
My Son Jeep 1953-03-29 007 Jeep Wants to Be a Bodybuilder
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Andrea
Hi, this is Andrea from Vanta. When you're building a healthcare company, compliance is crucial to earning trust, winning bigger deals and proving you take security seriously. It can also cost you time and money. Vanta helps healthcare startups get compliant fast, automating over 35 frameworks like HIPAA and Hitrust and stay secure with continuous monitoring. That's why the fastest growing healthcare companies trust Vanta to manage compliance without slowing them down. And I'm not saying that just because I work here. Get started@vanta.com healthcare Good evening, this is.
Dr. Robert Allison
Dr. Robert Allison of Grove Falls, better known as Jeep's father. Would you like to feel my muscle? I'm not really very strong, but I've been hearing that question so often around the house lately that it slips out every now and then. You see, we had a narrow escape recently. I almost wound up by being the father of a professional strongman. I'm referring to my enthusiastic young offspring, my son, Jeep.
Narrator
Yes, it's my son, Jeep. The bright and warm hearted adventures of the Allison family of Grove Falls. Transcribed by the National Broadcasting Company and starring Donald Cook as Doc. With young Martin Houston as wonderful, unpredictable 10 year old Jeep Allison. And now back to Dr. Allison and tonight's story about my son Jeep.
Dr. Robert Allison
Nobody could be more aware than I of the advantages of a sound and healthy body. Being a doctor, it's my principal concern. But bodybuilding, like almost everything else, can be overdone. Particularly if the builder is a 10 year old boy named Jeep.
Barbara Miller
Hi, Jeep.
Jeep Allison
Hi barb. I mean, Ms. Miller.
Barbara Miller
That's all right. You can call me Barbara.
Jeep Allison
Well, would it be respectful?
Barbara Miller
Now listen, aren't we good friends?
Jeep Allison
Sure.
Barbara Miller
And don't I call you by your first name? After all, if you keep calling me Ms. Miller, I'll have to start calling you Mr. Allison.
Jeep Allison
Aw, that'd be silly.
Barbara Miller
I feel the same way. So you call me Barbara. I like it.
Jeep Allison
So do I. Ms. Miller. I mean Barbara.
Barbara Miller
Yes, Mr. Allison. I mean Jeep.
Jeep Allison
Would you say I look like a weakling?
Barbara Miller
A what?
Jeep Allison
You know, a person who's weak.
Barbara Miller
I never saw a healthier looking boy in my life. What's all this about?
Jeep Allison
I gotta get built up.
Barbara Miller
What for?
Jeep Allison
Cause I don't want to be a weakling the rest of my life.
Dr. Robert Allison
Who's a weakling?
Jeep Allison
All of us, Pop.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, I don't know about you, but I happen to be feeling fine.
Barbara Miller
Me too.
Peggy Allison
Aw, you don't get what I mean.
Jeep Allison
Here, it's right on this magazine. The ad on the back page.
Dr. Robert Allison
Weaklings of the World unite.
Barbara Miller
My, it sounds subversive.
Dr. Robert Allison
I, Harry Hercules, guarantee that I can transform you from a puny, undersized weakling into a vital, tingling, living man like me. Well, who wants to look like him?
Barbara Miller
Let me see. Oh no.
Jeep Allison
What's the matter with him?
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, he looks so puffed up.
Jeep Allison
Golly pop, those are his muscles.
Dr. Robert Allison
Oh, what's this?
Jeep Allison
That's his head.
Barbara Miller
Are you sure? It's so small.
Dr. Robert Allison
Maybe he hasn't had time to build that up yet.
Barbara Miller
Read some more.
Mrs. Bixby
Bob.
Dr. Robert Allison
Do your friends laugh at you in the locker room? Are you ashamed to be seen in a bathing suit? Then I am the man for you. If you want your friends to envy you, if you want to be the most popular man on the beach this summer, I, Harry Hercules, guarantee that I can change the course of your entire life in only six weeks.
Barbara Miller
I like the approach he uses. So gentle, like a sledgehammer.
Jeep Allison
Yeah, and he can lift 350 pounds.
Dr. Robert Allison
He can?
Jeep Allison
And he can tear a phone book in half and bend a horseshoe in two.
Barbara Miller
He'd be a handy man to have around the house.
Dr. Robert Allison
Yeah, if you ever had a phone book and a horseshoe and a 350 pound weight you didn't know what to do with.
Jeep Allison
Then he can drive a nail through a 2 inch board with his bare hand.
Barbara Miller
That's silly. Why doesn't he use a hammer?
Dr. Robert Allison
What, and let his hands get soft?
Jeep Allison
Yes sir. In six weeks I'm gonna look like that picture.
Dr. Robert Allison
Over my dead body.
Jeep Allison
But Pop, I want to take his course.
Dr. Robert Allison
Take any course you like, but if you wind up looking like him, I'll disown you.
Barbara Miller
Jeeb, dear, aren't you a little young to start getting all those muscles?
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, sure. Wait til you grow up. If you still want more muscles then you can buy them.
Jeep Allison
I want them now.
Dr. Robert Allison
Okay, but I warn you, you're not getting a penny out of me. I've fallen for too many of your schemes before. Remember the saxophone? $30 that cost me.
Jeep Allison
Yeah, but Pop, this isn't going to cost you anything. Oh no, Says right in the ad. Absolutely free.
Barbara Miller
Let me see. Send away for my illustrated booklet describing my course. Absolutely free. Well, this is only a booklet, Jeep. What good'll that do you?
Jeep Allison
If it describes its course, I'll know what to do.
Dr. Robert Allison
Okay, son, go ahead and send for the booklet. And to show you my heart's in the right place, I'll finance the whole deal. Here's a 3 cent stamp. Jeep, was that your reading so intently? You haven't opened your mouth since we Sat down to eat.
Jeep Allison
Gee, I never knew it cost so much to make mussels.
Dr. Robert Allison
Come again?
Jeep Allison
$2.85 just for an old wrist developer.
Mrs. Bixby
And what might a wrist developer be?
Jeep Allison
Develops your wrist.
Peggy Allison
What on earth are you talking about?
Barbara Miller
What are you reading, dear? A story.
Dr. Robert Allison
No, no, no. You're all going at this the wrong way. You ought to realize by this time that Jeep never answers a direct question directly. You have to sneak up on him like this. Jeep, how was school today?
Jeep Allison
Okay, Pop. But I kept thinking about this booklet from Harry Hercules. It doesn't say how to develop your muscles, just tells you what equipment to send away for. Golly, it all costs so much.
Dr. Robert Allison
You see, everybody, at last we know mussels.
Peggy Allison
How infantile they are.
Jeep Allison
Not Peggy, Allison, just wait until you see me on the beach this summer. I'll show you.
Barbara Miller
What sort of equipment do you need, Jeep?
Mrs. Bixby
Well, more to the point, why do you need equipment? I thought mussels were supposed to grow naturally.
Jeep Allison
Well, if you want them to look like carry Hercules, you gotta have wrist developers and a back developer and a neck developer and a mat.
Barbara Miller
What's the mat for?
Dr. Robert Allison
Probably to break your fall when you drop from a exhaustion.
Peggy Allison
Well, it makes absolutely no sense to me.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, it's not supposed to make sense, just muscles.
Barbara Miller
It certainly seems like an awful lot of equipment.
Jeep Allison
Well, that's not all. I have to have a leopard skin, too.
Mrs. Bixby
What for? You patent to join a circus?
Jeep Allison
No, but you can't lift weights without a leopard skin.
Dr. Robert Allison
Why not? Against the rules.
Jeep Allison
Did you ever see a picture of a strong man without one?
Dr. Robert Allison
No, I can't say I have.
Jeep Allison
Well, then.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, just remember you're going to have to manage all this on your own. I'm not going to shell out any money on this project.
Jeep Allison
You won't have to, Pop. I'll think of something.
Dr. Robert Allison
That's one thing I'm sure of.
Peggy Allison
Will you excuse me, please? All I ask, Father, is that you don't let Jeep wear that leopard skin to school.
Barbara Miller
Tell me, Jeep, what got you interested in developing your muscles?
Mrs. Bixby
Probably been seeing too many of them Tarzan pictures.
Jeep Allison
No, it was Leroy.
Dr. Robert Allison
Now, who's Leroy?
Jeep Allison
Leroy Gridley. He runs a sporting goods store over by the school.
Barbara Miller
Oh, is he taking this course from Harry Hercules?
Jeep Allison
Uh, he graduated a long time ago. Gosh, you ought to see him.
Mrs. Bixby
Got muscles, huh?
Jeep Allison
I'll say big ones.
Andrea
Hi, this is Andrea from Vanta. When you're building a healthcare company, compliance is crucial to earning trust, winning bigger deals and proving you take security seriously. It can also Cost you time and money. Vanta helps healthcare startups get compliant fast, automating over 35 frameworks like HIPAA and Hitrust and stay secure with continuous monitoring. That's why the fastest growing healthcare companies trust Vanta to manage compliance without slowing them down. And I'm not saying that just because I work here. Get started@vanta.com health meet dan.
Leroy Gridley
Hey, how's it going?
Dan
Dan has big life goals.
Jeep Allison
I'd love to own a home one day.
Dan
Numerica Credit Union is the perfect partner to help make Dan's goals come to life.
Jeep Allison
They are?
Dan
Yeah. We help you manage your money with confidence using tools and GUID tailored to your goals. So whether you're building breathing room into your budget or saving for your dream home like me, Numerica is there every step of the way because your goals and your life matter. Numerica Credit Union Money where it matters. Federally insured by NCUA I've been going.
Jeep Allison
Over to a store after school. Works out in the back room. Practices all the time. Lifts weights in the morning. Noonie works out on the pulleys. When I go over after school, he lifts weights again.
Mrs. Bixby
That young man's in a rut.
Barbara Miller
Doesn't he ever get tired, Chief?
Jeep Allison
Of course not.
Dr. Robert Allison
Maybe he doesn't, but I do. Just hearing about this has made me so tired. I'm going into the living room and take a nap. Are you down the Solar Jeep?
Jeep Allison
Yeah. I've been calling you for the last five minutes, Pop. Wanted to show you what I made. Look.
Dr. Robert Allison
Whoa. Hey, that's really something. What is it?
Jeep Allison
Oh, don't you remember, Pop? You told me you couldn't afford to buy all that muscle building equipment, so I made my own.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, that's wonderful, son.
Jeep Allison
Yeah, I took an old pipe we had out in the garage. Got a couple of gallon cans down at the filling station. Then I bought some cement. All I had to do was put a can on each end of the pipe and fill them with cement. Now I want you to watch me lift it.
Dr. Robert Allison
Okay, I'm watching.
Jeep Allison
Just think, in six weeks, I'll have mussels all over me.
Dr. Robert Allison
And I'll be able to tell everybody that I was right there when the first mussel started to sprout.
Jeep Allison
Well, here goes.
Barbara Miller
Mmm.
Jeep Allison
Gosh.
Dr. Robert Allison
Something wrong?
Barbara Miller
No.
Dr. Robert Allison
Gee, that's much too heavy for you.
Jeep Allison
It's gotta be if it's gonna do me any good.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, if you can't lift it off the floor, it doesn't do anybody any good. Here, let me try it.
Jeep Allison
You can't lift it either, huh, Pop?
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, of course I can't. And neither could anybody else.
Jeep Allison
Leroy could with one hand.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, then let him. But you're not to try to lift that again.
Jeep Allison
But what'll I do?
Dr. Robert Allison
Get a hammer and chisel and cut it down to your size.
Jeep Allison
Jeep. Jeep.
Mrs. Bixby
What on earth is that horrible racket down there?
Jeep Allison
What do you want, Mrs. Bixby?
Mrs. Bixby
Well, now that you've stopped all that noise, nothing. What are you doing anyway?
Jeep Allison
I gotta chisel off some of this cement so I can lift this darn thing, don't I? How else am I gonna get any muscles?
Mrs. Bixby
Well, just keep hammering away at that thing and you'll get your muscles before you even have a chance to lift it.
Barbara Miller
Jeep, haven't you finished that yet?
Jeep Allison
Gosh, no, Barbara. You don't know how heavy this is. I keep chipping off the cement, but I still can't lift it.
Barbara Miller
Well, if it's too heavy for you to lift it alone, get one of your friends to come over. The two of you can lift it together. That way both of you can develop your muscles.
Jeep Allison
Aw, that wouldn't be fair, Harry. Hercules doesn't ask anybody to help him get these weights. Cut down to my size if it's the last thing I do.
Barbara Miller
Well, hello, Mr. Hercules.
Jeep Allison
Feel my muscle, Barbara.
Barbara Miller
My goodness.
Jeep Allison
Big, isn't it?
Barbara Miller
Tremendous.
Jeep Allison
Came in for a physical exam.
Barbara Miller
What, again?
Jeep Allison
Well, Leroy says when you're building yourself up, gotta keep a pretty close check on things.
Dr. Robert Allison
Barbara, when Mrs. Randolph arrives, will you. Oh, hi, Jeep. Will you bring in her X rays? What's on your mind, son?
Jeep Allison
Just dropped by for a physical.
Dr. Robert Allison
What, again?
Barbara Miller
My very words.
Jeep Allison
What's wrong with that?
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, nothing. But three physical examinations in a week.
Jeep Allison
How am I gonna know how much bigger I am unless you measure me?
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, I doubt if your biceps have grown appreciably since day before yesterday, but. Well, if you insist. Come on in the office.
Jeep Allison
Just measure my arm and chest pop. That'll be enough.
Dr. Robert Allison
Okay. Hold up your arm. Hmm.
Jeep Allison
I say, is it bigger since the last time?
Dr. Robert Allison
I am happy to report that your bicep has grown almost 1 32nd of an inch.
Jeep Allison
Wow. Not a chest pop.
Dr. Robert Allison
Okay, now relax. Now take a deep breath. Aha. Amazing.
Jeep Allison
It is.
Dr. Robert Allison
Your chest expansion has increased 1 48th of an inch.
Jeep Allison
Why, we like to Leroy.
Dr. Robert Allison
How is that paragon of physical culture?
Jeep Allison
He's fine. He's getting bigger all the time. He's got a chest expansion of 6 inches.
Dr. Robert Allison
Bully for him.
Jeep Allison
What's your chest expansion, Pop?
Dr. Robert Allison
I haven't the faintest idea.
Jeep Allison
Bet it's not as much as Leroy's.
Dr. Robert Allison
I'm sure it isn't.
Jeep Allison
Leroy thinks you ought to take up weightlifting.
Dr. Robert Allison
Pop, I'll start bright and early tomorrow morning. Now, goodbye. I'm expecting a patient.
Jeep Allison
Leroy says you spend too much time indoors.
Dr. Robert Allison
You tell Leroy to stick to his racket and I'll stick to mine.
Jeep Allison
Well, say, I'm. I almost forgot to tell you. I invited Leroy over for supper tonight.
Dr. Robert Allison
Goody, goody.
Jeep Allison
Is it all right?
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, of course.
Jeep Allison
That's what I figured, so I asked him to come early.
Dr. Robert Allison
Swell. I can't wait to meet him.
Peggy Allison
Father. I might as well tell you now. As soon as supper's over, I'm going over to Mary Patricia Pearson's.
Dr. Robert Allison
Oh, the Jeep's got a friend coming, dear. That wouldn't be very polite.
Peggy Allison
Well, I do not intend to sit around and be bored with a lot of nonsense about weightlifting.
Dr. Robert Allison
Oh, you won't have to, Peg. We'll talk about other things.
Barbara Miller
Like what?
Dr. Robert Allison
Uh, I don't know.
Peggy Allison
It's positively ridiculous the way Jeep looks up to this man.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, most people go through various stages of hero worship, dear. Aren't you pretty fond of Elizabeth Taylor in the movies?
Peggy Allison
You can hardly compare them, father. After all, Ms. Taylor is an artiste. And if she was the one who was coming to supper.
Dr. Robert Allison
Yeah, Anytime Elizabeth Taylor comes to our house for supper, she can talk about weightlifting all evening and I'll be entranced.
Jeep Allison
Gosh, isn't Leroy here yet?
Dr. Robert Allison
He'll be along.
Barbara Miller
Oh, boy, he probably stopped along the way to chin himself a few hundred times.
Jeep Allison
Just remember, Peggy, you be nice to him.
Peggy Allison
I am nice to everyone.
Dr. Robert Allison
Haughty, but nice.
Jeep Allison
That's him now.
Barbara Miller
I'll get it when he comes in. Bob, don't let him sh your hand. Not if you want to keep it.
Dr. Robert Allison
Hey, that raises an interesting point. How do you welcome a weightlifter?
Peggy Allison
Well, if it was up to me, I wouldn't welcome him at all.
Dr. Robert Allison
I know. I'll roll up my sleeve and make a muscle out of him.
Jeep Allison
Here he is, everybody. Leroy, this is my father and my sister Peggy. And this is Barbara Miller.
Barbara Miller
How do you do?
Dr. Robert Allison
Well.
Leroy Gridley
Well, it's sure good to meet.
Dr. Robert Allison
Now, won't you take that chair over there, Mr. Gridley?
Leroy Gridley
Well, I. Take it, Doc.
Peggy Allison
Oh, no.
Leroy Gridley
Yeah, Nothing like a good joke to get things started off right, huh? Where'll I put these?
Barbara Miller
He brought two bags. Is he planning to spend the weekend?
Dr. Robert Allison
Oh, well, just put them down anywhere, Mr. Gridley. Excuse me for asking but what have you gotten those.
Andrea
Hi, this is Andrea from Vanta. When you're building a healthcare company, compliance is crucial to earning trust, winning bigger deals and proving you take security seriously. It can also cost you time and money. Vanta helps healthcare startups get compliant fast, automating over 35 frameworks like HIPAA and Hitrust and stay secure with continuous monitoring. That's why the fastest growing healthcare companies trust Vanta to manage compliance without slowing them down. And I'm not saying that just because I work here. Get started@vanza.com health meet dan.
Dr. Robert Allison
Hey, how's it going?
Dan
Dan has big life goals.
Jeep Allison
I'd love to own a home one day.
Dan
Numerica Credit Union is the perfect partner to help make Dan's goals come to life.
Jeep Allison
They are?
Dan
Yeah. We help you manage your money with confidence, using tools and guidance tailored to your goals. So whether you're building breathing room into your budget or saving for your dream home, like me, Numerica is there every step of the way because your goals and your life matter. Numerica Credit Union money where it matters. Federally insured by ncua.
Dr. Robert Allison
Bags my weights.
Barbara Miller
Your what?
Leroy Gridley
I brought my weights along. Thought we might do a little lifting after supper.
Jeep Allison
Boy, will you see Leroy in action, Pop?
Dr. Robert Allison
I'm sure it'll be very interesting.
Leroy Gridley
Of course, this isn't my real heavy stuff. It's just what I use to limber up with after a good meal.
Barbara Miller
Oh, are you going to put on a little exhibition later, Mr. Gridley?
Leroy Gridley
Well, I figured that'd be the best way of paying for my supper.
Peggy Allison
Oh, no.
Jeep Allison
Leroy never goes anyplace without a bag of weights.
Dr. Robert Allison
That so?
Leroy Gridley
Oh, yeah. Yeah. I wouldn't feel dressed if I didn't have him along. Only time I leave him home is when I gotta work out at the Y. They have their own?
Dr. Robert Allison
Yes. I guess if you brought yours, it'd be like carrying coals to Newcastle.
Leroy Gridley
I beg your pardon?
Dr. Robert Allison
Nothing.
Jeep Allison
Would anybody like. Anybody like to feel Leroy's muscle Mew, Peggy?
Peggy Allison
I would not, Pop.
Dr. Robert Allison
Not right now, son.
Peggy Allison
You Barbara?
Barbara Miller
I pass.
Leroy Gridley
Oh, come on, Ms. Miller.
Barbara Miller
Well, all right. My goodness.
Leroy Gridley
Like iron, huh? That's what all the girls say they do. Oh, you ought to see me on the beach, just surrounded by girls. Pretty ones, too.
Mrs. Bixby
Supper is ready, everybody. Come on.
Dr. Robert Allison
Oh, Mrs. Bixby, this is Mr. Gridley.
Leroy Gridley
Glad to meet you, Ms. Buxby.
Mrs. Bixby
The name is Bixby.
Jeep Allison
Come on, Leroy. You're gonna sit by me.
Leroy Gridley
I'm hungry enough to eat a horse.
Mrs. Bixby
We're all out of Horses? How about a cow?
Dr. Robert Allison
This is going to be a long evening. I can feel it now.
Barbara Miller
Imagine bringing a couple of tons of weights along just to entertain us.
Dr. Robert Allison
Yeah, the way someone else would bring a guitar.
Barbara Miller
Frankly, Bob, I'm surprised he drove up in a car.
Dr. Robert Allison
What do you mean?
Barbara Miller
Would have been more natural if he'd come swinging through the treetops.
Leroy Gridley
Oh, that was sure a swell feed, Mrs. Bucksby.
Mrs. Bixby
Glad you liked it, Mr. Groodley.
Leroy Gridley
Gridley.
Mrs. Bixby
Bixby.
Leroy Gridley
You know, you folks don't know it, but you're pretty lucky I was able to get here at all tonight.
Peggy Allison
Oh, no.
Leroy Gridley
Yes, sir. The way my schedule is, it's hard for me to get a night off.
Dr. Robert Allison
I suppose you're very busy with your store.
Leroy Gridley
Oh, it isn't that, Doc.
Jeep Allison
No. Leroy has to keep his muscles toned up. Don't you, Leroy?
Leroy Gridley
Sure do, Jeep. Mondays, a workout at the Y. Tuesdays I play handball. Wednesdays and Thursdays I coach the high school wrestling team. Friday I'm back at the Y. Saturdays I go bowling.
Mrs. Bixby
Land sakes. What do you do on Sundays?
Dr. Robert Allison
Collapse.
Leroy Gridley
You're a great little kidder, Doc.
Peggy Allison
Oh, no.
Barbara Miller
You mean you work out on Sundays, too?
Leroy Gridley
Oh, no, not exactly. I just get out in the country, breathe.
Dr. Robert Allison
How's that?
Leroy Gridley
You know, Doc. Breathe that good old country air.
Barbara Miller
Well, can you afford to let your muscles go for that one day?
Jeep Allison
You ought to see me lift my weights now, Leroy. I'm getting good.
Leroy Gridley
Oh, that's fine, Chief. You keep it up long enough, you'll be like me.
Mrs. Bixby
Now there's something to work for.
Leroy Gridley
Which reminds me, if I'm going to show you folks some, I'd better get my weights out.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, you're sure you wouldn't rather just sit and talk?
Leroy Gridley
No, no. I always get kind of nervous just sitting and talking, Doc. My muscles start jumping.
Jeep Allison
Now you'll really see something, Pop.
Peggy Allison
Will you excuse me, please?
Barbara Miller
Where are you going, Peggy?
Peggy Allison
Up to my room to concentrate on doing absolutely nothing.
Jeep Allison
Just when Leroy's starting to warm up. You can't leave now.
Peggy Allison
I couldn't think of a better time.
Leroy Gridley
Okay, folks. Okay, I'm ready. I'm going to start off easy, like just a show you how simple it is for a man with my physique to take this 75 pound weight here and with one hand lift it all the way from the floor right straight up over my head. All right, Here it goes.
Mrs. Bixby
Mercy alive. £75.
Barbara Miller
Why, that's amazing, isn't it, Bob?
Leroy Gridley
Now, now I'll try it with one in each, okay? Okay. Now, for the finale, folks. Notice. Notice. I got all the weights on the bar. Now, I'm gonna lie flat on my back, stretch my arms out behind me, lift this bar straight up over my head. And then come up to a sitting position and hold the bar straight out in front of me.
Mrs. Bixby
You sure you can do it?
Leroy Gridley
Don't you worry about me, ma' am.
Jeep Allison
No, Leroy's an expert.
Barbara Miller
I've never seen such strength in my life.
Dr. Robert Allison
What's so hard about that?
Mrs. Bixby
Now, Doctor, you gotta admit this is mighty impressive.
Jeep Allison
Sure, Pop. You couldn't do that.
Dr. Robert Allison
I don't know about that.
Barbara Miller
Oh, Bob, of course you couldn't.
Mrs. Bixby
I do believe the doctor's jealous.
Jeep Allison
Chi. Pop, are you?
Dr. Robert Allison
Why, of course not. I. I just don't see what's so hard about lifting a couple of weights.
Leroy Gridley
Tell you what I'll do, Doc. I'm gonna start you off real easy. Now, you take this little weight over here and lift it off the floor and over your head with both hands.
Barbara Miller
Oh, Bob, do you think you ought to.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, certainly.
Leroy Gridley
Just stand with your feet spread apart a little and bend down and pick it up.
Dr. Robert Allison
I know how to do it.
Leroy Gridley
Okay, go ahead.
Barbara Miller
Look out, Bob.
Mrs. Bixby
Careful, you. You're gonna drop it.
Dr. Robert Allison
Oh, my back.
Jeep Allison
Will you hurt, Pop, miss?
Leroy Gridley
Big call Dr. Haskell.
Barbara Miller
Put him down over here. Oh, there. That's it. Does it hurt, Bob?
Dr. Robert Allison
Oh, I think there's something.
Jeep Allison
You let him do it.
Leroy Gridley
Well, how did I know he'd hurt himself? Jeep, all you gotta do is pick it up like this. And in one movement, bring it up over your head.
Dr. Robert Allison
Uh.
Mrs. Bixby
Oh, our beautiful chandelier.
Leroy Gridley
Well, that's the trouble with these low ceilings.
Jeep Allison
Oh, gosh, Pop, it's all my fault. You gotta stay in bed. If I hadn't invited that Leroy over here, it wouldn't have happened.
Dr. Robert Allison
Lucky it wasn't even worse, son. Just a strain back.
Peggy Allison
Well, after all, Father, it really isn't Jeep's fault. If you hadn't tried to show off.
Dr. Robert Allison
Nah. Wait a minute.
Peggy Allison
Well, weren't you, Father?
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, I suppose so.
Jeep Allison
It's all right, Pop. At least you lifted it off the floor.
Dr. Robert Allison
Yeah, I did, didn't I? I'm stronger than I realized.
Peggy Allison
Here, let me fluff up your pillows for you.
Barbara Miller
I just came up to see how our invalid is doing.
Peggy Allison
Oh, he's much better, Barbara. Dr. Haskell says he can get up day after tomorrow.
Jeep Allison
Gee, what pretty flowers.
Dr. Robert Allison
Yeah. Who are they from?
Barbara Miller
Believe it or not, Mr. Leroy Gridley.
Jeep Allison
No kidding?
Peggy Allison
How thoughtful of him.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, it certainly is. Remind me to Call him Barbara. When I'm able to get up.
Barbara Miller
Well, there's only one thing. He didn't send the flowers to you.
Peggy Allison
Well, who else would they be for?
Barbara Miller
Me, huh?
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, that's a fine thing. First he practically means me for life, and then he sends you flowers.
Barbara Miller
Oh, now, don't get upset, Bob. It's only a gesture.
Dr. Robert Allison
A gesture I strongly disapprove of.
Barbara Miller
Well, you have a good time gnashing your teeth over it. I've got to get back to the office.
Peggy Allison
Father, do you suppose that Barbara could possibly be interested in that.
Jeep Allison
That man?
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, I wouldn't blame her. I certainly didn't cut very heroic figure falling flat on my face the first time I tried to impress her.
Jeep Allison
Don't you worry, Pop. You may not have muscles, but you got brains. And that's more important.
Barbara Miller
Come in. Why, Mr. Gridley, I.
Leroy Gridley
Just passing by, thought I'd drop in.
Barbara Miller
What did you want? To see the doctor. He's upstairs.
Leroy Gridley
Still in bed, huh? I tried to warn the old boy.
Barbara Miller
Dr. Allison is not an old boy.
Leroy Gridley
Well, anyway, how's he doing?
Barbara Miller
Well, he'll be up soon.
Leroy Gridley
Think I ought to go cheer him up? You know, tell him a few jokes.
Barbara Miller
I wouldn't advise it. He's not in a very good mood.
Leroy Gridley
All he needs is a little exercise.
Barbara Miller
A little exercise is what put him on his back.
Leroy Gridley
Hey, how'd you like the flowers I sent, huh? Pretty classy, huh?
Barbara Miller
They were very nice. At first I thought they were for the doc.
Leroy Gridley
Wouldn't I look silly sending the doc flowers? They're for you. Token of my regards.
Barbara Miller
Thank you.
Leroy Gridley
See, I make up my mind fast. I take one look at a girl and I say, that's for me or that isn't for me.
Barbara Miller
And in my case, that's for me. You came all the way over here just to tell me that?
Leroy Gridley
Well, yeah. And I thought if you weren't doing anything, we could go somewhere tonight. Of course, it's my regular night for the Y, but for you, I'll skip it. What do you say?
Barbara Miller
Well, tell you what.
Leroy Gridley
We can go bowling.
Barbara Miller
I don't bowl.
Leroy Gridley
How about a game of handball?
Barbara Miller
I don't play handball.
Leroy Gridley
You're not very athletic, are you? Well, I'll change all that.
Jeep Allison
Leroy, what are you doing here?
Leroy Gridley
I just came by to say hello to the little lady.
Jeep Allison
What for?
Leroy Gridley
Now, chief, that isn't any of your concern, is it?
Jeep Allison
It sure is. Haven't you done enough in this house? Poor Pop, lying upstairs in bed, a chandelier busted.
Barbara Miller
Dear, don't Be rude.
Jeep Allison
Well, God.
Leroy Gridley
So how about it, Miss Milly? What time will it pick you up, huh?
Jeep Allison
Barbara, you're not going out with him?
Barbara Miller
Well, I'm sorry, but I'm busy tonight.
Leroy Gridley
No. How about tomorrow?
Barbara Miller
I'm busy tomorrow, too.
Leroy Gridley
Next night.
Dr. Robert Allison
Really?
Barbara Miller
I'm afraid I'm going to be busy every night.
Leroy Gridley
Doing what?
Barbara Miller
Oh, sitting up with a sick friend.
Jeep Allison
And I'm gonna be pretty busy from now on too, huh? I'm not gonna come to your store anymore. Who needs muscles? I'm going to start developing my brain.
Leroy Gridley
Oh, I get it. The brush off, huh?
Barbara Miller
Well, call it a lack of interest in athletics. Now, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Gridley, I'm very busy.
Leroy Gridley
Okay, okay, I can take a hint. And to think I almost skipped an evening at the Y for you. Goodbye.
Dr. Robert Allison
She really told him that, Jeep? Boy, I wish I'd been there.
Jeep Allison
And then when he asked her why she was busy every night, Barbara said she had to sit up with a sick friend.
Dr. Robert Allison
Really? I guess that put him in his place, all right.
Jeep Allison
Gosh, Pop, he's such a dope.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, maybe we're both being a little unkind. Jeep, just because we didn't hit it off with Mr. Gridley doesn't mean he isn't a perfectly nice person. If you happen to like that type.
Jeep Allison
When I think of all the time I spent making those weights.
Dr. Robert Allison
Well, that didn't do you any harm. Matter of fact, all this muscle developing has its good points. If you don't overdo it.
Jeep Allison
Pop, I've made up my mind. When I grow up, I want to be like you.
Dr. Robert Allison
Son, that's the nicest compliment I've ever had.
Jeep Allison
It's.
Narrator
My son. Jeep was created and written by Walter Black and William Mendrick and directed by Dan Sutter. Lynn Allen is featured as Barbara Miller, with Leona Powers as Mrs. Bixby and Joan Laser as Peggy. Tonight's cast also included Don Briggs as Leroy and introduced to radio audiences young Martin Houston as 10 year old G. Starring in the role of Doc is one of America's finest actors and most versatile comedians, Donald Cook. And now, this is Fred Collins inviting you to be with us again, same time, same station for the next transcribed visit with America's favorite family, the Allisons of Grove Falls and radio's number one family comedy, My Son, Jeep.
Jeep Allison
Sam Ram.
Dr. Robert Allison
You've been listening to my son Jeep.
Leroy Gridley
This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.
Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: My Son Jeep 1953-03-29 007 Jeep Wants to Be a Bodybuilder
Release Date: June 29, 2025
In this heartwarming and humorous episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are introduced to the Allison family of Grove Falls, focusing on the spirited 10-year-old Jeep Allison and his aspiration to become a bodybuilder. Narrated by Dr. Robert Allison, Jeep's father, the story delves into family dynamics, youthful ambition, and the comedic challenges that arise when a child sets out to emulate a professional strongman.
[00:32] Dr. Robert Allison:
Dr. Robert Allison sets the stage by expressing his concerns about his son Jeep's newfound obsession with bodybuilding. He humorously admits, “I almost wound up by being the father of a professional strongman.”
[01:16] Narrator:
The narrator introduces the Allison family, highlighting Jeep's adventurous spirit and the show's charismatic cast, including Donald Cook as Dr. Allison and young Martin Houston as Jeep.
[02:11] Barbara Miller & Jeep Allison:
Jeep engages in a conversation with Barbara Miller, a family friend, expressing his desire to build muscles to avoid being a "weakling." Jeep states, “Cause I don't want to be a weakling the rest of my life” ([02:52]), showcasing his determination.
[03:06] Dr. Allison’s Skepticism:
Dr. Allison reacts skeptically to a bodybuilding advertisement featuring Harry Hercules. He humorously critiques the exaggerated physique, questioning, “Well, who wants to look like him?” ([03:10]), highlighting his practical approach to health.
[09:08] Jeep’s Initiative:
Frustrated by the high cost of bodybuilding equipment, Jeep takes matters into his own hands. He constructs makeshift weights using an old pipe, gallon cans, and cement. Jeep proudly announces, “Now I want you to watch me lift it” ([10:02]).
[10:30] The First Attempt:
Jeep attempts to lift his homemade weights but struggles, leading Dr. Allison to humorously exclaim, “That's much too heavy for you” ([10:40]). Their failed attempt becomes a comedic moment illustrating Jeep's determination and the practical limitations of his DIY approach.
[08:39] Leroy Gridley’s Entrance:
Leroy Gridley, a local strongman and role model for Jeep, is introduced. Leroy boasts about his strength, claiming he can “lift 350 pounds” and “bend a horseshoe in two” ([04:14]). His larger-than-life persona inspires Jeep but also raises concerns for Dr. Allison.
[16:04] Meeting Leroy:
Jeep invites Leroy over for supper, leading to a comical family dinner where Leroy showcases his strength by performing impressive weightlifting feats. His antics include attempting to lift heavy weights in the dining room, resulting in a chandelier being knocked over ([21:42]–[22:44]).
[21:42] Leroy’s Demonstration:
During dinner, Leroy attempts to impress everyone by lifting a 75-pound weight and performing other strength displays. Barbara Miller marvels, “Why, that's amazing, isn't it, Bob?” ([21:44]), while Dr. Allison remains unimpressed and challenges Leroy to lift a small weight.
[23:00] Dr. Allison’s Attempt:
Dr. Allison humorously fails to lift a small weight, leading to a minor accident where he strains his back and the chandelier falls ([23:19]–[24:12]). This mishap becomes a pivotal moment, highlighting the clash between Jeep’s aspirations and his father's practical wisdom.
[24:31] Family Reconciliation:
After the incident, the family reflects on their interactions. Jeep feels responsible for his father's injury, but Dr. Allison reassures him, “Well, that didn't do you any harm” ([28:55]). This moment cements the father-son bond and underscores the importance of balance between ambition and well-being.
[29:04] Jeep’s Change of Heart:
Jeep declares his desire to emulate his father instead of pursuing bodybuilding, stating, “When I grow up, I want to be like you” ([29:04]). Dr. Allison warmly responds, “Son, that's the nicest compliment I've ever had” ([29:11]), bringing the story to a heartfelt conclusion.
The episode concludes with the narrator summarizing the creation and production details, emphasizing the family comedy aspect and celebrating the Allison family's enduring charm.
[29:50] Narrator:
“My son, Jeep was created and written by Walter Black and William Mendrick...”
Youthful Ambition vs. Parental Guidance: Jeep's desire to build muscles exemplifies a child's ambition, while Dr. Allison represents practical parental guidance, emphasizing health over unrealistic aspirations.
Creativity and Resourcefulness: Jeep's DIY approach to creating weightlifting equipment showcases his resourcefulness and determination, albeit leading to humorous setbacks.
Role Models and Influence: The character of Leroy Gridley serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary figure, illustrating the impact of role models on young minds.
Family Dynamics and Resolution: The episode highlights the importance of family support and understanding, culminating in Jeep choosing to value his father's qualities over societal ideals of strength.
This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio blends humor with heartfelt moments, offering listeners a delightful portrayal of family life and the journey of a young boy striving to find his path. Through the antics of Jeep and the wisdom of Dr. Allison, the story underscores the value of balance, creativity, and familial bonds.