Harold's Old Time Radio – Union Oil Program 40-05-27 Ep035: "New Moon"
Aired August 24, 2025 | Summary by Podcast Summarizer

Episode Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio features a lively adaptation of Sigmund Romberg and Oscar Hammerstein’s operetta, The New Moon, presented as part of the Union Oil Program. Set in 1792 New Orleans, the melodrama unfolds with romance, threats of betrayal, swashbuckling intrigue, and an undercurrent of revolutionary idealism, all peppered with spirited musical numbers and high drama, as the program brings “the golden age of radio” to contemporary audiences.

Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Introduction and Setting (00:12-06:06)

• Narrator/Robert Michion opens in classic radio style, with a behind-the-scenes look at technical ingenuity ("seven microphones are used… for chorus, orchestra, and soloists"), cleverly tying this production method to Union Oil’s “blending” of gasoline stocks.
• The operetta is set in 1792 New Orleans at the estate of Monsieur Benoit, home to slave, fugitive, and would-be revolutionary Robert Michion.

2. The Net Closes on Robert (06:06-10:27)

• Monsieur Ribault, the King’s agent, reveals his mission: to locate and apprehend Chevalier Robert Michion for killing the King's cousin in a tavern scuffle—disguised, Robert overhears these plans.
  • “So, as I was telling you, I've come to America to find Chevalier Robert Mission.” —Monsieur Ribault, 06:06
• Robert and his compatriots plot a revolutionary uprising, underscoring the urgency: “Tonight, our plans for the people's uprising must be completed. We must plan to strike within 24 hours.” —Robert, 06:55
• A tense confrontation: disguised Ribault is identified and subdued; Robert decides, in a cunning turn, to attend a masquerade wearing Ribault's clothes for espionage.

3. Songs and Revolutionary Resolve (11:05-13:11)

• The episode features classic numbers:
  • “Softly As in a Morning Sunrise” and the rousing “Stout-hearted Men.”
• These songs underscore both longing and the spirit of rebellion.
  • “Start me with ten who are stout-hearted men and I'll soon give you ten thousand more…” —Chorus/Singers, 11:05

4. Gala Masquerade and Romantic Intrigue (15:08-20:25)

• Robert, disguised as Ribault, mingles at a grand party; Marianne sings about her desire for true love amid social conventions.
• Ribault, having escaped confinement, manipulates Marianne into exposing Robert.
  • “Why not enter into the spirit of flirting with Robert? ... Then you can visit him in the city prison and bait him on his little prank.” —Monsieur Ribault, 17:18
• A flirtatious dance leads to Robert’s unmasking and arrest. Marianne, conflicted, is swept into the intrigue.

5. Fate, Sacrifice & Hope on the Open Sea (21:15-25:44)

• Robert is to be shipped back to France to face the guillotine.
  • “His Majesty Louis XVI of France commands... to find the traitor Robert Mission and deliver him to the royal governor of the Bastille where he shall die by the guillotine.” —Monsieur Ribault, 20:40
• Marianne hides aboard, expressing her regret and love: “No, nothing can ever change the fact that I'm responsible for your being here.” —Marianne, 21:49
• They sing “Lover, Come Back to Me,” voicing longing and faint hope.

6. Climax: Pirate Ship Rescue & Revolution Triumphant (25:44-27:27)

• A pirate ship approaches: it turns out to be Robert’s own friends in disguise—Philippe leads the revolutionary cause.
  • “Don't you see who they are? The ship is a new moon out of New Orleans.” —Marianne, 26:14
• Ribault is shown mercy; news arrives that Louis XVI has fallen and France is now a Republic.
  • “Louis XVI is no more. France is now a republic.” —Robert, 26:41
• Robert and Marianne are liberated to return to New Orleans and a hopeful future.

7. Closing and Reflections (27:01-27:27)

• The lovers rejoice under a “new moon,” symbolizing renewal, hope, and a fresh start.
  • “No longer will the roads be lonely. And each night I shall say a prayer to a new moon that brought us this love.” —Robert, 27:02

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Hidden Identity and Pursuit
  • “It seems the net is closing in on me. That settles it. Tonight, our plans for the people's uprising must be completed.” —Robert, 06:53
• Wry Humor
  • “I want you to undress the gentleman and bring me his clothes… without clothes, you can’t very well go anyplace a gentleman.” —Robert, 10:10
• The Romantic Ideal
  • “I want to wait for just one man, it’s more fun to love…” —Marianne’s Song, 15:08
• On Hope and Revolution
  • “I had a dream, a hope of an island of Utopia where freedom, equality and liberty would rule.” —Robert, 22:04
• Triumphant Mercy
  • “By the laws of your kind, you should die. But we're going to give you your freedom... We're free.” —Robert, 26:27

Key Musical Segments

• "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise" (07:48): A signature operetta moment expressing new love and the bittersweetness of fate.
• "Stout-hearted Men" (11:05): Anthem of solidarity, echoing the revolutionary fervor.
• "Wanting You" & "Lover, Come Back to Me" (18:50, 23:06): Romantic longing at its core, beautifully rendered by Emily Hardy as Marianne.

Relevant Timestamps for Key Segments

• Setting the Scene, Innovation Connected to Union Oil: 00:12-00:50
• Robert Overhears His Fate / Plans Uprising: 06:06-06:53
• Musical Interlude – “Softly as in a Morning Sunrise”: 07:48-08:36
• Showdown and Disguise: 09:00-10:27
• Rousing Tune – “Stout-hearted Men”: 11:05-13:11
• Masquerade and Betrayal: 15:08-17:38
• Romantics and Arrest: 18:05-20:39
• Condemnation to the Bastille: 20:40-21:15
• Moonlit Confession & “Lover, Come Back to Me”: 21:49-25:12
• Pirate Rescue & Revolution News: 25:44-26:48
• Joyful Reunion Under New Moon: 27:01-27:27

Overall Impression

With its melodramatic plot, soaring songs, sharp wit, and hopeful message, this adaptation of The New Moon delightfully captures the spirit of old-time radio. The performances, especially those of Emily Hardy (Marianne) and William Ewing (Robert), give both heart and humor to a tale of love vs. fate, identity, and freedom. Union Oil’s sponsorship lends a period flavor and ties in every technical and thematic thread, making the episode not just entertainment, but a celebration of radio’s golden age itself.