby.

[Joe Palooka]

You don't mean that, Hopper. It's a lie.

[Dan Duffy]

We'll let the police and the boxing commission determine that. In the meantime, my paper is gonna call it to their attention. Nobby Walsh & Co. Involved in Gamblin fix. Joe Palooka a fraud. See you in morning edition, boys. Pleasant dreams.

[Bill New York]

Pleasant dreams. Joe Palooka a fraud. A gambling fix. It certainly looks bad for Joe. Well, before we tell you about tomorrow's episode, listen. For the first time in his long and model career, Joe Palooka faces an accusation of dishonesty. Are even lobby Jerry and Dan sure of Joe's innocence? How will Joe react? What's the real inside story behind the Al Wilson fight? Don't miss Blackie. Comes a column the next thrilling episode in the story of the winner and.

[Announcer]

Still champion, Joe Palo.

[Bill New York]

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