Lux Radio Theatre - Now Voyager

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lux Radio Theatre – Now, Voyager

Date: July 7, 2026
Starring: Bette Davis (Charlotte Vale), Gregory Peck (Jerry Durrance)
Host/Producer: William Keeley

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Episode Overview

This episode presents a complete radio adaptation of the classic Warner Brothers film Now, Voyager on the Lux Radio Theatre stage, capturing the poignant story of Charlotte Vale’s journey from repressed “ugly duckling” to self-actualized, compassionate woman. Bette Davis reprises her iconic role as Charlotte, sharing the stage with Gregory Peck as Jerry Durrance. The play explores themes of emotional mistreatment, personal transformation, forbidden love, mother-daughter dynamics, and the redemptive power of kindness.

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Key Discussion Points and Segment Breakdowns

1. Introduction & Context ([00:31]–[01:05])

• William Keeley introduces the play and its stars, noting the significance of Now, Voyager and its source in Walt Whitman’s poetry. He thanks the audience and shares a listener letter about the virtues of Lux Flakes, tying in the show's sponsor.

2. The Vale Household: Establishing Charlotte's World ([03:19]–[09:13])

• Charlotte’s Oppressive Upbringing: Charlotte narrates her sense of being overlooked and controlled by her domineering mother (Mrs. Vale).
• Mother’s Disdain for Weakness:
  • "I'm ashamed of you, Charlotte." – Mrs. Vale ([04:16])
• Dr. Jacquith’s Intervention: The family is visited by Dr. Jacquith, who proposes helping Charlotte deal with her mental health, despite her mother’s skepticism.
  • "There's nothing shameful in my work, Mrs. Vale. Or frightening or anything else." – Dr. Jacquith ([04:56])
• Confrontation: Dr. Jacquith directly challenges Mrs. Vale’s destructive parenting.
  • "If you had deliberately and maliciously planned to destroy your daughter’s life, you couldn’t have done it more completely." – Dr. Jacquith ([09:14])

3. Transformation Begins: Cascade Sanitarium ([09:49]–[10:51])

• Charlotte makes progress at the sanitarium, physically and mentally. She is encouraged by Dr. Jacquith to venture into the world independently.

4. The Voyage: Self-Discovery and Love ([11:50]–[23:27])

• The Cruise and Meeting Jerry ([12:40] onward)
  • Charlotte travels under an alias, encounters Jerry, a gentle and unhappy man. They bond over shared vulnerabilities.
  • "You made me feel important. You were my first friend." – Charlotte ([37:36])
• Moments of Innocence and Discovery
  • Jerry asks Charlotte to help pick out gifts for his daughters and shares deeply about his troubled marriage.
  • "She’s jealous mostly of Tina, the child she never wanted." – Deb, Jerry’s friend ([20:29])
• Romance and Restraint
  • A pivotal night stranded together kindles their mutual affection but is ultimately contained by duty and circumstance.
  • "If I were free, there’d be only one thing I’d want to do—prove you’re not immune to happiness." – Jerry ([22:09])
• Poignant Goodbye
  • Charlotte decides not to pursue a forbidden affair, despite strong feelings for Jerry.

5. Return Home and Family Conflict ([27:12]–[33:13])

• Charlotte vs. Her Mother
  • Charlotte’s return home exposes how much she has changed. She resists her mother’s efforts to revert her to her former self.
  • "I’ve been living my own life, making my own decisions for a long while now." – Charlotte ([29:53])
• Strained Domestic Truce
  • Charlotte considers and then accepts a marriage proposal from Elliott Livingston, pleasing her mother briefly.

6. The Past Returns: Jerry and the Broken Engagement ([34:04]–[39:47])

• Reunion with Jerry
  • Chance reunion reignites feelings; Charlotte learns about Jerry’s troubled daughter, Tina.
• She Calls Off Her Engagement
  • Unable to move past her feelings for Jerry and unwilling to marry without love, Charlotte returns to her roots of compassion and honesty.

7. Loss, Guilt, and New Purpose ([43:01]–[47:36])

• Mother’s Death
  • A final argument leads to Mrs. Vale’s death, plunging Charlotte into guilt and seeking solace at Cascade.
• Meeting Tina
  • At Cascade, Charlotte meets Jerry’s daughter, Tina—fragile, unwanted, and unhappy—mirroring Charlotte’s own childhood.
  • "Because somebody was good to me once when I needed somebody. Now…I like you." – Charlotte to Tina ([46:39])
• Charlotte Finds Meaning
  • Charlotte takes on mentorship of Tina, transforming both their lives.

8. Resolution and Bittersweet Acceptance ([50:22]–[54:42])

• Reuniting with Jerry
  • Jerry comes to see Tina, expressing concern about Charlotte’s sacrifices.
  • "To take is sometimes a way to give—the most beautiful way in the world." – Charlotte ([51:37])
• Final Understanding
  • Charlotte and Jerry accept the impossibility of a conventional relationship but commit to caring for Tina and cherishing what happiness they can have.
  • "Don't let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars." – Charlotte ([54:42])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Untold want, by life and land ne'er granted. Now, voyager, sail thou forth to seek and find." – Recurring Whitman quote, symbolizing Charlotte’s journey ([03:19], [10:30])
• "If you had deliberately and maliciously planned to destroy your daughter's life, you couldn't have done it more completely." – Dr. Jacquith ([09:19])
• "You’ve never done anything to make your mother proud. Not to make yourself proud either. Why, I should think you’d be ashamed to be born and live all your life as Charlotte Vale." – Mrs. Vale ([39:07])
• "Because somebody was good to me once when I needed somebody…Now, I like you." – Charlotte to Tina ([46:39])
• "Don’t let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars." – Charlotte ([54:42]) (iconic closing line)

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Timeline of Important Segments

• [01:05] – Opening and setting up Charlotte’s repressed home life
• [04:56] – Dr. Jacquith confronts Charlotte’s mother
• [10:07] – Charlotte is told to “try her own wings”
• [12:40] – Charlotte meets Jerry on the ship
• [15:17] – Charlotte receives her first gift from a man (perfume)
• [21:24] – Emotional confession of love between Charlotte and Jerry
• [27:12] – Charlotte’s return home, confrontation with mother
• [34:04] – Charlotte and Jerry reunite at the party
• [37:30] – Charlotte and Jerry discuss the limitations of their love
• [43:01] – Death of Mrs. Vale, Charlotte’s retreat to Cascade, meeting Tina
• [46:39] – Charlotte comforts Tina, mirroring her own journey
• [50:22] – Tina blossoms under Charlotte’s care; reunion with Jerry
• [54:42] – Iconic closing exchange: “We have the stars.”

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Tone & Language

The episode remains faithful to the elevated, poetic, and emotionally nuanced dialogue of the original film and stage play. The language is elegant, reserved, at times witty, and often deeply moving.

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Final Thoughts

This Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of Now, Voyager delivers a classic tale of transformation, love, sacrifice, and self-acceptance. Davis and Peck lend gravitas and warmth to their performances, and the script skillfully distills a sweeping emotional journey into a captivating broadcast. Memorable lines and emotional revelations are frequent, making this a must-listen for fans of radio drama and golden age Hollywood adaptations alike.

Transcript

[NHTSA Traffic Safety Announcer]

Tonight, in your city, someone is walking their dog. Someone is crossing the street to their car. Someone's kid is riding a bike home. And they're counting on you to drive the speed limit. Speeding accounts for nearly 30% of traffic fatalities. And most of those crashes don't happen on the interstate. They happen on the streets where people live. Slow down. It's an act of care for the people around you. So remember, speeding catches up with you. Know the road and respect its limits. Presented by nhtsa. Now back to your podcast.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Lux presents Hollywood. The lux radio theater brings you bette davis and gregory peck in now voyager. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William keeley.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. The title of tonight's play comes from two lines by Walt Whitman suggesting that to find life's riches, one must often have the courage to search far afield. To little Bette Davis, when I first knew her in New York, Hollywood must have seemed a distant and unlikely destination. But Betty had spunk as well as talent. She came, she saw, she conquered. And in Warner Brothers great dramatic hit now Voyager, she conquered not only Hollywood, but the hearts of all America. Betty appears tonight in her original screen role as the woman who sacrifices everything for love. And co starred with her is another favorite of ours and yours, Gregory Peck, whose early reappearance was requested, I might say demanded, in so many welcome letters, letters which have been so helpful in our selection of plays and casts. One letter from our audience tells us a story that I'd like to pass along to you. It's from Mrs. Edith park of San Antonio, who says, I am 68 years old today and 54 years ago, I started crocheting an afghan. I worked on it off and on and finally finished it. And it was in constant use for years. When it finally stretched out of shape, I couldn't bear to destroy it. So I unraveled the yarn, wounded on skeins and washed it in luxe flakes. It came out soft and beautiful. So nice you'd almost think I bought it today. I'm so delighted, I wanted to let everybody know about it. Thanks so much for Lux Flakes. Thanks so much to you, Mrs. Park. And may I offer our belated but happiest birthday wishes? The lights of our theater are dimmed. And here's the first act of Now Voyager, starring Bette Davis as Charlotte Vale and Gregory Peck as Jerry Durrance. With Joseph Kearns as Dr. Jacquith and Janet Scott as Mrs. Vale.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Untold want by life and land ne' er granted. Now Voyager, sail thou forth to seek and find. I heard those words for the first time over a year ago from Dr. Jaquith in my room at his sanitarium. I knew what he meant. I had been there three months and now I was ready to leave. I seemed to be well again. But how could he be sure? How could I be sure? I wonder what Dr. Jackwith thought of me. The day Lisa, my sister, brought him to our house. I remember the way he stood in the drawing room, smiling at me so gently. I in my low heel shoes and my glasses, fat and dull and sullen, not trusting myself to speak. And my mother. It was not mother's idea to bring Dr. Jackworth to see me. Mother believed only in strength, never in weakness. What was it she said that day? Oh, yes. She said, I'm ashamed of you, Charlotte.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

I'm ashamed of you, Charlotte. It was Lisa's suggestion to bring Dr. Jake with here, not mine. Your sister says that your recent peculiarities, your fits of crying indicate that you're on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Is that what you're trying to achieve? Well, Charlotte, has the cat got your tongue? Mother, please be quiet.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Lisa.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Charlotte, Dr. Jacquith has a sanatorium in Vermont, I believe. Probably one of those places with a high wire fence and yowling inmates.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Mrs. Vale, I wouldn't want anyone to have that mistaken notion. A cascade is just a place in the country. People come there when they're tired.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

The very word psychiatry, Charlotte. Doesn't it fill you with shame?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

There's nothing shameful in my work, Mrs. Vale. Or frightening or anything else. You see, Miss Charlotte, people walk along a road. They come to a fork in the road, they're confused. They don't know which way to take. I just put up a signpost saying, not that way, this way.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Well, Charlotte, would you like Dr. Jackworth to point the way for you?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'm going upstairs.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Charlotte, come back here at once.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Please don't. I'd like to speak to her alone.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Excuse me.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Oh, Miss Charlotte, will you wait, please?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Yes, Dr. Jack.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Miss Charlotte, I wonder if I might ask you a favor. Will you be nice enough to show me? Around this house? One doesn't often get a chance to view the Vale residence.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Very well, Dr. Jack.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Thank you.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Here is the room in which I was born. My mother's room.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

It's a fine room, but I'd rather see what your room is like.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'm not your patient yet, Doctor.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Well, nobody thinks you ever will be. But of course, if you'd rather Not.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

It's on the floor above. When I was 17, I stayed out once until after midnight. That creaky step hasn't been fixed since.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

I'm not sure I know what you mean.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

My mother heard it. This way, Doctor. I keep my door locked. Make a note of it, Doctor. Significant, isn't it?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Well, it signifies it's your door. I've never heard it said that a woman's home is not her castle.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

My castle, Doctor.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Well, you're comfortable here, aren't you?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I try to be. I'm here a good part of the time.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Hello. What's this over here? Work table?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Yes.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Ivory carving. Did you make this cigarette box?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Why shouldn't I?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

The point is, how you could. I have a very real admiration for people who are clever with their hands. I was always very clumsy with my own.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I would say that you're one of the least clumsy persons I've ever known.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Oh.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

You wouldn't happen to have a cigarette hidden away someplace, would you?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Do you think I hide cigarettes in my room?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Oh, no, no, no, no.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I meant where do I hide them, Doctor? On the shelves, behind the books. Cigarettes and medicated sherry and novels my mother would never allow me to read.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Please. It was only the box that reminded me.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

How very perceiving you are. How very right you are. You see, I was about to hide this album. You really should look at it, though. It wouldn't do for you to come all the way up here and miss your amusement. Look at it, Doctor. The Intimate Journal of Miss Charlotte Vale, spinster.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, dear.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Won't anything convince you that I don't wish to pry?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, but you must pry. I insist that you do. Here's the record of my last trip abroad with my mother. You wouldn't have known me then. I was 20 then. And I was in love, Miss Vale. Oh, don't be embarrassed. I'm not. Here's his picture. I'd never met a man like Leslie before. I'd hardly ever met a man. Mother saw to that. Leslie loved me. He wanted to marry me. But he wasn't suitable. My mother said, what man is suitable, Doctor? She's never found one. What man would ever say to me, I want you? Look at me, I'm fat. My mother disapproves of the foul de rouse of diet. Look at my shoes. My mother approves of sensible shoes. Look at my glasses. You'll never get another pair of eyes. My mother says, look at the books on my shelves. My mother approves of good, solid books. I am my mother's. Well loved daughter. I am my mother's companion. I am my mother's servant. My mother says. My mother, my mother, my mother.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Now, look up here. You'll never get another pair of eyes as your mother says, if you spoil them with tears.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Dr. Dagworth, when you were talking downstairs, when you talked about the fork in the road. There are other forks further along the road. So many.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Yes. Put away your book and come downstairs. I'll go ahead.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

It's just as I said, isn't it? Just nonsense, Mrs. Vale. Charlotte's no more ill than a molting canary. Of course. She's my youngest, you know. The child of my age. My ugly duckling. I suppose it's true that all late children are marked.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Often such children are not wanted that can mark them.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Dr. Jackworth, are you telling me.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

I've been trying to tell you that your daughter is seriously ill, thanks to you.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Thanks to me?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

If you had deliberately and maliciously planned to destroy your daughter's life, you couldn't have done it more completely.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

How?

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

By having exercised a mother's right.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Oh, a mother's right.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Twaddle.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

A child has rights to discover her own mistakes, to make her own way to grow and blossom in her own particular soil.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Are you getting into botany, Doctor? Are we flowers?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

I. I'm trying to help your daughter. I suggest a few weeks at Cascade.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I spent three months at Cascade. Outwardly, Dr. Jackworth worked a miracle. I had lost weight, I was looking better, my hands were steady. Inwardly, I didn't know. And then came that morning when Dr. Jackworth told me I could leave.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Well, the time has come for you to get out of the nest, Charlotte. Try your own wings.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

You mean go home?

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

No.

[Radio Show Announcer]

No.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Go out and take a good look at the world on your own. Forget you're a hidebound New Englander. Meet people. Talk to them.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'd be afraid.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Charlotte, the other day I referred to a quotation. Do you remember?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Yes. You said it was from Walt Whitten.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

That's right. Well, I've had it looked up. He's put into words that I'd like to say to you far better than I could ever express it. He says, untold want, by life and land ne' er granted. Now, voyager, sail thou forth to seek and find.

[NHTSA Traffic Safety Announcer]

Tonight, in your city, someone is walking their dog. Someone is crossing the street to their car. Someone's kid is riding a bike home. And they're counting on you to drive the speed limit. Speeding accounts for nearly 30% of traffic fatalities. And most of those Crashes don't happen on the interstate. They happen on the streets where people live. Slow down. It's an act of care for the people around you. So remember, speeding catches up with you. Know the road and respect its limits. Presented by NHTSA now back to your podcast.

[Radio Show Announcer]

All new drinks are now at McDonald's with refreshers like the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher and the Mango Pineapple Refresher with Popping Boba. To crafted sodas like the Sprite Berry Blast with berry flavors and cold foam. Who knew ice cold drinks could be so fire six? All new drinks are here now at McDonald's.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Refreshers contain caffeine. I sailed in three days, a pleasure cruise to South America. Lisa had secured space aboard ship because a girl she knew, Renee Beauchamp, decided suddenly to go to Arizona instead. It was too late for my name to go on the passenger list, and so I was known to the deck stewards and to the head waiter as Ms. Beauchamp. I dreaded the embarrassment to explain this to the passengers, so I simply avoided them and stayed in my cabin. When we reached Campos, I decided to go ashore. Renee had helped me with my wardrobe, insisted, in fact, that I take half a trunk full of her own clothes. As I came down the steps to the tender, I knew people were looking at me. I was panic stricken. My plucked eyebrows, my new hairdo, the lipstick I wore, my. My borrowed clothes, the bottom of the lather. A man was smiling at me.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Excuse me, Ms. Beauchamp. My name's Jerry Durance. It's seems you've got the only shore carriage left, and the steward suggested that you might be willing to share it with someone. Well, really, I know it's an inconvenience. If it's too much, just say so.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, if you can stand it, I should be able to.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, thank you. I've enjoyed myself today. Have you? You know, Ms. Beauchamp, haven't I read about you in the newspapers? The girl who jumps horses so well, or is a tenant.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

You've never read about me in a newspaper.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, well, I'm sorry. I guess I'm mistaken. Nevertheless, you're quite different from what I expected.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Please listen. Rene Beauchamp is in Arizona. I took her space at the last moment. I don't know why I'm telling you this. A stranger?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

No, you're the stranger. You know who I am.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

My name is Vale. If it ever appears on the passenger list, it will be C. Vale. Boston.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

One of the Vales of Boston.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

One of the lesser ones.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, which one? Miss or misses?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

It's aunt. Every family has one, you know.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

But, Aunt. What?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

My name is Charlotte Vale. Miss Charlotte Vale. Do you mind if we go?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, Miss Vail, I. I hope I didn't offend you. You know, it's like me to blunder. Just when I was going to ask you for a favor. I've got some shopping to do for my daughters and, well, I need a woman's help.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Of course. A spinster aunt is an ideal person to select presents for young girls.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Miss Vale, I wish I understood you.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

He wishes he understood me. He wishes.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

You know, I think we did very well. Jewelry's just right for Beatrice. And a sweater for Tina.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

How old is Tina?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Here, I've got a picture. This is my harem. All girls.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Who is that, missy?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

That's Isabel, my wife. Picture isn't very good of her. She'd only looked up and smiled. And that's Beatrice next to her.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Then that must be Tina sitting cross legged on the grass.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Yes. We hope she won't have to wear glasses all her life. Tina wouldn't smile for me either. She's convinced she's an ugly duckling.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Does Tina know she wasn't wanted?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

There's an odd remark.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, I'm sorry. I don't know why I made it.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, I mean, odd because it's so close to the truth. Even before she was born, her mother. Well, never mind that. Here's a slight offering for being my guide today. It's a mixture of several kinds of flowers. It's called jolie fleur.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh. Oh, thank you very much. I'll put some on my handkerchief tonight.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, you're good. Let's meet in the lounge for a cocktail before.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

All right. In my hand as I walked away was the bottle of perfume. My heart was beating wildly like a school girl's. It was the first gift any man had ever given me.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Hello.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Hello.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Sit down, Miss Bale. You know, you made a striking impression over there as you stood in the doorway looking for me.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I probably put on too much lipstick.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

No, not that I noticed. I did notice that wrap at once. What's that?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

What's what?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

There's something on your wrap. Pinball. It's a note. Well, somebody's playing a joke on you, I guess.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Unpin it and read it.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

This cape always makes an impression. I hope it'll do the same for you. What's it mean?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

It means that this cape belongs to Rene Beauchamp. She lent it to me.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, I see your wings are borrowed. Will they suit you just the same?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

No, they Don't. They don't suit me at all. In fact, they're perfectly ridiculous. You're quite right. Someone is playing a joke on me. Only it's far funnier than you realize.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

You aren't going, are you?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Yes, please.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, Jerry Mack and Deb, too. Well, how are you?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Hi, Jerry. We're joining your ship.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, wonderful. Oh, these are my old friends, Deb McIntyre and Frank. And my new friend, Ms. Beauchamp.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

How do you do?

[Deb McIntyre (Jerry's Friend)]

Is this Rene Beauchamp?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

No, no, another one altogether. This is Camille Beauchamp.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Excuse me, please. Good night.

[Deb McIntyre (Jerry's Friend)]

Good night.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, wait, Ms. Beauchamp. I'll see you later, dad.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, sure.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Wait a minute. Please wait a minute. Now, why did you run out on me?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Did you have to introduce me like that?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, it wasn't up to me to let the cat out of the bag. Did I do wrong?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Why did you call me Camille?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, the only French name I could think of besides Fifi.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I suppose that's meant to be funny.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

My wife calls my lighter moments trying to be funny. I. I intended a compliment. And that dress you rather like a comedian.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Likely.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

You haven't a very high opinion of yourself, have you?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Perhaps this will help you know why. You showed me a photograph. Now I'll show you one. A picture of my family.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Family is right. Who's this, your grandmother?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

No, my mother.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh. A very strong character, I'd say. And these?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

My brothers and their wives.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

They're so much older. Who's the fat lady with the heavy brows and all the hair?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

A spinster aunt.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh. Where are you taking the picture?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'm the fat lady with the heavy brows and all the hair. I'm poor Aunt Charlotte, and I've been ill. I've been in a sanitarium for three months, and I'm not well yet, and I.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

And I.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Forgive me, of course. Feeling better?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Much. Thanks to you. Oh, many, many thanks to you.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Thanks for what?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, for sharing my carriage today. And for walking my legs off sightseeing. And for helping me feel that there were a few moments when I. When I almost felt alive. Thank you.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Thank you who?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Thank you, Jerry. Good night.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Good night, Camille. Sleep well.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

In the next few days, I learned about Jerry Durrance. His friend Deb told me. Deb talked a great deal.

[Deb McIntyre (Jerry's Friend)]

Charlotte, how much has Jerry told you about his life at home?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, that he was married. In fact, he showed me a snapshot of his family. He seemed very proud of them.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

He would.

[Deb McIntyre (Jerry's Friend)]

He's right out of the age of chivalry, that boy.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

If you mean Thoughtful and considerate. Oh, dishwater.

[Deb McIntyre (Jerry's Friend)]

You don't know what I'm talking about.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'm afraid I don't.

[Deb McIntyre (Jerry's Friend)]

I'm talking about his home, his marriage. Honestly, when I see what a woman like Isabel can do to a man like Jerry, it makes me boil.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

He doesn't have to stand for it, does he?

[Deb McIntyre (Jerry's Friend)]

Oh, yes, he does. His kind always do. The weak have a great strength, you know, when they're clinging to something decent and fine. He's been cursed from the very first day he met Isabel by a ruling passion not to hurt her. She's not too well, you know.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

There must be something more. He married her.

[Deb McIntyre (Jerry's Friend)]

Yes, he married her. Isabel was a girl who believed that a kiss required a proposal. She's been draped around his neck ever since. Well, he struggled with his architecture till she made him give it up. He wasn't making enough money. The only thing he ever loved. Isabel kept reminding him that he was now a married man with responsibilities. When they had their first child, she considered herself a great martyr. And she's played the martyr ever since. That's her grasp on him, her martyrdom, her jealousy. And when they fail, her weak heart.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

She can't have reason to be jealous.

[Deb McIntyre (Jerry's Friend)]

Oh, if you mean does Jerry have flings with other women?

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

No.

[Deb McIntyre (Jerry's Friend)]

She's jealous mostly of Tina, the child she never wanted. And yet, if you could hear her sanctimonious maternal tone when she lets it leak out. What a self sacrificing mother she's been. No, Jerry doesn't know. Or if he knows, he refuses to understand and do something about it. He only insists on enduring.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

And so I found out that Jerry was unhappy too. Then one evening in Rio, our car broke down on the mountainside. We talked all night, Jerry and I. Toward dawn, I lay down beside the fire he had built. And when he thought I was sleeping, he leaned over quietly and kissed my cheek. My boat sailed without me. Next night, back at the hotel, we stood on the balcony looking over the harbor.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Are you gonna rejoin your cruise in Buenos Aires? There's a plane going down first thing in the morning. Then there's another plane going down in five days. It'll get you there the same day as your ship.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

Oh.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

You know anybody in Buenos Aires?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

No.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Seems a shame to rush down there to spend five days alone.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

But you'll be busy here.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, my business can wait. And we did start off for a tour.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

We started off for somewhere.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

If I promise to sit at a different table in the dining room and say, good morning, Ms. Vale, I hope you slept well. So people will hear me and never guess that I'm head over heels in love with you. Will you stay? Don't say no, Camille. Say I'll see you.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I. I'll see. I must go in now.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

No, not yet. Look at the harbor. Isn't it beautiful? Do you. Do you believe in immortality?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I don't know. Do you?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, I want to believe that there's a chance for such happiness to be carried on somehow, somewhere.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Are you happy then?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Close to it. Getting warmer and warmer, as we used to say as kids, Remember?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Look out or you'll get burned, we used to say.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Are you afraid of getting burned if you get too close to happiness?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'm immune to happiness and therefore to burns.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

You weren't immune last night on the mountain.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Do you call that happiness?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

No. Small part. There are other kinds.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Such as?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Having fun together. Getting a kick out of simple little things. Out of beauty, like this. Sharing confidences we wouldn't share with anybody else in all the world. Charlotte, won't you be honest and tell me that you're happy, too? Since that night on the boat when you told me about your illness, I. I can't get you out of my mind. Or out of my heart, either. If I were free, there'd be only one thing I'd want to do. Prove you're not immune to happiness. Darling, you're crying.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, I'm such a fool. Such an old, old fool. These are only tears of gratitude. An old maid's gratitude.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Don't talk like that.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

You see, no one ever called me darling before. Well, there's my claim. Yeah, I hate goodbyes.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, they don't matter. It's what's gone before.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

No, it's what can't go after.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

But we'll see each other sometime.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

No. We promised. We're both to go home.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Will it help you to know I'll miss you every moment?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

So will I, Jerry. So will I. Goodbye, darling.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Darling.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Good goodbye. Goodbye, Jared.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Our stars, Bette Davis and Gregory Peck, will return in Act 2 of Now Voyager in a moment.

[NHTSA Traffic Safety Announcer]

Tonight, in your city, someone is walking their dog. Someone is crossing the street to their car. Someone's kid is riding a bike home. And they're counting on you to drive the speed limit. Speeding accounts for nearly 30% of traffic fatalities. And most of those crashes don't happen on the interstate. They happen on the streets where people live. Slow down. It's an act of care for the people around you. So remember, speeding catches up with you. Know the road and respect its Limits presented by nhtsa. Now back to your podcast.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Psychologists say that they can tell a great deal about what we've been doing by the way we associate words. For instance, if I say three, what other word do you think of? Libby?

[Lydia Schiller (Scenario Assistant)]

Three.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

Why three strangers.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Hmm.

[Radio Show Announcer]

How did you arrive at that?

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

Well, I've just seen a preview of Warner Brothers new picture by that name. It's a real thriller. I can still feel the chills going down my spine.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Suppose I said three again?

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

I. Oh. Since we've been talking about the picture, I think of 2 times 3, which is 6.

[Radio Show Announcer]

What has 6 to do with 3 strangers?

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

6 is the number of glamorous outfits Geraldine Fitzgerald wears in the picture.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I counted them.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

Milo Anderson designed a blue negligee for her. That's really the ultimate in luxury.

[Radio Show Announcer]

And if I still persist in saying

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

three, well, since we've been talking about a negligee, I'd recall that. Pretty under things stay lovely three times as long as when they're given gentle, luxe care.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Yes, there are three things to watch out for. Strong soap, hot water and rough handling. Washing tests prove that these things make colors look faded and drab much too soon.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

All sorts of misfortunes can follow if slips and nighties get harsh wash day treatment. Of course, not as harrowing as the things Peter Laurie and Sydney Greenstreet experience in the picture. But frayed straps and burst out seams can be a personal tragedy if it's a favorite slip. Especially now when nice ones are so hard to buy.

[Radio Show Announcer]

A tragedy you can avoid with luxe care. Washing tests proved that under things washed the luxe way stayed lovely three times as long.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

Yes, luxe care is certainly thrifty.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Lux is thrifty in another way, too. A little lux goes a long way. Use all the lux you need to get rich suds, but don't use more than you need. Soap is too precious these days to be wasted. Back now to William Keeley, our producer.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Our curtain rises on the second act of Now Voyager, starring Bette Davis as Charlotte Vale and Gregory Peck as Jerry Durrance. With Joseph Kearns as Dr. Jackworth.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Early in May, I returned to New York and went at once to see Dr. Jacquith. You were delighted with the change you saw in me. But even he didn't know how much I had changed or why. The final test was still to come. When I went home to see Mother, I stood there outside her room, my heart beating wildly in my mind. I kept hearing Dr. Jackworth's words.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Just remember that honoring one's parents is still a pretty good idea. You're going to be a shock to her. I advise you to soften the blow. Give her time to get used to you. Give her time.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Hello, Mother. So you've decided to come back. You're looking very well, Mother. Lisa told me you'd been ill. Lisa

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

knows nothing about me. Step over there where I can see you. Now turn around. It's worse than Lisa led me to suppose. Much worse. I shall be wearing my white lace gown tonight. I'd like you to wear your black and white foulade.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

But, Mother, I've lost over £25. It won't fit.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

There's something else I want to say to you. Now that you have come home to take up your duties as a daughter again, I'm dismissing the last nurse. After having a room occupied on the same floor with me, and in view of my heart, I agree it's a wise precaution. You will occupy your father's room from now on. I had William move down all your things yesterday.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Mother, you had no right to move my things.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

No right in my own house to move what I see fit.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Mother, I think if you wear your

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

glasses tonight, you'll be less of a shock to the others and take off whatever you've got on your face. As to your hair and eyebrows. You can say that. Often, after a severe illness, one loses one's hair. But you're letting yours grow as quickly as possible, Mother.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

If you'll excuse me, I'll go to my room. As I walked from the room, I knew the illusion was over. This was my life. This was my mother. This was my home. And the bars of reality were unbending. That evening, some flowers arrived. His flowers. A box of camellias. And with them, a renewal of my courage. Charlotte. Yes, Mother?

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

What are you doing in your old room?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I had my things moved back. I'm going to sleep here.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Didn't you understand? I wished someone to sleep in the room next to mine.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

We can get one of the maids, Mother. Perhaps. Hilda.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

As long as I pay the bills, I'm running this house. Please remember you're a guest, Charlotte.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, if I am one, then please treat me like one. Mother. Your guest prefers to sleep in this room, if you don't mind.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

This is no time for humor. Where did those flowers come from?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

From New York. Who sent them? I've forgotten the name of the florist.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

In other words, you don't intend to tell me.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Mother, I don't want to be disagreeable or unkind. I'VE I've come home to live with you again. Here in the same house. But it can't be in the same way. I've been living my own life, making my own decisions for a long while now. It's impossible to go back to being treated like a child again.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Where did you get that dress?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I bought it in New York today. It's outrageous.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Where's the black and white foulade?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I gave it to Hilda. She was so grateful. Mother. Mother, please be fair and meet me halfway.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

They told me before you were born that my recompense for having a late child was the comfort the child would be to me in my old age. Especially if she were a girl. And on your first day home after six months absence, you behave like this.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Mother, wait for me. I'll go downstairs with you.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Thank you. I prefer to go alone. Mother, please.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

You know you're not supposed to. Mother. Dora, come here quickly. Mother's fallen downstairs. She was not badly hurt. A torn ligament in her ankle. But it was enough to keep her in her bed during the party. I was a great surprise to the family that night. And as they left, one of the guests stayed on to speak to me at the door. Elliot Livingston.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Well, Ms. Vale. Well, Mr. Livingston, you know, I still can't get over our not having met.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, as a matter of fact, we have once and almost twice.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Oh, I'm mystified.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, once, when we were children, you were the only boy who danced with me at dancing school. And the almost is when you were supposed to usher at my coming out party and didn't show up.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

I'm covered with shame.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I shouldn't have told you it wasn't nice.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Well, I. I hope you're going to allow me to make up for my past rudeness. May I telephone you sometime?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Of course. Anytime.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Good night.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Good night.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

How's your ankle, Mother?

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Extremely painful.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'm so sorry.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

I've been doing some thinking as I've been lying here in pain listening to you all having a good time downstairs. How much did that dress cost?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

It was frightfully expensive. Go to sleep now, Mother. I'll tell you about it in the morning.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

To whom did you charge it? To whom?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I've always charged my clothes, Mother.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

And you expect me to pay for articles charged to me of which I do not approve?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, I could pay for it myself. I've saved quite a little money. I have about $5,000.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

$5,000 won't last that long. Especially if your monthly allowance were to be discontinued.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, I see.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Charlotte, I'M willing you should occupy your old room until I dismiss the nurse. That will give you a chance to think over what I've said. I'm very glad to give a devoted daughter a home under my roof and pay all her expenses, but not if she scorns my authority.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, I could earn my own living, Mother. As a matter of fact, I've often thought about it. I'd make a very good head waitress in a restaurant.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Or I could. You may think that very funny, but I guess you'd be laughing out of the other side of your face if I did carry out your suggestion.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I don't think I would. You see, Mother, I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid. Summer, winter and then spring again between Mother and me, there was a sort of armed truce. In her own way, I think she respected me for what she called my stubbornness. And then there was the matter of Elliot Livingstone.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Why haven't you accepted Elliot? Do you imagine there's a Livingstone waiting for you on every corner?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I've been waiting to see how you feel about it.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Mother, you know well as I do. Makes no difference to you how I feel about it. You always do exactly as you please.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I think you're pleased.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

I'm nothing of the kind. I'm only so astonished that you, of all the family, should bring such a feather to the family cap.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Then if you really do approve, Mother,

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

dear, why keep all that soft talk for Elliot?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Mother, there's no one like you. That night I told Elliot I would marry him. Our wedding was set for June. Mother was pleased, and I was, too. Then, three weeks before the wedding, I saw Jerry again. There was a party at George Weston's house in a room full of people. I saw him and it was just as if we'd never been apart. George noticed immediately.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Why, what's the matter, Charlotte?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

George, I think I know that man over there.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Oh?

[Radio Show Announcer]

Jerry Torrance. He's been doing a job for me since March. Architect for the medical center.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Shall I tell him your name or let him guess? Oh, let him guess.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Right.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Come along. Oh, Jerry. Here's someone who thinks she's met you before.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Why, yes. Yes, of course. You do look familiar. Now, don't tell me your name. I've got it. Beauchamp, isn't it? Camille Beauchamp.

[Radio Show Announcer]

I'm sorry, Jerry, but you're wrong.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

My name is Vail. I met you on a pleasure cruise once.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, yes. Miss Vale. I hope you'll forgive me.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

I'll leave you two alone to make your own peace.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

George tells Me? You've been in Boston quite often, Mr. Durrance, and I didn't know.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Yes, several times. You look simply glorious.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

An architect. Oh, Jerry, I could cry with pride.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

I wanted horribly to call you up. I walked by your house on Marlborough street once. I almost rang the bell.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, why didn't you tell me about Deb and Mac? You introduced me to them on the pleasure cruise, remember?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, they're all fine.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

And how is Tina?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, Tina. We're having quite a bad time with Tina.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Tell me about it.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

I'm afraid we've got to send her away somewhere. Doctor thinks she shouldn't be with her mother. I took her to see Dr. Jackwith. He was highly recommended to me by this Camille Beauchamp I mistook for you. Charlotte, I've got to see you. May I come to your house tonight? I won't stay but 10 minutes. I must talk to you.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Yes, I'll be waiting.

[NHTSA Traffic Safety Announcer]

Tonight, in your city, someone is walking their dog. Someone is crossing the street to their car. Someone's kid is riding a bike home. And they're counting on you to drive the speed limit. Speeding accounts for nearly 30% of traffic fatalities. And most of those crashes don't happen on the interstate. They happen on the streets where people live. Slow down. It's an act of care for the people around you. So remember, speeding catches up with you. Know the road and respect its limits. Presented by nhtsa. Now back to your podcast.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Hello?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Hello, Charlotte.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Jerry. Why haven't you come? I've been home for hours.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

I'm sorry. I'm leaving tonight on the midnight.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

But why?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, I've got to get back on business. I heard the news. You're going to marry Elliot Livingston.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, I wanted to tell you.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

I just wanted to say I think he's a fine person.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Jerry, where are you now? I've got to see you.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Charlotte. I think it's best that we don't.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Are you at the station?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Goodbye.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Jerry.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Jerry.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Jerry, wait.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Charlotte. You shouldn't have come.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I had do. I want to talk to you about Elliot.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Why? Are you marrying him? Are you in love with him?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

No. Not like we are. Not like us. I thought it might grow to be something like it. I thought I was getting over you, Jerry. I didn't think I'd ever see you again. You're not angry with me?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, no. Only with myself. It was rotten of me to make you care. And then because of some noble sense of duty, to leave you to get over it the best way you could. And there isn't A thing in the world I can do about it. Isabel depends on me more and more. She's ill and getting worse. Then there's Tina. Even if I could chuck everything, I wouldn't let you.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Jerry. I knew you were married and I walked right in with my eyes wide open. But you said it would make you happy.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

It has. I've got back my work, and that's due to you.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I've been hoping you'd say that.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

I'm more understanding for Tina. I'm kinder to Isabel. So don't blame yourself.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, then, don't you?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

It's different.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

It's not. Shall I tell you what you did for me? You made me feel important. You were my first friend. And then when you fell in love with me, I was so proud. And when I came home, I. I needed something to make me feel proud. And then your camellias arrived and I. I knew you were thinking about me. Oh, I could have walked into a den of lions. As a matter of fact, I did. Did. And the lions didn't hurt me. Please take back what you said.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

If you marry Elliot Livingston and have a full and happy life. I will.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'll try.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

I'll look for you around every corner. Goodbye, darling.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Goodbye, darling. I did try. I wanted to marry Elliot, but it was of no use. We broke it off by mutual consent. And I knew then I would never have a home of my own, or a man of my own, or a child of my own.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Why did you break the engagement?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Because I don't love him, Mother.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Have you no sense of obligation to your family?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, to me?

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Here you have the chance to join our Name Vale with one of the finest families in the city, and you tell me you're not in love. You're behaving like a romantic girl of 18.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I don't doubt it.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

And what do you intend to do with your life?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, get a cat and a parrot and live alone in single blessedness.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

You've never done anything to make your mother proud. Not to make yourself proud either. Why, I should think you'd be ashamed to be born and live all your life as Charlotte Vale. Mistress Charlotte Vale.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Dr. Jackworth says that tyranny is sometimes an expression of the maternal instinct. If that's a mother's love, I don't want any part of it. I didn't want to be born. You didn't want me either. It's been a calamity on both sides. Oh, Mother, let's not quarrel. We've been getting along together so well lately. It was a horrid thing to say. Forgive me. Mother.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

Mother,

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

what's the matter?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Do.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

She was sitting there and we quarreled.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

We.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

We quarreled. I didn't. I didn't.

[Radio Show Announcer]

We pause now for station identification. This is cbs, the the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Act three of Now Voyager, starring Bette Davis and Gregory Peck, will follow in a moment. Meanwhile, I want to introduce our guest of the evening, the number one smoother of wheels at the David o. Selznick Studio, Ms. Lydia Schiller, who bears the title of scenario assistant. Reading scripts is one of your chores, isn't it, Ms. Schiller?

[Lydia Schiller (Scenario Assistant)]

Yes, and I work on scenarios, too. I sit in on story conferences and then follow through on production details.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

What are you working on now, Lydia?

[Lydia Schiller (Scenario Assistant)]

Duel in the sun. It has over 1,000 people in the

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

cast and stars, I understand. Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotton, Gregory Peck and a host of others.

[Lydia Schiller (Scenario Assistant)]

That's right, Mr. Keeley. It was two years in preparation, one year shooting, and cost over $5 million.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

Hmm.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

With a Technicolor picture of that scope, you must have had many problems.

[Lydia Schiller (Scenario Assistant)]

We certainly did, Mr. Keeley. Now, take the costumes, for example. Mr. Kennedy will be interested in how we kept them looking so lovely and fresh.

[Radio Show Announcer]

How was that, Ms. Schiller?

[Lydia Schiller (Scenario Assistant)]

We used luxe, naturally. We luxed all the blouses, lingerie, washable gowns, and of course, stockings.

[Radio Show Announcer]

That helped keep down stocking bills, didn't it?

[Lydia Schiller (Scenario Assistant)]

You're perfectly right, Mr. Kennedy. We had very little run trouble because stockings were luxed. After every day's shooting, you found out

[Radio Show Announcer]

by experience what has been proved by actual test. Strain tests made by a famous laboratory proved Lux cuts down runs amazingly. A strong soap and rubbing with cake. Soap made runs come quickly. Stockings actually lasted twice as long with Lux.

[Lydia Schiller (Scenario Assistant)]

Yes, we're luckier than the girls who lived in the days of Duel in the Sun. It takes place in the 80s, you

[Radio Show Announcer]

know, in Texas, before Lux was invented.

[Lydia Schiller (Scenario Assistant)]

And a wonderful invention it was, Mr. Kennedy.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Thank you, Ms. Schiller. And now a suggestion. Don't get discouraged if you don't find Lux the first time you try. Your dealer will have more soon, and Lux is worth waiting for. Here's your producer, Mr. William Keeley.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

We continue with the third act of Now Voyager, after which I hope you'll come backstage with us to meet tonight's stars. Bette Davis appearing now as Charlotte, and Gregory Peck as Jerry Durrance, with Joseph Kearns as Dr. Jaqueth.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

My mother was dead. I had quarreled with her, and I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt. It grew worse and worse until at last I had to get away. I went back to the only refuge I had ever known. Back to Cascade.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

How are you, Ms. Bale? Dr. Jack with Wired you were coming.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Hello, Trask.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Well, for goodness sake, I hardly know you.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, of course.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

I expected you hours ago.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

It's been a long drive. I'm tired. I suppose I could go to my room right away. Certainly.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

I put you in 18. Your old room, remember? I thought it would make you feel more at home.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Thank you. How was Dr. Jackman? Same as ever. Handing out common sense instead of sympathy. Flask. That child over there at the table, was she a problem?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

If I ever saw one. Her name is Christine Durrance. Oh, excuse me a second. I better see about your bags.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Tina Durrance. Jerry's child. She sat alone over a picture puff, her eyes dull and staring behind her glasses. Her plain little face tightened into an expressionless mask. I went and stood beside her chair, but she turned away from me.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

Hello.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

What's the picture supposed to be?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

I don't know.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Do you mind if I join you? I'll collect all of the pink pieces.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

I know who you are.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

You do?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

You're my new nurse.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

No, I'm not.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

You can't fool me. And I know why you've come here. To make sure I don't run away from this place again.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, did you run away from here once? I didn't know. What's your name?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

You know my name. That's why you stood there and stared at me.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, that was very rude of me. But you see, you reminded me of somebody.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Who?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, if you must know. Myself, of course, at your age.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Oh, Christine. Your schedule calls for you to spend the evening with the young people next door. They don't want me. Oh, nonsense. Of course they want you. I've got a fine ping pong game all fixed up for you. Barbara and Betty against you and Bob. But he's the best player here, and

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'll be the worst one. I'll die. I'll just die.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Now, you'll do nothing of the sort.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

Please.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Please.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Please don't make me. Don't make me. Oh, don't make me now.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Don't.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Don't make her trust.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

But the doctor wants Christine to have exercise in the evening.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'll see that she has some exercise. I have to take my car down to the town and leave it at the garage to be washed. Christine could go with me.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Oh, yes, I. I'm sorry, Christine, but

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

please let me go with this lady. I'll drink all my cocoa tonight if you will.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

For goodness sake, Christine, don't carry on. Go get your coat. Thank you.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Thank you. I'm sorry, Traska. I couldn't help it.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

I thought you were too tired to do anything but just crawl into bed.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I suppose Cascade has performed another miracle on me. Tina's room was next to mine. Late that night I heard her. She was crying. Tina. Tina, what's the matter? Don't be afraid. What is it, Tina? Oh, don't leave me. Don't leave me. I won't till you're asleep. Tell me, what's the matter. I'm ugly and mean and nobody likes me. Tina, you. I'm not pretty in the least and they hate me. They all hate me. Who?

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

Who are they?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Everybody.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

All the kids at school, Ms. Traska and the nurses and the doctors.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Well, there must be something terribly wrong with me.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Do you like them, Tina? Oh, no. I hate them. That's the trouble. If you want people to like you, you've got to like people. I bet you're only fooling me. You try it and see. And in the meantime, it'll help you any. I like you. And I think you're very pretty and very sweet. You do?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Really?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Really. Now, don't cry anymore. Oh, why are you so good to me? Because somebody was good to me once when I needed somebody. Now, now, come on, go to sleep. Close your eyes and let your muscles go. All

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

there.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

That's better. Much better.

[NHTSA Traffic Safety Announcer]

Tonight in your city, someone is walking their dog. Someone is crossing the street to their car. Someone's kid is riding a bike home. And they're counting on you to drive the speed limit. Speeding accounts for nearly 30% of traffic fatalities. And most of those crashes don't happen on the interstate. They happen on the streets where people live. Slow down. It's an act of care for the people around you. So remember, speeding catches up with you. Know the road and respect its limits. Presented by NHTSA now back to your podcast.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Jerry's child was in my arms. Jerry's child was clinging to me. Jerry's child.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Well, child, I hear you're running Cascade now. Giving orders to Ms. Trask. To my doctor, you mean.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

About that?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Child, don't try to appear innocent.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

But I didn't give any orders. I only requested.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

I thought you came up here to have a nervous breakdown.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, I've decided not to have one, if it's all the same to you.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Go on.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I just think Tina is so unhappy here. I haven't anything to do with my time. Mightn't I be the nurse instead? I promise not to do anything again without first asking your permission.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

If only.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Well, just go ahead and tell me what you do.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I'd stay with her, pay attention to her, make her feel wanted and important. I'd. Well, I'd take her camping in the woods. She adores camping.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Sounds like a wonderful break for her cause.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I couldn't do it without her parents permission. I wouldn't. What would her mother say, do you suppose?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Oh, she'd accept any plan that would relieve her of the child who's always been a thorn in her side. Though the lady would loudly protest if she heard me say so.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

And her. Her father? What would his attitude be?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Sympathetic and protective. Possibly too protective for Christine's. Good result? Resentment felt by the mother. See, the child's absence from home became desirable for all concerned. So I brought her here. I was highly recommended to the father by a friend of his, but he placed her in my care, not yours.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I suppose I'd better ask you something. How much do you remember about my trip to South America?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Well, you sent some beautiful postcards.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

No, that's not what I mean. About an automobile trip I made and the man who was with me.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

I never knew the gentleman's name. You never told me.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

I better tell you now. It was Tina's father.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Tina's father?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Does that alter the situation?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Of course it does. I don't know anything about your relationship with Dorrance. I don't know how emotionally involved you are with him. I can't work in the dark.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, I'll tell you everything. It's over. That's it. In two words. And Tina needs me. And I. Well, I've never been needed before.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Well, I'm crazy. But if you promise to behave yourself.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, thanks.

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

But you're only on probation. Remember what it says in the Bible. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

How does it feel to be the Lord?

[Dr. Jackworth (Psychiatrist)]

Oh,

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Jerry had to be told, of course. And though we never saw him, he sent a message through Tina. He asked her to thank me. And then came the time when we returned to Boston and the house was filled with young people. There was laughter and fun and Tina coming down the stairs in a new dress and her hair all curled and. And Jerry standing there.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Tina.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Daddy. Oh, Daddy.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, can this be Tina?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Do I look nice? It's my first party dress.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

You look lovely.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Do you really like me?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

I love you, darling.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Tina, don't you think it'd be Nice to show your father your room and your studio and everything.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Would you like to see my room, Daddy?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Oh, very much. If Ms. Vale will pardon us.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

How long are you going to call her Ms. Vale?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

What should I call her?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

I don't know. Would it sound too funny if you called her my name for her?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Now, what name is that?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

We decided it on the camping trip. I call her Camille.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Camille? I think it would sound very nice indeed.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Jerry, what are you doing here all alone? Come and join the party.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

I want to speak to you, Charlotte.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

What about?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

To take Tina home.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Take her home? But you. But you can't. Dr. Jack, who says it'll be the worst possible thing.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

I don't care what he says, Charlotte. I've accomplished very little with my life. But oddly enough, I've always managed to keep my self respect.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

How am I to interpret that?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

By recognizing the sacrifice you're making and admitting it. I can't let you do it, Charlotte. I can't go on forever taking. Taking. Taking from you and giving nothing.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Jerry, that's the most conventional, pious speech I've ever heard. Forgive me, I know. It's your pride, isn't it? Let me explain. You will be giving. Don't you know that to take is sometimes a way to give? The most beautiful way in the world. If two people love each other. You'll be giving me Tina, every single day. I'll be taking and you'll be giving.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

That's very kind of you to put it that way.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Then is it something that Tina has said? Don't you think she's happy here?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Happy? She told me upstairs she loved you almost as much as she loves me.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, what is the reason? Is it something about us?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, of course it's about us. Why didn't you marry Livingston? I'll tell you why. Because I came along and ruined him for you. And now my child comes along and claims all your attention and takes your whole life. When you should be trying to find some man who'll make you happy.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Some man who will make me happy? Oh, so that's it. Here I've been laboring under the illusion that you and I were so in sympathy, so one that you'd know without being asked what would make me happy. And you come up here to talk about some man. Jerry, you haven't the slightest conception of what torture it is to love a man and be shut out. To be always an outsider and an extra. Charlotte, when Tina said she'd come and stay with me, it was. Well, it was like a miracle. Like having my own child, a part of you. I thought you'd understand, but evidently you don't again. I've been just a sentimental fool. It's a tendency I have.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Wait a minute. I thought. I was afraid you were keeping Tina out of pity.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Pity?

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

But there wasn't any pity in your voice just now. I feel very small, Charlotte, and very much ashamed. I'll never doubt you again.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Thank you.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Come here. Come here, Charlotte.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

No, charity, please. Let me go. Listen, darling. Dr. Jaquith knows about us. When he said I could take Tina. His said, you're on probation. Do you know what that means? He allowed you to come here as a test. And if I can't stand the test, I'll lose Tina and we'll lose each other. Jerry, please help me.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Shall we have a cigarette on?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Yes, please.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

May I sometimes come here?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, whenever you like. There are people here who loved you. It won't be for this time only. That is, if you'll help me keep what we have. We could talk about your child.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Our child.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Thank you.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

There's something else I want to tell you. I. I don't know how. Charlotte, I'm not afraid of what's ahead for us. We have a certain immunity, you and I. It's a strange kind of love, isn't it, that keeps us apart. But it's stronger than both of us together. And it won't die. You believe that, Charlotte, and you will be happy.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Oh, Jerry. Don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Bette Davis and Gregory Peck will return for a curtain call in just a moment. I read the other day that a neighbor of ours was getting married. So when I met her younger sister, I asked about Mary. Susie gave me a withering look.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

She gives me a pain.

[Radio Show Announcer]

What now?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

All the airs Mary puts on. She came into the kitchen last night while mom and I were doing the dishes. And of course, she hasn't touched a dishcloth since she's been dating Fred. Here was mom, up to her elbows in suds. What do you suppose Mary said?

[Radio Show Announcer]

From your look, it wasn't good.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

The nerve of her.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

She said she couldn't possibly wash dishes when she got married because Fred's always raving about her soft white hands and she doesn't want to spoil them.

[Radio Show Announcer]

And what did your mother say?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Well, I spoke up before mom had a chance. I said if her eyes weren't on Fred so much she'd see that box of Lux right on the kitchen sink and she'd have taken a look at her own mother's hands. Why, since mom changed deluxe, her hands looked divine.

[Radio Show Announcer]

So then what?

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

So Mary did take a look at Mom's hands and kissed her and said whoopee. And off she went to buy a

[Radio Show Announcer]

box of Lux Flakes?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

No, of course not.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

She had a date with Fred. But I could see she was impressed.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Well, it is impressive, Susie. You see, the Lux people made a lot of actual tests.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

What kind of test, Mr. Kennedy?

[Radio Show Announcer]

They had women wash dishes with strong soaps. And you should have seen their hands.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Like Moms used to be, I guess.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

All red and rough.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Yes. Then the same women changed to Luxe Flakes, and their hands became soft and smooth and lovely again.

[Ms. Traska (Nurse)]

Well, mom says it costs hardly anything to use Lux for dishes. She says a big box lasts and lasts.

[Radio Show Announcer]

That's true. Lux does go further. Lux does up to twice as many dishes ounce for ounce, as other leading soaps tested. Your mother's a smart woman, Susie. And I'll bet your sister Mary will take after her. Here's Mr. Keeley with our stars.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

It gives me great pleasure to bring back to the Footlights for their curtain call, Betty Davis and Gregory Peck, who appeared together for the first time on any stage.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

It seems natural to be on a stage with you again, Bill.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

And it's been a real privilege for me to play opposite Betty.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Betty, I want you to know how proud we all are of the honor accorded you in Mexico as the first American screen star to be included on their roll of honor.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

What was the occasion, Betty?

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

Well, it was a screening of the Corn is Green in connection with the opening of a campaign to educate all Mexicans to read and write.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

And thousands of Mexicans who learn to write will be sending you and Greg fan mail that I'm sure. Greg, I'm happy to see that your boss, David O. Selznick, won the December box office Blue Ribbon Award for Spellbound.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Yes, I feel mighty lucky to have been in that picture, Bill.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Oh, I don't think it was luck. I think for both of you, success was predetermined.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

It's a very nice thought, Bill.

[Mrs. Vale (Charlotte's Mother)]

What do you mean?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Well, you may not know it, but you were both born on the same day in April. And from ancient law, you know how the stars affect our lives.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, I know how stars like Bette Davis affect mine.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Well, I'm talking about the celestial star.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Well, I'm afraid that subject's a little over my head, Bill.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Well, perhaps we'd better gravitate to the stars we're having in this theater. Next week.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

That's better.

[Susie (Supporting Character)]

Bill. Who are they?

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

They represent two generations of fine acting. Lionel Barrymore and Margaret O' Brien in the 20th Century Fox hit, Captain January. Captain January is a story of a bluff and salty lighthouse keeper and the light of his life, a little girl named Star. A story of how they face an often hostile world together bound to each other by tenderness and understanding.

[Charlotte Vale (Main Character)]

They should be wonderful together in that play, Bill. Good night.

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

Good night.

[William Keeley (Producer/Narrator)]

Good night. You took us on a very pleasant voyage. Before we part, may I leave with you a grave and vitally important message? In the recent war, we learned what loss of life and limb can mean in terms of human anguish. And yet, in America today, there is a shocking toll of lives and human injuries through carelessness. Carelessness that, since Pearl harbor, has killed more Americans at home than lost their lives in battle. Yes, it doesn't seem possible, but it's true. Most accidents are preventable if each of us will assume responsibility, especially on public highways. Drive with care. Observe all speed and traffic regulations. Be ready for unforeseen emergencies. Help stop the growing scourge of accidents throughout America. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening when the Lux Radio Theatre presents Margaret o' Brien and Lionel Barrymore in Captain January. This is William Keeley saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Radio Show Announcer]

In reviewing the wartime record of the motion picture studios, their stars, executives and personnel. America can be proud that its great entertainment industry, mobilized for victory received the commendations of two presidents of the United States. Also the commendations of the secretaries of War, the Navy and the treasury as well as of the commanding officers of every military branch in every theater of the war. For its unstinted service in the cause of victory, the motion picture industry has earned the gratitude of all America. Bette Davis will soon be seen in the Warner Brothers picture, A Stolen Life. This program is broadcast to our men and women overseas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. Our music was directed by Lewis Silvers. Our Lux Radio Theater production of Now Voyager, starring Bette Davis and Gregory Peck has come to you with the good wishes of the makers of Lux Flakes the safe, gentle flakes smart women everywhere use for all nice washables. This is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear Captain January with Margaret o' Brien and Lionel Barrymore. The spry treat of the week. Tender, golden Sprite spry pancakes to put you in high on brisk winter mornings. Taste the delicate flavor difference in pancakes made with Spry, the pure all vegetable shortening that gives all your cooking a

[Jerry Durrance (Male Lead)]

boost for the better.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Rely on Spry. Next week's Lux Radio Theater presentation, Captain January is based on a novel by Laura E. Richards, published and copyrighted by LC Page and Company. Be sure to listen. And why not? Tune in a half hour early to hear Joan Davis over most of these stations. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[NHTSA Traffic Safety Announcer]

Tonight, in your city, someone is walking their dog. Someone is crossing the street to their car. Someone's kid is riding a bike home and they're counting on you to drive the speed limit. Speeding accounts for nearly 30% of traffic fatalities. And most of those crashes don't happen on the interstate. They happen on the streets where people live. Slow down. It's an act of care for the people around you. So remember, speeding catches up with you. Know the road and respect its limits. Presented by nhtsa. Now back to your podcast.