
Loading summary
Riley Herbst
Riley herbst from 2311 racing here. And you know what grinds my gears? Waiting for coffee. But instead of counting frappes and lattes, I fire up Chumba Casino. No apps, no fuss, just fun social casino games to pass the time. By the time my coffee's ready, I've already taken a few victory laps. Next time you're stuck waiting, make it entertaining. Play for free@chumbacasino.com let's Chumba.
John
Sponsored by Chumba Casino. No purchase necessary VGW Group void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply. Every door has a key. There's a key to every situation. Behind every unopened door there is a mystery. And the opening of this door introduces us to another in the series. The key. Yep. There you are, Randy. My old fishing box. That's the rod I used when I went after salmon, didn't you?
Jenny
Can I hold it?
John
Yeah, sure.
Jenny
You can tell me about the time you went after the salmon.
John
Grandpa, do we you have to hear all that again?
Jenny
Oh, Randy loves it, John.
John
I'm trying to work out these orders, Danny, to put them on the sales manager's desk tomorrow morning. Perhaps some other time, Randy.
Jenny
No, no. I want to hear it now.
John
It was what your father said, isn't it?
Jenny
It's high time you're in bed, Randy. You're only sending me to bed to stop Grandpop telling about the salmon. I know. That's enough, Randy.
John
Whose home is this? Whose son are you? Randy?
Jenny
Please, John, there's no need to get upset.
John
I'm sick to death of trying to work with Grandpa forever. Talking about the salmon he almost but never quite caught. I'm sorry. Real sorry. John.
Jenny
What's Ann here about the salmon. I'll be glad to go to bed.
John
Except it's time I turned in too. We old backwoodsmen hit the hay. You come down and rise with the birds. You know Franny Winter.
Jenny
I go fishing with you, Grandpa.
John
And take that blasted box of fishing gear with you?
Jenny
There was no need for that, John.
John
Don't worry. I'll pick everything up.
Jenny
If I'd have done that, I'd have gotten the greatest wobbling of all times.
John
I bet I. I lost my temper.
Jenny
In the bed, Randy. Good night, Grandpa. Night, Lucky.
John
Nothing was broken. I'm terribly sorry. I didn't mean to do it. Temper runs on our side of the family, Johnny. You must have caught it from Jenny.
Jenny
Oh, John, how could you do such a thing? Don't you realize what it does to Randy and to me?
John
I can't help it, Jenny. I'm so worried about this job. Fields narrowed down to four now, you know. Bill Hannon told me. The soldier this morning. Once I get to Meredith, my salary's doubled. We can put a deposit on the house.
Jenny
Sounds wonderful.
John
4. I know how you feel about living in this place. Not enough room. Neighbors are noisy at times.
Jenny
I'll make you some coffee.
John
Don't get up now.
Jenny
But the curtain.
John
It's not often we're on our own.
Jenny
Oh, dear. You sound as though we lived in the middle of a railway stat.
John
That's what it feels like at times.
Jenny
Not Grandpa again.
John
Well, if only it did something useful. All he does is sit around yawning about fishing and that cabin he built. And ambling out once a month to collect his pension.
Jenny
He built it with his own hands. Fell the trees, planned them.
John
He could have made a success of his business, but no. Acted as though he'd never heard of the words. Ambition, hard work. So he ends up like this, living with his relations.
Jenny
John, there's nothing bad about the way they.
John
Not bad. He's filling Randy's head with those ideas.
Jenny
Randy's only 10.
John
I object to Grandpa personally.
Jenny
Oh, John, you're not writing an inter office memo now.
John
You seem to think his fishing tails and log cabins are more important than this job I'm trying for. Jenny.
Jenny
Of course I don't. John, I want a home as much as you do.
John
If they find out at Loring's that I've applied for another job, I'd be squeezed out. Look what happened to Peter Marchant when he.
Jenny
No one knows if you can trust Bill Hannon.
John
Like standing at the top of a long flight of stairs and reaching out into a void. Footmates like another step or they may fall. And I'm not responsible just for myself alone. There's you, baby, that's coming. Randy. Grandpa.
Jenny
John, you're just worrying. You're so sick about the job you put in your application. And now all you can do is wait.
John
Yes, and listen to how Grandpop almost caught that great red famine. John's late, isn't he, Jenny?
Jenny
Oh, he's working back again. I'm keeping his dinner heart for him.
John
You know. He'd go a long way, that boy.
Jenny
Now what exactly do you mean by that, Grandpa?
John
Oh, he'll make a lot of money. You'll have a real nice home one day.
Jenny
Maybe. Maybe I'll lose some other important things when it gets up for us. There's no joy in his life anymore, Grandpa. All the time he's thinking of his job at Frightened to relax.
John
Luke Meredith runs a pretty big concern, doesn't he?
Jenny
Oh, it's huge.
John
It's John 1:8, salesman Meredith. Name is the Meredith these days.
Jenny
John doesn't even play with Randall. All he can do is find fault with you. With all of it.
John
Well, probably in the way you.
Jenny
This is your home.
John
No, Jenny. No, it's. John is home. And you quarrel about me so often, don't you? I hear you.
Jenny
He's tired when he comes home.
John
There are places. I hear some of them are, well, real comfortable.
Jenny
Considering homes for old men.
John
Not exactly.
Jenny
You wouldn't fit in a place like that, Grandpa. You're too young.
John
Old age is a prison in itself, Jenny. Poverty builds high walls around you.
Jenny
Not for you, Grandpapa.
John
Not for you, maybe. I don't know. Go and find my little cabin again, is it?
Jenny
Yeah.
John
The leaves will be covering the roof now. The gray owl will have made his nest in the tree beside the door.
Jenny
Hello, John.
John
Hello, Jenny. I'll hustle on and warm up the coffee for you, Jenny. Sorry I'm late.
Jenny
What is it, John?
John
Oh, Laurie spoke to me today. Asked me when I was moving over to Luke Meredith's construction company. Tried to laugh it off. And then he smiled at me and said that perhaps the job I had was too small for me.
Jenny
Who told him?
John
Did Grandpop collect his pension yesterday?
Jenny
Yes, but I've been working in two.
John
Shakes for you, John. See anyone when you were out yesterday? Grandpop? Oh. Oh, yes. I. I bumped into Mrs. Fleming at the corner. She told me that Joe is due to retire any day now. Oh, I should have given it up years ago, but he's one of those. And Joe Fleming is paymaster at Loring. Yeah, that's right. Of course, Joe was one of the gambling. Old idiot Loring knew all about my putting in for another job at 11:00 clock this morning. Well, you're leaving him, aren't you?
Jenny
Not if I don't get the job at Meredith's.
John
Haven't you the faintest idea what you've done? I'm sorry if I said anything wrong. It's too late now to be sorry. I mean, we're able to find some common sense and quiet outside.
Jenny
John, Please come back.
John
John.
Jenny
Oh dear.
John
Yes, it's my fault. I do talk too much. I know that you need it.
Jenny
Oh, Grandpa, you've seen how John's almost been out of his mind. With what?
John
Go off somewhere and let off steam.
Jenny
Maybe quarreling so much he.
John
Well, you can't have smooth sailing all through marriage. Jenny.
Jenny
I better go and turn off the oven.
John
Look, don't wait up for John. Let him come in quietly. And then tomorrow morning he'll talk about it all in his own good time.
Jenny
Why don't you stop handing around unwanted platitude for change?
John
I shall, Jenny. I promise you.
Jenny
If you want anything, press, bring it to me. I'll do the ironing till John comes home.
John
No, there. There's nothing. You've been here too long, old man. Time you did something for yourself. Send for the rest tomorrow. She won't hear you as we go. Now, don't want to fuss. Just go away quietly. Won't even tell him where you are. She's busy there in the kitchen. You've imposed on her too long. Yeah, imposed on John, too.
Jenny
You're not going without me.
John
Now, you hurry on back to bed.
Jenny
Randy, I saw you get out your old cage.
John
I can't take you with me.
Jenny
I'm old enough and I won't get in your way.
John
Look, I'm. I'm gonna visit friends. Old friends, Randy. They don't care for children.
Jenny
You're gonna fish for that salmon, aren't you, Randy? That's why you were creeping away, weren't you? You didn't want me to find out you were going. Well, I did, and I'm going too. What on earth are you two doing there? Randy, go back to bed at 1. I won't. If I do, he'll go without me. Go, Randy, to his cabin in the hill.
John
I can't stay, Jenny.
Jenny
Thanks to me, I've lost my husband. Grandpa, you're going to take away my son too.
John
You do as your mother tells you, Randy. No. You hear me?
Jenny
Yes, but I'm still going with you.
John
Jenny. I'm sorry.
Jenny
I'll make you some supper. Now. Put your case away. Grandpa.
John
John will feel better if he comes home and finds I'm not here.
Jenny
Are you going to catch a train, Grandpa?
John
That's where we'll go in the summer, Randy. We'll speak to your father, huh?
Jenny
Oh, I bet. Then he'll probably want to come with us, and that'll spoil everything. Come into the kitchen, Grandpa. Coffee's ready now.
John
I think I'll turn in, if you don't mind.
Jenny
I could choke myself for saying what.
John
I did at my age. You outgrow a great many things, Jenny. One of those things is the fear of losing your job, the dread of not being able to pay the bills and the necessity of saving for the future. Don't you judge John by me.
Jenny
I don't, Grandpa.
John
I enjoy myself as a hero to Randy. But I also know that it's John who's provided me with a home.
Jenny
John's always been very fond of his grandpa. It's only just now he's so worried. Don't forget it's taken him years to become assistant sales manager at Lorings.
John
Oh yes. He has to consider the future. I don't.
Jenny
He'll get this new job at Lucy Meredith and then you look in the.
John
Mailbox this afternoon, Jenny.
Jenny
No, I asked. I must have forgotten.
John
Look at this. Luke Meredith's going to interview me.
Jenny
Then he must have chosen.
John
He wants me to pick him up at 2:45 tomorrow afternoon and bring him here. Bring him here? What you gonna do? Employ the whole family? Luke Meredith is a very unusual man. Takes a personal interest in all his executives. Like to meet the family. Look in the background, huh? I know the kind. Snooper masquerading as the benevolent boss. Why, he's reputed to have the highest paid and happiest staff in the industry. Yeah. All too scared to cough in front of him without written permission. I'm going to bed now. He started from the bottom himself, Jenny. There's a photo of him in the trade journal last year when he was only 18. And he married. Known as then close friends. And even some of his staff still call him Andy. Andy couldn't have brushed out like that, Jenny. I didn't get very far. Saw the letter in the box and sat down the front steps reading it over and over.
Jenny
It's all right now.
John
John Meredith. He's too smart for his own good. No more ways of wriggling out of an honest day's work than any boy in the works. You. You know him? Oh, certainly I did. A little red haired fella. You gave him the sack when he'd been only with me about a year. You fired Luke Meredith. Yeah. You deserved it too. But he's coming here tomorrow.
Jenny
Now Johnny, you'd never know. We won't tell him.
John
Well, how are we going to keep Graham Crop quiet? Tell me that.
Jenny
Oh, Grandpap will stay in his room, won't you?
John
Well, I'd like to see the young fellow again.
Jenny
But if you look, I'll have this thoughtless. And I'll bake and I'll cook all day.
John
It won't work.
Jenny
But he doesn't know my maiden name. So far as Luke Meredith is concerned, I'm Mrs. John Grain.
John
Might as well go to bed and be Meredith. Hey. Oh, he Was a faulty little fellow, all right, but too smart. Too smart for his own good. He didn't like me, and by heck, I didn't like him either.
Jenny
Put the flowers more to the side, Randy. Okay. Oh, don't spill any on the floor, please, Grandpa.
John
Hey. Sorry, Kenny.
Jenny
Oh, now, what do you think of all that? There's a daddy's whole bake in there. Cream cake, scones, cookies, chocolate slice. Hey, when do we eat? You can have as much as you like when Mr. Meredith has been and gone.
John
No sign of him yet?
Jenny
No, but they won't be long. John says punctuality is a fetish. With Luke Meredith. I bet he was a regular stinker, huh, Grandpa? That's enough, Randy. It's sad. And a car. 10 block floor. You go to your room, Randy. When I call you, you come out and you say Good afternoon to Mr. Meredith. You kiss your father and he help hand round the paper. All right? All right. But I'll be listening. I can listen, can I? Yes, dear, you can listen.
John
You know, funny to think of Andy Meredith running his own business now. He. He always had such a talent for mine and everyone else's when he was a kid.
Jenny
You'll be comfortable in your room, won't you, Grandpa?
John
Yeah. I tried to show him how to take down the tractor once. Could have been talking to the man in the moon for all. As good as you could.
Jenny
One, two, three. Oh, Mr. Meredith, I'm so glad to meet you. Hello, John, dear. Do come in.
John
Mr. Meredith, I'd like you to meet my wife, Jenny. I'm very happy to know you, my dear.
Jenny
It's a great pleasure, Mr. Meredith. Won't you sit down? Let me take your hat.
John
Thank you so much. We're hoping to buy our own home eventually, Mr. Meredith. An excellent idea. A stabilizing influence in any man's life. To be able to put out your hand and say this it might. These bricks and mortar belong to me. I must confess I often find myself doing it at home. Quite unconsciously, of course.
Jenny
I'm sure you'd like some Coffee and cake, Mr. Meredith.
John
Nothing @ all for me. A glass of water and a cracker, if you don't mind. I'm on a diet.
Jenny
Are you quite sure? Oh, yes, certainly.
John
You started in your first and place of employment as a fitter, didn't you? Grails? Yes, I was an engineer before I moved into the sales division. I like them. I had to have practical experience. Started off myself as an apprentice engineer. We worked in those days. I can tell You. I read your life story in the trade journal last year. Oh, yes, yes. With just a slight account.
Jenny
I swore them. Mr. Meredith.
John
Oh, thank you, Mrs. Graham. Delicious.
Jenny
You haven't met Randy yet, have you, Mr. Meredith?
John
No, I don't think I've had that places. Oh, um.
Jenny
Come and meet Mr. Merrick, Randy. Very pleased to meet you, Mr. Merrill.
John
You're a fine young man. Yeah. This is. This is all your family?
Jenny
Well, not quite. We're hoping that Randy'll have a sister quite soon.
John
Congratulations, Graham. You can't beat the large family. Always felt sorry for an only child. I was the eldest of nine. The breadwinner when I was 14.
Jenny
Why, is Grandpop too? He's family. You worked for him once.
John
Brandy, huh? I work for your grandfather.
Jenny
Mother's grandfather. My great grandfather. I'm the only boy at school who has a great grandfather at home.
John
Um.
Jenny
My grandfather's resting now. He hasn't been very well.
John
Quite understandable at his age. Well, it's been most enjoyable meeting your little family, Graham. Naturally, I'll have to give this position a great deal of thought.
Jenny
Grandpap's not resting. I can tell because when he's asleep he snores so loud. It's just like a train whip off. This is Mr. Meredith, Grandpa. Remember? He used to work for you.
John
Good heavens. Jim Brumley. I didn't think he'd recognize me in so many years. Oh, Jim, I could never forget you. You know, you gave me the sock, gave me the. Well, I was kind of hoping that you did.
Jenny
Grandma, please don't apologize.
John
It's the best I ever had done to me in my life. You know what he said to me? He said, Andy, you're too big for this job. You have ambition and drive and this is too small a place for you. What you should find is a job with a really big outfit. You know, Those were your very words. Now what then you. Well, it was a long time ago. You told me I was too smart for the job of work I was doing. Believe me, Jim. I can't call you Jim. Can't I? Yeah, sure, you certainly can. Well, Jim, the foundation of my success was laid that day that I left you. Tell me, what happened to your old business? What happened to my old business? And. Well, I. I sold out, you see, when I was 60. And invested the money unwisely. And. Well, the upshot of it is my grandson has given me a home.
Jenny
And we simply love having him with us. Mr. Meredith.
John
Well, about. So sorry to hear that, Jim. Yes. A man needs Grit and determination to reach the top in our field. Now, coming in, what do you think of young Graham here? After all, you were an excellent judge of characters, I recall. Thanks very much for the compliment. I'll tell you this, he's smarter than I ever was, Andy. Ah, that's all I want to hear. Hey, Graham, I'll see you in the morning, huh? Hey, my word, it's been good meeting you again, Jim. Yeah, it certainly has. You've been fine as Graham845. I'm a dog in my office. We'll discuss your salary then. You. You mean that? That. Thanks. Thanks a lot, Mr. Meredith. I'm sorry of that. Yes, a fine old gentleman, your grandfather, Mrs. Graham. There. You ever catch that salmon? You still go fishing, Jim? No, no, I'm too old for that now.
Jenny
You're not too old, Grandpa. And you said you're gonna take me one day. You promised.
John
Now you did. Really. Now, you know, I. I remember you promised me the same thing. That great red salmon. I'll never forget it. You know, Jim and I bought a little place up in the hills myself. Air conditioned, deep freeze tv. My wife, she insisted on all that. But Jim, it isn't the same. You know what? One summer we'll go away together, Jim. Up to you a place. Yeah, sure, we'll do that, Andy. Okay. See, where is it exactly? Oh, nicely kind of spot, I'm afraid. Pretty long way from anywhere.
Jenny
Oh, gosh. I'll find it, though. What I do, Grandpa.
John
Oh, yeah, yeah, you find it all right. It's easy to find when you're young. And when you have time to dream. Dream? I'm a mighty busy man. I got no time for that, I'm afraid. Still, Jim, we'll squeeze in a weekend somehow or other. I tell you what. We'll take the young chip along to do the chores, huh? How about it, Graham? You reckon you'd be any good at making fires and scrubbing frying panes? Oh, good grief. Look at the time. Well, I'll see you down to the car now. If you like, Ms. Meredith. Well, it's been a real heartwarming experience meeting you again, Jim. Yeah. Bye now, Mrs. Graham. We'll make a duty, shall we? Ah, yes. Great times we had, Jim. Great times. Family. We keep doing it. Let's design.
Jenny
Grandpa. Grandpa, did you hear that? I. I can't believe it. Grandpoppy has the job.
John
Yeah, you're dead right there, girl. He certainly has.
Jenny
Golly Wally. Grandpa. Hey, you're not going fishing with him, are you?
John
No, Randy, I don't think so.
Jenny
Oh, why not? Why not, Grandpop? After all, he gave him the job. You know what I think? I think we may just as well have some coffee now.
John
Darn good to do, Reagan. That's your coffee.
Jenny
I just feel dead. Now it's all over. Gee, dog, did you hear him? Did you hear him? All the time. Oh, he's awfully loud. And what's the word for it? Spreading that skit, isn't he? Oh, now, Randy, you mustn't be a moly boy.
John
Freddon's kind of right. I told you you could talk, didn't I, Jenny? I guess maybe that's why when him got along together, he's two of a kind.
Jenny
Grandpa, isn't it wonderful? Just think, John has the job now. He'll be messenger. Oh, Grandpa. It's what he always wanted. Now he'll really be happy. Grandpa, do you know something? You know what I'd like right now?
John
What's that? Good.
Jenny
Will you please tell us about that great big red salmon? Please, Grandpa?
John
Red salmon? No, I. Oh, please, Grandpa.
Jenny
I want to hear about it now more than ever. Yes, Grandpa, you remember time you tried to catch it in the net? That's right, Randy.
John
I remembered all those quite a long time ago.
Jenny
Come on, Grandpa, tell her.
John
All right, Gil. As I recall it, it was twilight with dusky shadows stretching out across the water. I was watching the stream when he jumped in front of me. Hi. High as the sun that seemed to me Then come around High as the sun.
Jenny
Grandpa might get cold.
John
And then he twisted and caught the sun. A closing door finishes a story Next week, another key will open another door to another story. Mystery, romance or adventure, all start when a door is unlocked by the key. Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck. I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse. With family, cannolis and spins mean everything. Now you want to get mixed up in the family business. Introducing the godfather@champacasino.com test your luck in the shadowy world of the Godfather slots. Someday I will call upon you to do a service for me. Play the godfather now@champacasino.com welcome to the family. No purchase necessary vgw group void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply.
Podcast Summary: "The Key 56-xx-xx (x) Grandpop"
Podcast Information
In the episode titled "Grandpop," Harold's Old Time Radio delves into the intricate dynamics of a family grappling with generational differences, career pressures, and the enduring bond between grandfather and grandchildren. Set against the backdrop of familial responsibilities and personal aspirations, the story explores themes of ambition, legacy, and reconciliation.
The episode opens with John expressing his frustration over waiting for coffee, symbolizing his impatience and desire for productivity. This sentiment transitions into a heated conversation between John and Jenny, highlighting John's growing frustration with Grandpa's incessant fishing stories and its effect on his work-life balance.
Notable Quote:
John: "I'm sick to death of trying to work with Grandpa forever. Talking about the salmon he almost but never quite caught." [03:01]
John's anxiety about his job is further exacerbated when he learns about a potential promotion at Meredith's company, which promises a significant salary increase. However, this opportunity introduces tension as it threatens his current position and the stability of his family life.
As the narrative unfolds, Grandpa's persistent fishing tales become a metaphor for unfulfilled dreams and the clash between past and present aspirations. John's internal struggle intensifies as he grapples with loyalty to his family and the pursuit of his career goals.
Notable Quote:
Jenny: "John, you're just worrying. You're so sick about the job you put in your application. And now all you can do is wait." [05:16]
The climax occurs when Grandpa inadvertently reveals John's job application to colleagues, jeopardizing his chances for promotion. This betrayal forces John to confront his resentment towards Grandpa and the values he represents.
Generational Conflict: The episode masterfully portrays the tension between John's modern ambitions and Grandpa's traditional values. This conflict underscores the universal struggle between pursuing personal success and maintaining family ties.
Notable Quote:
John: "If they find out at Loring's that I've applied for another job, I'd be squeezed out. Look what happened to Peter Marchant when he..." [03:34]
Legacy and Unfulfilled Dreams: Grandpa's obsession with the salmon he never caught serves as a poignant reminder of unachieved goals and the lingering impact of past choices on present relationships.
Notable Quote:
Jenny: "I want to hear about that great big red salmon. Please, Grandpa?" [23:45]
Career vs. Family: John's pursuit of a better job highlights the sacrifices individuals make for career advancement and the resultant strain on familial relationships.
Notable Quote:
John: "I enjoy myself as a hero to Randy. But I also know that it's John who's provided me with a home." [11:35]
Reconciliation and Understanding: The resolution emphasizes the importance of understanding and valuing each other's perspectives, leading to a more harmonious family dynamic.
"The Key 56-xx-xx (x) Grandpop" culminates in a heartfelt reconciliation between John and Grandpa. Upon securing the job at Meredith's company, John realizes the importance of balancing his career aspirations with his family's needs. Grandpa, acknowledging his role in John's life, agrees to support his grandson's ambitions while cherishing their shared memories.
Notable Quote:
Jenny: "Grandpa, do you know something? You know what I'd like right now?"
John: "What's that? Good."
Jenny: "Will you please tell us about that great big red salmon? Please, Grandpa?" [23:45]
The episode beautifully encapsulates the essence of familial bonds, the passage of time, and the delicate balance between tradition and progress. Listeners are left reflecting on their relationships and the stories that shape their lives.
Final Thoughts
Harold's Old Time Radio continues to deliver compelling narratives that resonate across generations. "Grandpop" is a testament to the power of storytelling in bridging gaps and fostering understanding within families. Whether you're nostalgic for the Golden Age of Radio or discovering it anew, this episode offers both entertainment and introspection.