Lassie 48-07-04 Miss Flash Pointer

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Lassie 48-07-04 "Miss Flash Pointer"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 6, 2026
Original Air Date: July 4, 1948

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Overview

This episode of "Lassie" from the Golden Age of Radio centers on family dynamics, canine pride, and a clash of personalities between two dogs: Miss Flash, a prized young pointer, and Mugsy, the family's wise old bulldog. Told largely from the dogs’ perspectives, the story weaves together humor, mischief, and life lessons against the cozy backdrop of post-war American domestic life. The episode concludes with the weekly Red Heart Award for Valor, celebrating canine heroism.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Structure

1. Introducing the Story & Characters

[00:30–01:52]

• The show opens with promotional content for Red Heart dog food and an introduction by Rudd Weatherwax, Lassie’s owner/trainer.
• This week's story features Miss Flash, a proud young pointer.
• The human family: Dick Winters (the husband, dog lover) and Millie (his practical, garden-loving wife).

Quote:
"Lassie today plays a part of a handsome young pointer named Miss Flash whose pride led her to a fall. Yes, it happens even among dogs."
— Rudd Weatherwax, [01:52]

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2. The Arrival of Miss Flash & The Family's Debate

[01:52–03:39]

• Dick announces to Millie he’s buying the pointer Miss Flash, despite Millie's protestations about space and her upcoming flower show.
• Millie insists the new dog stay in the kennel, even at the risk of clashing with Mugsy the bulldog.

Quote:
"Yes, but we haven’t room for another dog kennel in the backyard."
— Millie, [02:30]

"Certainly a male and female won’t fight."
— Millie, [03:33]

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3. Flash & Mugsy Meet: A Battle of Wits

[04:05–05:24]

• Inside the kennel, a humorous and competitive rapport quickly forms.
• Mugsy is nonchalant and slightly gruff; Flash is proud and ambitious.
• Mugsy refers to their owner as "Knucklehead" and gives the skeptical newcomer a rundown of life in the household.

Quote:
"So you're the pointer I heard him talking about, huh?"
— Mugsy, [04:27]

"That man... I suppose that's our master?"
— Flash, [04:54]

"Yep. That's old Knucklehead."
— Mugsy, [04:59]

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4. Training Trouble: Human Confusion, Canine Mischief

[06:21–10:57]

• Dick struggles to train Flash, who finds "heeling" uncomfortable and is confused by her new commands.
• Mugsy sardonically helps her understand, sometimes giving mischievous advice.
• When Dick tries to teach Flash to fetch, Mugsy tricks her: tells her "fetch" means to bury the ball in the prized petunia bed, leading to comic disaster.

Quote:
"He keeps hitting me in the head with his knees."
— Flash, [07:35]

"When he says fetch, you take the ball and run into the petunia garden... and you dig a hole as fast as you can and you bury the ball. That’s what fetch means."
— Mugsy, [09:54]

[Incident with the petunias: [10:57–11:08]]

• Dick and Millie witness Flash digging up the petunias, chaos ensues.

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5. Resolution: Reconciliation & Wisdom

[11:22–12:23]

• Flash is upset at being tricked and worries she’ll be sent away.
• Mugsy explains this rite of passage has happened before; he too once dug up flowers and survived.
• The dogs reach a mutual understanding and friendship.

Quote:
"That was a dirty trick you pulled, telling me to bury the ball in the flower bed when he hollered fetch."
— Flash, [11:25]

"She’ll get over it. She wanted to send me back too. That was eight years ago. Dug up the petunias. Only that year it was geraniums. Tasted lousy, too."
— Mugsy, [12:03]

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6. Weekly Feature: Red Heart Award for Valor

[13:40–14:25]

• The show spotlights a real-life dog hero: Skipper, a white collie from Michigan, who helped save his human siblings from a house fire. He receives the "Red Heart Award for Valor" and a case of dog food.

Quote:
"So today, in recognition of Skipper and commendable action, we are sending Skipper a heart shaped sterling silver locket for his collar... Red Heart Award for Valor... for saving the lives of the Corbin brothers."
— Rudd Weatherwax & Announcer, [13:57–14:03]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On reluctant co-existence:
  "Certainly a male and female won’t fight."
  — Millie, [03:33]

• On canine rivalry and self-preservation:
  "What a dirty trick. You came in here and shot off your big bark about how you were going to take over this place. I got to protect my job."
  — Mugsy, [11:32–11:42]

• On the perennial clash with flowers:
  "Only that year it was geraniums. Tasted lousy, too."
  — Mugsy, [12:05]

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Episode Flow & Tone

The episode is light-hearted, filled with old-fashioned sitcom banter and witty "dog logic" as the animals navigate training, territory, and domestic politics. Beneath the humor is a message about pride, humility, and the value of experience—plus the timeless battle between household pets and delicate gardens.

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Timestamps of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:30 | Episode and sponsor intro, Red Heart dog food plug | | 01:52 | Rudd Weatherwax introduces story and lesson | | 02:21–03:48| Dick and Millie debate getting the new dog | | 04:05–05:24| Flash and Mugsy meet, bond over kennel banter | | 06:21 | Dick attempts (and fails) initial training | | 07:19 | Flash and Mugsy debate 'heeling' and owner's quirks | | 09:54 | Mugsy tricks Flash about the meaning of 'fetch' | | 10:57–11:08| Flash destroys the petunias | | 11:22–12:23| Flash and Mugsy reconcile in the kennel | | 13:40–14:25| Red Heart Award for Valor: Skipper saves a family |

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Takeaway

"Lassie: Miss Flash Pointer" offers a playful, moral-filled glimpse at mid-century American radio entertainment, gently spoofing both dog and human foibles. Witty dialogue, animal perspectives, and an endearing celebration of canine heroism make this a quintessential episode of Lassie’s radio adventures.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

From Hollywood, John Morrell & Co. 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 Hart presents the world's most famous dog. Classy in person. No matter how well you like a certain food, you wouldn't want at every meal, now would you? Neither would anybody else, including your family dog. But you can be mighty sure that all three of the Red heart flavors are listed among his top favorites and that he'll always welcome this at mealtime when fed in rotation. Yes, those red heart flavors, beef, fish and cheese are flavors all dogs like. And whichever you you're giving your dog a truly complete and healthful diet. For all three red heart flavors contain exactly the same wholesome meat and meat byproduct. So keep your dog's appetite hearty, his body healthy by feeding him three flavors. Red Heart. It's Lassie's favorite food. And now to introduce our story followed by this this week's Red Heart award for valor, here is Lassie's owner and trainer, Rudd.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Weatherwax. Thank you, Charlie, and hello everyone. Well, Lassie today plays a part of a handsome young pointer named Miss Flash whose pride led her to a fall. Yes, it happens even among dogs. And in this case, Flash the pointer was outsmarted by a wild old English bulldog named Muggsy. But we let the dogs tell their own story. It all started when Dick Winters phoned his wife Millie from the office. Honey, you remember that beautiful pointer I told you about? Well, I just talked to the kennel man and he's going to sell her to.

[Dick Winters]

Me. Oh, Dick, another.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Dog. We've got.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Mugsy. Oh, but Billy, this dog is a hunting dog. Mugsy can't hunt. He's just a nice old pet.

[Dick Winters]

Bulldog. Yes, but we haven't room for another dog kennel in the.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Backyard. Millie, this is a hunting dog I'm getting. He should have the run of the.

[Dick Winters]

Yard. Dick Winters let that dog run around the yard and ruin my prize petunia. The Village Flower show is coming up in two weeks, and this year I'm going to win the.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Prize. Oh, but, honey, she won't hurt your.

[Dick Winters]

Petunias. I'll say she won't. She's going in the kennel even if Muggsy chews her up. And that's an.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Idea. All right, honey, I'll put her in the kennel. I'll be home at 6.

[Dick Winters]

Dear. Goodbye. Goodbye. Come on, Martine. Back in the kennel for.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

You. Well, there she is, Millie. What do you think of.

[Dick Winters]

Her? Looks like any other.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Dog. Oh, but this one's a valuable hunting dog. A pointer. Her name's Miss.

[Dick Winters]

Flash. Oh, well, put the dog in the kennel and let's go in and.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Eat. Put Flash in with.

[Dick Winters]

Mudzing. Why, so? Certainly a male and a female won't.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Fight. What do you mean? We.

[Dick Winters]

Do? Well, they'll just have to learn to get along together, that's all. I'll not have a dog running over my bed of fried petunia in.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

There. Flash. Hey, maybe they won't fight after all. Come on, Millie, let's go in and eat. I can't wait till tomorrow when I start this.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Train. Hello.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Cutie. Don't you cutie me, you asthmatic old.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Goat. Oh, now, let's be sensible. Don't get sore. We should be good.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Friends. Okay. Short, wide and.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Ugly. I'm not ugly. I only look that way. So you're the pointer I heard him talking about.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Huh? That's right. What sort of a place is.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

This? Well, not bad. Food's good. Red heart twice a.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Day. Oh, fine. And have you been here.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Long? Nine.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Years. That man that brought me out, I suppose that's our.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Master. Yep. That's old.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Knucklehead. Well, why do you call him.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

That? Oh, he isn't too bright. Expects some awful silly things of the.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Dog. He's going to teach me to.

[Dick Winters]

Hunt.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Hunt? Hunt.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

What? Hunt. I find him, he shoots him. I find him.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Again. Boy, I know. He makes me hunt his slippers every.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Night. What's wrong with.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Al? I hate the things. They taste.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Terrible. You know, Moggy, I think you're a good one. I thought you'd be jealous when I moved.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

You. Well, I was at first. But I got to thinking. I'm getting old as my asthma's bothering me some. We can share the night watching.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

You. Oh, wow. I'll probably learn a lot from you.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Match. Well, I'm gonna take a nap. If you hear anybody on the front walk, you.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Bark. Heel, Flash, heel. Oh, come on, Flash.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Heel. Come on.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Nut. Flash, I think you must be stupid. You don't learn anything. Oh, shut up. All right, we'll try something else. Sid. Sid, no, don't jump up on me.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Sid. Come to supper.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Dick. Okay.

[Narrator]

Millie. Okay. Here, I'll put you back in the.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Kennel. I hope she understands better.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Tomorrow. What's the matter.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Girly? Oh, brother. I thought that guy would walk my legs.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Off. Well, he's just trying to teach you to heel. What you growling.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

At? Listen, brother, don't you call me a.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Heel. Get lost. I'm not calling you a name. He wants you to walk at his side. That's called walking at.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Heels. Well, I don't like.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Him. Why.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Not? He keeps hitting me in the head with his.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Knees. Yeah, and he's got the knobbiest knees in the country. You should see him in a bathing.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Suit. Well, wide me up, Will. What does old Duckhead want me to.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Do? Listen carefully and you'll be a great hunting.

[Narrator]

Dog. That's.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Right. Flash, heel. Heel. Oh, brother, what a dog. Last night you were so dumb. Today you seem to know everything. Okay, now, one more thing. Now, let me take the leash.

[Dick Winters]

Off.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

There. Now, I got a ball. Now, Flash, watch. I'm gonna throw the.

[Dick Winters]

Ball.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

A. Fetch, Flash, fetch. You didn't get that. Well, we'll try that again.

[Dick Winters]

Tomorrow.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

In the kennel with Muggsy Flag. Oh, man, I'm gonna have the best train spoiler of the.

[Dick Winters]

Day.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Woof. Hiya, sweetie. How'd you do.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Today? Oh, well, I'm.

[Dick Winters]

Good. Woof.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Huh? Mm. The master says I'm the smartest dog he ever.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Trained. Ruf. That'd be easy. You're the first one he ever trained.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Not. Look, let's have no nasty craft. I'll bet you a taste of Red Heart that I'm the number one dog around here in a.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Week. Well, you might be.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Right. As a matter of fact, the boss thinks so much of me, I have a hunch he'll be finding another home for you.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Soon. Oh, well, I've been a good adult. Room she's burglar million of. But I suppose I must give way to a young.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Adult. Yes, I'm afraid so.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

John. Well, still, I noticed you have trouble learning the.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Facts. Well, sure, but I don't know what the word.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Means. Now, listen, as long as you're going to take over, I'll help you look, when he says come fetch, you take the ball and run into the Petunia garden. That's that big bed of flowers over there. And you dig a hole as fast as you can and you bury the ball. That's what fetch.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Means. Well, are you sure, Mo? I ruined that bed of.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Flowers. Oh, that doesn't matter. They don't care a who's about those.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Petunias. Oh, I tell you, Millie, I've never seen such a smart.

[Dick Winters]

Dog. Seem to do very well for such short.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Training. Flash, here's the.

[Narrator]

Ball. You see it? Now.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Watch. Flash. I'm going to throw the.

[Dick Winters]

Ball.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Look. Look there, Millie. She's going after the.

[Dick Winters]

Ball. Oh, isn't that.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Cute? Look, there she has.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

It. Fetch, flag. Fetch. Here she comes with.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

It. Oh.

[Dick Winters]

Dick.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Huh? Dick, she's jumped into the middle of my.

[Narrator]

Petunia. Oh.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

No. Oh, she's digging up my prize.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Petun. Well, how'd you do today.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Sister? That was a dirty trick you pulled, telling me to bury the ball in the flower bed when he hollered.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Back. Dirty trick. You came in here and shot off your big bark about how you were going to take over this place. I got to protect my.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Job. I'm sorry. I don't blame you for getting hot under the. You taught me to heal, and now I'm acting like.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

One. Well, okay.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Kid. Yeah, but now the lady wants me sent back where I came.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

From. She'll get over it. She wanted to send me back, too. That was eight years.

[Flash (Pointer Dog)]

Ago. Yeah? What did you.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

Do? Well, just the same thing as you did. Dug up the petunias. Only that year it was geraniums. Tasted lousy.

[Narrator]

Too. Thank you, Lassie, for a very entertaining story. Now, friends, in just a moment, Rudd Weatherwax will be back to present this week's Red Heart Award for Valor. But first, words from our star. Hey, Lassie, is it true that every time animals are used in a movie, the SPCA sends over a representative to see that they aren't overworked or mistreated. Well, now, I think that's a fine idea, Lassie. But, say, did you know when it comes to feeding, there are dog owners who don't know how important it is for dogs to have variety in their diet? You bet. Free flavor Red Heart. When a dog gets a different flavor every meal, it's sure to keep his appetite keen. And when his appetite is keen, he eats more heartily. When he eats more heartily, he keeps in better condition when he is fed really good dog food. 3 flavor red heart. Yes. Red Heart is made of wholesome meat and meat by products with other nourishing ingredients that keep your dog in fine shape. It is federally inspected dog food. And because all three of those flavors, beef, fish and cheese, do contain the same wholesome ingredients, you can give your dog real nourishment and variety at the same time. Feed your dog the Red Heart way. He'll be glad. Glad you did. And now, Lassie's owner and trainer, Rudd.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Weatherwax. Thanks, Charlie. This week our Red Heart Award for Valor is presented to a white colleague named Skipper of Onsted.

[Narrator]

Michigan. When fire broke out in the rear of the home of Mr. And Mrs. William Corbin, skipper, who was in the basement, awakened his master, little Rodney Corbin, 10 in time to save his five little.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Brothers. So today, in recognition of Skipper loyalty and commendable action, we are sending Skipper a heart shaped sterling silver locket.

[Narrator]

For his collar bearing the inscription Red Heart Award for Valor. To Skipper for saving the lives of the Corbin.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Brothers. And along with Skipper's award goes a salute from Lassie and a case of Red Heart, the food that all good dogs.

[Narrator]

Deserve. And to the Corbin family of Onset, Michigan, our congratulations on having a swell dog like Skipper. Next week, Lassie plays the part of a Dalmatian named Spotty in a story of the old horse and buggy day. Lassie is presented each week at the same time by John Morale 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 production of the Technicolor musical A Date with Beauty. Starring Wallace Beery, Jane Powell and Elizabeth Taylor. This program is produced in Hollywood by Brett Faran, directed by Harry Story by Hobart Donovan. This is Charles L. This is.

[Muggsy (Bulldog)]

NBC, the national broadcasting.