Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Screen Guild Theater 52-06-01 Ep523 Mad About Music
Date: January 3, 2026
Starring: William Powell (Richard Todd), Piper Laurie (Gloria), Alan Reed (Trips)
Host: Johnny Jacobs
Podcast Theme: Classic radio dramas from Hollywood's Golden Age

Episode Overview

This episode features a spirited radio adaptation of the 1938 film Mad About Music, performed by leading stars of the era. The story centers on a lonely schoolgirl, Gloria, who invents an adventurous father to fit in at her Swiss boarding school. A comedy of errors unfolds when a visiting American composer, Richard Todd, is roped into playing the father she never knew, leading to touching, humorous, and heartfelt moments as the characters navigate the blurred lines between fantasy, affection, and reality.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

The Setup: Gloria’s White Lie (01:20–04:00)

• Gloria (Piper Laurie), a young girl at a prestigious Swiss boarding school, narrates her life story. She hasn’t seen her mother, a Hollywood star (Gwen Taylor), since she was three, due to her mother's acting career and strict manager, Dusty Rhodes.

  • Quote: “It’s never lying if you have your fingers crossed.” – Gloria (01:22)

• Gloria, wanting to fit in with her peers, fabricates grand stories about her absent explorer father, sending herself exotic gifts to maintain the illusion.

Mistaken Identity: Meeting Richard Todd (04:45–08:15)

• Gloria, pressured by her peers, promises that her “father” will arrive on an incoming train. When Richard Todd (William Powell), an American composer, disembarks, Gloria impulsively claims him as her father.

  • Quote: “He was so handsome and distinguished looking. Just the type for a world explorer. So I rushed right up and threw my arms around him…” – Gloria (05:15)

• The comedic farce deepens as Todd reluctantly plays along with the ruse, and the school insists on hosting a luncheon in his honor.

The Luncheon: Elaborate Pretending (12:00–16:00)

• Richard Todd is welcomed at the Institute for Young Ladies, serving up tall tales of jungle adventures to entertain Gloria’s classmates and preserve her dignity.

  • Quote: “Well, yes, sometimes, but lions are generally a bit tough. Now giraffes are delicious. And especially the neck…” – Richard Todd, playacting as the explorer-father (14:10)

• The warmth of their improvised parent-child bond begins to grow.

Quiet Connection & Goodbyes (17:15–19:17)

• In a tender scene, Gloria shows Richard a photo of her real mother. Richard finds the photo strangely familiar, hinting at deeper connections.

  • Quote: “Well, she’s quite attractive... Strange, though, she looks so familiar, as if I’d met her somewhere.” — Richard Todd (18:35)

• The time comes for Todd to leave, but the charade has already left a mark on both their hearts.

The Chase to Paris: Seeking the Real Mother (20:07–22:49)

• Gloria, desperate to meet her mother, follows Richard to Paris. The themes of longing, identity, and belonging converge as she risks exposure of her secret.
  • Quote: “Daddy, where are you?” – Gloria, calling after Richard (20:40)
  • Quote: “Gloria, your mother is in Paris and you want to see her. But why couldn’t she come to Switzerland?” – Richard Todd (20:59)

Emotional Resolution: The Truth Comes Out (23:13–28:10)

• Gloria meets with her mother, Gwen Taylor, in Paris. The reunion is complicated by misunderstandings and the press, but ultimately leads to a genuine family moment. Richard, caught in the middle, helps bridge the distance.

  • Quote: “She’s not my mother. I never saw her before.” (Gloria, caught in the lie, then relents) (26:50)
  • Quote: “Oh, Mommy. I wasn’t going to tell… You see, Mommy, after that, it felt sort of natural to call him Daddy…” – Gloria (26:58)

• The family is finally, if briefly, united; both truth and affection win out.

Closing Remarks & Cast Sign-Off (28:15–29:05)

• Powell and Laurie return for a brief post-show thanks, highlighting the Motion Picture Relief Fund.
  • Quote: “That’s enough to tell you how wonderful it is to appear on this stage again and to do our bit for the greatest cause in our industry…” – William Powell (28:20)
  • Quote: “Golly, Mr. Powell, I’m not old enough to think…” – Piper Laurie (28:37)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• “It’s never lying if you have your fingers crossed.” — Gloria (01:22)
• “Now, giraffes are delicious. And especially the neck. Yes, it’s quite the thing for dinner parties, you know.” — Richard Todd, spinning explorer tales (14:10)
• “I think it’s black magic. Five days ago I was a bachelor. No wife and no family. Now I have a daughter and somewhere, I dare say, a wife.” — Richard Todd (17:56)
• “She’s very poor and stopping at the Ritz.” — Gloria, about her glamorous mother (24:21)
• “Oh, Mommy. I wasn’t going to tell. I know you weren’t, darling. You didn’t have to see.” — Gloria and Gwen Taylor, the emotional reunion (26:58)
• “I should say so, Daddy, on both hands.” — Gloria, signifying the playful spirit is intact (27:50)

Timed Segment Guide

• [01:20–04:00]: Gloria’s background, introduction of her mother and fabricated father.
• [04:45–08:15]: Gloria meets Richard Todd, invents connection on the spot.
• [12:00–16:00]: Comedic institute luncheon with explorer tales, growing bond.
• [17:15–19:17]: Tender moment, photograph scene, Richard says goodbye.
• [20:07–22:49]: Gloria chases Richard to Paris, desperate to meet her mother.
• [23:13–28:10]: Emotional climax: Gloria, Gwen, and Richard confront the truth and find connection.
• [28:15–29:05]: Cast sign-off, fundraising mention.

Tone & Style

The episode features a blend of whimsical humor and gentle melodrama, typical of classic Hollywood radio adaptations. Dialogue is light and playful, but tinged with longing and the universal themes of family, belonging, and acceptance.

What Makes This Episode Stand Out

• Impeccable comedic timing—William Powell’s reluctance and snappy retorts offset by Piper Laurie’s earnest curiosity.
• A warm, old-fashioned family story about the lies we tell to feel loved and the kindness of strangers who become family, if only for a moment.
• “I should say so, Daddy, on both hands.”—a perfect closing note that captures the show’s spirit of innocence and hope.

Perfect for fans of:

• Nostalgic, golden-age radio dramas
• Family comedies with heart
• Classic Hollywood performances