Father Knows Best - 50-11-23 - Thanksgiving Show

Summary

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Father Knows Best – Thanksgiving Show

Harold's Old Time Radio

Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: November 19, 2025 (Original Airdate: November 23, 1950)
Theme: Family, tradition, and the ups and downs of Thanksgiving in the Anderson household

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Episode Overview

On this special Thanksgiving episode, the Anderson family juggles their plans for the holiday: contests, parties, and dinners all collide in a flurry of family dynamics, sibling squabbles, and parental nostalgia. As each of the children wins or attends their own Thanksgiving event, Jim (the father) and Margaret (the mother) look forward to a rare quiet Thanksgiving alone—only to realize that what truly matters is having the family together.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Kathy’s Thanksgiving Poem Drama

• [01:44]–[13:03]:
  • Kathy, the youngest, prepares to read her "Thanksgiving Day" poem which won a school contest.
  • Jim fusses about her middle name—Kathy wants to use "Joy" instead of "Louise," leading to playful teasing and minor family conflict.
    • Jim: “Where did the joy come from? Your name is Kathleen Louise Anderson.” ([02:45])
  • The family repeatedly interrupts as Kathy attempts to read, making it both humorous and relatable.
    • Jim (sarcastically): “This isn’t a poem. It’s a fairy tale.” ([05:02])
  • Kathy’s poem highlights what Thanksgiving is not (not Christmas, not Easter), before finally declaring it’s her favorite day because she gets the turkey drumstick.
    • Kathy: “Thanksgiving is my favorite day. Though the skies are gray and murky. ’Cause that’s the day when I get to eat the drumstick of a turkey.” ([11:33])

2. Thanksgiving Plans Upended

• [07:41]–[11:44]:
  • The kids have won individual Thanksgiving events: Kathy will read her poem at a school dinner, Bud (the son) is attending a football team dinner, and Betty (the eldest daughter) has a party at the Liggetts.
    • Jim: “It’ll be a relief to get you all out of the house. Your mother won’t have to spend all day cooking a dinner you’ll wolf down in 20 minutes.” ([07:59])
  • The parents resign themselves to a restaurant dinner, thinking it will be a peaceful holiday.

3. Empty Nest (Sort Of)

• [13:17]–[18:09]:
  • With the kids gone, Jim and Margaret find the house unnaturally quiet.
    • Jim: “Have you noticed how quiet it is?... It does you good to get away from the kids for a while.” ([13:17-13:37])
  • Both become nostalgic for the large, lively family gatherings of their childhood.
    • Jim: “Thanksgiving has always been a special sort of day, even when I was a boy... the whole family got together and had fun.” ([18:09])
    • Margaret: “This is a new generation... times have changed.” ([19:18])

4. Kathy’s On-Air Stage Fright

• [15:23]–[17:23]:
  • During the radio broadcast, Kathy freezes and cannot get through her poem.
  • The parents react with concern and sympathy, worried for her feelings.

5. Everyone Comes Home

• [20:00]–[24:33]:
  • One by one, the children return home for various reasons—Bud is unimpressed by his football dinner, Betty feels unwell at her party, and Kathy just wants her family.
    • Kathy: “It’s Thanksgiving. And I wanted my mommy and my daddy and my sister and my brother.” ([23:12])
    • Margaret: “I was lonesome too.” ([23:29])
    • Bud (teary): “Nothing. I just feel like blowing my nose, that's all.” ([24:01])

6. An Anderson Family Thanksgiving

• [24:45]–[26:20]:
  • United again, the Andersons improvise a Thanksgiving feast—hamburgers instead of turkey.
    • Jim: “This has been, I think, the happiest Thanksgiving Day of my entire life. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to say a special grace...” ([25:04])
    • Jim gives a heartfelt prayer thankful for food, freedom, and, most importantly, family.

7. Back to Normal

• [26:20]–[27:55]:
  • The next morning, the Andersons’ usual routine resumes with light-hearted banter and sibling teasing.
    • Jim: “We’re probably the only family in Springfield that won’t be eating leftover turkey for the next month.” ([27:42])
    • Margaret: “What are we going to have for dinner tonight?”
      Jim: “Leftover hamburgers.” ([27:55])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Thanksgiving has always been a special sort of a day for me. Even when I was a boy, it was more than just a holiday. It was a time when the whole family got together and had fun.”
  – Jim Anderson ([18:09])
• “Thanksgiving is my favorite day. Though the skies are gray and murky. ’Cause that’s the day when I get to eat the drumstick of a turkey.”
  – Kathy Anderson ([11:33])
• “This has been, I think, the happiest Thanksgiving Day of my entire life.”
  – Jim Anderson ([25:04])
• The family’s scattered plans result in everyone feeling lonesome and coming back home for a humble but joyful meal together—showing humor, heart, and the spirit of "Father Knows Best."

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Kathy’s Poem and Family Interruptions: [01:44]–[13:03]
• Family’s Thanksgiving Plans: [07:41]–[11:44]
• Parents Alone & Nostalgic: [13:17]–[18:09]
• Kathy’s Radio Stage Fright: [15:23]–[17:23]
• Kids Return, Family Reunites: [20:00]–[24:33]
• Improvised Family Thanksgiving and Grace: [24:45]–[26:20]
• Next Morning Routine & Banter: [26:20]–[27:55]

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Tone and Style

The Andersons’ banter is affectionate, wholesome, and gently comedic, with playful teasing and occasional sentimentality typical of early family sitcoms. The dialogue captures the timeless push-and-pull of family life—frustration, laughter, nostalgia, and deep affection—all within an Americana Thanksgiving setting.

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Summary Takeaway

This classic episode gently underscores the true meaning of Thanksgiving—not about the perfect meal or event, but the love and togetherness of family, no matter how messy, noisy, or makeshift the celebration. At the Andersons’, even hamburgers make for a perfect holiday as long as they’re together.

Transcript

[Kathleen Anderson]

Mother, is Maxwell House the best coffee in the whole 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 Maxwell House, America's favorite brand of coffee. Look for that familiar blue Maxwell House tin, featured in stores everywhere at lower prices, the lowest prices in months. Enjoy coffee that's always good to the last, drop. Heap high the board with plenteous cheer and gather to the feast and toast the sturdy pilgrim band whose courage never ceased. You know, the Pilgrims started the custom of Thanksgiving, but there are others whose trials and tribulations on an average Thanksgiving Day bear inspection and a certain amount of sympathy. Take, for example, the Andersons, who live in Springfield. In a white frame house on Maple street. They count their blessings and give their thanks. But with three children in the house, even a simple rite like Thanksgiving can.

[Announcer]

Be a pretty complicated affair. Like this.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Mother, we're in the den. Betty, is it all right if I borrow your earrings?

[Jim Anderson]

Betty, if you have anything to ask your mother, come down here and ask her.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Jumping creeper.

[Jim Anderson]

Sounds like she was reared in a barn. Stands up there screaming her head off.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, Kathy is waiting to read her poem.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. Kathy, go ahead.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Yes, Daddy.

[Margaret Anderson]

Go ahead, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, now, what are you waiting for?

[Kathleen Anderson]

I have to be introduced.

[Jim Anderson]

Pardon me. Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the Competition in the fourth grade, Ms. Kathleen Anderson. Is that better?

[Kathleen Anderson]

Now you have to applaud.

[Jim Anderson]

Okay, we applaud.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thank you.

[Jim Anderson]

What a ham. Has to get her applause before she reads the poem. Jim doesn't want to take any chances.

[Margaret Anderson]

All right, dear. Anytime you're ready.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Yes, Mommy. Thanksgiving Day by Kathleen Joy Anderson, fourth grade. Thanksgiving is a lucky day.

[Jim Anderson]

Wait a minute. What was that name?

[Kathleen Anderson]

The name.

[Jim Anderson]

Your name. Say it again.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Kathleen Joy Anderson.

[Jim Anderson]

Where did the joy come from? Your name is Kathleen Louise Anderson.

[Kathleen Anderson]

But I don't like Louise.

[Jim Anderson]

You what?

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, Kathy and I talked it all over.

[Jim Anderson]

My mother's name is Louise, and if it's good enough for my mother, it's good enough for her.

[Margaret Anderson]

It's only a middle name, dear. And if she doesn't like it, why.

[Jim Anderson]

Shouldn'T she like it? What's wrong with it?

[Margaret Anderson]

Nothing, Jim, but it's her name.

[Jim Anderson]

You're darn right it's her name. She's not gonna change it now. Go ahead, Mommy.

[Margaret Anderson]

Go ahead, dear.

[Kathleen Anderson]

She was.

[Jim Anderson]

My grandmother and her mother were named Lou. Reason why she should want to change it. Well, what? Read the Poem.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Yes, Daddy. Thanksgiving Day by Kathleen Louise Anderson.

[Jim Anderson]

That's more like it.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Fourth grade.

[Jim Anderson]

That's much better.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, please.

[Jim Anderson]

All right, Kathy, go ahead.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thanksgiving is a lucky day for all the girls and boys. It isn't just like Christmas when your parents give you toys. It isn't even like Easter when you get an Easter bunny. Or even like your birthday when your uncle sends you money.

[Jim Anderson]

What? Jim, when did her uncle ever send her money or anything else? Kathy, she's nine years old. He's never sent her a button. Gives her money. He's so tight he can't even sit down.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim Anderson, I know you don't like him, but he's been very good to my sister. And if Kathy needs him for her.

[Jim Anderson]

Poems, Santa Claus and the Easter bunny and your brother in law. Boy, is that a combination.

[Margaret Anderson]

Go ahead, Kathleen.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Yes, Mommy. Thanksgiving Day. Bye, Kathleen.

[Jim Anderson]

Not from the beginning, Kathy. Start where you left off.

[Kathleen Anderson]

I don't remember where I was.

[Jim Anderson]

Your uncle was giving you money. Oh, that's something we can all remember.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Yes, Daddy.

[Jim Anderson]

This isn't a poem. It's a fairy tale.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, if you say one more word.

[Bud Anderson]

I'm sorry.

[Jim Anderson]

Go ahead, Kathy.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Is it all right if I start up near Christmas?

[Jim Anderson]

Start anywhere you like, but start.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Okay. Thanksgiving Day by Kathleen, Fourth grade. Thanksgiving is a lucky day for all the girls and boys. It isn't just like Christmas when your parents give you toys. It isn't even like Easter when you get an Easter bunny. Or even like your birthday when your uncle gives you money.

[Jim Anderson]

I didn't say a word.

[Margaret Anderson]

Go ahead, dear.

[Kathleen Anderson]

It isn't like the Fourth of July or Decoration Day or summer vacation or Halloween.

[Jim Anderson]

Kathy, when are you going to stop telling us what it isn't like and tell us what it is like?

[Margaret Anderson]

How can she when you keep interrupting?

[Jim Anderson]

Well, it's supposed to be a poem about Thanksgiving, isn't it? And what has she said? It isn't like Christmas. It isn't like the Fourth of July. Who said it was?

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, the poem has already won the contest. We're just supposed to listen. But as long as we're just supposed Supposed to listen. Go ahead, dear.

[Kathleen Anderson]

You mean from the beginning?

[Jim Anderson]

No, no. Start after that funny part where your uncle gives you money.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Okay. It isn't like the Fourth of July or Decoration Day or summer vacation or Halloween when all the kids can play. No.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jeez.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Oh, good grief.

[Jim Anderson]

Scare a man half out of his wits.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Mother, is it all right if I borrow your earrings?

[Margaret Anderson]

Look what you've done. Ash is all over the floor.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, I'LL clean it up, Margaret. Don't worry about it.

[Kathleen Anderson]

What happened?

[Jim Anderson]

Nothing happened. I knocked over the ashtray, that's all. Go ahead, Kathy.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thanksgiving is a different day. Excuse me, Kathy. I have to speak to Mother.

[Jim Anderson]

Let her finish the poem, Betty.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Father, I told Janie Liggett I'd be there early. She's counting on me. You don't have to read a poem over the radio. Oh, no? You mean she's gonna read that horrible thing in public? Thanksgiving is a lucky day. I didn't see you winning any free turkey dinner. I didn't have to. The Liggetts are gonna have three turkeys.

[Jim Anderson]

Wait a minute. The way you kids talk, you'd think we'd never had a turkey in this house.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim.

[Jim Anderson]

I've got a good mind to keep you all home.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Father.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, it isn't a question of turkey. Cathy's principal told you.

[Jim Anderson]

Why couldn't they have their dinner some other day?

[Margaret Anderson]

But Thanksgiving dinner was the prize, dear, for all eight grades. It's become a major event.

[Jim Anderson]

And the Liggett. If somebody looks cross eyed, Janie Liggett has a party.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Father, you said.

[Jim Anderson]

I know what I said. And it'll be a relief to get you all out of the house. Your mother won't have to spend all day cooking a dinner you'll wolf down in 20 minutes.

[Margaret Anderson]

Gee.

[Jim Anderson]

Mm. We'll have a little peace around here, even if it is Thanksgiving.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thanksgiving is a different day. The day I like the best. Kathy, I haven't asked about the earrings.

[Margaret Anderson]

Which earrings, Betty?

[Kathleen Anderson]

The ones with the rhinestones.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, dear, those are much too old for you.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Oh, no, they aren't, Mother. Really they aren't. Thanksgiving is a different day.

[Jim Anderson]

Just a minute, Kathy. Betty, if your mother says they're too old for you.

[Kathleen Anderson]

But they aren't, Father. I tried them on.

[Margaret Anderson]

Don't you think something less formal would be more suitable? But, Mother, after all, rhinestones in the afternoon.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Not good, huh?

[Margaret Anderson]

Not good at all.

[Kathleen Anderson]

How about the little pearl one?

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, much better.

[Kathleen Anderson]

May I?

[Margaret Anderson]

Of course, dear.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Oh, thank you, Mother. You're an angel. Go ahead, Kathy.

[Jim Anderson]

Maybe I ought to get the vacuum cleaner. The whole rug's a mess.

[Margaret Anderson]

Just leave it, Jim. I'll clean it later.

[Jim Anderson]

It'll only take me a second, Jim.

[Margaret Anderson]

All right, Kathy.

[Kathleen Anderson]

No.

[Jim Anderson]

Yes. Get it over with, please.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thanksgiving is a different day. The day I like the best. It's even better than Sunday which is called the day of rest. Thanksgiving is my favorite day.

[Bud Anderson]

So long, everybody.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, goodbye, dear.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Now have a nice time.

[Jim Anderson]

Bud, what are you Doing with my suitcase?

[Margaret Anderson]

Why?

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thanksgiving is my favorite day.

[Jim Anderson]

Come in here and bring the suitcase.

[Bud Anderson]

Gosh, I'm not gonna hurt it, dad.

[Jim Anderson]

Did anybody say you could borrow my suitcase?

[Bud Anderson]

No, dad.

[Jim Anderson]

Why are you taking it?

[Bud Anderson]

Well, I have to carry them in something.

[Jim Anderson]

Carry what?

[Bud Anderson]

The football letters. They're gonna give them out at the dinner and the coach said put it.

[Jim Anderson]

Back where you got it.

[Bud Anderson]

But the coach said I could eat with the teen.

[Jim Anderson]

I said put it back.

[Bud Anderson]

Holy cow.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thanksgiving is my favor.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, he isn't going to hurt anything.

[Jim Anderson]

That's not the point. He has no right to take things without asking for them.

[Bud Anderson]

But you were busy, Dad. I tried to ask you this morning, remember? I said, dad, and you said you thought it was going to be wonderful for you and mom to have Thanksgiving dinner in a restaurant for a change. And I said, dad. And you said you thought everybody made too much of a fuss about Thanksgiving anyway. And I said, dad. And you said, but.

[Announcer]

Take the suitcase.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh boy. And next time ask for it.

[Bud Anderson]

I tried to, Dad. I said. Okay, dad.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Goodbye now.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, is Billy here, dear?

[Kathleen Anderson]

He's parked out front. Well, have a good time.

[Jim Anderson]

Don't eat too much turkey.

[Kathleen Anderson]

I won't. See you later. Goodbye, dear.

[Narrator]

Goodbye, Betty.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thanksgiving is my favorite day.

[Jim Anderson]

Bud, Are you driving downtown with Joe Phillips?

[Bud Anderson]

Yes, dad.

[Jim Anderson]

Why don't you drop Kathy off at the school?

[Bud Anderson]

Okay. Come on, Kathy.

[Kathleen Anderson]

I haven't finished my poem.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, why haven't you? I haven't heard anything else for the past hour.

[Kathleen Anderson]

I tried to read it and first you said that Uncle Rich.

[Bud Anderson]

Come on, Kathy, will ya?

[Margaret Anderson]

I'm late.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Nobody ever lets me do anything just cause I'm the littlest one in the family.

[Jim Anderson]

Kathy, read the poem.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Everybody thinks they can pick.

[Margaret Anderson]

Kathy, Thanksgiving is my favorite day. Dear, that's where you left off and.

[Kathleen Anderson]

They don't have any right to. Thanksgiving is my favorite day. Though the skies are gray and murky. Cause that's the day when I get to eat the drumstick of a turkey. Well, that's the end.

[Bud Anderson]

Some poem, Bud.

[Margaret Anderson]

It's a very lovely poem, Kathy.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thank you, Mommy.

[Jim Anderson]

You mean that won the competition, Jim? Well, I'm not surprised. It's very good. A little sentimental perhaps, but very good.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thank you, Daddy.

[Bud Anderson]

Get your coat, Kathy, and let's go.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Mr. Bryant said he'd bring me home, Mommy.

[Margaret Anderson]

That's fine, dear.

[Kathleen Anderson]

And don't forget to listen to the broadcast we wanted.

[Jim Anderson]

Behave yourself.

[Bud Anderson]

Come on, will ya?

[Kathleen Anderson]

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

[Bud Anderson]

Thanks for the suitcase, dad. That's all right.

[Jim Anderson]

Have a nice time, bud. You, too, Kathy.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Goodbye.

[Margaret Anderson]

Be a good girl, Kathleen.

[Kathleen Anderson]

I will. Goodbye, dear.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, I'm completely exhausted. I don't know where they get all that energy.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, did she really win the competition with that poem?

[Margaret Anderson]

She's only in the fourth grade, Jim. That's very good for the fourth grade.

[Jim Anderson]

When I was nine, I could write poems like that standing on my head.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, if you've ever seen Kathy's study, you'd know that. That's probably the way she wrote it.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret?

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, dear?

[Jim Anderson]

Have you noticed how quiet it is?

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

Hasn't been this quiet for weeks, has it?

[Margaret Anderson]

No, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

It does you good to get away from the kids for a while. Gives you a chance to relax, take things easy. Read your paper and things.

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

Get the kids out of the house and it makes all the difference in the world. Get a little peace and quiet, don't you?

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

All that excitement and shouting and running up and down stairs. Absolutely unnecessary, isn't it?

[Margaret Anderson]

I suppose so, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret?

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, dear?

[Jim Anderson]

I'm lonesome.

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, dear.

[Announcer]

Well, Father has a right to feel lonesome. After all, Thanksgiving is a family day. But whether or not the family can gather to join in the festivities, we all have many things to be thankful for. We Maxwell House people. For instance, we're happy that our coffee is America's favorite brand. Happy that in so many homes, Thanksgiving dinner means a pot of Maxwell House coffee brewing on the stove as well as the turkey in the oven and the pumpkin pies cooling on the shelf. We take a lot of pride in our coffee and we want you to know you can count on Maxwell House every cup you pour. We'll keep it always good to the last drop on Thanksgiving Day and every day in the year.

[Narrator]

That was very good, Barbara. Very good indeed. Now, our next winner is a rugged individualist indeed.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, it's Kathy.

[Narrator]

I'll be right in. She put her thoughts on Thanksgiving into verse and will now read the poem which won for her the competition in the fourth grade. Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Kathleen Anderson.

[Bud Anderson]

Kathy?

[Jim Anderson]

Has she started yet? Well, I just wanted to know.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Thanksgiving Day by Kathleen Joy Louise Anderson, Fourth grade. Thanksgiving is a lucky day for all the girls and boys. It isn't just like Christmas when your parents give you toys.

[Jim Anderson]

Why doesn't she go on, Jim?

[Announcer]

Please go ahead, Kathleen.

[Jim Anderson]

It isn't as if she had to remember anything. She's got it right in front of her.

[Margaret Anderson]

She's probably very nervous.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, she can read, can't she?

[Narrator]

Kathleen, we're waiting I want to go home.

[Jim Anderson]

Now. What's gotten into her?

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, the poor little thing.

[Narrator]

Miss Anderson just remembered a previous engagement. But perhaps we'll have better luck with our next little guest. The winner of the competition in the fifth grade.

[Jim Anderson]

You see, Margaret, I told you she shouldn't have gone.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, my poor baby.

[Jim Anderson]

I've never heard anything like that in my entire life.

[Margaret Anderson]

She was frightened, Jim, that's all.

[Jim Anderson]

Frightened of what? You can't shut her up when she's in the house. As soon as she's supposed to talk, she makes an oyster sound like Georgie Jessel, I tell you. Margaret.

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, Jim?

[Announcer]

Do you think we ought to go.

[Jim Anderson]

Down and get her?

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, I don't think so.

[Jim Anderson]

Poor kid's probably crying her heart out.

[Margaret Anderson]

She'll get over it. And don't forget, they promised her two drumsticks.

[Bud Anderson]

I don't know.

[Jim Anderson]

She didn't sound very hungry.

[Margaret Anderson]

Do I?

[Jim Anderson]

What?

[Margaret Anderson]

You promised me a Thanksgiving dinner at the townhouse, remember?

[Jim Anderson]

Yes, I did, didn't I?

[Margaret Anderson]

I'll get my hat and coat. Or would you rather have me sue you for breach of promise?

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, there isn't anything wrong, is there?

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, no, honey. Everything's fine. It's just that. Well.

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes?

[Jim Anderson]

I've been doing a lot of thinking and. Would you mind very much if we didn't go out? Why, Jim, I know I promised you dinner, but, well, I just rather eat here.

[Margaret Anderson]

There isn't anything to eat.

[Jim Anderson]

Sure there is. I saw a whole heap of hamburger in the icebox.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Hamburger?

[Margaret Anderson]

On Thanksgiving Day?

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, to tell you the truth, this doesn't seem much like Thanksgiving. Not like the kind of Thanksgiving we used to know.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, it's finally happened. After only 18 years. You're tired of me.

[Jim Anderson]

You know what I mean, don't you, honey?

[Margaret Anderson]

I think so.

[Jim Anderson]

Thanksgiving has always been a special sort of a day for me. Even when I was a boy, it was more than just a holiday. It was a time when the whole family got together and had fun. We used to go out into the.

[Narrator]

Country to my grandmother's.

[Margaret Anderson]

We did too go to my grandmother's.

[Jim Anderson]

I mean, the whole family used to be there. My Uncle Rob and his wife and their eight children and my Uncle Will and his wife and their 10 children.

[Margaret Anderson]

That must have been cozy.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, it was. We ate in shifts. My grandmother always swore she was feeding half of the neighbor's kids. But it was fun.

[Margaret Anderson]

Did you play games after dinner?

[Jim Anderson]

Heck, no. We were so stuffed, we couldn't move.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, you were a bunch of sissies. We used to play going To Jerusalem or musical chairs or charades.

[Jim Anderson]

That's pretty hard to do with just two people, isn't it?

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim? There's one thing we mustn't forget. This is a new generation. It's a different sort of generation with new ideas and a new sense of values. Times have changed.

[Jim Anderson]

Mm, I guess they have. Let's. Let's go into the kitchen and see what we can throw together.

[Margaret Anderson]

You're an old sentimentalist, Jim Anderson, that's what you are. And I love you.

[Jim Anderson]

I love you too. You know, maybe if the kids get home early, we can all go to a movie or something. How'd you like that?

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, I wouldn't count on it, dear. Betty said not to expect her before midnight and Bud's dinner won't start until 6.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, Kathy isn't going to stay out all night, is she?

[Margaret Anderson]

No.

[Jim Anderson]

Okay, then we'll take Kathy to the movies.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, we'll see, dear. It all depends.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Bud.

[Bud Anderson]

Hiya, Mom. Hi, dad.

[Jim Anderson]

What are you doing here?

[Bud Anderson]

Fixing a hamburger. Want one?

[Jim Anderson]

Well, what happened to the dinner?

[Bud Anderson]

What dinner?

[Jim Anderson]

At the training table with the football team.

[Bud Anderson]

Oh, that dinner. Well, I don't know. I guess I just wasn't hungry.

[Jim Anderson]

Weren't hungry?

[Announcer]

You.

[Margaret Anderson]

I'm going to call Dr. Simmons.

[Jim Anderson]

Wait a minute, Margaret. Bud, if you aren't hungry, why, the hamburger.

[Bud Anderson]

The hamburger.

[Jim Anderson]

Pardon me? The three hamburgers.

[Bud Anderson]

Oh, well, I. I guess I got hungry.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, Bud, if you don't feel well, please tell us.

[Bud Anderson]

But I do feel well, Mom. I feel fine.

[Jim Anderson]

Look, Bud, if you don't want to tell us the truth.

[Bud Anderson]

But I am telling you the truth. I didn't like the dinner, that's all. Bunch of big goofs sitting around talking about football. What good is that?

[Margaret Anderson]

Since when don't you like to talk about football?

[Bud Anderson]

What good is that?

[Margaret Anderson]

Since when don't you like to talk about football?

[Jim Anderson]

Just a second, honey.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Kathy, it's me, Father.

[Bud Anderson]

What's she doing home?

[Margaret Anderson]

What on earth?

[Jim Anderson]

We're in the kitchen, Betty.

[Kathleen Anderson]

I'll be right in.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, dear. Just when everything was going so well.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret, why do you immediately assume that something is wrong? Maybe the Liggetts decided not to have a party. Or maybe Betty had the wrong day. Lots of things could have happened.

[Margaret Anderson]

The party was today. I know it was.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, maybe it hasn't started yet.

[Kathleen Anderson]

What's everybody doing in the kitchen? Oh, hi, Bud. What are you doing here?

[Bud Anderson]

Oh, nothing much. Want a hamburger?

[Kathleen Anderson]

Okay.

[Jim Anderson]

Never mind the hamburgers, Bud. We've got things to discuss that are.

[Bud Anderson]

Much more important than hamburgers.

[Margaret Anderson]

Do you feel all right, dear?

[Kathleen Anderson]

Sure. Why?

[Jim Anderson]

You told your mother you wouldn't be home until midnight.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Oh, well, I. Well, I wasn't going to, but I came up with the most awful headache.

[Jim Anderson]

Jim, you just said you felt fine.

[Kathleen Anderson]

I do? Oh, I mean, I do. Except for this headache.

[Margaret Anderson]

Jim, I'm going to call Mrs. Liggett and ask her.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Mother. You know, if there was anything wrong, I'd tell you. I always have, haven't I?

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, dear, you have.

[Jim Anderson]

Just a minute, Margaret. Kathy.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Yes, Daddy?

[Jim Anderson]

We're in the kitchen. Come on in.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Yes, Daddy.

[Jim Anderson]

See, Margaret? I told you we should have gone down for her.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, I had no way of knowing.

[Kathleen Anderson]

What's the matter with Kathy?

[Jim Anderson]

Your sister reads the first line of her poem and bursts into tears.

[Bud Anderson]

No kidding.

[Margaret Anderson]

The poor little thing. Hello. Oh, angel.

[Jim Anderson]

Hello, sweetheart. Come on over here and tell your daddy all your troubles.

[Kathleen Anderson]

I don't have any troubles, Daddy. I'm just not happy.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, it isn't anything to cry about, is it?

[Margaret Anderson]

It was a lovely poem, darling, even if you didn't read it.

[Bud Anderson]

And don't you worry, knothead. If anybody makes fun of you, I'll poke them right in the nose.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Oh, Bud, I don't care if they do make fun of me. I didn't want to read my poem, not to them.

[Margaret Anderson]

Why, Kathy. There, you're friends. I don't want them.

[Kathleen Anderson]

It's Thanksgiving. And I wanted my mommy and my daddy and my sister and my brother.

[Margaret Anderson]

I was lonesome. Kathy, darling.

[Announcer]

She's all right, Margaret.

[Jim Anderson]

Just leave her alone. Mother.

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, Betty? I was lonesome too.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, now, wait a minute.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, Jim.

[Jim Anderson]

Margaret.

[Narrator]

Not me too.

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, me too.

[Jim Anderson]

Good grief. You sound like the third act of Uncle Tom's Cabin. What's the matter with you, Bud?

[Bud Anderson]

Nothing. I just feel like blowing my nose, that's all.

[Jim Anderson]

Well, blow it. Now get busy with the hamburgers.

[Bud Anderson]

Okay, dad.

[Jim Anderson]

How about a little food for the hungry Andersons?

[Kathleen Anderson]

Well, I'm starving.

[Margaret Anderson]

Hamburgers. It's a fine thing to serve for a Thanksgiving dinner, isn't it?

[Jim Anderson]

It sounds fine to me.

[Kathleen Anderson]

I don't care what part of the hamburger I get, as long as it's the drumstick.

[Jim Anderson]

Hello, girl. Kathy. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's sit down and be comfortable.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, I'll take over, Bud.

[Bud Anderson]

I'm doing fine, Mom.

[Margaret Anderson]

Oh, Bud, really.

[Jim Anderson]

Don't argue with the chef, Margaret. Just sit down and relax.

[Margaret Anderson]

Well, if you insist.

[Bud Anderson]

Four hamburgers coming up.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Well, that'll take care of me. But what are they gonna eat.

[Margaret Anderson]

Betty?

[Kathleen Anderson]

Oh, you big pig.

[Announcer]

Margaret.

[Jim Anderson]

Kids, before we dig into these juicy Thanksgiving burgers, may I say something?

[Kathleen Anderson]

Sure, go ahead.

[Jim Anderson]

This has been, I think, the happiest Thanksgiving Day of my entire life. And if you don't mind, I'd like to say a special grace. O Lord, we give thee thanks from the bottom of our humble hearts for the blessings thou has seen fit to bestow upon us. We thank thee for the food that graces our table and the roof that covers our head. We thank thee for the privilege of living as free men in a country which respects our freedom, our personal rights to worship and think and speak as we choose. But most of all, dear Lord, we thank thee for making us a family. For giving us sincerity and understanding. We thank thee for giving us the most cherished gift a family may know. The gift of love for one another. Amen.

[Narrator]

It's morning now, and in the Anderson breakfast nook life has eased back into its accustomed groove. Thanksgiving Day is over, but the Andersons, well, they go on forever like this.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Why can't I wear lipstick? Claudia McHugh does, and she's only 12.

[Margaret Anderson]

Here's your coffee, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

Thank you.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Well?

[Jim Anderson]

Well, what?

[Kathleen Anderson]

Well, why can't I?

[Jim Anderson]

Because I said you couldn't. And eat your breakfast.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Gee whiz.

[Jim Anderson]

Oh, Margaret, we've got to do something about that boy. He's beginning to shake the house.

[Margaret Anderson]

I'll speak to him, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

If he can't take it easy on the stairs, don't feed him so much. One of these days he's gonna go right through.

[Bud Anderson]

Hiya, dad. Good morning, Mom.

[Jim Anderson]

Sit down. Eat your breakfast.

[Margaret Anderson]

Good morning, dear.

[Kathleen Anderson]

He didn't say anything to me.

[Bud Anderson]

Hiya, squirt.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Good morning, Father. Do you know what Bud did? He used my good cologne on his hair.

[Jim Anderson]

Good morning, Betty.

[Bud Anderson]

I used two drops.

[Kathleen Anderson]

You used practically the whole bottle.

[Bud Anderson]

I did not.

[Jim Anderson]

Good morning, Betty.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Mother, if I can have a little privacy with my own thing.

[Jim Anderson]

Betty.

[Kathleen Anderson]

What?

[Jim Anderson]

Good morning.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Good morning, Father.

[Jim Anderson]

That's better. Sit down. Eat your breakfast.

[Kathleen Anderson]

Chomping creepers.

[Jim Anderson]

You know, Margaret, there's one thing I'm really going to enjoy about our Thanksgiving Day dinner yesterday.

[Margaret Anderson]

What's that, dear?

[Jim Anderson]

We're probably the only family in Springfield that won't be eating leftover turkey for the next month.

[Margaret Anderson]

Yes, dear.

[Jim Anderson]

What are we going to have for dinner tonight?

[Margaret Anderson]

Leftover hamburgers.

[Announcer]

So you don't think your family will ever be hungry again. Well, you just wait till tomorrow morning. The kids will be banging their spoons for breakfast the same as ever. So be ready with steaming bowls of hot Post wheat meal and tell the youngsters it's Hop Along Cassidy's favorite hot cereal. Yes, hot post wheat meal with solid whole wheat nourishment and rich nut like flavor. That hopalong sure goes for hot post wheat meal, you'll see. You'll all agree it's the best hot cereal you ever ate.

[Narrator]

These days stores everywhere are featuring lower prices on Maxwell House coffee. The lowest prices in months. Bring home one of those familiar blue tins tomorrow and enjoy coffee that's always 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 Bargi and the Maxwell House Orchestra and yours truly, Bill Foreman. So until next Thursday, good night and good luck from the makers of Maxwell House. Father Knows Best was transcribed in Hollywood and written by Ed James. Now stay tuned in for Dragnet which follows immediately over most of these stations.

[Announcer]

Exciting dragnet is next. Then we the people on NBC.