Lassie 49-11-26: "The Chaplain's Dog"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: February 14, 2026
Original Air Date: November 26, 1949
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

This episode relives a classic from the golden era of radio: an installment of the "Lassie" radio show titled "The Chaplain's Dog." The story centers around Lassie (playing a prison dog named Cellmate, or "Mate") and her bond with the inmates and the chaplain, Father Riley, in a tough correctional institution. Tensions escalate over the fate of Mate, who brings the prisoners comfort but keeps running afoul of the warden due to her penchant for digging up the lawn—leading to an unexpected twist and redemption for both the dog and the men.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction and Setting the Scene

• The episode opens with classic radio flair, highlighting Lassie as "the world's most famous dog" and plugging Red Heart dog food, which Lassie endorses.
• Rudd Weatherwax (Lassie’s owner/trainer) introduces the narrative: Lassie as "Mate," the beloved prison dog, caretaker to the inmates, and companion to the prison chaplain, Father Riley.
  • "Today, Lassie plays the part of a prison dog named Cellmate and nicknamed Mate. He belonged to Father Riley, the chaplain, and he was a great favorite among the convicts." (00:58, Rudd Weatherwax)

2. Mate’s Relationship With the Inmates

• Father Riley is shown making rounds, greeting both inmates and his dog with warmth; some prisoners welcome the company while others, like Stoney, remain hostile.
• Initial interaction:
  • Stoney rebuffs Father and expresses distaste: "Take your praying somewhere else." (01:41, Stoney)
  • When Mate tries to befriend Stoney, he kicks the dog out of spite: "Cause I hate dogs, see?" (02:52, Stoney)

3. Warden's Growing Frustration

• The warden discusses the challenges posed by tough inmates, especially Stoney, and expresses increasing irritation over Mate's repeated digging escapades that are ruining the lawn.
  • "There he is digging up my lawn again." (04:42, Warden)
  • Father Riley, apologetic but advocating for the dog’s benefit to the prisoners, promises to restrain Mate.
  • The warden delivers an ultimatum: Mate must go. (06:03–06:25)

4. Prisoner Unrest and Decision to Remove Mate

• The inmates are deeply upset at the thought of losing Mate.
  • Tensions rise, and the warden doubles security. Prisoners request a reconsideration, but the warden stands firm:
    • "That dog's gone for." (07:00–07:35, Warden)
• Father Riley arranges for Mate to be relocated to a distant parish.

5. Mate's Mysterious Return & Escalating Suspicion

• That night, Mate mysteriously returns and resumes digging furiously in the garden, ignoring even Father Riley’s commands.
  • "He must have run away, come back by himself." (08:56, Father Riley)
  • Warden is shocked and angry at Mate’s persistence:
    • "He's been digging for hours by the looks of the hole." (08:41, Warden)

6. Discovery of the Escape Plot

• As Father and Warden investigate, they discover Mate has been unearthing a tunnel; an escape attempt is underway from the cell block.
  • "Someone is tunneling from the cell block under the lawn. Father, it's a crush out." (10:09, Warden)
• The warden apprehends the inmates mid-escape, crediting Mate with foiling the plan.
  • "It was a crush out that nearly worked. Would have worked if it weren't for old Mate." (10:34, Warden)

7. Resolution and Mate’s Redemption

• Realizing the value of Mate’s instincts and the morale boost he provides, the warden softens his stance.
  • "Cellmate, old boy, you're a better prison warden than I am. This time at least. And for just as long as you want to make this prison your home, you'll be welcome." (11:33, Warden)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Stoney's Hostility:
  • "Take your praying somewhere else." (01:41, Stoney)
• The Warden’s Exasperation:
  • "Our garden lawn is being ruined beyond repair." (09:26, Warden)
• The Revelation:
  • "Someone is tunneling from the cell block under the lawn. Father, it's a crush out. Quickly, run into my bungalow and hit the siren for me. I have my gun." (10:09, Warden)
• Warden’s Respect for Mate:
  • "You're a better prison warden than I am. This time at least. And for just as long as you want to make this prison your home, you'll be welcome." (11:33, Warden)

Key Timestamps

• 00:58 – Rudd Weatherwax introduces the story and Lassie’s role as Mate
• 01:41 – Stoney rebuffs Father Riley; kicks Mate (crucial for understanding Stoney’s resentment)
• 04:42 – Warden first complains about Mate's digging
• 06:03-06:25 – Decision made to get rid of Mate
• 07:00 – Discussion of prisoner unrest after Mate's departure
• 08:41-09:08 – Mate returns and resumes suspicious digging
• 10:09 – Discovery of the escape tunnel thanks to Mate
• 11:33 – Warden welcomes Mate to stay at the prison

Original Tone & Atmosphere

The episode combines earnest storytelling, gentle moral lessons about trust, redemption, and the restorative power of animal companionship with the suspense of a prison drama. Dialogue is direct, vintage, but full of heart, with classic radio pacing and emotional cues.

Final Thoughts

"Lassie: The Chaplain's Dog" is a tale of hard-edged skepticism overcome by loyalty and intuition. Mate, through her repeated digging—a behavior initially thought to be a stubborn nuisance—ultimately saves the day and earns a permanent place amongst the prisoners, staff, and even the warden. The episode deftly balances tension, redemption, and the special bond between humans and dogs, all delivered in Golden Age radio style.

For those nostalgic for radio’s family-friendly storytelling, and Lassie’s timeless heroism, this episode is a delightful reminder of simpler yet deeply moral dramatic times.