Buster Brown Gang 52-10-04 (xx) The Boy Who Wouldn't Obey

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Buster Brown Gang 52-10-04 (xx) The Boy Who Wouldn't Obey"

Episode Information:

• Title: Buster Brown Gang 52-10-04 (xx) The Boy Who Wouldn't Obey
• Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: July 19, 2025
• Description: This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, featuring the beloved Buster Brown Gang. In "The Boy Who Wouldn't Obey," the story delves into family dynamics, discipline, and the challenges of raising a rebellious child.

---

Introduction to the Story

The episode opens with Buster Brown enthusiastically introducing the day's story, setting the stage for an engaging narrative centered around family struggles and personal growth.

Notable Quote:

• Buster Brown (00:30): "Hey, kids, it's the Buster Brown Show. Come on, Pete. Jump. Here we go."

---

Setting the Scene: The Carey Family's Dilemma

The story revolves around Tom Carey and his dog, Pete, highlighting the tensions within the Carey household. Tom's parents, Fred and Margaret Carey, are visibly distressed by Tom's increasing defiance and behavioral issues.

Key Characters:

• Tom Carey: A troubled teenager struggling with obedience and academic responsibilities.
• Fred Carey: Tom's father, concerned about his son's behavior.
• Margaret (Marge) Carey: Tom's mother, supportive but frustrated with ongoing issues.
• Dr. Willard: A family physician consulted by the Careys for advice on handling Tom's behavior.

Notable Quotes:

• Fred Carey (02:10): "Well, Dr. Willard, I. Well, we feel sort of silly coming to you about Tommy."
• Tom Carey (02:18): "He isn't sick. Doctor."
• Dr. Willard (02:24): "Well, you've made a common mistake. Many parents indulge their child until he's thoroughly spoiled and they try to whip him into shape."

---

Consultation with Dr. Willard

Desperate for solutions, the Careys seek Dr. Willard's expertise. The doctor critiques traditional disciplinary methods like spanking and nagging, suggesting a more structured approach involving consistent rewards and fair penalties.

Dr. Willard's Advice:

1. Eliminate Nagging and Spanking: Dr. Willard emphasizes the ineffectiveness of these methods.
2. Measured Punishments: Assign consequences proportional to the misbehavior (e.g., removing privileges like movie time for minor infractions).
3. Consistent Rewards: Acknowledge and reward positive behavior to encourage improvement.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Willard (03:12): "I think you've made a common mistake. Many parents indulge their child until he's thoroughly spoiled and they try to whip him into shape."
• Tom Carey (04:06): "Whooa. Gee, I don't know, Doctor. In a way, we've tried that."
• Dr. Willard (04:11): "Deprive him of enough things in a fair manner, and believe me, the shoe'll pinch. He'll learn to appreciate these things you take away, too, because he'll miss them."

---

Implementation of Dr. Willard's Strategy

Armed with new strategies, Fred and Marge attempt to apply Dr. Willard's methods. Initially, Tom resists these changes, continuing his rebellious behavior by lying about his homework and skipping school.

Key Developments:

• Tom's Defiance: Despite the new approach, Tom continues to challenge his parents by lying and avoiding responsibilities.
• Parental Frustration: Fred and Marge grow increasingly concerned as Tom's behavior worsens, leading to heightened familial tension.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Carey (07:12): "She gives me a pain. She gives us too many problems. Who can do 20 problems?"
• Fred Carey (09:15): "Tommy, I'm stopping your allowance. There'll be no more movie money until you decide to stop lying and cheating."

---

Escalation and Crisis

Tom's continued misbehavior escalates when he lies about his whereabouts, leading to his parents discovering inconsistencies in his stories. The tension peaks when Fred takes decisive action to curb Tom's defiance.

Crisis Points:

• Skipping School: Tom admits to skipping school, leading to suspension of his allowances as punishment.
• Potential Accident: Concerns arise about Tom's safety after he arrives home late, prompting fears of an accident.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Carey (09:00): "I was in school. He's not."
• Fred Carey (10:03): "Why? Now, look, son. You were told to stay away from the yards. You could be killed."

---

Resolution and Reconciliation

After a series of confrontations, Fred and Marge realize that Dr. Willard's methods may not be yielding immediate results. They decide to persist with the strategy, focusing on consistent rewards and fair punishments.

Turning Point:

• Reinstating Rewards: Recognizing the importance of positive reinforcement, the parents begin to acknowledge Tom's small achievements, fostering a more supportive environment.
• Restoration of Trust: As Tom observes the fairness and consistency in his parents' approach, he begins to mend his relationship with them, showing signs of improvement.

Notable Quotes:

• Margaret Carey (12:04): "Well, maybe you know best, dad, huh? Okay, I won't go. I got some arithmetic to do and history composition. I think I'd rather do that."
• Tom Carey (12:18): "Yep. Guess I'll get to it. Come on, Petey. Let's go up to my room. Good night, mom and dad. I'll just go to bed when I'm done."

---

Conclusion: A Hopeful Future

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with the Carey family witnessing the positive changes in Tom. The consistent application of Dr. Willard's advice leads to a gradual improvement in Tom's behavior, underscoring the episode's central theme of balanced discipline and positive reinforcement.

Final Thoughts:

• Parental Commitment: Fred and Marge's dedication to their approach highlights the importance of perseverance in parenting.
• Youth Transformation: Tom's journey reflects the potential for personal growth when supported by a fair and understanding environment.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Carey (13:20): "Sure he does. I think that's what's got him."
• Fred Carey (13:37): "Why, he's not here, Fred."
• Tom Carey (14:12): "Come on, Phoebe."

---

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Balanced Discipline: The episode emphasizes the effectiveness of combining fair punishments with consistent rewards to guide adolescent behavior.
• Parental Consistency: Fred and Marge's steadfastness in applying Dr. Willard's methods illustrates the importance of consistency in parenting.
• Open Communication: Encouraging honest dialogue between parents and children fosters trust and reduces rebellious tendencies.

---

Conclusion

"Buster Brown Gang 52-10-04 (xx) The Boy Who Wouldn't Obey" offers a timeless exploration of family dynamics and the challenges of raising a defiant child. Through engaging storytelling and relatable characters, the episode delivers valuable lessons on discipline, communication, and the transformative power of consistent parenting. Whether you're revisiting classic radio narratives or discovering them for the first time, this episode remains a poignant reminder of the enduring struggles and triumphs within the family unit.

Transcript

[Tom Carey]

Obtain quattro Telephono Samsung Galaxy S25 Con Galaxy AI Por Cuenta Nuestra y cuatro linehas porso.

[Buster Brown]

Hey, kids, it's the Buster Brown Show. Come on, Pete. Jump. Here we go. See, Pete, we rode that freight. And we didn't get hurt either. Mom and dad tell me not to fool around the freight yards. What do they know? Him and that stupid teacher. Kids, don't miss this exciting story of Tom and Pete. And to tell it, here is Smilin Ed McConnell.

[Tom Carey]

Yes, yes, Brown Ed it is.

[Smilin Ed McConnell]

Buster Brown. Gang, I got you. You've got shoes.

[Buster Brown]

Everybody's gotta have shoes.

[Smilin Ed McConnell]

But there's only one kind of shoes for me. Little Buster Brown Shoes. Oh, yes, kids, Busta Brown's on the air out here in Hollywood with smiling heads squeaking the mouth. Midnight they catch in Froggy the Gremlin. And we're going to start our story program off right now with our story. Well, kids, our story today is about a boy named Tom and his dog named Pete. Tom Carey lived with his mother and father in a house that stood at the very edge of a big city. Oh, just about where the city stopped and the country began. However, our story begins in the office of one Dr. Willard who is being visited by Tom's mother and father, Fred and Margaret Carey.

[Fred Carey]

Step right in, please. The doctor will see you now.

[Buster Brown]

Thank you.

[Fred Carey]

Well, Dr. Willard, I. Well, we feel sort of silly coming to you about Tommy.

[Dr. Willard]

Silly, my dear, But I brought the child into the world and I've taken care of him ever since.

[Tom Carey]

I don't know why you. But he isn't sick. Doctor.

[Dr. Willard]

Isn't sick?

[Tom Carey]

No.

[Dr. Willard]

All right, you'd better tell me all about it. Sit down.

[Fred Carey]

Oh, thank you. Well, it's just that. Well, we can't do a thing with him.

[Dr. Willard]

Can't do anything with Tom?

[Fred Carey]

No.

[Dr. Willard]

Oh, now, come, come. What's this all about?

[Tom Carey]

Well, you see, Doc, he's become very hard to handle. He won't study. He lies about his schoolwork. He sneaks out of classes. He won't obey us in anything. We can't believe a word he says.

[Dr. Willard]

Oh, now, you make poor little Tommy sound pretty much like a criminal.

[Fred Carey]

Oh, don't say that, Doctor. That's just what we're trying to prevent. The way he's carrying on now, we're afraid that might happen.

[Dr. Willard]

Be surprised how many boys or little villains grew up to be mighty fine men. But, of course, all children do need sensible training.

[Tom Carey]

But that's just it, Dr. Willard. I've spanked the Boy and raised the devil with him time after time. But it just doesn't do any good.

[Dr. Willard]

I think you've made a common mistake. Many parents make it. They indulge their child until he's thoroughly spoiled and they try to whip him into shape.

[Tom Carey]

Well, we can't let him skip school without punishment.

[Dr. Willard]

Of course not. But honestly, have your whippings accomplished anything?

[Fred Carey]

Well, no. He's usually worse after a whipping. But what else can you do?

[Dr. Willard]

I'm coming to that. Now, you say he doesn't appreciate anything he has.

[Tom Carey]

That's right.

[Dr. Willard]

Well, I'm going to prescribe a method that will not only help discipline the boy, but will make him appreciate what he has, too.

[Tom Carey]

Oh, sounds like magic. But let's have it, doctor.

[Dr. Willard]

Well, first, cut out all the nagging and spanking.

[Buster Brown]

Yeah.

[Dr. Willard]

Next time he lies or misbehaves, weigh the crime, if you can call it that, very carefully. And as punishment, deprive him of something you feel is fair. Punishment for the deed committed. For instance, if it's a little thing, take a movie away from him. If it's a serious thing, well, maybe for two or three weeks. You fight.

[Tom Carey]

Whoa. Gee, I don't know, Doctor. In a way, we've tried that.

[Dr. Willard]

Have you tried it consistently?

[Tom Carey]

Well, no.

[Fred Carey]

It sounds good to me, doctor.

[Dr. Willard]

It is good. Deprive him of enough things in a fair manner, and believe me, the shoe'll pinch. He'll learn to appreciate these things you take away, too, because he'll miss them. But you have to give him a chance to earn them back, too. He must be fair in every instance.

[Fred Carey]

Earn him back?

[Tom Carey]

Yes.

[Dr. Willard]

When he does something good, reward him. When he's bad, take something away from him.

[Tom Carey]

By gosh, doctor, it makes sense. We will try it.

[Smilin Ed McConnell]

Oh, you bet your life. I know you're going to like this. Yes, sir. You know a good story when you hear it. You bet. Just like you know good shoes when you see them. That's why it's Buster Brown shoes for all of us. We're buddies and we stick together. We know Buster Browns are good shoes. Cause they're made good with good materials. Yes, and the men who make Buster Browns know just what my buddies want when it comes to style, too. That's why you just can't beat Buster Brown. Oh, they feel swell and they looks well. And they wear and wear and wear. You know, my gang wouldn't have any other kind of shoes than Buster Brown. And you'll want Buster Browns too. Then you'll be a real member of Smiling Ed's Buster Brown Gang. But just one rule we all remember. Be sure to look inside the shoe for that picture of the boy and his dog.

[Buster Brown]

That's my dog, Tig. He lives in a shoe. I'm Buster Brown. Look for me in there, too.

[Smilin Ed McConnell]

Yes, that's right. Look for the picture of the boy and his dog inside the shoe. Then you'll know they're genuine Buster Brown shoes. Now back to our story. Well, kids, you remember that Mr. And Mrs. Carey went to see Dr. Willard when their boy Tom became such a problem they couldn't handle him. They explained to Dr. Willard that the boy lied, wouldn't do his schoolwork, cheated and so forth. And no matter the punishment, it didn't seem to do any good. They were at their wits end. Then the doctor told them to quit spanking and nagging the boy and recommended they punish him by taking things away from him when he was bad and rewarding him when he was good. Sounded like a good plan. And they went home determined to try it.

[Tom Carey]

It's cold tonight. Hi, Pete. You always meet me at the door, don't you?

[Smilin Ed McConnell]

Good boy.

[Buster Brown]

Hey, Dan. Never mind, Pete. Listen to me. Where are my skis? I can never find anything.

[Tom Carey]

Your skis, son?

[Smilin Ed McConnell]

Why?

[Tom Carey]

They're locked in the attic.

[Buster Brown]

That's in the attic? I want to go skiing tomorrow after school. All the kids are going to Nolan's Hill.

[Fred Carey]

Hello, dear.

[Tom Carey]

Hi.

[Fred Carey]

No, you're not going, Tom.

[Buster Brown]

Huh? I'm not going.

[Tom Carey]

No.

[Buster Brown]

Oh, Mommy. You're crazy. You're not right. I'm going. What do you mean, I'm not going?

[Tom Carey]

Just this, Tommy. You're not going. You lied about your homework again. You told me last night you finished your homework. Your teacher called me today.

[Buster Brown]

She called you? Why, that old doe. Of course I finished my own.

[Tom Carey]

No, you do, Tommy. You didn't do your homework. Now, let's not make it any worse.

[Buster Brown]

She gives me a pain. She gives us too many problems. Who can do 20 problems?

[Fred Carey]

All the other children did them, Tom.

[Tom Carey]

You. You didn't try. You simply lied about it. And as we told you, from now on, when you're bad, you're going to pay for it. And when you're good, you'll be rewarded.

[Buster Brown]

And much you can tell that darn teacher she's. She's crazy. Come on, Pete. Let's go to bed.

[Tom Carey]

Just a minute, Tommy. Tommy, come here a minute.

[Buster Brown]

I'm gonna go to bed.

[Fred Carey]

You better let him go to bed there. He does need his sleep.

[Buster Brown]

Let him go. Of course he let me go. That old teacher Better lay off. Me too. Come on in, Pete. I'm gonna shut the door. Those skis. I hid my skis. Okay, let him hide my speed. I didn't want to go anyway. I'll show him. I got plans for tomorrow. Big plans.

[Smilin Ed McConnell]

Yes, Tom had plans, all right, and they weren't very good ones. Of course, the boy didn't realize that he was not only hurting his mother and father and teacher, but himself as well. Anyway, next day, after putting his big plans into effect, he came home. Then after dinner, his father spoke to him.

[Tom Carey]

Tom, your teacher called us again today. Why weren't you in school?

[Buster Brown]

I was in school. He's not.

[Tom Carey]

There's no point in lying, Tom. You skipped school.

[Buster Brown]

All right, where was I if I wasn't in school?

[Tom Carey]

You were at the uptown movie theater.

[Buster Brown]

I was not. I was not. How'd you know?

[Tom Carey]

Look, it's always useless to lie, Tommy. The girl at the ticket window knows you. We called and asked her, and she said she sold your ticket.

[Buster Brown]

Well, I know all the stuff we had for school today anyway.

[Tom Carey]

Tommy, I'm stopping your allowance. There'll be no more movie money until you decide to stop lying and cheating. Do you understand?

[Fred Carey]

Oh, Fred. Fred, I'm just frantic. Tommy should have been home hours ago. Do you think perhaps he could have met with an accident? It's so icy and he was riding his bike.

[Tom Carey]

Well, it is possible, of course, but. Oh, I doubt it. I'll certainly have to do something about this. He's coming home late for supper much too often.

[Fred Carey]

It's never as late as this, Fred. Why, it's after seven already.

[Tom Carey]

I know it. Well, it's about time. Young man, I've got a word to say to you.

[Buster Brown]

Gee, what have I done now? I didn't do nothing.

[Tom Carey]

Don't you know it's 10 after 7? You're supposed to be home at 5.

[Buster Brown]

I met the guys and we were throwing snowballs.

[Fred Carey]

But, Tom, Mother and dad are awfully worried about you. You know, we worry.

[Tom Carey]

Just a moment. Did you say you were throwing snowballs?

[Buster Brown]

Yeah. Yeah, that's what I said.

[Tom Carey]

Then how did you get the cold soot on your hands and face, huh?

[Buster Brown]

Oh, that's just dirt.

[Tom Carey]

Tommy. You were down to the railroad freight yards hopping rides on freight cars again, weren't you?

[Buster Brown]

I was not.

[Tom Carey]

Tommy, stop lying.

[Buster Brown]

Well, what if I was down at the railroad yards?

[Tom Carey]

Why? Now, look, son. You were told to stay away from the yards. You could be killed. Now, look, you didn't mind and you lied. Now, the railroad yards are too Far away to walk. So this is going to cost you your bicycle.

[Buster Brown]

Ah, who cares about that crummy old bike anyhow. Go ahead, take it.

[Dr. Willard]

What?

[Buster Brown]

Come on.

[Fred Carey]

Fred. I'm beginning to think Dr. Willard's wrong. It's taking things away from Tommy.

[Buster Brown]

It.

[Fred Carey]

It's making him worse. Fred.

[Tom Carey]

Yeah? I'll have to confess, dear. I called Dr. Willard today and told him the same thing you did.

[Fred Carey]

What did he say?

[Tom Carey]

Well, he said we've spoiled Tommy for 13 years. We can't unspoil him in a week. Oh, look, honey, we. We. We've got to stick to our guns. I don't know what else to do.

[Fred Carey]

More pot roast. Tommy, Another potato.

[Buster Brown]

Oh, gosh, no. Mom, I'm ready to bust.

[Tom Carey]

Yeah, you certainly stowed away a lot of food, son.

[Buster Brown]

Him how I'm neat it, too. I'm going ice skating tonight.

[Tom Carey]

Yeah, ice skating tonight? Look, you can't go ice skating, son. I passed the lake on the way home and the red flag. The danger signals raised.

[Buster Brown]

Oh, gee, I can be careful, dad.

[Tom Carey]

No, no, you can't. No one can tell where the ice is thin, son. I just can't let you go ice skating when the red flag is up.

[Fred Carey]

Why?

[Buster Brown]

Gee, dad.

[Fred Carey]

Well.

[Buster Brown]

Well, maybe you know best, dad, huh? Okay, I won't go. I got some arithmetic to do and history composition. I think I'd rather do that.

[Fred Carey]

That's a very sensible attitude, son. I'm awfully happy to see you taking an interest in your studies.

[Buster Brown]

Yep. Guess I'll get to it. Come on, Petey. Let's go up to my room. Good night, mom and dad. I'll just go to bed when I'm done.

[Fred Carey]

Good night, Tommy.

[Tom Carey]

Good night, Son. Well, did you hear what I heard?

[Fred Carey]

Yes, and I can hardly believe it.

[Tom Carey]

Marge, honey, I think we're really making progress.

[Fred Carey]

Isn't it wonderful? Now, wait. What else did Dr. Willard say? When Tommy does right reward him.

[Tom Carey]

Yeah, that's right. All right. If he does his homework, we will reward him. Hey, come on, honey. I'll help you with addition. Pardon me. Oh, dear. Well, I guess I've read about everything in the paper. Say, our son's awfully wet.

[Buster Brown]

Yes.

[Fred Carey]

There hasn't been a song from his room since he went up.

[Tom Carey]

Do you think we ought to give his bicycle back to him?

[Buster Brown]

Oh, yes.

[Fred Carey]

He misses the bike. I can tell.

[Tom Carey]

Sure he does. I think that's what's got him.

[Fred Carey]

Look, dear, he's been working hard for more than an hour. Why don't we both go in and tell him it'll make him happy, friend.

[Tom Carey]

All right, that's a deal. Come on, Tommy.

[Fred Carey]

Why, he's not here, Fred.

[Tom Carey]

It's cold in here. Well, no wonder the window's open. Marge, quick, see if his skates are hanging up in the closet.

[Fred Carey]

All right. Why, they're gone.

[Tom Carey]

And so's Pete. Well, he lied again. Very cleverly. We like losing. All right, come on.

[Fred Carey]

Where?

[Tom Carey]

We're going to the lake. Right or wrong, this time that kid gets the licking of his life. I'm through.

[Buster Brown]

Come on, Phoebe.