Lassie 48-01-11 A Dog Named Tramp

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Lassie 48-01-11 A Dog Named Tramp"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Lassie 48-01-11 A Dog Named Tramp
• Release Date: January 14, 2025

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Introduction

In the January 14, 2025 episode of Harold's Old Time Radio titled "Lassie 48-01-11 A Dog Named Tramp," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Rud Weatherwax, Lassie's owner and trainer, the episode presents a compelling narrative that intertwines themes of bravery, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their canine companions.

Main Story: The Courage of Tramp

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds with Tommy Clark and his father embarking on a serene fishing trip by the river. The peaceful afternoon takes an unexpected turn when Tommy spots a distressed dog, later named Tramp, tied to a rock by a malicious man intent on drowning him for selfish gains.

The Rescue Attempt

At [03:07], Tommy shows remarkable bravery, declaring:

"I've got him, dad. I've got my scout knife. I'll dive down and cut the rope."

Despite his father's warnings about the dangers of risking one's life for a mutt, Tommy's determination leads him to attempt a daring rescue. John Morrell (Tommy's father) intervenes just in time, ensuring Tommy's safety while they successfully free Tramp.

Building Trust and Friendship

Once freed, Tramp exhibits gratitude and strength. Tommy introduces his father to the resilient dog, saying at [04:02]:

"Gee, dad, is he dead?"

Reassured by his father's response, they begin to bond, with Tommy showcasing Tramp's impressive strength:

"Look how strong Tramp's teeth are. Now watch, dad. Okay, Tramp, tug of war." [04:07]

The Impending Flood

The narrative intensifies as Rud Weatherwax informs listeners of the rising river levels, signaling an impending flood. At [04:20], Tommy declares:

"Oh, honest, I haven't been near the river for a week. Tramp's scared of the water."

Despite Tramp's fear, the situation demands courage. As the river swells, Tommy urges Tramp to overcome his fear to save him from the treacherous current.

Tramp's Heroic Act

In a pivotal moment at [08:15], Tramp musters the courage to swim to Tommy, despite his fear:

"Come on, Tramp. Swim hard, Tramp. Swim."

Tramp successfully reaches Tommy, pulling him to safety just as the river's fury threatens to engulf them. Tommy, grateful and relieved, exclaims at [10:12]:

"How do you feel? Well, mom, it sure feels good to be in bed again. You'd be dead right now if it wasn't for old Tramp."

Themes Highlighted

• Courage and Selflessness: Tramp's decision to face his fear for Tommy underscores the theme of selflessness.
• Loyalty and Bonding: The deep bond between Tommy and Tramp illustrates the profound loyalty pets have towards their owners.
• Triumph Over Adversity: Overcoming natural fears in the face of life-threatening challenges is a central motif.

Red Heart Award for Valor

Following the main story, Rud Weatherwax transitions to acknowledging real-life canine heroes. At [12:31], he introduces the Red Heart Award for Valor awarded to Tippy from Seattle for bravely defending his owner during a store robbery.

Notable Quote

"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." [12:53]

This segment serves to inspire listeners by highlighting genuine acts of bravery, reinforcing the episode's overarching theme of canine heroism.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with promotional segments for upcoming shows and products, maintaining the nostalgic feel of Old Time Radio. Rud Weatherwax wraps up by emphasizing the importance of feeding dogs Red Heart dog food, linking back to the themes of care and appreciation for our loyal companions.

Final Notable Quote

"Red Heart is the food your dog needs and wants. And now, Lassie's owner and trainer, Rud Weatherway." [13:15]

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Overall Impression: "Lassie 48-01-11 A Dog Named Tramp" is a heartwarming episode that masterfully blends storytelling with promotional content. The narrative of Tramp's bravery offers listeners an engaging tale of loyalty and courage, while the acknowledgment of real-life heroes like Tippy provides an inspiring and authentic touch. The episode effectively captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, making it both entertaining and meaningful for its audience.

Transcript

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[John Morrell]

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[Rud 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]

Gee, it's such a swell day, dad. Maybe I could get a little swimming in, do you think?

[John Morrell]

No reason why not, son.

[Tommy Clark]

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

[John Morrell]

Might be biting as good today.

[Tommy Clark]

I hope so.

[John Morrell]

You must eat my fish, will you?

[Tommy Clark]

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

[John Morrell]

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. Hey, mister, what's wrong with the dog? Nothing. 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. 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? Well, I guess I'm sorry for the mutto.

[Tommy Clark]

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.

[John Morrell]

Hey. Hey, wait. Oh, that kid. Risking his life for a mutt. Door.

[Tommy Clark]

I've got him, dad.

[John Morrell]

Here. Fine. Here, grab my hand. I. I'll pull you in. Okay, I got the dog by the collar. Now. Up you come.

[Tommy Clark]

Gee, dad, is he dead?

[John Morrell]

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]

Well, that man said he was a trap 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 Tramp's teeth are. Now watch, dad. Okay, Tramp, tug of war. Tug of war. That's it, boy. Grab all the clothesline.

[John Morrell]

Now.

[Tommy Clark]

Tug of war. Pull, Tramp, pull. Trap.

[John Morrell]

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

[Tommy Clark]

Okay, dad. That's enough, Tramp.

[John Morrell]

And you better put away Mom's clothesline.

[Tommy Clark]

Okay, Dad.

[John Morrell]

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

[Tommy Clark]

Oh, honest, I haven't been near the river for a week. Tramp's scared of the water.

[John Morrell]

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, Pam.

[Tommy Clark]

Oh, I. I will, dad. Hey, Tramp, let's go down to the river, huh, boy? Gee, if it's flooding, we might find some swell stuff floating down. Come on, Tramp. A. Come on, Tramp. The old river won't hurt you.

[John Morrell]

Oh, all right.

[Tommy Clark]

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.

[John Morrell]

Boy, here.

[Tommy Clark]

I can see a wheelbarrow. 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 dog house 30 or 40ft. I think I can fly the rowboat in the water by myself. I'm going to try. There it is. Better get the oars in the orlocks first. River's running pretty fast now. Just shove there, then. Boy, I better start rolling. This current is fast. Turn awful strong. He keeps turning the boat. Not much further, though. One or two more. Good strong. Oh, the boat's tipping. Help. Help. Help. Help. Well, I'm sure I don't know, Frank. I've called and called. He's always home by this time. Oh, there he is now. I hear Tramp barking.

[John Morrell]

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]

Not women. But why? What's that? Tramp act like he wanted us to follow him.

[John Morrell]

Mother. The river. It's awful bad. You think?

[Tommy Clark]

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

[John Morrell]

Yes. Come on. Wait. Let me take this clothesline. Tramp, find Tom. Find Tom, Frank. That's where he's taking us. Straight to the riverbank.

[Tommy Clark]

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

[John Morrell]

I bet you just got to be ready for anything.

[Tommy Clark]

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

[John Morrell]

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

[Tommy Clark]

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

[John Morrell]

Tom. He's on the island, Mother.

[Tommy Clark]

Tom. Tom.

[John Morrell]

Tom. Where's our rubble?

[Tommy Clark]

But if the boat's gone, how? Break these rivers? Might they? The island will be underwater in an hour or two.

[John Morrell]

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

[Tommy Clark]

No, no. Tramp. Come here. That dog looked almost as though he was going to jump in the water.

[John Morrell]

Hey. Tramp's trying to get up enough nerve to swim out to the island. He wants to get Tom. Tramp. Tramp, come here. Stand still. Now, Tramp.

[Tommy Clark]

What are you going to do for me?

[John Morrell]

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. Oh, no.

[Tommy Clark]

He'll never do that. That dog's desperately afraid of water.

[John Morrell]

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

[Tommy Clark]

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

[John Morrell]

Now, go on, boy. Go to Tom Tramp. He did it, Mother. Tramp did it. Swim, Tramp.

[Tommy Clark]

Sweet. 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. There. Gotcha, Tramp. Up you go, Trampy, old boy. Oh, you did it. You swam to me. Hurry, Tom, the river. Check me back. What'll I do now, dad? Okay, dad. Rope to this tree. That's good night.

[John Morrell]

Okay.

[Tommy Clark]

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 know what I got to do. I'm going to tie this one tight to my belt. Like that. Now, I'll tie the other end of your collar. I just got to pull you in the water, Trampy, if you won't go in yourself again. Won't. Save it, kid.

[John Morrell]

Now, don't you worry, Mother. That boy's got nerve. He'll make it fun. Come on. Keep going, Tommy. That's it. Hand over hand.

[Tommy Clark]

Tom. Tom, look out for that log. Look out, Tom. Frank. Frank. He's done under. Look.

[John Morrell]

That cool wall broke the rope.

[Tommy Clark]

There's Tramp.

[John Morrell]

And there's Tom.

[Tommy Clark]

Tom, Tom, look. Bank's got the end of the broken rope in his mouth.

[John Morrell]

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

[Tommy Clark]

Trim, Sam.

[John Morrell]

Hang on.

[Tommy Clark]

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

[John Morrell]

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]

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

[John Morrell]

Well, looks like old Tramp has evened 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 that Tramp, the dog in this week's story was pretty valorous himself. Don't you agree? Yes, sir. It's pretty plain that 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, Rud Weatherway.

[Rud Weatherwax]

Thanks, Charlie. This week, our Red Heart Award for Valor is presented to a dog named Tippy of Seattle, Seattle, Washington.

[John Morrell]

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.

[Rud Weatherwax]

So today, in recognition of Tippy's bravery, we are sending Tippy a heart shaped sterling silver locket for his collar bearing.

[John Morrell]

The inscription Red Heart Award for Valor. To Tippy for rescuing his mistress, Mrs. Ina Darrel.

[Rud Weatherwax]

And along the Tippy's award goes a salute from Lasses and a case of Red Heart, the food that all good dogs deserve.

[John Morrell]

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 invite 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.