 Family Theatre presents Mona Freeman and Alan Young. The mutual network in cooperation with Family Theatre presents Alan Young in The Lion Tamer. To introduce the drama, your hostess, Mona Freeman. Thank you, Larry Chatterton. Family Theatre's only purpose is to bring to everyone's attention a practice that must become an important part of our lives if we are to win peace for ourselves, peace for our families, and peace for the world. Family Theatre urges you to pray. Pray together as a family. Wellington Wright Smith III lives in a very nice but small Middle Western town. With such a distinguished name as Donald Wellington Wright Smith III, one might think the lad was at the very top of the social register. But alas, he's only a poor window trimmer in the town's leading and only department store, the Halliday Emporium. Of course, there's always the possibility of his owning the Emporium someday, since he's madly in love with Jeanne, the boss's daughter. But, unfortunately, the odds are against him, since Papa Halliday is neither pleased with the romance, nor with Donald's abilities as a window trimmer or anything else for that matter. Oblivious of this, however, the biggest problem in Donald's life at the moment seems to be a little thing called money. You know, that wonderful green stuff which is supposed to bring us happiness. And what's more, Mr. Halliday? If you don't give me a raise, I'll quit your old job. Huh. Now, Mr. Halliday, I have all respect for you, believe me, and this glorious establishment. But you must realize that as Anderson'sville's best window trimmer, I have been dependable, reliable, trustworthy, and therefore knowing you cannot do without me. Who are you talking to up there? No one, ma'am. I'm coming, Mrs. Peebley. Just practicing my speech. Not the asking for a raise speech again. Yes, ma'am. You've been practicing that speech for months. When are you going to get around to saying it? Today. Maybe. Well, I hope so. It's about time you were paying me some more money. You got a nice room, and you ain't given me enough for it. Yes, Mrs. Peebley. You'll be sure you ask him. Yes, ma'am. And another thing, Donald, you ain't doing enough work around here for the things I've been doing for you. No, Mrs. Peebley. So Sunday, you figure on rowing the grass. Yes, ma'am. And washing the windows. Yes, ma'am. And don't forget to ask that Halliday for your raise. And what's more, Mr. Halliday? If you don't give me a raise, I'll quit your old... Why did you say Donald? Oh, hello, Jeannie. Donald, don't you know any better than to talk with pins in your mouth? If you swallow one, you can die. Would you be sorry, Jeannie? If you die? Well, of course. We'd have to find another window trimmer. Oh, by the way, Dad wants to see you. Me? Yes, you. Jeannie, what about? Well, how should I know? But you'd better run along. You keep Dad waiting, and he'll be furious. All right, Jeannie. Anyway, there's something important I want to ask your father. What? I'm getting tired of being shoved around. I deserve a raise and a better job in this store. Besides, you don't want to be married to a window trimmer for the rest of your life, do you? Married to what? Donald, you aren't proposing to me. Well, I thought we were gonna... Well, he said you liked me, and I... Didn't you? Yes, Donald, I like you. I think you're very sweet and very cute, but I'm not interested in marrying you. I like a man who talks up and is forward. Not one who takes a whole year to ask for a raise. I've got to have a man who's a he-man. Shy. I've got to have a man who's a he-man. I'll show her. Little I get through without father of hers. I won't only have a raise. I'll be one of the top executives in this store. He's got her nerve, hasn't she? What does she think she is? I'll show her. Donald, you're tiresome ideas. This bill, one battleship, $600. What do you think I am, an admiral? Just a little battleship, sir, for the front window. I thought it'd be nice for flag day. What are we running now, an army and navy store? Maybe you want to pay for this battleship. Oh, no, sir. And while you're here, one more thing. Stop making eyes at my daughter. You look like a love-sick calf. But, sir, I... The nerve of you, a window trimmer, trying to go with the daughter of Jonathan T. Halliday. Now, remember, you'd have nothing to do with my daughter. Is that understood? Yes, sir. All right. Now, take this bill and send that confounded battleship back to the shipyards or navy yards or wherever it came from. Aye-aye, sir. Aye-aye. Right, Smith, before you go, I've got a list of things I want you to do. Yes, Mr. Halliday. Suppose I'll have to write them down for you. You'll never remember. No, sir. Order one roll of wrapping paper. One roll of... Oh, brat, this pen, the ink's all out. Oh, here, sir. Use my pen. Thanks. At least you're good for something. If it's nothing more than... Right, Smith. Look what you've done. I've got ink all over my suit. You look nice in blue. I'm covered with this stuff. I'm sorry, sir. It's supposed to be a good pen. I bought it right here in your store, sir. You're fired. Get out of my sight. I don't even want to see you again. Mr. Halliday, I didn't do it on purpose. I said you're fired. Now get out and stay out. Mr. Halliday, fire at me. What? I'll pray detail. Will you pay your rent? I don't know, Miss Peably. I guess I've got to find another job. Well, you'd better, because you can't live here for nothing. But I will give you credit for a while. If you clean the house and watch the windows. Yes, Miss Peably. And keep my shoes shined. Yes, ma'am. And help with the dishes. Yes, Miss Peably. I guess so. Oh, by the way, a letter came for you today. All the way from Terre Haute. Here. Thank you, Miss Peably. Well, aren't you going to open it? Maybe. Later. Well, I'm not interested right now. Well, I am. Mr. Donald Wallington, right Smith, the third-est choir. Dear Mr. Right Smith, this is to inform you that your late uncle, Herman Oliver Right Smith, left you his entire estate. Well, for pity's sake. Gosh. Let's read what else it says. If you will go to the address of 15563 Terre Haute Junction, this city, you will receive the fortune left you by your deceased uncle, yours very truly Anthony May attorney-at-law. Gosh. Donald, can't you say anything but gosh? Jiminy, Christmas. Just think you'll be rich. You think so, Miss Peably? Gee, I haven't seen my uncle Herman since I was eight. I didn't even know he was still living. Well, now he's dead. Oh. He's left you his entire estate. He's left you his entire fortune. Anyways, that's what the letter says. Gee. Oh, dear boy. Here, sit down in this nice, easy chair. After all, you've had a hard day. Now, how would you like me to fix your favorite dish this evening? You mean peanut butter sandwiches, open face? Nothing's too good for my starboarder. Oh, dear boy. Haven't I always made you feel that Mrs. Peably's rooming house is your own home, sweet home? A one-five-five-six-three-terra-hout junction. Must be it. Looks like a funny place to be collecting a fortune. Smells funny too. Well, might as well go in. Oh, pardon me, sir. I'm Donald Wallington Wright Smith III, and I'd like to see Mr. Roberts or Mr. Michaels. Oh, go no further, son. Hi, Mr. Michaels. How do you do? Nice to see you. Oh, it's nice to know you, Donald. We've been anxious for you to get here. Here comes Robert. Excuse me. Yes. Robert, this is Donald. A sawdust makes me sneeze. That's too bad. Michaels, did you say this is Donald? Yes, that is what I said. Well, my boy, you have arrived at last. What a... what a blessing. It is? Well, gosh, when do I get my fortune? Fortune? Yeah. Mr. Myers, he's a lawyer fellow, you know. He said my uncle left me a fortune, and I was to get it from either one of you two. The lawyer's right, Donald. And you're a lucky boy, a very lucky boy. I don't understand. Why are you two dressed like clowns? Because we are clowns. Well, you are? Gee, where? Well, you see, Donald, this is the winter quarters for the Haley Brothers Circus. You mean my uncle left me a circus? Shall we show him, Michaels? Why not, Robert? This is it. All this? No, no, just these five lions. My uncle left me five lions? What's the matter, kid? You look kind of sick. Gee, what can I do with five lions? For one thing, you can feed them. They're hungry. Hungry? Oh, well, I'll go get a couple of cans of dog food. A couple of cans of dog food. Oh, you know, you better bring back five hundred pounds of meat. Five hundred pounds? Why, sure, they'll eat at least that for tonight's dinner. You know, a hungry lion is an angry one. Say, you know, I just got an idea, boy, a terrific idea. What's that? Well, now you could take over your uncle's act. Me? Why not? There's money in it, boy, lots of it. Oh, what a sensational idea, Michaels. The kid would be great. A lion-teamer? Funny, you know. I will. Oh, no, no, no, no, no, you show him, Michael. Well, okay, okay, I will. I'll show you, boy, that it's not so dangerous. Excuse me, will you stop in just a minute? Oh, Roberts, Roberts, come over here. What's up, Michael? I don't want Donald to hear this. Listen, I've got a plan. Something we'll do just for last. Yeah. Well, I'll take the kid out to the big tent. You get Gus, and the two of you get in that old lion skin back at the props and everything. Oh, Mr. Michaels, this is real thrilling. Oh, and once you're on to it, the circus will get in your blood, lad. You'll never want to leave it. I won't, huh? Prince? Is that his name? Yes, yes, yes. Now, remember, kid, this is my first time in the cage, so I won't be as good as your uncle was, but you'll get the general idea. I will, but will Prince? Sir Meek is kitten. Just show him who's boss. I'll purr for you purr every time. They purr awful loud, don't they? Well, so long, Donald. Now, don't forget to watch everything I do, because when you get in there, remember, you'll have to do the same thing. I'll watch everything, Mr. Michael. Okay, Prince. Robert, try not to lie. Stop sneezing, will you? That's it, Prince. Now back. Back, back, back, back, boys. That's it. Now sit. This little guy. You are wonderful, Mr. Michael. You're real terrific. Well, son, you see, it wasn't so dangerous. Oh, I wish I could do that. Well, go ahead and try it. Here's the whip, and the cage boy will stand ready with a gun. Do you think I can? Well, I showed you that it was absolutely nothing. Just remember to use your whip and get him to back away from you. That's all. Back away? Yes, that's right. Well, I don't know. Mr. Michael's... I didn't know lions sneezed. Well, this one is almost human. It sneezes from the snada. I see. Yes. Yeah, well, give me the whip, Mr. Michael's. Now you're talking, kid. Another nice, Prince. Nice little old kitty. You go back, you know. Hey, hey, you! They're down you! Who are you? Down. Howdy, boy, Prince. Look, Mr. Michael. Yes, sir. Come on, Prince. Back. That's it. Nice boy. Back, back. Nice kitty. That's nice. Sit for Uncle Donald. Sit. That's it. Now just stay there. I'll get out of here. I did it. I tamed a lion. That you did, son. I wish certain people could have seen me. Hey, where's Mr. Roberts? Well, he had to go to see a doctor about his sneezing. Oh, too bad he didn't see me. Where's my Mr. Michael's? You were just great, kid. I think you're right. I think I could be a great lion tamer. Maybe even better than my uncle. Well, go ahead, kid. Take over your uncle's act. I told you it was a sensational idea. Remember? Sure I remember. Oh, it's a deal. As of today, I am a member of the Haley Brothers Circus. I'm not your dear boy. Donald, did you get the money? That's none of your business. Now listen to me. I've had in this crummy boarding house. Well, now you listen to me, Donald. I've done a lot of things for you. The only thing you've done for me is nag me. Mow the grass, Donald. Wash the windows, Donald. Do my shopping, Donald. Well, I got news for you. I may owe you money for back rent, but you owe me for washing dishes and mowing grass. And just try to collect. And the change in you? You're like a different boy. A man, Peebly. In fact, I have suddenly become a braze man. My daughter wouldn't have you if you were the last man alive. You window trimmer, you. X window trimmer, dad? Remember you fired me, dad? Don't call me dad. I'm going. I just wanted you to know where you stand, dad. As future father-in-law, the new lion tamer for the Haley Brothers Circus. The what? You heard me. Goodbye, daddy-o. Jeannie, I've got something important I wish to say. But first, come here. People are looking. It is nice. Who cares? It was very nice. I think I'll do it again. That is where you learned to kiss. I didn't. It's just you. Do you mean that? Sure. Well, what are you going to do about it? Do? About what, Donald? Us. You and me. I love you, Jeannie. We went all through that before. We got fired. I can't marry you. You haven't even got a job. Oh, but I have a terrific job. Really, Donald? Yes. I am a lion tamer. What? Only very brave men are lion tamers. Donald, you must be fibbing. I am not. I've joined the Haley Brothers Circus. Jeannie, that isn't important right now. What is important is that you are going to marry me. Donald, you've got to show me. Show you what? That you're not afraid to go in a cage with a lion. If you're really the he-man, you say you are. And if I prove this little thing to you? Then I'll marry you. In spite of Father Andersonville, even in spite of the fact, I'm not sure having a lion tamer for a husband is better than a window trimmer. I never heard of a trimmer being eaten by a window. It's life for me. How to find Michael's and Robert's and tell them the big news. Jeannie's going to marry me and we'll live happily ever after. Sensational, huh? My name is sensational. And what a change in the poor kid, huh? Back prince, nice. Mr. Roberts, Mr. Michael's. Donald. We didn't expect you back so soon, kid. I just got back. Yeah. Gesundheit, Mr. Michael's. Thank you. Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I just overheard your conversation. Then you know that... About the trick we pulled on you? Yeah, yeah. Very good while it lasted. Well, gee, kid, we're... We're sorry. You aren't mad at us, Donald. No, what for? If I look like a big fool, it's... It's not unusual. Well, we didn't mean any harm, Donald. We said we were only kidding. Yeah, Michael's is right. We didn't think you'd take it so much to heart. Well, I'm afraid I took it too seriously and I got myself into a pretty bad jam. See, Jeannie and her father are coming down Saturday for the matinee performance to... Tame a lion. Oh, no. Well, you... Well, you've got a problem, all right. What's the solution? Oh, sure, kid. Well, just take your pick. Let the lions tell you apart or get your heart torn out. Which is it? The lions. Do you want to go through with this? I don't want to, but I'm going to. I'm not scared, you understand. I just naturally turned green this time of year. Jeannie's out there, in that audience. I've at least got to put up a battle. Even a losing one. There's one thing I'll say in your favor, kid. You've got determination. Thanks. It's almost time for your act. I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Is your gun full of blanks? Well, I got a real one this time. Something tells me I'm going to need it. Something must have gone wrong. Donald, it's one of your lions. Jeannie's out there. Donald, crazy, you'll be killed. That wouldn't be so bad. We could go ahead and have them together. No, I don't think I want to leave yet. Where's my gun? What did I do with that thing? Oh, here it is. Oh, little gun don't tell me now. I'm too young to die. This is the lion. Come here, boy. Yes. Nice lion. Come closer. Too close. Just close enough. Let me shoot you. I don't feel good. Lift your head a little. I can't look. I'm going to close my eyes. One, two, three. Oh, my son, you were great. You saved our lives. I did? Donald, I can't believe it. What a guy. Yes, what a brave little guy. Come here, Donald. That's not nice. I'm not walking. Who cares? I think I'll do it again. Jeannie, where did you learn to kiss? I didn't. It's just you. Well, my boy, may I congratulate you? Congratulate me, sir? That's right, for winning my daughter. Jeannie, you'll marry me? Of course, Donald. And as your future father-in-law, may I welcome you to the holiday emporium as vice president? Thank you, sir. I accept the position. That is if it's all right with Jeannie. Whatever you want, Donald. Of course, Mr. Halliday. If you don't give me a raise, I might quit your old job. You must realize, as Andersonville's best window trimmer, I have been dependable. Oh, no, not another one. Thank you for your fine performance in Family Theater's presentation of the Lion Tamer. You know, many of our Family Theater listeners have come to tell us that they have begun the practice of daily family prayer in their own homes. Well, it's certainly heartwarming to know that our little message is being heard and followed by people all over the country. But occasionally, someone writes to tell us that prayer is not as easy as it sounds. That it's difficult to pray. Well, I'd like to read a little poem that may be of help to you if you feel that way, too. It was written by James J. Medcalf and it's called Time to Pray. It is not difficult to pray when we are faced with fears or when the shadows climb the walls and tragedy appears. Our voices rise above the roar of every raging sea and words of sudden eloquence present our tearful plea. But when there is no storm and when we have a perfect day, we seldom turn our thoughts to God or take the time to pray. And if it is a duty then, it also is a task to thank him or to let him know the miracles we ask. And yet, a daily prayer to God it's such a little thing compared to all the comfort and the blessing it can bring. Thank you for being with us. And remember, the family that prays together stays together. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Join us next week at this time when Family Theatre will present Marino Sullivan and Otto Krueger in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Join us, won't you? Family Theatre is broadcast throughout the world and originates in Hollywood Studios of the world's largest network. The Mutual Broadcasting System is the largest network in the world's largest network. Join us next week at this time when Family Theatre will present Marina Sullivan and Otto Krueger in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.