Saturday Showcase 1947-09-06 The Dude Ranch Program From Tulsa

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio Podcast Summary Episode: Saturday Showcase 1947-09-06 The Dude Ranch Program From Tulsa
Release Date: August 3, 2025

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the Saturday Showcase titled "The Dude Ranch Program From Tulsa." Hosted by Toddy Dalton and featuring The Sons of the Range, this program exemplifies the era when families gathered around their radios to enjoy western-themed entertainment. The episode, originally broadcasted on September 6, 1947, offers a delightful mix of music, conversation, and storytelling that captures the essence of western life and entertainment.

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Opening Performances: Setting the Western Tone (00:00 - 03:42)

The episode kicks off with vibrant cowboy tunes, immediately immersing listeners in a rustic, western atmosphere. An Unknown Cowboy Singer leads with enthusiastic lyrics:

"Yippee yay yippee O and a day home we go For a cowboy has to sing Ooh. And the cowboy has to yell Yippee yay. Or his heart would break inside of him at the gate of the whole corral."
(00:00)

This spirited performance is complemented by interludes from Leon McAuliffe and Jimmy Hall, who add their unique Western Swing flair to the music, creating an engaging and lively start to the program.

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Introducing Special Guest: Leon McAuliffe and Western Swing (03:42 - 08:56)

Toddy Dalton warmly introduces Leon McAuliffe and his band, setting the stage for a collaborative evening:

"You know, Toddy, we've got some famous guests in the entertainment corral today. I want you to meet Leon McCullough and the boys in his Western swing band. You know, they're going to help entertain at our dude ranch party tonight."
(03:42)

Leon McAuliffe engages in playful banter with guest Gay Robbins, highlighting his admiration:

"I've been wanting to meet you for a long time. I'm so glad you're going to be at the dance tonight."
(03:56)

This segment not only introduces key entertainers but also establishes a friendly and collaborative atmosphere among the performers.

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Behind the Scenes: Running the Dude Ranch (05:55 - 14:17)

The conversation shifts to the operational side of the Dude Ranch. Leon McAuliffe praises the establishment:

"Well, this certainly is quite a place you've got out here, Si. You must be making money hand over fist."
(05:57)

Toddy Dalton responds with humor about the financial realities:

"But just as soon as I get it my fist, I hand it over to the bank for the mortgage."
(06:02)

They discuss the efforts to provide an authentic western experience:

"We work hard to provide local color. Where else could visiting dudes find the great open spaces for such modest fees?"
(06:11)

This segment offers listeners a glimpse into the business aspect of maintaining a dude ranch while emphasizing the commitment to entertainment and ambiance.

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Debuting the Cowboy's Christmas Song (08:46 - 11:50)

A highlight of the episode is the introduction of a new Cowboy's Christmas Song, co-written by Leon McAuliffe and Jimmy Hall:

"It's just being published and this will be the first time it's played on the network."
(08:57)

Jimmy Hall narrates the heartfelt lyrics:

"The stars are bright the snow is white on the trail I ride along I sing a theme of a wildish dream A cowboy's Christmas song..."
(09:11)

Gay Robbins praises the song:

"It's a wonderful song, Leon. Jimmy will just have to sing it again tonight."
(11:50)

This new composition adds a festive touch to the program, blending traditional cowboy themes with the holiday spirit.

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Collaborative Performances and Songwriting (14:17 - 25:23)

The episode showcases the creative synergy between the performers. Leon McAuliffe and Jimmy Hall collaborate on various songs, blending humor and storytelling with music. One notable performance includes the whimsical "Feudin and Fightin", which narrates humorous neighborly disputes through catchy tunes:

"Feudin and bussin and a fightin'. Sometimes it gets to be exciting."
(23:20)

Gay Robbins contributes with the Rhythm Quartet, enhancing the musical diversity of the program.

Additionally, they introduce "Love and the Weather", a song that metaphorically connects the unpredictability of love with changing weather patterns:

"Love and the weather are unpredictable. But I'd like to add women to that classification."
(19:39)

This playful exchange underscores the camaraderie and lightheartedness among the performers.

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Interactive Banter and Humorous Dialogues (19:39 - 25:13)

Amidst the musical performances, the hosts engage in lively banter, infusing humor into the program. Leon McAuliffe jokes about the challenges of running a dude ranch:

"I'm beginning to see that it might not be such a cinch to run this outfit."
(14:12)

Toddy Dalton responds with a witty remark on hiring practices:

"We hire college students to come out here and work during the summer. Some of them can even sing for their supper too."
(14:17)

These interactions humanize the hosts and guests, making the program relatable and entertaining for listeners.

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Future Collaborations and Programming Plans (25:13 - 28:20)

As the episode progresses, discussions turn toward future collaborations and programming strategies. Leon McAuliffe proposes a joint effort:

"Shall we take turns playing so the other outfit can enjoy the dance?"
(28:05)

Toddy Dalton enthusiastically agrees, envisioning a recurring partnership:

"And if it goes over, we might work out a deal to make the arrangement perfect. Every Saturday night, the Sons of the Range and Leon McCullough's Western Swing Band at Dude Ranch."
(28:05)

This forward-looking dialogue hints at ongoing entertainment offerings, promising continued quality programming for the audience.

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Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Western Showcase (28:20 - 28:50)

The episode winds down with final musical notes and a heartfelt farewell from the hosts:

"Yippee A Yippee O End of day home we go For a cowboy has to sing Ooh. And a cowboy has to yell Yippee. Yay. But his heart would break inside of him at the gate of the Holes Are Elmo."
(28:20)

Johnny Ryan concludes by acknowledging the guests and teasing the next week's spotlight:

"Special guests today were Leon McAuliffe and his Western Swing band and the Gay Robbins Rhythm Quartet. As a part of NBC's Saturday Showcase series, Dude Ranch has been presented from station KVOO in Tulsa, the oil capital of the world. Be sure to listen to next week when station WHAM in Rochester, New York, will be spotlighted in the Saturday showcase."
(28:50)

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Key Takeaways

• Authentic Western Entertainment: The episode encapsulates the allure of western-themed entertainment, blending music, storytelling, and humor to create an engaging listener experience.

• Collaborative Spirit: The interaction between hosts and guests highlights a strong sense of community and collaboration, essential elements of successful radio programming during the Golden Age.

• Innovative Programming: Introducing new songs and planning future collaborations demonstrate the show's commitment to evolving and keeping content fresh for its audience.

• Cultural Reflection: The program reflects the cultural significance of radio as a central form of family entertainment before the advent of television.

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Harold's Old Time Radio brilliantly revives the charm and nostalgia of the 1940s radio era with this episode, offering listeners a rich tapestry of western tunes, engaging dialogues, and heartfelt performances that honor the traditions of old-time radio.

Transcript

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Yippee yay yippee O and a day home we go For a cowboy has to sing Ooh. And the cowboy has to yell Yippee yay. Or his heart would break inside of him at the gate of the whole corral.

[Johnny Ryan]

The National Broadcasting Company presents Saturday showcase, bringing you today the Dude Ranch program from station KV00, the voice of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Each Saturday afternoon, one of NBC's affiliate stations takes over the network with a program featuring some of its own stars on their dude ranch. The Sons of the Range and Toddy Dalton of KVOO are ready to prove there's a national market for western atmosphere. So come along for a half hour roundup of rollicking rhythm at the dude ranch.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Yippee yay yippee O For a cowboy has to sing.

[Johnny Ryan]

Maybe the cowboys here at Dude Ranch don't have to ride the range all day. But don't think they couldn't if the cash customers stopped visiting. Toddy Dalton and the Sons of the Range even have the right song for the job.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

I'm an old cowhand He's a two gunman from the Rio Grande down Mexico My legs ain't bold he's an odd Greek man and my cheeks ain't tan.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Just a pale face I'm a cowboy.

[Jimmy Hall]

Who never saw a cow I never rope a steer cause I don't know.

[Toddy Dalton]

How I sure ain't fixin to start.

[Jimmy Hall]

Him now Yippie I o ki yay.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Yippie yippee yippie I o ki yay.

[Leon McAuliffe]

When it's round up I'm in Texas.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

You can always hear him say I'm.

[Leon McAuliffe]

An O cow hen from the.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

And.

[Leon McAuliffe]

I learned to ride for I learned to stand I'm a riding fool who is up to date I know every trail in the Lone Star state I ride the range in the 4D a yippie I o ki A yippie I o ki Yippie I yippee O yippie.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

I yippe.

[Leon McAuliffe]

I'm an old cowhand from the Rio Grande and I come to town just to be the best.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

I know all the songs that the cowboys know about the big corral where the.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Doggies go oh we learn them all on the radio Yippie I o ki oh yippee I o ki I'm an old cowh from the Rio Grande where the west is wild round the borderland.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Where the buffalo roam around the zoo and the Indians make you a rug.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Or two and the old Bar X is a barbecue Yipee o ki oi.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Yippee I O ki EI O ki.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Yay yippee O ki yay yippee I.

[Toddy Dalton]

You know, Toddy, we've got some famous guests in the entertainment corral today. I want you to meet Leon McCullough and the boys in his Western swing band. You know, they're going to help entertain at our dude ranch party tonight.

[Gay Robbins]

Well, hello, Leon. I've been wanting to meet you for a long time. I'm so glad you're going to be at the dance tonight.

[Leon McCullough]

Well, that makes at least two of us tardy.

[Gay Robbins]

Well, I've been a fan of yours ever since I saw the movies you made with Bob Wills. And I think I'm entitled to an autograph. How about a signature song? Your own steel guitar rag?

[Toddy Dalton]

Well, Leon, what do you think of our dude ranch?

[Leon McCullough]

Well, this certainly is quite a place you've got out here, Si. You must be making money hand over fist.

[Toddy Dalton]

Right you are. But just as soon as I get it my fist, I hand it over to the bank for the mortgage.

[Leon McCullough]

Well, I sure don't blame city folks for wanting to vacation here. What scenery.

[Toddy Dalton]

Well, believe me, we work hard to provide local color. Where else could visiting dudes find the great open spaces for such modest fees? At barbecues and barn dances while we entertain with novelty tunes like this one to keep em happy.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Ladies and gentlemen, may I ask, did.

[Toddy Dalton]

You ever compete with the peanuts? Now don't laugh at me it isn't funny.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

For the one that I love loves.

[Toddy Dalton]

Her peanut and I'm telling you it drives me nutty.

[Jimmy Hall]

What to do, what to do.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Now I ask you should I let.

[Toddy Dalton]

Her carry on this way?

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

It's probably a million times or more that those peanuts made me say when we go to a movie show stop cracking peanuts. When we sit by the radio stop cracking peanuts. I don't know why you treat me so. You like your peanuts more than you like me. Oh please have a little sympathy and stop cracking peanuts.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Ladies and gentlemen, I declare that the.

[Toddy Dalton]

World needs a new kind of peanut.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

With a shell that cracks without a sound.

[Toddy Dalton]

If I knew where to buy such.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

A peanut I would buy those peanuts by the po.

[Toddy Dalton]

All the noise that they make so annoys me anyway they throw the shell away.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

It's probably a million times or more that those peanuts made me say when we go to a movie show stop cracking peanuts. When we sit by the radio stop cracking peanuts. I don't know why you treat me so. You like your peanuts more than you like. Please have a little sympathy and stop cracking Peanuts.

[Jimmy Hall]

Oh, nuts.

[Leon McCullough]

Boy, it must be a snap running the dude ranch. Sigh. Lots easier than riding herd on a bunch of ornery cattle.

[Toddy Dalton]

Are you kidding? Tell me, Leon, have you ever tried playing cowboy from sun up to sundown? It'd be better for a musician to hire a hall.

[Leon McCullough]

Well, you know, I did hire a hall. His name is Jimmy Hall. He not only plays and sings, but he writes songs too.

[Gay Robbins]

Well, what are we waiting for?

[Leon McCullough]

Well, Toddy, we'll rush the season a bit with a cowboys Christmas song. It's a new one Jimmy and I wrote together. It's just being published and this will be the first time it's played on the network.

[Gay Robbins]

Have you recorded it, Leon?

[Leon McCullough]

We sure have, Toddy. And the Platter's gonna be released next month.

[Jimmy Hall]

The stars are bright the snow is white on the trail I ride along I sing a theme of a wildish dream A cowboy's Christmas song I see a glow at the ranch below A light still wait for me and O St. Nick with his bag of tricks Will ride the rains this year the pattern of the stars in heaven on this winter night Wish a happy birthday to the Savior Yours and mine Give me the rain for my present and I know I can't go wrong I'll sing from, I'll sing from, I'll sing from, I'll sing from I'll sing from June till January A cowboys Christmas song Give me the range for my present and I know I can't go wrong I'll sing from June till January A cowboys Christmas song.

[Gay Robbins]

It's a wonderful song, Leon. Jimmy will just have to sing it again tonight.

[Toddy Dalton]

And say, Toddy, that reminds me. We better start picking out the songs that we'll use with two bands. You know, we'll have to be careful not to duplicate the tunes. So right now my boys will make a bid for the Barbara Polka.

[Leon McCullough]

Tell me, sigh, am I right that we've been invited to a western barbecue before the barn dance tonight?

[Toddy Dalton]

Right you are, Leon. And that's one thing visitors never complain about here. They really like our dude ranch food.

[Leon McCullough]

Well, I'm beginning to see that it might not be such a cinch to run this outfit. I don't see how you managed to get all the work done.

[Toddy Dalton]

Well, you've got to be resourceful, Leon, when you're short of cash. You know, we hire college students to come out here and work during the summer. Some of them can even sing for their supper too. Like this talented foursome of redheads. So step up Gay Robbins, and show Leon how You help entertain the paying guests here at Dude Ranch.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

I'm watching the sea for the one I love Will soon come back to.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Me do, do, do O I cover the waterfront in search of my love and I'm covered by a starless sky.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Oh.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Here am I Patiently waiting Hoping and longing for how are you? Where are you?

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Are you forgetting? Do you remember? Will you return or why Cover the.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Water brown I'm watching the sea for.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

The one I love Will soon come.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Back to me.

[Leon McCullough]

Say, they really know how to lasso a tune. Now, how about you, Toddy?

[Toddy Dalton]

Well, Toddy promised to have a new song for tonight. What's it gonna be, Toddy?

[Gay Robbins]

Love and the Weather.

[Toddy Dalton]

Love and the Weather. Now, what in the world do they have in common?

[Gay Robbins]

Well, it's an Irving Berlin combination. Maybe he started with the idea that they're both unpredictable. Anyway, with Bill Simon at the piano, maybe I can T.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Love and the weather Birds of a feather can be depended upon One day it's sunny Next day the sunshine has gone Love and the weather Always together Planting another surprise Bringing the raindrop Just like the tears to rise There was I with love close by so cozy and warm Love walked on and so did I Right out of the womb Into a star light Romances have to take chances that's what I learned with the dawn Love and weather can be dependent upon Sam. There was I with love close by so cozy and warm Love walked on and so did I Right out of the warm Into a star moonlight romance have to take chances that's what I learned with the dawn Love and the weather can't be depended upon Love and.

[Leon McCullough]

Well, I agree that love and the weather are unpredictable. But I'd like to add women to that classification.

[Gay Robbins]

You be careful, Leon McAuliffe. You better stick to singing.

[Johnny Ryan]

Well, T, it's all in fun, because Leon's talking about another of his recorded tunes. I know my baby loves me in.

[Toddy Dalton]

Her own peculiar way.

[Leon McCullough]

I got a gal who's different and though I know she's true she's never really happy Till she's got me feeling blue But I know my baby loves me in her.

[Jimmy Hall]

Own peculiar way.

[Leon McCullough]

My baby really loves.

[Jimmy Hall]

Me in her own peculiar way.

[Leon McCullough]

I loaned her my apartment while I was out of town When I got back I found that she had burned the building down But I know my baby.

[Jimmy Hall]

Loves me in her own peculiar way.

[Leon McCullough]

My baby really loves me it's as.

[Jimmy Hall]

Plain as a foggy day.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Sam.

[Leon McCullough]

She took a course in cooking it filled my heart with glee Til I.

[Jimmy Hall]

Detected Poison in a cake she baked.

[Leon McCullough]

For me But I know my baby loves me in her own peculiar way. My baby really loves me in her own peculiar way. She went down to the corner to catch a picture show she said I'll see you later.

[Jimmy Hall]

That was 20 years ago.

[Leon McCullough]

But I know my baby loves me.

[Jimmy Hall]

In her own peculiar way. Yeah, my baby really loves me in an old peculiar way.

[Toddy Dalton]

You know, Leon, you've got to be careful down in this part of the country. It doesn't take much to start trouble.

[Leon McCullough]

Man, don't I know it. Mention the weather and you've got an argument. Women and you gotta fight politics and old brother. You can start a 20 year feud that way.

[Toddy Dalton]

Yeah, scramble them all together in any one conversation and you'd better be ready for feudin and a fightin'.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Feudin and bussin and a fightin'. Sometimes it gets to be exciting. Don't like their marine neighbors down by the creek? We'll be plumb out of neighbors next week.

[Jimmy Hall]

Grandma. Poor old Grandma.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Why they had to shoo. Poor Grandma she lies neath the clover Someone caught her bending over picking up a daisy. Feudin and bussin and a fightin. This is a wrong that needs a right. So let's get that funeral service over so that we can start in a funeral game. Hoss. Fighting and a few.

[Toddy Dalton]

Now why did that sheriff come true? Oh, he was an ornery critter but he was swell.

[Jimmy Hall]

Why did they shove him in the well water? Well water but darn stuff doesn't taste like it.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

All a slicker City slicker that's why.

[Toddy Dalton]

We drink corn liquor it's better with your shoes off. You fussing and fighting now we've got this story down in writin.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

We are such neighborly people Peaceful and.

[Jimmy Hall]

Sweet Never stop feudin till we meet.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Feudin and biting and a possum that's all that's going on with us we are such neighboring people Peaceful, sweet all except when we happen to me daughter Baby daughter Pies and all the neighbor's chicken Daughter had a daughter at least till she could run like a dinkin.

[Toddy Dalton]

Hit her with a shovel.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Feudin and fightin and a fussin no use a standin here a cussin let's give our daughter a pistol now that she's four and go Feudin and fightin some more.

[Toddy Dalton]

Give the kid another handful of boys.

[Leon McCullough]

Us.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

You.

[Toddy Dalton]

Well, Leon, I know that your band will get a lot of requests tonight for Tulsa. Straight ahead. So how about singing it right now?

[Leon McCullough]

Well, s. I expect the Crowd will.

[Toddy Dalton]

Want to hear it.

[Leon McCullough]

The way it's sung on the jukeboxes. It's a song Jimmy hall wrote. So take over, Jimmy.

[Jimmy Hall]

There's a detour sign or a road that winds out on the broad highways but the place for me is a sign I see T U L S a straight ahead There's a railroad crossing and a bus a rockin Just taking me away I'll pass the time till I see that sign T U L s a straight ahead I'm gonna settle down When I reach that city fair I'm homeward bound and I know I'll soon be there where the tall corn grows and the black oil flows into old, old K L A In the middle of it all I hear that call T U L S a straight ahead.

[Leon McAuliffe]

Sam.

[Jimmy Hall]

I'm gonna settle down When I reach that city fair I'm homeward bound and I know I'll soon be there now there's no use talking. Cause I'll get there walking if there's just no other way. Boy, I read that sign on the old state line T U L S a straight ahead.

[Gay Robbins]

You'll be stampeded for requests on that song, Leon. You might as well plan right now to play overtime at this barn dance.

[Leon McCullough]

Say, what's the arrangement for this affair, Toddy? Shall we take turns playing so the other outfit can enjoy the dance?

[Toddy Dalton]

Well, I tell you, Leon, that's the idea. And if it goes over, we might work out a deal to make the arrangement perfect. Every Saturday night, the Sons of the Range and Leon McCullough's Western Swing Band at Dude Ranch.

[Unknown Cowboy Singer]

Yippee A Yippee O End of day home we go For a cowboy has to sing Ooh. And a cowboy has to yell Yippee. Yay. But his heart would break inside of him at the gate of the Holes Are Elmo.

[Johnny Ryan]

This is Johnny Ryan saying so long for the Sons of the Rains and Toddy Dalton and Dude Ranch, where Jim Randolph is in charge of program production music and supervised by Joe O'.

[Leon McCullough]

Neill.

[Johnny Ryan]

Special guests today were Leon McAuliffe and his Western Swing band and the Gay Robbins Rhythm Quartet. As a part of NBC's Saturday Showcase series, Dude Ranch has been presented from station KVOO in Tulsa, the oil capital of the world. Be sure to listen to next week when station WHAM in Rochester, New York, will be spotlighted in the Saturday showcase. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.