Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: On Stage 53-01-01 (01) The String Bow Tie
Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction

Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the essence of an era where families gathered around the radio to enjoy beloved shows such as The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet. In the episode titled "The String Bow Tie," hosted by Harolds Old Time Radio, listeners are treated to a charming and suspenseful radio play that combines elements of comedy, drama, and mystery.

Overview of "The String Bow Tie"

"The String Bow Tie" is a radio play written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin, featuring the talents of actors Kathy Lewis and Elliot Lewis. The story revolves around Gerson Hapsmith (played by Elliot Lewis) and his wife Laurie Hap Smith (Kathy Lewis), navigating the complexities of sudden fame and the unintended consequences that follow.

Plot Summary

Opening Scenes

The play opens on New Year's Eve Afternoon with Laurie Hap Smith commuting home from work on the 7th Avenue subway. Laurie is depicted as a pleasant and accommodating character, working on a crossword puzzle and assisting a fellow passenger, Martha Wentworth, with a clue:

Kathy Lewis (Laurie): "16 down. It's Auk, A U, K. Now extinct. It's very cold in the Arctic."
[01:42]

Laurie’s interaction with Martha sets the stage for the underlying tension between everyday life and the intrusion of celebrity.

Introduction of Gerson Hapsmith

Laurie and Gerson Hapsmith are introduced as a happy couple living in New York City. Gerson's life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes the face of a new advertising campaign featuring a "string bow tie." This sudden fame leads to Gerson being recognized everywhere, much to Laurie’s distress.

Elliot Lewis (Gerson): "It's gonna be tough. What rhymes with Lemke? Come here, Laurie. Hi."
[04:18]

Laurie expresses her frustration with Gerson's newfound fame, highlighting the strain it places on their relationship.

Conflict with William Bailey

The plot thickens when William Bailey, portrayed by Sheldon, Leonard, and Mary Jane Croft’s friends, confronts Gerson. Bailey harbors a deep-seated hatred for Gerson, stemming from the advertising campaign that thrust him into the public eye wearing the distinctive string bow tie.

William Bailey: "It's on account of this string bow tie, huh?"
[13:02]

Bailey's antagonism escalates when he reveals a hidden agenda, leading to a tense encounter in a nightclub. He threatens Gerson, claiming ownership over his image and seeking to dismantle his newfound celebrity.

Key Confrontation:

William Bailey: "Touch that tie and I will break your arm. Here, here and here."
[15:54]

Gerson and Laurie find themselves in a perilous situation, navigating Bailey's threats while trying to protect their relationship and Gerson's dignity.

Climactic Resolution

The climax unfolds in the Hudson Tunnel, where Bailey attempts to assert control over Gerson. However, the couple's resilience and unity shine through as they confront Bailey together. Laurie defends Gerson vehemently, pleading for Bailey to leave them alone.

Kathy Lewis (Laurie): "I am honest, young lady."
[08:38]

In a dramatic turn, Gerson stands up to Bailey, refusing to back down despite the danger.

Elliot Lewis (Gerson): "This is madness. You hoodlum, renegade, malfactor, hoodlum."
[16:01]

The tension peaks as Bailey attempts to force Gerson into compliance, but Laurie’s unwavering support and Gerson's determination lead to Bailey retreating, resolving the immediate threat.

Conclusion and Teasers for Future Episodes

The play concludes with Gerson and Laurie reaffirming their commitment to each other, having overcome the challenges posed by unexpected fame and a vengeful antagonist. The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to guest actors and teases upcoming episodes, including a spy story titled The Drunken Sailor and a comedy about a nice girl and a bum by writer Richard Powell.

Character Breakdown

• Gerson Hapsmith (Elliot Lewis): The protagonist whose unexpected role in an advertising campaign leads to unforeseen complications. Gerson is portrayed as a diligent advertising agent who becomes entangled in his own image's popularity.

• Laurie Hap Smith (Kathy Lewis): Gerson's supportive and loving wife, navigating the challenges of her husband's sudden fame while maintaining their domestic harmony.

• William Bailey (Sheldon, Leonard, Mary Jane Croft): The antagonist with a vendetta against Gerson, seeking to undermine his reputation and disrupt his life due to personal grievances tied to the advertising campaign.

• Martha Wentworth (Martha Wentworth): A fellow subway passenger who inadvertently instigates conversations that reveal the tension between ordinary life and celebrity.

• Janice (Janice): A character who challenges Laurie and Gerson's portrayal, embodying the pressures of public perception.

Notable Quotes and Moments

1. Laurie's Crossword Puzzle Assistance:

   Laurie: "16 down. It's Auk, A U, K. Now extinct. It's very cold in the Arctic."
   [01:42]

2. Gerson's Reluctance Towards the Bow Tie:

   Gerson: "I didn't want to wear this string bow tie."
   [25:11]

3. Bailey's Threatening Confrontation:

   William Bailey: "Touch that tie and I will break your arm. Here, here and here."
   [15:54]

4. Laurie's Defiance:

   Laurie: "I am honest, young lady."
   [08:38]

5. Gerson's Stand Against Bailey:

   Gerson: "This is madness. You hoodlum, renegade, malfactor, hoodlum."
   [16:01]

6. Reaffirmation of Love:

   Gerson: "Don't you see? He's not for me anymore?"
   [22:28]

Themes and Insights

1. The Impact of Sudden Fame:

• The play explores how unexpected fame can strain personal relationships and alter one’s identity. Gerson’s transformation from a regular advertising agent to a public figure showcases the challenges of maintaining personal integrity amid public scrutiny.

2. Identity and Image:

• The string bow tie symbolizes the conflation of personal identity with commercial image. Gerson's struggle against being defined by an advertisement highlights the tension between one's true self and public persona.

3. Relationship Dynamics:

• Laurie and Gerson’s relationship serves as the emotional core of the story, illustrating how mutual support and understanding can overcome external pressures and conflicts.

4. Conflict and Resolution:

• The antagonistic relationship with William Bailey adds a layer of suspense, portraying how personal vendettas can escalate into dangerous confrontations. The resolution emphasizes the power of unity and resilience in overcoming adversity.

5. Societal Pressures:

• The play subtly critiques societal expectations and the commodification of individuals through advertising, questioning the ethical implications of using personal images for commercial gain.

Conclusion

The String Bow Tie is a captivating episode that blends humor, drama, and suspense to deliver a compelling narrative about love, identity, and the unforeseen consequences of fame. Through well-developed characters and engaging dialogue, the play invites listeners to reflect on the interplay between personal life and public image, all set against the nostalgic backdrop of the Golden Age of Radio.

Future episodes promise to continue this tradition of high-quality storytelling, enticing listeners with a variety of genres ranging from spy thrillers to heartfelt comedies.

Acknowledgments

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to guest actors Sheldon, Leonard, Mary Jane Croft, Vivi Janis, and Byron Cain for their contributions to bringing the characters to life. Additionally, the production team is recognized for their efforts in crafting an immersive and entertaining radio play experience.

Music and Production Credits:

• Theme: Written by Ray Noble
• Music Composition: Fred Steiner
• Conductor: Lud Galuskin
• Direction: Mr. Lewis
• Production: George Walsh

Harold's Old Time Radio invites listeners to journey back in time, reliving the magic of radio storytelling through meticulously crafted episodes like The String Bow Tie.