Family Theater 47-02-13 (001) Flight from Home

Summary

Family Theater 47-02-13 (001) "Flight from Home" – Detailed Summary

Family Theater, hosted by Jimmy Stewart and featuring the talented Loretta Young and Don Ameche, presents the emotional and compelling story titled "Flight from Home." This episode delves into the complexities of marriage, grief, and the healing power of forgiveness and faith.

---

Introduction to the Matthews' Marriage

The episode opens with Loretta Young embodying Mary Matthews, who is preparing to return home after a significant period away. Don Ameche as Jim Matthews sets the stage for their seemingly idyllic marriage.

• Mary Matthews reflects on their past in a heartfelt letter:
  "It's funny that after six years I should suddenly be thinking again of Cleveland as home... Maybe seeing it like that will help me and you, if you ever read this letter, to somehow understand it all."
  (Timestamp: [03:13])

Establishing Their Domestic Life

Upon Mary's return, the couple revisits their home, symbolizing both their shared history and underlying tensions.

• Jim Matthews presents a personal touch to their home with a shrine he built:
  "It has been moment it was finished by a Fellow I know... Thanks Lord, for what I know is going to be a fine marriage."
  (Timestamp: [06:31])

• Mary Matthews adds her own prayer, deepening the spiritual foundation of their household:
  "Thanks, dear Lord, for Jim and help me to be the wife that he deserves."
  (Timestamp: [07:08])

Cracks in the Facade

Despite their strong beginnings, the Matthews' marriage faces significant challenges:

1. Lack of Children and Professional Strain:

   • Mary Matthews voices concern over their inability to conceive:
     "We had no child. And to see we weren't ever going to have one. That was one shadow."
     (Timestamp: [07:06])

   • Jim Matthews expresses frustration over his lack of recognition at work:
     "You felt you'd receive no recognition at the lab for all the work that you'd done."
     (Timestamp: [07:06])

2. Emerging Rivalry:

   • The introduction of Michaels, a promising colleague:
     "Pretty boy Michaels is now my new boss."
     (Timestamp: [12:08])

   • Mary Matthews supports Jim's ambitions:
     "You've worked hard for that directorship. You deserve it."
     (Timestamp: [08:58])

The Tragic Accident

A pivotal moment occurs during a stormy night, leading to devastating consequences:

• Mary Matthews decides to drive to the hospital for her childbirth, against medical advice:
  "Doctor, Mary will be all right. The child. I... I'm worried about him."
  (Timestamp: [12:30])

• Jim Matthews, overwhelmed by stress and pride, chooses to drive through the storm, resulting in the loss of their child:
  "Two years ago, I killed our baby, Jim."
  (Timestamp: [21:30])

• Mary Matthews confronts Jim with the tragic outcome:
  "We lost our Jim. Our baby's dead."
  (Timestamp: [14:34])

The Fallout and Separation

The accident fractures their relationship, leading to emotional estrangement:

• Mary Matthews attempts to rebuild by adopting a child, Joan, seeking purpose and healing:
  "Maybe our life is... too shallow."
  (Timestamp: [17:43])

• Jim Matthews initially resists, expressing disdain for the adoption idea:
  "This adoption idea was crazy for us."
  (Timestamp: [20:54])

Journey Towards Reconciliation

Through introspection and the influence of faith, Jim begins to confront his grief and guilt:

• Mary Matthews appeals to Jim's faith and shared memories:
  "Remember that poem you used to read to me? The Hound of Heaven."
  (Timestamp: [22:32])

• Jim Matthews acknowledges his internal turmoil and the pain of his choices:
  "I've resigned. I'm leaving here, Mary... I'm sorry about little Joan, but perhaps you'll keep her yourself."
  (Timestamp: [20:20])

Healing and Unity

The Matthews confront their past and restore their bond by embracing forgiveness and opening their hearts to Joan:

• Jim Matthews accepts responsibility and seeks redemption:
  "Try living with that in the back of your mind, Mary. Take it to work with you day after day."
  (Timestamp: [21:40])

• Mary Matthews extends forgiveness and urges Jim to embrace faith:
  "There is forgiveness if you'll just break through this wall you built and accept it."
  (Timestamp: [23:48])

• Final Reunion: The couple welcomes Joan into their home, symbolizing a fresh start and renewed commitment:
  "This is our family shrine, Joan. And after all, you're part of the family now."
  (Timestamp: [27:25])

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Jim Matthews on Grief:
  "Two years ago, I killed our baby... Try lying in bed night after night, reliving that crash a thousand times."
  (Timestamp: [21:30])

• Mary Matthews on Forgiveness:
  "Jim, remember that poem you used to read to me? You said it was your favorite. The Hound of Heaven."
  (Timestamp: [22:32])

• Jim Matthews on Acceptance:
  "Our child is dead. I can't change that. But there are lots of kids like Joan who could use the love we have to give."
  (Timestamp: [26:55])

Themes and Insights

1. Forgiveness and Redemption:
   The narrative underscores the importance of forgiving oneself and others to heal emotional wounds and rebuild relationships.

2. The Power of Faith and Prayer:
   Faith serves as a cornerstone for the Matthews' journey, guiding them through their darkest moments toward hope and reconciliation.

3. Resilience of Family Bonds:
   Despite severe trials, the Matthews' commitment to each other and their willingness to embrace a new family member highlights the enduring strength of familial love.

4. Overcoming Pride and Ego:
   Jim's realization of the destructive nature of his pride leads to personal growth and the restoration of his marriage.

Conclusion

"Flight from Home" masterfully portrays the tumultuous journey of a marriage tested by tragedy and personal failings. Through heartfelt performances and a poignant narrative, Family Theater delivers a timeless message about the capacity for forgiveness, the necessity of confronting one's demons, and the healing power of love and faith. This episode serves as a compelling reminder that even in the face of profound loss, hope and redemption are attainable through understanding and compassion.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Jimmy Stewart]

Dual Broadcasting System presents the Family Theater. Starring Loretta Young and Donna Michi. With Jimmy Stewart as your host. More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.

[Loretta Young]

Good evening, this is Jimmy Stewart. Tonight, the Family Theater stars Loretta Young and Don Ameche. You know, since this is our first program, maybe we ought to have a dedication. So right now lets dedicate the Family Theater to your family with the hope that families everywhere will always be together and that your home will be a happy one. With the conviction that prayer, simple prayer, will help to keep it that way. Now, maybe you're thinking this is sort of an odd way to start a series of radio programs. Programs from Hollywood with movie stars, actors, musicians. Maybe you're wondering what it's all about. Well, why don't you just sit back and listen? Listen to the music of Meredith Wilson's orchestra and listen to our story. It's called Flight from Home Story, written by True Boardman and starring Don Ameche and Loretta Young.

[Mary Matthews]

Hello, Mary. Oh, yes, Nora, we're just leaving. We'll be there in less than half an hour to take you to the train. All right, I'm all ready. No packing? No, no. As a matter of fact, I'm writing a letter. But I'll be ready when you get here. All right. Goodbye, Nora. Dear Jim, I don't pretend even to myself that this letter can make any difference. What we said last night before you left was final and definite. I know that within an hour Nora and Charlie are coming to drive me to the train that will take me home to Cleveland. Home. It's funny that after six years I should suddenly be thinking again of Cleveland as home. But what does one do when one waits those last minutes before she says goodbye to a lifetime? I don't know. I only know I feel impelled to put it down in black and white. Perhaps then the separate pieces will make some pattern has sense and order. Perhaps seeing it like that will help me. And you, if you ever read this letter to. To somehow understand it all. As I say, I don't know, but I have to try. I'm sitting now by the Front window that faces over the river. The day is perfect and you can see all the way to the hills across the valley. And as I look out now, one object holds my eyes and my thoughts. It's something you built for me, Jim, with your own hands and showed me so proudly the day we arrived here from our honeymoon. The day that was really the beginning.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Okay, Mrs. Matthews, your mansion awaits. All out.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, Jim. This is the Star island place.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Oh, you don't tell me.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim, we agreed on that little house near the university. The place on Elm Street.

[Jimmy Stewart]

That shack for the wife of a man who in two years will be head of the university research lab. Couldn't think of it. Oh, come on.

[Mary Matthews]

But darling, we agreed. We talked it all over and decided.

[Jimmy Stewart]

And I decided you should have a place worthy of you. Mary, wait, before we go inside, there's something here in the garden you didn't see before.

[Mary Matthews]

What is it?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Come on in here. Well?

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, Jim. Oh, darling, it's.

[Jimmy Stewart]

You see, the house was already built and furnished, and I wanted the place to have something I made myself.

[Mary Matthews]

Just for you, darling.

[Jimmy Stewart]

And what better for a girl I couldn't even get to see for the first three months I knew her unless I went to church four times a week.

[Mary Matthews]

You, I went to church to see.

[Jimmy Stewart]

What do you mean? Your mother told me you practically lived down at the church before you ever saw Jim Matthews.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim, if I didn't already love you more than any man deserves, this shrine you built for me would. Oh, Jim, I'm so happy I'm scared.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Hey, hey, now, take it easy. You know where I got the idea for the shrine? That trip I took around the world on an island in the Indies I visited. Each family has its own shrine outside the house.

[Mary Matthews]

They do?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Uh huh. Guarantees every newly married couple fair weather, good crops, and at least 14 children.

[Mary Matthews]

14?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Well, 13. Oh.

[Mary Matthews]

All right.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Come on, let's go inside the house.

[Mary Matthews]

Darling, before we go in, could we. Could we dedicate our shrine?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Oh, it has been moment it was finished by a fellow I know.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, and what this fellow say?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Oh, he said something like, thanks Lord, for what I know is going to be a fine marriage. Thanks for Mary understanding him about my work and taking the job at the lab here because it means more freedom and authority, even though I could earn more money for somewhere else. Thanks for this house. And above all, may it be blessed with children and may every one of them look like their mother. Oh, that was all? You have anything to add?

[Mary Matthews]

Yes, just one thing. Well, thanks, dear Lord, for Jim and Help me to be the wife that he deserves. And if it be your will, let there be children all just like their father. Amen. All right, darling, let's go inside. That was the beginning, Jim. Such a rich and warm and happiness filled beginning. But I forgot all about your overruling our agreement as to the house we'd buy. There was fun for us in those first months that so quickly became years. Such fun that. Well, I wonder now how and when we first began to lose it. I only know that suddenly we were aware that there were two shadows across our life together. We had no child, and it had to seem we weren't ever going to have one. That was one shadow. And the other, well, you felt you'd received no recognition at the lab for all the work that you'd done. And then, just before our fourth anniversary, there was a night when it all seemed perfect again. We were alone and. And you were helping me in the kitchen.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Gosh, two people can dirty an awful lot of dishes.

[Mary Matthews]

You don't have to help me with them. Jim, you're tired.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Who's tired? I only played seven sets.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, excuse me. I forgot I was married to the original iron Man.

[Jimmy Stewart]

What do you think of the new man?

[Joan]

Hmm?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Fell. I played singles with.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, Mr. Michaels. Why, he's all right.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Oh, he's the old man's new pet. Former student of his.

[Mary Matthews]

So who?

[Jimmy Stewart]

So some people think the old man might decide to make him director of the research lab when Professor Kenny retires this fall.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, Jim, he couldn't. You've worked hard for that directorship. You deserve it.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Don't worry. The old man knows that. In fact, you said something about it this afternoon. Looks good.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim. Jim, what would you do if Michaels did get that appointment over your head?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Nothing. Blow the roof off the lab and the old man, that's all.

[Mary Matthews]

Yeah, and I'd help you. Oh, Jim, by the way, I. I went to see Dr. Peters this morning.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Why?

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, nothing important. Just to make sure whether or not we were going to have a baby. We are. Hand me the platter there.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Here.

[Mary Matthews]

Where's this young Michaels from, Jim?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Pittsburgh. How soon?

[Mary Matthews]

December, maybe January. You know, he's quite handsome.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Yeah. Doc. Say, you're all right?

[Mary Matthews]

Perfect.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Swell. You know, it's funny. People make such a to do over this baby business. In the movies, the girl always has moonlight soft music when she tells her husband he's supposed to faint or something.

[Mary Matthews]

No, no, that's when he's born. Here. Here's the platter. And be careful.

[Jimmy Stewart]

But take us we're washing dishes. Matter of fact, just conversation. Nobody excited, nobody nervous. Nobody.

[Mary Matthews]

Look out. Oh.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Oh, Mary. Mary, darling.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim, I'm so happy. Jim, this time it's really true. Oh, thank heaven. It's really true. Those months that followed, Jim, for those months, I will always be grateful. Our life had purpose again. And it was beautiful and complete. And you were as proud as if you'd personally invented the idea of parenthood. Then that night, that one horrible, unforgettable night. Oh, my darling. If only that storm could have happened a week before or later or anytime. But when it did. But it didn't, Jim. It happened then at perhaps the most crucial moment of our lives. Yes, Dr. Peters, of course you're right. She shouldn't drive in this storm. Oh, I'm. Yeah, I'm positive she does. Yes, right here. Here. Mary wants to talk to you. He's definitely sending another doctor. Oh, yes, all right. Hello, doctor. Yeah, Fine time. I pick Helpful Mary. That's me. Oh, yes, yes, of course. I understand. You're right. Yes, of course it's safer in this storm. Oh, certainly, as long as you recommend him. But just so it makes it in time. Oh, no, no. I haven't been able to find Jim anywhere. And, Doctor, I'm worried about him. He should have been home two hours ago. Now. Doctor, look, you know I'm not alone. I called Nora and she came right over. Now, don't you worry about me. I'm gonna be all right. And don't forget, I bet you it's a girl. Now, you say it's a boy. It's still a boy, huh? Nora. Dr. Peterson. Oh, Nora. Hold on, honey. Hold on. That one was 18 minutes. Nora, the front door. Jim, is that you? Oh, Jim, I'm so glad you're here.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Hi, Mary. Hi, Nora.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, darling, where have you been? I. The gym.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Been. I've been celebrating all by myself all afternoon. I got some news for you. Michael's got that assignment as director of the lab. Pretty Boy Michaels is now my new boss. Ray.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, Jim. Jim, Mary's needed you. The baby.

[Jimmy Stewart]

What about him? You mean.

[Mary Matthews]

Yes, Jim, yes, but I'm all right now that you're here. We call Dr. Peters, and he can't leave the hospital, so he's sending a doctor here. But he doesn't want me driving to the hospital in the stone.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Well, it's ridiculous. Of course you're going to the hospital. There's time, isn't there?

[Mary Matthews]

Well, I suppose so, but. Dr. Peters. Jim, that's crazy. The doctor specifically said And I say.

[Jimmy Stewart]

She'S going to the hospital. We'll have no home delivery with some doctor we don't know. You're having the best, Mary. You hear me? Jim Matthews wife is having the best. There is no storm or anything else is going to prevent it either.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim. Jim, please slow down. I'm sure we'll get there in time. And I'm all right, dear, but please take it easy.

[Jimmy Stewart]

I know what I'm doing.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim, are you sure I shouldn't drive? I can, you know.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Don't be ridiculous.

[Mary Matthews]

I'm terribly sorry about the appointment, dear. You should have had it. Jim, please slow down.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Oh, be quiet, Mary. I had a few drinks, sure. What of it? Stop sounding as. As though I'm.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim, look out. Jim.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Doctor.

[Doctor Peters]

Mary will be all right then. But the child. I. I'm sorry. There was nothing I could do.

[Jimmy Stewart]

I see.

[Doctor Peters]

You should never have tried to drive in through that storm.

[Jimmy Stewart]

You suppose I don't know that now? Doctor, what about. What about other children for us later?

[Doctor Peters]

There are many children already born who need adoption. Son, I'm sorry. You. You better go in to Mary.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Mary.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Mary.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim. Jim. We lost our Jim. Our baby's dead.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Dr. Peters couldn't save him. You must know this. Except for the accident, you both would have been all right. Oh, except for the accident.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, Jim. Jim, listen to me.

[Jimmy Stewart]

I'll let you rest now. I'll leave you alone.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, no, Jim, don't do that. Jim, wait a minute. Listen. Listen. But you didn't wait, and you didn't listen. Then or in the many times in the weeks and months to come when I tried to talk to you about that night, I told you I forgave you. But you smiled at me as though you heard. But you didn't believe me. So our marriage went on. But actually it wasn't any marriage at all. We were two people who lived in a single house a thousand miles apart.

[Narrator]

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[Mary Matthews]

We both changed, Jim. I'm afraid I grew a little bitter in my unhappiness. And you? Well, other people too, began to worry about you. There was the day Professor Aarons came to see me from the university. The old man, as you always called him.

[Doctor Peters]

And I assure you, Mrs. Matthews, I try never to interfere with the private lives of my staff members. But I'm worried about Jim. He goes on working. Yes, but with such an attitude. He was the best project man I had. That's why I kept him free, unhampered by staff responsibilities. But lately, well, I've tried to talk to him and his only response is he'll resign if I'm not satisfied. Now, I don't want that, Mrs. Matthews. I want Jim. But I want the old Jim, not a man who brings his mind to the laboratory and whose heart is left somewhere else.

[Mary Matthews]

We talked, Jim, when we saw each other. But we might as well have used different languages. Then I thought perhaps I'd found an answer. That afternoon, three months ago, I persuaded you to go with Nora and Charlie to the children's foundling home on the pretense that they were thinking of adopting a child. And when we came, you were more yourself than I'd seen you in months. There was one child in particular had impressed you, Mary.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Did you notice that girl, a little older than the others? Kid with the turn up nose and long yellow hair?

[Mary Matthews]

Why, yes. Wasn't her name Joan?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Yeah, yeah, that's it. Any chance of Nora and Charlie taking her?

[Mary Matthews]

Did you like her?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Me? Well, sure. How can you not like a kid in a spot like that?

[Mary Matthews]

Well, I mean, did you like Joan particularly? Did you, Jim?

[Jimmy Stewart]

So that's it.

[Mary Matthews]

Yes, that's it.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Nora and Charlie had no intention of adopting a kid?

[Mary Matthews]

No, Jim, no, they didn't. But I. I thought about it and prayed about it for an awfully long time. And I. I honestly think that a child is the answer, Jim. Maybe our life is. Well, as it is because it's too shallow.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Yeah, I thought of that too.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, darling, darling, do let us investigate. Let us talk to them at the home. Let's start to think about it seriously.

[Jimmy Stewart]

What's there to think about? If you want it that way, go ahead.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, Jim.

[Jimmy Stewart]

And the first thing we'll do is cut that kid's hair.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh. Oh, no. Three months. Three months leading up to yesterday. Three months of interviews with the adoption board and visits to the home and fixing the den over for room for Joan. Three months of planning. Three wonderful months of living again. Then yesterday. Yesterday, the finale to it all. Little Joan, happy and eager and frightened all at the same time in her new home.

[Joan]

And it's not that I'm exactly afraid, but I just never see slept in a room by myself anyway. Not since I remember.

[Mary Matthews]

Well, I understand, Joan. And until you get used to it, I'll come in here each night and lie down with you until you're asleep. How's that? You can tell me stories, huh?

[Joan]

That'll be fine, Mother. Should I call you Mother or Mary?

[Mary Matthews]

Whichever you wish. It'll just work out, you'll see.

[Joan]

And what about Jim?

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, we'll talk to him about that, shall we?

[Joan]

Where is he? You said we should expect him at 3:00. It's almost 5.

[Mary Matthews]

Well, maybe his train's late. You know he's been on a trip.

[Joan]

Are you sure he'll be glad to see me?

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, Joan, Jim and I talked you over for a long time. He'll be glad.

[Joan]

Why did he take me instead of one of the teensy kids? Most folks who came to the home took the little babies. I'd about given up hope on account I'm so old.

[Mary Matthews]

Why, honey. Oh, honey, age has nothing to do with it. You were the little girl our home needed to make it complete.

[Joan]

I'm sure glad.

[Loretta Young]

Mary.

[Mary Matthews]

There he is. I'm in here, Jim. In the den.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Mary, I wanted to.

[Joan]

Hello, Mr. Matthews? I'm here, Mary.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Didn't you get my wire?

[Mary Matthews]

Your wire? Oh, no, dear. The phone's been out. And you know how they are about deliveries.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Now, Mary, I've got to talk to you.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim.

[Joan]

Mother, do you want me to go outside for a little while?

[Mary Matthews]

Yes, honey. Do you mind? We'll be out in a few minutes.

[Joan]

All right. I'll stay where you can call me.

[Mary Matthews]

All right, dear. What did the telegram say, Jim?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Oh, you must have gotten it. And you went ahead anyway.

[Mary Matthews]

No, no, I didn't. I went ahead. Oh, so you've changed your mind.

[Jimmy Stewart]

No, I made it up. I had time to think during this trip and I decided once and for all. I'm late now because I stopped at the lab. I've resigned. I'm leaving here, Mary. Here. It's a deed to the house and a power of attorney if you want to sell it before the final arrangements are worked out. I left most of the money in the joint account. Here's the book.

[Mary Matthews]

You seem to have thought of everything.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Sorry about little Joan, but perhaps you'll keep her yourself.

[Mary Matthews]

Why, you know that isn't possible. They wouldn't let me.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Seduction idea was crazy for us, and you know it. More is wrong with our marriage and not having a child in the house. What's wrong is wrong with me.

[Mary Matthews]

Well, Jim, if you know that, why don't you do something about it?

[Jimmy Stewart]

Your trouble is, Mary, that you're still in love with a dream. And it was a dream. I'm what I am now. So let me go.

[Mary Matthews]

All right, Jim. All right.

[Announcer]

All right.

[Mary Matthews]

Go on, run. Go on and keep on running for the rest of your life from me and from your job and from yourself. Oh, Jim. Jim, if I could only make you see things the way you think.

[Jimmy Stewart]

I. Don't. You want the whole truth, Mary? We've never faced that, have we? Well, we will now. Two years ago, I killed our baby.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim, that's not.

[Jimmy Stewart]

I killed our baby and. And made it certain that we'd never have another one. Try living with that in the back of your mind, Mary. Take it to work with you day after day. See it there in the eyes of your wife every time you look at her.

[Mary Matthews]

That isn't true.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Try lying in bed night after night, reliving that crash a thousand times. You there in the street and in the rain, not even crying in your pain, Just saying over and over to me, it's all right, Jim. I'll be all right. And the baby will live. The baby didn't live.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, Jim, Jim, Jim, why can't it be simple? Why can't I just put my arms around you and say, I love you, dear, and I'll always love you, and that'll be all the answer. But it isn't. Our only chance is for me to try to make you see it all as I do. Jim.

[Jimmy Stewart]

No, Mary. I'm going now.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim, listen to me. Listen, please. Jim, what happened that night two years ago was an accident. A single accident for which no one is responsible.

[Jimmy Stewart]

It won't do, Mary. We were on that road for one reason. The selfish pride of the man you call your husband. Pride that wouldn't let him have his child born here at home when he could be important by rushing you to the hospital. The same pride that even at the start of our marriage made me buy a bigger and better house than the one we'd agreed on together. The same pride that couldn't take the blow of Michael's being named director and sent me to a bar to get drunk when you needed me. More than ever before in our life to get.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim, if these things are true or. Or if you feel they are, what answer is it now to run away? Why don't you face them, Jim, and accept them? Face them in honesty and humility and stop running away. Darling. Oh, Jim. Jim, remember that poem you used to read to me? You said it was your favorite. The hound of heaven. Remember? Remember it, Jim. I fled him down the nights and down the days. Hitler. Jim.

[Jimmy Stewart]

I fled him down the nights and down the days. I fled him down the arches of the years. I fled him down the labyrinth and ways of my own mind, and in the midst of tears, I hid from him.

[Mary Matthews]

Why, you're that man, Jim. You're fleeing from your own faith. You're fleeing from your own forgiveness.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Jim, some things are beyond forgiveness.

[Mary Matthews]

What things? Did our lord ever say that? Oh, my darling, you know better if you'll just admit it to yourself. Oh, can't you see? There is forgiveness if you'll just break through this wall you built and accept it. Jim. All right, darling. Go on now, if you must. But go on out and find yourself. Go out and walk. Pray. Pray with all your heart. Jim. Darling, if you can do that, I know you'll get back to me and to our life together.

[Jimmy Stewart]

It's no use, Mary. I tell you, it's no use. I. Jim.

[Mary Matthews]

Jim. Oh, dear God, help him. Help him and help me to live without him. That's the way it's got to be. So it ended, Jim. You turned and walked out into the night, and it was over there it is the whole story. I said that putting it in a letter might help me to understand, but it doesn't. I only know that I still love you as I shall never love another human being. And that when you went out of that door, a part of myself went with you. What's left I don't care very much about. There's a car in the driveway, Jim, and that means that Nora and Charlie are here for me. So I must finish this quickly, Jim, and. Oh, is that you, Nora? I'll be with you in a minute. I. I'm just finishing my letter. No.

[Joan]

Hello, mother.

[Mary Matthews]

What? Joan. Joan, honey. Joan. How did you get here?

[Joan]

I didn't run away and come back here, if that's what you mean. Somebody brought me.

[Mary Matthews]

Somebody? Who?

[Joan]

He says he wants to talk to you, please. Outside, he says. You'll know where.

[Mary Matthews]

Yes, of course. Of course I do.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Hello, mayor.

[Mary Matthews]

Hello, Jim.

[Jimmy Stewart]

I got as far as the train last night, but I kept hearing those words. I Started walking. I must have walked all night. But you were right. I fled him down the nights and down the days. And all of a sudden, there was no place I could go once the walls I built were down.

[Mary Matthews]

Darling, welcome home.

[Jimmy Stewart]

I am home, Mary. Oh, really? Home.

[Mary Matthews]

I know. I know, Jim And Jim, I'm going to help you all I can.

[Jimmy Stewart]

And I'll need your help. Oh, I asked for my job back this morning as Michael's assistant.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh. Oh, I know you won't be sorry, Jim. I know you won't.

[Jimmy Stewart]

I see a lot of things I wouldn't face before. The work I can do is a lot more important than whatever title they want to give me. Our child's dead. I can't change that. But there are lots of kids like Joan who could use the love we have to give.

[Mary Matthews]

Oh, darling, you dare. Do see, Mother? Oh. Oh, yes, Joan. Come on in, honey. Oh, can I?

[Joan]

I mean, may I?

[Mary Matthews]

Of course you may.

[Jimmy Stewart]

This is our family shrine, Joan. And after all, you're part of the family now. A very important.

[Loretta Young]

Thank you, Loretta Young and Don Ameche. You know, I thought maybe you folks would like to know why we call this program Family Theater. Well, I'll tell you. Because it's the most important thing in the world. Our most precious possession is our family. We all want our family to be happy. Sure, but, well, sometimes going gets pretty tough. Sickness, bills, accidents. Which make it almost too much for a man and his wife to handle. Do you ever feel that way? You know, you don't know where to turn for help. And because you're upset and worried, you get irritable and wango. Whole family seems to sort of fall apart. And you're positive there's nothing you can do to prevent it. But just stop and think a minute.

[Jimmy Stewart]

Maybe.

[Loretta Young]

Maybe you're overlooking something. Maybe there's a way you can get help. The most powerful help a man could ask for. But you've got to ask for it. And how do you ask for it? Well, you just pray. Yes. You ask Almighty God for his help. He wants you to pray. But you and your family will never know how much God can help you unless you ask. Deep down in your heart, you know he'll help you. Before saying good night, I'm sure that Loretta Young and Don Ameche join me in expressing our pleasure in having had a part in dedicating this first program of the Family Theater. Thanks to everyone who helped make the Family Theater possible. And you might be interested to know that Richard Sanville directed our play. And true Boardman wrote it. Next week, our stars in the family theater will be Walter Brennan, Beulah Bondi in an original story. No Night Too Dark by Charles Tazewell. Hi, that's Jimmy Stewart saying good night. Good night, everybody.

[Jimmy Stewart]

This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.