NBC 25th Anniversary 19xx.xx.xx NBC 25th Anniversary

Summary

Summary of "NBC 25th Anniversary" Episode on Harold's Old Time Radio

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: NBC 25th Anniversary
• Release Date: February 22, 2025

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Introduction: Celebrating NBC's Silver Jubilee

The episode commemorates the 25th anniversary of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), marking a significant milestone in radio history. The host reflects nostalgically on NBC's golden age, highlighting iconic programs such as The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet. The narrative sets the stage for a celebration of NBC's rich legacy, emphasizing the communal experience of families gathered around the radio to enjoy these timeless shows.

Fibber McGee's Ingenious Radio Modification

At the heart of the episode is Fibber McGee, the quintessential tinkerer, who embarks on a mission to modify his 1926 Super Heterodyne radio set. His goal is audacious: to tune into radio programs from two and a half decades prior. This inventive endeavor serves as a metaphor for preserving and reliving historic broadcasts.

Notable Quote:

Fibber McGee [01:18]: "I'm rewiring it so I can tune it to different years instead of different stations."

His wife, Molly McGee, expresses skepticism about the feasibility of Fibber's project, setting up a humorous dynamic between the couple.

Notable Quote:

Molly McGee [01:08]: "You claim that you can fix this radio set so it'll tune in programs that were broadcast 20 years ago, 25 years ago even."

The Radio Comes Alive: A Journey Through Time

After persistent tinkering, Fibber successfully activates the modified radio, allowing them to hear broadcasts from the past. This breakthrough moment is filled with excitement and nostalgia as the couple listens to snippets of historical radio programming.

Notable Quote:

Fibber McGee [02:08]: "I'll be ready to try it."

Upon activation, the radio emits sounds reminiscent of a bustling New Year's Eve, transporting Fibber and Molly back in time.

Notable Quote:

Molly McGee [02:24]: "Hush. Listen. My goodness, it sounds like New Year's Eve."

Nostalgic Conversations and Historical Reflections

As the radio tunes into various broadcasts, Fibber and Molly reminisce about significant events and personal memories from the early 20th century. They discuss notable figures like Ben Burney and Walter Winchell, shedding light on NBC's influential personalities.

Notable Quote:

Fibber McGee [07:15]: "That's when it was around election time. Big argument broke out about Al Smith and Hoover."

The discussion extends to pivotal historical moments of 1932, including Japan's takeover of Manchuria, Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential election, and a humorous family anecdote about Uncle Dennis's misadventures with homebrew.

Notable Quotes:

Fibber McGee [13:09]: "Yep. The Japanese took over Manchuria, Roosevelt was elected president, and the batch of Uncle Dennis's home brew blew up in the basement."

Molly McGee [13:16]: "Heavenly days. I'd hardly call Uncle Dennis's misfortune a world shaking event."

Interactions with Classic Comedians

The episode features interactions with classic radio personalities like Joe Penner and Jimmy Durante, bringing their distinctive comedic styles to the forefront. These segments showcase the humor and charm that made these comedians beloved figures in NBC's lineup.

Joe Penner's Comedy Sketches

Joe Penner attempts to engage with the narrators in a series of jokes, albeit with mixed success. His comedic timing and repetitive punchlines provide light-hearted entertainment, reflecting the era's humor.

Notable Exchange:

Joe Penner [17:07]: "Why is a kiss over a telephone like a straw hat?"

Narrator [18:04]: "Because it isn't felt."

Jimmy Durante's Musical Interlude

Jimmy Durante delivers a musical performance, adding a melodic touch to the episode. His rendition of "The Toreador Song" and playful interactions contribute to the nostalgic atmosphere.

Notable Quote:

Jimmy Durante [15:54]: "Shine on harvest for me and my galley o star January who knows you are to stay outdoors and shine on."

Reminiscing NBC's Golden Era

Fibber and Molly delve deeper into NBC's history, recalling the network's early challenges and triumphs. They discuss the launch of The Music Appreciation Hour and the emergence of legendary comedians like Jack Benny, Burns & Allen, and Fred Allen.

Notable Quote:

Fibber McGee [16:01]: "Yeah, a lot of great comedians. Jack Benny started on NBC about then."

The conversation highlights the importance of humor during the Great Depression, illustrating how NBC provided much-needed relief and entertainment to struggling families.

Reflections on Personal and Professional Relationships

Fibber shares anecdotes about his interactions with Walter Winchell, a prominent broadcaster, emphasizing the camaraderie and friendly rivalry that existed among NBC's stars.

Notable Quote:

Fibber McGee [21:09]: "Matter of fact, I'm the guy that helped Walter get his start there."

He humorously recounts an incident involving Winchell's car and Fibber's own vehicle, underscoring the playful relationships that fostered a vibrant radio community.

Conclusion: Preserving the Legacy of NBC

The episode concludes with Fibber and Molly appreciating the enduring legacy of NBC and the golden age of radio. Through Fibber's inventive radio modification, listeners are reminded of the timelessness of great programming and the emotional connections forged through shared radio experiences.

Notable Quote:

Molly McGee [19:37]: "No, no, no. I mean fixing this old radio to tune back into the past."

The celebration serves as a heartfelt tribute to NBC's contributions to entertainment and culture, inviting listeners to cherish and remember the golden era of radio.

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This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" masterfully blends humor, nostalgia, and historical reflections to honor NBC's 25-year journey. Through engaging dialogues and memorable interactions, it paints a vivid picture of radio's golden age, making it a delightful experience for both long-time fans and new listeners alike.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Our silver Jubilee, the 25th birthday of the National Broadcasting Company. Like any birthday, the birthday of NBC is a time for reflection and recollection. Were you listening to ed Wynn at 9:30 on a Tuesday night in 1932? At 7:00 on a Wednesday evening in 1929? Were you listening to Amos and Andy? Or were you listening to Rudy Valli's great variety show at 8:00 on a Thursday evening in 1934? Now, these were great moments in the history of NBC. And ordinarily it would be impossible to relive them. But we are fortunate in having had with us for the past 20 years a man to whom nothing is impossible. I refer, of course, to the resident of 79 Wistful Vista. Molly's husband, Fibber McGee. As we look in on the McGee's Fibber is tinkering with his old 1926 Super Heterodyne radio set. He is, in fact, known as the biggest tinker in radio. Mrs. McGee makes a fairly safe statement.

[Molly McGee]

She says, it'll never work, Magee.

[Fibber McGee]

What do you mean it'll never work?

[Molly McGee]

My gosh, Molly, let me get this straight again. You claim that you can fix this radio set so it'll tune in programs that were broadcast 20 years ago, 25 years ago even.

[Fibber McGee]

I'm rewiring it so I can tune it to different years instead of different stations. You see?

[Molly McGee]

No, I don't.

[Fibber McGee]

Look, Tootsie, According to the McGee theory of radio dianetics, which I'm the guy that thought it up, I claim that when you hear a broadcast once, that ain't necessarily the end of it, see, it don't just disappear. In other words, old radio programs never die.

[Molly McGee]

I know one that dies every Tuesday night.

[Fibber McGee]

Well, that ain't what I mean. I mean, they're still out there bouncing around in the air, waiting for somebody to tune him in again. And I'm the guy that can do it.

[Molly McGee]

What's our congressman's phone number?

[Amos]

Why?

[Molly McGee]

Well, if there isn't a law against that, I'll help him write one.

[Fibber McGee]

Oh, yeah? You change your mind? When I get this baby working. Molly. Need to make a few more adjustments here. Get the king bolt tightened up a little bit. I'll be ready to try it.

[Joe Penner]

And you want to buy a duck?

[Fibber McGee]

No, I'm not interested in any poultry, Bud. I'm trying to. Hey, who said that?

[Molly McGee]

Why, I don't know, McGee. There's nobody here but Alison.

[Fibber McGee]

I'm gonna turn off the radio. Will you, Molly, while I work on radio? Hey, the Radio. It's working.

[Molly McGee]

You hear it, Molly?

[Narrator]

It works.

[Molly McGee]

Hush. Listen. My goodness, it sounds like New Year's Eve.

[Jimmy Durante]

Magee.

[Molly McGee]

I wonder where that.

[Amos]

Boy, oh, boy.

[Fibber McGee]

I told you I could make it work.

[Narrator]

And you now divine.

[Molly McGee]

McGee.

[Fibber McGee]

That's.

[Molly McGee]

That's Joe Penner. Why, he used to be one.

[Narrator]

Listen elsewhere.

[Fibber McGee]

Remember him? Ben Burney.

[Molly McGee]

Oh, yes, I used to love him.

[Narrator]

March of time.

[Fibber McGee]

Everybody wants to get into the act. My God. Tony Wan.

[Molly McGee]

No, McGee, that's Jimmy Durante.

[Fibber McGee]

Oh, yeah, Jimmy Durante. Boy, this is wonderful. Gee whiz, I can tune in any program I want.

[Molly McGee]

Hush a minute.

[Joe Penner]

Hush.

[Molly McGee]

Let's listen to this one first. What year now are we listening to?

[Fibber McGee]

I can't tell yet. The dates are all scrambled up on the dial here. But I can pick that and my name, darling.

[Joe Penner]

Mr.

[Fibber McGee]

Ruler Bankhead. You hear that? I got Congress to send her. Bankhead.

[Molly McGee]

No, no.

[Fibber McGee]

That a deep voice on him, hasn't he?

[Molly McGee]

No, Magee, that was. My goodness, this is exciting, McGee. Can you tune in just any program you want to hear?

[Fibber McGee]

Anything back to 1926. That's when the first big network started. NBC in 1926. Oh, that's when we bought this old super heptodyne, remember?

[Molly McGee]

Oh, do I remember. Hey, you lugged this thing home straight. We strung about 200ft of aerial around the roof, plugged it in, turned it on and blew out fuses that we didn't even know we had.

[Fibber McGee]

Yeah, but remember the first program we ever heard on it? There was a band out in Kansas City.

[Molly McGee]

Oh, yes, the Nighthawks.

[Fibber McGee]

Yeah, that's it. Coon Sanders and their Kansas City Nighthawk. Yeah, Whitelitumis. Yes, 1926. There. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Pat Kelly greeting you from Kansas City, where NBC is presenting the Coon Sanders Nighthawks Orchestra.

[Molly McGee]

Ah, that's it, McGee. That's them.

[Narrator]

Relax and enjoy yourselves now while the.

[Fibber McGee]

Coon Sanders Nighthawks go to work on.

[Narrator]

Some of these days.

[Fibber McGee]

I told you this maybe would work, kiddo. Boy, oh, boy, is this ever jazzy.

[Molly McGee]

Wonderful.

[Joe Penner]

Listen.

[Fibber McGee]

That break. Terrific.

[Molly McGee]

Oh, my. Isn't this nostalgic, McGee?

[Fibber McGee]

Yeah, brings back a lot of memories, too. Remember the night we put this radio out on the front porch and threw a block party for the neighbors?

[Molly McGee]

Oh, wasn't that fun? We put up ropes and danced in the street. You did a pretty sharp Carlson, too.

[Fibber McGee]

Yeah, I'd have done even better if the street had been paved. Gravel kept getting in my shoes.

[Molly McGee]

I had a new dress for that night, remember? It was trimmed with monkey fur and had a Hemline just below my knees. That must have been around 1928, wasn't it?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Fibber McGee]

That's when it was around election time. Big argument broke out about Al Smith and Hoover.

[Molly McGee]

Yes, and you tried to explain to me which one would make the best president, only you weren't sure yourself. And wait. Listen.

[Amos]

Now, ladies and gentlemen, Amos and Andy.

[Narrator]

Would like to say a few words to their listeners.

[Amos]

Listen, Amos, you don't know politics like I do.

[Andy]

Tell me this, though. Why can't they have a Democrat and a Republican president at the same time? Let Hoover be president for one week and Al Smith be president for next week. You see, ain't no use to have no hard feelings, Amos.

[Amos]

The President of the country don't have nothing to do. Now, the trouble with that is the Republican would get everything messed up for the Democrats and vice versa.

[Fibber McGee]

And what?

[Amos]

Vice versa.

[Andy]

He ain't running, is it?

[Amos]

Who ain't running?

[Andy]

Bryce Visit.

[Amos]

I didn't say Bryce Visits. I said vice versa.

[Andy]

Is he a Democrat or a Republican?

[Amos]

Uh. Oh, listen, Amos, the farm situation. You take the Hogan McDerry bill.

[Andy]

Take it where?

[Amos]

Take it anywhere.

[Andy]

What is I gonna do with it?

[Amos]

That is the question. It was vetoed.

[Andy]

It was?

[Amos]

And not only that, the farmers is so mad about the Hogan McDerrah bill being vetoed that they're liable to elect the candidate for the vice president presidency.

[Andy]

Well, what do Coolidge say about all this?

[Amos]

He do not choose.

[Andy]

Maybe his wife made him stop doing that.

[Amos]

The thing we has got to do, Amos, is to make up our minds if we is going to be Republican or Democrat.

[Andy]

I believe I'll be a Democrat.

[Amos]

But I'm going to be a Republican. You go ahead, be a Democrat. You is crazy.

[Andy]

You was all right, ain't you?

[Amos]

Certainly I was all right.

[Andy]

Then I bled out. Crazy.

[Molly McGee]

You know, that's the clearest explanation I've ever heard, McGee.

[Fibber McGee]

Oh, that's about the way I explained it to you at the time, Molly. Them guys just simplified it a little.

[Molly McGee]

And tune in some more. Go ahead, get some music. Remember the Music Appreciation Hour?

[Fibber McGee]

Oh, Spike Jones, sure. Let me see if I can get that. I'd like to hear that.

[Molly McGee]

No, no, that was Walter Damroch. McGee.

[Fibber McGee]

What's your language?

[Molly McGee]

You know, he always used to open up with.

[Fibber McGee]

Good morning, my dear children.

[Joe Penner]

I've had no chance before, so if it's not too late, let me wish you a happy New Year.

[Fibber McGee]

And may it bring you lots of music and a greater and greater affection for it so it will really become music lovers. Hey, you do a good imitation, Molly. Sounded just like. Oh, that was him. I didn't realize you were tuning the set yourself.

[Molly McGee]

And you could listen.

[Narrator]

Foreign ham. American baritone Lawrence Civit and his spirited and colorful singing the famous toreador song in the role of Es. In just a moment as the toriador, he'll be swaggling over to the gypsy maid and flirting with her as today's Metropolitan Opera performance of B? Salman continues.

[Molly McGee]

Oh, just listen to that applause.

[Fibber McGee]

Well, he deserves it. The boy's got a nice voice.

[Molly McGee]

That was back in the early 30s, wasn't it? Must have been around 1932.

[Fibber McGee]

1932. Boy, what a year that was in history, good and bad. There were three things happened that year that I guess most of us will never forget, Molly.

[Molly McGee]

Historic events, you mean?

[Fibber McGee]

Yep. The Japanese took over Manchuria, Roosevelt was elected president, and the batch of Uncle Dennis's home brew blew up in the basement.

[Molly McGee]

Heavenly days. I'd hardly call Uncle Dennis's misfortune a world shaking event.

[Fibber McGee]

Well, it sure shook the house, kiddo. Them windows rattled like.

[Molly McGee]

Besides, Jerry, it wasn't homebrew. It was root beer Uncle Dennis was making.

[Fibber McGee]

Well, he put a little too much yeast in that batch. I remember his Sunday vest was hanging on the basement steps and four bottle caps went clean through it.

[Molly McGee]

Well, let's not discuss it now, because I. I even wrote a poem about.

[Fibber McGee]

It at the time. It went, yeast is yeast and vest is vest.

[Molly McGee]

Please, McGee, let's skip the rest.

[Fibber McGee]

Okay.

[Jimmy Durante]

For me and my dad, the night of mighty gods who used it harvest me for the moon reaches to shine Awful. Sitting underneath a willow tree for love they find little May but kind of straight at darkness There I guess I'll go. Begin to star Looked up at the sky Told the moon his little tail of white had no love and since April of January do not delight no time Ain't no sun to stay outdoors.

[Molly McGee]

And.

[Jimmy Durante]

Shine Shine on harvest for me and my galley o star January who knows you are to stay outdoors and shine on Shine on har. Me and my d.

[Molly McGee]

Ring my. There were some wonderful programs started back in those years, McGee. The early 30s, remember?

[Fibber McGee]

Yeah, a lot of great comedians. Jack Benny started on NBC about then.

[Molly McGee]

Yes, Burns and Alan, their cousin Fred. I guess people were ready for laughs in those days, Jerry. After the market crash and the depression, the people needed a laugh.

[Fibber McGee]

Well, they got them too. NBC had some of the greatest one.

[Narrator]

Of the mysteries of show business.

[Fibber McGee]

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

[Narrator]

Imperative obscurity of Joe Penner. Somehow he.

[Molly McGee]

Rudy, that Penner was funnier. Oh, was I ever greedy about him.

[Fibber McGee]

Joe Penner?

[Joe Penner]

No.

[Narrator]

I think Joe is a really great comedian and I'm sure you will soon agree with me. We present Joe Penner.

[Joe Penner]

Hello, Rudy. You want to buy a duck?

[Narrator]

No, Joe, I don't want to buy a duck. Why?

[Joe Penner]

Why?

[Narrator]

Because.

[Joe Penner]

Well, maybe your brother would like to have one.

[Fibber McGee]

Huh?

[Narrator]

I haven't a brother.

[Joe Penner]

Well, if he had one, you think he'd consider it?

[Fibber McGee]

No.

[Joe Penner]

Under no circumstances.

[Narrator]

Under no circumstances, you nut. Steve, what's on your mind?

[Joe Penner]

Really, I. I'd like to tell a little joke here.

[Narrator]

Go ahead.

[Joe Penner]

Well, it's a. It's a two people joke, you see, and you gotta have two people to tell us. So I'll go out and get another fellow.

[Narrator]

Wait. Wait a minute. What's the matter with me? I'll be very happy to assist you.

[Joe Penner]

You want to be one of the.

[Molly McGee]

People, be very happy to be kind of people.

[Joe Penner]

Yes, you'll be one of the people, and I'll be the other fellow.

[Narrator]

All right, fine.

[Joe Penner]

I'll come up and I'll meet you over here. I'll come up, say, hello, Rudy, see? And then you say to me, hello, Joe. That's my name, Joseph. And then I'll say to you, why is a kiss over a telephone like a straw hat?

[Narrator]

Let me see if I understand this correctly.

[Fibber McGee]

Now.

[Narrator]

You say to me, why is a kiss over a telephone like a straw hat?

[Molly McGee]

Yeah.

[Joe Penner]

And then you say, I don't know. And then I tell a joke. We separate now.

[Narrator]

Hello.

[Jimmy Durante]

Hello.

[Fibber McGee]

Hello, Joe.

[Joe Penner]

No, no. You gotta act. You gotta do it with feelings.

[Narrator]

I heard your heart.

[Joe Penner]

Man. That's too much feeling. Why is a kiss over a telephone like a straw hat?

[Narrator]

Because it isn't felt.

[Joe Penner]

I'm going out and get another fella.

[Narrator]

Oh, now, wait a minute. Wait a minute.

[Fibber McGee]

Wait a minute.

[Narrator]

What's her.

[Joe Penner]

No, you say, I don't know how. You tell a joke. Cause you tell it. There's no sense to me coming around here. I got another one.

[Narrator]

All right, let's hear it.

[Jimmy Durante]

That's it.

[Joe Penner]

I'll say to you, what's the easiest way to raise corned beef and cabbage?

[Narrator]

What's the easiest way to raise corned beef and cabbage?

[Joe Penner]

And then you say, I don't know, see? I'll tell a joke.

[Narrator]

It's my turn.

[Joe Penner]

What's the easiest way to raise corn bean cabbage?

[Narrator]

With a knife and fork.

[Joe Penner]

Don't ever do that. This is the last one. I'll say to you, what kind of a chicken lays alone what kind of.

[Narrator]

A chicken lays alone?

[Joe Penner]

Yeah, that's what I say to you. You say to me. Can you say I don't know?

[Narrator]

I don't know.

[Jimmy Durante]

That's it.

[Joe Penner]

I don't.

[Molly McGee]

Give me a chance, will you, please?

[Fibber McGee]

Hello.

[Narrator]

Hello, Joe. Hello, Joe. How are you?

[Joe Penner]

What kind of a dad want to.

[Molly McGee]

This is just a wonderful idea of yours, McGee. I don't know how you ever thought it up.

[Narrator]

Radio.

[Fibber McGee]

Oh, I didn't actually think up radio all by myself, Molly. There was a guy named Marconi that gave me the idea.

[Molly McGee]

No, no, no. I mean fixing this old radio to tune back into the past.

[Jimmy Durante]

Listen.

[Fibber McGee]

Know who that is?

[Molly McGee]

Ah, Ben Burney.

[Fibber McGee]

Yep, the old maestro himself. Remember how him and Walter Winchel used to razz each other? They had some of the Love me forever.

[Narrator]

Winchell, I hope you're listening. That reminds me. I don't know why all them oil companies have to go to Ethiopia for gas when it would be just so easy to lay a pipeline direct to windshield, if you know what I mean. This is Ben Burney, the voice of experience speaking. Yes, sir. And now the time has come to lend thine ears to Au revoir, pleasant rear. Au revoir, pleasant rears. Think of them when requesting the theme. Au revoir, A fond cheerio, A toodle doodle. A bit of a tweet tweet. God love you. And Pleasant.

[Molly McGee]

Pleasant dreams.

[Fibber McGee]

Boy, him and Winchell used to insult each other right and left, didn't they?

[Molly McGee]

Yes. But you know something? I always had a hunch they were just joking, McGee. I think they really liked each other.

[Fibber McGee]

You think so? Winchell was one of NBC's big stars in them days, you know. Did his first broadcasting there.

[Molly McGee]

That's right.

[Fibber McGee]

Matter of fact, I'm the guy that helped Walter get his start there.

[Molly McGee]

Molly, you got Walter Winchell started at NBC?

[Fibber McGee]

Well, it was in front of NBC. As a matter of fact, his car was stalled. And I give him a start with my car. Hey, if we ever bump into him again, remind me to ask him if he found my front bumper guard hanging on.

[Molly McGee]

Get something funny.

[Fibber McGee]

Yeah, it's a good idea.

[Narrator]

Pull yourself together. Then. What is this sound I hear, Bill? Bill?

[Fibber McGee]

That's the stuff out at the house the other day.

[Narrator]

I was suffering from swollen thighs sitting down too much. I suppose they made a mistake that brought me capables instead.