Podcast Summary: The Mel Blanc Show "Thanksgiving Party" (Original Airdate: 1946-11-26)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Mel Blanc Show – "Thanksgiving Party"
Release Date: November 27, 2025 (Podcast release)
Original Airdate: November 26, 1946

Episode Overview

This episode from the Golden Age of Radio takes listeners into the heartwarming and comedic world of the Mel Blanc Show, just in time for Thanksgiving. The story centers around Mel Blanc (playing himself and the character Zookie) as he tries to regain favor with his sweetheart Betty's father, Mr. Colby, by hosting a Thanksgiving party in his Fix-It Shop. Instead of turkey, Mel serves salami stuffed with chestnut dressing, leading to a series of misunderstandings, family tensions, and ultimately, a lesson in generosity and gratitude.

Key Discussion Points & Scene Breakdowns

1. Setting the Scene: Thanksgiving Preparations

[02:00–05:00]

• Mel and Betty prepare for the Thanksgiving dinner, setting the table with makeshift humor as they're low on plates.
• The main comedic tension is set: Mel has stuffed a 15-pound salami instead of serving a traditional turkey.
• Betty is worried her father will be upset, but Mel reveals he gave their turkey to the local orphan's home.
• Quote:
  • Betty: "Father will be awfully mad. He's expecting turkey."
  • Mel: "I scooped out the center of the salami and I stuffed it with chestnut dressing. And besides, Betty, what difference does it make, salami or turkey? It’s the spirit of Thanksgiving that counts." (04:50)

2. The Guests Arrive: Rivalries and Comic Relief

[05:00–13:00]

• Mr. Colby (Betty’s father) arrives with Willie Murdoch, his new supermarket manager (and Mel’s romantic rival by Father’s insistence).
• Willie and Mel exchange pleasantries and subtle barbs, with Willie annoying Mel by suggesting ways to “improve” the Fix-It shop.
• Earl Ross (Lodge Secretary), Tommy (Betty's brother), and Brother Cushing join, each delivering their trademark comedic bits.
• Notable Moment:
  • Willie: "You got to get rid of this air!" Mel: "Murdoch, that's no picture. You're looking through the window." (07:50)
  • Mel's internal monologue: "Thanksgiving. Why couldn't the Pilgrim Fathers have landed on him?" (08:30)

3. The Salami Scandal: Where’s the Turkey?

[13:00–18:00]

• The guests quickly notice the absence of turkey, which becomes a running gag and a point of constant complaint, especially by Mr. Colby.
• Mel tries to keep the mood light, but Colby and Willie stoke the fire.
• Quote:
  • Mr. Colby: “Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without turkey!” (15:00)
  • Willie (sucking up): “Anything you say goes, Mr. Colby. I’m your boy, Mr. Colby.” (15:20)

4. Mel’s Generosity Revealed (But Secretly)

[18:00–23:00]

• Mel confides in Tommy that the real turkey went to the orphanage because Mr. Colby forgot to donate one this year.
• Mel insists that no one should tell Colby or make a big deal out of it, showing humility and consideration.
• Quote:
  • Mel: “The reason I’m not saying anything is because this year your father forgot to give them a turkey himself. If I said anything about it, it would only embarrass him.” (20:40)

5. Comic Relief: The Thanksgiving Toasts and Tales

[23:00–30:00]

• Brother Cushing delivers classic one-liners and jokes about his wife and household troubles.
• The group trades stories, puns, and Mel’s attempts at songs and impressions, punctuating the festive, chaotic spirit of the party.
• Memorable Moment:
  • Brother Cushing: "Mel, she's already been peeled." (Regarding his wife and beauty aids, 25:50)
  • Mel: “I should have gotten an octopus” (when everyone wants the leg of the salami, 28:45)

6. The Sweet Resolution: The Orphan’s Home Reveals the Truth

[30:00–33:30]

• Just as tensions peak, a little boy from the orphanage arrives, bringing Mel a piece of the turkey and a note of thanks.
• The orphans sent their appreciation in a chant:
  • "2, 4, 6, 8, Who do we appreciate? Mel Blanc! Mel Blanc! Hooray!" (32:50)
• The adults are moved by Mel’s kindness; Mr. Colby realizes Willie Murdoch forgot his donation.
• Notable Quote:
  • Betty: “Mel, you gave your turkey to the orphanage? Oh, why didn’t you tell us?”
  • Mel: "What difference does it make, salami or turkey? It's the spirit of Thanksgiving that counts." (33:15)

7. Forgiveness and Family

[33:30–34:30]

• The family reconciles; Mr. Colby invites Mel to sit by him, finally calling him “my son.”
• The party resumes with jokes and laughter, now unified in holiday spirit.
• Quote:
  • Mr. Colby: “All right, here, sit next to me. Mel. My son." (33:40)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Mel (on Thanksgiving spirit):
  “What difference does it make, salami or turkey? It's the spirit of Thanksgiving that counts.” (04:50, repeated 33:15)
• Orphans’ Cheer:
  "2, 4, 6, 8, who do we appreciate? Mel Blanc! Mel Blanc! Hooray!" (32:50)
• Comic Banter:
  • Mel: “I should have gotten an octopus.” (28:45)
  • Brother Cushing (on his wife): “Mel, she’s already been peeled.” (25:50)

Important Timestamps

• 02:00 – Mel and Betty set the Thanksgiving table and reveal the hidden turkey-to-orphanage plot.
• 08:30 – Mr. Colby and rival Willie Murdoch arrive; rivalry established.
• 15:00 – The salami-for-turkey complaints begin in earnest.
• 20:40 – Mel swears Tommy to secrecy over the orphanage donation.
• 25:50 – Brother Cushing’s “peeled” beauty line.
• 28:45 – The “octopus” joke as everyone wants salami legs.
• 32:50 – Orphans’ home boy arrives with thank-you and cheer.
• 33:40 – Family and forgiveness: “My son” moment.
• 33:50–34:30 – Final unity and closing moral.

Episode Tone & Style

The episode features classic Mel Blanc rapid-fire wisecracks, broad family comedy, farcical misunderstandings, and over-the-top character voices, capturing the heartfelt and humorous nature of holiday sitcoms from the radio era. While packed with jokes and ribbing, the episode closes with a sincere message about compassion, sacrifice, and the true meaning of Thanksgiving.

Final Thoughts

This vintage episode of The Mel Blanc Show, as curated by Harold's Old Time Radio, delivers timeless holiday laughs and warmth, demonstrating Mel Blanc's comic genius and knack for mixing slapstick with sentiment. Whether you remember the age of radio or are just discovering these gems, the "Thanksgiving Party" episode is a charming example of old-time radio’s ability to blend humor, heart, and holiday tradition.