Campbell's Short Short Story xx-xx-xx- For Sentimental Reasons

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Campbell's Short Short Story For Sentimental Reasons"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Campbell's Short Short Story For Sentimental Reasons
• Release Date: February 12, 2025
• Description: Adventure into the Golden Age of Radio with timeless radio shows. Relive the era before television, where families gathered around the radio to enjoy classics like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet.

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Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Campbell's Short Short Story For Sentimental Reasons," listeners are treated to a heartwarming narrative that intertwines personal relationships with subtle product placement for Campbell's Tomato Juice. The story revolves around Sue and Dick Page, a young couple navigating the tumultuous waters of separation, all while their beloved dog, Jeremiah, becomes the unexpected catalyst for reconciliation.

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Story Synopsis

Act 1: The Breaking Point ([01:01] - [04:23])

The episode opens with Sue and Dick Page at the brink of divorce. Their disagreement centers around their dog, Jeremiah, leading to tension and emotional strain. Sue expresses indifference towards Dick's departure:

• Sue ([03:09]): "I have no interest whatever in where you go, Dick. You go where you like. I'll stay here with Jeremiah."

Linda Archer, Sue's best friend, attempts to mediate but inadvertently exacerbates the situation:

• Linda ([03:16]): "Jeremiah will be happier with you. He will not. The trouble with you is you don't understand dogs."

The couple agrees to share custody of Jeremiah, likening it to child custody, which sets the stage for ensuing conflicts.

Act 2: Attempts at Reconciliation ([05:04] - [07:58])

Sue, feeling remorseful, tries to bond with Jeremiah by taking him shopping:

• Sue ([06:03]): "Now, quiet, Jeremiah, honey, quiet. Mommy will come back with a nice great big pork chop for a fine th..."

However, Jeremiah escapes, leading to panic and blame between Sue and Linda:

• Sue ([06:47]): "Oh, now, nice big old pork chop for a fine fella. Jeremiah. Jeremiah. Oh. Oh, he's gone."

Linda scolds Sue for not securing Jeremiah properly:

• Linda ([07:11]): "You didn't fasten his leash to the steering wheel like I always told you."

Act 3: The Turning Point ([08:16] - [12:23])

The situation escalates when Jeremiah is reported lost, prompting Sue and Linda to confront each other. A crucial phone call reveals Linda's deeper feelings and connection to Dick:

• Linda ([10:52]): "Poor old guy. I wonder where he is."

Upon discovering a note Jeremiah carries, the truth unfolds:

• Sue ([12:00]): "Oh. First, listen. Look, you two. I've always given my wedding presents in Paris. Till I met you with Linda. I bet she had him."

Linda's heartfelt confession leads to the realization that Jeremiah symbolizes their enduring bond, ultimately bringing Sue and Dick back together:

• Sue ([12:23]): "Oh, Jeremiah. Oh, Dick."

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Character Analysis

• Sue Page: A devoted wife torn between her failing marriage and her love for Jeremiah. Her journey reflects the struggle between personal happiness and relational commitment.

• Dick Page: Sue's husband, whose initial decision to divorce sets off the chain of events. His character evolves as he confronts his feelings for both Sue and Jeremiah.

• Linda Archer: Sue's best friend, whose attempts to intervene reveal her own emotional ties to Dick, adding complexity to the narrative.

• Jeremiah: More than just a pet, Jeremiah embodies the sentimental bonds that can bridge human relationships. His presence is central to the story's resolution.

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Sentimentality and Emotional Bonds:

   • Jeremiah serves as a tangible representation of the couple's shared history and emotional connections. His role underscores how sentimental attachments can influence and mend fractured relationships.

2. Miscommunication and Misunderstanding:

   • The breakdown in communication between Sue and Linda highlights how misunderstandings can complicate personal relationships and lead to unintended consequences.

3. Reconciliation Through Shared Responsibility:

   • The struggle over Jeremiah's custody ultimately leads to a deeper understanding and reconciliation between Sue and Dick, emphasizing the importance of shared responsibilities in sustaining relationships.

4. The Role of Friends in Relationship Dynamics:

   • Linda's involvement introduces an external perspective on the couple's issues, illustrating how friends can both aid and complicate personal relationships.

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Notable Quotes with Attribution

• Sue on Indifference to Separation ([03:09]):

  "I have no interest whatever in where you go, Dick. You go where you like. I'll stay here with Jeremiah."

• Linda Criticizing Sue's Understanding of Dogs ([03:16]):

  "The trouble with you is you don't understand dogs."

• Sue Expressing Her Sadness Over Separation ([05:31]):

  "I'm not crying about Dick. I'm just sorry for Jeremiah."

• Linda Revealing Her Deeper Feelings ([10:43]):

  "He reminded me of you."

• Sue's Realization and Reconciliation ([12:23]):

  "Oh, Jeremiah. Oh, Dick."

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Conclusion

"Campbell's Short Short Story For Sentimental Reasons" masterfully blends a poignant narrative with subtle advertising, a hallmark of the Golden Age of Radio. Through the emotional journey of Sue and Dick Page, listeners are reminded of the enduring power of sentimental bonds and the complexities of human relationships. The episode not only entertains but also offers valuable insights into the dynamics of love, friendship, and the unintended avenues through which reconciliation can occur. As Jeremiah the dog proves, sometimes it takes a beloved pet to bring people back together, reaffirming that the smallest elements can have the most significant impacts on our lives.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Sue]

Perdio Sutra Bajo reduheron susores presente su solicitude Oimis moconel departmentamento de Oregon Es gratis basil. Yey. Servicios de ponibles.

[Dick]

Campbell's Short Short story For Sentimental Reasons. Starring Stella Adler of the New York Stage. Brought to you by Campbell's Tomato Juice.

[Linda]

The largest selling tomato ju.

[Dick]

Hi, neighbor. Hey, some job mowing all that lawn of yours, eh?

[Nelson]

Hi, Nelson.

[Dick]

You said it.

[Nelson]

Some job is right. Boy, am I hot and tired and thirsty.

[Dick]

Thirsty? Well, look, didn't you tell me you and Ellen had switched to Campbell's tomato juice? Sure.

[Nelson]

In honor of Nelson Case and Campbell's Tomato Juice. Mighty good breakfast beginner too, that Campbell's Tomato juice, all right.

[Dick]

But looky, my good neighbor, that same Campbell's tomato juice is also just about the grandest summertime or anytime thirst quencher you ever tasted. Not too sweet, you know, and not too tart. So its fresh tomato flavor makes it a natural, believe me. Hey, look here. If Ellen's the wife. I know she is. There's a can of Campbell's tomato juice in your refrigerator right now, tucked up against the freezing compartment, wouldn't you say? You're right. Yep.

[Nelson]

That's where Ellen keeps our Campbell's tomato juice.

[Dick]

Well, then just imagine that you're holding a tall glass of it right now, letting it trickle down your throat this very minute, cold and fresh tasting and. Hey, Bill, I haven't finished. Where you going? Oh, I get it. Hey, Bill, tell Ellen we both think she's a smart girl for keeping Campbell's Tomato Juice on hand so long. And now your Campbell's sh.

[Sue]

Short.

[Dick]

Short story For Sentimental Reasons. For Sentimental Reasons. The tale of a young couple who thought they knew what they wanted. Starring Stella Adler as Sue. With Charles Carroll of Valiant lady as Dick and Brad Barker as Jerem. Sue and Dick Page had come to the parting of the way. That was one thing, at least, on which they agreed. And as Linda Archer, Sue's best friend, would have told you, that was the one thing they never should have agreed on. But it was done. And sue and Dick were in the midst of that last conference before the actual separation.

[Sue]

I have no interest whatever in where you go, Dick. You go where you like. I'll stay here with Jeremiah.

[Linda]

My dear practically ex wife. Jeremiah goes where I go.

[Sue]

He does nothing of the sort.

[Linda]

Jeremiah will be happier with you. He will not. The trouble with you is you don't understand dogs.

[Sue]

Trouble with you as you. You. You don't understand Anything.

[Linda]

Nevertheless, Jeremiah comes with me.

[Sue]

He stays here.

[Linda]

Now, I don't want to argue anymore with you through, but Jeremiah stays with me. Here, here, Jeremiah. Come on. Wait, wait, wait. Now, we'll let Jeremiah settle this himself.

[Sue]

What do you mean?

[Linda]

We'll each call him and see who he comes to.

[Sue]

Oh, all right. Come here, Jeremiah. There, you see? Sorry, Jeremy.

[Linda]

Here, Jeremiah boy, do you. We love Adam boy. Jerem.

[Sue]

Jeremiah. Jeremiah. Come here. You are my little baby. This is what he say with his mommy.

[Linda]

Is that the way to talk to him? Come here, Jeremiah. Come here.

[Sue]

You see? Come here, Jeremiah.

[Dick]

No, no.

[Sue]

Come here, Jeremiah. You told him. What a. Now what are we going to do now?

[Linda]

I suppose we're going to have to divide him along with the rest of the wedding presents.

[Sue]

Cut him in two.

[Linda]

Oh, don't be silly. I mean, you keep him part of the time and I keep him part of the time.

[Sue]

Oh, you mean share his custody like children?

[Dick]

And so that was that. And Dick left him in Sue's custody for the first week. Well, a night or two later, Sue's friend Linda Archer came over for dinner. Linda's the one who thought this separation idea was pretty silly. You remember? And besides, she was the one who gave Jeremiah to Sue and Dick in the first place. So they were sitting, talking.

[Sue]

You're not really going to go through with the divorce so soon? I certainly am, Linda. You know, I don't believe you want to do that at all.

[Linda]

I do too.

[Sue]

Well, Dick doesn't. Dick's the one that suggested it. I think you're both young idiots. We've made up our minds, Linda. Fool. Oh, well, we have. What are you going to do about Jeremiah? We're going to share. Well, hello there, Jeremiah, old fellow. Hello, Jeremiah. Stopping your mouth? Oh, it's one of Dick's house slippery. How are you, clever dog? Oh, Jeremiah.

[Linda]

Aha.

[Sue]

There now. I told you you didn't mean this separation thing. Crying over an old slipper of Dick that way. I'm not crying about Dick. I'm just sorry for Jeremiah.

[Dick]

So the next day, still feeling sorry for Jeremiah, sue decided to make it up to him a little by taking.

[Linda]

Him shopping with her.

[Dick]

And Jeremiah liked that fine, sitting alongside her in the roadster, sniffing the air in style. And then they drew up at the butcher shop and Jeremiah nearly went crazy.

[Sue]

Now, quiet, Jeremiah, honey, quiet. Mommy will come back with a nice great big pork chop for a fine th. Now, you sit nice and quiet in the car. Mommy will be right back.

[Dick]

It was only a few minutes, really. Time enough to Buy a pound of bacon and some hamburger for tonight's supper. And the largest pork chop in the shop for Jeremiah. But when sue came back to the car.

[Sue]

Well, now, nice big old pork chop for a fine fella. Jeremiah. Jeremiah. Oh. Oh, he's gone. Jeremiah. Jeremiah. Oh, dear. Where are you?

[Linda]

Lots of dog ladies.

[Dick]

Dick.

[Sue]

Oh, you found him.

[Linda]

What's the idea of letting him run around loose?

[Sue]

I didn't let him run around loose. He jumped out of the car.

[Linda]

You didn't fasten his leash to the steering wheel like I always told you.

[Sue]

I don't have to do what you tell me anymore. I'll have you understand.

[Linda]

Well, you better take care of Jeremiah. If you lose him, I'll sue you.

[Sue]

I'm not going to lose him. I love him. Here, baby. Here's a pork chop.

[Linda]

Pork chops aren't good for him.

[Sue]

It's a nice pork chop, baby.

[Linda]

Well, you better not lose him. If it hadn't been for me today.

[Sue]

All right. Thank you, then. Now, if you'll take your foot off my car, I'll drive Jeremiah home. Move over, Jeremiah.

[Linda]

Time for the steering pole.

[Sue]

I will not.

[Linda]

And don't forget, Isla, that he's mine next week. Goodbye, Jeremiah.

[Dick]

Oh. Then it was next week. And Linda Archer volunteered to take Jeremiah over to Dick's place because sue simply couldn't bring herself to go back to the apartment, even to deliver Jeremiah. And two days went by and sue was pretty lonesome. Then the phone rang.

[Sue]

Hello?

[Linda]

Hello, darling. I mean, hello, Sue. Say, listen, I thought I was to have Jeremiah all week.

[Sue]

What are you talking about?

[Linda]

When he ran away from you, I brought him back. Seems to be the least you can do.

[Sue]

You mean Jeremiah isn't there?

[Linda]

You know doggone well he is.

[Sue]

Oh, Dick, no. Oh, Sue.

[Linda]

Yes. Now, listen. Bring him back here.

[Sue]

Oh, but I haven't got him, Dick, on it.

[Linda]

You haven't? Well, maybe he's visiting the pooch across the hall.

[Sue]

Dick, are you kidding me?

[Linda]

I am not. Say, are you kidding me?

[Sue]

Oh, Dick. Maybe he's lost. Dick. Maybe he's been run over by a truck.

[Nelson]

Well, we'll see.

[Sue]

Oh. Oh, Jeremiah.

[Dick]

And the next morning when the paper came, the first thing that struck Sue's eye was an advertisement in the lost and found column.

[Sue]

Lost, small, white and gray dog color bearing license number 1990. Answers to name Jeremiah Valued for sentimental reasons. Large reward. Oh, dear. I hate is lost. Hello, operator, give me 963, please. Hello?

[Linda]

Hello?

[Dick]

Hello?

[Sue]

Oh, hello, Dick. I just saw your ad in the paper. He is lost.

[Linda]

I'm afraid so, honey. See, I'm sorry.

[Sue]

Why didn't you tell me?

[Linda]

Well, it was my responsibility. I thought it was up to me. Oh, don't do that. Don't cry, darling.

[Sue]

Listen to me. Oh, I would do that.

[Linda]

Look, honey, wait. I'm coming over there.

[Dick]

And so, to put it all in one simple, declarative sentence, Dick did come over. And there they sat with sue still standing.

[Sue]

But when did it happen?

[Linda]

Last night. I. I had him out in the court tied up, and the janitor's kid was watching him, I thought.

[Sue]

And. And you thought I kidnapped him?

[Linda]

Well, the kid said he saw him following a lady around the corner and came to tell me about it. I naturally thought it was you, Dick.

[Sue]

Why? Why did you say in the ad you valued him for sentimental reasons?

[Linda]

Well, Jeremiah's more than just a dog or two.

[Sue]

He.

[Linda]

He reminded me of you.

[Sue]

Oh, Dick. He reminded me of you.

[Linda]

Oh, darling.

[Sue]

Dick.

[Linda]

Oh, honey, you were such fools.

[Sue]

I've missed you so. Oh, the telephone. Hello? Hello, Sue? Oh, hello, Linda? Sue, where's Dick? Dick? Dick's right where he belongs. He's with me. Oh, Linda. Oh, she hung up.

[Linda]

Well, the dickens were there. Come over here instead of my lad.

[Sue]

Oh, Dick, darling. Now we've got to find Jeremiah.

[Linda]

Think what he's done for us.

[Sue]

If it hadn't been for him, we'd have gone on and got a divorce.

[Linda]

Poor old guy. I wonder where he is.

[Sue]

Oh, Dick, what would we do without Jeremiah?

[Linda]

We've got to find him. I'll go down to the dog pound.

[Sue]

What's that?

[Linda]

What it sounds like.

[Sue]

Jeremiah.

[Linda]

Jeremiah. Well, how did.

[Dick]

How did he get here?

[Linda]

Where did he come from?

[Sue]

Look, Dick, on his collar.

[Linda]

It's a note, then.

[Sue]

Dear old fellow. That's why we see what this is.

[Linda]

Hey, read it, honey.

[Sue]

Well. Oh, first, listen. Look, you two. I've always given my wedding presents in Paris. Till I met you with Linda. I bet she had him.

[Linda]

Jeremiah cannot be divided, and neither can you. So I borrowed him for sentimental reasons, and I am returning him for the same. See that you live up to them. Love, Linda.

[Sue]

Oh, Jeremiah. Oh, Dick.

[Dick]

Oh, cool. Well, after all, a dog can get sentimental about people too. I'll tell you about Wednesday's story in a moment. But now, what would you think would be the fairest, most convincing thing I could say to get you to try Campbell's tomato juice?

[Nelson]

Well, if you don't mind my horning in, Mr. Case, I'll answer that.

[Dick]

All right.

[Nelson]

I'll be Campbell's, and you be Mr. John Q. Public and Wife.

[Dick]

Okay, go ahead.

[Nelson]

Well, here's what I'd say. We've got a good product here in Campbell's Tomato Juice. Fact of the matter is, Campbell's outsells every other brand of tomato juice in America. And that means something in any language. So here's what we'd like to have you do. Just buy one can of Campbell's tomato juice, take it home, chill it in your refrigerator right beside the brand of tomato juice you're now using. Then tomorrow at breakfast time, open them both, Campbell's and that other brand, pour out a glass of each for you and your wife, take a sip of the other brand, then a sip of Campbell tomato juice and compare them. Will you do that?

[Dick]

Why, yes. Being as Mr. And Mrs. Public, that sounds fair enough. But suppose this Mr. And Mrs. Don't like Campbell's Tomato Juice better.

[Nelson]

I'm not worrying much about that. My worry is to get you to try it. Try it and see if that fresh tomato flavor of Campbell's Tomato juice, that tang and zest, that Campbell's specially grown tomatoes give it, don't win. You both over. There you are, Mr. Case. No pun intended, but I think I've built up the case for Campbell's Tomato Juice.

[Dick]

All right. I think you have. Yes. Because that's all we at Campbell's ask anybody to do. Just T R Y. Try Campbell's Tomato Juice. How about it? Will you? At your house each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Campbell's Tomato Juice brings you Campbell's Short short story. Wednesday at this same time, our story will be. Wrong Number, please. This is Nelson Case inviting you to tune in Wednesday for Wrong Number, Please. Presented with the compliment of Campbell's Tomato Juice. Now, please keep listening for the story of Martha Webster, which follows.