The Key - Grandpop

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Key – Grandpop

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: June 18, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Theme: Family, Generational Conflict, and the Importance of Legacy

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Overview

This episode from the anthology series The Key centers on the struggles and dynamics within the Graham family, focusing on generational differences, the tension between ambition and contentment, and the universal longing for connection and appreciation. The narrative unfolds as John Graham anxiously seeks a better job for his growing family, all while grappling with his live-in grandfather, Jim "Grandpop" Brumley, whose nostalgic stories and quiet presence become a source of both friction and hidden wisdom. The pivotal arrival of John's potential employer, Luke Meredith, leads to revelations about the family's past and a touching reaffirmation of intergenerational respect.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Family Tensions & Generational Gaps

• Opening Scene (01:10–03:10)
  The episode opens with Randy, the young son, eager for another of Grandpop's fishing tales. John, meanwhile, is overwhelmed by work and annoyed by his father's repeated stories, leading to a family spat.

  • Quote (John, 01:47): "I'm sick to death of trying to work with Grandpa forever talking about the salmon he almost but never quite caught."
  • Grandpop senses he is a source of annoyance and sorrowfully prepares to “turn in” early to diffuse the tension.

• Jenny’s Role (03:34–05:22) Jenny, John's wife, tries to mediate, expressing concern over John's stress and the effect it has on the entire family. She admires Grandpop’s past while supporting John’s ambitions for a better life.

  • Quote (Jenny, 06:14): "John doesn't even play with Randall. All he can do is find fault with you. With all of us."

Struggles with Aging & Self-Worth

• Grandpop's Reflection (06:45):
  "Old age is a prison in itself, Jenny. Poverty builds high walls around you."
  • Grandpop quietly reveals his fears about being a burden and the isolation of old age. He contemplates leaving the household to ease the strain.

Fear, Ambition, and Legacy

• John’s Anxiety (04:44–05:15):
  John is worried about job security and the well-being of his family as they await news on his job application. He resents what he sees as Grandpop’s lack of "ambition" but cannot see the comfort in a simpler life.

  • Quote (John, 04:29): "I object to Grandpa personally."

• The Job Threat (08:12–09:18):
  New tension arises when John suspects Grandpop of inadvertently revealing his job application to his current employer. John lashes out, blaming his father for the potential mess.

Breaking Points and Reconciliation

• Grandpop and Randy’s Escape Plan (10:24–12:04):
  Grandpop plans to leave quietly to avoid being a burden. Randy, his grandson, insists on going with him, desperate not to lose his beloved fishing partner.
  • Quote (Randy, 10:57): "You're not going without me."
  • Jenny discovers the pair before they can leave and, in a moment of family crisis, Grandpop chooses to stay.

The Interview and Reunion

• Luke Meredith’s Arrival (16:51–17:55):
  John brings home Luke Meredith for the crucial interview. The family readies themselves, hiding Grandpop, aware of a past connection between him and Meredith.

  • Quote (Luke Meredith, 17:07): "A stabilizing influence in any man's life. To be able to put out your hand and say this is mine."

• Grandpop's Past with Meredith (19:13–20:03):
  Randy accidentally reveals Grandpop’s presence. Memories surface, and it is revealed that Grandpop once fired Meredith as a young man, giving him the very push he needed to become successful.

  • Quote (Luke Meredith, 19:33): "It's the best I ever had done to me in my life. You said... 'Andy, you're too big for this job. You have ambition and drive.'"

Forgiveness, Gratitude, and Closure

• Job Secured (21:01–21:22):
  Meredith offers John the job after Grandpop’s endorsement.

  • Quote (Luke Meredith, 21:09): "8:45 in my office. We'll discuss your salary then."

• Reconnecting with the Past and Future (22:31–26:10):
  In the episode’s warm conclusion, Meredith, Grandpop, and Randy discuss going fishing “one summer.” Grandpop finally agrees to tell his fishing story again, symbolizing the unbroken thread of family and memory.

  • Quote (Jim Brumley, 22:31): "It's easy to find when you're young. And when you have time to dream."
  • Quote (Jenny, 24:46): "Will you please tell us about that great big red salmon?"

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Old Age:
  "Old age is a prison in itself, Jenny. Poverty builds high walls around you." — Grandpop (06:45)
• On Pushing for More:
  “It’s the best I ever had done to me in my life... you said, ‘Andy, you’re too big for this job. You have ambition and drive.’” — Luke Meredith (19:33)
• On Family:
  "We can't beat the family. Basic unit with society." — Luke Meredith (23:28)
• On Dreams and Youth:
  “It’s easy to find when you’re young. And when you have time to dream.” — Grandpop (22:31)

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Key Segment Timestamps

• Family Conflict—Fishing Story Interrupted: 01:10–03:10
• John Opens Up on Job Pressure: 04:44–05:15
• Grandpop’s Loneliness and Self-Doubt: 06:45–06:56
• Job Interview Plans Revealed: 13:00–14:10
• Luke Meredith Meets the Family: 16:51–17:41
• Grandpop & Meredith’s History Unveiled: 19:13–20:16
• John Offered the Job: 21:01–21:22
• Family Plans & The Salmon Story: 24:46–26:10

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Tone and Style

True to the golden age of radio, the episode delivers warm, earnest performances with moments of gentle humor, frustration, and sentimentality. It emphasizes traditional values—family, respect for elders, ambition tempered by kindness—while maintaining a conversational and natural cadence throughout. Each character is distinct, and the dialogue’s simplicity heightens its emotional resonance.

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Summary

The Key – Grandpop thoughtfully explores the value of intergenerational relationships, the pain of misunderstandings, and the quiet heroism found in everyday lives. Through a tense but ultimately heartening visit from a past protégé-turned-executive, the family discovers that legacy is not just ambition or achievement—it's the stories we share, the support we give, and the love that connects us across the years. The story’s closing, with Grandpop finally telling his fabled fishing tale, underlines the episode’s message: in family, everyone has a place and a story worth cherishing.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[John Graham]

Every door has a key. There's a key to every situation. Behind every unopened door, there is a mystery. And the opening of this door introduces us to another in the series.

[Luke Meredith]

The Key. Yep.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

There you are, Randy. My old fishing box. That's the rod I used when I went after salmon.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Can I hold it?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Yeah, sure.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

You can tell me about the time you went after the salmon.

[John Graham]

Grandpa, do we have to hear all that again?

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Oh, Randy loves it.

[John Graham]

John, I'm trying to work. Work out these orders, Danny. Have to put them on the sales manager's desk tomorrow morning.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Perhaps some other time, Randy.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

No, no. I want to hear it now.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

It was what your father said.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

It's high time you're in bed, Randy.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

You're only sending me to bed to stop Grandpop telling about the salmon. I know.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

That's enough, Randy.

[Luke Meredith]

Whose home is this?

[John Graham]

Whose son are you, Randy?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Please, John, there's no need to get upset.

[John Graham]

I'm sick to death of trying to work with Grandpa forever talking about the famine he almost but never quite caught.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I'm sorry. Real sorry. John.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

What's Ann here about the salmon.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

I'll be glad to go to bed.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Perhaps it's time I turned in, too. We old backwoodsmen hit the hay at sundown and rise with the birds. You know, Franny Winter.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

I go fishing with you, Grandpa.

[John Graham]

And take that blasted box of fishing gear with you.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

There was no need for that, John.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

No, don't worry. I'll pick everything up.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

If I'd have done that, I'd have

[Randy Graham (Son)]

gotten the greatest wobbling of all times.

[John Graham]

I bet I lost my temper in the bed, Randy.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Good night, Grandpa.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Night, Lucky nothing was broken.

[John Graham]

I'm terribly sorry. I didn't mean to do it.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

A lot of temper runs in our side of the family, Johnny. You must have caught it from Jenny.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh, John, how could you do such a thing? Don't you realize what it does to Randy and to me?

[John Graham]

I can't help it, Jenny. I'm so worried about this job. Fields now are down to four now. You know, Bill Hannon told me the sold this morning. Once I get to Meredith's, my salary's doubled. We can put a deposit on the house.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Sounds wonderful.

[John Graham]

4. I know how you feel about living in this place. Not enough room. Neighbors are noisy at times.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

I'll make you some coffee.

[John Graham]

Don't get up now.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

But the Colonel.

[John Graham]

It's not often we're on our own.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh, dear. You sound as though we lived in the middle of a railway station.

[John Graham]

That's what it feels like at times.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Not Grandpapa, gang.

[John Graham]

Well, if only he did something useful. All he does is sit around yawning about fishing and that cabin he built and ambling out once a month to collect his pension.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

He built it with his own hands. Felled the trees, planned them.

[John Graham]

He could have made a success of his business, but no. Acted as though he'd never heard of the words. Ambition, hard work. So he ends up like this, living with his relations.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

John, there's nothing bad about the way they.

[John Graham]

Not bad. He's filling Randy's head with those ideas.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Randy's only 10.

[John Graham]

I object to Grandpa personally.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh, John, you're not writing an inter office, Nemo.

[John Graham]

Now, you seem to think his fishing tales and log cabins are more important than this job I'm trying for.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Jenny, of course I don't. John, I want a home as much as you.

[John Graham]

If they find out at Loring's that. That I've applied for another job, I'd be squeezed out. Look what happened to Peter Marchant when he.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

No one knows if you can trust Bill Hannon.

[John Graham]

Like standing at the top of a long flight of stairs and reaching out into a void. Footmates like another step or they may fall. And I'm not responsible. Just myself alone. There. There's you, baby that's coming. Randy. Grandpop.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

John, you're just worrying. You're so sick about the job you put in your application and now all you can do is wait.

[John Graham]

Yes, and listen to how Grandpop almost caught that great red salmon.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

John's late, isn't he, Jenny?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

He's working back again. I'm keeping his 10 o' hop coin, you know.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

He'd go a long way, that boy.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Now, what exactly do you mean by that, Grandpa?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Oh, you make a lot of money. You'll have a real nice home one day.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Maybe. Maybe I lose some other important things when he gets that far. There's no joy in his life anymore, Grandpa. All the time he's thinking of his job and frightened to Relax, Luke.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Meredith runs a pretty big concern, doesn't he?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh, it's huge if John will make salesman

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

name these days.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

John doesn't even play with Randall. All he can do is find fault with you. With all of us.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Well, probably in the way.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

This is your home.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

No, Danny, no. It's John's home. And you quarrel about me so often, don't you? I hear you.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

He's tired when he comes home.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

There are places. I hear some of them are, well, real comfortable.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Considering homes for old men.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Not exactly.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

You wouldn't fit in a place like that, Grandpa. You're too young.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Old age is a prison in itself, Jenny. Poverty builds high walls around you.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Not for you, Grandpa. Not for you.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Maybe I'll go and find my little cabin again.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Is it still there by the stream?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Yeah. The leaves will be covering the roof. Now the gray owl will have made his nest in the tree beside the door.

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Hello, John.

[Luke Meredith]

Hello, Jenny.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I'll hustle on you and warm up the coffee for you. Jenny.

[John Graham]

Sorry I'm late.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

What is it, John?

[John Graham]

Oh, Laurie spoke to me today. Asked me when I was moving over to Luke Meredith's construction company. Tried to laugh it off. And then he smiled at me and said that perhaps the job I had was too small for me.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Who told him?

[John Graham]

Did Grandpop collect his pension yesterday?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Yes, you were ready in two shakes.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

For you, John.

[John Graham]

See anyone when you were out yesterday? Grandpop?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Oh, yes. I bumped into Mrs. Fleming at the corner. She told me that Joe is due to retire any day now. Oh, I should have given it up years ago, but he's one of those.

[John Graham]

And Joe Fleming is paymaster at Loring.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Yeah, that's right. Of course, Joe was one of the

[John Graham]

gabbling old idiot Loring Knew all about my putting in for another job at 11:00 clock this morning.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Well, you're leaving him, aren't you? Not if I don't get the job at Meredith's. Haven't you the faintest idea what you've done? I'm sorry if I said anything wrong.

[John Graham]

It's too late now to be sorry. Honeybe able to find some common sense and quiet outside.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

John. Please come back.

[John Graham]

John.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh dear.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Yes, it's my fault. I do talk too much. I know that, Janita.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh, Grandpap. You've seen how John's almost been out of his mind with one.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

You go off somewhere and let off

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

steam maybe quarreling so much you can't

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

have smooth sailing all through marriage. Jenny.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

I better go and turn off the oven.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Look, don't wait up for John. Let him come in quietly. And then tomorrow morning he'll talk about it all in his own good time.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Why don't you stop handing around unwanted

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

platitude for a change?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I. I shall, Jenny. I promise you.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

If you want anything, Prince, bring it to me. I'll do the ironing till John comes home.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

No, there.

[Luke Meredith]

There's nothing.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

You've been here too long, old man. Time you did something for yourself. Send for the rest tomorrow. She won't hear if you go now. Don't want to fuss. Just go away quietly. Won't even tell them where you are. She'll be there in the kitchen. You've imposed on her too long. Yeah, imposed on John, too.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

You're not going without me.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Now you hurry on back to bed. Randy.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

I saw you get out your old cage.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I can't take you with me.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

I'm old enough and I won't get in your way.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Look, I'm. I'm going to visit friends. Old friends, Randy. They don't care for children.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

You're going to fish for that salmon, aren't you, Randy? That's why you were creeping away, weren't you? You didn't want me to find out you were going.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Well, I did.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

And I'm going too.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

What on earth are you two doing there? Randy, go back to bed at once.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

I won't. If I do, he'll go without me. Go away to his cabin in the hill.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I can't stay, Jenny.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Thanks to me, I've lost my husband.

[John Graham]

Grandpa.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

You're going to take away my son too.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

You do what your mother tells you. Randy.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

No.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

You hear me?

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Yes, but I'm still going with you.

[Luke Meredith]

Jenny.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I'm sorry.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

I'll make you some supper. Now put your case away, Grandpa.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

John will feel better if he comes home and finds him not here.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Are you going to catch a train, Grandpa?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

We'll go in the summer, Randy. We'll speak to your father.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Oh, I bet. Then he'll probably want to come with us and that'll spoil everything.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Come into the kitchen, Grandpa. Coffee's ready now.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Oh, I think I'll turn in, if you don't mind.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

I could choke myself for saying what

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I did at my age. You outgrow a great many things, Jenny. One of those things is the fear of losing your job, the dread of not being able to pay the bills and the necessity of saving for the future. Don't you judge John by me.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

I don't, Grandpa.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I enjoy myself as a hero to Randy. But I also know that it's John who's provided me with a home.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

John's always been very fond of you, Grandpa. It's only just now he's so worried. Don't forget it's taken him years to become assistant sales manager at Lorings.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Oh yes. He has to consider the future. I don't.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

He'll get this new job at Luke Meredith and then you look in the

[John Graham]

mailbox this afternoon, Jenny.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

No, I asked.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

I must have forgotten.

[John Graham]

Look at this. Luke Meredith's going to interview me.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Then he must have chosen.

[John Graham]

He wants me to pick him up at 2:45 tomorrow afternoon and bring him here.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Bring him here? What you gonna do? Employ the whole family?

[John Graham]

Luke Meredith is a very unusual man. Takes a personal interest in all his executives. Likes to meet the family. Look in the background.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

None of the kind. Snooper masquerading as the benevolent boss.

[John Graham]

Why, he's reputed to have the highest paid and happiest staff in the industry. Yeah.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

All too scared to cough in front of him without written permission. I'm going to bed now.

[John Graham]

He started from the bottom himself, Jerry. There was a photo of him in the trade journal last year when he was only 18. Andy Meredith. He was known as Ben. Close friends and even some of his staff still call him Andy. Andy Meredith couldn't have rushed out like that, Jenny. I didn't get very far. Saw the letter in the box and sat down the front steps reading it over and over.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

It's all right now.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

John Andrew Meredith. He too smart for his own good. No more ways of wriggling out of honesty's work than any boy in the works.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

You.

[Luke Meredith]

You knew him?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Oh, certainly I did. A little red haired fella. You gave him the sack when he'd been Only with me about a year.

[John Graham]

You fired Luke Meredith?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Yeah. You deserved it, too.

[John Graham]

But he's coming here tomorrow.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Now, Johnny, you'd never know. We won't tell him.

[John Graham]

Well, how are we going to keep Graham Crop quiet? Tell me that.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

No, Grandpa'll stay in his room. Won't you?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Well, I'd like to see the young fellow again.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

But if you look, I'll have this taste spotless.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

And I'll bake and I'll cook all day.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

It won't work.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

But he doesn't know my maiden name. So far as Luke Meredith is concerned,

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I'm Mrs. John Grandy Murdoch. Oh, he was a foxy little fellow, all right. But too smart. Too smart for his own good. He didn't like me. And by heck, I didn't like him either.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Put the flowers more to the side, Randy.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Okay.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh, don't spill any on the floor, please, Grandpa.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Sorry, Jenny.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Now, what do you think of all that? There's a day's whole bake in there.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Cream cake, scones, cookies, chocolate slice. Hey, where do we eat?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

You can have as much as you like when Mr. Meredith has been and gone.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

No sign of him yet?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

No, but they won't be long. John says punctuality is a fetish with Luke Meredith.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

I bet he was a regular stinker, huh, Grandpa?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

That's enough, Randy.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

It's Sam and a car of 10 blocks long.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

You go to your room, Randy. When I call you, you come out and you say Good afternoon to Mr. Meredith. You kiss your father and you help hand round the paper.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

All right? All right. But I'll be listening. I can listen, can't I?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Yes, dear, you can listen.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

You know, funny to think of Andy Meredith running his own business now. He always had such a talent for mind and everyone else's when he was a kid.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

You'll be comfortable in your room, won't you, Grandpa?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Yeah. Tried to show him how to take down the tractor once. Could have been talking to the man in the moon for all as good as did you?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

1, 2, 3. Oh, Mr. Meredith, I'm so glad to meet you. Hello, John, dear. Do come in.

[John Graham]

Mr. Meredith, I'd like you to meet my wife, Jenny.

[Luke Meredith]

I'm very happy to know you, my dear.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

It's a great pleasure, Mr. Meredith. Won't you sit down? Let me take your hat.

[Luke Meredith]

Thank you so much.

[John Graham]

We're hoping to buy our own home eventually, Mr. Meredith.

[Luke Meredith]

An excellent idea. A stabilizing influence in any man's life. To be able to put out your hand and say this Is mine. These bricks and mortar belong to me. I must confess I often find myself doing it at home. Quite unconsciously, of course.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

I'm sure you'd like some Coffee and cake, Mr. Meredith.

[Luke Meredith]

Nothing all for me. A glass of water and a cracker, if you don't mind. I'm on a diet.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Are you quite sure?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh, yes, certainly.

[Luke Meredith]

You started in your present place employment as a fitter, didn't you, Graham?

[John Graham]

Yes, I was an engineer before I moved into the sales division.

[Luke Meredith]

I like him. I had to have practical experience. Started off myself as an apprentice engineer. We worked in those days.

[John Graham]

I can tell you, I read your life story in the trade journal.

[Luke Meredith]

Last year was just a slight account.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

And your. Your ice water, Mr. Meredith.

[Luke Meredith]

Oh, thank you, Mrs. Graham. Delicious.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

You haven't met Randy yet, have you, Mr. Meredith?

[Luke Meredith]

No, I don't think I've had that pleasure.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Oh, come and meet Mr. Meredith.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Randy very pleased me for Ms. Meredith.

[Luke Meredith]

A fine young man. This is all your family?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Well, not quite. We're hoping that Randy will have a sister quite soon.

[Luke Meredith]

Congratulations, Graham. You can't beat the large family. Always felt sorry for an only child. I was the eldest of nine, the breadwinner when I was 14.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Why's Grandpa too? He's family. You worked for him once, Framby. I work for your grandfather, mother's grandfather, my great grandfather. I'm the only boy at school who has a great grandfather at home.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

My grandfather's resting now. He hasn't been very well.

[Luke Meredith]

Quite understandable if he's age. Well, it's been most enjoyable meeting your little family, Graham. Naturally, I'll have to give this position a great deal of thought.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Grandpop's not rested. I can tell because when he's asleep, he snores so loud. It's just like a train whistle. This is Mr. Meredith's grandpa. Remember? He used to work for you.

[Luke Meredith]

Good heavens. Jim Brumley.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I didn't think he'd recognize me. So many years.

[Luke Meredith]

Ah, Jim, I could never forget you, you know.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

You gave me the sack. Gave me the sack. Well, I was kind of hoping that you did.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Grandma, please don't apologize.

[Luke Meredith]

Ah, it's the best I ever had done to me in my life. You know what he said to me? He said, andy, you're too big for this job. You have ambition and drive. And this is too small. Smaller place for you. What you should find at a job with a really big outfit, you know. Those were your very words now, weren't they?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Well, it was a long time ago.

[Luke Meredith]

You told Me, I was too smart for the job of work I was doing. Believe me, Jim, I. I can't call it a. Jim, can't I?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Yeah, sure you certainly can.

[Luke Meredith]

Well, Jim, the foundation of my success was laid that day that I left you. Tell me, what happened to your old business?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

What happened to my old business? Well, I sold out, you see, when I was 60 and invested the money unwisely. And, well, the upshot of it is my grandson has given me a home.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

And we simply love having him with us. Mr. Meredith.

[Luke Meredith]

Well, a bad show. Sorry to hear that, Jim. Yes, a man needs grit and determination to reach the top in our field. Now, tell me, what do you think of young Graham here? After all, you were an excellent judge of characters, I recall.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Thanks very much for the compliment. I'll tell you this, he's smarter than I ever was, Andy.

[John Graham]

Ah, that's all I want to hear, Graham.

[Luke Meredith]

I'll see you in the morning, huh? Hey, my word, it's been good meeting you again, Jim.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Yeah, it certainly has. You've been fine as Graham.

[Luke Meredith]

8:45 on the Dodge of my office. We'll discuss your salary then.

[John Graham]

You. You mean that? Thanks. Thanks a lot, Mr. Meredith.

[Luke Meredith]

Right. All right. Yes. A fine old gentleman, your grandfather, Mrs. Graham. Ever catch that salmon? You still go fishing, Jim?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

No, no, I'm too old for that now.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

You're not too old, Grandpa. And you said you're gonna take me one day. You promise?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Now really.

[Luke Meredith]

Now, you know, I. I remember you promised me the same thing. That great red salmon. I'll never forget it. You know, Jim, I bought a little place up in the hills myself.

[John Graham]

Air conditioned, deep freeze tv.

[Luke Meredith]

My wife, she insisted on all that. But Jim, it isn't the same. You know what? One summer we'll go away together, Jim. It's up to your place.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Yes, yes, sure, we're willing to do that, Andy.

[Luke Meredith]

Okay. Say, where is it exactly?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Oh, nicely kind of spot, I'm afraid. Pretty long way from anywhere.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Oh, gosh. I'll find it though, won't I, Grandpa?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Oh, yeah, yeah, you'll find it all right. It's easy to find when you're young. And when you have time to dream.

[Luke Meredith]

Dream? I'm a mighty busy man. I got no time for bed, I'm afraid. Still, Jim, we're easy in a weekend.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Somehow or other.

[John Graham]

I tell you what.

[Luke Meredith]

We'll take the young chip along to do the chores, huh? How about it, Graham?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

You reckon you'd be any good at

[Luke Meredith]

making fires and scrubbing frying panes? Oh, good Grief, look at the time.

[John Graham]

Well, I'll. I'll see you down to the car now. If you like, Ms. Meredith.

[Luke Meredith]

Well, it's been a real heartwarming experience meeting you again, Jim.

[John Graham]

Yeah.

[Luke Meredith]

Bye now, Mrs. Graham. We'll make a Judy, shall we?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Ah, yes.

[Luke Meredith]

Great times we had, Jim. Great times. We can't beat the family. Basic unit with society.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Grandpa.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Grandpa, did you hear that? I can't believe it. Grandpa has the job.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Yeah, you're dead right there, girl. He certainly has.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Golly Wally. Grandpa. Hey, you're not gone fishing with him, are you?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

No, Randy, I don't think so.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Oh, why not?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Why not, Grandpa?

[Randy Graham (Son)]

After all, he gave him the job.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

You know what I think? I think we may just as well have some coffee now.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Darn good to do, Reagan.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

I just feel dead now. It's all over, G Dog.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Did you hear it? Did you hear him? All the time. Oh, he's awfully loud. And what's the word for it? Spreading that shit, isn't he?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh, no, Randy, you mustn't be a naughty bully.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I think Freddie's kind of right. I told you you could talk, didn't I, Jenny? I guess maybe that's why when him got along together. Two of a kind, you know.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh, Grandpa, isn't it wonderful? Just think, John has the job now. He'll be manager. Oh, Grandpa. It's what he always wanted. Now he'll really be happy. Grandpa, do you know something? You know what I'd like right now?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

What's that?

[Luke Meredith]

Good.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Will you please tell us about that great big red salmon? Please, Grandpa?

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

Red salmon. No, I can't.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Oh, please, Grandpa. I want to hear about it now more than ever.

[Randy Graham (Son)]

Yes, Grandpa, you remember time you tried to catch it in a net?

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

That's right, Randy.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

I remember it all. Although it was quite a long time ago.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Come on, Grandpa, tell her.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

All right, girl. As I recall it, it was twilight with dusky shadows stretching out across the water. I was watching the stream when it jumped in front of me. High, high as the sun, it seemed to me. Then come around high as the sun.

[Jenny Graham (John's Wife)]

Grandpa might get cold.

[Jim Brumley (Grandpa)]

And then he twisted and caught the sun. Oh, I bet it was.

[John Graham]

A closing door. Finishes the story next week, another key will open another door to another story. Mystery, romance or adventure. All start when a door is unlocked by the key.