Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Theatre USA 49-04-29 025 Stage Door
Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Featured Guests: Jimmy Durante, Hildegard, Margaret Sullivan, Candy Candido
Original Broadcast: April 29, 1949 (“Theatre USA” series)

Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio revisits a classic performance from the Theatre USA anthology—an adaptation of the renowned stage play Stage Door by Edna Ferber and George S. Kaufman. Featuring a star-studded cast including Margaret Sullivan, Jimmy Durante, Hildegard, and Candy Candido, the episode blends comedic musical skits, theatrical nostalgia, and a dramatic retelling of the lives and dreams of young actresses in New York. Listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, when families gathered around to experience performances that would later define American entertainment.

Key Segments and Discussion Points

Opening and Introductions (00:53 – 02:55)

• Vinton Friedley (Master of Ceremonies) sets the scene, sharing an anecdote about casting Jimmy Durante for "Red Hot and Blue."

  • Memorable Quote:

    “The deal’s off... I don’t fly no zeppelins… I had to convince him the Berengaria was a ship, not a dirigible.”
    — Vinton Friedley (01:44)

• Introduces the headliners: Jimmy Durante, Hildegard, and Margaret Sullivan.

Jimmy Durante's Musical Comedy (02:55 – 08:14)

• Jimmy Durante delivers his signature humor, reminiscing about his old neighborhood and school days.

  • Notable Moment: Durante’s banter about tough neighborhoods and failed schooldays, culminating in a comedic musical duet about cats with Candy Candido.
  • Quote:

    “In my neighborhood, any cat that had a tail was a tourist. And any kid with ears was a sissy.”
    — Jimmy Durante (04:22)

• Candy Candido and Jimmy Durante perform a humorous duet:

  • "Come Out, My Pooty Kitten," a satirical, vaudevillian exchange (03:41–08:14).
  • Memorable Exchange:

    Candy Candido: “I want a large ball of yarn all my own that I can unravel all day, and I know you’ll never be able to afford.”
    Jimmy Durante: “Then I suppose it’s goodbye, kitten.” (06:41–06:54)

Hildegard’s Musical Interlude (08:14 – 10:47)

• Hildegard is introduced as “the incomparable Hildegard.”

• Performs “Oh, My Darling, Won’t You Play,” a soft and sentimental ballad.

  • Notable Quote:

    “I have a charming little song which was especially written for me...”
    — Hildegard (08:45)

• Provides a light, elegant break between comedy and the drama to follow.

Stage Door: Radio Dramatic Adaptation (10:52 – 24:22)

Setup and Introduction (10:52 – 12:09)

• Friedley sets the stage, presenting Margaret Sullivan in her original Broadway role as Terry Randall.
• Context: Terry, after triumphing on Broadway, reflects on her journey in a world of auditions, rejections, and hope.

Terry Randall’s Journey (12:09 – 15:42)

• Terry Randall’s perspective:
  • Difficult early years: “The manager’s offices with the no casting signs... hopes in the auditions, the heartaches, the brush offs, the tears.” (12:13)
  • The breakthrough: Terry gets a small but meaningful part, earned through persistence.
    • Quote:

      “I just stood there outside his door for a week and that did the trick... I grabbed his arm and said, listen, you’re a producer and I’m an actress. What right have you got to barricade yourself behind closed doors and not see me and hundreds like me?”
      — Terry Randall (13:12)

The Highs and Lows of Show Business (14:13 – 18:29)

• Celebrating small victories, comedic banter about Broadway, but soon, the play closes after just four performances—crushing hopes.
• Discussion among aspiring actresses about the fickle nature of theater vs. the security (but emptiness) of Hollywood contracts.
  • Quote:

    “You don’t even have to be alive to be in pictures...I wanted to be an actress in the theater my whole life. It’s not just a career, it’s a feeling. The theatre is... part of civilization.”
    — Terry Randall (17:12)

Contrasts between Hollywood and Broadway (15:42 – 18:29)

• Dreams vs. reality—Terry’s love for live theater contrasts Jean’s pragmatic choice of a film career.
• Jean leaves for Hollywood; Terry stays behind, struggling with day jobs and dreams.

The Second Chance and Emotional Climax (18:29 – 24:22)

• Two years later: Jean, now a movie star, returns for a Broadway vehicle—but fails. Terry is asked to step in at the last minute.

  • Casting controversy: Producers doubt Terry’s talent when she auditions in her bathrobe (“this young lady’s not anything at all”) (21:44).

• David Kingsley stands up for her, offers to buy the play for her to star in.

  • Quote:

    Kingsley: “By the way, you are my girl, aren’t you, Terry?”
    Terry: “Oh, yes, sir.”
    (23:04)

• Ending: Terry gets her room “now that I am Queen,” signifying her triumph and newfound independence.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Jimmy Durante, on showbiz beginnings:

  “I got a million of them. A million of them.” (03:20)

• Hildegard, announcing her recording:

  "I'm going to record this next Monday at 2:00.” (08:58)

• Terry Randall, on the allure of the stage:

  “The theatre is something that's going on for hundreds and hundreds of years... it’s part of civilization.” (17:12)

• Mr. Gretzel, dismissing Terry:

  “In my opinion, this young lady's not anything at all. Not anything.” (21:44)

• David Kingsley, asking for a chance:

  “If you’ve lost interest in the play, how about selling it to me?” (22:24)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:53 – Show opens, host introductions and Jimmy Durante anecdote.
• 02:55 – Jimmy Durante’s musical comedy and duet with Candy Candido.
• 08:14 – Hildegard’s song performance.
• 10:52 – Introduction to “Stage Door” dramatization.
• 12:09 – Terry Randall’s reflections begin.
• 13:12 – Dialogue on persistence and making it in showbiz.
• 15:42 – Show closes, contrast between movie and theater careers.
• 18:29 – Jean’s return; production drama unfolds.
• 21:44 – Terry’s dramatic audition and rejection.
• 22:24 – Kingsley’s loyalty; the play is saved.
• 23:04 – Romantic denouement; Terry’s affirmation.
• 24:22 – Episode closes with thanks and cast listing.

Episode Tone and Style

True to mid-century radio, the episode weaves vaudevillian humor, musical interludes, and heart-on-sleeve dramatic monologues. The cast’s performances shimmer with nostalgia, wit, and a love for theatre’s communal spirit.

Takeaway

This episode is a time capsule of both classic American entertainment and the enduring struggle, ambition, heartbreak, and joy of young artists chasing the stage’s bright lights. With sparkling comedy from Jimmy Durante and a moving dramatization of Stage Door, it’s a nostalgic tribute for fans of vintage radio and theatre alike.