Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – The Danny Kaye Show 1945-02-03 (005) A Baby From Washington (AFRS)
Release Date: July 20, 2025
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes
Hosts: Danny Kaye, Eve Arden, Lionel Sander, Ken Niles
Music: Harry James and His Music Makers
1. Welcome Home Danny Kaye [00:01 - 09:34]
The episode opens with a warm welcome from Ken Niles, Eve Arden, and Lionel Sander as Danny Kaye arrives back in California from Washington. The chemistry among the cast sets a jovial tone for the episode.
- Ken Niles [00:01]: "We greet our aerial globe daughter, Danny Kaye, as he returns from Washington and sets foot on good old California soil."
Upon arrival, Danny introduces an unexpected companion—a mysterious baby he claims to have brought back from Washington. This revelation sparks curiosity and playful banter among the characters.
- Danny Kaye [02:15]: "A woman. A woman."
- Eve Arden [02:20]: "Well, that's startling information. Now, who is this woman?"
2. Introducing Gregory Ivanovich [03:05 - 05:25]
Danny elaborates on the origins of the baby, Gregory Ivanovich, a Russian infant sent to California by his mother, whom Danny met at the airport. The humorous exchanges highlight Danny's comedic flair.
- Danny Kaye [03:39]: "Well, he's a Russian baby. You see, his first name is Gregory Ivanovich... and his second name is Gnek."
- Lionel Sander [04:18]: "You don't understand that Jive Misty's a Russian baby. You gotta say Kitchi Kitschikowski."
Patrick O'Malley, Gregory's father, makes a brief appearance, leading to Danny soothing the baby with a Russian lullaby.
3. The Coronation: King Danny of Brooklyn [13:03 - 16:24]
In a fantastical twist, Danny envisions himself as the King of Brooklyn. This imaginative segment showcases classic old-time radio humor and Danny's versatile performance skills.
- Lionel Sander [13:21]: "When you was a kid in Brooklyn, you used to wonder what it would be like to be king."
- Ken Niles [14:41]: "Hear ye, hear ye. Make way for King Danny the K. King of Brooklyn, Emperor of Flatbush, monarch of Greenpoint, and exalted czar of Coney Island."
Danny's coronation speech is a blend of regal grandeur and comedic absurdity, setting the stage for ensuing royal antics.
4. The Royal Dilemma: Queen Eve and the Ballpark Mortgage [16:33 - 22:10]
King Danny faces a crisis: the Brooklyn ballpark is mortgaged to Queen Eve of Manhattan. To reclaim it, he must marry Queen Eve, but his heart belongs to Moital Nakilwust of Coney Island.
- Danny Kaye [17:09]: "So this mortgage has fallen into the hands of Queen Eve of Manhattan."
- Eve Arden [20:16]: "Oh, fie on your father. Kiss my hand."
The humorous negotiation unfolds with Danny resisting the marriage proposal, leading to a comedic showdown between royal duties and personal desires.
5. The Rescue of Moital from the Hot Dog Bun [22:19 - 24:21]
Amidst the royal turmoil, news arrives that Moital has had an accident involving a hot dog bun. Danny rushes to rescue her, blending slapstick humor with heartfelt moments.
- Lionel Sander [22:19]: "She got her head caught in a frankfurter bun."
- Danny Kaye [23:25]: "Michael, you're safe."
This segment culminates in a whimsical "marriage" using a foot-long hot dog, symbolizing Danny's choice to follow his heart over royal obligations.
- Danny Kaye [23:43]: "Well, Moital, my title. I'll make this real terse. Will you take me, for better or worse, as your chosen heir?"
6. Conclusion and Farewell [28:00 - 29:45]
The episode wraps up with Danny returning to reality, attending to his responsibilities with the baby Gregory. A heartfelt and humorous farewell from Ken Niles concludes the show.
- Danny Kaye [28:18]: "Some lullaby music, Harry. Good night."
- Ken Niles [29:14]: "Don't forget to be with us for the next Danny K. Show."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Danny Kaye [00:47]: "Step right down, Mr. K. Ah, good old sunny California."
-
Eve Arden [01:09]: "Danny K. Just what is in this little bundle? Another milking machine?"
[00:47 - 01:09] -
Lionel Sander [03:05]: "He's wearing a three cornered parachute."
[03:20] -
Danny Kaye [05:49]: "Here you are. The original silver dollar that George Washington threw across the Potomac."
[05:43 - 06:15] -
Lionel Sander [13:03]: "When you was a kid in Brooklyn, you used to wonder what it would be like to be king."
-
Danny Kaye [20:40]: "Never touch it. Now listen Queenie. By some skull gujary, you got the Yebbotsville mortgage away from me."
[20:33 - 20:48] -
Lionel Sander [22:10]: "A thousand pardons, your majesty. I bring news from Brooklyn."
Insights and Themes
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Comedy of Errors: The episode expertly weaves situational comedy with witty dialogue, showcasing the classic charm of Golden Age radio.
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Imaginative Storytelling: Danny's vision of being crowned King of Brooklyn adds a layer of fantasy, highlighting the era's penchant for larger-than-life narratives.
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Heart and Humor: Amidst the humor, the episode touches on themes of love and duty, as Danny navigates his royal responsibilities versus his personal desires.
Conclusion
The Danny Kaye Show: A Baby From Washington is a delightful journey through humor, imagination, and heartfelt moments. With stellar performances from Danny Kaye, Eve Arden, Lionel Sander, and Ken Niles, complemented by Harry James' vibrant music, the episode encapsulates the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Whether it's dealing with an unexpected baby, a whimsical coronation, or the comedic challenges of royalty, this episode offers a rich and engaging listening experience that remains timeless.