Ken Carson Show-Music With The Accent On Romance 450701 Ep007 “But Not for Mel.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Ken Carson Show – "Music With The Accent On Romance"

Episode Title: "But Not for Me" (Ep007)
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio (presenting a Mutual Broadcasting System original)
Air Date (original broadcast): July 1, 1945
Podcast Release: February 14, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of the Ken Carson Show transports listeners to the golden age of radio, placing an “accent on romance” with live big band music, close harmonies, and whimsical storytelling. Ken Carson, joined by the Little Sisters vocal group and Harry Zimmerman’s Orchestra, unfolds a musical narrative of love found, lost, and anticipated. The show is punctuated by warm comedic banter, lively musical performances with a romantic motif, listener engagement offers, and gentle patriotic messaging.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening & Theme Introduction (00:32–01:22)

• The show opens with Ken Carson and the ensemble performing “I’m In The Mood For Love.”
• Dick Wynn (announcer) sets the tone:

  “Music with the accent on romance. Featuring … America’s latest singing sensation, Ken Carson.” (00:57)

• Ken Carson introduces the evening and hints at a Gershwin-inspired theme centered on romantic disillusionment:

  “We tell you the musical story of a young man who has been disillusioned in love.” (01:22)

2. Featured Song: “But Not For Me” (01:42–03:07)

• A heartfelt performance of the Gershwin classic captures unrequited love and melancholy.
• Notable Quote:

  “They’re writing songs of love, but not for me … I guess she’s not for me.” (01:42–03:07)

3. Spotlight on the Little Sisters: “Five Salted Peanuts” (03:35–07:18)

• Lighthearted banter as Ken introduces the Little Sisters, prompting a comic exchange on their “five salted peanuts” number.
• Comic Bit: Ken jokes, “Four little sisters and five solid peanuts. One left over for you, Dick.” (04:01)
• The performance is upbeat, telling a tongue-in-cheek story of slot machine luck (or lack thereof):

  “I put a penny in the slot, but all I ever got was five solid peanuts… it’s driving me nuts.” (04:25)

• Dick Wynn closes with:

  “Oh, nuts.” (07:18)

4. Listener Engagement & The Ken Carson Club (07:25–07:52)

• Listeners are invited to write in for a club membership card, emphasizing the participatory nature of old-time radio.
• Details:

  “Just send your name and address on a postcard… we’ll send you a Ken Carson Club membership card signed by Harry Zimmerman, the four Little Sisters and Ken himself.” (07:31)

5. Musical Salute to Latin Romance: “Bahia” (08:53–13:28)

• A lush instrumental by Harry Zimmerman’s orchestra:

  “It’s a musical salute … to our good neighbors south of the border. The night is warm, the breeze is cool… The song is Bahia.” (08:53)

• Evocative mood-setting transitions the show from American romance to a sultry, south-of-the-border setting.

6. Medley of Romance: “A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody” & “Marquita” (13:28–17:19)

• Ken narrates the mesmerizing effect of beauty—

  “When she dances to the rhythm of the rumba and her flashing eyes meet yours, you’re helpless… you find yourself falling under her spell.” (14:06)

• Sketch with Marquita: Ken plays the romantic stranger, seeking a date with the mysterious Marquita—
  • Playful bilingual banter leads to comic twist:

    Ken: “Well, that’s all right. Bring them along. We’ll all have dinner together.”
    Marquita: “Oh, no, I do not think that would be a good idea.”
    Ken: “Why, sure it would. Why not?”
    Marquita: “Because my husband already had dinner.” (17:03–17:14)

• The sketch closes with a reprise of the romantic song, underscoring the theme of love lost or out of reach.

7. Quick Banter: After the Marquita Sketch (17:43–18:15)

• Dick Wynn:

  “So you almost got into trouble that time, eh, Ken?”
  Ken: “I was a little close for comfort, Dick.” (17:43–17:47)

• Light comedy continues between cast members and the Little Sisters, who protect Ken’s romantic reputation.

8. Uplifting Classic: “I Got Rhythm” (18:18–21:56)

• The Little Sisters deliver a joyous rendition of the Gershwin favorite, celebrating the power of positive outlook in love:

  “I got rhythm, I got music, I got my man, who could ask for anything more?” (19:13)

9. Short Story Segment: “The Man I Love” (22:12–25:26)

• Ken narrates a fairytale romance of a lonely girl finding true love, paired with “The Man I Love”–themed performance.
• Song lyrics and narration intertwine as the bittersweet hopefulness of romance is explored.

10. Guest Engagement: Membership Reminder (26:24–26:54)

• Another call for listeners to join the club, repeating the personalized, friendly engagement.
• Ken Carson:

  “And put in an envelope and mailed by Dick Wynn.” (26:38)

11. Closing Musical Story: “Out of Nowhere” (27:02–28:32)

• Ken sets up the final vignette—a young man’s dull life brightened by sudden love, performed with heartfelt vocals and harmonies.
• Lyrics echo the show’s core message:

  “From out of nowhere you took my heart and found it free. Wonderful dreams, wonderful schemes from nowhere …” (27:13)

12. Patriotic Message: Write to Servicemen and Buy War Bonds (28:32–29:19)

• Ken urges listeners to write to servicemen and support war bonds, connecting the comforts of home and radio to national service.
• Notable Quote:

  “Take time off today to write to a serviceman. And remember, we can bring them back home quicker if we buy war bonds to the very limit of our ability.” (28:32)

13. Show’s Signature Farewell (29:19–30:15)

• Closing remarks reinforce the program’s inviting, optimistic tone:

  “Wishing you the very best of everything in the week to come, and dropping the cordial invitation to join us again next week for another half hour of music with the accent on romance.” (29:44)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “We tell you the musical story of a young man who has been disillusioned in love.” – Ken Carson (01:22)
• “Four little sisters and five solid peanuts. One left over for you, Dick.” – Ken Carson (04:01)
• “I even tried to use a slug. The machine must have known it too. The sign lit up, ‘no nuts do you’.” – Little Sisters (06:34)
• “When she dances to the rhythm of the rumba… you’re helpless.” – Ken Carson (14:06)
• “Because my husband already had dinner.” – Marquita (17:14)
• “Take time off today to write to a serviceman. And remember, we can bring them back home quicker if we buy war bonds to the very limit of our ability.” – Ken Carson (28:32)
• “Who could ask for anything more?” – Little Sisters, “I Got Rhythm” (19:20)

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |-----------------------------------|--------------| | Opening & Theme | 00:32–01:22 | | "But Not For Me" | 01:42–03:07 | | "Five Salted Peanuts" | 04:25–07:18 | | Listener Club Info | 07:25–07:52, 26:24–26:54 | | "Bahia" (Orchestral & Vocal) | 08:53–13:28 | | Marquita Romance Sketch | 15:40–17:19 | | "I Got Rhythm" | 19:13–21:56 | | “The Man I Love” Story Song | 22:12–25:26 | | “Out of Nowhere” Closing Number | 27:02–28:32 | | Patriotic PSA | 28:32–29:19 | | Show’s Farewell | 29:44–30:15 |

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Tone & Style

This episode embodies the nostalgia, optimism, and comic sentimentality of 1940s radio variety. The language is warm, gently playful, and infused with the hopefulness and wistfulness characteristic of romantic standards from the era. The interplay between music, dialogue, and sketches creates a cozy, communal feel—“gather the family by the radio” sentiment—blending entertainment with community-minded encouragement.

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For Listeners

If you seek an authentic slice of 1940s musical radio, complete with spirited performances and romantic heart, this episode is a delight. For fans of vintage harmony, big band swing, and the signature warmth of Golden Age radio storytelling, the “Ken Carson Show” is not to be missed.

Transcript

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[Dick Wynn]

The Ken Carson Show I'm in the.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

Mood for love Simply because you're near.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

Me Funny, but when you're near me.

[Dick Wynn]

From Hollywood, the Mutual Broadcasting System presents the Ken Carson Show. Music with the accent on romance. Featuring the inspirational stylings of Harry Zimmerman and his orchestra. Songs by those four happy heartthrobs of harmony, the Little Sisters. And starring America's latest singing sensation, Ken Carson.

[Ken Carson]

Thank you, Dick Wynn. This is Ken Carson, friends, saying hello for all the gang members and hoping you'll join us for another half hour of music with the accent on romance. With a nod of appreciation to a great composer and a great American, George Gershwin, we tell you the musical story of a young man who has been disillusioned in love.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

They're writing songs of love but not for me A lucky star's above but not for me with love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray Than any Russian play could guarantee I was a fool to fall and.

[Ken Carson]

Get that way Heigh ho.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

Alas. And also lackaday. Although I can't dismiss the memory of her kiss I guess she's not for.

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Me.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

Although I can't dismiss the memory of her kiss I guess she's not. For me.

[Dick Wynn]

A musical combination that's mighty hard to beat. Harry Zimmerman and his 32 piece orchestra and the romantic voice of Ken Carson.

[Ken Carson]

Well, thanks, Dick. And now it's time to turn our spotlight on four lovely young ladies. The little sister.

[Dick Wynn]

Ah, this is the moment I've been waiting for.

[Ken Carson]

What are you gonna sing, girls?

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

Five salted peanuts.

[Ken Carson]

Five salted peanuts. Well, now, stand at attention and identify yourselves.

[Marquita (female character)]

Darlene. One.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

Dottie, two. Sue, three Sally, four.

[Ken Carson]

Four little sisters and five solid peanuts. One left over for you, Dick.

[Dick Wynn]

Well, lucky me.

[Ken Carson]

Serve em up, gals. Serv.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

When you look at me I appear to be the happiest person in town I've got health, I've got wealth Only one thing beats me down I put a penny in the slot but all I ever got was five solid peanuts I always hoped to get a lot but all I ever got was pie Solid peanuts. I'LL keep trying come what may maybe there will come a day I'll find a machine they forgot to fix instead of 5 I'll get 6 I put a penny in the slot but all I ever got was five solid peanuts I put all my pennies in but I don't ever win it's driving me nuts those darn machines know how to count I always get the same amount I put a penny in the slot but all I ever got was five solid PE 1, 2, 3, 4 five little peanuts in the palm of my hand 1, 2, 3, 4 Five little peanuts I can understand I put a penny in the slot but all I ever got was five count em five solid peanuts Hope to get a lot but all I ever got was five count em five solid peanuts I guess I'm just a crazy mug I even tried to use a slug repeated machine must have known it too the sign.

[Dick Wynn]

Lit up no nuts do you I.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

Put a penny in the slot but all I ever got was five solid peanuts those machines will not give Never let me win it's driving me nuts I shake them almost off the wall I get some extra salt that's all I put a penny in the spot but all I ever got was.

[Dick Wynn]

Oh nuts.

[Ken Carson]

Four little sisters cooking up a tasty helping of five salted peanuts.

[Dick Wynn]

Yes, Ken, and very nicely packaged by Harry Zimmerman and the orchestra.

[Ken Carson]

Say, by the way friends, we'd like to have you drop us a line.

[Dick Wynn]

Just send your name and address on a postcard or letter and we'll send you a Ken Carson Club membership card signed by Harry Zimmerman, the four little sisters and Ken himself.

[Ken Carson]

Right you are, Dick.

[Dick Wynn]

Address your notes to Ken Carson, Mutual broadcasting system, Hollywood, 38, California. That's Ken Carson, Mutual Broadcasting System, Hollywood, 38, California.

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[Ken Carson]

It's a musical salute by Harry Zimmerman and the orchestra to our good neighbors south of the border. The night is warm, the breeze is cool. Stars dot a moonlit sky. The accent is on romance. The song is Bahia.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

Sa.

[Ken Carson]

Music with the accent on romance. And when you think of romance, you think of a cool night in Mexico. Perhaps the clicking of castanets. But most of all, you think of a pretty girl.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

A pretty girl is like a melody that haunts you night and day.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

Just like the strain of a haunting refrain.

[Ken Carson]

Yes, a pretty girl is like a melody. When she dances to the rhythm of the rumba and her flashing eyes meet yours, you're helpless. You find yourself falling under her spell.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

Marquita, Marquita, I still hear you calling me back to your arms once again. I still feel the spell of your last kiss upon me. Since then life has all been in vain. All has been sadness without you, Marquita. Each day finds me lonely and blue. My poor heart is broken. I want you, Makita. I need you, Makita. I do.

[Ken Carson]

Pardon me, miss. Our senorita.

[Marquita (female character)]

You speak to me?

[Ken Carson]

No, sure. I. I mean, see, well, I was just wondering. I'm a stranger in town.

[Marquita (female character)]

A stranger?

[Ken Carson]

Well, I mean, I just got here, don't know anybody. And I was wondering if.

[Marquita (female character)]

If what, senor?

[Ken Carson]

Well, if you would sort of be my guide. Show me around. Be my date. You get it?

[Marquita (female character)]

Oh, si, si. But I don't know if I should.

[Ken Carson]

Oh, it'll be all right. You'll be spreading goodwill, Kate. Goodwill. Friends. Mexico and the United States. Good friends. You know, you and me, good friends.

[Marquita (female character)]

Oh, see, I think maybe would be okay.

[Ken Carson]

Say, this is all right. I didn't know I could rumba.

[Marquita (female character)]

Roomba.

[Ken Carson]

All right.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

You, Roomba, and I'll rumble.

[Ken Carson]

And we'll get along fine.

[Marquita (female character)]

Get along fine.

[Ken Carson]

What's your name?

[Marquita (female character)]

Name? Oh, Marquita.

[Ken Carson]

Marquita. It's a very beautiful name. Yes, yes, a very beautiful name. And a very beautiful girl.

[Marquita (female character)]

You are so very nice.

[Ken Carson]

Well, thank you, senorita. I think we're gonna be friends, all right. Extra special friends. Well, the music stopped. Guess it's time we went somewhere and had dinner.

[Marquita (female character)]

Oh, almost eight o'. Clock. I must go now.

[Ken Carson]

Go? While we're just starting out dinner and Then another night club.

[Marquita (female character)]

But I have to meet someone.

[Ken Carson]

A member of your family, I hope.

[Marquita (female character)]

See? A member of my family.

[Ken Carson]

Well, that's all right. Bring them along. We'll all have dinner together.

[Marquita (female character)]

Oh, no, I do not think that would be a good idea.

[Ken Carson]

Why, sure it would. Why not?

[Marquita (female character)]

Because my husband already had dinner.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

My poor heart is broken. I want you, Marquita. I need you, Marquita. I do.

[Dick Wynn]

So you almost got into trouble that time, eh, Ken?

[Ken Carson]

I was a little close for comfort, Dick.

[Dick Wynn]

You must have been surprised when you found out Marquita was married.

[Ken Carson]

Yes, and more surprised when I met her four children. But that's the way it goes.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

Hello again, Mr. Carson.

[Ken Carson]

Well, hello again to you girls. And what's on the schedule of the four lovely little sisters?

[Dick Wynn]

Yes, ladies, tell that international Romeo, Ken Carson.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

Don't you dare talk that way to Mr. Carson.

[Dick Wynn]

Everybody's against me. I ask you, ladies, is that any way to put the accent on romance?

[Ken Carson]

Don't you worry, Dick. That little item will be taken care of right now. How about it, girls?

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

Anything you say, Mr. Carson.

[Ken Carson]

Your cue, Dick.

[Dick Wynn]

So it is. Our four happy heartthrobs of harmony, the little sisters let down the barriers on an all timer from George Gershwin's Girl Crazy. I got rhythm.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

I got rhythm I got music.

[Ken Carson]

I.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

Got my man who could ask for anything more? I got daisies in green pastures I got my man who could ask for anything more? Old man trouble I don't mind here. You won't find him round my door I got starlight I got sweet dreams I got my man who could ask for anything more? Who could ask for anything more? Music. I got my man I got daisies in green pastures I got my man Old man trouble I just don't mind him and you won't find him round my door I got starlight I got sweet dreams I got my man what more could anyone want? Who could ask for anything more?

[Ken Carson]

Mighty hard to top that one, gals. Let me say here and now that the little sisters really have got rhythm.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

Thanks very much, Mr. Carson.

[Ken Carson]

You see what I mean? And Harry Zimmerman can take a deep bow for that arrangement. Excellent, Harry, excellent. Thanks very much, Mr. Carson. Well, now, let's not overdo it, boys and girls.

[Dick Wynn]

Excuse me, Ken, but it's time for you to tell a story.

[Ken Carson]

All right, Dick, It's a story with the accent on romantic. Once upon a time, there was a young girl who was very sad. She was sad because she was lonely. And she was lonely because she had no one to love.

[Marquita (female character)]

Someday he'll come along the man I love and he'll be big and strong.

[Ken Carson]

The man I love yes, things look bad. But then one day she was looking out the window and he did come along. It was love at first sight. They met, danced, romanced and got married. And strange as it may seem, they lived happily ever after.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

It. Sa.

[Ken Carson]

Very nice, Harry. That was beautiful. And friends, don't forget to drop us a line and join the family.

[Dick Wynn]

Yes, just send your name and address on a postcard and we'll send you a Ken Carson Club membership card, autographed by Harry Zimmerman, the Little sisters and Ken himself.

[Ken Carson]

And put in an envelope and mailed by Dick Wynn.

[Dick Wynn]

Well, I don't know about that, but. Address your card and letters to Ken Carson, Mutual broadcasting system, Hollywood 38, California. That's Ken Carson, neutral broadcasting system, Hollywood 38, California.

[Ken Carson]

Once again, the accents on romance with.

[Dick Wynn]

Harry Zimmerman and his 32 piece orchestra. The four lovely little sisters, the romantic voice of Ken Carson, all getting together.

[Ken Carson]

To paint a picture of a young fellow whose life was dull and pointless. He had no inspiration. Nothing mattered. And then suddenly you came along.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

From out of nowhere. You took my heart and found it free. Wonderful dreams, wonderful schemes from nowhere Made every hour sweet as a flower to me.

[Little Sisters (female vocal group)]

If you should go back to your. No way. Leaving me with a memory. I'll always wait for your return out.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

Of nowhere Hoping you'll bring your love.

[Ken Carson]

To me. This is Ken Carson. Friends, I was talking to the mailman this morning and he was telling me that more mail comes into this country from my servicemen than goes out to servicemen. In other words, our boys overseas are writing more letters than the folks at home. Now, that doesn't seem quite fair. After all, those fellows are pretty busy too. And if we can't keep our letter writing at least equal to theirs, then something is radically wrong. So take time off today to write to a serviceman. And remember, we can bring them back home quicker if we buy war bonds to the very limit of our ability. War bonds are your investment in freedom.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

I'm in the mood for love.

[Ken Carson]

Simply.

[Singer (possibly Ken Carson or a vocalist)]

Because you're near me Funny, but when you're near me.

[Ken Carson]

Friends, this is Ken Carson again speaking for the Little Sisters and Harry Zimmerman and the orchestra. Wishing you the very best of everything in the week to come. And dropping the cordial invitation to join us again next week at this time for another half hour of music with the accent on romance.

[Dick Wynn]

Don't forget to drop a line so that we can send you your Ken Carson Club membership card address. It to Ken Carson, Mutual Broadcasting System, Hollywood 38, California next week at this time Mutual will again present the Ken Carson show featuring the inspirational standings of Harry Zimmerman and his Orchestra Orchestra songs by those four happy heartthrobs of harmony, the Little Sisters and starring America's latest singing sensation, Ken Carson. Accent on Romance was written and produced by Jack Rourke. Dick Win speaking this is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

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