Podcast Summary: Lassie 48-01-11 – A Dog Named Tramp

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Date: February 14, 2026
Original Broadcast Date: January 11, 1948

Episode Overview

This episode features a heartwarming dramatization from the Golden Age of Radio series "Lassie," presenting the story "A Dog Named Tramp." The main theme is loyalty, bravery, and the special bond between a boy and his rescued dog. Tom Clark, a young boy, saves a neglected stray dog named Tramp, only for Tramp to later display his own courage in a heroic rescue during a dangerous flood.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Introduction & Setting the Stage

• [01:04–01:55] The show opens with sponsor mentions and an introduction by Rudd Weatherwax (Lassie’s owner and trainer).
  • “Today, Lassie and I have a story for you about a dog named Tramp. Not much of a dog, I guess, but full of courage when he needed it most.” – Rudd Weatherwax, [01:25]

Rescuing Tramp

• [02:34–03:45] Young Tommy Clark goes fishing with his father and witnesses a man attempting to drown a stray dog (Tramp) as punishment for stealing fish.
  • Tom, bravely, dives into the river and saves the dog, earning his father’s encouragement and claiming Tramp as his own.
  • “Gee, dad, is he dead?” – Tommy [03:37]
  • “No, no, not by a long shot. Let's get to work and get the water out of his lungs…” – Narrator/Dad [03:45]

Bonding with Tramp

• [03:50–04:35] Tom and Tramp quickly forge a bond, playing tug-of-war. Tom’s father warns them not to overdo it with the roughhousing.
  • “That’s enough, Tramp.” – Tommy [04:26]

The Flood & Peril on the River

• [04:35–06:32] News spreads of a rising river and impending flood. Tom is tempted by debris on a small river island, including a doghouse, and decides to row out to retrieve it.
  • The current is stronger than expected, and Tom’s boat capsizes. He finds himself stranded on the island, in danger as the water rises.
  • “Boy, I better start rowing. This current is fast.” – Tommy [05:34]
  • The boat tips: “Help!” – Narrator/Tommy [06:17–06:19]

Discovering Tom is Missing

• [06:32–07:22] At home, Tom’s absence is noted. Tramp returns home without Tom and barks urgently, alerting the family.
  • “The dog’s all alone. Tom’s not with him.” – Family member [06:47]
  • The family realizes they must follow Tramp to find Tom.

Tramp’s Act of Valor

• [07:22–09:05] Reaching the river, Tom’s parents see him stranded on the island.
  • Despite being deeply afraid of water, Tramp is tied to a rope and called to swim to Tom with a lifeline.
  • Building tension, Tramp overcomes his fear to swim across the dangerous current.
    • “Now, go on boy, go to Tom, Tramp!” – Father [08:30]
    • “He did it, Mother! Tramp did it! Swim, Tramp, swim!” – Tommy [08:37]
  • Tramp brings the rope to Tom, enabling the family to attempt a rescue.

The Final Rescue

• [09:05–10:56] Tom and Tramp work together, tying themselves to the rope and trying to cross back. Amid rising danger, the rope snaps, but Tramp tenaciously holds onto the end in his mouth, allowing the family to pull them both to safety.
  • “Tramp! Tramp! Hang on! Tug of war, Tramp. Tug of war!” – Tommy [10:30]
  • Safely home, Tom rests, deeply grateful for Tramp’s bravery.

Reflection and Closing

• [10:56–11:11] Tom and his family express deep gratitude to Tramp. The narrator notes the full-circle act of courage and loyalty between boy and dog.
  • “Well, looks like old Tramp has evened the score. He’s paid Tom off in full for saving him from Old Man River.” – Narrator [11:11]

Memorable Quotes & Highlighted Moments

• [01:25] Rudd Weatherwax:
  • "Today, Lassie and I have a story for you about a dog named Tramp. Not much of a dog, I guess, but full of courage when he needed it most."
• [03:09] Tommy Clark:
  • "Say, that's a nasty thing to do. Throw a dog in the river to drown because of a few fish."
• [08:37] Tommy Clark:
  • "He did it, Mother! Tramp did it! Swim, Tramp, swim!"
• [10:30] Tommy Clark:
  • "Tramp! Hang on. Tug of war, Tramp. Tug of war!"
• [11:05] Tommy Clark:
  • "Oh, Tramp, how can we ever thank you?"
• [11:11] Narrator:
  • "Looks like old Tramp has evened the score. He's paid Tom off in full for saving him from Old Man River."

Award Segment: Red Heart Award for Valor

• [12:15–13:28]
  • The Red Heart Award for Valor is presented to Tippy, a dog from Seattle, Washington, who bravely defended his owners during a store robbery.
    • “Tippy bounded from the living quarters in the rear of the store and drove the armed bandit away… today, in recognition of Tippy’s bravery, we are sending Tippy a heart-shaped sterling silver locket for his collar bearing the inscription Red Heart Award for Valor to Tippy for rescuing his mistress, Mrs. Ina Darrel.” – Rudd Weatherwax [12:43]
  • Tippy receives a salute from Lassie and a supply of Red Heart dog food.

Notable Storytelling Techniques

• Dramatic use of music and narration to build suspense during the river rescue sequence.
• Emphasis on values of kindness, courage, and the special relationship between humans and their pets.
• Natural, endearing dialogue, especially between Tom and his dog Tramp.

Important Timestamps

• 01:04 – Story Introduction by Narrator and Rudd Weatherwax
• 02:34 – Tom and Father spot Tramp at the river
• 03:23 – Tom rescues Tramp
• 04:35 – Rising river and flood warning
• 05:34 – Tom rows to island, gets stranded
• 06:32 – Family at home, realizes Tom is missing
• 07:29 – Family arrives at riverbank
• 08:14 – Tramp faces his fear and swims rope to Tom
• 10:30 – Climax: Tramp and Tom rescued
• 11:11 – Emotional resolution and reflection
• 12:15 – Red Heart Award for Valor segment

Conclusion & Next Episode Teaser

• The episode closes with praise for Tramp’s loyalty and the announcement of the Red Heart Award recipient.
• Next week’s episode will feature Lassie as “a very cranky old dog that belonged to a very cranky old man.”

This installment is a touching reminder of the timeless appeal of radio drama, the virtue of bravery, and the enduring loyalty between dogs and their human companions.