Our Gal Sunday 39-09-21 Uncle Percy Reads a Letter

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Our Gal Sunday 39-09-21 Uncle Percy Reads a Letter"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Relives classic radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring beloved programs like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and more.
• Episode: Our Gal Sunday 39-09-21 Uncle Percy Reads a Letter
• Release Date: March 4, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Our Gal Sunday 39-09-21 Uncle Percy Reads a Letter," listeners are transported to the heartfelt and dramatic world of Silver Creek, Colorado. The story revolves around Sunday, an orphan girl raised by two former miners, and her life as she marries Lord Henry Bintrop, England's most eligible and affluent lord. This episode delves deep into the challenges Sunday faces, both personally and within the tumultuous setting of war-torn England.

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Plot Overview

The narrative picks up with Sunday enjoying a quiet evening at Balmacrueche Castle, now repurposed as a hospital amidst the strains of war. She sits with her Uncle Percy by the fireplace, engaging in a heartfelt conversation that reveals Percy's inner turmoil and the mounting pressures he faces in managing the hospital.

Uncle Percy's Struggles: Uncle Percy, portrayed as a dedicated yet weary individual, expresses frustration over his role in the hospital. He feels undervalued and overwhelmed by administrative duties, leading to tension between him and the hospital staff.

"Morning, noon and night, I fuss about with lists, with orders. Try to give the hospital staff advice. They don't want it."
— Percy Brinthrope [04:05]

Sunday’s Support: Sunday, ever the supportive niece, reassures Uncle Percy of his importance and the value of his contributions. She highlights his achievements and the recognition he's received, attempting to uplift his spirits amidst his self-doubt.

"But didn't you check the plans of all the rebuilding necessary in the Castle, didn't you get a letter from Sir Robert Winslow, chairman of the hospital board congratulating you on suggestions you made?"
— Sunday Brinthrope [05:35]

The Letter from Arthur Brinthrope: A pivotal moment occurs when Uncle Percy discovers a letter addressed to Sunday from Arthur Brinthrope, Henry's brother. This letter introduces a new layer of complexity, hinting at underlying tensions and unresolved issues within the Brinthrope family.

"I wanted him to write, Uncle Percy. He came to see us before Henry left England. He was in his uniform, waiting for orders."
— Sunday Brinthrope [06:30]

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Character Interactions

Sunday and Uncle Percy: Their relationship is central to the episode, showcasing Sunday’s unwavering support and Uncle Percy's vulnerability. Sunday's attempt to provide emotional support underscores her role as the emotional anchor of the family.

Percy and Arthur Brinthrope: The arrival of Arthur Brinthrope introduces a conflict between brothers. Arthur, now a captain, seeks to position himself favorably within the military hierarchy, which puts him at odds with his brother Henry and raises questions about favoritism and meritocracy.

"I made you a promise before we left England. I promised never to cause you any trouble again. And you said we could be friends."
— Henry Brinthrope [10:58]

Henry and Arthur Brinthrope: Their conversation reveals underlying sibling rivalry and the strains of military duty. Henry’s desire to take over his brother’s position highlights themes of ambition and the cost of war on personal relationships.

"I worked like a dickens to get my commission. Now I want a chance to prove myself worthy."
— Henry Brinthrope [10:51]

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Duty and Responsibility:

   • The episode explores the burdens of leadership and the expectations placed upon individuals like Uncle Percy and Lord Henry Bintrop. Their struggles reflect the broader societal pressures during wartime.

2. Family Dynamics:

   • The tension between Arthur and Henry Brinthrope illustrates the complexities of familial relationships, especially when intertwined with professional and military obligations.

3. Support and Resilience:

   • Sunday's role as a supportive figure emphasizes the importance of emotional strength and resilience in overcoming personal and external challenges.

4. Ambition vs. Loyalty:

   • Arthur's ambition to advance within the military hierarchy raises questions about loyalty to family versus personal career aspirations.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Percy Brinthrope on His Role:

  "Morning, noon and night, I fuss about with lists, with orders..."
  — Percy Brinthrope [04:05]

• Sunday Brinthrope Encouraging Percy:

  "But didn't you check the plans of all the rebuilding necessary in the Castle..."
  — Sunday Brinthrope [05:35]

• Henry Brinthrope on Proving Himself:

  "I worked like a dickens to get my commission. Now I want a chance to prove myself worthy."
  — Henry Brinthrope [10:51]

• Arthur Brinthrope on Friendship and Duty:

  "I made you a promise before we left England. I promised never to cause you any trouble again..."
  — Henry Brinthrope [10:58]

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Conclusion and Cliffhangers

As the episode progresses, unresolved tensions between the Brinthrope brothers and the emerging conflict within the hospital set the stage for future developments. Sunday’s precarious position at Dalmat Coochie Hospital, coupled with Nurse Rhoda Gray’s jealousy over Dr. Ellen Brooks’ infatuation with her, adds layers of personal drama to the overarching narrative.

The episode concludes with probing questions that leave listeners eager for the next installment:

• Will Henry secure the transfer and what impact will it have on his relationship with Arthur?
• How will the strained dynamics at Balmacrueche Castle influence Sunday’s quest for happiness?
• What unforeseen challenges lie ahead for Uncle Percy as he navigates his responsibilities?

Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the next episode to uncover the unfolding drama and the eventual resolutions to these intense personal and professional conflicts.

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Stay Tuned: Join us tomorrow at 12:45 PM Eastern Daylight Saving Time for the next gripping chapter of Our Gal Sunday. Don’t miss out on the continuing saga of Sunday and her family as they navigate love, duty, and the trials of war.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the narrative and character developments within the episode.

Transcript

[Sunday Brinthrope]

It.

[Narrator]

Once again, we present our gal Sunday. The story of an orphan girl named Sunday who was left on the steps of the cabin of two old miners who raised her from childhood in the little mining town of Silver Creek, Colorado, who, in young womanhood married England's richest, most handsome lord, Lord Henry Bintrop. The story that asks the question, can this girl from a little mining town in the west find happiness as the wife of a wealthy and titled Englishman? Let me tell you about a remedy that thousands of people now use to get quick relief from the pains caused by headache, neuralgia and rheumatism. People use it because the results are truly astonishing. This remedy is called Anacin. And the reason so many people rely upon it is that it was first suggested to them by their physician or dentist. Perhaps you, too, at some time have been handed an envelope containing Anacin tablets. If you haven't discovered Anacin through this channel, then by all means discover it for yourself, for your own sake to get quick relief. Anacin is certainly worth a trial. Of course, there's a reason why anacin is so amazingly effective. It is made up of a combination of different medically proved and tested ingredients, not just one. It is like a doctor's prescription that way, for a prescription nearly always calls for a combination of different ingredients. Try Anderson on this basis. If the first few tablets fail to give the quick relief you want, you may return the unused portion and your money will be refunded. So be prepared next time you suffer from a headache or neuralgic and rheumatic pains. Get a supply of Anacin at any drugstore today and have it on hand spelled A N, A C I N. It comes in tins of 12 and 30 or bottles of 50 and 100. TABLE and now our Gal Sunday. Much has happened in the last few days at Bell Microchee Hospital to prophesy difficult days ahead for Sunday with two members of the staff. First there is Nurse Rhoda Gray, who, because of her jealousy and love of Dr. Alan Brooke, has proved particularly objectionable to Sunday. And then there's Alan Brook himself, whose personal interest in Sunday is becoming a major problem to her. However, these problems have been in some part counteracted. Although Sunday is facing her first long separation from Lord Henry, who is now a captain in the English army. She's been comforted not only by his letters, but by a feeling and knowledge that there are times when their love brings them together in an unusual and beautiful manner, keeping both of them from feeling that distance can separate them. Sunday is now in the living room. Of the lodge. Sitting with Lord Percy before a crackling fire. Listen.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

Fire feels good these misty Scotch days, doesn't it, Uncle Percy?

[Percy Brinthrope]

Yes, it does.

[Narrator]

Sunday, if you've been down to the.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

Village this morning, you must be tired.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Tired?

[Percy Brinthrope]

Of course I'm not tired. Don't pamper me, Sunday.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

I'm not pampering you, Uncle Percy. I was going to suggest that you stay here with me for a while. I don't have to go to the hospital until later on.

[Percy Brinthrope]

Do I look as if I'm leaving?

[Sunday Brinthrope]

No, you don't. You look comfortable.

[Percy Brinthrope]

Comfortable, ain't it? I'm too comfortable. Details. Details of turning Belmont Cruchet Castle into a hospital. Is that a man's work?

[Sunday Brinthrope]

No, Uncle Percy. What are you talking about?

[Percy Brinthrope]

Morning, noon and night, I fuss about with lists, with orders. Try to give the hospital staff advice. They don't want it. They know better than I do how to equip a hospital. What do they think I am? A useless old man, eh?

[Sunday Brinthrope]

Of course not, Uncle Percy. You aren't old, and you're certainly not useless.

[Percy Brinthrope]

No. If I'm not useless, why may not near me? Answer me that. Why?

[Sunday Brinthrope]

Because. Well, there's no need for me to be, Uncle Percy. And you served in the last war.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Nonsense.

[Percy Brinthrope]

There's no reason for me to be out here in Scotland, sitting before a fire, warming my toes. Or to be in London. Anywhere but here.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

But, Uncle Percy, you offered Balmacrueche Castle to the government to be used as a hospital. That was a wonderful thing.

[Percy Brinthrope]

Then why did they tell me to stay here and look after it? It's a conspiracy, that's what it is.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

Uncle Percy, you're needed at Tharma Crutchie. That's why you were asked to stay here. Uncle Percy. You know, I've been thinking of something the last few days.

[Percy Brinthrope]

What?

[Sunday Brinthrope]

The attitude of the people everywhere. All over England. No matter how they're feeling inside, they're taking all their troubles, all their problems, cheerfully. It's inspiring. That's the way life should be. Full of courage and hope and doing the job at hand.

[Percy Brinthrope]

Look here, my dear. Are you trying to tell me in a roundabout, feminine sort of fashion. That I shouldn't be complaining about doing work that a fair to middling bookkeeper could do?

[Sunday Brinthrope]

Uncle Percy, of course I'm not.

[Henry Brinthrope]

I hope not.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

After all, your work is more exacting than that. There's no sense in pretending that it isn't important, because you know it is. But didn't you check the plans of all the rebuilding necessary in the Castle, didn't you get a letter from Sir Robert Winslow, chairman of the hospital board congratulating you on suggestions you made?

[Percy Brinthrope]

Yes, I did. Yes, thank you, I did.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

And this morning when you went to the village, wasn't it to personally supervise orders for food supplies for the hospital?

[Percy Brinthrope]

Yes.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

And you say you aren't doing enough. Uncle Percy, I'm ashamed of Cindy.

[Percy Brinthrope]

You're a nuisance. You won't even let a man complain in peace. Oh, bless my stupid brain, I forgot a letter for you. Brought it from the village to save the boy bicycle ride out.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

A letter for me?

[Percy Brinthrope]

Yes. Where'd they put it? Must be in my inside coat pocket.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

Uncle Percy. Is it from Henry?

[Percy Brinthrope]

No, no, it isn't. Sunday. Oh, here it is. Receive yourself.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

Thank you. No, no, it isn't Henry's writing, Uncle Percy. It's from Arthur. From Henry's brother, Arthur.

[Percy Brinthrope]

It is, is it? Who's he doing writing to you?

[Sunday Brinthrope]

I wanted him to write, Uncle Percy. He came to see us before Henry left England. He was in his uniform, waiting for orders. He promised Henry to turn over a new leaf.

[Percy Brinthrope]

Well, read it, my dear. Read it. What does he have to say?

[Sunday Brinthrope]

Well, let's see. Dear Sunday. Don't be surprised at my writing you. You said I might. You know, you're the only one of the family at home I can write to. Uncle Percy would. Uncle Percy would probably growl himself into a minor fit if he even poured my handwriting.

[Percy Brinthrope]

Rusted impertinence. Me growl myself into a fit.

[Thomas McTaggart]

What does he mean, though?

[Sunday Brinthrope]

He might be secretly pleased because I know jolly well he cares for every one of us very deeply. Even me, the black sheep of the Brentrop family.

[Percy Brinthrope]

I have to write rather myself and ask him what he means discussing me in a letter to you.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

It's a long letter. Something's to tell you.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

What is it? Wait.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

What's this? Something about Thomas McTaggart. You know, Uncle Percy, Kathy's husband. But that means he may have seen Henry because Thomas is Henry's only. Let me see Uncle Percy. Yes. That there is something about him.

[Percy Brinthrope]

Oh, read it, my dear.

[Narrator]

Read it.

[Sunday Brinthrope]

Where does it begin? Oh, here. And so then I went to the company canteen. I was outside the door.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Yeah?

[Sunday Brinthrope]

I heard voices inside. A voice I vaguely recognized.

[Thomas McTaggart]

And the captain says to me, he says. He says, Thomas McTaggart, I'm glad to see you, man. And how would you like to be? More than so. I. I looked the captain in the eye and I says to him.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Attention, Second Lieutenant.

[Percy Brinthrope]

Carry on, man.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Captain Gordon here.

[Thomas McTaggart]

Yeah, that would be me, sir. Private MacTaggart speaking.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Private MacTaggart.

[James Fleming]

Tammort.

[Thomas McTaggart]

Well, sir, I don't know how you.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

What?

[Thomas McTaggart]

Lieutenant Arthur Brinthrope. I cannot believe my eyes, sir.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Thomas, it's good to see you again. I will.

[Thomas McTaggart]

It's the first time in over three years.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Yes, it's all of that, Thomas.

[Narrator]

Is your captain aboard?

[Thomas McTaggart]

Oh, I, sir, that he is in his office at this very minute working on his reports. If you'll come with me.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Wait a second, Thomas. There's something I want to ask you about. Let's stand in this hall, shall we?

[Thomas McTaggart]

I'll have done it. Yes, sir.

[Henry Brinthrope]

What did you want to say to me, sir? See here, Thomas.

[Narrator]

I heard in a roundabout way that.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Your second lieutenant is being transferred. Know anything about it?

[Narrator]

Aye, that's the truth, sir.

[Thomas McTaggart]

And I wish in this very instant that you would have taken his place.

[Percy Brinthrope]

Ah.

[Thomas McTaggart]

Tis a great company, sir. And it's a great captain we've got. Are you thinking of joining us?

[Henry Brinthrope]

Yes, I am.

[Thomas McTaggart]

Oh, that's good.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Not so fast. I'm on way of doing this, you know.

[Thomas McTaggart]

Oh, I'm sorry, sir. I was only thinking that when. Captain.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Yes, yes, I know. Your captain will have to approve of me first.

[Thomas McTaggart]

Oh, but he will, sir. He will. How can he help it?

[Henry Brinthrope]

Where's the captain's room, Thomas?

[Thomas McTaggart]

Oh, well, I'll take you there.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

No, thanks.

[Henry Brinthrope]

I'll find it. Dumb hole on the left, isn't it?

[Thomas McTaggart]

No, it's the third room on the right, Lieutenant.

[Henry Brinthrope]

I'll find it. Cheerio, Thomas.

[Thomas McTaggart]

Cheerio, sir.

[Henry Brinthrope]

No name in the door. Well, here goes.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Come in.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Captain. I'm telling from Arthur, Henry. Why, Henry.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

By Jove, Arthur, this is a surprise.

[James Fleming]

Yes.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Yes, it is. But I talked with Tamils and I told him I wanted to see the captain. I had no idea you were captain.

[Narrator]

I see, Henry.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Well, sit down, Arthur. Well, I didn't know you'd come from home.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Henry, is it true your second lieutenant is being transferred?

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Oh, yes. Is that why you're here, Arthur?

[Henry Brinthrope]

Yes. I'd like to take his place. There are some friends of mine in this company. And now that I know the truth.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Arthur, what is your commanding officer?

[Henry Brinthrope]

If you approve, he'll recommend me for a transfer.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Arthur, I don't know.

[Narrator]

You see, Paul.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Please, Henry. Please do this for me.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Arthur, I'll have to think over.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Oh, come now, Henry. You can do it. It all depends on you.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Yes, I realize that.

[Henry Brinthrope]

I worked like a dickens to get my commission. Now I want a chance to prove myself worthy.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

To prove yourself? Worthy of the course, yes.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Now, see here, Henry. I made you a promise before we left England. I promised never to cause you any trouble again. And you said we could be friends.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Yes, and I know, Arthur. I know. I am your friend. And I'm your brother, Arthur. You see, that's the point. I want to do what's best for you. It isn't that I don't trust you, but I can show no favors. Not a hair's breadth. Without meaning to, there might come a time when you'd expect that hair's breadth of favor. Oh, I swear to you, that's not risk. What do you say? You stick by your own company and you get your promotions? You know, human nature is a strange thing.

[Percy Brinthrope]

We are brothers.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

A great deal of the misunderstanding between us has been because I'm the older. But we have that same situation here. The time may come when you would resent taking orders from me. Orders that, well, you'd accept willingly from someone else.

[Henry Brinthrope]

But at home, you offered me another chance. Could mean a lot to me, Henry.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Arthur, I. Very well, Arthur.

[Henry Brinthrope]

Oh, John.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Henry.

[Henry Brinthrope]

I'm awfully.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

I'll be glad to have you in my company, Arthur.

[Narrator]

But I want you to know that.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Once you're part of it officially, I can consider you no longer my brother. If there's a job to be done, regardless of what it is and I have to choose a man from my men and you're the one chosen, I expect courage from you. The best you have to give, I.

[Narrator]

Expect from you as much as I.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

Do for myself over this.

[Narrator]

Understood.

[Arthur Brinthrope]

I'll recommend your transfer to this company.

[Narrator]

What will happen to these two brothers fighting side by side? One a captain, the other a subordinate? Will Henry be placed in a difficult position? Will Arthur's past misdeeds play any part? And what of Sunday's own situation at Dalmat Coochie Hospital and Nurse Rhoda Gray's jealousy because of Dr. Ellen Brooks infatuation for Sunday? What dramatic twist will the personal problem surrounding Sunday take next? Be sure to listen tomorrow to the next episode of Our Gal Sunday. Our Gal Sunday is brought to you by the makers of Anison, that remarkable way to get quick relief from the pains of headache, neuralgia or neuritis. The reason anacin acts so fast is because it is, like a doctor's prescription, a combination of medically tested active ingredients. Next time you have a headache or neuralgic pain, try anacin. You'll be amazed at what it does for you. All drugstores have Anacin in tins of 12 and 30 or bottles of 50 and 100 tablets. Anacin is spelled A N A C I N. Our gal Sunday will be on the air at the Same time tomorrow, 12:45pm Eastern Daylight Saving time. Your announcer, James Fleming.

[James Fleming]

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