The Hallmark Playhouse 053 Petes Thanksgiving 1947-03-06

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Hallmark Playhouse – "Pete's Thanksgiving" (Original Air Date: 1947-03-06)

Summary compiled for the November 8, 2025 release

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio presents a dramatized story from the Golden Age of Radio: “Pete’s Thanksgiving,” as broadcast on The Hallmark Playhouse in 1947. It tells the heartfelt tale of Pete Dimitri, a Greek immigrant determined to open a restaurant in a small Midwestern town and express his gratitude to America on Thanksgiving. The episode explores the challenges of fitting into a new community, the obstacles of prejudice and suspicion, and the ultimate power of generosity and inclusion.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction and Context of the Story (02:11–03:09)

• Host Richard Comer introduces the episode’s star, Otto Kruger, praising his American spirit and versatility.
• Otto Kruger shares a light-hearted anecdote about teaching Morse code to his wife, setting the tone of humble humor and resilience.
  • “I taught the Morse code to my wife… I tapped out a message to her: ‘Have we any more meat?’ The answer came back—in Morse—from the guest of honor: ‘Thanks, we've had plenty.’” (Otto Kruger, 02:44)

2. Pete and Anna Arrive in Janesport (04:17–05:19)

• Pete and his wife Anna introduce themselves to a local merchant while preparing to open their restaurant.
• The merchant’s response is polite but reserved, immediately relaying suspicions to another local (“But they are foreigners, Harry. And you know, if we let one in, there’ll soon be a little jabbering colony...” 04:40–05:19).
• Insight: Small-town suspicion of outsiders is established as the major obstacle Pete faces.

3. Struggles to Start the Restaurant (05:23–07:28)

• Pete and Anna encounter resistance from local tradesmen (e.g., carpenters, plumbers) who prioritize “their own kind of folks.”
• Pete’s optimism stands out: “This is America, where everyone is always welcome. I don't have to worry about the people. They will like us when they finally are honest.” (Pete, 06:54)
• Insight: Pete equates opening a restaurant with participating in the American dream, wanting to be among those "who feed the people in the country where nobody starves." (06:29)

4. The Red Cross Letter and Family Heartache (10:06–10:50)

• Pete receives news from the Red Cross regarding his grandmother in Greece but chooses to burn the letter rather than share its sorrowful contents with Anna.
  • Anna: “What is it, Pete? What does it say?”
    Pete: “I will not tell you what it says, Anna. You would only be sorry that you know.” (10:43–10:50)

5. Pete’s Generous Thanksgiving Invitation (11:05–13:42)

• Pete attends the Businessmen’s Club to formally invite the entire town to a free Thanksgiving dinner at his new restaurant.
  • “On Thanksgiving Day, all the members of the Gensport Businessmen’s Club and all the people of the town can come to my restaurant and eat all they want for nothing. This is how I show my thanks to the country where nobody goes hungry. You can all come and eat for nothing.” (Pete, 13:18–13:42)
• The townspeople react with suspicion; some claim Pete aims to “buy our Frankie” (14:08).

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Second Act Highlights

6. Community Need and Pete’s Giving Nature (17:16–19:42)

• Mrs. Harrison of the Women’s Club asks Pete to contribute food for Thanksgiving baskets for the poor.
• Pete insists on donating nearly all his food—enough for 75 baskets—despite the cost to his own restaurant opening.
  • “Not two turkeys, not three turkeys, all the turkeys. And much canned food, too.” (Anna, 19:16)
  • “I have reason why I want.” (Pete, 19:21)

7. The Heart of Pete’s Sacrifice (22:16–24:45)

• Pete returns to the Businessmen’s Club, ashamed that he cannot fulfill his public Thanksgiving dinner promise, having given his resources to the needy.
• Pete reveals the heartbreaking news that inspired his generosity: his grandmother died of starvation in Greece.
  • “So I gave all my food to the food this year because I wish to be part of the reason why in America there are no hungry people.” (Pete, 24:40)
• The revelation transforms the town leaders’ perception; they consider Pete’s act not as advertising, but as genuine charity.

8. Community Acceptance and Thanksgiving (25:11–26:36)

• The Businessmen’s Club moves to admit Pete as a member, recognizing the authenticity of his American spirit.
  • “I move that Mr. Dimitri be admitted to membership in this club.” (Club member, 25:16)
• The community responds in kind, bringing food to Pete’s postponed restaurant opening and affirming his place among them.
  • “Downtown on Main street, there’s a crowd of people outside your restaurant, and they want to be fed… There are people in this town like you, Pete, and they have food. And now they want to see whether you and Anna can cook it.” (Mr. Perkins, 26:12–26:26)

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Memorable Quotes

• “Because America always means the country where nobody starves. And I want to be one of those who feed the people in the country where nobody starves.” (Pete, 06:29)
• “This is America, where everyone is always welcome.” (Pete, 06:54)
• “I gave all my food to the food this year because I wish to be part of the reason why in America there are no hungry people.” (Pete, 24:40)
• “I believe in America because we are generous with our freedom... because we set no limit to a man’s achievement, because we have great dreams.” (from Wendell Wilkie, read by Otto Kruger, 27:09)

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Notable Moments and Their Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Quote | |---------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:44 | Otto Kruger’s Morse code dinner anecdote. | | 04:40 | Local merchant’s suspicion of “foreigners.” | | 06:29 | Pete expresses his American dream. | | 10:43 | Pete receives and burns the heartbreaking family letter. | | 13:18 | Pete’s Thanksgiving invitation: “eat all they want for nothing.” | | 19:16 | Pete volunteers almost all his food for charity baskets. | | 24:40 | Pete explains why he helped the hungry—his grandmother’s story. | | 25:16 | Motion to admit Pete into the club. | | 26:26 | The town gathers at Pete’s restaurant with food to share. | | 27:09 | Otto Kruger reads Wendell Wilkie’s affirmation of American values. |

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Tone and Language

The language throughout is warm, earnest, and carries the nostalgic spirit typical of post-war American radio drama. Otto Kruger’s performance balances gentle humor and deep emotion. Pete Dimitri’s speech exemplifies the grateful, optimistic voice of an immigrant striving to embrace and embody the American ideal. The drama ultimately affirms themes of generosity, acceptance, and the meaning of community.

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Conclusion

"Pete's Thanksgiving" is a moving story about perseverance, generosity, and how an outsider’s authentic gratitude and self-sacrifice can ultimately bind communities together—even those wary of change. The episode fittingly closes with a reflection on America’s abundance and ideals, leaving listeners with a heartwarming reminder of the values at the nation’s core.

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For further listening:
Next week features “Sweet Rosie O’Brady,” celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—spotlighting more tales of heart and heritage from America’s radio past.

Transcript

[A]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[B]

Remember, a Hallmark card will best express your perfect taste, your thoughtfulness. The makers of Hallmark greeting cards bring you the true and inspiring story of a naturalized American in a small midwestern town. Our star is that fine actor of both Broadway and the films, Otto Kruger. For more than a quarter of a century, quality has been a habit with the makers of Hallmark cards. They have the pride of craftsman in their name. H A L L M A R K Hallmark. That's why Hallmark cards are the kind of cards you can be proud, proud to receive. So when you want to send the very finest, look on the back for those three identifying words, a Hallmark card. Those three words, a Hallmark card, are your assurance of finest quality. They tell your friends you cared enough to send the very best. To be doubly sure, always look in the back of the cards you choose for those three identifying words a Hallmark card. Now the preside over our program this evening is our regular master of ceremonies, the young Broadway actor and dear sir Richard Comer.

[C]

Thank you, Tom Shirley and good evening, ladies and gentlemen. When the makers of Hallmark reading cards invited Otto Krueger to be our guest tonight, they not only selected a fine actor, but they chose a man who loves America as much as any man in the theater. Ohio is Otto Kruger's birthplace, but American style. He traveled the country as lineman, cattle puncher, musician, any odd job that came along. And like Americans, Otto could do a lot of things. For instance, he learned the Morse code. Otto, maybe you'll tell us that story on yourself that appeared in Reader's Digest.

[D]

Well, I will, Dick, but only as a grim example. I taught the Morse code to my wife and one night we were having a dinner party. Well, ever the anxious host, I tapped out a message to her. Have we any more meat? Well, the answer came back promptly, but it came from the guest of honor who tapped out. Thanks, we've had plenty.

[B]

Yes, Otto Krug is a man of.

[C]

Many talents, so we think he is particularly fitted to play the role of Dimitri tonight, a little Greek who discovers that his talents can what they can do in America. The makers of hallmark greeting cards present on the reader's digest radio edition Otto Krueger in Pete's Thanksgiving. The town where this all happened is called Jamesport. Janesport is a typical American midwestern community, which is to say that its citizens have names like Perkins and Harrison, Taylor and Andrews. One day, when America was in his third day of the war, a man arrived in Jane's port, A typical American, which is to say that his name was Pete Dimitri. He'd been born in Greece, his wife's parents had been born in Ireland, and he was here in James port to open a little business. He and his wife walked from the depot up the main street until they came upon a merchant sweeping the sidewalk in front of his store. They stopped there.

[D]

Excuse me.

[E]

Yes? What's going to do for you?

[D]

We. We just came here. This is my wife.

[F]

How do you do?

[D]

Well, I. I'm Pete Dimitri. We are going to be in business here on the same street with you.

[F]

Yeah, we're opening up a new restaurant.

[E]

Ah, I've heard of you.

[D]

Good. And we hope to be friends with you and all the other merchants.

[E]

I see. Well, time will tell. Excuse me now. I have work to do. Operator 5, 3, 2, please. Hello, Harry. Mrs. Perkins. Harry, I've just met the people that are going to open the restaurant. Yes, yes, Harry. Yes, maybe. All right. But they are foreigners, Harry. And you know, if we let one in, there'll soon be a little jabbering colony right here in our midst.

[F]

Pete. Oh, Pete.

[B]

Yeah, what is it, Anna?

[F]

Lunch is ready.

[B]

Ah, just one minute.

[D]

Oh, it looks soup. Soup. Soup is good, huh?

[F]

Oh, I wish you could get carton just to make that counter for you.

[D]

Yeah, yeah. And I went to all the carpenters in this town. Say, they are busy.

[F]

They don't seem busy.

[D]

No, no, no. That's strange, is it not, Anna?

[F]

Yeah, very strange.

[D]

Oh, well, it does not matter. Our plans, Anna. Our plans are coming through. It's got a good soup. You know, for 20 years in this country, I have wanted a business of my own. Now I will have one. And for you, Anna, and for another thing also.

[F]

You mean so that you can feel a part of this country?

[D]

No, no, no, no. I feel part of this country already. I'm here for a long time. I have the citizenship. But I want to be like other Americans who save and who make their own business. I always wanted my business to be a restaurant. You know why, Anna?

[F]

Why, dear?

[D]

Because America always means the country where nobody starves And I want to be one of those who feed the people in the country where nobody starves.

[F]

I hope we'll do all right here, Pete. I hope we won't starve.

[B]

Of course not.

[F]

Well, the people here are only. Aren't friendly.

[D]

Oh, well, they wait. They want to know us first.

[F]

The trouble is they don't seem to want to know us at all.

[D]

That is foolish, my honor. This is America, where everyone is always welcome. I don't have to worry about the people. But they will like us when they finally are honest. They were just waiting to see.

[F]

Maybe.

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Oh, no, no, no, no, no. I'm happy here. All what we have wanted, we shall have in Williamsport, Anna. If only now the Red Cross would let me know that my dear grandmother in Greece is safe. My cup would be full.

[F]

I hope you're right. Well, we'll find out when we open the restaurant.

[D]

Yes, and that will be soon before Thanksgiving, I think. If I can get the plumbers to do the plumbing work soon.

[F]

If you can, yes. Pete, yes.

[B]

Uh huh. Well, I'll tell you now, Mr. Whatever your last name is. Every one of us plumbers is pretty busy. But for three weeks I've been trying to. Yeah, for three weeks. I know. And maybe it'll be three weeks longer. Maybe three months longer. There's a lot of other folks need plumbing work done. Folks we know. Folks who've always lived here. Folks we've done business with before. Our own kind of folks, if you see what I mean.

[F]

Oh, Pete.

[E]

Hi.

[D]

My honor. I'm happy you've come.

[F]

Pete says something that I.

[D]

Look, look.

[C]

My honor.

[B]

Look.

[D]

See what I've been able to do myself, Pete, is cancer. Huh?

[F]

Always good, Pete. I didn't know you could do things like that.

[B]

I didn't know it either, until I had to.

[D]

I had to find out how.

[B]

You know something?

[D]

Honor. They might. The best thing. The promise. I have done the throwing myself.

[E]

No.

[F]

Yes.

[D]

And I feel more like American than ever before. You know, Americans have all that skill with the tools. And I have learned that skill too. Now.

[B]

You're wonderful.

[D]

You know, Anna dear, I've always loved you. You've been. You've been so patient and loving. You will not mind that I. I speak for. No, no, no, no. I'm a. You're good, you're good. You're good. Good woman. Now I can maybe be good husband for you. We open the restaurant on Thanksgiving Day.

[F]

No.

[E]

Yes.

[D]

And before that I. I'm going to make a speech.

[F]

Where?

[D]

The Businessman's Club. Of Ginsport. I go there to their meeting to announce my opening.

[F]

Pete, they may be cruel to you.

[E]

What?

[D]

Non, this is American, where people like to see men start their own little business. No, no, no. I shall make the speech. And you, Anna, you should help me fix it, huh?

[F]

Well. Well, all right.

[D]

Sure. Now. Now let us have lunch.

[F]

It's not time for lunch. Please.

[D]

No time. Oh, I lose track working this way. If it's not time for lunch, why do you come?

[F]

Why did I come? I've got a letter for you, Pete.

[D]

You got a letter?

[E]

Yes.

[D]

For me? A letter?

[F]

Yes. Here it is, Pete. It's from the Red Cross. Oh, it must be about your grandmother.

[D]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. All these months I have waited. Yes.

[F]

Open it, Pete.

[D]

Hmm? Oh, yes, yes.

[F]

What is it, Pete?

[E]

Oh, Pete.

[F]

What does it say?

[D]

So.

[F]

What are you doing, Pete?

[D]

I burned this letter.

[F]

What is it, Pete? What does it say?

[D]

I will not tell you what it says, Anna. You would only be sorry that you know.

[E]

All right, all right, fellas. All right. Meeting the James Fort Businessmen's Club. Will please come to order.

[B]

Now, wait a minute, Mr. Chairman.

[E]

What is it, George?

[B]

Before we start the meeting, that Greek.

[E]

Sound sign Green Diddy, trippy Apollo pop out of there at that restaurant fell. That's right, yes. What does he want?

[B]

Says he wants to speak to us.

[E]

Well, do we want to listen to him? No.

[B]

Listen to him.

[E]

All right, all right. Take a vote on it.

[B]

We don't need to take vote, Perkins.

[E]

We have to listen to him. Why? It's in the bylaws we have to listen to.

[B]

Any citizen at Jane's Port wants a hearing.

[E]

All right, we got to listen to him. All right, go him in.

[B]

All right, you can come in now.

[D]

Thank you.

[E]

Well, mister, we understand you have something you wish to say to us. And our bylaws require that we listen to you. You state your business, please.

[D]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman and members of the James Ford Businessmen's Club, I come here to this great American flop to tell you that Thanksgiving Day I open my restaurant. I hope I will be with you.

[E]

For a long time.

[B]

I want to announce I am serving regular breakfast from 25 cents to $1. Regular lunch is from 75 cents to $1.50 and dinner from $1 to $2.25.

[D]

I hope I can serve you, all of you, many times. It is a dream of my life. I should become an American businessman like you. I am glad to open on Thanksgiving Day because I can show my thanks to this country which has given me the chance to Be a businessman. On Thanksgiving Day, all the members of.

[B]

The Gensport Businessmen's Club and all the.

[D]

People of the town can come to my restaurant and eat all they want for nothing. This is how I show my thanks to the country where nobody goes hungry. You can all come and eat for nothing. Thank you.

[E]

I see. Well, thank you, Mr. Dimitri. Yes, well, you will consider your invitation now. George, will you show Mr. Show our visitor to the door. Right.

[B]

Goodbye.

[E]

I hope you all come.

[D]

Yes.

[B]

Mr. Chairman. Anyone can see what lies behind all this. That Greek fellow almost had me fooled when he talked about becoming an American businessman. But when he said that he was going to give us free dinners, well, it's pretty plain he's found out that we're not used to foreigners in this town, that we're suspicious of him. He's trying to buy our Frankie.

[D]

Him.

[B]

I resent that. I say that nobody go to his opening. I say we all stay away. Will be done in just a moment with the second act of tonight's drama presented by Hallmark Greeting Cards, the pages of the Reader's Digest, America's favorite magazine.

[D]

Now here's Dick Garner.

[C]

For more than four centuries, a lamp hung in the Cathedral of Pisa in Italy. Men passing must have noticed how it swung gently.

[A]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[C]

To and fro. Then one day in the year 1581, something happened. No, not to the lamp. The thing that happened was a flash of vision in the mind of an 18 year old lad who stood gazing at the swinging lamp. He saw far more than anyone who had been there before him in this lamp swinging so rhythmically. Young Galileo saw the great principle of the pendulum. When people have that quality of vision, the ability to see beyond the obvious, it shows in the things they produce. We think this difference shows in Hallmark greeting cards. The folks who make Hallmark cards aren't making just cards. They're making Hallmark cards to express cheer and happiness as genuinely and sincerely as you would greet a friend yourself. That's why Hallmark cards say what you want to say the way you want to say It. For more than a third of a century, quality has been a habit with the makers of Hallmark cards. That's why discriminating folks look on the back of the cards they send and receive for the three identifying words, a Hallmark card. Those three words, a Hallmark card, are your assurance of finest quality. They tell your friends you cared enough to send the very best. Now, back to Otto Kruger and Pete's Thanksgiving.

[F]

You got some more potatoes coming, have you?

[D]

No, no, no. The potato bin is full. But we need more canned vegetables.

[F]

I'll make a note of that.

[D]

We should now order two dozen more pumpkin pies. Everybody wants pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving. No, Someone at the door is. I don't know. I see.

[E]

How do.

[D]

Hello.

[F]

I'm collecting for the Thanksgiving basket.

[D]

What?

[F]

I'm collecting for the Thanksgiving basket.

[D]

Yeah, well, I do not understand her, but. Come here. Come.

[F]

Thank you.

[D]

My name is Dimitri. This is my wife.

[F]

Oh, how do you do?

[E]

How do you do?

[F]

I'm Mrs. Harrison. Come in, Ms. Harrison. Sit down here in this room. Oh, thank you. Hey, I like this place.

[D]

Yes, it is nice, no?

[F]

Very nice. Maybe I'd like to come to our opening Thanksgiving Day. Well, any of my friends.

[B]

Well, all your friends of yours will be here.

[D]

The whole town is invited.

[E]

Yes, so I heard.

[B]

But.

[F]

But. But What? Oh, nothing.

[D]

Mrs. Harrison, what is this about Thanksgiving baskets now?

[F]

Well, I represent the woman's club, and we're making up baskets for the poor.

[D]

For the poor? Yeah, but in. In Jane's Port, you. You have people here who need such.

[E]

Oh, indeed we do.

[F]

You see, two years ago, the mill moved away from town and on fire.

[B]

Most of the workers were.

[E]

Went with it.

[F]

There was some left behind and they're poor people.

[B]

Oh, I see.

[D]

You make up baskets for them.

[F]

Yes, we ask people to give either food or money.

[D]

Money. I see.

[F]

And since you run a restaurant, you may find it cheaper to give food. Why, I'm sure we can give you something.

[E]

Fine.

[F]

We could probably give you two turkeys, maybe three, and. And some canned vegetables. Don't you think, Pete, that. Could I have our workers collecting them tomorrow? Yeah, I think so.

[D]

No, no, no, but please.

[F]

You mean you don't want it here?

[D]

No, no, I mean. I mean we have food here for our opening. We give that.

[B]

Not two turkeys, not three turkeys, all the turkeys.

[D]

And much canned food, too.

[F]

Oh, I'm not ask.

[B]

No, no, no, no. I want you to. I. I have reason why I want.

[E]

No, never mind, Anna.

[D]

I will explain. Mrs. Harrison, could you have the workers come here with how many baskets you need now?

[F]

Well, we need about a hundred baskets.

[D]

I can feel 75.

[B]

Have your workers bring 75 baskets to.

[D]

This place tomorrow, eh?

[E]

All right, all right, ladies.

[B]

Here on the tables here is the food. In every basket we must have one.

[D]

Turkey, two cans of vegetables, one cranberry.

[B]

Sauce, a pumpkin, some potatoes and bread.

[D]

To stop the turkey with. And here on this table is penny candy for the children.

[B]

Now let us fill the basket.

[F]

Hello.

[E]

Hello.

[D]

I hear here a basket.

[F]

Basket.

[D]

Yes, sir. Thanksgiving. But, but you see, look here. Let that turkey geny the Thanksgiving basket, eh?

[F]

Oh, God bless you. We didn't know what we were going to do for Thanksgiving.

[D]

Well, I. I hope you will have a happy Thanksgiving giving.

[F]

Now, what's your name? I want to know who to say.

[D]

Oh, no, my name. My name doesn't matter. You couldn't pronounce a thing anyway. No, you, you, you. Thank you. Thank. The woman's club, eh? Well, good.

[E]

Meeting. James Ford businessman's club. Will please come to order?

[B]

Well, not yet, Mr. Chairman.

[E]

Why not, George?

[B]

Well, that Greek fellow is here again. He's waiting outside to speak to us. He's been trying to win our favor every way he can, Mr. Chairman. After he spoke to us the last time and invited us all to his opening, he must have got wind that we were going to boycott him. So he went in for charity.

[E]

We all know that, George. Now, we've heard the man once. Do we have to hear him again? Can we tell him to bylaw saying we have to hear him again? No, no, man. Now, I suggest we hear him. He's probably going to ask us something or invite us to his opening again or something of that sort. But I suggest we hear him then take a vote right in his presence turning down whatever he has and just showing him where he stands. All right. All right, George. Have him come in.

[B]

Right. You may come in.

[D]

Thank you.

[E]

Mercy. What can we do for you this time?

[D]

Mr. Chairman and members of the Jansport businessman's club, I come here today very much ashamed. Last time I came here to invite you to the opening of my restaurant on Thanksgiving Day. You see, last time I told you I would give you Thanksgiving Day feed Brie. And now I come to tell you this cannot be Indian. Give us this. I am so ashamed that I cannot do this. It is impossible. I. You see, I have to cook the food that was to be for the opening of my restaurant. I give it to the woman's cloak better publicity have. But I don't understand that. I cannot say no. It Was necessary to fill the baskets for the poor. I have not enough rushing points to get more food for my opening. So. So there will be no opening.

[B]

Hey, wait a minute. I understand you to mean that you've actually.

[E]

Actually hurt yourself financially. That you. You haven't just done this for advertising?

[B]

Advertising?

[D]

No. How can I advertise my opening when.

[C]

There will be no opening?

[E]

Then why did you give all that.

[B]

Food to the poor? The poor needed the food.

[D]

I have given to the poor before, but never so much. You see. Well, this year I have heard from the Red Cross about my. My old grandmother in Greece. She died. See, I've been sending money, clothes, food, and. And they did not reach her. And so she died. Grace is a very unhappy country. This year when my grandmother was dead, the doctors examined her. In her stomach they find grass and bark. So. So I gave all my food to the food this year Because I wish to be part of the reason why in America there are no hungry people. I'm sorry. I'm so ashamed. I cannot do what I said I would do for you on Thanksgiving day.

[E]

Is that all?

[D]

Yes, sir. I go now.

[B]

Mr. Chairman.

[E]

Yes?

[B]

We're going to take a vote in.

[E]

The presence of this man.

[D]

I, for one, am ashamed to haven't.

[E]

Suggested what I did.

[B]

I think we ought to take a vote anyway. And not the one we planned, though.

[D]

I move that Mr. Mr. Dimitri.

[B]

I move that Mr. Dimitri be admitted to membership in this club.

[F]

More beans, Pete?

[D]

No, no, no, no, no, thank you, Ayanna.

[F]

Not the greatest Thanksgiving Day dinner we've ever had, is it? Be? No.

[B]

Oh, yes.

[D]

Honor the very greatest Oldell.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

Yeah. Darl, that must be a mistake. I'll see. Mr. Perkins, where.

[E]

What are you doing here? He.

[D]

Oh, Mr. Perkins, I do not understand.

[F]

What is it?

[E]

Mr. Perkins, it's the day your restaurant was to open.

[D]

Yeah, I know, but I'll come downtown and open it.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

I told you, Mr. Perkins. I gave away all. All this.

[E]

Downtown on Main street, there's a crowd of people outside your restaurant, and they want to be fed.

[F]

Oh, but we postponed the opening. We. We couldn't possibly.

[E]

Just because you couldn't get food for your opening doesn't mean that we couldn't. What?

[D]

What?

[E]

There people in this town like you, Pete, and they have food. And now they want to see whether you and Anna can cook it.

[F]

Anna.

[B]

Anna, you hear that?

[F]

Hear it? Oh, I'll get our coast tea.

[B]

Oh, Mr. Perkins, never have I been so happy.

[C]

Thank you, Otto Krueger, for a great performance.

[D]

Well, I Wouldn't have missed playing that part for anything, Dick. It's as American as apple pie or.

[C]

The Statue of Liberty.

[D]

Yeah, or what those Hallmark greeting cards call quality, huh? That story had quality, I think. So did little Pete Dimitri. You know, this whole story reminds me of something I read not long ago in the Reader's Digest by Wendell Wilkie. Let's hear it. All right, here it is. I believe in America because we are generous with our freedom, because we hate no people and covet no people's land, because we are blessed with a natural and buried abundance. Because we set no limit to a man's achievement, because we have great dreams. And because we have the opportunity to make those dreams come true.

[C]

Thank you again, Otto Crook.

[B]

Remember, when you want to greet a.

[C]

Friend, send a Hallmark card.

[B]

For whatever the occasion, a Hallmark card will say what you want to say.

[C]

The way you want to say it.

[B]

So always look in the back of the card you choose for those three identifying words.

[D]

A Hallmark card.

[B]

Like the word sterling on silver. Those three words, a Hallmark card, are your assurance of finest quality. They tell your friends you cared enough to send the very best.

[C]

You're cordially invited to be with us again next week at this same time for another fine dramatic program brought to you by the makers of Hallmark greeting Cards. If you enjoyed tonight's show, won't you please tell your friends about it and ask them also to tune in for next week's program sponsored by Hallmark Greeting Cards. At that time, you will hear the true and heartwarming story that's a natural for the St. Patrick's Day season. It's called Sweet Rosie O' Brady, and our star from Hollywood is Ms. Dorothy McGuire.

[B]

Otto Krueger was supported by Eleanor Phelps in the role of Honor Preach Thanksgiving was dramatized by Robert Senatella from Chronicles of Americanization in the Reader's Digest, America's favorite magazine. The Hallmark program was directed by Mark Loeb, with music especially composed by Jack Miller. To be doubly sure of the finest quality, always look in the back of your cards for those three identifying words. A Hallmark card. This is Tom Shirley speaking for the makers of of Hallmark greeting cards and for your friendly Hallmark dealer. You'll find a wide selection of Hallmark cards at America's finer shops and stores. Remember, a Hallmark card will best express your perfect taste, your thoughtfulness. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[D]

This is the WBBM Air Theater, Wrigley Building, Chicago.