Lux Radio Theatre - A Star Is Born

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lux Radio Theatre – A Star Is Born

Date: July 1, 2026

Main Cast: Judy Garland (Esther Blodgett/Vicki Lester), Walter Pidgeon (Norman Maine)

Host: Mr. Cecil B. DeMille (Producer/Narrator)

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1. Episode Overview

This episode features a classic radio adaptation of A Star Is Born as performed on Lux Radio Theatre, with Judy Garland and Walter Pidgeon in the lead roles. The story follows the journey of Esther Blodgett, an aspiring actress from North Dakota, as she rises to Hollywood stardom under the new name Vicki Lester, navigating love, ambition, heartbreak, fame, and the personal decline of her mentor and husband, Norman Maine.

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2. Plot and Major Themes

a. The Dream Begins (03:13–05:33)

• Setting: Late night, North Dakota farmhouse. Esther is discouraged by family but comforted and empowered by her Granny.
• Key Conversation: Granny tells Esther to distinguish between dreaming and doing—a recurring theme throughout.
• Notable Quote:

  "For every dream that you may come true, you pay the price in heartbreak." — Granny (04:48)

b. Arrival in Hollywood & Harsh Realities (06:22–08:05)

• Esther arrives in Hollywood, faces skepticism, and learns how difficult it is to get noticed in the film industry.
• Reality Check:

  "We have 12,416 extras registered with us now...every one of those little lights thought it was going to be a star. Do you still want to go into the movies? You know what your chances are? One in a hundred thousand." — Casting Office (07:13)

c. First Big Chance (08:18–13:27)

• Esther, with the help of friend Danny, lands a job as a waitress at a studio party.
• Esther meets Norman Maine at the party, marking the start of her career transformation and the core relationship of the drama.

d. Mentorship and Rising Stardom (15:55–24:40)

• Norman takes an active role in supporting Esther: secures her screen test.
• Oliver Niles, the studio head, decides to take a chance on her, renaming her "Vicki Lester".
• Notable Exchange:

  "The whole world’s going to know it [your name]." — Norman Maine (22:32)
  "From now on your name is Lester. Vicki Lester." — Oliver Niles (24:23)
  "Vicki Lester. Vicki Lester. Oh, it’s beautiful." — Esther (24:25)

e. The Price of Fame and Love (26:27–29:56)

• Esther (as Vicki) becomes a star, while Norman’s career falters.
• Their love deepens, culminating in plans for marriage.
• Hollywood’s Cynicism:

  "Vicki Lester is a new star, just as I predicted...Norman may be starred, but he's decidedly not the main attraction." — Billy Moon, reporter (28:15)

f. Marriage, Decline, and Personal Struggle (33:12–35:53)

• Marriage brings personal and professional challenges as Norman’s career declines further.
• Confrontation:

  "The tense is wrong. Norman, you’re not slipping. You’ve already slipped." — Oliver Niles (34:59)

• Esther’s career continues to soar, leading to further tension.

g. Climax: Awards, Downfall, and Redemption (39:12–50:02)

• At the Academy Awards, Esther receives her Oscar in Norman’s absence.
• Norman’s increasing humiliation and struggle with alcoholism reach crisis points.
• After multiple humiliating incidents and a night in jail, Esther contemplates abandoning her career to help Norman recover.
• Notable Scene:

  "It's so hard to tell where [love and pity] leave off... All I can do now is stay with him and try to help him." — Esther (49:20)

h. Tragic Loss and Resolution (50:45–58:23)

• Norman, feeling he is ruining Esther's life, performs one last act of love—walking into the Pacific Ocean, ending his life (52:39).
• Esther, devastated, plans to retire, but after encouragement from Granny, finds the strength to go on.

i. Finale: Identity and Legacy (57:14–58:23)

• At a public event, Esther emotionally identifies herself not as Vicki Lester but as "Mrs. Norman Maine" (58:01), honoring her husband's memory and her own journey.
• Memorable Closing Line:

  "Hello, everybody. This is... This is Mrs. Norman Maine." — Esther (58:01)

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3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Hollywood Dreams:

  "Everyone in this world who ever dreamed about better things was laughed at. Don’t you know that?" — Granny (04:10)

• Mentor’s Wisdom:

  "For every dream that you may come true, you pay the price in heartbreak." — Granny (04:45)

• Oliver’s Brutal Honesty:

  "Norman, you’re not slipping. You’ve already slipped." — Oliver Niles (34:59)

• On Love and Sacrifice:

  "It’s so hard to tell where one leaves off and the other begins. I only know that all I can do now is stay with him and try to help him." — Esther (49:20)

• Identity Affirmed:

  "Hello, everybody. This is... This is Mrs. Norman Maine." — Esther (58:01)

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4. Timestamps & Key Scenes

| Timestamp | Scene/Content Summary | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:13–05:33 | Esther and Granny discuss hopes, courage, and making sacrifices for dreams. | | 07:13–07:54 | Central Casting's harsh reality: the odds of making it in Hollywood. | | 09:03–13:27 | Esther’s first important encounter with Norman at a Hollywood party. | | 17:10–18:08 | Norman expresses respect for Esther’s sincerity and innocence. | | 22:21–24:25 | Esther’s pivotal screen test and her renaming as “Vicki Lester.” | | 28:15–29:56 | Esther's star rises, Norman feels displaced; they share a tender moment. | | 34:59–35:53 | Oliver candidly tells Norman about the end of his stardom. | | 39:36–40:10 | Esther receives her Oscar and publicly thanks the Academy. | | 47:51–48:27 | Court scene: Norman’s public drunkenness, Esther pleads for leniency as his wife. | | 50:45–52:39 | Esther decides to leave Hollywood with Norman; Norman’s final goodbye. | | 57:14–58:23 | At the Chinese Theater, Esther identifies as Mrs. Norman Maine in front of her fans.|

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5. Tone and Language

The dialogue combines a mix of 1940s Hollywood glamour and sincerity. The characters express both hope and heartbreak with poetic earnestness, especially in confrontations, confessions, and the play’s emotional climax. Judy Garland’s Esther/Vicki is determined, heartfelt, and vulnerable; Walter Pidgeon’s Norman is charming, troubled, and ultimately tragic.

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6. Conclusion and Takeaways

• The arc of Esther/Vicki’s journey embodies the American dream, but at high personal cost.
• Norman Maine’s decline is depicted empathetically, blending both personal responsibility and the merciless churn of Hollywood fame.
• The final act’s message is one of personal fortitude and the endurance of love after loss.
• “A Star Is Born” remains a timeless meditation on ambition, sacrifice, identity, and the price of achieving dreams.

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7. Curtain Call & Reflections (59:53–61:54)

• Judy Garland: “More bonds, less butter.” (60:04)
• Walter Pidgeon: Advocates for discretion during wartime: “Careless talk costs lives. Or, zip your lip.” (60:20)
• Cecil B. DeMille: Offers a reflective speech on the promise of a new year (62:00), aligning personal dreams with collective wartime effort.

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8. Recommended For

• Listeners seeking emotional, character-driven storytelling from radio’s golden age.
• Fans of classic Hollywood narratives about fame, love, and the enduring human spirit.

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For a full immersion in vintage radio drama and classic Hollywood, this episode is a shining example of Lux Radio Theatre’s legacy.

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Transcript

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Lux Presents Hollywood. The lux radio theater brings you judy garland and walter pidgeon in a star is born. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Cecil b. Demille.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Among certain peoples, notably our good and brave friends the Chinese, the passing of one year and the beginning of another is celebrated with fireworks. And taking a tip from them, we are going to touch off a dramatic Roman candle that will send a pair of stars flashing across the sky in a blaze of glory. The stars are Walter Pidgeon and Judy Garland, and the play is adapted from David O. Selznick's great motion picture A Star Is Born. Walter is starring now for Metro Goldwyn Mayer in White Cargo. And Judy comes to us from the cast of Presenting Lily Mars. It wasn't so very long ago that Judy's own star first appeared in the Hollywood sky. And tonight in the Star Is Born, she plays the part of a small town girl who rises to screen fame. I think myself that this is one of the best dramas of Hollywood that Hollywood has ever produced. But you'll decide that for us when you hear it. You know there's a time of year for everything, and this is the time of year for making good resolutions. I have one to suggest now for some of the ladies in this audience, not all of them, or even a very large number, but just a few. The few who have never tried Lux Flakes. As I understand it, running a home is not an easy job at best. It certainly isn't going to be any simpler during 1943. And if you expect to make a lot of things last out the year, now is the time to begin taking care of them with luxe flakes. That's one New Year's resolution you'll be glad to keep. Now our stars are on stage and the curtain rises for A Star Is Born with Judy Garland as Esther Blodgett and Walter Pidgeon as Norman Main.

[Aunt]

You're not an actress, Esther Blodgett. You're a North Dakota farm girl and none too beautiful.

[Granny]

At that.

[Aunt]

And the sooner you stop dreaming about Hollywood and glamour girls and acting in pictures, the happier you're going to be.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

It's late at night in the bedroom of a North Dakota farmhouse. Esther Blodgett is still awake. She lies across the bed, sobbing softly into the pillow, hearing again in her mind the words of her aunt. The door is opened quietly, and an old woman in a flannel wrapper comes softly into the moonlit room.

[Granny]

Yes?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes? Who is it?

[Granny]

It's me, Granny. I thought you'd still be awake. Yes, Granny, stop crying. That won't do any good.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I'm crying because. Because Aunt Mattie and Alec and everyone else in this family makes me so mad.

[Granny]

Aunt Mattie, Alec. Fiddlesticks. They are not important. You're the one who counts.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I could be an actress, Granny. I could be. And I'd go to Hollywood, too, if I had the chance. But they just laugh at me because I want to make something out of myself. They think it's funny.

[Granny]

Esther, everyone in this world who ever dreamed about better things was laughed at. Don't you know that?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I suppose so.

[Granny]

But there's a difference between dreaming and doing. You modern girls give me a pain. Why, when I wanted something better, I came across these plains in a prairie schooner with your grandfather. We burned in sight and pros in winter. We used our guns when we needed food, then fought the engines to keep it. But we kept on going and we didn't complain because we were doing what we wanted to do. Can you understand that?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes. Yes, I can, Granny.

[Granny]

Could you do it? Could you do it even when your heart broke? Because for every dream that you may come true, you pay the price in heartbreak.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I'm not afraid, Granny. I'm not.

[Granny]

All right, then. Here. Take this money and go to your Hollywood.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, no. I can't take your money, Granny. It's your savings.

[Granny]

I haven't got anything to save up for except the funeral. And now I don't believe I'm ever going to die.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, Granny, how can I ever thank you?

[Granny]

By promising me that you'll never tell anybody where you got that money. I promise, if you ever do, I'll. I'll have you arrested for robbing me.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, Granny. Granny darling.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

On Hollywood Boulevard, the heart of the movie metropolis. On your right ground with his Chinese theater. Notice the pay plugs containing the hand and footprints of your famous star. We'll make a short stop here so you can respect them and your.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Hello only. Ander Arms Apartments. Yeah, we got a vacancy. $4 running water, convenient to all studios. No dogs, no cooking. What do you do? Oh, yeah. Listen, wise guy, don't waste my time. No dogs, no cooking and no cowboys.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Good afternoon. My name is Esther Blodgett. I saw your ad in the paper.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

That's why we put it there, miss. Day, week or month, please?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, it. It's. It's a little hard to say. You see, I'm going in the movie.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Oh, well, take it for a week. It'll break the jump to Beverly Hills sign right here.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Are all the studios really near here?

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

All except Gomont.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

British.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I suppose the best way to get a job is to go straight to the studios, isn't it? You know, I. I haven't any illusions. I'm perfectly willing to begin with a little bit of a part or even as an extra.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

$4, please. In advance.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I beg your pardon. This is the central casting office, isn't it? Yes. Well, I'd like to register for extra work, please.

[Aunt]

To register? How long have you been in Hollywood?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, it's. It's nearly a month now.

[Aunt]

Well, you know, we have 12,416 extras registered with us now. That's 16 times as many as we can use each working day. We haven't put anyone on our register in over two years.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, I see.

[Aunt]

Come over here. I want to show you something.

[Granny]

Try later.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Try later.

[Aunt]

Those four girls operate our switchboards. Every time one of those little lights flashes, it's someone asking for a job. And every time a girl says, try later, it means there isn't any job. We can't keep girls at the switchboard long. They go crazy. And every one of those little lights thought it was going to be a star. Do you still want to go into the movies? You know what your chances are? One in a hundred thousand.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I know, but. But maybe I'm that one.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Afternoon, Ms. Blodgett.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hello. Any phone calls for me today, Mr. Randall?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Nope.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

I guess Sam golden and Cecil DeMille are writing your letters instead. How was the luck today?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

There wasn't any.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Maybe you don't go at it right.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, if I. If I haven't learned in three months, I guess I never will. But I'm not giving up.

[Danny]

Esther.

[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

Hey, Esther.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hello, Danny.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Hello, Maguire. How's the big assistant director? And how's about some rent?

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

This?

[Danny]

Never mind that.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Now.

[Danny]

Listen, Esther, I gotta speak to you right away.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Come in the parlor.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

I'd still like a small payment on that rent.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Danny, what's the matter?

[Danny]

Look, remember when you first came here? I said I'd Keep my eye out for a job for you.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, believe it or not, I got one.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Danny. Oh, that's wonderful. When do I go to the studio?

[Danny]

Well, you don't exactly go to a studio.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh. Oh, it's on location.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, no, it isn't really a movie job at all.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

It's to be a waitress.

[Danny]

Oh, well, it is a kind of a movie job in a way, if you look at it right.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

You said it was a waitress.

[Danny]

Sure, but it's waitressing for Oliver Niles, head of our studio. He's throwing a party tonight. Be a lot of big people there. I'll Bet there'll be 10 directors anyhow. And if you're there, maybe they'll notice you.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Sure, I could make them notice me.

[Danny]

Sure you could. Look, stick your hair down over your face. Make like Veronica Lake.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, no, no, I'd rather not. You see, I don't want people to say, there goes Veronica Lake. I want them to say, there goes Esther Blodgett.

[Danny]

Yeah, but how can they say it

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

if they don't know your name?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, that's up to me. I'll make them ask my name.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Mr. Niles residence.

[Granny]

Good evening.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Hello.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Let me speak to Oliver Niles then, quick.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Yes, sir. Oh, Mr. Niles is for you, sir.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Thank you, Smith. I'll take it inside. Hello, Oliver Niles speaking.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Hello, Mr. Niles. This is your publicity department.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Yes, Libby, what is it?

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Your publicity department begs to advise that your star, Mr. Norman Maine, has once again been thrown in the Los Angeles jug.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

What?

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

That's right. Mr. Norman Maine, America's Prince Charming, was apprehended driving down Wiltshire Boulevard with his siren wide open. He explained to the local police that he was a tree surgeon on a maternity case.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Where is he now?

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

I bailed him out an hour ago. He ought to be up to your place any minute.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Will this be in the papers, Libby?

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

No, it won't be in the papers. But that's a nice expensive hobby of yours. Keeping Mr. Maine's informal entertainment out of the public press.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Look, Libby, you better find him and bring him here.

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[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

hi, Oliver. Nice party.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Never mind, Libby. He's here now. I'll call you back.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

What's the matter, Oliver? You look worried about something.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Do I? Evidently, you aren't.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

All right, Oliver, go ahead and say it. I've got it coming to me.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Don't make it any tougher on me, Norman. I don't want to stand here and preach. Take a look at my side of it. I'm trying to make pictures with you, but you don't realize.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

I know the costs are going up and the grosses are going down.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

It isn't that so much. I just hate to see you go the way of so many others. You're a great star, Norman, but you're starting to fall apart.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, Oliver, stop it.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

First signs are always the same. Not being able to remember your lines, the cameraman trying to cover up your hangovers. All because you've got to have a good time every day, every night. I've warned you for a long time, Norman.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Okay, Oliver. You're a swell guy. You won't lose any money on me. I'll promise you that. I'll be ready for the curtains when the time comes. And when it does, here's my epitaph for amusement only. Come on, let's get back to the party.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Will you have some hors d'? Oeuvres? Hors d'? Oeuvres. Mr. Maine, the caviar is very good.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

No, thanks, I. Oh, wait. Maybe I will. Very beautiful. I mean, very good. I've never seen you around here before.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, I'm just working for the night.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hey, don't go away. I'm starving.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes, sir.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Now, let's see. Which one would you take?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, they all look good, sir.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Yeah, I believe I'll take caviar.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Norman.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hello, Anita. Where have you been?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Looking for you, mostly. Come on, I want to talk to you.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Wait a second. Let's see. Caviar, anchovies, caviar.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Take the tray away, please. Mr. Main doesn't care for any more. Do you, Norman?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

No, Normie. Doesn't care for anymore. Greetings.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh. Oh, hello.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Hello.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Mind if I help in the kitchen?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Won't they miss you?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, no. They'll just look under the table, and when they see I'm not there, they'll forget the whole matter. What's your name?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

It's. It's Esther Blodgett.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

My name's Maine.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I know. Oh.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

What's so funny?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, I was thinking about all your fans. How surprised they'd be if they could see you now helping me put plates away.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

They don't know my finer side.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

They'd be pretty envious of me meeting you in person. This way.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Tell me, are you disappointed?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes, a little.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, what do you know?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, now you've done it. You've broken one of the good plates.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Ah, don't worry about it. Makes the room look lived in. Tell me, just why are you disappointed in me?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, I was sitting right behind you in the Hollywood bowl that night. You. You didn't want to be photographed, and you smashed the potential.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Ah, yes, yes. I'm told I crept into many a heart that night.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, Mr. Main, I'll. I'll never be able to explain this. Two of them.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

You know something? You've got very pretty hair.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

You better get out of here.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

And a lovely mouth. And a charming little smile. Oh, here you are, Anita, darling. Come in, come in.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

What are you doing in here, Norman?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Who, me? Oh, I just wanted to be helpful, see?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I see. Are you sure there was no other attraction?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, it might be that old mania for putting plates away is coming back on me.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, Mr. Maine.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Slippiest plates I ever saw.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

You know, it's rather odd that I always know where I can find you

[Aunt]

if there's a pretty girl around.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

It's not only odd, it's embarrassing. And we aren't married, darling. Not yet, anyway.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

You're being deliberately insulting, Norman. I've put up with you as long as I'm going to.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Now, dear, don't lose your temper. Remember, we must try to keep the voice low. I know you'll excuse us if we go on with our work.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, please, let me help. No, don't hit him.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Here, put that plate down. Anita.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, Mr. Main. Oh, Mr. Maine, get up, please. Oh, he's unconscious. Unconscious? Now see what you've done. Oliver. Oliver, I didn't do anything. I didn't. I didn't.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Hey, hey, hey.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, I thought you were unconscious.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Come on, help me up.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Are you hurt?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, no more than usual. Listen, the wolves are on us. Come on. We've got to get out of here.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, I can't. The dishes aren't finished.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Yes, they are.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Watch.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Come on.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

That's my house, Mr. Main. The one with the oleander bush.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oleander bush. Right. Well, wait. I bet I know what you're going to say.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

What?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Good night.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Good night. And thanks.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, wait a minute. Do you realize that all I found out about you is that you are foolish enough to want to go into pictures?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Why is it foolish? Look at you.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

That's what I mean. Now, I'd like to go into this matter rather thoroughly.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, that's awfully nice of you.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

You ever acted before?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

No. That is, I've never acted in anything important.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

That's all right. Never lie.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I used to be in school shows. Of course. They said I had a future.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Who, your father and mother?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

No, the teachers in my high school in North Dakota.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, they certainly ought to know.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

But just the same, I have got a future. In acting, I mean. And nobody had to tell me except myself.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, that's fine. Look, don't go in now. Let's go up to my place and talk it all over.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, no. Thank you very much, but I really must say good night.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Wait a minute. Well, I see. Look, has anyone ever told you that you're lovely?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

No.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, you are.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Thank you.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

And one more thing. This. This is hard to say, but I want to say it anyway. On the screen, I'm a. Well, you know. In private life, I'm a. Well, you know. But whatever I do, I still respect lovely things. And you're lovely. Do you understand?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I understand.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

And it's not that bump in my head that's doing this neither.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I'm glad.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Good night.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Good night.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hey, wait.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes? What is it?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Do you mind. Do you mind if I take just one more look?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Good night.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Good night.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Walter Pigeon and Judy Garland will return for Act 2 of A Star Is Born in just a moment. When you join hands on New Year's Eve and bow out the old year to the tune of Auld Lang Syne Will some such thought as this run through your mind?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, dear. I didn't realize my hands looked so bad. I really ought to do something about them.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Doing something about them is really very easy. Much easier than many of you think. For you can get rid of that rough dishpan look while you're washing dishes. You don't have to buy expensive creams or lotions. All you have to do is to change from the strong soap that's causing the trouble to gentle, luxe flakes. Careful tests have proved that this is true. In these tests, many women whose hands were red and rough from strong dishwashing soaps changed to gentle looks. Their hands improved in from two to seven days, and soon they were soft and smooth and lovely again. These women use no creams and lotions on their hands. They just changed to lux. You can make that change for less than a penny a day. Yes. That's all it costs to change dishpan hands to soft, smooth, luxe hands. So tomorrow, and the next day and throughout the new year, keep a big box of luxe flakes on hand in your kitchen to save your hands. Now, our producer, Mr. DeMille, Act 2

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

of A Star Is Born, starring Walter Pigeon as Norman Maine and Judy Garland as Esther Blodgett. When Norman Maine left Esther on her doorstep, he went straight home. This was very unusual. But he did not go to bed. That would have been too unusual. It's 4 o' clock in the morning and he's on the telephone to Oliver Niles.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Hello?

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Hello, this is Oliver Niles.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Yes, it's Oliver Niles.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hello, Oliver.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Hello, Oliver.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Are you asleep?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Not now I'm not. Who is it?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Good. This is Norman Main.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

What?

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Who?

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

No, man.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Norman, what have you done now? Are you in jail again?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

No, no, no, Oliver, No. But listen, Oliver, I met a girl.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Oh, is that all?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Fine.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Oliver, this girl, she's beautiful.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Yeah, she's beautiful. Yes, I know. You want me to give her a screen test.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Oliver, this girl has got something.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

I know it, you know. You knew. All the others had something too.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

No, no, no, no, no, no.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

I tell you, Oliver, she's got that sincerity and honestness. That sincerity and honestness makes great actress. I'll do the test with her myself tomorrow morning.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

How's that? Yeah, yeah.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oliver.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

What?

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

What?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Tomorrow morning, screen test.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Yes, yes, Anything at all.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

That's fine, Oliver. I know you appreciate this little tip.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

I got another one. That's six tomorrow. Good.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

All I know is some guy wants to speak to you. He's on the phone now.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hello? Hello?

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Four o' clock in the morning. Find time to call him.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hello? There doesn't seem to be anybody there.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Well, all I know is somebody.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hello?

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Hello?

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Who's this?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, hello.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

This is old man.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hi, Esther. How are you?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, I'm all right, but listen, it's all fixed. What?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

It's all fixed.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

I'm fixed tonight.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

You fixed what?

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

To my tenure. Screen says.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

What did you say?

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Screen says tomorrow morning, 9 o'.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Clock.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Bye.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Wait, wait.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Oh, what's the matter? Bad news?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

No, it's just that I'm going to get up tomorrow morning. They're going.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

All right. Come on.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

You're hurting.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

All right, all right.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

This is is only a test, fellas.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Get going.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

All set here.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Now then, let's take it.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Ready, Norman?

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Anytime.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Where's the girl?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I'm right here, mister.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

All right, let's go. Right over there, miss.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

What's your name?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

My name is right there.

[Judge]

That's the girl.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

That's it.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Okay, Rudy, let's go.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

He'll know your name soon enough.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

The whole world's going to know it.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, I don't know. I'm so scared. Maybe I better not try it today. What do you think? Don't you think if I could wait until tomorrow, maybe.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Come on. Come on. It's only a test. Only they all had to go through this. Hedy Lamar, Barbara Stanwyck, Myrnalloy, and now Esther to Blodgett.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

All right, I'm ready.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

That's it.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Quiet, Quiet.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Rolling.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Give that long speech. Plenty of punch here. I'll try to test Esther Blodgett.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Four, two eight, one six.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

All right.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Norman, you said you were going to stay. Have you changed your mind?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes, I. I have.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

You're afraid, aren't you? That's what it amounts to.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I suppose you could call it fear. But it's more than that, too. I'm ashamed for so many things. For ever coming here at all. For ever having loved you. But I'll never be free of you. I know that now. And I'll have to live with myself and my thoughts. And you can't run away from your old thoughts.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Sign right there, Ms. Blodgett.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Here, Mr. Niles.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

That's it. Thank you.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Niles. I'm so glad you like the screen test.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

I may as well tell you that my whole organization thinks I've gone a little nuts to sign you, even at this figure. Maybe they're right.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I hope they aren't.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

We won't know either way for a while, will we? You look like a nice girl. I think I'm going to like you. That's not important. I think the public will like you. That is important.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I know it is.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

We're going to change your name, of course. Esther Blodgett is. Well, it's. It's Esther Blodgett. You understand?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Mm.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

From now on, your name is Lester. Vicki Lester.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Vicki Lester. Vicki Lester. Oh, it's beautiful.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

We'll change your hair a little, too, and you'll have to learn to walk

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

all over again, Will I?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

And for heaven's sake, learn to close your mouth and keep it closed even in your love scenes.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hey, everybody.

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[Lady Luck (SpinQuest Advertiser)]

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[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes, sir.

[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

Good evening, everybody. This is Billy Moon again, the Hollywood star chaser. These tired old eyes have again been glancing over the latest pipe dreams of the studio publicity departments. And I find ravishing but ravishing items concerning a newcomer discovered by Oliver Niles, a new starlet, a Cinderella of the Rockies named Vicky Lester. This charmer, according to the publicity department, couldn't be more divine. But this reporter will lay 4 to 1 that she'll never be heard from again.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

My lesson, you dress people.

[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

We're shooting on the set this morning, not in the commissary.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Take it up. Take it up.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Morning, mabel.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Good morning, Mr. Maine. What'll it be this morning?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

The usual, Mabel.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Orange juice and bicarbonate of soda.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Make it two bicarbs. It was a very successful party last night.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Acme trucking company. No, Mr. Smith is not in. Hello? Acme Trucking Company. Mr. Smith is not in.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

What goes on over there?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Becky Lester, she's rehearsing again.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Bring that stuff over to her table, will you?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

ACME Trucking Company. Mr. Smith is not in. ACME. No, Smith ain't in. Acme Trucking Company.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

I'd like to speak to Mr. Smith.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, Mr. Smith, isn't it?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, Norman, what's this between you and Smith?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, I've got a part. It's only one line, but it's in a picture.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, so it's ambition that made you break that date with me last night?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, I had to be here so early in the morning so Did I?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

And I had to speak up all night to make it.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

You've started your picture, haven't you?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, we're still in the testing stage. Can't seem to find a girl for the lead.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Gee, you'd think with all the girls there are that.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Yeah, but this girl's got to be different. She's got to be little and cute and sweet and then tough. Well, knock me down.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

What?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, beat my brains out.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Norma, what's the matter with you?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Come on, hurry up. Finish that coffee.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Where are we going?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oliver Nile's office on the run. Oliver, it's the only thing to do. You've gone through the whole casting directory, haven't you?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

But look, day and night. Mr. Niles, I'll give it everything I've got.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

And I'll work with her, Oliver.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I can be mean or nasty or anything you want, Mr. Niles.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

If she clicks. Oliver, you've got a star overnight. Well, what do you say?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Okay, she's in.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Esther.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, Esther. Esther. Wake up, Esther.

[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

And little Vicki Lester is made. Good. Vicki Lester is a new star, just as I predicted on this program some time ago. Just how good she is was known early this evening after the preview of her first picture in which she plays a featured role opposite Norman Main. Norman may be starred, but he's decidedly not the main attraction.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

You're great, Vicki.

[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

Vicki, you show us.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Well,

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Would you like to sit down, Esther? I can't dance with you taking all these bows.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, Norman, it's all so wonderful. I'll never forget this night.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Let's go outside for a minute. It'll be cooler out there.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

All right. Lovely, darling, love. Thank you. Oh, wonderful.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

See those lights, Esther? Down there, That's Hollywood.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

It's wonderful, isn't it a crazy quilt?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

No, it's a carpet spread for you. It's yours from now on. You know it's. Come, Esther. A star has been born. You'll have everything in the world you want, and I hope to make you happy.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hasn't it you?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

There's one thing I never had. Lots of times I've told myself I'd found it, but I always knew I was killing. Still, I never stopped looking for it.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Maybe it'll come.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

I think it has come, Pastor. I only wish weren't too late.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, it's not too late, Norman. It's not.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

You can't throw away your life the way I've thrown away mine and have anything left that's good enough.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

You can. Oh, Norman, you Can you?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

You shouldn't tell me that, Esther. I'm afraid I'll begin to believe it.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I want to tell you, Norman, and I want you to believe it because. Because I love you, too, Norman.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

I don't know.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Maybe I'm not thinking fast enough this morning. What are you two trying to say?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Just this, Oliver. We're going to get married.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Yes.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

You're going to what?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I guess you didn't read that line right, Norman.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

All right, I'll try it again. We're going to get married, Oliver.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Both of us?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Yes. To each other. What do you think of that?

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

When?

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Where?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

We're going to elope in the conventional manner.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

What's the matter, Mr. Niles?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

He's trying to decide whether it's good for the studio.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Is it, Mr. Niles?

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

It is.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

And bless you, my children. When's it going to happen?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, we thought we'd just sort of sneak out sometime.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Oh, sure, but you mustn't hurt people's feelings. Matt Libby, for instance. He has a very sensitive nature. He'd feel offended if he didn't have a chance to congratulate you. Ms. Horton's hen Libyan here.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I've been trying to keep him out.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Hello, Niles.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Listen to this. The screen's ideal romance blossomed into breathtaking

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

reality today when Vicky Lester and Norman Maine, America's dream lovers, slipped through the portals of holy matrimony.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

How does that sound?

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Horrible.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh. You see, Mr. Libby, we're going to elope quietly.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Sure you are.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Sure. It'll be the biggest elopement this town ever saw. We'll get a tie up with the army and have an escort of 20 bombing planes all the way to Yuma. Make personal appearances in Denver, Salt Lake, Seattle, Vancouver. Let's make this thing international, Norman.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Is he going with us?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

I doubt it.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Look, Niles, don't you think we can work this thing out better alone?

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

No use bothering the happy couple with all these details.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

I'm sorry. We didn't realize we were in the way. While you're settling the details, you don't mind if I go out and buy this lady a ring, do you?

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Sure, go ahead.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

We want everything legal.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Come on, honey. See you later, Oliver.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Here. Now, there's a charming match for you, nice girl like Vicky and public nuisance number one.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Norma's all right, Libby, if you pardon my pointing. Vicki's business is her own. Doesn't require any comments.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

I didn't comment.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

I just said it's a dirty shame.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Just go ahead and plan the elopement that's all that's required.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Hey, what's the matter? You sore or something about this elopement?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

No, I'm not sore. Let's go on, Libby. Be that I'm busy.

[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

Here's the Hollywood question mark for this week, folks. What famous stars? And his marriage to another famous star has turned over a brand new leaf and is now taking a non alcoholic honeymoon. But why do his friends think his bride came about six pictures too late? As far as the public is concerned? Because the star's last six pictures have been what is politely known as turkeys, box office flopolas. Yes, sir, folks, it was a gay career and a short one.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Norman. I just can't believe it yet. Would you mind telling me again very

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

slowly, that is your new house. This is your new grass. Those are your new trees. And here's your new husband. Well, do you like the place?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

It's the most wonderful surprise anybody ever had. I kept thinking we were going to live at the beach house. And then this.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, we keep the house at the beach. But this is special. This is our castle where we'll never use ugly words like contracts and pictures and careers. When we come in these gates, we check the studio outside.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, no.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Hey, hold that.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Food.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, for the love of it.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

That's it. Did you get that shot, Otto?

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Got it. Good.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Caption.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Their honeymoon never ends. How are you, folks?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, Libby, this is a surprise and a very unpleasant one.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

I just dropped over to welcome you home. How are you, Mrs. Main?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Fine, thanks. Hello, Otto.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hello, Ms. Esther.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Well, my friends, it's a nice little place you have here. Very tasty, Libby.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

If you didn't like it, we'd sell it.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

All right, now let's get some more pictures. Now, if the bride will just sit here and the groom stand behind her, we'll have something here unique. Swirl.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

All right, Otto.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Caption there. Honeymoon still continues.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Hello there.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Ah, the producer. Their honeymoon ceases abruptly. Hello, Oliver.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Hello, Norman. Glad you're back. How are you, Esther?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hello, Oliver.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

I am interrupting.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Yes, but Libby beat you to it. Oh, we just want a couple more.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Now, that's enough of both of them, Otto. What the papers are asking for is exclusives of Ms. Lester alone.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, I see. Come on, Oliver, let you and I get exclusive.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Sure.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Stay for dinner, Oliver.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Thanks, I will.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

All right now, Ms. Lester, let's have one with a smile.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

That's it.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, Oliver, what's on your mind? How's the dividend situation?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Very pleasant. I think we'll show 2 million on the next Quarter.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Ooh.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

That was a smart move of mine to sell my stock, then, wasn't it? Well, anyway, you can thank me for some of those dividends of yours, can't you?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

That was a little too quick, Oliver. Enchanted Hour was a smash hit, wasn't it?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Made Esther a star overnight.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Yeah, and it should have. What about me?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Let's wait and talk business at the office. Norman.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Come on, let's have it. Didn't they like me?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Well, maybe the part wasn't right.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

It was the best part of the year. Look, Oliver, do you think I'm slipping? Come on, give it to me.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Can you take it?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Go ahead.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

The tense is wrong. Norman, you're not slipping. You've already slipped.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

But my fan mail's still big.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Norman. Norman, fans will write anybody for a photograph. It only costs $0.03 for the stamp. That makes photographs cheaper than wallpaper. But every quarter they pay for a theater ticket buys them the right to be a critic. Your last few performances, Norman, have not pleased your critics.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Remember I told you I'd be ready for the curtains when the time came. Well, here it is. Let's call off the contract. And no hard feelings.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Well, we're not quitting yet. I've got a swell script lined up for you.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Norman, about Esther. If you think I'm going to get in her way.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

As a matter of fact, as it happens, there isn't anything for her in this story. I more or less plan to star her in a picture of her own. Maybe with that young Pemberton opposite her. She's coming along very nicely.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Good for young Pemberton. All right, Oliver, we'll make a try at it. Let's hope it's not too late.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Let's hope it's not too late.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Pause now for station identification. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. After a brief intermission, we'll hear Act 3 of A Star Is Born, starring Judy Garland and Walter Pigeon. Now, when you try out a new thing, naturally you want to find out everything you can about it. Here are some of the things women have been asking about the new rayon stockings. Perhaps our answers will help to settle some questions in your mind.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Aren't rayon stockings pretty much all alike?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No more than all silk stockings were alike. For one thing, high twist rayons usually have more elasticity, so they fit and wear better.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

How do rayons really wear?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, that depends partly on the weight you buy. The heavier weights will naturally wear longer, as they do in silk, and wear also depends on the care you give rayons. If you rub them with cake soap or use strong wash day soaps. You'll probably be disappointed, for those things weaken elasticity and your stockings break easily into runs. So give rayon the same gentle care you give silk and nylon nightly. Luxing rich, lukewarm lux suds. Save elasticity, cut down expensive runs.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Do rayons take longer to dry?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, and thorough drying is important. Rayon is temporarily weak when it's wet. Regains its strength only when it's dry all the way through. Your rayon stockings may feel dry before they really are, so it's safer to allow them from 24 to 48 hours drying time. To sum up, lux care means longer wear for rayons just as it does for silk and nylon. So stick to gentle lux. Over 90% of the makers of stockings, makers of rayon, nylon, silk, cotton and wool, advise luxe flakes. Now Mr. DeMille returns to the microphone.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

You might like to know what New Year's resolutions our stars have made. I'll ask them about it right after the play. But now, here's Act 3 of A Star Is Born with Judy Garland and Walter Pigeon. A year has gone by, A year during which Esther rose steadily to stardom and Norman dropped just as steadily into oblivion. It's the night of the Academy Award dinner. At a table in the corner, Esther and Oliver Niles wait anxiously for Norman to arrive. The master of ceremonies is speaking.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

We have already applauded with our hearts as well as our hands. Final wards have been given to those gentlemen who during.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I wish Norman would come. Do you think anything's happened to him?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Of course not. Pictures probably been held up in traffic, that's all. You just think about that Oscar. You're going to get present to her.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

The Academy Award for the finest performance of the year. The unforgettable Anna in Dream Without End, Miss Dicky Lester.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Come on, Esther.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Get your award. Oliver, I wish Norman were here.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Right this way, Ms. Lester.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Congratulations.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Thank you.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

What more can I say, Miss Lester? This statuette says it for all of us.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Ladies and gentlemen, when something like this happens to you and you try to tell how you feel about it, you find that out of all the words in the world, there are only two that really mean anything. Thank you. All I can do is to say them to you from my heart. All I can do is to tell you that I'll keep saying them just as long as I can.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hey, hurry, Norman.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Very pretty speech, my dear. And I want to be the first to congratulate you on that valuable little

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

piece of bric a brac.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

And I Want to make a speech? Gentlemen of the Academy and fellow suckers. I got one of those once for best performance. Once, Norman.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Me A thing.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

People get them every year. Well, I want a special award, Norman, please. Something nobody else can get. I want a statuette for a waistband.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Performance of the year.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

I won three statues for the three worst performances of the year. I earned them. And everybody that saw those last two masterpieces of mine knows I earned them. What I'm here to find out is do I get them or do I get them? Answer yes or no.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Music, quick.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Answer yes or no.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

No.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

All right, Esther, I've got him. Come on, Norman. Come over to the table.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hello, Vicki, dear. Allow me to congratulate you. You must be terribly proud and happy tonight, Norman, dear. Oh, Norman.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Esther.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

What.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

What have I done? Somebody give me a.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Who is it?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Oliver Niles calling.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oliver, come in.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

How are you, Esther?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, Oliver, I've missed you. Everybody's missed you. Sit down. Did you have a nice trip?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Well, a three months tour over the theater circuit scarcely comes under the head of pleasure. But the way they're screaming for your pictures all across the country. Ms. Lester, if I may talk shop. You are a knockout.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Thank you. That's good to hear.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Oliver, you've been crying, haven't you?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes, a little.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Why?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, I. I guess maybe it's just nerves. I'm worried about this next picture, Oliver.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

You needn't be. I just saw the first week's shooting. You're headed for another Academy Award this year.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Really? Oh, thanks. That's encouraging.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

How's Norman?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Norman? Well, he's. He's trying awfully hard, Oliver.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Has he been. Is he. Is he all right?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

He's gone to a sanitarium.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Sanitarium?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, it was his own idea. You see, he really wants to stop drinking. And I think he could if.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

I know, if he had a chance to work again. Well, maybe we can fix it.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, Oliver, could you. Could you do that?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

I. I think so.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, thank you, Oliver. But he mustn't ever know. I told you.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

He won't know, Vicki. And you mustn't worry, do you hear? I want you to be good in this picture.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I'll try, Oliver. It's all I can do for you.

[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

And one more for the books, folks. What star, recently released from a sanitarium where he underwent a rest cure is now hanging around the Santa Anita racetrack while he gets into shape for a comeback?

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[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

Your guess is as good as mine. And mine's no guess.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hello, Charlie.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Well, hello, Mr. Man.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Haven't seen you in a long time. No, I've. I've been resting. Ginger ale, please. Ginger ale and what? Ginger ale and ginger ale.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Oh, new leaf, huh?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

A whole new book, Charlie.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Pick it up, Charlie. Scotch and. So. Well, a stranger in our Midst.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hello, Libby.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Mr. America of yesterday. Say, do they let you run around now without a keeper?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Oh, I'm a trustee now. Good behavior, you know. But I didn't expect to find you at Santa Anita. What do they do with the actors when you're away?

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Oh, they cut them in slices and fry them with eggs. I suppose you'll be here all the time now that you're retired from the hurly burly of the silver screen.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, we're staying down at the beach house now. And it's, well, pretty lonesome with Esther away working all day.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

I wouldn't squawk about that if I were you. Nice. Somebody in the family's making a living.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Go a little slow, will you, Libby? I don't want to forget we're friends.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Friends, my eye. Listen, I got you out of your jams because it was my job, not because I was your friend. I don't like you. I never did like you. Nothing made me happier than to see all those cute little pranks of yours catch up with you and land you on your celebrated puss.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Pretty work, Libby. Always wait till they're down. Them kick them.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Why, you're not down, actor. You fixed yourself nice and comfortable. You can live off your wife now. She'll buy the drinks and put up with you even if nobody else will.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Why, you

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

take A swing at me, Will you Get up your four star ham and I'll knock you down for cheap.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, throw him out. Get up there.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

Get up and get out of here. Don't bother to throw him out, Mike. He's just a harmless driver. Well, okay, Mr. Libby.

[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

If you say sure, let him go.

[Mr. Smith / Studio Executive]

What can he do? He can't fight any better than he can act.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Hey.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hey, they're going to the pool.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Hey.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hey, man, you okay? Yeah, I'm okay. Give me a scotch. Double.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Vicki, please. Please sit down. You're going to be sick carrying on like this. Why don't you try to get some sleep?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

He's been gone for four days. Four days and not a word, Oliver. How can I sleep? How can I do anything? Oliver, I can't answer. I just can't. Will you please.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Hello, this is Oliver Niles speaking.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

What?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Where? All right, thanks.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oliver, what's happened? Where is he?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

He's all right, Vicki. He isn't hurt. He. Well, they're holding him downtown in the night court. I. I'll go right down and get him out.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

What is it? What has he done?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

He's been arrested on a disorderly conduct charge.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I'm going with you, Oliver.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Esther, please. It isn't any place for you. And if it gets in the papers.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

What do I care about the papers? Norman's in trouble. He needs me. I'm going to him.

[Judge]

Next case. Alfred Hendrickson, known as Norman Main. Where is he?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Yeah.

[Judge]

Drunk and disorderly. Crashed car into tree. Resisted arrest and injured one of arresting officers. How do you plead?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Guilty.

[Judge]

Were you Norman Main, the actor?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Yes.

[Judge]

You've come pretty low, haven't you? 90 days in the city jail.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Wait, please. Your Honor, I'm his wife.

[Judge]

Yes, I recognize you, Ms. Lester.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Please. I promise you, judge, this will never happen again. I'll be responsible for him if you'll just not send him there, please.

[Judge]

Do you realize that this man, when drunk, is obviously a menace to public safety?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes.

[Judge]

You realize too, the responsibility would be assuming to the court and to the Commonwealth.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I do.

[Judge]

Very well. Senate suspended prisoner remanded to custody of his wife. You may take him home, Ms. Lester.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Norman. Norman. Are you all right, darling?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

I'm. I'm so tired. Esther.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

How is he? Esther?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Talk low. He's still asleep in there.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

That's the best thing for him.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, it's awful to see this happen to someone you love. And you know in your heart that. That it can't get any better.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Do you still love him, Esther? Or do you feel sorry for him.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

It's so hard to tell where one leaves off and the other begins. I only know that all I can do now is stay with him and try to help him.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

So will I. Between us, we'll take care of him, won't we?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

You're very fond of him, aren't you, Oliver?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

I'm very fond of both of you.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I know. That's why I know you'll understand what I have to tell you. And I think that after what happened last night, you might know what it is. I can't do any more pictures, Oliver. I'm going away for good. With Norman.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

You can't do that. You're at the peak of your success. You've worked too hard to get there.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes, I've worked hard, Oliver. And what difference would it have made if you and Norman hadn't worked harder to get me there?

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

No one can help people to careers. You made your own career. It's your whole life, Esther.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes, that's what's been wrong. I've thought it all out. Maybe if I hadn't been away from him so much, things might have been different. What happened last night might never have happened at all. But it's too late to think of that now. But maybe it's not too late to go away with him and start over again somewhere.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

It's your life you're giving up.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes. So I can try to give Norman back his. Can you honestly tell me I'm wrong?

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

No.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

I can't honestly tell you that there

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

won't be any more Vicki Lester. Oliver.

[Oliver Niles (Producer)]

Goodbye, Vicky. Lester, you are a swell girl, and good luck, Mrs. Norman Main.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Goodbye, Oliver. Thank you for everything.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Hello, darlings. Norman, this is your husband coming in to apologize again, dear.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Norman, have you been out there long? Oliver Niles was here.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Yes, I know. I mean, I thought he would be. You're looking very sad, darling. What other troubles have you got?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

None. I was just playing a little scene with myself.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Now, look, I'm just coming out of the jitters, and you're just going into them. This is the swell household, isn't it? I'll tell you what we'll do. I'll promise to brace up if you go on the wagon.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, I guess I have been drinking too much.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Do you know what I'm going to do? I'm going to be an athlete.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Gee, you mean with great big muscles and everything?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Roughly speaking, yes.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

You're going to join the ymca.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

No, no, no. That costs too much.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

I'm.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

I'm going waiting in the Pacific now.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

Sure.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, well, you won't go out too far, darling, will you?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

A little water once in a while wouldn't hurt me anyway.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Crazy.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, if you don't mind, I'll be running along. Could you have a hot toddy? I mean, some hot soup for me when I come back? Some hot soup, and I'll make the sandwiches.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Oh, Norman.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Do you have to give me a kiss, darling?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

All right. Don't be long.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

I won't. Oh, darling.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Yes?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Do you mind if I take just one more look?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

No.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

So long, sweet.

[Casting Office / Receptionist]

Paper.

[Hollywood Guide / Reporter]

Paper, Norman. Main ground. Paper, Norman. Main ground at Malibu. Read all about it.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Will that be all, Ms. Lester? Have you packed everything? Yes, ma'. Am. The bags, the trunks, everything. We're going to have the car brought along.

[Granny]

Don't tell me I can't. I'm her grandmother. Esther.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Granny. Oh, Granny. Darling. I'm so glad to see you. What made you come?

[Granny]

I know when I'm needed here. Girl, get out, please. I want to talk to my granddaughter.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Listen him.

[Granny]

I got here as quickly as I

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

could, but I was going home. I sent you a wire yesterday.

[Granny]

Sit down. Is it true that you're going to quit the movies?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I never want to hear of them again.

[Granny]

What are you running away from, child?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I'm not running away. It's just that I can't go on. My. My heart isn't in it anymore.

[Granny]

Once I told you.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hey, everybody.

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[Granny]

You get what you want, you might have to give your heart in exchange.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

And I said I was willing. Well, I was. I've proved it. I've given my heart, Granny.

[Granny]

Yes, you made a bargain, and now you're whining over it. I wouldn't be very proud of myself if I were you.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I'm not. It's just that I. I got so much more than I bargained for, Granny. More success, more shame, more happiness, and so much more unhappiness. It's all come so quickly, Granny. I've lived a whole life time in a few short years. And when Norman died, something died in me, too. My life is over, Granny. There's no reason for it now. And I can't go on any longer. I just can't.

[Granny]

You've got to. Tragedy is the test of courage, Esther. I never knew Norman Maine. He was sweet to me. In the letter he wrote when you were married, he said that you told him how much I meant to you. But I know how much you must have meant to him. And I can't believe that. Wherever he is, Esther, he is very proud, knowing that all that his love did for you was to make you a quitter.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

The car's ready, Ms. Lester. You have to go now to make the train. Put the car back in the garage. We're going to stay.

[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's a great occasion. The entire picture industry has come to the Chinese Theater for this opening tonight to pay tribute to a great star, a girl who has won the heart of the world, Ms. Vicki Lester. And now, if I'm not mistaken, Ms. Lester's car has just driven up. Yes, there she is. I'll see if I can get her here to say a few words. Here she comes. No, wait. She's stopping. Folks, I don't know what it's all about, but. What is it, Jim? Oh. Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Lester has stopped at the footprints of her late husband, Norman Main.

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

She.

[Billy Moon (Hollywood Reporter)]

She's a little upset. I don't think we're going to get her up here. No, wait. She's pulling Herself. Together. She seems to be all right, ladies and gentlemen. She's approaching the microphone now. Ms. Lester, would you. Ms. Lester, we're on a national hookup here. Your fans are hoping you'll say a few words to them. Would you, please?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Of course. Hello, everybody. This is. This is Mrs. Norman. Maid.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Before our stars return for their curtain call, here's an interesting thing I read about Hollywood the other day. More than a thousand ways of saving vital materials are being used in movie making today. Yes, conservation. Saving things so they'll serve longer is important. Now, one thing that's playing a big part in saving precious fabrics for Hollywood studios is luxe flakes. Leading motion picture studios use gentle lux for all their washable costumes so they'll stay fresh and unfaded longer and keep their true colors before the camera. Now, you can well believe that in times like these, the studios choose the care they know is really safe. Women know, too, from their actual experience that Lux Flakes are wonderfully gentle. Safe for everything. Safe in plain water. With gentle lux care. There's no cake, soap, rubbing, no harmful alkali to injure fabrics or colors. So your dresses, blouses, sweaters, the children's clothes, your nice household linens will last longer. Wear better when you lux them. In your conservation program for 1943, make this your motto. Don't trust to luck, trust to lux. Now, here's Mr. DeMille and our stars.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

If ever a performance deserved a curtain call, it's a Star is Born. And here are the two stars responsible. Judy Garland and Walter Pidgeon. Made any New Year resolutions yet, Judy?

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Sure. More bonds, less butter.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Can't go wrong on that. What's yours, Walter?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Well, for one thing, I'm cutting down on conversation. And I'm going to try to get other people to do the same thing. Of course, that may get me in trouble.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

I suppose you mean conversation about the war, Walter?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Yes, it's all summed up in one slogan. Judy. Careless talk costs lives. Or if you like it even shorter, zip your lip.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Little bits of military information. Yes, that's the way modern espionage works. It's like the. Like a gigantic news gathering agency piecing together hundreds of seemingly unrelated facts.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

No more beautiful blonde spies.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, I haven't seen one recently, Judy. Even in pictures.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, how do you figure? Not talking is going to get you in trouble, Walder?

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

From now on, Judy, when somebody says to me, my brother is sailing tonight, they just gave him a tropical sun helmet. I'm going to suggest that it's dangerous talk and might sink. That Brother's ship if heard by the wrong people. I may be sticking my neck out, but it's for a good cause.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

If everybody joins that crusade, Walter, the enemy agents will starve to death. Good luck with it.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

I have one question, CB no military information involved. What's your play next week?

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

Well, it's quite military, Walter, because next week our play is the Metro Goldwyn May hit the Bugle Sounds.

[Judge]

Ah.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

And our stars will be Wallace Beery and Marjorie Rambo. The Bugle Sounds is a story of a rugged old cavalry sergeant whose regiment is being mechanized but. But mechanizing Wallace Beery is a man sized job for any army. So don't miss this drama of adventure in tanks and jeeps next Monday night.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Well, with two swell players like Wally Berry and Marjorie Rambo, you're sure to have a great show, Mr. DeMille. Good night.

[Norman Maine (Walter Pidgeon)]

Good night, C.B.

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

good night. Good night. Sky is born with a blessed event

[Oliver Niles (on phone)]

for us

[Narrator/Producer Cecil B. DeMille]

this coming week. We turn the page on a new year. 1943 holds nothing but promise. The promise of a clean page. The record that will be written there one year from today will be what we make it. We will have only ourselves to praise or blame. The man on the fighting front, the man and the girl in the machine gun factory, the farmer in his wheat field, all have a personal part in making the history of this year. And when the day of victory comes, as it must, they can all say, this day is mine. And a free radio, a free press and a free screen will join free men and women everywhere, inhaling not just a new year, but a new era and a bright new world. And now, for old times sake and for new times sake, our sponsors, the makers of Luxe Flakes and Luxe Toilet soap, send their wishes of good fortune and a safe return home to the hundreds of their employees, both men and women who are now in the armed services, and to all men and women in our country's service, wherever they may be. And our sponsors send their heartiest good wishes to each and every one of you all here in the Lux Radio Theater. Join me in echoing these hopes for a joyful and victorious new year. And we invite you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio Theatre presents Wallace Beery and Marjorie Rambeau in the Bugle Sounds. This is Cecil B. DeMille saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Heard in tonight's play were Leo Cleary as Oliver Niles, Charles Seal as Libby, Verna Felton as Granny, Arthur Q. Bryan as Moon and Francis Robinson, Fred Mackay, Jane Morgan, Eddie Marr, Norman Field, Bruce Payne, Graham Denton, Arthur Gilmore, Griff Barnett and Jane Bierce. Our music was directed by Lewis Silvers. And this is your announcer, John M. Kennedy, reminding you to tune in next Monday night to hear Wallace Beery and Marjorie Rambeau in the Bugle Sounds.

[Danny]

Free. Yes, absolutely free. A sample of VIMs, the new low cost vitamin mineral tablets. Ladies, if you haven't tried yet, vims. Now's the time. Just send your name and address to this station. You'll soon receive a free sample of vims. Remember, write to this station, ask for your free VIMS Today. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Esther Blodgett / Vicki Lester (Judy Garland)]

Hey everybody.

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