Lindas First Love 49-05-04 3198 Miss Boothbee Missing - Baldwin Acts Strangely

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Linda's First Love" – Miss Boothbee Missing - Baldwin Acts Strangely

Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: October 17, 2025 (Original Airdate: May 4, 1949)

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Overview

This episode, part of the serialized drama Linda’s First Love from the Golden Age of Radio, centers on a tense evening in which Linda, Danny, and Mrs. Grogan are drawn into a mystery as Miss Boothby goes missing and Baldwin (Dr. Grogan) begins to act suspiciously. Against the atmospheric backdrop of darkness and mist, the characters navigate trust, suspicion, and potential danger as they search for Louise and try to keep ahead of the scheming Miss Boothby.

The story unfolds with a blend of intrigue, domestic drama, and the period's characteristic wry humor, while scenes cut between the Boothby house, Baldwin’s cottage, and the lively banter of townsfolk at the local pharmacy.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. A Mysterious Night at the Boothby House

(00:05–06:08)

• Linda and Danny’s Mission: Linda returns to Baldwin's cottage in the dark to figure out what’s amiss, while Danny waits outside.

• Suspicious Activities: Discussion between Dr. Grogan (Baldwin) and Mrs. Grogan reveals uncertainty about Miss Boothby's whereabouts and intentions.

• Secrecy and Safe Passage: Mrs. Grogan debates the safest route to avoid crossing paths with Miss Boothby and ultimately decides to wait in Baldwin’s sitting room.

  “You could hardly avoid it. Her, that is.”
  — Dr. Grogan, on the risk of bumping into Miss Boothby (03:13)

  “It’s very easy to see things that aren’t there on a spooky night like this.”
  — Mrs. Grogan, reflecting on the atmosphere (04:09)

2. Reflections on Consequence and Forgiveness

(04:24–05:26)

• Baldwin’s Regrets: Dr. Grogan fears losing his job due to past misjudgments involving Miss Boothby, especially concerning lost or stolen antiques.

• On Forgiveness: Mrs. Grogan asserts that their employer, Mr. Hepworth, is reasonable, but Dr. Grogan feels there are "limits to forgiveness."

  “He is a very fine man, but there are limits to forgiveness, I fear.”
  — Dr. Grogan (04:52)

• Plot Against Miss Boothby: They discuss leveraging any discoveries to make Miss Boothby “a most unhappy woman,” to which both toast.

3. Comic Relief at Blauvelt’s Pharmacy

(06:12–10:47)

• Townsfolk Banter: Shift to Archer Morrison, Sam Slade, and Eve Howard at the soda counter, providing lighthearted commentary on love, relationships, and growing old.

• Advice on Romance: The conversation pokes fun at romantic boldness and failed courtships, with Danny humorously recounting decades of unrequited love.

  “What do you know about women?”
  — Eve Howard, challenging Danny (07:06)

  “Love twice. Still in love. But one of them, brightly lady she is too. Actress named Tess. Ballet calls me.”
  — Danny, on his colorful history (08:35)

  “You live longer, sir. You live a life long.”
  — Danny’s final advice on love and marriage (10:47)

• Discussion of “Caveman Tactics”: Morrison and Slade seek advice about the “bold approach” to romance, which the elders humorously discourage.

4. Return to the Cottage: Anxiety and Strategy

(10:47–11:53)

• Tension Mounts: Back at Baldwin's cottage, Linda and Dr. Grogan worry about Miss Boothby's delay and possible traps for Danny.

• Sabotaged Weapon: It’s revealed Danny's gun has had its bullets swapped for blanks, highlighting the caution and cunning of their adversary.

  “Seems to me she might catch some sort of a trap over there before leaving the house. Maybe that’s what’s keeping her.”
  — Mrs. Grogan, speculating on Boothby’s delay (11:22)

• Final Precautions: Mrs. Grogan prepares to leave quietly, wishing luck to the others as they remain vigilant for Miss Boothby's arrival.

  “Good luck to you and the doctor, Mrs. Grogan.”
  — Dr. Grogan (11:48)

5. Cliffhanger and Next Steps

• Ominous Ending: Linda leaves, fearful that she and Danny might already be caught in Boothby’s trap. The episode ends on a suspenseful note, inviting listeners back for the next chapter.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Atmospheric Fear:
  “No one could be out tonight. Walking along that lonely road without the feeling that he was being followed."
  — Mrs. Grogan (02:59)

• Hard-Won Wisdom:
  “If you really want some advice off of me… Be like me. You live longer, sir. You live a life long.”
  — Danny (10:47)

• On Forgiveness and Loss:
  “There are limits to forgiveness, I fear.”
  — Dr. Grogan (04:52)

• On Plotting Against Miss Boothby:
  “She will be a most unhappy woman. I can assure you of that, Baldwin.”
  — Mrs. Grogan (05:37)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:05 – Linda heads to Baldwin’s cottage; the search for Louise is recapped
• 02:05 – Suspicion about Miss Boothby’s arrival develops
• 03:20 – Mrs. Grogan debates escape routes
• 04:30 – Dr. Grogan voices fears about job security and past mistakes
• 06:12 – Comic interlude at Blauvelt’s Pharmacy
• 10:47 – Linda checks the time, increased tension at Baldwin’s cottage
• 11:16 – Discovery of sabotaged weapon
• 11:53 – Episode ends on a suspenseful note, inviting listeners back

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Tone and Style

The episode is atmospheric, mixing suspense and tension with sprinkles of nostalgic humor and wisdom. The storytelling leans on the dramatic, yet the scenes in the pharmacy offer a warm, lightly sardonic reprieve—a hallmark of classic radio serials.

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For fans of classic radio drama, this chapter delivers both intrigue and gentle wit, closing with a classic cliffhanger. The interplay of stoic resolve, worry, and banter embodies the charming, engaging style of "Linda’s First Love."

Transcript

[Narrator]

Kroger's Spotlight Coffee. The Coffee that's hot, Dated for freshness, presents Linda's first love by transcriptions. Linda and Danny found a surprise waiting for them at the Boothby house. For their silhouetted against the lighted window was the figure of a woman, evidently from Teleboothy, who is supposed to be calling on Baldwin. Linda was sent back to find out what has gone amiss while Danny waits in the darkness for Ms. Boothie's departure. Then, and only then, can the search for Louise begin. We'll resume our story in a moment. Save five, save 10, save 15, 16, 17. Yes, 17 cents. You can save it on every pound of Kroger hot, dated Spotlight Coffee. That's why we say save by the pound up to 17 cents. Let spotlight Coffee cut your expense. Once you try it, you'll always buy it. Spotlight Coffee is rich, it's tasty, it's fresh. The hot date on the bottom of each bag tells you Kroger's Spotlight Coffee is freshly roasted. That date was sent there within an hour after the coffee left the roasting oven. You see your Spotlight Coffee fresh in the beans. And you know it's freshly ground because you see it ground after you buy it. Yet Spotlight Coffee costs you less, far less, than other well known brands. That's why we say save by the pound up to 17 cents. Let spotlight Coffee cut your expense. Yes, you can save up to 17 cents a pound on Spotlight Coffee. More on the big three pound economy bag shop and save at your neighborhood Kroger store. With some misgivings, Linda left Danny and made her way back to Baldwin's cottage through the darkness and mist. And now as she reaches the door and turns off her flashlight, the door opens and.

[Dr. Grogan]

Well, you're late. You. Why, Mrs. Grogan.

[Mrs. Grogan]

It is Grogan.

[Danny]

What's gone wrong?

[Dr. Grogan]

Step in. Step in, please. I really can't imagine what the old girl is up to, but she telephoned.

[Mrs. Grogan]

Changed her mind about coming.

[Dr. Grogan]

No, no, no, no, no. She's coming. But she said she'd be a little late. She didn't say why.

[Mrs. Grogan]

Well, I just came back from her house. She was still there when I left, and I wondered why.

[Dr. Grogan]

Well, I told Dr. Grogan I saw her approaching my door. I know, but of course, as it developed, I was quite wrong. I telephoned you at once, but you had already left and. Well, I'm dreadful sorry.

[Mrs. Grogan]

That's all right. Just as long as she's really coming over here.

[Dr. Grogan]

Yes, she may have left already.

[Eve Howard]

Are you.

[Dr. Grogan]

Are you sure you weren't followed Mrs. Grogan. Oh, here, please sit down.

[Mrs. Grogan]

No, no, I'd better be going on back. No, I'm sure no one followed me, Baldwin.

[Dr. Grogan]

Well, that would be very bad indeed. Are you absolutely sure? You know, Ms. Boothby might have slipped out of the house right after you left there. And on such a dark night as.

[Mrs. Grogan]

This, no one could be out tonight. Walking along that lonely road without the feeling that he was being followed. I stopped several times and listened just to get. There was no one. He may be along any minute, I suppose. Hardly do for me to be found here.

[Dr. Grogan]

Precisely why you shouldn't turn back now. You'd run into her, Mrs. Grogan. You could hardly avoid it. Her, that is.

[Mrs. Grogan]

But I can't stay here. I've got to join my husband. He's waiting for me outside the Boothly house.

[Dr. Grogan]

Oh, yes. Yes, of course. I understand. I have a suggestion. If you'll step back here to my little sitting room.

[Mrs. Grogan]

Or is there another exit?

[Dr. Grogan]

Yes, there is. Through my little kitchen. You can wait here in comfort and unseen, and I'll bring coffee. Then when my tardy guest does arrive.

[Mrs. Grogan]

I can go out the back way around the cottage. And then.

[Dr. Grogan]

Precisely. It seems the safest way, Mrs. Grogan.

[Mrs. Grogan]

In fact, it's the only way. Unless I should leave right now and try to find my way to a house by a different route.

[Dr. Grogan]

I shouldn't like you to get lost, Mrs. Grogan. No, the matter is entirely up to you. Of course, if you think you could find your way.

[Mrs. Grogan]

I'm not so sure that I could. And besides, this time I want to be absolutely sure that Ms. Boosie is here.

[Dr. Grogan]

All right.

[Mrs. Grogan]

I didn't mean that.

[Dr. Grogan]

To sound the reproach is quite deserved, Mrs. Goldie.

[Mrs. Grogan]

You couldn't help it. It's very easy to see things that aren't there on a spooky night like this.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Grogan]

I'll wait here, then, if it's all right.

[Dr. Grogan]

You'll find this chair the most comfortable.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Grogan]

I'm just bright and cheery in here. It's a nice little home.

[Dr. Grogan]

Yes, I shall miss it very much. Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe the coffee shall be ready.

[Mrs. Grogan]

You're not going to have any occasion to miss this cottage. Dr. Grogan and I are going to make it very plain to Mr. Hepworth that you were forced to do what you did.

[Dr. Grogan]

Yes, he will relieve me of my duties at once, Mrs. Logan.

[Mrs. Grogan]

I think you're doing him an injustice. He's a good and tolerant man. And he has no love for Contellabousi, as you well know.

[Dr. Grogan]

He is a very fine man, but there are limits to forgiveness, I fear.

[Mrs. Grogan]

He had to replace the antiques with a loss in the fire 10 years ago. And if necessary, he can get more replacements for the things that Ms. Boolsby made to take from the house.

[Dr. Grogan]

Yes, I'm very much afraid that many of them cannot be replaced this time, Mr. Colin.

[Mrs. Grogan]

Here, here, let me help you with that.

[Dr. Grogan]

No, no, no. I can manage quite well, thank you.

[Mrs. Grogan]

Well, just for tonight, Baldwin, I wish you to concentrate on Tuesdays.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Mrs. Grogan]

Keeping Ms. Boothey occupied and hoping that Dr. Grogan and I find not only Louise, but the auntie.

[Dr. Grogan]

Well, I hardly dare to hope for all that. But if you should be successful in either case, you'll be in a position to make things rather uncomfortable for Ms. Gooseby, will you not?

[Mrs. Grogan]

She will be a most unhappy woman. I can assure you of that, Baldwin. Shall we drink to success?

[Dr. Grogan]

Indeed.

[Mrs. Grogan]

Well, that's a DeWitt.

[Dr. Grogan]

When our friend arrives and you make your exit, Mrs. Grogan, there's one thing I'd like to ask you to do.

[Mrs. Grogan]

Very well. What is it?

[Dr. Grogan]

Would you take your cup and saucer to the kitchen with you, please? What Miss Boosie lacks in human virtues, he more than makes up for in shrewdness.

[Mrs. Grogan]

I understand.

[Dr. Grogan]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Grogan]

He'd wonder who had been here.

[Narrator]

And while Linda waits with Baldwin, let's look in on a serious conference back home in Centerville. The scene is a booth at Blauvelt's Pharmacy. Two clients of the ice cream department sit facing one another. Archer Morrison and Sam Slade. And just now, the hired help in the frail form of old Eve Howard, joins the debate.

[Eve Howard]

That caveman stuff is a bunk, Mr. Morrison.

[Sam Slade]

I wonder, Sam. I wonder.

[Narrator]

Oh, Mr. Howard. Did you want to order again, Sam?

[Sam Slade]

Another soda might help. That fruit of yours?

[Narrator]

Nope.

[Eve Howard]

Don't think nothing would help with Al Wakefield. It looks like he wants to sit down. Sit down, Heath, you old muskrat.

[Danny]

All right with you, Ms. Martin? Cussing like this requires a fellow watch leaves. Yes, sir.

[Sam Slade]

Why, of course it does.

[Danny]

There have been rounds.

[Sam Slade]

Quite.

[Danny]

Well, Danny. Reach my full maturity? Yes, Everybody.

[Eve Howard]

Well, what do you know about women?

[Danny]

All I've seen them come and go nigh on to 90. Oh, words that napp. If I wasn't smart by now, why, I'd be some little tight great grandpa.

[Sam Slade]

You never married. And here you are, a lonely old man and a tragic face.

[Eve Howard]

No more tragicaler than I be.

[Danny]

Oh, don't go feeling sorry for me. Got me a Fine dignified position. Wrestling sodas and crazy Sundays. More company than I can stand almost. And when I got home, well, I got my memory and my mandolins.

[Sam Slade]

Were you never in love, though?

[Danny]

Oh, tell the dustman, Sam. You tell him.

[Eve Howard]

Oh, it shucks, I can't tell Mr. Morrison. I don't remember back.

[Dr. Grogan]

No.

[Eve Howard]

150 years old, my crap.

[Danny]

Well, well, that's as nice and safe. Shame on the talking to me that way. It's the captain and the lady right here. You wouldn't ask me that way.

[Eve Howard]

Calm your blood pressure down east, Holmen.

[Narrator]

You kill him.

[Sam Slade]

Captain. Captain who may I ask?

[Eve Howard]

He means the doctor.

[Danny]

Ms. Linda was the captain and still is as far as I'm concerned. Well, he's told the gentleman here about the thousands and thousands of pretty ladies all over the years who proposed marriage to me.

[Narrator]

They said.

[Eve Howard]

Oh, I'm listening to them.

[Sam Slade]

Does sound like at least a exaggeration, but. Well, I have the greatest respect for old age. A man who's a Saint.

[Narrator]

Your mark, Mr. Howard.

[Sam Slade]

Must be wise in many things.

[Eve Howard]

So.

[Danny]

Oh, in love last year. Love twice. Still in love. But one of them brightly lady she is too. Actress named Tess. Ballet calls me.

[Dr. Grogan]

The day.

[Eve Howard]

When you're going to get.

[Narrator]

Married, it's up with for all.

[Danny]

Don't believe in short engagement. Oh, we'll see. Few years anyhow. Don't like to be called a cradle robber. I'll wait till she reaches her majesty. Just a rebound.

[Sam Slade]

Well, how old is the lady in question, Mr. Howard?

[Danny]

86, she says. But you know how tis with women.

[Eve Howard]

Just a itsy bitsy baby, though.

[Sam Slade]

Well, I hope you'll be very happy. But tell me, since you've been in love so many times.

[Eve Howard]

Well, Mr. Morrison wants to know if he ought to drag his girl off, get marinated.

[Narrator]

No caveman stuff.

[Sam Slade]

The abrupt will not take no for an answer. Switch the girl off a feed approach, Mr. Howarth.

[Danny]

Tried that on Gwendolyn Westine, 1889. Doris Carahati, 1901. Frederica Dayton, 1904. And in Decatur in the year 1908, I tried Russian, Molly Marie Flossy, Virginia Lecter, Maggie and marbles.

[Eve Howard]

Oh, boy, 1908 sure were a busy year.

[Sam Slade]

And Decatur the most attractive town. But, well, since you're still single, I.

[Narrator]

Needn'T ask what luck you had.

[Danny]

I consider myself lucky. Oh, take me down. Fluttering the collapsible upry hat. Oh, there are Dutch fellows. Bagged him to death.

[Eve Howard]

Marrying up sure be a mighty riskable business. Mr. Morrison, you're a cynic.

[Narrator]

Sam.

[Sam Slade]

And so are you, Mr. Howard. But neither of you favor the bold approach I take.

[Eve Howard]

Not me.

[Danny]

I abstain.

[Narrator]

You all abstain.

[Danny]

Why, Mr. Howard wouldn't want Donald Conscience if your young lady said yes. And I wouldn't want Don McConscience if she hadn't used a Miss Neither siree Bubble. If you really want some advice off of me. Yes, Be like me. You live longer, sir. You live a life long.

[Narrator]

And back at Baldwin's cottage, Linda glances.

[Mrs. Grogan]

At her watch and it's 25 after 9. Baldwin.

[Dr. Grogan]

Yes. Well, Ms. Boothby won't offer any explanation. I know that. I can't imagine why.

[Mrs. Grogan]

She certainly hope she hasn't discovered Danny.

[Dr. Grogan]

Oh, that I doubt, Mrs. Grogan. She is, as I said, shrewd. But it's hardly likely that she'll discover his presence on the grounds on a moonlight night. It might be a different matter, but.

[Mrs. Grogan]

Well, he's not armed, you know. That is, he has a gun. But someone removed the bullets and replaced them with blank cartridges, you know.

[Dr. Grogan]

Ah, yes, obviously it was that man badger. He's in Ms. Boothby's pay, and he's a clever sort.

[Mrs. Grogan]

She went to that trouble anticipating another visit from us. Seems to me she might catch some sort of a trap over there before leaving the house. Maybe that's what's keeping her.

[Dr. Grogan]

I. I sincerely hope not. But you and the doctor had better be doubly careful. There's nothing I'd put past her.

[Sam Slade]

I. Oh.

[Mrs. Grogan]

Oh, your guess is alive. So I'll take my cup and saucer and depart by way of the kitchen. Boldman.

[Sam Slade]

Good luck.

[Dr. Grogan]

You had better glance in the window.

[Sam Slade]

To make sure it is, Ms. Boothcombe.

[Dr. Grogan]

I'm sure it is. Good luck to you and the doctor, Mrs. Groban.

[Danny]

All the luck in the world.

[Narrator]

And as Linda leaves the cottage, she's chilled with a new fear. What is delayed, Ms. Boothie? The construction of some sort of a trap. And one which Danny may have already encountered. Tune in to the next absorbing chapter of Linda's first love. Save five, save 10, save 15, 16, 17. Yes, 17 cents. You can save it on every pound of Kroger hot dated Spotlight Coffee. That's why we say save by the pound, up to 17 cents. Let spotlight Coffee cut your expense. Yes, here it is, ladies. The coffee that tops them all. Tops in flavor, tops in freshness. You can tell Spotlight Coffee is freshly roasted by the hot date on the bottom of the bag. A date stands there within an hour after the coffee leaves the roasting oven. Kroger Spotlight Coffee comes to you fresh in the bean, and you know it's freshly ground because you see it ground after you buy it. Yet Spotlight Coffee costs you less, far less, than other well known brands. You can actually save up to 17 cents a pound. That's why we say save by the pound up to 17 cents. Let spotlight coffee cut your expense. Yes, you can save up to 17 cents a pound on Spotlight Coffee. More on the big three pound economy bag. Kroger Hot dated Spotlight Coffee is sold only at Kroger stores. Listen again tomorrow, same time, same station, for another dramatic transcribed chapter of Linda's First Love.