Lassie - Mule Train

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lassie - Mule Train
Date: May 16, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners to the Golden Age of Radio with a classic Lassie adventure titled "Mule Train." Set against the backdrop of 19th-century frontier life, the story mixes homegrown romance, rugged determination, and a touch of canine cleverness. Listeners are treated to old-timey music, dramatic mule-driving, and the gentle humor and warmth characteristic of Lassie stories. Key themes include perseverance, teamwork, the resourcefulness of man’s (and dog’s) best friend, and the importance of love and family.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Opening & Introduction (00:34 – 01:31)

• Lassie, "the world's most famous dog," is introduced as the star, fed exclusively on Red Heart Dog Food.
• Rudd Weatherwax, Lassie’s owner and trainer, sets up the story: Lassie portrays a dog named Nipper in the musical episode "Mule Train."
• Singer Ken Carson makes a featured appearance.

2. The Set-Up: Jody & Mr. Foote (01:54 – 03:13)

• Jody, a talented "mule skinner" (driver), is courted by multiple wagon bosses for a high-stakes Santa Fe contract.
• Mr. Foote, an honest businessman, candidly admits he can’t afford Jody’s rate, but Jody reveals his true motivation: love for Mr. Foote’s daughter, Emmy.
• Notable exchange:
  • Jody: "Mr. Foote, 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 skin your mules into Santa Fe eight days better than anybody else." (02:58)
  • Mr. Foote reacts with comedic bluster: "You marry my daughter? You a mule skinner?... I'll take the black snake to you. And just forget about driving my wagon. I'll drive it myself." (03:13)

3. Romance and Roadblocks (03:29 – 04:53)

• Emmy confesses her love for Jody, but her father remains stubbornly opposed.
• Foote decides to haul the Santa Fe load himself, taking Emmy along.
• The story sets up a blend of frontier tension and romance as Emmy asserts herself.

4. Trouble on the Trail (04:18 – 06:05)

• The wagon gets stuck at Wakaroosa Point—a treacherous, muddy crossing.
• Mr. Foote stubbornly refuses Jody’s help as they face balky mules, particularly the lead mule Jenny who lies down, refusing to move.

5. The Standoff & Jody's Secret (06:05 – 07:54)

• Jody appears and offers assistance, highlighting his superior knowledge of the mules—and his unorthodox methods, involving his dog Nipper.
• Classic comedic tension as Jody and Foote bicker over methods and the proper care of mules.
• Memorable quote:
  • Mr. Foote: "Nobody can make a balky mule work without plenty of rest first." (07:02)
  • Jody: "Maybe, maybe not." (07:07)

6. Striking a Deal (07:36 – 08:04)

• Mr. Foote, frustrated and desperate, agrees to Jody's terms: "You reckon you could get this wagon moving and keep it moving?"
• Jody’s price: "Your daughter, like I said." (07:42)
• Emmy stands up for her love, making it clear she'll marry Jody regardless.

7. Nipper to the Rescue (08:09 – 09:43)

• Jody’s clever solution is revealed: his dog Nipper motivates the mules to move by nipping at Jenny's heels, getting the whole team trotting ahead.
• Classic moment:
  • Joe: "All right, Jenny. First Nipper go get her. Get up back, Jenny. Come on, get up. Had a good boy, Nipper. Bite her heels. That's a boy." (08:49)
  • Mr. Foote: "Dad. Grandma, she did get up." (09:09)
  • Jody: "Old Nipper keep them leaders’ heels all the way to Santa Fe. Without Nipper, I couldn't make no record." (09:19)

8. The Song of the Mule Train (09:43 – 11:51)

• The team, spirits high, sings "Mule Train" as they head toward Santa Fe, describing all the treasured items the wagon carries.
• The upbeat musical interlude showcases the old-time radio style: "Clippity clopping over hill and plain, seems as how they never stop. Clippity clop..." (10:05 onward)

9. Success & Wrap-Up (12:44 – 15:15)

• The wagon journey ends on a high note with thanks to Lassie/Nipper, whose quick wit and teamwork paved the way.
• The narrator ties in the recurring theme of responsible dog care, advocating Red Heart dog food for healthy, happy pets, with Lassie as the prime example.
• Friendly reminders encourage listeners to tune in next week and enjoy wholesome entertainment.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jody’s heartfelt proposal:
  “Your daughter Emmy and me is in love. You say we can be married and me and Nipper here’ll skin your mules into Santa Fe eight days better than anybody else.” (02:58)

• Mr. Foote’s stubbornness:
  “You marry my daughter? You a mule skinner?... I'll take the black snake to you.” (03:13)

• Jody’s secret is revealed:
  “Old Nipper keep them leaders’ heels all the way to Santa Fe. Without Nipper, I couldn't make no record.” (09:19)

• Frontier teamwork and cheer:
  “Let’s take her into Santa Fe on time. Yeah!” (11:37)

• Musical highlight:
  “Mule train, mule train. Clippity clopping through the wind and rain, they'll keep going till they stop. Clippity clop…” (11:51)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:34 – Lassie Show introduction, sponsor announcement
• 01:32 – Rudd Weatherwax introduces the episode
• 02:58 – 03:15 – Jody makes his proposal to Mr. Foote
• 04:34 – Emmy and her father arrive at the muddy crossing
• 06:05 – Jody finds the stuck wagon, offers help
• 07:36 – 08:04 – Deal struck for Jody to drive, with Emmy as his reward
• 08:49 – 09:19 – Nipper motivates the mules, team gets rolling
• 10:05 – 11:51 – "Mule Train" musical number
• 12:44 – Episode wrap-up and dog food segment

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Tone & Language

The episode is warm, playful, and filled with homespun humor. Dialogue rings with the vernacular of American frontier life, blending gritty problem-solving with heartfelt family moments. The musical interludes evoke the joyful spirit of radio’s golden age, full of optimism and rural cheer.

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Final Thoughts

Lassie - Mule Train offers a nostalgic, heartwarming tale brimming with classic radio drama elements: plucky heroes, family conflicts, and a delightful canine at the center of it all. The episode reinforces enduring themes of love, resilience, and partnership between humans and their animal companions.

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Transcript

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

[Mr. Foote]

In person.

[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. Foot]

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

[Singer]

Old Mass has gone away

[Mr. Foote]

oh, you

[Jody]

like that old tune, Nipper? Kind of thought you would. What do you want, another one? Well, let me see now. Let me see here.

[Mr. Foot]

Howdy, Jody. Nice evening.

[Jody]

Oh, well, evening, Mr. Foote.

[Mr. Foot]

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. Foot]

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. Foot]

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

[Mr. Foot]

anybody else's where's this?

[Jody]

Mr. Foote, 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. Foot]

You marry my daughter? You a mule skinner?

[Jody]

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

[Mr. Foot]

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 talk.

[Emmy]

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

[Jody]

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

[Emmy]

I love you, Jody.

[Jody]

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

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Emmy]

Father, I love Joe. I'm gonna.

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Joe]

Oh.

[Mr. Foote]

Oh, you.

[Emmy]

Ho, ho. What'd you stop for, Dad?

[Mr. Foot]

I mean, 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.

[Emmy]

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

[Mr. Foot]

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.

[Emmy]

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

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Mr. Foote]

You get in there. Up. You. Get going. Hey, you, hang up.

[Joe]

Hang on, daughter.

[Mr. Foote]

Here comes the mutton. Get up there. Get along. Get. Get up, mud. Hey. Hey, you rattail sons of sick. Get going there. Well, God bless your early hide. Get up there.

[Jody]

Boom.

[Mr. Foote]

Dead, burned wheat.

[Mr. Foot]

Oh, we come nigh to make it another 20ft. Why, the leaders are on hard ground and them vermins quit pulling. Not them other sick.

[Emmy]

It might as well be 20 miles as well as 20ft.

[Mr. Foote]

Hey, get up there. Get up.

[Mr. Foot]

Oh, God, Charn it.

[Mr. Foote]

We got a balky mule. Now, look at that.

[Mr. Foot]

That off Leaders are laying down.

[Mr. Foote]

Jenny. Jenny. Get up there. Get up. Get up there.

[Joe]

Well, howdy, Mr.

[Jody]

Foot. Hi, Emmy.

[Mr. Foot]

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. Foot]

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 out of her.

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Jody]

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

[Mr. Foot]

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.

[Joe]

Shut up, Father.

[Emmy]

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

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Jody]

Maybe, maybe not.

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Jody]

Oh, different ways.

[Mr. Foot]

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. Foot]

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

[Jody]

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

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Narrator]

I reckon.

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Mr. Foote]

Why, you.

[Mr. Foot]

What an attorney.

[Emmy]

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

[Mr. Foote]

Don't you talk.

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Jody]

Well, that's fair enough, Father.

[Mr. Foote]

Why, you.

[Singer]

Well, come on.

[Jody]

Let's get back there and tie this horse to the tailgate and climb up on the sleep, huh?

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Jody]

Nope.

[Mr. Foote]

After.

[Mr. Foot]

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

[Jody]

Oh, yes, we can.

[Singer]

Come on, Judy honey.

[Joe]

Up you go now.

[Emmy]

Oh, Jody.

[Mr. Foot]

Dad. Busted. Quit that spoon and then pick up them ribbons. We're half a day behind. Now, don't worry.

[Jody]

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

[Singer]

Hang on, Father.

[Mr. Foote]

Why you don't.

[Joe]

You ready, Nipper? Atta boy. Good.

[Jody]

Now we'll wait till I get these ribbons all set in hand. There we are now. More whip so.

[Joe]

All right, Jenny. First Nipper go get her. What? Get up back, Jenny. Come on, get up. Had a good boy, Nipper. Bite her heels. That's a boy. Hey, you rat tailed mud hogs. Get up. She better get up her old nipper. Old biter. Der linkle.

[Mr. Foote]

Dad. Grandma, she did get up.

[Mr. Foot]

Why you dad burned so and so. So that's your secret.

[Mr. Foote]

It ain't you gets that mule up. It's your dog.

[Joe]

That ain't all.

[Jody]

Old Nipper keep them leaders heels all

[Joe]

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. Son, get up. Get up and out of there. Emmy. Hey, Emmy, you reckon you got your guitar handy, honey?

[Emmy]

It's right here behind your seat.

[Joe]

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. Bad boy.

[Singer]

New train. 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.

[Joe]

Get along now.

[Singer]

Flippity clopping long mountain chain soon they're gonna reach the top. Clippity clop, 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 and males get along.

[Joe]

Get off you lop eared liberal. Here we go now. Yeah. Let's take her into Santa Fe on time. Yeah.

[Singer]

Mule train, mule train. Clippity clopping through the wind and rain they'll keep going till they stop. 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 them made to order There's a Bible in the pack for the Reverend Mr. Flack. Get along. You get along.

[Mr. Foot]

Well.

[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 treatment, 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 3 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. Yeah, 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 Farron, 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.

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