My Favorite Husband 1949-12-23 - Christmas Caroling In A Stolen Sleigh

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – My Favorite Husband (1949-12-23)

Episode Title: Christmas Caroling In A Stolen Sleigh
Release Date: December 17, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Starring: Lucille Ball (Liz Cooper), Richard Denning (George Cooper), featuring a supporting cast of comic neighbors and townsfolk

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Episode Overview

This festive episode transports listeners to a golden age radio Christmas with Liz and George Cooper. The comedic plot revolves around Liz’s quest for a picture-perfect old-fashioned Christmas—complete with caroling in a sleigh. Her well-meaning but harebrained efforts spiral into chaos, involving a "borrowed" sleigh, a string of mishaps, misunderstandings with the police, and plenty of witty banter. The result is a warm, humor-filled story, exemplary of mid-century situational comedy and radio holiday specials.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Beats

Setting the Scene: The Coopers at Christmastime

• [01:24] – [02:38]:
  Liz and George begin decorating their Christmas tree. George’s perfectionism ruins the tree’s shape, prompting a classic marital squabble overflowing with playful barbs.
  • Liz (Lucille Ball): "We'll have the only Christmas tree in town with a butch haircut."
  • Liz dreams of an old-time Christmas: "We could just jump in our sleigh and go caroling..."
  • The couple jokes about getting divorced…ironically sweet and tongue-in-cheek.

The Sleigh Hunt & Holiday Scheming

• [03:38] – [04:53]:
  Liz is determined to get a sleigh for caroling, phoning around for rentals with signature Lucille Ball flair.
  • Attempts to rent a sleigh lead to confusion: "What do you mean, with or without reindeer? No, this is not Santa Claus." ([04:15])

Neighbors Join In

• [04:54] – [06:13]:
  Mr. Wood, the overburdened neighbor with 11 children, pops in to find sanctuary from his own chaotic Christmas.
  • Jokes abound about his children and the state of his house:
    • "It looks like the washing machine exploded in the living room."
    • On Santa Claus: "The believers beat up on the non believers."
  • Liz enlists Mr. Wood for caroling.

Acquiring the Sleigh... Kinda

• [07:15] – [08:46]:
  The pair tries to borrow a sleigh from the local antique store, only to find the store closed for a "name change" and ultimately decide to "just borrow" the sleigh.
  • "He had to pick today to change his name!"
  • The sleigh, covered in ivy, becomes an unwitting centerpiece for ensuing mayhem.

The Town Gathers, Antics Ensue

• [09:13] – [11:26]:
  More characters join in: Mr. Negley the postman, who is "plum pooped" from delivering holiday mail.
  • Mr. Negley offers to use his motorcycle to pull the sleigh—modern meets old-fashioned.

Caroling Misadventures

• [14:49] – [18:08]:
  After the motorcycle proves insufficient, the crew turns to borrowing the milkman’s horse.
  • Spirited caroling is mistaken for panhandling:
    • A neighbor drops a quarter in Liz's thermos cup while she’s trying to pour hot chocolate ([17:42]).
    • The police arrive, incredulous: "Let me see your license." / "For caroling?" / "No, panhandling." ([18:01])
    • The officer’s suspicion and comic lines:
      • "I knew the minute I looked at you, you were a bunch of bums."

Meanwhile, A "Crime" Is Reported

• [19:34] – [21:41]:
  The antique store owner, Joe Gundelfinger, discovers his sleigh is missing, leading to a farcical police report.
  • "I'm changing my name. It's still Gundelfinger."
  • Confusion between "sled," "sleigh," and "car":
    • "It wasn't an automobile. It was a schlee. I gotta get it back. I need that chalet for Christmas."
  • The officer, bemused, pretends understanding: "I'll look in back of every horse I see."

The Big Sleigh Ride...Sort Of

• [22:03] – [25:20]:
  The group finally gets a horse and heads off, only to discover the horse is on autopilot—stopping at every house on the milk route.
  • "This horse is a stool pigeon. He’s turning us over to that cop." ([24:39])
  • The officer catches them yet again, threatens a "cell...do not open until after Christmas" ([25:46]).
  • The crew is given "exactly ten" to get the sleigh out of the intersection—by hand!

Heartwarming and Hilarious Climax

• [26:52] – [29:00]:
  The aftermath is filled with the group's exhaustion, George’s exasperation, and more jokes about holding hands under the blanket.
  • "Both my hands are in my pocket..." / "Let go of my hand, Mr. Negley."

The North Pole Fantasy

• [27:02] – [29:00]:
  Liz imagines herself as a little girl visiting Santa Claus at the North Pole, promising him gifts in order to receive his favor.
  • Santa (George): "No, I'm not going anyplace this Christmas. ... Nobody ever gave me anything."
    • To which Liz offers: "I'll even give you some Jello..."
  • The mere mention of Jello is the key to Santa's heart, prompting him to go forth after all.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Tree Troubles:
  • Liz (to George): "We'll have the only Christmas tree in town with a butch haircut." ([01:47])
• On Old-Fashioned Christmas:
  • Liz: "You never know when to stop. ... We could just jump in our sleigh and go caroling..." ([02:38])
• Borrowing the Sleigh:
  • Liz (on the antique store owner): "He had to pick today to change his name!"
• With the Mailman:
  • Mr. Negley: "I'm plum pooped." ([09:41])
  • On being Santa's delivery man: "When the mail's gone, I belly whop all the way home." ([10:07])
• Caroling Gone Wrong:
  • Officer (on the group with the cup): "Let me see your license."
    Liz: "License? What for? Caroling?"
    Officer: "No, panhandling." ([18:01])
• Sleigh Theft Report:
  • Joe Gundelfinger: "I'm changing my name. It's still Gundelfinger." ([20:09])
  • "I'll look in back of every horse I see." ([21:33])
• Classic Screwball Banter:
  • Liz (holding a cup): "I had this thermos cup in my hand and that man dropped a quarter in it."
    Mr. Wood: "This may be the start of a great new business." ([17:49])
• Failed Getaway:
  • Liz about the milkman's horse: "He's turning us over to that cop. I'm afraid this is part of the milkman's route." ([24:39])
  • Officer (arresting the group): "It's a cell, Mark. Do not open till after Christmas." ([25:46])
• Santa’s Weakness:
  • "Well, I'll give you...some bubble gum. ... I'll give you a sled and a big doll. And I'll even give you some Jello."
    • "Did you say Jello?" ([28:18])

---

Noteworthy Segments & Timestamps

• [01:24]: Decorating the tree and classic George-Liz banter
• [03:38]: Liz’s determination to find a sleigh
• [04:54]: Mr. Wood and the chaos of having 11 kids at Christmas
• [07:15]: The sleigh "borrowing" scheme
• [09:13]: Mr. Negley offers his motorcycle for sleigh-pulling
• [16:38]: Caroling outside a stranger's house; mistaken for panhandlers
• [18:01]: Police confront the group for "panhandling"
• [19:34]: Antique store owner reports sleigh stolen—name change confusion
• [22:03]: Group heads off with the milkman’s horse; the horse ruins their escape
• [24:39]: Horse stops at houses; comic pursuit by the police ensues
• [25:46]: Officer threatens to jail the group for Christmas
• [26:52]: Playful banter about who is holding whose hand in the back of the sleigh
• [27:02]: Liz’s North Pole fantasy scene

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Tone and Style

• Language: Rapid-fire wit, classic screwball exchanges, and cozy holiday sentiment.
• Atmosphere: Warm, farcical, and joyfully chaotic—captures the spirit of Golden Age radio comedy.
• Character humor: Elizabeth’s relentless optimism balanced by George’s dry cynicism, with colorful neighbors rounding out the cast.

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Final Thoughts

This episode is a quintessential holiday comedy from radio’s golden era, sparkling with Lucille Ball’s comedic timing, endearing ensemble antics, and a plot stuffed like a Christmas stocking with misunderstandings and merriment. Whether you’re a golden radio aficionado or a new listener, you’ll delight in the sly jokes, festive high jinks, and vintage charm.

Memorable Closing:
"I'll even give you some jello..." / "Did you say Jello?" — and so, Christmas (and Santa’s annual ride) is saved yet again by the power of dessert.

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Transcript

[A]

I want a new beginning for family on January 9th.

[B]

The sequel to Greenland is so massive.

[A]

You have to see it on the big screen. I promise. Who gets to safety? Starring Gerard Butler and Marina Baccarin.

[C]

Oh, my God.

[A]

Hang on. Greenland 2 migration. Rated PG 13.

[D]

It's time for My Favorite Husband, starring Lucille Ball.

[B]

Hello, everybody.

[D]

Yes, it's the new gay family series starring Lucille Ball with Richard Denning, brought to you by the Jello family of desserts.

[C]

J, E, F, Bel. Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jell. O family. Oh, the big red letters stand for the Jello family. That's Jello.

[E]

Yum, yum, yum.

[C]

Jello puddings. Yum yum, yum. Jello tapioca puddings. Yes, siree.

[D]

And now, Lucille Ball with Richard Denning as Liz and George Cooper, two people who live together and like it. As we look in on the Coopers today, they're in the living room preparing to decorate their Christmas tree. George is sniffing a twig here and one there to balance the tree. And Liz is just bringing in the ornaments.

[E]

Here are the Christmas tree ornaments. Oh, George, you never know when to stop. Look what you've done to that tree.

[F]

I just want it to be symmetrical, that's all. I only cut a few twigs off the top.

[E]

A few twigs? I'm up to my spine and pine.

[B]

Good heavens.

[E]

Is that the same tree we had a minute ago? Yes. George wants to be different. We'll have the only Christmas tree in town with a butch haircut. Go on now, get a new tree.

[F]

Tell you what, I'll buy you a tree on Monday. They'll be much cheaper then.

[E]

Oh, how could I have married a man with no sentiment? I wonder if it's too late to have our marriage annulled.

[F]

Yeah, you better not try it. I might not take you back again.

[E]

You might not take me back again.

[A]

That does it.

[F]

Now, I wouldn't marry you again if you were the last woman in the world.

[E]

If I was the last woman in the world, I wouldn't have to get married.

[F]

Touche.

[E]

Oh, don't worry, George. I'll keep you. You unromantic, dull, old, wonderful you.

[F]

Thank you.

[E]

Too bad we didn't live in the old days. We could just jump in our sleigh and go caroling out into the woods after a Christmas tree.

[F]

Nobody ever did that. That's propaganda.

[E]

It is not. I'll show you. Where's that Christmas card the Roni sent us?

[F]

I'll take your word.

[E]

Here it is.

[B]

See the picture?

[E]

A beautiful little country Scene with people riding along in a sleigh and caroling. See? You know what that is they're dragging in back of the sleigh?

[F]

One of the carolers had too much eggnog.

[E]

No, that's a yule log. That's what they did in those days. They were more full of spirit then.

[G]

Especially.

[F]

Especially that guy they're dragging behind the sleigh.

[E]

Oh, now, stop it, George. Let's get a sleigh and a bunch of people and go out and sing Christmas carols.

[F]

Be sensible, Liz. What are you gonna do? Go down to Honest Kris Kringles and.

[D]

Buy a used sleigh?

[E]

Why not? Maybe we could get one that was only pulled by an elderly reindeer from Pasadena.

[B]

Go on, now, run along.

[E]

Get me a new tree.

[F]

All right. Where's my coat, George?

[E]

There. I'll give you one last chance to prove you have a soul. Now, if I can get a sleigh someplace, will you go caroling with me?

[F]

I think I can safely say yes.

[E]

Okay, that's a challenge. I'll get one, or my name isn't Gladys Cramhopper.

[F]

Gladys Cramhopper? That isn't your name.

[E]

I know. I'm not taking any chances. Hello, Sam's livery stable. I'd like to rent a sleigh. Sleigh? S L A Y.

[B]

E Y E.

[E]

I G H Are you kidding? Oh, you do? Well, how much is it? What do you mean? With or without reindeer? No, this is not Santa Claus. Goodbye. Oh, it's no use, Katie. Nobody in town rents slaves. Oh, too bad.

[A]

Hoo, hoo, hoo hoo.

[B]

Have we got a cuckoo clock?

[E]

Oh, it's Mr. Wood from next door. Oh, I'll let him in.

[G]

Close the door.

[E]

What matter.

[G]

Mrs. Cooper? Could I hide out in your house for a few minutes?

[E]

Hide out? What's wrong, Mr. Wood?

[G]

It's Christmas vacation, and my 11 children are with me 24 hours a day. My house is like living in the My. It's quiet in here.

[E]

Eleven children must be quite a problem on Christmas. Tell me, do they all hang up their stockings?

[G]

You wouldn't believe it. Stockings on the mantel, stockings on the chair, stockings on the curtains. It looks like the washing machine exploded in the living room.

[E]

Oh, I'll bet you love every minute of it.

[G]

Well, I mustard made it nice on Christmas morning when we all gather in front of the tree. Mrs. Wood, myself and the 11 children.

[E]

I'll bet you can't see the tree for the woods.

[C]

You get it?

[E]

See? Your name is wood, and that's Mrs. Cooper. What?

[G]

That joke is one of my oldest friends. If one of our children hasn't made up that joke by the time he's five, we throw him away. Well, I guess it's safe for me.

[A]

To go home now.

[G]

The battle of Santa Claus should be about over.

[E]

Battle? Yes.

[G]

Every year the believers beat up on the non believers. Of course, there are more believers, counting Mrs. Wood and myself.

[E]

You believe in Santa Claus?

[G]

Certainly. I don't know who's been filling my children with those lies about his not being real.

[E]

Oh, you're just the man I want, Mr. Wood. Can you carol?

[G]

Oh, like a lark Deck the holes.

[A]

With boughs of holly FA la la la la la la la la Tis.

[G]

The season to be jolly FA la.

[A]

La la la la la la la God, we know our gay apparel F.

[C]

What?

[G]

I'm sorry. I got carried away.

[E]

Mr. Wood. Let me tell you my problem. I want to get a group together and go caroling.

[A]

Oh, jolly.

[E]

But. But we haven't got a sleigh.

[G]

Oh, well, let's see now.

[C]

Where can we get. I know, I know.

[G]

There's one down at the antique store. And I know the owner, Joe Gundelfinger.

[E]

Joe Gundelfinger? That's an odd name.

[G]

You should have heard it before he changed it.

[E]

Changed it?

[G]

Yes, his name used to be Joe Gundelfoot.

[E]

Well, do you think that Mr. Joe would rent it to us or lend it to us?

[G]

Well, I'm sure of it. He's a very good friend of mine. Come on, let's go down there. It's just a few blocks.

[E]

Oh, George will be so surprised. Let's go.

[C]

God rest you merry gentleme.

[G]

Here it is, Mrs. Cooper. Gundelfinger's antique Shop. Oh, and there's the sleigh.

[E]

Gosh, it's an old rickety one.

[G]

Well, he just keeps it in the front yard as sort of an ornament, but I think it'll work.

[E]

Yeah, it will if we take the pots of ivy out of it. Let's go in and see if he'll let us have it. Oh, the store's closed.

[G]

Wait, there's a note on the door there. What does it say?

[E]

Closed Friday at court. Having my name changed again. Sign Joe Gundelfinger. P.S. watch for grand opening of Smith's Antique Store.

[G]

Oh, that's too bad.

[E]

He had to pick today to change his name.

[G]

But let's just borrow the sleigh. He won't mind.

[C]

Well. Oh, come on.

[E]

Well, how will we get it home? Maybe he has some antique reindeer.

[G]

I think we can drag it oh.

[E]

Gee, it looks too heavy.

[G]

Oh, don't underestimate me, Ms. Cooper. I'm a regular. Samson.

[E]

What's the matter, Sampson? Have your hair cut?

[B]

Oh, here comes Mr. Negley.

[E]

Maybe he can help you pull it.

[G]

Little Mr. Negley or Mrs. Cooper? If Samson can't pull it, what help will Delilah be?

[E]

Mr. Wood, you shouldn't talk like that. He can't help it if he's small.

[C]

Good morning, Mrs. Cooper.

[E]

Good morning, Delilah. I mean Mr. Negley.

[G]

Good morning, Mr. Negley.

[C]

Good morningorg Mr. Wood.

[E]

Mr. Negley, you're just in time. We're trying to get this sleigh home. Will you help us pull it?

[C]

Oh, I'd like to, but I just couldn't. I've been delivering mail since 7 o' clock this morning. I'm plum poop.

[E]

Well, I guess you mail men have to expect a lot of work at Christmas time. Christmas.

[C]

So that's what it is.

[E]

Mr. Negley, you're pulling my leg.

[C]

Oh, Mrs. Cooper, You know, I'm glad that this is the end of my route. You know, I have so much mail I can't carry my bag. I put it on a sled and drag it around after me.

[E]

Yeah, well, that makes sense.

[C]

It's fine, too. When the mail's gone, I belly whop all the way home. I'm pretty good at it, too.

[E]

Well, I used to be the block champion.

[G]

So did I. I can still beat all my 11 kids. I bet I can even beat both of you belly whopping.

[E]

Well, you should. You got more to whop with than we have. Mrs. Cooper, look, this isn't getting the sleigh home. We're going to have a sleighing party. Mr. Negley. Oh, can you sing?

[C]

Dig the holes with bows of holly FA la la la la la la la la.

[G]

Let's take him.

[B]

Come on, help us pull this thing.

[C]

Oh, say, I have a better idea. Let me run home and get my motorcycle. We can pull the sleigh with that.

[E]

Oh, good.

[C]

I'll sled home. That'll be faster.

[E]

Okay.

[B]

There he goes. Walk along, Casini. Well, is everybody ready to go?

[E]

We can leave as soon as Mr. Cooper gets here. Oh, where is George anyhow?

[G]

I'm all set. I brought my blanket, my mittens, my earmuff and a hot toddy bottle.

[C]

You mean a hot water bottle?

[G]

Just for that? You can't drink out of it.

[E]

I've got a thermos full of hot chocolates.

[A]

Will you be warm enough, turtle dove?

[E]

Oh, yes. I've got on my galoshes and an extra pair of longies.

[B]

Oh, here comes George. Hi, George.

[A]

Hey, what's going on?

[E]

I told you I could get a sleigh. Come on, we're going caroling. And bring home a Yule log.

[A]

Oh, now, Liz, you promise?

[E]

Come on, get in the sleigh.

[B]

Hang on tight, Everybody. All set, Mr. Negley.

[C]

Encountered.

[B]

Here we go. Up, Donder. Down, Negley. Up motor, down cycle. Hey, Mr. Negley, come back for us. You forgot to put the harness on it.

[G]

Hey.

[D]

Well, speaking of yuletide yule logs and other Yule things, reminds me you'll love this gay and gorgeous holiday fruit cocktail mold made with shimmering jello. Here's what to do. Prepare rich red strawberry jello as directed, using fruit cocktail syrup, water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for the liquid. When slightly thickened, fold in 1 cup of drained canned fruit cocktail and 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped nut meats. Chill until firm in a star mold, then unmold and garnish with whipped cream and holly leaves. It's a beauty. All six delicious Jell O flavors are rich with wonderful locked in goodness. And all six sparkling colors are gay as Christmas candles. Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, orange, lemon and lime. Look for those big red letters on the box. They spell Jell O, a registered trademark of General Foods Corporation.

[C]

J, E L F Out O.

[D]

And now back to the Coopers.

[H]

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[I]

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[D]

Too much of a load for Mr. Negley's motorcycle. And we find our old fashioned carolers heeding that old fashioned advice. Get a horse. They're trudging down the street. Horseword bound.

[E]

It's only a couple of blocks further. Katie, are you sure the milkman will lend us his horse? He said he would on the phone.

[G]

From which cold. Let's keep moving, huh?

[E]

Yeah, My goosebumps are nudging each other to keep warm.

[F]

Gee, look in that window. Those people have a fire in the fireplace.

[A]

Doesn't that look good?

[F]

Oh, I bet it's warm in there.

[E]

Hey, I got a wonderful idea. We're supposed to be carolers. We'll let serenade this house. Maybe they'll ask us in.

[C]

Good idea.

[F]

What are we saying?

[E]

Well, how about Jingle Bells?

[F]

Okay, give us the key.

[E]

Huh?

[F]

Give us the key.

[E]

Oh, I don't bother with keys. I just sing.

[B]

Here we go. One, two.

[C]

Jingle bell, jingle bell Jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to ride a one horse open sleigh Jingle bell, jingle bell Jingle all the way. Oh, what fun it is to ride one horse open sleigh.

[E]

Oh, oh, look, look, someone's coming to the window.

[C]

Oh, Carol is.

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Come a little closer to the window.

[E]

Oh, come on. He wants to thank us.

[B]

Well, mister, how did you like.

[E]

Oh, we had to pick Scrooge's house.

[F]

Are you enjoying your old fashioned Christmas, Liz?

[E]

Oh, shut up and help me chip this water off. Would you like some hot chocolate? I brought the thermos along. Oh, Katie, you're a lifesaver. Oh, the cork is stuck. Here, I'll hold the top.

[G]

I don't know what he got so mad about. Sounded pretty good to me. Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the way.

[E]

Well, how do you like that?

[C]

What?

[E]

I had this thermos cup in my hand and that man dropped a quarter in it.

[G]

This may be the start of a great new business.

[A]

Jingle bell, jingle bell, Jingle all the way. What have we.

[B]

Oh, hi, officer.

[A]

Let me see your license.

[E]

License? What for? Caroling?

[A]

No, panhandling.

[B]

Now, just a minute.

[E]

We weren't panhandling. This cup is for hot chocolate.

[A]

Sure, and you always sweeten it with a lump of money.

[F]

Oh, that was just a coincidence.

[B]

Katie was trying to get the cork.

[E]

Out and I was just holding the cup out like this, and I. Merry Christmas, Leggy.

[B]

Now, wait a minute.

[A]

Not panhandling, eh? I knew the minute I looked at you, you were a bunch of bums.

[E]

Oh, yeah? Well, this bum here happens to be George Cooper.

[F]

Now, now, let me handle this, Liz. Officer, I'm George Cooper, vice president of the Sheraton Falls National Bank.

[C]

What?

[E]

Yeah, and these other bums are important people too.

[F]

Liz, please. We were just caroling, officer.

[A]

Well, I don't know.

[C]

I. Oh.

[E]

Oh, listen to that beautiful speaking voice, huh? Oh, I'll bet you sing a wonderful bass.

[A]

Oh, it's not so good.

[E]

Come on, give us the honor of singing one song with you.

[A]

Well, I'm on duty, but. Jingle bells, jingle bells jingle. Oh, go on and get out of here. And no more caroling.

[E]

Oh, well, Merry Christmas.

[A]

Jingle bells, jingle bells Jingle all the.

[C]

Way.

[A]

Yes, what is it? What's the matter?

[G]

I'd like to report it. A stolen vehicle, please.

[A]

Yes, well, wait till I get my book out and I'll take down all the details. Okay. What's your name?

[G]

Schmidt. No, no, no, no, no. My name is Gundelfinger. It wouldn't be Schmidt for a coup.

[A]

Why? Are you getting married?

[C]

No, no, no.

[G]

I'm just changing my name. It's still Gundelfinger.

[A]

Gundelfinger?

[G]

Yeah.

[A]

Gee, you. You wouldn't like to come back in a couple of weeks and report this, would you? No, no, no.

[G]

I want to catch the chiefs right now.

[A]

Okay. What was the license number?

[G]

It didn't have a license number. It was just out in front of my shop with Ivy in it.

[F]

Ivy?

[D]

Who?

[G]

Just ivy. Little leaves on stems.

[A]

Yes, yes. What was the make?

[G]

A Flexible Flyer, huh?

[E]

Yeah.

[G]

What's their big mother.

[A]

Oh, sedan, huh?

[C]

No, no, no.

[A]

One horse open. What kind of an automobile was this?

[G]

It wasn't an automobile. It was a schlee. I gotta get it back. I need that chalet for Christmas.

[A]

Yes, of course. When did you first notice it was missing, Mr. Claus? No, no, no, please, Gundelfinger, you don't understand.

[G]

It's an antique sleigh. And I got a customer who's going.

[A]

To buy it for a Christmas present.

[G]

He's going to make a lamp out of it.

[A]

Yes, of course. I'LL keep my eyes open. I'll look in back of every horse I see.

[G]

Oh, thank you.

[C]

Still enough.

[B]

Come on. Come on, horsey. Come on, horsey. Just two more blocks and we'll hit.

[E]

You up and have a real old fashioned sleigh ride. Oh, I think it was real nice of the milkman to lend us his horse.

[B]

Come on, let's sing again. One, two, three.

[C]

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle all the way.

[A]

Next minute, let's dispense with all this singing.

[B]

Hi, officer.

[A]

Sheesh, it's you again. Them bums. I see you got someone to see sing in my place.

[B]

Hold the horse.

[E]

Well, I can explain.

[A]

Yeah, no, let me guess. You just happened to hold out a cup and someone dropped a horse into it.

[E]

Officer, I know it looks bad.

[A]

Now you go home and stay there. I'm going to just charge this off to Christmas madness. First, some crackpot reports a stolen sleigh. Now I find you with a singing horse.

[E]

A stolen sleigh? Who was it stolen from?

[A]

You wouldn't believe the man's name if I told it to you. Now run along. And if I catch you out again, I'm gonna run you in.

[F]

Understand?

[B]

Oh, yes, and thank you. Merry Gundle. Happy, Merry Christmas, officer. Come on, everybody, let's go. Well, we're finally on our way.

[A]

Oh, no.

[F]

We're taking this sleigh back to Gindlefungger Finger.

[B]

Oh, George, let's take a little ride.

[F]

Nothing doing.

[B]

Just a little eensy teensy one.

[F]

You heard what the cop said. This is stolen property.

[E]

Oh, but that cop's the only one who knows. And we'll be out of his district in a minute. We can take the sleigh back later.

[F]

No.

[E]

Well, let's take a bow.

[B]

What do you three in the back seat say?

[C]

Oh, I'd like to go for a long ride. I like holding your hand under the blanket, Katie.

[E]

Why, Katie?

[G]

I like holding your hand too, Katie.

[E]

Why, Katie? I don't know what either of you are talking about. Both my hands are in my pocket.

[G]

Let go of my hand, Mr. Negley.

[C]

Sorry.

[B]

Come on, horse.

[E]

This is no time to stop.

[B]

Get up.

[E]

What's the matter with him? Stop.

[C]

Stop that sleigh.

[G]

Oh, look.

[F]

Look down at the corner. Here comes that cop. Let's get out of here, Liz.

[E]

Come on, horse, get going.

[C]

Oh, no.

[A]

He stopped again.

[B]

Get ass. Darn it.

[E]

This is no time to play games.

[B]

Get ass.

[C]

Stop in the name of the law.

[E]

Oh, that's better. Hey, this horse is a stool pigeon. He's turning us over to that cop. I'm afraid this is part of the milkman's route.

[B]

Oh, no.

[C]

Oh, fine.

[F]

The horse is stopping at each house to deliver milk.

[G]

Look, let's get out and run for it.

[A]

No, no.

[F]

Give me those reins, Liz. I'll get him off the route and.

[E]

Turn left at this corner. That'll do it.

[G]

Okay.

[F]

Come on, horse. We're turning here.

[A]

He won't turn. Come on, horse, we're going left. Left, do you hear?

[B]

Careful, George, he's breaking.

[E]

Oh, great. Stranded in the middle of an intersection with a hot sleigh.

[C]

Hands up.

[A]

Hands up, all of you. I got you covered.

[B]

Hi, Officer. Officer, we can explain. It all started because I wanted to.

[E]

Go and get a Yule log.

[A]

Save your breath. You're coming to the station.

[B]

But it's crisp Christmas time.

[C]

I know.

[A]

And I'm gonna give you a little present. It's a cell, Mark. Do not open till after Christmas.

[F]

Look, officer, we were really on our way back to Gundelfinger's to return the slice.

[G]

He's a very good friend of mine.

[A]

Well, I'll go with you and be sure you do return it. And I'll give you exactly 10 to get it out of this intersection.

[C]

1.

[B]

But we don't have a horse. How can we get it out?

[C]

Two.

[A]

That's your worry. Three.

[B]

All right, fellas, get down there.

[A]

What?

[B]

Oh, you get down there and pull.

[E]

I'll steer.

[C]

5.

[F]

Oh, wait till I get you homeless. I'. Shaft, would you and EGL take the other six?

[B]

Come on, boys. That's the all you, Spirit.

[D]

Yes, Lucille? What's on the agenda for tonight?

[E]

Well, you don't have to get nasty about it. I just wanted to tell you what we're going to do. We're going to the North Pole.

[D]

The North Pole?

[E]

Yes, to visit Santa Claus. I'll be a little girl who's waited all year for Santa. Hey, are you Santa Claus? Huh? Are you? Huh?

[D]

Yeah, I'm Santa.

[E]

Oh. Well, where's your red suit? And where's your reindeer?

[D]

They're all put away. I'm not going anyplace this Christmas.

[E]

Oh, you're not?

[D]

Nope. Well, why should I? I've been giving away things for as long as I can remember. Nobody ever gave me anything.

[B]

Well, if you go, I'll give you a live frog.

[D]

I don't want one.

[E]

Well, I'll. I'll give you some bubble gum.

[A]

No.

[E]

Hardly chewed. No, I'll give you. I'll give you a sled and a big doll. And I'll even give you some jello.

[D]

No, I'm not going. Did you say jello?

[E]

You see, that always gets him.

[D]

Real jello.

[E]

Yep. And it's six delicious flavors.

[B]

Strawberry and.

[E]

And raspberry and raspberry and strawberry and lime and orange and lemon.

[D]

With the flavor locked in by a special process so it can't get out till your first delectable spoonful. So good it makes you think of the real ripe fruit itself. I can't wait to look for the big red letters on the box. I'll make my regular trip this year.

[B]

Merry Christmas, everybody.

[D]

You have been listening to My favorite Husband starring Lucille Ball with Richard Denning and based on characters created by Isabel Scott Rorik. Tonight's program was produced and directed by Jess Oppenheimer, who wrote the script with Madeline Pugh and Bob Carroll Jr. Original music was composed by Marlon Skiles and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. The part of Katie the maid was played by Ruth Parrott. Watch for Lucille Ball in The Columbia picture Ms. Grant takes Richmond. And be sure to listen to Lucille Ball in My favorite Husband again next week. Presented by J, E, L, L. Oh.

[C]

The big red letters stand for the jello family. Oh, the big red letters stand for the jell that Jello.

[E]

Yum, yum, yum Jello puddings.

[C]

Yum, yum, yum, Jello duck the okra puddings. Yes. Hurry. Oh, it's log cabin syrup for mine, mine, mine, mine with that real nut, what's flavor so fine? Oh, so fine? Blended cane and pure maple. It tops on your table. That real maple flavor does pancakes a favor. It's log cabin syrup for mine, mine, mine, mine.

[D]

Yes, Log cabin is the syrup with that delicious Northwoods maple flavor. It's America's most popular quality table syrup. Enjoy it on waffles or pancakes for Sunday night suppers as well as at breakfast.

[C]

It's log heaven syrup for mine, mine, mine, mine.

[D]

Listen to Lucille Ball and my favorite husband again next week. Abraman speaking. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[J]

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