Jumbo Fire Chief Show 35-11-05 (02) Romantic Mix-Up

Summary

Jumbo Fire Chief Show 35-11-05 (02) Romantic Mix-Up: Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Jumbo Fire Chief Show 35-11-05 (02) Romantic Mix-Up
• Release Date: May 24, 2025
• Description: Dive into the Golden Age of Radio with Jumbo Fire Chief Show, a captivating representation of pre-television entertainment. Join the family as they gather around the radio to experience timeless shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet, among others.

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Introduction

In the Romantic Mix-Up episode of the Jumbo Fire Chief Show, listeners are transported to the bustling atmosphere of the New York Hippodrome. The show, set against the backdrop of a struggling circus, weaves a tale of love, conflict, and resilience. Presented by Texaco service stations, the episode promises a blend of drama, humor, and classic radio entertainment.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Louis A. Whitten introducing the show from the sawdust ring of the New York Hippodrome, highlighting the grandeur of the venue with an audience of 4,000 people present. The narrative unfolds around a circus teetering on the verge of collapse due to financial strains exacerbated by back income taxes.

Notable Quote:

"We are broadcasting from the sawdust ring of the New York Hippodrome, scene of the most spectacular venture of the time."
— Louis A. Whitten [00:09]

Key Characters

• Jimmy Durante as Brainy Bowers: The charismatic circus brain struggling to keep the show afloat.
• Arthur Sinclair as John A. Considine: The dedicated circus owner determined to save his beloved circus.
• Blanche Ring as Mrs. Considine: Arthur's wife, whose temper and jealousy add to the conflict.
• Donald Novis as Matt Mulligan: The former partner of Arthur, now a rival seeking to acquire the circus.
• Gloria Grafton as Considine's Daughter: The voice of reason and emotional anchor amidst the turmoil.
• APK as Jellicoe: A dual personality character functioning as both a press agent and financial wizard.
• Billy: Overseer of the production ensuring the show's continuity despite adversities.

Plot Overview

The Struggle to Save the Circus

The central conflict revolves around Arthur Sinclair's desperate attempts to salvage his circus from foreclosure. Despite threats from a U.S. Marshal to auction the circus, the performers remain steadfast, believing that "the show must go on." Arthur's struggle is compounded by personal issues, including a strained marriage and the looming threat of losing his circus to Matt Mulligan, his former partner.

Notable Quotes:

"All determined that the show must go on."
— Louis A. Whitten [00:09]

"Well, your week is up."
— Arthur Sinclair [04:19]

Romantic Tensions and Family Dynamics

Amidst the financial chaos, Arthur's daughter, Gloria Grafton, becomes a pivotal character, acting as a mediator between her father and his estranged wife. Gloria urges her father to reconcile, emphasizing the importance of family over the circus's survival.

Notable Quotes:

"Daddy, what would you do to save the circus?"
— Gloria Grafton [05:21]

"Anything. I'd walk barefoot through the flames of perdition."
— Arthur Sinclair [05:24]

The introduction of Miss Quackenbush, portrayed by Blanche Ring, adds another layer of complexity. She emerges as a potential savior for the circus, aiming to purchase it and, in the process, reignite old flames with Arthur.

Notable Quotes:

"Miss Quackenbush knows the popularity of Texaco Fire Chief gasoline."
— Louis A. Whitten [26:56]

Climactic Confrontation

As tensions escalate, APK unveils a plan to secure funding by approaching Miss Quackenbush. However, Arthur's unresolved feelings for his wife and Miss Quackenbush's intentions lead to a dramatic confrontation. The episode reaches its peak when Miss Quackenbush arrives, masquerading as Mrs. Considine, triggering emotional turmoil.

Notable Quotes:

"I've other things on my mind."
— APK [17:23]

"What's the matter? Where's Mother?"
— Gloria Grafton [19:35]

Cliffhanger Ending

The episode concludes on a suspenseful note, leaving listeners questioning whether John A. Considine and his circus will survive Matt Mulligan's relentless pursuit. With Miss Quackenbush's intervention and unresolved romantic tensions, the fate of the circus hangs in the balance, setting the stage for the next installment.

Notable Quote:

"Will the circus go to the highest bidder crushing the heart of that grand old showman John A. Confidine? Or will Brainy Bowers really find a plan to save the day? Next week will tell."
— Louis A. Whitten [26:56]

Musical Elements

The episode features original songs by Richard Rogers and Lawrence H., performed by Donald Novis and complemented by Adolf Deutsch's musical direction. The music underscores the emotional beats of the story, enhancing the dramatic and romantic undertones.

Notable Musical Moments:

"Spring song Old as a hill Young as my love."
— Arthur Sinclair [07:21]

"I love to touch well, what a little wrinkle."
— Arthur Sinclair [15:10]

Conclusion

Jumbo Fire Chief Show 35-11-05 (02) Romantic Mix-Up masterfully blends drama, romance, and suspense, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through its engaging narrative and memorable performances, the episode invites listeners to invest emotionally in the fate of the circus and its characters. As the story progresses, the intricate relationships and high-stakes conflict promise further development and excitement in future episodes.

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Tune in next week to discover the resolution of Arthur Sinclair's struggle and the ultimate fate of the Jumbo Fire Chief circus. Will love and determination triumph over adversity, or will the circus meet its end at the hands of its rivals?

Transcript

[Louis A. Whitten]

Mexico is on the air. Another episode in the new series of Jumbo Fire Chief program. Presented with the compliments of Texaco service stations and dealers from coast to coast. The men who serve you. Fire Chief Gasoline. Texaco Fire Chief. The gasoline that meets United States government emergency specifications. We are broadcasting from the sawdust ring of the New York Hippodrome, scene of the most spectacular venture of the time. An actual audience of 4000 people is present. The story is written by Ben hecht and Charles MacArthur with original songs by Richard Rogers and Lawrence H. The cast star as Jimmy Durante as Brainy Bowers. Arthur Sinclair as John A. Considine. Blanche Ring as Mrs. Considine. Donald Novis as Matt Mulligan, APK as Jellicoe. Ms. Gloria Grafton as Considine's daughter. Mickey Charles Henderson singing Razorback with Bob Larn, soloist and Adolf Deutsch, musical director. All under the personal supervision of Billy. Even though the United States Marshal has threatened to sell the circus at auction to pay off back income taxes, the aerial artists and aquabats are still rehearsing their acts. All determined that the show must go on. For seven years I practiced falling on.

[Jimmy Durante]

My name for seven years I practiced bouncing on my knee for seven more I fell upon another blame it took.

[Arthur Sinclair]

That long to make enough to sound.

[Donald Novis]

To me over and over again.

[Jimmy Durante]

I wrote the snow, the cold combo and oscaloosa aperture dictators Hiracusa, Saratoga and Tiok and they kipse and we play New York to play it in Pookim.

[Donald Novis]

Again.

[Jimmy Durante]

I have to operate on elephants and a man and when a tiger cub is born I'm in the den. I have to treat a leopard when it has a rider and climb a ladder when the giraffe has enceladus over.

[Donald Novis]

And over again and again the wheel on and on.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Stop the rehearsal. Get off the traffic. Take off those costumes. We're going to Axel off the circus. Are you still dogging me footsteps here, Marshall? I thought you'd give me a week to raise the money. Well, your week is up.

[Louis A. Whitten]

Luckily, we found a man in town.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Who'Ll buy the whole show. And who can that be, may I ask? That fellow who runs the other circus, Mr. Mulligan. Mass Mulligan, me former partner and me blackest fool. Please, Marshall, won't you give me another three hours? If I don't raise the money, be then may me wife and all her fury come back to me. I don't want to be hard on you, Considine. I'll be here before the show opens. But remember, no money, no show. It's agreed. Come on, then. Back to your places. On with the rehearsal.

[Gloria Grafton]

Hello, Daddy.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Hello, daughter. That marshal is still hovering over us like a vulture.

[Gloria Grafton]

Daddy, what would you do to save the circus?

[Arthur Sinclair]

Anything. I'd walk barefoot through the flames of perdition.

[Gloria Grafton]

Good. Then will you come back to Mother?

[Arthur Sinclair]

Oh, no, not her.

[Gloria Grafton]

But, Daddy, Mother has all the money you'll ever need. If you make up with her, your.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Troubles are over, missy. You wouldn't understand the female point of view. The man is always wrong.

[Gloria Grafton]

What did you quarrel about, Daddy?

[Arthur Sinclair]

Does the name Gladys Quackenbush mean anything to you?

[Gloria Grafton]

Gladys Quackenbush? Oh, you mean that rich old gal who once wrote you mash note sign sunshine?

[Arthur Sinclair]

That's the very one. Gladys Quackenbush. It was a black day when she came to see me.

[Gloria Grafton]

Was she good looking?

[Arthur Sinclair]

Good looking child. I thought she was applying for a job of a human skeleton. But your mother caught me speaking to her. And you know your mother, how jealous she is and what a temper she has.

[Gloria Grafton]

In that case, dad, prepare yourself for a shock. Mother is in town.

[APK]

What?

[Gloria Grafton]

Listen, Dad, I told her our troubles. She said she loves you and is ready to forgive you.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Your mother says she's forgiveness.

[Gloria Grafton]

If you will, dad, she's waiting at the Eureka Hotel three blocks from here. All ready for a second honeymoon. What do you say, dad?

[Arthur Sinclair]

I'll go rather than lose me circus Matt Mulligan. I'll take a chance with your mother's temper. Goodbye, Dorset.

[APK]

I'm off to the war. Mickey.

[Gloria Grafton]

And what is Mulligan's son doing in the enemy's camp?

[Louis A. Whitten]

Oh, just looking for his dearest enemy.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Cut it out, Mickey.

[Louis A. Whitten]

This squabble between your father and mine has nothing to do with us.

[Gloria Grafton]

No.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Listen, darling.

[Louis A. Whitten]

I've wished for so long that there was no Considine show and no Mulligan Show.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Only you and me, Mickey.

[Louis A. Whitten]

We've got our life to live. They're at the autumn of their lives.

[Arthur Sinclair]

We're at the spring Spring song Old as a hill Young as my love.

[Donald Novis]

For you.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Spring song Trembling with thrill.

[Donald Novis]

Played by a band of sea Newborn born lovers of me. You born only for me I born.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Bring some more.

[Donald Novis]

More than fulfill all of the hopes within you are.

[Arthur Sinclair]

You.

[Gloria Grafton]

Oh, quick, somebody's coming.

[Donald Novis]

Follow me.

[APK]

Mr. Considine. Mr. Jellicoe. Hey, somebody announce me. Here comes Maynie Bowers to the rescue like the Marine. And what greets me? Violence. That's a Travis beyond justice. Hey, Jellicoe. What is it, Mr. Bowers? Listen, Jellicoe. I didn't know I had it in me. I'm a dual personality. On one side, I'm the master press agent. And on the other, the financial wizard. Listen, I got the solution to the whole monetary question. What is the solution, Miss Quackenbush? The richest old maiden. Fond du Lac. And she'll be here any minute. Miss Quackenbush? Why, Mr. Considine will be furious. He can't stand the sight of her. Don't worry. His attitude will change when he sees what she's ready to do for him. Jonko, I see you coming into the tent. You better clear out. What for? Your zebra face may fight my little gazelle. Oh, well, I'll leave it to your imaginations, Mr. Bowers. But I only hope you don't make.

[Arthur Sinclair]

A bungle of it.

[Blanche Ring]

Oh, why, how do you do, Mr. Bowers? I really feel I shouldn't be here.

[APK]

Why, Miss Quackenbush, that's blasphemy. You've just been here two seconds and you look like you've been built into the place. You're as much a part of this tent as a pole.

[Blanche Ring]

Oh, but, Mr. Bowers, I don't understand how I can help Mr. Considine.

[Donald Novis]

What?

[APK]

Why, the man is a wreck. He's been walking around in cuts for three years. He's been neglecting a circus, and now the government wants to take it away from him. And all because of a woman. A siren who turns his head, a quake, a coquetting.

[Blanche Ring]

Why, who is this dreadful creature?

[Arthur Sinclair]

You. What?

[Blanche Ring]

Oh, it can't be because of that silly little mash note I wrote here.

[APK]

Yes, that mash note. That beautiful baidu. Every night he takes it out and reads it to me with passion in his voice. Why, since he first saw you that day three years ago he hasn't even eaten. In fact, the whole circus hasn't eaten.

[Blanche Ring]

Oh, but, Mr. Bowers, you know very well that as long as his wife is alive I could never marry Mr. Compson, I.

[APK]

That's a very good point.

[Blanche Ring]

You don't think I want to face a woman with hot pepper again?

[APK]

Why, that. Miss Quackenbush. Miss Quackenbush. Keep your shirt waist on.

[Arthur Sinclair]

I forgot to tell you the news.

[Gloria Grafton]

News? What news?

[APK]

Well, Mrs. Conchran passed away six months ago. A slight dash of neurasthenia phobia. Oh, that was a touching spectacle.

[Louis A. Whitten]

A sea ago.

[APK]

Even I wept.

[Blanche Ring]

Oh, it breaks my heart to hear all this. How single Mr. Considine would like to marry again.

[APK]

Marry again? That's pretty prosperous. One thing at a time. First he's gotta make sure he's got his elephant, Jumbo. Then he'll get a wife.

[Blanche Ring]

Well, I won't lend him any money before the nuptial.

[APK]

Nuptial? Nuptial. Don't provoke me, Ms. Quackenbush. If you don't buy this circus, I'll buy it myself.

[Blanche Ring]

Well, I. Had you any money?

[APK]

What a question. What a query. Look at the make of the hat. Look at the make of the tie. Ignore the suit. Look at the yellow my hair. I am a big technique company indeed.

[Blanche Ring]

Are you connected with the oil? Well, no.

[APK]

I own a 5% interest in a Texaco pulling station in Albuquerque.

[Blanche Ring]

Oh, why, I thought you were a millionaire.

[APK]

Madam, I just put some technical fire chief gasoline in my car. And it drives so smooth and luxuriously. But I feel like a millionaire.

[Blanche Ring]

My, oh, my. Fire chief must be wonderful gasoline.

[APK]

It is. You've heard that saying, an elephant never forgets. Use fire chief gasoline and your car will never forget. It's the jumbo of gasoline.

[Blanche Ring]

Mr. Bowers, I'm interested. I'll invest some money.

[APK]

That's great. You buy this purchase.

[Blanche Ring]

Why, no. I'll buy your interest in the selling.

[APK]

Oh, no, Ms. Quackenbury. Mr. Constantine's love goes with the circus. Not with the throwing station.

[Donald Novis]

Come on.

[APK]

I'll show you Jumbo and all the animals. And you'll be trooping with us yet.

[Blanche Ring]

Oh, Mr. Bowers, you got such spirit and fire in you.

[APK]

Thank you. Thank you. That's the way I act. Though disaster threatens and dark clouds gather overhead I always think of the password.

[Donald Novis]

Enough for the ass and the gas.

[APK]

The apocryphian laugh. Oh, be a Patriotian man. So this is the old circus, darling?

[Arthur Sinclair]

Yes, me darling White. I don't know what I'd have done if you hadn't come. Murder, probably.

[Louis A. Whitten]

But I was wrong.

[Arthur Sinclair]

How can a man feel destroyed looking in the Killarney blue of your eyes with the flag, the hope waving in them and your smile like the sun rising over the cliffs of all.

[APK]

Get along with your blarney. John Considine.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Molly. I mean every word of it. The more I see your brother, girl the more I care for you all those old. Oh, but you little tea, you.

[Donald Novis]

I.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Love that faith and vigor Graceful as a willow tree Madam, hear my plea don't fall down on me.

[Donald Novis]

I that.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Taste so much tiny feet between.

[Donald Novis]

G.

[Arthur Sinclair]

I love to touch well, what a little wrinkle.

[Donald Novis]

The more I see of other girls and what those damsels do the More and more I care for you.

[APK]

Where's the daughter, Mickey? I'm waiting for a glimpse of her.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Oh, you'll find her somewhere about, John. And don't forget about putting up the circus money. Our Mulligan will yet have jumbled.

[APK]

Now, John, don't you worry. If you keep on behaving yourself, I'll.

[Gloria Grafton]

Settle Mulligan for you.

[Blanche Ring]

I'll be right back.

[APK]

It's a cockpit.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Rainy bows. Where will you be?

[APK]

He? Congratulations. The financial crisis is over. We're saved. It's a triumph for sound money.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Oh, so you talk to her?

[APK]

Did I talk to her? Did Demi Task talk to the Greeks? Did Cicero talk to the Romans? That's how I talk to her.

[Arthur Sinclair]

I certainly never dreamed he do. She's a fine little woman at that.

[APK]

Now, she don't make sentiment with fiance. You know as well as I that she's a pony faced half wit.

[Arthur Sinclair]

How dare you?

[APK]

Talks like that of the woman I love. You feminine noticed fool. You don't mean to say you really care for that dried up battle ax? Another word like that night part your.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Hair with a Delilah.

[APK]

He loves it. You can knock me down with a Sally Mignon.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Sure, I love her.

[APK]

I've always loved her. I'm proud of it. I'm son. You're no Irishman, Keith. You're an Egyptian. A mummy fancier. What are you talking about anyway? Out for your seat. Miss Quetenbush. Miss Quaffenbush.

[Blanche Ring]

Oh, Dar, darling, it's so good to see you.

[Gloria Grafton]

Miss Quetenbush.

[APK]

The loveblood reunited. That's me. The pupil of the Stardust ring.

[Blanche Ring]

John, I can hardly believe it. After all these years to find out that you really care for me.

[APK]

Care for you?

[Arthur Sinclair]

Leave this circus.

[APK]

All right. Set the whole menagerie on you. That's just his way, Miss Quackenbush.

[Arthur Sinclair]

He's bashful. Miss Quackenbush. Please leave me alone.

[APK]

I've other things on my mind.

[Blanche Ring]

Now I understand, John and I want to comfort you. Someday we'll go visit the grave of Mrs. Considine together.

[Arthur Sinclair]

The grave of little Con.

[APK]

Where do you go? I don't know, Chief. It's getting kind of warm in here.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Ms. Twackenbut, you're a meddling old habitat.

[APK]

And I want you to know that I never cared for you and I never will. Now good day to you.

[Donald Novis]

No.

[APK]

She's fainted. Was that a way to talk to your soulmate? No, I didn't mean that to happen.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Here, let me pick her up. I shouldn't have been so harsh.

[APK]

Miss Zackenbush. Are you all right? Ms. Zackabouche?

[Arthur Sinclair]

Say something to me.

[APK]

He's out cold, pete. Here comes Mrs. Considine, unannounced.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Throwing.

[Gloria Grafton]

Considine.

[APK]

What are you doing with that woman in your arms? It's nothing, Molly, me darling. She's just a little saint. Oh, I see.

[Gloria Grafton]

Who is she, anyway?

[APK]

Oh, it's Janice Quackenbush, the Hussey.

[Blanche Ring]

Oh, what happened? Who is that woman?

[APK]

I'm Mrs. Considine.

[Blanche Ring]

What do you mean by posing as Mrs. Considine? She's dead.

[APK]

Oh, you think I'm dead, do you? Molly, stop.

[Arthur Sinclair]

On her head.

[APK]

Hear me? Don Considine, you Bluebeard.

[Blanche Ring]

Don't ever come calling back to me again saying you're sorry because I'm looking.

[APK]

On your wicked face for the last time.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Goodbye.

[Blanche Ring]

And as for me, I'll personally loan $10,000 to anyone who promises to buy Gorsettis and burn it to the ground.

[APK]

I never want to take you again, Keith. Tell me, tell me. Did I do something wrong?

[Arthur Sinclair]

Be gone and never talking me life again. You're bungling fool.

[APK]

Okay, chief, but before I go. In your future relations with women or with the parasite, I want you to remember these words. Say it with flowers, say it with sweet, say it with artichokes, say it with ease. Say it with jewelry, say it with drink. But always be careful not to say it with it.

[Blanche Ring]

Daddy.

[Gloria Grafton]

What's the matter? Where's Mother?

[Arthur Sinclair]

Mickey, everything is lost. She left me for good. You'd better get used to the thought that we're going to lose the circle. Oh, Daddy. I'm going outside to wait for the master. Maybe I can stay at hand.

[Gloria Grafton]

Oh, what's the use? Sit there and count your fingers. What can you do.

[Donald Novis]

Over your pear and count your little finger?

[Gloria Grafton]

Unlucky little girl.

[Donald Novis]

Love you falling on you.

[Gloria Grafton]

You may as well surrender.

[Donald Novis]

Your hope is getting slender. Why will somebody slender love?

[Gloria Grafton]

When I was very young the world was younger than I as merry as a carousel the circle hence was strong with every star in the sky above the ring I don't know.

[Donald Novis]

Now the young world has grown old Drawn all the twinkle and cross.

[Gloria Grafton]

What can you do.

[Donald Novis]

Over your feet? Declare and count your little finger Unlucky little girl.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Sorry, Mr. Considine, your time is up. Just another little while.

[APK]

The contradine. What is it, gentleman? They put in stickers on all the animals they faced with a number on Jumbo.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Jumbo Marshall. Are you selling him too? We're selling everything. The ground is slipping from under Me feet. But I beg of you, don't let them take jumbo from me.

[APK]

Mr. Considine, there are people in the tent.

[Arthur Sinclair]

We've got to start the show. Yes.

[APK]

Yes. Mar.

[Arthur Sinclair]

I don't know much about the law. I'm just a showman. Let me go out there once more with Jumbo. Let me gladden the hearts of those men and women and children. Have no fear that you won't be able to sell me up later on. Matt Munnigan will always be ready to burn. He's more relentless than the law. Well, I'll drink to one more stay. But the next time I'll lock them off this circus in a hail storm if I have to. Mr. Jericho, Mr. Ball. Everybody into the ring. Up for the night. Bring on the Lion King.

[Donald Novis]

I'm going to turn my.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Ladies and gentlemen, the Cry Wonder show presents the supreme thrill of the beat. Pop Diavolo. The death given of the high wire and the peace. Performing above an uncovered pain of lions. Plays it back very hard. Roundabout.

[Donald Novis]

Very hard.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Men with the rifles.

[Jimmy Durante]

Very well.

[Arthur Sinclair]

Doctor and mercenary. Set her up, boys.

[Donald Novis]

Fire up.

[Arthur Sinclair]

We'll risk him.

[Jimmy Durante]

I do like to build a mop. Is still king with no fear of death he keeps fear of death moving through the air. Diablo up Killet. Diablo up here. Left heart will never come who can never compare A blind and silver light above the tense and muscle strike Above a sun is in the height of earth oh, Fairfax.

[Louis A. Whitten]

Will the circus go to the highest bidder crushing the heart of that grand old showman John A. Confidine? Or will Brainy Bowers really find a plan to save the day? Next week will tell. We can readily understand Ms. Quackenbush's desire to buy up Brainy's 5% interest in that Texaco filling station in Albuquerque. Ms. Quackenbush knows the popularity of Texaco Fire Chief gasoline. As do all smart women drivers. Women like the ease with which fire chief start cars. The greater sustained power which minimizes shifting and makes driving in traffic less of a strain. The reason is simple. Texaco fire chief is emergency gasoline. It meets United States government specifications for fire engines, ambulances and other emergency vehicles.

[Donald Novis]

Sam.

[Louis A. Whitten]

Louis A. Whitten, speaking for the Texas Company invites you to tune in again next Tuesday to the Jumbo Firekeep program for further adventures of the kind sedan won the show. And remember, whenever you hear the siren and bell, think of Texaco. This is the National Broadcasting Company.

[Arthur Sinclair]

New York.