- 1 year ago
Exploring the Charm of "Mr. and Mrs. North": A Look Back at "Busy Signal"
"Mr. and Mrs. North" was a delightful television series that aired in the early 1950s, bringing a mix of comedy, drama, mystery, and romance to the small screen. The show starred Richard Denning and Barbara Britton as Jerry and Pamela North, a married couple residing in New York City who found themselves embroiled in various criminal investigations, often outwitting the police to solve crimes.
One of the most memorable episodes from this series is "Busy Signal," which first aired on May 22, 1953. In this episode, a mix-up at the phone company leads to the Norths' phone number being switched with that of a crooked bookie. This results in a series of comedic and suspenseful events as Pam North, played by the charming Barbara Britton, receives non-stop phone calls from gamblers placing bets on horse races. The situation takes a dark turn when she overhears a murder over the phone, thrusting the couple into another thrilling mystery.
The episode "Busy Signal" is a perfect example of the show's ability to blend light-hearted comedy with gripping drama. The chemistry between Denning and Britton, along with the show's clever writing, made "Mr. and Mrs. North" a sophisticated and witty series that still holds a special place in the hearts of classic TV enthusiasts.
For those interested in revisiting this classic episode or discovering it for the first time, there are remastered versions available for viewing. These restored episodes offer a glimpse into the golden age of television and the timeless appeal of "Mr. and Mrs. North." Whether you're a fan of old-school mysteries or simply looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, "Busy Signal" is an episode that is sure to entertain.
"Mr. and Mrs. North" remains a testament to the enduring charm of classic television, where simplicity in production met complexity in narrative, creating stories that were both engaging and endearing. As we look back at episodes like "Busy Signal," we are reminded of the creativity and storytelling prowess that laid the foundation for many of the crime-solving series we enjoy today.
"Mr. and Mrs. North" was a delightful television series that aired in the early 1950s, bringing a mix of comedy, drama, mystery, and romance to the small screen. The show starred Richard Denning and Barbara Britton as Jerry and Pamela North, a married couple residing in New York City who found themselves embroiled in various criminal investigations, often outwitting the police to solve crimes.
One of the most memorable episodes from this series is "Busy Signal," which first aired on May 22, 1953. In this episode, a mix-up at the phone company leads to the Norths' phone number being switched with that of a crooked bookie. This results in a series of comedic and suspenseful events as Pam North, played by the charming Barbara Britton, receives non-stop phone calls from gamblers placing bets on horse races. The situation takes a dark turn when she overhears a murder over the phone, thrusting the couple into another thrilling mystery.
The episode "Busy Signal" is a perfect example of the show's ability to blend light-hearted comedy with gripping drama. The chemistry between Denning and Britton, along with the show's clever writing, made "Mr. and Mrs. North" a sophisticated and witty series that still holds a special place in the hearts of classic TV enthusiasts.
For those interested in revisiting this classic episode or discovering it for the first time, there are remastered versions available for viewing. These restored episodes offer a glimpse into the golden age of television and the timeless appeal of "Mr. and Mrs. North." Whether you're a fan of old-school mysteries or simply looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, "Busy Signal" is an episode that is sure to entertain.
"Mr. and Mrs. North" remains a testament to the enduring charm of classic television, where simplicity in production met complexity in narrative, creating stories that were both engaging and endearing. As we look back at episodes like "Busy Signal," we are reminded of the creativity and storytelling prowess that laid the foundation for many of the crime-solving series we enjoy today.
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00:00Mr. and Mrs. North, starring Barbara Britton and Richard Denning.
00:30Pam North often says she likes New York City.
00:59She likes New York City because it's so exciting, East River, Broadway, Central Park.
01:07And overlooking the park are some of the more luxurious apartment homes in which some people
01:12live quite differently from Pam and Jerry.
01:15For instance, even racetrack bookies such as Dutch and Queenie Mandel.
01:46Running out, eh?
01:47Listen, Queenie, I have to.
01:49If I want to live, I do.
01:51And nothing changes that desire.
01:53You'd understand if you could see Crosset's face.
01:56It doesn't look like Whistler's mother.
02:01Do you know what you're doing?
02:02You're leaving me holding the sack.
02:04If they don't find you, they find me.
02:05And if I can't finger you, well, I get it.
02:07Look, I've tried everything in the book.
02:10I even asked Fowler to help.
02:12No soap.
02:13He thinks I gave Crosset the double cross.
02:16I didn't.
02:17But Crosset's out a hundred grand.
02:19I tipped him on a fix that went the wrong way.
02:22And that's a frame in his book.
02:24Where are you going?
02:26No one will ever find out.
02:27Not even you.
02:28That's Crosset.
02:29Don't answer it.
02:30I said, don't answer it!
02:37Dutch!
02:38Dutch!
02:39Hello.
02:40Grammer C3.
02:418099.
02:42This is Miss Cartwell for the telephone.
02:43Hello.
02:44Hello.
02:45Hello.
02:46Hello.
02:47Hello.
02:48Hello.
02:49Hello.
02:50Hello.
02:51Hello.
02:52Hello.
02:53Hello.
02:54Hello.
02:55Hello.
02:56Hello.
02:57Hello.
02:58Hello.
02:59This is Miss Cartwell for the telephone company.
03:00As notified, we are rezoning the units in your district.
03:01So what do you want from me?
03:02Instead of Grammer C3.
03:038099, you will now have Grammer C2.
03:042.
03:05Oh, yes, Miss Cartwell.
03:06One moment, please.
03:07Jerry, give me your pencil.
03:08It's the phone company with our new number.
03:09Oh, hi, Miss Cartwell.
03:10Grammer C3.
03:118099.
03:12Thank you very much.
03:13The man will be around later with a new Doreen key.
03:14We'll be in touch.
03:28The man will be around later with a new Doreen key.
03:29Good.
03:33Bye, dear.
03:36Now, be careful crossing streets.
03:37I will.
03:38And don't breathe in a crowded elevator.
03:40I won't.
03:41And call me soon as you get to the office.
03:42I will.
03:43Goodbye.
03:56Hello?
03:57Hello, Queenie? This is Scratch.
03:59Who?
04:00Scratch! Wait till you hear the news.
04:02I got a bundle for your old man.
04:04Five grand from Fowler.
04:06Where is he?
04:07Well, he just went out the door.
04:09But I'll take the bundle.
04:11Good. What's the address?
04:1324 St. Anne's Place, apartment 408.
04:16Thank you, Mr. Scratch.
04:28I just talked to Queenie.
04:32Boy, if this was mine, I'd sure be living.
04:35Not for long.
04:37Don't worry, Mr. Fowler. I'm just dreaming.
04:42All right, Miss Pennington. What's on the calendar this morning?
04:45The correspondence, Mr. North. You promised.
04:48Oh.
04:50I guess I did, didn't I?
04:53Well...
04:57Hello?
04:59Bernie with late-track reports.
05:01First at high alias.
05:03Oh, by the way, Miss Pennington,
05:05we have a new phone number at home. Here.
05:07Oh.
05:08I think I'll try it, see if it works.
05:11Now, let's see. Three...
05:13Uh, what was that?
05:158099.
05:16Yeah. Eight...
05:18Oh...
05:20Moving to the fourth.
05:22Scratch, Lulu, Lady, Dumpling, Dan, and Salamando.
05:27There must be some mistake. Will you please get off the line?
05:32It's busy.
05:35Yeah. Gramercy 38099.
05:38All right.
05:41Beard and Alden, bookbinders.
05:43214 Wall, et cetera.
05:46Gentleman.
05:49I think I'll try PAMA again.
05:56All right.
06:12Moving to the sixth.
06:15Hello?
06:17Hello?
06:20Hello?
06:28Any answer, Crosser?
06:29Yeah, Queenie. That means the Dutch will be alone.
06:32Unless the tip is on the square and you're going to blow town.
06:35Well, I don't think so.
06:37I don't think so.
06:39I don't think so.
06:41Unless the tip is on the square and you're going to blow town.
06:44Well, you got almost an hour to kill.
06:52Hello?
07:04Well, well, a painting in the flesh.
07:07Ooh la la.
07:09Who are you?
07:10Stretch.
07:14Oh, the man with the bundle.
07:20Who can she be talking to?
07:22Where was that?
07:25Five thousand dollars? But who's it for?
07:28Your husband, Natch.
07:30How about giving me a receipt?
07:32Something to reason that the clams passed from my hand to yours.
07:35Oh, yes, of course.
07:38Well, I ain't one to shy from a day's work.
07:41You run a very classy factory.
07:43Let's see.
07:46Hmm.
07:48First to the banner.
07:54Well, we'll bet, uh,
07:56ten to win
07:59and forty to show on poke and pen.
08:01Here you are, Mr. Stretch.
08:03Hold it. I'm in conference.
08:05And I'll parlay that over to...
08:10File my bets by post time, baby.
08:12Post time?
08:14Yeah, and don't forget.
08:16The banner's off early today.
08:18Oh, here's your receipt, Mr. Scratch.
08:20Thanks.
08:22By the way,
08:24if you ever get dropped into a claiming race, let me know.
08:27My stable ain't so classy, but it's, uh, cozy.
08:30What a daylight.
08:32Kills me.
08:34Gotta put on me blinkers.
08:43Oh, dear.
08:53Jerry North, I want to know what's going on.
09:01Oh.
09:06Who in the world can you be talking to?
09:12Hello?
09:14I'm at Grand Central, Queenie.
09:16My train leaves in half an hour.
09:18Listen to me, Queenie.
09:20I can't walk out on you. I was wrong.
09:22Just to live isn't much of a desire.
09:24We'll get by.
09:26Throw some things in a bag.
09:28There's still time.
09:31Hello?
09:33Is this Gramercy 3-8099?
09:35Who are you? Who am I talking to?
09:43Hello?
09:58Yeah, this is Wigan.
10:00What?
10:01Shunt?
10:03Is he dead?
10:05Grand Central Station, huh?
10:07All right, I'll be right over.
10:11Hello, police station?
10:13Lieutenant Bill Wigan, please. This is Pam North.
10:16Sorry, Mrs. North.
10:18He just left for Grand Central Station on a murder investigation.
10:21Oh, I see. Thank you.
10:29Hello?
10:31They're off and running at Havana.
10:33Polk and Penn taking the lead.
10:35Sets and sister. Tarry, Terry.
10:49He was on the phone when the slug caught him.
10:51Please let me through.
10:53I'm Pam North, and I must see Lieutenant Wigan.
10:55What are you doing here?
10:57Oh, the poor man.
10:59Yeah. You know, I'd get my day off to know who he was talking to before this thing happened.
11:02Oh, Bill.
11:03Oh, please, Pam.
11:04But, Bill, I can tell you who he was talking to.
11:06You can?
11:07Yes. He was talking to me.
11:14Pam?
11:16Hey, Pam, what's been going on?
11:18You know, you owe me a retread job on a dialing finger.
11:22The phone's okay.
11:2810 to win, 40 to show on Polk and Penn.
11:31Parlay to campfire.
11:35Pam North, are you playing the horses?
11:43Oh. Hiya, chum.
11:45Looks like I'm gonna give you a bath.
11:47Just what are you going to give me?
11:49A bath, buster. In the dough I win.
11:52Where's Queenie?
11:53Queenie?
11:54Oh, I see you've got the wrong apartment.
11:56The wrong floor, maybe.
11:57Well, sorry. No harm done.
11:58Oh, you're off your rocker.
12:00What's the patter?
12:01Look, there is no Queenie here.
12:03My name is Jerry North, and my wife's name is Pam.
12:05We live alone and like it.
12:07Pam North?
12:09Pam.
12:12You gave me the wrong address.
12:15You gave my wife $5,000?
12:17Yeah.
12:19Well, there's some mistake, but don't worry, you'll get it back.
12:22Oh, well, that's nice.
12:23I'll get it back.
12:24Look, buster, let's stop playing games.
12:28Queenie took my bets.
12:30Polk and Penn wins and turns on the water for your bath.
12:33And if campfire boys should romp in, the tub will be overflowing.
12:36But you don't seem to understand...
12:38Hello.
12:39Freddy was the third at Havana.
12:41They're off and running.
12:43Sorry, wrong number.
12:44Don't do that.
12:45Now, wait a minute.
12:46Listen.
12:49Cuddles Dave taking the lead.
12:51Fondly yours, Stolen Base.
12:53George's Pride and the Flipper.
12:55Campfire Boy is trailing way back.
12:59Did he say campfire boy?
13:00Nah, that dog.
13:04It's the Flipper. It's George's Pride, and it's campfire boy.
13:09Come on, Flipper.
13:10Campfire boy.
13:12George's Pride, it's campfire boy.
13:15Come on, George's Pride.
13:17Campfire boy.
13:18It's campfire boy.
13:24You're up to your neck in the tub, buster.
13:26Oh, Pam, what have you got us into this time?
13:30The official sign is up.
13:35Waiting for the price.
13:36Here is a newsflash of interest.
13:38Dutch Mandel, well-known in racing circles, was just murdered.
13:43Dutch Mandel?
13:45Murdered?
13:47Who?
13:48Suddenly, I don't like being here.
13:53Maybe I'm confusing.
13:55Oh, look, so am I.
13:57Now, let's start with the $5,000 you paid, Pam.
14:00Planet, that's what I was.
14:02When a guy like Dutch Mandel gets bumped off, you gotta look out for your health.
14:05And being found in this apartment is a disease I don't want no part of.
14:09Yeah, but what about the $5,000?
14:14Oh, Pam.
14:25Just heard.
14:26What?
14:27Dutch Mandel, murdered.
14:28What? Where?
14:30Grand Central Station, in a phone booth.
14:32Well, don't look so worried. We've all got to get it one way or the other.
14:36In case anybody's curious, I've been here over an hour.
14:46You want to see me, Mr. Fowler?
14:47You bet I do.
14:52What about the bundle?
14:53Like you said, I delivered it.
14:54To whom?
14:55Queenie.
14:58Did you see anybody else?
14:59Not then. Later.
15:01From here?
15:02I've never seen a guy before in my life.
15:04Honest.
15:09We have a problem, Jerry?
15:10Yes, the $5,000.
15:13Oh, yes, Mr. Scratch.
15:15Who can he be and how can we get the money back to him?
15:18Now, Pam, you don't just run around with $5,000.
15:22That's the third at Holly Park.
15:27Hello?
15:29Queenie answered.
15:32Hello?
15:36Hello, Queenie?
15:37This is Scratch.
15:38Considering the curve of events, I've got to pick up the bundle.
15:41It's Mr. Scratch about the $5,000.
15:44Good. Now, where do we take it?
15:46Yes, we have it, Mr. Scratch. Now, where do we take it?
15:49Well, thanks, Queenie.
15:50You're real regular.
15:51I'll tell you when I'll do our...
15:54Who are you talking to?
15:55Queenie.
15:56That's Queenie.
15:59Well, I'm bewildered and bewitched.
16:09Please, Mr. Fowler, I've told from the Bible.
16:12Gunner, stay with him.
16:29Doesn't look like it's counterfeit either.
16:32Too bad. Otherwise, we could throw it away.
16:54Pam, what is it?
16:56Don't disturb me, Jerry.
16:58I'm not disturbing you.
17:04Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.
17:05Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.
17:07Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.
17:08Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding.
17:14Jilch!
17:16Pam!
17:19Come on, Jerry, I know where we can find Mr. Scratch.
17:29Hurry, hurry, hurry.
17:31Fun on 42nd Street.
17:33Glorified and glamorified in the movies.
17:37Hear that voice?
17:38The only thing that's missing is the machine gun.
17:41There it is.
17:59See?
18:00Yeah, but I don't see Scratch.
18:28Check the dam outside.
18:33Out of water.
18:34Good.
18:35And the water's clear.
18:37We can't find him.
18:38I know.
18:39Let's go.
18:40All right.
18:41Let's go.
18:42Come on.
18:43Come on.
18:44Come on.
18:45Come on.
18:46Come on.
18:47Come on.
18:48Come on.
18:49Come on.
18:50Come on.
18:51Come on.
18:52Come on.
18:53Come on.
18:54Come on.
18:55Come on.
18:56Come on.
18:57of order. Can't you read? Of course. I was waiting for someone. Who?
19:04Um, Queenie. She's a friend of mine. Wait there.
19:17Jerry. Jerry!
19:23Come on in. The door's open, old friend of Queenie's.
19:29You're just in time for the fifth at Holly Park.
19:32Oh, thank you. That's just what I had in mind.
19:38All right, they're going to the post at Holly Park.
19:42Now here's the latest rundown. Post position number one.
19:47Heather Boy. Jackie Perkins. Four to one.
19:51Post position number two. The favorite.
19:55Sir Helper. Monaco up. Six to five.
20:00Post position number three. Lady Gaddy.
20:04McGovern to Jackie.
20:08Sorry, Chief. I just let in the stiff.
20:11Her door opener was being a friend of Queenie's.
20:18Closed down for the day.
20:20But boss, maybe she's just a tourist.
20:22Who found Queenie's name and our address in her guidebook?
20:31We're closing down for the day, ladies. Everybody out, please.
20:34That goes for you, too, Queenie.
20:41I want to know why you came here.
20:43I want to know why you came here.
20:46Mr. Scratch.
20:48Who?
20:49Mr. Scratch. He gave me a bundle.
20:52He thought I was you and I guess it was meant for your husband, but I thought it was meant for Jerry.
20:56What was in the bundle?
20:58Five thousand dollars.
21:05All right, I'll get the bundle for you.
21:07Well, get it and bring it back.
21:09Sure. From now on, I hate this stuff.
21:13Mr. Scratch.
21:14Please, mister, I got...
21:15Chum, pal. Where's Queenie? Where's the money?
21:18Don't worry. I got it right here.
21:19Oh, my, glad to see you.
21:20Now, let's see Crosset.
21:22You, too, fowler.
21:27Uh-uh, sonny boy. You're in on a party, too.
21:30Dutch was a good joke. I just tried to help him out of town.
21:32Yeah, with my hundred Gs.
21:36The joint's crawling with cops.
21:40Just keep quiet, everybody.
21:42Maybe they'll go away, huh?
21:44All right, hold it, everybody. Don't move.
21:46Sorry. You don't know our Bill Wigand like we do.
21:49Are you surprised to see Jerry and me here, Bill?
21:51No, not particularly.
21:53I use Gramercy 3-8099-2.
21:56Sounds like a lot of numbers.
21:57No, I had the lines checked.
21:58The sixth race that Holly Park brought us right to the door.
22:02Who win it?
22:06Mrs. Mandel.
22:08Was there an attempt made on your husband's life?
22:10Is that why he was leaving town?
22:12Yes. Hugo Crosset was out to get him.
22:14Where were you at the time he was killed?
22:16In the apartment. I didn't leave until I heard the news over the radio.
22:20Mr. Crosset, where were you at the time Mandel was murdered?
22:23Right here.
22:24That's a lie.
22:25He told me about the murder and asked me to fix him an alibi.
22:29Where were you, Mr. Crosset?
22:31I stopped by Queenie's apartment, but she wasn't home.
22:34Well, perhaps I didn't hear the bell.
22:36Oh, I had this.
22:38You weren't there.
22:39Where were you before you went to the apartment?
22:41Grand Central Station.
22:46Jerry, listen to me.
22:48Where were you?
22:49When?
22:50When Dutch Mandel was murdered.
22:52Grand Central Station.
22:54Oh, Bill.
22:56Just a moment, Pam.
22:58So you admit you're at the scene of the crime.
23:00It's a big station.
23:03Where were you?
23:04Don't tell me Grand Central Station.
23:08Hey, Bill, listen to Pam a minute.
23:10Bill, you don't have to go through all this rigmarole.
23:12I don't?
23:13No. Mrs. Mandel killed her husband.
23:17Mr. Mandel told me so on the phone.
23:19Well, he as much as did.
23:21I said hello, and he called me Queenie.
23:24So I said something more, and he called me Queenie again.
23:27Then he did all the talking until suddenly he stopped
23:30and wanted to know to whom he was talking.
23:33That's because he saw the real Queenie walk up to the booth.
23:36What's that old saying about cats?
23:38It's too bad Mr. Mandel was so curious about me.
23:41Why, you little...
23:49Good night, darling.
23:50Good night, Jerry.
24:07I'll handle this.
24:20It's impossible.
24:25You pulled out the wrong cord.
24:29I'll take care of that.
24:36Jerry?
24:41Jerry, I'm cold.
24:46There's something wrong with my electric blanket.
25:06© BF-WATCH TV 2021
25:36© BF-WATCH TV 2021
26:06© BF-WATCH TV 2021
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