Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Mr. Ace and Jane 48-04-03 Cigarettes
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Introduction
In the bustling world of Golden Age Radio, "Mr. Ace and Jane" shines as a captivating comedy series that portrays the humorous dynamics of a classic radio couple. This episode, titled "Cigarettes", delves into the world of advertising, family obligations, and matrimonial aspirations, all wrapped in the witty banter that fans have come to love.
Characters and Setting
- Mr. Ace: A creative mind working at an advertising agency, often finding himself embroiled in comical predicaments.
- Jane: Mr. Ace's pragmatic and spirited wife, determined to improve her brother Paul's fortunes.
- Paul: Jane's brother, a man unemployed for 15 years, and the catalyst for much of the episode's humor.
- Mr. Norris: Mr. Ace's boss at the advertising agency, portrayed as a figure of authority and expectation.
- Ken Roberts: A neighbor and radio announcer who interacts with the main characters.
- Gordon: An advertising manager at Crown Cigarettes, pivotal in the plot's progression.
Setting Up the Conflict
The episode kicks off with Mr. Ace boasting about his role in an advertising agency:
Mr. Ace [00:08]: "The four names I work for are Sutton, Dutton, Mutton and Norris. In my office, I'm known as the idea man."
His humorous take on the complexities of advertising jargon sets the stage for the ensuing antics. Jane, observing Mr. Ace's dedication, introduces the central conflict:
Jane [03:33]: "And Dear, what do you think? She and her husband just got back from Florida. Only been gone three weeks. And honestly, she talks with a Southern drool."
Jane reveals her frustration with her brother Paul:
Jane [05:48]: "Dear, if you had to make up a list of all my relatives and list them according to how much you like them, where would you put my brother Paul?"
Mr. Ace's Advertising Idea
Mr. Ace unveils his latest advertising campaign for Crown Cigarettes:
Mr. Ace [04:26]: "This cigarette campaign I'm working on. I just got the most marvelous idea. You know the signs they have in subways and theaters that say no smoking. Now, Jane, don't tell this idea to anybody."
His innovative yet humorous slogan aims to replace existing "No Smoking" signs with:
Mr. Ace [05:00]: "No smoking. And on the line underneath it'll say, not even Crown cigarettes."
Jane's skepticism leads to further comedic exchanges:
Jane [05:29]: "All my relatives, which is your favorite?"
Mr. Ace [05:36]: "Your husband."
Jane's Plan for Paul
Determined to see her brother employed, Jane devises a strategic plan:
Jane [06:31]: "The answer is the boss's daughter. I figured out the only way for Paul to get ahead is to someday marry the boss's daughter."
Jane tasks Mr. Ace with writing a letter of recommendation for Paul, aiming to secure him a position that could lead to matrimony with the boss's daughter.
Paul's Pitch to the Advertising Agency
Paul, eager to change his stagnant career path, attempts to pitch Mr. Ace's idea directly to Mr. Norris:
Mr. Ace [10:03]: "Cigarette? I might be. What would it be worth to you?"
Paul humorously exploits the advertising industry's penchant for securing sensational ideas, attempting to negotiate:
Paul [10:08]: "Mr. Norris, I'm going to take a chance on you and tell you this idea."
This leads to a series of miscommunications and comedic tension between Mr. Ace and Paul, both vying for recognition and success within the agency.
Negotiations and Misunderstandings
As Mr. Ace grapples with his career and Paul's interference, Jane intervenes to smooth over tensions:
Jane [19:03]: "Well, I'm going to start a new business. I'm going to rent out hats. It's so much a day."
Her unexpected business venture adds another layer of humor, showcasing the chaotic yet endearing attempts to resolve family and professional dilemmas.
Furthermore, the interaction between Mr. Ace and Gordon highlights the challenges of the advertising world:
Mr. Ace [22:53]: "No smoking. Not even Crown cigarettes. Subway, department stores, theaters."
This slogan becomes the linchpin for the episode's resolution, emphasizing the campaign's success despite the internal conflicts.
Resolution and Conclusion
The episode concludes on a high note as Mr. Ace's campaign gains traction:
Mr. Ace [27:35]: "Well, we finally got the account. Everybody was happy. Mr. Norris was happy, Mr. Gordon was happy. Even my ulcers were happy."
Jane celebrates Mr. Ace's success, albeit with her own entrepreneurial twist:
Jane [28:38]: "Oh, but I've got the most marvelous idea, dear. I'm going to start a new business. I'm going to rent out hats. It's so much a day."
The harmonious blend of professional triumph and personal endeavors encapsulates the essence of the show's charm, leaving listeners with a delightful mix of laughter and warmth.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Mr. Ace [00:08]: "The four names I work for are Sutton, Dutton, Mutton and Norris. In my office, I'm known as the idea man."
- Jane [05:48]: "Dear, if you had to make up a list of all my relatives and list them according to how much you like them, where would you put my brother Paul?"
- Mr. Ace [05:00]: "No smoking. And on the line underneath it'll say, not even Crown cigarettes."
- Jane [06:31]: "The answer is the boss's daughter. I figured out the only way for Paul to get ahead is to someday marry the boss's daughter."
- Mr. Ace [19:03]: "What's the rest of it? Please, you've got to tell me the rest of it."
- Mr. Ace [22:53]: "No smoking. Not even Crown cigarettes. Subway, department stores, theaters."
- Jane [28:38]: "Oh, but I've got the most marvelous idea, dear. I'm going to start a new business. I'm going to rent out hats. It's so much a day."
Final Thoughts
"Mr. Ace and Jane" masterfully intertwines the trials of the advertising world with familial obligations, all while maintaining a comedic undertone that keeps listeners engaged. This episode not only entertains but also subtly comments on the intricacies of career ambitions and personal relationships, making it a memorable addition to Harold's Old Time Radio collection.