A Memo From Molly 1951-08-19 Household Repairs

Summary

Detailed Summary of "A Memo From Molly 1951-08-19 Household Repairs"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: A Memo From Molly 1951-08-19 Household Repairs
• Release Date: July 23, 2025
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television and the family all sat around the radio and listened to the shows of the time like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.

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Introduction to the Martin Household [02:53 - 06:01]

The episode opens in the serene Martin household where Molly Martin (Barbara Luddy) is engrossed in her daily crossword puzzle, symbolizing her attempt to maintain order and intellect within the household. The morning sun shines, birds sing, and all seems perfect—or so it appears.

Notable Quote:

• Molly Martin [03:22]: "Active affection starts with a K. Oh, I know." (Referring humorously to her crossword puzzle clue for an act of affection.)

Molly's Efforts to Make Chris Depend on Her [06:01 - 15:15]

Chris Connolly (Olin Soule), Molly's secretary and managing editor, grapples with household repairs, feeling overwhelmed and unskilled. Molly encourages him to depend more on his role, subtly aiming to make him feel indispensable.

Notable Quotes:

• Roy Rowan [05:10]: "I'll give credit where credit's due." (Encouraging Chris's efforts.)
• Molly Martin [05:37]: "Times never change where a woman is. Concern. You remember Cleopatra?" (Drawing parallels to assert traditional gender roles in relationships and household management.)

Conflict with Roger White [04:25 - 10:15]

Enter Roger White, the young and technically adept neighbor who frequently assists with household repairs. His involvement creates tension as Molly views his attentiveness as a threat to Chris's position.

Notable Quote:

• Molly Martin [05:45]: "Now, Molly, that's the attitude that's wrong. Instead of letting Chris do things for you, why, you do everything for him."

Attempts to Fix the Refrigerator [15:15 - 21:00]

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the comical yet frustrating attempts by Chris to fix the malfunctioning refrigerator. His lack of expertise leads to more complications, symbolizing his internal struggle with dependencies and self-worth.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Connolly [18:08]: "I'm helpless. Wish I were a little kid like Roger and nobody'd expect me to know anything about electricity."
• Roger White [19:35]: "Because all it needed was a new light bulb. I'm beginning to think this guy doesn't know anything."

Resolution and Reflection [21:00 - 26:45]

The climax unfolds as Roger and Chris collaboratively fix the refrigerator by simply replacing a light bulb, revealing that Molly's schemes to make Chris indispensable were unnecessary. This realization leads to introspection about genuine relationships versus manipulative dependencies.

Notable Quotes:

• Molly Martin [25:18]: "And Roger, I want to thank you for fixing everything for me."
• Chris Connolly [22:54]: "I'm actually flattered that you'd want me to feel that way."

Key Conclusion: The episode wraps up with Molly acknowledging her overreach and apologizing, while Chris appreciates the genuine assistance from Roger. The narrative emphasizes the value of sincere help and the pitfalls of attempting to manipulate relationships for dependency.

Notable Quote:

• Molly Martin [22:32]: "Roger wanted to fix everything to begin with, but I wouldn't let him. I wanted you to fix them."

Closing Moments [26:45 - 27:14]

As the household settles, Molly and Chris reflect on the day's events, setting the stage for future interactions and highlighting the growth in their relationship dynamics.

Notable Quote:

• Chris Connolly [26:22]: "But, Molly, the next time, remember to wash the grease off your hands."

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Insights and Themes

• Dependency and Independence: The episode explores the balance between being helpful and fostering dependency, showcasing how attempts to make someone indispensable can backfire.

• Generational and Skill Gaps: Through Roger and Chris's interactions, the show highlights the evolving roles and competencies across generations.

• Communication and Misunderstanding: Miscommunications between Molly, Chris, and Roger drive the plot, emphasizing the importance of clear and honest dialogue in relationships.

Conclusion

"A Memo From Molly" delivers a humorous yet poignant tale of household dynamics, personal insecurities, and the unintended consequences of trying to control relational dependencies. With memorable dialogues and relatable scenarios, it captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio storytelling, ensuring listeners remain engaged and reflective.

Notable Quote:

• Molly Martin [23:12]: "Batter up. Ball game? I'd forgotten all about it."

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This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.

Transcript

[Roy Rowan]

And now here's a memo from Molly brought to you by the Lucerne Milk Company and starring Olin Soleil and Barbara Luddy. Yes, once again, the Lucerne Milk Company, producers of the richer milk you get at your Safeway store, brings you a happy half hour. Starring Olin Soule as Chris Conley and Barbara Luddy as Molly Martin. That's right, it's another memo from Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

From Molly Martin, secretary to Chris Connolly, managing editor. Dear Chris, you have no business being jealous of Roger White. True, he's younger than you are, he has beautiful teeth and a charming smile. And he adores me. Besides, it's flattering to a girl to be romanced by a 10 year old.

[Roy Rowan]

And on that note, we leave Chris to his and welcome that genial young man from Lucerne, Vince Pelletier.

[Vince Pelletier]

Thank you, Roy. But remember, Molly has her troubles too.

[Roy Rowan]

Yeah, and you know something, Vince, Molly shouldn't be so anxious to land. Chris, as the old saying goes, there are other fish in the sea.

[Vince Pelletier]

Yes, but who wants to go on a lark in the park to spark in the dark with a shark?

[Chris Connolly]

Well, what I mean.

[Roy Rowan]

Oh, you know, Vince, as the old saying goes, a woman shouldn't chase a man, she should make the man run after her.

[Vince Pelletier]

Oh, that's right. And keep him running after her until she catches him.

[Roy Rowan]

Hey, seems to me, Vince, you don't believe in saying.

[Vince Pelletier]

Oh, yes, I do, Roy. For example, I believe in the saying, the more it costs you, the more you save.

[Roy Rowan]

Hey, wait just a minute here, Vince. You mean the less it costs you, the more you say?

[Vince Pelletier]

No, I mean the more it costs you, the more you save. And I can prove it. Remember when Safeway introduced Lucerne concentrated milk?

[Roy Rowan]

Yes.

[Vince Pelletier]

By mixing one quart of Lucerne concentrated milk with two quarts of cold water, you got the equivalent of three quarts of fine, fresh regular lucerne. And you made a substantial saving on each of those three quarts. That is a substantial saving on the price of regular store milk. Yes, but I don't see. Well, now the state minimum price on regular milk has gone up a cent a quart. And the more regular store milk costs you, the more you save by using Lucerne concentrated milk. Because the price of Lucerne concentrated milk has stayed the same. So in addition to what you saved previously, by using Lucerne concentrated milk, you now save $0.01 more on every quart of fresh, wholesome Lucerne you make from Lucerne concentrated milk.

[Chris Connolly]

Hey, yeah, you're right.

[Roy Rowan]

With all Lucerne concentrated milk's many advantages. Now, this extra saving the person who isn't using Lucerne concentrated milk really is missing something, Roy.

[Vince Pelletier]

That statement certainly sums it up. So now let's get the show started.

[Roy Rowan]

Once again, it's breakfast time in the Martin household, and Mother is absorbed in her daily crossword puzzle. Outside, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and all's right with the world. Or is it? Hey, look at Molly, who sits staring at her one enemy, the electric toaster.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, go on, Pop, why don't you. Don't just sit there leering at me, Pop.

[Molly Martin]

Molly. Molly, please. I'm trying to concentrate. Now, let's see. A four letter word starting with a K, which means an act of affection.

[Barbara Luddy]

Mother, isn't there some way to regulate this toaster?

[Molly Martin]

Active affection starts with a K. Oh, I know.

[Barbara Luddy]

Kitchy kitchy coo. What?

[Molly Martin]

Oh, no, that's not four letters, is it? It's my crossword puzzle, darling.

[Barbara Luddy]

Mother, I'm in no mood to worry about a crossword puzzle. I can't eat it. And what's more, I don't like cinders for breakfast.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, that's silly, dear. Why would you eat cinders?

[Barbara Luddy]

Because for the last three mornings, this toaster has been a frustrated locomotive. Every time I drop in bread, cinders I get. Molly.

[Molly Martin]

Making toast is like waiting for a man to propose. It takes time, but sooner or later he'll pop. I must have read that somewhere.

[Barbara Luddy]

I don't want the toaster to propose, Mother. All I want is. Mother. It popped.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, my, how nice.

[Barbara Luddy]

But the toast isn't burned. It's golden brown.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, I tell you, that boy is an electrical wizard. Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

What boy?

[Molly Martin]

Roger White, the little boy who moved next door.

[Barbara Luddy]

You mean Roger fixed the toaster yesterday.

[Molly Martin]

Just like he fixes everything. But you know, Molly, he frightens me sometimes. Those big inquisitive eyes. If you ask me, it isn't healthy for a boy of his age to be studying electronic books instead of playing outdoors.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, I'm sure he's a very normal boy. And think what a wonderful husband he'll be in in 15 years. He's so attentive, so helpful.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, he has his heart set on you, Molly. Oh, Molly, have you seen the look in his eyes? He adores you, dear.

[Barbara Luddy]

I wish Chris Connolly were only half that attentive.

[Molly Martin]

Well, it's your own fault. Chris isn't my fault. Certainly you let little Roger do things for you. Like the day he fixed the vacuum cleaner. It made Roger feel important because you needed him.

[Barbara Luddy]

That's not the way I need Chris.

[Molly Martin]

Now, Molly, that's the attitude that's wrong. Instead of letting Chris do things for you, why, you do everything for him.

[Barbara Luddy]

Mother, I'm just not the clinging vine type. Times have changed since you were a girl.

[Molly Martin]

Times never change where a woman is. Concern. You remember Cleopatra?

[Barbara Luddy]

Vaguely. I was rather young.

[Molly Martin]

She conquered emperors and generals, Molly, by making them think that she was dependent on them. And you have something she didn't have.

[Barbara Luddy]

What, clothes?

[Chris Connolly]

No.

[Molly Martin]

A vacuum cleaner. One you can tear apart and let a man put together again.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, Chris is too smart to fall for a thing like that.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, they've said that about every man once. Not tomorrow. Saturday. Why not tell Chris that there are loads of things around the house that need fixing. And when you tell him, you. You look helpless.

[Barbara Luddy]

Mother, I just couldn't. It wouldn't be fair.

[Molly Martin]

Fair, Molly, all fair in love or war. And you'd hardly consider it.

[Roy Rowan]

War.

[Barbara Luddy]

I'd hardly consider it. Period. Never mind. Gotta run now. Bye. Good morning, Chris.

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, morning, Molly. Darn this drawer stuck again.

[Barbara Luddy]

Chris, you look like it's more than just a drawer. Don't you feel well?

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, I'm all right, I guess. But things just keep piling up. And if I don't get this drawer open.

[Barbara Luddy]

Chris, relax. It's not that important.

[Chris Connolly]

I guess you're right. I'm sorry, Molly. Your being here is a big help.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, don't be afraid. Mr. Craig will walk in. He's still on vacation.

[Chris Connolly]

Come here, darling.

[Barbara Luddy]

That's more like it.

[Chris Connolly]

You know something, Molly? I haven't relaxed since that Saturday at your house almost a month ago.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, it was nice.

[Chris Connolly]

What a day. Your mother fixed that chicken salad for lunch.

[Barbara Luddy]

And then you fell asleep on the couch while I washed dishes.

[Chris Connolly]

And for dinner, your mother cooked that steak smothered with mushrooms.

[Barbara Luddy]

And then you fell asleep on the couch while I washed dishes.

[Chris Connolly]

You do remember, don't you, Molly?

[Barbara Luddy]

How could I forget? For three weeks, every time I went to shake hands with someone, I instinctively wiped my hands on my skirt.

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, yes, sir. It sure would be good to do it again sometime. What are you thinking, Molly?

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, something mother told me to do this morning.

[Chris Connolly]

Forget to do it?

[Barbara Luddy]

No, I just didn't take her seriously. Chris, it would be nice you're coming tomorrow. But I'm afraid stakes would be out of the question.

[Chris Connolly]

I'd bring the steaks, naturally.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, you'd have to bring the broiler too, Chris. Ours is on the blink. Oh, probably something trivial, that is, for a man. He might fix it in a jiffy.

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, sure. Nothing to it.

[Barbara Luddy]

Still, there's the refrigerator too.

[Chris Connolly]

Refrigerator?

[Barbara Luddy]

It's broken too. That and a few things like the ironing board. And I feel so helpless.

[Chris Connolly]

Yeah. Well, Molly, about tomorrow. I couldn't impose.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, but you'd be doing me a favor by coming, Chris. There are so many little things. Things?

[Chris Connolly]

Yeah. Well, I'd like to, Molly, but. Well, with Mr. Craig on vacation, work's piling up and I plan to spend all day tomorrow here at the office.

[Barbara Luddy]

On Saturday?

[Chris Connolly]

Yes, a good time to catch up. But if I find I can change my plans, I'll let you know, huh? Now if I can just get this drawer open.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, Chris. Here. The little catch is stuck underneath, that's all. There. See?

[Chris Connolly]

Well, what do you know. Molly, that's wonderful. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without you. I'd be helpless.

[Barbara Luddy]

You'd be helpless. But Chris, that's not the way.

[Chris Connolly]

Pardon, Molly?

[Barbara Luddy]

Nothing. Well, Molly Martin, you did it again.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, anyhow, I feel better already. And thanks for inviting me out to help, Molly. Makes a fellow feel good to know a woman can lean on him.

[Barbara Luddy]

Sure. Too bad she leaned the wrong way.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, hello, Fred. Come in.

[Fred Friday]

Well, it's just me, Fred Friday, the janitor.

[Chris Connolly]

And what's on your mind this morning?

[Fred Friday]

Well, just sort of take a look around, get things in mind for the big job over the weekend.

[Chris Connolly]

Go right ahead, Fred.

[Fred Friday]

Mary. Something funny, Mr. Connolly? Always like a joke, you know.

[Chris Connolly]

No, Fred, it's just something between Molly and me. She sure almost trapped me.

[Fred Friday]

Oh, well, now, let me see. That's easy enough to seal up the doors and the winders. Poison gas can get them all right.

[Chris Connolly]

I tell you, Fred, you gotta watch your step with women as it is. I'll just take it easy here tomorrow.

[Fred Friday]

Yep, there will be nothing left alive. Kill em all deader than the cast iron doorknob.

[Chris Connolly]

Hmm.

[Vince Pelletier]

Kill what, Fred?

[Fred Friday]

The moths, the motors. They're everywhere. Yes, sir. Moving magazine. Sure, one moth eating place. But we'll get em tomorrow.

[Chris Connolly]

Tomorrow?

[Fred Friday]

Yeah, you ordered it done yourself while Mr. Craig is on his vacation. But we'll have it all aired out by Monday.

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, Fred, no, that's impossible.

[Fred Friday]

Well, it's too late to change our plans now.

[Chris Connolly]

But Fred, I've got to work here tomorrow.

[Fred Friday]

Suit yourself. But it'll sure be an awful way to go.

[Vince Pelletier]

Just.

[Fred Friday]

Yes, sir. You just ask anymore.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, Fred, if I don't work here, I'll have to go to Molly's house tomorrow.

[Fred Friday]

Well, now, there's something wrong with that.

[Chris Connolly]

No, you don't understand, Fred. She's got a whole bunch of odd jobs lined up for me. And as a mechanical Wizard, I'm nothing.

[Fred Friday]

Mr. Conley, survey shows that 99% of all calls for repair men are for little jobs. Things any simple man can fix.

[Chris Connolly]

Even you.

[Fred Friday]

Thanks. Anyhow, Young Fell, it's your big chance with Miss Molly. Show her how much she needs a man around the house. Go on. Fix that re. That rear, that ice box.

[Chris Connolly]

But, Fred, I. I'd have to overhaul her motor.

[Fred Friday]

Nothing to it. All you do is remove the field coils and take out armature and chuck it up and turn down the commentator bars and undercut the mica and pull her back and then check the bushings. You see.

[Chris Connolly]

Fred, I don't even know what you're talking about.

[Fred Friday]

Well, come to think of it, neither do I. But always seems to work.

[Chris Connolly]

I just wish I could be as confident.

[Fred Friday]

That's the idea, Mr. Conley. Confidence. Just go out there and do it. You'll be surprised how easy it is.

[Chris Connolly]

Thanks, Fred.

[Fred Friday]

Yes.

[Chris Connolly]

You say 99% are easy jobs?

[Fred Friday]

Yeah. Now, what about it?

[Chris Connolly]

Well, I was just wondering about the other 1%.

[Barbara Luddy]

Mother. Mother. Yes, Molly? Mother, what happened to the bed lamp? It works.

[Molly Martin]

Well, I know, dear. Little Roger White fixed it. He fixed the broiler, too.

[Barbara Luddy]

He what?

[Molly Martin]

I couldn't stop him. Roger was determined to go ahead and fix them for you, Molly. His heroin.

[Barbara Luddy]

But I was saving those things for Chris to fix. He'll be here any minute.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, there's still the refrigerator in the kitchen. You know, the light doesn't work, but.

[Barbara Luddy]

But what, Mother?

[Molly Martin]

Roger's in the kitchen now.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, you watch for Chris. I'll try to stop this little electrical rover boy.

[Molly Martin]

All right, dear. But do be careful not to hurt his Felix.

[Roger White]

Oh, morning, Miss Martin.

[Barbara Luddy]

Hello, Roger. I see you're fixing the ironing board.

[Roger White]

Yes, ma'.

[Vince Pelletier]

Am.

[Roger White]

It's all fixed. See?

[Barbara Luddy]

Yes, Roger, that. That's fine.

[Roger White]

I'll fix the light in the refrigerator for you.

[Barbara Luddy]

Now, wait, Roger, I. I'd like to talk to you.

[Roger White]

Yes, ma'.

[Molly Martin]

Am.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, Roger, isn't Saturday morning the favorite time for boys to be outside playing?

[Roger White]

I guess so, Miss Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, where are your friends?

[Roger White]

I don't have any. Oh, I just moved here three weeks ago.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, I see. And then you started coming over here.

[Roger White]

Anyway, I'd rather. There's lots more things for me to do here. And besides.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, besides what, Roger?

[Roger White]

Well, I like to help you, Miss Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

That's very sweet of you.

[Roger White]

Somebody's at the door.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, yes, Roger. You Wait here and don't touch anything till I get back. Promise?

[Roger White]

Yes, ma', am, I promise.

[Molly Martin]

Why, Chris, how nice of you to come.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, nice of you to invite me, Mrs. Martin. Hi, Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

Hello, Chris.

[Chris Connolly]

I came early so we could finish by 1 o'. Clock. I have a couple of tickets to the ball game this afternoon.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, swell.

[Molly Martin]

I'll fix an early lunch. There's plenty of hamburger in the refrigerator.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, then you will have to hurry if you want to finish in time for the ball game. Come on, Chris.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, Molly, now don't forget about Cleopatra.

[Vince Pelletier]

Cleopatra?

[Chris Connolly]

What's she talking about?

[Barbara Luddy]

I haven't the slightest idea.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, well, who's this?

[Barbara Luddy]

Roger, I'd like. Chris, I'd like you to meet Roger, the boy next door. And Roger, this is Mr. Connolly, my boss.

[Roger White]

Hello, Mr. Connolly.

[Chris Connolly]

Hi, Roger. Well, now, the refrigerator. First you say the light's off, huh?

[Barbara Luddy]

Chris, maybe you should wait.

[Vince Pelletier]

Wait?

[Chris Connolly]

Why wait?

[Roger White]

I was just getting ready to fix it, Mr. Conley.

[Chris Connolly]

You fix it, Roger. Well, now, you just stand right here beside me and see how it's done, huh, Chris?

[Roger White]

Miss Molly said I could.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, now, let me see here. Oh, there's a wire loose here in the back. Let's connect it to the coils. Now, careful not to get in the way, Roger.

[Roger White]

Ms. Marley, is he supposed to fix it?

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, Roger, I.

[Chris Connolly]

That's why she invited me over. Roger, a woman needs a man around the house.

[Barbara Luddy]

Chris, look, I. Oh, there.

[Chris Connolly]

There we are all connected. Now. Open the refrigerator door, Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

Chris, the light's on.

[Chris Connolly]

It is? Well, I. Oh, sure. There you are.

[Barbara Luddy]

It's flickering a little.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, then close the door and forget about it.

[Barbara Luddy]

Good work, Chris. I knew you could do it.

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, nothing to it. Well, now, Roger, you see how it's done. Where'd Roger go?

[Barbara Luddy]

Home, I guess.

[Chris Connolly]

But why?

[Barbara Luddy]

I think he was hurt because you didn't let him help. I'll go talk to Chris.

[Chris Connolly]

Huh? What's wrong?

[Barbara Luddy]

The refrigerator. Look.

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, my gosh. Something oozing out the door. Get it open.

[Barbara Luddy]

Butter, Chris. Melted butter.

[Chris Connolly]

Look out, Molly. Those coils are red hot.

[Barbara Luddy]

Then do something, Chris.

[Chris Connolly]

Yeah, I'll get the wires. There. Got the wire loose. Guess I connected it to the wrong coil.

[Vince Pelletier]

Something.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, there's nothing to do now but call Mother in to lunch.

[Chris Connolly]

Lunch? But it's only 10 o'. Clock. Why now?

[Barbara Luddy]

Because I think we've just fried the hamburger.

[Vince Pelletier]

Vince Pelletier again. And this time with something to say to a special person. The person who just hasn't gotten around yet to trying Lucerne. Concentrated milk. And maybe that's you. Well, if it is as Roy Rowan said a moment ago, you're missing something and you really are. To begin with, you're missing a big important saving. And I'll tell you why. Safeway introduced Lucerne concentrated milk for the express purpose of saving you money. And Lucerne concentrated milk always has been a money saver. The three quarts made from Lucerne concentrated milk have always cost considerably less than three quarts of regular milk at store prices. But now the state has boosted its minimum price of regular milk. You pay $0.01 more per quart for regular milk, but the price of Lucerne concentrated milk has not gone up. So you not only make the original saving on each quart you get from Lucerne concentrated milk, but you now save that additional center that has been tacked on to regular milk. And what's more, when you use Lucerne concentrated milk, you save shopping trips, you save refrigerator space. You get three fine milk products in one simply by mixing more or less water with Lucerne concentrated milk. You can make regular Lucerne for drinking or cooking, or make it richer to use as you'd use regular half and half, or still richer to use wherever you'd use regular table cream. Now then, in view of all these things, the big saving, the conveniences, don't you think you should start using Lucerne concentrated milk right away? And you can get it, you know, under a satisfaction or your money back guarantee at your Safeway store?

[Roy Rowan]

Well, two hours have passed since Chris started a few fix Molly's refrigerator. And now it really needs fixing. Chris is worrying with the mortar in the basement. Molly is worrying over where Roger's disappeared to. And Roger's doing a little worrying on his own.

[Roger White]

She was gonna let me fix the refrigerator. Now she wants that old Mr. Conley to do it. Just cause he's bigger than me. I wish I was Grown up like 12 years old, I'd show him.

[Roy Rowan]

And down in the basement, Chris is thinking, I don't know how to fix a refrigerator.

[Chris Connolly]

I'm helpless. Wish I were a little kid like Roger and nobody'd expect me to know anything about electricity. Oh, here comes Roger now. Mustn't let him know. Well, well. Hello, Roger. Get lost.

[Roger White]

Hello. What did I come down here for anyway?

[Chris Connolly]

You want something?

[Roger White]

No, just watching.

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, hey, that's quite a cowboy suit you have on there. I'll bet Ms. Martin would like to see it. That'll get rid of him.

[Roger White]

I guess so. He's trying to get rid of me.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, suit yourself, Roger just Kind of keep out of the way, Mr. Connolly.

[Roger White]

You wouldn't have to.

[Chris Connolly]

Huh? What were you gonna say?

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, nothing.

[Chris Connolly]

You can say it. Go ahead. Say anything you like.

[Roger White]

I just wanted to say that you didn't have to clean the coils if you hadn't taken it apart. He thinks he knows everything.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, I wouldn't. Huh? Then why wouldn't the light work inside the refrigerator? Kid thinks he knows everything.

[Roger White]

Because all it needed was a new light bulb.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, now, just suppose you let me. A new what?

[Roger White]

A new light bulb. I'm beginning to think this guy doesn't know anything.

[Chris Connolly]

I'm beginning to think this guy might know something.

[Roger White]

Maybe he'll ask me to help him.

[Chris Connolly]

Suppose I could get him to help me? Not that I do it, Roger. I. I guess modern boys like you know quite a bit about electricity, huh? Well, then I guess putting a motor back together would be rather simple, huh? I mustn't act too anxious.

[Roger White]

Well, I don't know. I mustn't act too anxious.

[Chris Connolly]

You know, Ms. Martin, it'd sure appreciate it. We're doing this for her, you know.

[Roger White]

You mean, you tell her that I helped?

[Chris Connolly]

Why, sure. We'll say we did it together. How about it? Well, okay. Now, what do we do first? Boss.

[Roger White]

Boss? You mean me?

[Chris Connolly]

Sure, you're the boss.

[Roger White]

Okay. Screwdriver.

[Chris Connolly]

Screwdriver.

[Roger White]

Pliers.

[Vince Pelletier]

Pliers.

[Roger White]

Wrench.

[Vince Pelletier]

Wrench.

[Roger White]

Tape.

[Vince Pelletier]

Tape.

[Roger White]

Oil.

[Chris Connolly]

Oil.

[Barbara Luddy]

Mother, Roger still isn't home.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, I thought you knew. Molly. Roger's right out there on the back porch with Chris. They're fixing the ringer.

[Barbara Luddy]

With Chris? I don't understand.

[Molly Martin]

Well, they fixed everything around the house.

[Barbara Luddy]

While you were gone together. Why, of course. That solves everything.

[Molly Martin]

And now, remember, keep Chris thinking you're dependent on him. This is your challenge to make him think that you can't exist without him. Crazy now.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, I suppose it won't hurt now that Roger and Chris are such good pals.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, here, they're coming.

[Chris Connolly]

Hi, Molly. Well, how's that for fast work, huh?

[Barbara Luddy]

Wonderful, Chris. Mother says you fixed everything.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, anyhow, everything's fixed, huh?

[Roger White]

Roger, pal, your refrigerator's all right now, Miss Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, there, that's fine, Roger.

[Chris Connolly]

Yep, all it needed was a new light bulb.

[Barbara Luddy]

Chris, how did you ever know?

[Molly Martin]

Oh, my goodness, Molly, wouldn't it be wonderful to have the mind of a man?

[Barbara Luddy]

I'd rather have a man with a mind, and you know me.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, now, wait a minute. Before we go any further, let's give some credit where credit's due.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, now, Chris, don't be so modest, Ms. Martin.

[Roger White]

We fixed the wringer.

[Molly Martin]

Oh, Chris, really. You're so clever. Don't you think so, Molly?

[Barbara Luddy]

I always have, Ms. Martin. Oh, yes, Roger.

[Roger White]

Does the vacuum cleaner work all right now?

[Barbara Luddy]

Yeah, fine.

[Molly Martin]

You know something, Chris? You should come over every Saturday. You're so smart and we're so helpless. Don't you agree, Molly?

[Barbara Luddy]

Absolutely, Mother.

[Chris Connolly]

Now, Molly, wait. I've got to tell you something.

[Barbara Luddy]

That Roger helped you. Well, we want to thank you, too. Roger. Roger.

[Chris Connolly]

Molly, don't tell me he's gone again.

[Molly Martin]

My, how that boy does disappear.

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, dear. He thought he was being left out again.

[Chris Connolly]

Look, Molly, you don't really think I fixed everything, do you?

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, I. I wasn't sure.

[Chris Connolly]

The fact of it is, I. Well, I didn't fix anything.

[Barbara Luddy]

Roger did it all.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, I handed him the tools.

[Barbara Luddy]

Chris, it's time we both stopped this. I have a confession to make, too. It's all my fault.

[Chris Connolly]

Your fault?

[Barbara Luddy]

Yes. Roger wanted to fix everything to begin with, but I wouldn't let him. I wanted you to fix them.

[Chris Connolly]

But why?

[Barbara Luddy]

Oh, so you'd feel I was dependent on you. Chris, it was silly and I'm. I'm awfully sorry, Molly.

[Chris Connolly]

Don't be. I'm actually flattered. Flattered that you'd want me to feel that way.

[Barbara Luddy]

You're very sweet and like Chris.

[Molly Martin]

Molly. Time for the ball game, Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

Batter up. Ball game? I'd forgotten all about it.

[Chris Connolly]

Yeah, so had I. Oh, Molly. What about Roger? Somehow we've got to fix that up.

[Barbara Luddy]

Roger. Yes, but we can't be late for the ball game, can we, Chris?

[Chris Connolly]

Huh?

[Barbara Luddy]

It kind of looks like rain, though. My Raincoat's over at Mrs. Nelson's. I'll get it. You wait here.

[Chris Connolly]

But, Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

I'll be right back. Entertain him, Mother.

[Molly Martin]

Well, all right, Molly. How about guessing games, Chris? We'll try to guess what Molly's up to now.

[Chris Connolly]

Molly, what is this? It sure took you a long time to get your raincoat.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, Mrs. Nelson asked me to have a cup of coffee. After this morning, I needed it.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, okay. Get in.

[Barbara Luddy]

Thanks, Chris.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, now, what's the matter?

[Barbara Luddy]

Key in, Griggs.

[Chris Connolly]

But isn't one thing, it's another. I will never make that game.

[Barbara Luddy]

Think it might help to look under the hood?

[Vince Pelletier]

The hood?

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, the hood.

[Roy Rowan]

Yeah.

[Chris Connolly]

Yeah. Might as well.

[Barbara Luddy]

See anything?

[Chris Connolly]

Yeah, there's a motor in here, Molly. The ignition wires are all loose.

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, can't you fix them, Chris?

[Chris Connolly]

You know I can't.

[Barbara Luddy]

Roger's sitting over there in his front porch. Maybe he could help.

[Chris Connolly]

Molly, don't I look silly enough now, anyhow, the way he must feel about me?

[Barbara Luddy]

Roger.

[Roger White]

Yes, Ms. Martin?

[Barbara Luddy]

Would you come here a minute, please?

[Roger White]

Well, as long as you ask.

[Barbara Luddy]

Roger, there seems to be something wrong with the ignition wires. They're all loose now.

[Chris Connolly]

Could you fix them, Roger?

[Roger White]

If Ms. Martin wants me to, when.

[Barbara Luddy]

Nobody else knows how. Please, just for me.

[Roger White]

Okay. Nothing's really wrong. All you have to do is connect these two wires there, huh?

[Chris Connolly]

Well, try the starter, Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

Right.

[Roger White]

See, Miss Molly, I fixed it for you.

[Barbara Luddy]

I knew you could, Roger. Oh, you're wonderful. Come here and let me kiss you, huh?

[Roger White]

Oh, gosh, Miss Molly.

[Barbara Luddy]

And Roger, I want to thank you for fixing everything for me. Chris told me all about it.

[Roger White]

He did? I was nothing. He and me did it together.

[Barbara Luddy]

Together?

[Roger White]

Yeah. He handed me the tools.

[Chris Connolly]

Roger, do you like baseball?

[Roger White]

Yes, sir, only I can't play very well.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, how'd you like to come with us this afternoon and pick up a few pointers from the Yankees?

[Roger White]

Gee, you mean it?

[Chris Connolly]

Sure.

[Roger White]

I'd have to ask my mother.

[Barbara Luddy]

No need to, Roger. She knows all about it. She said you could go.

[Chris Connolly]

What? Molly? How could she know?

[Barbara Luddy]

Well, are we going or aren't we, Chris?

[Vince Pelletier]

Oh.

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, sure. Yeah. Well, jump in, fella.

[Roger White]

Oh, boy.

[Barbara Luddy]

Thanks.

[Roger White]

I'll ride in the back seat.

[Barbara Luddy]

Chris Connolly, you're adorable.

[Chris Connolly]

Well, you didn't leave me much choice.

[Barbara Luddy]

Me?

[Chris Connolly]

Those ignition wires were pulled loose on purpose.

[Barbara Luddy]

Surely you don't suspect Roger.

[Chris Connolly]

Oh, no, no. I'm not accusing anybody. But, Molly, the next time, remember to wash the grease off your hands.

[Roy Rowan]

Molly and Chris will be in a moment with a memo about next week's show. A Memo from Molly is produced and directed by Gordon T. Hughes and written by Dick Stanger. It stars Barbara Luddy and Olin Soleil. Others in the cast were Sarah Selby, Jess Kirkpatrick and Stuffy Singer. And now, here's Molly and Chris with a memo about next week's show from.

[Barbara Luddy]

Molly Martin, secretary to Christopher Connelly, managing editor. Dear Chris, I'm sorry I acted on impulse and got you into trouble with the highway commissioner. But how was I to know that Mr. Craig might fire you? It seemed like a very serious problem at first, but when you stop to think about, it's awful.

[Chris Connolly]

Yeah, that's it.

[Vince Pelletier]

Another memo from. Well, we'll have to leave Chris cogitating over this latest memo from Molly. But next Sunday, Lucerne will present the whole story. So be with us then. So you know when there's a good reason for doing something, it's usually a good idea to go right ahead. And there are a lot of good reasons for you to start using Lucerne concentrated milk in the first place. You'll save money more than ever now. And from Lucerne concentrated milk, you get the equivalent of regular, fresh, extra rich Lucerne. So you'll get Lucerne's extra food energy value, extra A and B vitamins. And then, because you get the equivalent of three quarts of Lucerne in one quart of Lucerne concentrated milk, you save shopping trips and refrigerator space. And at the same time, you actually get three different milk products in one. You can make regular fresh Lucerne just by adding 2 parts cold water to 1 part Lucerne concentrated milk. Or you can make it richer to use on cereals and fruits by adding just one part cold water. And for your coffee, use Lucerne concentrated milk, heavy rich, right from the carton or add water to taste. Yes, Lucerne concentrated milk gives you these extra uses, plus extra conveniences, plus an extra saving on each and every quart your family drinks. All good reasons to start using Lucerne concentrated milk now. This week, you'll find it at your nearest Safeway store.

[Roy Rowan]

This is Roy Rowan speaking, and this is the CBS Radio Network.