1001 Wives 39-09-07 Lori O'Donnell

Summary

Podcast Summary: "1001 Wives 39-09-07 Lori O'Donnell"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: 1001 Wives 39-09-07 Lori O'Donnell
• Release Date: January 23, 2025
• Description: Dive into the golden era of radio with timeless stories that capture the essence of pre-television family entertainment. This episode features a poignant narrative revolving around family dynamics, loss, and the longing for maternal love.

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Introduction

The episode begins with a captivating introduction by Mercedes McCambridge, setting the stage for a heartfelt story about marriage, family, and the shadows of the past that can affect the future. McCambridge elegantly presents the portrait of Laurie O'Donnell, inviting listeners into a tale that promises both joy and sorrow.

Notable Introduction:

"Marriage, with its problems and joys, its tears and smiles, is a venture and an adventure to be welcomed light-heartedly and willingly."
— Mercedes McCambridge [00:31]

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Main Characters

1. Laurie O'Donnell (Mercedes McCambridge): A devoted wife striving to build a harmonious family life while grappling with the loss of her husband’s previous relationship with his son.
2. Jerry O'Donnell (Pat Murphy): Laurie’s husband and Jimsy's father, who seeks to balance his own needs with those of his son.
3. Jimsy O'Donnell (Frankie Pacelli): A young boy struggling with the absence of his mother and adjusting to his father's new marriage.

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Plot Summary

Setting the Scene

The narrative unfolds in the O'Donnell household, where Laurie is preparing for her impending marriage to Jerry. However, the joyous occasion is tinged with tension as they navigate the complexities of blending their lives together.

Initial Conflict:

"Can a prospective and very nervous husband get a little sympathy around here?"
— Jerry O'Donnell [00:37]

Laurie introduces herself to Jerry’s son, Jimsy, who is visibly uncomfortable with the new dynamic. The household becomes a battleground for affection and acceptance, with Laurie striving to earn Jimsy’s trust.

Building Tensions

As Laurie attempts to bond with Jimsy, the boy reveals his deep-seated longing for his absent mother, who he refers to as his "angel mother." This emotional gap creates friction between him and his father, Jerry, who tries to bridge the distance by introducing Laurie into Jimsy's life.

Jimsy's Plea:

"I like her to come...Why do I need a mother?"
— Jimsy [05:05]

Laurie’s persistent efforts to connect with Jimsy only seem to heighten his feelings of neglect, leading to misunderstandings and feelings of resentment towards Laurie.

Climax: The Accident

The tension reaches its peak when Jimsy is involved in a tragic accident. As a truck hits him while he is riding his bike downtown, the family faces the devastating consequences of their strained relationships.

Emotional Breakdown:

"He was riding his bike on a busy street going downtown, apparently."
— Laurie O'Donnell [20:40]

Laurie and Jerry rush to Jimsy's side, confronting the fragility of their family bonds in the wake of the accident. The hospital scene underscores the emotional turmoil and the pressing need for familial support.

Resolution and Healing

In the aftermath of the accident, Laurie steps into the role of a caring mother, providing comfort to Jimsy as he recovers. This pivotal moment serves as a catalyst for healing, allowing the family to begin mending their fractured relationships.

Laurie's Consolation:

"Let me help you. Drink a little water. Here, dear."
— Laurie O'Donnell [23:17]

Through compassion and understanding, Laurie and Jerry work together to support Jimsy, fostering a renewed sense of unity within the family.

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Blended Families: The episode delves deep into the challenges faced by blended families, highlighting the emotional complexities of integrating new family members.
2. Loss and Longing: Jimsy's yearning for his deceased mother illustrates the profound impact of loss on a child's psyche and the subsequent strain on familial relationships.
3. Parental Roles: The narrative explores the delicate balance parents must maintain in providing support and love, especially in situations involving remarriage and step-parenting.
4. Communication and Understanding: Effective communication emerges as a crucial element in resolving conflicts and fostering understanding within the family unit.

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Notable Quotes

1. Laurie on Marriage:

   "Marriage, with its problems and joys, its tears and smiles, is a venture and an adventure to be welcomed light-heartedly and willingly."
   — Mercedes McCambridge [00:31]

2. Jimsy's Struggle:

   "Why do I need a mother?"
   — Jimsy [05:05]

3. Laurie's Plea:

   "I want so badly for you to be right. Maybe he might learn to love me a little."
   — Laurie O'Donnell [07:38]

4. Jimsy's Vulnerability:

   "I think it's gonna die. And I hit him and I kicked him just like he kicked the little rabbit."
   — Jimsy [17:09]

5. Final Consolation:

   "I'm right here, Jimsy."
   — Laurie O'Donnell [26:27]

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Conclusion

"1001 Wives 39-09-07 Lori O'Donnell" is a compelling episode that encapsulates the emotional turmoil and resilience inherent in blended families. Through the heartfelt performances of Laurie, Jerry, and Jimsy, the story underscores the importance of empathy, communication, and unconditional love in overcoming personal and familial adversities. This narrative not only entertains but also offers profound insights into the human condition, making it a memorable addition to "Harold's Old Time Radio."

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections featuring Ryan Seacrest promotions for Chumba Casino were intentionally omitted from this summary to maintain focus on the core narrative.

Transcript

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[Mercedes McCambridge]

1 wives. A thousand and one Wives. An album of portraits among whose subjects many should be familiar to you who are husbands and to you who are wives. As for those of you who are yet unmarried, for you this volume should have the special value of a guide, a warning, a promise. Marriage, with its problems and joys, its tears and smiles, is a venture and an adventure to be welcomed light heartedly and willingly. But yet there are times when a shadow of the past darkens the brilliance of the future. There are times when the happiness of one unwittingly brings sorrow to another. Here is the portrait of Laurie O'Donnell.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Yes.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Can a prospective and very nervous husband get a little sympathy around here?

[Jimsy]

Silly.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I'm arranging my glory and I can't be bothered with you.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

You will find my gaunt body on your doorstep then.

[Mercedes McCambridge]

I promise.

[Jimsy]

Oh, heavens.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Tragedy on the eve of happiness. Will you promise to leave in two minutes? Very well then. Come on in.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Hello, darling.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Oh, Jerry. Gorilla. And I thought all along that you were human.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

No, positively Simeon. All the characteristics, including a liking for coconuts. Getting scared?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Mm. Just think, this time Tomorrow I've been Mrs. Jerry O'Donnell for three solid hours.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

How horrible. You'll probably be half dead from bending over. Wash t by then.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Brute.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Oh, darn.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Hush, dear. Yes? Come in.

[Jimsy]

Is my dad here?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Well, hello, son.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Come on in, Jim Z. Hello, dear. Come along and sit down with us.

[Jimsy]

No, thank you. I was just looking for dad.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Well, what's the trouble, son? Getting a little lonesome?

[Jimsy]

Well, maybe. Of course, I got someone to talk to. She was here a while ago.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

She? Jimsy, who's she?

[Jimsy]

Someone you don't know her.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

I'll tell you later, dear. Jimsy, shall we walk out on the porch?

[Jimsy]

You and me, dad.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Right, you and me.

[Jimsy]

Oh, sure, dad.

[Mercedes McCambridge]

All right.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Come along then, old son. Do you mind, Laurie?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Of course not, dear. Jimsy, will you visit me a little later for cookies and lemonade?

[Jimsy]

Well, thank you, ma'am. But I think I'll probably be very busy.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Oh, too busy though, Jimsy? I think cookies and lemonade sound pretty good.

[Jimsy]

Do you, Dad?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

I should say wow.

[Jimsy]

Okay.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

All right, dear. I'll see you later then, huh?

[Jimsy]

Yes, ma'am.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Come along, old boy. Goodbye, dear. Ought to be nice and cool out in the Porsche, don't you think?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Oh, yes.

[Jimsy]

Well, we can have a tune fest, huh dad?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Well, yes, I suppose, but I want to talk about something special.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I know. Going swimming?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

No, no, that wasn't what I wanted to talk about.

[Jimsy]

Oh, what?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Here, here son. Out here. Let's try that swing. Looks comfortable, doesn't it?

[Jimsy]

Uh huh. I was sitting here a while ago.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Well, there we are.

[Jimsy]

She was talking to me here a while ago.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Was she Jimsy?

[Jimsy]

Huh? I guess she likes to swing. You know, when the sun shines in the porch. I like her to come.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Why, son?

[Jimsy]

Well, all the gold sparkles then and it's awful pretty.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Must be very beautiful, son.

[Jimsy]

Uh huh, it is. It's awful nice to have an angel mother to talk to. Don't you think, dad?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Yes, yes, Jimsy, it is nice.

[Jimsy]

Better than the ordinary kind, I guess.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Is it, son?

[Jimsy]

Oh, sure. Of course, my mother's always been an angel mother, so I don't know about the other kind. Maybe they're nice too.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

That's what I wanted to talk about, son.

[Jimsy]

About my angel mother, dad?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

No, no. About a real live, beautiful mother.

[Jimsy]

You mean her?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Now, Jimsy, you mustn't talk that way. You know, you're nine years old now. That means that Carla, your mother, has been gone nine years.

[Jimsy]

Mm. Dad, why did she have to go when I came? Other boys mothers didn't.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

I don't know, son. I wondered myself. But it happens that way sometimes.

[Jimsy]

Well, we get along all right alone, don't we, dad?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

No, Jimsy, I'm afraid we don't. Let me tell you something. And son, try to understand this, will you? You need a mother, a real mother to watch over you and take care of you and do a hundred and one things that mothers do for their sons. And Jimsy, dad gets lonesome sometimes.

[Jimsy]

Oh sure, sometimes when Bricky isn't around. I get kind of lonesome when you're at work. But then I just talk to my angel mother. Why don't you talk to her, dad?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

I used to, Jimsy. But son, you need the boys and girls you play with every day. And I need someone too. Jimsy. I've grown very fond of Laurie and she's to be my wife and she's to be your mother too.

[Jimsy]

Oh, I don't want her for a mother. Gosh, since she started coming around, I don't never see you anymore.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Yes, I realize that, son. I know you can't understand how much her companionship meant to me. But Jimsy. Well, tomorrow after tomorrow, Laurie will be your mother.

[Jimsy]

But why do I need a mother?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

It's hard to put into words, Jimsy, but every child needs a mother to guide him, care for him and love him.

[Jimsy]

I don't know. I can get along all right, Jimsy.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Well, son, I guess you just don't understand. But I think things work out all right. I hope so.

[Jimsy]

Maybe. Well, dad, guess I'll see how Beauty's pups are coming along. So long, dad.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Goodbye, son.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Jerry.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Laurie, you out here?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I. Listen, dear, do you mind?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Well, of course not.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I knew all along, Jerry. Knew what? That Jimsy didn't like me.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Oh, don't give it another thought, Laura. It's a childish fancy.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Oh, it isn't, dear. I've taken away everything Jimsy ever had and he hates me for it.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

That isn't true, I'm sure. If we'll just give him a little time.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

You're right, Jerry. I want so badly for you to be right. Maybe he might learn to love me a little.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Are you so fond of Jimsy, Laurie?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Yes, Jerry. Oh, Jerry, help me. Help me to make him my boy too. Just a little bit. Mine anyway. Jerry, is that you?

[Jimsy]

No, it's me, Jimsy.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Where have you been, dear?

[Jimsy]

Oh, around.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

But your lunch. You didn't come home for lunch again today.

[Jimsy]

Well, I wasn't very hungry. I guess I'll go upstairs now. I gotta wash up.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Yes dear, I know. Did. Did you have fun today?

[Jimsy]

Uh huh. Yes.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

M. What did you do?

[Jimsy]

Oh, things.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Beauty looked pretty lonesome. I thought you always took her along when you went to play.

[Jimsy]

Well, she's got pups now and she's got to take care of them.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Oh yes, she must. There's food and exercise and all those things that puppies must have, aren't they?

[Jimsy]

Yes.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Jimsy. I thought I saw Bricky Foster and his mother go away just after lunchtime.

[Jimsy]

Yes.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Then you were alone most of the day?

[Jimsy]

Uh huh. Yes.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Why didn't you come home to me? Maybe we could have gone someplace together.

[Jimsy]

Well, I was pretty busy.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

What were you doing?

[Jimsy]

Oh, fooling around.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Jimsy, dear, wouldn't you like to go downtown with me tomorrow? We could go see about that football. You'll need a new one, won't you?

[Jimsy]

Well, no, Mine's all right. It's a real professional one.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I see. Oh, but we could have loads of fun together, Jimsy. Just you and I. We could visit the stores and have luncheon together and maybe even see a movie. How does that sound?

[Jimsy]

Well, of course, I gotta help Ricky Foster build a house for the new little rabbits.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I see, Jimsy.

[Jimsy]

Well, I guess I better wash up now.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Yes, dear. I suppose you'd better. Jimsy. Yes, Jimsy, dear? Wouldn't you like to be my son? All the ladies around here have a little boy or a girl. Even beauty has her pups to love and care for. I haven't anyone, but I'd like to be your mother.

[Jimsy]

Sure you have. You got someone. You got my dad.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Ah, gee, it feels good to stretch my legs in a comfortable chair again, doesn't it?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I've enjoyed this week since we came home.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Have you, Laurie?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Yes, of course. It's been grand.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Drew, you're troubled, dear. Jimsy, isn't it?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Yes. Jerry, his angel Mother. This little complex of his, it's grown and grown through the years until now, it's.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Yes, I know. The poor kids watch the other boys and girls and ask me all sorts of questions. Well, I did the best I could. Guess I wasn't good enough.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Oh, but it was, dear. He adores you, and that's the trouble. I've taken you away from him. Oh, he doesn't put it in so many words, but. Well, he came near to it tonight.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

He isn't getting sassy, is he? I won't stand for it.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Please, Jerry. No punishment, no matter what happens.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

But small boys need punishment sometimes. I won't, Jerry.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I'm the guilty party. I fell in love with you and wanted you. And now I've taken you away from Jimsy.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Oh, that's.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Please, dear, hear me. Jimsy believes this is what happened. He doesn't. Well, he can't understand that I love him just as you do and that you want him just as much as you do me. Jimsy only knows that his hero, his big dad, his everything is gone, and I've taken it. And now if because of me, his adored dad should turn to punishment. Oh, Jerry, can't you see it would break that poor little heart that's bleeding so pitifully right now.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Yes, I see.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Let's go out to him. Let's make him know that he is loved and wanted.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Yes. Yes, you're right, dear. Where is he?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

He's out on the porch. Come on, Jerry.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Okay.

[Jimsy]

That's what I think, Mother.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Wait, Jerry, don't open the screen. Listen.

[Jimsy]

Of course, it gets kind of lonesome. You come and talk to me, won't you, Mother?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Yes, I've heard him do this before. Pretends he's talking to his angel mother.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

The poor lonesome little tyke. I'll always come to you.

[Jimsy]

Of course, she's kind of nice, don't you think?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Yes, Jimsy, she's very nice.

[Jimsy]

She's always wanting to do something for me. Oh, but dad and me got along okay, I guess. And dad used to sit and talk with me.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Dad would still talk with you if you wanted him to.

[Jimsy]

Nope. Dad likes to sit and talk with her. He doesn't come to me much anymore.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Oh, Jerry. Poor little tyke.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Yes, he talks to himself. Almost as though he were talking to someone.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

He is, dear. A very real someone. In his imagination. Jimsy, Dad's in the living room. Why not go to him?

[Jimsy]

Gee, do you think maybe he'd talk to me, Mother? Maybe if I just walked in and said, hello, dad, let's have a tin fest, maybe he'd say, sure. Do you think maybe he.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

He might, dear.

[Jimsy]

Oh, no, he wouldn't. He'd say, bedtime, son. Better hop upstairs. That's what he'd say.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

But it is bedtime. Hello.

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[Jerry O'Donnell]

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[Laurie O'Donnell]

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[Jerry O'Donnell]

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[Laurie O'Donnell]

But it is bedtime.

[Jimsy]

Mm, yeah, it's just about bedtime. Well, I guess I might as well go to bed, I guess.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Jerry. Oh, dearie. Go out to him. Talk to him as you used to.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Yes, dear. But won't you come?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Oh, dear. Just you go to him. He needs you so badly tonight. Pretend with him. Pretend that I never existed.

[Jimsy]

Gee, nobody ever sold my sweaters. Gosh, the last lady that kept house didn't even.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Well, we won't do that. And while you're in school this afternoon, I'll skip down and get another.

[Jimsy]

Well, maybe dad could do that. Women Buy kind of sissy sweaters.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Sissy sweaters? Well, not for us. I'll find a football sweater if I have to turn the town inside out. You will? I certainly will. What would dad think if we put a sissy sweater on you?

[Jimsy]

Well, gee, I didn't know ladies like football sweaters.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Oh, I do. And what's more, I like football games. Maybe you'd take me to some this fall.

[Jimsy]

Me? Well, gosh, maybe.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

You'Re this young one's mother. Yes, Come in. Well, he deliberately thrashed my boy and kicked him. Kicked him in. In. Well, kicked him viciously. And I want you. It's not necessary for you to jerk Jimsy about by the arm. Please let him go. Thank you. Jimsy. Come here, dear, and sit down. But he thrashed my boy. And he started that fight too. Without a doubt, you heard your boy story. Now, will you kindly permit me to hear my. To hear Jimsy's story? Now, what happened, Jimsy?

[Jimsy]

Well, I was at Bricky Foster's playing with the new little rabbits and Billy Trumbull came and called us sissies because we was playing with rabbits. And then he kicked a little rabbit the way the black ears of Ricky was gonna give me. Now, it can't run. I think it's gonna die. And I hit him and I kicked him just like he kicked the little rabbit. And I'll do it again.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

You see, he admits it. Every word. Of course he admits it. Jimsy doesn't lie. Well, what are you going to do about it? Nothing. Your son deserves his slipping. Do you have the audacity, Mrs. Trumbull? I hope that Jimsy will soundly thrash any boy who has the meanness to take his temper out on a tiny, helpless animal. A rabbit. I demand to know what you're going to do about it. Not a thing. I'd say that Jimsy has the situation well in hand. What? Why, the idea. I've never heard of such a thing. Boy isn't safe in this neighborhood with a little ruffian like that around. Well, Jimsy.

[Jimsy]

Oh, I don't care. I'll do it again.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I think you'd best forget it. No, sir.

[Jimsy]

I'm gonna hit him again.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Jimsy, you whipped him once. Now, let's not be a bully.

[Jimsy]

Well, he just better not hang around me. He better not hurt my rabbit again either.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Very well, Jimsy. We'll let it go that way then.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Laurie, I. I haven't said anything, but. Well, do you realize how much you've become wrapped up in Jimsy in the Past month, I.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Well, how do you mean, dear?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Well, you've. You've talked on nothing, done nothing, thought of nothing but Jimsy since we've been married.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I know, dear.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

That doesn't seem right. I think you're taking this problem of Jimsy far too seriously.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I'm not really, dear. If you could see him as I do. I watched him try to work out his own little problems, asking nothing of me or you. And it's pitiful to me, Jerry. I want so badly to win his confidence and his love.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Laurie, I didn't realize you felt quite this way about him.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

You see, dear, he's clung so to you. He's known since he was a tot that something was wrong in his home. And he clung to you for love and help and encouragement. And then I came along. I took up your time, occupied your attention and took you away from him. Now he has nothing.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Oh, now, Lord, that's just plain nonsense.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Please, dear. Jimsy feels these things. I know. I've watched him, talk to him and he doesn't trust me. You see, I've done him a terrible wrong and I must right it. Don't you understand, Jerry?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Yes. Yes, I guess I see what you mean. But what are you going to do?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Just as I have done. I'm trying to be a mother as well as I can. Even though he distrusts me, almost dislikes me at times, I'm trying to be fair in everything. I hope he'll see that.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Laura, what happened? Tell me.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

It's Jimsy. He was riding his bike and a truck hit him.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Laurie, is he badly hurt?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I'm afraid so, dear.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Well, how did this happen?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

He was riding his bike on a busy street going downtown, apparently.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Downtown?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Yes, his teacher called me before they brought him home. There was a little party of some kind at the school and all the mothers were there. Some of the children laughed at Jimsy. So the teacher said she didn't know why. Then he ran out of the school room before they could stop him. I think he was going to you, Jerry.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Oh, the poor little chap.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Here's the doctor now.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

How is he, doctor? I'm afraid the state of the child's mind is the worst complication. Probably you or Mrs. O'Donnell can keep him soothe. Best cool cloth to lighten the fever, Mrs. O'Donnell, and watch him constantly. Then call me at once if anything develops.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Is there nothing at all that we can do, doctor?

[Jerry O'Donnell]

I'm afraid not much, but what I've outlined. I'll stop in again this evening.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

There, dear. You'll be a little more comfortable, I hope. Oh, that terrible fever would only go. Poor baby. Just burning up.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

How is he, dear?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

About the scene.

[Jimsy]

Oh dear.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

If we don't live know. If we don't have realized in time.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

We couldn't. Dear. You mustn't blame yourself and Laurie. Hadn't you better sleep a bit?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Sleep, dearie? I couldn't.

[Jerry O'Donnell]

Yes, but you'll be sleeping. You haven't had a wink in 40 hours or more.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I couldn't leave him, Mother.

[Jimsy]

Mother.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Yes, dear.

[Jimsy]

All the gold sparkles, mother.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Oh, he doesn't mean me.

[Jimsy]

And they left when I said it did.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

But they don't know, do they, Jimsy?

[Jimsy]

No, they don't. They couldn't see see you.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

No. No one can see me but you, Jim. I'll put this cool cloth on his head. See it?

[Jimsy]

Your hands are so cool, mother. I didn't know angel mothers had hands.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Angel mothers haven't hands that you can feel, Jimsy.

[Jimsy]

But I can feel. Feel your hand, Jimsy.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Let me help you. Drink a little water. Here, dear.

[Jimsy]

Who are you? You aren't my angel mother.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

No, dear. I'm your. Your real mother.

[Jimsy]

I haven't any. My mother's an angel mother. She was here and now she's gone. Cuz you. Kane. Mother?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Yes, son?

[Jimsy]

My head hurts. It's so hot. Can't you cool it?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

No, Jimsy. Angel mothers can't help but.

[Jimsy]

But you did. Your hands were cool and nice.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I can help, Jimsy. Here we are. There now. Is that cool?

[Jimsy]

I thought you said you couldn't, mother. But you can.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Of course I can, Jimsy. I can take care of you. I can't help you, Jimsy. I'm just an angel. Mother.

[Jimsy]

Stop now. You look just like her, Mother. Isn't that funny? Just like her.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Jerry. I believe he's sleeping. And the fever. I'm sure it's going down. Oh please God, that it is. And that's what happened to the Bad king when he finally met with Sir Launfal, the good knight. What do you think of that, Jimsy?

[Jimsy]

Ah, gee, that was swell.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Would you read some more tomorrow, dear? I think you've had enough for tonight. Do you like me to read to you?

[Jimsy]

Gee, I should say. Nobody ever read to me. I guess dad never thought of that.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Of course not, Jimsy. Dads do other things. Like playing football and swimming.

[Jimsy]

Well, ladies go swimming. Swimming too. Don't you ever go?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I used to.

[Jimsy]

Would you like to go with dad and me?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I'd love to. Jimsy so much.

[Jimsy]

Okay, I'll fix it with dad.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I wish you would, Jimsy. And now I think little man, you'd better sleep, don't you?

[Jimsy]

Uh huh. I'm kind of sleepy. Oh gosh, I'm sleepy. I wonder how my angel mother is. Haven't talked to her for a long time.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I'm right here, Jimsy.

[Jimsy]

Oh sure, she read to me tonight. Mother.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

That was very nice, wasn't it Jimsy?

[Jimsy]

Uh huh. I liked it. Mother, would you mind if I had a. Really Mother?

[Laurie O'Donnell]

I'd like that, Jimsy.

[Jimsy]

Ricky's mother always puts him in bed and tucks in the covers and kisses.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Him good night angel mothers can't do that. Ginsey. Jimsy dear, may I tuck you in and kiss you good night?

[Jimsy]

Uh huh. I kind of wish you would, poor lamb.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Goodbye Jimsy. You never really mother love. You won't need me anymore.

[Jimsy]

Good night mom.

[Laurie O'Donnell]

Good night son.

[Mercedes McCambridge]

And thus we close the album on another portrait in our collection of a thousand and One wives. Tonight Mercedes McCambridge played the leading role of Laurie O'Donnell. Pat Murphy was heard as Jerry O'Donnell and Frankie Pacelli played the part of Jimsy. Next week we will see another portrait from our album of a thousand and one wives. We invite you to be this program came to you from our Chicago studios. And this is the National Broadcasting Company.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Laurie O'Donnell]

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[Jerry O'Donnell]

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[Ryan Seacrest]

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