Linda's First Love 19xx-xx-xx Linda Gets Her Job At The Store Back

Summary

Summary of "Linda's First Love" Episode of Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

“Linda's First Love” is a poignant episode from Harold's Old Time Radio, which delves into the complexities of young love set against the societal norms of the Golden Age of Radio. The story revolves around Linda Keppelmeister, a dedicated shop girl, and her romance with Kenneth Woodruff, a wealthy young society man. Their relationship is met with disapproval from Linda's family and friends, spearheaded by Aunt Sarah (also referred to as Daisy), creating a tumultuous environment for Linda as she strives to maintain her happiness and employment.

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Re-establishing Linda's Job

The episode opens with Linda having recently regained her position at the store, a victory she owes to Kenneth's intervention. However, the shadow of her previous dismissal for allegedly stealing a dress looms large.

• Narrator [00:15]: Introduces Linda's backstory and the central conflict between her love for Kenneth and the societal disapproval she faces.

• Linda [02:02]: Expresses her anxiety about losing her job again due to Aunt Sarah's persistent disapproval:

  “I caught it again this morning from Aunt Sarah...she's going to lose it for good.” (02:15)

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Conflict with Aunt Sarah

Aunt Sarah, who holds significant influence over Linda's life, is vehemently against her relationship with Kenneth. She fears that Linda's association with Kenneth could jeopardize her social standing and financial stability.

• Linda [02:20]: Shares her fears about losing her job and the resultant inability to pay her board:

  “And she says that if I do and can't pay my board, I can't stay at home.” (02:30)

• Daisy [03:10]: Suggests honesty as a solution:

  “Maybe you could tell Mr. Beasley the truth.” (03:10)

Linda, however, is apprehensive about revealing the truth to Mr. Beasley, fearing his reaction.

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Kenneth's Involvement

Kenneth Woodruff enters the scene as a supportive figure who has used his influence to help Linda regain her job. His actions, though well-intentioned, stir further tension with his mother, Mrs. Woodruff (referred to as Daisy).

• Kenneth [04:11]: Greets Linda warmly, indicating his continued support:

  “Well, practically nothing.” (04:18)

• Linda [05:07]: Acknowledges Kenneth's help and expresses her reliance on him:

  “You have my word that when Mother comes, I'll talk to her...” (05:20)

Kenneth assures Linda that he will handle the situation with his mother, showcasing his commitment to their relationship.

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Confrontation with Mrs. Woodruff

The crux of the episode unfolds as Mrs. Woodruff confronts Kenneth about his involvement with Linda. Daisy is determined to sever their relationship to protect Kenneth's reputation and social standing.

• Daisy [08:26]: Confronts Kenneth assertively:

  “I am determined to protect you from a scheming little Linda.” (08:44)

• Kenneth [09:03]: Defends Linda's character, emphasizing her innocence:

  “She's as simple and naive as a child.” (08:57)

• Daisy [09:16]: Challenges Kenneth's feelings:

  “You're not infatuated with her, are you?” (10:07)

Kenneth reveals that he was the one who leveraged Daisy's influence to reinstate Linda, highlighting the depth of his feelings for her.

• Kenneth [09:19]: Declaratively states his actions:

  “I used your influence with Mr. Beeson.” (09:26)

Daisy is angered by Kenneth's unilateral decision, leading to a heated exchange where she demands that he end the relationship with Linda.

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Resolution and Cliffhanger

The episode reaches its climax as Mrs. Woodruff stipulates the terms under which Linda can retain her job, effectively forcing her to choose between her employment and her love for Kenneth.

• Daisy [10:46]: Places a condition on Linda's job security:

  “There's a condition to fill, Phil, on your part. You're not to see my son ever again.” (11:00)

• Linda [11:23]: Pleads for understanding:

  “But, Mrs. Woodruff. Not see Kenneth? Why? He likes me.” (11:10)

• Daisy [11:15]: Denies Kenneth's affection:

  “He's just told me that you mean nothing to him other than a girl to have a good time with.” (11:15)

The episode concludes with Linda at a crossroads, questioning whether to continue fighting for her relationship with Kenneth or to return to a more stable suitor, Danny Grogan. This unresolved tension sets the stage for future developments in the narrative.

• Narrator [11:50]: Presents the audience with a dilemma and a contest opportunity:

  “Is this the end of Linda's romance with Kenneth? Should she go on fighting for him or go back to the faithful Danny Grogan?” (11:50)

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Class Differences and Societal Expectations: The episode underscores the challenges faced by individuals like Linda who come from a lower social class when attempting to engage in relationships with wealthier individuals.

2. Family Influence and Authority: Aunt Sarah’s (Daisy’s) authoritative role in Linda’s life illustrates the significant impact family can have on personal relationships and career opportunities.

3. Sacrifice and Choice: Linda is forced to choose between her love for Kenneth and her employment, highlighting the sacrifices often required in the pursuit of happiness.

4. Love vs. Societal Approval: Kenneth’s unwavering support for Linda contrasts with societal pressures, emphasizing the theme of love triumphing over external disapproval.

5. Character Development: Kenneth’s actions reveal his depth of character and commitment, while Daisy embodies the rigid societal norms and protective instincts of a mother.

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Conclusion

“Linda's First Love” masterfully portrays the emotional struggles of young love against societal constraints. Through engaging dialogue and well-developed characters, the episode invites listeners to empathize with Linda's plight and ponder the complexities of love, class, and personal integrity. The unresolved tension at the episode's end serves as a compelling hook, encouraging the audience to reflect on what they would choose in Linda’s situation.

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Notable Quotes:

• Linda [02:15]:
  “I caught it again this morning from Aunt Sarah...she's going to lose it for good.”

• Daisy [08:26]:
  “I am determined to protect you from a scheming little Linda.”

• Kenneth [09:03]:
  “She's as simple and naive as a child.”

• Daisy [10:07]:
  “You're not infatuated with her, are you?”

• Daisy [11:15]:
  “He's just told me that you mean nothing to him other than a girl to have a good time with.”

These quotes encapsulate the central conflicts and emotional undercurrents of the episode, providing listeners with a glimpse into the characters' motivations and the stakes at play.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Again, the Kroger Grocery and Baking Company bring you Transcribed Linda's First Love the true to life story of a young girl. A girl in love with the world about us and in love with wealthy young Kenneth Woodruff. She is a shop girl, he a young society man. The romance is frowned upon by Linda's friends and family. And Linda faces the world with her dream of happiness alone. But you're going to hear more than this fascinating story of young love. You're going to hear how you may win an amazingly beautiful and valuable prize in the easiest way you can imagine. Every week you have an opportunity to win one of five lovely 17 Jewel Gruen Duchess model Curvex watches. Both the case and movement are curved to fit your wrist. It's the watch that leads the fashion parade. And I'll tell you how easily you may win one a little later. First though, I'd like to tell you something about Kroger's hot dated coffee. You'll see the date stamped on the bottom of every double sealed bag. The date that tells you when each pound of coffee must be sold or withdrawn from sale. There's just no time for hot dated coffee to lose its strength and its freshness. Remember, only Kroger coffees are hot dated. And hot dating means greater strength, a more fragrant flavor, a more delicious cup of coffee for you. Now back to Linda. Discharged from her job on a charge of stealing a dress she had worn to please Kenneth, Linda has been restored to her place by young Woodruff, who uses his mother's influence, but without her permission. If Linda's employer, Mr. Beasley and Kenneth Smothered would discover the ruse, both Daisy and Linda fear the consequences. We find the two girls in the store.

[Linda]

Say, Linda, you look awful pale. I don't feel very well. I have a headache. What's the matter? You ought to feel pretty good. After all, we came within aces of being tossed all of this place until old Beasley changed his mind at the last minute. I know we've still got our jobs. Well, I'm grateful for that, but oh well, I caught it again this morning from Aunt Sarah. Uh huh. So she's jumping on you again, huh? What's biting her now? Oh no, not Kenneth so much. Aunt Sarah keeps telling me I don't deserve to have my job back again. And oh, she's so sure that I'm going to lose it for good. And she says that if I do and can't pay my board, I can't stay at home. Linda, you know your PA wouldn't Stand for that. Oh, I know that Pa wouldn't want anything like that to happen to me, but, well, Aunt Sarah. Yeah, I get it. Your Aunt Sarah wears the pants in the family these days. That's pretty much the story, Daisy, I'm afraid. But I wouldn't mind that so much if it weren't for losing my job. Well, I don't think you need to be afraid of being thrown out in the street, Linda. I'm not afraid. But something's got to be done to keep Mr. Beasley from knowing that Mrs. Woodruff really doesn't want me to get my job back. Look.

[Daisy]

Well, maybe you could tell Mr. Beasley the truth.

[Linda]

Oh, no. He'd be awfully mad.

[Daisy]

Or talk to Mrs. Woodruff.

[Linda]

That would never do. She doesn't like me, I'm afraid. And she doesn't like it because Kenneth likes me.

[Mrs. Woodruff]

Hello? Yes, Mrs. Woodruff.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Daisy.

[Linda]

Mr. Beasley's talking to her.

[Mrs. Woodruff]

Yeah, the shipment came in this morning. You want it right away, huh? Yeah, sure. It can be delivered. I'll have Ms. Crockett bring it over.

[Linda]

Daisy, she knows.

[Mrs. Woodruff]

What's that? I know I said Miss Crockett, and I met Ms. Crockett. Oh, well, if you prefer to come and get it. All right, Mrs. Woodruff.

[Daisy]

Goodbye.

[Linda]

Yep, she's wise now. But I don't think she let on to Beasley yet. But she's coming over, and she won't be so easy to see. Stop this time. Oh, Daisy, we've got to think fast.

[Daisy]

What do we do?

[Linda]

Well, I. I don't quite know, Linda. I guess there isn't anything we can do. Daisy, look up. Here comes Kenneth. Hi, Kenneth. Maybe he could help. He's probably as scared as we.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Oh, Linda. Oh, hello, Ms. Keppel.

[Daisy]

The name is Keppelmeister, if you please.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Well, Linda, back on the job, I see.

[Linda]

Yes, Kenneth, thanks to you.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Oh, that was nothing. Nothing at all, Linda.

[Linda]

Yeah, Nothing is right, Daisy. Well, practically nothing.

[Daisy]

Because the jig's up, Mr. Woodruff.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Oh, what do you mean by that?

[Linda]

I mean that your old lady.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

You mean my mother?

[Narrator]

Perhaps.

[Linda]

How do you recognize the description? Well, she knows Linda's back here at her old job again.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Does she know how I fixed it?

[Linda]

Well, maybe she does and maybe she doesn't. But she's going to get all the dope straight from Beasley. Oh, your mother's coming over here, Kenneth, and she'll find out all about it. What's the matter, Mr. Woodruff? You look kind of scared about something.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Me? Scared of Mother? Why, certainly not.

[Linda]

Well, I guess maybe you just saw a ghost, then. Oh, Kenneth, I don't want you to get into any trouble over me. Oh, you've done so much already.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Ah, don't you worry, Linda. I guess I can handle the mater all right.

[Linda]

I know you can, but. Well, you do. She'll be here at the store almost any minute, and, oh, she'll demand to see Mr. Beasley. And once she does, the minute she shows herself in this store, Kelloff will make a dash for the nearest exit. He'll do nothing of the kind.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Apparently, Ms. Keppel Meister is laboring under the misapprehension that I live in mortal terror of my mother. Now, listen, Linda, don't you worry your pretty little head about this matter. You have my word that when Mother comes, I'll talk to her, tell her the truth, and there'll be no trouble whatever.

[Linda]

Oh, Kenneth, I do believe you. That guy sure was right, the one who said love was blind. Daisy, why do you say things like that? You don't understand. Why shouldn't I believe in Kenneth? He got my job back.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

And I'll see that you keep it, too. Linda. I'll just whisper into her ear as I did in Beasley's, and you won't have a thing to worry about.

[Linda]

Well, Mr. Woodruff, you better get your whisperer in good working for. There's a familiar figure heaving on the horizon with all her sails flapping. Kenneth, look.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Well, it's Molly. I didn't expect her quite so soon.

[Linda]

Well, start doing your stuff, big boy. We're waiting.

[Daisy]

Well, Kenneth, what are you doing here?

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Well, I.

[Daisy]

You don't need to tell me. I can see for myself. Ms. Crockett is back.

[Linda]

Good morning, Mrs. Woodruff.

[Daisy]

I was given to understand that this young lady had been dismissed after her reprehensible behavior.

[Linda]

They wouldn't want to crack like that about Linden. There's going to be some hair pulling them, and I'm the one that's gonna do it. Oh, Daisy, don't start anything, please.

[Daisy]

I'm afraid, Ms. Crockett, that something has been started, and it's my firm intention to see it through to the finish. I wish to see Mr. Beasley at once. Will you tell him, please?

[Linda]

All right, all right, Mrs. Woodruff.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Don't you do it, Linda. Mother.

[Daisy]

Well, Kenneth, just what is the meaning of this interference on your part, if you please?

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Well, I. I want to talk about this thing with you, Mother.

[Daisy]

And take the girl's part, I presume.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Very well.

[Daisy]

We most certainly will talk about Ms. Crockett and you. But not right now. I intend first to see Mr. Beasley.

[Mrs. Woodruff]

What's the trouble out of here?

[Linda]

Nothing, Mr. Beasley.

[Daisy]

Mr. Beasley, I want to see you at once.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Now, Mother, aren't you being a little hasty about this?

[Mrs. Woodruff]

Oh, Mrs. Wooder. Beg your pardon, ma'am. Be there in a jiffy.

[Daisy]

Certainly not, Kenneth. This has gone far enough.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Well, well.

[Mrs. Woodruff]

How do you do, Ms. Wooder? You come after your dress goods, I presume.

[Daisy]

Well, yes, but there's something much more important on my mind, Mr. Beecher.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Why.

[Narrator]

Why, of course.

[Mrs. Woodruff]

I know just what you mean, Mrs. Woodruff. Know exactly what you want.

[Daisy]

Well, I'm glad of that, Mr. Beasley. Then we need not go into any unnecessary preliminaries.

[Mrs. Woodruff]

That's right, Mrs. Woodruff. As a man of business, I always said, get to the point. Now, it's that imported lace to match that sample you left with me that's worrying you. And you needn't worry any longer, ma'am, because just this morning.

[Daisy]

No, no, Mr. Beesley, not the ladies. It's about Miss Crockett. Here.

[Linda]

Remember what I said about any more cracks about Linda?

[Mrs. Woodruff]

Ms. Keppelmeister, what do you mean by speaking to Mrs. Woodruff?

[Daisy]

Ms. Crockett was dismissed from your employ only a few days ago, Mr. Beasley. I hope I'm right in that assumption at least.

[Mrs. Woodruff]

Why, yes, sure, I fired her for a very good reason, too.

[Daisy]

Then how, may I ask, does it happen that I find her back at her post?

[Mrs. Woodruff]

What? What? But you said. Mrs. Woodruff.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Mother, you've got to let me talk to you alone in this minute.

[Daisy]

I'll talk to you afterwards when I finish with Mr. Beasley.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

No, you won't, Mother. Mr. Beasley can wait.

[Narrator]

But this can't.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Come over here, please.

[Daisy]

Well, if you insist. But there's nothing you can say that'll influence me.

[Mrs. Woodruff]

Say, look here. I'll be glad to know what this is all about.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Now, listen, Mother. You must listen to me. You mustn't do anything that would make Linda lose her job. Please.

[Daisy]

You misunderstand me, son. I'm not a cold, relentless woman out to deprive a little shop girl of her job. But I am determined to protect you from a scheming little Linda.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Scheming?

[Narrator]

My mother?

[Kenneth Woodruff]

That's a joke. Why, she's as simple and naive as a child.

[Daisy]

Well, these clinging young things can exert an influence on an impressionable young man like you. I want her out of the way where you won't see her anymore. But she's not in your social class, Kenneth. I worried a great deal about it.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Oh, Mother, listen. Leave her alone.

[Daisy]

Well, if I will, will you?

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Well, mother, it was I who got Linda's job back for her.

[Daisy]

You?

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Well, I. I used your influence with Mr. Beeson.

[Daisy]

Why. Why, you never consulted me. How. How dare you do such a thing? Well, now I begin to understand.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Well, mother, Linda depends upon this little job completely. And the only way she could have gotten it back was. Was through your influence. You know, you have more authority, a bigger name than any woman in town.

[Narrator]

Mother, you should have seen him growl.

[Daisy]

Well, of course that's true, but still, I don't like you pulling strings this way without my knowledge. And especially in behalf of a shop girl. Kenneth, you're not infatuated with her, are you?

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Of course not, mother. I. I just like her. She's a lot of fun and she's pretty.

[Daisy]

Well, then if that's the case, it should be easy for you to put her out of your mind, never see her again and pay more attention to girls in your own set.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Oh, but, mother, you see, Linda. Linda's crazy about. And I couldn't drop her like a hotcake.

[Daisy]

If you never see the girl again, I'll see that her job is made secure.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Well, if you'll promise me that.

[Daisy]

You better go, Kenneth. Leave the rest of it to me.

[Kenneth Woodruff]

Okay, Mother, but don't be hard on her.

[Daisy]

I'll take care of her. Ms. Crockett.

[Linda]

Yes, Mrs. Woodruff. Oh, Mrs. Woodruff, I hope you're not angry with Kenneth and you won't have me fired again, will you?

[Daisy]

I've decided to be lenient and generous with you. I shall see that your position is quite secure.

[Linda]

Oh, Mrs. Woodruff, thank you. Oh, I do appreciate.

[Daisy]

Now, wait a minute, child. This is a bargain. There's a condition to fill, Phil, on your part. You're not to see my son ever again.

[Linda]

But, Mrs. Woodruff. Not see Kenneth? Why? He likes me.

[Daisy]

You're mistaken regarding his affection for you. He's just told me that you mean nothing to him other than a girl to have a good time with.

[Linda]

Why, I don't believe it. Kenneth loves me.

[Daisy]

I'm sorry, but you must face the facts. Kenneth has no interest interest in you any longer and doesn't wish to see you again. Good day.

[Narrator]

Is this the end of Linda's romance with Kenneth? Should she go on fighting for him or go back to the faithful Danny Grogan? That question is important because your answer to it may win you one of the five Gruen curvex watches being given every week on this program. Yes, you may win one of these watches. And all you have to do is simply write a letter answering this question. Which of Linda's suitors would you choose and why? If you were in Linda's place, would you be happier with the dashing Kenneth Woodruff or the steady Danny Grogan? Sit down. Now decide which you would prefer. Then write a letter telling whether you would choose Danny or Kenneth and why. This week and every week, the five best letters answering that question will each win a genuine Gruen Curvex watch. These are ladies watches in the beautiful seventeen jewel Duchess model. Gruen Curvex watches are curved to fit the wrist. Win one of them to fit your wrist. Write your letter now. Get it in the mail before this Saturday at midnight. You can enter only one letter in each week's contest, and this week's letter must be mailed by this Saturday. But now let's hear about the three prize blends of coffee that Kroger brings you.

[Linda]

Ra.