Lux Radio Theatre - The Pied Piper

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Summary: Lux Radio Theatre – The Pied Piper
Aired July 4, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode presents a full performance of the Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of "The Pied Piper," originally broadcast during the Golden Age of Radio and based on the acclaimed 1942 novel and subsequent film. The story, introduced by famed host Cecil B. DeMille, dramatizes the perilous journey of a reluctant Englishman, Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan), who, while escaping Nazi-occupied France in 1940, unexpectedly becomes responsible for a growing group of children. The production features Margaret O'Brien as Sheila, and Signe Hasso as Nicole, capturing themes of war, resilience, unlikely heroism, and the hope embodied by children.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction and Setting (00:30–03:54)

• The play opens with DeMille reflecting on the hope invested in children, particularly poignant in the midst of world conflict.
  • "The hope of the world tomorrow rests on the children of today...Young people who will make this tired old world a better place." — Cecil B. DeMille [01:03]
• Brief character backgrounds are offered: Mr. Howard, who is uncomfortable around children, Margaret O’Brien’s Sheila, and Signe Hasso’s Nicole.

2. Meeting the Children and the Onset of Danger (03:54–15:04)

• Mr. Howard establishes his rigid and sometimes comical discomfort with children, engaging in playful banter with Sheila about American geography (notably, the “Rochester is a state” joke).
  • "It's not that I dislike children … It's simply that they make me feel uncomfortable. They? Well, children are too bright." — Mr. Howard [03:54]
  • Comical dispute about "Rochester":
    "Rochester is a city in the state of New York" — Sheila [06:26] "Did anyone ask you?" — Mr. Howard [06:32]
• News of the German invasion heightens the sense of danger as the inn’s wireless picks up Churchill’s famous speech:
  "We shall fight on the beaches...We shall never surrender..." [08:08–09:36]
• Mr. Howard is persuaded to escort two English children to safety as France is on the brink of collapse.

3. The Escape Begins: The Growing Flock (13:23–19:58)

• Mr. Howard reluctantly agrees to escort Sheila and Ronnie to London [12:21–13:23].
• On their journey, they soon acquire more children: a French girl, Rose, joins after being separated from her aunt.
  • "Come one, come all, eh, woman?" — Mr. Howard, exasperated at the influx of dependents [17:58]

4. The Realities of War: Trauma and Loss (19:15–23:39)

• A German attack on the convoy leads to chaos and casualties. The children witness tragedy firsthand.
  • "Ronnie, I'm going to look. Don't, Ronnie, don't. Sheila, look. There's dead people there. Dead people." — Sheila & Ronnie [20:21]
• Another orphan, Pierre, is taken in, traumatized and mostly mute after his parents’ deaths.
  • "This child, is he with us now?... He can't speak. And I don't think he can hear either." — Sheila [21:09–21:47]

5. Finding Aid and New Allies (26:49–33:29)

• Mr. Howard and the children reach the home of Nicole Rougeron, who agrees to help them. Nicole too has suffered deeply in the war, having lost her lover (Mr. Howard’s son).
  • "You remember my son, John?... He was killed. RAF. Shot down two months ago." — Mr. Howard [32:10]
  • "You wait and wait...and then it comes. But it isn't from him. It's from his squadron." — Nicole, on waiting for that final letter [34:13]
• The party's bond is strengthened by shared grief and the hope vested in the children.

6. The Precarious Route to Freedom (35:42–40:43)

• Nicole’s uncle arranges a secret passage across the Channel in a fishing boat, but the journey is fraught with risk, subterfuge, and suspicion as German patrols close in.
  • "Our country? Our country is no longer our country...How do I know I can trust you?" — Nicole’s uncle [36:02]
• Nicole stays behind, embodying resistance and courage:
  • "No, monsieur, I'm not English. I'm French...This is where I belong. Right here." — Nicole [38:41]

7. Gestapo Interrogation & Twists of Fate (43:06–50:44)

• The group is arrested by the Gestapo and Mr. Howard is accused of espionage.
  • "An English gentleman traveling across France with five children...a most disarming device." — German officer [43:19]
  • Mr. Howard offers to confess to anything if the children are released.
• A surprising act: The German major arranges for his own niece, a half-Jewish child, to be sent to America with Mr. Howard.
  • "She happens to be a sweet child. And I would feel better if she were with my older brother in the United States." — Major [50:01]
  • Address given is in Rochester, NY, calling back to the earlier debate [50:36]; this irony is not lost on Howard.

8. Safe Passage and Resolution (51:57–54:45)

• Mr. Howard and the children finally set sail for England, joined by the new child, Anna.
  • Notable: Anna gives the “Heil Hitler” salute, quickly stopped by Nicole, showing the psychological toll on children.
• Conversation between Mr. Howard and Sheila resolves their ongoing “Rochester” joke with humility and warmth.
  • "You're really a very extraordinary girl, Sheila, and I [am] very fond of you. And I apologize to you." — Mr. Howard [55:24]

9. Epilogue: Reflections on the Future (54:45–57:00)

• From England, Mr. Howard narrates that the children have been safely sent to America. He continues a quiet life, keeping in touch with them.
  • "I wish them joy...for this is what we are fighting for...a future full of years for children of every land and of every creed." — Mr. Howard [56:52]

10. Curtain Call and Closing Banter (57:00–60:31)

• DeMille, Morgan, O’Brien, and Hasso return for light-hearted exchanges, discussing beards, acting, and even performing a hog-calling contest.
  • "When I call hogs, they come running with apples in their mouths. All set for roasting." — Frank Morgan [57:57]
  • "Ever since I forgot to wash." — Margaret O’Brien, joking about using Lux soap [59:43]
• The episode closes with thanks and a preview of the next Lux Radio Theatre show: "Magnificent Obsession."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cecil B. DeMille [01:03]:
  "The hope of the world tomorrow rests on the children of today..."

• Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan) [03:54]:
  "It's simply that [children] make me feel uncomfortable. They? Well, children are too bright."

• Sheila and Mr. Howard’s geography banter [06:26–07:13]:
  "Rochester is a city in the state of New York." — Sheila
  "Did anyone ask you?" — Mr. Howard

• Nicole, on loss in war [34:13]:
  "You wait and wait...and then it comes. But it isn't from him. It's from his squadron..."

• Mr. Howard’s reluctant heroism [39:04]:
  "Won't you come with us? England?"
  "No, monsieur, I'm not English. I'm French. This is where I belong."

• Resolution of the Rochester joke [55:02]:
  "I know, but it... It seems that we were both wrong." — Mr. Howard
  "You're really a very extraordinary girl, Sheila, and I [am] very fond of you. And I apologize to you."

• Epilogue thought [56:52]:
  "This is what we are fighting for...that there shall be a future full of years for children of every land and of every creed..."

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Important Segment Timestamps

• DeMille’s opening and the theme of hope: 01:03
• Mr. Howard meets the children: 03:54
• Arrival of war news & Churchill speech: 08:08
• Mr. Howard reluctantly agrees to help: 12:21–13:23
• First attack on convoy / Children traumatized: 19:15–20:37
• Nicole joins as a helper, reveals loss: 32:06–34:07
• Arranging the Channel escape: 35:42–37:15
• Gestapo arrest and interrogation: 43:06–50:35
• Final channel crossing and resolution: 51:57–54:45
• Resolution and epilogue: 54:45–57:00
• Curtain call banter: 57:00–60:31

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Themes and Tone

The episode balances suspense and lightness—blending moments of heartfelt emotion (particularly around trauma, loss, and hope) with comic relief and dry British wit, especially in interactions with Mr. Howard. The performances emphasize dignity, resilience, and the capacity for selflessness in desperate times, always illuminated by the innocence and humor of the children.

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For Golden Age radio fans and newcomers alike, this episode beautifully illustrates the blend of adventure, pathos, and understated comedy that defined classic radio drama, while delivering an uplifting message about the importance of protecting and cherishing the world’s children.

Transcript

[Lady Luck]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Lux presents Hollywood. Deluxe radio theater brings you the pied piper. Starring frank morgan, margaret o' brien and senior hassell. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil b. Demille.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. On the eve of a great national election, I believe there's one thing on which we all agree, that is that the hope of the world tomorrow rests on the children of today. It is they, the young people who will make this tired old world a better place in which to live. Tonight's story, the Pied Piper, a hit picture from 20th Century Fox, tells how a handful of youngsters trapped by the Nazi invasion of France in 1940 become attached to an amazing old gentleman who is allergic to children. That amazing old gentleman is played by Frank Morgan, who's making a new picture at Metro Goldwyn Mayer. Hold high the torch. And tonight he's supported by Sweden's distinguished actress Senior Hassell. And one of the children whom he saves for posterity is seven year old Margaret o', Brien, who has recently completed her Metro Goldwyn Mayor Technicolor picture, Meet me in St. Louis. Young as she is, Margaret O' Brien is already a veteran of the Lux Radio theater, having captured all our hearts last season in Lost Angels. I said then, and I repeat now, that I've been watching stars on stage and screen for half a century and I've never seen a finer emotional actress. And speaking of children, I have in my hand a letter that I wish you could all see. It's written not only in pencil but also in Braille, the international language of the blind. And it comes from a group of sight troubled children at a school in Minnesota. These last two lines say, every Monday evening we listen to your Lux Radio Theater and like it very much. We also use Lux toilet soap and think it is very good. I believe that's the first time that luxe toilet soap has ever been praised in Braille. And to those children I send our warmest thanks and hope. Our Lux Radio Theater continues to bring them happiness. And now it's Curtain Time. And we're ready for the first act of the Pied Piper. Starring Frank Morgan as Mr. Howard, Margaret O' Brien as Sheila and Senior Hassell as Nicole. This is the story of an English gentleman named Mr. Howard who became the father of six children, all in the course of a few days. This sounds a bit incredible, but it's even more incredible when you take into account the fact that Mr. Howard didn't even like children.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

No, no, no, no, no, no. It's not that I dislike children, I assure you. I've never disliked children. It's simply that they make me feel uncomfortable. They? Well, children are too bright. It was in the summer of 1940 that I first met little Sheila Cavanaugh and her brother Ronnie. We were staying at the same inn in France. A quiet little place at the foot of the Alps near Switzerland. I'd been fishing there for a few days. Rather fair luck, too. I remember. I came back to the inn one evening with my catch. The children were reading in the lounge and Madame Picard was, as always, standing in back of the little hotel desk.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Ah, Monsieur Howard, you have good luck today.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Two very fine trout, madame. One for me and one for you for supper, monsieur.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

What an accomplishment. Two of them. Your children, are they not beautiful?

[Sheila / Children]

My father caught five today.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, did he? Probably fishing with worms.

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, no, sir. He was fishing with an artificial fly. Yesterday he caught 10.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Really? Is that so?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Ah, but children, your father is such a young man. Monsieur Howard, you must be tired.

[Sheila / Children]

Sit down, rest.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

I will take the fish to Emily in the kitchen.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, thank you, madame. Mr. Howard, what do you want?

[Sheila / Children]

I just want doing my lessons. Will you help me, Mr. Howard?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Help you? Young woman? Is. Is that regarded as ethical?

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, it's quite all right, Mr. Howard. Everyone helped Sheila.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh.

[Sheila / Children]

You see, I have to name five states in the United States and the only one I can think of is Texas.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Texas? Yeah. Well, now, let's see. Texas. And then there's California.

[Sheila / Children]

California.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

And Virginia. Virginian cigarettes. You know.

[Sheila / Children]

Virginia?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes. And Rochester.

[Sheila / Children]

Rochester? Rochester is an estate, Mr. Howard.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Really?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Then may I ask what it is?

[Sheila / Children]

Rochester's a city.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, it may very well be a city, madam, but I don't deny that I only contend that it is also a state. A state? Somewhat north and a bit to the northeast of the New England colony.

[Sheila / Children]

But it's not, Mr. Howard. It's just a city, and that's all. It's a city in the state of New York.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Did anyone ask you?

[Sheila / Children]

No, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Then you'll be doing me a great favor. By keeping your irresponsible conjectures to yourself.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, sir.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Good evening.

[Sheila / Children]

Good Evening, Daddy.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Evening, Mr. Howard.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Good evening.

[Sheila / Children]

Hello, dad.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Hello, son. Anybody tried the wireless this evening? We ought to be able to get some English news if Berlin hasn't jammed it.

[Sheila / Children]

Daddy, is Rochester in the United States, a city or a state?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Rochester? Rochester's a city, of course.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Why, Mr. Cavanaugh, have you any corroboration for that reckless statement or is that simply your offhand opinion?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I'm afraid I don't understand, sir.

[Sheila / Children]

Mr. Howard told Sheila that Rochester is a state.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, I must admit I'd never heard the question raised before, but.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

And what would you say, sir, if I informed you that I myself have visited the state of Rochester?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

In that case, naturally, I'd be compelled to admit that you were right, sir.

[Sheila / Children]

Listen, Daddy, I hear planes. Listen.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes, quite a few. I imagine that German.

[Sheila / Children]

Dad, the Heinkoos. She can tell by the motors. Ronald.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Ronald, those planes again.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes, dear.

[Sheila / Children]

They're German, Mother. I can tell.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

I heard them going over this afternoon. Where could they have been, Ronald?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I don't know. I can't understand it.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

The fighting is all up north in Belgium.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes, unless things are worse than we've heard. Is the wireless working? Is there any news, monsieur? There ought to be. It's just about time. Twice they passed today. Where are they going? Where? Here we are. I've got it. This is the Overseas Service of the British Broadcasting Company, London calling.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

It would be idle to deny that Britain today faces a dark hour. More channel ports, French as well as Belgium, are now under German occupation. We must prepare to face any eventuality, even invasion. In this hour of darkness. Let Englishmen, wherever they may be in whatever lands beyond the sea hear again, by transcription, the words of the prime

[Narrator/Announcer]

minister before the House of Commons this morning.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

And be of good heart, we shall

[Major / German Officer]

defend our island whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, on the landing grounds, in the fields, in the streets and on the hills. We shall never surrender. And even if. Which I do not for one moment believe this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving. Then our empire beyond the seas armed and guarded by the British fleet will carry on the struggle until. Until in God's good time, the new world, with all its power and might sets forth to the liberation and rescue of the old.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

One moment, please.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Ronald, turn it off. Ronald.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

It is worse than we thought. Yes, but we are well out of it here, eh, Monsieur Ronald, they will never fight this far south. We could hide out here for years. And for you and me at our age, Monsieur Howard, that is a very comforting thought.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Have you finished?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes, monsieur.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Then allow me to inform you, sir, that if ever again you address one word to me, I shall take the greatest of pleasure in thrashing you within an inch of your life, regardless of your age.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Madame Picard is a train for Paris at 9 o', clock, isn't there?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Right. Yes, monsieur.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I shall be taking it. Please arrange with the station master for my reservation to London by way of Paris and St. Malo.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Monsieur, you have only been here three days.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Three days of which I am heartily ashamed. I'll pack my things at once.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Mr. Howard. Yes? I hope you're not being hasty because of anything this man has said. I can assure you that no one here believes for one second that you're here for. Well, for any but the best of reasons.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

No, I'm here because I'm a selfish and pigheaded old man. I offered my services to every department of the government in London. I'm not without experience, you understand, but I was not needed. I was too old. In all of London, I was taken seriously by but one man, my vicar. He suggested to me that I knit. Knit for the soldiers. I'm afraid that I took some exception to his well meant suggestion. But to run away like a sulky child was wrong and I'm deeply ashamed of myself.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

That's not my point, sir. As you say yourself, you're not young, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

There is no other point. Young or old, an Englishman's place at a time like this is in England. And if the trains are running, I shall be there in 18 hours sun it. An hour later. I was in my room, still packing, when Mrs. Kavanaugh asked to see me. She seemed quite strained, nervous.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Mr. Howard, do you know what my husband does?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

No, I can't say I do.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

He is an official of the League of Nations at Geneva. And in Geneva they think that Switzerland is very likely to be invaded next.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Do they really?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

That's where we're going tonight, back to Geneva.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

But is that very wise? If there's danger there, it happens to

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

be his post of duty.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I see.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

But if. If Hitler does come, there won't be much food. There never is under him. I'm thinking of the children.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, yes, Mr. Howard.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Would you take them with you back to England?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Do what? Would I do what?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

It would only be to Plymouth. My sister would meet you there and I know it's asking an awful lot.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, you, You. You mean that that girl too.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Please, please, she didn't mean to be rude. Sheila's really a very good child and she'll behave, I promise you.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Mrs. Cavanaugh, I. No, no, no, no, no. It's impossible. I'm sorry, but it's out of the question. Really, I couldn't. I simply couldn't.

[Lady Luck]

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.

[Spinquest Announcer]

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[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

That night I left for Paris with Sheila Kavanaugh and her brother Ronnie.

[Sheila / Children]

Are we taking the trains to Howard? Of course we are.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes, yes, we are.

[Sheila / Children]

And will we sleep on the train? Will we?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I expect so.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Sheila / Children]

He won't.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

What's that?

[Sheila / Children]

He won't sleep on the train.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

What do you mean? Why won't he?

[Sheila / Children]

Because he always gets sick on the train. Tick right on the floor. I don't either. You do. I don't. No, Ronnie, of course you do. I do not.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Now, please, please, let's not dispute the fact. Time will tell us who is correct. I'm afraid. The argument was settled. An hour after we boarded the train, Ronnie was quite sick. With the kind aid of a French lady on the train, I took care of Ronnie as best I could. The French lady had a child of her own. She seemed to understand these things.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Are you comfortable, Montice?

[Sheila / Children]

Madame.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

He speak French?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes, madame. What? What seems to be the trouble with him?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

He is sick, monsieur.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes, that I understand.

[Sheila / Children]

I told you he'd be sick.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Quiet, Hugh, quiet.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

It is frame sickness, monsieur. But beside, he has fever.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Fever?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Maybe he has eaten something. Maybe he has been too hot in a draft. That is the way it is with children.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, but does he need a doctor? Oh, no, no, no.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

If he can rest a little while and keep warm, he will be all right soon.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I see. Well, Sheila, how are you?

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, very good, sir. Thank you, sir.

[Major / German Officer]

Yes.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Where is little Rose? Garcon. Monsieur. Rose will recite for your sick little boy. He'll enjoy it.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, thank you. How do you do, Rose come at Allegiance.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, Mr. Howard. Why are we stopping here?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I don't know, but I shall certainly find out.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Don't move.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I'll be right back. Just a moment, my good man. I want to know when the next train leaves for Paris.

[Major / German Officer]

There is no more trains to Paris, Messier. No trains to the north at all.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

But I hold tickets. I shall report you to the management.

[Major / German Officer]

Monsieur, do you not understand?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

The Germans have crossed demand. Maybe the trains will never run again. Never. But I have two small children.

[Major / German Officer]

your age, monsieur, that is undoubtedly magnificent.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

But if this is a contest, I have nine. Now, look here, Mr. Howard.

[Sheila / Children]

What is it, Sheila?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I told you to stay on the train.

[Sheila / Children]

Listen, there's a bus outside to. Shot.

[Major / German Officer]

Shot?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Why shot?

[Sheila / Children]

There's a train there to San Mello. The chef de guerre just told me.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, then, let's catch it. By all means.

[Sheila / Children]

Come along.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, this was a bit of luck, all right. I must say, Sheila, this bus idea was very clever of you. Very clever indeed.

[Sheila / Children]

Thank you, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes. I expect that if you could break yourself of a certain insufferable pigheadedness, you'd be almost bearable. Are you comfortable, Ronnie?

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, sir. Come at the Libra.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, well, little Rose. So you caught the bus too, eh? Fine. And where's your mother, little Rose?

[Sheila / Children]

That wasn't her mother. That was her aunt.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, where's her aunt? Good heavens, did we leave her behind?

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, Mr. Howard.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

What is this? What are you muttering to her?

[Sheila / Children]

I'm asking her for a piece of paper her aunt gave her. Voila. Here it is, Mr. Howard, with something written on it.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Henri Tenoire, Dickens Hotel, Russell Square, London. I don't understand. Who is this Henri Tenoire?

[Sheila / Children]

That's Rosa's father. He's a waiter.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

But of what possible interest could his address be? Oh, so that's it. I'm to burden myself with another female child.

[Sheila / Children]

But, Mr. Howard, they haven't any house. The Germans burned it down. And they haven't anywhere to go at all. Don't you see?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Come one, come all, eh, woman?

[Sheila / Children]

But you wouldn't want them caught by the Germans, would you?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

That is not the point.

[Sheila / Children]

Don't cry, rose, you pretty pa. Mr. Howard, I rather like her, don't you see? Rose can take care of Ronnie and I can take care of her. So you'll have no bother.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yeah, that's all very neatly arranged, eh? Well, perhaps I have something to say on the subject. I do not propose to become the Mecca of every unfortunate child in France. When we get the shop, I shall turn her over to the authorities and leave it to them to get her back to her aunt.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

It's the only intelligent way to deal with such situations.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, Sir. Ronnie, would you tell Rose what Mr. Howard is going to do? All right. Rose. Wait. Rose.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

There it is. Just a moment.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Is. But what was the name of that hotel?

[Sheila / Children]

The Dickens Hotel, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I never heard of it in my life, but I imagine we'll be able to find it.

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, Mr. Howard. Oh, thank you, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

We were about 40 miles from Shat when the bus stopped to repair a tire. It was a lovely day. There was a stream just off the road where we sat down to have our lunch under the trees. And then the planes came. German planes. They dropped out of the sky, swarmed down toward the road. And the bus. It didn't seem possible that they were trying to kill us,

[Sheila / Children]

Mr. Howard. They were after us.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Yes.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Are we all right, Sheila? Rose.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I'm going back to the bus to see if I can get our bags and children. While I'm gone, I want you to promise me. Don't. Don't look up that way. You won't now, will you stay right here now,

[Sheila / Children]

Ronnie. I'm going to look. Don't, Ronnie, don't. Sheila, look. There's dead people there. Dead people.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

We were still there on the road, while when night came and I herded the three children into a deserted old barn to sleep. But then I noticed that there were no longer three children. There were four. The fourth was a boy with a pale, thin face and the dull, glazed eyes of a child in terror. He couldn't seem to talk. He only repeated one phrase. Oh, over and over.

[Sheila / Children]

Le ali maijalima.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

This. This child, is he with us now?

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, sir. I. We brought him in, sir. He can't talk, Mr. Howard. That's all he says.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Who is he?

[Sheila / Children]

His name is Pierre.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

How did you learn that?

[Sheila / Children]

He told us.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

But he can't talk.

[Sheila / Children]

No, sir. May we speak to you privately, sir?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, yes, of course.

[Sheila / Children]

He was in the bus. Didn't you see him? The dead people, sir, they were his father and mother.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I see.

[Sheila / Children]

He can't speak. And I don't think he can hear either.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I see. Here. Here, lad. Let me see you. Look up here.

[Sheila / Children]

The old man in the oven. Now.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes, yes, yes, my boy. We'll take care of you now. There's nothing to fear now, my boy.

[Sheila / Children]

Mr. Howard.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes, Sheila?

[Sheila / Children]

I can't go to sleep.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, but you must try.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, Mr. Howard. I'm sorry I was rude the other night about Rochester.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, it's quite all right. Doesn't matter in the least.

[Sheila / Children]

I was wrong, you know.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

No, no, not at all. I may very well have been wrong myself. There's so many of those American states. Kansas, Mass. What's that? Indian state?

[Sheila / Children]

Massachusetts.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Massachusetts, that's it. Seem very likely there might be another named Rochester. No reason why not, you know.

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, yes, sir. I remember it very well.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

You do?

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, yes, indeed. A very important industrial state.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, now, I'm not such an old fuddy duddy after all, eh?

[Sheila / Children]

I should say not.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

My memory may have gone a bit ragged here and there, but when it comes to geography, you'll generally find I'm pretty good.

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, I can see that, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, that's. That's very decent of you to acknowledge it too.

[Sheila / Children]

Thank you, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, good night, my girl.

[Sheila / Children]

Good night, Mr. Howard. Rochester.

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[Narrator/Announcer]

In a few minutes, Mr. DeMille and our stars will bring us Act 2 on the Pied Piper. Now there's quite a crowd outside of Grauman's Chinese Circle Theater. Here in Hollywood, a preview of an important new picture has just ended. People are watching their favorite stars coming out of the theater.

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, lovely, lovely.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Oh, just look at that white dress with a sequin. Isn't it beautiful? Oh, there goes Barbara Sandwich.

[Sheila / Children]

And there's Claudette Colbert.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

And oh my goodness, if that isn't Sonya Henney.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And later, on their way home.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Oh, aren't they the glamorous people, though they must have to spend simply hours every day on beauty care. Oh, they don't though. Why, they're such busy people. They don't have time to fuss for hours. Why, Janie, just imagine, they use the same quick, easy care I do.

[Sheila / Children]

Why? What do you mean, Sue?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Why? Luxe toilet soap, active lather facial. The same kind screen stars take. The stars use luxe soap in their studio dressing rooms and they use it at home too.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And that's a fact. Nine out of ten famous screen stars use luxe toilet soap regularly. Lux soap beauty care is the Hollywood way to a lovelier complexion. Recent tests proved that actually three out of four complexions became smoother and softer with this daily active lather care. It's True that screen stars haven't the time for elaborate, daily complexion care yet. They can't take chances with complexion beauty, not for a minute. Here's what lovely young Theresa Wright says about it.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

A Lux girl. Indeed I am. These beauty facials do wonders for my skin. Here's all I do. Cover my face generously with a rich Lut soap lather. Work it in thoroughly. Then I rinse with warm water, splash on cold and pat with a towel to dry. Makes my skin feel so soft and smooth.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why not try this famous Hollywood complexion care? Get some Lux toilet soap tomorrow. Use it every day for the next few weeks. Then see if you're not delighted with the way the smooth, luxurious lather cares for your skin. Luxe soap facials every day help skin to be fresher, lovelier, more appealing. We pause now for station identification. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Act two of the pied piper. Starring frank morgan as Mr. Howard, margaret o' brien as sheila and senior hasso as nicole. As the Pied Piper of old led his children to a happy land beyond the mountain. So our piper, Mr. Howard, tried to lead his children beyond the sea, to security, to safety, to England.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

It took us three days to reach chat. I remembered then that I had a friend there, a young lady named Nicole Rougeron, whom I'd met on a vacation in St. Moritz. I decided I would appeal to her for help, but I had to warn the children to be careful. No excitement, please. We're in a very unpleasant situation. First, no more English, understand? If any of us is heard speaking English, well, we should be really in for it. Now, you understand that, don't you?

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Sheila.

[Sheila / Children]

Me?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes, that's it. Speak French. Well, not for me. Not for me.

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, what are you going to do?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, I. I suggest we play a little game. I shall be, or rather I shall pretend to be, very old and stone deaf. Can't hear a blasted word spoken to me, eh?

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, good. And a little crazy, too.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Crazy?

[Sheila / Children]

A little, please.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, that might not be bad at that. Mouth open sort of thing, you mean? Might be very good indeed. I might babble a bit too, you know,

[Sheila / Children]

Mr. Howard.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, no.

[Sheila / Children]

I think that might be a little too much.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, overdoing it, eh? I thought it was rather good. Stop that Now. This is a serious, serious business. Very serious business. Come along now. We'll try to find my friend. Mademoiselle Nicole.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Monsieur Howard. Oh, monsieur.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

You remember me, mademoiselle.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

But naturally, monsieur. Come in, please.

[Sheila / Children]

Quickly.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, I'm not alone.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Come in. And the little ones, too.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Welcoming children.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Nicole. You see? Mama, you remember Monsieur Howard.

[Sheila / Children]

Monsieur Harwood.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Madame, I am happy to.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Please, if you speak English, close the door. Come inside. To speak English today is not safe. Not safe for any of us.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I know, madame, and I have no wish.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

No, no, no, no. Please. We must be careful, that is all. Our friends are still our friends. The.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, that's very kind of you, madame.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

But, monsieur, the children. You did not have them last year, Madame.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Some of them I did not have 24 hours ago. We're on our way to England. Allow me to introduce them. Madame Rougeron. Mademoiselle Nicole Rougeron. This is Sheila. That's a very fine girl. And this is her brother, Ronnie. This is Rose. This is Pierre. And this is. Who is this?

[Sheila / Children]

Mark Twain. Bro.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

What? Where did you come from? I've never seen this one in my life. Sheila.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

When did he join us?

[Sheila / Children]

Well, he's been with us off and on since yesterday.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I see.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

You mean, monsieur, you don't know who he is?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

No, but on this trip, that doesn't seem to be necessary. Boy, where did you spring from? Come on, speak up.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

That is Dutch.

[Sheila / Children]

His name is Dylan. Not William Dillon.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes. How do you know that, Sheila?

[Sheila / Children]

He told us.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Listen to this. Mademoiselle Sheila, do you speak Dutch?

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, no, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Do you understand Dutch?

[Sheila / Children]

No, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

But he told you?

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Then in what language did he tell you?

[Sheila / Children]

In no language. He just told us.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, I suppose there must be some normal explanation for this system of communication. Very well, Willem. We'll do what we can for you.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Of course. Of course. The poor little ones. I wonder if they would like something to eat?

[Sheila / Children]

Oh, yellow. Of course. They.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes, they understand that all right, too. I am occasionally seen with the conviction that I am convoying guinea pigs.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Monsieur Howard, you do understand that you are in great danger here?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes, I do. And I promise in just a few minutes, when I've rested a bit, we'll be on our way. But I was hoping to see Colonel Rougeon also.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

We have not heard from my father for several months. At that time, he was with his regiment before met.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, you. You have my sympathy, mademoiselle. I understand. You see. You see, I, too, have suffered a loss. You remember my son, John?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

John, yes. But.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, I regret to inform you that he was killed. He was in the RAF here, know. Shot down two months ago. Gave a very decent account of himself, I understand. Before they. Before they got him.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Then he's dead. Excuse me, please.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Mademoiselle. Nicole was very kind. She helped us arrange for tickets on the train. And when we left shat she even came along with us. May I ask now where we are

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

bound to the Channel. The Britney coast. There is someone there I know might help.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

But was this necessary for you this long? Not very safe trip.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Even if someone else could have done it, Mr. Howard, I would not permit. Is a thing that I must do myself. Myself, alone.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Mademoiselle, I appreciate this, even if I do not understand.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Would be just a year ago, wouldn't it? At Mount St. Amorette. But a long, long year. And a sad one.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes, it's all quite hard to realize. Every now and then I feel it's all a dream. And presently we'll all wake up. And perhaps John will walk in. And we'll sit down and talk together again.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

I know.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Took three to bring him down, you know. You remember him kindly, don't you?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Oh, yes. Yes, I do. His letters. And our last. Our only visit together in Paris.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

You saw him in Paris?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Once. Just once. For three days. Two. Just before the invasion. Oh, we. We had a beautiful three days together.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, I. I had no idea of that.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

No, we told nobody. In time we would have. I suppose we planned to anyway. Then he went back and I waited to hear from him. You know, it's funny. You wait and wait. Day of the day, you wait for a letter, and then it comes. But it isn't from him. It's from his squadron. So for a long time you don't open it. You just sit there and hold it, wishing. You need never open it. Because you know that a letter from a squadron, from a friend can have but one thing to tell. And then, at last, you do open

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

it, my dear child.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

And after that, your whole world is dark as an.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Nicole's loss had been as great as mine. And I understood then why she had come with us. We went to a little town near the Channel. To the home of Nicole's uncle. With the children off to bed. He listened to our story, smoking his pipe, nodding quietly.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

And what do you propose now, Nicole?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

You have fishing boats, Uncle. You know young men who are not afraid. Can't you find one who will take Monsieur Hart and the children across the Channel?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I'm quite prepared to pay. You understand?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

And what is the price of a man's life, monsieur?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

But, uncle, they are little children. They must not be left here. Our country is no longer a place for children.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Our country? Our country is no longer our country. You do not know, Nicole. You have not begun to learn what it is to live under the Bosch. How do I know I can trust this man?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

But I know him, uncle. I know him very, very well.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

How do I know I can trust you?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

What, uncle?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

How do you know you can trust me?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

I refuse even to think such a

[Cecil B. DeMille]

thing under the Boche child. That is what happens.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

As I have said before, I have no wish to involve anyone else in my own personal problems. I shall, of course, leave the house.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

No, no, no, no, no, please. Let me think about it, Monsieur.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Perhaps, Monsieur.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Do you hear? That's a raid on Brest. Easter Harbor. The rock to the ships.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Why those filthy.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

No, monsieur, that's a British raid. Those are British planes.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

British?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

That's it.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

They're after Hitler. That was the report in Bred today that he was there inspecting the invasion fleet.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well after Mr. Schickelgruber, eh?

[Sheila / Children]

Well, yes, it is. It'll rain.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I should say it is. Those are British plane, Sheila. The raf.

[Sheila / Children]

Our plane.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I've got to get a look at this. By George.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

There they are.

[Sheila / Children]

See?

[Major / German Officer]

Bang.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

That's it, boys.

[Sheila / Children]

Bang.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Hit them again.

[Sheila / Children]

Bang. Bang.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

My God. This is the greatest thing I've ever seen in my life. Bang. It was late that night when Nicole's uncle came to my room.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I found the man and made all the arrangements. His name is Roque. And his boat is at a fishing village just 10km from here. You and Nicole will meet him tomorrow in a cafe near the docks.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Nicole knows the.

[Sheila / Children]

Rocky. Monsieur.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Rocky.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Nicole. All right. You have the boat. The boat bottom of the lighthouse.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

You understand?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes.

[Major / German Officer]

From the outside of the cafe, you

[Cecil B. DeMille]

will see the lighthouse to the right.

[Major / German Officer]

You understand?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Yes. When do we start?

[Sheila / Children]

Now.

[Major / German Officer]

Tonight. The sooner the better.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Bon soir. Bonsoir, Nicole. Bonsoir, Vampire.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Who's one is your location? There is a lighthouse, monsieur. And there is a boat.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Sheila. Quiet.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Stop here. Rocky.

[Major / German Officer]

Here.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

This way. Well, I suppose this is goodbye.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Don't worry, Ash. Monsieur.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

My child. Won't you come with us? England?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

No, monsieur, I'm not English. I'm French. And you have told me yourself that in times of trouble you should bring your own country. Do what you can to help. This is where I belong. Right here.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

But afterward.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Yes, afterward I shall come.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Goodbye, my child.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Goodbye, monsieur.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Help them. Dragon seed.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

That's.

[Sheila / Children]

They're German's soldiers.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Oh, you were leaving our thing. You were English, Yes.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, I am English. This young lady is not. She is French.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

You will come with me, all of you.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

But I tell you that she come with me.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

The boatman. You are English. Also, I am French

[Sheila / Children]

boss Fragon.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Now, monsieur, you'll come this way, please.

[Sheila / Children]

Coward. They really got it, haven't they?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

It rather looks that way. Sheila. Oh, Pierre. Pierre.

[Sheila / Children]

Leave some play somehow. Play some more.

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[Narrator/Announcer]

In a few moments, Mr. DeMille and our stars will return in Act 3 of the Pied Piper. And now, a tired businessman, a really tired businessman is being reminded of a promise.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

I'm so glad you got home a little early, dear. We promised the Sloanes we'd go with him to that political meeting tonight.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, say, Mary, do we have to go to that? It's been an awful day. I'm fagged out.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Wait and see how you feel after dinner. It's time for a shower if you want one, Jim. I just put fresh towels and soap

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

in the bathroom on the road to Manderley.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Oh, boy, this soap sure knows how to lather. Where the flying fishes fly and the dog comes up.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Why, Jim, you're all dressed up. That's a new tie.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, we're going out, aren't we?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, Mary, when do we eat? You know, that shower kind of pep me up.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

I thought it would. A Lux soap bath always does the trick for me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There's nothing like a refreshing luxe toilet soap bath to cure that all in end of the day feeling and you're sure to make a hit with the men folks in your family if you put fine white luxe toilet soap in the shower or tub. A man likes the rich, creamy lather, the way it carries away dust and grime in a jiffy. Even in hard water, Lux soap gives quick, abundant lather. Lux, you see, is a quality soap made only of the finest ingredients. But the whole family can enjoy it as a luxurious bath soap. Because it's thrifty to use. Lux toilet soap is hard milled. It doesn't get mushy or soft. Each smooth white cake can be used as a last thin sliver. Why not put luxe toilet soap on your shopping list tomorrow? And now Mr. DeMille returns to the microphone.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

After the play we'll have an answer to the burning question of the evening, as propounded to Frank Morgan by one of his leading ladies, Margaret o'. Brien. It's a little personal, but I think you'll be allowed to listen in. And now, here's the third act of the Pied Piper, starring Frank Morgan as Mr. Howard, Margaret O' Brien as Sheila, and Senior Hasso as Nicole. The land of hope lay just across the Channel, a few miles of water between refuge and despair. But Mr. Howard and the children. We're on the wrong side.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

They brought us to a house in the town, the headquarters of the Gestapo. The children and Nicole and Roque and I. They took us before a major who sat smiling at us from behind his desk.

[Major / German Officer]

Very touching. Yes. A lovely group of children, Mynheer. Well, I suppose you know that Charndon has been arrested.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about.

[Major / German Officer]

Nor have you ever heard of Major Cochrane, I suppose? Of Army Intelligence, War Office in London.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

No.

[Major / German Officer]

Your memory obviously needs freshening. An English gentleman traveling across France with five children, anxious only to get home. A pretty and most disarming device.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

It happens to be the truth.

[Major / German Officer]

Who are these children? Where did you get them?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Two. The two English children belong to friends of mine. The other.

[Major / German Officer]

You insist on that absurd story.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

You asked for the truth, didn't you?

[Major / German Officer]

Yes, I should get it. You see, we know who sent the information to the English of their pharaoh's visit to the fleet at Brest. We know who caused that raid. You and Sherindon. What we do not know is how that message was passed through to England. That is what you are going to tell us, Mr. Englishman. And as soon as it is told, the pain will stop. Not before. Take them away,

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I say. One question, please. Did they get him?

[Major / German Officer]

Get whom?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Hitler.

[Major / German Officer]

Of course not.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, that's too bad. They took us out of the room and then they brought me alone to another room down the hall and left me. There was a man sitting there. I'm afraid you have the advantage of me, sir.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

No.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I'm English, too. Half, at any rate. English? What are you doing here?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Waiting to be shot.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, you're a challenger. You've heard of me. I'm supposed to be mixed up with you in some way. That raid on the ship. Too bad we didn't get the little beggar. You mean you were responsible for that? Really? Why help?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

There's no point in denying it now. Only I wish they'd stop throwing innocent

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

people in this room with me.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

On the theory that they're going to convict themselves.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Really?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I look for better things from you, Major Deason. More ingenious, I say. Are you feeling all right? Quite. I'm assuming, of course, there's a microphone in this room somewhere. Oh, now, listening to us Right now. You're wasting your time, Major. This man knows nothing about my affairs.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

But I will tell you this.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

The English will be back here, and I warn you, they'll not be as

[Cecil B. DeMille]

gentle as they were after the last war.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

They'll deal with you this time as they would with vermin. And if you kill this old man,

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I assure you, you'll be hanged publicly and your body left to rot on

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

the scaffold as a warning to your other murderers. That ought to hold him. You're a very rash young man. Well, I'm in for it anyway.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

At least I can get a bit

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

of satisfaction out of it. The major had evidently heard enough. A few minutes later, he sent for it.

[Major / German Officer]

Going a little bored with your friend Charondon?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Really, If I were in your place, I would not dismiss what he says too lightly.

[Major / German Officer]

Look out of the window there. A very pleasant garden, isn't it?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Very.

[Major / German Officer]

That is where your friend, Mr. Charondon, is going to die in just a few minutes, unless you decide to help him.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I know nothing whatever of his work or how he went about it. Nor if I knew what I tell you. Look.

[Major / German Officer]

They're bringing him out. You see? The very little thing that I ask. Tell me how he got the information out of France, and I will stop this execution.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I've told you truthfully, I do not know.

[Major / German Officer]

You haven't much time. Nobody would ever know, I promise you.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Can't you understand? I know nothing.

[Major / German Officer]

As you wish. Just a few seconds now. Are you going to tell me? Well, too late, I'm afraid. Pity. Come to the window. Would you like to see what you've done?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Swine. Foul, filthy shrine.

[Major / German Officer]

Sit down. You puzzle me, really. If you are a spy, you are at least a very clever one. What did you intend to do with those children?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

What?

[Major / German Officer]

The children. What did you plan to do with them?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I don't know. I hadn't thought. Send them to America, I suppose.

[Major / German Officer]

America? Why America?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I have a married daughter who lives in a district called Long Island. She would have made a home for them until the war was over.

[Major / German Officer]

Are you seriously asking me to believe that a woman in America would make a home for five dirty little children that you picked up?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I'm no longer interested in what you believe. Listen, I'll confess. Anything you wish if you'll only let them go. And mademoiselle too, if you'll do that. I'll confess to anything you say it is impossible.

[Major / German Officer]

I simply do not know what to make of you. I can only say that you must be a very brave man to make such a puffer.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

No, no, not brave. Just old. The Major was not finished with me yet. The next day I saw him again.

[Major / German Officer]

I do not own one word of your story about these children. Particularly about your plan to send them to America.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I'll say anything you wish if you'll only let them go.

[Major / German Officer]

What about the Jewish child?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Jewish? Which Jewish child?

[Major / German Officer]

The dark one.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Is he Jewish? It didn't occur to me to ask.

[Major / German Officer]

But did a America. Would they accept a Jewish child?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I don't believe that they'd turn down any child. Even a German?

[Major / German Officer]

Even a German. Are you positive of that?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes.

[Major / German Officer]

Mr. Havel, how would you like to continue your trip to England?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Not without the children.

[Major / German Officer]

And mademoiselle?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

No. She wants to stay here in France.

[Major / German Officer]

But if I were to let you, you go to England with children, would you be grateful enough to do me a small step?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

That would depend on what it was.

[Major / German Officer]

There is a certain person to be taken to America. I do not want to advertise her journey.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

If you think for one second that I would introduce a German agent into America, you're even a greater fool than I thought.

[Major / German Officer]

You can hardly act as an agent. He's only five years old.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Five?

[Major / German Officer]

Yeah. Now listen carefully. This little girl is my niece. Her father, my younger brother, is dead. Her mother, we learned later, is not wholly Aryan. So we were compelled to dispose of her. But the unfortunate problem of the child remains. Half Aryan, half Jewish. She happens to be a sweet child. And I would feel better if she were with my older brother in the United States.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

States?

[Major / German Officer]

He is an American citizen.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

She would be safer. You mean.

[Major / German Officer]

As you wish. His name is Rupert Deason. He now has a business, a grocery in a city named Rochester in New York State.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

City.

[Major / German Officer]

The city of Rochester, New York.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Are you positive?

[Major / German Officer]

Of course I'm positive. What are you talking about? Have you not ever heard of it?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, yes, yes. Certainly I've heard of it.

[Major / German Officer]

His address is 600 North 3rd street and that is where I want her to go. Meanwhile, Mademoiselle may return to her home

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

in shop and no harm will come to her.

[Major / German Officer]

Not unless you are foolish enough to tell anyone this arrangement.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Very well. I should be very glad to take the child and see that she's delivered to her uncle.

[Major / German Officer]

What is Your address in London. I shall send for you when we arrive there.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

42 Curzon Street. Yours, I assume, will be a cell in the Tower of London.

[Lady Luck]

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[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

We were at least that night, all of us. Roque had the boat ready and we stood lined up on the deck waiting for the little we were to take with us. She arrived with the Major, a tiny child carrying a doll in her arms.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Oh, this must be Anna. How do you do, Anna?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

How do you do, Anna?

[Sheila / Children]

Hail Hitler. Children. Children.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Stop it. Stop it immediately. Major, dismount. Hadn't you better explain to Anna that from now on that salute will be out of play.

[Major / German Officer]

Very well. Anna von Noonan Rausch to nicht mehr. Hei Hitler zagen To kommst intervention Died as nicht gersten.

[Sheila / Children]

Nicht mehr. Good, good.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Get abroad.

[Major / German Officer]

I want to see you. Get away. All of you. Get aboard.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Goodbye, Nicole.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Goodbye.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

All of this I know you have done for my boy. And for him. I thank you.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Some for him, some for you too. You know, once I thought I could never be another man as fine and as brave as your son. But I was wrong. And it wasn't all for you either. It was for the children. Somehow. Somehow they represent hope. Hope for the future. You are the past, I'm the present. And they are the future. So we must take very, very good care of them.

[Major / German Officer]

I have not all night. Please.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Au revoir, my dear. You'll come to see me when it's all over. And we'll talk about John.

[Major / German Officer]

Oh yes, one more thing. The Englishman. There must be no trickery. If one word of this appears, it will be the concentration camp. Your young lady. Remember that.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

And if anything happens to my young lady and I hear of it, this whole story will be in the papers and on the shortwave radio mentioning you by name. And you remember that.

[Major / German Officer]

You dare threaten me?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

You dared threaten me, didn't you?

[Major / German Officer]

Oh, Ba.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Fo.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Or. Or. Wa. Good luck and happiness.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Au revoir, Nicole.

[Sheila / Children]

Bye. Goodbye.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, we're on our way, children. I think you'd all better go below and see if you can't get some sleep.

[Sheila / Children]

Do we have to take off our clothes tonight?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

No, you may sleep with them on. Good night. Good night, my dear. Good night, little Anna. We're all friends now.

[Sheila / Children]

Knock here, Howard.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Oh, Sheila.

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, sir?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

There's. There's a little matter I think I ought to clear up with you. You remember our little discussion regarding Rochester?

[Sheila / Children]

But. Yes, Mr. Howard. But I told you.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

I know, but it. It seems that we were both wrong.

[Sheila / Children]

Really?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yes. I happened to be talking it over with a fellow the other night. A fellow knew all about it. It's not a state at all. It's a city. A city in New York state.

[Sheila / Children]

Well, now, isn't that peculiar that we both made that mistake?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

You're really a very extraordinary girl, Sheila, and I very fond of you. And I apologize to you. We reached the English coast the next morning and in two weeks I had seen them all off to America. That was four years ago. I've been in government work since then. I knit. I hear from the children. Call quite often. Just yesterday I had six birthday cards. Six cards in round childish hand wishing me joy for the coming year. I wish them joy too. Joy for the coming year and for all the years that they shall know and I shall not. For this is what we are fighting for and this is our prayer that there shall be a future full of years for children of every land and of every creed that they shall know joy and laughter and a bright new world. Sheila must have gone to considerable trouble in sending me her card. It was postmarked Rochester, New York. Really an amazing child.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Now our stars, Frank Morgan, Margaret o' Brien and Senior Hasso, come to the footlights to receive our thanks and to help answer a question that I'm sure has been on all our minds. Tell me, Frank, are you prepared? Preparing to lose an election bet?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Election bet? Certainly not. Not honestly. I mean, honestly, not.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

I. I might report that Mr. Morgan brings to our footlights the most luxurious chin foliage ever seen on the stage of the Lux Radio Theater.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, thank you, CB I didn't think you'd notice it.

[Sheila / Children]

It's a great one, Mr. Morgan.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Huh?

[Sheila / Children]

What's it beauty for, Mr. Morgan?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, it's. It's for a picture. I'm growing. I mean, I'm making.

[Sheila / Children]

I'm surprised. You can talk through it.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Talk through it by down on his ranch, Mr. Morgan is one of the best hog callers in the county.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Well, thank you, C.B.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

can you really call hogs, Mr. Morgan?

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Ms. Hasso When I call hogs, they come running with apples in their mouths. All set for roasting. Would you like to hear me?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Yes.

[Sheila / Children]

Look at the sweet sw.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Quiet, please. You'll miss the delicate inflictions. Now, Su su, su, su, su me.

[Sheila / Children]

Su me, su me.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

There I was. So convincing. I almost thought I heard the patter of that tiny feet. Do you think you could do it, Margaret?

[Sheila / Children]

Well, I'll try.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Oh, yes. Go ahead, Margaret, do it.

[Sheila / Children]

All right, Sue, Zoe.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

My words are coming.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Look out, everybody.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

You see, Frank, Margaret. Margaret's quite a versatile actress. She can even go you one better on hug calling.

[Sheila / Children]

Can you call hugs, Ms. Hassell?

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

No, Margaret, not in English, only in Swedish.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

But Ms. Hasso is a very distinguished actress, Margaret. She's won every award for acting that Sweden offers. And she's appearing now in the Metro golden mayor picture, seventh cross.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

You know, CB George G. Nathan calls Ms. Hasso the most attractive new foreign actress in America.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, you only have to see the story of Dr. Wassell to know that you know. You know, one of the reasons for that attractiveness. Frank.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Yeah, I know. I know. Lux soap.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Well, thank you, thank you. You're very kind. But it is true that I've used luxe toilet soap ever since I came to America.

[Sheila / Children]

Same here.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

You.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

You've used it ever since you came to America, Margaret?

[Sheila / Children]

Yes, ever since I forgot to wash.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, I'm sure, Margaret, that can't be. Orphan, judging from the memory you've shown here tonight.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Can you plumb up your memory and tell us what's on Lux next Monday night?

[Cecil B. DeMille]

CB for next Monday night, Frank, we. We have one of the most dramatic stories of modern times. The Universal screen hit Magnificent Obsession. And our stars will be Claudette Colbert and Dynamy. It's a gripping love story in which a man sacrifices himself for a woman and loses her. But in devoting his life to helping others achieves a final and dramatic happiness.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Sounds like November 13th is a lucky number, CB good night.

[Madame Picard / Nicole Rougeron]

Good night.

[Sheila / Children]

Good night.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

Good night. Good night. Your hug calling certainly brought home the bacon. Our sponsors, 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 Don Amici and Claudette Colbert in Magnificent Obsession. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here's another important reminder from your local post office. Christmas mailing this year is expected to top the 1943 holiday volume by 25%. So if you want to be sure that your gifts reach their destination on time, mail them during this coming month, no later than December 1st. The Pied Piper was presented through the courtesy of 20th Century Fox. Our music was directed by Lewis Silvers. This program is broadcast to our fighting forces overseas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. And this is your announcer, John N. Kennedy, reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear Magnificent Obsession with Claudette Colbert and Don Amici.

[Sheila / Children]

Fry grand for cake and pie Fry Every time you fry, fry it's the shortening vibe yes, ma'.

[Mr. Howard (Frank Morgan)]

Am.

[Narrator/Announcer]

New spry cakes are lighter, better tasting Spry pastry is so tender and flaky Spry fried foods are crispier so digestible so be a better cook Bake and fry with Spry Be sure to listen

[Cecil B. DeMille]

in next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theater presentation of the Magnificent Obsession

[Narrator/Announcer]

with Claudette Colbert and Don Amici.

[Cecil B. DeMille]

This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Lady Luck]

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 finquest.com which is an American owned social casino. It obviously features over 1000 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.

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