Episode Summary: The Roma Wine Show 1943-11-08 Thanksgiving

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: November 4, 2025 (Rebroadcast)

Overview:

This episode features a full classic broadcast of the "Roma Wine Show" from November 8, 1943, a wartime variety radio program brimming with music, comedy, and heartwarming Thanksgiving-themed skits. The episode stars Mary Astor, Charlie Ruggles, and Misha Auer, with guest performances by the Pied Pipers and an ensemble of comic characters. The focus is on lighthearted entertainment, Thanksgiving spirit, and lots of playful banter, all wrapped in the cozy nostalgia of 1940s radio.

Main Segments & Highlights

1. Wartime Banter and Navy Jokes

• Mary Astor, Charlie Ruggles, and Misha Auer kick off the show with humorous exchanges honoring American servicemen, specifically the Navy, blending topical references and wordplay (01:53–02:51).
  • Quote:
    • Misha: "Up in Hollywood Boulevard... 'Get a look at what's coming over the horizon. Two nifty little destroyers.' ... 'Yeah, but look. What's with them minesweepers?'" (01:59)
  • Atmosphere: Whimsical and patriotic, steeped in camaraderie, with references to Hollywood and Navy life.

2. Sponsor Moment: Roma Wines

• A classic sponsor spot emphasizes the quality and affordability of Roma, California wines, underscoring simple rituals of relaxation in challenging times (04:42–06:05).
  • Quote:
    • "Roma wines bring you sunbeams from warm valleys for your cool fall and winter evening." – Frank Martin (05:23)

3. Memoirs of Misha the Magnificent: Wild Animal Edition

• Misha Auer presents a comical pseudo-autobiographical tale, journeying from childhood animal lover to would-be explorer, full of puns and slapstick dialogue (06:14–13:31).
  • Fun Moments:
    • Misha is inspired by his father: "With that face you ought to be in the zoo." (07:25)
    • Surreal journey includes:
      • Boarding a ship for the jungle
      • Odd flirtation with "Clarissa"
      • Meeting days-of-the-week-themed castaways ("I'm Saturday... those are Sunday, Monday, and always.") (11:02)
      • Capturing a "cow with no horns"—which turns out to be a horse (13:29)
  • Memorable Quote:
    • "I was on this turtle for so long that I finally turned turtle." – Narrator (11:17)

4. Musical Interlude: The Pied Pipers

• The Pied Pipers perform "I Dug a Ditch," a bouncy, novelty tune that adds to the homey, fun atmosphere (14:06–16:07).
  • Charming Line:
    • "I've got an itch just to leave that ditch, I want to go back to Marie who stuck to me before." – Charlie Ruggles (15:02)

5. Thanksgiving Play Rehearsal: Fish and Chowder Club

• The anticipated Thanksgiving skit is introduced with theatrical backstage banter, costume gags, and playful jabs about a Brown Derby restaurant sponsorship (16:14–18:04).
  • Standout Comedy:
    • Mrs. Staveley claims her right to be in the play because she's "head of the Chowder Club."
    • "Lots of marriages are potluck, Mrs. Staveley." – Misha Auer (19:13)

6. Wine Etiquette Q&A

• Mary Astor addresses a listener's question about wine service, promoting the inclusivity and simplicity of Roma wines in everyday American homes (19:48–20:52).
  • Quote:
    • "You don't need fancy glassware to enjoy the goodness of Roma California wines... Roma wines are just as thoroughly enjoyed on tables covered with checkered cloth as with the rarest of lace or linen." – Mary Astor (20:01)

7. The Thanksgiving Pageant (Staged Play-Within-a-Show)

• The highlight is a playful, intentionally over-the-top dramatization of the Pilgrims’ first Thanksgiving, complete with tongue-in-cheek "Old English" and vaudeville-inspired humor (21:06–28:58).
  • Plot Highlights:
    • Captain John Smith (Charlie Ruggles) pleads for peace with the Indians.
    • Exchanges filled with 1940s pop culture gags and punning on Indian names.
    • Mrs. Staveley repeatedly disrupts in the wrong costume, covered in feathers from stuffing the turkey (26:44).
  • Notable Quotes:
    • "There's no reason why us thou and meest cannot be friends, is there?" – Misha Auer (22:05)
    • "All the good actors are working, you know." – Misha Auer (25:24)
    • "I can't stuff the turkey... I can't get him to open his mouth." – Mrs. Staveley (28:49)
    • "Don't worry about it, Mrs. Staveley. This play is the biggest turkey anyone would want for Thanksgiving. So good night, folks." – Misha Auer (28:58)

8. Warm, Whimsical Sign-Off

• Mary Astor, Frank Martin, and the cast exchange jokes and wish the radio audience a good night, reinforcing the episode’s cozy, family-centered tone (29:17–29:37).
  • Quote:
    • "You eat at your house, and I'll eat at my house." – Misha Auer (29:33)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Up in Hollywood Boulevard... Get a look at what's coming over the horizon. Two nifty little destroyers... Yeah, but look. What's with them minesweepers?" – Misha Auer (01:59)
• "With that face you ought to be in the zoo." – Misha Auer’s Father (07:25)
• "I was on this turtle for so long that I finally turned turtle." – Narrator (11:17)
• "You don't need fancy glassware to enjoy the goodness of Roma California wines." – Mary Astor (20:01)
• "I can't stuff the turkey... I can't get him to open his mouth." – Mrs. Staveley (28:49)
• "This play is the biggest turkey anyone would want for Thanksgiving." – Misha Auer (28:58)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Wartime Banter and Navy Jokes: 01:53–02:51
• Roma Wine Sponsor Message: 04:42–06:05
• Memoirs of Misha the Magnificent: 06:14–13:31
• The Pied Pipers Musical Number: 14:06–16:07
• Thanksgiving Play Rehearsal Backstage: 16:14–19:24
• Wine Service Q&A: 19:48–20:52
• Thanksgiving Pageant (Play): 21:06–28:58
• Cast Farewell: 29:17–29:37

Style & Tone

• Language: Playful, pun-filled, warm, and inclusive, with vintage showbiz flair and a dash of slapstick.
• Atmosphere: Nostalgic, community-oriented, and filled with good-natured humor rooted in family Thanksgiving traditions.

Conclusion

This episode showcases a seamless blend of 1940s American radio charm: affable stars, music, sponsor patter, and a heartfelt (if hilariously chaotic) celebration of Thanksgiving. It’s a loving snapshot of an era when warmth, wit, and togetherness were beamed into living rooms nationwide—served up here with a generous helping of laughs, thanks, and Roma wine.