Academy Award 03-30-46 (01) Jezebel

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Academy Award 03-30-46 (01) Jezebel"

Introduction "Academy Award 03-30-46 (01) Jezebel," an episode from Harold's Old Time Radio, transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio. Released on April 28, 2025, this episode showcases a dramatic adaptation of the classic story "Jezebel," featuring the acclaimed performances of Bette Davis and Ann Revere. Hosted by Hugh Brundage, the episode intertwines gripping narrative storytelling with compelling character portrayals, embodying the essence of pre-television family entertainment.

Setting The narrative unfolds in 1851 New Orleans amidst a devastating yellow fever epidemic. The city is shrouded in fear and sorrow, with fever cannons discharging to combat the spreading disease. This tumultuous backdrop serves as a catalyst for the unfolding drama among the characters.

Characters

• Julie Marsden (Bette Davis): A bold and spirited woman who defies societal norms by wearing a striking red dress to the Olympus Ball, labeling her as a modern-day "Jezebel."
• Preston Dillard (Press): Julie's suitor, struggling with her independent nature and his own sense of propriety.
• Aunt Belle (Ann Revere): Preston's supportive and wise aunt, offering counsel amidst familial tensions.
• General Bogardus: Julie's concerned father, apprehensive about his daughter's rebellious actions.
• Buck Cantrell: A dignified and honorable friend who becomes entangled in the central conflict.

Plot Summary The episode begins with Hugh Brundage introducing the protagonists and setting the stage for the dramatic events to follow. Julie Marsden's audacious choice to wear a red dress to the Olympus Ball sparks controversy and tension. Her actions challenge the conservative norms of the time, leading to confrontations with Preston Dillard and disapproval from the community.

As tensions escalate, Julie's relationship with Press becomes strained. Despite their mutual affection, Julie's defiance leads Press to question her intentions and suitability as a future wife. The strained relationship is further complicated by the yellow fever outbreak, intensifying the stakes for all characters involved.

Amidst the chaos, Julie seeks reconciliation with Press, only to reveal that she is married to Amy, introducing a complex love triangle. This revelation leads to a tragic confrontation where Buck Cantrell is killed, highlighting the devastating impact of societal pressures and personal conflicts.

In the climax, Julie makes a profound sacrifice, choosing to accompany Press to the leper island, thereby absolving Amy and demonstrating her unwavering commitment. This act of selflessness underscores the themes of love, honor, and redemption central to the narrative.

Key Conflicts and Resolutions

• Julie vs. Societal Norms: Julie's bold fashion choice symbolizes her resistance against restrictive societal expectations, creating a rift between her and Press.
• Julie vs. Press: Their conflicted relationship reaches a breaking point as underlying tensions surface, leading to profound emotional confrontations.
• Julie vs. Fate: The encroaching yellow fever epidemic serves as an external force exacerbating existing tensions and propelling Julie towards her ultimate sacrifice.

Notable Quotes

• Julie Marsden (Bette Davis) at [04:21]: "Can't I? This is 1850, Dumplin. 1850, not the dark ages. Girls don't have to simp around in white just because they're not married."

  Julie asserts her independence and challenges traditional gender norms, highlighting her rebellious spirit.

• Preston Dillard at [07:00]: "Well, let me go then. There it is."

  Press confronts Julie about her actions, indicating a pivotal moment in their strained relationship.

• Julie Marsden at [25:14]: "I must go with him. Listen, Amy. They're coming. Coming for him."

  Julie declares her intent to sacrifice herself for Press, underscoring her deep commitment and love.

• Ann Revere as Aunt Belle at [15:13]: "Theophilus, you must understand. She didn't know about Press. After all, he was away for over a year."

  Aunt Belle provides context to Julie's actions, revealing the complexities of the characters' relationships.

Critical Moments

• The Olympus Ball Incident ([04:21] - [07:30]): Julie's decision to wear a red dress becomes the focal point of conflict, challenging societal expectations and igniting tensions with Press.

• Revelation of Marriage ([19:08] - [19:33]): Julie's admission of her marriage to Amy introduces a dramatic twist, deepening the emotional stakes and complicating her relationship with Press.

• Buck Cantrell's Death ([24:07] - [24:15]): The tragic demise of Buck serves as a turning point, heightening the narrative's sense of loss and consequence.

• Julie's Sacrifice ([25:14] - [26:20]): In the face of impending doom, Julie's selfless decision to accompany Press to the leper island encapsulates the story's themes of love and redemption.

Conclusion "Academy Award 03-30-46 (01) Jezebel" delivers a poignant and immersive experience, encapsulating the dramatic flair of old-time radio. Through its rich character development, evocative dialogue, and emotionally charged plot, the episode honors the legacy of classic radio storytelling. Bette Davis's compelling portrayal of Julie Marsden and Ann Revere's nuanced performance as Aunt Belle bring depth and authenticity to this timeless narrative, making it a memorable installment in Harold's Old Time Radio series.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Julie Marsden (Bette Davis) – [04:21]:

   "Can't I? This is 1850, Dumplin. 1850, not the dark ages. Girls don't have to simp around in white just because they're not married."

2. Preston Dillard – [07:00]:

   "Well, let me go then. There it is."

3. Julie Marsden (Bette Davis) – [25:14]:

   "I must go with him. Listen, Amy. They're coming. Coming for him."

4. Aunt Belle (Ann Revere) – [15:13]:

   "Theophilus, you must understand. She didn't know about Press. After all, he was away for over a year."

5. Julie Marsden (Bette Davis) – [12:26]:

   "It'd be interesting, but utterly useless."

6. Preston Dillard – [19:59]:

   "We'd better join the others."

Final Thoughts This episode masterfully blends drama, romance, and societal commentary, reflecting the intricate narratives typical of the Golden Age of Radio. Listeners are treated to an evocative portrayal of love and sacrifice set against the challenging backdrop of 19th-century New Orleans, making "Jezebel" a standout presentation in Harold's Old Time Radio collection.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms Flyer. Today's style tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh. Fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every style, every home.

[Hugh Brundage]

The House of Squibb presents the finest in motion picture entertainment Academy Award the House of Squibb, manufacturing chemist of the medical profession since 1858, brings you Academy Awards. The pictures, the players, the techniques and skills which have won or have been nominated for the coveted awards granted each year by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to each in his field for outstanding achievement. Each week, Squib on the air brings you only the finest in motion picture art. Squib in your home brings you only the finest medicinal products. Pure, effective, reliable squib. A name you can trust. Tonight's picture is Jezebel. Tonight's star is the distinguished Warner Brothers player who has been nominated seven times for awards, has won the prized Oscar twice past president of the Academy, Ms. Bette Davis. With Ms. Davis tonight appears another Academy Award winner, Ms. Ann Revere, who won this year's Academy Award for best supporting actress in National Velvet. And now, Miss Bette Davis.

[Bette Davis]

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Miss Revere and I feel very honored to be on this first presentation of Academy Awards, those awards that mean so very much to all of us in the motion picture industry. Jezebel was written for radio by Frank Wilson with an original musical score composed and conducted by Lee Stevens. And our producer director is Dee Engelbach.

[Hugh Brundage]

Academy Award starring Bette Davis in her 1938 award winning role of Julie Marsden with Anne Revere as Aunt Belle in Jezebel.

[General Bogardus]

It seemed like the end of our world. General Bogardus and I stood in the street of New Orleans that dawn of 1851, listening to the depressing sound of the cat as it was fired to dispel the fever which hung like a plague over the city. It seemed like the end of Julie's world too, as we watched her slowly walk beside poor Preston Dillard as they carried him to the island of the dead.

[Ann Revere]

Come, my dear, you can't stay in this street. Dawn is breaking, the morning chill is penetrating. And in these dangerous days. Ms. Bell, what are you thinking?

[General Bogardus]

I'm thinking of a woman called Jezebel. Who did evil in the sight of God. Yet I wonder. I wonder. Charles, you're out of your mind. You know you can't wear a red dress at an Olympus ball.

[Bette Davis]

Can't I? This is 1850, Dumplin. 1850, not the dark ages. Girls don't have to simp around and white just because they're not married.

[General Bogardus]

You'd insult every woman on the floor. You can't be serious.

[Bette Davis]

Never more serious in my life.

[General Bogardus]

But think of press.

[Bette Davis]

That's just what I am thinking of. Mr. Preston Dillard, who thinks that he can let his own affairs come before me, his future wife.

[Ann Revere]

That started it, Ms. Bell. That damnable red dress.

[General Bogardus]

But that wasn't Julie's fault.

[Ann Revere]

Oh, if Preston Dillard had only taken my advice the night he came to call. I remember you said your generation doesn't understand women, sir.

[Preston Dillard]

Why, maybe not General Bogardes nowadays.

[Ann Revere]

No proper respect for our Southern womanhood. Think your father would have allowed the lady of his choice to have come to his place of business this morning.

[Preston Dillard]

Ms. Julie didn't know I was presiding at a meeting, sir.

[Ann Revere]

Of course not, Preston. But even if the lady upstairs is my ward, I feel you should know what your father would have done.

[Preston Dillard]

What would father have done, sir?

[Ann Revere]

Your father, sir, would have cut him a hickory, sir. He would have flailed the living daylights out of her and then helped her put lard on the welts and brought her a diamond brooch. That's what he would have done, sir. Man, she'd have loved it.

[Preston Dillard]

Where is Ms. Julie?

[General Bogardus]

Why, she asked me to. Please excuse her, Press.

[Preston Dillard]

Is she ill?

[General Bogardus]

Why, no Press.

[Ann Revere]

She's as sound as a nut.

[Preston Dillard]

You will pardon me a moment, please?

[Ann Revere]

Take all the time you need, my boy.

[General Bogardus]

I do believe Mr. Dillard is going up the stairs after Julie. He's taking his walking. Kayna.

[Preston Dillard]

Julie, it's press.

[Ann Revere]

Open the door.

[Preston Dillard]

I want to talk to you. Julie. Why don't you answer? Look here, Julie, you and I gotta straighten things out. Oh, there's no sense to all this. I'm here because I love you and because you love me. But there are some things we've got to set straight. Darling, if you just open the door, I'm sure I could. Julie, open up at once.

[Bette Davis]

Who is it?

[Preston Dillard]

Open this door.

[Bette Davis]

Why? Prayers? Banging at a lady's bedroom door. I'm scandalized at you. Well, would you come here? Just to stand there. I see you brought a stick. I'm waiting. When does the chastisement begin?

[Preston Dillard]

I came up here to. Oh, Julie, how Long must we go on like this?

[Bette Davis]

Like what, Pres?

[Preston Dillard]

Fussing like a couple of children?

[Bette Davis]

Why do you treat me like a child, then?

[Preston Dillard]

Oh, Julie, I love you. Spoiled child or not.

[Bette Davis]

Press in a lady's bedroom. Now you'll have to marry me.

[Preston Dillard]

Oh, look at me, darling. When I come in, I was gonna beat you.

[Bette Davis]

Really? Now, would you like to see my new dress?

[Preston Dillard]

That's what I wanted to do all day.

[Bette Davis]

Well, let me go then. There it is.

[Preston Dillard]

For the Olympus ball.

[Bette Davis]

Yes, isn't it lovely?

[Preston Dillard]

But you can't wear red to the Olympus ball.

[Bette Davis]

Why not?

[Preston Dillard]

Well, you never saw an unmarried girl in anything but white. You know that. It's the custom. It has certain significance.

[Bette Davis]

Are you afraid I'll be taken for one of those girls from Gallatin Street?

[Preston Dillard]

Julie.

[Bette Davis]

Oh, of course, I'm sorry. I'm not supposed to know about things like Gallatin Street. I'm just supposed to simp around and twat.

[Preston Dillard]

So that's it. You're nursing your spite. Well, I'm not gonna let you. For once, you're gonna do as I say. Julie, I'm calling for you tomorrow night at 10. And you're gonna be properly dressed for the ball. In white. Good night.

[Bette Davis]

Oh, Preston, you forgot your stick.

[Ann Revere]

She must have been getting scared over wearing that dress after what Press said to her.

[General Bogardus]

Yes, but her pride.

[Ann Revere]

Confound her. Phoenix pride. You know that she tried to get Buck Cantrell to take her to the ball without telling Press.

[General Bogardus]

Yes, I knew later. Poor drinking duel and easygoing Buck Cantrell. He loved her too.

[Ann Revere]

Thank heaven he refused her. He was a gentleman and an honorable man.

[General Bogardus]

I told you she'd be ready.

[Bette Davis]

Anthony.

[General Bogardus]

Julie, we're ready to go. Julie, you promised me not to.

[Preston Dillard]

So you wore it after all.

[Bette Davis]

Isn't it obvious? Shall we go, Prince?

[Preston Dillard]

Not until you're properly dressed.

[Bette Davis]

Oh, why must everyone be so proper? Why don't you admit, Mr. Diller, that you're afraid? Afraid someone will insult me and you'll find it necessary to defend me.

[Preston Dillard]

Julie, you're rap. Ms. Marsden. May I? You ready, Aunt Belle?

[General Bogardus]

Press. She can.

[Preston Dillard]

She can. She will.

[Ann Revere]

We are ready, sir. Ms. Bell, my arm.

[Bette Davis]

And yours, Mr. Della. Thank you.

[Ann Revere]

My. My dear. Ms. Bell, have you noticed Preston's face? Looks more like his father than ever tonight. And I never saw Tom Dillard look like that without. Somebody got killed, Theophilus.

[General Bogardus]

I'm just plain scared for her.

[Preston Dillard]

May I take your wrap, my dear?

[Bette Davis]

It's. Well, the ballroom seems a little cool.

[Preston Dillard]

I think we'll find it Much warmer inside. Come, gentlemen. You all have the pleasure of Miss Marsden's acquaintance, I think.

[Bette Davis]

Gentlemen.

[Hugh Brundage]

Good evening, Miss Marsden.

[Preston Dillard]

Yonder comes my partner. You'll excuse me? Of course, sir. You haven't a partner. You have to meet Cantrell?

[Hugh Brundage]

Why, no. Came alone.

[Preston Dillard]

A pleasant evening, isn't it?

[Hugh Brundage]

Mighty pleasant. Nice and cool.

[Preston Dillard]

Do you find it cool in here? I don't find it particularly cool. Do you, Julie? Why, no, I don't find it particularly cool. Miss Julie doesn't find it so. Perhaps it's something in the atmosphere that's peculiar to you.

[Hugh Brundage]

Why, no. I reckon not. Now you speak of it, it's just about right.

[Preston Dillard]

It seems so to me.

[Bette Davis]

Please take me out of here.

[Preston Dillard]

Well, my dear, we haven't danced yet. Shall we?

[Bette Davis]

No.

[Preston Dillard]

Oh, yes, we will.

[Bette Davis]

Ted, you gotta take me off this floor. I can't.

[Hugh Brundage]

It's my own brother dancing with her.

[Bette Davis]

Everyone is leaving the floor. No respectable girl will dance while she's dancing. That dress is an insult. Take me off this instant. Press, I beg you, take me away from here. I can't endure it. No.

[Preston Dillard]

We came to dance. We should go on.

[Bette Davis]

But we're alone on the floor.

[Preston Dillard]

So much the better.

[Bette Davis]

Oh, Press, let go of me. If you don't let go of me.

[Preston Dillard]

It's a beautiful ball, don't you think so, Miss Mar?

[Bette Davis]

Take me away from here. Take me away.

[Preston Dillard]

Good night, Aunt Beryl. General Bogardi, sir.

[General Bogardus]

You're not coming in, Pris?

[Preston Dillard]

No, ma'am.

[General Bogardus]

Good night.

[Ann Revere]

Night.

[Preston Dillard]

Well, goodbye, Julie.

[Bette Davis]

Is that all you've got to say to me?

[Preston Dillard]

There's nothing more to say.

[Bette Davis]

Even if I was wrong?

[Preston Dillard]

You couldn't be wrong. You're Julie Marsden.

[Bette Davis]

Am I to go down on my knees?

[Preston Dillard]

It'd be interesting, but utterly useless.

[Bette Davis]

Evidently, you've made up your mind.

[Preston Dillard]

No, Julie. You've made up my mind.

[Bette Davis]

Well, then. Goodbye, Pres.

[Preston Dillard]

Goodbye. Julie.

[General Bogardus]

Julie, don't let him go. Go after him.

[Bette Davis]

Me, after him?

[General Bogardus]

Yes, Julie. Quickly. Oh, Julie, you're such a fool.

[Bette Davis]

Not so big a fool. He'll come back.

[General Bogardus]

Not this time he won't believe me.

[Bette Davis]

Wait and see. He'll come back yet. Tonight, I think. If he does, say I've retired. And tell him I'm sleeping late in the morning not to come round till tomorrow afternoon. Julie, tell him, tell him, tell him.

[Hugh Brundage]

Before we continue tonight's story of Jezebel, starring Ms. Betty Davis and Miss Ann Revere, I would like to tell you about a doctor who lived during the period of this picture. A doctor so devoted to the cause of human health that his zeal still inspires those who carry on his work. His name was Edward R. Squibb. He was appalled by the dangerously inferior quality of drugs then available. He set out to supply the medical profession with drugs that could be relied upon. That's how the company he founded in 1858 the House of Squibb, first came to be known for medicinal products of purity, reliability, efficacy. And through the years, every member of the great family of Squibb products from penicillin to dental cream has been the result of painstaking study and research of an endless quest for perfection. And that is why Squib is a name you can trust. And now for part two of tonight's picture Jezebel starring the Academy Award winners Ms. Bette Davis and Ms. Ann Revere.

[General Bogardus]

Dawn brought heavy mists. The persistent melancholy of the booming fever cannon. The chill which sank deep into our souls.

[Ann Revere]

She lost him. She lost Preston Dillard through her own downright cussedness in flaunting herself in that red dress at the Olympus ball.

[General Bogardus]

Theophilus, you must understand. She didn't know about Press. After all, he was away for over a year. All during that time, she hardly went out of the house save to ride that wild thoroughbred of hers, the quiet and moody. She wouldn't even have tried to escape the plague here in the city if she hadn't heard that Press was coming back. If you could have heard what she told me.

[Bette Davis]

He had to come to the antebellum. He couldn't help himself, you see. He wouldn't know how to fight. As hard as I have to keep from going to him. We'll be married. I'm gonna beg his forgiveness. I was vicious and mean and selfish. And I'm gonna tell him I hated myself for being like that. I'll humble myself before him. All that ever stood between us will be gone when he takes me in his arms. Perhaps we. We'd better go to the plantation now that Press is coming. Of course. Annabelle is the place for our meeting. We'd better start packing. We'll give a party. A party to celebrate.

[General Bogardus]

And they came, all of them, the old, old friends. Buck Cantrell, Ted Dillard, Press's brother, Dr. Livingston. Everyone came to house him. And Julie was walking on the clouds and dressed herself in the white dress that she was to have worn to the ball with Press. And Press, he came and won the carriage. And the carriage stopped. My heart stopped too, for Julie.

[Preston Dillard]

Aunt Belle. Oh, it's wonderful to be back at Halcyon. I would have come even if I weren't invited.

[General Bogardus]

My dear, dear Preston.

[Preston Dillard]

Aunt Belle, I have a surprise. This is Amy.

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Bette Davis]

Wayfair. Every style, every home.

[Preston Dillard]

My wife.

[General Bogardus]

His wife. Crested married. I tried to get away to warn Julie, but I had to stay with our guests. And while I was upstairs, she found him as he was. In the library of Halcyon.

[Bette Davis]

Press. Don't move. Press, are you remembering the time you wanted me to wear white? Are you? Well, until now I never have. Cat got your tongue pressed?

[Preston Dillard]

Julie?

[Bette Davis]

Oh, Press, what fools we were. Please.

[Preston Dillard]

That's over, Julie.

[Bette Davis]

Yes, of course. Press, I can't believe it's you here. I've dreamed it so long. A lifetime. No, longer than that.

[Preston Dillard]

What? Juliana.

[Bette Davis]

Oh, no, don't say it yet. I put on this white dress for you to help me tell you how humbly I ask you to forgive me. See, Press, I'm kneeling to Julie.

[Preston Dillard]

Don't.

[Bette Davis]

I want to. Press, I must make you forgive me and love me as I love you.

[Preston Dillard]

Julie, get up, please.

[Bette Davis]

I've been looking for you. Pres.

[Preston Dillard]

Julie, this is Amy, my wife.

[Bette Davis]

Julie.

[General Bogardus]

Julie, where are you?

[Bette Davis]

Here and there. I was just about to congratulate Press on his marriage. I'm very happy, Mrs. Dillard, to welcome you to Halcyon.

[General Bogardus]

Julie, child, I'm so sorry.

[Bette Davis]

Oh, for heaven's sake. Don't be gentle with me now. Do you think I want to be wept over? I've got to think, to plan. Julie, you can't fight Mary married to that. That little washed out Yankee. Press is mine. He's always been mine. And I'm gonna have him. Press, why did you do it?

[Preston Dillard]

We'd better join the others.

[Bette Davis]

Why?

[Preston Dillard]

Because. Because I love her.

[Bette Davis]

No, you're not such a fool. Not after you had my love. How much do you remember?

[Preston Dillard]

Everything you ever said or did. But it's past now. It's finished.

[Bette Davis]

I ought to have come to you. I wanted to so terribly, so much that I couldn't. And you felt that way too. That's what brought you back, Press. You had to come back to the country, you know. So well, Pres, listen. The night noises. The moon through the cypress. Can you taste the night on your tongue? It's part of you, Press. The mockingbirds in the magnolias. The blue haze on a spring morning when the air is so soft it presses you like a kiss. It's the river rolling forever. The country you were born to.

[Preston Dillard]

Julie, please don't do this.

[Bette Davis]

It's part of your Press, just as I'm part of you. And we'll never let you go. Press. Put your arms around me.

[Preston Dillard]

Oh, Julie.

[Bette Davis]

This is your country, Press. Amy couldn't understand it. She thinks there'd be snakes.

[Preston Dillard]

Yes, and she'd be right. You talk about belonging. Amy's put her life and happiness in my hands. And they're gonna be safe there. I think we'd better go in now.

[Ann Revere]

She tried to win him back. And when she failed, she did the unforgivable thing. She set herself willfully to cause trouble.

[General Bogardus]

Yes, the office. She seemed possessed that night.

[Hugh Brundage]

I hear Press had to go into the city.

[Bette Davis]

Yes, they sent for him.

[Ann Revere]

I hope he'll be all right. I had grave reports of conditions there. The plague is sweeping on, despite all effort to check it.

[Hugh Brundage]

They posted the governor's militia to guard through the parish. No one will be permitted to leave the city or to enter it now.

[Bette Davis]

I'm so worried about Press. A pity he had to leave now. But I suppose his bank comes first. Press is devoted to the bank, right? Unfortunately. So you don't find that admirable, Miss Marston? Well, it just seems to me that there are other things more interesting. I imagine Buck finds it so too.

[Hugh Brundage]

That's right, Miss Julie. I never go into a bank if I can help it.

[Bette Davis]

Why, Buck?

[Hugh Brundage]

Because it seems to me they're mostly always studying how they can get away. Something from somebody. Well, I'm sure Buck doesn't mean that the way it sounds.

[Bette Davis]

I'm sure Mr. Cantrell is capable of defending his own insinuations.

[Hugh Brundage]

Why, Mistress Dillard, I didn't mean to offend. I was just talking. Of course, Amy, he doesn't realize what he's saying. Doesn't even realize how Julie is using him.

[Bette Davis]

Why, Buck, am I using you?

[Hugh Brundage]

I'd be right happy if you'd explain that remark, sir. I'll explain it. You're fool enough to defend what you don't even understand. That Julie's been egging you on, first against Press and now against his wife.

[Bette Davis]

Well, that's pretty talk, isn't it, Buck?

[Hugh Brundage]

Yes, Miss Julie. That's very impolite. Talk very. Let's put it this way, Mr. Cantrell. All evening I thought you coarse and not a gentleman.

[Preston Dillard]

Why, you win.

[Hugh Brundage]

So.

[Ann Revere]

At your service, sir.

[Bette Davis]

Dad, you. You can't do this. I'm afraid, Ms. Dillard, you don't understand our Southern customs.

[Ann Revere]

Gentlemen, will you please take your places? Remember, gentlemen, you turn and fire at the count of ten. Are you ready?

[Preston Dillard]

Ready.

[Ann Revere]

Ready. Very well. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

[Bette Davis]

Bucks.

[Preston Dillard]

Dead.

[Bette Davis]

Julie. You she devil.

[Hugh Brundage]

Come on, Amy. We're getting out of here.

[Ann Revere]

We're all going.

[Bette Davis]

How do you propose to get through the guard? And there's yellow fever in the city. Surely my hospitality is better than the plague.

[Ann Revere]

We'll get through. Good night, ma'am. I shall never speak to her again, even though she return one day from the dead.

[General Bogardus]

When she heard that he was stricken, she had to come to him. Don't you understand? She went through the swamp, past the guards, risked her life to get to him.

[Ann Revere]

His wife was at his side. She belonged there.

[General Bogardus]

Julie belonged there, too. Amy understands that now.

[Ann Revere]

She stole him away from Amy as he lay dying.

[General Bogardus]

The aphrodisia. You must not judge.

[Ann Revere]

Believe me, Mrs. Dillard, it's unthinkable that you go with him there. Armed guards are coming to take him to the leper island.

[Hugh Brundage]

It's the law.

[Ann Revere]

All who catch the fever must go.

[Bette Davis]

When they come for him. I'm going with him. No, you can't go. Amy. It is your right to go. You're his wife. But are you fit to go? Loving him isn't enough. If you gave him all your strength, would it be enough? I'll make him live. I'll die with him. Amy, do you know the creole word for fever powder, for food, for water? Can you talk to a sullen, overworked black boy and make him fear you and help you press his life? And yours will hang on words you can't say and you'll both surely die. I must go with him. Listen, Amy. They're coming. Coming for him. Oh, Amy, it isn't a question of proving your love by laying down your life for praise. Nothing so easy. Have you the knowledge and the strength to fight for his life and your own? Amy, it's no longer you or I. What do you mean? I'll make him live. I will. You see, I know how to fight better than you. I'll fight to the death itself.

[Preston Dillard]

Where is he?

[Bette Davis]

Upstairs. Amy, you're the bravest woman I ever saw. I believe you even have the courage to save him by giving Me the right to go in your place. Oh, you're not afraid to die? I know that. I boldly ask a greater sacrifice in pres. Name his life. You love him even more than I believe within your power. Oh, let me prove myself worthy of the love I bear him. Julie, tell me something which only you can tell me. Does Press still love you? He himself might know. But you would tell me. Amy. What does it matter who Press loves? It's his life that matters. Tell me. We both know Press loves his wife. Whom else could Press love? Not me, surely. I've done so much against him. Had there been any love in his heart for me, I'd have taken him away from you. I tried and failed because he loves only you. I'm grateful for you telling me in your own way what I had to know. Take care of him, Julie. I believe you've earned whatever right is mine. God protect you and Prince. Go with him, Amy. Thank you. Press. Press.

[Hugh Brundage]

All right, let's get started.

[Preston Dillard]

We've got to get him to the island.

[Bette Davis]

Press. Press. I'm here. I'll always be here. Press. Press. Darling, I.

[Ann Revere]

Come, Ms. Bell. They've gone and there's no turning back. Come. You. You cannot stay here in the street. Ms. Bell. What are you thinking?

[General Bogardus]

I'm thinking of a woman called Jezebel who did evil in the sight of.

[Bette Davis]

Go.

[Hugh Brundage]

We are honored, ladies and gentlemen, on this first presentation of Academy Award to introduce a distinguished artist, known and loved by you on the air as Dr. Christian, president of the Academy of Motion Picture arts and Sciences, Mr. Jean Hershel.

[Ann Revere]

Good evening, Ms. Davis and Ms. Revere. Your performances were superb. I also thank you, Ms. Revere, for so brilliantly playing the role of Aunt Bell in place of Ms. Faye Baynter, who is ill. And to you, Ms. Baynter, our best wishes for a speedy recovery. The Academy appreciates the significance of this series of broadcasts. We are grateful to E.R. squib and Sons for their vision and support in sponsoring these programs. The Academy is dedicated to lifting the standards of motion pictures even higher. It values this platform of expression and views with deep satisfaction the determination to make this radio program through a broad variety of great weekly broadcasts and institutions in the life of America.

[Hugh Brundage]

Next week, another great picture, the House of Squibb, will present Academy Awards, starring the beautiful and talented Miss Ginger Rogers in her Oscar winning performance of Kitty Foyle. Next week it is Academy Awards, starring Ginger Rogers in Kitty Foyle. Ms. Bette Davis will soon be seen in A Stolen Life, produced by Warner Brothers. Also producers of Devotion, Ms. Anne Revere will soon be seen in the 20th Century Fox production Dragonwick. This is Hugh Brundage bidding you good night until next week at the same time when the House of Squibb invites you to join us for Academy Awards. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfarer message. Wayfair's Got Style Tips for Every Home this is Stiles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's Style Tip when it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every Style, Every Home.