Family Theater 47-05-08 (013) The Awakening

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Family Theater 47-05-08 (013) "The Awakening"
Broadcast Date: January 24, 2026 (Original Air: May 8, 1947)
Host: Alan Jones
Starring: Susan Peters (Connie Newberry), Richard Quine (Fred Newberry)
Theme: The enduring value of family unity, prayer, and the struggle of balancing work, home, and personal fulfillment in postwar American life.

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Overview

"The Awakening" is a classic Family Theater radio drama that delves into the tensions of postwar family life. The story focuses on the Newberry family, where wife and mother Connie juggles a demanding office job with domestic responsibilities, leading to friction with her husband Fred. Through a series of emotional confrontations, misunderstandings, and a clever ruse orchestrated by Fred's sister, the episode explores the importance of presence, sacrifice, and prayer in maintaining a strong family unit.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Family Pressures & The Morning Rush

• The Newberry household is depicted in a state of typical chaos: Connie is multitasking between housework and preparing her son David, while Fred is frazzled about missing laundry, breakfast, and his wife's job. (02:17–04:07)
  • Memorable moment: Connie and Fred bicker about shirts and morning routines, setting the stage for deeper marital discord.

2. Modern Marriage & Gender Roles

• Fred wishes Connie would quit her office job to focus on home life, while Connie feels unappreciated and questions why household tasks should fall solely on her. (04:07–04:43, 12:01–14:06)
  • Quote:
    • Connie: "Why didn't you marry a cook?" (12:45)
    • Fred: "I married the girl I wanted. And I'm not going to let any office job come between her and me." (12:47)

3. External Perspectives and Escalating Tension

• Sue (Fred’s sister) and their neighbor Mrs. Barlow discuss Connie’s motivation: she doesn’t have to work, but doesn’t want to be a "household drudge." They see cracks forming in the Newberrys' marriage due to Connie’s resistance to domesticity. (09:06–10:46)

4. Climactic Argument and Fred’s Disappearance

• An argument between Connie and Fred boils over, culminating in Fred refusing to attend a party with her. Connie goes alone, but later discovers Fred hasn't returned home, which sparks her panic. (13:01–20:18)
  • Quote:
    • Fred: "Evidently, you prefer to have our home life go the way of Edna's and Frank's—on the rocks. But it's not going that way if I have to tie you down. I'm warning you." (13:01)

5. Desperation and Awakening

• Connie grows frantic as Fred remains missing, calling hospitals and police stations, convinced something terrible has happened. Her emotional unraveling is portrayed vividly. (18:17–23:22)
  • Quote:
    • Connie: "Oh, if only we hadn’t quarreled. I’ll never say another cross word to him as long as I live. Oh, Sue." (19:23)

6. A Loving Ruse

• Sue and Mrs. Barlow reveal to Fred that Connie is truly distraught; they intended the scare to make her realize her family’s importance. Fred is torn but decides not to reveal himself yet, believing the "awakening" is necessary for lasting change. (21:07–22:01)

7. Self-Reflection and True Priorities

• On the drive to the beach cottage, Sue challenges Connie to reconsider her choices:
  • Quote:
    • Sue: "There just are not enough hours in the day to take care of it all. You ought to be able to see that somebody always gets the little end of the sod in a setup like that. There’s no way to make a home." (22:58)
  • Connie insists women can do both, but Sue highlights the toll on marriages and children.

8. Resolution through Prayer and Reunion

• At the cottage, Connie prays desperately for Fred's safety and realizes her stubbornness has jeopardized her family's happiness.
  • Quote:
    • Connie (prayer): "Oh, dear God, please, please help me find him. Keep him safe. If only I hadn’t been so stubborn. I love him so. He’s so good, so patient with me." (25:30)
• Fred, moved by her distress, reunites with her, and Connie vows to quit her job, putting family first. (26:37–27:15)

9. Closing Reflections on the Family and Prayer

• Alan Jones provides a moral commentary: the home is central in shaping values, and family prayer is essential for unity.
  • Quote:
    • Alan Jones: "A family that prays together stays together…You’ll never know how much a prayer can do until you’ve said one." (27:37–29:00)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Fred's Desperation:
  • "I'll say I'm tired. I feel like a bird with no feet, no place to light." (14:34)
• Sue's Challenge:
  • "You happen to marry a girl who's not domestic…She's just not the domestic type." (15:14)
• Connie’s Realization:
  • "I was only thinking of myself. Just because I like to work. Oh, Fred. Fred, why didn’t I listen to you?" (25:51)
• Alan Jones (host) on home and prayer:
  • "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of." (00:55, 27:37)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening Introduction: 00:55 – 02:17
• Newberry Morning Chaos: 02:17 – 06:08
• Sue and Mrs. Barlow Discuss Connie: 09:06 – 10:46
• Argument and Break (Fred leaves): 11:02 – 14:06
• Fred's Return & Despair: 14:06 – 15:50
• The Plan: The Loving Ruse: 16:07 – 22:01
• Connie’s Breakdown & Search: 22:38 – 25:26
• Prayer and Reunion: 25:26 – 27:15
• Alan Jones’ Moral Reflection: 27:37 – 29:00

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Tone and Style

The episode’s tone is earnest, evocative, and occasionally humorous in its depiction of domestic squabbles, but it rapidly grows intense and emotional as the family’s unity seems at risk. The climactic prayer and the ensuing reconciliation underscore a sentimental, faith-affirming message, delivered in the straightforward, wholesome language characteristic of postwar radio plays.

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Conclusion

"The Awakening" stands as a heartfelt meditation on family, gender roles, and the balancing act between work and home. Through relatable conflicts, an emotional "awakening," and a plea for family prayer, the episode reflects both the nostalgia and ideals of its era. Whether as historical artifact or enduring message, it invites listeners to reflect on their own priorities and the simple, profound power of unity and prayer within the family.

Transcript

[Fred Newberry]

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[Alan Jones]

More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Good evening. This is Alan Jones. I guess I don't have to tell all you who listen to us every Thursday night what a wonderful, important thing a family is. You know, and you know, too, that the purpose of this family theater is to remind you that prayer, yes, prayer, family prayer, can do more than you can dream of to keep keep your family a wonderful thing. A happy family that knows they can win by sticking together. And when it comes to the importance of a family to our country and to us as individuals, I'd like to point out that this particular week is being observed as National Family Week. A week that belongs to us all. So if you haven't been doing things together as a family, working together, playing together, praying together, now is a good, good time to start. Start tonight by praying together. Start right now by listening together to your theater, the family theater, as we bring you tonight's play.

[Connie Newberry]

Fred, darling, see if the toast in the oven is done, will you?

[Fred Newberry]

I can't. I'm taking the garbage can out so I won't be standing around full all week.

[Connie Newberry]

Come on, David. Let Mother comb your hair and wash your face. Hurry up, we're late. Oh, Mommy, do I have to have it combed every morning? David, honey, don't wiggle around like that. If you're not ready, Daddy will go off and leave you. David, come here and let me finish your ears. I don't want my ears finished. Come here now and sit still. I've got to comb your hair.

[Fred Newberry]

Good night. Connie, haven't you even got the eggs on yet?

[Connie Newberry]

Now, dear, you just keep that cheery morning tone in your voice and nothing will be ready. The eggs are coddling and they'll be ready as soon as I finish with David.

[Fred Newberry]

It's the same old thing every morning. Rush, rush, rush. No clean shirt again. No clean socks. I should think you could at Least.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, you and your shirts. Can I help it if the laundry man only comes once? Can I help it if I forget to leave it out once in a while when I've got so many things on my mind? Why didn't you iron a shirt for yourself last night instead of fiddling with that old projector all evening?

[Fred Newberry]

Darling, didn't you promise Larry we'd bring the projector to the party with us tonight? Yes, I had to fix it then, didn't I? I couldn't iron a shirt, too.

[Connie Newberry]

Ouch. Mommy, you're itching my ear with a comb.

[Fred Newberry]

Where's that cream that was in the refrigerator last night?

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, I'm sorry, honey. There wasn't any milk for the cat, so I just gave her all night.

[Fred Newberry]

Connie, that was all we had for breakfast. Now what are we going to use in our coffee?

[Connie Newberry]

Well, drink it black. It'll be a change. Now sit down and eat your breakfast and quit crabbing. Still 10 minutes, Tate, and I've got a million things to do before I can leave.

[Fred Newberry]

Yes, yes, I know what time it is. It's time you quit that job of yours. Maybe we could eat breakfast in peace and quiet once in a while.

[Connie Newberry]

Well, I'm not going to yet, so don't start that argument all over again this morning. David, dear, drink your milk and don't dribble on the tablecloth. Oh, that reminds me, Fred. Don't forget to shop on the way home.

[Fred Newberry]

What, again tonight?

[Connie Newberry]

Yes. I won't have time to do because I've got to finish my monthly report at the office now. Be a little late. Okay.

[Fred Newberry]

Well, I get. David. Boy, eat up your egg, huh?

[Connie Newberry]

I don't want my egg, Daddy. Mmm. Get a roast if you can, and two or three canned vegetables. If they have any good cakes or pies, get either one or the other. And if they don't have a roast, well. Oh, get some sort of canned meat, I guess.

[Fred Newberry]

Canned meat. Haven't you had enough canned meat? Canned meat, canned vegetables, week in and week out. Don't you ever get tired of that junk?

[Connie Newberry]

I told you to get a roast if you could. Suit yourself. Get anything you like. Why did you ask me in the first place?

[Fred Newberry]

Skip it. Skip it. Come on, sonny. Daddy's gotta go now.

[Connie Newberry]

Daddy, will you play with me tonight?

[Fred Newberry]

Okay, son, if Daddy has time. After he quits work shops, gets dinner and irons a clean shirt. Come on, let's go piggyback. And, Connie, I wish you'd find my black silk socks. I've looked everywhere for them and I can't find them.

[Connie Newberry]

Are you wedded to that particular pair of socks? Oh, never mind. I'll find them if I can after I call Mrs. Barlow. And please get home as early as you can.

[Fred Newberry]

Up you go. Come on, Davey.

[Connie Newberry]

Do it again, Daddy, again.

[Fred Newberry]

We've got to get out of here or you'll be late to nursery school, too.

[Connie Newberry]

Bye, Mommy. Bye, dear. Hello, Ms. Barlow? This is Connie. I didn't have time to run over this morning, but can you stay with David tonight? Oh, thanks a lot. We'll leave about 8 o', clock, I think it's an anniversary party for the Allertons. Yes. Yes, I am. What time have you? 8:45. Oh, heavens. Our clock is slower than usual. I told Fred to get it fixed, but he always forgets it. Darn. I haven't done my dishes or beds or anything yet. Well, thanks again.

[Sue Newberry]

Bye.

[Connie Newberry]

Hello, Fred. Listen, dear, this report is the peskiest thing I ever typed. Nowhere near finished with it. So will you go by and pick up David on your way home? And don't stop to do any shopping. You and David just go into Merrill's and eat your dinner. I'll get them all at the drugstore on my way to the bus.

[Fred Newberry]

Can't you type the report tomorrow, Connie?

[Connie Newberry]

Well, you know how Mr. Mac is. It's got to be in the mail tonight or we'll be hearing from the home office.

[Fred Newberry]

Well, tell Mr. Mack you have an engagement.

[Connie Newberry]

Please don't argue, Fred. You're only delaying me. I'll get home as fast as I can. Bye.

[Fred Newberry]

Well, here comes Mrs. Barlow across the lawn already. Come in, Ms. Barlow. Right on the dot. I don't know what the Newberrys do without you. There wouldn't be any social life for them, I guess.

[Mrs. Barlow]

Oh, you know I'm always glad to help out whenever I can. Has David gone to bed?

[Connie Newberry]

Yes, thank goodness he went right after. So you won't have to worry with him like he did last time.

[Mrs. Barlow]

Well, I. Can I help with anything else?

[Sue Newberry]

No.

[Connie Newberry]

No, thanks. You just sit here in the living room and play the radio or read or do anything, but. But please, Mrs. Barlow, don't look at the house or go near the kitchen. It's a terrible mess. I'm behind with everything this week. Someday I'll get caught up, I hope.

[Mrs. Barlow]

What time will you be home, do you think?

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, we'll be home about 12:30.

[Fred Newberry]

We will if we get there before the party's over. Can you imagine, Mrs. Barlow, before we could go out tonight, I had to iron a Shirt. And Connie had to put a zipper in her dress to keep it from falling off. What a life.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, don't pay any attention to Fred, Mrs. Barlow. He's all hot and bothered because I forgot to leave the laundry out last week. And we got so busy at the office, I didn't get a chance to do any washing or ironing. And I suppose I'll never hear the end of it.

[Fred Newberry]

I'll get it.

[Sue Newberry]

Hello, Fred? This is Sue.

[Fred Newberry]

Oh, hello, Sue. Where are you?

[Sue Newberry]

I'm out on Ventura Boulevard having a late dinner with Linda. Thought if you were going to be home, I'd spend the night with you and Connie and drive on home to Colton in the morning.

[Fred Newberry]

Fine, fine. Come on over. You know we always have room for you. Look, sue, we're going to the Allertons for their anniversary. But Mrs. Barlow will be here with David, and she'll let you in, huh? Then we can visit in the morning. Did you have a nice vacation?

[Sue Newberry]

Wonderful. I'll tell you all about it in the morning.

[Fred Newberry]

Okay, swell. We have to run now, Sis. Bye. See you later, huh?

[Mrs. Barlow]

Oh, good evening.

[Connie Newberry]

Good evening.

[Mrs. Barlow]

Well, you're Mr. Newberry's sister sue, aren't you? He said you'd be along about this time. Come on in. Here, let me help you with your things.

[Sue Newberry]

Well, might as well leave them right here in the living room. This is where I always sleep. Hope I can find a clean sheet or two. Last time the laundry hadn't come back. Oh, my, Isn't it warm this evening?

[Mrs. Barlow]

Yes, it is. Mr. Newberry said there'd be some grape juice in the refrigerator if you wanted it.

[Sue Newberry]

Oh, I am thirsty, come to think of it. Will you have some too?

[Mrs. Barlow]

Yes.

[Sue Newberry]

Heavens, what a kitchen. Looks as if Connie hadn't washed any dishes for a week.

[Mrs. Barlow]

Well, I do think she tries to do too much. Working in an office all day, trying to keep a house in order and take little David. Here, let me help with those dishes. I'll dry.

[Sue Newberry]

That's just it. And the worst part of it is she doesn't have to do it at all. She went to work while Fred was in the service. Now that he's out and has a fine job with a very good salary and commissions besides, she refuses to quit. Just determined to have that extra money.

[Mrs. Barlow]

Well, I ask her why she didn't have someone come in and help her, but she says they won't come out so far by the day. And she doesn't want anyone all the time who might have to live here. Says they get in her way she.

[Sue Newberry]

Always has an alibi. Fred has begged and pleaded with her to quit, but the real reason is that she doesn't like housework. That is, she's decided she doesn't. When she once makes up her mind to anything, she's harder to budge than a boulder in a mountain.

[Mrs. Barlow]

Well, it's awfully hard to try to run a home and be out of it all day. I sometimes wonder if that's why little David is so restless at night. You know, I live next door and my bedroom is just opposite his. And I hear him crying so often of late.

[Sue Newberry]

Well, the constant rush and confusion and irregularity of meals probably keep him stirred up all the time. But it's not my problem, and I quit talking about it a long time ago. But I do feel sorry for. He's such a home man. Loves to work in the garden. Oh, he had such plans when they bought this.

[Fred Newberry]

Well, where in the Sam hill is the place, anyway? Pardon me, sir. Could you tell me where 1717 Lansing Drive is? Let me see. Lansing Drive. Yeah. 17. 17.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, I know.

[Fred Newberry]

Now you've passed it. You'll have to go back down this.

[Sue Newberry]

Road about three miles after you make.

[Fred Newberry]

The turn at the foot of the hill. Swell. Thanks very much. Well, that's what we get for arguing.

[Connie Newberry]

Well, who started it?

[Fred Newberry]

We won't go into that. But I'll tell you this much. If you don't give up that job but quick, I'm going to.

[Connie Newberry]

You're going to do what?

[Fred Newberry]

Plenty. We don't need your salary, Connie. You know it as well as I do.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, don't we? Well, you know as well as I do we couldn't belong to the country club without it. We couldn't have a cottage at the beach, and we couldn't take that lecture course and.

[Fred Newberry]

Right.

[Alan Jones]

Right.

[Fred Newberry]

And we could do very well without any or all of them. What good do they do us? We haven't been to the club once since we joined. And the one time we planned on going, you refused because you didn't think your clothes were good enough. We were supposed to meet all the best people, further my business connections. According to your ideas, we will later on.

[Alan Jones]

Oh, no doubt.

[Fred Newberry]

In the meantime, we've spent just one weekend at the beach. We go to the lectures, and both of us are so sleepy and tired after working all day, we can't keep awake.

[Connie Newberry]

But, Fred, it won't always be this way.

[Alan Jones]

No.

[Fred Newberry]

So we keep throwing our money away while we go around in circles. You work, I work. We never get time to play with David and this year finds us just where we were last year. Now, let's quit kidding ourselves. Connie. You promised to quit a year ago.

[Connie Newberry]

But don't you realize that I want to get the beach place paid for?

[Fred Newberry]

I realize this. When we got married, we planned that as soon as I got out of the service, we'd have a real home, not a camping setup. Oh, darling, I want my boy to grow up knowing what it is to have his mother around the house. I like to have him run out to meet me when I come home. I like, smell dinner cooking and feel like I have some place to come to You, Connie, at home, not dashing in, tired to death opening cans.

[Connie Newberry]

Why didn't you marry a cook?

[Fred Newberry]

I married the girl I wanted. And I'm not going to let any office job come between her and me. I know what I want, Connie, and I mean to have it.

[Connie Newberry]

All you want is to bury me at home with your old pots and pans. A woman's place is in the home stuff. Too bad you didn't live in the bustle age.

[Fred Newberry]

Too bad you don't get yourself a hotel room and a can opener. You'd probably be just as happy. Evidently, you prefer to have our home life go the way of Edna's and Frank's on the rocks. But it's not going that way if I have to tie you down. I'm warning you.

[Connie Newberry]

So you're warning me? Well, let me tell you a few things, Mr. Fred Newberry. I'm not going to be a household drudge for you or anybody else. I could make a living for myself and for David, too. I. Oh, just whom do you think you are, Mr. Mussolini?

[Sue Newberry]

Hitler?

[Fred Newberry]

What's the use? You win. Go ahead. I guess you can carry off the honors at the party, too, because I'm not going.

[Connie Newberry]

Not going? Well, Mr. Hitler, I'm going. And you're going to drive me there.

[Fred Newberry]

Don't worry. I'll drive you there and you can get home the best way you can. Fed up being late everywhere we go. I'm fed up trying to submerge all our activities under your business career. I don't know what women like you want with a home, a husband and children anyway.

[Sue Newberry]

Fred, what are you doing home so soon? Is the party over? Where's Connie?

[Fred Newberry]

She went to the party.

[Alan Jones]

I didn't.

[Sue Newberry]

You didn't go? Why?

[Fred Newberry]

Oh, Sue, I don't know what's the matter with me with Connie. I was so angry with her tonight. I could have boarded a freighter for the Solomon Islands and never come Back.

[Sue Newberry]

Fred, what in the world's happened?

[Fred Newberry]

Oh, nothing. Nothing at all. It's the same old story. That job of hers, it's wrecking everything.

[Sue Newberry]

Oh, you're just tired.

[Fred Newberry]

I'll say I'm tired. I feel like a bird with no feet, no place to light. Is it so wrong for a man to expect his wife to keep a simple home? All we do is sleep here. Half the time, we don't even eat our meals at home. No order, no system. Just a couple of jumping jacks with no head. No socks, no shirts.

[Sue Newberry]

Well, you're a grown man. Can't you take care of your own socks and shirts?

[Fred Newberry]

Sure. Sure, I can live alone. It's not that, Sue. It's just that no home can be normal without somebody giving some thought and time to making it that way. That's a wife's job. It's my job to make the living, and I'm making a pretty darn good one.

[Sue Newberry]

You happen to marry a girl who's not domestic. She can't help that she likes office work. She's just not the domestic type.

[Fred Newberry]

Domestic type, my eyes. She's just stubborn. She wants that extra money to keep up with the Joneses. I made the mistake of telling her so tonight. We argued like a couple of wildcats. Something's happening to us, Sue. We're always arguing. She's working too hard down there, and she won't admit it.

[Sue Newberry]

Well, I think you should have taken things into your own hands long ago. It's time little Connie learned a thing or two about her responsibility to her home. Something's got to be done.

[Fred Newberry]

Well, I've tried every way I know. I suppose being patient for 10 years or so had enabled her to come to her conclusion in her own way when we both quit caring one way or the other.

[Sue Newberry]

Nonsense. She has to be made to see just what she's doing to her husband's and her child's happiness.

[Fred Newberry]

But how are we ever going to change her viewpoint?

[Sue Newberry]

Fred, I believe I've got an idea. If Mrs. Barlow will help us, it might work. Oh, Mrs. Barlow.

[Connie Newberry]

I'll be there in just a minute.

[Sue Newberry]

If this doesn't cure her, nothing will. But if you ever tell her it was my idea, I'll jump in the ocean and pull you in after me. Now, listen and see if you think this is worth trying.

[Connie Newberry]

Good night. Thanks for bringing me home. I'll call you tomorrow, Dorothy. Good night. Oh, sue, did we wake you up? I forgot you'd be sleeping in here. No.

[Sue Newberry]

Oh, I haven't been asleep Got interested in this book and I just couldn't put it down. What time is it, anyway?

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, it's just one o'.

[Sue Newberry]

Clock.

[Connie Newberry]

Has Ms. Barlow gone home?

[Sue Newberry]

Yes, I told her to go early. No need to keep her here when I was going to be here all night. Where's Fred?

[Connie Newberry]

Fred? Didn't he come home? Isn't he here?

[Sue Newberry]

Wasn't he at the party with you?

[Connie Newberry]

No, and you wait till I get hold of that old sore head. We had a wonderful time at the party. Met some lovely people, invited specially on our account. And just because we were late and we got into a really terrific argument and both said things we didn't mean, he suddenly announces that he's not going. So I went by myself. Oh, I was so mad at him, I could have boiled him in oil.

[Sue Newberry]

Oh, well, he probably went to a show.

[Connie Newberry]

I was never so embarrassed in my whole merry life. Imagine not going to a party. One's right at the door. Oh, I'm going to lecture him what he does know about etiquette in a manner he won't soon forget. Everybody wanting to know where he was and I having to make up all kinds of excuses that sounded reasonable. Oh, just wait till he comes home. Sue. Sue, wake up. Sue, Fred hasn't come on in yet. It's nearly three o' clock and I haven't slept a wink. What? What'd you say, Connie?

[Sue Newberry]

Oh, is it morning already? Oh, I'm so sleepy.

[Connie Newberry]

Sue, it's Fred. He hasn't come yet. Oh, I'm worried to death. Where could he have gone? He's never done a thing like this before. Oh, something must have happened to him.

[Sue Newberry]

Oh, Connie, don't worry. He probably went over to your mother's.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, he couldn't have. Mother and dad have gone north for a month. There's nobody there. Something terrible has happened to it. I know it.

[Sue Newberry]

Now, Connie, don't get excited. Why don't you go on back to bed? Maybe he went over to Dan's.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, but Dan and Margaret were at Tardy. He couldn't have gone there.

[Sue Newberry]

Well, I wouldn't worry, Connie.

[Mrs. Barlow]

Maybe he.

[Connie Newberry]

He might have been in an accident or anything. Oh, Sue, I've got to do something. I'm going to call the emergency hospital. Why, sue might be lying there dead this very minute for all I know.

[Sue Newberry]

Well, don't you suppose they would have called us if he'd been taken there?

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, I don't know. I'll call the police.

[Fred Newberry]

Emergency hospital. No such accident reported, madam. No Fred Newberry reported yet. Lady ymca. No one registered for that name, madam.

[Connie Newberry]

Elk's Club.

[Fred Newberry]

No one but that name on the register, ma'.

[Connie Newberry]

Am. Oh, sue, what shall I do? Where can he be? Oh, if only we hadn't quarreled. I'll never say another cross word to him as long as I live. Oh, Sue.

[Sue Newberry]

Connie. Connie, you mustn't get so upset. I know he's all right.

[Connie Newberry]

How do you know it? Look at the people who were killed in automobile accidents every day. That road out to Larry's is an awfully bad walking road. Might have gone over to the other side and down the hill. Maybe he's lying there right now.

[Sue Newberry]

Connie, stop imagining things. He's liable to walk in any minute.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, no, no. He wouldn't stay out like this and worry me. You know he wouldn't. Not my friend. Oh, sue, do you think he might have gone down to the beach cottage?

[Sue Newberry]

Oh, I don't think he'd do that, Connie. 20 miles.

[Connie Newberry]

Well, maybe he thought he'd just ride down there and cool off. He was so angry with me. All because of that old job that I can't pry myself loose from. Oh, sue, will you let me have your car? I've got to drive down and see if he's there. I can't stand not knowing where he is. Or will you go with me?

[Sue Newberry]

But what about David? We can't leave him here alone.

[Connie Newberry]

We could wake up Mrs. Barlow and ask her if we can't leave him over there until morning.

[Sue Newberry]

Oh, no. I think it'd be better if she came over here so we wouldn't have to wake him up. I'll run over there right now. You get dressed and try to relax. Oh, Fred. Mrs. Barlow, I think we'd better call the whole thing off. It isn't happening the way we planned at all. Connie's just about crazy with fear and worry about what's happened to you. Fred, I can hardly stand not to tell her that you're right here and have been all the time.

[Fred Newberry]

What happened, Sue? What did she say? We saw the lights go on a little while ago. We expected you sooner.

[Sue Newberry]

Oh, she was planning to give you a good lecture when you did get home. After she went to bed, though, she couldn't sleep because she began to worry. Then she woke me up. She's called up the police, the emergency hospital and half a dozen other places. And now she's determined to drive to the beach to see if you went down there.

[Mrs. Barlow]

Oh, I wonder if we ought not to tell her.

[Sue Newberry]

I think we should.

[Fred Newberry]

Well, I don't I'm desperate. It's a few tears now against what could mean our future happiness. And I'm willing to take my chances on getting her cured once and for all.

[Sue Newberry]

But Fred, that long drive at this time of night.

[Fred Newberry]

Well, I'll trail your car a couple of minutes behind you all the way. We've stayed up this late. Mrs. Barlow, can you help us out for the rest of the night?

[Mrs. Barlow]

Why, of course. I'll just go over to your house and stay until you get back.

[Sue Newberry]

Well, I'm afraid Khan would actually make herself ill. You've no idea why she's carrying on.

[Fred Newberry]

I don't want anything serious to happen either, sue, but half the troubles of married couples today are just like ours. And for once I'm going to use my head.

[Sue Newberry]

All right, but remember, I didn't bargain for anything like this. Connie, don't you think. Well, that is. Hadn't you better let me drive? I'm not too tired. You're going too fast. Please slow up, will you? You frighten me.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, I. I didn't realize. I'll go slower.

[Sue Newberry]

I hardly know what I'm doing.

[Connie Newberry]

Isn't there? I'll never forgive myself. Anything has happened to Fred, I'll. Oh, Sue, I just wouldn't want to live.

[Sue Newberry]

Oh, Connie, please stop worrying.

[Connie Newberry]

All this just because of an old job argument.

[Sue Newberry]

But there's so much more back of it than that, Connie. I don't see how you or any other girl can expect to do justice to a house. A four year old child, a husband and an eight hour a day exacting job. There just are not enough hours in the day to take care of it all. You ought to be able to see that somebody always gets the little end of a sod. It set up like that. There's no way to make a home.

[Connie Newberry]

But hundreds of women do it. Successful wives and mothers.

[Sue Newberry]

Well, look at the broken homes. You think they just break themselves up? Making a home for a family is an all time job.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, pooh, that's old fashioned. You sound like Grandma Jackson.

[Sue Newberry]

Well, I agree with you. Home is an old fashioned idea. Just like the multiplication table in the Alphabet. But they all work when we apply them. The same as a home grows to mean something when somebody is working at it.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, sue, you're just an old maid with theories. What do you know about husbands and children and homes and. Oh, forgive me, that was mean. I didn't mean to say a thing like that. Oh, Sue, I. I don't know what I'm talking about.

[Sue Newberry]

Honey, dear, of course I Forgive you. But if I could only make you realize what you're doing to Fred, to yourself and to David.

[Connie Newberry]

But if others can do it, why can't I? You know how I dislike housework.

[Sue Newberry]

But it isn't your job to get out and make the living. Your job, the one you took on when you got married, is to make the home. It's the whole basic idea of marriage itself, whether you like it or not. Otherwise it becomes just a box of April Fool's candy. Sweet in a bitter sort of way. Connie, you're not even listening.

[Connie Newberry]

I. I was just thinking of Fred. If he's not down at the cottage.

[Sue Newberry]

Connie, slow down, for heaven's sake. You're up to.

[Connie Newberry]

Here's the key. Sue, see if you can open the door. My hands are shaking, so I can't unlock it. Fred? Oh, Fred, are you here? Fred? Oh, Sue, I knew he wouldn't be here. What am I to do? Oh, he hasn't been here. The bed hasn't been touched. Now I know he's been killed. Somebody has crashed into it.

[Sue Newberry]

Connie, honey, don't. You're just going to make yourself ill.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, dear God, please, please help me find him. Keep him safe. If only I hadn't been so stubborn. I love him so. He's so good, so patient with me.

[Sue Newberry]

Connie, there's something I must tell you. I can't. I see.

[Connie Newberry]

I know it, Sue. You're right. I see it now. I was only thinking of myself. Just because I like to work. Oh, Fred. Fred, why didn't I listen to you?

[Sue Newberry]

Connie, let me make some coffee. We'll stay here the rest of the night. There's no use looking for him anymore. And in the morning, everything will seem different.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, but I can't. I can't eat or sleep until I know what's happened to him. He was so angry with me. He might have just driven off the side of the road and burned up in the car. Oh, if only he's still alive. I'll do anything. Anything. I'll never work another day as long as I live. I'll quit tomorrow.

[Sue Newberry]

Connie, listen. What was that?

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, Fred. Fred, you're safe.

[Alan Jones]

Connie.

[Fred Newberry]

Connie, darling.

[Connie Newberry]

Oh, forgive me. Oh, Fred, darling.

[Fred Newberry]

I didn't really mean to hurt you like this. Connie, just let me hold you in my arms. If I thought you'd take it like this, I never would have.

[Connie Newberry]

Nothing matters, Fred. You're safe. I don't care what you did or where you went. All I know is that you're here. You're safe. Don't explain anything. The whole thing was my fault. I did promise to quit that job. And this time I mean it.

[Fred Newberry]

Connie. Oh, Connie. I love you so.

[Alan Jones]

This is Alan Jones again. I wonder if you are as interested as I am in this fact. In looking through the records of juvenile delinquency and psychological surveys, you'll find they'll all agree on this one thing. That the effect of the home is the greatest single factor in establishing and maintaining moral values. Nothing else can take the place of the home. In that respect, the family is the strongest fortress we have as a nation. That's why it's so important to have the right kind of family. A happy family, a good family. And that kind of a family isn't a matter of luck. It's a matter of pulling together in every way. It means being interested in each other, working together, having fun together. Being proud of each other and praying together. Because just as nothing can take the place of the family, nothing can take the place of family prayer. A family that prays together stays together. We said at the very beginning of this program that more things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of. Well, you'll never know how much a prayer can do until you've said one. And it shouldn't be hard to pray. After all, prayer is a talking to God. So pray tonight as a family. Just a simple, sincere prayer for the help you need. Pray together tonight, tomorrow night, every night. Before saying good night, I'd like to thank Susan Peters for her performance as Connie. And Richard Quine for his portrayal of Fred. A special word of thanks also to Mary Cox for writing tonight's play, to Mel Williamson for his direction and to Max Terre for his music. Others who appeared in our play tonight were Henry Blair, Arne Tedron, Lila Webb and Don Dolittle. Next week, our family Theater stars will be Nelson Eddy as host and Gregory Peck in Lonely Road. Good night and God bless you.

[Fred Newberry]

This series of the Family Theater broadcast is made possible by the thousands of you who felt important need for this kind of program. By the Mutual Broadcasting System, which has responded to this need. And by the actors and technicians in the motion picture and radio industries who have volunteered their services to fulfill it. This program is heard overseas through the facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio Services. Tony Lofrano speaking. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System. La.