Vic and Sade 38-03-03 (x) Official Host

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Vic and Sade 38-03-03 (x) Official Host"

Release Date: May 12, 2025

---

Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the beloved series "Vic and Sade." Specifically, this installment, titled "38-03-03 (x) Official Host," delves into the humorous and heartfelt dynamics of the Gook family as they prepare for an upcoming house party. Set in the quaint neighborhood of Virginia Avenue, the episode captures the everyday adventures and familial interactions that endeared Vic and Sade to audiences decades ago.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens in the late afternoon within the humble abode of Mr. Victor Gook and his son, Mr. Rush Cook. The narration paints a vivid picture of their small house, emphasizing the intimate setting where the father is engaged in home office work while Rush returns from school, brimming with enthusiasm about an impending social event.

Central Conflict: The Hosting Dilemma

At the heart of the episode is Rush Cook's frustration over his mother's decision to take over the hosting duties for an upcoming party originally designated for him. Rush, initially appointed as the official host in honor of Mrs. Nicer Scott, is dismayed when his mother opts to exclude the children from the guest list and assume control of the arrangements herself. This shift ignites Rush's determination to reclaim his role and elevate the party's grandeur.

Notable Quote:

Rush Cook (02:05): "If I could be reinstated as official host, I'd put on a party you'd hear about."

Rush Cook's Grand Plans

Fueled by his passion, Rush outlines an ambitious blueprint to transform the party into an unforgettable spectacle. His plans are a blend of creativity and over-the-top measures, reflecting the exuberant spirit of youth. Some of his notable ideas include:

1. Medical Presence for Class and Safety:

   • Details: Rush proposes hiring two physicians and three trained nurses to monitor the guests, ensuring that any mishaps are promptly addressed.
   • Quote:

     Rush Cook (05:14): "Suppose somebody gets sick at the party?"

2. Police Officer as an Ornamental Security Measure:

   • Details: A policeman would mingle with guests to maintain order, adding a sense of sophistication and security.
   • Quote:

     Rush Cook (07:23): "The policeman will just be an ornament. He'll add tone to the party, keep order and see that nobody makes a disturbance."

3. Tattooing Guests as a Memorable Memento:

   • Details: Hiring a local tattoo artist to commemorate the event with tattoos inscribed with the date and Rush's name.
   • Quote:

     Rush Cook (08:19): "There's a tattoo fella that's just started up business down on West Evan Street. I'm going to hire him to come out here the night of the party and tattoo all the various guests."

4. Fire Department Engagement for Evening Revival:

   • Details: As a means to revive the evening's energy, Rush contemplates calling the fire department to create excitement, although he later acknowledges the potential risks involved.
   • Quote:

     Rush Cook (06:14): "Along about 9:30 in the evening, party's kind of sag. [...] I'm gonna telephone the fire department."

Father-Son Interaction and Support

Victor Gook serves as the voice of reason amidst Rush's lofty plans. While he appreciates his son's enthusiasm and creative energy, he gently cautions against impractical extremes. Victor recognizes the importance of nurturing Rush's aspirations while maintaining a balance of realism.

Notable Quote:

Victor Gook (05:00): "Melon seed, I've noticed you're apt to show a tendency to lean towards impractical extremes. I approve of the happy fires of youth in all that. But I reach a conservative age."

Despite his reservations, Victor expresses his willingness to support Rush's endeavors, suggesting ways to advocate for his son's role as the official host. This dynamic underscores the show's recurring theme of familial support and understanding.

Rush's Determination and Final Plans

Undeterred by his father's cautious approach, Rush outlines his commitment to making the party a landmark event that would be talked about for years to come. His strategic thinking includes leveraging media attention and ensuring that every aspect of the party exudes sophistication and excitement.

Notable Quote:

Rush Cook (04:10): "Enthusiasm is contagious. And that's supposed to be true? ... That ought to get printed in the newspaper, too."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Rush seeking his father's assistance in persuading his mother to reinstate him as the official host. Victor agrees to help, recognizing the potential for Rush to bring fresh energy and innovation to the family's social gatherings. As the narrative wraps up, listeners are left anticipating the unfolding of Rush's grand plans and the ensuing family dynamics that promise both comedy and warmth.

---

Key Takeaways and Themes

• Generational Differences: The episode highlights the contrast between Rush's youthful exuberance and Victor's seasoned pragmatism, a common theme that adds depth to their relationship.

• Ambition vs. Realism: Rush's elaborate plans embody the clash between ambitious dreams and practical limitations, offering a humorous take on the lengths one might go to achieve recognition and success.

• Family Support: Despite differing viewpoints, the underlying support between father and son underscores the importance of familial bonds and mutual respect.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Rush Cook (02:05): "If I could be reinstated as official host, I'd put on a party you'd hear about."
2. Rush Cook (05:14): "Suppose somebody gets sick at the party?"
3. Rush Cook (07:23): "The policeman will just be an ornament. He'll add tone to the party, keep order and see that nobody makes a disturbance."
4. Rush Cook (08:19): "There's a tattoo fella that's just started up business down on West Evan Street. I'm going to hire him to come out here the night of the party and tattoo all the various guests."
5. Victor Gook (05:00): "Melon seed, I've noticed you're apt to show a tendency to lean towards impractical extremes. I approve of the happy fires of youth in all that. But I reach a conservative age."
6. Rush Cook (04:10): "Enthusiasm is contagious. And that's supposed to be true? ... That ought to get printed in the newspaper, too."

---

Final Thoughts

"Vic and Sade 38-03-03 (x) Official Host" encapsulates the charm and wit that made the original radio series a staple of family entertainment. Through relatable characters and engaging storytelling, the episode offers a delightful glimpse into the everyday challenges and triumphs of the Gook family. Harold's Old Time Radio successfully revives this classic, providing both nostalgia for longtime fans and fresh enjoyment for new listeners.

Transcript

[Grainger Rep]

If you're alignment in charge of keeping the lights on. Grainger understands that you go to great lengths and sometimes heights to ensure the power is always flowing. Which is why you can count on Grainger for professional grade products and next day delivery. So you have everything you need to get the job done. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Narrator]

Well, sir, it's late afternoon as we enter the small house. Halfway up in the next rock valve. And here in the kitchen we find Mr. Victor Gook and his son, Mr. Rush Cook. Mr. Victor Gook has drawn the kitchen table over by the sink where the light's the best. And he's doing a spot of office work at home. And Mr. Rushcook, who just this moment arrived from school. Removes his cap and overcoat.

[Rush Cook]

Listen, thought through there, guy.

[Victor Gook]

I am through with actual labor. All I have to do now is copy some figures neatly on a sheet of paper.

[Rush Cook]

It's all right if I talk then, huh?

[Victor Gook]

You go ahead.

[Rush Cook]

Mom's after.

[Victor Gook]

Mom's next door. It's you in the fat with ma. Daniel. What's on your mind?

[Rush Cook]

I've been doing considerable thinking about the party we're going to have a week from Saturday.

[Victor Gook]

Reach me my eraser. I dropped it on the floor.

[Rush Cook]

That party was taken right out of my hands, you know.

[Victor Gook]

So I understand.

[Rush Cook]

Here.

[Victor Gook]

Thanks.

[Rush Cook]

Mom started out by making me official host. The party was to be in honor of nicer Scott. And I was gonna be in charge of all arrangements. But she figured too many people would have to be invited. So she decided to leave out the kids and took over the arrangements herself.

[Victor Gook]

You see the good sense of that, don't you? We can't get the population of the United States in this modest dwelling. No, just the same, what exactly is your beef?

[Rush Cook]

If I could be reinstated as official host, I'd put on a party you'd hear about.

[Victor Gook]

Yeah, my sympathy crab meat. But I don't see what I can do about the medi.

[Rush Cook]

Well, I was thinking maybe you could.

[Victor Gook]

Persuade Marm to reinstate you as official host. Yeah, it's hardly in my department.

[Rush Cook]

You'll be present at the party a week from next Saturday. You want to have a bang up time, won't you?

[Victor Gook]

Sure.

[Rush Cook]

The plans I got worked out at guarantee you a bang up time hurt. So you'd have so much enjoyment you'd never forget it. Papa, all afternoon I've been running stuff through my head.

[Victor Gook]

You went to school this afternoon, didn't You?

[Rush Cook]

Yeah. But I never paid much attention in class. My mind was busy on sensational arrangements for this party. I got sense worked out. People will talk about for the next 50 years.

[Victor Gook]

Sounds like you plan a social function of a rather ambitious nature.

[Rush Cook]

I do.

[Victor Gook]

Reach me my race again, will you? I seem to be all butterfingers today.

[Rush Cook]

You know what the party will be like if mom gives it, don't you?

[Victor Gook]

No, what it'll be.

[Rush Cook]

Here's your racer.

[Victor Gook]

Thanks. Dull the party to be dull under your mother's management.

[Rush Cook]

Well, maybe dull is a harsh word.

[Victor Gook]

Maybe it is.

[Rush Cook]

Maybe ordinary is better. The people will come here. They'll hang their hat and coat in the hall. They all go in the living room and sit down. They'll talk back and forth. After a while, mom will whip out ice cream and cake. They'll talk a while longer. Pretty soon they say goodnight and go home. Party's all over.

[Victor Gook]

That setup don't appeal to you, huh?

[Rush Cook]

No. Like everybody else's party, there's nothing different about it.

[Victor Gook]

But send me your ideas.

[Rush Cook]

Can I expect cooperation from you? If I confide in you?

[Victor Gook]

Cooperation?

[Rush Cook]

Will you try to persuade Mom I ought to be reinstated as official host.

[Victor Gook]

Well, frankly, Margaret, I don't think I could so much wait. Your mother's decisions on matters like this are generally pretty cut and dried.

[Rush Cook]

Well, you could try. You could come whooping in all excited and slap her on the back and say, by golly, say, that Rush sure has rung the bell. He's got stunts lined up for this party a week from Saturday that'll make you jump over the People's bank building. The basketball cheerleader, Nate Crabtree, wrote a sentence on the blackboard at a pep meeting we had last week. Sentence was, enthusiasm is contagious.

[Victor Gook]

Enthusiasm is contagious.

[Rush Cook]

Enthusiasm is contagious. And that's supposed to be true? Look, pretty soon mom will be home. Suppose when she opens the door, you jump out of your chair like a skyrocket and say, by gosh, kiddo, that doggone Rush has got stunts doctored up for this party a week from Saturday that'll make you swallow your shoes. Enthusiasm is contagious. Well, work it right and you'll have mom reinstating me as official host in 40 seconds.

[Victor Gook]

Well, what are some of these stunts of yours?

[Rush Cook]

Got them right here in my pocket, wrote down on a piece of paper in the past.

[Victor Gook]

Melon seed, I've noticed you're apt to show a tendency to lean towards impractical extremes. I approve of the happy fires of youth in all that. But I reach a conservative age. Okay.

[Rush Cook]

Two physicians and three trained nurses in constant attendance.

[Victor Gook]

How's that?

[Rush Cook]

If I'm reinstated as official host of the party, I'm gonna have a platform in the front hallway. On this platform will be five chairs. In the chairs will be seated two doctors and three nurses all dressed in white.

[Victor Gook]

What's the idea?

[Rush Cook]

Suppose somebody gets sick at the party?

[Victor Gook]

Why should anybody get sick?

[Rush Cook]

Some might eat too much ice cream. Others might get exhausted laughing at the jolly jokes you can't ever tell. People are human beings and liable to get sick any minute of the day or night. Anyway, it gives class to a party. Innocent bystanders downtown will be saying, hey, Walter. Hear about the big social function they had on Virginia Avenue? Two doctors and three nurses was hired to keep eye on the guests.

[Victor Gook]

Hmm.

[Rush Cook]

There'll be a piece in the newspaper. One of the most stylish events of the whole pleasure craze social season was given last night by Mr. Rush Cook of Virginia Avenue. Among those present was. And so forth and so on.

[Victor Gook]

Got any more fancy features?

[Rush Cook]

Got plenty. For one thing, I'm going to call the fire department.

[Victor Gook]

You don't contemplate liveening up the party by setting the house on fire?

[Rush Cook]

Oh, no.

[Victor Gook]

I was somewhat apprehensive. I love to see people have fun at my home, but I draw the line.

[Rush Cook]

Here's the angle. Along about 9:30 in the evening, party's kind of sag. Appreciate the angle I'm attempting to put across. Different guests start yawning and the official host begins to get desperate. He wonders what the heck had I better do to put some pep in things? Well, I got that problem solved. I'm gonna telephone the fire department.

[Victor Gook]

False alarm. Sure.

[Rush Cook]

Everybody enjoys watching fire wagons. And these fire wagons will stop right in front of our house. Great sport for everybody.

[Victor Gook]

I have a discouraging note. There's a severe penalty for turning in false alarms. Is there 10 years in jail or something? You can see for yourself that while the fire engines are coming here on a false alarm a real fire might break out somewhere and make it disagreeable all around.

[Rush Cook]

Well, guess I better cross that one off my list.

[Victor Gook]

Might be the best thing. What's your next?

[Rush Cook]

There'll be a policeman in uniform at the party. He'll walk around among the people all during the evening and sort of keep an eye on things.

[Victor Gook]

You're afraid our guest will steal the Pooh spoons?

[Rush Cook]

No.

[Victor Gook]

What are you afraid they'll steal?

[Rush Cook]

Nothing. The policeman will just be an ornament. He'll Add tone to the party, keep order and see that nobody makes a disturbance. Very fashionable, ain't it?

[Victor Gook]

Though I imagine the people we invite to the party will be greatly flattered.

[Rush Cook]

Sure.

[Victor Gook]

Of course. I hope your policemen don't find it necessary to hit any of our friends over the head with his billy club or.

[Rush Cook]

Oh, he won't do anything like that. He'll just mingle with the crowd. Of course, if groups start ganging up in doorways and stuff, he'll come along and holler, break it up. Break it up in a friendly sort of way. That ought to get printed in the newspaper, too. Among the stylish features at Mr. Reshcook's big social event Saturday night was the presence of a police officer who prevented riots and various other crimes. Hot stuff.

[Victor Gook]

Yeah. Tell me more of your plans.

[Rush Cook]

All right. Here's the big, super special stunt. Everybody's going to get tattooed with my compliments.

[Victor Gook]

Tattooed?

[Rush Cook]

Yeah, there's a tattoo fella that's just started up business down on West Evan Street. I'm going to hire him to come out here the night of the party and tattoo all the various guests.

[Victor Gook]

You going to tattoo pictures on him? No words.

[Rush Cook]

In memory of the finest social event I ever attended. Mr. Rushkook's party, March 12, 1938. How you like that?

[Victor Gook]

It's certainly different.

[Rush Cook]

Another idea of mine is to have 30.

[Victor Gook]

I believe that's all I got time for now, Harriet.

[Rush Cook]

Going someplace?

[Victor Gook]

Yeah. Got these figures all copied. I think I'll stroll down to the office with him.

[Rush Cook]

Well, will you work on mine?

[Victor Gook]

Sure.

[Rush Cook]

Persuade her I ought to be reinstated as official host at the party.

[Victor Gook]

Okay.

[Rush Cook]

You can say for yourself. I'll really put on a social function if I get the chance.

[Victor Gook]

No doubt about it. What you gonna do now?

[Rush Cook]

Telephone Rooster Davis. He'll be greatly interested in my various things. 4678J, please. Correct. I can trust you, can't I?

[Victor Gook]

Who?

[Rush Cook]

You mean not to be telling my plans around town?

[Victor Gook]

Oh, sure.

[Rush Cook]

I'm gonna bind Rooster to secrecy.

[Victor Gook]

I won't be there too soon. Well, your mother gets home before I do, tell her I've done five.

[Rush Cook]

Okay.

[Victor Gook]

So long.

[Rush Cook]

So long. Hello, Rooster.