Recollections at 30 56-07-11 Truth Or Consequences

Summary

Recollections at 30: Truth or Consequences
Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: July 15, 2025

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Introduction to Recollections at 30

In this milestone episode celebrating NBC Radio's 30th year of broadcasting, host Ed Herlihy takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through historic moments of radio's Golden Age. Tapping into NBC's extensive sound library, the episode revisits beloved shows, iconic personalities, and unforgettable events that have shaped the broadcasting landscape over three decades.

Spotlight on "Truth or Consequences" (00:33 - 06:57)

Ed Herlihy delves into the classic audience participation show, "Truth or Consequences," originally hosted by Ralph Edwards. Reflecting on his own experience as an announcer in the early 1940s, Herlihy reminisces about the show's innovative stunts and generous prize offerings, which were a hallmark of its appeal.

Notable Segment: Contestant Mr. Marisich's Challenge
At [03:03], Fred Collins introduces a re-enactment featuring Mr. Marisich from Weehawken, New Jersey, who wins by participating in a humorous and outlandish challenge—making romantic serenades to a seal. This lighthearted segment underscores the playful and interactive nature of the original program.

Quote:
Fred Collins (03:14): "That's wrong. You haven't told the truth. The answer is basketball. That draws the largest attendance annually."

Quote:
Herlihy (06:04): "Times have changed. ... With the change in times, many of the old performers have gone, too."

Bing Crosby and Bob Burns: A Comedic Duo (07:56 - 16:36)

The episode transitions to a memorable segment from the Bing Crosby Show, highlighting the comedic chemistry between Bing Crosby and Bob Burns. Their playful banter and humorous storytelling provide a glimpse into the entertainment style that captivated radio audiences.

Notable Exchange:
At [22:49], a recreated dialogue between Bing Crosby and announcer Bob showcases their quick wit and improvisational skills. The humorous scenario involving a bet to make someone say, "Oh no, I haven't," exemplifies the show's engaging and light-hearted content.

Quote:
Bing Crosby (11:14): "You've got to give a little, take a little and let your poor heart break a little. You got to laugh a little, cry a little."

Quote:
Announcer (16:36): "I've got time on my hand and you in my arms and love in my heart all for you."

Jesse Owens' Historic Return (17:03 - 19:18)

Ed Herlihy honors athletic legend Jesse Owens, spotlighting his triumphant return to the United States after his record-breaking performances at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. The episode features an authentic interview conducted by Douglas Williams aboard the Queen Mary, capturing Owens' reflections on his achievements and experiences abroad.

Notable Interview Highlights:
At [18:05], Jesse Owens expresses gratitude and shares personal anecdotes about his journey and the warm reception awaiting him in America. The segment not only celebrates Owens' athletic prowess but also his role as a symbol of perseverance and excellence.

Quote:
Douglas Williams (17:32): "I'm very glad to be back home. I had a wonderful trip going over and had a wonderful time..."

Quote:
Owens (18:27): "How would it feel like to see old New York again?"

Old Valley Hour Reunion: Tom Howard and George Shelton (20:14 - 24:39)

Responding to listener requests, Herlihy presents a cherished segment from the Old Valley Hour, featuring Tom Howard and George Shelton. Their comedic interplay and storytelling capture the essence of early radio entertainment, offering listeners a delightful blend of humor and camaraderie.

Notable Skit:
At [23:07], the humorous scenario about choosing whom to help between an old lady and a young man in an automobile accident serves as a testament to the duo's ability to engage and entertain audiences with relatable humor.

Quote:
Bing Crosby (22:49): "And I'll just bet you $10 I can make you say, 'Oh no, I haven't.'"

Quote:
Announcer (24:27): "But just a minute, Rudy."

Conclusion and Listener Engagement (24:39 - 25:38)

Ed Herlihy concludes the episode by encouraging listener interaction, inviting audiences to request their favorite old-time performances. This call to action not only fosters a sense of community but also underscores the enduring appeal of classic radio programming.

Quote:
Herlihy (24:39): "We do appreciate hearing from you. And if there is any performer that you are particularly anxious to hear on this series, you can mail a card to me."

Legacy and Reflection

Throughout the episode, Ed Herlihy masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes with archival recordings, painting a vivid picture of radio's evolution. By highlighting diverse segments—from game shows and comedic duos to inspirational athletic triumphs—Recollections at 30: Truth or Consequences offers a comprehensive and enchanting tribute to the timeless charm of old-time radio.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Fred Collins (03:14): "That's wrong. You haven't told the truth. The answer is basketball. That draws the largest attendance annually."

• Herlihy (06:04): "Times have changed. ... With the change in times, many of the old performers have gone, too."

• Bing Crosby (11:14): "You've got to give a little, take a little and let your poor heart break a little. You got to laugh a little, cry a little."

• Announcer (16:36): "I've got time on my hand and you in my arms and love in my heart all for you."

• Douglas Williams (17:32): "I'm very glad to be back home. I had a wonderful trip going over and had a wonderful time..."

• Herlihy (24:39): "We do appreciate hearing from you. And if there is any performer that you are particularly anxious to hear on this series, you can mail a card to me."

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Note: All timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript provided.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Fred Collins]

In just a moment.

[Ed Herlihy]

Recollections at 30. But first, monitor takes you everywhere and brings you everything interesting from news and on the spot interviews to offbeat features around the world. And Monitor also brings you the finest drama with original stories and Hollywood's top stars. Each week on Monitor World Theatre, watch the weekend's big sports event. You can be sure of top coverage by NBC Radio in addition to all the latest scores and interesting commentary throughout the day on Monitor. Sports highlights some of the brightest personalities. Most interesting features are yours each weekend on Monitor. Now stay tuned for recollections at 30 on NBC. Recollections at 30. NBC, celebrating its 30th year of broadcasting, invites you to memorable moments of radio's earlier days. In this special series of broadcasts, you'll reminisce among NBC's vast and historic library of sound. You'll hear the stars, the songs, the great moments in sports and special events that have highlighted these 30 years of NBC network broadcasting. And here, guiding our recollections at 30 is Ed Herlihy. Thank you, Fred Collins. And good evening everybody. You know, it's great fun for somebody like myself to spend the week playing the old shows from our library of sound here at NBC. There are many different kinds of enjoyment attached to this activity. One of them being the recognition of the fact that times have changed. For example, I suppose many of you remember with great fondness the old Truth of Consequences show presided over by Ralph Edwards. I used to be his announcer back in 1941 and 42. It was one of the first of the audience participation shows and the greatest. And on it all sorts of stunts were tried. But I'll bet few of you can remember or even believe the cash totals of the prizes. Let's listen to one contestant and see how much he wins. This is from a 1940 program.

[Fred Collins]

Here is Mr. Marisich of Weehawken, New Jersey. And what is your occupation?

[Announcer]

I'm an apprentice printer, Porter Dalton. Business.

[Ed Herlihy]

I see.

[Fred Collins]

Is that sort of A printer's devil.

[Announcer]

Affair there or not?

[Fred Collins]

Well, we do lobby displays. I see. That's far enough.

[Announcer]

All right.

[Fred Collins]

This question was sent in by Mrs. Esther D. Pelham of Worcester, Massachusetts. What American sport draws the largest attendance annually? Truth or consequences? I believe baseball does awfully.

[Announcer]

Sorry.

[Fred Collins]

That's wrong. You haven't told the truth. The answer is basketball. That draws the largest attendance annually. Softball is second. Baseball is third. You haven't told the truth, so you must pay the consequences. Mr. Marisich from Weehawken, New Jersey. Let's see. Can you imagine anything more impossible than standing up here in front of a radio audience of some 15 million people and making love to a seal? That's what I say, too. Well, I tell you what. We're going to get a sheet down here, and we want you to lie down on this clean sheet right here on the floor. Now, if I may have the roving microphone, we'll go over here and you lie down. We want you to pretend you're a seal. You're Mr. Seal calling to his mate.

[Announcer]

All right?

[Fred Collins]

That you can muster. Bark like a seal. Put your feet up there. Your head down here, sir. That's it. On your back. You better. Better get over on your side. I think that's it.

[Bing Crosby]

All right, now you're on the floor.

[Fred Collins]

Just like a real life seal. Now I want you to call your mate. Just flap your fins and bark.

[Bing Crosby]

Well, how do you know?

[Fred Collins]

Here comes a real live seal on this. Here is a real life seal. Mr. Mr. Marisich, you look completely abashed. You didn't think we'd do it, did you?

[Bing Crosby]

Oh, no.

[Fred Collins]

Well, your call was so realistic. You've actually enticed a real life, honest to goodness seal onto the stage. His keeper is here with him. He's quite a seal. His brother is playing over in a show here on Broadway. But he's a real live seal. You can tell he's got a lot of water all over him. Now you're going to have to serenade this. Wait a minute here. That's Sarah, the seal. You're going to have to serenade the seal.

[Announcer]

You called her.

[Fred Collins]

Now you have to sing to her. Now let's hear you bark in your best seal baritone voice the song Let me call you sweetheart. Now, Mr. Marisich, I want you to make it romantic. Look into her limpid eyes and don't be alarmed. Don't be alarmed at Sarah. The seal joins in with you on a couple of those high notes.

[Bing Crosby]

All right?

[Fred Collins]

Now, serenade to a seal. They're the words passionately stand up for this and. And sing to Sarah the seal.

[Announcer]

Let me call you sweetheart Let me call you sweetheart Let me hear you whisper her that you love me too with the love light glowing in your eyes so true oh, let me call you sweetheart I'm in love with you oh, Mr. Marisich.

[Fred Collins]

Gotta get on here. I tell you, if there are any better sports in this good old USA than you, Mr. Marisich, I want to meet them. Here is your fin, $5. Mrs. Robert Beardsley of Redwood, New York, gets $10 for the consequence.

[Announcer]

There you are.

[Ed Herlihy]

The Edward seal of approval. $5 to the contestant and $10 to the person who sent in the question. Yes, sir, in those days, they played for fun. Nowadays, nobody would make love to a seal on a coast to coast hookup for anything less than a. Oh, maybe a ranch house, a new automobile and a pension for life. Yes, sir, Times have changed. And with the change in times, many of the old performers have gone, too. Bob Burns, for instance. Remember when he used to have a regular spot on the old Bing Crosby show? Remember the talk about his relatives and his aunts and his uncles? Remember that old homemade bazooka, that lovely musical instrument he used to play? And remember with what wonderful good humor Bing used to work with him? Well, let's turn back the clock and listen to Bob Burns and Bing on the Bing Crosby Show.

[Announcer]

Very, very stylish piece of portcullis lifting. James Robin. Tell me, how were the Loch Levins and the Dolly Vardens? How are they biting up in the High Sierras? Bing, I've got a confession to make to you. What's this? I didn't go near the High Sierras on my vacation. Are you kidding? No. I spent every bit of my time up in the state of Washington. Well, I think you did better at that, probably. Yes, sir. That's where you came from. That's my stamping ground. I know that. That's the reason I went see any of my friends. That's the reason I got a conf. Confession.

[Bing Crosby]

I.

[Announcer]

You know, for the past two years, you've been standing around here laughing at my kin folks. Yeah. And I just went up there to. I think I'll go and get a dog. I went up there to see some of your kin folks, and I saw them. And, boy, I want to tell you, you've got some dillies. You'll find me, Bob, if I. No, no, you stay here, Bing. Don't you run away now, because. Take it, huh? Yeah. Stay here and take it. I want to tell you something. About your folks, you haven't seen them lately. The first one I called on when I got up there was your uncle Mo Croban. I got out to his house. I got out to his house at dinner time and all the grown folks is in the dining room eating. So I went in the parlor where the children were waiting in there for the second table to wait until the old folks got through. And I noticed that the parlor was just plumb full of pigs. And I asked your cousin Lilis, I asked him, I said, what are all them pigs doing in the parlor? And he says, well, we try to raise these pigs upright and mannerly and says mama always runs them out of the dining room so they can't see papa eating. But we could hear the grown folks in the dining room kind of chomping on the food and. But I noticed every once in a while there was a whistle. There'd be a. And then a kind of a scrambling sound. And after a while and another scrambling sound. And I asked your cousin Lily what the whistling was about. And he says, well, he says Papa used to eat up all the biscuits. Said he'd cram them in his mouth without chewing on him and nobody else would get any. So we had to make a rule here that you have to chew the biscuit up and swallow it and have your mouth empty enough so you can whistle before you reach. I want to tell you, Bing, that. I want to tell you that the way I figure it, your kin folks are just about four times as funny as mine. Now, you always laugh when I mention my Aunt Boo. How about your own Aunt Boo? Boo. Boo Boo. That's the one. You know her. I want to tell you, that's the one that you told me was an artist. You said that every time she saw a beautiful piece of landscape or beautiful work of nature, her face would light up. But Bing Crosby, you didn't tell me that. The reason her face lit up so easy is because she's lantern jawed. I want to tell you, Bing.

[Bing Crosby]

I.

[Announcer]

Want to tell you, you ain't been fair about this thing at all. I'll say one thing in all fairness to your family. They do all wear shoes. That's a fact. Nice high yellow button ones. And I said. I said to your cousin Dillard, I said, where did you get the idea of the button shoes? And he says, well, you know us boys, we all try to dress like. Like Cousin B. They tell us he's the best dressed man in Hollywood. And one of them says, he sure, boy, he's Just as hot as a bandit pistol. That's what your folks. That's what your folks think of you. They say you're sharp as a tack up there. But I asked him where he got the idea for his button shoes, and he says, well, says cousin Bing never would write us and tell us whether he wore lace shoes or button ones. But one night we heard him saying, one, two, button my shoe. And we caught all of it. But tonight, I am going to dedicate my number to that beautiful Puget Sound country. It's the prettiest country I ever saw in my life. I'm going to play the land of the sky blue water, if I can remember. Go ahead, Jimmy.

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[Announcer]

Oh, Bob, that was beautiful. That was really fine. I think I know what inspired it. I believe after spending your life around those muddy rivulets that aggravate the Arkansas hills, you came suddenly upon beautiful crystalline azure like Puget Sound. And the urge welled up within you to play something fine. Is that right? That's right, Bing. I couldn't say it that way. You know, that takes me back to the days when I was just a nipper. Way back in 1930. Doesn't sound like so long ago, but that was the year a few daring women were just beginning to paint their fingernail. Commander Richard Evelyn Byrd spent New Year's Day at the south pole. In 1930, the University of Southern California put in a profitable afternoon that same day, defeating Pittsburgh and the Rose Bowl. Philadelphia won the world series from St. Louis, and every singer who had access to a microphone was broadcasting something like this. Do you remember? Time on my hand, you in my arms, Nothing but love in view. Then if you fall once and for all I'll see my dreams come true Moments to spare for someone you care for one love affair for two.

[Bing Crosby]

Oh.

[Announcer]

I've got I'm on my hand and you in my arms and love in my heart all for you, for you I'm on my arms, you in my.

[Bing Crosby]

Arms.

[Announcer]

Nothing but all in you.

[Bing Crosby]

Then if you fall once and for all.

[Announcer]

I'll see my dream come True moments to spare for someone you care for One love affair or true.

[Bing Crosby]

Oh.

[Announcer]

I've got time on my hand and you in my arms and love in my heart all for you.

[Ed Herlihy]

And that's the way Bing Crosby was singing in May of 1937. And to move back a few months to August of 1936, you'll remember that a superb athlete, Jesse Owens by name, had just made himself unforgettable in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The Olympic team returned on the Queen Mary and the evening before it arrived in New York, Douglas Williams from the ship interviewed Jesse Owens for NBC. Here is that interview I have standing.

[Douglas Williams]

Here with me in the ship's broadcasting room a great American athlete who has done marvelous things for his team and his country in the Berlin Olympics Descanted I want you to meet Jesse Owens, a 20 year old track wonder whose performances during the Olympics made the front stage in every paper in the world. He's going back now to his wife in Cleveland to finish his last year at Ohio State University. Born on a farm, he's worked his way through college there unaided and has details he's still every job one could think of. However, you've heard enough from me now and I'm going to ask Jesse Owens himself to come and talk to you.

[Ed Herlihy]

Hello America and the people of the United States.

[Douglas Williams]

I'm very glad to be back home. I had a wonderful trip going over and had a wonderful time while my.

[Announcer]

During my stay in Europe and my.

[Douglas Williams]

Trip back home under Queen Mary has been one of the most marvelous things.

[Ed Herlihy]

That has ever happened to me.

[Announcer]

And now I want to say to my dear wife Holly and I hope she'll be in New York tomorrow.

[Douglas Williams]

How would it feel like to see old New York again?

[Announcer]

It'll be fine to see old New.

[Ed Herlihy]

York, but it'll be much better to see Cleveland and Columbus and my wife of course.

[Announcer]

Thanks very much, Mr. Williams.

[Douglas Williams]

I wish I could paint for you the picture we have here this evening of this great ship plowing through a fog which looks to me like pea soup. Outside you can't see your hand before your face on the bridge. There's the Commodore Edgar Brittain and all his officers peering through the fog, listening for foghorns and yet trying to force this great ship that is true, which is consonant with safety so that we can reach Ambrose in time to make the record. It's a thrilling drama of a battle between the captain of the ship and the fog. And I hope that when Jesse arrives in the morning, give him a great Reception and give him credit for all the wonderful successes he won in Berlin.

[Ed Herlihy]

Well, New York did give a big welcome to Jesse Owens. The world's fastest human was met by one of the largest delegations ever to go down the bay to greet a returning celebrity. And incidentally, on that voyage to New York, the Queen Mary set a new speed record for a westbound Atlantic crossing, a record held previously by the Normandy. You know, I spoke a little while ago of the various kinds of pleasure I get doing this show. Once in a while, for example, I come across a record which the years have made even more precious than it was when it was cut. Exhibit A, a show called Professional parade, broadcast on December 16, 1936. On it, the DeMarco sisters, one of their first appearances, made so long ago that there were only three of them then, and they were very, very young.

[Bing Crosby]

You got to give a little, take a little and let your poor heart break a little. That's the story of. That's the glory of love. You got to laugh a little, cry a little. Before the clouds roll by a little. There's a story of. There's a glory of love. As long as there's the two of us. We've got the world and all its charms. And when the world is through with us. You've got each other's arms. Got to win a little, lose a little. And all that of lose a little. That's the glory of. That's the glory of love. You've got to give a little. Take a little and let your poor heart break a little. You got to laugh a little. Cry a little. Before the clouds roll by a little. The story of, the glory of. We've got each other's arms. You've got to win a little. Blues a little. And always have the blues a little. The story of the story of love.

[Ed Herlihy]

Well, that's the kind of item we couldn't get specific requests for because our listeners wouldn't suspect that we even had such a recording here at NBC in our library of sound. But thanks to you, we do get requests, many of them. For example, after hearing Rudy Valley last week, one of our listeners recalled that Tom Howard and George Shelton were regulars on the Old Valley Hour and asked to hear them once again. So here they are from the Rudy Valley show of July 4, 1935, Howard and Shelton.

[Announcer]

No.

[Bing Crosby]

And I'll just bet you $10 I.

[Announcer]

Can make you say, oh, no, I haven't.

[Bing Crosby]

Now, wait a minute, George. You're going to make me say something that I don't want to Say absolutely. Oh, you've got to make me say what?

[Announcer]

Oh, no I haven't.

[Bing Crosby]

Go ahead. How much you bet? I'll bet you $10. All right. Put the money up there. You're going to make me say go ahead. Oh no I haven't. Yeah, go ahead. Pay attention. I'm listening.

[Announcer]

Are you walking down the street?

[Bing Crosby]

Yeah.

[Announcer]

The automobile coming along about a 40 mile cliff.

[Bing Crosby]

Well.

[Announcer]

And it hits an old lady and.

[Bing Crosby]

A young man and knocks them to the sidewalk. Yeah. Now you happen to be there, which one would you pick up first? That old lady or that young man? Why, certainly, the old lady, of course.

[Announcer]

Tom, you've heard this story before.

[Bing Crosby]

Oh no I haven't. Wait a minute, John. Wait a minute. There's a cat. There's no catch at all. Sure. Wait, George.

[Announcer]

Does Rudy know it?

[Bing Crosby]

I don't think he does. Get him down here. Get.

[Announcer]

Say, Rudy. All.

[Bing Crosby]

Rudy, got another idea here, Rudy. George, I'm going. I'm going to bet you you can pick up the old lady.

[Announcer]

What?

[Bing Crosby]

Thank.

[Announcer]

No, no, he means that he's going to make you say oh no, I haven't.

[Bing Crosby]

Yeah, I'm going to make you say oh no I haven't.

[Announcer]

Let me get this statement. You're going to make me say oh no I haven't.

[Bing Crosby]

Yeah, I'm going to bet you $10. Judy.

[Announcer]

Okay, here's my 10. You mean it was your 10. All right, we let George hold the game if you don't mind. All right, Tom, now go ahead and make me.

[Bing Crosby]

You ready, Rudy?

[Announcer]

Why?

[Bing Crosby]

Well, here it is, Ry. Down the street an old lady is running 40 miles an hour and she knocks over an automobile.

[Announcer]

Oh, wait a minute, Tom, wait a minute.

[Bing Crosby]

That's right. The young man knocks down again.

[Announcer]

What is he talking about, Tom? An automobile comes along and knocks down.

[Bing Crosby]

A known lady and a young man. I got it. I got it. An automobile comes along, Rudy, and knocks down an old lady and a young man. Now you're standing on a corner. Which one would you pick up?

[Announcer]

The old lady or the young man? Why, Tom, I'd pick up the old lady. Your fans will love you for that, Rudy.

[Bing Crosby]

But just a minute, Rudy.

[Announcer]

You've heard this story before. You bet your life I have.

[Bing Crosby]

Wait a minute, wait a minute.

[Ed Herlihy]

That was by request. Meanwhile, I want to remind all of you that we do appreciate hearing from you. And if there is any performer that you are particularly anxious to hear on this series, you can mail a card to me. Ed hurleyhy, care of NBC, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. That's Ed Hurley. He care of NBC, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City. Pleasant dreams to all of you. And I'll be back next week with more remembrances and recollections at 30. Meanwhile, make your request to me care of NBC, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York. Oh, incidentally, maybe you haven't learned how to spell my name. Groucho Marx brings you the best of Groucho. Tonight on NBC Radio.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Fred Collins]

21 + terms and conditions apply.