WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:03.799 Mother, our Post forty percent brand flakes really the best 2 00:00:03.839 --> 00:00:05.400 tasting cereal of them all. 3 00:00:06.040 --> 00:00:09.359 Well, your father says so, and father knows best. 4 00:00:19.920 --> 00:00:21.239 Yes, it's father knows best. 5 00:00:21.239 --> 00:00:24.359 Transcribed in Hollywood starring Robert Young as father. A half 6 00:00:24.359 --> 00:00:26.879 hour visit with your neighbors, the Andersons, brought to you 7 00:00:26.920 --> 00:00:29.960 by Instant Sanka, the delicious coffee that lets you sleep, 8 00:00:30.160 --> 00:00:31.920 and Post forty percent brand flakes. 9 00:00:32.280 --> 00:00:32.520 Mother. 10 00:00:32.840 --> 00:00:36.119 Next time you're choosing a cereal, remember new Post brand flakes. 11 00:00:36.119 --> 00:00:38.840 Give your family all the important keep regular benefits of 12 00:00:38.840 --> 00:00:42.439 brand in a cereal with a delicious new magic oven flavor. 13 00:00:42.799 --> 00:00:45.880 Insist on Post brand plates, the cereal preferred and eaten 14 00:00:45.920 --> 00:00:48.719 by far more people than any other brand plates. They're 15 00:00:48.719 --> 00:00:51.759 wonderful for breakfast, lunch, or in between meals. So get 16 00:00:51.799 --> 00:00:55.240 Post brand flakes this weekend. They're good and so good 17 00:00:55.320 --> 00:01:10.079 for you. Well, the town of Springfield is lovely to 18 00:01:10.079 --> 00:01:13.680 behold this Christmas Eve. About noon today, the first snowflakes 19 00:01:13.680 --> 00:01:16.200 began to fall, and soon the air was filled with 20 00:01:16.239 --> 00:01:20.120 the whirling cristals came down heavily all afternoon. Now every 21 00:01:20.200 --> 00:01:22.879 lawn and park is white, every roof and chimney top 22 00:01:23.280 --> 00:01:26.120 and out on Maple Street. This frosty Christmas Eve. Every 23 00:01:26.159 --> 00:01:29.680 house seems to have its windows brightly aglobe. Every house 24 00:01:29.719 --> 00:01:31.319 that is, except the Andersons. 25 00:01:31.519 --> 00:01:35.280 They're not home, you see there. Well, let's go back 26 00:01:35.319 --> 00:01:36.400 to ten o'clock this morning. 27 00:01:36.680 --> 00:01:39.359 Margaret was wrapping packages on the dining room table and 28 00:01:39.480 --> 00:01:41.439 Jim was helping her, like this. 29 00:01:42.400 --> 00:01:46.680 Hold your finger on this, will you dear? There? We 30 00:01:46.760 --> 00:01:49.400 are that not should hold? Don't you think? 31 00:01:49.879 --> 00:01:50.159 Honey? 32 00:01:50.200 --> 00:01:54.079 Are you planning to send me along with the package? 33 00:01:53.799 --> 00:01:54.959 What's the matter? 34 00:01:55.480 --> 00:01:57.519 You tied my thumb in there? 35 00:01:58.439 --> 00:01:58.640 Oh? 36 00:01:58.719 --> 00:02:05.879 I'm sorry there. Yeah, I wonder if there's anyone I've forgotten. 37 00:02:06.400 --> 00:02:08.639 Well, from the number of packages scattered around here, you 38 00:02:08.680 --> 00:02:09.960 couldn't have forgotten anyone. 39 00:02:10.560 --> 00:02:11.919 Not in Springfield anyway. 40 00:02:12.479 --> 00:02:14.800 Oh, they're not so many there. It just looks like 41 00:02:14.879 --> 00:02:15.240 a lot. 42 00:02:15.439 --> 00:02:19.879 I can't figure it out. We don't know that many people, 43 00:02:20.639 --> 00:02:21.159 all right. 44 00:02:21.199 --> 00:02:24.199 Now, Look, this one goes to the Kirby's. You remember 45 00:02:24.319 --> 00:02:26.599 last year they gave us that lovely salad bowl and 46 00:02:26.639 --> 00:02:29.520 we only sent them a card. M hm. This one 47 00:02:29.560 --> 00:02:32.120 is for the Morrises. I feel we certainly owe them 48 00:02:32.159 --> 00:02:32.599 a gift. 49 00:02:33.080 --> 00:02:34.639 But honey, now wait, you. 50 00:02:34.639 --> 00:02:37.960 Asked a question, and I'm answering you. This package goes 51 00:02:38.000 --> 00:02:40.800 to the Rodneys. I didn't send them a thing last year, 52 00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:42.960 and the year before that they gave us that huge 53 00:02:43.000 --> 00:02:46.240 box of pears, I know. But the big boxes for 54 00:02:46.319 --> 00:02:49.520 the Carters. And then there's the Blakes and the Rogers 55 00:02:49.520 --> 00:02:52.199 and the Millbanks send the duke Plains and the Newman's 56 00:02:52.240 --> 00:02:55.319 and the Lewises. They all gave us something last Christmas. 57 00:02:55.800 --> 00:02:57.719 You see. I keep a record of these things, dear, 58 00:02:57.919 --> 00:02:59.039 I have it all written down. 59 00:02:59.800 --> 00:03:02.479 Fine, I'm not objecting to the idea of remembering our 60 00:03:02.520 --> 00:03:03.439 friends at Christmas. 61 00:03:03.919 --> 00:03:06.199 Well you wondered why all the packages. 62 00:03:06.879 --> 00:03:09.599 Well, it just seems that suddenly Christmas has lost something. 63 00:03:10.439 --> 00:03:11.840 It used to be so much simpler. 64 00:03:11.919 --> 00:03:15.719 The spirit of Christmas had a different meaning, I. 65 00:03:15.800 --> 00:03:18.919 Know, dear, But when people have given to us. 66 00:03:18.719 --> 00:03:21.120 It, honey, it's become a matter of bookkeeping. 67 00:03:22.039 --> 00:03:25.439 Christmas used to be a quiet and beautifully religious holiday, 68 00:03:26.120 --> 00:03:29.719 time for the children, time for bringing happiness to others. 69 00:03:30.439 --> 00:03:33.120 What does it become a mad scramble to buy a 70 00:03:33.120 --> 00:03:34.960 lot of things you can't afford to give to people 71 00:03:35.000 --> 00:03:38.319 who don't need them. Now, dear, why can't we have 72 00:03:38.439 --> 00:03:40.319 Christmas the way it used to be? 73 00:03:40.439 --> 00:03:40.840 Quiet? 74 00:03:40.879 --> 00:03:44.599 And simple, with the real Christmas spirit, when you gathered 75 00:03:44.599 --> 00:03:47.879 your family and friends around the fire, and the children 76 00:03:47.960 --> 00:03:50.879 hung up their stockings and the church bells on Christmas 77 00:03:50.879 --> 00:03:52.479 Eve and the carol are singing. 78 00:03:53.280 --> 00:03:54.759 That's the way Christmas should be. 79 00:03:55.240 --> 00:03:58.840 I know, dear, but I'm in the dining room, Daddy. 80 00:03:59.080 --> 00:04:01.000 I'm going to watch my here now. Mother, So if 81 00:04:01.120 --> 00:04:02.840 Janie calls, will you take the message? 82 00:04:03.120 --> 00:04:03.919 What message? 83 00:04:03.960 --> 00:04:07.240 Well, it's very important, you see, Janie knows simply dozens 84 00:04:07.280 --> 00:04:09.919 of girls who work at Burton's department store, and they're 85 00:04:09.919 --> 00:04:12.319 going to call her the second Ralph comes in the store, 86 00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:13.879 and then Janie's gonna call me. 87 00:04:14.360 --> 00:04:18.120 Brent says, if you'll forgive my unseemly curiosity, what is 88 00:04:18.160 --> 00:04:20.439 the purpose of this elaborate spy system. 89 00:04:20.959 --> 00:04:22.920 Why to find out what Ralph's going to give me 90 00:04:23.000 --> 00:04:23.720 for Christmas? 91 00:04:23.839 --> 00:04:30.839 Naturally? Oh, naturally, But dear, a Christmas present is supposed 92 00:04:30.879 --> 00:04:32.199 to be a surprise. 93 00:04:32.399 --> 00:04:35.199 Of course, mother, But how can I be surprised if 94 00:04:35.199 --> 00:04:37.360 I don't know what kind of gold lockett that's heard 95 00:04:37.360 --> 00:04:39.560 shaped with my initials on and he's going to buy me? 96 00:04:43.399 --> 00:04:46.639 Uh wait a minute, how is that again? 97 00:04:47.000 --> 00:04:49.319 I'll be upstairs, mother, if Janie called. 98 00:04:49.360 --> 00:04:51.240 You need to call me to the phone unless the 99 00:04:51.319 --> 00:04:53.240 lockett is a wristwatched. 100 00:04:54.360 --> 00:04:54.519 Now. 101 00:04:54.600 --> 00:04:57.879 If that doesn't know, now, don't let it upset you. 102 00:04:58.079 --> 00:04:59.959 She's just a normal teenage girl. 103 00:05:00.240 --> 00:05:02.519 But honey, the whole idea of Christmas. 104 00:05:04.600 --> 00:05:07.759 We're in the dining room, bod Hey, tonight's Christmas Eve. 105 00:05:07.839 --> 00:05:09.399 Can you believe it? Christmas Eve? 106 00:05:09.759 --> 00:05:11.639 And you'd better go down in the basement and bring 107 00:05:11.720 --> 00:05:13.120 up the decorations for the tree. 108 00:05:13.279 --> 00:05:14.600 We haven't got a tree yet. 109 00:05:14.959 --> 00:05:17.480 Besides, I haven't got time right now. 110 00:05:17.680 --> 00:05:19.959 Joe and I gotta get some stuff together. We're going 111 00:05:19.959 --> 00:05:21.240 out with Christmas carols. 112 00:05:21.920 --> 00:05:23.079 Christmas carols. 113 00:05:23.839 --> 00:05:27.000 You I don't question it, Margaret, Thank Heaven, there's one 114 00:05:27.000 --> 00:05:29.360 person in this family who has the true Christmas spirit. 115 00:05:29.959 --> 00:05:32.560 Allow me to congratulate you, son. You have the right idea. 116 00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:35.680 There's nothing fine around Christmas Eve than to go around 117 00:05:35.720 --> 00:05:36.639 singing carols. 118 00:05:37.360 --> 00:05:41.439 Oh we're not gonna sing him, dad, Oh what are 119 00:05:41.439 --> 00:05:42.120 you gonna do with him? 120 00:05:43.800 --> 00:05:46.439 We got a deal with Gus down at the used 121 00:05:46.480 --> 00:05:46.959 car lot. 122 00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:48.839 He has a sound talk. 123 00:05:48.839 --> 00:05:50.560 You know, with the big horns on top and a 124 00:05:50.680 --> 00:05:51.759 record player inside. 125 00:05:52.120 --> 00:05:55.079 Oh no, no, wait, this is a cool idea. 126 00:05:55.639 --> 00:05:58.000 Gus is gonna drive the sound talk all over town 127 00:05:58.040 --> 00:06:01.079 this afternoon, and Joe and I we're gonna be inside 128 00:06:01.120 --> 00:06:05.120 playing the Christmas Carol records. But well, I'm not really 129 00:06:05.120 --> 00:06:07.560 gonna play the records. Joe's gonna do that, And I'm 130 00:06:07.600 --> 00:06:18.160 gonna read the commercials. Commercials sure for Gus McCarthy's use Carlot. 131 00:06:18.839 --> 00:06:21.319 Joe plays a Carol. And then I read a commercial. 132 00:06:21.600 --> 00:06:24.399 I got some cool ideas? How do you like this one? 133 00:06:24.800 --> 00:06:28.920 It starts out resking Mary gentlemen in a nineteen thirty 134 00:06:28.959 --> 00:06:31.480 six two doors edan with bike side. 135 00:06:32.759 --> 00:06:35.639 Oh but maybe you'd better? 136 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:38.319 Or oh what fun it is to ride in a 137 00:06:38.439 --> 00:06:41.680 nineteen forty club coop with overdrive and new seat covers. 138 00:06:42.800 --> 00:06:44.759 Pretty look, but I. 139 00:06:44.680 --> 00:06:47.680 Saw a mommy kissing Santa Claus in a nineteen forty 140 00:06:47.720 --> 00:06:52.040 eight convertible with radio. 141 00:06:54.519 --> 00:06:57.720 How do you like those? Pretty good? Hun Dad? Pretty good? 142 00:06:57.839 --> 00:06:59.720 But have you lost your mind? 143 00:06:59.800 --> 00:06:59.879 This? 144 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:01.160 This is Christmas? 145 00:07:01.519 --> 00:07:04.680 Your father's right, But that's carrying it entirely too far. 146 00:07:04.920 --> 00:07:07.199 But if I don't work on the truck this afternoon, 147 00:07:07.279 --> 00:07:09.439 I won't get to ride on it in the parade tonight, 148 00:07:10.279 --> 00:07:15.160 parade on Christmas Eve? Sure, the Big Santa Claus parade. 149 00:07:15.519 --> 00:07:15.759 They can. 150 00:07:15.839 --> 00:07:18.800 I have floats and bands and cowboys, all kinds of stuff. 151 00:07:19.279 --> 00:07:22.800 What no skyrockets? Well now I've heard everything. 152 00:07:23.199 --> 00:07:27.160 Peace on earth, goodwill toward man, introduced with a brass 153 00:07:27.279 --> 00:07:29.120 vand Daddy. 154 00:07:29.560 --> 00:07:30.439 What is it? Kitten? 155 00:07:30.680 --> 00:07:32.879 When are we gonna get our tree? Oh? 156 00:07:33.000 --> 00:07:34.680 You better go down and get one, dear, they'll be 157 00:07:34.680 --> 00:07:35.240 all gone. 158 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:38.399 I could have gotten one wholesale from Gus's used carlock. 159 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:41.800 He sells Christmas trees too. 160 00:07:42.519 --> 00:07:44.560 Can we have a purple tree this year? 161 00:07:44.639 --> 00:07:45.040 Daddy? 162 00:07:45.600 --> 00:07:47.040 A purple tree? 163 00:07:47.360 --> 00:07:50.199 They're selling them on the vacant lot next to the 164 00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:55.160 pool hall. Red, yellow, pink, orange, purple. You can get 165 00:07:55.199 --> 00:08:03.240 any color you want except green. You're talking about the tree. 166 00:08:03.279 --> 00:08:04.480 I vote for a pink one. 167 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:08.519 What's wrong with green? Nothing? 168 00:08:09.279 --> 00:08:11.560 Except it just looks like a tree. 169 00:08:13.199 --> 00:08:16.199 What's a tree supposed to look like? Daddy? 170 00:08:16.480 --> 00:08:19.120 Can we get one of those neon lights? 171 00:08:19.600 --> 00:08:23.639 Oh, for a pea's sake, neon lights? Purple Christmas trees, 172 00:08:24.040 --> 00:08:26.680 grass bands? What has happened to you? 173 00:08:26.839 --> 00:08:30.839 Kids? Have you forgotten the meaning of Christmas? Have you 174 00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:32.720 forgotten everything you've learned in Sunday School? 175 00:08:33.240 --> 00:08:36.279 No, father, It's just that things are different Nowland when 176 00:08:36.320 --> 00:08:39.159 you were a boy. This is nineteen fifty. 177 00:08:38.840 --> 00:08:42.759 Three different nothing. You can change everything else, but not Christmas. 178 00:08:43.360 --> 00:08:45.639 Am I right, Margaret, you have the floor. 179 00:08:45.679 --> 00:08:45.879 Dear. 180 00:08:48.279 --> 00:08:50.519 The whole trouble is that Christmas has been turned into 181 00:08:50.559 --> 00:08:55.039 another super colossal all color production. Well it's all wrong, 182 00:08:55.960 --> 00:08:58.240 and as far as this family is concerned, we're putting 183 00:08:58.240 --> 00:08:59.360 a stop to it. 184 00:08:59.440 --> 00:09:01.320 This year. We're going to celebrate. 185 00:09:00.919 --> 00:09:05.360 Christmas as it should be celebrated, simply and naturally, without 186 00:09:05.399 --> 00:09:07.200 all the hoop de doo and fall the all. 187 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:09.720 This is going to be a real Christmas. 188 00:09:09.919 --> 00:09:11.879 I don't understand what you mean. Father. 189 00:09:12.519 --> 00:09:14.840 Well, to begin with, we're not going to buy one 190 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:17.799 of those painted trees. We're going to get in the 191 00:09:17.799 --> 00:09:20.159 car and drive up the Pine mountain and cut our 192 00:09:20.200 --> 00:09:20.759 own tree. 193 00:09:20.879 --> 00:09:23.279 Oh why can we, Daddy? 194 00:09:23.639 --> 00:09:24.799 You don't really. 195 00:09:24.559 --> 00:09:27.320 Mean that, certainly I do. You kids, gather up some 196 00:09:27.360 --> 00:09:30.480 warm clothes, but get the saw out of the garage. 197 00:09:30.879 --> 00:09:34.080 But Father, it's at least fifty miles up there. 198 00:09:34.480 --> 00:09:37.120 You can buy a tree for a couple of buckstead. 199 00:09:37.720 --> 00:09:39.960 Now that's what I'm talking about. All you kids can 200 00:09:39.960 --> 00:09:43.320 think of is buy bye bye. This is a part 201 00:09:43.360 --> 00:09:43.840 of Christmas. 202 00:09:43.879 --> 00:09:46.919 You've never even experienced going out into the woods and 203 00:09:46.960 --> 00:09:48.320 cutting your own Christmas tree. 204 00:09:48.720 --> 00:09:50.919 The weather forecast at snow today. 205 00:09:51.240 --> 00:09:53.039 Oh, we'll be up there and back in three or 206 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:56.679 four hours. Not going to snow that much. Besides, I 207 00:09:56.720 --> 00:09:58.960 have chains. Now, get your coats. 208 00:09:59.159 --> 00:10:01.399 I'm getting ma, I'm ready. 209 00:10:02.120 --> 00:10:05.240 This sounds like a real peachy Christmas. 210 00:10:05.559 --> 00:10:07.960 It will be, princess, you'll see, Dear. 211 00:10:08.039 --> 00:10:11.120 I have all those packages to deliver to the Rogers. 212 00:10:10.679 --> 00:10:12.440 And the new miss Roll them in the car, Honey, 213 00:10:12.480 --> 00:10:13.799 we'll deliver them on our way back. 214 00:10:14.279 --> 00:10:17.080 You're sure this is a good idea. 215 00:10:17.320 --> 00:10:20.480 Am I sure? Margaret? Believe me, this is going to 216 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:22.639 be a Christmas none of us will ever forget. 217 00:10:37.600 --> 00:10:39.159 Are we almost there? Daddy? 218 00:10:39.759 --> 00:10:42.639 Oh? Another mile or two? Maybe? 219 00:10:42.919 --> 00:10:45.159 Father? It's starting to snow again. 220 00:10:46.320 --> 00:10:47.720 Oh, that's snow coming down. 221 00:10:48.519 --> 00:10:52.200 It isn't conflicts, gosh. 222 00:10:52.639 --> 00:10:56.879 Just a little flurry, nothing to worry about. Come on, 223 00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:59.799 cheer up, everybody. It's almost Christmas eve. 224 00:11:00.320 --> 00:11:02.080 What is there to cheer up about. 225 00:11:04.080 --> 00:11:07.000 Joe's probably out on the sound truck playing dick the 226 00:11:07.080 --> 00:11:12.200 holes with bowls of holly and selling cars like crazy. 227 00:11:12.720 --> 00:11:15.840 But we're not talking about that, remember, Okay. 228 00:11:16.440 --> 00:11:18.600 Now, if you kids think you have a hard life. 229 00:11:19.000 --> 00:11:21.639 Look at that little grocery store back off the road there, 230 00:11:22.320 --> 00:11:23.639 miles from everything. 231 00:11:24.600 --> 00:11:26.639 How would you like to live there? Well? 232 00:11:26.679 --> 00:11:29.120 I wouldn't, that's all. I just wouldn't. 233 00:11:29.360 --> 00:11:30.200 What if you had to? 234 00:11:31.240 --> 00:11:32.279 Well, I wouldn't. 235 00:11:32.960 --> 00:11:33.840 What if you had to? 236 00:11:34.960 --> 00:11:38.320 I said, I wouldn't, Yo, But what if you had to? 237 00:11:42.919 --> 00:11:44.720 Mother too? About to stop it? 238 00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:48.519 But stop it? 239 00:11:49.039 --> 00:11:50.600 Are we almost there? Daddy? 240 00:11:50.879 --> 00:11:54.000 Oh it won't be long, kitten. Look at that snow 241 00:11:54.080 --> 00:11:58.159 drifting down. Isn't that beautiful? We're going to have a 242 00:11:58.240 --> 00:11:58.960 white Christmas? 243 00:11:59.360 --> 00:12:02.279 It's lovely, dear? But do you think we should try 244 00:12:02.279 --> 00:12:03.159 to go any farther? 245 00:12:03.879 --> 00:12:05.080 Just around the next band? 246 00:12:05.399 --> 00:12:07.759 Why we had to dry clear up here into the 247 00:12:07.799 --> 00:12:09.799 wilderness to get a Christmas tree? 248 00:12:10.120 --> 00:12:14.480 You'll understand, Princess, when we're back home this evening, when 249 00:12:14.519 --> 00:12:16.919 the fragrance of the tree fills the whole house. 250 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:24.399 What happened, daddy? 251 00:12:25.279 --> 00:12:29.120 Nothing? The snow's a little deeper. 252 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:34.679 Here, bother, we're not moving? 253 00:12:35.600 --> 00:12:38.399 Are we stuck? Dead? No, we're not stuck. 254 00:12:45.720 --> 00:12:48.200 Why aren't we moving, dear? 255 00:12:48.240 --> 00:12:50.960 We can't go any farther. It's snowing so hard now 256 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:53.840 you can't see ahead. Can you turn around? 257 00:12:54.440 --> 00:12:57.000 I won't try to turn around. The only thing we 258 00:12:57.039 --> 00:12:58.600 can do is back up. 259 00:13:02.559 --> 00:13:03.879 We're moving. 260 00:13:06.720 --> 00:13:10.279 What's the matter, I'm afraid we're stuck. 261 00:13:10.840 --> 00:13:13.759 Oh no, Jim, we can't be now. 262 00:13:13.799 --> 00:13:16.679 There's nothing to get excited about. We'll get out of 263 00:13:16.720 --> 00:13:21.320 here somehow. Take the wheel, Margaret, button now, get out 264 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:24.440 in the push. Come on, Bud, I can't even see. 265 00:13:25.200 --> 00:13:26.679 What do you want me to do, Jim? 266 00:13:27.159 --> 00:13:28.039 Put it in reverse. 267 00:13:28.679 --> 00:13:29.720 I can't hear you. 268 00:13:30.200 --> 00:13:37.399 The snow's getting deep there, snow us. We can't move it. Uh, 269 00:13:38.559 --> 00:13:39.960 shut off the border, Margaret. 270 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:43.919 So what do we do now, dear? 271 00:13:44.440 --> 00:13:44.600 Oh? 272 00:13:45.960 --> 00:13:52.679 Have to leave the car and walk back? Yeah, well, 273 00:13:52.720 --> 00:13:55.440 come on, everybody, I'll take the keys. 274 00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:58.759 Margaret, all right, button up your coat, Kathy that he 275 00:13:58.840 --> 00:13:59.960 bring those two blankets. 276 00:14:00.360 --> 00:14:02.879 We can't walk all the way back in this snow. 277 00:14:03.279 --> 00:14:06.120 I know that we're going back to that little grocery 278 00:14:06.120 --> 00:14:07.000 store we passed. 279 00:14:07.639 --> 00:14:09.559 It's only about a quarter of a mile. 280 00:14:10.759 --> 00:14:16.639 Close the car doors, okay, Kathy. 281 00:14:16.679 --> 00:14:22.440 Now all stay together. We've been a hurry. It's getting dark, daddy. 282 00:14:23.360 --> 00:14:26.320 Yeah, it's almost Christmas Eve. 283 00:14:26.840 --> 00:14:28.799 Yes, almost. 284 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:32.639 I got snow in my shoe and snow down my neck. 285 00:14:32.759 --> 00:14:33.960 Can you see where you're going? 286 00:14:34.039 --> 00:14:38.240 Gym? Yeah? I could see marooned. 287 00:14:37.720 --> 00:14:39.720 On top of a mountain in a blizzard. 288 00:14:40.120 --> 00:14:42.639 All right, stop complaining. It could be worse. 289 00:14:43.120 --> 00:14:45.480 Yeah, we could have come up here in our bathing suit. 290 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:51.879 I don't know why we had to come up here, Yo, 291 00:14:52.080 --> 00:14:53.080 what was the idea? 292 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:58.840 Well, I'll tell you, my freezing friends. This is that 293 00:14:59.159 --> 00:15:09.320 warm and beautifully ben known as a simple old fashioned Christmas. 294 00:15:11.799 --> 00:15:19.559 Here's a pre Christmas story. It begins in a house 295 00:15:19.600 --> 00:15:22.399 and concerns if you please a young husband and spouse. 296 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:26.039 They're hanging up holy reeds, trimming the tree, wrapping dozens 297 00:15:26.039 --> 00:15:29.159 of presents to fill, all with glee. Then hark, as 298 00:15:29.200 --> 00:15:32.279 the hall clock strikes ten, they both stop, and, worn 299 00:15:32.360 --> 00:15:35.399 out and tired in a chair, they both drop, says 300 00:15:35.440 --> 00:15:37.440 the man with a yawn. Do you think, dear, we might, 301 00:15:37.519 --> 00:15:40.159 though it's late. Risks some coffee and maybe a bite, 302 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:43.120 says his wife with a grin that is cheery and bold. 303 00:15:43.440 --> 00:15:45.720 You can have all the coffee you think you can 304 00:15:45.759 --> 00:15:49.320 hold for I bought instant sanka just for your sake. 305 00:15:49.559 --> 00:15:52.440 It's free from caffeine, will keep no one awake. So 306 00:15:52.519 --> 00:15:54.919 they sat and sipped sanka and found it so good 307 00:15:54.919 --> 00:15:55.639 they drank. 308 00:15:55.399 --> 00:15:56.879 Even more than they usually would. 309 00:15:57.200 --> 00:15:59.759 Yet, when later that night Sata poked in his head, 310 00:16:00.159 --> 00:16:03.559 both husband and wife were asleep in their bed. There's 311 00:16:03.600 --> 00:16:06.360 my story, my friends, And though not like the jingle 312 00:16:06.639 --> 00:16:10.159 that whimsical legend of cheery Chris Kringle, it carries a 313 00:16:10.200 --> 00:16:14.480 message important and true. You can drink instant sanka and 314 00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:15.919 sleep the night through. 315 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:25.879 Well. 316 00:16:25.919 --> 00:16:28.240 As I said earlier, the white frame house on Maple 317 00:16:28.279 --> 00:16:31.559 Street is dark this Christmas Eve. About noon today, Jim 318 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:34.919 Anderson revolted against his family's attitude toward the Yule tide 319 00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:37.799 and decided that this year they should discover the joys 320 00:16:37.840 --> 00:16:40.159 of a simple, old fashioned Christmas. 321 00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:44.519 Nice thought, Yes, how is it working out? Terrible? 322 00:16:45.200 --> 00:16:47.320 They drive up to Pine Mountain to cut their own 323 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:49.480 tree and ended up in a snowbank. Now with a 324 00:16:49.559 --> 00:16:52.480 car abandoned, Jim and the family groped their way through 325 00:16:52.480 --> 00:16:56.399 the blizzard toward an isolated roadside store like this. 326 00:16:59.240 --> 00:17:00.960 I think is frozen? 327 00:17:02.360 --> 00:17:02.840 How much? 328 00:17:02.919 --> 00:17:03.200 Father? 329 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:05.720 Is it? Yaddy? It must be right ahead of us. 330 00:17:06.519 --> 00:17:08.720 If it weren't snowing so hard, we could probably see 331 00:17:08.720 --> 00:17:09.640 it there. 332 00:17:09.680 --> 00:17:10.279 It is dead. 333 00:17:10.559 --> 00:17:11.279 You see the light? 334 00:17:11.559 --> 00:17:13.440 Yeah, here's the storm, Mummy. 335 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:14.960 Oh well, thank Heaven. 336 00:17:15.400 --> 00:17:18.480 That looks real pretty for Christmas Eve, doesn't it? Holly 337 00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:19.400 Reith in the window. 338 00:17:19.720 --> 00:17:22.880 All I'm interested in right now is getting back to Springfield. 339 00:17:23.319 --> 00:17:26.319 I'm supposed to be at at least three parties tonight. 340 00:17:27.680 --> 00:17:29.839 If we get back in time, I can still ride 341 00:17:29.880 --> 00:17:32.400 in the parade with Joel on the sound truck. 342 00:17:32.559 --> 00:17:34.640 All those gifts are still in the car gym. We'll 343 00:17:34.640 --> 00:17:36.839 have to get them out somehow. They have to be 344 00:17:36.880 --> 00:17:37.720 delivered tonight. 345 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:40.279 All right, one thing at a time. Let's get in 346 00:17:40.359 --> 00:17:40.960 here and thaw. 347 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:53.680 First, Daddy, look at that. 348 00:17:54.240 --> 00:17:54.839 They've got a. 349 00:17:54.839 --> 00:17:56.000 Fire in a barrel. 350 00:17:57.319 --> 00:18:00.000 That's not a barrel, kidding, that's an old fashioned pot belly. 351 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:02.920 Oh, this looks like the kind of a store my 352 00:18:03.039 --> 00:18:04.319 father used to talk about. 353 00:18:05.279 --> 00:18:09.039 Look at the stuff hanging from the ceiling, landings and snowshoes, 354 00:18:09.079 --> 00:18:09.759 all kinds of. 355 00:18:09.759 --> 00:18:12.240 Jump black gully. It smells just like the old general 356 00:18:12.319 --> 00:18:13.680 store back in my hometown. 357 00:18:13.960 --> 00:18:15.200 Who runs the place? 358 00:18:15.640 --> 00:18:23.359 I wouldn't be surprised if it's Lumon Abner. Hello, anybody here? 359 00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:26.000 Where's the telephone? 360 00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:27.160 Oh it's here someplace. 361 00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:29.799 You children had better take your coats off now I'm 362 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:33.480 on the stove. We weren't expecting anyone in tonight. 363 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:35.240 How did you folks. 364 00:18:34.880 --> 00:18:35.559 Get up here? 365 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:38.920 Well, our car stalled up the road. I wonder if 366 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:40.839 we could use your telephone where. 367 00:18:40.680 --> 00:18:43.559 You'd be most welcome to use it if we had one. 368 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:46.720 No telephone? 369 00:18:47.079 --> 00:18:51.519 Well, hello, there is if your car it snowed in 370 00:18:51.680 --> 00:18:53.599 up the road, Yes, that's ours. 371 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:56.039 And we must have passed on the road without seeing 372 00:18:56.079 --> 00:18:58.200 each other. I just walked up there to see if 373 00:18:58.200 --> 00:18:58.960 you needed help. 374 00:18:59.240 --> 00:19:02.039 Well, that was very thoughtful of you. We were looking 375 00:19:02.079 --> 00:19:02.920 for a telephone. 376 00:19:03.039 --> 00:19:04.960 Well, I guess the nearest phone is down at the 377 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:06.200 Harpers place, isn't it. 378 00:19:06.119 --> 00:19:09.079 Tom Yeah, And you'd never make it down there tonight, 379 00:19:09.400 --> 00:19:11.240 not with the snow coming down like it is. 380 00:19:11.599 --> 00:19:13.839 But how are we gonna get back to Springfield? 381 00:19:14.319 --> 00:19:17.000 I'm afraid you're not going to get back tonight, Miss, 382 00:19:17.359 --> 00:19:19.200 probably not tomorrow either. 383 00:19:19.559 --> 00:19:24.480 Ah, growl, Here goes Christmas and all our plans. 384 00:19:24.640 --> 00:19:26.200 I wouldn't feel too bad about it. 385 00:19:26.319 --> 00:19:26.839 Miss. 386 00:19:27.319 --> 00:19:31.759 It may not be so noticeable, but it's Christmas here too, 387 00:19:31.920 --> 00:19:32.160 you know. 388 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:34.839 And since Maggie and. 389 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:37.920 Me you're so we're marooned up here in a manner 390 00:19:37.920 --> 00:19:41.759 of speaking, and since you folks are stranded too, why 391 00:19:41.799 --> 00:19:46.279 don't we just say we're all stranded together, snowbound as 392 00:19:46.279 --> 00:19:46.599 it were. 393 00:19:46.920 --> 00:19:49.079 Well, that's very nice. 394 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:51.359 Of you, but we can't just move in on you. 395 00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:54.359 And why not? You look like nice folks. Tom and 396 00:19:54.440 --> 00:19:55.400 ne are alone here. 397 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:58.039 I'll put some more plates on the table, and there's 398 00:19:58.079 --> 00:19:59.359 plenty of beds upstairs. 399 00:20:00.000 --> 00:20:00.640 Can we do it? 400 00:20:01.160 --> 00:20:03.359 Please? Mommy, please? 401 00:20:04.200 --> 00:20:06.240