Lux Radio Theatre - The Letter

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Lux Radio Theatre – The Letter

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: July 3, 2026
Featured Stars: Bette Davis (Leslie Crosby), Herbert Marshall (Robert Crosby), Vincent Price (Howard Joyce)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio features a gripping dramatization of "The Letter" by Somerset Maugham, performed by the legendary Lux Radio Theatre cast. The story—a tense psychological drama about a woman's crime of passion, the ambiguities of guilt and innocence, and the destructive power of hidden truths—is brought to life by Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall, and Vincent Price. The narrative takes listeners to a rubber plantation in pre-war Malaya, weaving a tale of love, betrayal, and moral ambiguity.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

I. Prologue & Setting the Scene

• Host Introduction & Heritage of Radio Drama: Cecil B. DeMille introduces the play, contextualizing Bette Davis's career and the depth of Somerset Maugham's storytelling.
  "Some stars are born to fame. Others have fame thrust upon them. Then there's a third kind like Bette Davis..." (01:04)

• Opening Atmosphere: The story opens on a sultry, tension-filled night in Malaya, immediately introducing a sense of impending violence and emotional intensity.

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II. The Crime: Leslie’s Shooting of Hammond (Start ~04:29)

• Incident: Leslie Crosby (Bette Davis) shoots Geoffrey Hammond, claiming self-defense against an attempted assault.

• Immediate Aftermath: Leslie is found in shock, and the household is thrown into chaos as her husband and local authorities arrive.

  • Key lines:
    • Leslie: "He tried to...to make love to me, and I shot him." (05:33)
    • Robert (comforting): "There, darling...There's nothing to be frightened about. It'll be all right now." (05:39)

• Investigation Begins: District Officer John Withers and Leslie’s friend and attorney, Howard Joyce, try to piece together what happened. Leslie recounts her story, professing innocence but also displaying signs of deeper distress.

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III. The Question of Motive and A Letter (Introduced ~17:05)

• Discovery of the Letter: Rumors swirl about a letter from Leslie to Hammond, written the day of his death. The content suggests premeditation and contradicts Leslie's sworn statements.

  • Ong Chi (confidential clerk): "There is a letter from the defendant to the unfortunate victim of the tragedy." (19:14)
  • Howard Joyce: "This letter asked him to come and see you because Robert was going to be away." (22:09)

• Legal and Moral Dilemma: Joyce faces the ethical and professional crisis of whether to suppress evidence to save Leslie.

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IV. Moral Compromises & Emotional Fallout

• Blackmail and Suppression: Hammond's widow, a Eurasian woman, possesses the incriminating letter and offers to sell it for $10,000—the Crosbys’ entire savings.

  • Ong Chi: "The woman has it. She did not know the value of it till my friend told her." (31:00)
  • Leslie: "Do you mean to say that you can save me and you won’t? What harm have I ever done you? You can’t be so cruel." (30:11)

• Buying Silence: Joyce negotiates the purchase and orchestrates a clandestine meeting in the Chinese quarter to retrieve the damning evidence.

  • Leslie: "I've always wanted to see the Chinese quarter. ...Of course, I'd have chosen other circumstances for a visit." (35:13)
  • Ong Chi: "You may have the letter if you will pick it up at her feet." (38:42)

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V. The Verdict & Aftermath (39:06 and following)

• Trial and Acquittal: Leslie is acquitted of murder, largely due to evidence suppression and manipulation behind the scenes.

  • Verdict delivered: "We find the defendant not guilty." (39:21)

• The Cost of Survival:

  • The Crosbys plan to escape to Sumatra, hoping to start anew, but the emotional wounds remain open.
  • Robert: "We’ll be away from everybody, and the only people around us would be Dutch. We'd start a new life." (40:28)

• Revelation & Confession:

  • Robert discovers the truth about Leslie’s affair and the real circumstances surrounding Hammond’s death.
    • Leslie: "It means that I was in love with Geoff Hammond." (48:41)
    • Leslie: "With all my heart, I still love the man I killed." (52:25)

• Tragic Resolution: Ultimately, unable to reconcile her feelings of guilt and loss, Leslie meets a tragic fate in the garden, led there by Hammond’s widow.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Leslie’s guilt and inner conflict:

  • "I have no excuse for myself. I don't deserve to live." (53:33)
  • "With all my heart, I still love the man I kill." (52:25)

• Legal and ethical tension:

  • Joyce: "I wasn't thinking of the money. I don't know if you will understand this, Leslie, but I've always thought of myself as an honest man. You're asking me to do something which is no different from suborning a witness." (30:00)

• Society and gender expectations:

  • Leslie (reflecting on tolerating advances): "A woman only makes a perfect fool of herself if she makes a scene every time a man pays her a compliment." (09:06)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:04]: DeMille’s introduction and Bette Davis’s legacy
• [04:29–06:00]: The shooting and immediate aftermath; Leslie’s first explanation
• [17:05–20:32]: Introduction of the letter and its implications
• [21:02–25:08]: Joyce interrogates Leslie about the letter
• [31:00–38:51]: Negotiations for the letter; visiting the Chinese quarter
• [39:06–41:30]: Trial, verdict, and plans for the future
• [46:39–53:49]: The cost of buying silence; Robert’s realization; Leslie’s confession
• [53:49–56:47]: Leslie’s encounter in the garden and tragic end

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Emotional Tone & Style

The episode maintains a tense, noir-like atmosphere, where dialogue is riddled with subtext and suppressed emotions. Performances are intense and melodramatic, especially from Bette Davis, whose portrayal of Leslie is layered and tormented. Themes of colonial society, sexual politics, and personal honor are recurrent.

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Curtain Call & Reflections

• Theatre Traditions: After the drama, the stars return for a curtain call, exchanging gratitude and light banter about Hollywood’s support for the troops and Bette Davis’s work with the Hollywood Canteen (60:01–61:10).
• Noteworthy Reflection: “If you love a person, you can forgive anything. But what about you? Can you go on?” (Robert Crosby, 51:52)
• Legacy: The play closes with a nod to the impact of radio dramas, their reach across society, and a preview of the next Lux Radio Theatre presentation.

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Final Thoughts

“The Letter” is a sophisticated radio drama that exemplifies the emotional and moral intricacy of Golden Age radio—the performances, especially by Davis and Marshall, are exceptional, making the story both a product of its time and a timeless exploration of the human psyche. For modern listeners, it’s a masterclass in character-driven storytelling and radio production.

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Transcript

[Announcer]

Hey everybody.

[Lady Luck]

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[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Lux presents Hollywood. Deluxe Radio Theatre brings you Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall and Vincent Price in the letter. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Some stars are born to fame. Others have fame thrust upon them. Then there's a third kind like Bette Davis. All the honors in Hollywood have come to her at one time or another. Those who judge stars by box office value place her among the leaders. Those who judge by purely artistic standards accord her the same position. She's won the Academy Award twice. And yet I doubt whether Betty has ever been completely satisfied with one of her performances. Like most great artists, she always found some detail that might be improved for neither the box office nor the critic judges harshly as her own instinct. Tonight we present Bette Davis in the Letter by Somerset Maugham. She gave one of her finest performances in the Warner Brothers picture. And that was only fitting because it was in another Maugham story called Of Human Bondage that Betty really came of age as an actress. The letter packs the drama of a lifetime into a few weeks of love and violence and.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

And death.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

It's a great play for a great actress, but you'll hear more than one star performance because Herbert Marshall will play opposite Betty in the same party had in the picture. And our third star is Vincent Price, who makes his first appearance here tonight. When I was first connected with the theater, the audience which enjoyed a production like this was limited to the few hundred people who could crowd into a Broadway playhouse. You can picture the riot that be if tonight's stars were appearing on Broadway for one night only. But today, Lux Flakes has made it possible for 30 or 35 million people to hear the play at the same time. And every one of you has the best seat in the house. The soldier in New guinea is in the third row, center, right beside the banker who is listening from his Park Avenue apartment. And Lux Flakes is at work in both places, in millions of American homes and abroad, where a steel helmet may do double duty as a Washtub. Here's the curtain. Now for the first act of the Letter, starring Bette Davis as Leslie, Herbert Marshall as Robert Crosby, and Vincent Price as Howard Joyce. All of this happened a few years ago on the Malay Peninsula in the days before the war. Just north of Singapore lay the great rubber plantations, kingdoms of commerce built by natives and white men. On this particular night, in the main bungalow of one of these plantations, a light burns dimly through a shaded window. The night is hot and humid, the soft breeze heavy with the scent of flowers. A clouded moon hangs low in the sky, filtering slowly through the trees, making patterns of shimmering silver on the ground. There is deep silence. Suddenly, the door of the bungalow is flung open.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Missy. I hear a gunfire. Missy Crosby, I hear that man. That is Mr. Hammond.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Is he dead?

[House Boy / Minor Character]

I. I think him dead. You see him? Missy?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Crisby, do you know where the new district officer lives?

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Yes, Missy.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Send someone for him at once. Say there's been an accident and Mr. Hammond's death.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Yes, Missy.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

And get word to my husband. He's out somewhere on the number four plantation.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Yes, Missy. I try.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Leslie.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Leslie, where are you?

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Leslie?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I'm here.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Mr. Crosby? Yeah. I'm John Withers, the new district officer.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Where's Mrs. Crosby?

[John Withers (District Officer)]

She locked herself in her room. She wouldn't see me until you came.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Huh?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Excuse me. Leslie. Let me in. Leslie Downing is.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Robert.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Leslie, what happened?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Didn't they tell you?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

They said Hammond was killed.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Is he. Is he still out there?

[John Withers (District Officer)]

I had your head boy remove the

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

body to a shed.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Leslie, what happened? Tell me.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

He tried to. To make love to me, and I shot him.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, Robert, I'm so glad.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

There, darling.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

There.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Hold me tight. I'm so frightened.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

There's nothing. Nothing to be frightened about. It'll be all right now. There now. Now, now.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

That's better.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I'll try not to do that again. Mr. Withers, I hope you'll understand. I didn't want to see anyone until my husband came.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Yes, of course. I understand. Mrs. Crosby.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Oh, Howard. Come in.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I got your message in Singapore.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Howard, how nice of you to come.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Naturally, I want to be here if I can help.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, you will help me, us.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

In every way I can. As your lawyer and your friend.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

You're a dear.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Mr. Withers, this is Mr. Howard. Howard Joyce, my attorney.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

How do you do?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

How do you do?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

How's Dorothy, Howard?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

She's very well and anxious to see you.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Has her sister arrived from England?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Adele? Oh, yes. She came last week.

[Announcer]

Oh.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, here now. Here now, Leslie. You better be rested.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I do feel dreadfully faint.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Come and lie down, darling. I'll. I'll get you a drink.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I'm sorry to be so tired.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Nonsense.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

You're being very brave.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

How long have you been here, Mr. Withers?

[John Withers (District Officer)]

About an hour. One of the Crosby House boys came to fetch me.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Was Hammond dead?

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Oh, yes. He was just riddled with bullets. What? Well, here's the revolver. All six chambers are empty.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Here, you two. You better have a drink yourselves.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Thanks, but I'm afraid I shouldn't. I'm on duty of a sort, you know.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, I'll have one, Bob. You feeling any better, Leslie?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Much better, thank you, Mrs. Crosby.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

I'm afraid it's my duty to ask you some questions.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I think I can wait, Mr. Withers, until my way.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, it's all right, Robert, really, I. I feel perfectly well now.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Then suppose you tell us, Leslie, in your own words, exactly what happened.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

I'll try and take your time, Mrs. Crosby. Remember, we're all friends here.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

You've been so patient.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Well.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, as you know, Robert was spending the night at Number Four Plantation. Oh, I never mind being alone. A planter's wife gets used to that. I had dinner rather late and I. I started working on my lace. Oh, I don't know how long I'd been working when suddenly I heard footsteps outside. And someone came up on the veranda and said, good evening. Can I come in? I was startled because I hadn't heard a car drive up. Who is it?

[Mrs. Thompson (Housewife)]

I asked.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Geoff Hammond. Oh, of course. I said, come in and have a drink.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Were you surprised to see him?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, I was rather. He hadn't been in the house for ages, had he, Robert?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Three months at least.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I told him Robert was over at the Number Four Plantation getting out a shipment or something. Wasn't that it, darling?

[John Withers (District Officer)]

What did he say to that?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

He said, oh, I'm sorry. I felt rather lonely tonight, so I thought I'd just come over and see how you were getting on. Well, I put on my spectacles again and went on with my work. We chatted about one thing and another. He asked me if Robert had heard that a tiger had been seen on the road two or three days ago. He said he thought he'd try to get it over the weekend.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Oh, yes, I know about that. Don't you remember? I spoke to you about it yesterday.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Did you? Oh, yes, I believe you did.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Well, we.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

We went on chatting until.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

Well.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, suddenly he said something rather silly.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

What?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

It's hardly worth repeating. He paid me a little compliment, I think.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Perhaps you'd better tell us exactly what he said, Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

He said, you've got very pretty eyes. It's too bad to hide them under those ugly spectacles.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Has he ever said anything of the sort to you before?

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

Oh, no, never.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

And I thought it impertinent.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I don't wonder.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Did you answer him?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I said I didn't care a row of beans what he thought about me, but he only laughed and said, I'm going to tell you all the same. I think you're the prettiest thing I've ever seen.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Let her finish, Bob.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, in that case, I said, I can only think you half witted. He laughed again and moved his chair up closer.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

But Mrs. Crosby, I wonder you didn't throw him out there and then.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, I didn't want to make a fuss. I think a woman only makes a perfect fool of herself if she makes a scene every time a man pays her a compliment.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

When did you first suspect that Hammond was serious?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

The next thing he said, you know what?

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[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

He looked at me straight in the face and he said, don't you know that I'm awfully in love with you Swine.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Were you surprised?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Of course I was surprised. Well, we've known him for seven years, Robert, and he's never paid me the smallest attention. Why, I didn't suppose he even knew what color my eyes were.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

We haven't seen very much of him the last few years.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Yes, yes, go on, Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, he helped himself to another whiskey and soda. I began to wonder if he'd been drinking before. I wouldn't drink anymore if I were you, I said. He emptied his glass and asked me in a funny Abrupt way. You think I'm talking to you like this because I'm drunk? I said. That's the most obvious explanation, isn't it? Oh, it's awful having to tell you all this. I'm so ashamed.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

I wish there was some way we could spare you, Mrs. Crosby.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Leslie, it's for your own good that we know the facts. All you can remember of them.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Very well. I'll tell you the rest. I got up from my chair. I was standing in front of the table about. About here. He rose and stood in front of me. Good night, I said. But he just looked at me and his eyes were all funny. I'm not going, he said. Well, then I began to lose my temper. You poor fool. Don't you know I've never loved anyone but Robert? And even if I didn't love Robert, you're the last man I should care for, he answered. Robert's away. Well, that was the last straw. I wasn't frightened, just angry. If you don't go away this minute, I told him, I'll call the boys and have you thrown out. I walked past him to call the boys, and he took hold of my arm and swung me back. I screamed as loud as I could. He flung his arms about me and began to kiss me. I struggled to tear myself away from him. Oh, he seemed like a madman. He kept talking and talking, saying he loved me. Oh, it's horrible. I can't go on.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I'm very sorry, Leslie, but we'll have to know the rest.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, he lifted me in his arms. I struggled to get free, but he was too strong. He started to carry me and. And then he stumbled on those steps, and I got away from him. Suddenly I remembered Robert's revolver in the drawer of that chest. He got up, but I reached it before he caught me. Oh, it was all instinctive. I didn't know what I was doing. I didn't even know I'd fired. I heard a report and saw him lurch toward the door. I followed him out to the veranda. He staggered across the porch and fell down the steps. I don't remember anything more. Just the reports, one after another, until there was a funny little click and the revolver was empty. And suddenly I looked down and saw him lying there, lying in the moonlight. It was only then that I knew what I'd done.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

My poor darling.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Mrs. Crosby. Miss, may I say I think you behaved magnificently. I'm terribly sorry we had to put you to the ordeal of telling us all this.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, you were all very kind it's

[John Withers (District Officer)]

quite obvious the man only got what he deserved.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Withers, if you'll come with me, I'd like to see the body for a minute. Oh, yes, yes.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

I'll take you to the shed.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

We'll only be a few minutes.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

My poor child.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, Robert, what have I done?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

You've done what any woman would have done in your place. Only nine tenths of them wouldn't have had the courage.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

And yet I'd give almost anything if I could bring him back to life. So horrible to think that I killed him.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Leslie, why, there isn't a man or a woman in the colony who won't be proud to know you.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Darling, we have been happy, haven't we?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

You've been the best wife a man could have. I'm grateful for all the time we've been together.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Robert, don't say it that way. It sounds so. So in the past.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Nonsense. We've got most of our lives ahead of us. Oh, if only there was something I could do to help you right now.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

You can love me. That's all I need.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I've always loved you.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Yes, but now.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Leslie, darling, if I could love you anymore, I would. Now,

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

You have to be very indulgent towards my cooking, gentlemen. I can't vouch for it.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Well, I can and will.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Funny, the head boy running off tonight.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Yeah, it is.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Odd.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, he couldn't have done any better than this. My dear, it's delicious.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

It certainly is.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Thank you, gentlemen.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I think we should start for Singapore as soon as we're finished.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Right away.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

It's still dark, Howard.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

It'll be 8 o' clock by the time we get there. We'll ring the Attorney General and find out when we can see him. I think that's the first thing to do, don't you, Withers?

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Yes. Yes, I think that's the best thing to do.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Would I have to be arrested?

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Well, you see, Mrs. Crosby, as a

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

matter of fact, I. I think you're by way of being under arrest. Now.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

It's purely a matter of.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

For.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Mrs. Crosby.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Shall I be imprisoned?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, that's up to the Attorney General. But it's quite possible he'll be able to accept bail.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

He's. He's a very good fellow and I'm sure he'll do everything he can.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

How do you mean, be able to accept bail?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, my dear, it depends on what the charge is.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

What do you mean by that?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I think it not unlikely that he'll say that only one charge is possible. And in that case. Well, I'M afraid that an application for bail would be useless.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

What charge?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Murder. Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, I'm quite all right. More coffee, dear?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

No, no, no. As a matter of fact, if we're going to leave, I better put a few things together. I won't be long.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Let me do it, Robert.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

No, no, no, don't bother, dear.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, Leslie.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

Yes?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

There's just one question I'd like to ask you.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Yes, what is it, Howard?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Just before, when I was looking at Hammond's body.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, yes?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

It seemed to me that some of the shots must have been fired after he was lying on the ground.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I'm afraid it sounds very cold blooded, but I was so terrified I didn't know what I was doing. Everything was confused and blurred.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, there, Leslie, I shouldn't even have brought it up tonight. Put it out of your mind.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Hey everybody.

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[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Come in. Where?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Longchi, Mr. Crossbeat will steal something.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, ask him to come in, Mr. Crosby.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Thanks.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Hello, Bob.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

How. How is she? Have you seen her?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

If I can be of any assistance, I shall remain within call.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Not at the moment, Ong. Thanks. Ong has been a great help on the case. He finds out everything. He's the perfect confidential clerk.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I tried to catch you at the house. I had to see you. Howard.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Needn't hesitate about coming to the office, Bob. You know you're always welcome.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

How is everything?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Everything's fine. In fact, Leslie's much better than you. She hasn't turned a hair.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

She's worth 10 of me, I don't mind confessing. I'm all in. It's the first time we've been separated for more than a day since we were married.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, you mustn't let yourself go to pieces, old man.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I've tried to work, but it's no good. Your state can go to blazes for all I care. I hate the house and every tree on the place.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

But then why not stay in town with us? Dorothy's for it and so am I.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Thanks. I think I will. I won't be so lonely.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, you'd better get some sleep before you see Leslie. You don't want her to have to cheer you up.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

She's a plucky woman. It's monstrous they should have to keep her in that filthy prison all this time.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

They have no choice. Anyway, it's only a week now before the trial.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Well, the whole thing's a fast. Why subject her to the ordeal of a trial?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Because she admitted killing a man. A trial is inevitable.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

She shot him as she would have shot a mad dog.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

You don't have to convince me, Robert. You know, it's curious. Hammond was able to keep his life so hidden. That gambling house he owned, and especially the Eurasian woman.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Will she be one of the witnesses?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I shan't call her. I'll just produce evidence that Hammond was married to her.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

He managed to keep that manager's secret, too. Oh, I know you're busy, Howard. I. I can't tell you how grateful I am.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, nonsense. Now, stop worrying. That's your lawyer's job.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

All right. Thanks, old man. I. I'll see you up at.

[Vims Advertiser]

Yes,

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Mr. Joyce.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, on.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

If you are not too busy, sir,

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

may I trouble you for a few

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

words in private conversation?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

No trouble at all.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

It has to do with the case of the Crown versus Crosby.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Yes?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

A friend has brought me information, sir, that there is a letter from the defendant to the unfortunate victim of the tragedy.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, that's nuts. In the course of seven years, I have no doubt that Mrs. Crosby often had occasion to write to Mr. Hammond.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

But the letter, sir, was written on the day of his death. Well, you will recall that Mrs. Crosby had stated that until the fatal night, she had had no communication with the deceased for several weeks. This letter indicates that her statement is not in every respect, accurate.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Have you seen the letter?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

I have with me a copy, sir. The original is in the possession of a woman who happens to be the widow of Mr. Hammond, deceased.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

May I read it?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Oh, certainly, sir.

[Announcer]

Of course.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

As I said, this is but a copy. Can you understand it, sir?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Perfectly. It's. It's inconceivable that Mrs. Crosby should have written such a letter.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

May I suggest, sir, that it would be well to make sure, since my friend is of the opinion that the letter would be of some interest to the prosecutor.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I'm obliged to you, Ong. I'll give the matter my consideration.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Very good, sir.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Do you wish me to communicate that to my friend?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

It might be well if you kept in touch with him. Yes, sir.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

It might be.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Very well.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

You may stay in the visiting room as long as you want, Mrs. Crosby. The warden's orders. That's very nice of him.

[Lieutenant Lada Jelinek (Army Nurse)]

Thank you.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Howard, how good of you to come. I wasn't expecting you today.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Good morning, Leslie. You're looking very well.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Thank you, Howard.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, the trial's only five days off now.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I know. Each morning when I awake, I say to myself, what? One day less. Just like I used to at school, with the holidays coming.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, don't feel sorry for me, Howard. The time has really passed quite quickly. I've read a great deal and worked on my lace. But I will confess something to you, Howard. I'm not looking forward to testifying in court.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Leslie, one of the things that it's impressed me is that each time you've told your story, you've told it in exactly the same words. You've never varied a hair's breadth.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

And what does that suggest to your legal mind?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, it suggests either that you have an extraordinary memory or.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Or?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Or that you're telling the plain, unvarnished truth.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I'm afraid I have a very poor memory, Leslie.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I suppose I'm right in thinking that you had no communication with Hammond for several weeks before the catastrophe.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, quite. I'm positive of that. Let's see. Well, the last time we met was at a tennis party at the McFadden. I don't think I said more than two words to him.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

And you hadn't written to him?

[Announcer]

Oh, no.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

At one time, you'd been on fairly intimate terms with him. How did it happen that you stopped asking him to anything?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, we hadn't anything much in common. He was very popular, you know, and, well, there didn't seem to be any need to shower him with invitations.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Are you quite certain that was all?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, I may as well tell you. We heard about his. His wife. And once, just by chance, I actually saw her.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, you never mentioned that. What was she like?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Horrible. Covered with gold chains and bangles and bracelets and a face like a mask.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

And it Was after you knew about her that you stopped having anything to do with Hammond.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Yes.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Leslie, I think I should tell you that there is in existence a letter in your handwriting from you to Jeff Hammond.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, I've often sent him little notes to ask him something or other.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

This letter asked him to come and see you because Robert was going to be away.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, but that's impossible. I never did anything of the kind.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Here, you'd better read it for yourself.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

This is not my handwriting.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I know that. It's said to be an exact copy of one written on the day of Hammond's death. Well, Leslie, what does it mean? That's for you to say.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Leslie, I didn't write it. I swear I didn't write it.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

The original is in your handwriting. It would be useless to deny it.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, it could be a forgery.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

It would be difficult to prove that, Leslie. It would be very easy to prove that it was genuine.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, it's. It's not dated. It might have been written years ago. Oh, if you'll. If you'll just give me a little time, I'll try to remember.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Leslie, the prosecution could cross examine your house boys. They would soon find out whether someone took a letter to Hammond on the day of his death.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I swear to you, I did not write this letter.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Very well, then. There's nothing further to talk about. I'll be going.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Howard. Howard, wait a minute. I. I did write it, but you see, I was afraid to mention it. I thought none of you'd believe my story if I admitted that he'd come there at my invitation.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Go on.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

You see, I was preparing a surprise for Robert's birthday. I knew he wanted a new gun and. Oh, I'm so dreadfully stupid about sporting things. I thought I'd talk to Jeff about it and get him to order it for me.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Perhaps you've forgotten what's in the letter. Will you have another look at it?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

No, I don't want to.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Then let me read it to you. Robert will be away. I absolutely must see you. I'm desperate. And if you don't come, I won't answer for the consequences. Don't drive up to the door, Leslie. I'll have to talk to you very plainly. I told Robert today that I was certain of your acquittal. And I didn't say that just to cheer him up. I don't believe the jury would have retired at all. But this letter alters the case completely. I won't tell you what I. What I personally thought when I read the letter. Duty of counsel is to defend his client and not to convict her even in his own mind. I don't want you to tell me anything but what is needed to save your neck. Oh, they can prove Hammond came to your house at your urgent invitation. I don't know what else they can prove, Leslie, but if the jury comes to the conclusion that you didn't kill Hammond in self defense.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I know. I know that, Leslie.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Matron.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Matron. Quickly.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Yes, sir.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Call the nurse. Mrs. Crosby is ill.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

While we wait for Benny Davis, Herbert Marshall and Vincent Price to return with Mr. DeMille for act two of the letter. Do you remember this tune?

[Announcer]

It's a song I've always liked. Remember? Night and day, you're the one. Only you beneath the moon and under the sun. Isn't that what every woman would like to hear? And she can hear it if. If she's the charming person she's meant to be.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

And don't think you must be a

[Announcer]

great beauty to be charming.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Think.

[Announcer]

Don't you know women who aren't beautiful or even pretty, yet their whole being draws you to them? They're warm and gay. Yet aren't they always very dainty flower, fresh and immaculate? And isn't that the picture in your mind when I speak of luxe girls? They go together, lux and daintiness. Yes, because these gentle luxe flakes make

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

this appealing quality so very, very easy to have.

[Announcer]

We women are busy. Oh yes, there's so much to do these days. But all the more reason to remember Lux. It's so quick, that dainty habit of dipping under things daily in Lux. A little thing seemingly but a major part of charm. So let's never be too busy to use luxe fake flakes for undies each day.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

The ABC

[Announcer]

of charm is L, U X. Then you're sure to hear from the one you want most to hear it from. Night and day, you are the one. Only you beneath the moon and under the sun.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

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

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Act two of the letter. Starring bette davis as leslie, herbert marshall as robert crosby and vincent price as howard joyce.

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[Narrator / Storyteller]

in that split fraction of a moment before her mind slipped into blackness, Leslie Crosby realized that the letter she had written to Jeff Hammond was damning evidence. Evidence enough to hang her. Now, a few minutes later, in the first aid room of the prison hospital, she leans wearily back in a chair, her eyes half closed.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I'm afraid I've made rather a mess of things.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I'm sorry for Robert.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Not for me. You've distrusted me from the beginning, Howard.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

That's neither here nor there, Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Who's got the lesson now?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

The Eurasian woman who was Hammond's wife.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, Howard, are you going to let me be hanged?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

What do you mean by that, Leslie?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

You could get hold of the letter.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Do you think it's so easy to do away with unwelcome evidence?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

But surely nothing would have been said to you if the owner wasn't prepared to sell it?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

That's quite true, but I'm not prepared to buy it.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, but it wouldn't be your money. Robert has saved some.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I wasn't thinking of the money. I don't know if you will understand this, Leslie, but I've always thought of myself as an honest man. You're asking me to do something which is no different from suborning a witness.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Do you mean to say that you can save me and you won't? What harm have I ever done you? You can't be so cruel.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I want to do my best for you, Leslie. But a lawyer has a duty to his profession and to himself. I can't do what you ask.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, poor Robert. He doesn't deserve it. He's never hurt anyone in his life. He's so kind and simple and good and he trusts me. So I mean everything to him, everything in the world. And this will ruin his life. Oh, I know what you're thinking. You despise me. You think he's well rid of me.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

If they do hang me, it isn't important what I feel about you. Do you understand that? I'm going to do what I can.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, how?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Bob will want to know what the money's for.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Will it be a very large sum?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, I imagine this woman has a pretty shrewd idea of the letter's value.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

You won't have to show Robert the letter, will you?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I'll do everything possible to prevent it. He'll be an important witness, and he should be as firmly convinced of your innocence as he is now. And after the trial, I'm going to try to save your life.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Robert loses his trust in me. He loses everything.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

It's strange that a man can live with a woman for 10 years and not know the first thing about her. You say your friend could be induced to part with the letter?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

I believe so, sir. But my friend has not got the letter, sir. The woman has it. She did not know the value of it till my friend told her.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

What value did he put on it?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

$10,000, sir.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Only 10,000? Why not 50 or 100?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

For the reason, sir, that Mr. Crosby has in the bank a savings account in the amount of only $10,450.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

$10,000 is a good deal of money. On. Well, I'll speak to Mr. Crosby. Have the woman come to my office.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

I was about to mention, sir, she made two conditions. She insist that the money shall be brought to her. I can take you to the house whenever you are ready.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

What is the other condition?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

That Mrs. Crosby shall bring it to her personally.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Why, you must be mad. Great heavens, man. Do you suppose Mrs. Crosby can just walk out of a prison cell whenever she feels like it?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

My friend thinks you could arrange to have her stay at your house until the trial. I believe the judge will permit it if you are responsible for her, sir.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Very well. Ong, tell me something.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Yes, sir?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

What are you getting out of this?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

$2,000, sir, and the satisfaction of being of service to you and our client.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Sit down, Howard. I've taken the liberty of ordering for you.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, thanks. You're looking more cheerful, Bob.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I feel better since this morning. I guess you finally convinced me we have nothing to worry about.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, as a matter of fact, Bob, something has come up. It's nothing very much, but I thought I'd better have a talk with you about it.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Yes?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, it seems Leslie wrote a letter to Hammond asking him to come to the bungalow on the night he was killed.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Why, that's Impossible. You heard her say she'd had no communication with him for weeks before it happened.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Nevertheless, she did write the letter. She wanted his advice on something she was buying you for your birthday. Your birthday was about then, wasn't it?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Yes, it was the end of April.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

In the excitement, she forgot the letter at the time and then later was afraid to say she'd made a mistake.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

But that's not like Leslie. She isn't afraid of anything.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

This was a pretty serious mistake, and she realized it.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Who has the letter?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Hammond's widow. She threatens to turn it over to the prosecution.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

What if she does? Leslie can explain it in court just as she explained it to you.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Yes, but don't you see? It might alter things a good deal in the minds of the jury if Hammond came to your home by invitation.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Well, what's to be done about it?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I think we must get hold of that letter. I want you to authorize me to buy it.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I'll do whatever you think is right. All right, buy the letter. I'll pay you back whatever it costs.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Good. Now put the matter out of your mind. Oh, by the way, Leslie will be at the house tonight. I've arranged to have her released pending trial.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Leslie, don't tell me. That's the same lace I saw you working on at the McFerrens. How can you go so far?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, I hadn't anything much else to do this past month. What's it going to be? It's too fine for a tablecloth. Surely it's a coverlet for our bed.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, Dorothy, Leslie and I have some work to do this evening. Look here, Robert, why don't you take the girls to a picture?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

It won't take all evening, will it? Huh.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

There's a lot to go over. No use you three hanging around. You'd much better see a good.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Yes, go ahead, darling. It'll take your mind off tomorrow. I want you to.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

All right, then. I'll bring the car around.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Come on, Adele. I can see the legal mind is anxious to get rid of it.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Good night, Leslie.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Good night.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Where do we have to go?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

The Chinese quarter. Some sort of shop, I believe.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I've always wanted to see the Chinese quarter. I hear it's a bit creepy. Of course, I'd have chosen other circumstances for a visit.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Be flippant about your own crimes if you like, but don't be flippant about mine.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, I'm sorry, Howard. I didn't mean to be flippant. Really, I didn't.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Maybe it's my own Sense of guilt. I have an unpleasant feeling that I'll have to pay the piper for what I'm doing tonight. I'm jeopardizing my whole career, and I have to rely on your discretion.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Whatever else I am, I'm not ungrateful.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Please forget what I said. Leslie, when did you first start doing that lace work?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, a few years ago.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

How did you happen to take it up?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I wanted something to do, and it appealed to me.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

But it must take enormous concentration and patience.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I find it soothing.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

You mean it takes your mind off other things?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Is that a legal question?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

You're not an ordinary client, Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

You've been watching me, Howard. I felt it all evening. Trying to read my thoughts.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I'm trying to understand you.

[Announcer]

Why?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Because I'm so. So evil. That's it, isn't it?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Some time ago, I saw a volcano erupt an island south of here. Guadi. It had been dormant for years, and then suddenly the crest blew off. It was terrifying and beautiful. Fire turned the sky and the sea crimson, and three villages melted into ashes. Well, it's time we were starting. Ong Chi will be waiting for us. Come in, please.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Come in. This is the shop of my friend. If you will wait here, I shall return in just a moment.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

And let's not be too long about it. Ong.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

I will speak to the lady at once, sir.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

They seem to have a little of everything to sell here.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Yes, most of these shops do.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

That looks like good jade. And this dagger. See the workmanship on the ivory handle? Imagine all that on a knife.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

He who kills with an unworthy tool commits two crimes, one against himself. Will you follow me, please? The lady will see you now.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Now, where is she? You said she'd be here.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

She is coming, sir.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, what is she standing there for? Ask her if she has the letter.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Yes, sir.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Nago Fung Suhesama Feng Shong. Misses Crosby, I regret, but the veil that you wear over your head, Mrs. Hammond requests that you remove it.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Of course. Gil Kui hang lai nichi.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Mrs. Crosby, Mrs. Hammond has a further request. She wishes you to walk over to her.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Now, look here. Tell her this is enough.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Howard.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

Howard.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

It's all right. I don't mind. What does she say, Mrs. Hammer?

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Say? You may have the letter if you will pick it up at half feet.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Thank you.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Gentlemen of the jury, have you agreed upon a verdict?

[Narrator / Storyteller]

We have, your honor.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

The prisoner will please rise and look upon the jury.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

You find the prisoner at the bar,

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Leslie Crosby, guilty or not guilty?

[Narrator / Storyteller]

We find the defendant not guilty.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

And from that day on, I made a solemn vow that I wouldn't make another cocktail until Leslie was acquitted. So if these aren't up to my usual high standards, remember, I'm out of practice.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Dorothy. Donald, they're wonderful. Never been better.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Robert Crosby.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Right.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Now, you wouldn't know what you were drinking.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I guess that's right. I can't taste or think or feel. All I can do is keep saying to myself over and over, leslie's safe, darling.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Well, ladies and gentlemen, anyone planning to bathe, shower or sponge before dinner should be getting at it.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, a shower for me. Oh, I've laid out some things for you, Leslie. Thank you, darling. I'm going to tidy myself up a bit.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

No, no, no, don't go, Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I shan't be a minute.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Well, there's something I particularly want to talk to you about. And, Howard, I want to see you, too. I want your legal opinion.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, you do? What's up?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Well, I want to get Leslie away from here as quickly as possible.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, I think a bit of a holiday would do you both good.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

No, no, I mean for good.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

But how could we?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, you can't very well throw up your job.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Well, I've got something in view that's much better.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

It's.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

It's in Sumatra. We'd be away from everybody, and the only people around us would be Dutch. We'd start a new life. The only thing is that you'll be awfully lonely, darling, at the start.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, I wouldn't mind that. I'd like to go, Robert. I don't want to stay here.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

That settles it, then. I go straight ahead and we can fix things up at once.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Is the money as good as here?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I hope it'll be better. At all events, I'll be working for myself and not for a company in London.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

What do you mean?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Why should I go on sweating my life out for other people? This plantation belongs to a Malacca Chinese planter who's in financial difficulties. And he's willing to let it go for $30,000 if he can get the money the day after tomorrow.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

How on earth are you going to raise $30,000, Bob?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Well, I've spent, and the bank is willing to let me have the balance on mortgage.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Robert, darling, I shouldn't like you to take such a risk on my account. I'll be perfectly all right here. Really, I shall.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Nonsense, darling. You just said you wanted to go,

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

but I'm not sure it wouldn't be a mistake to run away. Everyone's been so kind and they'll all help to make it easy for us. I do think the thing to do is to stick it out here Anyhow,

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Bob, it's not a thing you want to rush into. Let's wait and see.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Why should I wait? It's a good thing, and I don't want to lose it. Look, I've got all the papers in my briefcase. I'll go and get them and you can see for yourself. And I have a couple of photographs of the bungalow to show Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I don't want to see them. Please, Robert.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Oh, come, darling. That's just nerves. That shows how necessary it is for you to get away.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

But, Robert.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Leslie, darling, in this case, you must let me have my own way. I won't be a minute.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Howard. What are you going to do?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

What can I do?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, don't tell him now. I can't bear anymore.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

You heard what he said, Leslie. He wants the money at once to buy the estate. He can't. He hasn't got it.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, give me a little time. I'll pay it back.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Leslie, I can't afford to let you have a sum like that. I've mortgaged everything I own. I was glad to advance it, but I.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Where is the letter?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I have it in my pocket.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, it will break his heart. What shall I do?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I don't know, Leslie. If I tell him, he'll want to see the letter. Of course.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

Here we are.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

He's coming. It's up to you, Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, tell him, tell him and have done with it.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Mr. DeMille presents Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall and Vincent Price in the final act of the letter.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

In a moment.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Right now, we have a special guest to tell you. Not about Lux Flakes, but about our boys who have been dishing it out to the Japs and taking it, too. She's Lieutenant Lada Jelinek, an army nurse stationed at Birmingham General Hospital at Van Nuys, California. I suppose you're quite busy these days, Lieutenant Jelinek.

[Lieutenant Lada Jelinek (Army Nurse)]

Yes. Many of the casualties from our Pacific campaigns come back here. Boys who've been in tough battles, but they're on the road to recovery now. You know, about 97% of our wounded men live to tell the stories of their adventures.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

That's certainly a high percentage, thanks to

[Lieutenant Lada Jelinek (Army Nurse)]

the quick treatment they get. Drugs administered right on the field. Give a man a fighting chance even before he gets to the hospital. And that's why I'm here tonight. I want to say thank you to you women of America for the used fats you saved.

[Mrs. Thompson (Housewife)]

Fats?

[Lieutenant Lada Jelinek (Army Nurse)]

That Help make many of those medicines. Things like sulfur ointments, opiates and tannic acid for burns. Your used kitchen fats are made into hundreds of military medicines we use every day. We need them desperately now and will continue to need even more as we carry the attack to the enemy. So please keep right on saving used fats and turning them in. The medicines they make will help bring these boys back alive.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Thank you, Lieutenant. Lady Jelinek. Yes, ladies, every drop of grease from your frying pan or broiler will help make more of those life saving medicines. So put aside a tin can of any size or shape, never use glass and pour in every drop of used fat. Don't throw out even a spoonful no matter how burned or black or smelly it is. Just a tablespoonful a day will add up to a pound a month and your butcher will give you two meat ration points for each pound as well as four cents when you turn it in. Within three weeks it will be ready to be made into life saving drugs. Remember, your used kitchen fats may save a wounded man's life. Now Mr. DeMille returns to the microphone.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

After the play we'll ask Betty Davis about a certain special hobby of hers. But now here's the curtain for the third act of the Letter starring Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall and Vincent Price.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Hey everybody.

[Lady Luck]

Lady luck here. And we're celebrating America's 250th birthday. Now all summer long I'm going to be celebrating by playing on spinquest.com which is an American owned social casino. It obviously features over a thousand slot games and flight live blackjack, live craps, live bubble craps. Head on over to spinquest.com get yourself a $30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[Spinquest Advertiser]

Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[Ryan Reynolds (Mint Mobile Advertiser)]

Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. Now I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made $15 bills. But it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment

[Lady Luck]

of $45 for three months, $90 for six months or $180 for a 12 month plan required $15 per month equivalent taxes and fees. Extra initial plan term only greater than 50 gigabytes. Me slow when network is busy. See terms.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Robert Crosby has returned to the room. His thoughts full of for the purchase of the new plantation. In silence, Leslie and Joyce watch Robert, who is brimming over with enthusiasm as he arranges the papers on his desk.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

This is really a handsome estate. We'll be stealing it for 30,000.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Bob, I don't like to throw cold water on your plans, but hasn't it struck you that the costs of. Well, of what we've been through will be pretty heavy?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Costs? Oh, yes, the legal expenses.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Oh, no, I'm not going to charge you anything for my own services. But there are certain out of pocket expenses.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

That's awfully decent of you. I'm not sure I can accept that. But what do these other expenses amount to?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, the principal item is that that letter of Leslie's I mentioned to you.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Oh, yes, yes. I'd almost forgotten you were going to.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I had to pay a great deal of money for it.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Well, if you thought it necessary. I'm not going to grouse. How much was it?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

$10,000.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

$10,000? You must have been mad.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

You may be quite sure, Bob. I wouldn't have given that if I could have got it for less.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

But that's every cent I have in the world. Why didn't you let them bring the letter in and explain it to the jury?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I didn't dare.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Do you mean it was absolutely necessary

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

to suppress it if you wanted Leslie acquitted?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

But what was there in the letter?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I told you at the time.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

It was very stupid of me.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Robert, I remember now. You wrote to Hammond to ask him to come to the bungalow.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Yes.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

You wanted to get something for me, didn't you?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Yes, I wanted to get you a gun. He knew all about that sort of thing. And you know how ignorant I am.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Buying that letter was a criminal offense, wasn't it?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Well, it's not the sort of thing a respectable lawyer does in the ordinary way of business.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

It was a criminal offense.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Yes, it was. I might be disbarred for it.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Then why did you do it? You of all people? What were you trying to save me from? Leslie, you knew I was buying a gun from Cameron. Why did you want to make me a present of another?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, how should I know you were going to buy a gun?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Because I told you.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, I'd forgotten. I can't remember everything.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

You haven't forgotten that?

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

What do you mean?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Robert? Why are you talking to me like this?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Who has the letter now?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I have.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Where is it?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Bob, it's not your letter or mine.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I've got to pay $10,000 for that letter. I'm going to see it.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Let him see it.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Thank you. Robert will be away. I absolutely must see you. What does this mean?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

It means that I was in love with Geoff Hammond.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

No, you couldn't.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

We'd been in love for years.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

It's not true.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I used to meet him constantly. Once or twice a week. Every time we met. I hated myself for it. It was horrible. I loathed myself. I was like a person who was ill. Then came a time about a year ago when he began to change toward me. I didn't know what was the matter. I was frightened, frantic. I made scenes. I threw myself at his feet.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Then I heard about that. About that native woman. Oh, I couldn't believe it. I wouldn't believe it. Last I saw her, I saw her walking in the village with those hideous spangles and that chalky face and her eyes like a cobra's eyes. I couldn't give him up. I sent for him. You read the letter. Oh, we'd always been so careful about writing before. But this time I didn't care. I hadn't seen him for 10 days. He came and I told him I knew about his marriage. Oh, at first he denied it. I was frantic. I don't know what I said to him. I hated him because he'd made me despise myself. I insulted him. I cursed him. At last he turned on me. He told me he was sick and tired of me. That it was true about the other woman, that she was the only one who really meant anything to him. He said he was glad I knew because now I'd leave him alone. I knew that if he went out that door, I'd never see him again. I hardly know what happened. I seized the revolver and fired. He gave a cry, and I saw I'd hit him. I ran after him and I fired and fired and fired until there were no more cartridges. That's what happened. And I have no excuse for myself. I don't desert.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

How could you do this? How could you? I'm sorry. I shouldn't let myself go. I. I've got to think,

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Leslie. Well, he's going to forgive you.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Yes, he's going to forgive.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

And the fifth couple are the Prescott.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Oh, yes. Roberts told me about.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Oh, you'll adore them, Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, now, both of you get a

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

good sleep because it'll be a late party. Good night.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Good night, Dorothy.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Good night.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

It's lucky you brought your dinner coat, Robert. You hardly fit in one of Howard's. Now, let's see what else you'll need.

[Announcer]

Oh.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, how about your studs? They're probably still in the bureau at home.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Home?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Robert. It's no use, is it? We can't make it go, can we?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I don't know. I'm not sure.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Robert, you're so kind and so generous. You should have had the sort of wife you really deserve. Through no fault of yours, I failed. You wrecked your life. I can't ask you to forgive me.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

If you love a person, you can forgive anything. But what about you? Can you go on?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I'll try. I'll really try.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

That's not what I'm asking.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I'll do everything to make you happy. Everything in my power.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

That isn't enough. Unless. Leslie, now, this minute. Do you love me?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Yes, I do.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Kiss me, then. Kiss me as if romp.

[Announcer]

No.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

No, I can't. I can't.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Leslie. Tell me. Leslie, what is it?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

With all my heart. I still love the man I kill.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

Leslie.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Leslie.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Let me in, my dear. They're all waiting for you. This is your party, you know.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I'm sorry, Dorothy. I took rather long to dress.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Why, Leslie, isn't that your lace work?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Yes. Were you working on it just now? A little. I'm anxious to finish it.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Oh, Leslie, please come downstairs.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Of course, dear. In a few minutes.

[Announcer]

Very well.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

When did you first start doing that lacework, Leslie?

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

I find it soothing.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

You mean it takes your mind off other things.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

I couldn't give him up.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I sent for him.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

At last he turned on me.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

He was sick and tired of me.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

She was the only one who meant anything to him. She was the only one.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I hardly know what happened.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Heaven.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

I seized the revolver and fired, fired and fired and fired until there were no more cartridges. I have no excuse for myself. I don't deserve to live. I don't deserve to.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Who's up there? Who is it?

[House Boy / Minor Character]

You.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I see you there.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Mr. Crosby.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Come here. What you doing out there?

[House Boy / Minor Character]

I no want to come. She make me come. She tell me I come here. She Missy Hammond. She tell me I come here. Bring dagger. Leave it outside window.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Of course. Mrs. Hammond.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Dagger, missy. She bring dagger to you.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

She's here again?

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Yes. Missy Hammond on path by gate. You no go in garden. Missy Crosby, she kill you. She with her. That is what dage mean. She kill you. You go in garden. Missy, you know. Tell police I come. Missy, you know. Tell police I come.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

Dagger, seek workmanship on the ivory handle. Imagine all that on a knife.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

He who kills with an unworthy tool commits two crimes, one against himself.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

I don't deserve to live. I don't deserve to live. I don't deserve to live.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Leslie. Leslie.

[Announcer]

Yes?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Leslie, You've got to do something about Robert. He's acting very strangely.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

What is it?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I don't know. At first I thought he was drunk, but it's worse than that.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

I'll be roughed out.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

But where will you ship from, Crosby?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Oh, it's near a good harbor, only five, six miles away. And I can ship my rubber for less money or to get ahead fast. In 10, 15 years, I can live in London, travel, do anything I please.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Robert, will you come with me, darling? Please?

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Not now, darling. Maybe later. I'm telling the boys about my new plantation.

[Ong Chi (Confidential Clerk)]

Sounds like quite a place.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Of course, we'll miss Singapore. Our friends are here. And we've had some mighty fine times. No English people in that part of Sumatra, Only Dutch and natives. Going to be a little lonely at first, maybe. But we'll get used to it. They'll just be the two of us. But my. My wife's a good sport. Always can count on her. She's not afraid of anything. And we'll have each other. That's the important thing.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Stop it. Stop. Stop it. I can't stand anymore. I can't stand it.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Give me a drink. I wanted a drink.

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Where is Leslie?

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

She ran out into the garden.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

The garden?

[Dorothy (Friend of Leslie)]

Oh, I'll find her.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

No. Let her alone. There's nothing you can do for her.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

You no go and garden.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

She kill you.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

You're going garden, missy. See the workmanship on the ivory handle? She kill you. I couldn't give him up. I sent for him.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Robert will be away.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I absolutely must see you.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

I couldn't give him up.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

What does this mean?

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

It means that I was in love with Jeff Hammond.

[John Withers (District Officer)]

That's not true.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

It means I was in love with Jeff Hammond.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

No.

[Leslie's Inner Voice / Emotional Expression]

We'd been in love for years. Been in love for years. We'd been in love love for years.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Mr. Crosby. Go back. Go back. You killed her. You killed her.

[Mrs. Thompson (Housewife)]

Don't move.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

The police. The police. Don't move.

[McDonald's Advertiser]

I will shoot.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

What do you do here?

[House Boy / Minor Character]

I do nothing. I tell her, no, go into garden. I tell her.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

This woman, she. She is dead.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Kill her. It was right she'd die. Leslie. Leslie.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Leslie.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Our stars will return for a curtain call in just a moment. Meantime, we take you to a home almost anywhere and a mother who might be almost anyone. Mrs. Thompson is in her kitchen and she's getting ready to do her dinner dishes.

[Mrs. Thompson (Housewife)]

There, all scraped and rinsed. Now that's funny. I know. It was here when I did the luncheon dishes. Now, where did I put it?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Not on the table, the closet.

[House Boy / Minor Character]

Hmm.

[Mrs. Thompson (Housewife)]

I know I haven't used it all. A box lasts me practically a month. Well, I suppose I could use the laundry soap, but it takes forever to make suds the side that's hard on my hands. Alice. Oh, Alice, do you know what happened to the box of luxe flakes I

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

keep here on the drainboard?

[Mrs. Thompson (Housewife)]

Oh, well, you bring it right down this minute. I need it for the dishes. Well, do your sweater later, dear. I have to have it now. Yes, I'll have to get a box for the bathroom when I go to the store tomorrow. The man said he expected more this week. I hate to be caught without Lux. I know what those strong soaps do to my hands.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

Women everywhere say that once you've used Lux for dishes, you'll never want to use a strong soap again. Luxe leaves hands so soft and lovely, even if they're red and rough from using harsh soaps. Just changing to gentle luxe flakes will take away that dishpan look, make them smooth and attractive again. And Lux is thrifty. You can change dishpan hands deluxe hands. For less than a penny a day. Now here's Mr. DeMille with our stars.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

A curtain call is one of the oldest traditions in the theater. I don't believe it's. It's ever been better earned than tonight. Coming back to the footlights now are Bette Davis, Herbert Marshall and Vincent Price.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

It's a pleasure to be back, Mr. Mr. DeMille. I'd like to thank all the people in the cast for their excellent work tonight.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

To most of us, Betty, your. Your name stands for fine artistry in the theater. But I think that when this war is over, many, many thousands of soldiers will remember you for another reason.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

That being the Hollywood Canteen, which Betty started.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

I've seen the canteen in action, and it's a very fine thing to be remembered for.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

So that we can keep the record straight, let's keep give credit to the right people. There were really more than 6,000 who worked together in a team to make the canteen possible.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

I still say you coached that team, Betty. How many boys have visited the canteen, Betty?

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, I believe about a million and a half, Vincent. Many of whom greatly admired Bart Marshall's work as a bus boy.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

You know, I've. I've often wondered what the fellas talk about when they wander over to the snack bar to see you or Irene Dunn or Hedy Lamar.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Well, I remember one boy who paid me a very nice compliment. Hiya, Rosie. He said, I can't stand you on the screen, but you're certainly sweetness and light around here.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

That's quite a tribute to your acting, Betty.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Have you picked a play for next week yet, Mr. DeMille?

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Yes, and it's a roaring drama of the West. Republic's current screen hit In Old Oklahoma. And our stars will be Roy Rogers, Martha Scott and Albert Decker. It's the story of a girl and a cowboy who discover romance as well as oil in the rich land of Oklahoma. And besides a thrilling drama, we'll also have the songs of Hollywood's great cowboy star, Roy Rogers.

[Robert Crosby (Leslie's Husband)]

Very exciting evening, CB Good night.

[Leslie Crosby (Main Female Character)]

Good night.

[Howard Joyce (Attorney)]

Good night.

[Narrator / Storyteller]

Good night. Good night. Any theater should be thankful for players like you three. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio Theater presents Martha Scott, Roy Rogers and Albert Decker in In Old Oklahoma. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Narrator / Cecil B. DeMille]

This week, all America salutes those women who are working in war. Useful jobs. Women must get into the war with their hands as well as their hearts until victory is finally won. Bette Davis has just finished the picture Mrs. Skeffington at Warner Brothers and is currently seen in Old Acquaintance. Robert Marshall appeared through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Vincent Price is currently seen in the 20th Century Fox picture the Song of Bernadette. The Warner Brothers screenplay of the letter was written by Howard Koch. Heard in tonight's play were Charlie Lung as Ong Chi. Bea Benedarrett as Chinese Woman. Richard Davis as Withers and Frederick Warlock, Alex Xavier, Regina Wallace, Paula Winslow, Joe Gilbert, Eric Snowden and Charles Seale. This program is broadcast to our fighting forces overseas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. Our music was directed by Lewis Silvers. And this is your announcer, John M. Kennedy reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear Martha Scott, Roy Rogers and Albert Decker in the play in Old Oklahoma.

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