Blondie 40-04-22 (043) The Gypsy Queen

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Blondie 40-04-22 (043) The Gypsy Queen

Title: The Gypsy Queen
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: May 31, 2025
Duration: Approximately 31 minutes

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Introduction to the Episode

The Gypsy Queen is a classic episode from the beloved Blondie radio series, capturing the humorous escapades of the Bumstead family. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century America, the episode blends family dynamics with light-hearted mishaps, showcasing the enduring charm of Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead.

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Plot Overview

Dagwood's New Invention

The episode opens with Blondie welcoming another unusual Dagwood invention—a trailer tent named the Gypsy Queen. [02:39] Dagwood excitedly introduces the trailer, highlighting its multifunctional design:

"A two burner bed under the sink and a hot and cold running stove that sleeps four." [03:35]

Blondie remains skeptical, requesting Dagwood to calmly explain the purchase and cost:

"Count to 10 slowly and then tell me what you bought and how much it cost." [03:24]

Dagwood, in his typical enthusiastic manner, reveals the trailer's features but stumbles over the details, leading to a comedic exchange about its functionality and cost.

Christening the Trailer

Dagwood decides to christen the Gypsy Queen with the help of Mr. Dithers, their neighbor. The christening involves breaking a bottle, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they opt for ginger ale instead of champagne:

"I wanted a very important man to launch the Gypsy Queen on her travels." [11:10]
"Well, you can't break a bottle on a baby, can you?" [11:03]

The ceremony doesn't go as planned, resulting in a minor mishap where ketchup spills inside the trailer. Despite the hiccup, Dagwood remains optimistic, declaring:

"It's safe as anything. Your solid little home on four wheels." [07:04]

Journey Into the Unknown

Energized by their christening, Dagwood drives the trailer, but their adventure quickly takes a turn for the worse. They realize they're lost when they notice significant discrepancies on their map:

"Why does the map say Idaho on it, Dagwood?" [13:14]
"We're lost." [13:39]

As night falls with an impending thunderstorm, Dagwood grapples with the malfunctioning features of the trailer, leading to further complications:

"I'm so glad you agreed with me." [28:34]

Encounter with Camp Crawling

Their misadventure leads them to Camp Crawling, a hobo camp, where they seek shelter from the storm. The camp is inhabited by the Friend family, including Mrs. Friend and her teenage son, Eddie. The interaction is filled with the typical Blondie-style misunderstandings and humor:

"We don't exactly live in this trailer. We just..." [27:44]
"You must tell me how you made that mush you had, Mrs. Bean." [27:09]

Dagwood tries to alleviate the tension by revealing their true intentions and the need to fix the trailer:

"We're all going over to my place for the best supper you've ever had." [26:05]

Climactic Conclusion

The episode culminates with Dagwood returning to Camp Crawling to retrieve the trailer after a series of mechanical failures. In a final twist, Mr. Dithers attempts to fix the trailer's issues but unintentionally causes more chaos:

"Elementary, my dear Mrs. Bumstead. Dagworth's got the feed lines crossed up." [22:25]

Blondie and Dagwood decide to part ways with the Friend family, leaving behind a heartfelt note explaining their departure:

"We are not coming back. We want you to have the home on wheels you like so much." [28:55]

As they drive away, the Bumsteads reflect on their misadventure, emphasizing the importance of family and resilience.

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Character Highlights

• Blondie Bumstead: The voice of reason, navigating Dagwood's eccentric ideas with patience and wit. Her interactions showcase her strength in managing household chaos.

  "I want to talk to you." [28:06]

• Dagwood Bumstead: The lovable, bumbling husband whose inventive ideas often lead to humorous predicaments. His optimism remains unshaken despite setbacks.

  "It's safe as anything." [07:04]

• Baby Dumplin: The adorable child who adds innocence and charm to the storyline, often providing comedic relief with her straightforward observations.

  "I'll bet they'll be crumbed in my bed." [06:16]

• Mr. Dithers: The nosy neighbor whose involvement in the trailer christening adds another layer of comedy. His traditional views contrast with the Bumsteads' modern inventions.

  "I christened thee the Gypsy Queen." [12:25]

• Mrs. Friend and Family: Representing the hobo camp residents, they embody the struggles and camaraderie of those living on the road, adding depth to the narrative.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dagwood Introducing the Trailer:

  "A two burner bed under the sink and a hot and cold running stove that sleeps four." [03:35]

• Blondie Expressing Skepticism:

  "A trailer? One of those things you drag behind the car. Why, they cost hundreds of dollars." [04:08]

• Dagwood's Optimism Despite Mishaps:

  "It's safe as anything. Your solid little home on four wheels." [07:32]

• Blondie Realizing They're Lost:

  "We're lost." [13:39]

• Dagwood's Solution-Oriented Attitude:

  "We can make it any color. Hey, how's it look to you, baby dumpling?" [05:50]

• Blondie's Reasoning for Leaving:

  "We are not coming back. We want you to have the home on wheels you like so much." [28:55]

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Themes and Insights

• Family Dynamics: The Bumsteads' interactions highlight the balance between Blondie's practicality and Dagwood's inventiveness, showcasing a harmonious marital relationship despite frequent comedic conflicts.

• Adventure and Misadventure: The episode underscores the unpredictability of new ventures, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

• Community and Hospitality: The encounter with the Friend family at Camp Crawling illustrates themes of generosity and the human spirit in providing shelter and kindness to strangers.

• Humor in Everyday Life: The Gypsy Queen masterfully blends situational comedy with witty dialogues, making light of Dagwood's inventions and the family's coping mechanisms.

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Conclusion

The Gypsy Queen is a quintessential Blondie episode that combines humor, heartwarming family moments, and a touch of adventure. Through the Bumstead family's misadventures with the Gypsy Queen trailer, listeners are treated to a timeless story that resonates with themes of love, resilience, and the joys of everyday life. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio storytelling, offering laughter and warmth to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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Enjoyed this summary? Tune into Harold's Old Time Radio for more nostalgic journeys back to the Golden Age of Radio!

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Ooh.

[Nicole Byer]

Fierce. This has been your Wayfarer style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Wayfair. Every style, every home.

[Mr. Dithers]

Ah, ah, ah.

[Narrator]

Don't touch that dial.

[Commercial Announcer]

Listen to Blondie. Brought to you by the makers of Camel cigarettes.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Extra. Extra.

[Commercial Announcer]

For extra flavor, get Camels.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Extra.

[Commercial Announcer]

For extra mildness and extra coolness, get Camels.

[Nicole Byer]

Extra.

[Commercial Announcer]

For extra smoking per pack, get Camels the cigarette that gives you the ext. And now, before we drop over to the Bumstead house to visit Chick Young's famous characters Blondie and Dagwood. A word from the makers of Camel cigarettes. Ladies and gentlemen, it seems that everywhere we turn today, we're confronted with speed and more speed in our daily lives. It's hurry or I'll be late for my train. I can't stop now. I haven't time. Yes, universally life has been speeded up. But there's a different story in cigarettes every day. More and more smokers, experienced smokers are discovering that the extras in smoking pleasure are on the slow side. The slow burning Camel side. Science puts it this way. Cigarettes that burn fast, burn hot. And nothing so surely mars the delicate.

[Narrator]

Elements of cigarette flavor and fragrance.

[Commercial Announcer]

As excess heat, slow burning preserves these precious natural qualities, gives you more mildness, more flavor, more coolness. Of course, science also tells you which cigarette is slower burning. In recent impartial laboratory tests, camels burned 25% slower than the average of the 15 other of the largest selling brands tested. Slower than any of them. Yes, science points the way and the experience of millions of smokers confirms it. Slower burning Camels give you extra mildness, extra coolness, extra flavor and extra smoking. Equal on the average to five extra smokes per pack. Penny for penny, Camels are your best cigarette buy. And now for our weekly visit with the Bumsteads. It's morning and Blondie stands at the foot of the stairs sounding her usual reveille to the man of the house.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Stag Wood Breakfast.

[Baby Dumplin]

Good morning, Mommy.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Hello, baby dumplin. Go tell daddy his breakfast is ready.

[Baby Dumplin]

I can't tell him, Mommy. He's up and gone out.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Gone out? Uh huh.

[Baby Dumplin]

As soon as you went downstairs, he got up and got dressed and got Out.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Why, why? How funny. I didn't hear him.

[Baby Dumplin]

He went tippy toe. Mommy.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Tiptoed out of the house without his breakfast.

[Mrs. Friend]

Hmm.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Didn't he say anything to you before he went out?

[Baby Dumplin]

Uh huh. He said, good morning. Would I like to be a gypsy?

[Blondie Bumstead]

A gypsy?

[Baby Dumplin]

Uh huh. Listen, Mommy, that sounds to me like our old car coming home.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Why, yes. It's coming up our driveway. Now we'll see what he's been up to. Come on, baby. The back door. Blondie.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Hey, hey, Blondie. Blondie.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Good morning, dad.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Good morning. Oh, I thought you were somewhere else.

[Blondie Bumstead]

No, Dagwood.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Listen, Blondie, it's here. I've got it.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Now. What, Dagwood?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

A two burner bed under the sink and a hot and cold running stove that sleeps four.

[Blondie Bumstead]

What on earth are you.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Of course, the voice tub was extra, but it can go outside when we're inside. Vice versa. And the same with pots and pans.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Now, listen, Dagwood. Count to 10 slowly and then tell me what you bought and how much it cost.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Okay. 1, 2, 5, 6, 9. $69. And he threw in the ice box.

[Baby Dumplin]

Fill it in. What, Daddy?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Gagwood, what did you buy?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

I keep telling you, honey, it's a trailer.

[Blondie Bumstead]

A trailer? One of those things you drag behind the car. Why, they cost hundreds of dollars.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, no, honey. I mean, sure, but not this one. You see, the fella that sold it to me had to leave town in a hurry.

[Baby Dumplin]

Who was after him? Daddy?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

No, no, baby dumpling, you don't understand. He didn't sell me the trailer because he had to leave town.

[Blondie Bumstead]

No, he had to leave town because he sold your father the trailer.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

No, no. Now listen, this was a bargain.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, let's look at it.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Dad would sure come on. On to the unveiling. Oh, boy. Hi diddle dee dee. A gypsy's right for me. There she is. How's that, huh?

[Mrs. Friend]

Oh, goodness.

[Blondie Bumstead]

It's.

[Mrs. Friend]

Huh?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, it's a funny color, isn't it?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, we can make it any color. Hey, how's it look to you, baby dumpling?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Huh?

[Baby Dumplin]

It looks like somebody was moving their hen house.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Now, listen, it's bigger than it looks.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Boy.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

What do you see? The inside. Oh, our regular little home. Our little rolling home on four wheels.

[Blondie Bumstead]

One of the tires blew out.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Yeah. Our little rolling home on three wheels.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Stagwood, have you got the tire changed?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, I'll have to patch the tube, honey.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Goodness, what's all the hammering, Stagwood? Huh? Are you going to hang all those pots and pans on the outside?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Sure, honey. We'll need stuff to cook in out on the open road.

[Blondie Bumstead]

You mean we'll stop overnight in this trailer?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Certainly. We're going places and seeing things.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Yes, and everywhere we go, people will think they're seeing things, huh?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, well, anyway, it's very tidy inside, honey.

[Blondie Bumstead]

I hope so. I like to have a place for everything and everything in its place.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, in this trailer, some places are for two things.

[Blondie Bumstead]

One place for two things.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Uh huh.

[Blondie Bumstead]

How do you mean, Dagwood?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, see, two of the beds flip over and there's your table for one thing.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh my. Just think, baby. The table turns into two beds. Uh huh.

[Baby Dumplin]

I'll bet they'll be crumbed in my bed.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

No, no, baby. Those beds are for Daddy and Mommy.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, where does baby sleepdagwood?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, see, the sink kind of flips over and there's another bed. Cute, huh, baby dumpling?

[Baby Dumplin]

Suppose I want a drink of water in the night? Do I have to get under the bed?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

No, no, baby dumpling. Look, we won't have to use the sink bed, except for company, see, because the stove slips over too, and there's another bed. Oh, I'll show you. Look, this door is a little stuck.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, let me pry at the door, Dagwood, while you pull.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Okay, honey, Ready?

[Blondie Bumstead]

All right.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

One too quick. That's what I know. Well, I'll fix it later anyway. It's open. Walk right in, Blondie. Have a look around.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, it's kind of sagged, Dagwood. Are you sure it's safe?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Why sure. Let me in there first. I'll show you. Now, see, I just crawl in, turn around and stand up.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, Dagwood, did you hurt your head?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

No, not very much.

[Baby Dumplin]

And more paint came off the roll.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Never mind the paint. The point is, this is a good strong trailer, Bonty. Look at that. I'll jump up and down to show you, See? Safe as anything. Your solid little home on four wheels.

[Baby Dumplin]

On three wheels.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Dada on two wheels.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

There. Now she's back on four wheels.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, that's nice, dear, but the sparrows look kind of worn and ragged to me.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, they're down underneath where they don't show very much.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, well, that's all right. Here's a red paint, Daddy.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, yeah. See, I'm going to paint the name on the trailer. I think of the right name.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, is it going to have a name?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Sure, just like a Pullman car. How's about calling it the Blondie Bumpstead?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, no thanks, Dagwood. Oh, Davey, I think that's our front doorbell. You go see.

[Baby Dumplin]

Okay, Mommy.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Don't name it after me, Daddy.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Yeah. Well, gosh, it's kind of an honor to have anything named after you, isn't it?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, that depends, dear.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

I did think I might call it the spirit of J.C. dithers Construction Company.

[Blondie Bumstead]

I wouldn't. Dad would.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Why not?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, oh, look, there was a name on here. It's painted over. It says Miller's Midget.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, yeah, Miller's the one who sold it to me. See, two of his midgets got a divorce and he needed something larger.

[Baby Dumplin]

Daddy, Mr. Dithers is in the house.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Mr. Dithers? Jaguars. Did you know he was coming?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, sure. Ha ha. I wired the boss to come back from Dobson's lake.

[Baby Dumplin]

He's all dressed up funny.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Funny. Uh huh.

[Baby Dumplin]

He's got on striped pants and his coat is long in the back and it doesn't shut in the front.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, that's his cutaway baby. Guys, he's doing it upright.

[Baby Dumplin]

He's got a shiny black hat on too.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Yeah, a silk hat. Uh huh. Dagwood, what in the world for?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

For the christening, honey.

[Blondie Bumstead]

The christening? Sure.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

One thing Mr. Dithers loves is a christening. Oh, he'll go miles to be a godfather.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Stagwood.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Huh?

[Blondie Bumstead]

You don't mean he's going to christen the trailer?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Sure, if I can think of a name in time.

[Baby Dumplin]

What'll I tell Mr. Dithers, Daddy?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, tell him that christening will be out here by the garage.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Okay? Well, I don't know what he'll think when he sees what he's going to christen.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, I bet this trailer will bring out the gypsy in him right away.

[Blondie Bumstead]

I never saw a gypsy in a chill cat Gypsy.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Hey, how would it be to name the trailer the Gypsy Queen?

[Blondie Bumstead]

The gypsy's revenge would be better. Come on, let's meet Mr. Dithers at the back door.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Okay, honey. I wonder how he looks in a silk hat.

[Mr. Dithers]

Homestead.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

He doesn't change a bit.

[Mr. Dithers]

Homestead. Where are you?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Right here, Mr. Dithers. Come on out.

[Mr. Dithers]

I got your wire. Dropped everything. Well, where's the baby?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, there isn't exactly any baby.

[Mrs. Friend]

Mr. Dithers.

[Mr. Dithers]

Huh?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

No baby?

[Mr. Dithers]

You mean the christening is off?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

No, no, no, Mr. Dinners. We're christening the Gypsy Queen.

[Mr. Dithers]

Eh? Who in the name of the seven suspicious sisters is the Gypsy Queen?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Stand aside, Dagwood, and let Mr. Dithers see her.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Sure. Look.

[Mr. Dithers]

Oh, what's that?

[Blondie Bumstead]

It's our new trailer.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Her name is going to Be Gypsy Queen.

[Mr. Dithers]

It ought to be frowzy, Lil. Now, see here, Bumpstead, I leave an important job. Come 200 miles, get all dressed up.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

And I smell more.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, baby.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Quiet, baby. Excuse me till I whisper to baby dumpling.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Okay, Daddy.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, thanks for wearing your silk hat, Mr. Dillers.

[Mr. Dithers]

I thought we were christening a baby.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, this is better than a baby christening. Listen, you can't break a bottle on a baby, can you?

[Mr. Dithers]

Oh, are you breaking a bottle?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Sure, you bet. Just like on a battleship.

[Mr. Dithers]

Oh, do I break the bottle?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Of course you can.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Can he, Daddy? Sure. I wanted a very important man to launch the Gypsy Queen on her travels.

[Mr. Dithers]

Well, I always did like breaking bottles. But I don't approve of wasting champagne.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

So do I. I mean, that's what I thought. So I got ginger ale.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, I found that bottle of ginger ale last night.

[Baby Dumplin]

But I brought a bottle of ketchup.

[Mr. Dithers]

Ketchup? I didn't come all the way from Dobson's Lake to break ketchup bottles.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, it's better than champagne, Mr. Dithers. It. Well, it makes more squish.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Sure. Now, don't back out on us now, Mr. Dithers. Listen, you go ahead and christen her with the ketchup, and I'll tell you what we'll do. Oh, we'll drive you all the way back to Dobson's Lake in style.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Yes, you can ride in the trailer.

[Mr. Dithers]

Well, is it easy riding?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Sure. Just like a private car.

[Mr. Dithers]

Can we start right after the Christmas?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, yes. Our bags are all inside.

[Mr. Dithers]

Well, I'll have to wear what I got on. All right. Our Christmas. Stand back, everybody.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Yes, stand back, blondie.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Stand back, baby.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Bring hard Mr. Dinner.

[Mr. Dithers]

Don't worry. Our hat's off.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Yeah, I am.

[Mr. Dithers]

I christened thee the Gypsy Queen.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, pour the bottle. Didn't you break?

[Mr. Dithers]

Look at my hand. Blood.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, that's only a little ketchup. The cork came out.

[Baby Dumplin]

The bottle didn't break.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, something broke. Oh, then look at that. All in the trailer. It smashed right through the sides.

[Mr. Dithers]

Well, you ought to have stronger sides or weaker bottles.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

I can put my head through that hole.

[Mr. Dithers]

You can put your head through the eye of a needle.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, never mind, Dagwood. It needed more ventilation anyway. Now, Mr. Dithers, you get in the trailer and make yourself cozy. Dagw, drive the car. And, baby, you keep Mr. Dithers company in the Jolly Queen.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Ready, Dagwood? Yeah, sure.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Then we're off.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

We're up for the open road.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, this is the open road, all right. I never saw anything opener. Do you know where we are, Dagwood?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, I've been going by that map, but then something's wrong. We should have passed three towns in the last 40 miles.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Let's see the map. Why does the map say Idaho on it, Zagwood?

[Mrs. Friend]

Huh?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Why, it's because it's a map. Hey, we're not in Idaho, are we?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Of course not, dear. You've been going by the wrong map. We're lost.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, we can't be so very lost. You want to go to Dobson's Lake, and we're not in Idaho.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, Dobson's Lake isn't in Idaho either. Hey, what's that?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Thunder. It's going to rain.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Maybe that's why it got dark so early. I hope that trailer doesn't leak on Mr. Dithers.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Listen. Slow up, Dagwood. There's a sign by the roof.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Golly. Why doesn't the Gypsy Queen slow down when I do?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Look, Dagwood. The sign says camp Crawling trailers welcome.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Yeah, looks like a hobo jungle to me, dear.

[Blondie Bumstead]

It's raining. You know, maybe we ought to stop here, Dagwood.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

No. If I don't get Mr. Dithers to Dobson's Lake tonight, the least I can do is stop at a nice place.

[Blondie Bumstead]

I know. But that's a steep hill just ahead.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, we'll make it okay. Oh, maybe when we get up high, maybe we'll see a better place to stop, huh? Here goes.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, goodness. I hope Baby dumpling can keep Mr. Dither's mind off this ride.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, look, tune in and hear what they're saying back there, Blondie. Sure. Didn't you see my invention?

[Blondie Bumstead]

No.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, look, pick up that rubber tube that comes in the back window there.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, a speaking tube.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Speaking or listening? It runs between us and the Gypsy Queen. Pretty good, huh?

[Blondie Bumstead]

If it works.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Sure it works.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh. Oh, Dagwood, it does. I can hear Baby Dumplin talking. Tell me another story.

[Mr. Dithers]

Oh, you like that, eh?

[Baby Dumplin]

Well, it keeps me from thinking about the thunderstorm.

[Mr. Dithers]

Now, a big boy like you isn't afraid of thunder.

[Blondie Bumstead]

I'm scared.

[Mr. Dithers]

Well, quiet now. I'll tell you another story to soothe your nerves, Alice. Once upon a time, a little gnarled up dwarf lived in a dark cave that was full of man eating bats. This dwarf didn't have any face. I want an umbrella. This roof is leaking. Here, talk to her through this tube. And tell your father to slow down, too.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Sorry.

[Mr. Dithers]

It's a tire. Let me have that tube. Hey, bumpshead. Bumpshead we're riding on a path on the rim Bump's head.

[Blondie Bumstead]

It doesn't work.

[Mr. Dithers]

It's like all your father's inventions. They never work when you need them. There goes another tire. Bumpshead. Bumpshead.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Jaguood. Stop the car. I thought I heard baby crying.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Okay, now that we're on top of the hill, I didn't hear anything.

[Blondie Bumstead]

It. It's too dark to see anything either.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, hollered through the tube there.

[Blondie Bumstead]

The tube's gone. Something jerked it out of my hand.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

The tube's gone. Gone where? Wait till I wipe off the back window. There. Now I can. Hey, the trailer. The trailer's gone too. We must have lost it on the hill.

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer Today's when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals go wild. Like an untamed animal print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table from wayfair.com oh fierce, this has been your Wayfarer style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Wayfair Every style, Every home.

[Stiles Mackenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals go wild. Like an untamed animal print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Wayfair Every style, every home.

[Narrator]

Well, we'll return to the Bumpsteads in a moment, but first, there's one saying that's known to cigarette smokers everywhere. And that's the phrase I'd walk a mile for a Camel. Yes, more smokers prefer Camel cigarettes than any other brand. Camels are made from finer, more expensive tobaccos. They're slower burning and they give you extra coolness and extra mildness. Being slower burning, Camels are free from the irritating qualities of excess heat and too fast burning. Camels are mild, easy on the throat. Camels are cooler, too, for naturally, the slower a cigarette burns, the cooler the smoking. And because slow burning preserves the natural flavor and fragrance of fine tobaccos, Camels give you extra flavor economy too. Slower burning Camels last longer and give you extra smoking per cigarette per pack. In recent impartial laboratory tests, camels burn 25% slower than the average of the 15 other of the largest selling brands tested slower than any of them. And that means a smoking plus equal on the average to five extra smokes per pack. Now, if you live in a community where certain state cigarette taxes are in effect, you can save the cost of the tax through smoking Camels. If there are no added taxes where you live, the savings are all yours. Yes, there's more pleasure per pup and more pups per pack in Camels. That's why smokers say, I'd walk a mile for a camel. And now we return to Dagwood and Blondie, who've traced their runaway trailer to the bottom of the hill and right into Camp Crawley.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, thank heaven they didn't tip over Dagwood.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Yeah, these tire marks look like they were riding on two rims and two tires. And that kind of slowed them up.

[Blondie Bumstead]

All right, Sherlock, just find that trailer. I want to see if my baby's all right.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

So do I, but I'm not so anxious to find Mr. Diddish. Golly, I wonder what he thought when they went ghosting into this hobo camp.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, hurry, Dagwood.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Pretty dark to go very fast. Oh, let's holler for them.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Hello. Hey. Hey, listen. A tire blew out. That sounds like the Gypsy Queen, all right. Where did the sound come from?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

There goes the last tire.

[Blondie Bumstead]

It's over there.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Hecka. Come on. Here it is, Blondie.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, baby, are you all right in there? Yes, but we can't get that door open.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

I'll open it.

[Baby Dumplin]

That door came off again, Daddy.

[Mr. Dithers]

Never mind. It'll let some of the water out.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Out?

[Mr. Dithers]

Yes, out. It's up to my ankles in here.

[Blondie Bumstead]

They're all. Please. Oh, baby dumplin, I'm so glad to see you. Mommy will light a fire and get you warm.

[Mr. Dithers]

Yeah, who's going to get me warm? I, I, I knew it.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Listen, I can fill that moist tub I brought with water.

[Baby Dumplin]

What about some apples, Daddy?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

No, no, baby dumpling. But we will eat the water and soak your feet. If I can find enough water to fill the tub.

[Mr. Dithers]

You want water, eh? Just ring me out.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, I'm afraid you're catching cold, Mr. Dithers. Wait, I'll light the oil fill.

[Baby Dumplin]

Come, baby. Mommy will dry.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Hey, here's your tub. And you know what? Our tires didn't blow that time. There's still two ones.

[Mr. Dithers]

Nothing like two good tires on a four wheeled trailer.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

You see, the noise we heard must have been a backfire. That means there's another car in this camp.

[Mr. Dithers]

Well, what are you standing There for. Go find them. Get some help. Get a jack. Get some boards. Get the tires changed. Get out.

[Mrs. Friend]

Oh, yes sir.

[Mr. Dithers]

And get me out of here by tomorrow noon. I've got to speak it there. Up.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Up.

[Mr. Dithers]

Um, tourist.

[Blondie Bumstead]

I think your sneeze is a little better, Mr. Dithers.

[Mr. Dithers]

Well, I'm getting lots of practice. Where's the fire we're going to light? Where's the hot coffee we're going to have?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, I'm afraid there's something wrong with the stove and the sink. When I put water in the coffee pot, it was kerosene. When I turned on the stove, it played water like a fountain.

[Mr. Dithers]

Elementary, my dear Mrs. Bumpstead. Dagworth's got the feed lines crossed up. Light a match and I look.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, I'm afraid all the matches are wet too.

[Mr. Dithers]

Well, maybe I've got a dry match. Oh yes, just warm. Stand back while I light it.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, it lights. Now be careful, Mr. Dither.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Don't talk.

[Mr. Dithers]

It makes a draft and I can't match out.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Mom.

[Mr. Dithers]

Oh, this is the end. I'm through. I'm going. Where's my hat?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Where's Mr. Dithersil? Cat. Baby.

[Baby Dumplin]

Here it is. It's got some water in it. Ah, you said put something under the leak in the roof.

[Mr. Dithers]

Oh, baby, I'll go without a hat. Where's your car?

[Blondie Bumstead]

Out by the road. But wait, if you drive home, what do we do?

[Mr. Dithers]

Who said I was driving home? I'm going to find a garage, get new tires, get you all out of here.

[Baby Dumplin]

Hey, Mommy, that sneeze made the windows change.

[Mr. Dithers]

I was leaning against the wall. How many tires do you need? Two.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Just two?

[Mr. Dithers]

Two tired.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Three tired now.

[Commercial Announcer]

All right.

[Mr. Dithers]

I'll get three tires.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, I'm afraid.

[Mr. Dithers]

I know, I know. I'll get four new tires.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Somebody's saying an air tied out too. You'll maybe wake the baby.

[Mrs. Friend]

No one means us harm, Jenny. I'll see who's outside.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Here's a lantern. Mole.

[Mrs. Friend]

Who's there?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

It's just me. I saw your light.

[Mrs. Friend]

Bless my soul. It's a young fellow.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Wet to the skin.

[Mrs. Friend]

Jenny, make room by the oil stove.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, I don't want to crowd you and my feet are pretty wet.

[Mrs. Friend]

Why wouldn't they be? A night like this. Come in. Have you Ed? Huh?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Well, no.

[Mrs. Friend]

Hungry too. Jenny, dish up the mush. We. We got company for some.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh no thanks.

[Blondie Bumstead]

I don't want to help less ma.

[Mrs. Friend]

As long as there's any. We'll turn no hungry man away. Sit down, mistress.

[Mr. Dithers]

Uh huh.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

I'm afraid I'm robbing you.

[Mrs. Friend]

Oh, no, no. We've all et barried Eddie, and he's out looking for work.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Blessing Eddie's found something to eat somewhere. More else, he'd be back by now.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Is eddie your husband, Mrs.

[Mrs. Friend]

Friend? No, sir. Eddie's my boy and the man of the family. Now, now, Mr. Finn has passed on. Ed is 15.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Golly. And he supports you?

[Mrs. Friend]

He does what he can. And so do we all. You're not eating your mushroom.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Oh, it's very good. Are you sure you've eaten? Is it friends?

[Mrs. Friend]

Oh, I'm on kind of a now diet, you might say. I don't need so much, me not working.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Do the three of you travel in that automobile out there?

[Mrs. Friend]

Four of us, but the baby takes no room at all. Someday we'll stop traveling.

[Blondie Bumstead]

It'll be good to stop traveling within a year.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Traveling, Golly.

[Mrs. Friend]

Oh, we'll get along.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Now, come on.

[Mrs. Friend]

Eat your mush. It's better than it looks.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

It's fine. That's not what's wrong, but. Oh, you can't fool me. This was your supper, all you had. And you gave it to me when you didn't even know my name. Listen, I only think I'm hungry. Right over there somewhere. I've a trailer just full of stuff to eat and a little wife that's the best cook in the state.

[Mrs. Friend]

Bless my soul.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

And I was sorry for myself till I met you. Now you know what we're going to do? We're all going over to my place for the best supper you've ever had.

[Blondie Bumstead]

A little more steak, Mrs. Bream?

[Mrs. Friend]

No, thank you kindly. Maybe Eddie, though. He works hard and all.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Eddie's gone to sleep sitting up.

[Mrs. Friend]

Oh, you'll have to excuse Emmie. It's so warm and cozy in here.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Yeah, it's dried out pretty good.

[Blondie Bumstead]

I'm glad I got that stove working.

[Mrs. Friend]

It's a lovely stove, isn't it, Jenny?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Shh.

[Mrs. Friend]

She's a pretty dinner. I don't know what you'll think of us all. You done used to eatin so hearty.

[Blondie Bumstead]

I think you're the nicest family I've met in a long while.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

You bet. Taking me in, a stranger and all.

[Mrs. Friend]

Oh, I don't expect. I don't expect there are any strangers, mister. There's one father to a toil.

[Blondie Bumstead]

You. You must tell me how you made that mush you had, Mrs. Bean. Dagwood says it smelled delicious.

[Mrs. Friend]

Oh, now, I don't expect it would do for. Well, rich people.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Rich, you mean. I swore.

[Mrs. Friend]

Now, I'm glad for you. But you must be well off to live in a lovely little house on wheels like this.

[Blondie Bumstead]

But, Rita, you. You like this trailer?

[Mrs. Friend]

Oh, it's a real pleasure to sit in it. I wish my baby was old enough to know the nice bed he's sleeping in. Sheets too. Clean sheep, like. Like we used to have at home.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Look, Mrs. Friend, we don't exactly live in this trailer. We just.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, Jaguan.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Huh? Shh.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Listen.

[Mr. Dithers]

Golly.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Here's Mr. Dithers. He's brought back the car with tires.

[Blondie Bumstead]

For the trailer, I hope.

[Mrs. Friend]

Are you moving on tonight? Well, I'll just rouse up my young uncle.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, no, no. Let them sleep a little longer.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

I'm coming.

[Blondie Bumstead]

I'll go with you. Dagwood. I. I want to talk to you.

[Mrs. Friend]

We'll all help you put on the tire. Oh, no.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

In the morning will be time enough for that. Well, I'll just get up the place.

[Mrs. Friend]

For you whilst you're gone. My, this is handy, though. A sink right by the stove. Hot water.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Put the last tire down with the others. Don't let her hear us.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

She's humming a tune in there while she works.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Oh, Degworth, I'm so glad you agreed with me.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

She needs it worse than we do.

[Blondie Bumstead]

We'll enjoy it more this way than if we kept it ourselves. Yeah.

[Mrs. Friend]

Honey, have you got the note to leave for her? Mm.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Right here.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Read it to me again.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Well, I'll have to get in the light from the doorway.

[Mrs. Friend]

Can she hear?

[Dagwood Bumstead]

No, she's still humming.

[Blondie Bumstead]

All right. The Note says, Dear Mrs. Friend, we are not coming back. We want you to have the home on wheels you like so much. Rest well in its clean beds. Warm yourself at its fire as we were warmed by a glimpse of your own cheerful heart. Goodbye and good luck always Blondie and Daniel.

[Dagwood Bumstead]

Listen what she's humming in there. Goodbye, Mrs. Green, and good luck always.

[Blondie Bumstead]

Take me home now, Dagworth.

[Narrator]

Well, folks, in just a moment, we'll give you a brief synopsis of next week's Blondie story. But first, Camels give you extra flavor. Extra Camels give you extra mildness and extra coolness. Extra Camels give you extra smoking per pack. Try Camels, the cigarette that gives you the extras. Camels bring you two other great shows each week. On Saturday, there's luncheon at the Waldorf with Ilka Chase. You'll find it the new high in daytime entertainment. On Saturday night, tune in and hear Bob Crosby and Mildred Bailey featuring music with a Heartbeat. And next Monday night at this same time, tune in on Blondie. We think you'll get a chuckle out of Dagwood's experience on the witness stand. Well, that's a tip. For your radio enjoyment and for your smoking enjoyment every day, try Camels, the cigarette that gives you the extras. Beginning next Monday, due to daylight saving time, Blondie will be heard one hour.

[Commercial Announcer]

Earlier on many of these stations.

[Narrator]

Consult your newspaper for exact time. Blondie is written and directed by Ashmead Scott, and this is Bill Goodwin speaking for the makers of Camel cigarettes. Good night, all. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

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