Ozzie and Harriet 47-10-12 (129) Retreat from Civilization

Summary

Podcast Summary: Ozzie and Harriet 47-10-12 (129) "Retreat from Civilization"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: December 5, 2025 (original broadcast: October 12, 1947)
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Show: The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet
Episode Theme: Family Promises, Parental Example, and the Humorous Struggles of Keeping One’s Word

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Episode Overview

This classic family comedy episode revolves around Ozzie making a promise to take his sons, David and Ricky, on a hike, only to realize there’s a big football game the same afternoon. The Nelsons navigate the complications of parental promises, kids’ expectations, and the ways everyone maneuvers for what they actually want. Laced with gentle humor and heartwarming wisdom, the episode delightfully explores the importance of keeping promises (and a little about the art of "changing your mind").

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Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

Opening Family Scene (00:05–04:48)

• The family is introduced in their living room, Harriet mending clothes and Ozzie attempting to read the paper.
• The boys, David and Ricky, are caught reading comic books rather than doing homework, defending themselves by claiming the comics are “educational.”
  • Quote:
    • David: “[Comic books] tell you all about it. They're very educational.” (02:41)
• Ozzie launches into a nostalgic account of his own boyhood hikes and how learning about nature meant going outdoors, not just reading about it.
  • Quote:
    • Ozzie: “When I went to school, we didn’t have to learn about nature out of comic books. We wanted to learn about animals and trees and plants, we went right out into the woods.” (03:23)
• The boys express excitement about the idea of a hike and prompt Ozzie into a promise.
  • Quote:
    • Ricky: “Gee, Pop, why don't you ever take us on hikes?” (04:18)
    • Ozzie (reluctantly): “Okay, it’s a promise.” (04:31)

Breakfast and the Forgotten Promise (05:04–06:42)

• The next morning, Harriet gently reminds Ozzie that the boys are preparing for the promised hike.
• Ozzie tries to convince himself the kids might have forgotten, but Harriet sets him straight.
  • Quote:
    • Harriet: “Perhaps I didn’t hear the boys correctly, but aren’t you taking them up to Indian Springs for a hike or something?” (05:36)

Neighborly Wisdom: Thorny’s Visit and the Parental Example (06:57–11:05)

• Ozzie’s neighbor Thorny drops by with a dubious cigar, sparking a comic routine about trusting gifts from children and upholding one’s promises as a parent.
• Thorny offers fatherly advice, stressing how seriously children take promises.
  • Quote:
    • Thorny: “A promise is a big thing to a kid.” (09:56)
    • Ozzie: “A promise is a promise.” (10:36)
• Ozzie, tempted by the big football game, debates whether to swap the hike for tickets. Thorny warns him that children will sense if their father is letting them down, even if they don’t complain.

The Boys’ Perspective: Disappointment vs. Loyalty (11:05–12:48)

• David and Ricky, learning from their friend Will about the football game, wrestle with whether to mention it to their father for fear of hurting his feelings.
  • Quote:
    • David: “All we get is an old hike.” (11:20)
    • Harriet: “You don’t want to hurt his feelings, do you?” (11:26)
• Harriet suggests the boys “hint” at the game if they really prefer it, but the boys ultimately don’t want to risk disappointing Ozzie.

The “Promise Standoff”: Who’s Sacrificing? (13:13–18:13)

• The show detours into a playful “promise montage,” as the narrator humorously lists Ozzie’s childhood feats of keeping promises, culminating in the present dilemma.
  • Quote:
    • Narrator: “The Ozzie Nelson of today has the same grim determination to keep his promise…” (15:27)
• Harriet and her mother discuss the absurdity of the family all going on the hike just to avoid breaking a promise, even though nobody actually wants to go. Harriet hatches a plan by recalling Ozzie also promised to take her to an art exhibit—the same day!
  • Harriet (to Ozzie): “You made a promise to me. Remember, dear? You promised to take me to the modern art exhibit. Whatever day I wanted to go.” (18:25)
• The family comedically argues about “which promise trumps which,” ultimately leaving Ozzie caught between outings.

The Stanislavski Method and the Reluctant Art-Goer (21:03–24:56)

• In a humorous riff on acting methods, Ozzie is coached by the kids to “convince himself” he wants to go to the art exhibit by repeating, “I want to go to the art exhibit” until he believes it.
  • Quote:
    • Ozzie: “I want to go to the art exhibit. I want to go… Well, I think I’ll try.” (22:43)
    • Ozzie: “I want to go to the art exhibit. Why? It’ll be fun.” (23:34)
• Ozzie insists to himself (and Harriet) that he wants to go to the exhibit, while the audience knows he’d much rather see the game.

The Final Twist: The Woman’s Right to Change Her Mind (24:40–25:25)

• As Harriet drives them—toward the football stadium, not the art gallery—she declares her prerogative to “change her mind,” humorously resolving the bind.
  • Quote:
    • Harriet: “Oh, yes. It is a woman’s right to change [her] mind.” (25:00)
• The boys have already been rerouted to meet them at the game.

Post-Game Wrap-Up and Comic Aftermath (27:19–28:10)

• Afterward, the family reunites, and it’s revealed that the boys ended up at Will Thornberry’s watching "Tarzan of the Apes" on television instead of doing anything originally planned.
  • Quote:
    • Ricky: “We were watching a picture on television.”
    • David: “Tarzan of the Apes with Elmo Lincoln.” (27:39–27:40)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Parental Example:
  • “You’ll find that the average boy patterns his entire behavior after his father.” (Thorny, 08:22)
• Wisdom on Promises:
  • “A promise is a big thing to a kid.” (Thorny, 09:56)
  • “A promise is a promise.” (Ozzie, 10:36)
• Family Humor:
  • Ozzie: “I want to go to the art exhibit. I want to go… I want to be a leaf… I want to go…” (23:25)
  • Harriet: “When the rules of living were drawn up, there was one rule that headed the list, and it supersedes all other rules.”
    Ozzie: “Harriet, nothing is more firmly established than the obligation to keep a promise.”
    Harriet: “Oh, yes. It is a woman’s right to change your mind.” (24:51–25:04)
• The Underlying Joke:
  • Every maneuver to “sacrifice” is met by the true desires of the participants lying elsewhere, especially as everyone schemes to not hurt others' feelings—an affectionate send-up of family life.

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Family evening & the initial promise: 00:05–04:48
• Morning after & plans for hike: 05:04–06:42
• Ozzie & Thorny’s discussion on fatherhood: 06:57–11:05
• David & Ricky weigh loyalty vs. temptation: 11:05–12:48
• Narrator’s flashbacks on Ozzie’s promises: 13:13–15:27
• Harriet’s proposal to resolve the dilemma: 17:14–18:13
• Ozzie tries to “act” enthusiastic: 21:03–24:56
• Harriet changes her mind; solution found: 24:40–25:25
• Family reconvenes after the game: 27:19–27:40

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Language & Tone

Staying true to the mid-century charm, the tone is warm, humorous, and gently moral. Family banter feels affectionate, with Ozzie as the gently flustered dad, Harriet as clever and practical, and the boys as mischievous but well-meaning. The neighbor Thorny provides wry comic commentary and advice.

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In Summary

This episode deftly illustrates the perils and comic misfires that come with trying to do the “right thing” as a parent. Promises, expectations, and disappointments all mix together in a lighthearted way that underscores both the pressures and joys of family life and the subtle art of compromise. In the end, everyone gets—or at least accepts—what they wanted, and the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.

A great listen for fans of generational humor, gentle family comedy, and the wit of 1940s radio.

Transcript

[Ozzie Nelson]

Harriet. Harriet.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Yes, dear?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Would you please, if you'll pardon the expression, stop the music for a second.

Take a look at this ad in Life magazine.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Yes, I saw that. Isn't that Joan of Arc pattern? Simply beautiful.

[Ozzie Nelson]

That's what I mean. No wonder everybody says the solid silver with beauty that lives forever is International sterling.

[Narrator]

The solid silver with beauty that lives forever is international sterling. From Hollywood International Silver Company, creators of International Sterling, presents the the Adventures of Ozzy and Harriet. Starring America's favorite young couple, Ozzy Nelson and Harriet Hilliard.

It's a pleasant family scene we find in the living room of the Nelsons. 1847 Rogers Road. Fire in the fireplace. Nick the dog stretched out on the hearth. Ozzy on the couch reading the evening paper. And Harriet curled up in the easy chair with a basket of mending. Ah, this is the life.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Look here, dear.

[Ozzie Nelson]

What is it?

[Harriet Hilliard]

I want you to see what happens to Ricky's trousers.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Gee, they're getting pretty thin. How can he wear them out that way? He never sits down.

Where are the boys?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Out in the kitchen. I told them they could stay up a little longer if they promised to do their homework.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Aren't these David's books here on the table?

[Harriet Hilliard]

What are you fellas doing out there?

[David Nelson]

Just getting a cracker.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Why don't you go out and take a look, dear?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Okay.

How you doing, boys?

[David Nelson]

We're okay.

[Ricky Nelson]

Well, Pop, this is a neat book.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Wait a minute. What's the idea of reading comic books, Pop?

[Ricky Nelson]

These aren't ordinary comic books. They're educational.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I suppose this first story is educational. Tommy Skunk lets him have it.

[David Nelson]

That's a swell story, Pop. Tommy Skunk.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Never mind, Ricky. Why aren't you boys doing your homework?

[Ricky Nelson]

Well, you don't understand, Pop. You see, we're supposed to do a composition on animals and birds and stuff. And these comic books tell you all about it. They're very educational.

[David Nelson]

We're gonna read our school books too, Pop.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, nevertheless, you promised to get right at your homework after dinner. I thought a promise meant a little more to you guys than something to be said and forgotten.

[Ricky Nelson]

We didn't mean to break our promise, Pop.

[David Nelson]

We didn't think you'd catch us.

[Ricky Nelson]

I don't think you understand, Pop. The teacher told us to get these comic books. They're very instructive.

[Ozzie Nelson]

All I can say is, school certainly is a lot different than it was when I was a boy.

[David Nelson]

Tape's a lot better, isn't it, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

I'm not too sure, Ricky.

[David Nelson]

Back in those days, everybody walked 10 miles through snow?

[Ozzie Nelson]

That's not what I mean. When I went to school, we didn't have to learn about nature out of comic books. We wanted to learn about animals and trees and plants. We went right out into the woods.

[Ricky Nelson]

Yeah, Pop, but that was back in the old days.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, they weren't the old days. It wasn't that long ago.

[David Nelson]

We don't have any woods around here.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, of course we do. There are plenty of woods around here. The hills are covered.

[Ricky Nelson]

Well, it was easier for you, Pop. Grandma Nelson told us that your pop used to take you on hikes in the woods.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes, that's true. He did. Many an afternoon. I remember Pop would come in and say, let's go, boys. We're taking a hike.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Off.

[Ozzie Nelson]

We'd go up to the pines or up to Phelps Woods.

[Ricky Nelson]

I'll bet you had a lot of fun.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yeah, we sure did. There weren't many dads like my father.

[David Nelson]

There aren't any now at all.

[Ricky Nelson]

Gee, Pop, why don't you ever take us on hikes?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, I will. It's just.

[David Nelson]

Oh, boy. When can we go?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, anytime. It doesn't.

[Ricky Nelson]

Let's go tomorrow.

[David Nelson]

Well, can we, Pop? Can we go tomorrow?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, I'll see. Maybe.

[Ricky Nelson]

That's a promise.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Okay, it's a promise.

[David Nelson]

Do you think we'll catch a skunk?

[Ozzie Nelson]

You don't catch a skunk, Ricky. You run in the opposite direction.

[Ricky Nelson]

Why?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Because they have awfully sharp teeth. Now, come on, let's get after that homework, and I mean the real school books, the spelling and stuff.

[David Nelson]

Okay, Pop.

[Ricky Nelson]

Okay, Pop.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Mmm, that bacon smells good.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Well, good morning. I was beginning to get worried. About an hour ago, I heard you say you were getting up.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I was. It was cold and I wanted another blanket.

[Harriet Hilliard]

You better get a blanket for the eggs. They're cold, too.

[Ozzie Nelson]

The boys eaten yet?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Oh, hours ago. They're upstairs changing their clothes.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Changing their clothes for what?

[Harriet Hilliard]

They're going hiking today.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh. Well, it's a nice day for a hike. Me, I think I'll do a few things around the house. Maybe I'll try out that new couch on the porch. Looks pretty comfortable.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Perhaps I didn't hear the boys correctly, but aren't you taking them up to Indian Springs for a hike or something? They said you promised them you would.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I promised? Oh, that. Oh, well, we were just talking last night. I don't think it was anything. Definitely.

[Harriet Hilliard]

They're upstairs getting out their camping stuff. They seem to think they're going today.

[Ozzie Nelson]

See? Maybe. I did mention that we might take a trip up there. Oh, they'll forget all about it. You know how they are. Enthusiastic about something and 10 minutes later it's all forgotten.

[Harriet Hilliard]

I seem pretty enthusiastic about the hike.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, you know how they change from one minute to the next. Remember last summer, that rocket ship they were going to build and fly to the moon in it? They never did go.

[Harriet Hilliard]

I hope they won't be disappointed when they find out you aren't going to take them.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, who said anything about not taking them? They still want to go. After I finish breakfast, I'll be only too glad to take.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Oh, that's wonderful, dear. I'm sure they want to go. They've been talking about it all morning.

[Ozzie Nelson]

As a matter of fact, it'll probably be a lot of fun for me, too. Get a little exercise, some of that clear mountain air. Hear the brown leaves crunching under my feet.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Oh, isn't it lucky?

[Ozzie Nelson]

What's the matter?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Well, I'm so glad you enjoy the sound of crunching. I just burned the toast.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Hiya, Thorny.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Hi, Oz. Well, what a coincidence. I was just on my way over to see you.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, gee, I'm awful sorry, Thorny, but as a matter of fact, I'm a little short myself this week.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Oz, please. I just came over to pay a little neighborly visit. Here, have a cigar.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, is Catherine. I mean. I mean, are you.

[Thorny Thornberry]

No, no, there's no special occasion.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Here. Enjoy a good smoke. What's the matter with it?

[Thorny Thornberry]

Nothing's the matter with it, Charlie. Can't a man offer his neighbor a cigar without going through a third degree?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, don't forget, I know you pretty well. You're sure it's not going to explode or something?

[Thorny Thornberry]

Please, Oz. You have my word for it. Just a plain cigar. As a matter of fact, my boy Will bought it for me.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Will? Isn't he a little young for cigars?

[Thorny Thornberry]

I promised the doorman a little favor this afternoon and he bought them for me to show his appreciation.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I don't think I've ever seen this brand before. That tastes kind of strong.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Oh, what a rope.

[Ozzie Nelson]

This is evil, Thorny.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Please, Oz, don't throw it away. Will may be watching from the window. I don't want to hurt his feelings.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I know, Thorny, but it smells like burning rubber or something.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Well, the boy's young yet. Doesn't know one cigar from another. But the thought was there.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I promised to spend the afternoon with my kids, too, but I certainly hope they aren't out buying me cigars.

You know, you and I are different, Thorny, but most parents don't realize how important it is to spend time with their children.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Oh, sure, especially boys. You'll find that the average boy patterns his entire behavior after his father.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, there's no question about it. That's the reason we've got to be careful to set him a good example.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Well, I always say.

I think you're right about that cigar, Oz. It smells horrible.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I think so many parents make a mistake when they make casual promises their kids and then wriggle out of them in. In one way or another. It's no good.

[Thorny Thornberry]

And then the parent wanted.

I. I think you can throw that away. Oz will probably isn't watching after all.

[Ozzie Nelson]

It's okay. It's not bad. Take me for instance. I promise to take my boys on a hike this afternoon and nothing in the world could keep me from it.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Hi. How's old man? You mean to stand there with that awful cigar in your mouth and tell me you don't know about the big professional football game this afternoon?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Football game?

[Thorny Thornberry]

Why, sure. Down at the stadium.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Wasn't that next week?

[Thorny Thornberry]

Of course not as this afternoon.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, I thought it was next week. I wonder if it's too late to get tickets.

[Thorny Thornberry]

How can you go? You promised to take the boys hiking.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, yes, but I'm sure they'd rather go to the football game, don't you think?

[Thorny Thornberry]

I don't know, Oz. Did they seem very enthused about the hike?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, yeah. As a matter of fact, Harriet said they've been talking about it all morning. Why don't I just ask them which they'd rather do?

[Thorny Thornberry]

Well, don't you think that's a little unfair to them, Oz?

[Ozzie Nelson]

In what way?

[Thorny Thornberry]

Well, naturally they'd know you'd rather go to a football game, so they'd probably give up the hike just to make you happy. But inside they'd feel that their pop let them down.

[Ozzie Nelson]

You really think so?

[Thorny Thornberry]

Oh, yes, I do, Oz. A promise is a big thing to a kid. I remember once my grandfather promised to take me fishing. And at the last minute he changed his mind and took me to a movie instead. A Tarzan picture.

[Ozzie Nelson]

And you never quite forgave him?

[Thorny Thornberry]

Not only that, I've never felt the same about Elmo Lincoln.

Since that day. I. I don't seem to enjoy his pictures as much.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yeah, I see. What? Elmo Lincoln. He hasn't made a picture in years and years. They haven't shown those.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Oh, didn't I tell you, Oz? We got a television set.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh.

I think you're right about the promise, Thorny.

[Thorny Thornberry]

I'm sure of it, Oz. What's one football game compared to setting the right example for David and Ricky?

[Ozzie Nelson]

I don't know what I could have been thinking of. A promise is a promise.

[Thorny Thornberry]

That's the way I look at it, Oz. Even if we don't have a good time this afternoon, we'll have the satisfaction of knowing that we've kept our promises to our boys.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yeah. Where did you promise to take Will?

[Thorny Thornberry]

I was a little smarter than you were, Oz. I promised to take Will to the football game.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Mom. Yes, dear?

[Ricky Nelson]

We've been wondering. Mom, is Pop pretty good about keeping promises?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Well, if you're worried about him taking you on the hike, he's looking forward to it. Oh, gee, what kind of talk is this?

[Ricky Nelson]

Will Thornbury just said there's a professional football game today.

[David Nelson]

His father's taking him to the game, and all we get is an old hike.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Well, I'm surprised at you two guys. I think you have a pretty nice dad. You know, it isn't every father who's good enough to take his boys hiking. You don't want to hurt his feelings, do you?

[Ricky Nelson]

Well, golly, no. But do you think if we told him we'd rather see the game than go hiking, it'd hurt his feelings?

[Harriet Hilliard]

You're taking a chance.

[David Nelson]

Just take the chance, David.

[Ricky Nelson]

No, Ricky, we don't want to hurt Pop's feelings.

[Harriet Hilliard]

I'll tell you what you could do. You might just hint that if he'd rather go to the football game, you'd be willing to postpone the hike.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Hi, fellas.

[David Nelson]

Hi, Pop.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, beautiful weather for a hike, isn't it?

[Ricky Nelson]

Yeah.

[David Nelson]

Nice day for football game, too.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Ozzy, the boys have just heard that there's going to be a big football game at the stadium today, and they thought that if you'd like to postpone the hike, well, they'd understand.

[Ricky Nelson]

We know how much you like football, Pop.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, come now, boys. Do you think your old dad'd break his promise? Besides, on a beautiful day like this, who wants to sit in a crowded stadium and watch a football game?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Shut up, Ricky.

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, sir, this is a perfect day for a football. For the. I mean, this is a day for a hike in the pants. The hike in the woods. What I mean is, we can go to a football game any day, but. But a hike is something that. Well, Indian Springs. You can just imagine how beautiful it is up there at Indian Springs. Indians and Springs.

[Ricky Nelson]

We just thought that maybe.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Thanks very much, fellas. But don't you worry. Your old dad isn't going to let you down. No siree. A promise is a prom.

[Narrator]

What silver pattern has had scores of letters written about it?

What silver pattern have women all over the country been waiting for?

What silver pattern is back once again In a triumphant return to make a thousand dreams come true?

The answer? International sterling. Superb. Joan of arc.

Yes, Joan of Arc is back once again. The silver pattern you wrote about, waited for, dreamed of one of the most magnificent patterns ever to come from the hands of the famous International Sterling craftsman. Every detail is finished to perfection, back as well as front, and each piece is crowned with a gleaming classical shell ornament. Here, in every way, is solid silver at its loveliest. You'll agree when you see Joan of Arc at your International Sterling dealers. So don't miss it. Tomorrow, see Joan of Arc, the silver pattern you asked for, created by International Sterling.

Ever since Ozzie Nelson was a little boy, his parents taught him courage, determination and a sense of honor. These are the virt it takes to keep a promise. When little Oswald was eight years old, he was courageous.

[David Nelson]

Look at me, Sally. I can eat worms.

[Narrator]

When he was 12 years old, he was determined.

[Ricky Nelson]

Don't worry, Mom.

[Harriet Hilliard]

I'll finish eating this piece of chocolate cake.

[Narrator]

When he was 16, he had a highly developed sense of honor.

[Ricky Nelson]

Gwendolyn, I must confess. Before I met you, I kissed another girl.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Ouch.

[Narrator]

Yes, Ozzy learned early. At 19, he made his first important promise.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I promise to pay the Blue Sky Auto Finance Company the sum of $30.

[Narrator]

And he kept his promise. In fact, the finance company made sure of it. And so the Ozzie Nelson of today has the same grim determination to keep his promise. He's out in the garage now dusting off his hiking boots. Meanwhile, Harriet has put in her daily call to her mother.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Hello?

[David Nelson]

Hello, Mother, It's Harriet. Oh, hello, dear.

[Harriet Hilliard]

How are you? Oh, not so good, dear. My feet hurt and I feel a headache coming on. Have you taken an aspirin? Yes, but my feet still hurt.

I went to that modern art exhibit today, and I warn you, dear, don't go that bad. Dreadful. Simply a collection of three cornered apples, women with six arms and purple hair. The only thing in a frame that made sense turned out to be the fire hose.

[David Nelson]

Today's the last day of the exhibit, isn't it?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Yes, thank goodness. Well, I'm glad you told me. Ozzy promised to take me, but now I won't insist on it. How is Ozzy, dear? Oh, he's fine. He and the boys are going on a hike today.

[David Nelson]

Today?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Isn't he Going to the football game? No, he seems to prefer the hike.

[David Nelson]

Really?

[Harriet Hilliard]

That doesn't sound like Ozzy. Well, frankly, I think he really wants to go to the game. But he's just sticking to his promise. You know, it's silly, because the boys want to go to the game, too. Well, dear, if Ozzy wants to go to the game and the boys want to go to the game, why don't.

[David Nelson]

They just go to the game and.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Forget about the hike? It sounds simple. It's as simple as abc. But this is an xy.

They'll all go on the hike and be perfectly miserable. Just so Ozzy can prove he keeps his promises. But you just said he promised to take you to the art exhibit.

[David Nelson]

Yes, but he can't because it's closing today.

[Harriet Hilliard]

And last night he promised the boys.

[David Nelson]

Huh?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Oh, Mother, I have a wonderful idea. Would you like to hear it?

[David Nelson]

Now, Harriet, if it's some plan to.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Trick Ozzie, I don't want to hear about it. Okay, Mother. You know I never like to interfere in your little family squabbles, so I'd rather you.

[David Nelson]

Okay, Mother.

[Harriet Hilliard]

I'll call you again. Goodbye, Mother. Of course, if you insist.

[David Nelson]

And you feel that you need my advice.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Har. Harriet. Operator? Operator, we've been disconnected.

[David Nelson]

Boy, what do you want?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Mom, I think I know how you can go to the football game today. I'm not promising, mind you. It's just an idea.

[David Nelson]

Boy. David, Mom's got an idea.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Well, don't say it as if it were the first one I ever had.

[David Nelson]

What's your idea, Mom?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Well, listen to this. Daddy doesn't want to break his promise to take you hiking. But it just happens that he made a promise to me.

[Ricky Nelson]

Gee, are you stuck, too?

[Harriet Hilliard]

No, it's just. Oh, here he comes. Boys, let me do the talking.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, come on, fellows. Get on your hiking clothes.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Dear, I'm terribly sorry, but I think you've forgotten something.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, I don't think so. Here's my hatchet, my canteen, my tool kit, my collapsible drinking cup.

[Harriet Hilliard]

No, I don't mean anything like that, dear. I mean, you made a promise to me.

[Ozzie Nelson]

What's that?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Remember, dear? You promised to take me to the modern art exhibit. Whatever day I wanted to go.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I promised that?

[David Nelson]

Yes.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Don't you remember one night last week?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, we'll go sometime next week.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Today's the last day.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, that's a shame. Well, it'll probably be around another year or two.

[Harriet Hilliard]

No, dear. You promised to take me. A promise is a promise.

[Ozzie Nelson]

But, Harriet, I'm taking the boys on a hike.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Well, you'll have to postpone the hike. A previous promise eliminates any promise made later. That's the law.

[Ricky Nelson]

That's the law.

[Ozzie Nelson]

David, don't hit the table with that walnut cracker.

Harriet, the boys are looking forward to this hike. Aren't you, fellows?

[Ricky Nelson]

Oh, that's okay, Pop. You go ahead and take mom to the art exhibit.

[David Nelson]

Yeah, Pop, we don't mind.

[Harriet Hilliard]

I'm sorry, dear, but you did promise to take me.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I didn't promise, Harriet. I said I'd take you. But that isn't a promise.

[David Nelson]

What is it, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

It's Ricky. Your mother and I are talking.

[David Nelson]

You better change your clothes, dear.

[Ozzie Nelson]

The fine couple of pals you two turned out to be.

[Ricky Nelson]

Well, gee, Pop, you promised mom you'd take her. We can't do anything.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, you didn't have to give up the hike so easily. You'd think you didn't even want to go. G. Pop, why didn't you say something? You're only eight years old. Ricky, why didn't you cry?

[David Nelson]

Are you sore as Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Of course I'm not sore at you. I suppose the art exhibit won't be so bad. Gives a man culture. I guess.

[Ricky Nelson]

You don't mind going, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, no. If it'll make your mother happy, I'm only too glad to take her. It'll probably be very interesting. Well, I'll see you guys later.

[David Nelson]

Where you going, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Outside to see if I can't find something wrong with the car.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Yo, Mr. Nassau.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, hello, Annie.

[David Nelson]

Where you going?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Just getting the car. We're going downtown.

[David Nelson]

To the football game?

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, we're going to the modern art exhibit at Simon's Galleries.

[David Nelson]

The art exhibit? Oh, I might have known. Those long, tapering fingers, those delicate hands. Your white shirt splashed with paint.

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, that's just a little ketchup. I had a sandwich.

[David Nelson]

Oh, Mr. Nelson, I'll bet your paintings win every prize.

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, no, no. I'm only going to the art exhibit to look.

[David Nelson]

To look?

[Thorny Thornberry]

Yes.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I'm not a painter.

[David Nelson]

You're not a painter?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, no.

[David Nelson]

Only a student. You live in a garret, a tiny cubicle, a niche, a cubby hole, a dump. Your room is so tiny, you have to paint with your hands in your pocket.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Where does my model sit?

[David Nelson]

In the next room. You have to peek through the keyhole.

Feverishly, you work on your portrait day in and day out. It means fame. The world will soon recognize your genius. And so you paint and paint and paint. It takes form at last. Only a few more days, and then it's finished. Your masterpiece is complete. What depth, what beauty. Your very soul is in this painting. Soon the world will have a scene or pass to your garret and so to the little art shop around the corner. Not knowing that someday this painting will be famous, the dealer offers you $5.

[Ozzie Nelson]

$5? This is worth $5,000.

[David Nelson]

But you're hungry. You must sell it.

[Thorny Thornberry]

I won't.

[David Nelson]

But you must eat.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I won't sell it.

[Harriet Hilliard]

I'll eat it.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Mr. Nelson.

[Harriet Hilliard]

What are you talking about, my man?

[Ozzie Nelson]

What do you think? That cheap dealer. Wait a minute, Emmy Lou. You're all confused.

I'm going to the art exhibit just to look at the pictures. But I don't want to go even.

[David Nelson]

Well, then why are you going?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Because I promised Mrs. Nelson I'd take her. I'll take her, but I won't like it.

[David Nelson]

Is that being fair to Mrs. Nelson? She wants you to take her to the art gallery, and you're being mean about it. You aren't yourself. What happened to the kind, gentle, loving Mr. Nelson?

[Ozzie Nelson]

He's at the football game.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Well, you're cheating.

[David Nelson]

If you do something, you don't believe in it, think of your wife, Mr. Nelson. Use the Stanislavski method.

[Ozzie Nelson]

What has Stanislavski been thinking of? My wife?

[David Nelson]

It's a dramatic technique. You keep repeating something until you believe it. For instance, you say you're a leaf until you actually believe you are a leaf. You can do the same thing with the art exhibit. Keep saying, I want to go to the art exhibit until you want to go.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I want to go to the art exhibit. I want to go to the art exhibit. Well, I think I'll try. Amelie.

[David Nelson]

You gotta convince yourself, for Mrs. Nelson's sake. Keep repeating it. I want to go to the art exhibit.

[Ozzie Nelson]

It'll be fun.

[David Nelson]

I want to go to the art exhibit.

[Thorny Thornberry]

It'll be fun.

[David Nelson]

You can do it, Mr. Nelson. You're strong.

[Harriet Hilliard]

You're brave.

[David Nelson]

I'm strong.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I'm brave. I want to go to the art exhibit.

[David Nelson]

It'll be fun.

[Ozzie Nelson]

You're a liar.

[David Nelson]

No, I'm not.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Yes, you are.

[David Nelson]

I want to go. It'll be fun.

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, it won't. Yes, will. I'm a leaf. I want to go.

I want to go to the art exhibit. It'll be fun. I want to go.

[David Nelson]

It'll be fun.

[Ozzie Nelson]

The art exhibit. I want to go to the art exhibit. I want to feast my eyes on those beautiful colors. I want to run barefoot through those gorgeous paintings. I want to go to the art exhibit.

[Harriet Hilliard]

You want to go?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes, I want to go to the art exhibit. Why? It'll be fun.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Who says so?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Stanislavski.

[Harriet Hilliard]

What does a football player know about art?

[Ozzie Nelson]

I'm all ready for the art exhibit, Harriet.

[David Nelson]

You are?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes. It'll be fun.

[Harriet Hilliard]

You said that you don't really want.

[Ricky Nelson]

To go, do you?

[Ozzie Nelson]

But I do.

[Harriet Hilliard]

You didn't a few minutes ago.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I've changed since then.

[David Nelson]

The football game today is supposed to be the best of the season.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yeah, I know. It's going to be a grudge game. And. And I want to go to the art exhibit. I want to go to the art exhibit. I want to go to the. I want to go to the art exhibit.

[David Nelson]

Beautiful day, isn't it, dear?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes, but we'll be better off at the art exhibit. Indoors. I think it's going to rain.

[David Nelson]

Rain?

[Harriet Hilliard]

There isn't a cloud in the sky.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, they're all hiding behind the mountains waiting for the football game to start.

[David Nelson]

Ozzy, if you'd rather go to the.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Football game, don't be afraid to say so.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, you can go to a football game anytime. I want to go to the art exhibit. Harriet, you made the wrong turn there. The art exhibit's to the left. You're going to get into all the traffic going to the stadium.

[Harriet Hilliard]

I've decided I want to go to the game instead.

[Ozzie Nelson]

But I thought you wanted to go to the art exhibit. This is the last day, and a promise is a promise. Harriet, I won't let you make this sacrifice. I made you a promise, and I'll stick to it, dear.

[Harriet Hilliard]

When the rules of living were drawn up, there was one rule that headed the list, and it supersedes all other rules.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Harriet, nothing is more firmly established than the obligation to keep a promise.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Oh, yes. It is a woman's right to change your mind.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Would I want to go to the art exhibit.

[Harriet Hilliard]

You'd better quit while you're still ahead, Stanislavski. I might change my mind again.

[Ozzie Nelson]

What about the boys?

[Harriet Hilliard]

They're going to meet us at the stadium. It seems they met Emmy Lou and she convinced them they ought to hike down there.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Harriet, are you sure you honestly want to go to the football game?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Oh, definitely, dear. I want to go to the football game. I want to go to the football game.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I want to go to the football game.

[Narrator]

Ozzy and Harriet will be back in just a moment. Hey, that was a happy ending if there ever was one. But you know, I sometimes wonder what it would be like if women didn't have that unalterable right to change their minds.

[Mrs. Smith]

You don't believe in it, Mr. Smith?

[Narrator]

Well.

[Mrs. Smith]

Oh, you think a woman should decide one thing and stick to it no matter what? Well, even if she's just about to buy a certain silver pattern and then discovers at the last minute that International Sterling's Joan of Arc is back again and buys that instead.

[Thorny Thornberry]

Well.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Hey, did you do that?

[Harriet Hilliard]

Uh huh.

[Mrs. Smith]

And it was the best change of mind I ever had. Golly, it was wonderful to find I could get Joan of Arc again. I've been waiting for it for years now.

[Narrator]

You and thousands of other women. Joan of Arc is one of the most beloved patterns International Sterling ever created. During the war, when it wasn't being made, the postman brought scores of letters to International Sterling, each one asking for its return. And now, in answer to those requests, Joan of Arc is back, as lovely, as magnificent as ever.

[Mrs. Smith]

Oh, and Mr. Smith, I found out something when I bought my set the other day. I didn't have to pay for it all at once. The international dealer had a special payment plan specially suited to my own budget.

[Narrator]

That's right. So you see, right now is the very best time to buy that silver you've been dreaming of. Joan of Arc. Solid silver with beauty that lives forever. Created by famous International Sterling.

[Ricky Nelson]

Boy, did we have a good time today.

[David Nelson]

It was neat.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Boy, what happened to you guys? I thought you were gonna meet us at the stadium.

[Ricky Nelson]

We went over to Will Thornberry's instead.

[Ozzie Nelson]

But I thought Will's father promised to take him to the game.

[Ricky Nelson]

Well, he did, you see, but he fell asleep on the couch and Will didn't want to wake him up. Anyway, by the time the picture was over, it was too late.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Picture?

[Ricky Nelson]

Yeah, we were watching a picture on television.

[David Nelson]

It was real neat.

[Harriet Hilliard]

Boy.

[David Nelson]

Tarzan of the Apes with Elmo Lincoln.

[Narrator]

Tune in again next week to another adventure of Ozzie and Harriet, starring Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard.

[Harriet Hilliard]

And remember, the solid silverwood beauty that lives forever. Sterling.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes, Harriet. The solid silver with beauty that lives forever is International sterling.

[Narrator]

Appearing in support of Ozzy and Harriet were John Brown, Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair, Janet Waldo and Lorraine Tuttle. Original music was composed and conducted by Billy May. This program originates in the Hollywood studios of the National Broadcasting Company, and it's also broadcast over the TransCanada network of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. This adventure of Ozzy and Harriet will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by shortwave and through the worldwide facilities of the armed forces. Rad.

Friends, one day very soon, a neighbor of yours will call on you. For a contribution to your local community chest. And I hope you'll contribute generously because the service they render to your town or city is really tremendous. Homes for the aged, free medical care for the poor and sick, summer camps for children, work for the handicapped. All these worthy causes are helped by your local community chest. And because your community chest can treat problems as they arise, they're prevented from spreading and affecting the welfare of the nation. So when that doorbell rings, give all you can, won't you? Remember, Everybody benefits if everybody gives. This is Vern Smith speaking.

This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.