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The morning papers have arrived, and as Phil reads, the children have gathered around to ask him to read them Dick Tracey. He puts aside his reading of Orphan Annie to turn to world news. He tries to explain the world situation of Java and Indonesia. He may not have it right, but when Alice flubs her line, Phil proves that he isn’t quite as illiterate as his character lets on, and he does a little adlibbing.
A news article plugs the appearance of Guy Lombardo and Benny Goodman at the upcoming Presidential inauguration. Phil gets upset that his band wasn’t invited. Why wasn’t he picked? Why doesn’t he just go anyway? Phil pokes a little fun of the Trumans. Frankie arrives, and Phil shares how sad he feels. Even Frankie encourages Phil to crash the President’s party.
A phone call to the White House is made. Long distance lines are busy, so Phil and Remley keep joking around about how Phil ought to approach the president about showing up for the affair. Phil tries to pretend he’s a nuclear scientist in hopes of greasing the skids. The White House operator promises that she’ll call him back, but Alice has a hard time believing him. Alice transitions into a song, I’m Just Wild About Harry, with lyrics slightly altered as a tribute to the president.
Julius comes over, but he can’t believe that Phil is waiting for the president to call either. Just in case the call does come through, Julius goes to wait by the extension so he can eavesdrop. Finally, the call comes through and the president sounds an awfully lot like Julius. It’s really the FBI returning Phil’s phone call, with Julius making his own contributions in the conversation. Phil’s call was mistaken for a bomb threat.
As the show comes to a hilarious conclusion, Phil literally stops the music to read a real telegram from Washington DC that actually does invite him and the cast to the inauguration.
Next week will be a two-part show that features the Harris family in Washington DC for the big event.
