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As part of a salute to Betty Hutton this month, we feature this show from her co-star in several of her early films, Eddie Bracken. Eddie typically played Betty’s obliging boyfriend, and we see him in the same kind of character in his own radio show. William Demerest is Connie’s dad. You may recognize his voice as uncle Charlie from the 1960’s TV show, My Three Sons. Connie is played by Ann Rutheeford.
The show starts out with the background of Eddie’s young life, and that of the object of his affections, Connie. Fast forward through the years, and we find that Connie remains an unattainable prize for Eddie. His constant rival is the often mentioned, but never heard, Otto. Still Eddie is a sucker for doing favors for Connie, and he sets off to pick up a pair of shoes for her dad.
At the shoe repair shop, there’s a mix up with a lady with a baby, andEddie mistakenly takes a pair of baby booties to Connie. Awkward. Did Barbara, a girl who has eye for Eddie do it on purpose? Probably not, but Eddie has to get the shoes before Connie’s gruff dad finds out.
Suspicious activity is afoot when Eddie confronts the woman at her hotel. More awkward moments, and suddenly Eddie has a baby, no lady, no shoes, and he has to face Connie’s cantankerous dad. Does he actually believe the baby is Eddie’s and Connie’s? Babies don’t happen like that, and so quickly. Hey, it plays into the comedy.
The matter is finally resolved, and secrets about the baby are revealed. Does dad get his shoes? Does the baby get returned? Does Eddie learn his lesson in doing favors for Connie? Well, not that last one, or there wouldn’t be material for the next show… or the next… and the next…
Bonus Track:
- Keith gives some background on Eddie Bracken, and some eerie similarities between the characters on Eddie’s show, and the Archie Andrews radio show and comic strip. Which came first? I’m pretty sure Eddie did.
- Betty Hutton. 1944 It Had to be You.
- Plus a surprise visitor from the past. Right out of the Retro Radio vault, our first robot host.
