Lassie 49-03-05 Welcome Home

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lassie 49-03-05 "Welcome Home"
Air Date: February 14, 2026

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Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio replays a classic episode of the radio drama Lassie, originally aired in 1949. In "Welcome Home," Lassie takes on the role of Timmy, an Irish setter devoted to his late owner. The story unfolds in a small country town, following how Timmy's loyalty leads him to save the day for the new occupants of his old home, despite their initial hostility. The episode explores themes of loyalty, the meaning of home, and the bond between people and pets during the Golden Age of Radio.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Introduction (00:34 – 01:39)

• Announcer introduces the show and Lassie, sponsored by Red Heart dog food, emphasizing the variety and quality of their products.
• Lassie’s trainer, Rudd Weatherwax, sets the stage for the story, noting Lassie will play an Irish setter named Timmy.

2. The Town Grocery (01:53 – 03:58)

• The scene opens in Perkins’ grocery store, with Mr. Perkins and Ms. Jeffries/Mrs. Murdock discussing Timmy, the remarkable dog of Old Bill Aten.
• Narration establishes Timmy’s routine: running errands for his owner, Bill, who is housebound due to health issues.
• Mr. Perkins reads a note from Bill:
  “Old Bill must be real sick, he says in the note. Would I please phone the doctor and ask him to rush right out?” (03:19)

3. Newcomers and Timmy’s Fate (03:58 – 06:37)

• Dawson Murdock and his wife Bertha have just moved into Bill Aten’s former home. Dawson learns about Timmy’s storied loyalty.
• Dawson remarks:
  “I'm not too sure I'm happy about buying the place...We can't get a telephone and we're a mile from the store. Sort of hate to leave my wife there alone.” (04:16–04:21)
• The couple debates what to do with Timmy. Bertha is frightened and adamant that the dog must go:
  Bertha: "I won't have a dog around. Particularly, I won't have this great big creature." (05:46)
  Dawson reluctantly agrees to "lose" Timmy far from home.

4. Timmy’s Return and Persistent Loyalty (06:37 – 08:03)

• Dawson drives Timmy far into the country and tries to distract him with a game of fetch before leaving him.
• Despite Dawson's efforts, Timmy finds his way back to the house, highlighting his unwavering attachment to the home.
• Bertha’s frustration peaks:
  Bertha: “Oh, get a gun and shoot him. I don’t care.” (07:36)
  Dawson refuses, moved by the dog's gentle nature.

5. Trouble at Home (08:03 – 11:10)

• Dawson prepares for a business trip, leaving Bertha alone at home. He assures her Timmy is gone and that she'll be fine in his absence.
• Bertha decides to wash the house windows despite Dawson's caution about the rickety ladder.
• Bertha finds Timmy’s old green basket and uses it for her cleaning supplies.
• Timmy returns, and Bertha tries to scare him off as she works precariously on the ladder.

6. Timmy to the Rescue (11:10 – 12:18)

• At Perkins’ store, Timmy appears carrying his old green basket — but it’s stained with blood.
• Mr. Perkins grows concerned:
  “No note in the basket. No wonder. Say, basket’s all wet. Red paint. Paint. Man, that—that’s blood. Is the dog hurt? … I’ll bet something’s happened up to the Murdochs. I better get up there and see.” (11:52)
• He and another man rush to the Murdocks’, understanding that something is seriously wrong.

7. Aftermath and Gratitude (12:32 – 13:35)

• Dawson tends to Bertha, who is recovering after a serious fall in which she suffered a cut wrist and significant blood loss.
• Bertha admits:
  “If it wasn’t for Timmy, I’d be dead. The doctor said if Mr. Perkinson, that other man, hadn’t arrived, I’d have been dead another 15 minutes.” (12:50)
• The family welcomes Timmy as a hero and a member of their home.
• Dawson says warmly:
  “Well, thank providence for Timmy. And to think we tried to kick him out.” (13:06)
• Bertha, now grateful, promises:
  “I'll make it up to Timmy… Yes, Timmy. Welcome home, Timmy.” (13:13, 13:23)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mr. Perkins on Timmy’s Loyalty (03:04):
  “...He just loves that old green basket. Won't let nobody touch it but me.”
• Dawson's Reluctance (06:45):
  “You're a nice old pooch. I really wouldn't mind having you around, but I have no choice. You got to go.”
• Bertha’s Change of Heart (12:50, 13:23):
  “If it wasn't for Timmy, I'd be dead.”
  “Yes, Timmy. Welcome home, Timmy.”

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:39] Rudd Weatherwax introduces the story as Lassie’s trainer.
• [03:19] Mr. Perkins receives Bill Aten’s urgent note.
• [05:46] Bertha’s insistence on evicting Timmy.
• [07:36] Bertha’s extreme frustration at Timmy’s return.
• [08:44] Dawson leaves for his trip, Bertha prepares to clean windows.
• [11:52] Mr. Perkins discovers blood on Timmy’s basket.
• [12:33] Dawson and Bertha reflect on Timmy’s heroics and change of heart.

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Tone and Language

The episode maintains a warm, old-fashioned small-town tone, with language reflecting post-war Americana, community values, and gentle humor. Characters speak plainly and with heartfelt sincerity, particularly in the emotional turn as Bertha transforms from antagonist to grateful friend of Timmy.

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Conclusion

“Welcome Home” is a heartwarming example of classic radio drama, blending suspense, emotion, and wholesome entertainment. Through Lassie’s performance as Timmy, the story celebrates animal loyalty and the importance of compassion—never forgetting that sometimes, a second chance is all it takes to find home.

Transcript

[VRBO Announcer]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

From Hollywood, John Morell 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. No member of your family wants the same menu at every meal, and that includes the dog at your house. He likes variety in his food just as well as you do. Which is the best possible reason to give him the variety of Red Heart's three delicious flavors. Beef, fish and cheese. Only the flavors differ. You know, all three Red Heart diets contain exactly the same wholesome meat and meat byproducts to give your dog a truly complete diet. So follow Lassie's example. Lassie speaks for Red Heart enjoys it every day. And now to introduce our story, here is Lassie's owner and trainer, Rud Weatherwe.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Thank you, Charlie, and hello, everyone. Well, today, Lassie plays the part of an Irish setter named Timmy in a story entitled welcome Home. The story begins in Perkins grocery store in the little town of Wheaton.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

I got some awful nice carrots this morning, Ms. Jeffries. Come from that little fella that's got that nice vegetable farm down the road a piece.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Well, I believe I'll out try a couple of bunches.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

All right, now, maybe we'll. Huh? Oh, excuse me a minute, Ms. Jeffries. There's Timmy.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Timmy? Who's he?

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Old Bill Atten's dog. Oh, come on in, Jimmy.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Well, land saves a dog with a basket in its mouth.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Ain't you never been in here when Timmy came before?

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Well, no, I never.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

He's quite a dog. Belongs to old Bill Aten. Bill lives way up in the hills all by hisself since his wife died back a few years. He's got a real bad heart.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Oh, my.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Can't get out hisself, so he just sends Timmy down here for the groceries. Give me your basket. Now, Timmy. You in a hurry, Ms. Jeffries?

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

No, not a bit.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Mind if I wait on Timmy then?

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

No, you go right ahead.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

You see, old Bill hasn't been able to get a phone put in way up there in the hills. So he sends me a note by Timmy in his basket.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

The dog growled.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Now, now, now, Timmy, Timmy, I should have told you. You see, you picked up his basket and put it on the counter. He just loves that old green basket. Won't let nobody touch it but me.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Oh, I see.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

I see. Here's the note old Bill sent. Say, now, Old Bill must be real sick, he says in the note. Would I please phone the doctor and ask him to rush right out? Excuse me just a minute, Ms. Jeffries. I better call that doctor right now. Well, that checks out okay. Oh, yes, sir.

[Dawson Murdock]

You're Mr. Perkins, I guess. Well, I'm Dawson Murdoch. My wife and I just moved onto the why not farm up to the old Aton place.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Oh, how da do?

[Dawson Murdock]

How do you do?

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

You're the folks bought old Bill Atton's house, huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

I sure felt bad when old Bill passed away two months back. We was good friends.

[Dawson Murdock]

Well, I'm not too sure I'm happy about buying the place.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Why not? Best view of the valley around here.

[Dawson Murdock]

Well, we can't get a telephone and we're a mile from the store. Sort of hate to leave my wife there alone. I'm gone quite a lot, you see.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Well, shucks, you ought to have old Bill's dog. Timmy used to come to the store for Bill carrying his old green basket in his mouth. Old Bill used to send notes to me in the basket telling what groceries he needed. And I'd make phone calls for him, too. Fact is, he sent me a note and I called the doctor on the day he died.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll be darned.

[Dawson Murdock]

Say, what did this dog look like?

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Irish setter. A pretty one, too.

[Dawson Murdock]

Well, I'll bet that's the dog that's been hanging around our house. My wife keeps chasing it out of the yard, but it comes back.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Sure, it must be. You tell your wife she oughtn't to chase it. Timmy's a mighty nice dog. He'd be a lot of help to your wife. It's a shame to chase him away from his old home.

[Dawson Murdock]

Well, I'll tell her, but I don't think it'll do much good. You see, my wife, he hates dogs. She's scared to death of them. Hi, Bertha, honey. Well, I have us well established at the local grocery store.

[Bertha Murdock]

Oh, hi, Dawson.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello, sweet.

[Bertha Murdock]

Honey.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

There's something we'll have to settle right now. That dog's been back. He's pestered me ever since you've been gone.

[Dawson Murdock]

Oh, yeah. Look, I want to tell you about him. You know, that's a great dog. I think you might like to keep him.

[Bertha Murdock]

Jonathan, I'll have no dog around. Particularly, I won't have this great big creature.

[Dawson Murdock]

Yeah, I. I know, Bertha, but look, I don't insist on a dog, as you know, but. Well, this dog used to belong to the old fellow who owned the house. This is his home.

[Bertha Murdock]

I don't care. I want.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Now, wait.

[Dawson Murdock]

Wait just a minute, Bertha. Let me finish. This old dog is trained to go to the grocery store with a basketball.

[Bertha Murdock]

I don't care if he's trained to stand on his head. I won't have a dog around. Now, tomorrow, Dawson, if that dog's here, you'll get rid of him.

[Dawson Murdock]

Okay, okay, honey, I. I've got to drive to Centerville tomorrow, and if the dog's around, I'll take it out in the country and lose it.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Okay.

[Dawson Murdock]

Come on, pup, out of the car. Hey, Timmy. Timmy, come on.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Come on out.

[Dawson Murdock]

You're a nice old pooch. I really wouldn't mind having you around, but I have no choice. You got to go. Now, let me see.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Oh, here.

[Dawson Murdock]

Here's a stick.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, look.

[Dawson Murdock]

Look to me.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Fetch.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

You get it?

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Fetch.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

All right, here it goes.

[Dawson Murdock]

Now go get it, Timmy.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Go on.

[Dawson Murdock]

I'd better get out of here.

[Bertha Murdock]

Dawson, that dog is back. I won't have it, do you hear?

[Dawson Murdock]

Back? But I took that dog 25 miles away from here and put him out of the car. What else can I do?

[Bertha Murdock]

Oh, get a gun and shoot him. I don't care.

[Dawson Murdock]

Now, look, honey. Honey, you're talking nonsense. I just wouldn't shoot a dog like that. He's an awfully sweet old guy. This is his home. He doesn't understand that we've taken over.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

I don't care what you do with him.

[Bertha Murdock]

I'm willing to live in the country, Dawson, but I will not have a dog around. I hate the thing.

[Dawson Murdock]

But, dear, the dog would run errands for you. Look, just give him his old green basket if he can find a thing, and he'll go to the store and.

[Bertha Murdock]

He'Ll get rid of that dog. That's final.

[Dawson Murdock]

Okay, okay. I'll do something with him. So, packed and ready. Walk out to the car, honey. Sure. Are you sure you've got everything you need? I'll be gone for two days.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Plenty of everything, dear.

[Bertha Murdock]

And at least that dog is gone.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

He won't pester me.

[Dawson Murdock]

Yeah, well, the guy I gave him to promised to keep him Tied up. Frankly honey, I'd be happier if he were here.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Ah, Pooh. Dawson, you mustn't worry about me. I'll do fine.

[Dawson Murdock]

Well, okay honey.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

My, you have a lovely day for the trip.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Dawson Murdock]

Wish now I'd got the car washed.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Oh, say, that reminds me. I think when you leave I'll get the step ladder and wash the windows. Oh, there's so much to do.

[Dawson Murdock]

No, you'd better not, dear. That ladder's kind of rickety. Look, I'll wash them when I come home.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Well, I'll see.

[Dawson Murdock]

Okay, give me a kiss.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Bye dear.

[Bertha Murdock]

Bye honey. Have a nice trip.

[Dawson Murdock]

I will. Book for me day after tomorrow.

[Bertha Murdock]

Uh huh. Bye dear.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Now I just think I will wash those windows. Seems to me everything was in the garage. Yes, here's my payoff. Squeegee sun. Oh, and here's an old green basket. I'll put my tools in that. Now just a ladder.

[Bertha Murdock]

Oh, that infernal dog is back.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Scat.

[Bertha Murdock]

Get out of here.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Get.

[Bertha Murdock]

I'll throw this can at you.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Get.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Oh, that creature.

[Bertha Murdock]

What do we have to do to get rid of him?

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Now let's see. Oh yes, my ladder. Dogs all this time. Bad enough having a man around messing up the house without having a dog come. Gosh, this ladder is awfully shitty. I better be careful.

[Bertha Murdock]

Oh, now I've brought the basket of.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Tools up the ladder and forgot my pail of water. That darn dog gets my night. Well, I have to, Sam.

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

That'll be $3.69. Anything else, Mr. Backus? No, that does it I guess. Okay, let me get a bag here and we'll. Huh. Well for gosh sakes, there's Timmy. Who's he? Timmy. Old Bill Atten's dog. Ain't been here since old Bill died. Let me open the screen door for him. Hey, come on in, Timmy. Well for gosh sakes, again you're carrying your old green basket. Now don't tell me Ms. Murdock changed her mind. Decided to keep you after all. Here, let me take the basket. Hey, that's pretty cute, huh? Ain't it?

[VRBO Announcer]

So?

[Store Clerk (Mr. Perkins)]

Yeah. Used to come here all the time with that basket. No note in the basket. No wonder. Say, basket's all wet. Red paint. Paint. Man, that. That's blood. Is the dog hurt? Why he don't say. I'll bet something's happened up to the Murdochs. I better get up there and see. Let's go, Perkins.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll go.

[Dawson Murdock]

You feeling better, honey?

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Uh huh. Kind of weak but much better. I Died, Timmy.

[Dawson Murdock]

Well, doctor says he's pleased at your progress. Another few days, you can get up, you know, you lost a lot of blood there from your cut wrist. You're lucky to be alive.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

I know I said it before and I'll say it again. If it wasn't for Timmy, I'd be dead. The doctor said if Mr. Perkinson, that other man, hadn't arrived, I'd have been dead another 15 minutes.

[Dawson Murdock]

Well, thank providence for Timmy. And to think we tried to kick him out.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

I did, dear, not you. But I'll make it up to Timmy.

[Dawson Murdock]

Sure you will. We'll make a good home for you, Timmy boy.

[Ms. Jeffries / Mrs. Murdock]

Yes, Timmy. Welcome home, Timmy.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, thank you, Lassie, Betty Arnold, Fred Howard, John Dainer and Earl Keane. Now, friends, in just a moment, Rudd Weatherwax will be back to tell you about next week's story. But first, a word from our star. Say, Lassie, with spring in full bloom here in Hollywood, Rudd tells me you have spring. You have, huh? But, Lassie, what about the dogs in other climates who need energy to combat the cold? Oh, feed them three flavor Red Heart. Yes, it's always fair weather when good canines get together with Red Heart. That's because Red Heart gives your dog a truly complete diet to keep him healthy, happy and handsome. And because Red Heart's free swell flavors, beef, fish and cheese, give your dog taste variety. He always eats with a hearty appetite, yet only the flavors differ. All three contain exactly the same wholesome meat and meat byproducts. So get those three Red Heart diets, A, B and C and feed them in rotation. Red Heart is the food your dog needs and wants. And now again, Lassie's owner and trainer, Rudd Weatherwax.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Next week, Lassie plays the part of a boxer named Duke in a musical love story entitled Dog Meets Girl. Lassie's guest will be Ken Carson. Now, don't miss it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Lassie is presented each week at the 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 Lassie's latest Technicolor production. Starring Jeanette McDonald, Lloyd Nolan and Claude Jarman Jr. The Sun Comes up. This program is produced in Hollywood by Frank Ferran, directed by Harry Stewart. Story of a Hobart Donovan. This is Charles Lyon. Here Dennis Day's adventures tonight on NBC.

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