 The Craft Foods Company presents Harold Perry as the Great Gilder Sleeve. The Great Gilder Sleeve is brought to you by the Craft Foods Company makers of Parquet Margarine. Millions of women all over America serve Parquet because it tastes so good. Why, Parquet tastes like it should cost twice as much. To market, to market, to get some Parquet. Home again, home again, try it today. You'll like it, you'll love it, like millions who say their favorite margarine is. Parquet Margarine made by Craft. Now let's see what's doing at the Great Gilder Sleeve's house this morning. Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la la. Well, the great man seems as jolly as Santa himself as he and his niece and nephew move the furniture around the parlor to make room for the Christmas tree. Leeroy, give me a hand with this couch. I'll lift and you shove. Okay, aunt. I'll hold down the rug, auntie. All right, Marjorie. Leeroy on the count of three, push. One, two. Leeroy, I thought you were going to push. You never got to three. Oh, my goodness. Well, that's far enough anyway, auntie. It's more room than we had last year. Well, we need more room. It's baby's first Christmas, so we're going to have a bigger tree than we've ever had. Oh, that'll be wonderful. You bet. Her real parents may not be around to provide these things, but by George it's going to be a Christmas you remember. At nine months? I don't remember anything till I was six years old. I could answer that, Leeroy, but I feel too good this morning. Well, I better get going after that tree. Hey, aunt, can I go along? Sure, Leeroy. We'll need a lot of hands to get this tree home. Well, if you get a larger tree, we'll need an extra string of lights. Lights. Oh, yes. I'll pick them up at PV's when I go downtown. Aunt, can I invite Francie and the gang over when we light the tree? We'll have a party. Yeah, and can I ask Piggy and Craig? No, children, this Christmas Eve is going to be different. It's going to be just for the little family and Miss Fairchild. Miss Fairchild? Well, of course, Leeroy. We're engaged, you know. She's almost a member of the family. I think a little family party is a good idea. And, Anki, when you get the tree, don't forget to buy some mistletoe. Mistletoe? Well, if you think it'll make a nice decoration around the house, I'll get some. Of course, it doesn't make any difference to me. Leeroy? Get your overshoes on and let's get going after that tree. Okay. See you later, Marjorie. Better say goodbye to the baby before I go. A broody's giving her bath upstairs. Yes, I know. Deck the halls with balls of mistletoe. Hold still now, baby. Let birdie wash your back. Well, you seem to have your hands full, birdie. I sure have, Mr. Gilseed. Hello, baby. Kitchy-coo. Are you enjoying your bath this morning? You're getting to be quite a splasher, aren't you? Son, right in my eye. I better get out of here before I get the bath. Bye-bye, baby. I'm on my way to get your first Christmas tree. I saw some fine trees down at the corner market, Mr. Gilseed. Well, thanks, birdie, but Judge Hooker asked me to buy our Christmas tree from a friend of his. Young man, he's helping to get started here in town. Well, that's nice as a judge. How many people are you going to have over this Christmas tree, Mr. Gilseed? I'd like to know how many to fix for. This year, birdie, there'll be just the family and Miss Fairchild. You mean none of your downtown friends are dropping in? I'll ask them over sometime during the holidays, but I'm not inviting any extra people for Christmas Eve. I didn't think they needed much of an invitation. Now, Christmas Eve is going to be different this year, birdie, just for the little family. Even Santa Claus won't get in, unless he has a pass. Yeah, the lot's full up. What color are we going to get this year? White, blue, purple, or pink? We're going to get green, Leroy. It's baby's first Christmas and we don't want to scare her. Now, where is the judge's friend? Maybe that's him waiting on that lady. Oh, yeah, I guess so. Hey, how about this tree? I'm kind of to water. How about it? Our tree doesn't have to be that tall, Leroy. They charge it with a foot, you know. All right, let's see the price tag. Seven dollars. It must be charging per needle. Well, after Christmas, we want to feel that we can afford to throw it away, Leroy. Come on, my boy, let's get out of the tall timber. Oh, I sure want a big tree. Well, leave it to me, Leroy. Now then, here's one that looks about right for our little polar. Not as tall, but it's nice and chubby. Well filled up in the top. How about it, Leroy? Yeah, not bad, Uncle. Yeah, this is the one for us. And the price is only... Still, Leroy, when you stand back and look at it, maybe it isn't quite the tree for us. What did the tag say? Ten dollars. It's a prettier tree, though. Well, did you find one you like? Oh, you Bob Clark? Yes, I am. Oh, I'm Throckmorton P. Gillesleve, City Water Commissioner. Yes, I know. You do? It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Gillesleve. Pleasure to meet you. This is my nephew, Leroy. Hello, Leroy. Hi. Judge Hooker asks us to come down and have a look at your trees. Well, that's a fine tree you're looking at. It's a silver tip. With ten dollars, it must be silver plated. Well, like everything else, tree prices are a little high, I guess. Let's take it, Uncle. What do you say, huh? Well... I think it's a pick of a lot, Mr. Gillesleve. The judge said you should have a tree like this. Oh, the judge did, did he? I think the judge is right, Uncle. Oh, for... Can't the judge let me pick out my own Christmas tree? What an old busybody. Well, uh, you see... Well, I'll take it. Here's your ten dollars. Oh, no. No, uh... That's been taken care of, Mr. Gillesleve. It has? Judge Hooker asked for the bill. He said to say, Merry Christmas to you and your family. Well, fine old fellow, the judge. Oh, I... I certainly think so. It isn't everyone would do as much for a fellow as the judge has done for me. Oh? He's even found me a good job in a market starting the first of the year. Yeah, that's the judge, all right. None better. I'll carry the tree over to the car for you, Mr. Gillesleve, and help you tie it on. Oh, thank you, Bob. He's a nice fellow, isn't he, Leroy? Yeah. Yeah, nice thing the judge did too. But he shouldn't have bought our tree. He's always so helpful around the holidays when he gets lonesome. Leroy, I told you at Marjory we weren't going to invite anybody over at Christmas Eve, but what do you say? We make one exception and invite the judge. Sure. He always brings swell presents. Leroy, that's not the spirit. I wonder what he'll bring me. Hurry up, Floyd. I could shave myself faster than this. What's a rush, Comish? Rome wasn't burned in a day. I have things to do, Floyd. I want to get some lights for my Christmas tree before they're all gone. Well, let me catch that stray whisker on your chin. Mm-hmm. Eh. Got a pretty nice tree, Comish? You bet. I can't wait to see the baby's eyes light up when she sees it. It's her first Christmas, you know. So I like the kid, don't you, Comish? Well, she'll do. How long's it been since you found her in the back of your car? It's been about three months now, I guess. She's about nine months old, Floyd. That's a great age. Funny you never heard anything from the parents. It'll be all right with me if we don't. They're just like a member of our little family now. Yeah, kids kind of get you all right. Okay, Comish, you're finished. That's all we can do for that face without plastic surgery. Yes, yes. You have an open house this year, Comish? No, Floyd. I decided this Christmas Eve would be just for the family. You understand. Oh, sure, yeah. Kind of hope we'd get together and sing carols, but if you ain't having any outsiders in, I understand. Well, I may as well tell you, Floyd, the judge is coming over. Oh, judge? You see, Floyd, I just had to invite him. He gave us the tree. Uh-huh. Hey, I must kill the slave you threw. But, Floyd, the judge paid $10 for that tree. I couldn't ignore that. Of course, I'm just a hard-working barber. What? We always got together in the past, but if you're throwing a party and just letting in the uppercrust, 10 bucks cover charge, I guess that lets me out. Floyd, it isn't that at all. It's okay. Floyd, don't look so sad. You know how it is with a judge. He never has any place to go on Christmas Eve. Well, the Mrs. has a choir rehearsal at the church that night, and I don't have any place to go either. But that's okay. You don't find little Floydie Munson crashing in where he ain't wanted. Oh, my goodness. Floyd, how would you like to drop by my house Christmas Eve? Well, if you really want me. Sure. Okay, Commish, what time? Uh-huh. Gilded sleeve. The trouble with you is you can't say no. Well, while I'm at it, I guess I should invite Peavey and Chief Gates. No. Peavey's mother-in-law's in town, and if he brought her right, no, sir, Peavey's out. I just won't say anything to Peavey and the chief. Nothing at all. I'll invite him over in new years to listen to the Rose Bowl game. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, hello, Peavey. Hello, Mr. Gilded Sleeves. What can I do for you this morning? Peavey, I need a string of Christmas tree lights. Oh, you must be going to have a Christmas tree. Yes, baby. Leroy and I got a fine one this morning. Have you bought yours yet? Well, we're not having a tree this year. We're having Mrs. Peavey's mother instead. What? We always have to forego a tree when Mother Higgins comes for the holidays. They make her sneeze. Oh, that's too bad, Peavey. Now, let's see your lights. Well, they're over at this counter, Mr. Gilded Sleeves. Yes, I always like to be around a tree for a little while come Christmas Eve. You're going to have one, you say? Well, yes, Peavey. Say, you have quite a collection of lights. Which type do you recommend? Well... How about these round ones? They're very nice if you like the round ones. How about these pointed ones? They're nice. They have their points. Oh, brother. Well, Peavey, here's something new. Bubble candles. Are they any good? They bubble. Peavey, you're quite a salesman. I can't resist you. I'll take a string of the ones at bubble. The baby will like those. But I'd like to test them first. Very well. You hold up the string and I'll plug you in. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Look, Peavey, they bubble. Let me try the chain. Well, what's going on here? Oh, hello, judge. Hello, judge. Gentlemen. That's a pretty sight, Gildy. With all those lights draped around you, you look just like a big fat Christmas tree. Horace, I don't know how you can be such an old goat and such a nice guy at the same time. That was wonderful of you to buy the tree for our little family. Happy to do it, Gildy. And by the way, I saw Leroy, and he extended me your kind invitation to come. Yes, judge. We'll discuss that later. What's the matter, Gildy? Is it such a big secret that you've invited me over for Christmas Eve? Isn't everybody coming? Would you gentlemen like me to step in your back room? Yes. Peavey, we're having just a quiet family Christmas Eve. But the judge presented us with a tree, and we appreciate it, so we invited him over. Well, how much are the lights? How much? It's Christmas, Mr. Gildy. I'd like to present you with these lights, compliments of Peavey's pharmacy. Oh, for Peavey, how would you like to drop in for a little while Christmas Eve? Can you assure I won't be one too many? Oh, no. In fact, I might as well invite Chief Gates, too. By the way, Gildy, I wonder if I could bring someone. Judge, this is just a family party for the baby and the kids. An Adeline, of course. And you and Floyd and Peavey and the chief. Oh, well, bring them along. Who is it? If I may, I'd like to bring the young man you got the trees from. You mean Bob? What's your name? Bob Clark, splendid young man. Veteran, recently lost his wife. Has no friends in the community as yet, and yet it'd be a nice gesture, Gildy, if you admitted him to your family circle on Christmas Eve. Well, all right, judge, I sort of like Bob. Bring him along. What the heck? It's Christmas. That's very nice of you, Gildy. You're more the merrier, aren't you? Yes, yes. Peavey, I suppose you want to bring your mother-in-law, too. No, no, no. I wouldn't say that. You know, it'd be interesting to know how many of the people who use parquet margin are listening to us tonight. Millions of them, I guess. It's millions of them. Certainly are millions of parquet users, Birdie. I was just wondering how many of them are listening now. I wouldn't worry about that, Mr. Wall. You can't listen to a flavor. You've got to taste it. The way I look at it, as soon as you take some parquet, spread it on a hot muffin or a slice of bread and taste it. From then on, that's the spread you're going to want on everything. Rolls, pancakes, waffles, it's everything. It's delicious, all right, but that's natural. After all, parquet is prepared like a rare luxury food from the selected products of American farms, and it's as nutritious as it is good to taste. The best of ingredients, plus 15,000 units of essential vitamin A, go into every pound of parquet that you buy. Now, friends, in case you haven't tasted parquet, why not decide to try it tomorrow? I'm sure you're going to like parquet's light, delicate flavor. You sure will, because it tastes even better than it listens. Tastes like it should cost twice as much. So ask for P-A-R-K-A-Y, parquet, the margarine made by Kraft that tastes like it should cost twice as much. Now let's get back to the Great Gilder Sleeve. He'd planned to confine this Christmas Eve just to the family circle, but as usual, he has widened the circle to include all his framers. It's after dinner now, and the Great Gilder Sleeve sits before the tree with baby rosemary on his lap, enjoying a quiet hour before the guests arrive. Ah, why, George, there's no time like Christmas, and it certainly is nice to have you with us, baby. You're cute. I don't know how we'll ever get along without you. See all those presents there under the tree? A lot of them are for you. There's some for Leroy, some for Marjorie and Birdie. But do you know what my Christmas present is this year? Yeah, that's right, you. Yeah. Yes, sir, baby, you're the biggest thing that ever happened to me. What's going on in here, a private party? Oh, no, Marjorie, we were waiting for you in Leroy. Where is he? Hi, Aunt, what's up? It's time for our little family get together, Leroy, before the guests arrive. Auntie, who's this Bob Clark the judge is bringing over? The young fellow the judge is helping to get started. He's a little old for you, Marjorie. Well, hand me the book, my dear. It's time to read what's the night before Christmas to you children. You're going to read that again, Aunt. Of course. Naturally, Leroy, I do it every year, remember? Yeah. Oh, my goodness. It's a tradition in this household and we're going to observe it. Anyone who doesn't want to hear it can just leave. Okay, I'll go upstairs. You will not. You'll stay right here and listen and you'll enjoy it. You understand? Sure. Here's the book. Thank you. You see, baby, there's a picture of Santa Claus. You sort of like chubby fellas, don't you? Well then, are we all settled? I am. Leroy? Sure. You get stuck, let me know. All right, my boy. Now, it was the night before Christmas, but all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. Hey, I wonder if Birdie had lend me a pair. Leroy, please. Well then, where were we? Oh, yes. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there. To his slaves, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew, like the down off a fissle. But I heard him exclaim, every drove out of sight, happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night. Well, thank you, my dear. Hey, George, that's a great poem. I love it. Yeah, not bad, Aunt. Look, the little baby's asleep. You better take her up to bed, Marjorie. We'll bring her down when we light the tree, huh? All right, Aunt Kate. Come to Marjorie, baby. Uh-oh, here they come. Well, don't open the door till I get her upstairs. All right, Leroy, go put your coat on. The guests are coming. OK, Aunt Kate. Coming. Well, is this where Saint Nicholas lives? Come on in, Judge. Nice to see you. Look at all the packages. And Bob, well, I didn't see you back there. Merry Christmas, my boy. Merry Christmas, Mr. Gilda Sleeve. It's awfully nice of you to invite me. You're sure I won't be one too many. No, the more the merrier. Besides, you can help me, Bob. I can? You bet. We need a tall young fellow at the top of the tree. Well, fine. Judge, you know where to hang your ear muffs. Take Bob's coat, and Bob, you come with me. Sure thing, Mr. Gilda Sleeve. Oh, say, uh, where do you want me to put this little present I brought for the baby? A present for the baby? Oh, you shouldn't have done it. Uh-oh, business is getting good. Excuse me, Bob. All right, George, this is the way to spend Christmas Eve. Yes, Commissioner. I have to get down and relieve the death sergeant so he can go home and play Santa Claus. Well, I'm sorry, Chief, but Adeline isn't here yet. Hey, that's right. By the way, Gilda, before everyone arrives, I'd like to have a word with you about Bob. About Bob? Yes, Gilda, the reason I'm so interested in this young man... Tell me later, Judge, that must be Adeline. Hey, gang, it's Miss Fairchild. Let's everybody get under some mistletoe and see which one she smacks first. Careful, Floyd, or you'll get the smack from me. Adeline, come in. Oh, I'm sorry I'm late, Doc Morton, but I wanted to get all prettied up for the party. Yeah, don't be sorry about a thing. It's Christmas Eve. All together now. To you. Well, thank you, Mr. Peavy. Gracious water reception. Oh, I certainly am a very pretty young lady. Come on, Adeline, I want you to see the tree. Can I stand over here by me, Miss Fairchild? Oh, thank you, Mr. Monson, but I see that mistletoe behind your ear. She's on to you, Floyd. I think I'll just sit over here by Mr. Peavy, where I'll be safe. All right, I wouldn't say that. Now, Peavy. Oh, Sir Rockmorton, I think the tree is beautiful. Yeah, silver tip. It's pretty all right. We have the old judges to thank for that. Come on, everybody, let's have another song. Okay, one chorus for Adeline. Come on, fellas. It is the season to be jolly. You tied carol. Okay, let's light the baby's tree now. Shall I get her for you, Uncle Moore? No, Marjorie, I'd like to bring her down myself. I think Mr. Clark's up there with her now. Bob? He is? Uh-huh, he asked to see her, and she was awake anyway. So I thought it'd be all right. Oh, sure. Well, gather around the tree, everybody. I'll be right back. Leroy, save one for me. Yes, sir, there's no time like Christmas. Great little party. Yelly. What is it now, Judd? I want to talk to you about Bob. Judd, you've already talked to me. He's a fine young fellow. And after the first of the year, I promised to trade at his market. Now are you satisfied? Yelly. You better get back to the party before the popcorn's all gone. Yeah. Just listen to the fun they're having down there. The Elder Slave, you're a mighty lucky man. Good friends and a fine little family. Marjorie, little Leroy, and our little baby. Yes, sir, this is the best Christmas Eve I've ever had. Bob must have brought her a music box. I'll peek in and see how they're getting along. Well, baby doll, I'm glad you like the music box. Well, look at him in there. I hope I can give you a lot of presents as you grow older. That is, if Mr. Gilderslee will give you back to me. Give her back? And I think he will. He's a swell fellow, baby doll. If I hadn't been sure of that, I never would have left you in his car. Sounds like a terrible thing to do, doesn't it? But after we lost your mother, I didn't know what to do. All I could think of was to get you in a good home where you'd be loved and cared for. Well, I went away and tried to get straightened out. Well, when you get a little older, I'll try to explain it to you. Well, that's what the judge was trying to tell me. I hope Mr. Gilderslee will see it our way. It'll be pretty much up to him whether or not you come back to your daddy. I can make a home for you now. And your grandmother's coming. You'll like her. My little baby. You can't take her away from me. Why did he have to come back here? Gilderslee, where are you going? I'm going for a walk. Gilderslee, wait for me. Bob, in the circumstances surrounding the case, bringing you together seemed the only thing to do, Gilderslee. The hard part, of course, was trying to tell you. You've been very considerate, Horace, of all of us. Now it's up to you to decide what you want to do about it. I know, Horace. I know. You could put up a fight for her. Let's go back in the house, judge, before we both catch any more of you. I know what I'm going to do. I needed some air early, Roy. Well, hurry, Yankee Birdie's going to sing her lullaby. Oh, well, fine. Mr. Gilderslee? Huh? Oh. What is it, Bob? Wouldn't you like the whole of the baby? Yes, Bob. I think I would. Thank you, little baby. Before we light the tree, there's something I'd like to say. All of us wanted to make sure our little baby had a wonderful first Christmas. Well, it's turned out to be more wonderful than any of us ever anticipated. The baby's father has joined us on this Christmas. He's a fine young man, and I know you'll provide a good home for the baby. Here you are, Bob. Your little daughter. Thank you, Mr. Gilderslee, for everything. Thank you very much. Oh, Mr. Gilderslee. Now, Birdie, if it isn't for all we want to be seeing, she'll be right here down. Well, once everybody's quiet about it, this is a very happy Christmas for all of us. Father and his daughter have just been reunited. Let's light the tree and sing our carol. Anything you say, Commissioner. Gilderslee, this is a big thing you've done tonight. Oh, wonky, I'm so proud of you. Now, my dear. Gosh, I'm going to miss a little kid. Leroy, stay close to me. Good night, ladies and gentlemen. Merry Christmas, and God bless you.