Ranger Bill xx-xx-xx ep029 Christmas Bells aka Christmas At Knotty Pines

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Ranger Bill Ep029 - "Christmas Bells" aka "Christmas At Knotty Pines"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Date: December 6, 2025
Episode Theme:
A heartwarming Christmas tale set in Knotty Pine, focusing on acts of selfless service, community, and the spirit of giving. The story spotlights beloved townspeople Patrick O’Rourke, a selfless police officer, and Herman Schmidt, the town’s bell player, as unforeseen hardships threaten their annual traditions and challenge the strength of community bonds.

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Episode Overview

This episode of Ranger Bill is a poignant Christmas story set in the fictional mountain town of Knotty Pine. It demonstrates how genuine acts of love and selflessness create lasting fame and bring together a community. The narrative unfolds with Officer Patrick O’Rourke tirelessly preparing toys for needy children, while his close friend Herman maintains the church bells that ring in the Christmas season. Both men face personal hardships—illness and infirmity—which threaten to halt their good works, but the town comes together in response, ultimately rekindling hope and Christmas joy.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Introduction to Community & Key Characters

[00:36–03:11]

• The town’s affection for local heroes Patrick O'Rourke and Herman Schmidt is established. Both men are known for their generosity and impact on the community.
• Patrick is shown helping Paul, a handicapped janitor, to find pride and stability in meaningful work.

  “Don’t thank me, laddie. It’s you that has got to do the work. And a good job you do at it.” —Patrick O’Rourke [04:26]

Patrick’s Christmas Mission

[04:11–05:53]

• Patrick is repairing and gifting toys to orphans and needy children, a project he has done for years despite his age and growing weariness.
• His daughter, Kitty, is concerned about his health and the toll his selflessness is taking.

Herman’s Bell-Ringing Tradition

[06:33–07:26]

• Herman is preparing special music on the bells, seeing it as his way to “bring a little joy” to a world with “so much sadness.”
• Herman struggles with his worsening arthritis but is determined to keep the tradition alive.

Crisis Strikes: Pat’s Collapse

[08:29–10:05]

• Patrick collapses on duty; the community is deeply concerned as he is hospitalized in critical condition.
• Kitty expresses her fears and frustration, while the Rangers and Dr. Jones provide comfort and hope.

  “Stopping Patrick working would kill him, Katherine. Who said he isn’t gonna live to retire? Now you dry your tears and look up to the Lord. He has the answer to all this.” —Stumpy [10:05]

Community Support & The Broken Bells

[12:04–16:34]

• The community crowds the hospital to express concern for Patrick, reflecting his deep impact. The bells stop playing as Herman’s arthritis flares up, leaving him bedridden.
• Attempts to fix the bells are unsuccessful; their silence is keenly felt by both Patrick and the townsfolk, especially as Christmas approaches.

  “Somehow those bells are so complicated. And it’s impossible for Herman to get to the tower. He can’t even get out of bed without screaming.” —Gretchen Schmidt [16:17]

The Bells—A Symbol of Hope

[17:11–19:18]

• Patrick grows weaker, explaining to Kitty that the bells remind him of her mother and the joy they brought.
• The community’s emotional need for the bells becomes a central focus; their ringing is now entwined with Patrick’s will to live.

Desperate Effort to Restore the Christmas Bells

[21:31–26:17]

• Bill, Gray Wolf, and Henry try repeatedly to repair the bells but admit defeat, highlighting their complexity and Herman’s unique expertise.
• Despite his agonizing arthritis, Herman decides to climb the bell tower, insisting, “I am going up into the tower, and that is all there is to it.” [25:15]

The Bells Ring Again

[28:43–30:03]

• Herman, assisted by Gretchen, heroically manages to fix the bells. Their joyful sound fills the town again, and Patrick, hearing them from his hospital bed, rallies.

  “Dad, the bells are playing. Herman’s playing the bells for you. Can you hear them?” —Kitty [29:00]
  “I hear them. They sound so… so strong and clear.” —Patrick O’Rourke [29:09]

• The community gathers, and with the bells restored, Christmas spirit returns to Knotty Pine.

Resolution & Legacy

[30:03–31:24]

• Patrick thanks Herman for his sacrifice. The torch is passed as a new apprentice is chosen to help Herman in future years.
• “After several months' rest, Pat went back to pounding his beat. And Knotty Pine had the best Christmas ever. Because everyone thought about Pat and Herman, how they gave of themselves, and everyone followed their example.” —Stumpy [30:45]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Selfless Service:

  “There’s a greater fame than this. Fame brought on by acts of love and kindness. This is the kind of fame Officer O’Rourke and Herman have.” —Stumpy [03:11]

• Community’s Response to Pat’s Illness:

  “The lobby is jammed full of people who come to see Pat.” —Dr. Jones [11:54]
  “Isn’t it wonderful? I didn’t know dad was so famous.” —Kitty [13:28]
  “He’s given of himself unselfishly to others for years. Your father has set an example and has become a real symbol of Christian love.” —Stumpy [13:32]

• On Perseverance and Sacrifice:

  “Do not argue with me, Gretchen. I am going up into the tower, and that is all there is to it.” —Herman Schmidt [25:15]
  “Just saying you smile is thanks enough. And here are the bells. Now I have an apprentice to help me when I don’t feel so good.” —Herman Schmidt [29:52]

• Humor and Warmth:

  “You’re kind of a wonderful old flatfoot.” —Kitty [30:20]
  “I’m not so old that I can’t take you across my knee for calling me a flatfoot.” —Pat O’Rourke [30:27]

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Key Timestamps

• [04:11] Patrick discusses joy found in daily work.
• [06:47] Herman on bells bringing happiness to others.
• [08:29] Patrick’s collapse and immediate response.
• [13:00] Bells momentarily fall silent; the town listens for them.
• [16:34] Bells confirmed broken; Herman unable to repair.
• [19:02] Patrick shares the deep meaning of the bells to him.
• [21:00] Children’s choir sings outside the hospital.
• [23:06] Rangers consider giving up on fixing bells.
• [25:15] Herman insists on attempting repairs himself.
• [28:43] The bells are finally restored.
• [29:00] Patrick hears the bells and is revived in spirit.
• [30:45] Narration on the lasting legacy of Pat and Herman’s selfless acts.

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Tone & Style

The episode exudes warmth, gentle humor, and an earnest celebration of kindness and community. It uses the familiar voices of old time radio to deliver its moral with sentiment and tenderness, blending moments of tension and emotion with uplifting, often lightly humorous, dialogue.

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Conclusion

This Ranger Bill holiday episode is a classic slice of Golden Age radio drama, emphasizing that the true meaning of Christmas is found in selfless giving and community spirit. The emotional resonance comes from the depth of small-town relationships and mutual sacrifice, culminating in the triumphant return of the Christmas bells and the healing of both body and spirit.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland.

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland. Struggling against extreme odds. Traveling dangerous trails. Showing rare courage in the face of disaster. In the air.

On horseback.

Or in a screaming squad car.

Ranger Bill. His mind alert. A ready smile unswerving. Loyal to his mission.

And all this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job well done.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Morning, Mr. O'.

[Herman Schmidt]

Rourke.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Good morning to you, Billy. Going to Sunday school, huh? You listen to your teacher now.

[Herman Schmidt]

I will.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

I have to.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Well, so did I when I was your age.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Hello, Officer.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Tough of the morning to you, Sally.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Aren't you coming to church today?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

No, not today, child. Patrick o' Rourke has the duty this Sunday.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Good morning, Patrick.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Good morning, Gretchen. And a fine morning it is.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Yeah.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Tis a beautiful Sunday.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Yes, and the chimes warm me old Irish heart. How your husband keeps them playing so beautifully all these years is a mystery to me. How does Herman do it?

[Gretchen Schmidt]

It's an old profession, Patrick. I'm glad you like them so well.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Like him, I love em. It's a beautiful gift. That's what it is. A gift from the hand of the Lord.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Ja.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Tis Patrick. Well, I must be going to the church now. If I'm late, Herman will never let me forget it.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

I say, has Herman got an apprentice in training to take his place just in case anything happens to him?

[Gretchen Schmidt]

He's been thinking about it, and I've been after him to get one. His rheumatism seems to be getting worse all the time.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

He'd better do that. It'd break me heart if the bells broke down. He sure would break me heart.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Patrick o' Rourke and Herman Schmidt are about the two most popular men in Knotty Pine. But one thing we must all realize is there are many kinds of fame in this world. And I know that there isn't one of us who would want to be famous because of wrongdoing. There's a greater fame than this. Fame brought on by acts of love and kindness. This is the kind of fame Officer o' Rourke and Herman have. You listen to our story, and you'll find out what I mean. It Started something like. As usual, Paul Katzen was busy cleaning the naughty pie in jail as slick as a whistle. Paul cleans every cell carefully several times a week. Takes him quite a while to do this because he's handicapped and can't move as fast as most people. Patrick o' Rourke got Paul the job and he's doing real well. But to get back to our story, Paul was cleaning one day when Pat walked in.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Top of the barn to you, Paul.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Good morning, Patrick. You know something?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

By the gleam in your eye, I'd say you have a bit of good news for me.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

I started a savings account at the bank. Got $40 stashed away already.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

I am proud of you, my lad. Proud. I am indeed.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

I can't thank you enough for getting me the janitor's job here at the jail. It's a good feeling working every day regularly.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Oh, don't thank me, laddie. It's you that has got to do the work. And a good job you do at it. I'll see you later, Paul. Okay.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

You going to work on the toys now?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Aye, that I am. Christmas isn't far away now, you know. And I've still got lots of toys to fix off yet. I know.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

And you make a lot of children happy.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Now there's a fine looking drum if I ever seen one. Should make a little soldier happy enough.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Daddy, aren't you coming home soon?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Ah, Kitty girl, isn't this a fine looking red wagon?

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Hey, that's a real beauty. Who are you giving it to?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

That's a secret.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

See?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Catherine o'. Rourke. You're the spitting image of your mother. That you are. She worried about me, too, you know. When I didn't come home from going.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Off duty, I know she did. And it's because you need rest after walking your beat all night.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Ah, but Kitty darlin's coming here to me toy shop relaxes me better than any medicine ever did. Don't they look fine now? All painted and mended and fit as a fiddle. Pretty soon we'll be carrying them off to the orphanage and the needy children for Christmas.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

I guess you win. You always do. When are you coming home to sleep?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Oh, bout an hour, Katherine. Bout an hour.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Okay, I'll make you a hot meal. Now, don't forget how long an hour is.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

No, no, I won't forget.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Oh, Daddy. Dad.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

What, Kitty?

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Where'd that pile of broken toys come from? In the corner. They weren't there last week.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Oh, they're for next year, Kitty girl.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Already?

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

You haven't even given this year's crop away yet?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

That's right. And you better let me get back to work or I'll never get them done. They've got to be perfect.

[Herman Schmidt]

Let me see. I better write that down now, so I will not forget.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Every year your list of special music for the Bells gets larger and larger.

[Herman Schmidt]

Gretchen. It does. But the music from the Bells makes people happy. There is so much sadness in this world that we should try to bring a little joy.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

But I worry when you climb up the long steeple stairs. It's not easy for you anymore.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

I know.

[Herman Schmidt]

But I will manage all right. My arthritis seems to be much better lately.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

I thought it was because you move more freely than you did. But I worry about you. When you climb to the Bells, it must be very painful.

[Herman Schmidt]

Well, if it is, I never seemed to feel it very much.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Now you know something about these two men. Their unselfish love and personal contributions to others.

One afternoon, the boys and I were sitting in the office. It was late. We were catching our breath after returning from a rough and tough week of feeding thousands of animals made foodless by deep snow. Gray Wolf slumped in his chair and said, I glide that over you. You mean over until they eat it all up. That is truth you speak. You know it, honey. You know it. I never been so cold for so long. In all my born days. Even the marrow in my bones got lump's eyes in it. It's marrow in your bones. Whole tyranny marrow. You see, I'm cold. She clean through. Can't even talk straight. Oh, it's tumping.

Looks like more snow, too. Hey, Bill, there's a crowd gathering down the street.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

What?

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Huh? Well, wonder what's happened now. Well, they look like somebody lay on ground. Hey, that's a police officer on the ground. You're right. Come on, let's get down there on the double.

Hey, let's arrange us through. Step aside, please. Hey, it's Pat. He looks real bad. He sure does. He better get an ambulance and a doctor right away. Right. I'll go back and call from the office.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

We already did, Bill.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

They're on their way. Yep, they sure are. I can see the flash here coming up street.

[Narrator]

Ah, that good.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Pretty soon we have poor fellow in hospital.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

I knew this would happen. He overworks himself on those toys. Those miserable toys just to make a few children happy. Oh, they can rot in that workshop for all I care.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

You don't really mean that, do you, Kitty? Making the children and other people happy is Pat's hobby. Every man has to have a hobby. And a lot of them have had heart attacks and lived many years afterwards. You wouldn't deny your father the joy he gets in fixing the toys for the children, making folks happy, would you?

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Bill, I'm sorry, but dad isn't even middle aged anymore. He's getting up in years. Always wanted him to retire for at least five years. He's worked so hard all his life.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Stopping Patrick working would kill him. Katherine. Who said he isn't gonna live to retire? Now you dry your tears and look up to the Lord. He has the answer to all this.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Well, thank you for those kind words, Stumpy. I needed them.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Tain't nothing compared to what your father's done for folks all his life. Hi, Doc.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

Hello, Henry.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

How is my father, Dr. Jones?

[Dr. Henry Jones]

As good as can be expected.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Come on, Doc, you can talk plainer than that.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

I know it sounds like routine statement, but it isn't. He's resting fairly well and seems to be relaxed. That's all I can tell you for now because, well, I honestly don't know what'll happen. I've personally taken charge and we'll stay with him until his condition changes one way or the other.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Oh, you're afraid he isn't going to recover, aren't you?

[Dr. Henry Jones]

No, no, no, Katherine. Let's not jump to conclusions. We're all going to have to use a little patience. I'm just a doctor. I don't know any more about what's going to happen in the future than any other human being knows.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

I'm sorry, doctor, I didn't mean to needle you.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

I know you didn't remember. A doctor always wants his patients to recover. It's just as hard for me to be patient as it is for you.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Why don't we all take a walk down the block and have a bite to eat. We'll feel better and it'll help pass the time.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

It's a fine idea, but you better use the back door of the hospital.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Why the back door?

[Dr. Henry Jones]

The lobby is jammed full of people who come to see Pat.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Oh my goodness. I don't want to talk to all those people. Not now.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Well, you gotta tell em something, Katherine. Come on, we'll help you.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

Yeah, I don't know.

Hey, there's Kitty now with the Rangers.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Quiet. Quiet please. Thank you. Kitty, tell them what you know about your father.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

All you dear people are so kind to ask about my father. We just talked with Dr. Jones and he says it's too early to tell anything.

Dr. Jones says dad is resting fairly well, and seems relaxed. That's all I can tell you so far. I'm sorry, but thank you for coming.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Hey, what's everybody so quiet about so suddenly? I don't know. Wait, listen. Must be the bells.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

All right.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Now let's go outside and listen.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Isn't it wonderful? I didn't know dad was so famous.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Oh, he's famous, all right, Kitty. Because he's given of himself unselfishly to others for years. Your father has set an example and has become a real symbol of Christian love. He's never been too tired to help, too selfish to give, too weak to lend a hand.

Pity you hardly eat at all.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

I can't, gray wolf. I haven't any appetite. All those people. It's so wonderful. I just wish Mother was alive to experience this, too.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Your mother.

[Narrator]

Fine woman.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

She would have been very proud, too. You're going to tell your brothers about their father?

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Yes. As soon as we leave here. I'll send telegrams from the hospital.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

The Five Little o', Rourkes, as he called the boys now, all grown men.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Bill, there's Mrs. Schmidt, and she looks frightened.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Gretchen. Gretchen.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Oh, thank goodness you're here. They told me at the hospital I find you here. Catherine, I'm so sorry about Pat. It's about Pat that I need help.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Why, what's wrong?

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Sit down. Here. Tell us all about it.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Herman is in one of his bad arthritis attacks again.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Oh, how terrible.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

This one is the worst he's ever had.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Who played the bells, Gretchen?

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Herman. He heard the terrible news about Pat and went right to the church to play the bells because he knows Pat loves them so.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Oh, isn't he sweet and thoughtful.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

What about the bells? Why aren't they playing now?

[Gretchen Schmidt]

They're broken.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Are you sure they're out of commission?

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Yeah, at least as far as I know. Herman was playing them when something went wrong. He tried to climb up to the belfry to fix him, but his arthritis paint him so he couldn't climb the ladder. Somehow he got home and he's in bed now. Herman wants you to try and fix the bells, huh?

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Henry, scoot over and get a squad car, will you?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Sure.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

I'll be right back.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Don't worry, Gretchen. Bill will get them working again.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Oh, I hope so, Kitty. Herman so sure they help your father?

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

He could.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

And now with Christmas or clothes on us and Herman's promise, so many folks, he played the bells for them.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Oh, don't you worry. We'll get things fixed up all right, before you know it.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

I wish I could Feel as you stumpeep. But I can't. Somehow those bells are so complicated. And it's impossible for Herman to get to the tower. He can't even get out of bed without screaming.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

But plenty bad. But we do all we can to help. Henry will be here with the car in five minutes. Stumper, you and Henry go back to the hospital with Kitty and keep me informed of Pat's condition. You understand? Yep, sure do. Gretchen. Grey Wolf and I'll go back to your home with you and see what we can do to get the bells working.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Dr. Jones.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

Oh, Kitty. Gretchen. Fellas.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

How'd you sneak up on us, Doc?

[Dr. Henry Jones]

It wasn't hard the way you were so engrossed, Gretchen. I'll try to see Herman as soon as possible. Pat has taken a turn for the worse.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Oh no.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

Let's not go off the deep end. Katherine, I want you to come to the hospital right away. You know, Pat keeps asking for the bills to play. They seem to give him the will to fight to live.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Daddy. Daddy. This is Katherine.

Dad? Can you hear me? Dad?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Catherine, darling.

Don't. Don't cry, Kitty.

[Herman Schmidt]

Where.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Where are the boys?

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

I sent them telegrams and told them to come quickly.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Yes, A good girl. They're not going to make it in time.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

No. No. Got to fight, Dad.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

I don't. I don't seem to have the strength to fight. I'm tired. Kitty, what happened to the bells? They were so. So nice.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

The bells are broken and Herman can't move.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

It's too bad. They were so beautiful. Kitty, I'm tired. Would you pull the window shade down?

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Henry, get to the church and tell Bill he's got to get the bells fixed. They seem to be real important to Pat.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Right away, Stumpy.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Dad, why are the bells so important?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

They remind me of your. Your mother.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

The toys.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Dad.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

What about the toys and the children?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

I. I love them all and. And you. But I'm. I'm old and I'm tired. Kitty.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

Kitty. Let him rest now. He's done quite a bit of talking and it's draining what strength he's got left.

[Narrator]

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[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Hello.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

I'm here during the lunch rush with Janice, who owns her own food truck. Best cheesesteaks in town. Janice traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for a food truck business. We're here where she needs us most.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

They sure are.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

We make it so easy for her to save with customized coverage that grows with her business.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Sorry.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

I just get so emotional talking about saving folks money. Not this onion I'm chopping.

[Herman Schmidt]

It's just so beautiful.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Oh, yeah, Nice.

[Narrator]

The onion.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail].

[Patrick O'Rourke]

And see how much you could save.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Get more with geico.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

All right. Dr.

Stumpy, is Bill working on the bells?

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Yep, he's over at the church now.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

You know, as strange as it seems, I believe those bells could save Pat's life.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Maybe dad would be better off with the Lord.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

Well, now, Catherine, it's not within our power to determine life or death. Our job is to do everything we can to save a life.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Hey.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Look out the window.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

It's all the children from the orphanage.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

It's the boys choir. Listen.

Gretchen. Oh, here, let me help you.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Thank you, Bill.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Oh, boy. Coffee and sandwiches. You better clean grease off hands as best you can, young fellow. What's a little grease among friends? Here, Come on, give me the coffee. I'll pour. Here's a sandwich, Bill. Oh, thanks.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Are you making any progress, Bill?

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

None at all, I'm sorry to say.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Well, I have to go back to the house because Herman might try to get out of bed if the phone rings.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

All right. Thank you for the trouble you went through to fix these sandwiches and coffee.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Yes, Mrs. Smith.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

It sure tastes good.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

It was no trouble. You the ones who have the trouble? I have to run now.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Boy, Bill, my muscles are sore from trying to get those gears to move. You're not only one, Bill, what we do now that, Mr. Gray Wolf, is a mighty tough question. You speak plenty truth. Well, we know the power is all right because there's juice flowing into the electric motors. Yeah, but beyond that, nothing. Nothing at all. That's just it. Maybe now that we've got some food in our stomachs, we can think better. Bill, let me turn on the motors.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Once more and see what happens.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Oh, maybe this time we get brainstorming and find out what wrong. Okay, pal, turn on the juice. Right.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Here goes.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

That's no use, fellas as well admit it. Let's go down and talk to Herman. Boy, I never thought I'd see the day when we had to admit we're licked. Yeah, this is the day, Henry. Now, we're licked, all right good and proper. By a bunch of gear wheels and nuts and bolts. This machine can't tell us what's wrong, and we sure can't find out. Let's go talk to the one man, the only man that can talk this machine's language.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Yeah, yeah.

[Herman Schmidt]

Hello.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Just a minute, Bill.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

It's Dumpy Gray Wolf. Will you take it while Henry and I try to help Herman with this drawing? Oh, I do.

[Herman Schmidt]

Oh, what a disgusting thing, this arthritis. I cannot even hold a pencil.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Patience, Herman. Patience. Bill. Bill, I want to talk to you in private. Oh, sure. Right away. Greywolf.

[Herman Schmidt]

If it is bad news, I want to hear it too.

It is bad news, is it not? Greywolf's?

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Yes. Pat is very low. Expect him to live only a few hours. Stop, you say. Kitty wants you to come to hospital at once. All right. We'll leave right away. Let's go, fellas.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Bill, will you talk to dad? Tell him you're trying to fix the bells. Maybe it'll help. Please.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

I'll be glad to, if it's all right with Doc Jones. Sure.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

Go ahead. Kitty might have something in the idea.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Pat, this is Bill. Can you hear me, Pat? You. You know those bells you like so well.

[Herman Schmidt]

Do not argue with me, Gretchen. I am going up into the tower, and that is all there is to it.

Now, help me get my shoes on.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Please, Arman. Please don't try it.

[Herman Schmidt]

If you will not help me, I will do it myself. Oh.

Oh, Gretchen.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

I know what you are trying to do, Armin, and I love you for it. But you've got to think of me.

[Herman Schmidt]

Think of what myself, and I might help. Path. Stop talking. What is the matter with you?

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Yeah. I will help you, Herman, because you're doing what you think you should for an old, old friend. Wait. I get your hat and coat and.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Help you with your shoes.

[Herman Schmidt]

Thank you, Gretchen.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

I'm sorry, Kitty. I guess there are no words left that can give him strength.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Perhaps you're right. How long, Doctor?

[Dr. Henry Jones]

Not very long. He's sleeping fast.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Children singing didn't seem to revive him much. He noticed it. That's about all.

I would just have to wait and pray. And then accept God's will is best for all of us.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Bill, it's. It's often hard to accept his will, isn't it?

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Yes, Kitty, it is.

[Herman Schmidt]

How much farther?

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Oh, halfway, Herman, halfway.

[Herman Schmidt]

Keep me from falling down the stairs. I'll only be able to make this fence, you know.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Yeah.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

I feel.

[Herman Schmidt]

I feel I must not stop until I reach the top.

Oh, I made it, Gretchen. I made it.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

You must rest now. Rest for a few minutes.

[Herman Schmidt]

No, no, no, no. Not until I finish the job.

Let me see now. My tools. Gretchenberg.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Yeah, yeah.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

I will pick up the tools for you. Which one you need?

[Herman Schmidt]

That's one here. No, no, no, no, no. Next to it.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

This one here.

[Herman Schmidt]

Yeah, yeah. Now help me around the machine.

[Gretchen Schmidt]

Careful. Just slow.

[Herman Schmidt]

I think I know where the trouble is.

[Dr. Henry Jones]

Nurse, prepare a hypo of adrenaline. This may help him to rally for a while.

Thank you. That's all.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Listen. The bells. They're working again.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

I'll open the window.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Dad. Dad, the bells are playing. Herman's playing the bells for you. Can you hear them? Yes.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Could you hear it? I hear them. They sound so. So strong and clear.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Well, here he is, Pat. We got him out of the tower and put him in a wheelchair and brought him over.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

Herman, you're a. You're a wonderful friend.

I can't thank you enough for the agony you went through to fix the bells.

[Herman Schmidt]

Just saying you smile is thanks enough. And here are the bells. Now I have an apprentice to help me when I don't feel so good.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Oh, Herman, it's so wonderful to see you having help now. Daddy, we brought all the toys. Bill and the fellas in the. And there's a mob of people downstairs waiting to wish you a merry Christmas.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

There is? Well, what are we waiting on?

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Let's go.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

You know, you're kind of a wonderful old flatfoot.

[Patrick O'Rourke]

And you know what, Catherine darling?

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

What, dad?

[Patrick O'Rourke]

I'm not so old that I can't take you across my knee for calling me a flatfoot.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Come on, help me on with me robe and slippers.

Well, it might interest you to know that after several months rest, Pat went back to pounding his beat. And Knotty Pine had the best Christmas ever. Because everyone thought about Pat and Herman, how they gave of themselves. And everyone followed their example.

[Narrator]

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[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

We found Gen Z daters want deeper conversations, but they're 36% more hesitant than millennials to start. Logan, I'm Logan Urie, Hinge's lead relationship scientist. We call this the communication gap. The space between wanting connection and actually starting the conversation. But here's the good news. It doesn't have to be this way. Ask one better question or share something.

[Ranger Bill (Stumpy)]

Honest and watch the connection grow.

[Katherine 'Kitty' O'Rourke]

Find more in Hinge's 2025 Gen Z Day report, now live at Hinge Code.