One Girl In A Million 36-11-05 009 Don's Mother is Being Inwardly Hostile to Sally. Playing Golf

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "One Girl In A Million 36-11-05 009"

Episode Title: One Girl In A Million 36-11-05 009 Don's Mother is Being Inwardly Hostile to Sally. Playing Golf
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio

---

Introduction

In this episode of "One Girl In A Million", listeners are transported to the sophisticated yet tension-filled world of the Whitehall family. The story delves deep into the complexities of marriage, family expectations, and personal ambitions set against the backdrop of a prestigious country club.

Setting the Scene

The narrative unfolds at the 18th hole of an exclusive country club, where the protagonist, Sallie Mae, a nightclub singer and dancer, finds herself entangled in the affluent Whitehall family's dynamics. Sallie Mae married Don Whitehall, believing him to be a struggling young man, only to discover he is the heir to one of New York's wealthiest families.

Main Characters and Dynamics

• Sallie Mae: A spirited nightclub singer who loves passionately but naively marries into wealth.
• Don Whitehall: Sallie's husband, whose outward humility conceals his wealthy heritage.
• Diana Whitehall: Don's sister, ambitious and determined to assert her dominance within the family.
• Lila DeWitt: Don's mother, outwardly cordial but harboring deep-seated hostility towards Sallie.

Key Events and Discussions

Golf Incident and Initial Tensions ([02:07] - [07:35])

The episode opens with Sallie Mae struggling on the golf course, highlighting her lack of experience and the whimsical nature of her marriage. As Sallie attempts to navigate the challenges of golf, Diana criticizes her technique, revealing underlying tensions.

• Sallie Mae expresses her frustration:
  “[02:53] Sallie Mae: Darn these sand traps anyway.”
• Diana's skepticism about Sallie's golfing skills:
  “[04:25] Diana: Well, if you do it, I tell you, you might stand a chance of hitting the ball.”

The arrival of Lila DeWitt introduces a palpable sense of unease. Despite her friendly demeanor, Sallie senses Lila's animosity:

• Sallie confronts her feelings about Lila:
  “[08:15] Sallie Mae: That's true. That's why she's so sweet to both of us. But I don't like that kind of sweetness. She hates me. I know she does.”

Dinner Party Invitation and Strategic Planning ([07:35] - [09:35])

A dinner party hosted by Lila serves as a catalyst for the unfolding drama. Diana and Sallie discuss their strategies to handle Lila's hostility, contemplating distancing themselves to avoid further conflict.

• Diana reveals her intent to break free from family pressures:
  “[12:02] Narrator: I showed them both.”

Race and Realizations ([09:42] - [13:24])

A high-stakes car chase ensues as Diana becomes desperate to catch up with Lila, symbolizing her relentless pursuit of independence and authority within the family. This sequence heightens the emotional intensity, showcasing Diana's determination and Sallie's concern.

• Diana's resolve is palpable:
  “[10:12] Diana: Hey, what's holding you? I'll race you home.”

Later, in a heartfelt conversation, Sallie Mae confronts Diana about her true motivations for marrying Don. It's revealed that Diana's marriage was partly a rebellious act against her controlling mother and former fiancé, Lila.

• Sallie Mae questions the sincerity of Diana's love:
  “[12:19] Sallie Mae: And I thought the reason you were so anxious to marry me so suddenly was because. Well, because you were so much in love with me. It might seem crazy. Sort of wonderful too.”

• Diana admits her underlying motives:
  “[12:27] Diana: In a way, yes. That was an underlying reason. But don't get me wrong.”

Growing Tensions and Unresolved Conflicts ([13:24] - End)

As the episode progresses, the fragile facade of familial harmony begins to crumble. Sallie expresses her growing disillusionment with Don, realizing that his portrayal as a "poor young fellow" may not be entirely genuine.

• Sallie Mae confronts her disappointment:
  “[13:24] Sallie Mae: Dawn. I did what few girls would do. I married a man who was a stranger. I perhaps made an ideal of that stranger. Now I'm getting acquainted with him. I find out more about him every day. And what I find out, I can't say that I like.”

Notable Quotes

• Don Whitehall on Golf:
  “[03:15] Don Whitehall: Oh, I was terrible the first time I played, Sally. Much worse than you.”

• Diana on Marriage Motivations:
  “[12:53] Sallie Mae: And I thought the reason you were so anxious to marry me so suddenly was because. Well, because you were so much in love with me.”

Themes and Insights

• Appearance vs. Reality: The episode masterfully explores the disparity between outward appearances and internal realities, especially in high-society settings.

• Rebellion and Individuality: Diana's actions underscore the struggle between personal desires and familial expectations, highlighting the lengths one might go to assert independence.

• Marital Struggles: Sallie Mae's journey reflects the challenges of blending into a new family environment, dealing with preconceived notions, and discovering the true nature of one's spouse.

Conclusion

"One Girl In A Million 36-11-05 009" adeptly weaves a tale of love, ambition, and familial conflict. Through rich dialogue and intricate character interactions, the episode leaves listeners anticipating the next developments in Sallie Mae's quest to find her place within the Whitehall family. The unresolved tensions set the stage for deeper explorations of loyalty, identity, and the true meaning of love.

Transcript

[Styles 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.

[Don Whitehall]

Wayfair Every style.

[Sallie Mae]

Every. It's.

[Narrator]

Now for one girl in a million. Sallie Mae, nightclub singer and dancer believed Don Whitehall when he said he was a poor young fellow and she married him on short notice because she was so much in love. Imagine her surprise to learn she had really married the son of one of New York's wealthiest families. Don and Sally are now living in the Whitehall management, where Sally is faced with the opposition of Don's mother. She was outwardly friendly, but inwardly hostile and determined to get rid of Sally, Lila DeWitt, Donna's former fiance, called and invited Sally, Don and all the family to a dinner party at her home. Today our scene is the 18th hole at the country club. On the green, we find Donald, his sister Diana, and Sally. Oh, but no. Sally's in the sand pit. Listen.

[Sallie Mae]

Darn these sand traps anyway. Oh.

[Diana]

How you doing, Sally?

[Don Whitehall]

What are you trying to do, start another dust storm?

[Sallie Mae]

If I don't get out of this this time, I'll take it up and throw it out.

[Don Whitehall]

There.

[Sallie Mae]

I throw it out.

[Diana]

Never give up. Because as the old saying goes, we can attract more bribes with children than the vineyard.

[Sallie Mae]

I'll never learn to play golf.

[Don Whitehall]

Oh, I was terrible the first time I played, Sally. Much worse than you. Oh, I'm still nothing to brag about.

[Diana]

Diana, do you want to talk, or shall we put your turn? You're away.

[Don Whitehall]

Oh, excuse me. I forgot. When Don plays golf, it must be absolute silent. That's one thing he takes seriously.

[Diana]

Fun. Then I guess I'm next.

[Don Whitehall]

Not bend it, young man. Go ahead, Sally, sink it.

[Sallie Mae]

Oh, yeah. Just watch me sink it.

[Diana]

Uh oh. Uh oh. You're putting, dear, not driving. Suppose you take your foot. I'd like this.

[Sallie Mae]

Like this.

[Diana]

Something like that.

[Don Whitehall]

Oh, that's a shame. If it got an inch nearer, it would have gone in.

[Sallie Mae]

And instead of that, I'm farther away than I was before.

[Don Whitehall]

Well, Sally, you can't expect to be perfect the first time. Let's see if I can sink this one.

[Sallie Mae]

I did it. Good.

[Don Whitehall]

That gives you a sink.

[Diana]

Nice. I take a four. Now let's See you sink yours, Shelley. How many will you have?

[Sallie Mae]

Oh, I don't know, Don. I've lost count. Maybe I can put this in.

[Diana]

Hold it.

[Sallie Mae]

Oh, rats. I'm gonna quit. I'm no good.

[Diana]

Well, if you do it, I tell you, you might stand a chance of hitting the ball. Your stance is all wrong. You won't hold the clubs as I tell you. You won't keep your eye on the ball.

[Sallie Mae]

In fact, everything I do is wrong.

[Diana]

This game takes study. You can't expect to step in and play it like a pro.

[Don Whitehall]

What do you say we quit arguing and get off the green?

[Diana]

That's a good idea. I'll add the scores.

[Don Whitehall]

Don't bother to add mine. I don't want to know my story. Sally and I just aren't gophers, that's all.

[Diana]

You didn't do so badly.

[Don Whitehall]

I'm sure I did. Oh, but has it been a grand afternoon? Indian summer. Oh, I love being out here. And the trees are so beautiful. Hello there. Hello.

[Diana]

Do I hear yarn boys calling us by entertainment?

[Don Whitehall]

Hello there.

[Diana]

Hello. Hello. Me thinks yon pretty maid is addressing us.

[Don Whitehall]

It's Lila.

[Diana]

Lila. Name before is some W with whom I have the pleasure of acquaintance.

[Don Whitehall]

Hello, Lila. Coming over here for Susan.

[Diana]

To be sure she makes haste in this direction. It must be my sunny smile that attacks.

[Don Whitehall]

Yes, sunny smile. Nothing could keep away when you were around.

[Diana]

A tribute to my charm. And for some else.

[Don Whitehall]

Be yourself, John. I wonder if l knew we were going to be out here today.

[Diana]

How could she have known? That is a lady blessed with a rare magic second sight.

[Don Whitehall]

Mother's her second side. Her sees all, knows all. Probably totally. We'll be coming out here today. You're starting with 16 totals. Can't you join me? Heavens, no. We played 18 and we're ready to draw. Oh, don't make me go on alone. My caddy isn't good company at all. It's not the least bit clever conversation. All I can say is huh or t'other way round. Meaning refusal. Well, how are you, Don, my boy?

[Diana]

It is a bit louder, my girl.

[Don Whitehall]

You're certainly looking fine. You are indeed. Isn't he, Diana? You look positively handsome in your new outfit.

[Diana]

I'll let you in on the secret. It isn't the outfit, it's me.

[Don Whitehall]

All men are conceited. How are you, Sally?

[Sallie Mae]

I'm just fine, thank you, love.

[Don Whitehall]

We thought it'd be nice for Sally to have a little golf, so out we came. Oh, you're near side of the game, are you?

[Sallie Mae]

Me? Oh, no, no, I'm just learning.

[Don Whitehall]

Oh really? Just learning. Well, how are you coming? Well Sally, can't you join me to finish out my game? Don't make me play around alone. Oh, I'm afraid she's rather tired, Lila. Your holes will give you your second.

[Sallie Mae]

Well, thank you, but I couldn't. Besides, we've got to get back to town.

[Diana]

Jake.

[Don Whitehall]

Second thought, perhaps I'd better let you go. That is if I'm to have you at my dinner party this evening.

[Sallie Mae]

That's it exactly. We've got to rush home and get dressed.

[Diana]

Double jack.

[Don Whitehall]

I'll excuse you this time.

[Sallie Mae]

Will Phyllis be coming this evening?

[Don Whitehall]

Diana? Why, why yes, yes of course he'll be there. Oh, I'm so glad. You know, I was afraid that he.

[Sallie Mae]

Might not be able to make it.

[Don Whitehall]

On kind of business or something. You see, I ran into him down there.

[Diana]

I saw Philip today and he assured me that he'd be at your dinner. He had to entertain a client but he's probably through with his duties by now.

[Don Whitehall]

Oh yes, of course. I'm afraid we'll have to hurry on or none of us will take the party. Lila. I understand. Though I am sorry you can't help me finish my game.

[Sallie Mae]

Some other time perhaps.

[Don Whitehall]

Yes, some other time. Perhaps we could make a twosome, Sally, you and I. You can come out several times yet before it gets too late.

[Sallie Mae]

I'm afraid I don't play well enough. But thank you anyway.

[Don Whitehall]

See you at dinner.

[Sallie Mae]

Yes, dear.

[Don Whitehall]

Goodbye. Patty. Did you see where my ball went? Now you've lost another ball.

[Diana]

Hey, Lila's looking fine, isn't he?

[Don Whitehall]

Well, did you think she'd be grieving her heart out because you married someone else, darling?

[Diana]

Well, any self respecting fiance would be doing just that. Come to think about it, I'll rather resent her attitude.

[Sallie Mae]

Perhaps that's because you don't understand her attitude, darling, that's it.

[Diana]

What it is.

[Sallie Mae]

I mean just that.

[Diana]

Well, now that I've thrown her over she might show a little respect by showing the effects of a broken heart. I tell you I don't like it.

[Sallie Mae]

Lila hasn't given you up.

[Diana]

Don't be quite correct about the matter. I gave her up. I gave her the well known air, the ethereum. Some way I get a big kick out of that.

[Sallie Mae]

Maybe you gave Lila up, but she hasn't given you up. She isn't broken hearted down because she doesn't think she's lost you. She's so sure of herself she's positive she's going to get you anyway.

[Diana]

Listen to the lady.

[Sallie Mae]

That's true. That's why she's so sweet to both of us. But I don't like that kind of sweetness. She hates me. I know she does.

[Diana]

You hardly expected. Lovely.

[Sallie Mae]

I think perhaps the less we have to do with her, the better. We'll go to her dinner party tonight. But after that, there's no necessity for accepting her invitations.

[Diana]

I might get a few laughs.

[Sallie Mae]

Yes, the laughs might be on us.

[Diana]

Lila's just a sweet, simple girl. She wouldn't harm a fly. Not much. Hey, is this my car?

[Don Whitehall]

It was when you came out here, dear.

[Diana]

Good. Can't we drive you home, Lyla?

[Don Whitehall]

You forget I have my car here.

[Diana]

Oh, sure, that's one thing. Well, I wish you could be of some service. Always help others, that's my motto. That's what made me what I am today. That's what brought me to the pinnacle of success. This unfaltering, unswerving devotion to true and to my ideas.

[Don Whitehall]

I'm sorry I can't stay and hear the rest of it, Don. On the other hand, I'm not well. It's been a nice game. We must do this again someday, Sally.

[Sallie Mae]

Well, thanks for putting up with me, Diana. And if you'd like to play again, so would I.

[Don Whitehall]

Well, I certainly would. Soon I'm going to have you and Don over to my house. Shut up his bed.

[Sallie Mae]

Oh, I'd love that.

[Don Whitehall]

And don't be discouraged about golf, Sally. Your husband's just a poor teacher.

[Diana]

I'm gonna let the pro give her a few lessons. Maybe he could do something.

[Sallie Mae]

Don thinks I'm hopeless.

[Don Whitehall]

Well, I think he is too, in some ways. Well, I'll see you both of Miley for dinner.

[Sallie Mae]

Yes, we'll see you later, then.

[Don Whitehall]

Goodbye.

[Diana]

Goodbye. Right to us. Send postcard. Goodbye. Goodbye. Send postcard. Goodbye. We'll miss you.

[Sallie Mae]

Suppose we get started ourselves?

[Diana]

That woman is trying to distance us. She's already down the road. This will never do. Curses. If I don't overtake her, I'll be foiled again. That car ahead with that woman are the missing papers. I've got to get those papers.

[Sallie Mae]

Don, sometimes I think you must be crazy.

[Diana]

That woman is international pie number K13. If I don't catch her, it means war.

[Sallie Mae]

Don, please don't drive so fast.

[Diana]

Value not my life. I've got to catch that woman.

[Sallie Mae]

Please, we've had enough voices. Let's not go so fast.

[Diana]

Hey, what's holding you? I'll race you home.

[Sallie Mae]

I'm not in the mood for racing.

[Diana]

Kirsty, she's not in the mood for racing. All is lost. We ruined the air. Ruined.

[Sallie Mae]

Don, have you ever had a serious moment in your life?

[Diana]

Are you giving me the third degree? What have I done to deserve this? What have I done?

[Sallie Mae]

Oh, you're always acting, Don. Cutting up, pretending. Sometimes it's fun, but sometimes it's annoying too.

[Diana]

For instance?

[Sallie Mae]

Well, there are some things you should be serious about. When we talk about your going to work at the office, you'll never be serious about that.

[Diana]

What this house lacks is system. Half the trouble in the world is causing. Well, it's caused. Because people aren't business like. That's dad.

[Sallie Mae]

Your dad's right about something. He'd like to see you go to the office and really handle that job he's given you. Don. Instead of that, you haven't been near the office this week. I enjoyed our golf today, but really, you were playing hooky from work.

[Diana]

Have you more?

[Sallie Mae]

Promise me, Don, next week you'll really dig in. Really. Go to work and show your dad you're in earnest. If you do that, and if he sees you want to make something of yourself, maybe he'll think you're serious about other things.

[Diana]

For instance?

[Sallie Mae]

Well, for instance, our marriage.

[Diana]

Did you get that look on Lila's face today? Honestly, it gave me a great kick.

[Sallie Mae]

How so?

[Diana]

Well, Lila's always had her own way about everything. She's like my mother that way. Both of them try to boss everybody, and pretty many always get away with it. As for Mother, I guess she thought nobody would ever cost her. But I did. I showed them both it could be done. And now they're both undergoing a slow burn. The joke is on them.

[Sallie Mae]

The joke? What joke?

[Diana]

Don't you see? Lila thought I'd never have the nerve to break our engagement. Mother never thought I'd go and marry who I pleased. So I wanted to show them that for a change I could do what I wanted and they could go jump in the lake. And that's what I did.

[Narrator]

I showed them both.

[Diana]

It has me quite a laugh.

[Sallie Mae]

You married me to show them that you could do what you like.

[Diana]

Well, in a way.

[Sallie Mae]

Sort of, I suppose. Then if it hadn't been me, if it had been almost any girl, you could have still gotten married and had your little too. It wouldn't have mattered who you married.

[Diana]

Well, not exactly. Now, now, don't misunderstand.

[Sallie Mae]

You wanted to get married to show Lila and your mother you could have your own way for a change.

[Diana]

In a way, yes. That was an underlying reason. But don't get me wrong.

[Sallie Mae]

After what you've said, how could I get you wrong?

[Diana]

You don't understand. I was tired of being bossed around by Mother and Lila. Both of them thought all they had to do was snap their fingers and I'd jump. They were hurrying up plans for a wedding, thinking they'd have me if they got me in time. They thought I wouldn't have nerve enough to go out and kick over their plans. But I showed them I could do what I like for once.

[Sallie Mae]

And I thought the reason you were so anxious to marry me so suddenly was because. Well, because you were so much in love with me. It might seem crazy. Sort of wonderful too.

[Diana]

I was in love with you. I still am. Do you think I'd have married you if I hadn't been in love with you?

[Sallie Mae]

If it had been some other girl, she would have done just as well as I. The important thing was. You wanted to play a joke on your mother, on Lila. Is that it?

[Diana]

You want to see it that way?

[Sallie Mae]

Well, how can I help but see it that way? You've explained things to me.

[Diana]

Curses haven't boiled again.

[Sallie Mae]

Dawn. I did what few girls would do. I married a man who was a stranger. I perhaps made an ideal of that stranger. Now I'm getting acquainted with him. I find out more about him every day. And what I find out, I can't say that I like.