Academy Award 12-11-46 (38) Enchanted Cottage

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: "Academy Award 12-11-46 (38) Enchanted Cottage"

Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Academy Award 12-11-46 (38) Enchanted Cottage

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Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Academy Award 12-11-46 (38) Enchanted Cottage," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. The episode features a poignant adaptation of the 1945 love story Enchanted Cottage, starring Peter Lawford and Joan Loring. Presented by the House of Squibb, the narrative delves into themes of love, transformation, and the magic that lies within human connections.

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Characters and Setting

• Oliver Bradford (Peter Lawford): A war veteran returning home, disfigured from his experiences.
• Laura Pennington (Joan Loring): An unattractive young woman who becomes Oliver's companion.
• Mrs. Abigail Minett: The owner of the enchanted cottage, once a tradition-holder for young married couples.
• John Hillgrove: A friend sought for advice regarding the mysterious changes in Oliver and Laura.
• Unknown Narrator: Guides the audience through the unfolding story, providing context and exposition.

Setting: A secluded enchanted cottage in New England, once a haven for young couples to pledge their love away from the world's turmoil.

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Plot Summary

Act 1: Introduction to the Enchanted Cottage

The story unfolds with the narrator introducing the enchanted cottage, a relic of a bygone tradition where happily married couples would reside. Mrs. Abigail Minett, the current caretaker, has taken in Laura Pennington to assist with the house, hinting at the cottage's potential to rekindle lost traditions.

Notable Exchange:

• Joan Loring (Laura): "These people who are renting the cottage, Mrs. Minet, are they a honeymoon couple?" [03:41]
• Mrs. Minett: "Please don't ask that." [03:45]

Act 2: The Meeting of Oliver and Laura

Oliver Bradford arrives at the cottage with Laura, seeking refuge and a place to rekindle their relationship amidst Oliver's disfigurement from war. Their initial interactions are fraught with tension and insecurity, particularly regarding Oliver's appearance.

Highlighted Dialogue:

• Oliver: "I was hoping you were going to renew the old tradition." [03:47]
• Mrs. Minett: "That tradition is broken. I broke it." [03:50]

As they settle into the cottage, Oliver expresses his frustrations and fears, particularly about how his appearance affects their relationship.

Key Moment:

• Oliver to Laura: "I wanted to cut our names on the window with the others." [07:02]
• Laura: "But only honeymoon couples may write their names on that window." [07:09]

Act 3: The Curse and Transformation

Tragedy strikes when Oliver leaves for war and doesn't return, leaving Laura to grapple with loneliness and unrequited love. Upon his return, Oliver is emotionally and physically scarred, leading to a pivotal moment where both characters confront their inner demons.

Emotional Climax:

• Oliver: "Do you think I want people to see me the way I am?" [11:53]
• Laura: "I'll bring you your supper, Mr. Bradford. Mrs. Minute is a very good cook." [12:23]

Act 4: The Enchantment Revealed

The enchantment of the cottage begins to manifest as Laura and Oliver’s love rekindles. Through shared experiences and mutual support, both characters undergo a transformation, symbolizing the healing power of love.

Magical Realization:

• Laura: "As I played, the feeling of enchantment spread, embracing everything around me... I had to run away from him. I couldn't let him see my tears." [19:00]
• Oliver: "She was changed. It was no trick of the moonlight. She was beautiful. Radiantly beautiful." [20:07]

Act 5: Embracing the Miracle

The culmination of the story sees Oliver and Laura embracing their newfound happiness and the magic of the cottage. With the guidance of John Hillgrove, they understand that their love has transformed them, granting them inner and outward beauty.

Resolution:

• John Hillgrove: "Take this gift and enjoy it without question and without fear. Accept it humbly as a heaven-sent miracle and be grateful for it." [21:09]
• Laura: "Nothing can ever change the way I feel about you." [26:57]

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Key Themes and Insights

• Transformation Through Love: The cottage serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of love, illustrating how genuine connection can heal and beautify individuals.
• Overcoming Insecurity: Both Oliver and Laura confront their insecurities, finding solace and acceptance in each other.
• Magic of Human Connection: The narrative emphasizes that true enchantment lies in the bonds we form and the love we nurture.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Oliver to Laura:
   "Do you think I want people to see me the way I am?" [11:53]

2. Laura on Dreams and Ugliness:
   "Merciful dreams, in which we're as lovely and desirable as any woman in the world. It's cruel to destroy those dreams." [14:42]

3. John Hillgrove's Wisdom:
   "Take this gift and enjoy it without question and without fear. Accept it humbly as a heaven-sent miracle and be grateful for it." [21:09]

4. Laura's Assurance:
   "Nothing can ever change the way I feel about you." [26:57]

5. Oliver's Realization of Love:
   "She was changed. It was no trick of the moonlight. She was beautiful. Radiantly beautiful." [20:07]

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Conclusion

"Enchanted Cottage" masterfully weaves a tale of love, loss, and magical transformation, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through the voices of Peter Lawford and Joan Loring, the story transcends its time, offering timeless insights into the healing power of love and the enchantment it brings. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of radio dramas and their ability to evoke deep emotional resonance in their audiences.

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Production Notes:

• Written By: Frank Wilson
• Music Conducted and Adapted By: Leith Stevens, from the original by Roy Webb
• Producer/Director: Dee Engelbach
• Featuring: Peter Lawford and Joan Loring, in association with Metro Goldwyn Mayer

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For more nostalgic journeys into classic radio dramas, stay tuned to Harold's Old Time Radio, where timeless stories come alive.

Transcript

[Expedia]

Trip Planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia made to travel.

[Unknown Narrator]

The House of Squib presents Academy Award Tonight Peter Lawford and Joan Loring in Enchanted Cottage. Every week, Squibb brings you Hollywood's finest the great picture plays, the great actors and actresses, techniques and skills chosen from the honor roll of those who have won or been nominated for the famous golden Oscar of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. For generations, the House of Squibb has been known for the high quality and unfailing dependability of its products, each the result of a never ending quest for perfection. Today, the great family of Squibb products reflects the tremendous advance of science in its contribution to human health and well being. The name Squib stands for progress through research. Squib is a name you can trust. Tonight, Squibb brings to Academy Award Enchanted Cottage, the charming love story which in 1945 was nominated for an Academy Award. In our cast tonight, you will hear the popular young star, Peter Lawford and Joan Loring, who as best supporting actress of the year was also nominated for a 1945 Academy Award.

I suppose you could call this the first public performance of my new tone poem, the Enchanted Cottage. I'd counted on Laura and Oliver being here because it's their story, really. From the first time I became aware of it in the moonlight, I sensed its inherent magic, although being blind, I could see the cottage only with the inner eye of imagination. The cottage was all that was left of a great estate built upon these New England shores by an English nobleman. He used it to lend to young married couples to live in as long as they wished. But by the time I first came upon it, this gracious tradition had been abandoned and almost completely forgotten. The present day owner, I had learned, was a lone widow, Mrs. Abigail Minett, who kept her distance and made others keep theirs. It was not until Mrs. Minet took in Laura Pennington to live and help her with the house that I realized she meant to rent it to a young married couple. And the secret of the enchanted cottage might at last be revealed to me.

[Joan Loring]

These people who are renting the cottage, Mrs. Minet, are they a honeymoon couple?

[Unknown]

Please don't ask that.

[Joan Loring]

Oh, I was hoping you were going to renew the old tradition.

[Unknown]

That tradition is broken. I broke it.

[Joan Loring]

Oh.

[Unknown]

This cottage was deeded to my husband as a wedding present. It was to have been our home, Tom's and mine. Only I've had to stay here alone, nearly. Do you know what loneliness is? Yes, I thought you might. You're such an ugly girl.

[Joan Loring]

I know.

[Unknown]

That's why when I heard you were back. Oh, they're here. You open the door for them.

[Peter Lawford]

Hello? Anybody at home?

[Joan Loring]

Come in, please.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, I hope I'm not too early, Mrs. Minute. I brought Miss. Oh, I'm sorry, darling. This isn't Mrs. Minute. I'm Oliver Bradford. I stopped by last week and persuaded Mrs. Minet to rent us the cottage.

[Joan Loring]

I know. I'm Nora Pennington.

[Unknown]

Hello, Mr. Bradford.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, there you are. Mrs. Minet, this is Ms. Alexander.

[Unknown]

How do you do?

Would you like to see the upstairs?

[Peter Lawford]

You go ahead, Beatrice. I've seen it.

[Unknown]

Very well, Oliver.

[Joan Loring]

I'll take your coat.

[Peter Lawford]

Thank you. You must have been here quite a while with Mrs. Minett.

[Joan Loring]

Oh, no. I came only this morning.

[Peter Lawford]

But you seem to belong here.

[Joan Loring]

Well, you see, I was born in the village and lived there for many years. When I was a child, I heard all the stories about the cottage.

[Unknown]

It was like.

[Joan Loring]

Well, like living near a fairy tale.

[Peter Lawford]

Next thing you'll be telling me the cottage is haunted.

[Joan Loring]

Oh, no, it's not haunted. It's enchanted.

[Peter Lawford]

It comes to the same thing, doesn't it?

[Joan Loring]

Not at all haunted. That's to be restless and uneasy and afraid. It's ugly. But enchantment, that's to be happy and gay. It's beauty. You see, all the people who lived here loved one another. They all found their heart's desire here on the old window. Their names. Young men and women who in this very room pledged to love each other forever.

[Unknown]

Oliver.

[Peter Lawford]

Hello, darling. I've been hearing about enchantment. Seems that we're to live under a happy spell.

[Unknown]

I'll admit this is all very charming, but I had thought we might have spent our honeymoon in Santa Barbara or Bar Harbor.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, nonsense. Not when I found you. True Enchantment. Well, Mrs. Minute, are you ready for us?

[Unknown]

There are a few routine questions I've got to ask. Of course.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, my dear Mrs. Minute, I filled out so many forms during the past two weeks, I can tell you anything you want to know about me, complete with photostats.

[Unknown]

Mr. Bradford means that he's applied for a commission in the Army Air Corps.

He's a flyer.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, yes. You're going to have us on your hands for quite a spell. At least until I get my commission. But I don't expect that for three months.

[Unknown]

It may be sooner than you Think.

[Peter Lawford]

Look, it's December. I won't be hearing from Washington for at least three months, not with that red tape. Oh, by the way, darling, will you let me have your ring?

[Unknown]

My ring?

[Peter Lawford]

Yes. Now that we're going to settle down here for a bit, I think we ought to keep up with all the old traditions.

[Unknown]

What are you talking about?

[Peter Lawford]

Just give me the diamond. You'll find out.

[Unknown]

Oliver.

My diamond. It came out of the setting when you tried to cut with it in the glass. I really don't understand what you're trying to do.

[Peter Lawford]

I wanted to cut our names in the window with the others.

[Unknown]

I suppose if I was superstitious, I'd regard this as a warning that we shouldn't marry at all.

You're not married yet. That's why only honeymoon couples may write their names on that window.

[Peter Lawford]

Well, I'll write our names on the windows as soon as we come back.

[Joan Loring]

They're gone, Mrs. Minet. Such a nice young couple, and they said they'd be married on. Why, Mrs. Minet, your calendar's way off. Today is December 7, 1941, and your calendar says April 6, 1917. Mrs. Minet, you're just 24 years, 10 months and one day off schedule.

[Unknown Narrator]

Oliver didn't come back to claim his cottage nor his honeymoon, for he had no chance to get married. Only time for war. Laura stayed on with Mrs. Minute and did what she could for the war. Washed dishes in a serviceman's canteen. But that's all she could do for the boys never asked her to dance. Perhaps it was too much to expect a man with precious leave to spend a few minutes of it with such an unattractive girl. Then one spring night, Laura came home. Tried to sneak off, sorely hurt, to her room in the cottage.

[Unknown]

Laura.

[Joan Loring]

Oh, I didn't see you. It's so late.

[Unknown]

I've been waiting for you. No use to cry, girl. It's not for some of us for you and me to try to live like other people. You think you can sometimes, but there's always the world to remind you. All the things that other people take for granted. You've got to make up your mind and your heart. They're not for you.

[Joan Loring]

Yes, I. I know.

[Unknown]

Now you've got to find something else to take their place. That's why I wanted you to be here. Because there's something here for you that there isn't anyplace else. A place where no one can hurt you. You understand?

[Joan Loring]

Yes. Yes, I understand.

[Unknown]

I knew someone would come tonight. Hmm. It's A telegram Exhibit at this time of night. Would like cottage for indefinite period. Arriving today. Oliver Bradford.

[Joan Loring]

Bradford? Why, that was his name. Then they did get married after all. Imagine they're remembering the cottage all this time. It's been over a year. Mrs. Minute. There is something about this cottage, isn't there?

[Unknown]

There is indeed. Needs a good cleaning if he's coming.

We've been here exactly one hour in this silly cottage. It's useless. Even if he is only my stepson, I tell you, it's useless. He won't even talk to us.

Maybe Mrs. Price can reason with him.

Mother, how did he act towards you?

He won't even unlock the door. He told me to go away.

Then it's up to you, Beatrice. You must bring him to his senses. Of course, he is pretty badly smashed up. But I've told him a hundred times there's no use becoming a mental case over a little injury. He ought to realize there are thousands of cases worse than this.

Oliver, please. Oliver, it's Beatrice. Won't you talk to me? Won't you, please? I meant what I said the other day. We can be married. I'll look after you. I'll try to make you a good wife. Why did we have to have this terrible war? You see, Oliver, that first day when you came home, no one had told me. When you turned and looked at me, I wasn't prepared. That's why I thought I. Oliver, I can't help it if I'm weak. I tried to be brave.

Really, I did.

I did try.

[Peter Lawford]

I did.

[Unknown]

Oliver.

[Joan Loring]

Oliver.

[Peter Lawford]

Gone. They're gone. Oh, thank God. Now let's get it over with. Why not? No use going on like this. No use in the world.

[Joan Loring]

No, don't give me that gun.

[Peter Lawford]

Very well, if you want. But I'd be grateful, miss, if you'd mind your own business, I. Oh, look here, I'm. I'm sorry I said that. But don't you understand? Do you think I want people to see me the way I am? You saw me before. Doesn't the change shock you? Repel you at all?

[Joan Loring]

No.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, you can't know. You can't realize what it is to face life like this. Disfigured, ugly in.

[Joan Loring]

I'll bring you your supper, Mr. Bradford. Mrs. Minute is a very good cook.

[Peter Lawford]

Thank you.

[Unknown Narrator]

Perhaps it was the enchantment of the cottage making itself known at last. But little by little, Oliver seemed to change. Even my efforts at first seemed to bear little fruit. That I, too, had been a war flyer. That I'd been blinded in the Argonne that I'd found in music an answer to the despair that eats the soul. All this seemed to leave Oliver untouched. It must have been Laura alone who got him to take walks, to talk, to study life again. At least when I saw him at all, he was with her.

[Joan Loring]

I. I knew you were here by the sea. I thought you might. Well, that you might not want to be alone these past few weeks. Well, I had an idea that the walks we took and talking to me, I. I hoped I was being of some help to you. And so I thought that if you needed help now, I would.

[Peter Lawford]

I had a letter from my mother and my stepfather. They feel it's not good for me to be alone, to be in a position where I brood too much. So they've given me my choice. I can come home and have the benefit of their loving care and attention 24 hours a day, or they're prepared to make the supreme sacrifice and come here and live with me.

[Joan Loring]

Oh, but they can't. Why? Nothing could be more damaging to you than to have them here.

[Peter Lawford]

I can't face it. I won't face it. But there's no way I can get away from them unless. Laura. Laura. You don't get on a man's nerves. I've had proof that you don't day after day. Don't be startled at what I'm going to say to you. Will you marry me?

[Joan Loring]

If you want to marry, to get rid of your family, there must be dozens of girls who'd suit your purpose better than I would.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, do you think I have such a great choice? A hideous casualty for the rest of my life?

[Joan Loring]

I understand. I get the chance because there aren't so many.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, I'm a blundering fool. I wouldn't have hurt you for anything in the world.

[Joan Loring]

I'm. I'm sorry. It was stupid of me to be upset. You see, it isn't as if I weren't aware of my ugliness. There's only one thing you've overlooked, of course. You would never have understood women like me. Conscious as we may be of our defects, we find refuge in dreams, Merciful dreams, in which we're as lovely and desirable as any woman in the world. It's cruel to destroy those dreams.

[Peter Lawford]

I. I only felt that no woman in the world would marry me except out of compassion. I know you have a lot of that. I promise to try not to be too much of a burden. I like being with you. I like to hear the sound of your voice. Your LAUGHTER I'm not offering you much, but, well, we're sort of in the same boat. I've got to keep on hoping that you'll say yes.

[Joan Loring]

I don't want to say yes just because you and a wife and I happen to be here. Don't you see?

[Peter Lawford]

Yes. Yes, I see. I see that you couldn't possibly care enough.

[Joan Loring]

But I do care. That's the reason.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, Laura. Bless you, Laura. Bless you forever and ever.

[Unknown Narrator]

Before. Continuing with part two of Academy Award. We wish to thank RKO Pictures for making this story available. RKO are also producers of Nocturne, starring George Raft and Lynn Berry. And now the House of Squibb presents part two of Academy Award, starring Peter Lawford and Joan Loring in enchanted cot.

They were married quietly, Oliver and Laura, and they lived on in the cottage. I'd been away on a recital tour and when I got back, there was a note awaiting me. It said, something extraordinary has happened and Laura and I need your advice. Please come to see us as soon as you arrive, Oliver. Naturally, I went over that very evening.

[Unknown]

Good evening, Mr. Hillgrove.

[Unknown Narrator]

Good evening, Mrs. Minet. Where are Mr. And Mrs. Bradford?

[Unknown]

Out for a walk.

[Unknown Narrator]

I haven't seen them since the wedding. I say, what's happened to this room? Feels different to me somehow.

[Unknown]

It's the flowers, maybe.

[Unknown Narrator]

No, it's more than that. Tonight I got rather an odd note. Tell me, Mrs. Minute, what's happened to your young couple that's so extraordinary?

[Unknown]

I can't tell you.

[Unknown Narrator]

Didn't they go away on a honeymoon?

[Unknown]

They're spending it right here in the cottage. You'll be the first person they've seen since their marriage. Except me. They keep to themselves all day. When they do go out at night, they wrap themselves up and cover their faces. They're coming now, John.

[Peter Lawford]

Hello, John.

[Unknown Narrator]

Hello, you two.

[Joan Loring]

It's so good to see you again. In fact, I think we should have died if we'd had to wait for you much longer.

[Unknown Narrator]

What's this all about? What is all this mystery, John?

[Peter Lawford]

John, it may be insane, but. Well, we sent for you because you're the only one we can trust.

[Joan Loring]

Set me, Oliver. Well, it's about this cottage, John. You know my feelings about it. There's something strange here. Something.

[Unknown Narrator]

But what has it to do with you and Oliver? What is this thing that has happened to you?

[Peter Lawford]

But it's. It's something. Well, something pretty nearly incredible. We've changed, John.

[Unknown Narrator]

Well, I may not be able to see, but I can tell that from your voices you feel different. Because you're happy.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, it's more than that. It's a physical change.

[Joan Loring]

The day we were married and we came home, it was later that night and we were finishing dinner. Our wedding dinner. It was a farce. Tragic fuss. He was my husband. But how could he ever know that I loved him? From the first day he came to the cottage, I would never be able to tell him all that was in my heart, for he could never love me as I loved him. I got up and went to the piano. The very first notes I struck were like the touch of a magic wand. There was a new warmth, a new radiance. I could feel the room changing. And as I played, the feeling of enchantment spread, embracing everything around me. I turned and looked at Oliver. He was just as I saw him the first day when he was everything I'd ever dreamed of. Suddenly I thought, how could I fool myself I could be the bride of such a man as this. I had to run away from him. I couldn't let him see my tears.

[Peter Lawford]

I followed Laura upstairs. My heart went out to her. Suddenly I realized how much she had come to mean to me. I took her in my arms to reassure her. She was changed. It was no trick of the moonlight. She was beautiful. Radiantly beautiful. Like she is now. That was when we knew.

[Unknown Narrator]

I think I understand.

[Joan Loring]

But I'm afraid. I'm so afraid it's some kind of trick, John. I couldn't stand to be ugly again. For Oliver.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, my darling. What do you think, John?

[Unknown]

The storm is passing over us. We shan't have to worry.

[Joan Loring]

She knows. She never looks at us. She avoids us as we avoid her. But she knows about the change.

[Peter Lawford]

This cottage belongs to her. She lives in its past. She knows its secret.

[Unknown Narrator]

Laura. Oliver.

[Joan Loring]

Yes, John?

[Unknown Narrator]

You asked for my advice.

[Joan Loring]

Yes.

[Unknown Narrator]

Take this gift and enjoy it without question and without fear. Accept it humbly as a heaven sent miracle and be grateful for it.

[Joan Loring]

A miracle?

[Unknown Narrator]

Yes. You've both been touched by a power which is beyond this world. Accept your blessing. Don't talk to anyone about it. It belongs to you. Guard it closely and permit no one to shatter it.

[Peter Lawford]

Laura. John, they're coming. My mother and stepfather.

[Unknown Narrator]

How nice.

[Joan Loring]

I know, darling. I saw the wire.

[Peter Lawford]

Frankly, I'm sorry I didn't make the gesture of inviting them myself.

[Joan Loring]

I have a simply dreadful reason for being glad they're coming. Of course I want them to see how happy we are. But particularly I want them to see that Oliver didn't do so badly in marrying me.

[Peter Lawford]

Won't it Be wonderful, John. Showing Laura off, watching them admire her.

[Unknown Narrator]

Oliver, don't you think your mother and stepfather ought to be prepared for what's happened to you?

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, yes, you may be right.

[Unknown Narrator]

I feel that if they were told in advance, gently about the miracle, I think you ought to let me try and explain it to them.

[Joan Loring]

Wonderful. I must get dressed. You're a darling, John. Come on, Oliver. And don't take long dressing.

[Unknown Narrator]

So you see, Mrs. Price, your son, Oliver and Laura are on the verge on the borderland of the greatest happiness they've ever experienced. But they've changed. Changed greatly. And I know that that change as they see it is not as you'll see it.

[Peter Lawford]

I'm afraid I really don't understand.

[Unknown]

You're talking in riddles, Hillgrove.

[Unknown Narrator]

Let me put it this way, then. When they come down those stairs, no matter what they say or do, will you act along with them, please? They don't know it, but they're playing a part. Play a part with them. Pretend that the change is as great as they imagine it is.

[Unknown]

I knew something like this would happen. Where is Oliver? Oliver.

[Peter Lawford]

Oliver.

[Unknown Narrator]

Please, Mrs. Price.

[Peter Lawford]

Please. Oliver, we're coming.

[Unknown Narrator]

Please remember, the next few minutes may be the most important in their lives. You hold that chance of happiness in your hands.

[Unknown]

Oh, there's entirely too much mystery about this whole thing to suit me.

[Peter Lawford]

Well, Oliver, darling, you know my wife, Laura. Mother.

[Joan Loring]

I'm so glad you've come to see us, Mrs. Price.

[Unknown]

Oh, you do?

[Joan Loring]

Won't you sit down? I'll ring for Mrs. Minute. She's prepared a lovely tea. Wait until you taste her scones. I've tried to make them myself, but I'm afraid it takes years of learning.

[Peter Lawford]

Oh, this is going to be a real party. A memorable occasion, actually, because you're the first. Outside of John here, there's nobody else who knows.

[Unknown]

Now, look here, Oliver, I really.

[Peter Lawford]

Poor Freddy. Oh, we must shock you. But you'll get used to the change. You won't even remember us as we were. Laura and I joke about it now ourselves. Why, it's difficult for us to remember. Mother, what is it?

[Unknown]

Oh, my poor boy. You poor, poor darling.

[Peter Lawford]

Mother, just because you're happy, there's no reason to cry.

[Unknown]

Forgive me, darling. I love you so much, Oliver. And if you're really happy, I. I guess that's all that matters. And I'm glad he married you, Laura, dear, because it's clear you're such a loyal girl and has so much to give him. Oh, so much more than just a pretty girl. And Philly and I will be with you both as often as we can. Of course. But it won't be necessary for you to go and see people.

[Joan Loring]

How do you like your tea, Mrs. Price? Lemon or cream?

[Unknown]

You mustn't bother about tea, Laurie. You really mustn't. I. I couldn't swallow a mouthful. I've got an awful headache coming on. You'll excuse us, won't you, if we just run along? Goodbye. You poor darling. Come along, Frederick.

[Joan Loring]

Mrs. Minet. You've always known about us, haven't you?

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Peter Lawford]

You never noticed any change in us?

[Unknown]

No.

[Peter Lawford]

Why didn't you tell us before?

[Unknown]

Well, when I knew you'd have to find out the truth this afternoon, I thought my heart would break. But now that you know. Would you have had me tell you sooner? There was nothing I could have done or can do now. And yet, what is there really to be sad about? Shall I tell you the secret?

[Joan Loring]

Shall I? Tell us? Please tell us.

[Unknown]

You love each other. You've fallen in love. And a man and a woman in love have a gift of sight that isn't granted to other people. To each other. You are beautiful because you are in love. And that's the charm. That's the secret to the only enchantment this cottage holds. And it's of your own.

[Peter Lawford]

My darling. You'll always be beautiful to me.

[Joan Loring]

Nothing can ever change the way I feel about you. You know that.

[Peter Lawford]

Yes, dearest, I know.

[Joan Loring]

Oliver, dear, we've never written our names on the old window.

[Peter Lawford]

Let me have your ring, dear.

[Joan Loring]

You know, somehow I think the others would want us to. Now.

[Unknown Narrator]

You'Ll forget it's December for a moment. The first time you try refreshing Squib Dental Cream. For Squib Dental Cream brings you a sense of exhilarating freshness as welcome as the clear, cool air of a morning in May. And you can enjoy the quick refreshment of Squib Dental Cream anytime. For in the simple act of brushing your teeth with this delightfully different dentifrice, you sense a fragrant mintiness, a brisk, tingling action you've never known before. Squib Dental Cream leaves your mouth feeling fresh and young and clean. And your smile will seem younger and brighter, too. For Squib Dental Cream sweeps away the dullness that hides the natural luster of your teeth. So give your charm a change. Give it the protection of Squib Dental Cream, one of the great family of Squib products. Taste, feel and see the refreshing difference. Next Wednesday, another great picture. The House of Squibb will present Academy Awards, starring Margaret o' Brien in Lost Angel. Today's performance of Enchanted Cottage was written for radio by Frank Wilson. Leith Stevens conducted and adapted our musical score from the original by Roy Webb. Our producer director is Dee Engelbach. Peter Lawford appeared by arrangement with Metro Goldwyn Mayer, producers of the Academy contender the Yearling, starring Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman. Joan Loring will soon be seen in the Enterprise production the Other Love this Christmas, every Christmas, the greatest gift of all is health. Buy Christmas seals and give help. Remember, you're helping to stamp out tuberculosis when you buy Christmas seals. Send your contribution tonight. This is Hugh Brundage bidding you good night until next Wednesday. At the same time when you're invited to listen again to Academy Award presented by the House of Squibb, a name you can trust. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.