Anderson Family Ep 01 Another Woman

Summary

Podcast Summary: Anderson Family Ep 01 - "Another Woman"

Harold's Old Time Radio presents "The Anderson Family," a captivating radio drama set during the Golden Age of Radio. In the inaugural episode, "Another Woman," listeners are immersed in the dynamics of the Anderson household as they navigate personal and community challenges centered around a local theater production.

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Introduction to the Anderson Family

The episode opens with the Anderson family engaging in their daily routines. Junior Anderson greets his father, Oliver Anderson, expressing concern over his mother's distress:

• Junior Anderson [00:08]: "Hi, Pop. How's the show?"
• Junior Anderson [00:11]: "In the bedroom, crying."

This unsettling start sets the stage for the central conflict of the episode.

Oliver's Community Involvement

Oliver Anderson's altruistic nature is highlighted through his decision to participate in the Red Feather community chess play, aptly named "Snowbound in Vermont." His enthusiasm is both admirable and a source of tension within the family:

• Oliver Anderson [02:08]: "Oh, I don't know. I guess it's because I'm always willing to build up the neighborhood and willing to do my share to make everyone feel like a friend."

Junior expresses admiration, yet Oliver's involvement is met with skepticism from his peers.

The Conflict Over Antoinette Murphy

The heart of the episode revolves around Antoinette Murphy, the lead actress in the play, whose portrayal has sparked controversy. Mary Anderson's frustration stems from Antoinette's costume and the involvement of men in her scenes:

• Mary Anderson [00:23]: "Why didn't you tell me Antoinette Murphy was gonna wear spangled tights? And what were you three men doing pushing her around the stage?"

Oliver attempts to rationalize, assuring Mary that it was part of the play:

• Oliver Anderson [00:31]: "Look, Mary, it was part of the play."

However, Mary's dissatisfaction suggests deeper concerns about the play's impact on their family's reputation.

Community Rehearsals and Rising Tensions

As rehearsals progress, Oliver seeks assistance from Homer Meister and Freebairn Briggs, both initially reluctant to participate:

• Oliver Anderson [03:11]: "I just thought I'd drop over and."
• Homer Meister [04:03]: "But look, millennium, I lean a lot towards the theater and she knows it."

Their involvement intensifies when Antoinette Murphy arrives in a revealing costume, leading to public disapproval and personal conflicts. This culminates in a heated rehearsal scene where misunderstandings escalate:

• Junior Anderson [09:07]: "Oh, dang."
• Freebairn Briggs [07:15]: "You're just conservative is all, Briggs."

Mary's Confrontation and Emotional Fallout

Mary's witnessing of the rehearsal exacerbates the family's turmoil. She confronts the men, expressing her distress over their actions:

• Mary Anderson [12:00]: "It doesn't seem to disturb the boy."
• Junior Anderson [12:22]: "Am I to be molested by every moron in town?"

The emotional strain strains relationships, leading to heartfelt exchanges between Mary and Homer Meister:

• Homer Meister [15:20]: "When a gal snowbound, she don't ask a man's age, does she?"
• Martha Meister [16:49]: "Oh, Homer, how I misunderstood you. I've been a fool."

Resolution and Reconciliation

Oliver steps in to mend the rift, offering to relinquish his role for the sake of harmony:

• Oliver Anderson [17:10]: "Homer, you can have the part all by yourself. I'd rather have everyone than to play the part myself."

Through open dialogue and mutual understanding, the family begins to reconcile, emphasizing the importance of unity over individual ambitions:

• Junior Anderson [20:54]: "If you'll just drop the whole thing. I know it's blown over."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Oliver Anderson [02:08]: "I guess it's because I'm always willing to build up the neighborhood and willing to do my share to make everyone feel like a friend."

• Mary Anderson [00:23]: "Why didn't you tell me Antoinette Murphy was gonna wear spangled tights?"

• Homer Meister [15:24]: "When I was looking at that girl, I just thought to myself, she ain't the woman, Martha is."

• Oliver Anderson [17:10]: "Homer, you can have the part all by yourself. I'd rather have everyone than to play the part myself."

Conclusion

"Another Woman" delves deep into themes of community involvement, personal sacrifice, and familial bonds. Oliver Anderson's genuine desire to contribute positively clashes with the traditional values upheld by his wife, Mary. The episode masterfully navigates the complexities of balancing personal ambitions with family harmony, ultimately advocating for understanding and cooperation.

The rich dialogue and relatable conflicts make "The Anderson Family" a compelling listen, capturing the essence of classic radio dramas while addressing timeless social dynamics.

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Production Credits:

"The Anderson Family" is penned by Howard Swart and directed by Herb Litton. The cast features Dick Lane as Oliver, Louise Arthur as Mary, Walter Tetley as Junior, and Herbert Rollinson as Homer. Additional performances by Jacqueline DeWitt, Jenny Johnson, and George Peroni enrich the narrative. The production boasts music by Gordon Kibbe, sound effects by Ray Erlenborn, and is announced by Ken Peters. This episode is a proud production of Hollywood Broadcasters, transcribed from Hollywood.

Transcript

[Narrator]

The Anderson family.

[Junior Anderson]

Hi, Pop. How's the show?

[Oliver Anderson]

That's fine. Looks like a good program. Where's your mother?

[Junior Anderson]

In the bedroom, crying.

[Oliver Anderson]

Crying? What's wrong?

[Junior Anderson]

I don't know. She and Martha came home and mom wouldn't talk to me.

[Oliver Anderson]

Ah, this is silly. I'll speak to her.

[Mary Anderson]

Go away, Oliver Anderson.

[Oliver Anderson]

Go away. What's wrong?

[Mary Anderson]

Why didn't you tell me Antoinette Murphy was gonna wear spangled tights? And what were you three men doing pushing her around the stage?

[Oliver Anderson]

Look, Mary, it was part of the play.

[Mary Anderson]

Oh, it was. I suppose it was part of the play when she pleaded with new men to leave her alone.

[Junior Anderson]

Uh oh, here we go again, folks.

[Narrator]

Now let's visit the Anderson family. Well, this whole thing started when Oliver Anderson volunteered to play a part in the Red Feather community chess play this year. Oliver is always willing to be of any help in raising money for worthy causes. And in fact is impressing that upon Junior's mind this very minute.

[Junior Anderson]

How did they happen to pick you for a part in the play, Pop?

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, I don't know. I guess it's because I'm always willing to build up the neighborhood and willing to do my share to make everyone feel like a friend.

[Junior Anderson]

Butch Chapman said they wanted his father to play in it, but he turned it down.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, you tell Butch he's out of his head. Chapman doesn't have a voice you can hear past the third row.

[Junior Anderson]

Does mom know about it yet, Pop?

[Oliver Anderson]

No, not yet. But you know how she is. She's like I am.

[Junior Anderson]

How do you mean?

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, she'll do anything to help out the neighborhood.

[Junior Anderson]

Here's mom now. Hi, Mom.

[Mary Anderson]

I'm sorry I'm late, Oliver. I had to stop and buy a few things. I'll get dinner on right away.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, there's no hurry.

[Junior Anderson]

What's in that bag, Mom? Cookies.

[Mary Anderson]

No, keep your hands out of there.

[Junior Anderson]

Hey, Mom, Pop's in the play this year.

[Martha Meister]

Really?

[Mary Anderson]

How nice. I heard Mrs. Briggs talking to Free Baron about it.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, it's just a small part. I play a storekeeper in a Vermont village. It's called Snowbound in Vermont.

[Mary Anderson]

Got any good buys? And groceries.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, you see, Junior, your mother's a happy woman. I say your mother is a happy woman.

[Junior Anderson]

I know, I heard you.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, well, I have to have a stand up caller for the rehearsal tonight, so I'd better run over to Homer's and see if he has one left from his better days. I'm going over next door to Meister's, Mary. Be right back.

[Mary Anderson]

Oh, you haven't told Homer yet?

[Oliver Anderson]

I'm not going over to Bragg. I'm going to get a collar.

[Martha Meister]

Oh, it's you.

[Oliver Anderson]

Yeah. Well, is home at home?

[Martha Meister]

I guess so. Come in.

[Oliver Anderson]

I just thought I'd drop over and.

[Martha Meister]

He ain't going out nowhere tonight.

[Oliver Anderson]

I don't want him to go out.

[Homer Meister]

Hey, Oliver. Come on in.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, I just thought I'd ask you if you had a stand up collar.

[Homer Meister]

Huh? What? Someone getting married?

[Oliver Anderson]

Why does someone have to get married if I need a stand up collar?

[Homer Meister]

Well, no, but you don't generally wear one.

[Oliver Anderson]

I want to wear it in the play.

[Homer Meister]

Play? Well, now, I don't know if I got one or not.

[Martha Meister]

You do too have one. Homer, what's the use of telling a lie about it?

[Homer Meister]

I ain't lying about it. I just thought if they give me a part, I'd knit it.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, the whole play is cast already, Homer.

[Martha Meister]

They tell me it's a stinker.

[Homer Meister]

Who told you?

[Martha Meister]

Chapman, the plumber. Said he turned down the main part.

[Oliver Anderson]

He did no such thing. And from what I saw the play, it's not a stinker.

[Martha Meister]

Well, that's the report I got.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, look now, Martha, we have play, so everyone will have an interest in it in the community and the neighbors.

[Martha Meister]

I can get along all right without no housewarming.

[Homer Meister]

I'd hate to be tied up with a bad show.

[Martha Meister]

I'm glad you ain't. I guess they ain't gonna use any talent this year.

[Oliver Anderson]

Why should she act that way?

[Homer Meister]

Well, I can see what she means, Oliver. I lean a lot towards the theater and she knows it.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, maybe I could get you into the cast.

[Homer Meister]

No. Nope. I don't want him to be some little part and I ain't interested.

[Oliver Anderson]

But it's a dramatic piece, Homer.

[Homer Meister]

Yep, yep, I know, but I go more for melodrama. The mellower it is, the better I like it. Nope. No Potter. Jack, just count me out.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, just thought I'd ask you.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, of course I'll buy a ticket if it's for a good cause.

[Oliver Anderson]

Course, Antoinette will sure be disappointed.

[Homer Meister]

Well, I can't help that. Antoinette Murphy from the Tim kp?

[Oliver Anderson]

Yep. She's a star.

[Homer Meister]

Ho, ho ho ho ho ho. Me? Oh, she is?

[Oliver Anderson]

Yep. And I work well with her, too.

[Homer Meister]

Yeah, well, it's funny. She didn't say anything to me about it.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, well, the play's not too hot anyhow.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, tain't, Oliver. It's. It's the spirit of it. What time you going to rehearse?

[Oliver Anderson]

7:30. Let me have a collar, will you?

[Homer Meister]

Well. Well, I kind of feel like I let Antoinette down if I, if I didn't do what I could to help.

[Oliver Anderson]

But look, Homer, the leading man must be a younger man.

[Homer Meister]

Now look here, young fella. When a gal snowbound, she don't ask a man's age, does she?

[Oliver Anderson]

Well now, I don't care what you do. All I want is a successful play. Homer.

[Homer Meister]

Yep, yep, yep, that's right. You know, we should all get together to put this thing over me. So the aunt met the leading lady, eh?

[Oliver Anderson]

Look, bring the collar with you when you come over, will you?

[Homer Meister]

Yep, yep, and I'll be right on the dot. 7:00.

[Mary Anderson]

Where are you going at 7:00?

[Homer Meister]

I'm going to help Oliver out.

[Martha Meister]

You ain't going out anywhere tonight. You know what I told you.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, I'll run on. I imagine you have some things you'd like to talk over.

[Homer Meister]

Hey, I'll be there at 7, Oliver.

[Oliver Anderson]

Okay, I'll wait for you.

[Martha Meister]

Thought you wasn't interested in the play.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, tain't the play, Marty. It's the spirit behind it. You know, Oliver's right. We should all work together.

[Martha Meister]

He's just talked into something again.

[Homer Meister]

Oh no he ain't. Oliver just showed me where we're all enemies together. Anyhow, I might get to play a part.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, hi, Freebairn.

[Freebairn Briggs]

Oh, it's you, Anderson.

[Oliver Anderson]

Bought your ticket yet for the play?

[Freebairn Briggs]

No, I have not. From what I hear of it. I'd rather just donate the money.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, it's a lot better play than it sounds.

[Freebairn Briggs]

That may be, but I wouldn't get up in front of my neighbors and make a fool of myself for no one.

[Oliver Anderson]

What if everyone said that? Look at that poor kid. Antoinette Murphy works at the cafe and then comes over to rehearsal, tired as she is.

[Freebairn Briggs]

I don't care about that. I, I, I. You mean the little blad fetch girl who waits at the two rear tables?

[Oliver Anderson]

Yeah, Antoinette Murphy.

[Freebairn Briggs]

I'm a heel, Anderson.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, I wouldn't say that, Freeman.

[Freebairn Briggs]

Yes, I am.

[Oliver Anderson]

You're just conservative is all, Briggs.

[Freebairn Briggs]

If that little girl can take all that time out to do good, I certainly could help out too. What time did she come to rehearsal?

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, it's called for 7:30.

[Freebairn Briggs]

You may depend on me, Anderson. I'll be there at 7:30. We need more of this sort of thing in the neighborhood.

[Millicent Briggs]

Is that you, free, Baron?

[Freebairn Briggs]

Yes, that pet.

[Millicent Briggs]

Anyone with you?

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh dear, where have you been?

[Freebairn Briggs]

How sweet. I, I was held up by that, that Anderson person across the street.

[Millicent Briggs]

I thought you weren't speaking to him.

[Freebairn Briggs]

But I have to be, Dave Lee Sweet. He didn't play though.

[Millicent Briggs]

That is of no interest to me. I'm only thankful that you're enough.

[Freebairn Briggs]

But Millicent, I think I should cooperate with my friends in the neighborhood and do anything I can to aid them.

[Millicent Briggs]

I won't have it free, Baron. I won't have it.

[Freebairn Briggs]

I have a reason for doing everything, my dear. I shall go forward, ever forward with the play.

[Homer Meister]

How come nobody else is here at the rehearsal, Oliver?

[Oliver Anderson]

Because we're only rehearsing this one scene is all.

[Freebairn Briggs]

It seems to me she could be a tired. I'm tired of waiting it. She'll tell her so.

[Oliver Anderson]

Now take it easy, freebair. And you're only in here on a transfer, you know.

[Homer Meister]

But dagnabbit, time's a flyin by and she should be told to get here on time.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, here's Antoinette now.

[Millicent Briggs]

Oh, I'm so sorry, boys, really.

[Homer Meister]

That's all right. We only been here a minute or so.

[Oliver Anderson]

Yeah. You bring the script, Benjamin?

[Junior Anderson]

But yes, of course.

[Millicent Briggs]

But I do not know how many are to be in these scenes.

[Junior Anderson]

Hello, Shorty.

[Oliver Anderson]

Shorty. Oh, oh, oh, excuse me. Antoinette, this is Mr. Brace.

[Junior Anderson]

Have I ever served you?

[Freebairn Briggs]

I'm afraid you haven't. But I must say I. I think they made a very wise choice in their selection of a leading lady.

[Junior Anderson]

Oh, I thank you so much.

[Freebairn Briggs]

You're truly a gentleman, Antoinette.

[Homer Meister]

We sort of changed the play a little bit. Yep, yep. We're going to have three men in the grocery store scene.

[Junior Anderson]

Oh, but how nice. I wore my dancing costume this evening under my coat.

[Freebairn Briggs]

Do you like it, B. Oh, dang.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, boy.

[Freebairn Briggs]

Hey, that's 12 by bye. How it sparkles.

[Junior Anderson]

I wore this when I was in vaudeville. But I'm afraid the ladies will object. It is so very.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, now, gosh, it ain't short at all.

[Junior Anderson]

Antoinette, you think it is too daring.

[Freebairn Briggs]

I think we need more this sort of thing.

[Homer Meister]

Yep, yep, yep. A whole lot more of it.

[Oliver Anderson]

Yeah. Now, of course you wouldn't wear it on the street. Now look, Homer, you stand over there right, and you, Briggs, stand over there left. Get that box and stand on it so you look like we do.

[Freebairn Briggs]

I resent that remark, Anderson.

[Millicent Briggs]

Come now, boy, please, no fight now.

[Homer Meister]

Well, well, now, of course. Look here, now, I don't want no trouble neither.

[Oliver Anderson]

But now wait a minute, Homer. Quiet.

[Homer Meister]

Yeah, yeah.

[Oliver Anderson]

Now look, Ms. Murphy here comes through that center door into the grocery. See, we step forward as she comes in. We stare at her wardrobe and then quickly step forward and put a cape around her before the women of the village see us. As we do this, she berates us for our snobbishness and begins to cry. Now. All right, let's go through it a couple.

[Mary Anderson]

Mary Anderson speaking.

[Martha Meister]

Mary, this is Martha. Home had gone off down to that auditorium without his heavy sweater. Will you walk down with me while I take it to him?

[Mary Anderson]

Well, I don't know, Martha. I was just going to get Junior started on his homework.

[Martha Meister]

Well, it won't take but 15 minutes, Mary. And I don't like to be alone at night on the. You don't know what might happen to a girl alone like that.

[Mary Anderson]

Oh, well, all right. Hurry up now. I have a lot of things to do.

[Martha Meister]

I'm glad Homer's so interested in neighborhood doings. Mary, I think this is the door.

[Mary Anderson]

You're right, Martha. It is. Martha, who is that woman?

[Martha Meister]

Why, Mary, she ain't got hardly any clothes on. Why? Why, I never seen anything like it.

[Mary Anderson]

It doesn't seem to disturb the boy.

[Martha Meister]

Why, I seen that girl before. Homer's got a picture of her in the garage.

[Mary Anderson]

Look, she's walking toward the side.

[Martha Meister]

And look, look, Mary, they're all after her. Why, I never seen the likes in my life.

[Mary Anderson]

Poor girl looks like she's trying to get away from them. Let me alone, all of you.

[Junior Anderson]

Why can't you act like respectable men?

[Millicent Briggs]

Go home to your own fireside.

[Junior Anderson]

Am I to be molested by every moron in town?

[Mary Anderson]

Uh, Martha, maybe we'd better go. I think I've seen all I care to see.

[Martha Meister]

The only difference between you and me, Mary, is I'm gonna do something about.

[Narrator]

And now back to the Anderson.

[Oliver Anderson]

Public.

[Narrator]

Spirited Oliver Anderson as a part in the community play. But his enthusiasm for the project was not shared by Homer Meister or Free Baron Briggs. Until Oliver told them that Antoinette Murphy, the waitress at the Gem Cafe, was playing the lead. Whereupon Homer and Briggs immediately decided to lend their. And making the production a success. Martha persuaded Mary to walk to the auditorium to take Homer's sweater to him. And unobserved by the cast, got a glimpse of Oliver, Homer and Briggs in rehearsal with Antoinette, who was dressed in a very scanty dancing costume. Oliver is now at home explaining to Junior.

[Oliver Anderson]

Now, look, Junior, I was merely helping Briggs and Homer put a cape around her shoulders just as the script called for.

[Junior Anderson]

Oh, we discussed that, Pop. That isn't what mom is upset about, believe me.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, then I don't get the icy reception. She could have come down there with me if she wanted to.

[Junior Anderson]

Well, I'm not taking sides because that ain't nice. But I know if I were going to do a play like that, I'd have it understood before the panic hit.

[Oliver Anderson]

Look, there's no panic. And I didn't see the script. How could I tell her?

[Junior Anderson]

And I think that making a neighborhood one big friend is the thing that threw her. Pop, she knows there isn't anything like that in this neighborhood.

[Oliver Anderson]

Okay, let her act this way. You think I was interested in this Internet Murphy? I'd have let Briggs and Homer wedge in on a part. Huh.

[Junior Anderson]

Methinks the man protesteth too much. I think that's what mom said.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, surely you don't see anything wrong in my taking a part in the play, do you?

[Junior Anderson]

No, I guess anyone would have done that.

[Oliver Anderson]

Anyhow, Homer and Briggs were both out in front of me with the cape.

[Junior Anderson]

I think the important thing to mom is the fact that you dragged Mr. Meister and Mr. Briggs down with you.

[Oliver Anderson]

Look, I didn't drag anyone. They insisted upon doing the part. And I think mom should know that.

[Junior Anderson]

Well, you know me personally, Pop. I'm pretty broad minded on things like this.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, you don't have to be.

[Junior Anderson]

Well, possibly if I got to mom and could sort of insinuate that you'd be glad if one of the other men had the part. I might sort of pave the way for a reconciliation.

[Martha Meister]

What?

[Oliver Anderson]

The reconciliation.

[Junior Anderson]

Oh, this is cutting on deeper than you think, Pop.

[Oliver Anderson]

Okay, I'll show you. I'm doing the right thing. I'm throwing up the whole thing. I'm going over to Homer's, next the whole thing to him and insist that he takes the part. I'm not selfish.

[Martha Meister]

Once a man does a thing like that, a woman ain't got an ounce of respect for a man.

[Homer Meister]

Well. Well, now, honey, it hurts me here to see you crying. Your pretty eyes, El.

[Martha Meister]

My eyes ain't pretty.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, they are to me. When I was a lookin at that girl, I mean looking faster, I just thought to myself, she ain't the woman, Martha is.

[Martha Meister]

It's all right. You can't blame it on to Oliver neither. He tried to get you not to take the part.

[Homer Meister]

Well, honey, I mostly wanted to make the show a success. So people would say, look, that's Martha Meister, the wife of that fellow who made such a big hit in the show. I don't think of myself when it comes to respect.

[Martha Meister]

And poor Mary, her face just went white.

[Homer Meister]

Well, now, honey, look. When you Cry like that. My heart just bleeds for you. I want to take them arms and kiss away each little tear. Oh, why, sure. I wouldn't trade you for Antoinette. If they threw in the cafe with her, well, you'd make three of her.

[Martha Meister]

How do you mean?

[Homer Meister]

Well, I just mean that you're. You're too big to worry about things like this. Oh, now, come now. Come on. Now. Now blow hard. Now, here. Here's my handkerchief.

[Martha Meister]

Well, I don't care. I'm a good woman, I am.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, there. There, now. Ah, that was fine. Now, just dry your tears, and we'll just be like we was when we was married. First off. Yep. Our wedding supper at my house.

[Martha Meister]

We didn't have no meat that night, neither.

[Homer Meister]

Oh. Oh, me, oh, my. Oh, very quick, Martha. Your eyes are red clear down to your chin. Come on, dry him up. Hurry.

[Martha Meister]

Oh, Homer, how I misunderstood you. I've been a fool.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, Dolliver, Come on in.

[Oliver Anderson]

I just wanted to come over and fix it for you.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, no, no, dag nebit. I just got her quieted down.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, Oliver. Hiya, Marthy.

[Martha Meister]

I'm feeling much better, Mr. Anderson.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, I just wanted to come over and straighten out any trouble I caused.

[Homer Meister]

You didn't cause. Yes.

[Oliver Anderson]

Yes, I did. And to show you how big I am. Homer, you can have the part all by yourself. I'd rather have everyone than to play the part myself.

[Martha Meister]

Homer don't want the part.

[Homer Meister]

Who don't? I mean, Martha's right. When a feller's got a good woman like I have, he's placed his home right alongside of her.

[Martha Meister]

Homer's a good man.

[Oliver Anderson]

He is? I mean, yeah, of course he is, but Antoinette just insists. Homer does the part, and I'm stepping down.

[Homer Meister]

Leave the room, Marty. What I'm going to tell Oliver Anderson ain't fit for your pretty easy.

[Martha Meister]

Now, Homer don't have no trouble in the house.

[Homer Meister]

I tell you one thing, Anderson, you darn fool. I just got everything straightened out, and you have to bring up that gal's name again.

[Oliver Anderson]

Look, Antoinette wants you to play the part, Homer.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, me? She does, eh? Well, now, I might be able to work something out. Tell her not to give up yet.

[Oliver Anderson]

Okay. I'm glad everyone's happy.

[Homer Meister]

And tell Antonitia I'll drop by the Capay Leader.

[Oliver Anderson]

I see her, Will.

[Homer Meister]

Yeah. Oh, y. Oh, yeah.

[Martha Meister]

You ain't fooling me one bit. Why did that Oliver Anderson want to whisper to you in the hall?

[Homer Meister]

He. He. He was sorry about it.

[Martha Meister]

Sorry, nothing. You're as bad as he Is.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, now, pet, there's tears in your pretty eyes.

[Martha Meister]

And there's a cop in the garage too. And I hope you'll freeze out there tonight.

[Freebairn Briggs]

My dear, the whole story is made up of a tissue of lies. Martha Meister can't see that far.

[Millicent Briggs]

But Freebairn, she wouldn't lie about it.

[Freebairn Briggs]

It's Fat Anderson.

[Mary Anderson]

But Martha told me she saw the.

[Millicent Briggs]

Three men rush toward her. I know you're impulsive, Freebairn, but in public, that way.

[Freebairn Briggs]

Listen, pet, Oliver and Hobart were trapping each other to death to put her cape on while I was standing on a box.

[Millicent Briggs]

Standing on a box?

[Freebairn Briggs]

Why, that's where Anderson made me stand, and I hate him for it. Why, darling, I couldn't see through that. Antoinette. She didn't fool me. I had her number in no time.

[Millicent Briggs]

What was the number, crest you?

[Freebairn Briggs]

334. I resent that. My dear. You're the only woman in my life. The star upon which I look for guidance in every waking moment.

[Millicent Briggs]

Then you didn't see the light in Antoinette.

[Freebairn Briggs]

She was just a flash in the pad by this.

[Millicent Briggs]

Well, maybe I was foolish, Free Baron. And I think you're a very fine person to explain. I'll never distrust you again.

[Freebairn Briggs]

As it should be, my pet.

[Millicent Briggs]

So could this be?

[Freebairn Briggs]

I hope it isn't who I think it is. I was afraid of this.

[Oliver Anderson]

Let me in, Briggs. This whole thing is my fault.

[Freebairn Briggs]

The whole thing is a closed issue, Anderson.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, no, no. When I said neighbors should be friendly and unselfish, I meant it. Briggs, the part is yours.

[Millicent Briggs]

What's this I hear about Freebarn being unselfish?

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, hi, Millie. I was just telling Briggsy that I'm turning the part over to him. After I saw him act, I knew I was an amateur. Why, the way he looked into her eyes. It seemed as though he meant every word he breathed. Anderson and I. Don't try to be modest, Freebair. I just want the show to be a success. And I know that with you in there, it will be you and Antoinette. Yes, sir.

[Freebairn Briggs]

Good night, Edison. I'll never forget this.

[Oliver Anderson]

That's all right, Briggsy.

[Millicent Briggs]

So you were standing on a buck, but you weren't up in front. You lied to me, Free Baron.

[Oliver Anderson]

Where's Mom?

[Junior Anderson]

She'll be out in a minute, Pop. Sit down.

[Oliver Anderson]

Thanks.

[Junior Anderson]

Mom and I went over this whole thing.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, how did it come out?

[Junior Anderson]

Well, she admits she was a bit hasty. And I admitted that you went about it in the wrong way.

[Oliver Anderson]

I went about it in the wrong way?

[Junior Anderson]

Now, look, Pop, everyone's happy again. If you'll just drop the whole thing. I know it's blown over.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, I can be just as big about it as she can.

[Junior Anderson]

Of course you can, Pop.

[Oliver Anderson]

I never got a chance to explain, Junior.

[Junior Anderson]

That's one of the main reasons the whole thing is blown over.

[Oliver Anderson]

Mary, come here and sit down a minute.

[Mary Anderson]

Let's not be childish, Oliver. Junior, have you finished your homework?

[Junior Anderson]

No, mom, not yet. Couple of the problems are kind of tough.

[Oliver Anderson]

I'll help you with them.

[Mary Anderson]

I wish you wouldn't. His grades are bad enough now.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh.

[Mary Anderson]

Now run on to your room and do your work, Junior.

[Junior Anderson]

Yeah. Now maybe I can get some of my own work finished.

[Oliver Anderson]

Don't think I don't appreciate what you've done, Junior.

[Junior Anderson]

Remember, I suggested we drop it? Good night.

[Mary Anderson]

I'll be up soon.

[Oliver Anderson]

You know, I'm glad to see the way Junior is taking a hold. He's alert and smart. Doesn't look at his shoes when people talk to him.

[Mary Anderson]

That's because his mind is free and bound up with other things besides himself.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, well. Took me a long time to learn.

[Mary Anderson]

That Antoinette was here.

[Oliver Anderson]

She was?

[Mary Anderson]

She's a rather nice person.

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, of course she is.

[Mary Anderson]

She was terribly hurt about what Martha thought about her.

[Oliver Anderson]

I don't know why.

[Mary Anderson]

Poor kid became so confused. She forgot her accent.

[Oliver Anderson]

She did?

[Mary Anderson]

I think it's a shame the way you men treated her.

[Oliver Anderson]

Me? Well, I didn't say three words to her.

[Mary Anderson]

That's what I mean. You let her take the blame for the whole thing when all you had to do was explain it for her.

[Oliver Anderson]

Well, I tried to explain, Mary.

[Mary Anderson]

Only to me. And I didn't think it was worth another thought. I didn't mind Antoinette a bit.

[Oliver Anderson]

I know you did.

[Mary Anderson]

And I never thought for a moment that you did.

[Oliver Anderson]

Of course I did.

[Mary Anderson]

But to be with Martha when she found Homer there and crying at the top of her voice all the way home. Oliver Anderson, the things you get me into.

[Oliver Anderson]

I didn't make her cry, did I?

[Mary Anderson]

Neither did I, but I hate to have people staring at us on the street. Have you no thought for my feelings?

[Junior Anderson]

Uh, mom, remember what we said. Go to bed.

[Oliver Anderson]

Look, I don't see why you take it out on him, ma'am.

[Mary Anderson]

I've never spent such a miserable evening in my life.

[Oliver Anderson]

I'm trying to straighten it out so you'll have a nice, bright outlook for tomorrow.

[Mary Anderson]

You're the one who'd better have a different outlook tomorrow. And don't speak to me again tonight.

[Oliver Anderson]

Who is it and what do you want open the garage door. Oliver, don't.

[Homer Meister]

They didn't hear.

[Oliver Anderson]

Now, now, wait a minute, Brig.

[Homer Meister]

Sounds like you never turn away a bro.

[Oliver Anderson]

Thanks, Homer.

[Freebairn Briggs]

We were just discussing you, Anderson. I suppose you know that Millicent insisted I leave our fireside for the night.

[Oliver Anderson]

That's your lookout, Briggs, not mine.

[Homer Meister]

Oh, now, now, come on, fellas. Look here, now, no fighting. Well, this garage is big enough for the three of us. Now, you were discussing me, you say, Briggs?

[Freebairn Briggs]

Yes. I know a man who. Who tends strictly to his own business, who's looking for a house just like yours. Would you like to sell it?

[Oliver Anderson]

Oh, I see. How do you feel, Homer?

[Homer Meister]

Well, of course, I'm not leaning one way or t'other, but I wouldn't sell unless I got my price if I was you, Oliver.

[Oliver Anderson]

I won't. I mean, it's not for sale. Now, if you have no more to say, get in that front seat of the car, Briggs. I'm sleeping on that cot tonight.

[Mary Anderson]

It.

[Narrator]

The Anderson Family is written by Howard Swart, directed by Herb Litton, and features Dick Lane as Oliver, Louise Arthur as Mary, Walter Tetley as Junior, and Herbert Rollinson as Homer. Others in the cast were Jacqueline DeWitt, Jenny Johnson and George Peroni. Music by Gordon Kibbe, sound effects by Ray Erlenborn, and your announcer is Ken Peters. The Anderson Family is a Hollywood Broadcasters production. Transcribed from Hollywood.

[Homer Meister]

It.