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

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

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

Release Date: August 18, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio presents a classic broadcast of "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" from October 12, 1947, titled “Retreat from Civilization.” The story revolves around the Nelson family’s humorous and heartfelt struggles with keeping promises, choosing between parental obligations and personal desires, and the sometimes comical complexities of family decision-making. The episode captures the warmth, wit, and values of post-war American family life, with Ozzie grappling to honor his commitments to his sons and wife—all while secretly longing to attend a professional football game.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Promise-making and the Family Dynamic

• Setting: The Nelsons are gathered at home—Ozzie reading, Harriet mending, and the boys, David and Ricky, trying to put off their homework by reading "educational" comic books about animals.
• The boys remind Ozzie of the hiking trips he used to take with his own father and press him to make a promise:
  • Notable Quote:

    D (David): "Gee, Pop, why don't you ever take us on hikes?" (04:48)
    B (Ozzie): "Okay, it's a promise." (05:01)

2. The Temptation to Break a Promise

• The next morning, Ozzie considers relaxing at home, assuming the boys have forgotten about the hike. Harriet, however, insists the boys are excited and preparing to go.
  • Notable Moment:
    Harriet's quietly sardonic wit surfaces:

    C (Harriet): "Isn't it lucky?... Well, I'm so glad you enjoy the sound of crunching. I just burned the toast." (07:10)

3. Neighborly Counsel (Thorny’s Visit)

• Ozzie's friend Thorny drops by, offering dubious cigars and conversational wisdom about fatherhood and setting an example. Thorny tells Ozzie about the day’s big football game.
  • Notable Quote:

    G (Thorny): "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... And I never quite forgave him." (10:26)

  • The two discuss the importance of not wriggling out of promises, even when tempting alternatives arise.

4. Family Strategy—Changing Plans?

• The boys discover Will Thornbury's father is taking him to the football game and begin to feel they're missing out. They consider suggesting a change in plans, but worry it might hurt Ozzie’s feelings.

  • Notable Exchange:

    D (David): "Do you think if we told him we'd rather see the game than go hiking, it'd hurt his feelings?" (12:03)
    C (Harriet): "You're taking a chance." (12:08)

• When asked, Ozzie insists they will stick to the original plan; a promise is a promise:

  • Notable Quote:

    B (Ozzie): "...on a beautiful day like this, who wants to sit in a crowded stadium...?" (12:41)

5. Promise Collisions—Harriet’s Turn

• Harriet reminds Ozzie that he promised to take her to a modern art exhibit, which happens to be on its last day.

  • Notable Moment:
    Harriet wields "previous promise law" to good effect:

    C (Harriet): "A previous promise eliminates any promise made later. That's the law." (19:54)

• The boys, feigning nonchalance, encourage Ozzie to keep his promise to their mother.

6. Comic Relief—Emmy Lou and the Art Exhibit

• Emmy Lou misinterprets Ozzie’s motives for attending the exhibit, spurring a dramatic and creative dialogue about artistic suffering and method acting.
  • Notable Exchange:

    A (Emmy Lou): "Your room is so tiny, you have to paint with your hands in your pocket..." (22:01)

  • Ozzie tries to convince himself to enjoy the art exhibit by repeating, "I want to go to the art exhibit. It'll be fun." (23:43–24:34)

7. Resolution—Changing Minds and Finding Happiness

• While on their way, Harriet reveals she's changed her mind and actually wants to attend the football game. Ozzie, after much internal struggle, is delighted.
  • Notable Moment:

    C (Harriet): "Yes, but we'll be better off at the art exhibit. Indoors. I think it's going to rain."
    B (Ozzie): "Rain?"
    C (Harriet): "There isn't a cloud in the sky." (25:13–25:19)

  • Ultimately, Harriet uses her “woman’s right to change her mind,” and the family happily heads to the football game together.
  • The boys had already arranged to hike to the stadium, tying together all the family threads.

8. Epilogue—A Twist of Irony

• At the episode's end, the boys reveal they ended up at Will's house watching an old Tarzan movie on TV, since Will’s father dozed off.
  • Notable Quote:

    D (David): "Yeah, we were watching a picture on television... Tarzan of the Apes with Elmo Lincoln." (28:39)

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Timestamped Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Promise to Hike:
  • "Okay, it's a promise." – Ozzie (05:01)

• On Setting an Example:
  • "You'll find that the average boy patterns his entire behavior after his father." – Thorny (08:52)

• On Keeping Promises:
  • "I think so many parents make a mistake when they make casual promises... It's no good." – Ozzie (09:13)

• Family Dynamics:
  • "A previous promise eliminates any promise made later. That's the law." – Harriet (19:54)

• Meta-humor about Changing Minds:
  • "When the rules of living were drawn up, there was one rule that headed the list, and it supersedes all other rules... It is a woman's right to change her mind." – Harriet (25:52–26:05)

• Stanislavski Method Joke:
  • "Use the Stanislavski method... For instance, you say you're a leaf until you actually believe you are a leaf." – Emmy Lou (23:27)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Family Discussion of Promises and Homework: (02:16–05:18)
• Thorny's Visit and Promise Discussion: (07:27–11:19)
• Debate Over the Football Game vs. the Hike: (12:24–13:43)
• Harriet's "Previous Promise" Maneuver: (19:01–20:27)
• Emmy Lou’s Dramatic Encouragement: (22:01–24:34)
• Resolution: Harriett Changes Her Mind: (25:13–26:27)
• Epilogue: The Boys’ True Adventure: (28:19–28:39)

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Episode Tone & Style

Witty, lighthearted, and gently satirical—Ozzie and Harriet’s banter is affectionate but sharp, employing classic sitcom devices: misunderstandings, role reversals, and eventual heartwarming resolution. The humor is wholesome and character-driven, highlighting the relatable push-and-pull between duty and desire in family life.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode humorously examines the lengths to which family members will go to keep (or wriggle out of) promises, all while managing expectations and emotions. Through a series of near-miss outings, gentle manipulations, and good-natured reversals, the Nelson family reaffirms the importance of honesty, adaptability, and togetherness. The period jokes and references offer a nostalgic look at mid-century American culture, making it fun for both fans of classic radio and newcomers to these golden-era shows.

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Transcript

[A]

Oh, what you eating?

[B]

The new banana split cookie from AM PM all freshly baked with real butter with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors.

[C]

Wow, that sounds amazing.

[D]

Can I have a bite?

[B]

I'm sorry, but no. But you can't split the banana split.

[A]

Not even a little?

[B]

Not even a crumb.

[A]

What if.

[B]

No, please.

[C]

Mine.

[E]

When it's too legit to split. That's cravinience. Get a 3 pack for 99 cents with our app AMPM. Too much good stuff. Plus tax where applicable. Prices and participation may vary in terms of conditions apply.

[B]

Harriet. Harriet.

[C]

Yes, dear?

[B]

Would you please, if you'll pardon the expression, stop the music for a second. Take a look at this ad in Life magazine.

[C]

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

[B]

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

[F]

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.

[C]

Look here, dear.

[B]

What is it?

[C]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

[B]

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

[C]

What are you fellas doing out there?

[A]

Just getting a cracker.

[C]

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

[B]

Okay. How you doing, boys?

[A]

We're okay.

[D]

Well, Pop, this is a neat book.

[B]

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

[D]

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

[B]

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

[A]

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

[B]

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

[D]

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

[A]

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

[B]

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.

[D]

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

[A]

We didn't think you'd catch us.

[D]

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

[B]

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

[A]

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

[B]

I'm not too sure, Ricky.

[C]

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

[B]

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.

[D]

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

[B]

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

[A]

We don't have any woods around here.

[B]

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

[D]

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

[B]

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

[D]

I'll bet you had a lot of fun.

[B]

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

[A]

There aren't any now at all.

[D]

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

[B]

Well, I will. It's just.

[A]

Oh, boy. When can we go?

[B]

Well, anytime. It doesn't.

[D]

Let's go tomorrow.

[A]

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

[B]

Well, I'll see. Maybe.

[D]

That's a promise.

[B]

Okay, it's a promise.

[A]

Do you think we'll catch a skunk?

[B]

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

[A]

Why?

[B]

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.

[A]

Okay, Pop. Okay, Pop.

[B]

Mmm, that bacon smells good.

[C]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

[B]

The boys eaten yet?

[C]

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

[B]

Changing their clothes for what?

[C]

They're going hiking today.

[B]

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. It looks pretty comfortable.

[C]

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.

[B]

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

[C]

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

[B]

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.

[C]

I seem pretty enthusiastic about the hike.

[B]

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.

[C]

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

[B]

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.

[C]

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

[B]

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.

[C]

Oh, isn't it lucky? What's the matter? Well, I'm so glad you enjoy the sound of crunching. I just burned the toast.

[B]

Hiya, Thorny.

[G]

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

[B]

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

[G]

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

[B]

Oh, is Katherine. I mean, are you.

[G]

No, no. There's no special occasion here. Enjoy a good smoke.

[B]

What's the matter with it?

[G]

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

[B]

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

[G]

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

[B]

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

[G]

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

[B]

I don't think I've ever seen this brand before. It tastes kind of strong. Oh, what a rope. This is evil, Thorny.

[G]

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

[B]

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

[G]

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

[B]

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.

[G]

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

[B]

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

[G]

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

[B]

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.

[G]

And then the parent wanted. I. I think you can throw that away, Oz. Will probably isn't watching after all. It's okay.

[B]

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

[G]

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?

[B]

Football game?

[G]

Sure, down at the stadium.

[B]

Wasn't that next week? Of course not.

[G]

It's this afternoon.

[B]

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

[G]

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

[B]

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

[G]

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

[B]

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?

[G]

Well, don't you think that's a little unfair to the mars?

[B]

In what way?

[G]

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.

[B]

You really think so?

[G]

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.

[B]

And you never quite forgave him?

[G]

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.

[B]

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

[G]

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

[B]

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

[G]

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

[B]

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

[G]

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.

[B]

Yeah. Where did you promise to take Will?

[G]

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

[A]

Mom?

[C]

Yes, dear?

[D]

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

[C]

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?

[D]

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

[A]

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

[C]

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?

[D]

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?

[C]

You're taking a chance.

[A]

Let's take the chance, David.

[D]

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

[C]

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.

[B]

Hi, fellas.

[A]

Hi, Pop.

[B]

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

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

Nice day for football game, too.

[C]

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.

[D]

We know how much you like football, Pop.

[B]

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?

[C]

Shut up, Ricky.

[B]

No, sir, this is a perfect day for a football. For the. I mean, this is a day for a hike in the pan. The hike in the. 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 Spring. Indians and Springs.

[D]

We just thought that maybe.

[B]

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.

[F]

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.

[G]

Superb.

[F]

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 virgin as it takes to keep a promise.

[H]

I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor.

[B]

Hey, good morning.

[H]

Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most.

[F]

Yep, they sure are.

[H]

We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs, all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.

[F]

It's all right.

[H]

We're so far up here.

[F]

Look at me. Take a deep breath.

[B]

Oh, I'm good. So good.

[F]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. Get more with Geico. When little Oswald was eight years old, he was courageous.

[A]

Look at me, Sally. I can eat worms.

[F]

When he was 12 years old, he was determined.

[C]

Don't worry, Mom. I'll finish eating this piece of chocolate cake.

[F]

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

[D]

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

[A]

Ouch.

[F]

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

[B]

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

[F]

And he kept his promise. In fact, the finance company made sure of it. And so the Aussie 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.

[C]

Hello? Hello, Mother, It's Harriet.

[A]

Oh, hello, dear. How are you?

[C]

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.

[A]

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

[C]

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.

[A]

Today?

[C]

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

[A]

Really?

[C]

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 they just go to the game and.

[A]

Forget about the hike?

[C]

It sounds simple. It's as simple as abc. But this is an XY family. 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.

[A]

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

[C]

And last night he promised the boys.

[A]

Huh?

[C]

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

[A]

Harriet, if it's some plan to trick.

[C]

Ozzy, 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.

[A]

Okay, Mother, I'll call you again.

[C]

Goodbye, Mother. Of course, if you insist. And you feel that you need my advice. Harriet. Harriet. Raider. Operator, we've been disconnected.

[A]

Good boy. What do you want?

[C]

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.

[A]

Oh, boy. David, Mom's got an idea.

[C]

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

[D]

What's your idea, Mom?

[C]

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.

[D]

Gee, are you stuck too?

[C]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

[B]

What's that?

[A]

Remember?

[C]

Do you promised to take me to the modern art exhibit, whatever day I wanted to go.

[B]

I promised that?

[A]

Yes.

[C]

Don't you remember one night last week?

[B]

Well, we'll go sometime next week.

[C]

Today's the last day.

[B]

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

[C]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

[D]

That's the law.

[B]

David, don't hit the table with that walnut cracker. Harriet, the boys are looking forward to this hike. Aren't you, fellows?

[D]

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

[A]

Yeah, Pop, we don't mind.

[C]

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

[B]

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

[A]

What is it, Pop?

[B]

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

[A]

You better change your clothes, dear.

[B]

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

[D]

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

[B]

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?

[A]

Are you soreness, Pop?

[B]

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

[D]

I guess you don't mind going, Pop?

[B]

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.

[A]

Where you going, pop?

[B]

Outside to see if I can't find something wrong with the car. Oh, hello, Annie.

[A]

Where are you going?

[B]

I'm just getting in the car. We're going downtown.

[A]

To the football game?

[B]

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

[A]

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

[B]

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

[A]

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

[B]

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

[A]

To look?

[G]

Yes.

[B]

I'm not a painter.

[A]

You're not a painter?

[B]

Well, no.

[A]

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.

[B]

Where does my model sit?

[A]

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 there's finished. Your masterpiece is complete. What depth, what beauty. Your very soul is in this hating. Soon the world will have seen a 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.

[B]

$5? This is worth $5,000.

[A]

But you're hu. You must sell it.

[C]

I won't.

[A]

But you must eat.

[B]

I won't sell it. I'll eat it, Mr. Nelson.

[C]

What are you talking about, my man?

[B]

What do you think that cheap dealer offered me?

[C]

It's.

[B]

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.

[A]

Well, then why are you going?

[B]

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

[A]

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?

[B]

He's at the football game.

[A]

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

[B]

What has Stanislavski been thinking of? My wife?

[A]

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.

[B]

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

[A]

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

[B]

It'll be fun.

[A]

I want to go to the art exhibit.

[B]

It'll be fun.

[C]

It'll be fun.

[A]

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

[B]

You're brave.

[A]

I'm strong.

[B]

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

[A]

It'll be fun.

[B]

You're a liar.

[A]

No, I'm not. Yes, you are. I want to go. It'll be fun.

[B]

No, it won't. Yes, will. I'm a leaf. I want to go to the art exhibit. It'll be fun. I want to go. It'll be fun. 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.

[A]

You want to go?

[B]

Yes, I want to go to the art exhibit.

[A]

Why?

[B]

It'll be fun.

[C]

Who says so?

[B]

Stanislavski.

[C]

What does a football player know about art?

[B]

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

[A]

You are?

[B]

Yes. It'll be fun.

[C]

You said that you don't really want to go, do you?

[B]

But I do.

[C]

You didn't a few minutes ago.

[B]

I've changed since then.

[A]

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

[B]

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.

[A]

Beautiful day, isn't it, dear?

[B]

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

[A]

Rain?

[C]

There isn't a cloud in the sky.

[B]

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

[A]

Ozzy, if you'd rather go to the.

[C]

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

[B]

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 exhibits to the left. You're going to get into all the traffic going to the stadium.

[C]

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

[B]

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 the sacrifice. I made you a promise and I'll stick to it, dear.

[C]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

[B]

Would I want to go to the art exhibit?

[C]

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

[B]

What about the boys?

[C]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

[B]

I want to go to the football game.

[A]

I want to go to.

[F]

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 mind.

[C]

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

[F]

Well.

[I]

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.

[G]

Well.

[B]

Hey, did you do that?

[C]

Uh huh.

[I]

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.

[F]

You and thousands of other women. Joan of Arc is one of the most beloved patterns internationally. 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.

[I]

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.

[F]

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.

[D]

Boy, did we have a good time today.

[A]

It was neat, Boy.

[B]

What happened to you guys? I thought you were gonna meet us at the stadium.

[C]

We went over to Will Thornberry's instead.

[B]

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

[D]

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.

[B]

Picture?

[D]

Yeah, we were watching a picture on television.

[A]

It was real neat, boy. Tyson of the Apes with Elmo Lincoln.

[F]

Tune in again next week to Adventure of Ozzy and Harriet, starring Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard.

[C]

And remember, the solid silver with beauty that lives forever is international sterling.

[B]

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

[F]

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 Trans Canada Network of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. This Adventure of Ozzy will be transmitted to our men and women overseas by short wave and through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. 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 handicap. 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.