A Christmas Carol 49-12-25 Stars Lionel Barrymore

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: A Christmas Carol 49-12-25 (Starring Lionel Barrymore)
Date: November 29, 2025

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Main Theme & Purpose

This special holiday episode brings to life Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in an authentic Golden Age of Radio rendition from December 25, 1949, starring Lionel Barrymore as Ebenezer Scrooge. Presented by Capehart dealers, the broadcast aims to evoke Christmas goodwill, reminding listeners of the story’s moral and encouraging compassion and generosity during the holiday season.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Tradition and the Story

Timestamp: 00:35 – 01:34

• The narrator (Fred/Jean Baker) opens by welcoming listeners with a brief reflection on the enduring appeal of “A Christmas Carol” and Lionel Barrymore’s iconic return as Scrooge for the 15th year.
• The Capehart sponsorship is tied directly to the timelessness of the story and the family tradition of listening to radio on Christmas.

2. Scrooge's Miserly Ways and Isolation

Timestamp: 03:11 – 08:54

• The classic scenario unfolds: Scrooge is introduced as a cold-hearted, miserly employer, scolding Bob Cratchit for using coal (“If you use coal at this rate, you and I will soon be parting company.” — Ebenezer Scrooge, 04:24).
• A child (Tiny Tim) sings a carol outside, only to be rebuked by Scrooge, who calls Christmas “humbug” (05:19).
• Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, attempts to instill Christmas spirit but is dismissed; Scrooge questions the merit of the holiday (“What reason have you to be merry? You’re poor enough.” — Ebenezer Scrooge, 05:28).
• Charity collectors arrive, only to be rebuffed with Scrooge’s infamous utilitarian retorts about prisons and workhouses (“If they would rather die, they better do it and decrease the surplus population.” — Scrooge, 08:14).
• Bob requests Christmas day off; Scrooge begrudgingly consents but complains about paying for no work.

3. The Supernatural Visitations

The Ghost of Marley — Redemption Warned
Timestamp: 09:29 – 14:48

• Marley’s ghost appears, burdened by chains of his own greed. He warns Scrooge of a similar fate and that he’ll be visited by three spirits.
  • Notable quote: “Mankind should have been my business. Charity, mercy, benevolence, all should have been my business. And they should be yours, Ebenezer.” — Marley, 13:31

Ghost of Christmas Past — Lost Love & Regret

Timestamp: 15:00 – 19:40

• Scrooge is shown his youth, particularly his lost love, Belle, who breaks off their engagement due to his growing avarice (“Another idol has displaced me in your heart, Ebenezer.” — Belle, 18:02).
• The haunting vision of what Scrooge sacrificed in pursuit of wealth.

Ghost of Christmas Present — The Cratchit Family and Tiny Tim

Timestamp: 20:00 – 22:41

• Scrooge observes the humble yet joyous Cratchit family Christmas. Tiny Tim’s frailty is highlighted.
• A chilling pronouncement: “If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die.” — Ghost of Christmas Present, 22:03.
• Tiny Tim’s iconic blessing: “God bless us, everyone!” — Tiny Tim, 22:17.
• The Ghost throws Scrooge’s words back at him regarding the “surplus population.”

Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come — Doom and Repentance

Timeline: 22:57 – 25:05

• Scrooge is shown a future where Tiny Tim has died and the Cratchit family mourns.
• He finds his own neglected grave. Scrooge is desperate for redemption:
  • “Tell me I can sponge away the writing on this terrible stone and undo the suffering I’ve caused.” — Ebenezer Scrooge, 25:05

4. Scrooge's Redemption and Renewed Spirit

Timetable: 27:11 – 28:52

• Scrooge awakens on Christmas Day, overwhelmed with joy, grateful for another chance.
• He sends the prize turkey to the Cratchits and vows to raise Bob’s salary and care for Tiny Tim (“Tiny Tim shall live and have the best of care he shall. And then I’ll raise Bob’s salary too.” — Scrooge, 28:04).
• His exuberance spreads as he wishes the world “A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!”

5. Moral and Closing Reflections

Timestamp: 30:10 – 30:28

• Lionel Barrymore (as Scrooge) expresses that the story’s lesson is universal, a moral “for nations as well as people.”
• The narrator closes by thanking Barrymore and Capehart, reinforcing the tradition and the message of generosity.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Christmas Joy:

  • “A kind, forgiving, charitable time. And therefore I say, God bless Christmas.” — Fred (Nephew), 06:28

• Scrooge’s Repentance:

  • “I promise you I'll honor Christmas in my heart and I'll try and keep it all the year. I'll not shut out the lessons I've learned from the past, the present and the future.” — Scrooge, 25:05

• Tiny Tim’s Blessing:

  • “God bless us, everyone.” — Tiny Tim, 22:17

• The Heart of the Story:

  • “Mankind should have been my business. Charity, mercy, benevolence, all should have been my business. And they should be yours, Ebenezer.” — Marley, 13:31

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Tradition & Introduction: 00:35 – 01:24
• Scrooge Established: 03:11 – 08:54
• Marley’s Visit: 09:29 – 14:48
• Ghost of Christmas Past: 15:00 – 19:40
• Cratchits & Ghost of Christmas Present: 20:00 – 22:41
• Christmas Yet to Come: 22:57 – 25:05
• Scrooge’s Redemption: 27:11 – 28:52
• Closing Moral: 30:10 – 30:28

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Tone & Presentation

The original radio drama maintains Dickens’ spirit: rich, warm, and dramatic, with Lionel Barrymore embodying both Scrooge’s embittered sarcasm and, ultimately, his joyful transformation. The production weaves narration, iconic dialogue, and period-appropriate sound, creating a powerful, heartfelt atmosphere evoking nostalgia for classic radio and the season’s generosity.

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Summary for Listeners:
This episode is a timeless holiday radio play that captures both the magic of old-time radio and the enduring message of compassion and redemption at Christmas. Lionel Barrymore’s performance, supported by a traditional radio cast, reminds listeners of the importance of family, kindness, and the possibility of change — the true spirit of Christmas.

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Transcript

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[AM PM Advertiser]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Could you be more specific?

[AM PM Advertiser]

When it's cravenient.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Okay.

[AM PM Advertiser]

Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Second at a.m. p.m. I'm seeing a pattern here.

[AM PM Advertiser]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Belle]

Crave, which is anything from AM pm.

[AM PM Advertiser]

What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. AM PM Too much. Good stuff.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

A Christmas Carol, that immortal tale by Charles Dickens starring Lionel Barrymore and presented by your Cape Heart dealer for the enjoyment of you and your family on this Christmas day. Year after year, Charles Dickens Christmas carol helps us to cherish the real yuletide feeling of goodwill and joy in helping the other fellow throughout the nation. This afternoon, Cape Heart dealers bring you the story. In that spirit and for them I welcome Mr. Lionel Barrymore to his 15th year in the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Welcome, Lionel.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Greetings to you, Gene Baker. And thanks to all the Capehart dealers for letting me indulge in one of my most delightful Christmas habits.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

And now that there will be no interruptions to our story, a word first from our sponsor. Hearing Lionel Barrymore in Dickens Christmas Carol has become a traditional part of Christmas in millions of homes throughout the land, for the name Barrymore is world famous for fine acting, the name Dickens for fine literature. And in millions of homes too. The name Capeheart is world famous for fine reproduction of sound and picture. Traditionally, Capehart stands for the very finest in radio and phonograph combination instruments and television receivers all in cabinets of superb craftsmanship and magnificent styling. The Capehart Farnsworth Corporation is an associate of the International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation. The extensive technical facilities and scientific research of these two great organizations have provided leadership in the field of electronics for a generation. The result? Exclusive features for better reception that can be found only in radio, phonograph and television receivers bearing the famous Cape Hard name. Whether your heart is set on television or television combined with phonograph radio or phonograph radio alone, you will be delighted to find the Cape Heart moderately priced. Priced in line with today's budgets. Visit your Capehart dealer and see how easily you can become the proud owner of a new Capehart television receiver or a beautiful Capehart phonograph radio.

[Narrator]

This is the story that Charles Dickens wrote of a crispy In England over a hundred years ago. And yet it could just as easily have happened anywhere. Today it starts like this. Marley was dead to begin with. Jacob Marley died just seven years ago tonight. Did Ebenezer Scrooge know Molly was dead? Why, of course he did. Scrooge and Molly were partners for I don't know how many years. Oh, but he was. A tight fisted hand at the grindstone, was Scrooge. A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, covetous old sinner. Once upon a time, of all the good days of the year, on Christmas Eve, old Ebenezer Scrooge sat busy in his grim, cheerless counting house, keeping a sharp eye upon his clock. Bob Cratchit, who is working on a ledger in his dismal and cold little cell beyond.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Hey, you there, Bob Cratchit. What are you doing in there? I was only putting a coal on.

[Bob Cratchit]

The fire, Mr. Scrooge.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

You put that coal back into the scuttle. A fire indeed. If you use coal at this rate, you and I will soon be parting company.

[Bob Cratchit]

I'm sorry, sir. My fingers were getting a little stuck with the cold.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Then put on your mittens. Get out your ledger immediately.

[Bob Cratchit]

Yes, sir.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

God bless you, marriage at home and let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Wretched. Yes, sir. What's that infernal caterwauling? It's just a happy little lad singing.

[Bob Cratchit]

A Christmas candle outside your window, sir.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

I'll soon put a stop to that. Hey. Hey, you there.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

Yes, sir?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Get away from my window at once.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

But it's Christmas Eve, sir, and I was singing a Christmas carol.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Christmas carol? Be gone. You hear me?

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Be gone.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

Yes, sir. A merry Christmas to you, sir.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Merry Christmas. Humbug. Why, if I had my way, a Christmas bar.

[Bob Cratchit]

Merry Christmas to you, Mr. Fred.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Merry Christmas, Uncle.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. What reason have you to be merry? You're poor enough.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Well, come then. What reason have you to be dismal? Rich enough.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Ah, humbug.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Don't be cross, Uncle.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

What else can I be when I live in such a world of fools as this? Much Christmas time to you, but a time for paying bills without money? A time for finding yourself a year older, but not an hour richer. If I could work my will, every idiot who goes around with Merry Christmas on his lips should be boiled in his own pudding and buried with the stake of holly through his heart.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Uncle.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Eh? Should he should. Now, nephew, you keep Christmas in your own way and let me keep it Mine.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Keep it, but you don't keep it Uncle.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Well, then, let me leave it alone. Much good may it do you. Much good it ever has done you.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Uncle, there are many things from which I might have derived good by which I have not profited. I dare say, Christmas among the rest.

[Ghost of Christmas Present]

But it's a good time.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

A kind, forgiving, charitable time. And therefore I say, God bless Christmas.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

And so say I, Mr. Fred Credit, one more sound out of you and you'll keep your Christmas by losing your situation. But, Uncle. As for you, Nephew. Good afternoon.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Oh, I am sorry with all my heart to find you so bitter at this happy season.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Good afternoon.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Well, anyway, a Merry Christmas, Uncle.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Good afternoon.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Merry Christmas to you, Bobby. For your family and especially Tiny tim.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Thank you, Mr. Fred.

[Bob Cratchit]

The same to you, sir.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Another fool. My clock with 15 bob a week. A wife and family talking about a Merry Christmas. Why, Merry Christmas, sir. Have I the pleasure of addressing Mr. Scrooge, or. Mr. Marley Marley has been dead for seven years. I'm Ebenezer Scrooge. I. What can I do for you? Well, at this festive season of the year, a few of us are endeavoring to raise a fund to buy the poor some meat and drink and means of war. What shall I put you down for? Nothing.

[Narrator]

You wish to be anonymous?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

I wish to be left alone. I don't make merry myself at Christmas time. I can't afford to make idle people merry.

[Narrator]

But many thousands are in want of common necessities.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Hundreds of thousands are in want of common comfort, sir. Are there no prisons or workhouses? There are plenty, sir. I help to support these establishments. They cost me enough. And those who are badly off can go there. Oh, but many can't go there. And many would rather die. Oh, well, if they rather die, they better go and do it and decrease the surplus population. Good afternoon.

[Narrator]

But, sir.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Good afternoon. Some more of that Christmas humbug? Cratchit? Yes, sir? You'll want all day off tomorrow, I suppose?

[Bob Cratchit]

If it's convenient, sir.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

It's not convenient. And it's not fair paying wages for no work.

[Bob Cratchit]

But Christmas comes just once a year, sir.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Yes, yes, yes. A poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every 25th of December. Merry Christmas, sir. Merry Christmas.

[Narrator]

The moment the door was closed, Bob Cratchit ran home as hard as he could to play Christmas games with his loving family. On the other hand, Scrooge went home in anticipation of spending the evening checking up on his banker's book. He had no light to guide him on the pathway leading to his house, but darkness is cheap. So Scrooge liked it. However, it is an unaccountable fact that when Scrooge reached his door, he saw in the knocker not a knocker, but Marley.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Jacob Marley's face. Ah, rubbish. It's impossible that I could see Molly's face in the door knocker. My Molly's been dead seven years. Oh, yes, yes, yes. I need a good night's rest. Molly indeed. Humbug.

[Narrator]

Despite what he called humbug, Scrooge checked his rooms carefully.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Yes. Nobody under the table, nobody under the bed and nobody in the closet.

[Narrator]

Quite satisfied, he closed his door and locked himself in. He sat down before the small fire in his grate, and as he was reaching for a dish of gruel, suddenly.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Molly.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Molly again. His face there in the fire. But Molly's dead. Why, this is nonsense. Was somebody in the other room? It's impossible. The door's locked. I can't believe it. I won't.

[Bob Cratchit]

Ebenezer Screw.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Ghost.

[Belle]

What?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

What? What do you want with me? Who are you?

[Bob Cratchit]

Ask me who I was.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Who were you then? You're mighty particular a ghost in life.

[Bob Cratchit]

I was your partner. Jacob Marley.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

No, no, no, no. Marley. No, no, no. You speak with Marley's voice. But, ah, this is unbelievable.

[Bob Cratchit]

You don't believe in me.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

I do not.

[Bob Cratchit]

Why do you doubt your senses, Ebenezer?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Oh, because a little thing affects you. A slight disorder of the stomach makes them cheat. You may be an undigested bit of beef, blot of mustard or crumb of cheese. A fragment of an underdone potato. It's more gravy than grave about you, whatever you are. Do you see this toothpick? I do. But you're not looking at it.

[Bob Cratchit]

I see it notwithstanding.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Well, I've but to swallow this and for the rest of my days be persecuted by a legion of goblins. Humbugger, I tell you. Don't do that. Mercy. Mercy. Dreadful apparition, why do you trouble me?

[Bob Cratchit]

Man of the worldly mind, do you believe in me or not?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

I do. I do, Jacob. You're a ghost. And I believe you wear chains. Jacob, tell me why I wear the.

[Bob Cratchit]

Chain I forged in life. Is its pattern strange to you, Ebenezer?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Why? Your chains are made of cash, boxes and keys, ledgers, bank books.

[Bob Cratchit]

Would you know the way to length of the strong chain you are building yourself, Ebenezer? It was full as heavy as this seven Christmas Eves ago when I died. You have labored on it since. Yours is indeed a ponderous chain.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Ah, don't, Jacob, don't. Please speak comfort to Me, Jacob.

[Bob Cratchit]

I have none to give. A very little more time is all that is permitted to me. I cannot rest. I cannot stay. I cannot linger anywhere.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

You've been traveling all this time? Seven years dead, and you've been traveling all this time?

[Bob Cratchit]

Seven years, Ebenezer. Seven years of remorse. Oh, foolish mortal that I was.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

But you were always a good man of business, sir. Business?

[Bob Cratchit]

Mankind should have been my business. Charity, mercy, benevolence, all should have been my business. And they should be yours, Ebenezer. Now hear me, for my time is nearly gone.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

I will, Jacob. I will. But don't be too hard on me.

[Bob Cratchit]

I am here tonight to warn you that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Thank you, Jacob. Thank you. You always were a good friend of mine.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Go on.

[Bob Cratchit]

You will be haunted by three spirits. Expect the first tomorrow when the bell tolls one. The second on the next night at the same hour. The third upon the next night, when the last stroke of 12 has ceased to vibrate. My time has come. I must go now.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Jacob. Jacob Marley, where are you? Jacob. He said the first spirit will come when the bell tolls one. Ah, rubbish. Nothing but humbug. I mustn't say that. He's liable to come back. I better go to bed.

[Narrator]

Scrooge went to bed, but being a cautious man, he left himself fully clothed as the clock struck one. Scrooge awoke from a sound sleep.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

One o' clock the hour itself, and nothing else. I knew it was humbug. Ebenezer Scrooge, Are you the spirit whose coming was foretold me? I. I am. Who and what are you? I am the Ghost of Christmas Past. On that, know your past. What brings you here to see me? Your welfare. Take heed to me. Rise and walk with me. Here, through this window. Through the window? But I'm mortal and liable to fall. There but a touch of my hand upon your heart and you shall be uphill in more than this. Come, follow me. Follow me. Look, here is a very important part of your past, Ebenezer. Look here, in this little room. There you are, with a fair young girl by your side. Oh, no, no, no, no. Spare me this. I don't wish to see this. It is not a question of what you wish, Ebenezer. See yourself as you were then. A man in the prime of life.

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[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Begun to wear the signs of terror and avarice. Your eyes were greedy, miserly. No, no, no, please, I beg of you. The young maiden knows that you have changed. See, there are tears in her eyes as she speaks.

[Belle]

Another idol has displaced me in your heart, Ebenezer. And if it can cheer and comfort you in time to come, I have no just cause to grieve.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

But Belle, you talk nonsense. What idol has displaced you?

[Bob Cratchit]

Gold.

[Belle]

A golden idol.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

But I treasure gold because there is.

[Narrator]

Nothing on which the world is so hard as poverty.

[Belle]

You fear the world too much, Ebenezer. Oh, I have seen your noble aspirations fall off one by one until. Until now. The master passion gold engrosses you.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

What then? Even if I have grown so much wiser, what then? My affections toward you have not changed?

[Belle]

No, Ebenezer. Our engagement was made when you were another man. But I am still the same as I was. That which promised happiness when we were one in heart is fraught with misery. Now that we are two. Goodbye, Ebenezer.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

But Bell, I. Goodbye, Ebenezer. Spirits, why do you delight in torturing me so? This is but one of the shadows of the things that have been that they are what they are, do not blame me. Shall I show you more?

[Bob Cratchit]

Oh, no, no, no.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Haunt me no more.

[Narrator]

Without knowing how or why, Scrooge suddenly found himself in his own bed again, and he promptly fell into a heavy, exhausted sleep. He'd hardly done so, or so he thought, when again the clock struck one.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Ebenezer scrooge. What spirit, are you?

[Ghost of Christmas Present]

I am the ghost of christmas present.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Present?

[Ghost of Christmas Present]

Yes. Come with me, ebenezer scrooge. Touch my ro.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Spirit, where have you brought me? Who lives in this miserable dwelling?

[Ghost of Christmas Present]

Miserable, you call it. Yet there is great happiness within. Behold, Ebenezer, this is the home of your poor clerk, Bob Cratchit. See how happily his wife prepares the table for their Christmas dinner. Listen, Ebenezer Scrooge and. What?

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

Here's Martha, Mother.

[Belle]

Hello, Martha. Bless your heart, dear. You're home late from work. Sit down before the fire and warm yourself. But where's Father? He's been to church with Tiny Tim. They'll be along directly. How is Tiny Tim, Mother? Any better at all? Sometimes I think he is. And sometimes I think. Oh dear God. If anything should happen to Tiny Tim.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

Here they come. Mother, Father and Tiny. And Tim. Oh, here they are. And Tiny Tim.

[Bob Cratchit]

Merry Christmas, everybody.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

[Belle]

And how did Little Tim behaven?

[Bob Cratchit]

Church grow as good as gold. And better.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

I like church, Mother. I hope people saw me there.

[Belle]

Saw you there, dear. And why, Tim?

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

Wow. Well, because I'm lame, Mother. And if they saw my crutch, it might be pleasant for them to remember on Christmas who was made lame beggars walk and blind men see.

[Bob Cratchit]

Bless you, my son.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Well, well.

[Bob Cratchit]

We cannot possibly let such a luscious.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Looking goose go to waste, can we? So, sit down, everyone. Me first. Oh, me.

[Belle]

Oh, isn't it wonderful to.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Oh, but I want to.

[Bob Cratchit]

Children, let us say grace.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Tell me if Tiny Tim will live.

[Ghost of Christmas Present]

I see a vacant seat in the poor chimney corner. And a crutch without an owner, carefully preserved.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Ah, no, no. Kind Tim say he'll be spared.

[Ghost of Christmas Present]

If these shadows remain unaltered by the future, the child will die.

[Bob Cratchit]

No, no, no, no.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

Amen.

[Bob Cratchit]

And now, my dears, a merry Christmas to us all.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

God bless us.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

God bless us, everyone. Merry Christmas, everybody.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Merry Christmas.

[Belle]

Merry Christmas.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Hear me. I can't bear to see Tiny Tim die.

[Ghost of Christmas Present]

Why not? If he died, it would decrease the surplus population.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Ah, no, no, I didn't mean that.

[Ghost of Christmas Present]

I have shown you the present, Ebenezer Scrooge. Now await the future. Farewell.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Farewell.

[Narrator]

The Ghost of Christmas Present vanished, and Scrooge waited fearfully for the Ghost of Christmas future. As the last note of 12 died away.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Am I in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come? Spirit, answer me. Are you about to show me the shadows of the future? Ghost of the Future? Though you're silent, I fear you more than any specter I've seen. But since I hope to live to be another man from what I was. I'm prepared to bear you company and do it with a thankful heart. So lead on. Go on. Lead on. Spirit, why have you brought me here again? Back to Bob Tratchit's home? Why is everyone so quiet? Why, they were so happy and cheerful before. Where is Tiny Tim? Spirit, speak to me. I beg you. Tell me what's wrong.

[Belle]

Mother, dear, please don't cry. Father will be home soon, and you mustn't let him see you crying. You're right, Martha. Father is late tonight. He walks a little slower than he used to. And yet I have known him to walk very fast indeed with Tiny Tim upon his shoulder. So have I, Mother. But Tim was very light to keep, and his father loved him so that it was no trouble. No trouble.

[Bob Cratchit]

Good evening, my dears.

[Belle]

Oh, you're late, Bob.

[Bob Cratchit]

I'm sorry, my dear. I went to the churchyard today. I wish you could have gone with me. It would have done your heart good.

[Ghost of Christmas Present]

To see how sweet and green a.

[Bob Cratchit]

Place it is where Tiny Tim rests. I promised him we'd walk there on a Sunday.

[Belle]

Father did. Don't grieve so. It's God's will.

[Bob Cratchit]

My son. My son, Tiny Tim. I loved him so.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Ah, no. No, Spirit, that's cruel.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Cruel.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Tiny Tim mustn't die. But can't you give me one ray of hope? The Tiny Tim limb?

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Huh?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Spirit, why don't you answer me? What are you pointing at? Oh, crystal heaven, where are we? A churchyard overrun by grass and weeds. Desolately a crumbling gravestone. Spirit, why do you point to that stone? What is it you want me to see? Oh, the name on the tombstone is Ebenezer Scrooge. Oh, no, no, no. Spirit, listen to me. Listen to me. I'm not the man I once was. Why show me this if I'm past all hope? Spirit, tell me that I may yet change these shadows you've shown me by an altern light. I promise you I'll honor Christmas in my heart and I'll try and keep it all the year. I'll not shut out the lessons I've learned from the past, the present and the future. Oh, tell me. Tell me I can sponge away the writing on this terrible stone and undo the suffering I've caused. Spirit, I beg of you. I'm home again. This is my bed. My own bed, my own room. And the sun. The sun is shining. Oh, what a beautiful day. I'm so happy. I don't know what to do. I'm as Light as a feather Happy as an angel Merry as a schoolboy Wee woo hoo. A merry Christmas to everybody and a happy New Year to all the world. Hello there. Hey.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Ooh.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Hello, Boy. Hey, boy.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

Yes, sir?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

What's today?

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

What's that, sir?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

What day is it, my fine fellow?

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

Today? Why, it's Christmas Day, sir.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Christmas Day. Then I haven't missed it. The spirits have done it all in one night.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

How's that, sir?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Never mind. Never you mind. You know the poultry's in the next street at the corner, I should hope.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

I do, sir.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

An intelligent boy. A remarkable boy. Do you know whether they've sold the prized turkey that was hanging up there? Not the little one. I mean the great big one.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

You mean the one that's as big as me?

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

What a delightful boy. It's a pleasure to talk to. Yes, my buck, the big turkey.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

It's hanging there now.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Is it? Well, go and buy it and tell him to deliver it to Bob Cratchit and his family on Broad Street. And mind I not to know who paid for it. Oh, I'll show Bob credit. Tiny Tim shall live and have the best of care he shall. And then I'll raise Bob's salary too. You hear?

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

Yes, sir.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Now hurry, lad. Hurry, hurry. If you make it in five minutes, I'll give you half a crown.

[Tiny Tim / Family Members]

Yes, sir.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Look at him run. Look at him. Oh. A Merry Christmas to everyone and a Happy New Year to all the world.

[Fred (Nephew) / Narrator]

Lion o' Leary hall will be heard in just a moment. But before he does, may we, on behalf of the Capehart dealers from coast to coast, thank him for his fine performance and for taking time from his own holiday to give us all such joy and pleasure as on this Christmas Day, 1949. Capehart's magnificent styling and rich Mastercraft cabinet construction bring a new, satisfying lifetime beauty to your home. Remember, Capehart and Capehart alone can give you the completely satisfying home entertainment you want. The world famous Capehart tone reproduction and the new exclusive Capeheart polytron picture tube performance satisfy both your sense of sight and and your sense of hearing. And they do it so well that there is no basis of comparison with any other television receiver at any price. This Christmas day may have brought you an unexpected windfall. Perhaps at this very moment you're wondering just how it can be spent to bring the most joy to you and your family. A Capehart is your answer. Visit your Capehart dealer for a thorough demonstration of Capehart television and Capehart phonograph radio. His supply of these coveted instruments may be limited. So see him as soon as possible. See and hear for yourself and you'll agree that it's a distinction to own a cape heart. And now here's Lionel Barrymore again.

[Ebenezer Scrooge]

Thank you, Jean Baker. Thank you. You know, it's always seemed to me that the story of Ebenezer Scrooge held a moral for nations as well as for people. For if all the nations of the.

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