We Love And Learn 49-04-29 xxx Thelma Visits Dixie

Summary

Podcast Summary: "We Love And Learn 49-04-29 xxx Thelma Visits Dixie"

Release Date: June 11, 2025
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Title: We Love And Learn 49-04-29 xxx Thelma Visits Dixie

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Introduction to Characters and Setting

The episode introduces listeners to Dixie Blake and her sister Thelma as they navigate familial tensions and mysterious occurrences surrounding their friend, Madam Sophie. The setting is Dixie’s cozy living room, where she shares her frustrations and suspicions about Madam Sophie's recent endeavors.

• Dixie Blake is depicted lounging on her sofa, visibly irritated and concerned about recent events.
• Thelma arrives at Dixie’s home, prompting a conversation that uncovers underlying tensions.

Madam Sophie's Move to the Country

Dixie reveals her exasperation with Madam Sophie’s decision to purchase and move into an old, seemingly haunted house in the countryside. The conversation sheds light on Madam Sophie’s drastic lifestyle change from a sophisticated designer on Fifth Avenue to a "gentleman farmer."

• Dixie Blake expresses her worries:
  “Madam Sophie's heard the call of the wild. Her peasant blood is cooking like the inside of a volcano.” ([02:10])

• Thelma tries to understand:
  “Maybe you better have a doctor, Dixie.” ([02:20])

Challenges in Setting Up the New Home

Madam Sophie’s ambitious plans clash with Dixie’s skepticism. She intends to fully invest in the rural lifestyle by tackling extensive renovations and purchasing authentic antiques, leaving Dixie doubtful about the feasibility.

• Dixie Blake laments the overwhelming amount of work:
  “I sound like I'm out of my head. Huh? Well, I'm not.” ([02:23])

• Madam Sophie outlines her commitment:
  “I'm going to roll up my sleeves and get more men. I am going to be superintendent.” ([05:12])

This segment highlights the stress and differing perspectives between Dixie and Madam Sophie regarding the renovation and furnishing of the old house.

Supernatural Suspicion and Ghostly Tales

Dixie remains unconvinced by Madam Sophie’s dismissal of supernatural occurrences in the house. She insists that the sounds and disturbances are not merely typical noises of an old house but signs of actual ghostly presence.

• Dixie Blake asserts her disbelief in the ghost explanations:
  “An automobile horn is just that. And not a ghost blowing his nose.” ([06:45])

• Thelma reflects on her childhood fears:
  “Oh, our house in the country talks all night. Used to scare me half to death when I was a child.” ([06:40])

Family Dynamics and Confrontation

The narrative intensifies as Thelma shares surprising news about their mother, Mrs. Carlton, having moved out and taken a furnished room herself. Dixie suspects ulterior motives behind this sudden change, believing Mrs. Carlton is manipulating the situation to her advantage.

• Thelma reveals the unexpected move:
  “She's moved out herself. She's the one who's taken a furnished room.” ([07:39])

• Dixie Blake voices her distrust:
  “Mrs. Carlton runs benefits for herself and no one else. She's up to something and no one can tell me different.” ([08:00])

Jim’s Involvement and Dixie’s Accusations

Jim, Thelma’s partner, enters the scene, adding another layer to the family drama. Dixie confronts him about his role in assisting Mrs. Carlton, suggesting that he is being controlled and used to keep Mrs. Carlton isolated.

• Dixie Blake accuses Jim:
  “What did you do for your mother tonight? Except listen again to how much she sacrificed for you?” ([10:54])

• Jim defends his actions:
  “Well, just having me there helped the first night alone.” ([11:08])

Climactic Confrontation and Revelation

The tension culminates in Dixie accusing both Jim and Thelma of being deceived by Mrs. Carlton. She implores them to recognize the manipulation and break free from their mother’s influence.

• Dixie Blake declares:
  “Thelma, you've been had. We've all been had. She's put one over on you but good.” ([09:17])

• Jim responds skeptically:
  “I suppose it's easy for an old sick woman to give up her own.” ([10:07])

Episode Conclusion

The episode concludes with unresolved tensions, leaving listeners anticipating how Dixie, Thelma, and Jim will navigate their strained relationships and the mysterious happenings in Madam Sophie’s new home. The interplay between skepticism and belief in the supernatural, coupled with family loyalty and manipulation, sets the stage for future developments.

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Notable Quotes

• Dixie Blake on Madam Sophie’s transformation:
  “Imagine, Fifth Avenue's smartest designer is gonna be a gentleman farmer.” ([02:49])

• Madam Sophie on her dedication:
  “Madame Sophie was there underfoot every minute.” ([05:24])

• Dixie Blake on her distrust of Mrs. Carlton:
  “Mrs. Carlton runs benefits for herself and no one else. She's up to something and no one can tell me different.” ([08:00])

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This episode of "We Love And Learn" delves deep into themes of trust, familial obligations, and the supernatural, all set against the backdrop of Madam Sophie’s ambitious country life transformation. Dixie’s protective instincts and skepticism create a compelling narrative that engages listeners, prompting them to ponder the true intentions behind Mrs. Carlton’s sudden move.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Trip Planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia made to travel. The makers of Sweetheart soap present the comedy drama we love and learn. Ladies, when you shop today or tomorrow, save nearly 25% in this sensational $0.01 sale of sweetheart soap. You get a full size cake of pure mild sweetheart soap for only one cent when you buy three cakes at the usual price. And that applies to the regular size cake and the big new bath size sweetheart. It's your best soap. Buy today. Simply buy three regular size cakes Sweetheart of and get one regular size cake for only a penny more. Or buy three bath size cakes and get one bath size cake for only a penny more. Offer good only. While $0.01 sale packages last today, get Sweetheart with soap that agrees with your skin. We love and learn in hair curlers and a bathrobe munching an apple, Dixie Blake lies comfortably ensconced on her sofa. As she turns the pages of a magazine, she occasionally sniffles.

[Dixie Blake]

Oh. Oh, murder. Either I'm getting that cold or I'm allergic to the stuff I'm reading. Yeah, who is it?

[Thelma]

It's Thelma.

[Dixie Blake]

Oh, come on in, kid. The door's unlocked. Hello?

[Thelma]

Hello, Dixie. Don't you feel well?

[Dixie Blake]

After the day I've had, honey, it's a wonder. I feel it all. Did it rain all day here too?

[Thelma]

Why, where were you, Dixie?

[Dixie Blake]

Out in the wide open spaces part of the time nearly drowning in mud and water. And the rest of the time chasing ghosts through a haunted old rattle trap of a house.

[Thelma]

Maybe you better have a doctor, Dixie.

[Dixie Blake]

I sound like I'm out of my head. Huh? Well, I'm not. Oh, that Madam Selfie, what a character. The longer I'm with her, the oftener she floors me.

[Thelma]

I still don't know what you're talking about.

[Dixie Blake]

A house, Thelma. A hundred year old relic, complete with bats, mice, cobwebs and ghosts. A house buried in a wilderness of overgrown weeds and bushes.

[Thelma]

You mean Madam Sophie bought a house?

[Dixie Blake]

Yeah, and she's gonna live in it.

[Thelma]

Well, what's wrong with that?

[Dixie Blake]

Madam Sophie's heard the call of the wild. Her peasant blood is cooking like the inside of a volcano. Imagine, Fifth Avenue's smartest designer is gonna be a gentleman farmer.

[Thelma]

Well, it sounds like a good hobby to me.

[Dixie Blake]

Hobby? A job like she's undertaken will land her in the booby hatch and me with her today was one long nightmare. And it's only the beginning. Look at these magazines. Yeah, magazines. Everyone she could lay her hands on. Scientific farming, raising chickens, cattle care, successful gardening, planting the vegetable garden. Murder.

[Thelma]

But why do you have to read them?

[Dixie Blake]

Because I'm nuts and Madam Sophie is my boy.

[Thelma]

Sucker.

[Dixie Blake]

Dollars to doughnuts, that's her again. She's called me three times since I got home. Excuse me, honey.

[Madam Sophie]

Hello, Dixie, you are reading the ma.

[Dixie Blake]

Yes, Madam Sophie. In between phone calls.

[Madam Sophie]

So who is bothering you so much?

[Dixie Blake]

A gentleman farmer by the name of Madame Sophie. Huh? It's okay, I'm getting along fine. Only one thing.

[Madam Sophie]

What?

[Dixie Blake]

One magazine you missed out on. Which? How to catch a Ghost.

[Madam Sophie]

Ah, again with the ghosts. We marched with Mr. Jasper all over the house from the roof to the cellar. Dixon, one ghost.

[Dixie Blake]

Did you see ghosts work only after midnight, Madame Sophie. They have a strong union.

[Madam Sophie]

Then I have a strong patience to listen to your jokes. Be so good. Dixie, stop the foolishness. I got another idea.

[Dixie Blake]

I know now you want to buy an elephant to plow the garden.

[Madam Sophie]

An elephant? Dixie, that is a.

[Dixie Blake]

Forget it, Madam Sophie. Forget it. I didn't say a word.

[Madam Sophie]

Dixie. An elephant, even a baby could do more work than Mr. Jasper.

[Dixie Blake]

Three flies could do more than Jasper. But please wait with the zoo for a while, huh?

[Madam Sophie]

All right, all right, I will sleep on the elephant. But now I got something else to talk about.

[Dixie Blake]

What?

[Madam Sophie]

Furniture. I got to start to buy some furniture for the house.

[Dixie Blake]

What's the rush?

[Madam Sophie]

The rush?

[Dixie Blake]

Yeah. There isn't even a decent floor in the place that will hold up under a piece of furniture. With Jasper on the job, it'll take a couple of months, maybe years.

[Madam Sophie]

You think I'm going to wait for months before I move in?

[Dixie Blake]

But you've got to.

[Madam Sophie]

I do not got to. The minute one room is finished, I am in it. What is more, I'm not so foolish to think Mr. Jasper can do all the work alone.

[Dixie Blake]

You're gonna pitch in?

[Madam Sophie]

Sure. I'm going to roll up my sleeves and get more men. I am going to be superintendent.

[Dixie Blake]

Oh brother.

[Madam Sophie]

You think when I fixed my shop, Dixie, I sat on the telephone?

[Dixie Blake]

No.

[Madam Sophie]

Madame Sophie was there underfoot every minute.

[Dixie Blake]

Okay, okay. But furniture?

[Madam Sophie]

Uh huh. That will take time. Yes, to find real antiques.

[Dixie Blake]

Antiques?

[Madam Sophie]

But of course, a house in the country a hundred years wants furniture with holes from real worms. Tomorrow we commence to look.

[Dixie Blake]

But we can't both sit around at auctions. Madam Sophie, with Andrews away too, what's going to happen to your business?

[Madam Sophie]

Couple of hours a day. Solid rock, like my business can wait.

[Dixie Blake]

Well, I guess you know what you're doing.

[Madam Sophie]

What? Then you know what I'm doing.

[Dixie Blake]

So.

[Madam Sophie]

All right, Dixie, in the morning. Tomorrow you come in a little early. We will get cleaned up and start looking.

[Dixie Blake]

Okay? If I don't develop pneumonia during the night, I'll be there.

[Madam Sophie]

Don't develop nothing, Dixie, you hear? We've no time now for foolishness, so goodbye. Half past eight in the morning, I will see you.

[Dixie Blake]

How do you like that? Did I tell you I was gonna land in the boobies hatch?

[Thelma]

Thelma, Madam Sophie wants you to help her buy furniture.

[Dixie Blake]

Antiques, no less. The real thing. And she's moving into that ghost rookery as soon as she can park a bed in one of the rooms.

[Thelma]

Why do you keep saying ghost, Dixie?

[Dixie Blake]

Because the place is crawling with them.

[Thelma]

You didn't see anything or hear anything, did you?

[Dixie Blake]

Madam Sophie insisted they were just sounds any old house makes. But you can't fool me.

[Thelma]

Oh, our house in the country. Talks all night. Used to scare me half to death when I was a child.

[Dixie Blake]

Well, it gives me the creeps now. The silence of the country. Nuts. Give me an apartment in the city anytime where you know what you're listening to. An automobile horn is just that. And not a ghost blowing his nose.

[Thelma]

Who's this Jasper, Dixie?

[Dixie Blake]

A cockeyed wonder who can build the world with his own bare hands, he says.

[Thelma]

Where'd Madam Sophie find him?

[Dixie Blake]

We found him haunting the house. Came out of the rain, he said. My guess is that's all he knows enough to do. But Madam Sophie hired him for a.

[Thelma]

Sort of a handyman.

[Dixie Blake]

Yeah. Well, let's talk about things around here. How'd you make out with Markov?

[Thelma]

Well, that's what I came to tell you.

[Dixie Blake]

Well, give.

[Thelma]

You're in for a surprise, Dixie.

[Dixie Blake]

The old girl never said a word about you and Jim getting out.

[Thelma]

That's right.

[Dixie Blake]

Well, that's a load off my mind. I was sure she'd ask you and Jim to move into a furnished room.

[Thelma]

She's done the reverse, Dixie.

[Dixie Blake]

The reverse. What do you mean?

[Thelma]

She's moved out herself.

[Dixie Blake]

What?

[Thelma]

She's the one who's taken a furnished room.

[Dixie Blake]

Oh, now, look, kid, I'm hearing things. Do you mean to stand there and tell me that Mrs. Carlton handed over her little nest to you?

[Thelma]

We tried to stop her, Dixie. Jim was just beside himself, but it didn't do any good.

[Dixie Blake]

Ma's moved out. She's actually gone? Yes. I'll be darned.

[Thelma]

I knew you'd be surprised.

[Dixie Blake]

Surprised? I'm out cold, for Pete's sake, honey. Aren't you?

[Thelma]

Well, after what you told me, how angry and bitter she still was, I certainly didn't expect her to behave that way when she came back.

[Dixie Blake]

She didn't fall on you and Jim like a ton of bricks?

[Thelma]

No, on the contrary, she said a lot of nice things.

[Dixie Blake]

Nice?

[Thelma]

Ma, she called us her children and asked me to call her mother.

[Dixie Blake]

Oh, this I can't stand. I don't get it. I don't believe it. I don't trust it.

[Thelma]

It's a little hard for me to believe too, after all those horrible things she said before.

[Dixie Blake]

I smell a rat, Thelma. A rat as big as a house. Ma's pulling one of her tricks.

[Thelma]

Maybe not, Dixie. Maybe we ought to give her the benefit of the doubt.

[Dixie Blake]

Mrs. Carlton runs benefits for herself and no one else. She's up to something and no one can tell me different. Thelma, where is Jim now?

[Thelma]

With her, helping her get settled. He barely bolted his supper down.

[Dixie Blake]

Uh huh. I've got it.

[Thelma]

Got what?

[Dixie Blake]

Thelma, you've been had. We've all been had. She's put one over on you but good.

[Thelma]

But I don't see what you mean. Dixie, I. Come in.

[Madam Sophie]

Oh, Jim, I thought I'd find you here.

[Jim]

Thelma. Hello, Dixie.

[Dixie Blake]

Hello yourself. Come on in.

[Jim]

I'm kind of tired, but okay. Just for a minute. Well, what have you two girls been gabbing about?

[Dixie Blake]

Oh, things Thelma's just told me about your mother, Jim.

[Jim]

Yeah. What do you think about that, Dixie? Bet you never expected my mother to do anything like that, to make such a sacrifice.

[Dixie Blake]

Sacrifice, my foot.

[Thelma]

Really, Dixie.

[Dixie Blake]

Maybe Ma's kidding you two babes in the woods, but she isn't kidding me.

[Jim]

Oh, now look here, Dixie.

[Dixie Blake]

Your old lady is one smart cookie, Jim. And moving out on you was no sacrifice, believe me.

[Jim]

Is that so? I suppose it's easy for an old sick woman to give up her own.

[Dixie Blake]

Home a cinch when she's taking with her the only thing in the whole cockeyed world she wants.

[Jim]

And what's that?

[Dixie Blake]

You, my dear little simple Simon. You, her one and only angel child.

[Jim]

Oh, aren't you a little off the beam, Dixie?

[Dixie Blake]

No, pal. I'm on the beam, right smack on it. If Ma stayed with you and Thelma, she'd have to share you now, cooped up in a small hole in the wall. She's got you just where she wants you.

[Thelma]

I think I'm beginning to see what Dixie means, Jim.

[Jim]

Well, then you're all alone. I don't see it.

[Dixie Blake]

Let me open your eyes. Jim. Where were you tonight?

[Jim]

Helping mother get settled. What's wrong with that?

[Dixie Blake]

She called you at the office, no doubt, and asked would you mind.

[Jim]

So what?

[Dixie Blake]

How much settling is there to do in a furnished room? Well, yeah. Well, tell the truth, Jim. What did you do for your mother tonight? Except listen again to how much she sacrificed for you?

[Jim]

Well, just having me there helped the first night alone.

[Dixie Blake]

She's gonna be just as alone the second night and the tenth night and the skatey eighth. And she's depending on you to realize how sad and lonely and unhappy she is. And you'll keep running over there. Well, mister, now do you see what I mean?

[Jim]

Yeah.

[Dixie Blake]

So what are you gonna do, Jim? What Ma expects.

[Jim]

Well, how do I know, Dixie? How can I see?

[Dixie Blake]

What? What?

[Jim]

Oh, nuts.

[Dixie Blake]

Okay, Thelma, you're on the 40 yard line and here's where you start carrying the ball. I wish you luck.

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