Roy Rogers 48-03-28 Audition The Case Of The Mysterious Puppet

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Roy Rogers 48-03-28 Audition: The Case Of The Mysterious Puppet"

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Introduction

In the episode titled “Roy Rogers 48-03-28 Audition: The Case Of The Mysterious Puppet”, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, experiencing a riveting Western mystery interwoven with charming character interactions and period-specific humor. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode features iconic characters Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and Gabby Hayes as they unravel the enigmatic events surrounding a mysterious puppet.

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Setting the Scene: A Peaceful Sunday Interrupted

The story begins on a serene Sunday morning in Paradise Valley, where Roy Rogers and Dale Evans are attending church alongside their friend, Reverend Smith, and Gabby Hayes. The atmosphere is tranquil as they sing hymns, setting a wholesome backdrop. However, tranquility is abruptly shattered when an unexpected incident occurs.

Notable Quote:

Roy Rogers [01:32]: "Well, howdy, boys and girls and mothers and dads, too, of course. This is Roy Rogers."

As Reverend Smith commences his sermon, both Dale and Roy are interrupted by unusual noises emanating from the church bell tower. Roy and Gabby decide to investigate, quickly discovering an uncanny sight—a wooden puppet manipulating the bell rope.

Notable Quote:

Gabby Hayes [07:05]: "Roy, this is the orangest thing I ever did see. That thing's alive."
(Timestamp: 07:05)

This mysterious puppet becomes the catalyst for the unfolding mystery, prompting the trio to delve deeper into the unusual occurrences.

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The Mystery Deepens: Voices and Threats

The following day, the intrigue intensifies when Dale Evans experiences a bizarre encounter in her office. She claims that the puppet not only appears physically but also communicates with her, issuing a threatening message demanding $5,000 to be left at a hollow stump by midnight.

Notable Quote:

Dale Evans [11:12]: "It said, tell Roy Rogers to leave $5,000 in the hollow stump at Three Pines by midnight tonight or suffer the consequences."

Faced with these unnerving events, Roy, Dale, and Gabby embark on an investigation, suspecting foul play rather than supernatural forces. Their quest leads them to suspect Luke Peabody, the local shopkeeper known for his quirky demeanor and financial struggles.

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Investigation Begins: Uncovering Clues

As the trio gathers more evidence, they discover that the puppets and the enigmatic messages are no mere coincidences. Through meticulous examination, Roy identifies that the puppet’s movements are controlled mechanically, and the voice threatening Dale was produced via advanced (for the time) wire recording technology.

Notable Quote:

Roy Rogers [23:40]: "That was a wire recorder, Dale. There's a new wire recorder on the market now. It's so small, they call it the watch case recorder."

This revelation points towards a calculated scheme to deceive and threaten, rather than any supernatural or inexplicable phenomena.

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Revelation: The Mechanism Behind the Mystery

Further investigation reveals that the messages were fabricated using invisible ink, which became visible upon exposure to heat from a fire in Reverend Smith's study. Additionally, the puppet’s ability to speak was a result of the hidden wire recorder embedded within it, meticulously orchestrating the illusion of life.

Notable Quote:

Dale Evans [26:37]: "And the handwriting that appeared on the fireplace wall in the Reverend Smith's study, that was invisible ink. Was it invisible ink that started to appear when the heat of the fire brought it out?"

With these clues, Roy and his companions deduce that Luke Peabody is orchestrating the events to defraud Roy, leveraging the local trust and his position in the community.

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Culprit Identified: Luke Peabody's Scheme

The investigation culminates in a confrontation with Luke Peabody at Roy’s ranch, where the true extent of his deceit is unveiled. Luke confesses to manipulating both the church and Dale Evans using the puppets and hidden recording devices to create an elaborate ruse aimed at extorting money from Roy Rogers.

Notable Quote:

Roy Rogers [21:14]: "Now, the puppet ringing the church bell. I know all that. I know how the bell rang even though there was nobody there to ring it. I know how these puppets were made to talk. And I know how the handwriting appeared on the wall in Reverend Smith's study."

Gabby Hayes, leveraging her quick wit and experience, ties the evidence together, leading to Luke's capture and the resolution of the mystery.

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Resolution: Restoring Peace in Paradise Valley

With Luke Peabody apprehended, the trio ensures that peace is restored to Paradise Valley. The community is relieved to uncover the truth behind the mysterious events, and Roy Rogers is hailed as a hero for his unwavering dedication to solving the case. The episode concludes with a harmonious song that reinforces the themes of friendship, courage, and the triumph of good over deceit.

Notable Quote:

Roy Rogers [28:51]: "Well, folks, it's time to hit the trail. Before we go though, I'd just like to say to all the boys and girls listening in that I'd take it kindly if they were mighty careful about accidents."

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Conclusion

“The Case Of The Mysterious Puppet” is a quintessential example of Old Time Radio storytelling, blending mystery, suspense, and the beloved charm of Roy Rogers and his companions. Through engaging dialogue, clever plot developments, and memorable character interactions, the episode captivates listeners, offering both entertainment and a moral lesson on vigilance and integrity. Not only does it pay homage to the era's rich radio traditions, but it also leaves audiences with a satisfying conclusion that underscores the enduring appeal of classic Western narratives.

Notable Quote:

Dale Evans [32:29]: "This has been a recorded audition created by Sherman and Marquette for its client, the Quaker Oats Company."

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Notable Advertisements and Brand Integrations

Throughout the episode, traditional radio advertisements are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the authenticity of the time period. Promotions for Wayfair and Quaker Oats are prominently featured, reflecting the era's advertising styles and the cultural landscape.

Notable Quotes:

Roy Rogers [00:12]: "Making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals."

Dale Evans [06:31]: "Delicious, nutritious, makes you feel ambitious. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats."

These advertisements not only provide commercial breaks but also contribute to character development and setting the scene, immersing listeners fully into the world of the story.

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Final Remarks

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio exemplifies the enduring allure of radio dramas, combining suspenseful storytelling with nostalgic elements that celebrate the rich heritage of early American radio entertainment. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to Old Time Radio, “The Case Of The Mysterious Puppet” offers an engaging and memorable listening experience that honors the timeless legacy of beloved Western heroes.

Transcript

[Dale Evans]

We interrupt this program to bring you.

[Roy Rogers]

An important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms Flyer.

[Dale Evans]

Today's style tip when it comes to.

[Roy Rogers]

Making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals.

[Dale Evans]

Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh, beers. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every style, every home. From Hollywood. Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys. Brought to you by Quaker Oats, the giant of the cereals. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats. Delicious, nutritious, makes you feel ambitious. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats. Out of the west and into your home. Riding the range of adventure and mystery, blazing a trail of Western song and story. Dale Evans, Gabby Hayes. And America's king of the cowboys, Roy Rogers. Today's adventure, the case of the Mysterious Puppet. And here is Roy Rogers.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, howdy, boys and girls and mothers and dads, too, of course. This is Roy Rogers. This adventure I'm going to tell you about began on a Sunday morning in our little church at Paradise Valley. It was just about like any other Sunday, you know, quiet and peaceful. And as usual, before Reverend Smith began his sermon, Dale and I were singing a hymn. I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses. And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God. And he walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own. And the joy we share as we carry them none other has ever known.

[Gabby Hayes]

I have taken my sermon today from the passage. And it came to pass in those days that he went out into a mountain to pray and confess. Continued all night in prayer. Dear friends, as I sat in my study the other day, reading over these words, composing my. My thoughts so. Oh, dear me.

[Dale Evans]

Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

Yes, Reverend?

[Gabby Hayes]

Someone seems to be ringing the church bell. There must be some mistake. Would you mind?

[Roy Rogers]

Sure, Reverend. There must be some mistake. I'll get to the bell tower. Prado.

[Gabby Hayes]

Reckon I better motie along with ye.

[Roy Rogers]

All right, Gabby.

[Gabby Hayes]

Brand meat with a cold iron. Roy, who'd be doing a local thing like this, ringing the church bells? Yes, as the Reverend Smith started his sermon.

[Roy Rogers]

Don't know, Gabby, but sure isn't my idea of a joke.

[Gabby Hayes]

Well, my another. We'll corral this hombre, whoever he is, and turn him over to Sheriff Masters. Hanged if this don't mind me. Of the time that. Hold on, Roy. Standing there by the door that leads to the bell tower.

[Dale Evans]

Why.

[Gabby Hayes]

Why, it's Luke Peabody that runs the general store.

[Roy Rogers]

He looks sick. He.

[Dale Evans]

Come on, Luke.

[Roy Rogers]

Luke Peabody.

[Dale Evans]

What?

[Gabby Hayes]

Don't. Don't go in there. The thing I saw, I. Wait, he's faded. Roy, what in the name of Rowels and Jingle Bobs is in that bell tower?

[Roy Rogers]

Only one way to find out. Gabby. Let's get in there now.

[Gabby Hayes]

What in the. Appeal me for a bronc? It ain't possible. Do you see what I see or do I need specs?

[Roy Rogers]

Bobby, don't go.

[Gabby Hayes]

And, Gabby, the thing that's ringing that bell hanging under the rope and yanking it up and down is.

[Dale Evans]

Why?

[Gabby Hayes]

Why, it's a doll.

[Roy Rogers]

Not exactly a dog, Abby. It's a puppet.

[Dale Evans]

And so, on a Sunday morning, this strange mystery began for Roy and our friends when they found a puppet, a marionette made of wood and cloth, ringing the bell in the tower of the little church. Stranger things than that were to happen, though, as we'll learn in a few moments. Now, listen. The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats.

[Roy Rogers]

The giant of the cereals is Quaker Oats.

[Dale Evans]

Delicious, nutritious, makes you feel ambitious.

[Roy Rogers]

The giant of cereals is Quaker Oats.

[Dale Evans]

Yes, Quaker Oats is a giant in nutrition. That's right. To protect the health and growth of youngsters. Don't skimp on breakfast. See to it they get delicious whole grain Quaker Oats every morning. For doctors say the more often youngsters eat a good oatmeal breakfast, the better they grow. Yes, nourishing whole grain oatmeal gives you boys and girls more growth and endurance than any other whole grain cereal. As for you, mom and dad, a nourishing Quaker Oats breakfast helps avoid mid morning fatigue. Because here again, good whole grain oatmeal gives you more energy and endurance than any of the others. Yes, truly, Quaker Oats is a giant in nutrition. Quaker Oats is a giant in economy. Yes, Quaker Oats still costs less than a penny a serving. Quaker Oats breakfasts save you up to $4 a week for a family of four. As against scarce, expensive foods saves precious minutes in the morning too. Because it cooks so fast. Quaker Oats is a giant in flavor. Yes, Quaker Oats is so delicious. So good to eat. People eat more of it than any other cereal in the world.

[Roy Rogers]

Delicious, nutritious, makes you feel ambitious. The giant of the cereals is Quaker.

[Dale Evans]

Well, there they were in the bell tower, Roy and Gabby, staring at just about the weirdest sight they had ever set eyes on. A puppet working the rope of the church bell.

[Gabby Hayes]

Roy, this is the orangest thing I ever did see. That thing's alive.

[Roy Rogers]

No, it isn't, Gabby. Look here. Somebody's attached the hands of this puppet to the bell rope. When the bell started ringing, well, the puppet went up and down with the rope.

[Gabby Hayes]

Yeah, yeah, I can see that. But if the puppet ain't ringing the bell, who is?

[Roy Rogers]

The maverick up there in the bell tower above us. All right, you come on down.

[Gabby Hayes]

He ain't a coming hang to this. Don't mind me of the time.

[Roy Rogers]

Wait a minute, Gabby. Come down, I said, or I'll come up there and get you. Roy.

[Gabby Hayes]

Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

In here, Dale.

[Dale Evans]

Roy, what happened to Luke Peabody out there? And.

[Gabby Hayes]

Oh boy, what's this? It's a puppet. One of them Harriettes that you work with strings.

[Dale Evans]

You mean marionette?

[Gabby Hayes]

Well, I knowed it was some gal's name.

[Roy Rogers]

That hombre's still playing possum up there in the tar. Gabby, I'm going up after you.

[Gabby Hayes]

Better let me know. You ain't carrying no six guns neither, are you.

[Dale Evans]

Gabby, who this boy thinks up there?

[Gabby Hayes]

I don't know, Dale. There must be somebody up there. First it looked to us like it was this here Henriette Marionette. Yeah, well, it looked to us like the thing was pulling on the rope, you see. But of course that ain't possible. Some coyote tied it to the bell rope, then got up above there, started pushing the bell and make it ring and. Oh, here comes Roy now.

[Roy Rogers]

Roy, I don't savvy this thing at all. There's nobody up there.

[Gabby Hayes]

But there's just gotta be somebody up there.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, there isn't.

[Dale Evans]

But Roy, a puppet couldn't ring a church bell all by itself.

[Gabby Hayes]

Sure, a shootin couldn't. But if the puppet wan't ringing it, how was it?

[Dale Evans]

Wrong Trip Planner by Expedia, you were.

[Gabby Hayes]

Made to have strong opinions about sand.

[Dale Evans]

We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina.

[Gabby Hayes]

And a waterfall and a soaking tube.

[Dale Evans]

Expedia made to travel.

[Roy Rogers]

That, Gabby, is the mystery we've got to solve.

[Dale Evans]

The following day, down at one of the corrals of Roy's ranch, the Double R bar, Roy had just finished peeling a bronc and he and Dale and Gabby were sitting on the top rail of the corral fence when.

[Roy Rogers]

Watch that.

[Gabby Hayes]

Roy, have you figured an answer yet to that local business in the bell tower yesterday?

[Roy Rogers]

Gabby, I can't seem to ride a straight trail on that. Somebody played a trick on us. Of course. But don't ask me how I did it. No hidden wires attached to the bell. Nothing to show how it was rung.

[Dale Evans]

But a bell certainly can't ring by itself.

[Gabby Hayes]

Well, it sure begins to look like this one did. Roy, you say you questioned Luke Peabody real close.

[Roy Rogers]

Yeah. I figured maybe he would be behind her, but, well, you know what a practical joker Luke is. Well, we didn't find him right outside the bell tower when he looks like we've got visitors.

[Gabby Hayes]

Yeah, Lindsay Lockridge and Phineas Salt. Wonder what them two want with us.

[Dale Evans]

Maybe Lockridge wants to sell Roy some of that stock they're interested in. What is it again, Roy?

[Roy Rogers]

Oh, some new chemical and dye company.

[Dale Evans]

Roy Dale. Gabby. Roy, look at this thing. Look at it. And then I employ you. Explain it to me. There isn't any explaining it. Please finish, Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, it's a puppet. Just like the one we found in church yesterday.

[Dale Evans]

Then that story is true. I didn't attend Sunday services. I had one of my distressing, sick headaches. You know that marionette you found ringing the church bell? Did it. Did it talk to you?

[Gabby Hayes]

If it had, I wouldn't be here now. They'd be scraping me off from the walls of a padded cell.

[Dale Evans]

Well, this one spoke to me.

[Roy Rogers]

It. It spoke to you?

[Gabby Hayes]

He imagined it.

[Roy Rogers]

Of course.

[Dale Evans]

I did not imagine it. I'm not an imaginative man. I'm not.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, now, now, now, just try and steady down, Lindsay. Steady down and tell us what happened.

[Gabby Hayes]

Yeah, don't get yourself in enough for a while.

[Dale Evans]

Well, ill as I felt this morning, you know, sick headache, I reached my office on time, and I tell you, I nearly collapsed. For there, sitting in my chair behind my desk, was this. This thing. After a moment, I realized it was nothing more than a marionette and an articulated figure. That.

[Gabby Hayes]

A what?

[Dale Evans]

An articulated figure, Gabby. That's what a marinette is. An articulated figure motivated by a vertical controller, I believe they call it.

[Gabby Hayes]

All right, all right. I know what you was talking about.

[Dale Evans]

And at that very moment, I realized that it talked to me.

[Roy Rogers]

What did it say?

[Dale Evans]

It said, tell Roy rogers to leave $5,000 in the hollow stump at Three Pines by midnight tonight or suffer the consequences. Now, don't look at me that way. I'm telling you, it did.

[Gabby Hayes]

You know, this here business is getting washer and washer. We better do something about it. Hanged, if it don't mind me, of the time that I was forced to sew up my watch with A needle and thread?

[Dale Evans]

You what?

[Gabby Hayes]

Gabby sewed up my watch with a needle and thread. You see, I was guiding the party of hunters. Eight of them there was, on a trip up in the mountains. I warned them we might have trouble with the redskins, but they wanted to go hunting in the worst way. The second day in camp, we were set on by a band of Indians, and they took us prisoner.

[Dale Evans]

My goodness.

[Gabby Hayes]

Well, come the time when we was to be burned at the stake, I knowed Southern had to be did and did pronto, or the nine of us was dead ducks. Right then and there. I took out my watch, took a needle and thread. I always carry one for emergency, you know. And I begin taking stitches in the works of that watch. And that's what saved us all.

[Dale Evans]

But, Gabby, how could sewing up your watch save you?

[Gabby Hayes]

Why, ain't you never heard the proverb, stitching time saves nine? Gabby, it's the gospel.

[Roy Rogers]

So help me, Bob, it seems just like a ordinary puppet. Lindsay, I sure don't see how it could have spoken to you.

[Dale Evans]

Roy, you must believe me, it did.

[Gabby Hayes]

Maybe you're sicker than you think you are.

[Dale Evans]

Lindsay, I tell you, what's the sense of telling you anything? Roy, I got to get back to my office. What are you going to do about this thing?

[Roy Rogers]

Do?

[Dale Evans]

About the money. The $5,000.

[Roy Rogers]

Look, Lindsay, I can't believe this thing talked to you. You must have imagined it. But anyhow, just. Just forget the whole thing until you hear from me.

[Dale Evans]

Very well, Roy. Very well. Come along, Phineas.

[Gabby Hayes]

Yeah, go on home. Phineas, you allow. Maybe he's been taking too many of them medicines he's always dosing himself with.

[Roy Rogers]

Dale. Gabby, there's something mighty peculiar about this.

[Gabby Hayes]

Now, me, I'd like to know how that bell could ring with now nobody up there to ring it.

[Roy Rogers]

Well, I want to know more than that. I want to know what's behind all this. Who attached the puppet to the church bell yesterday and why? And as for this one, well, we can't believe it actually talked to Lindsay, but who propped it up in a chair in his office? There's something behind all this hocus poc. Listen up.

[Gabby Hayes]

Warp my backbone and call me a bronc. Look what's heading this way.

[Dale Evans]

Oh, no. A horse with a puppet riding it.

[Roy Rogers]

By Hootin Harry, you're right. That is a puppet riding that horse.

[Gabby Hayes]

Did you hear that? Did you hear that? The thing talks.

[Dale Evans]

Troy, I feel faint.

[Roy Rogers]

Up steady, Dale.

[Gabby Hayes]

Steady. How can anybody be steady with that thing sitting there in the saddle or staring at us? Well, answer the dratted thing. Yes, hank wadding.

[Roy Rogers]

Leave $5,000 in the hollow stump at three pines by midnight tonight or suffer the consequences. Get up there.

[Dale Evans]

Come on.

[Roy Rogers]

Roy.

[Gabby Hayes]

Roy. Now, we've got to believe it. We just hear to puppet speak ourselves.

[Roy Rogers]

We heard it speak, all right. And I'm finding out how right now.

[Gabby Hayes]

Trigger.

[Roy Rogers]

Come here, boy. We've got to catch those two, Trigger. And it's up to you. Let's go. Come on, Trigger.

[Gabby Hayes]

Come on, boy.

[Roy Rogers]

They've got a good start. And that puppet's a lot lighter than I am. We've got to stop him, Trigger. We've got to stop him. That's it. You're gaining on them.

[Gabby Hayes]

You're gaining.

[Roy Rogers]

They'll be close enough to rope in a minute. I've got the rope coil now, Trigger. Ready to throw it just as soon as we get. Yeah, now. Got him?

[Gabby Hayes]

Got him.

[Roy Rogers]

Hold him now. Hold him while I get that puppet in the saddle. Oh, boy. Steady down now. I just want to have a close look at that puppet on your back. But see now. Well, I'll be. So.

[Gabby Hayes]

That's it.

[Roy Rogers]

That's how this thing talk. Good work, Trigger.

[Gabby Hayes]

Good work, boy. I know Trigger can beat that critter. Well, I see you got the Henrietta Harrietta. Oh, shuck that ornery puppy.

[Roy Rogers]

I got it all right.

[Dale Evans]

What's the answer to it, Roy? How did that thing talk?

[Roy Rogers]

There's only one answer to that, Dale. And if I'm not mistaken.

[Gabby Hayes]

If you ain't mistaken, what?

[Roy Rogers]

Hold it, Gabby. Looks like we've got another visitor. It's Reverend Smith this time.

[Gabby Hayes]

Yeah, and he sure is racking into the Double R bar. Reverend. Reverend. What in tarnish? Roy. Roy, I need your help. The strangest thing has happened.

[Roy Rogers]

What is it, Reverend?

[Gabby Hayes]

The poor box. The poor box at the church. It's been robbed.

[Dale Evans]

Oh, who would do a terrible thing like that?

[Gabby Hayes]

I don't know, Dale. I discovered the robbery less than an hour ago. What's more, Roy, I found these inside the box.

[Roy Rogers]

Strings. Marionette strings? Yes.

[Gabby Hayes]

Roy, what is the meaning of these puppets? I thought that affair of yesterday was someone's idea of a joke.

[Dale Evans]

Joking. Very poor taste, but still a joke.

[Gabby Hayes]

But this.

[Roy Rogers]

This robbing of the whore box, no joke. I agree with you, Reverend. It's a trick, and a mighty serious one. Dale, take this puppet to my office, will you? All right. When I get back, I'll show you how it managed to talk. Meanwhile, Reverend Gabby and I will go back with you. We'll pick up Sheriff Masters on the way.

[Gabby Hayes]

You're going to have some hombre arrested, Roy?

[Roy Rogers]

No, Gabby. But Sheriff Masters may be able to find fingerprints on that poor box. Let's get going. Come on, Trigger. Hit the trail, boy.

[Dale Evans]

About an hour later, in the study of the Reverend Warfield Smith.

[Gabby Hayes]

Oh, boys, would you mind very much if I went on writing my sermon for next Sunday while you look for fingerprints on that poor box?

[Roy Rogers]

Of course not, Reverend. Go right ahead.

[Gabby Hayes]

Oh, thank you. Oh, I think I'll light the fire in the fireplace.

[Dale Evans]

A little chilly.

[Gabby Hayes]

Let me do it for you, Reverend Little. My chili today reminds me of the time I. Gabby. Huh? Oh, yeah, yeah. Well, there's your fire, Reverend. Once she gets going, she'll be real nice and warm. Thank you, Gabby. I really don't know what I'd do without you and Roy sometimes. Well, I must get back to my sermon. What's he going to be about your sermon, I mean. Oh, the handwriting on the wall, Gabby. Handwriting on the wall. Oh, yeah, I remember now. That's about how a finger appeared in the air and began to write a message on the wall of some king's palace or something. Yes, Gabby.

[Dale Evans]

Yes, that's right.

[Gabby Hayes]

Well, how you doing at the poor box, Sheriff?

[Dale Evans]

Appears to me like the thief wore gloves. There's nary a sign of a fingerprint on this box. They tall. What do you make of these marionette strings?

[Roy Rogers]

Well, I've been going over them carefully, Sheriff. They're made of shoemaker's thread, I'd say. Shoemaker's thread that's been thoroughly waxed.

[Gabby Hayes]

Shoemaker's thread. Well, hog tie me with a piggin string. Beg your pardon, Reverend.

[Roy Rogers]

Oh, what is it, Gabby?

[Gabby Hayes]

Why, you reminded me of something, Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

Oh, now, Gabby.

[Gabby Hayes]

No, no, no, I. I don't mean a tall yarn. I mean something that happened just t' other day. I took a pair of boots to Tony Alturas, our shoemaker here in Paradise Valley, and he just happened to mention he was running kind of low on Freddie. Said he'd have to order some more from Luke Peabody.

[Dale Evans]

Well, what about it, Gabby?

[Gabby Hayes]

Shocked, don't you see? Roy and me, we found Luke outside the belfry door yesterday when somebody had tied that puppet to the bell rope. And these puppet strings, they made a shoemaker's thread that comes from Peabody's general store. There ain't no double gate about this horse. Peabody's the hombre behind all this hocus pocus. And I'm going to. Roy, what is it? What are you staring at?

[Dale Evans]

Look.

[Gabby Hayes]

Look. What?

[Dale Evans]

Great Caesar's ghost There on the fireplace wall, above the Reverend Smith's head.

[Gabby Hayes]

Dear me, what is it? Why, my soul and body writin' handwriting beginning to appear on the wall. And there ain't nobody there writin it. Look at it. A message appearing on the wall. I said for ghost.

[Dale Evans]

Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

Stereology.

[Gabby Hayes]

It's a trick. It says Roy rogers.

[Roy Rogers]

Be warned.

[Gabby Hayes]

$5,000 in the Holler stump by midnight or you will regret it. Roy, what does it mean? What does it mean?

[Roy Rogers]

It means it. I'll take that. Hello, Roy?

[Dale Evans]

Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

Yes, Dale, what is it?

[Dale Evans]

Roy, in heaven's name, come quickly.

[Gabby Hayes]

Dale.

[Roy Rogers]

What?

[Dale Evans]

Roy here in your office?

[Gabby Hayes]

The puppet.

[Dale Evans]

The puppet's talking to me, threatening me.

[Roy Rogers]

Dale, now steady down. Listen to me. That's just a trick. It's a trick.

[Dale Evans]

Yes, I know, I know, but.

[Gabby Hayes]

Luke Peabody.

[Roy Rogers]

Yes, yes.

[Dale Evans]

What?

[Gabby Hayes]

Lupiba. Hello?

[Roy Rogers]

Hello?

[Gabby Hayes]

Dale? Dale? What in tarnation?

[Roy Rogers]

No time to lose, Gabby. Something's happened to Dale. We're hitting the trail for the Double R bar, pronto. Dale.

[Dale Evans]

Dale.

[Gabby Hayes]

Most likely in the office, Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

Yep, in here, cabbie. What in the.

[Gabby Hayes]

Roy. There, on the floor. Luke Peabody. And look, puppet laying across his body. Luke.

[Roy Rogers]

Luke, Come on, snap out of him.

[Dale Evans]

Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

Luke.

[Gabby Hayes]

What happened here?

[Roy Rogers]

Where's Dale?

[Gabby Hayes]

Dale.

[Roy Rogers]

Oh, Roy.

[Gabby Hayes]

Roy, you gotta save her. You gotta save her. Yes, but where is she? They took her.

[Dale Evans]

They got her, Roy.

[Gabby Hayes]

And you? Who got her? The puppets. The puppets? They came and. Roy listened to me.

[Roy Rogers]

No, you listened to me, Luke. On your feet, Luke. But.

[Dale Evans]

But Roy.

[Roy Rogers]

Start talking and talk fast.

[Gabby Hayes]

So he. He's the hombre behind all this, is he? Let me at him. I'll smoke him up with a six gun. I'll send him to heaven to hunt for a harp. I'll shoot him so full of holes he'll sink when he takes a bath. Oh, boys. No, no, no, please.

[Roy Rogers]

Look, Luke, let's ride a straight trail on this. Robbing that church poor box was bad enough, but now that something's happened to Dale, he. You better come clean with me prouder.

[Gabby Hayes]

All right, Roy.

[Dale Evans]

All right.

[Gabby Hayes]

Now, the puppet ringing the church bell.

[Roy Rogers]

Don't waste time. I know all that. I know how the bell rang even though there was nobody there to ring it. I know how these puppets were made to talk. And I know how the handwriting appeared on the wall in Reverend Smith's study.

[Gabby Hayes]

You know all that?

[Roy Rogers]

Yes. But I don't know where Dale is. And that's what you'd better tell me, Luke Peabody. That's what you better tell me right now.

[Dale Evans]

Do you know. Do you know how A bell could be made to ring with no one there to ring it. Do you know how a lifeless puppet can be made to speak? And what's the answer to the handwriting on the wall? We'll know the answers to all these questions in a very few minutes. But now, friends, Roy Rogers has something he'd like to tell you. Roy?

[Roy Rogers]

Thank you, Art. Today is a big moment in my life, believe me. Shucks, my folks brought me up on Quaker Oats. Quaker Oats has been my pal since I was knee high to a duck. So I'm mighty proud that we're teaming up together. I'm going to sort of be the Quaker Oats ambassador to your house. And I'm not going to be backward about telling you to eat Quaker Oats either, because, well, I know it's mighty good eating and mighty good for you. So from now on, folks, when you think of Roy, Roy, just doggone it, think of Quaker Oats.

[Dale Evans]

Thanks, Roy. And friends, remember the wonderful benefits to everyone in delicious whole grain Quaker Oats for breakfast. Yes, there's more energy and endurance for you grown ups. More growth and health for you youngsters in a good wholesome oatmeal than any other whole grain cereal. That's because Quaker Oats is so much richer in vital food elements like protein, vitamin B1 and iron. Remember to buy Quaker Oats, the giant of the cereals. Quaker and Mother's Oats are the same.

[Roy Rogers]

Delicious, nutritious, makes you feel ambitious.

[Dale Evans]

The giant of a cereal is Quaker Oats. Our scene changes now to the sheriff's office in Paradise Valley. Well, that about does it, Roy. Are you feeling all right now, Ms. Evans? Yes, thank you, Sheriff.

[Gabby Hayes]

I don't feel yet. Don't savvy at all. How'd you know, Roy? How did you know?

[Roy Rogers]

Well, there was only one way that a bell could ring, Gabby. Someone stationed in a window across the street from the church must have been firing at the bell with a rifle, of course. A rifle with a silencer.

[Dale Evans]

Yes, but what about that puppet that talked?

[Roy Rogers]

A wire recorder. Dale, there was a new wire recorder on the market now. Well, it's as well, it's just as small as a watch case recorder. Well, God damn. Well, all right, take it easy, take it easy.

[Dale Evans]

Do you know. Do you know how a bell could be made to ring with no one there to ring it? Do you know how a lifeless puppet can be made to speak? And what's the answer to the handwriting on the wall? We'll know the answers to all these questions in a very few Minutes. But now, friends, Roy Rogers has something he'd like to tell you. Roy?

[Roy Rogers]

Thanks, Art. Today is a big moment in my life, believe me. Sucks. My folks brought me up on Quaker Oats. Quaker Oats has been a pal of mine since I was knee high to a duck. So I'm mighty proud that we're teaming up together. I'm going to sort of be the Quaker Oats ambassador to your house. I'm not going to be backward about telling you to eat Quaker Oats because I know it's mighty good eating and mighty good for you, too. So from now on, folks, when you think of Roy Rogers, doggone it, think of Quaker Oats.

[Dale Evans]

Thanks, Roy. And friends, remember the wonderful benefits to everyone in delicious whole grain Quaker Oats for breakfast. Yes, there's more energy and endurance for you grown ups. More growth and health for you youngsters in good wholesome oatmeal than any other whole grain cereal. That's because Quaker Oats is so much richer in vital food elements like protein, vitamin B1 and iron. Remember to buy Quaker Oats, the giant of the cereals. Quaker and Mother Oats are the same. Delicious, nutritious, makes you feel ambitious.

[Roy Rogers]

The giant of a cereals is Quaker Oats.

[Dale Evans]

Our scene changes now to the sheriff's office in Paradise Valley. Well, that about does it, Roy. You feeling all right now, Ms. Evans? Yes, thank you, Sheriff.

[Gabby Hayes]

No saviot. No saviot at all. How'd you know, Roy? How did you know?

[Roy Rogers]

Well, there was only one way that a bell could ring, Gabby. Someone stationed in a window across the street from the church must have been firing at the bell with a rifle. Of course. A rifle with a silencer. Yes.

[Dale Evans]

But what about that puppet that talked?

[Roy Rogers]

That was a wire recorder, Dale. There's a new wire recorder on the market now. It's so small, they call it the watch case recorder. Well, there was a watch case recorder inside that puppet.

[Dale Evans]

And the handwriting that appeared on the fireplace wall in the Reverend Smith's study, that was invisible ink. Was it invisible ink that started to appear when the heat of the fire brought it out?

[Roy Rogers]

Exactly, Sheriff.

[Gabby Hayes]

And all the time I thought that Luke Peabody was the ornery culprit.

[Roy Rogers]

It couldn't have been Luke. He was in church yesterday. So he couldn't have fired a rifle at the church bell from outside.

[Gabby Hayes]

As I fessed up to you, I suddenly realized that the material used to make the puppet we saw in church.

[Dale Evans]

Yesterday come from my store.

[Gabby Hayes]

And I remembered who bought it. I scally hooted out to the ranch to Tell Roy. But he followed me.

[Dale Evans]

He told me he'd kill me if.

[Gabby Hayes]

I didn't give you that low code story about puppets kidnapping Dale.

[Dale Evans]

I was scared.

[Gabby Hayes]

I was mighty scared. But Roy, I still don't savvy how you knowed it was Lindsay Lockridge.

[Roy Rogers]

The first clue, Gabby, was that Lockridge used the words articulated figure and vertical controller in describing a puppet. That made me realize he knew something about puppets. The second clue was the stocks that he's been trying to. Well, he's been trying to get me to buy for a long time. That made me figure he was kind of hard up for cash.

[Gabby Hayes]

Shucks, I knowed all them things, but they just never put them together, that's all.

[Dale Evans]

Well, Roy Lockridge is locked up safe. And the folks of Paradise Valley are mighty beholden to you. You've done it again.

[Gabby Hayes]

Ain't nothing unusual about that, Sheriff. It were my partner who done that. My partner, Roy Roger.

[Dale Evans]

And now Roy Rogers, Dale and the gang. Sing Carry me back to the lone prairie.

[Roy Rogers]

Oh, carry me back to the lone prairie where the coyotes hang.

[Dale Evans]

And.

[Roy Rogers]

The wind blows free and when I die you can marry me Meet the.

[Dale Evans]

Western sky.

[Roy Rogers]

On the lone prairie Give me back my saddle Give me back my gun Give me back my bronco that I used to Let me spread my blanket By a peaceful stream Hear the cowboys singing by the campfire's gleam.

[Dale Evans]

Oh, carry me back.

[Roy Rogers]

To the lone.

[Dale Evans]

Prairie where the coyotes hunt.

[Roy Rogers]

And the.

[Dale Evans]

Wind blows free.

[Gabby Hayes]

And when I die.

[Dale Evans]

When I die you can bury me Beat the western sky Let western sky on the lone prairie.

[Roy Rogers]

Oh, carry me back.

[Dale Evans]

To the.

[Gabby Hayes]

Where the coyotes how.

[Dale Evans]

And the windows free.

[Roy Rogers]

And when I die you can bury me Meet the western sky on lone prairie Meet the western sky on the lone prairie well, folks, it's time to hit the trail. Before we go though, I'd just like to say to all the boys and girls listening in that I'd take it kindly if they were mighty careful about accidents. You know, kids, on the double R bar, every cowboy is always on his guard against accidents. I want you to be like that too. So you do that for me, will you? Fine. And in the meantime, don't forget. Smiles are made out of the sunshine. And a frown from a rainy day you'll be more than repaid if you remember that a smile goes a long, long way. Well, now, until next Sunday. Don't forget this is Roy Rogers saying for Dale Evans, Gabby Hayes, myself, also Quaker Oats, Goodbye, good luck, and may the good Lord take a liking to you. Don't forget Smiles are made out of the sunshine and a smile goes a long, long.

[Dale Evans]

This has been a recorded audition created by Sherman and Marquette for its client, the Quaker Oats Company.