Lassie 48-01-11 A Dog Named Tramp

Summary

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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

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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.

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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]

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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."

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.”

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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.

Transcript

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[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

From Hollywood, John Morrell and company, makers of three flavor Red Heart, America's favorite dog food presents Metro Goldwyn Mayer's lovable motion picture star, Lassie. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Red Heart presents the world's most famous dog, Lassie in person. Now you know what hot weather does to your appetite and how important it is for your meals to be appetizing. Well, that dog of yours appreciates appetizing meals, too. And when you feed him the red heart way, he always welcomes his dinner because all three delicious red heart flavors are flavors. Dogs like beef, fish and cheese. Feed those three red heart flavors in rotation so that your dog doesn't get tired of his food. He'll not only enjoy Red Heart, but it's so good for him that it's sure to keep him healthy, happy and handsome. Get a supply of three flavor Red Heart now. And now to introduce our story followed by this week's Red Heart award for valor, here is Lassie's owner and trainer, Rudd Weatherwax. Thank you, Charlie. And hello, everyone. Well, 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. The story started when Tommy Clark and his father decided to go down to the nearby river for an afternoon of fishing.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Gee, it's such a swell day, dad. Maybe I could get a little swimming.

[Supporting Character / Additional Voice]

In, do you think?

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

No reason why not, son.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Well, if the fish aren't biting, that is. Pete Norman was down yesterday. Said he got more catfish than his.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Folks could eat in three meals. Might be biting as good today. All right, son. He must eat my fish, will you?

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Hey, look, dad. What's that man doing with that dog on the riverbank?

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

He's got a rope around the dog's neck and the end's tied to a big rock. He's gonna drown, it looks like.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Hey, mister, what's wrong with the dog? Nothing.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

It's a trapped dog. And he snuck up behind me and ate my string of fish. Well, this rock around his neck will give him all the fish he wants in that river.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Say, that's a nasty thing to do. Throw a dog in the river to drown because of a few fish. Yeah, you think so?

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Well, if you're so sorry for the.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Muck, don't get him. Oh, gosh, dad. I'm gonna pull that dog out. I've got my scout knife. I'll dive down and cut the rope. Hey, hey, wait, Cock.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Oh, that kid. Risking his life for a mut dog.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

I got him, dad.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Here, sir. Here, grab my hand. I'll pull you in.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Okay, I got the dog by the collar. Now up you come. Oh, gee, dad, is he dead?

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

No, no, not by long shot. Let's get to work and get the water out of his lungs. He'll be all right.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Well, that man said he was a tramp dog, so he's mine now because I saved him. That's a boy. Oh, hi, dad. Here I am. Hey, dad, look how strong trans teeth are. Now watch, dad. Okay, tramp, tug of war. Tug of war. That's it, boy. Grab hold. The clothesline. Now. Tug of war.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Pretty good. But you mustn't make him pull on the rope too much. It might loosen his teeth.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Okay, dad. That's enough, tramp.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

And you better put away Mom's clothesline.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Okay, Dad.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

I came to tell you we'd better not count on fishing tomorrow. The river's rising bad.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Oh, honest, I haven't been near the.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

River for a week. Tramps. Well, you can hardly blame him after his experience. But mind what I say now. The river's rising fast. Looks like a flood's on the way. You go down there. Be careful, Tom.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Oh, I. I will, dad. Hey, tramp, let's go down to the river. Oh, boy. Gee, if it's flooding, we might find some swell stuff floating down. Come on, TR. Oh, come on, tramp. The old river won't hurt you. Oh, all right. You stay Here, I'm going down to the bank. Hey, boy, look at the swell stuff that floated down and got stuck on the island.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Boy, here.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

I can see a wheelbarrow and there's a dog house. Hey, Tramp, look out on the island. There's a swell little dog house for you. Aw, come on, Tramp, you big sissy. I bet I could row to the island and get that doghouse 30 or 40ft. I think I can fly the rowboat in the water by myself. I'm gonna try. There it is. Better get the oars in the oarlocks first. River's running pretty fast now. I'll just shove there then. Boy, I better start rolling. This current is fast. Awful strong. Keeps turning the boat. Not much further, though. One or two more. Good strong. The boat's tipping.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Help.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Help.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Bessie. Where are the dickens, Tom?

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Well, I'm sure I don't know, Frank. I've called and called. He's always home at this time. Oh, there he is now. I hear Tramp boxing.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Thank goodness. I'm starved. For the love of Mike. Tom, where have you. My mother. The dog's all alone. Tom's not with him.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Not with him? But why? What? Frank. Tripp acts like he wanted us to follow him.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Mother, the river. It's awful bad. Do you think?

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Frank, quickly. Let's go, dear. Hurry.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Yes, Come on. Wait. Let me take this clothesline. Frank. Find Tom. Find Tom.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Frank.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

That's where he's taken us. Straight to the riverbank.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Oh, Frank, I wonder. I hope nothing's happened.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

I bet you just gotta be ready for anything.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Here's the river. Oh, Frank, let's hurry.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

No, no. Take it easy, Mother. Here we are. Careful now. The bank's off.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

I don't see Tom. Mother. Over here.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Tom. He's on the island, Mother.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Tom. Tom. Tom. Where's our rubble? It's over, dad. But if the boat's gone, how break these rivers might he? The island will be underwater in an hour or two.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

I know it, Mother. I got to figure out a way to get this rope across the channel.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

No. No. Tramp. Come here. Dog looked almost as though he was going to jump in the water.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Hey. Tramp's trying to get up enough nerve to swim onto the island. He wants to get to Tom. Tramp.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Tramp, come here.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Stand still now, Tramp.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

What are you going to do for me?

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

I'm going to tie the end of this clothesline to Tramp's collar and see if I can't get him to swim to Tom. There we Are.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Oh, no. He'll never do that. That dog's desperately afraid of water.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

I know, but he's even more afraid of losing Tom. Look at him, Mother.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Tom. Call Tramp. Call him, boy. Come here, Tramp.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Now, go on, boy. Go to town, Tramp.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

He did it, Mother. Tramp did it. Swim, Tramp, swim. Come on, Tramp. Oh, that's a dog. Come on, Tramp. Just a little farther and I can grab your collar. Swim hard, Tramp, swim. Is that a boy, Tramp? Come on. Come on.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

There.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Gotcha, Tramp. Up you go, Tramping, old boy. Oh, you did it. You swam to me. Well, what'll I do now, dad? Okay, dad. That's good night. Okay, Come on, Tramp. Let's get in the water and get back to land. Well, come on, Tramp. Well, you gotta swim back. You just got to. Hey, you know what I gotta do? First, I'll cut off this extra piece of rope. Let's go. Now, I'm gonna tie this one end of it tight to my belt. Like that. Now, I'll tie the other end of your collar. I just gotta pull you in the water, Trampy, if you won't go in yourself again. Don't shake it, kid.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Ah, don't you worry, Mother. That boy's got none. He'll make it fun.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Keep going, Tommy. That's it. Hand over hand. Tom. Tom, look out for that log. Look out, Tom.

[Supporting Character / Additional Voice]

Crank.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Frank. He's gonna broke the rope. There's Tramp. And there's Tom. Tom. Tom. Look, Mike. Sam's got the end of the broken rope in his mouth.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Yeah. Look out, Beth. Maybe I can pull him in.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Tramp. Tramp. Hang on. Hang on. Tug of war, Tramp. Tug of war. He's holding. He's holding. Full crank. Full heart. How do you feel? Well, mom, it sure feels good to.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Be in bed again. You had a bad time, son. You'd be dead right now if it wasn't for. For old Tramp. Yes, you old good old dog.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Oh, Tramp, how can we ever thank you? Come here. Come here, Trampy, old boy.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Oh, golly. Well, looks like old Tramp has even the score. He's paid Tom off in full for saving him from Old Man River. Thank you, Lassie, for an exciting story. Now, friends, in just a moment, Rudd Weatherwax will be back to present this week's Red Heart Award for Valor. But first, a word from our star. Say, Lassie, you know, speaking of valor, it seems to me the Tramp, the dog in this week's story was Pretty valorous himself, don't you agree? Yes, sir. It's pretty plain the dogs learn the lesson of loyalty in a hurry. Right? And one of the finest things you can do for him in return, day in, day out, is to see that he gets Red Heart every meal. All three of those delicious Red Heart flavors, beef, fish and cheese, contain exactly the same wholesome meat and meat byproducts, plus other nourishing ingredients to keep your dog in top condition. And at the same time, those three flavors, fed in rotation, give your dog the taste variety he welcomes. So feed your dog the Red Heart way, starting right now. Red Heart is federally inspected dog food, you know, good for your dog in every way. And it's so quick, so easy to feed that you'll appreciate it too. Keep all three Red Heart flavors on hand and feed them in rotation. Red Heart is the food your dog needs and wants. And now, Lassie's owner and trainer, Rudd Weatherway. Thanks, Charlie. This week, our Red Heart Award for Valor is presented to a dog named Tippy of Seattle, Washington. When a bandit entered the store of Mr. And Mrs. John Darrow and said as he struck Mrs. Darrow with the butt of his pistol, this is a stick up. Tippy bounded from the living quarters in the rear of the store and drove the armed bandit away. So 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. And along with Tippy's award goes a.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Salute from lasses and a case of.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Red Heart, the food that all good dogs deserve. And to Mr. And Mrs. John Darrow of Seattle, Washington, our congratulations on having a swell dog like Tippy. Next week, Lassie plays the part of a very cranky old dog that belonged to a very cranky old man. Don't miss it. Lassie is presented each week at this same time by John Morrell and Company, makers of three flavor Red Heart, the taste tested food that your dog will enjoy, the health tested food that will keep him in shape. Lassie appeared by arrangement with Metro Goldwyn Mayer, who invites you to see their Technicolor production of Alexander Dumas, the Three Musketeers. Starring Lana Turner, Gene Kelly and June Allison. This program is produced in Hollywood by Frank Ferran, directed by Harry Stewart, story by Hobart Donovan. And now a final reminder. The best way to provide for your future, the future of your family, Is to buy U.S. savings bonds. Buy them where you work. On the payroll savings plan. Or if you are your own boss, buy where you bank on the bond a month plan. But buy them. U.S. savings bonds represent your belief in your own future, your beliefs in America. This is Charles Lyon.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Record sales have not exactly been stellar. Look, I need this tour. It's the only place I feel like.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

I can breathe again.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

Based on the incredible true story. I'm Tim. I'm Marsh.

[Supporting Character / Additional Voice]

Warm up.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

It's my first tour this Friday.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

I just want to write something that helps people.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

You will never understand what I'm going through. Imagine what God can do again.

[Narrator / Lassie Show Host]

Whatever you're going through, you're never alone. God is in fire and it is beautiful.

[Tommy Clark (Tom)]

I can only imagine too. Only in theaters Friday.

[Supporting Character / Additional Voice]

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