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

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.

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)

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)

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)

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

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.

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

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