Podcast Summary: "Up The Pole 1948-11-01 First Show"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Up The Pole 1948-11-01 First Show
• Release Date: January 31, 2025

1. Introduction to the New Series

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic announcement from the narrator, setting the stage for the first installment of the new adventure series featuring beloved characters from the Golden Age of Radio. Listeners are introduced to the main cast, including Claude Dampier, John Pertwee, Betty Paul, Roger Snowden, the five Smith brothers, Stanley Black’s orchestra, and the dynamic duo, Jimmy Jewel and Ben Warren.

Narrator [00:30]: "Do you know what's in store for you for the next half an hour, ladies and gentlemen?"

2. Setting the Scene: The Disused Fire Station Apartment

The story unfolds in an apartment situated above a neglected fire station, where Jimmy Jewel and Ben Warren have recently moved. The setting is a crisp autumn morning, establishing a cozy yet slightly nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the era.

Narrator [00:48]: "Since we last heard from our two heroes, they've moved into an apartment over a disused fire station."

3. Character Dynamics: Jimmy's Preparations and Ben's Frustrations

The episode delves into the personalities of the two central characters. Jimmy Jewel is depicted as a lovable yet somewhat bumbling figure, meticulously cleaning his teeth and rehearsing a song to impress the audience. Meanwhile, Ben Warren showcases his exasperation with Jimmy’s antics, highlighting the humorous tension between the two.

Ben Warren [01:35]: "All right, all right, all right. Stop gargling. That'll be quite enough of that noise, James."

Jimmy Jewel [02:00]: "Sweet ladies and gentlemen."

Their banter continues as Ben urges Jimmy to come out of the bathroom, leading to a playful exchange about Jimmy’s unexpected effort to greet the audience with a song.

4. The Heart of the Plot: Jimmy's Quest to Impress Betty

The central plot revolves around Jimmy's affectionate feelings for Betty Paul and his desire to gift her a special present for her upcoming birthday. Jimmy is both nervous and conflicted about how to approach Betty, revealing his insecurities and genuine intentions.

Jimmy Jewel [02:24]: "Oh, I don't like to tell you."

Ben Warren [02:31]: "Oh, yes, you will. I've guessed it. It's something to do with Betty."

Jimmy confesses his admiration for Betty and his longing to be someone she admires, even wistfully mentioning his desire to be a film star like Robert Taylor.

Jimmy Jewel [03:01]: "I wish I were a film star."

5. Betty's Entrance and the Ring Request

Betty arrives, bringing a mix of charm and practicality to the conversation. She graciously accepts Jimmy’s offer to give her a present but mentions that her cousin, Roderick Porch Bellows, has already been generous. However, she specifies her desire for a particular ring priced at £50, setting the stage for Jimmy’s ensuing dilemma.

Betty [05:07]: "Well, there's one little thing, but it's much too expensive for Jimmy to buy it."

Jimmy Jewel [05:24]: "It shall be yours."

Despite Jimmy's heartfelt promise, he realizes he lacks the funds to purchase the ring, leading to a humorous yet poignant moment of anxiety.

Jimmy Jewel [06:04]: "It's marked £50, Ben. What? She said the ring was marked £50."

Ben Warren [06:22]: "Well, that's what I thought she said."

6. Introduction of Burpee: The Friend with a Scheme

As Jimmy grapples with his financial woes, Burpee enters the scene, bringing a subplot of comedic relief and potential solutions. Burpee boasts about his escapades in currency trading and introduces the "help yourself football pool," attempting to entice Jimmy and Ben into participating with promises of substantial rewards.

Burpee [07:50]: "I'm an agent for the help yourself football pool."

Burpee [08:07]: "Well, listen, mates, only last week with one of my fear nothing forecasts a bloke won 50,000 nicker."

Jimmy contemplates the possibility of winning the money needed for the ring, showcasing his desperation and the lengths he's willing to go to win Betty's favor.

Jimmy Jewel [08:14]: "£50,000?"

7. The Cliffhanger: Signing Up for the Football Pool

The episode reaches a suspenseful moment as Burpee persuades Jimmy to sign up for the football pool, suggesting that this could be his chance to secure the £50 needed for Betty's ring. The interaction ends abruptly with hints of potential complications, leaving listeners eager for the next episode.

Jimmy Jewel [08:30]: "That's it. Now go on, give me the £50,000."

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Warren [02:38]: "You mean to say you've asked a pretty young girl like Betty round to this dirty old fire station?"

• Jimmy Jewel [03:09]: "Don't you realize that one day you're kissing Betty Grable, Lana Turner, Donatha Moore, the next day you're just a has been."

• Burpee [07:18]: "First of all, I took me £35 in English money over to France."

• Burpee [08:16]: "It's all right. Then sign this here paper, Mr. Jewel."

8. Conclusion and Tease for Future Episodes

While the episode concludes before resolving Jimmy’s predicament, it effectively sets up multiple storylines for future exploration. Listeners are left anticipating how Jimmy will obtain the necessary funds and whether Burpee’s football pool scheme will pay off—or lead to further comedic misadventures.

Overall Impression:

"Up The Pole" masterfully captures the essence of Golden Age radio with its engaging characters, witty dialogues, and relatable predicaments. The episode balances humor with heartfelt moments, particularly through Jimmy's earnest efforts to win Betty's affection. The introduction of Burpee adds an exciting layer of potential fortune and the classic radio trope of too-good-to-be-true schemes. With its rich storytelling and nostalgic charm, this first show promises an entertaining series that harkens back to a beloved era of family radio entertainment.