Family Theater: Ernie's Day

The Mutual Broadcasting System in cooperation with Family Theater Incorporated presents Ernie's Day, starring Charlie Ruggles and the music of Meredith Wilson. Barry Fitzgerald is your host. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.

Good evening, this is by Fitzgerald. Family Theater is just about my favorite program, which is why I'm very glad I'm your host this evening. And I'm hoping this is one of your favorite programs, because family theatre is dedicated to your family, you know?

Dedicated in the belief that a happy family means a happy community. Happy communities make happy nations. And happy nations mean a happy, peaceful world. Well, now that's a very simple thought, but maybe we all ought to think about it a little more.

And we might be thinking about something else, a conviction which so many of us share with each other. The conviction that one big step towards keeping our families together and happy is prayer. Family prayer.

A family that plays together stays together. Well, I've done enough talking. Suppose I listen along with you to tonight's story, Earnies Day, written by Bad Lesser and starring Charlie Ruggers. It was more than 25 years ago, shortly after the First World War, when young Ernie first came to Stonborg and headed for the amusement park on the edge of the little New England town.

Good evening. Good evening, ma'am. Is this where Mr. Gary, the owner of this amusement park, lives? Why, Mr. Gary, passed away a little over two years ago. I'm Mrs. Gary, I run the park now.

Is there something I can do for you? Well I was wondering if there'd be any objections if I'd pitched my hot dog stand somewhere on the grounds here. It's a right smart little outfit and I make first class hot dogs good coffee too.