Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio — New National Guard Show (02): "Want Ad"

Release Date: January 17, 2026
Starring: Ruth Hussey as Virginia Lane
Host/Producer: Harolds Old Time Radio / C.P. McGregor
Featured Voices: Wendell Niles, Barry Whitaker, Dorothy Edwards, Eddie McKay

Episode Overview

This episode revisits a classic radio drama from the golden age, spotlighting the comedic play "Want Ad." The story centers on Virginia Lane, who—on a bet—sets out to prove she can easily land any job, only to unwittingly apply for a fictional position as a Serbian cook. The result is a witty, fast-paced series of misunderstandings, practical jokes, and old-fashioned romantic sparks.

Key Discussion Points & Narrative Highlights

1. The Job-Hunting Bet

• Setting: The day after Christmas, two friends—Virginia Lane and Dorothy Edwards—debate how hard it is to land a job.

• Challenge: Dorothy doubts Virginia's claim that “you can do anything you make up your mind to do.” Virginia insists she can get any job Dorothy chooses.

  • Memorable Exchange:

    Dorothy Edwards (02:14): "I still maintain that you can do anything you make up your mind to do."
    Virginia Lane: "And that includes getting a job."
    Dorothy: "Any job."
    Virginia: "Any job."

2. The Serbian Cook Position (02:41 – 06:16)

• Dorothy, playfully cruel, finds a want ad for a cook “experienced in Serbian cuisine—$500 per month.”

• Virginia, though clueless about Serbian food, agrees and applies. She meets the enigmatic Barry Whitaker, whose odd interview style hints at romance more than employment.

  • Notable Moment:

    Barry Whitaker (04:22): "But I've found there's a sparkle to the food when a woman is still anticipating the time when she'll cook for her man. You know, you're very lovely."

• Virginia bluffs her Serbian cooking expertise, is asked to make “krovotnik.”

3. The Wild Kravotnik Chase (06:15 – 07:25)

• Virginia desperately seeks a recipe for “krovotnik,” calling Serbian cafes (who refuse), and tries the library.

  • Comic Bit:

    Dorothy Edwards (06:25): "Your honesty appalls me. Why don't you try the public library? Here I am on your team."

• At the library, Virginia bumps into Eddie McKay, who reveals that Barry Whitaker’s want ad was actually part of a gag he orchestrated to prank Barry with job-seeking cooks.

  • Revelation:

    Eddie McKay (07:18): "An ad for Serbian cook. He was deluged."
    Virginia Lane: "What is your friend's name?"
    Eddie McKay: "Barry Whitaker."
    Virginia Lane (07:26): "Oh, no, no."

4. Act 2 — The Fallout & Farce (08:41 – 12:30)

• Virginia, now knowing the job was a joke, cooks up a mock “krovotnik” dish with turnips, vanilla, radishes, and even a piece of old rubber to maintain her pride.

  • Comic Cooking Scene:

    Virginia Lane (09:45): "Yes, and a piece of an old rubber innitude topped off by whipped cream and maraschino cherries. Do you think he'll like it?"

• She brings the dish to Barry. Both play along, but the ruse is mutual—Barry confesses he just wanted to see Virginia again.

  • Charming Apology:

    Barry Whitaker (11:00): "But I had no way of knowing when you came to apply that day who you were. Please, can't I see you?"
    Virginia Lane: "Sorry, I've got to make some Kravotnik for a homesick Serbian sailor on shore leave."

• Barry continues to pursue her, even sending flowers. Their banter leads to a semi-date, with Dorothy teasing Virginia about Barry’s charms.

5. Final Gag & Light Romance (11:46 – 12:30)

• Barry drives Virginia to Eddie's house to even an "old score." There, he reveals yet another want ad he placed: “Best prices paid for secondhand Christmas trees,” leading to a yard overflowing with trees—a comedic callback that wraps the episode.

  • Closing Laugh:

    Barry Whitaker (12:14): "Best prices paid for secondhand Christmas trees." Virginia Lane: "Oh."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Virginia's Optimism and Sarcasm

• Virginia Lane (02:14): "I still maintain that you can do anything you make up your mind to do."
• Virginia Lane (09:45): "A piece of an old rubber innitude topped off by whipped cream and maraschino cherries. Do you think he'll like it?"

Barry's Flirtatious Wit

• Barry Whitaker (04:22): "But I've found there's a sparkle to the food when a woman is still anticipating the time when she'll cook for her man. You know, you're very lovely."
• Barry Whitaker (11:00): "Please, can't I see you?"

Eddie's Mischief

• Eddie McKay (07:18): "An ad for Serbian cook. He was deluged."

Important Timestamps

• [02:00] – Virginia and Dorothy’s job-hunting bet
• [02:41] – The Serbian cook job is chosen
• [04:04] – Virginia bluffs her way through the interview
• [06:16] – The search for “krovotnik” and library scene
• [07:26] – The prank is revealed; the job was a joke
• [09:11] – Virginia’s farcical recipe; anger toward Barry
• [10:09] – Confrontation and mutual forgiveness between Virginia and Barry
• [11:46] – Virginia “thaws out” to Barry; drive to Eddie’s house
• [12:14] – Christmas tree want ad payoff and group laughter

Tone and Style

The dialogue sparkles with quick wit and classic 1940s sexual tension. The comedic sequence hinges on misunderstandings, gender roles, and Virginia’s spirited independence—blending farce with gentle romantic charm. The episode is a delightful artifact of its era, blending situational humor with a dash of old-time sentiment.

For New Listeners

If you haven’t listened:
This episode is a comedic snapshot of post-war American radio, full of frothy banter, clever setups, and timeless human foibles. Even without deep nostalgia for the Golden Age of Radio, the fast-paced repartee and playful twists make “Want Ad” an enjoyable, feel-good listen. The performances—particularly Ruth Hussey’s—carry warmth, pluck, and a wink to the audience.