Redbook Dramas 32-06-09 ep03 The No Man

Summary

Podcast Summary: Redbook Dramas 32-06-09 ep03 The No Man

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Redbook Dramas 32-06-09 ep03 The No Man
• Release Date: July 22, 2025
• Description: This episode presents a dramatic adaptation of "The No Man" by Frederick Hazlett Brennan, capturing the essence of Hollywood's Golden Age through a compelling narrative of ambition, truth, and redemption.

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Introduction

The episode begins with an introduction by Edwin Balmer, who sets the stage for the dramatic broadcast. He introduces Frederick Hazlett Brennan, the author of "The No Man," highlighting Brennan's rise from a St. Louis newspaper reporter to a prominent Hollywood figure. Balmer emphasizes Brennan's ability to authentically portray the evolving landscape of American cities and the burgeoning film industry.

Notable Quote:

Edwin Balmer [00:00]: "Ladies and gentlemen, we take great pleasure in presenting in dramatic form another of the stories especially selected for us by Edwin Balmer, the distinguished editor of Red Book magazine."

Setting the Stage: Max Lowell's Predicament

The story centers around Max Lowell, the president of Independent Pictures Incorporated. Max is depicted as a powerful yet troubled executive, frustrated by the industry's lack of honesty and creativity. The episode opens with Max expressing his disdain for Brian Byrne, a candid Irish reporter who frequently challenges Max's decisions.

Notable Quote:

Max Lowell [01:09]: "Never do I want to see your Irish face again. I am dumb and my… You low life. You Irisher, get out."

Conflict with Brian Byrne

Max's conflict with Brian Byrne is central to the narrative. Brian is portrayed as the only person who consistently tells the truth, often clashing with Max's manipulative tactics to maintain control over his film projects. Despite repeatedly firing Brian for his honesty, Max secretly appreciates Brian's integrity, revealing a complex relationship between the two.

Notable Quote:

Max Lowell [01:50]: "Never do I want to see your Irish face again. I am dumb and my… You low life. You Irisher, get out."

Brian Byrne [03:03]: "I didn't."

Reba's Disappearance

The plot thickens when Max's daughter, Reba, runs away, causing turmoil within the Lowell family. Mrs. Lowell confronts Max about his neglect and anger, attributing Reba's disappearance to his harsh treatment of Brian. This event serves as the catalyst for Max's desperate attempt to reconcile with Brian, hoping his influence can bring Reba back home.

Notable Quote:

Mrs. Lowell [04:53]: "She went to Lake Arrowhead with Terry, Luther and another boy and girl with no chaperone. A sassy little no good without a chaperone, mind you, for three or four days."

Max's Attempt to Involve Brian

Determined to retrieve his daughter, Max reaches out to Brian Byrne, despite their strained relationship. Throughout their conversation, Max offers incentives and appeals to Brian's sense of responsibility. Brian, however, remains steadfast in his decision to distance himself from Max's manipulative environment.

Notable Quote:

Max Lowell [06:32]: "Brian, is that you? Now, listen, Brian. I don't want you should act this way. What I said and what you said ain't neither here nor there. Reba. Has run away."

Brian Byrne [10:19]: "Listen then. And I'll tell you something. I saw some rushes of that picture before I quit."

Resolution: Reba's Return and Brian's Re-engagement

Just as the tension reaches its peak, Reba returns home safely, thanks to Brian's timely intervention. This turn of events softens Max's stance, leading him to offer Brian a renewed position within the company. Despite initial resistance, Brian accepts, signaling a potential shift towards honesty and integrity in Max's operations.

Notable Quote:

Max Lowell [12:35]: "I would be ashamed to tell you."

Brian Byrne [12:31]: "I was married two days ago. When do I start to work? And where."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Max presenting Brian with a new project, symbolizing hope for a more truthful and creative future in Hollywood. The story underscores themes of redemption, the importance of integrity, and the enduring human relationships that can bridge personal and professional conflicts.

Notable Quote:

Max Lowell [13:07]: "A girl who used to run with crooks marries the district attorney and doesn't tell him about her past. Her old gangster boyfriend is friend from R. And the district attorney tries him. She knows that he is innocent. Shall she tell what she knows to save him and probably lose her husband?"

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Adaptation and Production

"The No Man" was expertly adapted for radio by Lawrence Holcomb, ensuring that the essence of Frederick Hazlett Brennan's narrative was faithfully preserved. The production captures the dynamic tension and emotional depth of the characters, transporting listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio.

Notable Quote:

Edwin Balmer [13:38]: "This story, the no man by Frederick Hazlett Brennan, was broadcast by special permission of the publishers of Red Book magazine."

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Final Thoughts

"Redbook Dramas 32-06-09 ep03 The No Man" offers a captivating glimpse into the challenges of maintaining integrity in a cutthroat industry. Through Max Lowell and Brian Byrne's tumultuous relationship, the story explores the delicate balance between power and honesty, ultimately celebrating the redemptive power of truth and familial bonds.

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Additional Information:

• Adapted By: Lawrence Holcomb
• Original Story: Frederick Hazlett Brennan
• Broadcast Rights: Special permission granted by the publishers of Red Book magazine

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For listeners who appreciate classic radio storytelling, “The No Man” delivers a rich and engaging narrative, complete with authentic character dynamics and thought-provoking themes. Whether reminiscing about the Golden Age of Radio or discovering it anew, this episode is a testament to timeless storytelling.

Transcript

[Edwin Balmer]

Ladies and gentlemen, we take great pleasure in presenting in dramatic form another of the stories especially selected for us by Edwin Balmer, the distinguished editor of Red Book magazine. We are pleased to announce that the publishers of Red Book have given us special permission to broadcast these stories. Mr. Balmer is here in the studio with us, and before the story begins, we're going to ask him to tell you why he selected the no Man. By Frederick hatch. Hazlitt Brennan. Mr. Balmer.

[Frederick Hazlett Brennan]

Frederick Hazlett Brennan, who wrote the no man, is one of the literary sensations of recent years. Only a short time ago, he was a newspaper reporter in St. Louis. There he began to put in short stories some of the surprising things he saw and experienced. New things were happening. New people of all sorts were appearing in American cities, and he was the first to put many of them authentically upon a page. Naturally, the magazines began competing for his stories, and naturally Hollywood howled for him to come out there and make pictures. He did so, and he saw Hollywood as only he could. The no man is a story of Hollywood written by the super brilliant reporter Frederick Hazlett Brennan. And we are delighted to give it to you.

[Edwin Balmer]

Thank you, Mr. Balmer. Now for the story. Max Lowell is the president of Independent Pictures Incorporated. A supervisor, a director and two writers have just filed out of his office and he sinks back in his chair with a snort of disgust. The disturbing thought of Brian Byrne crosses his mind. Only a week ago, that troublemaking, insulting Irish or lowlife Byrne had stood in that very office and blurted out, you're.

[Brian Byrne]

The world's prize fall guy, Max. You let these Hollywood chisellers make a SAP out of you 40 times a day. You enjoy it. You'd sell your soul for a yes and a slap on the back. You're just dumb.

[Edwin Balmer]

And Max Lowell had risen in his wrath and shouted, get out.

[Max Lowell]

Never do I want to see your Irish face again. I am dumb and my. You low life. You Irisher, get out.

[Edwin Balmer]

And Max had met every word he said. But now, for a moment, as he leans back in his swivel chair, he wishes the lowlife Irisher were back with him. Brian Byrne would tell you the truth. Always the truth. Money meant nothing to Brian, but no, the fellow was insufferable. Max dismisses the thought of Brian and pushes the electric button to summon his secretary.

[Ms. Oyster]

You ran for me, Mr. Lowell.

[Max Lowell]

Why won't somebody tell me the truth? Ms. Oyster, am I too unreasonable to hear the truth?

[Ms. Oyster]

Well, I. I thought I shot the.

[Max Lowell]

Story of those two second rate playwrights full of holes in 10 minutes and they didn't stick to their guns. They back down and they yes, me. Everybody yeses me.

[Ms. Oyster]

Yes, sir.

[Max Lowell]

And when they go back east, they'll give out interviews saying they don't want to let us write anything good in Hollywood. They don't want that.

[Ms. Oyster]

Most of them do do that.

[Max Lowell]

The only man we ever had who knew what he was doing and would tell the truth was Brian Burns.

[Ms. Oyster]

Would you like me to get hold of Mr. Byrne for you? I'm sure I could locate him.

[Brian Byrne]

No.

[Max Lowell]

No. Seven times I've had to take him back. And seven times I had to fire him again. I can't spend that, man.

[Ms. Oyster]

You know it's 10 o', clock, Mr. Lowell.

[Max Lowell]

Yes. I'm on all eight with all of my appointments. I know. You don't have to tell me.

[Ms. Oyster]

Mr. Reisman's office called.

[Max Lowell]

Reisman?

[Ms. Oyster]

Yes. He said you promised to talk to him at 9:30 about buying that chain of theaters.

[Max Lowell]

I should spend $12 million and change the company's policy without even thinking it over. Tell him I'll see him later.

[Ms. Oyster]

Mr. Loomis called that he'll have Our Modern Wives with all the retakes ready to run at noon.

[Max Lowell]

Loomis will have to wait. Maybe I can run Our Modern Vibes after dinner.

[Ms. Oyster]

And Mrs. Lowell called twice. She said it was very important.

[Max Lowell]

Operator, get Mrs. Lowell for me.

[Ms. Oyster]

Mr. Loomis said our modern wives should have a two dollar Broadway opening. He said it's too good for a regular release.

[Brian Byrne]

Hmm.

[Max Lowell]

Well, what else should it be? We spent 700,000 on that picture. Hello? Hello, Mamma? Oh. Oh, she's not there. Oh, she left for my office. Good. She's on her way here now.

[Ms. Oyster]

Mr. Lowell's office. Mrs. Lowell's in the waiting room.

[Max Lowell]

Send her right in, will you?

[Ms. Oyster]

Ask her to come right into Mr. Lowell's office. She'll be right in.

[Max Lowell]

Mama.

[Mrs. Lowell]

So, Papa, if you're so busy you have no time for your own family.

[Max Lowell]

Oh, listen, ma', am, I kept you waiting in the reception room, huh?

[Mrs. Lowell]

I sit by the telephone the whole morning and all I hear is Mr. Lowell's busy now. Mr. Lowell can't speak to you now.

[Max Lowell]

No, no, Mama. You know I got conferences on every minute. What is it now? The swimming pool leaks again, huh?

[Mrs. Lowell]

Swimming pool? I wish it was only the swimming pool.

[Max Lowell]

All right, so it's not the swimming pool.

[Mrs. Lowell]

No, Max, I want you should listen and not get all excited.

[Max Lowell]

What's the matter? Has Reba broke up the new car? Answer me at once. Car?

[Ms. Oyster]

I wish it Was the car.

[Mrs. Lowell]

Reba's left home. That's what Reba's done.

[Max Lowell]

What? Reba left home?

[Mrs. Lowell]

Now, Papa, don't get all excited.

[Max Lowell]

When did she leave? Why? Where? Answer me at once. Has she aloft?

[Mrs. Lowell]

She went to Lake Arrowhead with Terry, Luther and another boy and girl with no chaperone. A sassy little no good without a chaperone, mind you, for three or four days.

[Max Lowell]

Well, you didn't let her go, did you?

[Mrs. Lowell]

Don't be foolish. Of course I didn't.

[Brian Byrne]

I didn't.

[Mrs. Lowell]

Of course, but she went.

[Max Lowell]

What?

[Mrs. Lowell]

She packed her things and she went. And she said she wasn't ever coming back home again.

[Max Lowell]

We must bring her back. We must do something. What can we do?

[Mrs. Lowell]

If you hadn't got mad and fired that Brian Boyne. He would have got Reba back for us.

[Max Lowell]

Brian Boyne?

[Mrs. Lowell]

He had a way with Reba. He was the only one that could ever do anything better.

[Max Lowell]

Ms. Horace.

[Ms. Oyster]

Yes, Mr. Lawrence?

[Max Lowell]

I want you should find Brian Bourne. Try Caliente first. Maybe went to Palm Springs or to Big Bear or maybe Frisco, Las Vegas.

[Ms. Oyster]

I heard he was in Seattle on Thursday.

[Max Lowell]

Well, try Seattle. Try everywhere quick.

[Ms. Oyster]

I'll find you.

[Max Lowell]

No, no, Mama, don't cry. Brian will get river back for us, all right. Don't worry. That Irish lowlife can do it, all right.

[Mrs. Lowell]

If we find him, Papa, I be got to get him.

[Ms. Oyster]

We found Mr. Ver.

[Max Lowell]

Mr. Lowell at left. Where?

[Ms. Oyster]

He's in jail at Santa Barbara.

[Max Lowell]

Good, good. What is he in for?

[Ms. Oyster]

He had a fight with a highway cop. Who was trying to arrest some girl for Steeding.

[Max Lowell]

Let me see. Who do I know in Santa Barbara that can get him out?

[Ms. Oyster]

Mr. John Mayer. The banker could do it.

[Max Lowell]

Good. Wire him about it and put in a call to the Santa Barbara jail for me right away.

[Ms. Oyster]

I have the jail for you already. The switchboard holding the call for you.

[Max Lowell]

Hello? Hello? Give me that call to the jail. Yes. Hello. Say, Listen. This is Mr. Max Lowe, President of Independent Pictures. I want you to let me speak to Brian Boyne. Brian Boyne? You've got him in there? Say, is this the chief? Plus, Brian won't speak to me. Listen, listen. I want you to tell Mr. Boyne that it ain't business I want to talk to him about. Tell him it's my little girl, Reba. My little Reba. You understand? Good. Hello?

[Edwin Balmer]

Hello?

[Max Lowell]

Brian, is that you? Now, listen, Brian. I don't want you should act this way. What I said and what you said ain't neither here nor there. Reba. Has run away. Yes, her mama is all upset and crying for her. And listen, I don't feel any too good either. Brian. Listen, you got to find her and you got to bring her home. Listen, would you want my little Reba to marry an actor? You told me yourself we should not let her be taken in by some no good Hollywood lowlife. Yes, she told her mama. She went to Lake Arrowhead yet. I'll get you out, Brian. Already? I wired you $5,000. Yeah. I want you to leave for Arrowhead at once. Hire a plane or anything, but bring little Reba back to her mama. Yes. Now listen, Brian, listen. He hung up.

[Ms. Oyster]

He's going to do it for you.

[Max Lowell]

Yes, Brian will try.

[Ms. Oyster]

Mr. Loomis is still holding an operator to run Our Modern Wives. It's six o' clock and Mr. Reisman wants to know if you'll dine with him at the Roosevelt.

[Max Lowell]

Tell them both I'm too busy. Hey, the truth is, I'm too worried. I'm going home now to wait for you.

[Mrs. Lowell]

It's after midnight, Papa. You'd better call the police. Here.

[Max Lowell]

No, no, don't worry, Mama. Ryan will bring Reba home. All right. That's all right. Don't worry.

[Mrs. Lowell]

Maybe it's Reba.

[Max Lowell]

Oh, a car. Mama, it's a car.

[Brian Byrne]

Hey, Max. Max.

[Ms. Oyster]

Mama. Papa.

[Brian Byrne]

Reba.

[Mrs. Lowell]

Oh, I'm so glad to be home, Mama.

[Ms. Oyster]

Oh, it's all right now, Reba.

[Mrs. Lowell]

It's all right.

[Max Lowell]

No, no, don't you worry. Reba. What was it that happened?

[Ms. Oyster]

I trusted Carrie Popper.

[Mrs. Lowell]

He's a big bum and a coward.

[Max Lowell]

What has he done?

[Mrs. Lowell]

Oh, he wanted me to leave the up with the others at Lake Arrowhead and elope with him to Las Vegas.

[Brian Byrne]

And I arrived just in time to spank him and get Reba away.

[Max Lowell]

Brian, I can never thank you enough for this. Now, listen, take your mom upstairs, Reba, and tell her you'll never run away from her again. Go on, Mama. Go. Hey, wait a minute. Where are you going, Brian?

[Brian Byrne]

I've got a long drive ahead of me, Max, and I want to be stuck.

[Max Lowell]

Now, listen, don't go, Brian. Listen, you got to come back. I need you.

[Brian Byrne]

Nothing doing, Max. You don't get me back on any crummy job for you. I told you I was through and I meant it.

[Max Lowell]

But, Brian, I got to show you our modern vibes. It's the best talkievee or anybody else ever made. George Brock, he said so.

[Brian Byrne]

So? George Brock said so?

[Max Lowell]

Yes, and we got a big deal to buy big theaters. 200 theaters. Bernie says never in his life did he ever see such a bargain.

[Brian Byrne]

So that's what Bernie said.

[Max Lowell]

Listen, I know for once in your life you'll agree with George and Bernie.

[Brian Byrne]

Agree with those chisels. I'll bet the picture's a flop. And that theater deal smells a Bernie.

[Max Lowell]

Oh, no, no, no. It's a fine picture. And a fine deal too.

[Brian Byrne]

Well, I got to be going. I brought Reba home and that's enough.

[Max Lowell]

And you know Sonia, Sylvia, she's a raven depiction. Brian, we got to sign a quick for a year or two.

[Brian Byrne]

I swore I'd never mess around with you again. I'm gone.

[Max Lowell]

Oh, please, Brian. Just these two things you got to do for me. The deal and the picture. I need you to help me.

[Brian Byrne]

Can't you other man in this confounded town who'll tell you the truth occasionally?

[Max Lowell]

Oh, they ain't like you, Brian. They all got access to grime. They want money or big jobs or something.

[Brian Byrne]

Listen then. And I'll tell you something. I saw some rushes of that picture before I quit.

[Max Lowell]

You did?

[Brian Byrne]

Yes, and it's just a good program. Hot tamale.

[Max Lowell]

What do you mean? It's the best thing we've ever done. It should have a Broadway opening.

[Brian Byrne]

Cut it to 6,000ft and throw out all that symbolic stuff.

[Max Lowell]

Call it to 6000.

[Brian Byrne]

Write in some more scenes for that little withero girl. She'll steal the picture from Sylvia anyway with her. Or be a second gainer if she's handled right.

[Max Lowell]

A second gainer. Well, maybe you're right, Brian.

[Brian Byrne]

And as for that theatre deal, have you checked up on the appraisal yourself?

[Max Lowell]

Oh, Bernie always handles the business office.

[Brian Byrne]

Bernie's a double crossing chiseler.

[Max Lowell]

Oh, that's not so. Bernie's my friend. Bernie wouldn't do that.

[Brian Byrne]

See, there you go. Oh, what's the use of telling you the truth? You don't want to hear it.

[Max Lowell]

You're right, Brian. I got to have the truth. But it hurts.

[Edwin Balmer]

But what if it does?

[Max Lowell]

Well, it makes me so mad I wish I could never hear it again. But always, always I have to come back for more.

[Brian Byrne]

You let those chisellers make a fool out of you.

[Max Lowell]

Listen, a man has got to trust somebody. You're the only one left, Brian. You got to come back to work for me. You've just got to know King Doing.

[Brian Byrne]

I'm like all the rest. Pretty soon I'd be. Yes, and you too.

[Max Lowell]

Oh, you'd never do that. Listen, I'll pay you anything you ask. And may I fall down dead if I fire even once more.

[Brian Byrne]

Nothing doing, Maxie. We're quits and I'm heading back to Santa Barbara.

[Max Lowell]

Santa Barbara? What's in Santa Barbara for you?

[Brian Byrne]

A girl, Maxie. And I'm going to get back there as fast as I can drive.

[Max Lowell]

A girl? You, Brian and a girl?

[Brian Byrne]

That's what I said.

[Max Lowell]

Well, listen, Brian, if you love a girl, you'll need money. You must make something of yourself.

[Brian Byrne]

Yeah, that's a good line.

[Max Lowell]

Listen, you're the best all around picture man I ever knew. Writing, directing, supervising, they're all easy for you.

[Brian Byrne]

I said I was going back to Santa Barbara, Max.

[Max Lowell]

Wait, Brian, wait. Think it over. Wait.

[Brian Byrne]

Nothing doing, Max. No arm.

[Max Lowell]

You want a job? When you get married, you'll see if you don't.

[Ms. Oyster]

Mr. Brian to see you, Mr. Law.

[Max Lowell]

Brian. Boeing. Show me.

[Ms. Oyster]

This wave is to Bird.

[Max Lowell]

Thank you, Brian. Am I surprised?

[Brian Byrne]

Well, you win, Maxie. I've come to take that job.

[Max Lowell]

Great. Fine. That makes me so happy. I would be ashamed to tell you.

[Brian Byrne]

I was married two days ago. When do I start to work? And where.

[Max Lowell]

Sit down. Sit down, my boy. You'll start writing, directing. A new picture that I've got an idea for.

[Brian Byrne]

What's the story?

[Max Lowell]

Listen, listen, while I tell it to you. It's. Ow.

[Brian Byrne]

Wow.

[Max Lowell]

A girl who used to run with crooks marries the district attorney and doesn't tell him about her past. Her old gangster boyfriend is friend from R. And the district attorney tries him. She knows that he is innocent. Shall she tell what she knows to save him and probably lose her husband? Or shall she let him die? How's that for a situation?

[Brian Byrne]

Not bad, Max. Not bad at all.

[Max Lowell]

You really mean that, Brian?

[Brian Byrne]

Why, yes, of course.

[Max Lowell]

What's that? What's that you said?

[Brian Byrne]

I said yes.

[Max Lowell]

You said yes. You're yesing me.

[Brian Byrne]

I know, Max, but.

[Max Lowell]

Listen, Brian, I got a job for you, but it ain't here. It's down on that ranch of mine below Caliente. I want you should go down and run it for me. I want you should leave at once. The yacht is at Wilmington. Take it. Get out of here tonight. Get out before I change my mind and I'll let you stay here to yes me.

[Brian Byrne]

Yes, sir.

[Max Lowell]

I reassure you.

[Edwin Balmer]

This story, the no man by Frederick Hazlett Brennan, was broadcast by special permission of the publishers of Red Book magazine. Next week at this same time, we take pleasure in announcing that we will present another Red Book story in dramatic form. This story was adapted for the radio by Lawrence Holcomb.