Harold's Old Time Radio – Rudy Vallee Show 37-08-12 Ep054 Red Skelton

Podcast Date: January 11, 2026
Summary of Golden Age Radio Broadcast from August 12, 1937

Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio features a classic broadcast of Rudy Vallée’s “Royal Gelatin Hour” from 1937. The show presents a vibrant snapshot of pre-television American entertainment, complete with comedic sketches, musical performances, and dramatic playlets. Notably, it showcases early-career performances from figures like Red Skelton and Tommy Riggs (with his character Betty Lou Barry), a dramatic piece featuring Miriam Hopkins and Frances Fuller, and an interview and performance by film star Ramon Navarro.

Key Segments and Highlights

1. Opening Monologue & Introductions

[00:50-01:59]

• Rudy Vallee warmly welcomes the audience: Introduces featured guests, including notable actors and variety performers, and summarizes the show's lineup.
  • “Hi ho, everybody. This is Rudy Vallee and company. We point with pride tonight to a noble list of names, a set of charming people well worthy of your undivided attention.” (00:50, Rudy Vallee)
• Mentions Tommy Riggs & Betty Lou Barry’s return due to popular demand; introduces Red Skelton as a promising new talent.
• Hosts banter about recent vacations and guest origins, creating a homey, familiar radio atmosphere.

2. Musical Performance: "Love is on the Air Tonight"

[02:27-04:33]

• Rudy introduces a popular tune from Warner Brothers' Varsity Show, performed by Fred Waring’s orchestra and chorus.
• The segment showcases the period’s penchant for lighthearted, romantic musical numbers that set an upbeat tone for the show.

3. Comedy Sketch: Tommy Riggs & Betty Lou Barry

[04:33-13:30]

• Tommy Riggs performs both himself and “Betty Lou Barry,” a precocious little girl—reminiscent of Edgar Bergen & Charlie McCarthy but “not especially accurate... Mr. Riggs is not a ventriloquist.” (04:33, Rudy Vallee)
• Betty Lou discusses being late, muddy shoes, and family mishaps.
  • "Oh, but I'm awful glad to be here, even if I am late, because it's better to be late than to get there before you arrive. Don't you think so?" (06:15, Betty Lou Barry)
  • Hilarious misinterpretations (“collision” at a friend's house means twins were born!)
• Sketch wraps with a musical cowboy number, demonstrating Riggs’ vocal dexterity and childlike banter.

4. Dramatic Playlet: "Mrs. Clifford Receives"

[14:26-25:36]

• Miriam Hopkins and Frances Fuller star in a dramatic confrontation—Mrs. Clifford, terminally ill, pleads with her husband’s lover to let her keep him for one last year.
  • “Your name’s Catherine, isn’t it?...Because it’s your name. Men are just a little bit transparent, Miss Mary.” (18:21, Miriam Hopkins)
  • “I love Alan more than I’ve ever loved him…But you see, I have my pride too. I never tried to take him away from me. It just happened that way.” (19:49, Frances Fuller)
  • "Give me this year. The last year of my life. ... I can't face it without Alan. ... I'll do anything to help you. Except give Alan up." (20:08, Miriam Hopkins & Frances Fuller)
• The playlet features nuanced, empathetic performances and period social dynamics.

5. Novelty Song: "The Yale Whiffenpoof Song"

[26:20-29:58]

• The “Gentleman Songsters” and Rudy Vallee deliver a spirited rendition of the traditional Yale song—a sentimental favorite evoking camaraderie and collegiate nostalgia.

6. Stand-Up Comedy: The Rise of Red Skelton

[29:58-37:02]

• Introduction: “He’s young, likable, redheaded, ambitious and fellow citizens, he’s going places. We want you to meet Red Skelton.” (29:58, Rudy Vallee)
• Red Skelton’s set focuses on his Indiana roots, his first New York experiences, and observational humor:
  • “Our American National Bank building is six stories high—that’s including the basement... But this Radio City building, it’s really big.” (30:57, Red Skelton)
  • Jokes about a man jumping off a skyscraper: “We don't know yet. He doesn't land till tomorrow.” (31:35, Doc Rockwell via Skelton)
  • Extended riff on donut-dunking etiquette and breakfast at ‘Joe’s Place’, featuring physical comedy and wisecracks:
    • “When dunking, never remove your hat because it comes in handy later on.” (32:52, Red Skelton)
    • “Society dunkers, the debutantes... that’s an old maid who overdid it.” (34:23, Red Skelton)
    • “Never dunk a doughy donut.” (37:03, Red Skelton)

7. Musical Interludes

[38:03-39:25]

• Upbeat novelty song: “Gypsy from Poughkeepsie”—performed by various ensemble members, lightening the mood after the drama and comedy.

8. Ramon Navarro: Hollywood Interview & Performance

[39:28-43:15]

• Rudy Vallee interviews film star Ramon Navarro, famed for Ben-Hur, about his retreat from and return to acting.
  • “I was tired in every way. Tired of pictures and everything. But mainly I was tired of myself.” (40:35, Ramon Navarro)
  • “Well, because I’m no longer tired. I want to work again, but I shall accept only parts I really want to play.” (41:14, Ramon Navarro)
• Navarro discusses the meaning behind “El Relicario”—a song with a tragic story that he then sings; displays his vocal talent and emotional depth.

9. Closing Comedy Sketch: Doc Rockwell & Graham McNamee

[47:13-55:16]

• Humorous banter about vacations, housekeeping, pot roast, and an unexpected bill: Graham claims he was billed for being a guest, leading to rapid-fire comic exchanges.
  • “Do you realize, Rudy, if I was a woman, there's nobody that I'd rather marry in this world than you.” (48:01, Doc Rockwell)
  • “I never want to look another pot roast in the face as long as I live. That’s how I feel.” (50:04, Graham McNamee)
  • Ongoing nonsense about books, personalities, and “how to win friends” (a spoof on Dale Carnegie!).

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Betty Lou Barry on being late:
  “It’s better to be late than to get there before you arrive. Don’t you think so?” (06:15)
• Red Skelton on Radio City skyscraper:
  “A fella jumped off the top of this place… we don’t know yet, he doesn’t land till tomorrow.” (31:35)
• Doc Rockwell on hospitality:
  “I gave you the best room in the house, right next to the bathroom.” (50:19)
• Ramon Navarro on career burnout:
  “I was tired… tired of myself. I cancelled my contract and went away.” (40:35)
• Playlet confrontation:
  “I want you to give Alan back to me for one year.” (20:08)

Structure and Tone

• The language and energy are warm, vibrant, and reflective of 1930s radio entertainment.
• Frequent use of humor, gentle ribbing, and melodramatic flourishes.
• Performers interact in both rehearsed and improvisational ways, creating a lively and familial listening experience.

Recommended Listening Segments

• Tommy Riggs & Betty Lou Barry Comedy: Start at 04:33
• Mrs. Clifford Receives Drama: 14:26–25:36
• Red Skelton Stand-Up: 29:58–37:02
• Ramon Navarro Interview/Song: 39:28–43:15
• Doc Rockwell–Graham McNamee Comedy: 47:13–55:16

The episode provides a charming, varied, and historically rich glimpse into American audio entertainment before television—brimming with clever humor, gentle pathos, and the evolving artistry of its stars.