Lux Radio Theatre - Alexanders Ragtime Band

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio – Lux Radio Theatre: Alexander’s Ragtime Band (July 10, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio features the celebrated Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of "Alexander’s Ragtime Band"—a nostalgic, music-filled drama chronicling the rise of ragtime music in early 1900s America. Starring radio greats like Al Jolson, Tyrone Power, Dinah Shore, Dick Haymes, and Margaret Whiting, this production delivers classic tunes, vibrant personalities, and a moving story of ambition, heartbreak, and reconciliation, set to the iconic music of Irving Berlin.

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Main Themes and Purpose

• Celebration of Ragtime and Early American Music: The episode explores the cultural significance of ragtime, especially through Irving Berlin's legendary "Alexander’s Ragtime Band."
• Ambition and Artistic Passion: Follows Alexander, Stella, and their circle as they navigate dreams, love, and the evolving world of entertainment.
• Romantic Entanglements and Sacrifice: Central to the drama are complex relationships and the personal costs of pursuing one's dreams in show business.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Moments

1. Setting the Stage: Early Days in San Francisco

• [00:42] The episode opens with an exuberant introduction from announcer John Milton Kennedy and a musical set-piece by Al Jolson, performing "Alexander’s Ragtime Band."
• [02:23] William Keeley contextualizes the story as both a tribute to ragtime and a reflection of the American Dream:
  "A young man battling with poverty sat down to write the song you've just heard... It not only made Irving Berlin famous, but helped establish ragtime."

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2. The Band’s Origin and First Big Break

• [06:25] Al Jolson recounts how he helped Roger Grant (later known as Alexander) get his band an audition at Kramer’s Café, symbolizing the era's camaraderie and hustle.

• [09:06] Stella Kirby and the band tenuously join artistic forces, performing "Alexander’s Ragtime Band" in an impromptu, energetic tryout:

  • Stella (singing):
    "Come on in here, Alexander’s Ragtime Band..."
    (09:40)

• Initial relationships are prickly—particularly between Stella and Alexander, sowing the seeds for future romantic and professional tension.

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3. Success, Struggle, and Romance

• [11:36] The band’s fortunes rise as they headline at the Cliff House, but Stella and Alex continue to clash over artistic choices and personal ambitions.

• [16:04] Charlie Dwyer, secretly in love with Stella, writes her a heartfelt song—capturing themes of unrequited love and artistic vulnerability:

  • "I wrote it for you, Stella. If it’s any good, that’s why." — Charlie Dwyer (16:04)

• The blossoming romance between Stella and Alex culminates in mutual recognition of love, only for career opportunities (and personal pride) to drive them apart.

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4. Separation and Changes

• [18:23] Stella receives a star-making offer in New York; the band cannot go with her, leading to confrontation and heartbreak.

  • Stella: "Turn down the biggest break I'll ever get?" (18:42)
  • Alexander: "Serves me right, expecting anything from you." (18:59)

• Charlie Dwyer later marries Stella during the years apart—a classic bittersweet development.

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5. After the War: Reunion and Complications

• [22:44] Post-WWI, Alexander returns, reuniting with Stella in an emotionally intense scene:

  • "I've never stopped loving you, Stella." — Alexander (23:27)
  • Stella: "Charlie and I... we've been married for more than a year." (23:39)

• The band reforms; old friends reconnect, but happiness is elusive as past wounds linger.

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6. Resolution and Redemption

• [30:58] Charlie Dwyer, recognizing Stella’s enduring love for Alexander, proposes ending their marriage so she can pursue happiness:

  • "What do you say we call this marriage off?... I want you to be happy." — Charlie Dwyer (30:58, 31:10)

• [32:32] At Scarby’s, the group reunites as Alexander’s band prepares for new horizons. Jerry Allen, now Alexander’s partner and lead singer, gently addresses Stella’s place in their history.

• [33:37] Heartbreak for Stella, as Jerry reveals her engagement to Alex, but Stella maintains grace and wishes them luck.

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7. Final Act: The Triumph at Carnegie Hall

• [46:04] Alexander learns of Stella’s disappearance post-divorce and searches for her, culminating in a fateful night where Stella, hiding under an assumed name, listens to Alexander’s triumphant concert from a taxi outside Carnegie Hall.
  • The iconic number "Alexander's Ragtime Band" is performed at the concert.
  • Stella is urged by Al Jolson to reunite with Alexander onstage, producing an emotional catharsis.
    "Go on, I tell you. That's the girl." — Al Jolson (52:26)

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8. Curtain Calls and Radio Banter

• [54:58] The cast gathers for closing remarks.
  • Al Jolson: "Well, include yourself in, Bill, and make it six." (55:20)
• Humorous exchanges about musical talents and memories ensue, adding warmth and camaraderie to the finish.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• William Keeley [02:23]:
  "Alexander's Ragtime Band not only made Irving Berlin famous, but helped establish ragtime as a permanent, exciting idiom in music."
• Al Jolson [27:57]:
  "Funny, isn’t it? You and Charlie on Broadway and Alex down at Greenwich Village."
• Charlie Dwyer [30:58]:
  "What do you say we call this marriage off? ... I want you to be happy."
• Roger Grant/Alexander [23:27]:
  "I've never stopped loving you, Stella."
• Al Jolson [52:21]:
  "Go on, I tell you. That's the girl." (urging Stella onstage for the climactic performance)

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Key Timestamps

• [00:42]: Intro, cast list, and setting in 1915 San Francisco
• [09:06]: The band's first performance of "Alexander’s Ragtime Band"
• [16:04]: Charlie declares his feelings through song to Stella
• [23:27-23:39]: Emotional reunion; Stella reveals she married Charlie
• [30:58-31:19]: Charlie offers to end the marriage for Stella’s happiness
• [46:04]: Alexander learns of Stella's disappearance; final search and musical climax at Carnegie Hall
• [52:21-53:36]: Emotional onstage reunion and group performance
• [54:58]: Final curtain call and cast banter

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Style and Tone

Throughout, the tone is nostalgic, exuberant, and dramatically earnest—punctuated by classic radio banter and musical interludes brimming with period charm.

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Conclusion

"Alexander’s Ragtime Band" is both a tribute and a vehicle for the joy, heartache, and unyielding optimism of the golden age of American music—brought to life by an all-star radio cast. It reminds us of the power of music to unite, uplift, and heal, echoing the dreams and dramas of an age when the whole family would gather by the radio.

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[Listen to this timeless broadcast for a moving, music-filled saga of love, ambition, and the enduring legacy of ragtime.]

Transcript

[Al Jolson]

All new drinks are now at McDonald's

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

with refreshers like the Strawberry Watermelon Refresher.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

And the Mango Pineapple Refresher with Popping Boba. To crafted sodas like the Striped Berry Blast with berry flavors and cold foam.

[Al Jolson]

Who knew ice cold drinks could be so fire six.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

All new drinks are here now at McDonald's.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Refreshers contain caffeine.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Lux presents Hollywood. Lever brothers company. The makers of lux flakes bring you the lux radio theater. Our play, alexander's ragtime band. Our stars, tharon power, dinah shore, dick hames, margaret whiting. And who could better set the stage than al jolson?

[Al Jolson]

Come on in here, come on in here Alexander's Ragtime Band Come on in here Come on in here Is the best band in the land can play a bugle call like you never heard before so natural that you want to go to war that's just the bestest band whatever oh, honey lamb come on along, Come on along Let me take you by the hand up to the man, you know the man who's the leader of the band and if you care to hear the squad river Late in ragtime Come on in here, come on in here Alexander's Ragtime Band Alexander and Does ragtime Back.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Ladies and gentlemen, the producer of the Lux Radio Theater, William Keeley.

[William Keeley]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. In the early days of Tin Pan Alley, a young man battling with poverty sat down to write the song you've just heard. Alexander's Ragtime Band. It not only made the name of Irving Berlin famous, but it helped establish ragtime as a permanent, exciting idiom in music. And tonight we bring you the heartwarming and romantic story of that song from 20th Century Fox's great hit of the same name. Which is currently playing in theaters throughout the country. From the original screencast, we have Tyrone Power. And as our special stars, Al Jolson, Dick Haymes, Dinah Shaw and Margaret Whiting. While we were rehearsing for tonight's play, I couldn't help thinking that the history of Alexander's Ragtime Band and that of Lux Flakes had a lot in common. Both swept the country on a growing wave of popularity. Until each became a household word throughout America. Not only that, but they maintain their popularity year after year. Today, the housewife who sings as she washes the dishes is probably singing Alexander's Ragtime Band and using Lux Flakes. It's time for our first act, starring Al Jolson as himself. Dinah Shore as Stella. Dick Hames as Charlie Dwyer. Margaret Whiting as Jerry and Tyrone Power as Alexander. San Francisco, 1915. It's standing room only in the Majestic Theater, but the celebrated entertainer Al Jolson has just come to town with another of his sensational shows.

[Al Jolson]

Lazy I want to be lazy I wanna lay out in the sun with

[Narrator/Singer]

no work to be done under that

[Al Jolson]

awning they call the sky Stretching and

[Narrator/Singer]

yawning

[Al Jolson]

and watch the world go drifting by I wanna peep through the dark deep Hang a wild wood Counting sheep like I sleep as a child would

[Narrator/Singer]

With a great big the least full

[Al Jolson]

of books to read Very peaceful While

[Narrator/Singer]

I killing time being lazy.

[Al Jolson]

While I'm killing time being lazy. Great show, Al.

[William Keeley]

That curtain sure brought the high stone.

[Al Jolson]

Thanks, Joe. Say, Al, Jo, she wants to know should he leave that bid in for Helen? It worked in swell tonight. Sure give the kid a break. Any messages, Bert?

[Narrator/Singer]

No.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

You're not forgetting the mayor's supper party?

[Al Jolson]

Anything else? Oh, yes. Roger Grant called again. Well, he's persistent if nothing else.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Oh, I think he's got a pretty good band.

[Al Jolson]

So do I. That's why I've been trying to get him a job. Well, I guess Kramer doesn't like good music, huh? Oh, no, no, no.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Grant stopped by to thank you.

[Al Jolson]

He's got the job swell. Well, not quite, but Kramer's agreed to

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

a tryout tomorrow night.

[Al Jolson]

I hadn't come to Frisco to find jobs for band leaders, but Grant's father had been a friend of mine and, well, you know how it is. Kramer's Cafe wasn't the best place in town, but he sure served a wonderful cheese blintz. Anyway, young Grant brought his band there the next night. The same night that Stella Kirby came looking for a job.

[Charlie Dwyer]

What do you want?

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, they tell me you're going in for music here.

[Al Jolson]

I singer, huh?

[Stella Kirby]

That's right and good. I've been up at Lefty's for three months.

[Al Jolson]

Why not now?

[Stella Kirby]

Well, Lefty got fresh and I quit. Oh, I know I'll be safe in a nice refined place like this.

[Al Jolson]

Sense of humor, huh? And what else?

[Stella Kirby]

What else? This a brand new song.

[Al Jolson]

That's Dynamite Alexander's Ragtime Band.

[Stella Kirby]

I'll sing it for you right now.

[Al Jolson]

Relax, girly, relax. I'll tell you when.

[Stella Kirby]

Thanks, Mr. Kramer.

[William Keeley]

Stella.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Stella Kybie.

[Jerry Allen]

Well, for crying out loud, Snapper.

[Stella Kirby]

What are you doing here?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, still banging the drum. This time for a very high class guy named Roger Grant.

[Stella Kirby]

And you still banging out ballad, Snapper? If Kramer hires me.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Hey, Charlie, meet Stella Kirby.

[Stella Kirby]

Hi.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

This is Charlie Dwyer, Stella, the best piano player in Frisco.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Hello, Ms. Kirby.

[Stella Kirby]

See you fellas play here.

[Charlie Dwyer]

We're trying to get a job. Going to play for Kramer right now.

[Stella Kirby]

I'm singing for him later. I'll probably meet you out on the sidewalk, Mr. Dwyer.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

All right, Charlie. Snapper, let's get going. Oh, excuse me.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Stella Kirby, Roger Grant.

[Margaret Whiting]

Hi.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

How do you do? Charlie, I want the piano soft, understand? You two snappers, Soft and dreamy, Right. Oh, you'll excuse us, Ms. Kirby?

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Nice girl, Snapper.

[Al Jolson]

Oh, boy.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Hey, keep your mind on business.

[Al Jolson]

All right, you fellas, start playing. You better be good, see? I don't care if Al Jolson did send you.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, come on, Charlie. The music. The music. Where is it?

[Charlie Dwyer]

The music.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, Rog, it's gone. Are you crazy? You had the music.

[William Keeley]

I saw it.

[Charlie Dwyer]

The streetcar. I must have left it on the streetcar.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Guys gonna play or not? Oh, yeah. Yes, Mr. Kramer, right away. Hey, Rog, look. Here's some music right here on the chair. What is it? Let me see.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Alexander's Ragtime Band.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

What's that? I don't know. Just pass out the parts. Hey, what is it?

[Charlie Dwyer]

Here you are, fellas. No time to rehearse.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

But. Yeah, just do your best, boys. Okay, then, let's go.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Hey, what kind of rhythm is this?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I don'. He's crazy.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Oh, Kramer will murder us for this.

[Jerry Allen]

Hey, what goes on here? That's my music.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Please, please, Ms. Kirby. We're trying to.

[Stella Kirby]

That's my number. Where'd you find it?

[William Keeley]

Please.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Hey, hey, fellas, I've got it. Just loosen up a little bit.

[Stella Kirby]

Hit it. Come on, now. Now listen, you pup.

[Jerry Allen]

That's my song, and I'm gonna sing it, see? Oh, my honey oh, my honey Better hurry and let me enter Ain't you going Ain't leader man ragged meter man oh, my honey oh, my honey Let me take you to Alexander's Grandstand Brass Band Ain't you coming along?

[Stella Kirby]

Come on in here Come on in

[Jerry Allen]

here Alexander's Ragtime Band Come on in here Come on in here it's the best band in the land they can play a bugle call like you never

[Stella Kirby]

heard before so natural but you want to go to war that's just the

[Jerry Allen]

bestest band what am oh, my Honeyland

[Stella Kirby]

Come on along Come on Let me

[Jerry Allen]

take you by the hand to the man to the man who's the leader of the band and if you want to hear the Swanny River Play in right time Come on in here Come on in here, Alexander.

[Stella Kirby]

All right, fancy pants. What's the idea of swiping my music.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I'm sorry, Ms. Kirby, but we.

[Al Jolson]

Hey, that was dynamite.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

You got the job, sister.

[Al Jolson]

And you too, maestro.

[Stella Kirby]

Look, I came here to get a job for myself, not these amateurs. It was my music that put them over.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Just because you can shout notes, you know everything about music.

[Al Jolson]

It's all of your nothing. Hey, Pinky, Beer of the house for

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Alexander this Right Time Band. My name's Grant.

[Al Jolson]

It's Alexander, see?

[Stella Kirby]

From now on, your name's mud as far as I'm concerned. And if you think I'm gonna work with you.

[Al Jolson]

You said I'd have you give me my music.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Now, wait a second. Wait a second. Please, Ms. Kirby, let's figure this out.

[Stella Kirby]

I got it figured out, Mr. Dwyer. I don't want anything to do with this. This.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Always a pleasure to meet a lady. Good night, Ms. Kirby.

[Stella Kirby]

You stuck up.

[William Keeley]

Now, wait, wait, wait.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Roger was just shooting off his mouth, that's all. Ms. Kirby, we all need a job.

[Stella Kirby]

Well, I don't. Not that bad, I don't.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Just give me five minutes. Five minutes.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Now, let's sit down over here and talk this thing over calmly.

[Al Jolson]

Well, I. I started something when I sent Roger Grant for tryout at Kramer's. Except now he wasn't Roger Grant anymore. He was Alexander. And he and the Rattie Band and Stella Kirby. Well, they really began to. Six months later, they were opening at the famous Cliff House. But it was still cat and dog between Stella and Alex.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I didn't come to your dressing room to argue, Stella.

[Stella Kirby]

Then what do you want?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Just to see how you look. We're at the Cliff House now. This happens to be a big night for us and. Oh, no, no.

[Jerry Allen]

Well.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, that dress.

[Stella Kirby]

This dress cost me my last dime.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

And you got stuck all those feathers. It's a shame to hide such a beautiful throat under feathers. So let's just pull them off.

[Stella Kirby]

Hey, listen, and those phony flowers.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Why, Gilda, Lily, Miss Kitty, give me those flowers. I'm afraid that jewelry will have to come off too.

[Stella Kirby]

You two by four snob. I'll wear what I like, and if you.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I'm trying to build a band that has class.

[Stella Kirby]

Don't build yourself a band. But nobody's telling me what I wear. Understand? Nobody.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Hey, Alex, that manager's out there throwing a fit. We better get going.

[Stella Kirby]

I'm not singing.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Stella, let her do what she wants. I don't want a girl with a band anyway.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Oh, here we go again.

[Stella Kirby]

Why did I ever let you talk me into this?

[Charlie Dwyer]

Charm oh, but Stella, he didn't mean anything. It's opening night. He's excited, that's all.

[Stella Kirby]

Look. Look what he did to my feathers.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Oh, what's a few feathers? Come on, you've got to sing now.

[Stella Kirby]

I'll see him dead first.

[Charlie Dwyer]

All right, then don't sing for Alex, sing for me. What do you say, Stella? Please?

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, Charlie.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Now you're talking, honey. Come on.

[Stella Kirby]

All right. Why, I'll let you take advantage of my good nature.

[Charlie Dwyer]

There you are. See how easy it is?

[Stella Kirby]

Yeah. Something tells me I'm sticking my head right into a noose.

[Al Jolson]

Well, they hit Frisco like another earthquake. Twenty weeks later, there was still in the Cliff House, the biggest drawing town. One afternoon in the rehearsal room.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Hello, Stella.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Rehearsal's not till 4 o'.

[Narrator/Singer]

Clock.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, just thought I'd get over a little early, Charlie.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Hey, another new outfit, huh, Charlie?

[Stella Kirby]

Isn't too loud, is it?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I think it's great.

[Charlie Dwyer]

You know, you've changed, Stella. Changed a lot.

[Jerry Allen]

Changed?

[Stella Kirby]

Just because I buy quieter clothes and let my hair go natural?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, that's part of it, I guess.

[Stella Kirby]

You mean I'm getting refined, agreeable? Or you're wrong. Just trying to save myself a lot of arguments with Alex, that's all.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, sure, sure.

[Stella Kirby]

Yeah. What's that, your plan?

[Charlie Dwyer]

Just a little hit tune I've been working on.

[Stella Kirby]

You mean you roll it?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

You like it so far?

[Stella Kirby]

How does the rest of it go?

[Charlie Dwyer]

Well, suppose I go back to the beginning.

[Narrator/Singer]

Now it can be told Told in all its glory now that we have met the world may know the sentimental story the greatest romance they ever knew

[William Keeley]

Truth

[Narrator/Singer]

is waiting to unfold. Now it can be told

[Al Jolson]

as an

[Narrator/Singer]

inspiration Every other tale of boy meets girl Is just an imitation. The great love story has never been told before but now, now it can be.

[Stella Kirby]

Charlie. Charlie, it's great.

[Jerry Allen]

Marvelous.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Hey, take it easy.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, no, not on the level. That.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Gee, I wrote it for you, Stella. If it's any good, that's why.

[Stella Kirby]

Thank you, Charlie. I. I'd love to sing it.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Sing it? Oh, sure, sure. I'll speak to Alex. Maybe we can work it into the program tonight.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, Charlie.

[Narrator/Singer]

Yeah.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Alex, take over, will you? Charlie? I'm going outside for a minute, Stella. Alex, I really think Charlie's got a hit on his hands.

[Stella Kirby]

Alex, what are you doing here on the terrace?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, it's Charlie's tune and I. I thought he ought to conduct his own song. Stella, the way you sang it before, I. I never knew you could sing it like that. Didn't you Stella, you. You didn't sing that song for somebody, did you? I mean, somebody in particular, maybe. That's what I thought. I'm afraid to ask who.

[Stella Kirby]

You don't have to be. You probably know you're conceited enough.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Stella.

[Stella Kirby]

Stella, imagine you and me like this. What happened, Alex?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I guess the roof just fell in on us.

[Stella Kirby]

The minute I started to sing that song. Alex, do you suppose we've been in love with each other all the time?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Me in love with a girl who wears feathers? Yeah. Yeah, feathers and everything.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, Alex, this is the real thing, isn't it?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

The realest thing that's ever happened, Stella.

[Al Jolson]

Well, that's what happens when you write a song. Take Charlie Dwyer now. He pours out his heart in a song for Stella, and she takes it out and pours her heart out to another fella. Well, they just about set a date for the wedding when Charlie Dillingham, the New York producer, came to the coast. He happened to hear Seller sing, and an hour later.

[Stella Kirby]

Alex. Charlie, it's wonderful. He wants me to go to New York, Mr. Dillingham.

[Narrator/Singer]

New York?

[Jerry Allen]

Yeah.

[Stella Kirby]

He's gonna make me a star. Alex. Oh, darling. Everything you wanted for me?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Yes, but what about the band?

[Stella Kirby]

Well, he says he can't use the band now, but he'll find a place later.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, and you're going?

[Stella Kirby]

Well, of course I'm going. Turn down the biggest break I'll ever get.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

You might have talked to me about it first.

[Stella Kirby]

We'll still be together. You can come on to New York. You'll get a job.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

That'll be great.

[Stella Kirby]

But you've told me over and over I could make something of myself if I tried. And now, just because it's happened, you're angry.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Serves me right, expecting anything from you.

[Stella Kirby]

Of all the selfish little tin horn sports. You're jealous. Jealous because he wants me and not you.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Go on, go on. Go to New York.

[Stella Kirby]

Don't think I won't. And don't think you wouldn't do the same thing if you had the chance.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Alex, tell her you're wrong before it's too late.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, I'm wrong and she's right?

[Charlie Dwyer]

Yes. You don't own Stella. She doesn't know the band a thing. We're liable to be stuck here for the rest of our lives.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

If that's the way you feel about it, what are you sticking around for? Why don't you clear out, too?

[Narrator/Singer]

All right.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Maybe that's a good idea. Excuse me, Snapper.

[William Keeley]

Sure, sure, sure.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, maestro, when does Alexander's Ragtime Band hit Broadway. It doesn't. There isn't any Alexander's Ragtime Band.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

In a moment, we'll continue with Act 2 of Alexander's Ragtime Band starring Dinah Shore, Dick Hames, Tyrone Power, Margaret Whiting and Al Jolson. Libby, I hope you'll pardon my looking twice, but I wasn't sure the first time whether those were really stockings you're wearing. Nylons, huh?

[Jerry Allen]

Mm.

[Margaret Whiting]

Aren't they gorgeous?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Yes.

[Margaret Whiting]

I've never had such sheer ones. And there's quite a story goes with them.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Well, let's have it.

[Margaret Whiting]

Well, you know, one day when I was visiting a 20th Century Fox, I spent some time with Maureen O' Hara on the set of Homestretch.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

That suggests horses, but not stockings.

[Margaret Whiting]

Well, there are scenes at 11 different tracks. And that gives Maureen an opportunity to wear some gorgeous clothes. 41 costume changes, in fact, and everyone

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

a dream in Technicolor and beautiful nylons to go with each costume.

[Margaret Whiting]

Right. Well, while I was there, Maureen and Cornell Wilde were shooting a night scene for Home Stretch near the studio swimming pool. Maureen stumbled on the gravel walk and skinned both knees.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Oh, too bad.

[Margaret Whiting]

Well, of course, that meant a new pair of stockings because they were lovely. One thread shears. Well, I raved about them, but I said they just wouldn't be practical for me.

[Stella Kirby]

And you know what?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

What?

[Margaret Whiting]

Well, the wardrobe man said, lady, if you take care of them right, they'll give you plenty of wear. And then he told me very seriously how the studio luxes stockings as well as other washables to get longer wear from them.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

That shouldn't surprise a luxe girl like you, Libby. Remember those stocking strain tests we talked about?

[Jerry Allen]

Mm.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

They were made with many different kinds of stockings. Silk, rayon, nylon and cotton. And they all showed similar results. Time after time, the luxe stockings outlasted by a wide margin those washed with a strong soap.

[Margaret Whiting]

Oh, but you haven't heard the whole story yet, Mr. Kennedy. The next day, Ms. O' Hara sent me a lovely gift. Six pairs of the very same kind of nylon she wore in the picture. And you can be sure they'll get luxe care.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Then they should give you excellent wear. Libby, you know, those strain tests proved that luxe stockings lasted twice as long as. That's like getting the wear of an extra pair from every pair of your new stockings. No wonder girls all over the country make lux. Their rule for stocking care, it pays. Luxe stockings last longer. We return you now to William Keeley,

[William Keeley]

Act 2 of Alexander's Ragtime Band starting. Dick Haymes as Charlie, Tyrone Power as Alexander, Margaret Whiting as Jerry, Al Jolson as himself and Dinah Shore as Stella.

[Al Jolson]

A lot happened in the next couple of years, including the First World War. The day after he got back from France, Alex was standing on Broadway in front of the Globe Theater. There was a playbill in the lobby. Charles Dillingham presents Stella Kirby in Come One, Come all, opening next week.

[Jerry Allen]

Who.

[Stella Kirby]

Who did you say wanted to see me?

[Marion Marshall]

Harry.

[William Keeley]

He was waiting right here at the stage door, Ms. Kirby, till rehearsal was over, and he.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Hello, Stella.

[Stella Kirby]

Alex. Alex, where in the world. Oh, it's good to see you.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I saw your name out front. Just thought I'd drop in.

[Stella Kirby]

When did you get back?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Yesterday.

[Stella Kirby]

You're all right?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, sure, sure. Not a scratch.

[Stella Kirby]

Well, then why are you.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, you. You mean the cane? Well, it's just a little fat I picked up on the other side.

[Stella Kirby]

Alex, I. I tried to see you before you left.

[Al Jolson]

You did?

[Stella Kirby]

Yeah. When you were doing that show for the army. That last night when I went backstage, you'd gone.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

It's too bad we didn't get together. Stella. I wanted to tell you how. How sorry I was for everything. Can you forgive me?

[Margaret Whiting]

Of course.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I've never stopped loving you, Stella. Alex, you don't know what it's been like wanting you every second. You've never been out of my mind.

[Stella Kirby]

Alex, you don't know.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Know what?

[Stella Kirby]

Charlie and I, we've been married for more than a year.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

No, I. I didn't know, Stella.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Mr. Dillingham says we. Alex.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Hello, Charlie.

[Margaret Whiting]

You.

[Al Jolson]

You. You.

[Charlie Dwyer]

You just got back?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

That's right.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Oh, I'm sorry I wasn't with you over there. I never got further than Hoboken.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I see you're doing the songs for Stella's new show. Congratulations.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Oh, thanks, but blame it on Stella. She cracked the whip.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, it's been great seeing you.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Well, can't we have lunch? You don't have to rush right out.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

I'm sorry.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

A couple of fellows are waiting for me. Goodbye, Stella.

[Stella Kirby]

Goodbye, Alex.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Charlie. So long.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Look, he's limping. He's changed, hasn't he, Stella?

[Stella Kirby]

Yes, in some ways. But still too proud even to say he'd been wounded.

[Al Jolson]

Now, look, Alex, here's the setup.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

We round up some of the boys, maybe Davey, maybe Edda. We can find him, you and me. And we put Alexander's Break Time Band

[Al Jolson]

right back on the map.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

What do you say? Have another drink, Snapper. No, no, listen, will you? Jerry here has swell pipes, haven't you, Jerry?

[Marion Marshall]

Sure.

[Margaret Whiting]

The agents are fighting over who gets me. Each one wants to give me up to the other guy.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, cut it out, will you? Show him, Jerry. Just let him hear you sing something.

[Margaret Whiting]

Now, maybe he's got fussy neighbors.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Go ahead, Jerry, sing for me.

[Margaret Whiting]

All right, I will.

[Jerry Allen]

Blue skies smiling at me Nothing but blue skies Do I see. Blue birds singing a song Nothing but blue birds all day long. Never saw the sun shining so bright I never saw things going so right Noticing the days hurrying by when you're in love my, how they fly Blue days, all of them gone Nothing but blue skies from now on.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, that was great, Jerry. Swell.

[Margaret Whiting]

Oh, thanks.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

There, you see what I mean, Alex? Why, we can be back in the running, bigger than ever. What's your hurry? Well, we gotta eat, don't we? Why, say, say, are you nuts?

[Al Jolson]

Sure.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Do you mind, Jerry?

[Jerry Allen]

Oh, no.

[Margaret Whiting]

I'm a little cracked myself.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

You see, Jerry understands we heroes have to have a little time to adjust ourselves. Alex, look, I need a job. So does Jerry. We can't wait around for the mood to hit you.

[Margaret Whiting]

I'll let him alone, Snapper. He doesn't want to talk business.

[Al Jolson]

Business?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

What's that?

[Margaret Whiting]

Oh, the thing you do to take your mind off drinking.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Jerry, you're a very understanding girl. I wish I was raring to go, but unfortunately I'm not.

[Margaret Whiting]

You'll forget it. It's all the same to me.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I'm just out of step.

[Margaret Whiting]

I guess you'll catch up.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Sure, but when?

[Margaret Whiting]

Like Snapper says, when the mood hits you.

[Al Jolson]

I guess it was about a month later that I bumped into Stella and Charlie on Madison Avenue. Stella didn't look too well. Maybe it was a strain of her new show. Maybe it was that meeting she'd had with Alex. Anyway, it was good seeing him again.

[Charlie Dwyer]

But what do you do in New York, Al? I thought you were on the road.

[Al Jolson]

Just got back, Charlie. Say, I caught your show, Stella. Right up on top, aren't you? And those tunes of yours, Charlie, oh, boy, they're great.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, Al, you're a sweetheart. And we'll never forget you had a hand in all of it way back in the beginning.

[Al Jolson]

Funny, isn't it? You and Charlie on Broadway and Alex down at Greenwich Village.

[Stella Kirby]

Alex in the Village?

[Al Jolson]

That's right. In my restaurant. Your restaurant? Look, Charlie, when a man loves cheese blintzes as much as I do, he'd even buy a restaurant just to make sure to be around when he wants em.

[Stella Kirby]

What? What place is it, Al?

[Al Jolson]

What place is it, Scarby's Alex and Snapper put the band together and they're starting to pack them in again. Why don't you come down?

[Charlie Dwyer]

Thanks, Al. We will. Good meeting, Al tonight, wasn't it, Stella?

[Stella Kirby]

Hmm? Oh.

[Jerry Allen]

Oh, yeah.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Funny about Alex. I thought he'd gone back to Frisco.

[Stella Kirby]

So did I.

[Charlie Dwyer]

What do you say we drop in on him sometime? Just for old times sake?

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, those old times are over, Charlie.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

It never works.

[Stella Kirby]

Trying to rake them up again.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Sometimes it does. Oh, if you're not too tired, I've got a new number. Like to hear it?

[Stella Kirby]

Of course, dear.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Sure you're up to it? It's sort of on the sentimental side.

[Stella Kirby]

Aren't you always? Come on now, let me hear it.

[Narrator/Singer]

I lost the sunshine and rose I lost the heavens of bloom I lost the beautiful rainbow I lost the morning dew I lost the angel who gave me summer the whole winter through

[Al Jolson]

I

[Narrator/Singer]

lost the gladness that turned into sadness When I

[Jerry Allen]

lost

[Narrator/Singer]

with you.

[Stella Kirby]

Charlie, it. It's just beautiful for you.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Like all the rest of them, Stella. Except this one's sort of a.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, sort of a swan song, Charlie.

[Charlie Dwyer]

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, Stella. Making up a lot of speeches about life and marriage.

[Narrator/Singer]

Very profound stuff.

[Charlie Dwyer]

But it all seems very silly now that we're.

[Stella Kirby]

Charlie, what is it?

[Charlie Dwyer]

Well, here goes. What do you say we call this marriage off?

[Stella Kirby]

Charlie.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Stella. Stella. You're still in love with Alex, aren't you?

[Stella Kirby]

I. I thought I was all over it, Charlie, but I. I guess you just can't turn those things on and off.

[Charlie Dwyer]

That's what I'm getting at. Well, I'm a lucky guy to have had you as long as I had. I'm grateful for every minute of it. But, Stella, I want you to be happy.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, Charlie. Charlie, you're one.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Oh, sure, sure. Well, I should have known it all along, Stella. Now, you go on and get the divorce. And then you and Alex can make a life for yourselves. A real life, Charlie.

[Stella Kirby]

What can I say?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Not a word.

[Charlie Dwyer]

People talk too much anyhow.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Stella.

[Al Jolson]

Well, welcome to Scarby's.

[Jerry Allen]

Hello, Al.

[Al Jolson]

Did you come to see Alex?

[Jerry Allen]

Yes, I did.

[Al Jolson]

He'll be through in a minute. Then we're having our own private party.

[Stella Kirby]

Party?

[Narrator/Singer]

Sure.

[Al Jolson]

Come on over here. They've got a table all set for us.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, wait now, Al. I just want to see Alex. I don't want to barge in on a party. Hello, Snapper.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Stella, you look terrific. And where's Charlie? I haven't seen him in years.

[Jerry Allen]

He.

[Stella Kirby]

He's out of town.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, well, he's the only one of

[Al Jolson]

the old gang not here.

[Stella Kirby]

Hey, Alex, look.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Stella Kirby. Hello, Stella.

[Stella Kirby]

Hello, Alex.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Just in time for the celebration. Oh, this is Jerry Allen, Mrs. Dwyer.

[Stella Kirby]

How do you do?

[Margaret Whiting]

How do you do?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

How's Charlie?

[Stella Kirby]

Fine, thanks. I. I didn't mean to break in on you here.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, I'm glad you did. We're leaving tonight.

[Al Jolson]

That's right.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

We're on our way to Europe, Stella.

[Stella Kirby]

Well, how do you like it? Europe?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Yeah. They needed a band in a hurry,

[Charlie Dwyer]

and we were lucky.

[Al Jolson]

Lucky nothing. They've got the best band in New York. I wish I had them in my show. And you ought to hear Jerry sing.

[Margaret Whiting]

I guess I've taken your place, Ms. Kirby. Well, I tried to, anyway.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, Jerry's great. One of the best.

[Al Jolson]

Oh, say, Alec, there are a couple of friends of mine over there want to meet you. Come on, son. Give him a break, will you?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Okay. Excuse me, Stella.

[Jerry Allen]

Don't be long, Alex.

[Stella Kirby]

I'm sorry I missed hearing you sing. Jerry, how long have you been with the band?

[Margaret Whiting]

Well, ever since it started again.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, then you must have met Alex soon after he came back from the war.

[Al Jolson]

Yes.

[Margaret Whiting]

He was still in sort of a daze from it. I stepped in and, well, I. I tried to help him snap out of it.

[Stella Kirby]

That was very fortunate for him.

[Margaret Whiting]

For me, too. You see, Alex and I are engaged. Oh.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, I'm. I'm very happy for you.

[Margaret Whiting]

Well, thanks.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

All right, boys, let's go to work. Come on, Jerry.

[Jerry Allen]

Already?

[Margaret Whiting]

Oh, Ms. Kirby, would you sing a number? Why don't you?

[Stella Kirby]

Well, if you don't mind, I'd rather not.

[Margaret Whiting]

They love it. I know.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Why not, Stella? A sort of goodbye gesture, just for luck.

[Stella Kirby]

I'll go make an announcement. Well, Stella, I. I guess I won't have a chance to say goodbye later. I'll say it now, Alex.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Goodbye.

[Stella Kirby]

Good luck to you over there.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Good luck to you, Stella.

[Jerry Allen]

Ladies and gentlemen.

[Margaret Whiting]

Ladies and gentlemen, we've a wonderful surprise for you. There's a great celebrity with us tonight, and she's agreed to sing a number for us. May I present Ms. Stella Kirby.

[Stella Kirby]

Thank you, Jerry.

[Jerry Allen]

Remember the night. The night you said I love you?

[Stella Kirby]

Remember?

[Jerry Allen]

Remember you bowed by all the star above you. Remember? Remember we found a lonely star. And after I learned to care a lot. You promised that you would forget me not. But you forgot to remember. We fall. And after I learned to care a lot.

[Stella Kirby]

You promised that you would forget me not. But you forgot that.

[Al Jolson]

Long.

[Jerry Allen]

Alex.

[Marion Marshall]

Alex.

[Jerry Allen]

Bye, al.

[Al Jolson]

Bye, stella.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, there they go. Estella.

[Stella Kirby]

Goodbye, alex. Goodbye, darling.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

We pause now for station identification. This is cbs? Yes, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[William Keeley]

In a moment we'll return with Act 3 of Alexander's Ragtime Band, starring Tyrone Power, Margaret Whiting, Al Jolson, Dinah Shaw and Dick Haynes. You've seen the face of our guest tonight on many a magazine cover. And now 20th Century Fox has signed Blonde Blue Eyed Marion Marshall to a long term screen contract. What's your ambition, Marion?

[Marion Marshall]

To become a really fine actress, Mr. Keeley.

[William Keeley]

Well, you can pick up a good many tips on acting technique at 20th Century Fox.

[Margaret Whiting]

Oh, I have.

[Marion Marshall]

I just haunted the set of the late George Apley when Ronald Coleman and Peggy Cummings were making the picture. Peggy's a darling. She even invited me to a dressing room.

[William Keeley]

Did you see her collection of Dresden figurines?

[Marion Marshall]

Yes, I loved them.

[William Keeley]

Do you have a hobby, Marian?

[Marion Marshall]

My pet extravagance, Mr. Keeley, is pretty lingerie. Though unfortunately, my budget won't call for much.

[William Keeley]

Well, John Kennedy might have some advice for you there. How about it, John?

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Well, there's a very simple way, Ms. Marshall, to add to your collection. You could buy yourself three times as many pretty undies without spending a cent more.

[Marion Marshall]

Why, that sounds wonderful.

[Margaret Whiting]

How?

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

By always using Lux. You see, it's been proved by actual tests that luxe care keeps slips and nighties lovely three times as long as those washed the wrong way. Well, if undies stay lovely three times as long, obviously they don't have to be replaced nearly so often. So instead of spending money to replace drab, faded undies, you can buy more new ones. You can have three times as many.

[Marion Marshall]

I see what you mean, Mr. Kennedy. You know, that reminds me of a pretty lingerie, Ms. Set Ms. Cummings showed me Shell pink satin with deeper applique, every stitch handmade.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

That doesn't sound like that 1912 Atmosphere of the late George Appleton.

[Marion Marshall]

Oh, she doesn't wear it in the picture. A fan sent it to her from Ireland. It's really beautiful. And she says it'll stay that way a long time because nothing but Lux ever touches her lingerie.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Clever girl. She's thrifty too. Because with gentle luxe care, lingerie stays lovely a lot long, long time. In fact, three times as long. That's a good idea for girls everywhere to remember. Thank you for coming tonight, Ms. Mar and Marshall. And good luck. Back now to your producer, William Keeley.

[William Keeley]

Act three of Alexander's Ragtime Band. Starring Dinah Shore as Stella, Al Jolson as himself, Margaret Whiting as Jerry, Dick Hames as Charlie and Tyrone Power. As Alexander,

[Al Jolson]

Our marriage ended. And with Alex in Europe, Stella's world sort of fell to pieces. She suddenly left for a show on Broadway and just. Well, just disappeared. I'd get a letter now and then from Alex. His band and Jerry's voice were the toast of London.

[Jerry Allen]

Thank you.

[Al Jolson]

Thank you very much.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

And now, ladies and gentlemen, Ladies and

[Al Jolson]

gentlemen, the management is very happy to present those great American favorites. Alexander's Ragtime Band and Miss Jerry Allen.

[Jerry Allen]

Heaven I'm in heaven and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak and I seem to find the happiness I see when we're out together dancing cheek to cheek Heaven I'm in heaven and the cares that hung around me through the week Seem to vanish Like a gambler's lucky street when we're out together dancing cheek to cheek oh, I love to climb a mountain and to reach the highest peak but it doesn't thrill me half as much as dancing cheek to cheek oh, I love to go out fishing In a river or a creek But I don't enjoy it half the time as much as dancing cheek to cheek Dance with me I want my arm about you the charm about you Will carry me through to heaven I'm in heaven and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak and I seem to to find the happiness I see when we're out together Dancing cheek to chee.

[Margaret Whiting]

I don't mind walking, Alex. They say that London fog makes you cheat, Rosie. I'm afraid it makes you wet too.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, sorry, Jerry. We'll get a cab.

[Margaret Whiting]

Oh, come on. I was just kidding. I wanted to see if you still remembered how to talk.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

I guess I'm not very good company these days.

[Margaret Whiting]

What's on your mind, Alex?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, I. I was just thinking about.

[Margaret Whiting]

That's strange. So was I.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

You were what?

[Margaret Whiting]

Wondering about Stella Kirby.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

So you're a mind reader.

[Margaret Whiting]

Well, maybe when it comes to you and Stella.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, it wasn't her I was thinking about so much as all the things that have happened.

[Margaret Whiting]

And she was just part of them.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Yeah, Part of things that seemed so important at the time. And now I can talk about them and they don't matter at all.

[Margaret Whiting]

Just closed accounts. And. You know, it's funny. Person falls in love, head over heels, this is it. You say there'll never be anyone else. There couldn't be. And then something happens and it's all over.

[Stella Kirby]

You bounce right out of it like a rubber ball.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

So what are we waiting for? You and I. Don't you think it's Time we got married.

[Margaret Whiting]

Oh, don't get on that subject again.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Why not? A couple of months ago, it was all set. Let's take the plunge now. Tonight.

[Margaret Whiting]

I hadn't finished what I was going to say. Alec, I wonder if I'll be able to get over you easily as you've been able to get over Stella to forget you.

[Stella Kirby]

You've forgotten her, Jerry.

[Margaret Whiting]

Oh, you don't really want to marry me, Alex. It's that bachelor tax you're trying to avoid.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Don't you think we'd get along?

[Stella Kirby]

Well, of course we would.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Then why not?

[Margaret Whiting]

Because you weren't in love with me. I used to think you were, but I was wrong.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

You mean an awful lot to me, Jerry.

[Margaret Whiting]

Thanks, but that's not enough to marry on. I'm not complaining, Alex. And I'm not asking for a thing. You just remember that.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

You think too straight for me, Jerry, but you're a swell person.

[Margaret Whiting]

I should have my head examined. Come on. This fog is leaking through my shoes.

[Al Jolson]

Alex and Jerry were back in New York that fall start in the tropics room at the Drake Hotel. They'd been there a couple of weeks when.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Charlie. Charlie Dwyer. Well, sit down. How are you?

[Charlie Dwyer]

Fine, Alex, and you?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Swell. How have you been doing? Oh, so.

[Charlie Dwyer]

So what's all this about a concert at Carnegie Hall?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

It's not settled yet, but I have an idea that people might go for this popular music. Well, how's Stella? I don't know. What?

[Charlie Dwyer]

I haven't heard from her, Alex. She disappeared right after the divorce.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Divorce? You and Stella. I. I thought you two were leading a quiet life someplace, raising a family.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Not Stella. Things got a little tough for me

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

and she walked out. Now, wait a minute. Stella wouldn't walk out on anybody.

[Narrator/Singer]

She did on me.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Stella's a swelling girl I ever knew, Charlie.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

If she walked out on you, it's because she had a good reason.

[Charlie Dwyer]

So you're still in love with her.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

What about it?

[Charlie Dwyer]

That's all I wanted to know. Because she's still in love with you.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

What?

[Charlie Dwyer]

She didn't walk out, Alex. We busted up, that's all.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Charlie, I've got to find her.

[Charlie Dwyer]

I've been trying for months myself. Somebody saw her singing in a dive and by the time I got there, she'd gone. She's changed her name, Alex.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Dropped right out of the picture.

[Al Jolson]

Hello, Stella.

[Stella Kirby]

Hello, Al. I saw you when you came in. What are you doing in a joint like this?

[Al Jolson]

That's what I want to ask you. Stella Kirby. Stella Kirby? Singing Here?

[Jerry Allen]

No, Al.

[Stella Kirby]

It's Lily Leonard now. I changed my name to fit the personality.

[Al Jolson]

Seen Alex?

[Stella Kirby]

Nope.

[Al Jolson]

You're going to the concert tonight, aren't you?

[Stella Kirby]

I don't think so.

[Al Jolson]

This is a pretty big night for him. He'd kind of like to know you were sitting out there. And so would I.

[Stella Kirby]

You don't need me, Al. Neither does Alex.

[Al Jolson]

He's been looking high and low for you.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

That's all he has.

[Narrator/Singer]

Sure.

[Al Jolson]

Why don't you go and see him?

[Stella Kirby]

No. Let him keep thinking of me the way I was.

[Al Jolson]

You're crazy, Stella. You're coming with me to that concert.

[Stella Kirby]

No, thanks. I finish up here tonight and I'm catching a train at 11.

[Al Jolson]

Look, I've got to make a phone call. I'll be right back.

[Stella Kirby]

To Alex? Alex?

[Al Jolson]

No, certainly not.

[Stella Kirby]

Joe. Joe.

[Al Jolson]

What's the matter, Leo?

[Stella Kirby]

Joe, when that man comes back, tell him I couldn't wait. Okay.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Got plenty of gas in the camp, lady. Where do you want to go now?

[Stella Kirby]

Well, I still got an hour to kill before my train leaves. Just to drive around, huh?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Okay, okay.

[Al Jolson]

Like some music?

[William Keeley]

Yeah.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Not bad, eh?

[Al Jolson]

Boy, that. That guy sure got it.

[Stella Kirby]

Where's that coming from?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Carnegie Hall. Alexander's Ragtime Fan, please. Oh, it's mama, lady.

[William Keeley]

Why don't you turn it off?

[Stella Kirby]

No, leave it on.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Yeah, yeah. You know, we ought to stop so we can appreciate it. That's Carnegie hall, lady, right there.

[Stella Kirby]

I didn't ask you to go to Carnegie Hall.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, we might just as well be

[Al Jolson]

standing still as cruising around.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Say, you know, too bad you can't be in there.

[Stella Kirby]

The house is sold out.

[Narrator/Singer]

Sure, sure.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

But you could sneak in a stage entrance hole. I do that a lot.

[Stella Kirby]

You can turn the radio off. I've heard all I want.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

How about Jobs is going to sing. You can't miss him. And then they sure to play Alexander's Right Time.

[Stella Kirby]

I don't want to hear it. Turn it off.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, why don't you want to hear it?

[Stella Kirby]

I can't, that's all.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Sure, sure, Ms. Crabie.

[Stella Kirby]

How did you know my name?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Oh, I. I heard you sing many a times.

[Stella Kirby]

And you remembered me?

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Sure, sure.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

You were great. You know, you ought to be in there, Ms. Kraby. Go on, why don't you?

[Stella Kirby]

Go ahead.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

The most beloved performers of all time. My friend Al Joh.

[Narrator/Singer]

A pretty girl

[Al Jolson]

is like a melody that haunts you night and day

[Narrator/Singer]

Just

[Al Jolson]

like a strain of a haunting refrain. She'll start upon a marathon and run around your brain you can't escape. She's in Your memory by morning, night and noon

[Narrator/Singer]

she will leave you and then come back again

[Al Jolson]

A pretty girl

[Narrator/Singer]

is just like a pretty tune.

[Jerry Allen]

She will leave you and then

[Narrator/Singer]

come back again Upon Pretty girl is just like a pretty.

[William Keeley]

Thanks, Al.

[Al Jolson]

Thanks.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Ladies and gentlemen. Ladies, gentlemen. We're going to play Alexander's Ragtime Band for two reasons. First, because I consider it the best of all swing songs. And second, because this particular song means more to me than any other piece of music. I'd like to play it not only for you and for the people with whom you may associate it, but also for the people and. And especially for the one person with whom I associated.

[Charlie Dwyer]

I'm sorry, miss.

[Al Jolson]

No one's allowed backstage. You'll have to, Miss Kirby. Come right in, Miss Kirby.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

You can see fine from the wings here.

[Narrator/Singer]

Stella.

[Jerry Allen]

Hello, Al.

[Al Jolson]

Look out there, Stella. He sees you. He wants you on the stage.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, no, no, no, I can't.

[Al Jolson]

Go ahead. Get out there. This is your number. Stella.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Stella.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, no, no, no, I.

[Al Jolson]

Go on, I tell you. That's the girl.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Come on, stella, sing.

[Stella Kirby]

Oh, al, sing.

[Jerry Allen]

Come along, Come along. Let me take you by the hand to the man to the man who's the leader of the band and if you want to hear that Suwannee river played in ragtime

[Stella Kirby]

Come on in here.

[Jerry Allen]

Come on in here. Alexander's Brag Con B.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Our stars will be back for their curtain calls in a moment. I read an amazing thing the other day. Last year, American women spent over $22 million on nail polish and other manicure preparations. They say 75% of the women in this country use nail polish. Well, now it seems from that as if women cared a lot about the way their hands look. And yet, when you see how many women have dishpan hands, well, you wonder why they don't do something about it. They could get rid of those red, rough hands for just about one cent a day. Simply by changing from strong soaps to lux for dishes. Isn't that easy? Look at your own hands. Are you really proud of them? Suppose you were having your husband's boss to dinner or were invited to join a new bridge club. Would you be just a little embarrassed about your hands? No. You don't need any beauty treatments to get those hands of yours back in shape. Just change from those strong soaps you've been using to gentle Lux flakes. Scores of women have proved by actual scientific tests that this is an idea which really works. You'll begin to notice a difference in just a few days. And before long, your hands will Be as soft and smooth as they used to be. Another thing you'll like about Luxe Flakes, they're so thrifty. Ounce for ounce, Lux washes up to twice as many dishes as any of 10 other leading soaps tested.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Try it tomorrow.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Here's Mr. Keeley at the microphone.

[William Keeley]

There's a five star closing to our play tonight as we bring them back in person for a curtain call. Al Jolson, Tyrone Power, Dinah Shaw, Dick Hames and Margaret Whiting. You know, it's not often we're able to present five top stars like yourselves in one night.

[Al Jolson]

Well, include yourself in, Bill, and make it safe.

[Stella Kirby]

Say, you know, Bill, there's somebody else who ought to take a bow tonight.

[Charlie Dwyer]

Who's that, Dinah?

[Margaret Whiting]

I think I agree. If you mean our orchestra conductor, Lou Silvers.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Right. And incidentally, Lou wrote one of your biggest hit tunes, didn't he, Al?

[Al Jolson]

Yes, and there's no time any better than the present for me to get a plug in. Though April Showers, they come your way they bring the flowers that loon in May Go ahead, Dick.

[Narrator/Singer]

All right.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

You know.

[Charlie Dwyer]

You know, April Showers is one of the top now, Al.

[William Keeley]

Oh, yes, I remember when Lou Silver's here conducted an orchestra for you, Al.

[Al Jolson]

Yes, a small orchestra of some 116 pieces.

[Stella Kirby]

Small orchestra of 116 pieces.

[Al Jolson]

Oh, wait till I pull this guy. Crosby will die. You say that again, Don.

[Stella Kirby]

A small orchestra of 116 pieces.

[Narrator/Singer]

Sure.

[Al Jolson]

When you put all the pieces together, all you had was eight instruments.

[Jerry Allen]

Speaking of music.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Music.

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Speaking of music, Al, Dick's played in a band as. As well as sung, Richard.

[Jerry Allen]

Is that right, Dick?

[Margaret Whiting]

What instruments did you play?

[Charlie Dwyer]

Well, I was sort of a one man band. Played the harmonica with my mouth, beat

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

the drums with one foot and pumped

[Charlie Dwyer]

the noan with the other foot.

[Stella Kirby]

What did you do with your hand?

[Jerry Allen]

Come over my ear.

[William Keeley]

How about you, Tyrone? Have you ever done anything in the field of music?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

Well, I. I used to play the accordion, Bill. Where? Yeah, in a way that would bring tears to Xanax eyes.

[Stella Kirby]

You mean you were touched by your own playing?

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

No, but the accordion used to pinch my stomach.

[Al Jolson]

Well, I want to know before. Before we get too comical here, what's coming up on Lux next Monday night, Bill?

[William Keeley]

Well, in keeping with national last week, we've arranged to bring our audience next Monday night, Paramount's hilarious new screen hit, Monsieur Beaucaire, starring Joan Caulfield and Bob Hope. This is a streamlined, laugh packed version of Ruth Tarkington's immortal story in which Bob suffers plenty of close shaves as the barber poses as a nobleman and gets into more hot water than his brush and razor.

[Jerry Allen]

Oh, an awfully funny play, Bill.

[Al Jolson]

Oh, nice line. Listen. And it ought to be funny with Bob Hope. Good night, Bill. Good night, Diana. Good night, everybody.

[William Keeley]

Lever Brothers Company, the makers of Lux Lakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening where the Lux Radio Theater presents Bob Hope and Joan Caulfield in Monsieur Beaucaire. This is William Keeley saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Their own Power appeared by arrangement with 20th Century Fox and will soon be seen in their Technicolor production, Captain from Castillo. Dick Haynes appeared through the courtesy of the Autolite Company and is currently being seen in the 20th Century Fox picture Carnival in Costa Rica. Dinah Shore appeared through the courtesy of the Ford Motor Company. Margaret Whiting appeared by arrangement with the Pabst Blue Ribbon program. Al Jolson appeared by arrangement with Columbia Pictures. Our music was directed by Louis Silvers. This program was broadcast to our servicemen and women overseas through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service. And this is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to tune in again next Monday night to hear Monsieur Beaucaire with Bob Hope and Joan Caulfield.

[Stella Kirby]

When you bake and fry Spry for

[Jerry Allen]

your cake and pie Spry get your shortening by Rely on spry Want fried

[Roger Grant (Snapper)]

foods crisp, golden, better tasting Try Spry the pure vegetable shortening for delicious better tasting fried foods so digestible too the

[Jerry Allen]

spry way Rely on spry S, P, R, Y

[Announcer/John Milton Kennedy]

Be sure to listen in next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theater presentation of Monsieur Beaucaire with Bob Hope and Joan Caulfield. And why not tune in to Joan Davis every Monday night over most of these stations. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Jerry Allen]

It.