The Tenth Man 47-11-14 04 The Old Folks At Home

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "The Tenth Man – The Old Folks At Home"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: September 14, 2025 (Original Air: November 14, 1947)
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Featured Voice: Ralph Bellamy (Narrator)

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Overview

This episode of "The Tenth Man" tells the poignant story of Grandpa Barrett, an elderly gentleman who goes to live with his granddaughter Madge and her husband Hank in the city. As the family strives to care for him, the story explores the real needs of the elderly—beyond physical comfort, a sense of independence, purpose, and belonging. The episode shines a light on loneliness among the aging and underscores the value of community programs that keep older adults mentally and socially engaged.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to the Episode’s Theme

• The Tenth Man is introduced as representing "the 1 man in 10 in your community who needs or will need psychiatric care." (01:00)
• Sets the tone for a discussion on mental health and the social needs of the elderly.

2. Grandpa Barrett’s Discomfort in the City

• Grandpa Barrett struggles to adjust to life with his granddaughter, feeling isolated despite their best intentions.
• Madge seeks to protect him, but in doing so, restricts his participation and agency.
  • “He has his own room, complete privacy, no responsibility.” – Madge (02:51)
  • Hank observes, “No responsibilities, nothing to do.” (02:56)

3. Yearning for Purpose & Companionship

• Grandpa is treated like a fragile object, leading to frustration:
  • “Ten blocks ain’t far. For gosh sake, stop treating me as if I was delicate or something.” – Grandpa Barrett (04:05)
• Hank and Madge debate if Grandpa needs more than just shelter (02:38–02:56).
• Grandpa notes the lack of visible older people in the neighborhood (03:41).

4. Discovery of the Seniors’ Club

• A city officer, Jake Fields, encourages Grandpa to visit the local community center for older adults (04:41–05:12).
  • “If you get tired of reading and thinking and feel like a bit of socializing, the clubhouse is that big red brick building on Main Street...” – Jake Fields (05:01)
• The club offers a new world—conversation, creativity (painting, woodworking), and purpose.

5. Transformation Through Community

• Grandpa and Jake thrive at the center, developing hobbies and friendships:
  • “Here I can work all I want to on my painting. Never in my life did I think I’d make an artist.” – Jake Fields (06:55)
  • “Ms. Lindsay sure is a wonderful girl.” – Grandpa Barrett (07:27)
  • “I’m making a hanging shelf. Won’t Madge be surprised when she sees it?” – Grandpa (07:46)
• The club is not “charity,” but a necessary public good providing status, community, and dignity for older individuals (06:36–06:50).

6. Family Conflict and Mutual Understanding

• Madge discovers Grandpa’s secret club and is initially shocked and disapproving.
  • “Surely you don’t expect to come here again.” – Madge (09:07)
• Ms. Lindsay explains the true value of the club:
  • “It’s possible for a man like Mr. Barrett to be lonely, even among people who love him.” – Ms. Lindsay (10:37)
  • “One of the advantages of this club is that it gives old people a place where they have a status. Most of our members feel that they really belong here.” – Ms. Lindsay (11:27)
• Madge realizes her approach may have been well-meaning but incomplete.

7. Resolution: Empowering Grandpa

• Grandpa poignantly states:
  • “Making me sit around on a cushion and treating me like I was a piece of china or something—it’s going to hurry me into my grave. I know it will. Here, I can do things. I’ve got friends.” – Grandpa (12:14–12:26)
• Madge relents, allowing him to stay at the club and affirming his need for community and activity (12:29–12:32).

8. Epilogue: The Broader Lesson

• Ralph Bellamy closes with a call to action, reminding listeners that too many elders lack social engagement:
  • “Grandpa Barrett and Jake Fields were lucky... Far too many of them are left to their own devices. Is it right to neglect them? ... Old folks enjoy socializing just as much as the young ones do. Nobody likes to be lonely.” – Narrator (12:45–13:43)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We’ve provided a home for him, but, well, maybe it lacks something.”
  — Hank (02:46)
• “Playmate? Don’t talk to me as if I was a child.”
  — Grandpa Barrett (03:33)
• “Why, Hank, only last night at the supper table, he knocked over the water pitcher.”
  — Madge Dobson (03:01)
• “Here, I can do things. I’ve got friends.”
  — Grandpa Barrett (12:25)
• “It’s possible for a man like Mr. Barrett to be lonely, even among people who love him.”
  — Ms. Lindsay (10:37)
• “The old folks enjoy socializing just as much as the young ones do. Nobody likes to be lonely.”
  — Ralph Bellamy as Narrator (13:38)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:00] – Show premise: the “tenth man” and mental health in the elderly
• [02:16–03:35] – Madge and Hank debate Grandpa’s role and purpose
• [04:41–05:12] – Jake Fields introduces Grandpa to the community club
• [06:55–08:10] – Grandpa and Jake flourish at the center
• [09:07–10:42] – Madge confronts Grandpa and Ms. Lindsay about the center
• [11:27–12:32] – Ms. Lindsay explains the social/psychological needs of elders; Grandpa pleads to stay
• [12:45–13:43] – Narrator’s closing moral and call to societal action

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Overall Tone and Language

The episode balances a tone of gentle humor with genuine compassion and realism. Dialogue is warm, candid, and never sentimentalizes the elders, treating their struggles and needs with dignity and empathy. The episode turns a domestic misunderstanding into a broader societal message about recognition, empowerment, and support for older adults.

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Conclusion

This “Golden Age of Radio” play offers a timeless reminder of the importance of social connection, activity, and dignity in later life. It challenges families and communities to look beyond physical care, advocating for environments where every person—regardless of age—can feel purposeful and at home.

Transcript

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[Narrator / Hank]

Who is the 10th man? The 10th man is the 1 man in 10 in your community who needs or will need psychiatric care. He may even spend some part of his life in a mental hospital. Perhaps it will be the last part of that man's life if he's an old man, for example, and feels that life holds nothing more for him.

[Ralph Bellamy (Narrator)]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Ralph Bellamy. Our story is called the Old Folks at Home. It concerns an old gent who felt definitely not at home when he came to live with his granddaughter and her husband in the big city. Strange that Grandpa Barrett should feel ill at ease since Madge really liked the old man and tried hard to make him happy. And when Madge took anyone under her wing, she did a thorough job hanging.

[Madge Dobson]

Where's Grandpa?

[Narrator / Hank]

Grandpa? I don't know, dear. Didn't he go out for a walk a minute ago?

[Madge Dobson]

Oh, well, how should I know? I've been busy putting the baby to bed.

[Narrator / Hank]

I guess he did go out for a walk.

[Madge Dobson]

Hank, you really ought to watch him more carefully.

[Narrator / Hank]

Oh, Madge, you worry too much about him. Grandpa won't get into any trouble. He may be old, but he's not senile.

[Madge Dobson]

Nevertheless, I promised Aunt Ed I'd look after him. She was going to put him in the old folks home.

[Narrator / Hank]

Well, we've saved him from that anyhow. But you know Madge, we're not doing all we should for him.

[Madge Dobson]

What do you mean, Hank?

[Narrator / Hank]

Well, we've provided a home for him, but, well, maybe it lacks something.

[Madge Dobson]

What could it possibly lack? He has his own room, complete privacy, no responsibility.

[Narrator / Hank]

That's just it. No responsibilities, nothing to do. Why, you don't even let him help around the house.

[Madge Dobson]

Help around the house? Why, Hank, only last night at the supper table, he knocked over the water pitcher.

[Narrator / Hank]

So what? I knocked it over last week. Does that make me senile?

[Madge Dobson]

Oh, you. Impossible.

[Narrator / Hank]

I'm only trying to point out that.

[Madge Dobson]

I think I hear his step in the hall. Have a nice walk, Grandpa?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Not so nice, no. It's pretty crowded in this town. Folks don't care if they jostle you right off the sidewalk.

[Narrator / Hank]

Now, Grandpa, you'll just have to learn to jostle them right back.

[Grandpa Barrett]

No, no, I'm too old to pick up any new city ways.

[Ms. Lindsay]

You will have to get you a.

[Madge Dobson]

Playmate, someone to talk to.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Playmate? Don't talk to me as if I was a child.

[Madge Dobson]

Why, I'm sorry, Grandpa. I just meant someone for you to talk to. You know, someone more your own age.

[Grandpa Barrett]

You know, it's a funny thing. You don't see many old folks around in this neighborhood. I saw in the paper the other day something about the increase in the number of older people on account of improved health conditions, you know, but. But I. I never see any of them around here.

[Narrator / Hank]

Maybe they all hang out in the park.

[Madge Dobson]

Hang, huh?

[Jake Fields]

What park?

[Narrator / Hank]

There's one about 10 blocks south of here.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Why didn't you tell me? I'll have a stroll down here tomorrow and have a look at it.

[Madge Dobson]

But it's ten blocks.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Ten blocks ain't far. For gosh sake, stop treating me as if I was delicate or something.

[Madge Dobson]

Grandpa, we just don't want you to exert yourself.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Don't want me to enjoy myself, you mean?

[Narrator / Hank]

Come, Grandpa. You know we want you to be happy in our house.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Well, then leave me be, Hank. Leave me be. Good night.

[Madge Dobson]

Don't slam the door, Grandpa. You'll wake the Hank. We've got to make him happier. But what can we do?

[Narrator / Hank]

You heard what he said, Madge. Leave him be.

[Jake Fields]

Hi, Pop.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Hello, Officer. Nice day.

[Jake Fields]

Yeah. How come you're not at the club?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Oh, I don't belong to any clubs. I'm. I'm sort of new in this town. Just moved in with my granddaughter.

[Jake Fields]

I get it. Feeling kind of lonesome, too, I guess, huh?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Oh, no, no. I'm sort of glad I got a lot of time to myself. I want to read up a bit, and I want to think some things out.

[Jake Fields]

Yeah, well, if you get tired of reading and thinking and feel like a bit of socializing. The clubhouse is that big red brick building on Main street across from the park. Just ask for Ms. Lindsay and tell her I sent you.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Thanks very much, Officer, but I don't think. Where did you say that place was?

[Madge Dobson]

But I tell you, I did look for him in the park.

[Narrator / Hank]

I don't see that it makes much difference, Madge. If he doesn't want to tell us where he goes every day, it's his business.

[Madge Dobson]

I guess I wouldn't mind if he'd just tell me. After all, Hank, anything can happen to a man who's practically 80.

[Narrator / Hank]

Oh, he's a healthy old duck. And wherever he's going, he's having a good time. He's been as happy as a lark all week.

[Madge Dobson]

Well, I'm not happy as a lark. He was late for supper last night. And from all indications, he's going to be late again tonight.

[Narrator / Hank]

And on top of that, he won't tell you where he spends his time.

[Madge Dobson]

Think you're smart, don't you?

[Narrator / Hank]

Oh, forget it, Madge. Let the old boy have his fun. After all, it's what we all want, isn't it?

[Madge Dobson]

Yes, but. No, I'm not giving up. I'm going to trail him tomorrow. I'll find out what he's up to.

[Jake Fields]

Good morning, Mr. Barrett.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Good morning, Jake. Where is everybody?

[Jake Fields]

Oh, they'll be along soon. Not everybody gets up as early in the morning as you and me.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Say, Jake, how long has this club been operating?

[Jake Fields]

Oh, it's been going on for more than a year now.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Sure was a good idea. Who started it?

[Jake Fields]

The Welfare Department. The Welfare Department?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Then this is charity?

[Jake Fields]

No, not exactly. I look at it this way. They have libraries and parks for people, don't they? So why not a place for us older folks?

[Ms. Lindsay]

Yeah.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Yes, I guess you're right. Why not? Certainly is a godsend.

[Jake Fields]

I know. It was a lucky thing for me. I found out about this place. Having something to do and people to talk to kept me from blowing the top. I don't know when I felt so good. Here I can work all I want to on my painting. Never in my life did I think I'd make an artist. But look. Look here.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Yeah. Gee. Gosh, that's that one in the park.

[Jake Fields]

Sure is good. How do you like that spot of color right there? That little girl with the balloon?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Yeah, just like real.

[Jake Fields]

Ms. Lindsey showed me how to do that. And next year, I start sculpture.

[Grandpa Barrett]

That Ms. Lindsey sure is a wonderful girl.

[Jake Fields]

I love her like she was my own daughter. We couldn't have a better leader. She knows what we like. No fussing, no fretting. But the thing she gets done.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Well, she got me interested in working with a jigsaw. You know, the electric one.

[Jake Fields]

Of course I know it. I made four ship models on it last year.

[Grandpa Barrett]

I'm making a hanging shelf.

[Jake Fields]

I saw it. Very nice.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Won't Madge be surprised when she sees it?

[Ms. Lindsay]

Good morning, Mr. Barrett. Mr. Field.

[Jake Fields]

Good morning.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Good morning, Ms. Lindsay. Ms. Lindsay, is it all right if I start the bandsaw?

[Ms. Lindsay]

Oh, of course it is. You know where the switch is?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Jake Fields]

Well, I'll be getting back to my still life. See you later, Mr. Barrett.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Okay, okay.

[Ms. Lindsay]

By the way, Mr. Barrett, have you told your granddaughter about the club?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Do I have to?

[Ms. Lindsay]

No, but I just thought she might be worried.

[Jake Fields]

What?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Tarnation. That's her.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Who?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Madge. How did she find out?

[Madge Dobson]

Grandpa. What is this place? What are you doing here?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Hello, Madge.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Oh, is this your granddaughter?

[Madge Dobson]

Grandpa, don't you know we've been worried sick not knowing where you've been? And what are you doing with that electric saw? You'll cut yourself if you're not careful. Turn it off at once.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Oh, it's quite safe. And he's very efficient with it.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Why, sure, Madge. Oh, I don't believe you've met Ms. Lindsay, our leader.

[Madge Dobson]

How do you do?

[Ms. Lindsay]

Oh, I'm so glad to meet you, Mrs. Dobson.

[Grandpa Barrett]

I guess you too would have met sooner, but. Well, Mads, I didn't want you to find out about the club until I'd finished this.

[Madge Dobson]

Grandpa, what's that?

[Ms. Lindsay]

It's a hanging shelf for knick knacks.

[Grandpa Barrett]

It'll be real nice when it's finished and polished.

[Madge Dobson]

Well, if you're really interested in this sort of thing, we'll buy you a saw like that. And Hank can help you make things with it.

[Grandpa Barrett]

But why can't I use this one?

[Madge Dobson]

Surely you don't expect to come here again.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Who would bring you?

[Grandpa Barrett]

My own two legs would bring me same as as they've done for the past two weeks.

[Madge Dobson]

We'll talk about it at home. Get your hat. Grandpa, you.

[Grandpa Barrett]

You mean I can't come here anymore?

[Madge Dobson]

That's right, miss. What's the charge?

[Ms. Lindsay]

Oh, there's no charge. This is a municipal community center.

[Madge Dobson]

Oh, I see. Well, thank you. Come along, Grandpa.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Well, Ms. Lindsay, I don't want to go. Can't you do something?

[Ms. Lindsay]

Well, I really shouldn't interfere. Does this club mean as much to you as all that?

[Grandpa Barrett]

It's everything to me. It's home.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Well, I'll go and talk to her.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Thanks, Ms. Lindsay.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Mrs. Dobson. Yes, Mr. Barrett's collecting some things to take home. Would you step into my office for a moment? I'd like to talk with you.

[Madge Dobson]

Why, very well.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Won't you sit down?

[Madge Dobson]

Thank you. I. I was so upset at seeing Grandpa with that saw. I'm afraid I didn't catch your name, miss Lindsay.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Oh, Mrs. Dobson, I'd be awfully interested in knowing exactly what you have against this club.

[Madge Dobson]

Why, I have nothing against the club. It's very nice, I suppose, but. Well, it's just that it's not for Grandpa. It's for homeless people and people like that.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Oh, this club was intended for lonely people.

[Madge Dobson]

But Grandpa's not alone. My husband and I are very fond of him.

[Ms. Lindsay]

It's possible for a man like Mr. Barrett to be lonely, even among people who love him.

[Madge Dobson]

And we will get him one of those saws if that's what he wants. Oh, there's no need for him to go to strangers for things his own family can provide. If he likes to keep busy with little tasks like that, I'll let him mind the baby sometimes and. Oh, I guess I have coddled him too much. But it was just because he's such a great responsibility.

[Ms. Lindsay]

I hope you don't think I'm rude, Mrs. Dobson, but I can't help feeling that you are making too much of the responsibility of Mr. Barrett.

[Madge Dobson]

But he's so old.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Does everything have to stop simply because of that? Remember, he's led a very active life. It's difficult for him to sit around and do nothing. Besides, he needs companions, people who are of the same age.

[Madge Dobson]

Yes, I'm sorry. I suppose that's true.

[Ms. Lindsay]

You see, one of the advantages of this club is that it gives old people a place where they have a status. Most of our members feel that they really belong here. Won't you let Grandpa Barrett stay with us?

[Madge Dobson]

I don't know. He'd think we were trying to get rid of him.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Oh, no, he wouldn't. And you needn't feel guilty because you can't believe Grandpa's loneliness. My dear, it's only because you're not 80 years old that you can't understand. Oh, that's Grandpa. What are you going to tell him?

[Madge Dobson]

I guess it'll be all right.

[Ms. Lindsay]

Good. Come in, Mr. Barrett.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Well, I. I'm all ready, Madge. That is, if you're still going to make me go home.

[Madge Dobson]

You'd rather stay, wouldn't you, Grandpa?

[Grandpa Barrett]

Well, Madge, making me sit around on a cushion and treating me like I was a piece of china or something.

[Ms. Lindsay]

That.

[Grandpa Barrett]

It's going to hurry me into my grave. I know it will. Here. I can do things.

[Jake Fields]

Here.

[Grandpa Barrett]

I've got friends.

[Madge Dobson]

All right, all right. That's plain enough.

[Ms. Lindsay]

You can stay.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Can I really?

[Ms. Lindsay]

Yippee.

[Grandpa Barrett]

Wait till I tell Jake. Maybe next year I'll take up Petey.

[Ralph Bellamy (Narrator)]

Grandpa Barrett and Jake Fields were lucky because they happened to live in a city which supported a community center for the aged. There they were able to defeat the feelings of loneliness and rejection which might have led to quick deterioration and a possible mental collapse. But not all of our old folks are so fortunate. Far too many of them are left to their own devices. Is it right to neglect them? Look around your community and decide what ought to be done. Remember, the old folks enjoy socializing just as much as the young ones do. Nobody likes to be lonely.

[Narrator / Hank]

You have just heard Ralph Bellamy as narrator in the Old Folks at Home, a presentation of the National Mental Health foundation and other organizations dedicated to the preservation of mental health.