Family Theater 1948-12-15- A Daddy for Christmas

Summary

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Harold’s Old Time Radio

Podcast Episode Summary

Family Theater (1948-12-15): “A Daddy for Christmas”

Aired on: December 21, 2025 (podcast release)
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Original Cast: Pat O’Brien, Linda Johnson, Bobby Driscoll
Host for the play: Shirley Temple
Original Air Date: December 15, 1948

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Overview

This episode features the heartwarming radio play “A Daddy for Christmas” from the classic Family Theater series. Set in early post-war America, it tells the story of Mary and her son Stevie, who wish for nothing more than the presence and love of a father figure during the holidays. The drama explores themes of loss, the true meaning of family, the challenges of new beginnings, and the healing power of love and prayer—delivering a poignant Christmas message about what truly matters.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction by Shirley Temple

• Opening reflections on gifts and the meaning of love at Christmas.
• The importance of family prayer and keeping “love around the Christmas tree.”

  “No matter how high the gifts are piled, any Christmas tree is bare which doesn't have love around it.”
  — Shirley Temple (00:57)

2. Setting the Stage: Mary and Stevie’s Lonely Christmas

• Mary, a young widow, works long hours as a secretary to support her son Stevie, whose father died in the war.
• Stevie, longing for both holiday joy and a father, visits department store Santas with his mother.
• Stevie’s unique Christmas wish stands out:

  “And I want a daddy.”
  — Stevie Hunt (04:00)

3. The Visit from ‘Santa’

• On Christmas Eve, “Santa” (Joe Regan, a young department store Santa) surprises Mary and Stevie at home, bringing Stevie his wished-for tricycle.
• Joe’s attention to Stevie’s special request touches Mary.

  “After all, I’m Santa Claus! And a swell little kid with a pretty and nice-acting mother comes up and says, ‘Santa, I want a bicycle with three wheels’—well, what kind of Santa Claus would I be if I didn’t come through?”
  — Joe Regan (07:34)

4. A New Family Forms

• Joe continues to visit, forming a bond with both Mary and Stevie, leading to marriage (“We were married shortly before Easter”). Mary encourages Joe to pursue a more promising career for family’s sake.
• The household is lively and filled with lightheartedness.

  “Sometimes, it was like having two little boys around the house. But what mother objects to that?”
  — Mary Regan (10:39)

5. Family Challenges and Tensions

• Joe struggles in his new sales job and is quietly fired, hiding it from Mary until the electricity is cut off.

• The couple quarrels about priorities and expectations, particularly regarding providing for Stevie’s wants versus needs.

  “Now, I suppose you want to know why I got fired. Well, it's because I'm a lousy salesman, that's why. You're the only one who thinks I'm a personality, kid.”
  — Joe Regan (14:19)

• Mary's desire to give Stevie all material things conflicts with Joe’s wish to teach him the value of hard work and making do with less.

  “Let’s start being frank about these things… There are times when our family doesn't have much money and we have to get along without some of the things we'd like to have.”
  — Joe Regan (15:07)

6. Joe’s Breaking Point and Departure

• Joe leaves after feeling unable to live up to Mary’s and society’s expectations of a “successful” husband and father, leaving a heartfelt letter behind.

  “I can't stay, can't marry, because I can't be the things you want your husband and Stevie's father to be... I don't want to be anything more than just an ordinary guy.”
  — Joe Regan’s Letter (17:56)

7. Aftermath: Reflection and Realization

• Mary copes alone, convincing herself her decision is best for Stevie but is haunted by their unhappiness.

• A conversation between Stevie and his friend Jimmy crystallizes the importance of a loving, present father over material gifts.

  “If he loves me, why doesn’t he act like Mr. Regan?... I wish Mr. Regan was home. He’s like the only dad I ever had.”
  — Jimmy Webster (20:13)

• Mary recognizes her mistake in pushing Joe away and wishes only for his return and presence.

8. Christmas Miracle and Reunion

• On Christmas Eve, Joe returns in his Santa suit, to the joy of Stevie and Mary, culminating in a heartfelt family reunion.

  “You're back to stay, aren't you, Joe?”
  — Mary Regan (23:10) “Yes, I'm back. And, Mary, I'm sorry I left the way I did. I was a coward. From now on I'll try to be the kind of guy you want.”
  — Joe Regan (23:14) “From now on, just be yourself. That's the kind of guy I want.”
  — Mary Regan (23:23)

9. Closing Reflection by Shirley Temple

• Shirley shares a poem on the power of prayer, reaffirming the program’s theme that love, understanding, and healing are the best gifts.

  “We cannot follow with our mortal sight the flight of prayer... For prayer has powers that we know not of, to heal and comfort, to provide and bless.”
  — Shirley Temple (24:34)

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Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• Stevie’s Christmas Wish:
  “And I want a daddy.”—Stevie Hunt (04:00)

• The Power of Love Over Material Gifts:
  “No matter how high the gifts are piled, any Christmas tree is bare which doesn't have love around it.”—Shirley Temple (00:57)

• Fatherhood Realized:
  “I don't want to be anything more than just an ordinary guy. Bus driver, mechanic, something like that. That's the whole story. Goodbye and good luck… I love you always, Joe.”—Joe Regan’s Letter (17:56)

• Reunion on Christmas Eve:
  “You’re back to stay, aren’t you, Joe?”
  “Yes, I'm back. And, Mary, I'm sorry I left... From now on, just be yourself. That's the kind of guy I want.”
  — Mary Regan & Joe Regan (23:10–23:23)

• On Family and Prayer:
  “Family prayer will bring love and goodness and understanding—the best Christmas gifts any family can receive.”—Shirley Temple (01:22)

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Episode Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Shirley Temple Introduction | 00:34–01:53 | | Mary and Stevie set up Christmas | 02:17–04:14 | | Stevie’s wish for a daddy | 04:00–04:14 | | Santa/Joe visits on Christmas Eve | 05:19–08:43 | | Joe and Mary fall in love and marry | 08:43–11:57 | | Family struggles: Job loss and money issues | 13:29–16:31 | | Joe’s departure: Reading his letter | 17:36–19:03 | | Aftermath and realization | 19:20–21:44 | | Christmas Eve reunion | 22:52–23:55 | | Shirley Temple Closing Prayer Poem | 24:34–25:19 |

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Tone and Language

• The episode is steeped in classic 1940s radio charm, blending earnestness, warmth, gentle humor, and sentimentality.
• The dialogue respectfully handles themes of loss, hope, and reconciliation.
• The messaging is sincere and uplifting, centered on the enduring value of family love and spiritual faith.

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For Listeners

If you missed the episode, this summary captures the emotional arc and key messages of "A Daddy for Christmas." The play offers a timeless reminder—especially poignant at Christmas—that true happiness comes not from material abundance, but from the gift of being together with those we love, and accepting each other for who we are.

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Transcript

[Mary Regan]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

The Mutual Broadcasting System in cooperation with Family Theater Incorporated Presents Transcribed A Daddy for Christmas Starring Pat o', Brien, Linda Johnson and Bobby Driscoll. Shirley Temple is your hostess.

[Mary Regan]

More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. When I was a little girl, I once received a doll for Christmas. It wasn't very expensive, nor even the prettiest doll in my collection. But I kept that doll and cherished it long after my other Christmas toys had disappeared. It came from someone I loved.

[Joe Regan]

Someone.

[Mary Regan]

Someone who loved me, too. No matter how high the gifts are piled, any Christmas tree is bare which doesn't have love around it. That's why it's so important for us to make our homes places of love. Not just Christmas Day, but every day of the year. And one thing is certain. Love is always present in the home, where daily family prayer is a practice. Family prayer will bring love and goodness and understanding the best Christmas gifts any family can receive.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Shirley Temple will speak again following our family theater play A Daddy for Christmas, starring Pat o', Brien, Bobby Driscoll and Linda Johnson.

[Mary Regan]

Most people look on Christmas as a special occasion with. Well, I guess it's what my little Stevie would call extra special. As long as I live, Christmas will be extra special for me. Now. But in early December last year, when I took Stevie to the toy department of Weber's Department Store, I had no idea, to quote Stevie again, how extra, extra special that Christmas was going to be.

[Stevie Hunt]

Look, Mommy, look, that glass ball's got real swollen. And look, there's a reindeer. And there's Santa Claus. Mommy, do you think Santa will talk to me?

[Mary Regan]

But you just talked to the Santa across when he was across the street.

[Stevie Hunt]

I forgot to tell him something.

[Mary Regan]

I think you asked for everything in the store, but okay, this is your picnic. Soon as that little girl gets through.

[Stevie Hunt]

Now, Santa Claus. Well, well, well, well.

[Joe Regan]

What a nice little boy. Come here and tell Santa what you want for Christmas.

[Mary Regan]

You know, huh?

[Stevie Hunt]

I'm Stephen Hunt.

[Mary Regan]

You know what I want, Santa, you Took his list when you were across the street in Wilson's department store.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, oh, yes, yes, that's right. I remember you now. I was getting you all m up with another nice little boy. I know.

[Stevie Hunt]

Mommy calls me a little scamp.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, but you're a nice little scamp. I'll tell you what, son, I. I left my notebook across the street. So how about you giving me that list of all the things all over again first, what's your address?

[Stevie Hunt]

Stephen Hunt, 2228 Elm Street.

[Joe Regan]

All right, Stephen. Now what do you want for Christmas?

[Stevie Hunt]

Well, I want the sled. The bicycle with two wheels. With three wheels.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, that's a tricycle.

[Stevie Hunt]

I don't want a tricycle. I want a bicycle with three wheels.

[Mary Regan]

Uh huh.

[Joe Regan]

One bicycle with three wheels. I got it.

[Stevie Hunt]

And I want a scooter, a pony, a wagon, and I want a daddy.

[Joe Regan]

Daddy.

[Mary Regan]

His daddy didn't come back from the war. I don't think Stevie remembers him. But.

[Joe Regan]

But all his friends have daddies.

[Stevie Hunt]

And I want a daddy too.

[Mary Regan]

I'm afraid a daddy is a little out of Santa Claus's line, darling.

[Joe Regan]

Well, son, let's check that address again.

[Stevie Hunt]

Stephen Hunt, 2028 Elm Street.

[Mary Regan]

It was a lonely Christmas Eve for Stevie and me. Christmas away from my folks and my late husband was just a bit hard to take. But my job as secretary in a lawyer's office didn't allow me time for a trip home. Stevie and I lived in a made over two room apartment in one corner of a family dwelling with an entrance off the driveway. Mrs. Ross and my landlady, who took care of Stevie when I was at work, was visiting her daughter's family that evening. And over Christmas day, Stevie and I were alone. Stevie kept rearranging the few wrapped packages at the foot of our little Christmas tree.

[Stevie Hunt]

All right, Stevie, off to bed.

[Mary Regan]

I said to bed, not to the window.

[Stevie Hunt]

I'm looking for Santa Claus.

[Mary Regan]

Now get to bed. Santa will come after your sleep.

[Stevie Hunt]

There he is now.

[Mary Regan]

There who is?

[Stevie Hunt]

There's Santa Claus. He's coming up the drive with a great big bag.

[Mary Regan]

What?

[Stevie Hunt]

Here he comes. Here he comes. Stevie, what on earth?

[Joe Regan]

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

[Stevie Hunt]

Santa Claus. Santa Claus. I told Mommy it was you. What you bring me?

[Mary Regan]

It is Santa Claus.

[Joe Regan]

Oh please, lady, don't tell me you don't believe in Santa Claus.

[Mary Regan]

I'll believe anything.

[Stevie Hunt]

Now what'd you bring me? What'd you bring me?

[Joe Regan]

Well now wait. Let me put my bag down first.

[Mary Regan]

What are you doing here?

[Joe Regan]

Well, I was just flying by a marine deer. My Sleigh when I saw what a nice Christmas tree you had and decided to drop in. Well, I couldn't find a chimney on this side of the house, so I decided to use the door.

[Stevie Hunt]

Where's your reindeer?

[Joe Regan]

Oh, my reindeer. Oh, I sent him back to the North Pole to pick up some more toys.

[Stevie Hunt]

Who'd you bring me?

[Joe Regan]

Well, let's open my bag here. See what we got for Steven. Well. Bicycle with three wheels.

[Stevie Hunt]

Oh, Mommy, look. Santa Claus remembered. Can I ride it? Can I? It's got a bell. It's got a bell. Mommy. Mommy, what's the matter?

[Mary Regan]

Nothing, honey. I'm just happy because. Because Santa Claus remembers it. He's really asleep now. That Santa suit must be awfully hot. Would you like to take it off?

[Joe Regan]

I'll say. There, now, the beard. Oh, that feels better.

[Mary Regan]

Why, you.

[Joe Regan]

What's the matter?

[Stevie Hunt]

You're a young man.

[Joe Regan]

Is that bad?

[Stevie Hunt]

No, But.

[Mary Regan]

But I just thought Santa Claus was older. I. I mean.

[Joe Regan]

You mean, you thought Santa Claus was older? Well, I hope you're not disappointed. My. My name's Joe Regan.

[Mary Regan]

Pleased to meet you, Mr. Regan. Won't you. Joe, Joe, won't you please sit down?

[Joe Regan]

Thanks.

[Mary Regan]

Now, tell me, why did you do this? Not that I don't appreciate it.

[Joe Regan]

I had to. After all, I'm Santa Claus. And a swell little kid with a pretty and nice acting mother comes up to me and says, santa, I want a bicycle with three wheels. Well, what kind of a Santa Claus would I be if I didn't come through?

[Mary Regan]

But why? Why, Stevie? There must have been thousands of boys and girls who asked you for presents. Why, Stevie?

[Joe Regan]

Well, maybe it's because he asked for something different. He said he wanted a daddy for Christmas.

[Mary Regan]

Oh, no. That's going too far, Joe. I mean, Mr. Regan.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, no. Don't get me wrong. I'm afraid Stevie won't get his daddy for Christmas. Maybe by Easter.

[Mary Regan]

You don't think.

[Joe Regan]

No, of course not. But already I like you a good deal.

[Mary Regan]

I like you, too. But we sound like a couple of kids.

[Joe Regan]

Couple of nice kids, I'll have you know.

[Mary Regan]

Joe, you're crazy. You're the most audacious the mo. Oh, you're very nice, Joe, but that tricycle must have cost a lot of money. You'll have to return it.

[Joe Regan]

I won't take that bicycle with three wheels away from Stevie. You do it.

[Mary Regan]

Oh, no, I couldn't. He already loves it. All right, you win. He keeps the tricycle.

[Joe Regan]

One round for Joe Regan.

[Mary Regan]

But about that daddy business. That's out. But it wasn't out. Joe kept coming around, sometimes to see me and sometimes to take Stevie, who adored him, for an outing. We were married shortly before Easter, and we were lucky. We found a little furnished house in a nice section of the city. And I talked Joe into quitting the job he had in a furniture factory where he did a lot of manual labor. Into taking a sales position with the Jensen Hardware Company. Strangely, Joe balked at this and insisted he preferred working with his hands. But he finally gave in. After all, the new job held something of a future. The best part of it all was, for the first time in his war born life, Stevie began to know what a home was.

[Stevie Hunt]

Strike three.

[Mary Regan]

You're out.

[Joe Regan]

I am not. That was a foul tip.

[Stevie Hunt]

You're out. You're out.

[Joe Regan]

All right. We'll have to ask the umpire. Jimmy, wasn't that a foul tip?

[Stevie Hunt]

You struck out. One, two, three. You're out.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, well, you kids are ganging up on me.

[Stevie Hunt]

It's my bat, Stevie. Stevie, dinner.

[Joe Regan]

Hear that, Stevie?

[Stevie Hunt]

I want a bat first.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, no. Can't keep Mother waiting. Last one of the house of the monkey's uncle. So long, Jimmy Long.

[Stevie Hunt]

See you in the morning. Hey, you got a head start. I beat, I beat. You're a monkey's uncle. Hello, Mommy. Daddy's a monkey's uncle.

[Mary Regan]

Hello, darling. Ma, you're getting harder to pick up every day.

[Joe Regan]

How about it? Doesn't a monkey's uncle get a kiss better?

[Mary Regan]

Sometimes. It was like having two little boys around the house. But what mother objects to that? There were other times, however, when Joe was more than a little boy to me. Much more.

[Joe Regan]

Honey, why did you marry me?

[Mary Regan]

What?

[Joe Regan]

Why did you marry me?

[Mary Regan]

How can you ask a question like that?

[Joe Regan]

Well, I guess. Well, when I used to pester you about it, I. He used to tell you Stevie needed a father. And that was my main sales talk.

[Mary Regan]

Joe, I married you because I love you. I need you. You should know that.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, yes, of course. But the way you do it on that kid.

[Mary Regan]

Well, Joe, I love you so much. I guess I did almost from the start.

[Joe Regan]

When I was Santa Claus?

[Mary Regan]

No, silly.

[Joe Regan]

Well, that's when I fell in love with you. Just as soon as Stevie told me he wanted a daddy. And I looked at you, realizing I had a chance. You looked like everything I wanted. And when I got to know you, you were everything I wanted.

[Mary Regan]

And Joe was everything I wanted.

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[Mary Regan]

At least that's what I thought until late one afternoon in August.

[Joe Regan]

Hello? Mary, what's Maddox?

[Mary Regan]

Joe, the lights won't go on. They're on next door and I checked the fuses. Joe, you didn't forget to pay the bill?

[Joe Regan]

Afraid I did forget, honey. I. I didn't have anything to pay it with. I thought they gave you a second notice.

[Stevie Hunt]

But Joe, we budgeted.

[Mary Regan]

Why didn't you have anything?

[Joe Regan]

I was fired last Thursday. The boss didn't think that.

[Mary Regan]

I haven't been working a week and you didn't tell me?

[Joe Regan]

I'm sorry, honey. I didn't want to worry.

[Mary Regan]

But you've been leaving the house the same time every morning.

[Joe Regan]

I didn't want you to know until I got something new. Seemed to take it for granted I was doing so well. I just didn't want to worry you, that's all.

[Mary Regan]

No, don't do anything to worry me. Just have the light company turn off our lights without notice.

[Joe Regan]

I'll have mine again tomorrow.

[Stevie Hunt]

But how?

[Joe Regan]

I said I'd have him on tomorrow and that's enough.

[Mary Regan]

Don't speak to me like that.

[Joe Regan]

Stop putting me through a third degree. Now, I suppose you want to know why I got fired. Well, it's because I'm a lousy salesman, that's why. You're the only one who thinks I'm a personality, kid.

[Mary Regan]

Don't worry, Joe. You'll get something better. Something with a real future. And about the bill. I've got some money saved.

[Joe Regan]

I said I'd pay that bill.

[Mary Regan]

He paid the bill, all right, by pawning two pieces of his very fine leather luggage. That was our first quarrel. A couple of weeks later, Joe was in the yard cutting the lawn when Stevie came home from school.

[Stevie Hunt]

Hi, Stevie.

[Joe Regan]

How's school?

[Stevie Hunt]

It's fun. But, Daddy, all the kids have cowboy boots. Can I have them?

[Joe Regan]

Well, let me see. Let me think about that a little, Stevie. No, no. We might as well start in being frank about these things right now. Come here, son.

[Stevie Hunt]

Jimmy's got cowboy boots with red and yellow.

[Joe Regan]

Stevie, I want you to listen to me. There are times when our family doesn't have much money and we have to get along without some of the things we'd like to have. Some other times we'll have a little extra money and get some of those extra things.

[Stevie Hunt]

Then I can't have those cowboy boots.

[Joe Regan]

I'm afraid not, fellows. Not right now.

[Mary Regan]

Yes, you will, honey. We'll go downtown and get you some cowboy boots Saturday.

[Joe Regan]

Mary, I didn't know.

[Stevie Hunt]

I'm gonna get some boots. I'm gonna get some boots. I gotta go tell Jimmy.

[Joe Regan]

You shouldn't have told him he'd get those boots just after I said we couldn't afford it.

[Mary Regan]

All the other youngsters are wearing them. And I don't want him to know we can't afford it.

[Joe Regan]

You got to learn sometime. Well, there are things we can't have just for the asking.

[Mary Regan]

Well, he's too young to learn now.

[Joe Regan]

All right, but how can we pay for them? Out of my unemployment money?

[Mary Regan]

I got a little money for my folks this week. They sent it to help outfit Stevie for school.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, I didn't know.

[Mary Regan]

The way his shoulders drooped when he turned for me to walk into the house. I wanted to run after him and cradle his head in my arms like I do my other little boy when he's hurt. But I didn't. Weeks passed and Joe couldn't seem to find a job. At least not the kind I wanted him to have.

[Joe Regan]

But, Mary, every time I think I can get a job, you say it isn't suitable. What do you want to live like anyway, Joe?

[Mary Regan]

It's not me I'm thinking of. I just want to be sure Stevie gets all the things he needs.

[Joe Regan]

I see. I'll keep looking for the career job so Stevie can get all the things you think he needs.

[Mary Regan]

He tried, but that was all. Finally I spoke to Mr. Emerson and he offered me my job back. I thought Joe would raise the roof, but.

[Joe Regan]

So you're going back to work?

[Mary Regan]

Just until you get something good again.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, I guess that's best. No need for Stevie to do without things because I can't provide them.

[Mary Regan]

That's all he said. Somehow I'd have felt better if he'd objected. Even insisted I didn't take the job. So I returned to work for the first time since we were married. The third evening after work when I came home, the house was strangely quiet.

[Stevie Hunt]

Joe. Joe. Stevie. Stevie, honey, what's the matter? Oh, Daddy. Daddy.

[Mary Regan]

What about Daddy?

[Stevie Hunt]

He went away. He took all his things.

[Mary Regan]

Oh, no, no. Stevie, honey. Did he leave anything? A letter for Mommy. Well, here it is on the table.

[Joe Regan]

Dearest Mary, I know you'll think I'm a quitter and despise me for leaving this way. But it's going to be hard enough saying goodbye to Stevie and I'm afraid you might change my mind and we'd all be worse off. I can't stay, can't marry, because I can't be the things you want your husband and Stevie's father to be. I'll never do big things. In fact, I don't especially want to. I don't want to be anything more than just an ordinary guy. Bus driver, mechanic, something like that. That's the whole story. Goodbye and good luck. And if by some strange chance I do get ahead, I'll try to make up for this. I promise. I love you always, Joe.

[Mary Regan]

That's how Joe walked out of our lives less than 10 months after he had entered. At first I didn't see how I could bear it. But life must go on. Then, of course, there was Stevie. I've written all Joe's relatives, all his friends. They haven't heard from him either.

[Joe Regan]

Poor Stevie.

[Mary Regan]

He's tried to keep up a brave front, but many times at night I hear him crying himself to sleep. Sometimes at first I cried in bed too. Then I started telling myself, at least this way Stevie won't grow up under the influence of a father utterly lacking in ambition. And I got some satisfaction in knowing that when Jimmy Webster got a fur lined aviator cap, my boy got a fur lined aviator cap too. That is, I did until Last Saturday, when Jimmy came over to our house. You make swell cookies, Mrs. Regan. Thank you, Jimmy. You'll get some soon as they're finished. When's Mr. Regan coming back? I don't know, Jimmy. Does Stevie talk about him much?

[Stevie Hunt]

No, you don't talk about him at all.

[Mary Regan]

I wish he was my dad, Jimmy. I guess that's wrong. But Mr. Regan always played with us kids. Showed us how to throw a ball right way to hold a bat, thing like that. My dad hardly even talks to me. I don't think he even likes me. Oh, your daddy loves you. Why do you suppose he's always getting you all those nice presents and those swell clothes? If he loves me, why doesn't he act like Mr. Regan? Jimmy, you've got to love your own father. If he doesn't seem to pay enough attention to you, remember he's a very important man and he has to keep busy. I wish Mr. Regan was home. He's like the only dad I ever had. It was then I finally realized the terrible thing I had done to my Stevie and to Joe. And I'd had the nerve to nag him for not giving Stevie the things a father should. I'd even held up Jimmy's father as an example. Poor Joe. He must be feeling lonely too. I suppose he was a department store Santa Claus again this year somewhere. Wonder what he's doing tonight. Christmas Eve. I could almost scream the way Stevie keeps looking out the window. Stevie, don't you think it's time you went to bed?

[Stevie Hunt]

Just a little longer, Mommy. Maybe Santa Claus will still come.

[Mary Regan]

What can I say? Oh, Jo Jo, if I could only reach you now to tell you I've learned my lesson. I don't care if we're ever rich, what kind of work you do. What counts is your good. For me and Stevie. What counts is your you and Joe. Joe, it's Christmas.

[Stevie Hunt]

Do you think sad will come, Mom?

[Mary Regan]

I hope so, Stevie. I hope so. But if he were going to, he'd be here by now. It would be like Joe to come back tonight for Stevie. Maybe if he comes back for Stevie, I can get him to stay for me. Oh, Joe.

[Stevie Hunt]

Mommy, what's the matter?

[Mary Regan]

Nothing, honey. Nothing at all. Okay, it's off to bed with you.

[Stevie Hunt]

Are you crying Cause Santa Claus didn't come?

[Mary Regan]

Never mind, I'll get it.

[Joe Regan]

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Todd.

[Mary Regan]

I knew you'd come. I knew.

[Stevie Hunt]

It's Santa Claus. Santa Claus.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, watch it. My beard.

[Stevie Hunt]

Santa Claus foot skirts are coming off. It's Daddy. Daddy. Daddy.

[Joe Regan]

Hello, son.

[Stevie Hunt]

Mommy. Daddy. Santa Claus.

[Mary Regan]

You. Daddy. Santa Claus. You're back to stay, aren't you, Joe?

[Joe Regan]

Yes, I'm back. And, Mary, I'm sorry I left the way I did. I was a coward. From now on, I'll try to be the kind of a guy you want.

[Mary Regan]

Oh, dear. From now on, just be yourself. That's the kind of guy I want.

[Joe Regan]

Oh, Mary. Oh, enough of this mush stuff. I gotta go about my business. Steve, you've been a good boy.

[Mary Regan]

Perfect. Just like his daddy.

[Joe Regan]

Well, that's too bad. Well, let's see what we got here.

[Stevie Hunt]

Oh, a racer with big rubber tires. Thank you, Santa. Daddy. Daddy.

[Joe Regan]

What is it, fella?

[Stevie Hunt]

I know where you been.

[Joe Regan]

You do?

[Stevie Hunt]

You've been up at the North Pole making toys.

[Joe Regan]

You know, I couldn't have thought of a better explanation.

[Mary Regan]

That's the only one I ever want to. This is Shirley Temple again. You know, poets often have the gift of expressing our feelings far better than we can ourselves. Here is a poem I think you'll like. It's called the Flight of Prayer. Who knows what wonders happen when we pray, what forces stir, what golden blessings run toward us on glad feet each time we say, in all sincerity, thy will be done. We cannot follow with our mortal sight the flight of prayer. We cannot hope to chart its secret course. But suddenly a light dawns and the weight is lifted from our heart. For prayer has powers that we know not of. To heal and comfort, to provide and bless. All the resources of eternal love Move to sustain. Sustain us in the hour of stress. Closing a safety round with life and power and even the darkest and most urgent hour. Thank you for being with us and God bless you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Our thanks to Pat o', Brien, Linda Johnson and Bobby Driscoll for their fine performances and to Jack Lyman for writing our play. Max Terror scored and conducted the music. This transcribed production of Family Theater Incorporated was directed by David Young. Next week, our Family Theater star will be Margaret o' Brien in Blessed Are They. Your host will be Dick Haynes. This series of the Family Theater broadcasts is made possible by the thousands of you who felt the need for this kind of program and by the Mutual Broadcasting System, which has responded to this need. Be with us next week at this same time when Margaret o' Brien and Dick Haymes will star on Family Theater. Tony Lofrano speaking. This is the mutual broadcasting system.

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