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Now the rest of the story. San Francisco television viewers know all about multi talented athlete Mutley Alba. His program airs Sundays at 5:30 on Channel 5. Alba and his friend Doug McConnell co host the show, which in a medium of spin off look alikes, is refreshingly unique. It's an unusual video collage of nature and travel and Sports. Alba and McConnell roam the world by land and sea, on motorcycle, on foot, on skis, searching out adventure and always finding it. There is no question, no quarreling, about the fact that Alba is the star. McConnell is sort of a sidekick. I think producers came to that decision because of Alba's extraordinary athletic prowess. He is a remarkable skier, also an uncommonly capable scuba diver, and his strong appeal to women viewers was surely another consideration. Station promotion material. The celebrity biographies they send out always include Alba's vital statistics. His height, his weight, his clothing sizes, his license plate, his favorite movies, even his zodiac sun sign Scorpio male. The bios say that's only half correct for the San Francisco athlete who has the girls cooing and sighing from one end of the bay to the other, is not a man at all. Not a man at all. He is a she. And that brings us to the rest of the story. The charade began when Alba got into television. It started innocently enough when somebody noticed that her usual but real first name, Mutley, sounded much more manly than womanly. So she has been masquerading as a he ever since. And not even her most ardent admirers have known about this. You and I are learning it for the first time right here and right Now, Alba and McConnell are merely co stars. Friends. Alba has been involved with an adventurous freelance photographer named Gene since December of 1979. And since then, Gene has been more than just the man in Alba's life. He has been sort of a thrill seeking Pied piper who lured her from the tedium of every day toward horizons of which she could never otherwise have dreamed. In 1981, for example, Gene was a ski patrolman in Mammoth Lakes, California. It was his job to run the slopes each morning and again each evening. But he could not bear to spend all of that time apart from Alba. So he taught her to ski so that she could accompany him. Friends who remember Alba from way back could never have imagined her in scuba gear. And yet she, in order to share in all of Jean's adventures, learned scuba diving. They say Alba would like to learn water skiing and polo next, that those sports would make interesting episodes for her television show and yet learn what could be more fascinating than Motley Alba herself. Here's a female athlete who became interested in sports, eventually famous because she loved a man. Gene Alba. The fellow who found Motley in a dog. The fellow who found Mutley in a dog pound when she was only seven weeks old. Mutley as a mutt? That's right. Part terrier, part cocker. A skiing, scuba diving dog. A skiing, scuba diving dog. And now you know the rest of the story.
Podcast Information:
In this compelling episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are treated to a fascinating exploration of Mutley Alba, a renowned athlete whose public persona has captivated San Francisco television audiences. The episode delves deep into the intriguing life of Mutley Alba, unraveling secrets that have kept the public guessing for years.
The episode begins by introducing Mutley Alba as a multi-talented athlete whose television program, airing Sundays at 5:30 PM on Channel 5, has become a staple for San Francisco viewers. Co-hosted by Alba and Doug McConnell, the show stands out in the saturated market of spin-off look-alikes by presenting a unique video collage of nature, travel, and sports.
Alba's athletic prowess is emphasized, showcasing her remarkable skills in skiing and scuba diving. Her strong appeal, particularly among female viewers, is highlighted as a significant factor in her stardom.
As the narrative unfolds, the episode reveals a startling truth about Mutley Alba. Contrary to the public perception of Alba as a man—a misconception rooted in the masculine-sounding name—Alba is, in reality, a woman. This revelation is a pivotal moment in the story, shedding light on the reasons behind Alba's disguised identity.
The charade began innocently when Alba entered the television industry. Her first name, Mutley, was perceived as more masculine, prompting Alba to adopt a male persona to align with audience expectations and industry norms.
The episode provides insight into Alba's personal life, particularly her relationship with Gene Alba, an adventurous freelance photographer. Since December 1979, Gene has been a significant influence, acting as a catalyst for Alba's ventures into various sports and adventures.
Gene's dedication is evident from his time as a ski patrolman in Mammoth Lakes, California, where he not only performed his duties but also ensured he could spend time with Alba by teaching her to ski.
This partnership extended Alba's interests beyond skiing to scuba diving, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to shared adventures.
Looking ahead, the episode touches upon Alba's aspirations to expand her repertoire of sports, expressing interest in water skiing and polo. These additions are anticipated to bring fresh and exciting content to her television show, further solidifying her appeal and versatility as an athlete.
The episode concludes by tracing Alba's origins, revealing that Mutley Alba was discovered in a dog pound as a puppy, dispelling previous notions of Alba's lineage.
This revelation adds a whimsical twist to Alba's backstory, intertwining her identity with that of a remarkable dog adept in skiing and scuba diving—mirroring Alba's own extraordinary abilities.
In this episode, Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully unravels the enigmatic persona of Mutley Alba, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and personal revelation. The narrative not only celebrates Alba's athletic achievements but also humanizes her by exploring her personal relationships and the lengths she went to maintain her public image. For listeners new to the story, this episode serves as an engaging introduction to a legendary figure from the Golden Age of Radio, offering a blend of nostalgia and surprising revelations.
Note: All timestamps referenced correspond to the start of the transcript provided and are denoted as (00:00).