Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: Palmolive Beauty Box Theater 37-05-12 (114) Eileen
Date: December 7, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Overview

This episode features a broadcast of “Eileen,” a musical drama originally aired on the “Palmolive Beauty Box Theater.” Set in late 18th-century Ireland, the production weaves romance, patriotism, and rebellion against the backdrop of the 1798 Irish uprising. The show stars Jessica Dragonette as Eileen and Charles Kuhlmann as Barry O’Day, accompanied by the Beauty Box Orchestra and Palmolive Chorus. Listeners are treated to a richly orchestrated musical narrative, connecting themes of love, national pride, and sacrifice—all wrapped within a historical and operatic frame typical of radio’s Golden Age.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

Setting the Scene in Ireland (00:47–05:13)

• Historical Introduction: The narrator introduces the cast and frames the drama amid Ireland’s 1798 rebellion, marked by economic oppression and English domination.
• Opening Song: Irish smugglers gather outside a coastal inn, voicing their discontent through music about free trade and hope for freedom.
  • “The burden of taxation is intolerable... The country is ripe for an uprising.” — Narrator (01:37–02:44)

The Rebels Rally and the Return of Barry O’Day (02:44–05:13)

• Barry O’Day’s Return: Presumed dead, rebel leader Barry O’Day makes a dramatic entrance, brightening the morale of his compatriots and bringing news of impending French assistance.
• Patriotic Spirit:
  • “Ach, it’s good to be back, me lads... my heart was sick for the sound of Irish laughter...” — Barry O’Day (03:27–03:40)
• Song of Longing: The chorus delivers a heartfelt melody about longing for home.

Eileen’s Dilemma: Love and Loyalty (05:13–10:47)

• Eileen Returns: Eileen, recently back from England, is conflicted—she loves Barry but is promised to Colonel Lester, an Englishman.
  • “Though I’ve promised to marry an Englishman I confess my heart is with you here who fight for Ireland.” — Eileen/Jessica Dragonette (05:22–05:47)
• Eileen’s Song: She sings “My Little Irish Rose,” uniting the group with her charm and patriotism.

Love Triangle and Tensions Heighten (09:09–11:26)

• Barry and Eileen Reunite: The pair’s emotional reunion is marked by love and deep concern for each other’s safety, as both face danger from Colonel Lester.
  • “Nothing must separate us again. Eileen, you’re mine Makushla, you must be mine alone.” — Barry O’Day (09:37)

Escape and Deception (13:35–15:20)

• Barry in Disguise: With Eileen’s quick thinking, Barry avoids capture by disguising himself as her coachman, while Colonel Lester searches for him nearby.
  • “Quick, change coats... pretend I’m your coachman. Bless you, my darling, for a quick-thinking, angel.” — Barry O’Day to Eileen, (13:47–13:57)

Act II: Pursuit, Passion, and Patriotism (17:07–21:47)

Castle Encounters and the Depth of Love (17:07–20:22)

• Risky Meetings: Barry secretly meets Eileen at Lady Maud’s castle, expressing his undying devotion amidst imminent danger.
  • “I’d fight a thousand redcoats for just one little glimpse of you.” — Barry O’Day (17:53)
• Musical Numbers: The couple’s love is celebrated in sweeping duets and choruses, underscoring their emotional connection.

Colonel Lester Strikes (20:36–21:10)

• Capture Attempt: Colonel Lester attempts to arrest Barry, who escapes through a window, prompting Eileen to risk her own safety for him.

  • “Goodbye, Eileen.” — Barry O’Day, fleeing (20:56)
  • “Run, Barry. Run for your life.” — Eileen (20:58)

• Eileen’s Confession: She openly declares her love for Barry to Colonel Lester, choosing love and loyalty to Ireland over her engagement.

  • “I’m glad he’s escaped because I love Barry O’Day.” — Eileen (21:26)

Resolution: Freedom and Reunion (24:34–28:53)

• Barry Captured: Barry is finally apprehended. Colonel Lester attempts to break his spirit with news of French defeat.

  • “Your allies have failed you. And now the whole Irish rebellion dies with you.” — Colonel Lester (25:01)

• Royal Pardon: A surprise royal decree arrives, proclaiming peace and a pardon for Irish rebels, ending the conflict.

  • “From this moment, all fighting between Ireland and England is to cease... all those in the late uprising.” — King’s Proclamation, read (25:16–25:37)

• Triumphant Reunion: With freedom restored, Barry and Eileen joyfully reunite, pledging their love in song and dialogue.

  • “All my dreams are coming true tonight, Eileen Alanna... there’s one more that only you can make come true.” — Barry O’Day (26:42–27:01)
  • “There’s nothing at all I’d rather be saying it and no place else I’d rather be saying Is then in your arms.” — Eileen (27:09)

• Finale: The company rejoices for Ireland’s future, closing with a chorus and romantic duet.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Barry’s Return and Hope for Ireland:
  • “The French are on the sea and they're sending troops. And our Ireland will soon be free.” — Barry O’Day (03:22)
• Eileen’s Split Loyalties:
  • “Though I’ve promised to marry an Englishman I confess my heart is with you here who fight for Ireland.” — Eileen/Jessica Dragonette (05:22–05:47)
• Declarations of Love:
  • “Nothing must separate us again. Eileen, you’re mine Makushla, you must be mine alone.” — Barry O’Day (09:37)
  • “I’d fight a thousand redcoats for just one little glimpse of you.” — Barry O’Day (17:53)
  • “I’m glad he’s escaped because I love Barry O’Day.” — Eileen (21:26)

Musical Highlights and Dramatic Moments

• Rich choral pieces conveying the longing for home and freedom:
  • “Tell me when shall I again see Ireland?...I am longing for my home my sire land.” (04:16–04:34)
• Romantic duets and ballads between Eileen and Barry permeate the drama, enhancing both emotional and narrative intensity.

Next Week’s Preview

• Jessica Dragonette: “Next week, we’re bringing you that thrilling story of love and vengeance, the Rogue Song.” (30:24)
• Listeners are invited to return for another Golden Age musical classic.

For those seeking a taste of classic radio’s blend of romance, peril, and song set in a historically evocative period, this episode delivers a sweeping, sentimental journey—rooted in both the struggles of the Irish and the timeless power of love.