Harold's Old Time Radio Episode: "Take It Or Leave It 48-07-24 Garry Moore Is Quizmaster" Release Date: August 8, 2025
Introduction: Celebrating the Fourth of July
The episode kicks off with host Gary Moore (00:01) setting a festive tone in line with the Fourth of July celebrations. Displaying his signature humor, Gary remarks:
"I'd like to present the star of our show, a young man whose head is shaped like a firecracker. It's round and long and has a little string on the top. And here he is, Gary Moore." (01:30)
Gary engages in a playful banter with his co-host Ken Niles, joking about an attempted fireworks display on stage:
"Then Cookie Fairchild, give us a fanfare and we'll set off our gigantic display." (04:15)
"And so much for our celebration. Now let us get on with the business at hand, which happens to be Take It Or Leave It." (05:00)
Despite the failed fireworks attempt, Gary smoothly transitions into the quiz show segment, highlighting the evening's jackpot of $640.
First Contestant: Mr. I.B. Abrams ("Ike")
Introduction and Category Selection
Gary welcomes the first contestant, Mr. I.B. Abrams, affectionately called Ike (07:24). Ike shares his profession:
"I sell real estate. Oh, here in Los Angeles. How's business? Stinks." (10:45)
Choosing the category "Sports Menagerie", Ike begins his quest to win the jackpot.
Quiz Progression
Gary navigates Ike through various sports-related questions involving animal terms:
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$1 Question: In prize fighting, what is a rabbit punch?
- Ike: "That's a punch that's struck on the back of the neck."
- Gary: "That's right." (12:00)
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$2 Question: What animal is the Navy's mascot?
- Ike: "The goat."
- Gary: "The goat is right." (13:15)
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$4 Question: In what sport do you find The Detroit Tigers?
- Ike: "Baseball."
- Gary: "That is right." (14:30)
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$8 Question: What university football team is called the Wolverines?
- Ike: "Michigan."
- Gary: "That is Michigan is right." (16:00)
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$16 Question: What baseball player was nicknamed Harry the Horse?
- Ike: "Harry Danning."
- Gary: "Harry Danning is right." (18:45)
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$32 Question: What prize fighter was called the toy bulldog?
- Ike: "Mickey Walker."
- Gary: "That is certainly right." (20:30)
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$64 Question: What are snake eyes?
- Ike: "Shooting dice. When the one comes up on each die, that's what—"
- Gary: "You have to go up for eight?" (22:15)
Despite Ike's strong performance, he stumbles on the final question, ending his round with $32.
Second Contestant: Robert Densmore from Wadsworth General Hospital
Introduction and Personal Insights
Gary introduces Robert Densmore, a Private First Class stationed at Wadsworth General in Sawtell, California (25:00). Robert shares personal details:
"I'm 23. Married, with a little girl, 10 months old." (26:10)
Category Selection: "Orchestras - Who Was That Lady?"
Robert opts for a category centered around identifying female names in song titles, accompanied by live performances from Cookie Fairchild.
Quiz Progression
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$1 Question: Sweet Sue.
- Robert: "Sweet Sue is right."
- Gary: "With every shot for $1." (28:00)
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$2 Question: Dinah.
- Robert: "Dinah is right."
- Gary: "That's correct." (29:45)
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$4 Question: Lily Bolero.
- Robert: Initially stumbles but answers correctly after clarification. (31:30)
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$8 Question: Mandy.
- Robert: "Mandy is certainly right."
- Gary: "For $8." (33:15)
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$16 Question: Liza.
- Robert: "Liza is right."
- Gary: Shares a fun fact about Jimmy Durante's rendition. (35:00)
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$32 Question: Delilah.
- Robert: Correctly answers, reaching $32. (36:45)
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$64 Question: Margie.
- Robert: "Margie is certainly right."
- Gary: "You got $64." (38:30)
Support and Recognition
Gary commends Robert's success, announcing an additional $64 donation to his hospital, highlighting the community spirit of the show.
"Robert Densmore, you're a fine guest. ... that brings us up to our next contestant." (40:00)
Third Contestant: Mrs. Mary Edelstein from New York City
Introduction and Light-Hearted Interaction
Mary Edelstein arrives from New York City, engaging in playful exchanges with Robert over the phone (42:00).
Category Selection: "Household Furnishings - Double Talk"
Mary selects a category focused on definitions of common household objects, presented as riddles.
Quiz Progression
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$1 Question: Madame Chang is first lady of which country?
- Mary: "China."
- Gary: "That's right." (43:15)
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$2 Question: A sudden rainstorm reminds you of what household object?
- Mary: "A shower."
- Gary: "That's right." (44:30)
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$4 Question: A pigeon that informs the police.
- Mary: Struggles but attempts a gangster reference.
- Gary: "A stool pigeon." (46:00)
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$8 Question: The group that advises the president.
- Mary: "The Cabinet."
- Gary: "That's right." (48:15)
Despite her adept answers, Mary opts to leave with $8, demonstrating strategic decision-making.
Fourth Contestant: Mr. Philip Ballard from Los Angeles
Introduction and Category Selection
Philip Ballard steps up from Los Angeles, ready to tackle the next challenge (50:00). He chooses the category "President's Nicknames."
Quiz Progression
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$1 Question: Which president was nicknamed Honest Abe?
- Philip: "Abraham Lincoln."
- Gary: "That's right." (51:10)
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$2 Question: Which president was nicknamed Old Hickory?
- Philip: "Andrew Jackson."
- Gary: "Andrew Jackson is right." (52:45)
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$4 Question: Which president was nicknamed Tippy Canoe?
- Philip: Initially confused, incorrectly guesses John Adams.
- Gary: "The answer is William Henry Harrison." (54:30)
Philip's incorrect answer halts his progress, securing him $2.
Jackpot Round: Doubling the Prize
Announcement of the Jackpot Question
With no contestant answering correctly, the jackpot escalates:
"The jackpot is automatically doubled to 20 times 64, making next week's jackpot 1280." (58:00)
The Jackpot Question:
"In what year was Joan of Arc burned at the stake?" (59:15)
No contestant responds correctly; the answer is 1431.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
Gary wraps up the episode by teasing the increased jackpot for the next show and reminding listeners of the show's community focus. He humorously integrates final remarks about savings bonds and Ever Sharp products, maintaining the classic old-time radio charm.
"This is Gary Moore again, I'm afraid, friends with lots more taking or leave it." (60:45)
Notable Moments and Highlights
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Humorous Banter: Gary's quick wit is evident throughout, especially when addressing the failed fireworks display and interacting with contestants.
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Contestant Interactions: The heartfelt moments with Robert Densmore and the light-hearted exchanges between Mary and Robert add depth and warmth to the show.
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Educational Content: The quiz questions, ranging from sports terminology to presidential nicknames, offer both entertainment and informative elements, catering to a diverse audience.
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Community Spirit: The show's commitment to supporting Robert's hospital and acknowledging contestants' personal lives fosters a strong sense of community and empathy.
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Jackpot Mechanics: The clear explanation of the jackpot doubling mechanism keeps the suspense alive, setting the stage for future episodes.
Conclusion
This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully blends engaging quiz segments with heartfelt interactions and classic humor. Host Gary Moore ensures an entertaining experience, honoring the rich tradition of Golden Age radio shows. Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next episode, where the jackpot continues to grow, promising even more excitement and community connection.