Little Orphan Annie - Tony Is Arrested For Robbery

Summary

Podcast Summary: Little Orphan Annie - "Tony Is Arrested for Robbery"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 26, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio features a classic installment of "Little Orphan Annie." The story centers on a tense situation: Tony Ronelli, a hardworking bridge worker and father, is arrested for a robbery he claims he did not commit. The episode delves into themes of suspicion, prejudice, friendship, and the search for truth as Annie and her friends grapple with the mounting evidence against Tony, trying desperately to prove his innocence before the law takes its course.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. The Setup: Robbery and Suspicion

• [01:30-03:45]
  • The episode opens with the aftermath of a payroll robbery. Bill Corwin, who witnessed the holdup, describes the robber as having an Italian accent, wearing a mask across his eyes, and bearing a scar on his left cheek.
  • This description alarms Annie and her friends, especially Caesar Ronelli, whose father Tony matches the description.

Quote:
"Caesar, your father."
— Narrator ([03:45])

• Caesar is adamant that his father is innocent, but is aware that the circumstantial evidence looks damning.

Quote:
"Gosh, I know father didn't do this, Annie. But the description Bill gave is just like him."
— Caesar Ronelli ([03:48])

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2. Mounting Evidence and Group Doubts

• [03:54-05:17]
  • The children review the facts: Tony’s accent, the scar, his absence from work due to illness, and the nature of the evidence.
  • Bill Corwin, though robbed by the masked figure, admits he can’t definitively clear Tony because of the mask.

Quote:
"If I were asked on a witness stand under oath, I couldn't say this man wasn't Tony…"
— Bill Corwin ([04:22])

3. Alternate Theory: Framing Tony

• [05:17-07:03]
  • Joe proposes the idea that someone is intentionally framing Tony to cover up the real crime and eliminate him as a witness to a previous suspicious incident involving Mr. Strong’s injury.
  • The group speculates that copying Tony’s distinguishing accent and work clothes would not be hard for the true culprit.

Notable Moment:
"We know Tony didn't do this, don't we?... Well, then whoever did do it tried to make it look as if Tony did it to throw suspicion off himself."
— Joe ([05:21], [05:25])

• They discuss possible motives, connecting the current crime with previous accidents on the jobsite.

4. The Marshal Finds Evidence

• [07:03-09:01]
  • The Marshal interrupts, announcing he’s found substantial evidence: empty payroll envelopes found in Tony Ronelli’s backyard.
  • Combined with Corwin’s ID and the circumstances, the Marshal feels justified in making an arrest.

Quote:
"Evidence is evidence. Now, put together with Corwin's description of the man who held him up and the place where I found these pay envelopes empty. I guess there's no more doubt about the case."
— Marshal ([08:25])

5. Desperation and Arrest

• [09:01-11:35]
  • The children plead with the Marshal to consider Joe’s theory and insist Tony is innocent.
  • The Marshal remains unconvinced, stressing the power of tangible evidence over conjecture.

Quote:
"I'm sorry. Theories don't cut much ice with me where facts are concerned. And I reckon I got my facts."
— Marshal ([09:06])

6. Emotional Climax: At the Ronelli Home

• [11:44-13:32]
  • At the Ronelli home, Tony is sick in bed, his wife is distraught, and Caesar tries to keep everyone calm.
  • The Marshal proceeds to arrest Tony despite protests, leading to an emotional scene as Mrs. Ronelli breaks down.

Quote:
"You no can arrest my Tony. My Tony, he belong to me. He no can do anything wrong."
— Mrs. Tony Ronelli ([13:03])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Prejudice and Evidence:

  • "My father is the only man working on the bridge that I know of who has a scar on the left side of his face." — Caesar ([04:04])
  • "Anybody could speak with an Italian accent." — Joe ([11:16])

• Marshal’s Hardline Stance:

  • "With all this evidence piling up, it's not going to do any good spouting theories. I got my man. Leastwise, I'm gonna get him as soon as I get to that door ahead there." — Marshal ([11:21])

• Parental Love:

  • "My Tony, he belong to me. He no can do anything wrong. My Tony, he no could do anything wrong." — Mrs. Tony Ronelli ([13:03])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Little Orphan Annie Theme Song: [00:42–01:30]
• Ovaltine Ad & Transition: [01:30–03:45]
• Initial Realization About Tony: [03:45–05:17]
• Joe Suggests a Frame-Up: [05:17–07:03]
• Marshal Returns With Evidence: [07:03–09:01]
• Marshal’s Decision & Arrest: [09:01–13:32]
• Cliffhanger & Ovaltine Sign-off: [13:32–15:23]

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Overall Tone and Language

The dialogue is brisk, filled with the earnest innocence of Annie and her friends contrasted against the unwavering certainty of authority figures like the Marshal. Emotional moments are heightened by simple, heartfelt declarations, especially from Caesar and Mrs. Ronelli.

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Closing & Cliffhanger

The episode ends with Tony being taken away in front of his devastated family, as the narrator urges listeners not to miss the next episode for a resolution—and, in classic style, to drink Ovaltine.

Final Remark:
"...If you do miss one, you're likely to miss out on something that's pretty important. That's almost like missing your Ovaltine." — Ovaltine Announcer ([13:32])

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This installment of "Little Orphan Annie" combines suspense, empathy, and a strong social message about the dangers of circumstantial evidence with the indomitable optimism of Annie and her friends, setting up a gripping continuation for loyal listeners.

Transcript

[Liberty Mutual Insurance Agent]

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[Narrator/Commentator]

Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Marshal]

Oh, no.

[Liberty Mutual Insurance Agent]

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[Narrator/Commentator]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Insurance Agent]

Anyways, get a [e-mail] or with your local agent.

[Marshal]

Liberty, Liberty. Liberty, Liberty.

[Little Orphan Annie (Singing)]

Who's that little chatterbox the one with pretty auburn locks Whom do you see? It's Little Orphan Annie she and Sandy make a pair they never seem to have a care Cute little she this little orphan Annie Bright eyes, cheeks a rosy glow There's a store of healthiness handy My size Always on the go if you want to know I'm so Sandy Always wears a sunny smile now wouldn't it be worth the while if you could be like Little orphan Annie?

[Ovaltine Announcer]

It's 5:45 now, the time when you hear about Orphan Annie's adventures. And all about Ovaltine, too. And tonight I have a letter that tells you a mighty interesting story. About how Ovaltine helped a boy who was thin and nervous. Mrs. W.C. steiner, 361 Arch Street, New Britain, Connecticut, wrote this letter, and here's what she says. My son was injured in an automobile accident. Leaving him nervous and restless, especially at night. He was quite thin, and his little shoulder blades began to protrude noticeably. He didn't like milk. And trying to find something to build him up, I remembered that a nurse had told me that Ovaltine was wonderful for children. He began to drink Ovaltine regularly. And in a short time had actually gained nine pounds. His nerves are so much better that we were able to send him to school with the rest of his playmates. And best of all, he wakes up in the morning, rested and happy, ready for his Ovaltine and a good breakfast. Just think of that. Mrs. Steiner's boy was awfully thin and nervous. But once he started on Ovaltine, he gained nine pounds. And he's back at school feeling just tip top. Now, of course, you haven't been in an automobile accident. But still, you may be kind of thin and small. If you are, why not ask your mother to let you try Ovaltine? That may be the biggest kind of a help for you, too. Because every cupful of Ovaltine gives you important minerals and vitamins and things to help build up extra strength and energy for you. So ask your mother to Let you have Ovaltine with all your meals every day from now on, and pretty soon just see if you don't begin to get bigger and huskier and have loads more pep than ever before. And now for our adventure. Yesterday, Bill Corwin told the marshal that the payroll robber spoke with an Italian accent, wore a mask across his eyes and had a scar on his left cheek. The Marshal has left Dr. Stevens house now, but Bill Corwin, Annie Joe and Cesar Renelli are still here. And Caesar's terribly worried because the description of the robber almost exactly fits his father, Tony. But listen, Annie's talking now.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Leaping lizard. Caesar, your father.

[Caesar Ronelli]

Gosh, I know father didn't do this, Annie. But a description Bill gave is just like him.

[Narrator/Commentator]

But your father wouldn't rob Caesar. He wouldn't do a thing like this.

[Caesar Ronelli]

I know he wouldn't. I'm sure he wouldn't. But don't you see how bad this is going to look for him?

[Joe]

Shucks, I don't see how.

[Caesar Ronelli]

My father is the only man working on the bridge that I know of who has a scar on the left side of his face.

[Narrator/Commentator]

How about that, Bill?

[Bill Corwin]

I. I guess it's true, Annie.

[Narrator/Commentator]

But, Suffering Sunfish, we know he didn't do it. You can say he. He didn't, Bill. You ought to know. You were the one who was robbed. You saw the robber.

[Bill Corwin]

I. I did, Annie, but. Well, don't you see? He wore this mask across his eyes. If I were asked. Well, if I were asked on a witness stand under oath, I couldn't say this man wasn't Tony Jumping grasshoppers.

[Caesar Ronelli]

You see the way it is, Annie. I saw it right off as soon as I heard Bill's description of the robber.

[Narrator/Commentator]

But, Caesar, we know your father didn't do this.

[Joe]

Course we do.

[Caesar Ronelli]

We know it because we know my father. But other people like Mr. Flynn, Red Hogan, the marshal, and all the police, they don't know it. They'll be sure he didn't. There are other things beside that. Scotch.

[Joe]

Shucks.

[Caesar Ronelli]

What? My father didn't go to work today. He was not feeling well. He was off the job. You see, he could have been anywhere. But Ike. There's more, Bill. Says the man who held him up talked with an Italian accent. My father does.

[Narrator/Commentator]

He's been lizards. This does look bad.

[Bill Corwin]

You're right, Annie. It looks bad when you add all those things up together. Especially when I can't say the man who helped me up wasn't Tony.

[Joe]

Shucks. There's only one thing I can see about the whole Business.

[Narrator/Commentator]

What's that, Joe?

[Joe]

Well, we know Tony didn't do this, don't we?

[Narrator/Commentator]

Of course we do.

[Joe]

Well, then whoever did do it tried to make it look as if Tony did it to throw suspicion off himself.

[Bill Corwin]

Wait a minute, Joel. You're going pretty fast. There are a lot of facts you've got to explain.

[Joe]

Well, it wouldn't be hard for anyone to put on work clothes so they look like Tony, would it?

[Narrator/Commentator]

Of course not.

[Joe]

You know, I guess most anybody, if they practiced a little, could talk with an Italian accent. Shucks, I could even do it myself. It's not so hard to talk at Italian. It's very easy to talk it like a Tony suffering sunfish.

[Narrator/Commentator]

It could be done.

[Bill Corwin]

How about the scar, though, Joe?

[Joe]

Well, I'm not so sure about the scar. That's gotten me stumped a little.

[Bill Corwin]

And who'd want to do this to Tony? Who'd ever even think of doing it to him?

[Joe]

I sort of got that figured out.

[Caesar Ronelli]

Bill, you have a Joe?

[Joe]

Yeah. Not exactly. Who? But why?

[Narrator/Commentator]

What do you mean, Joe?

[Joe]

Well, I've been doing a lot of thinking ever since Mr. Strong got hurt.

[Bill Corwin]

Strong? What's he got to do with this? He's lying home with a broken leg.

[Joe]

I don't mean he has anything to do with it. But it's why Mr. Strong got hurt that I'm thinking of something to do with the robbery.

[Narrator/Commentator]

He got hurt, Joe. Cause those logs fell on his leg.

[Joe]

Sure. But don't forget, Annie, that those logs were pushed down on top of him.

[Narrator/Commentator]

I know they were.

[Joe]

And who was it saw somebody push those logs? It was Caesar's father. That's who it was. It was Tony Ronelli.

[Caesar Ronelli]

Leaping lizards.

[Narrator/Commentator]

That's right, Joe.

[Joe]

Sure. Annie, don't you see? If whoever hurt Mr. Sprung thought Tony had seen him, then if they could get Tony out of the way, they'd be safe. So by doing this job, this robbery, and making folks think Tony did it, they'd be getting two birds with one stone.

[Bill Corwin]

Joe, I think maybe you've hit on something.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Sure he has, Joe. This is great. Because all they've got against Caesar's father is the scar and the Italian accent.

[Caesar Ronelli]

Sure, that's right. That's all.

[Narrator/Commentator]

So if we could hook up this attack on Mr. Strong.

[Marshal]

Well, I got back.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Oh, hello, Marshall.

[Bill Corwin]

We were just talking about the case. Marshall. Did you find anything?

[Marshal]

You bet your boots I found something. I came back here to see you, though, before I did anything about it.

[Bill Corwin]

Garwin, what did you find?

[Marshal]

Did you ever see any of these before?

[Bill Corwin]

See any of what?

[Little Orphan Annie (Singing)]

No.

[Marshal]

Wait now till I get them out of my pocket. I guess they're stuck.

[Ovaltine Announcer]

There.

[Marshal]

There. Ever see any of those envelopes before, Corwin?

[Bill Corwin]

Why. Why of course. Those are the pay envelopes we use on the bridge job, Marshall.

[Little Orphan Annie (Singing)]

Aha.

[Marshal]

I thought so. I thought so.

[Bill Corwin]

How many have you got there?

[Marshal]

Well, I don't know. A dozen or so maybe. Reckon I got enough anyhow.

[Bill Corwin]

Well, where did you find them?

[Marshal]

When I heard your description of the robber Corwin, it didn't take me long to get on the right trail. No, sir. I think I know most of the men working on this bridge job. And I know there's only one that's got a scar on his left cheek. So I hiked me right out to his shack.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Wait a minute, Marsh.

[Caesar Ronelli]

Who's the shack?

[Marshal]

Caesar, you're a good kid and I know it. This is gonna be mighty hard on you, but you've got to bear it. I found these here envelopes out in your backyard. Right where your father must have left them after he emptied the money out of them.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Marshall, you don't.

[Marshal]

I'm sorry, Annie. I'm awful sorry. But evidence is evidence. Now, put together with Corwin's description of the man who held him up and the place where I found these pay envelopes empty. I guess there's no more doubt about the case. I just came back here to hear from Corwin's lips that these were the envelopes and.

[Joe]

And now what are you gonna do?

[Marshal]

I'm gonna arrest Tony Ranelli for this robbery just as quick as I can get my hands on him.

[Bill Corwin]

Marshall, you gotta wait.

[Marshal]

I'm sorry, Bill. I can't wait. Reckon I know my duty when I see it. And I've always been a man to do my duty.

[Bill Corwin]

But we've got something to tell you. We don't think it was Renelli. Joe here has a theory about the.

[Marshal]

I'm sorry. Theories don't cut much ice with me where facts are concerned. And I reckon I got my facts. I'm heading for Renelli's again. Now if Joe wants to come along and explain his theories on the way, I'll listen, but I don't think my ears are going to hear so good. So long, Bill. I'll be seeing you after I make this arrest.

[Joe]

Shucks, what are we gonna do?

[Bill Corwin]

I don't know as there's anything you can do. The marshal seems to have made up his mind.

[Narrator/Commentator]

We can tell him what we think.

[Caesar Ronelli]

Anyhow, my father never stole that money. Somebody put those pay envelopes in our yard.

[Bill Corwin]

Of course, all I can suggest is that you run after him and try to convince him.

[Caesar Ronelli]

I've got to go anyhow. If he's going to arrest my father, I've got to be there.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Come on then.

[Bill Corwin]

Wish I could go with you, but the doc said I shouldn't move for a while.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Of course. You stay there, Bill. We'll do the best we can.

[Bill Corwin]

Good luck.

[Joe]

There's the marshal ahead there.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Well, let's catch up with him.

[Bill Corwin]

Come on.

[Joe]

Marshall. Hey, Marshall, wait a minute.

[Marshal]

Well, what is it you want? If you got any theories, Joel, let's hear as we walk along. And you better talk fast. Cause it's not so far to the Rinelli's.

[Joe]

It's this way. Mr. Marshall, we don't think Tony did this robbery.

[Narrator/Commentator]

We know he didn't.

[Caesar Ronelli]

My father is an honest man. Never in his whole life has he done anything to be ashamed of.

[Marshal]

Caesar, it's you that I feel sorry for. You're a good kid and I know it. And I've always liked you ever since you came here. But you are not to blame. And you mustn't feel to blame for anything your father's done.

[Caesar Ronelli]

But my father didn't do it, Marshall.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Of course he did.

[Joe]

We've got it figured that somebody made it look as if Tony did it. You see?

[Marshal]

Now wait a minute, Joe. You got any evidence to that effect?

[Caesar Ronelli]

Evidence?

[Marshal]

Yep. You see, I got plenty of evidence that says Tony Ronelli did this. And evidence speaks louder than words or theories. You see, in the first place, Corwin said the man that held him up spoke with an Italian accent. Now there ain't so many Italians around here or on the bridge job either. And Corwin said first of all, this man who held him up spoke like an Italian.

[Joe]

But look, Marshall, it's this way. Anybody could speak with an Italian accent.

[Marshal]

With all this evidence piling up, it's not going to do any good spouting theories. I got my man. Leastwise, I'm gonna get him as soon as I get to that door ahead there. And then we'll see what the court and the jury says about it.

[Narrator/Commentator]

Oh, please, Marshall, if you'd only listen for just a minute.

[Marshal]

I'm sorry, Annie. I got my duty to do and I'm going to do it.

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

Come in.

[Caesar Ronelli]

Ho ho ho.

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

It says that and honey and Joe and the.

[Caesar Ronelli]

This is the marshal, Mama. He. He is the town marshal and he's looking for Father.

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

That's very nice, Papa. Don't expect any calls today. He's very pleased when he hear the marshal come to see him.

[Marshal]

I'm afraid he won't be very pleased, Mrs. Tony. Where is he?

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

Oh, he's very sick today. He's in the next room. Oh, but I know he'll be very glad to see the marshal. I will come.

[Marshal]

Don't bother, Mrs. Tony. I'll just go in.

[Caesar Ronelli]

Now, don't get excited, Mama. This is going to be all right in the end.

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

What do you mean, Cesar? What do you mean?

[Marshal]

There you are, Tony.

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

Hello.

[Joe]

Hello.

[Marshal]

I can see pretty good because the light is dim. Never mind. You don't have to see me. I can see you all right. Tony, have you been out of this house today?

[Little Orphan Annie (Singing)]

Oh, no, no.

[Bill Corwin]

I'm a sick. I'm very sick. I don't go to the job today.

[Marshal]

Not be now, eh? Well, that's your story, Tony, and you stick to it. But I don't think you're gonna put it over. Cause right now I'm arresting you for the robbery of the bridge payroll.

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

What's that?

[Marshal]

You talk crazy.

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

What you say? You arrest my Tony. You no can arrest my Tony.

[Caesar Ronelli]

No, Mama. Take it easier.

[Little Orphan Annie (Singing)]

Arrest me, Ma.

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

I no do no wrong. You no arrest my Tony. You no can do that. My Tony, he belong to me. He no can do anything wrong. My Tony, he no could do anything wrong.

[Caesar Ronelli]

Easy, Mama. Easy.

[Marshal]

Well, I'm sorry, Tony, but you'll have to get up out of there and come with me. Come with me to jail. You're under arrest.

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

No. No.

[Marshal]

Tony.

[Mrs. Tony Ronelli]

Tony.

[Ovaltine Announcer]

Poor Tony Ranelli. They've arrested him for that payroll robbery. What do you think about it? Do you think he did it? Or has Joe got the right idea that someone's just trying to throw unjust suspicion on Tony? You can see from the way things are going now that you don't want to miss a single one of Addie's adventures that are coming. Because if you do miss one, you're likely to miss out on something that's pretty important. That's almost like missing your Ovaltine. Because drinking Ovaltine every day is pretty important, too. Because every cup of Ovaltine is good for you and gives you important additions to the regular food you may need to have every single day. So ask your mother to get you a can of Ovaltine at her drug or grocery store right now and drink a big cup full this very night. And with all your meals and in between meals every day from now on. And everybody wants to be here right on time next Monday at 5:45 to find out what's going to happen to poor Tony. We'll be seeing you next Monday at 5:45 then goodbye.

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