Lassie - Welcome Home

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Lassie – "Welcome Home"
Date: May 16, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Featured Character: Lassie (as “Timmy”)
Special Guest: Rudd Weatherwax (Lassie's real-life owner and trainer)
Original Air Date (of Lassie episode): [Golden Age of Radio]

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Episode Overview

This nostalgic episode of Harold's Old Time Radio revisits the beloved radio drama "Lassie" with the story "Welcome Home." Set in a small rural town, the episode revolves around an Irish Setter named Timmy—portrayed by Lassie—who is determined to stay close to his home after his owner's death. The story explores themes of loyalty, kindness to animals, rural life, and the sometimes difficult adjustments of inheriting not just a house but its history and responsibilities. At the center is the classic Lassie motif: a loyal dog saving the day and the hearts around him.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Timmy’s Loyal Routine and Old Bill’s Passing

• [01:39–03:19]
  • The episode opens in Perkins' grocery store, revealing the touching habit of Timmy (Lassie) delivering a basket for groceries and messages for his ailing owner, Old Bill Aton, who lives alone and can't make the trip himself.
  • Quote:
    • "He just loves that old green basket. Won't let nobody touch it but me."
      —Ms. Jeffries, [03:05]
  • Old Bill passes away, leaving his loyal dog Timmy without direction, yet still making his rounds.

2. Change of Ownership: The Murdochs Move In

• [04:05–05:13]
  • Dawson and Bertha Murdoch buy Old Bill’s house, learning about Timmy's devotion and the help he brought to his previous owner.
  • The couple discusses the challenges of country life without a phone and the potential benefits of having Timmy around, though Bertha is adamantly against keeping the dog.
  • Quote:
    • "Well, I have us well established at the local grocery store."
      —Dawson Murdoch, [05:34]

3. Conflict: Bertha’s Aversion to Timmy

• [05:34–07:00]
  • Bertha expresses strong dislike and even fear of dogs, creating tension as Timmy continues to return to his old home.
  • Dawson tries to convince her:
    • "This dog used to belong to the old fellow who owned the house. This is his home."
      —Dawson Murdoch, [05:50]
  • Bertha insists the dog must go, prompting Dawson to remove Timmy from their property.

4. Timmy’s Determination and Return

• [07:27–07:53]
  • Dawson drives Timmy 25 miles away but Timmy returns, demonstrating loyalty and the classic resilience of Lassie.
  • Bertha’s frustration escalates:
    • "Oh, get a gun and shoot him. I don’t care."
      —Bertha Murdoch, [07:36]
  • Dawson maintains his integrity and compassion:
    • "Look, honey. You’re talking nonsense. I just wouldn’t shoot a dog like that… This is his home."
      —Dawson Murdoch, [07:39]

5. Crisis: Bertha’s Accident

• [09:16–10:28]
  • Home alone, Bertha attempts household chores. She uses Timmy's familiar green basket to carry cleaning tools and ignores Timmy’s presence.
  • She climbs a rickety ladder, frustrated and distracted by the “infernal dog.” In an accident, she cuts her wrist—potentially fatally.

6. Timmy’s Heroism

• [11:10–12:06]
  • Timmy, sensing Bertha’s danger, rushes to the grocery store with his green basket, alerting Ms. Jeffries. The basket is stained with Bertha’s blood.
  • Quote:
    • "Now don’t tell me Ms. Murdoch changed her mind, decided to keep you after all… Say, basket’s all wet. Red paint. Paint. Man, that’s blood. Is the dog hurt?"
      —Ms. Jeffries, [11:46]

7. Resolution and Transformation

• [12:32–13:23]
  • Bertha is rescued thanks to Timmy. The doctor says she was minutes from death.
  • Deeply grateful and changed, Bertha credits Timmy for saving her life:
    • "If it wasn’t for Timmy, I’d be dead... I’d have been dead in another 15 minutes."
      —Bertha Murdoch, [12:51]
  • Bertha’s perspective on Timmy changes completely:
    • "I did [try to kick him out], dear, not you. But I’ll make it up to Timmy."
      —Bertha, [13:13]
    • "Yes, Timmy. Welcome home, Timmy."
      —Bertha, [13:23]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Habit & Loyalty:
  • "Ain’t you never been in here when Timmy came before? He belongs to old Bill Aton. Bill lives way up in the hills all by himself since his wife died."
    —Ms. Jeffries, [02:23]
• On Community & Change:
  • "Well, we can’t get a telephone and we’re a mile from the store... I sort of hate to leave my wife there alone. I’m gone quite a lot, you see."
    —Dawson Murdoch, [04:21]
• On Dog’s Heroism:
  • "Now don’t tell me Ms. Murdoch changed her mind, decided to keep you after all… Say, basket’s all wet. Red paint. Paint. Man, that’s blood. Is the dog hurt?"
    —Ms. Jeffries, [11:46]
• On Transformation:
  • "If it wasn’t for Timmy, I’d be dead... Doctor said that… I’d have been dead in another 15 minutes."
    —Bertha Murdoch, [12:51]
  • "I did, dear, not you. But I’ll make it up to Timmy."
    —Bertha Murdoch, [13:13]
  • "Yes, Timmy. Welcome home, Timmy."
    —Bertha Murdoch, [13:23]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | |---------------------------------------|--------------| | Timmy’s errands for Old Bill | 01:39–03:19 | | The Murdochs move in | 04:05–05:13 | | Bertha’s dislike for Timmy | 05:34–07:00 | | Timmy taken away, but returns | 07:27–07:53 | | Bertha’s accident & Timmy’s response | 09:16–12:06 | | Rescue and Bertha’s transformation | 12:32–13:23 |

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains a warm, gentle, and old-fashioned tone—reminiscent of classic radio dramas. Dialogues are infused with simple, sincere expressions of rural life, kindness, and gentle humor. The language remains true to the era and characters, showcasing both the skepticism and eventual affection of small-town neighbors.

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Closing and Teaser

• Preview for Next Episode:
  • "Next week, Lassie plays the part of a boxer named Duke in a musical love story entitled Dog Meets Girl. Lassie’s guest will be Ken Carson. Now, don’t miss it."
    —Rudd Weatherwax, [14:38]

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In summary: "Welcome Home" is a heartwarming tale of loyalty and redemption, demonstrating Lassie’s enduring appeal as both a hero and a unifying presence in difficult times. The gentle transformation of Bertha from dog-hater to grateful companion is a testament to the healing power of trust and companionship—core themes of this Golden Age classic.

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Transcript

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[Narrator/Announcer]

From Hollywood, John Morell and company, makers of three flavor. Red Heart, America's favorite dog food, presents Metro Goldwyn Mayer's lovable motion picture star, Lassie. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Red Heart presents the world's most famous dog, Lassie, in person. No. No member of your family wants the same menu at every meal, and that includes the dog at your house. He likes variety in his food just as well as you do. Which is the best possible reason to give him the variety of Red Heart's three delicious flavors. Beef, fish and cheese. Only the flavors differ. You know, all three Red Heart diets contain exactly the same wholesome meat and meat by products to give your dog a truly complete diet. So follow Lassie's example. Lassie speaks for Red Heart enjoys it every day. And now to introduce our story, here is Lassie's owner and trainer, Rudd Weatherwise.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Thank you, Charlie, and hello, everyone. Well, today, Lassie plays the part of an Irish setter named Timmy in a story entitled welcome Home. The story begins in Perkins grocery store in the little town of Wheaton.

[Ms. Jeffries]

I got some awful nice carrots this morning, Ms. Jeffries. Come from that little fella that's got that nice vegetable farm down the road a piece.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Well, I believe I'll. I'll try a couple of bunches.

[Ms. Jeffries]

All right, now, maybe we'll. Huh? Oh, excuse me a minute, Ms. Jeffries. There's Timmy.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Timmy. Who's he?

[Ms. Jeffries]

Old Bill Atten's dog. Oh, come on in, Timmy.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Well, land saves a dog with a basket in its mouth.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Ain't you never been in here when Timmy came before?

[Bertha Murdoch]

Well, no, I never.

[Ms. Jeffries]

He's quite a dog. Belongs to old Bill Aton. Bill lives way up in the hills all by himself since his wife died back a few years. He's got a real bad heart.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Oh, fuck.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Can't get out hisself, so he just sends Timmy down here for the groceries. Give me a basket now, Timmy. You in a hurry, Ms. Jeffries?

[Bertha Murdoch]

No, not a bit.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Mind if I wait on Timmy then?

[Bertha Murdoch]

No, you Go right ahead.

[Ms. Jeffries]

You see, old Bill hasn't been able to get a phone put in way up there in the hills. So he sends me a note by Timmy in his basket.

[Bertha Murdoch]

The dog growled.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Now, now, now, Timmy, Timmy, I should have told you. You see, you picked up his basket and put it on the counter. He just loves that old green basket. Won't let nobody touch it but me.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Oh, I see.

[Ms. Jeffries]

I see. Here's the note old Bill sent. Say, now, old Bill must be real sick, he says in the note. Would I please phone the doctor and ask him to rush right out? Excuse me just a minute, Ms. Jeffries. I better call that doctor right now. Well, that checks out okay. Oh, yes, sir.

[Dawson Murdoch]

You're Mr. Perkins, I guess. Well, I'm Dawson Murdoch. My wife and I just moved onto the why not farm up the old Aton place.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Oh, howdy do?

[Narrator/Announcer]

How do you do?

[Ms. Jeffries]

You're the folks bought old Bill Atton's house, huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Ms. Jeffries]

I sure felt bad when old Bill passed away two months back. We was good friends.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Well, I'm not too sure I'm happy about buying the place.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Why not? Best view of the valley around here.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Well, we can't get a telephone and we're a mile from the store. Sort of hate to leave my wife there alone. I'm gone quite a lot, you see.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Well, shucks, you ought to have old Bill's dog. Timmy used to come to the store for Bill carrying his old green basket in his mouth. Old Bill used to send notes to me in the basket telling what groceries he needed. And I'd make phone calls for him too. Fact is, he sent me a note and I called the doctor on the day he died.

[Dawson Murdoch]

I'll be darned. Say, what did this dog look like?

[Ms. Jeffries]

Irish setter. A pretty one too.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Well, I'll bet that's the dog that's been hanging around our house. My wife keeps chasing it out of the yard, but it comes back.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Sure, it must be. You tell your wife she oughtn't to chase it. Timmy's a mighty nice dog. He'd be a lot of help to your wife. It's a shame to chase him away from his old home.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Well, I'll tell her, but I don't think it'll do much good. You see, my wife, she hates dogs. She's scared to death of them. Hi, Bertha, honey. Well, I have us well established at the local grocery store.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

Oh, hi, Dawson.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hello, sweet.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Honey, there's something we'll have to settle right now. That dog's been back. He's pestered me ever since you've been gone.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Oh, yeah. Look, I want to tell you about him. You know, that's a great dog. I think you might like to.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

Jonathan, I'll have no dog around. Particularly, I won't have this great big creature.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Yeah, I. I know, Bertha, but look, I don't insist on a dog, as you know, but. Well, this dog used to be belong to the old fellow who owned the house. This is his home.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

I don't care. I won't.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Now, wait.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Wait just a minute, Bertha. Let me finish. This old dog is trained to go to the grocery store with a basketball.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

I don't care if he's trained to

[Bertha Murdoch]

stand on his head.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

I won't have a dog around. Now, tomorrow, Dawson, if that dog's here, you get rid of him.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Okay, okay, honey, I. I've got to drive to Centerville tomorrow and if the dog's around, I'll take it out in the country and lose.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Okay.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Come on, pup, out of the car. Hey, Timmy. Timmy, come on. Come on out. You're a nice old pooch. I really wouldn't mind having you around, but I have no choice. You got to go. Now, let me see.

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See.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Oh, here.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Here's a stick.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, look.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Look to me.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Fetch.

[Ms. Jeffries]

You get it?

[Bertha Murdoch]

Fetch.

[Dawson Murdoch]

All right, here it goes. Now go get it, Timmy.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

Go on.

[Dawson Murdoch]

I'd better get out of here.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

Dawson, that dog is back. I won't have it, do you hear?

[Ms. Jeffries]

Back?

[Dawson Murdoch]

But I took that dog 25 miles away from here and put him out of the car. What else can I do?

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

Oh, get a gun and shoot him. I don't care.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Look, honey. Honey, you're talking nonsense. I just wouldn't shoot a dog like that. He's an awfully sweet old guy. This is his home. He doesn't understand that we've taken over.

[Bertha Murdoch]

I don't care what you do with him.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

I'm willing to live in the country, Dawson, but I will not have a dog around. I hate the thing.

[Dawson Murdoch]

But, dear, the dog would run errands for you. Look, just give him his old green basket if he can find a thing, and he'll go to the store and

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

he'll get rid of that dog. That's final.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Okay, okay, I'll do something with him. So packed and ready. Walk out to the car, honey.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Sure.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Are you sure you've got everything you need? I'll be gone for two days.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Plenty of everything, dear.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

And at least that dog is gone.

[Bertha Murdoch]

He won't pester me.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Yeah, well, the guy I gave him to promised to keep him tied up. Frankly honey, I'd be happier if he were here.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Ah poo. Dawson, you mustn't worry about me. I'll do fine.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Well, okay honey.

[Bertha Murdoch]

My, you have a lovely day for the trip.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Yeah.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Wish now I'd got the car washed.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Oh hey, that reminds me. I think when you leave I'll get the step ladder and wash the windows. Oh, there's so much to do.

[Dawson Murdoch]

No, you'd better not dear. That ladder's kind of rickety. Look, I'll wash them when I come home.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Well, I'll see.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Okay, give me a kiss.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Bye dear.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

Bye honey. Have a nice trip.

[Dawson Murdoch]

I will book for me day after tomorrow.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

Uh huh. Bye dear.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Now I just think I will wash those windows. Seems to me everything was in the garage. Yes, here's my payoff. Squeegee sun. Oh, and here's an old green basket. I'll put my tools in that. Now just a ladder.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

Oh, that infernal dog is back. Scat. Get out of here. Get. I'll throw this can at you.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Get.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Oh that creature. What do we have to do to get rid of him? Now let's see. Oh yes, my ladder. Dog pestering me all the time. Bad enough having a man around messing up the house without having a dog come around all the time. Gosh, this ladder is awfully shaky. I'd better be careful.

[Bertha Murdoch (continued)]

Oh, now I've brought the basket of

[Bertha Murdoch]

the tools up the ladder and forgot my pail of water. That darn dog gets my knife. Well I have to.

[Ms. Jeffries]

That'll be $3 and 69 cents. Anything else Mr. Backus? No, that does it I guess. Okay, let me get a bag here and we'll. Huh. Well for gosh sakes, there's Timmy. Yeah, who's he? Timmy. Old Bill Aton's dog. Ain't been here since old Bill died. Let me open the screen door for him. Hey, come on in Timmy. Well for gosh sakes, again you're carrying your old green basket. Now don't tell me Ms. Murdock changed her mind, Decided to keep you after all.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yep.

[Ms. Jeffries]

Let me take the basket. Hey, that's pretty cute ain't it? So yeah. Used to come here all the time with that basket. No note in the basket. I wonder if. Say basket's all wet. Red paint. Paint. Man, that's blood. Is the dog hurt?

[Dawson Murdoch]

Why he don't say.

[Ms. Jeffries]

I'll bet something's happened up to the Murdochs. I better get up there and see. Now let's go Perkins.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'll go along.

[Dawson Murdoch]

You feeling better, honey?

[Bertha Murdoch]

Huh? Kind of weak, but much better.

[Ms. Jeffries]

You?

[Bertha Murdoch]

I die. Timmy.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Well, doctor says he's pleased at your progress. Another few days, you can get up. You know, you lost a lot of blood there from your cut wrist. You're lucky to be alive.

[Bertha Murdoch]

I know I said it before and I'll say it again. If it wasn't for Timmy, I'd be dead. The doctor said that, Mr. Perkins, that other men hadn't. Right. I'd have been dead in another 15 minutes.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Well, thank providence for Timmy. And to think we tried to kick him out.

[Bertha Murdoch]

I did, dear, not you. But I'll make it up to Timmy.

[Dawson Murdoch]

Sure you will. We'll make a good home for you, Timmy boy.

[Bertha Murdoch]

Yes, Timmy. Welcome home, Timmy.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, thank you. Lassie, Betty Arnold, Fred Howard, John Dainer and Earl Keane. Now friends, in just a moment, Rud Weatherwax will be back to tell you about next week's story. But first, the word my star. Say, Lassie, with spring in full bloom here in Hollywood, Rudd tells me you have spring fever. You have, huh? But Lassie, what about the dogs in other climates who need energy to combat the cold? Oh, feed them three flavor Red Hearts. Yes, it's always fair weather when good canines get together with Red Heart. That's because Red Heart gives your dog a truly complete diet to keep him healthy, happy and handsome. And because Red Heart's three swell flavors, beef, fish and cheese, give your dog taste variety. He always eats with a hearty appetite, yet only the flavors differ. All three contain exactly the same wholesome meat and meat byproduct. So get those three Red Heart diets, A, B and C and feed them in rotation. Red Heart is the food your dog needs and wants. And now again, Lassie's owner and trainer, Rod Weatherwack.

[Rudd Weatherwax]

Next week, Lassie plays the part of a boxer named Duke in a musical love story entitled Dog Meets Girl. Lassie's guest will be Ken Carson. Now, don't miss it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Lassie is presented each week at the same time by John Morrell and Company, makers of three flavor Red Hearts, 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 Lassie's latest Technicolor production starring Jeanette McDonald, Lloyd Nolan and Claude Jarman Jr. The Sun Comes up. This program is produced in Hollywood by Frank Ferran, directed by Harry Stewart, story by Hobart Donovan. This is Charles Lyon. Hear Dennis Day's adventures tonight on NBC.

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