Christopher London 19xx.xx.xx With James Gleason

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Christopher London 19xx.xx.xx With James Gleason"

Episode Overview Released on June 2, 2025, the "Harold's Old Time Radio" episode titled "Christopher London 19xx.xx.xx With James Gleason" transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Harolds Old Time Radio, this episode features James Gleason portraying Hap Donald in a heartfelt Christmas story titled "Christmas with Love." The narrative unfolds at Runaway Ranch, a serene Nevada dude ranch, where familial bonds are tested and ultimately rekindled amidst unforeseen challenges.

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1. Introduction and Setting [00:33 – 03:00]

James Gleason opens the story by introducing himself as Hap Donald, the foreman at Runaway Ranch. He sets the scene during the Christmas season, a time when the ranch is typically quiet between guest seasons. However, this year is different as an attractive young woman, Margo Mason, remains at the ranch over the holidays.

Notable Quote:

“It’s a story that happened at Christmas time to some very nice people who almost made a grave and serious mistake in their lives. I think you’re going to like it.”
— Jim Gleason as Hap Donald [00:45]

Key Points:

• Hap Donald's role as a fatherly figure to the ranch's guests.
• Introduction of Margo Mason, a young woman staying at the ranch over Christmas.
• Margo’s interaction with Tomas Ortega, the major domo, hints at underlying tensions.

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2. Character Introduction and Tensions [03:00 – 11:00]

Margo Mason discusses her decision to bring her son, Jimmy, to the ranch instead of sending him to boarding school in Connecticut as her husband, Larry Mason, preferred. The conversation reveals that Margo and Larry are undergoing a separation, with the future of their relationship uncertain.

Notable Quotes:

“Jimmy’s father wanted him to go to New York for the holidays, but I thought it would be nice for Jimmy to see the West. I guess it was selfish of me.”
— Margo Mason [02:58]

“Ain’t none of my business, Mrs. Mason.”
— Jim Gleason as Hap Donald [06:07]

Key Points:

• Margo's internal conflict about her marriage and her son's upbringing.
• Hap Donald’s neutral stance on the marital issues, emphasizing his role as a confidant.
• The establishment of a strained family dynamic, setting the stage for upcoming events.

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3. The Accident and Initial Rescue Efforts [11:00 – 19:00]

During a trail ride through snow-covered terrain, Jimmy Mason falls off a cliff, leading to a life-threatening situation. Hap Donald attempts to rescue Jimmy but realizes the severity of the accident and seeks help from the nearest ranger station. Margo, upon receiving the distress call, contacts her husband Larry in New York for assistance.

Notable Quotes:

“Little Jimmy Mason slipped away, ran toward the cliff. One of those things that happened in the blink of an eye.”
— Jim Gleason as Hap Donald [14:12]

“We don’t know. Fell off a cliff. Rangers are bringing in some rescue equipment.”
— Jim Gleason as Hap Donald [15:14]

Key Points:

• The sudden and dramatic turn of events with Jimmy's accident.
• Hap Donald’s swift decision to seek external help, highlighting his responsibility.
• Margo’s panic and subsequent call to Larry Mason, adding urgency to the situation.
• The portrayal of isolation and the challenges of conducting a rescue in harsh weather conditions.

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4. Rescue Operations and Emotional Turmoil [19:00 – 27:00]

The rescue team, led by a lone ranger, endeavors to save Jimmy amidst worsening weather. Larry Mason dispatches to aid in the rescue, reflecting the strain on his relationship with Margo. The tension between personal emergencies and familial obligations becomes palpable as the story progresses toward resolution.

Notable Quotes:

“Don’t do that, Ms. Mason. You couldn’t do a thing to help.”
— Jim Gleason as Hap Donald [18:42]

“We need it.”
— Ranger [16:00]

Key Points:

• Detailed depiction of the rescue process, emphasizing teamwork and urgency.
• Margo’s struggle to maintain composure while dealing with the crisis.
• Larry Mason’s swift response contrasts with the existing marital strains, hinting at underlying love and responsibility.
• The community effort to save Jimmy underscores themes of solidarity and resilience.

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5. Resolution and Reconciliation [27:00 – 24:05]

Jimmy is successfully rescued with minor injuries, alleviating immediate fears. The shared ordeal brings Margo and Larry closer, which paves the way for reconciling their relationship. The final scenes depict a harmonious Christmas celebration, symbolizing renewed familial bonds and the healing power of crisis.

Notable Quotes:

“He looks like his father. Jimmy and Hap should be getting back soon, don’t you think?”
— Margo Mason [08:52]

“Care to see how Champ’s getting along. You feel up to it, do you?”
— Jim Gleason as Hap Donald [23:54]

Key Points:

• The miraculous rescue serves as a catalyst for Margo and Larry to reassess their relationship.
• The symbolic Christmas tree, which Larry initially attempted to retrieve, becomes a centerpiece for reunion and reflection.
• Tomas Ortega’s subtle interactions hint at possible new beginnings for other characters.
• The story concludes with a message of hope, love, and the importance of family unity during the holidays.

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6. Conclusion and Final Reflections [24:05 – End]

James Gleason wraps up the episode with a heartfelt farewell, expressing gratitude to the cast and directing listeners to embrace happiness and prosperity in the coming year. The narrative leaves listeners with a warm, uplifting message quintessential to the holiday spirit.

Notable Quote:

“May I wish you and yours much happiness, prosperity during all the days of the coming year. Goodbye now.”
— Jim Gleason as Hap Donald [26:22]

Key Points:

• The closing remarks reinforce the themes of love, reconciliation, and the enduring spirit of Christmas.
• Acknowledgment of the talented cast and crew highlights the collaborative effort in storytelling.
• The episode leaves a lasting impression of warmth and the importance of overcoming personal struggles for the sake of family.

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Final Thoughts

"Christmas with Love" is a poignant tale that masterfully blends drama, emotion, and the timeless charm of old-time radio storytelling. Through Hap Donald’s character, listeners witness the complexities of familial relationships, the trials of unexpected crises, and the redemptive power of love and unity. James Gleason’s portrayal brings depth and authenticity to the narrative, making it a memorable addition to Harold's Old Time Radio collection.

Notable Quote Recap:

• “It’s a story that happened at Christmas time...” – Jim Gleason as Hap Donald [00:45]
• “We don’t know. Fell off a cliff...” – Jim Gleason as Hap Donald [15:14]
• “He looks like his father...” – Margo Mason [08:52]
• “May I wish you and yours much happiness...” – Jim Gleason as Hap Donald [26:22]

Listeners who appreciate classic radio dramas will find "Christmas with Love" both engaging and emotionally resonant, capturing the essence of the holiday season through compelling characters and a heartfelt storyline.

Transcript

[Expedia]

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[Jim Gleason]

Hello, I'm Jim Gleason. We met before many times, but today I have a very special privilege. It's to share a Christmas story with you. Maybe it's a sort of unusual Christmas story because there are no sleigh bells, prancing reindeer, or jolly little men coming down chimneys, but it's a story that happened at Christmas time to some very nice people who almost made a grave and serious mistake in their lives. I think you're going to like it. It's called Christmas with Love. We're going to bring you this story in just a moment after we hear the special Christmas mess. This is Jim Gleason again with our story, Christmas with Love. I played a part of Hap Donald, top hand at Runaway Ranch. Sort of father confessor to women of assorted ages, sizes and shapes who maintain residence at Runaway Ranch for the required six weeks. Yeah, I see you've guessed it. Yep, we're a Nevada dude ranch. Usually at Christmas time, our guests have finished their stays and departed. We're sort of between seasons, waiting for the new arrivals to descend on us after the first of the year. But this Christmas, we had an attractive young woman who was staying over the holidays. Her name was Margo Mason, and as I walked into the lobby of the main lodge that morning, found her talking to Tomas Ortega, our major domo of the dining room.

[Tomas Ortega]

Well, you see, most everyone tries to arrive here not later than the first week in November. So their, shall we say, mission is concluded well before the holidays.

[Margo Mason]

Well, it's rather stupid of me, I guess, not to figure to get it over with before now. I was a little unprepared for this kind of thing, you know.

[Tomas Ortega]

That is understandable, Mrs. Mason. Ah, hap. You have come to drive Mrs. Mason to the airport?

[Jim Gleason]

Sure, Tomas. Morning, Ms. Mason. I just called into town. The plane's gonna be a little late. They always buck headwinds from the east, you know. We'll need to leave yet, I'm afraid.

[Margo Mason]

Jimmy will be lonely here this Christmas. Larry, Jimmy's father, wanted him to go to New York for the holidays, but I thought it would be nice for Jimmy to see the West. I guess it was selfish of me.

[Tomas Ortega]

How old is your son, Mrs. Mason?

[Margo Mason]

Oh, he'll. He'll be 11 in February. Getting to be quite a Young man you know.

[Jim Gleason]

I'll bet he is. You said he was in boarding school back east.

[Margo Mason]

Yes, in Connecticut. He's in the fourth form.

[Jim Gleason]

What's he planned to be when he grows up?

[Margo Mason]

At his age? Who knows? A year or so ago. He always said he wanted to be a flyer like his father.

[Tomas Ortega]

His father is a pilot?

[Margo Mason]

Not anymore. He flew bombers in the last war. Tomas.

[Tomas Ortega]

Yes, Mrs. Messen?

[Margo Mason]

Please change this for me.

[Tomas Ortega]

Surely. There you are.

[Margo Mason]

Okay, thank you. I'll be in the game room, Hap, when you're ready to leave for the airport.

[Jim Gleason]

Margot Mason, hair like a Nevada sunset and figures trim as a sports car, went into the small game room off the lobby. But she didn't go to the Royal slot machines. Instead, she walked to the jukebox, inserted a coin and selected again the same tune she'd been playing over and over ever since she'd arrived at Runaway Range. Sort of a melancholy song that got under your skin after a while.

[Jimmy Mason]

Love comes along Harden your heart.

[Jim Gleason]

To my side, kids. Carrying a torch like an atom bomb.

[Tomas Ortega]

Mushroom sure is nice young lady too. Now why do you suppose she wants a divorce?

[Jim Gleason]

I gave up a long time ago trying to figure out an answer to that. Some of these hard eyed dames only make you feel sorry for the husband. But a real fine person like Ms. Mason, well, maybe her husband's a heel. Then you figure, how would a nice girl like that ever fall for a heel?

[Tomas Ortega]

Maybe. What is that saying you have in this country? Love is blind.

[Jim Gleason]

I think her husband's the one who's blind. Letting something like that get away from him. Funny world, Tomas. I guess even out in this lonely spot, we see more of it than most people see.

[Tomas Ortega]

Say, is it not time for the airplane hop?

[Jim Gleason]

Yep. Better get going. We'll be back in time for lunch.

[Jimmy Mason]

Till you come back.

[Margo Mason]

Oh, hat. What'll I say to Jimmy?

[Jim Gleason]

He's your son, ain't he? He knows why you're here.

[Margo Mason]

Yes, but I'm sure he doesn't approve.

[Jim Gleason]

You hardly expect a boy will have him to approve his parents being divorced, would you?

[Margo Mason]

That's unkind, Hap.

[Jim Gleason]

I'm sorry. I forgot myself a moment.

[Margo Mason]

You don't approve either. Do you have?

[Jim Gleason]

Ain't none of my business, Mrs. Mason. Well, the ramp's in place. Door's open.

[Margo Mason]

Oh, and there's Jimmy. Oh, my, how he's grown. Do you think he sees me?

[Jim Gleason]

Jimmy? He'll be here in just a minute. Not many passengers on this flight. Jimmy.

[Margo Mason]

Over here, dear.

[Jimmy Mason]

Hello, mother.

[Margo Mason]

Did you have a nice Trip, dear?

[Jim Gleason]

Sure did.

[Larry Mason]

Golly. When the captain found out that dad had been a pilot in the war, he let me ride up in the cockpit. I even sat in the co pilot's seat.

[Margo Mason]

Oh, Jimmy, I'm so glad to see you. Oh, this is Mr. Donald, dear. Hap Donald. He's the foreman at the ranch where we're staying.

[Larry Mason]

How do you do, Mr. Donald?

[Jim Gleason]

Hi, Jimmy.

[Margo Mason]

Jimmy, dear, let Hap have the check for your bag and he'll get it for you.

[Larry Mason]

It's in my pocket here somewhere. I had it just before I got off the plane. Oh, here it is.

[Jim Gleason]

I'll get the bag. Meet you and your mother at the car.

[Margo Mason]

Jimmy, I want this to be a very happy Christmas for both of us. We'll ride and hike and have a wonderful time.

[Larry Mason]

Yes, Mother.

[Margo Mason]

And I'm sure Hap will take you on a trail ride.

[Larry Mason]

Yes, Mother.

[Margo Mason]

Leave Hap with your back. You can ride in front with him.

[Larry Mason]

Okay.

[Jim Gleason]

All set, Ms. Mason. I'll just put Jimmy's bag back in the back seat with you. I won't bother to open the tailgate. All right.

[Margo Mason]

Surely.

[Jim Gleason]

About 20 mile drive, Jimmy. And we'll be at runaway range.

[Jimmy Mason]

To me.

[Tomas Ortega]

You are very fond of that song, aren't you, Mrs. Mason?

[Margo Mason]

Yes, I am, Thomas. I have a lot of memories wrapped up in those words. My husband used to sing them to me before we were married. Oh, that was before he went overseas in 43. May I have another one, please, Tomas?

[Tomas Ortega]

Sure.

[Margo Mason]

Thanks. I wanted to get married then, but Larry said no to wait until he got back.

[Tomas Ortega]

He came home when the war was over?

[Margo Mason]

Yes, but in a cast. Two years in hospitals. After that, we were married.

[Tomas Ortega]

Your son Jimmy is a very handsome boy.

[Margo Mason]

He looks like his father. Jimmy and Hap should be getting back soon, don't you think?

[Tomas Ortega]

Hap never makes a definite time of return from a trail ride. He is a good foreman. He knows the mountains and the woods. Do not worry.

[Margo Mason]

Oh, I'm not. It's just that he and Jimmy have been gone two days and I'm lonesome.

[Tomas Ortega]

Why did you not go with them, Mrs. Mason?

[Margo Mason]

Well, they were going across the state line into the snow country. I'm supposed to stay right in Nevada for six weeks to establish residence on. I didn't go.

[Tomas Ortega]

And that is too bad. You should spend as much time as you can with your son.

[Margo Mason]

I know. Sometimes we can't do or even say the things we want. Even at Christmas time. We're going to have a Christmas tree here in the lodge, Tomas.

[Tomas Ortega]

Of course, Mrs. Mason. Didn't you hear Hap say that he and Jimmy were going to get the biggest and most beautiful one they could carry and bring it in?

[Margo Mason]

Maybe Jimmy and I can trim it on Christmas Eve. Oh, may I have some change, please? To us?

[Tomas Ortega]

Of course.

[Margo Mason]

Thanks.

[Jim Gleason]

This looks like a good spot. Jimmy ought to find a good tree around here.

[Larry Mason]

There's one over there, but that's too big, isn't it?

[Jim Gleason]

Yeah. We'd never get that one into the lodge, let alone trying to bag it all the way home.

[Larry Mason]

It's sure blowing hard. Do you think there'll be more snow?

[Jim Gleason]

Any minute now. We'll just get our tree and then head back to the ranch.

[Larry Mason]

Gee, this is fun, Hap. Even Champ's having a good time.

[Jim Gleason]

Old Champ loves the woods, especially when there's boy long. Champ don't get much chance to play with boys. Mostly all women at Runaway Ranch.

[Larry Mason]

Yeah, dames. Why do people get divorced, Tap?

[Jim Gleason]

Oh, I guess there's lots of reasons, Jimmy. Sometimes married folks just sort of drift apart. Maybe they don't have interests that hold them together sometimes.

[Larry Mason]

Maybe they have interests and don't take care of it.

[Jim Gleason]

Like what, Jimmy?

[Margo Mason]

Me.

[Jim Gleason]

I can't believe that, son.

[Larry Mason]

Then why do I have to go away to school all winter and go to camp all summer?

[Jim Gleason]

Well, don't you like school and camp?

[Larry Mason]

I'd rather be home.

[Jim Gleason]

Now, you quit feeling sorry for yourself, fella. We got a job to do. Right now, let's us find that tree.

[Larry Mason]

Okay. I'll scout that ridge over to the right.

[Jim Gleason]

No, no, no. You stay close to me. This snow's getting thick. The way it's blowing, we could get lost within 20ft. You see, your horses are even getting restless. I guess we better forget the tree and head for the ranch.

[Larry Mason]

Please, Hap. There's a tree just over the rise there. I know it'll be right. I'll go and try and get it.

[Jim Gleason]

Jimmy. Hey, Jimmy, come back here. Jimmy. Jimmy. That's a. There's a cliff over there.

[Margo Mason]

Help.

[Ranger]

Help. Help.

[Margo Mason]

I'm falling.

[Jim Gleason]

Jimmy. Jimmy. Jimmy.

[Larry Mason]

I'm down here. I'm caught on a tree.

[Jim Gleason]

Hang on. Hang on, Jimmy. We'll get you. Come on. It's no use, Champ. We can't get down that cliff. I'll have to ride to the ranger station and get help. You stay here, Champ. Stay here, boy. I'll be back as soon as I can. In just a moment, we'll return to our story. But right now, here is a message that all of us want to hear. This is Jim Gleason again playing the part of Half Donald in our story, Christmas With Love. As foreman Runaway Ranch, I'd always pride myself on my ability in the woods and with being able to take care of myself and our guests under any circumstances. Then little Jimmy Mason slipped away, ran toward the cliff. One of those things that happened in the blink of an eye. Of course, I chewed myself out for letting it happen. But low dragging, my lack of brains wasn't going to get Jimmy back up that cliff. He needed help and some fast. I left our big shepherd champ as guard at the place where Jimmy fell and rode over the ranger station, which I knew was only a couple of miles over the next ridge. Snow was coming down fast, and I didn't make very good time. When I reached the station, I found only one ranger on duty. Rest of the crew was out helping some stalled motorists on the Truckee road. Ranger alerted the rescue unit on the short wave radio while I called back home to the range. Hello? Hello, operator? Hello? This is an emergency. Get me state line 4632 and hurry, please. Come on, come on. Runaway Ranch. Merry Christmas. The same to you. Look to Mus. This is Hap. I got trouble.

[Ranger]

What is it? Happened?

[Jim Gleason]

Little Jimmy Mason had an accident. Is his mother there?

[Ranger]

Yes, but should you tell her?

[Jim Gleason]

Of course I'll tell her. Grown woman, ain't she? Let me talk to her.

[Ranger]

Okay.

[Tomas Ortega]

Just a minute.

[Jim Gleason]

Should I tell her? Should I? Holy hopped up. Harmony. What's a mother fur if you're not to hear? Trouble?

[Margo Mason]

Hello?

[Jim Gleason]

Look, Ms. Mason, got some bad news for you. I'm at the ranger station over in Placer County. Jimmy had an accident.

[Margo Mason]

Oh, no. It hurt?

[Jim Gleason]

We don't know. Fell off a cliff. Rangers are bringing in some rescue equipment. We'll have him out soon.

[Margo Mason]

I knew I shouldn't have brought him out here. What am I going to do?

[Jim Gleason]

Well, the first thing. Get hold of yourself. Don't go to pieces. I think you better call your husband in New York.

[Margo Mason]

Yes, yes, I'll do that. And then I'll get out where you are as fast as I can.

[Jim Gleason]

No, you stay where you are.

[Ranger]

Roads are almost impassable.

[Jim Gleason]

Better see what your husband suggests.

[Ranger]

Maybe he'll want to fly out.

[Margo Mason]

Oh, yes. Yes, that's a good idea. He'll be frantic about Jimmy.

[Jim Gleason]

I gotta go now. We'll do everything we can. Tell your husband we think Jimmy'll be all right. And Ms. Mason.

[Margo Mason]

Yes?

[Jim Gleason]

You know how to pray, don't you?

[Margo Mason]

I? Yes. Yes, of course.

[Ranger]

Well, get busy. We're need it.

[Tomas Ortega]

I'm so sorry, Mrs. Mason. But don't worry. Hap will do everything he can. He's a good man in the woods.

[Margo Mason]

Well, then why didn't he. Oh, no, I. I don't mean that. I'm sorry, Tomas. Look, I've got to call New York right away. May I use his phone?

[Tomas Ortega]

Of course.

[Margo Mason]

I hope I can get him at the office. I don't know where he's living since we gave up the apartment. What time is it in New York, Tomas?

[Tomas Ortega]

Let me see. I think it's about half past four, Mrs. Mason.

[Margo Mason]

He's probably still at the office. Operator, this is a person to person call to Mr. Lawrence Mason at Plaza 94620 in New York City. An operator, please rush it through. This is an emergency. Yes, I'll wait.

[Tomas Ortega]

Can I get you something, Mrs. Mason?

[Margo Mason]

Nothing, thanks to Mass. Tomas.

[Tomas Ortega]

Yes, Mrs. Messen.

[Margo Mason]

You're going home for Christmas.

[Tomas Ortega]

This is my home, Mrs. Mason.

[Margo Mason]

Then you're not married?

[Tomas Ortega]

No.

[Margo Mason]

Oh, yes. Operator. Hello? Hello, Larry? Yes, Larry, this is Margo.

[Tomas Ortega]

Oh, yes, Margo.

[Ranger]

Merry Christmas.

[Margo Mason]

Larry, something terrible's happened. Jimmy's had an accident.

[Ranger]

What happened? Is he badly hurt?

[Margo Mason]

We don't know. Can you come out here right away?

[Ranger]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. What do you mean you don't know if he's badly hurt?

[Margo Mason]

Jimmy was on a trail ride and he fell down a cliff. They're trying to rescue him now.

[Jim Gleason]

Who's with him?

[Margo Mason]

How did it happen? Jimmy went into the snow country with a foreman of the ranch, Hap Donald. Hap called from the ranger station to tell me. Oh, Larry, what can I do?

[Ranger]

Nothing much, I guess. Just sit tight where you are.

[Margo Mason]

Well, Larry, can. Can you come out here?

[Ranger]

I'll take the first plane I can. I'll probably be there in the morning. I'll send you a wire.

[Margo Mason]

Good. Larry, will this upset your plans for Christmas?

[Ranger]

Plans? What plans are as important as this?

[Margo Mason]

Oh, thanks, Larry. I'll meet you at the airport. And Larry.

[Ranger]

Yes, Margo, I.

[Margo Mason]

Nothing, Larry. Goodbye.

[Ranger]

Goodbye, Margo.

[Margo Mason]

Well, my husband will be out on the first plane, probably in the morning.

[Tomas Ortega]

That is good, Signora. Hello, Runaway Ranch.

[Ranger]

Hello, Tomas? Is Ms. Mason here?

[Tomas Ortega]

Yes, just a minute. For you.

[Margo Mason]

Hello, Hap.

[Jim Gleason]

Ms. Mason. Just want you to know that the rangers are rescue equipment on the job.

[Ranger]

We're starting down after Jimmy.

[Jim Gleason]

This is a short wave phone from a ranger mobile unit. Over.

[Margo Mason]

Oh, Hap, I. I want to come over there. Can I get there by car?

[Ranger]

Please?

[Jim Gleason]

Don't do that, Ms. Mason. You couldn't do a thing to help. As soon as we get Jimmy out and arrange the truck, we'll rush him to hospital.

[Ranger]

Over.

[Margo Mason]

What hospital? I'll go there.

[Jim Gleason]

Look, I'll call you as soon as we get Jimmy out.

[Ranger]

We got a winch truck and I'm.

[Jim Gleason]

Going down the face of the cliff.

[Ranger]

Over.

[Margo Mason]

Please hurry, Hap, and let me know just as soon as you can.

[Jim Gleason]

Okay. Over and out. All right. Good. Now let me down slowly now. Good. That's fine. Jimmy, can you hear me?

[Larry Mason]

Yes, Pap.

[Jim Gleason]

Okay, boy. We'll have you out in the jiffy.

[Larry Mason]

It's pretty cold down here.

[Jim Gleason]

Yes, I know. Just a minute now, and I'll be down there.

[Larry Mason]

I'm glad Champ found me. Yup.

[Margo Mason]

Keep me warm, huh?

[Jim Gleason]

Oh, good boy, Champ. I wondered what happened to you. How'd you get down here?

[Larry Mason]

He crawled along this ledge here. He must have found a path down the cliff.

[Jim Gleason]

Now, let's see about you, young fella. Any broken bones?

[Larry Mason]

I don't know. My arm hurts awful bad.

[Jim Gleason]

Oh, looks like you snapped it, kid. You're frozen. Here. Here's some hot soup. Now, I'll drink it while I get this sling ready. You sure your back feels all right?

[Larry Mason]

I. I think so. It's just my arm. Help.

[Jim Gleason]

Good, good, good. There. We'll have you out of here in no time.

[Larry Mason]

How about Champ? How do we get him up the cliff?

[Jim Gleason]

Don't you worry about champions. You get up same way he got down, won't you, boy? Yeah.

[Larry Mason]

Are you coming up with me?

[Jim Gleason]

Yep. I'll ride the cable right up with you. Now, are we all set? Here we go.

[Larry Mason]

Help. I. I feel so sick. And my arm hurts.

[Margo Mason]

So. Are.

[Larry Mason]

Are we almost there?

[Jim Gleason]

Almost. Almost. Now. Now, look. Now, come on. Now, don't you pass out on me now. Okay. On the winch. Take us upstairs.

[Margo Mason]

Larry. Larry. Here, Margo.

[Tomas Ortega]

How's Jimmy?

[Margo Mason]

He's all right. Larry. A broken arm and a slight crack, but nothing serious, thank God.

[Tomas Ortega]

Oh, it's wonderful news. I've been so worried this last hour. Running late against those headwinds. I thought we'd never get here.

[Margo Mason]

The car's over this way. We'll stop for your bag.

[Tomas Ortega]

Didn't stop to pack one. I rushed right out the airport. There's not even a toothbrush. Oh, say, tomorrow's Christmas. I'll have to get something for Jimmy. Will you drive me back to town after I see him?

[Margo Mason]

Of course. I bought a few things for him, but I'd like to get some more. We'll go shopping together. That'll be fun.

[Tomas Ortega]

Yeah. Like old times. Margo?

[Margo Mason]

Yes, Larry?

[Tomas Ortega]

Nothing. I was just wondering what you'd like for Christmas.

[Margo Mason]

Nothing, Larry, really. I'm gonna have a fine Christmas.

[Jim Gleason]

Sure.

[Tomas Ortega]

I forgot. Sorry. This car.

[Margo Mason]

Uh huh. Get in. I'll drive.

[Tomas Ortega]

Okay. Slide in this side. How far is it to the ranch?

[Margo Mason]

About 20 miles. Why?

[Tomas Ortega]

Thought maybe you and I could talk.

[Margo Mason]

What about, Larry?

[Tomas Ortega]

Oh, you know, about us. And whether or not we're making a mistake.

[Margo Mason]

It's a little late, isn't it? We talked that all out in New York before I came west.

[Tomas Ortega]

Yeah, I suppose you're right.

[Jim Gleason]

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Oh, what fun. Christmas fun in the banner.

[Margo Mason]

You and a.

[Larry Mason]

Gee, dad and Ma, this is the best Christmas ever. Say, Hap.

[Jim Gleason]

Yes, Jimmy?

[Larry Mason]

Isn't that the very same Christmas tree I was trying to get when I fell off the cliff?

[Jim Gleason]

Now, Jimmy, you know all Christmas trees look alike.

[Larry Mason]

Not that one. No, sir. I know that's the very same tree.

[Margo Mason]

Well, if it isn't Jimmy Hap. Sure took your father and me on a long, long trip to get it.

[Tomas Ortega]

Well, it was in snow country and I'm betting it's the very same tree.

[Margo Mason]

Well, all the gifts have been passed out. Larry, the bracelet was lovely. Thanks so much.

[Tomas Ortega]

I'm glad you liked it. Well, there's no real significance, you understand. No, no. The two hearts just somehow made me think of you.

[Larry Mason]

Dad.

[Tomas Ortega]

Yeah, Jim.

[Larry Mason]

I don't see how you could ever forget, Mom.

[Tomas Ortega]

It isn't easy, son.

[Jim Gleason]

Oh, Jimmy. What'd you say we'd take a little walk down to corral? Want to see how Champ's getting along. You feel up to it, do you?

[Larry Mason]

Sure, Hap. Doctor said except for my broken arm, I'm as good as ever. Okay, mom, can I go?

[Margo Mason]

Surely, dear. Run along.

[Jim Gleason]

Jimmy and I crossed the lobby of the main lodge. But before we went out and down the corral, we walked into the game room. Tomas was over by the cash register, so I changed a quarter in a nickel and Jimmy and me crossed to the jukebox in the corner. Demi caught on right away. He reached up his hand and I give him the three nickels. He put all of them into the slot. Mark, harden your heart. The old tune his mother and father had done their courting by in the early days of the war. Like a lot of pop tunes, it was staging a comeback. Machine clicked, lights come on and the selector picked out the record. And as the tune started, Jimmy and I slipped out the side door of the game room. We had to walk past the lobby windows and we somehow just couldn't resist taking a peek through the. The curtains. What do you think? We seen Guess who. You guessed it. Stand in front of the Christmas tree with more stars in the rise. And there were lights on the tree. We seen Jimmy's mama and dad. I know we should have hurried away, but I guess Jimmy and me are just a couple of old peeping tones. It's not every Christmas, you know. You get to see some really nice folks kiss and make up. And mean it.

[Jimmy Mason]

You again. Harden your heart Keep love apart Till you come back to me Jam.

[Jim Gleason]

This is Jim Gleason again with a big thank you for being with us at this holiday season. On behalf of the talented people who appeared with me in Christmas with Love, Ellen Johnny Crawford, Gene Bates High Bartel. And our very talented, kind director, Henry Hayward, may I wish you and yours much happiness, prosperity during all the days of the coming year. Goodbye now.

[Jimmy Mason]

Sam.