NBC The Marriage 1953-12-20 - Liz Gets a Christmas Job at the Perfume Counter

Summary

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Podcast Summary: NBC The Marriage (1953-12-20) – "Liz Gets a Christmas Job at the Perfume Counter"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: NBC The Marriage 1953-12-20 – Liz Gets a Christmas Job at the Perfume Counter
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Air Date: December 20, 1953
Summary Prepared: December 25, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of "The Marriage" captures the warmth, chaos, and comedy of holiday preparations as Liz, the family matriarch, decides to take a temporary Christmas job at the perfume counter of a department store. Set in the golden age of radio, the story blends family dynamics, economic reality, and humorous observations about Christmas commercialism. Through Liz’s experiences—both at work and at home—the episode explores themes of generosity, family togetherness, and the deeper meaning of Christmas.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Family Finances and Motivations for Extra Work

• Liz and Ben confront their family budget crisis. As bills pile up and Christmas approaches, they debate how to make ends meet without compromising the spirit of the holiday.
  • Liz humorously suggests “Finagler’s Constant” to balance the checkbook, a playful jab at fuzzy math and holiday expenses.

    “That’s the number which you multiply by to get what you know is the right answer.” — Liz Marriott (01:44)

  • The family humorously discusses the mundanities of budgeting for gifts and the hidden costs of holiday generosity.
  • Liz’s idea: Take a job at Hunt’s department store to afford better gifts and set an example for her children, who also take small jobs for holiday money.

2. The Department Store Experience

• Preparation and Pep Talk: Liz joins a team of “extras” who work alongside regular sales staff over the holidays. Mr. Jowett, the department manager, delivers a comically rousing speech about beating other departments in sales, particularly "hosiery and men's sports shirts":

  “With our hardcore regulars and the spirited assistance of all you little extras... perfumes and cosmetics will lead all the rest!” — Mr. Jowett (05:08)

• Workroom Realities: Ruthie, a seasoned coworker, introduces Liz to the “law of the jungle” behind the perfume counter, where pushing overstocked and sometimes undesirable products like “Essence”—a joke perfume that “in French... means gasoline” (09:26)—is as important as holiday cheer.
  • Ruthie’s wry mentoring sets a tone of camaraderie and cynicism:

    “A customer is human. Deep down, they got weaknesses. When you spot it, move in fast.” — Ruthie (09:09)

• The Onslaught Begins: As customers flood the counters, Liz experiences the hectic and sometimes hostile sales environment.
  • Foghorn Joe, a mechanical Santa, blares over the elevator every two minutes, symbolizing the constant stress.
  • Ruthie warns Liz: “Every girl for herself. Kill or be killed.” (09:56)

3. The Commodification of Christmas—and Its Effects

• Back at Home: Ben approaches holiday gifting with bureaucratic logic, putting price tags on relatives—much to Liz’s disgust:

  “You can’t hang a price tag on Christmas. It spoils everything.” — Liz Marriott (11:38)

• Sibling Rivalry: The children argue over how much to spend on each other, revealing the tension between thoughtful giving and financial competition.
• At the Store: Holiday madness leads to customer brawls (“Don’t you poke me with that umbrella!” 13:37), fights for bargains, and exploitative sales tactics.

4. Humanity and Small Kindnesses Amid Retail Chaos

• Moments of Heart: Liz tries to help an old lady shopping for her daughter, only to discover later (with Ruthie’s practical input) that the woman is a serial sampler using the store as a free beauty parlor:

  “That dame is here every day... It’s a free beauty parlor.” — Ruthie (14:55)

• Theft and Disappointment: A touching scene collapses as Liz helps an elderly shopper, revealed as “Hattie” the thief everyone has been seeking, her umbrella loaded with stolen goods (16:26).
  • Mr. Jowett dryly intones: “Merry Christmas.” (16:43)

5. Complete Exhaustion and Year-End Reflections

• By December 24, Liz is worn out and cynical, joking that Dickens maligned Scrooge and idealized the Cratchit family.
  • “Dickens had been manifestly unfair to Scrooge and that the Cratchit family were probably ne’er-do-wells...” — Liz Marriott (16:48)
• The department achieves its sales goals, but only the regulars receive the coveted “Essence” perfume as a bonus; the temps get layoff slips.

  Ruthie’s response: “Drop dead.” (19:24)

6. The Real Spirit of Christmas—Connection and Inclusion

• In a moving finale, Ruthie reveals she’s alone for Christmas. Liz immediately invites her home, and Ruthie—initially reluctant—accepts.

  “Could I really go home with you?” — Ruthie (20:47) “We’d love to have you.” — Liz Marriott (20:53)

• At the family home, Liz irrationally worries if the family will accept Ruthie, but they welcome her in.
• The show closes with an intimate reading of the Nativity story (Luke 2:1-14) and carols, reaffirming the episode’s message: the value of human connection, especially to those with nowhere to go.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Liz on Christmas Glow:
  “My annual glow arrives sometime after Thanksgiving and becomes progressively more intense as December wears on.” (01:11)
• Ruthie’s Retail Survival Tips:
  “I got the scars to show.” (08:55)
  “Push the dog. ... 1% bonus, baby.” (09:09, 09:44)
• On Gift-Giving:
  “You can’t hang a price tag on Christmas. It spoils everything.” — Liz Marriott (11:38)
• Ben’s Droll Formula:
  “I’ve got a formula for working it all out based on seniority, relationship and value of their last year’s gift to us.” (12:00)
• Liz’s Breaking Point:
  “By the time the 24th of December rolled around, I had decided that Dickens had been manifestly unfair to good old sensible Scrooge...” (16:48)
• Ruthie’s Loneliness:
  “Christmas dinner is just dinner.” (20:27)
• Invitation Home:
  “But you can’t be all alone on Christmas Eve.” — Liz Marriott (20:37)
  “Could I really go home with you?” — Ruthie (20:47)
• Christmas Reading:
  “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus...” — Ben Marriott, reading from the Bible (22:26)
• Final Tender Exchange:
  “What are you sniffing, Ben?” — Liz (25:48)
  “No, it’s essence. I put some behind my ear.” — Liz (25:51)
  “Delicious.” — Ben (25:56)
  “Merry Christmas, darling.” — Liz (25:58)
  “Merry Christmas.” — Ben (26:00)

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Key Moments & Timestamps

• Christmas Financial Discussion: 01:09–03:59
• Liz Decides to Work: 03:04–04:55
• Mr. Jowett’s Pep Talk: 05:02–06:41
• Ruthie Introduces Retail Reality: 08:11–10:10
• First Evening Exhaustion: 10:27
• Gift-Giving Debate at Home: 10:58–12:12
• Perfume Counter Craziness & Customer Fights: 13:17–13:53
• "Essence" Perfume Scams and the Serial Sampler Reveal: 14:26–15:06
• Shoplifting Incident: 15:17–16:43
• Liz’s Holiday Disillusionment: 16:48–17:11
• Christmas Eve End of Work: 17:13–19:24
• Ruthie's Loneliness and Invitation Home: 19:39–21:06
• Welcoming Ruthie & Family Gathering: 21:06–22:15
• Nativity Reading: 22:26–24:13
• Song: "What Child Is This": 24:13–25:02
• Tender “Essence” Closing: 25:48–26:12

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Tone and Style

The episode’s tone is a warm blend of gentle sarcasm, affectionate family bickering, and sincere emotion. The writing oscillates between playful satire about holiday consumerism and a reaffirmation of traditional values—treating others kindly, including outsiders, and resisting the reduction of Christmas to dollar signs.

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Takeaways for Listeners

• While Christmas may at times seem overrun by materialism and pressured generosity, its true spirit is found in kindness and inclusion.
• The tribulations of retail work at the holidays are both humorous and poignant, highlighting the unsung efforts of seasonal staff and the small dramas of customer service.
• At heart, the holiday is not about what you spend, but about who you spend it with.

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Recommended For

Fans of classic radio drama, lovers of nostalgic holiday stories, and anyone looking for a reminder of the enduring value of community during the holiday season.

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Transcript

[Radio Announcer]

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[Ruthie]

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[Narrator]

Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronin in the marriage. With the conviction that marriage remains the most popular domestic arrangement between friendly people, NBC takes pleasure in presenting one of the most distinguished couples of the American theater. Jessica Sandy and Hume Cronin as Liz and Zen marry, bringing you the love and laughter of the marriage.

[Liz Marriott]

There are a number of occasions when I turn Mordlin. Among them are weddings, new babies and Christmas. My annual glow arrives sometime after Thanksgiving and becomes progressively more intense as December wears on.

[Emily Marriott]

This year it all came to a.

[Liz Marriott]

Head late one night when Ben was trying to make our check stubs agree with the bank statement. Naturally, the bank was ahead.

[Ben Marriott]

I don't understand it, Liz. I can't make it balance.

[Liz Marriott]

In college physics, you used to multiply by Finagler's Constant.

[Ben Marriott]

Finagler's, which.

[Liz Marriott]

That's the number which you multiply by to get what you know is the right answer.

[Ben Marriott]

I'm afraid the Center Trust Company would take a dim view of Finagler's Constant.

[Liz Marriott]

So did our physics instructor.

[Ben Marriott]

Look at this collection of bills.

[Liz Marriott]

Oh, why do they always send them in those envelopes with windows? They always look as if they're sneering at you.

[Ben Marriott]

They are.

[Narrator]

Look at this electric bill.

[Ben Marriott]

What are we running, the Tennessee Valley Authority?

[Liz Marriott]

You like your toast dark, darling?

[Ben Marriott]

Not that dark.

[Liz Marriott]

Oh, look, Ben. The next bill. A Christmas seal.

[Emily Marriott]

Ben, I saw my first Santa Claus today.

[Ben Marriott]

Yeah, I didn't know they came as far south so early.

[Emily Marriott]

Seriously, I was thinking about Christmas all day.

[Liz Marriott]

All the things we used to do at home. Sleigh rides, church pageants, presents, having people just drop in.

[Ben Marriott]

I estimate people just dropping in at an average of $3 and a half apiece. $5 a couple.

[Liz Marriott]

Oh, Ben, you don't mean that.

[Ben Marriott]

Of course not, darling, but we are stuck this month. Here, here. Pete's dentist bill. What's he filling those cavities with? Never mind. I know. Gold.

[Emily Marriott]

Is it that bad?

[Ben Marriott]

Every doctor in town suddenly decides he needs a little something extra for Christmas, so they all send bills.

[Emily Marriott]

Well, that's what I was thinking this afternoon.

[Liz Marriott]

It would be so nice to have something extra for pieces and really wonderful presents. So I went into Hunt's and applied for a loan.

[Ben Marriott]

Hunt's is a department store?

[Emily Marriott]

No, for a job. They always put on extra people at Christmas.

[Ben Marriott]

Liz.

[Mr. Jowett]

Liz, are you serious?

[Emily Marriott]

Well, why shouldn't I?

[Liz Marriott]

Pete and Emily are old enough now and, well, I think it's a little exciting.

[Emily Marriott]

While I was filling out the personnel.

[Liz Marriott]

Form, I felt as if I were taking college entrance exams again.

[Ben Marriott]

I hate to think of you in that grind all day.

[Liz Marriott]

Oh no, Ben. I walked through the store with all.

[Emily Marriott]

The holiday decorations going up and I.

[Liz Marriott]

Felt as if I were an important part of Christmas. I'll be in moderate perfumes.

[Ben Marriott]

Don't they trust you with the uninhibited brands?

[Liz Marriott]

Moderate price, dear.

[Ben Marriott]

I still don't feel right about it.

[Liz Marriott]

Then look at it this way. Emily and Pete have to work to save up Christmas money. Why shouldn't I?

[Ben Marriott]

But a full time job, it's only for a month.

[Emily Marriott]

It makes me feel 15 years younger. I've been studying the manual.

[Ben Marriott]

Manual? You mean an employee's manual?

[Liz Marriott]

Oh yes. You've got to know what to do in an emergency.

[Ben Marriott]

What kind of an emergency?

[Liz Marriott]

Well, what to do if a woman starts to have a baby in the store.

[Ben Marriott]

Refer to the infant's wear department.

[Liz Marriott]

No, you send for the nearest elevator operator.

[Ben Marriott]

They have medical degrees.

[Emily Marriott]

They get the store doctor.

[Liz Marriott]

Oh, I do hope nobody has a baby in moderate perfume. I had a curious sense of excitement as I went through the employees entrance at Hunt's the next morning at 8:30. I positively glowed with a combination of pride and pre yuletide spirit as I punched my time card just before the store opened. Mr. Jarrett, the department buyer called all the girls down to the big Christmas.

[Emily Marriott]

Tree at the elevators.

[Ben Marriott]

Now go.

[Mr. Jowett]

Go.

[Ruthie]

Yes sir.

[Mr. Jowett]

I believe we're all oriented on the mechanical details of sales slips, refunds, cash and stock records. But now, in the quiet before the the storm, I want especially to tell you temporaries that Christmas at Hunts is more than sales and commissions. Christmas at Hunts is here. Last year in perfumes and cosmetics we ran up a Christmas sales index of 79.8. You are amazed, of course. But let me warn you. Hosiery was not far behind in coming fast. This year we faced stiff competition with the addition of men's sports shirts on the floor. We shall be hard put. Hard put. But I am confident that with our hardcore regulars and the spirited assistance of all you little extras once again when the dust has cleared and tally sheets are made out up there in accounting like a bouvenadam, perfumes and cosmetics will lead all the rest. I want you to know I have faith in you. By December 24, hosiery and men's sports will know they've been in a fight. All right, places, places. Get out there and remember. Merry Christmas.

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[Ruthie]

Hello there.

[Emily Marriott]

Hello.

[Ruthie]

I'm Ruthie.

[Emily Marriott]

Hello, Ruthie. I'm Liz.

[Ruthie]

Jowett wasn't so bad this year.

[Emily Marriott]

Does he do that every year?

[Ruthie]

Oh, you should have heard him in 51. Mrs. Harris from Face powder was sick. Silicosis or something. And he had us out there winning this one for her.

[Liz Marriott]

It is kind of exciting though, isn't it?

[Emily Marriott]

I mean, all the Christmas spirit. You bet.

[Ruthie]

Jowett gets a bonus if the department beats out hosiery and men's sports shirts. Look, honey, you mind if I give you a couple of tips?

[Emily Marriott]

Well, as a matter of fact, I.

[Liz Marriott]

Never worked on the floor before when I was here, before I was a buyer.

[Emily Marriott]

No kidding.

[Ruthie]

Well, out here it's the law of the jungle. I know. I've had eight years of it since I was 16.

[Liz Marriott]

You are a veteran.

[Ruthie]

I got the scars to show. Well, here's our kennel. Look, Liz, you gotta remember, a customer is human. Deep down they got weaknesses. When you spot it, move in fast. Get them before they get you and push the dog.

[Emily Marriott]

Push the dog? Yeah, this stuff.

[Ruthie]

Jowett bought a couple of dozen gross of this perfume, and it's overpriced 100% and he wants it unloaded. There's a 1% commission bonus.

[Liz Marriott]

What an interesting name. Essence.

[Ruthie]

In French it means gasoline. Well, we'll all be pushing this stuff, although most of it'll be bouncing back for return.

[Emily Marriott]

Why should it?

[Ruthie]

For one thing, it smells like a caramel popcorn store on Times Square. And for another, if you're not careful, the bottle breaks in your hand.

[Liz Marriott]

Well, why sell it then?

[Ruthie]

1% bonus, baby.

[Emily Marriott]

Oh, well, there's the warning bell. Dig your heels in and fight back. You make it sound so desperate, honey. When them customers get in here, it's.

[Ruthie]

Every girl for herself.

[Emily Marriott]

Kill or be killed.

[Liz Marriott]

I wonder what would happen if I took a sort of Gandhi position.

[Emily Marriott]

Passive resistance.

[Ruthie]

Oh, that's all right for machine guns or tanks, honey, but not for customers.

[Liz Marriott]

Oh, my goodness.

[Emily Marriott]

What's that?

[Ruthie]

Foghorn Joe, that 14 foot Santa Claus by the elevator. He does that every minute and a half. You'll get used to it or you'll break.

[Mr. Jowett]

Me.

[Narrator]

Christmas.

[Liz Marriott]

I must admit I was a little tired that evening. As a matter of fact, I was exhausted. I kept hearing Foghorn Joe ringing in my ears every minute and a half. Oh, Merry Christmas. I was glad to get home. I thought that here, at least with the children and my family, I could both drop my faith in the warmth and humanity of Christmas. Liz, look up by the arches. Emily. Oh, easy now.

[Ruthie]

Is this right, Mom? With my thumb.

[Liz Marriott]

Very soothing, Liz. What did you say then?

[Ben Marriott]

I've got our Christmas list all organized.

[Emily Marriott]

Wonderful.

[Liz Marriott]

I love just thinking about presents. Don't. Oh, Emily.

[Emily Marriott]

I'm sorry, Mom.

[Ben Marriott]

See, I took all the names, I put them on lists. Here, look, Liz. Here they are. These are a dollar and a half. $254 and six. See, I. I started by dividing everybody into categories and then downgrading across the board.

[Liz Marriott]

Oh, bad efficient, eh?

[Emily Marriott]

But you can't do that. You've got to think about each person.

[Ben Marriott]

I did. You think it's easy deciding whether your uncle arnold is a 250 or a 4?

[Liz Marriott]

But that's so mechanical.

[Ben Marriott]

You mean you think he's really a dollar and a half?

[Liz Marriott]

Oh, Ben, that's awful. You can't hang a price tag on Christmas. It spoils everything.

[Emily Marriott]

It's the joy of giving, even to a stranger. You.

[Liz Marriott]

You've got to think how you really feel about. Well, Uncle Arnold, I couldn't go that low. Oh, seriously. Christmas giving should come from the heart.

[Ben Marriott]

Of course it should, darling, but we have got a budget. It just wouldn't be sensible to run into debt. Now I've got a formula for working it all out based on seniority, relationship and value of their last year's gift to us.

[Ruthie]

Hey, Mom.

[Liz Marriott]

What is it, dear?

[Ruthie]

Emily isn't there.

[Liz Marriott]

What is it now?

[Emily Marriott]

She won't tell me how much she's.

[Ruthie]

Going to spend on my Christmas present.

[Narrator]

Why should she?

[Ruthie]

So I know how much to spend on her.

[Ben Marriott]

What's the difference?

[Ruthie]

Look, Pop, money doesn't grow on trees.

[Ben Marriott]

I'm aware of that.

[Ruthie]

I have to work hard for my money.

[Ben Marriott]

I know, I know.

[Emily Marriott]

You think it's easy shining your shoes?

[Liz Marriott]

Pete, dear, don't you think you could get Emily a present because you. Well, because you just wanted to?

[Ruthie]

Sure, but I don't want to come out on the short end.

[Emily Marriott]

Mom, I don't think it's fair there.

[Ruthie]

To get me a present, you'd have to get me anyway. Like clothes. If I get a good, warm, sensible muffler, I'll scream.

[Emily Marriott]

Listen, Emily, give me a hint, huh? Under $2.

[Ruthie]

Under 3. Get something I need anytime.

[Narrator]

Liz.

[Ben Marriott]

Liz. Do you consider cousin Harry a four dollar or a 250?

[Liz Marriott]

I could tell that the un selfish, kindly spirit of Christmas was everywhere.

[Emily Marriott]

The days that followed at the store.

[Liz Marriott]

Were a touching testimonial to the power of the yuletide to bring out the humanity in everyone.

[Emily Marriott]

Drop that perfume, you sweet. It's mine. And miss, will you wrap this, please? Don't you do it, miss. I saw it first. Really, lady, don't you push me. Don't you think I'll let you elbow me out into the aisles. I was here first. You don't own this counter. Lady, please, you.

[Liz Marriott]

We have a center job like in the basketball.

[Emily Marriott]

Don't you poke me with that umbrella. Well, I will if you push me. Now stop it. Stop it, both of you.

[Liz Marriott]

I'm ashamed of you.

[Emily Marriott]

Don't you realize it's Christmas time?

[Liz Marriott]

Aren't you ashamed to be fighting like children?

[Emily Marriott]

Well, I never. Enough help they have these days.

[Ruthie]

Fresh.

[Emily Marriott]

I'm going to complain to the section manager. Wait a minute, dear. I'll go with you. I've never been so insulted in my.

[Liz Marriott]

I clung desperately to my starry eyed devotion to Christmas. In the face of continuous crowds, sales girls locked in deadly battle over commissions and a mountain of return bottles of essence.

[Emily Marriott]

I wanted so much to prove to.

[Liz Marriott]

Ruthie that you couldn't account for all of Christmas in sales slips and bonuses.

[Ruthie]

You make a sale to that Danglist?

[Liz Marriott]

Oh yes. Lucy and the Stone.

[Emily Marriott]

Yeah.

[Liz Marriott]

She obviously didn't have much money. She had to make sure the present was just right. She said it was for her daughter.

[Ruthie]

She'd buy all the cosmetics.

[Liz Marriott]

Uh huh. I was so touched. She'd try one and then she'd be worried that her daughter wouldn't like it. And then she'd try another one.

[Ruthie]

Did she finally buy some? Oh yes.

[Liz Marriott]

A lipstick.

[Ruthie]

The circus read number three.

[Emily Marriott]

How did you know?

[Ruthie]

The cheapest on the Countess. Honey, I got news for you. That dame is here every day.

[Emily Marriott]

She is? Sure.

[Ruthie]

She comes in and have a complete makeup job from the samples. This isn't a department store to her. It's a free beauty parlor.

[Narrator]

Christmas.

[Mr. Jowett]

Miss.

[Emily Marriott]

Young lady. I'll help you, madam.

[Liz Marriott]

Oh, thank you. That's so thoughtful. Would you like to sit down, madam? Oh, thank you so much. I've been shopping all morning. It's really too much for me at my age. I'm 67, you know.

[Emily Marriott]

How wonderful. Here, take this chair.

[Liz Marriott]

Look out for my umbrella, dear. Now, can I help you? Well, the doctor says I shouldn't go out shopping, you know.

[Ruthie]

But I just couldn't let anyone else.

[Liz Marriott]

Do my Christmas list, now could I?

[Emily Marriott]

Of course not.

[Liz Marriott]

That's just the way I feel. Is it really, dear? It's so nice to find somebody who feels this way about Christmas. I was beginning to give up. Don't you do it, dear. You keep your spirit up. I always do. Christmas is my biggest time, you know. Oh, now that's pretty.

[Narrator]

Ms. Marriott?

[Emily Marriott]

I beg your pardon?

[Ben Marriott]

I'm Gargan Store detective. I saw you stole the old lady. Recognize him?

[Narrator]

Oh, no you don't.

[Ben Marriott]

Hattie. Stay right here.

[Emily Marriott]

Big ap.

[Narrator]

Sure. This umbrella, Hattie. Every store in town's been on the.

[Mr. Jowett]

Lookout for that umbrella is loaded with jewelry and high priced fountain pens. But she said that Christmas is her busiest time.

[Emily Marriott]

Let me go.

[Mr. Jowett]

Come on, Hattie, put it all back.

[Emily Marriott]

Let go of me before I stamp the toes right off those flat feet.

[Mr. Jowett]

Merry Christmas.

[Liz Marriott]

By the time the 24th of December rolled around, I had decided that Dickens had been manifestly unfair to good old sensible Scrooge and that the Cratchit family were probably ne' er do wells who got that way by squandering their money annually on shamefully extravagant Christmas folderowls. Finally, there was only minutes to go before the ceasefire.

[Emily Marriott]

Boy, oh boy.

[Ruthie]

How are your feet, Liz?

[Liz Marriott]

Numb.

[Ruthie]

You're lucky. I'll give you a Card to my chiropodist.

[Liz Marriott]

Thanks.

[Emily Marriott]

There it is. We're freezing. Thank goodness. Oh, I can't wait to get home.

[Narrator]

Miss. Oh, miss, can you help me?

[Mr. Jowett]

Oh, no, I just rushed down here.

[Narrator]

The door was locked, but I tapped on it with a corner and they let me in. I've just got to get some last minute.

[Liz Marriott]

You go ahead, Ruthie. I'll take it.

[Ruthie]

Gee, thanks, Liz.

[Narrator]

They're just a few last minute gifts.

[Mr. Jowett]

This list.

[Narrator]

Drop the fourth page.

[Liz Marriott]

Shall we begin at the beginning, sir?

[Narrator]

Oh, yes, I realize you're closing, but I just had to.

[Liz Marriott]

Well, now, the first is Marcia Perfume.

[Mr. Jowett]

Well, what do you think?

[Liz Marriott]

I don't know. Look, sir, it's after six. Oh, but of course you don't know Marcia.

[Narrator]

Let me tell you about Marcia.

[Liz Marriott]

I proceeded to provide a short term psychoanalysis of everyone on the list. And to get even, I sold him a giant bottle of essence for the last 10 names. Finally, the last embattled customer had been backed toward the doors and still snapping, herded out into the street.

[Ben Marriott]

Girl.

[Liz Marriott]

Girl.

[Ruthie]

Come on, Liz. This is Jowitt's big moments. If we don't get there in a hurry, we'll miss the night before Christmas.

[Mr. Jowett]

Well, it's all over again for this year. I know you all want to hurry home, but just a word before you go. I want you to know I appreciate everything you've done. And I'm sure that you'll all be glad to know that as of noon today, Perfume and Cosmetics was leading hosiery by seven points with men's shirts tailing far behind.

[Ben Marriott]

Yes.

[Mr. Jowett]

Now I have a little something for Christmas that I want to pass out. I know you'll all enjoy it. A pocketbook size bottle of essence. Of course, there isn't enough to go around, so it's just for the regulars. The extras can pick up their layoff slips on the way out.

[Ruthie]

Drop dead.

[Mr. Jowett]

Very crucial.

[Emily Marriott]

Well, it's snowing.

[Ruthie]

Yeah, A white Christmas and soggy shoes.

[Liz Marriott]

Well, I suppose I better get home. It's been nice knowing you, Ruthie. I don't think I could have survived the slaughter without you.

[Ruthie]

Ah, you've been swell, Liz. Look, I thought maybe. Well, you were only an extra and.

[Emily Marriott]

You didn't get any presents.

[Ruthie]

Here, you take mine.

[Emily Marriott]

Oh, no, I couldn't.

[Ruthie]

Sure, why not? Give it to your kid. She'll like it.

[Emily Marriott]

But Ruthie, you don't have to.

[Ruthie]

Oh, I just kind of want to. You don't have to think of it as a Christmas present. Well, guess I'll go to a movie.

[Emily Marriott]

A movie? On Christmas Eve? Sure.

[Ruthie]

All the jerks are home trimming those silly trees. You can get a seat.

[Emily Marriott]

You mean you don't have any place to go? Don't you have any family?

[Ruthie]

Not that I speak to. I live in a room over on the west side, but.

[Liz Marriott]

Well, where will you have Christmas dinner tomorrow?

[Ruthie]

Maybe a cafeteria? Christmas dinner is just dinner. Oh, Ruthie, I don't care, really.

[Emily Marriott]

Well, I do. You come home with me now.

[Ruthie]

Oh, no, I couldn't.

[Liz Marriott]

But you can't be all alone on Christmas Eve.

[Ruthie]

Oh, why not? Let it match the rest of the year. I don't care, really. I can take care of myself. Doesn't make any difference to me. Could I really go home with you?

[Liz Marriott]

We'd love to have you.

[Mr. Jowett]

Really?

[Emily Marriott]

Gee, come on.

[Liz Marriott]

We better hurry or they'll have the tree all trimmed.

[Emily Marriott]

There was a holly wreath on the.

[Liz Marriott]

Door as we went in. And the smell of the fir tree filled the whole house.

[Emily Marriott]

Suddenly I realized I wasn't sure how.

[Liz Marriott]

The family would react to a stranger, an intruder in our family Christmas. I closed the door slowly behind me. Ben.

[Emily Marriott]

Emily.

[Liz Marriott]

Hi, Pete. This is Ruth.

[Emily Marriott]

Hello.

[Liz Marriott]

I.

[Emily Marriott]

She didn't have anybody to. Well, I brought her home for Christmas Eve.

[Ben Marriott]

How'd you do?

[Ruthie]

Maybe I better go, Liz. I mean, after all, it's for your family. I don't really belong.

[Emily Marriott]

Let me take your coat, Ruth.

[Ben Marriott]

Do you sing alto or soprano?

[Emily Marriott]

She can sit next to me. James. I'd love to.

[Ruthie]

I'd love to.

[Liz Marriott]

Somehow, once again, the magic had taken place. The cash registers, the advertisements, the dollar signs faded away. And we had Christmas with it. Then Pete plugged in the lights on the Christmas tree.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Liz Marriott]

And then got out the old leather bound Bible that used to be fathers and grandfathers before him. It was Christmas again.

[Ben Marriott]

And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth unto Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem because he was of the house and lineage of David to be taxed, with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them. And the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will towards men.

[Emily Marriott]

Emily, what child is this? Who laid to rest on Mary's lap is sleeping. Whom angels greet with anthem sweet, while shepherds will watch our kissing.

[Narrator]

Ben and Liz Marriott will be back in a moment. In the meantime, let us extend an invitation to all of you to drop by next week at this time for another half hour observation and transcription of the marriage written by Ernest Chinoy. The NBC Radio Network offers Its congratulations to two members of the family, Ms. Candy and Mr. Cronin, on their fine performance in Sydney Howard's comedy Madam, will you walk? Playing now in New York at the Phoenix Theater. In tonight's cast of the marriage were Denise Alexander, David Beer, Ann Thomas, Norman, Lloyd Bra, Sylvia Davis, Kermit Murdoch and James Stevens. The marriage is an NBC Radio Network production directed by Edward K. This is Bob Den speaking.

[Liz Marriott]

What are you sniffing, Ben?

[Ben Marriott]

Are you eating popcorn in bed?

[Liz Marriott]

No, it's essence. I put some behind my ear.

[Ben Marriott]

Delicious.

[Liz Marriott]

Merry Christmas, darling.

[Ben Marriott]

Merry Christmas.

[Narrator]

This program came to you from our Radio City studios in New York. Let a kitchen radio fill your day with the wonderful music on the NBC Radio Network.

[Toyota Commercial Announcer]

Toyota Thon. Toyota Thon. Toyota Thon is on. Oh, what fun it is to drive a new Toyota today. Hey, Jan from Toyota here reminding you Toyotathon is on. Make your holiday wishes come true with a new Camry RAV4 Tacoma and more. All right, let's sing it together this time. Toyota Thon. Toyota Thon. Toyota Thon.

[Liberty Mutual Commercial Announcer]

Dealer inventory may vary. Toyota Thon ends January 5th. See your participating dealer for details. Toyota. Let's go places.

[Ben Marriott]

Limu Cable and Doug.

[Liberty Mutual Commercial Announcer]

Here we have the Limu Imu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug Limu.

[Liz Marriott]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us?

[Liberty Mutual Commercial Announcer]

Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you need at libertymutual. Com Savings Ferry, unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Company and affiliates excludes Massachusetts.