Adventure Ahead 44-09-09 ep06 A Tooth for Paul Revere

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Adventure Ahead 44-09-09 ep06 A Tooth for Paul Revere"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television when families gathered around the radio to listen to popular shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: Adventure Ahead 44-09-09 ep06 A Tooth for Paul Revere
• Release Date: July 4, 2025

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Overview

"A Tooth for Paul Revere" is a captivating dramatization set during the tumultuous times of the American Revolutionary War. The episode weaves a fictional tale that intertwines personal struggles with the larger fight for liberty, showcasing themes of duty, courage, and community. Through the interactions of its characters, the story highlights the personal sacrifices made during the quest for independence.

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Key Characters

• Lige Butterwick: A young farmer from Lexington grappling with personal loss and his role in the impending conflict.
• Mr. Thorpe / Paul Revere: Initially introduced as a barber, Mr. Thorpe is later revealed to be Paul Revere himself, a pivotal figure in the Revolutionary movement.
• Mrs. Revere: Paul Revere's wife, concerned about her husband's commitments.
• Dr. Warren: A figure associated with the colonial resistance efforts.
• Supporting Cast: Includes William, Billy Murphy (the barber), and other townsfolk.

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Plot Summary

1. Rising Tensions in Massachusetts (00:02 - 03:09)

The episode opens amidst the brewing unrest in April 1775, where Massachusetts is rife with whispers of revolution. The narrator sets the stage, emphasizing the colony's tension and the call to arms for the Minute Men.

• Notable Quote (00:53):

  Mr. Thorpe: "There's nothing we can do against such tyranny. This taxation, this oppression. Free men can never live this way."

This quote underscores the mounting frustration among the colonists, highlighting the oppressive policies that fuel the desire for rebellion.

2. Introducing Lige Butterwick (03:30 - 05:09)

Lige Butterwick, a young farmer in Lexington, interacts with Mr. Thorpe at his shop. Lige expresses his reluctance to join the Minutemen, citing his responsibilities on the farm and his recent loss of his parents.

• Notable Quote (03:00):

  Mr. Thorpe: "That's a symbol, Lodge. A growing tree and a new republic. You'll see what I mean one of these days."

Mr. Thorpe attempts to inspire Lige by presenting the metaphor of a growing tree representing the new nation, emphasizing the collective effort required for revolution.

3. The Toothache and the Quest Begins (05:09 - 08:21)

Lige seeks help for his severe toothache from Mr. Thorpe, who directs him to Paul Revere in Boston for an artificial tooth. The mention of Paul Revere introduces the central figure tied to revolutionary activities.

• Notable Quote (06:08):

  Lige Butterwick: "Well, my goodness."

Lige's discovery of the paper notice about Paul Revere's artificial teeth service propels him into action, believing that addressing his toothache is intertwined with the larger revolutionary cause.

4. Navigating Boston's Tensions (08:12 - 12:47)

As Lige arrives in Boston, he encounters suspicions about his loyalties. Mr. Thorpe initially mistakes him for a loyalist but later reveals himself as Paul Revere, guiding Lige on how to locate him.

• Notable Quote (09:30):

  Mr. Thorpe: "And they like being called lobsters."

A moment of levity where Mr. Thorpe explains the colloquial term "lobsters" for red-coated soldiers, adding historical context and character depth.

5. Encounter with Mrs. Revere and Revelation (12:48 - 17:46)

Lige mistakenly takes Paul Revere's special wooden silver box containing the "essence of Boston," a symbolic representation of revolution. This box becomes a pivotal plot device, symbolizing the latent potential for rebellion.

• Notable Quote (17:00):

  Lige Butterwick: "Peace talking about is in here?"

This line foreshadows the impending conflict and the significance of the box in unleashing the revolution.

6. The Awakening of Revolution (17:46 - 25:45)

Realizing the box's importance, Lige rushes to return it to Paul Revere. Their interaction culminates in the decision to open the box, symbolizing the ignition of Revolutionary War sentiments among the colonists.

• Notable Quote (25:25):

  Lige Butterwick: "I hear it. I let out the revolution."

This moment marks the literal and figurative release of revolutionary fervor, tying the personal struggle of Lige to the broader historical narrative.

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Themes and Insights

1. Personal vs. Collective Responsibility: Lige's internal conflict between tending to his farm and participating in the revolution mirrors the broader struggle of individuals deciding whether to support the collective cause.

2. Symbolism of the Box: The wooden silver box embodies the dormant energy of revolution, waiting to be unleashed. Its eventual opening signifies the active commitment to fighting for independence.

3. Mentorship and Guidance: Mr. Thorpe/Paul Revere serves as a mentor figure, guiding the younger generation (Lige) to understand and participate in the revolutionary movement.

4. Sacrifice and Duty: The episode highlights the sacrifices individuals make for the greater good, emphasizing themes of duty and patriotism.

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Concluding Remarks

"A Tooth for Paul Revere" masterfully blends personal narrative with historical events, offering listeners a poignant portrayal of the American Revolution's impact on everyday lives. The use of humor, such as the "lobsters" reference, provides levity amid tension, making the story engaging and relatable. The episode culminates in a symbolic act that ties personal resolution to national upheaval, effectively capturing the essence of the era's spirit.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mr. Thorpe: "There's nothing we can do against such tyranny. This taxation, this oppression. Free men can never live this way." [00:53]

• Mr. Thorpe: "That's a symbol, Lodge. A growing tree and a new republic. You'll see what I mean one of these days." [03:00]

• Lige Butterwick: "Well, my goodness." [06:08]

• Mr. Thorpe: "And they like being called lobsters." [09:30]

• Lige Butterwick: "Peace talking about is in here?" [17:00]

• Lige Butterwick: "I hear it. I let out the revolution." [25:25]

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Production Credits

The dramatization was brought to life through the collaborative efforts of writer Tom Gutier, composer Leo Campinski, and conductor Henri Nosco. Under the direction of Joseph Mansfield, talented voice actors such as John Thomas (Lij Butterwick) and Roger De Coban (Paul Revere) delivered compelling performances, supported by Kermit Murdoch, James Tunzi, Joseph Wiseman, Jackie A's Eleanor Audley, Jean Gillespie, Fred Barron, and Paul Ford. The production exemplifies the rich storytelling characteristic of Old Time Radio.

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Closing Thoughts

This episode serves as a nostalgic nod to the Golden Age of Radio, blending historical fiction with engaging drama. It not only entertains but also educates listeners about the personal dimensions of historic events, making "A Tooth for Paul Revere" a memorable addition to Harold's Old Time Radio collection.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Adventure ahead.

[Stephen Vincent Benet]

This week, a stirring tale of young unknown participant in the Revolutionary War. A fantasy of history by Stephen Vincent Benet. It is the story of a tooth for Paul Revere.

[Narrator]

And now, adventure ahead.

[Stephen Vincent Benet]

There was talk of trouble in the air in April 1775. And all of Massachusetts colony was trembling with whispers, rumors, talk of revolution.

[Mr. Thorpe]

There's nothing we can do against such tyranny. This taxation, this oppression. Free men can never live this way.

[Narrator]

There is no hope unless we plan to fight, organize, join the Minute Men.

[Stephen Vincent Benet]

Yes, it was enough to make men think that day in April 1775, to wonder if revolt was right or wrong.

[Mr. Thorpe]

1. 3. That'll be one shilling sixpence for the seeds, Master Butterwick.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Lige Butterwick]

There you are. 1 and 6.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Hope you have good luck with your planting this spring, Lodge.

[Lige Butterwick]

I hope so too, Mr. Thorpe.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Don't know any farmer around Lexington that deserves to have good crop. It isn't you losing your folks last year, Having to run the farm all by yourself. No easy job for a young boy.

[Lige Butterwick]

Keeps me busy all right.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Um, was there something else you wanted, Large?

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, yes. Got anything for a toothache?

[Mr. Thorpe]

A toothache? Uh huh.

[Lige Butterwick]

This one here.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Afraid I haven't a thing to kill a toothpane. Large. Expect you ought to see the barber, Billy Murphy. He can fix your tooth.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, I hope so. It's a terrible aching. Don't know when I've had such trouble and pain.

[Mr. Thorpe]

These are troubled times, Master Butterwick. Huh?

[Lige Butterwick]

What do you mean, Mr. Thorpe?

[Mr. Thorpe]

What trouble? About the grievances of the colonies.

[Narrator]

Oh, that.

[Lige Butterwick]

Mostly talk.

[Mr. Thorpe]

There'll come a time for action, and we'll need every man we can muster, every volunteer. And we'll need you, Lodge Butterwick.

[Narrator]

Me?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Yes, lodge, but.

[Lige Butterwick]

But Mr. Thorpe, I. I just don't care about fighting. I won't have time.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Most everybody in Lexington's joined up with us, Lodge. They found time. If your father was alive, he'd bring his gun and join us too. I know he would. Maybe. You still got his old flintlock, haven't you? Uh huh. And you can fire it?

[Narrator]

Tolerable.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Good. Then won't you reconsider, Large? We'll need every man we can muster.

[Lige Butterwick]

No, Mr. Thorpe. I just can't see my way clear to join your Minutemen.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well, suit yourself, Large. But someday I'm hoping you'll be part of us. A part of the new growing tree.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Lige Butterwick]

New growing tree.

[Mr. Thorpe]

That's a symbol, Lodge. A growing tree and a new republic. You'll see what I mean one of these days.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, Maybe so, but I don't quite understand what all the trouble's about. Myself too busy with my farm. Besides, I just don't see no sense to fighting.

[Narrator]

Hello, Lige. You want your haircut?

[Lige Butterwick]

No, Mr. Murphy.

[Narrator]

It looks like you could use one.

[Lige Butterwick]

No, I've come about my tooth.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Oh.

[Lige Butterwick]

Got me a bad tooth, Mr. Murphy. Hurts me something fierce.

[Narrator]

Well, sit down here in me chair, Lige, and I'll have a look at it.

[Lige Butterwick]

It's been a bother me sometime. Just aching and paining.

[Narrator]

Well, just drop your head back a little. There. There. That's it. See anything in there?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Huh?

[Narrator]

You say anything. Afraid you've got a real bad tooth there, Lige. Which one is it? You've got a bad one, all right. It's on the side right here.

[Lige Butterwick]

Sure hurts like it was bad.

[Narrator]

I expect that tooth ought to come out, Lige.

[Mr. Thorpe]

You do?

[Narrator]

Mm.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, then pull her out.

[Narrator]

Well, I. I could pull her out all right, but she's got long roots and she's going to leave an awful big gap when she's gone. She will? Yes. Yes. You know what you ought to do, Lige?

[Mr. Thorpe]

What?

[Narrator]

Well, what you really need, though it's taken away me business to tell you, is one of these here artificial teeth to go into the hole after she's pulled out.

[Lige Butterwick]

An artificial tooth?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Lige Butterwick]

Why, that's flying in the face of nature.

[Narrator]

Well, no, Lige, I wouldn't say that. Them silver teeth is all the go these days. And Lexington ought to be right up with the times. Well, it would do me good to see you with a silver tooth. It would, indeed.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Might do you good.

[Lige Butterwick]

But what about me?

[Narrator]

Why, you like it, Lige? It'll feel fine. And it's real silver.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, supposing I did want one, how in tunke it will I ever get one here in Lexington, huh?

[Narrator]

Well, you might have to ride up to Boston for it.

[Lige Butterwick]

To Boston?

[Narrator]

But it'll be worth the trouble. And I know just the man to help you. It seems like I saw that paper notice around here somewhere. Let me see. Oh, yes, yes. Here it is.

[Lige Butterwick]

What's that, Mr. Murphy?

[Narrator]

A notice in the paper from a man in Boston. Makes them tea.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Oh.

[Narrator]

Who is he? A silversmith, name of Revere. Paul Revere?

[Lige Butterwick]

Never hear to him.

[Narrator]

He comes through here once in a while. Listen to this, Lige. Whereas many persons these days are so unfortunate as to lose their 40 that you lied, which is to their detriment, not only in looks, but in speaking. This is to inform all such persons that they may have defective Teeth replaced with artificial ones that look just as well as natural tea.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, my goodness.

[Narrator]

There's your chance, Lige.

[Lige Butterwick]

Sounds good enough, but what's it going to cost?

[Narrator]

Oh, I know Revere. He wouldn't charge you muff. And it'd be worth it, Lige.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, in for a penny, in for a pound.

[Mr. Thorpe]

This tooth is fair.

[Lige Butterwick]

Driving me mad. It's got to come out. Reckon I'll be able to find him?

[Narrator]

Oh, yes. If you lose your way in Boston, just ask anybody for Paul Revere. Everybody has heard of him, even the Tories.

[Lige Butterwick]

The Tories?

[Narrator]

Revere is a pretty big bug in the Sons of Liberty.

[Lige Butterwick]

Oh, well, I don't care to be mixing him with politics, but I allows how. The main thing is to get this tooth fixed today, if I can. Reckon I'll ride up to Boston and find this Mr. Paul Revere. Uh, excuse me, please. Could you help me, please?

[Narrator]

Why, certainly, if I can.

[Lige Butterwick]

Don't know my way around Boston very well. Seems like I've spent most all afternoon trying to find a special man to take care of my toothache.

[Narrator]

Oh, you're a stranger, eh?

[Lige Butterwick]

Yes, sir, I'm from Lexington.

[Narrator]

Middlesex man? Uh huh. I had you figured wrong, stranger.

[Lige Butterwick]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

What had you figured for? A Tory. A Tory?

[Lige Butterwick]

Oh, no, not me. I'm no politician. Never was one.

[Narrator]

You're belonging to the Liberty Party, aren't you?

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, yes and no.

[Narrator]

What do you mean, yes and no? It's one or other.

[Lige Butterwick]

I mean. I mean, I don't know for sure.

[Narrator]

Well, you better decide soon, stranger. There's thunder in the air and trouble brewing. The time is close at hand. Won't be long. It won't be long.

[Lige Butterwick]

Yes, but wait. I wonder what he meant by that.

[Narrator]

Yes, young man? You wanted something?

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, just some information. Oh, I'm a stranger here in Boston. Don't know my way around.

[Mr. Thorpe]

I'd be glad to help you, my friend, if I'm able to. Thank you. You're a stranger from the west, perhaps.

[Lige Butterwick]

I've got a farm near Lexington. Oh, Lexington.

[Mr. Thorpe]

And you are a rebel, I presume?

[Narrator]

Me?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Oh, no, you're not. Well, no. I'm certainly pleased to find another true hearted loyalist in this pestilent, rebellious city. Loyalist?

[Lige Butterwick]

Well now, I. I don't know about that.

[Mr. Thorpe]

What do you mean?

[Lige Butterwick]

I came to Boston mainly to get my tooth fixed, not to talk politics. You see, I'm looking for Mr. Paul Revere and I haven't.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Did you say Paul Revere?

[Lige Butterwick]

Why, yes. What's the matter? What you grinning About?

[Mr. Thorpe]

So it's Paul Revere you want. My clever young friend from the country.

[Lige Butterwick]

Would you help me?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Course. I'd be glad to tell you how to find him. All right. Just go up to the first red coated soldier that you see and ask the way.

[Lige Butterwick]

Will they tell me?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Course. But you have to give the password first.

[Lige Butterwick]

The password?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Yes. First you say to the soldiers, any lobsters today? And then you ask about Revere.

[Lige Butterwick]

But why talk about lobsters?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well, you see, my friend, the soldiers.

[Narrator]

All wear red coats.

[Mr. Thorpe]

And they like being called lobsters.

[Lige Butterwick]

They do?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Yes. Try it, my friend, and you'll find out.

[Narrator]

That's well enough, Mr. Revere. Mr. Revere. Yes, madam?

[Mrs. Revere]

The silver you made for me. Oh, the.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Why, I don't understand.

[Mrs. Revere]

I paid for the very best. I wanted a beautiful service set. Something I could show my friends with pride. And what have you given me?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Why, madam, the best of which I'm capable. I worked on the set for almost two months.

[Mrs. Revere]

Oh, it's silver if you choose. But it's so plain and simple as a. As a picket fence.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Simple, Plain. You pay me high compliments.

[Mrs. Revere]

Compliments, indeed. I am sending it all back tomorrow. Why, there isn't so much as a single lion or a unicorn on the cream jug. And I told you I wanted the sugar bowl simply covered with silver crowns. You've given me something as plain and as bare as. As the hills of New England.

[Mr. Thorpe]

I have.

[Mrs. Revere]

And what's more, I won't stand for it, Mr. Revere. I'll send to England instead.

[Mr. Thorpe]

To London, then send away. Madam, we're making new things in this country. New men, new silver even. Perhaps a new nation indeed. Simple and bare as the hills and rocks of New England. Graceful as the boughs of her elm trees. If my silver were only like that. And as for you, madam.

[Mrs. Revere]

Oh, now you look here, young man.

[Mr. Thorpe]

You can have your lions and unicorns and crowns and your nonsense of bad ornamentation. You can have your imported taste and your imported manners.

[Narrator]

Fail. My word.

[Mrs. Revere]

I was never so insulted in my life. My word.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Silver crowns of the sugar bowl. William. William.

[Mrs. Revere]

Yes, sir?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Come up front, William.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. Yes, Mr. Revere.

[Mr. Thorpe]

No words yet from Dr. Warren?

[Narrator]

No, sir. Nothing yet.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Strange. Could have had some word from him by now. Wonder if there's something in the wind. It's getting dark. William.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Might as well put up the shutters. We're not likely to have any more customers tonight.

[Narrator]

No, sir. I'll put them up.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Wonder why I haven't heard from Dr. Warren.

[Narrator]

Mr. Revere. Oh, Mr. Revere. Hm. What's up, William? There's a man, sir, running down this side of the street. Red coats after him.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Oh, must be a patriot.

[Narrator]

Look, sir, through the shutter.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Hmm. Yes, indeed. A lot of soldiers after him. Here, will you open the door quickly?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. Here he comes. Here, quickly, in here.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Oh, thank you.

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Lige Butterwick]

Flash the door, William.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Lige Butterwick]

Been chasing me most a mile.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well, that's something. Here they come.

[Lige Butterwick]

Oh, you saved me then.

[Mr. Thorpe]

All right. Thank you. There's nothing least I could do. Aren't we all hounded and chased by the redcoats these days, huh? Excuse me just a minute. William.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir?

[Mr. Thorpe]

I think you better run over to Dr. Warren's house, see if he has a message for me. Use the back way.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well, now that you've had your breath, sir, may I help you?

[Lige Butterwick]

Maybe you can. I hope so. My name's Lige Butterwick, and I'm looking for Mr. Paul Revere around these parts of Boston.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well, this is a surprise, Master Butterwick. Huh? My name happens to be Paul Revere.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, I'm glad of that. I tell you, Mr. Revere, I had a hard time of it here in Boston trying to find you.

[Mr. Thorpe]

I'm sorry to hear that. But now that you found me, how may I serve you?

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, the barber sent me.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Barber?

[Lige Butterwick]

You see, it's about my tooth. Oh, it's this way. This tooth's been acting up real bad lately. So this morning I went in to see Billy Murphy. He's the barber in at Lexington, and he said that you're from Lexington? Well, yes, and Mr. Murphy said.

[Stephen Vincent Benet]

Were you there this morning?

[Lige Butterwick]

I just said I was in the barber.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Never mind the barber. Mr. Hancock. Mr. Adams. Were they still at Parson Clark's?

[Lige Butterwick]

Oh, well, yes, I reckon. I reckon I saw them when I rode by this morning on my way up here.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Thank goodness they're still there. Still at Lexington?

[Lige Butterwick]

Why, I suppose so.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Why? The British. Ready to march and conquer tonight. Won't be long. Can't be long. Tell me, Master Butterwick.

[Lige Butterwick]

Yes, sir?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Did you see many soldiers as you came to my shop tonight?

[Lige Butterwick]

See em? They chased me all away from Boylston.

[Mr. Thorpe]

I know, I know, but were there others? Did you see any more?

[Lige Butterwick]

Oh, there's a whole passel of them up by the common with guns and flags and everything. All lined up in their red coats, ready to match.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Why, Master Butterwick, I can't thank you enough for what you've told me tonight. It gives me courage. Told you, huh? You're a Very shrewd observer. And you've done me and the colony as an invaluable service.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, well, that's nice. But about this tooth of mine, Mr. Revere, I just gotta.

[Mr. Thorpe]

You're a stubborn young man, Master Butterwick, but all the better. I like stubborn men. Wish we had more of them now. What about you two?

[Lige Butterwick]

It'll have to be drawn out. Been aching something awful, and I want to get a nice new silver one.

[Mr. Thorpe]

To stop up the hole. Well, I've made lots of artificial teeth, all right, but drawing them out is hardly my trade, young man. Oh, it isn't, but one good turn deserves another. You've helped me. I'll do my best to help you.

[Lige Butterwick]

Thank you, sir.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Just sit yourself here in this chair, young man.

[Lige Butterwick]

Would help a mite.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Here, can you drink this draft? In the morning, you'll feel more like having your tooth drawn. There. Just drink this right down, master. But it's only medicine.

[Lige Butterwick]

All right, whatever you say, Mr. Revere.

[Mr. Thorpe]

It'll help pain some.

[Lige Butterwick]

Seems to be better already.

[Mr. Thorpe]

You can go to an inn for the night, and then in the morning we'll find a tooth drawer.

[Lige Butterwick]

All right, if you say so.

[Mr. Thorpe]

It might bother you some later tonight. Think I'd better give you a box at minimum. Ought to be a box here someplace.

[Lige Butterwick]

Say, now, you've got quite a cabinet here, Mr. Revere.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Yes, I have, master, but we.

[Lige Butterwick]

Oh, what's in that little pink bottle over there?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Oh, little experiment of mine. I call that the essence of Boston. It's like perfume, but there's a good deal of the east wind in it.

[Lige Butterwick]

Essence of Boston. Well, I never. Barbara told me you were a wizard, Mr. Revere. With genuine magic, I suppose.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Of course. Hey, here's your liniment in this box. And here's a little box you might like to see. Made of wood and silver.

[Lige Butterwick]

My goodness.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Just finished making it today.

[Lige Butterwick]

Oh, you did pick it up.

[Mr. Thorpe]

See, that's my own design on the COVID Growing tree and an eagle fighting a lion.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, a growing tree. It's awful pretty.

[Mr. Thorpe]

See those stars around the edge? 13 of them. Well, you make a very attractive design with those stars. They for a new country.

[Lige Butterwick]

Oh, it's a most wonderful wooden silver box. But what's in it?

[Mr. Thorpe]

What's in it? Why, what's in the air around us? Gunpowder, war and the making of a new nation, that's what you mean.

[Lige Butterwick]

You mean that this here revolution folks.

[Narrator]

Keep talking about is in here?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Right in there. Right in that little wood and silver.

[Lige Butterwick]

Box and fighting and war.

[Mr. Thorpe]

All in there, just waiting to be let out.

[Lige Butterwick]

But it's locked, of course.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Time's not ripe yet to open it. Oh, when the time comes, the box can be opened.

[Lige Butterwick]

It'll have to be opened and. And then there'll be a revolution.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Yes, then there'll be a revolution. Well.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, I never.

[Mr. Thorpe]

That must be my boy coming back, huh? That's you, William.

[Narrator]

Mr. Revere. Mr. Revere.

[Stephen Vincent Benet]

You see Dr. Warren?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. He gave me this message for you. Said to run fast as I could. You haven't.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Troops marching on Concord Lexington tonight. Seize supplies. My boots, William.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Get my horse ready.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. Yes, Mr. Revere.

[Lige Butterwick]

Is something wrong?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Wrong? No. I think everything's going to be all right. You'll have to leave. I'm sorry. Oh, that's all right. Take your box here and hurry, please. I have much to do tonight.

[Lige Butterwick]

Yes, sir. Well. Well, good night, Mr. Revere.

[Mr. Thorpe]

I'll help you with the door. Good night.

[Narrator]

Good night.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, now, what could make him stir around so much this time of night? Most likely nothing.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Yes, young man?

[Narrator]

You want a room?

[Lige Butterwick]

Yes, I do. Had a hard time finding an inn open in Boston this time of night.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Oh, we're always open here.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, I'll be needing a nice, quiet room so as I can sleep late. Got a bad tooth, and I want to say.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Huh?

[Narrator]

What's the matter?

[Lige Butterwick]

This box here in my pocket.

[Mr. Thorpe]

What about it?

[Lige Butterwick]

It's not the liniment box.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Liniment box?

[Lige Butterwick]

I must have took the wrong box. This is the wooden silver box. Mr. Revere's own box.

[Mr. Thorpe]

I don't see how.

[Lige Butterwick]

I took this one by mistake. Oh, my goodness.

[Narrator]

Is something wrong? Wrong?

[Lige Butterwick]

Do you know what's inside this box?

[Mr. Thorpe]

No. What?

[Lige Butterwick]

There's gunpowder and warren. The makings of a new nation, that's what.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Who says so?

[Lige Butterwick]

Why, Paul Revere himself. I'm almost afraid to touch it.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Are you sure about.

[Narrator]

About what's in it?

[Lige Butterwick]

Oh, I'm sure enough. Why, I can hold it up to my ear like this and almost hear the revolution inside.

[Mr. Thorpe]

You can?

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, almost reckon Mr. Reveal will want this.

[Mr. Thorpe]

All right. You're gonna take it back?

[Lige Butterwick]

Why, of course I've got to take it back. If I was to open this little box now, why, there'd be war all around us. I've got to take this to Paul revere tonight.

[Narrator]

Hey, Mr. Revere. Is there anybody here?

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, I heard him talk about a Dr. Warren. Reckon I could find him?

[Mrs. Revere]

Hey, you. What do you want down there waking honest people up this hour of the night?

[Narrator]

I'm looking for Mr. Paul Revere.

[Mrs. Revere]

He's not here. Who are you?

[Narrator]

Friend of his. I got a little box here for him. Know where he is? Gone to Charlestown, across the river. Uh huh.

[Mrs. Revere]

Rode down on his horse. Took a boat two hours ago. No, sir. Don't get any boat for me. There was a crazy man along here an hour or so ago.

[Lige Butterwick]

There was My husband.

[Mrs. Revere]

Rode him over, he did. And you know what that man's is?

[Mr. Thorpe]

No, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Revere]

What made my husband tear up my best petticoat just to muffle the oars so's it wouldn't splash when they rode by. That man of war out there, was his name Revere? I reckon something like that.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, can I get a boat somewhere?

[Mrs. Revere]

Don't know, lads. Fell it down to the wharf. Might row your ob.

[Lige Butterwick]

Why furry in such a hurry? I've got to find this man, Mr. Paul Revere.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Couldn't it wait till morning?

[Narrator]

Might be too late then.

[Lige Butterwick]

I got a little box here for him. He's just gotta get it tonight before it's too late. I'm Lige Butterwick. I just come across the river from Boston and I must get me a horse.

[Narrator]

What for you want a horse?

[Lige Butterwick]

Trying to catch up with a friend of mine, Paul Revere.

[Narrator]

Paul Revere? Well, why don't you say so? He come through here and got a horse. Shown me about two hours ago, he did? You can find him if you ride fast.

[Mr. Thorpe]

But.

[Lige Butterwick]

But I have no horse.

[Narrator]

Come on down to the barn with me. If you're a friend of Paul Revere, I'll give you a horse.

[Mrs. Revere]

Paul Revere?

[Lige Butterwick]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Revere]

Why, course he's been through here. He rode off that a way.

[Narrator]

What you want, young man? Sorry to bother you middle of the.

[Lige Butterwick]

Night, but I saw your lamp lit.

[Narrator]

I reckon all Middlesex counties wake tonight. You looking for the rest of the men? Well, I'm looking for you. They started off with the guns about two hours ago. We'll have to hurry. They went off. Charles Lexington.

[Lige Butterwick]

Reckon I've lost him.

[Mr. Thorpe]

I guess.

[Lige Butterwick]

Everybody said he'd come this way, but I can't find him.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Almost morning. May have Lexington up ahead.

[Narrator]

Stop there. Pause. Who goes there?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Huh?

[Lige Butterwick]

Oh, it's me.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Who's me?

[Lige Butterwick]

Why me, Lige Butterwick. Oh, hello, Lige.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Didn't see you for the dark, Mr. Thorpe.

[Lige Butterwick]

What you doing up so early in the morning?

[Mr. Thorpe]

I was just gonna ask you that, Lige. The time has almost come to plant that new growing tree.

[Lige Butterwick]

Did you come to help us, Lige? Well, I. I Don't know. I'm looking for Mr. Paul Revere.

[Narrator]

Revere?

[Lige Butterwick]

You seen anything of him?

[Narrator]

Mr. Thor? Why of course. He's with us.

[Mr. Thorpe]

He just arrived.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, where is he?

[Narrator]

Where is he then?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well, straight along the road, up over the hill, by those elm trees.

[Narrator]

You can't miss him.

[Lige Butterwick]

Thank you, Mr. Th.

[Narrator]

Ho ho.

[Lige Butterwick]

Mr. Revere.

[Narrator]

Mr. Revere.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well, well, well, if it isn't pastor Butterworth.

[Lige Butterwick]

Hello, Mr. Revere.

[Narrator]

I thought I'd never find you.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well, you did a good job. Followed me all the way.

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[Lige Butterwick]

I had to be on time for my appointment.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Appointment?

[Lige Butterwick]

For my tooth.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Oh. But I've got something here for you.

[Lige Butterwick]

More important than my tooth.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Your little box.

[Narrator]

Where?

[Mr. Thorpe]

My little wood and silver box?

[Lige Butterwick]

Yes sir. You see, I. I took it by mistake, sir. I didn't mean to.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well, that's all right. You didn't need.

[Lige Butterwick]

I just had to hurry.

[Mr. Thorpe]

What do you mean?

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, like you said, the whole revolution's right inside this box. I just had to bring it to you as soon as I could.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Oh, I begin to see it all now. The story I told you about the box. You believed it?

[Lige Butterwick]

Of course. It's true, isn't it? About the revolution and liberty being inside this box?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Of course it is, young man. Fortunately, you're just in time.

[Lige Butterwick]

Just in time? You mean. You mean it's about to happen?

[Mr. Thorpe]

Getting light. I think you can see. Look up along the hill there. Behind every rock and tree and fence. Waiting. Waiting.

[Lige Butterwick]

Why, men. There's lots of men a minute.

[Narrator]

Men?

[Lige Butterwick]

Master Bartley, those are the minutemen.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Yes, but.

[Lige Butterwick]

But over there across the green.

[Mrs. Revere]

Bright red.

[Lige Butterwick]

The red coats.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Yes, I'm afraid so. This is the beginning of a long, long struggle.

[Lige Butterwick]

Well, I don't know what we're waiting for then.

[Mr. Thorpe]

What do you mean?

[Lige Butterwick]

The box. This little box.

[Mr. Thorpe]

The box? But you don't think we've got to open it?

[Lige Butterwick]

You've got the key, Mr. Revere.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Well. Well no. What are you doing?

[Lige Butterwick]

We've got to open this box and let out the revolution.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Don't break it.

[Narrator]

Don't break the box.

[Lige Butterwick]

It's about time. Maya, listen.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Huh?

[Narrator]

Listen.

[Lige Butterwick]

I hear it.

[Narrator]

I hear it. I let out the revolution.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Yes, Slige Butterwick.

[Narrator]

I guess you did.

[Lige Butterwick]

And it was about time too. I'm glad I did it. I reckon I just never realized before that I had to be a part of it. The new grown tree. Well, Mr. Revere, it was nice knowing you, but I'll have to be getting back to my farm now.

[Mr. Thorpe]

Getting back to your farm?

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[Lige Butterwick]

I got my pa's old flintlock hanging on the wall back there. I'll allow as I'll be needing it today and maybe tomorrow, maybe for a long time to come. So goodbye, Mr. Revere.

[Narrator]

But what about your tooth?

[Lige Butterwick]

Why, tooth's a tooth, but a country's a country and anyhow, Mr. Revere, it just now stopped aching.

[Stephen Vincent Benet]

Adventure Ahead has presented the story A Tooth for Paul Revere by Stephen Vincent Benet in a radio dramatization written by Tom Gutier. Music was composed by Leo Campinski and the orchestra was conducted by Henri Nosco. The entire production was under the direction of Joseph Mansfield. In today's play, the part of Lij Butterwick was played by John Thomas. Paul Revere was played by Roger De Coban. Others in the cast were Kermit Murdoch, James Tunzi, Joseph Wiseman, Jackie A's Eleanor Audley, Jean Gillespie, Fred Barron and Paul Ford. NBC and its affiliated independent stations present Adventure Ahead as a public service. Did you know that in peacetime 93% of all transportation in this country was by private automobile? Even today it is estimated that four out of five war workers must depend on private cars to get them to their essential jobs. This is but one of the reasons why America's civilian and war production economy depends largely upon the continued operation of the nation's passenger automobiles. And now here are some more statistics for you. At the beginning of the war, 27 million passenger cars were operating on America's highways. Today, the number of cars on the road has dwindled to a low of 24 million. And our stockpile of new vehicles has been reduced to less than 30,000. A pre war three day supply. Transportation experts estimate that if the total number of cars on the road drops to 20 million, a breakdown in essential transportation can be expected. If you have not operated in a carpool or. Start now. This is the National Broadcasting Company.