Lassie 49-11-05 His Masters Eyes (1)

Summary

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Lassie 49-11-05: “His Master’s Eyes” (Harold's Old Time Radio)

Main Theme & Purpose

This heartwarming episode of the Lassie radio show, “His Master’s Eyes,” recounts the true origin story of the Master Eye Foundation, an early American guide dog institution. Set after World War I, the drama follows John, his family, and their brave German shepherd Checko as they inadvertently develop the concept of training dogs to guide the blind. The episode showcases innovation, perseverance, and the enduring bond between people and their dogs.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction and Approach to the Story

• Host & Cast: Rudd Weatherwax, Lassie’s owner and trainer, introduces the show and guest actor Don Ameche, who plays John L. Sinikin, the real-life founder behind the guide dog movement in America.
  • [01:12] Rudd Weatherwax: “Well, today Lassie plays a part of a German shepherd dog named Cheko in a true story entitled His Master's Eye.”

2. Checko the German Shepherd’s Injury and Adaptation

• Early Setting: The story begins with John, his wife Genevieve, and son Marvin on the family farm.

• Checko’s Accident: Checko is injured defending the family’s livestock, resulting in the loss of a paw.

  • [02:49] Marvin: “Something's wrong with jco. His paw. It's going to be torn from his leg.”

• Innovation: John is inspired by advancements in prosthetics for soldiers and wonders about animal prosthetics.

  • [03:24] John: “Since the war, so much has been done in the way of making artificial limbs… I wonder why someone hasn't tried to make the same helps for injured animals.”
  • [03:39] John: “You've always said Checker could be trained to do almost anything. Why couldn't he be made to use an artificial foot?”

3. Chance Encounter with a Blind Veteran

• On the Train: John travels with Checko by train. A blind veteran is intrigued by Checko’s artificial paw.
  • [04:57] Blind Man: “An artificial paw, did you say?”
  • [05:11] John: “I hope to demonstrate how well a dog can get along in an artificial limb.”
• A Moment of Realization: John notices that the blind man is led safely down the aisle by Checko.
  • [05:56] Blind Man: “It's a funny thing. I just followed the dog and I didn't bump into one seat. Guess the dog knew where I was going better than I did myself.”
  • [06:13] John: “I'm getting an idea. And if it works out I—oh, it's got to work out.”

4. The Birth of the Guide Dog Idea

• Returning Home: John shares his inspiration with his family, suggesting dogs could be trained to lead the blind.
  • [07:48] John: “I'm excited about a great new idea. And it was Checko that gave it to me.”
  • [08:20] John: “Don't you see what it would mean if I could train dogs to lead the blind?”
• Skepticism and Determination: Genevieve doubts the feasibility, but John is determined and lays out a training plan using an obstacle course and blindfold tests.

5. Training Breakthroughs and Setbacks

• Challenges: John is frustrated by Checko’s insistence on leading through mud puddles and logs.
  • [09:27] John: “He'll turn aside at the barricades. But those mud puddles, he just walks right straight through them.”
• Persistence: Despite setbacks, John continues to refine the training.
  • [10:19] Genevieve: “John, look. Checo standing at the first barrier of your obstacle course. He wants to try again. He likes your game of blind man's buff.”

6. Triumph: The Guide Dog Concept Works!

• Success: Checko successfully leads blindfolded Marvin through the obstacle course, including around barriers and mud puddles.
  • [10:53] John: “Checkle just let Marvin blindfolded the full length of the obstacle course without one fault. … I found the secret of making a dog understand that he is the leader instead of the one being led.”
  • [11:27] Rudd Weatherwax: “Hold back, Genevieve… I've got it. I've got it.”
  • [11:29] John: “A guide dog for the blind is possible.”
  • [11:42] Marvin: “Oh, no, honestly, Dad, I couldn't see a thing. It was Cheko.”
• Emotional Highlight: John pays tribute to Checko’s role in inspiring the guide dog movement.
  • [11:48] John: “If this training technique works with other dogs like yourself, all I know is that the credit will be all yours, Jekyll. You will have been the first tiny flame which will grow until it can light the way for those who walk in darkness.”

7. Closing & Historical Call to Action

• Recognition: The cast is thanked, and a real-life message on behalf of the Master Eye Foundation follows.
• Appeal: Don Ameche urges listeners to support the organization’s mission to provide guide dogs for the blind, highlighting the cost and impact.
  • [12:44] John (as Don Ameche): “Master Eye is a nonprofit, non sectarian foundation… It costs the foundation over fifteen hundred dollars to raise and train a Master Eye guide dog. … Send that donation today to Master I, Minneapolis 2 Minnesota.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Innovation:

  • [03:24] John: “I wonder why someone hasn't tried to make the same helps for injured animals.”

• On Inspiration:

  • [06:13] John: “I'm getting an idea. And if it works out I—oh, it's got to work out.”

• On the Power of Dogs:

  • [09:27] John: “…when he comes to a barricade, he walks around it nicely. Then when he comes to a mud puddle, he'll walk you right straight through it.”

• Triumphant Discovery:

  • [11:29] John: “A guide dog for the blind is possible.”

• Hope for the Future:

  • [11:48] John: “You will have been the first tiny flame which will grow until it can light the wave for those who walk in darkness.”

• Call to Action:

  • [12:44] John (Don Ameche): “Do your share to light the way for those who walk in darkness. Send that donation today to Master I, Minneapolis 2 Minnesota.”

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Key Timestamps

• [01:12] – Introduction of Lassie’s role and the story setup by Rudd Weatherwax
• [02:48] – Checko’s injury described, sparking John’s prosthetic idea
• [03:24] – Discussion about creating a paw prosthesis
• [04:36] – John’s encounter with the blind veteran on the train
• [06:13] – John’s realization that dogs might guide the blind
• [07:48] – John shares the guide dog idea with his wife
• [09:27] – Frustration with training setbacks
• [10:53] – Breakthrough moment: Checko leads Marvin safely
• [11:29] – Declaration that guide dogs for the blind are possible
• [12:44] – Appeal for support for the Master Eye Foundation

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Summary Tone and Feel

The episode blends gentle warmth, family dynamics, a spirit of innovation, and a heartfelt sense of possibility. The dialogue is earnest, with hopeful humor and emotional resonance. The closing scenes are joyful and inspirational, fitting the uplifting legacy of Lassie and classic radio drama.

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Ideal for listeners interested in American history, animal training, or stories of how small acts can spark movements—this episode offers both nostalgia and timeless inspiration.

Transcript

[John]

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[Narrator]

Lassie, the world's most famous dog, and Red Heart, America's favorite dog food, team up for the Lassie Show. Yes, from Hollywood, it's the Lassie Show. Transcribed by John Morrell and Company, Makers of three flavor Red Heart. And here is Metro Goldwyn Mayer's lovable motion picture star, Lassie. In person, Lassie is fed Red Heart exclusively. And Lassie's vigorous bark, strong body and fine glossy coat are positive proof that Red Heart helps keep dogs healthy and happy. Lassie speaks for Red Heart, all three wonderful flavors. And now, to introduce our story, here is Lassie's owner and trainer, Rudd Weatherwax.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Thank you, Charlie. And hello, everyone. Well, today Lassie plays a part of a German shepherd dog named Cheko in a true story entitled His Master's Eye. And to help us tell this true story, lastly has a very special guest, Donna Meeche.

[John]

Thank you, Rud. I'm honored at this opportunity to impersonate Mr. John L. Sinikin, who, through the inspiration of his dog Cho, conceived the idea which has resulted in the institution known today as the Master Eye Foundation, a nonprofit organization which furnishes guide dogs without cost to the blind all over America. Our story begins shortly after World War I.

[Marvin]

Gee, Ma, dad was sure right about these German shepherds. Don't you just love Checko, Ma?

[Genevieve]

Yes, Marvin, I do, dear. Look, there's a big, strange dog in with the cattle.

[John]

Bunny.

[Marvin]

Checker Boy. Go get him. Get him, boy. Come on, Ma. Marvin, what do we do? Our goodness. That huge dog will kill you. Quick one, quick. Help me find some stars. Oh, boy. Good dog, Cheetah. Jacko. Marvin, did you see that? He made that big mutt run. Well, I told you, Cho. Marvin.

[John]

Marvin.

[Marvin]

Something's wrong with jco. His paw. It's going to be torn from his leg. Oh, quick, run back and get the wheelbarrow. We'll have to get into the house and call the doctor. Hurry, Marvin. Hur.

[Genevieve]

What are you chuckling at, John?

[John]

Oh, just watching old Checko out there in the yard playing with Marvin. Gets around pretty spry on those three paws. Poor old Griffel.

[Genevieve]

I know. I've got some more coffee there.

[John]

No, thanks. Say, you know, Genevieve, since the war, so much has been done in the way of making artificial limbs and feet. I wonder why someone hasn't tried to make the same helps for injured animals.

[Genevieve]

Oh, John, it just couldn't be done. A dog wouldn't wear it.

[John]

You've always said Checker could be trained to do almost anything. Why couldn't he be made to use an artificial foot? That is, if we had one.

[Genevieve]

Don't you think he'd chew the straps and try to get it off?

[John]

He might. But if it did work, my heat attract a lot of attention at the dog show. With an artificial limb? Well, you know, it might save a lot of other good dogs from being destroyed because of those same kind of injuries. No, Quiet. Quiet, Checkering. Quiet. I promised the conductor you wouldn't make a sound. Now be quiet. Oh, I know. You want a drink of water, huh? Well, come on. Come on. I beg your pardon. I didn't see you coming down the aisle.

[Blind Man]

Not at all. It's my fault, really.

[John]

I can't see.

[Blind Man]

I'm blind. Always stumbling over someone.

[John]

Oh, I'm sorry. Can I help? No, not the. Quiet, Quiet.

[Blind Man]

Checo, is that a dog you have there?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[John]

I got special permission to keep him with me on the train. You see, he's sort of handicapped too. He wears an artificial paw.

[Blind Man]

An artificial paw, did you say?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[John]

He lost one front foot in a fight. I had this artificial one made, and it's worked out so well, I'm taking him to the dog show along with two springer spaniels. I'm showing. I hope to demonstrate how well a dog can get along in an artificial limb.

[Blind Man]

Oh, that's wonderful. May I pet him?

[John]

Oh, sure. He'd love it. Come on, Jekyll. Then I'll stand. Boy.

[Blind Man]

Hello there, old fella.

[John]

He's a German shepherd. Quite a few of them coming into the country now.

[Blind Man]

Oh, I know. I saw a good many of them in Germany before I lost my. Before I was wounded.

[John]

Oh, you lost your eyes in the war.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Blind Man]

You were going down the aisle with your dog?

[John]

Yeah. Just take him down for a drink.

[Blind Man]

Well, may I walk him to the end of the car?

[John]

Just for fun? Of course. Here. Here's Luigi. Jacko.

[Narrator]

Let's go.

[John]

Go ahead. No, don't. Don't. Be quiet. Now, I'll just go ahead and you'll follow.

[Blind Man]

Oh, good dog. Here's the leash. And thanks a million. You know, it's a funny thing. I just followed the dog and I didn't bump into one seat. Guess the dog knew where I was going better than I did myself.

[John]

Yes, I noticed he did, didn't he? Led you straight down the aisle. You know, I'm getting an idea. And if it Works out I. Oh, it's got to work out.

[Marvin]

Marvin, come quick. Your dad's home. Oh, goodness.

[Genevieve]

I'm glad you're home, John.

[John]

Sure good to be home, honey.

[Marvin]

Oh, dear.

[Genevieve]

How did you do at the show? Did you win anything? Where's Checo? Did he fall right with you?

[John]

Hey, wait. Wait just a minute, honey. You tell me. How are things around here?

[Genevieve]

Everything's fine, dear.

[Narrator]

Good, good.

[Marvin]

We missed you, though.

[John]

Oh, well, I'm glad. How is Marvin?

[Narrator]

Oh. Oh, here he comes. Well, how is my big boy?

[Marvin]

Put me down, Pa. Well, how's Checkle, Pop? Did you show him at the show?

[John]

I sure did, son.

[Narrator]

I'll tell you all about it later.

[John]

Right now, I want you to get him out of the truck. Also, take Alvin, bright boy out of the crates and put them back in the kennels with the other dogs and see that they're all fed and watered. Will you do that first?

[Marvin]

Oh, sure, Pa.

[John]

Okay. Come on, dear. I just can't wait to tell you. Let's sit on the back steps.

[Marvin]

Oh, hello, Cho.

[Genevieve]

Sounds like Cho's glad to be home, too. Well, come on, sit down, John, and tell me all about it. What did you win?

[John]

Well, Alva La Salle got the third ribbon in the open class. Bright boy got the fourth ribbon in the field trials.

[Genevieve]

Oh, gosh, I, I don't think that's much to get excited.

[John]

Oh, no, no, of course it isn't, honey. That's not what I'm excited about. I'm excited about a great new idea. And it was Checko that gave it to me.

[Genevieve]

An idea Checker?

[Blind Man]

Yeah, yeah.

[John]

Listen, we were on the train. I started to get out of the seat to get check or a drink, and in so doing, I bumped into a blind man we visited. You know, he lost his eyes in the war. He loved dogs, and he kind of made a fuss over Checko. And then he asked if he could take the leash and lead him the length of the car. And the miracle was that Cheko led him. He didn't bump into one single seat.

[Genevieve]

Well, I don't get it. What possible?

[John]

Well, don't you see, dear? Here I've been raising springer spaniels, teaching them to hunt, teaching them to retrieve, showing a few and selling a few for what? Don't you see what it would mean if I could train dogs to lead the blind?

[Genevieve]

Train dogs to lead the blind? Why, John, what do you expect of a dog? What? That's the most impossible.

[John]

No, it is not, Genevieve. I, I, I tell you, I've got It all figured out. All I got to do is work out a training technique that'll make a dog understand that he is the leader instead of the one being led. And I know how to do that, too. I'm gonna blindfold Marvin. Then I'll lay out an obstacle course. I'll use Checko to work out the technique. I'm. I'm sure German shepherds are the dogs for this job. Oh, I know it'll work. It's just got to work.

[Genevieve]

John, I thought you were working with the dog. What are you sitting here for?

[John]

Oh, I don't know. Sometimes I think I'm getting nowhere.

[Genevieve]

But last night, you were quite enthusiastic.

[John]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[John]

He'll turn aside at the barricades. But those mud puddles, he just walks right straight through them. Logs in the ground. He jumps over them. Blind man would fall on his face a dozen times if he tried to follow Checo through this obstacle course.

[Genevieve]

But you said last night he'd hold anybody to the course.

[John]

Oh, sure he will. But like I said, when he comes to a barricade, he walks around it nicely. Then when he comes to a mud puddle, he'll walk you right straight through it. That's a part of the training technique. I. I just can't seem to work out. Honey, if you could have seen Checo on that train walking so carefully down the aisle. The train was swaying, too. But he seemed to know. He seemed to realize that a blind man held his leash, and then he had to walk exactly in the center of that aisle. I don't know. Maybe. I expect two months, four months now I've worked nighttime, daytime.

[Genevieve]

John, look. Checo standing at the first barrier of your obstacle course. He wants to try again. He likes your game of blind man's buff. Marvin, put on the blindfold. Your father's going to try it again. Okay, do go on. John. Cecco's asking you to try it again. Don't give up, dear.

[John]

Genevieve. Genevieve, come here quick, will you?

[Genevieve]

John, what's wrong?

[John]

Nothing's wrong. Check. Will just let Marvin blindfolded the full length of the obstacle course without one fault. Come on. Watch. Watch. They're just about to come back through the course. I tell you, I found the secret of making a dog understand that he is the leader instead of the one being led. I want you to see this.

[Marvin]

Oh, John, how wonderful.

[Narrator]

Now watch him.

[John]

Watch him. Okay, Marvin, come ahead. Now watch him. But there. You see that?

[Marvin]

Yes.

[John]

See, he took Martin right around that barricade without a bit of trouble. It's the big mud puddle ahead. That's always worried me, but not anymore. Oh, did you see that? What did I tell you? Look. Do you see him? Pause. See him?

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Hold back. Genevieve.

[Narrator]

I've got it. I've got it.

[John]

A guide dog for the blind is possible.

[Narrator]

Okay, Marvin, take off the blindfold and come here.

[Marvin]

Well, how do you do, dad?

[John]

Wonderful. Just wonderful. Son. Son, you didn't peek under that blindfold, did you?

[Marvin]

Oh, no, Honestly, Dad, I couldn't see a thing. It was Cheko.

[John]

Checko. You wonderful old dog. Peg leg in the horrible. You know, if this training technique works with other dogs like yourself, all I know is that the credit will be all yours. Jekyll. You. You will have been the first tiny flame which will grow until it can light the wave for those who walk in darkness.

[Narrator]

Well, thank you, Lassie, Donna, Michi, Betty Arnold, Jeffrey Silver, Don diamond and Earl Keane. Now, friends, in just a moment, Rudd Weatherwax will be back to tell you about next week's story. But first, John Morell and company, makers of three flavor Red Heart dog food, want to turn over their usual commercial time in order that Don Amici may bring you this important message. Don Amici.

[John]

Friends, the Master Eye foundation is a worthy cause that deserves the support of all. It provides Master Eye guide dogs free to the blind, regardless of race or creed. Master Eye is a nonprofit, non sectarian foundation directed by Bishop Bernard J. Scheele of Chicago. It costs the foundation over fifteen hundred dollars to raise and train a Master Eye guide dog. Thousands of blind people need Master Eye dogs. Now you dog owners can appreciate what a Master Eyed Dog can mean to a blind person. And you can help the blind to own one by sending a donation to Master Eye Foundation, Minneapolis 2 Minnesota. Do your share to light the way for those who walk in darkness. Send that donation today to Master I, Minneapolis 2 Minnesota.

[Narrator]

Now, once again, Lassie's owner and trainer, Rudd Weatherwax.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Next week, Lassie plays a part of a movie dog and a story entitled I Learned Him. Now don't miss it.

[Narrator]

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 is fed Red Heart exclusively and Lassie's vigorous bark, strong body and fine glossy coat are positive proof that red heart helps keep dogs healthy and happy. Lassie speaks to for Red Heart all three wonderful flavors. Lassie appeared by arrangement with Metro Goldwyn Mayer, who invites you to see their production of Battleground, starring Van Johnson, John Hodiak, Ricardo Montalban and George Murphy. The Lassie show is produced and transcribed in Hollywood by Frank Baron, directed by Harry Stewart, story by Hobart Donovan. This is Charles Lyon.

[John]

Hear that happy hillbilly judy canova, tonight on NBC.

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