Detailed Summary of "Take it from Here 46-09-05 First Contestant - Mrs. Jacobsen"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode Title: Take it from Here 46-09-05 First Contestant - Mrs. Jacobsen
• Release Date: February 10, 2025
• Description: Relives the Golden Age of Radio with classic shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet. This episode features interactive games and audience participation, reminiscent of pre-television family entertainment.

Introduction to "Take It From There"

[00:05 - 00:39]
The episode kicks off with John M. Kennedy introducing Mike Roy as the charismatic host of the new ABC surprise show, Take It From There. Mike exudes charm and humor, setting an engaging and lively atmosphere.

Mike Roy [00:39]: "This is your blue eyed boy, rugged Michael Roy, protecting arm and guiding light of the working girl, radio's happy little multitude."

Mike explains the show's format: presenting the beginning of a scenario that volunteer audience members will continue, fostering spontaneous and entertaining narratives.

Contestant Introduction

[01:02 - 03:39]
John introduces the first set of contestants: Mrs. Jacobson from Brooklyn, New York, and Mrs. Williams from Los Angeles. Both are housewives selected impartially by a serviceman from the studio audience.

Mike Roy [01:10]: "Everyone from Brooklyn seems to find fault with any place except Brooklyn. Am I right in there?"

Mike engages the contestants in light-hearted banter about their hometowns before introducing the main game: the Haystack Contest.

The Haystack Contest

[03:10 - 07:30]
Mike Roy unveils two haystacks—one red and one white—each containing eight needles, totaling sixteen. Among these needles, fourteen are silver, and two are gold. Each contestant has a gold needle, and the objective is to find the gold needle first to win $25 in cash. Additionally, each silver needle found awards the contestant a beautiful gift, with a grand prize up for grabs based on the total number of needles found by each participant by the episode's end.

Mike Roy [02:10]: "There are 16 needles in all, eight in each stack. Now, 14 of the needles are silver and two are gold."

Instructions are given:

• Mrs. Jacobson will use the white haystack and ring a bell upon finding a needle.
• Mrs. Williams will use the red haystack and blow a horn upon finding a needle.

The contestants are encouraged to keep searching diligently for more needles.

Mike Roy [02:55]: "When you find a needle, then you go right on looking for more needles."

Interlude: Mr. Larson's Hat Challenge

[03:39 - 07:30]
Introducing a comic relief segment, Mr. C.A. Larson from Minnesota is tasked with visiting Tom Brennaman's Rabinery to select the silliest-looking hat. The challenge includes trying on the hat and returning to the studio with the hat owner if possible.

Mike Roy [03:41]: "We sent them off to get dressed. Or rather undressed."

This segment showcases Mike's playful interaction with contestants, adding humor and variety to the episode.

Fireman Skit with Mr. Tarshish and Mr. Heimworth

[06:09 - 11:20]
Mr. Herman Tarshish and Mr. Sherman Heimwirtz, both aspiring firemen from New York and Jersey City respectively, are introduced. Dressed in red flannel underwear, they partake in a humorous skit where they must respond to a simulated fire alarm by dressing appropriately and extinguishing a lit candle.

Mike Roy [07:32]: "Fireman, we want you to go to those two cots over there and lie down in your red flannel underwear."

The segment combines physical comedy with friendly competition, culminating in prizes awarded based on their performance.

Mike Roy [08:45]: "He puts out the flame. So we would like to make you a gift of a whole year's supply of those wonderful precision Persona razor blades."

Audience Participation: The Rudloffs and Baby Care Demo

[11:20 - 17:32]
Mr. and Mrs. Ed and Peggy Rudloff from San Jose join the show. Mrs. Rudloff is asked to demonstrate baby care using a doll, instructing her husband, Mr. Rudloff, on how to put the doll to sleep. This interactive segment aims to provide practical advice while entertaining the audience.

Mike Roy [15:14]: "Well, the first thing is to hold this baby in your arms."

The demonstration is humorous as Mr. Rudloff mimics the instructions, creating a charming and relatable scenario for listeners.

Musical Engagement and Prize Distribution

[17:29 - 23:20]
The show transitions to a musical segment where the entire studio audience participates in singing "My Body Lies Over the Ocean." An enthusiastic participant, Eula Lee, is spotlighted for her spirited performance and awarded a "genuine lizard purse."

Mike Roy [20:56]: "What do you say almost for? Because I started school here."

Following the musical interlude, prizes continue to be distributed to contestants based on their game performances. Mrs. Jacobson leads with five needles found, securing her the grand prize.

Mike Roy [23:09]: "And to you, Mr. Larson, a handsome 17 Jewel Gruen very thin wristwatch."

Conclusion and Final Awards

[23:21 - 24:45]
As the episode nears its end, Mike Roy summarizes the accomplishments:

• Mrs. Jacobson found five needles, including the grand prize-winning gold needle, earning her a sublime radio.
• Mrs. Williams found two needles, receiving corresponding gifts.

Mr. Larson's successful hat challenge is also acknowledged, awarding both him and Thomas Halle with stylish prizes.

Mike Roy [24:12]: "Mrs. Jacobson wins the grand prize... Mrs. Jacobson, a handsome filler radio with all yours till next week."

The show wraps up with a heartfelt thank you from Mike Roy, reinforcing the communal and entertaining spirit of the program.

Mike Roy [24:12]: "Thanking you for helping us take it from there."

Notable Quotes and Moments

• Mike Roy [00:39]: "This is your blue eyed boy, rugged Michael Roy, protecting arm and guiding light of the working girl, radio's happy little multitude."

• Mike Roy [02:10]: "There are 16 needles in all, eight in each stack. Now, 14 of the needles are silver and two are gold."

• Mr. Tarshish [06:15]: "I originally came from New York City."

• Mrs. Rudloff [12:42]: "Yeah."

• Mike Roy [16:24]: "I think he's pretty swell."

• Mike Roy [20:56]: "What do you say almost for? Because I started school here."

Key Insights and Themes

1. Community and Participation: The show emphasizes community involvement, with audience members actively participating in games and demonstrations.

2. Humor and Entertainment: Light-hearted humor is a constant thread, making the show enjoyable and engaging for listeners.

3. Interactive Learning: Segments like the baby care demonstration blend education with entertainment, providing value beyond mere amusement.

4. Awards and Recognition: Prizes serve as incentives, fostering friendly competition and rewarding participation.

5. Nostalgia and Classic Appeal: The format pays homage to the Golden Age of Radio, invoking nostalgia while maintaining timeless entertainment values.

Conclusion

"Take it from Here 46-09-05 First Contestant - Mrs. Jacobsen" offers a vibrant snapshot of classic radio entertainment, blending interactive games, humorous skits, and musical engagement. Hosted by the affable Mike Roy, the episode successfully captures the essence of family-oriented radio shows from the pre-television era, ensuring both entertainment and community connection. Through well-structured segments and lively interactions, the show remains accessible and enjoyable for both longtime fans and new listeners alike.