Victory Front 42-xx-xx (x) The World Tomorrow (The Goldbergs)

Summary

Victory Front 42-xx-xx (x): The World Tomorrow (The Goldbergs) – Detailed Summary

Release Date: April 10, 2025

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Overview

In this compelling episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio", titled "Victory Front 42-xx-xx (x): The World Tomorrow (The Goldbergs)", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Harold’s Old Time Radio, the episode delves into the heartfelt story of the Goldberg family as they navigate the challenges of love, war, and the hope for a better future. Set against the backdrop of wartime America, the narrative highlights the resilience and aspirations of a family striving to maintain normalcy amidst global turmoil.

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Plot Summary

The episode centers around Molly Goldberg, a devoted mother, and her efforts to arrange a wedding for her daughter, Basha, with a young man named Jake, whose future is intertwined with military service. The story unfolds with Molly convincing her cousin, Bob, to consent to the marriage despite his reservations about Basha marrying someone destined for the army.

As the family prepares for the wedding, the dynamics between Molly and her husband, David Goldberg, provide both humor and emotional depth. The scene captures the intimate moments of getting ready, emphasizing the personal sacrifices and adjustments families make during wartime.

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the emotional farewell between Jake and the Goldbergs. Despite Jake’s initial reluctance and the uncertainties of war, Molly passionately persuades him of the importance of building a future and raising a family, even in such trying times. This culminates in Jake’s heartfelt goodbye as he prepares to leave for the army camp, embodying the collective hope for peace and prosperity.

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Key Themes and Discussions

1. Sacrifice and Duty:

   • The episode underscores the sacrifices families make when a loved one is called to serve. Jake’s departure is portrayed not just as a personal loss but as a collective contribution to the nation's victory.

2. Hope for the Future:

   • Molly’s impassioned plea to Jake highlights the belief in a brighter tomorrow. Her encouragement to bring children into the world symbolizes the enduring hope that post-war life will be filled with love and growth.

3. Generational Perspectives:

   • The generational dialogue between Molly and her son David reflects differing viewpoints on tradition and modernity. This dynamic illustrates the evolving societal norms during wartime.

4. Role of Women:

   • Molly embodies the strength and resilience of women, juggling familial responsibilities while supporting the war effort. Her advocacy for marriage and family amidst chaos speaks to the pivotal role women played in maintaining societal structures.

5. Impact of War on Society:

   • The closing narration extends the personal story to a broader societal context, addressing issues like juvenile delinquency and the indoctrination of youth in enemy nations. It serves as a call to action to protect and nurture the younger generation for a peaceful future.

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Notable Quotes

• Molly Goldberg (02:32): "Was there ever a generation that was luckier? Was there ever parents that gave so much and did so much and endured so much for their children and their children's children?"

• Jake (05:17): "Because I have other things to worry about other than weddings."

• Molly Goldberg (09:03): "Think, Basha. Think of today. Think of millions of Joes and millions of Bellas giving everything. Their time, their work, their lives."

• Narrator (11:23): "The children of this country have a clean and beautiful childhood. And they must continue to have it forever."

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Conclusions and Insights

"The World Tomorrow" masterfully intertwines the personal and the political, showcasing how individual lives reflect and contribute to the broader national narrative. Through the Goldberg family's experiences, the episode emphasizes the importance of perseverance, love, and foresight in shaping a just and peaceful society. The poignant dialogues and emotional farewells serve as a testament to the enduring human spirit during times of adversity.

The concluding messages resonate deeply, urging listeners to recognize the significance of nurturing the next generation. By highlighting the threats posed by indoctrination and societal neglect, the episode reinforces the idea that sustaining a free and humane world requires active participation and care for its youth.

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Credits

• Host/Author: Harold’s Old Time Radio
• Characters: Gertrude Berg as Molly, James R. Waters as Jake, Rosalind Silver, Sacks Onassha Skolnick, Frances Adler, Cecilia Evans, Sam Wanamaker, and Billy Norman.
• Narrator: Irene Wicker
• Announcer: John Allen Wolfe
• Writer/Director: Gertrude Berg

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This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" not only entertains but also serves as a nostalgic reminder of the resilience and hope that defined the American spirit during the war years. It offers valuable insights into the societal dynamics and personal sacrifices that contributed to shaping a better future.

Transcript

[Styles Mackenzie]

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[Molly Goldberg]

Wayfair Every style, every home.

[Irene Wicker]

The Victory Front, presented by the United States Government, brings you the Goldberg. The United States government has the pleasure of bringing you a new series of programs, a different kind of series. During these programs, the people many of us know and love, people we meet every day on the radio, have volunteered to visit here at the same time each weekday on the Victory Front. Now, speaking for the United States government, here is Irene Wicker.

[Narrator]

The Victory Front features the Goldbergs this week, followed and loved by millions of Americans. The story of the Goldbergs typifies those families of America who are showing the strength of character, the courage and the fortitude that are needed to help shape our future. Today, as we visit the Goldbergs once again, we shall see what Molly does about a problem that concerns every one of us who is wondering about the world we're going to live in tomorrow.

[Irene Wicker]

Well, Molly almost accomplished a miracle yesterday. She got her cousin Bob to give her consent to a wedding. Cousin Basia couldn't see that her daughter should marry a young man whose future was bounded by an army camp and war. Love, the times, the new ways of living caused by this immense struggle to achieve a victory for human rights. All these mattered little besides Basha's interest in a three room apartment and other incidentals of a peacetime marriage. But Molly took Basha in hand. And the wedding is on. And today, Molly ties every strand together in a personal victory which predicts the victory we all should have. Listen, Molly.

[Molly Goldberg]

Yes, darling?

[David Goldberg]

Molly, darling, fix my tie, please. Please fix it.

[Molly Goldberg]

All right, darling.

[David Goldberg]

You know how.

[Molly Goldberg]

You see? Why don't I know how? Yeah. Please. You see, darling, we're going to have a wedding. Huh? At last. Oh, my.

[David Goldberg]

The only thing I'm changing for the wedding is my tie.

[Molly Goldberg]

It's all right. The only thing I'm gonna change is. I don't know. My face. I'll wash my face.

[Narrator]

That's good. Yes.

[David Goldberg]

I'm standing.

[Molly Goldberg]

Stand down. You like it with the bow? I didn't like it.

[David Goldberg]

No?

[Molly Goldberg]

How many times?

[David Goldberg]

I'll see in the mirror.

[Molly Goldberg]

Don't move. Like that. Hand so I Can see like that. Make it plain, you know. Molly. I got it. I got it, Mama. Darling, can you fix my hand? One minute, dear. One second. I'll fix Uncle David's pie face. Stand.

[David Goldberg]

I'm standing. Molly, tell me, what train is Jake taking?

[Molly Goldberg]

I told him to take the 940. He will marry.

[David Goldberg]

He'll be here. He'll be here. Jake likes weddings.

[Molly Goldberg]

Mom. And darling, please run my hair. One second. How do you want me to fix it? You brought a brush? Did you brought a brush? Yeah. He'll come and stand by me. I think it's good, David Dar. Maybe a little bit too loose. I don't know. How are you going to fix your hair? Right there.

[David Goldberg]

It's all right, Molly. You made it very good.

[Molly Goldberg]

All right, darling. I don't like pompadour. I don't. What about the pompadour? Why not? Like I always like on the side with the part. And then it comes neatly, nicely. The telephone. Take the.

[David Goldberg]

I'll take it. I'll take it.

[Molly Goldberg]

Take the telephone.

[David Goldberg]

Molly, you fix Rosalie's hair. All right, and I'll take the pen.

[Molly Goldberg]

I don't like Rosalie.

[David Goldberg]

Hello?

[Jake]

Hello?

[Molly Goldberg]

Who is it?

[David Goldberg]

David.

[Jake]

David. Jake.

[David Goldberg]

Jake, where are you?

[Jake]

I'm home.

[Molly Goldberg]

It's Jake.

[David Goldberg]

You're not in the train.

[Molly Goldberg]

Take the brooch.

[Jake]

How can I be on the train if I'm home?

[Molly Goldberg]

Let me, darling. Let me.

[David Goldberg]

Wait a minute. The wedding is an afternoon wedding, Jake. Because the groom is taking the train to camp after the wedding.

[Molly Goldberg]

Papa's not on the train yet. It's Jake. Pasha. Hello? Hello?

[David Goldberg]

One minute, Molly. I can't hear.

[Molly Goldberg]

Why did you rush out of the thumb, Bassy? You'll catch a cold.

[David Goldberg]

It's a warm bathroom.

[Molly Goldberg]

Papa's not on the train.

[David Goldberg]

Just a sec.

[Narrator]

Hello?

[Molly Goldberg]

What train will he make?

[David Goldberg]

Hello? One minute. Molly is here. She wishes.

[Molly Goldberg]

Forgive me. Not on the train yet. I called early this morning. I'm not on the train yet. Hello, Jake.

[Jake]

Hello, Jake.

[Molly Goldberg]

Why aren't you on the train?

[Jake]

Because I have other things to worry about other than weddings.

[Molly Goldberg]

Don't worry, but come.

[Jake]

If I catch you 10, three, I'll be there.

[Molly Goldberg]

If not, no nuts, Jake. Please, no nuts. No nuts, please.

[Jake]

She gave her consent to the marriage?

[Molly Goldberg]

Yes, darling. She wants to say a few words to you. Bash is standing right here. She wants to say one minute. Right here.

[Jake]

This is long distance, Molly.

[Molly Goldberg]

One minute. She'll make it short. Bash is short.

[Narrator]

It's long short because it's close.

[Basha]

Hello, Jake.

[Jake]

Well, Bashy, congratulations.

[Basha]

Thank you.

[Jake]

You'll be Our war mother.

[Basha]

My daughter can be a war bride. I can be a war mother in law.

[Jake]

That's the spirit.

[Basha]

The spirit of 1943.

[David Goldberg]

Spirit of 1942.

[Basha]

Right.

[Jake]

I'll make the 10. Please.

[Basha]

Please. Uncle Jake.

[Narrator]

Bella.

[Basha]

Bella is here.

[Molly Goldberg]

Say hello.

[Basha]

Bella, say hello. Say hello to the bride.

[David Goldberg]

Say hello to the flag.

[Basha]

Take the phone. Bella. The Jake wants to talk to you.

[Molly Goldberg]

Hello?

[Jake]

Hello.

[Molly Goldberg]

Yes, Uncle Jake.

[Jake]

Happy?

[Molly Goldberg]

Very happy.

[Jake]

Where you going on your honor moon?

[Molly Goldberg]

To a defense plant. And Joe's going to camp.

[Jake]

Bravo.

[Molly Goldberg]

That's what I say.

[Jake]

I'm making the ten tree.

[Molly Goldberg]

We'll wait for you. Don't say goodbye. Don't say goodbye. I want to say goodbye. Say a word yet to Uncle Jake here at. Mom. Give me that. I want to say a word yet. Hello, Jake. Jay. Jay. Oh, yeah. Thank you. Hunk. Hello? Hello, Operator? I was talking to Lassenberry Six eight. Connect me, please.

[David Goldberg]

You're not connected.

[Molly Goldberg]

J. Cole. Don't bother, Mikey. You said what you wanted to say. Hello.

[Jake]

Hello.

[Molly Goldberg]

Hello, Jake. Why did you hang?

[Jake]

I was finished. Why shouldn't I hang much further? Do you want me to say?

[Molly Goldberg]

I just want to say goodbye.

[Jake]

Goodbye.

[Molly Goldberg]

Goodbye.

[Jake]

Can I hang?

[Molly Goldberg]

Hang.

[Jake]

Goodbye.

[Molly Goldberg]

Bye, Mama darling. And Molly. Uncle David. I'm so happy. Everybody's happy.

[Narrator]

Darling, will you pack my bag?

[Basha]

Sure, darling. Sure. What dress are you going to wear?

[Molly Goldberg]

What difference does it make? It doesn't have to be white satin and duchess lace.

[Narrator]

A dress.

[Basha]

I always pictured you in a white veil.

[Molly Goldberg]

Those are old movies. Silent pictures. Only for museums. Okay, Jo. The bridegroom and the groom. And the bridegroom.

[David Goldberg]

It's a New world. Bashing.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Basha]

Now, trousseau. What will I do with all the things? All the pillowcases and sheets and towels. Everything I saved all these years for her.

[Narrator]

Trousseau.

[David Goldberg]

Save them. Let anybody use them that needs them.

[Molly Goldberg]

Rosie. Yes, Bella? Come here a minute. Help me. Go.

[Irene Wicker]

Help.

[Molly Goldberg]

Go. Help. Hello, Jerry.

[Irene Wicker]

Hello, everybody.

[David Goldberg]

Congratulations.

[Irene Wicker]

Thank you, Uncle David. This is the police. Bella want you to pack this.

[Basha]

This is the bank. This. Joe.

[Narrator]

Joe.

[Basha]

After the war, promise me. Promise me you'll take an apartment.

[Irene Wicker]

Why, sure. A four room airplane. And we'll live in the clouds for the rest of our lives.

[Molly Goldberg]

Coming, honey.

[Basha]

A four room airplane.

[David Goldberg]

An airplane is bad. After supper, if you feel like playing Chinese checkers, you fly to China. Fly to China. Yes, I'm coming.

[Molly Goldberg]

Fly to China automatically.

[Basha]

I can't laugh. And what if we have a baby?

[Molly Goldberg]

What do you say?

[Basha]

Ma Bella. No babies.

[Molly Goldberg]

Why not?

[Narrator]

Coming, Jo.

[Molly Goldberg]

Why no babies?

[Basha]

Bashi, how could there be babies with no home? No, no, no, no nothing. But even aside from that, Molly, even aside from that, what kind of a world is this to bring babies into?

[Molly Goldberg]

Was there ever such a world as this, Pasha? To bring babies into? Was there ever such a time and such a future? Think, Vashya. Think of today. Think of millions of Joes and millions of Bellas giving everything. Their time, their work, their lives. Giving from their deepest hearts. Sacrificing and building. For what, Varsha? For what? For what? Do you think they're making a world with their blood and their tears and their lives? A world that'll shine and be bright and for good. For those babies, Basha. For all the children born and to be born. Was there ever a generation that was luckier? Was there ever parents that gave so much and did so much and endured so much for their children and their children's children? Oh, Bashar, if there was ever a time to have children, now is the time. If there ever was a time to live, now is the time. Bashan. Now is the time for everything human. Because. Because it's a more human world that we're building, Bash.

[Irene Wicker]

And so in this small scene, in this little drama of small lives, we can see, as Molly so clearly saw, that the greatest hopes of ourselves and our allies are mirrored in every single thing we do to win the war. If ever there were a world that was being built directly by the work and sacrifices of women, this is the world. Your world. And now, once again, speaking for the United States government, here is Irene Wicker.

[Narrator]

Now you have the answer. Molly believes, and wisely so, that young married couples should bring children into this world. That life goes on despite the war must go on if we're to win what we're fighting for. The right to life itself. The right to live as free men and women in a free world. The right to bring up our children as we wish. The right to care for them and help them find life's beauty and happiness. That means we must give more thought to children now. It means we must care more for them by giving them more care. You see, juvenile crime and delinquency have risen sharply since the war began. It's directly traceable to the war. We can and must do something about it. In Germany, children are trained to crime from the cradle. The lust for savagery, death and murder is aroused just as systematically as the willingness to die. The children brought up in the Nazi faith will grow up and spread to the rest of the world. Their poison of violence, racial and religious hatred unless we save them and ourselves by destroying the evil that whips them on. But there will be no sense in saving them and ourselves if we do not look out for our own children. The children of this country have a clean and beautiful childhood. And they must continue to have it forever. It's for them, for their faith in life and the future, that our soldiers are fighting on far flung battlefields. You and I, they're friends, we of the older generation, we must help that youth which is fighting for us all. They must be protected and cared for now so they can be useful citizens in the future.

[Irene Wicker]

You have heard the final episode of the Goldbergs brought to you on the Victory Front, a new series of special programs in which characters of daytime programs are visiting you on behalf of your government. The United States government wishes to thank the sponsors of the Goldbergs and all those who are donating their talents on the program, including the following members of the American Federation of Radio Gertrude Berg as Molly, James R. Waters as Jake, Rosalind, Silver Sacks, Onassha Skolnick, Frances Adler, Cecilia Evans, Sam Wanamaker and Billy Norman. Your narrator has been Irene Wicker, and your announcer is John Allen Wolfe. The Goldbergs is written and directed by Gertrude Berg.