Dad and Dave 37-05-31 (001) Title Unknown

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Dad and Dave 37-05-31 (001)" – Harold's Old Time Radio

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of "Dad and Dave," Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the quintessential Australian outback, capturing the essence of rural life during the Golden Age of Radio. Set in the small community of Snake Gully near Gundagai, this episode delves into the everyday struggles and heartfelt interactions of the Ramsey family—Dad, Dave, and Sarah—as they navigate financial hardships, familial expectations, and personal aspirations.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with a vivid description of the Ramsey homestead: a typical Australian farmhouse with a wrap-around veranda, a modest garden, and the peaceful ambiance of nighttime in Snake Gully. The narrator sets the stage for an authentic portrayal of rural life, emphasizing the themes of community, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Australian countryside.

Character Dynamics

• Dad (Dan Ramsey): The patriarch, embodying stability and responsibility. He is burdened by financial pressures and is determined to fulfill his promises to his family, even at the cost of his own well-being.

• Dave Ramsey: The son, eager to establish his independence and marry Mabel, a local girl. He struggles with feelings of inadequacy and seeks his father's support to create a stable future.

• Sarah Ramsey (Mother): The nurturing matriarch, balancing her roles between her husband and son. She aspires for her family's comfort and happiness, notably desiring a motor car to enhance their social life.

Plot Summary

Financial Struggles and Aspirations

From the outset, Dad is immersed in financial calculations, highlighting the family's economic strains. At [01:53], Dad chastises Dave for not contributing, saying, "Why don't you do something useful instead of sitting with your nose in the paper all night?" This exchange underscores the tension between traditional responsibilities and the younger generation's desires.

Dave reveals his ambition to marry Mabel but feels hindered by their financial situation. At [02:04], he laments, "What have I got to offer Mabel? You know we've never got over the depression," expressing his fear of inadequacy. Dad's response at [02:59], "You’re not half the man I was," reflects generational expectations and the pressure to uphold family honor.

The Broken Clock Incident

An attempt to mend a family heirloom clock becomes a metaphor for their strained relationship and the fragility of their circumstances. At [07:00], Dave reassures his mother, saying, "I'll fix it. I can easily find places for all these little wheels." However, Dad's frustration is palpable when he declares at [07:24], "Oh, you don't know anything about it." This mishap symbolizes the challenges they face in maintaining their household and the unintended consequences of their efforts to be helpful.

The Social Gathering and Community Support

Sarah's recounting of the social at [09:00] provides a glimpse into the tight-knit community of Snake Gully. The social serves as a backdrop for social interaction and communal support, with Sarah proudly sharing, "There wasn't much left after supper, I can tell you that," referring to her well-received cake. The presence of Mabel's brother and his encouragement for Dave to marry Mabel adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting the importance of community approval and support.

Dad's Plea to the Bank

The climax of the episode revolves around Dad's desperate attempt to secure an overdraft from Mr. Johnson, the bank manager. At [11:30], Dad earnestly pleads, "Mr. Johnson, I don't suppose you can say any more than that," after being denied. His appeal, laden with personal and familial stakes, underscores the dire financial straits the family is in. Mr. Johnson's final refusal, despite Dad's heartfelt pleas, leaves the family without the means to fulfill their promises, deepening the sense of hopelessness.

Themes and Insights

"Dad and Dave" masterfully explores themes of familial duty, economic hardship, and community solidarity. The narrative underscores the generational divide in coping with financial stress and the burden of upholding familial expectations. The broken clock serves as a poignant symbol of the family's struggle to keep their lives in order amidst external pressures.

Additionally, the episode highlights the resilience of rural communities and the importance of mutual support. Despite their financial struggles, the Ramseys rely on each other and their tight-knit community to navigate their challenges, reflecting the enduring spirit of the Australian outback.

Notable Quotes

• Dad to Dave at [02:06]: "Now don't talk. I'm busy."
  Illustrates Dad's frustration with Dave's perceived lack of productivity.

• Dave at [05:02]: "What's up, dad? You look a bit worried."
  Shows Dave's awareness of his father's distress and his desire to help.

• Sarah at [10:33]: "Wait till we get the car. Dad'll lend it to you, and you'll be able to take Mabel out for a ride."
  Reflects the family's hopes tied to financial improvement and social aspirations.

• Dad at [12:00]: "You know what it is. We worked pretty hard when we first started out here."
  Demonstrates Dad's pride in his and his family's hard work, despite current hardships.

• Mr. Johnson at [12:00]: "I'm very sorry. But I've had instructions that all overdrafts are to be reduced."
  Represents the unyielding nature of financial institutions in times of widespread economic strain.

Conclusion

The first episode of "Dad and Dave" offers a heartfelt portrayal of a family's resilience in the face of economic adversity. Through authentic dialogue and relatable characters, Harold's Old Time Radio captures the essence of rural Australian life, emphasizing themes of duty, struggle, and the enduring bonds of family and community. Listeners are left anticipating how the Ramseys will navigate their financial woes and personal aspirations in future episodes, making "Dad and Dave" a compelling addition to the Golden Age of Radio revival.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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We now present the first episode of dad and Dave, A human story of two typical Australians. Their families, their lives, their hopes, their doubts, their fears and their triumphs. The characters of dad and Dave represent all that is sturdy, honest and resourceful in the great Australian outback. You'll laugh with them, you will sympathise with them. And perhaps their troubles may in some way remind you of your own. And perhaps their courage will inspire you. Now let us visit the homestead in Snake Galley, just off the road to Gundagai. It is a typical Australian homestead. There's a veranda running almost right round the house. In front of the house are a few trees and a small, well kept garden. Now let us enter the homestead. It is nighttime and in the living room we make the acquaintance of dad and Dave. Dad is sitting at the table laboriously writing while Dave has just finished reading the daily paper.

[Dave]

What are you doing, Dan?

[Dad]

Four. I'm very busy. Two and five is very bad. Why don't you do something useful instead of sitting with your nose in the paper all night?

[Dave]

Oh, I finished the paper.

[Dad]

Now don't talk. I'm busy. 2 and 6.

[Dave]

What are you doing?

[Dad]

I'm working out something. 4, 9, 5. I wonder what time your mother will be out.

[Dave]

Oh, Ted Ramsey said he'd bring her home. She should be here pretty soon now.

[Dad]

Well, why didn't you go over to the social?

[Dave]

Oh, well, Mabel wasn't going. They've got a sick calf over at her place and she said she'd probably have to sit up all night with it.

[Dad]

Well, yes. Mabel's a good girl, Dave. Four until six. She'll make a good wife for a farmer.

[Dave]

Yes, that's what I think, Dan.

[Dad]

Well, why don't you ask her to marry you?

[Dave]

Oh, well, you know what it is. A fellow's got to be able to make a home for a girl. And I don't know, but I. Oh.

[Dad]

You'Re not half the man I was. I remember in my young days, the young fellows knew how to go courting.

[Dave]

Oh, that's all very well, dad, but what have I got to offer Mabel? You know we've never got over the depression.

[Dad]

Yes, I know it only too well, but you haven't got to think about things like that.

[Dave]

Why didn't you go to the social?

[Dad]

Oh, I've got some business to do here. Four and six. Oh. What are you doing with that clock?

[Dave]

I'm trying to mend it.

[Dad]

Well, don't talk so much. Here am I trying to work out some figures and you're talking all the time.

[Dave]

All right, Dad.

[Dad]

14 and 6. That's 20 and 15 and. Oh, what is the matter with you, Dave? Now I've lost count again. That's the third time I've tried to add up that column.

[Dave]

I'm sorry, dad, but you told me to do something useful.

[Dad]

Well, do you think it's useful to keep on making me lose count?

[Dave]

Oh, I'm sorry. I was thinking, dad. You were talking about me and Mabel.

[Dad]

Yes.

[Dave]

I wonder if you could fix us up with enough for a little homestead near here. I wouldn't shift away from Snake Gully.

[Dad]

Ah, Snake Gully's a good place.

[Dave]

That's true. I know everyone here. There's old Bill Johnson at the store and Harry Matthews at the pub. Gripes, I wouldn't feel the same in another town. Do you think you could fix us up with a little homestead near here, dad?

[Dad]

Well, Mabel would make you a good wife. There's no doubt about that.

[Dave]

Well, what about it, Dan?

[Dad]

What about what?

[Dave]

Well, I could say the word to Mabel tomorrow if you can fix us up and help me.

[Dad]

Well, what do you want me to do? Go and ask her for you. Can't you do it yourself?

[Dave]

No, I don't mean that. Set me up in a little homestead.

[Dad]

Ah, you've been a good boy, Dave, and you've worked pretty hard. But I don't think I can help you just now. You see, things are a bit tough.

[Dave]

Yes, that's true. And you've promised to buy Mum a motor car.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Dad]

Your mother has set her out on a motor car. Of course, in my day we were happy enough in the old horse and trap, but now we're getting on in life and Mum thinks we should have a car.

[Dave]

Are you going to buy one, dad? Gripes, I'll be able to go and take Mabel out. And we'll be able to slip over to the station to meet the train every night.

[Dad]

I can't do it, Dave.

[Dave]

What's up, dad? You look a bit worried.

[Dad]

Well, never mind about Me? What are you doing to that clock?

[Dave]

I'm fixing it.

[Dad]

Oh, well, fix it and don't talk. I've got a lot of work to do. Now, where was I? That's right. Now, 13 and 6 and 9 and. Oh, how can I do any work? How can I do anything with you sitting there making the noise with the clock?

[Dave]

I'm not making a noise. I'm mending it. Hey, dad, do you think I'll ever be able to marry Mabel?

[Dad]

My boy, I'd be very happy to see you settled down and married, but, well, you may as well know the truth. I've been trying to reduce me overdraft and I borrowed money to do it. I paid a pretty high rate of interest and I've got to meet that interest bill.

[Dave]

Oh, does that mean that Mum won't get a car?

[Dad]

Well, I don't want to disappoint you, Mother. She set her heart on having this car now that the Ramseys have got one. It means something to her that I'm on the Snake Gully Council and I promised your mother and, well, now, I don't know how I'm gonna keep that promise.

[Dave]

I wish I could help you, Dan.

[Dad]

I've been adding up these figures and working out the interest and looking at me bank book, and I can't let your mother down.

[Dave]

Well, what can we do, Dan?

[Dad]

What do you mean, what can we do? You can't do anything.

[Dave]

You're right, I can't. Your troubles are my troubles.

[Dad]

Good on you, Dave.

[Dave]

I know how hard Mum's worked. I know she deserves a bit of a rest now. She likes going around and being all social. I'll have to try and help her.

[Dad]

Why? What can you do for her?

[Dave]

Well, I mendin the clock anyway, Dave, if that strike.

[Dad]

Look, stop it, will you? If that clock strikes again, I'll do some striking.

[Dave]

Oh, I got a bit nervous. The thing doesn't go at all now.

[Dad]

4 and 6.

[Dave]

I'll have to take some of the wheels out.

[Dad]

Do you know anything about clock?

[Dave]

Oh, I can fix it. Drives. Mum'll be pleased to find the clock working again, won't you?

[Dad]

Oh, you don't know anything about it. Here, give me a go. Let's have a look. I'll get a few of these little wheels out now. I'll unscrew this one. This must be a. I can't get this spring to go in. Wait a minute, Dave. The other wheel is coming out now.

[Dave]

Dad, look, we've got everything out of the clock now.

[Dad]

Well, it's just a matter of putting it back in the right way.

[Dave]

Hello. Here's Mum.

[Dad]

Oh, it's a pity we couldn't have had the clock mended before she got back. Now, don't say anything about my troubles, Dave.

[Dave]

You leave it to me, Dave.

[Dad]

I'll put that bank book and these papers in me pocket.

[Sarah]

Goodbye, Mr. Ramsey. Thanks for the little car.

[Dad]

Oh, here she is.

[Sarah]

I'll have my own car soon.

[Dave]

Goodbye.

[Dad]

Open the door for your mother, Dave.

[Dave]

All right.

[Dad]

Hurry up.

[Sarah]

Oh, it was a wonderful social. Everyone in Snake Gully was there. And did they like my cake?

[Dad]

I'll bet they did.

[Sarah]

What have you two been doing?

[Dave]

Oh, we've been mending the clock, ma'am. We've got it all in pieces now.

[Dad]

I don't know how we're going to get it together again. There seems to be a lot of wheels over my clock.

[Sarah]

Oh, why, what have you done?

[Dad]

I'm sorry about the clock, Sarah, but we were only trying to be useful.

[Sarah]

Trying to be useful? And you've got the clock in a hundred pieces. That was one of our wedding presents, too.

[Dad]

I know. I was just telling Dave about it.

[Dave]

It's all right, Mum. I'll fix it. I can easily find places for all these little wheels.

[Sarah]

You leave it alone, Dave. I'll take it into Mr. Norris myself tomorrow.

[Dave]

But I know I can fix it, Mum.

[Sarah]

Yes, it looks like it. Have you two been playing about with the clock all the evening?

[Dave]

Yes, I have.

[Sarah]

What were you doing, dad?

[Dad]

Me? Oh, I was just reading the paper and then I decided to help Dave. Did you have a good time at the social?

[Sarah]

Oh, it was wonderful. I wish you had come along, dad. Everybody was there. All the town councillors of Snake Gully. And they all asked after you, dad.

[Dad]

Oh, well, I'll come along to the next one. You know, there's a certain amount of work that's got to be done here, you know.

[Sarah]

Do you call it work ruining my day?

[Dave]

Tell us some more about the social, mum.

[Sarah]

Well, Mrs. Ramsay took along some sandwiches. They were very nice. But everybody talked about my cake. There wasn't much left after supper, I can tell you that.

[Dad]

You always were pretty good at making cakes. I remember when we were courting, I used to go over to your place for supper. And I used to be able to put away a dozen of those cakes.

[Sarah]

Yes, you still can, dad. By the way, Dave, Mabel's brother was at the social.

[Dave]

Oh, was he? Did he say how Mabel was?

[Sarah]

He said she was nursing a sick calf. Mabel's a good girl, you know. Dave. And she's very fond of you.

[Dave]

Yes, I know it, Mum. I'm fond of her too.

[Sarah]

Well, why don't you ask her to marry you? We're getting on well now. Dad'll be able to set you up in a little home soon.

[Dave]

Oh, there's tons of time, Mum. There's tons of time. I'm in no hurry.

[Sarah]

Wait till we get the car. Dad'll lend it to you, and you'll be able to take Mabel out for a ride.

[Dave]

Yes, that'll be great.

[Dad]

Oh, about this car, Sarah. I. I wanted to tell you that I'm going into town tomorrow, you see, about the car.

[Sarah]

Oh, dad, that'll be wonderful. And if I want any little thing in the town, you and Dave can drive me in. For instance, if we had the car, we could run that clock in tomorrow. Just look at it. It'll never be mended.

[Dave]

Tell us some more about the social, Mum.

[Sarah]

What's the matter with you? Dad, you look a bit worried.

[Dad]

What? Me, worried? Oh, no, you're wrong, Sarah. I'm not worried. Am I, Dave?

[Dave]

Not a bit. Dad, I've never known you look happier.

[Sarah]

You both look a bit worried to me. Perhaps it's about the clock. Never mind. Don't worry about it.

[Dad]

Yes, that's right. It was about the clock.

[Sarah]

Oh, well, I suppose you meant.

[Dave]

Well, it's getting a bit.

[Dad]

I think I'll go to bed. Same here. Come on, Sarah. You must be tired. Mr. Johnson, you've been manager of this bank for a good many years. And, well, you've known me for a long time. Surely you can trust me enough to increase me overdraft a little?

[Narrator]

I'm sorry. I'm very sorry. But I've had instructions that all overdrafts are to be reduced. I cannot possibly make an exception in your case.

[Dad]

But I promised Sarah that I'll buy her a car. You know what it is. We worked pretty hard when we first started out here. She helped me with the milking, you know, up early every morning. Nothing was a trouble to her. And now we're not as young as we used to be. And, well, the Ramses have got a car. And Mum likes to go about a bit.

[Narrator]

I quite understand. But I'm afraid I cannot do anything for you just at present. Perhaps next year if you come to me again, we might discuss the matter.

[Dad]

Well, I know it's been a bad season and we're all feeling the pinch. But if we get rain, things will be all right.

[Narrator]

Quite so. But there is no guarantee that we'll get rain.

[Dad]

Oh, I suppose you're right. Then, of course, there's me boy, Dave. He's sitting out there in the trap. You can see him through the window. Oh, he's a good, steady boy and he wants to get married. Of course, I. I'd like to help him.

[Narrator]

I quite understand, but we all have our troubles. I have to listen to a number of distressing stories. You see, just along the main street, all those shops look prosperous and well kept. But they're all feeling the pinch simply because you farmers have had a bad year.

[Dad]

Yes, they say we're the backbone of the country. It seems to me that the backbone is aching a bit.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry. Believe me, I'll give the matter my earnest consideration. And if there's anything I can do, I will.

[Dad]

Oh, well, thank you very much, Mr. Johnson. I. I don't suppose you can say any more than that. Oh, well, I'll be getting along. Dave's waiting for me. I promised to let him drop in and see Mabel on the way home.