Lux Radio Theatre - Libel

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lux Radio Theatre - Libel

Air Date: July 2, 2026

---

Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio features a classic broadcast of the Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of Edward Wooll's courtroom drama, Libel. Presented by producer Cecil B. DeMille and starring Ronald Colman, Edna Best, and Otto Kruger, the story is a suspenseful tale of identity, memory, and fighting for one's reputation, set against the backdrop of post-World War I England. The drama unfolds as Sir Mark Loddon is accused of being an imposter and must prove his true identity in court, risking everything—his family, his title, and his honor.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Set-Up (00:30–04:00)

• Cecil B. DeMille welcomes the audience and frames the play as a story about public faithfulness to true artistry and the drama of the courtroom.
• The production is introduced as “Edward Wooll's Broadway dramatic hit, Libel,” highlighting its strong cast and reputation.
• The narrative is set in 1934, with the shadow of World War I still looming.

“Libel is a drama of the courtroom and of the man who calls himself Sir Mark Loddon. This man must go to the witness stand to try to prove his right to that name. And when he does, he sees the shadow of doubt cross even the face of his wife.”
– Cecil B. DeMille (01:23)

---

2. The Inciting Incident (04:00–10:41)

• Pat Buckingham, an old war acquaintance, comes to Sir Mark’s estate, reminding him of their shared past in a German prison camp and unexpectedly accuses him of being Frank Wellney, not Sir Mark Loddon (04:40–06:29).
• Buckingham attempts to blackmail Sir Mark, threatening to expose him.
• A newspaper, the Gazette, publicly accuses Sir Mark of being an imposter—a fraud who assumed a dead man's identity for personal gain, both politically and in marriage.

“Because it used to be your name. ...I remember joking about it the night we escaped. I said, if Sir Mark got killed, Frank Wellney could always go back to England in his place. As it turned out, Sir Mark was killed. And here you are. Eh, Frank?”
– Pat Buckingham (05:38)

• Sir Mark confides in his wife, Enid, revealing he lost all pre-war memories due to shell shock and only knows his own name and his wife through letters during his captivity.

---

3. Courtroom Drama: The Trial Unfolds (12:11–25:32)

• Testimony & Cross-examination:
  • Sir Mark takes the stand, recounting his military service, his injury, memory loss after capture, and his escape. He steadfastly denies the charges but admits to amnesia regarding his earlier life (14:57).
  • Defense lawyer Foxley attacks, suggesting Sir Mark is actually Frank Wellney, a man of almost identical physical features, including a missing finger and a tattoo (21:04).
  • The courtroom is shown evidence: the tattoo on Sir Mark’s forearm (“EW,” for “Enid Winter,” he claims, not “FW” for Frank Wellney).
  • Foxley also attempts to use handwriting samples and lack of boyhood memory against Sir Mark.
  • The central question is posed: Is Sir Mark Loddon who he says he is?

“They are an infamous lie.” – Sir Mark Loddon, refuting the Gazette allegations (15:19)

• Pat Buckingham is called as a witness. His testimony adds doubt and recounts his criminal history (blackmail and fraud), affecting his credibility (34:12–34:34).

---

4. Introduction of New Evidence (36:04–41:54)

• Dr. Flor Don, a Belgian doctor, is brought to court. He had found a nearly dead British officer (dubbed “Number 15”) in 1918, who has lived in a mental hospital ever since, unable to speak or remember anything.
• Dr. Flor Don brings Number 15 to court. The man's features are unrecognizable and his physical and mental state is profoundly damaged. The possibility arises that Number 15 is the real Sir Mark, which would mean the plaintiff is an imposter.

“He has a tongue, but he has not ever used it. He cannot understand a word... He cannot think... He's a living lug no more.”
– Dr. Emile Flor Don (38:10)

• The sight is traumatic for Sir Mark, and he faints in court.

---

5. Climax: The Defence, the Revelation, and the Verdict (45:29–57:02)

• Lady Enid Loddon is called to testify but, under pressure, admits doubt about her husband’s identity (46:26).
• Sir Mark retakes the stand. In a breakthrough, he recalls more details:
  • He describes killing a German soldier during his escape and swapping uniforms to survive—a plausible explanation for why his uniform ended up on another man.
  • He produces the German soldier’s identity disk (“Carl Geist”) which he’s kept hidden all these years (54:14).

“I sewed inside the lining of this breast pocket a photograph and two 50 mark notes. ...If this is my jacket, they should be here now.”
– Sir Mark Loddon (55:09)

• The court inspects the jacket, finds the hidden photograph (of Enid, inscribed with her love), and the money, thus confirming Sir Mark’s story.
• Facing this evidence, defense counsel Foxley concedes.

“My Lord, my client has made a great mistake. We are more than sorry for the great trouble we have caused. This man is obviously Sir Mark Loddon.”
– Mr. Foxley (57:04)

• Enid, ashamed of her doubt, apologizes and asks Mark to come home.

---

6. Resolution & Closing Sentiments (57:25–61:21)

• The judge offers a moving final thought on Providence and the restoration of family bonds.
• Sir Mark Loddon walks free, his identity, reputation, and family restored.
• In a closing post-play segment, Ronald Colman makes an emotional appeal supporting the American Red Cross effort, drawing a parallel between wartime heroism and peacetime charity (60:04).

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Enid, it’s not as easy as it sounds.” – Sir Mark Loddon (09:08)
• “I only want the verdict of the jury for the sake of one person. And that’s my son.” – Sir Mark Loddon (54:43)
• “This man is obviously Sir Mark Loddon.” – Foxley, conceding defeat (57:04)
• “With all my love.” – Enid’s inscription on the photograph, recovered from the jacket (56:47)
• “My wife and I are going home.” – Sir Mark Loddon, closing the story (58:00)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment/Topic | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Introduction & Play Setup | 00:30–04:00 | | Blackmail Attempt & Newspaper Libel | 04:00–10:41 | | Sir Mark’s Testimony / Court Begins | 12:11–16:59 | | Cross-examination: Physical Evidence | 17:00–24:22 | | Buckingham’s Damaging Testimony | 32:03–35:06 | | Dr. Flor Don and “Number 15” | 36:04–41:54 | | Lady Enid’s Doubt on the Stand | 45:29–46:26 | | Final Evidence: The Jacket & Photo | 55:03–57:02 | | Defense Concedes, Verdict Rendered | 57:04–58:00 | | Emotional Resolution & Closing | 58:00–61:21 |

---

Tone & Style

The episode, true to the golden-era radio style, is heavy on melodramatic courtroom exchanges, confessions, and emotional confrontations. The performances are distinguished by emotional intensity, clipped British formality, and a deep sense of stakes. The atmosphere is tense and increasingly suspenseful, culminating in cathartic relief and reconciliation.

---

Final Thoughts

This classic broadcast of Libel delivers sharp courtroom drama with thematic resonance about truth, memory, and reputation. The episode balances compelling performances with riveting twists, and the ultimate resolution reflects both the human cost of war and the power of evidence to restore honor and family. For listeners who love classic legal dramas, this is a vintage gem.

---

Transcript

[Spin Quest Announcer]

You know what? It sucks to be bored. But when I get on my phone and play real casino games on spinquest.com the time flies by. That two hour wait at the DMV seems like 10 minutes. Play your favorite spots live blackjack, live craps with a live dealer. New players. $30 coin packs are on sale for 10 bucks. Play spinquest.com and you'll never be bored again.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Voice]

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

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

Lux presents Hollywood. The lux radio theater brings you ronald coleman in libel with edna best and otto kruger. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil b. Demill.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. The American picture public has often been accused of being fickle. Of raising a player to the heights of stardom one day and tossing him into obscurity the next. I don't think the charge is valid. The public is always faithful to the true artist. And as Exhibit A for that argument, I give you Mr. Ronald Coleman. On his part. Mr. Coleman never does a picture or a radio play unless he believes the story will interest the public. And I think that tonight's story is for all practical purposes the perfect radio play. It's Edward Wool's Broadway dramatic hit, Libel. And to do justice to both our play and star, we've gathered an unusually fine cast headed by Otto Kruger and Ed the Best. Libel is a drama of the courtroom and of the man who calls himself Sir Mark Lodden. This man must go to the witness stand to try to prove his right to that name. And when he does, he sees the shadow of doubt cross even the face of his wife. You of the Lux Radio Theatre audience are the spectators at this time. Each one of you as a reserved seat, just as you always have in this national theater. Every Monday night with the compliments of Luxe Toilet Soap. Through the years, we've seen a whole cavalcade of dramas pass in review across this stage. Acted by the finest talent Hollywood can provide. These Monday evening dramas are really a national family custom. In bringing you these plays each week. And this is the ninth season of the Lux Radio Theater. We've naturally hoped that more and more of you would give our product a fair trial. We rest our case on the evidence you have discovered for yourselves. Millions of this audience who use Lux Toilet soap have already rendered their verdict in its favor. And the number grows from month to month and from year to year. Now for a good play, Libel. Starring Ronald Coleman as Sir Mark Loddon. Edna Best as Lady Enid Ladden. And Otto Kruger as Foxley. It is 1934, just 16 years after the armistice of the First World War. In the present English countryside stands the home and estate of Sir Mark Ladden, Member of Parliament. A wide drive bordered by trees lead to the front gate. There, hidden in the foliage, a man in rough clothes peers intently at the house at last at the gate, and moves slowly toward the door. He rings the bell, and as he waits, he seems to smile inwardly.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Good morning.

[Pat Buckingham]

Morning. I'd like to see the master, if you don't mind. Mind?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I'm very sorry, sir, but I don't believe Sir Mark was expecting anyone.

[Pat Buckingham]

Sir Mark, is it? Well, you go and tell Sir Mark that Pat Buckingham is here. He'll see me. We serve together in the army, Sir Mark and I. Go on, tell him.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Very well, sir. If you'll wait in the library, I'll speak to Sir Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Wait. Good morning.

[Pat Buckingham]

Well, hello.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Did you wish to see me about something?

[Pat Buckingham]

No, no, no, sir. Don't tell me you don't remember me. I'd hardly believe that, sir.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I'm very sorry. Your face is familiar.

[Pat Buckingham]

But think that little.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

Sir.

[Pat Buckingham]

The German prison camp at Obine, 1918.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Popheim.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Of course.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

You were one of the men I escaped with.

[Pat Buckingham]

That's right. There was three of us, Sir Mark Loddon, Frank Wellney and Pat Buckingham.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Pat Buckingham. Yes, I remember now. Sit down, Pat. It's good to see you.

[Pat Buckingham]

Thank you.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

You'll have to forgive me. My memory isn't what it used to be. How have you been, Pat?

[Pat Buckingham]

Oh, pretty well.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Has the world been treating you all right?

[Pat Buckingham]

Well, frankly, no. Though things are beginning to look up a bit. But the fact is I could stand the loan of a few thousand pounds.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

A few thousand?

[Pat Buckingham]

That's right. I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd just drop by and see if you could help me out. You seem to be well. Fairly well off.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, I am, but.

[Pat Buckingham]

So it won't be much of a loss to you, eh, Frank?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Frank?

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes, Frank. Frank Wilney.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I'm afraid I don't understand this. Why do you call me Frank Wilney?

[Pat Buckingham]

Because it used to be your name. What do you want to be called? Loud Lord Elgee?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Do you pretend you don't remember? My name was Mark.

[Pat Buckingham]

Na na na na na. Blarney Frank. I don't want to be nasty. After all this time, you looked enough like poor old Mark to be his twin. I always said that. I remember joking about it the night we escaped. I said, if Sir Mark got killed, Frank Wellney could always go back to England in his place. As it turned out, Sir Mark was killed. And here you are. Eh, Frank?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Are you mad? I am Sir Mark Lutton.

[Pat Buckingham]

I am now. And I say you're Frank Wilney. I say you came home under his name, took his estate and married the

[Sir Mark Loddon]

girl who waited for him. Get out of here. Get out.

[Pat Buckingham]

No, no, no, Frank. For a few thousand pounds, say four or five, I'll be glad to get out, but under the circumstance.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Get out, I tell you.

[Pat Buckingham]

You're making a mistake, Frank. You see, there's a newspaper in London that might be very glad to know what really happened to me. They pay me big for the story, even if you won't, for keeping quiet about it.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Did you hear what I said? Get out of this house.

[Pat Buckingham]

All right, but it don't end here. Remember that. Frank Wellney,

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Political imposter. The legislator recently returned to the House of Commercial Commons is Sir Mark Laudon, baronet. Is not a baronet, not even a Lauden. Mark, what is this?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Read it, read it. It's all there in the paper. It explains itself.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

But it says you're not Mark Lauden. It's.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well, go on, read it.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

The man who is now posing as for Mark secured his position in Parliament by practicing on the voters the same deliberate fraud that he. That he practiced on his wife. Marcus is mad. It must be a joke.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, that's what I thought at first, but it seems it's not.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

What are you going to do about it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I intend to sue the Gazette for malicious libel.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Sue them?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

What else can I do? I put the matter in the hands of Sir Wilfrid. He's going to represent me.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

You're going to court. You're going to let them drag your name through a filthy mess of lies that. Oh, Mark, you can't.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Enid, listen. If I could ignore this story, believe me, I would. The last thing in the world I want to do is to risk my career, risk my life, our life together, on anything so stupid. But they won't let me ignore it.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Enid, you speak of a risk. Well, what risk can there be? There are hundreds of people right here in our own village who can swear that you are Mark Larden.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

That's true.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Well, then.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Sir Wilfred has advised me to go through with the case and my name. The Gazette is going to contend that. That I look like Sir Mark London. That I came home after the war and took his name and his place here, but that I am really someone else.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Oh, Mark, this is horrible. How can they say such a thing?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

They were probably glad to get the story. They've been against me politically ever since I took office.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Oh, but they must realize what it'll mean to them if you bring suit you can ruin.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

If we win?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Of course, if you win. What doubt is there? They've printed a malicious, horrible lie.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

As plaintiff, we'll have to prove it a lie. I think we can.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Think. Oh, Mark. I don't understand you.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Enid, it's not as easy as it sounds.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Not easy to prove that you are yourself.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

They're going to say that I am not myself. That I look enough like Mark Loddon to fool anyone. To fool even you.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

To fool me.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Enid, look at me. Look at me, darling. It's going to be very difficult these next few weeks. I'll need all your strength and all your courage.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Oh, Mark, you frighten me. You are Mart Larton. I know that. You're my husband, the father and my child.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

You are Enid.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Of course I am.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Well, then why are you so worried? You were a boy in this village. You lived in this house. You were born in the east room, upstairs. There are things about this house, about the people who lived here, that only Mark Lawton would know. You can tell them. They'll have to believe you then, Enid. Well, they'll have to. Mark, darling.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

There's something I must tell you. You'll know sooner or later. You'll know in court. I want to tell you now.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

What is it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Do you remember when I came home after the armistice? I. I had changed, hadn't I?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

You'd been in shell shock.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Yes.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

But no one knew how much I had changed. Only myself. Enid. I had to piece my life together again in that prison camp at Hobheim. I knew my name only from my identification visit. I knew you only by the letters you wrote that were forwarded to me there. You say I can prove who I am by telling them things that happened here when I was a boy. I can't hear it. I have no recollection of anything. I remember nothing that happened to me. Nothing before I was a prisoner in that camp.

[Pat Buckingham]

Enid.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Enid.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Why do you look at me like that?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Enid, you are not loving. You are the boy I knew. You must be. You must be.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Enid.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

Forget whatever plans you have this weekend because you're staying at home and playing on Spin Quest. And there's never been a better time to sign up than right now. New users get $30 coin packs for just $10. All the table games you love with hundreds of slot games and real cash Prizes. That's at spinquest.com S P I N

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Voice]

Q U E-S-T.com Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[McDonald's Announcer]

All new drinks are now at McDonald's with refreshers like the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher. 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.

[McDonald's Caffeine Warning]

Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Judge]

You may proceed with the case for the plaintiff, Sir Wilfrid.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Thank you, my lord. Members of the jury, I'm not going to insult you by any further explanation of the libelous charges recently appearing in the Daily Gazette. You're seeing for yourself that the Daily Gazette has informed a million or so readers that my client, Sir Mark Loddon, is an infamous imposter in every possible role of life, public and domestic. The first witness for the plaintiff will be the plaintiff himself, Sir Art Laddon. You swear by Almighty God?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I swear by Almighty God.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

The evidence you shall give?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

The evidence I shall give.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Shall be the truth. Shall be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

The whole truth and nothing but the truth.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

You are Sir Mark Ladden, 3rd Baronet of Ingleworth hall in the county of Norfolk?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That is so.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

You retired with the rank of major after 15 years service in the Rifle Brigade?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That's right.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I believe you became engaged in 1914 to Enid, the only daughter of General Edgar Winterton Son.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

We were engaged just before the war.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

And after your engagement, I believe you went to France with Your battalion in August 1914?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Then you were wounded and taken prisoner at the Battle of the Mars?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I was.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What wounds did you sustain at that battle? Samark?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I was shot through both legs and badly shell shocked.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I believe the farm in which you lay wounded was set on fire by the enemy's guns and you were nearly burnt to death before you were rescued by the enemy?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Very nearly.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What effect did that terrible experience have on you?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Those few hours that afternoon turned my hair grey, as you see it now.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What was it that morning?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, I hadn't a gray hair. I was only 22.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What happened after you were taken prisoner?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I was in a German hospital for three months and then sent to an officer's prison camp at A Harbheim.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

When were you released?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I was never released. I escaped. In October 1918, I reached the Belgian frontier three days before the armistice.

[Pat Buckingham]

And then?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Then I made my way fairly easily to the English lines and was invalided home.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What did you do then?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I retired from the army and had a long rest cure. After six months or so, I was as well as I suppose I ever shall be and married my wife.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I think your son Gerald was born the following year.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, that is so.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

You have recently entered public life and were last autumn elected Member of Parliament for the Raymond division of Norfolk.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What is the present state of your health?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Subject to a bit of a limp, I can indulge in any reasonable physical effort.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What about mental effort?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I suppose I mustn't say too much about that. Apart from memory, I don't complain.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What of your memory?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I have practically no recollection at all of events or persons before my imprisonment.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Now I want to turn for the moment to the libel which is the subject of this action.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

The jury has heard the allegations of which you complain some more. Is there a word of truth in them?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

They are an infamous lie.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Has anyone else any right to your title, estate or position?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Not a soul in the world.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Has any member of your family at any time displayed any difficulty in identifying you?

[Pat Buckingham]

No.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Not once until this paragraph appeared in the Gazette.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I think I've only one more question to put you so, Mark. How did you first learn of this libelous publication?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It was sent to me by friends and constituents, but I first read it in my own copy of the paper. I happen to be a registered reader of the Gazette. I don't agree with its views, but I've always liked all sorts of fiction.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Thank you so much.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

That will be all.

[Judge]

Does counsel for the defendant wish to examine the witness?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

We do, Milott. So you have always liked all sorts of fiction, have you?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, I said so.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

You've indulged that liking to a rather abnormal extent, haven't you?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

I'm suggesting that ever since November 1918, you have indulged in the unscrupulous fiction of being an English baronet.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That is an infamous libel for which your clients will have to pay of

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

being the lawful owner of the lodging estates.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I am the lawful owner.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Keep calm, Samark.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And the most unscrupulous fiction of all, of being entitled to woo and marry your wife.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

My wife doesn't require the protection of

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

the gutter press on my instructions. I'm not so sure of that. Now, before we go any further, I want to be quite clear. You don't wish to suggest to the jury that any physical or mental disability at Prison or escape experiences could possibly make you believe you were someone other than yourself. Do you suggest such a thing?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, I don't.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

You've sustained no injury that could make Frank Wellney honestly believe he was Sir Mark Lawton?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Of course not.

[Judge]

Whom did you say, Mr. Foxley?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Frank Wellney, my lord.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Who is Frank Wellney?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

If your lordship would allow me to explore that in my own way.

[Judge]

Certainly, Mr. Fox.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Thank you, my lord. I'm sure the witness has heard of a man called Frank Well Knee.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Certainly.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

He was a Canadian officer?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I believe so.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Do you ever know him?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes. I was at the same prison camp in Germany.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

So I believe. And for how long?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Nearly four years.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

When did you last see him?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Let me see. It would be.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Let me help you. Did you shave yourself this morning? Yes. Why didn't you see him then when you looked in the mirror? You mean that I. I am suggesting that you are Frank Wellney and that he is you.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That's a lie.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

That is it. We shall see. Now, when did you say you saw him last?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

When we escaped together in November 1918. We got parted.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Got parted? Why did you get parted?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

We missed each other in the dark.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Oh, you missed each other in the dark? Is that really all you can tell me of how you celebrated?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Absolutely all. It's very easy to get lost in the dark. The other fellows had got hold of civilian clothes, but I hadn't. I was in uniform, so we had to move by night.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Was anyone else in the party of escape?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, a man called Buckenham.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And that was the party. Sir Mark Lawton, Bucknham and Wellnick?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, myself and the other two.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

How did you separate?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I told you.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

We got.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

We lost each other in the dark?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Yes. And which of you got lost first?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Kennam went off first to forage for food. He didn't come back.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Oh, that left Larden and Wellnie together. Then what happened?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Then Wellney went off to look for Buchan. He never came back either.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Both got lost the same fatal night.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Or killed.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Ah, killed. That was it, was it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I don't know. I only mean. Well, may I know. Buckingham is alive and so do you.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Well now, who do you say was killed? Well, me or Larton?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I won't answer that question. You know I'm alive.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Yes, I know you're alive. Did you make any inquiries at the time about your, shall we say, mislaid companions?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Of course I did.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And you've never heard from either of them since?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Not from Wellman.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Do you think they're dead or alive?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I know Buckingham Is alive.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And what of wellness?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I have no doubt he's dead.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Don't be so. I'm duly pessimistic. Would you please describe Frank Wellney's appearance to the jury?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Nothing peculiar. Very ordinary looking fellow.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Oh, come, come, come. I don't want you to be so modest. Wasn't he in fact remarkably like you?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

No. I'll put the question in another way. Wasn't he remarkably like Sir Mark Lon?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I never noticed it.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

You never noticed it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Never.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Did other people notice it, did they?

[Judge]

Yes.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Who noticed it? Buckingham. He pretended to think that we were very much alike.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

He pretended. I wonder if you remember any physical peculiarities about this man Wellney?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, I can't say I do.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

No. Then I shall try to help you.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Thank you.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

I'm lucky enough to have an official description of Welny from the Canadian army records.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Most fortunate.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Let's see if this helps us at all. Height? 5 foot 10. That's about your height, isn't it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

And a good many millions besides.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

I dare say blue eyes. What color are yours?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

You can see for yourself.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Yes, and so can the jury.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

They're blue.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Gentlemen. Let's see. Thick crop of gray hair. How would you describe yours?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

How would you describe yours if you'd been through what I went through now

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

even a more important physical feature of Frank Wellman. It seems from this record that he had lost the two first joints of the first finger of his right hand. Yes, he has.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

How'd you lose yours?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

My finger, do you mean?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Yes. By a curious coincidence, you also lost the first finger of your right hand.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I don't know about coincidence. I'm not ashamed of my wounds.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

How did you lose it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

My finger was shot off by. By a chance, German bullet when I was escaping.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Oh, when you were escaping. And that would produce the interesting result that no one who was at the prison camp with you could remember that Sir Mark Lawton had lost a finger.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

But I remember.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Mr. Foxy, would you mind holding your right hand up to the jury so that they remember too? Oh, thank you. Now I'm going to read one more thing from this official record of the unfortunate Frank well named. He has the initials FW Tattooed on his right forearm in a red and blue circle.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Now I come to think of it, I remember he was tattooed.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

I wonder if you would mind showing milord and the jury your forearm.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

What is your suggestion?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

I'm glad to make it clear. I definitely suggest your right forearm has the letters FW Tattooed on it.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I don't want to Conceal anything. I'm quite prepared to admit my arm is tattooed and has some letters on it, but not those.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Well, may we see for ourselves what they are?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Certainly.

[Judge]

Thank you.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Would you show your arm to my

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

lord and the jury?

[Judge]

As far as I can see, the initials tattooed on the painted arm are EW In a red and blue circle.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

That is so, my lord. But I suggest those letters EW were originally F. The for Frank Wellney. It would only require the addition of a single stroke. Would it not be true? Perhaps the witness can explain the letters.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Now, what about the E?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

If you must have it. E is my wife's initial. Her name is E. Indeed.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

But if the letter was originally F, that explanation would not do.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, no. But as it never was, there is no difficulty.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And what is the W for?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

The W stands for her maiden name, Winter.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And when did you have them tattooed?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

In hine camp. Fellow prisoners. Why? To pass the time. Time goes rather slowly in a prison camp.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Yes, I do, sir. Did they permit you to write letters?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, they did.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Can you produce any letters written by Sir Mark Lawton while he was a prisoner?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, no, I can't, unfortunately.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Certainly I can. I have here some specimens of Sir Mark's pre war and prison handwriting and your post war handwriting. Look at them. Well, rather different, aren't they?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Shoot off your first finger and see if your handwriting is the same.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Ah. Did you shoot off yours?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, I did not.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

No, No, I was a chance bullet. Of course. Well, it all comes down to this now, doesn't it? Frank Wellney had lost the first finger of his right hand in you of L. Frank Wellney had the letters FW tattooed on his right forearm before captivity. And so Mark Lawton, the English barometer, had EW not almost the same letters tattooed on the same arm during his captivity. World of coincidence, isn't it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, it seems to be.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Yes, doesn't it? All of the physical features which were wellness are also yours. Now, can you produce one physical characteristic which would identify you as one?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Not even a mark or a scar from your boyhood?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I told the court I don't remember my boyhood.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Oh, no, no, you were shell shocked. That's a very convenient explanation.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It also happens to be the truth. I didn't want to lose all the memories of my youth. Here I am, a man of 40, over 40, and for all practical purposes, my life began 15 years ago.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

A very nice life it was too. Mr. Wellknay.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I am Sir Mark Lodden.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

That is the question.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

We are here to decide if I

[Sir Mark Loddon]

am not Mark Lodden. What became of him?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Shall I tell you? Mark Lodden is dead. Mark Lodden was murdered by Frank Wilney. And you are Frank.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

In just a few minutes, Ronald Coleman, Otto Kruger and Edna Best will bring us Act 2 of libel. And now it's romance. A young man, a young girl, her face upturned to his.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

You're so lovely, Jim. Your skin, it's like satin. How about a kiss out?

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

A scene from a movie? Oh, no. It happens every day in real life. Romantic moments when admiring eyes come close. Important moments for any woman. Wouldn't you say, Libby?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Yes, indeed, Mr. Kennedy. Those are the moments when a woman is glad her skin is soft and lovely. Because lovely skin certainly has irresistible appeal. It's too bad so many women forget that sometimes and grow careless.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

And that puts a damper on romance, Libby.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Yes, I'm afraid it does. And you can't blame a man for not making pretty speeches. If a girl lets her skin get dull and unattractive.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

Now isn't that a situation where luxe toilet soap can help?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Indeed it can, Mr. Kennedy. If a girl will give her skin regular Hollywood care for 30 days, why, she's mighty apt to hear compliments coming her way. It's worth a lot to a woman to hear remarks like this.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Gosh, she's a honey. What a complexion.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Now, here's what screen stars do for their precious complexions. During the day and always at bedtime, they take active, lighter facials. With Lux toilet soap. They smooth an abundance of the creamy. Lather well in, splash on lots of warm water to rinse and finish with a dash of cold. Luxe soap is very gentle, so it agrees with delicate skin.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

It's made of the best ingredients, Libby, and it's hard milled, as only the finest toilet soaps are.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Screen stars are devoted to luxe soap. It's such a wonderful help in keeping their skin fresh and smooth for the close up test they have to face constantly.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

And for the close up test all women, even screen stars, have to face in real life.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Yes, Mr. Kennedy. So it's a fine idea for any woman to treat her complexion right.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

Now, here's a tip to women who think their complexions might be lovelier. Make this 30 day test. Use luxe toilet soap daily the way famous screen stars do. You'll find your skin beginning to look softer, smoother the way you want it to be. Get some pure white luxe toilet soap tomorrow. We pause now for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System,

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Act

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

2 of Libel, starring Ronald Coleman as Sir Mark Ladden. Edna Best as Lady Enid Ladden and Otto Kruger as Foxley.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Hey everybody.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Lady luck here.

[Lady Luck (Spin Quest Promoter)]

And we're celebrating America's 250th birthday. Now all summer long I'm gonna be celebrating by playing on spinquest.com which is an American owned social ca. It obviously features over a thousand slot games and live blackjack, live craps, live bubble craps. Head on over to spinquest.com get yourself a thirty dollar coin pack for just ten bucks.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Voice]

Spin Quest is a free to play social casino, Boyd. Where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[McDonald's 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.

[McDonald's Caffeine Warning]

Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

It's the second day of the trial. An hour before court is to reopen. The man known as Sir Mark Lawton confers with his counsel. Samark's face is white and drawn, his eyes bright and feverish. Restlessly, he paces the library as he speaks.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It's not for myself that I mind. It's for Enid. I watched her yesterday in court. She was so bewildered, so desperately hurt. If only there was some way of sparing her.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Oh, we have to bring the suit, Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It was the only thing to do. I realized that. You've said it 20 times, Mark. I'm sorry, sir. My nerves are all on edge.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Did you sleep last night?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

How could I sleep? I went over every word of the trial hour by hour.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

You should have tried to rest.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

We've a hard day ahead of us.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Could it possibly be any harder than yesterday? What will they do?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Put Bucknham on the stand first, I imagine.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

After that, I don't know. Buckingham, There's a witness for you.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Well, I think I can take care of Buckingham. Why didn't you tell me about those tattoo marks? The letters EW on your arm?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Why didn't you tell me?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well, I didn't think it was important.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Yet you knew that Wellney had almost the same letters. The influence that F could be changed to E was something I should have

[Sir Mark Loddon]

been prepared for and I didn't tell you. Am I supposed to remember every minor detail of something that happened 16 years ago?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

That minor detail, as you call it, may prove very damaging if I'm to represent You, Mark, you must not withhold anything that may have a bearing on the case.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Withhold? Why should I withhold anything from you?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I. I don't know.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

You're beginning to talk like Puxley. Don't you believe me either?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Well I'm only trying to look at this through the eyes of the jury. That's my job, Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

And in the eyes of the jury I am an imposter and a murderer. Is that what you mean?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I mean that minor details can sometimes blind the jury to the truth. We must be very careful, Mark. Very careful.

[Pat Buckingham]

Meaning?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Come in dear.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

I didn't want to disturb you but we haven't much time.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Enid, do you think it's wise for you to come to court?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

I must be there, Margaret.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

But it's horrible for you listening to all that.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Yes it is horrible. That's why I can't stay away. I must be near you. You're my husband,

[Pat Buckingham]

darling. You.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

You said it. Oh please Mark.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

None. Now it isn't much time to talk.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

All right, darling.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Now Mr. Buckenham, let's get down to October in 1918. What happened then?

[Pat Buckingham]

Well our guards were reduced so we tried to escape.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Who are we?

[Pat Buckingham]

Loddon, Wellney and I. We got off all right and trekked towards the Belgian frontier. Moving at night.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Go on.

[Pat Buckingham]

A few days before the armistice we reached the outskirts of a small town, Stavalo, just over the frontier by Malmedy.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Happened then?

[Pat Buckingham]

Well it was my turn to forage for food. I went off and left the other two in a wood about a half a mile up the hill outside the town. When I got back, well near done a bunk.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Done a bunk?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yeah.

[Pat Buckingham]

He disappeared. Only Laddon was there and he was up.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

What had happened?

[Pat Buckingham]

Oh, I don't suppose we'll ever know the exact truth.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Would you tell the jury what you saw?

[Pat Buckingham]

I saw poor old Mark Lodden where I'd left them both. He was lying on the ground with his head bashed in.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Any signs of a struggle?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Rather.

[Pat Buckingham]

Loddon's clothes were more red than khaki. His arm had been smashed to a pulp.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Which arm?

[Pat Buckingham]

His right arm. He was smothered in blood. Face and arms.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And you say there was no trace of.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Well then?

[Pat Buckingham]

Not a sign.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

What did you do?

[Pat Buckingham]

I saw poor old Mark was dead but I couldn't leave him there. So I lifted him as well as I could and took him along to the door of the first big house, left him on the step and ran away.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

But you're sure that Sir Mark was

[Pat Buckingham]

dead as dead as Mutton.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Thank you, Mr. Bucknham. Your witness, Sir Wilfred.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Mr. Buckingham, am I right in assuming that your suggestion is that Frank Wellney murdered?

[Pat Buckingham]

Of course he did. I left him together.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What time was that?

[Pat Buckingham]

Oh, about 8 or 9 o'.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Clock.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Was it dark?

[Pat Buckingham]

It was dark, I've told you.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

So then how can you be so sure it was poor old Mark and not well near that you carried? His face was smothered in blood, no doubt about it.

[Pat Buckingham]

If I hadn't known his shape when I carried him, I'd have known his uniform. He was the only one of the party in uniform. I see.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Not to me.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Mr. Buckland, it's some years now since you were demobilized. It is. And where have you lived during those years?

[Pat Buckingham]

Ah, different places.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I wonder if I can guess some of them. Did you spend nine months in Liverpool jail?

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes, I did.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What for?

[Pat Buckingham]

Is that important?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Very important.

[Pat Buckingham]

Well, it was a misunderstanding, that's all.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Really? Then did you spend 18 months at Newcastle?

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

In prison again. What was that for?

[Pat Buckingham]

Oh, some sort of thing.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Wasn't it for blackmail?

[Pat Buckingham]

Something of the sort.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Blackmail. Then did you get three years at the Old Bailey? Yes. Another misunderstanding.

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes, it was blackmail again.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Some people might describe you as a professional blackmailer.

[Pat Buckingham]

And some people would be wrong.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

But let the jury decide that. Your witness.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Mr. Bucksliff, you have served several terms of imprisonment?

[Pat Buckingham]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

For fraud and blackmail? Yes.

[Pat Buckingham]

I can't deny it.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Have you ever been charged with murder?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Or attempt murder?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Of what do you accuse the plaintiff?

[Pat Buckingham]

Of murdering Mark Loddon and slipping into his shoes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

That's all. Witness is excused. And now, my lord, I should like to ask for a short recess.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Recess?

[Judge]

At this time?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

If it please your lordship, it is most necessary or I would not ask it. The most important witness in this case will arrive here within the hour.

[Judge]

He must be a very important witness. Mr. Foxley, you've had time to prepare this case. Why wasn't the witness summoned in time?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

He was, my lord, but it took some time to prepare for the journey. This witness is coming from the village of Stavelot on the Belgian frontier.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Sir Wilfrid. What is this? What are they going to do?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I don't know. You better leave the court, Mark. Go to that little restaurant around the corner. I'll try to meet you there in 10min.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Another cup of tea, sir?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, no, no, thank you.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Oh, nothing wrong with it, is there, sir?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, no, it's just. I don't want any more, please.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Very well, Sir Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Sir Wilfrid. I thought you'd never come. Sit down. Well?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Well, I found out who it is.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

The witness.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Who?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

It's a man named Flor Don.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

A doctor.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Doctor. Listen, Mark.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

That body the Bucknham left at the door in stavelow.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Dr. Flor Don discovered it that night.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, go on.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

He took it into the hospital and. Whoever it was, Mark, that man is still alive.

[Pat Buckingham]

What?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Alive? No.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, he can't be. Mark, he's dead, I tell you. That man is dead. He must be dead.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Mark, what are you saying?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

What do you know about this man? I. I know nothing. Nothing? Pull yourself together, Mark. Yes, of course. Yes, I. I'm all right now.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And you say, Dr. Flor Don, that you practice as a doctor of medicine in the town of Stavelot on the old Belgian frontier?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Yes, monsieur. For more than 20 years.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

That is so. You were there in 1918?

[Pat Buckingham]

I was.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

You remember something that happened two days before the armistice?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

It comes back to me distinctly. A boy summoned me at midnight to a farmhouse near the town. There on the doorstep lay a man in a very old English uniform. I knelt down. I felt the pulse, the heart. The man was not quite dead, but so nearly a corpse has made no difference.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

What did you do?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

There was no hope of recovery, but I determined to do my best. I dressed his wounds at a farm and next morning had him removed to my hospital for mental cases. And then, gradually, a miracle occurred. Sometimes it so happens, one life is cut short and another is spared. Sometimes a life that means nothing. Less than nothing.

[Judge]

Let's get on, please. What happened as a result of your treatment?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

As I have told you, it was a miracle. My poor unfortunate recovered completely, in a physical sense. But the appalling concussion of the blows which so nearly killed him. Has deprived him of all intelligence.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Deprived him of intelligence? What do you mean? Can he speak?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

I cannot say. He has a tongue, but he has not ever used it. He cannot understand a word, written or spoken English or French. He cannot think.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Really? How can you say that?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Because I, Emile Flor Don, have studied these things and knowledge. He's a living lug no more.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And he has been an inmate in your mental hospital ever since the night you found him.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Yes. We call him number 15.

[Judge]

Number 15? Why?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

What other name could we give him? We knew him not. And that has been the number of his cell ever since.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

I believe you can produce one or two exhibits associated with this sad case.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Yes. This is the khaki jacket number 15 was wearing at the time. See how it is stained with torrents of blood? It has Lost the right sleeve. It is unfortunate I had to cut that off to examine the arm. It could not be helped, my lord.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Members of the jury, please notice that this jacket is the type worn by officers of the Rifle Brigade. Sir Mark Lauden was a captain in the Rifle Brigade. Now doctor, can you produce anything else?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Yes. I have brought with me another exhibit from Belgium. Number 15 himself.

[Judge]

Number 15?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Yes, my lord. That so unfortunate.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Body without a brain.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

May my assistant bring him in? He is of course in a wheelchair.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Oh, I'm sure my lord will allow it.

[Judge]

Let him come in.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Bring in number 15.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

Let me out.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Let me out.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

This Milord, is number 15.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Take the ladies on the cot.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

You will notice, milord, that the features are unrecognizable. Bring him closer please. Thank you. You will also notice that the breeds with great difficulty. The bone structure of the head was badly smashed.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Some heavy instrument.

[Pat Buckingham]

Very heavy.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Possibly the butt of an army rifle.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

I see. Now Dr. Flodin, there's a very important question in this case.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Yes, Monsieur.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

It is whether this poor man's real name is Wellney or whether his real name is Sir Mark Loddon.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

This is indeed an interesting question. And poor number 15, he does not know.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

He cannot tell.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

It would obviously be useless to question him.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Useless indeed, monsieur.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Nevertheless, with my lord's permission I should like to establish that this. This man is incapable of knowing who he is. You have my permission.

[Judge]

You may question him.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Number 15, do you hear me? Number 15, do you know your name?

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

It is no use, monsieur. Please.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Please. Please. Number 15. Look at me. Here. Tony said this way. Now look at me. Try to think. Try to remember. Have you ever heard of a man called Sir Mark Barton?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Stop it. Stop it.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Let him alone.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Let him alone. Mark, be quiet.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Don't you see what they've done? They've brought a dead man here. I can't stand it. I can't look at him.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

But you can't bear to see the result of your handiwork.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

He's not alive.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Look at his face. Yes, look at him, Mark. He's a cops.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

He's been dead for 15 years. Take him back to his grave.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Let him rest. Let him recess please. Samark has fainted.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

After a brief intermission. Ronald Coleman, Otto Kruger and Edna Best will return in Act 3 of libel.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

What's going on? Everyone? It's bluff here. And you know what's more American than America's 250th birthday? Supporting American owned companies like Spin Quest. America's number one social casino with over a thousand games like Live Dealer, Blackjack and craps. They're offering new users a $30 coin package for just $10. Go to spinquest.com and sign up today.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Voice]

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

[Grainger Announcer]

Granger knows when you're a procurement manager for an office park, you're not managing one building, you're managing all of them. And to stay ahead, you need to see through walls and around corners. Lights about to fail, filters ready to clog H Vac on its last leg. If you wait until something breaks, you're already behind. Count on Grainger for quality products, easy reordering and 24. 7 support. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

Why, it's Sally. Sally, what's new with you?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Well, Mr. Kennedy, I spent the afternoon at my sister's. This is her day for Red Cross work. So I offered to give her small baby a bath.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

Quite an offer, Sally. Was it well received?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Well, not at first. At least not by the baby. Wanted his mama butt immediately. Oh my, how he yelled.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

They.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

They wave their arms too, don't they?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Oh, definitely. But I held him by the best baby hold methods. And then I spied a brand new cake of luxe toilet soap in the soap rack. And I had an inspiration. I put that sadly smooth cake right in his hand. He clutched it. He became interested. So cool and smooth, he seemed to think. Well, from then on, Mr. Kennedy, everything was lovey dovey between us. I guess I'm not so bad as a baby bather.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

You know, Sally, that makes me think luxe toilet soap has a wonderful effect on bathers of all ages. They can be tired and cross. But give them a cake of nice white luxe toilet soap and a tub of warm water and they seem to perk right up.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Yes, sometimes they can even be heard singing in the bathtub.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

Well, Sally, the creamy luxurious lather lux toilet soap gives is an inspiration to any bathroom baritone. Even in hard water. Luxe soap lathers instantly. And here's a tip for wise buying, too. Luxe toilet soap is hard milled. That ensures a firm, satiny smooth cake. One that can be used down to the last thin sliver. So it's an economy as well as a pleasure to use this gentle soap as a bath soap, too. It's a little luxury we can all treat ourselves to these trying days. Why not get some of this fine, inexpensive white soap tomorrow? Now our producer, Mr. DeMille.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

After the play, Ronald Coleman will tell you about an activity that is very close to his heart. But now, here's the third act of libel, starring Ronald Coleman, Edna Best and Otto Kruger. The third day of the trial, with the evidence mounting against the man called Ladden, Sir Wilfred, in desperation put Lady Lawton on the stand. But her testimony lacked conviction. And now the opposing counsel is cross examining.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And your husband was married to you as Sir Mark Lauddon?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Now, only a few more questions from me. Lady Ladden, did Mark Lodden ever write to you from captivity?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

At regular intervals after the first two months.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

I want you to search your memory most carefully. Did any of those letters reveal to you any loss of pre war memories?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

I. No, he said nothing of it. He asked me to wait for him.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And you did?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Yes, I waited.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Did he ever complain in those letters of shell shock?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

He never complained of anything.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

1.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

One final question, Lady Laughton. Do you now believe your husband, the plaintiff in this action, is really Mark Laden? Well, is he or is he not Sir Mark Ladden?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.

[Judge]

Well, Sir Wilfrid, have you decided to adopt any particular course is this case to go to the jury?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Well, our position, my lord, is very difficult, but I fear I must yield to my client's insistent desire that I should exercise the right your lordship reserved to me, of recalling the plaintiff on the question of the uniform jacket, which was produced by Dr. Flordon yesterday, I

[Judge]

believe I did reserve that your client has the right to give his evidence on that one point.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Thank you, my lord. Sir Mark, will you go into the witness box, please?

[Judge]

He seems to be under great strain. He can, if he likes, give his evidence sitting down.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Thank you, my lord.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Sir Mark, you had an opportunity yesterday of seeing the uniform jacket produced by Dr. Flodeau?

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Yes.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

You admit it's a Rifle Brigade jacket?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Most certainly. I have no doubt that jacket was mine.

[Judge]

You identify the jacket as yours?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, milord.

[Judge]

Do you mean your uniform was on number 15 when he was found by Dr. Flondin?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I do.

[Judge]

I should very much like to know why.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Oh, we are coming to that, my lord. Will you tell the court, Sir Mark, how your jacket came to be on number 15?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well, you see, Buckingham was speaking the truth when he said he went foraging that night, leaving Wellney and me together. He was away a very long time. We thought he'd been caught, so well, May went to look for him. When neither Wellney nor Buckenham came back, I began to creep along the edge

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

of the wood towards.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Towards the town. Suddenly, around the corner, I bumped into a German soldier. He was as frightened as I was. Without a word, he fired off his rifle. Before he put it to his shoulder, the bullet hit my hand and that's. That's when I lost my finger.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

What happened then?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I dashed in and wrenched the rifle out of the man's hands. He put up his arm to save himself and I. I brought the butt down on his head. It dropped like a stone. It was horrible.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Go on.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Then I. I suddenly realized where I stood. I'd lost my two companions. I felt sure they'd been caught. And on top of that, I'd killed a German soldier. That meant certain death if they found me. The only chance of getting through was to get out of my uniform and get into a German one. So I changed with the man I. I thought I'd killed. Of course, I took everything out of my own pockets. If I hadn't made the change, I'd never have got through.

[Dr. Emile Flor Don]

Never.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Anything else you wish to add, Samart?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Only this. Unless someone changed the uniform again after I get away, that poor devil whom Dr. Flor Don saved is not an Englishman at all. He is that German soldier.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

That will be all, Sir Mark, Mr. Foxley.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Thank you.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Tell me, witness, are you sure that you're fit for cross examination? Whatever view the jury may take, there's no doubt you've had a great shock.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, I've had a great shock. Yet in some ways I feel fitter to answer your questions than I was two days ago.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Well, now, what does that mean?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

That shock seems to have brought a few things back to me. I believe I might be able to tell you a bit more now of pre war events than I could then.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Very interesting. When you first gave evidence, did I hear you take the oath?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Of course.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

To tell the truth.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

The whole truth? Yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Then why didn't you tell the whole truth then?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I thought I did.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

You thought you did? Why didn't we hear a word of this encounter with a German soldier?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I didn't think it mattered.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Didn't think it mattered? If it was true, I suppress it.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Can't you see? It was only yesterday that I knew that that poor devil was still alive. Whether I'm Frank Wellney or not had nothing to do with that German soldier until you produced that jacket.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

When did you first tell this story to anyone?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

This morning, to Sir Wilfrid.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Did you never tell your wife?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And why not?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I didn't want her to associate me with that Sort of thing.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

What sort of thing?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I've told you. The way I killed him.

[Judge]

I have a note of what you said. I brought the butt down on his head. He dropped like a stone.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, yes.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Well, Is that all the truth? Have we got it all even now?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, not all. Not all.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

I'll tell you.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

He gave a dreadful scream and fell down helpless. I had to finish him off. I had to. If I was to have a chance of getting away. Getting home, seeing.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Taking your time, Samark.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

How many more blows?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

How can I tell? I've tried to forget it all these years. I can't think of it even now.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

So we seem to be right. You are a man capable of brutal murder.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Did you ever serve in the war, Mr. Foxley?

[Judge]

Learned counsel do not expose themselves to questions when they are crossing the. Examine it.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I don't want his answer. He can't see the difference between murdering a fellow captive and killing an enemy soldier who's fired on you.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Let's not get off the subject, please. Can you produce a shred of evidence that would substantiate this story?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No.

[Pat Buckingham]

No.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It depends on my word.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

With nothing to support it. And what became of the German uniform you say you escaped in?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I burnt it. I wanted to forget.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Oh, that seems unfortunate. It might have given the name or regimental number of your mythical German.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I can give you the poor devil's name and regimental number.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Never mind the number. Perhaps I can tell you the name. Wasn't it Mark Loddon?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

No, it was not milord. It doesn't appear to interest my learned friend. But I'm sure it will interest the jury some art. I want you to tell the court the name of that German soldier.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

It was Carl Geist. Hey everybody.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Lady luck here.

[Lady Luck (Spin Quest Promoter)]

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 live blackjack, live craps, live bubble crafts. Head on over to spinquest.com get yourself a 30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Voice]

Spin Quest is a free to play social casino, Boyd. Where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.

[McDonald's Caffeine Warning]

Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along. Which is why you should try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com zip. ZipRecruiter doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you. Its powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of hay, ZipRecruiter finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the Haystack.

[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

See why 4 out of 5 employers who post a job on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. ZipRecruiter the smartest way to hire. And right now, you can try ZipRecruiter for free. That's right. Free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip that. ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter.com Zip cow geist.

[Judge]

Are you certain of that name?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, my Lord. How. Here it is. On his identity disk.

[Judge]

Let me see it.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Here, my Lord.

[Judge]

You swear this was on the body of the German soldier whose uniform you exchanged for the your own that night at Stavilo?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I do.

[Judge]

And you've kept it all these years?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes.

[Judge]

Has anyone beside yourself ever known of the retention?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, my lord. No, I. I've kept it locked up.

[Judge]

It seems to me it becomes increasingly difficult for a jury to give a verdict.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

In this case. I only want the verdict of the jury for the sake of one person, and that's my son. I've already lost the only verdict. I want it for myself.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

No, Mark. I believe you. I do. I believe you.

[Lady Luck (Spin Quest Promoter)]

Ma.

[Judge]

Has the witness anything more to say, Milord? Yes.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Something. Something has just come back to me.

[Judge]

And what is it?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

May I just look at my jacket?

[Judge]

Certainly. Pass the jacket to the plaintiff.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Will someone lend me a knife?

[Judge]

A knife? What for?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I want to cut something. I sewed in the back of my breast pocket.

[Judge]

Something sewed in.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Two 50 mark notes. And I don't know that we can

[Judge]

let you mutilate an exhibit.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

My lord, I. I've admitted it's my jacket.

[Judge]

And.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

And you can see where I sewed it up.

[Judge]

Where you sewed it? You sewed something in the lining?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, my Lord.

[Judge]

When did you do that?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

When I was at Hobheim. If I might have a knife to. To cut these stitches.

[Judge]

You may. Who has a pocket knife?

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

Hear me now.

[Judge]

Give it to the witness.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Thank you. Before I started to escape from Hobheim with. Well, me and Buckenham, I wasn't too sure of my companions or what might happen to things in my pockets. I don't seem to have been far wrong. So I sewed inside the lining of this breast pocket. A photograph and two 50 marked notes. If this is my jacket, they should be here now.

[Judge]

Well, cut it.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Cut the lining. Yes, yes, of course.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Yes.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Well, here are the notes. And here is the photograph.

[Judge]

May I see the photograph, Sir Mark?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Oh, it was taken many years ago. But I suppose you can recognize it. It all begins to come back to me. My lord. This is the first photograph my wife gave me when we were engaged. I took it with me to France. I always had it in that pocket.

[Judge]

I see. Something is written on it too, Darling.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Need that be read aloud, milord?

[Judge]

I think it should. Members of the jury, on this photograph, these words are written to darling Mark. With all my love.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

With all my love.

[Sir Wilfrid (Plaintiff's Counsel)]

The Lord.

[Judge]

Yes, Mr. Foxley.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

My Lord, my client has made a great mistake. We are more than sorry for the great trouble we have caused. This man is obviously Sir Mark Loddon.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Oh, my darling, I'm so ashamed. Can you ever fix me?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

You didn't know. I hardly knew myself at times.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Mark, you're so tired. Will you come home with me, Mark?

[Pat Buckingham]

Will you, Enid?

[Judge]

Sir Mark.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Yes, my lord?

[Judge]

Sir Mark, before you leave, may I hope that something more than a name

[Sir Mark Loddon]

has been recovered by this trial? My lord, I cannot believe that the

[Judge]

merciful Providence which allowed Sir Mark and Lady Larton to come together after all the dangers of the war. Will not again avail to bring them through this final tribulation.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Milord, you may rest assured on that point. My wife and I are going home.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

While our stars take a minute to rest. We'll give you a glimpse of the future in the Lux Radio Theater. When you're listening next Monday night. This is what you will hear in the middle of the second act. What are you going to do, Stacy?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I'm going back to that jail.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Going to give myself up. Are you crazy? What for? Because there's a guy in there doing 20 years. Guy I like.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

And I'm gonna see that he gets out.

[Judge]

Listen to me.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

They'll throw you in for life, Stacy.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

They'll shove you down in solitary till you rot. I'm warning you.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Ah, don't be a SAP.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

I broke out of that pen once

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

and I can do it again. They haven't built the jug yet that can hold me.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

We'll tell you the name of the play and the stars we're going to have a little bit later. March 15 is famous for many things, including the income tax. And don't forget that 12 o' clock tonight is the deadline. But here in the Lux Radio Theatre. We'll remember the Ides of March as the day when Ronald Coleman, Edna Best and Otto Kruger gave one of the most thrilling performances in our history.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

Thank you, C.B. i've been giving testimony most of the evening, but I have a little more to say, with your permission.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, then I'd better turn you over to our learned counsel, Otto Kruger.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Well, whom does your testimony concern?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

A man who is too tall to get in the army.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Well, that sounds like a very tall story, Ron.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, Edmonds, quite authentic. I don't know the man's name, but he was far above the height limit which fits standard army equipment. He tried all branches of the service and was turned down by each one. Yet he became one of the heroes of Guadalcanal.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

What did he do? Start an army of his own?

[Sir Mark Loddon]

No, not exactly. But it must have confused the Japanese badly to hear his cheerful voice every day as it cut through the machine gun fire. A voice yelling candy, cigarettes, chewing gum. That might have been more in place at the baseball park on Saturday afternoon. As long as the battle raged, he was there with his pack on his back. He was too tall for the army, but not too tall to follow the army to the front line in the uniform of the American Red Cross.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

This being the month that the Red Cross is raising its war fund, I think the good judgment of our listeners will carry on from there.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

And they'll know other good reasons to give to the Red Cross. Mr. DeMille. Things we see every day, like the making of surgical dressings and the training of nurses EDs.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

And don't forget the blood donor service.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

And now I think we'd better cross examine you. CB what about next week's play?

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Just a minute, Otto. It's the women's turn on the witness stand. And I don't think that you can find a woman who doesn't agree with me that Lux soap is really a wonderful complexion care. I've used it for years.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Lux soap always wins the case. Edna, how about next week? The scene you heard a moment ago was from the Warner Brothers hit each Dawn I Die. And our stars will be George Raft, French Otone and Lynn Barrett.

[Sir Mark Loddon]

I think your audience will be all on hand next week, CB Good night.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Good night.

[Spin Quest Announcer]

Good night.

[Judge]

Good night.

[Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Our sponsor, the makers of Luxe Toilet soap, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio Theater presents George Raft, Franchotone and Lynn Barry in each Dawn I Die. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

Ladies and gentlemen, this month the Campfire girls celebrate their 31st birthday. This army of 321,000 girls serving on the home front can experience expand its victory program even more if leaders can be obtained. Any woman wishing to volunteer may get in touch with the Campfire office in her community or with Campfire Girls Incorporated, 88 Lexington Avenue, New York. Campfire Girls Incorporated, 88 Lexington Ave, New York. Otto Kruger will soon be seen in the Paramount picture Night Plane from Chung King. Heard in tonight's play were Frederick Warlock as Sir Wilfred, Alec Harford as Buckingham, George Sorrell as Fordon, Eric Snowden as Judge and Norman Field, Claire Vedera, Thomas Mills and Fred Mackay. Our music was directed by Lewis Silvers. And this is your announcer John M. Kennedy reminding you to tune in next month night to hear George Raft Franchotone and Lynn Barry in each dawn I die.

[Lady Enid Loddon]

Food rationing and shortages worry me. I don't want my family to get low in vitamins, tired and nervous. But vitamin rich foods take so many points, I just don't know what to do.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

Well, here's a tip lady.

[Radio Host John M. Kennedy]

Get unrationed at low point foods and take extra vitamins. Get vims at your druggist. Vims have all the essential vitamins and all the minerals commonly lacking. Yet vims require no points. Remember VI for vitamins, double Ms. For minerals. Get them all in vims.

[Mr. Foxley (Defendant's Counsel)]

This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Lady Luck (Spin Quest Promoter)]

Hey everybody, 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 live blackjack, live craps, live bubble craps. Head on over to spinquest.com get yourself a $30 coin pack for just 10 bucks.

[Spin Quest Disclaimer Voice]

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

[McDonald's Caffeine Warning]

Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board. Then all you can do is hope the right person comes along. Which is why you should try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you. Its powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of hay, ZipRecruiter finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the Haystack.

[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

See why 4 out of 5 employers who post a job on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. ZipRecruiter the smartest way to hire. And right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free. That's right. Free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip that ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter.com Zip.