AFRS Collection 1951.xx.xx 0003 If Freedom Failed - The Pledge

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: AFRS Collection 1951 – "If Freedom Failed: The Pledge"

(Aired: October 2, 2025)

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Episode Overview

This dramatic radio play, "If Freedom Failed: The Pledge," presents a chilling “what if” scenario: What would life be like in an ordinary American town—Springfield, USA—if communism took over? Set in a timeless 1950s America, the story follows young Boy Scout Gene Morrison as he’s drawn into a Communist youth organization, the Pioneers. Through Gene’s journey, the episode explores how such a regime could reshape families, friendships, and the moral fabric of youth organizations. The episode aims to caution listeners against totalitarian ideologies and the erosion of personal freedoms.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Segments

1. Setting the Stage: A Town that Doesn’t Exist (00:13–00:48)

• The narrator introduces Springfield, USA, as a stand-in for “any American town.”
• The episode frames itself as a cautionary tale: "We'd like to show you how things would be in any American town if communism took over." (A, 00:14)
• Focus on youth organizations and the fate of the Boy Scouts under such a regime.

2. Gene Gets Recruited (00:48–02:34)

• Gene enjoys a carefree day with his friend Paul; their innocence contrasts with the encroaching political system.
• Lester Parker approaches Gene and invites him to join the "Pioneers," promising benefits like university access:

  "The Pioneers will help you get there if you're a loyal member...get on the good side of them, you're a cinch to get into the university." (E, 01:50)

3. Family Debate: Should Gene Join? (02:47–05:44)

• At home, Gene’s parents quietly clash over whether to let their son join the Pioneers.
• Gene’s father is deeply suspicious due to the Parkers’ Communist Party affiliation:

  “The Parkers are all loyal members of the Communist Party...I don't want you to join the Pioneers.” (B, 03:19)

• His mother urges caution but acceptance:

  “But as long as we can't fight it, why shouldn't we accept it?...as long as you're already a member of the Party, I can't see any harm in letting Gene join...” (D, 04:18–04:42)

• Reluctantly, Gene’s father signs the application:

  “Okay, I'll sign it.” (B, 05:29)

4. Pioneer Indoctrination: The Pledge (05:44–07:18)

• At the first Pioneer meeting, children are made to memorize the Pioneer Law and recite a pledge aligning themselves with Communism, Lenin, and Stalin.
• The forced parallel to scouting values becomes clear:

  “Now you'll rise and repeat the pledge after me. ‘I, a young pioneer of Soviet America...pledge that I will firmly defend the cause of Lenin and Stalin...the victory of communism...’” (E & C, 06:24–06:42)

5. Father-Son Reflection: Competing Oaths (07:18–09:44)

• Gene’s father questions him about the Pioneer meeting, contrasting the Pioneer ideals with the Boy Scout Oath and the oath of the "Athenian young man":

  “We will never bring disgrace on this, our city by any act of dishonesty or cowardice...” (D, 08:44)

• He urges Gene never to forget his Scout values:

  “I want to be sure you still remember it. And I don't want you ever to forget it.” (B, 09:28)

6. Paul’s Family Targeted: The High Cost of Dissent (10:12–16:25)

• After Gene is shunned by his friend Paul, we learn Paul’s father, Frank Gerard (Boy Scout master), loses his job for anti-Communist thoughts and soon after is found dead, alleged suicide.
• The devastating personal cost is starkly dramatized:

  “Frank's dead. They found him in his office, gun in his head. Frank's dead.” (C, 16:25)

7. Aftermath and Suspicion: Trust and Betrayal (16:56–18:04)

• Gene’s father suspects that someone close—possibly even Gene—might have inadvertently reported Gerard.
• The tension of trust within families echoes:

  “A Scout is trustworthy, Gene.” (B, 17:37)
  “I didn't lie to you, Dad. I don't know anything about why Mr. Gerard's dead.” (C, 17:39)

8. Funeral and Family Fracture (18:35–20:38)

• At Frank Gerard’s funeral, the emotional and moral cost of compliance with the regime is discussed:

  “How far are they going, Ben? They have our government, our industries. Now what do they want? Our souls.” (D, 20:17)

9. Fear, Accusation, and the Weight of Pledges (20:40–22:24)

• Paranoia and fear make even family members question each other:

  “But you forget that Gene is a member in good standing of the Pioneers.” (B, 20:52)

• Gene insists on his innocence, while his father warns how the regime corrupts trust and loyalty.

10. Gene’s Crisis: Choosing Allegiance (22:31–25:39)

• Instructed by his father to take a stand, Gene returns to the Pioneers and publicly renounces them.
• He is expelled and shamed before his peers:

  “Then I don't want to be a Pioneer anymore.” (C, 24:43) “So now you aren't either a Pioneer or a Boy Scout. You're nothing.” (E, 25:29)

• Gene clings to his Scout principles:

  “Scouts are loyal and kind and trustworthy. Scouts don't snitch on people. And they're worthy citizens of their country.” (C, 24:13)

11. Return Home: The Aftermath (25:39–27:03)

• Gene, distraught, returns to his father, fearing for what he’s done:

  “He made me tell...and now they'll kill you just like they did Mr. Gerard.” (C, 26:37)

• His father reassures him, but the uncertainty of the future lingers.

12. Epilogue: Moral and Historical Parallels (27:29–30:11)

• The narrator draws direct parallels to historical events in Russia and Hungary, warning listeners this scenario is not pure fiction.
• Final message emphasizes the fragility of freedom and youth organizations under totalitarian rule:

  “You have just heard what happens to any youth organization when Communism takes over...You think this could not happen? It did happen in Russia.” (A, 27:29)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The Parkers are all loyal members of the Communist Party...I don't want you to join the Pioneers.”
  — Gene’s Father (B), 03:19

• “I, a young pioneer of Soviet America...pledge that I will firmly defend the cause of Lenin and Stalin...”
  — Lester Parker & Gene (E & C), 06:24–06:42

• “We will never bring disgrace on this, our city by any act of dishonesty or cowardice...”
  — Gene, reciting the Scout/Athenian Oath (D), 08:44

• "He made me tell...and now they'll kill you just like they did Mr. Gerard."
  — Gene (C), 26:37

• “So now you aren't either a Pioneer or a Boy Scout. You're nothing.”
  — Lester Parker (E), 25:29

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Major Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:13 | Introduction | Springfield, USA under Communism—premise established | | 01:17 | Recruitment | Gene invited to Pioneers; promise of rewards | | 02:47 | Family Discussion | Parents debate letting Gene join; father is wary, mother resigned | | 05:44 | Pioneer Initiation and Pledge | Children indoctrinated; forced parallels with Boy Scouts | | 07:18 | Father-Son Star Talk | Gene and father bond, discuss values, recite oaths | | 10:12 | Paul’s Withdrawal | Paul distances himself after his father’s warnings | | 13:01 | Gerard Fired—Climate of Fear | Fallout from refusing Communism; fear of informers | | 16:25 | Frank Gerard’s Death | Shocking news delivered; community is shaken | | 18:35 | Funeral | Mourning and reflection on loss and cause | | 20:40 | Accusations and Fears | Trust in the family erodes; fear of forced betrayal | | 22:31 | Gene’s Crisis: “Which Pledge?” | Father insists Gene take a stand; Gene’s moral crossroads | | 24:43 | Gene Expelled from Pioneers | Gene denounces Pioneers, affirms Boy Scout values—shunned by new regime | | 25:39 | Gene’s Return Home | Gene’s anguish, confesses under duress, father consoles | | 27:29 | Epilogue and Moral | Historical warning; emphasis on the real-world suppression of youth organizations under Communism |

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Closing Tone & Message

The episode maintains a somber, cautionary tone throughout, relying on the innocence of youth corrupted by ideology and the anguish of families torn between survival and principle. Through vivid dramatization and emotional confrontations, "If Freedom Failed: The Pledge" delivers a powerful warning about the fragility of freedom, the corruption of youth organizations under totalitarianism, and the enduring value of personal integrity.

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This summary captures the plot arc, core ideas, emotional moments, and key dialogue excerpts, offering a complete sense of the episode’s impact and purpose for listeners who missed it.

Transcript

[A]

If freedom failed.

[B]

We'D like to take.

[A]

You on a visit to a town that doesn't exist. A town we call Springfield, usa. We'd like to show you how things would be in any American town if communism took over. This is the story of a Boy Scout. The story of what happens to youth organizations under a communist regime. The title of the story is the Pledge.

[C]

Hey Gene. Gene, look at me. I'm looking, Paul. Now look at this side. My atom bomb special. Yahoo.

[D]

You see me?

[C]

Do you call that a dive?

[D]

Sure.

[C]

Can you do a hands behind my back?

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

Well, let me see you.

[D]

Nah, I'm gonna stay out for a while. Oh, come on in, Gene. The high school guys will be coming pretty soon. In a minute.

[C]

Well, I'm going down the other end. Okay.

[E]

Hiya Jean.

[D]

Oh hi Alister.

[E]

Want another boy? Scott Merrick. Bastard.

[D]

Uh huh. For first aid. How'd you know?

[E]

Saw it in the paper. Congratulations.

[D]

Gee thanks. I'm gonna start working on my civics badge next.

[E]

You must be a pretty good scout.

[D]

Well, I'm the leader of my patrol. You know something, Gene? What?

[E]

We're looking for kids like you.

[D]

What do you mean?

[E]

Bunch of us at Springfield High are starting a new club, the Pioneers.

[D]

Yeah, it's.

[E]

Well, it's a club for fellows and girls. You want to go to the university someday, don't you?

[D]

Oh, sure I do. Okay.

[E]

The Pioneers will help you get there if you're a loyal member. Yeah, and if you get to know some of the fellows higher up, get on the good side of them, you're a cinch to get into the university.

[D]

Gosh, how can they do that?

[E]

Oh, there are ways. Lots of kids are joining up. You don't want to be left out, do you?

[D]

Heck no. Well, I'll talk to my dad and see what he says.

[E]

You tell him about the other kids and he'll let you join.

[C]

Hey Gene, come on in on. Just a second.

[E]

That a friend of yours?

[D]

Yeah. His name's Paul Gerard.

[E]

Maybe he'll join the Pioneers with you.

[D]

Yeah, maybe he will. I'll ask him.

[E]

Swell. I'll leave an application in the locker room for you. See you at the meeting tonight at the hall.

[C]

Yeah, okay Lester. Hey Gene. Ah, keep your pants on.

[D]

I'm coming.

[B]

Well son, how'd it go today?

[D]

Okay, Paul. Me went swimming over at the high school for a while.

[B]

Have fun.

[D]

Yeah. Oh, I saw Lester Parker over there.

[B]

Parker?

[D]

Uh huh. He said he read all about me in the paper.

[B]

What did he want?

[D]

He asked me to join a club. The Fellas in Springfield High are starting.

[B]

What kind of a club?

[D]

I don't know, but it's got a keen name. The Pioneers. He gave me an application for you to sign. I gotta get your permission, dad.

[B]

I'm not so sure I want you to join the club, Gene.

[D]

Huh? But why?

[B]

The Parkers are all loyal members of the Communist Party.

[D]

All you have to do is sign.

[B]

The application, Gene, don't you understand? I don't want you to join the Pioneers.

[D]

Won't you let me join the Boy Scouts?

[B]

That's different.

[D]

Why?

[B]

Because everything the Boy Scouts stand for is different.

[D]

Well, that's that for another day. Oh, my, what serious faces. What's going on? Dan won't let me join the Pioneers. What's that? Something to do with your Boy Scouts. Well, why can't he join?

[B]

Ben doesn't have anything to do with the Boy Scouts, Marion. No, It's a new youth movement starting up in Springfield. Communist youth movement?

[D]

Oh, you don't think the Communists are trying to organize children or anything like that?

[B]

Why not? They organized everything else. Our industries, our agriculture. They've taken over the government.

[D]

But to think they'd organize the children is ridiculous. Dear, can you tell me what harm a bunch of 12 and 13 year olds could do?

[B]

They'll think up some way for the kids to work for the Party.

[D]

Darling, I know how disturbed you've been since they took over. Everybody has. But as long as we can't fight it, why shouldn't we accept it? You joined the Party?

[B]

Yes. So you and Jean could go on living.

[D]

And we are. Maybe not as well as we used to. And maybe we. We don't have as much freedom as we used to. But we have food and clothes and you have a job. Yes.

[B]

Yes, I still have a job.

[D]

So as long as you're already a member of the Party, I can't see any harm in letting Jean join this. Whatever it is they call it. Pioneers. They go camping and hiking and they even have dances. There. There's nothing wrong in that, is there?

[B]

Well, it sounds all right, but. Oh, I don't know. You've seen how they do things, Marian. Why should this be different?

[D]

Well, darling, there's one way to find out. Let Gene give it a try. Then if we decide it's not the right kind of organization for him to be in, why, he can drop out. Yeah, I. I have an idea he will anyhow, what with his Scout activities and his school. But, oh, dear, it's up to you. You're the one to sign the Application. Oh, please, dad.

[B]

Can't talk you out of it, can I?

[D]

I don't want to be the only one who isn't a pioneer.

[B]

Okay, I'll sign it.

[E]

You tin kids are the first pioneer. Lincoln, Springfield, you and four other links will take your orders from me. I will be your brigade leader. Your first order is to learn the pioneer law and remember it. Here it is. The pioneer is true to the cause of the working class and to the laws of linen. The pioneer is the younger brother and helper of the communist party. He is a comrade to the workers. Children of the world. You will all learn it before the next meeting. Now you'll rise and repeat the pledge after me. I, a young pioneer of Soviet America.

[C]

I, a young pioneer of Soviet America.

[E]

In the presence of my comrades.

[C]

In the presence of my comrades.

[E]

Pledge that I will firmly defend the cause of Lenin and stalin.

[C]

Pledge that I will firmly defend the cause of Lenin and Stalin.

[E]

The victory of communism.

[C]

The victory of communism.

[E]

I pledge to live and study in such a manner that I pledge to.

[C]

Live and study in such a manner.

[E]

As to become a worthy citizen of.

[C]

My country as to become a worthy.

[E]

Citizen of my country for the struggle for the cause of Lenin, Stalin. Be ready.

[C]

Always be ready.

[B]

Gene? Gene, you asleep?

[D]

Oh, no, dad. Come on in. I was just laying here and looking at the stars. Sure are bright, aren't they?

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

See that one up there? The one that looks like it's blinking? That's the north star.

[B]

I know. In the old sailing days, the captains steered their ships by watching the north star.

[D]

They did.

[B]

As long as they kept their eyes on it, they knew they'd never lose their way.

[D]

Gee, where'd you learn that?

[B]

Oh, I read it somewhere.

[D]

Gene, I'll bet you know all about the stars.

[B]

Gene, how was that meeting tonight?

[D]

Oh, keen. Lester told us all about the pioneers, how we were going to be comrades with all the other kids and we had to take a pledge that we'd become worthy citizens of our country.

[B]

I see.

[D]

You know something funny, dad?

[E]

The model.

[D]

The pioneers are the same one the knights used to have in the old days. Always be ready. Just like they told us in the boy scouts. Isn't that funny?

[B]

Yes, it is.

[D]

You don't sound like you think it's funny.

[B]

Guess I was thinking about something else.

[D]

What?

[B]

Dad, do you remember right after you joined the boy scouts, you learned the oath of the athenian young man?

[D]

Uh huh.

[B]

You still know him?

[D]

Sure, I think so. Say it for me now. What for?

[B]

I just want to hear you say it.

[D]

Okay. We will never bring disgrace on this, our city by any act of dishonesty or cowardice. We will fight for the ideals and sacred things of the city, both alone and with many. We will revere and obey the city's laws. And will do our best to incite a like reverence and respect. And those above us who are prone to annul them or set them at naught. We will strive increasingly to quicken the public sense of civic duty. Thus, in all these ways, we will transmit this city not only not less, but greater, better and more beautiful and than it was transmitted to us. How's that?

[B]

That's fine, Son.

[D]

Why did you want to hear me say it?

[B]

I want to be sure you still remember it. And I don't want you ever to forget it.

[D]

All right, dad.

[B]

Promise.

[D]

Scout's honor.

[B]

Now you better go to sleep. Good night, son.

[D]

Dad, you shouldn't kiss me.

[B]

Why not? You're my son, aren't you? Good night, Jim.

[D]

Night. There. Okay, boys, that's a half.

[E]

Say, that was a nice run, Eugene.

[D]

You better sit down and take it easy, okay? Excuse me, Mr. Hannah.

[C]

There's Paul Girard. Hey, Paul. Wait a sec.

[D]

Eugene, second half in five minutes.

[C]

I'll be right back, Mr. Hannah. Hi, Paul.

[D]

Hi. Hey, what's your big hurry? Where you been the last couple of weeks? What do you mean? I've been around. How come you never come over anymore? Well, I had a lot of things to do around the house. Where were you last Saturday? I wanted you to go to the Pioneer meeting with me.

[E]

I was busy.

[C]

And besides, I told you before, I can't go.

[D]

Golly, Pa, I sure wish you changed your mind about joining. Hey, why don't you talk to your dad again? I did. What'd he say?

[C]

What you suppose? He said no, like he always does. Even when I told him everybody I.

[D]

Know is joining, he said no. He says he'd rather see me be.

[C]

Playing all by myself than joining the Pioneers with all the other kids. He says the Pioneers are all a bunch of communists. And fellas like Lester Parker are training the other kids to forget their Americans and be a red nose like he is.

[D]

He also says there's some of us who haven't forgotten this used to be a free country. Did your father really say all that? Yeah. Me. Aw, gee, Paul, don't get sore. Well, I will if I want it. Here comes that Lester Parker.

[C]

Why don't you go play with him? Hey, wait a minute. Don't go away mad.

[D]

Hey, Paul. Oh, heck. Why do you have to get so. Because his father won't let him join.

[E]

Hi, Eugene.

[D]

Hi, Lester.

[E]

What's the matter?

[D]

Oh, nothing. Paul's mad at me, that's all.

[E]

I saw him talking to you. What's he mad about?

[D]

Just because his father won't let him be a pioneer, he gets sore. Doesn't have to get sore at me, does he? I didn't do nothing.

[E]

Why won't his father let him join?

[D]

I don't know. He says the Pioneers are a bunch of red noses or something. They forgot this used to be a free country.

[B]

Oh.

[E]

Where does his father work?

[D]

He's foreman of the Springfield Dying Tool Works. He's our scout master too.

[B]

He is, huh?

[D]

Yeah. What you want to know for?

[E]

Oh, nothing special. Just wondered.

[D]

Horse do, Ben.

[B]

Thanks.

[D]

What'd you do at school today, Gene? We played football. Hmm. Did Paul Gerard play with you? Paul? I tried to get him to join the Pioneers with me, but he wouldn't do it. Just because his father says they're a bunch of red noses. Why does he know about it anyhow?

[B]

Maybe that explains something.

[D]

What's that been?

[B]

Frank Gerard was fired today.

[D]

Fired? Why?

[B]

What do you mean, why? As long as Commissar Chase is plant manager, he doesn't give reasons for firing anybody.

[D]

But Frank was foreman.

[B]

Difference does that make?

[D]

Didn't Commissar Chase give any reason at all?

[B]

No, only the usual. It had been brought to his attention that Frank had expressed thoughts contrary to those of the party.

[D]

Oh, that's terrible. Frank Gerard, of all people. Who reported him?

[B]

Oh, you never find out things like that.

[D]

Well, do you think it's someone at the plant?

[B]

I doubt it. Frank has enough sense not to say anything when he's surrounded by a bunch of communist informants. Must have been someone else. A friend of Frank, someone he trusts. Or maybe Paul heard him say something against the communists and innocently told it to someone else who has a communist connection.

[D]

Gene, what's the matter with you? Nothing. Want to break that plate? No, it just. The knife, I mean. Oh, dear. Who can that be right in the middle of dinner?

[B]

Gene, go see. We can still go.

[D]

Okay, then. I don't know why people have to ring your bell just when a person's eating. You know, I never saw it to fail.

[B]

Wonder what's wrong with Gene?

[D]

Wrong?

[B]

See the way he jumped up from the table? Ordinarily, we have to talk to him two or three times before he leaves.

[D]

Well, the. The. The doorbell rings.

[B]

Yes, I know that.

[D]

I wonder who it is. Jean, who is it?

[C]

Mrs. Gerard.

[D]

Phyllis. I Wonder what she was. Ben. You've seen Frank, Phyllis. You seen Frank, Ben?

[B]

No. Why? What's wrong?

[D]

I don't know. He said he was going down to talk to Commissar Chase. Trying to get his job back. Should have come home hours ago, called everywhere, but no one's seen him. Where do you suppose he is?

[B]

Now, take it easy, Phyllis. He's probably detained somewhere, that's all.

[D]

Well, then why didn't he call me? Always has before when he was going to be late. I'm sure you know where he was, Ben.

[B]

I'm sorry, Phyllis.

[D]

I know something's happened.

[B]

I just know.

[D]

No, no, he's all right, Phyllis. I've told him over and over again not to say anything about the Communists. I told him someone would report him if he did. He wouldn't listen to me. He hates them so. Look, dear, come here. Sit here now. Now, let me get you a cup of coffee. He only joined the Party because there was no other way out. He never really believed.

[C]

Oh, man.

[D]

Please, Ben, can't you go out and see if you can find him?

[B]

Where would I look? Phyllis said. Joan, Gene answered the phone.

[D]

Hello? Oh, hi, Paul. What are you crying about? She's here. Just say it's Paul, Mrs. Gerard. He's crying. Let me talk to him. Paul, what is it? Frank's dead. Oh, no. They found him in his office, gun in his head. Frank's dead.

[B]

Marion, you better go with her.

[D]

Yes, sir. Come on, Phyllis. I'll take you home. Frank's dead. Marion. Yes, dear? Frank's dead. Marion. He's dead. No, no, don't think about it, dear. Don't even talk. I'll see you later, dad. Jane, I have some homework.

[B]

Jane.

[D]

Yes, dad?

[B]

Sit down. Dad, I. I want to talk to you.

[D]

Yes, sir.

[B]

Mr. Gerard is dead.

[D]

G. Yes, sir.

[B]

I don't know whether he killed himself or someone else did it, but he's dead. Do you know why?

[D]

No.

[B]

Because somebody talked to the wrong person. Now, do you know anyone who could have done that?

[D]

No, dad.

[B]

Think, Gene. Are you sure?

[D]

I'm sure.

[B]

A Scout is trustworthy, Gene.

[D]

I didn't lie to you, Dad. I don't know anything about why Mr. Gerard's dead.

[C]

I don't.

[B]

You always told the truth, son.

[C]

I'm telling you the truth now. I don't know anything about it.

[B]

All right? All right. You don't know anything about it. And even if you did, it's too late now.

[A]

You are listening to the pledge. A story of the way things could be if Communism took over. A picture of what life would be like under a communist regime in an ordinary American town. A town we call Springfield, usa.

[F]

And so it is, my friends, that we have gathered here to pay our final respects to Frank Edward Girard. Who has left behind him a myriad of friends. Frank Gerard was a man of unblemished character. He was a good provider. He was a loving husband, a kind and understanding father. He never faltered in his duty to his family, his friends, himself. Those of us who knew him personally suffer a great loss with his passing. And it is with sorrowful hearts that we are now gathered to return the earthly remains of Frank Gerard. Whence they came. Let us pray.

[D]

So the funeral's over and Frank's gone?

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Poor Phyllis.

[B]

And Paul. Don't forget Paul. Pretty tough on him, too, don't you think so, Jean?

[D]

Yeah. How could they do it to a man like Frank? He never hurt anyone in his whole life. Why would they kill him?

[B]

They said it was suicide.

[D]

Suicide? Oh, Ben, you know better than that. Frank had never commit suicide. No matter what happened, he always fought for the things he believed in. That's probably why they killed him. How far are they going, Ben? They have our government, our industries. Now what do they want? Our souls. Oh, those greedy vultures.

[B]

Take it easy, Marion. Talk like that can get you into trouble.

[D]

I suppose it could. Thank God only my husband and son hear me.

[B]

That's what I mean.

[D]

What?

[B]

You're alone with your husband and your son.

[D]

You certainly wouldn't inform on me, would you?

[B]

No, I wouldn't. But you forget that Gene is a member in good standing of the Pioneers.

[D]

Dan, how can you think of something?

[B]

I don't say he'd ever do it deliberately. I don't think he could. But they'd find some way to make him turn informer.

[D]

I wouldn't do it ever.

[C]

Mom.

[D]

You know I would. Of course I do. And I didn't tell him, Mr. Gerard.

[C]

Honest I did.

[D]

I know, darling. I know. Paul thinks I did.

[C]

He won't talk to me anymore. And dad thinks I did too.

[D]

Ben, could you accuse your. Your own son of such a terrible thing?

[B]

I'm not accusing him of anything, Marion. It's. It's the communists. I wouldn't trust any one of them as far as I could throw an elephant. I know how those Pioneers work. And if Gene knew something they wanted to know, you can be darn sure they'd find it out somehow.

[D]

I didn't tell.

[B]

Look, Gene. Gene, I warned you. I begged you not to join the Pioneers. But you wanted to do what the other kids did. There was no way I could stop you. Sure, I could have chained you to your bed or locked you in the cellar, but it wouldn't have done any good. Your mother insisted that I let you get it out of your system.

[D]

Oh, but I didn't know that.

[B]

Nothing sacred to them, son. They'll praise you, make you think you're a wonderful guy. Until you're not only betraying your friends, families, but your own.

[D]

I couldn't do anything like that.

[C]

I couldn't. My Scout pledge.

[B]

You took a pledge when you joined the Pioneers, too. Which one are you going to be true to, Gene? Which one means more to you?

[D]

I don't know.

[B]

You don't have much time to decide, Gene. It has to be one or the other. You have to make a decision now.

[C]

I don't know. I don't know.

[D]

Ben. Ben, wait. You're confusing child.

[B]

Gene, when's the next Pioneer meeting?

[D]

Tonight.

[B]

All right. Go to it. Be a man. Stand up and tell him you're quitting. Remember, a Scout has the courage to face danger in spite of fear. This is your chance to prove yourself.

[D]

Dear, I don't think he should go out tonight. There's a storm coming up.

[B]

This is a lot more important than a storm, Marion. It's Gene's whole future. Tonight he'll know in which direction he's going to.

[E]

And the last commendation from the Central Committee goes to Pioneer Elsa Hudson, who is responsible for exposing anti Soviet American action in her father's mill. I have requested that Pioneer Hudson be advanced to the next group. That takes care of the old business. Now for the new business.

[D]

Thompson. Comrade Parker?

[E]

Yes, Comrade Morrison.

[D]

I want to ask you a question.

[B]

Go ahead.

[D]

I want to know why you made me tell you about Mr. Gerard.

[E]

No special reason.

[D]

Did you know he. He's dead?

[E]

Well, sure I do.

[C]

So what, he's dead because I told on him?

[E]

He's dead because he knew he was an enemy of the people and he committed suicide.

[C]

He didn't commit suicide. Somebody killed him and made it look like he committed suicide. And he wasn't an enemy of the people. He was a good man. Why, a scoutmaster couldn't be anybody's enemy.

[E]

Yeah? What's so wonderful about being a Scout?

[C]

Everything is. Scouts are loyal and kind and trustworthy. Scouts don't snitch on people. And they're worthy citizens of their country.

[E]

Only loyal Pioneers are worthy citizens of their country.

[C]

Scouts wouldn't bring disgrace on their city by being dishonest or a cowboy.

[E]

Forget about the Boy Scouts. Your duty is to defend the victory of Communism.

[C]

My duty is to God, my country.

[E]

There isn't any God. God's a fairy tale, just something that people dreamed up to explain something they didn't understand.

[C]

There is a God.

[E]

You can't believe in middle class junk like that and still be a loyal pioneer.

[C]

Then I don't want to be a Pioneer anymore.

[E]

All right, then get out. You're expelled from the Pioneers right now. And the rest of you aren't to have anything to do with him or talk to him ever.

[C]

Well, I don't care. But Pioneers are bad and everything you tell us is bad. Just like my father said. I said. I was listening to him when he tried to tell me. He told me the Communists aren't any good. He told me nothing's sacred to them and that they're making a bunch of stool pigeons out of us kids. He knew I told on Mr. Gerard. And you made me lie to my father. You made me break my Scout pledge when I'm not gonna break it anymore. I'm gonna be a good scout from now on.

[E]

Yeah, well, there isn't any more Boy Scouts.

[C]

You're a liar.

[E]

We got a report from the Central Committee this morning. The Boy Scouts have been declared fascist and will not be recognized by the Party.

[C]

I don't believe you. It isn't true.

[E]

It is true. So now you aren't either a Pioneer or a Boy Scout. You're nothing.

[C]

I'm going home. I'm gonna tell my father what you said.

[E]

Go ahead. Go home and tell him he'll be reported as an enemy of the people.

[C]

No. I want to go home. I want to go home. Everything you told me is a lie. I know it is. I won't listen to you anymore. The Scouts haven't been outlawed. I know they haven't. They'll never be outlawed. You made me tell my father. He said you would. But I didn't want to. I didn't. I didn't. I didn't. I didn't. I didn't. Not o' Gillian. Doom. I love my father. Father. Jean Jean, wait. I want my father. Jean.

[B]

Jean. Jean, it's dad. What's wrong?

[C]

Oh, dad. They threw me out of the club.

[B]

That's all right, son.

[C]

Lester said there wasn't any more Boy Scouts. He said there wasn't any God.

[B]

Come on, Son. We're going home.

[C]

And he made me tell. I knew you, Dad. I didn't want to, but he made me do it. And now they'll kill you just like they did Mr. Gerard.

[B]

No, son. I don't think they'll kill me.

[D]

But.

[C]

But what'll they do, dad? What'll they do?

[B]

I'm not worried about what they'll do to me. But what's going to become of you?

[C]

That's right. What's gonna become of me?

[A]

You have just heard a story of what happened to a Boy Scout who was forced to betray everything in which he believed. You have just heard what happens to any youth organization when Communism takes over. You think this could not happen? It did happen in Russia. It did happen to the writer Nina Alexeyeva, when the pioneer movement was established and the Russian children were taught to believe that religion is the enemy of the people. It did happen in Hungary when Lieutenant General Sveridorf, Communist commander, purged several youth groups and ordered the suppression of the Boy Scouts. You have been listening to if Freedom Failed, starring Jeffrey Silver as Gene Morrison in the Pledge. Whitfield Connor was Ben and Anne Morrison was Marion. Others in the cast were Jimmy Ogg, Joel Nestler, Peggy Weber, Joel Davis, Richard Monahan, Joe Cranston, Joe Granby and Lamont Johnson. Music was composed by John Hicks with musical direction by Michelle Perriere. The Pledge was written for if Freedom Failed by Milt Kahn, produced and directed by Robert M. Young Sergeant Lloyd I Speaking. This program has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[D]

Sa.