Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - Maggie's Private Wire 45-08-10 xxx Featuring Enrico Caruso Jr.

Release Date: February 8, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Maggie's Private Wire 45-08-10 xxx", hosts Herb Sheldon and Maggie McNelis delve into the vibrant world of Broadway and Hollywood, featuring insightful interviews with renowned guests and delightful segments on the latest in theater and dining.

Guest Interview: Blanche Yerka

Timestamp: [02:22] – [08:36]

Blanche Yerka, a distinguished actress celebrated for her roles on Broadway and in film, takes center stage in this segment. Maggie opens the discussion by highlighting Blanche's impressive career, noting her upcoming appearance in "The Wind is 90".

• Blanche discusses her role in "The Wind is 90":

  "My part in The Wind is 90 really does interest me because it's so different from anything I've done in a long, long time. [02:35] It's a very simple, kindly woman—the mother of a dead serviceman who returns to his home to try and help his family through the adjustment necessary when they learn that he's dead."

Herb praises Blanche's performance in "The Song of Bernadette", to which Blanche responds modestly about her role as Aunt Bernard.

• On stage versus screen:

  "Oh, I like them both. Of course, they're entirely different. And, of course, one of the reasons I like the movies is that you meet so many interesting people." [03:04]

Blanche shares anecdotes from her extensive career, including her brief association with the Metropolitan Opera Company and her encounters with legendary figures like Mary Pickford and Frederick Martin.

• Experiences in Russia:

  "I had a wonderful two-hour interview with Stanislavski at his villa. He was then in his 70s, and I think he's the most wonderful man that I've ever met." [06:07]

Blanche also recounts her efforts to influence American theater policies by engaging with Senator Wagoner, leading to the presentation of a bill for a National Theater charter.

Dinner of the Week: Seafare Restaurant

Timestamp: [07:45] – [08:36]

Maggie transitions to a delightful segment on the Dinner of the Week, recommending Seafare Restaurant located on First Avenue, just south of 57th Street.

• Menu Highlights:

  • Appetizers:

    "I had shrimp cocktail first, but my dinner guest had clams casino and steamed clams, which were terrific if you like them." [07:55]

  • Main Course:

    "Then I had broiled lobster and it was from another. And the French fried potato syrup. Oh, boy." [08:01]

  • Salad:

    "Such a dressing I have never tasted." [08:14]

Herb expresses his craving from the tempting descriptions, and Maggie assures listeners of the restaurant's excellent ambiance.

Guest Interview: Enrico Caruso Jr.

Timestamp: [09:39] – [12:28]

The episode's second guest, Enrico Caruso Jr., steps into the spotlight, bringing with him the legacy of his illustrious father.

• Balancing Legacy and Personal Identity:

  "I sometimes find that when I sing, people don't listen to me. They listen. For my father, there was only one Caruso." [09:51]

Enrico reflects on critical reception and the challenges of being compared to his father, emphasizing the uniqueness of individual perception in music appreciation.

• Career Choices:

  "I guess it was from the very beginning, Maggie. For years I studied with Adolfo de la Huerta, one of the greatest living teachers of bel canto and a former president of Mexico. Now, I waited until he gave me the green signal. And that was this year. So I started singing professionally." [11:15]

Enrico discusses his journey from naval engineering, his father’s initial aspirations for him, to pursuing a career in singing, highlighting his dedication and the influence of his esteemed mentor.

• Ambition and Advice:

  "It's to play a comedy role in a Broadway musical." [12:07]

Enrico shares his ambition to diversify his talents by venturing into Broadway musicals. He concludes with his father's invaluable advice:

"Work, work, work." [12:20]

Maggie acknowledges the wisdom in these words, underscoring their relevance to aspiring artists.

News Updates

Timestamp: [13:30] – [14:18]

Herb and Maggie present the latest happenings in the entertainment world:

• Herb Sheldon Recognized:

  "Herb Sheldon is radio's best dressed announcer." [13:30]

• John Dahl's Career Move:

  "John Dahl... has been given three months leave of absence by Warner Brothers to appear with the Hasty Heart Stage Company on tour." [13:30]

• Michael Joseph Ward's Milestone:

  "He reached the ripe age of one year on July 13th." [13:30]

• Casting Debates at Monogram:

  "Monogram executives gathered around the little actor to debate whether or not Mike was too aged for a role in Rainbow Valley." [13:30]

• Enrico Caruso Jr.'s Style:

  "The Associated Press says that Enrico Caruso Jr. Is a good schmaltz singer." [14:17]

  (Note: "Schmaltz" here refers to his sweet, sentimental singing style.) [14:17]

Herb humorously contemplates the use of the term "schmaltz," drawing a parallel to Maggie's engaging presentation style.

Conclusion

Maggie and Herb wrap up the episode with a preview of upcoming segments and a heartfelt thank you to their guests. Listeners are encouraged to tune in daily for more behind-the-scenes insights into Broadway and Hollywood, along with exclusive interviews and the latest gossip.

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio offers a rich tapestry of theatrical insights, personal anecdotes from seasoned actors, and delightful recommendations, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of the Golden Age of Radio and live theater.