Mr. and Mrs. North (TV-1954) SHRINKING VIOLET
Step into the Past with 'Mr. and Mrs. North': A Look at the Classic Episode 'Shrinking Violet'
The golden age of television is a treasure trove of classic shows that have paved the way for modern entertainment, and 'Mr. and Mrs. North' is a shining example of this era's charm and wit. This delightful series, which aired in the early 1950s, brought to life the adventures of a married couple who, quite by accident, find themselves solving crimes that baffle the police.
One standout episode from this series is 'Shrinking Violet,' which first graced the screens in 1954. The plot revolves around Pamela North, played by the talented Barbara Britton, who encounters an old childhood friend, Amelia Little. However, things take a mysterious turn when it becomes apparent that Amelia's odd behavior is more than just being overwhelmed by the big city. In a twist that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, we discover that Amelia is actually an impostor named Violet Budge, a killer on the run after committing a heinous crime.
The episode is a perfect blend of suspense, drama, and the occasional comedic relief, showcasing the series' ability to balance different tones seamlessly. Richard Denning's portrayal of Jerry North complements Britton's performance, creating an on-screen chemistry that is both believable and endearing.
'Shrinking Violet' is not just a title; it's a narrative device that cleverly plays with the idea of someone trying to become smaller, to escape notice, much like the impostor trying to hide in plain sight. The episode is a testament to the storytelling prowess of the time, where character development and plot progression were achieved within a concise 25-minute format.
For those looking to revisit this gem or discover it for the first time, the episode is available to watch online, allowing a new generation to appreciate the work of director Lew Landers and the writing team of Doris Gilbert and the Lockridges. It's a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of television history that continues to resonate with audiences today.
So, why not take a break from the fast-paced world of contemporary TV shows and indulge in the nostalgic charm of 'Mr. and Mrs. North'? 'Shrinking Violet' awaits to transport you to a time when storytelling was straightforward yet captivating, and every episode promised a new adventure with the Norths. It's a journey worth taking for any fan of classic television mysteries.
Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon
Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
The golden age of television is a treasure trove of classic shows that have paved the way for modern entertainment, and 'Mr. and Mrs. North' is a shining example of this era's charm and wit. This delightful series, which aired in the early 1950s, brought to life the adventures of a married couple who, quite by accident, find themselves solving crimes that baffle the police.
One standout episode from this series is 'Shrinking Violet,' which first graced the screens in 1954. The plot revolves around Pamela North, played by the talented Barbara Britton, who encounters an old childhood friend, Amelia Little. However, things take a mysterious turn when it becomes apparent that Amelia's odd behavior is more than just being overwhelmed by the big city. In a twist that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, we discover that Amelia is actually an impostor named Violet Budge, a killer on the run after committing a heinous crime.
The episode is a perfect blend of suspense, drama, and the occasional comedic relief, showcasing the series' ability to balance different tones seamlessly. Richard Denning's portrayal of Jerry North complements Britton's performance, creating an on-screen chemistry that is both believable and endearing.
'Shrinking Violet' is not just a title; it's a narrative device that cleverly plays with the idea of someone trying to become smaller, to escape notice, much like the impostor trying to hide in plain sight. The episode is a testament to the storytelling prowess of the time, where character development and plot progression were achieved within a concise 25-minute format.
For those looking to revisit this gem or discover it for the first time, the episode is available to watch online, allowing a new generation to appreciate the work of director Lew Landers and the writing team of Doris Gilbert and the Lockridges. It's a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of television history that continues to resonate with audiences today.
So, why not take a break from the fast-paced world of contemporary TV shows and indulge in the nostalgic charm of 'Mr. and Mrs. North'? 'Shrinking Violet' awaits to transport you to a time when storytelling was straightforward yet captivating, and every episode promised a new adventure with the Norths. It's a journey worth taking for any fan of classic television mysteries.
Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon
Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
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TVTranscript
00:00Mr. and Mrs. North, starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
00:30Mr. and Mrs. North, starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
00:43Mr. and Mrs. North, starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
01:09Hello. I know everybody else does it, but I just can't get undressed in that berth.
01:32I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.
02:02I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.
02:09I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.
02:18I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.
02:24I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.
02:31I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.
02:39I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.
02:48Hey, Eric. Come on, can you help me help you? It'll be all right. Just a minute. Let me get the door for you.
03:03Maybe if we open the top of your collar, it'll be all right.
03:10Ah!
03:18Ah!
03:48Ah!
04:19Jerry, listen to this. Mother says she cut an ad out of a magazine and she's sending to England for one of those Chuck Tattersall vests for your birthday.
04:28Oh.
04:29Says she's ordering it in orange and black.
04:31Well, my birthday isn't until Halloween. Oh, now I get it. Orange and black.
04:36And Pam, darling, I want you to rest more. You do too much. That's the trouble with all you people in New York. Rush, rush, rush. To and fro.
04:44Fro and to.
04:45Oh, stop. And then she says, hmm, so forth, so forth. And Pam, dear, I can't tell you how grateful Mattie is that you're going to look after her little girl in New York.
04:55What?
04:56What do you mean, what?
04:58Oh, not another visiting fireman.
05:00Well, this isn't the same thing.
05:02It's always the same thing. Every time we start getting comfortable, someone comes in from out of town and we gotta start chasing around looking for tickets for television shows. Horse cabs in Central Park.
05:12This is practically my own cousin.
05:14Practically which one?
05:16Amelia.
05:17Amelia who? Never heard of her.
05:19Amelia Little. Haven't seen her since she was eight years old. But her mother is my mother's best friend. Anyway, Amelia's going to live here.
05:27Here?
05:28Not here. Here in New York. I've arranged for her to stay at the Washington Square Club for Women.
05:35Well, that's better. Just where is this place?
05:39I just told you. Washington Square. It's a residential club for young women.
05:44Oh, one of those deals where they burn you at the stake if you're caught entertaining a man after nine o'clock.
05:49You don't know anything about it. It's a perfect club for any young girl alone in New York.
05:54Maybe. But you wouldn't like it.
05:59I know you.
06:09Amelia, Amelia Little, welcome to New York. I was beginning to think you weren't on the Mohawk at all. Mother gets so mixed up.
06:25It's me, dear, Pam North.
06:27Yes. Yes, of course.
06:30Glad you're here?
06:31Very glad.
06:32You're going to love it.
06:35Why didn't you give that anything to a red cap? Oh, somebody should have told you. Porter! Porter!
06:41Is this all the luggage you have, dear?
06:43No, it isn't. I...
06:45Well, you gave the rest of it to the porter on the train.
06:48Well, you better give me your baggage checks to make sure that nothing gets lost.
06:55Oh, I know it must be terribly frightening at first, but you're going to love it, especially living at the Washington Square.
07:01The Washington Square?
07:03Made arrangements for you to move in right away.
07:05But if... if you don't mind, I'd rather not.
07:09But your mother said...
07:10I'm sorry, but I'd rather find a place of my own. That's why I came here, to be on my own. Will you let me go now?
07:20Are you sure, Amelia? After all, you won't know your way around.
07:25I'll be all right. Don't worry.
07:27But I am worried. I'll tell you what. We'll phone your mother.
07:32If you tell her yourself the way you feel about it, then I won't feel so responsible.
07:36Oh, my mother.
07:37I think we'd better. The phones are right over there.
07:39Wait a minute. Don't phone. It'll only upset Mother. I... I just didn't want to put you to a lot of trouble.
07:49Trouble? It's no trouble at all.
07:52Now give me your baggage checks, and everything will be taken care of.
07:58Here you are.
08:11Pam, how are you, darling?
08:13Hello, Gina.
08:14And this, of course, is Amelia Little. I'm so glad to see you, Amelia.
08:18Amelia, this is Gina Kirkwood, your roommate.
08:20I know you two are going to get along wonderfully together.
08:23Oh, yes. The luggage is fine there.
08:25Your clothes must be terribly crushed.
08:27I think we'd better send everything out to be pressed right away.
08:29Oh, Pam, I wouldn't think of it. Let me do it.
08:31Oh, Gina, you can't.
08:32Can and will. First of all, it's much too extravagant to send them out.
08:36And... and secondly, I just adore ironing.
08:39I have so much pent-up energy before rehearsal.
08:44You are staying for lunch, Pam.
08:46Oh, I wish I could, Gina, but I have all sorts of errands to run.
08:49Now you will relax, won't you?
08:51I promise.
08:52See that she does, won't you, Gina?
08:53If it's the last thing I do on earth.
08:55Honey, why don't you slip into your robe and we'll press out that suit you're wearing?
09:15Well, it won't be long now, honey.
09:17Do I start hanging things away?
09:19In a minute. I'm going down the hall.
09:21Okay, take your time.
09:49George Smith, please.
09:55Hello.
09:57It's me.
09:59When did you get in?
10:02I was so worried about you.
10:05Something might have happened to you.
10:09I can't talk now.
10:11But a woman met me at the train.
10:13She thought I was somebody else.
10:15I haven't been able to get away from her.
10:17I've been watched every minute.
10:19They even took my clothes.
10:23Stay where you are.
10:25I'll get there just as soon as I can.
10:34Critics.
10:35Why, that Cynthia Spotwood couldn't be absolutely radiant in anything.
10:40She's two years older than Lionel Barrymore.
10:43Oh.
10:45Oh, we didn't unpack this one.
10:47Oh, I think I'll leave that till tomorrow.
10:49Oh, no, I'll do it. Give me the key and I will.
10:51Oh, thanks, but there's really no hurry.
10:54Oh, of course. It's been rush, rush, rush all day.
10:57The least I can let you do is let you get dressed and pe...
11:01What in the world's in here?
11:03Things.
11:04The family silver?
11:06Oh, you take your time getting dressed. There's no hurry.
11:13The body of Sarah Steber, 80,
11:15a wealthy recluse who was known to keep a fortune in cash in her house,
11:19was found at the foot of the stairs in her old mansion on South Street.
11:24Missing is her housekeeper companion, Violet Budge,
11:28age 25.
11:32So that's who you are.
11:35I think I knew who you were from the minute you came in here.
11:39Well, you will do as you are told, and remember,
11:42half of it is mine.
11:50So that's who you are.
11:52I think I knew who you were from the minute you came in here.
12:03Oh, Miss Kirkwood! Oh, Miss Kirkwood!
12:06Amelia!
12:07Oh, Miss Kirkwood!
12:08Amelia!
12:10Get away from that window!
12:16I'm all right, I'm all right.
12:18Don't worry about me.
12:19You scared me to death.
12:21Open up. It's me, Pam.
12:23Please don't say anything about this to Mrs. North.
12:25She'll just worry, then she'll go calling my mother.
12:28All right.
12:37I've just had the best time charging.
12:39You a size 10?
12:40Why, I think so.
12:41Did she rest?
12:42Well, she had to.
12:43Remember I took all her clothes?
12:45Wonderful.
12:46I knew you weren't up to shopping, and I wasn't sure whether you had any cocktail things or not.
12:50We have exactly one hour in which to glamorize this girl.
12:53One hour?
12:54Well, we may be a little late, but we're having cocktails with Jerry and Bill Wigand.
12:58Lieutenant Bill Wigand, the most wonderful detective on the Homicide Squad.
13:04Just lovely.
13:05Isn't she?
13:06Look at her, won't you?
13:07Wonderful.
13:08Absolutely wonderful.
13:09Darling, if we don't read about you when the society comes tomorrow, I belong in the obituary.
13:14You've been a dear, Gina.
13:15Sure you won't come along?
13:16Oh, no, darling.
13:17It's work, work, and more work.
13:19Don't you ever enjoy yourself?
13:21Why should I?
13:22Well, we're over half an hour late now.
13:24Come along, Amelia.
13:25How does it feel, darling?
13:26All new girl, all transformed?
13:29I feel as if I could do anything.
13:33Travel, go anyplace, see the world, be anybody.
13:39That's the spirit.
13:40Goodbye, Gina.
13:41Come along, Amelia.
13:42Oh, Pam, could I see you a moment?
13:46Pam, there's something you ought to know.
13:48I don't think Amelia's well.
13:50Now, she made me promise not to tell you, but I think something's wrong with her.
13:52You better keep an eye on her.
13:54Thanks, Gina.
13:55I'm glad you told me.
13:56Amelia?
13:59Where did she go?
14:07And until I found this child downstairs in the lobby, I nearly had her fit.
14:11Now, you stay close to me.
14:12Do you understand?
14:13This is a very big city.
14:15I'll get lost any time you want, Amelia.
14:17Lieutenant Wagon will find you.
14:18Wagon can find anybody.
14:19Doesn't even need a laundry mark.
14:22What case you on now, Bill?
14:24Oh, dull, detailed, pain in the neck.
14:27Routine and dangerous.
14:29My life's in peril.
14:31All day down at Grand Central, talking to members of a train crew.
14:35What about?
14:36Well, it seems like a rich old lady was murdered back in the Middle West.
14:40Had a lot of loose loot lying around.
14:42Wheelchair case pushed downstairs.
14:44I think I read about that this afternoon.
14:46Don't they think it was her housekeeper companion?
14:49I think the girl's name is Violet Budge.
14:52Was Violet Budge.
14:54You mean she's dead?
14:56A girl identifiable as Violet Budge was found by track walker in southern Pennsylvania earlier this morning.
15:03She could have fallen, could have been pushed, could have jumped.
15:07So that's why you were talking to the train crew.
15:09Mm-hmm. She was on the Mohawk Limited.
15:12Evidently, didn't make an impression on anyone.
15:14Did you say the Mohawk Limited?
15:16Right.
15:17Well, Amelia was on that train. I met her this morning.
15:19Well, tell me, did you get on at Chicago?
15:23Yes, I did.
15:24Well, did you happen to talk to a young lady about your age, slight build and dark brown hair like yours?
15:31No, no, I don't think I did.
15:33Maybe you were lucky.
15:35Still, you might be able to help. I'm expecting some pictures.
15:38Oh, excuse me.
15:40Certainly.
15:41I'm worried about that girl. I don't think she's well.
15:46Amelia.
15:47Amelia, dear.
15:49Not there, sweetie.
15:51There.
15:55The old girl was a wheelchair case. Couldn't she have fallen down the stairs?
15:58And if the companion was the shrinking violet type you described,
16:01couldn't she just have gotten panicky and run out of fright?
16:03The shrinking violet type I described could have, but didn't.
16:07No?
16:08Cherchez Lum. Look for the guy.
16:10Oh, there's a man in the case.
16:11When isn't there?
16:13And this violet wasn't so shrinking.
16:15She got mixed up with a laundry man, an unlikely name of Hubert Herbert.
16:21And after the murder, they split the loot and went out of town separately.
16:24The passionate laundry man landed here
16:27and registered carefully in a downtown hotel as George Smith.
16:31And when he couldn't stand prosperity, he went out and got drunk.
16:34He was picked up a little while ago in the 2nd Avenue Saloon,
16:37throwing 10s, 20s, and 50s around like they were advertising circulars
16:42and talking too much.
16:44So the old girl was pushed down the stairs after all.
16:47Must have really been on the messy side.
16:49Jerry, will you stop that?
16:51Amelia's in a terribly nervous state.
16:53No, no, I'm not. Not really.
16:55Yes, you are. Can't you see she's terribly wrought up?
16:57All this talk about murders and killings.
16:59After all, Amelia was on the same train with Violet,
17:01but something could have happened to her.
17:03Well, I must say, you're being a big help.
17:05Well, look, can't we just enjoy ourselves?
17:08Tell you what, Amelia, you spend the night with Jerry and me.
17:11We'll just relax and have some good old-fashioned girl talk.
17:15Hey, Pam.
17:17Out in a minute, darling.
17:19You've been coddling that girl all night.
17:22She can't sleep.
17:24If she keeps getting up, I hear her moving around.
17:26Yeah, and then you keep going in there
17:28so she couldn't get to sleep if she wanted to.
17:30Honestly, Pam, you've been hopping up and down all night
17:33like a Mexican jumping off a cliff.
17:35I don't know what you're talking about.
17:37Well, I don't know what you're talking about.
17:39I don't know what you're talking about.
17:41I don't know what you're talking about.
17:43You sleep like a Mexican jumping, being in bed, out of bed.
17:46Then you drag the electric blanket off my bed and put it on hers.
17:49But Jerry...
17:51Listen, darling, you've been knocking yourself out over this Amelia Little.
17:54And from what you've told me, I wonder if she wants all this attention.
17:58Frankly, as I see it, she'd like to get away from you.
18:01Oh, maybe, but if anything happens to her, it'll be my fault.
18:04Come on.
18:14Amelia?
18:16It's me, Pam.
18:19Come in.
18:24I'm going to see that you get to sleep once and for all.
18:28What are you doing with your robe on?
18:30I was cold.
18:32The blanket?
18:34Oh, you must be coming down with something.
18:36Well, sleep is what you need, and sleep is what you'll get.
18:39Dr. Carter prescribed it for Jerry when he was sick.
18:42It's harmless, but it's very relaxing, and you'll sleep like a baby.
18:45No.
18:47It can't possibly hurt you.
18:49I don't want to.
18:51Come on, it isn't poison.
19:02Now, I'll just keep you company until I'm sure you're asleep.
19:06And tomorrow, I'll take you sightseeing.
19:09You can wear my new suit.
19:11You'll look lovely.
19:13Oh, Pam, for the love of my...
19:15Be there in a minute, Jerry.
19:25Isn't this heaven?
19:27Do you know there are native New Yorkers who've never been to the top of the Statue of Liberty?
19:31No, I didn't know that.
19:34The boats look so tiny.
19:37Could you believe that's the Queen Mary down there?
19:39See it?
19:41Where?
19:43There.
19:45Oh.
19:47Looks like it belongs in the bathtub.
19:51You know, some people get the most terrific urge to jump
19:54when they're up in high places.
20:02PHONE RINGS
20:07Hello.
20:09Oh, yeah, Bill.
20:11What's on your mind?
20:12Brace yourself, Jerry.
20:14I've got news about Violet Budge.
20:16Oh, you mean the gal who pushes people down the stairs?
20:19That one.
20:20The body found on the railroad tracks after the Mohawk Limited passed
20:23isn't the body of Violet Budge.
20:25It isn't?
20:26Now, I have a picture here of Violet Budge.
20:28And she's a dead ringer for Pam's friend, Amelia Little.
20:32Oh, no.
20:34Oh, Bill.
20:35Yes?
20:36Pam went out this morning.
20:37Sightseeing.
20:38And she took Violet Budge.
20:40Sightseeing?
20:41Where?
20:42I don't know. Sightseeing.
20:43Oh, Bill, what are we gonna do?
20:45Find them.
20:46You better get down here and ride around with me.
20:48Right.
20:59And there's Central Park over there.
21:03You sure you feel all right, Amelia?
21:05I'm fine.
21:06You seemed a little faint at the Statue of Liberty.
21:09I certainly was glad to see that guard come along in case you collapsed or something.
21:23My, the places we've been today.
21:26Museum, Grant's Tomb, the U.N.
21:31We're really seeing New York from the top.
21:34Oh, there's St. Patrick's Cathedral way down there.
21:40Also covered, Empire State, Grant's Tomb, Staten Island Ferry.
21:43No results so far.
21:47How about the RCA building?
21:49Men on their way.
21:50Check.
21:51Well, I'd say that's just about complete coverage.
21:54I suppose it's already happened.
21:56If it had, we'd know.
22:00You know, we forgot to send a telegram to your mother.
22:03I think we'd better send her one the second we get home and we can't get there too soon.
22:11That's right. Person to person.
22:13Mrs. Charles Little.
22:15Fine.
22:16Thank you, operator.
22:22Operator says it ought to take a few minutes.
22:25I think we were right in phoning your mother.
22:27She should be worried about not knowing whether you're here safe and sound.
22:30Oh, I meant to ask you, how's Maddy's hearing?
22:33Is it the same or worse?
22:36Oh, I don't know.
22:38Mother and I haven't seen Maddy for a long time.
22:41Your mother and you?
22:43But Maddy is your mother. She's my mother's best friend.
22:47You...
22:49You're not Amelia Little. You...
22:52You couldn't be.
22:56No, I'm not.
23:00I'm glad I don't have to pretend anymore.
23:08Oh, no!
23:17All you do is yelling till you're hit.
23:19You're doing everything possible.
23:21I know, I know.
23:23What puzzles me is...
23:25why you never suspected anything.
23:29Holy...
23:46Help!
23:50Help!
24:03Where's Pam?
24:05Pam isn't here.
24:08She's gone.
24:11I locked myself in.
24:14Are you sure you're all right?
24:16Sure, I'm sure.
24:18Oh.
24:24What a sight.
24:27What's the matter?
24:29Nothing, only you were up here with Violet Budge last time.
24:32I'm surprised wild horses could drag you back.
24:34They couldn't.
24:36Well, why drag me up here?
24:38Well, why drag me up here?
24:40You're not Violet Budge.
24:42There's a difference.
24:44Yes, darling.
24:46And don't let it go to your head,
24:48but I'm crazy about the difference.
24:51Mr. and Mrs. North is directed by Lou Landers.
24:54Produced by John W. Lofton.
24:58A John W. Lofton Production.
25:01Starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
25:04Featuring Frances DeSales.
25:09Starring
25:17This has been a film presentation.
25:19Starring
25:24Starring
25:28Starring
25:33Starring
25:38Starring