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

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Chocolate Soldier"

Episode Overview

• Title: Palmolive Beauty Box Theater 37-04-14 (110) Chocolate Soldier
• Release Date: July 26, 2025
• Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: This episode features "The Chocolate Soldier," a romantic musical drama from the Golden Age of Radio, aired by the Palmolive Beauty Box Theater. The story unfolds in wartime Bulgaria, blending romance, tension, and memorable musical interludes.

---

1. Introduction and Setting

[02:18]
The episode opens with a vivid description of Spnavo, a small town in Bulgaria embroiled in war with Serbia. It's midnight, and Bulgarian soldiers are patrolling the silent streets in search of a Serbian spy, setting a tense atmosphere.

Key Quote:
"Bulgaria and Serbia are at war. It's midnight. Soldiers march through the silent streets telling the town they are seeking a Serbian spy." — Narrator

---

2. Main Characters

• Nadina Popov: The protagonist, a romantic and heroic young woman, daughter of Colonel Casimir Popoff.
• Major Alexius Fam: Nadina's fiancé, a celebrated Bulgarian hero known for his bravery in battle.
• Vomerly/Bomerley: A Serbian soldier who enters Nadina's life under complex circumstances, later revealed to be a spy.

---

3. Plot Summary

Early Conflict:

[03:04]
Nadina Popov watches from her balcony, clutching a photograph of Major Alexius Fam, her fiancé. She reminisces about his valor during the cavalry charge at Slavinski, showcasing her deep admiration and love.

Musical Interlude:

[03:34]
Jessica Dragonette performs a heartfelt song expressing Nadina's love and longing for Major Alexius:

"A true and noble lover. He, my sweetheart, mine of love..."
(03:34)

Inciting Incident:

[05:58]
Nadina retreats to her room, seeking solace, when Vomerly, a man disguised as a Serbian soldier, infiltrates her bedroom. Despite her initial fear and mistrust, Nadina reluctantly allows him to stay, sensing his genuine nature.

Key Quote:
"My name is Vomerly, do you mind if I hide here?" — Vomerly (05:58)

Developing Romance:

[06:49]
Through a series of interactions and musical numbers, a romantic tension builds between Nadina and Vomerly. Vomerly's charm and Nadina's conflicted emotions are highlighted in their exchanges:

"Oh, you little turtles. Soldier man, you're far too sweet and pretty." — Nadina
(06:49)

[07:26]
The chorus emphasizes Vomerly's internal struggle:

"I am a warrior by trade and not a soldier heaven made..."
(07:26)

Climax:

[08:26]
Tensions escalate when Nadina's engagement to Major Alexius is brought into question. Vomerly threatens to expose himself if Nadina doesn't let him go, leading to a confrontation filled with emotional turmoil.

[09:53]
Nadina grapples with her feelings, torn between duty and newfound affection:

"Remember I'm engaged to Darling, I feel you, but we must part..."
(09:53)

[12:33]
Bulgarian soldiers search Nadina's home, heightening the sense of danger and urgency as Vomerly remains hidden.

---

4. Key Musical Numbers and Dialogues

Nadina and Vomerly's Emotional Conflict:

[16:00]
A poignant exchange underscores Nadina's dilemma:

"If you could make that clear deal, then would my heart be glad." — Vomerly
(16:00)
"Yes, I must wed another, leave you to grieve and mourn." — Nadina
(16:11)

Public Revelation:

[19:19]
Vomerly confesses his love to Nadina, leading to a dramatic confrontation:

"Nadina, I'm in love with you, deeply in love with you, you know that." — Vomerly
(19:19)
"Oh, when you smile and feel like dying..." — Nadina
(19:31)

Final Confrontation:

[25:11]
The climax unfolds as Major Alexius arrives, misunderstanding Vomerly's intentions and leading to a fallout. Nadina's declaration of love for Vomerly culminates in a heartfelt, albeit tumultuous, resolution.

"Come, come, I love you. Only my heart is true." — Nadina
(25:57)
"I do love you, my chocolate soldier. And you really are my hero." — Vomerly
(25:50)

---

5. Resolution and Conclusion

[27:39]
The narrative concludes with Vomerly winning Nadina's heart, signifying a triumphant yet bittersweet ending as the war's backdrop continues to influence their lives.

Key Quote:
"And so the chocolate soldier won the love of Nadina Popov, the most beautiful girl in Bulgaria." — Narrator
(27:39)

---

6. Themes and Insights

Love Amidst War:
The story intertwines romance with the harsh realities of war, exploring how love can bloom even in the direst circumstances.

Identity and Honor:
Vomerly's dual identity as a Serbian soldier and a genuine lover challenges notions of honor and loyalty, questioning whether one can transcend affiliations in pursuit of true love.

Conflict Between Duty and Emotion:
Nadina's struggle between her duty to her fiancé and her feelings for Vomerly highlights the universal conflict between societal expectations and personal desires.

Redemption and Forgiveness:
Vomerly seeks Nadina's forgiveness for his perceived betrayal, underscoring themes of redemption and the transformative power of love.

---

7. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nadina's Admiration:
  "A true and noble lover. He, my sweetheart, mine of love..." — Nadina
  (03:34)

• Vomerly's Confession:
  "Nadina, I'm in love with you, deeply in love with you, you know that." — Vomerly
  (19:19)

• Nadina's Declaration:
  "Come, come, I love you. Only my heart is true." — Nadina
  (25:57)

• Vomerly's Assertion:
  "I do love you, my chocolate soldier. And you really are my hero." — Vomerly
  (25:50)

---

8. Conclusion

"The Chocolate Soldier" is a captivating blend of romance and drama set against the backdrop of war-torn Bulgaria. Through its engaging narrative and memorable musical numbers, the episode delves deep into the complexities of love, honor, and identity. Nadina Popov's journey from duty-bound fiancée to heart's desire encapsulates the enduring human spirit to find love amidst chaos.

For listeners new to this episode, "The Chocolate Soldier" offers a timeless story that resonates with themes still relevant today, all delivered with the rich, nostalgic charm characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Advertiser 1]

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[Advertiser 2]

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[Advertiser 1]

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[Advertiser 2]

The Palm Olive Beauty Box Theater Starring lovely Jessica Dragonette. With Charles Kuhlman, Palm Olive's new tenor, the Beauty Box Orchestra. Directed by Al Goodman and the Palmolive Chorus. Presented tonight and every Wednesday night by the makers of Palmolive, 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 Dragonette in the Chocolate Soldier.

[Jessica Dragonette]

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

[Jean Paul King]

Good evening my friends and welcome to the Palm Olive Beauty Box Theater. Ever since this new series of musical 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.

[Advertiser 2]

The setting of the Chocolate Soldier is the little town of Spnavo 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.

[Chorus Member 1]

When they fight are all Bulgarians proving many, many battles your courage. Nothing rattles. It's forever, ever, ever.

[Chorus Member 2]

We will win with all endeavors.

[Chorus Member 1]

Never, never. Think the saints and we are clever. I will never, never, never seem to think that we are Nevilles. I will never, never, never seem to think that we are there.

[Advertiser 2]

While the soldiers parade through the streets in search of the Serbian, a young girl watches from her balcony. Moonlight outlines her slender white robed Figure she is Nadina Popov, the romantic hero worshipping daughter of Bulgaria's Colonel Casimir Popoff. Clasped against Nadina's breast is a photograph of her soldier fiance, Major Alexius Fam. Brilliant cavalry charge against the Serbians at Slavinski. She looks upon this portrait now lost in admiration.

[Jessica Dragonette]

A true and noble lover. He, my sweetheart, mine of love he is like on earth who shall discover his heart is mine and more in all. We plead our prose to the other and for our happiness I pray our lives belong to one another. Happy, happy wedding day. Happy, happy wedding day. Come, come, I love you only my heart dream. Come, come, my life is lonely. My d for you, my ally now to embrace you. Go of.

[Advertiser 2]

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 Vomerly, 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'm 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 exclaims mournfully, contemptuously. Nadina tosses a bag of chocolates at him. He gobbles them. Nadina sniffs. You're a fine soldier, a chocolate soldier.

[Jessica Dragonette]

Oh, you little turtles. Soldier man, you're far too sweet and pretty. Oh, you funny, tautless soldier man. For you. Oh, I feel great pity for you, silly droplet. Older man just made to live your mistress hope with you melt if you will belt a full grown maiden here.

[Chorus Member 2]

I am a warrior by trade and not a soldier heaven made. I studied shooting to practice riding. I studied fencing faith deciding I am a warrior by chance and not a hero of romance. I am a chocolate soldier man. For me I feel great pity for your spirit. Chocolate soldierman just made to please on mistake. So sweet. Odd. A full grown maiden.

[Advertiser 2]

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 bomberly. Why his horse ran away with him. Medina is furious I hate you. Go, go instantly Bommerlee turns and says, very well then I will go and get shot. It doesn't matter since you hate me.

[Chorus Member 2]

It is a burden hard to carry the burden of a maiden piece the only girl I care to marry she turns me out at night late she bids me go west half lying farewell For I fondly love Farewell for her I'll soon be dying when next we meet Will be above all it is a burden sweet to carry the burden of a maiden's heart.

[Jessica Dragonette]

Remember I'm engaged to Darling, I feel you, but we must part My life is sweet, my holy 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.

[Chorus Member 2]

I long beyond all measure my life Wherefore I tread on I long to live and live put up so do not care to go.

[Advertiser 2]

Is about to go when suddenly there's a pounding on the door downstairs and a deep bass voice booms out, demanding entrance. The Bulgarians exclaims, formerly, I'll go down and give myself up. But the Dina 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.

[Chorus Member 1]

Yes, forever, ever, ever we will win with it all in ever. And never, never, never seem to think that we are clever. But we never, never never seem to think that we are clever we never, never never seem to think that we.

[Chorus Member 2]

Are ever very torment for this world fair beauty for sort crosses his two.

[Chorus Member 1]

Teeth if we find him, he likes the master tells us, fight, fight. The barbarians get barbarians when they fight. Our own Bulgarians losing many, many battles. Catacur is nothing battle to the many, many battles. Silicon is nothing battle.

[Advertiser 2]

The soldiers find nothing and tramp off. 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]

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

[Advertiser 2]

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]

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.

[Advertiser 2]

We'll all agree with that, Rosalind. Now your second reason.

[Jean Paul King]

It's because Tom olive built makes such a rich, creamy lather. And so quickly in any water. I know.

[Advertiser 2]

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 soaps. The answer.

[Jean Paul King]

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.

[Advertiser 2]

Mm. The first warning signs of middle aged skin.

[Jean Paul King]

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

[Advertiser 2]

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 Palm Alley Beauty Box Theater and the Chocolate Soldier. With our lovely star, Jessica Dragonette 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 Alexia. 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 Bomerly, her chocolate soldier himself. Why have you come to Manzanadina? I couldn't keep away, he replies. But, says Nadine, I'm to marry Alexius today. Oh, what a pity, says Vomily. If only you'd met me before you became engaged to him. Wouldn't that be lovely?

[Chorus Member 2]

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

[Jessica Dragonette]

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

[Chorus Member 2]

But you must wear another and I, I must sigh alone.

[Jessica Dragonette]

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

[Chorus Member 2]

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

[Jessica Dragonette]

Be if I am married to you, if I were wed to you, that.

[Chorus Member 2]

There is 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 would flrhaps I'd give you three that would most lovely be that would most lovely be that would most lovely be that would most lovely.

[Jessica Dragonette]

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

[Chorus Member 2]

Worry, be glad you are not dead.

[Jessica Dragonette]

My time is drawing nearer. The bells who soon will sing to me, O growing dearer the bells will sorrow breathe Then let him go, take.

[Chorus Member 2]

Me, you'll happy be with me he will leave you that maybe.

[Jessica Dragonette]

And so would you pray you run away then plenty every day. So listen now, I pray each morning I can win a man at midday too maybe burn up wine well, if I feel all right for every finger each morning I can win a man or any time I draw and so far will you.

[Chorus Member 2]

But you're so goodbye.

[Jessica Dragonette]

But you only so goodbye.

[Chorus Member 2]

And you'll goodbye.

[Jessica Dragonette]

And you're also good.

[Advertiser 2]

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.

[Jessica Dragonette]

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

[Chorus Member 2]

O when the words to you are calling, it is a sign that you are falling, falling deep in love. Holy, holy.

[Jessica Dragonette]

Deep.

[Advertiser 2]

Tears in her eyes. Nadina tells Bumely 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 Valavech 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 bummerly. 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 stomps out, Bomerly turns to Nadina and tries to explain.

[Chorus Member 2]

Forgive, forgive, forgive. Why was I there? I wish 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. What a sorry, sorry. Flight. These are the stage of my life. At night she all so wishes. Forgive, forgive, forgive.

[Advertiser 2]

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

[Jessica Dragonette]

My dear sir, peaceful Bo, most hateful you are. Now, poony, the reasons why I plainly say. The first one is you came too late. And secondly, you're more too smart to win a simple maiden heart. And thirdly, you're an awful blender. Your manner is put in my touch. 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 lamp and try to act as if you can less like a fool or like a man. Don't let me see you anymore. No, not anymore. With scorn. Dino Popo. There.

[Jean Paul King]

That should hold him.

[Jessica Dragonette]

Nadino Popo.

[Jean Paul King]

Oh, wait until he sees this.

[Jessica Dragonette]

There.

[Chorus Member 2]

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

[Jessica Dragonette]

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

[Jean Paul King]

Well, I have just written you a letter.

[Chorus Member 2]

Written me a letter? Why, how charming.

[Jean Paul King]

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

[Chorus Member 2]

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.

[Jessica Dragonette]

And the second too much who smiled to win a simple maiden card.

[Chorus Member 2]

And thirdly, you're an awful flirt. Your manner is too flipping.

[Jessica Dragonette]

Read further and you'll plainly see that.

[Jean Paul King]

You are nothing to me.

[Chorus Member 2]

No girl would care to meet you twice. And this to you admires I.

[Jessica Dragonette]

And try to act as if you can let. Like a fool, more like a man.

[Chorus Member 2]

Don't let me see you anymore.

[Jessica Dragonette]

No, not anymore.

[Chorus Member 2]

With love not enough.

[Jessica Dragonette]

Oh, it doesn't say that at all.

[Chorus Member 2]

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

[Jessica Dragonette]

Love? For you? Why, I hate you.

[Chorus Member 2]

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

[Jean Paul King]

Oh, I wish I could sit on you.

[Chorus Member 2]

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

[Jessica Dragonette]

No. No.

[Chorus Member 1]

Yes.

[Jessica Dragonette]

No.

[Chorus Member 2]

Yes.

[Jessica Dragonette]

No. No.

[Chorus Member 2]

Oh, yes.

[Jean Paul King]

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

[Jessica Dragonette]

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

[Chorus Member 2]

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

[Jessica Dragonette]

I dreamt that he was my hero long, long ago but now he's an hero yes, that is so.

[Chorus Member 2]

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

[Advertiser 2]

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. Dapol, physician to the little Dion Quintavillets, 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 to make. 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]

Thank you, Jean Paul King. Next week we're bringing you one of the most stirring and dramatic musical love stories ever written.

[Jessica Dragonette]

The story of a glamorous lady of.

[Jean Paul King]

France who loved a rogue crosswater, the Vagabond King. You remember his music? Of course.

[Jessica Dragonette]

Only architecture bidding you all good night.

[Advertiser 2]

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