Harold's Old Time Radio: "Tide Show 51-09-03 Jack Smith & Ginny Simms"

Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Starring: Jack Smith, Ginny Simms, Frank Duvall & Orchestra
Episode Theme:
A nostalgic journey into the musical and comedic stylings of early 1950s radio variety, featuring beloved standards, witty repartee, and the warm chemistry of iconic performers. The episode embodies the golden era of radio, inviting families to gather and enjoy spirited music, gentle humor, and slices of wholesome Americana.

Main Segments & Key Discussion Points

1. Opening Banter and Episode Setup

• [00:09] The show opens with the classic sponsor announcement: Tide detergent, "the wash day miracle."
• Jack Smith and Ginny Simms immediately set a playful tone, bantering about who will sing first.
• The segment quickly transitions into their first musical number, determined playfully by "cutting the cards."

"Hey, what a pair. What a peach of a pair. Jenny, this calls for a duet."
— Jack Smith [00:41]

2. Musical Numbers & Light Storytelling

"We'd Make a Peach of a Pear" (Duet)

• [00:41–01:56]
  A light-hearted romantic duet led by Jack Smith, Ginny Simms and Frank Duvall's orchestra.
• Theme of blossoming love, depicted with clever wordplay and upbeat orchestration.
• Playful story extension: “The peach of a pair get married, and pretty soon there's three of a kind.”

— Jack Smith [01:56]

"We Kiss in a Shadow" (Duet)

• [02:22–04:19]
  A gentle, romantic duet that evokes longing and secrecy, poignantly delivered by Jack Smith and Ginny Simms.

"We kiss in a shadow, we hide from the moon / Our meetings are few and over too soon."
— Frank Duvall & Orchestra [02:22]

3. Sponsor Interlude: Tide Advertisement

• [04:19–05:19]
  Integrated sponsor messaging; witty musical exchange reinforces Tide’s benefits:
  • “Tide gets clothes cleaner than any soap.”
  • “You get the cleanest wash in town with Tide.”
• The announcer highlights Tide’s unique ability to remove soap film and its gentleness on hands.

4. Spiritual Musical Narrative: "The Wondrous Word of the Lord"

• [05:19–07:41]
  Jack Smith delivers a narrative gospel song, presenting spiritual themes set "down Louisiana way" where families gather by the river for music and prayer.
• The song is a call to virtue and faith, referencing biblical stories and moral lessons.

"Now your book has ten commandments. To teach us right from wrong. To help us through the livelong days. And make our lives a song."
— Jack Smith [06:52]

5. Classic Love Song: "Somebody Loves Me"

• [07:58–09:15]
  Ginny Simms takes center stage with George Gershwin’s standard, introduced by playful banter about her romantic effect on listeners.

"Every time you sing this great George Gershwin love song, the marriage license bureau has to stay open till midnight."
— Jack Smith [07:50]

6. Another Wholesome Tide Plug

• [09:15–09:33]
  Brief musical and spoken mention reiterating Tide’s cleaning prowess.

7. Sentimental Reflection: "September Song"

• [09:42–12:13]
  Jack Smith and Frank Duvall offer a poetic, nostalgic tune reflecting on the passage of time and cherished moments as seasons change.
• Includes a spoken word introduction about "grandfather’s memories" and the wisdom of age.

"Oh, it's a long, long time from May to December, but the days grow short when you reach September..."
— Jack Smith [10:49]

8. Closing Banter and Sign-Off

• [12:36–12:59]
  Jack and Ginny exchange witty rhymes (“time to rhyme something with Paul”—“time to say, that's all”).
• Promises of tomorrow’s episode, gentle goodbyes, and a playful shout-out to Dinah Shore.

"Say, hello to diner for me tomorrow, will you?"
— Jenny Sims [12:57]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On chemistry and playfulness:
  “Not so fast. I've got an ace too. Hey, what a pair. What a peach of a pair. Jenny, this calls for a duet.”
  — Jack Smith [00:41]

• On love and family:
  “As great oaks from little acorns grow, so do large families have their origin. And one little kiss in the shadow.”
  — Jack Smith [02:06]

• On music’s romantic effect:
  “Every time you sing this great George Gershwin love song, the marriage license bureau has to stay open till midnight. Believe me, I know.”
  — Jack Smith [07:50]

Suggested Listening Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|------------| | Opening banter & duet setup | 00:29–00:52 | | "We'd Make a Peach of a Pear" (duet) | 00:52–01:56 | | "We Kiss in a Shadow" | 02:22–04:19 | | Tide musical ad break | 04:19–05:19 | | Gospel/spiritual medley | 05:19–07:41 | | "Somebody Loves Me" (Ginny Simms) | 07:58–09:15 | | "September Song"/sentimental segment | 09:42–12:13 | | Closing banter and sign-off | 12:36–13:01 |

Episode Tone & Style

• Warm, playful, and wholesome: A mix of witty banter, affectionate teasing, and family-friendly storytelling.
• Nostalgic and sentimental: Songs about love, faith, and the passage of time, delivered with sincerity and heart.
• Musical variety: Classic American standards, gospel-inspired numbers, and sparkling orchestral arrangements.

This episode captures the essence of mid-century radio: its inviting atmosphere, comforting melodies, and enduring charm. Perfect for listeners seeking warmth, gentle humor, and a touch of Americana.