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

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.

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)

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)

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 |

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.

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.