
Recollections at 30 56-07-11 Truth Or Consequences
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Ed Herlihy
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Ralph Edwards
Here is Mr. Marisich of Weehawken, New Jersey. And what is your occupation?
Bing Crosby
I'm an apprentice printer. Porter, Delta business.
Ed Herlihy
I see.
Ralph Edwards
Is that sort of a printer's devil.
Bing Crosby
Affair there or not?
Ralph Edwards
Well, we do lobby displays. I see. That's far enough.
Bob Burns
All right.
Ralph Edwards
This question was sent in by Mrs. Esther D. Pelham of Worcester, Massachusetts. What American sport draws the largest attendance annually? Truth or consequences?
Bing Crosby
I believe baseball does awfully. Sorry.
Ralph Edwards
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 have it, 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.
Bing Crosby
All right?
Ralph Edwards
That you can muster. Bark like a seal. Put your feet up there. Your head down here, sir. That's it. On your back.
Bing Crosby
You better.
Ralph Edwards
Better get over on your side. I think that's it.
Bing Crosby
All right.
Ralph Edwards
Now you're on the floor just like a real life seal.
Bing Crosby
Now I want you to call your mate.
Ralph Edwards
Just flap your fins and bark.
Bob Burns
Well, how do you know?
Ralph Edwards
Here comes a real live seal on the st. Here is a real life seal. Mr. Mr. Marisich, you look completely abashed.
Bing Crosby
You didn't think we'd do it, did you?
Bob Burns
Oh, no.
Ralph Edwards
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.
Bing Crosby
Wait a minute here.
Ralph Edwards
That's Sarah the seal. You're going to have to serenade the seal.
Bing Crosby
You called her.
Ralph Edwards
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. All right, now serenade to a seal.
Bing Crosby
There are the words.
Ralph Edwards
Passionately stand up for this and. And sing to Sarah the seal.
Bing Crosby
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.
Ralph Edwards
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.
Bing Crosby
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.
Bing Crosby
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 Sierra? 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 Convoy. Confession. I. 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. 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 Crobden. 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 said, 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 was light up. But Bing Crosby, you did tell me that the reason her face lit up so easy is because she's lantern jawed. I want to tell you, Bing, I 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 one. 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 Bing. 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's 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 on. 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.
Ed Herlihy
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Bing Crosby
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 in 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 dream come true Moments to spare for someone you care for One Love affair for two oh, I've got time on my hand and you in my arms and love in my heart all for you. For you I'm on my hand, you in my heart, Nothing but love in.
Bob Burns
You Then if you fall once and for all.
Bing Crosby
I have seen my dream come true, Moments to spare for someone you care for One love affair for you or I've guessed 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 just completed. 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 filled 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.
Bing Crosby
I'm very glad to be back home.
Douglas Williams
I had a wonderful trip going over and had a wonderful time while my.
Bing Crosby
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.
Bing Crosby
And now I want to say to.
Ed Herlihy
My dear wife Holly and I hope.
Bing Crosby
She'Ll be in New York tomorrow.
Douglas Williams
How will it feel like to see old New York again?
Bing Crosby
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.
Bing Crosby
Thanks very much, Mr. William.
Douglas Williams
I wish I could paint for you the picture we have here this evening of this great ship flying through a fog which looks to me like pea soup. Outside you can't see a hand before your face. On the bridge. There's the Commodore Edgar Britton and all his officers peering through the fog, listening for foghorn and yet trying to force this great ship At a speed 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.
Bob Burns
You got to give a little, Take a little. And let your poor heart break a little. Set the story of. Let the glory of love. You got to dance a little, cry a little. Before the clouds roll by a little. That's the story of. That's a glory of love. As long as there's a two of us. We've got the world on all its charms. And when the world is through with us. We've got each other's arms. Got to win a little, lose a little. And always ends up lose a little. That's the story 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. Let's go. Let the glory of love. You've got to laugh a little by a little. Before the clouds roll by a little. The story of category of love. We've got each other's arms. You've got to win a little, lose a little. And always have the blues a little.
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.
Bob Burns
No. And I'll just bet you $10 I.
Bing Crosby
Can make you say, oh no, I haven't.
Bob Burns
Now wait a minute, George. You're going to make me say something that I don't want to say. Absolutely. Oh, you're going to make me say what? Oh no, I haven't. Go ahead. How much you bet? I'll bet you $10. All right. Put the money up there. It's mine.
Bing Crosby
Right.
Bob Burns
You want to bet me? You're going to make me say go ahead. Oh no, I haven't. Yeah, go ahead. Pay attention. I'm listening.
Bing Crosby
Are you walking down the street?
Bob Burns
Yeah.
Bing Crosby
An automobile coming along about a 40 mile cliff. Well. And it hits an old lady and.
Bob Burns
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.
Douglas Williams
Tom, you've heard this story before.
Bob Burns
Oh no, I haven't. Wait a minute, wait a minute. There's a cat don't catch at all. Wait, George. Does Rudy know it? I don't think he does. Get him down here. Get Rudy.
Bing Crosby
All righty.
Bob Burns
Got another idea here, Rudy. George, I'm going. I'm going to bet you you can pick up the old lady. No, no, he means that he's going.
Bing Crosby
To make you say, oh no, I haven't.
Bob Burns
Yeah, I'm going to make you say oh no I haven't.
Bing Crosby
Let me get this statement. You're going to make me say oh no I haven't.
Bob Burns
Yeah, I'm going to bet you $10. Judy.
Bing Crosby
Okay, here's my tent. You mean it was your cent? All right, we let George hold the. If you don't mind. All right, Tom, now go ahead and make me.
Bob Burns
You ready, Rudy?
Bing Crosby
Right.
Bob Burns
Well, here it is, rd down the street an old lady is running 40 miles an hour and she knocks over an automobile.
Bing Crosby
Oh, wait a minute, Tom, wait a minute.
Bob Burns
That's right. The young man knocks down again.
Bing Crosby
What is he talking about, Tom? An automobile comes along and knocks down.
Bob Burns
An old 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, the.
Bing Crosby
Old lady or the young man? Why, Tom, I'd pick up the old lady. Your fans will love you for that, Rudy.
Bob Burns
Well, but just a minute, Rudy.
Bing Crosby
You've heard this story before. You bet your life I have.
Bob Burns
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.
Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Recollections at 30 56-07-11 Truth Or Consequences
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Introduction
In this special episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio," host Ed Herlihy takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through some of the most memorable moments from NBC's extensive library of golden age radio shows. Celebrating its 30th year of broadcasting, the episode delves into classic programs, iconic personalities, and unforgettable performances that defined an era when families gathered around the radio for entertainment.
Segment 1: "Truth or Consequences" with Ralph Edwards
Ed Herlihy opens the episode by reminiscing about the pioneering audience participation show, "Truth or Consequences," hosted by Ralph Edwards. He reflects on his own experience as Ralph Edwards' announcer in the early 1940s, highlighting the innovative stunts and generous prize giveaways that captivated millions of listeners.
Notable Clip:
The segment showcases the playful and spontaneous nature of the show, culminating in a comedic act where contestant Bing Crosby is enticed to "make love to a seal" on air. This stunt not only provided laughter but also demonstrated the show's ability to engage the audience with unexpected entertainment.
Quotes:
Ed Herlihy comments on how such antics, while entertaining in their time, would be considered unimaginable today, reflecting on the evolution of audience expectations and broadcasting standards.
Segment 2: The Bing Crosby Show with Bob Burns
Transitioning seamlessly, Herlihy introduces a cherished collaboration between Bing Crosby and Bob Burns. He reminisces about their regular interactions on the radio, filled with humor and camaraderie.
Notable Clip:
The dialogue between Crosby and Burns exemplifies the effortless chemistry that made their shows a favorite among listeners. Their banter covers everything from personal stories to playful jabs, creating a warm and entertaining atmosphere.
Quotes:
Herlihy underscores the significance of these interactions, noting how they provided comfort and joy during a time when radio was the primary source of entertainment.
Segment 3: Jesse Owens' Historic Interview
Herlihy shifts focus to a pivotal moment in sports history, showcasing an exclusive interview with Jesse Owens conducted by Douglas Williams aboard the Queen Mary. This segment captures Owens' reflections on his triumphant performance at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and his emotional return to the United States.
Notable Clip:
The interview not only celebrates Owens' athletic prowess but also touches on the broader social and cultural impact of his Olympic success, particularly in the context of the pre-war era.
Quotes:
Herlihy provides insightful commentary on the historical significance of the interview, emphasizing how Owens' story resonated with listeners and inspired a nation.
Segment 4: "Professional Parade" and The DeMarco Sisters
Delving deeper into the rich tapestry of old-time radio, Herlihy presents a classic musical performance from "Professional Parade," featuring the enchanting DeMarco sisters. This segment highlights the musical diversity and talent that graced NBC airwaves.
Notable Clip:
The performance serves as a testament to the era's musical landscape, showcasing how radio was a vital platform for artists to reach and connect with listeners.
Quotes:
Herlihy reflects on the timeless quality of these performances, noting their continued relevance and emotional resonance with today's audiences.
Segment 5: "Rudy Valley" with Tom Howard and George Shelton
In response to listener requests, Herlihy airs a segment from the "Rudy Valley" show, featuring the dynamic duo Tom Howard and George Shelton. This comedic sketch exemplifies the humor and improvisational talent that made radio comedies so beloved.
Notable Clip:
The back-and-forth banter between Burns and Shelton showcases their quick wit and ability to create humor from everyday situations.
Quotes:
Herlihy highlights the interactive nature of such sketches, where listener participation and requests fueled the creativity and spontaneity of the performances.
Conclusion
Ed Herlihy wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to continue exploring NBC's vast archive of historic broadcasts. He invites audience engagement by soliciting requests for favorite shows and performers, ensuring that the legacy of old-time radio remains alive and cherished.
Final Remarks:
Herlihy's heartfelt appreciation for the enduring appeal of these classic programs underscores the timeless nature of storytelling and communal entertainment, reminding listeners of the unique magic that radio brought into their homes.
Key Takeaways:
Quotes:
For More Episodes and Requests: Listeners are encouraged to reach out to Ed Herlihy at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, to share their favorite radio memories and request specific shows or performances to be featured in future episodes.
Stay Tuned: Join us next week for more delightful "Recollections at 30," as we continue to celebrate the golden age of radio and uncover more hidden gems from NBC's historic broadcasts.