Podcast Summary: "Paul Harvey - Falcon Crest"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Features radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the essence of family gatherings around the radio listening to classics like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet.
• Episode: Paul Harvey - Falcon Crest
• Release Date: April 5, 2025

Introduction to the Story

The episode begins with Paul Harvey narrating a compelling and heartwarming tale set in the early 1980s. Listeners are transported to a California vineyard, where the Robbins family resides in their expansive Napa Valley home, known in the television world as Falcon Crest.

The Mysterious Arrival

In 1982, while Mike Robbins was vacationing in Charleston, South Carolina, his mother-in-law was left in charge of the Robbins’ Napa Valley residence. In the early hours of the morning (approximately 2:00 AM California time), she received a frantic phone call.

Paul Harvey:

“[00:27]... about 2am California time, there'd been a loud knocking at the door. She'd gone to see who it was. And by the time she reached the door, whoever had knocked was gone, but had left behind two orphans, two young sisters abandoned on the doorstep.”

Faced with the unexpected arrival of two girls, Margot and Mirceau, Mike Robbins made a critical decision. Instead of notifying authorities, he chose to take the sisters in, believing that their spacious home could accommodate them without raising suspicion.

Life with Margot and Mirceau

Initially, the Robbins family loved their new additions deeply. The sisters reciprocated their affection, creating a warm and loving household. However, as time progressed, Mike observed that Margot and Mirceau were not responding as expected.

Paul Harvey:

“[02:15]... Margot and Mirceau were not responding as they should. Sometimes it was, though they could not even hear him.”

Concerned, Mike conducted a routine hearing test, only to discover that the sisters had exceptional hearing, ruling out any auditory deficiencies. This revelation led him to fear that Margot and Mirceau might be learning disabled—a distressing possibility that made him question their abandonment.

The Breakthrough

Determined to uncover the truth, Mike devised a plan to introduce the sisters to the Robbins’ Spanish-speaking gardeners.

Paul Harvey:

“[03:10]... Mike introduced them to the gardeners. Spanish speaking gardeners. And one of the men, his name was Javier, said hello. Mike said no in Spanish.”

To Mike’s astonishment, Margot and Mirceau responded when Javier spoke to them in Spanish. This was the moment of revelation: the sisters had been raised in a Spanish-speaking household before being left at the doorstep of English-speaking foster parents. Their unique background explained their initial behavior and apparent emotional detachment.

The True Nature of Margot and Mirceau

In a surprising twist, Paul Harvey unveils that Margot and Mirceau are not human children but rather highly intelligent dogs—a mix of Ridgeback and Bloodhound breeds. Their advanced intelligence and acute senses initially masked their true nature, leading to Mike’s earlier concerns.

Paul Harvey:

“[04:14]... They're dogs. And now you know the rest of the story.”

The Robbins family’s ability to connect with Margot and Mirceau underscores the profound bond between humans and their canine companions. The story concludes on a positive note, highlighting the harmonious life the Robbins enjoy in their Napa Valley home, enriched by the presence of their beloved pets.

Conclusion

Paul Harvey masterfully blends mystery, emotion, and a touch of humor to deliver a memorable story. The revelation that Margot and Mirceau are dogs serves as a delightful twist, celebrating the intelligence and loyalty of pets in our lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Harvey at [00:27]:
  "There'd been a loud knocking at the door... two orphans, two young sisters abandoned on the doorstep."

• Paul Harvey at [02:15]:
  "Margot and Mirceau were not responding as they should. Sometimes it was, though they could not even hear him."

• Paul Harvey at [03:10]:
  "Mike introduced them to the gardeners. Spanish speaking gardeners. And one of the men, his name was Javier, said hello. Mike said no in Spanish."

• Paul Harvey at [04:14]:
  "They're dogs. And now you know the rest of the story."

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio captivates listeners with its engaging narrative and unexpected twists, exemplifying the timeless appeal of classic radio storytelling.