Family Theater 47-03-11 (005) Let Us Remember

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - "Family Theater 47-03-11 (005) Let Us Remember"

Release Date: May 23, 2025
Host: Robert Young
Featuring: Claude Jarman Jr. and J. Carol Nash
Episode Title: Let Us Remember

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Introduction

In this poignant episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Family Theater 47-03-11 (005) Let Us Remember," host Robert Young presents an emotionally charged dramatization that delves into the struggles of a typical American family grappling with financial hardships and the broader implications of societal neglect. The episode thoughtfully weaves a narrative that not only entertains but also serves as a mirror reflecting the real-world issues of hunger, moral decay, and the enduring strength of family bonds.

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Summary of the Play: "Let Us Remember"

Characters:

• Bill Jones: A young, conscientious boy facing financial dilemmas.
• Skinny Bill: Bill's friend, more carefree and impulsive.
• George Jones: Bill's father, a hardworking man burdened by financial stress.
• Mother Jones: Bill's nurturing mother.
• Julie Jones: Bill's sister, preparing for her first formal dress.
• Claude Jarman Jr.: A mysterious man who interacts with the boys.

Plot Overview:

The story centers around the Jones family, highlighting the everyday struggles they face. Bill Jones expresses a longing for adulthood, associating it with financial stability:

Bill Jones (03:06): "Gee, I wish I was an old man. I wish I was real elderly. I wish I was 35 or 40 even."
(03:06)

Bill's Dilemma: Bill promises his friends that he will buy them sodas by meeting them at the drugstore but realizes he lacks the dollar needed. His friend, Skinny Bill, suggests borrowing money from their father, George Jones. However, George is preoccupied with his income tax work and appears irritable about financial matters:

George Jones (06:07): "She's right, too. One or the other of us is always fussing with it."
(06:07)

Family Dynamics: The family gathers for dinner, where tension about finances surfaces. Julie Jones showcases her sewing skills, adding a heartwarming element to the strained environment. Bill attempts to persuade his father to lend him the dollar, reflecting the family's financial strain and the father's reluctance to provide more funds.

Encounter with Claude Jarman Jr.: As Bill and Skinny search for the lost dollar, they encounter Claude Jarman Jr., who serves as a symbolic figure representing the harsh realities of hunger and poverty. Through their conversation, the play illustrates the devastating effects of prolonged hunger on young minds:

Claude Jarman Jr. (14:27): "I am glad you do not know what hunger is. It is a bad thing to know. It does a bad thing to your heart."
(14:27)

Moral Decline and Futility: The dialogue between Bill and Claude underscores a grim future where hunger leads to moral degradation, potentially spiraling into larger conflicts and wars. Bill's innocence clashes with the bleak outlook presented by Claude, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in preventing societal decay.

Redemption and Family Unity: Ultimately, Bill returns home with more money than he initially had, showcasing his growth and newfound understanding of community and generosity. The family comes together to pray before their meal, reinforcing the episode's central theme of familial bonds and collective responsibility:

Bill Jones (26:09): "Dear Lord, we thank you for this food. We, as we eat it, let us remember that the people we're sharing our food with are people just like us."
(26:09)

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Themes and Insights

1. Hunger and Its Consequences:

   • The play vividly portrays how hunger affects not just the body but also the heart and moral compass of individuals. Claude Jarman Jr.'s character embodies the long-term psychological impact of scarcity.

2. Family and Responsibility:

   • The Jones family dynamics highlight the strains financial hardship can place on familial relationships. Despite challenges, the family's unity and eventual collective prayer underscore resilience.

3. Societal Neglect:

   • By drawing parallels to European children suffering during harsh winters, the episode serves as a commentary on global disparities and the moral obligation to assist those in need.

4. Moral Choices and Future Implications:

   • The narrative warns against the slippery slope from minor transgressions to significant moral failures, suggesting that small acts of kindness and responsibility can prevent larger societal issues.

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Robert Young's Commentary

Following the dramatization, Robert Young offers a heartfelt reflection on the play's lessons and their relevance to contemporary society:

Robert Young (27:04): "Millions of them facing one of the cruelest winters in Europe's history... Just being together would be their happiness."
(27:04)

Key Points:

• Appreciation of Privilege: Young urges listeners to recognize and appreciate their fortunate circumstances compared to children in war-torn regions.

• Strengthening Family Bonds: He emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong family units through shared practices like prayer, which fosters unity and resilience.

• Call to Action: Young encourages audiences to seek help when needed and to engage in community and spiritual practices to preserve family integrity.

Robert Young (29:07): "Ask God to help. Pray and pray together with your family. A family that prays together stays together."
(29:07)

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Conclusion

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully combines storytelling with moral lessons, presenting a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. "Let Us Remember" serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of empathy, family unity, and societal responsibility. Through compelling characters and heartfelt dialogue, the play and Robert Young's commentary inspire listeners to reflect on their values and the impact of their actions on the broader community.

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Notable Quotes:

• Bill Jones (03:06): "Gee, I wish I was an old man... I wish I was 35 or 40 even."
• Claude Jarman Jr. (14:27): "I am glad you do not know what hunger is. It is a bad thing to know."
• Bill Jones (26:09): "Dear Lord, we thank you for this food... let us remember that the people we're sharing our food with are people just like us."
• Robert Young (29:07): "Ask God to help. Pray and pray together with your family."

---

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, highlighting its emotional depth and societal relevance, making it accessible and engaging for those who haven't listened to the original broadcast.

Transcript

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[Robert Young]

The Mutual Broadcasting System presents the Family Theater. Starring Claude Jarman, Jr. And J. Carol Nash. With Robert Young as your host.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.

[Robert Young]

Good evening, this is Robert Young. I hope that by now listening to Family Theater has become a habit with you. It ought to be, because Family Theatre is your program, you know, dedicated to your family. The idea for this program came from among you in the radio audience. You ask that we, the performers of pictures and radio and the technical people get together and bring you the Family Theater. To acknowledge all the fundamental things we deeply believe in. We believe, as you do, that a happy family is just about the greatest thing a man could wish for. And we sincerely believe that. Prayer, Family prayer. Prayers asking God for his help. And prayers acknowledging that help will keep our families together happy. Tonight's play on Family Theater is a story of a typical American family named Jones. And a very unusual experience which happened to their young son Bill. But wait a minute. Rather than my telling you, why not listen to our original story by D.H. johnson entitled, Let Us Remember, featuring that young star of the yearling, Claude Jarman, Jr. And J. Carol Nash.

It's been said that the sad thing about being young. Is that you're never old enough to appreciate it. Take young Bill Jones, for example. He has the youth for which many of us would trade all our possessions. He has good health, a good brain. And judging by the house on whose back steps. He is now unhappily sitting a good home. And yet to his pal, Skinny Bill.

[Bill Jones]

Is saying, gee, I wish I was an old man. I wish I was real elderly. I Wish I was 35 or 40 even.

[Skinny Bill]

Yeah. What would you do?

[Bill Jones]

Nothing. I'd have already done it.

[Skinny Bill]

Done what?

[Bill Jones]

Made my money. Oh, yeah. Then I wouldn't need to worry like I'm doing now about where am I going to get a dollar? Gee, one little dollar. And if I don't get it I'm sunk.

[Skinny Bill]

You still beatin your gums about that?

[Bill Jones]

Gee whiz, Skinny, who wouldn't? You know what I promise, don't you? A guy can't go back on his promise, can he?

[Skinny Bill]

It's been done.

[Bill Jones]

Not by me. I told the guys I'd meet him at the drugstore at noon Saturday and I'd have a dollar to buy em all sodas and. And I've got to be there at noon.

[Skinny Bill]

Well, it's 11 now.

[Bill Jones]

Don't I know it.

[Skinny Bill]

Where are you going to get a dollar?

[Bill Jones]

That's you. Always bringing up a fresh subject. Say, you haven't got a dollar, have you?

[Skinny Bill]

Hey, I know. Maybe your sister could let you have it. Ask Julie.

[Bill Jones]

I did.

[Skinny Bill]

You mean she would?

[Bill Jones]

Yeah, she tried to borrow a dollar from me.

[Skinny Bill]

That's girls for you. They got no idea the value of money. Oh, hey, I got it. Your dad's home today, ain't he?

[Bill Jones]

No use asking him, Skinny.

[Skinny Bill]

Why not? Your dad's a swell guy.

[Bill Jones]

Not this morning, huh? He's in the den working on his income tax. Oh, I don't know what gets into people when they're working on their income tax. You say the slightest word and they're liable to blow their top.

[Skinny Bill]

Oh, it's just the money. You know how old people worry about money.

[Bill Jones]

Yeah. What good does worry do? Gee, I wish I had a dollar.

[Skinny Bill]

Look, Bill. Go on, ask your dad. Anyway, if you use the right approach, it's a cinch.

[Bill Jones]

Approach?

[Skinny Bill]

Why, sure. Sneak up on him. Let him see what a swell son you are. Then you're in that the way you.

[Bill Jones]

Get money from your dad?

[Skinny Bill]

Well, it don't work for me. My dad knows me. But with you, it's a pushover.

[Bill Jones]

Okay, Skinny, I'll try it. You wait here.

[Skinny Bill]

Happy landings. Gee, I can taste that soda already.

[George Jones]

Now, let's see. 9, 14, 21 and 7 is 28. 36, 23 and 11 is 54.

[Bill Jones]

Hi there, dad.

[George Jones]

Oh, now I've got to do that whole column over again.

[Bill Jones]

What's doing, dad? Adding up something.

[George Jones]

Your perception is amazing, William.

[Bill Jones]

Gee, thanks.

[George Jones]

Look, son, I'm. I'm sort of busy. Is this just a social call or do you want something?

[Bill Jones]

That's funny.

[George Jones]

Funny?

[Bill Jones]

I was just going to ask you if you wanted something. I mean, is there anything I can do for you?

[George Jones]

Yes, son. You can go back outdoors.

[Bill Jones]

Maybe you'd like me to add up some figures for you. I'm plenty solid on figures.

[George Jones]

Oh, that's strange. I've been getting just the opposite Impression from your arithmetic, Graves?

[Bill Jones]

Oh, arithmetic. That hairy stuff? After that gunk, your income tax was nothing.

[George Jones]

Oh, I wish you were right.

[Bill Jones]

Come on, dad, let me help.

[George Jones]

No, thanks, son. Anyway, I've got the income tax done. What I'm working on now is the.

[Bill Jones]

Family budget, what Mother calls a fuss budget.

[George Jones]

She's right, too. One or the other of us is always fussing with it. Well, right now I'm trying to squeeze out a few extra dollars for charity.

[Bill Jones]

Gosh, you get plenty of charity already, don't you, Dan?

[George Jones]

Well, we try to, Son. Your mother and I believe in doing unto others as we'd have them do to us. But right now, we're trying to do a little more than usual.

[Bill Jones]

Something new coming up?

[George Jones]

No, it's nothing new. It's been going on for a long time, son. Ever since the war started. In fact, it isn't over yet.

[Bill Jones]

What do you mean?

[George Jones]

Well, you see the papers. You must have read something about the hunger situation in the other half of the world.

[Bill Jones]

Are there?

[Skinny Bill]

Mm.

[George Jones]

That's why we're scraping up all we can for the relief campaigns that are going on right now. There are still too many people praying. Give us this day our daily bread. And putting a real plea into every syllable.

[Bill Jones]

Yeah, it must be pretty rugged, all right.

[George Jones]

Look, son, why don't you go outside and play?

[Bill Jones]

Well, listen, Dad, I really did come in because I wanted something.

[George Jones]

Yes, I suspected that.

[Bill Jones]

Look, you don't want the guys to be calling me a Nicky, do you?

[George Jones]

Well, whatever that means. I imagine I don't.

[Bill Jones]

Okay, then you've got to help me, dad. I'm really in a spot.

[George Jones]

So, what's a foot?

[Bill Jones]

A foot?

[George Jones]

Oh, to use the classical phrase, what gives?

[Bill Jones]

Well. Oh, well, you see, I was coming home from school yesterday, and something. Well, something kind of hit me.

[George Jones]

Not hard, I hope.

[Bill Jones]

I mean, kind of an idea. You know what I mean? So I said to a bunch of the kids, I said, meet me at the drugstore Saturday noon. I'll buy you all sodas. I'll have a dollar.

[George Jones]

Well, is that all?

[Bill Jones]

Well, I. All except one thing, Dad. I. I haven't got the dollar.

[George Jones]

Look, son, you got your allowance at the beginning of the week, you know.

[Bill Jones]

Yeah, but that was the beginning of week. Things are high these days. Money doesn't go as far as it.

[George Jones]

Used to, you know. I've heard rumors about that myself.

[Bill Jones]

How's about it, dad? Can I have it, huh? Can I, please?

[George Jones]

Well, I'll tell you, son.

[Mother Jones]

Excuse me, George. May we come in a minute?

[George Jones]

Why, of Course, Mother, William and I aren't doing anything important.

[Bill Jones]

Not important?

[Mother Jones]

I wanted you to see Julie's first formal. Just got it finished. Come in, dear.

[Bill Jones]

Oh, isn't it wonderful, dad? Isn't it just absolutely beautiful?

[George Jones]

Mm hm. Look at that.

[Bill Jones]

Hey, Sis, that's terrific.

[George Jones]

You made that all your.

[Julie Jones]

Every single stitch.

[Mother Jones]

Well, it didn't come out quite right around here.

[George Jones]

Now, now, now, wait a minute. Don't start picking flaws. Why, I'd have sworn it came out of the best store on Fifth Avenue. Oh, beautiful.

[Bill Jones]

Of course, you got to give a little credit to who's got it on. Well, what do you know about that? A compliment from my own brother. Oh, skip it. I didn't mean it.

[George Jones]

Don't let him fool you, Julie. We both think you're lovely. In fact, if I'd only met you first, I'd probably have married you instead of.

[Mother Jones]

Oh, George, what a thing. Well, come, dear. We mustn't keep your father from his work. And you too, William. George, has he been bothering you about that Dollary once?

[George Jones]

Yes. Yes, he mentioned it. Mother, I. I've made up my mind on the matter.

[Skinny Bill]

Good.

[Mother Jones]

I hope you'll be very firm. Come, Julie. I want to take a little tuck in that peplum.

[Bill Jones]

A tuck in the peplum? Gee, what's that?

[George Jones]

That's woman talk, William. We don't always understand them and. And they don't always understand us.

[Robert Young]

Here.

[George Jones]

Here's something for you.

[Bill Jones]

A dollar. Gee whiz, dad. Thanks a million. I got it, Skinny. Look.

[Skinny Bill]

Oh, boy, a whole buck. Get that soda fountain ready. Here I come I'll be coming around the fountain when I come let's go, let's go. I'll be coming around the fountain when I come I'll be coming around the fountain with a soda Like a mountain I'll be coming around the mountain.

[Bill Jones]

Well, come on.

[Skinny Bill]

I. Relax, I'm coming.

[Bill Jones]

What are you hanging behind for? I thought you wanted a soda.

[Skinny Bill]

Well, sure I do, but. Look, suppose we got kind of tired walking through the park here, huh?

[Bill Jones]

Tired?

[Skinny Bill]

Yeah. Suppose we had to sit down on a bench and rest.

[Bill Jones]

Yeah. Then what?

[Skinny Bill]

Okay, so we're a little late getting to the drugstore now. The rest of the guys give up and go home. And when we get there.

[Bill Jones]

Hey, wait.

[Skinny Bill]

We got the whole buck to spend on ourselves.

[Bill Jones]

Listen, Skinny. What?

[Skinny Bill]

Think we could do with the whole buck? Not just sodas, but banana splits.

[Bill Jones]

I'm not interested.

[Skinny Bill]

Not interested in a banana split? Hey, maybe you never had a banana split the way they make them at that drugstore.

[Bill Jones]

But I mean.

[Skinny Bill]

Now, just listen. They take two bananas, you see? Now, over that, they put three scoops of ice cream. Three. Over that, pineapple sauce, over that, whipped cream, over that, chopped walnuts, and on top of that, a cherry. Mm, mm. Gosh, how can you say you ain't interested?

[Bill Jones]

Yeah, but Skinny, don't you get me? I promise the guys.

[Skinny Bill]

Okay, okay.

[Bill Jones]

You got to keep a promise. Oh, but look, if some of em don't come and we can stretch this dollar far enough to. Hey, where is the dollar, huh? It's not in my pocket.

[Skinny Bill]

Are you kidding?

[Bill Jones]

It's not in my pocket. I know I had it in my pocket.

[Skinny Bill]

Hey, hey, you know something? You remember just when we came into the park, you took out your new scout knife to show me the special blade?

[Bill Jones]

Yeah.

[Skinny Bill]

And we looked for something to try it out on.

[Bill Jones]

Hey, the dollar was in the pocket with the knife. It fell out.

[Skinny Bill]

That's what I've been trying to tell you.

[Bill Jones]

Gee whiz. And that was a way back there, too. We better get back there and find it before somebody else does.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Boys, wait.

[Skinny Bill]

Hey, there's somebody calling us.

[Bill Jones]

Yeah, it's that man coming down the path. And look, he's waving something.

[Skinny Bill]

It's the dollar.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

I think maybe this belongs to one of you boys, huh?

[Bill Jones]

Gee, thanks, mister.

[Skinny Bill]

Oh, gosh, we was just getting kind of worried.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Well, I saw you drop it when you turned into the park. Next time I hope you don't walk so fast, huh?

[Skinny Bill]

You see, Bill, I was just telling you we shouldn't ought to hurry.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Well, two boys with a dollar to spend and you don't want to hurry?

[Skinny Bill]

Well, sure, if we hurry, we just get so. But if we take our time, it could be banana splits.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Banana splits? What is that?

[Skinny Bill]

You mean you don't know?

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Well, I'm sorry. I come from another country.

[Skinny Bill]

Okay, it's about time somebody told you. Now, look, let's sit down on this bench and I'll tell you all about it. Now, a banana split.

[Bill Jones]

Look, Skinny, the guys are waiting.

[Skinny Bill]

Ah, let them wait. Maybe they'll go home. Now, first you take a banana seat, and then you split it.

[Bill Jones]

You go ahead and tell the kids to wait, and I'll be there in a minute. I'll tell them what it is.

[Skinny Bill]

Aw, but Gee, whistle.

[George Jones]

Go on.

[Bill Jones]

I can tell him faster.

[Skinny Bill]

Aw, jeepers, always in a rush. Suppose you did promise the guys.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Oh, please, this is not important. I do not want to take a boy's valuable time.

[Bill Jones]

That's okay. You gave me back my dollar, didn't you all right? Here's what a banana split is. First they take a banana and split.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Whipped cream, chopped walnuts and a cherry. This is, how do you say? Edible?

[Bill Jones]

Sure, it's super.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Super.

[Bill Jones]

Yeah. Good.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Well, I hope you excuse my saying this. It does not sound good.

[Bill Jones]

Maybe that's just because you don't have such things in your country, huh?

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

No, in my country now, we do not have much of anything.

[Bill Jones]

Not ice cream even.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Many times. Not even bread.

[Bill Jones]

Gee, that's kind of tough. What country do you come from, mister?

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Which one? It doesn't matter. There are many countries like mine. They speak different tongues. Yes, but there is one thing they all understand. What it is like to be hungry. And cold and bitter.

[Bill Jones]

Look, what is it like, mister?

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Well, how can I tell you? You are an American boy. Maybe you've never even been hungry.

[Bill Jones]

Sure I've been hungry. Oh, yeah? Gee whiz. Just last summer me and some of the guys in my scout troop went on a hike and we went off and got our lunches and. What's the matter? What are you looking at me that way?

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

For how long were you hungry?

[Bill Jones]

Well, we started out right after breakfast and we didn't get back till late that night.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

One day.

[Bill Jones]

Well, gee whiz, I was hungry, wasn't I?

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

I am glad you do not know what hunger is. It is a bad thing to know. It does a bad thing to your heart. The. The hunger that goes on not for a day, but months and years. A little to eat, yes, but never quite enough. And something happening to your heart that is worse than anything that could happen to your body. It is what? I'm sorry. Maybe we should talk of more pleasant things.

[Bill Jones]

But honest, mister, I want to know, what is it like?

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Freddie, Hello.

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[Bill Jones]

No, but gosh, mister, I explained thanks to you.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Well, all right. If you want, I will try to tell you. You were very kind explaining to me. But what I say is not going to be kind. Maybe. Maybe it hurts.

[Bill Jones]

That's ok. I'm no salty.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

All right. Maybe the best way is for you to help me. I haven't much words, but you have an imagination. We put them together and maybe we get a picture, huh?

[Bill Jones]

Ok.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Okay. Oh, I like that word. Okay. It is so American. Well, all right. Now you can imagine. Maybe you are a boy of your own age. In my country, you have got now, I suppose, a comfortable home. A good American home and a family.

[Bill Jones]

Sure, mom, dad and my sister, so.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

But this boy you are imagining yourself to be, he would not have this comfortable home once he did. But it was bombed, destroyed. So you are living now maybe in a cellar. You and your mother and sister. Your father, well, like most of the fathers in my country, he was in the military. And maybe he did not come back. So you are wearing rags and you are cold. And as for food, well, it has been a long time since you have seen anything like good meat or milk or bread. A long time. But you have not forgotten what they are like. Because food, any food, is the thing that is always in your mind. Always. You are saying.

[Bill Jones]

Mom, haven't we got anything to eat? Anything?

[Julie Jones]

Oh, I'm sorry, son. There's just a little of the potato soup we had yesterday.

[Bill Jones]

Can I, Mom? Please? Just a couple of spoonfuls.

[Julie Jones]

It has to do for tonight, son. For all of us.

[Bill Jones]

Tonight potato soup. Tomorrow potato soup. Potato soup. When we got potatoes.

[Julie Jones]

Well, maybe Julie will bring something home.

[Bill Jones]

Okay, Mom. I'll wait.

[Julie Jones]

You're a good boy, William. You don't complain very much.

[Bill Jones]

Oh, I guess I haven't much to complain about compared to you, Mom.

[Julie Jones]

Now, don't you worry about me, William. This. This trouble will all be over someday.

[Bill Jones]

Someday. Someday. But when?

[Julie Jones]

I don't know, son. I don't know. Oh, Julie. Julie, did you get anything?

[Bill Jones]

Did you get any food, sis?

[Mother Jones]

Nothing.

[Bill Jones]

No. Nothing.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Now, maybe to you, my boy, this looks, how should I say? Impossible. Maybe you cannot imagine it happening to you and your family. But it has happened to families just like yours. Much worse has happened. Things I cannot even tell you. Because you are a boy. A good boy. A fine boy. So what does a good boy do when his life and his world Is filled with a dull, grey ache of hunger. Maybe you go out to find some work, to get a little money to buy food for the people you love. All right. You walk down to a street where once there were factories, Though now they are ripped open by bombs. And the black beams are like ribs bared by famine. But finally you do find one building that still stands.

[Bill Jones]

Please, is there any kind of a job I could get here?

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Run along, kid.

[Bill Jones]

Please, any kind of a job. I'll do anything. Please.

[Skinny Bill]

How can I give anybody a job? I have no machines, no materials, no nothing. Now get out.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

But let us say maybe you do find a job one day. It is a hard job, and for you it is doubly hard. Not only because you are a boy, but because you are weak from the long hunger. And at the end of the day, the job is true. But you have a little money now. You can buy food. Real food. No more potatoes, no more mouldy crusts. Good bread and meat. All right. Most of the stores are closed, nailed up. But you find at last a place where there is a little food. If you have money.

[George Jones]

All right, kid, speak up. Don't just stand there staring. What do you want?

[Bill Jones]

Could I, Could I buy a little of that meat? Meat?

[George Jones]

Sure. You got a lot of money.

[Bill Jones]

Well, I've got some money. Look.

[George Jones]

Money. You call that money? What do you think you can buy with that? Get out.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

The prices are high in a black market. And nowhere it seems to you now, is there pity, is there help, is there even understanding for you, a boy lonely and afraid in a world he never made. So in your rags and your clothes, you walk and walk and walk. And you come maybe to a shop window where there is bread, loaves of bread There behind the glass and into your mind there comes the thought.

[Bill Jones]

Bread.

[Robert Young]

Bread.

[Bill Jones]

If I could only get a loaf of that bread. I, I, I can't.

[Skinny Bill]

Come back here.

[Bill Jones]

Come back here.

[Skinny Bill]

What do you think you're doing? Break my window, will you?

[Bill Jones]

Please, mister, please don't eat me. Steal my bread, will you? No, no, mister, please. You, feet, you feet.

[Skinny Bill]

I'll.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Little by little, driven by hunger, you will sacrifice everything you have known as moral. Soon you will not only steal, you will kill to get what you want. And you and your gang will form a hard little island of hate and bitterness. You will grow up into a group of men pitted against everything that is decent in the world.

[Bill Jones]

But I don't want to do that.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

And someday, someday to your islands of hate, maybe there'll come another Hitler. And he'll mold your hunger and bitterness and your disregard of all morals into another war. And he'll lead your generation into more years of senseless destruction.

[Bill Jones]

But I don't want that to happen. I don't want another war. I don't want it.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Excuse me. I am so sorry. I knew it would not be kind to tell you these things, what hunger can do to your heart.

[Bill Jones]

But I don't want it to happen. I don't want it.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Well, who does? Because all the future of the world is in the hands of that boy you imagined yourself to be. His world is going to be what he makes it now. And your world, too.

[Skinny Bill]

Hey, what's the matter with you? Bill, the guys are waiting. Come on.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Oh, maybe you had better go. Remember, you promised, huh?

[Bill Jones]

Well, I guess. Okay. Goodbye, mister.

[Claude Jarman Jr.]

Goodbye, my boy. Maybe I will see you again sometime, huh?

[Skinny Bill]

Hey, Bill, what were you talking to him about so long?

[Bill Jones]

Oh, you wouldn't get it, Skinny.

[Skinny Bill]

Hey, what am I, a moron or something?

[Bill Jones]

Maybe you would get it at that. Look what we were talking about.

[Mother Jones]

Everything's on the table, George. Guess we might as well go ahead and eat. Julie has to get dressed for the prom, you know.

[George Jones]

I wonder what can be keeping that boy.

[Bill Jones]

Oh, you know how it is, dad. He went out with a bunch of his friends. Boys don't have any sense of responsibility.

[George Jones]

Meaning the girls have.

[Mother Jones]

Well, I will say the girls usually come home to meals. He wasn't even here for lunch.

[George Jones]

Well, I suppose the soda took care of that. But still, I can't.

[Bill Jones]

Gee, am I glad to see you people. Gosh, Julie, you look pretty. My goodness, and gee, mom, you're looking swell.

[Mother Jones]

Well, thank you, William. I'm feeling very well.

[Bill Jones]

And Pop. Gee whiz. Just let me touch you.

[George Jones]

Son, what's got into you? What was in that soda?

[Bill Jones]

Oh, I didn't even have a soda. Why should I want all that goo and Gump?

[George Jones]

Well, that's a new angle for you.

[Bill Jones]

Yeah, I guess I got a new angle on something else today. Dad, you remember what you said to me this morning about trying to scrape up some money for the relief campaign?

[George Jones]

Now, don't tell me you actually heard me.

[Bill Jones]

I did, dad. And you can turn this in when you turn in ours.

[Mother Jones]

My gracious, look at all the money.

[Bill Jones]

$3.43. One of the dollars is what you gave me, dad. The other one belonged to Skinny. He had it all the time. Can you imagine it? And the rest comes from all the guys in the neighborhood.

[George Jones]

The guys in the neighborhood?

[Bill Jones]

Yeah, the fellas at the drugstore. I gave him a real pep talk. I already cracked the you out.

[Mother Jones]

Soliciting contributions for famine relief.

[Bill Jones]

And why not? I got a brain, haven't I? I can see the need. Can I?

[Mother Jones]

Why, you've certainly never shown any signs of it before.

[Bill Jones]

Signs of what? A brain.

[Mother Jones]

Oh, children, children, please. Now let's eat our dinner.

[George Jones]

Thank you, Mother. William, will you say grace?

[Bill Jones]

Me? You mean me?

[George Jones]

Yes. I think you've shown that you're old enough to begin.

[Bill Jones]

Gee whiz. Okay. Dear Lord, we thank you for this food. We, as we eat it, let us remember that. Let us remember that the people we're sharing our food with are people just like us. And help us to help them to help us to build us all a better world.

[George Jones]

Amen.

[Robert Young]

Thank you. Thank you. Claude Jarman Jr. And J. Carol Nash. This is Robert Young again. And from your letters I know that many of you, in fact most of you, listen to family theater with your families. And how fortunate we American families are. Look at our children. Then think for a second of the children of Europe. Think of the story in tonight's play. Millions of them facing one of the cruelest winters in Europe's history. Their clothes and rags. And thousands of kids, little kids, 6, 7, 8 years old, rooting in garbage cans for food. Now look, your kids. You have to admit, we're pretty lucky. And think for a second of Europe's displaced families. Fathers, mothers and children, all separated, all frantically searching for each other, trying to be what you are. Together. Just being together would be their happiness. The happiness we already have. But that family life is what so many of us seem bent on throwing away. Our divorce courts are jammed. Our newspapers repeat over and over again the words juvenile delinquency. What's happening to us? Aren't we up to the job of keeping our homes and families together? Is it too much for us? All right, maybe it is. But we don't have to go it alone. We can get help. The most wonderful and powerful help a man could ask for. And that's all we've got to do. Ask for it. Ask and ye shall receive. Ask God to help. Pray and pray together with your family. A family that prays together stays together. So pray together tonight, tomorrow night and every night. Pray that your family would be together always.

Our thanks to tonight stars Robert Young, Claude Jarman, Jr. And J. Carroll Nash. Before saying good night, we want to express our thanks to all of you who have helped make this program possible. Thanks also to Fred Maa for directing our play tonight and to our producer, Bob Longnecker. Next week, our stars on the Family Theater will be Edward G. Robinson, Pat o' Brien and Bill Williams in an original story by True Boardman entitled Work of a Lifetime. This series of the Family Theater is made possible by the thousands of you who felt the need for this kind of program by the Mutual Broadcasting System, which has responded to this need, and by the actors and technicians in the motion picture and radio industries who have volunteered their services to fulfill it. Portions of the preceding broadcast were transcribed. This program is heard overseas through the facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service. Tony Lofrano speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

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