Lux Radio Theatre - Only Yesterday

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio

Lux Radio Theatre - "Only Yesterday"

Date: July 6, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Original Cast: Ida Lupino (Mary Lane), Robert Young (James Emerson), Lois Corbett (Aunt Julia), Tommy Cook (Jimmy)

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Episode Overview

This episode of Lux Radio Theatre presents the dramatic adaptation of "Only Yesterday," set across the turbulent backdrop of early 20th-century America. The story weaves personal loss and love with national upheavals—World War I, the roaring twenties, the crash of 1929—centering on the lifelong effect a brief romance and subsequent misunderstanding have on both a man and a woman. Themes of female emancipation, memory, sacrifice, and reconciliation echo in the dialogue and emotional tone.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Opening and National Mourning

• Tribute to Franklin Delano Roosevelt (00:38)
  • The episode opens with announcer Edward G. Robinson giving a poignant tribute to the late FDR, calling for unity as the nation moves through uncertain times.
  • Sets the historical framework for the drama, emphasizing the link between public history and personal stories.

2. Setting and Main Characters Introduced

• The Crash of 1929 (03:59)

  • The narrative begins in the middle of the stock market crash, where fortunes evaporate, and desperation mounts.
  • Mary's life as she lies gravely ill is starkly contrasted with the financial world’s devastation.

• Mary's Last Requests (04:36)

  • Mary Lane, near death, asks her friend Julia to ensure a letter she’s written reaches James Emerson after her passing.
  • Significant Quote:
    • Mary to Julia:

      "I'm very sure, Julia. I've had a long time to think about it lying here. You see everything so clear to me now. And I want it to be like that for him, too." (05:06)

3. The Secret Letter and Memories

• Delivery of the Letter (07:28)

  • Mary instructs Jimmy to deliver her letter to James Emerson.
  • James is struggling with his own losses—economic and personal (08:57).

• Flashbacks: Young Love Amidst War (13:41 - 22:23)

  • The letter serves as a narrative device, taking James (and listeners) back to 1917—his first meeting with Mary at the Virginia Country Club just before WWI.
  • Memorable Moment:
    • The playful early flirting—

      "You say we have met. Well, you couldn't exactly call it that." (16:31)

      • A charming sequence revealing Mary's boldness and affection.

• Secret Marriage and War’s Divide (19:36 - 22:07)

  • The couple marry in secret before James leaves for war.
  • Mary’s pregnancy and her family’s reaction highlight the shame and secrecy imposed on women at the time.

4. Separation, Pride, and Changing Eras

• Mary’s New Life and Emancipation (26:18 - 27:16)

  • Aunt Julia embodies the "new woman" of the 1920s, urging Mary to embrace independence and modernity.

• Mary's Struggles as a Single Mother (33:10)

  • After James fails to recognize Mary (due to a war injury and amnesia), she chooses not to demand acknowledgment.
  • Julia:

    "You can go to him, tell him he has a son, demand your rights as a wife."
    Mary:
    "Demand? No. I have some pride, Julia. It isn't fair to me or to my baby. If I have to demand, I don't want it." (34:23-34:31)

• Annulment and Hard Choices (35:43-36:48)

  • Mary works in Julia's shop and eventually annuls the marriage for the sake of closure, resigning herself to single motherhood.

5. Life Moves On, and Second Chances

• Motherhood and Lost Opportunities (39:38 - 42:27)

  • Mary’s son Jimmy becomes the center of her world as a decade passes.
  • A glimpse into their home shows love but also foreshadows Mary's failing health.

• Romantic Prospects and Emotional Honesty (42:40 - 44:32)

  • Mary is courted by David but cannot move forward, still in love with James.

• Chance Reunion and Revelation (46:10 - 53:13)

  • On New Year’s Eve, Mary and James unknowingly meet again. James, still suffering memory lapses, is drawn to Mary:

    James: "Somehow I feel that you're not A stranger... But I can talk to you. May I see you again, please?" (49:50-50:04)

  • James explains his amnesia from a war injury—an explanation for his failure to recognize Mary earlier.
  • Mary cannot bring herself to reveal the full truth and leaves, choosing not to rekindle their past.

6. Closure, Loss, and New Beginnings

• Mary’s Illness and Final Letter (55:40)

  • As Mary’s health declines, she writes her final letter, urging James to claim his son:

    "I love you, Jim. I love you now as I've loved you always. And I have a feeling that we can be happy again somewhere..." (55:40-56:18)

• James and Jimmy Reunited (58:29-59:19)

  • James visits Julia, learns the whole truth, and finally meets his son:

    "You will, son. We're going to know each other very well, if you'll let me. You see, I'm your father, son." (59:01-59:19)

  • The cycle of misunderstanding is broken, offering hope for the future.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Courage Amidst Loss

  "Getting very sick, even dying isn’t so terrible, really. It just means getting along without each other for a little longer time than, well, going away to school or things like that.”
  — Mary Lane to Jimmy (06:31)

• On Women's Emancipation

  "Oh, child, women have cut more than their hair. That's just a kind of symbol... They aren’t dependents anymore, and they've kicked the bottom out of that old bucket about woman’s place is at the kitchen sink."
  — Aunt Julia (27:00)

• On Memory and Regret

  "They had to tell me who I was in the hospital. Then I pieced a lot of it together for myself... But not everything. There are still some blanks, empty pieces in my life that I'll probably never know about."
  — James Emerson (50:48-51:30)

• On Closure and Hope

  "I've got something to live for... Something's happened. I... I can't explain it, Blanche."
  — James Emerson (56:49-57:07)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:38 — National tribute to FDR and the era's context
• 03:59 — 1929 crash and Mary's deathbed scene
• 13:41 — Mary's letter launches the extended flashback
• 19:36 — Mary and James wed in secret; departure for WWI
• 26:18 — Aunt Julia discusses emancipation and new beginnings
• 33:10 — James returns but doesn’t recognize Mary
• 39:38 — 10 years later: Mary as a single mother
• 46:10 — Mary and James’ fateful New Year's Eve reunion
• 50:48 — James describes his amnesia from the war
• 55:40 — Mary’s final letter, her plea for James to claim Jimmy
• 58:29 — James meets his son, the generational reconciliation

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Style and Tone

The episode captures the dramatic, introspective, melodramatic style of golden age radio—rich in monologues, heightened emotional stakes, and inner conflict. Performances are earnest, with Ida Lupino’s Mary Lane exuding both vulnerability and resolve, and Robert Young’s James Emerson portraying confusion, regret, and ultimately hope. Dialogue is rapid, with period-specific humor and reference to cultural change.

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Final Reflections

"Only Yesterday" offers a deeply moving portrait of love, regret, and the possibility of second chances, set against an era of wild social and political change. The episode shines in its subtle critique of gender norms, its nuanced depiction of memory and trauma, and its hopeful message regarding reconciliation and familial bonds. The blend of personal and historical drama remains as compelling today as it was in its original broadcast era.

For listeners new and old, this is a hallmark example of radio theater at its best: evocative, emotional, and timeless.

Transcript

[Announcer]

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[Sponsor Representative]

Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, the guest producer of the lux Radio Theatre, Mr. Edward G. Robinson.

[Narrator]

Before we open the Lux Radio Theatre program, we think it only fitting and proper that we pause for a moment of tribute to the memory of a great American. Since last Monday night, our country has suffered an overwhelming loss. Only history can write a full and adequate tribute to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. And now it is for all of us to unite solidly and loyally to finish the great task remaining before us, both in winning the war and in winning the peace. In today's chaotic and fast changing world, we may forget that only yesterday we were living through one of the most hectic periods in American history. The flaming twenties. A decade of nervous change and violent speed of Prohibition, gangsterism and Wall street hysteria. That is the setting of our play tonight, Universal screen hit Only Yesterday, the story of a man's life and a woman's love against the background of a world recovering from the shock of war. Starring in tonight's production is the talented dramatic actress Ida Lupino, who turns out to be a great light comedian in the Warner Brothers picture Pillow to Post. Co starred with Ms. Lupino is the personable Robert Young in Leisure Hours, a gentleman rancher from the San Fernando Valley who comes to our stage from at Goldman Mayer Studios, producers of the Katharine Hepburn Spencer Tracy comedy Without Love. Among so many other changes, it was only yesterday that women first asserted their emancipation. They'd won the vote and they went on to claim equality and freedom. Equality in business, art and science. Freedom from needless drudgery at home. In greater numbers, they turn to labor saving methods and conveniences. Luxe flakes, for instance, that have saved so many women countless hours of labor over scrubbing boards and washtubs and have helped to keep things looking fresher into the bargain. And just as in the last war, luxe flakes help precious clothing to wear longer. So they're performing the same service in America today. Our players are standing in the wings now, and it's curtain time for the first act of Only Yesterday, starring Robert Young as James Emerson and Ida Lupino as Mary Lane. October 1929. Stock market crash. In a panic of selling that sweeps the country. The business world of America comes crashing down with a roar heard in a million factories and shops, in 30 million homes. Within a few short hours, huge fortunes and meager savings alike have vanished into thin air. Men struggle to explain, struggle vainly against the financial monster that has turned to destroy them, and then sit back, crushed amid the wreckage of all their hopes and dreams. But far uptown from Wall street, in the sunlit bedroom of a pleasant home, another battle is being fought. A battle between life and death by a bedside. The doctor keeps careful watch as a young woman sinks lower and lower into the darkness. At last, her eyes open. A white hand plucks nervously at the coverlet.

[Mary Lane]

Doctor?

[James Emerson]

Yes?

[Mary Lane]

Doctor? Do you think I can hold out until he gets here?

[James Emerson]

Why, of course. Your boy is on his way here now, Mary.

[Julia Warren]

Jimmy left the school at 8 o' clock this morning. They're bringing him just as fast as they can.

[Mary Lane]

Yes, I may beat them to it.

[Julia Warren]

Oh, Mary, please don't.

[Mary Lane]

Julia.

[Julia Warren]

Yes, dear.

[Mary Lane]

You'll find a letter there. A letter I wrote Mary? Yes, to him.

[Julia Warren]

Are you sure you want to do this?

[Mary Lane]

I'm very sure, Julia. I've had a long time to think about it lying here. You see everything so clear to me now. And I want it to be like that for him, too.

[Julia Warren]

But will it help? Will it do any good now?

[Mary Lane]

I think it will. He has a right to know, and so has Jimmy. I just couldn't tell him while I lived. That's why when I found out I hadn't long, I was almost glad.

[James Emerson]

Oh, Mary.

[Mary Lane]

Julia. Julia, I want you to promise me. See that he gets the letter after I'm gone. You will, won't you?

[Julia Warren]

Yes, I promise.

[Mary Lane]

Thank you. Oh, it is that Jimmy.

[Julia Warren]

Well, I'll go and see. I'll bring him right in if it is Jimmy. Oh, Jimmy, darling. Come here, dear.

[Jimmy]

What's the matter, Aunt Julia? They told me to come home from school right away, but they wouldn't tell me why.

[Julia Warren]

Mother is sick, Jimmy, and she wants to see you.

[Jimmy]

Can I go in now?

[Commercial Voice]

Wait.

[Julia Warren]

You see, dear, you've got to be awfully brave because she's very, very sick, Aunt Julia.

[Jimmy]

Is she? Is Mother gonna die?

[Mary Lane]

Oh, Jimmy.

[James Emerson]

Oh, my darling.

[Julia Warren]

Come in, dear.

[Jimmy]

Mother.

[Mary Lane]

Hello, Jimmy. Come here, darling. Oh, my, you're getting big. You'll be an answer, won't you? Jimmy, don't cry. Look, darling, there are hard things we all have to face in life. They aren't so bad as some people make them out. Cowardly people, getting very sick, even Dying isn't so terrible, really. It just means getting along without each other for a little longer time than, well, going away to school or things like that. And so, darling, I have to go away for quite a long time. And I want you to be as good a boy when you are big as you've been to me when you were little, darling. You will, won't you?

[Jimmy]

Oh, Mother.

[Julia Warren]

Oh, geo. Yes. Yes. I want you to take this letter. 114 Wall Street. Do it quickly. It's important. And deliver it personally to Mr. James Emerson.

[Narrator]

114 wall. Yes, ma'.

[James Emerson]

Am.

[Narrator]

Hello?

[James Emerson]

Listen, I've got to speak to him.

[Narrator]

Put him on the phone.

[James Emerson]

Wait a minute, Fairchild.

[Announcer]

Close that door.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[James Emerson]

Now, listen. This is James emerson speaking. Tell Mr. Bryant I've got to speak to him, but he can't close me out. I've got to have a chance. I. Hello? Hello, Mr. Emerson? Yes. I've never seen anything like it, sir. You never will again. I'm gonna let you in on something, Fairchild. You better go get yourself another job, if you can find one. Mr. Emerson, you didn't lose everything. It's impossible, sir. Yes, speak to Brand sometime. He's through, too. Oh, I'm sorry, sir. Yeah, well, get out, will you? Yes, sir. Oh, your wife called, sir. She wanted to know when you'd be home. She's having a few people in this evening. Well, it's a good time for a party. She didn't happen to mention who was going to pay for it, did she? All right, get out. Tell her I'll be a little late.

[Announcer]

Hello? Hello?

[James Emerson]

I'm sorry, sir.

[Announcer]

Sir? I can't hear you.

[James Emerson]

No, sir.

[Announcer]

Mr. Emerson is not home yet.

[James Emerson]

Very good, sir.

[Mary Lane]

Thomas, was that my husband?

[Announcer]

No, ma'. Am. Someone calling him ma'.

[Sponsor Representative]

Am.

[Mary Lane]

Well, did you hear from his office?

[Announcer]

Only that he'd be home later, Mrs. Emerson.

[James Emerson]

Then a messenger came with this letter.

[Announcer]

He said he tried to reach Mr. Emerson at the office and he wasn't there.

[Mary Lane]

Well, call the office again. Tell him to. Oh, never mind.

[Jimmy]

He's here.

[Mary Lane]

Jim, for heaven's sake, what happened to you? I've been trying to reach you all day.

[Announcer]

Can I take your coat, sir?

[James Emerson]

Oh, thanks.

[Mary Lane]

Where's Harry Adams? I thought he was coming with you. Eunice has been waiting for him.

[James Emerson]

Is Eunice still here?

[Mary Lane]

Of course.

[James Emerson]

You'd better send her home. Harry Adams is dead. Jim jumped out of the window an hour ago.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, no. Jim, what's happened down there? What is it?

[James Emerson]

Send somebody home with Eunice. Then you'd better come and see Me? In the study. We've got a lot to talk over. I'll wait for it.

[Julia Warren]

I don't believe it. I can't believe it.

[Mary Lane]

Jim. Why didn't you tell me before?

[James Emerson]

I didn't know before, but how could it happen?

[Mary Lane]

This morning we were rich.

[James Emerson]

That was 10 hours ago.

[Mary Lane]

Now you try to tell me we have nothing. What about the country house? This apartment?

[James Emerson]

Gone.

[Mary Lane]

And all those bonds?

[James Emerson]

They're gone, too. Everything, Blanche. I haven't got a nickel.

[Mary Lane]

I see. I suppose that means I haven't anything either.

[James Emerson]

I didn't say that.

[Mary Lane]

But I suppose you'd like me to give up whatever I have that's worth anything. My pearls, the bracelet?

[James Emerson]

No, I think you'd better keep them. They're paid for.

[Mary Lane]

Well, I intend to keep them, Jim. It's the only thing I can keep out of this mess. I'm not going to give up everything and start living in a furnished room. It may be very noble, but it's hardly practical. Not for me. You were warned about the market. Norman Harris warned you. He told me himself, but you wouldn't listen.

[James Emerson]

No.

[Julia Warren]

No.

[Mary Lane]

You knew everything.

[James Emerson]

It seems I was mistaken. When are you divorcing me, Blanche?

[Mary Lane]

What?

[James Emerson]

When are you divorcing me? To marry Norman Harris. You've wanted to for a long time. There's nothing now to hold you back.

[Julia Warren]

You're horrible.

[Mary Lane]

No woman could live with you. You deserve anything you give.

[Julia Warren]

Anything.

[James Emerson]

Well, go on. Why don't you do it? What's the use of fighting when you've got nothing to fight for?

[Announcer]

Go on.

[James Emerson]

Adam's had the nerve.

[Narrator]

Get out of it.

[James Emerson]

Leave it all behind. It's only a second. One quick drop down, down, and it's all over.

[Mary Lane]

Go on.

[James Emerson]

Go on. Mr. Emerson. Mr. Emerson. Well, what is it? Oh, sir, the window. I thought I was trying to fix the drapes. What do you want? This. This letter, sir.

[Announcer]

It came by messenger.

[James Emerson]

He said it was important. All right, get out, please. Yes, sir. Mr. James Emerson. Personal urgent.

[Commercial Voice]

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[James Emerson]

My dearest Jim, I have so much to tell you and so little time in which to say it. You may have to think back 12 years ago to recall, if you can, a girl you met first time at a dance at the Virginia country Club in April 1917. Her name was 12 years ago to recall, if you can, a girl you met for the first time in a dance at the Virginia country Club in April 1917. Her name was Mary Lane. Do you remember now? You were Lieutenant Emerson.

[Mary Lane]

Lieutenant Emerson then. And so very, very handsome in your uniform. I remember seeing you come in the door. You stood there smiling. All of the girls had a little card with a soldier's name on it. We were supposed to dance with that soldier and entertain him. Your name wasn't on my card, but I went over and spoke to you anyway. Oh, good evening. Aren't you Lieutenant James Stanton Emerson?

[James Emerson]

Yes, I guess I am.

[Mary Lane]

Well, I'm supposed to look after you. Shall we dance?

[James Emerson]

I don't know. Why not? Come on. Is this something new?

[Mary Lane]

Well, we thought it'd be nice to try and keep the boys in the camp down here from getting home soon.

[James Emerson]

And with great success, too.

[Mary Lane]

Will you be going over soon?

[James Emerson]

Can't tell. I hope so.

[Mary Lane]

You're quite anxious, aren't you?

[James Emerson]

I suppose so. But I'm glad I didn't go before.

[Jimmy]

Why?

[Announcer]

Why?

[James Emerson]

Because if I had, I would have missed the chance to meet you.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, please. So loud?

[Narrator]

Why?

[James Emerson]

When have I done?

[Mary Lane]

Well, listen, I have a confession to make to you.

[James Emerson]

Yeah?

[Mary Lane]

What name is on your card? The one they gave you at the door.

[James Emerson]

Well, let's see. It's Miss Amy Breckenridge.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, yes. Well, that isn't my name.

[James Emerson]

No?

[Mary Lane]

No. My name is Mary Lane. Amy Drew you. But I traded with her, my captain, for you.

[James Emerson]

You did? I'm afraid you haven't the proper respect for Ray. Why did you do it?

[Mary Lane]

Because I wanted to be with you.

[James Emerson]

Did you tell her that?

[Mary Lane]

Well, she and Deborah, that's my other friend, they think you and I know each other very well.

[James Emerson]

Now, what gave them that idea?

[Mary Lane]

I did.

[James Emerson]

What?

[Mary Lane]

Oh, don't be angry. Please don't.

[James Emerson]

Oh, I'm not angry. But I am a little surprised.

[Mary Lane]

And that isn't all. I wore some flowers.

[Jimmy]

Flowers?

[Mary Lane]

Last weekend. And I told them they came from you.

[James Emerson]

No. Well, how long has this been going on?

[Mary Lane]

Two years.

[James Emerson]

Oh, I've been sending you flowers for two years, huh?

[Mary Lane]

Oh, no, no. I mean, it's two years since we met.

[James Emerson]

Say, let's go out on the porch and start from the beginning, huh? Come. Now, let's see. You say we have met.

[Mary Lane]

Well, you couldn't exactly call it that.

[James Emerson]

Well, where was it?

[Mary Lane]

An affair that Mrs. Abbott gave two years ago. I was 17 then, so, of course, you didn't notice me. I gave you a cheese sandwich.

[James Emerson]

Well, that was nice of you.

[Mary Lane]

And then I've seen you since.

[James Emerson]

Where?

[Mary Lane]

When you were campaigning for President Wilson.

[James Emerson]

Oh.

[Mary Lane]

My aunt, who lives in New York, was staying with us. She's a suffragette, you know. Thinks women ought to vote. And I went with her. And you made a speech.

[James Emerson]

No.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, yes, you did. It was a wonderful speech. You were so sincere and handsome. I tried to buy a picture of you. But they only had President Wilson, Vice President Marshall.

[James Emerson]

And you'd rather have had me.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, yes, of course.

[James Emerson]

Ms. Lane, I love you.

[Mary Lane]

Oh.

[James Emerson]

What's the matter?

[Mary Lane]

You kissed me.

[James Emerson]

Then I ask what's the matter?

[Mary Lane]

Well, it was a kind of a surprise attack.

[James Emerson]

You can't say you haven't known me long enough. Two years. Two years is surely good for one kiss. Especially such a gentle kiss.

[Mary Lane]

Well, I think we better go back inside.

[James Emerson]

Do you really want to?

[Julia Warren]

No.

[James Emerson]

Then let's walk. Let's walk way out there.

[Mary Lane]

All right. Shall I show you our golf course?

[James Emerson]

That's a good idea. We'll walk the full course.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, well, it takes two hours to go around. I think a little of the golf course will go quite away tonight.

[James Emerson]

I may need more time than that, though.

[Mary Lane]

Time to catch up.

[James Emerson]

I've got to get as well acquainted with you as you are with me.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, I see. Well, let's begin. I'm 19 now. Oh, but I told you that. And I live over there, see?

[James Emerson]

Oh, a lovely old place.

[Mary Lane]

It looks better at night.

[James Emerson]

And what's your favorite flower?

[Mary Lane]

Violets. Who's your favorite moving picture actress?

[James Emerson]

Blanche. Sweet. Now, see, we're getting somewhere.

[Mary Lane]

Yes, aren't we?

[James Emerson]

Now, just one more really personal one. Are you engaged or something?

[Mary Lane]

Oh, no.

[James Emerson]

Why not?

[Mary Lane]

Well, that's too personal.

[James Emerson]

Anyway. I'm glad you're not. Just think of it. A beautiful old garden, Virginia, moonlight and us three.

[Mary Lane]

Three?

[James Emerson]

You and me and fate. Three of us walking in the garden. Eden was never like this, Mary Lane.

[Mary Lane]

No, I. I guess it couldn't have been. I guess the what? Well, I guess we'd better go back. We went back that night. There were other times when we didn't. Do you remember how we used to meet whenever and wherever we could? All those beautiful short days and shorter nights until I learned to love you so that I couldn't live out of your sight. It wasn't your fault. It wasn't mine. What had happened was something beyond either of us. And then one night, you'd been out for hours, walking and not saying very much. And you left me in the garden.

[James Emerson]

Good night, my darling.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, no, Jim. Not yet. Please don't go yet.

[James Emerson]

I don't want to ever. You know that.

[Mary Lane]

Yes, I know. I've got to get used to it. You're leaving me? Because someday. Oh, darling, I can't bear it. This is just goodbye for a few hours. But soon it'll be. Mary.

[James Emerson]

Oh, don't cry, please.

[Mary Lane]

I do try, Jim. I try so awfully hard. When can I see you again?

[James Emerson]

I'm trying to get leave for next Saturday. Perhaps I'll get the whole weekend. If I do, would you marry me?

[Mary Lane]

Oh, Jim. Oh, no. No, we can't.

[James Emerson]

Why not?

[Mary Lane]

Well, there's my family. They don't even know you.

[James Emerson]

You do, Mary.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, yes, I do. I do.

[James Emerson]

Then we'll get married. No one has to know about it. We'll keep it a secret just till I get back. I. I think you would be right, Mary.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, Jim, my sweet. If you only knew how happy you'd made me that night. How the days seemed to drag by until Saturday. But it came finally, and we were married. Oh, it was a lovely secret, darling. The loveliest I've ever tried to keep. But of course, I couldn't. I told my mother and father one day at breakfast. I think they were a little angry, but I was so happy I didn't care.

[James Emerson]

And just when are we going to meet?

[Announcer]

This paragon of yours.

[Mary Lane]

Mary, as soon as he has his next leave. Oh, dear. Why, I can't even remember his name. What did you say it was? James Emerson, mother. Lieutenant Emerson, 309th Infantry. And he's very tall, very dark and very, very nice.

[James Emerson]

Yes, I'm sure he must be.

[Mary Lane]

Now, dad, please, just because it all seems so sudden to you. Don't try to judge him until you've seen him. You'll like him. I know you will. Miss Mary.

[Julia Warren]

Yes, Abby?

[Mary Lane]

Your friend Miss Deborah's here. Mary. Come in. Deborah.

[James Emerson]

Oh, Mary.

[Mary Lane]

Mary, darling. Oh, good morning, Mrs. Lane. Good morning, Mr. Lane.

[Announcer]

Morning, Deborah.

[Mary Lane]

Sit down. Have some breakfast, dear?

[Jimmy]

Oh, no.

[Mary Lane]

No, thank you, Mrs. Lane. I'm too excited to eat. Haven't you heard the news?

[Julia Warren]

What news?

[Mary Lane]

The men at the camp are leaving. Leaving? Yes, the orders came from Washington all of a sudden. Mary, I've got to go down there. Got to go to the train. Excuse me. Mary, dear. Mary, Let me through, please.

[Jimmy]

Please.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, please let me through. I've got to get to the train. Please, please let me through.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry, miss.

[James Emerson]

That's as far as you can go.

[Mary Lane]

Where's the 309th infantry, please?

[James Emerson]

What?

[Mary Lane]

The 309th.

[James Emerson]

Oh, that's gone, miss.

[Narrator]

The 309th left an hour ago.

[Julia Warren]

Oh, thank you. Thank you.

[Announcer]

Edward G. Robinson. And our stars Ida Lupino and Robert Young will return for Act 2 of Only Yesterday in just a moment. And now here's Libby Collins, our fashion

[Mary Lane]

reporter, reporting on figures. Mr. Kennedy, because they're so important to the new fashions, there's no use in trying on the new styles this spring unless you have the right foundation to set them off. But that's easier said than done. Most women would give their eye teeth for one of those wonderful figure molding. Pre war all elastic jobs, but they just don't exist. However, cutting has become an art. And now that some synthetic rubber is available, with a little patience you can find what you need. But those snippets of elastic you find in the new garments are very, very precious. So take good care of every girdle. Lots of women ask whether synthetic rubber should be washed the same way as natural rubber. The answer is emphatically yes. In fact, you'll find the new girdles fit better when they're washed. Often after two or three days, a girdle gets stretched and doesn't control as well as when it's freshly luxed and firm. Luxing helps to restore the original fit. And please, if you value a good girdle, don't use harsh wash day methods. Strong soap weakens elasticity. It's been proved by actual tests that girdles washed the luxe way keep their elasticity longer. So do be kind to those girdles of yours. The ones you have now. The new ones you buy. Lux them gently and lux them often. It's thrifty figure insurance.

[Announcer]

Now Edward G. Robinson returns with our stars.

[Narrator]

Act two of Only Yesterday. Starring Ida Lupino as Mary Lane and Robert Young as James Emerson. In his study, James Emerson sits at the desk. Before him is a letter. A letter that takes him back 12 years. Back to the day he sailed for France. Back to a girl named Mary Lane. His hands tremble slightly as he turns the page.

[James Emerson]

So we miss saying our last goodbye. But I said it to you anyway, over and over to myself on the way home from the station. Goodbye, Jim. Goodbye, darling. Come home safe. I wonder how many times I said that in the next few months. At night, lying awake, or in the day, walking through the fields where we had walked. And then all at once, I knew.

[Mary Lane]

Suddenly, as if I had been lifted to a great height and could see all the stuff. Secrets of the world and life. I knew about the baby. I wasn't afraid. Even though you were so far away. I was happy. That's what made it so difficult with Mother. She just couldn't understand. This is the first time, the only time, anything's happened in our family to

[Narrator]

make us feel ashamed.

[Mary Lane]

Ashamed of what?

[Jimmy]

Mother?

[Mary Lane]

I love Jim and he loves me. And when he comes back. When he comes back? What if he doesn't come back? What then? Mother, please don't say those things. What am I supposed to tell people? That my daughter was married secretly? Do you think they'll believe me? I don't care whether they do or not. Tell them anything you want. Oh, Mother, I'm sorry that it had to be this way. For your sake and Dad's. That's why I'm going up to New York. Yes, I. I suppose that's best. I've written to your Aunt Julia. She's expecting you. Well, thank you, Mother. I'll leave in a few days.

[Julia Warren]

That's right. Oh, carry out those bags, will you? Come on, Mary. Well, here we are, Mary. Four rooms and a bath. Otherwise home.

[Mary Lane]

I think it's lovely, Aunt Julia.

[Julia Warren]

Well, it's what we call home in New York. But make no mistake, honey. Air shafts at elevators notwithstanding, New York is a place to live. It's in the air. It's electric. It's. Anyhow, you're going to like it. Do you hear me? Like it.

[Mary Lane]

You don't have to threaten me. I think I will.

[Julia Warren]

That's the girl. Here, give me a hat.

[Mary Lane]

Hmm.

[Julia Warren]

I just can't wait to see you Bobbed.

[Mary Lane]

Bobbed? You mean cut my hair?

[Julia Warren]

Oh, child, women have cut more than their hair. That's just a kind of symbol. They've cut a lot of the old silly nonsense they can get and hold good jobs nowadays. They aren't dependents anymore, and they've kicked the bottom out of that old bucket about. Woman's place is at the kitchen sink.

[Mary Lane]

Well, at least you have, Aunt Julia.

[Julia Warren]

Now, you sit right there. We'll have tea in a minute. And I'll stop talking long enough to let you tell me a little more about what your mother wrote.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, yes. Aunt Julia, are you terribly disappointed in me?

[Julia Warren]

Of course I'm not. Why should I be? From all I've heard, you're going to be very happy someday. You and your Jim Emerson.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, Aunt Julia, you make it so easy. I think I should have come up here before.

[Julia Warren]

Of course you should. Now, tell me, does he know about the baby?

[Mary Lane]

No. No, I couldn't tell him. I didn't want him to have that to think about. It's hard enough for him now without worrying about me.

[Julia Warren]

I know, but you mustn't worry either. Understand?

[Mary Lane]

I try not to, but. Oh, Aunt Julia, if I only knew. If I were only sure that he was safe, that he'd come back to me alive.

[Julia Warren]

He will, darling. Well, he'll probably be here before the baby's born. Oh, by the way, how much time has he got?

[Mary Lane]

Well, he better come home soon. It's in November.

[Julia Warren]

November 1918. I wonder what the horoscopes would have to say about that one.

[Commercial Voice]

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[Sponsor Representative]

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[Commercial Voice]

We at ZipRecruiter know you can feel frustrated, forlorn even. Like your efforts are futile. And you can spend a fortune trying to find fabulous people, only to get flooded with candidates who are just fine. Fortunately, ZipRecruiter figured out how to fix all that. And right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip with ZipRecruiter, you can forget your frustrations because we find the right people for your roles and fast, which is our absolute favorite F word. In fact, four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day.

[Mary Lane]

Fantastic.

[Commercial Voice]

So whether you need to hire four, 40 or 400 people, get ready to meet first rate talent. Just go to ZipRecruiter.com Zip to try ZipRecruiter for free. Don't forget, that's ZipRecruiter.com Zip finally, that's ZipRecruiter dot com Zip

[Mary Lane]

Nurse.

[Julia Warren]

Oh, nurse.

[James Emerson]

Yes?

[Julia Warren]

My name is Julia Warren. The hospital called me. They told me to come here right away. Oh, of course. Your niece is doing very well, Mrs. Warren. It's a boy. A boy. Oh, how wonderful. May I see her now?

[Mary Lane]

I think so, but don't stay too long.

[Julia Warren]

No, I won't. Thank you. Hello, darling. Aunt Julia, how are you?

[Mary Lane]

I'm all right.

[Julia Warren]

They tell you? Oh, yes, darling, a boy.

[Mary Lane]

I knew it would be. Oh, I'm so happy.

[Julia Warren]

I can't stay very long, darling, but I have some good news, too.

[Mary Lane]

Listen.

[Julia Warren]

Do you hear anything?

[Mary Lane]

Yes. What is it? Sounds like a celebration.

[Julia Warren]

Oh, it is, dear.

[Mary Lane]

I didn't know my baby's birthday was that important.

[Julia Warren]

You hit on a great day for it, honey. Listen while I say it slowly. The armistice has been signed. Really? Sign. People are crazy with the news. The war is over, Mary.

[Mary Lane]

Over. Oh, now his father can come home.

[Julia Warren]

Yes, dear.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, I must get well fast. Very fast. I've got to meet him when he comes back.

[Julia Warren]

Well, they. They can't all come on the first ship, you know.

[Jimmy]

Good morning.

[Mary Lane]

Would you like to see your baby now? Oh, yes, Nurse.

[Julia Warren]

Here you are, dear.

[Jimmy]

Thank you.

[Mary Lane]

Look, Aunt Julie. Just look at him. Oh, he looks just like his father, doesn't he? Mm.

[Julia Warren]

All but the uniform.

[Mary Lane]

How long will it be, I wonder, before he can get back to us?

[Julia Warren]

Oh, a month or two or three.

[Mary Lane]

A month or two or three? I thought they'd never passed, Jim. And then your regiment came home. I was on the pier waiting. I'd been there since 7 that morning. And then at last I saw you. How I got through that crowd, I'll never know. Oh, please let me through. Jim. Jim, I'm here. Over here, darling. Jim. Oh, Jim, darling.

[James Emerson]

Hello.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, my darling, I'm so glad to have you back again.

[James Emerson]

I am. I'm glad to be back.

[Mary Lane]

Jim. Is that all we have to say to each other?

[James Emerson]

I'm sorry, I. Please excuse me.

[Mary Lane]

Jim. There he is. Jim boy. Here.

[James Emerson]

Oh, hello, Father.

[Mary Lane]

My boy. Father, dear, always so wonderful to see you again. Good morning, hero.

[James Emerson]

Oh,

[Narrator]

Blanche, what's the matter? It's Blanche, my boy.

[James Emerson]

Yes, of course.

[Mary Lane]

Have I changed that much? Come along, son.

[James Emerson]

The whole family's waiting at the house.

[Julia Warren]

Now I'm gonna hear all about everything.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, Jim, my darling.

[Julia Warren]

Jim.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, j.

[Julia Warren]

Mary, is that you? I just gave the babies that. Why, Mary, what is it? What's happened? Didn't you see him?

[Mary Lane]

Yes. Yes, I saw him, but he didn't know me. He didn't?

[Julia Warren]

Oh, darling, what on earth are you doing?

[Mary Lane]

I ran up to him. He looked at me, spoke to me, and he didn't know who I was.

[Julia Warren]

Oh, Mary, you can't think that. He didn't want to know you. Not if all you've told me about him is true.

[Mary Lane]

What else is there to think? There's people with air and a girl. It's probably very convenient.

[Julia Warren]

Oh, now, Mary, listen. You mustn't forget that you've changed, too. Your. Well, your hair is different. Your clothes are different. You look like another girl.

[Mary Lane]

It's a compliment to you, Julia. You've done me over with a vengeance. But, Julia Warren Shop guarantees to make you over so that the father of your baby won't even know you.

[Julia Warren]

Mary, dear.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, Julia, if he were changed a thousand ways, I'd still know him.

[Julia Warren]

What are you going to do?

[Mary Lane]

I don't know.

[Julia Warren]

Well, there are things you can do. You can go to him, tell him he has a son, demand your rights as a wife.

[Mary Lane]

Demand? No. I have some pride, Julia. It isn't fair to me or to my baby. If I have to demand, I don't want it.

[Julia Warren]

But you can't go on this way.

[Mary Lane]

Yes, I can. I'll wait. I know he'll come to us. I know it.

[Julia Warren]

How long will you wait, Mary?

[Mary Lane]

Until he has to recognize me. And he will someday. Julia, will you do something for me?

[Julia Warren]

Of course, dear.

[Mary Lane]

Will you let me come into your shop with you?

[Julia Warren]

Oh, darling, I'd be so glad if you would.

[Mary Lane]

Yes, I. I want to go to work. I've got to think about my son's future. Looking back at that time 11 years ago, I hardly seemed to know Myself, I was so very young, so very, very foolish. For months my pride wouldn't let me go to you. I kept myself busy in Julia's shop and with the baby. And in time I had our marriage quietly annulled. But I couldn't understand. I couldn't forget. And then one night I made my decision. I had to see you. I think Julia must have known, because just as I was leaving the apartment, she stopped me at the door.

[Julia Warren]

Mary. Where are you going, dear? Dinner's almost ready.

[Mary Lane]

Well, I. I'm going out.

[Julia Warren]

Where, dear?

[Mary Lane]

Julia, I'm going to see Jim. I can't stand this any longer. I'm going to him and tell him everything.

[Julia Warren]

What's changed you so suddenly?

[Mary Lane]

It isn't sudden, Julia. You know where I was this afternoon? In front of his office, waiting for him to come out, hoping he'd see me and remember me. That wasn't the first time. It hasn't been a day since he came back. But I haven't stood outside his office or near his home. Well, I'm going to swallow my pride. I'm going to him, tell him that I love him and that I can't go on without him.

[Julia Warren]

Wait a minute. I've got something to show you.

[Mary Lane]

Mary, what is it?

[Julia Warren]

Well, I didn't want to show it to, but. Well, I think you'd better read this.

[Mary Lane]

Mr. And Mrs. James Stanton Emerson, who were married on Wednesday last, sailed a day for.

[Julia Warren]

Oh, Mary, Mary, darling, please don't look like that.

[Mary Lane]

It.

[Julia Warren]

Mary.

[Announcer]

We pause now for station identification. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System, Edward G. Robinson and our stars Ida Lupino and Robert Young will be back with Act 3 of Only Yesterday in just a moment. It's almost lunchtime in a busy office.

[Julia Warren]

Hey Janie, it's almost one o' clock and I'm starved.

[Mary Lane]

Hurry up or we'll have to stand in line for ages.

[Julia Warren]

Okay, just let me finish this.

[James Emerson]

This.

[Jimmy]

There.

[Julia Warren]

I suppose you know you've got to run.

[Mary Lane]

No where.

[Julia Warren]

Oh darn. Could you lend me a buck for another pair? All right. But you're always borrowing to buy new stockings. You get it back on payday.

[Mary Lane]

Besides, I can't help those runs.

[Julia Warren]

I bet you could remember the last

[Mary Lane]

time when we both got stockings?

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[Julia Warren]

Well, I still got mine and no runs, so. Well, don't you remember what I told you about Lux cutting down runs?

[Jimmy]

Oh, that.

[Julia Warren]

But it's true. We both got our stockings at the same time. Well, mine are still nice and I use Lux. You rub yours with cakes open as well, okay. Stake me to a box of Luxe

[Mary Lane]

Flakes and I'll try it.

[Julia Warren]

Listen, I'm only trying to help you cut down runs, so I'll get the stuff.

[Mary Lane]

Let's go get the stockings and the luxe now and eat later.

[Announcer]

Stockings aren't too plentiful these days, so luxing is more important than ever. Strain tests have proved that luxury stockings last twice as long as those rubbed with cake soap or washed with a strong soap. Why not let Lux help you get twice the wear from every pair? For best results, always dry rayons at least 24 hours. Now, here's Edward G. Robinson and our stars.

[Narrator]

After the play, we'll bring our stars to the footlight for a bit of reminiscence. The curtain's going up now on Act 3 of Only Yesterday, starring Robert Young as Jim and Ida Lupino, is Mary. In Jim Emerson's study. Time is forgotten. Poring over the letter from Mary Lane, Emerson's mind tries vainly to pierce the darkness of years long past. The letter goes on.

[James Emerson]

How can I tell you of the 10 years that came after? It would be wrong to say I was always unhappy, for there were times when I wasn't. Times when I looked at little Jimmy growing up so straight and strong, knew that no matter what had happened, you had still given me him. He was 10 years old last November,

[Mary Lane]

and I had him entered in a private school. A strange man, not having him with me, for somehow he'd taken your place. But then he came home for the holidays and I was happy again.

[Jimmy]

Mother. Mother.

[Mary Lane]

Hello there.

[Jimmy]

Can I come in?

[Mary Lane]

In a minute, darling. Let me finish dressing.

[Jimmy]

Okay.

[Julia Warren]

Happy New Year, Jimmy.

[Jimmy]

Oh, hello, Aunt Julia. Happy New Year. What's in the package?

[Julia Warren]

My new dress. I'm going to be beautiful tonight if it kills me. Where's your mother? She.

[Jimmy]

Mm. We just got home a little while ago. We went to the doctor's.

[Julia Warren]

Oh? What'd he say?

[Jimmy]

Nothing much. He gave me a lot of tests and stuff, and he said I can play football all I want next year.

[Julia Warren]

Oh, that's wonderful, Jimmy. Then you're all right, aren't you?

[Jimmy]

I guess so. But you know what he told Mother? It was her who needed to be careful.

[Julia Warren]

What?

[Jimmy]

I heard him. He said something about she was working too hard or something and she ought to take things easier. What do you suppose that means, Aunt Julia?

[Julia Warren]

Well, I don't know. She has been doing too much. I've told her time and time again, but it doesn't do any good.

[Jimmy]

Do you suppose it'd Help if she didn't come to the store sometimes? I mean, like take a vacation.

[Julia Warren]

Well, yes, if she'd do it. But just try and make her stay away.

[Mary Lane]

All right now, Jimmy.

[Jimmy]

Okay.

[Julia Warren]

Jimmy. Jimmy, don't tell her you told me, will you? I'll call the doctor myself.

[Jimmy]

I won't tell her.

[Mary Lane]

Hello, Jimmy.

[Jimmy]

Hello. Oh, gee, you look keen. You're going out, huh?

[Mary Lane]

Uh huh. Do you mind?

[Jimmy]

No, I don't mind.

[Julia Warren]

That's good.

[Jimmy]

I just wanted to come in and say happy new year, that's all.

[Mary Lane]

Mary, that man's here. Oh, dear. Tell him I'll be right there. Jimmy, I've got to rush. Mr. Reynolds is here and I haven't even finished my makeup yet. Look out, darling.

[Jimmy]

Well, you don't need makeup. You'll get by without it.

[Mary Lane]

You think so? Just the same, I'm not gonna take any chances.

[Jimmy]

Say, mother, I've been wondering. Mm?

[Mary Lane]

What?

[Jimmy]

About Mr. Reynolds? Are you gonna marry him?

[Mary Lane]

Oh, what a question. He hasn't asked me.

[Jimmy]

Go on.

[Mary Lane]

No, really.

[Jimmy]

Well, then why don't you ask him?

[Mary Lane]

Well, Jimmy, ladies don't ask gentlemen to marry them.

[Jimmy]

Oh, well, I can fix that. How'd you like me to ask him for you, Jimmy?

[Mary Lane]

What an idea.

[Jimmy]

No, I don't mind. I'll just go and say to him. Now look here, Mr. Reynolds, I want to know.

[Mary Lane]

Jimmy, if you dare to do a thing like that. Oh, you little imp.

[Julia Warren]

Cheated.

[Jimmy]

You look scared.

[Mary Lane]

Come on now, kiss me good night.

[Jimmy]

Good night, mother. Have a nice time.

[Mary Lane]

I will, darling. And don't forget we have a date tomorrow.

[Julia Warren]

Mary.

[Mary Lane]

Coming?

[Julia Warren]

You'll have to entertain him for a while. I'm not ready. All right.

[Mary Lane]

Hello, David.

[Announcer]

Well, let me look at you.

[James Emerson]

You're very lovely tonight, Mary.

[Mary Lane]

Thanks. Must be your flowers. Sit down, David.

[James Emerson]

How's Jimmy?

[Mary Lane]

Well, I think he's getting beyond me. He threatened to embarrass us horribly tonight.

[Announcer]

Who's that?

[James Emerson]

So?

[Mary Lane]

Mm. He was going to speak to you about your intentions.

[Announcer]

No.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, definitely.

[Announcer]

Oh, I suppose you told him how

[James Emerson]

many times I've asked you to marry me.

[Mary Lane]

No, I didn't think that was quite the thing.

[James Emerson]

Mary.

[Julia Warren]

What?

[James Emerson]

How many more times am I going to ask you?

[Mary Lane]

Oh, David, you're very sweet.

[James Emerson]

I'm very much in love with you, Mary.

[Announcer]

And I guess I'll always be, no

[James Emerson]

matter how many times you turn me down.

[Mary Lane]

But, David, before we could even think about it, there'd be so much I'd have to tell you when you couldn't

[Announcer]

find a more interested listener.

[James Emerson]

Go on.

[Mary Lane]

No, no, it's the wrong time.

[James Emerson]

David, will there ever be a right time?

[Mary Lane]

Yes, I'll tell you next year. Next year it's only about four hours.

[Announcer]

Oh, that's right.

[Sponsor Representative]

Warning. The following ZipRecruiter radio spot you are about to hear is going to be filled with F words.

[Commercial Voice]

When you're hiring, we at ZipRecruiter know you can feel frustrated, forlorn, even, like your efforts are futile. And you can spend a fortune trying to find fabulous people, only to get flooded with candidates who are just fine. Fortunately, ZipRecruiter figured out how to fix all that. And right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip with ZipRecruiter you can forget your frustrations because we find the right people for your roles fast, which is our absolute favorite F word. In fact, four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day.

[Mary Lane]

Fantastic.

[Commercial Voice]

So whether you need to hire four, 40 or 400 people, get ready to meet first rate talent. Just go to ZipRecruiter.com Zip to try ZipRecruiter for free. Don't forget, that's ZipRecruiter.com Zip finally, that's ZipRecruiter dot com Zip Finding great candidates

[Sponsor Representative]

to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along. Which is why you should try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you. Its powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of hay, ZipRecruiter finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the Haystack.

[James Emerson]

See why 4 out of 5 employers

[Sponsor Representative]

who post a job on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. ZipRecruiter the smartest way to hire. And right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free. That's right. Free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip that's ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter.com Zip Mary is that a promise?

[Mary Lane]

Yes, it's a promise, David. I don't know exactly what I planned to tell David. I had no fear of the truth because I knew he loved me. But that night, just as the New Year was coming in. And the crowds were milling through the streets, I met you again. I'd become separated from David and Julie. And then suddenly, there we were, you and I, face to face in a crowd.

[James Emerson]

I'm sorry. There doesn't seem to be very much that one can do about this.

[Mary Lane]

No, no. It's quite all right.

[James Emerson]

Is anything the matter?

[Jimmy]

Oh, I know.

[Mary Lane]

I. I've just lost my friends, and there's not much chance of finding them.

[James Emerson]

Shall I get you out of this?

[Mary Lane]

Yes, please.

[James Emerson]

There. This is better, isn't it?

[Mary Lane]

Yes, thank you.

[James Emerson]

Do you think you'll get home all right?

[Julia Warren]

Well, I.

[Mary Lane]

Yes, yes, I'm quite sure. I mean, I. I don't think I'll go home just yet.

[James Emerson]

Well, would you care to have a drink with me? See the New Year in together?

[Mary Lane]

I'd like to very much, thanks.

[James Emerson]

I'm alone too. Uh, yes, I'm sorry. Haven't we met before?

[Mary Lane]

Have we met before?

[James Emerson]

Does sound rather trite, doesn't it? But I didn't mean it as an opening, Bella. Shall we go? Go right in. We can have another drink and I.

[Mary Lane]

No, thank you. It's getting rather late.

[James Emerson]

Oh, you can sit down for a moment, please. You don't have to leave now, do you?

[Mary Lane]

Tell me, is this some friend's apartment?

[James Emerson]

Why, no. It's mine.

[Mary Lane]

But this isn't where you live.

[James Emerson]

Yes. What made you say that?

[Mary Lane]

Well, I never saw a place so completely without the feminine touch.

[James Emerson]

Oh, well, this happens to be the place where I live. The other place is where I sleep. You know, breakfast and get my mail.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, I see. May I use your phone?

[James Emerson]

Of course. There it is.

[Mary Lane]

Thank you.

[James Emerson]

Do you want me to go somewhere while you talk?

[Mary Lane]

Oh, no.

[James Emerson]

I warn you, I may listen.

[Mary Lane]

Well, you can hear what I have to say.

[Jimmy]

Hello.

[Mary Lane]

Hello, darling.

[Jimmy]

Oh, hello, Mother.

[Mary Lane]

Just wanted to wish you a happy New Year again.

[Jimmy]

Happy New Year to you too, Mother.

[Mary Lane]

Thanks, darling.

[Jimmy]

Shay, did anything happen tonight?

[Mary Lane]

What?

[Jimmy]

You know. Did he say he wanted to marry her?

[Mary Lane]

Oh, no, dear.

[Jimmy]

Oh, gosh. Wally. Coming home soon?

[Mary Lane]

Yes. Very soon, I think. Good night, darling.

[Jimmy]

Good night.

[James Emerson]

Sounded very intimate.

[Mary Lane]

Was it a man you'd like to know?

[Commercial Voice]

Yes.

[James Emerson]

I think I'd like to know everything about you. Who are you? Where do you live? What do you do?

[Mary Lane]

Oh, I. I'm someone you met tonight in the crowd.

[James Emerson]

Someone to whom I'll be eternally grateful.

[Julia Warren]

Why?

[James Emerson]

Well, you see, I was lost tonight too. Not really lost. I went out for a walk about 10 o'. Clock. I was pretty lonely until we bumped into each other.

[Mary Lane]

You're married, aren't you?

[James Emerson]

Yes.

[Mary Lane]

Don't you usually celebrate New Year's Eve with your wife? Oh, I'm sorry. That was the wrong thing to say. Forgive me.

[James Emerson]

Oh, it's quite all right. I'm afraid it's not a great secret. Anyway. All married people aren't happy together, you know.

[Mary Lane]

Tell me, are you. Are you unhappy?

[James Emerson]

Yes. I've never told that to anyone before.

[Mary Lane]

Funny I should tell you, a perfect stranger.

[Commercial Voice]

Are you?

[James Emerson]

Somehow I feel that you're not A stranger. Is someone you can't talk to. Except about the weather or the market. But I can talk to you. May I see you again, Please?

[Mary Lane]

Well, isn't life complicated enough? Do we have to tangle ourselves up willingly with our eyes open?

[James Emerson]

I don't understand you. Why can't I see you?

[Mary Lane]

Because I. Oh, I don't know. I just think we better not.

[James Emerson]

I'm sorry. You speak as though you'd been greatly disappointed.

[Mary Lane]

Once I was. Well, I'll have to go now. Good night.

[James Emerson]

Good night.

[Mary Lane]

Well, that picture on the table there.

[James Emerson]

Oh. My company. Or what was left of them. It was taken just after the armistice.

[Mary Lane]

And this is you, isn't it?

[James Emerson]

Yes. Not looking very well. I just come from the hospital.

[Mary Lane]

You were wounded?

[James Emerson]

Yes, a head injury. Not too serious. But it kind of fogged me up a little. I used to forget things. Forget? Yes. Names, faces. They had to tell me who I was in the hospital. Then I pieced a lot of it together for myself. I never mentioned it to my people. I asked them to send me pictures from home. You know, snapshots of themselves, the house, my friends. They never suspected. And then gradually, things began to come back to me. But not everything. There are still some blanks, empty pieces in my life that I'll probably never know about.

[Mary Lane]

Go on.

[Announcer]

Well, that's all.

[James Emerson]

But that's why when I meet people, sometimes I have a strange feeling of having known them before. Of something happening long ago that I can almost remember.

[Mary Lane]

And if they are people you've known, and if they tell you things, things that have happened, things that are true, do you remember then? Does it come back to you?

[James Emerson]

No, not always. Sometimes I just have to take their word for it.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, you take their word. Life has been very complicated for you, too. Hasn't been easy for you, has it?

[James Emerson]

I wasn't looking for sympathy.

[Mary Lane]

No, I know. I'm glad you told me. I'm so very glad.

[Julia Warren]

Mary?

[Announcer]

Mary, is that you?

[James Emerson]

Mary?

[Mary Lane]

Yes, David.

[James Emerson]

Where have you been?

[Announcer]

Why, I thought you'd never get home.

[James Emerson]

We hunted all over for you.

[Mary Lane]

Oh, I'm sorry, David.

[James Emerson]

I've been walking in all this.

[Mary Lane]

Yes. I. I had to think.

[James Emerson]

Mary, what's the matter? You look so strange.

[Mary Lane]

David.

[Narrator]

Yes?

[Mary Lane]

David, I'm sorry. I can never marry you.

[James Emerson]

Is that what you were. You were thinking about?

[Mary Lane]

Yes. That and other things. It wouldn't be fair to you, David. I like you too much. And. Well, you see, I. I'm still in love with someone else. So I didn't marry David. I couldn't. And I told him the truth.

[Sponsor Representative]

Warning the following ZipRecruiter radio spot you are about to hear is going to be filled with F words when you're

[Commercial Voice]

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[Mary Lane]

Fantastic.

[Commercial Voice]

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[Sponsor Representative]

Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along. Which is why you should try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you. Its powerful technology identifies people with the right example experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast, so while other companies might deliver a lot of hay, ZipRecruiter finds you what you're looking for. The Needle in the Haystack See why 4 out of 5 employers who post

[James Emerson]

a job on ZipRecruiter get a quality

[Sponsor Representative]

candidate within the first day. The smartest way to Hire. And right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free. That's right. [e-mail]. zip. That's ZipRecruiter.com. zip. ZipRecruiter.com. zip.

[Mary Lane]

That's why I'm writing this letter to you, Jim. My darling, I've been so sick, so very tired. And I had to write the words I couldn't speak. I love you, Jim. I love you now as I've loved you always. And I have a feeling that we can be happy again somewhere. When you receive this letter, I shall be gone. But your son will be here. Please come and see him. And if there's a place from which I can watch, I'll be there. And I'll be happy. Goodbye, my darling.

[James Emerson]

Goodbye. Goodbye, my sweet. Now I can call you mine again. Yours, Mary.

[Jimmy]

Jim. Jim. Let me in. Jim.

[James Emerson]

Come in, Blanche.

[Jimmy]

Jim.

[Mary Lane]

I thought you'd never open the door. Park said you'd locked yourself in, and I was afraid. I was afraid.

[James Emerson]

No, no, not now. It's all changed now. I've got something to live for.

[Mary Lane]

You mean you've heard from the office? Is everything all right, then?

[James Emerson]

No, it's just the same down there. But something's happened. I. I can't explain it, Blanche.

[Mary Lane]

Something has happened to me, too. Jim, I think I ought to tell you that I've taken you at your word. I've already told Norman that I'm going to marry him.

[James Emerson]

Yes, I think that would be best.

[Mary Lane]

Is that all you have to say?

[James Emerson]

That's all I can say now. There's some place I've got to go, someone I've got to see.

[Mary Lane]

I thought I married Smith Moore to use Nat.

[James Emerson]

Blanche, let's not pretend any longer. We've known for a long time what was happening, both of us. Try to be happy. I'm going to try, too. And you were Mary's aunt?

[Julia Warren]

Yes. There's not much more I can tell you, Mr. Emerson. This morning she gave me the letter to send to you after she was gone. I sent it this afternoon.

[James Emerson]

But why didn't she tell me before?

[Julia Warren]

She was afraid you wouldn't remember that

[James Emerson]

night I met her. I tried to remember then and couldn't. But there was something. Something inside of me that never forgot. Never could forget. May I see my son now?

[Julia Warren]

Come in, Jimmy.

[Jimmy]

Yes, Aunt Julian.

[Julia Warren]

Jimmy, darling, this man is. He has something to say to you.

[James Emerson]

Thank you. Come here, son. We. We've got a lot to weather, haven't we? Yes, sir, but we'll do it won't we? I mean the two of us together.

[Jimmy]

I don't know who you are.

[James Emerson]

You will, son. We're going to know each other very well, if you'll let me. You see, I'm your father, son.

[Mary Lane]

I have a feeling that we can be happy again somewhere. And if there's a place from which I can watch, I'll be there. And I'll be happy.

[Announcer]

Before our star returned for their curtain calls, let me tell you what happened to Nancy's kitchen one day. Her sister has just dropped in.

[Julia Warren]

Gosh, it's good to see you, Sis. But you would catch me doing dishes. Oh, pooh, we all have to do them.

[Mary Lane]

Say, did you hear that, Mrs. My nan?

[Julia Warren]

Whatever has happened to your hands? Oh, you mean these lobster claws of mine? I can't help it.

[Mary Lane]

Doing dishes three times a day. Honey, I'll bet it's that wash day soap you're using. Now, look at my hand. They do look nice. But do you know why? I use Lux for my dishwashing.

[Julia Warren]

But. But what? But, Mary, I'm pinching pennies these days.

[Mary Lane]

So am I.

[Julia Warren]

But Lux is terribly thrifty.

[Mary Lane]

Listen, let's make a test. You keep track of how long your strong soap lasts and I'll keep track of how long the same amount of Lux lasts.

[Announcer]

And so the girls did just that. And here they are reporting.

[Commercial Voice]

Hello, Sis.

[Julia Warren]

Just wanted to report I've used up all my dishwashing soap. How's your Lux? Oh, goodness. I've still got a lot of Lux left.

[Mary Lane]

See, that's what I mean, Sis.

[Julia Warren]

Luxe flakes go so much further. They're really thrifty.

[Announcer]

If Mary knew about our laboratory tests, she'd see how right she is about Lux being thrifty. For dishes, ounce for ounce, Lux does up to twice as many dishes as other well known soaps. It's much richer, makes more suds. And of course, you'll be happy when you see how soft and smooth Lux leaves your hands. Try Luxe Flakes for your dishes tomorrow. Now back to Edward G. Robinson and our stars.

[Narrator]

Thanks to Ida Lupino and Robert Young for taking us back to only Yesterday, a period which in real life contains many pleasant memories as well as tragic ones.

[Mary Lane]

Eddie, what were you doing at the time of only yesterday, 1929?

[Narrator]

Well, I was on my way to California, bumping across the desert in the Model T Ford.

[James Emerson]

You hadn't been fooling with the stock market, Eddie.

[Narrator]

No, no, no. I've been serious. The market is fooling the whore. Show business was on the skids in New York. And I had a bid to make my first talking picture here in Hollywood. How about you in 1929, Ida?

[Mary Lane]

Well, I was still in England, climbing out of school windows and running away every chance I had. Determined to become an actress.

[Narrator]

Yes, and pretty young, I guess.

[Mary Lane]

Well, it was several years before I got my first real part in an English picture with John Loder.

[Narrator]

Well, I can tell you about Bob Young. I hadn't been in Hollywood many weeks before. They were urging me to see a promising juvenile actor at the Pasadena Playhouse.

[James Emerson]

Well, that's only part of the story, Eddie. I was acting at night, but to make both ends meet, I was everything from a soda jerker to a bank clerk in the daytime.

[Mary Lane]

But when you go back 15 years or so, you certainly learn unusual things about your friends.

[Narrator]

Well, Ida, you don't have to go back 15 years to learn extraordinary things about your friends. I wonder how many people know that Bob Young is an extra cattle raiser and an expert, too, at growing citrus fruit trees.

[James Emerson]

Or that Ida Lupino has had her own musical compositions played by the Los Angeles Symphony.

[Mary Lane]

Or that Eddie Robinson has one of the finest collections of paintings in the country. Eddie, I hear you've built a new gallery for your paintings.

[Narrator]

Yes, I built a new house for them over the badminton court.

[James Emerson]

Why over the badminton court?

[Narrator]

So my wife couldn't make me exercise.

[Mary Lane]

Well, we've covered the past and the present pretty well.

[Julia Warren]

But now about the future, Eddie.

[Mary Lane]

What are you having on Lux the next Monday night?

[Narrator]

Well, for next Monday night we have one of the great stage and screen successes of our time. Robert Sherwood's thrilling drama, the Petrified Forest. Starring Ronald Coleman and Susan Hayward. Packed with action and suspense, it's the story of a disillusioned wanderer. A girl he meets in the exciting background of the Arizona desert. And a tight lipped killer who brings them both together. And a strange and moving love.

[Mary Lane]

Congratulations, Eddie.

[Julia Warren]

It's a great play.

[Mary Lane]

And good night.

[Narrator]

Good night, Good night and many, many thanks. Our sponsors, the makers of Lux Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday night when the Lux Radio Theater presents Ronald Coleman and Susan Hayward and the Petrified Forest. This is Edward G. Robinson saying good night from Hollywood.

[Announcer]

Housewives, get those extra red points for your family. At the same time that you speed America to victory, your grocer is ready to give you two red ration points with four cents for each pound of waste fats that you bring him. Waste fats and greases from your kitchen are desperately needed for our military effort. Now save every drop you can. Only Yesterday was presented through the courtesy of Universal Picture Company, producers of Walter Wanger's Salome where she Danced. Edward G. Robinson is currently appearing in the international picture Woman in the Window. Heard in tonight's play were Lois Corbett as Aunt Julia, Tommy Cook as Jimmy, Lorene Tuttle as Blanche Ann, Charles Seal, Howard McNear, Norman Field, Eddie Marr, Ferdinand Meunier, Regina Wallace, Janet Scott and Pruda Marson. Our music was directed by Lewis Silvers. This program is broadcast to our fighting forces overseas through cooperation with the Armed Forces Radio Service. And this is your announcer, John M. Kennedy, reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear the Petrified Forest starring Ronald Coleman and Susan Hayward. It's spry for cake, spry for pie Spry for all you bake and fry. When your butcher says no meat, serve tasty, delicate fish fried to tender, golden perfection in pure, all vegetable spry delicious, right? And remember, foods fried the spry way are digestible. For better meals in spite of shortages,

[James Emerson]

depend on new easy mix.

[Narrator]

Spry S, P R Y.

[Announcer]

Be sure to listen in next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theater presentation of the Petrified Forest with Ronald Coleman and Susan Hayward. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Sponsor Representative]

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[James Emerson]

See why 4 out of 5 employers

[Sponsor Representative]

who post a job on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. ZipRecruiter, the smartest way to hire. And right now, you can try ZipRecruiter for free. That's right. Free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip. That's ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter.com Zip.

[Announcer]

Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. Now, I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited Premium Wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun

[James Emerson]

if we made $15 bills, but it

[Announcer]

turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial.

[James Emerson]

Give it a [e-mail] switch upfront payment

[Commercial Voice]

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