Father Knows Best 50-05-25 (040) Superstitious Folk

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: Father Knows Best – “Superstitious Folk” (Aired 1950-05-25)

Release Date: January 12, 2026

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Episode Overview

This classic “Father Knows Best” episode explores the dynamics of superstition within the Anderson family as Jim Anderson prepares for a business trip. The story humorously examines how superstition—whether dismissed as “twaddle” or embraced through family quirks—infiltrates daily life. What begins with debates about packing for a convention quickly devolves into concerns over “lucky” objects, fortune cards, and misunderstanding-fueled antics involving missing hats, black cats, and lucky pennies.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

Packing for the Trip and Family Antics (00:20 – 05:00)

• Jim prepares for his Chicago convention, bickering good-naturedly with Margaret about over-packing.

  • Margaret insists on including extra socks and shirts “to be on the safe side.”
  • Bud, sensing an opportunity, interrupts to ask for $3 for a “new bat with some hits in it” because he believes his hitting slump is due to bad luck with the old one.
    • Quote:

      Bud: “I think I’ve used up all the hits.” (03:03)
      Jim: “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard… If you can’t get a hit with the old bat, you won’t get one with a new one either.” (03:10)

• Betty and Kathy quibble about going to a club; Betty’s concerns center on a fortune told by her friend Janie.

  • Betty is wary of meeting “a tall, dark man” because a fortune-telling card warned her, much to Jim’s exasperation.
  • Margaret sheepishly admits she had a dream about a wedding, referencing her grandmother, who claimed wedding dreams “mean trouble.”
  • Kathy chimes in about the lucky penny, rabbit’s foot, and horseshoe she keeps.

• Jim tries to be the voice of reason:

  • Quote:

    Jim: “Margaret, what’s gotten into this family anyway? … These aren’t the Middle Ages. This is the 20th century. We’re supposed to be intelligent human beings.” (06:41)

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Exposing Superstitions in the Anderson Household (07:01 – 11:00)

• Margaret accuses Jim of being just as superstitious.

  • The family debates Jim’s steadfastness to his “old gray hat”—a hat he insists is just comfortable, but which he refuses to travel without.
  • When Margaret reveals she gave the hat away to the junk man (Mr. Adams), Jim’s veneer cracks:
    • Quote:

      Jim (alarmed): “How could you do a thing like that to me? That was my luck—I mean, how could you?” (08:32)

• Despite protestations, Jim frantically offers to buy back the hat for $5, then $10.

• **This contradiction between his stated disbelief in superstition and his obsession with the hat becomes a running gag.

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Chaos and Consequences: Superstition Cascade (14:26 – 22:53)

• Jim, Margaret, and Ed Davis (neighbor) anxiously await news after Betty goes missing with Charlie Davis.

  • Jim reluctantly calls the authorities out of worry, not superstition—or so he claims.

  • Bud returns home with a black eye from baseball, blaming his bad luck on not having a new bat.

    • Quote:

      Bud: “I told you that bat wasn’t any good…” (16:32)

  • Kathy, trying to bring luck, accidentally throws a horseshoe through the garage window.

    • Quote:

      Jim: “That idiotic rabbit’s foot you carry around. Where’s the rabbit it used to belong to? … Did it bring him any luck?” (19:47)
      Kathy: “He must have looked at the moon over the wrong shoulder.” (20:04)

• The situation escalates into comic confusion about fortune tellers, fortune cards, and the “tall, dark man”—who turns out to be a case of mistaken identity (the boy is not even tall or dark).

  • Quote:

    Ed: “But he isn’t... Charlie’s short and he has red hair.” (12:09)

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The Truth Comes Out & Resolution (22:53 – 27:19)

• Mr. Adams, the junk man, returns… not just with the hat, but bearing gifts, having been incredibly lucky since acquiring it (he won the Irish Sweepstakes).

  • Quote:

    Mr. Adams: “I wouldn’t sell it for a million dollars. Haven’t you heard what it did for me? I just won the Irish Sweet—” (23:50)

• Misunderstandings are cleared up:

  • Betty was only at the drugstore with another boy due to a mix-up; her antics and the family’s superstitions are gently poked fun at.
  • The police officer jokes that the Anderson house seems “infested with leprechauns” and suggests leaving out a bowl of milk.

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Epilogue: Lessons and Lingering Quirks (25:23 – 27:38)

• Jim returns from Chicago in high spirits despite leaving his “lucky” hat behind, having “accomplished a great deal.”
• Bud’s luck also seems to turn with his new (Mr. Adams’) bat, hitting several home runs.
• In a final touch, Jim continues to deny superstitious tendencies, while the rest of the family resumes their normal (and still slightly superstitious) lives.
  • Quote:

    Jim: “I never said it was a lucky hat. I merely said, well, the man’s entitled to a few little idiosyncrasies. That’s all it was. So let’s just forget it.” (26:53)
    Kathy: “Good. Now can I please have my rabbit’s foot back?” (27:19)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bud’s Bat Superstition:

  "I think I've used up all the hits." (03:03, Bud Anderson)

• Jim's Reasoning vs. Reality:

  "I've walked under hundreds of ladders, broken thousands of mirrors, ignored millions of black cats, and if you can call that being superstitious..."

• Margaret Calling Out Jim:

  "You have just as many silly little superstitions as anyone else." (07:02, Margaret)

• Jim’s Panic over the Hat:

  “You gave my hat to the junk man?” (08:27, Jim)

• The Rabbit’s Luck:

  “That idiotic rabbit’s foot you carry around. Where’s the rabbit it used to belong to? ... Did it bring him any luck?” (19:47, Jim)
  “Well, he was lucky while he had –” (19:53, Kathy)

• Officer’s Leprechauns Comment:

  “Sounds to me like the whole house is infested with leprechauns. Better leave a bowl of milk out for them tonight.” (21:37, Officer)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:20 – 05:00: Packing chaos, Bud’s “hitless” bat, Betty’s fortune
• 06:41 – 07:01: Jim’s denouncement of superstition
• 08:11 – 09:03: Revelation of the missing hat
• 14:26 – 15:47: The aftermath: Betty missing, family in turmoil
• 16:32 – 17:04: Bud’s baseball injury and “bad luck”
• 19:02 – 20:14: Kathy’s horseshoe fiasco
• 21:37 – 22:53: Return of Betty, police intervention, and Mr. Adams’ appearance
• 25:23 – 27:38: Aftermath, convention success, and humorously unresolved superstitions

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Concluding Thoughts

This episode of “Father Knows Best” cleverly lampoons the persistence of superstition in modern family life, with the Andersons’ levelheaded patriarch ultimately being just as susceptible as the rest. The sharp, affectionate humor highlights how traditions and personal quirks endure across generations—even as everyone insists they’re above it all.

The episode’s light, warm tone, fast-paced banter, and relatable themes make it a perfect snapshot of postwar American radio comedy, loaded with memorable moments and the kind of gentle family ribbing that keeps “Father Knows Best” beloved to this day.

Transcript

[Betty Anderson]

Mother, is Maxwell House really the only coffee in the world?

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, your father says so, and your father knows best.

[Narrator]

Yes, it's Father Knows Best Transcribed in Hollywood, starring Robert Young as Father. A half hour visit with your neighbors, the Andersons, brought to you by America's favorite coffee, Maxwell House, the coffee that's always good to the last drop. Since the dark beginnings of time, superstition has played a dismal part in the fumbling progress of man. We, however, live in an enlightened age. And thank goodness we've thrown off the yoke of ignorant superstition. Well, I mean, knocking on wood isn't really a superstition. You do it just because. Well, anyway. In Springfield, in the white frame house on Maple street, we find Jim Anderson packing for a trip to Chicago. And for a change, everything is peaceful and quiet.

[Margaret Anderson]

Like this, Jim, it certainly won't hurt to take them along.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, I'm only going to be gone three days. How many pairs of socks do you think I can wear?

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, you never can tell, dear, and it's best to be on the safe side.

[Jim Anderson]

12 pairs of socks. Anybody think I was going to Alaska for the entire winter?

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, they weigh practically nothing, and I certainly.

[Jim Anderson]

All right, all right, put them in. I'll have enough socks for everybody at the whole convention.

[Margaret Anderson]

Dad.

[Jim Anderson]

We're upstairs, Bud.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, you don't need all those shirts.

[Jim Anderson]

What do you mean, all those shirts? I'm only taking six.

[Margaret Anderson]

But you'll only be away three days. You said so yourself.

[Jim Anderson]

But, honey, I've got to look neat. All the big shots from the home office will be there.

[Margaret Anderson]

I think three shirts are quite enough. You just have to be a little careful, that's all.

[Jim Anderson]

Okay. Three shirts. Fine thing. A man can't even pack the bag the way he wants to.

[Bud Anderson]

Say, dad, can I talk to you for a minute?

[Jim Anderson]

About what? Well, handkerchiefs. Forget handkerchief.

[Margaret Anderson]

I've already put them in, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, thank you. Well, what is it, Bud?

[Bud Anderson]

Could I have $3?

[Jim Anderson]

No. What happened to that bottle opener I had in the top drawer?

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, if it's going to be that kind of convention.

[Jim Anderson]

It isn't, Margaret. But I just thought. Well, never mind.

[Bud Anderson]

Dad.

[Jim Anderson]

But I said no.

[Bud Anderson]

I know, dad, but this is an emergency.

[Jim Anderson]

What kind of an emergency?

[Bud Anderson]

The worst kind.

[Jim Anderson]

I've never known you to have any other. Why do you need $3?

[Bud Anderson]

Well, it's for the baseball team. I need another bat.

[Jim Anderson]

You mean you've broken the old one already?

[Bud Anderson]

No, but. Well, I. I think I've used up all the hits.

[Jim Anderson]

You what?

[Bud Anderson]

I'M in an awful slump, Dad. I haven't had a hit in two weeks, and if I can just buy a bat with some hits in it.

[Jim Anderson]

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard in my life. You've got a perfectly good bat. Why waste $3 on another one?

[Bud Anderson]

But, dad, I've got to do something to change my luck.

[Jim Anderson]

Luck? Superstitious twaddle. If you can't get a hit with the old bat, you won't get one with a new one, either.

[Margaret Anderson]

But, dad.

[Jim Anderson]

Particularly if I have to pay for it. Well, I guess I'm all packed.

[Margaret Anderson]

You haven't forgotten anything, have you, dear?

[Jim Anderson]

I don't think so, but how about taking the bag downstairs like a good fella?

[Bud Anderson]

Okay, but look, dad, we're playing a very important game this afternoon and.

[Margaret Anderson]

Just a moment, Bud.

[Betty Anderson]

What is it, Kathy? I don't care what she says. You can't go. Mother, Betty says I can't go to the club with her this afternoon. And you said I could.

[Margaret Anderson]

I said I'd ask her, dear.

[Betty Anderson]

Mother, it's bad enough going out with a boy I don't even know, but if I have to drag her along, they're going to play tennis and I want to watch.

[Jim Anderson]

Kathy. If Betty says you can't go, then you can't go. Now, stop arguing.

[Betty Anderson]

You love her more than you love me. That's why you're always sticking up for her.

[Jim Anderson]

I'm not sticking up for anybody. You can watch Bud play baseball. No. What?

[Bud Anderson]

Holy cow. Dad, you don't know what you're doing.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, I don't, huh?

[Bud Anderson]

She's worse than a black cat. She's worse than an umpire.

[Jim Anderson]

Now, listen, there's no reason.

[Bud Anderson]

But, dad, you've never heard her. She sounds like a fire siren. She gets both teams rattled.

[Betty Anderson]

Bunch of sand lotters.

[Margaret Anderson]

It's all right, Kathy. You can stay home with me this afternoon.

[Betty Anderson]

But I want to do something.

[Margaret Anderson]

We'll find something to do.

[Jim Anderson]

How about the bag butt?

[Bud Anderson]

Okay. Not having enough trouble? They want me to take Earl on.

[Betty Anderson]

Father.

[Jim Anderson]

What is it, Betty, is Mr. Davis's.

[Betty Anderson]

Nephew tall and dark?

[Jim Anderson]

How do I know? I've never even seen him. What difference does it make anyway?

[Betty Anderson]

Well, Janie Liggett told my fortune yesterday, and the card said to be careful of a tall, dark man. And if he's tall and dark, Betty.

[Jim Anderson]

If he's 8ft tall and has hair made of licorice, you're still going out with him. He's only going to be in town this weekend, and I Gave Ed Davis my word. Most idiotic thing I've ever heard in my life. Just because Janie Liggett hasn't got a brain in her head.

[Betty Anderson]

It wasn't Janie's idea, Father. She has a fortune telling set and it's wonderful. It costs $4.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, pardon me. I thought it was one of the cheap two dollar sets.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, I know you're going to say it's silly, but I did have a dream about a wedding last night.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, not you too.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, you remember my Grandmother Williams, the Hottentot kid. Jim, Grandmother Williams was a very sweet woman. And she said when you dream of a wedding, it means trouble.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, that depends on who's getting married.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim.

[Jim Anderson]

You certainly don't believe in that poppycock, do you?

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, no. But if Betty's going to feel uneasy.

[Jim Anderson]

Feel uneasy about what? Since when is a dream something to be afraid of?

[Betty Anderson]

I'm not afraid of dreams, Daddy.

[Jim Anderson]

Nine years old and she's the only intelligent one in the whole house. You're a very sensible little girl, Kathy.

[Betty Anderson]

I'm not afraid of anything. Cause I've got a lucky penny and a rabbit's foot and a horseshoe.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, what's gotten into this family anyway? These aren't the Middle Ages. This is the 20th century. We're supposed to be intelligent human beings.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, it's not that we believe in these things.

[Jim Anderson]

And what does it mean, all this twaddle about dreams and fortune tellers and bats with hips in them? You sound like a bunch of Stone Age simpletons.

[Betty Anderson]

Why, Father.

[Margaret Anderson]

Now just a moment. Jim Anderson, you have just as many silly little superstitions as anyone else.

[Jim Anderson]

I certainly do not.

[Margaret Anderson]

You most certainly do.

[Jim Anderson]

Kathy.

[Betty Anderson]

Yes, Daddy?

[Jim Anderson]

Go downstairs and help Bud.

[Betty Anderson]

What's he doing?

[Jim Anderson]

How do I know what he's doing? Go downstairs and find out and help him.

[Bud Anderson]

Gee.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, now see here, Margaret.

[Betty Anderson]

Yes?

[Jim Anderson]

In my time I've walked under hundreds of ladders, broken thousands of mirrors, ignored millions of black cats, and if you can call that being superstitious.

[Betty Anderson]

I'll bet that's Charlie.

[Jim Anderson]

Who?

[Betty Anderson]

Charlie Davis. And Father, if he's tall and dark.

[Jim Anderson]

Betty. What?

[Betty Anderson]

Father, Janie said.

[Jim Anderson]

I don't care what Janie said. You are going out with Charlie Davis.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, pooh. Betty, it's for you.

[Jim Anderson]

She'll be right down, Bud. Go ahead.

[Betty Anderson]

Betty, if this is the 20th century, why do I have to be treated like somebody slave?

[Jim Anderson]

I don't know what's gotten into that girl.

[Margaret Anderson]

What are you looking for, dear?

[Jim Anderson]

My gray hat was right up here on the Shelf.

[Margaret Anderson]

It's downstairs in the hall closet.

[Jim Anderson]

Yeah. I mean my old gray hat, the one I always wear to conventions.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, it was all worn out. It was dirty and the ribbon was faded.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, what did you do with my hat?

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, I gave it to Mr. Adams.

[Jim Anderson]

Mister? You mean the junk man?

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, dear.

[Narrator]

You gave my hat to the junk man?

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, you have a brand new hat.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, how could you do a thing like that to me? That was my luck.

[Narrator]

I mean, how could you?

[Margaret Anderson]

But you said.

[Jim Anderson]

I've worn that hat to conventions for 15 years. You know I never go to a convention without it. What were you thinking of, Father?

[Betty Anderson]

He is tall and he's got the blackest hair you ever saw. I won't go with him, and you can't make me.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, I can't, can't I? Betty Anderson, you'll go out with that boy or you'll never go out again.

[Betty Anderson]

But, Father.

[Jim Anderson]

Enough trouble. Give a man's hat away at a time like this.

[Margaret Anderson]

Betty, after all, your father knows best. And if he.

[Betty Anderson]

All right, I'll go. But if anything happens to me, you'll have no one to blame but yourself.

[Margaret Anderson]

Betty, your father's going away. Aren't you going to say goodbye? Sure, goodbye.

[Betty Anderson]

And I hope you have a very nice time.

[Jim Anderson]

Most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. A perfectly good hat sitting up on a shelf, not hurting a soul.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, you said you weren't superstitious.

[Jim Anderson]

Superstitious? What is superstition got to do with it? I like that hat. It was the best hat I've ever.

[Margaret Anderson]

Had, but it was all worn out.

[Jim Anderson]

It was a perfect hat for going to conventions, and you know it, Bud.

[Margaret Anderson]

Gin.

[Bud Anderson]

You want me, dad?

[Jim Anderson]

Get Mr. Adams on the phone.

[Bud Anderson]

Who? Mr. Adams, the junk man.

[Jim Anderson]

Tell him I want my gray hat back.

[Bud Anderson]

It's in the closet, dad.

[Jim Anderson]

My old gray hat. Tell him I'll give him $5 for it.

[Bud Anderson]

For that hat, Bud. Okay, dad.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, you're being very foolish about this whole thing.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, I am, am I? Just because I have a lucky. Just because I happen to like a certain hat, I'm being foolish. That's fine, Jim.

[Margaret Anderson]

Your train leaves in less than an hour.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, let it leave. I'll take a plane, a walk. But until Mr. Adams comes back with my hat, I'm not going to. What is it, Kathy?

[Betty Anderson]

Mr. Davis is here.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, no. What does he want? I'll be right down, Ed. Take your time, Jim.

[Narrator]

No hurry.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, please don't make a fuss in front of Ed.

[Jim Anderson]

Of course not. You know I've got Better sense than that.

[Margaret Anderson]

I do.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, I guess I've got everything except my hat.

[Margaret Anderson]

I don't understand, Jim. After that long speech you made about dreams and fortune telling.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, my hat has nothing to do with dreams and fortune tellers. Isn't a question of superstition anything like that? I merely want my hat. And in the future, will you please leave my things alone?

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

I'm not asking for anything unusual. Just don't give my hats to the junk man.

[Margaret Anderson]

All right, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

Jim, I'm sorry to barge in at a time like this. I know you must be kind of busy. Well, it's all right.

[Margaret Anderson]

How are you, Ed?

[Jim Anderson]

Fine, Margaret.

[Narrator]

Just fine.

[Jim Anderson]

Jim, I have some property in Chicago and I wonder if you'll do me a big favor while you're there. Sure, Ann. I'll be glad to.

[Bud Anderson]

Dad, Mr. Adams wasn't there.

[Jim Anderson]

That's impossible.

[Narrator]

He must be there.

[Jim Anderson]

Okay.

[Bud Anderson]

But Mrs. Adams said he wasn't. She's going to see if she can find him.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, now do you see what you've done?

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, you said.

[Jim Anderson]

I know what I said, but. Good grief. Anything wrong, Jim? Everything's wrong. We've had nothing but trouble all day. My good hat's gone, the junk man's gone. Betty didn't even want to go out with your nephew just because he's tall and dark. You mean Charlie? Have you ever heard anything so ridiculous? Oh, I don't understand. Oh, Janie Liggett has some kind of an idiotic set that tells fortunes and she told Betty. I understand that part all right. Used to be quite a hand with a Ouija board. But I don't understand about Charlie. Oh, there's nothing to worry about, Ed. She went with him even though he is tall and dark. But he isn't. Charlie's short and he has red hair.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, no.

[Narrator]

Good news about coffee. You've been seeing it in stores everywhere in recent weeks. Seeing lower prices on Maxwell House coffee.

[Jim Anderson]

And the news gets better and better.

[Narrator]

Because grocers today are featuring Maxwell House at the lowest prices in months. Yes, you'll find the lowest prices in months on the coffee with that wonderful.

[Jim Anderson]

Good to the last drop flavor.

[Narrator]

A welcome occasion for everybody, you, your grocer, and for us at Maxwell House, too. You see, we have one aim with our coffee.

[Jim Anderson]

To bring you the most in flavor and enjoyment. Every pound you buy to bring you.

[Narrator]

Truly good coffee at the lowest possible price. That's our way of doing business. And seems you folks like it. You've made our Maxwell House coffee America's Favorite brand Because you can count on.

[Jim Anderson]

That famous flavor every cup you pour.

[Narrator]

Because you find more flavor for your money Vacuum packed in that familiar blue tin. And at today's prices Maxwell houses more than ever. Today's coffee buy look for it featured these days at the lowest prices in months.

[Jim Anderson]

Enjoy the coffee that's always good to the last drop.

[Narrator]

Double, double, toil and trouble. Fire burn and cauldron bubble. It's a far cry from the witches of Macbeth to the Andersons of Springfield. But not as far as you might think. An hour has passed and the situation is altered only slightly. Bud is out playing baseball. Kathy is out playing. Well, whatever it is that nine year old girls play. But in the white frame house on Maple street, the air is charged with nervous tension. Not a word has been heard from Betty and the Andersons. And Ed Davis could do nothing but wait.

[Jim Anderson]

Like this. Don't like this. Don't like it at all. Look, Ed, I don't care what you do, but do something. Well, let's try this. Let me see now, Jim, I don't.

[Margaret Anderson]

Understand how you can sit there at a time like this and play canasta.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, what do you want me to do, Margaret? We haven't left a stone unturned. We've called all her friends, the club, all the authorities. And they've promised to let us know the second either one of them turns up.

[Margaret Anderson]

There must be someone else we can call.

[Jim Anderson]

Like who? I'm not even sure calling the police was such a good idea. Jim, you've got to understand my position. After all, Charlie is my nephew and we don't know where he is, the idiot. We don't know where Betty is or how the boy with the dark hair got into it. Very confusing. Whose turn is it? Well, the whole thing is certainly nothing to worry about. Just because Janie Leggett is a superstitious little twerp.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, after all the fuss you made about your hat, how can you call anyone superstitious?

[Jim Anderson]

My hat has nothing to do with it and I didn't make a fuss.

[Margaret Anderson]

Then why did you miss your train?

[Jim Anderson]

Because I decided to fly. I wanted to find out what happened to Betty, that's all. Nothing complicated about it. And it has nothing to do with superstition. I guarantee that when Betty shows up, there'll be a perfectly logical explanation of the whole thing.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, I hope you're right.

[Jim Anderson]

Of course I'm right. Go ahead, Ed. It's your turn. You haven't put down a card. Oh, well, just a minute. Certainly taking long enough. I have a right to think about it, don't I? Just don't rush me.

[Narrator]

You know, when I was a boy.

[Jim Anderson]

We lived in an old house on the north side, and the place was simply crawling with ghosts. Well, one day. Wait a minute. Don't tell me you believe exactly ghosts? Why not? Well, it's ridiculous. Everybody knows there's no such thing. Oh, they do, do they? Well, let me tell you, Jim, there wasn't a night went by.

[Margaret Anderson]

Betty, it's me, Mom.

[Jim Anderson]

I'm sorry, Ed. What are you doing home, Bud? Thought you're going to play baseball.

[Bud Anderson]

Well, I started to play, but. Gosh, Dad, I told you that bat wasn't any good.

[Margaret Anderson]

Bud, what on earth happened to your eye?

[Jim Anderson]

You gods. Another shiner. Bud, have you been fighting again?

[Bud Anderson]

I got hit with a baseball.

[Jim Anderson]

That's great. You know, if this keeps up, you're going to have that eye worn out.

[Bud Anderson]

I couldn't help it, Dad. I asked you to let me buy another bat.

[Jim Anderson]

You were hit with a ball. What does a bat have to do with it?

[Bud Anderson]

Well, they took me out for a pinch of hitter. And while I was sitting on the bench, I got hit in the eye.

[Jim Anderson]

There, you see? That's what you get for being superstitious.

[Margaret Anderson]

Why aren't you on the train?

[Jim Anderson]

Who said anything about a train?

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, but is only doing the things you taught him.

[Jim Anderson]

I taught him? When did I teach him anything about a bat with no hits in it?

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, it amounts to the same thing. That's because you're concerned over a silly old hat.

[Jim Anderson]

I'm not concerned about my hat. The hat has nothing to do with it. And Margaret, will you please stop changing the subject? Oh, no, not again. Gan, what was that? The glazier's delight?

[Narrator]

Kathy.

[Margaret Anderson]

Bud, tell Kathy to come in here, please.

[Bud Anderson]

Okay. Tells me I can't get a new bat and then blames the whole thing on me.

[Jim Anderson]

As I was saying, Jim, we had a rocking chair in our living room. And every night it went back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. What does that prove? Well, it certainly wasn't moving all by itself. You know, Ed, you certainly have some very peculiar ideas. I don't say anything peculiar about them at all. And if you weren't so doggone stubborn. Stubborn? Me? You're the one who's being stubborn. I'll show you a dozen books that prove there's no such thing as a ghost. And I'll show you two dozen books that prove there are.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, my grandmother Williams said that when she was a girl.

[Jim Anderson]

Now, there's a great authority for you. A dame who spent half her life running around with Hottentots.

[Margaret Anderson]

She was a very sweet woman and you have no right to make fun of her.

[Jim Anderson]

I'm not making fun of her. I'm merely trying to tell you that superstition is silly.

[Margaret Anderson]

Where did you get that hat?

[Jim Anderson]

What?

[Betty Anderson]

Oh, nothing.

[Margaret Anderson]

I was just thinking.

[Bud Anderson]

Come on, will ya?

[Betty Anderson]

Well, stop pulling me. Why do you always have to pull me?

[Jim Anderson]

Gabby, what did you do out there?

[Betty Anderson]

I couldn't help it, Daddy. I was trying to make everybody lucky.

[Bud Anderson]

She heaved a horseshoe through the garage window.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, fine. We just had it fixed.

[Betty Anderson]

But Daddy, I was worried about Betty and they told me if I threw it over my right shoulder.

[Bud Anderson]

Your left shoulder, dopey.

[Betty Anderson]

Oh, well, no wonder.

[Jim Anderson]

Kathy, do you see what you've done?

[Margaret Anderson]

She was just trying to be helpful.

[Jim Anderson]

Sure, and I'm going to be set back another $4 and 20 cents for a window.

[Betty Anderson]

But Daddy, they said it was lucky.

[Jim Anderson]

Who said it was lucky?

[Betty Anderson]

The man who fixed the window.

[Jim Anderson]

Look, Kathy, let's examine this thing calmly and with simple logic. Why is a horseshoe lucky?

[Betty Anderson]

Well, everybody says it is.

[Jim Anderson]

Horses have millions of them. And are they lucky?

[Betty Anderson]

Some of them are.

[Jim Anderson]

That idiotic rabbit's foot you carry around. Where's the rabbit it used to belong to? Did it bring him any luck?

[Betty Anderson]

Well, he was lucky while he had.

[Jim Anderson]

Didn't keep him from getting shot, did it? He had four feet. Four nice lucky rabbit's feet. He still got shot.

[Betty Anderson]

He must have looked at the moon over the wrong shoulder.

[Jim Anderson]

Now look, Kathy.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim. I'll answer, dear, if it's Betty. Please, please don't lose your temper.

[Jim Anderson]

Silliest family I've ever seen. I think we were living in the Middle Ages. Horseshoes and rabbits feet.

[Betty Anderson]

Father, how could you do this to me? How could you?

[Jim Anderson]

You get inside. I'll talk to you later.

[Narrator]

Officer, we found her at Crandall's Drugstore, Mr. Anderson. She was having a soda and he.

[Betty Anderson]

Wouldn'T even let me finish.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, well. Sorry you were put to all this trouble, Officer. I'll see that it doesn't happen again.

[Narrator]

That's okay.

[Jim Anderson]

We're used to it.

[Betty Anderson]

Jim, is it Betty? Mother, why did you do this to me? Having me dragged home by the police and everybody looking at me.

[Margaret Anderson]

Darling, we were so worried.

[Jim Anderson]

Where's Charlie? What did you do with that rattle brained redhead?

[Narrator]

Did you want the boys? Nobody told me to bring them.

[Jim Anderson]

You mean there were two of them?

[Betty Anderson]

Father, why didn't you listen to me? I told you I didn't want to go with Tommy.

[Jim Anderson]

You said it was Charlie.

[Betty Anderson]

I didn't say it was Charlie. I said he was tall and dark and Janie Liggett said I was going to have trouble, but you wouldn't listen.

[Jim Anderson]

I'm sorry I listened in the first place. Who was the other boy?

[Betty Anderson]

Tommy.

[Jim Anderson]

Tommy who?

[Betty Anderson]

I don't know, but he's a friend of Charlie's. And Charlie was trying to get a date for him and he knew he was going to be late, so he sent Tommy and we met him down at Mr. Crandall's. And it's all your fault.

[Jim Anderson]

What's my fault? If you hadn't started that ridiculous thing about Janie Liggett in the tall, dark man.

[Narrator]

Will you be needing me for anything else?

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, thank you, Officer. I think everything's under control now.

[Narrator]

Well, I wouldn't be so sure. Sounds to me like the whole house is infested with leprechauns. Better leave a bowl of milk out for them tonight. Otherwise you'll have nothing but trouble. Thank you, Officer. We'll do just that.

[Jim Anderson]

Now we've got leprechaun. Betty, what happened? That idiot nephew of mine.

[Betty Anderson]

Nothing. When the policeman came, he and Tommy didn't know what to do. So they're having another soda.

[Jim Anderson]

Just wait till I get my hands on that carrot headed numbskull. Just wait.

[Margaret Anderson]

It wasn't his fault, Ed. The whole thing was a very unfortunate misunderstanding, that's all.

[Jim Anderson]

It's more than that. It's a perfect example of what I've been trying to tell you. You see what superstition has done to this family?

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, it's not that important.

[Jim Anderson]

It is important. We're supposed to be a healthy, normal American family. And what happened to us? We become involved in a bunch of old World superstitions and all our lives are affected. Bud gets a black eye. Kathy breaks a window. Betty gets the whole neighborhood upset with her tall, dark stranger. Jim, it's very well to scoff at superstition, but when I was a boy, e. God. Now what? I tell you, that chair rocked back and forth, back and forth. Mr. Anderson, my friend. My wonderful friend. It's about time you got here. Where's my hat?

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, you mustn't blame Mr. Adams. I gave him the hat.

[Jim Anderson]

Mrs. Anderson, look what I brought for you. The biggest box of candy I could find.

[Narrator]

This is the biggest box of candy in Springfield.

[Margaret Anderson]

Why, Mr. Adams.

[Narrator]

Go ahead, take it.

[Jim Anderson]

Take it.

[Narrator]

I want you to have it.

[Jim Anderson]

It's for you, Mr. Adams. All we want Is the hat. May I? Please.

[Narrator]

I brought a doll for the little girl. Presents for everybody. A baseball bat and perfume.

[Jim Anderson]

Mr. Adams, I have to go to Chicago. May I please have my hat?

[Narrator]

Look, Mr. Anderson.

[Jim Anderson]

Cigars.

[Narrator]

The biggest box I could find.

[Jim Anderson]

Mr. Adams.

[Narrator]

Three for a half.

[Jim Anderson]

That's expensive.

[Narrator]

But nothing is too good for my friend.

[Jim Anderson]

Thank you very much. Now may I have my hat?

[Bud Anderson]

The hat.

[Narrator]

That wonderful hat.

[Jim Anderson]

You know, all my life I've been.

[Narrator]

An unlucky man, a junk man, a poor peddler. And then you gave me that hat, that beautiful hat.

[Jim Anderson]

I said I'd give you $5. Oh, I couldn't sell that.

[Bud Anderson]

Not that fat $10.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim.

[Narrator]

Mr. Anderson, $15. I wouldn't sell it for a million dollars. Haven't you heard what it did for me? I just won the Irish Sweet.

[Betty Anderson]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

It's been wonderful news the past few weeks. Maxwell House Coffee featured at lower prices. And today, in big stores and small grocers are featuring America's favorite brand of coffee at the lowest prices in months. I know how welcome that news is.

[Jim Anderson]

For you folks who know and love Maxwell House.

[Narrator]

And for you folks who haven't been.

[Jim Anderson]

Getting that wonderful good to the last.

[Narrator]

Drop flavor in your cup.

[Jim Anderson]

Now's the time.

[Narrator]

Open up a blue tin of Maxwell.

[Jim Anderson]

House and see how much more pleasure.

[Narrator]

You find in coffee when it has the world's most famous flavor. Flavor you can count on always because we're proud of it and we'll never compromise on the quality of a single pound for the wonderful coffee that's today's coffee buy. Look for Maxwell House featured at the lowest prices in months.

[Jim Anderson]

It's always good to the last drop.

[Narrator]

It doesn't take long for three days to come and go.

[Jim Anderson]

Just about three days.

[Narrator]

And that's precisely what's happened in Springfield. Jim Anderson has gone to Chicago and come back again. And now for the first time in three days, he's at the breakfast table with his family.

[Jim Anderson]

Like this. I guess I made them sit up and take notice right in front of everybody. Mr. Craig said they couldn't have placed the Springfield area in more capable hands.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, he didn't.

[Jim Anderson]

He certainly did. He's only the president of the company, that's all. Boy, you should have seen the eyes, Pop.

[Bud Anderson]

Say, dad, you know how many hits I got yesterday with the bat Mr.

[Margaret Anderson]

Adams gave me six.

[Jim Anderson]

That's fine, Bud. How come you had a game yesterday?

[Bud Anderson]

Well, it wasn't a regular league game. I was just fooling around with Kathy's team.

[Betty Anderson]

He hit three home runs.

[Bud Anderson]

Oh, it wasn't so much.

[Betty Anderson]

Father?

[Jim Anderson]

Yes, Betty?

[Betty Anderson]

I'm going to a formal next Friday and I saw the most beautiful dress again.

[Margaret Anderson]

Betty, your father just got home. Home?

[Betty Anderson]

But, Mother, Tommy said it was going to be the most exclusive formal of the year.

[Jim Anderson]

Tommy? You mean the tall dark one?

[Margaret Anderson]

Uhhuh.

[Jim Anderson]

You know, May. We're going to have trouble with him after all.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, let's not get started on that again. It was a very successful convention, wasn't it?

[Jim Anderson]

It certainly was. I accomplished a great deal.

[Margaret Anderson]

And you did it all without your.

[Jim Anderson]

Lucky hat, didn't you, Margaret? I never said it was a lucky hat. I merely said, well, the man's entitled to a few little idiosyncrasies. That's all it was. So let's just forget it.

[Margaret Anderson]

All right, dear.

[Betty Anderson]

Daddy?

[Jim Anderson]

Yes, Kathy?

[Betty Anderson]

Is everything all right now? I mean, you aren't going away on any more trips or anything, are you?

[Jim Anderson]

No, Kathy, I'm staying right here. And everything's just as fine as it can be.

[Betty Anderson]

Good. Now can I please have my rabbit's foot back?

[Narrator]

Did you know now there's an instant coffee with roaster. Fresh, pure coffee flavor. It's instant Maxwell House. The instant coffee with a famous flavor. The happiest combination in coffee. Wonderful. Good to the last drop. Flavor combined with the convenience and thrift of coffee made instantly in the cup. Unlike most instant coffees, it's all rich, pure coffee, nothing added. Tomorrow, try the instant coffee with a famous flavor. Instant Maxwell House. Instantly good to the last drop. Join us again next week when we'll be back with Father Knows Best, starring Robert Young as Jim Anderson, with Roy Bargy and the Maxwell House Orchestra and yours truly, Bill Foreman. Don't forget, membership cards for the Robert Young Good Drivers Club are waiting for you at your local NBC station. Get a man to man or dad to daughter pledge and sign up today. Be a good driver. Get your membership card in the Robert Young Good Drivers Club today. Now until next Thursday, good night and good luck from the makers of Maxwell House, America's favorite brand of coffee. Always good to the last drop. Father Knows Best was transcribed in Hollywood and written by Ed James. Now stay tuned for Screen Gill Theater which follows immediately over most of these stations.

[Jim Anderson]

Stay tuned for screen guild and the seventh fail on NBC.