Lassie 49-12-17 Mule Train

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Lassie 49-12-17 Mule Train"
Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: July 9, 2025

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Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the heartwarming tale of "Mule Train." Hosted by Harolds Old Time Radio, the show features Lassie, the beloved canine star, alongside human characters who navigate challenges and relationships on the rugged trails to Santa Fe. This episode not only entertains but also subtly highlights themes of love, perseverance, and the importance of trust between humans and their loyal pets.

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Plot Overview

Characters

• Jody Michaels: A skilled mule skinner eager to win a contract and marry Emmy, Mr. Foote's daughter.
• Mr. Foote: Owner of a mule hauling business, protective of his mules and skeptical of Jody's intentions.
• Emmy Foote: Mr. Foote's daughter, in love with Jody.
• Rudd Weatherwax: Lassie's owner and trainer, serves as a mediator and voice of reason.
• Lassie: The iconic dog who plays a crucial role in resolving conflicts.

Setting

The story unfolds along the treacherous trails leading to Santa Fe, where mule skinners compete for contracts. The rugged terrain and unpredictable weather add to the challenges faced by the characters.

Conflict

Jody Michaels approaches Mr. Foote with an offer: in exchange for the opportunity to marry Emmy, he pledges to outperform other mule skinners by completing the Santa Fe run seven days faster. Initially, Mr. Foote is resistant, questioning Jody's motives and doubting his ability to meet the high expectations.

Notable Quote:

Jody Michaels (02:32): "Yeah, I need that contract to stay in business."

As the journey progresses, unforeseen obstacles arise when the mules become stuck in the mud near Wakaroosa Creek. Mr. Foote's stubbornness in handling the situation exacerbates tensions, and the team finds themselves at risk of losing the contract due to the delay.

Notable Quote:

Mr. Foote (05:24): "We come nigh to Mickey. Another 20ft. Why, the leaders are on hard ground and them vermins quit pulling."

Resolution

Amidst the struggle, Jody's determination and Lassie's assistance become pivotal. Recognizing the importance of teamwork and trust, Mr. Foote witnesses Jody's genuine dedication not only to the business but also to his daughter's happiness. Lassie's intervention helps free the mules, demonstrating the profound bond and cooperation between humans and their animals.

The culmination of these efforts leads Mr. Foote to relent, accepting Jody's proposal and acknowledging the value he brings to the business.

Notable Quote:

Mr. Foote (07:57): "Well, I gave up. I'm whipped. Just clean wet."

The episode concludes on a triumphant note as the team successfully navigates to Santa Fe, securing the coveted contract and celebrating the union of Jody and Emmy.

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Musical Elements

Throughout the episode, music plays a significant role in enhancing the narrative and reflecting the characters' emotions. Jody Michaels' songs, such as the upbeat "Clippity Clopping" numbers, encapsulate the spirit of the journey and the challenges faced.

Notable Lyrics:

Jody Michaels (10:06): "Clippity clopping through the wind and rain they'll keep going till they drop..."

These musical interludes not only provide entertainment but also offer insight into the characters' resilience and optimism.

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Insights and Themes

"Mule Train" delves into themes of love, perseverance, and the human-animal bond. Jody's unwavering commitment to both his professional responsibilities and his personal relationships underscores the importance of balance and dedication. Mr. Foote's transformation from skepticism to acceptance highlights the value of trust and open-mindedness in overcoming obstacles.

Lassie's role transcends that of a mere pet; she symbolizes loyalty and the unspoken understanding between humans and their companions. Her assistance in the critical moments emphasizes the integral part animals play in human endeavors.

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Conclusion

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" masterfully weaves a narrative that is both entertaining and meaningful. Through compelling characters, engaging dialogue, and memorable music, "Mule Train" captures the essence of classic radio storytelling. It serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of tales that celebrate love, determination, and the extraordinary bonds we share with our animal friends.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jody Michaels (02:32): "Yeah, I need that contract to stay in business."
• Mr. Foote (05:24): "We come nigh to Mickey. Another 20ft. Why, the leaders are on hard ground and them vermins quit pulling."
• Mr. Foote (07:57): "Well, I gave up. I'm whipped. Just clean wet."
• Jody Michaels (10:06): "Clippity clopping through the wind and rain they'll keep going till they drop..."

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Additional Highlights

• Lassie’s Segment: Post-story narration emphasizes dog care, promoting Red Heart dog food, aligning with Lassie's depiction as a healthy and happy canine companion.

  Notable Statement:

  Lassie Narrator (12:44): "Lassie is a living example of this. And Lassie speaks for Red Heart. All three wonderful flavors."

• Production Credits: The episode was produced and transcribed in Hollywood by Frank Faron, directed by Harry Stewart, with a story by Hobart Donovan, and featured talents like Ken Carson, Cliff Clark, and Earl Keane.

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"Mule Train" stands out as a quintessential example of Old Time Radio’s charm, blending drama, music, and heartfelt storytelling to create an unforgettable listening experience.

Transcript

[Lowe's Advertiser]

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[Jody]

9.

[Lowe's Advertiser]

Selection varies by location while supplies last. Seeloes.com for more details. Excludes Alaska and Hawaii.

[Lassie 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 & Co. Makers of three flavor Red Heart. And here is Metro Goldwyn Mayer's lovable motion picture star, Lassie.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

In person.

[Lassie Narrator]

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.

[Mr. Foote]

Thank you, Charlie, and hello, everyone. Well, today, Lassie plays the part of a dog named Nipper in a musical story entitled Mule Train. And we're happy to have with us again our favorite singing star, Ken Carson.

[Jody]

Jim Crack corn and I don't care Jimmy crack corn and I don't care Jimmy crack corn and I don't care Old Mass has gone away.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Oh, you.

[Jody]

Like that old tune, Nipper? I kinda kind of thought you would. What do you want? Another one? Well, let me see now. Let me see here.

[Mr. Foote]

Howdy, Jody. Nice evening.

[Jody]

Oh, well, evening, Mr. Foote.

[Mr. Foote]

Jody, I'll come right to it. You know how I run my hauling business. Honest and fair. Take good care of my mules and I won't hire no bad skinners.

[Jody]

So you're going to put a wagon in the mercantile company's race to Santa Fe and try to win that contract?

[Mr. Foote]

Yeah, I need that contract to stay in business. Now, you've made the run to Santa Fe seven days faster than any other skinner.

[Jody]

Yeah, I've been getting good offers all day, too.

[Mr. Foote]

I see. Well, I don't know what your secret is, but you'll win for the man that hires you. I know I can't afford to pay you what the others will pay you, so.

[Jody]

Ah, just a minute, Mr. Footer. You can pay me easy enough. And I'd rather skin your mules than anybody else's.

[Mr. Foote]

Where's this Mr. Foote?

[Jody]

I've been aiming to Talk to you for some time. I might as well come right out with it. Your daughter Emmy and me is in love. You say we can be married. And me and Nipper here'll scan your mules into Santa Fe eight days better than anybody else.

[Mr. Foote]

Why you marry my daughter? You a mule skinner?

[Jody]

Well, you was a skinner before you got your own rig.

[Mr. Foote]

Why, you young whippersnapper, you let me catch you hanging around Emmet, and I'll take the black snake to you and just forget about driving my wagon. I'll drive it myself. Of all the gall blame things I ever heard of.

[Jody]

Well, Nipper, I figured he'd say that. That's just why I've been afraid to.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Jody. Jody, I heard everything. I. I don't know what to say.

[Jody]

Well, why not just say I love you, Jody.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

I love you, Jody.

[Jody]

Ah, there. That's all we need. I'll figure out some way. Don't you fret, darling.

[Mr. Foote]

Oh, no, you. You'll never crack a whip over a span of my mules again. Emmy, come here.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Father, I love Joe. I'm gonna.

[Mr. Foote]

Now then, I'm pulling my mercantile load out of Council Grove tomorrow. And Emmy, you're a going.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Oh. Oh, you. Who. What'd you stop for, dad?

[Mr. Foote]

Emmy, this here is Wakaroosa Point. Them there is Wakaroosa Creek and Ottaway Creek. That ridge between them is called the Narrow. That's where we're supposed to cross.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Then why don't we cross? Looks easy to me.

[Mr. Foote]

Cause that stuff you see ain't very solid ground. That's black mud. I'm giving these here rat tails a breather and then I'm going to send them at the narrows of Trotting. That way. Maybe we'll get across without bogging down.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Oh, Father, you shouldn't have been so obstinate. You should have let Jody Michaels drive for you.

[Mr. Foote]

I told you not to mention that varmint's name. Now sit back. Here we go.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Get up.

[Mr. Foote]

You.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Get in there. Up you. Get going. Hey, you hang up. Hang on, daughter. Here comes the mutton. Get up there. Get along. Get. Get up.

[Mr. Foote]

My.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Hey. Hey, you rattail sons of sick. Keep going there. Well, God bless your early hide. Get up there. Boom, dad. Burn it, wheat.

[Mr. Foote]

Oh, we come nigh to Mickey. Another 20ft. Why, the leaders are on hard ground and them vermins quit pulling. Not them other.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Might as well be 20 miles as well as 20ft. Hey, get up there. Get up.

[Jody]

Oh, come on, Charnard.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

We got a balky mule now.

[Mr. Foote]

Look at that that off leaders are laying down.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Jenny. Jenny, get up there. Get up, you. Jenny, get up there.

[Jody]

Well, howdy, Mr.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Foot.

[Jody]

Hi, Emmy.

[Mr. Foote]

You turn that horse around and get going. Get that dog out of here, too.

[Jody]

I reckon not, Mr. Foot. The prairie's free. You stuck, huh?

[Mr. Foote]

Of course we ain't stuck cooling off the mule's feet in the mud.

[Jody]

Oh, it's a good idea, Bulky mule. You still keeping old Jenny in the lead team? Ought to make a wheeler. Otto.

[Mr. Foote]

Er, I'll harness my teams like I won. Now, get. I got work to do.

[Jody]

I reckon you'll never get them going with Jenny laying down.

[Mr. Foote]

No, nobody else will either. Any good mule skinner knows the thing to do is to camp the night, let him rest and then they'll be.

[Jody]

Oh, I don't know about that. You'll never get the contract if you do that. Now. I mind. One time I was skinning this year.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Shut up, Father. Now you're being very unreasonable and impolite. Jody can help you get that contract.

[Mr. Foote]

Nobody can make a balky mule work without plenty of rest first.

[Jody]

Maybe, maybe not.

[Mr. Foote]

Well, how do you get Jenny to her feet, that is, without cutting her to ribbons?

[Jody]

Oh, different ways.

[Mr. Foote]

Don't believe you can.

[Jody]

Maybe not. Well, Emmy, it's been nice running into you. I'll see you in Santa Fe, honey.

[Mr. Foote]

Hey, just a minute. Wait a minute, Joe. Don't be such a carnal.

[Jody]

Hurry. I ain't hurrying. Just keep moving. All us keep moving. Whether I'm straddling a horse or skinning mules.

[Mr. Foote]

You reckon you could get this wagon moving and keep it moving?

[Lassie Narrator]

I reckon.

[Mr. Foote]

Well, what'll it cost me? Your daughter, like I said.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Why, you. What?

[Mr. Foote]

An attorney.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Oh, that's enough, Father. One of these days I'm gonna marry Jody whether you say yes or no. Don't you talk.

[Mr. Foote]

Well, I gave up. I'm whipped. Just clean wet.

[Jody]

Well, that's fair enough, Father.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Why, you.

[Jody]

Well, come on. Let's get back there and tie this horse to the tailgate and climb up on the sleeve, huh?

[Mr. Foote]

Ain't you going to get that mule up first?

[Jody]

Nope.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

After.

[Mr. Foote]

You can't get a lead mule up sitting back on the wagon seat.

[Jody]

Oh, yes, we can. Come on, Judy honey.

[Lassie Narrator]

Up you go now.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Oh, Jody.

[Mr. Foote]

Dad. Busted. Quit that spooning and pick up them ribbons. We're half a day behind.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Now, don't worry.

[Jody]

We'll be in Santa Fe quicker than I ever made it before. Hang on, Father.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Why, you don't. You ready, nipper? Atta boy. Good.

[Jody]

Now we'll wait Till I get these ribbons all set in hand. There we are. Now we're whipped so.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

All right, Jenny. First Nipper go get her, boy. Get up back, Jenny. Come on, get up and a good boy, Nipper. Bite her he. That's a boy. Hey, you rat tail mud hogs. Get up there. Look at that dog. She better get up her old nipper. Old fighter Derwent, she did get up.

[Mr. Foote]

Why you dad burned so and so. So that's your secret. It ain't you gets that mule up.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

It's your dog. That ain't all.

[Jody]

Old Nipper.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Keep them leaders heels all the way to Santa Fe. And keep them mules stepping like you never see before. Without Nipper, I couldn't make no record. Here we go now. Get up out of there. Come on now you mud liver sons of. Get up. Get up. Up and out of there. Emmy. Hey, Emmy, you reckon you got your guitar handy, honey? It's right here behind the seat. Why, darling, why you better start the plan, honey. These mules expect me to sing them a love song. And I aims to do it. Get up, you blue skinned farm of Santa Fe, here we come. Get up, bad boy.

[Jody]

You trade you train. Clippity clopping over hill and play seems as how they never stop Clippity clop, clippity clop, Clippity clippity, clippity clippity clippity clopping along There's a plug of chow tobacker for a minor in Corona There's a guitar for a cowboy way out in Arizona There's a dress of calico for a pretty Navajo get along, you.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Get along now.

[Jody]

Flippity clopping long mountain chain soon they're gonna reach the top Clippity, clippity clop, clippity clippity clippity clippity clippity clopping along there's some cotton thread and needles for the folks away out yonder There's a shovel for a miner who left his home to wander there's some rheumatism pills for the settlers in the hills get along, you get along.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Get off with it, you lop eared liberal. I mean, here we go now. Yeah, let's take her into Santa Fe on time.

[Jody]

Clippity clopping through the wind and rain they'll keep going till they drop Clippity clop, clippity clop, Clippity clippity clippity clippity clippity clopping along There's a letter full of sadness and it's black around the border. There's a pair of boots for someone who had them made to order. There's a Bible in the pack for the Reverend Mr. Black. Get along. You get along well.

[Lassie Narrator]

Thank you, lassie. Ken Carson, June 4A, Cliff Clark and Earl Keane. Friends, what is the most important thing in caring for a dog? Well, some people say proper trouble training, others proper feeding, and still others love and affection. Or maybe something entirely different. Well, I'm not going to take sides. I think they're all important. It seems to me our chief concern should be to see that our dogs get all of these in proper proportion. I don't have to tell you how to train your dog or how to show your affection for him. And I hope you know how to feed him. But just in case there is someone who doesn't know about Red Heart three flavored dog food, let me say this. Red Heart is a well balanced dog food that contains all the vitamins, minerals and other food essentials a dog needs every day to build and maintain a healthy, normal body. It is federally inspected fresh, moist meat and wholesome meat byproducts. Dogs get what they need from Red Heart. And dogs like Red Heart too. You bet, says Lassie. She knows Rudd feeds her Red Heart except exclusively. And she likes all three Red Heart flavors. Tell us what they are, Lassie. That's the A diet beef flavor, the B diet fish flavor and the C diet cheese flavor. No chance that any dog will tire of his food. When you have all three wonderful Red Heart diets on hand, feed them to your dog in rotation. He will reward you with a strong, healthy body and a fine glossy coat. He'll be a healthy, happy dog you can be proud of. Lassie is a living example of this. And Lassie speaks for Red Heart. All three wonderful flavors. Be sure to be with us next week, friends. Lassie is presented each week at the same time by John Morrell and company, makers of three flavored 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 Battlegrounds. Starring Van Johnson, John Hodiak, Ricardo Montalban and George Murphy. The Lassie show is produced and transcribed in Hollywood by Frank Faron, directed by Harry Stewart, story by Hobart Donovan. This is Charles Lyon. Hear all the hit parade tunes on your Hit parade tonight on NBC.

[Lowe's Advertiser]

Lowes knows July 4th savings are worth celebrating right now. Get up to 40% off select major appliances and get an additional 10% off two or more select major appliances. Plus get three Scott's Naturescapes 1.5 cubic foot mulch bags for just $10. These deals are coming in hot. Lowe's we help you save valid through 7 9. Selection varies by location while supplies last. Seelows.com for more details. Excludes Alaska and Hawaii.