Lassie - The Chaplains Dog

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lassie - The Chaplain’s Dog

Date: May 16, 2026

Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio presents “Lassie – The Chaplain’s Dog,” a heartwarming and suspenseful old-time radio drama set within the confines of a prison. The beloved dog, Lassie (playing “Mate”), is at the center of a story about trust, second chances, and the surprising ways a dog can unite and even save a community. The episode blends warmth, humor, and tension, showcasing the Golden Age of Radio's classic storytelling style.

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Main Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction & Setting (00:32–01:28)

• The episode is introduced as part of the Lassie series, sponsored by Red Heart dog food.
• Lassie's trainer, Rudd Weatherwax, sets up the story: Lassie plays "Mate," the chaplain's dog loved by the inmates.

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2. Life in the Prison and Character Introductions (01:28–03:25)

• Father Riley is portrayed as a compassionate chaplain, using Mate to build rapport with the prisoners.
• Stoney Jackson, a bitter new prisoner, refuses all gestures of friendship and even reacts violently to Mate’s attempts at affection.
  • Quote (Stoney, 02:33): "I act the way I please."
• The other convicts and prison staff recognize Mate’s positive influence, except for Stoney.
  • Quote (Warden, 03:00): "Now maybe you got something. A dog there. Hey, come here, mutt."

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3. Tensions Arise: Mate’s Troubles & Prison Politics (03:55–07:01)

• Mate’s digging in the prison yard becomes a problem for the Warden, who is frustrated by the lawn damage.
  • Quote (Warden, 05:15): "My yard. Full of brown spots where we had to replace the dirt from his confounded digging."
• Father Riley tries to defend Mate, explaining how important the dog is to inmates’ morale.
  • Quote (Father Riley, 06:33): "The men all love him. They've made him their mascot. You know, they don't have many pleasures. And he does really help."
• Under pressure due to an impending supervisor inspection, the Warden orders Father Riley to get rid of the dog, despite protest.

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4. Inmate Unrest & Forced Separation (07:01–08:34)

• The inmates react angrily to Mate’s removal, leading to unrest that concerns the prison administration.
• Guards double their watch as the Warden holds firm, threatening punishment for further resistance.
  • Quote (Warden, 07:56): "If they revolt again, things will be worse for them. That dog's gone for."

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5. The Mystery of Mate’s Return and Growing Suspense (08:34–10:08)

• Mate mysteriously returns to the prison, much to the Warden’s annoyance and confusion.
  • Quote (Warden, 09:07): "Right now he's out in the garden digging up the whole lawn."
• The dog's behavior becomes increasingly odd: he ignores even Father Riley’s commands and digs with growing urgency.
  • Quote (Father Riley, 09:54): "Warden, believe me, there's something wrong."
  • Quote (Warden, 10:00): "Our garden lawn is being ruined beyond repair!"

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6. The Big Reveal: Mate Saves the Day (10:08–12:32)

• The digging reveals a tunnel—an escape attempt orchestrated by Stoney and another inmate.
  • Quote (Warden, 10:40): "Someone is tunneling from the cell block under the lawn. Father, it's a crush out!"
• Mate’s persistent digging alerts the staff, leading to the foiling of the prison break just in time.
  • Quote (Warden, 11:04): "Okay, Stoney, that's far enough. Stay where you are. I'll shoot."
• The Warden and Father Riley realize that Mate’s digging was in fact a response to the hidden activity beneath the yard, not mere mischief.
  • Quote (Warden, 12:03): "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."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Stoney's Resistance (02:39): "There ain't nothing in the rule book says I gotta chew the fat with a chaplaincy. Now scram." (Stoney)
• Father Riley’s Empathy (06:45): "Think about the men for a minute ... Mate sort of takes the place of the loved ones and the pets they had at home."
• Warden's Realization (12:03): "Old boy, you're a better prison warden than I am."
• The Turning Point (10:40): "Someone is tunneling ... it's a crush out! Quickly, run into my bungalow and hit the siren!" (Warden)

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Episode Flow & Tonal Highlights

• The episode balances humor (in Mate’s antics and Father Riley’s gentle wit) with suspense, culminating in a classic twist where Lassie saves the day.
• The message emphasizes redemption, the quiet heroism of animals, and the humanity found even in difficult environments.
• The old-time radio style brings warmth, big-heartedness, and nostalgia, with richly drawn characters.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:32–01:28 – Introduction and story setup
• 01:28–03:25 – Character introductions & Mate’s role
• 03:55–07:01 – Mate’s digging causes trouble; Warden’s ultimatum
• 07:01–08:34 – Inmate protest & Warden's crackdown
• 08:34–10:08 – Mate returns; digging intensifies
• 10:08–12:32 – Tunnel discovered; escape foiled; Mate hailed as a hero

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Final Notes

• The episode ends with a brief teaser for the next Lassie adventure and a promotional spot for sponsor Red Heart dog food, keeping in tone with the affectionate, moral-centered nature of the broadcast.

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For listeners: If you enjoy classic radio drama with heart, a clever canine, and a dash of suspense, “Lassie – The Chaplain’s Dog” offers a perfectly packaged story from radio’s golden era.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

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.

[Father Riley]

In person,

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

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's Lassie's owner and trainer, Rudd Weatherwax.

[Warden]

Thank you, Charlie, and hello, everyone. Well, 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. Hi, father. What say, mate?

[Father Riley]

Evening, joe.

[Warden]

Hello there, mate.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

Good morning, father.

[Father Riley]

Hello, bucky. Evening, corning.

[Warden]

Evening, father. Hi, mate.

[Father Riley]

And Stoney. Good evening.

[Warden]

Get lost.

[Father Riley]

Still won't make friends, huh?

[Warden]

Think you're praying somewhere else?

[Father Riley]

I'm not praying, Stoney. Just stop to pass the time of evening.

[Warden]

Okay, so you stop. So now start going.

[Father Riley]

Stoney, I know you're bitter at being in the big house, but here you are. There's nothing you can do about it for a while. Why not take a cheerful attitude? It'll help you a lot. Here.

[Warden]

I act the way I please.

[Father Riley]

I've noticed that, Stoney, and that's your privilege. But you'd be a lot happier if you were friendly.

[Warden]

Yeah. Listen, I'm in stir, Sure I got caught. There ain't nothing in the rule book says I gotta chew the fat with a chaplaincy. Now scram.

[Father Riley]

I'm sorry, Stoney. We're just trying to be friends. Trying to help you with your problems, aren't we, mate? Yeah.

[Warden]

Now maybe you got something. A dog there. Hey, come here, mutt.

[Father Riley]

Call him by name. He'll gladly come to your cell door. He'll put his nose through the bar so you can pat him.

[Warden]

Yeah, come Here, mate. Yeah, that's nice. Mate. Come here. Get close.

[Father Riley]

What's the idea of kicking that dog? He's done nothing to you now.

[Warden]

Why? Cause I hate dogs, see?

[Father Riley]

Well, you should. Stoney, I. I'm sorry, I. Oh, I wish I could convince you that. Oh, come along, Ma.

[Warden]

Evening, father. Thought I'd find you walking in the garden. Hello there, Mate.

[Father Riley]

Good evening, warden. Such a beautiful evening. I just couldn't stay in my bungalow. Thought Mate and I would stroll a bit.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

Good.

[Warden]

I'll join you, if you don't mind. I wanted to speak with you.

[Father Riley]

No, nothing serious, I hope.

[Warden]

No, nothing immediately serious. It's about Stoney Jackson. 38463. He's bad medicine. The kind who sooner or later will give us trouble.

[Father Riley]

Yes, I know. I can do nothing with him. Most of the men enter prison bitter and inclined to be recalcitrant. But after a few weeks, at most, a month or two, they snap out of it, make the best of things. Stoney. Well, he lives up to his name. I told you about his kicking Mate the other evening.

[Warden]

Oh, he's a vicious brute, but there's nothing I can do. He's working in the jute mill and I'm forced to admit he does his work.

[Father Riley]

Oh, he oversteps none of the rules, Warden. He's cautious, but he has all the men hating him. And that's what worries me.

[Warden]

I know some hard boiled con. He's irritated, will stick a stolen knife in his back someday. Tempers are short in prison.

[Father Riley]

I know. Well, where did Mate go, huh?

[Warden]

He was. Oh, no confounded father. There he is digging up my lawn again.

[Father Riley]

Oh, Mate. Mate, stop that.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

Come here.

[Warden]

Oh, father, when are you going to do something about that? Look at my yard. Full of brown spots where we had to replace the dirt from his confounded digging.

[Father Riley]

I'm sorry, warden. Truly I am. I. I don't know how Mate ever got into that habit. From now on, I'll either keep him in my bungalow or are on a leash. I promise. You wanted to see me, warden?

[Warden]

Yes, father. Last night again, your dog Mate was up to his old tricks. I just can't put up with that, father.

[Father Riley]

I know, Warden, and truly I am sorry. You see, last night the prison hospital called me. Joe Gabrioli is dying. He wanted me and he wanted to see Mate. I took the dog to the hospital and then while I was busy with Joe, Mate ducked out into the yard.

[Warden]

You promised you'd keep a leash on him, father.

[Father Riley]

I know, but in my haste I simply forgot it.

[Warden]

I Father, you always have a good excuse. But look now. The state supervisors will be out to look over the prison in another 30 days. The yard is a mess. Father, I hate to tell you this, but. But you'll have to get rid of the dog.

[Father Riley]

But, Warden, I can't. The men all love him. They've made him their mascot. You know, they don't have many pleasures. And he does really help.

[Warden]

Sorry, Father. I've given the dog many chances. He's got to go.

[Father Riley]

Warden, please, just think about the men for a minute. Don't you see? Mate sort of takes the place of the loved ones and the pets they had at home. It's not just that he's my dog.

[Warden]

It's no use, Father. The dog has got to go.

[Father Riley]

As you say, Warden. Well, Father Sinkowski has a parish 20 or 30 miles in the country. He's very fond of Mate. I'll run him out there this afternoon.

[Warden]

Well, Cory, what the devil is going on? Gordon and men are pretty mad because you made the tap to get rid of his dog. Do you mean to tell me that. What's been done? We tried to quiet them, sir. Double the guard in case they get nasty. We can't get anywhere with them. Well, I'll stop them. They're going to be punished for this. Every mother's son of them. Warden, if I may say so, their request is modest enough. They were all very fond of me. Fonder, even. We thought the supervisors are fond of the garden lawn, too. How about that? I know, but if you let the chaplain go and get the dog and bring him back, I'll do everything. No, you'll do nothing of the sort. I'm running this prison, not that dog. Corey. Yes, sir. Turn out the cell lights. Now. Take away smoking privileges for 24 hours. And tell them if they revolt again, things will be worse for them. That dog's gone for.

[Father Riley]

Why, Warden, what are you doing up this late? Step in. What's wrong?

[Warden]

You know what's wrong, Father.

[Father Riley]

I'm sorry, Warden, I have no idea.

[Warden]

You hold a place of responsibility here, Father. As our chaplain, you're loved and respected by everyone. I myself have a great personal liking and respect for you. But you have no right to deliberately ignore my orders.

[Father Riley]

I ignore your orders? I'm amazed, Warden. What orders?

[Warden]

My order's not to bring the dog back.

[Father Riley]

Mate. I didn't bring Mate back.

[Warden]

Then who did? Right now he's out in the garden digging up the whole lawn.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

Mate is back here?

[Warden]

He certainly is. And he's been digging for hours. By the looks of the hole, I thought I heard something. So I got up and walked out to the garden, and there he was.

[Father Riley]

Believe me, I knew nothing about it, warden. He must have run away, come back by himself.

[Warden]

Well, you'll have to come and get him. I tried to call him from his digging, and he snarled at me, mate.

[Father Riley]

Snarled? Why, that's almost unbelievable.

[Warden]

Well, come on now and stop him before he digs up the entire yard.

[Father Riley]

Of course, at once.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

Look, look.

[Warden]

There he is. Great Scott. Look at that hole now.

[Father Riley]

Mate, stop it. Come here, mate.

[Warden]

You see, he pays no attention even to you.

[Father Riley]

Warden, believe me, there's something wrong.

[Warden]

I'll say there is. Our garden lawn is being ruined beyond repair.

[Father Riley]

I'll stop it. That's enough. Stop it, mate, and come here.

[Warden]

Well, at least you've stopped it. Great Scott. Look at that. Holy. Wait a minute. Listen. Hold his muzzle.

[Father Riley]

What is that strange sound? It comes from the hall, mate. Dove. Hush, mate. Hush. Great Scott.

[Warden]

I know what it is. 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. I'll stand watch.

[Father Riley]

I'll leave, Mate to help you, Mate. Stay. I'll hurry back.

[Warden]

Mate.

[Father Riley]

Get back. Shh.

[Warden]

Horning, we found. Bust it through. Now, take it easy. Okay, Stony, that's far enough. Stay where you are. I'll shoot. Father, I. I owe you an apology. And a double apology to old mate here. Yeah, it was a crush out that nearly worked. Would have worked if it weren't for old mate. Think of it. All those months Stoney and Corning have been patiently tunneling a little at a time. Perhaps only inches some nights.

[Father Riley]

That's where I was a dunderhead. Mate never did any digging before. And I should have noticed that the holes he dug made a nearly straight line from the cell block toward your bungalow.

[Warden]

Well, the men are glad that mate's back. And I am glad he's back. Come here, boy. 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.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

Thank you, lassie. Marvin Miller, Cliff Clark, Lou Krugman and Earl Keane. Now, friends, in just a moment, Rudd Weatherwax will be back to tell you about next week's story. But first, there's a little something I'd like to straighten out. We've been getting a number of letters lately from dog owners asking whether Red Heart is Good for their particular breed of dog. Well, I want to say right here and now that you can feed Red Heart 3 flavor dog food to any dog, regardless of size or breed. Kennel tests show that Red Heart helps keep dogs of all kinds, from the smallest to the largest. Helps them to grow normally, resist disease, develop sound teeth and bones, and keep a fine, glossy coat. That's because Red Heart is made of federally inspected fresh, moist meat and wholesome meat by products packed with all those health giving vitamins and minerals every dog needs. And you can be sure there'll be no dull appetites when Red Heart's around. Those three different Red Heart flavors make a dog take an interest in his food. Lassie agrees because Rudd feeds Lassie Red Heart exclusively. And you can bet Lassie knows what those three Red Heart flavors are. That's the A diet beef flavor, B diet fish flavor, and the sea diet cheese flavor. So remember, whether you have a little Pomeranian or a big Saint Bernard, you can safely feed your dog Red Heart 3 flavor dog food. Lassie speaks for all dogs when Lassie speaks for Red Heart. And Lassie speaks for all three Red Heart flavors. And now again, Lassie's owner and trainer, Rudd Weatherwax.

[Warden]

Next week, Lassie plays the part of a Russian wolfhound named Boris in a comedy entitled Berlin Episode. Now don't miss it.

[Narrator/Commercial Announcer]

Lassie is presented each week at the 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 appeared by arrangement with Metro Goldwyn Mayer, who invite you to see their production of Battleground starring Van Johnson, John Hodak, Ricardo Montalban and George Murphy. The Lassie show is produced and transcribed in Hollywood by Frank Feren. Directed by Harry Stewart, story by Hobart Donovan. This is Charles Lyon. There's a brand new giant jackpot on Hollywood calling tomorrow on NBC.

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[Father Riley]

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