Plantation Jubilee 490603 018 1st Song - Somebody Stole My Gal

Summary

Plantation Jubilee – June 3, 1949, Episode 018

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Charlie Lyon
Date Presented: November 16, 2025 (archive from 1949)

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Overview

This episode of Plantation Jubilee takes listeners back to the golden age of radio variety, packed with lively musical numbers, comedic sketches, and nostalgic banter among cast members. Central to the episode is a celebration of community, humor, and classic tunes, including the episode's first song, "Somebody Stole My Gal." A lighthearted journey unfolds: from a musical “tour” of Chinatown, to playful jabs between ensemble members, comedic storytelling, and sentimental numbers that reflect the era's spirit.

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Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Festive Opening & Musical Introduction

• [00:35–01:26]
  • The show begins with the Plantation Choir and Kurt Massey inviting listeners to "come on and have a good time," establishing the friendly, inclusive tone emblematic of radio’s family programming.
  • Quote:
    • Kurt Massey: “Your worries won’t be long if you join us in the song on plantation.” (00:46)

2. “Somebody Stole My Gal”

• [02:03–03:09]
  • The choir delivers a spirited rendition of the classic, setting a nostalgic and upbeat mood for the episode.

3. Banter and Light Comedy

• [03:09–03:30]
  • Charlie Lyon and Tom, Dick & Harry joke about Alan Massey’s banjo; reminiscent of classic radio humor.
  • Memorable exchange:
    • Tom, Dick & Harry: “Well, I’m glad you boys finally got over that feud you were having over Brother Allen’s banjo.” (03:16)
    • Charlie Lyon: “Well, he finally convinced me that a banjo was a musical instrument.” (03:21)

4. Musical Tour of China Sketch & “Chinatown, My Chinatown”

• [03:49–05:41]
  • Alan Massey leads a comedic, musically-infused “tour of China,” complete with playful stereotypes and puns. A highlight is the performance of “Chinatown, My Chinatown.”
  • Notable moments:
    • Alan Massey: “Let’s talk to him a moment. I say, my good man, where do you get your ivory tusks?”
    • George Beatty (in comedic reply): “At Alabama.” (04:44)
    • Lee Sisters: “No hat to animal, sir. Bamboo shoot.” (04:58)
  • The segment concludes with a return to the “Chinatown” theme, blending music and humor.

5. Banjo Gags & Instrumental Number

• [05:54–07:45]
  • Continuing the running banjo gag, Alan Massey reveals how he “proved” the banjo’s musicality:
    • Alan Massey: “I just banged him over the head with it.” (06:17)
    • Tom, Dick & Harry: “You better bang it on and play it right now.” (06:20)
  • Alan then performs a spirited banjo number, demonstrating his skill.

6. Romantic Ballad – “Forever and Ever”

• [07:56–09:58]
  • The group offers a sentimental rendition of “Forever and Ever,” showcasing their tight vocal harmonies.

7. Ladies’ Humorous Complaint & “Chicago”

• [09:58–12:42]
  • The Lee Sisters humorously complain about Tom, Dick & Harry criticizing their “wrinkled stockings” (while they weren’t wearing any).
    • Lee Sisters: “They insulted us something awful... They said we all had wrinkles in our stockings. We weren’t wearing any.” (10:12–10:20)
  • The crew then launches into “Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town),” a lively celebration of the city’s uniqueness and reputation.

8. “Harmony Philosopher” George Beatty’s Comedic Monologue

• [13:00–16:15]
  • George Beatty delivers an extended, witty story about his (mis)adventures at the racetrack, full of puns and clever wordplay.
    • George Beatty: “Every morning I go out into my backyard and pick oranges. Then in the afternoon, I go out to the racetrack and pick lemons.” (13:27)
    • “Name of the horse was Striptease. I played him to show. Of course, no two horses run alike. They all have their little peculiarities. But this was the first horse I ever saw start from a kneeling position.” (14:20)
  • The segment is packed with vintage comedic pacing.

9. Westerners Perform “Sleepy Rio Grande”

• [19:26–21:50]
  • Alan Massey and the Westerners perform a reflective Western ballad; an atmospheric interlude with “bright Spanish eyes” imagery.

10. “Fargo Fanny” – Original Comic Western Song

• [23:56–26:51]
  • Introduced as a new song by George Beatty and Brett Wood. “Fargo Fanny” chronicles the mishaps and legal escapades of a notorious woman, sung tongue-in-cheek.
    • Lyrics highlight:
      • “She openly admitted all the crimes that she committed / but she done things within the law.” (24:36)
      • “Fargo Fanny was a bold bad gal, but she done things within the law.” (26:51)

11. Inspirational Closer – “Go to Church”

• [26:51–29:56]
  • Charlie Lyon introduces the final song, praising its heartfelt message.
    • Charlie Lyon: “…a song written by Nick Kenny and J. Russell Robinson that carries a message dear to the hearts of many of us.” (26:51)
  • Kurt Massey and the choir deliver the inspirational “Go to Church,” emphasizing faith as a source of comfort and direction.
    • Lyrics excerpt:
      • “Go to church / Is your back against the wall? / Go to church / Have you seen your castles fall?” (27:11+)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Kurt Massey (Opening):
  • “Your worries won’t be long if you join us in the song on plantation.” (00:46)
• Alan Massey’s Banjo Gag:
  • “I just banged him over the head with it.” (06:17)
• Lee Sisters’ Complaint:
  • “They insulted us something awful… We weren’t wearing any [stockings].” (10:12–10:20)
• George Beatty’s Horse Story:
  • “Every morning I go out into my backyard and pick oranges. Then in the afternoon, I go out to the racetrack and pick lemons.” (13:27)
• “Fargo Fanny” Lyric:
  • “She openly admitted all the crimes that she committed, but she done things within the law." (24:36)

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Structure & Flow

• Alternates briskly between musical numbers and comedic sketches, capturing the lively, continuous energy of a 1940s-50s radio variety show.
• Features recurring banter and character bits (especially around Alan Massey’s banjo and George Beatty’s comedic narration).
• Musical numbers span genres—standards (“Somebody Stole My Gal,” “Chicago”), ballads (“Forever and Ever,” “Sleepy Rio Grande”), new novelty tunes (“Fargo Fanny”), and gospel-inspired closer (“Go to Church”).

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |--------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:35–01:26 | Opening musical invitation | | 02:03–03:09 | “Somebody Stole My Gal” | | 03:09–03:30 | Banjo feud jokes | | 03:49–05:41 | “Musical tour of China” & “Chinatown, My Chinatown” | | 06:17 | Banjo over the head joke | | 07:56–09:58 | “Forever and Ever” ballad | | 09:58–12:42 | Lee Sisters’ skit & “Chicago” | | 13:00–16:15 | George Beatty’s racetrack comedy story | | 19:26–21:50 | Westerners: “Sleepy Rio Grande” | | 23:56–26:51 | “Fargo Fanny” comic Western song | | 26:51–29:56 | Inspirational: “Go to Church” |

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Tone & Language

• The episode balances homespun warmth, gentle humor, and community spirit reminiscent of its era.
• Dialogue is fast-paced, conversational, and filled with period-typical puns and lighthearted jabs.

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Conclusion

A classic example of mid-century American radio, this episode of Plantation Jubilee delights with both music and mirth. The tightly woven mix of performances and comedy offers a genuine sense of camaraderie, nostalgia, and wholesome entertainment—an authentic throwback for devoted fans of old-time radio.

Transcript

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[Charlie Lyon]

Now there's the banjo friends bringing you. Transcribed Plantation Jubilee oh, won't you come.

[Kurt Massey]

Home and have a good time?

[Lee Sisters]

Come on and have a good time.

[Kurt Massey]

Your worries won't be long if you join us in the song on plantation.

[Plantation Choir]

Hear the voices singing hear the banjos ringing down on the old plantation. Join a happy throng sing a happy.

[George Beatty]

Song.

[Plantation Choir]

Down on the old plant.

[Kurt Massey]

So come on and have a good time. Come on and have a good time. Your worries won't be long if you join us in a song on plantation Germany.

[Charlie Lyon]

Well, how do and good evening. This is Charlie Lyon on the old plantation inviting you to sit back and relax while you listen to Alan Massey and the Westerners, the Lee sisters, George Beatty, Tom, Dick and Harry, the plantation choir and the singing star of our show, Kurt Massey.

[Plantation Choir]

Somebody stole my gal, Somebody stole my pal. Somebody came and took her away she didn't even say that she was leaving. The kisses I love so he's getting now I know and gee, I know that she would come to me if she could see her broken hearted lonesome time. Somebody stole my gun. The kisses I love so he's getting now I know and gee, I know that she would come to me if she could see her broken hearted lonesomehouse. Somebody stole my guy.

[Charlie Lyon]

Everybody seems to be full of pep on the old plantation tonight. So if you'll take over, I'll go over and talk to Alan. You know he and I are friends now.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Well, I'm glad you boys finally got over that feud you were having over Brother Allen's banjo. Mm.

[Charlie Lyon]

Well, he finally convinced me that a banjo was a musical instrument.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

How did he do that?

[Charlie Lyon]

Well, I'd rather not tell you, Kurt. I'll see you later.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Okay, Charlie. Okay. Now that peace reigns once more on the plantation, we'll get on with the jubilee. And speaking of rain, what's this? Well, Tom, Dick and Harry, why that Chinese tone?

[Alan Massey]

Well, Kirk, we're going to do a musical tour of China tonight, and we were just getting in the mood.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Well, bust my chopsticks and let me starve.

[Alan Massey]

Go to it.

[Kurt Massey]

Chinatown, My Chinatown. Where the lights are low Hearts that go no other land Drifting to and fro Dreamy Dreamy Chinatown town and eyes.

[Lee Sisters]

Of round hearts seem light and life.

[Kurt Massey]

Seems bright in dreamy Chinatown Here in.

[Alan Massey]

The crowded city of Hong Kong, we're about to set forth on a journey into the interior. Our rickshaws are waiting. My, one of them's a gin rickshaw. Now, we notice an old Chinese ivory carver. Let's talk to him a moment. I say, my good man, where do you get your ivory tusks?

[George Beatty]

At Alabama.

[Alan Massey]

Why, all the way from Alabama at Tuscaloosa. Thank you. Thank you, my friend. Now, here's a native trying to sell me a bamboo gun. Look, my dear coolie, how could I fire a bamboo gun?

[Lee Sisters]

No hat to animal, sir. Bamboo shoot.

[Alan Massey]

Not being able to stand any more of this Chinese corn, we decide to leave. The mayor of Hong Kong steps forward and hands us a beautiful key. Oh, honorable Mayor, we thank you for this key to the city. Mr. Interpreter, what does that mean in English?

[Kurt Massey]

Chinatown My Chinatown where the knights are bold Hot there for northern land Lifting to and flow Dreamy gleaming tiger found.

[Lee Sisters]

Armored by the clown More poor flammazine.

[Kurt Massey]

Flagellator in dreamy Chinatown.

[Plantation Choir]

Well, thank you.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Tom, Dick and Harry for lunch. Charlie, are you ready to introduce Alan's banjo number?

[Charlie Lyon]

Yes, I am, Kurt. I sure am.

[Plantation Choir]

Yes, I am.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Hey, by the way, you didn't tell me how Alan convinced you that the banjo is a musical instrument.

[Charlie Lyon]

Well, I'd rather not tell you, Kurt.

[George Beatty]

My golly, I'll tell you, Hal.

[Charlie Lyon]

Now, Alan, I'd rather you didn't.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Well, Alan. Wait a minute, Charlie, I want to hear this. How did you prove its tone? Quality, Alan.

[Alan Massey]

I just banged him over the head with it.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

You better bang it on and play it right now. Come on.

[Kurt Massey]

Sa. Sam.

[Plantation Choir]

Oh, yeah. Yes, sir.

[Charlie Lyon]

Fine, Alan, fine. Someday I'm going to show him the tonal quality of a sledgehammer. Hey, Kurt, you know, it's about ballad time around here. What's it going to be tonight?

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Well, Charlie, here's one that's been getting a lot of play in the jukeboxes lately. It's called Forever and Ever.

[Plantation Choir]

Forever and ever My heart will be.

[George Beatty]

True.

[Plantation Choir]

Sweetheart, forever I'll wait for you we both made a promise that we'd never part let's seal it with a kiss Forever my sweetheart Let by Gauls be bygones Forever we fall in love once again so let's tell the world of our new love divine Forever and ever you be mine we both made a Promise that we'd never part let's seal it with a kiss forever, my sweetheart.

[Kurt Massey]

Massey.

[Lee Sisters]

Mr. Massey.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Well, what's bothering our pretty little Lee sisters?

[Lee Sisters]

Well, you've just got to do something about Tom, Dick and Harry, or we're gonna quit.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Well, now, wait a minute. What have they done now?

[Lee Sisters]

They insulted us something awful.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Well, what did they do?

[Lee Sisters]

Well, they were watching us rehearse, and they said we all had wrinkles in our stockings.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Well, now, Lily Jean, what's so insulting about that?

[Lee Sisters]

We weren't wearing any touch and you're even paper A big shot murdered on the south side of town the Blackhawk is featuring the band of renown People call it breezy but it's easy to see there's only one place for me Chicago, Chicago that toddle in town Chicago, Chicago I'll show you around Bow, bow, bow at your bottom dollar you lose your blues in Chicago Chicago the town that Billy Sunday could not shut down oh, bow, bow, bow, bow, bow On Stage street that great street I just wanna say I just wanna say they do things they don't do on Broadway say you have the time the time of your life I saw a man even dance with his wife in Chicago Chicago my hometown college in and the Shea Patty Lakeshore Drive is the place to be Got to see the stockyards People say we just got wind of it today On State street that great street I just want to say I just want to say they do things they don't do on Broadway say you have the time the time of your life Especially if you don't go with your wife to Chicago Chicago Mountain.

[Kurt Massey]

It'S.

[Lee Sisters]

The greatest little town to make some noise A great romantic spot for gals and boys that's the place I long to be It's Chicago the place for.

[Kurt Massey]

Me.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Here comes that harmony philosopher your friend and mine, Half singer, half wit, George Beatty. Georgie, you're wearing a very mysterious look. What hobby?

[George Beatty]

Well, listen to this, Kurt.

[Plantation Choir]

Ah, sweet mystery of life.

[George Beatty]

At last I found you.

[Plantation Choir]

Ah, at last I found the secret of it all.

[George Beatty]

Ah, yes, my friends, I have finally found a system to beat the races. And now I have the horses right where they want me. Every morning I go out into my backyard and pick oranges. Then in the afternoon, I go out to the racetrack and pick lemons. I always get such a thrill out of it because I love to follow the horses. The only trouble is that the horses I follow love to follow the other horses. I should never forget the first time I went to the races. I stopped A fellow on the street and I said, how do I get out to Santa Anita? He said, well, that's easy. Just go to the corner of Hollywood and Vine and follow the first guy you see with a hole in the seat of his pants. That was eight years ago now. I have people following me now. Yesterday in the first race, I bet $5 on a horse. If I waited till after the race, I could have bought him for that. Name of the horse was Striptease. I played him to show. Of course, no two horses run alike. They all have their little peculiarities. But this was the first horse I ever saw start from a kneeling position. I can't imagine why that horse ever got mixed up with a jockey. He could have made more money with a milk wagon. As he's walking out to the starting gate, he turned to one of the other horses and he said, have you ever run on this track before? The other horse said, sure, lots of times. My horse said, okay, I'll follow you, and said in a racing form that he was a great mudder. And it was the truth. He loved the mud. He loved it so much that he let all the other horses kick it in his face when he left the starting gate.

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[George Beatty]

He used his fourth leg to trip the other horses. Jesse was coming down the home stretch. A bee stung him. He looked around the jockey and said, it won't help. You know, we should give credit where credit is due. He didn't win the race, but it took 11 other horses to beat him. When the Race was over. Instead of throwing a blanket over him, they used an oxygen tent. No kidding. My horse is so ashamed that he walked back to the stable with one foot over his eye. Of course, the jockey might have had something to do with it. I wouldn't go so far as to say that the jockey pulled him. But when the race was over, the bit was clear back under the horse's tail. No. Horseshoes are supposed to be lucky, but my horse didn't wear them. He wore carpet slippers, so when he walked into the stable, he wouldn't wake the other horses up. But last Friday was Ladies Day. One race, they had girl jockeys. One of the girls shoulder straps slipped and the horse came in wearing a pink camisole. When the race started, someone yelled, they're off. And three of the jockeys fainted. Just before the third race, a fellow came up to me and he says, I got a hot tip on this next race, bud. Well, of course, if you're smart, you'll never take tips from anybody. So I turned to the fellow and I said, what is it? He said, it's a horse called Gay Stumblebum. I said, what did he do his last time out? The fellow said, he ran a very consistent race, 10th all the way. I said, what held him back? He says, well, by the time he hit home stretcher was dark and the jockey had to run along in front of him with a flashlight. I said, do you expect me to bet on a horse like that? Well, it wasn't his fault. I happen to know that they put Ovaltine and he's Pancake batter. But today it's different. They're giving him a shot of tnt. Well, I happen to be about a mile and an eighth from the two dollar window. And I made it in one twelve and two fifths, despite the fact that I was boxed in passing the hot dog stand. Then I went out to watch the race. Gay Stumblebun went right out to the front. At the half mile, he was 20 lengths in front of the 3/4, 30 lengths in front. Just as he was coming down the home stretch, a terrible thing happened. He exploded and lost by a nose. That's all I could find of him.

[Plantation Choir]

Ah, sweet mystery of life, at last I found you and there's a hundred million others like me.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Well, George, we'll be looking for you, that's for sure. Now, Charlie, I think it's time to hear from Alan Masson, the Westerners.

[Charlie Lyon]

Yes, sir, so do I. Kurt and I heard the boys rehearsing a pretty old tune. Called Sleepy Rio Grande. And so here they are, our adopted sons at the plantation, the Westerners.

[Kurt Massey]

Play that once again.

[Lee Sisters]

Sleepy.

[Plantation Choir]

O breath, let me dream of bright Spanish eyes Dreams that will never end Night just made for love Let ye hear those men no.

[Alan Massey]

Grand.

[Plantation Choir]

Those men. Nolan's play she be real.

[George Beatty]

Gray.

[Kurt Massey]

Ah, that was fine.

[Charlie Lyon]

That was a beautiful job, Westerners. Very well done. And now, friends, it's time for our violin virtuoso, Kurt Massey to take bow in hand and burst forth with Sweet sow.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Now, wait a minute.

[Charlie Lyon]

I thought you were going to render it there. That's why I said that is real. Isn't that terrible? It really is sweet soup. That was the best rendition of Sweet saw I ever sued.

[Alan Massey]

Hey, say, Dr. Spooner.

[Charlie Lyon]

Yes, Tom, Dick and Harry. What news?

[Alan Massey]

Well, we have another brand new song by George Beatty and Brett Wood called Fargo Fanny. You want us to do it?

[Charlie Lyon]

Well, you give me a three minute head start.

[Kurt Massey]

Fargo Fanny Fargo Fanny she was so uncanny she was so uncanny Always on the spot but never to play.

[Lee Sisters]

Park.

[Kurt Massey]

Was a bold bad gal but she done things within the law she openly admitted all the crimes that she committed but she done things within the law her man once had a headache that was driving him insane Next day the sheriff found him With a bullet in his brain but she convinced the judge she only meant to kill the pain for she done things within the law Fargo Fanny Fargo Fanny she was so uncanny she was so uncanny Always on the spot but never to play Argo Fanny was a bold bad gal but she done things within the law it almost meant destruction when they tried her for abduction but she done things within the law A wealthy rancher disappeared and Wendy But Fanny made it legal when she charged him Room and bar Found him in the basement where she had him stored all she done was things within the law Fargo Fanny Fargo Fanny she was so uncanny she was so uncanny Always on the spot but never to blame Fargo Fanny Was a bold bad gal but she done things within the law now prosecutor Carson once indicted her for arson but she doesn't done things within the law the night her.

[Alan Massey]

Home went up in flames she felt no sacrifice Insurance she had collected was.

[Kurt Massey]

A lot more than the price she'd.

[Alan Massey]

Soaked the rugs and kerosene to drive.

[Kurt Massey]

Away the mice oh, she done things within the law Fargo Fanny Fargo Fanny she was so uncanny she was so uncanny Always on the spot but never to blame but never to blame.

[George Beatty]

Tonight.

[Charlie Lyon]

Kurt Massey and the Plantation Choir sing a song written by Nick Kenny and J. Russell Robinson that carries a Message dear to the hearts of many of us the choir and Kurt sing the inspiring Go to church.

[Plantation Choir]

Has God smiled on you, my friend? Have you reached the rainbows? Talents rare you may possess all the things that mean success to ensure your happiness here's the way Go to church Is your back against the wall? Go to church have you seen your castles fall? Go to church do you bear a secret sorrow? Are you fearful of tomorrow? God has strength that you may fare each day Tears always waiting There you'll find Be the weather that are fair Ease your mind Synagogue our chapel small great cathedral or a hall he'll be glad to have you call Go to church he is always waiting there Be the weather bad or fair he's your.

[Kurt Massey]

Mind.

[Plantation Choir]

Synagogue or a hall he'll be glad to have you come Go to church.

[Tom Dick and Harry (group)]

Well, friends, that pulls the curtain down on Plantation Jubilee. In closing, I wish you a happy good night from the whole gang. Alan Massey in the Western and the Lee sisters. George Beatty, Tom Dick and Harry and the Plantation Choir. This is Kurt Massey saying good night.

[Kurt Massey]

Oh, we hope you had a good time. We hope you had a good time.

[Charlie Lyon]

Well, we'll be looking for you for another transcribed get together on Plantation Jubilee. Originated and written by Gordon Vandover. Produced and directed by Frank Crystal. This is Charlie Lyon. Tonight, Plantation Jubilee came to you from Hollywood. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Kurt Massey]

We have.