Ozzie And Harriet 52-03-21 Ep026 The Ego Builder

Summary

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Ozzie and Harriet: “The Ego Builder”

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode: Ozzie And Harriet 52-03-21 Ep026 The Ego Builder
Release Date: January 1, 2026 (original broadcast: March 21, 1952)
Main Theme: Navigating Self-Confidence, Gender Roles, and Family Dynamics during Harriet’s Unexpected PTA Appointment

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Episode Overview

This classic "Ozzie and Harriet" episode, aptly titled "The Ego Builder," playfully explores the Nelson family’s everyday life when Harriet is chosen as an alternate PTA council member. The story delves into gender expectations, self-esteem, and family support, with Ozzie and their neighbor Thorny pondering the notion of the “weaker sex.” As Harriet navigates her new role, the Nelsons’ blend of wit, warmth, and gentle ribbing brings both comedy and insight to the family’s shifting dynamics.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Harriet’s Unexpected PTA Appointment

• Harriet is overwhelmed: Harriet receives a last-minute call to serve as a PTA council member, which throws her into a flurry of self-doubt—about her preparedness and her appearance.
  • “Oh, this is awful.”—Harriet (02:04)
• Humorous family teasing: The boys, David and Ricky, lightheartedly rib Harriet, comparing her anxieties to their own woes at school.
  • “That’s the same feeling I get sometimes.” — Ricky (02:30)

2. Ozzie’s Encouragement (and Gender Stereotypes)

• Reassurance from Ozzie: Ozzie repeatedly tries to bolster Harriet’s confidence, insisting she’ll shine at the PTA meeting.
  • “You’re beautiful, you’re intelligent, you’re well poised…” — Ozzie (04:48)
• Gentle jabs about appearance and roles: The boys and Ozzie engage in good-natured banter over Harriet’s outfit anxiety, but Ozzie pivots to supportive affirmations.
• Ozzie’s views on “feminine frailty”: At the newsstand, Thorny and Ozzie spar over the concept of women as the “weaker sex,” with Thorny countering with facts about resilience and longevity.
  • “Women generally stand pain and cold better. They live longer… girl babies are supposed to be more rugged than boy babies.” — Thorny (06:40)
  • “What I mean is the emotional weakness. Women suffer from a lack of assurance, a lack of self-confidence.” — Ozzie (07:05)

3. Turning the Tables: Ego Building for All

• Thorny suggests ‘fixing’ feminine egos: Thorny encourages Ozzie to reinforce Harriet’s self-assurance, sparking comedic self-help efforts from both men.
  • “Well then go back to that woman. Show her she can have confidence and assurance.” — Thorny (07:57)
• Practical support at home: Ozzie and the boys plan to be extra helpful to Harriet during her busy week—eager to ease her burdens and encourage her.

4. Ozzie’s Insecurity Surfaces

• Jealousy of Mr. McCary: When Harriet admires Mr. McCary, the new (and youthful) superintendent, Ozzie becomes competitive—critiquing McCary’s looks (crew cut, bow tie) and accomplishments.
  • “Certainly isn’t a very dignified way for the Superintendent of public schools to dress.” — Ozzie (11:50)
• Ozzie’s style transformation: Ozzie heads to the barbershop for a crew cut and eyes a bow tie—mirroring McCary—while seeking Thorny’s opinion.
  • “I think a crew cut's going to look very good on me.” — Ozzie (16:46)

5. Climax: Home, Haircuts, and Harriet’s Triumph

• Harriet is unfazed: Despite Ozzie’s anxieties, Harriet is successful and happy at the PTA, even inviting Mr. McCary home for dinner.
  • “It's going to be very interesting. And Mr. McCary is such a nice man.” — Harriet (09:57)
• Family reactions to Ozzie’s new look:
  • "It looks just like a crew cut." — Ricky (18:03)
  • "Well, I imagine it’s very comfortable." — Harriet (18:10)
• Meeting Mr. McCary: The family is surprised when the real Mr. McCary—older and more conventional-looking than expected—arrives for dinner.
  • "That was my college graduation picture...my wife gives them that one. It's her favorite picture." — Mr. McCary (20:57-21:04)

6. The Classic Irony: Men and Women, Confidence and Practicality

• McCary praises strong wives: The superintendent credits Harriet’s poise to Ozzie’s support, echoing Ozzie’s earlier views but with more admiration than condescension.
  • “Show me a happy, confident wife, and there’s always a strong, capable, understanding husband giving her that feeling of security.” — Mr. McCary (21:52)
• Practical reality check: Just as Ozzie and Mr. McCary toast men’s supportive roles, David comes in seeking Ozzie’s toolbox for Harriet—reminding everyone of Harriet’s resourcefulness.
  • "Tell your mother the toolbox is right where she left it last week after she fixed the lock on the back door." — Ozzie (22:47)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Harriet: Self-doubt and humor
  • "I'm just a little frantic, that's all." (04:03)
• Ozzie: Booster in chief
  • "You’re beautiful, you're intelligent, you're well poised. You're..." (04:48)
• Thorny & Ozzie: Gender banter & the “weaker sex”
  • "Well, so what?" — Ozzie; "So I just thought you ought to know before you made any speeches about women being the weaker sex." — Thorny (06:52)
• Ozzie’s midlife style crisis
  • “Well, a mild sort of a crew cut...What do you think of it, Harriet?” (18:06)
  • “Oh, I imagine it’s very comfortable.” — Harriet’s diplomatic response (18:10)
• Meeting the “youthful” Mr. McCary
  • “Oh, did you see that? That was my college graduation picture.” — Mr. McCary reveals the truth behind his youthful newspaper photo (20:57-21:04)
• The final twist: Harriet’s competence
  • “Tell your mother the toolbox is right where she left it last week after she fixed the lock on the back door.” — Ozzie, right after praising men’s steady role (22:47)

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Important Segments (Timestamps)

• PTA phone call & Harriet’s reaction: 01:35–03:19
• Family breakfast banter: 03:20–05:11
• Ozzie & Thorny debate gender roles: 05:11–08:20
• Ozzie and sons plan to help Harriet: 08:33–09:29
• Discussion of Mr. McCary, Ozzie’s insecurities rise: 11:01–13:54
• Ozzie’s crew cut & bow tie transformation: 15:15–18:45
• Meeting the real Mr. McCary: 20:09–22:39
• Final irony & the toast: 22:39–23:28

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Summary: Classic Comedy Meets Gender Commentary

This episode blends heartfelt encouragement and affectionate teasing with a humorous look at gender assumptions in 1950s America. Through Ozzie’s sometimes clumsy but genuine support, Harriet’s quiet competence, and the final ironic twist, “The Ego Builder” shows that everyone needs an ego boost now and then—and that confidence comes in many forms. The episode closes with the men congratulating themselves on being the “steadying influence”—only to be reminded that it’s Harriet who really keeps things running.

Tone:
Upbeat, playful, gently satirical with classic family sitcom warmth.

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Transcript

[Vern Smith]

We present the amusingly transcribed Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, starring America's favorite young couple, Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hilliard.

[Narrator]

Things have been rather quiet this morning at the Nelsons. Nothing much unusual has happened. Harriet called the boys and they got up as usual and came down to breakfast. Then she called Ozzie down for breakfast, as usual. Then she called Ozzie again, as usual. And then she called him again, as usual. And then the boys went up and.

[Vern Smith]

Helped drag him out of bed.

[Narrator]

As usual. So you see, the whole family had breakfast and things have been very quiet and very, very usual, as usual. And offhand, I'd say it was just about time for things to. Now, there goes the phone. Now, that doesn't seem especially unusual, but you never can tell.

[Harriet Nelson]

Hello? Oh, hello, Mrs. Peabody.

[Narrator]

I believe she's the president of the PTA.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, that's too bad.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Who is it, Harriet?

[Harriet Nelson]

It's Mrs. Peabody. Oh, well, thank you, Mrs. Peabody. I'm very honored. That starts this afternoon, doesn't it?

[David Nelson]

What's up, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Shh. Just a minute, boys.

[Harriet Nelson]

I'll be very happy to. Oh, not at all. And thank you so much for calling. Goodbye. Oh, this is awful.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Awful. You sound mighty pleased on the phone.

[Ricky Nelson]

Sometimes women are a little hard to understand, Pop.

[Harriet Nelson]

It's the big PTA meetings at the school auditorium all this week.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, what about it?

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, one of the regular council members can't make it, and I've been chosen as alternate.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, I certainly don't think that's so awful.

[Ricky Nelson]

I do, Mom. I hate going to school too, boy.

[Harriet Nelson]

It's just that I'm totally unprepared.

[Ricky Nelson]

That's the same feeling I get sometimes.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Never mind.

[Ricky Nelson]

Now, Ricky, you should have been there yesterday, boy. Our history teacher asked us questions about stuff we never heard of before.

[David Nelson]

I guess that stopped you for a while.

[Ricky Nelson]

Heck, no. I gave them some answers they never heard of before.

[David Nelson]

And you probably get a mark like you never seen before too.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, I'm afraid I'm going to look like something you've never seen before.

[Ozzie Nelson]

What do you mean by that?

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, in the first place, just look at my hair.

[Ozzie Nelson]

What's the matter with it? I think it looks fine.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, thank you, dear, but it looks just terrible, and I know it. My good suit is at the cleaners, and so are my gloves. And I don't have a decent hat to wear. How do you think I'm gonna look?

[Ricky Nelson]

Not so hot, huh?

[Harriet Nelson]

That's putting it mildly.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, Harriet, don't be ridiculous.

[David Nelson]

I think you look fine right now.

[Ozzie Nelson]

You know, Darn. Well, Harriet, you look lovely no matter what you're wearing.

[Harriet Nelson]

You're just saying that because I'd crown you if you didn't.

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, I'm not. I really mean it this time. That is, I mean it every time. I mean it this time, especially.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, thank you, but I'd feel much better if I'd had a little time to get prepared. And another thing. I don't even know what subjects they're going to discuss with all those professional educators and teachers there.

[Ricky Nelson]

I'd be very happy to lend you my schoolbooks.

[David Nelson]

Why don't you keep quiet for about five minutes?

[Ricky Nelson]

Nobody was talking to you, Dave.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Look, cut it out, boys. We've got enough trouble with your mother so upset.

[Harriet Nelson]

Upset? I'm not upset. I'm just a little frantic, that's all.

[Ozzie Nelson]

There's no reason in the world why you should be.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, it's easy to say.

[Ozzie Nelson]

In the first place, you won't be expected to compete with professionals when it comes to the technical discussions on education. If you just approach every problem with your usual good sense and judgment, you can't go wrong.

[Harriet Nelson]

I hope you're right.

[David Nelson]

Oh, sure.

[Ricky Nelson]

Pop knows what he's talking about.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Your mother has a good head on her shoulders. And if she just uses it, she'll make the grade.

[Ricky Nelson]

Do I have a good head on my shoulders too, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes, I'd say so.

[Ricky Nelson]

I hope mom makes better grades than I do.

[David Nelson]

That won't be hard.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, I don't know. I wish I felt as confident.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Don't be silly. You'll be the highlight of the conference. You're beautiful, you're intelligent, you're well poised. You're.

[Harriet Nelson]

If you think I'm gonna stop you, you're cr.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Hi, Thorny.

[Thorny]

Oh, hello there, Oz.

[Ozzie Nelson]

What are you doing? Catching up on the latest news?

[Thorny]

Well, just looking over a couple of magazines. That's what newsstands are for.

[Ozzie Nelson]

You know, they also like to sell a couple occasionally.

[Thorny]

Well, I'm trying to decide which ones to buy and which ones to read. Right here.

[Ozzie Nelson]

If you're looking for something to take home, you ought to try this one. Yeah, good, huh? It's not bad at all.

[Thorny]

But I don't think Katherine would approve of my having this around the house.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Why? What do you mean?

[Thorny]

Well, it might make her feel a little self conscious.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Self conscious?

[Thorny]

Yeah, being married to a guy who reads Major Strongbull and the Planet Eating Space Monster. What kind of comic books do you read anyway, Oz?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, I just thought it might be interesting for your boy. Will our Boys thought it was great.

[Thorny]

How are things going this morning?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, that's right. You haven't heard the big news.

[Thorny]

Well, that's not surprising. After all, I haven't seen you in quite a while. When was the last time, anyway?

[Ozzie Nelson]

I think it was when you dropped me off after bowling last night.

[Wallace McCary]

Honest?

[Thorny]

Has it really been that long?

[Ozzie Nelson]

It seems to me.

[Thorny]

Well, what is the big news? Or were you just trying to be funny?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, I suppose it is funny in a way. It's funny how women seem to have these little feminine frailties. The point is that Harriet has been chosen to be a representative to the big PTA conference this week.

[Thorny]

Well, I think that's wonderful. I don't see any sign of frailty there.

[Ozzie Nelson]

You should have seen her this morning. Just the very thought of facing these people and she practically fell apart. No confidence in herself. Well, I suppose they don't get the name weaker sex for nothing.

[Thorny]

Now, wait a minute, Oz. This may sound like heresy, but let's face the facts. According to people who know, women generally stand pain and cold better. They live longer. In fact, girl babies are supposed to be more rugged than boy babies.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, so what?

[Thorny]

So I just thought you ought to know before you made any speeches about women being the weaker sex. And I've seen several articles that say the same thing. And they all haven't been in the Reader's Digest either.

[Ozzie Nelson]

In the first place, Thorny, you're talking about the physical side of it. What I mean is the emotional weakness. Women suffer from a lack of assurance, a lack of self confidence. Did you ever take a look at some of those magazine articles? How to win a husband. How to keep him after you've got him. How to get him back again after you've lost him. All articles directed to the women trying to boost their self confidence.

[Thorny]

Well, okay, but what's this got to do with Harriet and the pta?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Everything, Thorny. She got the news and went into a panic. Didn't know what to wear. Didn't know if she'd look right. Worried about how she'd get along.

[Thorny]

Well, I don't see what she has to worry about.

[Ozzie Nelson]

That's just it. She has nothing to worry about at all. But try and tell her that.

[Thorny]

Well, why don't you? And show her too. Reinforce that feminine ego of hers.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, that's what I was trying to do this morning.

[Thorny]

Well, then go back to that woman. Show her she can have confidence and assurance.

[Ozzie Nelson]

You know, Thorny, that's just what I think I'll do.

[Thorny]

Good boy, Oz. Now, Aren't you glad you talked to me?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes. I don't know what I would have done without you.

[Thorny]

Anytime at all, Oz. Anytime.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, I've got to run along.

[Thorny]

If you have any other little problems, just address them to me in care of this magazine stand.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Thank you and good night, Dr. Popinot.

[David Nelson]

Is that you, Mom?

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, it's your old dad.

[Harriet Nelson]

Go on, Pop.

[Ricky Nelson]

You're not so old.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, I can't fool you, can I?

[Ricky Nelson]

No, sir. But you can lend me a quarter if you try hard enough.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yeah, but I could at that. What's that for?

[Ricky Nelson]

I just thought I'd run down and have a soda.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I think you better think again. We'll be eating dinner too soon. Besides, I want to talk to you fellas before your mother comes home.

[Ricky Nelson]

You should have seen mom when she left. She was really dressed to kill.

[David Nelson]

Boy, she was only going to a PTA meeting. Who's she gonna kill?

[Ricky Nelson]

Well, I don't wanna mention any names, but I have a couple of teachers in mind.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I just think we ought to help your mother a little. Now that she has this responsibility for a few days. She'll probably come home dead tired and discouraged and ready to give up the whole deal. So let's try to be very encouraging and very considerate.

[Ricky Nelson]

I'll cook dinner if you want.

[David Nelson]

You're kidding, I hope.

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, I don't think that'll be necessary. But you can help out by setting the table.

[Ricky Nelson]

What's going.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, hello, dear.

[Ricky Nelson]

Hi, Mom. Hi, Mom.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Sit down. You must be dead tired.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, no, I feel fine. Besides, I've got dinner to get.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, why don't you rest a while and let the boys and I sit?

[Harriet Nelson]

That's very thoughtful of you, but by the time I got through showing you how to do it, I could have dinner already.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, aren't you terribly tired? I mean, from the PTA and all.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, no, it was a lot of fun. It's going to be very interesting. And Mr. McCary is such a nice man.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Who is he?

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, he seems to be taking charge of everything. He's the superintendent of schools, I believe he said. I made some wonderful suggestions.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, well, good for you.

[Harriet Nelson]

Pardon me a minute, dear. I know you must be starved. I'll get dinner started.

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, no, no. Wait a minute. Harriet, isn't there something I. I can do to help?

[Harriet Nelson]

Yes, there is. You can stretch out on the couch and rest until dinner.

[Ricky Nelson]

You look tired.

[Harriet Nelson]

I'll have it ready in a jiffy.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Hey, how about one of you guys drying these things for me?

[David Nelson]

Go Ahead, Ricky.

[Ricky Nelson]

Who, me?

[David Nelson]

That's what I said.

[Ricky Nelson]

Yeah. I suppose you got a broken arm or something.

[David Nelson]

I did my share. I fixed lunch.

[Ricky Nelson]

Okay. I did my share, too. I ate it.

[David Nelson]

How old do you think Mr. McCary is, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, I don't know, David. He must be an older man. He don't become superintendent of public schools overnight. I'd say he's probably in his early 60s.

[David Nelson]

Sure doesn't look that old to me.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, when did you see Mr. Makary?

[David Nelson]

There's a picture of him in today's paper.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, I didn't see that.

[David Nelson]

Well, just a second. I'll get it for you.

[Ricky Nelson]

Is that all the dishes, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yeah, that does it. I guess we can relax for a while now.

[David Nelson]

Here it is, Pop.

[Ozzie Nelson]

You mean this is Mr. McCary?

[David Nelson]

Yeah, that's what it says.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Wallace Makary, Superintendent of schools. I'd somehow pictured him a little different.

[Ricky Nelson]

He's got a crew cut.

[David Nelson]

And look at that bow tie.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Certainly isn't a very dignified way for the superintendent of public schools to dress.

[David Nelson]

Mom said he's real swell to work with.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, you know your mother. She gets along with anybody. Looks pretty dull to me. Bow ties. Nobody wears those anymore.

[David Nelson]

Oh, sure, A lot of guys wear them, Pop.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, yes, certain types can get away with it.

[David Nelson]

I think it looks good on him.

[Ozzie Nelson]

It's not too bad, I guess. Think that crew cut's a little ridiculous for a man his age.

[David Nelson]

Looks pretty young to me.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Young? He's at least 30.

[David Nelson]

Well, isn't that young?

[Ricky Nelson]

How old are you, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

That isn't important. Some men are old at 30 and other men are still young at 30. Take this macary person. He's probably a bookworm who doesn't bother to keep himself in good physical condition. Definitely isn't the athletic type.

[David Nelson]

Says here he was captain of his football team.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I imagine that was an honorary title.

[David Nelson]

Holy smokes. And a champion at the low hurdles.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes, low hurdles. Not as if it were high hurdles.

[Ricky Nelson]

Can't even get all of his shoulders in the picture.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, I've got a couple of padded coats myself.

[David Nelson]

Mom said he's very nice.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Okay. Oh, your mother thinks he's very nice. It's about time she stopped kidding around with that PTA junk anyway.

[David Nelson]

I thought you were proud of her, Pop.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, of course I'm proud of her. She's done a fine job, and now it's time to come home.

[Ricky Nelson]

I think so, too.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Wonder how a young guy like this Wallace Makary gets to be superintendent of public schools in the first place. Probably has a lot of political connections.

[David Nelson]

Mom said he's very smart.

[Ozzie Nelson]

All right, then why does this boy genius need a big committee to do all his work for him? Waste your mother's time over there while we're practically slaves here at home.

[Ricky Nelson]

Are you sore at Mr. McCarry, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

I'm not sore at anybody, Ricky. Look, will you fellas kind of straighten up the rest of the house? I'm going out for a while.

[David Nelson]

Where you going, Pop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, just down to the barber shop. Kind of clean up the sink, will you, fellas?

[David Nelson]

What do you want me to do with all these orange peels and coffee grounds here?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Wrap them up in this newspaper and throw them in the garbage can.

[Thorny]

Hey, Oz.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, hello, Thorny.

[Thorny]

I was just on my way over to your house. I wanted to shake the hand of a truly great man.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Who's that?

[Thorny]

Well, you, of course. Oz, you're positively amazing. I never realized what a really brilliant neighbor we had.

[Ozzie Nelson]

What's this all about, Thorny?

[Thorny]

Don't you remember that talk we had the other day? You know, about women and how they lack confidence in themselves?

[Wallace McCary]

Oh.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, yeah.

[Thorny]

Well, I've been spending a lot of time the last couple of days building up Katherine's confidence, and the results have been marvelous. She's another woman, Oz. I almost feel like a bigamist.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I'm glad it's worked out for you.

[Thorny]

Oh, Catherine's ready to tackle any job now. She's even talking about painting the house this summer.

[Ozzie Nelson]

She was talking about painting the house last summer too.

[Thorny]

Well, yes, but then she was talking about me painting the house.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, don't get too excited. You'll probably end up doing all the work.

[Thorny]

Oh, never, Oz. I wouldn't want to destroy Catherine's confidence in herself. I guess you're pretty proud of Harriet, too, huh? Understand she's been doing a great job at the PTA conference.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yeah, I guess she's doing all right.

[Thorny]

Oh, now, don't be so modest, Oz. I hear she's even on a special committee with the superintendent of schools.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yeah, yeah. How about walking down the barbershop with me?

[Thorny]

Barbershop? Why are you going to the barbershop?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, a rumor's gotten around that some guys over there are cutting hair.

[Thorny]

But, Oz, you had a haircut last.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Week, and I'm having another one this week. Is there anything wrong with that?

[Thorny]

No, it's your head. Have it shaved clean if you want to. I just don't think you need a haircut.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, summer's coming and it's kind of silly to have a big mop of hair when it's so hot.

[Thorny]

Wait a minute. I was only kidding about having a head shaved.

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, no. I'm just gonna have a little more taken off the top. Short haircuts are in style now.

[Thorny]

You know, I've seen a lot of women wear them. I think. I think they're called poodles. But I've always thought of you as more the shaggy dog type.

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, I think I look pretty with a crew cut.

[Thorny]

A crew cut?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, not really a crew cut. I mean, kind of a modified version. What do you think?

[Thorny]

I think it's ridiculous.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, naturally you'd think so. You're always against anything that's new or different.

[Thorny]

Now, wait a minute. You asked for my opinion and I gave it to you. Of course, I'll admit that I'm no beauty expert. But then you're no beauty either.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I'm sorry I even mentioned this to you, Thorny. You can't discourage me. However, I think a crew cut's going to look very good on me.

[Thorny]

Say, Oz, don't you think you better take along a sack for the hair they cut off? After you see yourself, you may want.

[Ozzie Nelson]

To put it back.

[Ricky Nelson]

Hi, Mom.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, hello, boys. Will you take some of these packages for me?

[Ricky Nelson]

You sure got a lot of groceries.

[Harriet Nelson]

I've invited Mr. McCary over for dinner tonight. He's very anxious to meet your father, and I know you boys will like him.

[David Nelson]

I'll swell.

[Ricky Nelson]

I'd like to talk to him about longer summer vacations. Also, no homework.

[Harriet Nelson]

I'm sure he'll be happy to hear. Any suggestions?

[Ricky Nelson]

I can think of plenty.

[David Nelson]

Boy, was today the last meeting, Mom?

[Harriet Nelson]

Yes, and thank goodness. It's going to feel wonderful just being a housewife again.

[Ricky Nelson]

I'm gonna feel pretty good not being a housewife again.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, Harriet, aren't you home kind of early?

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, yes. There wasn't much to do at the last meeting.

[Ricky Nelson]

Gee, look at Pop's hair.

[Harriet Nelson]

I just saw it. What happened, dear? Did you fall asleep in the chair?

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, I had them cut it this way. Don't you like my hair a little shorter?

[Ricky Nelson]

It looks just like a crew cut.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, a mild sort of a crew cut. What do you think of it, Harriet?

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, I imagine it's very comfortable.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes, it is. After all, the weather is getting warmer now and. And I thought this. This might be a practical. Pardon me.

[Harriet Nelson]

You catching Cole?

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, of course not.

[Harriet Nelson]

Maybe you better put something on your head.

[David Nelson]

I've got a wool stocking cap you can wear.

[Ozzie Nelson]

My head feels fine. What's so unusual about a crew cut? A lot of men have them.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, it's fine, dear. It makes you look very. And besides, it'll grow out in a couple of weeks.

[Ozzie Nelson]

You don't care for it, huh?

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, I guess I'm just not used to it. Well, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get dinner ready. I invited Mr. McCary over tonight. Oh, is that all right? He's very anxious to meet you.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, yes, I think I'm kind of anxious to meet him too.

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, he'll be by in a little while, so you better start getting dressed.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Okay.

[Ricky Nelson]

Hey, what's this?

[Harriet Nelson]

Pop.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Ricky, Where'd you get that?

[Ricky Nelson]

Fell out of your pocket.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Well, it's just something I happen to pick up at the men's shop.

[David Nelson]

Are you gonna wear it, David?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Don't look at me like that. You said yourself a lot of men are wearing bow ties.

[Harriet Nelson]

Ozzie.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yeah?

[Harriet Nelson]

Will you help me set the table?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, sure. Do I look all right?

[Harriet Nelson]

Yes, fine.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I wish you'd stop staring at my head.

[Harriet Nelson]

I didn't realize I was staring. You just look so.

[Ricky Nelson]

Well, so different.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I should think you'd be used to seeing a crew cut by now. I know this isn't as short as Mr. Makary wears his hair.

[Harriet Nelson]

I should hope not.

[Ozzie Nelson]

You mean, you don't like his crew cut either?

[David Nelson]

Crew cut?

[Harriet Nelson]

Well, I wouldn't exactly call his a crew cut.

[David Nelson]

Hey, mom, somebody's coming up the walk.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, it's probably Mr. McCary.

[Ozzie Nelson]

No, this is an older man.

[Harriet Nelson]

Older than Mr. Macary.

[Ozzie Nelson]

I'll get this, boys.

[Wallace McCary]

Mr. Nelson?

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes?

[Wallace McCary]

I'm Wallace McCary.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh. Oh, yes. Won't you come in?

[Wallace McCary]

Thank you.

[Harriet Nelson]

Oh, hello, Mr. Macary.

[Wallace McCary]

Hello, Mrs. Nelson.

[Harriet Nelson]

I hope you didn't have any trouble finding the house.

[Wallace McCary]

Oh, not at all. I certainly appreciate this invitation.

[Harriet Nelson]

I'm so glad you could make it. I see you've met my husband.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, yes. Yeah. Please come in and sit down.

[Wallace McCary]

Thank you.

[Harriet Nelson]

And these are our two boys, David and ricky. This is Mr. McCary. Boys.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Hello, David.

[Wallace McCary]

Ricky.

[Harriet Nelson]

Would you excuse me? I'll have dinner ready in just a moment.

[Wallace McCary]

Oh, certainly.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Take your time, Harriet. Mr. Makary and I'll sit here and chat a while.

[Ricky Nelson]

We saw your picture in the paper.

[Wallace McCary]

Oh, did you see that? That was my college graduation picture.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, I see.

[Wallace McCary]

Whenever they want a photograph of me for the paper, my wife gives them that one. It's her favorite picture. And I must say, I rather like it myself.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes, well, it is a Good one.

[Ricky Nelson]

Yeah, but it looks so.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Now, why don't you boys.

[David Nelson]

See if.

[Ozzie Nelson]

You can help your mother. She may have a little trouble finding things. Okay, Pa. Is that chair comfortable?

[Wallace McCary]

Oh, yes.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Here, let me pour you a glass of sherry.

[Wallace McCary]

Oh, fine, thanks. I've been very anxious to meet you, Mr. Nelson.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, thank you.

[Wallace McCary]

Yes, indeed. I don't mean to embarrass you, but Mrs. Nelson is such a well poised, well organized and adjusted person. I. I just knew she must have a very happy home life.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, thanks. Yes, we certainly do.

[Wallace McCary]

Show me a happy, confident wife. And there's always a strong, capable, understanding husband giving her that feeling of security.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Oh, I never really thought of it that way.

[Wallace McCary]

Women are wonderful and we really couldn't get along without them. But they do lack a man's drive and forcefulness.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Yes, I guess you're right at that. Well, I suppose nature really fashioned that way. Woman is the frail and frivolous creature, unpredictable emotional. Man is the steady, sturdy, solid influence.

[David Nelson]

Excuse me, Pop. Mom wants to know where your toolbox is.

[Ozzie Nelson]

My toolbox?

[David Nelson]

Yes, sir. I think she wants to fix something.

[Ozzie Nelson]

On the oven and she can't find the toolbox.

[David Nelson]

No, sir.

[Ozzie Nelson]

Pardon me for laughing, David, but Mr. Makary and I were just discussing this very point. What would women do without their husbands? Isn't it the truth, David, Tell your mother the toolbox is right where she left it last week after she fixed the lock on the back door.

[David Nelson]

Thanks, Bob.

[Wallace McCary]

That sounds just like our house. Well, a toast, brother Nelson, to our wives. As the fellow says, we can't live with them and we can't live without them.

[Vern Smith]

This is Vern Smith saying tune in again next week for another transcribed adventure of Ozzy and Harriet starring Ozzie Nelson and Harriet Hill. This is the united states armed forces radio service.