
Anderson Family - Borrowed Lawnmower
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Liberty Mutual Spokesperson
And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Friend
Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual Together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Liberty Mutual Friend
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league anyways.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Friend
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Narrator
The Anderson family.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
You can't blame me for wanting my dues. Mr. Anderson, in good faith, I loaned
Oliver Anderson
you our lawnmower and I'll return it in good faith.
Mary Anderson
I'm sure there must be some misunderstanding.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
If there's one thing I admire in a man, it's integrity.
Freebairn Briggs
I admire honesty.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Quiet, Free Baron Reburn. That's enough.
Mary Anderson
I'll tear his collar off.
Oliver Anderson
Look, I'll return your lawnmower. I don't want to hear any more about it.
Junior Anderson
Oh, here we go again, folks.
Narrator
And now let's visit the Anderson family. This whole thing started when Oliver Anderson borrowed a Lawn Mower about six weeks ago from Mr. And Mrs. Freebairon Briggs, neighbors across the street. However, all thoughts of having borrowed it had disappeared from Oliver Anderson's mind. For the important thing at this Moment is borrowing $2,500 from a new bank in town. Oliver wants to improve his property and must make application by letter to the board of directors of the Loan Institution. He has just finished writing the letter.
Oliver Anderson
All finished. If this letter doesn't get some action from that board of directors, I'll quit.
Mary Anderson
Let's read it.
Oliver Anderson
You mean, let's tear it to pieces. There's nothing wrong with it. It's a straightforward, honest letter.
Junior Anderson
That's what counts in getting money from a bank. Honesty.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, yeah. Well, I'll still get it.
Mary Anderson
Oliver Jr. Didn't mean anything by that.
Junior Anderson
Oh, of course, it's a lot in who you know too, Pop.
Oliver Anderson
That's right. Well, I know Connors and Bingham. There are a couple of new directors. I don't know who they are.
Mary Anderson
Oh, I'm sure this letter will do the trick. You took long enough to write it.
Oliver Anderson
Just an hour is all.
Junior Anderson
You write a pretty good hand, Pop.
Oliver Anderson
Yes, I do, don't I?
Junior Anderson
And your paragraphs are neat.
Oliver Anderson
Thanks. Just that I retained my schooling.
Junior Anderson
I guess you can't be too careful on a letter like this.
Oliver Anderson
That's right. I'm glad you take such interest in things like this, Junior.
Junior Anderson
Yeah, but I Don't think it's a good idea to head it with. For heaven's sakes, men, don't turn this down.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
I need it.
Oliver Anderson
Let me have that letter. It's no concern of yours what I put in it.
Junior Anderson
And there are two P's in application, Pop.
Oliver Anderson
I know of it. I know how many Do I have one. No wonder. With everyone talking and playing the radio, it's a wonder I have the address, right?
Mary Anderson
No, no, let's relax. Let's have a nice quiet evening. I'll type it neatly for you, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
After a while, I think Patrick and letters get more action. Anyhow, you have a good idea there, but you'd better stick pretty closely to what I have there.
Mary Anderson
What did Mr. Connors say when you mentioned the loan to him?
Oliver Anderson
Well, he said it was okay with him and so did Bingham. It's up to the other two directors.
Mary Anderson
Maybe you'd better find out who they are.
Oliver Anderson
That's not important. Connors and Binghams can swing them.
Junior Anderson
Hey, did you tell Pop about your being chairman on the flower planting drive, Mom?
Mary Anderson
Oh, that's not important, Junior.
Oliver Anderson
Of course it is. Who elected you?
Mary Anderson
Oh, well, Mrs. Briggs across the street suggested me. She carries quite a bit of weight with the girls.
Oliver Anderson
Yes, I noticed. She could lose about 100 pounds of the weight she carries.
Mary Anderson
Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
Excuse me. I just don't like that woman.
Junior Anderson
She's always been swell to me.
Oliver Anderson
I still don't like her or that weak kneed husband of hers. He can't cut their grass without her permission.
Mary Anderson
But they're very happy, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
Certainly. I've seen dogs and cats feeding together, but it's only because they had to.
Junior Anderson
And they just got their new car, too.
Mary Anderson
Oh, did they? What color?
Junior Anderson
Black. They just drove home a few minutes ago. Mrs. Briggs was in the backseat.
Oliver Anderson
I'll bet it's equipped with radar from the back seat.
Mary Anderson
Ah, now, that's no way to talk, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
Well, she burns me old Homer Meister. $10 for three months for that cement job and didn't even return his mixer. I don't like people like that.
Junior Anderson
Well, Mr. Briggs seems like a nice fellow, Pop.
Oliver Anderson
Of course he is. But she won't let him be himself. I wonder if she did, what kind of a fellow he'd be.
Mary Anderson
Well, dear, Happy. That's what counts. As I said before.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, you mean she's happy. I don't think Freeband Briggs has been out after dark for years.
Mary Anderson
Well, you and Junior continue this uninteresting conversation. I'm going to the store.
Junior Anderson
Get some of those Chocolate cookies for my lunch, Mom.
Mary Anderson
If they have them, I will just
Oliver Anderson
look under his counter.
Junior Anderson
Uh oh, here comes the Briggs family. Pop, I have nothing I want to discuss with them.
Oliver Anderson
Now wait a minute. Can't understand why everyone leaves. Okay, I hear you. Oh, hello, Mrs. Briggs. Who's behind you? Oh, it's Freeband. Well, come on in.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Thank you, Mr. Anderson.
Freebairn Briggs
Thank you.
Oliver Anderson
Gee, got a haircut, didn't you, Freebank?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
We didn't come here to discuss personal appearances.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, well, then come on in here where we can be comfortable.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Take off your hat, Free Baron. And get that wad of chewing gum out of your mouth.
Freebairn Briggs
Yes, dear.
Oliver Anderson
Well, it's mighty nice of you folks to drop in. Mm. You've lost some weight, haven't you, Millicent?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
That is of no consequence, Mr. Anderson. Please don't fawn all over us. Our trip is very unpleasant.
Oliver Anderson
Unpleasant?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Yes. Freebairn wanted to come over alone, but I know his vicious temper, so I decided to take the cat by the horns.
Oliver Anderson
Cat ball.
Freebairn Briggs
No, this is the truth, Anderson.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Quiet, Free Baron. Now, Mr. Anderson, when you asked to use our lawnmower a couple of months ago, I said yes.
Oliver Anderson
Well, yes, you did, and I.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Now, I didn't ask you for references nor a deposit.
Oliver Anderson
You mean Junior has borrowed it lately?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
You borrowed it, Mr. Anderson.
Oliver Anderson
Me?
Freebairn Briggs
You borrowed the lawnmower, Anderson.
Oliver Anderson
I believe I did.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
And I didn't say a word when you pried the lock off the shed to get it.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, yeah, well, I remember you weren't home and I.
Freebairn Briggs
No, you. You broke the lock off.
Oliver Anderson
I did? Well, gee, I'm. I'm sorry. I'll buy you another lock. I suppose I should have done something about this before now.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
If there's one thing I cannot stand in a man, it's procrastination.
Oliver Anderson
I can see that. But I thought I had taken your lawnmower back or had Junior do it.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
If you'd have had Junior do it, it would have been done. If there's one boy in the neighborhood who is dependable, that boy is. Junior must take after his mother's side of the family.
Oliver Anderson
Well, yes. Marries a lot that way. Of course. And I'll agree that sometimes things do slip my mind. And possibly the lawnmower was left out in the garage.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
It had better be out there, Mr. Anderson.
Oliver Anderson
How's that?
Freebairn Briggs
It had better be, she said.
Oliver Anderson
Don't walk on that side, Mrs. Briggs. It's all planted.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
My, my. This place used to be so beautiful before you people bought it.
Freebairn Briggs
And look at it now.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Free Baron. Now, now, Control yourself.
Oliver Anderson
Now, let's see. Lawnmower. Lawnmower.
Freebairn Briggs
Over there beside the bush.
Oliver Anderson
Isn't that it?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
You mean it's been outdoors rusting all this time?
Oliver Anderson
I wonder if this is yours.
Freebairn Briggs
It has two wheels and a handle. Must be.
Oliver Anderson
They all have two wheels.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
For heaven's sake. Free Baron. It is our lawnmower. Just look at that.
Freebairn Briggs
Go ahead, Anderson, look at it.
Oliver Anderson
Well, there isn't much wrong with it,
Junior Anderson
but it's all rusted.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
That wheel is half off. And look at the handle.
Freebairn Briggs
Go ahead, Anderson, look at that handle.
Oliver Anderson
See? Well, I guess you're right. But I don't understand why Junior didn't put it in out of the weather.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
And this wheel, it's broken.
Freebairn Briggs
Go ahead, look at it.
Mary Anderson
The wheel.
Oliver Anderson
Yes, I see. But that can be fixed.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Either fixed as it was or a new one.
Oliver Anderson
How's that?
Freebairn Briggs
Bake ity do it, darling.
Oliver Anderson
Oh no you don't. Not a new one. I'll fix this one and it'll be returned in good shape. Mrs.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Brake, how possibly you think neighbors. Ah, me, One never really knows their neighbors. If it hadn't been for this lawnmower, I might have gone on thinking you people were all right.
Oliver Anderson
Now wait a minute, Lady Mountain Dean. I pay for my mistakes and my son's mistakes. I'll send it to the fixit shop and it'll be returned like new.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
You know, Mr. Anderson, as hard as I try, I don't think I'm ever going to like you.
Oliver Anderson
The feeling is somewhat more than mutual, Mrs. Briggs. Ordinarily I'm a very courteous fellow, but I don't like to be abused.
Freebairn Briggs
Oh, Anderson, those are fighting words.
Oliver Anderson
I meant them to be fighting words.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
No, no, Freebairn. Don't strike Mr. Anderson. No need of your facing a manslaughter charge.
Freebairn Briggs
Oh, that's his eyebrow.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Freebair. No, no.
Freebairn Briggs
I will tear off his collar.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Freebair.
Mary Anderson
No.
Freebairn Briggs
I'll pull his hair out.
Oliver Anderson
Getting ridiculous. And if I thought you could get a price on getting his face fixed along with the lawnmower, I'd shut him up for you.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Threatened street freebear.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, come now, Mrs. Briggs, this is silly.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
No, it's not. I don't enjoy this. I only want what's right.
Freebairn Briggs
She only wants what's right.
Oliver Anderson
But I'm willing to return the lawnmower, Mrs. Briggs.
Freebairn Briggs
But you certainly take your tide about it.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
There's one thing I admire in a man, it's integrity.
Freebairn Briggs
I admire your honesty.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Quiet, Free Baron. Well, I'll leave you with your conscience Mr. Anderson. And I expect the lawnmower returned in the same condition as when you broke into the shed and stole it.
Oliver Anderson
Stole it?
Freebairn Briggs
You stole it, she said.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, come now, Mrs. Briggs.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
I don't want to hear another word. Come, freebairn.
Oliver Anderson
Well, Mary will be terribly Sorry about this, Mrs. Briggs.
Junior Anderson
I'm upset, too.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
But Mary stuck with you. I'm not.
Mary Anderson
I don't see why you keep blaming Junior for the lawnmower being broken and rusted.
Oliver Anderson
Oliver, I may have borrowed it, but he's seen that lawnmower 50 times in the backyard. Why didn't he put it away? He isn't too young to be careful of things.
Mary Anderson
But, Oliver, he didn't borrow.
Oliver Anderson
That isn't the point, Junior.
Junior Anderson
Yeah, Mom?
Oliver Anderson
Come here a minute.
Junior Anderson
Butch Chapman's waiting for me. Can it wait?
Oliver Anderson
It cannot. Well, Butch, you aren't coming back out this evening and then. Come here a minute.
Junior Anderson
I don't get it, but okay.
Mary Anderson
That's hardly fair, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
The only way. Mary.
Junior Anderson
Hey, I can't come out now, Butch. See you tomorrow.
Mary Anderson
Could have waited until later, Oliver.
Junior Anderson
What's wrong? Why can't I go out?
Mary Anderson
Your father wants to talk to you.
Oliver Anderson
Yeah, Junior, you remember we borrowed the Briggs lawnmower a few weeks ago?
Junior Anderson
We? You did, Pop.
Oliver Anderson
Who borrowed it is not important. The lawnmower was left out of the backyard to rust and break.
Junior Anderson
Rust and break. Not the Briggs lawn mower.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, yes, it was. Now, just to show you that life isn't a bowl of prunes.
Mary Anderson
Cherries, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
All right, cherries. You're going to pay the cost of putting that lawnmower in shape.
Junior Anderson
Aw, gee, Pop, let me explain what you're doing.
Oliver Anderson
There's nothing to explain. You know what it's all about.
Mary Anderson
But maybe he wants to say something, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
Yes, I know, but that still stands. You pay the bill and maybe it'll break you of being careless.
Junior Anderson
But if you'd let me explain to you.
Oliver Anderson
There's nothing to explain, Junior. I've taken the lawnmower to the fix it shop, and the bill is $11.12.
Junior Anderson
You shouldn't have taken it to the shop.
Mary Anderson
No.
Oliver Anderson
You're going to tell me how to run my life.
Mary Anderson
No, he isn't, Oliver. He's just trying to out talk me.
Oliver Anderson
Yes, I know. So go ahead now. Go do your homework and then go to bed.
Junior Anderson
Okay, but if you just let me say one thing.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Never mind now, darling.
Mary Anderson
I'll be up and tuck you in.
Junior Anderson
Okay. Guess I'm out. Voted again.
Mary Anderson
He was trying to tell you something all Right.
Oliver Anderson
He wanted to tell me where I was wrong. He doesn't realize yet that older people learn through experience. And that's fine what he's doing.
Mary Anderson
I'll get it, Oliver. Maybe Mrs. Meister.
Junior Anderson
Yes. Yes, he is, Mr. Bingham.
Mary Anderson
Just a moment.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, Mr. Bingham, the bank director. Good. Let's have him.
Mary Anderson
Yeah. Doesn't sound cheerful to me.
Oliver Anderson
Come on, Bingham. How's everything? Making what top of myself. Briggs. Oh, that's phony. Why, just I just. The new director.
Mary Anderson
Oh, Frank, the new director.
Oliver Anderson
But there isn't any place else I can apply for the loan. Yeah. Yes, I know you're for it, but. Oh, no go, huh? Okay, Bingham. Thanks anyhow. So long.
Mary Anderson
No go, huh?
Oliver Anderson
No go. Briggs is going to stop it. The shrimp. But I'll get around that baby yet. When I take his lawnmower back, I'll have it out with him and his baby hippopotamus, too.
Narrator
And now back to the Anderson family. Oliver has just been turned down at the bank on a loan he hoped to make. The deal soured when he had a little trouble with a neighbor, Mr. Briggs, over the return of a lawnmower Oliver had borrowed and apparently forgot to return, only to find that Mr. Briggs is the new director of the bank. Hoping to smooth over the situation, Oliver and Mary Anderson are just entering the fixit shop to pick up the lawnmower which Oliver had repaired.
Mary Anderson
Oh, that looks like the lawnmower, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
How can you tell? They all look alike to me.
Mary Anderson
Here comes the man now.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Howdy, folks. Can I do something for you?
Oliver Anderson
Oh. Oh. Oh, Mr. Harkness, is my lawnmower ready? It's for Oliver Anderson.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Anderson. Anderson. Name don't mean nothing to me. I go by numbers. Got your stub?
Oliver Anderson
Oh. Oh, sure. 33B.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
33B. Oh, yes. Sitting right over here. And I might add. You know, I've been repairing mowers for better than 30 years, and I never saw one so bent up as that one was.
Freebairn Briggs
But you were able to fix it?
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Well, yes, I did. The only thing left of what you brought me is the washers on the wheels. The rest is new lawnmower.
Oliver Anderson
Well, maybe you shouldn't have done such a good job.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
You said fitz her up.
Oliver Anderson
Well, yes, I did.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Where you live?
Mary Anderson
13 Beacon Road.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Oh, is that so? See, that's right close to Briggs house, ain't it?
Mary Anderson
Right across the street, yes.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Well, now, I hate to ask you this, but as long as you're near, so close, you're driving, ain't you?
Oliver Anderson
Well, yeah.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Well, I wonder if you'd just drop off Briggs lawnmower at the same time.
Mary Anderson
Why, this one here is Briggs lawnmower.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Yeah, must have two of them there. He brung it in about six weeks ago. Had the young boy with him. Boy? Said his father broken a blade running over stones and paid for repairs himself. The kid? The boy did, six weeks ago? Yep, yep, he was sure neat fool. Wanted run a nice mower over stones. Don't deserve anything from nobody.
Mary Anderson
Well, there must be some mistake here, Mr. Harkness.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Well, all I want's $13 for fixing it and you can work out the rest of the deal with Briggs.
Oliver Anderson
$13? You said it to be $11.12.
Freebairn Briggs
All of them.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Well, I'm charging you $2 for the doctor.
Mary Anderson
The doctor?
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Y the doctor. See, a piece of that rust broke off, went in my eye and my head's about spitting open.
Oliver Anderson
Well, of course you have my sympathy, but I still think I'm getting gypped.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
It's a $13.
Oliver Anderson
I know, but you've done work for me before. Anderson is the name.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
I don't care if your name's Tuscanini. Names don't mean nothing to me. Me, I'm a number man self.
Mary Anderson
Oliver, let's just take the lawnmower.
Oliver Anderson
Sure, we'll take them, but I don't want this other one. Now, if it isn't Briggs, just So
Liberty Mutual Spouse
I get $13 all I care.
Oliver Anderson
But $13 is a lot of money. I can get a new one for that.
Mary Anderson
The bill is $13, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
Yeah, I know that, but it's a hold up. Money isn't growing around on trees.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
You brung the land more in, didn't you? Well, yes. Then it's $13.
Mary Anderson
Well, let's pay the man, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
Sure, sure, I'll pay him. I'll pay him. It's an obligation. I'll pay it, of course.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Well, Well, I don't like the way you talk, fell.
Oliver Anderson
Well, let's not go over my bad points now. I'll just pay it and keep still, I guess. And another thing, I'll be very happy to deliver this lawnmower to Briggs. Briggs. Hey, Freeman. Hey, Freeman.
Freebairn Briggs
I have nothing to discuss with you.
Oliver Anderson
Anderson, I have your lawnmower here.
Freebairn Briggs
Unload it and go on.
Oliver Anderson
Okay, I'll throw it in this flower bed.
Freebairn Briggs
Don't you dare.
Junior Anderson
Where is it?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Free Baron?
Freebairn Briggs
It's Anderson with the lawnmower.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Well, of all things Freebairn. I want you to go out there and thrash him within an inch of his life.
Freebairn Briggs
Yes, dear, if you aren't gone in 30 minutes. I should come out and thrash you, Anderson.
Oliver Anderson
Now look here, Briggs.
Freebairn Briggs
She just left. I'll be raced out.
Oliver Anderson
I don't get this thrashing business free, Baron.
Freebairn Briggs
I just say the things to please the little woman.
Oliver Anderson
Yeah. Sometimes someone is going to. Isn't going to know that. And the little woman is going to be alone.
Freebairn Briggs
You may be right, Anderson. Is this a rod, boy?
Oliver Anderson
It's both of them. Both your own. That you took in six weeks ago to the Fix it shop. And the one I took in. You owe me $13.
Junior Anderson
I do?
Oliver Anderson
How? Because you claimed this other mower was yours when it was mine. It caused me anguish, loss of time and mental worry. Altogether, the civil suit comes to 5,000.
Freebairn Briggs
If I take it to court, I won't pay it.
Oliver Anderson
I won't charge you that much, though. I'm not that type of a person, freebairn. I'm a nice fellow.
Freebairn Briggs
I'm a rat.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, now, come, freebair. And I understand. It's the influence you're under is all.
Freebairn Briggs
Yes, you're right. It's Baby. Baby, my wife. I shall forever free myself of those shackles.
Oliver Anderson
Now you're talking like a man. I admire you.
Freebairn Briggs
I shall have it out with her immediately.
Oliver Anderson
Just let her know your boss. Boy, it feels great.
Freebairn Briggs
You've changed my whole life, Anderson.
Oliver Anderson
Well, I did the right things for you. Now I expect you to be a man. An okay mile loan at the bank.
Freebairn Briggs
I shall do it immediately. I'm a do bad.
Oliver Anderson
Gee, that's swell. Connor and Bingham have okayed it. Now you, you.
Freebairn Briggs
You just have one more hurdle to take.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, yeah? Who's the other one?
Freebairn Briggs
Mr. Harkness at the Fix it shop.
Oliver Anderson
Harkness? I. I just left there.
Freebairn Briggs
And you probably made him hate you. However, I shall arrange it right now. As soon as I go to the house and start my due life.
Oliver Anderson
Well, you'd better be diplomatic. She's an egomaniac.
Freebairn Briggs
Egobaniac?
Oliver Anderson
Mm,
Freebairn Briggs
egobadiac. That's a splendid word. I haven't used that. I'm a new man, Anderson.
Mary Anderson
From today, I am a bad. But, Oliver, it was none of your affair. Their home life is their own business.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, he won't do anything about it. He was weakening as he went up the steps into the house.
Mary Anderson
But he did say he'd sign for your loan.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, sure. He was wrong all along and he knew it.
Mary Anderson
Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
Huh?
Mary Anderson
Coming up the walk.
Oliver Anderson
What?
Mary Anderson
Mrs. Briggs.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, you talk to her first, Mary.
Mary Anderson
I'll do no such thing. Don't even tell her I'm home. You got into this. Now get out of it.
Oliver Anderson
Doesn't ring like she's burning.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson
And, Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Friend
Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Liberty Mutual Friend
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league anyways.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson
Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Friend
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Jerry (Dog)
A dog's love letter to his squeaky avocado.
Dearest Squeaky Avocado, my heart yearns to chew thee. Alas, I've devoured a small action figure and a have taken ill, unable to partake in our jubilant squeakings. Worry not, as I am on the mend and Lemonade pet insurance covered 90% of the veterinarian's cost. I recommend all the cats and dogs of the land. Get a'@lemonade.com pet soon my tummy will be unburdened and we shall frolic once more. Yours, Jerry.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Oh, Mr. Anderson. I just wanted to tell you the news.
Oliver Anderson
Come on in. Don't tell it to the whole street.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
You know, somehow I don't mind your ignorance. I'm so happy I could just cry. Where's Mary?
Oliver Anderson
Well, frankly, I don't know what's wrong that you'd be happy.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
It's Freebairn.
Oliver Anderson
Freebairn? He's made you happy.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
I'm so happy. I'm sorry I berated you over that lawnmower. Oh, it's a wonderful feeling, Mr. Anderson, to know the true meaning of love. I don't suppose you understand how I feel.
Oliver Anderson
Well, frankly, I don't get it.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
For the world has opened new vistas, Mr. Anderson. The clouds of distrust have opened up and the sunshine of true devotion is just oozing through.
Oliver Anderson
You mean free bears?
Freebairn Briggs
Ah, yes.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Bless his little weak heart.
Oliver Anderson
Oh. Oh. Oh. Well, what happened?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
It all happened so suddenly, I don't know myself. It was right after you left our house. Freebairn stomped into the house, and he only stomps when he's angry.
Oliver Anderson
Yeah, well, go on from the stomp.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Well, I was seated in the living room, and when Freebairn came in, I knew something was wrong.
Oliver Anderson
Yeah, I realized that too.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Freebairn walked straight up to me, shook his finger under my nose and said, you're an egomaniac.
Oliver Anderson
Egomaniac.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
I don't know where he ever picked up such a word. Probably from some of his tramp friends.
Oliver Anderson
Let's leave his friend out of this. Did he pop you, Free?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Baron doesn't ever pop me.
Oliver Anderson
But he did frighten you, huh?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Well, yes, at first, but I regained my composure. Well, I placed my fingers carelessly around his throat.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, no, no.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
I had no intentions of squeezing so hard at first. And during the scuffle, his right fist hit me behind the ear.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, then he didn't muff it.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
I didn't hear you.
Oliver Anderson
Never mind. Go ahead. Then what happened?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Why, I believe you actually enjoy this.
Oliver Anderson
Don't be silly.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Well, then his left hand became free somehow, and he struck me under the chin.
Oliver Anderson
Which one?
Mary Anderson
Both of them.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Oh, don't be crude, Mr. Anderson.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, good old Freeman. Game to the end, huh?
Freebairn Briggs
Ah, yes.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
It was then my new love was born. I realized at long last he really loved me enough to swing on me.
Oliver Anderson
Well. Well, I'm glad it turned out all right. Tell Free Bear I'd like to see him.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Oh, he wants to see you too. And I know he'd like to see Mary.
Oliver Anderson
Okay, I'll get Mary and join you in a minute.
Mary Anderson
Doctor Smith calls to surgery. Dr. Smith? Hall Surgery.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
It's right down this hall.
Narrator
Quiet place in the halls.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
My husband is a patient here.
Narrator
Yes, I can see why. Name, please?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Briggs. Mrs. Freebarn G. Briggs.
Oliver Anderson
We're just with her, Doc. Really?
Mary Anderson
I'll sit over here and wait, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
Okay, Mary. It won't take long, I guess.
Narrator
Right this way, please. 32A. Please. Don't stay long.
Oliver Anderson
No, no, just a minute.
Narrator
You a friend of his?
Oliver Anderson
Well, I won't know till I talk to him.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
There you are. Freebie, darling.
Freebairn Briggs
Yes, baby?
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Someone to see you.
Oliver Anderson
Hi, Freebear. Gee, I'm sorry it turned out this way.
Freebairn Briggs
I've a happy bed, Oliver.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
Oh, I'm so happy too, Freeman.
Oliver Anderson
Well, what happened?
Freebairn Briggs
I don't really remember. I remember seeing the fireplace go by. Then the chandeliers went by, the chairs, the couch, a bedroom.
Oliver Anderson
A dig.
Narrator
You'll have to leave now. He's getting violent again.
Oliver Anderson
Oh. Oh, yeah, sure.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
I'll see you later. Freeburn, darling.
Oliver Anderson
Come. That's long enough.
Freebairn Briggs
I'm a free man.
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
I'm a van again. I'm a man. I'm a fan. Will they return Free Baron to me in good condition? Die for dad.
Narrator
Oh, come now, Mrs. Briggs. Surely you don't believe in miracles.
Mary Anderson
What an ordeal. Poor free Baron.
Oliver Anderson
Poor free Baron. He'll never Know a happier moment than when he swung on her?
Mary Anderson
Well, it did seem to bring them closer together.
Oliver Anderson
Sure, that's what they needed. When you get stuffed up till you can't take it anymore, it helps.
Mary Anderson
Does sort of make me happy to see them reconcile that way.
Narrator
Why, sure.
Oliver Anderson
You see? Now everyone's happy.
Mary Anderson
Well, I hope you're right.
Junior Anderson
Hi, mom.
Oliver Anderson
Oh, it's Junior.
Junior Anderson
Mr. Connors called, Pop. Said the loan was okay.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Okay?
Oliver Anderson
Gee, that's swell. Well, what about Harkness, the fix it man?
Junior Anderson
Oh, he just okayed it when he found out that Briggs was for it.
Oliver Anderson
But he remembered my name, and then I was nasty with it.
Junior Anderson
Yeah, I suppose so. I mean, Mr. Connor said Mr. Harkness
Mrs. Freebairn Briggs
didn't know you by name.
Junior Anderson
Said he only went by numbers.
Mary Anderson
Oh, isn't that marvelous? We can start to improve the house right away, Oliver.
Oliver Anderson
Yeah, but I hate to have Harkness get away with that $13 clip on that phony lawnmower.
Junior Anderson
You got taken in on that, Pop.
Oliver Anderson
Who did? You did.
Junior Anderson
That was an old lawnmower I picked up for 35 cents from Butch Chapman.
Mary Anderson
Oh, so that's where it came from.
Oliver Anderson
Well, why did you let me get stuck for the money? Why didn't you tell me it wasn't Briggs?
Junior Anderson
I did try to tell you, but you said, get your homework done and go to bed.
Mary Anderson
Oh, he did try to tell you, Oliver.
Junior Anderson
I remember.
Oliver Anderson
Now you tell me. It seems that someone could have told me along before this.
Junior Anderson
He did, Oliver. He tried to. Oh, here we go again, folks.
Narrator
The Anderson Family is written by Howard Swart, directed by Herb Lytton, and features Dick Lane as Oliver, Louise Arthur as Mary, and Walter Tetley as Junior. Others in the cast were Jenny Johnson, George Peroni and Doug Young. Music by Gordon Kibbe. Sound effects by Ray Erlenborn. Your announcer is Ken Peters. The Anderson family is a Hollywood Broadcasters production. Transcribed from Hollywood.
Oliver Anderson
Sam,
Jerry (Dog)
Every day the world gets a little weirder and a lot more awesome. Cool Stuff Daily takes a look at everything from mining in space to the latest in the fight against cancer to how AI is basically changing everything. It's all the cool stuff you didn't know you needed to know. Join us for Cool Stuff Daily as we take a quick look at science tech and the.
Oliver Anderson
Wait, what?
Jerry (Dog)
Stories that make you sound way smarter at dinner. Subscribe to Cool Stuff Daily now because the future's happening fast and it's way too fun to miss.
Oliver Anderson
This is Mike Borlow of Lexicon Valley. And I'm Bob Garfield.
Liberty Mutual Spouse
Are you one of those people who sometimes uses words.
Oliver Anderson
Do you communicate or acquire acquire information with, you know, language? Hey, us too. So join us on Lexicon Valley to true over the history, culture and many mysteries of English plus some wise cracks. Find us on one of those apps where people listen to podcasts.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Anderson Family - Borrowed Lawnmower
Date: April 1, 2026
This episode of "The Anderson Family" is a classic Golden Age radio sitcom centered on domestic comedy and neighborhood conflicts. The plot revolves around Oliver Anderson's neglected return of a neighbor's lawnmower, triggering a humorous chain of misunderstandings, quips about integrity and honesty, household squabbles, and the repercussions on Oliver’s hopes for a bank loan. As the story unfolds, misunderstandings escalate, tempers flare, and ultimately a comedic resolution involves both the faulty lawnmower and fractured neighborly relations.
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The underlying message is one of neighborly misunderstanding, the dangers of procrastination and assumption, and the comic resilience of suburban family life. The episode delivers quick-paced humor, exaggerated characters, and a slice-of-life charm that’s as entertaining now as it was in the original era.