Shirley Temple Time 41-12-17 (3) Christmas for Two

Summary

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Shirley Temple Time – “Christmas for Two” (Original Air Date: December 17, 1941)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Shirley Temple Time 41-12-17 (3) Christmas for Two
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Summary by: Podcast Summarizer

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Episode Overview

This heartwarming episode of "Shirley Temple Time," sponsored by Elgin Watches, features the original radio play "Christmas for Two," starring Shirley Temple and renowned actor Lionel Barrymore. The episode, brimming with nostalgic holiday spirit, delivers a tale of Christmas wishes, unexpected friendships, and the joy of giving, all wrapped in the warmth of classic radio storytelling.

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Key Discussion Points & Play-by-Play

1. A Holiday Prelude & Introductions

• (00:35-01:37)
  • Truman Bradley warmly opens the show, introducing Shirley Temple as the “sweetest present in the world.”
  • Shirley Temple shares her excitement about the holiday season, talking about school plays, present-wrapping, and her family’s festive traditions.
    • Memorable quote:

      “How about we hang up Mother? It’s bigger.”
      —Shirley Temple (01:25)

2. Lionel Barrymore Joins the Fun

• (01:51-02:22)
  • Lionel Barrymore (as “Mr. Barrymore") is introduced, bringing an air of old-Hollywood prestige and humor.
  • Exchanges between Shirley and Barrymore reflect on the importance of making people happy during tough times.
    • Notable banter:

      “Any American would do that, Mr. Barrymore. Do you think they’ll close the schools?”
      —Shirley Temple (02:22)

3. Commercial Corner

• (02:55-03:59)
  • Helen Menken, celebrated for her style, praises Elgin Watches—framing them as the perfect Christmas gift.
  • Truman Bradley highlights the American craftsmanship of Elgin, linking the product to national pride and quality.
    • Notable quote:

      “A gift worthy to say Merry Christmas from you to the one you love most.”
      —Truman Bradley (03:31)

4. “Christmas for Two” – The Radio Play

Setting the Stage

• (04:01-04:42)
  • The story takes place at an all-girls boarding school outside Boston.
  • Shirley Temple plays “Raleigh (Ronnie) Thornton,” a bubbly student eager for her father (nicknamed "Buddy") to arrive for the holiday.

Preparing for Christmas & School Shenanigans

• (04:42-06:56)
  • Ronnie and her roommate pack for the holidays, sharing dreams of glamorous and whimsical celebrations.
    • Memorable moment:

      “I put a frog in her [housemother's] bed. Gee, I wish I thought of that.”
      —Ronnie (Shirley Temple, 04:55)

Headmaster’s Office: Plans Unraveling

• (06:56-09:33)
  • Homer Beadleston (Lionel Barrymore), the stern but lovable headmaster, calls Ronnie in.
  • Ronnie learns her father’s delayed; she worries she won’t get his Christmas gift.
  • Attempts to negotiate a ride to Boston; Beadleston finally agrees (begrudgingly).
    • Key exchange:

      “If you don’t take me, I’ll have to walk all the way to Boston and back. And I’ll have to tell my dad. And he’ll take me out of school. And he’ll get it in the papers, too—and…”
      —Shirley Temple (09:03)

Adventures in Boston

• (09:53-14:11)
  • They brave the snowy city, watching steam shovels and bickering about galoshes.
  • A comical visit to a flower shop; haggling over a carnation and gentle ribbing from the clerk.
    • Comedic moment:

      “Look, my not friend. That is the price, and that is what you pay.”
      —Nick, flower shop clerk, to Beadleston (12:51)

    • Mistletoe Mishap: Forced to kiss under mistletoe as per clerk’s custom.
      • Beadleston (mortified):

        “Well, since it seems to be inevitable…” (14:04)

Department Store: Meeting “Santa,” Holiday Shopping, and Heartfelt Revelations

• (15:19-19:12)

  • Ronnie and Beadleston visit Santa’s helper; Ronnie asks for a shaving set for her father, not a doll.

    • Amusing exchange:

      “Trains for Boys, Dolls for Girls … We're overstocked.”
      —Santa & Truman Bradley (16:39)

  • Beadleston discusses buying a present for a girl at "the awkward age"—hinting, unknowingly, at Ronnie herself.

    • Poignant moment:

      “Sometimes she’s bad and sometimes she’s good… I believe they call it the awkward age.”
      —Beadleston (17:46)

The Toy Train & The True Gift

• (18:12-20:05)
  • Ronnie admits she’s never had a proper childhood train set; Beadleston reflects, revealing he never had one either.
  • The staff wraps up a midget radio as a present “for the awkward age”—a gift intended for Ronnie.
    • Touching reveal:

      “Well, I hope you do.”
      —Beadleston to Ronnie (21:39)
      “Did you say it was for me?”
      —Ronnie (21:45)
      “I didn’t say it. I inferred it. But it is.”
      —Beadleston (21:49)

A Reciprocal Surprise

• (22:18-22:28)
  • Ronnie has secretly purchased the train set for Beadleston, using money meant for her father's gift.
    • Emotional moment:

      “Well, I like to play with trains too. And anyway, Buddy didn’t need that shaving set…”
      —Ronnie (22:28)

Christmas Cheer: Carolers & Closure

• (23:08-23:33)
  • The two hear Christmas carols, drawing the play to a beautiful, shared close.
    • Gentle banter:

      “I don’t think it ever sounded lovely.”
      —Beadleston (23:31)
      “Why don’t you sing?”
      —Ronnie (23:33)

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5. Show’s Wrap-Up & Gift Exchange

• (24:00-25:27)
  • Shirley Temple and Lionel Barrymore reappear as themselves, exchanging compliments and reminiscing.
  • Shirley gifts Barrymore an engraved Elgin watch; Barrymore presents Shirley with a Lady Elgin—both cherish the gesture and their memories from the broadcast.
    • Memorable quote:

      “I know you’ll keep it for many years, Shirley, just as I will mine. They’ll both remind us of this Christmas time in the year 1941, when a very young lady came of age as an actress.”
      —Lionel Barrymore (25:27)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “How about we hang up Mother? It’s bigger.” (Shirley Temple, 01:25)
• “If you don’t take me, I’ll have to walk all the way to Boston and back. And I’ll have to tell my dad. And he’ll take me out of school. And he’ll get it in the papers, too—and…” (Shirley Temple, 09:03)
• “Trains for Boys, Dolls for Girls … We're overstocked.” (Santa & Truman Bradley, 16:39)
• “Did you say it was for me?” (Ronnie/Shirley Temple, 21:45)
• “I know you’ll keep it for many years, Shirley, just as I will mine. They’ll both remind us of this Christmas time in the year 1941.” (Lionel Barrymore, 25:27)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:04 – Shirley’s warm holiday greeting
• 04:42 – Start of dramatic play, dormitory scene
• 06:56 – Ronnie called to headmaster’s office
• 09:53 – Boston shopping adventure, steam shovels
• 12:00 – Flower shop & mistletoe
• 15:19 – Santa Claus encounter
• 18:12 – Train set and reflection on childhood
• 21:39 – The real present for Ronnie is unveiled
• 22:18 – Ronnie gifts train set to Beadleston
• 23:29 – Carolers' scene and emotional closing of the play
• 24:00 – Shirley and Barrymore’s bows, real-world gift exchange

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Conclusion

“Christmas for Two” blends gentle humor, emotional depth, and the magic of Christmas through its tale of giving from the heart and finding unexpected friendship. Shirley Temple’s warmth, Lionel Barrymore’s avuncular gravitas, and the classic radio format create a timeless, cozy holiday treat. The episode ends with the reminder to support the Red Cross—capturing a spirit of generosity fitting for both the 1940s and today.

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For next week:
Shirley teases the arrival of Humphrey Bogart as a special guest, promising more laughs and good cheer.

• (25:43) “Guess who’s going to be here next week? Humphrey Bogart with a gun and everything. But mostly we’ll have a lot of laughs and I hope you’ll all be back again.” —Shirley Temple

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Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night from Shirley Temple Time!

Transcript

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

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[Truman Bradley]

It's shirley temple time. The makers of Elgin Watches, familiar symbols of Christmas cheer and gaiety, bring you the third in a series of posts, the sweetest present in the world, Ms. Shirley Temple.

[Shirley Temple]

Thank you. Truman Bradley. Hello, everybody.

[Truman Bradley]

Well, Shirley, been keeping busy, have you?

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, you know how it is before Christmas. I was in a play at school and shopping and wrapping presents and everything.

[Truman Bradley]

Well, you'll have a real old fashioned Christmas, I take it?

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, sure.

[Truman Bradley]

You'll trim the tree and arrange the light.

[Shirley Temple]

Mm.

[Homer Beadleston]

And then you'll hang your stocking up.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, no.

[Truman Bradley]

Well, now, tell me, aren't you going to hang up your stocking shirt?

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

No.

[Shirley Temple]

How about we hang up Mother? It's bigger.

[Truman Bradley]

Well, Shirley, I hope you find it crammed at the very top with all sorts of good things.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, I have the best thing of all right now.

[Truman Bradley]

Have you? And what is it?

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, that shouldn't be hard to guess. Isn't the star of MGM's Dr. Kildare's victory here? I mean, Mr. Lionel Barrymore.

[Homer Beadleston]

Thank you, Shirley, thank you. You know, you're getting to be a veteran of radio as well as Scream. Seems to me you've been in pictures a mighty long time.

[Shirley Temple]

Well, pretty long. I started before pictures had bank nights. You go back further than that?

[Homer Beadleston]

Considerably. Sometimes I think I started before they had cameras. But you know, I've heard a lot of wonderful comment on the job you're doing here, Shirley. In times like these, doing your bit to make people laugh and enjoy themselves.

[Shirley Temple]

Sure, any American would do that, Mr. Barrymore. Do you think they'll close the schools?

[Homer Beadleston]

Of course not. Not a chance.

[Shirley Temple]

That's what I was afraid of. But anyway, I know one school that will be closed. Your mine. Oh, I mean the school you run in our play tonight. It's going to be closed up tight for Christmas. You see, you're the headmaster and I'm a student and my goodness, there's the bill. Come on, we've only got One minute.

[Homer Beadleston]

Hold on. Well, what happens to that minute?

[Shirley Temple]

Don't worry, Truman Bradley will take care of that.

[Truman Bradley]

Thank you, Shirley. All Broadway knows Helen Menken for her great stage performances in 7th Heaven, the old Maid and many, many more. Radio listeners know her hip dramatic program second husband. Ms. Menken is also a noted style authority and was judged the best dressed woman in radio by the Fashion Academy. A collector of sketches and paintings, Ms. Menken has always encouraged American art and design. She was delighted to see the new Lord and Lady Elgin watches and said.

[Shirley Temple]

I think the new Lord and Lady Elgin's are lovely. They show such refinement in style and beauty. But I know of no better example of American leadership in the world of design.

[Truman Bradley]

Yes, and you'll say the same thing when you see the new Elgin watches at your jewelers. Here is a gift worthy to say Merry Christmas from you to the one you love most. And you can be certain that your Elgin's beauty is more than case deep too assured of accuracy by Elgin's 77 year old tradition of fine craftsmanship. The best recommendation for true precision comes from the United States government itself. For national defense, Elgin furnishes a large percentage of the precision instruments required for.

[Homer Beadleston]

Army, navy and aviation use.

[Truman Bradley]

Yes, proof of Elgin's excellence from the acceptance tests of the United States government. And remember, every single part of every Elgin is made and assembled in America by American craftsmen, many of them the fourth generation. To make Elgin watches. Before Christmas, visit your jewelers. Choose the watch of distinguished styling, unequaled precision. Your gift of an Elgin watch. Then bring lasting L's and one girls boarding school on the outskirts of Boston. Shirley Temple is Raleigh Thornton, one of the students and not studying very hard at the moment. You see, it's noon of the day before Christmas and Ronnie and her roommate are eagerly preparing for the vacation.

[Shirley Temple]

Hey, Pam, you're finished packing already? Help me close my bag, will you? When's your dad coming for you, Ronnie? I hope he comes early. I've got to get a present for the house. Mother, I gave her my present already. You did what? I put a frog in her bed. Gee, I wish I thought of that. Hey, you can't close this bag like it is. You put too many things in it, Ronnie. Well, gosh, I only packed what I absolutely need. Well, you don't absolutely need a ski suit and a bathing suit bowl. You don't know my dad, but he's full of surprises. He is. You start out for Lake Placid maybe, and all of a sudden you're down in Florida, Anna? Oh, sure. Last Christmas we flew down to Palm Beach. We had a whole plane just for our party. What kind of a Christmas party is that on a plane? Well, it wasn't a party exactly. Just Buddy and me and those three men from Hollywood. Movie star. Mm. One of them was even in a picture once. Once I heard Buddy say. Gosh, do you always call him Buddy like that? Your own father, I mean, right to his face? Well, sure. Everybody calls him Buddy. Don't you ever read the papers? Yeah. Gee, I wish my dad'd do something to get in the papers sometime. Maybe he ought to get married more often, like Buddy does. I don't think my mother would let him. Nobody tells Buddy what he can do. Gee, I bet he's super. What's he like, Ronnie? I mean, really? Well, you know, old Beetle Puss. Sure, I know him well, you think of somebody like him that's old and his mustache is like grace spinach and his clothes are all baggy and they're mostly never pressed. Uh huh. And he's always mad and his voice is like he ran it through a potato grater. But gee, and then you think of somebody just the opposite and that's Buddy. Gosh, you had me worry. Who'd want to spend Christmas with anyone like old Beetlepuss? I bet he doesn't even know it's a Christmas. Veronica come in for her call for you on the downstairs phone. Is it Dad? I was just leaving. I have to get home and fix my tree. Flora, Is it my dad? No, the headmaster. Beetle Puss wants to see you in the office right away.

[Homer Beadleston]

Come, come, Brownie. Here, don't stand there like a wooden doll. You've been in this office before?

[Shirley Temple]

Yes sir.

[Homer Beadleston]

Rather often, I recall.

[Shirley Temple]

Yes sir.

[Homer Beadleston]

Too often in fact.

[Shirley Temple]

Yes sir.

[Homer Beadleston]

Can't you say anything but yes sir?

[Shirley Temple]

No sir. I mean yes sir. I guess I just got. You're sort of excited, Mr. Beatleson.

[Homer Beadleston]

Undue excitement is a sign of ill breeding. Rule 4 in the Conduct book.

[Shirley Temple]

But everybody's excited today. I mean, a child leaving for Christmas, the teachers and everybody.

[Homer Beadleston]

I don't believe I'm excited. And I'm certainly not leaving.

[Shirley Temple]

You mean you're staying here all alone? Gosh, on Christmas, tweedle spiner. Well, Mr. Beatleson, if you don't mind, I'm in a sort of a hurry. You see, my dad will be here any minute now.

[Homer Beadleston]

And you're always together for the holidays, are you?

[Shirley Temple]

Yes sir. Of course, sometimes there's other people along. Once there was a man with a Trained seal and last year.

[Homer Beadleston]

I don't think we need review your father's whimsicalities.

[Shirley Temple]

Whimsicality?

[Homer Beadleston]

Oh, never mind. I've just had a wire from him. Veronica.

[Shirley Temple]

From dad?

[Homer Beadleston]

Yes. It seems he's been delaying it.

[Shirley Temple]

You mean he isn't come today? Isn't. He isn't.

[Homer Beadleston]

Hush now. What?

[Shirley Temple]

Tomorrow's Christmas.

[Homer Beadleston]

I'm quite aware of that.

[Shirley Temple]

But you don't understand. All the stores will be closed. And if dad doesn't get here till tomorrow, we can't go shopping.

[Homer Beadleston]

I'm sure you'll get your quota of gifts.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, I don't mean for me. I mean for dad. He always helps me pick out his presents. That's what makes it fun. Josh. I'll have to get into town today, Mr. Beatleton. Mrs. Carr.

[Homer Beadleston]

My car. Ridiculous. You can't drive a car.

[Shirley Temple]

Well, I ran a motor scooter once.

[Homer Beadleston]

I scarcely say that was adequate preparation.

[Shirley Temple]

But I've got to get to town.

[Homer Beadleston]

I'm sorry for any gap.

[Shirley Temple]

Maybe if there was someone to take me.

[Homer Beadleston]

I'm afraid all our staff will be gone. But, gee, I think we'd better let the matter drop. You can't drive yourself and there's no one else to take you.

[Shirley Temple]

But dad will be here tomorrow night. Wait a minute. I know.

[Homer Beadleston]

No, you don't. Don't look at me.

[Shirley Temple]

But if you don't take me, I'll have to go myself. I'll have to walk all the way to Boston and back. And I'll have to tell my dad. And he'll take me out of school. And he'll get it in the papers, too, and.

[Homer Beadleston]

Papers? The Plymouth School is never in the papers.

[Shirley Temple]

It will be if I don't get Dad's present. All you have to do is drive me in. Gee, will you, Mr. Beadleston?

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, under the circumstances. Vulgar word most commonly reserved for hoodlums and gangsters.

[Shirley Temple]

Yes, sir.

[Homer Beadleston]

I'll thank you not to use it again.

[Shirley Temple]

Yes, sir.

[Homer Beadleston]

Even at the risk of limiting your vocabulary to yes, sir. Go on, get your hat and coat.

[Shirley Temple]

Isn't it wonderful, Mr. Beatleson, the way those steam shovels work?

[Homer Beadleston]

Confounded nonsense, standing here in the slushing snow.

[Shirley Temple]

But I always watch the steam shovels when I'm with Buddy.

[Homer Beadleston]

Buddy? Who's that?

[Shirley Temple]

My dad.

[Homer Beadleston]

Your father? Aren't you being slightly informal?

[Shirley Temple]

Well, gee, a person can be informal with my own dad.

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, if he doesn't mind.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, no, sir. Everybody calls him Buddy.

[Homer Beadleston]

One of his minor foibles, no doubt.

[Shirley Temple]

He thinks they're Very important. Steam shovels. Once he said that you could always find a steam shovel at the foundation of society. What do you think he meant?

[Homer Beadleston]

I'm sure I couldn't possibly unravel your father's social concepts.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh.

[Homer Beadleston]

Besides, my feet are cold.

[Shirley Temple]

You should have worn your galoshes.

[Homer Beadleston]

Colossians. That's the trouble with this generation. It's soft and flabby. No spine, no dignity. Why, when I was. Hey, you better stand back there a little, mister. Don't get too close to the edge. I'll stand where I choose her. Now, look, buddy, I'm only trying to take. Good man. I'm not your buddy, and I refuse to be ordered about. But I'm only. I know my rights as a citizen. This is a public thoroughfare. I'll stand here till next christmas if I wish. Well, it's okay with me. Come on, Lori, speed it up.

[Shirley Temple]

You want to get done early today. Impudent gosh. I didn't mean to start in trouble. Mr. Beatleson, if you really want us to go.

[Homer Beadleston]

Not one inch, Veronica. I won't move the smallest fraction of an inch. I'll stay right here.

[Shirley Temple]

Get down, veronica. I'm sorry, Mr. Beatleson. I didn't mean to knock you down.

[Homer Beadleston]

What is this? Some new sort of rushing at me like a maddened bull? I won't have it, you hear?

[Shirley Temple]

If you just get up. Right.

[Homer Beadleston]

I won't tolerate this sort of behavior. It's unladylike, undignified. Gee, that.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

That was pretty fascinating, Gervy.

[Homer Beadleston]

If you hadn't knocked the old goat down, he'd be playing his Christmas carols on a harp this year.

[Shirley Temple]

Doesn't it smell nice in here, Mr. Beatleston? Oh, I love a flower shop.

[Homer Beadleston]

Ah, tweet. I still don't know. Drag me in here.

[Shirley Temple]

Well, your feet were cold anyway. Buddy always wears a flower in his lapel.

[Homer Beadleston]

Ridiculous.

[Shirley Temple]

He says he wouldn't forget his carnation any more than he'd forget his. His.

[Homer Beadleston]

His what?

[Shirley Temple]

Well, I can't say it right up, but it's a very important part of his suit.

[Homer Beadleston]

Hello, folks. This Nick is very happy for to see you. Nick? That's me.

[Shirley Temple]

Well, I'm Veronica. Mostly people call me Ronnie. And this is Mr. No need to.

[Homer Beadleston]

Turn this into a social function. All we want is one carnation. Oh, sure. That's nice. Bring him out. How much are they? Carnation? He's 35 cents each one. 35 cents? That's outrageous. Look, my friend. And I'm not your friend. Then look, my not friend. That is the price, and that is what you pay.

[Shirley Temple]

Nick, can I pick out the carnation myself?

[Homer Beadleston]

Oh, sure. Go ahead. Decent pot.

[Shirley Temple]

I love buying flowers.

[Homer Beadleston]

That's nice girl. Mr. Nick can sue you plenty crazy for her. Oh, here, my friend. Oh, now you want for her to be my friend, eh? Now, that's just a form of address. There's no implication of social equality. Hey, that's very nice.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

I like that.

[Homer Beadleston]

Sure, you. You buy her a mighty swell present.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

I bet you, huh?

[Homer Beadleston]

I haven't bought a Christmas present in years. But such a pretty girl. You gotta get him something. Yes. How would I know what to get a girl like that? Oh, that's easy. You just ask him. Santa McClaus at my age? Don't be silly. I don't mean that fella on his sled. I mean in department stores. Say, he know everything, that fella.

[Shirley Temple]

He's pleased. Quiet.

[Homer Beadleston]

Here she comes.

[Shirley Temple]

I found just the right one, Mr. Beatleson. Do you like it?

[Homer Beadleston]

This is that color a little blatant?

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, no, sir. It's just pink.

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, let's begin. No, you don't.

[Shirley Temple]

Don't move.

[Homer Beadleston]

First you pay me. Yeah. Then. Then you give a little kiss. What's that?

[Shirley Temple]

Kiss?

[Homer Beadleston]

What do you think? Is that up there?

[Truman Bradley]

That's mistletoe.

[Shirley Temple]

Mistletoe?

[Homer Beadleston]

Sure. A number one. The best.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

But, gee, no arguments, please.

[Shirley Temple]

But, gosh. What do you think, Mr. Beatleston?

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, since it seems to be inevitable. Oh, that's very nice. I like that. Come on, little girls. You gonna kiss them now, huh?

[Shirley Temple]

Well, I guess so. After all, a person can't waste your time. Can I? And we've got our shopping to do. And, well, he said himself it was ineffable. But. James Willigert. I know what I want to get for Buddy.

[MyFico Announcer]

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[Shirley Temple]

7.

[MyFico Announcer]

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[Homer Beadleston]

I want a new beginning for family on January 9th. The sequel to Greenland is so massive.

[Truman Bradley]

You have to see it on the big screen.

[Homer Beadleston]

A Promise of Gifts to Safety, starring.

[Truman Bradley]

Gerard Butler and Marina Baccarin.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Oh, my God.

[Homer Beadleston]

Hang on Greenland 2 migration. Rated PG 13.

[Shirley Temple]

Why do I have to talk to Santa Claus?

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, I believe that's the conventional thing on Christmas.

[Shirley Temple]

I know, but if I already.

[Homer Beadleston]

Besides, he might have some suggestions for your presence, if you don't know. You want to talk to him? I'll talk to him myself.

[Shirley Temple]

Well, if you want to talk to him, that makes a difference. Come on, he's right over here. Thank you enough, Santa Claus. I'm sure Tommy will do everything you say. And be such a good boy, won't you, Tommy? Yes, of course you will. Thank you so much, Santa. Come along, Tommy. We've got him over here.

[Homer Beadleston]

May we have your attention, Mr. Klaus? You don't have to be so formal, mister. Just call me Santa.

[Shirley Temple]

You're not the real Santa Claus.

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, I guess you've got me there, little girl. But you know, the real Santa Claus is pretty busy these days. He can't be everywhere at once, can he? So I'm sort of an assistant to him? Yeah, yeah, actually. Of course. Well, now we got that settled.

[Shirley Temple]

But I don't want a doll. Gosh, I'm too old for dolls. And anyway, I know what I want.

[MyFico Announcer]

Yeah?

[Homer Beadleston]

What?

[Shirley Temple]

A solid gold shaving set.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

A solid gold.

[Homer Beadleston]

I don't believe it. Now look, little girl. Those dolls I'm talking about. I believe it's evident she doesn't want a doll. But it's right here in the book. Trains for Boys, Dolls for Girls. May I ask why you keep on insisting on a doll?

[Truman Bradley]

We're overstocked.

[Homer Beadleston]

This is ridiculous. Now wait a minute, pal. And I'm not your pal. Oh, now that's not nice, mister, talking to Santa Claus like that in front of the little girl. You're going to ruin her delusion. And you her own father, too. You're not Santa Claus. And I'm not her father. Well, her grandfather. I'm not her grandfather. All right, her great grandfather. And that's as high as I'll go. I could do better than this by just going over to the toy department.

[Shirley Temple]

Maybe you better, Mr. Beatleson. I don't think he understands you. Mr. Beatleson. We've been through this toy department twice already and you keep talking about that little girl. But, gee, you don't get her anything. How about a doll?

[Homer Beadleston]

I'm afraid she's a bit too old for dolls.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, how old is she?

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, I. I believe they call it the awkward age.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, that's such a difficult age, isn't it? I remember when I was.

[Homer Beadleston]

Please, Veronica, keep on thinking.

[Shirley Temple]

I am. Maybe if you tell me what she's like, I can.

[Homer Beadleston]

Oh, well, she's pretty much like any other girl. Sometimes she's bad and sometimes she's good. Sometimes. Veronica, you better not play with that train. That's a very expensive toy.

[Shirley Temple]

Well, if it's a toy, a person can play with it. Can't I?

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, that's no ordinary toy. It's a highly perfected electrical mechanism.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

I know, but you can't handle it just casually.

[Homer Beadleston]

You have to know how it works.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

I'll take this switch.

[Homer Beadleston]

This starts the cars on the main line, you see. Press one then, please, for those freight cars on the shuttle. And this one locks the junction on the main line. There, you see that? It's clear. Marvelous. Look at the way those signal lights work and the way those mail bags are lifted off.

[Shirley Temple]

But gee.

[Homer Beadleston]

Huh? What's that?

[Shirley Temple]

You're playing with that train and you wouldn't let me. Gee, a person would think you never had a train.

[Homer Beadleston]

I haven't.

[Shirley Temple]

You mean, never even when you were young?

[Homer Beadleston]

No, not even when I was young.

[Shirley Temple]

But didn't you even want to train?

[Homer Beadleston]

I was concerned with more serious things. Now, come along now. We've still got to get your father's present. Let's try the.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

I'm sorry to kept you waiting, Sarah. Can I help you?

[Homer Beadleston]

I don't believe so.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

Oh, this train set would make some child very happy. It's only $50 and only $50. Oh, well, if you're looking for something less expensive, I have a perfectly marvelous novelty here. This midget radio. You see, it's made like a book. You just open the COVID and it starts to pal.

[Homer Beadleston]

You like it, do you?

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

And by the way, Buddy Fulton is doing his share to keep society a God.

[Shirley Temple]

Buddy.

[Homer Beadleston]

Laugh it up.

[Shirley Temple]

Even to his closest friends, he has.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

Just added a new chapter to his career.

[Truman Bradley]

What?

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

He eloped. This morning was civil town, flying to Florida in a chartered plane. The wedding party. Well, you don't have to close it so vigorously, sir. It works very easily.

[Homer Beadleston]

Are you just take it away and wrap it up?

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

Yes, sir. Will you want a gift package with ribbons and seals or package has a.

[Truman Bradley]

Right to be happy on Christmas?

[Shirley Temple]

Sure. Everyone. Everyone ought to be happy. Everyone.

[Homer Beadleston]

Ronnie. Ronnie. Ronnie, come here. Come back here. Ro. You're the head of this store. I demand that you do something. We're doing everything we can, sir. Ah, because my little. She's been gone for almost an hour. Now, if I were a younger man.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

If she were younger, too. I mean, if she was 6 or 7, maybe I'm sure she'd turn up.

[Truman Bradley]

In the lost of town.

[Homer Beadleston]

But a girl of her age. Excuse me, please. Hello?

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

Yes, you have? Well, that's fine. Yes, right away.

[Homer Beadleston]

Thank you.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

I believe they found us, sir.

[Homer Beadleston]

Oh, thank. Everywhere.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

A north wing, main floor. She's in the toy department.

[Shirley Temple]

Ronnie.

[Homer Beadleston]

Ronnie.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, hello.

[Homer Beadleston]

Hello. Is that all you can say? Why did you run away like that?

[Shirley Temple]

Well, you don't like to see me crying. I just had to crime. Well, Pa went away and cried. Do you know what, Mr. Ben?

[Homer Beadleston]

How should I know what without knowing what I'm supposed to know? What about? Why did you come back to the toy department?

[Shirley Temple]

I. I thought maybe you might forget the radio. You know, for the awkward age. It's all packed and everything, see? Don't you think it looks.

[Homer Beadleston]

Where's that idiotic salesman?

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, he'll be back in a minute. He just went to true. Gee, I bet that girl will love this radio. It's such a wonderful present. And, oh, she can have so much fun with it.

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, I hope you do.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, I know, Joe. Me. Did you say it was for me?

[Homer Beadleston]

I didn't say it. I inferred it. But it is.

[Shirley Temple]

You mean all that time you were looking for a present for me, only I didn't know it and now I find out that.

[Homer Beadleston]

Honey. Ronnie, remember? And you guys.

[Shirley Temple]

What do I care about room for right now? I never was so happy in my life. I think you're the nicest, sweetest, kind of.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

Well, There you are, Ms. Thornton. I've checked with the delivery and we can crank the train set and get it out by six. Now, let me see if I have the right address. It's going to the Plymouth School for Girls to a little boy named Homer Beadleston.

[Homer Beadleston]

That's right.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

It is odd, isn't it? Well, I'd better go and get this order right in. I'll be right back.

[Homer Beadleston]

You shouldn't have done it, Ronnie, spending all that money.

[Shirley Temple]

Well, I like to play with trains too. And anyway, Buddy didn't need that savings then. He has a silver wooden. Gosh, you're sniffling.

[Homer Beadleston]

I must have picked up a coal standing in that slush, I mean.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

It's all arranged, Ms. Thornton. That delivery will go out as promised.

[Shirley Temple]

Thank you very much. I'll be in again sometime.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

I think you're part miss. That radio.

[Homer Beadleston]

Oh, she's not the trying to steal it. Charge it to me.

[Truman Bradley]

Oh.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

Oh, thank you. Yes, sir.

[Shirley Temple]

Your name, please?

[Homer Beadleston]

Homer Ben.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

Homer Ben. Oh, I say, you're ribbing me. Homer Ben is a Little boy.

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, what do you know? And to think he's been shaving for over 40 years.

[Shirley Temple]

Mr. Ben, listen. Can you hear singing?

[Homer Beadleston]

Of course I can. It's a Christmas carol.

[Shirley Temple]

Let's go over and listen.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

Homer Beatleston.

[Shirley Temple]

Homer.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

Homer Beatles.

[Homer Beadleston]

My good friend, if you're going to keep your mouth open that way, you might as well tell us where we can find those singers.

[Store Clerk/Salesman]

Yes, sir. Christmas carolers. Main floor, east wing, first aisle to the right.

[Shirley Temple]

It's beautiful, isn't it?

[Homer Beadleston]

I don't think it ever sounded lovely.

[Shirley Temple]

Why don't you sing?

[Truman Bradley]

I just heard Shirley Temple and Lionel Barrymore in an original radio play, Christmas for Two. Now, here is our young hostess bringing her guest back to take a bow.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, that was grand, Mr. Barrymore.

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, you like it, did you? Well, have you know, young lady, that I thought you were right spanking good yourself. You kind of surprised me. I heard those other programs of yours.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, didn't you like that?

[Homer Beadleston]

Oh, yes, of course I did. But then the girl's likely to do a lot better acting with those good looking young leading men. Those were mighty nice presents you gave those fellows, too.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, you heard about that? Mm.

[Homer Beadleston]

Is it? Bob Young showed me his watch just the other day. Oh, it's beautiful.

[Shirley Temple]

Yes, yes.

[Homer Beadleston]

You don't happen to have the time on?

[Truman Bradley]

You.

[Shirley Temple]

Won'T do any good to him, Mr. Vanmore, because I'm going to give you a Lord Elgin watch anyway. See? And on the back it figures to lb time from the stars to a star.

[Homer Beadleston]

Well, bless you. Thank you, Shelley.

[Shirley Temple]

It really is time from the stars, too. This Elgin Observatory certificate goes with it, just as it does with all Lord and Lady Elgin to prove it's tested for accuracy. Oh, what's that? Elgin box in your hand. Did somebody else give you one?

[Homer Beadleston]

No, Shirley, this one's for you. A Lady Elgin with your name on the back. It's a Christmas present that the makers of Elgin Watches asked me to give you.

[Shirley Temple]

Oh, it's beautiful. Oh, and it has an inscription just like yours. And. Oh, and what lovely diamonds. Or I'm so pleased.

[Homer Beadleston]

I know you'll keep it for many years, Shirley, just as I will mine. They'll both remind us of this Christmas time in the year 1941, when a very young lady came of age as an actress.

[Shirley Temple]

Now, my elder says it's time to say good night. But I couldn't go without thanking you for Mr. Barrymore and myself. It's lots of fun doing these shows, and I'm so glad there's still another one to come. Guess who's going to be here next week? Humphrey Bogart with a gun and everything. But mostly we'll have a lot of laughs and I hope you'll all be back again. In the meantime, I'd like to say a merry, merry Christmas to you all. And remember, give as much as you can as soon as you can to the Red Cross. They need money and they need it very badly. Good night everybody, and thanks.

[Truman Bradley]

Don't forget next Friday night another HAY half hour with Shirley Temple Hillsboard in William Arms in the orchestra. Same hour, same station.

[Homer Beadleston]

Be sure and set your Elgin watches for surely Tempo Time.

[Truman Bradley]

Truman Bradley speaking for the makers of Elgin Watches, the world's finest timepieces. This is New Orleans wwl, Loyola University of the south with studios in the Roosevelt Hotel.

[Homer Beadleston]

They are on parade, 59 varieties of.

[Truman Bradley]

Philip Delicious canned foods inviting you to test them and compare their quality and flavor.

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