
Marvelous Margie 1947-02-05 First Episode
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Stiles Mackenzie
We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Styles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.
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William Demarest
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is a brand new show starring Marjorie Reynolds, Vinnie Barnes and William demores. That's me. In real life, we're neighbors. We live side by side out in San Fernando Valley, just a few minutes from Hollywood. Our program is brought to you by by kind of smudged here. Oh, well, I'll find out about that later. Hey, you. Yeah, what's your name?
Bob Shannon
Bob Shannon.
William Demarest
Well, aren't you supposed to announce this show?
Bob Shannon
Yeah.
William Demarest
Well, what are you waiting for, a fanfare?
Bob Shannon
Well, of course. Your Hollywood stars, Marjorie Reynolds, William Demarest and Benny Barnes. Calling to your attention, radio's newest show. Marvelous. Marg.
Wayfair
Jack.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, Jack, where are you?
Jack Reynolds
Out here in the kitchen, Marg.
Marjorie Reynolds
What a lucky break for me. Jack, Mrs. Phineas panic just called and insists we come right over to their house. She wants us to help entertain some relatives who just dropped in and well, we have to be there at 7:30.
Jack Reynolds
But Margie, it's 6:30 now. Besides, tonight I've got to finish the plans for my new automatic self winding reversible potato masher.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, you and your important projects. For heaven's sake, what are all those papers on the floor?
Jack Reynolds
Well, right now I'm trying to figure out our income tax. Now my unemployment checks amount to.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, Jack, Jack, that can wait. We must go to the Panic. After all, Phineas T. Panic is a very important producer. We were hoping, you remember, that I was going to get a part in his new picture.
Jack Reynolds
Oh, well, Margie, wait a minute. Who's going to take care of the baby? The last sitter we had was our neighbor, Bill Demeres. He cost me my only bottle of scotch, a telephone call to his Aunt Myron. Besides, he worked my crossword puzzle in the Valley Times.
Marjorie Reynolds
Bill demris, huh? And he lives right next door. You go up and get dressed. Make it snappy, okay?
Jack Reynolds
I'm on the way.
Marjorie Reynolds
I'll find someone to sit with the baby.
William Demarest
Now.
Marjorie Reynolds
Hello, Is this Bill Damarest?
William Demarest
Certainly it's Bill Damarest. Who'd you expect to get? Don't you trust The American Telephone Company. They spend millions of dollars every year so that any dummy with one little finger can call any other dummy and spend all leaving saying nothing. And furthermore, I ain't dummy enough to come over and sit with that kid of yours tonight.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, Bill, why not?
William Demarest
Because I have to go to the studio for a very important conference. I have to finish my laundry and press my socks and buff my stuffed elk and practice my lesson on the cello. And besides that, I'm a very busy man.
Marjorie Reynolds
Hello? Hello, Bill. Oh, dear. I wonder how he knew what I was going to ask. Hmm. Who can I call now?
Wayfair
Hello?
Marjorie Reynolds
Hello, Margie, can you come over? Benny Barnes, you're my favorite next door neighbor. Come right over. Oh, gee, am I glad Vinnie lives on the other side of us.
Wayfair
Jack, hurry up.
Marjorie Reynolds
I think we've got a sitter. Bring my blue coat down with you.
Jack Reynolds
Be right down. Well, who'd you get?
Marjorie Reynolds
Cindy Barnes.
Jack Reynolds
Well, that's very nice of her.
William Demarest
Here, put on your clothes.
Jack Reynolds
Hey, is that a new dress?
Bob Shannon
Yes.
Marjorie Reynolds
Like it?
Jack Reynolds
Well, it is pretty, but couldn't you get into it a little farther?
Marjorie Reynolds
Well, that silly doorbell you rigged up could very easily scare me out of this drink. That's Vinnie now.
Wayfair
Oh, Jack Reynolds, you and your Truth all inventions. Why, I'd rather open slither McGee's closet than Ring your front doorbell.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, I'm so glad you had a chance to drop over.
Wayfair
Say, what are you doing with your coats on? I just wanted a boy.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, Vinnie, darling, you saved our lives. Oh, you don't mind doing us a great favor and sitting with Linda for just a little while, do you? Oh, that's well of you, Benny. Oh, thanks a lot. Come. Bye, Benny. Thanks.
Wayfair
All I wanted was a trapped again Crying out loud and all I wanted to borrow was a 3 cent stamp. Well, guess I'll never learn. Well, might as well relax. Wonder what's on the radio.
Bob Shannon
And so, ladies, if you have time on your hands, if you'd like to earn enough to buy a new Cadillac, a new mink coat, build a fine home, spend your afternoons at Santa Anita, and we guarantee you three winners. Then join the Babysitter's Union. Remember its slogan, the hand that rocks the cradle also wears the rocks.
Wayfair
How do you like that? All I wanted was a 3 cent stamp, which I didn't get. Oh, there must be music on some station.
Bob Shannon
Right now. May we tell you something about the stars of our show? Of course, it might be called Gilding the Lily to explain names like Marjorie Reynolds, William Demarest and Benny Barnes. Most Everyone knows them well. But to bring you up to date, Ms. Reynolds can be seen currently in the Paramount picture Monsieur Voucaire with Bob Hope. He is co starring now with Robert Cummings and Brian Donlevy in Heaven Only Knows, the Seymour and Evans hall production for United Artists. Ever since she made Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, Marjorie has been a top flight box office favorite. We're building our show every week around Marjorie and her new baby. And incidentally, her real life baby Linda. You'll find her husband, Jack, something of a poor man's. Thomas Edison, who dreams that someday one of his many inventions will hit the jackpot. Well, that's our little family, Marjorie, Jack and Linda. You see, they live out in the San Fernando Valley, not far from Hollywood. Their next door neighbors are Bill Demarest and Benny Barnes. Bill on one side, Benny on the other. But we'll tell you about them later. And now let's ride along with Marjorie and Jack.
Marjorie Reynolds
Gee, Jack, I hated to put the rush act at Benny that way, but, well, you know how much I want that part in Panic's new picture. And, well, he might offer it to me at the party tonight.
Jack Reynolds
Aw, that part's not so good. Who's the leading man?
Marjorie Reynolds
I don't know, but what's it matter? In my last picture, the leading man was a fellow named Bob Hopes. And after him, I wouldn't be afraid to play opposite influence. Oh, look out, Jack, you almost hit that man.
Jack Reynolds
It was only Sidney Greenstreet.
Marjorie Reynolds
Fine. And you know how hard it is to get a new front bumper.
Jack Reynolds
Hey, you know, that gives me an idea.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, no, not another invention.
Jack Reynolds
Yeah, why don't they put glass bottoms on automobiles? Then the driver can see who he's running over. Well, guess this ought to do it. Here we are. I wonder how these guys get all these new cars. They must have served under General Motors. Come on, let's go on in.
Marjorie Reynolds
How do I look?
Jack Reynolds
You look gorgeous, dear. Let's get it over with.
Marjorie Reynolds
Good evening, Margie and Chad.
William Demarest
Hello, Miss Barbie.
Marjorie Reynolds
So nice to see you again. I'm glad you could come on such short notice. That dear, dear husband of mine, Colonel Panic, hasn't arrived as yet. And when he does, I'll bust him.
Wayfair
Down to a private.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, but Mabel, dear, you're the one we wanted to see. Isn't she, Jazz?
Jack Reynolds
Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah.
Marjorie Reynolds
You always say the nicest things. Now you go on in while I.
Wayfair
Look after the other guests.
Marjorie Reynolds
Mr. Panick is a very smart man. Take a look at these dull people well, Margie. Bill Cameron.
William Demarest
Well, so you did find an all night sucker for the baby.
Marjorie Reynolds
Bill, what are you doing here?
William Demarest
What am I doing here? I'm staying away from your house. And besides, I was invited.
Marjorie Reynolds
But Bill, you said you had to go to an important meeting.
William Demarest
Well, what's more important than a meeting with Mr. Panick? There might be a part in this picture for me too. But meanwhile, to put this on a more compatible basis. Come on, let you and me dip this to the punch here. Come on.
Marjorie Reynolds
No thanks. Nothing for me.
William Demarest
Ah, this is the stuff little Beaver took before he went out and built Boulder Dam. Personally, I'm going to have a little.
Bob Shannon
Old overcoat and soda.
William Demarest
Oh, Margie, what do you call that thing on your head?
Wayfair
You mean my hat?
William Demarest
You got enough vegetables up there to start a market. How often do you rotate your crops?
Marjorie Reynolds
Well, of all that silk, I wouldn't.
William Demarest
Be surprised to see Mrs. Wiggs come out of that cabbage patch.
Marjorie Reynolds
Well, I never. I'm not.
William Demarest
What if men wore vegetables on their hats? Dessen could feature a succotash special with a broccoli brim.
Marjorie Reynolds
Now you listen to me, Bills.
William Demarest
And you women make me sick. And another thing, the way you're always talking about clothes, somebody says, I saw Mary yesterday. She just got out of the hospital. You don't ask, how is she? But what was she wearing? Who cares what she was wearing? A woman could be on her last legs and you'd want to know the gauge of her nylon.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, here you are. I do hope you're getting along all right.
Wayfair
Where did you leave the baby? Linda?
Marjorie Reynolds
Well, she's at home. Benny Barnes is staying with her. Oh, Benny is such a sweet person.
Wayfair
So nice to have around.
Marjorie Reynolds
Children. They love us.
Wayfair
Now next time I want a 3 cent scent, I'll walk to the drug store. Hold still, you little darling. Quit crying or you'll grow up to be a drip. And speaking of drips, I wonder where Marjorie keeps the diapers. Uh huh. Here they are. Linda, my sweet, do you know why a baby is like the USS Missouri? You don't? Well, I'll tell you. It's because it's always wet on the bottom. Yeah, I am. Oh, and what a nice little dress. Fine neighbors. It didn't come from my store. What's the use of having neighbors that you're so white hold you for a minute or two? I suppose you're hungry, huh? No, I am. Yes, you are. Ah, well, who isn't? Now you stay right here and shut up while I go. While I go Downstairs and see if those scheming parents of yours have any.
Marjorie Reynolds
Food in the house.
Wayfair
Oh, that darn doorbell.
Young Man
Holy Toledo, lady. Whatcha trying to do, scare little kids?
Wayfair
What do you want, young man?
Young Man
Oh, if this isn't the Daphne's block of houses. They drive me to distract them. Look, lady, before this joint blows up, I want to collect a buck five for the Evening Herald cash.
Wayfair
Young man, I'll have to ask you to come back tomorrow. I don't live here. I only sit here.
Young Man
Well, sitting there standing, lady. Look, I want one iron man and five coppers right on the barrel head right now. Besides, I can come back tomorrow. I only get one night off for my classes in horticulture.
Wayfair
Say, how couch it can you get? I can.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, I can see.
Wayfair
It'll be worth a $5 of the Reynolds money to get rid of you. Just a minute. I'll see if I can find some money.
Young Man
Okay.
Wayfair
Now, where could they keep their cat? Oh, yes, the baby. Tiggy Bunny boy. That should be loaded. Dad charges everybody 25 cents to see the baby. There it is. Feels heavy. How am I gonna get the money out? Say, boy. Yeah? If you want your one iron man and five coppers, we'll have to put you on this iron pig.
Young Man
There's only one way to crack that box, lady. You've got a sledgehammer.
Wayfair
Well, not with me.
Young Man
What I don't have to do to get my dough, I got paid off with 21 empty milk bottles from old man Denver. I'll just test this out on the front step.
Wayfair
Lady, for clang out loud, you smashed it.
Young Man
That I did. Here's a pewter and a half, a hundred. That makes six bits. Here's a couple of Beamers and a jitney. That's a buck. And here's another nickel, which makes a dollar and five cents in the coin of the rail. Translating to yaran.
Marjorie Reynolds
Hey, aren't you going to pick up.
Wayfair
The rest of this for me?
Young Man
I ain't got time, lady. I'm a very busy man.
Marjorie Reynolds
Besides, I gotta go home and water.
Wayfair
My nasturtium in your father's mustache. Well, I'll have to pick him up myself. Well, between slippin and suiting, I'm drooping. Close the door, Richard. Well, now, let's see. Along with the money, there are two street charge opens, a safety pin and an IOU from Jack Benny. Denise and our button. Oh, hello. Hello, Freddie. Oh, how did you know I was over here? Oh, yes, yes, I got scrapped again. Fool that I am. What a sneak preview oh, but there's no one to stay with the baby. You know I'd love to, dear. All right, I'll see what I can find. Goodbye, dear. Sneak preview. Sounds like fun. Now let's see. Who can I get? Uh huh. Yeah, I'll try them.
Stiles Mackenzie
We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfarer message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.
Wayfair
Wayfair. Every style, Every home. Hello? Yes, is Mrs. Benvit still? Just dropped something. Oh, we'll pick it up. Oh, no, it wasn't Bill. Oh, no. Oh, well, Bill isn't in then. No. Mm. Well, is their daughter Lorraine in? Now, let's see. They have another daughter, haven't they? Is she in? Oh, she's only three. No, I guess she won't do. Goodbye. That awful doorbell. Come in.
Phineas Panic
Well, hello, Vinny.
William Demarest
The Reynolds house or the fire station?
Marjorie Reynolds
Why, Phineas Panic.
Wayfair
What are you doing here?
Phineas Panic
I was going to ask you the.
Wayfair
Same thing to bring some crockery. I'm sitting with Linda, the little doll. Margie and Jack went out somewhere, but I'm supposed to go with Freddy through a sneak preview of your new picture.
Phineas Panic
Oh, yes, that's right. I asked him to go. Very important to have him there. Didn't want to go myself because I've been too close to the picture. Yes, and I have a different slant on it. I look at it sideways.
Wayfair
Friday and the reporter both say that it's great.
Phineas Panic
Well, thank you, Vinnie. Yes, it's a typical Panic production. As a matter of fact, I was just stopping by to have a talk with Marjorie about my next picture. There's a very good part in it for her.
Wayfair
Oh, well, you know, they said they'd only be a little while. Why don't you stay here with Linda and I'll run along with Freddy to the preview.
Phineas Panic
Me, a babysitter?
Wayfair
Uh huh.
Phineas Panic
Well, all right then. I can talk with Marjorie when she gets home. You know, there was something I was supposed to do, but for the life of me, I can't remember what it was. Only a short while, eh?
Wayfair
Yeah, well, that's what they said when they trapped. I mean. No, no, I mean when they asked me to stay. You see, the baby's asleep now, and I know she won't be any trouble to you.
Phineas Panic
Very well, Benny, Run along. Call me after the preview. I like to know what the public thinks of it. Yes. Not that it'll make any difference.
Wayfair
Why, gee. Gee, Mr. Bennett, thanks oh, so much. By the way, you'll keep me in mind for the picture too, won't you? Goodbye, now.
Phineas Panic
Well, I knew what it was I was supposed to do tonight. My fourth assistant secretary told me. Well, may as well make myself a drink.
Bob Shannon
Bourbon.
Phineas Panic
What if I can talk Marjorie into playing the part? She's been doing pretty well lately. Oh, well, they're good friends of ours, so I can always call on her to do that. Whoever that is, I'm glad he didn't ring the bell.
William Demarest
Yes? Hey, buddy, can you tell me where I can find Synonymous?
Wayfair
Who?
William Demarest
I said, can you tell me where I can find Synonymous?
Phineas Panic
I'm afraid you'll have to talk plainer than that.
William Demarest
Look, all I want to know is where I can find AX Anonymous.
Phineas Panic
Oh, you mean Alcoholics Anonymous?
Wayfair
Yeah.
Phineas Panic
Oh, you. You. You want to join?
Wayfair
No, I want to resign.
Phineas Panic
At least didn't wake up the baby. Maybe I can get something soft on the ra.
Bob Shannon
And now, about our other two stars. I'd say we know Bill Demarest and Vinny Barnes pretty well. Bill's newest picture at Paramount is Variety Girl. His radio voice is familiar to all of us. We plan to have a lot of fun with Bill. He's a kind of a hard guy to convince of anything. And since he lives next door to Marjorie and Jack, he's due to inherit a large share of their headaches. Now, Bill is a confirmed bachelor. Women, as far as he's concerned, are one of life's necessary evils. And not too necessary at that. But Binny, on the other hand, and on the other side of the Reynolds house, thinks that men are pretty fine people. She'd like to have one for herself, as a matter of fact, preferably Bill. But Bill's a pretty cagey character. Benny's most recent pictures are Spanish Maine at RKO and Time of Their Lives at Universal. Actually, off the screen, Benny is a busy businesswoman. She operates a shop in the San Fernando Valley which caters to new newborn citizens. It's a baby shop called Tot of the Town. This, too, will figure in our story. So there you have it. Marjorie Reynolds, Bill Demarest and Denny Barnes. Three celebrated persons whose private lives promise to contain the same chuckles and chores that you and I find in our daily rounds. And now, back To Marjorie and Jack over at the paint.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, Mabel, we've had a simply lovely time. Thank you so very much. It's too bad Mr. Panic didn't get here.
Wayfair
Too bad?
Marjorie Reynolds
You said it. It's going to be too bad for him. He could be tied up at the studio. At least he better be. I told him I'd take just about one more unexplained evening out and he could stay out. Oh, don't worry about him, dear. I'm sure he'll be all right. And say goodbye to Bill Damas for us. Oh, he left an hour ago.
Jack Reynolds
He did? I wonder why I left so early.
Marjorie Reynolds
He's no fool. Good night, Mabel. Good night, Jordan. Why didn't that Phineas Panic show up? I've got my heart set on getting that part.
Jack Reynolds
Now, relax, honey. We'll see him later in the week. Besides, dear, as far as I'm concerned, you're the only blonde in town who could play Lady Godiva without having the horse steal the scene. Don't look so sad.
Marjorie Reynolds
Well, darn it. Here I've wasted this new dress that I wanted to impress panic with. Mr. Phineas panic, big producer and director. He couldn't even get a job at the Eagle Laundry.
Jack Reynolds
Well, maybe he doesn't know how to wash an eagle.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, Jack, stop it. You'd think Panic would have enough decency to show up at his own party. If he thinks I'm going to bow and scrape at Kyle Town of him just to work in a silly old picture.
William Demarest
Well, anyway, Marjorie, it's the last time.
Jack Reynolds
You'Re going to drag me out to a stupid party just to impress somebody. It's like the time you had me out trying to get your watermelon the week before Linda was born. 3:00 in the morning in the middle of November.
Marjorie Reynolds
Well, I couldn't have asked for crate suet. Besides, what are you complaining about? How about the time I stood in line three hours to collect your unemployment check and then they wouldn't let me have it.
Jack Reynolds
Home sweet home. I'll bet Vinnie it's glad we're back. Let me have your key, hon.
Marjorie Reynolds
I'm still furious with Panic. I'll never speak to him again as long as I live.
William Demarest
I tell you, Mr. Panic, I'm really versatile. Didn't you see me in the Miracle of Morgan's Creek? The Joseph story? The Pearls of Pauline? Every part differs. Why, I can do that role in your new picture standing on my left ear.
Phineas Panic
Yeah, but I want Gregory Peck to play it.
William Demarest
All right. Granted, Peck Is a pretty good boy. But I think either one of us should do it with equal lead. I could get some stucco and fill up these wrinkles here very easy.
Marjorie Reynolds
Bill Demrist and Phineas Panic.
Wayfair
What are they doing here?
William Demarest
Oh, hello, kid. I saw Mr. Panic's car out front and came in here for a little chat. Now, as I was saying. Mr. Panic.
Marjorie Reynolds
Mr. Panic, you. Darling, what are you doing here?
Phineas Panic
We're just taking Benny's place. Yeah, for a little while.
Marjorie Reynolds
Aw, you wonderful man. Oh, isn't he sweet, Mr. Panic.
Phineas Panic
As I was saying, Marjorie, I really stopped by to talk to you about a part in my new picture.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, Finny, are you starting a new picture?
William Demarest
Is he starting a new picture?
Marjorie Reynolds
Well, Mr. Panic, that's awfully nice. Of course, I'm very busy now. I'm considering several offers and. Well, naturally you'll have to talk to my agent.
William Demarest
Margie, you're killing my sale.
Phineas Panic
All right, Margie, all right. I'll talk it over with him. The pot will fit you like this. That pretty dress you're wearing.
Marjorie Reynolds
Oh, this old rag. Quite. As a matter of fact, I was just saying to your wife tonight at your party.
Bob Shannon
Party?
Phineas Panic
Tonight? My wife? Oh, my gosh, that's what I forgot. Margie, you've got to call my wife and square me. You're the only one she'll believe. You know I've been here waiting for you and taking care of your baby. Mabel would never believe me. She said if it happened again, she may be. Please call her Margie.
William Demarest
Please.
Marjorie Reynolds
Well, now, let's see. I think I can fix.
Wayfair
Uh.
Marjorie Reynolds
Bill, you want a part in this picture too, don't you?
William Demarest
What do you think I've been trying to sell here tonight, Pam?
Marjorie Reynolds
Sure, I want a part, Mr. Panic. You could use Bill, couldn't you? And Bill, you wouldn't mind sitting with Linda two nights a week, would you?
William Demarest
Two. One.
Marjorie Reynolds
Thursday and Sunday.
William Demarest
One, two. One, two. That's what I said. Thursdays and Sundays. It would be a pleasure.
Marjorie Reynolds
Then the part for Bill is set, isn't it, Mr. Pan?
Phineas Panic
I'm completely sold on the idea.
Marjorie Reynolds
Well then, gentlemen, your worries are over. Now I'll call Mabel. Why don't you go in the kitchen and fix a snack? Hello? Hello, Mabel, this is Margie. Do you know where that darling husband of yours has been? My husband? Why, that two bit sideshow barker. Now just a minute, Mabel, just a minute. He's completely innocent. I'll explain it to you later. I want you to be very nice to Phineas when he comes home tonight. Be nice to him. That's lowlife. I spend all evening entertaining his doll relative to the Dusty. Mabel, I think you should be very nice. You remember what happened last week at the racetrack after you promised finish he'll never gamble again. You do remember, don't you? And you wouldn't want him to know about it, would you, Mabel? Oh, no. No, you wouldn't, Margie. You wouldn't. Oh, wouldn't I? Well, I don't know what you're after, but you win. I thought you'd see it my way. Goodbye, Mabel. Dear gentlemen, as I said, your worries are over. The good neighbor policy has just been put into effect. Bill, you have your part. I have a babysitter for Thursday and Sunday nights.
Wayfair
Yeah.
Marjorie Reynolds
Mr. Panick, your wife is waiting your return with open arms. And I am your new leading maid. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go see if our best pocket edition of the USS Missouri is afloat or in dry dock. Good night.
William Demarest
Good night.
Bob Shannon
You've been listening to the premiere performance of Marvelous Martin. Starring Marjorie Reynolds, William Demarest and Benny Barnes. Others in the cast included Ben Alexander as Jack. The part of the newsboy was played by Sydney Miller. Virginia Greg with Mrs. Panic. And Mr. Panic was played by high aberback Bibleist Margie. A Jack Reynolds production is written by Dick Hannah and Bill Tomlin. And it's under the direction of Alvin Flanagan. Now here's Marjorie Reynolds.
Marjorie Reynolds
Good night, folks. Thanks for coming. See you next week.
Bob Shannon
Bob Shannon speaking. This is the Sunset broadcast in Preston.
Podcast Summary: "Marvelous Margie" – Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Information
The episode kicks off with a brief interruption for a Wayfair advertisement, which is subsequently skipped per instructions.
At [00:31], William Demarest warmly welcomes the audience:
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This is a brand new show starring Marjorie Reynolds, Vinnie Barnes, and William Demarest. That's me."
William introduces the main cast, highlighting their real-life neighborly relationships in the San Fernando Valley. He humorously notes the absence of sponsorship details, setting a lighthearted tone for the episode.
Marjorie Reynolds and her husband, Jack Reynolds, navigate the challenges of balancing professional aspirations with personal responsibilities. At [00:40], Marjorie reveals an urgent call:
"Jack, Mrs. Phineas Panic just called and insists we come right over to their house. She wants us to help entertain some relatives who just dropped in..."
Jack, portrayed as the quintessential tinkerer, laments his unfinished inventions:
"Besides, tonight I've got to finish the plans for my new automatic self-winding reversible potato masher." [01:35] – Jack Reynolds
Marjorie prioritizes the request, emphasizing the importance of their relationship with Mr. Phineas Panic, a significant film producer hoping to cast Marjorie in his new picture.
With time ticking, Marjorie and Jack seek a reliable babysitter. Their first attempt is Bill Demarest, depicted humorously as unreliable:
"Don't you trust The American Telephone Company. They spend millions of dollars every year so that any dummy with one little finger can call any other dummy..." [02:50] – William Demarest as Bill Demarest
After Bill's comical refusal, Marjorie turns to Vinnie Barnes, leading to a pivotal interaction:
"Oh, Vinnie, darling, you saved our lives. ... Thanks a lot. Come. Bye, Benny." [04:33] – Marjorie Reynolds
Marjorie and Jack arrive at Mr. Panic's residence, setting the stage for key plot developments. Upon arrival, Marjorie greets their guest, Miss Barbie, and attempts to engage with Mr. Panic's wife, Mabel. The dynamics between the characters are showcased through witty dialogue and situational comedy.
As the evening progresses, Bill Demarest makes an unexpected appearance, seeking a role in Mr. Panic's film:
"I'm staying away from your house. And besides, I was invited." [08:36] – William Demarest as Bill Demarest
This leads to a humorous exchange where Bill attempts to siphon punch, reiterating his character's comical nature:
"You got enough vegetables up there to start a market. How often do you rotate your crops?" [09:12] – William Demarest
At [15:56], Phineas Panic finally arrives, intending to discuss a new role for Marjorie. However, misunderstandings and comedic interruptions ensue:
"Mr. Panic, you... Oh, dear. It's going to be too bad for him." [20:08] – Marjorie Reynolds
The climax peaks when Marjorie confronts Mr. Panic about the casting and the complications arising from Bill Demarest's involvement:
"Well, Mr. Panic, that's awfully nice. ... Margie, you're killing my sale." [23:06] – Marjorie Reynolds & William Demarest
In the episode's conclusion, Marjorie successfully negotiates roles for both herself and Bill Demarest, resolving the night's earlier tensions:
"Then the part for Bill is set, isn't it, Mr. Pan?" [24:14] – Marjorie Reynolds
Phineas Panic departs with newfound agreements, leaving listeners anticipating future developments:
"Quite. As a matter of fact, I was just saying to your wife tonight at your party." [23:28] – Marjorie Reynolds
William Demarest's character humorously laments missed opportunities, adding a light-hearted end to the episode:
"Margie, you're killing my sale." [23:20] – William Demarest
Interwoven within the narrative are meta-commentaries from Bob Shannon, who provides behind-the-scenes insights into the characters and their real-life counterparts:
"Ms. Reynolds can be seen currently in the Paramount picture Monsieur Voucaire with Bob Hope." [05:46] – Bob Shannon
He elaborates on the actors' careers, enhancing the authenticity and nostalgic appeal of the show.
The episode wraps up with Marjorie thanking the audience and teasing future adventures:
"Good night, folks. Thanks for coming. See you next week." [26:36] – Marjorie Reynolds
This leaves listeners eager for subsequent episodes, eager to follow the Reynolds' comedic escapades.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
Conclusion
"Marvelous Margie" offers a delightful glimpse into post-war American life, blending humor with relatable domestic scenarios. Through its engaging characters and witty dialogues, the episode encapsulates the essence of Old Time Radio, providing both entertainment and a nostalgic journey for modern listeners. Whether you're a longtime aficionado or new to Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode promises laughter, charm, and timeless storytelling.