Young Dr. Malone xx-xx-xx (534) Late

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Young Dr. Malone (534) "Late"
Date: November 30, 2025

In this classic episode of Young Dr. Malone, listeners are transported to Three Oaks, where a seemingly ordinary night takes a tragic turn. The episode artfully blends domestic warmth and community life with escalating tension as Dr. Jerry Malone, after a long, worrisome house call, fails to return home—setting off a cascade of concern, frantic calls, and an eventual accident that deeply affects his family and friends.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Domestic Humor & Family Life (00:01–01:50)

• The episode opens with jovial banter between Joe Pringle and his wife Bess regarding dinner, Crisco apple pie, and the woes of their aging stove.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Joe (00:13): "Any chance for a starving plumber to get a hen out here, lady?"
    • Bess (00:27): "I put a Crisco apple pie in along with my roast. Well, I only hope it gets baked. This stove is getting so decrepit."
• The natural product conversation (Crisco) is woven into their humor and daily concerns, reflecting advertising norms of the radio era.

2. The Aftermath of a Health Scare (01:51–03:19)

• The tone shifts from homey to anxious as Joe Pringle goes to sleep and the setting moves to the Deneens' house where Lynn sits watchful over her ailing brother.
• Roger Deneen checks on the sleeping siblings, revealing his own sleepless anxiety and chronicling the tension in the air.
  • Atmospheric Quote:
    • Roger (02:11): "Spoiled, good for nothing written all over his face. Oh, well, no point in disturbing them."

3. The Missing Dr. Malone (03:20–04:35)

• The suspense rises when Mrs. Malone calls Roger Deneen to ask if her husband has returned.
• Their exchange is marked with polite restraint barely hiding genuine worry.
  • Notable Exchange:
    • Mrs. Malone (03:27): "Please excuse me, but I'm worried. Is my husband still there?"
    • Roger (03:54): "Now please wait a moment. Don't begin thinking horrible things."
• Roger reassures Mrs. Malone but resolves to track down Jerry within 15 minutes, hinting at the anxiety gripping both.

4. The Accident Scene (04:58–07:33)

• Roger vents his unease before encountering a bystander alerting him to a car accident up ahead.
• The situation is tense, with terse, urgent commands.
  • Memorable Moment (05:44):
    • Roger: "Yes, yes, what is it? ... Who is it? ... Malone, you poor devil. Malone."
• Dr. Reims and Roger assist at the crash, extracting Jerry and sending him to hospital, but his condition remains uncertain.

5. Conveying the News & Steadfast Resolve (07:07–11:32)

• The family faces the dreadful task of learning and sharing the news.

  • Mrs. Malone’s stoic composure and command permeate the scene.
    • Memorable Exchange:
      • Mrs. Malone (09:21): "You don't mean rather serious. You mean serious. Don't you?"
      • Roger (09:23): "Yes."

• Anne, Jerry's wife, insists on accompanying her mother-in-law to the hospital, showing fortitude in the face of uncertainty.

• Their conversation in preparation is poignant and quietly inspirational:

  • Quote (10:53):
    • Mrs. Malone: "Always remember this, no matter what, millions of people have gone through this experience before us and haven't been broken or beaten by it. I know you're not going to be either."
    • Anne: "I'm not thinking of myself."
    • Mrs. Malone: "But I am. Because if your husband is dead when we get there, it will be you. He's your son. I'm an old woman. The important thing is you, not me."

• The episode ends as dawn arrives, with a final moment of hope amid heartache.

  • Closing Note (11:18):
    • Mrs. Malone: "Look, Anne. There's the dawn. Do you see?"

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Any chance for a starving plumber to get a hen out here, lady?" — Joe Pringle (00:13)
• "You know, that tender, flaky plumber." — Joe, on being called the "Crisco kid" (01:38)
• "Now please wait a moment. Don't begin thinking horrible things." — Roger Deneen (03:54)
• "Malone, you poor devil. Malone." — Roger, upon discovering the accident (06:01)
• "You don't mean rather serious. You mean serious. Don't you?" — Mrs. Malone (09:21)
• "Millions of people have gone through this experience before us and haven't been broken or beaten by it. I know you're not going to be either." — Mrs. Malone (10:53)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01–01:50 – Home and humor: dinner, stove troubles, Crisco apple pie
• 01:51–03:19 – Aftermath of house call; family worry begins
• 03:20–04:35 – Mrs. Malone's anxious call about her missing husband
• 04:58–07:33 – Roger discovers car wreck; Dr. Malone’s accident
• 07:07–11:32 – Breaking the news, comforting one another, and heading to the hospital

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Episode Tone & Style

True to its golden age roots, the episode blends homespun humor and gentle family ribbing with escalating, understated tension and deeply compassionate dialogue. The performances are measured, with moments of dry wit giving way to resilient, earnest concern, culminating in a subtle, hard-won hope as light dawns.

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This summary provides a vivid window into the episode for listeners new and old, centering the episode’s key emotional and dramatic beats and recreating its timeless atmosphere.

Transcript

[A]

It's Crisco's young Dr. Malone now in Three Oaks. Joe Pringle has just come home from work. He's saying to his wife Bess, Any chance for a starving plumber to get a hen out here, lady?

[B]

Well, now, I might be able to fix you a small sandwich.

[A]

Sandwich, eh? I'm in the mood for, oh, say, some nice roast beef and brown gravy.

[B]

Which, by a curious coincidence, is exactly what we're having.

[A]

I know. I looked and didn't I see a pie in the oven?

[B]

Mm. I put a Crisco apple pie in along with my Rose. Well, I only hope it gets baked. This stove is getting so decrepit. I'm afraid any day now the oven will just give up. And speaking of this stove, Joe Pringle, I was in Morton's store today and just happened to ask where we stood on the list for a new stove.

[A]

Oh, me?

[B]

We're not even on the list.

[A]

Well, I. I've been too busy to get over there.

[B]

Oh, it's all right. I put our name down today.

[A]

You did?

[B]

Mm. Well, I better get my pie out of the oven.

[A]

Oh, it sure looks good. Oh, say, while I was over at Mrs. Kennedy's on the job today, she was telling me how she served an apple pie at the bridge party hardly anybody could eat. I guess it was sort of embarrassing.

[B]

I should think so.

[A]

Anyway, I said to her, madam, I said, what you need in your life is a can of Crisco. There's a pie crust recipe printed right on the label. You follow that recipe and you'll get tender, flaky pie crust every time.

[B]

Well, good for you.

[A]

My home training, you know.

[B]

Well, I think you should tell all your women customers what a wonderful shortening Crisco is and how Crisco and Crisco's pastry method turns out tender, flaky pie crust every time. And how digestible Crisco pie crust is.

[A]

Yeah, and pretty soon people would say, look, here comes Joe Pringle, the Crisco kid. You know, that tender, flaky plumber.

[B]

All right, but look, if you want some of the tender, flaky pie crust that's on my apple pie, you better go get washed out, Bess.

[A]

And Joe Pringle had been asleep for hours by the time Jerry Malone was able to leave the Deneens. It was almost 2 o' clock in the morning when Jerry finally climbed in his car after reassuring Lynn that her brother was not as seriously ill as he first seemed when he suddenly collapsed earlier tonight. But reassured Though she was, Lynn insisted on sitting at her brother's bedside the remainder of the night to watch over him. However, in spite of herself, Lynn has fallen off to sleep as Roger Deneen, kept awake by a strange feeling of anxiety, peeks in on her now. Lynn? Lynn? Asleep in the armchair. Him? Yes, he's asleep too. Spoiled, good for nothing written all over his face. Oh, well, no point in disturbing them. Three o'. Clock. Dear me. I guess I won't get a wink of sleep tonight. Oh, confounded. Who the devil.

[B]

Oh, I'm dreadfully sorry, Mr. Deneen.

[A]

Mrs. Malone? Is this Mrs. Malone?

[B]

Yes. Please excuse me, but I'm worried. Is my husband still there?

[A]

Your husband? Why, he went home a long time ago.

[B]

What?

[A]

Wait. You mean to say he hasn't returned yet?

[B]

No, he hasn't returned.

[A]

You don't think. Did he have another call to make?

[B]

I don't think.

[A]

No, no, you misunderstand. I'm asking if he had another call.

[B]

No, he was coming straight home.

[A]

How odd.

[B]

I hope you don't mind my calling you at this hour.

[A]

No, no. Now please wait a moment. Don't begin thinking horrible things. It wasn't such a long time ago. I'm just beginning to remember clearly. Or probably nothing more than a flat tire.

[B]

Of course.

[A]

Now just hang up and I'll check. I'll call you back in 15 minutes.

[B]

All right, thank you.

[A]

Yes, he may have gone to Huber, the all night garage man.

[B]

Yes, of course.

[A]

You sit right where you are and I'll have track of your husband in 15 minutes.

[B]

You're sure you don't think.

[A]

My dear lady, of course not. Hang up now and I'll run him down to earth in a jiffy.

[B]

Thank you so much. I am frightened.

[A]

Naturally. Naturally. Naturally.

[B]

I'll wait.

[A]

I won't be long. Goodbye.

[B]

Thank you.

[A]

Goodbye.

[B]

Roger, what are you doing up at this time?

[A]

There was a phone call from Malone's wife. She's not home yet.

[B]

Roger.

[A]

He looked half asleep when he climbed into his car here.

[B]

Oh dear.

[A]

No, no, no. Let's not go thinking things. I'm going to get some clothes on and get the car out.

[B]

You're scared.

[A]

No, no, I'm not. It's just extraordinary, that's all. A little disconcerting. I wonder if disconcerting is the right word. Well, it's a nice night. Roads are dry. Well, what's this? Some fellow waving on the road. Yes, what is it?

[B]

Hey, hey.

[A]

Yes, yes, what is it? There's a tough one up there. Mister, I can't do Anything by myself. Who is it? I don't know. The car's a mess. There's a man inside. Maybe he's dead. Now, listen. I'm Roger Deneen. Drive my car to the first house on your right toward Lincoln Falls. The lady will let you in. Call the hospital in Lincoln Falls. Call the state police and call. Oh, what produces his name? Ames. Dr. Ames. Can you remember all that? Yeah, sure. Where's the wreck?

[B]

Up ahead.

[A]

There. You see? I was just driving. I don't give a hang where you were driving. Get into that car and do as I say. You're here. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, sure. A green cross. Oh, Lord. Never mind the door. The windshield. Here. Malone, you poor devil. Malone.

[B]

Mr. Deneen. I waited for your call. Something's happened.

[A]

There's been an accident.

[B]

Please, let me sit down.

[A]

Hold on to me. We'll sit here a few minutes. Do you think you get hold of yourself?

[B]

He is. Jerry. What happened?

[A]

The car is smashed.

[B]

Please.

[A]

We got him out. Dr. Reims arrived just after I got to him. We managed to get him out. He's on his way to the hospital now.

[B]

It's bad.

[A]

He was unconscious. That's all I know.

[B]

I'll go to the hospital, of course.

[A]

I'll take you at once. What about his mother?

[B]

I don't think I can write. Would you put something on?

[A]

A note?

[B]

One of Jerry's pads is on that table. Just tell her there's been an accident.

[A]

I think I know what to say.

[B]

Will you? I'll go upstairs and put on a dress.

[A]

Can you manage it?

[B]

I think so.

[A]

Anne. I've never called you Anne before.

[B]

Yes?

[A]

Nothing.

[B]

What are you doing talking at this time of night? Dearly. You ought to have more sense. Anne, is that you? You'll have to say something. You must get sleep, Jerry. You're tired. Hasn't your wife told you that you. Why, Mr. Deneen.

[A]

Mrs. Malone. Please forgive us for disturbing you.

[B]

What does this mean? What's the matter with you, girl?

[A]

Mrs. Malone, there's been a bit of an accident. What?

[B]

Excuse me. I'll go upstairs. Accident?

[A]

Well, yes. You needn't be too much alarmed. That is to say, I don't mean.

[B]

Come, man, speak up. Don't stammer like a schoolboy. Where's your tongue?

[A]

Sorry.

[B]

Is my son alive?

[A]

Yes, Mrs. Morrow. Yes, he's alive.

[B]

Where is he?

[A]

At the hospital by now. Oh, yes. He must be there by now.

[B]

It's serious.

[A]

Rather serious, I'm afraid.

[B]

You don't mean rather serious. You mean serious.

[A]

Don't you? Yes.

[B]

I see.

[A]

You take this very well. I admire you.

[B]

You have a car? Of course. Wait here. I want you to take me to the hospital right away. Be good enough to call Mrs. Morrison. We'll have to take the baby there. You'll find her number on a card. Do it right away.

[A]

Yes, of course.

[B]

I shan't be long.

[A]

By George.

[B]

Anne. I'm going to the hospital with Mr. Vanin. Mother, I'm going with you. We're taking Jill to Mrs. Morrison. I've told Mr. Deneen to call her and wake her. Are you all right? Yes, I'm all right. He's told you, has he? It's serious, Mother. I know. Here now. Here, let me tie that. Your hands are trembling. Thank you. There we are. Now wait for me. I'll dress and everything is going to be all right. Keep telling yourself that. Yes. And if we have to face worse consequences, we must be ready for that too. I know. Always remember this, no matter what millions of people have gone through this experience before us and haven't been broken or beaten by it. I know you're not going to be either. I'm not thinking of myself.

[A]

No.

[B]

But I am. Because if your husband is dead when we get there, it will be you. He's your son. I'm an old woman. The important thing is you, not me. Mother. Look, Anne. There's the dawn. Do you see?

[A]

Listen again, Monday to young Dr. Malone and all the other Three Oaks people who are brought to you by pure all vegetable Crisco. We hope that you've enjoyed this recording and for more happy listening, please visit otrcat.com.