Lux Radio Theatre - Great Expectations

Summary

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Harold's Old Time Radio – Lux Radio Theatre: Great Expectations

Date: July 23, 2026
Starring: Rock Hudson (Pip), Barbara Rush (Estella)
Producer: Irving Cummings

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the Golden Age of Radio with a full-cast adaptation of Charles Dickens's "Great Expectations." The production dramatically traces young Pip's rise from humble beginnings to the discovery of his mysterious benefactor, exploring themes of social class, ambition, heartbreak, and redemption. Featuring classic performances by Rock Hudson and Barbara Rush, the radio play condenses Dickens’s epic into an emotionally resonant, richly performed story.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Arcs

1. Pip’s Early Hardships and the Mysterious Convict

• Setting and Introduction: Pip, orphaned and living with his abusive sister and kindly brother-in-law Joe, first encounters Magwitch, an escaped convict in the village churchyard.

  • "Keep still, you little devil, or I'll cut your throat." – Abel Magwitch, threatening Pip to secure food and a file (02:15)

• Pip’s Childhood Compassion: Pip helps Magwitch, risking himself out of fear and sympathy.

  • "Pork pie and Joe’s brandy." – Pip, bringing stolen food (03:57)
  • Magwitch is later recaptured but selflessly takes the blame for the theft, sparing Pip from suspicion.

2. Encounters with Miss Havisham and Estella

• Invitation to Satis House: Pip is summoned to the decaying, ghostly mansion of Miss Havisham, who wishes him to play with her ward, Estella.

  • "You can break his heart, Estella." – Miss Havisham asks her ward to toy with Pip’s feelings (08:49)
  • "I think she is very pretty...I think I should like to go home now and never see her again." – Pip, torn between humiliation and fascination (09:18)

• Class and Cruelty: Estella mocks Pip’s “coarse hands,” exposing the social chasm between them, fueling Pip’s shame and future aspirations.

• A Last Visit: Pip learns Estella is bound for France, ending his visits and reinforcing a sense of loss.

3. The Gift of “Great Expectations”

• Unexpected Fortune: Lawyer Jaggers announces Pip has “great expectations” and will be educated and raised as a gentleman by an anonymous benefactor (16:17-17:14).

  • "He has great expectations—I am instructed to inform him he will come into a handsome property." – Jaggers (16:41)
  • Pip assumes Miss Havisham is his benefactor.

• Departure for London: Pip leaves his old life, bidding tearful farewells to Joe and Biddy, embarking on his journey toward gentility in London (18:58).

4. Life as a Gentleman & Renewed Relationships

• Adjustment to London: Pip meets his roommate Herbert Pocket—who turns out to be the very boy Pip fought at Satis House years before—highlighting social mobility’s surprises (24:32).
• Pip’s Downfall: Pip admits to feeling ashamed of Joe, realizing that wealth has made him a snob.

5. Love, Loss, and Revelation

• Pip’s Love for Estella: He continues to pursue Estella, only to be told firmly, "You must realize, Pip, that I have no heart. Perhaps that's why I have no memory." – Estella (28:55)
• Rivalry and Heartbreak: Estella is courted by Bentley Drummle; Pip's emotional torment increases.
  • "Do you deceive and entrap him, Estella?" "Yes. And many others, Pip. All of them but you." (31:40)

6. The Return of Magwitch and Unveiling of Truths

• Benefactor Revealed: The convict Magwitch reappears, dramatically revealing himself as the source of Pip’s fortune (32:13-36:23).

  • "It's you, dear boy. Yes, Pip, it's me." – Magwitch (35:42)
  • The revelation shatters Pip’s assumptions about class and worth, showing that character, not breeding, defines a person.

• Miss Havisham’s Guilt: Pip confronts her for leading him on and comes clean to Estella about his love, only to have her announce her impending marriage to Drummle.

  • "I have loved you, Estella, since I first came into this house." – Pip (42:21)
  • "Well, I am going to marry him. Oh, Pip. Don’t be afraid of my being a blessing to him. I shall not be that." – Estella (42:44)

7. Tragedy and Resolution

• Miss Havisham’s Demise: In a dramatic moment, she perishes in a fire caused by her own haunted existence (43:10).
• The Final Escape and Magwitch’s End: Pip and Herbert’s desperate attempt to smuggle Magwitch out fails; Magwitch is recaptured and condemned to death (48:44-49:40).
• Family Reunions and Healing: After Magwitch’s death and Pip’s collapse from illness, Joe and Biddy nurse him back to health, offering unconditional friendship and love (54:16).

8. Estella, Identity, and a New Start

• Estella’s Parentage Unveiled: Jaggers reveals that Estella is Magwitch’s lost daughter, and her mother is Molly, Jaggers’ long-serving housekeeper (51:00-52:07).

  • "If that woman you call Molly is Estella’s mother, then this legal advisor you mention will have a lot to answer for." – Pip (51:12)

• A Bittersweet Reunion: Pip and Estella meet one last time in Satis House, both changed by suffering. The story hints at renewal and hope:

  • "We will start again, Estella. Together. Come with me, Estella. Out into the sunlight." – Pip (57:40)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• [02:15] Abel Magwitch (threatening Pip): "Keep still, you little devil, or I'll cut your throat."
• [08:49] Miss Havisham (to Estella): "You can break his heart. Estella. Boy, play cards with her."
• [16:41] Mr. Jaggers: "He has great expectations—I am instructed to inform him he will come into a handsome property."
• [31:33] Estella (to Pip): "All sorts of ugly creatures hover about a lighted candle. Can the candle help him?"
• [35:42] Magwitch (revealing himself to Pip): "It's you, dear boy. Yes, Pip, it's me."
• [42:21] Pip (confessing to Estella): "I have loved you, Estella, since I first came into this house."
• [48:57] Abel Magwitch (after recapture): "I'm all right. I'm content to have seen my boy and took my chance."
• [53:07] Pip (giving comfort): "You had a child once whom you loved and lost. She lived, sir. She is a lady now, and very beautiful. And I love her."
• [54:16] Joe Gargery: "You Betty. Pip. Your fever's gone, old chap."
• [57:40] Pip (to Estella): "We will start again, Estella. Together. Come with me, Estella. Out into the sunlight."

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Beginnings in the Churchyard: 01:54–03:36
• Pip's First Visit to Satis House: 07:00–09:44
• Jaggers Announces Pip’s ‘Great Expectations’: 16:17–17:40
• Pip Learns Estella is Not for Him: 28:55–29:10
• Magwitch Reveals Himself as Pip’s Benefactor: 32:13–36:23
• Miss Havisham's Death and the Rescue Attempt: 43:10
• Magwitch’s Arrest and Death Sentence: 48:44–50:26
• Estella’s Parentage and Final Reunion: 51:00–58:11

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Tone and Style

The episode retains Dickens's blend of drama, romance, and social commentary, with a vintage radio-theater flair: emotive narration, vivid soundscapes, and rich, character-driven dialogues.

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Conclusion

This radio adaptation condenses "Great Expectations" into a heartfelt, dramatic performance, highlighting universal themes of love, forgiveness, and transformation. It masterfully evokes the atmosphere and values of radio’s golden age, making the classic story come alive for old and new listeners alike.

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Transcript

[Announcer (She's Birdie Sponsor)]

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[Narrator/Announcer]

Welcome to Hollywood. The Iron Forces Radio and Television Service brings you the Hollywood Radio Theater starring Rock Hudson and Barbara Rush in Great Expectations. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. Irving Cummings.

[Producer Irving Cummings]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. This evening we present these two fine universal international artists in Charles Dickens famous story, Great Expectations. Now act one of Great Expectations. Starring Rock Hudson as Piper and Barbara Rush as Estella.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

This dark and tangled narrative has its beginning in the year 1821. I was 12 years of age, living in the south of England with my sister and her husband. Late one gusty autumn afternoon, I visited the village churchyard where my mother and father are buried. Suddenly, from behind one of the tombstones.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Keep still, you little devil, or I'll cut your throat.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

He was looming over me, huge and horrible, his great wrists shackled in a chain. An escaped convict.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Tell us your name, quick.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Pip. Pip, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

You're lying. That's no name.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Oh, it is, sir. Pip. It really is. But they call me Pip.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Show us where you live.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Three miles, sir. A across the marshes.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Where's your father?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Yes, sir. This is his grave. Your mother here too, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Who do you live with, then? Supposing you're kindly let live, which I ain't made up my mind about yet.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

With my sister, sir. Mrs. Joe Gargery, wife of Joe Gargery, the blacksmith.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Blacksmith, eh? You know what a file looks like? A file?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Yes, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Do you know what whittles is?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Yes, sir. Food, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Then you get me a file and you get me whittles, or I'll have your Rot and liver out.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Try, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

And you'll bring them whittles and that file to me in this churchyard tomorrow morning at daylight?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Yes, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

And never a word of having seen such a person as me?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

No, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

There's another man hid with me around here. He has a secret way of getting at a boy and tearing him wide open. Now say heaven strike you dead if you breathe a word.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Heaven strike me dead if I breathe a word.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Now get you home.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

What sleep I had that night was plagued with the dreadful vision of the convict waiting for me in the churchyard. I was up long before dawn. From the pantry, I stole a pork pie and some brandy. And from Joe's shop, a file. I ran most of the way. It gave me less time to think.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

I. I'm. I'm here, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

You brought no one with you?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

No, sir. This. This is for you, sir.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

What?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Pork pie and Joe's brandy.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Get here.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Think you have the chill, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I'm much of your opinion by the food. Now.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

The food.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Are you starved, sir. I'm glad to see you enjoy it, sir.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Thank you, boy.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Thank you. I do.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Aren't you going to leave any for him?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Him?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Your friend, the other man.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I did not say he was a friend of mine. Anyway, he's gone. Now. Give us the file, boy.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

If there isn't anything else, sir, please go home now.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Yes, go home. I. I'm beholden to you.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Thank ye, boy.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Thank ye.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

All day long, the mounted soldiers swarmed over the marshes searching for the convicts. They were captured, both of them, on the way back to the prison ship. The sergeant's horse lost a shoe, so they stopped at Joe's blacksmith shop. With them was the convict I had helped.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

You cut them both, Charlie.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

What happened to it? Other one?

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

The corporals took him on ahead. We'd not have got this one, it wasn't for the help that somebody gave us. Ain't language ain't right now.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Aye, that's right enough.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

What are you looking at the boy for?

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

No reason, Sergeant. I wish to say something respecting this here escape.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Ah, you do, eh? Well, say it.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

It might prevent some persons from suffering suspicions now that I know it was my shipmite who turned me in. Well, I. I stole some food from this blacksmith's house last night.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

You were in my house last night?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I stole a dram of liquor and a pork pie.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

The pork pie, Ma. Mrs. Fairtour, the house down looking for that?

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I'm sorry to say I ate your pie.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Oh, you're welcome to it, as ever it were mine, we wouldn't have you starved to death, would us, Pip?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

No, Joe, no.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Now get back to your forge, blacksmith. It's getting late.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

It was a year later when an adventure of quite another sort befell me. My great Uncle Pumblechook came to the house on a very mysterious errand.

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

That's all I know. Mrs. Joe. Ms. Havisham sent to her that she wants the boy to call on her.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

You hear that, boy? Yes, ma'.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Am.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

But, uncle, it don't make sense. What she want him for in that great old house? Pip, do you know who Miss Havisham is?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

The strange lady who nobody sees.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Ay. And she's mad, ain't she? Mrs. Jo?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

She may be mad, but she's rich

[Estella]

enough to make the boy's fortune.

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

The message said she wants Pip to come to her house and play.

[Miss Havisham]

Then he'd better go and play, or

[Estella]

I'll work him good.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Get to the pump, boy. Get to the pump and scrub till you shine.

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

Here's a fine big gate. Grand Levy. So ring the bell. Ring it, boy.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

What name?

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

Pumblechook.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Quite right. She's coming. It's a girl.

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

First girl you've ever seen, is it?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

No, sir.

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

Then restrain your observation, sir, till invited. This is Pip, young lady.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

So this is Pip, is it? Come in, Pip. Not you. Only him, eh?

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

Not me.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Go away. Come along, boy.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

The house was like nothing I had ever seen before or since. With a musty smell and dust and cobwebs everywhere, as if the house had died. Not a ray of sunlight. Only the glimmer of a candle in the hand of a little girl. And the ring of our footsteps on the stone.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

This door, boy. Over here. Off to you, Miss. Don't be silly. I'm not going in.

[Miss Havisham]

Who is it? Who's there?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Pit, Mom. Mr. Pumblechook's boy. Come to play.

[Miss Havisham]

Let me look at you. Well, you aren't afraid of a woman who has never seen the sun since before you were born?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

No, Miss Havisham.

[Miss Havisham]

Look at my hand. What do I touch when I put my hand here?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Your heart?

[Miss Havisham]

Broken. My broken heart. Sometimes I have sick fancies, boy. And I have had a fancy that I would like to see someone play. Well.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Play. Play.

[Miss Havisham]

Estella, come here. Play with this boy.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

With him? A common laboring boy. Look at his boots.

[Miss Havisham]

You can break his heart. Estella. Boy, play cards with her.

[Estella]

Here.

[Miss Havisham]

Cards.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Deal the cards, boy. Yes, Miss. What coarse hands. Sorry, Miss, I. Now look what you've done. You've dropped the cards. Excuse me, I'll pick them off. You stupid, clumsy, laboring boy.

[Miss Havisham]

She has many hard things to say of you, Pip. Have you nothing to say of her?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

I think she is very insulting.

[Miss Havisham]

Anything else?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

I think she is very pretty.

[Miss Havisham]

Anything else?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

I think I should like to go

[Miss Havisham]

home now and never see her again. Even though she is so pretty.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

I'm not sure that I shouldn't like to see her again. I think I should like to go home now.

[Miss Havisham]

You shall go home in time. Play the game out.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Thereafter, in accordance with Miss Havisham's wishes, I made innumerable visits to the great house. Each time, with her cruel, tormenting smile, Estella would meet me and take me to Miss Havisham.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Well, boy? Well, Miss? Am I pretty today? Yes, I think you are very pretty. Am I insulting? Not so much as Tuesday, Miss. Not so much so. Take that, you coarse little monster. What do you think of me now? I won't tell you. Why don't you cry again, you little wretch? You cried the first day, didn't you? I saw you. You went through the gate crying. She'll never cry because of you again. Open the door. Today, she's in.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

This was one of the many rooms I had never before entered in the candlelight.

[Announcer (She's Birdie Sponsor)]

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that's S-H-E-S-B-I-R-I e.com this episode sponsored by She's Bertie. Every woman knows that feeling. And she's Bertie knows it too. The just in case feeling. Just in case I hear something. Just in case someone tries the door. Just in case I need to wake up fast. It's not fear, it's awareness. And Birdie Box from She's Birdie was made for exactly that. Birdie Box is a Portable travel door alarm designed by She's Bertie for hotels, dorms, Airbnbs and anywhere you're staying away from home. It installs in seconds on the door frame and if the door is opened, it activates a loud siren and flashing strobe to help draw attention instantly. She's because peace of mind should check in with you Birdie box by she's birdie visit she's birdie.com that's S H-E-S-B-I-R-I E.com and order your birdie box before your next day away from home.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

On immense table with chairs about and laden with dishes in fine silver. Seated at the head of the table was Miss Havisham.

[Miss Havisham]

Do you know what that is in the center of the table?

[Estella]

No, ma'.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Am.

[Miss Havisham]

A wedding cake. My wedding cake, Pip. Long before you were born, it was placed there. It and I have worn away together. The mice have no Reddit pipe, but sharper teeth have gnawed at me. There, there, boy. Run along now. Run along. You'll find Estella in the garden.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Estella was not in the garden. A boy was there. A stranger, stripped to the waist. He said Estella had sent for him to fight me and teach me manners. So I fought with him and cut his eye and sent his nose to bleeding. He was very gracious about it.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Well, he won all right. Fight's over. Can't I help you? I didn't mean to. No, thanks. I'm tip top. Can't understand how you did it, though. You're leaving? Oh, yes. No point in staying now, is there? Good afternoon, then. Same to you. Boy. Where are you? Over here. And don't ask when I call you.

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

Come.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Yes, Miss. You whipped the village boy. I had no wish to fight at all, but you whipped him. So you may kiss me. Thank you. Go home. It's no use. You'll never become a gentleman.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I would never be a gentleman any more than I could give up running to Miss Havisham's every time she gave me leave to do so. And each time Estella hovered about. But never again did she tell me I might kiss her.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

I hate you, boy. I hate you.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

My admiration of her knew no bounds and scarcely a night went by without my falling asleep with the image of her lovely face before my eyes. Then came a day when I went to Havisham House with slow feet and heavy heart.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Can't come to see you anymore, Miss Havisham.

[Estella]

I've heard the news, Pip.

[Miss Havisham]

Your sister has died.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Yes.

[Miss Havisham]

She treated you miserably. You'll do better without her.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

But I have to help. Jonah, Miss Havisham. At the forge.

[Miss Havisham]

An apprentice blacksmith. You?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Yes, Miss Havisham.

[Miss Havisham]

Since this is your last visit, here, some golden sovereigns.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Thank you.

[Estella]

You've earned them well.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Thank you.

[Miss Havisham]

Estella, show the boy out.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Goodbye, Miss Havisham. I heard what you told her. You had better say goodbye to me, too, because I'm going away. Going away? To France. To be educated. France? Well, aren't you sorry I'm going? Yes, Estella. Very sorry.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Well, who have we here?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

A boy, Mr. Jaggers.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

A boy from the neighbourhood, eh?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Yes, sir. Miss Havisham sent for me, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Well, behave yourself, then. I have a pretty large experience of boys. And you're a bad lot of fellows, Miss. I shall talk to you about your passage to France.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

I'll be right there, Mr. Jaggers. I wish I knew when you were coming back, Estella. And I wish. Well, what do you wish? Wish I could kiss you goodbye. We'll try it and see what happens. Thank you. Thank you, blacksmith.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

My boyhood had ended and my life as a blacksmith began. I was happy enough, especially when Joe brought Biddy into our house as the new Mrs. Jo. A trusted friend of both of us and a blessing on the household. In the sixth year of my apprenticeship, I saw Mr. Jaggers again. He came to the cottage asking to see Joe and me alone.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

So you are the blacksmith, eh? By name. Joseph or Joe Gargery?

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Yes.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Sam. Have you an apprentice, commonly known as Piper?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm Pip, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

So you're Pip. My name is Jaggers. I'm a lawyer, London. You better close that door.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Now, Joseph Gregory, I am the bearer of an offer to relieve you of this young fellow. You would not object to canceling his apprenticeship for his own good? You would want nothing for so doing?

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Oh, heaven forbid that I should want anything for not standing in Pip's way. Always a fine good lad, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Very well, then. I come now to the young fellow himself. To him I say that he has great expectations. I am instructed to inform him that he will come into a handsome property.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Wait your way further.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

It is the desire of the present possessor of that property that he should be immediately removed from his present sphere and brought up as befits a young gentleman. And that he always bear the name of Pip. If you have any objection, mention it now.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I have no objections.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

I should think not.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Indeed.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Further, Mr. Pip, you are to understand that the name of the person who is your benefactor is to remain A profound secret until the person chooses to reveal it.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Do you have any suspicion as to whom that person might be? Keep that suspicion within your own breast, sir.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Well, Mr. Pip, I have no objection.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Now then, kindly consider me your guardian.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Thank you, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Let me tell you, I am well paid for my services, otherwise I should not render them. I shall arrange for you to come to London in two weeks. You will need some new clothes. Here, sir. 20 guineas. Well, Joseph Gargley, you look dumbfounded.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Hey, sir, I am.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Then good night, Mr. Gargery. Good night, Mr. Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

And since I start for London tomorrow, Miss Havisham, I thought you would kindly not mind my taking leave of you.

[Miss Havisham]

Well, Pip? Well, I must say, your new clothes are quite handsome.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Miss Havisham, I have come into wonderful good fortune. Since I saw you.

[Miss Havisham]

I have seen Mr. Jaggers, Pip. I have heard all about it.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Have you had any news from Estella?

[Miss Havisham]

Oh, yes. Prettier than ever, I dare say. And admired by all who see her. You, too, have a promising career. Be good and deserve it.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Yes, Miss Havisham. Thank you, Miss Havisham. Thank you for everything. Goodbye, Joe. Goodbye, Biddy.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

God bless you, dear old Pip. God bless you.

[Estella]

Take care, boy.

[Miss Havisham]

Take good care.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

One day I'll come and see you in London, Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

What larks, eh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Goodbye,

[Miss Havisham]

Joe. Who's behind all this?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Who could it be?

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Joe, you'd best not worry your head over that, love. Just wave goodbye to a young gentleman. A young gentleman of Great Expectations.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You'll hear Act 2 of Great Expectations in a moment. You know, our servicemen overseas have a wonderful opportunity to observe new customs and traditions. And they find, too, that these ideas of other people aren't so strange after all. Take, for example, the foods that people eat or don't eat. Among many people, eating of beef or pork is absolutely taboo. Among others, any flesh may be eaten, except that from animals with clothed hooves. Some groups will eat fish only if they have scales. Everybody has his favorite food, too. Such delicacies as fish heads in Japan, frogs legs in France, or pigs knuckles in Germany. All these things might sound strange. But as our servicemen have observed, there are reasons for them. The reasons may be religious, as in the case of not eating pork. Or they may be based on dietary rules. From the standpoint of health, we have the same thing in our own culture. You like a big stack of hotcakes for breakfast, covered with plenty of melted butter and maple syrup. But your wife finds she can lose a couple of pounds where it counts by eating a half a grapefruit. And a cup of black coffee. Then we have our food faddists, the people who advise wheat germ or stone ground flour or a big helping of blackstrap molasses. If it makes them feel better, then that's the right diet for them. You can add to the list the thousands of vegetarians. They get along fine without T bone steaks. And many of our religious groups follow certain rules as regards food. The Orthodox Jews refrain from eating pork products. Catholics abstain from eating meat on Friday. Other orders have certain days for fasting. Well, what is true about food habits around the world is true also of other customs and traditions. The way of doing things may be different, but the ideals are the same and they're important to the people who follow them. Our servicemen are helping to maintain goodwill by observing the customs of other people in other lands.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Now our producer, Mr. Cummings, act two of Great Expectations.

[Producer Irving Cummings]

Starring Rock Hudson as Pip and Barbara Rush as a Stella.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

London, the glory and wonder of London. And I was a part of it now, or rather soon would be.

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[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Upon my arrival, I went at once to the offices of Mr. Jaggers.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

So you have arrived safely, Mr. Pip. Well, we shall soon settle you. Wemmick, bring the file on Mr. Pip.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

You are scrutinizing my office Mr. Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Oh, I. I beg your pardon, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Those clay masks that you see on the wall. They are death masks, Mr. Pip. Deceased clients. I have had the honor, sir, of defending some of the most distinguished criminals of the generation.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Mr. Pip's file, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Mr. Pip, Wemmick here will conduct you to Barnard's Inn. You will share rooms there with a Mr. Herbert pocket.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Mr. Pocket will assist in your acquaintance and the manners of London. I take it this is agreeable?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Indeed, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Next Monday your allowance will be £250 per annum. A very handsome sum of money too, I think.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Undoubtedly, Mr. Jaggers.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Of course, you'll go wrong somehow. But that being neither fault nor affair of mine, why spend time talking about it, eh? Goodbye, then, Mr. Pip, and good luck.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

My rooms in Barnard's Inn were most comfortable. And the young man I shared them with, Herbert Pocket, most amiable. After supper that night, we suddenly found ourselves staring at each other.

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

Why?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why all the book?

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

No.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

You're the boy.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

The boy who knocked me down in Miss Havisham's garden.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I knew I'd seen you someplace before.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Well, then, instead of new friends, we're old friends. If Miss Havisham had taken a liking to me instead of you, suppose I should have been provided for? I might even be engaged to Estella.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Herbert. Who is Estella?

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Why, Miss Havisham's ward. Brought up by Miss Havisham to wreck revenge on all the male sex.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Wreak revenge?

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Good heavens, Piff, I thought you knew.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Knew what?

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Oh, dear me. Anyway, some 20 years ago, Ms. Havisham fell passionately in love with the stranger. The marriage was arranged, the wedding date was set, and the day of the marriage arrived. But not the bridegroom. Instead, he sent a note and bade her farewell. Miss Havisham fell immediately ill. When she recovered, if ever she did, she laid the whole place waste, as you have seen it, and has never since looked upon the light of day.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

But when did she adopt Estella?

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

I don't know. You know as much about Estella as I do.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

If I learned little from Herbert about Estella, I learned a great deal of the art of being a useless young gentleman. On my 21st birthday, Mr. Jaggers, my guardian, sent for me.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Sit down, Mr. Pip. Now then, what do you suppose you are living at? The rate of.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

The rate of, Mr. Jaggers?

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

The rate of.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I. I'm afraid I'm not able to answer that.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

I thought so. Well, I've asked you a question. Have you a question to ask of me?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

It would Be a great relief to ask you several questions, Mr. Jaggers, if it were not forbidden.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Ask one.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Is my benefactor to be made known to me today?

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

No. Ask me another.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Well, I was wondering if I had anything to receive.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Yes, yes, yes. I thought we should come to that. Wemmick. Oh, yes, sir, Mr. Pip. You have been spending pretty freely of late and are in debt, of course.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I'm afraid I must say yes, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

You know you must say yes.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Yes, Sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Wemmick, have Mr. Pip that piece of paper.

[Producer Irving Cummings]

Thank you.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Tell me what it is, Mr. Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

It's a banknote. A banknote for £500.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

And at the rate of that handsome sum per annum, and at no higher rate, you are to live until your benefactor appears.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Will it still be years hence, Mr. Jaggers?

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

I cannot answer that. Good afternoon, Mr. Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

It was soon after that Joe Gaggery wrote me a letter. He was coming to London. Of a sudden, I realized I was ashamed of Joe. In trying to become a gentleman, I had succeeded only in becoming a snob.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Luke. Pip. I've been here all day, sir, and I. Joe.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

How can you call me sir?

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

You treated me fine, sir. But, Pip, I don't belong here. I wouldn't have come except Miss Havisham sent me.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Miss Havisham?

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Would you tell Mr. Pip, she says that I wish to see him. Have something to disclose to him. Well, I've now concluded, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

And.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Pip, you're going. Joe.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Pip, old chap, you and me is not two figures to be seen together in London. I'm wrong away from it.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

You may stay the night if you wish.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

No, no. God bless you, dear old Pip, old chap. God bless you.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

The next day, I presented myself once again at Havisham House.

[Miss Havisham]

Pip. Come in. Pip. How good to see you.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

How do you do, Miss Havisham?

[Miss Havisham]

Well, have you no eyes but for me? Look about you, Estella.

[Estella]

Good afternoon, Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

What a wonderful surprise and pleasure.

[Miss Havisham]

You will both have a lot to say to each other. Go out in the garden, both of you.

[Estella]

And this is where you had the fight that day with Herbert Pocket. I enjoyed that battle very much.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

You rewarded me very much.

[Estella]

Did I?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Don't you remember?

[Estella]

No.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Do you remember?

[Estella]

No, I don't.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Do you remember the first time I came here? The time you made me cry?

[Estella]

I made you cry?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

You don't remember?

[Estella]

You meant nothing to me. Why should I remember? You must realize, Pip, that I have no heart. Perhaps that's why I have no memory.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

No one looking at you could believe that. Estella.

[Estella]

No sympathy, no Feelings. And if we are to be thrown together, you had better believe that at once.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I cannot believe it.

[Estella]

Well, at any rate, it said so. Don't expect too much of me. Come, Pip. We'll walk once more around the garden.

[Miss Havisham]

Is she beautiful, Pip? Graceful, well grown. Do you admire Estella, Pip?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Everyone must who sees her. Miss Havisham.

[Miss Havisham]

She is going to London soon.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Then I shall be the happiest man there.

[Estella]

Love her.

[Miss Havisham]

If she favors you, love her. If she tears your heart to pieces, love her. I made her to be loved.

[Estella]

Bib.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I called briefly upon Joe and Biddy and returned to London a week later. It was my unbounded pleasure to extend my arm to Estella as she stepped off the coach from Surrey. We sat and talked in a nearby coffee house. But what do you mean, Estella, you are not staying in London?

[Estella]

I mean that I shall be staying in Richmond.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Oh, praise heaven. Only 10 miles from here. But why Richmond?

[Estella]

Well, I'm going to live at a great expense, with a lady there who has the power of showing me to people and people to me.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

You will have a gay time, Estella.

[Estella]

Well, it is a part of Miss Havisham's plan for me. Oh, but I cannot take great pleasure, Pip, in events I do not shake. But I will try to be beautiful and gay and obedient.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Will you always be a part of Miss Havisham's plan?

[Estella]

And do you thrive with Mr. Pocket?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Pitt, Stella, I asked if you will always be a part.

[Estella]

And I asked, do you thrive with Mr. Pocket?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Well, it's pleasant enough. At least it's. Yes, as pleasant as anywhere away from you. With Estella so near London, I was able to see her often in the months that followed. But I was only one of the many admirers. One winter's night, Estella's patroness gave a ball.

[Estella]

You dance beautifully, Pip. I'm sorry. Now, I promised the polka to Mr. Drummel.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Drummel?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

He never takes his eyes off you. Look at him.

[Estella]

Is there anything about Drummel that I need to look at?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

That's a question I've wanted to ask you for weeks, ever since he started hovering over you.

[Estella]

All sorts of ugly creatures hover about a lighted candle. Can the candle help him?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

What makes me wretched, Estella? You give him looks and smiles such as you never give me.

[Estella]

Do you want me then to deceive and entrap you?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Do you deceive and entrap him, Estella?

[Estella]

Yes. And many others, Pip. All of them but you.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Late that same night, I went back to London. Herbert had not yet come home. I thought it was his knock that I heard on my door. But when I opened the door, an old man stood before me, his long white hair and his black cloak dripping with rain.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Mr. Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Hi, Mr. Pip. What's your business here?

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I'd like to sit down first. It's disappointing to a man after having come so far.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I don't know what you mean, sir.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Wait. Is there anyone else about?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Why do you ask that?

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

You're a Gaiman, Pip. I'm glad you growed up to be a Gaiman.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

There's no one here.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Look at me. Who am I?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, how do I know who you.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

The churchyard. The convict I gave prison food to.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

You acted noble, Pip, and I never forgot it. Never.

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[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

There was no need for you to come here to thank me.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I wanted to see you again.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

If I spoke harshly to you just now, I'm sorry. How have you been living?

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I've been a sheep farmer. Far away in New South Wales.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I hope you've done well.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I've done wonderful well. Me and a Skype convict.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I. I'm very glad.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I hope to hear you say so, dear boy. You've done well too, eh?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Quite well. I've been chosen to succeed. As in property.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Huh. May I ask what property?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I don't know.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

May I ask whose property?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I don't know that either.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Could I make a guess? I wonder at your income since you've come of age. Huh? Sigh. £500.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Yes.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

And your guardian, could it be, is a lawyer. Pip. As to the first letter of that lawyer's name, now, would it be J?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

How do you know this?

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

As to the employer of that lawyer whose name begins with J and might be Jaggers.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

You.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

It's you, dear boy. Yes, Pip, it's me. What's done of you? Give me your hand, Pip. Let me hold it. I swore that time, sure as I'd ever escape again and earn a guinea. That guinea should go to you. That there hunted dog which you kept life in got his head so high that he could make a gentleman. And, Pip, your aim. Didn't you ever think it might be me?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

No, never. No one else? Oh, Miss Havisham, perhaps.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

No one else, dear boy. Single Andes. Your second father, Pip.

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

Me,

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Mr. Pip? Is it so early in the day?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I must talk to you, Mr. Jaggers. Alone.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Molly.

[Estella]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Get out. I said get out. Clean up later on.

[Estella]

All get up.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Who was that woman? I've never seen her here before.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

She's been here before for years, Mr. Pip. I once saved her from the hangman. Now she cleans my office.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Well, Mr. Jaggers, last night I had a caller. I want to assure myself that what I've been told is true.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Did you say told or informed? Told would imply verbal communication. You can't have verbal communication with a man, for example, in New South Wales.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I will say informed, then. I have been informed by a person named Abel Magwitch that he is the benefactor so long unknown to me.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

That is the man in New South Wales.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Well, wherever he is. I've always supposed it was Miss Havisham.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Oh, have you now? Why not a particle of evidence, Pip? Take nothing on supposition. Take everything on evidence.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Well, you have nothing more to say.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

I will say this. I think you should know that I communicated with Mr. Abel Magwitch in New South Wales, reminding him that if he should ever set foot again in this country, he would be liable to immediate execution. Take a look out that window pipe yonder. You'll see the prison yard. What is occurring in the prison yard?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Horrible.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

They're preparing to hang. Surely not all those people.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Eight, I believe this morning. Happens every day. Magwitch has enemies here who would not hesitate to inform on an escaped convict. There is a reward for such as want it.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

I see.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

But no doubt he has guided himself by my caution and has remained in New South Wales.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

But if Mr. Magwitch were in this country, he would have to be got out of this country at once, would he not?

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

If he were here and anyone cared about him, yes, at once.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Then what has to be done must be done. Good day, Mr. Jaggers.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You probably remember when the waves of the North Sea burst through Holland's dikes and turned the little country into a land of terror. It was Western Europe's worst flood disaster. More than 1400 people were killed and over 60,000 were made homeless. The property loss was greater than that suffered during World War II. But America answered the call from the Dutch people. Within just a few hours, United States army helicopters were evacuating hundreds from the danger areas. Mercy planes filled with blankets, coats, shoes and food brought quick relief in the emergency. Among the many who Contributed was the 82nd Airborne Division. They remembered the courage and the help displayed by the Dutch people who, when they parachuted Into Holland in 1944, this one unit collected nearly 20,000 pounds of clothing and over $12,000 in cash for relief in the flooded country. Now, there was no official drive behind this operation. It emerged right from the heart, a spontaneous, genuine reaction to a country struck by disaster. It proved once more that in the hour of need, people will reach across borders and oceans to help their fellow men. Such acts by you and your friends today are shaping our world of tomorrow. We pause now for station identification.

[Producer Irving Cummings]

The curtain rises on act 3 of great expectations. Starring rock hudson as pip and barbara rush as estella.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

At last I had the truth. I knew my benefactor and I knew he was now risking his life only that he might. Might see me. I had but one course to follow. Somehow I must get Abel Magwitch out of England and remain at his side as long as he lived. With one man only did I share the secret. Herbert Pocket, leaving him to Sheriff. Mr. Magwitch. I sought Estella. I found her at Havisham House.

[Estella]

We have company, Miss Havisham. Look, Pip.

[Miss Havisham]

And what brings you here, Mr. Piper, so glumly?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I have found out who my benefactor is, Miss Havisham, I. As unhappy as ever you could have wished me to be.

[Miss Havisham]

Well, who is he?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

It is not for me to say. Well, then, when Mr. Jaggers.

[Miss Havisham]

Mr. Jaggers had nothing to do with it. His being my lawyer and the lawyer of your patron is coincidence.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Yet for all this time you've led me on.

[Miss Havisham]

Yes, I led you on.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Was that kind?

[Miss Havisham]

Who am I, for heaven's sake, that I should be kind?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

What little more I have to say is for Estella. I would have spoken sooner, Estella, but I believed that Miss Havisham meant us for one another. I felt I could not tell you my real feelings while you were not free to choose for yourself. But now that I am going away, I can speak. I have loved you, Estella, since I first came into this house.

[Estella]

And I have warned you not to love me. But you would not be warned.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Is it true that Bentley Drummel is here in Surrey, pursuing you?

[Estella]

Quite true.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

And that you encourage him to do so?

[Estella]

Quite true.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

You cannot fling yourself at such a man.

[Estella]

Should I fling myself at you, Pip? Who would sense at once that I can bring nothing to you?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

But you can't love him, Estella.

[Estella]

Well, I am going to marry him. Oh, Pip. Don't be afraid of my being a blessing to him. I shall not be that. Here. Here is my hand that has part on that. You'll get me out of your thoughts in a week. Goodbye, Pip.

[Miss Havisham]

Let her go, Pip. What have I done?

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

What have I done?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I had not reached the gate of Havisham House when a frightful scream sent me rushing back. I heard a window shatter and saw a sheet of angry flame and the terrified face of Miss Havisham as the fire enveloped her. I dashed to the room and carried her out and went back a second time to smother the flames. A falling candle must have started the fire, but Miss Havisham could not say. Miss Havisham was dead when I returned to London. I was summoned immediately by Mr. Jaggers.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

I had you come to my house for good reason, Mr. Pip. How do things fare at Barnard's Inner?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Why do you ask?

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Because I have just got word that an old enemy of a certain convict knows of his presence here in London. I have been watched. I also heard that you are being watched. I and might be watched again. So I advised a certain Mr. Herbert Pocket to get a certain individual out of the way while you were out of the way.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Where are they?

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

I shall take you there tonight.

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[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

That night I joined them. Mr. Magwitch and our faithful friend Herbert Pocket. They were near Gravesend, hiding away in an obscure lodging house on the Thames River. It was here that we planned our escape. Twice a week, a packet boat left Gravesend Pier and crossed the Channel into France. If someone was watching us, he'd be at that pier. We had to find some other way of boarding. The packet boat far down the river was aboard. Here, we observed, a boat could always stop to drop the river pilot and on occasion, to take on more passengers. That was where we would have to go aboard. Daily Herbert and I went rowing in the river, becoming familiar figures to any who might otherwise suspect us. At last came the day we had waited for. But with it stormy winds and heavy rain.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

6 o'. Clock.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Still have time if the storm lit up.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

How does it look from the window, Pip?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Black as ever. The river's too rough. That seed swamp us before we could.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

What is it, boy?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

On the beach. Two men on horseback. They're Looking at this house. They're taking notes. No, no. Stay where you are.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Police?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I can't say. I think so. Wait. They're going now. They're walking their horses.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

This way?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

No, toward town. They can't be too sure of themselves. They'd go at a gallop, storm or no storm. Get ready, sir. We're rowing out. This morning.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

The storm stopped, Pip. Our locks with us.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Once we locate the buoy, we'll be all right.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Rope. Right. Oh, man.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Right.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

O tell me something, Mr. Magwitch.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

What, dear boy?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

What I did for you as a child was such a small matter. Why have you done so much for me?

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I had a child of my own once, Pip. The little girl who I loved and lost.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

What happened to her?

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I don't know. But when on those lone, shivering marshes, a boy was kind to a half starved convict, that boy took the place of a child he'd lost.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

There's the buoy, Pip.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Straight ahead.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

We've made it.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

There's another boat already.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

There.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

A dory.

[Producer Irving Cummings]

Hold your oars.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Herbert sighted us, Pip.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Who could it be?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

We'll not wait to find out. Swing around. Don't answer all the horses.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

In the name of the King, Pip.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

They're coming after us.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

You haven't escaped from it.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

There.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I call upon him to surrender and you to assist. We'll head for the fog bank, Herbert. We can still lose them.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Stop.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

In the name of the King.

[Herbert Pocket (Friend)]

Stop.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

There were four men at the oars of the dory. It was just a matter of time before they'd be upon us. Then, through the fog, we heard the engines of the packet boat. It was bearing straight down upon us. There was one desperate chance to take row straight for the steamer and the hope our pursuers, fearful of being run down, would rest their oars. But if they too heard the ship, it deterred them not one instant. They were not 10ft from it when the packet boat leaped from the mist and crushed us both to splitters. The next I knew, we were aboard the steamer. Mr. Magwitch was lying on the deck, his wrists once again bound by chains.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

They're taking us back.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I'll never forgive myself for this.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I'm all right. I'm content to have seen my boy and took my chance.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Jaggers will help you, sir. Don't worry. Jaggers will get you off all right.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Prisoner at the bar will stand and

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

come forward, Mr. Jaggers.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

The law is the law, Mr. Pip. We have been defeated.

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

Abel Magwitch. The sentence of the court is that you shall be Taken hence to the place of execution. And they are hanged by the neck until you are dead.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

I've just come from the warden, Pip. He'll be hanged day after tomorrow.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

There's nothing we can do.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Nothing. But he may cheat the hangman yet. The old man is quite ill, Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I know.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

You realize, of course, that you will no longer inherit his fortune. That becomes the claim of the crown.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

The money isn't no interest to me.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

If you had been a blood relation, it might have been different. But it is not different.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

You mean if he had a child, the money might go to the child?

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

The money might go to the child.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

There was a child, Mr. Jaggers. I know there was. And what is more, you know it too.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Sit down. I'm going to put a case to you. Put the case that a woman is charged with a murder. Put the case that this woman has a child whose father is a convict.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Go on.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Now, put the case that this woman's legal adviser knows an eccentric and very rich lady who is about to. To adopt a little girl. You understand, Mr. Pip, no admissions. But do you understand?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I understand, but I can hardly believe it.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Ring that bell. Observe who comes in.

[Estella]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Some fresh water in the basin, Molly. I shall wash before dining.

[Estella]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Well, Pip, would you hazard a statement?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

If I am in my right mind, if that woman you call Molly is Estella's mother, then this legal advisor you mention will have a lot to answer for.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Now put the case of this legal advisor who has often seen children tried at the criminal bar. Put the case that he's known them to be habitually imprisoned, whipped and cast out, qualified in all ways for the hangman and growing up to be hanged. Put the case that here was one pretty little child out of all that miserable heap that could be saved. Put that last case to yourself very carefully.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I do, Mr. Jaggers.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Did the legal adviser do right?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

He did right. Does Estella know?

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

You mean, does the little girl know? No, she does not know.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

She must never be told as to

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

her claim to her father's property. The legal advisor must use his own judgment, which he is in the process of arriving at, and will, in due course of time use. Meanwhile, you will find the child's father in the prison infirmary.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Oh, dear boy, I thought you wasn't coming. Yet somehow I knew that you would.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I've been waiting permission from the warden.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Oh, God bless you, creep. You've never deserted me. What's best of all, you've been more comfort to me since I was under this dark cloud. Than when the sun shone. That's best of.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Are you in pain, sir?

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

I don't complain of none, dear boy.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I have something to say to you. Can you understand me? You had a child once whom you loved and lost. She lived, sir. She is a lady now, and very beautiful. And I love her.

[Abel Magwitch (Convict/Benefactor)]

Oh, Pip, here are people.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

Here are Mr. Magwitch.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Mr. Magwitch. Be merciful to him, O Lord, be merciful. Abel Magwitch died in my arms. I remember walking back to Mr. Jagger's office and suddenly finding the room spinning before my eyes and my legs turning to water. When my senses returned, I was in my boyhood room and Joe Gargery was smiling over me.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

You Betty. Pip. Your fever's gone, old chap.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Joe. It is Joe.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Which it are, old chap?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I'm in your house, Joe.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Three weeks and more, Pip, and almost dead. We brought you home, dear old Pip, old chap. Biddy and me.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

After the way I turned from you. You break my heart, Joe.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Ever the best of friends, Pip, Come what may. Soon you'll be well again, and then cool what larks, eh, Biddy?

[Estella]

Right, dear Pip, dear.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

You have the best husband in the world, Biddy. And Joe, the best wife.

[Joe Gargery (Blacksmith)]

Which I know, Pip, old chap. Which I know.

[Estella]

One day you'll marry too, Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

No, Biddy, I don't think so.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

You stood still.

[Estella]

Fret for her, Estella.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I think of her. But that poor dream has all gone by. Has all gone by. I knew as I said these words that I intended to visit the great old house the first day I could get on my feet. When that day came and I walked through the dark corridors, they were filled with echoes of years gone by.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

What name?

[Mr. Pumblechook (Uncle)]

Pumblechook.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Quite right.

[Miss Havisham]

Sometimes I have sick fancies. I would like to see someone play.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Don't loiter, boy.

[Miss Havisham]

You can break his heart.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

Of course. Common laboring boy. I hate you. I hate you.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I opened the door of Miss Havisham's room. For one frantic moment, I thought I saw her there. Miss Havisham sitting in her chair.

[Estella]

Come in, Pip.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Estella. Estella. I thought you were in Paris with your husband.

[Estella]

I have no husband, Pip. Haven't you heard?

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I've been ill, Estella. I've heard nothing.

[Estella]

When Mr. Jaggers disclosed to Bentley Drummel, who My parents, he no longer wished to have me for a wife. Well, Pip, why don't you laugh? You have every right.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I have no wish to laugh, Estella.

[Estella]

Oh, you have no need to pity me. This house is mine now and I Shall live here. Away from the world in all its complications.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Estella. How long have you been here?

[Estella]

I. I don't know.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

You must leave this house. It's a dead house. Nothing can live here, Estella.

[Estella]

This is the house where I grew up. It's part of me. It's my home.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

It was Miss Havisham's home. But she's gone. Gone from both of us.

[Estella]

She is not gone. She is still here in this very room.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Then I defy her.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

I have come back, Miss Havisham. I have come back to let the sunlight in. I shall open the drapes, Miss Havisham.

[Mr. Jaggers (Lawyer)]

I shall rip down the drapes.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

There is sunshine in your house again, Miss Havisham. The sunlight is streaming through, Estella. Oh, my God.

[Young Pip (Child Pip)]

I'm afraid.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Look at me. We will start again, Estella. Together. Come with me, Estella. Out into the sunlight.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In a moment, our stars will return. There's a thought for you to keep in mind, as many another American has. There's hardly a home in western Germany, for instance, which doesn't reflect the influence of Ellen McCloy, wife of our former High Commissioner to Germany. When Mrs. McCloy arrived in Germany in 1949, she decided to be more than just the wife of the High Commissioner. There were nearly 10 million outcasts in the western area, refugees from the occupied countries, bewildered people who needed guidance and encouragement. Mrs. McCloy knew that big problems can be solved from small beginnings. So she bought a few sewing machines and opened a sewing room where the women could make warm winter clothing for their families. Well, the sewing room was an immediate success. As they sewed, the women discussed common interests, found new friends. Within a year, 30 more sewing rooms were begun in the United States zone. Early in 1950, Mrs. McCloy began a series of visits which took her into every town in the US Zone as well as the French and British areas. She spoke to the women, told them how American women lived and how they became good citizens. She spoke honestly with German housewives and pulled them out of the depths of self pity by showing them the meaning of neighborliness. Well, these are but a few examples of what she did to help those who needed help. During her three year stay in Germany, Mrs. McCloy did much to assure the future of German democracy. As one German housewife put it, for us Germans, Frau Macloy is better even than the Marshall Plan. Yes, Ellen McCloy had proved that by helping others, you help your country. Now here's Mr. Cummings with our stars.

[Producer Irving Cummings]

And now that they've fulfilled our great expectations. Rock Hudson and Barbara Rush, take a bow.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

We certainly enjoy doing the show, Mr. Cummings.

[Producer Irving Cummings]

Next week, Colleen Dahl on the radio theater coaster horing with that brilliant newcomer Richard Burton. And as our play we have chosen one of the great love stories of all time. 20th Century Fox's impressive drama of the star crossed lovers David and Beth Fever.

[Estella]

And that's one I won't miss. Good night.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Good night.

[Producer Irving Cummings]

Good night. It was wonderful seeing you again.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Heard in our cast tonight were bill conrad as magwitch, jeanette nolan as Ms. Havisham, alan reed as jaggers, peter vautrian as pip as a child. Susan seaforth as estella as a child. Christopher cook as herbert as a child polly bear as joel and vivi janis, jimmy mccallion, lillian byeff, norman field, howard mcnear, leo britt and eddie martin. Hollywood Radio Theater is produced by Irving Cummings. Our orchestra is directed by Rudy Schrager. This is your announcer Ken Carpenter inviting you to be with us again next week at this same time for another presentation of the Hollywood Radio Theater. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Station Service.

[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Sam.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Warning.

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[Pip (Narrator/Main Character)]

Fantastic.

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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