Palmolive Beauty Box Theater 37-04-14 (110) Chocolate Soldier

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Palmolive Beauty Box Theater 37-04-14 (110) Chocolate Soldier

Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, featuring a full performance of the "Chocolate Soldier," a sparkling musical romance broadcast in 1937 on The Palmolive Beauty Box Theater. The production stars Jessica Dragonette and Charles Coleman, with musical direction by Al Goodman and storytelling by Jean Paul King. Set against the backdrop of the Bulgarian-Serbian war, it weaves together romance, mistaken identities, patriotic fervor, and the comedic trials of love.

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Key Discussion Points & Musical Highlights

1. Introduction and Setting the Scene

• [00:17] The program opens with the signature Palmolive Beauty Box fanfare, introducing Jessica Dragonette as the star and framing the evening's show as "the musical romance of a hero-struck young girl who fell in love with a spy."
• [00:55] Announcer Jean Paul King addresses the audience, noting high anticipation for this episode:

  "Ever since this new series of romances began, your letters have been asking for the Chocolate Soldier. And so it is with a great deal of pleasure that we bring you this delightful musical romance."

2. The Love Triangle and War

• [01:31]–[02:05] Listeners are introduced to Nadina Popov, daughter of Colonel Casimir, who idolizes her soldier fiancé, Major Alexius.
• The opening musical numbers evoke the martial mood of Bulgaria during wartime:
  • Bulgarian Soldiers Chorus: "When we fight are all Bulgarians proving many, many battles. Your courage. Nothing rattles. It's forever and ever, ever we win." (02:05)

3. The Chocolate Soldier's First Encounter

• [04:59]–[05:50] A Serbian soldier, Bummerly (the "Chocolate Soldier"), sneaks into Nadina's bedroom asking for shelter as soldiers search for him. Their witty, flirtatious exchange is punctuated by Nadina calling him a "chocolate soldier" for his sweet tooth rather than his martial prowess.
  • Memorable moment as Nadina throws him a bag of chocolates, which he devours.
  • Nadina: "You're a fine soldier, a chocolate soldier." (05:13)
• [05:50] The comic and self-deprecating duet "Oh, you little chocolate soldier man, you're far too sweet and pretty..." spotlights the musical's playful tone.

4. Humorous Romance & Character Depth

• [06:27]–[06:53] Nadina and Bummerly sing opposing views:
  • Nadina: "I am a warrior by trade and not a soldier heaven made..."
  • Bummerly: "Oh, you little chocolate soldier man..."
• Their banter highlights the clashing ideals of heroism and gentleness.

5. Danger and Escape

• [07:43]–[12:07] Bulgarian soldiers raid Nadina's home. She hides Bummerly, ultimately saving him—an act that fosters tenderness despite national conflict.
  • Memorable choral moment as soldiers search ("Never, never seem to think that we are clever.")

6. Commercial Interlude (Briefly Noted for Context, Skipping Details)

• [12:07]–[13:42] A characteristic 1930s soap commercial features Rosalind Green, emphasizing Palmolive’s benefits for skin health.

7. War Ends, But Love Is Complicated

• [13:42]–[15:01] The war concludes, and Nadina is set to marry Alexius, but her encounter with Bummerly lingers in her heart.
• [15:01–16:37] The “what if” duet—Bummerly and Nadina muse wistfully on what their love might have been if circumstances were different:
  • Nadina: "That's a reason no doubt I know what I'm about. Each morning you should have a kiss at midday too, maybe and then at night if you were polite, perhaps I'd give you three." (15:35)
  • Bummerly: "That would most lovely be." (16:19)

8. The Reveal and Betrayal

• [19:45]–[20:21] Alexius discovers the truth about the night Nadina sheltered Bummerly, believing she betrayed him.
  • Alexius: "So you're the girl he told about. You betrayed me. Our wedding is off." (20:00)
• [20:21–21:24] Nadina refuses Bummerly’s pleas for forgiveness in a heartfelt, lyrical monologue.

9. The Scathing Letter

• [21:24]–[24:11] Nadina channels her anger into a satirical, pointed letter to Bummerly, read in a spirited back-and-forth:
  • Nadina: "My dear, purposeful boy, most hateful you are... The first one is you came too late. And secondly, you are too small to win a simple maiden card. And thirdly, you're an awful blessing your manner is..." (21:36)
  • Humorous banter follows as Bummerly takes her words as a “confession of love.”

10. Comedic Climax and Happy Ending

• [24:23]–[26:39] Their banter turns affectionate. Nadina finally confesses her true feelings, culminating in a passionate declaration:

  • Nadina: "I do love you, my chocolate soldier. And you really are my hero." (24:51)

• The lovers unite in the recurring romantic duet:

  • Bummerly: "Come, come. I love you. Only my heart is true..."
  • Nadina: "Come, come. See who disgrace you. I love you. Only let me embrace you..."

• Narrator: "And so the chocolate soldier won the love of Nadina Popov, the most beautiful girl in Bulgaria." (26:39)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Heroism vs. Sweetness:
  Bummerly (Chocolate Soldier): "If you scream, I'll be killed. And really, you wouldn't want such a handsome fellow to be killed now would you?" (05:10)

• Comic Antagonism Turned Affection:
  Nadina: "I hate you. Go, go." (07:27)
  Later, when reading her own letter aloud in a sarcastic tone, the mock-criticism turns to realization of true love.

• Climactic Declaration:
  Nadina: "I do love you, my chocolate soldier. And you really are my hero." (24:51)

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Structure & Flow

The episode follows a dramatically structured arc reminiscent of classic operetta:

• Opening: Set-up of the war, Nadina's character, and the arrival of Bummerly
• Conflict: Clash of national identities and affections; Nadina compelled to help her "enemy"
• Resolution: War ends, secrets revealed, misunderstandings threaten true love
• Reconciliation: Hurt and humor resolve into a heartfelt union

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:17–01:18: Opening introductions & theme
• 01:31–04:59: Scene-setting in Bulgaria, Nadina introduced
• 04:59–07:27: Chocolate Soldier and Nadina’s first encounter
• 07:43–12:07: Soldiers’ raid and escape sequence
• 13:42–16:37: Post-war dissonance, reunion, and duet
• 19:45–21:24: Betrayal; Alexius discovers the truth
• 21:24–24:11: "Scathing" letter exchange
• 24:23–26:39: Confessions, embrace, and romantic conclusion
• 26:39–28:38: Closing narration, preview of next episode

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Tone & Style

• True to 1930s radio operetta: melodramatic, witty, and full of romping choral numbers.
• The humor is broad, while the romance is heightened and lyrical.
• Nadina is spirited and headstrong; Bummerly is clever, earnest, and guileless.
• The production combines lush musical interludes with snappy dialogue.

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Conclusion

"Palmolive Beauty Box Theater's" rendition of The Chocolate Soldier delivers both musical delight and timeless comedic romance. The performances are charming, the music lively, and the story—full of misunderstandings, passion, and eventual reconciliation—feels as fresh as ever. Through sparkling banter and memorable melodies, this episode captures the very essence of old-time radio magic.

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For Next Week

• [27:57] Jessica Dragonette teases the upcoming episode:

  "Next week we're bringing you one of the most stirring and dramatic musical love stories ever written. The story of a glamorous lady of France who loved a rose. Francois Villon, the vagabond King."

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Transcript

[Narrator]

The Palm Olive Beauty Box Theater, starring lovely Jessica Dragonette. With Charles Coleman, Palm Olive's new tenor. The Beauty Box Orchestra, directed by Al Goodman and the Palm Olive Chorus, presented tonight and every Wednesday night by the makers of Palm Olive, the Beauty soap made with olive oil. Tonight, the sparkling musical romance of a hero struck young girl who fell in love with a spy. Jessica Dragonet in the Chocolate Soldier.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Come, come, I love you. Only my heart is true.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

Good evening my friends and welcome to the Palm Olive Beauty Box Theater. Ever since this new series of romances began, your letters have been asking for the Chocolate Soldier. And so it is with a great deal of pleasure that we bring you this delightful musical romance. This evening Charles Kuhlman and I will sing the lovely melodies and here is Jean Paul King to tell you the story.

[Narrator]

The setting of the Chocolate Soldier is the little town of in Bulgaria. Bulgaria and Serbia are at war. It's midnight. Soldiers march through the silent streets telling the town they are seeking a Serbian spy.

[Nadina Popov]

Yes, barbarians.

[Bulgarian Soldiers Chorus]

Yes, Bulgarians. When we fight are all Bulgarians proving many, many battles. Your courage. Nothing rattles. It's forever and ever, ever we win.

[Nadina Popov]

Win all and never.

[Bulgarian Soldiers Chorus]

Never, never see the thinks that we are clever Never, never see to think that we are never O never.

[Narrator]

While the soldiers parade through the streets in search of the Serbian, a young girl watches from her balcony. Moonlight outlines her slender white robe figure. She is Nadina Popov, the romantic hero worshiping daughter of Bulgaria's colonel Casimir Popov. Clasped against Nadina's breast is a photograph of her soldier fiance, Major Alexius, famed for his brilliant cavalry charge against the Serbians. At stake, Levinsky. She looks upon this portrait now lost in admiration.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

A true and noble lover. He is my sweetheart, mine on love he's like on earth who shall discover his arm is mine and mine. We plead our trouble each to the other and for our happiness I pray our lives belong to one another. Happy wedding day. Happy, happy wedding day. Come, come, I love you only my heart is true. Come, I belong for you One one.

[Narrator]

Who benef.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

You by undou embrace you the world.

[Narrator]

Nadina leaves her balcony, goes into her room and climbs into bed. Suddenly there's a noise outside the doors that open on the balcony. And then someone steals into her bedroom. Medina snaps on the light. Standing before her is a man in the hated costume of a Serbian soldier. He bows. My name is Vomerlie, he says. Do you mind if I hide here? The Serbian spy cries Nadina. And threatens to scream if he does not leave instantly. Yes, I am a Serbian soldier, but not a spy. And if you scream, I'll be killed. And really, you wouldn't want such a handsome fellow to be killed now would you? He reaches into his cartridge belt and produces a chocolate. My last. He explains mournfully, contemptuously. Nadina tosses a bag of chocolates at him. He gobbles them. Nadina sniffs. You're a fine soldier, a chocolate soldier.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Oh, you little chocolate soldier man, you're far too sweet and pretty. Oh, you funny chocolate soldierman. For you I feel great pity. For you silly thoughtless soldier man, just make to live your business both with.

[Narrator]

You.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Melt if you will felt a full grown maiden.

[Nadina Popov]

I am a warrior by trade and not a soldier heaven made. I study shooting to practice riding, I study fencing deciding I am a warrior by chance and not a hero of romance.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Oh, you little.

[Nadina Popov]

I am a chocolate soldier man. For me, for your spirit, chocolate soldier man, just made to pleasure me said so sweet O.

[Narrator]

Then Medina asks her chocolate soldier to go. She can't help him, and wouldn't if she could. She detests all Serbians. After all, she's the fiance of Major Alexius Sparadol, the great Bulgarian hero who led the charge at the Battle of Slavinsky. Led the charge. Exclaims Bomerly. Why? His horse ran away with him. Medina is furious. I hate you. Go, go. Instantly Bormly turns and says, very well, then I will go and get shot. It doesn't matter since you hate me.

[Nadina Popov]

It is a burden hard to carry the burden of a maiden Peace. The only girl I care to mar she turns me out at night.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

She.

[Nadina Popov]

Bids me go where star flying Farewell to her I fondly love Farewell for her I'll soon be dying when next we meet will be hobble. It is a burden sweet to carry the burden of a maiden heart.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Remember I'm engaged to early. I feed you too, but we must march. My life is sweet, my holy peace all death is gruesome, dark and real. I love beyond all measure my life therefore I treasure. I long to live and live to love so do not care to go above for we must part and you leave me for you I feel some impossible.

[Nadina Popov]

Sundown will I love beyond all May Lord my life wherefore I tremble. I love to live and live.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

About.

[Narrator]

To go when suddenly there's a pounding on the door downstairs and a deep bass voice booms out, demanding entrance. The Bulgarians exclaim, I'll go down and give myself up. But Adina hides him behind the heavy portier at the balcony Door. And just in time. As the Bulgarian soldiers march into her room, still searching for the spy.

[Nadina Popov]

Will.

[Bulgarian Soldiers Chorus]

Do many, many battles. Santa Cur is nothing. Rattles. Yes, forever, ever, ever. We will win with all endeavors. And never, never, never cease to think that we are clever. But we never, never, never seem to think that we are clever. But we never, never, never.

[Nadina Popov]

Very so rich. Who disturbs their beauty thus? The crosses his duty if we find.

[Bulgarian Soldiers Chorus]

Him, we, like the master tell us. Fight, fight the barbarians. Get barbarians when we fight all Bulgarians. Through the many, many battles. Conical is nothing battle. Through the many, many battles. Sarakur is not in battles.

[Narrator]

The soldiers find nothing and tramp out. Nadina has saved her chocolate soldier. Now he can escape. Will she ever see him again? In just a moment. We shall see. You know, when a prominent radio actress, busy with her own program, steps out of her role to volunteer enthusiastic comment on another product. That's news. Well, the other day in the studio, I met Ms. Rosalind Green.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

She said, jane, I've heard you say that palm olive soap is the most popular toilet soap in the world. And I know three reasons why.

[Narrator]

Well, save it, please. I urged her. Don't tell me. Instead, come to the Palm Olive Beauty Box Theater next Wednesday night and tell the world. And here she is now. Ms. Green, won't you tell all of us why you think palm olive bleeds in toilet soap Preference?

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

My first reason is that when you hold a cake of palm olive soap in your hand, it just. Well, it just looks like the fine soap it is in form and size. And in that lovely natural olive color.

[Narrator]

You will all agree with that, Rosalind. Now, your second reason.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

It's because Palmolive soap makes such a rich, creamy lather and so quickly in any water. I know.

[Narrator]

Right again, Ms. Green. And that's why the men too swear by palm olive soap for bathing. Men say, give me lather thick and rich and quick, and palm olive soap's the answer.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

Now, the third reason, and the best. So many women have dry skin. Nearly all women, I've been told. And when they see little lines and a slight lifelessness of complexion, it worries them naturally.

[Narrator]

The first warning signs of middle aged skin.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

Right. My own skin is inclined to be dry. And I know that palm olive soap certainly makes it softer and smoother. And I'm sure that's why millions use palm olives.

[Narrator]

Those are three swell reasons. Thank you. And back of each reason is olive oil. It's olive oil that gives palm olive soap its beautiful natural green color. It's because of the Olive oil. That palm olive has a creamier, gentler, more thoroughly cleansing lather. And because it is made with olive oil, nature's finest beauty aid, palm olive helps to make your complexion younger, fresher, more beautiful. Now back to the Palmolive Beauty Box Theater and the Chocolate Soldier with our lovely star Jessica Dragonet and Charles Coleman. The war is over between Serbia and Bulgaria. Alexius, Nadina's fiance, has returned to take her hand in marriage. But since meeting her chocolate soldier, Nadina isn't so sure she wants Alexius. As the wedding bells ring out and guests arrive at Nadina's home, we find her alone in the library. She's dreaming of her chocolate soldier. The door opens. It is Bomber, her chocolate soldier himself. Why have you come? Demands Nadina. I couldn't keep away, he replies. But says Nadina, I'm to marry Alexius today. Oh, what a pity, says Vomily. If only you had met me before you became engaged to him. Wouldn't that be lovely?

[Nadina Popov]

I never loved before, dear, that's why I'm so sad.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

If you could make that clear deal, then would my heart be.

[Nadina Popov]

But you must wed another and I must sigh alone.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Yes, I must wed another, leave you to grieve and mourn.

[Nadina Popov]

But if you were my wife, you would most happy be, yet very happy.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Be if I am married to you. If I were wed to you.

[Nadina Popov]

That's a reason no doubt I know what I'm about. Each morning you should have a kiss at midday too, maybe and then at night if you were polite, perhaps I'd give you three each morning you should have a kiss at midday too maybe and if at night you awful night perhaps I'd give you three that would.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Most lovely be, that would most lovely be that would most lovely be that.

[Nadina Popov]

Would most love me.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

The maiden said, I'm sorry, a hero I must wed her lover said don't.

[Nadina Popov]

Worry, be glad you are not dead.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

My time is drawing nearer. The bells who soon will sing to me. O growing dearer the bell will sorrow.

[Nadina Popov]

Breathe Then let him go Take me, you'll happy be with me.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

He will leave you that maybe, and so would you.

[Nadina Popov]

We pray you run away and plenty.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Every day so listen now, I pray each morning, night and win a man as midday too maybe burn up night well, if I feel all right for every finger treat morning I can win a man for any time I draw and so far will you.

[Nadina Popov]

But you're so goodbye, God you so.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Goodbye and you'll soon goodbye and you're so good.

[Narrator]

Then bummerly the chocolate soldier turns seriously, terribly serious. Nadina, I'm in love with you. Deeply in love with you. You know that. And Nadina answers.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Oh, when you smile and feel like dying or when you long while you are sighing and you can give but still you long to sing and cry.

[Nadina Popov]

O when the world to you are calling it is the sign that you are falling. Falling deep in love.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Deep.

[Narrator]

Tears in her eyes, Nadina tells Bumale they must say goodbye forever. As he bends over to kiss her hand, in walks Alexis. Well, he says, here's the Serbian we met in Valevich after the war. Yes, sir, you're the funny fellow who was telling us that story about the pretty Bulgarian girl who sheltered you in her bedroom the night our soldiers were after you. Forgetting Alexius. Nadina whirls on Bomberly. So you told you have no honor at all. And then Alexius understands. So you're the girl he told about. You betrayed me. Our wedding is off. And as he stumps out, Bomerly turns to Nadina and tries to explain.

[Nadina Popov]

Forgive, forgive, forgive. Why was I there? I wished to live. For me was soldiers running, gunning the kind of tension I was turning. I climbed the Blair to save my skin, that's why. A refuge sought within. Oh, what a sorry, sorry flight. You'd ought to stay to my life at night she all so weary to see me live. Forgive, forgive, forgive.

[Narrator]

But Medina will not forgive. With a toss of her pretty head, she rushes out and into her study. She'll show this conceited bummery a thing or two. She'll write him a scorching letter that will tell her chocolate soldier just what she thinks of him.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

My dear, purposeful boy, most hateful you are. Now, Boony, the reasons why I plainly say the first one is you came too late. And secondly, you are too small to win a simple maiden card. And thirdly, you're an awful blessing your manner is. Now, let me see, what else can I say? Oh, yes, I know no girl would care to meet you twice. And this to you is my advice. If you would cease to make both smiles a darker lens, conceited style, and try to act that if you can, less like a fool or like a man. Don't let me see you anymore. No, not anymore. With scorn. Medina. Popo. There.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

That should hold him.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Ladino. Popo.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

Oh, wait until he sees this.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

There.

[Nadina Popov]

Good day. Good day. Good day. I just drop in to say good day.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Oh, so it's you, Mr. Bommerley.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

Well, I have just written you a letter.

[Nadina Popov]

Written Me?

[Bulgarian Soldiers Chorus]

A letter?

[Nadina Popov]

Why, how charming.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

Well, you won't think it's so charming after you read it.

[Nadina Popov]

Here, let's see it. What does it say? My dear sir. Mr. Bommerley, most hateful you are. Now to me the reasons why I plainly state. The first one is you came too late.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

And secondly, far too smiled to win a simple maiden's heart.

[Nadina Popov]

And thirdly, you're an awful flirt. Your manner is totally fine.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Read further and you'll plainly see that.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

You are nothing to me.

[Nadina Popov]

No girl would care to meet you twice. And this to you is my ass. I.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Try to act as if you can let. Like a fool. More like a man.

[Nadina Popov]

Don't let me see you anymore.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

No, not anymore.

[Nadina Popov]

With love not enough.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Oh, it doesn't say that at all. Whisper Nadine Apopo tears right there.

[Nadina Popov]

Dear lady, thank you for the delicate way this letter confesses your love for me.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Love? For you? Why, I hate you.

[Nadina Popov]

Oh, nonsense. Every minute you're proving your love more and more.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

Oh, I wish I. I could sit on you.

[Nadina Popov]

My dear Nadina. I wish you would. Now come here. Just one kiss.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

No. No.

[Bulgarian Soldiers Chorus]

Yes.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

No.

[Nadina Popov]

Yes.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

No. No.

[Nadina Popov]

Oh, yes.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

I do love you, my chocolate soldier. And you really are my hero.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Come, come. I love you. Only my heart is true. Come, come. My life is lonely. My life for you.

[Nadina Popov]

Come, come. Nor can I face you. My arms are aching not to embrace.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

I dreamt that he was my hero long, long ago. But now he's a hero. Yes.

[Nadina Popov]

Come, come. See who disgrace you. I love you. Only let me embrace you.

[Narrator]

And so the chocolate soldier won the love of Nadina Popov, the most beautiful girl in Bulgaria. In just a moment, our lovely star Jessica Dragonet will announce next week's musical romance. Ladies, a little while ago you heard Miss Rosalind Green give three interesting reasons why palm olive soap is a soap preferred by more women all over the world than any other. Now, here are just two facts that support our promise that palm olive will help you to have a younger, smoother, lovelier complexion. Here's the first fact. Palm olive soap is a true beauty soap because it's made with true beauty oils, olive and palm oils, vegetable oils that are pure, bland and gentle oils that have been prized for centuries by women famous for their beauty. And the second fact. Dr. Dapal, physician to the Little Dion quintuplets, decided that only palm olive soap made with gentle olive oil was pure, mild and safe enough for their tender skin. Now, surely knowing that palm olive soap is made with pure olive and palm oils, and also knowing that palm olive was chosen exclusively for the carefully guarded eons. You will want to get three cakes of palm olive tomorrow. And let pure, gentle, safe palm olive help you to have a softer, younger, more alluring complexion. But here's Jessica Dragonette to tell you of next week's presentation in the Palm Olive Beauty Box Theater. Ms. Dragonette.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

Thank you, Jean Paul King. Next week we're bringing you one of the most stirring and dramatic musical love stories ever written. The story of a glamorous lady of France who loved a rose. Francois Villon, the vagabond King. You remember its music? Of course.

[Chocolate Soldier (Bommerly)]

Only a roo dying away.

[Jean Paul King / Announcer]

This is Jessica Dragonet bidding you all good night.

[Narrator]

The Chocolate Soldier was presented tonight by special arrangement with the Tams Whitmore Music Library. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.