Let George Do It 51-12-25 Christmas Letter

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

"Let George Do It – Christmas Letter" (Originally Aired 1951-12-25)

Harold's Old Time Radio | Released: December 9, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of "Let George Do It," titled "Christmas Letter," revolves around private investigator George Valentine as he navigates a Christmas Eve request from a lonely GI stationed in Japan. The GI, Dan "Red" Ferris, asks George to act as his proxy and take a young woman, Lucy Rand, out for a festive evening in his place. What begins as an act of holiday kindness unfolds into a tangle of suspicion, romance, and a puzzling theft, all wrapped in the warmth and sentimentality characteristic of radio's Golden Age holiday fare.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

Setting the Stage & The Christmas Request

(00:32–03:26)

• George Valentine and his assistant Brooksie (Claire Brooks) are decorating a Christmas tree. George receives and opens a letter from a GI in Japan, Dan "Red" Ferris.
• Red’s letter asks George to take his "girl" Lucy Rand out on Christmas Eve, as he can’t be there, and includes $20 for expenses.
  • Red’s letter (02:31):
    "Here's something I would like you to do for me on Christmas Eve... You'll be doing me a big favor if you'll be my proxy this Christmas Eve and write me all about it. Very truly yours, Dan 'Red' Ferris."
• Brooksie and George discuss the request, noting that Red might also be checking up on his girlfriend from afar, a common soldier’s anxiety.

A False Pudding – Introduction of "Shorty"/Shep Gilson

(03:55–05:41)

• George and Brooksie are stopped by a man selling Christmas pudding for $2, but it turns out to be a scam—the pudding is actually a brick. The man, desperate, says he wants to be jailed for a meal on Christmas.
  • Shorty (05:12):
    "I have no wife. I have nothing. And I don’t care if you call the cops and they put me in jail. At least I get a good meal there."

Meeting Lucy Rand

(05:59–09:18)

• At Lucy’s apartment, she explains she only ever wrote to Red out of kindness, not love, and already has a date (Walter Denning) for the evening.
• George and Brooksie hear a record sent from Red in Japan—a personal, sentimental greeting that reveals Red doesn’t even know what Lucy looks like, but finds solace in her letters.
  • Red’s record (07:35):
    "...so a fella gets to do a lot of thinking and hoping, remembering. When I do that, I keep thinking mostly of the things you wrote me in your letters."

Walter Denning: The New Suitor (And His Suspicious Character)

(10:28–13:44)

• George and Brooksie bump into Walter Denning at a bar. Denning flirts with Brooksie, boasts about Lucy, and projects the image of a devoted, in-love fiancé.
  • Denning (11:07):
    "A beautiful girl like you, Miss Brooks, should be able to wield a great power over the life of any man."
• Brooksie and George express doubts about Walter’s sincerity, suspecting him to be a womanizer and possibly after more than Lucy’s affection.

The Theft: Lucy’s Engagement Ring Disappears

(13:44–16:22)

• Back at Lucy’s, a police officer arrives with a warrant for George’s arrest: Lucy accused him of stealing her engagement ring.
• Lucy, clearly shaken, admits she’s conflicted about marrying Walter, especially after hearing from Red. The missing ring creates emotional and practical tension.

The Pursuit: Holiday Whodunit

(16:22–20:50)

• George follows leads, suspecting the pudding salesman (Shorty/Shep Gilson), while Brooksie checks pawnshops.
• The trail leads to a pawn shop and a dramatic chase through a Christmas tree lot, but Shorty denies having the ring and is soon apprehended.

The Reveal: The Real Thief Exposed

(22:03–25:55)

• In a private hallway conference, George confronts Denning, revealing that Denning stole back the ring himself—a phony diamond!
• Denning’s excessively gracious reaction to the missing ring was a cover for his guilt:
  • George (23:52):
    "...when I told you about the ring being stolen. No matter how much in love a guy is, he’d still react normally. Be shocked or angry...anything except the perfect gentleman with a noble speech. Unless there's a reason."
• Denning confesses, and Lucy realizes Walter was never truly hers, nor was the engagement authentic.
  • Brooksie (25:36):
    "Phony. That’s what it is, isn’t it? The ring, the talk of engagement..."
  • George (25:42):
    "Walter just got caught with his real intention showing, that’s all. Phony diamond, phony proposal, phony character."
• Shorty will get his wish—jail and a Christmas meal—as his crime was less severe than he feared.

Resolution: Hope, Kindness, and a "Real" Christmas

(26:35–28:16)

• Lucy records a heartfelt message for Red—realizing that true affection may grow over time and it's not the trappings of Christmas (rings or diamonds) that matter, but real connection and kindness.
  • Lucy (27:03):
    "Maybe this was kind of a sudden idea. It’s almost midnight, Christmas is almost here... Tomorrow, Red, I’m going to send you a long letter."
• George and Brooksie return to their Christmas tree, sharing mistletoe and Christmas wishes, closing the story with promises of hope and healing.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On holiday kindness in adversity:
  • Shorty (05:12): "I have no wife. I have nothing. And I don't care if you call the cops and they put me in jail. At least I get a good meal there. They give turkey and trimmings on Christmas."
• On the meaning of Christmas for the lonely:
  • Red’s record (07:35): "When you listen to Christmas music or see a guy in a funny red suit ringing a little bell in the street, I hope you’ll think of me."
• On deception and real intentions:
  • George (23:52): "No matter how much in love a guy is, he’d still react normally. Be shocked or angry... anything except the perfect gentleman with a noble speech. Unless there’s a reason."
  • Brooksie (25:36): "Phony. That’s what it is, isn’t it? The ring, the talk of engagement..."
  • George (25:42): "Phony diamond, phony proposal, phony character."
• On true Christmas gifts:
  • George (25:55): "Yeah, you ought to call it a swell Christmas present, miss."

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Important Timestamps

• 02:31-03:26 — Red’s letter: the emotional core of the request.
• 05:12 — The pudding scam: "I have no wife. I have nothing."
• 07:35 — Red’s record: a soldier’s lonely Christmas wish.
• 13:33 — The accusation: Valentine is accused of theft.
• 16:04-16:22 — The confrontation with Walter Denning.
• 23:52-25:42 — George’s reasoning exposes Denning’s duplicity.
• 27:03 — Lucy’s message to Red, hints toward new beginnings.

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Final Thoughts

This episode blends mystery, sentiment, and subtle social commentary on loneliness, hope, and sincerity. The Christmas backdrop brings forth themes of forgiveness and new beginnings, as phoniness is unmasked and genuine acts of kindness and connection are celebrated. George Valentine serves as both detective and holiday "Cupid," bringing closure to Lucy and perhaps igniting the spark of a new relationship between her and Red.

Closing wish:

"Merry Christmas, everybody." — George Valentine (28:16)

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Transcript

[Narrator]

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[George Valentine]

Personal notice changes my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine. Write full details.

[Ms. Brooks]

Let George do it.

Tonight's story, Christmas letter. A transcribed adventure of George Valentine.

[Lucy Rand]

Oh, you know, darling, we're much better than we were last year.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Yeah. Someday we may actually become mediocre. Any more of those silver thingy?

[George Valentine]

Jigs?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

This branch looks kind of gone.

[Lucy Rand]

Oh, wait a minute. Yes, here we are.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Ah, good. That's better.

[Lucy Rand]

Anytime you're ready for the big star, let me know.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Hey, those letters you picked up in the office this afternoon.

[Shorty]

Now, Joe.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Well, I was just wondering if there could have been anything important in them, that's all.

[Lucy Rand]

We decided not to open any mail until after Christmas, and so I'm.

[George Valentine]

I was just wondering.

[Lucy Rand]

Chris, I did wonder about the one from Japan.

[George Valentine]

What?

[Lucy Rand]

The return address reads Private First Class Dan Ferris. And his number?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Oh, angel. Surely someone writing to me all the way from Japan can't possibly get me out of your apartment on Christmas Eve. Well, and a letter from a soldier.

[Lucy Rand]

All right, here it is.

[George Valentine]

I see.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Dear Mr. Valentine, I remember reading your ad in the paper when I was still back home. And knowing you're an ex gi, I think you might want to help me because I sure do have a job that's too tough to handle. In fact, from this distance, it's impossible. So here's something I would like you to do for me on Christmas Eve.

[Shorty]

Oh, no, no.

[Lucy Rand]

Don't read any Farther.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

George, enclosed.

[George Valentine]

Fine.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

$20. It's to cover the expenses of taking out the most beautiful girl in the world.

[George Valentine]

What's that?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Buying her an eggnog or two, listening to some Christmas carols. You get the idea. Anyway, her name is Lucy Rand and she lives.

[Lucy Rand]

Please don't read any farther.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

The enclosed address. You'll be doing me a big favor if you'll be my proxy this Christmas Eve and write me all about it. Very truly yours, Dan Red Ferris, proxy. Well, a boy who's obviously pretty lonely.

[Ms. Brooks]

I Thought we were gonna spend on Christmas Eve.

[Lucy Rand]

Come on, stop talking so much.

[George Valentine]

Oh, no.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Hey, wait a minute. That's you.

[George Valentine]

Me?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Red said I should take out his.

[George Valentine]

We're going.

[Lucy Rand]

Christmas spirit is fine up to a point but that does not include a date with the most beautiful girl in the world.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

The apartment house is down the block.

[Lucy Rand]

You know, George, about that letter. I have a notion our friend Red is really slightly suspicious about his girlfriend's, well, boyfriend.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Such an idea been known to occur to guys who are 6,000 miles away from home.

[Lucy Rand]

Well, the girl is probably set to spend this evening with her family. And all we'll really do is dismiss.

[Shorty]

Excuse me, folks.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Yeah?

[Shorty]

I'm sorry to bother you, but I. Well, that is, we, the Mrs. And I, have had it pretty tough this year. And she's a wonderful cook. Like right here, you see.

[Lucy Rand]

What's that?

[Shorty]

It's a Christmas pudding miss and missus makes the best in the world.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Oh, look, I'm afraid we're on a diet, but if this will help.

[Shorty]

Oh, no, no, no, sir. This is a very fine pudding. And for only $2.

[Lucy Rand]

George, I guess at dinner tomorrow we could.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, well, I suppose so.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Just a minute. Here.

[Ms. Brooks]

Thanks. Hey, George.

[Lucy Rand]

He's running away, pudding and all.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Hey, wait. Yo.

[George Valentine]

Okay, wise guy, let's go. All right.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Now, hand me back that money and this wonderful Christmas thing your wife may give.

[George Valentine]

Give?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

I said, give. You.

[Lucy Rand]

That's a pudding?

[Shorty]

Well, it's a brick, miss. A plain, ordinary brick wrapped in some Christmas paint.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Why, you crooked, little.

[Shorty]

I have no wife. I have nothing. And I don't care if you call the cops and they put me in jail. At least I get a good meal there. They give turkey and trimmings on Christmas. So put me in jail, mister. Go ahead. I dare you.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Oh, never mind.

[George Valentine]

Never mind.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Keep the money and keep the brick. But you go on with this fancy shuffle and you'll end up in jail.

[Ms. Brooks]

All right.

[Shorty]

Oh, thank you, mister. Thanks a lot. And merry Christmas.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Yeah. Oh, Brooksie, let's get going and play Cupid so we can get back to that tree.

[Lucy Rand]

Well, thanks very much, Mr. Valentine but I already have a date for this evening.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

So you said.

[Lucy Rand]

This boy, Red, he has no hold on me, you know. Not at all, Ms. Brooke. Well, the only thing we know, Lucy, is what he wrote us in that letter. I don't even know why I started writing to him. One of those silly things. A friend of a friend of a friend of mine engaged to a boy in Red's outfit. And she said, boys need Cheering up. So I wrote to him. He's nice and sounds like fun, but that's all.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Yeah, well, Red must have taken some things for granted, I guess.

[Lucy Rand]

Well, he'll just have to get over it. After all, I didn't make him think I cared. I see. And as tonight, I'm perfectly all right, I'm in good hands. Walter Denning is a perfect gentleman.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Walter Denning?

[Lucy Rand]

You make it sound like a naughty word. You know him?

[Narrator]

George?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Slightly. He's in the neighborhood. Tall, handsome boy, sharp with a buck.

[Lucy Rand]

Why, he's not wolf.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

By avocation and vocation and inclination.

[Shorty]

Stop that.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Small town, Presario. How's this big girliac coming along? Denning? Delectables, isn't it?

[George Valentine]

Playing at the Blue Grotto.

[Lucy Rand]

He's doing very well, thank you. I've had a very busy day selling in a department store on the day before. Christmas is wonderful for a girl's feet. So if you don't mind. See this record here on the Patroller? It's nothing the label says. Made it to ymca Tokyo, Japan.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Something Red sent you?

[Lucy Rand]

Yes, it came today. A Christmas card. Sort of.

[Ms. Brooks]

You.

[Lucy Rand]

You can hear it if you want. There's nothing too personal in it. I'll do it.

[Ms. Brooks]

George.

[Red Ferris]

Hello, Lucy. I don't really know what to say into this thing. I guess pretty soon it's going to be Christmas. But here it isn't very much. So a fella gets to do a lot of thinking and hoping, remembering. When I do that, I keep thinking mostly of the things you wrote me in your letters. I really don't even know what you look like, but I can imagine. What I imagine is, well, when you listen to some Christmas music or see a guy in a funny red suit ringing a little bell in the street, I hope you'll think of me. I'm running out of time and so.

[Lucy Rand]

I guess he overran his time.

[George Valentine]

Yeah.

Well.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Come on, angel. Lucy, I. I didn't mean to shoot my mouth off about this Denning guy.

[Lucy Rand]

I know that's what people may think of him, but he's in love with me. He's sincerely in love with me. Are you sure? Lucy, wait a minute.

Here. Take a look at this.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Engagement ring.

[Lucy Rand]

Walter gave it to me a week ago. I notice you're not wearing it. Well, I told him I wasn't quite sure of how I felt. He wanted me to take the ring and wait. So I'm to give him my answer tonight.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

And.

[Lucy Rand]

Well, he's waiting for a divorce so he isn't free to marry me yet, but he will be in a month or so. He's taking his troop on a road tour the day after tomorrow and he wants to give me a job, let me go along. He says he can make a dancer out of me and. And then we can be together in the meantime.

[George Valentine]

Yeah.

[Lucy Rand]

It's a beautiful diamond. Yes, isn't it? Walter really has been sweet to me. Honest with me. Do you understand?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Sure.

[Lucy Rand]

Thanks a lot for taking the trouble to come here on Christmas Eve, but really, I'm quite all right. And there's nothing to be done about red. Good luck, Lucy. Thanks. Goodbye.

[Ms. Brooks]

Foreign.

[Narrator]

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[Ms. Brooks]

The McDonald's snack wrap is back. You brought it back.

[George Valentine]

Ranch snack wrap. Spicy snack wrap. You broke the Internet for a snack? Snack wrap is back.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Oh, hi there, Danny. What? Oh, now watch this.

[George Valentine]

Never would pass up a free drink. Say, how about having a drink with us?

[Ms. Brooks]

Valentine, isn't it?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, that's right.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Oh, and this is Ms. Brooks, my assistant.

[Ms. Brooks]

Ms. Brooks. Well, how charming.

[George Valentine]

Want you to join us at the bar.

[Ms. Brooks]

Only if you'll be my guests.

I never knew Valentine had such a beautiful associate.

[Lucy Rand]

Well, thank you.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Yourself.

[Ms. Brooks]

Perhaps someday I might give you a call and we could have a talk.

[Lucy Rand]

Well, that would be nice.

[George Valentine]

Yeah.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Say, how you been doing with the horses lately, Walter?

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, I haven't been playing the horses. Gave them up.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

I see.

[Ms. Brooks]

A beautiful girl like you, Ms. Brooks, should be able to wield a great power over the life of any man.

[Lucy Rand]

I should.

[Ms. Brooks]

Any man who isn't absolutely blind.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Your line Is still pretty smooth, friend.

[Ms. Brooks]

Line? Oh, no, it's just that I guess I'm Santa. Martha, I'd like to play Cupid.

[Lucy Rand]

Cupid?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Yes.

[Ms. Brooks]

You see, I'm in love, practically engaged to a lovely girl.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Oh, really?

[George Valentine]

Yes.

[Ms. Brooks]

You don't know her, but she's. Oh, she's wonderful. Lucy. Isn't that a lovely name?

[Lucy Rand]

Yes, indeed.

[Ms. Brooks]

So I want everyone to be in love and happy. Now, tell me, Ms. Brooks, doesn't this guy Valentine ever notice you?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

All right.

[Ms. Brooks]

Now, what do we have to drink?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Well, I. I think we'll skip it.

[George Valentine]

If you don't mind, Ms. Brooks. No, some other time. All right.

[Ms. Brooks]

As a matter of fact, I was leaving to see Lucy. Did you want to speak to me about anything?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

No, I guess not.

[Ms. Brooks]

So long, goodbye and merry Christmas.

[Lucy Rand]

So you owe it to Red to prove to yourself Walter Denning is still not.

[George Valentine]

Oh, well, guys like that don't change. Not even when they fall in love.

[Lucy Rand]

He's penny pinching. So he wants to buy us a drink.

[George Valentine]

I'm hard to convince.

[Lucy Rand]

He gambles and he's a wolf and no pretty girl is safe with him. So he wants to play Cupid for another.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

All right.

[George Valentine]

Okay, okay, okay. I heard him.

[Lucy Rand]

George, I know it's tough on Red and maybe you don't like the idea, but I think we just have to forget all this.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Lucy Rand]

Now let's go back to my place and finish decorating the tree, huh?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Wow.

[George Valentine]

Lights are all set.

[Lucy Rand]

Wait a minute, I'll turn them on.

Oh, aren't they beautiful?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, the whole room is so peaceful, Darling. Christmas Eve H. Frankly, I'm glad all the excitement is over.

[Lucy Rand]

Yeah, so am I.

[George Valentine]

Did I speak too soon?

[Lucy Rand]

Let's just keep quiet and they'll go away.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, no.

[George Valentine]

We'd better do something about this.

Oh, yes, Officer Valentine. Your name George Valentine? Yeah, yeah, that's right. Once you come in.

[Lucy Rand]

What is it, George?

[George Valentine]

Just a minute, folks. I hate to do this on Christmas Eve. The tree looks real pretty in there too. There's a warrant out for your arrest, Mr. Valentine.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Arrest?

[Lucy Rand]

There must be some mistake.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

What for?

[George Valentine]

Now, take it easy. How should I know what for? There's a warrant, all right. Sworn out by somebody named Lucy Rand.

Sorry. Is that all you're gonna keep on saying?

[Lucy Rand]

Lucy, I feel so terrible about this. Well, that's a variation at least.

[George Valentine]

Why on earth would I steal your engagement ring?

[Lucy Rand]

Don't you see? I didn't know who you were. Not really. I thought cutting here with a letter from Red was just A trick. And I did show you the ring, and then it was gone.

[George Valentine]

Oh, now, look.

[Lucy Rand]

Now that the police told me you're.

[George Valentine]

All right, Lucy, I realize that the ring must be an expensive one and you were upset, but I still.

[Lucy Rand]

No, it's not that. Well, you see, I'm supposed to give my answer to Walter tonight and I. Well, I don't want to be influenced because I don't have his ring.

[George Valentine]

You mean you have some doubt about what you should say to Walter, Hooray for our sir?

[Lucy Rand]

I didn't say that. Now, George, stop it. Walter Denning seems to be a perfectly charming man. He is. I know he is.

[George Valentine]

Hearing from Red the record he sent you. That didn't make you doubt your decision a little, did it?

[Lucy Rand]

Oh, of all the silly. I can't face Walter and tell him his ring has been stolen. No, dear. Mr. Valentine will do whatever he can. But after all, it's nothing that can be accomplished in a minute.

[George Valentine]

You sure isn't just mislaid, Lucy?

[Shorty]

No.

[Lucy Rand]

No, it isn't. After I showed you the ring, I put it down a minute and then the phone rang. It's out in the hall, you know. I went to answer it. The ironic part of it is it was a wrong number. And then when I came back, the ring was gone.

[George Valentine]

From where you were at the phone, you couldn't see who went into your room? No.

[Lucy Rand]

Thought might have been anyone here in the apartment house? Yes, but. Well, they're my neighbors. Good, respectable people. And it's Christmas Eve.

[Narrator]

Why.

[George Valentine]

Okay, okay, I'll see what I can do. Take it easy.

[Lucy Rand]

Oh, dear. This is probably Walter.

[George Valentine]

Well, there's nothing you can do but let him in.

[Lucy Rand]

I suppose so. Will our friend Mr. Denning be surprised to see us here?

[George Valentine]

Lucy is not really sure of her feelings toward that guy. Maybe if he finds out about the ring and acts the way I think he will.

[Lucy Rand]

Now, George, playing Cupid for Red is one thing, but trying to. Walter, these are some friends of mine, Ms. Brooks and Mr. Valentine.

[Ms. Brooks]

Why, hello again. I didn't realize you knew each other. Say, let's all of us get dressed up and go out and celebrate Christmas in real style. A good idea.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, well, that sounds fine, but I'm afraid I won't be able to join after all, if I'm to look for that ring of yours, Lucy.

[Ms. Brooks]

Ring? What's he talking about?

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Lucy?

[Lucy Rand]

George, I could ring your name.

[George Valentine]

I'm sorry, Lucy, but I don't think he could keep that a secret from Walter. Anyway. After all, it'll take Days, weeks, if the ring will ever be found.

[Lucy Rand]

Well, I'm so terribly sorry. Walter. The ring. That beautiful ring you gave me. It must have been stolen. I. I don't know what to say.

[Ms. Brooks]

Don't say anything, darling.

[Lucy Rand]

But the ring. I know how much it must have cost you and I.

[Ms. Brooks]

Do you think it's really important, either of us? Well, I don't want anything in the world to make you unhappy for one minute.

[Lucy Rand]

Who?

[Ms. Brooks]

Walter, you're more important than all the rings in the world. So come on, snap out of it, honey.

[Lucy Rand]

You mean that, don't you?

[George Valentine]

Of course I do.

[Lucy Rand]

Go home and dress up, darling, and pick me up later. We're going right out and celebrate our engagement. With or without a ring.

[George Valentine]

Why, darling.

[Ms. Brooks]

I still wish you folks would join the party.

[George Valentine]

No, thanks. Come on, Brooksie.

[Lucy Rand]

Coming, Cupid?

But George. The way he acted was so sweet. Not a peep out of him. Any girl would melt. Such a sign of devotion.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, I thought he'd yell like a stuck piggy.

[Lucy Rand]

Get out of here. Go back to my apartment and finish decorating the tree.

[George Valentine]

You know, that's beginning to sound like a chorus of a song. Let's go back and decorate the tree. Well, I suppose that's all we can.

[Lucy Rand]

What is it?

[George Valentine]

Look in that corner. The neatly wrapped Christmas pudding.

[Lucy Rand]

Somebody in this house must have bought it and then threw it away.

[George Valentine]

Could be, but it's still unwrapped. So maybe our little salesman came here to sell it. Threw it away himself when he got something that would bring him more money than a thousand puddings.

[Lucy Rand]

The ring. He must have stolen Lucy's ring.

[George Valentine]

He was headed for jail. If he isn't in jail already. Maybe we can get the ring back in a hurry. And maybe if we do, it might still keep Lucy from being too grateful for Walter's understanding.

[Lucy Rand]

George, he isn't in jail.

[George Valentine]

Are you sure, angel?

[Lucy Rand]

I asked Lieutenant Johnson to help in each act.

[George Valentine]

It looks more and more like Shorty. Huh.

[Lucy Rand]

No luck for the neighborhood pawn shop.

[George Valentine]

Now they're closed. But a bartender tells me there's one on Vicy street that's not only open all the time, but is careful of what it buys. See you later.

119South. That should be right down here. Uh oh.

Gonna sell a Christmas pudding in that pawnshop, friend. Remember me, Shorty?

[Shorty]

Yes, I think so. Excuse me, I'm in a hurry.

[George Valentine]

You wouldn't want to be impolite and leave me, would you?

[Ms. Brooks]

Bust in.

[Lucy Rand]

Let me go.

[George Valentine]

You want to turn something over to me, friend? Something that you don't want to weigh on your conscience.

[Lucy Rand]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[George Valentine]

I said wait. Let's get into this door. No, I said move. You come on up.

[Lucy Rand]

Well, my goodness. Kind of going to honor these.

[George Valentine]

Oh, it's all right, madam. My friend here had an eggnog too many.

[Lucy Rand]

I don't have anything. Now this. Please let me go.

[George Valentine]

Hold still while I make sure for myself.

Give me that. Oh, no, you don't. Well, no doubt Santa Claus gave you this ring because you've been a good boy all year.

[Shorty]

What are you gonna do with me, mister?

[George Valentine]

We're gonna take a walk together.

[Shorty]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Please.

[George Valentine]

Come on. Will you have it back?

[Lucy Rand]

Now?

[Shorty]

You can just let me go, huh?

[George Valentine]

You wanted to go to jail. You're going to get your wish.

[Shorty]

But they'll throw the book at me. Who? They? I just saw the door open and the ring was on the table. I'm no criminal, mister.

Oh, mister, It's a holiday, see? So I see people still are buying Christmas trees over there. Can be nice to a fella.

[George Valentine]

Hey. Hey, you stop.

Oh, he would run in there. All those trees. Like something in the silver tip. No, no, no price. Mac, I got some of the nicest. Doug, I said I'll see you later.

[Lucy Rand]

Hey, look out.

[George Valentine]

You knock down the trees. Oh, this is great.

[Guardian Bikes Announcer]

Great.

[George Valentine]

Try and find him in here. It's a regular forest. Maybe through here.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Maybe.

[George Valentine]

So there you are.

[Lucy Rand]

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the king of Israel.

Christmas spirit does not include a date with the most beautiful.

[George Valentine]

Girl in the world.

[Shorty]

Hey.

[George Valentine]

Hey, mister. Mister, please, please. Can't. Can't. Can't somebody turn that thing off? Oh, gosh, Mac, I thought you'd never come out of it.

Oh, it's you. Yeah, that fella must have been hiding in the trees. And he stole my wrench. Wrench? Yeah, I was fixing my truck when all this started. Had it slam on the top of the cab. Let me set up.

There.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Wait. Huh?

[George Valentine]

All right. Guess I didn't really expect to find it. What are you talking about? Oh, a charm circle, a lover's vow, a maiden's dream. Hey, you ought to find yourself a dock right away. Oh, no, thanks. I got to give the police a description of a pudding salesman.

[Lucy Rand]

But, Mr. Valentine, what makes you think that the police will catch up with him tonight?

[George Valentine]

Well, of course I'm not sure they will, but I gave him a pretty good description.

[Ms. Brooks]

Well, I'm sure the police don't need our help, Valentine. Besides, Lucy and I Have a table waiting for us at the club.

[Lucy Rand]

Anyway, it doesn't matter now. Just when we get the ring back. Now that I'm sure. That I am sure, Mr. Valentine.

[George Valentine]

Now, you said that before.

[Ms. Brooks]

I'll get the tickets tomorrow. Luke. Lucy, it'll be a wonderful tour. And you'll be wonderful in the show, darling.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, yeah, everything will be wonderful. You. You won't forget to write to Red A. Lucy?

[Lucy Rand]

Oh, no, no, I won't forget. And he'll understand. I know he will. Oh, George, Mr. Heller said he'd be here in a little while. Mr. Heller?

[George Valentine]

Just a friend. Now, sit down, all of you. We're gonna wait for this. Just get up and I'll stop arguing before I lose my temper. Christmas Eve or no Christmas Eve.

[Lucy Rand]

Did I tell you I was. If I didn't slug that guy Shorty.

[Ms. Brooks]

Well, it seems to me we're in luck.

[George Valentine]

Well, well, well, look who's here.

[Lucy Rand]

Well, this is wonderful, officer.

[George Valentine]

Come on, get in there, Chef. He says his name's Shep Gilson now. Welcome home, chef.

[Shorty]

I didn't hit you, sir Valentine. I just kept on running. Now, I haven't got that ring. You searched me, officer, didn't you?

[Lucy Rand]

And didn't you?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. The ring wasn't on him, Mr. Valentine. But he had plenty of time to stash it away somewhere.

[Ms. Brooks]

That's what probably happened.

[George Valentine]

And we'll have a little talk with him down at the station house and we'll let you know, Ms. Rand.

[Lucy Rand]

Oh, yes, of course.

[George Valentine]

All right. Just a minute, Officer. I'd like to talk to you and Mr. Denning a moment, if I could, out in the hall.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Sure.

[George Valentine]

Oh, well, we'll leave the door open. The ladies will be all right with Shorty.

[Ms. Brooks]

What's on your mind, Valentine?

[George Valentine]

A few things. Yeah? Things like what? Like would Shep, who's small and kind of puny, really be the one who slugged me? It doesn't take much to swing a heavy wrench. Yeah, but it was lying on top of the cab truck. Shep would be too short even to see it up there.

[Ms. Brooks]

I don't understand.

[George Valentine]

And another thing. Shep knew he was facing a long prison term. Now, would he take a chance on knocking me down to get that ring again? It's. It's kind of giving yourself mighty short odds. What are you driving at? The fact that I felt there was something very fishy when you. You didn't act human, Walter. Human? Yeah, exactly. I mean, when I told you about the ring being stolen, no matter how much in Love a guy is he'd still react normally. Be shocked or angry. Anything except the perfect gentleman with a noble speech. Oh, now, look. Wait a minute, Valentine. You mean. Yeah, you followed me ever since I left Lucy, didn't you? Walter, this may be taking another long shot, but you don't mind if we look through your pockets, do you, handsome?

[Ms. Brooks]

I certainly do.

[George Valentine]

And I'd like to see you. Oh, this is just my knife. I'm not taking care, buster. Wait a minute, Valentine. Wait a minute, or I'll run you in for assault. You'll keep out of this, will you? Okay, Walter. Okay. Can we play some more?

[GoFundMe Announcer]

No.

[Shorty]

No. Let go.

[George Valentine]

Stop.

[Lucy Rand]

Stop.

[Shorty]

That.

[Ms. Brooks' Assistant]

Ring.

[George Valentine]

Yeah.

[Lucy Rand]

Walter, what's been going on out here?

[George Valentine]

I'm afraid you ladies are in time just for the finish. Are. Are you leaving us, Walter?

[Lucy Rand]

What?

[George Valentine]

Or do you want to stick around?

[Ms. Brooks]

Well, I. Valentine, what does he mean?

[George Valentine]

You don't mind if I keep the ring, do you? Just as a souvenir? Well, yes.

[Ms. Brooks]

Yes, of course, Walter.

[Lucy Rand]

Will somebody tell me what this is all about?

[George Valentine]

That's what I want to know.

[Lucy Rand]

Walter, please. Where are you going?

[Ms. Brooks]

I'm. I'm sorry, Lucy. Goodbye. Goodbye, everybody.

[Lucy Rand]

Walter.

[George Valentine]

Okay, Lucy, now, look. Mr. Heller is a jeweler, a friend of mine, an expert. I was hoping we'd have this ring to show him.

[Lucy Rand]

Why would Walter do all that just to get his ring back? Why was he so embarrassed? Why would he.

[George Valentine]

Oh, get the idea.

[Lucy Rand]

Phony. That's what it is, isn't it? The ring, Talk of engagement.

[George Valentine]

Walter just got caught with his real intention showing, that's all. Phony diamond, phony proposal, phony character.

[Lucy Rand]

I was such a fool. Mr. Valentine. Now, you'll be all right. Everything will be all right.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, you ought to call it a swell Christmas present, miss.

[Lucy Rand]

Yeah, but what about me? What am I gonna do with a.

[Shorty]

Long rap staring me in the face?

[George Valentine]

Oh, why, chef, I'm surprised at you. If this ring is worth only a few dollars, you didn't commit very much of a crime, now, did you?

Yeah, sure. You might even get just what you wanted from the judge. Just long enough in jail to see you through the holidays. Free turkey, remember? Maybe it's not such a bad Christmas all around.

[Lucy Rand]

I. I never made one of those records before. Oh, it's very simple. Here. You just go in one of those.

[George Valentine]

Booths, then you draw the curtains and you're alone with the one who's gonna hear what you have to say.

[Lucy Rand]

No, no, I want you and Ms. Brooks to hear this. Well, I really do.

[George Valentine]

Okay. Anytime you Want to start?

[Lucy Rand]

Dear Red.

I don't really know what to say into this thing, but. Well, maybe this was kind of a sudden idea. It's almost midnight. Christmas is almost here. Anyway. What I mean is, I've always thought that Santa Claus was a pretty old fellow with white whiskers and a big stomach. He isn't at all. He's a much younger man and he has no beard.

Tomorrow, Red, I'm going to send you a long letter.

[George Valentine]

Come here, Rain, y'.

[Narrator]

All.

[Lucy Rand]

Yes, Josh. There's so much I want to say to you. And here we go again. Back to decorate the tree.

[George Valentine]

Yes, sir. Hey, you know, back in that tree lot, I picked up the one thing we need. See?

[Lucy Rand]

Mistletoe. Why, George.

[George Valentine]

Merry Christmas, everybody.

[Ms. Brooks]

This is John Hen. And right now I'd like to introduce a friend of yours, George Valentine, but by his real name, Bob Dailey.

[George Valentine]

Well, this is our fifth Christmas together with you. And once again this year, speaking for myself and for everyone in our cast, we'd like to wish you the nicest, happiest Christmas ever.

[Ms. Brooks]

Yes, friends, and to that I'd like to add this message that this be a very merry Christmas for you and yours. And that the true spirit of Christmas peace on earth will come to pass for all men all over the world.

[Lucy Rand]

Merry Christmas, everybody.

[George Valentine]

This is the united states armed forces radio and television service.

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