Popeye the Sailor 35-11-12 Popeye vs. the Trolley Car

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Popeye the Sailor 35-11-12 Popeye vs. the Trolley Car"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Popeye the Sailor 35-11-12 Popeye vs. the Trolley Car
• Release Date: January 8, 2025

---

1. Episode Overview

In this captivating episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, reliving the beloved adventures of Popeye the Sailor. Titled "Popeye vs. the Trolley Car," the episode weaves a thrilling tale of love, jealousy, and heroism set against the backdrop of a runaway trolley. The narrative seamlessly blends humor, drama, and action, staying true to the classic charm of early radio shows.

2. Main Characters and Dynamics

• Popeye the Sailor: The indomitable protagonist known for his strength and steadfastness.
• Olive Oyl: Popeye's beloved, who finds herself entangled in a romantic dilemma.
• Wimpy: The lovable hamburger enthusiast, providing comic relief and pivotal support.
• Matey (Mr. Glutz): A suitor who introduces conflict by vying for Olive's affection.
• Other Supporting Characters: Include a conductor named Horace and a mysterious figure named Dobby Sidda.

3. Plot Summary

A. Love Triangle and Emotional Turmoil

The episode opens with a tense atmosphere as Olive Oyl grapples with her feelings towards Popeye. A flashback reveals that a man named Mr. Glutz once wooed Olive with promises of movies and marriage but ultimately abandoned her, leading Popeye to vow to stay away from Olive. Presently, Olive is confronted by Wimpy and Matey, who inform her that Popeye has decided to part ways with her, believing their relationship is over.

B. The Picnic Plan and Trolley Journey

Determined to mend the rift, Olive proposes a picnic to rekindle her bond with Popeye. Accompanied by Wimpy and Matey, they prepare for a scenic outing via trolley car to the state park. Olive expresses nervousness about the trolley ride, highlighting the inherent dangers, especially as the trolley hurtles at 60 miles per hour ([05:23] Olive Oyl).

C. Trolley Hijinks and Crisis

As they embark, the motorman loses control of the trolley, resulting in a perilous situation. Olive's concerns escalate as the trolley approaches a dangerous curve and faces potential collisions ([08:25] Olive Oyl). In a dramatic twist, Popeye appears on the tracks, seemingly having been run over. The tension peaks when Olive fears for Popeye's life and the safety of everyone aboard.

D. Heroic Intervention and Resolution

Popeye reveals he is unharmed and with his characteristic strength, he takes control to prevent disaster. By consuming his favorite cereal, Wheatina, Popeye gains the extra muscle needed to brake the runaway trolley ([11:20] Popeye). Through resilience and sheer determination, he successfully stops the trolley, saving Olive and the passengers. The episode concludes with Olive expressing her gratitude and reaffirming the strength of their friendship ([12:47] Olive Oyl).

4. Key Moments and Notable Quotes

• Popeye's Entrance:

  • [00:19] Popeye: "I'm Popeye the sailor man. I am what I am. 'Cause I am what I am."

• Wimpy's Promotion of Wheatina:

  • [01:00] Wimpy: "Popeye's favorite cereal goes right to work making muscle and putting zip and go into those arms and legs of yours."

• Olive Confronts Matey:

  • [03:02] Olive Oyl: "Are you deaf? I said hello, Wimpy. Where's Popeye?"

• Trolley Becomes Out of Control:

  • [08:25] Olive Oyl: "He will begin to run this trolley recklessly. Why must he claim that bell call to warn people off the track."

• Popeye to the Rescue:

  • [10:07] Matey: "Verily, it looks like Popeye."
  • [11:20] Popeye: "I need extra special muscle. Wimpy, me favorite cereal."

• Emotional Reconciliation:

  • [12:47] Olive Oyl: "I am so grateful. I was mad at you when we started out, and then when I thought you were run over, I. I just could have died."
  • [13:03] Olive Oyl: "I suppose you really couldn't let Olive get hurt even if she wasn't going to give up Mr. Glutz, could you?"
  • [13:10] Popeye: "No, Mary. I am Olive's friend. And friendship is the strongest and the best thing what a man has."

5. Themes and Insights

• Friendship and Loyalty: Popeye's unwavering dedication to Olive underscores the timeless value of true friendship and loyalty.
• Courage in the Face of Danger: The episode highlights bravery as Popeye confronts the runaway trolley, embodying the heroic spirit.
• Love and Misunderstanding: Olive's initial misunderstanding and subsequent reconciliation with Popeye reflect the complexities of relationships and the importance of communication.
• Resourcefulness and Strength: Popeye's use of Wheatina cereal to gain the necessary strength emphasizes ingenuity and the significance of personal strengths in overcoming challenges.

6. Conclusion

"Popeye vs. the Trolley Car" is a quintessential episode that captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through its engaging storytelling, memorable characters, and meaningful themes, the episode offers listeners a nostalgic yet timeless adventure. Popeye's heroism not only resolves the immediate crisis but also reinforces the enduring bonds of friendship and love, leaving audiences both entertained and emotionally moved.

7. Post-Episode Notes

While the main narrative concludes with Popeye's triumphant rescue, the transcript includes a promotion for Wheatina cereal ([13:29] Wimpy), a nod to the era's classic advertising integration within radio shows. This seamlessly ties in with the storyline, emphasizing Popeye's reliance on his favorite cereal to sustain his strength.

---

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key elements of the "Popeye vs. the Trolley Car" episode, providing a vivid recount for those who may not have had the chance to listen. Through its structured sections and highlighted quotes, the essence of the episode shines, celebrating the rich tradition of old-time radio storytelling.

Transcript

[Olive Oyl]

All hands on deck is Popeye.

[Popeye]

I'm Popeye the sailor man. I'm Popeye the sailor man. I am what I am. Cause I am what I am. I'm Papa the sailorman.

[Wimpy]

Wheatina's his diet. He asks you to try it with Popeye the sailor man.

[Olive Oyl]

Jimmy Dan, it's time to get off.

[Wimpy]

Well, that's a signal for old man's stomach to get busy. He phones up to your brain and says, hello, Brain. It's been a long time since supper. Now, how about sending down some food? Boys and girls want to know how to please old man's stomach an awful lot. Send him down some nice hot brown Wheatina. Yes, sir. That'll make him happy and contented. It tastes great going down, and the minute it gets there, it starts making you feel good all over because you're stuck. Your tummy doesn't keep all that Wheatina for itself. No, sir. Popeye's favorite cereal goes right to work making muscle and putting zip and go into those arms and legs of yours. When the old brain gets that phone call tomorrow morning, you know the answer, don't you? One dish of Wheatina coming down. Well, it looks like all Olive is in bed with Popeye. A Mr. Glutz turned Olive's head with flattery, promised to get her in the movies, proposed marriage, and then deserted her in a flying machine. Popeye rescued her, all right, but has declared that he's through with Olive forever. As our scene opens, we find Wimpy and Matey outside Olive's lunch wagon, about to break the news to her.

[Olive Oyl]

There she is, Wimpy, fixing sandwiches at the lunch counter.

[Matey]

You go first, lady.

[Olive Oyl]

What's the matter? You scared?

[Matey]

Not at all. I merely wish to make a dignified entrance.

[Olive Oyl]

I don't know what that is, but I think you've got cold feet.

[Matey]

Cease discussing my feet and go on in.

[Olive Oyl]

Okay. Hello, Wallace. Oh, dear. Here you are, child, and I'm not half ready. Where are the others? Here comes Wimpy now.

[Matey]

Greetings and salutations, Miss Oil.

[Olive Oyl]

Hello, Wimpy. Where's Popeye?

[Matey]

Beg pardon?

[Olive Oyl]

Are you deef. I said hello, Wimpy. Where's Popeye?

[Matey]

Oh, hello, Miss Oil. Good day. Charming weather.

[Olive Oyl]

Oh, stop beating around the bush, Wimpy. How. Where's Popeye?

[Matey]

Popeye is in this boat. He could not come.

[Olive Oyl]

What?

[Matey]

No doubt he is ill. Well, my.

[Olive Oyl]

Gracious, why didn't you say so? I'll go right over.

[Matey]

Tut, tut. He might have a fever. He might be violent.

[Olive Oyl]

Goodness, I'll get a couple of doctors. Aw, gee, Wincey, why don't you tell her the truth? The truth? Tell me this minute what's happened. Well, you see, Alice, Papa isn't coming here anymore.

[Matey]

He feels that all is over between you and him.

[Olive Oyl]

All is over? You mean that we aren't going to be friends anymore? Gee, Olive, don't take it so hard. He'll get over it.

[Matey]

You have us, my dear Olive. We can commune over hamburgers.

[Olive Oyl]

Oh, dear. I think I'm going to cry. What's the matter? Popeye got mad because you got engaged to that Mr. Glutch.

[Matey]

Yes, and he felt that you had given him that cold shoulder.

[Olive Oyl]

Oh, it's his own fault. Anyway, Popeye never proposed to me.

[Matey]

Well, perhaps Popeye is not the proposing kind.

[Olive Oyl]

Well, then he hasn't any right to be so ornery.

[Matey]

Never mind, Miss Oil. After all, you have me. I, J. Wellington, Don Juan, Casanova, Wimpy.

[Olive Oyl]

But I don't want you all. I want to die. Oh, golly. I'll have. Don't take it so. Pretend you don't care. Come on, let's go on a picnic. That's just what we'll do. And have such a good time. He'll be jealous, the old meanie. Swell, Olive, cheer up. Come on. Where's the lunch basket? Right over there. Wimpy, you leave those hamburgers alone. They're for the picnic. Lady, you go on and watch for a trolley car. Okay. Olive.

[Matey]

I can scarcely move carrying this heavy basket.

[Olive Oyl]

Well, you just move and like it. Get along.

[Matey]

I'm practically in motion. In fact, here I go.

[Olive Oyl]

I'll be with you in a minute. Is there a streetcar in sight, baby? Yeah, Olive, way down the line. Oh, I hope it's the right one. We're going way out to the end of the line. Gee, at the state park? Yeah. Yes. Oh, I think it's just lovely out there. It's a swell ride, too. The car goes about 60 miles an hour. I know. It almost puts my heart in my mouth.

[Matey]

Big pun. You mean it's dangerous?

[Olive Oyl]

Why, it goes so fast. I don't see how it even stays on the tracks going round the curve.

[Matey]

Ah, me. I just remembered I must go visit my old grandmother.

[Olive Oyl]

Go on, Wimpy. You haven't got any old grandmother.

[Matey]

But I have pressing engagements.

[Olive Oyl]

And you never have any engagement. You're just a scayer to ride in the trolley car.

[Matey]

Tut, tut. A wimpy nose. No.

[Olive Oyl]

Here comes the streetcar. Stand back, maybe. Be careful. You stop. Oh, dear. Dobby Sidda. Hey there. We'll let you on.

[Wimpy]

Aboard. Step lively there, lady.

[Olive Oyl]

Mistress and doctor, do you go to the end of the line all the.

[Wimpy]

Way to State Park?

[Olive Oyl]

Lady, this is our car. Then get on, matey. Okay, Olive. You're next, Wimpy. But be careful of that lunch basket.

[Matey]

Yes, yes, of course.

[Wimpy]

Hurry up there, sleepy. Hurry up. I can't wait here all day.

[Matey]

I would have you know I am heavy laden.

[Wimpy]

Come on, come on, I'll give you a hand.

[Olive Oyl]

Just a minute. Don't start the car. I'm a come in.

[Wimpy]

Make it slow, snappy sister.

[Olive Oyl]

You be careful how you talk to me. I'm a lady, I'll have you know.

[Wimpy]

All right, all right. Who's paying the fares?

[Matey]

I believe you are the hostess, Miss. Oy.

[Olive Oyl]

Just a minute. Here's the money.

[Wimpy]

Hold fast, everybody.

[Olive Oyl]

Look out. O sit down. Ouch. You knocked me over.

[Wimpy]

I told you to hold on, lady.

[Olive Oyl]

Well, you might have waited till I got in my seat. Did you hurt yourself, Olive? No, I don't think so, but I got a terrible jolt. Here, you sit next to the window, Olive.

[Matey]

Yes, have the window seat, Ms. Oil. A lovely view.

[Olive Oyl]

The only view I see is the street. And I see that every day.

[Matey]

Well, I always say, if there's nothing but the street to look at, look at the bright side of the street.

[Olive Oyl]

My goodness, Wincy, the regular ray of sunshine. Sunshine. Look, Olive, we're leaving the edge of town. Oh, dear. Now he will begin to run this tire reckless. Why must he claim that bell call to warn people off the track. Doll.

[Matey]

Heavens, what happened? I was sound asleep.

[Olive Oyl]

Nothing, except the motorman has gone crazy and his cars are running wild.

[Matey]

Mercy, let me off. I'm a nervous man.

[Olive Oyl]

Keep your seat, whimsy. If I can stand it, you tail. Look, Olive, we're coming to that big curve. Gracious, isn't he a golem to slow down for him? No, he's not. Hold on, Olive. Oh.

[Matey]

Oh, I can't bear to look.

[Olive Oyl]

Here we go. Oh, my, I'm a wreck. My hair is coming down, Horace.

[Matey]

And still the fiend speeds on.

[Olive Oyl]

Why, things are going even faster. Say they are, Mr. Conductor.

[Wimpy]

What is it?

[Olive Oyl]

Lady, you tell that motorman to slow down or we're liable to have a smash off.

[Wimpy]

He is going kind of fast, lady. Speak to him.

[Olive Oyl]

Well, I should think so. First thing you know, we'll all end up in kingdom come. Sully's going faster than ever now. Look at him all. They're all excited. Oh, my goodness. I just know something's gone wrong. Your son's the conductor. Ask him. Mr. Conductor, what's the trouble? Why doesn't he slow down?

[Wimpy]

He can't, ma'am. The brakes are jammed or something.

[Olive Oyl]

Holy smokes. And we're going down Red Hill. Oh, oh, and. And there's a big truck right across the crack. We're going to hit it. We're going to hit it. Are we killed?

[Matey]

I believe so. I have never been quite so killed before.

[Olive Oyl]

Gee, the motorman's gone, but we're still going downhill. He's fallen out. A conductor. Never mind calling him. He's called out in the back window, the coward, the deserter, the Baruch. What will we do? Oh, see, there's someone coming way down the track.

[Matey]

Verily, it looks like Popeye.

[Olive Oyl]

Golly, it is Popeye. He's standing right in the track. He'll be killed. Popeye. Get off. Old track. He's going to try and stop the car. He'll run right over him. Oh, I don't dare. Look, he can't stop us. Oh, Popeye. Golly, look out, Popeye. Oh, Popeye's big run over. And I was mad at him. Oh, gee, Popeye, what would we do without him?

[Matey]

Oh, Popeye. Alas, alas, we will join you soon enough.

[Olive Oyl]

Camp. Bear it. Why did he have to stand right in the middle of the track?

[Popeye]

He died like a hero, Wimpy.

[Matey]

A ghost. Heavens, why shall I run ghost nothing.

[Olive Oyl]

It's Popeye hanging on the back of the car. Popeye. Popeye. You were run over, aren't you, Dale?

[Popeye]

Oh, I come out alive at the other end, and I hangs on. I am too tough for a little thing like a trolley car to hurt me.

[Matey]

Alas, we will all be killed together, Popeye.

[Olive Oyl]

I'll stop the car. Fooled you, Popeye.

[Popeye]

Yeah, matey. But first I need extra special muscle. Wimpy, me favorite cereal.

[Matey]

What are you your requirements, Popeye?

[Popeye]

Well, on account I has to use me feed my brakes to stop this here trolley, I need three balls.

[Matey]

Three bowls coming up.

[Olive Oyl]

Wa your stuff.

[Matey]

Here's one.

[Olive Oyl]

Here's another.

[Matey]

And the third.

[Popeye]

Now look at me, Musco.

[Olive Oyl]

Oh, Papa, whatever will you do to stop us?

[Popeye]

I lets meself down easy and I start using me feet for breaks. Here goes.

[Olive Oyl]

The racist. Look at the fog fly.

[Matey]

Listen, there is a stream of traffic crossing the track ahead.

[Popeye]

I has to go easy or I burns me.

[Olive Oyl]

Hurry, Popeye. Try again.

[Popeye]

Okay, Mary, I just me bestow it up, Popeye. Ouch, me big toe. It's on fire.

[Olive Oyl]

We're heading right into that traffic.

[Popeye]

No, we doesn't I stop, sir.

[Olive Oyl]

You stopped her, Popeye. You pulled her clear off the tree.

[Matey]

Is it safe for me to faint?

[Olive Oyl]

Oh, Papa, I am so grateful. I was mad at you when we started out, and then when I thought you were run over, I. I just could have died.

[Popeye]

That's nice to hear, Olive. Because now I knows you thinks old friends is best.

[Olive Oyl]

Say, Popeye?

[Popeye]

Yeah, matey?

[Olive Oyl]

I suppose you really couldn't let Olive get hurt even if she wasn't going to give up Mr. Glutch, could you?

[Popeye]

No, Mary. I am Olive's friend. And friendship is the strongest and the best thing what a man has.

[Wimpy]

Say, did you ever sniff hot brown Wheatina bubbling in the sauce? Now, I don't care whether you're six or 60. There's something to make you hungry clear down to your toes by just one whiff of that toasty fragrance. And your next stop is the breakfast table. And Wheatina tastes just as good as it smells. Why, it's a taste you can't describe with mere words. It ought to be set to music and sung. I tell you, Hu has a flavor like no other cereal you ever tasted. Say, here's a sporting proposition. Try Wheatina just once, and if it isn't the best tasting cereal you ever met. Well, forget fu. Tina from then on. Now, what do you say? Is that a go?

[Popeye]

I'm Papa the sailor man. I'm Popeye the sailor man. I am what I am. Cause I am what I am. I'm Popeye the sailor man.