Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Macy Morning Show (1935-11-xx)
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Introduction
In this enchanting episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the Macy Morning Show dated November 1935. Hosted by James Hall, the program offers a delightful blend of music, informative segments, and light-hearted banter that captivates the entire family. This summary delves into the episode's key elements, notable discussions, and memorable moments, providing a comprehensive overview for both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Opening Remarks and Musical Kickoff
The episode commences with an energetic welcome from James Hall, setting a lively tone for the morning. At 00:23, Hall exclaims:
"Hello there. You know who this is, don't you? It's James Hall again. Couldn't be anyone else."
(00:23)
He seamlessly transitions into a playful sports analogy, likening the radio show's start to a football kickoff:
"In the jargon of the football announcers that you'll be hearing for many Saturday afternoons to come, all kicks off. Hal Kemp receives the ball."
(00:40)
Hal Kemp, the house band leader, enters with a charismatic greeting:
"Good morning, everyone."
(00:40)
This spirited exchange sets the stage for the musical offerings that define the show.
Musical Highlights
Hal Kemp delivers captivating performances that anchor the episode. The first standout is Cole Porter's classic, "I've Got You Under My Skin". Starting at 00:45, Kemp's rendition immerses listeners with its smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics:
"I've got you under my skin. I've got you deep in the heart of me..."
(02:43)
The performance showcases Kemp's exceptional musicianship, evoking the romantic sentiments of the era.
Following the musical interlude, Hall adds a touch of excitement:
"Oh, boy. Boy, what a game. Hal takes the ball right through the line this time."
(04:18)
Kemp continues to engage the audience with snippets of dialogue and song, maintaining a dynamic and entertaining flow throughout the morning.
At 08:45, Kemp introduces another musical piece, "A Fine Romance", infusing it with a playful, sarcastic twist:
"A fine romance, my friend."
(08:45)
His performance reflects the evolving nature of love songs, blending sentimentality with wit.
Macy's Representative Segment
A notable feature of this episode is the informative segment presented by a Macy's Representative, airing at 05:41. This segment highlights Macy's innovative approach to children's clothing through their Macy's Youth Center. The representative emphasizes:
"We have been tackling the problem of children's clothes from a very different viewpoint than any other store... from a really scientific standpoint."
(05:41)
Key points discussed include:
-
Scientific Approach: Macy's collaborates with doctors, child study specialists, educated mothers, and teachers to design children's apparel.
-
Global Influence: Buyers travel across America and Europe, ensuring a diverse and fashionable selection.
-
Practical Application: The Macy's Youth Center integrates theories into 12 specialized departments, enhancing service to families.
The representative underscores the success of this methodology by recounting a record-breaking day:
"More children came to Youth Center for their fall clothes than had ever appeared on any one day in the 78 years history of the store."
(05:41)
This segment not only advertises Macy's offerings but also educates listeners on the thoughtfulness behind their products.
Hollywood News Update
At 09:50, James Hall transitions to a lively Hollywood news segment, delivering updates and anecdotes from Tinseltown:
-
Jeanette McDonald's Sudden Departure:
"Jeanette McDonald left Hollywood suddenly with her mother to be gone for two weeks..."
(09:50) -
Chico Marx's Health and Production Halt:
"Chico Mark laid up with a bad cold, temporarily holding up production on 'A Day at the Races.'"
(09:50) -
Wally Berry's Idaho Adventure:
"Wally Berry left the other day by plane for Boyce, Idaho... hunting and traveling."
(09:50) -
Bruce Gabbit's Golf Incident:
"Bruce Gabbit shot a 78 at golf at Bel Air Country Club."
(09:50) -
Record-Breaking Screen Tests:
"Motion picture studio gave screen and voice tests to a thousand dancing girls... for 'Born to Dance.'"
(09:50) -
Clark Gable's Police Adventure:
"Clark Gable has accepted an invitation to the Los Angeles Homicide squad to spend a night on duty."
(09:50)
This segment entertains listeners with behind-the-scenes glimpses of their favorite stars, adding a layer of glamour and intrigue to the morning show.
Closing Musical Performance
As the episode nears its end, Hal Kemp returns with "Got a Date with an Angel", a soulful tune that wraps up the broadcast on a melodic note:
"Got a date with an angel I'm on my way to heaven."
(10:48)
This heartfelt performance resonates with listeners, providing a soothing conclusion to the morning's festivities.
Notable Quotes
-
James Hall on hosting the show:
"It's the guy who gets the first word and the last word on all of our Thursday morning programs."
(00:23) -
Macy's Representative on their scientific approach:
"We are in constant consultation with these authorities... in order to have in the largest children's store in the world a practical application of their theories."
(05:41) -
Hal Kemp on love and romance:
"A fine romance with no clincher. You're just as hard to land as the elder friend."
(08:49)
Conclusion
The Macy Morning Show episode of Harold's Old Time Radio encapsulates the essence of 1930s radio programming with its harmonious blend of music, informative advertising, and engaging news segments. James Hall's charismatic hosting, combined with Hal Kemp's exceptional musical talents, creates an inviting atmosphere that appeals to listeners of all ages. The inclusion of Macy's insightful segment not only advertises products but also educates the audience on the thoughtful design behind children's clothing. Additionally, the Hollywood news update adds a layer of glamour and keeps listeners informed about their favorite stars.
Overall, this episode serves as a nostalgic reminder of the communal radio experience, where families gathered around the dial to share in the stories, music, and information that shaped their mornings. Whether reminiscing about classic tunes or discovering the innovative approaches of Macy's Youth Center, listeners are sure to find both entertainment and value in this memorable broadcast.