Backstage Wife 45-08-10 (1600) Mary and Larry See a Twenty Year Old Portrait That Looks Exactly Like Mary

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Title: Backstage Wife 45-08-10 (1600) Mary and Larry See a Twenty Year Old Portrait That Looks Exactly Like Mary
Release Date: February 1, 2025

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1. Introduction to the Story

Backstage Wife unfolds the poignant tale of Mary Noble, an Iowa girl married to Larry Noble, a beloved matinee idol and Lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard. Set against the backdrop of post-war Long Island, the episode delves into themes of love, obsession, and the haunting echoes of the past.

2. The Dunbar Invitation

Mary and Larry receive an invitation from their new acquaintance, Frederick Dunbar, to dine at his opulent home in Rose Haven, Long Island. Mr. Dunbar, a man of refined tastes and mysterious undertones, welcomes them into his palatial residence.

Notable Quote:

• Mr. Dunbar [04:22]: "Dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Noble, perhaps you'd like to see some of the other rooms in the house."

3. Exploring Greystone Mansion

As the trio tours the luxurious living spaces, Mr. Dunbar shares anecdotes about his home, emphasizing both its grandeur and the emptiness he feels. His words hint at a deeper emotional void, especially when he speaks of the east and west wings.

Notable Quote:

• Mr. Dunbar [04:49]: "Yes, I picked an attractive spot to build a home. When it was finished, Lieutenant Noble, I discovered I had built merely a house, not a home."

4. The Enigmatic Portrait

The narrative takes a mysterious turn when Mr. Dunbar reveals a life-sized portrait in his study. Suspense builds as he describes the portrait's significance and the stringent measures he takes to protect it.

Notable Quote:

• Mr. Dunbar [05:07]: "Yes, a woman. A dear friend. I haven't seen her for years. She was a nurse in the first World War. It was she who nursed me back to health after I was wounded in France."

5. Unveiling the Stranger

The climax begins as Mary and Larry confront the startling resemblance between Mary and the woman in the portrait. Shock and disbelief ripple through the conversation, raising questions about identity and fate.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Noble [06:22]: "Larry, that portrait. It's a portrait of me. Me in my nurse's uniform. Is windy in Tom's play Blackout."
• Lieutenant Noble [07:58]: "It's enough like you to be your double or twin sister."

6. Emotional Turmoil and Revelation

Mary grapples with fear and confusion, sensing Mr. Dunbar's obsessive fixation on her likeness to his lost love. The tension escalates as Mr. Dunbar becomes increasingly agitated, hinting at deeper emotional scars.

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Noble [09:35]: "But, Larry, you heard what Mr. Dunbar said. He was in love with this girl, this nurse who looks enough like me to actually be me."
• Mr. Dunbar [11:49]: "Come closer to me, please."

7. Climactic Confrontation

The episode reaches its peak as Mr. Dunbar experiences a breakdown, revealing the depth of his emotional turmoil. His erratic behavior and the disappearance of the portrait add a layer of suspense, leaving listeners yearning for resolution.

Notable Quote:

• Mr. Dunbar [11:25]: "I don't know. One of them probably broke it, maybe even destroyed it. I'll have the entire house searched."

8. Cliffhanger and Tease for Next Episode

As emotions run high, the episode concludes on a suspenseful note, promising further developments and deeper explorations into the intertwining lives of Mary, Larry, and Mr. Dunbar.

Closing Quote:

• Announcer [12:18]: "Well, what started out to be a quiet evening at Mr. Dunbar's home has ended in a sudden and unexpected climax. For further development, be sure and hear Monday's dramatic episode of Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble."

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Key Themes and Insights

• Identity and Resemblance: The striking similarity between Mary and the portrait raises questions about identity, fate, and the unseen connections that bind individuals.

• Obsession and Memory: Mr. Dunbar's fixation on his lost love underscores the lingering impact of past relationships and trauma.

• Suspense and Mystery: The episode masterfully builds suspense through the gradual revelation of the portrait's significance and Mr. Dunbar's unstable demeanor.

Conclusion

Backstage Wife delivers a captivating narrative that blends romance with psychological intrigue. Through the unfolding drama between Mary, Larry, and Mr. Dunbar, listeners are invited to explore the complexities of love, loss, and the shadows that the past can cast on the present. This episode sets the stage for further revelations, ensuring that audiences remain engaged and eager for the next installment.

Transcript

[Announcer]

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[Commercial Announcer]

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[Announcer]

Allies now is to state the ways in which the Japanese government and all the Japanese military forces can surrender. This may take some hours, even a day or so, since many odd quirks of circumstances are involved. We may assume on the basis of the Potsdam Declaration, however, that the Japanese government, presumably the Emperor and the military high Comm. And perhaps the civilian wing of authority, must sign the surrender terms offered at Potsdam. These were the destruction of all military forces, the surrender of all of their arms, and in addition, adequate proof that this is being done. The Japanese must acknowledge this in writing, presumably, and then carry out the promises it makes by permitting our military and naval forces to occupy parts of Japan as prescribed in the Pot Dam declaration. Finally, the Allied reply presumably would demand some pledge of safety on the part of Japan and comfort. Comfort for the hundred 135American and allied nationals now in Japanese hands as prisoners. We would demand delivery of these people or safe conduct for them to some agreeable point. Now, that's all from the NBC studio in the State Department at this time.

[Mary Noble]

It.

[Narrator]

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[Commercial Announcer]

Now we present once again, Mary Noble, Backstage Wife, the story of a little Iowa girl who marries America's most handsome actor, Larry Noble, matinee idol of a million other women. And the story of the change war brings as Mary finds herself a war wife. Keep it clean with Energene Ladies. Are those white shoes you're wearing really white or will you be embarrassed? Next time you wear them, you can make them white. White has driven snow by using Energene shoe white. You see, energene shoe white does two important jobs, not just one. It cleans as it whitens. It's true. At the very same time that energene shoe white gives your shoes a snowy white radiance. It also cleans them beautifully. So don't spoil your appearance this summer by wearing half clean shoes, shoes that look white here and splotchy there. Use energene shoe white. It actually makes dirt and smudges disappear while it whitens your shoes. And it whitens them evenly with a fleecy white finish that's the same from toe to heel. Energene shoe white is easy to use, goes on in a jiffy and there's nothing that stays on better. Remember, keep it clean with energene. And now, Backstage Wife, the beloved story of Mary Noble. Now, Mary Noble, war wife since her husband Larry, former Broadway star, is now Lieutenant Noble of the United States Coast Guard, who is back in this country on a 30 day leave and is living with his family out at their home in Rose Haven, Long Island. Will you recall that Frederick Dunbar, Mary and Larry's new acquaintance, lives at Greystone, a palatial home on Long Island Sound? This morning he telephoned and invited them to dinner. And so we find Mary and Larry and their host, Mr. Dunbar in the luxurious living room of the Dunbar mansion. Mr. Dunbar is saying, while we're waiting.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Dinner, Mr. And Mrs. Noble, perhaps you'd like to see some of the other rooms in the house.

[Mary Noble]

Yes, we would.

[Lieutenant Noble]

This house is comparatively new, isn't it, Mr. Dunbar?

[Mr. Dunbar]

Yes, it is, Lieutenant Noble. I designed the place myself, had it built here on this hill overlooking Long Island Sound just after the last war. You can see the beach from this window here.

[Mary Noble]

Oh, Larry, look at this beautiful view. It's positively thrilling, isn't it?

[Lieutenant Noble]

Yes, it is. You certainly picked an attractive spot for your home, Mr. Dunbar.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Yes, I picked an attractive spot to build a home. When it was finished, Lieutenant Noble, I discovered I had built merely a house, not a home. I live in this east wing overlooking the water. The west wing I built for. Well, for someone else.

[Mary Noble]

Someone else?

[Mr. Dunbar]

Yes, a woman. A dear friend. I haven't seen her for years. She was a nurse in the first World War. It was she who nursed me back to health after I was wounded in France. I. In my study, the next room, I have a painting of her I'd like to show you. Would you care to look at it?

[Mary Noble]

Oh, I'd love to see it.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Then come this way, please. I had the painting done soon after we returned to this country from abroad. Here we are. This is my study.

[Mary Noble]

Oh, it's a beautiful room, isn't it, Larry?

[Mr. Dunbar]

The painting I spoke about is there on the wall over the mantel.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Why, it's in some sort of a case, isn't it?

[Mr. Dunbar]

A casing made of teakwood. Yes, with a solid front.

[Mary Noble]

It's quite a sizable picture, isn't it?

[Mr. Dunbar]

Life size. Yes. I'll open it. I keep the key here on the mantel.

[Lieutenant Noble]

You mean you keep the case locked?

[Mr. Dunbar]

Always. Why? I don't really know. I suppose it's the primitive or the suspicious innocence. That makes us want to keep our valuables under lock and key. The caveman blocked his cave with a stone. The medieval knight surrounded his castle with a moat. I placed the one valuable thing in my life in a teakwood case and then foolishly locked the door. When actually the painting interests no one in the world but me.

[Lieutenant Noble]

But how do you get up there on the wall to unlock it, Mr. Dunbar?

[Mr. Dunbar]

The lock, you'll notice, is on the bottom here.

[Lieutenant Noble]

So it is.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Here. It's unlocked now. And the glass door swings open.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Why, the picture lights up when the door is open.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Yes, the picture lights.

[Mary Noble]

Larry. Larry, that portrait. It's a portrait of me. Me in my nurse's uniform. Is windy in Tom's play Blackout.

[Lieutenant Noble]

So it is.

[Mary Noble]

I can't believe it, but this is fantastic. It can't be.

[Mr. Dunbar]

I thought you'd be surprised, Mrs. Noble.

[Mary Noble]

But I don't understand.

[Lieutenant Noble]

When was this portrait painted, Mr. Dunbar?

[Mr. Dunbar]

Nearly 20 years ago, Lieutenant Noble.

[Mary Noble]

20 years ago, but.

[Lieutenant Noble]

And is this a portrait of the girl, the nurse, you spoke about just now?

[Mr. Dunbar]

Yes, it is. The resemblance to Mrs. Noble is astounding, isn't it?

[Lieutenant Noble]

Frankly, it quite takes my breath away.

[Mary Noble]

Larry, I. Please, may I sit down? I don't feel so well.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Sit here, Mary.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Noble. I didn't realize it would affect you like this.

[Mary Noble]

That's all right, Mr. Tunbar. It was just the shock of.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Perhaps you can understand now why I went to see your performance in the play Blackout so many times.

[Mary Noble]

Yes, I'm afraid I do.

[Mr. Dunbar]

The subject of the portrait meant a great deal to me, Mrs. Noble. She still does. She always will. The resemblance between the two of you is striking, isn't it?

[Mary Noble]

I can't get over it. Why, it's me. The eyes, the mouth, shadows and the expression of the face. It's like a portrait of me, isn't it, Larry?

[Lieutenant Noble]

It's enough like you to be your double or twin sister.

[Mary Noble]

You're sure, Mr. Dunbar, this picture was painted years ago?

[Mr. Dunbar]

Why, yes, Mrs. Noble, I am. I hope you don't doubt me. I watch the artist day after day as the work progressed. Well, you can see by the canvas and even by the sheen of the paint itself that the portrait is aging.

[Lieutenant Noble]

No, it isn't. A new painting, Marianne.

[Mary Noble]

Oh, I don't doubt your word, Mr. Dunbar, but. Well, it's almost unbelievable that two people should look so much alike.

[Mr. Dunbar]

You can understand my astonishment then, when on the opening night of your play, I saw you walk out onto the stage.

[Mary Noble]

Yes, I can. It must have Been a terrible shock to you.

[Lieutenant Noble]

You must have thought you were seeing things.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Yes, lieutenant Noble, I did think I was seeing things. As I sat there in the theater, it seemed as if a vision of 20 years ago was passing before my eyes. For a full minute I closed my eyes expecting that when I opened them again I'd find it had been only an illusion. But no, the picture was real. Even the voice, Mrs. Noble. Even your voice. I can close my eyes now. And when you speak, it's as though she were speaking out of the past. I have another picture of her. It's only a photograph taken before this painting was made. I'd like you to see it. You'll excuse me, I'll get it. It's in the other room. Excuse me.

[Mary Noble]

Of course. Larry, that portrait, it almost frightens me.

[Lieutenant Noble]

It's got me puzzled, Mary. I still can't believe my eyes. Yet there it is, hanging on the wall. And it certainly was painted before you ever even heard of blackout.

[Mary Noble]

But, Larry, you heard what Mr. Dunbar said. He was in love with this girl, this nurse who looks enough like me to actually be me. Larry, he must have been madly in love with her.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Well, I don't blame him, darling. After all, I'm in love with you.

[Mary Noble]

But, Larry, don't you understand? If he was in love with her and I look exactly as she did, why, then.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Yes, I know what you're thinking about, Mary.

[Mary Noble]

But don't you see, darling? I. I'm somehow afraid to be here.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Oh, no, Mary, that's ridiculous.

[Mary Noble]

It isn't ridiculous, Larry. Whenever he's near me, I. I have a peculiar feeling that. Well, that he's looking at me strangely. That he's staring at me, Larry.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Oh, now, darling, you're imagining things.

[Mary Noble]

Yes, perhaps I am. You know, dear, this picture must have been what Mr. Dunbar chauffeur meant when he spoke about the surprise we'd get when we came into this room.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Yes, it must have been. He's undoubtedly been here in this room. And since we also saw a blackout, he knew about the resemblance between you and this girl in the portrait.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Now, see here, Marie. I tell you, the picture was right here on my desk. I saw it here just this morning, so.

[Mary Noble]

Don't lie to me, Larry. Listen.

[Mr. Dunbar]

But you had no right to remove the picture. You had no right even to touch it. I've forbidden anyone to touch it, and now it's missing. And I told you time after time not to touch the picture.

[Lieutenant Noble]

I wonder what's happened. Dunbar's angry about something.

[Commercial Announcer]

Stay out of the Room.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Do you hear me? Stay out. Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Noble, but I can't find the picture at the moment. There's a new maid here.

[Mary Noble]

That's all right, Mr. Zembar.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Yes.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Don't let it get you upset.

[Mr. Dunbar]

But I am upset, Lieutenant Noble. I've told the servants repeatedly not to move the picture from my desk. Now it's gone.

[Commercial Announcer]

Where?

[Mr. Dunbar]

I don't know. One of them probably broke it, maybe even destroyed it. I'll have the entire house searched.

[Mary Noble]

I. Larry, quick, he's going to faint.

[Lieutenant Noble]

I've got him. There.

[Mary Noble]

Put him in this chair. Larry.

[Lieutenant Noble]

There. I wonder what happened to him.

[Mary Noble]

Larry, we must do something for him. You stay here. I'll call the servants. I'll tell them to get a doctor.

[Mr. Dunbar]

No, no, Mrs. Noble, don't call the. Sir, I'll be all right.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Do you feel better now, Mr. Dunbar?

[Mr. Dunbar]

Yes, yes, thank you, Lieutenant. I'll be all right in a moment. I should never allow myself to become excited or disturbed. My doctors always told me that it was bad for my heart, but I always forget.

[Lieutenant Noble]

Are you sure there's nothing I can get for you, Mr. Dunbar?

[Mr. Dunbar]

No, nothing. Mrs. Noble.

[Mary Noble]

Yes?

[Mr. Dunbar]

Come closer to me, please.

[Mary Noble]

Yes, Mr. Denbigh.

[Mr. Dunbar]

Turn your head toward the light just a little. Yes, yes, there's no doubt about it. You'll hear each other. I knew I was right the first time I saw you walk out onto the stage. Don't believe me, Mrs. Noble. Don't believe me.

[Commercial Announcer]

Well, what started out to be a quiet evening at Mr. Dunbar's home has ended in a sudden and unexpected climax. For further development, be sure and hear Monday's dramatic episode of Backstage Wife, the story of Mary Noble. Now, Mary Noble, war wife. Keep it clean with Energene. It's been said that clothes makes a man. But if there are clothes that bear dirty grease pops, they can hurt him socially and in business. So get a bottle of Energene cleaning fluid and use it whenever your husband sings or your own need attention. Amazing. Energene makes grease spots go right before your eyes. In a jiffy, you can clean with confidence. When you use energene, it makes no difference whether it's a suit or dress, tie or blouse, rug or upholstered chair. Energene is especially designed to make grease spots vanish from almost anything you can think of, including such delicate fabrics as velvet and lace. Simply follow directions and energene cleans without harm, leaving no telltale rings to mark the places where spots have been Energene is so good that we say you can get nothing no matter how much you pay. That'll remove even the most stubborn grease spots more quickly or more efficiently than it will. And it's easy to use, too. Get the big economy bottle today. Remember, Energene gets it clean, so keep it clean with Energene. Mary Noble, backstage wife, will be on the air again Monday at this same time. Ward Bond speaking for the makers of Energene Shoe white and cleaning fluid.

[Narrator]

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[Lieutenant Noble]

Tablets with a glass of water.

[Narrator]

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[Announcer]

It.