Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Palmolive Beauty Box Theater 37-06-02 (117) The Only Girl
Date: December 2, 2025
Overview
This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio presents a classic production from the "Palmolive Beauty Box Theatre": the musical comedy The Only Girl. Starring Jessica Dragonette and Charles Kuhlman, and featuring a score by Victor Herbert, the episode revives the story of a fiercely independent playwright and an equally headstrong female composer. It is a sparkling, witty play about creative collaboration, romance, and breaking down gender stereotypes, filled with memorable songs, comedic repartee, and Golden Age sensibilities.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Setting the Stage: The Men’s Club (00:17–02:50)
- Characters Introduced:
- Alan “Kim” Kimbrough: Successful, confirmed bachelor playwright (role sung by Charles Kuhlman).
- Ruth Wilson: Aspiring composer (Jessica Dragonette).
- Bunky and Fresh: Kim’s steadfast bachelor friends.
- Premise Established:
The friends celebrate Kim’s new play and attribute their successes to avoiding women and matrimony.- Quote:
"The reason all three of us have gotten ahead is that we've never fritted away our time on women and matrimony." —Bunky (02:44)
- Quote:
2. Musical Collaboration Sparks (02:50–11:09)
- Ruth’s Introduction:
Kim is captivated by a beautiful piece of music from across the hall—discovering the composer is a woman (Ruth), not her brother as he had assumed. - Song Highlights:
- Ruth sings "When You’re Away" for Kim, showcasing her talent and setting the romantic tone (04:09–07:44).
- Memorable Moment:
The entire room is moved by Ruth's singing."That was lovely." —Kim (09:27)
- Memorable Moment:
- Ruth sings "When You’re Away" for Kim, showcasing her talent and setting the romantic tone (04:09–07:44).
- Conflict Emerges:
When Kim learns Ruth herself is the composer, he refuses to collaborate out of his aversion (and fear) of romantic entanglements with women.- Quote:
“I couldn't possibly collaborate with a woman." —Kim (10:04)
"Oh, so you're a woman hater." —Ruth (10:07)
- Quote:
3. The Pact: Becoming “Machines” (14:00–16:35)
- Meeting of Minds:
Their mutual artistic respect overrides their gendered doubts as they agree to work together strictly as “machines”—professional partners without sentiment.- Key Dialogue:
"Eliminate this sex attraction and become like two machines tuned up for speed and safety." —Kim (14:45)
"How does it strike you, Wilson?" —Kim (15:02)
"Perfect, Kimbrough." —Ruth (15:03)
- Key Dialogue:
- Duet:
Playful number about being “just two machines,” emphasizing logic over emotion.
4. Creative Tension and Gender Dynamics (18:35–21:49)
- Progress Report:
Six weeks into collaboration, Ruth presents a new (romantic) song, but Kim criticizes it for being “too sentimental.”- Quote:
"Sentimental. Far, far too sentimental. The words are not peppy enough. They're too sticky." —Kim (20:35)
- Quote:
- Gendered Argument:
Ruth accuses Kim of trying to strip away her femininity, and he basks in his independence. They quarrel both personally and creatively, echoing their earlier fears about partnership.- Memorable Back-and-Forth:
"You'd have me kill the woman in me and make me just an 'it' like you." —Ruth (20:54)
"What else are you?" —Ruth (20:58)
"I'm a man." —Kim (21:00)
"You admit it, then?" —Ruth (21:01)
- Memorable Back-and-Forth:
5. Reflections on Marriage (21:57–23:57)
- Friends Reappear:
Bunky and Fresh return—now married themselves—and warn Kim about the perils of matrimony in a comical “ball and chain” song.- Quote:
"Your wife is the jailer and your ankle wears the ball and chain..." —Bunky & Fresh (22:42)
- Quote:
6. Resolution: Love Wins (24:08–25:46)
- The Reunion:
Ruth returns for her sheet music. Kim finally admits his love for her, confessing that she's the “only girl in the world” for him.- Romantic Exchange:
"Wilson, I love you." —Kim (24:50)
"Kim, this is so sudden." —Ruth (24:53)
"Tell me there’s no Gustav." —Kim (24:57)
"No, Kim." —Ruth (24:58)
- Romantic Exchange:
- Final Duet:
The two sing a passionate love duet, affirming their partnership both on stage and in life (25:20–26:38).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Quote / Moment | Speaker | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | 02:44 | "The reason all three of us have gotten ahead is that we've never fritted away our time on women and matrimony." | Bunky | | 07:44 | “That was lovely.” | Kim | | 10:04 | “I couldn't possibly collaborate with a woman." | Kim | | 10:07 | "Oh, so you're a woman hater." | Ruth | | 14:45 | "Eliminate this sex attraction and become like two machines tuned up for speed and safety." | Kim | | 15:03 | "Perfect, Kimbrough." | Ruth | | 20:54 | "You'd have me kill the woman in me and make me just an 'it' like you." | Ruth | | 22:42 | "Your wife is the jailer and your ankle wears the ball and chain..." | Bunky & Fresh| | 24:50 | "Wilson, I love you." | Kim | | 24:53 | "Kim, this is so sudden." | Ruth |
Song Highlights & Performance Segments
- [04:09] "When You're Away" – Ruth’s breakout (Jessica Dragonette)
- [08:07] "Personality" – Fun, Broadway-style tune
- [15:17] “Just Two Machines” – Playful duet about logic trumping emotion
- [18:35] “Romantic Ballad” – Ruth’s solo, met with criticism for sentimentality
- [22:46] "Ball and Chain" – Humorous warning about marriage
- [25:20] “Love Duet” – A romantic musical resolution
Episode’s Overall Tone and Style
- Lighthearted, witty, and deeply nostalgic
- Sprinkled with classic musical numbers and playful banter on gender, romance, and the creative process
- True to the high-spirited, melodious, and comedic tone of early 20th-century musical theatre
Closing
The episode ends with the promise of next week’s “Irene,” another classic musical, as star Jessica Dragonette serenades the audience with a preview. This broadcast is a delightful time capsule, blending music, comedy, gender politics, and Broadway flair into a memorable Golden Age radio experience.
