Lux Radio Theatre - Dark Victory

Summary

Podcast Summary: Lux Radio Theatre – Dark Victory

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: June 26, 2026
Adapted from: Lux Radio Theatre production of “Dark Victory”
Starring: Bette Davis (Judith Treherne), Spencer Tracy (Dr. Frederick Steele)
Producer Introductions: Cecil B. DeMille

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of “Dark Victory,” an emotional drama centering on Judith Treherne, a spirited young socialite faced with a life-threatening illness, and her relationship with her doctor, Frederick Steele. The story grapples with mortality, courage, love, and finding dignity in the face of inevitable loss. The episode is notable for its performances by Bette Davis and Spencer Tracy, capturing the poignant journey of Judith and those who love her.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage (00:29–03:39)

• Cecil B. DeMille's introduction (00:29): Frames the play as a challenging and emotionally powerful vehicle for the talents of Bette Davis and Spencer Tracy.
• Judith’s Lifestyle: Judith’s vibrant but reckless socialite existence on her Long Island estate; hints of mounting health trouble.
• Memorable Quote:

  "As a producer, I've always disliked the type of play known as a vehicle. ...But Dark Victory has grip and power and human appeal."
  — Cecil B. DeMille (00:58)

2. The Onset of Tragedy (03:39–08:09)

• Initial Symptoms: Judith stumbles after a party, has headaches and vision problems, but dismisses them as hangovers.
• Horse Accident: An accident during a riding session dramatizes her worsening condition.
• Judith's denial and Anne’s concern: Anne, Judith’s friend, tries to help and suggests seeing a doctor.

3. Medical Examination & Diagnosis (12:30–17:02)

• Meeting Dr. Steele: Judith is skeptical and defensive during her first consultation.
• Notable Exchange:

  "To the cold, scientific eye, we're guinea pigs, aren't we?"
  — Judith (12:36)
  "You didn't tell him that you've been having these headaches for months, but you have."
  — Dr. Steele (16:13)

• Diagnosis: Dr. Steele discerns subtle neurological symptoms Judith hid from her family and friends.

4. The Bitter Truth and Operation (18:06–21:29)

• Operation Decision: Judith reacts with fear and resistance to the need for brain surgery.
• Operation and Prognosis: Surgery seems successful, but Steele confides to Anne that Judith’s condition is terminal—she will die within a year.
• Memorable Moment:

  "She’ll apparently be as well as any of us. That is, until...her sight may fail near the end. Amblyopia. There’ll only be a few hours after that...She’ll die within a year."
  — Dr. Steele (21:29)

5. Judith’s "Recovery" and Love Story (26:42–31:45)

• Celebration & Hope: Judith throws a party, buoyed by apparent recovery; Dr. Steele is quietly haunted.
• Anne Learns the Truth: Anne is told by Dr. Steele about Judith's short prognosis.
• Judith Falls in Love: She openly confesses love for Dr. Steele, leading to a tender and complex romantic courtship.
• Quote:

  "For the first time I get up in the morning with something to live for."
  — Judith (30:09)

6. The Revelation and Emotional Fallout (37:41–39:30)

• Judith Discovers Her Fate: By accident, Judith reads her medical papers and learns her prognosis.
• Confrontation Scene: Judith lashes out at Dr. Steele and Anne, feeling betrayed by their withholding of the truth.
• Powerful Exchange:

  "Waiter, I think I’ll have a large order of prognosis negative..."
  — Judith (38:33)

7. Descent and Despair (43:07–48:53)

• Struggle for Meaning: Judith seeks meaning, parties recklessly, and contemplates flings as a shield against despair.
• Conversation with Michael: Michael, the stable hand, confesses his own feelings, but Judith rejects all other escapes, seeking dignity in her fate.
• Judith’s Revelation:

  "Tonight it would be you. And after tonight, what? I can’t die like that."
  — Judith (47:13)

8. Reconciliation and Last Embrace (48:53–55:11)

• Judith Returns to Dr. Steele: They reconcile, expressing profound love and mutual need.
• They Marry: Judith accepts the little time left as deeply meaningful.
• Quote:

  "If we lived to be a hundred, we couldn’t have had more. When the time comes...I’ll go with you."
  — Dr. Steele and Judith (54:36)

9. Judith’s Final Moments (55:12–59:01)

• Preparing for the End: Judith insists that Dr. Steele pursue his research, refusing to let her death be futile.

• Her Final Request: She asks Anne to care for Dr. Steele after she's gone.

• The Curtain Falls: In solitude, Judith ascends the stairs to face her end, embracing her “dark victory.”

  "It’s growing so very dark. I’ll go in now... No one must be with me. I have to prove I can do it alone."
  — Judith (58:39)

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Notable Quotes

• Courage in Adversity:

  "When any of us hits that last hurdle, that’s all that counts."
  — Judith (06:15)

• Facing the End:

  "You’ll never lose me, darling. Nothing can hurt us now. For what we’ve had can’t be destroyed. That’s our victory...our victory over the dark."
  — Judith (55:47)

• On Purpose:

  "If you can save others in the future who might die without you...you must go on with your work."
  — Judith (54:54)

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Important Timestamps

• [00:29] — DeMille's Introduction and Framing of the Play
• [03:39] — Judith’s Symptoms Surface
• [12:30] — Judith’s First Consultation with Dr. Steele
• [18:09] — The Need for and Aftermath of Surgery
• [21:29] — Judith’s Fate Clarified to Anne
• [26:42] — Judith’s Return From Hospital / Rebirth
• [30:09] — Judith Declares her Love
• [37:41] — Judith Discovers the Truth
• [38:33] — Judith’s Confrontation at the Restaurant
• [47:13] — Judith Rejects Escapism
• [54:33] — Judith and Steele’s Farewell
• [58:39] — Judith Faces Death Alone

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Tone and Performance

The radio drama is intense, intimate, and at times deeply poignant, with Bette Davis and Spencer Tracy delivering performances full of wit, defiance, tenderness, and heartbreak. Davis’s Judith switches from biting sarcasm to vulnerable sincerity, while Tracy’s Steele remains compassionate and reserved—a steady anchor.

The language is rich, expressive, and true to the time, packed with witty repartee, emotional confrontations, and existential questioning. The play’s final act is both uplifting and tragic, driving home the human capacity for dignity even in the face of certain death.

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Memorable Moments

• Judith’s defiance and quick humor, even in adversity (14:05, 15:17).
• The raw honesty of her confrontation with Dr. Steele and Anne upon learning her diagnosis (38:33).
• The tender reconciliation and acceptance of mortality between Judith and Dr. Steele (48:53–55:11).
• Judith’s solitary final walk up the staircase into darkness—a metaphorical and literal acceptance of her fate (58:39).

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Takeaway

"Dark Victory" stands out as a deeply human love story exploring how we choose to live—and to face death—with courage, honesty, and love. Bette Davis’s portrayal of Judith Treherne anchors the episode with grace and emotional fire, matched by Spencer Tracy’s steady, mournful strength as Dr. Steele. This is a classic Golden Age of Radio adaptation that still resonates with emotional power and profound insight today.

Transcript

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[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

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[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Lux presents Hollywood. The lux radio theater brings you bette davis and spencer tracy in dark victory. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil b. Demille. Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Each year the actors, directors, producers and other members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences vote on the outstanding accomplishments of the year in Hollywood. The last Academy Award for the best performances by an actor and an actress went to Spencer Tracy and Bette Davis. Both these stars are with us tonight. And even the unemotional lights in front of the Lux Radio Theatre have a special glow of pride in our players and our play, Dark Victory. Our stage is set for a prize winning achievement. And so is the stage in your home when Lux Flakes is starred. Many domestic producers have discovered that casting Lux Flakes in a leading role is good business at the household box office. If there's a little more gray in my hair this week, believe me, it came from the task of finding the right dramatic material for two such splendid artists as Bette Davis and Spencer Tracy. In fact, we considered and rejected dozens of plays before selecting the one we think is perfect. Dark Victory. As a producer, I've always disliked the type of play known as a vehicle. One that's designed for the actor instead of the audience. And when there are two noted players in a cast, there's a double danger that the play will turn out to be a double vehicle. But Dark Victory has grip and power and human appeal. And when our curtain falls on the third act, I believe you'll agree with me that this play is really a great emotional experience. Each woman in our audience will unconsciously put herself in the place of Judith Trehearn. Each man will wonder what he would have done as Dr. Frederick Steele. Dark Victory is a love story. But not one of the simple boy meets girl variety. It's the love story of two strong willed people who must concentrate in a few gallant months all the happiness of a lifetime. Our footlights shine their brightest now as the curtain rises on Act 1 of Dark Victory, starring Bette Davis as Judith Treherne and Spencer Tracy as Dr. Frederick Steele. At Ms. Judith Treherne's estate on Long Island. Another all night party has run its course. It's just six o' clock in the morning as the last car swerves through the gate and the phone begins to jangle wildly. First in one room, then another from the servants quarters to the kitchen. And then at last in the bedroom of Mr. Hearn's secretary and companion.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Hello? Mr. Hand's secretary speaking.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, good morning, Miss Anne. It's a cheerful day now, isn't it?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Who is this?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

This is Michael over at the stable.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Michael, what do you mean by calling at this hour?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I was wondering if I might speak to Ms. Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

You certainly might not. You know there was a party here. She hasn't had an hour's rest. And who is it? Not important. You better go back to sleep. Now don't argue, Doc. Hello, this is Ms. Judith Treherne of the Sleepy Trehearns.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Is it now? Well, this is Mr. Michael O' Leary of the Wide Awake O'. Learys. We got a customer for that colt of yours. He's down at the stable now. We can get 10,000 if we snatch it quick.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

If you mean Challenger, Michael, not 10 and not 20. My head's just woozy, not vacant.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

If you don't mind my saying so, Ms. Treherne, it might be a good idea for you to take charge of the cups and ribbons and leave the handling of the horses to me.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I do mind your saying so. You had your orders last night. I ought to slap that man's face. Michael's impregnate sometimes, but he's just about the best trainer money can buy. Help me up, Dally. I'm going down to the stable. Will you please? Oh, well, you know I'm absolutely giddy. Look at me. What is it? Another headache? A hangover you could hang your hat on. Oh, from what? You didn't touch a drop last night. Oh, I did. So gallant. No you didn't. I watched you as fast as you were handed cocktails. You slipped them into the flower bowls. It was your petunias that got tight, not you. Well, why can't I walk straight then? You're silly. If you don't believe me, Judith, I don't like the way I'm going to send for Dr. Parsons. No? Why not, Judith? Now listen. I'll be all right in a minute. Be a darling. Anne, get my things, will you? And tell John to bring up the car. Tell him to hurry.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I don't know what Michael got me down here for, Judith. He said you wanted to sell that colt.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

But I don't, Colonel. Mansell.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I still think you should buy him, Colonel.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Michael, shut up.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

That colt's a perfect darling. He could play on the lawn with the dogs or the children. Of course, unfortunately, a steeplechaser has to have guts. Catch this fellow at the two mile pole with his heart bursting and a water jump ahead and he'll fold up on you.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Michael, I said I wanted to run him this morning. Where is he?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

He's in his stall having his extra 40 winks before we give him his morning cup of tea.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Get him out here, and when I tell you to do something, you do it.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes, ma'.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Am.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Right away, ma'. Am. Well, I'm sorry, Judith. I'd like to make a deal.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, don't go away, Colonel. I'm going to take him over the jumps. Judith, is it your head again? It comes and goes, and I'll show him if that horse has Courageous.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Here's your fine horse, Miss Judith. Shall I give you a hand? Up. Up you go.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Thanks. Michael, how long have I had you?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

One month and three days.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Remind me to think about firing you.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You'll not be firing me, Miss Judith. We're going to get on together. Just because I call your darling a coward?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Someday you'll learn, Michael, that courage is in the blood. When any of us hits that last hurdle, that's all that counts.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Sure, sure. And I'll take your little horse and go along.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Michael, she's not going to take the high jumps, is she?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Looks like it, but she's leading him in wrong. Stay over to your left, Miss Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, I thought she was going to fall.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

She will if she comes around like that again. Miss Judith, you're way off to the right. Come in straight for that jump.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Who's riding this horse? What's the matter with her?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Miss Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Straighten out.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You'll trace the wings.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Look out. Look out. It's a gash on the head. But it was you we were worried about. Michael said he had a hunch he'd throw you. And? And listen to me. That colt didn't throw me. I threw him. What do you mean? You know what happened? I saw two jumps. I tried to put him over the wrong one. You saw two jumps? Yes, that was it. It was the ghastliest feeling. Everything went fuzzy. Why didn't you tell that to Dr. Parsons? Oh, poor old befuddled Parsons. My dear, you're staying up too late smoking too many cigarettes. If only he knew about last week at the Colony when the old lady was coming out of the swing doors. I knocked the Umbrella out of her hand. Why? Somebody said I was drunk. And another time, coming out of Helenes on Park Avenue, I ran right into a woman with her dog on a leash. I ran right into the view. Dear. Oh, I didn't hurt the dog, but the woman was furious. Darling, darling. Confidentially, this is more than a hangover. If you don't tell Parsons these things, I will. Ah, no you won't, Anne. You're my truest and best friend and you won't tell a soul. I. I wouldn't have told you except that I won't have a dumb animal blamed for my mistake. Come on now. We're going to town, aren't we? Judith, Parsons is coming back. Why? I promised we'd go with him to a specialist. About this, Gideon. I haven't time for doctors. But you may be really ill. I haven't time to be ill. Come in. Dr. Parsons is here, Miss Judith.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Oh, fool. Well, Judith, are we ready to go?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

No, Dr. Darling, we're not. She says she's not going with you.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

But Judith, I think you ought to. There's a man in town. Dr. Steele.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Now, doctor. Darling, I've got much too much to do. You know that. You take Anne to Dr. Steele. She could use an examination.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Oh, Anne, haven't you any influence over her?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

None at all.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What was that?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Martha?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What's the matter?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Ms. Judith. Ms. Judith. She fell down the stair. Hello? Hello? I can't hear you. Yes, this is Dr. Steele's nurse. No, I'm afraid it'd be useless. Dr. Steele has closed his office permanently. Yes. No, he's not coming back. You're welcome. Good night.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Sounds good, eh, Winratt?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

If you want to hear a fine woman break down and sob, Dr. Steele, just keep talking like that.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Have to leave in 45 minutes. Remember that.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Now, what about this case of Dr. Parsons? He's very worried. Told me to keep you here by force if necessary.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You tell old Parsons I waited nine years for this train. I'm not going to miss it just because some Long island glamour girl fell off her horse.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Dr. Steele?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yeah.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I wouldn't talk so loud. They're outside now.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Who?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Dr. Parsons and his patient, Wainwright. Well, I'm sorry, Doctor, but he insisted.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

All right. Have to be polite, I suppose.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Will you come in, Dr. Parsons? Thanks.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Sit down, Dr. Parsons. Don't forget about that train, Wainwright.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I won't steal.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Can't you put off leaving? I'm sorry, Parsons. I've closed my office. But I've told you I'm through with private practice. You're going into research, is that it? That's it. I want to work on cells. Brain cells. I want to find out why healthy cells suddenly go berserk, grow wild. Do you feel you can do as much for people that way as you have done in surgery? Yeah. More if I have any luck. Why? Because I have a patient who needs you, Steele. But please, the girl is desperately ill. She's been losing ground every day. I read your report. Well, if two minutes of talk will do any good, go ahead. What's this about headaches? She's been having them persistently, even before the accident. Before? She calls them hangovers. And you wait until now? You don't know that girl. She's stubborn. Only yesterday she went to a revival of Serrano in the afternoon and played bridge half the night. She won't cooperate. She won't even tell me anything. By the way, if she's such a crack horsewoman, why was she thrown? It was a queer sort of accident. She steered her horse into the right wing of a jump. What's that? You sure it was the right. Yes.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Why?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, I think your best bet is to get in touch with Finlay. Well, I get Park. I don't want park or any of the rest of them. Hang it all, they're no better than I am. I want you. But Parsons have I. You're always talking about the obligation of doctors to humanity. Well, there's humanity waiting for you in that room. Oh, all right.

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[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor. Hey, good morning. Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here. Here where he needs us most. Yep, they sure are.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

We make it easy for him to

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

save on all his insurance needs. All in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down. It's all right. We're so far up here. Look at me. Take a deep breath.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I'm good.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

So good. Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save it Feels good to geico have a commit. Thank you, Judith. Come in, Judith. This is Dr. Steele.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

How do you do? My name's Treherne. Judith Treherne. Or don't names matter?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What's that?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I mean, to the cold, scientific eye, we're guinea pigs, aren't we? Glad to have met you, Doctor.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Wait a minute. How'd you get those burns on your hand?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Where?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

On your right hand. Right here between the first two fingers.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, I. I never noticed them till now.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I see. Wait outside, Julie. Won't you sit here?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I haven't much time.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Neither have I. Parsons tells me you're a great hunter.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, you could hardly expect me to enter your office leading a pack of hounds.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Oh, I understand you don't like to talk about your health.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I don't.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Any reason why?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

It's a boring topic, that's all.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Most people love it. I make my living by listening to them.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Then I'm afraid you're wasting your time.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Oh, I'll send you a bill.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I'm 23 years old, an only child. I weigh 115 pounds. Two stripped. I've had mumps, measles and whooping cough, all at the proper ages. I take a great deal of exercise. I'm accustomed to a reasonable quantity of tobacco and alcohol. I'm said to have a sense of humor. Is that all?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

That's all. The inconsequential facts.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

What are the consequential ones?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Does that light from the window bother you?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

No.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Use your eyes a great deal.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I generally keep them open.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Doctor, what on earth do you do with yourself down there on Long Island?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, horses, dogs, shooting, yachting, parties, travel, gossip. All the pleasures of the station wagon crowd. You don't think much of that, do you?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

No, not much.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Why not?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

It just doesn't appeal to me.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Do you condemn everything that doesn't appeal to you, Dr. Steele?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Oh, no, no, no, by no means. You asked for my opinion and I gave it.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, anyway, that's my racket. What's yours?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, I've been a surgeon up to now, but I'm clearing out for northern Vermont in about 30 minutes.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Vermont? Not really.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

No kidding.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

What are you going to do up there between yorns?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You wouldn't be interested.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, come now. After leading me on like this?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, I'm going to do scientific research. On the growth of cells.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

In guinea pigs?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

No, no. Just cells.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Sounds silly.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yeah, so I'm told.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Still, you know. You know, I almost envy you. Must be nice to believe in what you're doing.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Why don't you?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, not in the way you do. I'm not complaining. Take it all in all, they dealt me a very good hand. I'm young. I have no particular responsibilities. I shan't cultivate them either, once, free or without. Oh, I shall probably marry someday. No hurry about that. When I do, I shall build a house on a ridge. I know the glorious view. I'll have my horses, and with luck, I'll have about 40 years of it. I think that's a pretty good setup.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

That light is in your eyes.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I wish you wouldn't keep hopping on that. There's nothing the matter with my eyes.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You're squinting.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I'm not squinting.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I'll put the blinds down. There. Yeah, that's better.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, suit yourself. It's your office.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What did you do yesterday?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I played bridge in the afternoon. I went to the theater in the evening.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

It was the other way around, wasn't it?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I. Yes, I guess it was.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What was the play? Cyrano, wasn't it?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, yes. Why?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You like it?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, my head was aching.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

How long have you had these headaches?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, I. I don't have them.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You have one now.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

No, I have not.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

How did you come out of bridge yesterday?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Let me think. Quickly. I don't remember.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I know. You lost.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Yes, I lost.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

How much?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, how can I remember? I play bridge every day.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You've been losing a lot lately, haven't you?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Yes.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Playing badly. I am forgetting what the cards are. And what's the bid?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Why do you ask me these stupid questions?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Wait a minute. Did Parsons say you could go out yesterday?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I'm accustomed looking after myself.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

But you did disobey his orders, didn't you?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

But what if I did?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, why pay a doctor to advise you and then disregard his advice?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I didn't call him. Someone else called him.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

So you're taking orders from someone else, aren't you?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Doctor, listen to me. I've never taken orders from anyone. And as long as I live, I shall never take orders from anyone. And here's something else. I'm well, absolutely well. I'm young and strong and nothing can touch me. Neither you nor Dr. Parsons can make an invalid out of me. And now I'm going. I'm sorry to have wasted so much of your time. This is my Last interview with Dr. That's right.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Run away because you're frightened.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

That isn't true.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Come on over here. Now sit down. I want to talk for you. You held certain things back from Dr. Parsons because you were afraid to admit them. You didn't tell him that you've been having these headaches for months, but you have. And they've been getting worse lately. Until now, you're never free of them. And your eyes have been cutting up too. Just as though someone was shutting a pair of folding doors until your vision is almost cut in half. You pretended it was imagination, but it isn't. Then that queer, dull feeling in your right arm. You couldn't laugh that off. I'll tell you how you got those burns. A cigarette. It burned your fingers and you never felt it because your tactile nerves are paralyzed. Your memory is all shot to pieces. You can't concentrate. Look at your bridge scores. You're irritable because your nerves are all on edge. You're afraid to admit it, but you can't deny it. Now, that's true, isn't it?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Yes. Yes, it is true. I. I can't deny it.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Then why don't you let me help you?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Dr. Steele, you have to leave now to go to catch that train.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Train? Train. Yeah. Well, there'll be other trains on other days, Doctor. Cancel the tickets.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Yes, Doctor. Oh, thank you very much for staying.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Not at all, not at all. A few days one way or the other won't matter.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I. I'm sorry I was so difficult.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I like the way you fought back at me. You've been a good sport.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, if I weren't that doctor, I'm afraid I wouldn't be much of anything. Tell me, what's wrong with me? Is it my eyes?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Now, I'd be a poor excuse for a doctor if I told you before I positive myself. For the next few days, I'm going to ask you to have some X rays taken. Lots of them. Otherwise, you're to live your normal life. Do everything you've been doing, see your friends, have parties, everything the same. With one exception.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

What's that?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You'll have to see a good deal of me.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I'll bet you'll be a frost at a party. Well, Dr. Steele, have you reached the verdict?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

The prisoner will rise. The sentence.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

We will have to operate.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Operate? On me? Where? My. My head?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, no. No, I won't.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I won't.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I won't. Dr. Walker. Dr. Walker in surgery, please. Dr. Carvel, administration, please. Dr. Carvel.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Good morning. How is everything?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Everything is awful. Look what you make me wear.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

The operating gown. Pretty dowdy, aren't they? I suppose you brought a lot of nice things of your own.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, of course I did. I have Lovely nighties. I bought two new ones especially for this.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Ms. Anne, I. I see no reason why Mr. Hearn shouldn't wear something of her own.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

They're in the drawer.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Have them ready for her when she comes back in the operating room, will you? And now, Mr. Hearn, how about drinking this?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

What is it?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

That's just something that makes you sleep right down. That's right.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, I. I don't want to go to sleep. How could anyone sleep in a two by four like this? home I have a bed big enough for six and here I can't move.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Now wait a minute. Wait a minute. I'll show you something nice about this bed. See? It goes up to rest your legs and goes up and down to make your back feel better. Why? Before you're through, you want to take it home with you.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

You know you do. Make it feel better. I can't understand me. I've never given in a fraction to anyone else. Here I am letting you bounce me up and bounce me down. In fact, I'm letting you tell me exactly where. Where did it happen? Here, in my head.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

That's my worry, Doctor.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

How do you do it? Just what do you do?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Shatterbox, aren't you?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Ah, it is very distasteful, isn't it? Oh, well, I don't care. I don't care about anything. This is such a nice bed. And it's a nice room too. Thank you. Anne. Anne, you're standing over there, miles away. Come over here. I love you, Anne. I don't know what I'd do without you. I love you. Do you and the doctor like each other?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Of course.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Sure. I want you to like each other. Cause you see, I love everybody. Will I cut off my hair?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Just a little of it.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

But I don't want my hair cut off.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

It'll grow back.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Of course it will. Isn't that silly of me? I feel so good. Nothing to think about.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You're going to sleep now?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

That's right. I must do everything you say. I'm in your hands, Doctor. Ah, there's such nice hands. Nice strong hands. Doctor.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

When you get inside my head, see if you can find any sense in it.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

She's asleep. Hello, Dr. Steele speaking. Will you call surgery? We're ready now. Well, how is she? The operation was a complete success.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Go on.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I told you what to expect before we operated. She's bound to have a recurrence. An invalid, I suppose. No, no, I'd say it's a rare case. She'll apparently be as well as any of us. That is, until. Well, her sight may fail near the end. Amblyopia. Yes. There'll only be a few hours after that. Oh, hang it, Steel. Isn't there anything we can do? Anything at all? No. No, there's nothing. It's a rotten business doctrine. A girl like that, so alive, so entitled to live. To have this contemptible, meaningless growth come along and put a period to it. You could almost wish it had happened on the table. Are you going to tell her? Would you want her to know? No. Well, then, that's the answer. Steele. Just one more thing. You said she'd have a recurrence and then a few hours of life. How long has she got before the recurrence? Well, I can't say exactly. She'll die within a year. You have just heard Act One of Dark Victory. Starring Spencer Tracy and Bette Davis.

[Announcer]

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[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Mr. DeMille brings you act two in just a moment. But first I have some important news for you. Listen a moment and you'll hear how it sounds over the wires. The telegraph is saying just three words. Here's what they are. New Quick Lux. Yes, that's our big news for millions of housewives. News about a marvelous new Quick Lux that suds with almost unbelievable speed.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

You know, I thought Lux Flakes just couldn't be improved. It's so swell.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, Sally, I've heard lots of women say just that. It's so safe, so gentle, so easy on your hands or your clothes. We couldn't make it milder. But here's what scientists working for Years in the laboratories have done. They found a way to speed up Lux Flakes. They've added an ingredient costing many thousands of dollars a year which makes New Quick Flux give you suns in a second.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

So fast.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, it's almost unbelievable. You'll think so too, when you pour out these delicate shearer flakes while you turn on the water and they bubble into suds like veritable magic. In water as cool as your hand, new Quicklux dissolves three times faster than any of 10 other leading soaps tested. Flakes, chips, beads and bars. Yet you can get this wonderful new Quicklux at no extra cost. Here's another grand point. New Quicklux goes further. Gives more suds ounce for ounce, than any of these other soaps. It's so very thrifty to use. And it's so gentle, so safe. For everything safe in water. Why not stop at your grocer's tomorrow and say, New Quick Lux, please? Your grocer has it. It's in the same familiar box, but it's the wonderful new Quicklux lakes it, suds faster. It's thrifty. It's so safe. You'll love it. Now, our producer, Mr. DeMille. Act two of Dark Victory. Starring Spencer Tracy as Dr. Frederick Steele and Bette Davis in the role of Judith Trehearn, with Lorraine Tuttle as Anne. In a few weeks, Judith returned from the hospital a new Judith with sparkling eyes and steady hands. She's invited some friends to celebrate her recovery. As she moves gaily among them, Dr. Steele watches from the doorway, his face drawn, his eyes filled with pity. At last, Judith sees him and runs quickly to him.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Doctor, where in the world have you been? Hello, Judith, my friend. This is the Jasmine lady. Did my operation. Dr. Steele. My gang.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

How do you do?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Now, come over here. I want to speak to you. You're late.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You know I was at the hospital.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Ah, never mind that. We're not interested in medicine. Here. Sit down. Won't you have some champagne?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

No, thanks.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I had one. I said I could.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Have you been a good girl?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

No.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I thought not. Did you drive into town for lunch and come right back?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Father, I cannot tell a lie.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What did you do?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I bought these shoes. Like them?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Mm. They're very pretty. What else?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

This dress and some other new frocks that will stun you. Oh, thank you so very much for the 2 inches off my middle. And, Doctor, thank you for my life. What can I ever do for you? Oh, Anne. Anne. Excuse me, doctor. Anne. Has the package come yet? Just arrived. Shall I get it? No, let me be right back. Don't go away. Well, Doctor, doesn't you look wonderful? Aren't you proud?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Proud? Yes. Yes, I'm very proud.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Doctor, when you came down to Judith's room right after the operation, you had a certain look in your face. I thought it was a strain, the tension of the operation.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I don't understand you.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, you have that same look in your face now. Is there anything wrong, Anne?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I'd rather not.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

If there is, please. See, I am her best friend.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Will you come outside? Well, are you strong enough to hear the truth?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Then there is something.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes, there is. I can't save her, Anne. Nothing can. Nothing.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

You mean she's going?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes. She'll die.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

So are we all.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

She's going to die of that growth for which we operate. No, it's true.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Mean she'll have that pain again and that horrible confusion.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

No, she's not going to suffer again. That's all behind her now.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

How will it come?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

It'll come quietly, peacefully.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, God. Last small mercy. You mean. It will come without warning. She'll have no chance to be ready.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

There may be a moment very near the end when she won't be able to see quite as usual.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

She'll go blind.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

A dimming of vision. Then after a few hours, say two or three.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Doctor, how long has she. A year, six months, possibly more. Oh, I don't believe.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

And if I could literally cut off his arm.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I know, I know.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You'll have to buck up. She mustn't know.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

You sneak. You're hiding out on me. What's the idea? Well, actually, we were talking about just how much you ought to do. I told him you'd had a devil of a day and he doesn't seem to think it matters. I've had the best day of my life. Doctor, here's a present for you.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Oh, Judas.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

You should. Oh, now, don't play surprise. You know, you doctors always expect your GP presence. And if I'm not a grateful patient, there never was one.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What's in it?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

A little gold and a lot of sentiment. Look at that man, Anne. I thought surgeons had to have such steady hands. Let me help you, Doctor.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Thank you.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, do you like them or don't you wear cufflinks?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Thank you very much. It's the best present I've ever had.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I'm so glad you like them. Of course, it isn't enough. Nothing ever could be. Wait. I have an idea. This is my birthday. What? Well, it is really, you know. My new birthday. Every year on this date. We'll meet. Just us three. We'll meet and have a party. Ay. What's the matter?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Nothing. It's a grand idea.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Of course it is. Come on, we'll start now. Anne. Anne. Do you think we ought to dress for dinner tonight? Give him a bit of swish. Just as you please. My first real weekend's marvelous. Anne, you will put on your best dignity, won't you? And help me keep dignified. Judith, look at me. I'm looking at you. You're in love. Yes. I thought so. What about him? Has he given you any encouragement? Not a ripple on the water drives me crazy. But when I just think of him. Anne. It's awful. But it's wonderful. You know, for the first time I get up in the morning with something to live for. Something besides horses and hats and food. Oh, Anne, he's very fine, isn't he? He's worthwhile, isn't he? But, oh, if only the Spaniards or the French had settled New England instead of the Pilgrims. But if he's given you no sign, then how do you know? Now, Anne, darling, don't be against me. He didn't go away, did he? That's one sign. Keep both fingers crossed for me, please. One day it'll happen to you, darling, and then you'll know.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Come in. Anne. I got your call. Trouble?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

We have something to talk about, Doctor.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Does Judith mean anything more to you than. Than just a patient? Perhaps it's impertinent to me to ask.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

No, it isn't.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I think I know. You do care for her.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes, I care very much.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

But what are you going to do? Are you going to tell her? She'll expect you to marry her.

[Announcer]

When you're a maintenance engineer in a beverage manufacturing plant, you keep production lines moving and quality on track because there is no room for slowdowns. With Grainger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts and hard to find parts, you can get what you need need fast and all in one place so nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

What is that?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Oh yeah, it's a World cup holder.

[Announcer]

Like the soccer tournament.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

World cup holder for the world. Fits every car, holds every cup.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

It has a Carvana logo.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Carvana made it. They buy and sell cars. So they made a car cup holder. So. Got any good cups lately?

[Announcer]

Used to. Just couldn't figure out where in the world to put them.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

The World Cup Holder, brought to you by Carvana. Proud sponsors of the World cup holder, sign up today to win [e-mail] not authorized or endorsed by FIFA. Not a real product for parody and fair use purposes only.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Or is it better for you to go away and leave it to us?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, you know, Anne, women have never meant anything to me before. I'd never met anyone like her. I was all said to. I had plans, arrangements made.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Yes, Vermont. Why don't you go away? For your own sake. For your work.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Work? When I can't cure her, there's nothing else on my mind. Look here. I had a letter from Vienna today. The last finding in the case. Here's the translation. Not a chance in the world. And the others? 12 of them. Prognosis negative. Prognosis negative. Prognosis negative.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, I'm so sorry for you both. You couldn't marry her. You couldn't watch her growing happier every day with this thing creeping up behind her back. Could you stand it? I couldn't.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

It isn't a question of what you or I could stand. The only thing that matters is that she should be happy. Every hour. All my life I've told people what to do. Now, Anne, what shall we do? What can we do?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

You're quite sure she isn't home yet, Martha? Yes, Miss Judith. She said she was going into town and then I heard her call Dr. Steele's number. Dr. Steele? Oh, I see. Judith, I'm back. Oh, there she is now. You may go, Martha. Yes, miss. Hello, darling. Hello, darling. Where. Where have you been? Oh, for a drive. Where to? To Tom. What for? Oh, I. Anne, where did you go? Judith, please. Hello.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Hello. How are you, Anne? Oh, I'm sorry. Did I stumble into something?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Yes. We were just on the verge of a jealous scene about you.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Judith, don't. I suppose I better go.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You didn't mean that.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Judith, darling. You poor fool. Don't you know I'm in love with you? Well, of course. I've made an idiot of myself. Naturally, you must be embarrassed. You see, you've been proposed to. Well, all you have to say is that you don't want me.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

But I do want you. I came here today to tell you I wanted you.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, my darling.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith. Judith's turn.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Hey, anybody home? How do you do, Mr. Hearn? The doctor's not here. Where is he? I'm to have lunch with him. He wants you to meet him at the restaurant. Oh, I haven't seen you to congratulate You. Oh, thank you, Wainwright. It's a strange world, isn't it? When I first came here, you were packing. And I thought it was the end of my life. Now you're still packing. But my life is just beginning. Wainwright. Don't let me disturb you. I'll help pack up his papers and things. Go ahead. Thank you, Mr. Hearn. You know, Wainwright, it's nice to marry the man you love. I darn nearly broke my neck to get him. Of course, it's a perfectly screwy setup. Vermont and Long Island. We don't live in the same world. Do you suppose Vermont and I will understand each other? I don't know much about Vermont, except what he's told me. He loves it, doesn't he? Ah. Then I will too. You know, Wainwright, I'm going to sell my house and my apartment. Everything. Well, what's this? Case history. Miss Judith Treherne. Examination of the tissue samples prove the original diagnosis. The prognosis is definitely negative. Negative? Oh, Wainwright. Yes? What does prognosis mean? It means what the future of a case looks like. What does negative mean? It means hopeless. A case that. Mr. Hearn? What is it, Mr. Hearn?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I'm sorry I'm late, darling. I had a consultation. Oh, you look lovely.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Have a drink.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

No, thanks.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Another for me, waiter.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes, Ms. Bradaway.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

You should try one someday.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I will. I will. Perhaps on our wedding day.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Our wedding day?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What's the matter?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, could anything be if I'm later. Oh, don't be sorry, Anne, about anything. Sit down and join the party. We're playing games. Hide and seek. You can play too. Puss in the corner. What are you talking about? Oh, I don't know. Of course, if you like, I'll leave. You two dear friends probably have a lot to talk over. My two dearest friends. Anne, have a cocktail. I'm going to have another. Yes, I'll have a cocktail. Oh, they're fine. They deaden the brain. You know about brains, Dr. Steele. They loosen inhibitions and make the tongue waggle. You should both have one. Are you quite well, Judith? You should know how well I am. Am I well, Doctor?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Shh.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

The secret. Or wouldn't you know about secrets, Judith? I've meant to ask you, Doctor, was I a specimen case? Will I make the medical journal?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Why don't you tell me what this is about?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Why don't you tell me? Why didn't you tell me? Waiter. I think I'll have a large order of prognosis. Negative. What do you mean? You know. Earth sur le plus prognosis negative. Do you know what prognosis negative means, Doctor? Explain to Anne. Or have you? A few months of pretending you're well, then blindness, then so long, my friend. Wait, Judith. We can't talk here. Yes, we can. It was a question of humor the patient, wasn't it? Give the poor darling everything she wants. The time so short. Marry her if necessary. Now I know why you went to his office that day. It was to beg him to marry me. Out of pity, baby. You're both so kind. Thank you very much.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

You're wrong.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Don't touch me.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Please.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Let me go. Let me go.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Just a moment, mister. Dinner brings you act three of Dark Victory, starring Betty Davis and Spencer Tracy. When you hear something that interests you very much, you want to pass it on to your friends, don't you? Well, that's the way it is with New Quick Lux Flakes. Women all over the country are talking about it. For instance, here's just a paragraph From a letter Ms. Peggy Tippett of Baltimore sent us. Oh, Sally, will you read the part I've marked, please?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

She says, I didn't think Lux could be improved. But you've done it. New Quick Lux is amazing. It's so fast and so gentle and so thrifty. It's grand. And I second her on that, Mr. Ruig.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes, Sally, but what else does she say?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

My sweaters look gorgeous after a dip in New Quick Luxe Flakes. It's so gentle, it leaves them soft and unshrunken. I keep all my nice things New Looking longer. With this care, New Quick Lux has made me more than ever a Lux fan.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Thanks, Sally. Like so many other women, Ms. Tippet thought Lux Flakes were just about tops, that they couldn't be any better. Well, we couldn't make them safer or more pure. But our scientists found that by adding a wonderful new ingredient, they could speed up the suds. New quicklux gives you suds in a second. The flakes are so fine, so sheer, they burst into suds at the touch of water. In water as cool as your hand, they dissolve three times faster than any of the ten other leading soaps tested. Flakes, chips, beads, bars. New quicklux makes faster suds.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

And it goes further.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

That's right. It makes more suds ounce for ounce, than any of the other soaps tested.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

That means Lux is thrifty, doesn't it, Mr. Ruig? And that's good news to any woman.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes, Sally. New Quick Lust cost you no more. Not one cent was added to the Price. New Quick Luxe is fast, it's thrifty and it's safe. As mild and pure as ever. There's no harmful alkali to hurt any color or fabric that's safe in plain water. It helps your stockings under things. Dresses, blouses and sweaters. Stay new looking longer. Get a box of this amazing New Quick Lux licks tomorrow. Your grocer has it in the same familiar luxe package. Ask him for a large size box. We pause now for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. We continue with the third act of Dark Victory. I sold my car in Carvana last night.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, that's cool.

[Announcer]

No, you don't understand.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

It went perfectly.

[Announcer]

Real offer down to the penny.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

They're picking it up tomorrow. Nothing went wrong.

[Announcer]

So what's the problem? That is the problem. Nothing in my life goes to smoothie.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I'm waiting for the catch.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Maybe there's no catch.

[Announcer]

That's exactly what a catch would want me to think. Wow. You need to relax.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I need a knock on wood.

[Announcer]

Do we have wood?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Is this table wood?

[Announcer]

I think it's laminate. Okay. Yeah, that's good. That's close enough. Car selling without a catch. Sell your car today on Carvana. Pick up fees may apply.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Hey, sweetie. Your mother showed me this Carvana thing for selling the car. I'm gonna give it a try. Wish me luck. Me again. I put in the license plate. It gave me an offer. Unbelievable. Okay, I accepted the offer. They're picking it up Tuesday from the driveway. I haven't even left my chair.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

It's done.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

The car is gone. I'm holding a check anyway. Carvana, give it a whirl. Love ya.

[Announcer]

So good, you'll want to leave a voicemail about it. Sell your car today on Carvana. Pickup fees may apply.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

With only a few months of life before, Judith Trehearn lives desperately cramming her days and nights with excitement, striving vainly to forget. At a horse show in New York. Her reckless jumping has won her first prize. And now she stands at the bar receiving the congratulations of her friends. Ms. Judith, can I speak to you?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, Michael, what's the matter?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I've got the horses packed. I wondered if you'd care to drive back with me. That mare's got brown and can't possibly last the night.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Jessica's girl?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yes.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Why don't you put her out of her misery? I'll get there if I can. Kid, kids, there's a tragedy for you. Jessica's girl has bronchitis and can't Possibly last the night. Jessica's girl is a whore. Poor Jessica's girl.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith, they want you outside the presentation of the cup.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Ah, yes, the darling little cup. Excuse me, kids.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, if it isn't the extraordinary surgeon.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I've tried to see you.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

How's your mortality rate these days, Doctor? Any more fun with the knives?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Drop it, Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Why aren't you in Vermont with the bugs?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You know I am not. I want to talk to you.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

When I need a doctor, I'll send for one. I'm not in your care any longer.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You'll always be in my care.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Will I? Is that part of your duty? To hang on until the very end and watch through those scientific eyes?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Stop it. I know how you feel. Anything to strike back at me, but don't do it this way.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

What do you want me to do? Sit alone in my room and think how?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

In a few months, Judith, I want you to find peace. We all have to die, Judith. The tragic difference is that you know when and we don't. The important thing is the same for all of us. To live our lives so we can meet death when it comes. Decently, beautifully and finely.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Finally, beautifully. I'll die as I please. Leave me alone.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You hate me so much.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, so much and for so many reasons. I hate you for not telling me the truth. I hate you for letting me hurl myself at your head. I'm for shame.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I can understand. I'm sorry.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

True.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Easy, girl. Easy. Jessica. That's the girl.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, is she going to live, Michael?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I guess so. It was touch and go for a while, but she's game. She put up a brave fight.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

How nice.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Can I take you home, Ms. Judith?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

No, thanks. I have a car.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, I'll have it sent around.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I'm not leaving yet. Michael, talk to me.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What shall I talk about?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, anything. Just talk. Tell me about you, Michael.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Me?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Yes. Just as one human being to another.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

All right? Sure.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Do you have a happy life, Michael?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Not always. I have thoughts I have to smother down.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Thoughts? What thoughts?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I guess I was born out of my time, Miss Judith. I should have lived in the days when it counted to be a man. The way I like to ride and the way I like to fight. What good's riding and fighting and having good muscles these days? What do they get you?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

What do you want?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I told you. I have thoughts to smother down. Thoughts about you, Miss Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Why, Michael, you're making love to me.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You invited me to talk to you as a man. And it's As a man I'm talking. Surely I'm better than some of them that's playing around with you. They're afraid of you. I've heard them talking. They'd go after you, but they're afraid. I wish that I was in their boots.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Do you, Michael?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You wouldn't need to risk your lovely neck jumping horses for excitement. One of the nights I've laid awake thinking of you. The things I've wanted to say to you ever since the first time I saw you.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, why don't you say them?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Michael, we're of a kind. Will you belong to me and no one else? Kiss me, Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, Michael, let me go.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I'm only a stable hand, is that it?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

No. No, it isn't that. I can't go on this way. Tonight it would be you. And after tonight, what? You again? Or someone else. And so on and on until the last hour. Michael, I can't die like that.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Die? What's this crazy talk about dying?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I'm going to die in a few months, Michael. Does that frighten you?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Heaven forgive you for saying anything like that.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Yes, Heaven forgive me. When it comes, it's got to be met finally, beautifully. That's what he said. Michael, I'm all shocked. I'm all shocked. Hello? Murray Hill 77340, please. Judith, is that you? Yes, Anne. Come in. Oh, it's so late, Judith. I was afraid something had happened to you. Hello? I see. Never mind, then. Whom are you calling? It doesn't matter. Business of apologizing to a gentleman for ruining his life really doesn't matter. Oh, Anne, I'm so tired. Let me put you to bed. Why? So I can dream? No, Judith, don't talk like that. Please don't. It's the waiting, Anne, day and night. Anne, Would it be wrong if I made it happen? Judith. Judith, darling. Anna. Anna. I must see him again just once before he goes away.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Hello, Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Hello, Doctor.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Come in.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

It is a fine time for a lady to be calling, isn't it? Oh, can you ever forgive me?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I have already.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, but the things I said to you.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

It's good to say things, Judith. It gets them out. I do understand.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Do you? Can you? You said you wanted me to find peace. Where is peace?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Within yourself.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I've tried to do the things I said I would. I couldn't.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Darling.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

There's been no one but you. Darling, how good it is to call you that again. You see, I had to come to tell you there's been no one. I couldn't go on with you bitter towards me? Please don't think of me like that.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I love you, Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Yes, I believe you. It isn't just pity. Oh, I take back every unkind thing I said to you. Darling, help me. I've been so stupid. I've crammed every minute so full of waste. And now there's so little time and I don't know what to do. And I'm afraid. And you're so right and strong.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Judith.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

It's all right now.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Judith, if only you let me see you sometime.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

You're going to see me every day. I'll show you what peace I can. Judith. You're coming with me to Vermont.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Emma. Oh, no, no, no. That wouldn't be fair to you. We'd only have forever.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Will you marry me, Judith?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Marry? Wouldn't it be marvelous if we could? A real wedding given away Church bells and champagne. A white frock and orange blossoms. And a wedding cake. Now, that's one thing I wouldn't have missed. And you're giving it to me. Oh, darling, I can never love you enough. Wow. Look, it's a letter from Anne.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Is she coming up to see us?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, not yet, but soon, I think. Listen, I've been trying to rent the house ever since your wedding, but no one seems to have any money, and I'm not going to let tramps have it. Darling, tell me, why do people complicate their lives so? All those horses, that house. Here we have nothing and yet we have everything. Are you supposed to be helping me? Anne, where are the jonquilla bulbs? Oh, here. Jonquilla narcissus. To be planted in early spring. Let me have them, darling. Won't they be beautiful next summer? How deep do you plant them? I don't know. Let's see. Plant the bulbs about and look how dark it's getting. Must be going to rain. Why, Judith? Well, it's getting darker every minute. We must be going to have a storm. Well, you know, that's funny. I can still feel the heat of the sun on my hands. I. Oh, no, Anne. No, no, it isn't true. No. There are clouds. The sun has gone. A few hours of blindness in him. Oh, no. Be quiet, darling. Hello.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

There's a ladies gardening group. Can adjourn their meeting for a moment? I've got some news.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Yes, darling?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Start packing. We're going to New York. Wait a second. I'll be right out.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Judith. You kill it. And you mustn't have one piece. You mustn't.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith. Judith, this is great news.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

What's happened.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Look. A wire from Dr. Fisher in Philadelphia. Martha took it down over the phone. Here, read it.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, and. And you read it. I never could read Martha's writing. Dr. Frederick Steele, Brattleboro, Vermont. Wild with excitement over your latest experiments. Biological tests convince me you may be on right road with isolation.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Isolation? Z. Choke off the oxygen. Oh, no. You two wouldn't understand.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Believe we should present material at board meeting in New York tomorrow. Please wire. My enthusiastic congratulations, Fisher. Oh, but darling, it's wonderful.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Don't I know. I'm in the clouds by Wired Fisher. I meet him at 10 in the morning.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, did you?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Yeah. It means driving over to Mills Junction to catch the 440. Come on now, give me a hand. I can't even find my socks.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

No, Anne, you must go right on with your plans. Oh, please. But you can't let him go. This is the chance he been waiting for. The chance to help other people who are sick. He's got to go. And if. If I can only lastly go some.

[Announcer]

Judy.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

And please. I know.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judy, you know what this means, don't you? If it's true. It means that in 10, 15, 25 years I'll begin to get someplace.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, it's very exciting, isn't it?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I'll say it is. Say, which one of those dresses do you want to wear? The gray or the black?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Darling, I'm not going.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

What?

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, I. I'd rather not. You'll be busy and I'd just be sitting around in a hotel room.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Oh, nonsense. Now, a couple of days in New York will do you good. You can buy some new clothes.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

But I don't need any new clothes.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, you can see your friends now.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Please, darling, don't force me to go.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Forced? Of course, darling. It's anything you want. But.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Well, New York would bore me. Really it would. This is my home now. I'd rather stay here.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith, you're trembling.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Emma. Well, it's the first time we've ever been separated. Can't a girl get a little sentimental?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith, I'm not going. I don't know what I could have been thinking about. I'll call Fisher and tell him.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Darling, are you worried about me?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Every minute you're not in my sight.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, but you needn't be, Angie.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

But if anything should happen.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

It won't. And even so, I'm not afraid anymore. I used to be. I died a thousand times. The next time, death will come as an old friend, gently and quietly.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judy, how.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

But we've had so much.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Darling, just Minutes.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

If we lived to be a hundred, we couldn't have had more. When the time comes.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

When the time comes, I'll go with you.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, no.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I swear I will.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

No, you won't. You couldn't be that unkind to me.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I couldn't live without you, Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Darling, you must. I wouldn't want my death to be futile, meaningless.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

It is futile, meaningless, cruel.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

No, not if you live. If you can save others in the future who might die without you. Don't you see? You must go on with your work. You must wipe out this thing that's going to take me away from you. And with each blow you strike, you'll say, that was for Judith, my wife.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Now, come on. No more nonsense. You go to New York, and I'll wait home, as a proper wife should. Darling, tell me, have I been a good wife? Oh, my darling, that makes me very happy. Happier than anything else. You see, I've loved it so. Every minute. Or. How can I make you understand? Look out there, out the window. Somehow it's been like that. Shining and quiet.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Judith, I can't lose you.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

You'll never lose me, darling. Nothing can hurt us now. For what we've had can't be destroyed. Don't you see? That's our victory. Our victory over the dark. And it's a victory because we're not afraid. Now, come on. You'll miss your train.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I don't want to go. Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Please, darling. Here, let me fix your tie. And for heaven's sake, buy a new hat.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I made up a list of the places where we could be reached.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

We won't need it.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I'll be back as soon as I can.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I know you will, Judith.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Kiss me. Goodbye, darling.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Mind yourself in a big city.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I'm going to be awfully lonely.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Whoa. Don't tempt me. Go on. Goodbye, my darling.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Goodbye. Goodbye, Judith.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Hurry home. Hurry home, darling. Judith. Did he. Did he go? Yes, Judith. And have you planted the hyacinths yet? I'd like to help you with them. You see, they're his favorite flowers. Here they are. I'm afraid I won't be much help. But if you'll dig the holes, I can drop in the seed. Darling, you shouldn't. Ann, Please, dear. See? I want to so very much. They should do well in this soil. Oh, the garden will be lovely in June, won't it? With everything blooming. I can see it. Anne, you will take care of my flowers, won't you? Water them well, yes. And, Anne, you will take care of my Doctor. You know what I mean. Anne. Judith. You see, he'll need someone. He mustn't be alone. It's so much worse for him than me. I'm the lucky one. All I'll miss is growing old and being sick and tired and worn out. Promise me you'll never leave him. I promise. Anne. Anne, darling. Darling. Now, don't fight with me. I'm very happy. Really I am. I. I think I'll go in now. It's growing so very dark. I'll go with you. No, no. Please understand, Anne. No one must be with me. No one. I have to prove to him that I can do it alone. Maybe it will help him over some bad moments in the future to remember it. Be my best friend, Anne. Just take me to the stairs and let me go up to my room alone. Yes, Judith. Yes. Thank you. And. And I'll just go up and lie down for a while.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

The brief time that destiny allotted to Judith Treherne has ended. But it ends with a triumph of a gallant spirit. As the curtain falls on her dark victory. In just a moment, Mr. DeMille returns with our stars. The other day I was driving through Pasadena and I stopped in at a grocery store for something. A couple of women were standing near me giving their orders.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

Oh, yes. I want a large box of Luxe Flakes, too. I hear they have a new luxe now. That's right. It's New Quick Luxe. It's so fast, it thuds in a second. Oh, that's wonderful. I want a couple of boxes, too.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Well, naturally, that interested me. So I said to the grocer, looks like you're doing a rush business on Luxe Flakes. I'll say. That New Quick Lux is going like hotcakes. You know, it's a funny thing. I've heard plenty of my customers say they thought Lux just couldn't be any better. It's so safe and gentle. But darned if they haven't gone and made it suds faster. My wife says it makes just about the fastest suds she ever saw. She ought to know. She's tried lots of different soaps. And she thinks New Quick Luxe beats them all hollow. Yes, ladies, we've made Luxe Flakes so much faster. A wonderful new ingredient gives you suds in a second. The flakes are so fine and so sheer, they burst into suds with a touch of water. In water as cool as your hand, they dissolve three times faster than any of 10 other leading soaps tested. Flakes, beads, bars and chips. Yes, New Quick Lux gives faster suds. But that's not all. It goes further. It gives you more suds, ounce for ounce, than any of the other soaps tested. You know what that means? It means a little goes so far. It's thrifty. Really thrifty. Your grocer has this wonderful New Quick Lux right now in the same familiar Luxe Flakes box asking for it tomorrow. I know you'll like it. And remember, it costs you no more. It's so fast, so thrifty and so safe for all your washables. For everything safe in water alone. Now Mr. DeMille is bringing our stars to the microphone. If radio had an Academy Award, I'd present it to Bette Davis and Spencer Tracy as they return now for their curtain call. Thank you, CB I'd like to pay my respects to George Brent who created this part so beautifully in the picture. Betty, it was wonderful to work with you again.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

And the same to you, spence. You know, Mr. DeMille, when I first came to Hollywood, I was in one picture with Spence then. We worked for different studios. We've never appeared together since. That was eight years ago. Working with Spence in Dark Victory is particularly nice because it's my favorite play.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

I think I can guarantee that you'll be back here together before another eight years go by. Maybe the eight years was quite a victory for us. After all. The tide of the title of the picture we made was 20,000 years in Sing Sing. I hereby sentence both of you to report back soon with a play as good as Dark Victory.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

What are you planning for the Lux Radio theatre next week, Mr. DeMille?

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

Next Monday night, our star is Bing Crosby. And he's going to appear in Sing, you, Sinners. Bing will have the same role he played on the screen in the Paramount picture Success. Sing, you Sinners is a gay comedy that combines adventure and romance. And in addition to Bing Crosby, we'll have Ralph Bellamy, Elizabeth Patterson and Jacqueline Wells. Ms. Patterson is from the original cast of Singer Sinners.

[Judith Treherne (Bette Davis)]

I know we're all going to enjoy that, Mr. DeMille. Good night.

[Dr. Frederick Steele (Spencer Tracy)]

So long, C.D. good night. Dark victory was a bright victory for both of you. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Plates, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio Theater presents Bing Crosby in Sing you Sinners with Ralph Bellamy, Elizabeth Patterson and Jacqueline Wells. Mr. Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood. The part of Anne was played by Lorene Tuttle. Fred Shields was heard as Michael wright, Kramer as Dr. Parsons. Martha Wentworth as Ms. Wainwright Clara Blandick as Martha, Lou Merrill as Colonel Mantle and Nancy Leach as a nurse. Spencer Tracy appeared through the courtesy of Metro Goldwyn Mayer and has just completed this studio's production of Northwest Passage. Bette Davis is now starring on the screen in the Warner Brothers picture Elizabeth and Essex. The play Dark Victory was written by George Brewer and Bertram Block. The Warner Bros. Screenplay was written by Casey Robinson. Our music was directed by Lewis Silvers. And your announcer has been Melville Royk. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.