Skippy Hollywood Theatre xxxxxx xxx Pranks For Parents

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Skippy Hollywood Theatre: Pranks For Parents
Original Broadcast: October 7, 2025
Featured Stars: Bebe Daniels, Ben Lyon, Barbara Lyon, Richard Lyon
Host/Director: Les Mitchell

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Episode Overview

This episode from Harold's Old Time Radio revisits a charming and comedic Golden Age radio play: "Pranks for Parents," presented by Skippy Hollywood Theatre. Bringing together the real-life Lyon family, the play explores the generational divide during Halloween—when parents decide to relive their youth and participate in trick-or-treating, leading to a cascade of mistaken identities, neighborhood antics, and a touch of local heroism. As always, the episode radiates nostalgia, light-hearted humor, and a celebration of family togetherness.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction and Cast Presentation

• [00:36] Les Mitchell, the program director, introduces the unique "four-star" lineup: "Instead of one star, we have four stars...the famous Lyon family, Bebe Daniels, Ben Lyon, and their two children, Barbara and Richard."
• The Lyons' real-life celebrity and close family dynamic are highlighted, adding authenticity and warmth to the play.

2. Family Banter & Halloween Preparations

• [03:13] The play opens in the Blake family’s living room as parents (Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon) frantically prepare for Halloween and reminisce about their youth.
• Sibling banter and costume excitement set the scene, with Tim (Richard Lyon) and Pam (Barbara Lyon) strategizing their night of trick-or-treating.
• Notable quote, [06:02], Tim: "If kids keep going to the same houses all night, nobody's going to get much. And if we divide up and go in teams...everybody will get an even break."

3. The Parents’ Prank

• [07:29] Jean (mother) and George (father) lament feeling “old and starchy,” leading George to propose that they dress up and trick-or-treat just like their kids.
• [08:09] Jean: "You know, it might be fun at that."
• They proceed to put on makeshift ghost costumes and set out, eager to relive childhood fun and outsmart their neighbors.

4. Neighborhood Shenanigans & Mistaken Identity

• The parents’ experience is comically underwhelming—meager treats, hard donuts, and a suspicious welcome.
• [09:56] George (disguised): "The old crab can't even be nice to us kids on Halloween."
• The generational gap is humorously underscored as their neighbors fail to recognize them and children mistake them for adult tricksters.

5. The Kids vs. The “Burglar Ghosts”

• [13:33] The Blake children and their friends, not recognizing their disguised parents, “defend their territory” and even become suspicious of adult “burglars” dressed as ghosts—spurred by a newscast warning of burglars using Halloween as cover.
• Tim: [13:53] “I’m going to call the police. Maybe there’s a big reward.”
• Physical comedy ensues as the parents are “roughed up” by their own children and friends.
• George: [14:10] “When I get hold of that Tim, I’m gonna tan the daylights out of him.”

6. Police Trouble & Public Humiliation

• [14:55] The parents, still in costume, are mistaken for the reported burglars and are taken to the police station for a lineup.
• Officer (to Jean): [17:36] “Your partner confessed everything. So why not be smart, make a clean breast of it and get a recommendation for leniency?”
• The absurdity escalates as their neighbors and children witness the “lineup,” leading to maximum embarrassment.
• [22:39] Officer: “Now we’ll take their masks off and see if any of you have seen them prowling around before tonight.”
• The reveal is a classic moment of radio comedy as the parents' true identities are uncovered in front of the entire community.

7. Resolution & Twist Ending

• [23:29] The next morning, George and Jean fear reputational ruin, only to discover that the newspaper hails them as heroic and “super parents” for their efforts to engage with their children.
• Pam’s clever intervention with the reporter saves her parents’ embarrassment:
  • [26:06] Pam: “I told him all about what good sports you and dad are and how you really went trick or treat just to be a pal to Tim.”
• The ordeal ultimately brings the family closer, celebrating intergenerational connection and parental “camaraderie.”

8. Curtain Call & Closing Reflections

• [28:15] Les Mitchell congratulates the Lyon family, takes a moment to reflect on their real-life achievements, and highlights their wartime service and contributions to Hollywood.
• Bebe Daniels: [28:27] “I never enjoyed anything as much in all my life as bringing the voices of the boys to their families at home.”
• Warm banter about family, acting, and future roles closes out the program.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Family:
  • Ben Lyon: [03:34] “Bebe will always have top billing with me. I think she’s a great actress, a great mother, and a very great wife.”
• Disguised Parents on Halloween:
  • George: [09:07] “Well, I may be a dummy, but I object to being treated like one.”
• On Neighborhood Generosity:
  • Jean: [11:00] “She baked them all right, but she forgot to say when. These donuts must be two weeks old. I can’t even get my teeth in.”
• Police Lineup Reveal:
  • Officer: [22:28] “Well, now we'll take their masks off and see if any of you have seen them prowling around before tonight.”
• Pam’s Media Spin:
  • Pam: [26:08] “The same one. Kind of young and just awfully good looking. Sort of the Clark Gable type. But what did you say to him, Pam? Oh, I told him all about what good sports you and dad are and how you really went trick or treat just to be a pal to Tim.”
• On Meaningful Family Connection:
  • George: [26:34] “I certainly do. Yes, sir. More parents ought to pal with their children.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:36] - Skippy Hollywood Theatre introduction, Les Mitchell welcomes the cast
• [03:13] - Opening scene: Family banter, Halloween excitement
• [07:29] - Parents decide to go trick-or-treating in disguise
• [10:01] - First trick-or-treating attempts; insights into neighbors
• [13:33] - Kids suspect parents of being burglars; ensuing confusion
• [14:55] - Police intervene; the Blake parents are taken for “suspicious characters”
• [17:29] - Police interrogation, comedic escalation
• [22:28] - The lineup and unmasking
• [23:29] - The next morning: confrontation, realization, and the newspaper article twist
• [26:06] - Pam’s explanation, family reconciles, all ends happily
• [28:15] - Curtain call with real-life Lyon family, discussion of their contributions

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Final Thoughts

Pranks For Parents is a humorous, affectionate look at generational misunderstandings and the enduring desire for parents to connect with their children—even if it means a little embarrassment along the way. The all-Lyon cast brings warmth and authenticity, and the episode closes on a celebration of camaraderie and familial bonds—alongside a few comedic barbs at neighborly hospitality and trick-or-treating customs. This episode is a delightful slice of classic radio, perfect for fans of old Hollywood and wholesome family storytelling.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

The following program was produced in Hollywood and transcribed for release at this time. If you like peanuts, you'll like Skippy from Hollywood. Skippy, America's largest selling peanut butter, presents the finest in comedy show man drama in the Skippy Hollywood Theater, co starring Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyons in the Halloween comedy Pranks for Parents. And now, here is the director of the Skippy Hollywood Theater, Mr. Les Mitchell. Thank you, Van Der Tell. This is a red letter day for our program. Instead of one star, we have four stars. And when I say star, I do so advisedly. We have with us two of the most idolized figures of the motion picture world, two people who went to England on a tour and stayed to help fight a war, who have not only proven that fine acting has nothing to do with temperament, but also that a happy family life is possible when there is more than one career in the family. Now, in just a moment, we want you to meet the famous Lyon family, Phoebe Daniels, Ben Lyon, and their two children, Barbara and Richard. But now, here's Van the Skippy Man. Since this is Halloween week, Les, I'd like to point out how nicely Skippy Peanut Butter ties in with witches and goblins. Witch witches, said he innocently. Why sandwiches less? Oh, and folks will be gobbling them up faster than anything when you make them with a thick, generous layer of Skippy Peanut Butter. As I've pointed out on countless occasions, Skippy tastes exactly like plump, selected, freshly roasted peanuts. And that flavor makes it a natural for Halloween parties. Hurry up, snacks. Or for that matter, whenever anybody gets hungry for something good to eat. What's more, it's easy to make Skippy sandwiches or snacks on short notice for Skippy never needs stirring, never dries out. There's no floating oil on Skippy, and it stays fresh and sweet and easily spread to the last spoonful. So be sure you have plenty of Skippy on hand. And if Halloween pixies come knocking on your front door shouting, trick or treat. You'll be ready for them. And now, here's our director, Les Mitchell. And now I want you to meet the lion family. Just a minute. Just a minute. Now, one at a time. First, everyone will remember the beautiful and glamorous star of many motion pictures, Ms. B.B. daniels.

[A]

Thank you, Les. And hello, everybody.

[B]

Bibi, you know, you certainly confound the average opinion of Hollywood. Well, you've had the same house, the same husband and the same children for quite a few years now.

[A]

Yes, I haven't made much progress, have I?

[B]

Well, I'd say that such progress makes for very fine living as well as artistry. Now, next, we want you to meet the star of many great motion pictures, a gentleman who did not quibble about giving his wife first billing, Mr. Ben Lyon. Well, Les Bebe will always have top billing with me. I think she's a great actress, a great mother and a very great wife. You know, that's the kind of billing anyone could be proud of, Ben. And now we come to the beautiful and talented young lady who is making her professional debut, Ms. Barbara Lyon.

[A]

Thank you, Mr. Mitchell. I suppose I should feel a little nervous right about now, but I can't help but feel at home in this company.

[B]

Well, I am certain that you'll come through with flying colors, Barbara. You know, you may even rival your brother for the acting honors in the younger generation. We want you to meet the young man they call the ham of the house, Richard Lyon, whose reputation as an actor has already been established in numerous motion pictures, and particularly by his performance as Anna's son in Anna and the King of Siam.

[A]

Thank you, Mr. Mitchell. It won't take very much acting to play this part. I guess it's a real example of typecasting. Oh, stop being a ham, Richard.

[B]

We'll hear more about the Lyon family after the final curtain. Now, curtain going up. Places, everyone. Curtain. The curtain is up. And here is the play. The Skippy Hollywood theater presents Act 1 of Pranks with Parents, written by Margaret M. Lowry and co starring Bebe Daniels and Ben Ryan with Barbara and Richard Lyon.

[A]

Dear, did you bring in the garbage pail? I said, did you bring in the garbage pail?

[B]

Oh, of course. You don't think I left it out after last year's experience, do you? No.

[A]

Did you lock the garage doors?

[B]

Yes, dear, I locked the garage doors.

[A]

Well, you didn't last year, and our poor car looked like a bar of soap with headlights.

[B]

Oh, stop worrying, Jean, and let me read my paper. Everything's locked up and under control.

[A]

All right, dear. Kim will be right out. Oh, George, I wish you'd look out this window. They all look so cute in their costume.

[B]

Oh, darling, if you don't mind, I'd rather continue trying to read my paper.

[A]

Hi, mom and dad. How do I look? Oh, like a very dashing pirate. Dashing? Who wants to be dashing? I want to be tough.

[B]

Hey, you better join that gang of yours and get going before the neighbors start calling up and complaining about the noise.

[A]

You got the whole game together for treachery. We got it all figured out. If kids keep going to the same houses all night, nobody's going to get much. And if we divide up and go in teams and all take different streets, everybody will get an even break.

[B]

Oh, well, organization and teamwork, eh? That's a spirit, son.

[A]

Yeah, we got the whole town divided into sections. And no guy better take anybody else's territory if he knows what's good for him. Bye.

[B]

Bye.

[A]

Bye, darling. Have a great day.

[B]

Well, that's a relief. Now maybe I can read my paper.

[A]

Oh, George, they're only young ones. I love to see them so full of life. Mom, will you hook my dress? Oh, how nice you look, dear. Now hold still. Like me, dad.

[B]

Yeah. Well, why all the glamour? You look like you were dressed up for a fancy ball.

[A]

I'm an Egyptian princess. Just because it's Halloween, I don't have to look like an old frump, do I?

[B]

Oh, I see there are going to be boys at the party.

[A]

Oh, Daddy. Oh, my bracelet.

[B]

Mom. Oh, dear, dear. If those kids are going to spend the evening here, I'm going to take my paper and go down to the basement.

[A]

Relax, dad. We're going on a scavenger hunt. I better run. Bye, darling. It must be awful to just sit by the fire on Halloween. But I guess when I'm old, I'll be doing the same thing. Here's a kiss, cat.

[B]

Bye.

[A]

Bye, darling.

[B]

Oh, well, I like that.

[A]

George. It's our own fault that the children think of us as old and starchy.

[B]

What would you want us to do? Dress up in Halloween costumes and run up and down the street ringing doorbells?

[A]

You know, it might be fun at that.

[B]

Are you crazy?

[A]

No, but I do wish we were young enough to go. Trick or treat. We missed something. George, he didn't do that when we were young.

[B]

No, no, no. We just pushed things over. Yes. Hey, but wait a minute. We are still young enough to do anything our kids can do.

[A]

Oh, George.

[B]

No, I mean it. Why can't we go trick or treat as well as they can?

[A]

Oh, don't be silly.

[B]

Sure, we'll drape ourselves up in sheets and put on those ghost masks that Pam decorated the mantel with.

[A]

George, be your age.

[B]

My age. That settles it. We're going.

[A]

Honestly, George.

[B]

Come on, Gina, you're game. Nobody on earth will recognize us.

[A]

Why, the neighbors will think we've gone mad.

[B]

The neighbors will never know. Hey, won't it be fun to fool them?

[A]

Oh, George, it's ridiculous. But I'll get the sheath.

[B]

Get the big one so we'll be completely covered. Wait a minute. I'll go with you.

[A]

Here they are. Now, I'll drape you first. Here, put it over your head.

[B]

Oh, wait a minute. You're muffling my hair.

[A]

You mean what's left of it?

[B]

I can't breathe.

[A]

Of course you can't, silly. You're supposed to push it back like this from your face and then tie it under your chin like that.

[B]

Well, that's better. Hey, wait a minute. A little more over this shoulder, Jean. Ouch. You stuck me. Be careful with that pin.

[A]

I'm sorry, dear. I'm so used to draping things on my dress model, I just push pins in without thinking.

[B]

Well, I may be a dummy, but I object to being treated like one. Hey, wait a minute. This looks good. Now for the mask.

[A]

All right. Here you are. Oh, no, wait a minute. You're getting a shook it. That's it.

[B]

How do I look?

[A]

Honestly, George, no one on earth would ever recognize you. Now you drink me.

[B]

Okay, we'll go to every house in the block. Yes.

[A]

Ring the bell, George.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

Now, don't forget to change your voice.

[B]

I won't.

[A]

Trick or treat. Well, you're a pretty big boy. It's about trick or treating. Here's some cookies now. But I warn you, don't try anybody business.

[B]

The old crab can't even be nice to us kids on Halloween.

[A]

Would she be embarrassed if she knew who we are? She's always so polite to me.

[B]

Oh, some Halloween kitties. Well, now, what can I do for you?

[A]

Take a treat.

[B]

Oh, yes. Here's a penny for each of you. Why, the big cheapskate. And at the club, he's such a four flusher.

[A]

Yes. You know, we should have done this years ago. It's certainly a good way to get a line on our neighbor. Trick or treat. Boo Ba.

[B]

Slam the door right in our faces. Of all the bum sports. Homemade donuts. Says she baked them herself. Have one, Jean.

[A]

Oh, fine. Oh, fine. She baked them all right, but she forgot to say when. These daughters must be two weeks old. I can't even get my teeth in her mind.

[B]

What's she trying to do, poison us poor kids? You know, Jean, I find this trick or treat business very disillusioning.

[A]

Yes, and the neighbors. I plan to tell them tomorrow how we fooled them. But after the way most of them have treated us, I think it would be a little embarrassing.

[B]

Ye gods, Jean. Here comes Kim and his gang.

[A]

Oh, for heaven's sake, don't speak or he'll recognize your voice. I'd die if the children found out how silly we'd been.

[B]

Why, we'll never be able to live it down.

[A]

Just look straight ahead and walk right by. Hey, you guys. What do you mean, horning in. In our territory? I asked you a civil question. This whole town was divided up. What territory did you get? Also, you won't talk, eh, Bob, you take the little guy and I'll handle a big one. Come on. Take that. Come on. Put up, you do. Yeah, put him up, I tell you. Okay, then you ask for it. Take that. What kind of fighter is that? Look, Bob, this big drift thinks you can push me around. Get a load of this. Putting him right in his stomach. Yellow Kizzler. How you coming with a little guy? Well, watch this. Boy, he looked silly when you booted him. Too yellow to fight. I knocked a hole in the big guy's mask. Too bad I didn't pull it off in the little guy. I sure would have liked to have seen their faces when we bowled them over. What if they're still sitting there? Hey, it's Pam and her gang. They're on a scavenger hunt. Hi, Pam. Hi, Tim. Hi, kids. Having fun? I'll say. We just had to take care of a couple of crashers. Big guys. Too big. Hmm. Were they good looking? Oh, how should we know? They had ghost masks on. But they were big all right. At least one was. Gee, Pa. And our Betty was handsome. Now, why couldn't I have been there? I wish you had been you to see you speed them up. They were so scared, they couldn't even talk. What were they scared of? If they're as big as you say, they're yellow. That's why. Honest, Pam, one guy was as big as dad. As big as dad? Tim, did you listen to the newscast at dinner? Yeah. Why? Don't you remember? They said to beware of burglars dressed up in Halloween costumes getting into homes under false pretenses. Hey, I get it now. They wouldn't off because they were men and they knew their voices would give them Away? That's right. Ah, heck, why didn't I think of that? I'm going to call the police. Maybe there's a big reward. Oh.

[B]

Oh, my leg. When I get hold of that Tim, I'm gonna tan the daylights out of him.

[A]

And what reason will you give?

[B]

Oh, don't you worry. I'll think up a reason.

[A]

Oh, be sensible, George. It's our own fault. If we're going to act like children, then we should be expected to be treated like children.

[B]

That young upstart. I'll.

[A]

I don't think I'll be able to sit down for a month.

[B]

I could just take.

[A]

Honestly, George, if you could have seen yourself sitting on the sidewalk with that ghost mask all crooked.

[B]

Yeah, well, you better not laugh so much. You made quite a picture yourself. Don't forget, we're in this together. You. Hey.

[A]

I wonder what those sirens are for that car stopping right beside us.

[B]

Hey, don't look now, but I think they're coming for us.

[A]

Well, they are. What do we do, George?

[B]

Well, don't tell them who we are. We'd be the laughing stock of the town. Just a minute, you two. Not too fast. I want to talk to you. There's an alarm out for a couple of suspicious characters in ghost costumes. We want to look at you. Take the mask off. I said take them off. What's the matter with you, using the sign language? Can't you toss? Well, here, let's take a look at you. Well, I'll be darned. Our Halloween burglar and his mall. Put him up. Watch them, Mac. They're tough characters. Get the bracelets on them. Okay, now we'll go to the station and see if we can make you talk there. We'll return in just a moment with Act 2 of the Skippy Hollywood Theater's presentation of pranks for parents, co starring B.B. daniels and Ben Lyon, with Barbara and Richard Lyon. But now let's hear from Van Vesitel. An English teacher in a San Francisco grade school recently asked her small pupils to write radio commercials as an assignment. Well, it seems that a little girl named Hetty Owen picked Skippy Peanut Butter for her commercial. Her literary attempt has been sent to me, and I'd like to read it to you just as little Hetty wrote it without ever dreaming it would actually reach the airwaves. Here it is. Do you come home tired and hungry? Well, then, if you do, go to your cupboard and take out a. It has a Delius flavor. Delius? I think heady means delicious. Laugh. No she's just using her private shorthand. But to continue. And it relieves your hunger. If you do not have a jar, go to your store right away. It is highly recommend for vitamins and most nourishing. What is the grocery store or the Skippy Peanut Butter? Skippy Peanut Butter, of course. Let's don't be ridiculous. Penny goes on to say, you can get it in the chunky style or the rich, creamy style. Why not spread some on a crisp cracker with some yam? Or yelly. Try it sometime. It is really good. You know, Van, if young Hetty can turn out commercials like that, I don't see why we need you on this program. By golly, less Maybe you're right. At any rate, it's for sure that Hetty has discovered it's a fact, if you like peanuts, you'll like Skippy. The Skippy Hollywood theater is presenting Ms. Bibi Daniels and Mr. Ben Lyon with Barbara and Richard Ryan in Frank for Parents. Now, you better talk, Mrs. Jones, if you know what's good for you.

[A]

I. I have nothing to say. Officer.

[B]

Your partner confessed everything. So why not be smart, make a clean breast of it and get a recommendation for leniences?

[A]

Confessed?

[B]

Yep. He spilled the beans. He's looking out for his own skin, and he's going to let you take a wrap.

[A]

Take a wrap?

[B]

Now, don't play dumb. I can see guilt written all over your face.

[A]

But, Officer, we've done nothing to break the law.

[B]

Done nothing? Six jobs pulled in the last 12 hours, and they've done nothing to break the law.

[A]

I tell you, we haven't done a thing.

[B]

Then why the disguise?

[A]

Well, this isn't a disguise. It's a Halloween costume.

[B]

So you like to play Halloween? Yes. Probably remove the gates from the penitentiary.

[A]

Oh, Officer, you must believe me. This is. This is a Halloween ghost costume.

[B]

I believe you. Every house that was burglarized said the burglar wore a Halloween ghost costume.

[A]

Burglarized? Officer, do I look like a burglar?

[B]

Of course you do. Why would a grown woman like you be going from house to house in a Halloween costume if she wasn't up to something?

[A]

But we were only going. Trick or treat.

[B]

Trick or treat. Trick or treat. Well, that's a new one. I got to hand it to you, Mrs. Jones, for at least being original.

[A]

But honestly.

[B]

What did I tell that one to the boys? I'm getting nowhere with you. So I think I'll just go and check with Mac and see what else he got from your partner. Trick or Treat.

[A]

Oh, dear. Oh, dear. I know. Mom baked a chocolate cake. And there's some lemonade in the I spot. Hey, wait a minute. Here's one of those ghost guys that can climb out the window. Come on, grab him. I got his leg. We got him down. You can't sit on him while I get our clothesline and tie him out. Boy, will you look at the loot he's got. We ought to get a big reward for this. Yeah.

[B]

All right, Mrs. Jones, you can come out now.

[A]

Thank you, Officer. I. I knew you'd see how silly it was to hold us. Now we can go home.

[B]

Not so fast. We may have a new home for you.

[A]

But I thought.

[B]

I'm taking you to the lineup.

[A]

The lineup? What's that?

[B]

You'll find out.

[A]

But where's my husband?

[B]

Now, don't give me that husband stuff. How could he be your husband with your name Jones and his Smith?

[A]

Oh.

[B]

Oh. What?

[A]

Oh, just. So, what's the lineup?

[B]

Come on, I'll explain it on the way. As if you didn't know. Now, put that mask back on. I want you to look just as you did to the complaining witnesses.

[A]

Complaining witnesses? You mean somebody complained about us?

[B]

Yes, a couple of kids turned in. Lucky we broadcast your description. One of those kids heard it and was smart enough to remember.

[A]

Oh, I heard that broadcast too. Oh, I should have realized.

[B]

Yeah, you gotta get up pretty early, Mrs. Jones, to get ahead of the law. You gotta hand it to the younger generation too. Those Blake kids are right on the beam.

[A]

Blake kid? Did you say Blake kid's. Officer.

[B]

Now, don't get any funny ideas of revenge. Those kids were only doing their duty. But, officer, here we are.

[A]

Oh, officer, I couldn't go in there. Please, I'm very self conscious. I couldn't bear to go out like this before all those people.

[B]

Self conscious. Now, a tough baby like you. Look, there's your partner in the lineup.

[A]

Already on that stage under those glaring lights.

[B]

Yep. Now, you go out there and stand beside him.

[A]

Oh, please, now, Officer, don't. Don't make me go up on that stage.

[B]

I am losing my patience. Julie, they walk right up there or I'll pick you up and kill him.

[A]

No, no, I'll go. I. I'll walk. But don't hurry me, please.

[B]

Gina, you all right?

[A]

I don't know. I'm so scared.

[B]

No talking, you two. Quiet. Now, everybody, you all see the lineup of suspicious characters we picked up to.

[A]

A lineup. Look, gang, here's the other two we beat up tonight.

[B]

Hey, son, who's the guy you got all tied up.

[A]

Burglary Fawn in our living room. We got the swag too, Officer.

[B]

Good for you, son. Max, take this burglar into custody.

[A]

Hey, Officer, those two ghosts in the stage is the one Sam reported. The big one's the one I butted in the stomach. A hungry, brave officer attacking a huge criminal like that.

[B]

He certainly was. Son, did you see these people without their masks on?

[A]

No. They both look like they do now.

[B]

Then you can't be sure they're the same too.

[A]

Oh, they're the same too, all right. See the hole in the big guy's mask? That's where I stopped.

[B]

Well, now we'll take their masks off and see if any of you have seen them prowling around before tonight. All right, lady.

[A]

Please, Officer. No, I can't. I just can't let all those people see my face.

[B]

Then I'll have to yank it off.

[A]

Oh, now, mother.

[B]

And now you.

[A]

Oh, no, Daddy. Oh, Officer, there's been a dreadful mistake. Try to drink some coffee, George. You'll feel better.

[B]

Oh, no, thanks. I. I couldn't swallow.

[A]

But you can't go to the office if you anything on your stomach.

[B]

I'm not going to the office.

[A]

Not going to the office?

[B]

No, I can't bear to face people.

[A]

Oh, George, you're taking this too seriously.

[B]

Oh, too seriously? Do you realize we're the laughing stock of this town? Oh, George, maybe you don't remember the flashlight picture that reporter took just as the officer pulled our mask.

[A]

Though don't remind me of it.

[B]

I can just see the write up. Prominent local businessman in white and police lineup.

[A]

Oh, George. Is that what they said?

[B]

I don't know. I haven't had the courage to look at the morning paper. It may be worse than that.

[A]

I told you people would think we were crazy. Now, don't.

[B]

Stop that I told you so stuff. If you hadn't been so worried about our lost youth, we might have sat quietly at home all evening and read the paper.

[A]

Good morning, mom and Daddy.

[B]

Yeah, what's good about it?

[A]

Well, everything. Have you seen the paper?

[B]

Take that paper away.

[A]

Hi, family.

[B]

Oh, get started on your breakfast. Not a word out of you, boy.

[A]

Oh, heck. What did I do now?

[B]

What did you do? You made us the town's greatest fools, that's what you did.

[A]

Why, dad, what are you talking about?

[B]

How can I face my friends after last night?

[A]

Face your friends? I'll get it.

[B]

Don't answer it.

[A]

Oh, relax, Daddy. Hello? Oh, yes, Mrs. Worthington. Mrs. Worthington.

[B]

The club president probably called to ask for your resignation.

[A]

Oh, thank you so much, Mrs. Worthington. Yes, I'll tell her. It was sweet of you to call, Paul. Oh, yes, Tim, and I think so too. Thank you. Goodbye. What did you say? She said she caught up to congratulate you and Daddy.

[B]

Huh. I don't admire her sense of humor.

[A]

No, really. She said she'd always admired you, Mom. And she was so proud to see your picture in the paper.

[B]

Then she didn't read the article. She'll call back later to retract.

[A]

No, it was the article she was talking about.

[B]

What? Hey, wait a minute. Let's see that paper.

[A]

Let me see it too. Why, George, we're heroes.

[B]

Blake family captures burglar.

[A]

Hey, what do they mean, Blake family? The rest of you weren't even home.

[B]

Quiet, son, Quiet. Quiet. A burglar dressed up as a ghost picked the wrong house last night when he ransacked the Blake residence. He was discovered by their son Tim and tied up and brought to the station along with the loot he had collected from many of the houses of the community. We all owe a debt. We all owe a debt of gratitude to the Blake.

[A]

There, you see? Georgia wasn't anything to worry about.

[B]

Just a moment. Just a moment. We might add that more comradely parents like the Blakes would solve the juvenile delinquency problem. Well, Mr. And Mrs. George Blake has set an example to all parents. Hey, did you get that, Jean? Oh, Remember now, Jean, remember, just as I told you, the whole thing's my idea, you know.

[A]

Yes, yes.

[B]

They, they. They become one with their children. As their pretty daughter Pamela puts it, they are simply super parents. And I do mean super. Hmm.

[A]

Oh, Pam, isn't it super, Mom?

[B]

But wait a minute. I don't get it. Not a word about our being arrested or the police lineup or any of that.

[A]

It's all very simple, dad. While you and mom were explaining to the judge, I had a long talk with a newspaper reporter.

[B]

Not the one who took the picture?

[A]

Uh huh. The same one. Kind of young and just awfully good looking. Sort of the Clark Gable type. But what did you say to him, Pam? Oh, I told him all about what good sports you and dad are and how you really went trick or treat just to be a pal to Tim. A pal to me. All that made me look to the gang.

[B]

Oh, be quiet, Tim. Be quiet. No, wait a minute. Now that I think of it, Gene, it was really a very commendable idea.

[A]

Do you really think so, George?

[B]

I certainly do. Yes, sir. More parents ought to pal with their children.

[A]

Yes, George.

[B]

Say, how about some breakfast? You know, I didn't realize how hungry I was.

[A]

Oh, you decided to go to the office then?

[B]

Well, naturally, I think I'll get down a little early to the office and meet the gang.

[A]

You know, I guess I could stand.

[B]

A little back slapping this morning. Yes, sir. More fellows on a pal with their kids.

[A]

Sam. Yes, Mama? Did anyone ever tell you you're a very remarkable daughter?

[B]

The curtain falls on the second act of the Skippy Hollywood Theater's presentation of Pranks for Parents, starring Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon and their children Barbara and Richard, who return in just a moment. When I say, as I do now and then, that every member of your family will enjoy Skippy Peanut Butter. That's not not just advertising jive talk, it's truth. Now, I realize that plenty of grown ups don't like old style peanut butter. They don't like the fact that it's hard to digest. They don't like the oil separation and occasional lack of freshness. But Skippy is not old style peanut butter. It's a new, improved food product. And it has banished every single one of those disadvantages. Creamy style Skippy Blue Label is triple milled to a buttery smoke smoothness junk style Red Label is creamy with crunchy little nuggets of peanuts added. Try Skippy soon, won't you? And now here's our director, Les Mitchell. And here are stars, B.B. daniels, Ben Lyon, Barbara and Richard Lyon. A four star performance. But that's what audience expect of you by now.

[A]

Oh, that's very nice.

[B]

And now we want a full report on the lion activities. BB I'd like to tell our audience that you were decorated for your wonderful work in recording the wounded and the fighting men in Europe during the war.

[A]

And I never enjoyed anything as much in all my life as bringing the voices of the boys to their families at home.

[B]

I understand that you and Ben were decorated by the War Department. And also that it's the only case of a husband and wife receiving that honor. Well, Bebe received the Medal of Freedom, Les, and a wonderful citation. Yes, and I understand that you did all right with the 8th Air Force too.

[A]

Incidentally, Les, he's doing a wonderful job now as executive director of talent at 20th century. Excuse me for bragging, but I can't help it.

[B]

Well, I say that's a job he's well prepared for. Seems to me that you're surrounded by talent, Ben. Yeah, well, Bebe's producing pictures now, you know Les. Her first was for Hal Roach entitled Fabulous Joe. And now she's hard at work on a story of juvenile delinquency. Richard is busy acting, But I think.

[A]

Mr. Mitchell is right, dad. It looks as if Barbara will be in there competing for acting honors.

[B]

Well, how do you feel about that, Barbara? You're certainly pretty enough to be in pictures.

[A]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Mitchell. By the way, has anybody ever told you you're sort of the Humphrey Bogart type?

[B]

Quiet. Come on home, Barbara. Thank you and goodbye. BB Daniels, Ben Lyon and Barbara and Richard Lyon. Good luck to a wonderful family.

[A]

Goodbye.

[B]

In the cast, you heard Ms. B.B. daniels as the mother, Mr. Ben Lyon as the father, Richard Lyon as Tim, Barbara Lyon as Pam, Ken Christie as the officer. Pranks for Parents was written by Margaret M. Lowry, produced and directed by Les Mitchell, who is here also as your host. Thank you for being our guest, and we hope you'll be with us next time. Musical score was composed and conducted by Del Castillo. Be sure to listen each week and hear such stars as Virginia Bruce, Dennis o' Keefe and War and many other great actors and great stories selected especially for Dan. Speaking for the Skippy Hollywood Theater. This program was produced in Hollywood and transcribed for release at this time. SA.