[Father passes a food-laden plate to Daughter.] Narrator: They converse pleasantly while Dad serves. Mike [as Daughter]: No, I- I'll just have Saltines. Narrator: I said "pleasantly", for that is the keynote at dinnertime. It is not only good manners, but good sense. Crow [as Narrator]: Emotions are for ethnic people. Narrator: Pleasant, unemotional conversation helps digestion. Servo [as Narrator]: I can't stress "unemotional" enough.
Narrator: Don't monopolize the conversation and go on and on without stopping. Nothing destroys the charm of a meal more quickly. Mike [as Narrator]: … than having a personality.
Narrator: Don't make unkind comparisons about your stand[ard of] living. The dinner table is no place for discontent. It makes Dad and Mother uncomfortable and unhappy. Crow [as Narrator]: … and they already dislike you enough. Narrator: When the dinner hour at home is treated with a certain amount of graciousness and ceremony, it can be memorable. There is no family so poor but that the evening meal can be eaten in an atmosphere of warmth and gentleness. Servo [as Narrator]: … and control and repression.