One Girl In A Million 36-11-12 011 Mitzy is Spy, Hired by Mrs. Whitehall. Meeting Family Friends

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: One Girl In A Million 36-11-12 011 Mitzy is Spy, Hired by Mrs. Whitehall. Meeting Family Friends

Release Date: June 15, 2025

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Overview

"One Girl In A Million" transports listeners to the elegant yet tense atmosphere of a high-society dinner party in the Whitehall household. The episode intricately weaves themes of trust, deception, and familial intrigue, showcasing the lengths to which Mrs. Whitehall will go to unravel her daughter-in-law, Sally's, seemingly perfect marriage.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with the narrator setting up the central conflict:

"Mrs. Whitehall, in pretending to be kind, has hired a French maid, Mitzi, to wait on Sally. In reality, Mitzi is a private detective hired by Mrs. Whitehall to spy upon Sally." ([02:07])

Sally is preparing to attend a dinner party hosted by Lila DeWitt, the former fiancée of her husband, Don Whitehall. The guest list includes key family members such as Don's sister Diana and her husband Philip Parker, whom Sally has yet to meet.

Character Introductions and Interactions

As the party commences at Lila DeWitt's residence, Sally finds herself isolated, prompting Lila to intervene:

Lila DeWitt: "Sally, darling, what are you doing off here in this corner all by yourself?" ([03:07])

Lila's attempts to engage Sally in conversations with other guests, including Dr. Richmond and Enid Pankhurst, are portrayed as superficial, masking her ulterior motives to monitor Sally's behavior.

The Unfolding Deception

Throughout the evening, interactions between Sally and the other guests reveal subtle tensions and hidden agendas. For instance, Sally's encounter with Enid Pankhurst showcases an attempt to belittle her understanding of poetry:

Enid Pankhurst: "Just what do you think Epstein is." ([05:24]) Campaign Representative (Sally): "I guess it means that the trees bend low, that's all." ([05:40])

These exchanges underscore the isolating tactics employed against Sally, making her feel out of place amidst the highbrow conversation.

Aunt Claire's Gossip and Its Implications

Aunt Claire emerges as a pivotal character known for her penchant for gossip. Her conversations divulge underlying tensions within the family:

Aunt Claire: "They say she's on her way to Reno. And now let me tell you the real inside and what's happening." ([08:40])

Mrs. Whitehall's strategy to destabilize Sally's marriage becomes more apparent as Aunt Claire's gossip fuels distrust and misunderstanding among the family members.

The Revelation of Mitzi's True Role

As the evening progresses, the true nature of Mitzi's presence is subtly hinted. Lila DeWitt begins to express dissatisfaction with the party and hints at deeper issues:

Campaign Representative (Sally): "Don disappeared shortly after we arrived, and I've been left high and dry. Then I got stuck with pinkers." ([07:46])

These lines suggest orchestrated complications designed to isolate Sally further, making her more vulnerable to Mrs. Whitehall's schemes.

Climactic Confrontations

The tension reaches its peak when Philip Parker returns unexpectedly:

Philip Parker: "[...] Philip has just arrived and I'm so excited." ([12:53])

Lila DeWitt seizes this moment to push Sally further into family dynamics she's ill-equipped to handle, exacerbating the strain on her marriage.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The episode concludes with Sally reflecting on the night's events, realizing the depth of the deception surrounding her. The final interactions hint at forthcoming confrontations and the potential unraveling of the Whitehall family's facade.

Notable Quotes

• Lila DeWitt on Party Dynamics:

  "I make it a rule at all my parties to separate husbands and wives." ([03:16])

• Aunt Claire on Family Gossip:

  "I'm so happy to meet you, my dear." ([08:23])

• Lila DeWitt's Warning:

  "Advise you to keep away from her, Sally, as far as possible." ([10:30])

Themes and Insights

"One Girl In A Million" delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the destructive power of deceit. It highlights how social facades can mask deep-seated resentments and the lengths individuals will go to protect or dismantle these facades. The episode also touches on themes of loneliness, trust, and the struggle to maintain one's integrity in a web of manipulation.

Conclusion

This episode masterfully captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, blending suspense with rich character development. Listeners are left anticipating the fallout of Mrs. Whitehall's machinations and Sally's quest to preserve her marriage amidst mounting challenges.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content segments have been excluded to focus solely on the narrative and its development.

Transcript

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign.

[Campaign Representative]

For Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund. It's.

[Narrator]

Now for our story. One girl in a million. Yesterday we found Sally getting ready to attend a dinner party which Lala DeWitt, one time fiance of Sally's husband, Don Whitehall, is giving for the Whitehall family. Among the guests will be Diana, Don's sister, and her husband, Philip Parker, about whom Sally has heard so much but so far has never met. Mrs. Whiteall, in pretending to be kind, has hired a French maid, Mitzi, to wait on Sally. In reality, Mitzi is a private detective hired by Mrs. Whitehall to spy upon Sally. For Mrs. Whitehall hopes that sooner or later she can uncover some actions of Sally which will enable her to break up her marriage with Donald. But as we left Sally, she was about to leave for Lila's dinner in company with Don and his father and mother. Today our scene is at the home of Lila DeWitt, where the party is in progress. There are lots of people here in handsome evening clothes. Sally, left alone, seems to be stranded over in one corner. Then Lila comes by and says, why.

[Lila DeWitt]

Sally, darling, what are you doing off here in this corner all by yourself?

[Campaign Representative]

Oh, hello, Lila. I was looking for Don.

[Lila DeWitt]

And why on earth do you want Don?

[Campaign Representative]

I wanted to ask him something.

[Lila DeWitt]

Well, I don't think you'll find him hiding in this corner unless he's lost himself in the foliage of that farm. Besides, I don't want you to find Don. I think when married couples go to parties, they should get away from each other. I make it a rule at all my parties to separate husbands and wives.

[Campaign Representative]

But I did want to see Don.

[Lila DeWitt]

Nonsense. He's probably out with some of the men having a grand time. And you know men hate to be disturbed when they get together that way. Come with me, Sally, dear. I want you to meet some of these charming people.

[Campaign Representative]

Well, I'd rather not, Lila. You see, I promised Don I'd stay.

[Lila DeWitt]

Here until he's forgotten all about that, my dear. Now, have you met Dr. Richmond? Oh, he's fascinating. Man is marvel at science. And you'll adore talking to him.

[Campaign Representative]

You know, I don't know much about things like that. You'd probably think I was awfully boring.

[Lila DeWitt]

Dear, no man would ever find you boring.

[Campaign Representative]

I didn't know there'd be so many people here. I thought there'd be just Don and his mother and father and Diana and her husband.

[Lila DeWitt]

Why, dear, I thought you'd enjoy meeting a few of Don's friends. I know you haven't had a chance to get around much as yet. And where do you suppose Dr. Richmond is? I can't seem to locate him. Last I saw him, he was engaged in a bitter argument over the Einstein theory with Harry Anderson. Oh, you love him, too. Etho. Erudite.

[Campaign Representative]

Yeah.

[Lila DeWitt]

I'm sure both men would appeal to you.

[Campaign Representative]

Yes, I'm sure they would.

[Lila DeWitt]

You suppose they went to. Oh, there's Enid Pankhurst over there. Of course you want to meet her. You've heard of her?

[Campaign Representative]

Oh, no, I haven't.

[Lila DeWitt]

I'm surprised she's so famous.

[Campaign Representative]

But what is she, an aviator or something? I don't pay much attention to those things. Or sports, either. I never read the sports page. I couldn't tell you anything about who won the Olympics.

[Lila DeWitt]

Enid is a poet, my dear. Her work is brilliant, absolutely brilliant. Oh, you'll adore her. Come, I want you to meet her.

[Campaign Representative]

All right.

[Lila DeWitt]

Oh, miss Pankhurst.

[Enid Pankhurst]

Yes, Mr. Witts?

[Lila DeWitt]

I want you to meet a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Donald Whitehall. Ms. Pankas. How do you do, Mrs. Whitehall?

[Campaign Representative]

I'm very glad to meet you, Miss Pankhurst.

[Lila DeWitt]

Sally just loves poetry. Why, only the other day I dropped in at her home, and she was buried in a volume of Fanny Epstein. She just loves Fanny Epstein. She told me so.

[Enid Pankhurst]

Miss Epstein and I are great friends. And you were very well in Paris. What were you reading of hers? Mrs. Whitehall.

[Campaign Representative]

Oh, Treves. Ben Blow.

[Lila DeWitt]

Oh, there's Diana. She must have just arrived. I wonder where her husband is. You'll excuse me, I'm speaking Diana.

[Enid Pankhurst]

Certainly.

[Lila DeWitt]

You'll have to ask for a good chat before dinner.

[Enid Pankhurst]

Tell me, how do you like trees? Bend low.

[Campaign Representative]

Oh, I think it's good.

[Enid Pankhurst]

Yes, it is. I don't think it's a few extremes, other words to you. But I never will forget those lines, please. Bend low. Bend low. Bend low. Low. Bend. Bend in the grass. Bend low. Just what do you think Epstein is.

[Campaign Representative]

Getting out of that? Well, I guess it means that the trees bend low, that's all. I didn't bother much about what it meant. I Just thought it was supposed to be poetry. So, it's a nice party, isn't it?

[Enid Pankhurst]

Yes, indeed. Charming people. I've been reading a great deal of Truth lately.

[Lila DeWitt]

Truce?

[Enid Pankhurst]

And to Belle. Tell me, don't you feel truth is overrated?

[Campaign Representative]

Yes. Yes, I do.

[Enid Pankhurst]

Good. I'm glad to find someone who agrees with me. Now, tell me why you think truth is overrated. I'm getting some very interesting opinions, and I want to get yours. Well, come, come now. Do you think that.

[Lila DeWitt]

Good evening, Sally. Oh, I beg your pardon. I hope I not interrupt. Oh, no.

[Campaign Representative]

Hello, Diana. Sam. Glad to see you.

[Lila DeWitt]

You're looking rather beautiful tonight, Mrs. Whitehall.

[Campaign Representative]

You're looking charming, Diana. I wish I could look half as nice as you.

[Lila DeWitt]

Well, I. I don't believe we've met.

[Campaign Representative]

Oh, excuse me. I forget all the rules. I'm awfully sorry. Mrs. Parker, I want to present Miss Pankhurst.

[Enid Pankhurst]

Pankhurst is the name.

[Campaign Representative]

Miss Pankhurst. Miss Pankhurst. I'm dreadfully sorry.

[Lila DeWitt]

How do you do, Miss Pankhurst? I'm so happy to meet you at last. I've heard so much about you.

[Enid Pankhurst]

Thank you, Mrs. Parker.

[Lila DeWitt]

It's a charming party, isn't it?

[Enid Pankhurst]

Lovely. Mr. Whit gives such lovely parties. We were just discussing proof, and I was asking Mrs. Whitehall.

[Teen Advocate]

Oh, yes.

[Lila DeWitt]

Do forgive me, but I just saw a very dear friend of mine arrive, and I'm so anxious to have Sally meet her. Do you mind very much if I take Sally with me? We can carry on this discussion later, perhaps. I'll be dying to have Sally meet this old friend of mine.

[Enid Pankhurst]

It's quite old.

[Lila DeWitt]

Thank you so much.

[Campaign Representative]

I'm awful glad. I mean, I'm very glad I met you, Miss Pankhurst.

[Enid Pankhurst]

Pankhurst is the name.

[Campaign Representative]

Pankhurst. Miss Pankhurst. I'm awful glad. I'm glad I met you.

[Aunt Claire]

Thanks, Sally.

[Campaign Representative]

Thanks. You saved me from something. I didn't know what to say to her.

[Lila DeWitt]

Nobody does. She's just an old bore who likes to show off. How did you happen to get stranded with her?

[Campaign Representative]

Lila introduced her and then left me there.

[Lila DeWitt]

She would.

[Campaign Representative]

And now, where is this old friend of yours I was to meet?

[Lila DeWitt]

There's no old friend. I just wanted to get your way, that's all.

[Campaign Representative]

You're a pal, Diana.

[Lila DeWitt]

No, just a little girl trying to get along.

[Aunt Claire]

Well, I'm glad I arrived here late.

[Lila DeWitt]

How's the party? Pretty deadly.

[Campaign Representative]

Well, to be quite truthful, I haven't enjoyed it very much. Don disappeared shortly after we arrived, and I've been left high and dry. Then I got stuck with pinkers. I mean, pinkers.

[Lila DeWitt]

I see. Well, all I've got to say is, when do we eat?

[Campaign Representative]

Is that the way you feel? Me too.

[Lila DeWitt]

Oh, there you are.

[Aunt Claire]

Diana, darling.

[Lila DeWitt]

I've been looking for you. Oh, hello, Aunt Clare.

[Aunt Claire]

How are you, dear? I've just been talking to your mother and father. And, dear, I don't think your father looks a bit well. My, my. He'll go under dangers like that. It's too bad. But you're looking well.

[Enid Pankhurst]

Simply divine.

[Lila DeWitt]

Why, Clara, I want you to meet Donald's wife, Sally.

[Aunt Claire]

Oh, so this is Sally I've heard so much about. Why, I'm so happy to meet you, my dear.

[Campaign Representative]

How do you do?

[Aunt Claire]

It's time you met Donald's aunt. You know, Donald always says I'm his favorite aunt. And Clary always says he's my favorite aunt. Of course, I think he's trying to flatter me or trying to get money out of me, but I love it.

[Campaign Representative]

Anyway, Donald says that. I'm sure he means it.

[Aunt Claire]

Well, let's hope so. Oh, Diana, dear, have you heard the.

[Lila DeWitt]

Gospel about the box?

[Aunt Claire]

My dear? Don't say I said it, but Emily.

[Lila DeWitt]

Bachman is leaving him.

[Aunt Claire]

They say she's on her way to Reno. And now let me tell you the real inside and what's happening.

[Lila DeWitt]

I'm afraid I'm not interested. You know I have no interest in Bachmans or what they do.

[Aunt Claire]

Well, of course, if you're not interested. But such a story. I was pledged to secrecy, but I guess I can tell you.

[Lila DeWitt]

Please, don't bother.

[Aunt Claire]

Well, very well. Lovely party, I think.

[Lila DeWitt]

Where's Philip? Philip? Well, he couldn't come.

[Aunt Claire]

He's not going to be here.

[Lila DeWitt]

No, he's been working very hard of late, and he had to stay downtown tonight for the client. You know, it's just one of those things. Of course, Lyle is disappointed, and so am I. So of course he may drop in later.

[Aunt Claire]

Well, I don't think so, my dear.

[Lila DeWitt]

Probably, but he said he might.

[Aunt Claire]

Well, my dear, I hate to be the one to tell you, but how are all your family?

[Lila DeWitt]

Aunt Claire, How's Lola?

[Aunt Claire]

Oh, very well, darling. Thank you, my dear. I saw Philip downtown last week, and I don't think it was a client he was entertaining that day. Unless, of course, his client is a blonde.

[Lila DeWitt]

A great many of Philip's clients are women out there.

[Aunt Claire]

Yes, possibly. But the stories I've heard, if they're true, and I don't. I don't think this one was a client, my dear. How can you be so blonde? I hate to be the one to tell you, but it's time. You know what people are saying.

[Lila DeWitt]

I haven't any interest in what people are saying. I'm clerk. In fact, I never pay any attention. It's awfully warm in here. I feel a slight headache coming on. If you don't mind, I think I'd like some air.

[Aunt Claire]

Very well, my dear.

[Lila DeWitt]

So nice to have seen you.

[Aunt Claire]

Here's Diana.

[Campaign Representative]

I'm very glad to have met you, Aunt Clare. I should call you Aunt Claire, I suppose. My child.

[Aunt Claire]

I insist upon it. You're a dear child, Sally, and I hope you and Donna will be very happy. But I can see it's going to be hard the way things are going.

[Lila DeWitt]

They're getting along very nicely, Aunt Claire.

[Aunt Claire]

Oh, well, that's fortunate, isn't it?

[Lila DeWitt]

Perhaps we'll see you later. Yes, later. That's quite unfortunate.

[Campaign Representative]

Isn't it beautiful out here? Oh, it's a wonderful night.

[Lila DeWitt]

Well, you've met Aunt Claire. She's public gossip number one.

[Campaign Representative]

I gathered that.

[Lila DeWitt]

Advise you to keep away from her, Sally, as far as possible. She'll make trouble every time. If there's any trouble to be made, Aunt Clara always steps in and makes a good job of it.

[Campaign Representative]

I don't imagine I'll try to get very chummy with Aunt Clare. Daddy. You face things so squarely. You size up people so honestly. You know people and you don't try to make out that they're different from what they really are.

[Lila DeWitt]

Should I?

[Campaign Representative]

No. Everyone else does. I think it's because you're honest that I like you. I feel like a miserable fool. And, well, when I was stranded there a while ago with Ms. Panker's friends, the. I felt so dumb. And then you came along and made me feel that I'd be better off not even knowing Ms. Pankers.

[Lila DeWitt]

Don't let any of those people fool you. Sorry. Most of them are fates. Fakes in one way or another.

[Campaign Representative]

I should think they'd respect you.

[Lila DeWitt]

That's funny. But I don't believe they do. If anything, they pity me.

[Campaign Representative]

But why should they pity you?

[Lila DeWitt]

Oh, you heard our Claire going on about Philip. I stopped you as soon as I could.

[Campaign Representative]

Yes.

[Lila DeWitt]

So far as Philip is concerned, they think I'm a mischief. But they don't know a woman may have real reasons for wanting to pretend to the world her marriage is a success.

[Campaign Representative]

You're not happy, Diana. I sensed that from the first. Is it I'm a counterfeit?

[Lila DeWitt]

Oh, Philip's not entirely to blame. Perhaps he thinks he's been cheated in a way. You see, Mother arranged our marriage. I was very young man. And you may find it hard to believe. In those days I did just as mother always said. And mother always said she knew what was best for me.

[Campaign Representative]

I'm sorry things haven't worked out better for you.

[Lila DeWitt]

Anyone would think my life was a bit of tragedy. It's not at all. I'm often lonely at times. But by now I should be used to spending my evenings alone, going to parties, either alone or with the family. I am used to it, in fact.

[Campaign Representative]

You do have a lot of things that would make most women happy.

[Lila DeWitt]

Yes. Have a beautiful home, service, lot of clothes. And I get fixed in Europe, Florida, California. And I don't take things that would make most women happy. Everything except one thing.

[Campaign Representative]

May I ask what that is?

[Lila DeWitt]

Come, come. It's too nice of evening to spoil it with my trouble. Something must be happening in there.

[Campaign Representative]

Oh, yes. Somebody important must be just arriving.

[Lila DeWitt]

Perhaps the guest of honor. Maybe now we'll actually get around to eating. You know it back to nine and I'm practically starved. Me too.

[Campaign Representative]

Come on, let's go in and find out what all the excitement's about. You know, as long as you're with me, Diana, I'm not one of the get afraid of these people. If anything, I feel as though I had an edge on them.

[Lila DeWitt]

You only knew it, my dear. You had. Dar, dear, Philip has just arrived and I'm that excited. I was so disappointed when you said he couldn't make it. And then he appears just like that. You believe it's magic. Oh, I. I thought I said. Philip said he might come. I'd expected him as soon as this. Where's our player? I must tell her Philip is here.

[Campaign Representative]

Yes, she'll be much disappointed.

[Lila DeWitt]

Yes, indeed. Aunt Claire is always looking for trouble. And disappointed if it doesn't happen to someone. Diana, has Sally met your handsome husband? No, come to think of it, she hasn't.

[Campaign Representative]

But I've heard so much about him.

[Lila DeWitt]

Come, my dear. You must meet him. Yes, Sally, you must meet. It's time you got acquainted with your own family.

[Campaign Representative]

Sam.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me@ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for.

[Campaign Representative]

Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me at flavors hookoregon kids.org paid for by.

[Campaign Representative]

The Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.