WSM-The Mr. Smith Show 05-16-48

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: WSM-The Mr. Smith Show 05-16-48
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

In this episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio", listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a captivating rendition of "The Mr. Smith Show" originally aired on May 16, 1948. Hosted by Ernie Keller, the show features a vibrant ensemble including Mr. Smith, Dolores Watson, Bobby Beers, and the harmonious Dixie Dons. The episode showcases a blend of engaging host commentary and soulful musical performances that encapsulate the charm and entertainment value of radio programming before the advent of television.

Featured Performers

• Mr. Smith: The charismatic host and bandleader, known for his affable personality and musical prowess.
• Dolores Watson: A stunning vocalist who captivates the audience with her melodious voice and heartfelt performances.
• Bobby Beers: A talented singer whose dynamic range and emotive delivery add depth to the show.
• The Dixie Dons: A harmonious female quartet comprising Alcyon, Evelyn, Cecil, and Dee, providing rich vocal harmonies that complement the featured soloists.

Musical Performances

"Dream Girl" by Dolores Watson

Timestamp: [05:26]
Dolores Watson opens the show with the enchanting ballad "Dream Girl", delivered with grace and emotion:

Dolores Watson: "I dream about a dream girl. She was warm, she was kind, was true. And some sweet day she'd come my way. [...] Now you're my only dreamer. You are warm, you are kind."

Her performance sets a romantic and reflective tone, drawing listeners into the narrative of longing and love.

"Ghost of a Chance" by Bobby Beers

Timestamp: [11:01]
Bobby Beers takes the stage with "Ghost of a Chance", a heartfelt plea of unrequited love:

Bobby Beers: "I need your love so badly. I love you oh so madly. But I don't stand a ghost of a chance."

His rendition is both passionate and poignant, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pangs of unreciprocated affection.

"Feeling I'm Falling"

Timestamp: [14:37]
The Dixie Dons join the ensemble with a lively performance of "Feeling I'm Falling", featuring harmonized vocals and a catchy melody:

Sam: "I'm flying high. But I've got a feeling I'm falling. Falling for nobody else but you."

Their harmonious voices create an uplifting and spirited atmosphere, showcasing the group's vocal synergy.

"You Turned the Tables on Me" by Dolores Watson

Timestamp: [19:59]
Dolores returns with "You Turned the Tables on Me", a song filled with emotion and dramatic flair:

Dolores Watson: "You turned the tables on me. Used to call me the top. You put me up on a throne. You let me fall with a drop."

Her powerful delivery captures the turmoil and vulnerability of lost love, engaging listeners with its relatable narrative.

"My Letter" by Bobby Beers

Timestamp: [22:13]
Bobby Beers closes the musical segment with "My Letter", a heartfelt apology and declaration of love:

Bobby Beers: "Baby, hope you weren't asleep. Just had to call you baby out of matter that just won't keep. [...] Don't believe a word I say. I said that we were through. I found somebody else. It isn't true I love you and I'm kicking myself."

This moving performance serves as a poignant finale to the evening's musical offerings, leaving the audience with a sense of closure and emotional resonance.

Host's Commentary

Throughout the episode, Ernie Keller provides insightful and entertaining commentary that ties the performances together. At [00:54], he introduces Mr. Smith and highlights his multifaceted personality:

Ernie Keller: "Bon vivant bouvoir and captain of the pinball machine team. Mr. Smith is a busy man, but not too busy to present Dolores Watson, Bobby Beers, the Dixie Dons and the band in a weekly musical."

Ernie also shares anecdotes and personal reflections, such as his admiration for Mr. Walcott Gibbs' review in the New Yorker, emphasizing the show's connection to contemporary cultural dialogues:

Ernie Keller: "We borrowed a copy of this week's New Yorker from one of the studio porters. And we find that Mr. Walcott Gibbs, in reviewing USA intimates that he liked 'Haunted Heart' best of all. So does Mr. Smith."

His engaging narration provides context and depth, enriching the listening experience and fostering a sense of community among the audience.

Notable Quotes

• Ernie Keller on Mr. Smith's Commitment:

  [00:54] "Mr. Smith is a busy man, but not too busy to present Dolores Watson, Bobby Beers, the Dixie Dons and the band in a weekly musical."

• Bobby Beers on Love and Chance:

  [11:01] "I need your love so badly. I love you oh so madly. But I don't stand a ghost of a chance."

• Dolores Watson on Dream Fulfillment:

  [05:26] "All my life I've been dreaming of you. Now you're my only dreamer. You are warm, you are kind."

• Ernie Keller's Admiration for Glyndly Band Leaders:

  [16:43] "Mr. Smith bowing in acknowledgment of the excellent talent of David Rhodes."

• Bobby Beers' Emotional Apology:

  [22:13] "Don't believe a word I say. I said that we were through. I found somebody else. It isn't true I love you and I'm kicking myself."

Conclusion

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" masterfully recreates the essence of 1940s radio entertainment, blending heartfelt musical performances with engaging host commentary. Through the talents of Mr. Smith, Dolores Watson, Bobby Beers, and the Dixie Dons, listeners are treated to a nostalgic journey that highlights the timeless appeal of radio as a medium for storytelling and music. Ernie Keller's insightful narratives and the performers' emotive renditions ensure that both longtime enthusiasts and new listeners find something to cherish in this beloved era of broadcasting.

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Stay Tuned: The Mr. Smith Show promises to return exactly one week from tonight with the same charming cast and delightful performances. Don’t miss the next episode as it continues to celebrate the golden traditions of radio entertainment.

Transcript

[Styles MacKenzie]

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[Bobby Beers]

Wayfair every style, every home.

[Ernie Keller]

Taking his place among the great Smiths of all time is our Mr. Smith, and I'm Ernie Keller to tell you all about him. Bon vivant bouvoir and captain of the pinball machine team. Mr. Smith is a busy man, but not too busy to present Dolores Watson, Bobby Beers, the Dixie Dons and the band in a weekly musical. Yes, it's the Mr. Smith Show. Under the direction of hold your hat's Beasley Smith. Mr. Smith gets away with one of the season's finest things. A ballad written by Arthur Schwartz and Howard Dietz for their fabulous new musical, Inside USA we borrowed a copy of this week's New Yorker from one of the studio porters. And we find that Mr. Walcott Gibbs, in reviewing USA intimates that he liked Haunted Heart best of all. So does Mr. Smith. Our vocalists had a very busy week. Mr. Bobby Beers went to New York to appear on the Paul Whiteman deal. While Ms. Dolores Watson caused many a sigh as she appeared in a beauty pageant, breathless but happy. The former, which would be Mr. Beers sings Dream Girl in the original Sanskrit.

[Dolores Watson]

I dream about a dream girl. She was warm, she was kind, was true. And some sweet day she'd come my way. I knew, I knew, I kept dreaming of a dream girl. She was gone when the dawn drifted through. I tried to see. Then suddenly I look at you. Your lips were warm like her eyes were stars like her. And then I knew. All my life I've been dreaming of you. Now you're my only dreamer. You are warm, you are kind.

[Sam]

You are true.

[Dolores Watson]

You're real, you're real. And now I feel like all good lovers do. My dream girl, I'm so in love with you.

[Sam]

Ram.

[Dolores Watson]

Now you're my only dreamer. You are warm, you are kind, you are true. You're real, you're real. And now I feel like all good lovers do. My dream girl, I'm so in love with you.

[Ernie Keller]

While listening to a long haired show earlier this afternoon, we found out that it was common practice after a Rubinstein concert in Paris to unhitch the horses from the composer's carriage. And have the devoted pull the carriage to wherever Mr. R wanted to go. This same thing could happen to Mr. Smith. Except he has no carriage. All right. So we'll remove the spark plugs from his studs. And while we're thus engaged, Mr. Smith will play Mr. Smith's own composition. Beg your pardon? Conducted by Mr. Smith. Yes. Ms. Watson was a wonderfully lush addition to the beauty pageant last night. She's fine and sings, too. Such things as Ghost of a Chance. Let us now hear all about Ms. Watson's apparition.

[Bobby Beers]

I need your love so badly. I love you oh so madly. But I don't stand a ghost of a chance.

[Sam]

With grave.

[Bobby Beers]

I thought at last I had found you. But other love surround you. And I don't stand the ghost of a chance with you. If you'd surrender Just for a tender kiss or two. You might discover that I'm the lover meant for you.

[Sam]

And I might be tr.

[Bobby Beers]

But what's the good of scheming? I know I must be dreaming. For I don't stand the ghost of chance.

[Ben]

Ben hadn't had a decent night's sleep in a month. So during one of his restless nights, he booked a package trip abroad on a Expedia. When he arrived at his beachside hotel, he discovered a miraculous bed slung between two trees and fell into the best sleep of his life. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights and hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia made to trav.

[Sam]

Sam.

[Bobby Beers]

But what's the good of scheming? I know I must be dreaming. For I don't stand the ghost of a chance with you.

[Ernie Keller]

It's the Mr. Smith show coming your way from WSM in Nashville over the National Broadcasting Company and featuring Dolores Watson, Bobby Beers, Mr. Smith and Mr. Smith's band. Oh, yes, the Dixie Dons. Alcyon, Evelyn, Cecil and Dee, who now do. I've got a feeling I'm falling.

[Sam]

I'm flying high. But I've got a feeling I'm falling. Falling for nobody else but you. You caught my eye. And I've got a feeling I'm falling. Show me the ring and I'll jump right. I used to travel single. Always chance to mingle. Oh, now I'm a tingle over you. Hey, Mr. Parson, stand by. Feel like I'm falling. Falling for nobody else but you. Flying high. Flying high. But I've got a feeling I'm falling. Falling for nobody else but you. You caught my eye. I've Got a feeling fallen. Show me the ring and I'll jump right through.

[Dolores Watson]

I used to travel.

[Sam]

Sing along, we ch to mingle.

[Dolores Watson]

Oh, now I a tingle over you.

[Sam]

Hey Mr. Parson, stand by. I've got a feeling I'm falling. Falling but for nobody else but you.

[Ernie Keller]

In which one band leader salutes another with our Mr. Smith bowing in acknowledgment of the excellent talent of David Rhodes. Mr. Rose, like Mr. Smith, also composes and his one love is one of the class items in any book. One Love conducted by Smith.

[Sam]

It.

[Ernie Keller]

Most young singers on a romantic kick do nothing but slow type ballads. But not our Bobby Beers. He has a wider scope and while not exactly a bebop man, still he can ride on the crest of a well set rhythm with the best of them. Like say you turn the tables on me. With a Smith beat traveling throughout.

[Dolores Watson]

You turned the tables on me. And now I'm falling for you. You turned the tables on me. I can't believe that it's true. I always thought when you bought the lovely present you bought. Why hadn't you bought me more? But now if you come I'd welcome anything from the five. And you used to call me the top. You put me up on a throne. You let me fall with a drop. And now I'm out on my own. But after thinking it over and over. I got what was coming to me. Just. Just like the sting of a bee. You turned the tables on me. Used to call me the top. You put me up on a throne. You let me fall with a drop. And now I'm out of my own. But after thinking it over and over. I got what was coming to me. Just like the sting of the bee. You turn the tables on me.

[Ernie Keller]

Someone once said that beauty must be served. And so we serve Ms. Dolores Watson with our best set of words. This introduction to. You're gonna get my letter in the morning. Something quite new and different in poptoon ideas.

[Sam]

Hello.

[Bobby Beers]

Baby, hope you weren't asleep. Just had to call you baby out of matter that just won't keep. You're gonna get my letter in the morning. Tear it up and throw it away. But if you read my letter in the morning. Don't believe a word I say. I said that we were through. I found somebody else. It isn't true I love you and I'm kicking myself. You're gonna get my letter in the morning. So tear it up and throw it away. I didn't mean it. Tear it off and throw it away. I said that were through. I found somebody else. It isn't true. I love you and I'm kicking myself? You're gonna get my letter in the morning. So tear it up and throw it away? Cause I was mad when I wrote it.

[Sam]

Please don't quote it. I love you.

[Bobby Beers]

It's all I meant to say. So take my letter and throw it away.

[Ernie Keller]

The Mr. Smith show will happen again exactly one week from tonight. With the same cast, including Dolores Watson, Bobby Beers, the Dixie Dons. And Mr. Smith himself conducting the band. See you then. The Mr. Smith show came to you from WSM in Nashville. Ernie Keller speaking. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.