September 25, 2025 • 29 mins
A sitcom that portrays the everyday life of a typical American family, focusing on the father's guidance and wisdom. The show combines humor with moral lessons.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
By a transcription.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Mother, is Maxwell House the best coffee in the whole world?
Speaker 3 (00:08):
Well, your father says so, and your father knows best.
Speaker 4 (00:21):
Yes, it's father knows best, starring Robert Young as father.
A half hour visit with your new neighbors. The Anderson's
brought to you by Maxwell House, the coffee that's bought
and enjoyed by more people than any other brand of
coffee at any price. Maxwell House always good to the
last drop. Well, another year is underway. All the excitement
(00:57):
of Christmas in New Years is over.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
The average home.
Speaker 4 (01:01):
The usual problems of life and living still remain in Springfield.
In the white frame house on Maple Street. The Andersons,
like any average family, are back in a well ordered group.
But being an average family, you can bet they won't
stay there very long.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
They never do, do they.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Mother.
Speaker 5 (01:21):
Yes, Kathy, when I finish my dinnery, I go over
to Patty Davis's.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
All right, dear, if you don't stay too long? Mother,
how can she? This is her week to dry? Oh
that's right, I'm sorry, Kathy, I forgot snitcher.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Kathy. Please be quieting each to dinner all right, daddy?
Speaker 2 (01:41):
Mom, Yes, but I'll be glad to dry the dishes
to Kathy.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
You will. That's very nice, dear, But it's Kathy's chore
and she'd better do it herself.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Gee wheares.
Speaker 6 (01:55):
Margaret, Yes, dear, you know it's very funny, but I
could have sworn. I heard Bud say he'd dry the
dish for Kathy. I did you said you'd dry the
dishes for Kathy?
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Sure?
Speaker 1 (02:06):
You mean just like that?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Sure? Why not?
Speaker 1 (02:09):
You know?
Speaker 6 (02:10):
I think I've been working too hard. Everything sounds so strange.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
It was the holidays, Dear, They're quite a strain.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
Well, it's something you feel, all right, don't you, Bud?
Speaker 2 (02:24):
I feel fine.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Maybe I'll go to bed right after dinner. That'll fix
me up.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
But I told you Judge Mitchell said he was going
to call. He's been trying to get you all day.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
I know.
Speaker 6 (02:34):
Probably wants me to serve on that highway safety committee.
You know, Margaret, you think I was the only man
in Springfield that could make a speech. Every time somebody
dreams up a committee or a driver or a bond rally,
Get Jim Anderson, Get Jim Anderson.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Speech is here? Speech is there?
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Jim?
Speaker 3 (02:50):
You love it and you know it.
Speaker 6 (02:51):
But I don't have the time. I don't think I've
ever been so busy in my entire life.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Anything we can do, father, No, Betty.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
I'm afraid not.
Speaker 6 (03:00):
You know what I've got to do now, Margaret, I've
got to revise the schedule on every automobile policy in
the office.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
The rates went up again today.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
No, Jim, really, how come? Dad?
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Reckless drivers, that's how come.
Speaker 6 (03:12):
Oh seventy one hundred kids between the ages of fifteen
and twenty four killed in one year, and it's getting
worse all the time. Bud, Yes, Ded, did you take
the ashes out this afternoon?
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Yes, sir, I sure did.
Speaker 7 (03:28):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
You don't have a report card you want me to sign,
do you?
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Oh? No, Dad, we won't have those until the end
of the month.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
I see. How's your allowance holding up?
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Fine? Dad?
Speaker 1 (03:39):
Just great? I don't get it. May I have my coffee? Please?
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Of course?
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Dear, there you are.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
You don't get fut.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Dad, this sudden burst of sweetness and light.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
What are you up to or nothing? Dead? Nothing at all?
Speaker 3 (03:55):
He's probably in love.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Oh mush, girls, all they can think about is love.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
I'll get it.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Nobody Wait, Margaret, would you answered please?
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Well?
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Of course, dear, If that's what you want.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
And if it's, Judge Mitchell, tell me my mouth.
Speaker 6 (04:10):
I had a business engagement and won't be back UNTI late,
all right, I just.
Speaker 3 (04:15):
Hope you know what you're doing. Hello. Oh hello, Judge Mitchell. No,
I'm awfully sorry, but Jim had to go out. Yes,
a business called daddy. Kathy, be quiet, please, that'll be fine,
Judge Mitchell. I'll be sure to tell him as soon
as he comes in. Good night, Daddy.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
What is it, Kathy? You told a fib?
Speaker 3 (04:43):
I did no such thing, Jim, Judge Mitchell said he'd
try you again later.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
Fine, give him a horse and he'd make a Canadian mount.
He look sick. You said you were out and you
weren't out.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
And if that isn't a fib, what else?
Speaker 6 (04:57):
I h I think I'll have another piece of cake, Margaret?
Speaker 2 (05:03):
All right, dear Daddy.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Yes, Kathy, you said you were out and you weren't out.
Speaker 3 (05:09):
And if that isn't a fit.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
What is Kathy? I heard you the first time?
Speaker 3 (05:14):
Well, Margaret, oh no, don't get me involved in this.
I have enough troubles of my own.
Speaker 6 (05:23):
Love, honor, and obey, for better or for worse. Fine stuff, Kathy, yes, daddy.
As you grow older, you learn to distinguish between telling
an untruth and telling something that isn't true. I mean,
if you tell an untruth because you were afraid to
(05:43):
tell the truth, it's worse than if you don't tell
the truth merely because you feel that if you do
tell the truth. You see, Kathy, there are times when
if you tell an untruth it isn't really an untrue
because you mean to tell the truth.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
But well, you want to be kind, that's.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
All, Betty, please.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Betty, go ahead, Dad.
I think it's very interesting. What is what you just said?
Speaker 1 (06:27):
You mean you understood it? Of course. Well I'm glad
somebody did. How about you, Kathy? I guess so. It's
a sip when you're little, but when you grow up
it isn't.
Speaker 6 (06:44):
No, Kathy, that isn't it at all. It's well, all right,
I told a fib. I shouldn't have, but I did.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
That's what I thought, Kathy. Can't you see Dad's tired.
Why don't you leave him alone?
Speaker 6 (07:00):
But stick out your tongue? But four, never mind what four?
Just stick your tongue out?
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Ah, look all right to you?
Speaker 3 (07:08):
Margaret, just beautiful, dear, one of the loveliest tongues I've
ever seen.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
All Right, Bud, put it back in.
Speaker 2 (07:18):
Holy cow, Now I can't even have any privacy of
my own tongue.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Finish your milk, dear?
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Well how old you have to be before people stop
looking at your tongue?
Speaker 6 (07:28):
Anyway, when you get that old, you start looking at
it yourself.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
All right, Bud, please see who's at the door.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Okay, why don't you look at Betty's tongue once in
a while. She's goofier than anybody?
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Why, Budd Anderson, you will snap Betty.
Speaker 6 (07:45):
That'll be enough of that. But fun, I said, that'll
be enough of that. I'll either finish your dinner or
go to your room.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Oh, I'll be glad to after you finish the dishes.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
Oh, may I have the sugar? Please? There you are, dear,
kill me.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
I'm goofy. Stay dead.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
It's the minister doctor swayin. We'll have him come in.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Oh, he said he will wait for you in the
living room.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
Oh, dear, is my hair all right? Do you think
I ought to change my dress?
Speaker 1 (08:11):
You and doctor Swain going out dancing?
Speaker 3 (08:15):
Jim, stop being ridiculous. Bud, would you help the girls
with the dishes tonight? Please?
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Sure, Mom, I'll be glad to thank you. Dear.
Speaker 3 (08:24):
Shall we go in Jim?
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Hm hm oh yeah, say Margareant. Yes, dear, what do
you suppose is wrong with Bud?
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Jim?
Speaker 3 (08:33):
You have a very suspicious nature?
Speaker 1 (08:36):
No, I just have a very normal son. Well.
Speaker 6 (08:39):
How are you, doctor Swain, mister Anderson and missus Anderson.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Oh, it's so nice seeing you, doctor swayin.
Speaker 8 (08:45):
Well, I hope you will think so after you learn
why I'm here.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
Oh uh, sit down doctor please, Missus Anderson, thank you.
There we are. That is better, isn't it, Doctor Swayin?
This visit wouldn't have anything to do with Bud your son.
Speaker 8 (09:03):
Oh, dear, No is anything wrong?
Speaker 1 (09:06):
No? I was just wondering, that's all I see.
Speaker 8 (09:08):
No, No, my visit is based, shall we say, on
a far more general community requirement need which applies to
our entire congregation rather than any individual.
Speaker 6 (09:19):
Doctor Swain. You know we've just gone through a pretty
severe case of Christmas and please, well, I just want
doctor Swain.
Speaker 8 (09:27):
To know, mister Anderson, I'm not looking for donations well
at this time, no, Now what I'm looking for right
now is advice.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
Oh well, you.
Speaker 8 (09:46):
See, at a meeting the other night, the question of
family or relations was brought up for discussion, obligations of
parents and children to one another, that sort of thing,
you know, I say, Unfortunately, the majority of those present
had rather vague ideas concerning the matter and the discussion.
And since missus Swain and I have never been blessed
with a family, I could add but little light on
(10:08):
the subject of a practical nature, that is, that is
why I've come to you.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
Well, of course, doctor swayn anything we can do to help.
Speaker 8 (10:19):
I knew I could count on the Anderson As I
told the others, the Anderson children are so thoroughly normal
and so nicely behaved.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
For the most.
Speaker 8 (10:29):
Part, I'm sure anything their parents tell us will be
of the utmost interest and assistance.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
Oh you mean you want a speech.
Speaker 8 (10:38):
Well, well, not a speech really, but just an informative
little talk at our meeting tomorrow night.
Speaker 6 (10:44):
Well, look, doctor Swain, you know I'd like to help,
but I'm actually up to my ears at work.
Speaker 8 (10:49):
I'm sure you must be, mister Anderson.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
But you see that it's not that I don't want
to cooperate. Doctor Swain. You know I always have in
the past.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Of course you have.
Speaker 6 (10:56):
But you see that, after all, this is just a
simple problem. I'm sure that any other, and the congregation
will be only too glad to help you.
Speaker 8 (11:02):
But mister Anderson, we don't want a father.
Speaker 6 (11:05):
After all, family relations are merely a practical application of
you what.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
We don't want a father. We feel that the crystal
clear viewpoint of.
Speaker 8 (11:17):
A mother is what this particular problem requires. A mother,
you mean, precisely we want missus Anderson.
Speaker 9 (11:25):
Oh, we'll go along with doctor Swayne on that why
(11:47):
any number of problems call from mother's crystal clear viewpoint.
Speaker 10 (11:52):
Take coffee, it's another example. Who knows better than mother
the wonderful difference. A really good cup of coffee can
make coffee like our Maxwell House n that wonderful good
to the last drop flavor. You won't find it, you know,
in any other coffee, no coffee, but Maxwell House. And
there's a particular reason why. It's a recipe, the only
(12:16):
recipe under the sun for good to the last drop flavor.
It's mighty important, that recipe. And here's why. After all,
the most important thing about coffee is flavor, and that
flavor depends on the blend, the kind of coffee's in it,
and how they're put together. Now, throughout the world, coffee
grows in countless different varieties, and you can combine them
(12:37):
in all sorts of ways. But there's only one way,
one recipe for our famous Maxwell House flavor. And this
recipe of ours accounts for the difference, the big difference
between the flavor of just any coffee and the wonderfully
good flavor of America's favorite brand. But I want you
to know how truly good our Maxwell House is on
(12:59):
your own. So tomorrow, open up a pound and enjoy
Maxwell House, the coffee that's always good to the last drop.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
It's less than an hour later.
Speaker 4 (13:18):
In the white frame house on Maple Street, doctor Swain
is gone. The Anderson kids are deep in their homework.
Father is deep in his newspaper. Mother is up to
her neck in preparation for a speech. And when it
comes to speeches, Margaret is a wonderful cook, pretty too.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
Jim, Yes, Margaret, what would you say was the most
important drink between a father and a son?
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Money?
Speaker 3 (13:48):
Jim? I'm very serious.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
So am I may I please read my paper?
Speaker 3 (13:53):
I can only find a central theme, not juvenile delinquency.
Everybody's done that, Jim.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
Yes, Margaret.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
Did the automobile insurance rates really go up today?
Speaker 1 (14:05):
That's right?
Speaker 3 (14:06):
Did the Home Office say why?
Speaker 1 (14:08):
Of course they did?
Speaker 6 (14:09):
The number of accidents involving youngsters under the age of Oh, no,
you don't you write your own speech.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
You're mean there isn't one other husband in Springfield wh
wouldn't be glad to help his wife.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
Margaret, You're absolutely right. I'm nothing but a beast.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
You mean you're going to help me?
Speaker 6 (14:27):
No, but I acknowledge the fact that I'm a beast. Now,
May I read my paper?
Speaker 3 (14:34):
Jim? If you wanted to make the speech, why didn't
you say so?
Speaker 6 (14:39):
If I wanted, Margaret, where did you ever get a
ridiculous idea like that?
Speaker 3 (14:43):
Well, you're sucking like a spoiled child.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
I'm trying to read my newspaper.
Speaker 3 (14:48):
It amounts to the same thing, Margaret.
Speaker 1 (14:51):
I told doctor Swain, I didn't want to make the speech.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
You heard me tell him rubbish?
Speaker 3 (14:54):
You just wanted him to coax you.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
Oh, for Pete's sake, Margaret, Why.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
Is it isn't my fault that he wanted a mother's viewpoint?
Jim where are you going?
Speaker 6 (15:05):
I'm going to indulge in one of my pleasant little whimsies.
The doorbell rings. I like to see if maybe somebody
rang it. Hello, Jim, Oh, hello, Judge Mitchell.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
Come in. Thank you.
Speaker 6 (15:18):
Well, it's certainly nice seeing you. I'm sorry I wasn't
in when you called. Let me take you think all right?
Hello missus Anderson. How are you this evening?
Speaker 3 (15:26):
Why, Judge Mitchell, what a pleasant surprise. Won't you come
in and sit down?
Speaker 1 (15:30):
Yes, thank you, Jim. What I have to say won't
take very long.
Speaker 6 (15:34):
There's no need to rush, Judge. You know, I was
just saying to Margaret just a little while ago, the
fathers of this community ought to take a more active
interest in public affairs, wasn't I, Margaret?
Speaker 3 (15:45):
Weren't you what, dear?
Speaker 1 (15:46):
Wasn't I saying what I just said?
Speaker 3 (15:50):
Oh? Of course yes.
Speaker 6 (15:52):
Naturally, being in the insurance business, I have to make
a great many calls during the evening.
Speaker 4 (15:56):
But in spite of them, I'm sure you're leading up
to something very interesting.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
But I'm a busy man and I haven't got much time.
Is but at home? My Yes, he's in his room.
Would you call him please?
Speaker 2 (16:07):
Of course?
Speaker 1 (16:08):
Bud, you want me, Dad, Yes, will you please come
down here?
Speaker 6 (16:12):
Okay, but in the stairs, don't get along very well?
Speaker 2 (16:24):
There's anything that you want me to do?
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Dad. Oh, good evening, Bud.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
But Judge Mitchell is speaking to you.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
I know, I mean hello, uh, good evening, sir, Bud.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
Have you told your parents?
Speaker 2 (16:42):
No, Sir, I haven't.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Oh, there was something I had a feeling. Well, go ahead, Bud,
let's get on with it.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
Dad, Mom. I was out for a ride with the
fellows this afternoon and we knocked over Judge Mitchell's tree.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
His tree. Oh, Bud, what were you driving a tank?
Speaker 2 (17:09):
Well it was just a little tree, Dad, and all
the fellas are gonna chip in and buy a new one. Gosh,
we said we were sorry.
Speaker 1 (17:18):
I should think you would be. Judge Mitchell. Bud and
his friends will replace your tree. I give you my work, Jim.
It's not the tree that bothers me. You mean there's more. Well,
my principal concern is the manner in which the tree
was destroyed.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Tell him, Bud, Well, we were playing chicken, Bud.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
After all I've said.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
To you, Jim, I'm afraid I don't understand what is chicken?
Speaker 1 (17:45):
Oh, it's a game these kids thought up.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
We didn't think it up.
Speaker 6 (17:48):
Dan Well, whoever did, ought to have his head examined.
He still has a head. Driving a car at full
speed with nobody holding the wheel. The first one who
gets a little sense into his thick skull and tries
to control the car, he's chicken and he loses.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
Oh, Bud, how could you Gosh?
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Mom? Everybody does it. And if father Fellas hadn't gotten
chicken at the same time, we'd have been all right.
But well, everybody grabbed for the wheel at once. And heck,
it was only a tree.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
It was only a tree, Bud.
Speaker 6 (18:19):
You can kneel down and thank all of your guardian
angels that it was only a tree. What if your
mother had been standing where that tree was, or Betty
or Kathy, would.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
You've been able to stop any sooner or steer any better?
Speaker 2 (18:32):
No? I guess not.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
You guess not.
Speaker 6 (18:36):
Well, we'll go into this matter in great detail, believe me,
Judge Mitchell.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
Yesked Jim Bud was wrong, but I want you to
know that I feel he isn't solely to blame.
Speaker 6 (18:47):
Oh I suppose not, but it's I don't mean the
other boys I have reference to myself. Oh, I'm going
to be very honest, Judge Mitchell, very frank. I owe
you a very.
Speaker 1 (18:59):
Humble apology, you mean, for not being home so consistently.
I avoided you all day because I thought you wanted
me to serve on your highway safety committee.
Speaker 6 (19:10):
I thought I was too busy. I'd let someone else
take care of it. After all, my son was a
competent driver. Why worry about the other fellow's problem, Judge Mitchell,
my son is not a competent driver, and the fall
is mine. I taught him the mechanics of driving, how
to start and stop a car, and how to steer,
but I failed to teach him the responsibility that goes
(19:32):
with a car. I put a ton of steel in
his hands, a weapon as deadly as any gun, and
I failed to impress upon his mind the fact that
when he's in a car, he holds the power of
life and death in his fingertips. But he's going to
be taught, Judge Mitchell, before he touches a steering wheel again.
He's going to know the full meaning of his responsibility.
(19:53):
The car is not a toy. It's not an instrument
for childish games, and he'll drive sensibly, safely, courteously, or
I give you my word, he'll never drive again.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
Now about the tree, well we can just forget the tree, Jim.
Let's say that it died for worthy cause.
Speaker 2 (20:13):
Jim.
Speaker 3 (20:13):
Yes, Margaret, do you know what you just did? You
just gave my speech.
Speaker 1 (20:18):
Oh well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to muscle in
on your territory, Jim.
Speaker 3 (20:23):
Will you please stop being silly? Why don't you go
along with me tomorrow and tell the same things to
the other parents. I think they learn a great deal.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Margaret. You know I don't want to make any speeches.
Speaker 3 (20:36):
Well, whatever you say, dear, but.
Speaker 6 (20:39):
As long as you insist, well I guess I might
as well.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
All right, dear, father knows best.
Speaker 10 (21:04):
So Father's going to make a speech after all. Well,
that's fine because he does have something important to say,
and right now, so do I. These days, when you
buy coffee, you want the most in flavor for every
penny you spend. After all, flavor's what.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
You're paying for.
Speaker 10 (21:22):
And we don't think you can beat the famous flavor
we pack into every pound of Maxwell house. But here's
the point. Air can steal coffee flavor and ordinary containers
like paper bags can't prevent roasted coffee from losing flavor,
whether it's ground or whole bean. That's why we take
our Maxwell House still fresh and fragrant from our roasting ovens,
(21:44):
and carefully vacuum packet in the familiar blue tin. That way,
no air gets in and none of that wonderful flavor
gets out. So the next pound of coffee you buy,
be sure you get all the flavor and fragrance you
pay for. You will with Maxwell House coffee, always good
to the last drop.
Speaker 6 (22:12):
Ladies and gentlemen, to night. Father knows Best is honored
by a celebrated and rather unusual guest. An article concerning
him and his wonderful work appeared in the November issue
of Liberty Magazine and was reprinted in the December issue
of Reader's Digest. That takes care of the celebrated part
of it. As for the unusual, well, so far as
I know, he is the only traffic court judge in
(22:34):
the history of the United States ever to have warranted
the use of the term popular.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
It's an honor and a.
Speaker 6 (22:40):
Very great privilege to introduce a young man who has
made the city of Los Angeles a safer place in
which to live.
Speaker 1 (22:46):
Judge Roger Fov, thank you, good evening, Bob, your honor.
Speaker 6 (23:00):
I uh, dog gun, I just can't get used to
feeling comfortable with the traffic court.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
Judge. I feel like I've just gone through a red
light or something.
Speaker 7 (23:08):
Well, that'll be twenty five dollars.
Speaker 1 (23:12):
I said, I feel like I've gone through it.
Speaker 7 (23:15):
Well, in that case, we'll suspend sentence, but don't let
it happen again.
Speaker 6 (23:19):
Oh, thank you, Judge Fob. I believe you know what
we father knows best are trying to accomplish.
Speaker 7 (23:25):
I do, Bob, and I can't recommend too highly or
endorse more heartily the program you are spearheading.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
The question of.
Speaker 7 (23:33):
Accidents involving young drivers and the unfortunate incidence of traffic
casualties and fatalities has become a serious problem in every
community in the nation. Something has to.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
Be done about it and fast.
Speaker 7 (23:46):
You see, Bob, If it were a single problem, we
could cope with it quite easily. If all the teenage
drivers were incompetent or careless, we could insist that they
avail themselves of the driver education and training courses being
given in many high schools.
Speaker 1 (24:02):
Throughout America.
Speaker 7 (24:03):
A great many boys and girls have taken these courses
and are taking them right now. But our problem is
with competent drivers, skilled drivers, the youngster who is so
confident of his ability that he takes ridiculous chances with
his life and yours. Less than a year ago, a
lad was brought into my courtroom on a charge so
fantastic that it is almost unbelievable. This boy was driving
(24:27):
a car in excess of fifty five miles an hour
without a steering wheel.
Speaker 6 (24:32):
There's only one suitable comment for that, Bud's favorite and
all inclusive, Holy cow.
Speaker 7 (24:39):
This boy was steering with a pair of pliers, and
he was so confident of his ability that he couldn't,
for the life of him, understand why we considered him
a potential murderer. You see, Bob, That's the way these
boys and girls must think of themselves whenever they take
those wilds, split second chances, whenever they play Chicken or
(25:00):
hubcap tag or any of their other re reckless and
ridiculous games. In spite of their skill, which we do
not question, in spite of their youth, which gives them
reflexes much faster than yours.
Speaker 1 (25:13):
Or mine.
Speaker 7 (25:14):
These drivers are death on wheels, their accidents going somewhere
to happen.
Speaker 1 (25:19):
Well, Judge Bomfe, you don't mean that, of.
Speaker 7 (25:22):
Course, to apply to all young drivers. Oh no, Bob,
of course not. Most of them I know are sensible,
intelligent youngsters. But it's hard to tell the innocent from
the guilty, and so they all get a bad name.
That's why I think the highway Safety Plan as you
explained it to me, should be welcomed by the young drivers.
(25:43):
Why don't you tell them about it?
Speaker 6 (25:45):
Okay, I'll do it right now. Through the Inter Industry
Highway Safety Committee, which was formed at the request of
President Truman, two clubs have been set up, a man
to man club for fathers and sons and a counterpart
on the distaff side for dad's and daughters. Voluntary good
driver Agreements are provided for. These are agreements between parents
(26:06):
and children to be signed by both and they involve
pledges on both sides. The father promises to grant permission
to his son or daughter to drive the family car
at appropriate times, and the youngster, well, he or she
has to promise to abide by eight good driving rules,
but their sensible rules design not to take the joy
(26:27):
out of life, but rather to give you a longer
life to enjoy. With each man to man or dad
to daughter agreement. There is a membership card, and I'd
like to see them riding in teenage pockets and hat
bands all over the country.
Speaker 7 (26:42):
You know, Bob, that's quite an idea. Those membership cards
will help to separate the black sheep from the innocence
of the flock. The youngsters who are careful drivers, intelligent
drivers will no longer have to protest that it's the
other fellow who takes chances, the other fellow who plays
the wild games, the other fellow who gives all drivers
(27:03):
a bad name. They can prove, by living up to
the terms of these membership cards that they have a
right to the respect of their elders, and they right
to share the highways with their fellow citizens.
Speaker 6 (27:14):
Parents and young drivers. Why don't you get one of
these agreements right away? They're yours for the asking. Just
send a note to the Robert Young Good Drivers Club,
care of your local NBC station, and we'll shoot the
works right back at you.
Speaker 1 (27:27):
Well, I guess that just about does it. Can you
think of anything else, Judge.
Speaker 7 (27:30):
Foff, Yes, just one other thing. You know, I have
a slightly selfish interest in your whole highway safety movement.
Speaker 1 (27:38):
How is that?
Speaker 7 (27:39):
Well, I figure that if you can get all the
drivers of this country to operate their vehicles safely, carefully
and with simple, good old fashioned American courtesy, well every
once in a while fellows like me will have a
chance to go fishing.
Speaker 1 (27:54):
Good night, Bob, could not judge, fobp and thank you
for coming.
Speaker 3 (28:09):
If you like good things, the easy.
Speaker 1 (28:12):
Way, good things, the easy way.
Speaker 3 (28:15):
Instant Maxwell House that's for you. Good good coffee that's easy.
Speaker 6 (28:19):
Too, no time, no trouble, no grounds, no fun, and
good to the very last.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
You know what.
Speaker 5 (28:25):
Yes, Instant Maxwell House means great coffee, instantly and your cup.
Here's real instant coffee, all pure Maxwell House coffee and
instant for enjoy. Instant Maxwell House, instantly.
Speaker 3 (28:37):
Good to the very last.
Speaker 6 (28:38):
You know what.
Speaker 4 (28:50):
Join us again next week when we'll be back with
Father Knows Best starring Robert young Is, Jim Anderson with
Roy Bargee on the Maxwell House Orchestra and yours truly,
Bill Foreman. Don't forget parents and youngsters for your voluntary
pledges and membership cards. Just right to the Robert Young
Good Drivers Club, care of your local NBC station. Now
(29:12):
it's time to say good night, So until next Thursday,
good luck from the makers of Maxwell House, America's favorite
brand of coffee. Always good to the last drop, Father
Knows Best, was transcribed in Hollywood.
Speaker 1 (29:25):
And written by Ed James.
Speaker 4 (29:28):
Now stay tuned in for Screen Gild Theater, which follows
immediately over most of these stations.
Speaker 5 (29:41):
Here, Dan Daley and a Baxter on Screen Gild Theater
next on MBC
By a transcription.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
Mother, is Maxwell House the best coffee in the whole world?
Speaker 3 (00:08):
Well, your father says so, and your father knows best.
Speaker 4 (00:21):
Yes, it's father knows best, starring Robert Young as father.
A half hour visit with your new neighbors. The Anderson's
brought to you by Maxwell House, the coffee that's bought
and enjoyed by more people than any other brand of
coffee at any price. Maxwell House always good to the
last drop. Well, another year is underway. All the excitement
(00:57):
of Christmas in New Years is over.
Speaker 1 (01:00):
The average home.
Speaker 4 (01:01):
The usual problems of life and living still remain in Springfield.
In the white frame house on Maple Street. The Andersons,
like any average family, are back in a well ordered group.
But being an average family, you can bet they won't
stay there very long.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
They never do, do they.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Mother.
Speaker 5 (01:21):
Yes, Kathy, when I finish my dinnery, I go over
to Patty Davis's.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
All right, dear, if you don't stay too long? Mother,
how can she? This is her week to dry? Oh
that's right, I'm sorry, Kathy, I forgot snitcher.
Speaker 1 (01:38):
Kathy. Please be quieting each to dinner all right, daddy?
Speaker 2 (01:41):
Mom, Yes, but I'll be glad to dry the dishes
to Kathy.
Speaker 3 (01:45):
You will. That's very nice, dear, But it's Kathy's chore
and she'd better do it herself.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
Gee wheares.
Speaker 6 (01:55):
Margaret, Yes, dear, you know it's very funny, but I
could have sworn. I heard Bud say he'd dry the
dish for Kathy. I did you said you'd dry the
dishes for Kathy?
Speaker 2 (02:05):
Sure?
Speaker 1 (02:06):
You mean just like that?
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Sure? Why not?
Speaker 1 (02:09):
You know?
Speaker 6 (02:10):
I think I've been working too hard. Everything sounds so strange.
Speaker 3 (02:16):
It was the holidays, Dear, They're quite a strain.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
Well, it's something you feel, all right, don't you, Bud?
Speaker 2 (02:24):
I feel fine.
Speaker 1 (02:25):
Maybe I'll go to bed right after dinner. That'll fix
me up.
Speaker 3 (02:29):
But I told you Judge Mitchell said he was going
to call. He's been trying to get you all day.
Speaker 1 (02:34):
I know.
Speaker 6 (02:34):
Probably wants me to serve on that highway safety committee.
You know, Margaret, you think I was the only man
in Springfield that could make a speech. Every time somebody
dreams up a committee or a driver or a bond rally,
Get Jim Anderson, Get Jim Anderson.
Speaker 1 (02:48):
Speech is here? Speech is there?
Speaker 2 (02:49):
Jim?
Speaker 3 (02:50):
You love it and you know it.
Speaker 6 (02:51):
But I don't have the time. I don't think I've
ever been so busy in my entire life.
Speaker 3 (02:56):
Anything we can do, father, No, Betty.
Speaker 1 (02:58):
I'm afraid not.
Speaker 6 (03:00):
You know what I've got to do now, Margaret, I've
got to revise the schedule on every automobile policy in
the office.
Speaker 1 (03:05):
The rates went up again today.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
No, Jim, really, how come? Dad?
Speaker 1 (03:10):
Reckless drivers, that's how come.
Speaker 6 (03:12):
Oh seventy one hundred kids between the ages of fifteen
and twenty four killed in one year, and it's getting
worse all the time. Bud, Yes, Ded, did you take
the ashes out this afternoon?
Speaker 2 (03:26):
Yes, sir, I sure did.
Speaker 7 (03:28):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
You don't have a report card you want me to sign,
do you?
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Oh? No, Dad, we won't have those until the end
of the month.
Speaker 1 (03:35):
I see. How's your allowance holding up?
Speaker 2 (03:38):
Fine? Dad?
Speaker 1 (03:39):
Just great? I don't get it. May I have my coffee? Please?
Speaker 2 (03:45):
Of course?
Speaker 3 (03:45):
Dear, there you are.
Speaker 2 (03:47):
You don't get fut.
Speaker 1 (03:48):
Dad, this sudden burst of sweetness and light.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
What are you up to or nothing? Dead? Nothing at all?
Speaker 3 (03:55):
He's probably in love.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
Oh mush, girls, all they can think about is love.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
I'll get it.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Nobody Wait, Margaret, would you answered please?
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Well?
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Of course, dear, If that's what you want.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
And if it's, Judge Mitchell, tell me my mouth.
Speaker 6 (04:10):
I had a business engagement and won't be back UNTI late,
all right, I just.
Speaker 3 (04:15):
Hope you know what you're doing. Hello. Oh hello, Judge Mitchell. No,
I'm awfully sorry, but Jim had to go out. Yes,
a business called daddy. Kathy, be quiet, please, that'll be fine,
Judge Mitchell. I'll be sure to tell him as soon
as he comes in. Good night, Daddy.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
What is it, Kathy? You told a fib?
Speaker 3 (04:43):
I did no such thing, Jim, Judge Mitchell said he'd
try you again later.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
Fine, give him a horse and he'd make a Canadian mount.
He look sick. You said you were out and you
weren't out.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
And if that isn't a fib, what else?
Speaker 6 (04:57):
I h I think I'll have another piece of cake, Margaret?
Speaker 2 (05:03):
All right, dear Daddy.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Yes, Kathy, you said you were out and you weren't out.
Speaker 3 (05:09):
And if that isn't a fit.
Speaker 1 (05:10):
What is Kathy? I heard you the first time?
Speaker 3 (05:14):
Well, Margaret, oh no, don't get me involved in this.
I have enough troubles of my own.
Speaker 6 (05:23):
Love, honor, and obey, for better or for worse. Fine stuff, Kathy, yes, daddy.
As you grow older, you learn to distinguish between telling
an untruth and telling something that isn't true. I mean,
if you tell an untruth because you were afraid to
(05:43):
tell the truth, it's worse than if you don't tell
the truth merely because you feel that if you do
tell the truth. You see, Kathy, there are times when
if you tell an untruth it isn't really an untrue
because you mean to tell the truth.
Speaker 1 (06:03):
But well, you want to be kind, that's.
Speaker 3 (06:06):
All, Betty, please.
Speaker 2 (06:13):
You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Betty, go ahead, Dad.
I think it's very interesting. What is what you just said?
Speaker 1 (06:27):
You mean you understood it? Of course. Well I'm glad
somebody did. How about you, Kathy? I guess so. It's
a sip when you're little, but when you grow up
it isn't.
Speaker 6 (06:44):
No, Kathy, that isn't it at all. It's well, all right,
I told a fib. I shouldn't have, but I did.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
That's what I thought, Kathy. Can't you see Dad's tired.
Why don't you leave him alone?
Speaker 6 (07:00):
But stick out your tongue? But four, never mind what four?
Just stick your tongue out?
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Ah, look all right to you?
Speaker 3 (07:08):
Margaret, just beautiful, dear, one of the loveliest tongues I've
ever seen.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
All Right, Bud, put it back in.
Speaker 2 (07:18):
Holy cow, Now I can't even have any privacy of
my own tongue.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
Finish your milk, dear?
Speaker 2 (07:25):
Well how old you have to be before people stop
looking at your tongue?
Speaker 6 (07:28):
Anyway, when you get that old, you start looking at
it yourself.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
All right, Bud, please see who's at the door.
Speaker 2 (07:37):
Okay, why don't you look at Betty's tongue once in
a while. She's goofier than anybody?
Speaker 3 (07:42):
Why, Budd Anderson, you will snap Betty.
Speaker 6 (07:45):
That'll be enough of that. But fun, I said, that'll
be enough of that. I'll either finish your dinner or
go to your room.
Speaker 1 (07:51):
Oh, I'll be glad to after you finish the dishes.
Speaker 3 (07:54):
Oh, may I have the sugar? Please? There you are, dear,
kill me.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
I'm goofy. Stay dead.
Speaker 1 (08:01):
It's the minister doctor swayin. We'll have him come in.
Speaker 2 (08:04):
Oh, he said he will wait for you in the
living room.
Speaker 3 (08:07):
Oh, dear, is my hair all right? Do you think
I ought to change my dress?
Speaker 1 (08:11):
You and doctor Swain going out dancing?
Speaker 3 (08:15):
Jim, stop being ridiculous. Bud, would you help the girls
with the dishes tonight? Please?
Speaker 2 (08:21):
Sure, Mom, I'll be glad to thank you. Dear.
Speaker 3 (08:24):
Shall we go in Jim?
Speaker 1 (08:26):
Hm hm oh yeah, say Margareant. Yes, dear, what do
you suppose is wrong with Bud?
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Jim?
Speaker 3 (08:33):
You have a very suspicious nature?
Speaker 1 (08:36):
No, I just have a very normal son. Well.
Speaker 6 (08:39):
How are you, doctor Swain, mister Anderson and missus Anderson.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Oh, it's so nice seeing you, doctor swayin.
Speaker 8 (08:45):
Well, I hope you will think so after you learn
why I'm here.
Speaker 1 (08:49):
Oh uh, sit down doctor please, Missus Anderson, thank you.
There we are. That is better, isn't it, Doctor Swayin?
This visit wouldn't have anything to do with Bud your son.
Speaker 8 (09:03):
Oh, dear, No is anything wrong?
Speaker 1 (09:06):
No? I was just wondering, that's all I see.
Speaker 8 (09:08):
No, No, my visit is based, shall we say, on
a far more general community requirement need which applies to
our entire congregation rather than any individual.
Speaker 6 (09:19):
Doctor Swain. You know we've just gone through a pretty
severe case of Christmas and please, well, I just want
doctor Swain.
Speaker 8 (09:27):
To know, mister Anderson, I'm not looking for donations well
at this time, no, Now what I'm looking for right
now is advice.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
Oh well, you.
Speaker 8 (09:46):
See, at a meeting the other night, the question of
family or relations was brought up for discussion, obligations of
parents and children to one another, that sort of thing,
you know, I say, Unfortunately, the majority of those present
had rather vague ideas concerning the matter and the discussion.
And since missus Swain and I have never been blessed
with a family, I could add but little light on
(10:08):
the subject of a practical nature, that is, that is
why I've come to you.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
Well, of course, doctor swayn anything we can do to help.
Speaker 8 (10:19):
I knew I could count on the Anderson As I
told the others, the Anderson children are so thoroughly normal
and so nicely behaved.
Speaker 2 (10:29):
For the most.
Speaker 8 (10:29):
Part, I'm sure anything their parents tell us will be
of the utmost interest and assistance.
Speaker 1 (10:36):
Oh you mean you want a speech.
Speaker 8 (10:38):
Well, well, not a speech really, but just an informative
little talk at our meeting tomorrow night.
Speaker 6 (10:44):
Well, look, doctor Swain, you know I'd like to help,
but I'm actually up to my ears at work.
Speaker 8 (10:49):
I'm sure you must be, mister Anderson.
Speaker 1 (10:50):
But you see that it's not that I don't want
to cooperate. Doctor Swain. You know I always have in
the past.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Of course you have.
Speaker 6 (10:56):
But you see that, after all, this is just a
simple problem. I'm sure that any other, and the congregation
will be only too glad to help you.
Speaker 8 (11:02):
But mister Anderson, we don't want a father.
Speaker 6 (11:05):
After all, family relations are merely a practical application of
you what.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
We don't want a father. We feel that the crystal
clear viewpoint of.
Speaker 8 (11:17):
A mother is what this particular problem requires. A mother,
you mean, precisely we want missus Anderson.
Speaker 9 (11:25):
Oh, we'll go along with doctor Swayne on that why
(11:47):
any number of problems call from mother's crystal clear viewpoint.
Speaker 10 (11:52):
Take coffee, it's another example. Who knows better than mother
the wonderful difference. A really good cup of coffee can
make coffee like our Maxwell House n that wonderful good
to the last drop flavor. You won't find it, you know,
in any other coffee, no coffee, but Maxwell House. And
there's a particular reason why. It's a recipe, the only
(12:16):
recipe under the sun for good to the last drop flavor.
It's mighty important, that recipe. And here's why. After all,
the most important thing about coffee is flavor, and that
flavor depends on the blend, the kind of coffee's in it,
and how they're put together. Now, throughout the world, coffee
grows in countless different varieties, and you can combine them
(12:37):
in all sorts of ways. But there's only one way,
one recipe for our famous Maxwell House flavor. And this
recipe of ours accounts for the difference, the big difference
between the flavor of just any coffee and the wonderfully
good flavor of America's favorite brand. But I want you
to know how truly good our Maxwell House is on
(12:59):
your own. So tomorrow, open up a pound and enjoy
Maxwell House, the coffee that's always good to the last drop.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
It's less than an hour later.
Speaker 4 (13:18):
In the white frame house on Maple Street, doctor Swain
is gone. The Anderson kids are deep in their homework.
Father is deep in his newspaper. Mother is up to
her neck in preparation for a speech. And when it
comes to speeches, Margaret is a wonderful cook, pretty too.
Speaker 3 (13:36):
Jim, Yes, Margaret, what would you say was the most
important drink between a father and a son?
Speaker 1 (13:44):
Money?
Speaker 3 (13:48):
Jim? I'm very serious.
Speaker 1 (13:50):
So am I may I please read my paper?
Speaker 3 (13:53):
I can only find a central theme, not juvenile delinquency.
Everybody's done that, Jim.
Speaker 1 (14:01):
Yes, Margaret.
Speaker 3 (14:02):
Did the automobile insurance rates really go up today?
Speaker 1 (14:05):
That's right?
Speaker 3 (14:06):
Did the Home Office say why?
Speaker 1 (14:08):
Of course they did?
Speaker 6 (14:09):
The number of accidents involving youngsters under the age of Oh, no,
you don't you write your own speech.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
You're mean there isn't one other husband in Springfield wh
wouldn't be glad to help his wife.
Speaker 1 (14:22):
Margaret, You're absolutely right. I'm nothing but a beast.
Speaker 3 (14:26):
You mean you're going to help me?
Speaker 6 (14:27):
No, but I acknowledge the fact that I'm a beast. Now,
May I read my paper?
Speaker 3 (14:34):
Jim? If you wanted to make the speech, why didn't
you say so?
Speaker 6 (14:39):
If I wanted, Margaret, where did you ever get a
ridiculous idea like that?
Speaker 3 (14:43):
Well, you're sucking like a spoiled child.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
I'm trying to read my newspaper.
Speaker 3 (14:48):
It amounts to the same thing, Margaret.
Speaker 1 (14:51):
I told doctor Swain, I didn't want to make the speech.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
You heard me tell him rubbish?
Speaker 3 (14:54):
You just wanted him to coax you.
Speaker 1 (14:56):
Oh, for Pete's sake, Margaret, Why.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
Is it isn't my fault that he wanted a mother's viewpoint?
Jim where are you going?
Speaker 6 (15:05):
I'm going to indulge in one of my pleasant little whimsies.
The doorbell rings. I like to see if maybe somebody
rang it. Hello, Jim, Oh, hello, Judge Mitchell.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
Come in. Thank you.
Speaker 6 (15:18):
Well, it's certainly nice seeing you. I'm sorry I wasn't
in when you called. Let me take you think all right?
Hello missus Anderson. How are you this evening?
Speaker 3 (15:26):
Why, Judge Mitchell, what a pleasant surprise. Won't you come
in and sit down?
Speaker 1 (15:30):
Yes, thank you, Jim. What I have to say won't
take very long.
Speaker 6 (15:34):
There's no need to rush, Judge. You know, I was
just saying to Margaret just a little while ago, the
fathers of this community ought to take a more active
interest in public affairs, wasn't I, Margaret?
Speaker 3 (15:45):
Weren't you what, dear?
Speaker 1 (15:46):
Wasn't I saying what I just said?
Speaker 3 (15:50):
Oh? Of course yes.
Speaker 6 (15:52):
Naturally, being in the insurance business, I have to make
a great many calls during the evening.
Speaker 4 (15:56):
But in spite of them, I'm sure you're leading up
to something very interesting.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
But I'm a busy man and I haven't got much time.
Is but at home? My Yes, he's in his room.
Would you call him please?
Speaker 2 (16:07):
Of course?
Speaker 1 (16:08):
Bud, you want me, Dad, Yes, will you please come
down here?
Speaker 6 (16:12):
Okay, but in the stairs, don't get along very well?
Speaker 2 (16:24):
There's anything that you want me to do?
Speaker 1 (16:25):
Dad. Oh, good evening, Bud.
Speaker 3 (16:30):
But Judge Mitchell is speaking to you.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
I know, I mean hello, uh, good evening, sir, Bud.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
Have you told your parents?
Speaker 2 (16:42):
No, Sir, I haven't.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
Oh, there was something I had a feeling. Well, go ahead, Bud,
let's get on with it.
Speaker 2 (16:51):
Dad, Mom. I was out for a ride with the
fellows this afternoon and we knocked over Judge Mitchell's tree.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
His tree. Oh, Bud, what were you driving a tank?
Speaker 2 (17:09):
Well it was just a little tree, Dad, and all
the fellas are gonna chip in and buy a new one. Gosh,
we said we were sorry.
Speaker 1 (17:18):
I should think you would be. Judge Mitchell. Bud and
his friends will replace your tree. I give you my work, Jim.
It's not the tree that bothers me. You mean there's more. Well,
my principal concern is the manner in which the tree
was destroyed.
Speaker 2 (17:32):
Tell him, Bud, Well, we were playing chicken, Bud.
Speaker 1 (17:39):
After all I've said.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
To you, Jim, I'm afraid I don't understand what is chicken?
Speaker 1 (17:45):
Oh, it's a game these kids thought up.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
We didn't think it up.
Speaker 6 (17:48):
Dan Well, whoever did, ought to have his head examined.
He still has a head. Driving a car at full
speed with nobody holding the wheel. The first one who
gets a little sense into his thick skull and tries
to control the car, he's chicken and he loses.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
Oh, Bud, how could you Gosh?
Speaker 2 (18:04):
Mom? Everybody does it. And if father Fellas hadn't gotten
chicken at the same time, we'd have been all right.
But well, everybody grabbed for the wheel at once. And heck,
it was only a tree.
Speaker 1 (18:16):
It was only a tree, Bud.
Speaker 6 (18:19):
You can kneel down and thank all of your guardian
angels that it was only a tree. What if your
mother had been standing where that tree was, or Betty
or Kathy, would.
Speaker 1 (18:28):
You've been able to stop any sooner or steer any better?
Speaker 2 (18:32):
No? I guess not.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
You guess not.
Speaker 6 (18:36):
Well, we'll go into this matter in great detail, believe me,
Judge Mitchell.
Speaker 1 (18:42):
Yesked Jim Bud was wrong, but I want you to
know that I feel he isn't solely to blame.
Speaker 6 (18:47):
Oh I suppose not, but it's I don't mean the
other boys I have reference to myself. Oh, I'm going
to be very honest, Judge Mitchell, very frank. I owe
you a very.
Speaker 1 (18:59):
Humble apology, you mean, for not being home so consistently.
I avoided you all day because I thought you wanted
me to serve on your highway safety committee.
Speaker 6 (19:10):
I thought I was too busy. I'd let someone else
take care of it. After all, my son was a
competent driver. Why worry about the other fellow's problem, Judge Mitchell,
my son is not a competent driver, and the fall
is mine. I taught him the mechanics of driving, how
to start and stop a car, and how to steer,
but I failed to teach him the responsibility that goes
(19:32):
with a car. I put a ton of steel in
his hands, a weapon as deadly as any gun, and
I failed to impress upon his mind the fact that
when he's in a car, he holds the power of
life and death in his fingertips. But he's going to
be taught, Judge Mitchell, before he touches a steering wheel again.
He's going to know the full meaning of his responsibility.
(19:53):
The car is not a toy. It's not an instrument
for childish games, and he'll drive sensibly, safely, courteously, or
I give you my word, he'll never drive again.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
Now about the tree, well we can just forget the tree, Jim.
Let's say that it died for worthy cause.
Speaker 2 (20:13):
Jim.
Speaker 3 (20:13):
Yes, Margaret, do you know what you just did? You
just gave my speech.
Speaker 1 (20:18):
Oh well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to muscle in
on your territory, Jim.
Speaker 3 (20:23):
Will you please stop being silly? Why don't you go
along with me tomorrow and tell the same things to
the other parents. I think they learn a great deal.
Speaker 1 (20:33):
Margaret. You know I don't want to make any speeches.
Speaker 3 (20:36):
Well, whatever you say, dear, but.
Speaker 6 (20:39):
As long as you insist, well I guess I might
as well.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
All right, dear, father knows best.
Speaker 10 (21:04):
So Father's going to make a speech after all. Well,
that's fine because he does have something important to say,
and right now, so do I. These days, when you
buy coffee, you want the most in flavor for every
penny you spend. After all, flavor's what.
Speaker 1 (21:20):
You're paying for.
Speaker 10 (21:22):
And we don't think you can beat the famous flavor
we pack into every pound of Maxwell house. But here's
the point. Air can steal coffee flavor and ordinary containers
like paper bags can't prevent roasted coffee from losing flavor,
whether it's ground or whole bean. That's why we take
our Maxwell House still fresh and fragrant from our roasting ovens,
(21:44):
and carefully vacuum packet in the familiar blue tin. That way,
no air gets in and none of that wonderful flavor
gets out. So the next pound of coffee you buy,
be sure you get all the flavor and fragrance you
pay for. You will with Maxwell House coffee, always good
to the last drop.
Speaker 6 (22:12):
Ladies and gentlemen, to night. Father knows Best is honored
by a celebrated and rather unusual guest. An article concerning
him and his wonderful work appeared in the November issue
of Liberty Magazine and was reprinted in the December issue
of Reader's Digest. That takes care of the celebrated part
of it. As for the unusual, well, so far as
I know, he is the only traffic court judge in
(22:34):
the history of the United States ever to have warranted
the use of the term popular.
Speaker 1 (22:39):
It's an honor and a.
Speaker 6 (22:40):
Very great privilege to introduce a young man who has
made the city of Los Angeles a safer place in
which to live.
Speaker 1 (22:46):
Judge Roger Fov, thank you, good evening, Bob, your honor.
Speaker 6 (23:00):
I uh, dog gun, I just can't get used to
feeling comfortable with the traffic court.
Speaker 1 (23:05):
Judge. I feel like I've just gone through a red
light or something.
Speaker 7 (23:08):
Well, that'll be twenty five dollars.
Speaker 1 (23:12):
I said, I feel like I've gone through it.
Speaker 7 (23:15):
Well, in that case, we'll suspend sentence, but don't let
it happen again.
Speaker 6 (23:19):
Oh, thank you, Judge Fob. I believe you know what
we father knows best are trying to accomplish.
Speaker 7 (23:25):
I do, Bob, and I can't recommend too highly or
endorse more heartily the program you are spearheading.
Speaker 1 (23:32):
The question of.
Speaker 7 (23:33):
Accidents involving young drivers and the unfortunate incidence of traffic
casualties and fatalities has become a serious problem in every
community in the nation. Something has to.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
Be done about it and fast.
Speaker 7 (23:46):
You see, Bob, If it were a single problem, we
could cope with it quite easily. If all the teenage
drivers were incompetent or careless, we could insist that they
avail themselves of the driver education and training courses being
given in many high schools.
Speaker 1 (24:02):
Throughout America.
Speaker 7 (24:03):
A great many boys and girls have taken these courses
and are taking them right now. But our problem is
with competent drivers, skilled drivers, the youngster who is so
confident of his ability that he takes ridiculous chances with
his life and yours. Less than a year ago, a
lad was brought into my courtroom on a charge so
fantastic that it is almost unbelievable. This boy was driving
(24:27):
a car in excess of fifty five miles an hour
without a steering wheel.
Speaker 6 (24:32):
There's only one suitable comment for that, Bud's favorite and
all inclusive, Holy cow.
Speaker 7 (24:39):
This boy was steering with a pair of pliers, and
he was so confident of his ability that he couldn't,
for the life of him, understand why we considered him
a potential murderer. You see, Bob, That's the way these
boys and girls must think of themselves whenever they take
those wilds, split second chances, whenever they play Chicken or
(25:00):
hubcap tag or any of their other re reckless and
ridiculous games. In spite of their skill, which we do
not question, in spite of their youth, which gives them
reflexes much faster than yours.
Speaker 1 (25:13):
Or mine.
Speaker 7 (25:14):
These drivers are death on wheels, their accidents going somewhere
to happen.
Speaker 1 (25:19):
Well, Judge Bomfe, you don't mean that, of.
Speaker 7 (25:22):
Course, to apply to all young drivers. Oh no, Bob,
of course not. Most of them I know are sensible,
intelligent youngsters. But it's hard to tell the innocent from
the guilty, and so they all get a bad name.
That's why I think the highway Safety Plan as you
explained it to me, should be welcomed by the young drivers.
(25:43):
Why don't you tell them about it?
Speaker 6 (25:45):
Okay, I'll do it right now. Through the Inter Industry
Highway Safety Committee, which was formed at the request of
President Truman, two clubs have been set up, a man
to man club for fathers and sons and a counterpart
on the distaff side for dad's and daughters. Voluntary good
driver Agreements are provided for. These are agreements between parents
(26:06):
and children to be signed by both and they involve
pledges on both sides. The father promises to grant permission
to his son or daughter to drive the family car
at appropriate times, and the youngster, well, he or she
has to promise to abide by eight good driving rules,
but their sensible rules design not to take the joy
(26:27):
out of life, but rather to give you a longer
life to enjoy. With each man to man or dad
to daughter agreement. There is a membership card, and I'd
like to see them riding in teenage pockets and hat
bands all over the country.
Speaker 7 (26:42):
You know, Bob, that's quite an idea. Those membership cards
will help to separate the black sheep from the innocence
of the flock. The youngsters who are careful drivers, intelligent
drivers will no longer have to protest that it's the
other fellow who takes chances, the other fellow who plays
the wild games, the other fellow who gives all drivers
(27:03):
a bad name. They can prove, by living up to
the terms of these membership cards that they have a
right to the respect of their elders, and they right
to share the highways with their fellow citizens.
Speaker 6 (27:14):
Parents and young drivers. Why don't you get one of
these agreements right away? They're yours for the asking. Just
send a note to the Robert Young Good Drivers Club,
care of your local NBC station, and we'll shoot the
works right back at you.
Speaker 1 (27:27):
Well, I guess that just about does it. Can you
think of anything else, Judge.
Speaker 7 (27:30):
Foff, Yes, just one other thing. You know, I have
a slightly selfish interest in your whole highway safety movement.
Speaker 1 (27:38):
How is that?
Speaker 7 (27:39):
Well, I figure that if you can get all the
drivers of this country to operate their vehicles safely, carefully
and with simple, good old fashioned American courtesy, well every
once in a while fellows like me will have a
chance to go fishing.
Speaker 1 (27:54):
Good night, Bob, could not judge, fobp and thank you
for coming.
Speaker 3 (28:09):
If you like good things, the easy.
Speaker 1 (28:12):
Way, good things, the easy way.
Speaker 3 (28:15):
Instant Maxwell House that's for you. Good good coffee that's easy.
Speaker 6 (28:19):
Too, no time, no trouble, no grounds, no fun, and
good to the very last.
Speaker 2 (28:24):
You know what.
Speaker 5 (28:25):
Yes, Instant Maxwell House means great coffee, instantly and your cup.
Here's real instant coffee, all pure Maxwell House coffee and
instant for enjoy. Instant Maxwell House, instantly.
Speaker 3 (28:37):
Good to the very last.
Speaker 6 (28:38):
You know what.
Speaker 4 (28:50):
Join us again next week when we'll be back with
Father Knows Best starring Robert young Is, Jim Anderson with
Roy Bargee on the Maxwell House Orchestra and yours truly,
Bill Foreman. Don't forget parents and youngsters for your voluntary
pledges and membership cards. Just right to the Robert Young
Good Drivers Club, care of your local NBC station. Now
(29:12):
it's time to say good night, So until next Thursday,
good luck from the makers of Maxwell House, America's favorite
brand of coffee. Always good to the last drop, Father
Knows Best, was transcribed in Hollywood.
Speaker 1 (29:25):
And written by Ed James.
Speaker 4 (29:28):
Now stay tuned in for Screen Gild Theater, which follows
immediately over most of these stations.
Speaker 5 (29:41):
Here, Dan Daley and a Baxter on Screen Gild Theater
next on MBC
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