Lassie 49-12-17 Mule Train

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lassie 49-12-17 Mule Train

Release Date: August 10, 2025

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Overview

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the heartwarming and adventurous tale, "Lassie 49-12-17 Mule Train." This episode masterfully blends drama, romance, and music, showcasing the beloved canine star, Lassie, as she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of a critical mule train race to Santa Fe.

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Main Characters

• Lassie: The iconic, intelligent dog whose loyalty and training are central to the story.
• Rudd Weatherwax: Lassie's owner and trainer, providing guidance and support.
• Jody Foot: A dedicated mule skinner running a hauling business, protective of his daughter.
• Emmy Foot: Jody's daughter, who is in love with Joe.
• Joe: A young mule skinner aspiring to marry Emmy and secure a contract.
• Ken Carson: A singing star who adds musical flair to the narrative.

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Plot Summary

Introduction and Conflict Setup

The episode opens with Rudd Weatherwax introducing the story and mentioning the collaboration with beloved singing star Ken Carson. The central conflict revolves around a mule train race to Santa Fe, a crucial contract that Jody Foot needs to win to keep his hauling business afloat.

At [01:24], Rudd Weatherwax sets the stage:

"Thank you, Charlie. And hello, everyone. Well, today Lassie plays the part of a dog named Nipper in a musical story entitled Mule Train."

Romantic Tensions and Business Stakes

Joe approaches Jody with a proposal that intertwines both business and personal aspirations:

"Your daughter Emmy and me is in love. You say we can be married. And me and Nipper here will skin your mules into Santa Fe eight days better than anybody else." ([02:29])

Jody reacts with skepticism and resistance, emphasizing his protective nature over Emmy and his business:

"Why you marry my daughter? You a mule skinner?" ([02:42])

The tension escalates as Jody threatens to take over the mule driving himself if Joe interferes, revealing his deep investment in both his daughter's future and his business.

The Mule Train Race Begins

The narrative shifts to the challenges faced during the mule train's journey. Jody meticulously plans the route, but obstacles arise when the team encounters difficult terrain:

"Cause that stuff you see ain't very solid ground. That's black mud." ([04:04])

Emmy, witnessing her father's stubbornness, expresses concern:

"Oh, Father, you shouldn't have been so obstinate." ([04:18])

As the team struggles with a balky mule named Jenny, Joe attempts to motivate both the mule and his team:

"You'll never get the contract if you do that." ([06:54])

Lassie's Heroic Intervention

Amidst the turmoil, Lassie takes center stage. Her training and loyalty prove invaluable in overcoming the challenges:

"Get up fast, Jenny. Come on, get up. And a good boy, Nipper." ([08:14])

Lassie's ability to encourage the mules and maintain the team's momentum is pivotal. Her presence not only aids in the physical labor but also symbolizes hope and determination.

Musical Interlude

Emmy contributes to the episode's charm with heartfelt songs that underscore the emotional landscape:

"Clippity clopping over hill and plain, Seems as how they never stop..." ([09:14])

These musical interludes enhance the storytelling, providing a melodic backdrop to the unfolding drama.

Resolution and Reconciliation

As the mule train perseveres, Joe and Jody find common ground, recognizing the importance of both the contract and familial bonds. The culmination of their efforts, aided by Lassie's unwavering support, leads to a successful journey to Santa Fe:

"We got a balky mule now. Look at that." ([05:08])

Eventually, Jody concedes to Joe's dedication:

"Well, that's fair enough, Father." ([07:32])

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a sense of accomplishment and unity, highlighting the themes of perseverance, love, and the indispensable role of Lassie. Rudd Weatherwax concludes with a reflection on dog care, seamlessly tying back to the narrative and Lassie's exemplary role.

"All us keep moving. Whether I'm straddling a horse or skinning mules." ([07:06])

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rudd Weatherwax: "Well, today Lassie plays the part of a dog named Nipper in a musical story entitled Mule Train." ([01:24])

• Joe: "Your daughter Emmy and me is in love. You say we can be married. And me and Nipper here will skin your mules into Santa Fe eight days better than anybody else." ([02:29])

• Jody Foot: "Why you marry my daughter? You a mule skinner?" ([02:42])

• Emmy Foot: "Oh, Father, you shouldn't have been so obstinate." ([04:18])

• Joe: "You'll never get the contract if you do that." ([06:54])

• Lassie (as Nipper): "Get up fast, Jenny. Come on, get up. And a good boy, Nipper." ([08:14])

• Emmy Foot: "Clippity clopping over hill and plain, Seems as how they never stop..." ([09:14])

• Jody Foot: "Well, that's fair enough, Father." ([07:32])

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Themes and Insights

• Perseverance and Determination: The mule train's journey symbolizes the relentless effort required to overcome obstacles, both literal and metaphorical.

• Love and Family: The romantic subplot between Joe and Emmy adds emotional depth, highlighting the importance of familial support and understanding.

• Animal Companionship: Lassie's pivotal role underscores the bond between humans and animals, demonstrating how trust and training can lead to remarkable teamwork.

• Music as Storytelling: The integration of songs by Emmy adds a lyrical narrative layer, enhancing the emotional resonance of the story.

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Conclusion

"Lassie 49-12-17 Mule Train" is a quintessential example of Golden Age radio storytelling, blending engaging characters, heartfelt drama, and memorable music. Harold's Old Time Radio successfully captures the essence of this era, offering listeners a rich and immersive experience that celebrates the timeless bond between humans and their loyal canine companions.

Transcript

[Charles Lyon]

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.

[Jody]

In person.

[Charles Lyon]

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 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.

[Ken Carson]

Jim Crack corn and I don't care Jimmy crack corn and I don't care Jimmy crack corn and I don't care.

[Emmy]

Whole mass has gone away.

[Ken Carson]

Oh, you.

[Joe]

Like that old tune, Nipper? I kinda, kinda thought you would. What do you want?

[Ken Carson]

Another one?

[Joe]

Well, let me see. Now, let me see here.

[Jody]

Howdy, Jody. Nice evening.

[Joe]

Oh, well, evening, Mr.

[Ken Carson]

Foot.

[Jody]

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.

[Joe]

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

[Jody]

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.

[Joe]

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

[Jody]

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 I'll.

[Joe]

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

[Jody]

Where's this Mr. Foote?

[Joe]

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 will skin your mules into Santa Fe eight days better than anybody else.

[Jody]

Why you marry my daughter? You a mule skinner?

[Joe]

Well, you was a skinner before you.

[Ken Carson]

Got your own rig.

[Jody]

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

[Joe]

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

[Jody Michaels]

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

[Joe]

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

[Jody Michaels]

I love you, Jody.

[Emmy]

Ah, there.

[Joe]

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

[Jody]

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

[Jody Michaels]

Father, I love Joe. I'm gonna.

[Jody]

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

[Emmy]

Oh.

[Jody]

Oh, you ho.

[Jody Michaels]

What'd you stop for, Dad?

[Jody]

I mean, this here is Walkaroosa 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.

[Jody Michaels]

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

[Jody]

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

[Jody Michaels]

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

[Jody]

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

[Joe]

Get up you.

[Jody]

Get in there. Up you. Get going. Hey you hang on.

[Mr. Foote]

Hang on, daughter.

[Jody]

Here comes the mut. Get up there. Get along here. Get up my ass. Heigh you. Hey, you rat tailed sons of sick. Get going there. Well, God bless your early hide. Get up there. Boom. Dad burned wheat. Oh, we come nigh to make it another 20ft. Why the leaders are on hard ground and them vermins quit pulling. Not them other.

[Jody Michaels]

Might as well be 20 miles as well as 20ft.

[Jody]

Hey, get up there. Get up.

[Ken Carson]

Oh God.

[Jody]

Char it. We got a balky mule now. Look at that. That off leaders are laying down. Jenny. Jenny, get up there. Get up. You cannot get up there.

[Ken Carson]

Well, howdy, Mr. Foot. Hi, Emmy.

[Jody]

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

[Ken Carson]

I reckon not, Mr. Foot.

[Joe]

The prairie's free.

[Ken Carson]

You stuck, huh?

[Jody]

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

[Joe]

Oh, it's a good idea. Bulky mule. You still keeping old Jenny in the lead Team ought to Make a wheeler out of her.

[Jody]

I'll harness my teams like. I won't. Now, get. I got work to do.

[Joe]

I reckon you'll never get them going.

[Ken Carson]

With Jenny laying down.

[Jody]

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.

[Ken Carson]

Oh, I don't know about that.

[Joe]

You'll never get the contract if you do that.

[Ken Carson]

Now, I mind one time I was skinning this year.

[Mr. Foote]

Shut up, Father.

[Jody Michaels]

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

[Jody]

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

[Joe]

Maybe, maybe not.

[Jody]

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

[Joe]

Oh, different ways.

[Jody]

Don't believe you can.

[Joe]

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

[Jody]

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

[Ken Carson]

Hurry.

[Joe]

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

[Jody]

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

[Charles Lyon]

I reckon.

[Jody]

Well, what'll it cost me? Your daughter, like I said. By you. What? An attorney.

[Jody Michaels]

Oh, that's enough, Father. One of these days I want to marry Jody whether you say yes or no.

[Jody]

Don't you talk. Well, I give up. I'm whipped. Just plain work.

[Joe]

Well, that's fair enough, Father.

[Jody]

Why, you.

[Ken Carson]

Well, come on. Let's get back there and tie this.

[Joe]

Horse to the tailgate and climb up.

[Ken Carson]

On the sleep, huh?

[Jody]

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

[Joe]

Nope.

[Jody]

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

[Joe]

Oh, yes, we can.

[Ken Carson]

Come on, Judy honey. Up you go now.

[Emmy]

Oh, Jody.

[Jody]

Dad busted quit that spoon. And then pick up them ribbons. We're half a day behind. Now, don't worry.

[Joe]

We'll be in Santa Fe quicker than I ever made it before.

[Ken Carson]

Hang on, Father.

[Jody]

Why, you don't.

[Mr. Foote]

You ready, Nipper? Attaboy. Good.

[Joe]

Now, we'll wait till I get these.

[Ken Carson]

Ribbons all set in hand.

[Joe]

There we are now. More whip. So.

[Mr. Foote]

All right, Jenny first. Nipper. Go get her, boy. Get up fast, Jenny. Come on, get up. And a good boy, Nipper. Bite her heel. That's a boy. Hey, you rat tail mud hogs. Get up there.

[Jody Michaels]

Look at that dog.

[Mr. Foote]

She better get up or old Nipper.

[Jody]

Old Biter Derwent, she did get up. Why, you. Dad burned so and so. So that's your secret. It ain't you gets that mule up. It's your dog.

[Ken Carson]

That ain't all. Old Nipper keeping them leaders heels all the way to Santa Fe. And keep them mules stepping like you never see before.

[Mr. Foote]

Without Nipper, I couldn't make no record. Here we go now. Get up out of now. Come on, you mud liver son of a thing. Get up. Get up and out. Up and out of there. Emmy. Hey, Emmy, you reckon you got your guitar handy, honey?

[Jody Michaels]

It's right here behind your seat.

[Mr. Foote]

Why, darling, why, you better start to play, honey. These mules expect me to sing them a love song. And I aims to do it. Get up, you blue skinned varmint. Santa Fe, here we come. Get up there, boy.

[Emmy]

You train, you train. Clippity clopping over hill and plain Seems as how they never stop Clippity clop, clippity clop Clippity, clippity clippity clippity clippity clop in the floor.

[Ken Carson]

There'S a plug.

[Emmy]

Of tall tobacco For a minor in Corona There's a guitar for a cowboy way out in Arizona There's a dress of calico fur A pretty Navajo get along, Muse.

[Mr. Foote]

Go around there, mute boy Bring your black eyes with this snake line get along now.

[Emmy]

Flippity plopping long mountain chain soon they're gonna reach the top Flippity, flippity clop Clippity, clippity clippity clippity clippity flopping 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.

[Mr. Foote]

Along get on with it, you lop ear, lip, bellies. I mean SidW. Here we go now. Yeah, let's take her into Santa Fe on time.

[Emmy]

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 black around the border There's a pair of boots for someone who had the maid order There's a Bible in the pack for the Rev. Mr. Flash get along, you get along.

[Jody]

Get along.

[Charles Lyon]

Well, thank you, Lassie. Ken Carson, June Foray, Cliff Clark and Earl Keane. Friends, what is the most important thing in caring for a dog? Well, some people say proper 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 by products. Dogs get what they need from Red Heart and dogs like Red Heart too. Yeah, you bet. Says Lassie. She knows Rudd feeds her Red Heart 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 po 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 Ferrand. 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.