Family Theater 1950-12-20 -Joppe the Juggler

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Family Theater 1950-12-20 – Joppy the Juggler"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: December 26, 2025
Original Air Date: December 20, 1950
Main Cast: Wallace Ford (Joppy the Juggler), Spencer Tracy (Host), Francis X. Bushman, May Clark, Herb Rollinson, Bill Johnstone, Tudor Owen

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Episode Overview

This episode of Family Theater presents "Joppy the Juggler," a touching adaptation of an old French legend, inviting listeners to reflect on humility, forgiveness, and the notion that the smallest gifts, offered with sincerity, can be of great value. Hosted by the dignified Spencer Tracy, the story revolves around Joppy, a down-on-his-luck juggler, and his journey to finding belonging and purpose through acts of simple devotion.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction and Thematic Context

Timestamp: 01:09

• Host Spencer Tracy sets the stage, underscoring the show's recurring message: “Family Theater urges you to pray, pray together as a family.”
• The story is introduced as an exploration of peace—personal, familial, and global—through faith and prayer.

2. Joppy and Blanche Fleur – Travelers on a Lonely Road

Timestamp: 01:54

• Narrator describes Joppy (a humble, aging juggler) and his faithful mule Blanche Fleur as they travel through postwar France, seeking food and welcome.
• The duo is characterized as “an odd pair”: Joppy, frail and timeworn, and Blanche Fleur, an old mule, both deeply loyal to one another.

3. Joppy’s Hunger and Joys of the Simple Life

Timestamp: 03:21

• Joppy laments their poverty and hunger:
  “A juggler with six plates who can do anything with them except fill them.”
• Despite hardship, he turns to his humble street performance, dreaming aloud of grand feasts with each spin of his juggling plates—blending humor and poignancy.

4. The Village Encounter and Unintended Theft

Timestamp: 07:46

• A chance meeting with Father Pico, monastery cook, reveals Joppy has unknowingly eaten the priest's prized hen.
• Joppy’s honesty shines:
  “There is nothing I would rather do than to lead you to your favorite hen. But alas, this is now impossible … I ate her.” (09:45)
• Father Pico responds with good-natured forgiveness, explaining that his purpose in raising the hen was ultimately to feed others:
  “To what better purpose could I have prepared a fat hen than to feed a hungry man?” (10:24)

5. Making Amends – Penitence Through Work

Timestamp: 11:07

• Feeling remorse, Joppy insists on atoning for his “sin” by helping peel potatoes in the monastery kitchen: “If it will make you feel better... the potatoes in my kitchen do multiply far faster than my hands can peel them.” – Father Pico
• The exchange highlights humility and the need for practical penance.

6. Philosophies of Service and Belonging

Timestamp: 14:33

• The monks discuss the obscure nature of atonement:
  “How many potatoes make an atonement for his sin?” – Father Pico
• Father Elias frames Joppy’s predicament in terms of broader spiritual questions and notes the temptation of the hen had even affected him.

7. The Challenge of Acceptance

Timestamp: 17:00

• Joppy tries to prolong his stay by having Blanche Fleur eat from the monastery’s garden, hoping to earn continued penance and thus belonging: “If I may speak for Blanche Fleur as well as myself, we are both very anxious to do penance for her criminal appetite.” (17:01)
• The priest assures him:
  “That is why we’re all here. To make amends. You may visit with us for as long as you wish, Joppy.” (17:18)

8. Feelings of Inadequacy

Timestamp: 21:17

• Joppy is plagued by a sense of insignificance, seeing the monks’ grand works for the Virgin Mary:
  “I feel smaller and smaller until I think I shall vanish altogether. I have nothing to give her.”
• He decides to slip away at dawn, believing he can offer nothing worthy.

9. The True Gift – Joppy’s Devotion

Timestamp: 23:32

• In the chapel, Joppy offers his juggling act before a statue of the Virgin, presenting his skill and even the onions from his work as his best offering: “Do you not see the greatest pictures ever painted of you and your son Jesus?...On the last plate is the least of all—the only gift I could bring. The six biggest onions from the field…Six empty plates that I can fill only with my humble love for you. Oh, thank you, lady. Thank you.” (24:00)
• The monks initially see this as irreverent, but ultimately recognize it as the purest form of devotion.

10. The Message – The Best We Can Offer

Timestamp: 25:14

• The priests reflect:
  “It was the only way he knew how to show his devotion. It was the best he could do. Yes, truly blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Father Elias (25:22)
• Joppy, fulfilled, believes he glimpsed an approving smile from the Virgin.

11. Closing Reflection by Spencer Tracy

Timestamp: 26:51

• Tracy recounts a parable on the link between prayer and clear thinking, drawing on Abraham Lincoln’s wisdom:
  “If a man thinks at all, he’s certain to pray. Prayer then is a natural consequence of clear thinking.”
• The program closes with the familiar Family Theater motto:
  “The family that prays together stays together.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joppy’s honesty and comic humility:
  “A juggler with six plates who can do anything with them except fill them.” (03:21) “I would willingly become hungry again. But alas, I cannot undo my sin.” (09:50)
• On forgiveness and charity:
  “To what better purpose could I have prepared a fat hen than to feed a hungry man?” – Father Pico (10:24)
• On service and purpose:
  “God requires a faithful fulfillment of the merest trifle given us to do, rather than the most ardent aspiration to things to which we are not called.” – Father Elias (20:39)
• Joppy’s final offering:
  “Six empty plates that I can fill only with my humble love for you. Oh, thank you, lady. Thank you.” (24:00)
• The moral expressed:
  “It was the only way he knew how to show his devotion. It was the best he could do.” – Father Elias (25:22)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:09 — Host Spencer Tracy’s introduction and message on family prayer
• 03:21 — Joppy prepares for his juggling act
• 09:45 — Joppy confesses to eating Father Pico’s prized hen
• 10:24 — Father Pico forgives Joppy and offers kitchen work
• 17:18 — Joppy and Blanche Fleur are welcomed to stay as long as needed
• 21:17 — Joppy’s crisis of confidence; considers leaving
• 23:32 — Joppy’s offering to the Virgin Mary (the juggling performance)
• 25:22 — Father Elias explains the value of Joppy’s gift
• 26:51 — Host Spencer Tracy’s closing reflection on prayer and thinking

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Takeaways

• True worth lies not in grandeur, but in sincerity and doing one’s best.
• Acts of humility and honest devotion are meaningful, regardless of status or ability.
• As encapsulated in Father Elias’s paraphrase:
  “What we do best is never trivial, for it is the best that we can do.” (20:39)
• The episode gently encourages listeners to value their unique gifts and to offer them with a pure heart, especially in service of others and in faith.

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Recommended for:
Lovers of classic radio dramas, those seeking wholesome family messages, and anyone interested in timeless parables about humility and devotion.

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Transcript

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[Family Theater Announcer Tony Lofrano]

Family theater presents spencer tracy and wallace ford. From Hollywood, the Mutual Network, in cooperation with Family Theater, brings you Joppy the Juggler with Wallace Ford as Joppy to introduce the your host, Spencer Tracy.

[Narrator/Host Spencer Tracy]

Thank you, Tony Lefrano. Family Theater's purpose is to bring to everyone's attention a practice that must become an important part of our lives if we are to win peace for ourselves, peace for our families and peace for the world. Family Theater urges you to pray, pray together as a family. Tonight, Family Theater takes great pleasure in presenting Juppy the Juggler, starring Wallace Ford as Joppy.

[Narrator]

La belle France was rising swiftly in the world. Louis xi, the Spider King, was spinning the final strands of his web. He had defeated Charles the Bold, had absorbed Burgundy, Anjou, man and Provence. The power of France was consolidated. All of which meant nothing to weary Joppy the Juggler and his darling Blanche Fleur as they stirred the dust of a lonely road through Languedoc. An odd pair, they Joppy, his face wrinkled and pale as a faded apricot under a thatch of unruly white hair, his long ragged cloak, stained and patched in many places, flapping about his bony shanks encased in mildewed green hose.

[Father Elias]

Tenderly, he patted his companion's neck.

[Narrator]

Blanche Fleur looked at him with large, affectionate brown eyes. Her long pink ears trembled momentarily. Blanche Fleur had reason to be grateful. Joppy, generous consideration for her years, was walking by her side as mules go. Blanche Fleur had lived beyond her prime, and it was on this day that they came to a crossroads in their journey and a signpost which pointed to Mesame.

[Father Pico]

Mesme.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Have we ever been to Mazame, Ma Petit? What a wide world it is when a long world for walking. And always the same. Houses and people and children and dogs and nothing to eat. Pardon. Pardon me, Blanche Fleur. I should not have mentioned that. Of course you're hungry, but you should be used to it. After all these years, it was your misfortune to choose a juggler for your partner. A juggler with six plates who can do anything with them except fill them. Oh, well. Thinking is for people who have Just eaten the plump partridge. Not for the likes of us Salons, ma petite. We had better sound the symbols to tell the people of Mazame that we are coming. So they'll know we're honest travelers and not thieves. Attend closely, my dear friends. I am Taffy the Juggler, known throughout the world for my magic fingers. I will show you wonders you will not believe in. All with only sixth place these six plates which I throw into the air one at a time. Always two in my hands and four in the air. Watch them. Watch them closely. Do you see that? Do you see what I see? A loaf of bread, a larded capon, royal sturgeon, a cheese tart and a sizzling fork. And washed them all down with a fine wine spiced with cinnamon and ginger. What a juggler. I'd like to see you try it with some of that fine wine you make. Just hand me six bottles filled and I promise not to lose a drop.

[Father Elias]

What else have you got in your.

[Narrator/Host Spencer Tracy]

Bag of drinks, eh?

[Joppy the Juggler]

I can d. Hands to cock wheels backflip. Oh, come on, Marie.

[Narrator/Host Spencer Tracy]

We've seen all this before.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Magic, if that is what you will see. Here. Here is my cap.

[Father Pico]

Empty.

[Narrator/Host Spencer Tracy]

Now watch.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Nothing in my hands. And yet here is a rock. My Fabian produced rabbits and ducks and even a small dog. Empty plates and one rock. We have plates in our own cupboards.

[Narrator/Host Spencer Tracy]

And rocks in our place.

[Joppy the Juggler]

But you do not have my blanche floor. And who is she? A golden princess you're about to produce from your tattered cloak. She is my best friend. She stands beside me here.

[Father Elias]

The mule.

[Joppy the Juggler]

You may laugh, but not one of you has the patience, the loyalty and the intelligence of my blonde.

[Narrator/Host Spencer Tracy]

Now he says we are no better than mules.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Come on. We came to be entertained, not to be made. Splash floor. Ah, well. So Maso may did not like us. Perhaps the next village will. And on the way, who knows? We may find a farm where we can work for our supper. Heads up, my petite. And have faith. Our prayers have been answered. Look there. A chicken. But wait. It doesn't belong to us. But then I don't see anybody around here. Do you? Mah Cherie. If it did belong to anyone who would be here, he would be here, wouldn't he? Surely this must be a gift of God. But then, how can I be sure? I know if I can catch her, then it must be so. If I can't, so be it. That way my conscience will be clear. Oh, well, we shall see. It is so. Thank God. Not only for the chicken, but she is Such a plump one. Ah, Blanche, how different the world looks now. This is truly a most beautiful country. Look, look. A stranger beckons us ahead. He must have more good news for us. I told you, Blanche, the sun is shining on us today.

[Father Pico]

Oh, he, he.

[Joppy the Juggler]

He is a man of God that bids. Well, good day, Father.

[Father Pico]

Good day, my son.

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[Father Pico]

Who? You. I know. I've been scouring the whole countryside, searching.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Oh, perhaps I can help if you tell me what you are looking for.

[Father Pico]

I raised her myself. Fed her myself. She was to be a surprise for the abbey. And today of all days, she is missing.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Then we shall find her for you. What does she look like, Father?

[Father Pico]

Well, she was plump. All red, with one round spot of white on her back.

[Joppy the Juggler]

And her name, Father?

[Father Pico]

Name? She had no name. My son, we do not name hens.

[Joppy the Juggler]

She was a hen.

[Father Pico]

My favorite. Why, I fed her only the finest of corn.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Did you say she was all red with a spot of white?

[Father Pico]

Yes, yes. Have you seen her?

[Joppy the Juggler]

Well, yes, the truth is, yes, but. Good, good.

[Father Pico]

Where is she, Father?

[Joppy the Juggler]

There is nothing I would rather do than to lead you to your favorite hen. But alas, this is now impossible. Why, I. I ate her.

[Father Pico]

Oh, but she was not yours to eat.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Ah, but Father, when I saw her, I did not know that she was not mine to weed. Nevertheless, she was delicious. If I could return her to you, I would. I would even try to forget how delicious she was. I. I would willingly become hungry again. But alas, I cannot undo my sin. I'm glad you're not angry, Father. But could you tell me what is so funny about such a tragedy?

[Father Pico]

I confess I was slightly exasperated at first. But my son, to what better purpose could I have prepared a fat hence than to feed a hungry man?

[Joppy the Juggler]

Thank you, Father. But that doesn't make me feel much better about what I did. I should have asked someone before I took such rash liberties with what wasn't mine. I'm just a poor juggler who knows a few tricks of magic, but none which can reproduce your end. But with the strength she has given me, perhaps I can repay you a little for the first full supper I have had in many a year.

[Father Pico]

My son, I have already been repaid.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Please, Father, there must be something I can do at the monastery. Unless there is, that hen will lie like a stone on my stomach.

[Father Pico]

Well, if it will make you feel better, I am the monastery cook. The potatoes in my kitchen do multiply far faster than my hands can feel them.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Good, good, Father, you have made me feel better. Oh, and Father, a question. Have you any idea how many potato peelings it will take to atone for my son sin?

[Father Pico]

I am a good cook, my son, and I could tell you what it takes to make a tasty broth. But yours is a question which only the Lord himself can answer. Excuse me further in law, do you have a moment?

[Narrator]

We have all eternity, Father Picot.

[Father Pico]

Yes, yes, of course, Father. A traveling juggler by the name of Joppy desires to stay with us for a bit.

[Narrator]

Our doors are never closed to anyone.

[Father Pico]

But this is a little irregular, Father Renault, he insists upon helping me in the kitchen.

[Narrator]

And do you object?

[Father Pico]

Oh, no, no, no, not at all. But you see, it's a little amusing and a little sad. Yes, this Joppy has inadvertently altered the menu I had planned for your dinner with the bishop tomorrow.

[Narrator]

Well, since neither the bishop nor I knew of your plans, we cannot be disappointed in whatever you choose to serve us. And what is so amazing and sad about all this?

[Father Pico]

This poor Japia, a man of simple virtue and very hungry, intercepted my prize fat. Hence, having no knowledge of her identity, he consumed her himself. And then, when he learned of his mistake, he wanted to use his newfound strength to peel enough potatoes to atone for his sin.

[Narrator]

If he has knowledge of the error, Father, and he has fully admitted it, we cannot ask him to do more.

[Father Pico]

But he insists.

[Narrator]

Then there is no problem.

[Father Pico]

But he has a mule. Well, we have room for him in the stable. Well, a very old and decrepit mule.

[Narrator]

Do you wish me to do something about that, Father Pickle?

[Father Pico]

Oh, no, no. It's all attended to.

[Narrator]

Well, then, Father, you seem to have taken care of everything yourself. And now, if you don't mind, I must see Father Julian.

[Father Pico]

Of course, of course. Thank you, Father. Ah, Father Elias, you're The one.

[Father Elias]

I admire your assurance, father Pico. I am the one. What?

[Father Pico]

The one to help me. I had planned to ask the abbey, but I. I changed my mind. You see, it concerns a traveling juggler.

[Father Elias]

I've already seen him in your kitchen. I admire his energy. So many potatoes in so short a time.

[Father Pico]

Do you know why this joppy is peeling so many potatoes?

[Father Elias]

Yes, father Pico. I've heard the story of your poor fat head.

[Father Pico]

Well, then, this joppy has taken the whole matter much too seriously. In fact, he is all tied up with the problem of numbers. How many potatoes make an atonement for his sin? I've tried to reassure him, but I'm afraid that since I am a cook as well as a priest, he doubts my qualifications as a theologian. I do believe that he'll keep on peeling potatoes forever unless somebody sets his mind at rest.

[Father Elias]

Yes? You pose a very difficult question.

[Father Pico]

Question?

[Father Elias]

But I would like to speak to this choppy of yours. I want to thank him. I'm indebted to him. You know, father Pico, despite my fervor reserve, I couldn't keep my eye off that hen of yours. He was a great temptation.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Listen, Blanche. Isn't it beautiful? Oh, if only I knew what it all means. Why is it that in all of our travels, we never learn Latin? And, well, you got your sack of oats, didn't you? Just as I promised. And this fine stable. And what a mystery this is. I eat the priest hen, and you get your oats, and I get a bed with a blanket, and I eat three times a day. But now they tell me I don't have to peel any more potatoes. I'm afraid to tell them that I don't want to stop, for that would mean that we would have to go. But do you think it would be right for me to commit another sin so that I should be forced to stay and do some more penance? No, but you haven't done anything wrong yet, Blanche. Fleur. Perhaps if you ate up some of the carrots of the garden, we could stay a little longer. Father Pico.

[Father Pico]

Yes?

[Joppy the Juggler]

Alas, I have some good news for you.

[Father Pico]

Why alas, when your face is shining so brightly?

[Father Elias]

Because it's bad news.

[Joppy the Juggler]

You see, Blood's floor. My mule.

[Father Pico]

Sorry. Is she ill?

[Joppy the Juggler]

Well, yes, but it's a. Not the illness for which I am sorry. You see, she should be ill for what she has done.

[Father Pico]

Well, what has she done?

[Joppy the Juggler]

I am afraid she has eaten up some of your vegetable garden.

[Father Pico]

Oh, but how did she get out of the Stable.

[Joppy the Juggler]

I wish you hadn't asked me that, Father. Why, I hadn't expected you to ask me that. But since you have, it would only make it worse if I lied, wouldn't it? And it's bad enough already.

[Father Pico]

You let her out yourself?

[Joppy the Juggler]

Yes, I. I did, Father.

[Father Pico]

Oh. Why?

[Joppy the Juggler]

Well, Father, I wanted her to eat some of your vegetable garden.

[Father Pico]

But why?

[Joppy the Juggler]

If I may speak for Blanche Fleur as well as myself, we are both very anxious to do penance for her criminal appetite.

[Father Pico]

You couldn't think of any other way of staying with us?

[Joppy the Juggler]

No, Father. Blanche Fleur and I. I don't belong here except to make amends for things we do wrong.

[Father Pico]

Well, my friend, that is why we're all here. To make amends. You may visit with us for as long as you wish, Joppy.

[Joppy the Juggler]

I don't wish to visit, Father. I, I. You don't visit when you're home.

[Father Pico]

Then there is no problem at all.

[Joppy the Juggler]

But there is. And I'm too old ever to solve it. You see, Father Pico, I don't know any lat.

[Father Elias]

Father Pico, in all the years I've known you, I've never seen your kitchen in such good order.

[Father Pico]

Oh, I. I cannot take credit for the neatness of my kitchen, Father. No, no, my. My friend Joppy, in his overwhelming gratitude, treats it as a room in heaven. But, Father Elias, if you don't mind my saying so, I think you've always preferred my room. Yes, which is because of my carelessness. Usually provides a scrap or two left over from breakfast or supper.

[Father Elias]

Well, how else can I pay tribute to your genius?

[Father Pico]

Father, would you like a bowl of broth to fortify you for the fast tomorrow?

[Father Elias]

The vigil of the nativity. Ah, yes, well, there are many ways of veneration. Tomorrow I fast. Tonight I take advantage of your offer and sip a bit of your broth in honor of the blessed Virgin.

[Father Pico]

Hold on, my friend. Not so fast. You burn your tongue. Father of ice, you are a master of paradox. I have one that perhaps you can explain. Concerns my poor Joppy.

[Father Elias]

Is he still worried about not knowing Latin?

[Father Pico]

Oh, no, no, no, it's not Latin. He's learned enough to say the Ave. And learned it the hardest way, too, by rote. No, no, it's not that. I have never seen a happier man than Juppy when he was told he could stay with us as a lay brother. But recently I've had the feeling that he is no longer so.

[Father Elias]

Oh, you worry too much, Father Pico. Have you forgotten that change and adjustment are never easy? When a man has walked all his life and he suddenly stands still and remains still, his muscles complain. For instance, when I stop thinking, my head aches.

[Father Pico]

I thought you were going to suggest that when you stop eating, your stomach.

[Father Elias]

Oh, touche, Father.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Oh, excuse me, Reverend Fathers. Am I interrupting an important discussion?

[Father Elias]

Come in, come in, Brother Joppy.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Father Pico, I. I have just finished spading the onion bed.

[Father Pico]

Brother Juppy, I wish you would give those poor onions a chance to grow.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Oh, well, I guess I was carried away by the beautiful music. It's so much easier to work that way. Father Bertram was playing the organ, something I had never heard before.

[Father Elias]

That is his new Ave Maria. He composed it especially for the Nativity. And by the way, I didn't mention it, Father Pico, but the illumination you painted for his manuscript is magnificent. A most glorious tribute to the Queen of Heaven.

[Father Pico]

It is nothing, nothing compared to your treatise on the virtue virtues of the Mother of God.

[Father Elias]

Thank you, Father. But aren't you falling into the error of evaluating one thing above another? May I remind you of what St Francois said? That God requires a faithful fulfillment of the merest trifle given us to do, rather than the most ardent aspiration to things to which we are not called. What we do best is never trivial, for it is the best that we can do.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Ah, Blanche Leur. But every day and every night I feel smaller and smaller until I think I shall vanish altogether. I'm just a nothing here, and I don't know how to be anything. The Reverend Fathers have done such wonderful things for the blessed Virginia, and I have nothing to give her. I'm so stupid, I can't even leave the onions in the garden alone. They won't say a word. They're too kind. But I know we don't belong here. Well, we shall leave tomorrow at dawn. They will be occupied with the Vigil of the Nativity and we can slip away quietly. So, sleep well, my dear Blanche Floor. We have a long journey to make, a journey without end. And now we'll pray. At least I have learned this one. In Latin, I think. Ava Maria gratia plenta Dominus T benedicted to mar.

[Father Pico]

I wish you would give the onions a chance to grow.

[Father Elias]

God requires the faithful fulfillment of the merest trifle given us to leave the onions alone. A glorious tribute to the Queen of Heaven. The best that we can do is the best that we can.

[Joppy the Juggler]

What did you say, Blanche Floor? No, it wasn't you. It was Father Elias. It was he who said it, of course. Why didn't I think of it before? The best that we can do, Blanche, before we leave tomorrow, I must do my best.

[Narrator]

What is that noise? Did someone invite a circus here to celebrate the nativity?

[Father Pico]

Why, Father, I know that sounded as if it were coming from the chapel of our Lady.

[Narrator]

Has no one looked to see who is committing this outrage? Well, well, open the door.

[Father Pico]

Why, it is Joby the juggler. Look at him.

[Joppy the Juggler]

He's spinning his plates at the feet.

[Father Pico]

Of the blessed Virgin.

[Father Elias]

Stop him immediately.

[Father Pico]

Please, Please, Father Reno, just a moment. Let him finish. Don't interrupt him.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Now. Now look, lady, attend. Closer. I am Joppy the Junker, known throughout the world for my magic fingers. I have only six Facebook. Watch these six plates I throw up into the air one at a time. Always tool my hands. And four in the air. Watch them closely. Watch them. Now look. Do you not see a beautifully illuminated Ave Maria especially composed for you? Do you not see a wonderfully written book with the longest words you ever heard? And all in Latin too, all about you? Do you not see the greatest pictures ever painted of you and your son Jesus? And all the finest works of the wise and brilliant men who venerate you? And ladies, on the last plate is the least of all the only gift that I could bring. The six biggest onions from the field I spaded too often and not too well. See them, lady. See them spinning. Always two in my hand and four in the air. Six empty plates that I can fill only with my humble love for you. Oh, thank you, lady. Thank you. Well, that's all, lady. Or maybe I should say amen.

[Father Pico]

Beyond all doubt, he is a good man, Father Reno. He meant no harm.

[Narrator]

I know, Father Pico. You have told me before about this Joppy the juggler.

[Father Elias]

It was the only way he knew how to show his devotion. It was the best he could do. Yes, truly blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

[Joppy the Juggler]

I did it, ma petite Blanche Fleur.

[Father Pico]

Ah.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Never did six plates spin so swiftly. Never were my hands so sure. Never did I see so clearly the things I dreamed of for her. But Blanche Fleur, this is the most wondrous thing of all. I swear that I could see her hands flutter in a gentle applause. And when I dared to look up at her, she smiled. Perhaps now we will not have to go after all. But, Blanche, we've got to get busy. I've got to think of some more tricks. Maybe I could borrow the candlesticks from the altar. Just imagine. Six lighted candles spinning in the air. There's never been Done in all this world. Ah, but then no juggler in all this world before has ever had such an audience.

[Narrator/Host Spencer Tracy]

This is Spencer Tracy again to keep a luncheon appointment. I walked into the office of a business friend the other day and found that on his work pile desk he had one of those little signs that you too no doubt have often seen on desks or walls, especially in business establishments. Each sign has one big printed word Think. While waiting, I read the newspaper. And when he was about ready to join me a few moments later, I jabbed a forefinger at several news stories, assortedly dated Washington, Korea, Moscow and Berlin, and said more or less to start conversation, Joe, from the mess the world's in, we'd better change signs like this one to another word Pray. He thought about that for a moment while getting on his coat. And then he replied. Spencer, I believe my little sign is better than you imagine. It's supposed to caution clear thinking. You know, if a man thinks at all, he's certain to pray. Prayer then is a natural consequence of clear thinking. Any thinking man knows that our problems are so great that we must have help from above. It's only the self sufficient fool or the man who doesn't think very clearly, who won't pray, thinking of God's love for man and of man's perpetual dependence upon God. Well, isn't that the very thought of prayer is by itself? I saw the point and hastened to agree. What he was proving was that clear thinking and prayer can sometimes be the same thing. And while we're on the subject, what better thing is there to pray for right now but that God will favor us with some clear thinking? In other words, wisdom. And my friend added another thought that's been running through my mind ever since. Abe Lincoln, he said, used to tell his associates that when his chairs in the White House got so heavy that he didn't know what to do, he always went to his knees because there was nowhere else to go. Once again, family theater reminds you the family that prays together stays together.

[Joppy the Juggler]

More things are wrought by prayer than.

[Father Pico]

This world dreams of. Foreign.

[Family Theater Announcer Tony Lofrano]

Hollywood Family theater has brought you Joppy the Juggler, starring Wallace Ford, with Spencer Tracy as your host. Others in our cast were Francis X. Bushman, May Clark, Herb Rollinson, Bill Johnstone and Tudor Owen. Our story was adapted by Milton and Barbara Merlin from an old French legend. Music was composed and conducted by Harry Zimmerman. The program was directed for family the by J.F.

[Father Pico]

Mansfield.

[Family Theater Announcer Tony Lofrano]

Portions of tonight's program were transcribed. This series of family theater broadcasts is made possible by the thousands of you who felt the need for this type of program, by the Mutual Network which has responded to this need, and by the hundreds of stars of stage, screen and radio who have so unselfishly given of their time and talent to appear on our Family Theater stage. To them and to you, our humble thanks. This is Tony Lofrano expressing the wish of Family Theater that the blessing of God may be upon you and your home and inviting you to be with us. Sunday at 10pm New York. Time for the joyful hour with Bing Crosby and his four boys and a host of stars. And join us next week at this same time when Family Theater will present Loretta Young in Charles Tazwell's beautiful story of the Littlest Angel. Join us, won't you? This is the mutual broadcasting system.

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[Father Pico]

Our family on January 9th. The sequel to Greenland is so massive you have to see it on the big screen. I promise. Who gets to see.

[Joppy the Juggler]

Starring Gerard Butler and Marina Baccarin. Oh my God.

[Family Theater Announcer Tony Lofrano]

Hang on.

[Father Pico]

Greenland 2 migration rated PG 13.